China releases guideline to improve modern corporate systems with Chinese features Xinhua) 08:03, May 27, 2025 BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- In an ongoing push to make Chinese enterprises "more dynamic, resilient and competitive," Chinese authorities on Monday made public a guideline on refining the country's modern corporate system with distinctive Chinese features. The guideline, released by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, proposed 19 specific measures that focus on reinforcing the Party's leadership, optimizing corporate governance structure and scientific management, and improving incentive mechanisms for innovation. The document seeks to empower enterprise development with institutional innovation, further unleashing the vitality of micro entities and making China's modern enterprises more dynamic, resilient and competitive, according to a Q&A on the website of the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planner. China expects to establish a modern corporate system with distinctive Chinese features in eligible enterprises in about five years so that they can fully play their roles in promoting innovation, supporting industrial upgrade and fulfilling their social responsibilities, the guideline said. By 2035, China shall see more refined modern corporate systems with distinctive Chinese features, which would significantly boost the global competitiveness of Chinese enterprises and lay a solid foundation for building world-class companies. The document devoted a special chapter to enhancing incentive mechanisms for innovation within enterprises, outlining specific measures to innovate organizational structures, optimize resource allocation efficiency, and refine the design of incentive systems. It also called for efforts to leverage the role of capital markets in enhancing corporate governance. Listed companies are encouraged to bring in institutional investors holding over 5 percent stakes as active shareholders. Moreover, the information disclosure system in the governance of listed companies shall be improved to promote sound decision-making. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Former OAS chief criticizes US pressure on Latin America to cut trade with China, warns of economic disaster: report 09:59, May 27, 2025 By Chu Daye ( Global Times (Illustration: Liu Rui/GT) US pressure on Latin America to cut trade with China could cause economic disaster because of Latin America's dependence on trade with China, said Luis Almagro, former secretary-general of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Financial Times reported on Sunday. A Chinese expert said the US' coercion on Latin America speaks of Washington's hegemonic ambitions over Latin American countries, disregarding these countries' legitimate rights to develop trade ties with other nations, and naturally, the US pressure is facing widespread opposition in the region. "China is the biggest or second-biggest trading partner of practically every Latin American country. Take that out of the equation... and you are going to have a very violent regional economic disaster," Almagro told the Financial Times ahead of his departure on May 25. OAS is the principal political forum comprising 35 nations across the Americas. Almagro further stated that "the worst thing that can happen to Latin America is to be forced to choose" between the US and China. Zhou Zhiwei, an expert on Latin American studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday that the US has intentionally employed coercive diplomacy to press Latin American countries to restrict their trade ties with China, in Washington's effort to resist the so-called "competing influence from China in the region." "But it violates one of the most fundamental international norms, that is a country should respect another country's lawful right to trade with a third nation," Zhou said, commenting on Almagro's remarks that "You must have the best trade relations you can with everyone." Zhou noted that, despite US government's mounting pressure, most Latin American countries have not yielded to US coercion in their pursuit of "more efficient international cooperation" with China, which has seen fruitful results in recent years. And, many Latin American countries have always defended their rights to develop trade relations in the best interests of their own. In one example, China and Colombia inked a partnership plan in mid-May on jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, marking the Latin American country's formal accession in the China-proposed global initiative. Zhou said that the US hegemonic actions aim to inhibit China-Latin America cooperation, without yielding any benefits for the US itself. Almagro's remarks followed the successful conclusion of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, held in Beijing earlier this month. China and Latin America are highly complementary economies. China is Latin America's second-largest trading partner and the top trading partner for countries including Brazil, Chile, and Peru. According to China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), bilateral trade reached a record high of $518.47 billion in 2024, surpassing China's 10-year target of $500 billion that was set a decade ago. In 2024, China's direct investment in Latin America reached $14.71 billion, while Latin American companies had established 37,000 enterprises in China as of March 2025, according to MOFCOM. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) The Madhya Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a meeting under the chairmanship of State President VD Sharma and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at the party's state office in Bhopal on Tuesday to discuss preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the state capital. The meeting was attended by several BJP leaders, state ministers, and a large number of BJP Mahila Morcha members, women office-bearers, and other workers. Discussions focused on arrangements and management for the "Women Empowerment Maha Sammelan," scheduled to be held on May 31 at Jamboree Ground in Bhopal, coinciding with the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. Prime Minister Modi will grace the event. Addressing the meeting, CM Yadav said it is a matter of pride that PM Modi will be visiting the state capital. A big program centred on women, "Women Empowerment Maha Sammelan," will be held on the occasion of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary at Jamboree ground in the city. CM Yadav also remembered Devi Ahilyabai's glory and governance while speaking at the meeting. He described the event as a grand women-centric programme to honour Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy. He urged the women workers to reach the program on time and also informed other women in their surroundings to attend the event. He added that around 2 lakh women are likely to participate in the program. Meanwhile, the state BJP chief VD Sharma said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive among us on May 31 and a historic program will be organised on the occasion. Around 2 lakh women will participate in the program...PM Modi had said in the G-20 meeting that women will lead in the coming times. Now, when PM Modi will be here in the city, women will make all the arrangements and conduct the program, right from stage management to the entire management will be handled by women. We brothers will be behind them to look after." PM Modi is proposed to arrive here to address 'Women Empowerment Maha Sammelan' to be held at Jamboree Ground in the city on May 31. The convention centered on women entrepreneurs, women employees, women self-help groups and Ladli Bahnas will be held to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in the city, expecting around 2 lakhs women to participate in it from across the state. Additionally, PM Modi will also virtually inaugurate passenger service on the Super Priority Corridor of Indore Metro and newly constructed airports in Datia and Satna from Bhopal. (ANI) Air India on Tuesday announced the extension of suspension on all flights to and from Tel Aviv till June 19, 2025. In a post on X, the airline said, "Our flights to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended till 19th June 2025. Customers holding valid tickets for travel till 19th June will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations." https://x.com/airindia/status/1927366593064972425 This came following the May 4 strike, when Israeli air defenses failed to intercept an incoming Houthi ballistic missile from Yemen that impacted near an access road several hundred yards from the control tower at the main Terminal 3, as reported by The Times of Israel. Since then, the majority of foreign airlines have been extending the cancellation of flights to and from the country, from a few days to a couple of weeks, leaving many Israelis stranded overseas. Among the very few foreign airlines that have recently resumed non-stop flight services to Israel are US carrier Delta, Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air, and Greece's Aegean Airlines, The Times of Israel reported. Hamas launched a massive terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and holding over 250 hostages, out of which over 100 are still in captivity. In response, Israel launched a strong counteroffensive targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli operation, however, has been criticised for civilian casualties. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli operation, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Air India had earlier announced that its flights to Tel Aviv would remain suspended till May 25. (ANI) Calling Rahul Gandhi and Congress the "biggest brand ambassadors of lies and fraud" in the country, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said the "royal family" of the oppostion party has "always deceived" the Scheduled Castes (SC)/ Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). He also accused the Congress leaders of using the "imported toolkit" to spread lies in the country. "Rahul Gandhi and the entire Congress party have become the biggest brand ambassadors of lies and fraud in the country today. The royal family of Congress has always deceived SC, ST and OBC, but the prince (Rahul Gandhi) does not know the anti-Dalit history of his own family. That is why every day the Congress, on the basis of an imported toolkit, presents a bundle full of lies for the prince," Pradhan said in a post on X. He also alleged that during the long rule of Congress, the party had deprived the Dalits and OBCs of their rights. https://x.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1927296751393722676 The Union Minister said this while replying to a post by Rahul Gandhi in which the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had claimed that the Modi government was sidelining qualified SC/ST/OBC candidates by labelling them "Not Found Suitable" (NFS) in faculty recruitments. "'Not Found Suitable' is the new Manuism now. Qualified SC/ST/OBC candidates are being deliberately 'disqualified' - to keep them away from education and leadership. Babasaheb had said: Education is the biggest weapon for equality. But the Modi government is busy blunting that weapon," Rahul's post read. Pradhan further alleged that during the UPA-led government, Congress deprived SC/ST/OBCs of their rights. "When UPA government left in 2014, 57% SC, 63% ST and 60% OBC teacher posts were vacant in central universities. Prime Minister Modi's government has filled these posts as soon as it came to power. Also, the Modi government increased the number of teacher posts from 16,217 to 18,940 in 2014. The number of vacant posts, which was 37% in 2014 is 25.95% today and the process of filling these vacant posts is still going on in the government of Prime Minister Modi," the minister said, rebutting Rahul Gandhi's claim. He claimed that during the Congress-led UPA government only 83 SC, 14 ST and 166 OBC faculty were in IITs, whereas only 261 SC, 72 ST and 334 appointments were made in NITs (National Institute of Technology). "Whereas during the Modi government's tenure from 2014-24, 398 SC, 99 ST and 746 OBC teachers were appointed in IITs and 929 SC, 265 ST and 1510 OBC teachers were appointed in NITs. Modi government itself abolished the requirement of PhD for Assistant Professor," he added. Pradhan further said, "The NFS - 'Not Found Suitable' that Rahul Gandhi is talking about, was the result of the anti-Dalit, anti-deprived Congress thinking that did politics in the name of Babasaheb. But after the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teacher's Cadre) Act, 2019, brought during the Modi government, made the phenomenon of 'NFS' a history, he said. "Now the posts reserved for SC, ST and OBC classes will not be filled by any other class, this is the gift of Prime Minister Modi. Along with this, Modi's government has also ended the bottlenecks in the reservation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, socially and economically backward classes, which the previous Congress governments could never do," he said. Continuing his attack, Pradhan said sarcastically that perhaps the Congress party has jaundice, due to which they see bad things in everything good. "The Congress party has jaundice, that is why they see everything in yellow colour, or rather they see bad in everything good. The Congress party, which takes the name of the Constitution on every issue, is itself the biggest attack on Babasaheb's Constitution and today the youth of the country knows that if anyone has done the work of real social justice, it is the government of Prime Minister Modi ji and no matter how many lies the Congress spreads, the youth of the country have unwavering faith in the Honorable Prime Minister Modi ji.," he said. (ANI) Tripura Governor N Indrasena Reddy on Tuesday attended the lamp lighting and oath-taking ceremony for the 4th and 6th batches of the Sarvodaya Institute of Nursing in Sukanta Academy, Agartala. The ceremony was held in the presence of the institute's students, Teachers, Guardians and well-wishers. The dedication to the values of compassion, care, and service in the field of nursing was explained by the Governor. The lamp lighting tradition pays homage to Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, and represents the light of knowledge and the spirit of selfless service. According to an official statement, the Governor emphasised the critical role nurses play in the healthcare system and the importance of their unwavering commitment to patient care. The students, adorned in their uniforms, took the solemn oath, pledging to uphold the highest standards of nursing ethics and practice. The Governor, in his address had categorically emphasised the role, significance and dedication of nurses in treatment which save the lives of millions every day globally in numerous medical institutions. He urged the Students to choose the path of Nursing which is considered as the noble profession for decades and also the role of facilitating the treatment method for concerned Doctors. The Sarvodaya Institute of Nursing, established in 2006 under the Sarvodaya Educational Trust, has been instrumental in providing quality nursing education in Tripura. Offering courses like Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), the institute aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the healthcare sector, the official statement read. The lamp lighting and oath-taking Ceremony stands as a testament to the institute's dedication to nurturing competent and compassionate nursing professionals ready to serve the community. (ANI) The University of Liverpool, part of the UK's prestigious Russell Group, on Tuesday marked its plans to open Bengaluru's first Foreign University campus by 2026, a release said. The event with senior dignitaries from the Government of Karnataka, including Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah, welcomed a new chapter in UK-India higher education collaboration. The announcement was a celebration of cross-border collaboration and was marked by the presence of several senior ministers who welcomed the University to Bengaluru. The event witnessed the presence of MC Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education; Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health & Family Welfare; and MB Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, each representing the state's unified vision to position Karnataka as a hub for world-class learning. Speaking to reporters after the event, Karnataka Minister MB Patil said, "Bengaluru is a global city, being the Silicon Valley of India. We are pioneers in private professional colleges. The journey started with Manipal and all other institutions. Now we are getting all the top foreign universities in the Global 500 to Bengaluru." "This will further enhance Bengaluru's global image. With institutions like the Indian Institute of Science, ISRO, DRDO and others...So, it is a great leap forward for Bengaluru, so if all foreign universities come and establish their set-ups over here, our children who want to go to various countries for studies can have the same advantage in Bengaluru..." he said. According to a release, the new Bengaluru campus will be grounded in the university's research-intensive culture and internationally recognised academic standards. It will also serve as a catalyst for deepening partnerships with Karnataka's dynamic innovation ecosystem, connecting students and researchers to emerging industry needs in both India and the UK. The initial set of programmes will include Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Game Design, offered for the first time by a UK university campus in India. A broader portfolio of disciplines is expected to be added in subsequent phases. Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said, "We are proud to take this significant step in our long-standing relationship with India by opening a world-class campus in Bengaluru. The state of Karnataka's reputation as a knowledge and technology powerhouse makes it an ideal home for the University's campus in India. We are committed to delivering transformative education and research in partnership with local communities, institutions and industries." In line with its commitment to building industry-academic partnerships, Professor Tariq Ali, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Global Engagements and Partnerships, University of Liverpool, added that the University also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Bengaluru-headquartered IT giant Wipro Limited, as well as Axis Bank and TiE Bangalore. Welcoming the University's entry into Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, "Karnataka has always been at the forefront of education and innovation. The University of Liverpool's decision to set up its first foreign campus in Bengaluru reinforces our status as a global knowledge destination. We welcome them wholeheartedly and are committed to extending all support to make this venture a grand success." Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner in Bengaluru, said: "The UK and India have made a commitment to refresh and deepen our partnership to deliver even more for both countries. Our expanded partnership will deliver iconic, forward-looking collaborations in diverse areas such as AI and semiconductors, higher education campuses, and green energy initiatives. The announcement of Liverpool University opening a campus in Bengaluru is both evidence and a celebration of the UK-India partnership." He added: "The Technology Security Initiative, announced in July 2024, will deliver crucial collaboration on telecoms innovation and unlock investment across emerging technologies. Furthermore, the UK-India FTA announced recently that it delivers on the UK government's core mission of growing the economy, raising living standards, and putting money in people's pockets." Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, MB Patil, stated, "The University of Liverpool choosing Karnataka for its first overseas campus reflects our state's growing global stature as a hub for both industry and intellect. This collaboration will drive deeper ties between academia and sectors like electronics, aerospace, and biotechnology--through joint research, internships, and curriculum design. It will also benefit MSMEs and startups by opening access to world-class mentorship and innovation platforms." The University already enjoys robust collaborations in Karnataka, including a 20-year research partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), which has helped inform World Health Organisation vaccine policies, saving over 200,000 lives. Ongoing engagements with institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and corporate partners like Hindustan Unilever further highlight the University's longstanding commitment to the state. Alongside the campus launch, the University's leadership is exploring broader partnerships with Indian enterprises and global organisations to fuel innovation, entrepreneurship and upskilling. These efforts are set to create impactful opportunities for both domestic and international students. With the new Bengaluru campus to be operational by 2026, the University of Liverpool aims to bring globally recognised UK education to Indian students, strengthen academic-industry partnerships, and contribute to Karnataka's ambition of becoming an international hub for learning and innovation. (ANI) Noting that terrorist activities are no longer a proxy war but a well-thought-out strategy by Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that "if they are engaging in war", India will give an appropriate response. Addressing the celebrations of 20 years of Gujarat Urban Growth Story in Gandhinagar, PM Modi said India believes in 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', does not want enmity and wants to progress so that it can also contribute to global well-being PM Modi said that over the past two days during his visit to Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, he has been experiencing the fervour of patriotism with the roar of success of Operation Sindoor. He added that it was a sight to behold and this feeling was not just in Gujarat, but across every nook and corner of India and in the heart of every Indian. Recalling the first terrorist attack on India in 1947, right after the partition of India, PM Modi recalled Sardar Patel's vision, emphasizing that the Indian Army should not have halted until Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was reclaimed. He stated that Patel's advice was not followed. PM Modi stressed that the problem of terrorism has continued for the last 75 years and the terror attack in Pahalgam was another horrific form of it. He asserted that Pakistan repeatedly faced India's military strength in war. "No matter how strong or healthy the body is, even a single thorn can cause constant pain--and we've decided that the thorn must be removed. During Partition, Maa Bharati was divided into two, and that very night, the first terror attack on Kashmir was launched by the Mujahideen. Had they been eliminated then, these 75 years of suffering could have been avoided," he said. "Whenever India and Pakistan went to war, our Indian Armed Forces--our bravehearts--defeated them in a way they would never forget. Realising they could never win a direct war against India, they turned to proxy warfare, providing military training and support to terrorists instead," he added. Referring to Operation Sindoor carried out by India in response to Pahalgam terror attack, he said the terrorists killed in precision strikes were given state honours, proving Pakistan's complicity. "We can't call this a proxy war as those who were killed after May 6 were given state honors in Pakistan. Pakistani flags were draped over their coffins, and their military saluted them. This proves that these terrorist activities are not just a proxy war -- this is a deliberate war strategy on their part. If they are engaging in war, then the response will be accordingly," he said. Emphasising India's philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the Prime Minister stated that India has upheld this tradition for centuries and continues to seek peaceful and harmonious relations with its neighbours. He said that India has always advocated peace and stability, the repeated challenges to its strength have necessitated firm responses. He emphasized that nine identified terrorist bases were eliminated within 22 minutes in Operation Sindoor and camera documentation ensured that no evidence could be questioned. The Prime Minister emphasized that India has always pursued progress and the welfare of all, offering assistance in times of crisis. Addressing the younger generation, he urged them to recognize how the country has been undermined over the decades. Talking about the Indus Waters Treaty which has been put in abeyance, the Prime Minister highlighted issues related to water resources in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that although dams were constructed on rivers, proper maintenance and desilting were neglected for sixty years. PM Modi asserted that India must receive its rightful access to water. Emphasising that India aspires for peace and prosperity, PM Modi highlighted the nation's commitment to progress and contributing to global well-being. He stated that India remains dedicated to the welfare of its citizens. PM Modi said when he assumed office of Prime Minister in May 2014, India ranked 11th in the global economy. Referring to challenges faced, including the battle against COVID-19, difficulties with neighbouring nations, and natural calamities, PM Modi said India has become fourth- largest economy from 11th despite the obstacles. "Today, we are the world's fourth-largest economy. I remember we celebrated moving from sixth to fifth place -- a moment that was especially significant because we surpassed the very nation that ruled over us for 250 years. Now, as we rise to fourth place, there's growing pressure -- and even more determination -- to become the third-largest economy. This country no longer wants to wait. And if anyone suggests we should be patient, you can hear voices in the background saying, 'Modi hai to mumkin hai'. That is why our clear target is to make India a developed nation by 2047," he said. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the country's vision for development and its unwavering commitment to progress. Expressing happiness over Gujarat Government's commitment to urban development, the Prime Minister noted that the state launched this initiative in 2005 and was now marking two decades of progress. He highlighted that rather than merely celebrating achievements, the government has utilized its learnings from the past 20 years to create a future-focused roadmap for urban development tailored to the next generation. The Prime Minister remarked that this roadmap, now presented to the people of Gujarat, signifies a structured vision for sustainable progress. He congratulated the state government, the Chief Minister, and their team for their dedicated efforts in shaping a forward-looking urban development strategy. Underscoring India's economic rise, PM Modi recalled the excitement among citizens when India climbed from sixth to fifth in the world economy rankings, particularly noting the enthusiasm of young people. He noted that overtaking the United Kingdom--India's former colonial ruler--was a historic milestone. PM Modi stated that while India is now the fourth-largest economy, the pressure to reach the third position is intensifying. He reaffirmed that by 2047, India must become a fully developed nation, marking 100 years of independence with global recognition as a prosperous, strong country. PM Modi urged citizens to assess their daily consumption, identifying foreign products and replacing them with locally made alternatives. He cited instances where even traditionally revered items, such as idols for religious festivals, were being imported, emphasizing the need to prioritize domestic production. "Operation Sindoor is not merely a military initiative but a responsibility shared by every Indian citizen," PM Modi said. Stressing economic self-reliance, he advocated 'One District, One Product' strategy to enhance local manufacturing and support indigenous industries. He said India has the capability to produce world-class products domestically. PM Modi urged people to take pride in Made in India products and celebrate their country's advancements. He said that every Indian must contribute to strengthening the nation's economy and ensuring its global standing. "To truly contribute to our economy, we must set a clear and collective goal: that by 2047, when India completes 100 years of independence, we will become a fully developed nation -- and we will do so without relying on foreign products. No matter how profitable foreign goods may seem, our priority must be to support and promote products made in India. If you take a closer look at the items we use daily, you'll be surprised to see how many are still imported -- even something as sacred as our Ganesh idols is often manufactured abroad. If we are serious about building a developed and self-reliant India, then 'Operation Sindoor' is not just the responsibility of our armed forces -- it is the responsibility of all 140 crore Indians." He suggested that Gujarat draw plans for its 75th year of formation in 2035. PM Modi also mentioned India's aspirations for hosting the Olympics in 2036. He said "cities must function as dynamic centres for economic activity, and municipal bodies must actively plan for their transformation". He urged municipal and metropolitan authorities across the country to set economic growth targets for their respective cities. He pointed out that rather than simply constructing shopping complexes, urban bodies should conduct thorough studies to support agro-based industries and implement value-added initiatives within local markets. He remarked that while large industries traditionally thrived around metropolitan regions, the emergence of nearly two lakh startups--mostly located in tier-2 and tier-3 cities--demonstrates a significant shift. He acknowledged with pride that many of these ventures are being led by women, signaling a new wave of economic and entrepreneurial revolution. He added that India's focus on urban economic transformation will accelerate the nation's journey from the fourth to the third-largest global economy by reaffirming that strengthening local economies will be key to achieving this milestone. "The potential of our small cities is immense. To move from the fourth-largest economy to the third, we must focus on the urban development of these cities. They are the engines of our future growth. Sadly, there exists an ecosystem that tries to tarnish India's image on the global stage, not because of facts, but because of ideological differences. Some people find it hard to accept progress simply because it doesn't align with their narrative," he said. The Prime Minister highlighted how ideological opposition has often led to resistance against developmental policies, with criticism of initiatives becoming a recurring pattern. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to urban development and described how the Aspirational Districts Program was launched to overcome bureaucratic hurdles. He noted that nearly 100 districts were identified based on about 40 developmental parameters, and dedicated officers were deployed with a long-term strategy. He stated that this initiative has now become a model for developing nations, offering valuable insights on effective governance. The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of tourism in driving economic growth, citing Gujarat's transformation as an example. He remarked on how Kutch, once overlooked due to its desert landscape, is now a sought-after tourist destination. He pointed out that large-scale initiatives, such as the world's tallest statue, have reshaped perceptions and boosted regional economies. He further highlighted the historical importance of sites like Vadnagar, describing its museum as an internationally recognized heritage center. Referring to India's maritime legacy, PM Modi spoke about Lothal, which now hosts one of the largest maritime museums in the world. He recalled the initial skepticism surrounding the GIFT City concept, which has now become a benchmark for financial hubs. He stressed that pioneering ideas must be implemented with conviction to yield impactful results. He cited several successful large-scale projects, including the Sabarmati Riverfront, the construction of the world's largest stadium, and the Statue of Unity, showcasing India's ability to execute transformative initiatives. He reiterated his unwavering optimism about India's potential, expressing confidence in the country's capacity to drive significant progress. Urban Development Year 2005 in Gujarat was a flagship initiative launched by the then Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi with the aim of transforming Gujarat's urban landscape through planned infrastructure, better governance, and improved quality of life for urban residents. Marking 20 years of the Urban Development Year 2005, Prime Minister launched the Urban Development Year 2025, Gujarat's urban development plan and State Clean Air Programme. (ANI) Following the grand success of Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gujarat's capital for the first time. Thousands of women warmly welcomed him and expressed their appreciation during the Sindoor Sanman Yatra. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister C R Patil were among those present. The Sindoor Sanman Yatra, conducted as a roadshow, evolved into a spectacular celebration, brought to life by the spirited display of women's empowerment, patriotic songs, fluttering national flags along the route, diverse tableaux, cultural performances, and symbolic representations of the Indian Army's weaponry, creating an atmosphere full of energy and charm, an official release said. Along the one-and-a-half to two-kilometre route from Swarnim Park to Mahatma Mandir, citizens eagerly gathered with great enthusiasm to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister. As the roadshow commenced, thousands of women dressed in traditional red sarees, adorned with sindoor, and holding the national flag lined the streets. They joyfully raised patriotic slogans in praise of Maa Bharati and showered flower petals, warmly welcoming and honouring PM Modi. Amidst the resonating patriotic songs, "the pioneer of Operation Sindoor" was greeted with flower petals, intensifying the vibrant spirit of nationalism and patriotism. PM Modi graciously acknowledged the enthusiastic crowd that had gathered to see him and to convey their heartfelt appreciation for Operation Sindoor. The magnificent roadshow, stretching approximately one-and-a-half to two kilometres, featured 15 stages presenting a rich array of cultural programs centred on the theme of patriotism. With patriotic hoardings, fluttering national flags, tableaux depicting BrahMos missiles and Rafale jets, stirring patriotic songs, and banners honouring the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces, the entire event radiated a powerful sense of nationalism and national pride. People from diverse religions, communities, and social backgrounds, along with international students, actively participated in the welcoming ceremonies of this roadshow. The roadshow featured various tableaux representing Operation Sindoor, including cutouts of PM Modi, Indian soldiers, Tejas and Rafale fighter jets, and the BrahMos missile. Other highlights included a sindoor-filled pot, Operation Sindoor caps, classical dance performances, and artists from Vadodara portraying freedom fighters--all of which became focal points of attraction. The Sindoor Sanman Yatra showcased diverse expressions of women's empowerment. As the roadshow concluded, people joyfully danced to patriotic songs, while elsewhere, citizens celebrated with traditional Garba, expressing their pride in Gujarat's rich cultural heritage. Notably, Minister of State for Home Affairs and district in-charge Harsh Sanghavi joined the victory march, energising the spirits of the citizens participating in the roadshow. Led by Collector Mehul K. Dave, the entire district administration and police force wholeheartedly contributed to the smooth organisation of the event. (ANI) As Sikkim prepares to celebrate the golden jubilee of its Statehood, the state is abuzz with anticipation ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit on May 29. The grand celebration, set to take place at Palzor Stadium in Gangtok, is expected to be a historic occasion, highlighting Sikkim's journey over the past 50 years since becoming the 22nd state of India. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has been actively overseeing the preparations, inspecting arrangements at the main venue. The Chief Minister reviewed various aspects of the event, including cultural programmes, security, logistics, and hospitality. Under his direct guidance, line departments and local civic bodies have been mobilized to coordinate efforts and ensure a smooth and memorable celebration. Speaking with the media, Sikkim Minister of Rural Development Department, Arun Kumar Upreti expressed people's excitement, noting that the Chief Minister's hands-on approach has boosted the pace and efficiency of preparations. Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Jacob Khaling, stated that Sikkim is "fully prepared" for the visit. He said PM Modi will arrive at the Libing Army Helipad and proceed to Palzor Stadium, with citizens expected to line the streets in a grand show of welcome and solidarity. "The capital and surrounding areas have already been adorned with hoardings and banners, setting a festive tone. Stage construction and decorative works at the stadium are in their final stages," Khaling said. Earlier on Sunday, while addressing media persons here, BJP Sikkim President DR Thapa said that the people of Sikkim are eagerly awaiting the Prime Minister's visit. He stated that the visit would mark the beginning of new opportunities and developmental projects for the state. "He will inaugurate many infrastructural projects across Sikkim and also lay the foundation stone of several upcoming initiatives," Thapa said. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's statehood, Thapa extended warm greetings to the people of the state. He also paid tribute to those who played a role in Sikkim's merger with India. "On this occasion, I want to thank all those who were involved in the merger of Sikkim with India. I remember all the six Chief Ministers and their teams of Independent Sikkim from first Chief Minister LD Kazi to Nar Bahadur Bhandari, Sanchaman Limboo, BB Gurung, Pawan Chamling, and incumbent Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay for all their work and efforts." Referring to Prime Minister's address at the recent Rising Northeast Investors Meet, Thapa said that it opened new avenues for all northeastern states, including Sikkim. He emphasised the need for Sikkim to seize these opportunities. (ANI) Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka on Tuesday visited the rain-affected areas of Sakleshpur in Hassan district and criticised the Congress-led state government for its lack of preparedness and negligence in dealing with the monsoon. Speaking to reporters, Ashoka said that the government had failed to take timely precautionary measures and urged it to expedite compensation for those affected by landslides and heavy rains. "Monsoon has arrived 15 days early, for the first time in 50 years. The Chief Minister should have held a meeting before the monsoon started. Every time there is damage, there is a delay of one to two months in providing compensation. Landslides are happening in Sakleshpur, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu. The government should take precautionary measures and provide compensation, but the government has not done anything till now... Not a single minister has inspected the site..." he alleged. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon has advanced into several parts of India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and regions of the Northeast. This year, the Southwest Monsoon set in over Kerala on May 24, eight days earlier than its normal onset date of June 1, marking its earliest arrival on the Indian mainland since 2009. Earlier, the Met Centre predicted that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over west coast (Kerala, Karnataka, coastal Maharashtra & Goa) during next 6-7 days with possibility of extremely heavy rainfall over Kerala during 27-30 May and Konkan, ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal and Ghat areas of Karnataka, Ghat areas of Tamil Nadu on 27 May. The IMD added, "Conditions are favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into remaining parts of central Arabian Sea, some more parts of Maharashtra, remaining parts of Karnataka, some more parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, some parts of Chhattisgarh & Odisha, most parts of westcentral & some more parts of North Bay of Bengal and remaining parts Northeastern states and some parts of West Bengal and Sikkim during next 2-3 days." (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that the state government would protect its assets at all costs, amid reports of a proposal to relocate Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) advanced production facilities to Andhra Pradesh. He was reacting to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's proposal to relocate HAL's advanced production facilities to his state. Speaking to reporters at the KPCC office, he said, "HAL was not given by any BJP government. It was set up in Bengaluru by Nehru due to the availability of technical manpower. I am not going to interfere in Chandrababu Naidu's political request to the Centre. We have also given sufficient land to HAL and provided land to set up a helicopter unit in Tumakuru. They are free to set up anything new in Andhra Pradesh; we are not going to object to it. But our government will do whatever it takes to protect our state's assets." He also questioned the silence of Karnataka MPs on the matter. "What are our MPs representing Karnataka doing? The Union Ministers have not spoken a word about moving HAL to Andhra Pradesh. I would expect them to speak up for the state," he said. On the appointment of actress Tamannaah Bhatia as a model for Mysore Sandal soap, Shivakumar said, "I will speak to CM and Industries Minister regarding this. A similar discussion took place with regards to bulbs in the past and we had appointed Puneet and Ramya for it. We are also discussing making Anil Kumble as an ambassador for Forest department." Further talking about the expulsion of S T Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar, he said, "It is an internal matter of the BJP. Neither Somashekar nor Hebbar have molested anyone in Vidhana Soudha. They haven't even conspired to inject AIDS virus to Opposition leaders. The BJP hasn't taken any action on those who tried to trap Yediyurappa. I thought their party would take action against those who have committed heinous crimes such as rape. Is this the BJP culture? Let them keep their gems to themselves." Responding over BJP MLC C Ravikumar calling Kalaburagi DC as 'Pakistani', he said, "The government has taken this seriously. We don't have a choice but to take action. The person he is accusing is a civil servant and is serving the nation. Our government stands by the DC. Is this the way the BJP treats a female IAS officer? BJP leaders R Ashok and BY Vijayendra must give their reaction on this incident." When asked about the growing demand for action against Ravikumar, he said, "Many IAS officers have met me regarding this. We will evaluate this from a legal perspective." Speaking at an event to induct former MLA of Bangarapete M Narayanaswamy intothe Congress party, he said, "Leaders from other parties are coming forward to join the Congress party two years after the elections. Former BJP district president is also joining Congress. Over 50 leaders are quitting the BJP and are joining the Congress party. This is a new chapter for Congress in the state." "Many BJP and JDS leaders are coming forward to join the party as they think that the Congress government under the leadership of Siddaramaiah is doing a great job of governing the state. We have instructed all the MLAs and district presidents to induct leaders who would like to join our party. I would like to invite all the new leaders to our party. We will take the old and new leaders together," he added. (ANI) Seven members of a family were found dead inside a locked car in Panchkula's Sector 27 on Tuesday, in what police suspect to be a case of mass suicide linked to financial distress. Dehradun Police later confirmed that while the family originally belonged to Haryana, they had lived in Dehradun for a few years, and the vehicle was registered there. Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ajay Singh, said that the family had lived in Dehradun for a few years but had shifted out. Even their neighbours did not know much about them. Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "In a sensational case, a family of seven was found dead inside a car in Panchkula. While the case is being investigated by Haryana Police, the car was registered in Dehradun and was financed by one Mr. Negi. The loan instalments were being paid by the deceased family. They had lived here for 2-3 years before moving out. As per the information, they originally belonged to Panchkula or nearby areas in Haryana." He further said that the matter is being investigated by the Haryana Police, adding that if needed, they will extend full cooperation to their counterparts in Haryana. "The family was not well known in their neighbourhood in Dehradun. Even their immediate neighbours here did not know too much about them. If the Haryana Police requires any assistance in the investigation, we will provide full cooperation," he added. Earlier in the day, seven members of the same family were found dead inside a locked car parked at Sector 27 in Haryana's Panchkula. The deceased were identified as Praveen Mittal (42), his parents, wife, two daughters, and a son. Panchkula DCP Himadri Kaushik and DCP (Law and Order) Amit Dahiya visited the spot and launched an investigation. DCP Kaushik said, "We received information that six people had been brought to Ojas Hospital. When we reached, we found they had all died. Another person brought to the Civil Hospital in Sector 6 was also declared dead. Prima facie, it appears to be a case of suicide. All deceased are members of the same family." Police recovered a suicide note from the car, though its contents have not been disclosed. Preliminary investigation suggests the family was under immense financial pressure, which may have led them to consume poison in a suspected mass suicide. All bodies have been sent to mortuaries in private hospitals in Panchkula. Further investigation is underway. (ANI) In significant turn of events in the Vimal Negi death case, the Himachal Pradesh government has sent three senior officials, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Omkar Chand Sharma, Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma, and Superintendent of Police (Shimla) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi on leave. The move, confirmed by Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, marks a sweeping disciplinary response and has triggered a bureaucratic reshuffle in the state. "This is to confirm that ACS Home, DGP and SP Shimla have been directed to proceed on leave," Rakesh Kanwar said on Tuesday evening, following a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The meeting, which lasted over two-and-a-half hours, was attended by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary (Law) Sharad Kumar Lagwal, Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan, Secretary (Personnel) M Sudha Devi apart from Rakesh Kanwar. According to officials, the action was prompted by mounting criticism over the handling of the investigation into the suspicious death of engineer Vimal Negi, whose body was found under mysterious circumstances earlier in March. The action against officials have been taken following apparent indiscipline, allegations and counter allegations during the inquiry and investigations. Allegations of administrative negligence, procedural lapses, and internal conflict within the police hierarchy had drawn sharp public and legal scrutiny. SP Sanjeev Gandhi had accused DGP Atul Verma of interference, allegations he reiterated both in court and to the press. The High Court ordered that the case be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), emphasising the need for an impartial and thorough investigation. The CBI formally took over the case on Monday and has since registered an FIR. The state government has taken a sweeping administrative reshuffle follows disciplinary action. With Omkar Chand Sharma, IAS (HP:1994), now on leave, all departments under his charge Revenue, Home, Vigilance, Tribal Development, Jal Shakti Vibhag, and the chairmanship of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board--have been reassigned. In an official order, the state government has elevated the responsibilities of Kamlesh Kumar Pant, IAS (HP:1993), currently Additional Chief Secretary (Forests) and Financial Commissioner (Appeals). He will now also hold the charge of the Home, Vigilance, and Revenue Departments and will serve as Chairman of the State Pollution Control Board. Further, Kadam Sandeep Vasant, IAS (HP:2008), Secretary (Technical Education) and Divisional Commissioner, Shimla, has been given additional charge of the Jal Shakti Vibhag. Rakhil Kahlon, IAS (HP:2008), Secretary (Ayush and DT&G), has been assigned the Tribal Development Department. Simultaneously, the government has named new officers to helm the police force. As per a separate notification, IPS officer Ashok Tiwari (HP:1993), currently Director General, State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, has been given additional charge as Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh. He will take over from Dr Atul Verma during his leave period. IPS officer Gaurav Singh (HP:2013), Superintendent of Police, Solan, has been assigned the additional charge of Superintendent of Police, Shimla. His appointment comes amid the medical leave of SP Sanjeev Gandhi. The government stated these changes were made "in public interest," indicating a clear effort to address the administrative turmoil and reaffirm its commitment to justice in the Vimal Negi case. The unprecedented reshuffle, both in police leadership and civil administration, is aimed at sending signal of firm stance on bureaucratic discipline and accountability by the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government. (ANI) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is part of the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda, asserted that Pakistan has a habit of spreading false information. Azad spoke about the recent meetings and addressed the issue of disinformation spread by Pakistan, and highlighted India's unity and diversity. While speaking to ANI on Monday, Azad said, "Pakistan spreads a lot of disinformation. It is their habit...So, in the meetings that were held today a lot of questions and answers took place. I think the disinformation which they used to hear have all been done away with. So, it was a really good program. We told them about our country, how lives everyone together with love, Hindus-Muslims-Sikhs-Christians. political parties debate in Parliament but when it is a question of the country, we stand united inside and outside the country..." Meanwhile, BJP MP Baijayant Panda, leading an all-party delegation to Kuwait, asserted that India will no longer remain silent in the face of terrorism from Pakistan and will respond strongly. MP Panda also demanded that Pakistan must end terrorism on its soil and stop spreading misinformation. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in strengthening India's ties with Gulf countries and added that the Indian community in Kuwait is well-respected. While speaking to ANI, Panda said, "The meetings in Kuwait have been outstanding. We met the Deputy PM and many other stakeholders. This is a country with which India has had a relationship for centuries. In recent years, PM Modi's efforts at building relationships around the world has also led to tremendous results here in the Middle-East and Gulf countries. When PM Modi visited here, Kuwait gave him its highest civilian honour." Panda emphasized that India will not tolerate terrorism and vows to retaliate. Speaking about Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Panda said that India has tried various approaches, including treaties and diplomacy, but will no longer succumb to nuclear blackmail. Additionally, the all-party delegation visited the Kuwait Towers. The delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, also includes Nishikant Dubey MP, BJP; Phangnon Konyak, MP, BJP; Rekha Sharma MP, NJP; AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi; Satnam Singh Sandhu MP; Ghulam Nabi Azad; and Ambassador Harsh Shringla. The delegation aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. The multi-party delegation, consisting of seven groups led by one MP each, has been initiated to counter global misinformation and highlight India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. (ANI) BJP leader SS Ahluwalia, part of the all-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, said that India and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have always supported each other in difficult times and will continue to do so in the future. Ahluwalia said Congo reaffirmed its commitment to stand with India, just as it has since opening its first mission in Delhi in 1962. Speaking to ANI, SS Ahluwalia said, "We (India-Democratic Republic of the Congo) have always stood together in the hours of grief. In 1962, the first Mission of Democratic Republic of the Congo opened in Delhi, India. In the past decades too we stood with them and we are together even today. That is why, when we are presenting our view, they too are making a commitment that they stood with us even yesterday, they stand with us today and will be with us even in the future." Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Atul Garg, who is part of the same all-party delegation, stated that Pakistan has nurtured terrorism. Garg also added that the government has decided to inform the world of India's sufferings and the acts of Pakistan. Speaking to ANI, Garg said, "Pakistan has nurtured terrorism...our government decided to let the world know our sufferings and acts of Pakistan...if terrorists attack us, our country has the right to defend and we have utilised that right..." Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, Manan Kumar Mishra, Indian Union Muslim League's ET Mohammed Basheer, Biju Janata Dal's Sasmit Patra, BJP leader SS Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy are also part of the Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde-led delegation. The delegation aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders. The multi-party delegation, consisting of seven groups led by one MP each, has been initiated to counter global misinformation and highlight India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. (ANI) BJP MP Hemang Joshi, a member of an all-party delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, said the delegation visited South Korea to highlight India's firm stand against terrorism and to seek stronger international support in forums like the UNSC and FATF. During their two-day visit, the delegation met South Korea's top leaders, including the Foreign Minister and National Assembly members, and engaged with business leaders and the Indian diaspora to counter misinformation and strengthen ties. Speaking to ANI, BJP MP Hemang Joshi said, "During our two-day tour of South Korea, we engaged with a wide range of individuals and communities to highlight India's stance on terrorism--our "new normal". India and South Korea share a strong commercial relationship, and economic cooperation between the two countries is thriving. As part of the visit, we hosted a lunch with top business leaders from South Korea and discussed international financial aid being misused by Pakistan, not for development, but to fund terrorism." Joshi said the delegation stressed the urgent need for the world to take a zero-tolerance approach to terror funding, adding that security cooperation with South Korea was a key focus ahead of its upcoming presidential polls. "We emphasised the urgent need for the global community to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terror funding. Security cooperation between India and South Korea was a key theme, especially in light of South Korea's upcoming presidential elections in eight days," Joshi said. He informed that the Indian delegation met top South Korean leaders, presidential advisors, and lawmakers to seek stronger support against terrorism and urged continued backing for India at global forums like the UNSC and FATF. "Along with the Indian Embassy, our delegation met advisors to both major presidential candidates. We received unequivocal support from both sides in the fight against terrorism... We requested that South Korea continue supporting India's efforts in international forums like the UNSC and FATF. The message we brought had a clear and positive impact... Our delegation also held important meetings with top South Korean leadership, including the Foreign Minister, Deputy Foreign Minister, and key members of the National Assembly. These discussions helped strengthen our ties and ensured our position was clearly understood at the highest levels. Beyond politics, we reached out to business leaders, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora to counter misinformation... Under the leadership of Sanjay Jha, our delegation was successful in correcting misconceptions and reinforcing India's position on critical issues," Joshi said. The delegation, led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lala (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid, and Mohan Kumar. The delegation aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders in Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were brutally killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the country is ready to talk with India "to find solutions" to "longstanding problems", including Kashmir, water-sharing and trade. He made the remarks during a joint press conference during his visit to Tehran. Addressing a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif as per a report in Pakistani media outlet Dawn said, "We are ready to talk, for the sake of peace on water issues with our neighbour." He continued, "We are ready to talk to promote trade and also, counter-terrorism..." "We wanted peace, we want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks, on the table, and resolve our outstanding issues," Sharif said. The Pakistan PM said, "But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely." Sharif was in Iran on Monday, after a visit to Turkiye. After Iran, he is scheduled to visit Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. Iranian state media IRNA reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian has voiced Iran's support for a durable ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling for dialogue between regional countries to resolve disputes and promote peace. The Indus Water Treaty was put into abeyance after the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, which saw the death of 26 innocent civilians. In the wake of the attack, the government took up a series of actions against Pakistan, of which one was putting the Indus Water Treaty into abeyance. Previously, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had also reiterated that the Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, is currently on hold due to Pakistan's cross-border terrorism. The treaty governs the sharing of water resources from the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. Previously, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said that climate changes and demographic shifts have created new realities on ground. "Now, as per CCS decision that I referred to of 23rd April, India will keep the treaty in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably, abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. Please also note that climate change, demographic shifts and technological changes have created new realities on ground as well," Jaiswal said. India had imposed an immediate ban on the direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, regardless of their import status, effectively halting bilateral trade flows, according to a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. (ANI) According to the High Commission of India in Singapore, the delegation will engage with Singaporean ministers, parliamentarians, think tanks, academics, business leaders, media representatives, and the Indian diaspora, with the primary objective of the visit to convey India''s "collective resolve against terrorism." Sharing a post on X, the High Commission of India in Singapore said, "All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Hon''ble MP Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha arrived in Singapore. The delegation will meet with Singaporean Ministers, Members of Parliament, representatives of think-tanks, academia, businesses, media and the Indian community to convey India''s national consensus and collective resolve against terrorism." https://x.com/HCI_Singapore/status/1927128667093696795 A day earlier in Seoul, Jha called out Pakistan''s long-standing role in sponsoring cross-border terror. Highlighting the killing of 26 tourists in Kashmir on April 22, Jha underscored that the attackers were trained, financed, and sheltered by Pakistan. The delegation, led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lala (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid, and Mohan Kumar. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan''s links to terrorism and India''s strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were brutally killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) An all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met with the President of Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Emphasising the strong political and economic partnership between India and Guyana, President Ali described the relationship between the countries as "a bond of blood." President Ali also took a firm stand against terrorism and extremism, expressing his country's commitment to rejecting all forms of violence. After meeting the all-party delegation led by Tharoor, President Ali told ANI, "Guyana has consistently made it very clear that terrorism and extremism have no place in this. Terrorism and extremism are against every aspect of human dignity, and we reject it in every shape and form. We believe that everything must be done to ensure that terrorism and extremism are defeated at every front." He added, "India and Guyana share an extraordinary relationship. It is a bond of blood. India has been a very close partner from economic, political perspective. Over the years, we have seen massive investments from India. We are hoping more Indian investors, Indian technology, digital products will be part of our own development." Further, signalling that India should be the part of the Security Council, President Ali stated, "Guyana has always supported the view that the Security Council should be expanded. We have not only supported this view, but we have championed countries that should have representation, including the African continent based on population, size of economy..." Earlier, the all-party delegation led by Tharoor also interacted with prominent members of the business community in Guyana. The delegation had met the President of Guyana at the State House in Georgetown. Describing his meeting with the Speaker of Guyana's National Assembly, Tharoor told ANI, "It was terrific. We had a very good visit to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Manzoor Nadir...He showed a great deal of understanding for our position and our concerns. And, each MP had a chance to contribute to the appreciation of the issue...It was very effective and we all complemented each other in conveying the concerns and determination of the Indian nation to the speaker of the Assembly." During their visit to the National Assembly, the all-party delegation also participated in the signing of the book of the National Assembly of the Parliament in Guyana. Following their visit to Guyana, the all-party delegation led by Tharoor is scheduled to visit Panama from May 27 to 29. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were brutally killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) Former Indian Ambassador to the United States and BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who is part of the delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, described the visit to Guyana as "fruitful and productive." He further stated that President Mohamed Irfaan Ali reaffirmed Guyana's support for India and also expressed interest in deepening economic cooperation. While speaking to ANI, Sandhu said, "We had outstanding interactions with the President himself, and we were also invited to participate in the Independence Day celebrations. The President has been very clear as far as terrorism and support for India is concerned. He also discussed investments with the delegation. He showed a lot of interest in making Guyana a platform for Indian investments into the Caribbean and South America. We also had very good interactions with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and other ministers. We also met the Vice-President. This has been a very fruitful and productive visit." After meeting the all-party delegation led by Tharoor, President Ali emphasised the strong political and economic partnership between India and Guyana and described the relationship between the countries as "a bond of blood." President Ali also took a firm stand against terrorism and extremism, expressing his country's commitment to rejecting all forms of violence. While speaking to ANI, President Ali said, "Guyana has consistently made it very clear that terrorism and extremism have no place in this. Terrorism and extremism are against every aspect of human dignity, and we reject them in every shape and form. We believe that everything must be done to ensure that terrorism and extremism are defeated at every front." He added, "India and Guyana share an extraordinary relationship. It is a bond of blood. India has been a very close partner from an economic, political perspective. Over the years, we have seen massive investments from India. We are hoping more Indian investors, Indian technology, and digital products will be part of our own development." Further, signalling that India should be a part of the Security Council, President Ali stated, "Guyana has always supported the view that the Security Council should be expanded. We have not only supported this view, but we have championed countries that should have representation, including the African continent based on population, size of economy." In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were brutally killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) Former Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, during an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Doha, reiterated India's firm stance against terrorism, saying, "India wants to raise its voice in unison against terrorism. We were in the Security Council 2 years ago, and India hosted a special session of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council in Mumbai. Every country in the world unanimously condemned terrorism in all its forms but despite this India is facing such terrorist acts... I am happy that during our talks with the Qatari leadership, they expressed their views of zero tolerance towards terrorism." The visit of the all-party delegation led by NCP-SCP Supriya Sule to Qatar was warmly welcomed by members of the Indian diaspora, who said the delegation's presence sends a strong message of unity. One member stated, "We are very glad to see the all-party delegation, this has sent out a clear message to the world that when it comes to the integrity of India, we are all one." Reacting to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Rajni Murthy, a member of the Indian diaspora, stressed the importance of sharing India's perspective globally, saying, "The terrorist attack (Pahalgam) that happened was very wrong... it is very important for us to carry forward the message across the world why we have done, what we have done... we are happy to meet MPs." Echoing this sentiment, BJP leader and former MoS for External Affairs V Muraleedharan underlined India's strengthened global campaign against terrorism, emphasizing the need to counter ongoing disinformation and clearly communicate India's stance. Together, their remarks highlight a coordinated effort to project India's message internationally amid security challenges. Responding to Indian MPs' outreach in foreign capitals, Muraleedharan said, "It has been realised that people do support India's action (against Pakistan), but at the same time, a disinformation campaign is being run by those who are conducting cross-border terrorism. This was an opportunity to clarify our stance against terrorism under the leadership of PM Modi..." Muraleedharan highlighted the party's upcoming initiative to raise awareness about the Emergency era. "The most shameful period was Emergency when all the democratic rights were revoked and opposition leaders were sent to jail. This is important to spread awareness about it for the future generations. Henceforth, BJP will start this initiative from June 25, 26, with the aim to keep the constitutional ethics strong and to save the constitution..." Muraleedhara is part of the multi-party Indian delegation led by Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MP Supriya Sule who met with Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, in Doha. The delegation conveyed India's perspective on the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, details of Operation Sindoor, and the country's unified policy of zero-tolerance against terrorism. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Tuesday reported increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan. From early morning until 8:15 am (UTC+8), a total of 61 PLA aircraft sorties and several naval vessels were detected, with many aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entering Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In a post on X, MND said, "Overall 27 sorties of #PLA aircraft in various types (including J-16, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0815hr today. 18 out of 27 sorties crossed the median line of the #Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, eastern and southwestern ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1927207281369755918 Earlier in the day, MND had said, "34 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 am (UTC+8) today. 34 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1927167871840293074 On Monday, MND had detected four PLA aircraft, eight PLAN vessels, and two official ships near its territory. Taiwan's military is prioritising combat readiness as a key aspect of deterrence due to escalating threats from China, as reported by Focus Taiwan, citing Minister of National Defence Wellington. President Lai Ching-te noted that the armed forces are undergoing a significant transformation to better handle the increasing hostility from Beijing. "As we are situated on an island, we need to stockpile military supplies in case China launches multiple assaults. We may even need to prepare for a war of endurance," he stated, according to the Focus Taiwan report. To prepare for these potential situations, the military has revamped its training programs. Koo mentioned that new training subjects have been introduced for both conscripts and senior officers, encompassing topics related to newly acquired military assets. He emphasised that the objective is to "prepare for war," insisting that readiness is crucial for maintaining a strong deterrent, as noted by Focus Taiwan. Koo also highlighted Taiwan's ongoing focus on asymmetric warfare, especially following the extension of compulsory military service to one year starting January 1, 2024. Elements like air defence units, drones, and mobile radar systems are integral to Taiwan's strategy to ensure precision and adaptability against a numerically superior opponent, as indicated by Focus Taiwan. He remarked that the military must evaluate whether troop planning and positioning are sufficient for scenarios in which the Chinese People's Liberation Army suddenly escalates exercises near Taiwan into real attacks. The annual Han Kuang exercises are set to take place from July 9-18 this year, significantly longer than last year's five-day war games, which were cut short by a typhoon. Koo stressed that the exercises intend to identify weaknesses in existing plans and address any issues, according to Focus Taiwan. (ANI) Sharing a post on X, the High Commission of India in Singapore said, "All-Party Parliamentary Delegation called on H.E. Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs of Singapore. The delegation conveyed India's stance on the events since the terror attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and the new normal in India's policy of combating terrorism." https://x.com/HCI_Singapore/status/1927210162395222151 In another post, it said, "High Commissioner briefed the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Hon'ble MP Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha, setting the context for engagements in Singapore to convey India's resolve in fighting terrorism." https://x.com/HCI_Singapore/status/1927208494089793875 Sanjay Kumar Jha on Tuesday also held a meeting with the High Commissioner of India to Singapore, Ambassador Shilpak Ambule. According to the High Commission of India in Singapore, the delegation will engage with Singaporean ministers, parliamentarians, think tanks, academics, business leaders, media representatives, and the Indian diaspora, with the primary objective of the visit to convey India's "collective resolve against terrorism." A day earlier in Seoul in South Korea, Jha called out Pakistan's long-standing role in sponsoring cross-border terror. Highlighting the killing of 26 tourists in Kashmir on April 22, Jha underscored that the attackers were trained, financed, and sheltered by Pakistan. The delegation, led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lala (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid, and Mohan Kumar. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were brutally killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) The all-party delegation led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule departed from Doha to South Africa's Johannesburg on Tuesday (local time) after the conclusion of their visit to Qatar as part of their second leg of the four-nation visit in continuation of Operation Sindoor and India's diplomatic outreach following the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam. In Doha, the delegation members held fruitful interactions with Qatari dignitaries at the Shura Council and the Government of Qatar, members of the media, academia, and think tanks, as well as the Indian community in Qatar, as said by the Embassy of India in Qatar in a statement. As per the press statement, the all-party delegation met Mohamed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of State for Interior Affairs; Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti; and several other Qatari dignitaries. The delegation members held a round-table discussion with the academic and think-tank community at the Middle East Council for Global Affairs. The delegation members also interacted with the media, including with the editorial team of leading newspapers Al Sharq and Peninsula. An Indian community reception was also held on May 26. It was observed that during the various meetings, the Indian delegation conveyed India's zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism and briefed about developments since the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The delegation shared that Operation Sindoor, conducted by India in response, was calibrated, targeted, and proportionate, demonstrating India's commitment to countering terrorism without escalating tensions. They emphasised the need to stop differentiating between the terrorists and their backers and dismantle the cross-border terrorism infrastructure, which has been developed and used against India for several decades. "The Qatar side emphasised its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and stressed that terrorism must be condemned. The delegation appreciated the condemnation of the Pahalgam attack by the Government of Qatar and thanked the Qatari leadership for its support", the statement read. "It may be recalled that Qatar MOFA had stated on April 23, expressing strong condemnation of the attack in Pahalgam. Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Prime Minister Modi had a telephone call on May 6. Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al-Thani, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke with each other on May 7," it further mentioned. The statement observed that the delegation, in its interaction with the media, gave a detailed briefing on the developments and their meetings in Qatar. The delegation also addressed queries raised by journalists regarding recent developments. Addressing the Indian community, the delegation members commended them for upholding the values of tolerance, pluralism, and unity, and for resisting divisive efforts aimed at destabilising India's social fabric. Along with Sule, the delegation includes Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP), Vikramjit Singh Sahney (AAP), Manish Tewari (Congress), Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP), Anand Sharma (Congress), V Muraleedharan (BJP) and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin, and will also visit Egypt, Ethiopia. (ANI) AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, currently in Slovenia as part of Group 6 led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, reiterated India's firm stance on its relationship with Pakistan, emphasising that trade and dialogue cannot continue amid terrorism. Speaking during the delegation's visit, Mittal said, "Our Prime Minister has said it very clearly that water and blood cannot flow together. Trade and terrorism cannot go together." He stressed that while India desires peaceful relations, any progress depends on Pakistan's cooperation. "We want peace, but Pakistan should also reciprocate in the same way," he added. This statement came as part of discussions during the all-party Indian parliamentary delegation's official visit to Ljubljana, Slovenia, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing global issues with Slovenian counterparts. The delegation led by Kanimozhi includes Samajwadi Party's Rajeev Rai, BJP's Brijesh Chowta, Prem Chand Gupta (RJD), Ashok Kumar Mittal (AAP) and former envoys Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf. The delegation is in Slovenia to brief Slovenian leaders on India's Operation Sindoor in response to the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed, and cross-border terrorism. DMK MP Kanimozhi expressed confidence that Slovenia will stand with India against global terrorism and support India at the United Nations Security Council. In a press conference on Monday, MP Kanimozhi said, "Slovenia is a very strong supporter and they have been advocating peace and have always stood against acts of terrorism... We go back with a positive feeling that Slovenia will stand with us against global terrorism, and they will stand with India when it comes to the UNSC, when discussions will be held about what India expects. India wants accountability. We have made it very clear that we cannot go to the negotiating table and resolve this conflict unless there is accountability. We cannot differentiate between a state that sponsors terrorism and individuals who carry out these acts... Today, when we meet lawmakers and opinion makers, they know what is happening, but when a delegation comes and presents facts to them, they get a deeper understanding of what we are going through" "Slovenia is a very strong supporter, and they have been advocating peace and have always stood against acts of terrorism... We go back with a positive feeling that Slovenia will stand with us against global terrorism, and they will stand with India when it comes to the UNSC, when discussions will be held about what India expects. India wants accountability," Kanimozhi added. Stressing again on accountability, she said that India cannot differentiate between a state that sponsors terrorism and individuals who carry out these acts. "We have made it very clear that we cannot go to the negotiating table and resolve this conflict unless there is accountability. We cannot differentiate between a state that sponsors terrorism and individuals who carry out these acts," she said. "Today, when we meet lawmakers and opinion makers, they know what is happening, but when a delegation comes and presents facts to them, they get a deeper understanding of what we are going through," she stated. The delegation leader further expressed happiness over visiting the country, highlighting how the bilateral partnership between India and Slovenia is fast developing in trade, investment, education, research, technology, culture, and people-to-people ties. India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POJK). The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. The two countries agreed to a cessation of hostilities on May 10. (ANI) Paraguay President Santiago Pena Palacios will pay a State Visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from June 2 to 4. This visit marks his first to India and only the second ever by a Paraguayan president. During his stay, President Pena will engage in high-level talks with PM Modi and other senior leaders. The visit will also include meetings with business leaders and innovators in Mumbai. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release stated, "At the invitation of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, the President of Paraguay, H.E. Mr. Santiago Pena Palacios will pay a State Visit to India from 02 - 04 June 2025. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials and business representatives. President Pena will also visit Mumbai, before returning to Paraguay on 04 June 2025." It added, "The State Visit of President Pena will be his first visit to India and only the second visit by a President of Paraguay. During the visit, President Pena would hold talks with the Prime Minister of India on 02 June 2025 and review the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Prime Minister is scheduled to host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. Hon'ble Rastrapatiji Smt. Droupadi Murmu is expected to meet President Pena, and host a banquet in his honour. Hon'ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankar and Hon'ble External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar are expected to call on the visiting President of Paraguay." In Mumbai, President Pena will meet the state political leadership, business and industry representatives, startups, innovators and tech leaders. The forthcoming State Visit of President Pena will provide an opportunity for the leaders to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, as well as to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest, the MEA stated. India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on September 13, 1961, cultivating warm and friendly ties between the two nations. Both countries have since developed cooperation in various sectors, including trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals and information technology. Paraguay is an important trading partner for India in the Latin American region. Several Indian companies in the auto-mobile and pharmaceuticals sector have their presence in Paraguay and some Paraguayan companies, mainly through Joint Venture entities, are present in India, thereby contributing to the economic ties between the two nations. The two countries share common views on various international issues, including UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and combating terrorism. (ANI) Following a meeting with Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Sim Ann, the Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha has urged Singapore to push for inclusion of Pakistan on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist. Jha said the delegation raised concerns over Pakistan's continued misuse of financial aid, saying that funds are being diverted toward defence and terrorism rather than development. While speaking with ANI, Jha said, "We met the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the one important thing is the Financial Assistant Task Force, which has a grey and black list. Earlier, Pakistan was in the grey list. Singapore is a member of FATF. We requested that Pakistan be brought on the black list because whatever financial support it gets, its expenditure is on its defence or terrorism. There is no expense in development work." He said, "We also asked for Singapore's support for what happened earlier in Pahalgam. Their Prime Minister spoke to our Prime Minister immediately after the incident and said that there is all-out support against terrorism." Singapore has been a member of FATF since 1992. Since the 2016 assessment of Singapore's measures to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing, the country has taken several actions to strengthen its framework. Jha also highlighted India's response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, stating that the Indian Air Force successfully targeted and destroyed nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan without hitting any civilian or military bases. "After two weeks (of the Pahalgam terrorist attack), the Indian Air Force attacked nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan. The attack was carried out with precision. We demolished all nine terrorist hubs. We did not attack any civilian or military base. They also launched attacks on India. We defended and later we attacked their air base, then the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan approached for the ceasefire. The entire country is one when it comes to India's safety, security. We are going to five countries. This is our third country. We have to fight against terrorism together," Jha said. Meanwhile, the all-party delegation led by Jha also met current and former Members of Parliament in Singapore and senior representatives of academia, businesses and local cultural organisations. Jha also held a meeting with the High Commissioner of India to Singapore, Ambassador Shilpak Ambule. The delegation, led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lala (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid and Mohan Kumar. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were brutally killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng warned individuals using Chinese social media platforms to be aware of the potential impacts of Beijing's "united front" propaganda, which could threaten Taiwan's sovereignty, as reported by Taipei Times. Chiu's comments were in response to Chinese academic Zhang Weiwei's assertion that since many young Taiwanese enjoy using the Chinese app Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote in English, "it would be easier to govern Taiwan post-unification with China than it is with Hong Kong," according to the Taipei Times. Zhang stated, "The time has come to address the 'Taiwan question' as China's economy is advancing rapidly, making Taiwan seem more like a Chinese province." He highlighted that "Taiwan's economy relies significantly on exports to China, particularly in semiconductors and electronic products, while China might reduce its purchases from Taiwan." "We are aware that numerous young Taiwanese prefer Xiaohongshu and other Chinese social media platforms, making them susceptible to China's influence," he commented. "Thus, following the unification of Taiwan with China, governance will likely be simpler than it is in Hong Kong." Chiu pointed out that Xiaohongshu and Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, serve as instruments for the Chinese government in its "united front" propaganda. "We urge individuals to exercise extreme caution while using these Chinese applications due to risks associated with personal data breaches and the dissemination of pro-China opinions and narratives," he advised. "In light of these threats, educational institutions need to address this concern and provide media literacy education for students who utilize these Chinese applications to prevent them from becoming targets of China's 'united front' strategies," the Taipei Times reported. The MAC has banned central government officials from participating and has advised local government officials "not to attend," marking a change from earlier remarks expressing a desire to avoid seeing Taiwanese officials participate. Chiu mentioned that Taiwan and China continue to engage at some level, even as formal discussions have ground to a halt. According to Taipei Times, interactions with China are conducted under the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, he added. (ANI) The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and the Baloch Advocacy and Studies Center (BASC) jointly held a significant meeting in London to raise awareness about the ongoing human rights violations in Pakistan's Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions. The meeting, held on Sunday, brought together key representatives and activists from both organisations who are based in the United Kingdom. The participants voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation and expressed solidarity with the Baloch and Pashtun communities suffering from systemic oppression in Pakistan. Speaking at the event, PTM and BASC leaders underlined the importance of unified efforts in confronting state-sponsored violence, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on freedom of expression in both regions. The two organisations decided to enhance coordination through the joint documentation of human rights abuses. It was agreed that future advocacy initiatives will include publishing comprehensive and evidence-based reports to inform the international community and human rights watchdogs. "The people of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been denied justice for decades. Through this collaboration, we aim to amplify their voices and ensure their plight is no longer ignored by the world," a joint statement issued after the meeting read. Both PTM and BASC reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful advocacy and dialogue and pledged to continue their efforts to expose human rights violations and seek justice for victims. The meeting concluded with plans for future engagement and a call for international organisations and governments to take notice of the human rights crisis unfolding in Pakistan's marginalised regions. Meanwhile, a few days back, PTM activist Fazal ur Rehman Afridi has vehemently criticised the recent drone strike conducted by the Pakistan Army in Hurmuz, North Waziristan, which resulted in the deaths of four young children and their mother. In an interview with ANI, the activist claimed that the areas populated by Pashtuns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are being utilised as a "laboratory" by the Pakistani military to test various weapons, notably drones. Afridi disclosed that there have been more than 32 drone strikes in North and South Waziristan and Tank districts over the past few years. "This is not the first instance where the Pakistani army has assaulted innocent Pashtun civilians, particularly women and children," he stated, noting that the latest victims were children aged from five to eight. (ANI) In continuation of alleged extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, three previously missing persons were killed in what is being widely condemned as a staged encounter by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Barkhan. In a separate incident, another youth was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Awaran district after reportedly being summoned by security forces. As per The Balochistan Post, early Monday morning, the CTD claimed to have conducted an operation in Tang Kiryar area of Barkhan district. The bodies of Abdul Rehman Buzdar, Fareed Buzdar, and Sultan Marri were subsequently shifted to the Basic Health Unit (BHU) hospital in Rakni. All three had reportedly been victims of enforced disappearance for several months. A CTD spokesperson stated that the operation involved an exchange of fire with militants, resulting in fatalities and the recovery of weapons. However, families of the deceased and Baloch rights activists rejected the official narrative, asserting that the encounter was fake and the men were executed after prolonged illegal detention. In a related development, in Awaran's Kolwah tehsil, the body of a young man, Ghaus Bakhsh, was discovered hours after he was reportedly summoned to a local military camp. His body bore signs of torture, further fueling claims of custodial death. Human rights groups allege that such incidents reflect a deepening pattern of state-led violence in Balochistan. Similar cases in Dukki, Ziarat, and Quetta have been reported in recent months, where previously disappeared individuals were later killed in disputed operations. Baloch activists argue that the growing number of such cases underscores a systematic campaign of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, demanding independent investigations and international attention to end impunity. (ANI) Jha stressed that India is prepared to strike precisely and decisively at terrorist hideouts operating under the cover of nuclear threats. The delegation also sought Singapore''s support in combating terrorism at international forums, reaffirming India''s commitment to a strong and measured response to protect its security and sovereignty. The High Commission of India in Singapore, in a press release on Tuesday, said, "The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Member of Parliament, Sanjay Kumar Jha, called on Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs today in Singapore. Sanjay Kumar Jha briefed the Singaporean side on India''s stance on the events since the terror attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and the new normal in India''s strategy against terrorism. He highlighted that this delegation brings representatives of different political parties together to convey India''s united resolve against terrorism." It added, "The delegation members conveyed that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was an attempt to disturb the trajectory of peace, development and normalcy in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government of India deemed it essential that the perpetrators and planners of the 22nd April terror attack be brought to justice. In response to this heinous act of terror, India launched Operation Sindoor, specifically targeted against the terrorist infrastructure. India''s response was measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible." The release further stated that the delegation members conveyed that Operation Sindoor has carved out a new benchmark in India''s fight against terrorism. "If there is a terrorist attack on India, India will give a fitting reply. India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail. India will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism," the release said. The delegation members also requested Singapore''s support in the fight against terrorism, particularly at multilateral fora like UN and FATF. As close friends and partners, India and Singapore will continue to work closely on regional and global issues, including on the issue of terrorism. "Senior Minister of State Sim Ann conveyed that Singapore strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and stands with India against terrorism. She said that Singapore and India are close partners and will continue efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation," the release added. The delegation, led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lala (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid and Mohan Kumar. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan''s links to terrorism and India''s strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were brutally killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) An all-party delegation from India, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, held a series of meetings in Singapore. The delegation engaged with Singaporean leaders, including Member of Parliament Vikram Nair and Chairman of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Neil Parek. The talks also focused on key developments such as Operation Sindoor and the evolving geopolitical landscape. While speaking with ANI, Nair said, "I was sitting beside Mr Brij Lal (BJP MP) and we discussed a wide range of things. Singapore and India stand up for upholding international law. I think people-to-people ties between India and Singapore are very good. Our ties will get even stronger if India's regulatory environment eases up." Parek told ANI, "The meeting went very well. The discussion was largely to give information on Operation Sindoor and have a broader discussion on the geopolitical side. The Indian MPs from both the ruling and opposition sides spoke in unison, which was good to see." He further said, "India-Singapore ties have only got better. From Singapore's standpoint, India is a top priority. What needs to be done is to educate the business in India about opportunities in various states in India." The all-party delegation led by Jha, during a meeting with Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Sim Ann, emphasised India's firm stance against terrorism. Jha made it clear that India will give a fitting reply to any terrorist attack and will not tolerate nuclear blackmail. Jha stressed that India is prepared to strike precisely and decisively at terrorist hideouts operating under the cover of nuclear threats. The delegation also sought Singapore's support in combating terrorism at international forums, reaffirming India's commitment to a strong and measured response to protect its security and sovereignty. The High Commission of India in Singapore, in a press release on Tuesday, said, "The delegation members conveyed that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was an attempt to disturb the trajectory of peace, development and normalcy in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government of India deemed it essential that the perpetrators and planners of the 22nd April terror attack be brought to justice. In response to this heinous act of terror, India launched Operation Sindoor, specifically targeted against the terrorist infrastructure. India's response was measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible." The delegation, led by Jha, includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lala (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid and Mohan Kumar. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were brutally killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) A Chinese citizen is under investigation for potential violations of privacy after reportedly live-streaming videos of elementary school students leaving school in Taipei, police said on Monday, according to a report by Focus Taiwan. The individual, identified by her last name Liu, is a 52-year-old Chinese woman married to a Taiwanese citizen and currently residing in Taiwan, according to the Songshan police precinct. The incident was brought to public attention by Taipei City Councillor Hsu Shu-hua, who detailed the May 15 event that took place in the Minsheng community of the city in a Facebook post, according to Focus Taiwan. Hsu, a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, stated that a Chinese social media streamer was allegedly recording children on Douyin, which is the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, despite being repeatedly asked by them to stop. "The streaming stopped only when the parents threatened to contact law enforcement," Hsu reported. Police said that law enforcement arrived at the scene only to find the streamer had already left, but she was later located the next day using surveillance camera footage from nearby areas and was brought in for questioning. Following complaints filed by the city councillor, the Songshan precinct confirmed that the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office would investigate the incident for alleged breaches of the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act, as well as privacy violations under the Criminal Code. Police noted that recording individuals without their consent could infringe upon portrait rights, and that sharing images of minors online might contravene child protection laws, as mentioned in the Focus Taiwan report. The case has stirred concern amid Taiwan's complex relationship with China. Taiwan, formally recognised as the Republic of China (ROC), maintains its own government, military, and economy, functioning as an effectively independent nation. However, China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and upholds the "One China" principle, which claims that there is a single China governed from Beijing. This has fueled decades of political tension, especially since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, when the ROC government relocated to Taiwan after the Communist Party took control of mainland China. Beijing continues to push for reunification, employing diplomatic, military, and economic strategies to isolate Taiwan internationally. (ANI) A delegation of Indian MPs, led by BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is cuurfently in Paris, France on Tuesday emphasised that Operation Sindoor is only paused, and Pakistan needs to give a good account of itself and underscored India's call for global unity against terrorism. He described Operation Sindoor as a last resort, highlighting that India has never been the aggressor in conflicts but will respond conclusively to protect its sovereignty. "We also conveyed in very unmistakable terms, in the last nearly four open wars, and so many other countless terrorist attacks, India has never been the aggressor. We have responded. This time we have responded very conclusively, with lethal power, attacking the terrorist camps and their Air Force installations. Thereafter, Pakistan asked for peace, cessation of hostilities. 'Sindoor' is only paused. Pakistan will have to give a good account of itself whereby they must stop terrorism and cross-border terrorism because the entire military establishment blesses the terrorists in Pakistan. They understand and we are conveying that precision," said the BJP MP addressing the media in Paris. He conveyed that Pakistan's military establishment supports terrorists, and it's imperative for Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism. Currently in Paris, the all-party delegation met with French leaders, think-tanks, and the Indian diaspora to convey a unified message against terrorism. The delegation met with French journalists and will be meeting with distinguished colleagues of the French Parliament, the National Assembly, and the Senate, as well as the India Caucus. ""We had a wonderful interaction yesterday. We spoke to the Think Tank, and we spoke to a large number of Indians staying in Paris and other parts of France. They heard with a great degree of pain the entire unfortunate tragedy in Pahalgam, the killing with barbarism of innocent Indian lives and the way India has responded with #OperationSindoor...Today, we met the media; we will be going to meet our distinguished colleagues of the French Parliament, the National Assembly and the Senate, the India Caucus," said Prasad. The delegation strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, and highlighted India's response through Operation Sindoor, a precise and targeted military operation against terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan. Ravi Shankar Prasad emphasized that India has a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and will not differentiate between terrorists and their supporters. He stressed that the world needs to speak in one voice against terrorism. Prasad described Operation Sindoor as a last resort, highlighting that India has never been the aggressor in conflicts but will respond conclusively to protect its sovereignty. "Our narrative is very clear: on the issue of terrorism, the whole world needs to speak in one voice. So many designated terrorists are there in Pakistan, which the UN has declared, and groups have declared. India did a precision strike as a last resort," he added. The Ravi Shankar Prasad led delegation is visiting the UK, France, Germany, the EU, Italy, and Denmark to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism. The delegation members also include Daggubati Purandeswari (BJP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena (UBT)), Ghulam Ali Khatana, Amar Singh (Congress), Samik Bhattacharya (BJP), M J Akbar, and Pankaj Saran. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in over 100 deaths of terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The Modi government has deployed seven multi-party delegations globally to highlight Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism and reinforce India's stance of zero tolerance. (ANI) All-party delegation, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, held a meeting with National Council of Slovenia President Marko Lotric on Tuesday and conveyed India's resolute stance of zero-tolerance towards terrorism and the new normal after Operation Sindoor. Indian Embassy in Slovenia said that the MPs, during the meeting, appreciated Slovenia's role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in promoting global peace and its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism that needs to be eradicated. "Continuing their engagements during their second day in Slovenia, the all-Party delegation led by Hon'ble MP Smt. @KanimozhiDMK called on H.E. Marko Lotric, President of the National Council of Slovenia. The delegation conveyed India's resolute stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism and the new normal after Operation Sindoor. They appreciated Slovenia's role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in promoting global peace and its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism that needs to be eradicated," Indian Embassy in Slovenia posted on X. https://x.com/IndiainSlovenia/status/1927282433440809447 The delegation led by Kanimozhi, includes SP MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Brijesh Chowta, RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal and former envoys Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf, also met Slovenian Association for International Relations (SDMO) President Marjan Setinc. During the meeting, the MPs explained India's actions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Operation Sindoor and India's new approach of zero tolerance against terrorism and rejection of nuclear blackmail by Pakistan. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Slovenia stated, "'Sharing Bharat's stand with the world' The all-Party delegation led by Hon'ble MP Smt. @KanimozhiDMK held an engaging and productive interaction with President Mr. Marjan Setinc and senior members of the Slovenian Association for International Relations (SDMO)." "The delegation explained India's actions after the dastardly terror attack at Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and India's new approach of zero tolerance against terrorism and rejection of nuclear blackmail by Pakistan. The rich discussions with the senior foreign policy practitioners were helpful in building a better appreciation of India's principled stance and strengthening India-Slovenia cooperation in the fight against terror," it added. https://x.com/IndiainSlovenia/status/1927310391647916155 In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the central government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The delegation is in Slovenia to brief Slovenian leaders on India's Operation Sindoor in response to the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed, and cross-border terrorism. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured several others. 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. The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. The two countries agreed to a cessation of hostilities on May 10. (ANI) AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, one of the member of all-party delegation to Slovenia on Tuesday stated that the delegation was able to clear misconceptions about India's actions against Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, emphasising that India seeks peace but will not tolerate terrorism. A delegation of Indian MPs, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and including AAP MP Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, visited Slovenia to discuss India's stance on terrorism. The delegation met with the Chairman of the National Council, Slovenia's Upper House of Parliament. "We had a meeting with the Chairman of the National Council, that is the Upper House of Slovenia's Parliament. People here believed that we had attacked Pakistan because we did not want negotiations with Pakistan. We were able to clear the air around these two things... Pakistan-trained terrorists attacked people based on their religion, on our soil... India only wants peace," he said. Mittal highlighted Pakistan's role in training and sending terrorists to India, and its threats of nuclear weapons, emphasising that India will not be intimidated. "Pakistan only wants to terrorise us: by sending terrorists with the help of their army, and by threatening of nuclear weapons. PM Narendra Modi has made it clear that India will not pay heed to any threats issued by Pakistan. India is capable and well-equipped..." said Mittal, addressing the outcomes of the meeting. Meanwhile, Kanimozhi expressed satisfaction with the positive reception in Slovenia, noting that the country's opinion makers and lawmakers have a deep understanding of India's struggles with terrorism. "It has been a very positive visit to Slovenia and the opinion makers and the lawmakers here have a very deep understanding of India and the problems India has been facing with terrorism. We go back with the reassured promise that Slovenia stands with India in the fight against terrorism...," said the DMK MP. Kanimozhi emphasized that the delegation's visit aimed to strengthen cooperation and understanding between India and Slovenia in the fight against terrorism. The delegation's next stop will be Athens, Greece, where they plan to engage with lawmakers and decision-makers to further discuss India's stance on counter-terrorism. She added, "As a part of the delegation visit to many countries, our next place will be Athens (Greece). We hope to again meet many dignitaries, lawmakers and people who make decisions over there, and explain about India's resolve fighting against terrorism." In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists 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. (ANI) Slovenian Association for International Relations (SDMO) President Marjan Setinc, on Tuesday, called his meeting with India's all-party delegation, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, "very important" and message of Members of Parliament is going down well in Slovenia. In an interview with ANI, Setinc said that India and Slovenia have been discussing issues about Pakistan and ties between India and Pakistan. He stated that India will take up the question at the United Nations Security Council. On his meeting with all-party delegation, he said, "Of course this was a very important meeting for us. Delegation from India is a very powerful delegation transmitting the message which is getting very well down in Slovenia and wider, of course. Nobody is supportive of terrorism. But, of course, we have been discussing wider issues about Kashmir, Pakistan, relations between India and Pakistan. And of course, we very much worry that this situation doesn't escalate further. That's why we will be transmitting, not us, but our government, the message across the European Union as well as in we are members of the Security Council at the moment and this question will be definitely put forward by India in the United Nations." Earlier in the day, the delegation led by Kanimozhi, includes SP MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Brijesh Chowta, RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal and former envoys Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf, met Marjan Setinc and other members of SDMO. During the meeting, the MPs explained India's actions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Operation Sindoor and India's new approach of zero tolerance against terrorism and rejection of nuclear blackmail by Pakistan. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Slovenia stated, "'Sharing Bharat's stand with the world' The all-Party delegation led by Hon'ble MP Smt. @KanimozhiDMK held an engaging and productive interaction with President Mr. Marjan Setinc and senior members of the Slovenian Association for International Relations (SDMO)." "The delegation explained India's actions after the dastardly terror attack at Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and India's new approach of zero tolerance against terrorism and rejection of nuclear blackmail by Pakistan. The rich discussions with the senior foreign policy practitioners were helpful in building a better appreciation of India's principled stance and strengthening India-Slovenia cooperation in the fight against terror," it added. The all-party delegation also held a meeting with National Council of Slovenia President Marko Lotric on Tuesday and conveyed India's resolute stance of zero-tolerance towards terrorism and the new normal after Operation Sindoor. Indian Embassy in Slovenia said that the MPs, during the meeting, appreciated Slovenia's role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in promoting global peace and its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism that needs to be eradicated. "Continuing their engagements during their second day in Slovenia, the all-Party delegation led by Hon'ble MP Smt. @KanimozhiDMK called on H.E. Marko Lotric, President of the National Council of Slovenia. The delegation conveyed India's resolute stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism and the new normal after Operation Sindoor. They appreciated Slovenia's role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in promoting global peace and its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism that needs to be eradicated," Indian Embassy in Slovenia posted on X. The delegation is in Slovenia to brief Slovenian leaders on India's Operation Sindoor in response to the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed, and cross-border terrorism. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured several others. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. India and Pakistan agreed for cessation of hostilities on May 10. (ANI) Japan has accused China of conducting maritime scientific research without prior notification within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surrounding its southernmost atoll in the Pacific Ocean, The Japan Times reported on Tuesday. The alleged activity occurred on Monday near Okinotori, an isolated atoll in the Philippine Sea located roughly midway between Taiwan and Guam. China has previously stated that it does not recognise Okinotori as an island. According to The Japan Times, Japan's coastguard detected a Chinese maritime survey ship "extending what seemed to be a wire into the waters within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), 270 kilometres east of Okinotori island," government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi said. "As the vessel's maritime scientific research was conducted without Japan's consent, the coastguard requested that the activity cease, and we protested with the Chinese authorities through diplomatic channels," Hayashi stated, as quoted by The Japan Times. The Chinese vessel left the EEZ at around 10:45 pm on Monday, Hayashi noted. Under international law, coastal states have the right to manage natural resources and conduct economic activities within their EEZ, which extends 200 nautical miles, or 370 kilometres, from their shoreline, as mentioned by The Japan Times. Foreign vessels must obtain prior approval to conduct scientific research for non-economic purposes within another nation's EEZ. However, Beijing has rejected Japan's claim, arguing that Okinotori does not constitute an island but merely consists of rocks. Therefore, China contends, the area around it does not qualify as an EEZ under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, as reported by The Japan Times. In recent years, Japan has invested millions of yen into coral planting and coastal reinforcement around the atoll in an effort to counter erosion, according to The Japan Times. (ANI) Paank vehemently denounced the extrajudicial killing of Ghous Bakhsh, a resident of Malar Kahn in the Awaran district of Pakistan's Balochistan. Paank shared details regarding the incident on May 25. In a post on X, Paank said that Ghous Bakhsh was called to a military camp in Malar, where he was unlawfully detained and subsequently went missing. His lifeless body, riddled with bullets, was found the next morning, in the Vahli area of Malar on May 26, constituting a serious breach of human rights and international law. "This incident is the third reported extrajudicial killing in the Malar area within a week, highlighting an alarming escalation of state-sponsored violence in Awaran. Just days earlier, on May 17, Pakistani military personnel forcibly abducted Levies Sepai Younus Rasool from his home in Malar Bangul Bazar without a warrant, subjecting his family to torture and intimidation. On May 20, Sajid Baloch, son of Nasir Baloch, was abducted from Gushanag Kolwah in Awaran, and his body, showing signs of severe abuse, was found the next day. Additionally, on May 2, shopkeeper Rajid Baloch was killed by state-backed operatives near the Druski River, close to military facilities, further underscoring the climate of fear and impunity in the region", Paank posted on X. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1927066579025416285 Paank highlighted that these murders are part of a systematic trend of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings aimed at civilians, activists, and community leaders in Balochistan, justified under the guise of national security. Such actions breach Pakistan's constitutional duties and its international obligations as per the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly Articles 6 (right to life), 7 (prohibition of torture), and 9 (liberty and security of person), as referenced in Paank's statement. Paank has urged the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and other international human rights organisations to demand that the Pakistani government conduct an immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation into the murder of Ghous Bakhsh and other recent extrajudicial killings in Awaran. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1927066579025416285 Paank has insisted on holding the perpetrators accountable, including those in positions of power, and called for justice for the families of the victims. The Baloch people's pursuit of dignity and self-determination cannot be suppressed through acts of violence. Paank expressed solidarity with the affected families and will persist in documenting and exposing these serious human rights violations. (ANI) Traders involved in the import and export operations between Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass announced a protest on Monday due to the halt of trade activities for the past six months, as reported by Dawn. Leaders of the Pakistan-China Traders Action Committee expressed that transporters, hoteliers, labourers, and shopkeepers have been left jobless. Mohammad, Ismail, Ebad Nagri, Yawar Abbas, Abbas Mir, and other committee leaders stated that over 200 shipments arriving from China have been stranded at the Sost Dry Port since December last year, according to Dawn. They mentioned that local traders were incurring losses amounting to billions of rupees as numerous items have become unsalable due to expiration. Additionally, they are burdened with daily port charges and other overhead expenses. They emphasised that trade through Khunjerab Pass is the primary source of income for Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), as highlighted by the Dawn report. The traders complained that small-scale traders are being prohibited from importing goods for local markets. They argued that the collection of income tax and sales tax at Sost Port is unlawful, given the disputed constitutional standing of PoGB. They urged that the customs checkpoint be moved outside the territorial jurisdiction of PoGB and that the region's contested status be acknowledged, according to the report by Dawn. Furthermore, they called for PoGB to be exempt from income tax and sales tax, suggesting that customs duties should be the only levies imposed on imported commodities. They also requested the immediate dismissal of the customs collector. They cautioned that if their demands are not addressed within 48 hours, they will announce the next steps, as noted by the Dawn report. Previously, human rights activist Baba Jan condemned the recent trend of repression in PoGB, alerting that the region is facing an "unlawful and systematic" attack on civic liberties, land rights, and the democratic framework. Residents of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) have been struggling with dire living conditions, experiencing economic difficulties, political disregard, and a lack of essential public services. Despite the region's wealth of natural resources, it continues to lag in development, exhibiting deteriorating infrastructure, frequent electricity shortages, inadequate healthcare services, and limited access to quality education. (ANI) Stating India is not just the "second largest partner" for Slovenia in Asia but also "the most important partner" for European Union, National Council of Slovenia President Marko Lotric on Tuesday said the Pahalgam terror attack was "totally not acceptable." In an interview with ANI, he spoke spoke about the meeting with all-party delegation, led by DMK MP Kanimozh, to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism, he felt "deeply sorry" for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people were brutally killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. "First, I am deeply sorry for the whole life lost in this terrorism attack on 22nd of April. India is not just the second largest partner for Slovenia in Asia, but also India is also the most important partner for all European united, so European Union and such kind of meetings really lead to a better future. We exchange our position and our point of view is that we want really peace not just in our countries, but all around the world. Not just in this case where somebody attacked your people, which is totally not acceptable." "We have to look around and how to protect the civil population and also how to encourage the leaders... our future, not in nuclear weapons, not in, different kind of provocation, but our future, common future, should be how to establish democracy, rule of law and ...peace," he added. Earlier in the day, all-party delegation led by Kanimozhi met Mark Lotric at the National Assembly in Slovenia and conveyed India's resolute stance of zero-tolerance towards terrorism. Indian Embassy in Slovenia said that the MPs, during the meeting, appreciated Slovenia's role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in promoting global peace and its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism that needs to be eradicated. When asked how Slovenia's National Council can support India's effort in combating terrorism, he said, "Our National Council of Slovenia is the second home of Slovenian parliament and we call also the first home of civil society. Why for? because civil society give us daily questions and maybe also the answers what we have including in our, let's say, our laws and our respect for the daily life in the country. So, we know what happened all around the world. It's crucial that we support the right position, the right way, the right partner and such of meetings are this. So please go to the multilateral, also organizations like UN Security Council, and on this topic we exchange and the use and try to find the solution." He termed the Pahalgam terror attack unacceptable and on Operation Sindoor, he said that Slovenia stands with India to protect the people. "This attack is terrorism attack. Its not acceptable and this is what we stand together to protect the people in India and India itself. Of course, our voice will always go to the peace to protect the right way, doesn't matter who is bigger and who is smaller," Lotric said. "So, in this case, India is with 1.4 billion citizens, is incredible bigger and I know that your power is on the top in the world. So, thank you that you let's say take this problem with hand of peace. You stop this attack on the the way that not die people anymore. So, really thank you and your such approach to this problem. I wish you that the problem with India and Pakistan ...go away forever..," he added. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured several others. 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. (ANI) Head of the Indian all-party delegation to European countries, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday highlighted the complex relationship between Pakistan and terrorism. He emphasised that the distinction between the state of Pakistan and terrorism has effectively disappeared. While briefing French journalists in Paris, he said that there are 52 designated terrorists by the UN, and terrorism is an instrument of state policy in Pakistan, with the military establishment supporting terrorist groups. "Today, there are 52 designated terrorists by the UN. The distinction between the state of Pakistan and terrorism has withered away. Terrorism as an instrument of state policy is a part of the military state of Pakistan. You know that there is no democracy there," said the BJP MP. He emphasised that terrorism is not just an India-centric issue but a global phenomenon, with Pakistan-based terrorist groups and patrons involved in the majority of cases. "Terrorism is not just India-centric, terrorism is now a global phenomenon. In the majority of the cases, terrorists, their patrons, and the groups, terror groups based in Pakistan have direct or indirect involvement," said Prasad. While narrating the background of the India-Pakistan conflict, Prasad highlighted that both countries have fought four wars and India has never been the aggressor in conflicts with Pakistan, but has responded conclusively to protect its sovereignty, including the recent Operation Sindoor. "The most hilarious aspect was that the general whose forces were defeated at the hands of India decisively was promoted to Field Marshal. This is this state of denial," Prasad also said. The delegation leader noted that all major world powers supported India's stance, and India has conveyed clearly that any actions will be handled bilaterally, with the Director General of Military Operation (DGMO) of Pakistan engaging directly with the DGMO of India. On the Indus Water Treaty, Prasad stated it remains in abeyance until Pakistan provides evidence of stopping terrorism. Member of the delegation, Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, said, "We are also looking at your European Union, also looking at other important nations to address the terrorism emanating out of Pakistan, because we are all equal sufferers, we in India are more so, because we share the neighbourhood with them. We can't change our neighbours. We can only hold them accountable." On the nuclear threat between the two countries, former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar highlighted India's clear doctrine of no-first-use policy, contrasting it with Pakistan's lack of such a doctrine. "PM Vajpayee was the PM who clarified indian position on nuclear capabilities, he also established a doctrine of no first use. India has clear doctrine of no first use and this doctrine is thought thorough, including thinking about the irrational behaviour of our of our neighbourhood. Pakistan has no such doctrine," Akbar said. After the meeting, Prasad emphasized that Operation Sindoor is only paused, and Pakistan must provide a good account of itself by stopping terrorism and cross-border terrorism. He underscored India's call for global unity against terrorism, seeking support from major world powers and international organizations. During the interaction, the performance of military platforms in the conflict was raised. Operational details have been shared by the Ministry of Defence, with multiple briefings conducted in India. "We also conveyed in very unmistakable terms, in the last nearly four open wars, and so many other countless terrorist attacks, India has never been the aggressor. We have responded. This time we have responded very conclusively, with lethal power, attacking the terrorist camps and their Air Force installations. Thereafter, Pakistan asked for peace, cessation of hostilities. 'Sindoor' is only paused. Pakistan will have to give a good account of itself whereby they must stop terrorism and cross-border terrorism because the entire military establishment blesses the terrorists in Pakistan. They understand and we are conveying that precision," said the BJP MP while addressing the media in Paris. The Ravi Shankar Prasad led delegation is visiting the UK, France, Germany, the EU, Italy, and Denmark to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism. The delegation members also include Daggubati Purandeswari (BJP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena (UBT)), Ghulam Ali Khatana, Amar Singh (Congress), Samik Bhattacharya (BJP), M J Akbar, and Pankaj Saran. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in over 100 deaths of terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The Modi government has deployed seven multi-party delegations globally to highlight Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism and reinforce India's stance of zero tolerance. (ANI) An exhibition, titled 'Rihla-e-dosti' celebrating "over 250 years of friendship" between the regions of India and Kuwait has been put up in in the middle eastern country, with the all-party delegation to present India's stand against terror visiting the exhitibition too. Kuwait Heritage Society President Fahad Ghazi Alabduljaleel highlighted that the idea of the exhibition was proposed during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country. The delegation, led by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Baijayant Panda visited the 'Rihla-e-Dosti' exhibition too, put up in the National Library of Kuwait. "I met PM Modi a couple of months ago here in Kuwait, and I discussed an exhibition reflecting the great relationship between Kuwait and our great friend India. This relation, which was started in 1775, so it's like India and Kuwait have a 250-year-old partnership. This exhibition is organised by NCCAL (National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature), in cooperation with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait," the Heritage society's president told ANI. Highlighting how a lot of valuable items and documents are in the exhibition, he underlined how historically many Kuwaitis also used to live in Indian harbours in Calicut and Kerala. "A lot of valuable items, documents reflecting the old relationship between India and Kuwait from 1775, so we covered all the Indian harbours, because at that time many Kuwaitis lived in different Indian harbours, like in Calicut and Kerala. Our relation with India add a lot of value for our economy in Kuwait. This exhibition is very valuable, as I mentioned, many people visited this exhibition," he said. Panel discussions were held on the partnership between the two regions, with historians detailing the maritime history, and also the grandchildren of Kuwaitis who lived in India many years ago telling their family stories too. "Also we organised a lot of panel discussions, invited 3 of the Kuwaiti, to share their experiences of their grandfathers in India. As well as there were two specialists, and historians. We talked about Indian words in the Kuwaiti language, there was a significant effect on our languages. We also invited one historian to talk about the maritime history between Kuwait and India," Alabduljaleel said. Earlier today, BJP's Baijayant Panda said that a joint working group set up between India and Kuwait to work against terrorism was getting great support. He further stated that Pakistan had misused the aid money they received from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), United States and the Gulf countries. "A joint working group has also been set up between Kuwait and India to work against terrorism. The message we are carrying is getting great resonance here and there is tremendous support. We are very encouraged. Pakistan has misused the aid money it has received from the IMF, US, and Gulf countries. Instead of using the money on development, for which they borrowed huge sums, they used it to foster terrorism..." Panda told ANI. The delegation also addressed a group of Indian diaspora living in Kuwait. Panda highlighted India's united stand against terrorism and the importance of clearly sharing the country's message with the world. The all-party delegation, led by Baijayant Jay Panda, includes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Indian diplomat Harsh Shringla. (ANI) BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is leading all-party delegation, to France on Tuesday took a dig at Pakistan for promoting Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to Field Marshal despite recent military and strategic failures during Operation Sindoor by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He said, "The most hilarious aspect was that the general whose forces were defeated at the hands of India decisively was promoted to Field Marsh. This is state of denial." 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. 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, has been in state of denial regarding its role in perpetuating violence and instability in the region, hindering efforts to achieve lasting peace. Four wars has been fought between the two countries - The first war between India and Pakistan occurred shortly after independence, primarily over the disputed region of Kashmir in 1947-48; 1965 war, sparked by Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar, which aimed to infiltrate and capture Kashmir; 1971 war, a decisive conflict that led to the creation of Bangladesh and 1999 Kargil war, Pakistani troops infiltrated into Kashmir, sparking a military confrontation. Despite these historical conflicts and ongoing tensions, Pakistan has consistently denied its role in supporting terrorist groups and engaging in aggressive actions against India. This denial extends to its refusal to acknowledge the impact of its actions on regional stability and the suffering of innocent civilians. Meanwhile, briefing French journalists, Prasad noted that Members of Parliament have come to France not in happier times but to convey a straight message. He called out Pakaistan for their support to terrorists. He said, "We have not come to Paris and meeting you in happier times. But we have to we have come to convey some straight message. Terrorism is not India centric, terrorism is now a global phenomenena. In the majority of the cases, terrorists, their patrons, and the groups, terror groups based in Pakistan have direct or indirect involvement. Today, there are 52 designated terrorists by UN." "The distinction between the state of Pakistan and terrorism has withered away. Terrorism as an instrument of state policy is a part of the military state of Pakistan. You know that no democracy there," he added. He also spoke about wars between India and Pakistan and emphasised that none of the four were started by India. The delegation leader noted that all major world powers supported India's stance, and India has conveyed clearly that any actions will be handled bilaterally, with the Director General of Military Operation (DGMO) of Pakistan engaging directly with the DGMO of India. He said, "India and Pakistan has four clear wars, 1948, 1965, 1971 where Bangladesh was created And Kargil war. None of these were started by India. I repeat, none of these were started by India...All the government of India have ... Pakistan and PM Modi also invited Nawaz Sharif in his swearing-in ceremony in 2014. He also went to Pakistan at his instance to attend the marriage of his grandson. And thereafter this has continued unabated. This time, India has conveyed in very clear terms this far and. and no further." "A new norm has been set. We had attacked only the terrorist infrastructure... We conveyed to Pakistan that we did not want to escalate. We only wanted to attack terror infrastructure... On the morning of May 10, their DGMO talked to our DGMO... Our message was clear, you stop, we stop... Any act of terrorism will be constituted as an act of war," he added. On the Indus Water Treaty, Prasad stated it remains in abeyance until Pakistan provides evidence of stopping terrorism. Member of the delegation, Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, said, "We are also looking at your European Union, also looking at other important nations to address the terrorism emanating out of Pakistan, because we are all equal sufferers, we in India are more so, because we share the neighbourhood with them. We can't change our neighbours. We can only hold them accountable." The delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, MJ Akbar, Ghulam Ali Khatana and Samik Bhattacharya; Congress MP Amar Singh, Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT) and former diplomat Pankaj Saran. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in France stated, "Meeting with Media over breakfast The All Party Indian Parliamentary Delegation met with French and international media in Paris over a candid conversation about India's fight against terrorism." https://x.com/IndiaembFrance/status/1927323727739371667 Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the Pahalgam attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were killed. Indian armed forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. The two countries agreed to a cessation of hostilities on May 10. (ANI) Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, part of India's multi-party delegation to Kuwait, described the group's engagements as wide-ranging and impactful. Speaking about the visit, he said, "The delegation has had 1.5 days of very comprehensive engagement with Kuwait... We had an informal sitting, called Diwaniya, with some of the most influential and prominent members of the Kuwaiti society and polity... We had great interaction with the members of the Indian community... The visit enabled the delegation members to highlight our fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism." "Kuwait had very strongly condemned the attack in Pahalgam. Kuwait has a very strong position when it comes to terrorism. India and Kuwait also have a joint working group on Security and counter-terrorism... Kuwait is also an influential member of the Gulf Cooperation on Terrorist Financing, and it also has significant financial and economic leverage on Pakistan. The fact that any acts of terrorism would lead to a strong response from India and therefore, will have an impact on the region and beyond is something that Kuwaiti interlocutors have internalised and taken note of," he continued. Earlier, the delegation met members of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, using the opportunity to share India's united message against terrorism and underline the importance of international awareness. The session was met with strong support from community members. One said, "The presentation given by the Indian delegation was very concise and precise, and the message was very clear, even if we need to go to war for peace, we will do it." Another diaspora member condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, saying, "It (Pahalgam terror attack) was a heinous crime committed against humanity. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism... the things the delegation said to us and the clarity they gave... we would be the ambassadors to carry it forward to the world." BJP MP Baijayant Panda, leading the delegation, reinforced India's strong position and outreach. "The meetings in Kuwait have been outstanding. We met the Deputy PM and many other stakeholders. This is a country with which India has had a relationship for centuries. In recent years, PM Modi's efforts at building relationships around the world has also led to tremendous results here in the Middle East and Gulf countries. When PM Modi visited here, Kuwait gave him its highest civilian honour," he said. The all-party delegation includes BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, Rekha Sharma, Satnam Singh Sandhu, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former diplomat Harsh Shringla. The visit is part of a wider diplomatic effort following Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. As part of its military response, Indian forces struck terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The Modi government's diplomatic campaign has deployed seven multi-party delegations to reinforce India's zero-tolerance approach to terrorism globally. (ANI) An all-party delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, arrived in Panama City for a three-day visit after concluding their visit to Guyana. The delegation will be in Panama from May 27-29. During the visit, the Members of Parliament will be interacting with Panamanian leadership and key interlocutors from media, strategic community, Indian community and diaspora, and friends of India in Panama, according to Indian Embassy in Panama statement. In a statement shared on X, Indian Embassy in Panama stated, "An all-party parliamentary delegation from India, led by Dr Shashi Tharoor, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, will be visiting the Republic of Panama from 27-29 May 2025 to convey India's strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations." The delegation, led by Shashi Tharoor, comprises Members of Parliament - Sarfaraz Ahmed, G M Harish Balayogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejasvi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Mallikarjun Devda, Milind Deora and former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. In a statement, Indian Embassy in Panama stated, "The delegation will be interacting with Panamanian leadership and key interlocutors from media, strategic community, Indian community and diaspora, and friends of India in Panama, underlining our strong message of unity and brotherhood as well as India's collective resolve to fight against the scourge of terrorism." In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Panama stated, "Parliamentary delegation reached Panama. Ambassador received and welcomed the All Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Dr Shashi Tharoor, at the Airport. The delegation is in Panama to convey India's strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism." https://x.com/IndiainPanama/status/1927347060849717741 Earlier in the day, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who is part of the delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, described the visit to Guyana as "fruitful and productive." He further stated that President Mohamed Irfaan Ali reaffirmed Guyana's support for India and also expressed interest in deepening economic cooperation. While speaking to ANI, Sandhu said, "We had outstanding interactions with the President himself, and we were also invited to participate in the Independence Day celebrations. The President has been very clear as far as terrorism and support for India is concerned. He also discussed investments with the delegation. He showed a lot of interest in making Guyana a platform for Indian investments into the Caribbean and South America. We also had very good interactions with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and other ministers. We also met the Vice-President. This has been a very fruitful and productive visit." In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the central government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by terrorists, in which 26 people were killed and several others were injured. (ANI) India and Kuwait "very effectively coordinate" in all multilateral platforms, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika said on Tuesday. In an interview with ANI, Swaika also talked about the visit of the all-party delegation to Kuwait to highlight India's policy of zero tolerance of terrorism in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack and said "sharing our views with our friendly partners helps in appreciating each other's concerns and sensitivities". Swaika referred to the coordination between India and Kuwait during the FATF Plenary in Singapore last year. "India and Kuwait very effectively coordinate in all multilateral platforms, including the FATF meetings. Last time in Singapore, we had very effective interaction and we continue to work together with all international partners, including Kuwait," Swaika told ANI here. India intends to up terror funding against Pakistan for putting it back in the Grey List of FATF. India will send a detailed dossier to the FATF, the global money laundering and terror financing watchdog, outlining evidence and concerns regarding the involvement of certain entities and individuals in terror financing and money laundering activities, government sources had said earlier. The all-party delegation to Kuwait is led by BJP leader by Baijayant Jay Panda and the delegation's message of increasing scrutiny on Pakistan is getting a lot of response. Swaika said the all-party delegation's visit will help in understanding India's concerns and sensitivities. "Sharing our views with our friendly partners helps in appreciating each other's concerns and sensitivities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a historic visit to Kuwait in December 2024. That visit has elevated our relationship to a strategic partnership. We look forward to greater interaction between India and Kuwait. Many new things are happening, on the political side, economic, cultural side. This visit will also help in understanding our concerns and sensitivities," he said. Swaika said the delegation had a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs of Kuwait. "The delegation very effectively communicated India's point of view on the recent events in the Indian subcontinent, particularly the terror attack and the Operation Sindoor and underlined the new normal approach of India if there is any further escalation in this regard," the Ambassador said. The delegation also met civil society members in Kuwait including former ministers, royal family members, editors, leading industrialists, academicians and opinion makers. "The leader of the delegation and other members of the delegation very effectively conveyed India's point of view, conveyed to our Kuwaiti friends the rationale of why we did what we did, and how we did," Swaika said. "The Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister appreciated sharing of information by the Indian delegation and reaching out to various countries in the world. One would be aware also that Kuwait was one of the first countries in the Gulf region to condemn the terror attack," he added. Swaika also talked about the bilateral initiatives on trade, culture and investment. "There are a lot of plans on the economic side. Our trade is increasing. For the first time last year, we touched USD 2 billion of exports. On the investment side we have a substantial investment from the Kuwait Investment Authority in India, and work is on to see how they can invest more in different sectors of India. On the culture side, there have been a lot of takeaways, we started the Hindi language programme in the Kuwait National Radio last year. There were translations of Mahabharata and Ramayana," he told ANI. The all-party delegation which visited Kuwait included BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, Satnam Singh Sandhu, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Indian diplomat Harsh Shringla. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met with a delegation of parliamentary colleagues from Sri Lanka who were visiting India for the PRIDE Capacity Building Program and appreciated their condemnation of terrorism and their expressions of sympathy regarding the Pahalgam attack. He also discussed India's Neighbourhood First policy, emphasising the importance of strong people-to-people ties in fostering regional cooperation and development. Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's development and progress, underscoring the close and friendly relations between the two countries. In a post shared on X, Jaishankar said, "Had a warm interaction with parliamentary colleagues from Sri Lanka visiting India for the PRIDE Capacity Building Program. Appreciate their condemnation of terrorism and expressions of sympathy on the Pahalgam attack. Discussed our Neighbourhood First policy, underpinned by strong people to people ties. Reiterated our commitment to Sri Lanka's development and progress." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1927320559248966003 The interaction comes amid a broader diplomatic outreach by India in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor - a military operation launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians. The attack was carried out by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. As part of its response, India targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. India and Sri Lanka share a longstanding bond rooted in over 2,500 years of civilisational ties. Sri Lanka holds a central place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the MAHASAGAR vision - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This deep historical and cultural connection has evolved into a multifaceted bilateral partnership covering a wide array of sectors. As part of India's capacity-building efforts, nearly 710 scholarships are offered annually to Sri Lankan students. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, 402 fully-funded training slots are provided to officials and eligible citizens. A Cooperation Agreement also enables the training of 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants over five years at the National Centre for Good Governance - with four batches trained in 2024 alone. Further cooperation in 2024 included a special course for 23 Sri Lankan diplomats and officials at SSIFS and training for over 2,000 plantation school teachers in STEM subjects between August and October. Technical expertise is also extended through Indian institutions under the 'Study in India' Program. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and member of all-party delegation led by JD (U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, Aparajita Sarangi on her visit to Singapore on Tuesday emphasised that combating terrorism is a shared agenda item that has been widely accepted across the countries they have visited so far. "We have been meeting different segments of the society in all the countries we are supposed to be visiting... Everybody, whosoever we are meeting, and even among ourselves, we are all speaking the same language. Combating terrorism is an agenda item which has been accepted in almost all the countries we have been to so far...," Sarangi told ANI. She aslo highlighted Pakistan's role in instigating terrorism and related activities. According to Sarangi, everyone they meet is convinced about Pakistan's involvement in promoting and nurturing terrorism. "Pakistan is actually instigating terrorism and related activities, everybody is convinced about it.... Combating terrorism is an agenda item which has been accepted in almost all the countries we have been to so far....." Sarangi added. A nine-member all-party delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha and including BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, has been engaging in diplomatic efforts to combat terrorism in several countries, including Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. The delegation's mission is to showcase India's resolve against terrorism and garner international support for a united stand against this global threat. The Indian government's diplomatic outreach efforts aim to strengthen partnerships with countries in East and Southeast Asia, emphasising the need for a collective response to the threat of terrorism. She further stated that the delegation had been meeting different segments of the society. "We have been meeting different segments of the society in all the countries we are supposed to be visiting... Everybody, whosoever we are meeting, and even among ourselves, we are all speaking the same language..." she further added. Meanwhile, the all party-delegation led by JD (U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha interacted with Singapore Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong on Tuesday in Singapore. Earlier today, the all-party delegation led by Jha, met Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Sim Ann. Jha made it clear that India would give a fitting reply to any terrorist attack and would not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Jha also stressed that India was prepared to strike precisely and decisively terrorist hideouts operating under the cover of nuclear threats. The delegation also sought Singapore's support in combating terrorism at international forums, reaffirming India's commitment to a strong and measured response to protect its security and sovereignty. The High Commission of India in Singapore, in a press release on Tuesday, said, "The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Member of Parliament, Sanjay Kumar Jha, called on Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs today in Singapore. Sanjay Kumar Jha briefed the Singaporean side on India's stance on the events since the terror attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and the new normal in India's strategy against terrorism. He highlighted that this delegation brings representatives of different political parties together to convey India's united resolve against terrorism." The delegation, led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lala (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid and Mohan Kumar. During meetings with foreign leaders and parliamentarians, the delegation has presented documentary evidence, including photographs of Pakistani generals attending funerals of known terrorists, to drive home the point about Pakistan's support for terrorism. The delegation has received strong support from Japan and other countries in their fight against terrorism. Japanese leaders have assured the delegation of their solidarity with India in this matter. (ANI) An all-party delegation led by NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule on Tuesday reached Johannesburg, where they were received by Prabhat Kumar, the High Commissioner of India in South Africa. "High Commissioner Shri Prabhat Kumar welcomed and received All-Party Delegation led by Hon'ble MP@Supriya_suleto South Africa. Delegation carries 's message of ZeroToleranceforTerrorism and resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestation," India's High Commission in South Africa wrote In a post on X. Earlier today, after concluding their visit to Qatar, the all-party delegation departed from Doha to Johannesburg as part of their second leg of the four-nation visit to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism, and India's Operation Sindoor launched to avenge the dastardly April 22 Pahalgam attack in which Pak-sponsored terrorists brutally killed 26 people in the name of religion. The delegation aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. In Doha, the delegation members held fruitful interactions with Qatari dignitaries at the Shura Council and the Government of Qatar, members of the media, academia, and think tanks, as well as the Indian community in Qatar, as said by the Embassy of India in Qatar in a statement. As per the press statement, the all-party delegation met Mohamed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of State for Interior Affairs; Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti; and several other Qatari dignitaries. The delegation members held a round-table discussion with the academic and think-tank community at the Middle East Council for Global Affairs. The delegation members also interacted with the media, including with the editorial team of leading newspapers Al Sharq and Peninsula. An Indian community reception was also held on May 26. It was observed that during the various meetings, the Indian delegation conveyed India's zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism and briefed about developments since the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The delegation shared that Operation Sindoor, conducted by India in response, was calibrated, targeted, and proportionate, demonstrating India's commitment to countering terrorism without escalating tensions. They emphasised the need to stop differentiating between the terrorists and their backers and dismantle the cross-border terrorism infrastructure, which has been developed and used against India for several decades. "The Qatar side emphasised its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and stressed that terrorism must be condemned. The delegation appreciated the condemnation of the Pahalgam attack by the Government of Qatar and thanked the Qatari leadership for its support", the statement read. (ANI) The all-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde had a meeting with the President of Foreign Affairs, Congo, Berthhold Ulungu Ekonda Lukata on Tuesday. The Indian delegation and Congo delegates also observed a moment of silence in the memory of the victims of the Pahalgam attack. In a post on social media X, the Indian Embassy of Congo in a post wrote "In a special gesture, H.E. Prof. Berthold Ulungu, President of Foreign Affairs Commission of National Assembly of DRC and its members observe a moment of silence for victims of Pahalgam terror attack with members of Indian All-party delegation." Earlier on May 26, the delegation visited Senate and the National Assembly of Congo, where they interacted with several leaders from the country. The all-party delegation met with Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Transport, Democratic Republic of Congo. The all-party delegation also met with the President of the Senate of Congo, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde. Additionally, the delegation met the President of the National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi. The Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Shinde, is touring key African nations to strengthen India's strategic and diplomatic relations and to build global consensus against terrorism.Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde in the Republic of Congo, on Monday, took a firm stand against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, stating that trade and terrorism cannot coexist, nor can terrorism and dialogue go hand in hand. Earlier in the day, the all-party delegation met with Congolese Ministers and conveyed the objectives of Operation Sindoor and India's strong stance against terrorism. Shinde stated, "Today, our all-party delegation met the Hon'ble Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner. In this meeting, we presented India's efforts and stand in the fight against terrorism. We also conveyed our message of zero tolerance towards terrorism. The meeting reaffirmed India's anti-terrorism position, and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo extended full support to India in its fight against terrorism." In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. (ANI) Consul General of Nepal in Slovenia, Aswin Kumar Shrestha, said that people of Slovenia love Kashmir, Ladakh and the whole country, and they would like to travel to India. Shrestha made these remarks after meeting an all-party delegation, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, in Slovenia. He said he asked Kanimozhi whether it was safe to travel to India. On meeting all-party delegation, he said, "Our president...has already told and supported that we are with you, India, and I think we are all stands for that and here I have this also many general Slovenes that are in ..., they love Kashmir very much, of course India is superpower, not because of superpower but beautiful country with rich culture, and so they would like to go and I had also put questions to Madam, if it is safe to travel to Kashmir because they would like to travel very much, and Slovene people are very much in love with Kashmir, Ladakh, India, the whole country and so our president has clearly given support to India and we are all for that." The delegation led by Kanimozhi, includes SP MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Brijesh Chowta, RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal and former envoys Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf, also met Slovenian Association for International Relations (SDMO) President Marjan Setinc. During the meeting, the MPs explained India's actions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Operation Sindoor and India's new approach of zero tolerance against terrorism and rejection of nuclear blackmail by Pakistan. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Slovenia stated, "'Sharing Bharat's stand with the world' The all-Party delegation led by Hon'ble MP Smt. @KanimozhiDMK held an engaging and productive interaction with President Mr. Marjan Setinc and senior members of the Slovenian Association for International Relations (SDMO)." "The delegation explained India's actions after the dastardly terror attack at Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and India's new approach of zero tolerance against terrorism and rejection of nuclear blackmail by Pakistan. The rich discussions with the senior foreign policy practitioners were helpful in building a better appreciation of India's principled stance and strengthening India-Slovenia cooperation in the fight against terror," it added. All-party delegation held a meeting with National Council of Slovenia President Marko Lotric on Tuesday and conveyed India's resolute stance of zero-tolerance towards terrorism and the new normal after Operation Sindoor. Indian Embassy in Slovenia said that the MPs, during the meeting, appreciated Slovenia's role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in promoting global peace and its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism that needs to be eradicated. "Continuing their engagements during their second day in Slovenia, the all-party delegation led by Hon'ble MP Smt. @KanimozhiDMK called on H.E. Marko Lotric, President of the National Council of Slovenia. The delegation conveyed India's resolute stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism and the new normal after Operation Sindoor. They appreciated Slovenia's role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in promoting global peace and its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism that needs to be eradicated," the Indian Embassy in Slovenia posted on X. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the central government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including one Nepali national and injured several others. India 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. The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. India and Pakistan agreed for a cessation of hostilities on May 10. (ANI) A deadlock has started in the House of Representatives- the lower house of Nepal parliament with opposition demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak ahead of Thursday's planned budget announcement. Opposition parties started the protest demanding Lekhak's resignation citing his moral responsibility in the unfolding visit visa scam. "In the Tribhuvan (International) Airport, extortion is being made from those flying abroad on a visit visa, and there are reports that confirm that members of the Home Minister's secretariat are directly involved. It is not an ordinary case of corruption; it is looting from the people who are flying abroad in search of job opportunities and organised human trafficking," former finance minister and lawmaker, Barshaman Pun, from the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre, said on Tuesday's meeting. The anomalies were unearthed after an anti-graft agency, the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authorities (CIAA), spotlighted numerous actors, including immigration officers, travel agents, and even those with controversial histories in government offices. Among those key figures, Joint Secretary at Home Ministry Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, emblematic of the system's return to a high-ranking position at TIA after a controversial tenure elsewhere, raised eyebrows. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak had appointed him as the Chief of Immigration at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who had previously also been implicated in corruption scandals and cases. Bhattarai was transferred back to the Home Minister just a day before the CIAA raid at the Immigration office at the airport. On May 21, Bhattarai, the Joint Secretary at the Home Ministry and former Chief Immigration Officer at Tribhuvan International Airport, was arrested by police following the CIAA probe into alleged links with a human trafficking ring. He had only been transferred to the Home Ministry the previous evening. Prior to that, he headed the immigration office at TIA, where the CIAA launched a raid shortly before his arrest. The raid was initiated by the anti-graft agency following multiple complaints about officials collecting large sums of money and illegally facilitating foreign travel on visit visas. The CIAA also confiscated computers, mobile phones, and other devices from the immigration office for detailed investigation. The opposition has called for the resignation of Home Minister Lekhak, claiming he might intervene in the investigation, which also involves his secretariat members. "This is a serious issue; the Home Minister should open the way to create an environment for an impartial investigation into the case. We would request that. Until and unless such a situation is formed, all the opposition parties will not let the daily procedure (of parliament) move forward," Barshaman Pun announced further. The lawmakers cited media reports that the scam involved the collection of hefty bribes from individuals seeking to travel abroad on visit visas. The scam allegedly operated with the assistance of officials at the immigration office and had links to people in the Private Secretariat of Home Minister Lekhak. The Maoist Centre and RSP have both publicly said that Lekhak's resignation is essential for maintaining public trust in the state's ability to conduct a fair inquiry. "The question has been raised over the minister; investigations should be made, and he should resign. But we are not only demanding resignation; an impartial investigation should be made on this issue of corruption, organised human trafficking, organised crime and money laundering. For the investigation, a high-level committee should be formed to investigate the matter, till then the parliament cannot function," Shishir Khanal, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker said. As per the lawmakers, travellers heading to Europe have reportedly paid up to NRs 300,000 to ensure clearance at TIA. These illicit payments are funnelled through coded conversations, unregistered bank transactions, and backdoor dealings involving travel agents and corrupt officials. This system functions daily and handles hundreds of cases, with about 400 Nepalis attempting to travel on visit visas each day. The operation's scale and consistency suggest institutional complicity, with minimal fear of legal repercussions until the recent crackdown by the CIAA. Home Minister Lekhak has been under scrutiny by the opposition parties following the suspicions that these funds are funnelled up the hierarchy to senior Home Ministry officials. Several media reports also had named members of Lekhak's personal secretariat being involved in the case where the fraudulent visa scheme generates illicit payments estimated at NPR 5 million a day. Many of the key personnel at the airport, including immigration officers directly involved in visa issuance, were handpicked by the Home Minister Lekhak, which the opposition claims has now become a system driven more by loyalty than merit. As the Home Minister, Lekhak bears command responsibility for these malpractices and the broader mismanagement under his watch. The controversy escalated with Lekhak's appointment of Joint Secretary Tirtharaj Bhattarai as Chief Immigration Officer at TIA. With the budget scheduled for Thursday and the house in possible deadlock, the house speaker, Deb Raj Ghimire, held discussions with leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties in his chamber on Tuesday. But the efforts were unsuccessful. Nepal has the constitutional obligation of introducing the annual budget in mid-Jestha (the Second month of the Solar Calendar), which usually falls in the last week of May. On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was also scheduled to present the Economic Survey for the fiscal year 2024/25 to the lower house of the Federal Parliament. However, this has become uncertain due to ongoing obstructions in the House of Representatives. According to Finance Minister Paudel's secretariat, there has been no alternative plan or discussion so far on how to proceed with the presentation of the Economic Survey if the parliament remains obstructed. (ANI) Samajawadi Party (SP) MP and member of delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Rajeev Rai on Tuesday lauded Slovenian side promise to support India in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in every way possible, which could help India push for international action against Pakistan-backed terrorism. This comes after the all-party delegation suggested that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should stop providing loans to Pakistan, which could help influence Pakistan's behavior regarding terrorism. Rai emphasised that all meetings with Slovenian lawmakers and influencers were successful, with unanimous agreement that terrorism in any form cannot be tolerated. He also highlighted Pakistan's Army Chief as the head of the country's terror module, emphasizing the need for international pressure to curb terrorism. "... Our meetings were very successful because everyone unanimously said that terrorism in any form cannot be tolerated. Our leader Mulayam Singh ji, always called for good relations with neighbours, but if the neighbour is blood thirsty, what can we do and whom should we talk to? We told everyone here that the head of Pakistan's terror module is their Army Chief. They asked how they could influence, to which we said that IMF loans to Pakistan should be stopped. They also promised to help in the UNSC in every way possible," Rai told ANI. The delegation's next stop is Athens, where they will engage with lawmakers and influencers to further discuss India's concerns about terrorism and build international support as part of Operation Sindoor outreach. "Our next stop is Athens and our meetings with lawmakers and influencers is scheduled...," added the SP MP. Earlier on May 23, Rai while on his visit to Russia said that the country had historical relations and stood side by side in every situation. "Russia is our historical friend, standing by side in every situation... Pakistan poses a threat not only to India but to the whole world because there is no such terrorist incident in the world where the strings don't lead to Pakistan," Rai told ANI. Calling Russia a special friend of India, Rai said that the delegation has come with evidence. He added, "It is important for everyone to isolate Pakistan." India has sent an all-party delegation to highlight the perpetration of cross-border terrorism and Pakistan's efforts to cause social disharmony in India. The delegation led by Kanimozhi, includes Samajwadi Party's Rajeev Rai, BJP's Brijesh Chowta, Prem Chand Gupta (RJD), Ashok Kumar Mittal (AAP) and former envoys Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf. The delegation is in Slovenia to brief Slovenian leaders on India's Operation Sindoor in response to the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed, and cross-border terrorism. Apart from Slovenia, the delegation's visit spans several countries, including Russia, Greece, Latvia, and Spain, highlighting Operation Sindoor and India's unwavering fight against terrorism. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that he was "playing with fire" for stalling efforts to finalise a peace agreement with Ukraine. In a post shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire." https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114580564427808609 Trump's latest statement comes after he launched a scathing attack on Putin, alleging that he has "gone absolutely crazy" and is needlessly killing people in Ukraine, including civilians. In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, Trump said, "I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!" Criticising the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Trump said Putin is "needlessly killing a lot of people," and emphasised that it's not limited to soldiers. "Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever," he said. The US President had reiterated his long-held view that Putin wants "ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it," and warned that such ambitions could lead to "the downfall of Russia." Trump also directed criticism at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying he is doing his country "no favours by talking the way he does." According to Trump, "Everything out of his (Zelensky) mouth causes problems, I don't like it, and it better stop." Calling the war avoidable, Trump stated, "This is a War that would never have started if I were President." He framed the ongoing conflict as one driven by "Zelenskyy's, Putin's, and Biden's War, not 'Trump's'," distancing himself from responsibility for the crisis. https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1926803020370579753 Earlier, on May 24, Zelenskyy reported a Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv targeting civilians and causing widespread damage and casualties. Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy said, "Fragments of Russian missiles and drones are being cleared in Kyiv. Rescue and emergency operations are ongoing at the sites of strikes and debris impacts -- wherever they are needed. There were many fires and explosions in the city overnight. Once again, residential buildings, cars, businesses have been damaged. Sadly, there are injuries." "It was a difficult night for all of Ukraine -- 250 strike drones, the absolute majority of them Iranian "Shaheds," and 14 ballistic missiles. The Odesa, Vinnytsia, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kyiv, Dnipro regions suffered damages. All strikes targeted civilians. There are fatalities. My condolences to the families and loved ones."Zelenskyy further emphasised that Ukraine has repeatedly proposed ceasefires and called for sanctions steps from the United States, Europe, and its allies," he added. Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine has repeatedly proposed ceasefires and called for sanctions steps from the United States, Europe, and its allies. (ANI) Members of the Indian diaspora in Singapore voiced strong support for India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, as the all-party parliamentary delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha continued its diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor. Vaishali Bhatt, a member of the Indian diaspora, recalled being in Pahalgam just before the April 22 terror attack. "... I was in Pahalgam when the attack happened. I went there with my husband for a vacation and we had a good time. On 20 April, 48 hours before the attack, we were in Baisaran... We were getting to know the news in bits and pieces but the gravity of the situation was unknown... We are very happy that our government retaliated in this way through Operation Sindoor. It was much needed. Now we are giving a message that whoever promotes, propagates, or supports terrorism, we are at war with them..." Another diaspora member ,Akanksha, said, "The coming of this delegation is very important because we are able to keep our side of the story before the world. India had the right to retaliate and it was much needed...", after attending the interaction. As part of their schedule, the delegation also held a closed-door session with scholars and academics from Singaporean universities and think tanks. The event was organised in association with the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. In a post shared by the Indian Embassy in Singapore on X, the mission said, "All-Party Parliamentary Delegation interacted with scholars and academics from Singaporean universities and think-tanks at a closed-door session organised in association with the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. They briefed the participants on the issue of cross-border terrorism, context and background of Operation Sindoor and India's resolute policy of combating terrorism." https://x.com/HCI_Singapore/status/1927313083879370821 The Embassy also shared updates on other engagements throughout the day. "All-Party Parliamentary Delegation interacted with the Singaporean media and briefed them about the purpose of their visit, meetings with Singaporean interlocutors and new normal in India's resolve to fight terrorism post Operation Sindoor," it stated. https://x.com/HCI_Singapore/status/1927314093095993619 Another post noted, "All-Party Parliamentary Delegation called on H.E. Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs of Singapore. They conveyed India's resolve in fighting terrorism in all its forms and discussed the new normal in India's policy against terrorism." https://x.com/HCI_Singapore/status/1927351664282943962 Earlier, the delegation met with members of the Indian community in Singapore. "All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Hon'ble MP Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha interacted with members of the Indian community in Singapore and conveyed India's determination for zero tolerance against terrorism," the Embassy wrote. https://x.com/HCI_Singapore/status/1927354457005740299 Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists, which killed 26 civilians. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. As part of the Modi government's outreach, seven multi-party delegations are visiting countries worldwide to reinforce India's message of zero tolerance for terrorism. The delegation, led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lala (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid and Mohan Kumar. The delegation aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders in Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. (ANI) This directive, laid out in a cable obtained by Politico, would mark a broader application of existing vetting procedures to restrict foreign students' entry to American schools and colleges. "Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days," the cable states. ("Septel" is State Department shorthand for "separate telegram.") While the cable does not detail what social media activity will be reviewed, it refers to executive orders focused on counterterrorism and antisemitism, Politico reported. Previous guidance from administration included social media checks for returning students who had participated in protests related to Gaza. Many State Department officials have complained privately for months that past guidance, for, say, vetting students who may have participated in campus protests, has been vague. Officials remain uncertain whether specific online content, such as displaying a Palestinian flag, would trigger further review, Politico reported. The administration has previously criticized some universities, especially Harvard, over issues related to campus protests and antisemitism. It has also increased immigration enforcement efforts that have included student visa holders. Earlier, the Donald Trump administration decided to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students. Following Trump's order, Harvard University condemned the decision as unlawful and unwarranted and said that the decision "imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars." The university filed a legal complaint and announced plans to seek a temporary restraining order as it pursues all available remedies. According to CNN, a federal judge had temporarily halted the Trump administration's ban on Friday, after Harvard University filed a suit in federal court. Harvard argued revocation of its certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program was "clear retaliation" for its refusal of the government's ideologically rooted policy demands. (ANI) The US State Department on Tuesday (local time) emphasised the seriousness of the vetting process for visa allotment amid reports that the Donald Trump administration is considering the implementation of severe social media screening for student visas. Addressing a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the country will continue to vet whether a student or a tourist needs a visa. "We do know, though, that we take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we're going to continue to do that. We're going to continue to vet. Whether you're a student or a tourist who needs a visa, or whoever you are, we're going to be looking at you. Why would it seem to be such a controversial thing that's going on? But it shouldn't be," Tammy Bruce said. This development comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered US embassies and consular offices to stop scheduling new visa interviews for student applicants as the Donald Trump administration is considering strict vetting of applicants' social media profiles, according to a diplomatic cable obtained by Politico. Tammy Bruce further mentioned that the steps taken by the Trump administration might come off as "counterproductive" but she emphasised it is essential to make sure people coming to US understand its law. "We're not going to lay out here with the media, the nature of the steps that are taken, the methods that we use that would seem to be a little bit counterproductive, perhaps, but it is a goal, as stated by President Trump and Secretary Rubio to make sure that people who are here and understand what the law is, that they don't have any criminal intent, that they are going to be contributors to the experience here, whether however short or long their stay is, and so the details of which I won't reveal. But it's one that will hopefully achieve our understanding of who deserves to visit this country and who does not," she said. Earlier in the day, Politico reported that the order to pause the new visa interviews for student applicants was given to mark a broader application of existing vetting procedures to restrict foreign students' entry to American schools and colleges. However, the cable does not detail what social media activity will be reviewed, it refers to executive orders focused on counterterrorism and antisemitism, Politico reported. Previous guidance from administration included social media checks for returning students who had participated in protests related to Gaza. Many State Department officials have complained privately for months that past guidance, for, say, vetting students who may have participated in campus protests, has been vague. The administration has previously criticised some universities, especially Harvard, over issues related to campus protests and antisemitism. It has also increased immigration enforcement efforts that have included student visa holders. (ANI) NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, who is leading an all-party delegation, while interacting with the Indian community in Johannesburg, said the terror attack in Pahalgam has deeply hurt every Indian around the world. While interacting with the Indian community in Johannesburg, Sule said that Prime Minister Modi extended a hand of friendship to neighbouring countries in 2014 when he took oath as Prime Minister, but the recent attack has shown that peace efforts have not been respected. "When PM Modi took oath in 2014, he invited every neighbour to his oath ceremony to send a message that we wanted the subcontinent to be peaceful and happy and to grow together. But, unfortunately, with the Pahalgam incident, it has not happened. This incident has shaken every Indian everywhere in the world. I am happy South Africa has stood by India," Sule added. Sule stated that it's PM Modi's wish that Operation Sindoor must reach the global stage to show that India will not tolerate terrorism and will always stand for peace without sacrificing innocent lives. She said, "It was PM Modi's wish that Operation Sindoor shouldn't be limited only to India and Pakistan... Pahalgam is the most traumatic and painful experience that we all have been through... A lot of innocent people's lives have been destroyed. It was an attack on India's soul. Hence, the truth must be told to the world that we won't tolerate terrorism. India is a country that has never initiated a war ever; we stand by that. We want peace, but not at the cost of losing our hardworking, innocent souls..." Highlighting Pakistan's inaction following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, BJP MP Anurag Thakur, who is part of the same all-party delegation, stated that the Indian armed forces launched strong retaliatory strikes on nine terror sites. "When Pakistan didn't act for 15 days after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, our armed forces did something tremendous. Nine terror sites were attacked, and even they (terrorists) said that - 10 from the family have gone; it would have been better if I had gone too... Pakistan is the only country in the world, with 52 entities and individuals named in the UNSC list, which are affiliated with terrorism; all have links with Pakistan," Thakur said. He further added, "In Pahalgam, people were selected based on religion, and then killed in front of their kids and wives. TRF took responsibility for the attack. Pakistan is the country that spreads terrorism in India and the entire world..." In the same interaction, Congress MP Manish Tewari said terrorism is "pure evil" and must be rooted out globally. Tewari said India is reaching out to the international community to build consensus against countries that use terrorism as a tool of state policy. "Terrorism has no religion, terrorism has no other manifestation. Terrorism is a pure evil which has to be exorcised from the body politic of this globe. And that is why, after this horrific attack in Pahalgam, where 26 of our citizens were executed in cold blood, we are reaching out to the global community to create a global consensus against those nations which use terror as an instrument of state policy." Tewari stated. Tewari emphasised India's commitment to a peaceful neighbourhood, saying, "India has always believed in a peaceful neighbourhood. We continue to believe in a peaceful neighbourhood, but we will not and cannot tolerate terrorism, which is being sponsored by Pakistan now going back 45 years." An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Supriya Sule, MP, Lok Sabha, commenced the South Africa engagement on May 27, in Johannesburg, with a community interaction, to reiterate India's message against terrorism, as per the release. Indian delegation conveyed India's zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism. The delegation shared that Operation Sindoor, conducted by Indian in response, was calibrated, targeted and proportionate, demonstrating India's commitment to countering terrorism without escalating tensions. They emphasised the need to stop differentiating the terrorists and their backers and dismantle the cross-border terrorism infrastructure, developed and used against India for several decades. The members of the delegation are Members of Parliament Supriya Sule, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Manish Tewari, Anurag Singh Thakur, Lavu Sri Krishna devarayalu, Anand Sharma, former Minister of Commerce & Industry, V Muraleedharan, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, and Syed Akbaruddin, Former Permanent. Representative of India to the UN. On Wednesda, the delegation will visit Cape Town for meetings in the South African Parliament and with South Africa's Ministers of Government. (ANI) BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad led-delegation on Tuesday (local time) concluded their visit to France where the members conveyed India's resolute position against terrorism to French Parliamentarians and officials. The multi-party delegation, which has been tasked to unmask Pakistan's involvement in spreading terror, is now heading to Italy. Earlier, the delegation met with the Senators of the India-France Friendship Group and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence in Paris. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad mentioned that senators agreed on the necessity to be united in the fight against terrorism. "We are very grateful to the Vice Chair of Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee, along with all her colleagues in the Senate in this majestic building, has only word to say - we are together with India in the fight against terrorism...They totally agreed that France and India, and the whole democractic world need to speak in one voice in the fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan and supported by the State of Pakistan," he said. Prasad further expressed gratitude for supporting India's cause, "We heard them and are very grateful, and we are really touched. Two of the Senators came to India in the Foreign Affairs Committee. They are also present here. It was a very emotional moment for us. We convey our great regards and thanks to the members of the Senate who have whole-heartedly supported the cause of India...The energy, compassion, love for France and India and the people - that is the takeaway," he said. Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, Vice-President of India-France Friendship Group in Senate, called terrorism a "menace" and advocated the need to combat the "shared threat." "We are extremely happy to receive the Indian delegation. We recalled our strong bilateral ties and recalled the common cause against terrorism, a menace which has affected India, Europe and France. It is important to combat terrorism and it is a shared threat, which should be combatted for preserving liberty in true democracies. This is the message we have given to the Indian Members of the Parliament, assuring our full support for India's fight against terrorism. We shared moments of great friendship today," Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio said. The delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, MJ Akbar, Ghulam Ali Khatana, and Samik Bhattacharya; Congress MP Amar Singh, Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT,) and former diplomat Pankaj Saran. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the central government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by terrorists, in which 26 people were killed and several others were injured. (ANI) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor-led delegation visited Panama's National Assembly on Tuesday (local time), where they met with a select group of parliamentarians to present India's stance against terrorism. The all party delegation led by Tharoor arrived in Panama City for a three-day official visit after concluding their visit to Guyana. During the visit, the Members of Parliament will be interacting with Panamanian leadership and key interlocutors from media, strategic community, Indian community and diaspora, and friends of India in Panama, according to the Indian Embassy in Panama statement. In a statement shared on X, Indian Embassy in Panama stated, "The delegation will be interacting with Panamanian leadership and key interlocutors from media, strategic community, Indian community and diaspora, and friends of India in Panama, underlining our strong message of unity and brotherhood as well as India's collective resolve to fight against the scourge of terrorism." "An all-party parliamentary delegation from India, led by Dr Shashi Tharoor, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, will be visiting the Republic of Panama from 27-29 May 2025 to convey India's strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.", the statement read. The delegation, led by Shashi Tharoor, comprises Members of Parliament - Sarfaraz Ahmed, G M Harish Balayogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejasvi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Mallikarjun Devda, Milind Deora and former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Panama stated, "Parliamentary delegation reached Panama. Ambassador received and welcomed the All Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Shashi Tharoor at the Airport. The delegation is in Panama to convey India's strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism." Earlier in the day, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who is part of the delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, described the visit to Guyana as "fruitful and productive." He further stated that President Mohamed Irfaan Ali reaffirmed Guyana's support for India and also expressed interest in deepening economic cooperation. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the central government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by terrorists, in which 26 people were killed and several others were injured. (ANI) KYOTO, May 27 (News On Japan) - An 850-year-old sacred tree with ties to Ryoma Sakamoto has collapsed at Takenobu Inari Shrine in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, damaging parts of the shrine's main and auxiliary buildings. No injuries were reported. The tree, a hackberry (enoki), stood about 23 meters tall and was long venerated as a symbol of the shrine. According to shrine legend, during the late Edo period, Sakamoto carved a message into the trunk to let his wife Oryo know he was still alive. Chief priest Nakao Sotai said the tree fell around 11:30 a.m. three days ago, creating a loud crash and tremors like an earthquake. "The ground rumbled and everything shook," Nakao said. "When I ran outside, the area was completely covered in fallen branches. It felt surreal." The cause is believed to be internal decay. The shrine is now considering ways to preserve the remains of the sacred tree. Ryoma Sakamoto was a pivotal figure in Japans transition from feudal rule to the modern Meiji state, remembered as both a visionary and a revolutionary during one of the nations most turbulent periods. Born in 1836 in Tosa Domain, present-day Kochi Prefecture, Sakamoto came from a low-ranking samurai family and struggled with bullying in his youth. However, his early exposure to swordsmanship and later intellectual pursuits instilled in him a spirit of independence that would define his later actions. In his twenties, he moved to Edo and came into contact with rangaku, or Dutch learning, which sparked his fascination with Western political systems, navigation, and modern weapons. His worldview began shifting dramatically, and he grew disillusioned with the rigid Tokugawa hierarchy that had kept Japan closed and stagnant for over two centuries. Rather than aligning with one of the many anti-Tokugawa clans seeking to overthrow the shogunate through traditional power structures, Sakamoto took a uniquely modern approach. He left his home domain and status behind, effectively becoming a ronin, and started operating as a free political agent. This was a bold move, as loyalty to ones domain was a defining feature of samurai identity. Sakamoto believed that real reform required unity across domains and a vision beyond regional feuds. His most enduring contribution was brokering the alliance between the Satsuma and Choshu domainsbitter enemies at the timewhich laid the foundation for the eventual toppling of the Tokugawa regime. This Satsuma-Choshu Alliance, orchestrated behind the scenes by Sakamoto despite his lack of official rank or institutional power, was a turning point in Japanese history. It demonstrated his diplomatic skill and his ability to win trust across factions by focusing on shared ideals rather than personal gain. In addition to his political efforts, Sakamoto was also a forerunner of modern economic and military thinking in Japan. He founded the Kaientai, a private navy and trading company, which functioned as both a commercial and quasi-military organization. Through the Kaientai, Sakamoto supported technological modernization and the importation of Western ships and arms, aligning Japan with the realities of global power in the 19th century. His admiration for American democracy and constitutional government influenced his vision for Japan, and he famously drafted a document outlining eight proposals for reform, including the creation of a national assembly. Though this vision was not realized in his lifetime, many of its elements would become central to the Meiji government's reforms in the following decades. Sakamoto's life was cut short in 1867, when he was assassinated at the Omiya inn in Kyoto at the age of 31, just a month before the Tokugawa shogunate formally handed back power to the emperor. His death shocked the reformist movement, but by then his ideas and alliances had taken root. Source: YOMIURI TOKYO, May 28 (News On Japan) - Audrey Tang, Taiwans first Digital Minister known for advancing civic participation through technology, visited Japan to share insights on digital democracy. At a Tokyo event, Tang joined University of Tokyo professor Yutaka Matsuo, a leading expert in artificial intelligence, and Katsuya Uenoyama, CEO of AI developer PKSHA Technology, for a wide-ranging discussion on how AI can reshape democratic systems. The speakers explored a future in which technology empowers inclusive political engagement, enhances decision-making processes, and helps build healthier public discourse in an era dominated by misinformation. Tang began by explaining how in Taiwan, the Mandarin word for digital also implies plurality, and that this dual meaning informed the very foundation of her role. Appointed as Digital Minister in 2016, Tang wrote her own job description in poetic form, framing digital technology as a means to enhance shared human experience rather than as a tool of centralized power. Whenever we hear that a singularity is near, she read aloud, let us always remember that plurality is here. One of the key examples Tang shared was Taiwans response to the spread of deepfake scams. In March of last year, social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube were flooded with fraudulent advertisements featuring AI-generated likenesses of famous individuals like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. These videos promised cryptocurrency or investment opportunities but were entirely fakeyet tech platforms profited from the ads while only removing them after user complaints. In response, Taiwans government sent 200,000 text messages from a trusted public number, inviting citizens to propose ideas on how to deal with the issue. The initiative used language models to summarize and process submissions without distortion, then randomly selected 450 representative participants for a citizens assembly held entirely online. Participants were divided into 45 virtual rooms of 10 people, each moderated by an AI facilitator. The AI could prompt quiet participants, interrupt overly dominant voices, display real-time transcripts, and guide the group toward consensus. Once proposals were agreed upon, they were synthesized and voted on in a plenary session. Several notable policy ideas emerged from the discussions: one group proposed requiring digital signatures for all advertisements to verify authenticity; another advocated holding platforms like Facebook financially liable for damages caused by scam ads; a third group suggested throttling data speeds for companies that refused to comply with regulations. These ideas gained overwhelming public supportmore than 85% approvaland within months, legislation was drafted, passed, and implemented. By July, the new regulations were in force, and major platforms took steps to prevent further abuse. Tang noted that since the law's enactment, scam ads had virtually disappeared from Taiwanese social media. Tang framed this example as a model for how AI can support democracy by helping large groups deliberate effectively, reach consensus, and rapidly translate public opinion into policy. She emphasized that the AI tools did not replace human judgment but augmented itallowing citizens to collaborate at scale without descending into chaos or polarization. The session concluded with a broader reflection on how similar systems, including citizen assemblies and future design councils, are already familiar in Japan. With the help of AI, Tang argued, such deliberative frameworks could be made even more inclusive, effective, and responsive. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe 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. The Republic of El Salvador reiterated its support for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco. This position was reaffirmed by the Vice-President of the Republic of El Salvador, Felix Ulloa during a meeting in Quito, Ecuador, with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of re-elected President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa. The meeting between Ulloa and Bourita provided opportunity to discuss the possibility of opening a consulate of El Salvador in the city of Laayoune, seen as a key step in recognizing Moroccos sovereignty over the region. Both parties also highlighted the strong friendship between El Salvador and Morocco, and reiterate their commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation. In this regard, the Salvadoran Vice President expressed his countrys willingness to deepen collaboration with the Kingdom on issues of common interest and to work together to create the conditions for the well-being of both peoples. The Moroccan government took earlier this month a decisive step in implementing Law 13-21 on lawful cannabis uses by publishing Decree 2.24.130 in the Official Gazette. This comprehensive text precisely defines conditions and obligations for agricultural cooperatives authorized to cultivate cannabis within strictly medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial frameworks, marking a significant milestone in sector regulation and control. This decree represents a crucial implementation phase of the 2021 law by specifying criteria that cultivation entities must respect to obtain and maintain authorization. While recreational cannabis cultivation remains prohibited, medical-use cultivation is now governed by technical, agronomic, land-use, and environmental prescriptions covering agricultural practices, soil management, and environmental preservation. This responsible cultivation framework exclusively addresses legally constituted cooperatives composed of cultivators residing in government-authorized zones. Currently regulated provinces are limited to Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, and Taounate areas in the Rif region, historically known for cannabis production. These regions receive particular attention due to their cultural specificity and sector regularization challenges. Selecting these zones reflects the governments commitment to supporting transition toward lawful production models while supporting local communities within rural development contexts. Decree 2.24.130 establishes strict traceability, security, and quality control obligations throughout cultivation and harvest delivery processes to approved establishments. Cooperatives must ensure cultivation traceability and comply with security requirements preventing diversion or illegal sales. Severe sanctions ranging from suspension to authorization cancellation by the National Agency for Cannabis Activity Regulation (ANRAC) are prescribed for non-compliance. This regulatory texts adoption continues the progressive implementation of Law 13-21, establishing legal foundations for strict non-recreational cannabis cultivation regulation. The May 15, 2025 decree completes regulatory architecture by providing agricultural cooperatives with binding references applicable to public administration and third parties, reinforcing sector transparency and predictability. Morocco confirms its commitment to integrating cannabis cultivation within structured, controlled approaches while opening economic development perspectives in rural areas. However, managing transition between informal economy and regulated sector, plus supporting producers in this new dynamic, remains crucial for initiative success. Decree 2.24.130 provides solid legal framework and adapted control mechanisms, marking significant advancement in Moroccos cannabis cultivation regulation process. Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, is committed to promoting African integration, development and cooperation as a priority of the kingdoms foreign policy. Recalling that the future of Africa depends on effective complementarity and cooperation between its States, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita underscored, in a speech before African ambassadors and the diplomatic corps accredited to Rabat, the need to strengthen connectivity as the continent celebrates Africa Day. This Day is an occasion to foster joint action to develop intra-African economic cooperation, as a key pillar for sustainable development, he said. Morocco does not celebrate Africa one day a year, Morocco lives Africa, invests in Africa, and believes in Africa every day, Bourita said, noting that Africa is moving forward, reinventing itself. The King views Africa as a space of solidarity cooperation and co-emergence, he said, underscoring the need to strengthen African value chains and locally transform the continents resources. He mentioned the need to address the low contribution of the continent in global trade, currently at 3% and urged more intra-African trade, while working to reduce dependence on imports of goods, industrial goods and pharmaceutical products. To that end, Morocco acts as a long-term partner, at a time when some see brotherly African countries as markets to be conquered or voices to be subjugated. When speaking of solidarity, Morocco matches words with action, he said, adding that Morocco is not only engaged in trade but also investments. In this regard, Bourita recalled a series of Moroccan initiatives in favor of the continent, including the delivery of vaccines to African countries during the pandemic, investment in medical, educational, agricultural and energy infrastructure, in addition to flagship projects such as the African-Atlantic Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, the Atlantic African States initiative, or the initiative to facilitate the access of sisterly Sahel countries to the Atlantic. Morocco firmly believes that our continent must have a clear, coherent economic agenda focused on strategic autonomy, in particular through the transformation and development of our raw materials, the digitization of our administrations to streamline integration, and the strengthening of our energy security, in addition to the dismantling of tariff and non-tariff barriers that hinder the AfCFTA and the strengthening of our food sovereignty by developing our agriculture to ensure our food security, he said. Morocco will spare no effort to be a catalyst of African solidarity, co-development and cooperation, he said. Speaking on the same occasion, Kenyan foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi, who is on a working visit to Morocco, highlighted Moroccos pioneering role in the development of Africa and its constant commitment to the continent. The Kenyan minister also praised Moroccos leadership in the industrial field, particularly in the automotive sector, noting that this dynamic is a model to follow. He urged the consolidation of intra-African trade, the removal of tariff barriers, the implementation of regional trade protocols, and the modernization of infrastructure. Echoing him, dean of African ambassadors in Rabat and Cameroons Ambassador to Morocco, Mouhamadou Youssifou, stressed the importance of the Atlantic Initiative, spurred by King Mohammed VI, as a concrete and solidarity-based South-South cooperation. He also called for modernizing transport networks, strengthening intra-African trade and removing tariff barriers, noting that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), although adopted by a majority of states, is yet to unlock its full potential. Indias ambassador to Morocco has commended the commitment and the significant initiatives being taken by the Kingdom to resolve the Sahara issue. Interviewed by Assahifa daily, the diplomat said his country has been supportive of steps being taken to find a negotiated and enduring political solution to the Sahara issue. We have long supported the process under the auspices of the United Nations, including the UN Secretary-Generals Personal Envoy, Ambassador Sanjay Rana added. As an ambassador based in Morocco, I have seen first-hand the deep commitment and the significant initiatives being taken by the Kingdom to resolve this issue as well as bring development to the people of the region, he said. India appreciates Moroccos role as a pillar of stability and moderation in the region. Our growing partnership with Morocco is rooted in shared values, strategic trust, and a vision for peace and prosperity across Africa and beyond, he stressed, lauding the two countries shared commitment to cooperation, development, and global peace. He also said he is convinced the Moroccan-Indian strategic partnership will continue to grow stronger across sectorsfrom trade and education to defense and digital innovation. In 202223, bilateral trade touched $3.6 billion, and in the first nine months of FY 202425, trade reached $2.24 billion. India imports key phosphates and chemicals from Morocco and exports machinery, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and automobiles. Morocco is looking forward to attracting Indian investment in renewable energy, IT, agro-tech, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. The Tata Advanced Systems defense manufacturing project launched to produce combat vehicles in Morocco is a significant milestone in Rabat-New Delhi strategic partnership. A high-level economic and institutional delegation from Catalonia is expected in Morocco this Tuesday on a three-day strategic business mission, aimed at strengthening commercial and economic relationships between the northeastern Spanish region and the kingdom. This initiative represents a significant step in expanding cross-border cooperation between two economically dynamic regions. The mission, organized by Foment del Treball Nacional de Catalunya, the Catalan employers association, in partnership with the Morocco-Spain Economic Council (CEMAES), focuses on promoting exchanges between Spanish and Moroccan economic actors across high-potential sectors including automotive manufacturing, technological innovation, infrastructure development, financial services, and international commerce. The comprehensive agenda includes strategic meetings with key Moroccan institutions, notably in Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca. These institutional engagements aim to facilitate deeper understanding of Moroccos investment landscape and regulatory framework. Industrial site visits form a crucial component of the mission, with planned tours of Tangier Automotive City and Nouaceur Technopole. These visits will provide the delegation members with firsthand insights into Moroccos advanced manufacturing capabilities and technological infrastructure development. The delegation comprises approximately thirty entrepreneurs representing strategic sectors with significant cooperation potential. Participants specialize in international logistics, customs management, engineering, construction, sustainable chemistry, digital solutions including Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and industrial production of technical materials. This diverse representation ensures comprehensive exploration of collaboration opportunities across multiple economic sectors. This mission aligns with the associations international projection strategy, which aims to foster sustainable economic partnerships, bridge Moroccan and Catalan productive ecosystems, and encourage interregional dialogue between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The initiative reflects growing recognition of Moroccos strategic position as a gateway for European businesses seeking to expand into African and Middle Eastern markets. The timing of this mission coincides with increasing interest from European regions in strengthening economic ties with Morocco, recognizing the kingdoms stable political environment, strategic geographic location, and growing industrial capabilities as significant advantages for international business partnerships. Catalonias main employers association has collective partners (associations and regional and sectoral entities, both directly and indirectly); individual partners (multinationals, large, medium and small companies); and collaborating members (foreign chambers of commerce, professional associations, business institutes, etc.) Moroccan state-owned OCP Group and Italian SACE group have agreed to a 365 million green financing facility, the first of its kind under OCPs Green Finance Framework and the first guaranteed by SACE Push Strategy in Morocco. This strategic partnership reinforces OCPs commitment to sustainability and innovation in plant nutrition solutions. SACE, Italys insurance and financial group controlled by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, has agreed to provide 365 million in green financing to OCP Group, the world leader in plant nutrition solutions and phosphate-based fertilizers. This financing will support OCP Groups $13 billion green investment program for 20232027, aimed at enabling 100% non-conventional water use since early 2025, including desalination capacity of 560 million m3 per year by 2027, ensuring complete water autonomy. The funding will also enable OCP to use 100% clean energy by 2027, ensure full carbon neutrality by 2040 and increase production of green fertilizers, advancing sustainable agriculture and global food security. Beyond financing, this agreement fosters business opportunities between OCP Group and Italian suppliers, facilitated by SACE-led business matching initiatives. The agreement between SACE and OCP represents a significant step in strengthening ties between Italys industrial excellence and one of Moroccos leading economic players, said Armando Barucco, Italian Ambassador to Morocco. This strategic partnership not only fosters deeper economic collaboration, but also creates new business opportunities for Italian companies across multiple sectors, reinforcing a strong foundation for bilateral trade and investment, he added. Michal Ron, Chief International Officer at SACE, said : This initiative demonstrates our commitment to promoting Made in Italy and supporting Italian companies in key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial machinery. It also reinforces our commercial ties with Africa, in alignment with the Mattei Plan. The Push Strategy is a vital tool to unlock new export opportunities for Italian SMEs and strengthen relationships with key international partners. Karim Lotfi Senhadji, Chief Financial Officer of OCP, said: This landmark green financing agreement with SACE is a testament to OCP Groups unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation By securing this facility, we are accelerating our transition towards 100% clean energy and 100% non-conventional water, reinforcing our leadership in sustainable plant nutrition solutions, he added, noting that this partnership not only strengthens OCP financial strategy but also fosters deeper collaboration, unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth in both Morocco and Italy. Senegals sweeping anti-corruption campaign has reached a new milestone as former community development minister Amadou Mansour Faye becomes the fifth top official from the previous government to be indicted. The High Court of Justice, a special tribunal established to try ex-officials, charged Faye with embezzling over $4.6 million in public funds and ordered his immediate detention. Faye, who is also the brother-in-law of former President Macky Sall, now joins a growing list of former cabinet members under scrutiny. His indictment follows the recent arrests of ex-industrial development minister Moustapha Diop and former mines minister Aissatou Sophie Gladima. Diop is accused of misappropriating $4 million from Senegals Covid-19 relief fund, while Gladima allegedly diverted $330,000 intended to support pandemic-affected miners. These charges stem from a parliamentary inquiry revealing widespread financial mismanagement during the Sall administration. The Faye administration, led by newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has pledged to restore integrity in governance, positioning transparency and accountability as cornerstones of national development. While critics warn of potential political overreach, public sentiment appears largely supportive of the campaign. But President Faye has remained firm, asserting that no individual is above the law. The ongoing prosecutions are seen as a defining test of his promise to clean up Senegals public sector and rebuild trust in its institutions. In a gesture of transparency and international cooperation, Mauritanias Minister of Culture & Communication, El Housseine Ould Medou, welcomed on May 26 a high-level delegation from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in Nouakchott. The visiting mission, led by RSFs Director General Thibaut Bruttin, forms part of the organizations regional tour to assess and support press freedom across West Africa. During the meeting, Minister Medou underscored the strategic initiatives launched to reshape and professionalize the countrys media landscape. At the core of the discussion was the Governments establishment of a high Commission to lead sweeping reforms in the press sectora move that has ushered in a series of legal and institutional changes aimed at reinforcing journalistic integrity and democratic transparency. Minister Medou highlighted Mauritanias recent accession to the global Initiative for Information and Democracy, marking a significant milestone in aligning national media practices with international standards. These reforms signal a new era of media governance, anchored in accountability, freedom, and the rule of law. RSF Director General lauded Mauritanias reform agenda and reaffirmed the organizations longstanding commitment to defending press freedom and safeguarding journalists worldwide. Bruttin emphasised that RSFs collaborative approach seeks not only to protect individual media practitioners but also to build resilient institutions that can withstand political and societal pressures. This encounter in Nouakchott, therefore, not only cements bilateral goodwill but also represents a shared aspiration to nurture an informed and liberated public sphere. Syrian authorities have confirmed the closure of the premises occupied by the Algeria-backed polisario separatists in Damascus and reaffirmed their commitment to respecting the Kingdoms national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This came as a Moroccan technical delegation is visiting Syria to supervise the reopening of Moroccos embassy in Damascus, as announced by King Mohammed VI in his address to the 34th Arab summit held in Baghdad on May 17. In this connection, a joint mission comprising members of the Moroccan delegation and Syrian senior officials paid a field visit to ascertain the effective closure of the polisarios office in the Syrian capital. The Syrian authorities have reaffirmed thus their commitment to respecting the Kingdoms national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and their rejection of any form of support for separatist entities. This move also translates Syrias firm willingness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Morocco and promote regional stability. King Mohammed VIs decision to reopen the Moroccan Embassy in Damascus marks a new era in Moroccan-Syrian ties; and the closure of the polisarios office in Damascus is a tangible expression of Syrias commitment to the Kingdoms territorial integrity. The Moroccan technical delegation, entrusted with finalizing the necessary arrangements for the embassys reopening, held talks with senior officials from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the logistical, legal, and diplomatic components required to operationalize this decision. In his address to the Arab Summit, the Monarch had emphasized that the embassy reopening will contribute to opening up broader prospects for the historical bilateral relations between the two countries and two peoples. Moroccos embassy in Damascus remained closed since 2012. French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, inaugurated this Tuesday a visa-applications processing center, TLS Contact, in Laayoune, translating Frances commitment to supporting the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty for the Sahara. The inauguration of this center, affirming the strengthening of French consular presence in the Southern Provinces, bears political and symbolic dimensions beyond mere service providing. In a statement during the inauguration ceremony, the French diplomat expressed great joy accompanied by much emotion, and asserted that this project embodies a promise that Paris had made months ago. The new center enables residents of the Southern Provinces to submit their visa applications under conditions similar to those available at French consulates in Casablanca and Rabat. Any resident in Laayoune or other southern regions can now submit a visa application, of any type, with the same ease and professionalism, Lecourtier stated. The new center, which will operate under the supervision of the Consulate General of France in Casablanca, serves as the first gateway to France. It is equipped with advanced technical facilities for biometric data collection and ensures the return of passports with visas within a maximum period of two weeks for eligible applications. He deemed that the opening of this center puts an end to the difficulties encountered by visa applicants who previously had to travel to Agadir and bear additional burdens. He added that this step carries a strong symbolic dimension reflecting the principle of equality between the regions of the Kingdom, and highlights the status of the Southern Provinces in Frances relations with Morocco. In the same context, the French diplomat revealed other projects currently underway in the Southern Provinces, including a new French school in Laayoune that will enable students to take their baccalaureate exams locally, a French cultural center under construction, and a new space for a French alliance to be opened soon. The Ambassador also referred to a recent visit by the Director General of the French Development Agency to Laayoune and Dakhla, which resulted in the announcement of structural development projects. He affirmed that this new dynamism translates Frances actual commitment to the development of the Southern Provinces, not only through diplomacy but also through education, culture, and economic cooperation. The French diplomat stated further that the high political commitments that followed Pariss declaration of support for the Moroccan autonomy proposal in the Sahara have today become a tangible reality, directly benefiting citizens in the areas of visas, education, development, and culture. He affirmed that this initiative comes within the framework of a long-term strategic partnership between Morocco and France. As the debate on the rules for bed and breakfasts in Opelika continues, the Opelika City Council confirmed that the Renfro House can become a bed and breakfast regardless of what the council decides. The historic Renfro House in Opelika has been at the center of a hotly contested debate on bed and breakfasts in residential areas for a year, but City staff discovered that in 1988, the Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance request that would allow the establishment of a bed and breakfast at 414 N. 10th Street. That variance is still valid and has no expiration date. "It's not being currently used as a bed breakfast, but it can be used by the owners as a bed and breakfast," City Attorney Guy Gunter said at Tuesday's Opelika City Council meeting. The debate regarding the future of the Renfro House began in February 2024 with a public hearing surrounding a rezoning to industrial district for the property, which would have allowed a bed and breakfast among uses. The rezoning, and specifically the prospect of a bed and breakfast in the area, faced opposition from several residents and the item was then tabled at a March meeting. Additionally, some citizens were worried that rezoning to an institutional district would allow for different businesses to take over the property if the bed and breakfast failed. In April 2024, the council voted against the rezoning of the property and there has been no action related to the specific property since, though Tuesday's meeting was the latest bed and breakfast decision from the council. Council denies text amendment that would affect bed and breakfasts The discussion over bed and breakfasts in Opelika was sparked by an ordinance that was set to amend the zoning ordinance text within section 3.1, building permit required and section 8.11.1, temporary structures/temporary uses. According to the planning department report in the council's agenda packet, if approved, the amendment would restrict the potential use of a bed and breakfast facility in a residential zone as a "celebration site." Effectively, the amended text stated that bed and breakfast facilities would only qualify as a celebration site "in a calendar year." While bed and breakfast facilities are not allowed in residential zones under the current ordinance, this amendment would prevent a future bed and breakfast facility from being a celebration site if the text were amended to allow them, according to the report. The Opelika City Council voted against this with four votes against and Ward 4 Councilman and President Eddie Smith abstaining. Ward 2 Councilman and President Pro-Tem Erica Baker Norris questioned the creation of the amendment and why the Planning Commission felt it was needed. Opelika Planning Director Matt Mosley said this amendment was brought by the Planning Commission with help from the Opelika Planning Department. Mosley said he believes the idea was for restricting bed and breakfast potential in residential uses, which would then clear the air and allow additional regulations or the ability to have a bed and breakfast in a residential zone to move forward. Ward 3 Councilman Tim Aja spoke out first against the proposed ordinance, because in his opinion, it only affects one business, the Renfro House. "The bed and breakfast in issue has been dividing members of Ward 3 for the past 18 months or so, and as much as I would like to see it finally reach resolution, this proposal does not accomplish that," Aja said. "This is not a good piece of proposed legislation, as it singularly attacks one potential business, I will absolutely be voting against it." As Aja pointed out, there is only one bed and breakfast approved in a residential zone, the Renfro House. The Heritage House is in a commercial zone. Aja drew inspiration from the phrase "trust, but verify," but he said there has been none of that in the months since the Renfro House debate began. Aja also read a message from Allison Kovak, who owns the Renfro House with her husband Aaron. In that letter, Kovak said the vision for the Renfro House is "a peaceful community center, boutique inn and bed and breakfast that honors the historic integrity of the home and enriches the neighborhood around it." Aja said he looks forward to voting on the zoning text amendment that allows them as conditionally approved uses across all Opelika residential zones once Planning Commission sends it through with their recommendation. The Planning Commission recommended the amendment in a 5-0 vote, with four members of the commission absent from the meeting. Ward 1 Councilman George Allen was absent from that meeting and on Tuesday he said if he was there, he would have voted against the recommendation. Before the vote, Ward 5 Councilman Todd Rauch closed the discussion on the topic and said the vote was about more than the ordinance, it was about transparency, fairness, and "whether we as a city are willing to have a serious conversation about the future of responsible, small-scale hospitality in Opelika." Rauch said that the ordinance was a backdoor effort to eliminate any realistic pathway for bed and breakfasts to operate in residential neighborhoods by essentially closing the door on outdoor events, gatherings, celebrations tied to these types of businesses in the Opelika community. He called for the Opelika Planning Commission to take a separate text amendment that would allow bed and breakfasts under a conditional use permit, which was tabled in January, off the table and vote on it either way. "Anything less would be a dereliction of duty. We are elected to lead, not to avoid. If we are serious about property rights, responsible economic development and community preservation, then we owe it to the citizens of Opelika to give them and to give this issue the full public debate that it deserves," Rauch said. "I urge the Planning Commission to do its job." A pedestrian/bike path on Waverly Pkwy., Anderson Road subdivision and more The council approved the rezoning of 20 acres at 2502 Anderson Road, from an R-1 to an R-3, paving the way for the property to be sold and turned into a subdivision. Citizens expressed their opposition to the possible redevelopment of the property at the public hearing in the previous meeting, but the approval by the council is not simply for a subdivision. "We cannot and should not deny a property owner reasonable use of their land simply because it is unpopular. Our zoning code must be applied fairly and consistently based on land use compatibility, not on personal preference. This vote is not just an approval of the subdivision, it is not the final say of what is finally built," Rauch said. Norris voted against and Smith abstained. The council approved the following: The demolition of the structure at 103 Avenue B. The demolition of the structures at 2602 Lafayette Parkway. The demolition of structure at 2404 Old Columbus Road. The demolition cost assessment for the completed demolition at 509 1st Avenue. Loretta Wanat is the owner of the property and claimed the home was demolished without her being properly notified. Norris voted against the demolition cost assessment. The downtown street closure for First Baptist Church Opelika's Vacation Bible School, which will be held from June 2 to June 5. The awarding of the bid for the pedestrian and bicycle route along Waverly Parkway. The bid was awarded to South Dade Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Inc. in the amount of $1.86 million. The project is contingent upon Alabama Department of Transportation approval. The project will add an 8-ft wide concrete shared use path to the north side of Waverly Parkway from Dunlop Drive to Veterans Parkway. Authorizing a grant application to ALDOT for the construction of the pedestrian/bicycle route on Waverly Parkway Phase II. The path will be from Veterans Parkway to the Creekline Trailhead near Birmingham Highway. The path will shift to the south side of Waverly Parkway for this phase. Rescheduling the first meeting of July to July 8. The leasing of the property at 1103 Glenn Street, the Barbara S. Patton Southside Center for the Arts, to the Envision Opelika Foundation, Inc. The purchase of a shelter, a large pavilion, for the Opelika Sportsplex. The shelter cost $138,085. Adding a dispatcher position and three solid waste worker positions to Opelika Environmental Services. A host agency agreement for the City of Opelika to participate in the Lee-Russell Council of Governments Senior Community Service Employment Program, which provides part-time employment opportunities for persons age 55 or older and who have a limited household income. A mediation settlement agreement with Captain Roger Collier of the Opelika Fire Department. According to the resolution, Collier alleged that he is a victim of racial, age and disability discrimination and retaliation, and the city denies that he was subject to any discrimination. The city said any employment decisions made were done so "with respect to his employment were for legitimate non-discriminatory, non-retaliatory reasons." The parties agreed to participate in Equal Employment Opportunity Commission mediation. According to the settlement agreement, the City will pay Collier $10,000 for alleged wage damages and to pay Collier and Josephine Miller $40,000 in non-wage damages and fees. Recent BOEM assessments estimate the Gulf holds 29.59 billion barrels of oil and 54.84 trillion cubic feet of gas in technically recoverable. Gulf of Mexicos output is projected to rise from 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2.4 million bpd by 2027. U.S. energy executives are forecasting a significant increase in offshore oil production under a potential second Trump administration, attributing this to streamlined permitting processes, sustained investments, and technological advancements. The Gulf of Mexicos output is projected to rise from 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2.4 million bpd by 2027, according to estimates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). While shale oil offers flexibility, its growth is expected to plateau, prompting companies to focus more on offshore drilling. The Trump administration's commitment to expediting oil and gas project approvals on federal lands is anticipated to further bolster offshore activities. BOEM currently manages 2,227 active leases on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), with 469 leases producing as of 2024. In 2023, OCS leases generated over $7 billion in federal revenue and accounted for approximately 14% of total U.S. crude production. Recent BOEM assessments estimate the Gulf holds 29.59 billion barrels of oil and 54.84 trillion cubic feet of gas in technically recoverable, undiscovered fields. A 2023 update added 1.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), marking a 22.6% increase after analyzing more than 37,000 reservoirs across 1,336 fields. In addition to promising geology, deepwater drilling is benefiting from technological advances. Chevron's Anchor project, for example, recently began production at record-breaking pressures of 20,000 psia first for the industry and a milestone in deepwater engineering. At the same time, energy companies are deploying AI-driven tools to reduce risk, increase productivity, and optimize maintenance. Companies like BP and Devon Energy are using artificial intelligence for predictive modeling, real-time drilling performance, reservoir analysis, and cost forecastinggiving them a competitive edge in volatile price environments. Related: Brussels Moves Ahead with 2027 Russian Gas Exit Strategy Despite the appeal of offshore growth, the shift also reflects emerging challenges onshore. The U.S. oil and gas rig count has fallen to its lowest level since November 2021. In the Permian Basin, rig activity is down 11% year-over-year, and fracking activity is showing similar declines. This retreat has forced a strategic recalibration for many operators. Diamondback Energy recently lowered its 2025 capital budget by $400 million, now forecasting $3.4$3.8 billion in spending. The company also announced it would drop three rigs and one full-time completion crew, revising its full-year production guidance to 857,000900,000 boe/day, down from an earlier 883,000909,000 boe/day. Other players, including ConocoPhillips, are also trimming capital expenditure and scaling back completion activity, citing low oil prices and margin pressures. Meanwhile, global market dynamics may complicate the U.S. supply picture. OPEC+ is considering a 411,000 bpd production increase in July, with Saudi Arabia reportedly backing the move to counterbalance repeated quota violations by members such as Kazakhstan. A production hike could suppress oil prices further if global demand fails to keep pace. Still, offshore U.S. production could fill key gaps left by a slowing shale sector. In 2024, federal offshore areas produced 668 million barrels of oil and 700 billion cubic feet of natural gasfigures that are expected to climb as new projects come online and lease activity increases. Analysts note that despite trade disputes and policy shifts, U.S. offshore oil remains globally competitive. Its high-volume, low-decline profile offers a degree of reliability that investors and buyers increasingly value. Even in the face of Chinese tariffs on U.S. LNG, American energy exports continue to expand. Ultimately, the outlook for U.S. oil productiononshore and offshorewill depend on a combination of market prices, regulatory conditions, and geopolitical risk. But for now, the message from the Gulf is clear: offshore is no longer a sideshow. Its where the next wave of U.S. oil growth may be anchored. Diamondback Energy recently lowered its 2025 capital budget by $400 million, now forecasting $3.4$3.8 billion in spending. The company also announced it would drop three rigs and one full-time completion crew, revising its full-year production guidance to 857,000900,000 boe/day, down from an earlier 883,000909,000 boe/day. Other players, including ConocoPhillips, are also trimming capital expenditure and scaling back completion activity, citing low oil prices and margin pressures. Meanwhile, global market dynamics may complicate the U.S. supply picture. OPEC+ is considering a 411,000 bpd production increase in July, with Saudi Arabia reportedly backing the move to counterbalance repeated quota violations by members such as Kazakhstan. A production hike could suppress oil prices further if global demand fails to keep pace. Still, offshore U.S. production could fill key gaps left by a slowing shale sector. In 2024, federal offshore areas produced 668 million barrels of oil and 700 billion cubic feet of natural gas, and those figures are expected to climb as new projects come online and lease activity increases. Analysts note that despite trade disputes and policy shifts, U.S. offshore oil remains globally competitive. Its high-volume, low-decline profile offers a degree of reliability that investors and buyers increasingly value. Even in the face of Chinese tariffs on U.S. LNG, American energy exports continue to expand. Ultimately, the outlook for U.S. oil production (both onshore and offshore) will depend on a combination of market prices, regulatory conditions, and geopolitical risk. But for now, the message from the Gulf is clear: offshore oil has long ceased to be a sideshow. Its where the next wave of U.S. oil growth is likely to come from. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com This week, a private arbitration panel in London began hearing the arguments of U.S. supermajors ExxonMobil and Chevron regarding their rights to one of the worlds most lucrative oil projects. Guyanas Stabroek block has an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil in place discovered so far by the consortium of ExxonMobil, U.S. Hess Corp, and CNOOC of China. The high-volume, low-cost development offshore the South American country, which started production just five years ago, is already pumping more than 660,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude. Exxon is the operator of the block with a 45% stake. Hess holds 30%, and CNOOC has the remaining 25% stake. The Dispute But in 2023, Chevron proposed a $53-billion deal to buy Hess Corp and thus take Hesss assets in the Bakken in North Dakota and the 30% stake in Guyanas offshore oil fielda top-performing asset with the potential to yield even more barrels and billions of U.S. dollars for the projects partners. Production capacity in Guyana is expected to surpass 1.7 million barrels per day, with gross production growing to 1.3 million barrels per day by 2030, Exxon says. Guyana is now the third-largest per-capita oil producer in the world, according to the U.S. supermajor. Proceeds for the consortium are also rising with growing production, even at current oil prices, because the Guyana Stabroek block is estimated to have a breakeven oil price of about $30 per barrel. Chevrons bid to buy Hesss stake in the Guyana projects is being challenged by Exxon and CNOOC, who claim they have a right of first refusal for Hesss stake under the terms of a joint operating agreement (JOA) for the Stabroek block. Hess and Chevron claim the JOA doesnt apply to a case of a proposed full corporate merger. And so, the dispute went to arbitration, and the once amicable relationship between Exxon and Chevrons top executives has vanished, sources tell The Wall Street Journal. The arbitration initiated by Exxon and CNOOC has delayed the closing of Chevrons bid to buy Hess by more than 18 months. There is a very good chance that the matter will be resolved either in favor of Chevron or Exxon by the end of the year. The three-judge arbitration panel began hearings on Monday behind closed doors. The panel is expected to rule within 90 days from the end of the hearings, so the fate of Chevrons $53-billion acquisition of Hess could be clear by August or September this year. The Prize While Chevrons deal to buy Hess has stalled, ExxonMobil finalized the $60-billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, which boosted Exxons presence in the Permian. It was growth in the Permian and offshore Guyana that helped Exxon beat analyst estimates in its Q1 earnings. Both Chevron and Exxon have expressed confidence in their right to pursue Hesss stake in Guyana. However, Chevron has much more to lose than Exxon if it loses the arbitration. The outcome of the arbitration likely depends on the panels interpretation of several words in the joint operating agreement in its part of pre-emptive rights, sources close to the process have told the Financial Times. The stakes in this case couldnt be higher for Chevron, which is looking to gain a foothold in a very profitable offshore basin that is set to boost oil production exponentially over the coming years. Chevron is betting on the multi-billion acquisition of Hess to boost its assets with high-quality Guyana acreage, where billions of barrels of oil equivalent have been discovered. Chevrons reserves replacement ratio has declined in recent years, and its oil and gas reserves have now reached the lowest level in at least a decade, according to a Reuters analysis. During the past 10-year period, Chevrons reserves replacement ratio was 88%, it said at the Q4 earnings call in January. A ratio below 100% means that Chevron is depleting reserves faster than it can replace them. So far this year, Chevron has expanded production in Kazakhstan and started up production at the Ballymore oil project in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. But it is betting on Guyana for a high-volume, high-profits development. In 2023, ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC booked a combined $6.33 billion in net profit for their joint oil operations offshore Guyana, according to Guyanese government data. Hesss share was $1.88 billion of this incomeand that was before the start-up of new offshore production platforms after 2023. The combined net margin of the Stabroek block co-venturers was 56% in 2023, higher than Nvidias 49% net margin. The Stabroek block co-venturers are expected to gain as much as $182 billion over the next 15 years from Guyanas oilfields, per Wood Mackenzie estimates cited by FT. Guyana is one of the most prized oil and gas projects on the planet, Wood Mackenzie analyst Luiz Hayum told FT. It was developed in record time, provides comparatively low-emissions oil at a break-even price that is below $30 a barrel, which makes it super profitable. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Leading off Armenia: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov traveled to Yerevan and pronounced himself satisfied that the visit worked out misunderstandings and suspicions. As a result, Moscow and Yerevan can now have sincere conversations on contentious policy issues, Lavrov indicated. A statement issued by the Armenian Foreign Ministry was somewhat more circumspect, noting that negotiations were very informative and at the same time constructive, covering a wide range of issues. It went on to state that both sides were interested in continuous political dialogue based on the interests and priorities of each of our countries. Moscow has expressed displeasure of late with Armenias geopolitical engagement with the United States and European Union, as well as its expanding arms purchases from India. In case you missed it from the Caucasus The Armenian army appears to be struggling to fill its ranks. One issue is that thousands of young men just under the draft age renounce their Armenian citizenship to avoid military service. Many also simply dodge the draft. Now the government is introducing a new system: if one wants to avoid serving in the army for the standard two years, a waiver is available for $62,000, requiring only one month of service. A four-month tour of duty will cost about $46,000. Those trying to renounce citizenship at a pre-draft age will now need to pay a fee of about $39,000. Under the new system, the maximum age of conscription is also rising from 27 to 32. In Azerbaijan, the Anglo Asian Mining PLC has started production at its Gilar copper and gold mine. The companys list of shareholders includes some recognizable American names, including members of the Sununu family, and Reza Vaziri, an American citizen and a top figure in the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce. The company also expects to launch production at its Zafar, Kharkhar and Garadagha deposits in the not-so-distant future. Azerbaijani-Russian diplomatic relations may be a bit chilly these days, but bilateral trade has grown by nearly 40 percent so far this year, according to Russian customs data cited by state-controlled media outlets. Increasing the odds that an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty wont be signed soon, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has yet again publicly repeated Azerbaijans claim to Western Azerbaijan. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called out the Georgian Dream leadership in Tbilisi as an anti-American government during a congressional hearing on May 21. He said bilateral relations were being reevaluated and raised the possibility that the Trump administration will take appropriate actions to impose costs on that government. At the same hearing, Representative Joe Wilson, a Georgian Dream bete noire, lambasted Tbilisi for selling out to the Chinese Communist Party. The verbal barrage pushed top Georgian officials back on their heels. Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili scrambled to contain the PR damage, telling local media that Wilson was disseminating disinformation and that despite the US House of Representatives overwhelming approval of the MEGOBARI Act and Rubios comments, there is no definitive position on Georgia in the new US administration. Meanwhile, across the Caspian Russia placed 80,000 draft-dodging naturalized citizens hailing from Central Asian states on its military register of persons eligible for military service. About 20,000 Central Asians are already fighting for Russia, Alexander Bastrykin, the head of the Investigative Committee of Russia, indicated. Judging by the way he phrased his comments, Bastrykins 80,000 number does not include those who enlisted for military service on their own, and the 20,000 number does not include those who have already been killed in combat or otherwise have left military service. Kazakhstan now ranks among the top three largest crude oil suppliers to Europe in 2024. Prior to its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia was by far the EUs biggest supplier. But sanctions have put a hold on Russian oil, enabling Kazakhstans increase of supplies. Astana intends to further increase crude exports in 2025. If those targets are met, Kazakhstan may end the year as the EUs second-largest supplier. In Kyrgyzstan, a draft law banning pornography has cleared the first hearing in parliament. Meanwhile, an anti-war activist deported by the Kyrgyz authorities to Russia at the Kremlins request was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Uzbekistan has formally applied to join the North-South Corridor Coalition, according to Vitaly Saveliev, a Russian deputy prime minister who is also the top Russian official in charge of overseeing the corridors operations. The North-South network facilitated transit in 2024 of 10 million tons of cargo by rail, 6 million by road, and another 8 million via a trans-Caspian route, Saveliev indicated. We are convinced that once the entire infrastructure is completed, this route will become a real alternative to the Suez Canal," he was quoted as saying in a Telegram post. In Tajikistan, 24 people have been arrested for allegedly wiring money to an exiled opposition member, Muhammadikbol Sadriddin, who is the founder of the Isloh new website. The outlet often publishes content that is critical of President Emomali Rahmons administration. All the arrests occurred in the Kulyab district of the Khatlon region. Sadriddin insists the money involved in the transfers did not go to his personal account, instead characterizing them as voluntary donations to keep the website operating. Turkmenistan wants to increase the transit of its natural gas via Iran. No specific deals have been agreed upon, but Ashgabat keeps pushing for a deal. On a visit to Tehran, Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov also expressed Ashgabats desire to increase electricity exports to the Gulf and other potential consumers via Iran. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com OPECs second-largest oil producer, Iraq, aims to accelerate solar power development with at least 1,000 small-sized projects over the next three years, a senior government official has said. Solar energy will be an essential part of the national energy mix by 2030, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, was quoted as saying by IraqiNews. Iraq, like the other countries in the sunny Middle East, has huge potential for solar power development. Iraq is heavily reliant on fossil fuels for its energy and electricity mix and has even had to seek U.S. waivers to continue importing electricity and natural gas from neighboring Iran, which is under sanctions. Currently, solar power accounts for less than 1% of Iraqs electricity. In Iraq, the share of clean electricity was just 1.2% in 2023, according to energy think tank Ember. The largest source of clean electricity was hydropower, with 0.9% of total electricity, while the share of wind and solar, at 0.3%, was far below the global average of 13% in 2023. Recently announced projects are set to boost solar energy in one of the worlds top oil producers and exporters. Earlier this month, Iraqs Electricity Minister, Ziyad Ali Fadel, held a meeting with UAE-based renewable energy giant Masdar to accelerate the installation of solar projects with a combined 1,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity. UAEs Masdar, for its part, wants to become one of the worlds biggest renewable companies, targeting 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind assets by 2030. Masdar sees having up to a 35% market share of the renewables power capacity in the Middle East by the end of the decade, 20% of Europes clean energy capacity, and up to 25% of the U.S. capacity, CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi told the Financial Times at the end of last year. The companys shareholders are Abu Dhabis oil giant ADNOC, Abu Dhabis sovereign investment company Mubadala, and state utility giant TAQA. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Italys industry needs an urgent plan from the government to help reduce the high energy costs, which are higher than in other European countries, the president of the Italian business lobby, Confindustria, said on Tuesday. Our companies continue to incur energy costs that are more than 35% higher than the European average, and even 80% compared to some major industrialized European nations, Emanuele Orsini said at Confindustrias annual meeting. High energy costs are weighing on Italys competitiveness, Orsini added. Major economies in Western Europe Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy, have seen a surge in energy costs over the past three years. Economies in eastern and southeastern Europe suffered even more as energy prices have been higher than in Western Europe in recent months. European competitiveness has been eroded in recent years by volatile and high energy prices, which are up to five times higher than those in the United States and China. The new tariffs from the U.S. are also hitting major European industries. Some European facilities face an existential threat after years of trying to cope with the high energy costs. The Italian business is calling on the government to decouple the price of gas from the way electricity prices are calculated and for a return to nuclear power generation. Earlier this year, the Italian government approved a proposal to begin drafting a series of laws that would ultimately lead to a return to nuclear power generation after more than four decades. Italy halted nuclear reactors after a referendum in 1987, following the Chernobyl disaster a year earlier. In 2011, Italians again rejected the use of nuclear power in yet another referendum. But Italys current government, led by Giorgia Meloni, said last year that it plans to adopt legislation to return to nuclear power with the latest generation of SMRs, as part of efforts to decarbonize industry. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Crude oil prices slid further today after a weak start to the week, following reports that OPEC+ was discussing a greater than originally planned production hike for July. These reports have been circulating for a few days now, fueling pessimism among traders and forecasters. At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $64.60 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate was at $61.30, after last week both recouped some of their earlier losses on reports about a more or less imminent Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Crude oil edged lower as the market contemplated the outlook for rising OPEC supply, ANZ analysts said earlier today in a note, as quoted by Reuters. On the other hand, ING analysts noted President Trumps concession to the EU, which delayed the entry into effect of 50% tariffs to early July in case the two failed to seal a new trade deal. Also on the bullish side, President Trump threatened Russia with more sanctions after intensified strikes on Ukraine that followed a large-scale Ukrainian attack on Russian territory. As for OPEC+, the Dutch banks analysts have assumed that the group will indeed add another 411,000 barrels to its output in July, ensuring that the international oil market is well supplied during the second half of the year. Meanwhile, in an update on the ongoing attempt to negotiate a nuclear deal between the United States and Iran, the latters president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said that the country will be able to survive even if no deal is negotiated and sanctions remain in place. It's not like we will die of hunger if they refuse to negotiate with us or impose sanctions, Pezeshkian said, as quoted by Iranian state media. We will find a way to survive. If the two do reach a deal, the U.S. will likely lift sanctions on Irans oil industry, which would boost international flows of Iranian crude, depressing prices. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Albertas wildfire season is off to a fiery start, with a major blaze near the town of Swan Hills prompting evacuations and temporarily shuttering oil operations. The fireburning out of control and spanning roughly 1,600 hectaresis just 7 km from Swan Hills, forcing the towns 1,200 residents to flee Monday night. Aspenleaf Energy, active in the area, has shut in about 4,000 boepd and evacuated field crews out of precaution. CEO Bryan Gould said the fire was around 10 km from their assets as of Monday evening. Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ.TO), the countrys largest oil producer, also operates nearby but hasnt commented on the situation. This isnt Albertas first rodeo. Wildfires are a grim spring ritual in Canadas oil heartland. Last year, Alberta wildfires triggered evacuations in oil-producing areas. In 2023, over 319,000 boepd were shut in across the province amid more than 100 active blazes. And back in 2016, a catastrophic fire in Fort McMurray forced the evacuation of 90,000 people and slashed production by 1 million bpd. Swan Hills isnt the only area under threat. Another fire, about 390 hectares in size, is burning out of control in Yellowhead County. With 47 fires currently active in Albertatwo of them uncontrolledthe province is again juggling public safety with energy security. Albertas oil sands output has grown by 1.3 million bpd over the past decade, now hitting 3.3 million bpd and projected to rise to 3.8 million bpd by 2030. But with more infrastructure comes more risk. This years first major flare-up is a reminder: as wildfires become more frequent and more intense, Canadas oil patch remains deeply vulnerablenot just to market volatility, but to the whims of an increasingly combustible climate. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Oualata in Mauritania is one of a UNESCO-listed quartet of ancient, fortified towns or 'ksour' From his roof, Sidi Mohamed Lemine Sidiya scans the medieval town of Oualata, a treasure that is disappearing under the sands of the Mauritanian desert. "It's a magnificent, extraordinary town," said Sidiya, who is battling to preserve the place known as the "Shore of Eternity". Oualata is one of a UNESCO-listed quartet of ancient, fortified towns or "ksour", which in their heyday were trading and religious centers and now hold jewels dating back to the Middle Ages. Doors crafted from acacia wood and adorned with traditional motifs painted by local women still dot the town. Centuries-old manuscripts, a rich source of cultural and literary heritage handed down through the generations, are also held in family libraries. But the southeastern town near the border with Mali is vulnerable to the ravages of the Sahara's extreme conditions. In the punishing heat, piles of stone and walls that are ripped open bear witness to the impact of the latest, especially heavy, rainy season. "Many houses have collapsed because of the rains," Khady said, standing by her crumbling home, which she inherited from her grandparents. An exodus of people leaving Oualata only compounds the problem. "The houses became ruins because their owners left them," said Sidiya, a member of a national foundation dedicated to preserving the region's ancient towns. In their heyday, the ksour were trading and religious centers and now hold jewels dating back to the Middle Ages. Encroaching sands For decades, Oualata's population has been dwindling as residents move away in search of jobs, leaving nobody to maintain the historic buildings. Its traditional constructions are covered in a reddish mudbrick coating called banco and were designed to adapt to the conditions. But once the rains have stopped, the buildings need maintenance work. Much of the old town is now empty, with only around a third of the buildings inhabited. "Our biggest problem is desertification. Oualata is covered in sand everywhere," Sidiya said. Around 80% of Mauritania is affected by desertificationan extreme form of land degradationcaused by "climate change (and) inappropriate operating practices", according to the environment ministry. More plants and trees used to grow in the desert, Boubacar Diop, head of the ministry's Protection of Nature department, said. Oualata's population has been dwindling for decades, leaving few people to tend to the ancient texts. "The desert experienced a green period before the great desertification of the 1970s caused the installation of sand dunes," Diop said. By the 1980s, Oualata's mosque was so covered in sand that "people were praying on top of the mosque" rather than inside it, Bechir Barick, who teaches geography at Nouakchott University, said. Despite being battered by the wind and sand, Oualata has preserved relics attesting to its past glory as a city on the trans-Saharan caravan trade route and center of Islamic learning. "We inherited this library from our ancestors, founders of the town," Mohamed Ben Baty said, turning the pages of a 300-year-old manuscript in a banco-covered building that remains cool despite the outside temperature. Like his forebears, the imam is the repository of almost 1,000 years of knowledge, descending from a long line of scholars of the Koran. 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. 'Valuable' for researchers The family library has 223 manuscripts, the oldest of which dates to the 14th century, Ben Baty said. Mohamed Ben Baty manages Oualata's Taleb Boubacar Library Centuries-old manuscripts, which houses centuries-old manuscripts. In a tiny, cluttered room, he half-opened a cupboard to reveal its precious content: centuries-old writings whose survival might once have seemed in doubt. "These books, at one time, were very poorly maintained and exposed to destruction," Ben Baty said, pointing to water stains on sheets slipped into plastic sleeves. Books in the past were stored in trunks "but when it rains, the water seeps in and can spoil the books," he said. Part of the roof collapsed eight years ago during the rainy season. In the 1990s, Spain helped to fund the setting up of a library in Oualata which holds more than 2,000 books that were restored and digitally copied. But lack of financing now means their continued preservation depends on the goodwill of a few enthusiasts, like Ben Baty, who does not even live in Oualata all year round. "The library needs a qualified expert to ensure its management and sustainability because it contains a wealth of valuable documentation for researchers in various fields: languages, Koranic sciences, history, astronomy," he added. Rains have not only destroyed buildings in the town but also damaged the books. Oualata, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, needs money for renovations and investment. Oualata has no real tourism to rely onit has no hotel and the nearest town is two hours away traveling on just a track. It is also in an area where many countries advise against traveling to due to the threat of jihadist violence. Faced with the encroaching desert, trees were planted around the town three decades ago but it was not enough, Sidiya said. Several initiatives have sought to save Oualata and the three other ancient towns, which were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. An annual festival takes place in one of the four to raise money for renovations and investment to develop the towns and encourage people to stay. Once the sun drops behind the Dhaar mountains and the air cools, hundreds of children venture out into the streets and Oualata comes to life. 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: Growth mechanism of WBG perovskite films. a,b, Schematic diagram of the growth process of WBG perovskite films using precursor solutions without (a) (control) and with (b) (target) piracetam. c,d, DFT calculation models of piracetam adsorbed on (100) (c) and (110) (d) facets of WBG perovskite films. (e) Surface energies of (100) and (110) facets. (F) Binding energies of piracetam molecules on the (100) and (110) facets. (g,h,) SEM images of control (g) and target (h) WBG perovskite films. Scale bars, 200 nm. i,j, PL mapping images of control (i) and target (j) films deposited on HTL-coated substrates. Scale bars, 2 m. Credit: Nature Nanotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-025-01899-z All-perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs) are a class of solar cells comprised of two or more sub-cells that absorb light with different wavelengths, all of which are made of perovskites (i.e., materials with a characteristic crystal structure known to efficiently absorb light). These solar cells have been found to be highly promising energy solutions, as they could convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently than existing silicon-based solar cells. Despite their potential, most all-perovskite TSCs developed to date only perform well when they are small and their performance rapidly declines as their size increases. This has ultimately prevented them from being manufactured and deployed on a large-scale. Researchers at Wuhan University and other institutes in China recently introduced a new strategy for enhancing the performance of all-perovskite TSCs irrespective of their size, which could in turn contribute to their future commercialization. Their proposed approach for fabricating these cells, outlined in a paper published in Nature Nanotechnology, entails the use of piracetam, a chemical additive that can help to control the initial phase of crystal formation (i.e., nucleation) in wide-bandgap perovskites. "All-perovskite TSCs offer exceptional performance and versatile applicability," wrote Shiqiang Fu, Shun Zhou and their colleagues in their paper. "However, a significant challenge persists in bridging the power conversion efficiency (PCE) gap between small- and large-area (>1 cm2) devices, which presents a formidable barrier to the commercialization of all-perovskite TSCs. We introduce a specialized crystal-modifying agent, piracetam, tailored for wide-bandgap perovskites, homogenizing top wide-bandgap subcells and enabling the construction of efficient large-area TSCs." Piracetam, a synthetic compound with the molecular formula CHNO, was first introduced in the 1960s. As part of their study, the researchers used this compound as a crystal-modifying agent, or more specifically to control the growth of perovskite crystals and eliminate undesirable residual compounds, ultimately improving the performance of all-perovskite solar cells. "Piracetam, featuring amide and pyrrolidone moieties, initially modulates perovskite nucleation, resulting in large-sized grains, preferred (110) orientation, enhanced crystallinity and uniform optoelectronic properties," explained Fu, Zhou and their colleagues. "During the subsequent annealing process, it further eliminates residual PbI 2 and facilitates the formation of one-dimensional (Pi)PbI 3 (Pi = piracetam) perovskite nanoneedles at the grain boundaries and surfaces." The researchers used their proposed approach to synthesize smoother and high-quality wide-bandgap perovskite films, exhibiting fewer defects and an improved crystallinity. They then used these films to create both small and large TSCs, which they evaluated in a series of tests. "Single-junction 1.77 eV-bandgap solar cells achieve a certified open-circuit voltage of 1.36 V and a PCE of 20.35%," wrote Fu, Zhou, and their colleagues. "Furthermore, our monolithic two-terminal all-perovskite TSCs, with aperture areas of 0.07 cm2 and 1.02 cm2, yield PCEs of 28.71% (stabilized 28.55%, certified 28.13%) and 28.20% (stabilized 28.05%, certified 27.30%), respectively, demonstrating a minimal PCE loss of 0.51% when transitioning from small-area to large-area devices. "In addition, piracetam demonstrates broad applicability across different perovskite compositions, increasing the PCE from 23.56% to 25.71% for single-junction 1.56 eV-bandgap counterparts." The results of this recent study highlight the potential of piracetam as a crystal-modifying agent to improve the quality of wide-bandgap perovskite films for solar cells. In the future, the approach employed by Fu, Zhou and his colleagues could contribute to the advancement of all-perovskite TSCs, boosting their performance as they are scaled up and facilitating their widespread adoption. Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Lisa Lock, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Shiqiang Fu et al, Piracetam shapes wide-bandgap perovskite crystals for scalable perovskite tandems, Nature Nanotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-025-01899-z Journal information: Nature Nanotechnology 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dr. Abhishek Jain, Jennifer Lee and the vessel-chip. Credit: Texas A&M Engineering Blood vessels are like big-city highways; full of curves, branches, merges, and congestion. Yet for years, lab models replicated vessels like straight, simple roads. To better capture the complex architecture of real human blood vessels, researchers in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University have developed a customizable vessel-chip method, enabling more accurate vascular disease research and a drug discovery platform. Vessel-chips are engineered microfluidic devices that mimic human vasculature on a microscopic scale. These chips can be patient-specific and provide a non-animal method for pharmaceutical testing and studying blood flow. Jennifer Lee, a biomedical engineering master's student, joined Dr. Abhishek Jain's lab and designed an advanced vessel-chip that could replicate real variations in vascular structure. "There are branched vessels, or aneurysms that have sudden expansion, and then stenosis that restricts the vessel. All these different types of vessels cause the blood flow pattern to be significantly changed, and the inside of the blood vessel is affected by the level of shear stress caused by these flow patterns," Lee said. "That's what we wanted to model." The varying blood vessel shapes Dr. Abhishek Jain and Jennifer Lee have replicated on the vessel-chip. Credit: Dr. Abhishek Jain Lee's research was published in Lab on a Chip and came only a few years after her mentor and former biomedical engineering graduate student Dr. Tanmay Mathur designed the straight vessel-chip. Lee and Mathur conducted their research in the Bioinspired Translational Microsystems Laboratory under Jain, an associate professor and Barbara and Ralph Cox '53 faculty fellow in the biomedical engineering department. The research will also feature on the cover of the May 2025 issue of the journal. "We can now start learning about vascular disease in ways we've never been able to before," Jain said. "Not only can you make these structures complex, you can put actual cellular and tissue material inside them and make them living. These are the sites where vascular diseases tend to develop, so understanding them is critical." Lee entered Jain's lab as an undergraduate honors student seeking research experience. Lee said she didn't know much about the organs-on-a-chip platform but became interested in its potential to shape the future of medicine. As she transitioned into graduate studies, Lee developed an interest in vessel-chips and joined the Master of Science fast-track program to continue her newfound passion for research. "Jennifer demonstrated perseverance, curiosity, and creativity and started taking up research projects very quickly. Our fast-track program enables students like Jennifer to take on sort of high-impact, high-risk research and not just do a science project, but take it all the way to its outcome and get it published," Jain said. The vessel-chip. Credit: Texas A&M Engineering While this iteration of the vessel-chip improves physiological relevance, Jain and Lee hope to expand their research by including various cell types. Lee's research currently only uses endothelial cellsor cells that make up the lining of the blood vesselbut they hope to include other cells to see the effects of their interactions with each other and blood flow. 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. "We are progressing and creating what we call the fourth dimensionality of organs-on-a-chip, where we not only focus on the cells and the flow, but this interaction of cells and flow in more complex architectural states, which is a new direction in the field," Jain said. In addition to research experience, Lee has gained a multitude of soft skills and the ability to apply concepts learned in class to a real-world experience. "It's such a good environment to interact with not only peers but also graduate students and postdoctoral researchers," she said. "You're able to learn teamwork and communication, work ethic, and just trying different things out. I think it's such a valuable experience that students have available. We have such good faculty research labs." More information: Jennifer D. Lee et al, Vascular architecture-on-chip: engineering complex blood vessels for reproducing physiological and heterogeneous hemodynamics and endothelial function, Lab on a Chip (2025). DOI: 10.1039/D4LC00968A Journal information: Lab on a Chip 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: Each port is shown by a circle with a size proportional to the absolute change in ship arrivals per day and a color indicating the relative change with respect to the pre-tariff baseline scenario. Credit: ASCII The surprisingly announced 90-day tariff pause in the trade war between the US and China could destabilize global maritime trade more than the tariff increases imposed so far. While the tariff shock almost completely paralyzed trade between the world's two largest economieswith a drop in trade volumes at US ports of up to around 60%there is now a threat of a "rebound effect," an abrupt increase in demand up to 150%. The expected consequences are price increases, logistical bottlenecks, congestion, and delays in maritime transportationespecially on the US West Coastsimilar to what was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are the key findings of a recent report by the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), Supply Chain Intelligence Institute Austria (ASCII), and Delft University of Technology. Using a simulation model, the report now shows how severely the trade conflicts of recent months have affected global shipping and how necessary it is that the global economy prepares for the recovery phase that is now beginning. The authors of the report warn of a destabilization of global tradewith particularly drastic consequences for maritime transport. As around 90% of global trade is transported by sea, shifts in capacity and rising freight costs could put a strain on supply chains worldwidewith noticeable consequences for European companies too. "While the abrupt tariff increases were drastic but calculable, the current recovery is being met with unresolved structural bottlenecks and a lack of preparation. The now sudden threat of an increase in US-China trade could drive up global shipping costs as capacity is shifted to clear backlogs. This in turn could lead to higher export and import costs for European companies. "The next weeks will be a litmus test for the resilience of global maritime trade and could be accompanied by bottlenecks like during the COVID-19 crisis," explains CSH researcher and ASCII Director Peter Klimek. Rebound effect looming: Tariff pause could lead to massive congestion According to the report, the suspension of tariffs could have a more drastic impact on global shipping than the recent tariff shock. The tariff pause that has now begun could lead to US companies wanting to replenish their stocks at record speed and reorder backlogged supplies on a large scalea catch-up effect that could lead to a drastic increase in shipping traffic and overload entire ports. Conversely, if companies are waiting to restock due to uncertainty over whether they will be able to close deals within the 90-day pause, the subsequent rebound could be even larger. The authors of the report anticipate a 150% increase in deliveries to the U.S. The number of ship arrivals in Long Beach-Los Angeles could increase by 73%the equivalent of around 19 additional ships per day. An increase of 61% is expected in Oakland and 56% in Tacoma. Overall, US container traffic could increase by almost 19%. This increase will be offset by small declines in almost all other regions of the world, in particular Japan, Korea, and the EU. This is likely to increase the cost of shipping along these routes. Relative change in container shipping due to the tariffs. Credit: ASCII "The expected resurgence in tradeespecially towards the U.S.could lead to logistical bottlenecks and port congestion, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemicwith corresponding risks of delays and congestion. Back then, some ships had to wait more than 20 days to be unloaded off the US west coast. "There is a similar risk of congestion now if no countermeasures are taken. The congestion of ports and logistics networks could massively disrupt supply chains and lead to significant price increases," explains Klimek. 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. Trade war caused massive cancellations: Around 10% 'blank sailings' The trade war between the U.S. and China has caused noticeable disruption to maritime traffic worldwide. According to the report, around 500 container ships were traveling on routes between the two countries before the tariff increasesthis corresponds to around 6% of all container ships worldwide that were potentially affected by the trade war and the tariff measures. Many of these ships were transporting goods that were ordered before the tariff measures but were no longer in demand due to the increased tariffs. As a result, containers had to be reloaded, rerouted, or temporarily stored, which led to delivery bottlenecks, orphaned containers in transit, and longer handling times. These disruptions led to a noticeable global decline in the movement of goods and so-called "blank sailings": according to the World Container Index, around 10% of all ship journeys were canceled in April and May 2025. By way of comparison: during the pandemic, the rate of downtime was up to around 20%. Trade war rerouted global shipping: Europe and South America benefited According to the model-based simulation, US West Coast ports have experienced a sharp decline in container traffic due to the near-total collapse of the US-China trade, whereas ports in Europe and South America have benefited from the diversion of global shipping routes. The model suggests that in Long Beach-Los Angeles, one of the country's most important ports, the number of container ships could theoretically have fallen by more than 63%, equivalent to roughly 17 fewer ships per day. In China, by contrast, the most affected port, Ningbo, could have experienced a much smaller decline of around 4%, due to greater diversification of trade flows. Each port is shown by a circle with a size proportional to the absolute change in ship arrivals per day and a color indicating the relative change with respect to the pre-tariff baseline scenario. Credit: ASCII The model also suggests that the redundant shipping capacity is likely to have been shifted to the South American and European routes, which in the simulation showed increases in shipping of 5% and 2%, respectively. "We assume that many Chinese exports were redirected quickly to other markets such as Europe and South America. As a result, ships are now lacking on the China-US routewhich could lead to bottlenecks if demand rises again, putting even more strain on an already overloaded system," says Mitja Devetak, research associate at ASCII and Ph.D. candidate at CSH. Political uncertainties jeopardize global trade and supply chains The authors of the report emphasize that the ongoing political uncertainties are increasingly jeopardizing international trade, especially in the maritime sector. In order to overcome the associated challenges, port authorities and political decision-makers need to take coordinated and forward-looking political measures and invest in infrastructure. Companies should make their supply chains more resilient and minimize risks through strategic warehousing and alternative procurement sources. The authors warn that short-term fluctuations in demand in particulartriggered by customs measurescould destabilize global supply chains within a matter of weeks. "The trade conflict is a wake-up call for our economy. It shows how quickly political decisions can translate into very real bottlenecks at ports and in supply chains. The ongoing uncertainty in trade illustrates how important it is to shape trade agreements and tariffs carefully in order to avoid destabilizing global supply chains again," concludes Klimek. About the report The current report by the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), Supply Chain Intelligence Institute Austria (ASCII), and TU Delft, analyzes the effects of the US-China trade war on global maritime trade for the first time using its simulation model TIDES. The TIDES model takes into account 1,315 container ports worldwide and simulates maritime container trade as a network transport process based on a detailed maritime transport network with 10,000 container ships. 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: Wound healing in Atlantic salmon. Credit: BMC Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12915-025-02196-w University of Stirling scientists have discovered cells in the skin of Atlantic salmon that offer new insights into how wounds heal, tissues regenerate, and cellular transitions support long-term skin health. By understanding how skin cells remodel and heal tissue, researchers hope to develop new strategies to enhance tissue integrity and reduce non-healing wounds, potentially improving salmon farming mortality rates. Research led by Dr. Rose Ruiz Daniels of the University's Institute of Aquaculture uncovered the previously unknown population of stem cells. Published in BMC Biology, the study, "Transcriptomic characterization of transitioning cell types in the skin of Atlantic salmon," reveals that fibroblast-like stem cellsknown as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)play a central role in the remodeling phase of wound healing, which is critical for restoring skin integrity following injury. Using advanced cell profiling technologiessingle-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomicsthe researchers profiled skin cells during a wound healing time course. Dr. Rose Ruiz Daniels said, "We found MSCs at both the wound site and in intact skin, suggesting these adult stem cells are a stable and functional part of salmon skin, and likely to be involved in maintaining its barrier and structural properties. "These cells become more transcriptionally active during the remodeling stage of healing and show signs of differentiating into multiple tissue types including bone and fat. "This hints at a broader regenerative capacity in fish skin than previously understood, potentially linking repair processes in the skin to those in deeper tissues like muscle, scales, and connective tissue." MSC-like cells are well characterized in mammals, but this study suggests that in teleost fish such as salmon, these cells may retain higher pluripotencyor stemnessmeaning they can take on a wider range of regenerative roles. This raises the possibility that fish skin regeneration may operate through more flexible cellular pathways than in terrestrial vertebrates. The study also maps the spatial niches of various MSC subclusters, laying the groundwork for future studies aimed at manipulating these cells to improve tissue repair, resilience, and overall fish health. Dr. Ruiz Daniels added, "These findings have potentially far-reaching implications for aquaculture. Barrier tissue health, particularly of the skin and gills, is a major challenge in Atlantic salmon farming and a leading cause of mortality in sea cages. "There is an urgent need for innovative biotechnological approaches to enhance fish health, as aquaculture also faces mounting challenges from climate change, including heightened disease risks and increased thermal uncertainties. "By understanding how skin cells remodel and heal tissue, we hope to develop new strategies to enhance tissue integrity and reduce non-healing wounds at barrier tissues." This study is a collaborative effort across institutions including the University of Stirling, the Roslin Institute, Nofima, and the University of Prince Edward Island. More information: R. Ruiz Daniels et al, Transcriptomic characterization of transitioning cell types in the skin of Atlantic salmon, BMC Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12915-025-02196-w Journal information: BMC Biology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Stanley Morales from Pexels Students become more conscientious, open and competitive when they spend time with peers or friends who also exhibit these traits, according to a study conducted at the University of Zurich. It is the first study to systematically explore how students' personalities are shaped by their peers. The findings are published in the journal Review of Economics and Statistics. Do the people around us shape our personality? According to the theory of group socialization, our personality is strongly influenced by our desire to belong to and assert ourselves in social groups, such as at university, a period rich with social interaction. However, to date, there has been no strong evidence of a causal link between peer influence and personal development. A study by Ulf Zolitz, professor of economics at the University of Zurich (UZH), and Xiaoyue Shan from the National University of Singapore has now filled this research gap. The researchers conducted a randomized field experiment with undergraduate students, confirming that our personality is malleable and influenced by our peers. Big Five traits The researchers' study involved more than 1,200 students in a popular Bachelor's degree program in Switzerland. Prior to the study, the students' personalities were assessed and categorized according to the Big Five traits, i.e. openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. A measure of competitiveness was also included. Participants were then randomly assigned to four-person study groups in which they engaged in frequent study-related interactions over one semester. To assess the long-term effects, the researchers conducted follow-up personality trait surveys for up to four years after the experiment. More competitive, open and conscientious The results revealed that students experienced personality "spillovers": they became more conscientious, open or competitive when grouped with peers who already possessed those traits. However, the researchers found no significant changes in extraversion, agreeableness or neuroticism. "One explanation is that conscientious peers increased the frequency of study-related interactions, reducing stress and anxiety in their group members," says Ulf Zolitz. Students were especially likely to adopt traits that are beneficial in academic settings, such as conscientiousness and competitiveness. This supports the concept of motivated personality change, where individuals selectively internalize traits that help them succeed. "Our findings suggest that exposure to peers with productive personality traits can be just as influential as being surrounded by high-performing students," says Zolitz. Long-term implications The long-term surveys confirmed that the spillovers in conscientiousness and competitiveness persisted for up to four years, while the effects of openness diminished over time. "At the individual level, being aware of your peers' and friends' personality traits is crucial for your own personal development," says Zolitz. At the collective level, personality spillovers have broader implications. This insight could be valuable for policymakers and educators who make decisions about group formation or class assignments, as well as for families choosing schools or neighborhoods. The results also raise important questions about whether economic and social preferences are similarly influenced by the peer environment. Future research could explore how peer groups shape these aspects of individual behavior. Chinese proficiency contest concludes in Rwanda Xinhua) 10:11, May 27, 2025 KIGALI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for Rwandan university and secondary school students has concluded in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, where participants showcased remarkable language abilities and cultural talents. Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda and organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, the event held on Sunday featured poetry recitation, calligraphy, speeches, dance performances, and Chinese pop music. Blaise Irafasha, a student from the University of Rwanda, expressed excitement after emerging as the winner. "I'm very happy. This is a dream come true since secondary school," he told Xinhua. "I took part in the Chinese Bridge competition three times in secondary school, finishing second and third. Now, as a university student, I've finally won. My belief is: never give up." Irafasha said he is ready to compete with international students in the final global competition in China and hopes to pursue a bachelor's degree in the Chinese language. Zeng Guangyu, co-director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, noted a remarkable improvement in this year's performances, saying the competition drew many outstanding participants. Florien Nsanganwimana, principal of the College of Education at the University of Rwanda, said that over the past 15 years, they have trained more than 20,000 Rwandans who now serve as bridges between the two countries. "This is a remarkable milestone that reflects the growing friendship and cooperation between China and Rwanda," he said. Valens Ngaboyera, an official from the Rwandan Ministry of Education, said the students presented something far greater than a language competition. "We have seen the power of cultural exchange, the beauty of youthful ambition, and the bridges that are built when we open our hearts and minds to each other's heritage," he said. In recent years, "Chinese Bridge" has grown from unmarked to a well-known brand of cultural exchange between China and foreign countries due to enthusiastic support and active participation, according to Lin Hang, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda. This year marks the 54th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Rwanda. Lin said that education has always been an important driving force for the development of bilateral relations and one of the most dynamic and promising areas of cooperation between the two countries. She described the "Chinese Bridge" as not only a platform to showcase and evaluate Chinese language learning but also a valuable symbol of China-Rwanda educational cooperation. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) 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: Fig. 1. Left: Gruneisen parameter 0K as a function of J/Bx at the thermodynamic limit (N) in the usual formalism, where the divergence of 0K can be observed. The stars indicate the 0K values for q = 0.01 (cyan), q = 37-6=0.0828... (blue), and q = 0.7 (purple). The paramagnetic (left) and ferromagnetic (right) quantum phases are represented. Right: Theory already regularized where, for q = 37-6=0.0828... (blue dots), there is no divergence in 0K, even at the thermodynamic limit. Credit: Physical Review B (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.111.L060409 Statistical mechanics is one of the pillars of modern physics. Ludwig Boltzmann (18441906) and Josiah Willard Gibbs (18391903) were its primary formulators. They both worked to establish a bridge between macroscopic physics, which is described by thermodynamics, and microscopic physics, which is based on the behavior of atoms and molecules. The Austrian physicist Boltzmann explained the second law of thermodynamics in statistical terms. He defined the entropy of a system based on the number of possible microstates it could assume. Unlike Boltzmann, who focused more on the physics of gases and the distribution of particles in equilibrium, the American Gibbs developed a general mathematical formalism that could be extended to more complex systems. Together, their contributions formed the basis of a physics capable of modeling a wide variety of phenomena. However, Boltzmann-Gibbs statistical mechanics has limitations. For example, its predictions can fail when a system is in certain regimes, such as phase transitions or critical phenomena. For instance, statistical mechanics predicts the divergence of certain thermodynamic quantities at critical points, which is not observed experimentally. This has led to the development of the so-called "non-extensive statistical mechanics," a generalization of Boltzmann-Gibbs-von Neumann-Shannon statistical mechanics proposed by the Greek-Brazilian physicist Constantino Tsallis. A new study led by Mariano de Souza at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), in collaboration with Constantino Tsallis at the Brazilian Center for Physics Research (CBPF), has focused on the problem of divergence at critical points. The results are published in the journal Physical Review B. "Entropy quantifies the number of possible microstates of a system. In the context of Boltzmann-Gibbs statistical mechanics, this entropy is extensive, i.e., it grows proportionally to the size of the system. However, at critical points and phase transitions, this extensiveness can be violated due to the emergence of long-range correlations between particles," says Souza. "This means that the traditional approach predicts the divergence of quantities such as isothermal magnetic susceptibility and the coefficient of thermal expansion, something that does not match experimental reality. "A widely used tool for studying these phenomena is the Gruneisen parameter (), which relates thermal expansion to the specific heat of the material. According to Boltzmann-Gibbs statistical mechanics, this parameter should also diverge at critical points. However, in practice, it isn't possible to measure infinite values for physical quantities, indicating that the theory needs to be regularized." In 1988, based on the concept of multifractals, Tsallis proposed a generalization of the Boltzmann-Gibbs-von Neumann-Shannon entropy, known as non-additive entropy S q . This formulation introduces an entropic index (q), which makes it possible to adjust how probabilities are accounted for when calculating entropy. Under normal circumstances, the Boltzmann-Gibbs theory remains valid. However, in systems exhibiting critical phenomena, a specific value of q can restore the extensiveness of the entropy and eliminate the divergences predicted by the traditional theory. 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. "Inspired by this approach, we reformulated the Gruneisen parameter in S q terms. To do this, we used the quantum version of the Gruneisen parameter, 0K, to study one of the simplest models with a quantum critical point: the one-dimensional Ising model under the action of a transverse magnetic field, as shown in Figure 1. "The results showed that the limit of 0K is infinite for q > q special , zero for q < q special , and finite and non-zero only for q = q special , where q special is the value of the index q that recovers the extensiveness of the entropy. "In other words, while conventional theory predicted divergence at critical points, the new approach based on non-additive entropy regularizes these divergences and provides finite values consistent with experimental observations," says Souza. The results of the study offer new insights into critical phenomena in complex systems. The regularization of the theory can be applied to a variety of systems, from magnetic materials to condensed matter systems and quantum fluid dynamics. "We believe that this approach can provide valuable insights into critical phenomena in different contexts," comments Souza. In addition to Souza and Tsallis, the study featured the participation of master's student Samuel Martignago Soares and postdoctoral student Lucas Squillante, both from Souza's team, as well as postdoctoral student Henrique Santos Lima from the CBPF. Provided by FAPESP 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 world map showing changes in global photic zones between 2003 and 2022. Reds indicate regions where the oceans are getting darker, while blues indicate regions where oceans are getting lighter and white indicates regions where there was no statistically significant change over the period. Credit: University of Plymouth More than one-fifth of the global oceanan area spanning more than 75 million sq kmhas been the subject of ocean darkening over the past two decades, according to new research. Ocean darkening occurs when changes in the optical properties of the ocean reduce the depth of its photic zones, home to 90% of all marine life and places where sunlight and moonlight drive ecological interactions. For the new study, published in Global Change Biology, researchers used a combination of satellite data and numerical modeling to analyze annual changes in the depth of photic zones all over the planet. They found that between 2003 and 2022, 21% of the global oceanincluding large expanses of both coastal regions and the open oceanhad become darker. In addition to this, more than 9% of the oceanan area of more than 32 million sq km, similar in size to the continent of Africahad seen photic zone depths reducing by more than 50 meters, while 2.6% saw the photic zone reduced by more than 100 m. However, the picture is not solely of a darkening ocean with around 10% of the oceanmore than 37 million sq kmbecoming lighter over the past 20 years. While the precise implications of the changes are not wholly clear, the researchers say it could affect huge numbers of the planet's marine species and the ecosystem services provided by the ocean as a whole. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, who have spent more than a decade examining the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the world's coasts and oceans. They say that is not directly connected to ocean darkening, however, with the changes likely being as a result of a combination of nutrient, organic material and sediment loading near the coasts, caused by factors such as agricultural runoff and increased rainfall. In the open ocean, they believe it will be down to factors such as changes in algal bloom dynamics and shifts in sea surface temperatures, which have reduced light penetration into surface waters. A map focused on the UK and North Atlantic Ocean showing changes identified through this projectred areas indicate regions where the oceans are getting darker, while blues indicate regions where they are getting lighter. Credit: University of Plymouth Dr. Thomas Davies, associate professor of marine conservation at the University of Plymouth, said, "There has been research showing how the surface of the ocean has changed color over the last 20 years, potentially as a result of changes in plankton communities. But our results provide evidence that such changes cause widespread darkening that reduces the amount of ocean available for animals that rely on the sun and the moon for their survival and reproduction. "We also rely on the ocean and its photic zones for the air we breathe, the fish we eat, our ability to fight climate change, and for the general health and well-being of the planet. Taking all of that into account, our findings represent genuine cause for concern." Professor Tim Smyth, head of science for marine biogeochemistry and observations at the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, added, "The ocean is far more dynamic than it is often given credit for. For example, we know the light levels within the water column vary massively over any 24-hour period, and animals whose behavior is directly influenced by light are far more sensitive to its processes and change. "If the photic zone is reducing by around 50 m in large swathes of the ocean, animals that need light will be forced closer to the surface where they will have to compete for food and the other resources they need. That could bring about fundamental changes in the entire marine ecosystem." 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. Assessing changes in the ocean's photic zones To assess changes in the photic zone, the researchers used data from NASA's Ocean Color Web, which breaks the global ocean down into a series of 9 km pixels. This satellite derived data enabled them to observe changes on the ocean surface for each of these pixels, while an algorithm developed to measure light in sea water was used to define the depth of the photic zone in each location. They also used solar and lunar irradiance models to examine particular changes that might impact marine species during daylight and moonlight conditions, demonstrating that changes in photic zone depth at night were small compared to daytime, but remained ecologically important. A shifting global picture of ocean change The most prominent changes in photic zone depth in the open ocean were observed at the top of the Gulf Stream, and around both the Arctic and Antarctic, areas of the planet experiencing the most pronounced shifts as a result of climate change. Darkening is also widespread in coastal regions and enclosed seassuch as the Baltic Seawhere rainfall on land brings sediment and nutrients into the sea, stimulating plankton growth and reducing light availability. Around the UK, however, the picture was mixed. The study indicated that areas of the North Sea and Celtic Sea, the eastern coasts of England and Scotland, the coastlines of Wales, and the northern elements of the Irish Sea have all become darker over the past two decades. However, much of the English Channel and regions stretching from the north of Scotland to the Orkney and Shetland Islands have become lighter. More information: Thomas W. Davies et al, Darkening of the Global Ocean, Global Change Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.70227 Journal information: Global Change Biology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Venus flytraps are seen at the Carolina Beach State Park on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Carolina Beach, N.C. Credit: AP Photo/Erik Verduzco Park ranger Jesse Anderson leads dozens of people on a weekly hike in North Carolina to see some of the most unique living things in the worldplants that supplement the nutrients they get from sunlight by digesting ants, flies and spiders. But the Venus flytraps aren't like the human-size, ravenous and cruel Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors." In the wild, Venus flytraps are the size of a lima bean and pose no harm to anything other than insects. Their special hairs snap their leaves together when brushedbut only twice in about 20 seconds or less to reduce the amount of false alarms by dust or rain. Once inside, the insect is doomed to become plant food, Anderson said. "It continues to trigger those hairs and the trap slowly closes and eventually starts releasing digestive enzymes to start breaking down the insect. And because they're in nutrient-poor environments, they supplement their food with insects," Anderson said. Anderson's hike at Carolina Beach State Park on the southeast North Carolina coast also showcases other carnivorous plants. There are vase-shaped pitcher plants with liquid at the bottom that traps insects, then digests them. Butterworts and sundews attract insects with glistening leaves, then secrete an adhesive to trap them in place. Bladderworts work similarly to Venus flytraps. A hornet sits on a pitcher plant at the Carolina Beach State Park on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Carolina Beach, N.C. Credit: AP Photo/Erik Verduzco And the hike is one of the few places to see Venus flytraps. The plant only grows in 12 counties in southeast North Carolina near Wilmington and a few nearby places in South Carolina, which made the organism the state's official carnivorous plant in 2023. Now is an especially good time to take that hike. Venus flytraps bloom from about mid-May to mid-June, Anderson said. The flytrap is a fragile plant that needs fire to survive. Wildfires in the pine forests where they grow clear off the denser overgrowth to provide the abundant sunlight the plants need. They face two big enemiespoachers and development. Harvesting the plants without permission is a felony in North Carolina and a misdemeanor in South Carolina. In 2016, a man was sentenced to 17 months in prison for taking nearly 1,000 Venus flytraps from game land in Hampstead, North Carolina. Park ranger Jesse Anderson searches for Venus flytraps during a weekly carnivorous plant hike Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Carolina Beach, N.C. Credit: AP Photo/Erik Verduzco Park ranger Jesse Anderson speaks to visitors during a weekly carnivorous plant hike Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Carolina Beach, N.C. Credit: AP Photo/Erik Verduzco Park ranger Jesse Anderson speaks during a weekly carnivorous plant hike Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Carolina Beach, N.C. Credit: AP Photo/Erik Verduzco Park ranger Jesse Anderson shows a pitcher plant to visitors during a weekly carnivorous plant hike Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Carolina Beach, N.C. Credit: AP Photo/Erik Verduzco Park ranger Jesse Anderson, right, speaks to visitors during a weekly carnivorous plant hike Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Carolina Beach, N.C. Credit: AP Photo/Erik Verduzco And the flytraps live in one of the fastest-growing parts of the U.S., where neighborhoods and businesses have been built over their habitats. Most of the plants can now be found in preserves and other undisturbed areas. Scientists counted only about 300,000 flytraps in the Carolinas several years ago. While Anderson's hike is one of the few ways to see Venus flytraps in their natural environment, he said commercially grown plants can be found around in greenhouses and plant stores around the world and can thrive in homes in the right conditions "They like nutrient-poor soils, and also they can't stand typical well water or tap water. So they need things like rainwater or distilled water or versus osmosis," Anderson said. Venus flytraps need abundant sunlight and soils that are moist but not drenched. And they don't have to eat bugs if they can get enough nutrients from photosynthesis. Please don't feed them hamburger meatthat's not what they eat. And try not to trigger the leaves shut without something to digest. That takes a lot of energy the plant needs to replace. 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: January 2025 Los Angeles Fires. (a) Map of Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Kenneth Fires on a population density backgroundpopulation count is demonstrated in 100x100 m grids. (b),(d) Structures within and surrounding burned areaspartially or fully destroyed structures are shown in red and those that survived are shown in green. (c),(e) Land cover impacted by each fire. Credit: Sadegh et al (2025), DOI: 10.53328/INR25MOS003 A new publication by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), January 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires: Once-in-a-Generation Events Now Happen Frequently, highlights the alarming trend of increasingly frequent and destructive urban wildfires, drawing critical lessons from the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. These events, the Palisades and Eaton fires, collectively destroyed nearly 16,250 structures and directly exposed approximately 41,000 people, ranking them as the second- and third-most destructive wildfires in California's history, according to the analysis. The fires, which started on January 7, 2025, spread rapidly through urban areas of Los Angeles County, fueled by severe drought conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds. The rapid spread into densely populated areas resulted in 29 fatalities and widespread population displacement, underscoring the heightened risks posed by human development in wildfire-prone areas. "Our study highlights the low survival rate of buildings in the January 2025 Los Angeles fires due to compounding impacts of climate-related and direct human factors," says Dr. Mojtaba Sadegh, Climate and Wildfire Analytics Lead at UNU-INWEH and lead author of the publication. The authors emphasize that while the burned areas were not exceptionally large, the significant portion impacting urban areas led to the high level of devastation. Key drivers identified include vegetation growth followed by dry conditions (hydroclimate whiplash), powerful Santa Ana winds, and human-caused ignitions during critical dry-hot-windy conditions. Climate change is noted for exacerbating these conditions. In response to these growing threats, the UNU-INWEH's incident analysis puts forth several critical recommendations, including prioritizing policies to decrease human-caused ignitions, especially during high-risk weather; promoting home hardening, defensible space, and community preparedness to protect communities in the wildland-urban interface (WUI); encouraging ecologically appropriate vegetation management to reduce fuel loads; investing in advanced technologies for early detection, prediction, and suppression to enhance wildfire prediction and response; and implementing stricter zoning regulations and promoting fire-resilient design to strengthen land-use planning. "The investigation clearly tells us that disasters like the Los Angeles wildfires are multi-faceted. Analysts must be extremely careful and avoid introducing one single cause, such as climate change, bad management decisions, and poor response, for complex disasters like this," states Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH and a co-author of this publication. "Reductionist thinking leads to wrong policy advice and decisions," he adds. The analysis utilized satellite and population data to assess the impacts of wildfires, highlighting that working-age adults accounted for more than half of the direct exposures, followed by minors and older adults. The January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities in an era of increasing extreme events. More information: Mojtaba Sadegh et al, January 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires: Once-in-a-Generation Events Now Happen Frequently, (2025). DOI: 10.53328/INR25MOS003 collections.unu.edu/eserv/UNU: e_Mojtaba_Sadegh.pdf This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This image of a prominence above the solar surface is a snapshot of a 4-minute time-lapse movie that reveals its rapid, fine, and turbulent restructuring with unprecedented detail. The sun's fluffy-looking surface is covered by "spicules," short-lived plasma jets, whose creation is still subject of scientific debate. The streaks on the right of this image are coronal rain falling down onto the sun's surface. This image was taken by the Goode Solar Telescope at Big Bear Solar Observatory using the new coronal adaptive optics system Cona. The image shows the hydrogen-alpha light emitted by the solar plasma. The image is artificially colorized, yet based on the color of hydrogen-alpha light, and darker color is brighter light. Credit: Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02564-0 The sun's coronathe outermost layer of its atmosphere, visible only during a total solar eclipsehas long intrigued scientists due to its extreme temperatures, violent eruptions, and large prominences. However, turbulence in Earth's atmosphere has caused image blur and hindered observations of the corona. A recent development by scientists from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) National Solar Observatory (NSO), and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), is changing that by using adaptive optics to remove the blur. As published in Nature Astronomy, this pioneering "coronal adaptive optics" technology has produced the most astonishing, clearest images and videos of fine-structure in the corona to date. This development will open the door for deeper insights into the corona's enigmatic behavior and the processes driving space weather. This image of a solar prominence is a snapshot of a 19-minute time-lapse movie showing how plasma "dances" and twists with the sun's magnetic field. This image was taken by the Goode Solar Telescope at Big Bear Solar Observatory using the new coronal adaptive optics system Cona. The image shows the hydrogen-alpha light emitted by the solar plasma. The image is artificially colorized, yet based on the color of hydrogen-alpha light, and darker color is brighter light. Credit: Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02564-0 Most detailed coronal images to date revealed Installed at the 1.6-meter Goode Solar Telescope (GST), operated by NJIT's Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research (CSTR) at Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) in California, "Cona"the adaptive optics system responsible for these new imagescompensates for the blur caused by air turbulence in Earth's atmosphere similar to the bumpy air passengers feel during a flight. "The turbulence in the air severely degrades images of objects in space, like our sun, seen through our telescopes. But we can correct for that," says Dirk Schmidt, NSO Adaptive Optics Scientist who led the development. Among the team's remarkable observations is a movie of a quickly restructuring solar prominence unveiling fine, turbulent internal flows. Solar prominences are large, bright features, often appearing as arches or loops, extending outward from the sun's surface. Dense and cool quiescent prominence with complex internal flows. Credit: Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02564-0 A second movie replays the rapid formation and collapse of a finely structured plasma stream. "These are by far the most detailed observations of this kind, showing features not previously observed, and it's not quite clear what they are," says Vasyl Yurchyshyn, co-author of the study and NJIT-CSTR research professor. "It is super exciting to build an instrument that shows us the sun like never before," Schmidt adds. Twisted plasmoid in the post-flare coronal loop system resolved with adaptive optics and compared to SDO/AIA images. Credit: Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02564-0 A third movie shows fine strands of coronal raina phenomenon where cooling plasma condenses and falls back toward the sun's surface. "Raindrops in the sun's corona can be narrower than 20 kilometers," NSO Astronomer Thomas Schad concludes from the most detailed images of coronal rain to date, "These findings offer new invaluable observational insight that is vital to test computer models of coronal processes." Post-flare coronal rain. The video was digitally stabilized to compensate for drifts and rotation. Credit: Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02564-0 Another movie shows the dramatic motion of a solar prominence being shaped by the sun's magnetism. Dynamic prominence with large-scale twist alongside the raining coronal material. Credit: Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02564-0 A breakthrough in solar adaptive optics The corona is heated to millions of degreesmuch hotter than the sun's surfaceby mechanisms unknown to scientists. It is also home to dynamic phenomena of much cooler solar plasma that appears reddish-pink during eclipses. Scientists believe that resolving the structure and dynamics of the cooler plasma at small scales holds a key to answering the coronal heating mystery and improving our understanding of eruptions that eject plasma into space driving space weatheri.e., the conditions in Earth's near-space environment primarily influenced by the sun's activity (e.g., solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and the solar wind) that can impact technology and systems on Earth and in space. The precision required demands large telescopes and adaptive optics systems like the one developed by this team. The GST system Cona uses a mirror that continuously reshapes itself 2,200 times per second to counteract the image degradation caused by turbulent air. "Adaptive optics is like a pumped-up autofocus and optical image stabilization in your smartphone camera, but correcting for the errors in the atmosphere rather than the user's shaky hands," says BBSO Optical Engineer and Chief Observer, Nicolas Gorceix. Since the early 2000s, adaptive optics have been used in large solar telescopes to restore images of the sun's surface to their full potential, enabling telescopes to reach their theoretical diffraction limitsi.e., the theoretical maximum resolution of an optical system. These systems have since revolutionized observing the sun's surface, but until now, have not been useful for observations in the corona; and the resolution of features beyond the solar limb stagnated at an order of 1,000 kilometers or worselevels achieved 80 years ago. "The new coronal adaptive optics system closes this decades-old gap and delivers images of coronal features at 63 kilometers resolutionthe theoretical limit of the 1.6-meter Goode Solar Telescope," says Thomas Rimmele, NSO Chief Technologist who built the first operational adaptive optics for the sun's surface, and motivated the development. 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. Implications for the future The coronal adaptive optics system is now available at the GST. "This technological advancement is a game-changer, there is a lot to discover when you boost your resolution by a factor of 10," Schmidt says. The team now knows how to overcome the resolution limit imposed by Earth's lowest region of the atmospherei.e., the troposphereon observations beyond the solar limb and is working to apply the technology at the 4-meter NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, built and operated by the NSO in Maui, Hawaii. The world's largest solar telescope would see even smaller details in the sun's atmosphere. "This transformative technology, which is likely to be adopted at observatories world-wide, is poised to reshape ground-based solar astronomy," says Philip R. Goode, distinguished research professor of physics at NJIT-CSTR and former director at BBSO, who co-authored the study. "With coronal adaptive optics now in operation, this marks the beginning of a new era in solar physics, promising many more discoveries in the years and decades to come." More information: Dirk Schmidt et al, Observations of fine coronal structures with high-order solar adaptive optics, Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02564-0 Journal information: Nature Astronomy 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 Refugees are more likely to suffer from mental health problems than the average person due to their migration experiences and socioeconomic status. Psychosocial support helps, but it should not stand alone. Further investment is needed in the social lives of refugees and undocumented migrants, for example by giving them access to work and education. This is the argument put forward by social scientist Tessa Ubels. "People often come to see their psychologist as a friend. That is not a problem in itself, but it is if they have no other friends." Ubels will defend her thesis at Radboud University on 2 June. The psychosocial consequences of (forced) migration are significant. Migrants often struggle with stress, loss and feelings of exclusion. "We already know that psychosocial support helps combat anxiety and depression," explains Ubels. "But we didn't know much about the role of psychosocial support in the social lives of refugees. If your mental health is not so good, this often has an impact on your social life, because you tend to socialize less. When people have fewer social contacts, support programs are less effective." To map out this social situation, Ubels asked people how many contacts they had in their new environment and whether they were working. "Conversations with a psychologist work particularly well if someone also talks to friends or acquaintances in the area and is not solely dependent on the psychologist." The Netherlands and Uganda Ubels conducted extensive research among a group of undocumented migrants in the Netherlands and refugees in Uganda. In the Netherlands, this includes rejected asylum seekers who are sometimes unable to return to their home countries and people whose residence permits have expired. "This is a group that is in a very vulnerable position," says the researcher. "There are an estimated 40,000 undocumented migrants in the Netherlands, but because they often remain under the radar, it is difficult to keep in touch with them." In Uganda, it was easier to talk to refugees. Ubels visited a settlement there that has existed for almost 70 years and is home to more than 170,000 refugees. "In that community, refugees' rights are well regulated, but there are insufficient facilities. It's the other way around for undocumented migrants in the Netherlands: There is enough health care here, but this group has limited access to it." Bread on the table The people she followed participated in various aid programs. In the Netherlands, there were undocumented migrants who regularly had conversations with a psychologist, while others attended group workshops or exchanged experiences with others about coping with stress or accessing health care. In Uganda, Ubels followed a program in which refugees help each other in difficult situations. "Psychosocial support is important to give people more confidence in themselves and in their future," says Ubels. "But it is not the solution. In the Ugandan program, refugees also set up their own small businesses or grow food, enabling them to support themselves. And in the Netherlands, people who do some (voluntary) work are often better off because people see them. "If you want aid programs to work in the long term, the basic conditions must be in place: enough money and food in the house." These basic conditions are coming under increasing pressure due to cuts in development cooperation and stricter migration policies. According to Ubels, refugees and undocumented migrants in the Netherlands also benefit from aid programs that are not specifically aimed at this target group. "Of course, there must be an approach that is specifically tailored to their situation, but some of the problems within this group are also societal, such as poverty or loneliness. "By creating places where people from different backgrounds can come together, you create more diverse social networks. These kinds of initiatives already exist, mainly at the neighborhood level, and can be expanded. This means that refugees are no longer dependent on a single aid organization." 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: Schematic of soil reactive oxidized nitrogen emissions and their impact on atmospheric composition, air quality, and vegetation. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57161-6 Ozone pollution is a global environmental concern that not only threatens human health and crop production, but also worsens global warming. While the formation of ozone is often attributed to anthropogenic pollutants, soil emissions are revealed to be another important source. Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have examined global soil nitrous acid (HONO) emissions data from 1980 to 2016 and incorporated them into a chemistry-climate model to unveil the pivotal role soil HONO emissions play in the increase of the ozone mixing ratio in air and its negative impact on vegetation. The findings have been published in Nature Communications, with Dr. Yanan Wang, PolyU Postdoctoral Fellow, and Dr. Qinyi Li, Professor at Shandong University, as the co-first authors. Soil microbial activities and agricultural practices, notably fertilizer application, release various gases from soil into the atmosphere. Previous studies found that soil HONO emissions contribute up to 80% of the atmospheric HONO mixing ratio. The interaction of HONO with other pollutants in the atmosphere is crucial to the chemical production of ozone. HONO also promotes ozone formation by elevating concentrations of its precursors, nitrogen oxide (NO x ). Research led by Prof. Wang Tao, Chair Professor of Atmospheric Environment of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, pioneered a quantitative parameterisation scheme to unveil the pivotal role soil HONO emissions play in the increase of the ozone mixing ratio in air. Credit: Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Tao Wang, chair professor of atmospheric environment of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, along with his research team, has compiled a dataset of soil HONO emission measurements from diverse ecosystems worldwide and pioneered a quantitative parameterization scheme to quantify the impact brought by the emissions. The research made possible the comprehensive dataset measurements by integrating multiple variables, including climate factors like soil temperature and soil water content, and fertilizer type and application rates into the scheme. For unquantifiable factors such as microbial activities, land use and soil texture, the team applied diverse parameterizations based on latitude, longitude and land use data of the corresponding soil samples. Global soil HONO emissions continue to increase The researchers found that soil HONO emissions have increased from 9.4 Tg N in 1980 to 11.5 Tg N in 2016. Using the chemistry-climate model to simulate the impact of these emissions on atmospheric composition, they discovered an average 2.5% rise annually in the global surface ozone mixing ratio, with localized increases reaching up to 29%. Such increases may lead to the overexposure of vegetation to ozone, adversely affecting ecosystem balance and the production of food crops. In addition, ozone damage will reduce the capacity of vegetation to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby further aggravating the greenhouse effect. The team pointed out that soil HONO emissions are influenced by the combined effects of nitrogen fertilizer usage and climate factors like soil temperature and soil water content, resulting in seasonal and geographic variations. Global soil HONO emissions peak in the summer when soil temperature is higher and crops are in their growing season. The northern hemisphere was found to contribute to two-thirds of global emissions, with Asia being the largest emitter, accounting for 37.2% of the total. Emissions hotspots mainly clustered in agricultural areas in India, eastern China, central North America, Europe, African savannas and South America. 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. Regions with lower pollution levels are more affected Notably, the influence of soil HONO emissions on the increase of the ozone mixing ratio is more significant in low anthropogenic emission regions. This is because ozone formation is closely related to the concentrations of its precursors, NO x and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in air. Typically, NO x concentrations are lower while VOC concentrations are higher in areas with low anthropogenic emissions, placing these areas predominantly in a NO x -limited regime where ozone is more sensitive to NO x . An increase in NO x concentration will thus lead to a greater rise in ozone levels. With the global trend in recent years of decreasing anthropogenic emissions, more regions are likely to shift towards a NO x -limited regime, driving up the impact of soil HONO emissions on ozone levels. Prof. Wang said, "Climate change and the increasing use of fertilizer will lead to continued rise in soil HONO emissions, which may offset some of the benefits expected from reduced anthropogenic emissions. It is crucial to understand and manage soil emissions to foster sustainable development. We therefore recommend considering soil HONO emissions in strategies for mitigating global air pollution." Advanced modeling techniques and diverse datasets In the development of the robust parameterization scheme, the research team integrated advanced modeling techniques and diverse datasets, including global soil HONO emissions measurement data from 110 previous laboratory experiments and data derived from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA2) reanalysis. The research team also leveraged the Community Atmosphere Model with Chemistry (CAM-Chem) climate-chemistry model developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research of the United States for simulating the impacts of soil HONO emissions on atmospheric chemistry and vegetation exposure risk. Prof. Wang said, "Our future research will focus on expanding the global observational network for soil HONO emissions, as well as on offering a deeper understanding of microbial roles in HONO emissions by soil. These two approaches can facilitate a more accurate assessment of ozone and other secondary air pollutants caused by soil HONO emissions and their impact on vegetation. "Further studies should also explore mitigation strategies to optimize fertilizer use, such as deep fertilizer placement and the use of nitrification inhibitors, with the aim of reducing soil HONO emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity." More information: Yanan Wang et al, Increasing soil nitrous acid emissions driven by climate and fertilization change aggravate global ozone pollution, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57161-6 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: Scientists have made a new calculation of the speed at which the universe is expanding, using the data taken by the powerful new James Webb Space Telescope on multiple galaxies. Webbs image of one such galaxy, known as NGC 1365. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Janice Lee (NOIRLab), Alyssa Pagan (STScI) For the past decade, scientists have been trying to get to the bottom of what seemed like a major inconsistency in the universe. The universe expands over time, but how fast it's expanding has seemed to differ depending on whether you looked early in the universe's history or the present day. If true, this would have presented a major problem to the gold-standard model that represents our best understanding of the universe. But thanks to the new James Webb Space Telescope, scientists from the University of Chicago have been able to take new and better datasuggesting there may be no conflict after all. "This new evidence is suggesting that our Standard Model of the universe is holding up," said UChicago Prof. Wendy Freedman, a leading figure in the debate over this rate of expansion, known as the Hubble constant. "It doesn't mean we won't find things in the future that are inconsistent with the model, but at the moment the Hubble constant doesn't seem to be it," she said. Space, stars and supernovae There are currently two major approaches to calculating how fast our universe is expanding. The first approach is to measure the remnant light left over from the Big Bang, which is still traveling across the universe. This radiation, known as the cosmic microwave background, informs astronomers about what the conditions were like at early times in the universe. Freedman, the John and Marion Sullivan University Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics, specializes in a second approach, which is to measure how fast the universe is expanding right now, in our local astronomical neighborhood. Paradoxically, this is much trickier than seeing back in time, because accurately measuring distances is very challenging. Over the last half century or so, scientists have come up with a number of ways to measure relatively nearby distances. One relies on catching the light of a particular class of star at its peak brightness, when it explodes as a supernova, at the end of its life. If we know the maximum brightness of these supernovae, measuring their apparent luminosities allows us to calculate their distance. Additional observations tell us how fast the galaxy in which that supernova occurred is moving away from us. Freedman has also pioneered two other methods that use what we know about two other types of stars: red giant stars and carbon stars. However, there are many corrections that must be applied to these measurements before a final distance can be declared. Scientists must first account for cosmic dust that dims the light between us and these distant stars in their host galaxies. They must also check and correct for luminosity differences that may arise over cosmic time. Finally, subtle measurement uncertainties in the instrumentation used to make the measurements must be identified and corrected for. But with technological advances such as the launch of the much more powerful James Webb Space Telescope in 2021, scientists have been able to increasingly refine these measurements. "We've more than doubled our sample of galaxies used to calibrate the supernovae," Freedman said. "The statistical improvement is significant. This considerably strengthens the result." Freedman's latest calculation, which incorporates data from both the Hubble Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, finds a value of 70.4 kilometers per second per megaparsec, plus or minus 3%. That brings her value into statistical agreement with recent measurements from the cosmic microwave background, which is 67.4, plus or minus 0.7%. The work is published in The Astrophysical Journal. Webb has four times the resolution of the Hubble Telescope, which allows it to identify individual stars previously detected in blurry groups. It's also about 10 times as sensitive, which provides higher precision, and the ability to find even fainter objects of interest. "We're really seeing how fantastic the James Webb Space Telescope is for accurately measuring distances to galaxies," said co-author Taylor Hoyt of the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. "Using its infrared detectors, we can see through dust that has historically plagued accurate measurement of distances, and we can measure with much greater accuracy the brightnesses of stars," added co-author Barry Madore, of the Carnegie Institution for Science. 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. 'Extraordinarily difficult' Freedman explained that astrophysicists have been trying to come up with a theory that would have explained different rates of expansion as the universe ages. "There have been well over 1,000 papers trying to attack this problem, and it's just turned out to be extraordinarily difficult to do," she said. Scientists are still trying to find cracks in the Standard Model that describes the universe, which could provide clues to the nature of two big outstanding mysteriesdark matter and dark energy. But the Hubble constant increasingly seems not to be the place to look. Freedman and her team will be using the Webb Telescope next year to get measurements in a group of galaxies called the Coma cluster, which should provide more data from a different angle, she said. "These measurements will allow us to measure the Hubble constant directly, without the additional step of needing the supernovae. I am optimistic about resolving this in the next few years, as we boost the accuracy to make these measurements," she said. More information: Wendy L. Freedman et al, Status Report on the Chicago-Carnegie Hubble Program (CCHP): Measurement of the Hubble Constant Using the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, The Astrophysical Journal (2025). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/adce78 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal 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: Large projectile point made of Gray Whale bone from the Duruthy rockshelter, Landes, France, dated between 18,000 and 17,500 years ago. Credit: Alexandre Lefebvre Humans were making tools from whale bones as far back as 20,000 years ago, according to a study conducted by scientists from the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), and the University of British Columbia. This discovery broadens our understanding of early human use of whale remains and offers valuable insight into the marine ecology of the time. Whales, the largest animals on Earth, were an important source of food and materials such as oil and bone. For this reason, they are believed to have played a key role in the survival of many coastal human groups. However, tracing the origins of human-whale interactions is challenging, as coastal archaeological sites are especially fragile and vulnerable to rising sea levels, making it difficult to preserve evidence of early human-marine mammal relationships. The research, led by Jean-Marc Petillon (CNRS) along with ICTA-UAB scientist Krista McGrath and published in Nature Communications, analyzes 83 bone tools excavated from sites around the Bay of Biscay in Spain, along with 90 additional bones from Santa Catalina Cave, also located in the province of Biscay. The authors used mass spectrometry and radiocarbon dating to identify the species and age of the samples. "Our study reveals that the bones came from at least five species of large whales, the oldest of which date to approximately 19,00020,000 years ago. These represent some of the earliest known evidence of humans using whale remains as tools," says Jean-Marc Petillon, senior author of the research. Excavations in 2022 in the Basque cave of Isturitz, France, where several dozen whale bone objects were discovered. Credit: Jean-Marc Petillon Fragment of a Fin Whale vertebra from the Basque site of Santa Catalina, Spain, around 15,500 to 15,000 years ago. Excavation director: Eduardo Berganza. Credit: Jean-Marc Petillon According to Krista McGrath, leading author of the paper, "ZooMS is a powerful technique for investigating past sea mammal diversity, particularly when diagnostic morphometric elements are missing from bone remains and objects, which is often the case for bone artifacts. We managed to identify species such as sperm whales, fin whales, blue whales, all still present in the Bay of Biscay today, as well as gray whales, a species now mostly restricted to the North Pacific and Arctic Oceans." In addition, chemical data extracted from the bones suggest that the feeding habits of these ancient whales differed slightly from those of their modern counterparts, pointing to potential changes in behavior or the marine environment. Overall, this discovery not only enhances our understanding of early human use of whale remains but also sheds light on the role whales played in past ecosystems. More information: Jean-Marc Petillon, Late Paleolithic whale bone tools reveal human and whale ecology in the Bay of Biscay, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59486-8. www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59486-8 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: Zika virus particles (red) shown in African green monkey kidney cells. The virus has has caused infectious outbreaks in people in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific since 2007. Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases A new study reveals the biological secret to the Zika virus's infectious success: Zika uses host cells' own "self-care" system of clearing away useless molecules to suppress the host proteins that the virus has employed to get into those cells in the first place. While these cell surface proteins are valuable for viral entry, they also have roles in producing an antiviral response. Before that can happen, the virus manipulates a process cells use to keep themselves healthy to lower the proteins' activity, clearing the way for unfettered viral infection. Though other viruses, such as HIV, are known to silence host receptors that let them into cells, Zika is unusual for having at least three of its own proteins that can get the job done, said Shan-Lu Liu, senior author of the study and a virology professor in the Department of Veterinary Biosciences at The Ohio State University. "That's the most interesting part: It's amazing that not only one, but several Zika proteins can do this," said Liu, also a professor in the Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity. "We looked at two Zika virus strains and examined three physiologically relevant cell types. With both strains, we could see the downregulation in all three cell types. It looks like this is an important mechanism." The study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The Zika virus, transmitted to humans primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, has caused infectious outbreaks in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific since 2007, according to the World Health Organization. Though cases have declined globally since 2017, virus transmission continues at low levels in the Americas and other endemic regions. A large epidemic in Brazil in 2015 led to confirmation of a link between Zika infection during pregnancy and babies born with congenital problems including microcephaly, or smaller than normal head size. While most infected people develop no or only mild symptoms, the virus is also associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis (spinal cord inflammation) in adults and older children. Previous research has shown that specific cell surface proteins known as PS receptors are important entry points for many viruses, including Zika. This study focused on two of these proteins, known as AXL and TIM-1, that had previously been linked to Zika infection. In this work, Liu and colleagues set out to explain how Zika sustains infection after gaining entry through AXL and TIM-1. The team completed cell culture experiments using African and Asian strains of Zika virus in three types of cells related to respiratory, reproductive and neurological systems targeted by the pathogen: human cells that line the lungs, embryo-supporting cells called trophoblasts and glioblastoma brain cancer cells. Experiments showed that both AXL and TIM-1 were downregulated on the three types of cells after infection by Zika. The researchers expected to find this suppression occurred through two common protein degradation processes, but found instead that the Zika virus makes use of a cellular self-preservation routine: autophagy. 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. "Autophagy is a fundamental physiological mechanism to conserve cellular processes by degrading host components. It's also called self-eatingthe host needs to remove their own damaged organelles or misfolded proteins because they're not good for the host," said Liu, also associate director of Ohio State's Center for Retrovirus Research and a program co-director of the Viruses and Emerging Pathogens Program in Ohio State's Infectious Diseases Institute. In this case, the virus's infectious process manipulated the host cells into suppressing their own protective proteinsa viral adaptive tactic that allows Zika to control its own destiny. Without this suppression, AXL and TIM-1 would begin producing inflammatory molecules as part of an antiviral response. Their normal level of facilitating viral entry could also enable more Zika particles to access already-infected cells, setting up a competitive scenario called a superinfectionsomething viruses want to avoid because the overcrowding threatens to kill cells, which kills infecting pathogens. Further experiments identified three Zika proteins that prompt host cell autophagy, all of which are located on the virus's membrane. "Normally those proteins mediate viral entry or are involved in viral replication, but they're also responsible for this downregulationkind of a new function, which is not so surprising, because viruses encode something that's important for them, either for their own replication or to modulate the host," Liu said. Though further research is needed to know for sure, there is a chance this mechanism is relevant to the Ebola virus, which uses the TIM-1 protein to access host cells, or to other pathogens in the same flavivirus family as Zika, including West Nile, yellow fever and dengue viruses. "The bottom line is that this speaks to the co-evolution of viral-host interactions. The more important a host factor is to a virus, the more a virus is going to do to take control of it," Liu said. "Understanding these mechanisms is an important part of being prepared for emerging or reemerging viruses that cause infectious diseases." This work was primarily conducted by Jingyou Yu, a former graduate student in the Liu lab and now a principal investigator at the Guangzhou National Laboratory in China. Additional contributions were made by Yi-Min Zheng, a senior scientist, and Pei Li, a postdoctoral fellow in the Liu lab. Additional co-authors are Megan Sheridan, Toshihiko Ezashi and R. Michael Roberts of the University of Missouri. More information: Jingyou Yu et al, Autophagy-mediated downregulation of AXL and TIM-1 promotes sustained Zika virus infection, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2427241122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences I took my first-ever high school graduation photo assignment on Friday, covering Moline High School's ceremony at Vibrant Arena at the Mark. On Sunday, I took photos of North Scott's graduation ceremony, also at Vibrant. I admit I was a bit nervous heading into Friday's assignment. I know how to take a solid, journalistic photo every now and then, but covering something like a graduation ceremony of close to 500 students, no less in a 31,000 square foot arena seemed intimidating at first. While I eventually got comfortable with my photo staging strategy on the arena floor, I still wasn't a fan of the feeling that seemingly every move I made was visible to everyone in the crowd. But then I reminded myself that no one in the crowd was there for or cared to see me, so that relieved some self-inflicted pressure. While I try my best to celebrate local students here and in my other coverage, it was nice to take in the celebratory atmosphere at Moline and North Scott's ceremonies. It also reminded me of how diverse and supportive the Quad-Cities education community is, something I'll always appreciate and view as one of the area's most powerful attributes. I thought each student's graduation speeches were unique and compelling. Harry VanVooren, Moline's first speaker, drew an awesome parallel to the Amazon Original series, "Invincible," which I'm sure resonated with many of his peers and other animated action fans (like me) in the crowd. Moline's other student speaker, Choe Knobloch, gave a beautiful speech with heavy inspiration from her family, titled "It's all water off a duck's back." Katelyn Buckley opened Sundays speeches with themes of reliance and words of encouragement, making several nods to North Scott teachers, traditions and other nostalgic messages that Im sure only her graduating peers could fully appreciate. Up next was Sydney Groene, who gave an impressive literary-themed speech with references to Robert Frost, "The Dead Poets Society" and other works. Gustavo Perez-Espina followed with an inspiring, forward-thinking speech about his and his peers future, even taking time to thank the people mentors, friends, loved ones, etc. they havent met yet. North Scotts final graduation speaker was Luis Tapia, who spoke of overcoming challenges, making good choices and truly living by the "golden rule." As I reflect on my experience covering these two events (and as I edited photos), I noticed a few interesting 2025 grad ceremony trends to highlight here: Try as they might, Vibrant Arena can't stop families from attempting to bring in helium balloons. Now, I didn't see any balloons inside the arena during the ceremonies, but I did see multiple confiscated/deflated beforehand. Hey, people love their inflatables. Im not sure how new or trendy this next one truly is, but white heels seemed to be a staple among Moline and North Scott graduates. I also saw several Converse sneakers, but that tends to be an ongoing graduation ceremony look for a small group each year. While I expected to see more, I only noticed a handful of decorated graduation caps between Moline and North Scott's ceremonies. A couple of students fastened bows to their caps, while others' were adorned with gemstones. One Moline student clipped a photo (which I assume depicted a child version of her and an older family member) to the top of hers, which I thought was sweet. Numerous students (moreso from Moline) accessorized their graduation gowns with cultural regalia, some even carrying their ancestral flags onto the stage. This also really isnt a new trend, just something I consider cool to see. At North Scotts ceremony, 17 graduates were also recognized for earning the Iowa State Seal of Biliteracy. A few students accessorized by wearing dainty little purses across the stage, perhaps to fashionably carry their diplomas out afterward? If you haven't seen my (and colleague Katelyn Metzger's) class of 2025 graduation photos yet, I recommend you take a bit of time to check them out. And, if you know someone graduating high school, college or any other level of education this month, please join me in congratulating them. Cool in school On Friday, Paul Norton Elementary School in Bettendorf held a ribbon cutting to unveil its new outdoor learning space, made possible by the Paul Norton parent-teacher association, a $32,000 Scott County Regional Authority grant and other families/volunteers. The new, multi-use space aims to provide students with a dynamic environment to engage with nature, reflect and use for lessons, as well as serve the community. It also includes a memorial bench honoring Jennifer Colarusso, a longtime paraeducator, lunchroom monitor and substitute teacher at Paul Norton and Bettendorf schools. Pleasant Valley High School's PTA hosted a senior sendoff last week before graduates crossed the stage on Sunday, featuring an array of tasty treats and food trucks outside the high school. On Wednesday, PV Junior High students in Jeff Paul's social studies class reenacted the 1865 conspiracy trials following Abraham Lincolns assassination in a simulated civilian courtroom setting, complete with student lawyers, witnesses and defendants. Students tried two defendants per class over three days, while parents and other volunteers acted as the jury promoting some good ol' fashion courtroom drama. Students at Forest Grove Elementary School have been spreading kindness across the school literally. They've plastered encouraging handwritten "pick me ups" across the school, simple messages like "Be you, you are awesome" and "Have a happy day." John F. Kennedy Catholic School in Davenport received Level 2 certification from the Marzano High Reliability Schools program on Thursday, signaling the schools successful Effective Teaching in Every Classroom initiative. The HRS program aims to help schools take proactive steps to ensure student success using a research-based five-level hierarchy facilitated by Marzano Resources. Level 2 of this framework details how to develop and maintain effective teachers in every classroom by building a shared language of instruction. Level 1 certification tasks schools with creating a safe, supportive and collaborative culture. JFK is one of 26 schools in the state and 402 nationwide to receive HRS Level 2 certification. Davenport West High School became an official "Heart Safe School" through Project ADAM: Iowa Heartland, teaming up with officials from the University of Iowa Health Care, AirCare, the Davenport Police and Fire departments and MEDIC EMS of Scott County to run a cardiac emergency response drill last week. Here, faculty and staff practiced real-life emergency response procedures in a fast-paced, simulated setting. Members of the MedEvac Aeromedical Transport spoke with students in the United Township High School Area Career Centers nursing, law and public safety and fire science classes on Tuesday and brought along their aeromedical vehicles. Student (and staff) shout-outs North Scott (now) graduate Olivia Donahue earned first place in the Iowa High School Press Association Spring Journalism Contest for her column/opinion piece titled, "How Elon Musk Bought The President." Donahue also placed third in "Opinion Writer of the Year," signaling her consistent and diverse skill in opinion writing. "If my journalism isn't making someone squirm, it's probably not doing enough. I'm proud to write pieces that challenge power, question comfort, or upset some people, as long as it pushes the fight for a better future onwards," Donahue said in a district press release. "To have my writing recognized like this it means people are listening. That gives me hope." Your passion (and obvious excellence) for journalism gives me hope, too, Olivia. (BTW, love the name.) Also on Friday, Rock Island-Milan held its annual Retirement Tea Reception, recognizing the following 11 district retirees: Susan Hankins: 22 years at the district administrative center. Karen Neder: 25 years at Denkmann Elementary School. Cindy Arkebauer: 31 years at Eugene Field Elementary. Carol Snyder: Five years at Frances Willard Elementary. Julie Gray and Diane Raschke: 33 and 28 years at Horace Mann Elementary, respectively. Scott Bohlman, Steve Ford and Jennifer Wendland: 15, 30 and 16 years at Rock Island High School, respectively. Lorie Carlson and Margaret Keller: 25 and 19 years at Thomas Jefferson Elementary, respectively. Arts, scholarship awards Davenport Central High School earned the Art Educators of Iowas 2025 All-State Art School Recognition, with the following three students placing in the top 15 statewide: Naomi Fiscus and Ella Strader, seniors. Kate Stolley, junior. Students Knowledge Turner and Meyah Frazier also contributed to Centrals high first-place team finish. Bettendorf High School senior Emma Pearson also recently won the Iowa Bandmasters State Major Landers Scholarship Competition. She is the first Bettendorf student to win the competition in 20 years, earning a $2,500 scholarship. Last month, the following students earned $1,000 scholarship awards from the Kiwanis Club of Rock Island: Presence Erodiance, Rock Island High School Yazmin Rodriguez, Alleman Catholic High School Myles Davis, Rock Island High School Victor E. Granados, Alleman Catholic High School Madison Carroll, Rock Island High School Students earn these scholarships based on their academic achievements and dedication to community service. RAPID CITY South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden and Attorney General Marty Jackley were both recently at the U.S. border with Mexico, and both announced they're authorizing state agencies to work with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. Jackley's office said Wednesday the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation will work with ICE, "with an emphasis on violent criminals and drug dealers." Rhoden said Wednesday the South Dakota Highway Patrol will "assist in the identification and apprehension of illegal aliens who may pose a risk to public safety in South Dakota. I look forward to your speedy endorsement of this request in hopes of moving forward to keep South Dakotans and all Americans safe. Both moves require working agreements with the federal government under Section 287(g) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. The program authorizes ICE to delegate "specified immigration officer functions" to state and local law enforcement officers, operating under the agencys direction and oversight, according to ICE's website. Given our state agencys current relationship with ICE, this partnership will enable us to better serve and meet the needs of South Dakota, Rhoden said through his office. Rhoden succeeded Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as governor. Asked what the agreement will mean in practice what the patrol's role would be in working with ICE, including if the patrol will target undocumented immigrants with criminal records only or if it'll work to apprehend people for undocumented status Rhoden spokeswoman Josie Harms told the Journal, "South Dakota Highway Patrol would assist and support ICEs actions to keep America safe, so those decisions would be up to ICE." Robert Perry, cabinet secretary with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, said of the current operating procedure, without an official agreement in place, "When SDHP Troopers encountered an individual who may have been an undocumented immigrant, they contacted ICE and followed their guidance regarding any further action." "Without 287(g) authority, SDHP had limited jurisdiction to conduct immigration-related investigations. The SDHP has consistently supported ICE enforcement efforts, just as it has with any other state, local, county, or federal agency," Perry said in a statement provided to the Journal. The Attorney General's Office said Friday, May 23 DCI agents will work with ICE to enforce federal immigration law on violent criminals and illegal drug dealers in South Dakota. Per a release from Jackley's office, DCI has requested implementation in the Task Force Model, which is part of the 287(g) Program. DCI will establish a Task Force Program headquartered in Pierre. Federal authorities would initially train DCI agents from Eastern and Western South Dakota to serve as 287(g) Task Force officers. "To be clear, I am restricting the use of this federal authority to violent criminals and drug dealers," Jackley said through his office on Friday. The ACLU of South Dakota lamented the announcements by Rhoden and Jackley, with Executive Director Libby Skarin saying, "The federal government has indicated that mass deportations are a priority for the current administration. However, what the federal government wants is not whats best for South Dakota. "South Dakota officials should know they have a choice about using state and local resources on a flawed, inhumane and arbitrary immigration agenda," Skarin said in a statement provided to the Journal. "Compliance with ICE will not improve public safety or protect our state." Deportations, encounters and drugs The Trump Administration's stated goal is to hit 1 million deportations this year. On April 28, Border Czar Tom Homan said there had been 139,000 deportations since Trump's inauguration. But, per reporting by USA Today, ICE listed the total at 57,000 deportations as of that date. The Department of Homeland Security told USA Today the difference is made up by deportations by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and "internal data." An ICE dashboard updated in January 2025 listed 66,886 deportations for fiscal year 2025. The federal budget fiscal year runs Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, encounters at the southern border have plummeted since Trump took office in mid-January. CBP reports there were 29,105 encounters between U.S. Border Patrol and undocumented immigrants in January, followed by 8,345, 7,184 and 8,383 in February through April, respectively. During the final months of Joe Biden's presidency, there were 56,520 encounters in October, 46,615 encounters in November and 47,324 encounters in December. These totals do not include encounters with the Office of Field Operations, which CBP says handles inadmissibles which largely includes people who come to ports of entry seeking lawful admission but are turned away. Most of us can agree that the federal government needs to do much better on immigration policy and identify real solutions that are orderly, humane and fair," Skarin said. "This agreement handed down from Pierre turns state law enforcement into an extension of the federal government and puts officers and their communities at risk while depleting much needed resources. Instead of imposing the federal government's wishes upon every community in South Dakota, we encourage local control and support the right of local law enforcement to put the needs of their communities first by declining to participate in unnecessary, voluntary immigration enforcement." Discussing the move to have DCI work with ICE, Jackley said through his office, "Fentanyl and other illegal drugs brought into this country by cartels and illegal immigrants continue to be a major problem in South Dakota." According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, so far this fiscal year -- October through April agents have seized 309,000 pounds of drugs at the southern border with Mexico, a number on pace to top the 573,000 pounds seized in fiscal year 2024. The 2025 total includes 7,700 pounds of fentanyl. Marijuana is No. 1, at 102,000 pounds. Marijuana and methamphetamine topped the list in 2024 at 175,000 and 174,000 pounds, respectively, contributing to a total of 573,000 pounds. Agents seized 549,000 pounds of drugs in 2023 and 656,000 pounds in 2022. In South Dakota, there were 6,751 drug offenses reported in 2024, compared to 6,315 in 2023, according to the Attorney General's most recent annual report. "Our federal authorities cannot do it alone. That is why I authorized DCI to become involved in helping ICE with these efforts," Jackley said. According to a study from the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute, from 2010-2023, native-born Americans were incarcerated at a higher rate than illegal immigrants and legal immigrants for every year studied. In 2023, there were 1,221 native-born Americans incarcerated per 100,000 residents, while the number was 613 per 100,000 for legal immigrants. The centrist Migration Policy Institute, "Some research suggests that unauthorized immigrants are less likely to commit crimes because they are aware of a 'constant threat of deportation' and have more to lose than other groups if they violate the law." The ICE field office in Rapid City covers 18 West River counties and falls under the command of the St. Paul, Minnesota field office. ICE agents arrested eight undocumented immigrants during a "worksite enforcement criminal investigation" in the East River town of Madison on May 13, according to the agency. "The ACLU opposes 287(g) agreements, which allow state and local law enforcement officers to perform federal immigration law enforcement with great harm," Skarin said. "We've seen around the country that this has led to racial profiling, civil rights abuses and diverts needed resources from state and local law enforcement." NDN Collective, a Rapid City-based nonprofit that works with the Indigenous community, recently touched on ICE in its periodic "Know your rights" alerts. It noted ICE agents cannot enter a person's home without a warrant, encouraging people to, "not open the door if the agent shows you a warrant signed by someone who is not a judge" or if the warrant is unsigned. The organization's alert said, "Do not open the door if the agent says they just want to talk. Do not open the door if the agent shows up and has a signed warrant from a judge, but the person listed does not live at your address." The tips for a vehicle stop are similar. NDN encouraged people to post about ICE activity on social media. Trip to the southern border Rhoden and Jackley, a pair of West River-raised public officials who are rumored, likely even, to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race, were at the southern border this week. Jackley was at the Mexican border in Arizona on Wednesday, May 21 on a trip with 11 other Attorneys General organized by the Republican Attorneys General Association. According to his office, the group visited the gap in the border wall at the Cocopah Reservation, a site "marked by abandoned ladders used to illegally enter into the United States, a recently constructed border wall and the Colorado River." The group also held a roundtable discussion with local authorities to "discuss the increased cost and the impact illegal immigrants have had on their communities." The Attorneys General are the chief law enforcement officers of our States and need to be involved in this discussion, Jackley said. Our streets are plagued with methamphetamine and fentanyl that have been poured into our country by the cartels through the southern border. Rhoden's trip on Tuesday, May 20 included a visit to the South Dakota National Guard, where the 109th Engineer Battalion is currently deployed. My goal as Governor is to keep our state strong, safe, and free, and I want the same for our country. The 109th Engineer Battalion is working with the Trump Administration, Secretary Noem, and Border Patrol to keep our nation safe, and I was honored to see them in action at the southern border," he said about the visit to Eagle Pass, Texas. As governor, Noem deployed the Guard to southern California in October 2024, Harms, the governor's spokeswoman, noted. She said they were moved to Eagle Pass during the spring by the Trump Administration. "Because they are under federal deployment, there is no cost to the state," Harms said. According to Rhoden's office, the Texas Department of Public Safety gave Rhoden an airboat tour of the Rio Grande River. In 2023 under the Biden Administration, Rhoden's office noted the area garnered national attention when as many as 4,000 undocumented immigrants crossed the border at Shelby Park daily around December of that year, according to the Migration Policy Institute. CBP data shows 51,701 encounters in that region, the Del Rio Sector, in December 2023. Texas DPS also provided a helicopter tour of the border, including the border wall that was constructed near Eagle Pass. A previous South Dakota National Guard deployment assisted with the construction of that wall. The biggest eye opener was just how vast the challenge of securing the border is. The Trump Administration, Texas DPS, and our National Guard are accomplishing the incredible feat of keeping our nation safe, Rhoden said. Rhoden ended the day with a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol briefing at the Del Rio Sector, which outlined actions to stop drugs, human trafficking, and other illicit activities from crossing our border. Falling water steeped with Richmonds history echoes throughout one of the James River Parks crown jewels amid a period of momentum for one of the citys architectural wonders. With most of its structure built in the early 1880s, Pump House has ceased to host the elaborate dance parties in its ballroom that the granite Victorian Gothic structure was once known for early in its 140-year history. Located on Pump House Drive behind Byrd Park, the building dubbed The Castle on the James is on the National Register of Historic Places and will host Swing into Spring, an event put on by the nonprofit that aims to restore it, Friends of Pump House, on Sunday. Its being billed as the first dance and music party in the ballroom in nearly a century, though the space has over the years hosted an assortment of small events from music video shoots to art installations and ghost tours. The event will include a performance by Jay Browns Grace Street Seven jazz band and swing dancer Claire Simmonds. The Great Gatsby-themed fundraiser to help restore the building will harken back to an age where attendees arrived by boat and danced the Charleston during the Jazz Age when the Pump House was a regular space for social events. The building is limited to 25 occupants at a time right now, so FOPH sold only 20 tickets for Swing Into Spring, and attendees have to wear hard hats, sometimes dodging wasps. As he walked under newly restored archways and through rays of sunshine streaming in from refurbished windows on Friday afternoon, Penn Markham, president of FOPH, said bands such as GWAR and Cannibal Corpse have filmed music videos there, and AMCs Turn: Washingtons Spies even shot parts of an episode inside the building. Markham moved to Richmond from Knoxville, Tenn., and the building immediately captured his imagination. Built under the supervision of city engineer Col. Wilfred E. Cutshaw, it provided water for the city of Richmond for more than 40 years. Water was channeled there from the pumping station located along the Kanawha Canal, close to the point where the James passes Williams Island which transported water to a 26-foot-deep reservoir in Byrd Park. This water went untreated directly to Richmond businesses and residences until 1909. Markham said he receives regular requests from people wishing to hold weddings and similar events there, and routinely hears stories of grandparents diary entries detailing social gatherings there over the first half of the 20th century. FOPH holds regular public volunteer cleanups and tours. Full Pump House restoration is in the James River Park Service Master Plan, said Josh Stutz, executive director of Friends of the James River Park. The master plan budgets restoration at $12 million. Though the end goal of full restoration is a long way off, Stutz said the work being done by Friends of Pump House has been crucial to keeping the space alive while we work on the larger plan to find state or federal funding to restore the whole place. Stutz called Pump House the biggest piece of the master plan, along with the missing link bridge, a prospective connector from the Manchester climbing wall over to the south side of Belle Isle that would complete the downtown loop of the James River Park. He and Markham both made a ballpark estimate for how much is needed to fully restore Pump House, which cost around $400,000 to construct in the 1880s, at roughly $10 million to $15 million today. Plumbing and HVAC systems and a handicap-accessible bridge over the canal to the second level are among the wish list items required in order for the building, which currently has limited electricity, to host more people. Stutz and JRPS are currently working to secure federal or state funding to supplement the project, and the park superintendent recently submitted a request for a federal tourism grant of $10 million. The long-term dream is to turn the building into an education center, park headquarters and public event space. Stutz said much progress has been made lately, but its largely beautification tasks like windows and archways. Theyre doing really great work, that small volunteer crew with Friends of Pump House, Stutz said. The biggest barrier to events isnt restoration necessarily, its stuff related to fire safety. Reinforcing the roof is FOPHs chief priority in the immediate future, Markham said, and that endeavor alone could cost around $3 million. Stutz said its impossible to put a timetable on full restoration because its so dependent on securing funding, and Friends of James River Park is searching outside the standard streams for Richmond, because the money required exceeds the typical funding allotted to comparable local public projects. Were a ways off, but the first $3 million is the most important at this point, said Markham, adding that FOPH hopes for a combination of federal, state and private funding. That would buy us time to raise the rest of it. The longer you wait before replacing that roof, the more damage is going to occur. Markham said more progress toward restoration has been made, and more money has been invested in Pump House, in the past two years roughly $30,000 than over the previous century. Though full-scale events akin to that which the building originally housed are far off, the dancing that is planned in its ballroom on Sunday is another step toward returning one of Richmonds wonders to its full glory. The Pamunkey Regional Library system north of Richmond will serve only two counties come July. The regional library had been a stable community pillar since the 1940s. For decades, the regional library lent books to people in the counties of Hanover, Goochland, King William and King and Queen. As of July 1, only Hanover and Goochland will remain. The cooperation ended in 2023 when King and Queen County told the others it wanted to leave the library system for financial reasons. King William eventually followed suit in the aftermath. The librarys 2025 budget asked King William for an additional $50,000. Officially, the rural county said that price was too steep, and that it wanted more control of the library via more seats on its governing board. That was rejected. King Williams vote to leave the Pamunkey library system is effective June 30. Hanover approved its agreement to continue operating the library system with Goochland last week. The memorandum written by Hanover County Attorney Dennis Walter said that negotiations with King William broke down in February, when King William then finalized its request to leave the system. Included in those discussions were the relative financial contributions of the counties making up PRL and representation on the PRL Board of Trustees, Walter wrote. Those discussions were unable to come to a consensus. Hanover County Administrator John Budesky said that Hanover had hoped King William would stay in the Pamunkey system but that ultimately it shouldnt affect Hanover residents in any way. There are two less branches to share resources from, Budesky said. I would anticipate our residents will see little change. We valued the regional system; that was our preference. King William has already been making preparations to open its own independent library branch, with members appointed to its library board. King William also will keep its library facilities, books and things like furniture or equipment. Proponents of regional libraries say that members can pool resources, thereby providing a stronger library at a smaller overall cost. There are 17 regional library systems across Virginia. The Blackwater Regional Library, for example, serves a series of small towns and rural areas in southeastern Virginia Waverly, Surry, Wakefield, Windsor, Courtland and others. What destabilized the library system? All seemed well among the communities until a display during Banned Books Week in September 2022. A display in the young adult section showed at least 20 books that had been the subject of challenges around the country. They were marked with labels such as sex/nudity and LGBTQ+. The display outraged a section of parents across all of the counties. The typically routine and quiet library board meetings started drawing groups of people in protest, and some in support of the library board. Protesters largely argued that books in the controversial display shouldnt have been in a section available to teenagers but placed in an adult section. People who showed up to defend the regional library said that the books were written as young adult novels and taught valuable lessons for the areas youth. They also worried that the protesters goal was to ban such books from the public libraries, not just move them. It was then that King and Queen cited financial concerns over its place in the Pamunkey Regional Library. The county said it couldnt afford the $237,000 amount it was budgeted to spend. The board of trustees also saw major turnover in its county-appointed members following the controversy. Hanover and Goochland supervisors appointed different members to some of their seats. King William appointed some of the protesters to its seats. Soon after, the longtime Pamunkey Regional Librarys director Tom Shepley, who staunchly defended the Banned Book Display, resigned. His deputy, Jamie Stoops, was put in charge as an interim. Stoops was recently offered the position full time after working with the board for several months, but she declined. The library board is currently in the process of hiring a new director. King Williams push to leave Pamunkey was fiercely debated in the county. Two groups formed King William for an Independent Library and Save King Williams Libraries! A statement from the King William Board of Supervisors said the $650,000 price of being in Pamunkey had weighed heavily on the county. It also said that the decision was in no way related to the content of books, something that the pro-Pamunkey crowd denies. What happens now? Hanover will continue paying about $3.7 million for the upcoming fiscal year, which totals about 70% of the Pamunkey Regional Library budget. Hanover also will continue using county resources such as employee benefits, purchasing and procurement, financial services and legal counsel. Maintaining a regional system means that the regional library will remain eligible to receive state funding. Around $592,000 of the budget comes from state funds. The board of trustees will be reduced from 10 members to seven. Hanover will have five members, while Goochland is allotted two. The agreement says that those board allocations reflect the financial contribution of each county and the size of their populations. Across Richmond, the collective sentiment Tuesday afternoon seemed to be the same: Here we go again. What early Tuesday morning had started as an ostensibly minor issue with the citys water treatment plant rapidly devolved into Richmonds second full-blown water crisis in fewer than five months. At about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, city officials told the Times-Dispatch that an increase in sediment in untreated water from the James River had clogged the plants filters, impacting water production. Plant staffers had to shut down the facility and clean the filters. That compromised the systems water pressure, causing it to fall in neighborhoods across the northern and western parts of Richmond. But early Tuesday, officials said there was no need to issue a boil advisory because the pressure had not fallen enough to allow for bacterial contamination of the water supply. Three hours later, after the filters clogged a second time, they reversed course, warning tens of thousands of city residents in some of the most populated neighborhoods against use of the water. They asked all residents to work to conserve so that water pressure could be restored more quickly. Its the second advisory this year. Initially the advisory applied to all or parts of neighborhoods served by the water tank in Ginter Park, including Byrd Park, Brookland Park, Carver, Carytown, Chamberlayne, the Fan, Ginter Park, Jackson Ward, Laburnum Park, the Museum District, the North Side, Oregon Hill, Randolph, Scotts Addition, VCUs Monroe Park campus, and parts of the city center. On Tuesday evening, the city expanded the advisory to include parts of South Side. It now also applies to all or part of the Commerce Road and Richmond Highway corridors, including communities of Ancarrows Landing, Bellemeade, Blackwell, Commerce Road Industrial Area, Hillside Court, Davee Gardens, Manchester, Oak Grove and Windsor (not Windsor Farms). The city noted that the Windsor Farms neighborhood had been incorrectly included in an earlier announcement. The Tuesday evening advisory added that some customers in these areas may experience a total loss of water service. Quick restoration of water pressure is critical. For the advisory to be lifted, the Virginia Department of Health must conduct two tests on the water supply separated by 16 hours, per state law. Those tests cannot begin until water production is completely restored which has not yet happened. It will push the return of drinkable water into Wednesday, at the earliest. If that sounds familiar its because its the same process the city navigated in January to end its six-day water crisis. Officials on Tuesday afternoon said any timeline for that restoration would be speculative, adding that its possible the advisory expands to include other Richmond neighborhoods. Residents should avoid drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and using ice made from Tuesdays tap water. They are also encouraged to shorten shower times and eliminate any unnecessary toilet use. Youngkin says state investigating; county water safe to drink Gov. Glenn Youngkin posted a statement to X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday afternoon about Richmonds latest water issue. The State Office of Drinking Water is actively investigating the current water quality issue with the City of Richmond. I know this is really challenging for everyone following this winters problem, the governors post said. Were told by Richmond officials that they are working diligently to resolve these issues, which have resulted in a boil water advisory affecting several neighborhoods within Richmond. Our teams are providing technical support, and ensuring that precautions are in place to protect public health. Meanwhile, the surrounding counties, which purchase water from the city, have not issued boil advisories. A Chesterfield spokesperson said the countys water distribution system has continued to operate as designed. Around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday, Richmond DPU called Chesterfield utilities to inform them that Richmond personnel were having treatment challenges at the water treatment plant. Richmond requested that Chesterfield reduce or stop taking water from the city. Chesterfield utilities operations staff stopped taking water from the three points of entry from Richmond by 2 a.m. and transitioned customers to other water sources. Henrico Countys Department of Public Utilities sent out a news release Tuesday afternoon saying that the county has also temporarily disconnected from Richmonds water system. Henricos water remains safe for consumption and use, the release said. As of 7:30 a.m., the countys Department of Public Utilities had closed valves at connections to the citys system, which serves portions of central and eastern Henrico. Henricos water tanks, which had been kept at capacity, are supplying customers who typically are served by the city. Water pressure remains normal countywide. Hanover County also put out a statement saying their drinking water remains safe and does not require boiling. Hanover County leaders have been in regular contact with Richmond Mayor Danny Avulas office, which is providing hourly updates, the county statement said. Additionally, the Countys Emergency Operations Center has been activated to monitor the situation and Public Utilities personnel are on-site at Richmonds water facility to assist and track developments firsthand. Richmond Public School said only one school, Albert Hill Middle, was dismissed early Tuesday due to low water pressure. An RPS statement said: Water pressure remains steady at the overwhelming majority of our schools. Out of an abundance of caution, we will be covering the water fountains at schools across the division. All lunches were prepared prior to the advisory, as well. Virginia Commonwealth University sent an alert to students and staff saying the boil water notice was affecting both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Campuses are open. Do not use water fountains, the alert said. City Council also planned their Tuesday night meeting. Officials: offline oxidation system not a factor in system failure City officials on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that the water treatment plants oxidation system, which employs chemicals designed to remove organic material from water during treatment, has not been operational since winter. A city spokesperson told the Times-Dispatch that the fact that the system is offline was not a contributing factor to Tuesdays boil advisory, which officials said was a result of excess clogging in the plants filters. The oxidation process relies on compounds like hydrogen peroxide, ozone and ultraviolet radiation or some combination thereof to break down certain pollutants in untreated water. It generally does not act on existing solids, like the sediments that stopped up the filters, but it can act against coagulation. Asked about that process and its lack of functionality during a virtual news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Richmond Department of Public Utilities Director Scott Morris also said this was not an impact for this incident, but he didnt elaborate. Avula: all protocols followed DPU staff followed standard operating procedures, taking quick, appropriate action and informing state health officials of the issue in a timely manner, Mayor Avula said in a Tuesday morning statement. City officials also reached out to officials in Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties, which purchase drinking water from the city. Its the third incident at the plant this year. On the morning of Jan. 6, a power outage at the plant caused flooding that took the entire system offline. The flooding damaged critical components, leaving the city without drinkable water for six days. It took hours for city officials to alert the public to the problem. State health officials later found that both staff and infrastructure within Richmonds DPU were not prepared to handle the crisis, and described it as entirely preventable. In the wake of the water crisis, former DPU Director April Bingham resigned, retracted her resignation and was fired. Then, in April, DPU staff accidentally discharged excess fluoride into the regions drinking water while installing a new fluoride pump but didnt alert Morris. Word of the incident got out after a plant staffer contacted Chesterfield police to report they had poisoned the water, texts obtained by The Times-Dispatch show. Morris found out about the incident four days later from officials with the Virginia Department of Health, who had been contacted by Chesterfield. Avula found out five days later from Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas, whod been alerted by the VDH. Plant Operator Doug Towne was removed from the position after the fluoride discharge, and has been replaced with a longtime DPU employee while officials conduct a search for Townes successor. Social media reaction Early Tuesday, Richmond residents took to social media to report low water pressure at their homes and businesses. However, one Reddit post on Thursday, five days before the latest water crisis proved prophetic. A photo of black smoke rising from the Byrd Park reservoir riffed on the selection of a new pope. Black smoke coming out of the Byrd Park reservoir: a new water crisis has been chosen. Little did they know. The second boil water advisory to hit Richmond this year is again leaving local restaurants with the decision to remain open or close its doors. Texas Inn was among the restaurants that opted to stay open Tuesday. Owner Dave Saunders said his restaurant was better prepared to handle the latest notice. After the last crisis in January, we put together a process in place of what we needed to do if it happened again, Saunders said. We were pretty confident that something like that would happen again, unfortunately. Canned and bottled drinks were the only beverage options available at Texas Inn after the restaurant turned off its ice makers and stopped serving fountain drinks, coffee and tea. Unlike in January, Texas Inn had water pressure on Tuesday, so restaurant workers boiled the water for hand washing and dish cleaning. When the boil water advisory gets lifted, Texas Inn will follow guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health to get its drink machines back up and running. According to Saunders, that process will take around three to four hours. Saunders said he found out about Tuesdays advisory on social media and notified the restaurant just after 11 a.m. He said Texas Inn was busy in the morning but cleared out right before noon. However, the number of food delivery orders shot up in the afternoon. There was no one in there during lunch, but the phone was ringing and the Uber Eats and the DoorDash tablets were pinging, Saunders said. We could barely keep up. At Mama Js, the staff jumped into action as soon as they heard about the boil advisory. The soul food restaurant remained open as it did in January. Weve moved to to-go containers and cups, removed all ice and sanitized the ice bins and now have bagged ice, and (are) only serving bottled drinks and spring water. Mama J will boil the water she cleans the greens and cabbage in, per usual. Following all guidelines from the City and Virginia Department of Health, the restaurant posted to social media. Advisorys financial impact Liz Kincaid, owner of Bar Solita, And Dim Sum and Tarrants, said, Telling customers today was kind of funny. This is Richmond were you here in January? Cant make this up. Weve got another water boil. I will say that customers today were more like, whatever because theyd already been drinking the water they literally had glasses in front of them. People who had food in front of them were like, Im going to eat it its fine. Kincaid explained that people may be feeling fatigued from the last water crisis in the city that happened in January of this year. She told people that her businesses couldnt serve people knowing about the boil advisory and she closed her three restaurants, all of which will likely remain closed until the boil advisory is lifted. She closed her businesses at noon on Tuesday and expects that the closure of all three restaurants will cost her between $7,000 and $10,000 a day, especially coming out of Memorial Day weekend. It doesnt make sense for me to pay my guys to stand around and not cook for our usual level of business, she said. Randall Doetzer, chef and owner of the newly opened Restaurant Adarra, explained that his restaurant would be closing during the advisory because the safety of our guests and staff has no dollar amount attached to it we simply cant trust anything after Januarys failures. It is with the utmost disdain for the city of Richmonds officials that we will be closed until this issue is figured out to our satisfaction, Doetzer posted to social media. We will not be the ones experimenting with your well-being. Doetzer added that the restaurant was denied a grant for the last water outage and that he will once again have to front all the costs for this outage. Carlos Ordaz-Nunez, owner of TBT El Gallo, explained that for a newer restaurant that opened this past January, the boil advisory has waylaid his operations and has cost him cash he needs for a business in its first year of operation. He said, This is a whole shift in our operations and its a massive dent in our sales and cash flow. Im a mom-and-pop shop. This hits like a kick in the teeth. While he is definitely feeling the effects of the boil advisory, he said its a better situation than the first, although still an unwelcome decrease in his production. Were in much better position this time around than the first one. We came from paper boats and bottled cokes, so this feels like a call back to our takeout only roots, he said. We plan on remaining open only for takeout and for dine-in with disposable plates, plasticware and cups. The amount of water TBT El Gallo uses each day makes it a challenge to operate. We use hundreds of gallons of water in cooking, washing dishes, handwashing and for drinking, Ordaz-Nunez said. Its pretty essential for running a restaurant. City communications Water from the city has also proven to be a vital resource for breweries such as Bingo Beer Co. Richmond water has proven to be pretty great for beer making, said owner Jay Bayer, who closed his store Tuesday. We just need to have access to it to make good use of it. Thankfully, we have large holding tanks for hot and cold water for our processes; about a days worth of water is on hand that we know is safe at this time. Bayer and other restaurant owners are hoping that the city will provide better communication now compared to the beginning of the year. I feel a very thorough, transparent and independent audit of the municipal water service utility is due to the citizens of Richmond and the surrounding area, Bayer said. This does not appear to be the result of a natural phenomenon. In any event, we deserve to know exactly what all led to this and why the system design does not have ample redundancies to limit the scope of these knock-on effects. Saunders said that due to delayed communications from Richmond during the first crisis, Texas Inn was serving potentially contaminated water to customers for three to four hours in January. He expressed concern that a similar communication lag is taking place this time. Armed gunman who attacked PDC officers officially arrested after hospital discharge Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A man who attacked police officers in west Playa del Carmen was officially arrested after being released from hospital. A second person involved in the shooting has also been taken into custody. Both are facing a string of charges including attempted homicide. The incident happened Sunday in the San Juan Tadeo area in west Playa del Carmen when police responded to a 9-1-1 report of gunfire. Upon arrival, they were fired upon. In a statement Monday, the SSC said the incident was over stolen items that included a refrigerator and a wheelbarrow. The Playa del Carmen Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) arrested two individuals for their alleged involvement in the crimes of robbery with violence, criminal damage, attempted homicide, and assault in the citys western suburbs. During the operation, two firearms with live ammunition were seized along with several doses of marijuana-like substances, a gram scale, two cell phones, and various objects allegedly related to a crime, including a refrigerator and a wheelbarrow. Due to the nature of the attack on the police, one of the weapons was seized by the State Attorney Generals Office. The detainees, identified as Elmer N, 24, originally from Yucatan and Carlos N, 24, originally from Tabasco, were detained and placed at the disposal of the State Attorney Generals Office for legal proceedings, the SSC reported. Conanp trains new brigade on Costa Maya coral reef repair Costa Maya, Q.R. A group of locals from Costa Maya have been trained by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) on coral reef repair. A brigade of six women and nine men from Banco Chinchorro and Arrecifes de Xcalak received the specialized training. According to Conanp (Comision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas), the skills acquired include damage classification, debris and waste clearance, reef first aid, coral fragment fixation, and the use of specialized tools. With the aim of strengthening local capacity to protect and repair coral reefs following the impact of storms and hurricanes, the training course Post-Storm Response Brigades for Early Attention to Coral Reefs in the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve and Arrecifes de Xcalak National Park was presented in Mahahual. The training, organized by Conanp, was financially supported by MAR Fund, through the Reef Rescue Initiative (RRI) with funding from the Adaptation Funds Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA/AF-EU-UNDP). Participants trained based on the Early Warning and Immediate Response Protocol, developed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which guides actions to follow before, during, and after a tropical cyclone. Local community residents, tourism service providers, fishing cooperatives, park rangers and civil society organizations participated in the five day course. A total of 15 new brigade members were trained in theoretical and practical knowledge to respond quickly and effectively to these types of contingencies. The course also certified three new trainers for Mexico, who will strengthen the regions response capacity through the ongoing training of new brigade members. A key element that enhances the work of the brigades is the parametric insurance coverage implemented by the Mesoamerican Reef System Fund. This mechanism guarantees the immediate availability of technical and financial resources after a hurricane strikes, enabling timely action to reduce reef damage and accelerate their recovery. The Banco Chinchorro Reserve and the Arrecifes de Xcalak National Park are two of the seven sites covered by this insurance in the Mesoamerican Reef, selected for their high ecological and social value. Thanks to this model, coastal communities can activate a rapid response to protect the environmental services provided by reefs, such as wave protection, fishing and tourism. These actions strengthen the resilience of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them, demonstrating that local coordination, technical knowledge, and the incorporation of innovative financial mechanisms are key to addressing the effects of climate change. Municipalities start prep work days ahead of official Atlantic hurricane season Riviera Maya, Q.R. Municipalities around the state have started prep work ahead of the official arrival of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. On Monday, the Quintana Roo State Civil Protection Coordination met with government authorities in Chetumal. The main topic of discussion was flood prevention. Guillermo Nunez Leal, the General Director of the State Coordination of Civil Protection, says cleaning of storm drains began last week. Several municipalities have already begun clearing city storm drains to help avoid floods with the arrival of heavy rain. The cities of Chetumal and Cancun have already been working for several days to make sure drains are cleared of debris. We are just days away from the start of the rainy and tropical storm season, so it is very important to keep our streets clean and clear our sewers to prevent flooding, which is commonly caused by garbage clogging the drains, said Nunez Leal. City dredging operations are being done in coordination with personnel from the State Governments Ministry of Public Works, Drinking Water and Sewerage Commission (CAPA) and Civil Protection among others. Nunez Leal said that a team of 140 operational personnel were deployed late last week in Chetumal to carry out cleanup work. The work, he explained, includes garbage and weed removal, tree trimming and the clearing of manholes. Two backhoes, two cranes, a three-ton truck and five dump trucks for garbage collection were part of the cleanup crew on Constituyentes and Chetumal Avenues. Once there, crews located two rainwater collection channels and storm drains that were completely overrun with trash and leaves. On Monday, Cancun Mayor Ana Paty Peralta continued dredging operations to clear city drains. Crews were sent out early Monday to resume the ongoing project of clearing 10 drains a day, she said. Every day, the Public Services Department team dredges 10 wells in different parts of the city, ensuring minimal impacts, she said. On Monday, crews were in the residential area of SM 77 with their heavy equipement. Wells work properly when theyre clean, she said Monday, so I ask you to avoid littering in the streets. The town of Tulum also began preventative actions ahead of the official start of the rainy season. On Saturday, Tulum Civil Protection Director Sergio Amilcar Canto Contreras started a scheduled pruning operation in coordination with personnel from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). The goal is to prevent branches falling onto power lines and creating outages during storms. Organized crews were at the intersection of Alfa Sur Street and Tulum Avenue, where Civil Protection personnel provided perimeter security and support during the pruning operations. Authorities also cleared vegetation along Luna Poniente Street at the corner of Privada Aereolito and the intersection of Neptuno Street and Centauro Sur. Nine large trees were cut to ensure electrical circuits were cleared of obstructions or hazards that could lead to short circuits or fires during weather events. On Monday, Cozumel Mayor Jose Luis Chacon Mendez supervised dredging being carried out at various points on the island, asking citizens to keep streets and sidewalks clean to prevent blockages. We ask you to help us keep the area in front of your homes clean, especially where well cleaning work has already been done. This is for your own well-being so that when the rains come they will be functioning properly, he said. Island drains are being cleared by dredging crews, which are part of the Urban Services Subdirectorate. In Playa del Carmen, 55 shelters have been earmarked for emergency storm use. Darwin Covarrubias, the Secretariat of Civil Protection, Risk Prevention, and Firefighters for Playa del Carmen said 15 of those shelters are new. All 55 have been been inspected and verified in coordination with state and federal authorities. Weve already visited all the shelters. Theyre ready and weve addressed the necessary observations. On June 4th, well be installing the Civil Protection Hurricane Operations Committee, Covarrubias said noting they are anticipating an active hurricane season. Covarrubias has also urged citizens to clean areas in front of their homes and to properly manage solid waste. We always recommend avoiding flooding by cleaning our streets and not littering. Even if the government is working hard, its not enough without the support of the public. We must all do our part to reduce risks during the rains, he said. Although monitoring for the Atlantic began May 15, the official start of the hurricane season is June 1. According to international meteorological agencies, it is expected to be a very active season. Suspect charged for maliciously assisting in abduction, torture and murder of three Jose Maria Morelos, Q.R. A suspect in the March 5 abduction, torture and murder of three people has been charged. On Tuesday, authorities said Jose Armando N had been charged with kidnapping and aggravated homicide. He was charged for his role in maliciously assisting others in the kidnapping, torture and murder of three people from the community of La Presumida earlier this year. The events for which Jose Armando N is being investigated occurred on March 5 of this year in the town of La Presumida, in the municipality of Jose Maria Morelos where he possibly maliciously assisted various accomplices in the commission of the aforementioned crimes. According to the investigations, he also allegedly participated in acts of torture perpetrated against the victims, the State Attorney General (FGE) reported Tuesday. The judge who heard the evidence has ordered Jose Armando N to remain imprisoned for the duration of his trial. The first paragraph of Daniel J. Mahoneys The Persistence of the Ideological Lie: The Totalitarian Impulse Then and Now redeems the $29.99 price of admission. In a sentence therein, Mahoney states his thesis: The ideological project to replace the only human condition we know with a utopian Second Reality oblivious toindeed at war withthe deepest wellsprings of human nature and Gods creation has taken on renewed virulence in the late modern world, just thirty-five years after the glorious anti-totalitarian revolutions of 1989. One sees examples of this Second Reality, a phrase that comes out of the study of German political philosopher Eric Voegelin, in the headlines every week. Consider, well, May. Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed legislation that allows individuals to change the sex on their drivers license up to three times. (If its a womans prerogative to change her mind, what explains swerves from the various other genders?) In Spokane, the city council voted to remove a statue of John R. Monaghan, part of Gonzagas first graduating class and the first person from the state to attend the Naval Academy, because he died defending a wounded superior from an onslaught of Samoans (Monaghans tough luck in not dying at the hands of Confederates or Nazis on the battlefield). Romania held a democratic election that banned the candidate leading in the polls by a 2-to-1 margin because Calin Georgescu did not respect the Constitution and defend democracy. In Palm Springs, a young man blew himself up outside a fertility clinic in the name of pro-mortalism, a misosophy whose victory, he claimed, would finally begin the process of sterilizing this planet of the disease of life. Biology, history, human nature, the meaning of words, and other concepts heretofore regarded as more anchored than adrift move in strange directions commanded by the coxswains of this Second Reality. The notion that something greater, whether God or nature, sets limits on us, and that the past offers any guide for action, repulses those forging a Second Reality. Ultimately, the believers in the ideological lie imagine themselves as their own gods and the past as useful only in demonstrating their own enlightenment. This is the ideologization of narcissism. Three recent phenomena illustrating the rise in the Second Reality appear to especially jar the author. First, the events of the summer of 2020, when rioters looted and murdered in the name of social justice, presented a topsy-turvy moralism in which the cops morphed into criminals and vice versa. For more than a year, such sights as politicians kneeling in Kente cloth, corporation heads donating someone elses money to radical groups, cable channels canceling programs featuring the police in a positive light, and TV reporters describing protests as mostly peaceful as fires raged in the background combined for a surreal America unmoored from reality and its founding principles. America did not look like America. The ethos of the nations loudest voices in those dark days was not freedom but power. For all intents and purposes, America had a collective nervous breakdown, Mahoney contends about the events of 2020. Grown-ups took their bearings from eighteen-year-olds repeating mindless and extremist slogans (and finding systematic violence and mass killings against black Americans where they didnt exist). In their socially constructed world, an ideological Second Reality competed with the common world where citizens debate and deliberate, sometimes contentiously but never violently, about matters of public import. Second, the immediate impulse to blame October 7 on the victimsin many cases hippie Jewish girls in their early 20s attending a concert (a.k.a., the least intimidating people, with the exception of some babies, on the planet)revealed a shocking inhumanity consistent with barbarism and incongruous with civilization, Western or otherwise. The least that can be said, Mahoney writes, is that the activists, students, professors, and administrators who deny the moral and political legitimacy of the state of Israel inhabit a fact-free zone where ideology and invective replace both empirical realities and the judicious exercise of political reason. Third, the attempt, widespread especially in educational institutions at all levels, to present sex as decided by the individual rather than determined at birthand to punish anyone who says otherwiseindicates both a rebellion against biology and the autonomy of the individual to say what he or she thinks. In other words, one may declare oneself any one of 72 genders, but one may not refuse to recognize 70 of those genders in others. So the book feels very much ripped from the headlines, very now, very 2025. Then one grasps that The Persistence of the Ideological Lie looks at 2025 through the lens of what Mahoney rightly refers to as an annus mirabilis. This is as much a book about 1989 as it is a book about 2025. Mahoney writes that Communism unequivocally stood for violence, mendacity, shortages, corruption, and national humiliation. I will go further: the events of 1989 were the end of a two-hundred-year cycle of total revolution inaugurated by the French Revolution and perfected by Bolshevism and its offspring (e.g. Maoism, Castroism, Pol Potism) in the twentieth century. This seems at once a profound and obvious observation. The purpose of philosophers, Eric Hoffer observed, is to show people what is right under their noses. Mahoney does this here in depicting 1789 as start and 1989 as end. The bloody, ideological revolutions that began in 1789 hit a prolonged Thermidor in 1989. At that point, an evil that many imagined as permanent suddenly disappeared. It feels good to be alive, the band Jesus Jones sang about historys sharp pivot. I saw the decade end waiting for the world to change at the blink of an eye/and if anything, then theres your sign of the times. The song captures the joy and optimism of the triumphant end of the 1980s. Old video of Germans celebrating as they took sledgehammers to the Berlin Wall captures it. Otherwise, the astonishment, exhilaration, and the rest of the positive feelings pose difficulties as one tries to convey them 35 years later to people who did not live through it. Everything felt possible then. And history, in some instances in a perverse sense, validates that feeling. Yes, Prague, Krakow, Budapest, and other great European cities escaped grim totalitarianism for the freedom befitting them. One cannot minimize that profoundly beneficial development. But parts of the free West slowly came to embrace the Second Reality, which shapeshifted from Soviet Marxism to something more expansive than a homo economicusphilosophy. That magnificent year not only liberated those suffering under leftists; it liberated the left as well. Mahoney explains that the Marxism of Marx no longer has to carry the noose of Soviet Communism around its neck. Why not? Hollywood, which produced innumerable films about World War II and Vietnam, decided to strangely overlook stories of Communist atrocities and the perseverance of victims. So widespread is this suppression that one must read subtitles in The Lives of Others to take in a film that deals with Communism in an honest and compelling way. In higher education, a few lamented rather than celebrated the fall of Communism; most others simply ignored it, presumably because it mucked up narratives. One recalls bizarre stories from ABC News and elsewhere in the aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union on the events adverse impact on Russians. So Communism ceased acting as an albatross on the left, and the left increasingly looked to culture rather than just economics to impose Marxism. The chapter The Lost Promise of 1989 encapsulates freedoms wasted opportunity. Inhabitants of the free world rejoiced in the assumption that the Communist nations behind the Iron Curtain would become like us. They did. But we became more like them, too. That this happened so swiftly, within a few decades, shocks in that it shocks. If such forbidding, familiar faces as Erich Honecker, Wojciech Jaruzelski, and Nicolae Ceausescu could all fall from power within weeks, then the Wests slow embrace of ideas inimical to freedom over a generation should not come as such a surprise. Nevertheless, it does. The revolution of 1989 was a decisive repudiation of the ideological poisons that had deformed modernity, notes The Persistence of the Ideological Lie. It is a decisive repudiation that many on the militant left would like to erase. There is absolutely no reason today for socialismand even Communismto have the prestige it has with many young Americans. Crucial lessons about the twentieth century have sadly not been passed on to young people in any serious or significant way. A crucial opportunity has been lost. The march of events suggests something more hopeful about the direction of the present than it does about the lost lessons of the past. Comedy, primarily drawing laughs fairly recently from ideological solidarity more than any inherent humor in the jokes, now finds its biggest stars in Dave Chappelle, Shane Gillis, Tony Hinchcliffe, and others not merely unafraid to offend but attracted to such mischief. The On Patrol: Live reincarnation of Live PD, Cops, and other programs pulled from the airwaves in 2020 seem as popular as ever. And Donald Trump, Tourettes-like in his use of words deemed obscenities by the woke, again serves as president of the United States. Second Reality has seen better realities. The Persistence of the Ideological Lie is a slim book about a fat target. It consists mostly of previously published essays. Its author points out that he wrote them under the rubric of an overall theme that he had always intended to place between covers, and the reader, not noticing any disjointedness or discontinuity, affirms this. His style requires him to act as a generalist, broad-brush historian to provide lessons in political philosophy. Here, he draws on a dramatis personae familiar to readers of his other works: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Raymond Aron, Bertrand de Jouvenel, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Alexis de Tocqueville, Eric Voegelin. Without encountering anything calling itself DEI, critical race theory, or wokeness, they nevertheless questioned the wisdom and prudence of all that. Mahoney comments on current trends, and he quotes, and possibly overquotes, secondary sources to include that murderers row of wisemen as well as less-established contemporaries to his ends. Daniel J. Mahoney, the expert in political philosophy, shines here. More so does Daniel J. Mahoney the essayist. He writes well. This is a quick read. Not all slim volumes are. Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here. Dear Prudence, How do I manage conversations and upcoming celebrations (bachelorette parties, wedding festivities, five and 10-year reunions, etc.) with college friends who are on the more extreme end of our (shared) political leanings? We are all five to eight years out from graduating from a tiny, ultra-expensive liberal arts college in California, which both shaped our current views and provides some insight into the privilege that most (but not all) of us had to afford that kind of education at all. Under the current administration, its also totally understandable for us to vent about our fears (most of us are in STEM) and sorrow for the things happening in our lives, in the news, etc. However, Ive been feeling like the odd woman out at some of these recent get-togethers. I seriously struggled in my first Ph.D. program at a top-rated university in a big city and mastered out during the pandemic. Thankfully, I found a program that was a better fit at a big state school in a more rural area. I love living in my new state and am committed to starting a career and putting down roots here. But I think my experiences living in a mostly white (and in many other ways vastly less privileged) community have changed me. I was surprised and alarmed at the way my friends talk about certain topics: all men suck, straight white people are the problem, etc. (we are all women, mostly BIPOC, queer and allies). Some of this may be explained by 1) legitimate frustration with life in current times, and 2) finally having some girl talk after years without seeing each other. But yikes. I felt like I couldnt speak up or even mention my (white, straight, male) partner because the tides of conversation were flowing so strongly in the other direction. At the same time, I thought (and was immediately ashamed to think), Wow, is this what MAGA types dismiss as woke? And of course, everyones rhetoric seemed to be immediately validated as we went out for drinks and dancing, and two of our party were grabbed and groped byyou guessed itwhite, male strangers. I feel caught between supporting the (legitimate) concerns of the people (including myself, a woman of color, daughter of immigrants, and scientist) at risk under this administration, and the (problematic? Bigoted? Unhelpful?) urge to say, Our rich person privilege is showing and/or, Poor white people are also people, and Ive even talked to some of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do I need a script to ease the intensity of some of these conversations? Steer us toward less fraught topics? Just nod and smile? Invitations for various celebrations of this college friend group will continue rolling in, and I am genuinely excited to catch up with everyone. However, I will absolutely be bringing White Straight Male Partner as my plus one when applicable, who had a completely different childhood and college experience compared to the rest of us, and already has a pretty dim view of the kind of conversations he might be drawn into as the only white man at the table. While he could definitely stand to be more actively feminist and anti-racist in our everyday lives, getting grilled over a fancy meal by a bunch of PhDs whose parents funded their education would not be the way. Because nowadays it DOES matter, I should clarify that he is not a Trump supporter, does not support or condone hateful beliefs, and will not accidentally nor purposefully insult anyone at these gatherings based on race, culture, or gender identity. Torn in Oregon Dear Torn in Oregon, Advertisement Whats your worst fear about what will happen during these gatherings? Really sit and think about it. Is it the knot in your stomach youll get if your friends say something you dont think is fair? Is it the feeling youll have if you dont convince them that youre right? Is it the judgments your boyfriend will make about these peopleand maybe, by extension, youif he has to hear comments that offend him or that he considers woke? Advertisement I think all of these things are survivable. But I also think you can do better than survive. You can feel good about how you show up at events with this group of friends, even if you think every word they utter is wrong. Advertisement It starts with being really, really confident about who you are, what you believe, and who you love. Focus less on plotting out how you might change your friends thoughts and their conversation topics (and definitely less on how Republicans would view them). Instead, reflect on what you think and what you want to say. Not in relation to what they think and say, but just in general. What do you care about? How do you see the world? What are your priorities? Whats your take on this political moment, from your perspective as a woman of color? Do you have any fears? Are there any issues youre particularly concerned about? If youre not worried about yourself, are you troubled by the issues other people are facing? What policy changes or cultural changes would you like to see to create a society that you feel better about? Advertisement You also want to have answers youre comfortable with to questions like: Is the way youre living aligned with those beliefs? Do you think your partner shares those values? Do you think your relationship is solid enough that he can hear a hyperbolic statement about white cis men from your friends and be OK because he knows it doesnt describe him at all? Sort this all out in your head, until you have a story about yourself, your politics, and your relationship that you feel really clear and good about. Then just show up with the peace that comes with being secure in who you areand the awareness that being who you are might bring you closer to people who are aligned with you and farther from people who arent. Maybe youll decide you dont feel quite as connected to these friends anymore. Maybe theyll say something that offends your boyfriend. If that happens, it will be uncomfortable, but it will also be information about the people in your life. Youll get to decide what to do with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approach these events with clarity about where you stand and curiosity about whether you enjoy spending time with this group or whether it makes you happy to move through the world with your boyfriendnot just when it comes to his identity, but his interactions and reactions, too. Try to lose the desperation to edit the conversation in advance so that everyone appears to be on the same page. Its possible that youre not. If thats the case, youll be fine, as long as you like yourself enough that you dont mind being the odd man out once in a while. Get advice from Prudiesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Prudence, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Dear Prudence following up) Submit Dear Prudence, My brother died suddenly over two years ago. I cant imagine my parents grief, but my mother doesnt seem to even be trying to move forward. I dont expect her to get over it, but the real problem is that she fixates. His girlfriend cut us off from his children after he died, and my mom used to drive by the girlfriends house regularly; she is incensed to have learned (by seeking the information out) that the girlfriend is dating someone (over a year after my brother passed). She makes comments to me about losing her only son, which doesnt feel great as one of the multiple daughters. My mom is completely lost in her grief and doesnt even seem to want to learn to move forward in a healthy way. The truth is, I cant go down the rabbit hole anymore. Its hurting me, and its making me want to withdraw. I have two young children, and sometimes it feels like she treats my son as though he is my brothers (non-existent) son. Theres obviously more to itthere is always morebut how do I tell my mom that I cant discuss my brother anymore unless she gets some help with her grief? I Went to Therapy Dear I Went to Therapy, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Focus on the behaviors that are hurting you, rather than your moms feelings and fixations, and whether she gets help. You dont want to have to monitor whether shes found a therapist, how many times a week shes going, and whether shes doing the homework. And what happens if shes getting help, but shes still driving you nuts? (Like you said, theres always more to it.) Make a list of the specific things you cant tolerate (hearing about driving past his girlfriends house, particular types of interactions with your own son, the statement he was my only son, etc.), tell her how they make you feel, and ask her to stop. If she cant, that will be the time to tell her you need a break from discussing your brother with her. Advertisement Classic Prudie My sisters and I were raised in the great outdoors. We knew how to fish and hunt by the time we were 5. By 15, we were going on deep wood camping trips on our own and often teaching adults the ins and outs. Even with us living in major cities, we still try to get together and pass off the knowledge to the next generationmy nieces. I am dating a great guy with two young daughters. I love him and get along with the girls, but their interests are very much not running around in the woods. How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, My girlfriend has this thing she does immediately after we finish having sex. She goes straight to the bathroom to urinate. She says that its supposed to reduce the chances of her getting a UTI (she doesnt have a history of them). Ive had more than a few girlfriends in my life, and this is the first time one has done this, and I find it really kills the afterglow. Is what she is doing truly necessary? Shes Not Taking Any Chances Dear Shes Not Taking Any Chances, This question is somewhat personal. As I sit here typing, I have a urinary tract infection. I can tell you from current, visceral experience that they are extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient. Additionally, these things do have a risk of spreading to the kidneys, which can cause severe complications. To put it bluntly, nobodys afterglow is worth going through this, and your girlfriend is wise to have figured that out without learning the hard way. (Yes, its generally thought that peeing after sex can help prevent UTIs.) Apparently, ideally, one washes with soap before and after, too. So, is getting up to pee after sex truly necessary? I dont know. I dont have a way to predict the future, nor what would have occurred in the past under different conditions. Who can say for certain? Maybe, because shes always gotten up to pee after sex, she has spared herself this particular insight into the fallibility of the human body on several occasions. Maybe she, like me until two weeks ago, has been lucky for many, many years. Maybe shes even more of a medical marvel, and could break all the rules with regard to avoiding UTIs for her entire life and still come out unscathed. Judging by my urologists shock that Id made it until 38 without one, though, I highly doubt it. Rather than questioning the validity of the choices your girlfriend makes to reduce her risks and take care of her body, lets consider what choices you can make to preserve that afterglow. It probably takes a couple of minutes to get to the bathroom, pee, wash her hands, and return. Can you wait under the blanket for two minutes, keeping the bed warm? Briefly reminisce about the sex youve just had? Focus on how pleasant and relaxed your body currently feels and enjoy those sensations? It might also help to consider the fact that, if she does get a UTI, absolutely nothing will be glowing for several days. Get sex advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear How to Do It, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to How to Do It following up) Submit Dear How to Do It, I am a cis woman in a monogamous marriage with a cis man. We are both in our early 40s. For most of our relationship, especially after we had kids, he was the one with the higher sex drive. Our sex life was fine, although very routine. In the past year, due to a combination of therapy, hormones, and circumstance, Ive had a bit of a sexual awakening, come out as bisexual, and am now wanting sex more regularly and being more vocal about what I do and dont want in the bedroom. This is what he says he has wanted for ages, and in theory, hes very into it. Hell tell me so, send me messages during the day about how much he wants to have sex with me, etc. But when it comes to the moment where we actually have the opportunity to be intimate, at least 50 percent of the time, he feels too tired or anxious, or we get started, but then he loses his erection quickly. Erectile dysfunction has only really been an issue for him since this reawakening of mine, so I assume there is something psychosomatic going on; some complicated version of performance anxiety, now that my expectations are higher. This has been extremely difficult for us both: I end up hurt and embarrassed and frustrated, and he ends up hating himself and the whole cycle begins again. What can we do collectively and individually to get past this? I think Ive been relatively empathetic about the ED, and we are in couples therapy. Frustrated and Disheartened Dear Frustrated, Erectile difficulties are often related to mental stuff, yes. I reached out to Moushumi Ghose, a licensed marriage and family therapist, for a recent column, and you might find the first paragraph of her response particularly useful. My gut says youre correct about your husband experiencing performance anxiety in response to your increased desires. Im also wondering whether theres an element of the dog that caught the car happening herenow that he has this sexually turbo-charged wife, hes not quite sure what to do with himself. As Ghose suggests, it may be useful to reframe what sex means in a way that foregrounds activities that dont require an erect penis. Broaden your horizons, as it were, with practices such as fingering, oral sex, frottage, use of toys, and really anything else the two of you can dream up. Be sure to put effort into sensations that make his body feel good, too. Focus on erogenous zones such as the neck, chest, or anywhere else other than his penis. Often, building sexual energy while avoiding the penis has a way of literally taking the pressure off. You will absolutely want to have a conversation about this firstpart of taking the pressure off is him knowing thats what youre trying to do. If hes left out of the loop, hes likely to be stressing the whole time about his erection, and thats going to be counterproductive. The communication tools youre learning in couples therapy will be useful here, and if youre feeling particularly anxious about the discussion, this is probably something you can ask for in-session support around during a session. While you cant control your husbands bodyand, despite how much it might feel that way, his erection is not a reliable indicator of your attractiveness, sexual prowess, or validity as a humanyou can start working through your own hurt, embarrassment, and frustration. Im guessing at least part of your frustration is coming from receiving messages about how desperately your husband wants you all day, only to end up in a situation where everyone ends up uncomfortable or worse when you try to act on those sentiments. Another likely facet is that your sexuality is suddenly blooming, and parts of that process are bumpy in a way that narratives about sex rarely prepare us for. What else is going on there? Do the same with your hurt and your embarrassment. The more you can control your own reactions, the easier itll be to interrupt that cycle. Send Us Your Questions About the Workplace! The columnists behind our new advice column, Good Job, want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here! Dear How to Do It, I am a 45-year-old woman who has been married to the same man for 17 years. Our sex life has always just been so-so. He is not into toys or anything other than traditional sex. I have always been VERY attracted to women, but have never acted on my feelings. I would like to try and have a threesome with another woman, but I have no idea how to approach the subject with my husband or how to find someone to join us. Help! Sexually Frustrated Dear Sexually Frustrated, Before you head into the discussion, prepare yourself with answers to the questions your husband might ask. Generally, some likely reactions are Are you leaving me?; Am I not enough for you?; and How long have you been feeling this way? You might be able to predict some others. Really think about those questions. For instance, if your husband isnt open to having a threesome with another woman, will you leave him? I wouldnt necessarily go so far as to craft responses, but I absolutely would consider my positions thoroughly. If the conversation is smooth and easyhe might immediately jump at the chance to have a threesome, with no compunctionsgreat. If its emotionally difficult for either of you, remember that you can table the topic at any time and circle back to it later. This doesnt have to get solved in one sitting. As for how to find someone, there are many options. There are dating sites and apps, such as OKCupid and Feeld, which cater to trios; swingers events; sex clubs; regular bars (presuming theres something local which attracts an age-appropriate clientele); and, in all seriousness, by happenstance as you go about your lives. Some people absolutely do put up a dating app profile and find someone to have a great time with in a matter of hours. Usually, though, the process is like a dating adventure with the added complexity of there being three personalities to match instead of two, and the narrowing of the pool of possible people to bisexual women. Basically, you might get lucky, but its best to prepare for that search to take time and energy. Jessica More Advice From Slate I am a 37-year-old woman, in a common-law relationship to a 39-year-old man. We have two young children and live comfortably. Over the years, Ive learned that he is a narcissist and overall unpleasant man. I am no longer attracted to him, and we are going through the motions for the sake of our children. In December of 2021, I reconnected with an old classmate from grade eight over Instagram. Opinionpalooza Is HereFollow Along With Slates Legal Experts Get clear, smart takes on every major ruling. Subscribe to support Slates legal coverage. Join Slate Plus As the first Supreme Court term of Donald Trumps second presidency draws to a close, one particularly alarming throughline has emerged: The courts decision in Trump v. U.S. nearly one year ago has emboldened the president to challenge the limits of judicial authority to their breaking point. The Supreme Courts 63 decision granting Trump sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution looked disastrous from the moment it was released in July 2024. Its impact has only grown more dire since then, as a string of emergency orders and late-night rulings from the court in response to Trumps daily assaults on the Constitution makes plain. At the time, the most immediate consequence of Trump v. U.S. appeared to be its derailment of special counsel Jack Smiths effort to try Trump for his attempted subversion of the 2020 election. And that outcome undoubtedly bolstered Trumps successful campaign to retake the White House by taking a Jan. 6 trial off the table before November 2024. But the more enduring ramifications only became clear after he reentered the White House in January. In the course of effectively exonerating Trump for his misdeeds, the Supreme Court endorsed a corrupt vision of the presidency in which self-dealing, partisan retribution, and abuse of power were reframed as legitimate, even laudable constitutional prerogatives of the chief executive. Trumps second administration has, predictably, embraced this cynical conception of executive authority, with devastating results for democracy and civil liberties. In a matter of months, it has transformed the office of the president into a monarchical perch. Trump himself has weaponized the decision to assert unprecedented control over the government and exact unlawful retribution against its perceived enemies, in ways that even the majority probably did not foreseefrom his successful efforts to bring major law firms under heel to his campaigns against Ivy League schools and student protesters, to his unlawful renditions of undocumented immigrants to a brutal Salvadoran prison under the false pretense that they are part of an invading army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority may have also failed to foresee the ways that Trump would use the decision to diminish the courts own power. Having freed the president to burst past existing constitutional restraints, the justices must now try to preserve their own authority from executive encroachment. In case after case since Trumps restoration, the court has tried to have it both ways, reeling in some of his most extreme actionswhile still giving the GOP most of what it wantswithout entirely ceding its own power to tell the president no. And so a malignant dynamic is now unfolding between an imperial court and the president whom it crowned a king above law. The conservative supermajority continues to pursue its own agenda, which includes an aggressive expansion of executive authority. But it is doing so at the worst possible time, when the presidency has been captured by an aspiring authoritarian who defies all constitutional constraints. So the Supreme Court is caught between its own desire to shift the law rightward and its fitful inclination to shoot down Trumps most extreme movesif only to preserve its own power. Advertisement How did we get here? In retrospect, it should have been obvious that Chief Justice John Roberts would leverage the immunity case, Trump v. U.S., to expand presidential power. Roberts has long been a devotee of the unitary executive theory, the notion that Article 2 of the Constitution gives the president almost absolute control over the entire executive branch. A growing mountain of evidence has proved that this theory is rooted in an egregious misreading of history, but the chief justice and his conservative colleagues have kept the faith. And they used Trump v. U.S. to pass off, as settled law, a set of deeply contested claims about near-dictatorial presidential power. Advertisement Advertisement At the heart of the ruling, of course, was Roberts infamous declaration that the president may not be prosecuted for his official acts in officethat is, actions within his conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority. This supposed guarantee does not actually appear in the Constitution itself; Roberts largely made it up based on his own beliefs about how the government should operate. He then applied his newfound rule to Trumps indictment, insulating him from charges that allegedly qualify as official acts. In the process, he decreed that a huge swath of Trumps actions after the 2020 electionmany the subject of his second impeachmentwere, in fact, protected by Article 2. Advertisement As Harvard Laws Jack Goldsmith has detailed, Roberts then went much further: He declared that much of the presidents misconduct was not only immune from prosecution, but also from any kind of regulation or oversight by Congress or the courts. By doing so, the chief justice placed a patina of constitutional legitimacy over Trumps conspiracy to steal the 2020 election, announcing that some of his most notorious abuses of office could not be halted or punished by the other branches, except through impeachment and removal. These novel claims, Goldsmith points out, were not even briefed by the parties or addressed by the lower courts. It appears that the chief justice simply spotted an opportunity to enshrine them into precedent and decided to shoot his shot. This rushed and reckless approach created a roadmap that Trump would easily exploit from the moment he returned to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consider, for instance, how the ruling analyzes Trumps meddling with the Department of Justice after the 2020 election. It acknowledges that the president and his allies pressed the agency to open criminal investigations into the voting procedures in key swing states that Joe Biden carried. Under this plan, the DOJ would pretend to uncover election fraud in these states, then urge their legislatures to create an alternative slate of electors who would cast their votes for the losing candidate, Trump. When thenacting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen refused to go along with the scheme, Trump threatened to fire him. Smiths indictment zeroed in on this scheme to support his allegation that the president engaged in an unlawful conspiracy to thwart Congress certification of the election. Advertisement But Roberts held that Trumps demands for a sham investigation were constitutionally protected. Why? Because, he wrote for the court, the president has exclusive authority over the investigative and prosecutorial functions of the Justice Department and its officials. Roberts then reframed Trumps invidious interference with the DOJ as a permissible exercise of executive authority. This kind of decisionmaking, he insisted, is the special province of the executive branch, and the president himself holds all executive power. He therefore holds exclusive authority and absolute discretion to decide which crimes to investigate and prosecute, including with respect to allegations of election crime. He may also discuss potential investigations and prosecutions with subordinatesa euphemism for conspiring with loyalists to overturn the election. And he must have unrestricted power to remove the most important of his subordinates for refusing to obey his will, no matter how corrupt or outright criminal. Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear whether, when writing these passages, the chief justice realized he was blessing a shocking expansion of presidential power. The Justice Department has long operated with a substantial degree of independence from the White House to ensure that it wields its immense power free from partisan interference. President Richard Nixon notoriously breached this wall during Watergate, prompting both Congress and the DOJ itself to enact reforms that would insulate federal law enforcement from direct presidential control. Yet in Trump v. U.S., Roberts spurned the very principle of DOJ independence as an affront to the Constitution. Georgetown Laws Marty Lederman promptly flagged that holding as a profound shift in the law, one that will be weaponized by executive branch lawyers and officials for time immemorial. He also noted that this new rule is not limited to the Justice Department, but seemingly applies to all federal agencies, many of which have their own law enforcement operations. Roberts essentially decreed that Congress may no longer bar the president from corrupting these agencies by instructing them to open fraudulent investigations and lie to the public. That is, Lederman warned, an extraordinarily radical propositiona loaded gun that an unscrupulous president could easily brandish to shoot down the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which is exactly what Trump is now doing. Central to his consolidation of power since Jan. 20 has been his assertion of total control over the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and other federal law enforcement agencies. And he has used this control to further his own campaign of retribution. Trump has, for example, ordered the DOJ to launch criminal probes into two first-term officials who publicly criticized him. (One targets offense: Acknowledging that the 2020 election was free and fair.) Trump has issued a slate of executive orders against law firms that have hired or represented people he dislikes, instructing his administration to investigate and penalize them. He has unlawfully retaliated against news organizations whose speech he disapproves of. He has directed his administration to investigate and potentially punish universities that he views as overly liberal. And he has empowered his subordinates to imprison and attempt to deport student protesters on the basis of their protected free speech. Advertisement Trump has been able to do all this because he has torn down the traditional buffer between the White House and the Justice Departmentwith the eager assistance of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who views herself as the presidents personal lawyer. So, too, do Trumps rotating cast of interim U.S. attorneys, including Ed Martin and Alina Habba, who believe its their job to carry out the presidents wishes by using the vast powers of their offices to target his political enemies and exonerate his friends. And why shouldnt they? True, decades of institutional norms counsel against such interference on the grounds that the Justice Department serves the law, not the president. But the Supreme Court has now dismissed those customs as an encroachment upon executive power. It was inevitable that Trump would interpret its decision as permission to transform the Justice Department into an arm of his authoritarian project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nor does any of this stop at the Justice Department. Roberts endorsement of presidential removal power in Trump v. U.S. constituted, in Ledermans words, a stealth overruling of a Supreme Court precedent upholding congressional restraints on the firing of law enforcement officials. One week into his second term, Trump exercised this power to illegally fire 17 inspectors general, violating congressional restrictions on the removal of these independent watchdogs. The move hobbled internal checks against fraud and abuse across agencies. But the courts did not stop itafter all, inspectors general perform law enforcement duties, a responsibility that SCOTUS pronounced to be the special province of the president. Trump and his allies have also asserted a broader and unprecedented right to purge much of the civil service, including prosecutors who worked on Jan. 6 cases. Trumps DOJ threatened to clear out a U.S. attorneys office until it could find someone who would corruptly suspend the prosecution of New York Mayor Eric Adams for purely political reasons. Advertisement Look closely, and you can see Trump v. U.S.s impact all across the government. The presidents ability to suspend the TikTok ban, a ban that the Supreme Court unanimously upheld, derives from the chief justices declaration that the president alone can enforce, or not enforce, federal law. Trumps top advisers are repurposing the Trump v. U.S. ruling to justify impounding, or refusing to spend, billions of dollars appropriated by Congresssomething Congress has expressly prohibited. The governments unlawful efforts to summarily deport migrants to a Salvadoran prison is also tied to the ruling: The Justice Department has proclaimed that, as president, Trump has inherent constitutional authority to deport immigrants without due process. For support, it has cited a passage in Trump v. U.S. granting the president expansive power over matters related to terrorism and immigration. The administration argues that this language, alongside Roberts other proclamations of executive control, prevents Congress and the courts from interfering with his mass deportation plans. For Trump, the ruling is the gift that keeps on giving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But how does the Supreme Court feel about all this? Goldsmith is likely correct that the majority did not think through all the implications of its decision for a second Trump term. (Partly, it may have been a matter of haste; the court rushed out the monumental ruling in barely two months.) Roberts and his conservative colleagues also may not, for example, mind the firings of executive branch officials, since beefing up that power has been part of the conservative project for decades. SCOTUS, though, has blocked a number of moves that Trump undertook based, at least in part, on his administrations interpretation of Trump v. U.S. The court forced the Department of State to pay out $2 billion in foreign aid that the government tried to impound. It ordered the government to attempt to retrieve a migrant who was mistakenly deported (a ruling the executive branch continues to defy). It halted the late-night removal of Venezuelan migrants then ruled that their due process rights had been violated. Roberts himself has rebuked Trumps call for the impeachment of judges who rule against him. Advertisement Related From Slate The Biggest Sign That Trump May Already Be an Elected Autocrat Read More Yet this pushback is intermittent and often half-hearted, reflecting an ambivalent attitude to the precedent-shattering president. Although the court did ultimately protect Venezuelan migrants from summary deportations, it first gave the administration a technical victory lifting a restraining order that had halted their removal. Its decision in favor of the wrongly deported migrant also struck a pose of compromise, deferring to the executive branchs primacy over foreign affairscreating a loophole that the government has used to disregard its order. The court seems unlikely to uphold Trumps assault on birthright citizenship, but may split the baby by rolling back the nationwide injunctions that are the sole thing keeping the policy on hold. And while just last week it blessed his firings of independent agency heads, it tried to preemptively carve out an exception to its ruling that prohibits him from taking over the Federal Reserve, clearly an area of special concern to the court. Advertisement Advertisement The majority seems at once delighted that Trump is creating opportunities to shift the law rightward yet distraught that he sometimes pushes to the point of encroaching on the courts own power. Its solution, for now, is to continually stake out middle ground when conflicts between the two branches agendas arise. By doing so, the court is all but encouraging the administration to test, if not blow past, the limits of its own decisions. It has repeatedly endorsed the presidents interpretation of Trump v. U.S. as a near-boundless grant of executive authority. No one should be surprised when Trump concludes that the bounds of his power extend well beyond the Supreme Courts own rulings. There is a deep irony at the root of this emerging conflict. No institution played a bigger role in handing Trump the power he is now abusing than the Supreme Court itself. Now, after paving his path back to the White House and dismantling limitations on his power, SCOTUS appears increasingly uncomfortable with how he is using his authority. Its concerns may arise in no small part from the fear that the Trump administration is sapping the judiciary of its strength, defying courts orders, and treating their decisions as advisory at best. Some of the conservative justices may be perturbed that the White House is effectively demoting the judiciary from a co-equal branch of government to a bothersome layer of bureaucracy that can be overridden or ignored. If so, the blame for surrendering the courts legitimate claim to equal authority falls squarely on the courts own shoulders. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. For the vast majority of Americans, the legal system hasnt changed in any meaningful way unless they are watching the news. Contracts are enforced, divorces are resolved, parking fines are paid. Unless you are witnessing ICE raids at your church, or your law firm has just agreed to do free legal work for the president, the creep of a weaponized authoritarian legal regime happens largely in the shadows. On this weeks Amicus podcast, professor Aziz Huq, who teaches law at the University of Chicago Law School, discusses his recent article in the Atlantic titled America Is Watching the Rise of a Dual State. Huq builds on the work of a Jewish labor lawyer named Ernst Fraenkel who fled Nazi Germany in 1938 and later published the book The Dual State, which helps explain the split screen in which Americans are suspended between one world in which the law proceeds as usual while disfavored minorities experience a frightening rule by fiat. Their conversation has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: Can we just start with this term, dual state? Aziz Huq: The term dual state was coined by a Jewish lawyer called Ernst Fraenkel in a book published in 1941. Fraenkel was an extraordinary man who is undeservedly forgotten today. He was a lawyer trained to work mostly on labor matters in the 1920s. In 1933, Jewish lawyers were banned from appearing in German courts, but Frankel had served in World War I, and as a consequence of doing that, had a dispensation from the ban. Fraenkel chose to continue representing clients in the Berlin courts from the beginning of 1933 up until 1938, when he had to flee because he was targeted by the Gestapo. Fraenkel slowly built up a portrait of how the Nazi government at the time was constructing a zone of lawless and arbitrary power while at the same time permitting many Germans to go about their ordinary lives without being disturbed or put off by the existence of this lawless power. Fraenkel called that the dual state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dual state theory, as Fraenkel describes it, has two key elements. The first is that the legal system is split into two parts. On the one hand, there is the familiar zone of ordinary law applied in ordinary courts in ordinary ways. Frankel called this the normative state. On the other hand, there is something called the prerogative state. The prerogative state is a domain in which the government exercises lawless and absolute authority over individuals. The second and really important part of the dual state is the existence of a switch. By pulling a switch, an official moves a person from the normative statefrom the ordinary world of lawinto the prerogative statea domain in which no rules apply to that person. The dual state is how the state builds up this regime in which there are two domains, one characterized by lawfulness, the second characterized by lawlessness, and how it builds a series of switches in and outside the law, whereby officials have essentially unlimited power and discretion to move people from the normative to the prerogative state. Advertisement I am very struck, as Im asking you this question, by the ways in which the role of lawyers is so confounding right at this moment. There are all these executive orders; attempts to go after law firms for retribution, but most huge law firms just live in the normative state, right? They do mergers and acquisitions. They have really wealthy clients. They dont get to cross that membrane, so they dont fully understand what it means for a law firm to say, Well do all this pro bono work for Donald Trump, and well agree not to ever cross him on anything, because they just exist in the prerogative state. Theres not a lot of lawyers practicing law, as you and I think of it, who actually ever brush up against the prerogative state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [There are the] firms like Paul, Weiss that were confronted by executive orders over the last three months. On the other hand, they know that litigating even a plainly unconstitutional order takes a long time. They know that there is the possibility that other law firms will try to steal their clients, steal their rainmaking partners while that litigation is going on. And so they are faced with a choice of either standing on their rights, defending the integrity of the legal system, or capitulating in the hope that they will be able to weather the storm. The point here is that ethical choice, that dilemma, was completely new. It was not something those lawyers had experienced before, and therefore, they have no tool kit. They have no guidebook for thinking about what exactly was at stake, what exactly they were giving up when they agreed. But when they entered into these Faustian deals with the president, they just did not know what they were doing. Advertisement Related From Slate The Supreme Court Just Rewarded Trump for Brazenly Breaking the Law Read More Maybe to concretize this you can give me an example from recent headlines of a dual state moment in the 100-plus days that weve lived through Trump 2.0a way in which for most people, the law is just ticking along as we understand it, and then a dual-state moment yanks us into the prerogative state? Advertisement Advertisement Probably the most powerful example of the dual state at work are the instances in which either citizens or lawful permanent residents who have speech rights as a consequence of the First Amendment have been detained as a consequence of positions or statements that they have made or perceptions of their nationality. Those immigration cases are the closest parallel to the forms of the dual state that we see in other, much more openly autocratic countries. I think that the range of prosecutions and investigations that have been opened against individuals who are perceived by the administration as its ideological enemies are the second wave of the dual state. Advertisement Advertisement I would put into that bucket the [withdrawal of the] indictment of the New York mayor, the indictment of a sitting member of Congress, the indictment of a Wisconsin judge, and the investigation that has been opened into Eric Adams leading opponent in the race for New York City mayor. I think in all of those cases, there is only a thin shell of legality. And I think that in none of the cases could you plausibly say that this is a criminal investigation or a prosecution that we would ever have seen under normal circumstances. I think that the law firm executive orders are precisely lawless because they are in flagrant violation of the First Amendments prohibition on viewpoint discrimination. The law firms express implicitly the idea that they recognize the presidents power to act without constraints of law and therefore put themselves permanently at the mercy of the president, which makes it ethically impossible for those firms to represent individuals or companies that are adverse to the federal government. I think that the exercise of federal spending power to preempt money that has been promised by statute and contract to entities or researchers that are engaged in work that the administration arbitrarily deemed woke is yet another form of pulling people from the world of legal relationships to a world in which all that counts is the administration or the presidents discretion. If Mark Miller ever forgets the humble beginnings of Eakes Office Solutions, he doesnt have to go far to be reminded. In the showroom of Eakes headquarters in Grand Island sits the table where Howard Eakes began the company at his home. That was 80 years ago. What started with one man repairing typewriters and adding machines at a kitchen table has expanded to 300 employees in 15 locations doing business in 27 states. And its gone far beyond Remington typewriters and No. 2 pencils. We just get into all kinds of stuff, said Miller, who started with Eakes in 1993 and now serves as president and CEO. If you find it in the office, we provide it. Grand Island was started by Howard in 1945, Miller said of the first location. The founder who fixed typewriters at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant during World War II moved the business out of his home and into a second-floor space on Third Street. Soon, it was the fourth-largest office supply firm in Grand Island. Howards sons, Ron and Dan, joined the company in 1952 and 1972, respectively. The store at 617 W. Third St. in Grand Island was built in 1973 and remains the companys flagship. From simple office machines, Howard expanded into lines like business forms and checks, Miller said. During Ron and Dans era, the company began offering more office-oriented furniture and copiers, Miller said. While the father had firmly established Eakes in Grand Island, the sons grew the company to the west, adding locations such as Kearney, Hastings, McCook and Scottsbluff. When I came along with my group of people, we started going east, Miller said. The company now has stores in Columbus, Lincoln, Norfolk, Omaha, South Sioux City and York. Although Eakes has long done business outside of Nebraska, it recently gained its first store outside the state, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. All along, business machines have remained Eakes bread and butter. Miller said Eakes has been among the top 10 Sharp dealers for 20 years and, within the last year, broke into the top 40 Ricoh dealers, as well. Thats kind of a neat claim to fame, he said. If you step into an Eakes showroom today, youll see plenty of copiers and office furniture, but you wont see the old standbys of an office supply business, such as paper, pencils and pens. Eakes was once a walk-in retail business, Miller said. But with the rise of the internet, It began to hurt retail for us. Fewer and fewer people came in, he said. That walk-in office supply trade had dropped to 2% of its business when Eakes finally dropped it. The business-to-business customers completely understood, Miller said. Other customers took a bit more educating. It was a marketing task to tell that story, he said. Eakes didnt stop selling those supplies, however. It just changed how it sells them. Now, 65% of that business is online, and the rest is handled by Eakes sales staff. Our people are in the community, Marketing Manager Tasha Jones said. Salespeople are still out checking on customers, seeing what they need, every day. In most cases, if a customer orders something by 3 p.m., it will be delivered the next day, Miller said, and delivery is free. Its all Eakes staff across the state that delivers, Jones said. The personal local touch, thats our story, Miller said. Whatever Amazon isnt, we are. Whether its delivered by the package or the pallet, paper remains a big seller for Eakes. Paper just doesnt seem to want to go away, Miller said. It drives the whole office supply market. Back in the 1970s, if Eakes ordered 100 cases of paper every six weeks, it was considered a big order, Miller and Jones said. Now the company orders 10 to 12 truckloads with 840 cases per truck every month. The speed of business has picked up so rapidly, Miller said. Almost all of it is driven by technology. Eakes has gone from selling typewriters to copiers to computer networks, from office chairs to cubicles to architectural walls, Miller said. In every category, the evolution has been a fantastic story, he said. While Eakes continues in its legacy businesses, it also provides VoIP phone systems, conference room displays, workforce automation, managed IT, backup recovery systems and cloud storage solutions. Twenty years ago, we wouldnt have had any of this, Miller said. In fact, much of it didnt exist. Customers also call on Eakes for coffee supplies and office water systems. Its janitorial supply business, which began in the past 10 years, has gone from paper towels and Windex to scrubbers that can clean arena floors, Miller said. In all its communities, he said, it is a core value of our company to be local. Thats a focus for us as a company, Jones agreed. Eakes supports food pantries, Meals on Wheels and donates book bags to local schools. In Grand Island within the last month, it supported Willow Rising, participated in a cleanup at Pier Park and hosted an evening at the Grand Theatre, Jones said. Eakes is a sponsor of Fonner Park, the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, Hope Harbor and the Heartland United Way. Theyre a part of the fabric of our community, Miller said, and we want to be a part of that fabric. Howard Eakes, who was part of the fabric of the community himself, died in 2001. Sons Ron and Dan are retired. They both have a little bit of ownership in the company, Miller said. Eakes Office Solutions is now owned by 36 employees. The people who have the ownership, they want things to work, Miller said. The better the people youve got, the better they take care of the customer. He believes Eakes will continue caring for those customers for many years to come. I see a very strong, long-term local future for this company, Miller said. More than a year after Nebraskas executive branch shunned legislative oversight of the states troubled prison and child welfare systems in a violation of state law, the Legislature moved to establish a permanent oversight committee meant to resolve constitutional concerns that led to the lockout. Lawmakers voted 39-3 to give first-round approval Wednesday, May 21 to a bill that would rewrite Nebraskas legislative oversight laws and establish an obvious chain-of-command from lawmakers to watchdogs tasked with keeping an eye on the Departments of Correctional Services and Health and Human Services. The bill is meant to address concerns Nebraskas attorney general raised in a legal opinion in 2023, in which Mike Hilgers suggested lawmakers had delegated their oversight authority to those unsupervised watchdogs, known as the inspectors general, in a move that Hilgers claimed was unconstitutional. Though Hilgers opinion was nonbinding, the prison and child welfare systems both arms of the executive branch almost immediately shut off access the inspectors general had to agency facilities and records, following the attorney generals opinion over state law and leaving the Legislature without meaningful oversight of the agencies for six months. The lockout ended in April 2024, when lawmakers reluctantly approved an agreement with the executive branch to temporarily restore access to the watchdogs while a special committee of lawmakers studied the structure of legislative oversight functions to come up with a long-term solution. That solution arrived on the legislative floor Wednesday in the form of LB298, sponsored by Sen. John Arch, the speaker of the Legislature who led the effort to restore the branchs oversight an effort that Arch said will be transformational to the Legislature as an institution and would help lawmakers improve oversight while ensuring it is unquestionably constitutionally sound. Critics, though, cast the new oversight structure as weaker than the one that already exists in state law and suggested Arch and the Legislatures Executive Board should have fought for the branch in court, rather than rework the structure to appease Hilgers and the executive branch. Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad was a particularly vocal critic of Archs plan Wednesday, calling the handling of the oversight lockout a failure of the speaker and a failure of the Executive Board and a failure of this body to stand in their power and protect this branch of government. Archs bill would create an oversight division within the Legislature that would supervise the inspectors general and the Legislative Audit Office, which for now is governed by the Performance Audit Committee. That committee would be replaced by a new, nine-member oversight committee. Under the plan, the Legislature would hire a director of legislative oversight who would appoint the inspectors general tasked with keeping tabs on the troubled agencies to five-year terms. But the plan would also remove from state law a provision that had required Nebraskas prison and child welfare systems to provide direct computer access to the inspectors general, who were previously able to review incident reports and other internal agency documents in real time. The proposal would also create a process to allow for the executive or judicial branches to object to disclosing legally privileged information to the watchdogs. And the new plan would allow law enforcement agencies to decline to provide information to the inspectors general, who would also be required to suspend an investigation at the request of a police department. Arch did agree and lawmakers voted to remove a portion of the proposal that wouldve made it illegal for the watchdogs to disclose any confidential information or records provided to the newly created oversight division. Still, Conrad said the system Archs bill would establish amounted to a weakened sense of legislative oversight that the executive branch and the judicial branch are allowing us to conduct. Thats ridiculous, she said. Its absolutely ridiculous. Arch, though, pushed back on opposition from Conrad and others. He said the new laws strengthen our position and rejected Conrads assertion that the Legislature capitulated. I am fully committed to this Legislature being a co-equal branch of government, he said. Im hoping we pass this statute. We will establish that now again. His proposal advanced to the second of three rounds of debate with broad support, as only Conrad and Omaha Sens. Megan Hunt and Terrell McKinney voted against the bill. Six other lawmakers were present-not-voting. Its unlikely the bills advancement was ever in doubt despite the hours opponents spent Wednesday questioning and criticizing Arch. The temporary agreement lawmakers approved to restore oversight access last year was set to expire early next month, leaving the Legislature with little choice but to advance Archs bill or risk another period of oversight lockout. Introduction Hindenburg Research was founded in 2017 by Nate Anderson, it is a forensic financial research firm which analyses equity, credit and derivatives. It has a track-record of finding corporate wrongdoings and placing bets against the companies. The Hindenburg Research published a report on the Adani Group in January 2023 which alleged that the Adani group is engaging in stock manipulation, improperly usage of tax havens and flagged concerns about high debt levels at the company. The allegation by Hindenburg have led to loss of over $100 billion in market capitalization. The report emerged as a significant question about regulatory oversight and the ethical responsibilities of corporate entities. The Adani Group has been in light previously for 4 major fraud investigation which have alleged money laundering, theft of taxpayer funds and corruption, totaling an estimated U.S. $17 billion. The report focused on the Adani family controlling numerous offshore shell entities in tax- haven countries like Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Caribbean Islands, which in turn created forged import/export documentation in an apparent effort to generate fake or illegitimate turnover and to siphon money from the listed companies. The report had identified 38 Mauritius shell entities controlled by Vinod Adani or close associates of the Adani Group. Vinod Adani, the elder brother of the CEO of the Adani Group, Mr. Gautam Adani, has regularly been found at the center of the governments investigations into Adani for his alleged role in managing a network of offshore entities used to facilitate fraud. The Adani Group is one of the biggest conglomerates in India, and because of its operations across several industries, the reports conclusions have a significant impact on regulatory supervision and the financial markets. The Hindenburg Research highlights a number of issues, including possible tax law violations, tax evasion, the misuse of offshore tax havens, and the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks in enforcing tax compliance. The report stood as a wakeup call for the Indian investors to be firm and wise while making decisions. The Adani Group swiftly refuted Hindenburgs claims that front firms and shell companies are used to hide losses and influence stock prices, focussing on the appropriate disclosure of related-party transactions. The Supreme Court of India received three Public Interest Litigations (PILs), two of which were heard on February 10. The Supreme Court of India then suggested on February 13 that an expert panel consisting of a judge be formed to look into the claims due to their seriousness and potential effects on investors. On the broader discourse with reference to the report, the premise in relation to taxation law in India arises that the Adani Group may have operated offshore companies without sufficient inspection by taking advantage of tax loopholes in the Indian tax system This circumstance calls into question the openness of corporate governance and draws attention to possible flaws in the application of tax laws. Scope This research paper delves into the understanding of the Hindenburg Report on Adani Group with special reference to tax evasion by establishing off-shore entities in tax- haven countries. Further the paper focused on Indias regulatory landscape and its effectiveness in curbing fraudulent activities regarding tax evasion while ensuring fair taxation practices for all corporate entities. The analysis aims to provide insights into the impact of the report on the Indian economy as well as legal taxation regime and how regulatory reforms could enhance accountability and transparency within Indias corporate sector, thereby fostering a more resilient economic environment. Laws Involved 1. SEBI Act and Regulation: The Security and Exchange Board of India has the power to initiate proceedings against companies who engage in malpractices related to market even though if includes foreign investments. Some of the key provisions that need to be looked are as follows: a. Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Research Analyst Regulations, 2014 (R.A. Regulations). b. Securities And Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. c. SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices Relating to Securities Market) Regulations, 2003. 2. Minimum Public Shareholding: Indian regulations enquire listed firms to keep a minimum percentage of their shares in the public hands. Regulations may be implemented if these conditions are not met. Because of the IPO of the largest insurance company in India, the Life Insurance Corporation of India, the public shareholding threshold was lowered to 5% in 2021 for companies with post-issue share capital over INR 10 trillion of capital. The current minimum public shareholding policy uses a graded system depending on the size of the organisation. Furthermore, until they reach the 25% threshold, all listed businesses are required to progressively raise their minimum public shareholding. More investigation in this area might be prompted by the Hindenburg Research and its effect on the stock prices of the Adani Group. Tentative Analysis Being the largest conglomerates in India, the Adani Group was deeply impacted by the Hindenburg Report. The report questions the effectiveness of corporate governance, regulatory supervision, and tax compliance inside huge corporations have all come under light as a result of this report. The report further makes investors question the about the mechanism and legal compliance of the Adani Group. Regarding the Adani Groups response, it is within their rights to vehemently defend their corporate practices and governance. However, the timing of the report and the subsequent cancellation of the FPO raise legitimate questions about transparency and the motivations behind these actions. The allegations of selective presentation, disregard for legal and accounting standards, and contempt for regulatory authorities should be addressed transparently to maintain trust in the corporate sector. Literature Review 1.What is Hindenburg Research, the Company that has accused Adani Group of Stock Manipulation, Fraud?, THE INDIAN EXPRESS, January 30, 2023, available at https: //indianexpress.com/article/ex-plained/explained-economics/what-is-hindenburg-research-accused-adani-fraud-8404531/ (Last visited on September 22, 2024). 2. Adani Group: How the Worlds 31 Richest Man is Pulling the Largest Con in Corporate History, HINDENBURG RESEARCH, January 24, 2023, available at https: https://hindenburgresearch.com/adani/ (Last visited on September 22, 2024). 3. Anwesha Madhukalya, Hindenburgs Allegations v Adanis Response: Shell Companies, Money Laundering, Vinod Adanis Role, January 30, 2023, available at https https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/hindenburgs-allegations-vs-adanis-response-shell-companies-money-laundering-vinod-adanis-role-368131-2023-01-30 (Last visited on September 22, 2024). 4. Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Research Analyst Regulations, 2014. 5. SEBI Act, 1992, 12 A. 6. SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices Relating to Securities Market) Regulations, 2003. 7. Securities Contracts (regulation) Rules, 1957, Rule 19(2) and 19A & Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, Rule 38 A. INTRODUCTION a. Hindenburg Research The Hindenburg Research is a US research-based firm which focuses on financial forensic research. It was founded by researcher Nate Anderson in 2017, with the aim to research upon financial irregularities in companies by conducting investigations and analysing accounting irregularities unethical business activities and financial transactions or issues that are not in public domain. The firm has specialised in short selling which basically means their studies on specific companies let them make predictions about whether or not the market prices of such companies will decline. In order to place shorting bets on the performance of different financial actors, the corporation provides its reports with the board of investors prior to release. The name of the research firm is after the 1937 man-made avoidable disaster of the German ship. The firm aims to look for similar man-made disasters floating around in the market and aim to shed light on them before they lure in more unsuspecting victims.[1] Since 2017 the firm has release about reports that pointed out wrongdoings of companies in the US. One of the biggest fraud investigations conducted by them was of the electric car company Nikola, which led to the conviction of the founder leading to pay a settlement of $125 million to the US government. The biggest advantage that the firm has is ints team comprising of former journalists and whistle-blowers within the financial sector. b. The Adani Group The Adani Group is one of the biggest conglomerates in India, and because of its operations across several industries. Founded by Gautam Adani in 1988, the Adani Group comprises of 10 publicly traded companies. With a pan- India presence, the Adani Group topped the market in various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, logistics and etc. The group began its journey by trading globally and has expanded its portfolio ever since in sectors related to power generation, renewable energy, mining, agriculture, transportation and etc. Being the biggest conglomerate the grpup becomes a key player in shaping the economy of the nation. c. The Hindenburg Report on the Adani Group Released in 2023 the report claimed that the Adani group which was led by its chairman Gautam Adani, since 2020 had added 100 billion dollars to its valuation through stock price manipulation in 7 key listed companies[2]. The stock manipulation was done by improper usage of tax havens and the report flagged concerns about high debt levels at the company. The allegation by Hindenburg have led to loss of over $100 billion in market capitalization. The report emerged as a significant question about regulatory oversight and the ethical responsibilities of corporate entities. The report focused on the Adani family controlling numerous offshore shell entities in tax- haven countries like Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Caribbean Islands, which in turn created forged import/export documentation in an apparent effort to generate fake or illegitimate turnover and to siphon money from the listed companies. The report had identified 38 Mauritius shell entities controlled by Vinod Adani or close associates of the Adani Group. Vinod Adani, the elder brother of the CEO of the Adani Group, Mr. Gautam Adani, has regularly been found at the center of the governments investigations into Adani for his alleged role in managing a network of offshore entities used to facilitate fraud[3]. The Hindenburg Research highlights a number of issues, including possible tax law violations, tax evasion, the misuse of offshore tax havens, and the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks in enforcing tax compliance. d. SEBIs Involvement In June 2024, the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) conducted an investigation into the Adani group and completed 23 out of 24 investigations which was presented before the Supreme Court[4], but no conclusive result can be seen further SEBI stated that the Hindenburg Research shared its report with a US hedge fund manger to trade with this information. In consequences to which Hindenburg responded with another report which allegedly revealed SEBIs Chairperson had stake in obscure Offshore Entities used in Adani Money Siphoning Scandal.[5] According to the report, Madhabi Buch, the SEBI chief, and her husband owned shares in Vinod Ambanis offshore companies that were connected to financial wrongdoing by the Adani group. According to the study, Hindenburg suspected that Chairperson Madhabi Buchs complicity in using the exact same funds used by Vinod Adani, brother of Gautam Adani, may be the reason SEBI is unwilling to take meaningful action against suspect offshore shareholders in the Adani Group. According to the study, Madhabi Buchs and her husbands interests preceded her election as SEBIs member in 2017 and chairman in 2022. Further her husband seized full control of their investments weeks before Buch was appointed to SEBI in 2017 so that she wouldnt be scrutinised for her role as a market regulator. e. Supreme Courts Involvement The Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (SEBI) inquiry into the claims made by Hindenburg Research against the Adani Group was maintained by the Supreme Court. According to the courts ruling, there was no basis to question the thoroughness of the SEBIs probe. Additionally, the court ruled that there were no good reasons to order SEBI to take back its changes to the FPI and LODR rules. Anamika Jaiswal filed a review petition asking the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a court-monitored investigation. On May 5, 2024, however, the Supreme Court denied the review petition, ruling that there was no error evident from the record. The court further stated that the petitioner had failed to prove a connection between the committees selection and the unsupported claims[6]. B. TAX EVASION BY THE ADANI GROUP ACCORDING TO THE HINDENBURG REPORT Tax evasion is when people or businesses illegally reduce or fail to pay taxes by understating or concealing income or revenues, or by overstating or fabricating deductions or costs. It entails wilful and purposeful deception to unlawfully avoid paying taxes or to lower the amount owed. Since tax evasion is unlawful, tax authorities may prosecute offenders either civilly or criminally[7]. According to the report the Adani Group evaded tax by use of offshore entities in tax heavens like Mauritius, UAE and Cayman Islands. The report further stated that by establishing such offshore entities the Adani Group generated forged import/export documentation in an apparent effort to generate fake or illegitimate turnover and to siphon money from the listed companies. a. Use of Tax Heaven The increased global capital mobility brought about by globalisation has made tax havens more significant. In order to lower their tax obligations, multinational corporations typically relocate their earnings to tax havens or low-tax jurisdiction Countries that are tax haven have special taxes that make them a catching eye for individuals and businesses as they provide minimal to almost negligible tax liability. Tax havens offer foreign entities a tax haven to escape high taxes, with opaque laws and highly protected personal information. A Vinod Adani-controlled company invested in the Global Dynamic Opportunities Fund (GDOF) in Bermuda, a British overseas territory and tax haven, which in turn invested in the IPE Plus Fund 1, a fund registered in Mauritius, another tax haven, according to the Hindenburg report[8]. The report highlighted a scheme wherein the Adani Group appears to involve money being routed out of companies controlled by the Adani Group, through multiple tax havens and then invested back into listed stocks of the Adani Group. Such a scheme could have critical implications for any investor in Adani listed companies. Any investment in Adani-listed companies may be severely impacted by such a strategy. The share price of Adani listed firms could be readily manipulated to satisfy the Adani Groups short-term needs if the Adani Group covertly controls sizable volumes of publicly traded stock without disclosing this information (i.e., to give the illusion of liquidity, to assist raise money, etc.). Another example can be that of the NQXT which was ultimately managed, through numerous layers, by a private trust of the Adani family in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a well-known tax haven, per Australian corporate records for the holding company of NQXT. The North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT), originally known as the Abbot Point Coal Terminal, is a large coal export terminal located in Australia. This terminal plays a crucial role in the Adani Groups overall coal operations, particularly with reference to the disputed Carmichael coal mine. According to Australian corporate papers, NQXT is controlled through a complicated succession of holding companies, which are ultimately held by a private trust controlled by the Adani family and domiciled in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The report further alleges that according to investigative documents, after money and assets are stolen, they are frequently transferred to companies in offshore tax haven jurisdictions that are frequently under the control of Vinod Adani, the brother of Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani. b. Use of Offshore Entities The report had identified 38 Mauritius shell entities controlled by Vinod Adani or close associates of the Adani Group. Vinod Adani, the elder brother of the CEO of the Adani Group, Mr. Gautam Adani, has regularly been found at the centre of the governments investigations into Adani for his alleged role in managing a network of offshore entities used to facilitate fraud. Hindenburg Research claims that papers from whistleblowers have shown that the chairperson of SEBI owns stock in Adani Group offshore companies that are accused of embezzling money. A location outside of a companys native nation is referred to as offshore. Generally speaking, banking and financial laws in these locations differ from those in the home nation. Typically, offshore destinations are island nations where businesses establish deposits, corporations, and investments. Offshore locations may be preferred by businesses and wealthy individuals for asset protection, tax avoidance, or laxer rules. Although they are legal, offshore businesses may be used illegally. According to the Hindenburg research, shell companies domiciled in Mauritius are used to transfer claimed billions of dollars through stock manipulation, unreported investments, and related party transactions. Shell firms are those that are officially registered in a nation but do not carry out any business activities. Although these businesses arent always unlawful, they are occasionally used illegally to conceal company ownership from the public or law authorities. Legitimate firms may also use shell corporations as a way to evade taxes. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) defines a shell as a business that is legally organised in an economy through formal registration, incorporation, or other means but not engaged in any activities there other than pass-through[9]. C. ANALYSIS According to the Hindenburg research, the Adani Group inflated its market valuation by about $100 billion through illegal practices. The report draws attention to a number of important issues: According to allegations, the Adani Group artificially created liquidity and manipulated stock prices by using offshore shell corporations. Furthermore, the report alleges, the organisation set up a number of companies in tax havens including the UAE and Mauritius in order to avoid paying taxes and make illegal money. Lastly the report poses question as to the efficacy of regulatory agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in observing and enforcing adherence to financial legislation is questioned in this research. The report poses far reaching legal implications. Such allegations are not only financially damaging, but also have legal implications as they require compliance with Indian and international regulations. At the heart of the legal issues are alleged schemes involving the use of offshore structures in tax havens such as Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to manipulate financial transactions, inflate profit, and conceal ownership of shares in publicly listed companies. If these allegations are substantiated, they could have significant legal implications for the Adani Group and its management. A key aspect of the Hindenburg Report focuses on the alleged misuse of offshore shell companies for tax evasion and money laundering. The report alleges that Adani Group created a network of entities in jurisdictions known for lax tax regimes, such as Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates, to create fraudulent import and export documents. This strategy would have allowed the group to falsify sales figures and generate illegal revenue streams. If proven, these actions could violate various domestic and international tax laws, including Indias Income Tax Act 1961[10], as well as international treaties aimed at preventing tax evasion. Tax havens such as Mauritius often serve as conduits for money laundering and tax evasion, and allegations suggest that Adanis offshore network was used to conceal the origin and flow of funds. Indian tax authorities may bring civil or criminal proceedings against individuals belonging to the Adani group, particularly if there is evidence of fraud or deliberate tax fraud.[11] Penalties for such violations could include substantial penalties, unpaid taxes, interest, and possibly imprisonment for those responsible. Internationally, cooperation with tax authorities in other countries may result in coordinated legal action, especially when illicit financial transactions span multiple jurisdictions. Given the complexity of global financial networks, these investigations may last for years and may involve a wide range of executives, intermediaries, and financial institutions suspected of wrongdoing. Another important statement in the Hindenburg report is to operate the price of the stock. According to the report, Adani Group has undergone unresolved managers listed in the stock market through offshore organizations and is artificially returning promotion to maintain control in the market. Such practices not only mislead investors but may also violate Indian securities regulations, particularly those enforced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). SEBI rules mandate that listed companies must be transparent in disclosing shareholdings and that no company or group should manipulate share prices to benefit insiders at the expense of other investors. Promotion handling constitutes a serious violation on any financial market because it undermines the confidence of investors and the integrity of the market. If these accusations are confirmed, the Adani group may incur significant fines in accordance with the law on securities of India (regulation) and the rules of SEBI. Legal results can include the landing of trade, huge fines, and the affected investor deduction. In addition, related managers can face their personal responsibilities, such as fraud and criminal accusations in the market. These regulatory actions could have a significant impact on the groups financial results, market valuation, and reputation, particularly in the global markets where Adani has its infrastructure and energy businesses. The Hindenburg report also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest related to SEBIs regulatory oversight and its leadership. In particular, it highlights allegations that SEBI may not have acted decisively on earlier red flags about Adanis financial practices. There are also allegations that the regulators chairman had a conflict of interest, which could compromise the integrity of the investigations. SEBIs failure to provide proper oversight could open the door to allegations of regulatory capture, where powerful companies exert undue influence on regulators to circumvent oversight. Following the reports, the Supreme Court of India stepped in and ordered SEBI to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. However, the courts decision to uphold SEBIs findings without further investigation has drawn criticism, with some seeing the courts as reluctant to challenge regulators actions, thereby raising questions about the accountability mechanisms in Indias corporate governance and regulatory system. This has far-reaching implications for investor protection and the rule of law, as it could send a signal that large conglomerates may not receive proper regulatory oversight.[12] The legal implications of the Hindenburg report could have significant implications for the Adani Group both in India and overseas. The conglomerate could face a number of lawsuits, including from investors who lost money due to alleged stock manipulation and fraudulent disclosures. Class actions could also arise in international jurisdictions where Adani operates, such as the United States, given that some of its shares and bonds are listed on global exchanges. In addition, the reputational damage caused by these allegations could impact the groups ability to secure financing for its various infrastructure and energy projects, as banks and institutional investors may be reluctant to deal with a company subject to such intense scrutiny. International financial institutions, bound by anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) regulations, may launch their own investigations into transactions involving Adanis offshore entities. The hit is applied to the global market and affects Adani Group, port, energy agriculture, and a huge number of commanding companies in real estate. D. CONCLUSION One of the biggest financial scandals in recent memory, the accusations made against the Adani Group in the Hindenburg Report raise important issues regarding corporate governance, regulatory supervision, and moral business conduct. In addition to having an effect on the market value of the Adani Group, the reports allegations of stock price manipulation, tax evasion, and the abuse of offshore companies in tax havens such as Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates have drawn close attention to Indias regulatory bodies, especially the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). These problems highlight the need for more robust enforcement and financial transparency measures in both domestic and international contexts. The Adani Group may face harsh legal repercussions, including heavy fines, criminal charges, and long-term harm to its reputation, if the claims made in the Hindenburg Report are proven true. Moreover, a lengthy legal dispute across several jurisdictions may result from the intervention of tax authorities and foreign regulators. In addition to the immediate ramifications for the Adani Group, the case emphasises how crucial efficient regulatory supervision is in stopping corporate wrongdoing and safeguarding investor interests. Fundamentally, the dispute highlights the intricacies of contemporary corporate finance, wherein tax havens and international capital mobility can be used to conceal financial activities. It also emphasises how regulatory agencies must keep a close eye on businesses to protect market integrity and make sure they follow moral guidelines. In the end, this cases ramifications might teach governments, corporations, and investors alike a valuable lesson about the value of responsibility, openness, and the rule of law in the global financial system. [1] About us, Availaible at https://hindenburgresearch.com/about-us/ (Last Visited on September 22, 2024). [2] Explained: What is Hindenburg, the firm which levelled allegations against Adani, Sebi chief? THE HINDUSTAN TIMES, August 11 2024, available at https https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/explained-what-is-hindenburg-the-firm-which-levelled-allegations-against-adani-sebi-chief-101723335419817.html (Last visited on September 22, 2024). [3] Adani Group: How the Worlds 31 Richest Man is Pulling the Largest Con in Corporate History, HINDENBURG RESEARCH, January 24, 2023, available at https: https://hindenburgresearch.com/adani/ (Last visited on September 22, 2024). [4] SEBI statement on the Hindenburg Researchs Report, SEBI, August 10, 2024, available at https: https://www.sebi.gov.in/media-and-notifications/press-releases/aug-2024/sebi-statement-on-the-hindenburg-research-s-report-dated-august-10-2024_85606.html (Last visited on September 22, 2024). [5] Adani Group: Whistleblower Documents Reveal SEBIs Chairperson Had Stake In Obscure Offshore Entities Used In Adani Money Siphoning Scandal, August 10, 2024, available at https: https://hindenburgresearch.com/sebi-chairperson/ (Last visited on September 22, 2024). [6] Supreme Court Dismisses Petition To Review Judgment Which Refused SIT/CBI Probe In Adani-Hindenburg Matter, Live Law, 15 July 2024, available at https: https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-dismisses-petition-to-review-judgment-which-refused-sitcbi-probe-in-adani-hindenburg-matter-263419#:~:text=In%20the%20January%203%20judgment,on%20FPI%20and%20LODR%20regulations (Last visited on September 22, 2024). [7] Allingham, Michael G., and Agnar Sandmo, Income tax evasion: A theoretical analysis, Journal of public economics, , 323-338, 1972. [8] Adani-Hindenburg case: From offshore entities to short position to shell companies, everything you need to know, Livemint, 12 August 2024, available at https: https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/adanihindenburg-case-from-offshore-entities-to-short-position-to-shell-companies-everything-you-need-to-know-11723461533163.html (Last accessed- 22nd September 2024). [9] Benchmark Definition of Foreign Direct Investment Fourth Edition, OECD, 2008. [10] The Income Tax Act, 1961, 276 (c). [11] Supra 10. [12] Vishal Tiwari (Adani Group Investigation) v. Union of India, (2023) 4 SCC 332. 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: Erik Akerboom, director-general of the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service, AIVD, attends a press conference in Zoetermeer, Netherlands, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File A previously unknown Russian hacker group with suspected ties to the Kremlin was responsible for a cyberattack last year on the Dutch police and has also targeted other Western nations that deliver military support to Ukraine, intelligence agencies announced Tuesday. The agencies said in a report that the group, which they called Laundry Bear, is actively trying to steal sensitive data from European Union and NATO countries and is "extremely likely Russian state supported." "Laundry Bear is after information about the purchase and production of military equipment by Western governments and Western deliveries of weapons to Ukraine," Vice Adm. Peter Reesink, director of the military intelligence agency MIVD, said in a statement. There was no immediate comment from Moscow on the report. The Netherlands has been a strong supporter of Ukraine's war effort since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and has given military equipment, including F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv. The Russian hackers broke into a police account and accessed work-related contact details of all Dutch police officers in September last year, in a cyberattack that sent shockwaves through the force. The Dutch intelligence agencies published a detailed analysis of methods used by the hacker group to break into computer networks and cloud services. Erik Akerboom, chief of the domestic intelligence agency AIVD, said that outlining the group's work means that "not only governments, but also manufacturers, suppliers and other targets can arm themselves against this form of espionage. This limits Laundry Bear's chances of success and digital networks can be better protected." The attack discovered in the Netherlands is one of a growing number around the world. Last week, the U.S. National Security Agency said that hackers working for Russian military intelligence targeted Western technology and logistics companies involved in shipping assistance to Ukraine. And last month, the French government accused a hacking group linked to Russian military intelligence of cyberattacks over three years, targeting the Paris Olympics, French government agencies and companies. 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: Before and after: Above a laser weld seam before "learning," below a weld seam from the process optimized by the algorithm. Credit: Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Laser-based processes for metals are considered to be particularly versatile in industry. Lasers can be used, for example, to precision-weld components together or produce more complex parts using 3D printingquickly, precisely and automatically. This is why laser processes are used in numerous sectors, such as the automotive and aviation industries, where maximum precision is required, or in medical technology, for example for the production of customized titanium implants. However, despite their efficiency, laser processes are technically challenging. The complex interactions between the laser and the material make the process sensitive to the smallest of deviationswhether in the material properties or in the settings of the laser parameters. Even minor fluctuations can lead to errors in production. "To ensure that laser-based processes can be used flexibly and achieve consistent results, we are working on better understanding, monitoring and control of these processes," says Elia Iseli, research group leader in Empa's Advanced Materials Processing laboratory in Thun. In line with these principles, Giulio Masinelli and Chang Rajani, two researchers from his team, want to make laser-based manufacturing techniques more affordable, more efficient and more accessibleusing machine learning. Vaporize or melt? First, the two researchers focused on additive manufacturing, i.e., the 3D printing of metals using lasers. This process, known as powder bed fusion (PBF), works slightly differently to conventional 3D printing. Thin layers of metal powder are melted by the laser in exactly the right spots so that the final component is gradually "welded" out of them. PBF allows the creation of complex geometries that are hardly possible with other processes. Before production can begin, however, a complex series of preliminary tests is almost always required. This is because there are basically two modes for laser processing of metal, including PBF. In conduction mode, the metal is simply melted. In keyhole mode, it is even vaporized in some instances. The slower conduction mode is ideal for thin and very precise components. Keyhole mode is slightly less precise, but much faster and suitable for thicker workpieces. Where exactly the boundary between these two modes lies depends on a variety of parameters. The right settings are needed for the best quality of the final productand these vary greatly depending on the material being processed. "Even a new batch of the same starting powder can require completely different settings," says Masinelli. Better quality with fewer experiments Normally, a series of experiments must be carried out before each batch to determine the optimum settings for parameters such as scanning speed and laser power for the respective component. This requires a lot of material and must be supervised by an expert. "That is why many companies cannot afford PBF in the first place," says Masinelli. Masinelli and Rajani have now optimized these experiments using machine learning and data from optical sensors that are already incorporated in the laser machines. The researchers "taught" their algorithm to "see" which welding mode the laser is currently in during a test run using this optical data. Based on this, the algorithm determines the settings for the next test. This reduces the number of preliminary experiments required by around two-thirdswhile maintaining the quality of the product. "We hope that our algorithm will enable non-experts to use PBF devices," summarizes Masinelli. All it would take for the algorithm to be used in industry is integration into the firmware of the laser welding machines by the device manufacturers. The research is published in the journal Additive Manufacturing. Real-time optimization PBF is not the only laser process that can be optimized using machine learning. In another project, Rajani and Masinelli focused on laser weldingbut went one step further. They not only optimized the preliminary experiments, but also the welding process itself. Even with the ideal settings, laser welding can be unpredictable, for example if the laser beam hits tiny defects on the surface of the metal. "It is currently not possible to influence the welding process in real time," says Rajani. "This is beyond the capabilities of human experts." The speed at which the data have to be evaluated and decisions to be made is a challenge even for computers. This is why Rajani and Masinelli used a special type of computer chip for this task, a so-called field-programmable gate array (FPGA). "With FPGAs, we know exactly when they will execute a command and how long the execution will takewhich is not the case with a conventional PC," explains Masinelli. Nevertheless, the FPGA in their system is also linked to a PC, which serves as a kind of "backup brain." While the specialized chip is busy observing and controlling the laser parameters, the algorithm on the PC learns from this data. "If we are satisfied with the performance of the algorithm in the virtual environment on the PC, we can 'transfer' it to the FPGA and make the chip more intelligent all at once," explains Masinelli. The two Empa researchers are convinced that machine learning and artificial intelligence can contribute a great deal more in the field of laser processing of metals. That is why they are continuing to develop their algorithms and models and are expanding their area of applicationin collaboration with partners from research and industry. More information: Giulio Masinelli et al, Autonomous exploration of the PBF-LB parameter space: An uncertainty-driven algorithm for automated processing map generation, Additive Manufacturing (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.addma.2025.104677 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 screenshot of the site of cyber-crime group 'LockBit' The sudden fall of a ransomware supplier once described as the world's most harmful cybercrime group has raised questions about Moscow's role in its development and the fate of its founder. LockBit supplied ransomware to a global network of hackers, who used the services in recent years to attack thousands of targets worldwide and rake in tens of millions of dollars. Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that steals data and prevents a user from accessing computer files or networks until a ransom is paid for their return. LockBit supplied a worldwide network of hackers with the tools and infrastructure to carry out attacks, communicate with victims, store the stolen information and launder cryptocurrencies. According to the US State Department, between 2020 and early 2024 LockBit ransomware carried out attacks on more than 2,500 victims around the world. It issued ransom demands worth hundreds of millions of dollars and received at least $150 million in actual ransom payments made in the form of digital currency. But LockBit was dealt its first devastating blow in February 2024 when the British National Crime Agency (NCA), working with the US FBI and several other nations, announced it had infiltrated the group's network and took control of its services. Later that year, the NCA announced it had identified LockBit's leader as a Russian named Dmitry Khoroshev (alias LockBitSupp). The US State Department said it was offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his arrest. Lockbit, which the NCA said was "once the world's most harmful cybercrime group", sought to adapt by using different sites. But earlier this year it suffered an even more devastating breach and received a taste of its own medicine. Its systems were hacked and some of its data stolen in an attack whose origins were mysterious and has, unusually in the cybercrime world, never been claimed. "Don't do crime. Crime is bad. Xoxo from Prague," said a cryptic message written on the website it had been using. 'Others grow back' "Lockbit was number one. It was in survival mode and took another hit" with the leak, said Vincent Hinderer, Cyber Threat Intelligence team manager with Orange Cyberdefense. "Not all members of the group have been arrested. Other, less experienced cybercriminals may join," he added. However, observations of online chats, negotiations and virtual currency wallets indicate "attacks with small ransoms, and therefore a relatively low return on investment", he said. A French cyberdefense official, who asked not to be named, said the fall of LockBit in no way represented the end of cybercrime. "You can draw a parallel with counterterrorism. You cut off one head and others grow back." The balance of power also shifts fast. Other groups are replacing LockBit, which analysts said was responsible in 2023 for 44% of ransomware attacks worldwide. "Some groups achieve a dominant position and then fall into disuse because they quit on their own, are challenged or there's a breakdown in trust that causes them to lose their partners," said Hinderer. "Conti was the leader, then LockBit, then RansomHub. Today, other groups are regaining leadership. Groups that were in the top five or top 10 are rising, while others are falling." In a strange twist, the LockBit data leak revealed that one of its affiliates had attacked a Russian town of 50,000 inhabitants. LockBit immediately offered the town decryption softwarean antidote to the poison. But it did not work, the French official told AFP. "It was reported to the FSB (security service), who quietly resolved the problem," the official said. 'Complicit' One thing appears to be clearthe field is dominated by the Russian-speaking world. Among the top 10 cybercrime service providers, "there are two Chinese groups", said a senior executive working on cybercrime in the private sector. "All the others are Russian-speaking, most of them still physically located in Russia or its satellites," said the executive, who also requested anonymity. It is harder to ascertain what role the Russian state might playa question all the more pertinent since Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. "We can't say that the groups are sponsored by the Russian state but the impunity they enjoy is enough to make it complicit," argued the French official, pointing to a "porosity" between the groups and the security services. The whereabouts and status of Khoroshev are also a mystery. The bounty notice from the US State Department, which said Khoroshev was aged 32, gives his date of birth and passport number but says his height, weight and eye color are unknown. His wanted picture shows an intense man with cropped hair and bulging muscular forearms. "As long as he doesn't leave Russia, he won't be arrested," said the private sector expert. "(But) we're not sure he's alive." "The Russian state lets the groups do what they want. It's very happy with this form of continuous harassment," he alleged. In the past, there was some cooperation between Washington and Moscow over cybercrime but all this changed with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. French expert Damien Bancal cites the case of Sodinokibi, a hacker group also known as REvil, which was dismantled in January 2022. "The FBI helped the FSB arrest the group. During the arrests, they found gold bars and their mattresses were stuffed with cash," he said. But since the invasion of Ukraine, "no-one is cooperating with anyone any more". Asked if the US has questioned Moscow about Khoroshev after the bounty was placed on his head, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Unfortunately, I have no information." 2025 AFP The Russia-aligned threat actor known as TAG-110 has been observed conducting a spear-phishing campaign targeting Tajikistan using macro-enabled Word templates as an initial payload. The attack chain is a departure from the threat actor's previously documented use of an HTML Application (.HTA) loader dubbed HATVIBE, Recorded Future's Insikt Group said in an analysis. "Given TAG-110's historical targeting of public sector entities in Central Asia, this campaign is likely targeting government, educational, and research institutions within Tajikistan," the cybersecurity company noted. "These cyber espionage operations likely aim to gather intelligence for influencing regional politics or security, particularly during sensitive events like elections or geopolitical tensions." TAG-110, also called UAC-0063, is the name assigned to a threat activity group that's known for its targeting of European embassies, as well as other organizations in Central Asia, East Asia, and Europe. It's believed to be active at least since 2021. Assessed to share overlaps with the Russian nation-state hacking crew APT28, activities associated with the threat actor were first documented by Romanian cybersecurity company Bitdefender in May 2023 in connection with a campaign that delivered a malware codenamed DownEx (aka STILLARCH) targeting government entities in Kazakhstan and Afghanistan. However, it was the Computer Emergency Response Team of Ukraine (CERT-UA) that formally assigned the moniker UAC-0063 that same month after it uncovered cyber attacks targeting state bodies in the country using malware strains like LOGPIE, CHERRYSPY (aka DownExPyer), DownEx, and PyPlunderPlug. The latest campaign aimed at Tajikistan organizations, observed starting January 2025, demonstrates a shift away from HATVIBE, distributed via HTA-embedded spear-phishing attachments, in favor of macro-enabled Word template (.DOTM) files, underscoring an evolution of their tactics. "Previously, TAG-110 leveraged macro-enabled Word documents to deliver HATVIBE, an HTA-based malware, for initial access," Recorded Future said. "The newly detected documents do not contain the embedded HTA HATVIBE payload for creating a scheduled task and instead leverage a global template file placed in the Word startup folder for persistence." The phishing emails have been found to use Tajikistan government-themed documents as lure material, which aligns with its historical use of trojanized legitimate government documents as a malware delivery vector. However, the cybersecurity company said it could not independently verify the authenticity of these documents. Present with the files is a VBA macro that's responsible for placing the document template in the Microsoft Word startup folder for automatic execution and subsequently initiating communications with a command-and-control (C2) server and potentially executing additional VBA code supplied with C2 responses. The exact nature of the second-stage payloads is not known. "However, based on TAG-110's historical activity and tool set, it is likely that successful initial access via the macro-enabled templates would result in the deployment of additional malware, such as HATVIBE, CHERRYSPY, LOGPIE, or potentially a new, custom-developed payload designed for espionage operations," the company said. On Friday night, I felt the greatest betrayal possible as an American after I listened to the Biden-Hur Special Counsel interview recording. This recording was of the 2023 interview between Joe Biden and Special Counsel Robert Hur. For almost two years after this interview, the Biden DOJ had refused to publicize the voice recording of the Hur interview. It is now clear why they stonewalled. Shockingly, Biden and other Democrats had attacked Special Counsel Hur after Hur mentioned Bidens memory lapses as a reason not to prosecute. Hur found that Joe Biden had violated the law by his mishandling of classified information, but would Likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview, as an.. elderly man with a poor memory https://www.justice.gov/storage/report-from-special-counsel-robert-k-hur-february-2024.pdf. Listening to the tapes myself, it was clear that Hurs report drastically understated Bidens lack of mental acuity. Those around Biden, including Jill Biden, VP Harris, Administration staff, senior Democrats and media allies were involved in a coverup of historic proportions. Its important to note that during the Hur interview Joe Biden brought up his son Beaus death, not Robert Hur. This is important due to the many lies and how this played one part of the coverup by the Biden Administration. Hur wrote in his report that Biden did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died." This was factual, as during that interview we can now hear, Joe Biden talked about the period of 2017 and 2018 (when Joe left his position as VP with classified information) being when his son was dying. An aide corrected Joe, stating that Beau died in May 2015. Joe acknowledged the 2015 date, before claiming Trump won his first election in November 2017 (versus Nov 2016). Joe was corrected again and again for these lapses. Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. After the Hur report was published, Joe lied egregiously about what had happened during the interview to cover up his incompetence. Joe shouted during an impromptu press conference: How in the hell dare he (Hur) raise that? Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself, it wasnt any of their damn business. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/biden-attacked-hur-asking-beau-died-didnt-happen-sources-say-rcna138709 Mainstream media fell in line with making Robert Hur out to be a monster. Administration staff who knew the truth kept quiet. Joe Biden may have brought up Beaus death during the 2017-18 time period as a potential way to mitigate his mishandling classified information, but the many other mental lapses remain. OPINION: Judiciary needs to stay in its lane In recent weeks, left accuses Trump of lacking due process for deported gang members. District judges rule against administration, raising questions on national security implications. Joe Bidens mental deficits were clear to at least half the nation from even before he took office in 2020. During Bidens 2020 general election campaign, for example, Laura Trump broached the subject of Joes clear mental decline with Jake Tapper during an interview. Laura told Tapper I think what we see onstage with Joe Biden, Jake, is very clearly a cognitive decline. Thats what Im referring to. It makes me uncomfortable. OPINION: Congress can check judges who overstep authority In second Trump admin, faced 68 injunctions from Dem-appointed judges. Proposed check on activist judges by Congress. Concerns arise over judiciary's encroachment on executive authority. Tapper responded with elitist eye-rolling, acting as though Laura was a nut and he was superior: I would think that somebody in the family would be more sensitive to people who do not have medical licenses diagnosing politicians from afar... You dont have any standing. Laura responded Im saying Joe Biden is struggling at times onstage, and its concerning to a lot of people that this could be the leader of the free world, that is all Im saying. I genuinely feel sorry for Joe Biden. Tapper eye-rolled again in a condescending manner, saying Im sure [your comments] were from a place of concern. We all believe that https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/in_focus/3412008/jake-tapper-book-biden-decline-laughable-attempt-rewrite-history/ This was not the only such exchange between conservatives and the mainstream media about Joes decline. Democrats and media smugly ridiculed those trying to sound the alarm about Joe Bidens mental incompetency. America most needs to turn back to God Summary: A call for a national return to God amidst moral and religious decline in America, challenging the current administration to uphold traditional values. As Joe progressively became worse, the video evidence was impossible to ignore, and this included videos pooled for all reporters of Joes confused behavior. The Democrats and media allies refused to acknowledge the obvious but went into full gaslighting mode by calling the videos cheap fakes and accused Republicans of misinformation. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/06/11/biden-videos-republicans-cheap-fake-d-day/ According to senior members of the administration and media, Joe was still sharp as a tack and conservatives were just nuts. The June 27, 2024, debate was the mental disaster for Joe Biden with the entire nation watching. The liberal half of the nation, which had been completely misled by media and Democrats, was forced to deal with what the conservative half had been warning about for years. The Democrat response was to throw Biden under the bus and pretend they (and media allies) had no idea about the problem until June 27. A complete lie. Now, media figures like Jake Tapper are blaming the Biden administration for the coverup, and the Democrats are in full finger-pointing mode. The Democrats and mainstream media covered up a mentally incompetent President while America became disgraced in Afghanistan and faced nuclear war with Russia. The 2023 Hur tape makes this as clear to America as the June 27, 2024, debate. Its time for accountability, as our nation was put at more serious risk than any of us could have imagined. Those who knew and yet despicably attacked those trying to warn America must now answer to the American people and to God for the worst dereliction of duty in history. 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. POLICE are probing an attempt to kill the daughter of a businessman in San Fernando yesterday. The daughter of Rabindranath Maharaj, the owner of a chain of cellphone stores, narrowly escaped being shot when her vehicle came under gunfire while she drove along South Trunk Road near Halliburton. Two .45 calibre bullets struck the drivers door and the rear right door of the familys white Range Rover when the shooter attacked around 10 a.m. The gunfire on the busy roadway was heard by residents of the nearby community of Green Acres in Cross Crossing. A PRIVATE contractor is dead after an accident in Tobago. Police have identified the victim as Darryl Figaro of Black Rock, Tobago. He died on Wednesday after falling from a ladder while working at a private villa. An autopsy of Figaros body yesterday at the Scarborough Mortuary determined injuries were consistent with a fall, and it ruled out foul play. The body was previously identified by the victims daughter. Chinese premier says China ready to join Kuwait for steady development of ties Xinhua) 10:34, May 27, 2025 Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, crown prince of Kuwait, on the sidelines of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Monday that China is ready to join Kuwait in continuing to push for the steady development of bilateral ties. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, crown prince of Kuwait, on the sidelines of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council)-China Summit. Bilateral relations between China and Kuwait have maintained steady and sound development since its establishment over half a century ago, Li said. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, China-Kuwait relations have witnessed rapid progress and fruitful results in practical cooperation, Li said. China, Li said, is ready to work with Kuwait to consolidate political mutual trust and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to continue to push for in-depth and substantive development of bilateral relations. Li pointed out that China and Kuwait enjoy strong economic complementarity and broad prospects for cooperation. China stands ready to work with Kuwait to strengthen the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Kuwait Vision 2035, expanding the scope of cooperation and accelerating the implementation of major cooperative projects, Li said. China is willing to deepen cooperation with Kuwait in such fields as energy, investment, green economy, digital economy and artificial intelligence, so as to open up new space for win-win cooperation and contribute to each other's development and revitalization, Li said. Li called on the two sides to enhance cooperation in education and tourism, further facilitate personnel exchanges and foster deeper friendship between the two peoples. Against a turbulent international landscape marked by rising unilateralism and protectionism, Li said, China is committed to strengthening communication and coordination with Kuwait through such multilateral platforms as the United Nations, China-GCC, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia to push for more just and equitable global governance and promote harmony, stability and prosperity for the whole world. For his part, Al-Sabah said that Kuwait and China enjoy a profound traditional friendship, noting that under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, Kuwait-China relations have shown a good momentum of development. The Kuwaiti side thanks China for supporting Kuwait in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said, adding that Kuwait firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports China's position on issues concerning its core interests. The Kuwaiti side attaches great importance to developing relations with China, and is willing to work with China to actively implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, tap the potential for cooperation, expand areas of cooperation, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, he said. Kuwait is also ready to work with China to promote cooperation between the GCC and China, enhance communication and coordination on regional and multilateral affairs, so as to push bilateral relations to a higher level, he added. The Chinese premier arrived in Kuala Lumpur earlier Monday to attend the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) 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. A 48-year-old man is facing charges in connection with a fatal crash Sunday night involving a pedestrian, authorities say. Martin Lopez was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and failure to render aid after investigators say he struck a pedestrian about 10:30 p.m. along West Valencia Road near Casino Del Sol, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a news release. The unidentified pedestrian was apparently walking along Valencia when struck by a 2010 Ford Focus and possibly a second car, the release said. Lopez continued driving before calling 911, the release said. The crash still is being investigated. PHOENIX Attorney General Kris Mayes wants to stop a coalition of farmers, ranchers and cities from trying to block her bid to curb the pumping of groundwater by a Saudi-owned alfalfa farm in western Arizona. In a new court filing Tuesday, Mayes said her lawsuit against Fondomonte is about a single company she contends is violating the states public nuisance law by pumping so much water that it is harming others in the area. She hopes to use that law to limit pumping, given her own admission that nothing the company is doing violates other statutes dealing with groundwater. Fondomonte has denied breaking any laws. But as the case awaits a trial, opponents calling themselves the Arizona Farm and Ranch Group want to have a say in the case. They want to argue that Mayes has no right to sue Fondomonte. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Minder should toss their request, Assistant Attorney General Clinten Garrett said in a new filing Tuesday. The outcome of this case will have no legal effect on any of the others to defend the rights of Fondomonte to continue what the state contends is excessive pumping, Garrett said. The state alleges that Fondomonte is creating a public nuisance by consuming the majority of the water-constrained Ranegras Basins groundwater supply and thereby causing dry wells and land subsidence, he told the judge. But Garrett said none of those who want to intercede claim they are operating in the same basin. Instead, the list of those seeking to argue on behalf of Fondomonte and claim that there is no legal basis for Mayes lawsuit range from the Arizona Cattle Feeders Association and some private ranches to irrigation districts and the cities of Holbrook, Show Low and Winslow. No one on that list admits that they are currently engaging or plan to engage in similar disproportionate water usage, as is alleged against Fondomonte, Garrett said. And that, he said, means they have no legitimate legal interest in the outcome of the case. What is true, however, is that the state has never used the claim of legal nuisance to go after a farm that otherwise is obeying the water laws that are in effect in its area. In fact, the challengers admit that they fear that if Mayes is successful in going after Fondomonte with this legal theory, it could affect their own ability to defend themselves if the state then files similar claims against them. Garrett told Minder that fear of possible future action is legally irrelevant and not a basis for the judge to allow them to become part of the case. He also said that the would-be intervenors claim that what Mayes is trying to do represents a dangerous expansion of public nuisance law that threatens the rights of all groundwater users in Arizona. But that, said Garrett, is not just an overly broad claim with no legal basis, but also is based on an assumption, not backed by fact, that every groundwater user has an interest in making sure that Mayes loses her case against Fondomonte. Water users who are not causing harm to their surrounding community have every interest in stopping bad actors that are, he said. At the heart of the case is the fact that Arizona has virtually no regulations on groundwater pumping in rural areas. Instead, landowners are presumed to be able to pump as much as they can reasonably use, with no requirements to even monitor how much water they are withdrawing. Mayes, in her lawsuit, contends that Fondomonte was aware of this lack of regulation when it came to La Paz County to extract water at an unreasonable and excessive rate because it cannot do so in Saudi Arabia, where alfalfa farming is banned. The crop is then shipped back to the home country to feed dairy cattle there. She says that since Fondomonte arrived in the area in 2014 the groundwater elevation in wells throughout the basis have rapidly declined, which is threatening the water supply of the people, neighborhoods, and communities within the Ranegras Basis. Mayes also said that the declining groundwater table has caused escalating land subsidence in the basin. And Mayes said even if no laws on water pumping are being violated to the extent there even are such regulations in rural areas the activities of Fondomonte still fit within the definition of what is a public nuisance. To make their case, the state will need to prove that what Fondomonte is doing is injurious to health or an obstruction of the free use of property that interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property by an entire community or neighborhood or by a considerable number of persons. But Garrett said all that will be determined based on a single, specific and fact-intensive case. And he said none of that will affect the rights of anyone besides Fondomonte. He also said theres another reason for Minder to send the would-be intervenors packing. Garrett said Fondomonte hardly needs their help defending its interests. This single alfalfa farm is not the mom-and-pop operation that movants make it out to be, he said. Rather, Fondomonte is the Arizona subsidiary of a Saudi Arabia conglomerate that earns over $5 billion in annual revenue and has a $14 billion market capitalization, he said. The suggestion that a multi-national business operation represented by a prominent local law firm needs reinforcements to litigate this case is not credible. Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY A new law in Oklahoma may cut down on opportunities for people who live in Tulsa County to sign initiative petitions. Over the weekend, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1027, which was drafted by Republican lawmakers at the Capitol to shift influence over the initiative petition process away from the states urban centers and into its more rural areas. The new law will put a limit on the number of signatures collected in any one county that can be counted toward the total required to get a state question on a ballot for a statewide vote. On a petition to amend a state statute, for example, the number of signatures counted in any particular county would not be allowed to exceed 11.5% of the total number of votes cast in that county in the last general election for governor. On a petition to amend the Oklahoma Constitution, the number of signatures counted in a single county would not be allowed to exceed 20.8% of the number of votes cast in that county in the last gubernatorial election. Stitt alluded to SB 1027 at a recent press conference. He said liberal groups with deep pockets from out of state have been able to concentrate signature-gathering efforts in only Oklahoma County and Tulsa County to get controversial state questions on ballots. Theres got to be a voice for the people, the governor said. I think theres a balance there the Legislatures trying to work through. The Senate author of the measure, Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, said that because so many registered voters reside in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas, the initiative petition process in the past has allowed petitioners to ignore 97.5% of the counties in the state. He said the law wont require petitioners to visit all 77 counties but that they will have to get signatures in at least 18 or so to bring state questions to a vote. Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, the bills principal author in the House, said it was necessary to improve the integrity of the initiative petition process. But Margaret Kobos, who founded the civic advocacy organization Oklahoma United, said it made no sense to effectively make the opinions of rural Oklahomans count more than the opinions of their urban neighbors. It suppresses voter input, makes it harder for Oklahomans to hold their elected officials accountable and sends the message that those in power dont trust the people who put them there, she said. SB 1027 does nothing but prove that Oklahomans long-held distrust of state government is well-earned. Amber England, who has been the campaign manager for several state questions, took issue with Hilberts assertion that the new law will make the petition process stronger. Make no mistake: This isnt about protecting the integrity of the process. Its about protecting power concentrating it among politicians and powerful special interests and keeping it out of the hands of the people, she said. Kobos predicted that the new law will be challenged on constitutional grounds in court. According to an analysis by the Oklahoma Policy Institute, Oklahoma has more than 2.3 million registered voters. Most live in Tulsa, Oklahoma City or their suburbs. By limiting the number of signatures that might be gathered in urban areas, the new law will exclude majorities of voters in those counties. According to the analysis, there are some 387,643 registered voters in Tulsa County, and 194,095 of them voted in the last election for governor. If only 11.5% of that total were allowed to have their signatures counted on a petition to amend a state statute, then only 22,321 signatures could be counted in Tulsa County. If only 20.8% were allowed to have their signatures counted on a petition to amend the Oklahoma Constitution, then only 40,372 signatures could be counted. In addition to the signature-gathering requirements, the new law mandates that people who circulate petitions must be registered Oklahoma voters. Additionally, it places new rules on how people might be paid for gathering signatures, and it requires that petitions be written in clear, concise language not intended to persuade. The responsibility for reviewing petition language was shifted from the elected state attorney general to the appointed secretary of state. Where your story lives: Tulsa Spotlight Warning: Be sure you have watched S6 E10 The Handmaids Tale before reading! After 6 seasons The Handmaids Tale has now drawn to a close for both June Osborne and a loyal audience who has been through a lot with her -plenty of it mentally harrowing stuff. The ten-episode season stayed true to Margaret Atwoods bestselling novel and Bruce Millers television adaptation. There were many lingering moments as June (Elisabeth Moss) wandered through Boston victoriously but with a sense of quiet awe. June and Luke were not reunited with their daughter, Hannah. This sets up the lead into the sequel, The Testaments, which will be based on Atwoods follow-up novel of the same name. If there wasnt going to be a sequel, we may have ended it differently, admitted Moss, referring to Hannah remaining in Gilead. The Testaments is centered around Hannah and her story. Moss confirmed she will executive produce the sequel, but said scheduling conflicts prevented her from acting or directing. She did, however, hint that the future isnt written in stone. Maybe one dayHopefully, if we get a second season. June is not dead, and she has a lot of fight left in her, and theres a war to be won. We know that June will never give up on Hannah. She has work to do. She won a battle, but she hasnt won the war. And she has not gotten her daughter out. Her battle will never be over until that happens. On Nick I know fans would love the version where they all live in Hawaii together and have this blended family, but if you saw that episode, you would tear us apart. Wed never live it down. Fans would kill us. It had to happen. I love that Nick and Lawrence get on that plane for different reasons. Theyre both examples of Junes greatest and worst quality, which is her belief that somebody (Lawrence) will do the right thing. She believes Nick will do the right thing, but he doesnt. Theres such beautiful poetry in that writing. On the Final Scene Im a director who likes options. I had a few versions of that ending. Originally, the final scene was written with June walking up to the steps of the house and sitting outside. I asked Bruce if she could go inside and if the houses interior could be rebuilt. I wanted her to go up to her room because thats where The Handmaids Tale is written. Thats where the opening lines of the book and show are said. June looks directly into the camera defiantly and says, A chair, a table, a lampMy name is Offred. The viewer understands she is going to tell her story. Moss rewatched the 2017 pilot episode, in which June says these same words, to ensure she got it exactly right. As we set up that final shot, I realised I had to memorise the speech in the cadence I said it in the first episode. I logged onto my Hulu account, watched that scene over and over, and memorised how I said it. Theres an eeriness because subconsciously, it felt like I was listening to the original recording. Creator Bruce Miller on how long The Testaments is set after The Handmaids Tale? So its about five years after The Handmaids Tale, probably more like three or four, depending on how we judge theres always a little bit of guesswork involved, its not a real world, but its somewhere around three or four years after. And the biggest and the only reason its any different is because none of that stuff tracks age-wise. Because our show takes place over a certain time frame, and babies only grow over a certain time frame, and people arent just the right ages. Nichole is not going to high school, and so we had to make changes for that. But I have to say, Margaret (Atwood) came to speak with me about The Testaments being an idea, and we spoke very early on about the notion of it. There was just as much of her giving me hints then. What other characters might you carry over into The Testaments? Anybody who has an hour free, I would carry over, if I could manage to make it work. There are, of course, business concerns, but story-wise, I think a lot of them fit into The Testaments world. These are spectacular people, and theyre my friends, and they do their jobs beautifully, and I would be honored to have them come back and be part of the story again whenever we can figure it out. Theyre very connected. I mean, its not like a sequel like some other things where youre just cutting it off. The first set of characters matter hugely to the second set of characters. So these stories are very tied together, and its very much a continuation of this Handmaids Tale that weve seen. Youre just following the daughter instead of the mother. How long will it be until we get to see The Testaments? Were well on our way towards making it. And were in the middle of production, and its such a pleasure. We brought over so many people from The Handmaids Tale that we could: the crew, and Elisabeth Moss and I are working together again, and Warren [Littlefield] and Steve Stark, and Lauren [Thorpe] and all these people all back together. It is a pleasure to be doing that, and the quality of the work is still so amazing that every time Im blown away. So its coming much sooner than I think the next season of Handmaids would have come, but were well into it, and its coming along just splendidly. I think itll be a lot of in the way my show is a lot of fun, I think itll be a lot of fun. Source: Forbes, Variety Since 1971 Sesame Street has screened in Australia through ABC. But after US President Donald Trump slashed funding for PBS in America, a global deal was struck with Netflix. Sesame Street was also facing an uncertain future after Warner Bros Discovery, which has enjoyed first-run episodes on HBO since 2016, did not renew its deal. Under the new deal PBS will get access to Sesame Street episodes on the same day they are released worldwide on Netflix, beginning with Season 56. There are also changes to the format with new segments and a focus on one 11-minute story per episode. TV Tonight understands talks are underway for ABC to potentially screen the same day as Netflix in this market. Meanwhile a Sesame Workshop spokesperson said, Sesame Streets Season 55 will launch on ABC Kids in July. We look forward to sharing more news. Race Across the World sisters Letitia and Elizabeth tell Yahoo UK that the younger sister was "under pressure" to "perform" because she could speak Mandarin. Some viewers claimed Letitia, 26, and Elizabeth, 33, had an "unfair advantage" on the race but the siblings reveal this is far from the truth. On-screen, Letitia's Mandarin skills came across well but she admits behind the scenes she was struggling with the language she hadn't spoken in years. Talking to Yahoo UK, Letitia says: "To be honest, when we first found out where we're going [to China], I was like, 'Oh my goodness, this is crazy' because I've not spoken Mandarin in like... how many years? "Maybe three or five years. I thought it was a lot of pressure because I knew a little bit of the language but I'm not fluent at all." Elizabeth and Letitia have been strong contenders in Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) After starting the race at the Great Wall of China, the sisters took the lead for the first two legs. Navigating their way through China for the first three episodes wasn't as easy as it seemed for the siblings though. ADVERTISEMENT Of speaking the language, Letitia further explains: "Honestly, it's very broken Mandarin and the fact [was] that sometimes I wouldn't understand what they were saying, and the clip you see on TV is very short. "I'll be talking to someone for a good 20 minutes trying to understand what they'll say and trying to put my point across. Yeah, it was difficult with the language or even without anyway. There was pressure I felt I had to perform well." Her older sister Elizabeth also acknowledges the downside of Letitia knowing some of the language. She says: "And it's confusing because if you know just a little bit, you can get sidetracked because you think that you've understood something [and you didn't]." Whether the language was an advantage or not, the sisters didn't know each other as well as some of their other competitors knew their travel companions on the race. They tell Yahoo UK how the race shaped their bond and influenced their future adventures. Reconnecting after growing apart when Elizabeth moved to Italy When Elizabeth moved to live in Italy for 10 years, the sisters drifted apart. Race Across the World gave them the chance to rediscover their sisterly bond again. ADVERTISEMENT "Yes definitely [it brought us closer]," Letitia says. "Considering we're travelling 24 hours together, making big decisions, being in each other's presence. You just cope. You're put in a situation where sometimes you are upset and you have to deal with it or give each other space." "You really learn a lot about each other, so it definitely progressed our relationship and we've got a lot more comfortable with each other now and we're able to communicate better." Elizabeth and Letitia have become closer since Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Elizabeth says: "[On RATW] you learn a lot about yourself as well and then when you learn about yourself, then it's easier to then like integrate with other people, so I think we were learning about ourselves as well in a way." She adds: "For me, I learned that I'm not as decisive as I would like to be. It was quite difficult to make decisions under pressure. It was gonna be a difficult thing anyway. So I definitely learned that about myself and then I learned how Letitia was actually quite more relaxed than me at some times, which makes me feel like, 'OK, I don't have to be the big older sister all the time'." Letitia says: "Similar to what you [Elizabeth] said, I was surprised, when we're put in situations making difficult decisions, you really wanted to think it out and make sure you know it was the right decision and things like that. Because for me I thought... older sister you know exactly what you exactly what to do. ADVERTISEMENT "But there's a little more that goes into your thought process and I was like, 'Oh, that's quite surprising', but it helped me communicate better with you. We gave each other that time to go through the process of decision making. "And what did I learn about myself? I was just mixed emotions where I didnt think I would be able to do it. Its chaos everywhere! Being on buses for so long. It was so noisy. I thought I would complain a lot more." Elizabeth adds her thoughts: "I feel like you gained so much more confidence." More adventures as sisters Once filming was over, the sisters caught a plane on their next trip together to Kenya. As the race continues to influence their travel choices, their adventures together are only just beginning. "Straight after [Race] we actually went to Kenya," Elizabeth says. "We really wanted to spend time with family and things, but also just trying to connect more. Our parents are from Kenya. It was a nice way to reconnect, have a family reunion." Elizabeth and Letitia have plans for more adventures. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Letitia says: "And honestly after the race, after the stress, we needed that relaxation! We needed a holiday to unwind and relax. I dont think the adventures will stop now. Definitely trying other things with travelling, got the travel bug!" ADVERTISEMENT She adds: "The race definitely made me embrace everything and not look at my phone too much or dont take so many pictures, just embrace and live in a moment. When I travel now and I definitely still use my card. I still need to use Google Maps. "But definitely appreciating and embracing and living in the moment when travelling has definitely come from Race, so yeah, I'm really grateful for that." Race Across the World has changed the way Elizabeth and Letitia travel. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Elizabeth agrees: "Same with me as well. I don't really use my phone too much anyway, so I was actually OK without using my phone. I'm a bit of a follower when I travel, so Letitia is normally the one that's like checking reviews and things like that. "So for me I actually really enjoyed not having a phone when I was going around but it's just, yeah, the freedom. Just embracing everything and just going slowly. It definitely encouraged me to speak a lot more to people. I like speaking to people but this is definitely encouraged that." Race Across the World continues at 9pm on Wednesday on BBC One. HA NOI Viet Nams stock market opened the final trading week of May on a strong note, with the VN-Index surging past the 1,330-point mark on Monday, accompanied by a significant improvement in liquidity. Meanwhile, foreign investors posted a slight net selling on both main bourses. The session began with selling pressure pushing the VN-Index below 1,290 points early in the morning. However, the market gradually came back and, in the afternoon session, large-cap stocks rallied across the board, driving the index sharply higher. At the close, the VN-Index gained 18.05 points, or 1.37 per cent, to reach 1,332.51. Market breadth was strongly positive, with 253 stocks advancing compared to just 72 decliners on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE). Liquidity on HoSE also saw a notable improvement, rising by 37 per cent from last Friday to VN23.3 trillion (approximately $900 million). The VN30-Index, which tracks the 30 largest companies by market capitalisation, added 14.45 points, or 1.03 per cent, to close at 1,423.85. Within the basket, 21 stocks posted gains, four declined and five closed flat. Leading the rally was Vinhomes JSC (VHM), a key real estate stock within the Vingroup ecosystem, which surged 6.83 per cent and alone contributed over 4.7 points to the VN-Index. Notably, VHM has gained for seven consecutive sessions, rising more than 33 per cent from around VN55,000 to over VN73,000 per share. Other notable gainers on Monday included Vietnam Rubber Group (GVR), which hit its daily ceiling with a 6.85 per cent increase, Vingroup JSC (VIC) up 1.61 per cent, and Becamex (BCM), which climbed 4.93 per cent. Analysts at Saigon Hanoi Securities (SHS) noted: In the short term, the VN-Index remains on an upward trend, holding above the nearest support at 1,300 points. Selling pressure has intensified as the index approaches its previous peakthe highest level recorded in March 2025. This scenario was anticipated in earlier reports, as correction pressure across different stock groups remains relatively normal, with many still rotating and showing good accumulation. The market is returning to price levels seen before the announcement of tariffs. Regardless of the outcome of trade negotiations, tariffs are likely to be imposed, impacting macroeconomic balances and business operations. At present, many stocks are still trading at reasonable levels based on their fundamentals. However, with the VN-Index approaching the 1,3201,340 resistance zone, this is not considered an attractive level for additional disbursement. Any new positions should be carefully selected based on growth prospects. Investors should maintain a balanced portfolio. Investment should focus on stocks with solid fundamentals and leading positions in strategic sectors, which are expected to benefit from macroeconomic shifts and strong economic growth. On the northern bourse, the HNX-Index also advanced 3.09 points, or 1.43 per cent, to 219.41. Trading value reached VN1.2 trillion with nearly 80 million shares exchanged. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Industry and Trades Centre for E-commerce and Digital Technology (eComDX) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading e-commerce enterprises, including Shopee and TikTok Viet Nam, along with departments of industry and trade from Lai Chau, Thai Nguyen, Lang Son, Yen Bai and ien Bien provinces. The agreement marks a significant step towards strengthening cooperation between government authorities and digital platforms. Its objectives include supporting digital skills training, improving e-commerce infrastructure, and expanding the promotion and distribution of local products via digital platforms. The initiative is expected to accelerate digital transformation and boost online business capacity in these underdeveloped areas. The activities under the memorandum aim to build a competitive e-commerce environment and expand market access for local businesses. In addition to providing essential knowledge and tools for digital commerce, the programme seeks to help bring regional speciality products to national consumers. According to the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency (IDEA), developing a sustainable regional e-commerce ecosystem requires four strategic pillars: improving policies to support e-commerce in highland areas aligned with national digital economy and transformation strategies; applying digital technology in product development, traceability and brand protection; strengthening digital logistics and distribution infrastructure in remote areas; and enhancing digital capabilities at the local level through training and technical assistance for businesses, households and public officials. Despite growing awareness, digital adoption in the midland and mountainous regions remains limited due to constraints in infrastructure, workforce availability, and traditional business practices. Le Hoang Oanh, Director General of IDEA, noted that digital transformation is no longer optional but an essential requirement. She said that e-commerce is one of the core pillars driving comprehensive digitalisation at the local level, particularly in areas facing socioeconomic challenges. Improving digital business capacity is fundamental to give each speciality product a digital brand, enabling e-commerce to become a viable tool for livelihoods, value creation, and the promotion of regional cultural identity. VNS HA NOI The private sector will play a crucial part in national and economic development, participants at a special conference in Ha Noi yesterday were told. Speaking at the conferences opening, Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Trong ieu, President of the Vietnam Association of Private Entrepreneurs, discussed the implementation of Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW (Resolution 68), which was issued by the Politburo on May 4, 2025. The resolution, aimed at unlocking private capital and changing mindsets, is of special significance and should be seen as a historic breakthrough, a milestone in both development thinking and national governance. Amid the optimism shared by entrepreneurs, academics and policymakers alike, Resolution 68 has been hailed as a rallying call, not just for the private economy, but for the broader economy and the nations strategic governance, to build a prosperous future for the Vietnamese people, he said. In 2024, Viet Nams economy grew by 7.09 per cent, surpassing its target and remaining one of Asias bright spots. However, 2025 brings new challenges, including the global economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions, trade protectionism, and the risk of disrupted supply chains. Against this backdrop, the Politburos Resolution 68, which identifies the private sector as one of the most important drivers of the national economy, represents a pivotal turning point. This is the first time in history that the private sector has been placed at the centre of a constructive and service-oriented state apparatus. Beyond affirming its role, the resolution lays out a far-reaching strategic vision, positioning the private sector as a pioneering force in innovation, science, technology and digital transformation. It also sees the sector as a pillar of an independent, self-reliant and resilient economy. In line with the spirit of Resolution 68, a series of coordinated policies have quickly been introduced by the National Assembly and the Government to create a legal framework and favourable conditions for unlocking bottlenecks that have hindered private sector development. These policies focus on improving the investment climate and supporting access to land, credit, talent and technology, while promoting the emergence of medium and large enterprises and leading firms. Calls for change The Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Private Entrepreneurs and Chairwoman of BRG Group, Nguyen Thi Nga, said the resolution acknowledged the private sectors contributions to growth, the State budget and employment, while also candidly identifying existing shortcomings and how to address them. Nga also highlighted the uneven playing field between domestic private enterprises and foreign-invested firms (FDI). Despite contributing nearly 60 per cent of GDP, the domestic private sector faces the risk of losing on home ground, as FDI enterprises enjoy greater incentives and account for two-thirds of total export turnover. Meanwhile, many FDI firms focus only on low-value-added activities such as assembly and labor-intensive activities, rather than investing in research and development in Viet Nam. In contrast, the domestic private sector is demonstrating vast potential, ranging from large corporations to hundreds of thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises, all eager to grow if given a more enabling institutional and competitive environment. Participants at the conference called for these resolutions to go beyond policy orientation and be swiftly and fully institutionalised, with clear enforcement mechanisms. Without concrete legal frameworks, adequate resources, and effective cross-sectoral coordination, even the strongest resolutions would struggle to yield tangible results. Speaking to congthuong.vn on the sidelines of the event, the Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, To Hoai Nam, said the resolutions goals, such as streamlining business conditions and administrative procedures and lowering compliance costs, could be achieved by shifting from pre-inspection to post-inspection. Our current system is too focused on pre-approvals. Everything requires documents and permits. Even if a formal application isnt requested, the regulations often still imply a please-approve mentality, he noted. If we move to a post-check mechanism, it will shorten processing times. Streamlined procedures and faster resolution will reduce warehousing time for exports, lower business costs, and increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods, he said. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam Vaccine JSC (VNVC) and French pharmaceutical group Sanofi on May 26 exchanged an agreement to initiate the transfer of Sanofis technology for vaccine production at VNVCs vaccine and biologicals plant. The partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors amid globalisation, especially in healthcare. It also represents a strategic step for Viet Nams health sector to expand international collaboration in high-tech science, aiming to reinforce national health security and boost its preparedness for future disease outbreaks. Under the agreement, VNVC and Sanofi will gradually implement technology transfers to enable domestic production of several key Sanofi vaccines that are widely used in Viet Nam. In addition, Sanofi will support VNVC in training human resources and quality management in vaccine research and manufacturing. Ngo Chi Dung, General Director and Chairman of VNVC, spoke highly of the significance of the deal in strengthening Viet Nams vaccine production capabilities. He noted that, as the government is promoting the development of the private sector and international cooperation in science and technology, the partnership with Sanofi will allow VNVC in particular, and the domestic vaccine industry in general, to rapidly scale up manufacturing and produce high-quality vaccines that meet global standards. The collaboration is expected to give Viet Nam rapid access to cutting-edge technologies, optimise R&D efforts, and ensure timely domestic supply, thus contributing significantly to national health security. According to Dung, Sanofi currently supplies Viet Nam with tens of millions of high-quality vaccine doses annually for private immunisation programmes. These include Hexaxim (6-in-1), Tetraxim (4-in-1), Adacel (for diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus), Imojev (Japanese encephalitis), Verorab (rabies), Menactra (meningococcal meningitis), Avaxim (hepatitis A), Vaxigrip Tetra (influenza), and Typhim VI (typhoid). Once these vaccines are produced domestically, they are expected to be more affordable and widely available, improving immunisation access for both children and adults. As part of its strategic vision for vaccine self-reliance, VNVC is currently developing a state-of-the-art vaccine and biologicals plant in the Mekong Delta province of Long An. Covering 26,000 square metres, the factory is being built with an initial investment of 2 trillion VN (US$78.7 million) and is designed to meet the highest Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the European Union (EU), and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VNS HCM CITY Resolving bad debts effectively is crucial to unlocking credit flows, stimulating investment and safeguarding national financial stability, and this needs a transparent legal framework that protects the rights of all stakeholders, a conference heard in HCM City on May 27. Speaking at the Handling Bad Debts: What Is the Balanced Solution? conference hosted by Tien Phong newspaper, its editor-in-chief, Phung Cong Suong, said as Viet Nams economy strives to grow, the real estate sector, traditionally a key driver, is grappling with unprecedented challenges that go beyond the long-standing legal bottlenecks, planning complications and liquidity constraints. A far more complex problem lies in the vast volume of collateralised assets that are now stuck in the banking system, he said. This has become a major burden, weighing on both the credit system and businesses, he said. As of May 2025, outstanding credit in the real estate sector exceeded VN1.56 quadrillion (US$60.29 billion), up 20 per cent from just the end of 2024, he said. Behind this figure lies a series of stalled projects, cash-strapped enterprises and growing public concern about mortgaged assets, he said. The handling of bad debts in the real estate sector is therefore no longer merely a technical matter for the banking industry alone. It has become a multifaceted issue, closely tied to legal aspects and requiring strong coordination and joint efforts from the government, businesses and the public. Le Trung Phat, director of LeTrung Phat Law Company, said, from a legal standpoint, while seizing collateral might appear straightforward, there are actually numerous legal complexities. Even when a bank has a legally binding court judgment, auctioning assets can be delayed or disrupted by emerging disputes because the collateral has been leased, cultivated or occupied by third parties. These situations complicate enforcement and underscore the need for a balanced legal approach that protects all involved parties, he said. Legal solutions and balancing interests in bad debt settlement o Thien Anh Tuan, a public policy lecturer at the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management, said globally there are two prevailing legal approaches to collateral enforcement: the Common Law and Civil Law systems. In Common Law countries like the US, UK, and Singapore, assets can be seized and sold directly under contract terms without court involvement. This approach reduces legal costs and improves debt recovery efficiency. Civil Law systems like those in Germany, Japan and Viet Nam typically require court or enforcement agency participation, even when contractual terms are clear. While this protects borrower rights and third parties, it also prolongs the process and leaves valuable assets frozen, creating broader economic losses. Between 2017 and 2023, Viet Nams Resolution 42/2017/QH14 offered a special mechanism that allowed faster and more efficient handling of secured assets by credit institutions. However, its expiration at the end of 2023 left a legal vacuum. There is now an urgent need to complete a post-Resolution 42 legal framework to free up the vast capital locked in collateral, Tuan said. Many delegates agreed that the most effective provisions of Resolution 42 should be codified into the revised Law on Credit Institutions. They also proposed measures to ensure fairness and protection for all stakeholders. Tuan said the mortgage contract must include a clear agreement on the lenders right to dispose of the collateral without court intervention. This agreement must explicitly outline the notification procedures, valuation methods, waiting period before enforcement, and the remaining rights of the borrower after the asset is sold. Borrowers must be notified in writing within a reasonable time, allowing them an opportunity to repay the debt, sell the asset for a better price or renegotiate with the lender. Valuations should reflect fair market value and be overseen by independent third parties to ensure transparency. If not sold through public auction, all transactions must be handled via transparent platforms with full disclosure to avoid any conflict of interest. Another key principle is ensuring that borrowers receive any surplus proceeds from the sale after deducting principal, interest and reasonable enforcement costs, a legal right that must be safeguarded, Tuan said. He said the enforcement process should respect the rights of third parties such as tenants, co-owners and guarantors, properly notify them and allow them to exercise their legal rights to ensure a fair and humane resolution process. Le Hoang Chau, chairman of the HCM City Real Estate Association, warned that bad debts are becoming increasingly complex in the property sector, threatening the stability of the financial system and the survival of businesses. Resolving bad debts is not just about debt recovery, but is an opportunity to revive the market, and the Government should consider special mechanisms to address bad debts decisively and in a coordinated manner, he said. He proposed the establishment of "a central inter-agency task force to review and classify stalled real estate projects. This would allow policymakers to design targeted interventions for different categories of bad debt instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach," he explained. VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has expressed his hope that the CMA-CGM Group will invest in projects developing green and smart seaports with infrastructure capable of supporting the transition to green fuels and renewable energy. He encouraged the group to tap into the potential of inland waterway transport, closely linked with innovation and technology transfer during his meeting on May 27 with Rodolphe Saade, Chairman and CEO of the CMA-CGM Group, a leading French shipping and logistics corporation. The Deputy PM affirmed that Viet Nam always attaches great importance to, and is committed to further strengthening, the Viet NamFrance Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in general, and cooperation between Viet Nam and the CMA-CGM Group in particular. Appreciating the Groups operations in Viet Nam in recent years, he noted that Southeast Asia and Asia as a whole are becoming dynamic manufacturing hubs, leading to a growing demand for cargo transport. In that context, CMA-CGMs investments in Viet Nams seaport infrastructure align with the countrys maritime economic development strategy, which requires modern port infrastructure as a core condition. Viet Nam has developed a national master plan for its seaport system with the ambition to establish shipbuilding centres, green ports, and a fleet capable of regional reach. Several ports, such as Cai Mep Thi Vai, Can Gio, and Ca Mau, have been designated as international transshipment hubs to leverage Viet Nams favourable geographical location for connection with global shipping routes. Many newly established or recently operational deepwater ports in central Viet Nam still hold substantial potential and require effective development planning. Investing in green and smart seaports will create new competitive advantages for port and logistics enterprises like CMA-CGM, particularly as global regulations on CO2 emissions and carbon taxes become increasingly stringent, Ha noted. He reaffirmed Viet Nams commitment to maintaining an open, attractive, and equitable investment environment for all enterprises, especially those with international experience, capacity, and reputation in the seaport and logistics sectors. Regarding CMA-CGMs electric barge project, the Deputy PM emphasised the Governments priority to encourage enterprises to develop integrated value chains, from research, technology transfer, and supporting industries to the production of equipment and vehicles for logistics and maritime transport infrastructure, thereby creating sustainable value and long-term benefits for both businesses and the national economy. Saade, for his part, expressed his strong impression of Viet Nams socio-economic development and outlined some key outcomes of the Groups cooperation in the transport and logistics sectors over its 30-year presence in the country. He also expressed his hope that the Vietnamese Government will continue to create favourable conditions for foreign enterprises, including CMA-CGM, to expand their footprint and contribute to local socio-economic development. He said CMA-CGM wishes to support Viet Nams maritime services in expanding globally, while also leveraging the countrys export advantages to reach markets across Asia and beyond. Present in 160 countries with nearly 300 shipping routes, CMA-CGM is promoting the implementation of its electric barge project, initially along Viet Nams inland waterways, to maximise the efficiency of multimodal transport, including sea, inland waterway, road, and rail networks. VNS HA NOI Ha Nois tourism sector continues to show strong momentum this year, recording an estimated 12.77 million visitor arrivals in the first five months, a 10.9 percent increase year-on-year. According to the municipal Department of Tourism, the capital welcomed approximately 3.16 million international tourists during this period, marking a year-on-year rise of 20.2 percent. Domestic visitors reached around 9.61 million, up 7.8 percent. Total tourism revenue was estimated at VN51.94 trillion (over US$2 billion), representing a 14.1 per cent increase against the same period last year. The city expects to receive 15.55 million visitors in the first half, an 11.8 percent rise on the same period last year. As of now, Ha Noi has 3,761 tourist accommodation establishments offering a combined total of 71,256 rooms. Of these, 85 properties, including hotels and serviced apartments, have been officially ranked from 1 to 5 stars, comprising 11,965 rooms. In addition, 97 service providers across the capital have been certified as meeting tourism service standards. Between now and the end of the year, Ha Noi will prioritise the development of new cultural tourism products, particularly those that offer immersive, night-time experiences. The city also plans to pilot community-based tourism models showcasing the traditional cultural values of ethnic minorities in Thach That and Quoc Oai districts. Ha Noi is also focusing on strengthening niche tourism segments such as culinary tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), and wellness tourism. The municipal tourism department is set to develop a tourism promotion strategy targeting both domestic and international markets, particularly Northeast Asia, ASEAN, and India. The plan will adopt a professional, focused, and strategic investment approach, aiming to position Ha Noi as a high-quality, must-visit destination. Domestically, the capital will bolster cooperation with major tourism hubs including HCM City, provinces in the south, central region, and Central Highlands, to develop inter-regional tourism programmes. For 2025, Ha Noi has set an ambitious target of welcoming 31 million tourist arrivals, including 7.5 million foreigners, with projected tourism revenue nearing VN130 trillion. The sector is expected to contribute at least 8 per cent to the citys gross regional domestic product (GRDP). VNA/VNS KHANH HOA The coastal city of Nha Trang in the central province of Khanh Hoa has emerged as the top choice for travellers in Viet Nam looking to take time to savour the sun, sand and sea. Digital travel platform Agoda has recently revealed the top destinations in Asia to embrace the art of slow travel and Nha Trang is among them. While some travellers thrive on jam-packed itineraries that squeeze in as much as possible in a short time, others find joy in longer stays to soak up the local charm. Slow travel provides the ideal opportunity to fully immerse in a destination, allowing time to create meaningful connections with its culture, cuisine and people. Across nine markets in Asia, Agoda data shows that slow travellers are booking the longest stays in Rayong (Thailand), topping the list regionally for visitors looking to hit the brakes and linger longer. Kalegowa of Indonesia, Seoul from South Korea, Tokyo of Japan, Boracay Island in the Philippines, Taipei of Taiwan Island, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and Chennai in India also featured prominently. In Viet Nam, Nha Trang, a Nang and HCM City also emerged as the top destinations for extended stays. Meanwhile, travellers from Viet Nam looking to venture abroad spend the most time in Chiang Mai for a slower-paced travel experience. From tranquil beaches to bustling city streets, these destinations prove that sometimes, the best way to travel is to take it slow. Slow travel is like hitting the refresh button on how we explore the world, inviting travellers to step away from the rush and truly immerse themselves in the essence of each destination," Vu Ngoc Lam, country director at Agoda, said. "Nha Trang, with its golden beaches and relaxed coastal atmosphere, is the perfect place for travellers to unwind and explore at their own pace, he added. With its stunning coastline and relaxed atmosphere, Nha Trang is a haven for beach lovers who want to take their time soaking up the sun and sea. Beyond its beaches, Nha Trang offers a wealth of experiences, from exploring the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers to indulging in rejuvenating mud baths. Nha Trangs laid-back vibe makes it an ideal spot for slow travel. VNS MOSCOW A Vietnamese painters deep connection with Russia is the focus of an exhibition which opened in Moscow on May 26 as part of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Russian Federation (January 30, 1950 2025). Titled Russia in My Soul, the exhibition showcases nearly 50 oil paintings by artist Claudie Van at the All-Russian Decorative Art Museum under the Russian Ministry of Culture. The opening of the exhibition, held under the auspices of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, drew representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy, Russias Ministry of Culture, the museums leadership, and a large number of Vietnamese residents and Russian visitors who share a love for Viet Nam and its people. Addressing the opening ceremony, the museum's director Elena Viktorovna Titova expressed her admiration for Claudie Van, despite a long distance, being able to closely connect and reflect the Russian essence. She praised the Vietnamese artists deep affection for the Russian people and nature, noting that the exhibition holds special significance as both countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties. Claudie Van expressed her honour as the exhibition is included in the commemorative programme of the Viet Nam-Russia diplomatic relations. Each work, she explained, was inspired by a moment or story from her life in Russia, forming a visual journey of personal discovery and emotional connection. The works on display range from iconic landmarks to scenes from daily life in Moscow. Through her art, Van also explores the shared cultural values of the Russian and Vietnamese people, such as strong family bonds, intergenerational traditions, and pride in national heritage. The exhibition will run until May 28. VNA/VNS Positioned to Unlock M&A Value through U.S. Manufacturing Amidst Geopolitical Complexities and Specialty Portfolio Quarterly Business and Financial Highlights Fueled by expanded capacity and new dosage forms, Bora's CDMO business delivered a record high quarter, up 52.4% YoY and 3.0% QoQ. As part of Bora's long-term strategic growth plan, the Company is moving forward with a phased investment of tens of thousands US dollars to unlock the untapped potential of Maple Grove facility. This build-out is designed to enhance capabilities in oral solid dose and sterile manufacturing, strengthening the ability to support customer demand and scale future programs. Pharma Sales revenues rose 82.0% YoY based on reported unaudited monthly sales, driven by strong performance from the vigabatrin franchise, which includes three dosage forms. Notably, VIGAFYDE captured over 70% share in the new patient segment. Due to the completion of Plymouth area decommissioning, consolidated revenues for 1Q25 was NT$4.48 billion, a NT$350 million reversal from the unaudited monthly disclosures, all of which was attributed to the pharma sales segment. Despite margin pressure from partial maintenance shutdowns at the Maryland sterile injectable site in early January and softening demand for generic product dexlansoprazole (DLS), product mix improvement from growing specialty portfolio lifted gross margin from the low of 4Q24 to 42.2% in 1Q25. Tech transfer for 6 Upsher-Smith generic products to cost-competitive sites within Bora network remains on track, with full transfer expected by year-end to support further margin recovery. EPS from continuing operations reached NT$26.54, reflecting NT$2.44 billion of net non-operating income from the divestment of Bora Biologics and recognition of losses of Tanvex Biopharm. However, the decommissioning of the Plymouth area negatively impacted EPS by NT$12.99, resulting in a reported EPS of NT$13.55. Share capital increased 0.4% during the quarter from employee stock option exercises and convertible bond conversions. DLS competitors began exiting the market in early 2Q25 due to supply chain hiccups, creating new opportunities for Bora to increase share and drive recovery momentum. The Group remains optimistic that its first quarter restructuring efforts will increase the long-term value of its recent acquisitions, including unlocking NT$600 million in capital in 2025. CDMO business growth will be further accelerated with strategic U.S.-based capability and capacity. Mr. Bobby Sheng, Chairman of Bora Group, stated, "The first quarter is the continuation of critical integration and restructuring phase following multiple business and capacity acquisitions in 2024, laying a solid foundation for operational efficiency expansion. Following substantial investments in the U.S last year, we did observe significant pressure in the U.S. generics space during Q4. This prompted us to swiftly accelerate our integration efforts. At the same time, evolving client dynamics and market demand have only strengthened our conviction in the long-term value and strategic role of these assets. While the organizational streamlining, business separation, and product portfolio optimization undertaken to reflect operational realities have created near-term hurdles, we remain confident that these actions are essential to achieving optimal resource allocation and hence satisfactory return on assets. These efforts are necessary steps in the Company's path toward sustainable mid to long-term growth. The closure of Plymouth area was completed ahead of schedule during the quarter and the area has thus been reclassified as discontinued operation in our quarterly financial statements altogether. From an operational standpoint, Bora has discontinued 15 products in the U.S. generics market along with the restructure, with an additional 6 products transferred to more cost-efficient manufacturing sites within the Group. On the financial side, discontinued operation resulted in a negative impact of approximately NT$1.34 billion, including overhead, inventory and equipment write-downs as well as severance-related expenses. Looking ahead, Bora will advance its focus on high-value and complex dosage forms supported by over NT$5.0 billion cash on hand. At Maple Grove, 4 global pharmaceutical clients are currently in advanced discussions regarding CAPEX investments which we view as a strong validation of the site's value and strategic fit. While the timeline for full deployment spans several years, we are approaching this expansion with operational discipline and commercial alignment to ensure its success over time. On pharma sales side, Bora weathered softness in DLS demand in the first quarter but quickly gained market share as a competitor exited in early second quarter. Generic business rebounded in April, supported by strong sales from new 2024 launches including Potassium Chloride ER Tablets (KCL), and anti-angina drugs Diltiazem (DTC and DTS). This recovery underscores Bora's agility and the resilience of the dual-engine strategy. Furthermore, we have successfully consolidated distribution network for specialty drugs. Bora expects its pediatric spasm product, VIGAFYDE (the 505(b)(2) oral solution), to extend its success in the new patient market into the switch segment in the very near future, supporting future margin and operational leverage expansion. 1Q2025 Operational Achievements & Full Year Outlook Global CDMO Operations In 1Q25, the small molecule CDMO pipeline added US$123 million in potential orders and US$78 million in backlog, both marking historic highs. CAPEX progress across sites reached approximately 50%, focused on debottlenecks, efficiency improvement, capacity increase and infrastructure upgrade to align with client and product needs. Flex Pro line at the Maryland sterile injectable facility was completed ahead of schedule and is expected to begin operations in early Q3. Maple Grove launched its first CDMO project during the quarter and is currently negotiating with potential clients while evaluating CAPEX plans for differentiated dosage platforms. Overall, North American capacity transformation is progressing as planned. Large molecule CDMO operation was launched following the January 20 reverse-acquisition of Bora Biologics by Tanvex Biopharm where Bora owns 30.5% of Tanvex. CDMO operations at the San Diego site are now active, and the ongoing 2,000L expansion has received strong interest from late-stage clients. Bora and Tanvex are actively pursuing U.S.-based commercial-scale manufacturing orders with a comprehensive one-stop service model. As the Upsher-Smith team continue to consolidate distributors for specialty drugs, we saw early signs of positive engagement from both market and payer channels at the end of the first quarter. Following the 2024 integration of TWi, Upsher-Smith and Pyros teams, Bora has established a focused pipeline in CNS specialty areas. The company expects to file its first self-developed 505(b)(2) submission for infantile spasms (Stiripentol) with the U.S. FDA by year-end, alongside other pipeline developments. Pediatric epilepsy and TSC-related rare diseases represent the first wave of Bora's pharma sales transformation targets. In addition to reducing over-reliance on generics, high-value rare disease and specialty drugs benefit from strong regulatory and payer support in the specialty pharmacy channel. These markets are less competitive with stable price, and offer targeted access to patient populations, allowing for meaningful long-tail value creation. Recent Investor Conference Bora 2025 Earnings Schedule HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 May 2025 - Bora Pharmaceuticals (TWSE: 6472) today announced itsWe continue executing on our goals to scale up, achieve more and integrate smarter, ensuring that both internal and external clients benefit from cost-efficient, regionally aligned manufacturing. By extending the strength of our dual-engine model, we believe Bora shall continue to create above-average total shareholder return."Global CDMO Operations (excluding internal orders) delivered record-high revenues of NT$1.90 billion in the first quarter, up 52.4% YoY and representing approximately 39% of total revenue. Including internal orders, CDMO revenue reached NT$2.89 billion. A total of 600 million doses were developed and manufactured. Revenue contribution from global top 20 pharmaceutical companies remained steady at approximately 30%, demonstrating strong clientele and advantage of scale. Bora CDMO continues to be a trusted partner for biotech and pharmaceutical innovators.Pharma Sales Operations revenue reached NT$2.93 billion, representing 82.0% YoY growth and contributing approximately 61% of total revenue based on unadjusted numbers.Bora will host an English online earnings call at 7:00 a.m. Taiwan time on May 15, 2025, followed by an investor conference hosted by Taishin Securities at the Grand Hyatt Taipei at 2:00 p.m. on May 16, 2025. Both events will cover the company's Q1'25 financial and business results and outlook.English Online Earnings Presentation Link: https://www.zucast.com/event/54SiM5il/subscribe/create The 2025 Annual General Shareholders' Meeting will be held on May 23 at the Tainan Guantian Industrial Marketing Center.Bora will participate in the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference in New York on June 45. For 1:1 meetings with management, please contact your Jefferies representative.Q2 2025: Expected in the 3week of August 2025Q3 2025: Expected in the 3week of November 2025Q4 2025: Expected in the 2week of March 2026Hashtag: #Bora The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Bora Founded in 2007, Bora Pharmaceuticals ("Bora" or "the Company", 6472.TW) is a leading pharmaceutical services company with a vision and goal of "Contributing to Better Health All Over the World". Operating under a "Dual Engine" model that integrates CDMO and commercial expertise, we empower pharmaceutical and biotech partners to optimize product development, accelerate launches, and scale supply to meet global patient needs. At the same time, we actively broaden R&D and sales infrastructure, focusing on niche and rare disease markets to improve patients' quality of life. By investing in talent, infrastructure, and biologics expansion, Bora continues to transform operations and achieve sustainable growth. Committed to making success "certain," Bora sets new standards in the pharmaceutical and CDMO industries. For more, please visit: https://www.bora-corp.comhttps://www.boracorpcdmo.comThis document and the accompanying information may contain forward-looking statements. All statements regarding the company's future business operations, potential events, and prospects (including but not limited to forecasts, targets, estimates, and operational plans) are considered forward-looking statements unless they refer to factual occurrences. Forward-looking statements are subject to various factors and uncertainties that may cause significant differences from actual results, including but not limited to price fluctuations, actual demand, exchange rate variations, market share, competitive conditions, changes in the legal, financial, and regulatory framework, international economic and financial market conditions, political risks, cost estimates, and other risks and variables beyond the company's control. These forward-looking statements are based on current predictions and assessments, and the company disclaims any responsibility for future updates. By Dr Salmon Jacob In an era defined by the twin imperatives of environmental protection and economic resilience, one of the pertinent yet less explored questions is: Can we harness the power that is already around us? In East Asia, where both rural traditions and rapid modernisation coexist, the answer to this question is not only yes - its a solution waiting to get the needed acceleration. From the paddy fields of Viet Nam, to the steppes of Mongolia, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the remote mountain villages of Laos, communities are surrounded by untapped sources of renewable energy that are both accessible and affordable. The sun above us, the waste we discard, the livestock we raise and the collective spirit of community that binds us all hold vast potential to transform our energy systems and improve our quality of life. The power of the sun: lighting homes and hope The countries of East Asia are blessed with abundant sunlight. Regions across Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam receive high solar irradiation throughout the year. Yet many rural communities remain unelectrified or suffer from unreliable grid connections. This is where solar power can play a game-changing role. In Viet Nam, solar-powered irrigation systems have already begun to support smallholder farmers in the Mekong Delta (World Economic Forum Article, July 2023). Thailands Eastern Economic Corridor has integrated large-scale solar farms, but decentralised rooftop solar in rural homes still lags behind its potential (SIPET, Feb 2025). In Myanmar, according to World Bank data of 2022 where nearly 25 per cent of the population still lacks access to electricity, solar home systems offer a clean, affordable and scalable solution. Beyond lighting, solar cookers are emerging in China and Viet Nam, reducing dependence on biomass and improving indoor air quality. Solar dryers for fish and agricultural produce already being used successfully in pockets of Cambodia and northern Thailand are helping communities reduce food spoilage and add value to local products (The Nation, May 2018). According to IRENA's data of 2022 ASEAN region only has 26.6 GW of installed solar capacity, while the potential of solar energy for the region is roughly 30,523 GW. This is an indication of the huge potential that awaits to be tapped on the power of the sun. The power of household waste: from burden to benefit Across East Asia, urbanisation has brought with it the challenge of mounting household waste. But instead of viewing it as a burden, we can see it as a valuable energy source. In East Asian countries, where infrastructure for waste management is limited, small-scale biogas plants can offer both environmental relief and economic support. When households realise that their kitchen waste can cook the next meal, the economics of sustainability becomes deeply personal. The power of livestock manure: rural energy from tradition Various development organisations have introduced small biogas units across Cambodia and Viet Nam over the years, helping thousands of rural households reduce reliance on firewood and improve respiratory health, particularly for women who spend long hours cooking indoors. In China, as mentioned earlier, favourable government policies have accelerated the adoption of domestic biogas plants in the country with much scope for scale up. Meanwhile, in Mongolia efforts are underway to adapt biomass technologies for cleaner energy suitable for the extreme cold climate. The energy stored in livestock waste is enormous not only does it meet household energy needs, but it also restores soil fertility, enhancing food security in a region where land degradation is a growing threat. Adding value to life for sustainable development The value of tapping into these untapped power sources i.e. solar, waste, livestock, and community establishments is its ability to meet our most basic and daily energy needs, in a decentralised and sustainable manner. These include lighting our homes, meeting our cooking energy needs, irrigating our farms, running our basic electrical appliances etc. I have personally witnessed the positive transformation in the lives of households who benefitted from World Visions solar energy applications in remote parts of Mongolia, waste to energy initiatives in Thailand and solar energy applications in agriculture in other communities across East Asia. Hundreds of children have benefitted from the solar electrification programmes of World Vision in various schools of Viet Nam. The scope for scale up is enormous and waiting to be harnessed. The energy solutions we seek for driving holistic and sustainable development are already with us and around us. To unlock them, we need: Policy support that incentivises decentralised renewable energy and waste-to-energy models. Training and awareness for local communities to adopt and maintain systems. Financing models that make clean technologies accessible to the poor. Partnerships and collaboration to share and drive best practices and indigenous innovations into the grassroots. Importantly, harnessing the untapped power around us is not about replacing national grids it is about complementing them. In many East Asian countries, from China to Viet Nam, electricity grids are still heavily reliant on coal-fired power, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Rural areas often face power shortages or outages, while urban centres bear the brunt of pollution. Local renewable energy solar, biogas, and waste-to-energy can bridge the energy access gap, reduce pressure on central grids and cut emissions at the source. It adds resilience, offers energy security and delivers power that is cleaner, closer, and community-driven. Let us reimagine waste as wealth. Let us see the sun not just as source of heat or light, but as a harvest. Let us treat community not just as a social entity, but as centres of collective strength for transformation. In this lies the path to a future that is not only green - but grounded in the power of decentralisation, community action and community ownership for sustainable development. VNS Dr Salmon Jacob is Regional Climate Change Adaptation Advisor, World Vision East Asia. HA NOI As part of his State visit to Viet Nam, on the morning of May 27, 2025, President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron visited and held an exchange with students at the University of Science and Technology of Ha Noi (USTH), also known as the Viet NamFrance University. Established in 2009 under a bilateral cooperation agreement between the Governments of Viet Nam and France, USTH is a public university built to meet international standards. Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan accompanied the delegation during the visit. VNS KUALA LUMPUR The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) need to work together to shape a new-generation model of inter-regional cooperation, based on sincerity, substance, comprehensiveness, cohesion, and greater effectiveness, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at the second ASEAN-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday. This move will generate strong momentum for development cooperation, enhance the harmonisation of interests between the two sides, and contribute to peace, stability, and shared prosperity in both regions and the world, he stressed. Speaking highly of the bilateral cooperation potential, PM Chinh noted that both regions possess distinct strengths that are highly complementary and share many commonalities in their development visions. ASEAN stands out for its high growth rate, young population, large market, and rapid adaptability, while the GCC serves as a global energy hub, is abundant in financial resources, and possesses technological advantages and experience in green development. He called on ASEAN and GCC to strengthen strategic connectivity and promote substantive cooperation towards sustainable and inclusive development, with people and businesses placed at the centre. The PM proposed the two sides soon establish a flexible and quickly implementable joint economic cooperation agreement to enhance market access, connect supply chains, support two-way investment, and create a practical, mutually-beneficial framework while they carry out a feasibility study for a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). PM Chinh encouraged the strong activation of the private sectors role, particularly the engagement of GCC investment funds in ASEAN, and emphasised the importance of promoting the role of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and GCC business associations to foster a favourable, transparent, and open investment environment, thereby promoting capital flows, technology transfer, and innovation. The Vietnamese leader proposed ASEAN and GCC make green and sustainable growth a new pillar of cooperation for the future of the people of both regions, with focus on digital transformation, green transition, circular economy, science and technology application, sustainable infrastructure development, smart cities, smart agriculture, the Halal food market, energy security, and food security. He affirmed that Viet Nam is ready to work with other countries to promote concrete cooperation in areas such as 5G digital infrastructure development, artificial intelligence (AI), submarine cable systems, green hydrogen and solar energy production, smart energy storage, the development of high-quality Halal supply chains, and facilitation of labour mobility and working conditions, so as to meet market demands and enhance the resilience of the economy. At the summit, participants welcomed the performance of the feasibility study on the ASEAN-GCC Free Trade Agreement, a strategic step that lays a solid foundation for long-term economic connectivity. They also reached consensus on directions to enhance market connectivity and facilitate investment, trade, logistics infrastructure, tourism, labour, Halal industry development, support for small- and medium-sized enterprises, and supply chain security. The two sides committed to strengthening cooperation in tourism, education, and young workforce training; promoting people-to-people exchanges; and enhancing connectivity between universities and research centres. Exchanging views on the international and regional situation, delegates shared concerns over the complicated developments in the Gaza Strip, calling on all parties to cease fire and end acts of violence causing civilian casualties. They reaffirmed support for the peace process, an independent State of Palestine, and a two-state solution in accordance with international law and the United Nations Security Council's relevant resolutions, aiming to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitments to maintaining peace and stability, ensuring maritime security, and promoting peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also emphasised the importance of cooperation in addressing non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and transnational crime. VNA/VNS HA NOI Educational cooperation is among the key pillars of FranceViet Nam cooperation, said French President Emmanuel Macron as he spoke to students of the University of Science and Technology of Ha Noi (USTH) on Tuesday. USTH, also known as the Viet Nam-France University, was established and developed under the intergovernmental agreements signed between Viet Nam and France from November 12, 2009, to November 2, 2018. To date, over 15,000 engineers, more than 3,000 doctors and thousands of legal professionals from Viet Nam have been trained in France. USTH, which ranks fifth nationwide in scientific research output and maintains extensive partnerships with leading French academic and research institutions, serves as a cornerstone of bilateral relations between the two countries, the French President noted. Highlighting the success of the university model, which he said was founded on mutual trust and understanding, President Macron said that education would continue to be a crucial area of collaboration between Viet Nam and France, with the aim of promoting human values and humanitarian principles. He also announced that the two countries would soon sign a new agreement on education to further strengthen their collaboration in this field. The French leader said that amid unprecedented challenges on sovereignty, territory, international cooperation, maritime freedom and trade relations emerging across the globe, the ties between Viet Nam and France, and ASEAN and the EU demanded more attention than ever before. Viet Nam and France share common interests in achieving geopolitical balance and securing peace and stability, according to Macron, so they must work together towards the goal of consolidating cooperative relations for peace and collective prosperity. The two countries should enhance collaboration in education, science and technology, innovation, healthcare, and defence, thereby reducing dependence on other stakeholders and paving the way for freedom and progress. Joint efforts are also needed to address climate change and prevent biodiversity loss. Viet Nam, being a middle-income country with ambitious growth targets, needs young people, scientists and researchers to address the pressing challenges of this transformative era, particularly on climate change adaptation, emission reduction and ecosystem preservation. It was a must to find a way to economic development while promoting clean, green and sustainable growth models to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, said Macron, adding that this would also be a core focus in Viet NamFrance cooperation. France sought to further work with Viet Nam in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, digital technology, robotics and automation, and planned to develop a shared vision in these areas. The European country would continue to support Viet Nam in human resources training, intending to double the current number of student exchanges between now and 2030. The French President had an engaging dialogue with Vietnamese students and intellectuals, answering questions about technological transitions, skills development for young people, support for overseas students in France, and cooperation between the two countries in the field of architecture. He underlined the importance of self-learning, academic integrity and critical thinking based on core human values. On this occasion, President Macron and Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan launched the construction of the VNVC Vaccine and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant, which will be the largest and most modern vaccine manufacturing facility in Viet Nam. With an initial investment of approximately VN2 trillion (US$77.2 million), this facility will be built on over 26,000 square metres at Phu An Thanh Industrial Park, in the southern province of Long An. When operational by the end of 2027, the plant will manufacture high-quality vaccines from the French multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare company Sanofi, providing affordable, high-quality, locally-made vaccines for domestic use and future export across the region. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed enhancing financial centre connectivity among ASEAN countries, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China at the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. He suggested establishing a robust financial connectivity network linking major regional centres such as HCM City, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Dubai and Riyadh, creating a seamless inter-regional financial ecosystem that could serve as a launchpad for breakthrough cooperation between ASEAN, the GCC and China. At the summit, themed 'Synergising Economic Opportunities Towards Shared Prosperity', PM Chinh welcomed the fact that the worlds three leading economic engines ASEAN, the GCC and China are engaging in dialogue, strengthening coordination and opening up a historic opportunity to build a new inter-regional strategic cooperation space for a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for all countries. He highlighted the need to focus on cooperation in trade, investment and supply chain connectivity and to avoid politicising science and technology, investment and development. He proposed effectively leveraging existing frameworks such as the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, promoting the signing of the ASEAN-GCC Free Trade Agreement and studying the possibility of developing inter-regional connectivity into a comprehensive trilateral economic cooperation mechanism, including the potential formation of an ASEAN-GCC-China Free Trade Agreement. The Vietnamese leader called for high priority to be given to strategic and breakthrough sectors. With ASEAN finalising its Digital Economy Framework Agreement, he stressed that this was a golden moment to build a connected, secure and sustainable digital space. Reaffirming that capital flow is the lifeblood of strong, continuous and sustainable economic development, the PM expressed his belief that these directions would lay the foundation for strong development in other fields such as tourism, cultural exchange and connections among the civilisations of the three regions, setting a solid groundwork for deep, comprehensive and long-term cooperation among ASEAN, the GCC and China. He affirmed that Viet Nam was committed to continuing its role as a reliable bridge and a responsible partner, and was ready to accompany and contribute to peace, stability and shared prosperity for all the peoples and nations of ASEAN, the GCC and China. Leaders of the participating countries expressed confidence that ASEAN, the GCC and China could leverage the strengths of the three economies with a combined GDP of US$24.87 trillion and a population of approximately 2.15 billion. The countries reaffirmed their commitment to promoting trade, investment, finance, supply chain connectivity and market access for ASEAN, GCC and China. They also emphasised advancing cooperation in emerging fields such as digital technology, artificial intelligence and renewable energy as well as enhancing cultural exchanges, educational collaboration and tourism development. The nations also pledged to kick off new initiatives to foster mutual understanding and people-to-people connectivity across regions. During the conference, time was also allocated to discuss international and regional issues. Participants shared concerns about the complex developments in the Gaza Strip, reaffirmed support for the peace process and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state under the two-state solution in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. VNS HA NOI Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy had a working session in Ha Noi on Tuesday with Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD) Remy Rioux and representatives of the European Union Delegation in Viet Nam to discuss cooperation in transport and construction, within the framework of French President Emmanuel Macrons visit to Viet Nam. The EU and French sides shared their orientation and plans to support Viet Nams green transition, including grants to help reduce emissions in the transport sector. Deputy Minister Huy commended the AFDs collaboration with Viet Nam in the transport sector through implementing railway projects and promoting energy efficiency and low-carbon development in buildings toward sustainable urban development. He proposed that the EU and France support the Ministry of Construction in implementing energy transition initiatives in transport, greenhouse gas mitigation, and climate change response, contributing to Viet Nams commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as pledged at COP26. He also highlighted the need for training and capacity-building support. During the meeting, Deputy Minister Huy, AFD Director General Rioux, and SNCF International President Diego Diaz signed a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Construction, AFD, and SNCF International on enhancing the capacity of ministry officials in the railway sector. Earlier, on Monday, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh and French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet signed a letter of intent between the Ministry of Construction of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Transport of France to promote cooperation in transport, including aviation, maritime, inland waterways, and railways. The signing aims to implement the Joint Statement on the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and France issued on October 7, 2024, during the visit to France by Party General Secretary and President To Lam, reflecting the two sides' determination to boost cooperation in the transport sector. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam and France have issued a joint statement on the outcomes of French President Emmanuel Macrons state visit to Viet Nam from May 25 to 27. The statement notes that faced with an international environment marked by the continuous rise of tensions and after bilateral relations were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership on October 7, 2024 during the official visit to France by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam To Lam, the two sides reaffirmed the willingness to deepen their countries' partnership of trust to strengthen their independence, self-reliance, and development, in particular by increasing delegation exchanges at high and all levels, as well as by improving the effectiveness of cooperation and dialogue mechanisms between the two countries. This partnership is based on their commitment to respecting the United Nations Charter and its principles, a common ambition to ensure a stable and prosperous world order, and the determination to make an ambitious and collective response to global challenges. On this occasion, the two sides welcomed the two countries imminent adoption of the 20252028 action plan for implementing the joint statement on elevating Viet Nam France relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and their agreement to coordinate closely to carry out the plan, with a view to continuing to deepen and enhance bilateral relations in a substantive and effective manner, thereby meeting the aspirations of both countries peoples. Viet Nam and France reaffirmed the essential role of multilateralism, in which the UN holds a central place. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter, particularly with special emphasis on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedom rights, which are key factors of each countrys development. The two countries pledged to strengthen coordination and consultation at international forums and organisations, including the UN and the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Viet Nam and France support the enhancement of relations between Viet Nam and the European Union (EU), as well as the ASEAN France Development Partnership and the ASEAN EU Strategic Partnership, according to the statement. The two countries reiterated their shared commitment to promoting international peace, security, and stability. They reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the East Sea, as well as to fully respecting the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Both countries emphasised that UNCLOS sets the legal framework for all activities involving the seas and oceans, and is of strategic importance as it serves as the basis for ocean-related activities at national, regional, and international levels. Therefore, they said, the conventions integrity must be preserved. Viet Nam and France reaffirm their commitment to the principle of peaceful resolution of disputes between states and resolutely oppose any threat of force or any use of force contrary to international law. Both countries reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the freedom of unhindered navigation and overflight, as well as the right of innocent passage, in the East Sea and throughout the world. They called on countries in the region to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and support all regional efforts to soon achieve a Code of Conduct (COC) that is truly effective, substantive, and consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS. French President Emmanuel Macron outlined France's efforts to swiftly achieve a complete and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. Both countries emphasised the importance of achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law and the fundamental principles set out in the UN Charter. Viet Nam and France reiterated the special importance of respecting the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of all states. The two countries reaffirmed their desire to establish peace and security stability in the Middle East. They called for and pledge to cooperate to seek a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, with a lasting ceasefire as the prerequisite. They also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the two-state solution, the only solution capable of meeting the legitimate aspirations for peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis. Viet Nam and France also reiterated their wish to strengthen their respective independence, self-reliance, and development, particularly through developing defence relations in order to strengthen their strategic autonomy and according to their needs; and continuing to strengthen cooperation in the prevention and fight against crime, irregular immigration, and illicit human trafficking, as well as cooperation in civil security. In addition, they will promote an international trade environment conducive to common prosperity, continue the full implementation of the EU Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and pledge to advocate the ratification of the EU Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). France agreed to support Viet Nam in implementing the legal framework to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and in establishing a rigorous and effective fisheries control and surveillance system in accordance with current European and international standards. The two countries will strengthen cooperation in strategic areas, especially infrastructure, urban connectivity, rail transport, aeronautics, aerospace, geology and mineral resources, and low-carbon energy, as well as cooperation in training high-quality human resources in science technology and innovation. France reaffirmed its readiness to support the revival of Vietnam's nuclear power programme and the sustainable exploitation of mineral resources. Besides, both countries welcomed the UN General Assemblys adoption of the UN Convention against Cybercrime and the signing ceremony to be held in Ha Noi in October 2025. The joint statement notes that France and Viet Nam are committed to maintaining and intensifying cooperation in health care. Ten years since the adoption of the 2015 Paris Agreement, they reiterated their determination to achieve its objectives in order to combat climate change. The two countries also reaffirmed their support for the conclusions of the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement, adopted at COP28, particularly the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels. France welcomed Vietnam's ambitious goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and eliminating the use of coal for electricity generation by 2050. France will continue to support Vietnams efforts to achieve this, particularly within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). The two sides are also committed to strengthening ocean protection globally and support France and Costa Ricas organisationof the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC). France welcomed Vietnam's efforts to complete the approval procedures for the Agreement in conformity with the Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). The two countries also reiterated their determination to implement and achieve the targets and objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022. They called for active negotiations at the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5.2), to be held in Geneva in August 2025, on an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, to work towards its signing, ratification, and implementation. Viet Nam and France reaffirmed the essential importance of people-to-people exchanges in bilateral relations. They undertook to vigorously promote exchanges between the two peoples, by fostering cooperation in the fields of culture, health, higher education, agriculture and the environment, science, and innovation, in particular through student and researcher exchange programmes, promoted by the new Hubert Curien Partnership, as well as the teaching of French and Vietnamese languages, and all other forms of cooperation that help strengthen mutual understanding between the two peoples. They agreed to continue developing the Franco-Vietnamese university programmes established in Viet Nam to train high-quality human resources in science and technology, and to cooperate in developing cutting-edge technologies. VNS HA NOI Hungarian President Sulyok Tamas and his spouse, Nagy Zsuzsanna, arrived in Ha Noi on Tuesday evening, beginning their official visit to Viet Nam from May 27-29, at the invitation of State President Luong Cuong. President Tamas and his entourage were welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport by Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Anh Tuan. Taking place as the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations (February 3, 1950 2025), President Tamas visit to Viet Nam marks a significant milestone and opens new cooperation opportunities in the Viet NamHungary Comprehensive Partnership, said Ambassador Thai. The visit demonstrates the strong political will of the two countries high-level leaders to further deepen the comprehensive partnership established in 2018, contributing to enhanced mutual understanding, he added. Hungarian Ambassador to Viet Nam Tibor Baloghdi emphasised that diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Hungary are built on a solid foundation of mutual respect, cooperation, and long-standing ties. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on February 3, 1950, Hungary has consistently supported Viet Nam across many fields, and they have now become important partners of each other. He said he believes Viet Nam also values its relationship with Hungary. In this context, President Tamas official visit to Viet Nam is a meaningful milestone in bilateral relations, reflecting the highest-level diplomatic commitment. VNS KUALA LUMPUR Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday during his trip to Malaysia for official visit and the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. PM Chinh expressed his delight at the positive momentum in Viet Nam - GCC relations since their previous meeting at the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF Davos) in January 2025, notably ongoing efforts to launch negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Viet Nam and the GCC. He proposed that the GCC Secretary-General support and expedite the necessary procedures to announce the start of FTA negotiations at the earliest possible date, as well as explore agreements on investment promotion and protection to create a more favourable environment for economic, trade, and investment ties. The PM encouraged GCC investors and enterprises to expand their presence in Vietnam, especially in the development of international financial hubs, digital transformation, energy transition, and green economy projects. The GCC Secretary-General congratulated Viet Nam on its impressive success in economic growth and investment attraction, noting its emergence as a dynamic economy and major global manufacturing hub. Affirming that all GCC member states value and wish to deepen cooperation with Vietnam, he agreed with PM Chinh's proposals, committing to the early launch of Viet Nam-GCC FTA negotiations to establish a solid legal framework for economic ties. Both sides agreed to effectively deliver on commitments made at this Summit, co-host trade and investment promotion events in Viet Nam, and develop a concrete plan to realise the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the GCC Secretariat. On the occasion, PM Chinh conveyed greetings from Party General Secretary To Lam and other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders. He expressed his wish to welcome the GCC Secretary-General to Viet Nam this year. The GCC Secretary-General accepted the invitation with pleasure. VNS KUALA LUMPUR Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday, on the sidelines of his official visit to Malaysia and attendance at the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur. PM Chinh conveyed warm greetings from Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and Permanent member of the Party Central Committees Secretariat Tran Cam Tu to Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and other high-ranking Chinese leaders. He described Xis recent state visit to Viet Nam as a historic milestone that set a long-term strategic course for ties between the two countries and Parties. Noting the significance of their first meeting since the visit, he affirmed that the Vietnamese Government and himself are ready to work closely and maintain regular contact with the State Council of China and Premier Li. He called for prompt and effective realisation of the high-level common perceptions reached by the two General Secretaries, and proposed regular high-level exchanges, stronger economic, trade, and investment collaboration, especially in promoting balanced trade, along with expanded coordination in science - technology and innovation as new engines for bilateral relations. Top priority should be given to railway cooperation, he said, expressing determination to commence construction of the Lao Cai Ha Noi Hai Phong railway line this year, and seeking Chinas support through preferential credit, technology transfer, and human resources development. Premier Li congratulated Viet Nam on the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the 80th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam), and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification. He reciprocated with greetings from Xi to General Secretary Lam and other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders, expressing appreciation for the warm and respectful reception for Xi during the recent visit. Agreeing with PM Chinhs proposed priorities, Li affirmed Chinas determination and readiness to work closely with the Vietnamese Government to realise the shared visions of the top leaders, increase high-level strategic exchanges, bolster political trust, and advance practical cooperation, particularly in trade, quality investment, and railway connectivity. The two leaders also reached a common consensus on working closely with ASEAN member states to maintain regional peace and stability, push for the early finalisation of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) that is in line with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). On this occasion, they also discussed some global issues of mutual concern. VNS HA NOI French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse departed Ha Noi on Tuesday afternoon, concluding their state visit to Viet Nam from May 25 to 27, made at the invitation of Vietnamese President Luong Cuong. During the visit, President Macron and his spouse, Brigitte Macron, laid a wreath and paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, and also paid homage to war heroes and martyrs at the monument on Bac Son street in Ha Noi. Party General Secretary To Lam and President Macron visited the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace and jointly planted a friendship tree at the site. The Vietnamese Party leader and the French President, together with their spouses, visited the Temple of Literature. There, they viewed a photo exhibition highlighting key milestones in bilateral relations, organised by the Vietnam News Agency; toured the historical relic site; and enjoyed a performance of Nha nhac (Royal Court Music of Hue) by artists from the Hue Royal Traditional Arts Theatre. General Secretary Lam hosted a reception for President Macron. President Luong Cuong chaired the official welcome ceremony and state banquet in honour of President Macron and his spouse. The two Presidents held talks and a joint press meeting, and together witnessed the handover of 14 cooperation documents between the two countries. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man also met with President Macron and accompanied the guest on a tour of the underground archaeological exhibition space at the National Assembly building. At the meetings and talks, the Vietnamese leaders welcomed President Macron and the high-level delegation of France on their state visit to Viet Nam. This marks the first visit to the Southeast Asian nation by a French President in nearly a decade, and the first high-level exchange between the two countries since the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024. President Macron congratulated Viet Nam on its growing role and stature in the region and globally, affirming that France wishes to further strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam in traditional areas such as health care, education, and culture, while also expanding to new areas including infrastructure, urban transport, aerospace, new energy, and historical memory, aligning with the current Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two sides shared updates on their respective countries' economic and social development, reviewed recent progress in bilateral ties, and discussed key directions for future cooperation. They also exchanged views on international issues of mutual interest. As part of the visit, President Macron and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha engaged in a working breakfast with business representatives from both countries in the energy sector to exchange perspectives, visions, and cooperation needs during each country's energy transition process, aiming to foster collaboration in this field. President Macron and his spouse, accompanied by Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, visited and talked to students at the University of Science and Technology of Ha Noi. They also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the VNVC vaccine and bioproduct manufacturing plant, the largest and most modern vaccine production facility in Viet Nam to date, developed with technology transferred by French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi. The French guests also toured Ha Nois Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of General Secretary To Lam, joined Brigitte Macron in a trip to the Viet Nam Fine Arts Museum. On this occasion, the two countries leaders issued a joint statement affirming their determination to deepen bilateral relations to meet the aspirations of both peoples. VNA/VNS THANH HOA High up on the majestic Bu Rinh mountain range, where the wisps of fog touch the clouds, lies a small village nestled quietly in the chilly mist. This is Hung Village, in Giao Thien Commune of Thanh Hoa Province, home to the Thai ethnic group. Amid the mountain winds and forest mists, the warmth of change is quietly making its way, bringing hope for a brighter tomorrow. The journey to Hung village is like a trip into a dreamland with an asphalt road weaving through winding slopes, with steep cliffs and dark old forests on both sides. Pham Van Thai, the communes Party secretary, said that only a few years ago, this ten kilometre stretch was a nightmare for locals. Even the most skilled drivers would take nearly two hours on the bumpy dirt road. During the rainy season, it was as slippery as grease, Thai told giaoducthoidai.vn. Now, motorbikes glide smoothly along the new asphalt road, through a thin veil of white mist, reaching the heart of Hung Village in just 30 minutes, he said. Along with road construction, the Government has invested into building schools. The head of Hung Village, Le Xuan Hiep, said: Back then, the school was makeshift classrooms built with bamboo and thatch. When it rained, water leaked onto the childrens books. People were very poor so many children had to drop out because their families could not afford kerosene for lamps, Hiep said. Now, the newly built school stands firm, powered by the national grid something the villagers only dared to dream of before 2023, he said. Hiep said: Government programmes 134, 135 and 30a were like rain during a drought. People received support for crops and livestock, but the steep terrain still makes livelihoods difficult. Electricity and road access came late to the village, but their belated arrival has brought miraculous change. Wooden houses now have televisions. Children no longer study under dim oil lamps and literacy is beginning to blossom on the mountainside. That simple dream is the first fruit of tireless efforts. Hung Village now boasts a 100 per cent attendance rate. Thai ethnic children here no longer toil endlessly on the fields. Instead, they carry school bags, pencils and hold dreams of escaping poverty through education. Vi Le Thao Lien, a fourth grader, said: I love going to school! I want to be a teacher one day, so I can teach the younger children in my village. Trinh Thi Lien, head of Giao Thien Primary School, said that the spacious school was thanks to both Government support and contributions from villagers. According to the teacher, Giao Thien Primary School has one main campus and two satellite campuses of Hung, Khu and Poong Villages with 462 students including 232 who are from poor households. At the Hung campus, there are 37 pupils from grades one to five. Due to the small number of students, the school has combined classes of grades one and two, and three and four. This campus has three teachers. One is a local who got married to a villager. The other two commute daily from Giao Thien Commune now that the roads are accessible, Lien said. She said that because Hung is remote, school events often prove challenging for teachers, parents and pupils alike. It is nearly ten kilometres of steep, winding roads to the main school. When we need to bring pupils down, the teachers must first persuade parents to drive their children on motorbikes, Lien said. Some students have reached the fifth grade without ever visiting the main school campus, she said. A new kindergarten campus in Hung Village has been recently built with funding from a charitable organisation, with three sturdy classrooms with bright red tin roofs. Tran Thi Hue, head of the Hung Kindergarten Campus, said five teachers look after the children, who attend full-day sessions. Each child receives meals costing VN16,000 a day (63 US cents) supported by the 'Highland Meal Project' and the 'Nuoi Em Meal Programme'. And parents contribute the remainder in cash and rice for daily meals and afternoon snacks. One teacher travels nearly 30km from Lang Chanh Town each day, carrying fresh produce to ensure quality and lower costs, as everything here is more expensive, Hue said. The kindergarten now has adequate equipment for teaching and childcare and the teachers even make extra learning materials by hand for playtime. The children are very well-behaved and eager to learn. The villagers appreciate us. Despite the remoteness, we are always supported by local leaders, so we encourage one another to keep sowing the seeds of education here, Hue said. Transformation on the mountain To date, Hung Village has three children in high school and 19 in secondary, five of whom attend the districts semi-boarding ethnic minority school, said Hiep. We already have two nursery teachers from the village. Still, we hope more of our youth become teachers, replacing the women who must come from far away, he said. Currently, the two Hung school campuses (nursery and primary) have no male teachers only female teachers who have settled in the village. Truong Thi Han, head of the Hung Primary School Campus, is originally from Cam Tam Commune of Cam Thuy District and has worked in Giao Thien Commune for 25 years. She now continues her work in Hung Village. Han said that thick fog often blankets the village so heavily that visibility drops to just a few metresposing a danger for teachers commuting to school. She recalled how, in the past, teachers had to trek on foot as the paths were impassable by motorbike. The school had to rotate teachers annually to share the hardship. Conditions are much better now. We have paved roads, electricity, and mobile signal. Every time I come here, seeing the children so respectful and studious makes me truly happy, said Han. inh Thi Huong, chairwoman of Giao Thien Commune's Peoples Committee, acknowledged that Hung is the most remote and challenging of the communes villages. However, with government support and preferential policies, the villagers have made strides in economic development and are reaching for a better future. Despite ongoing hardships, villagers value education deeply. More children are attending preschool at the appropriate age, and Hung has among the highest school enrolment rates in the commune. Nguyen Ngoc Son, head of Lang Chanh Districts Education and Training Office, said Giao Thien is one of the poorest communes in the district, and Hung Villages difficult terrain slows its development. Yet encouragingly, local families are increasingly prioritising education. VNS SOC TRANG Soc Trang Province has ramped up efforts to restructure agricultural production, apply high technology, and develop effective farming models adapted to climate change. During the 202425 dry season, saltwater intrusion in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province was widespread, but damage was minimised thanks to the early onset of the rainy season and effective response measures. The province has put the Rach Mop sluice gate in Long Phu District into operation at a cost of over VN500 billion (US$19.3 million) provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. It keeps out saltwater coming from downriver, retains freshwater and thus protects more than 36,700ha of farmland. According to Pham Tan ao, head of the Irrigation Sub-department, the province has spent nearly VN775 billion ($29.9 million) in recent years on infrastructure for agricultural development and natural disaster prevention, including repairs and upgrades of irrigation works. He added that it has also received over VN2.7 trillion ($104 million) from the Government for agricultural development and climate change adaptation projects in 202124. Agriculture remains a key part of the provinces economic structure, and Soc Trang has focused on infrastructure investment and sectoral restructuring through the development of value chains for agricultural products. As a result, profits from short-term crop farming have increased to VN4070 million ($1,5002,700) per hectare per year, while fruits yield VN200400 million ($7,70015,400). High-tech farming models such as shrimp farming, fruit cultivation for export, and integrated riceaquaculture farming have delivered significantly higher profits compared to traditional practices. The Hung Loi Agricultural Co-operative in Long Phu Districts Long uc Commune grows ST25 rice to organic standards on 609ha, producing two crops annually. Its yields are 6.57.5 tonnes per hectare per crop, generating annual profits of VN4.95 billion ($190,000193,000). Truong Van Hung, its director, said the success of rice cultivation and partnerships with various rice companies have helped boost profits for members. The co-operative has been recognised by the Viet Nam Farmers Association as one of the nations outstanding co-operatives. In recent years, many rice farmers in coastal areas have switched to growing other crops during the dry season to cope with saltwater intrusion. In My Xuyen Districts Thanh Phu Commune, many have shifted to growing watermelon and vegetables between January and April, the peak saltwater season. Le Hong Quang, deputy chairman of the Thanh Phu Peoples Committee, said: The Peoples Committee encourages farmers to grow two rice crops and a vegetable crop on over 50ha of rice fields. This helps secure irrigation water, reduce the impacts of climate change and limit pests and diseases. Sustainable farming models Soc Trang has promoted the development of green and sustainable farming models to improve economic efficiency, protect the environment, maintain soil health, and enhance farmers livelihoods. Its riceshrimp and circular farming models help reduce pollution and support climate adaptation by using shrimp waste as fertiliser and green fungi for pest control. Farmers have also adopted mechanisation and partnered with stakeholders to grow high-quality rice varieties such as ST24, ST25 and Tai Nguyen. These varieties offer high yields, superior quality, and prices up to VN3,500 per kilogramme higher than regular varieties. Some households earn VN4050 million (US$1,5001,900) per hectare per crop from specialty rice cultivation. Of the more than 337,800ha of rice grown in the province last year, specialty and high-quality varieties made up 94.53 per cent, higher than the provinces target of 93.37 per cent, according to the Department of Agriculture and Environment. Tran Vinh Nghi, head of the provinces Plant Cultivation and Protection Sub-department, said that projects for specialty rice production and the Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030 initiative have enabled full mechanisation across all rice-growing areas. The province has applied advanced technologies such as drones for fertilising and spraying pesticides. In addition, the agriculture sector has introduced digital tools in production, including smart electronic light traps to monitor, predict and forecast pest outbreaks in rice fields. Tran Tan Phuong, deputy director of the department, said the province would continue to invest in agricultural infrastructure, apply advanced farming technologies and develop rice value chains to meet market demand. In addition to rice cultivation, aquaculture especially shrimp farming is a major strength that the province is prioritising. It is rolling out a sustainable brackish-water shrimp farming project that includes digital technology use, production restructuring through co-operative and partnership models, and the development of concentrated breeding areas. The project aims for all shrimp farms and farming households to meet aquaculture quality standards, secure production codes for ponds breeding key aquatic species and ensure traceability for export purposes. The province is boosting investment in infrastructure and support services such as shrimp fry production and feed supply to strengthen the shrimp value chain, create jobs, raise incomes, and foster socio-economic development. It aims to have 57,000ha of shrimp farms this year with an output of 233,800 tonnes and export earnings in excess of $1 billion. The province will continue to restructure agricultural production, developing new-style rural areas and responding to climate change. It will prioritise key items such as specialty rice, fisheries and fruit, while focusing on developing concentrated and high-tech shrimp farming areas. VNS HCM CITY A strong relationship between the press and businesses not only supports each other's development but also contributes positively to the overall development of the country, attendees heard at a forum held in HCM City on May 27. The forum, called "The press accompanies businesses for sustainable development in the era of the nation's rise, is an annual event and organised by Kinh te & o thi (Economic and Urban Affairs) Newspaper under the Ha Noi Peoples Committee for the past three years, taking place across the northern, central and southern regions. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Viet Nam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925-2025), it aims to connect, share, and promote a spirit of reform and innovation in both press agencies and businesses toward a rapidly growing and more sustainable economy. Speaking at the event, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Kinh te & o thi Newspaper Le Hoang Anh said the entire political system and people are united and determined to prepare the necessary conditions for the country to rise in a new era - the era of the nations prosperous and powerful development. The Politburos Resolution No. 68 on the development of the private economy has opened a legal corridor, created a favourable investment environment, and promoted innovation and deep integration. A new era is emerging in which the private economy is not only a supporting pillar but officially recognised as a key driver of national growth. Digital transformation, artificial intelligence, circular economy, and green growth are no longer choices, but mandates of the era, he said. The press acts as a bridge between businesses and government agencies, reflecting the sentiments of the business community, proposing policies, spreading effective models and solutions, and advocating for a transparent, fair, and sustainable business environment." To go far, businesses must continuously innovate. And the press, more than ever, must be a creative partnersupporting enterprises not only in production and investment but also in strategic communication, brand building, and sustainable development. Every step of a business requires understanding and support from the press. Every newspaper article, TV programme, and social media post - if well-directed - can provide knowledge, spread aspirations, and sustain the journey toward a prosperous and powerful Viet Nam, he added. The forum focused on current, practical topics linked to critical pressure points in the development of the private economy. In real estate, discussions focus on how journalism can help remove legal bottlenecks, promote green housing, social housing, and smart cities. On the environment, the press can serve as a strong voice to promote the circular economy, clean technology, and sustainable consumption behaviours. In tourism, a media ecosystem is needed to support ecological, cultural, and creative tourism - where journalism partners with localities and enterprises to help bolster brand destinations. In corporate communications, the forum explores the role of the press in the digital age, including crisis management and, most importantly, journalistic ethics in the relationship between the press, businesses, and society. Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, director of Tuan Ngoc High-Tech Agricultural Cooperative, said his cooperative was founded amid a growing need to transform agricultural production models toward safety, sustainability, and high-tech applications. Despite facing significant challenges from the outset, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and the following two years of economic downturn, the cooperative is determined to pursue green and digital transformation in agriculture. The role of the press in this journey has been crucial, he said. Through interviews and features in national and local media, the cooperatives hydroponic high-tech agricultural model has gained wide exposure, earning the trust and interest of consumers and localities, which has led to broader adoption. In the era of knowledge and technology-driven economies, media is one of the pillars of sustainable cooperative development, supporting production model transformation, building trust, attracting resources, and spreading the values of green agriculture to the community. Journalist Tran Trong Dung, vice president of Viet Nam Journalists Association in charge of the Southern region, said throughout the countrys development, especially over more than three decades of reform, journalism and business have always been two core forces, moving in tandem, interacting closely, and making important contributions to national construction and defense. The sustainable development of the nation is a long journey, requiring unity, shared vision, and creativity from all stakeholders. The press and businesses are two indispensable pillars on that journey. In todays context, for businesses to effectively implement sustainable development strategies, active, proactive, and courageous companionship from the press is essential, he said. He said the association always promotes stronger linkages between media agencies and business organisations and associations. To accompany businesses effectively, the press must first uphold legitimacy, political integrity, professional ethics, and expertise, he said. The forum also featured many in-depth presentations, comments and enthusiastic discussions from journalists, policymakers, and experts on urgent and key issues facing Vietnamese revolutionary journalism in the digital transformation era. Previously, the forum was also organised in the central province of Quang Tri on May 7. VNS Livzon announced the deal to acquire a 64.81 per cent stake in Imexpharm, on May 22, marking one of the largest merger and acquisition deals in Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry in recent time. The deal is being conducted by Lian SGP Holding Pte. Ltd., a company incorporated in Singapore, and is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Livzon. According to the agreement, Livzon has agreed to purchase the shares from SK Investment Vina III Pte. Ltd under SK Group, Sunrise Kim Investment JSC, and KBA Investment JSC. The purchase price was set through arms length negotiations, based on Imexpharms market value, reflected by its 30-day average market capitalisation of approximately $269 million, as of May 21 on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange. The transaction value is equivalent to an average price of VND57,300 ($2.21) apiece. After the transaction, Livzon becomes the largest shareholder holding a controlling stake in Imexpharm. Imexpharm will become a subsidiary and be incorporated into the financial statements of the Chinese pharmaceutical company. The acquisition will lay a solid foundation for Livzon's further expansion into overseas markets, supporting its long-term strategy of internationalisation and sustainable development in the pharmaceutical sector. Quality can shine through in Japanese M&A developments Japanese dealmakers are eager to step up dealmaking activity across all sectors in Vietnam. Masataka Sam Yoshida, head of the Cross-border Division at RECOF Corporation, discussed with VIRs Thanh Van the performance and prospects of Japanese mergers and acquisitions in Vietnam. M&A market braces for policy slowdown The wave of dealmaking activities in Vietnam may face a slowdown amid unpredictable policies that will have a knock-on effect. Nguyen Van Khoa, chairman of VINASA Nguyen Van Khoa, chairman of the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) and CEO of FPT Corporation, emphasised that never in the history of development, science and technology and digital transformation have been in a central position in the national development strategy as they are today. "Vietnam has entered a new phase, where science and technology have become the key driving force of growth," he emphasised. "It is a difficult but also very decisive choice. Today's revolution is not only about technology, but also a revolution about people, with the core force being young engineers ready to break through, contributing to the journey of national development." He added that the journey for Vietnam to become a developed digital nation and a technology centre in the region still has many challenges, including developing high-quality human resources, improving institutions, and enhancing global competitiveness. "However, with the convergence of a clear national strategy, breakthrough policies, and an increasingly mature business capacity and a large domestic market, the opportunity for Vietnamese digital technology enterprises to 'breakthrough and grow' is extremely bright," Khoa said. To turn opportunities into reality, Khoa highlighted joint action. Specifically, the government should continue to improve the legal framework, and raise investment in digital infrastructure and human resource training. Businesses should pay more attention and investment to research and development, especially in core technologies and product quality. They should also strengthen cooperation to create combined strength and together conquer larger markets. Khoa proposed to build a digital culture, encourage innovation and accept new business models. "Vietnam is holding its own technological destiny in its hands. By mastering technology and taking advantage of opportunities from comprehensive digital transformation, digital technology businesses not only contribute to the prosperity of the country but can also put Vietnam on the world technology map," said the chairman. DX Summit 2025: Mastering Technology: Breakthrough and Rise Stan Singh, chairman of the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation, highlighted the rise of transformative technologies in Asia. He pointed out seven converging forces like AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and edge infrastructure, 5G connectivity, blockchain and trusted transactions, green and smart tech for sustainability, tech talent development and reskilling. The digital economy's value in ASEAN is estimated at $300 billion growing to $1 trillion by 2030, driven by e-commerce, fintech, cloud, and AI adoption. Between 1991 and 2021, employment in IT and related services in Asia-Pacific grew at an annual rate of 7.2 per cent. 97 million new jobs gloablly are projected to be created by AI this year, according to the World Economic Forum. Vietnam is not trailing the digital revolution, but instead Vietnam is partnering to lead it, Singh highlighted. There are more than 1,000 Vietnamese digital technology enterprises exporting services to major markets such as the United States, Japan, Europe, Korea, and Australia, generating billions of USD in revenue each year. Resolution No.57-NQ-TW of the Politburo sets forth Vietnam to be in the top three ASEAN and top 50 globally in digital competitiveness and e-government development, including five well-known enterprises over the world by 2030, and 10 enterprises by 2045. Pham Tien Thanh, a recognised expert in software development and digital transformation, currently leads Saigon Technologys AI-driven healthcare initiatives. His work has received international recognition for advancing digital innovation across European and the U.S. markets. "AI can help detect early signs more accurately, process large and complex data quickly, personalise screening and predict diseases, support doctors in making quick and effective decisions, reduce costs and increase access to medical services," he said. In Vietnam, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital applies AI to measure bone density in just 30 seconds, instead of 15 minutes as before, doubling the working capacity from 150-300 cases to 300-600 cases per day. Bach Mai Hospital applies AI to detect lung tumours and lung lesions with an accuracy of up to 98 per cent. In the US, Google cooperates with iCAD to apply AI to support breast cancer diagnosis, reducing false negative and positive rates; AEYE Health utilises AI to screen for diabetic retinopathy in 1 minute. In South Korea, Lunit AI helps diagnose lung and breast cancer with high accuracy. In Israel, Zebra Medical Vision applies AI to X-ray reading nationwide. In the UK, AI reduces complications by six times and reduces hospital readmissions by half with its ability to assess risks before surgery. In Vietnam, small and medium-sized medical facilities often face difficulties in terms of budget, human resources and IT infrastructure. Therefore, Saigon Technology has built flexible, easy - to - deploy and cost - effective software solutions that can run on cloud platforms, without the need for complex hardware investments. In addition, the company deploys a complete consulting - implementation - training model, helping medical customers to digitally transform in a systematic manner while still ensuring data security and legal compliance. "We need more drastic and open directions and policies from the government so that the application of technology and digitalisation in medicine in particular and many specialised fields in life becomes more convenient, easier and more popular," Thanh commented. DX Summit 2025 has nine sessions, gathering more than 100 speakers and more than 2,500 domestic and foreign delegates attending in-depth discussions on policies, research, and cooperation in developing strategic technologies: AI, IoT, big data, cybersecurity, infrastructure and energy, green-smart manufacturing, and international cooperation and experience. IT expansion plays part in state budget revenue rise State budget revenues have soared since last year, thanks in part to a focus on digital technology. Digital age truly here for public audits The role of public auditing is undergoing a fundamental shift in Vietnam thanks to the digital revolution. At the core of EuroChams submission is a widely shared concern among the international business community: the rigid requirement for formal academic degrees when applying for expert work permits, even in fast-evolving sectors where such majors did not historically exist. Businesses, particularly in semiconductors, AI, and digital transformation, have called for greater flexibility to recognise professional experience in place of academic credentials. The draft decree is scheduled for submission to the government by May 31. EuroCham chairman Bruno Jaspaert noted at the recent Whitebook Launch in April, It took more than six months of paperwork and waiting to bring in a logistics expert with 25 years of experience, just because he had a degree in biology. That is not just a cost burden, it slows down innovation and disrupts business operations. In the past few decades, these industries have advanced faster than formal education systems can adapt, and Vietnam risks missing out on world-class talent due to outdated administrative criteria. From left to right: Jean-Jacques Bouflet, Nguyen Thi Quyen, and Nguyen Hai Minh chairing the Q&A discussion on May 16. Photo: EuroCham Recognising EuroChams track record of delivering structured and impactful policy advice, the chamber and the MoHA held a discussion on May 16. Nguyen Thi Quyen shared the new draft decree on work permits. Photo: EuroCham This engagement was part of the Vietnamese governments broader efforts to streamline procedures and reduce administrative burdens, the goals that have gained strong momentum since late 2024. Deputy director general Quyen shared that the draft decree aligns with the prime ministers directive to cut procedures by at least 30 per cent, with some measures proposing up to 40 per cent simplification. Officials also acknowledged the degree-versus-experience concern and confirmed they are reviewing whether relevant work experience may substitute for academic degrees, especially in innovation-driven sectors. During the session, Truong Ngoc Diep, EuroChams Advocacy manager, and Nguyen Thuy Duong, representative of the human resources and training sector committee, presented key recommendations. These included clarifying exemptions for intra-corporate transferees, simplifying short-term expert assignments, adjusting job posting requirements for Vietnamese labour, and standardising submission procedures. Representatives from the international business community shared real-life stories that help government officials understand the perspectives of both employers and employees. Furthermore, they suggested regulation updates to enhance business efficiency and drive more quality investments and knowledge transfer into Vietnam. The session reaffirmed EuroChams commitment to shaping a more predictable, transparent, and business-friendly regulatory landscape in Vietnam. Work permit reform is one of EuroChams five must-win battles for 2025, as outlined in the Whitebook Launch 2025. EuroCham vice-chair Jean-Jacques Bouflet praised the governments openness to dialogue, saying, This consultation is a vital step toward regulatory clarity and a competitive talent environment. We are proud to serve as a bridge between the European business community and Vietnamese policymakers. As Vietnam aspires to become a regional innovation hub, EuroCham stands ready to continue working with authorities to ensure that regulations evolve in line with the needs of a globalised, high-tech economy. High-quality overseas labour keen on Vietnam shift Vietnams promising economic factors could lead to more foreign workers and overseas Vietnamese entering the country to live and work. Work permits and a smoother process In order for foreigners to work in Vietnam, employers and employees must comply with regulations governing the issuance of work permits. Vietnamese law has specific regulations on conditions for such people to work here, conditions for recruitment and employment of foreigners in Vietnam, procedures for issuance of work permits, and other related conditions. Singaporean investment firms Openspace Ventures and DSG Consumer Partners had previously invested an undisclosed sum in Every Half during its seed round last August. Established by current CEO Vo Duy Phu and COO Tran Le Minh Truc in 2021, Every Half has 14 stores across Ho Chi Minh City. The brand was recognised at the 2024 Flavour Awards with two titles; Coffee Shop of the Year and Most Favoured Coffee Shop. Every Half focuses on specialty coffee, boasting a clean and modern store design. Each outlet serves customers with espresso machines blended with hand-brewing methods to create the full coffee experience. Unlike many other chains, Every Half is directly involved in the full coffee process, from seed selection and post-harvest processing to fermentation, roasting, and service. The company works closely with farmers and cooperatives in Dien Bien, Lam Dong, and Dak Lak to build a consistent and high-quality supply. "We believe Vietnamese coffee deserves to be recognised for its true quality and for the care behind it. This new funding will help us open more stores, improve the customer experience, and continue building long-term partnerships with farmers," said Phu. Every Half aims to grow by 150 per cent this year, expand its store network, and test new formats in key areas across Ho Chi Minh City. The company is also bolstering investments in sourcing, especially in Buon Ma Thuot and Lam Dong, and continuing to research fermentation to further enhance flavour. The global specialty coffee market reached $101 billion in 2024, growing 1.5 times faster than traditional coffee. In North America, over 51 per cent of consumers have already shifted to gourmet coffee, which shows a clear shift towards quality, transparency, and sustainability. Every Half Coffee Roasters secures new funding from Singaporean investment firms Vietnamese roaster and cafe chain Every Half Coffee Roasters has secured new funding from Singaporean investment firms Openspace Ventures and DSG Consumer Partners. A clear path to scale is paramount for AI startups Venture capital is expected to flow into startups developing fundamental AI technologies. Vinnie Lauria, founding partner of Golden Gate Ventures, discussed with VIRs Olivia Bui how Vietnamese startups can tap into this trend and scale up their models. Benoit Leloup, executive chef at Hotel des Arts (left), and Oliver Mette, a gastronomic expert and executive chef at Hotel de la Coupole - MGallery Collection in Sapa Hotel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection, an art-infused boutique hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, will continue to care for the environment and give back to the local community this May as it hosts the Save the Planet charity dinner that demonstrates its commitment to eliminating food waste and using local products. It will also raise funds for the Little Rose Warm Shelter, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping underprivileged girls. Leloup and Mette have crafted a menu that highlights how world-class cuisine can be created with local ingredients and zero waste. This comes as the hotel prepares to mark World Environment Day on June 5. This important occasion will play a key role in MGallery Collections corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, a key pillar of which is focused on empowering women and achieving gender equality. The brand is Committed to Her and regularly collaborates with local NGOs to amplify womens voices, ensure their safety, and promote actions that help them find fulfilment. Through its annual Pink October initiative, MGallery Collection also supports breast cancer prevention and raises money for research. All the proceeds from this four-hands dinner will be donated directly to the Little Rose Warm Shelter, which was founded in 1992 to protect and rehabilitate girls aged 12-18 who are at risk of or who have been victims of abuse. This culinary journey will commence with a pair of amuse bouches which highlight locally sourced delicacies such as Vietnamese duck and Mekong prawns, followed by chef Benoits enticing appetiser of Sapa Salmon Tiradito, which features pickled watermelon skins as a creative way to reduce food waste, and chef Olivers take on a Quiche Lorraine with Vietnamese black pork. For the main course, chef Benoit will showcase Nha Trang Lobster Ravioli, while chef Oliviers Wagyu Beef Bourgignon is a luxurious dish that will make use of potato and carrot skins with an indulgent truffle espuma. This epicurean adventure will then conclude with an ice cream croissant sandwich, enlivened with Vietnamese pepper crumble. Under MGallery Collections CSR commitment, each of its hotels works hand-in-hand with like-minded partners to drive positive change. In terms of its food and beverage operations, every boutique hotel promotes local, sustainable suppliers, empowering responsible producers and mitigating the carbon emissions of transporting food, while also greatly reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. The Four Hands, Zero Waste charity dinner will be staged at Saigon Kitchen, Hotel des Arts stylish and sophisticated restaurant on May 27. It is priced from VND1.5 million ($60) per person, with all proceeds being donated directly to the Little Rose Warm Shelter. One-stop staycation at Hotel des Arts Saigon Sometimes you can get the best out of a staycation when there is no urge to travel far to get away from the hectic daily routine to spend some time in peace. Book your dream room at Hotel des Arts Saigon today and embark on a nostalgic journey into tranquility. Hotel De La Coupole MGallery welcomes new executive chef Phuc Nguyen Hotel de la Coupole MGallery, nestled in the heart of Vietnams northwestern Sapa town, is delighted to announce the appointment of Phuc Nguyen as new executive chef. In this highly revered position, Chef Phuc will be heading up the dynamic culinary team to enhance the hotels dining portfolio. Hotel de la Coupole MGallery appoints new general manager Hotel de la Coupole MGallery, nestled in the heart of Vietnams northwestern Sapa town, has appointed Joseph Colina as the new general manager as of December 1, 2020. This strategic partnership signed in Malaysia highlights the growing commitment among industry leaders to advance regional power integration and accelerate decarbonisation through commercially viable solutions. Through this agreement, Malaysia's MY Energy Consortium, an unincorporated consortium established by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), will collaborate with a consortium comprising PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC), a member of Petrovietnam, and Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore-based Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp). Together, the parties will focus on unlocking Vietnams rich renewable energy resources, particularly offshore wind power, as a source for green electron generation and to supply clean electricity across borders. This alliance reflects the growing momentum towards a regionally integrated ASEAN power grid. Under this agreement, the parties will evaluate the feasibility of exporting renewable energy from Vietnam to Malaysia and Singapore via a new subsea cable. To this end, the parties will work closely with the relevant national authorities throughout the development process, seeking necessary approvals at various project phases, and paving the way for this significant regional power integration and energy interconnection. As the chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia plays a central role in fostering collaborative efforts that advance sustainability, resilience, and economic growth in the region. Malaysias participation in this initiative reflects our strong commitment to the ASEAN power grid vision, which aims to strengthen regional energy security through the creation of a power transit hub. This partnership is a step forward in advancing transnational green infrastructure, tapping into Vietnams renewable energy potential, and delivering stable, low-carbon electricity to communities and businesses. It marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards achieving net-zero emissions, said members of the MY Energy Consortium. "By participating in this trilateral collaboration, Vietnam seeks to catalyse new economic opportunities, stimulate sustainable growth, and generate quality employment, while reinforcing ASEANs shared ambition for a resilient, low-carbon energy future. This agreement highlights the role of PTSC in particular, and PVN as a whole, in advancing national energy transition strategies. We expect its effective implementation will mark a significant milestone, a starting point for renewable energy investment in Vietnam, said Tran Ho Bac, president and CEO of PTSC. Wong Kim Yin, group CEO of Sembcorp Industries, said, We are pleased to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, which underscores the strength of regional collaboration. This agreement highlights Singapores strategic role as a demand centre and a key enabler of cross-border power imports to support its decarbonisation goals. We are committed to supporting ASEANs low-carbon transition through shared infrastructure and strengthened partnerships. This agreement endeavours to open pathways for a scalable model of cross-border renewable energy cooperation in Southeast Asia, which would position the region as a global leader in collaborative decarbonisation and energy transition. PTSC and Sembcorp secure clean energy export licence Vietnam's Petrovietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) and Singapore's Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd (Sembcorp) secured a crucial licence on August 29 to advance its offshore renewable energy project in Vietnam, with ambitions to export clean energy to Singapore. The London market, which handles 70 per cent of global gold trading volume, operates a world-class storage system where 400-ounce 'Good Delivery' bars are tightly controlled across the supply chain, ensuring high reliability and market transparency. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Tho Londons time zone provides an advantage, bridging the Asian and North American markets and maintaining its leadership role for decades. Facing challenges due to market fragmentation and the lack of modern financial instruments, London is promoting reform initiatives like LMEprecious to add derivatives products, modernise transactions, and enhance transparency. The COMEX Exchange in the United States has established an efficient gold price discovery mechanism through futures contracts. COMEX allows flexible trading, with only a small proportion resulting in physical gold delivery. Its attractiveness lies in its ability to generate short-term reference prices, thanks to the high liquidity of near-month futures. Increasing trading during Asian hours reflects the growing geographic influence of the US market. Although COMEX does not frequently provide physical gold, it maintains a close connection to the physical market through Exchange for Physical tools, ensuring a balance between financial and physical markets. China's gold market offers a model that Vietnam should learn from. The Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) operates under the strict supervision of the People's Bank of China. The Shanghai Gold Benchmark Price, launched in 2016, reflects China's ambition to shape global gold pricing. The SGE's operations are closely aligned with the Shanghai Futures Exchange, even though the two platforms are not technically linked. This synchronization reflects a multi-layered strategy in gold market management. This experience is valuable in building a modern market that balances physical and financial gold trading. In Asia, secondary markets such as Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, and Japan play key roles in regional supply-demand coordination. Singapore asserts its position as ASEANs gold hub thanks to open policies and strong financial infrastructure. Hong Kong remains a gateway to mainland China despite facing geopolitical shifts. While these regional centres lack the global liquidity of London or COMEX, they offer strategic lessons in addressing domestic demand, facilitating regional trade, and enhancing international standing through tailored policies. Vietnam must establish a gold traceability system as the foundation for transparency and effective market governance. Digitally tagging each gold batch enables oversight throughout the supply chain, from mining to consumption. This system should be integrated with electronic invoicing, provide real-time data, and be operated by an independent supervisory body. To ensure credibility, gold should be assayed and stamped by technically competent institutions, following standards set out by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and Swiss models. This is vital to build investor confidence, especially since gold is susceptible to money laundering and speculation. A policy to mobilise privately held gold is a strategic element in creating a vibrant market and tapping idle resources. Initially, people should be allowed to deposit gold in banks as savings without the need for immediate source verification. This would help address public hesitance linked to generational gold accumulation and a lack of transaction records. If implemented effectively, this policy will stabilise physical gold supply and demand while supporting financial institutions in developing gold-based investment products. The gold market would then evolve beyond buying and selling into a financial infrastructure supporting savings, certificates, exchange-traded funds, and other instruments. Daily notional gold volumes in US-dollar billions. Source: World Gold Council Tax tools should be applied flexibly to ensure both revenue generation and anti-speculation measures. Gold import/export taxes should be adjusted based on timing and global price differentials to discourage unnecessary imports, protect foreign reserves, and balance trade. Tax policy for untraceable gold should also be rational. Tax exemptions should apply to investment gold, savings deposits, and transactions processed through registered financial institutions, even without initial source traceability. Income or value-added taxes may be applied to gold with unverifiable origins to curb speculation, while protecting traditional gold savers. A mechanism should be established to distinguish between speculation and genuine savings, enhancing oversight without penalising the public. Conducting gold transactions through bank accounts is a significant step in digitalising the market. Banks should pilot ownership transfer transactions that do not require physical delivery, thereby reducing demand for physical gold and creating a transparent, flexible investment channel. This requires modern technical infrastructure, robust risk control mechanisms, and coordination between the State Bank of Vietnam and financial institutions. When effectively operated, this model could evolve into a financial ecosystem centred around gold, integrating savings, investment, and digital trading. The national gold reserve strategy should be strengthened as a tool to safeguard financial security and enhance market intervention capacity. Gold reserves serve as a hedge against currency volatility and increase bargaining power in global markets. Vietnam can adopt Chinas model of periodic gold accumulation through official channels, ensuring no domestic supply-demand disruptions. The reserve system should be managed independently, connected to global data systems to ensure transparency and provide regular public reporting. Vietnams gold market must advance comprehensively in terms of institutions, technology, and products. Building a gold exchange should not merely open another trading channel, it must aim to integrate the gold market into the national financial and monetary ecosystem. Gold should no longer be viewed as a passive store of value, but as an effective capital mobilisation tool that enhances economic liquidity and elevates Vietnams position in global financial transactions. Developing a gold exchange in Vietnam will improve gold market management and is a strategic step towards establishing a regional and international gold trading centre. Lessons from leading gold markets such as London, COMEX, and Shanghai underscore the importance of transparent institutions, modern infrastructure, and rigorous oversight. Vietnam should combine gold traceability, transaction digitisation, international-standard verification, and mobilisation of public gold through the banking system. The exchange should not serve merely commercial purposes, but become part of the national financial ecosystem enabling gold to function as a savings, investment, and reserve asset. Allowing gold trading through bank accounts, applying conditional tax exemptions, and using digital technology to manage risks will enhance market transparency, limit speculation, and combat money laundering. A strong national gold reserve strategy will help stabilise the macroeconomy and strengthen Vietnams global credibility. A well-planned and synchronised gold exchange will enable Vietnam to manage its gold resources effectively and move steadily towards becoming a dynamic regional financial hub. Godaco, a leading producer and processor of seafood products in Vietnam, operates a fully integrated platform with an in-house feed mill, farms, primary and value-added processing plants, and cold storage facilities. This unique and robust platform ensures traceability, consistency, and quality in its products at globally competitive production costs. Operating throughout the Mekong Delta, Godaco has become one of the largest exporters of basa fish in Vietnam. Godaco exports to over 70 nations globally. Key markets include China, Europe, the Middle East, South America and other parts of Southeast Asia, as well as the fast-growing Vietnamese domestic market. Since Navis investment in Godaco in 2013, the business and its operating capabilities have grown substantially. Strategic investments in farm expansion and the feed mill were complemented by the construction of additional primary processing, by-product processing, and a state-of-the-art value-added cooking facility able to produce ready-to-cook meals. These investments catapulted Godaco into one of the leading and fastest growing seafood companies in Vietnam, allowing it to diversify its product mix and reduce its exposure to the volatile commodity cycle common in the industry. Nicholas Bloy, managing partner at Navis, commented, Godaco has evolved from a medium-sized basa fish processor to a fully integrated seafood company with globally competitive quality and pricing. Our partnership with the company's founder and CEO has been excellent, and we wish the entire management team great success as they move into their next chapter of development. Navis Capital Partners to acquire Thanh Thanh Cong Education Navis Capital Partners (Navis), an Asia-based private equity firm, has completed an investment in Thanh Thanh Cong Education JSC (TTCE), a high-quality Vietnamese private education platform operating in southern Vietnam. Excelsior Capital Vietnam Partners to invest in 30Shine Excelsior Capital Vietnam Partners, a private investment fund under Excelsior Asia Capital of Switzerland headquartered in Hong Kong, is poised to finalise its interest in male grooming chain 30Shine, according to insider sources disclosed by DealStreetAsia. The agreement was signed in Hanoi by Vietjet chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Wouter van Wersch, president of Airbus International. The ceremony was witnessed by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and French President Emmanuel Macron, during an official visit to Vietnam by the French Head of State from May 25 to 27. This long-term order will support Vietjets ongoing international flight network expansion, enabling the airline to increase flights on high-capacity routes across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to introduce future long-haul services to Europe. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, chairwoman of Vietjet, said, "Airbus aircraft, with their superior efficiency and lower fuel consumption, have contributed to Vietjets growth and will continue to serve our expansion. Our sustained investment in a cutting-edge, eco-friendly fleet underscores our dedication to fostering technological advancement and economic collaboration between Vietnam and France. Vietjet remains dedicated to delivering greater connectivity and sustainable air travel for millions of passengers in Vietnam and around the world." Wouter van Wersch, president of Airbus International said, "Vietjet has established itself as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, combining low fares with warm Vietnamese hospitality. We are proud that the carrier has selected the A330neo as its wide-body aircraft of choice to build on its success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as Vietjet expands its reach." The new contract with Airbus doubles Vietjet's orders for the A330neo to 40 aircraft. In addition, the carrier has 96 A320neo Family single aisle aircraft on order. Vietjet currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of 115 aircraft, comprising 108 single-aisle A320 Family aircraft and seven A330-300s. Vietjet currently operates international services to Australia, India, and Kazakhstan with its A330 wide-body aircraft. The A330 fleet will continue to play a key role as Vietjet expands to more distant destinations, meeting the evolving travel needs of passengers at home and around the world. Vietjet and Qazaq Air to launch new airline Vietjet and Qazaq Air have announced a strategic partnership to launch a new airline brand, Vietjet Qazaqstan, at the KazakhstanVietnam Business Roundtable. France's Mayoly opens new representative office in Vietnam French pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare group Mayoly announced on March 12 the inauguration of a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City. Minister Nguyen Van Thang and Minister Eric Lombard Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, the bilateral relationship has made significant progress in politics and diplomacy, trade and investment, development cooperation, culture, education and training, and people-to-people exchanges. The two countries also have close cooperation in the economic and financial fields. As of end-April, France had 705 valid investment projects in Vietnam with total registered capital of $3.96 billion, ranking 16th out of 150 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Vietnam highly appreciates the support of the French government through loans in sectors such as energy, post and telecommunications, water supply, health, transport, hydrometeorology, remote sensing, and agriculture, Thang said. The two countries' ministries have worked closely together over the past 30 years through the French International Technical Cooperation Agency and the French Development Agency (AFD) to train finance sector officials and support policy research in state treasury, tax, and customs matters. "I hope that the two ministries will continue to strengthen cooperation and promote professional exchanges in state management of economics and finance," Minister Thang emphasised. Minister Lombard said he would like to boost cooperation in economics and finance, contributing to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Vietnam is looking for investment in infrastructure development and would like to work with high-tech countries, including France. "We would like French agencies to work closely with Vietnamese authorities to propose potential projects for cooperation," Minister Thang added. "Furthermore, the Vietnam - France development cooperation relationship should be lifted, and the French government should continue providing official development aid with high preferential rates to Vietnam." AFD general director Remy Rioux and director general of the Department of Debt Management and External Finance Nguyen Quoc Phuong Agreeing with the proposals from Thang, Lombard said that Vietnam has one of the highest growth rates in the world, and the French government will provide maximum support for Vietnam to achieve its growth targets. After the meeting, Minister Thang and Minister Lombard witnessed the handover ceremony of three documents worth more than 29 million to implement sustainable, inclusive, and climate change-adapted development in Vietnam. Relations deepen with France in food and beverages Vietnams fast-evolving food and beverage landscape is attracting renewed attention from French businesses as both countries seek to strengthen trade ties and capitalise on the regions rising demand for quality products. Extensive networks ensure thriving France-Vietnam ties As Vietnam ramps up efforts to attract high-quality foreign investment and drive its green transition, French businesses are seizing the moment to deepen their footprint in key sectors. Adam Koulaksezian, executive director of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam told VIRs Nha Phuong how high-level visits mark a turning point for bilateral economic ties. The forum marked a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Co-chaired by FPT chairman Truong Gia Binh and Artelia executive chairman Benoit Clocheret, the event was held during French President Emmanuel Macrons official state visit to Vietnam. The Vietnam-France Leaders Forum was held for the first time in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: FPT Aerospace, banking and finance, energy, retail, healthcare, and education businesses attended the forum. Notable participants from Vietnam included the Vietnam Software & IT Services Association, FPT, Vietjet, CMC, BIDV, BRG Group, and TH Group. On the French side, representatives from the French Embassy, the Movement of the Enterprises of France, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, French Foreign Trade Advisors, Business France, and major industry players such as Airbus, Alstom, TotalEnergies, Odyssey, Thales, Suez, EDF, SNCF, and Systra were in attendance. The Vietnam-France Leaders Forum focused on strengthening business ties between France and Vietnam, leveraging both nations comprehensive strategic partnership and shared ambitions. It emphasised fostering collaboration, joint ventures, and lasting partnerships between leading companies to achieve mutual national transformation goals. As part of the event, FPT and Odyssey Education signed a Letter of Intent, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to introduce high-quality French educational programmes into Vietnams national education system. Odyssey Education is a French international education group that offers French curriculum from preschool through high school. It currently operates 13 campuses across Europe, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. The organisation is recognised by the Agency for French Education Abroad, under the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its role in advancing the global network of French education. Representatives of FPT and Odyssey Education "Vietnam and France share a profound bond rooted in history and culture, which is a strong foundation for a future defined by innovation, shared prosperity, and strategic cooperation. I strongly encourage Vietnamese and French businesses to take the lead in forging new economic partnerships that reflect the dynamism of our two nations. The VietnamFrance Leaders Forum was created as a catalyst for this vision, bringing together leaders, ideas, and opportunities to build a prosperous future together, said Truong Gia Binh, chairman of FPT. To support French companies in addressing global challenges, the FPT chairman also proposed a co-location strategy, encouraging French businesses to establish a presence in markets where FPT actively expands its workforce. "While France and Vietnam face different challenges, we also tackle similar ones in sustainable development, industrial digitalisation, and social transformation. That is why we encourage forum members to establish ventures and partnerships in both countries, and aim to attract more French companies to develop business in Vietnam, while encouraging Vietnamese corporations to expand into France," said Benoit Clocheret, Artelia executive chairman. The forum featured discussions that delved into market insights, business expertise, and opportunities for bilateral collaboration. Representatives from Vietnamese and French businesses expressed strong interest in forming strategic partnerships in key areas such as sustainable energy, urban development, modern transportation, healthcare, retail, IT talent training, and financial services. The forum is set to be held annually on a rotating basis between the two countries to sustain dialogue and jointly address evolving business challenges. PE firm Creador takes 13 per cent stake in FPT Long Chau Private equity firm Creador announced the acquisition of a minority interest in FPT Long Chau Investment JSC on April 25 without disclosing deal value. FPT acquires German IT consulting company FPT announced on May 5 the full acquisition of David Lamm Consulting, a highly experienced German IT consulting company for the energy sector. Both sides exchanged views on strategic directions for cooperation, underscoring the importance of enhancing proactive risk management capabilities. Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Can noted that Vietnams GDP growth in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 reached 6.93 per cent on-year. The meeting overview While slightly below the projected scenario, it marked the highest first-quarter growth rate from 2020 to 2025. The deputy minister highlighted the close correlation between insurance sector performance and GDP growth. As Vietnam enters a phase of accelerated economic expansion aiming for double-digit growth, the insurance industry is expected to grow correspondingly. We believe Vietnam still holds substantial potential for insurance market development. Compared to other countries in the region and globally, insurance penetration in Vietnam remains relatively low, which means there is significant room for market expansion, Can said. He also referred to a strategy for the development of Vietnams insurance market. The strategy outlines development viewpoints, goals, and solutions to promote a proactive and sustainable insurance market aligned with the financial sectors development strategy and the socioeconomic development plan for the new era. For 2026-2030, the average growth target is 10 per cent annually, with the sector accounting for 3.3-3.5 per cent of GDP by 2030. The targets for double-digit growth reflect the relatively small market size of Vietnams insurance sector compared to regional and global peers. This presents both challenges and opportunities, especially as the sector remains committed to overcoming structural and regulatory hurdles, the deputy minister stated. He added that the legal framework governing the insurance business in Vietnam is being continuously improved, creating a favourable legal basis for market development. Chairman Noriyuki Hara of MS&AD Insurance Group recalled his previous visit to Vietnam six years ago on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of MSIG Vietnam, the groups non-life insurance company in the country. Expressing his impression of Vietnams dynamic transformation, Hara thanked the Ministry of Finance for its support in helping MS&AD secure favourable conditions for growth. In the context of increasingly complex climate change and natural disasters, Hara emphasised the need for a shift from reactive to risk-based management models. The insurance industry must transition from responding after disasters to managing risks proactively. In Japan, insurers have developed comprehensive internal risk management systems, including the establishment of dedicated advisory boards, he noted. He further emphasised the vital role of insurance associations in Japan in supporting and guiding member companies to ensure consistency and transparency in pricing policies and in safeguarding customer interests. Companies must also strictly comply with data security regulations to protect customer rights to the fullest, he added. Deputy Minister of Finance Le Tan Can (middle) giving remarks In response, Deputy Minister Can noted that the Ministry of Finance is currently working on regulations for capital adequacy and detailed guidelines for risk-based capital models to be applied from January 1, 2028, and has called for the support of organisations and experts in this process. For the non-life insurance sector, the MoF is promoting the development of agricultural insurance products, catastrophe and disaster insurance, and coverage for emerging risks through insurance risk funds, as well as green insurance, cyber safety insurance, and insurance for digital transactions, he added. The MoF is also pushing for digital transformation and the application of advanced IT across all areas of insurance operations, with strong measures in place to ensure customer data privacy and security. Vietnams insurance market currently comprises 85 licensed entities, including 32 non-life insurers, 19 life insurers, two reinsurers, 32 insurance brokerage firms, and one foreign non-life insurance branch. Among them, five insurance companies have Japans capital injection, including MSIG Vietnam. These Japan-invested companies have been actively contributing to the markets growth and development. Vietnam, Intel deepen strategic ties in AI and semiconductor sectors A delegation from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) met with Intel leaders on March 13 to discuss cooperation in AI and semiconductors, aiming to position Vietnam as a regional tech hub and deepen bilateral trade-investment ties. Vietnam and US deepen economic and financial ties Vietnam and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and financial cooperation, focusing on the trade balance, technology access, and deepening strategic ties. Welsh politicians call for rethink of deeply concerning welfare cuts Senedd members called on the UK Government to get its house in order before ploughing ahead with plans to slash welfare spending by nearly 5bn. The Senedds equality committee urged Liz Kendall, the UK work and pensions secretary, to address barriers disabled people face in accessing employment before reforming welfare. Ms Kendall announced the biggest shake-up to the welfare system in a generation in March, including plans to tighten up the eligibility criteria for personal independence payment (Pip). In a letter to UK ministers, Jenny Rathbone, the Labour chair of the equality committee, wrote: We have been contacted by individuals and stakeholders expressing deep concern about the proposed changes and the impact they will have on local economies. We share these concerns and feel strongly that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) alongside employers and other tiers of government must work much harder to get their houses in order before implementing reform. Barriers Ms Rathbone added: We urge the [UK] Government to acknowledge these concerns and keep the people affected at the heart of its decision-making. In March, her committee concluded an inquiry into the disability employment gap, warning that too many people face physical and institutional barriers to the world of work. The gap, which is the difference of employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people, stood at 30% in 2023/24 and has consistently been higher than elsewhere in Britain. Ms Rathbone wrote: We felt it was important to urge the UK Government to address the specific barriers disabled people face in accessing employment identified in our report before changes to eligibility and support for disabled people are implemented. She called for urgent action to radically improve support for disabled people to gain and retain employment before removing entitlements. Raising the anchor The committee criticised the DWPs poor performance, with delays of up to 20 weeks in accessing support through the Access to Work scheme. As many as 275,000 people in Wales receive Pip and 110,000 who receive universal credit have limited capability for work-related activity, according to the Bevan Foundation. Senedd members on the equality committee wrote: The UK Government intends to introduce these changes at speed with changes to Pip and universal credit scheduled for August and November 2026 respectively. We do not support this timetable until progress is made to tackle barriers which contribute to the disability employment gap, with evidence that comprehensive support is in place. Such an approach risks raising the anchor before checking the sails and we urge the UK Government to look again at the timing and sequencing of these changes. Principled reasons The committees letter acknowledged the case for reform, with a 45% increase in the number of people claiming health-related benefits since 2018/19. We agree that action is needed in instances where there is evidence of perverse incentives in the current system, wrote members of the committee. However, while the impact of other factors such as NHS waiting times is acknowledged, there is a risk current proposals fail to capture the complexity behind why the number of people claiming continues to grow. Some of the changes, as highlighted by the Resolution Foundation, appear to be primarily designed to save money and to help meet fiscal rules rather than for principled reasons. Senedd members added: Given the potential impact on Welsh individuals and communities, we call on the UK Government to ensure that spending on disability benefits is determined by the level of need and not by a desire to meet fiscal targets. 470m hit Impact assessments published by the UK Government which were carried out on an England-and-Wales basis were inadequate and lacked detail, according to the letter. Warning cuts will have a disproportionate impact on Wales, the letter stated: While the UK Government is yet to publish an impact assessment for Wales, analysis from stakeholders starkly illustrates the potential impacts of the proposed reforms. Policy in Practice suggests that they will hit Wales and north-east England the hardest. It estimates that nearly 190,000 people in Wales will be affected by the reforms, with a potential financial impact of 470m. According to their analysis, four of the 10 worst-affected local authorities in Great Britain are in Wales: Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot and Caerphilly. Senedd members stressed: Given these findings, it is critical that the UK Government gives clarity on how it anticipates Wales will be impacted. Child poverty The equality committees letter also expressed concerns about the potential impact on children, young people and poverty rates in Wales. Criticising proposals to end health-related universal credit payments for under-22s altogether, the letter said: Our concerns about these changes in relation to children and to levels of child poverty are particularly acute. Children have no control over their circumstances and lack any means of redress. More children and young people live in poverty in the UK than any other age group. We recognise the need to reduce youth unemployment and economic inactivity, and its potential scaring effects. We want to see all children and young people fulfil their potential. However, we are concerned that these aims are undermined if rates of child poverty continue to increase as has been suggested as a result of these policy changes. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Wrexhams MP welcomes review of Winter Fuel Allowance cuts Wrexhams Member of Parliament has welcomed the UK Governments decision to review cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance. Andrew Ranger MP said the changes, introduced last year, had left some people in genuine need, going without in Wrexham. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a partial U-turn of the controversial policy last week. Speaking in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister confirmed that the government will look at expanding the eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment. It comes after widespread criticism from opposition parties, the public and charitable organisations over cuts to the benefit. The payment previously provided 200 to pensioners under 80 and 300 to those over 80. But last summer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the payment would be restricted to those receiving means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, in an effort to save 1.4 billion. The policy was announced in a bid to plug what the UK Labour Government described as a 22 billion black hole that the party had inherited from the Conservative party. The move reduced the estimated number of such fuel payments from 11.4 million to 1.5 million last winter. In September, a Winter Fuel Payment opposition day vote was held in the House of Commons, with both local Members of Parliament voting against a move to block UK Government plans to cut winter fuel payments for the majority pensioners. Speaking at the time Andrew Ranger MP said he came to his decision after being convinced that the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment are a necessary part of addressing the 22 billion shortfall in the nations finances this year. He added that he would be working with local organisations to ensure that pensioners affected by the changes would receive the support they needed. In a statement on social media, Andrew Ranger said he was encouraged by the Prime Ministers recent comments regarding a review of the Winter Fuel Allowance. He also noted that since the changes were introduced, he had argued for a rise in the threshold after too many in genuine need were going without. Welcoming the UK Governments comments, Andrew Ranger MP said: My position has always been that the threshold for eligibility was too low. I understand from speaking to people across Wrexham that the changes introduced have resulted in some who are in genuine need, going without the help they need because, for example, they are a few pounds above the threshold. Since the original announcement, the Government has acted to increase the number of pensioners claiming pension credit through a national awareness campaign. Furthermore, in Wrexham, I held several surgeries in the Autumn along with Citizens Advice and Age Concern to help constituents check their eligibility and apply for pension credit asd they believed they were not eligible. My office has handled many cases where we have supported constituents in this. I have engaged with ministers and worked with colleagues to review the changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance and to argue for a rise in the threshold to ensure that those who are vulnerable and in need, have access. I will continue to work closely with the Government, other MPs and organisations in Wrexham to ensure those in our community get the support that they need. Today, Nevada's Attorney General Aaron Ford celebrates the passage of his price-fixing bill through both houses of the Nevada Legislature. According to a release from the Attorney General's office, Assembly Bill 44 (AB44) would prohibit unfair and deceptive price-fixing of the prices we pay for essential goods and services, such as food, clothing and footwear, gas and medication, among others. The Attorney General said that passing this bill was one of his core goals during the current Legislative Session. "The passage of this bill is a victory for all Nevadans. It gives my office the tools we need to fight predatory practices that strain folks' wallets and directly affect their bottom line," said AG Ford. AB44 also provides the Office of the Attorney General with the authority to enforce the bill, under the Nevada Unfair Trade Practice Act. 10:20 P.M. UPDATE: The Washoe County School Board met on Tuesday to discuss the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The board voted unanimously to approve plans for deficit reduction, by reducing worker pay, increasing facility use fees, and decreasing funding for special education. These measures would bring the deficit down to $2.7 million. This has not been officially adopted yet, though. The final amended budget will be presented in July. --- ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is meeting on Tuesday to discuss multiple things. The 2 p.m. public meeting will be held at the WCSD Administration Building at 425 E. Ninth Street in Reno. Some of the things expected to be discussed include updating the tentative budget for the upcoming 2025-26 school year - and potentially coming to an agreement with Southwest Foodservice Excellence to provide school meals during the next school year. If you can't attend the 2 p.m. meeting, you can watch it online by clicking on this link. In honor of Memorial Day, the local Wear Blue chapter honors veterans killed in action. And on this day, the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza hosted the annual "Wear Blue: Run to Remember" event. Elizabeth Gerhart, the coordinator for the Wear Blue Reno-Sparks chapter, says, "Our whole mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of our American military. So we want everyone to take the moment in the morning to honor what Memorial Day is really about and honor those service members who have been killed in action." The impact itself is far-reaching. Organizers remind us that every active military member is the child of someone, possibly a sibling to others, and maybe a significant other, and those who have passed leave behind a group of people that loved them. Gerhart tells us, "We have family members who have lost their sons, their daughters... and so it's just really important that we support the families too of the service members who have been killed, because they want to know their family members' sacrifice wasn't forgotten." Wear Blue is a national campaign, but the Reno-Sparks chapter shined a light on those from our area that have been killed in action by speaking their names today. Gerhart goes on to say, "We have the ability to live our lives the way that we do because people have given their lives for our freedoms." Keith Kirby, a Wear Blue: Run to Remember participant, says, "We ran down here, carrying this flag, and this has become a tradition that I've done every year, and this flag now probably has close to 500 miles of running on it." Participants run about 10 miles, starting in the South Reno area and running to the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza in Sparks. Wear Blue believes that remembering that sacrifice shouldnt just be one day of the year, but often. If you werent able to make it today to do so, the Wear Blue chapter meets on the first Saturday of every month for what they call circles of remembrance. For more information on circles, you can check out the Wear Blue website. When Hollywood meets humanity, powerful stories emerge. Thats what happens in Caregiving, a new PBS documentary that pushes back the curtain on one of Americas most underrecognized and essential roles: family caregivers. From Brooklyn to Boca Raton, Florida, caregivers take center stage in this documentary streaming on PBS.org starting May 27, with a broadcast premiere on June 24. Narrated by Emmy-winning actress Uzo Aduba, the film shines a light on the quiet strength of those caring for aging parents, disabled partners and chronically ill loved ones often unpaid, unseen, and overwhelmed. Aduba, known for her roles in Orange is the New Black and Painkiller, brings a personal touch to the project, drawing from her own experience caring for her mother, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2020, while also raising her young daughter. Members only The two-hour film is executive produced by Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper, 50, and produced in partnership with WETA of Washington, D.C. Cooper, known for being a versatile actor, director and producer, opens the documentary with his own caregiving story: being part of the care team for his dad, Charles, who suffered from lung cancer and died in 2011. The caregiving experience I had with my father inspired this documentary, said Cooper, in a statement. I came to appreciate how we need to care for caregivers better. It is my hope that Caregiving will provide affirmation and support for those who do this profoundly meaningful and increasingly vital work. Bradley Cooper in the PBS documentary, Caregiving. Courtesy PBS Spotlighting the care crisis Drawing on the deeply human experiences of six caregivers across the country, Caregiving illustrates the daily emotional, financial and physical burdens carried by those who give everything to help others. Family caregivers who are featured include: Malcoma in Conyers, Georgia, who left her job to provide full-time care for her husband with an incurable neurological disease. in Conyers, Georgia, who left her job to provide full-time care for her husband with an incurable neurological disease. Matthew , a New York father who suddenly became the sole caregiver to his wife and young son after a debilitating stroke. , a New York father who suddenly became the sole caregiver to his wife and young son after a debilitating stroke. Jacob , a 14-year-old in Florida, shares caregiving duties for his mother, who recently died after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. , a 14-year-old in Florida, shares caregiving duties for his mother, who recently died after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Zulma , a professional home aide who becomes family to her patient in the Bronx while juggling care for her own children. , a professional home aide who becomes family to her patient in the Bronx while juggling care for her own children. Tracy , a woman in Colorado navigating her fathers struggles with dementia with both tenderness and tenacity. , a woman in Colorado navigating her fathers struggles with dementia with both tenderness and tenacity. Kim and Guillaume, a couple in Brooklyn raising their daughter Charlotte, who suffered brain damage after a serious brain bleed during birth. Join Our Fight for Caregivers Sign up to become part of AARP's online advocacy network and help family caregivers get the support they need. Their stories unfold against the backdrop of a care system in crisis. With 48 million Americans providing unpaid care, the documentary highlights personal journeys while exposing a growing national emergency. The documentary also traces the history of caregiving in the U.S., from child care programs under President Roosevelts New Deal to legislative setbacks, like President Nixons veto of a comprehensive caregiving bill in 1972 and examines ongoing challenges faced by veterans and marginalized communities. Interviews and expert perspectives from health care professionals, historians, and professors shape the narrative and illuminate the past, present, and future of caregiving in America. A south Alabama teacher has filed a not guilty plea after she was arrested for allegedly giving a 4-year-old alcohol, according to court records. The child left Collins Rhodes Elementary School in Prichard in late April with a blood alcohol content level near a deadly .300, as AL.com reported previously. She was released from USA Children and Womens Hospital two days later, according to her parents. Weve never had any problems like that at that school, and I personally dropped my daughter off and see her walk in with good spirits and good health, father Albert Singleton said previously. Then, when we return to get her and shes in a state of close to death, thats an uneasy feeling. Tracy Walker, 56, was arrested after officers opened an investigation into the incident on May 6, according to the Mobile County Sheriffs Office. A criminal complaint alleges Walker gave the child ethanol, resulting in the childs (blood alcohol content) approximately 3.5 times the legal limit which caused serious injury. The agency said that during an interview with the child she said her teacher gave her a drink, that made her feel sick. Walker is on administrative leave from the Mobile County Public School System and faces an aggravated child abuse charge. The not guilty plea, filed by her lawyer Devin Williams, has not been filed by reason of mental disease or defect, according to court records. Walker, who has no prior criminal record, is free on $25,000 bond. She must submit to drug and alcohol testing as a condition of her bail. A preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled. A 19-year-old Laceys Spring man has been arrested on several charges after an investigation begun by a school resource officer. Morgan County Sheriffs deputies arrested Misael Gonzalo Hernandez-Paredes, 19, on Monday at a residence on Sherbrook Drive. He has been charged with second degree (statutory) rape, sodomy and production of pornography with a minor. According to the sheriffs office, the investigation began after an SRO looked into rumors involving an alleged sexual encounter with a minor under the age of 16. Hernandez-Paredes was booked into the Morgan County Jail and is being held without bond. Mary Lou Retton celebrates her balance beam score at the 1984 Olympic Games, Aug. 3, 1984, in Los Angeles. Retton, at 16, became the first American woman ever to win an individual Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. Retton continues to recuperate at home following a hospital stay for a rare form of pneumonia. She said during an interview on NBCs Today show on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, that she was initially sent home after a few days, but later was placed in intensive care and almost was put on life support. Lionel Cironneau | The Associated Press File Mary Lou Retton, former US Olympic gymnast, was arrested earlier this month for driving under the influence in West Virginia. The 57-year-old former gold medalist, per WDTV, was charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances or drugs on May 17. The report cited the magistrate court records. Retton earned two perfect 10 scores during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. In 2023, Retton was fighting for her life in the ICU battling a very rare form of pneumonia, her daughter said on social media. McKenna Kelley, Rettons daughter, asked for prayers and donations for her ailing mother on her Instagram story. Hey everyone! On behalf of my sisters and I, we need yalls help, Kelley wrote at the time on SpotFund. My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own. Shes been in the ICU for over a week now. Kelley wrote that Retton, who became the first American woman ever to win the individual all-around gold medal at the Olympics in 1984, was not insured. 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. Valley police say a 2-year-old died after what is believed to be an accidental shooting early Sunday morning. The incident happened at about 2 a.m. in the 2000 block of Calgary Crescent, Valley Police Chief Mike Reynolds said in a news release. A child found with a single gunshot wound was flown to Piedmont Hospital in Columbus, where he died. Investigators believe the child accidentally shot himself after finding an unsecured firearm in the house. According to police, the mother and another child were asleep in the apartment at the time. No charges have been filed. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Sgt. Burgos at 334-756-5203 or make an anonymous report to Greater Valley Area Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP, 1-833-AL1-STOP, or online at www.215stop.com. A company which owns several Hardee's franchises in Alabama is suing to retain control of the restaurants. Zachary Smith, Cleveland.com A Nevada-based investment group is suing Hardees to keep control of some 76 Hardees restaurants in three states, including 62 in Alabama. Paradigm Investment Group, a previous Franchisee of the Year award-winner with the company, has filed a federal lawsuit against Hardees Restaurants, saying the company is acting in bad faith and threatening to steal a long-standing and well-performing franchisees investment by moving to terminate its franchise agreements. According to the 43-page lawsuit, filed in the Middle District of Tennessee on April 14, Paradigm says that Hardees sent Paradigm a notice of default and termination January 15. The notice came because the franchisee refused to use online ordering, implement third-party delivery, participate in the brands loyalty program and pay technology fees of $234,346. According to Hardees, Paradigms locations do not adhere to standard business hours and close after lunch hours. Hardees threatened to exercise its option to purchase all of the franchisees restaurants at reduced value and said Paradigm would owe more than $13 million in liquidated damages and lost future royalties, According to court documents, Paradigm is one of the largest Hardees franchisees. In an interview with Franchise Times, Paradigm CEO Don Wollan said the suit came after excessive turnover at the franchises executive level. Every time a new CEO comes in and wants to take some goofy risk or try something different that we instinctually know isnt going to work, were left pulling shrapnel out of our body for several years, he said. The suit goes into several of the issues. For example, Hardees allowed modified hours during the COVID-19 pandemic but issued a directive to return to standard business hours three years ago. Paradigm used one Alabama location to show why its restaurants close early. In the suit, Paradigm said its Hartselle location shows the benefit, as it has more store revenue closing early, which allows it to adequately staff the breakfast shift, going from $2,758 in average daily sales in 2021 working 16 hours a day, to $3,699 in average daily sales closing early. This allowed Paradigm to cope with a massive labor shortage in Alabama. At the same time, according to the suit, Hardees has 16 franchise-owned stores in the greater Birmingham area, which also do not adhere to the minimum operating hours standard in many of its corporate locations. As for the technology fee, loyalty program and third-party delivery, those werent in the franchise agreement, Paradigm contends. Hardees unilaterally changed the operating manual to compel franchisees to comply. They were ramming things down our throat which werent in the franchise agreement, said Wollan in the Franchise Times interview. And once you allow them to do that Youve got to create a business reason for me to want to opt into it, right? But what you cant do is shove it down my throat. And once I let you shove it down my throat, Ive created a precedent, and what would stop you from trying to force-feed every fee that you could imagine down to me? According to Paradigms website, it owns Hardees locations in Albertville, Alexander City, Andalusia, Montgomery, Atmore, Bay Minette, Decatur, Boaz, Bridgeport, Brundidge, Camden, Eufaula, Evergreen, Huntsville, Flomaton, Florala, Foley, Mobile, Grand Bay, Greenville, Gulf Shores, Hampton Cove, Hartselle, Hope Hull, Jackson, Loxley, Luverne, Madison, Meridianville, Millbrook, Monroeville, Moulton, New Hope, Opp, Pratt Cobbs Ford, Prattville, Priceville, Rainsville, Rogersville, Saraland, Selma, Athens, St. Stephens, Tallassee, Theodore, Thomasville, Troy, Tuscumbia, and Wetumpka. Coming amid a Trump administration crackdown on people in the country illegally, the FBI said scammers are posing as U.S. and foreign government officials to claim there are issues with valid F-1 student visas and immigration status. Then, the scammers use the information to exploit the student financially. TNS A new fraud scheme is targeting foreign individuals who are lawfully residing in the U.S. on valid student visas, the FBI is warning in a new alert. Coming amid Trump administration crackdowns on people in the country illegally, the FBI said scammers are posing as U.S. and foreign government officials to claim there are issues with valid F-1 student visas and immigration status. Then, the scammers use the information to exploit the student financially. Students report being threatened with prosecution or deportation and asked to pay an unknown entity or bank account to process immigration paperwork, pay university registration costs or pay a legal fee. READ MORE: FBI warning: Theres a nationwide scam costing people millions So far, the FBI said scammers have targeted students from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan. The scammers have represented themselves as agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to increase the credibility of the scam. Other reports said the scammers claim to be government officials from foreign countries, including UAE and Qatar, as well as diplomats from the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. Scammers have also used fictitious names that sound like government agencies, impersonate US universities, and send links to fake websites, the FBI said. They go as far as speaking professionally and using the accent or language matching the purported location of the callers. Victims are often asked to pay a fee because of the scam via cryptocurrency, prepaid card/gift cards, or wire transfers. How to protect yourself from the FBI: Beware of unsolicited communication from someone purporting to be from the government, especially by phone. Verify you are speaking with a government official by hanging up and contacting the office through a third-party obtained number (e.g. web search for legitimate contact information), then asking for the agent or department you were speaking with. Verify that the website visited is a secure or encrypted site, as government websites are. Repeating top level domains in a URL is a common scam to make a website appear legitimate (e.g., gov.org in a URL is a spoof of the .gov top level domain). Do not provide information on the phone until you verify the identity of the caller. If you believe you are the target of a government impersonation scam targeting foreign students, gather all relevant documentation and contact diplomatic security at your home countrys embassy, the FBI, or Bureau of Diplomatic Security at the Department of State. Do not give anyone a two-factor authentication code used to log-in to an account or device. Do not download files to your phone or computer unless you have verified the source. READ MORE: FBI warning: Latest scam may be most daring yet Starting June 3, United Airlines will require customers without checked bags to check in for domestic flights at least 45 minutes before departure. Getty Images A major airline is changing its check-in policy to require earlier passenger arrivals. Starting June 3, United Airlines will require customers without checked bags to check in for domestic flights at least 45 minutes before departure. United currently requires travelers to check in at least a half-hour before a flight, the Houston Chronicle reported. United has set time limits for when you can check in and check your bags. Some airports or flights have special time limits which depend on location. If you dont meet your check-in time limits, well do our best to find another option. However, we have the right to deny service which may result in cancellation of your reservation, denied boarding or the option to check your bags, the airlines website noted. The check-in time for passengers for checked bags is also 45 minutes, according to Uniteds website. International flights require passengers to check in an hour before departure, with some areas, such as flights to or from Micronesia, Honolulu, or St. Thomas, having other regulations. You can see the list of airport-specific check-in times here. Check-in can start 24 hours ahead United allows customers to start the check-in procedure online 24 hours before a flight. Passengers are still advised to arrive at U.S. airports two hours early for domestic travel and 3 hours early for international travel to clear Transportation Security Administration clearances. United recommends passengers arrive at the gate 15 minutes before boarding states for domestic flights and 30 minutes for international flights. Passengers are required to be on board 15 minutes before departure. United said. The Department of Homeland Security has spoken out in defense of ICEs Wednesday arrest of a Foley construction worker who is a U.S. citizen. FACT CHECK. During a targeted worksite operation, this individual attempted to obstruct and prevent the lawful arrest of an illegal alien, the agency wrote in a post to X Friday. He physically got in between agents and the subject they were attempting to arrest and refused to comply with numerous verbal commands. FACT CHECK. During a targeted worksite operation, this individual attempted to obstruct and prevent the lawful arrest of an illegal alien. He physically got in between agents and the subject they were attempting to arrest and refused to comply with numerous verbal commands. pic.twitter.com/Mo3frXbr7T Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 23, 2025 The post adds that anyone who actively obstructs law enforcement in the performance of their sworn duties, including U.S. citizens, will of course face consequences which include arrest. A video posted to X by BreakThrough News shows the agents grabbing Leonardo Garcia Venegas, 25, at the Foley construction site he works. The video does not show the altercation described by Homeland Security. Hes a citizen! What youre doing is illegal! ICE raided an Alabama construction site and violently dragged a U.S. citizen from his workplace. He was detained, then released hours later. pic.twitter.com/mbiYDyGLEZ BreakThrough News (@BTnewsroom) May 23, 2025 It is not clear where the construction is located and efforts to find contact information for Venegas were not successful. Hes not even doing nothing wrong! says the man recording. What the f***. Hes a citizen, bro. Hes a f***ing citizen! The video also shows an ICE agent holding down another worker. Venegas told Telemundo when he tried to record the incident, the agents knocked his phone out of his hand. When he told the agents to review his citizenship documents, Venegas says they didnt believe him. His cousin, Shelah Venegas, told NBC that Leonardo presented agents with a REAL ID, which has been required for all official purposes in the U.S., including boarding commercial aircraft, since May 7. Apparently a REAL ID is not valid anymore. He has a REAL ID, Shelah told NBC. We all made sure we have the REAL ID and went through the protocols the administration is asking for. ... He has his REAL ID and then they see him, and I guess because his English isnt fluent and/or because hes brown its fake, its not real. Venegas told Telemundo that when he returned to the construction site after being released hours later, ICE had detained several other workers. This included his 34-year-old brother, who is allegedly in the country illegally, according to The Latin Times. There is no public data on the number of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests in the state since Trump took office, but Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery has been outspoken in his interest in tackling illegal immigration and assisting ICEs efforts. His office declined a previous request for comment from AL.com Two people are being treated for injuries after being shot at a Mobile County Dollar General, according to the Mobile County Sheriffs Office. The incident occurred Sunday morning after the sheriffs office and Prichard Police responded to shots fired at a Dollar General located on 1645 St Stephens Road. After reviewing surveillance footage and talking to witnesses, the agency said in a press release that an altercation occurred after a customer threatened a cashier. After interviewing the witnesses and reviewing surveillance, the investigation revealed that Teron Curtis ... came in around 7:54 Sunday morning and purchased items and left at 7:59 a.m., the release said. Curtis returned at 9:15 a.m. angry and started threatening the cashier, stating she did not give him what he purchased. He threatened he would bring his girlfriend back to handle the problem. After Curtiss threat the cashier called a family member who came to the store. Curtis also returned to the store with his girlfriend, Lakenya Russel, as the couple attacked the cashier and their relative, the sheriffs office said surveillance video shows. The cashiers relative shoots Curtis and Russel during the altercation leading the couple to flee to a hospital. The agency said the family member placed the gun down and waited for police to arrive. The sheriffs office said that Russel was undergoing surgery and Curtis was being treated for injuries when deputies when to interview them at the hospital. The Mobile County District Attorneys Office has take over the case as no arrests have been made yet. The U.S. government is warning citizens not to travel to certain islands in the Philippines. (Getty Images/Marco Bottigelli) (Getty Images/Marco Bottigelli) U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to two islands that make up part of a popular Southeast Asian tourist destination. But officials in that country disputed the warnings, saying they were an unfair representation of our number one ally. The U.S. State Department issued an updated warning for the Philippines. Currently, the country is under Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution designation due to the potential for kidnappings, bombings and other attacks that target tourist sites, markets and local government facilities. Protests in the Philippines could turn violent and local governments often have limited ability to respond. READ MORE: US State Department warns: Dont travel to this country for any reason Philippine government responds The warnings didnt sit well with officials in the Philippines. This is an unfair shotgun warning, Philippines House of Representatives member Rufus Rodriguez said, according to Fox News. There are certainly many places in our country that are safe to tourists such as Cagayan de Oro City. The United States should review this advisory. We do not deserve this unfair treatment from our number one ally, he continued. Rodriguez called on U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson to provide answers on the advisory and to ask his government Department of Foreign Affairs to provide information on the May 8 advisory. READ MORE: U.S. issues new travel advisories: Think twice before visiting these 2 countries Do Not Travel warnings Two parts of the country are under the highest advisory level a 4: Do Not Travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. The Do Not Travel advisory covers the Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, and Marawi City in Mindanao. Visitors are also advised to reconsider travel to other areas of Mindanao due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and terrorism. Terrorist and armed groups in the Sulu Archipelago and the Sulu Sea have historically engaged in kidnappings as well as bombings and other attacks, the State Department warned. The U.S. government already requires special authorization for federal employees to travel to those areas as there are limited access to emergency services. Clashes between terrorist groups and Philippine security forces prompted the warning for Marawi City. Visitors are advised to reconsider travel to Mindanao, except Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands. That area has been targeted by terrorists and armed groups who engage in kidnapping, bombings and other attacks, many of which target foreign visitors. READ MORE: U.S. issues Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for popular exotic vacation destination Emergency crews searching for a missing 51-year-old woman who was camping and last seen at Noccalula Falls in Gadsden on Sunday, found her Tuesday morning. The woman, Regina Smith of Lincoln, Alabama, was last seen on a raft near the falls beach area, according to reports from WVTM 13. Shes a loving person. She loves nature. Shes a free-spirited person, and I just want to find her, her husband, Jerry Smith told WVTM 13. The family called first responders around 8 p.m. Sunday. Crews searched until they stopped due to storms in the area 1:30 a.m. Monday. The search began again at 6 a.m. on Monday. Media reports indicate that several agencies were called in to help, including water rescue teams from Cherokee, DeKalb and St. Clair counties. Other agencies involved include the Gadsden Fire Department, Gadsden Police Department, Etowah County Sheriffs Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Gadsden-Etowah County Emergency Management Agency and Community Emergency Response Team, according to reports from WBRC 6 News. Noccalula Falls Park said the falls and the campground are still open, but visitors are being asked to avoid the gorge trail and area near it. AL.com reached out to Noccalula Falls Park but did not receive a response prior to publishing. For weeks, signs proclaiming Lashunda Scales for Mayor and her mantra She Works have peppered streets from east in Roebuck to Crestwood and Avondale in the south and all the way west to Wylam. With just 90 days until voters in Birmingham elect a mayor, the Jefferson County Commissioner puts an end to the speculation: Shes running. Scales, whose commission district includes east Birmingham, said her run for mayor is a continuation of her commitment to residents, specifically those in the city, who urgently seek solutions. I recognize that 47 percent of my commission district is Birmingham and its dying, she said. And one of the hurtful parts of all of this is that I am limited as a county commissioner as to the authority that I have in the city of Birmingham. A lot of my constituents Im having to explain what I can do as a county commissioner versus the power of the mayor. Scales joins a growing field of competitors who are seeking to end Mayor Randall Woodfins time in the citys highest office. Woodfin officially announced in February that he was seeking a third term. Scales previously challenged Woodfin for mayor in 2021. Other announced candidates for mayor include State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, longtime activist Kamau Afrika, pastor and non-profit executive Frank Woodson and Jerimy Littlepage, a newcomer to politics who said he was inspired by Woodfin to seek the elected office. Standing on the front porch of an abandoned house in Birminghams Collegeville neighborhood Tuesday morning, Scales formally announced her campaign and discussed her platform for voters to AL.com. Scales said she chose the house, a modest historic home with overgrown grass, broken front windows and a broken storm door, because it embodies a longstanding unmet community need. We know that when we talk about blighted structures were talking about drugs that are in the community, Scales said as rain beat down on the metal awnings nearby. These are the seeds that over time manifest themselves in different ways. Scales, a two-term county commissioner and former Birmingham council member, said she is seeking the office of mayor after seeing grim statistics and unmet needs that she said compel her to attempt to intervene. We want to make sure that people are aware that help is on the way, she said. Were not talking doom and gloom, but we are talking about facts along with solutions so we can move our city forward in the right direction. Scales said her platform also focuses on reducing violent crime, protecting Birminghams assets from further state-sanctioned takeovers - following the regionalization of the Water Works Board - and delivering on local economic development. I know that Birmingham has a lot to offer, and over the past seven and a half years we have gone from number one to number four. We are listed as one of the most violent cities in the country, she said. That has not always been the case. And I know that we can make Birmingham the leader in this state that we once were, but its going to take work. Scales was joined by a few supporters including Tina Sanders of No More Tears, a local victims support organization. Mothers are crying and babies are dying and we need someone who is going to fight for this change in communities, Sanders said. We need someone in place who is going to do the work. Mamie Easley also came to support Scales candidacy. Easley said her son was attacked by other youths at CityWalk downtown in April, forcing her to move her son out of town. Easley, who is originally from Detroit, said her sons father died a violent death and she is determined to protect her son from that fate in Birmingham. I am blessed that Commissioner Scales took her time and reached out to me to even understand me and see what was going on, Easley said. She listened and shes standing with me to get justice for my son. Shes helping me and thats the kind of leadership we need right now. Scales said comments like those from Easley and Sanders mirror a long list of promises and unmet commitments to others across the city. For example, Scales cites development around Birminghams Crossplex in Five Points West that has still not materialized as promised. Additionally, other capital projects that have come to fruition such as the downtown stadium were promised nearly two decades ago during the Larry Langford administration, she noted. Beyond major building initiatives, Scales also stressed the need to meet basic city services, a focus she said has largely been ignored since Langfords brief term in office. Weve got to grow beyond the work that former mayor Larry Langford did for us 16 years ago, she said. The framework was already there, she said, citing the tax package and projects that Langford introduced in 2007. But she said there hasnt been anything new to replace what Langford did. What are we doing to show not only voters but to taxpayers that youre paying for services and its time for those services to be rendered? she spoke. Birminghams decline from its longstanding top ranking as the states largest city, presents an urgent need for action to address the exodus of residents, she said. This is the turnaround that weve got to do. Its not the personalities involved, its the policies of those individuals, Scales said. Were looking forward to letting people know that theres hope and hope is on the way. The antidote to war is not peace. The antidote to war is commerce. This concept of cultivating peace by fostering commerce traces its roots back to Montesquieu and the Enlightenment. The thought is that increasing commerce leads to shared interests, recognition of the rule of law, and growing prosperity, all of which preclude armed conflict. At the end of WWII, the U.S. realized that only America, with about fifty percent of the global GDP, could reignite the fires of international trade, production, and competition. In league with its wartime allies, agreements like Bretton Woods were executed and multilateral regulatory and monitoring organizations like the WTO were established. With its enormous financial, military, and market clout, America was able to get the flywheel of global commerce moving again. It worked, of course. In 1945, global GDP was approximately $1T, while today it is about $117T. Even better, the percent of the worlds population living in extreme poverty shrank from fifty-five percent to less than ten percent today. These epic improvements are all due to the expansion of global commerce and free markets, driven by the U.S. sharing its markets, finances, and enforcement power. But we still have war. We still have situations around the globe where warring parties only use the cessation of hostilities to reload, for the next round of fighting. Recent examples of this War-Pause-Reload-War are in Ukraine vs. Russia; Israel vs. Hamas/Hezbollah; Sudan vs. S. Sudan and then S. Sudan vs. Itself; and multiple players in Syria. The situation of Liberia is actually a counterexample here and warrants more study than it has received. The problem with ceasefire-type peace agreements is that they immediately raise the question: What next? If there is no attractive answer to that question, the former enemies will most likely start planning to procure bigger weapons for the next round. On the other hand, commerce, to even exist, requires ongoing trust and hope for the future. What may have been overlooked in the enthusiasm for global monitors, multilateral financiers, and multi-nation partnerships is that true commerce is built on millions of one-on-one private sector transactions. Regardless of how many agreements and regulations are in place, an individual must always make a final leap-of-faith to conclude a bank transfer and buy a product or service. The more often this works, the more progress is made in instilling trust between individuals and nations, and the more peace progresses. With this perspective of what drives Peace through Commerce, its obvious to the casual observer that the outstanding component of the Trump Administrations foreign policy is increasing commerce: Ukraine. This peace effort has always been stated in terms of commerce. The much-delayed Ukraine minerals agreement is meant to lay a foundation of business activity in the disputed areas before a ceasefire is even established. The commerce generated by this agreement can also pay for continued military support, and the beginnings of reconstruction. This expanding network of investment and commerce can act as a bulwark, then not perfect, but substantial against further Russian incursions. Trump has also talked about business investment with Russia after a negotiated ceasefire. The intent is to get the Russian economy back on its feet and interacting with the rest of the world again. Even the restoration of Russias energy pipelines through Ukraine is not so crazy if viewed from this trust-building commerce perspective. Reorganization of International Assistance. The most important charge against USAIDs foreign assistance activity was how many non-productive projects it was pursuing. DOGE has uncovered tens of billions of dollars that were being diverted to unaccountable NGOs, or into purely social justice programs, rather than into economy-building projects. It should be noted that the few USAID projects which have been retained are mostly in economy-building, like the emergency grid energy work in Ukraine. The Administration decided that the theft, fraud, and abuse was so pervasive in USAID that the organization had to be dismantled. Its function has been reconstituted in the State Department. From the draft proposals for reformation which have surfaced so far, it appears that the new State Department USAID will be very focused on investable economic aid projects. Tariff Regime. It appears that the end result of Liberation Day will be the U.S. signing bi-lateral trade deals with 50 or more trading partners. Outline agreements have already been concluded with the UK and China, we are told. These agreements will redefine how the U.S. will conduct trade with the rest of the world. This will be the greatest reset in international trade since the post-WWII agreements and institutions. Pres. Trump has repeatedly stated that the crown jewel the U.S. owns is its market. Everyone in the world wants access to this richest market, and the U.S. needs to offer that access fairly and judiciously. Again, this will all be on a bi-lateral, country-to-country basis, rather than through global organizations. The final tariff resolution with China will demonstrate how the Administration can resolve conflict with commerce, not arms. China is very disadvantaged in the tariff struggle because the U.S. is the deficit trade country, it has the larger and more dynamic economy, and it exports necessities like food and fuel to China, rather than discretionary consumer goods. The final agreement then will undoubtedly resolve the IP, tech data, and social media issues which have been so contentious to-date. Recognition by both parties of how much we need each other in trade will then hopefully defuse possible military confrontations in the future. Syria. Even the nascent rapprochement with Syria has started with the raising of economic sanctions. The Trump Administrations commitment to resolution of conflict through commerce is why we should remain optimistic about the future for international development practitioners. Those practitioners who have strong records of successful programs which feed economic prosperity using local resources and private sector assistance are well-positioned for getting back to work in international development. Authors Credit: Rick Whitaker is a Harvard and West Point-educated international developer. He has managed large, successful USAID-financed infrastructure and energy programs in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Liberia, Uganda, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka over the last 20+ years. Image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered. We often credit Wilfred Owen, a WWI British Army officer killed in France on November 4, 1918, as the greatest war poet in the English language, rivaled only by Americans Walt Whitman and Randall Jerrell. Owens most famous poem Dulce Et Decorum Est (It is sweet and fitting), includes in the last the complete quotation from the Roman poet Horaces Ode: Dulce et decorum est/Pro patria mori (It is sweet and fitting to die for ones country. Horace lived within a warrior regime and ethos, where battle was the ultimate test of defining what is a man and what is glory. Not exactly, for Owen, whose judgment was that Dulce Et Decorum Est... is The Old Lie... American soldiers in 1919 modeled the various gas masks from WWI. Public domain. The body of Owens poem is brutally unvarnished, devoid of any scent of romanticism, for it describes the abject horror of a barbaric death by mustard gas: If in some smothering dreams you too could pace Behind the wagon that we flung him in, And watch the white eyes writhing in his face, His hanging face, like a devils sick of sin; If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs My grandfather, a WWI corporal with the US Army Expeditionary 2nd Engineers, fought at both Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood. Memories of his comrades impaled by barbed wire, mowed down by relentless machine gun fire, and subject to endless artillery bombardments were grisly enough. Added to this was his witnessing waves of deaths from mustard/chlorine gas, verifying Wilfred Owens account of desperately fumbling for a gas mask, and being unable to rescue those who couldnt find their mask or were shot while fitting it. My grandfathers recollection of being given two tickets to the theatre in Paris by a Belgian general would be a fleeting respite. The nightmares from vivid scenes of hell unbound, and deep depression from survivors guilt haunted my grandfather for 56 years, when a shotgun blast by his own hand, under his chin in 1974, finally granted him peace. On Memorial Day, and every day, it is sweet and fitting to remember not only those who died in battle, but also those whose worst days of unimaginable battle agony never endedsome for over half a century. And for others, it still endures without relief. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace. A devastatingly sad new poll came out saying that one-quarter of young men ages 18-34 report feeling lonely, compared to only 18% of women having the same feeling. Im not at all surprised. Young men live in a world in which theyre demeaned as toxic and their natural instinctscompetitiveness and pushing themselves to the edgeare buried under a nanny state sensibility. Men have retreated to darkened rooms where they stare at computer screens to play in mock military competitions that they know are ultimately meaningless. What men need is to be challenged, and they need lives filled with purpose. Its true that over the centuries, many jobs have been unchallenging, but lifes challenges were still there: To feed oneself and to grow up, get married, and support a family. Nowadays, though, young men dont even have that. Without their innate emotional needs being filled, its no wonder that young men are depressed. However, there is one last bastion of unashamed manliness in Americaor there was up until Obama and then Biden got ahold of it. Of course, I mean the military. The military is truly where young men can test their mettle. And its true that some will be horribly damaged by that test and, every parents nightmare, some may never come home. Nevertheless, pushing themselves is young mens natural heritage. The military also offers something increasingly rare in modern society, when young men live lonely lives in darkened basements, bedrooms, and cubicles: Camaraderie. For my dad, who served in the RAF, WWII was the best of times and the worst of times. It was the worst of times because he saw battle in places such as Crete and El Alamein. It was the best of times, because he was joined with other men doing something that mattered. He was never more alive, and his life never more profoundly realized, than during that horrible war. But the leftists in the Pentagon, the ones planted by Obama and fertilized by Biden (you can take that statement however you wish), decided that the military wasnt about young men pushing themselves so that they could be the worlds most lethal fighting force, ready to defend the homeland at a moments notice. Instead, as Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, so memorably said, the point of his role as one of Americas most important military leaders was to understand white rage. Under his aegis, the troops would no longer bleed red, white, and blue, regardless of skin color; instead, they would be encouraged to focus obsessively on race and victimhood. The military was also going to be about pushing women into combat roles, a singularly bad idea. Its true that women have always gone into combat, but from Boudica to the women of the French Resistance to Druze and Israeli women, they have only done so when the war has come to their doorsteps. Sending women off to battlepeople who are weaker than men and vulnerable to rape, and who should be naturally nurturing and kept alive to rebirth a nation when most of the men are goneis an appalling idea. Lastly, the military was going to be a place that allowed so-called transgender people to realize their identity potential by serving the nationand, not so coincidentally, getting access to a lifetime of free medical care, estimated at around $1 million for the most mentally ill of them, those who opted for mutilating surgery and toxic chemicals. This was going to be the new military. Its purpose, as Biden outlined when he last spoke at West Point, would be to fight other countries wars. The only real enemy for the new military was the always omnipresent, but invariably nebulous, climate change. Both Donald Trump and his Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, have said that the military is being returned to its original purposenational defensea purpose that aligns nicely with mens instincts to be aggressive, protective, and competitive, and to push themselves to their limits in a meaningful life alongside their comrades. And that is exactly the point of a new ad the Pentagon released during NASCAR. It doesnt promote a specific branch of the military, nor does it even end by reminding men to enlist. It simply tells men that the new military is a place where masculinity isnt toxic. Its a foot-stomping, cheering, chills-down-the-spine video, with both Trump and Hegseth being heard reminding people what our military is (a fighting machine) and what it is not (a social justice mission): JUST IN: This Pete Hegseth and President Trump-featured U.S. Military ad has just aired during the Coca-Cola 600 race today. "No more distraction. No more electric tanks, no more gender confusion, no more climate change worship. We are laser focused on our mission of pic.twitter.com/vQ3QwLSolk Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 26, 2025 Image: X screen grab. With all the kerfuffle after the publication of the Jake Tapper book Original Sin (among many others), plus the belated testimony of those around Joe Biden that they had noticed his dementia long before 2024, I am surprised by how little people understand dementia, especially Lewy Body Dementia, which I and many others suspect is the diagnosis. They all talk about how the president said this or that, so they followed his decisions. The original sin, according to a staffer quoted by Jake Tapper, was when Joe Biden decided to run again. It was his hubris and pride that allowed him to make the decision. Oh dear -- that lets a lot of people off the hook. Only obeying orders, they will shrug. A bit ago a relative of mine, who is confined to a memory care unit for his Lewy Body Dementia, called to say that he had spoken with a moving van company to come and help him move his things back home. He hated where he was. Before he could move, however, he had to have the exterminators come and rid the apartment of all the vermin there. These are classic symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia. We knew well enough that while he sounded authoritative and competent on the phone, he was in no shape to make any such a decision. The first symptom of the disease, the experts say, is the loss of executive function. The hallucinations of vermin are classic Lewy Body Dementia symptoms as well. For a year my relative sat in his office gazing into the computer trying to figure out how to plan a meeting. Because of laws forbidding his being fired for his age -- well over 65 -- the manager had to treat him harshly to make him finally decide to retire, at his familys urging. To expect that a man like Joe Biden, who is suffering some kind of dementia, to be responsible for his decision to run again, and being enabled by his power-hungry wife, son, and politburo staff, displays rather substantial ignorance about the disease. For the President of the United States to lose executive function is dangerous to the republic. Such function describes the job of President. Blaming Biden also handily relieves the guilt and responsibility of his circle of family and friends. They can blame the poor guy all they want and put him away in memory care where he may happily continue to think he is president. The American people, however, should demand answers and accountability from those who deluded the public for years, and did ruinous damage to our country. Image: AT via Magic Studio The First Amendment is very clear: Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. Nowhere, though, does the First Amendment say that the press has an inherent right to have the government fund its free speech. Indeed, the Founding Fathers would have been horrified at the thought, because they understood that a government-funded press is anything but a free press. President Trumps thinking aligns with the Founders, which is why he has been working to defund National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting System (PBS). His reasoning is that, to the extent that these outlets hew strictly to the Democrat party line, they are partisan outlets, and taxpayers, more than half of whom (to go by the last election) disagree with those partisan views, should not be required to fund them. Edited public domain image. To that end, on May 1, Trump issued an executive order aimed at Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media. Trump noted that the original law creating the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which writes those taxpayer-funded checks to NPR and PBS, insisted that the CPB may not contribute to or otherwise support any political party. 47 U.S.C. 396(f)(3); see also id. 396(e)(2). However, the CPB, Trump wrote in his executive order, has abandoned its statutory obligations: The CPB fails to abide by these principles to the extent it subsidizes NPR and PBS. Which viewpoints NPR and PBS promote does not matter. What does matter is that neither entity presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens. For that reason, Trump instructed the CPB to stop sending money to NPR and PBS (currently set at $535 million per annum) because all three entities are violating federal law. In addition, Trump told other agencies to stop the money flow to the same entities. Given how friendly the Courts are to anyone who opposes Donald Trump and his agenda, it was to be expected that NPR, PBS, or CPB would file suit. Im only surprised that NPR waited more than three weeks to do so. This morning, the lawsuit hit the D.C. courts, where it will surely find a sympathetic judge (perhaps Judge Boasberg?). CNNs Brian Stelter, an unrelenting Democrat partisan, explains: National Public Radio filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Trump administration on Tuesday, alleging that President Trumps attempt to defund NPR is a clear violation of the Constitution. Several NPR member stations from Colorado joined the national network in filing the suit, highlighting the local impacts of taxpayer-funded media. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, DC, says Trumps maneuvers against NPR violate both the expressed will of Congress and the First Amendments bedrock guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of association. Think about that: NPRs lawyers are arguing that the First Amendment requires taxpayers to subsidize someone elses speech. Now, imagine what would happen if Congress amended the law to say that, to provide balance, it would also fund a conservative media outlet. The shrieking would be heard to Mars and back. Part of the shrieking is because American leftists are incapable of conceding that they are biased. If 92% of their coverage against Trump is negative, thats because the facts demand it. And if all of them participated in covering up Bidens dementia and probable terminal illness, that wasnt because they were biased; it was the result of their innate goodwill and respect for the institution of the president. And the bias, of course, is that they are incapable of recognizing the disconnect between those two defenses. I assume we can expect an injunction within the next 24 hours. The real test will be whether upper-level courts (appellate and the Supreme Court) will agree with an anti-Trump lower court that the Constitution requires that the government subsidize speech that the Democrat party wants. Joe Biden's mess to America is the gift that keeps on giving. Which brings us to the Federal Reserve's findings about student loan defaults rising, as analyzed by the estimable economist, Stephen Moore, writing on HotAir: Student loan debt soared to more than $1.5 trillion during the Biden presidency, and the response by Washington was to "forgive" hundreds of billions of these unpaid loans by deadbeat borrowers and let the taxpayers pick up the tab. ... Those of us who watched these events unfold predicted that one result of this policy would be that many college graduates would stop paying back their loans. And guess what? Just like clockwork, this headline from Bloomberg recently told the whole story: "Student Loans Drive US delinquency Rate to Highest Since 2020." Gee, who -- except a bunch of head-in-the-sand politicians in Washington -- would have ever thought that forgiving as many people from paying their student loans as possible would increase future nonpayments? A minor point -- I couldn't find any evidence that these loan-forgiveness recipients were necessarily deadbeats. Biden was looking for votes, so he 'forgave' $188 billion in student loan debt, passing the cost on to those who already paid their student loan debt, or else didn't borrow at all. For Biden, the more, the merrier. So he did it all over, again and again, never mind what the courts said. It's easy to forgive student loan debt if you can pass the cost onto the taxpayer. But Moore's larger point, that loan forgiveness makes people less likely to bother paying back loans, stands pretty firmly based on this new evidence from the Federal Reserve. There is an old saying in physics and economics: Every action in the universe has a reaction. How many students in the future will pay back unpaid student loans when the next forgiveness program is right around the corner? So people who did the right thing and paid back their debts now have to pay more for the people who refused to pay back the money they owed. After all, why bother to pay back student loan debt when all you have to do is elect a Democrat who will make it go away? Better to keep the cash and spend it on vacation. And if someone like President Trump is elected, then it's just a matter of time that eventually a Democrat will come along. The pendulum always swings, and all a borrower need do is wait for the next Biden the way one waits for the next subway train. It will eventually come. And as a statistic, it is an outlier, unrelated to the overall economy, according to the Bloomberg report: The share of outstanding US consumer debt thats in delinquency rose in the first quarter to the highest in five years, reflecting an end to the pandemic-era pause on reporting delinquent student loan payments on credit reports. Some 4.3% of debt was delinquent in the first three months of this year, the most since 2020 and up from 3.6% in the prior quarter, the New York Fed said Tuesday in its Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit. Outside of student loans, however, transition to early delinquency held steady for nearly all debt types. Missing payments on federal student loans have just begun to reappear on credit reports, following a years-long payment freeze. As a result, about 8% of student debt fell into serious delinquency or was 90 or more days late in the first quarter, up from less than 1% a year earlier. In other words, debt default patterns remained steady as the economy moved towards the Trump era and began to improve, with the single exception of student loan debt. It's likely that borrowers took the COVID-era pause on loan repayment, blanketly issued without regard for need and extended well beyond the COVID lockdown era, and took the 'pause' to be permanent, going on to acquire other debt in its place or spend it in a way that made returning to the regularly scheduled debt repayment was either impossible, or made a calculated decision that eventually the debt would be forgiven away by a Democrat. Bidenflation, no doubt, took a toll, too, in this striking rise in defaults, based on its effect on everyone's bankbook, disincentivizing savings and encouraging spending. This pattern roughly corresponds with what is known in the credit markets about sovereign defaults -- if a nation defaults once, it will be very likely to default again and again. Ecuador could tell us all about it. And as Moore importantly concludes: The bad news is that we should anticipate bigger stashes of student loans to pile up at taxpayers' doors in the years to come. The good news is that this scam has reminded us that in life, incentives matter. This episode brought to light the financial foolishness of debt forgiveness programs, and so hopefully we will never do this again. Except that politicians have very short memories. We see this happening in many aspects of leftist administrations, meaning, the bad knock-on effects of disregarding human incentives aren't confined to just student loan debt forgiveness. We know that amnesty for illegal entrants into our country always brings in more of them. Do it for millions, and get millions more. We also know that amnesty for criminals, through the abuse of the presidential pardon (Joe Biden's autopen signed more than 4,000 of them) pretty well renders justice meaningless, even for monstrous crimes like murder. If life no longer means life so long as there's a Joe Biden around, then public support for the death penalty is sure to rise. As Moore said, incentives. What a nightmare Joe Biden has now left us, the curse that keeps on giving. Trump is right to try to eradicate the entire Democrat party, because it will take a lot to stamp out all its evil after-effects. They live on well after their perpetrators are gone. Image: Pexels / Pexels License When the smoke was still rising from the rubble of the Twin Towers, the American people were reeling, grievingand vulnerable. That vulnerability was weaponized. In one of the most cunning bait-and-switch maneuvers in modern history, our government handed us the Patriot Actan Orwellian surveillance framework disguised as national defense. We didnt just get connedwe got conquered. Not by terrorists from abroad, but by tyrants in suits. The Patriot Act was born less than two months after 9/11, passed with breakneck speed, virtually unread by the very members of Congress who signed it into law. It was pitched to the American public as a necessary evil to root out terrorists, an emergency measure to prevent the next 9/11. But emergency powers have a funny way of becoming permanent. Just ask history. The Patriot Act was the lie that opened the gates. And now, in 2025, as documents, whistleblowers, and independent investigations slowly peel back the layers of that dark day, it becomes harder and harder to ignore the possibility that the whole thingfrom the missing NORAD response to the curious collapses of steel towerswas a staged pretext to install the surveillance state. Was Bin Laden just a distraction, with the real target being us? The Patriot Act opened the backdoor to hell: Warrantless wiretaps, bulk data collection, secret courts (FISA) rubber-stamping government spying, metadata hoarding by the NSA, backroom deals with Google, AT&T, Apple, and every other tech giant with their hands in your pocket and your private life. The Fourth Amendment? Eviscerated. Your emails? Scanned. Your phone calls? Flagged. Your texts? Saved. Your browsing history? Tracked. All because you might one day pose a threat to the state. Not an external statethe state. The federal government. Washington, D.C. The same snakes who spied on President Trump using fake FISA warrants now think they have a constitutional right to spy on you. They dont. And they never did. Terror Was the Excuse. Tyranny Was the Goal. Dont think for a second that the Patriot Act is about Islamists with box cutters. It was never about jihad. It was always about jurisdictionover you. This law was the legal foundation for the rise of the deep state, for the surveillance capitalism of Big Tech, and for the metastasizing power of intelligence agencies like the CIA and NSA who now operate with near-total impunity. Theyre not watching terrorists anymore. Theyre watching parents at school board meetings. Theyre watching J6 grandmothers. Theyre watching dissenters. Still feel safe? Every dictator knows that fear is the best salesman. But the brilliance of the Patriot Act wasnt just that it was sold during a time of fearit was that it rebranded tyranny as patriotism. They knew wed take the bait. They called it the Patriot Act. They played on our grief, our trauma, our love of countryand then gutted everything that made this country free. You see, when freedom dies quietly its usually wrapped in a flag. They gave us a choice: safety or liberty. And as Benjamin Franklin once warned, we chose wrongand we got neither. The surveillance state is unconstitutional, un-American, and utterly unacceptable. We the People never consented to this. Its time to strip it down to the studs. The NSA has no right to scan your calls. The FBI has no business reading your texts. The CIA should not be embedded in your iPhone. Let this serve as a message to the government, to the D.C. swamp, to the bureaucrats hiding behind their glowing monitors in Langley and Fort Meade: We see you. And the era of secrecy is over. The American people will not be monitored like livestock, profiled like criminals, or watched like threats. Repeal the Patriot Act. Repeal the surveillance state. Reclaim the Republic. Because if we dont, theyll keep chipping away until we no longer recognize the country we pledged our allegiance to. And thats not patriotism. Thats treason. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. Samsungs next years Galaxy S26 Ultra flagship smartphone has been the subject of loads of headlines lately. There are already some leaks and reports regarding its potential camera performance. However, there is still some confusion since some rumors say it will flare two 200MP camera sensors, while some leaks indicate otherwise. Anyway, a new leak claims that Samsung will adopt new camera optics that will make the Galaxy S26 Ultra thinner than ever. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could have a thinner camera module According to a report by The Elec, Samsung could be planning to introduce new camera modules with the Galaxy S26 series. These will make the phones with a heavy build, like the Galaxy S26 Ultra, thinner than the current Galaxy S25 series devices. Samsung Electro-Mechanics, a Samsung subsidiary that makes chip parts, camera modules, and more, has started working on the new project. The process involves using inkjet printing in the phones camera module. As per the publication, this method replaces the use of cover films between the rib surfaces of the camera lens. These films were there to prevent flare and ghosting artifacts from reaching the sensor and distorting the photo. The change enables Samsung to place a much slimmer anti-ghosting layer between multiple lenses in smartphone camera optics. It makes the whole camera unit more compact and thinner. If youre unaware, the camera assembly is one of the thickest components in a smartphone. So, Samsungs new camera optics will not only allow for a thinner Galaxy S26 Ultra or other models in the new series, but they could also shave off the camera protrusion at the rear. Samsung Electro-Mechanics had already filed a patent for such a camera module in 2018. The Galaxy S26 Ultra could get these camera upgrades As per the earlier leaks, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could offer some upgrades in the camera department. A leak in March suggested that Samsung will fit the Galaxy S26 Ultra with only three cameras. Samsung reportedly already tested a prototype of the phone with a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 200MP 4x optical zoom camera. However, a report by the end of March suggested that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will continue to offer four main cameras at the rear like the S25 Ultra, but with some upgraded sensors. The phone could have a 200MP main camera with variable aperture (f/1.4-f/4.0), a 23.6mm lens, and a 1/1.3-inch sensor. The main lens could be accompanied by a 50MP ultrawide camera, a 50MP telephoto unit, and a 50MP periscope telephoto shooter. While this is possible and everything, theres no way to confirm the authenticity of the aforementioned leaks. Since Samsung isnt launching the Galaxy S26 series anytime before Q1 2026, we have a lot more time to learn about the features of the new phones from the rumor mill. Its only been a few weeks since OPPO launched the Find X8s series and Find X8 Ultra smartphones, but rumors regarding the upcoming Find X9 Ultra have already started swirling online. OPPO might not introduce the Find X9 Ultra before the first quarter of next year. However, Digital Chat Station, a reliable gadget tipster on Weibo, has tipped the key camera specs of the OPPO Find X9 Ultra much ahead of any official announcement. OPPOs Find X9 Ultra could flaunt four main cameras, including two 200MP lenses Per the tipster, OPPO could offer as many as four primary cameras with the Find X9 Ultra, just like its predecessor, the Find X8 Ultra. The device could boast a 200-megapixel main camera, accompanied by a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens. Furthermore, the company could offer a pair of periscope Telephoto cameras with the Find X9 Ultra 200MP and 50MP. In comparison, the Find X8 Ultra offers four 50-megapixel cameras on its back. Theres a 50MP 1-inch primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP 3x Telephoto shooter, and a 50MP 6x Telephoto snapper. OPPO has co-developed this entire camera module with Hasselblad. We can expect OPPO to continue its partnership with the camera maker for the Find X9 Ultra as well. The next-gen Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 SoC could power the next OPPO Ultra flagship If we believe the rumors, OPPO could power the Find X9 Ultra flagship with Qualcomms next-gen Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, which is due for launch in September. Furthermore, the leaks indicate that the next-gen Find X Ultra offering will flaunt a 6.82-inch flat OLED display bearing 2K+ resolution and a higher 120Hz refresh rate. The device could boot ColorOS 16 out of the box, which is based on Android 16. OPPO plans to unveil this new operating system sometime between July and September. Unfortunately, no other details regarding the other specs of the Find X9 Ultra, including the selfie camera, battery capacity, and charging speeds, are available at the moment. However, we can expect more details to emerge in the coming weeks, so watch this space for regular updates. Samsung is going through a bit of a rough patch, as its chip division is struggling. As such, the company will need to make some tough choices. According to a new report, Samsung may consider merging System LSI with another subsidiary within the company. As you may know, Samsung is a massive corporation, and its composed of several different divisions. System LSI is the division that manufactures Exynos chips, along with ISOCELL camera sensors and chips for other companies. Its been the main money maker for Samsung over the years, so the company is treading lightly with any future decisions regarding the division. Right now, Samsung has not made any final decisions just yet. Samsung could merge System LSI with another subdivision The big hats over at Samsung are mulling over what they plan to do with its biggest division. Profits have been plummeting recently, as much of Samsungs business has been moving elsewhere. So, merging might be the only way to keep things from getting worse. According to the report, Samsung executives have outlined three potential options. The first option is to merge System LSI with Samsung MX. In case you dont know, Samsung MX is the companys mobile tech division. This subsidiary makes its phones, tablets, and computers. The second option is to merge it with Samsung Foundry. This is the subsidiary that fabricates chips for its own Exynos brand and others. Lastly, it could greatly restructure System LSI. Were not 100% sure of what that entails, but were pretty sure that it means making some serious changes to the company and its staff to maximize earnings. Whatever Samsung decides to do, the subsidiary is in for some major changes. Because of the current economic climate, among many other reasons, Samsung is preparing for the worst. It may take months or even years to know if these decisions have any sort of effect on the company. So, were going to have to wait to see what Samsung does. Texas is preparing a new bill that could require Apple and Google to verify the age of users in their app stores. If the bill becomes law, it could make Texas the second-most populous state in the US to require age verification for app stores. Utah was the first state in the country to pass a similar bill earlier this year, which took effect on May 7. Its worth mentioning that Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly already tried to kill this bill by calling the Texas governor. Texas Senate Bill 2420 could require Apple and Google app stores to verify users age The so-called Senate Bill 2420 mandates that app store owners like Apple and Google verify the age of device users. The bill could require parental consent for smartphone users under the age of 18 for downloading apps or making in-app purchases. Both houses of the Texas legislature have already approved the bill with a supermajority. At the moment, the Texas bill is awaiting Governor Greg Abbotts signature. According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently intervened in an attempt to stop the upcoming age verification bill in Texas. As per the source, Cook and Abbot had a cordial conversation in which the Apple CEO asked for either amendments to or a veto of the proposed bill. An Abbott spokesperson reportedly told the publication that the governor will thoughtfully review this legislation, as he does with any legislation sent to his desk. Texas also considering banning social media platforms for minors Apart from requiring age verification from Apple and Google app stores, Texas is also considering banning social media use for minors. Introduced in November 2024, House Bill 186 would prevent minors from making accounts on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and more. These platforms must use public or private transactional data to verify that their account users are at least 18 years old. This bill has already passed the Texas House with bipartisan support. Furthermore, a Senate panel has also indicated its support for the bill. Once the bill receives approval, Texas will become the next US state to lay down the law with social media platforms. The bill has until the states legislative session comes to an end on June 2. Beyond expo floor: how China contributes to future of global trade 10:35, May 27, 2025 By Liu Bowei ( Xinhua * As global trade faces mounting headwinds -- from U.S. tariffs to supply chain fragmentation -- international businesses are making a calculated pivot: China is no longer just a growth market, but a strategic safe harbor. * From trade floor to future-oriented forum, the 4th China-Central and Eastern European Countries Expo &International Consumer Goods Fair in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, demonstrated China's dual role as both a gateway for commerce and a nexus for global innovation. NINGBO, China, May 25 (Xinhua) -- As global trade buckles under escalating protectionism and geopolitical volatility, multinational corporations are deepening their commitments to China -- betting on its structural resilience and unrivaled long-term growth potential. Thejust-concluded 4th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, underscored a pivotal shift in global commerce: Beyond its core participants from Central and Eastern Europe, the event drew first-time exhibitors from Britain, France and Germany -- clear testimony to the fact that China's market has become a strategic imperative, not merely an opportunity, for international businesses. People queue up to visit the Digital and Smart Manufacturing of CEEC exhibition area of the 4th China-CEEC Expo &International Consumer Goods Fair in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, May 22. 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) BET ON CHINA The four-day event gathered 435 exhibitors and over 3,000 overseas buyers, showcasing more than 8,000 products ranging from wine and cheese to smart agricultural tech and photovoltaic components. For first-time participants, the expo was not just a showcase, but a gateway into one of the world's most resilient and innovation-driven economies. As global uncertainties rise, China's blend of consumer demand, supply chain depth, and policy stability is making it an irreplaceable hub for businesses betting on long-term growth. "We're not in the Chinese market yet, and that is why we came, to look for a distributor who can bring us in," said Igor Lakatos from Slovakia's Spirit Company S.R.O. Expressing confidence in the mutual trust fostered by such platforms, CEO of Albania's Expo Group Fabian Dajcaj said that this trust could reshape cross-border consumer habits. "In the future, you might shop online from our country as easily as you do at home," he added. His optimism was echoed by returning participants who have already proved that the model works. "The Chinese market is full of potential," said Pavlou Christos, marketing director of the East China region of Greek company Zachanas Winery S.A., a regular attendee since the expo's first edition. "Over the years, we've seen real business results." "The Chinese market is very attractive, even though it's geographically far away. But we see quite a potential for our companies," said Urska Bencina, undersecretary at SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency. Her agency has joined all four editions of the expo. Voicing satisfaction with the "strong response" from the expo, she said, "they have secured new deals." As global trade faces mounting headwinds -- from U.S. tariffs to supply chain fragmentation -- international businesses are making a calculated pivot: China is no longer just a growth market, but a strategic safe harbor. "Such tariffs are bad for both economies," said an exhibitor from Bulgaria. "Trade should be free between countries to really prosper the economy." Jakub Kutyla from AVA Cosmetic Laboratory, a Polish brand with over 60 years of history, said his company is actively seeking new markets and the Chinese market stands out for both its openness and stability. Foreign guests interact with a Unitree humanoid robot at the 4th China-CEEC Expo &International Consumer Goods Fair in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, May 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Zheng Keyi) FUTURE-ORIENTED COOPERATION This year's event marked a strategic evolution -- transforming from a transactional marketplace into a launchpad for future-focused cooperation. Beyond signing contracts, participants forged partnerships in both trade and innovation. This year's expo delivered tangible wins for Central and Eastern Europe, with Bulgaria's prized saffron and Croatia's premium tuna joining China's approved import list -- bringing the total to 126 CEEC food products now cleared for Chinese consumers. Streamlined approvals and efficient customs processes have helped once-niche products like Polish amber beer and Latvian canned fish now flow seamlessly to Chinese households. In 2024, China-CEEC trade rose 6.3 percent annually to 142.27 billion U.S. dollars, outpacing China's overall trade growth and reinforcing the value of deeper cooperation. "As the world undergoes unprecedented transformations ... no country can find success by maneuvering them on their own," said Meira Hot, vice-president of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia. She added that shared development through cooperation is becoming a common aspiration. Many participants looked beyond goods trading, focusing instead on sustainable technologies, advanced manufacturing and innovation as the next frontier of cooperation with China. SUN Powered Systems came seeking a cable manufacturer for photovoltaic agricultural machines, aiming for long-term growth, said representative Robert Demko. Under the theme "New Visions for the Future," this year's expo highlighted emerging sectors. Attendees interacted with cutting-edge innovations, such as humanoid robots from the Chinese company Unitree Robotics. "It's just amazing to see how the technology is developing in the world," said Laszlo Stundl, a professor at Hungary's University of Debrecen. He sees particular potential in applying robotics to agriculture amid labor shortages. The event also served as a springboard for academic cooperation. Tomas Brestovic, a professor at the Technical University of Kosice in Slovakia, introduced a low-pressure hydrogen storage system suited for public transport. He said his visit to Ningbo is aimed at student exchanges and joint research with 17 universities. From trade floor to future-oriented forum, the expo demonstrated China's dual role as both a gateway for commerce and a nexus for global innovation. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Anne thanks medical staff who treated those injured in Liverpool victory parade Medical staff who treated those injured when a car drove into crowds at the Liverpool victory parade have told the Princess Royal they were very, very fortunate there were not more major injuries. Anne visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital on Tuesday where she met nurses, consultants and paramedics, as well as representatives from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the football club, after 47 people were injured on Water Street on Monday. Divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree University Hospital Marc Lucky told the princess they had put out an alert for staff to come in. He said: Its a very good example of the resilience and people volunteering. We had too many people, which is a very interesting complaint to have. The Princess Royal chats to people during a visit to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital (Peter Byrne/PA) He told the royal the injuries were not major traumas. He said: We were very, very fortunate yesterday, I must say. Consultant Jay Rathore said: Most of the injuries were limb injuries. No life-threatening, we were able to manage them. Specialist paramedic Susan McCormick told Anne she was one of the first responders on scene as she and a colleague were treating a man for something unrelated when the incident happened. The Princess Royal talks to medical staff at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital (Peter Byrne/PA) Advanced paramedic Gary Fitzpatrick told Anne: We actually had a plan before the event so we were quite prepared for the situation. Nurses told Anne, who is patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, that planning they had done for major incidents kicked in on the day and processes worked. Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson thanked Anne for her visit. He said: We really appreciate you still coming, because it will mean a lot to the people of the city. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: The Princess would like to share her heartfelt condolences and support for the families and communities affected. Her Royal Highness also wishes to acknowledge the courage of the emergency services, some of whom she met today, and all those providing care and comfort during this difficult time. The princess was already due to be in Liverpool on Tuesday to visit Cunard ship the Queen Anne, which arrived on Monday as part of the shipping lines 185th anniversary celebrations. A photo exhibition which had been due to be held to celebrate the anniversary was cancelled following the incident at the parade. Residents of Marion, a local Adelaide council in South Australia, are opposed to the sale of public land to Tesla, with many citing anti-Elon Musk sentiment. Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images Elon Musks so-called brand destruction is in full flight in Adelaide, where residents have voted overwhelmingly to reject plans for a Tesla factory. The city of Marion in South Australia is considering selling 2,664 sq metres of public land which is contaminated and not publicly accessible to Tesla which wants to build a battery factory on the plot. The council has consulted the community and written a report that says the benefits including 100 full-time jobs, boosted rates revenues, $56m in economic output and Tesla-led training programs outweigh the geopolitical or symbolic criticisms expressed in submissions. Of the nearly 1,000 submissions sent to the local council, 95% called for the proposal to be struck down, citing anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk sentiment and Musks influence on global discourse via social media platforms, as well as the environmental impact and potential loss of green space. While environmental concerns played a part, the Tesla boss was the main reason people voted against the project. Those against the proposal did not hold back on the reasons for their rejection with the city of Marion choosing to censor some submissions. Because Elon Musk is a [redacted] human being and a [redacted]! one person wrote. Elon Musk and Tesla are a [redacted] on humanity, another said. Elon Musk is a full blown [redacted], was anothers blunt assessment. While a further submission argued the site was not right for Musk: Destroying trees to build a factory for a company owned by a [redacted] would be a vile choice. We should not support and put money in the pockets of a [redacted] who openly [redacted] salutes, is [redacted] human, was anothers take on Tesla moving into Marion. Another had a more prosaic concern: Please dear God, they wrote. Its not going to be good for anyone [and] it would majorly interrupt my roller skating route. More than half of the 948 community submissions came from outside the council area, but submissions from those in the immediate area of the site overwhelmingly opposed the development at 121 against and 11 for. Those who voted in favour welcomed the jobs that would be created by Telsa, the skills that would be taught, and the visionary approach of the worlds richest person. Musk has faced an ongoing backlash thanks to his role in the Trump administration, where he created the department of government efficiency (Doge), that has seen crippling cuts to government programs. Tesla profits have dived recently, with analysts pinning the blame on a branding crisis thanks to Musks role in the White House. Musk has denied branding is an issue, and blames the macro demand for cars in the current economic climate. The city of Marion mayor, Kris Hanna, said most Australians wouldnt approach the project from a political perspective. But theres certainly a core group that has very strong anti-fascist sentiment and they are directing that to Elon Musk and anything related to him, he said. Hanna said there was both a natural community response and a political campaign to increase the no vote. If the decision is not to allow the factory to proceed it wont harm Elon Musks interests because Tesla will just set up somewhere else in Australia thats more welcoming, he said. Dozens of submissions referred to Musks interventions in American and European politics and his apparent Nazi-style salute earlier this year. One critic, citing Guardian reporting, wrote: I could not think of a worse developer to sell the land to. Tesla sales have been plummetting [sic] this is likely to attract protests and negative attention that the neighbourhood does not need or want. Tesla and South Australian government agencies emphasised the economic benefits to the region in their letters of support, while a handful of residents said the land should be put to productive use. Staff at the City of Marion officially recommended the council sell the land to Tesla, with the proposal to be discussed at a council meeting on Tuesday night. Trustees of the University of Florida have unanimously voted to confirm Santa J Ono as the next president of the institution On Tuesday, the trustees of the University of Florida, the flagship public university of the state where Governor Ron DeSantis had claimed woke goes to die, stabbed voters firmly in the back. They unanimously voted to confirm Santa J Ono, until recently president of the University of Michigan, as the next president of their institution. Until only recently, Ono was a public supporter of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as other radical Left shibboleths. Oddly, he was the only finalist for the Florida position, which comes with a salary of as much as $3 million per year. Ono must still be approved by the Florida state university systems Board of Governors. This is usually a formality, but a majority vote of that body should end this un-American charade and send him packing. Critics of DEI are reeling at Onos appointment, in what they correctly see not only as a betrayal of everything DeSantis has stood for as governor but also as a major threat to the cause of education reform, which president Trump has put into policy via executive orders released in the first days of his presidency. The evidence against Ono appears to be overwhelming. At Michigan, he presided over a programme called DEI 2.0, which sought to fully institutionalise DEI everywhere on campus in order to reorient who has power, influence, and voice in priorities and decision-making. Ono has repeated the DEI-inspired mantra that systemic racism is embedded in every corner of any institution and called for universities to dismantle the tools of oppression and white supremacy that he insisted remain entrenched in our everyday systems. He lists he/him pronouns in his Instagram account. Previously, as president of the University of British Columbia, Ono emerged as a DEI thought leader, not merely passively accepting that ideology but embracing it with gusto. His plan at the institution included calls for race-based hiring and admissions. It also imposed a zero-tolerance policy for faculty resisting mandatory DEI training, as well as mandatory training on colonialism, anti-racism, decolonisation and intersectionality. Much of this would likely have been judged illegal under US federal and Florida state law. This is not the profile of a man who should be entrusted with the leadership of a kindergarten playground, let alone Americas fifth-highest enroled university. Over 54,000 students may well thanks to the unforgivable incompetence of a handful of unelected and easily fooled trustees once again find themselves judged by the colour of their skin rather than the content of their character. Onos few defenders one of whom, Mori Hosseini, happens to be a major state-level Republican political donor seem to have been childishly dazzled by the supposed prestige of his last job. They also observe that, in March, Michigan at least appeared to dismantle its DEI structures in the waning days of Onos otherwise solidly woke leadership. It only did so, however, after Trumps executive orders effectively banned DEI from US government contractors and grantees a category that includes almost all universities on pain of losing federal funds, a very real threat that multiple noncompliant universities have now felt. Under DeSantiss leadership, several Florida state institutions have been transformed by newly-appointed administrators who have, in accordance with state laws and in consonance with Trumps executive orders, made admirable and effective efforts to rid them of woke ideology. The states higher education system is routinely ranked Americas best. Applications and donations at many institutions are up, while acceptance rates and political agitation are down. Onos appointment, if successful, would surely deal this effort a major setback at its highest level. DeSantiss only public statement prior to the trustees meeting expressed his trust in the process. Fortunately, that process still includes a Board of Governors that has heretofore acted sagaciously in honouring the wishes of Florida residents, American voters, and all those who want to be free of the scourge of DEI. Let us hope the good governors do the right thing and vote Santa Ono down. Paul du Quenoy is President of the Palm Beach Freedom Institute. Issa al-Hasan kept his head bowed during his trial as his lawyer read out his statement - Ina Fassbender/Getty Images A Syrian man has said he deserves and expects a life sentence after pleading guilty to killing three people at a German festival last year. Issa al-Hasan, 27, a suspected member of the Islamic State group, made the confession at the start of his trial, held under tight security in Duesseldorf. The attack at the midsummer street festival in Solingen in August 2024, in which 10 others were injured, was one in a series of attacks attributed to asylum seekers and migrants that pushed immigration to the top of the political agenda in Germany. Hasan was an asylum seeker from Syria who had been slated for deportation, but authorities had failed to remove him from the country. He is charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and membership of a foreign terrorist organisation. Police arrested Issa al-Hasan on Aug 24 2024 - Thomas Kienzle/Getty Images Sitting behind a protective glass screen, he admitted in a statement read by his lawyer that he had committed a grave crime. Three people died at my hands. I seriously injured others, Hasan said. Some of them survived only by luck. They could have died, too. I deserve and expect a life sentence. Prosecutors say he set out to harm non-believers at the festival for diversity. He allegedly saw his targets as representatives of Western society and sought to take revenge against them for the military actions of Western states. IS later posted on messaging app Telegram that a soldier had carried out the attack in revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere. Video footage allegedly showed Hasan pledging allegiance to IS. Prosecutors said he forwarded the tapes on to his IS contact just before he committed the attack. Issa al-Hasan is accused of filming videos pledging allegiance to IS before the attack - Dts News Agency Germany/Shutterstock Hasan did not specifically address his alleged motivations for carrying out the attack or his supposed IS membership. A psychiatric expert told the court that the accused had denied being a radical Islamist. Two months before the attack in May 2024, a man with a knife attacked people at an anti-Islam rally in Mannheim, fatally wounding a police officer who intervened. The Afghan suspect went on trial in February and is also alleged to be sympathetic to the IS group. In December the same year, a Saudi man was arrested after a car ploughed through a Christmas market crowd in the eastern city of Magdeburg, killing six people and wounding hundreds. In January, a man with a kitchen knife attacked a group of children in Aschaffenburg, killing a two-year-old boy and a man who tried to protect the toddlers. Three people were killed in the attack in a year where German saw an unprecedented level of attacks - Ina Fassbender/Getty Images A 28-year-old Afghan man was arrested at the scene of the attack, which came during campaigning for Feb 23 elections. Just 10 days before the vote, another Afghan man was arrested on suspicion of driving a car through a street rally in Munich, killing a two-year-old girl and her mother and injuring dozens. The centre-right CDU/CSU, which demanded tough curbs on immigration in the wake of the attacks, came first in the election with 28.5 per cent of the vote. But the biggest gains were made by the far-Right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which saw its share of the vote more than double to over 20 per cent. North Korea has criticised the US plan for a futuristic missile shield - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Donald Trumps Golden Dome missile defence plan risks starting a nuclear war in space, North Korea has warned. Announced last week, the $175 billion (147 billion) proposal aims to create a network of satellites by 2029 that will detect, track and shoot down any missiles fired at the US. However, Pyongyang attacked the US presidents futuristic project in a long memorandum on Tuesday morning, in which it said the scheme could turn outer space into a potential nuclear war field. Golden Dome is a very dangerous initiative aimed at threatening the strategic security of the nuclear weapons states, the North Korean foreign ministry said. It went on to accuse the US of being hell-bent on the moves to militarise outer space and said the project was the latest evidence of the Washingtons self-righteousness, arrogance, high-handed and arbitrary practice. The memo also attacked Americas X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 7, a robotic space plane manufactured by Boeing and operated in part by the United States Space Force. The craft was another example of Washingtons moves moves to militarise space and compared the threat of the X-37B to that of nuclear weapons, it said. The Golden Dome project has been criticised as destabilising and as a potential trigger for an arms race, as other powers could desire their own extensive space weapons system or try to build more missiles to overcome the USs space shield. Mr Trump has not responded to Pyongyangs concerns, but experts say the strong reaction likely means it sees the project as a serious threat. Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said that if the US was successfully able to complete this system, North Korea would then be forced to develop alternative means to counter or penetrate it. The robust response came after Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, last week suffered a rare moment of public embarrassment when a brand new warship sank in front of what was likely a large crowd during a botched launch. Kim said that the accident brought the dignity and self-respect of our state to a collapse and at least four officials have since been arrested in relation to the event. A week earlier, North Korea was stressing its martial readiness, with Kim asserting that the most crucial task for his countrys armed forces was to make full preparations for war. South Korea has increased its number of joint military exercises with Washington in recent years and has publicised the presence of US assets, such as a nuclear-powered submarine, in an effort to deter aggression from Pyongyang. Tomashi Jackson I see Fields of Green (Put the Ball Through the Hoop), 2022. Photograph: Courtesy the artist and Tilton Gallery While the Black artist Tomashi Jackson was pursuing her MFA from the Yale School of Art in the 2010s, she had a revelation about how our perception of color works. While studying color theory, she had gone back to the basics, rereading foundational texts from her art education Jackson realized that the way these books talked about color resembled how Americans talk about race. Related: Love, hope, community and resistance: ACLU to unveil 9,000 sq ft quilt for trans rights I was seeing a lot of similarities in the way color phenomena is described as compulsory, she said in an interview, as against ones will, and potentially discomforting or panic-inducing. Concepts of color are experienced as chromatic, and they are also social. These insights into color theory occurred within larger explorations Jackson was making at the time into what she called the machinery that was surrounding me that would include the education system, the way public space is conceived of in America, and larger historical narratives around racial justice. Jacksons particular way of synthesizing all of these ideas into striking works of art can currently be experienced at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, for the artists mid-career survey Across the Universe. Going back to 2023, this major show has toured Denver, Philadelphia and Boston, landing now in Houston for almost an entire year. The paintings and mixed media pieces in Across the Universe tend to be built around large chunks of bright primary colors, overlaid with intricate networks of texture and soft-focus human faces. The striking works radiate energy and exuberance, bringing to mind such disparate artistic practices as urban muralism and abstract expressionism. Jacksons bold use of color has been a hard-won, lifelong process she recalls grappling with color for as long as she can remember. Trying to understand how color responds to itself has been a lifelong fascination of mine, she said. Theres so much that translates about emotion and history through color. We who have grown up looking at paintings in our communities are all invited to consider what color means. The striking visual choices that are present in Jacksons art intersect with her deep research into the ongoing struggle over civil rights for Black people in America. Her pieces often bear titles referencing court cases and other historic developments for Black Americans, such as the 2016 work Dajerria All Alone (Bolling v Sharpe (District of Columbia)) (McKinney Pool Party). Titled for a court case that helped desegregate public schools in the United States, the piece is covered in ephemera from the lengthy battle to integrate schools; it also recognizes the 2015 assault of 15-year-old Dajerria Becton by a police officer during a Texas pool party, offering images related to her life. I felt like my responsibility was to discuss public narratives, Jackson said. I was trying to find ways to make a contribution to our history, since so much has already been done. As a part of her engagement with the historical record, Jackson frequently uses reclaimed materials, such as brown paper bags, bits and pieces from democratic elections, and even gauze its a practice that dates back to the years while Jackson was in art school and pursuing her bachelors degree. While I was in this highly competitive art school environment, I was given this huge bolt of gauze that had been salvaged from an old Johnson & Johnson factory. I decided that I would make all my work using that. The use of these materials dovetailed with Jacksons choice to step away from using any color at all, as she processed her feelings around pigments. As Jackson recounted, when she first attended Cooper Union in 2005, she abandoned all use of color, instead first grappling with the material reality of objects as they were. I didnt feel like I had an instinctually responsive relationship that made me feel like I understood what I was doing with color, she said. So for a number of years I didnt allow myself to use any color. I started to try to figure out how to work with materials as I found them and not impose anything through adding color. These inquiries eventually brought Jackson to consider the relationship between cultural memories and the everyday disposable items that will remain in the earth for hundreds of thousands of years. When I left Cooper Union and came up to Massachusetts, I focused on what I had learned about collective memory and waste management, she said. What is the nature of collective memory thats been passed on for millennia? What relationship does that have with plastics and Styrofoams that are presented for public use as disposable, but that ultimately outlive us all? One of the pieces that distinguishes this iteration of Across the Universe from previous versions is the inclusion of the major work Minute by Minute. A reference to The Doobie Brothers 1978 album of the same name, the mixed media piece includes family photographic prints, a hand-crafted walnut awning, and pieces of marble. It is in part a tribute to Jacksons late mother, Aver Marie Burroughs, who used to listen to the album with the artist. Jacksons mother gave the artist her compact disc of the album when Jackson moved from Los Angeles to the Bay Area to pursue artistic studies, and its now one of the few concrete items that Jackson has in memory of her mother. The show also features video of Jacksons drag king alter ego, Tommy Tonight, whom she has previously embodied in order to perform the Doobie Brothers Minute by Minute in a tribute to her mother. I now understand that he emerged out of grief for my mothers illness and eventual passing, she said. Our last iteration of the show allowed me to learn more about the history of drag performance as art historically born of grief a celebration of grief. So that character has a whole video room unto himself. For Jackson, Across the Universe is a homecoming of sorts although she spent the majority of her childhood in southern California, she was born in Houston and traces her family history through the migration story from Texas to the west coast. Having a mid-career full-circle moment is both the culmination of one story and the start of another one. I was conceived in 3rd ward of Houston and born there, and I was later taken to southern California and raised there with my maternal family. It feels like a miracle that Contemporary Arts Museum Houston has agreed to host this show. Its literally been a lifelong dream. Tomashi Jackson: Across the Universe is on show at the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston from 30 May to 29 March 2026 This article was amended on 28 May 2025. Thurgood Marshall did not argue the Bolling v Sharpe case, as an earlier version said. Also, the year of the pool party assault was corrected from 2018 to 2015. Marney prised the sensor apart. Inside, she saw the words camera and microphone Composite: Guardian Design; tillsonburg/Getty Images The first time Heidi Marney took a bath in her new, temporary home, she felt she was being watched. I had this overwhelming sense that there were eyes on me, she says. She remembers scanning the room. It was a big, double bath and above, on the wall, there was a TV with a device hanging down with a flashing red light. Marney sent a photo of it to a friend who assured her that it was a dongle and said he had one too so that he could get Sky in every room. Logic told me that, if someone was filming me, thered be a camera in my bedroom, Marney continues, so I went to my room and looked everywhere the wardrobe, the lights; I was meticulous. There was nothing, so I told myself I was being ridiculous. My landlord was the kindest human you could ever meet. He would never do that. She pauses for a second then sighs. Ill never ever ignore my instincts again. This happened in December 2019, when Marney had moved into Robert Holdens rural home, a former farmhouse in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. Marney had known Holden for a decade he was her half-sisters uncle, so she had long viewed him as a family member. Holden was also well known in the area, a councillor who had won awards for his services to the community. He coordinated flood relief, he fed elderly people on Christmas Day, he mowed little old ladies lawns, says Marney. And now that she was at a low point, temporarily homeless after leaving a difficult relationship, Holden had offered Marney and her 16-month-old daughter a room in his spacious house while she got back on her feet. (It was something he had done many times for many others, taking vulnerable people into his home.) Aside from that first, fleeting discomfort, the arrangement seemed to proceed well. Hed make me a cup of tea of an evening and I opened up to him about my struggles, says Marney. He was intelligent and compassionate. I couldnt praise him enough. She stayed for 11 months and towards the end, as Marney began to think about moving on and dating again, she felt Holdens behaviour change. He didnt like it. He was acting like a weird, jealous boyfriend, she says. When she discovered that he was tracking her through the Find My app, she called her aunt, a police officer, who advised Marney to check the home for cameras. I sent her a video of the bathroom and she screen-shotted a sensor attached to the wall and asked: What on earth is that? Why is there a sensor in the bathroom? Marney took a kitchen knife and, balancing on a stool and two paint pots, reached up and prised the sensor apart. Inside, she saw the words camera and microphone. I just completely and utterly froze, says Marney. It was like holding your breath. What on earth happens now? When she Googled the devices serial number, she saw that the sensor was a camera, specially designed to avoid alerting the subject that they were being filmed. It had gone out of production two years previously, so had clearly been there a while. In fact, it later emerged that Holden had been filming women through hidden cameras for almost 15 years, creating an extensive digital library neatly organised under their names. Last September, he was jailed for six years and two months. Holdens voyeurism conviction is one of the few to make national headlines but local news reports offer an alarming insight into the possible scale of this behaviour. Just this month, a doctor was jailed for filming guests at his Glasgow Airbnb for more than three years, through cameras in bedrooms and bathrooms disguised as air fresheners (one pointed at the loo, the other at the shower) and a smoke alarm. Other UK cases include photographer David Glover, who filmed more than 100 women using covert cameras in his studio changing rooms; Adam Devaney, who used a camera disguised as a pen to film colleagues in the toilet of his North Yorkshire workplace, and Adam Dennis and Robert Morgan, who used hidden cameras to film more than 5,000 people in swimming pool changing rooms and toilets in London and Surrey, then shared and traded the images online. January to December of last year saw a 24% rise in reported cases of voyeurism and exhibitionism (crime statistics unhelpfully combine the two) in the UK. This is partly why the government is attempting to tighten legislation around hidden cameras, which are easily available in specialist spy stores, as well as on sites such as Amazon and eBay, and often made to look like clocks, adapters, photo frames, humidifiers, even disposable coffee cups. At present, UK law defines voyeurism as nonconsensually observing or recording someone during a private activity for sexual gratification or to cause distress. Under proposals in the Crime and Policing bill, it would become a criminal offence to install equipment intended to take intimate images without someones consent. Motive wouldnt be a factor and even if no images were taken, installing a camera for this purpose would become a crime. For Marney though, this isnt nearly enough. How are those cameras even legal? she asks. The potential for abuse is so huge and obvious. Its far more common than people would think. Dr Vicky Lister, a research fellow in the School of Psychology at the University of Kent, confirms that the cases we hear about represent the tip of an iceberg. Many that come to light have gone undetected for years and few result in prosecution. In 2020, out of more than 10,000 reported cases, fewer than 600 reached court. As part of her PhD, Lister interviewed men in UK prisons for voyeurism offences (there are no women serving time for this crime). Many had used covert cameras, including one disguised as a shampoo bottle in a public shower. Its scary, isnt it? she says. As soon as you start digging, you start to realise. The men I interviewed were saying: Everyones probably been a victim at some point. Research on prevalence of voyeuristic behaviour is patchy. A population study in Sweden suggests a lifetime prevalence of voyeurism of 11.5%, says Lister, but smaller non-population studies across lots of different countries, including the UK, generally estimate higher Even [such estimates] are likely to be an underrepresentation, as therell be people who wont admit it to a researcher. Theres every reason to believe that the technology now available to facilitate this will lead more to do it. One study in Canada found that 79% of participants would engage in voyeuristic behaviours if there was assurance they would not be caught. Lister is hoping that her next research focus will be voyeurism as a gateway crime. Does it lead to physical sexual assault? Some studies of rapists and sexual murderers have revealed a history of voyeurism up to 45% but that doesnt necessarily mean one has caused the other. We do know that voyeurism is addictive and compulsive, says Lister, so people whove done it once will generally keep doing it until theyre caught. Unfortunately, theres a stark lack of literature on this whole topic. I think its because its noncontact and seen as a victimless crime until youre the victim. If Im in a toilet, I will check plug sockets, mirrors, cracks in tiles. It has made me so paranoid Fiona For Fiona*, learning that someone filmed her while she was in her bedroom, having sex with her girlfriend, has had a lasting impact. In December 2023, she was contacted by police in Aberdeen who informed her that they had uncovered indecent images of her, taken by an electrician, James Denholm. He had used hidden cameras to film women (some of them his customers) in their bedrooms, bathrooms and pub toilets for over a decade. By the time it came to light, I hadnt lived in the flat where the images were taken for five years and I wasnt dating the same person any more, she says. It was so long ago and I have absolutely no idea if he did some work for us or where the cameras were or how it happened. I know that he lived a five-minute walk from our house. Its so grotesque and inhuman, she continues. It makes me feel so angry, so embarrassed and mortified and so, so exposed. It has really made me distrust men I dont know. Id feel very uncomfortable letting anyone come and carry out work inside my home. Id need to watch them constantly. My blinds are closed 100% of the time. I never open them now. Fiona also checks for cameras in public toilets. I avoid using them if I can but if I am in one, I will check everywhere plug sockets, mirrors, cracks in tiles. It has made me so paranoid and anxious. Marney experienced similar emotions. Knowing that he had been watching me felt awful I felt shameful, I felt disgusting, she says. I remember staying at my new partners after this had all happened and taking a shower, she says. He had all these fancy water gadgets on the ceiling. My brain was saying, Are they cameras? Is he watching me? I just fell to the floor, crying my eyes out. Although UK laws around voyeurism and the proposed changes to the Crime and Policing bill focus on the taking of intimate images, this doesnt cover all the harms caused by hidden cameras. They can also be weapons of control. Emma Pickering, the head of technology-facilitated abuse and economic empowerment at the domestic abuse charity Refuge, says that many women they support have been spied on by current or former partners. Related: Labour to make taking intimate images without consent a criminal offence Most cases we see involve hidden devices listening, tracking, filming or sometimes all three, she says. Its really difficult to help someone conduct sweeps of their home as [cameras] are designed to blend into a domestic setting. They look like everyday items. Well be asking if all the plug adapters work and if the remote control is really connected to the TV. One survivor uncovered 80 spycams in her home. An abusive partner can use the footage in various ways, says Pickering. In one case, he was gathering intimate images and putting them online, profiting financially. Others use it to monitor everything someone is doing, who they are seeing, how theyre spending their time. With that information, they can gaslight and control and stay one step ahead. This is what happened to Linda*, who was in an eight-year relationship with an abusive man. At first, he was charming and attentive but the control started subtly, she says. First, he convinced me to delete my social media because it was bad for my mental health. Eventually, I stopped going out with my friends as it caused so many arguments, it was easier not to. Isolated, home alone, she would sit down to watch TV and have a cup of tea and he would text to ask, Enjoying your cup of tea? If she went to answer the doorbell, he would message, Who was at the door? I was so confused, says Linda. It was like living in a television show like it wasnt actually my life. I tried sitting down at different times in case he was just guessing my routine but he always knew. He seemed to know my every move. They are marketed as harmless gadgets, but theyre used by stalkers and abusers Linda uncovered the two tiny wireless cameras by accident while deep-cleaning. One was on the mantelpiece, the other in a light fitting. I just felt sick and disbelief, she says. Why? In our home? When she confronted her partner, he insisted that they werent cameras, then they quickly disappeared. A couple of months later, I found them hidden in a different place, she says. Although Linda escaped the relationship when it escalated into physical abuse, her former partner continued to stalk her, threaten her online and drive past her place of work. He also left some of her clothes on her doorstep since Linda had escaped in a hurry and it was only later that she found the same tiny camera sewn into the lining of her returned coat. Its very hard to secure convictions for these cases. There are usually no consequences for the perpetrators, says Pickering. Someone can claim that the cameras were in the house as a security measure, and that their partner consented to them being there. The threshold to removing evidence stored on a perpetrators phone or hard drive is very high and theres also a huge backlog. Even when [material] is seized by police, there has usually been plenty of time to remove any incriminating evidence. Attempts by Refuge to engage with manufacturers and suppliers of surveillance technology have not enjoyed much success. Its completely lawless, says Pickering. We need to be looking at why these things are available when they are causing so much harm. Linda agrees. They are marketed as harmless gadgets, but in reality theyre used by stalkers and abusers, she says. Theres no regulation, no safeguarding. Why do they need to be hidden? Why can anyone buy them? I dont ever feel safe now. Im hypervigilant, its with me the whole time. The government should listen to women like us. Its not that were paranoid its just that we know whats possible. * Fiona and Lindas names have been changed. In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Womens Aid. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org. In the UK, the National Stalking Helpline is on 0808 802 0300 or email via its inquiry form. In the US, resources are available at stalkingawareness.org. Bachiashvili, pictured last month, accused Ivanishvili of being willing to sacrifice the land, any interest for his personal wellbeing and security. Photograph: Katarina Premfors/The Guardian A former aide to the de factor leader of Georgia is at risk of torture, his lawyers have said, after he was arrested and deported to Tbilisi from his place of hiding in Dubai. Giorgi Bachiashvili fled Georgia after falling out with the billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chair of the countrys ruling party, for whom he worked for more than a decade, overseeing his personal finances. Two months ago, Bachiashvili was convicted in absentia by a Georgian court of stealing $42.7m in profits that was said to have been owed to Ivanishvili from a cryptocurrency investment. While on the run, Bachiashvili accused his former mentor of aligning Georgia with Russia out of self-interest, claiming he was willing to sacrifice the land, any interest for his personal wellbeing and security. Related: I knew I would die in jail: how the right-hand man of Georgias de facto ruler ended up on the run Ivanishvili, who is under US sanctions for undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation and violently repressing dissent, was prime minister of Georgia between 2012 and 2013. He is widely regarded as the controlling mind behind the current government. Friends of Bachiashvili said he travelled to Jumeirah Beach hotel in Abu Dhabi to meet a local lawyer. He was instead detained in the hotels lobby by a group of about eight members of the local security services before being transported to a police station in Dubai and put on a flight to Georgia, the sources said. Bachiashvili, 39, was given the opportunity to call his family to inform them of his arrest but his location is not known. Robert Amsterdam, a US-Canadian human rights lawyer who has been representing Bachiashvili, said: We were caught completely off-guard by his arrest. He had local counsel; he had local team, and he seemed very comfortable with them. It appears he was simply arrested and then put on a plane immediately. We are deeply concerned about the use of torture. Georgia is notoriously dangerous and corrupt, so its a matter of real, grave concern. The UN committee against torture has cited numerous and consistent allegations of torture by Georgian law enforcement. Amsterdam added: I denounce in the strongest possible terms the ongoing instrumentalisation of domestic and international law and the abuse of mechanisms of international legal cooperation in Georgias relentless efforts to jail my client for speaking truth to power. Bachiashvili, speaking to the Guardian earlier this month, claimed that Ivanishvili had turned Georgia into a puppet state for Vladimir Putin after realising that western countries would not tolerate his continued control over the government. He said: I think that up until 2022 he had an illusion that Georgia would enter the EU under Ivanishvilis shadow grip. It became evident that the EU will not accept Georgia with this sort of autocratic power. Lawyers for Ivanishivili have denied the claims. NSW police assistant commissioner Peter McKenna departs after giving evidence at the NSW state coroners court in Sydney. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP The family of some victims of the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing attack believe there is a major issue in the way New South Wales police officers treated confidential information after the incident, a court has heard. Joel Cauchi, 40, killed Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Yixuan Cheng, 27, Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, and Faraz Tahir, 30, and injured 10 others at the Sydney shopping centre on 13 April 2024 before he was shot and killed by police officer Amy Scott. In the final week of the five-week inquest into the seven deaths, the NSW coroners court heard that speed and accuracy of information was essential after the incident, to report up on a chain of communication that included the prime minister. Related: Security company at Westfield Bondi Junction scrambled to buy stab-resistant vests after attack, inquest told The NSW coroner Teresa OSullivan heard that police should adhere to a strict set of media policy guidelines and mandated regulations around confidential information such as the identities of victims but that these rules allowed for discretion. Concerns around information-sharing Sue Chrysanthou SC, legal counsel for the families of Good, Young and Singleton, said some of her clients had concerns around the way information was shared after the attack, when a media outlet misidentified the perpetrator and an injured baby was incorrectly reported to have died, the court heard. In court on Tuesday, the NSW police assistant commissioner Peter McKenna, appearing as a witness, said that media policy was drummed into officers very early. NSW polices media policy, last updated in 2022, applies to all police officers including the police commissioner, McKenna told the court. The court heard a police regulation regarding confidential information states that officers must not divulge confidential information without the authority to do so. When questioned by Chrysanthou about the role of the police in correcting misinformation that entered the public sphere, Mckenna said that it was not necessarily the responsibility of the police. Chrysanthou suggested, in a case as significant as the Bondi Junction attack, that information should not be given by specific officers to specific members of the media. McKenna agreed. He said that he thought the policies were, generally speaking, adequately clear to inform police what they could and could not say to members of the media, but different situations were nuanced and not always rigid. Sometimes theres extraordinary circumstances that come into play, McKenna said, adding that it was up to the individual to justify stepping outside the guidelines. Chrysanthou questioned whether the media policy, as a guideline rather than a regulation, was sufficient. She said her clients were likely to seek a recommendation that there not be discretion around the media policy and sharing of confidential information. Youre aware some of my clients think there has been a major issue? Chrysanthou asked McKenna. Police commissioner cleared of of misconduct Earlier on Tuesday, and separate to the inquest proceedings, the 2GB radio host Ray Hadley again claimed he was given information about Singletons identity following the attack, before her next of kin were informed contravening police media policy and procedures around informing families after a death. According to comments Hadley made to the Daily Telegraph, and previously on 3AW radio, that confirmation came from the NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb. On Tuesday afternoon, also separate to the inquest proceedings, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission released a statement saying it had investigated an allegation that on the day of the attack, Webb breached the NSW Police Force Media Policy by releasing the confidential details of a deceased person to Ray Hadley of 2GB Radio, prior to the deceaseds next of kin being notified. The investigation was concluded in March 2025 and the Commission was satisfied that there was no misconduct by the Commissioner of Police in relation to this matter, the commission stated. Sound decisions on traumatic day In court, McKenna praised chief inspector Christopher Whalley who took initial lead as forward commander on the day for his calm and sound decisions made in the midst of extraordinarily chaotic, traumatic scenes. As a forward commander, you are well aware when you walk into something like this that you have to have accurate information you know you have to report up accurately because that will be required as part of your role, McKenna told the court. Whalley oversaw a 5.30pm interagency briefing that was criticised by an expert witness for being too late. The attack started at 3.33pm and ended when Scott shot Cauchi at 3.38pm. No matter how much training police undertake before an active armed offender incident, McKenna said, no one knows how theyre going to react until theyre actually faced with it. It goes without saying that I think detective inspector Scott performed her duties admirably that day it is a level of bravery which is right up there with anything Ive ever seen, he said, adding that her actions were textbook and absolutely perfect. Related: A Sydney police officer confronted a mass murderer. Her backup was a carpenter and construction worker wielding bollards He said he had never encountered anything like the mass stabbing at Bondi Junction and that the incident was absolutely difficult to train for. We did a lot of training in the years leading up to this. Not only was Amys response picture perfect but all of the police who went in there that day acted bravely and appropriately, he said. I sit here very proud. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London Which institution has fallen furthest in the recent decades of British history? That they have fallen is indisputable: where once the pillars of our public life were the envy of the globe, they are now riddled with a very particular type of rot. We might call this lanyardism. What is lanyardism? Well, to paraphrase Kenneth Clark in Civilisation, I know it when I see it. It means cutting front-line services in favour of indolent clipboard-people with impenetrable job titles. It is increasingly failing to do what the institution was created for. It is a habit of turning away or belittling talented and committed members in favour of DEI initiatives. It does all this with a sort of rotten tweeness, a patronising mode of dealing with the public which seems to mirror both the wider infantilisation of society and the geriatric decay of a culture on its last legs. This, named for the ubiquitous uniform of its proponents, is lanyardism. Which institution, then, has suffered most from this? There are many candidates: the BBC abandoning its Reithian principles in pursuit of the confected and the patronising, the Church of England with its betrayal of ordinary parishes in favour of an out-of-touch apparatchik class, our ancient universities with their deliberate watering-down of quality in pursuit of political goals and dirty foreign money. The list goes on: opera companies, museums, the National Trust, the NHS. None though, has suffered a precipitous decline quite like the Foreign Office. It was once a byword for diplomatic skill, but is now an embarrassment. In the wake of the Chagos deal, their official social media accounts put out a Pravda-worthy explainer clip. Rather than responding with a gunboat as the Foreign Office of yore would have done, these days we get a patronising video with 90s graphics and a narration which sounds like the out of hours message at a GPs office. Hardly the artistry of Metternich and Talleyrand, indeed its not even Robin Cook. Worse though than the lanyardist aesthetics is the content. If youre going to do propaganda, at least do it properly. The narrator begins with a lie; legal uncertainty was putting the future operation of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia under threat. She describes this uncertainty as a gift to our adversaries. Theres a 1984 attitude to language here; its a gift to our adversaries to, er, not give away land to our adversaries. The rank sophistry of this claim was underlined by the fact that within hours of signing the deal with Britain, Mauritius agreed to strengthen its relations with Russia. It would almost be funny if it werent so tragic; and suggests an alarming level of departmental capture. Then there is the general lowering of standards, particularly in the Foreign Offices historic insistence on language skills. A recent FOI request by The Spectator revealed that only 22 UK diplomats had obtained exam passes for the top civil service language certification in Mandarin, down from 45 in 2016. This is not entirely the Foreign Offices fault; reflecting a broader, depressing collapse in the numbers studying high-level languages. Still, historically the demand for higher standards was in part what then forced higher standard language teaching at universities themselves. And the Foreign Office has surely got weaker in this regard. In the past it would have been unthinkable for high-ranking diplomats in strategically important countries like China not to speak the language fluently. Elsewhere the attitude seems designed to corrode UK interests. Former Cabinet Secretary Gus ODonnell famously described his job as [maximising] global welfare not national welfare.A recent pamphlet The World in 2040: Renewing the UKs approach to International Affairs, written by a group of former senior diplomats and officials, epitomises this way of thinking. The UK has often sought to project an image of greatness to the world that today seems anachronistic, complain the authors, who include former cabinet secretary Lord Sedwill, former Foreign Office Director General Moazzam Malik and former No10 foreign policy adviser Tom Fletcher. To questions about industrial reparations, they say we cannot simply brush aside concerns around the UKs historical legacy and questions of nationhood. Er, yes we can. Anyone committed to the national interest wouldnt simply parrot the criticisms of states which are often actively hostile to Britain, and assuredly have their own motives. I dont blame countries demanding reparations for trying their luck; the Chagos insanity suggests they might well succeed. I do blame those who are explicitly meant to safeguard our interests yet apparently view their role as an exercise in atonement for a past in which they take little pride. It bears repeating that no other country behaves like this; it is not normal, it is not how France, or America, or even Burkina Faso behaves. In this sense it is actually not international at all but a uniquely British form of self-cuckoldry. Indeed, France is widely considered our most directly comparable power; amusingly its longest land border is with Brazil and it hosted the Paris Olympics surfing not in La Rochelle or Brittany but Tahiti, which it considers an integral and non-negotiable part of its territory. France still has its Foreign Legion. We are not the same; and Ill leave you to guess exactly what has more clout in the Global South, a legionnaire landing on your countrys coastline or an HR manager with a rainbow lanyard sending you an email from SW1. Four Just Stop Oil protesters have been jailed for plotting to disrupt Manchester Airport. Indigo Rumbelow, 31, Daniel Knorr, 23, Leanorah Ward, 22, and Margaret Reid, 54, had all been convicted of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance. Manchester Minshull Crown Court heard they were all arrested in August last year near to Manchester Airport. Rumbelow, Knorr, Ward and Reid were all jailed for their roles in the conspiracy (Greater Manchester Police/PA) They were equipped with heavy duty bolt cutters, angle grinders, glue, sand, Just Stop Oil high visibility vests and a leaflet containing instructions to follow when interacting with police. Ward was also found in possession of a handwritten note which detailed the motive of the group to enter the airfield and to then contact the police to alert them of their activity. They were planning to enter the airfield and stick themselves to the taxiway using the glue and sand. Following a trial the four defendants were found guilty in February of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance. A fifth defendant was acquitted. Rumbelow, from London, was jailed for 30 months; Knorr, from Birmingham, was jailed for two years; Ward, also from Birmingham, was sentenced to 18 months in custody; and Reid, from Kendal, Cumbria was also locked up for 18 months. Each was ordered to pay 2,000 in costs. Passing sentence, Judge Jason MacAdam rejected the defendants claims that only minimal delay, inconvenience, cost would have occurred had their plan succeeded. That claim repeatedly made by you all is plainly dishonest and completely contrary to all of your claims again repeatedly made, that you want to be held accountable, he said. This was a highly organised, planned and determined conspiracy. If it had been successfully executed, the evidence which was either unchallenged or tested without success, demonstrated would have for some time resulted in chaos not just at Manchester Airport but to infrastructure around the airport and would have had a consequential effect on other airports. Many peoples flights to and from Manchester would have been delayed, rerouted or cancelled. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Platten, who led the investigation, said: We know this disruption was deliberately planned to coincide with the height of the summer holidays, targeting the public and their families. It was vital that we prevented this from happening. People work hard for their time off, and we have a duty to ensure they can enjoy it without fear or disruption. The groups actions demonstrated a complete disregard for the impact on the lives of those travelling via Greater Manchester, and I welcome the sentences handed down today. Rad Taylor, from Manchester Airport, said: The safety and security of our passengers is always our number one concern. What these individuals were planning would not only have caused significant disruption for tens of thousands of passengers, but also a significant safety risk. The potential consequences of that do not bear thinking about. In statements released by Just Stop Oil after the sentencing, the defendants said the action was part of a campaign for a treaty to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030. Knorr, who had been remanded in custody prior to sentencing, said: Since my imprisonment began, things have continued to get worse. The world still sleepwalks towards hell. People are taking action because they are terrified of what rising temperatures and food shortages will mean for them and for their kids. So as long as the climate crisis keeps getting worse, people will keep taking action, prison or not. Ward said: Im not worried about my sentence, Im worried about living in a world where crop failure means I cant put food on the table. I acted because doing nothing is unthinkable and because the science is clear. We have no other option. The alleged driver of the car that hit fans celebrating Liverpools Premier League title has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving and attempted murder after he followed an ambulance past a roadblock, police have said. The 53-year-old British man, from the West Derby area of Liverpool, was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. He is being interviewed in custody. Detectives have been given additional time to question the man until around lunchtime on Wednesday. It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance on to Water Street after the roadblock was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack, Merseysides assistant chief constable Jenny Sims told a press conference. There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place, she added, reiterating that it was not being treated as terrorism. Fifty people were treated in hospital, Sims said. Eleven were still in hospital for treatment on Tuesday afternoon. She said all were in a stable condition and appear to be recovering well. There were no major traumas or life-threatening injuries among the victims, medical staff at Royal Liverpool university hospital said. Marc Lucky, the divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree university hospital, said: We were very, very fortunate yesterday, I must say. Jay Rathore, a consultant, added: Most of the injuries were limb injuries. No life-threatening, we were able to manage them. DCS Karen Jaundrill said police had confirmed 65 casualties. Further work is ongoing to identify other people affected, and we will continue to support these individuals in the days and weeks to come, she said. Liverpools metro mayor, Steve Rotheram, said the mood in the city had moved from shock to reflection and relief that no one had been killed. He said he hoped that the injured pull through very, very quickly, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: The actual incident in Water Street will live with those people for all the wrong reasons, and thats where we have to really focus our minds. He was joined on a visit to the police cordon on Tuesday evening by the home secretary, Yvette Cooper. The prime minister said the nations thoughts were with the victims and the wider community. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool, Keir Starmer said. Scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation, and my thoughts and the thoughts of the whole country are with all of those that are affected, those injured, which of course includes children, their families, their friends, the whole community, Liverpool fans everywhere. The former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who attended Mondays parade, said he was shocked and devastated. He wrote on Instagram: Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected. Youll never walk alone. On Tuesday, a large section of Water Street remained cordoned off, with police vans and officers stationed along its length and forensic investigators in white suits gathering evidence. Red flare and firework casings, bottles and cans lay discarded in the gutters, with red bunting and a Liverpool FC flag still tied to railings inside the cordon. Businesses on the street were shuttered, with a mobile police station and a forensic investigation unit parked inside the cordon. Traffic was diverted along nearby roads, with the scene of the incident in the heart of the city centre, close to Liverpools waterfront. Rotheram told reporters the car should not have been on Water Street and the big question was how the incident happened. The question is why did a car end up in Water Street, and thats for the police now to conclude their investigations well find out the reason why it was there, he said. Water Street was not a route vehicles were supposed to be using. It was blocked off. At this end of it, which is the direction that it was coming in, towards the Strand, there were literally hundreds of thousands of people here, so no vehicle would have got through anyway. And the questions, I suppose, are legitimate, but we have to give the police the time to conclude their investigations, which is what theyre doing. Mohamad Abbar, 31, the owner of a mobile phone shop on Dale Street, a few roads down from the scene, said he was surprised to see so many cars moving among the crowds of pedestrians and felt it was dangerous. Too many cars were here, he said. Too many cars everywhere. Liverpool city council confirmed that hostile vehicle mitigation measures had been in place on Water Street as part of a rolling road closure to support the traffic management plan for the parade. Sims defended the policing operation during the parade, saying the force planned for all contingencies - including road closures and an armed police presence. Nick Searle, Merseyside fire and rescue services chief fire officer, said four people who were trapped under the car, including a child, were rescued by firefighters. A man carries a box as Palestinians gather near an aid distribution site run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Rafah - Hatem Khaled/Reuters Hamas has ordered Palestinians to stay away from vital aid delivered by a US-backed organisation, claiming it is part of an Israeli plot to gather intelligence. The controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has ties to both the Israeli and US governments, has been approved by Israel to take over aid deliveries inside the Strip, despite strong opposition from the UN and most aid groups. Witnesses reported that very few Palestinians were turning up at distribution centres, despite Gazas population being pushed towards famine following Israels three-month aid blockade. Hamass warnings about biometric screening procedures, an apparent requirement before food packages are handed out, have frightened Gazans, according to reports. Do not go to Rafah... Do not fall into the trap... Do not risk your lives. Your homes are your fortress. Staying in your neighbourhoods is survival, and awareness is your protection, a statement published by the Hamas-linked Home Front said. These schemes will be broken by the steadfastness of a people who do not know defeat, it added. The GHF operation involves private security contractors guarding Israeli-designated corridors and distribution points, where aid groups can distribute food parcels to vetted Gazans. Few Palestinians are turning up at distribution centres, despite being pushed towards famine, after warnings from Hamas - Hatem Khaled/Reuters Palestinians at a humanitarian aid distribution point controlled by the GHF in southern Gaza - Hani Alshaer/Anadolu Currently, four hubs are being set up, all close to Israeli military positions. The organisation said that the aid would reach a million Palestinians just under half Gazas population by the end of the week. Israels endorsement of the GHF plan and the organisations closeness with the US has raised serious questions over the schemes neutrality. Israel has said GHF is a US-backed initiative and that its forces will not be present at the distribution hubs. Officials said the new system offers the opportunity to screen recipients to exclude anyone found to be connected with Hamas. Food supplies to hungry Gazans are being severely restricted - Mahmoud Issa/Anadolu via Getty The UN and most humanitarian groups have opposed the plan, claiming it will weaponise aid and argued that deliveries must be carried out by parties independent to the conflict. Humanitarian assistance must not be politicised or militarised, said Christian Cardon, chief spokesman of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Aid groups briefed on GHFs plans say anyone accessing aid has to submit to facial recognition technology that they fear will end up in the hands of Israels government and used to track and potentially target them. Israel already makes extensive use of biometric identification in the West Bank and according to Israeli media, in Gaza too. GHF posted photographs on Monday of what it said were several Gazans carrying boxes of aid from a site near the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, but did not say how many turned up. On Tuesday, witnesses said that many Palestinians stayed away from the distribution hubs. As much as I want to go because I am hungry and my children are hungry, I am afraid, Abu Ahmed, 55, a father of seven, told Reuters. I am so scared because they said the company belongs to Israel and is a mercenary, and also because the resistance (Hamas) said not to go, he added. A non-profit registered in Geneva and Delaware, it is still not clear who is funding GHF, which has been rocked by the recent resignation of two of its most senior officials. Jake Wood, the executive director, resigned on Sunday because GHFs plans could not be consistent with what he called the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. David Burke, the chief operating officer, also resigned, sources told the Washington Post. Email Mike: taxhacks@telegraph.co.uk. It is a fundamental concept of VAT that the tax is only charged on the value added in the supply of goods and services. Registered traders charge VAT on their sales but set off the VAT on their purchases in calculating the payment due to HMRC. There are simple but clear rules set out on what invoices are required to show. They must: have a description sufficient to identify the goods or services supplied the quantity of the goods or the extent of the services, and the rate of VAT and the amount payable, excluding VAT, expressed in any currency HMRC has powers to carry out reviews and officers are entitled to investigate cases where they have reason to believe that the VAT has not been calculated correctly. What they are not entitled to do is make up their own rules about what invoices should show. Businesses rely on being able to price their sales on the basis that HMRC will follow these official rules. This is particularly important in businesses, such as building and construction, where a significant part of their costs is represented by bought in materials especially where they are working to a quoted selling price. If a business cannot rely on recovering the VAT on purchases, this would play havoc in the way work has to be priced. In such circumstances, refusal to allow the VAT on purchases to be taken into account could be the difference between a business thriving or failing. Challenging the taxman A case came to court recently which concerned the way the HMRC inspector was attempting to disallow the offset of the VAT on material purchases. John is the owner of the small business which is involved in general building work. The VAT inspector had disallowed the VAT on three invoices for materials totalling around 15,000. The reasons given were that the description on the invoices gave insufficient technical details of the materials being supplied to allow him to verify the position. Small businesses are placed in a very difficult position when attempting to persuade inspectors to change their view. It can take considerable time and expense to challenge HMRC with its vast financial resources and expertise. In this case, however, John stood his ground and decided to contest the decision. He instructed an accountant who helped him to take the case to court. As part of the hearing, the judges were presented with 676 pages of documents which they reviewed in advance. The hearing itself lasted less than an hour, during which the judges had no difficulty in dismissing the arguments put forward by HMRC. They simply referred to the regulations and agreed that the invoices complied with the law. As they explained in the judgment: HMRC have wide-ranging powers to seek further information in relation to the supply, and to refuse recovery of input tax if such information is not supplied. The invoice is the gateway into any enquiries by HMRC, rather than a repository for the answers to any questions that might be asked. More twists than a slinky factory My concern is that this case may be an example of a bigger problem. That is certainly the view of Brian White, the accountant who assisted John in his battle with HMRC. He says that this tactic has been increasingly used over the past few years with more cases of inspectors asserting that invoices were showing insufficient detail as a way of blocking VAT recovery on building materials. He makes his view on this and many other issues in a book, HMRC: More twists than a slinky factory, which he has just published and kindly sent to me. It details his experiences over 40 years of dealing with HMRC on behalf of his clients. It contains 49 fascinating stories which range between issues encountered by private individuals up to multinationals. He concentrated in particular on the behaviour of the HMRC officers involved of whom he is frequently critical. Some of these cases are now public knowledge, such as the HMRC investigation into Ken Dodd. It also includes at least one case courtesy of The Telegraph, but most were new to me. As he puts it in his book, HMRC does not have all the facts at its fingertips and even where it does it will often ignore those facts which are inconvenient to their assessment. It is therefore important, if you end up in a battle with the taxman, to drill down to a granular level. You need to sort out the wheat from the chaff and get to the real hard evidence that HMRC simply cannot dispute. That does not mean that HMRC will immediately withdraw from a tribunal, but it does put you in a position to win, and equally means that HMRC cannot sustain flawed assessments. John, the taxpayer affected in the court case above, said: The HMRC officer just refused to engage with our evidence in a meaningful way, and without Brians intervention, we would have been bullied into submission by HMRC. We knew that we could not let HMRC get away with it, but needed Brians passion and determination to ensure that we received proper justice in the end. Brian concludes the book with his personal perspective on how some parts of HMRC operate. He writes: Whilst any tax authority always needs a healthy degree of scepticism in its work, excessive scepticism as we have experienced and seen throughout all the stories in this book, produces a serious distortion of credulity. I found his book both fascinating and concerning in equal measure. As always, I would be interested to hear from readers about their own experiences in dealing with HMRC and, in particular, whether they have had problems claiming back VAT on business costs. Responding to Johns case mentioned above, an HMRC spokesman said: The tribunals decision in the company concerned was specific to the facts of the case. We will continue, as always, to carefully consider each case on its individual merits. Mike Warburton was previously a tax director with accountants Grant Thornton and is now retired. His columns should not be taken as advice, or as a personal recommendation, but as a starting point for readers to undertake their own further research. Email him: taxhacks@telegraph.co.uk. The Irish Government is to draft legislation to ban the trade of goods with Palestinian lands illegally occupied by Israeli settlements. Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris received Cabinet approval to draft the law on Tuesday. It is understood the Government Bill will ban the trade of goods but not services as the basis in EU law is much weaker for services than it is for goods. Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris received Cabinet approval to draft the legislation (David Young/PA) The Government has opted for fresh legislation instead of progressing the Occupied Territories Bill, first tabled in 2018. The Government has said there is a narrow pathway, based on an advisory opinion from the UNs top court, to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said last July that countries should take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that maintain Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, which it deemed illegal. Mr Harris said that the Government had not yet been able to identify the narrow pathway on services but that there is a legal pathway to ban the trade of goods. He said he believed Ireland would become the first country in the western world to consider such legislation and said he hoped it would encourage other countries to do likewise. Speaking on RTEs Six One News, Mr Harris claimed there was no policy difference between himself and Senator Frances Black, who had brought forward a Bill that would also include services. He said: I want to do everything humanly possible to help maximise the pressure for a ceasefire and an end to the violence and the war crimes that are happening in Gaza. But what I also want to make sure is that the Bill doesnt fall at the first legal hurdle and I want to produce legislation thats impactful, that could inspire other European nations to join us as well in bringing forward similar legislation. And at the moment, the legal opinion that I have is that its impossible to do goods under EU law because of the ICJ judgments, but it may not be in relation to services. However, the Tanaiste said he would like to be proven wrong if there is a pathway on services. Irish premier Micheal Martin told the Dail parliament that there is very little trade between Ireland and the occupied territories but said the ban was an important symbolic move. He was responding to questions from Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney who said that the Dail was running out of time to pass the goods ban before the summer recess. Just for the record, there is no major trade between Ireland and the occupied territories, there is very little actually, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said on Tuesday. He added: But thats not the point, the point is it is a symbolic move and that is important in itself. In relation to Sinn Feins Bill that aims to give Irelands Finance Minister the powers to impose restrictive measures on securities issued by or on behalf of Israel, the Government said the proposals were unworkable. Mr Martin said the legislation proposed by Sinn Fein was simply unworkable and has been written in a manner that in no shape or form could ever be made workable. He said it does not focus on Israel at all and said the review of the EU-Israel Association could have a far greater influence. A Government spokesperson said the proposed Sinn Fein Bill was asking for an activity that does not take place in Ireland Israeli bonds are not listed on the Irish Stock Exchange nor are they available to purchase through any regulated entity in the State to end. The spokesperson said that the Bill does not prevent securities or bonds from the Israeli state being issued nor does it prevent Israel from raising money by selling bonds. Jack Draper completed a historic day for Britain at the French Open by beating Mattia Bellucci to reach the second round. The 23-year-old British number one recovered from a slow start to win 3-6 6-1 6-4 6-2 under the roof on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Draper joins the rest of the Brit pack; Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Jacob Fearnley and Cameron Norrie, in the second round the first time the nation has had six first-round winners at Roland Garros since 1973. It is a far cry from last year, when Draper was among the six first-round losers, as Britain suffered a depressing total wipe-out. I think its amazing, he said. Obviously I have been really focused on myself, my own preparations, but I have been watching the other players. Its amazing for British tennis, to be honest. Its great and it shows that were not afraid of playing well on the clay. I think all of them, great respect for, they all work really hard, and theyre all great players. Im not surprised, either, to be honest. Draper seemed to be caught cold at the start of the match, with world number 68 Bellucci audaciously wrapping up the first set with an underarm serve. Jack Draper safely navigated his first-round tie (Aurelien Morissard/AP) I knew that he does use that a little bit, added Draper. I never understand with underarm serves why people boo and stuff, because its part of the game. If youve got that shot in the locker, so many guys are returning from so far back in the court, that its a good play. It worked on that point against me today, and I have seen him pull out that one before. I dont have that shot in the locker. I definitely dont. Terrible. But Draper, up to four in the world in the live ATP rankings, eventually found his rhythm and eased to his maiden victory at the Paris grand slam in two hours and 35 minutes. History in Paris It's the first time in the Open Era that three British men & three British women have won first round matches at @rolandgarros! #BackTheBrits | #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/zyBh3YuP9T LTA (@the_LTA) May 27, 2025 I know I hadnt won a match here, but Im coming here wanting to go deep in the tournament, he said. I have the confidence and I have the belief I can do that. Obviously winning matches feels good, but my goals are much higher than that. It feels great. Im really focused on hopefully going as deep as I can here. Draper will face home favourite Gael Monfils in the second round after the 38-year-old former semi-finalist came from two sets down to beat Hugo Dellien 4-6 3-6 6-1 7-6 (4) 6-1 in Tuesdays night match. The judge in Gerry Adams libel action against the BBC is continuing to summarise the evidence in the case for jurors. The high-profile trial at Dublin High Court has entered its fifth week. Former Sinn Finn leader Mr Adams alleges a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, for which he denies any involvement. Mr Donaldson was shot dead in Co Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years. Judge Alexander Owens is summarising the evidence in the case to the jury (Brian Lawless/PA) In the programme broadcast in September 2016, an anonymous source given the pseudonym Martin claimed the shooting was sanctioned by the political and military leadership of the IRA and that Mr Adams gives the final say. In 2009, the dissident republican group the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the killing and a Garda investigation into the matter is ongoing. Mr Adams claims he was subject to a grievous smear while the BBC has described the legal action as a cynical attempt to launder his reputation. The high-profile republican is seeking damages of at least 200,000 euros (168,000) from the BBC. However, the British public service broadcaster has argued it would be a cruel joke to award the former Sinn Fein president any damages. Trial judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens is currently taking the jury through the evidence which was heard in the case during the previous four weeks. On Tuesday, he continued summarising the evidence presented by Mr Adams legal team during the trial. Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams arriving at the High Court on Monday (Niall Carson/PA) When the judge concludes his remarks the jury will be sent out to begin their deliberations. The jury will be asked to decide whether the words in the Spotlight documentary and the online article meant Mr Adams sanctioned and approved Mr Donaldsons murder. They will also be asked to decide what the words means to a reasonable member of society and whether the BBC acted in good faith and was fair and reasonable in its story. If the jury agrees with Mr Adams legal team on what the words mean and rejects that the BBC acted in good faith, they will then be asked to decide on damages. Mr Adams has previously said he would donate any damages to good causes. The trial will continue on Wednesday. Hundreds of civilians were killed after Syrian forces (pictured, in Latakia) called for help following a co-ordinated attack by fighters loyal to the ousted president Bashar al-Assad. Photograph: Karam al-Masri/Reuters Haider* hid in the attic as gunmen rifled through his cousins belongings. Is anyone upstairs? Dont come down or I will kill you! yelled a masked man wearing military fatigues. Haider waited in silence for an hour before fleeing his cousins house in the village of al-Sanobar on Syrias coast. He emerged to find his home ablaze and 11 members of his family shot dead, including his 22-year-old brother and 16-year-old cousin. His family were some of the more than 200 al-Sanobar residents killed in sectarian massacres in north-west Syria on 7 March which mostly targeted members of the minority Alawite religion, a sect of Islam. The massacres were prompted by a coordinated attack on Syrian government forces by fighters loyal to the ousted president Bashar al-Assad. After coming under attack, the government issued a call for help. Fighters and armed individuals descended on the Syrian coast where a bloodletting ensued, mostly against members of the Alawite sect to which the Assad family belong. By the end, more than 1,100 people were dead. Unlike most of the victims families, Haider knows who killed his loved ones. The gunmen, who appeared to be pro-government fighters, filmed themselves trampling through his cousins home, singing and yelling ethnic cleansing! joyfully, before uploading the video to Facebook, as first revealed by a CNN investigation. Related: Entire families reportedly killed in fighting in north-west Syria, UN says A spokesperson for Syrias interior ministry told the Guardian the men in the video had been arrested, but at least one of the gunmen remains active on Facebook, posting as recently as Tuesday. Haider, 25, said he was scared his familys killers were still out there, leaving him in constant fear. Theres no security at all, we are suffering. Im dying a thousand deaths a day, he said over the phone. Syrias president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, the former leader of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has set up a fact-finding committee to investigate how the sectarian massacres unfolded, vowing that no one would be above the law. The results of the investigation and how the government holds perpetrators accountable is seen as a crucial test for the new authorities in Syria, who have pledged to protect religious minorities. The committee, initially meant to deliver its report in early April, was granted an additional three months after it requested more time. The lack of answers over how the killings happened and who was responsible has left victims families feeling robbed of justice. They said that after a month everyone would be held accountable. But so far nothing has happened. I just want security, and to finish with this issue of ethnic cleansing, Haider said. A source close to the committee has said that while they understand the political pressure to give answers to grieving families, a proper investigation could take years. They pointed to the UN special tribunal for Lebanon, which took 15 years to issue its verdict on the killing of the Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri, as an example of the difficulty of fact-finding missions. Complicating the committees work is a deluge of fake pictures and videos which show horrific crimes from the civil war rather than the killings on Syrias coast. Related: The streets are empty, no one dares go outside: Syrias Alawites terrorised by revenge killings Witnesses have had trouble distinguishing who exactly committed violence against them and their families. After 14 years of war, Syria is populated by dozens of militias, many of which do not wear uniforms that civilians could easily identify. Human rights groups, such as the Syrian Network for Human Rights, have pointed to Turkish-backed militias, such as the Sultan Suleiman Shah brigade, as being responsible for most of the killings of almost 900 civilians by pro-government forces on the coast. Alawite civilians from two different villages in north-west Syria whose family members were killed told the Guardian they were attacked by members of the brigade. The Guardian could not independently verify their claims. The militias leader, Mohammed al-Jassem, more commonly known by his nom du guerre, Abu Amsha, denied that his group harmed any civilians and said they refused to enter deep into the Syrian coast once they saw abuses happening. Our job was to clear the highway and return to Beit Yashout [a village on the coast]. Every village that we entered, they thanked us for the good treatment, Abu Amsha told the Guardian while flanked by his senior officers at a militia headquarters in Afrin, northern Syria. He then showed a slideshow of civilians being filmed thanking him personally, as well as a series of WhatsApp voice-notes that Alawite civilians sent praising the militia. He said that after an internal review, he had found that none of his 16,000 members had committed any abuses on the coast. Abu Amsha and his militia were sanctioned by the US in 2023 for alleged human rights abuses, including the kidnapping and mass extortion of civilians in areas living under their control. All of my officers have certificates in international humanitarian law, Abu Amsha said, pulling up a picture of his officers attending human rights training by the Swiss NGO Geneva Call. The source close to the fact-finding committee said it was still unclear if militia members or individuals were responsible for most of the killings. Many of the armed individuals who killed civilians were not neighbours turning on one another, but people who came from surrounding areas after receiving phone calls from besieged members of Syrian general security. Related: They killed him in cold blood: the cycle of revenge in north-west Syria While the promise of justice remains far off, the indignities suffered by victims grow greater. Fadi* asked some relatives to check on his home after he fled to Lebanon to escape a massacre that killed 25 of his neighbours in the Alawite village of Arza, north Syria. When Fadis relatives knocked on the door, a family from the neighbouring village answered. The funniest thing is, they didnt just take my house. They were also wearing my clothes and my childrens clothes. Im not sure whether to laugh or cry, he said. * Names have been changed King Charles delivers the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa, Canada, on Tuesday, watched by the prime minister, Mark Carney. Photograph: Adrian Wyld/AP King Charles has said Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away as he gave a rare speech in the countrys parliament that served as a rebuke of the US president, Donald Trump, and his threats to annex the country. Charles, who serves as Canadas head of state, is the first monarch since 1957 to preside over the opening of a new Canadian parliament. In a speech attended by lawmakers, Indigenous leaders and dignitaries, Charles, on his 20th visit, praised a country he said he loved so much. The True North is indeed strong and free, he said a reference to both the Canadian national anthem and recent threats from Trump to make Canada the 51st state. The speech from the throne is typically given by the governor general and is meant to outline the governments plans for the next session. The speech is written by the prime ministers office in consultation with staff at the kings office. The king made no direct reference to Trump but his language was closely watched for implicit criticisms of the US president and his dramatic recasting of the US relationship with Canada. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect, said Charles, telling attenders, that by staying true to Canadian values, the country could build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians. The king alluded to efforts to ease tensions with the US. The prime minister and the president of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations. Sitting next to Queen Camilla, the king also alluded to the last time a monarch opened a new parliament nearly seven decades earlier, when his late mother visited Ottawa. Queen Elizabeth said during her 1957 speech that against the backdrop of international affairs, no nation could live unto itself. Charles said that he took great pride in the way in which Canada has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good. The symbolic visit came as Canadians remain uncertain of what role they want the monarchy to play in the future. In 2023, polling firm Ipsos polling found nearly 70% of Canadians said the royal family should not play a prominent role in Canadian society. But that figure has dropped to 56% in new polling released Tuesday, showing a warming towards the monarchy, in part due to a deteriorating relationship with the US. Related: Crown questions to fore as king visits Canada amid tensions with Trump Still, not every party in parliament supported the presence of Charles. The separatist Bloc Quebecois was absent as they typically are during the speech in protest of the address by a foreign king. To assert Canadas sovereignty, we seek the symbol of the fact that Canada has the King of England as its sovereign, said leader Yves-Francois Blanchet in the days leading up to the speech. There is a complete inconsistency which seems to reflect [prime minister Mark] Carneys personal sympathies rather than a relevant reading of Quebecs sensibility. Representatives of Inuit, Metis and First Nations peoples were present in the senate after welcoming the king to Ottawa on Monday. Indigenous leaders have described the visit as a meaningful reminder of the centuries-long bond between Canadas first inhabitants and the British crown the two signatories of the many treaties which created the foundations of what would later become Canada. The Kings visit is an opportunity to highlight the nation-to-nation relationship between First Nations and the Crown. We are allies with a sacred perpetual relationship that cannot be broken, Assembly of First Nations national Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said in a statement. The British Crown and First Nations are foundational to the creation of Canada. We also are distinct nations bound together by peace and friendship. Woodhouse Nepinak said Charles, as King of Canada, carries a responsibility to uphold the Treaties that protect our rights. The King has told Canadians their country is strong and free following Donald Trumps recent threats against it. The monarchs closing words at the State Opening of Parliament in Ottawa will be heard as a rallying cry for Canadas sovereignty. The issue is of central importance to the country after Mr Trump threatened to annex it, making it Americas 51st State. Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, previously said that Canada was not for sale, ever, and his government hoped that the Kings visit only the second time a monarch has opened parliament would send a message about sovereignty. The speech included what appeared to be more personal remarks from the King, ahead of reading out the traditional address which spells out the Canadian governments own priorities. He said the Crown stands proudly as a symbol of Canada, representing stability and continuity, and added that Canadians are coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope. The King added that the crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada, and said: It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism. He concluded: As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free. The King and Queen at the opening of the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada - Victoria Jones/AFP The formal part of the speech included an acknowledgement of the threats faced by the country from its nearest neighbour, and included a section on building new relationships with the United States and the world. The King read: The prime minister and the president of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations. A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognising that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians. The King delivered the speech partly in French, as is customary in Canada. He has also spoken to members of the public in French on walkabouts during the 24-hour visit to the country. The King accepted an invitation to open parliament shortly after the election of prime minister Mark Carney, who has joined him for engagements throughout. Mr Carney has previously said that Canadians were not impressed with the UKs very public flattering of Mr Trump, as Sir Keir Starmer gave him a letter from the King inviting him for a second state visit even as the US president threatened Canada. During the State Opening, one Canadian television host noted that if you wanted to one-up Mr Trump, this is how to do it. King Charles inspects the honor guard in front of the Senate building in Ottawa - Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press When the King and Queen walked through the foyer of the Senate ahead of the speech, some MPs sang God Save The King. As he spoke from the throne, with the Queen by his side, the King said: It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope. This is my twentieth visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and my first as Sovereign. As I have said before, every time I come to Canada a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart. I have always had the greatest admiration for Canadas unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians. The Kings voice was heard to break a little as he delivered a final few lines that urged parliamentarians forward in their duties, and referenced his late mothers visit in 1951 when she also delivered a speech from the throne. He said: May you honour the profound trust bestowed upon you by Canadians, and may God bless and guide you in all your duties. The King and Queen attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Hannah McKay/REUTERS The speech was delivered among the pomp and ceremony of the State Opening of Parliament. The Queen wore a navy blue embroidered dress by Fiona Clare and a hat by Philip Treacy. Her Canadian Rifles brooch represents her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment. The King and Queen arrived at the Senate building in the horse-drawn 1902 State Landau, with 14 horses and riders in front and 14 behind. A 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd battalion Royal Canadian Regiment performed the royal salute, and the King inspected the guard. In the entrance to the Senate chamber, the Usher of the Black Rod led a procession including the King, Queen, Canadian secretary to the King and prime minister. The second day of the royal visit also included a wreath-laying at the National War Memorial, after which the King and Queen flew home. 06:04 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following todays live blog. 05:47 PM BST In pictures: King lays wreath to commemorate fallen soldiers Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla stand at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as they attend a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa 05:38 PM BST King and Queen lay wreaths for fallen Canadian soldiers The King and Queen took part in a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial as their tour of Canada drew to a close. The royal couple and the gathered crowds observed a minutes silence, standing still as the murmur of distant voices was heard. Charles left a floral tribute at the tomb of the unknown soldier while Camilla placed a bouquet. The King acknowledged a royal salute from a guard of honour before four jets roared overhead in a fly-past from the Royal Canadian Air Force. Earlier after Charless address to open Canadas parliament he went on a brief walkabout with his wife, clutching the hands of well-wishers and sharing a few words of greeting in brilliant summer sunshine. 05:12 PM BST King and Queen greet well wishers standing outside parliament The King and Queen had warm exchanges with well wishers that had gathered outside the Ottawa parliament. Charles III laughed as he shared jokes with ordinary Canadians who had come to meet him and Camilla. 04:50 PM BST Pictured: King Charles addresses the Canadian parliament King Charles addresses the Canadian parliament 04:39 PM BST Analysis: Charles rose to the occasion The King has risen to the occasion. As Canadians hoped his royal visit would reinforce its sovereignty in the wake of threats from Donald Trump, so the King pitched his speech accordingly. The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada, he said, speaking from the throne in the Senate. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism. As the anthem reminds us, he said, The True North is indeed strong and free! The words, delivered by the King of Canada, were carefully chosen. Not enough to antagonise Mr Trump, they nevertheless underlined the point that the Canadian Prime Minister and government have been making. Canada is not for sale, ever, Mark Carney has said. The speech from the throne is a challenging one to deliver: most of it is reading out the governments priorities, just as it is done in the UK. The King chose to say the government rather than my government, making reference to the North American dispute in the governments own words. The Prime Minister and US President, he read, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations. The response from Canada is to come. But the King has done what he can to reassure the Canadian people of his support. As he walked through the foyer of the Senate, some MPs broke into an impromptu song: God Save the King. The visit has lasted less than 24 hours, but it will leave its mark. 04:20 PM BST King says Canada at critical moment in nod to Trump tariffs When my dear late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, opened a new Canadian Parliament in 1957, the Second World War remained a fresh, painful memory. The Cold War was intensifying. He went on: Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect. The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canadas relationships with partners are also changing. 04:16 PM BST The Crown represents stability King Charles has said the Crown represents stability for Canada. The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada, he said. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present, as it should. It stands proudly as a symbol of Canada. Today, in all her richness and dynamism. 04:07 PM BST Pictured: King on the throne Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada at the Senate 04:01 PM BST Not long to go now... The King is about to give a speech opening the Canadian parliament. Charles III, sat on a throne, is in an intimate conversation with prime minister of the country Mark Carney as the chamber awaits his speech. 03:37 PM BST Usherer of the Black Rod enters senate awaiting King J Greg Peters, Usher of the Black Rod, is led by a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in procession into the Senate Chamber before Britain's King Charles III delivers a speech 03:24 PM BST Pictured: Carney waves at crowds outside parliament Mark Carney waves as he awaits the arrival of Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Senate of Canada 03:19 PM BST King and Queen arrive at parliament Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla ride in a horse-drawn landau, accompanied by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers 03:13 PM BST King inspects Canadian regiments The King is now inspecting the Royal Canadian Regiment. God Save the King was sung as the King received the guard of honour to open parliament. The regiments were initially made-up of the early Scottish migrants who settled the country. King Charles inspects the honor guard as he arrives in front of the Senate building in Ottawa 03:07 PM BST Canadian honour guard prepares for inspection by the King A Canadian honour guard prepares for an inspection by Britains King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Ottawa, Canada - ANDREJ IVANOV/AFP 03:01 PM BST Pictured: Trudeau rocks Adidas trainers Quite the fashion statement from former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau. Rishi Sunak took flack for wearing white versions of a different model of the shoe when he met with Georgia Meloni, his Italian counterpart, in April 2024. Justin Trudeau's adidas trainers as he arrives ahead of an appearance by King Charles III and Queen Camilla 02:57 PM BST Man carrying Trump flag booed A man carrying a Trump flag was booed by well wishers that had gathered outside the Canadian parliament to greet the King and Queen. The flag was accompanied by the US and Canada flags. In a sign of the political significance of the visit, another poster said: Absolute power corrupt absolutely, a quote attributed to Victorian Liberal politician, Lord Acton. Screengrab from video of a Trump flag being waved outside Canadian parliament before King Charles' arrival 02:37 PM BST Pictured: Crowds await King People await the arrival of the King and Queen in Ottawa, Canada People await the arrival of Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla in Ottawa, Canada 02:18 PM BST Analysis: This is a major test for the monarchy On Tuesday, towards the end of a trip limited to just 24 hours on Canadian soil, the King will appear at the countrys senate to officially open its parliament. He will be there as King of Canada, head of state at a moment in history at which Canadian sovereignty is very publicly under threat. It will be, Canadian sources say, a test like no other. Delivering a speech that will knit together the Canadian governments priorities with some of his own words, all eyes will be on the King as he walks the unexpected diplomatic minefield of 2025. In doing so, he will answer the question of the monarchys relevance in Canada for a new generation: a chance to prove how having a King who lives so far away still benefits the national interest. 02:12 PM BST Catch-up: King and Queen told thank you for coming on first day of Canada visit Lets bring you up to speed with what happened yesterday: The King and Queen were told welcome home as they landed in Canada. Members of the public at their first engagement repeatedly told them thank you for coming and God Save the King in a warm welcome for Charles III on his first visit to the country as monarch. 02:05 PM BST Canadian MPs beginning to arrive Members of the Canadian Parliament are arriving at the Senate several hours before the arrival of the King and Queen. Here in the foyer, things are jovial. Men in suits call greetings to friends walking below their balcony and wave. Some wear clothing representing their First Nations heritage; one is in a cowboy hat. It is noticeably less formal than a UK State Opening of Parliament, although the pomp and ceremony will ramp up as the morning goes on. Here the Senate is small and modern, with two thrones ready at one end for the King and Queen to sit in. Crowds are building along the road outside and a step, bearing the Kings cypher, has been placed beside a curb ready for him to step out of the 1902 State Landau. Those allowed into the Senate Chamber for the Throne Ceremony have been given programmes outlining rules, including that there myst be no expressions of support or dissent during the Kings speech. Charles delivers a speech from the throne to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada - Victoria Jones/Getty If they were keeping score, it would be Canada 1, United States 0. The King today stood in the Canadian parliament to declare the country strong and free, following President Donald Trumps threat of annexation He said: The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism. As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free! King Charles inspects the honor guard as he arrives in front of the Senate building in Ottawa - Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press The strong and free line was met with a round of applause despite rules stating that parliamentarians should not react during the speech and he received a standing ovation at the end. It will be deeply pleasing to prime minister Mark Carney whose government wrote the speech and advised on even the Kings most personal-sounding words. Mr Carney has told Mr Trump publicly that his country is not for sale, ever. The Royal visit to Canada lasted just shy of 24 hours, but it made its mark. The priorities, say those organising, included meeting as many Canadian people as possible. The King and Queen who wore the diamond maple leaf brooch and the brooch of the Canadian Rifles, her regiment met representatives of local charities and went home with two bottles of maple syrup bought at a market. The Queen wore the diamond maple leaf brooch for the State Opening of Parliament - Chris Jackson/Pool/Shutterstock During their first engagement, a walkabout, they were met with thanks for coming and the clear message: Welcome home. There were the obligatory meetings with the governor general, indigenous leaders, and Mr Carney, who spent so much time with the royal party that he joked the King was always getting stuck with him. The final engagement was a wreath laying at the National War Memorial, the staple of every royal visit, before wheels up on the Canadian Royal Air Force jet and back to RAF Brize Norton. The King will take a few days off, and will likely reflect on a diplomatic challenge pulled off. Ahead of the visit, a palace source said: Hopefully he will be able to bring the wisdom, experience and personal relationships to bear, to smooth over any wrinkles without it being a provocation. That seems to have come to pass. King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at the Senate of Canada courtyard in Ottawa - ANDREJ IVANOV/AFP Mr Carney will be delighted to have conveyed his Canada Strong message via the monarch. The press reports afterwards ranged from calling it an expression of love for Canada, to a warning shot to Mr Trump and a masterclass. It is subtle enough that the UK government and palace can steer away from accusations that it was a direct rebuke to US rhetoric. But the message was unmistakable. The King of Canada has reminded the world that it is, indeed, not for sale. Watch: Four children among injured after car ploughs into Liverpool parade crowd, officials say Police have been given more time to question the driver accused of ploughing into a crowd during Liverpool's Premier League victory parade on Monday. More than 50 people including four children were injured after the "horror" incident on Water Street in the city on bank holiday Monday evening. On Tuesday, Merseyside Police confirmed in a press conference that a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs. In a statement on Wednesday, Merseyside Police said they have been given until Thursday to continue questioning the suspect. The force said: A 53-year-old man from West Derby, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs, remains in police custody. The investigation team have today been granted further time to continue questioning him in police custody, which will remain in place until tomorrow. The force also updated the total number of people injured to 79 including four children after the "horror" incident on Water Street in the city on bank holiday Monday evening. Cards and flowers have been left at the scene on Water Street, which has now reopened. (PA) (Peter Byrne, PA Images) Water Street has now reopened, with cars passing by flowers left at the scene. Online footage of the incident appeared to show the vehicle speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street, which was filled with Liverpool fans. Officers surrounded the car while fans tried to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police. Footage obtained by the BBC shows officers pulling the driver into the rear of the car as others hold back members of the crowd who were attempting to reach him. The footage also shows officers attempt to free a person who was trapped underneath the car. Home secretary Yvette Cooper visited the site of the crash late on Tuesday afternoon, also meeting first responders to thank them for their swift response to the incident. How serious were the injuries? Police on Wednesday confirmed that that 79 people had been injured, with 50 requiring hospital treatment. Seven people remain in hospital, with police reporting "they are all in a stable condition and appear to be recovering well". Two of those taken to hospital, including one child, suffered serious injuries. Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, said four people who were trapped under the car, including a child, were rescued by firefighters. Police tents surrounded by debris at the scene in Water Street in Liverpool city centre on Tuesday. (PA) (Peter Byrne, PA Images) Police and emergency services on Water Street, Liverpool, on Monday evening. (PA) (Danny Lawson, PA Images) The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said on Tuesday: Scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation, and my thoughts and the thoughts of the whole country are with all of those that are affected, those injured, which of course includes children, their families, their friends, the whole community, Liverpool fans everywhere. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool." Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: It is sickening to hear how many children are among the injured. Those who target joyful celebrations and our happiest moments, who care not for the welfare of little children are beneath contempt." Why was the car on the parade route? The car ploughed into fans on Water Street, close to the city's famous Liver Building, just after 6pm. There were more than 500,000 Liverpool fans on the streets celebrating their Premier League success, and the team's bus passed by Water Street, where it meets George's Dock Gates, at 5.41pm, about 20 minutes before the car ploughed into fans. Questions have been asked about how a car was able to find its way into a closed street filled with fans. Liverpool's players celebrate on an open-top bus earlier on Monday. (Alamy) (Actionplus, Action Plus Sports Images) Rotheram initially said that "detailed work" is ongoing to determine how the vehicle was on the street. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: The question, lets be honest, that everybodys sort of, its in the forefront of their minds is why did a car end up in Water Street and thats for the police now to conclude their investigations, well find out the reason why it was there. Police later said they believed the car had tailgated an ambulance through a roadblock. The emergency vehicle had been attending someone who had a suspected heart attack in the crowd. Eyewitness Les Winsper, 55, told The Guardian: People started banging on the (car) windows. Then they smashed the windows and he panicked and put his foot down. He then hit someone and that person has gone in the air and hes ploughed through the rest of them. Ive never seen anything like it. Mike Maddra told PA Media the car turned left, mounted pavement, come towards us and runs towards the buildings. He said: We got out the way and it was speeding up." He said he thought he saw two people being hit and added: "It looked deliberate. Video on social media showed angry fans surrounding the vehicle as it came to a stop and smashing its windows. The car ploughed into Liverpool fans during the Premier League victory parade. (PA) (PA) Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, said you could hear the bumps as the driver rammed spectators. He said the crowds began trying to smash the car windows, causing the driver to stall for about 10 seconds, before putting his foot down again and hitting more people. "This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us," he said. It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car. Jack Trotter, a Liverpool fan from Newtownards in Northern Ireland, has been released from hospital after being hit by the car on Water Street. He posted on Facebook that he suffered leg and back injuries and had been "in agony". Off-duty BBC reporter Dan Ogunshakin said he saw people hitting the car before it reversed and then it suddenly accelerated forwards, straight towards the surrounding crowd. What do we know about the driver? Merseyside Police said they had arrested a 53-year-old man, who is white and British and from the Liverpool area, on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested. We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle." She said the force believes this was "an isolated incident" and that they are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to what happened. Sims said the incident is "not currently being treated as terrorism". Police filled information void quickly Police were noticeably more open in sharing information with the public in the immediate aftermath of the incident. This followed criticism about the lack of information released by Merseyside Police after the Southport knife attacks last July, as well as how the disappearance of Nicola Bulley in January 2023 was handled by Lancashire Constabulary. One of Merseyside Police's former inspectors, Peter Williams, a senior lecturer in policing at Liverpool John Moores University, said the force had adopted a "complete step change" in how it shares information. Police and emergency at the scene on Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool after the incident on Monday. (PA) (Danny Lawson, PA Images) He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday: It has been a shift, because, particularly in relation to the aftermath of Southport... there was a lot of criticism focused at Merseyside Police and of course the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service], in relation to how the management of information was sort of dealt with. But also, if listeners cast their mind back further, is the investigation into Nicola Bulley as how the management of the information was responded to on that occasion. That led to a College of Policing inquiry. An inflatable field tent at the scene in Water Street in Liverpool after a car ploughed into a crowd of people. (PA) (Peter Byrne, PA Images) He said: It was no surprise to me last night that within an hour or so, we got a statement to say what had happened and that somebody, a male, had been detained. Later on, there was a press conference led by the Assistant Chief Constable, where she shared a lot more information. "Theres been a complete step change in how the police will be communicating what has occurred with the public. Former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu told BBC Radio 5 Live it was "unprecedented" that Merseyside Police gave out so much information about the suspect. He said: "Ive never known a case like this before where theyve given the ethnicity and the race of the individual who was involved in it. The area around Water Street in Liverpool was cordoned off on Tuesday. (AP Photo) (Jon Super, Associated Press) "Its remarkably striking because police will not release that kind of information because theyll be worried about prejudicing any future trial, but I think they have to balance that against the potential of public disorder." Asked if he would like to see similar details released by police forces in the future in similar cases, Starmer said: That is a matter for the police and the investigation is ongoing so I think we need to leave that to them." Click below to see the latest North West headlines A British police officer stands guard on the beach of Dungeness - Ben Stansall/AFP The Government is bound to be pleased with the new net migration statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Numbers have fallen by around 40 per cent, to 431,000 last year. After the media firestorm over his island of strangers speech, Keir Starmer might well feel that hes fulfilled his promise to finally take back control of the borders. That would be premature, however. Net migration at that level is still a six-figure increase on the levels before the 2016 Brexit referendum, which was viewed as intolerable then. At this rate, Britain is still receiving the equivalent of the population of Bristol every year and would have added an extra 2 million people by 2029. The gross, as opposed to net, figure shows that nearly 1 million immigrants have arrived in the last recorded year. If the Prime Minister really thinks that mass immigration caused incalculable damage to Britain, then he must think that it is still unacceptably high. The population of foreign-born people in Britain is at a record high of 11.4 million, with Karl Williams of the Centre For Policy Studies pointing out that a staggering 1 in 25 of people in Britain arrived here in the last four years. The number of immigrants granted indefinite leave to remain has increased, meaning that the share of the population with foreign origins will grow. That is a historically unprecedented demographic shift, which is already reshaping the country culturally. With immigration flows that high, integration will also prove difficult, if not impossible. In addition, with the number of new houses built only enough for around half of the new arrivals, the cost of housing will continue to increase. In truth, this reduction is largely a result of restrictions brought in by Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick in the dying days of the last Conservative government. Although there have been more restrictions floated by the current Labour Government in their Immigration White Paper, these have yet to be enacted, and probably wont be for months to come. Plans for a Youth Mobility Visa with the EU, especially if it allows dependents, could easily see numbers begin to creep back up. The Prime Minister therefore needs to bring in greater restrictions soon. He can take heart that these dramatic reductions were the result of sensible restrictions on some dependents and an increase in the skilled visa salary requirement. With the new ONS figures showing that 81,000 came here on work visas but were outnumbered by their 132,000 dependents, as well as large numbers coming on family visas or student visas, further restrictions could lower numbers without affecting how many workers come.Indeed, despite the predictions of critics, the large drop in net migration hasnt produced the economic problems they foretold. Greater restrictions will also be necessary because the net migration figures for prior years are often subsequently revised upwards. In 2023 net migration turned out to be 22 per cent higher and in 2022 it was 44 per cent higher than initially calculated. If that proves to be the case again, then the Prime Ministers promise to reduce immigration significantly will end up looking very hollow. 28 May 2025 at 0:57 am Liverpool crash victim pleaded with driver to stop before car smashed into him A Liverpool fan run down at the clubs victory parade has described how he locked eyes with the driver and pleaded for him to stop moments before the car ploughed into him. Jack Trotter, 22, was enjoying celebrating his teams success when he found himself face to face with the Ford Galaxy on Water Street in the city centre on Monday. The stricken Northern Irishman was helped by fellow fans and locals into a nearby pub until emergency services arrived to take him to hospital. Photos of the father-of-one being carried by two firemen while wearing a Liverpool scarf were on the front pages of several national papers on Tuesday. More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals (Owen Humphreys/PA) Mr Trotter, from Newtownards, County Down, escaped without serious injury and has been discharged from hospital, but fears he could be left with walking problems for weeks. He had made the trip to Liverpool with his girlfriend, Abbie Gallagher, 22, who screamed out in terror when she saw the car coming towards him. Abbie was a few feet ahead of me, and I was just taking videos singing with Liverpool fans Id never even met before, Mr Trotter told the PA news agency. Then I just heard her screaming my name, I put my phone down and by then I was face to face with the car. He had slowed down. And then I put my hands up and pleaded for him to stop, and he wasnt stopping. Then he clipped me. Mr Trotter said the incident was very quick. I did lock eyes with him, he continued. People were hitting his car, shouting at him. Everything was very dark. Everything was very blurry. He had ran through me by the time I could get a good look at him. When the car had hit me, the adrenaline kicked in, and I didnt really, obviously feel anything. And then once I found my partner, the adrenaline wore off, and then I just collapsed on the wall and said Abbie, thats me, Im gone. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper during a visit to the scene (Peter Byrne/PA) Mr Trotter said bystanders helped him away from the scene before firemen took him to an ambulance. The moment was captured by nearby photographers. We were approached by a few Liverpool men, and then by a bouncer of a pub, he said. She had brought us in, cleared everyone, even though the pub was still full, got a seat for me and and then she went and got the emergency services. Asked about his injuries, he said: My legs arent broken, which is good. Its just my left leg where it was hit is just a good bit tender. My backs got slipped disks. I just recovered from a back injury Its just brought it back, but 10 times worse. Mr Trotter and his girlfriend are due to fly home on Wednesday, but he said he was unsure how if he would be able to travel in his condition. Were going to have to get on with easyJet, to find a way for me to access the plane. Im not going to be able to walk up steps anytime soon. Describing his memories of the traumatic incident, he said: Its going to impact me for a lot of reasons. Im just thinking, was it actually even real? Was it, you know, a dream? We are still here. However, the worst could have happened. More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals and 11 people remained there in a stable condition, police said in an update on Tuesday. The 53-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving. A driver who allegedly ploughed into a crowd at Liverpools victory parade has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving. Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the force believe the car which struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block was temporarily lifted. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said there were a total of 65 confirmed casualties following the incident on Water Street in the city centre on Monday More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals and 11 people remained there on Tuesday in a stable condition Ms Sims said: It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the road block was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a heart attack. She added: There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place. Ms Sims defended the policing operation during the parade, telling reporters that the force planned for all contingencies including road closures and an armed police presence. It followed the citys metro mayor Steve Rotherams comments that the vehicle should not have been on the street and that questions about how the car was able to enter the road were legitimate. Providing an update on the investigation, Ms Jaundrill said the suspect, from the West Derby area of Liverpool, remains in custody and is being interviewed by officers. The senior officer said the force received help from neighbouring forces due to the number of victims. Messages of support have been sent to the people of Liverpool since the incident, including from the King who said: I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need. The Prince and Princess of Wales also said they were deeply saddened by the parade crash, adding: What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy. Speaking at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said the incident showed the two faces of life. The most beautiful face for a long, long time: the parade was incredible, the mood was incredible and from one second to another everything changed and we learned again there are more serious things in the world than football, he said. Thoughts and prayers go to the injured people and their families as well. It should have been one of the greatest days in the history of the city, after a long, long time, because we didnt have the opportunity to do it last time. I dont know how and why it happened but we know what happened and thats very bad. Videos on social media appeared to show people in the crowd attempting to get close to the driver in the lead up to the incident with one managing to open the drivers car door. The driver can then be seen closing the door before accelerating into crowds on both sides of the street. Members of the public also filmed the aftermath of the incident, with some kicking the vehicle and smashing the back window after attempting to chase the car down. A large number of police officers could then be seen guarding the vehicle moments after the collision. The Princess Royal visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, where medical staff spoke of how they were very, very fortunate that there were no more injuries. Divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree University Hospital Marc Lucky also told Anne that an alert had been put out for staff to come in following the incident. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited the cordon of the incident along with the Liverpool Mayor on Tuesday afternoon. Lord Mandelson speaks at the Atlantic Council in Washington DC on Tuesday Lord Mandelson has attacked the fetish for ditching EU rules that work in Britains interests, during a speech in Washington DC. Lord Mandelson, Britains ambassador to the United States, sought to reassure critics who were concerned Sir Keir Starmers reset deal with the bloc would drag Britain back into the EU. He said: I mean, why make a fetish of dis-alignment when we know that its in the interests of our business and traders to pursue and to follow those rules and standards. Speaking at an event in Washington on Tuesday, the Labour peer suggested it was Britains job to be of huge usefulness to both allies. We are European I think the job of Britain is to be of huge usefulness, both to the United States and the European Union, he told a crowd gathered at the Atlantic Council. Were not in the European Union anymore, and were not going to go back for the foreseeable future, certainly. But we are European, a European country. We left the European Union with a pretty miserable deal, frankly, unfair to us, not particularly favourable in the long term to the EU. The Prime Minister unveiled the agreement in London last week, insisting it was a win-win for Britain that would deliver a 9 billion boost to the economy. Credit: Reuters But critics seized on clauses in the deal which give European fishermen access to the UKs coastal waters until 2038 and allow Brussels to impose sanctions on British exports if any future government decides to rewrite the deal. Officials in Washington have warned the Prime Minister against aligning the UK too closely with the EU at the expense of his relationship with Donald Trump, a Eurosceptic But like the Prime Minister has said, we see absolutely nothing inconsistent with or at odds between our relationship in Europe and our relationship with the US, Lord Mandelson added. The agreement will also force Britain to follow EU rules on food standards and submit to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, which could become a point of contention for the White House. Under the US trade deal, British ministers explicitly ruled out accepting controversial products like chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef, much to Mr Trumps dismay. The biggest concession that Sir Keir offered Mr Trump was to slash tariffs on US beef imports from up to 20pc to zero. At the same time, Britain also slashed the tariff on imported ethanol. Lord Mandelson with Donald Trump in the Oval Office during the announcement of the US-UK trade deal on May 8 - Anna Moneymaker/2025 Getty Images Theres no point in dis-aligning ourselves from European Union rules and standards where we are operating in Britain, those rules and standards in order to export into the European single market, Lord Mandelson added. Meanwhile, Lord Mandelson said Nato needed a real reinvention amid fears that the United States could pull its troops from Europe when leaders meet next month. Mr Trump has repeatedly criticised Nato countries for not meeting the current two per cent spending goal, arguing that the disparity puts an unfair burden on the United States. In turn, the administration is said to be redrawing Nato engagement in a way that favours member countries with higher defence spending. Nato doesnt just need a reset. It doesnt just need a tweak or a rebalance or an adjustment in its cost bearing burden, Lord Mandelson added. It needs a real reinvention for the 21st Century, and thats what I hope that the Hague summit will trigger to open up a lot of collaboration between us in the years to come. Lord Mandelson, who has faced criticism for his alleged links to the Chinese Communist Party, said the US and Britain must combine forces to stop Chinas technological advancement. There is nothing in this world I fear more than China winning the race for technological dominance in the coming decades, China represents a far more dynamic and formidable strategic rival than the Soviet Union ever was. The United Kingdom and United States are the only two Western nations with trillion dollar technology ecosystems combined with unparalleled talent and research capabilities in our universities and corporations. We must combine forces, in my view, to drive the scientific breakthroughs that will define this century. French president Emmanuel Macron has rebuked crackpot theories surrounding his marriage - Ludovic Marin/Getty Emmanuel Macrons communications team is in disarray over the Brigitte shove, with splits reportedly emerging on how to handle the furore over viral footage of Frances first couple in an apparent marital dispute in Vietnam. The video in question showed Mrs Macron raising her hand and pushing her husbands face moments before they stepped off their presidential jet to be greeted by delegates in Hanoi on Sunday evening. With online reaction snowballing, the Elysee initially suggested that it was fake, AI-generated footage. In a sharp reversal, it later admitted that the images were real, but that claims Frances first couple were having some kind of dispute were wide of the mark. It was a moment when the president and his wife were relaxing one last time before the start of the trip by having a laugh. It was a moment of closeness, said an Elysee aide. The panicked reaction and U-turn reflected simmering tensions within the Elysees communications unit, according to state radio channel France Info. One Macron ally told the channel that the Elysee ballsed up by first talking about fake images. Credit: Reuters Another insisted that they had to act quickly: When they dont, it turns into the conspiracy theory sphere, were in a world where theres a need for clarity so as not to let crazy stuff flourish. France Info said Elysee spin doctors were struggling to set the right tone. On its social networks, the Elysee almost presents itself as a news fact-checking unit, issuing one denial after another, it said. Philippe Guibert, a commentator on Europe1 radio, said that whatever really happened behind the scenes, the reaction smacked of a very, very poor communication exercise. The best thing would have been to say nothing and wait for it to die down because its ridiculous compared to current world events. Fellow commentator Jean-Claude Dassier also bemoaned a catastrophic PR reaction over what for him was clearly a row but not an affair of state. Why havent we heard from Brigitte? For once, it would have been useful to have her plain and simple explanation. Paris Match, the weekly glossy magazine, leapt to the Macrons aid with a fawning photo story showing Frances first couple looking radiant and entitled: Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron forget the row and get their smile back at a state dinner in Vietnam. Their faces betrayed nothing of the controversy raging in the French media and on social networks, it wrote. Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron were all smiles and relaxed as they attended the state dinner hosted by Vietnamese president Luong Cuong and his wife Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet on Monday evening as part of the couples official visit to the country. On Tuesday, the couple was seen arm in arm as the president arrived at Hanois University of Science and Technology to deliver a speech. Mr Macron insists he and his wife were joking - Nhac Nguyen/Getty On Monday night, Mr Macron blasted crackpot conspiracy theorists for seeking to intensify speculation around the state of his marriage. He pointed out that he had recently been falsely accused of taking cocaine with Sir Keir Starmer and Germanys chancellor Friedrich Merz, and of having a physical altercation with Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who held onto his finger. My wife and I were squabbling, we were rather joking, and I was taken by surprise, Mr Macron told reporters. Now it has become a kind of planetary catastrophe, and some are even coming up with theories, he added. For three weeks, there have been people who have watched videos and who think that I shared a bag of cocaine, that I had a mano-a-mano with a Turkish president and now that I am having a domestic dispute with my wife. In these three videos, I took a tissue, shook someones hand and just joked with my wife, as we do quite often. Nothing more, he went on. None of this is true so everyone needs to calm down. Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova, Russias foreign ministry spokeswoman, who had actively promoted the cocaine disinformation earlier this month, wrote on Telegram that Mr Macron had received a right hook from his wife. She said Mr Macrons advisers would try to explain away the gesture by blaming Russia. She quipped: Maybe it was the hand of the Kremlin? Mr Macrons visit to Vietnam, the first by a French president in almost a decade, comes as he aims to boost Frances influence in south-east Asia and position the country as a third way between the US and China. A man has denied 11 counts of breaching a restraining order by contacting former James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. Daniel Wilson, 36, was prohibited from contacting Broccoli by the order that was put in place at Isleworth Crown Court on July 3 2017. Wilson, of Mostyn Road, Lambeth, appeared on video link and pleaded not guilty to each charge at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday. Barbara Broccoli with her CBE medal for services to film and drama (Victoria Jones/PA) Broccoli, 64, and Michael G Wilson, 83, produced the James Bond franchise after the death of Albert Cubby Broccoli until it was announced in February this year that Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control. It is alleged that Wilson acted in breach of the restraining order by attempting to contact Broccoli without reasonable excuse on 11 dates between April 2022 and April last year. The court heard Wilson, who wore glasses and a patterned jacket during the hearing, is currently staying in hospital. Bail conditions had been put in place at an earlier hearing and Judge Sally-Ann Hales KC ordered that they will continue. She told Wilson he cannot be in possession of any device that can access the internet or contact Broccoli directly or indirectly. He must also live and sleep each night in a location directed by the NHS, she said. Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson (Ian West/PA) His trial was set for July 19 2027 and Judge Hales added: Im afraid that is the earliest date that the court can accommodate. She granted that Broccoli can give evidence behind screens given the a nature of the allegations. Wilson is charged with acting in breach of the restraining order on April 1, April 19, May 19, May 25, June 30 and July 6 2022. He is also accused of doing so on March 10, April 12, April 17, April 20 and April 22 2024. The 007 franchise had been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first 007 movie Dr No in 1962. Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson produced the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Spectre and No Time To Die. They have been honoured with CBEs, and won the outstanding British film Bafta for 2012s Skyfall along with director Sir Sam Mendes. Amazon gained creative control of the British spy franchise following a deal which saw Eon Productions, run by Wilson and Broccoli, become co-owners with Amazon MGM Studios. Manchester United have been granted permission by Wolves to finalise a deal to sign Matheus Cunha, the PA news agency understands. The 26-year-old has been a key target for the Red Devils as Ruben Amorim looks to reshape the team on the back of the clubs worst season in 51 years. United had sought to negotiate with Wolves over the terms of Cunhas deal but have now met the Brazil internationals 62.5million release clause and been given permission to start a medical. Matheus Cunha could soon be departing Molineux (Nick Potts/PA) The forward thanked Wolves fans after the best season of his life in an Instagram post, having scored 17 times in all competitions and equalled the record for the most goals by a Brazilian in a Premier League campaign with 15. Cunha celebrated turned 26 on Tuesday, when his birthday will have been made all the sweeter by that evenings development. It will be welcome news to United boss Amorim when he wakes up in Kuala Lumpur, where the club play a friendly on Wednesday before playing another game in Hong Kong two days later as part of a money-spinning post-season tour. Brentfords Bryan Mbeumo and Ipswich striker Liam Delap are among other players of interest to United, but business has been made harder by the fact they failed to qualify for the Champions League, worth an estimated 100million. Manchester United are trying to get their hands on Liam Delap (Bradley Collyer/PA) Amorim said in Malaysia on Tuesday: Omar (Berrada, chief executive) can explain (the ramifications) better than me, but I think we always prepared two plans one with Champions League, one without Champions League. Without Champions League, we also dont need a big squad. We can control the squad in a better way. Then we have a plan that is to bring some new players, of course, but our big plan is to improve the team that we have, its to improve our academy because I think that is the future. It was the past, so it can be the future. Its not going to change so much because we have the fair play financial rules. We are not allowed to do much in this summer, even with Champions League, so we are prepared for that. "It is our duty to be here." Ruben wants to give back to our fans all over the world #MUFC || #MUTOUR25 Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 27, 2025 Important thing is to stick together, like I said on Sunday. We are going to struggle, its not going to be everything right away, but I have the feeling and I see the team improving, so that is the most important thing. As United look to make summer improvements within their financial restrictions, Amorim stressed the importance of keeping key building block Bruno Fernandes. The 30-year-old was a rare shining light in Uniteds worst league season since suffering relegation in 1973-74, which was compounded by last weeks Europa League final loss to fellow strugglers Tottenham. Fernandes admitted the club could end up cashing in on him after that loss cost them Champions League football, with Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia keen to sign the Portugal international. Bruno Fernandes is reportedly a wanted man (Martin Rickett/PA) You can see by the performance, you can see by the leadership, the passion that he has for the game, so hes really important, Amorim said. You could see that in the last game (Sundays 2-0 win against Aston Villa). I felt that the team was without pressure and they performed quite well, everybody wants the ball. But we had some difficult moments and in those difficult moments you can see that Bruno is the guy that takes that responsibility. He should be because hes the captain, hes experienced, so hes really important for us, and really important for what we want to build with this team. Grant Hardin was serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape - Arkansas Department of Corrections Communications Department Officers are hunting a former police chief and convicted killer and rapist nicknamed Devil in the Ozarks who escaped from prison over the weekend. Grant Hardin, the former police chief in the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border, was serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape. On Sunday, Hardin escaped from the North Central Unit a prison also known as the Calico Rock prison by disguising himself and wearing a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement, state prison officials said in a statement. That was not a standard inmate uniform, not a standard correctional uniform, said Rand Champion, a spokesman for the Arkansas department of corrections. Authorities are using dogs, drones and helicopters to search for the escapee, Mr Champion added. Everything weve got, were using, he said. Grant Hardin dressed to mimic a law enforcement officer to escape prison - Stone County, Arkansas Sheriffs Office Mr Champion said the search area has been widened the longer Hardin has been missing, although could not provide further details. He said: Where this facility is located, the topography does provide challenges, he said. At the same time, it kind of limits where he is able to get. Its called Calico Rock for a reason, because its very rocky. Complicating the search effort is the heavy rain thats fallen in recent days in the area, he said. You take that rain and combine it with the terrain, and it makes for a tough situation. Izard County Sheriff Charley Melton urged local residents to lock their homes and cars and call 911 if they notice anything suspicious. Other sheriffs also issued similar warnings about Hardin, who was the focus of a 2023 documentary, Devil in the Ozarks. Cheryl Tillman, whose brother James Appleton was killed by Hardin in 2017, said she and other relatives are alarmed by Hardins escape since they were witnesses in his court proceedings. Authorities are using dogs, drones and helicopters to find Hardin - NBC News We were there at his trial when all that went down, and he seen us there, he knows, she said, adding: Hes just an evil man. He is no good for society. Hardin pleaded guilty in October 2017 to first-degree murder for fatally shooting Appleton, who was 59. Appleton worked for the Gateway water department when he was shot in the head on Feb 23 2017, near Garfield. Police found Appletons body inside a car. Investigators at the time did not release a motive for the killing and Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He is also serving 50 years in prison for the 1997 rape of an elementary school teacher in Rogers north of Fayetteville. Hardin had been held in the Calico Rock prison since 2017. Matthew Goode has said he was told dont read the crime novel series Department Q before taking on a Netflix show based on the books. The British actor, 47, known for fantasy show A Discovery Of Witches, and thriller Stoker, is playing a new version of Carl Morck, who was created by the Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen. In the adaptation of the Nordic noir novels, the action moves from Copenhagen to the Scottish capital Edinburgh, and is directed and written by multiaward-winning Scott Frank, known for Netflix series The Queens Gambit and superhero film Logan. Carl is a former top-rated detective, who is full of guilt after his partner is paralysed and another policeman dies in an attack, before being given a cold case. At a special screening of Netflixs Dept. Q at the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, central London on Tuesday, Goode told the PA news agency that Frank really freed me up having it based in Scotland, rather than Denmark. He added: I dont think (making it in Denmark) would have fit this particularly well, it worked for (Swedish noir) Wallander (with Sir Kenneth Branagh). He (Scott) said to me, dont read the novels, because he also made me English, which made him (Carl) an outsider, and so I was able to develop with Scott a really brilliant sort of socio-political, economic, sort of history of what we thought this English version of Morck would be. Goode, who previously worked with Frank on crime show The Lookout, said the creator and executive producer of the new show treats the audience like they are as intelligent as he is, which is staggeringly intelligent. He added: Its a very taut, very dark, brilliant crime thriller with also a lot of levity. Its also very amusing, and one of Scotts pet hates is any kind of sentimentality. So its a slow burn, but it unfurls itself beautifully. Adler-Olsens books about a cold case unit have been previously adapted into films including the 2010 Danish movies The Keeper Of Lost Causes, A Conspiracy Of Faith and The Absent One. Leah Byrne, Matthew Goode, Scott Frank and Alexej Manvelov (Ian West/PA) When asked about the Netflix experience compared with the ones that have come before, the author said the previous movies were terrible, terrible in so many ways. He said: Its all about screenwriting. Its all about manuscripts, and the manuscripts of the former films were like amateurs. So now we have the best writer in the world, that makes a difference so thats why I wasnt that happy about (it before). Adler-Olsen also said he was looking forward to seeing how the show changes, after moving to Edinburgh. Speaking about what he had seen so far, the author said: Im astonished how in the world is the story turning this way, I cant believe it. The cast also includes Scottish stars Shirley Henderson, known for playing Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films and being in Bridget Joness Diary, Mark Bonnar, who has been in detective shows Guilt and Shetland, as well as Swedish actor Alexej Manvelov. Dept. Q comes to Netflix on Thursday. Naturalist Chris Packham says the labelling system for sea bass and sea bream used in Britains supermarkets makes ethical choices impossible for consumers. Photograph: Ian Davidson/Alamy Naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham has condemned British supermarkets for a dereliction of duty over food labelling and sourcing, as a joint investigation by the Guardian and environmental website DeSmog reveals that the retailers are selling fish from farms that import large quantities of fishmeal from Africa. Factories in Senegal grind down small, edible fish into meal that is then sold on to fish farms in Turkey, fuelling unemployment and food insecurity in the African country. The two-year investigation into the supply chain behind sea bass and sea bream on sale in UK supermarket fridges found that Turkish seafood giant, Klc Deniz, or its subsidiary Agromey, has supplied sea bass or sea bream to Waitrose, Co-op, Aldi, Lidl and Asda over the past four years, and that the farms use fishmeal from three factories in Senegal. The bass and bream, grown on farms in Turkey owned by Klc or Agromey, are labelled responsibly sourced or farmed, based on certification from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and other standards bodies. Packham, who is a vegan, said: If you do eat fish, how do you make an ethical choice in a supermarket aisle if food labelling is so appalling that youre incapable of doing so? This is robbing consumers of their right, in a climate and biodiversity crisis, to use the most powerful form of protest, which is economic protest. Until [supermarkets] accept their corporate responsibility to allow us to make ethical choices in those aisles, they are in dereliction of their duty. The complex supply chain also revealed that the retailers were supplied by two UK wholesalers, New England Seafood International and Ocean Fish, who used Kilic and Agromey. These two wholesalers have also sold sea bass or sea bream to Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsburys and Tesco, the investigation found. The investigation was unable to establish whether that fish came to the wholesalers from Klc or another fish farm, but M&S told the Guardian after publication that it had never sourced from Klc nor ever used fish from Senegal as feed for sea bass or sea bream. A senior figure at Greenpeace Africa said the investigation revealed an ecological colonialism, in which British retailers are complicit, by depriving west Africans of essential protein. Dr Aliou Ba, oceans campaign lead at Greenpeace Africa, said: This highlights our fundamentally broken food system, in which the fish that should be feeding people in Senegal and west Africa is being turned into fishmeal for farmed fish to feed European consumption. This is modern-day ecological colonialism, stealing food from peoples plates to fuel our unjust global food system. When certification systems allow this practice, they fail in their most fundamental objective. Retailers must stop being complicit in this exploitative system, which prioritises profits over the fundamental right to food security. Campaigner and founder of the Green Britain Foundation, Dale Vince, claimed that the British public were being sold a fairy story of responsible sourcing and said that accreditation or assurance schemes were clearly not enough. When presented with the findings of the investigation, Waitrose, Lidl, Tesco and Sainsburys declined to comment, referring the Guardian to a statement from Sophie De Salis, sustainability policy adviser at the British Retail Council: UK retailers are dedicated to sourcing seafood products responsibly. Our members regularly review fishing practices in their supply chains to ensure they meet the highest standards. De Salis added: Retailers adhere to all legal requirements around product labelling. They ensure high standards are upheld throughout their supply chains through third-party certified verification. Morrisons, Aldi and M&S all said they do not currently source from Klc or Agromey farms but declined to say whether they had in the past. Aldi also said that, since last year, it no longer sources from the wholesalers mentioned in the investigation. The Guardian understands the Co-op sells about six tonnes of sea bass farmed by Klc annually. Asda did not respond to requests for comment. Related: Chris Packham calls for halt to catastrophic expansion of Scottish salmon farms Klc said it was not in breach of ASC standards. It was not breaking any laws by buying raw materials from Senegal, it said, and added we do not manage the fishing policies of countries like Senegal. Acknowledging concerns in world public opinion, it continued: We think we can limit our purchases from Senegal. Senegalese fish oil and fishmeal makes up less than 1% of its total purchases, it said, and added that the fish used were not caught for human consumption. The ASC said that Senegal was not listed as a sourcing country in 2024 for whole fish marine ingredients by Klc. But in any case, sourcing of this fish may not breach its rules, it said, if these fish are mixed into feed. These fish can be mixed into feed as long as the balance of ingredients meets its standards. This article was amended on 27 May 2025 to add the bylines of Hazel Healy and Brigitte Wear. The Roaring Lion photo of Sir Winston Churchill is one of the 20th centurys most famous pictures - Alamy Stock Photo A thief who stole a photograph of Sir Winston Churchill was told he had breached the trust of the nation as he was sentenced to just shy of two years in jail for one of the most brazen art heists in Canadian history. Jeffrey Ian James Wood, a 44-year-old small-time art collector, removed the famed Roaring Lion print of Britains wartime leader from Ottawas Fairmont Chateau hotel in January 2022. The 20 x 24 inch portrait of Sir Winston outside Canadas House of Commons, taken by Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh in 1941, features on 5 banknotes and is estimated to be worth millions of pounds. The theft was not discovered until months later, as Wood had replaced the original with a fake. Italian police recovered the picture from Nicola Cassinelli, a lawyer who became unwittingly embroiled in the scandal after purchasing it in 2022 - Nicola Cassinelli After a two-year international search, the original print was discovered in the possession of a private buyer in Genoa, Italy, who bought it for 4,200 believing it was a signed copy. The picture had been taken to Europe and sold at Sothebys, the British fine art broker which was not aware it was stolen. Wood, a failed philosophy student who struggled to keep steady employment, made approximately 2,700 from the theft. He had hatched the plot in December 2021 to try and financially support his brother, who he says was debilitated with mental health problems. Wood told the court: I had never in 40 years gone to bed or woken up considering committing a crime. I never even had a speeding ticket and some day in the first 10 days of December 2021... I knew that I had to intervene in a meaningful way and I had an obstacle. That obstacle was money. Ninety minutes after he sold the painting, his brother was found dead in a bathtub, Wood told the court. Wood described lying in bed at night racked by guilt and formulating and reformulating apologies to Karshs family. Justice Robert Wadden said Wood had breached the nations trust and that the print was irreplaceable. It is a point of national pride that a portrait taken by a Canadian photographer would have achieved such fame. There is an element of trust in our society that allows such properties to be displayed, to be enjoyed by all Canadians. To steal, damage and traffic in such property is to breach that trust, he added. Lawrence Greenspon, Woods defence lawyer, told reporters outside the courthouse that he would be launching an appeal within 10 days. He said: It was an unnecessarily harsh sentence. Given that hes a first-time offender, its a property crime and he pleaded guilty. The photo was taken by Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh - Eduardo Comesana/Getty Nicola Cassinelli, the Genoa buyer and a prominent lawyer, said in an interview with The Telegraph last November that Sothebys called him three months after the purchase imploring him not to sell or transfer the work to any third parties as an investigation was underway. Scotland Yard detectives, with the assistance of their counterparts in Italys Carabinieri, had traced the portrait to Genoa following the Sothebys sale. After a few Google searches, Mr Cassinelli realised he was unwittingly embroiled in the Canadian art heist mystery of the century and returned it to the Fairmont Chateau hotel. He said: This was the emblematic photo that captured his anger, the strength of the free world good that triumphs over evil. Its historic. All my friends and guests who came to my house, we would joke about having such an important piece of artwork right before our eyes. Like having a Mona Lisa... because I paid a few thousand pounds but online I had read it was worth millions. It was as if I was in a film. In 2023, Wood was successfully identified as the seller after Detective Akiva Geller of the Ottawa Police found a DNA match between a toothbrush left by Wood in a locker and the piece of duct tape used to fix the fake on the lounge wall. Inside the locker they discovered a second fake printout of the Roaring Lion with an invoice from the online company Redbubble, Canadian media reported. The receipt was in Woods name. Genevieve Dumas, the general manager of the Chateau Laurier hotel, said: Were very happy to see that Canadian history is recognised. There are more than 500,000 registered drone users in the UK alone - Richard Newstead Drones will be forced to have electronic number plates as part of plans to combat rogue operators, terrorists and criminals targeting airports and other strategic infrastructure The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) plans to equip drones with remote ID technology from January next year, enabling their location, speed, height, take-off point and users details to be tracked in real time by other operators, as well as by police. Manufacturers will also be required to ensure their drones have geo-awareness technology, so an owner is automatically alerted if it is about to fly into exclusion zones around airports, prisons or power plants. Breaching such zones carry fines of 2,000 to 10,000 and jail if aircraft or lives are endangered. The CAA plans, which are expected to be backed by the Department for Transport (DfT), are seen as the first steps towards an even more comprehensive system that could track drones past as well as live movements and even block devices if operators tried to fly them into exclusion zones. Protesters tried to bring Heathrow airport to a standstill by flying drones in restricted airspace - Guy Smallman/Getty Images The CAA is proposing the next step would be hybrid remote ID, which would allow the movements of all drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) weighing more than 100g to be recorded so that law enforcement could pinpoint and track rogue owners use of the devices. It also wants to develop geo-fencing technology for drones that use GPS and other location data to create a virtual boundary around specific areas. This would prevent drones from flying into restricted zones like airports, nuclear plants, military installations and prisons. The long-term aim remains to progress towards geo-fencing as an additional requirement to geo-awareness, said the CAA in its document entitled Review of UK UAS. Our view is that there are potential national security benefits associated with geo-fencing, especially in preventing unlawful UAS operations and enabling UAS regulations to be enforced. We will continue to work with government, industry and operators to consider a geo-fencing solution over a longer time period. It is illegal to fly a drone within three miles of an airport - Colin Underhill/Alamy Criminals or rogue operators who circumvent the new ID systems face prosecution. To ensure compliance, it is necessary for the police to have the ability to enforce against operators who do not comply with these remote ID requirements, or who attempt to tamper with or spoof a remote ID transmission, said the CAA document. Therefore, new offences may be created for non-compliance with these remote ID requirements. The specific details relating to these will be shared in due course. The legislative overhaul comes amid a rapid expansion of drone technology, with more than 500,000 registered users in the UK alone, as well as moves by companies such as Amazon to deploy them for deliveries of goods. With 900,000 commercial drones alone predicted in the next five years, ministers want an aerial equivalent of the automatic number-plate recognition network of cameras for cars, vans and lorries, which enables police and local authorities to identify law-breaking drivers. Heathrow airports anti-UAS defence system can freeze drones in mid-air using high-powered radio waves - Steve Parsons/PA Wire The United States has already legislated for such a system under which every drone has to have a unique identifier that it broadcasts along with the coordinates of its aerial position in real time, control station and take-off point. The Ukraine war has also demonstrated the lethal threat from drones, where the military use miles of fibre optic cable attached to each UAS to direct them to their target without emitting any signals that the Russians could pick up. Rick Gill, chief executive and founder of Drone Defence, said remote ID would be a hugely positive step for drone development in the UK because it would integrate the technology into the airspace. A drone without remote ID is like driving on a motorway at night without your lights on. If you genuinely want to integrate this technology into our airspace, you need to be able to see where it is and prevent accidents. Remote ID is important for that reason, he said. The Civil Aviation Authority said it could not comment on plans it had submitted to the Department for Transport. The DfT also declined to comment on the proposals, saying it was a matter for the CAA. Defending his partys by-election campaign, Nigel Farage said Anas Sarwar had introduced sectarianism into Scottish politics - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Nigel Farage has accused Anas Sarwar of sectarianism after the Scottish Labour leader said that a Reform UK advert was dog-whistle racism. The by-election campaign advert used clips of a speech by Mr Sarwar in which he said he wanted more people from South Asian backgrounds to stand for election. The clips were preceded by the caption Anas Sarwar has said he will prioritise the Pakistani community, a phrase Mr Sarwar did not use. On Tuesday, the Reform leader defended the attack ad and said Mr Sarwars speech had introduced sectarianism into Scottish politics. But his intervention came shortly after his partys candidate in the Holyrood by-election admitted Mr Sarwar did not use the words prioritise the Pakistani community and the phrase was a quote from us. Ross Lambie vehemently denied misleading people, arguing that prioritising the Pakistani community was what the whole speech is about. Reform UKs by-election campaign advert used clips of a speech by Mr Sarwar, the Scottish Labour Party leader Mr Sarwar was joined by SNP First Minister John Swinney in accusing Reform UK of racism but Mr Farage doubled down on his partys claims at a keynote speech in London. He played the advert to the audience and insisted that all his party had done was to put out the exact words spoken by him [Sarwar] without any comment. Mr Farage argued that the attacks from Labour and the SNP demonstrated that maybe were getting something right and that we are winning the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, which is being held on June 5. Support for Reform is said to be strong on the doorstep, with Labour facing the threat of being pushed into third place, in a major political humiliation. Mr Farage is due to visit the campaign trail next week. The advert has been running on Facebook and Instagram since May 12 and cost Reform 15,000. It is estimated to have been viewed around 600,000 times. It featured video clips of a speech Mr Sarwar delivered in 2022 at an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Pakistans independence. In one section, he said: Pakistanis need represented in every mainstream political party in Scotland and across the UK. Another excerpt featured Mr Sarwar stating that the days where South Asian communities get to lead political parties and get to lead countries is upon us. However, he did not directly state he would prioritise the Pakistani community. In a 2022 speech, Mr Sarwar said: Pakistanis need represented in every mainstream political party in Scotland - Culture Asia Mr Sarwar was born in Glasgow to Pakistani Muslim parents and his father, Mohammad Sarwar, became the UKs first Muslim MP when he was elected to represent Glasgow Govan in 1997. He was later the governor of Punjab in Pakistan. After playing the advert at the Reform event, Mr Farage said: So it was Anas Sarwar that introduced sectarianism into Scottish politics. Making it perfectly clear his priority was to a certain section of the community. All weve done, all weve done is to put out the exact words spoken by him without any comment, weve said nothing, just that we will represent the people of that constituency. And the fact that they, having chosen to go down the sectarian route, choose to throw accusations back at us, says to me that we are winning. Threat of libel action Mr Lambie, who defected from the Tories to Reform in March, accepted that Reform had used the phrase rather than Mr Sarwar but denied this was racist, telling BBC Radio Scotland that Reform was advertising Anas Sarwars own words, adding: Were not misleading people at all. He threatened Mr Swinney with libel action if the First Minister repeated his accusation that the advert was racist and suggested Mr Sarwar had complained about the advert to deflect attention from Labours car crash campaign. Mr Lambie said Reform had highlighted the speech because it demonstrated that the Left wanted to build a two-tier society, with people being given preferential treatment if they belonged to a minority group. Ross Lambie, right, accepted that Mr Sarwar had not used the phrase highlighted in the advert but denied this was racist - Wattie Cheung The South Lanarkshire councillor said Nigel Farages party believed that people should be in a position of power based on their merit and their contribution to society. He added that we shouldnt be trying to foist various minority groups into prominent roles. Mr Sarwar last week accused Reform of dog-whistle racism over the advert, which he said seeks to question my identity, question my loyalty and question my belonging in Scotland. Mr Swinney this week accused Reform of launching a racist attack on Mr Sarwar and of trying to deceive voters with the advert. Scummy tactics He also joined Labour in urging social media giant Meta, which operates Facebook and Instagram, to remove the advert from its platforms. Aisha Mir, the Liberal Democrat candidate in the by-election said the video was scummy tactics. Responding to Mr Farages comments Mr Sarwar said This is a blatant attempt from Nigel Farage to try and poison our politics here in Scotland. I have fought against sectarianism all my adult life. I was working in Scotlands NHS while Nigel Farage was on the gravy train in Brussels, and now I am trying to change our country while he tries to divide it. Nigel Farage is a poisonous man who doesnt understand Scotland, doesnt care about Scotland, and thats why Scotland will reject him. Waste might include a broken KitKat bar or a product with an expiry date thats too short to sell on to retailers. Photograph: Dominic Favre/EPA Millions of meals worth of wasted food could be redistributed thanks to an artificial intelligence tool being trialled by companies across the UK, including Nestle. The AI tool, which has already generated an 87% reduction in edible food waste at one of the Swiss conglomerates factories over its first two-week trial period, is intended to design out food waste by providing real-time monitoring, tracking and insights of wasted ingredients and products. Under the pilot scheme, Nestle said that up to 700 tonnes of quality surplus food the equivalent of up to 1.5 million meals could be saved. The trial is also estimated to prevent up to 1,400 tonnes of CO2 being emitted, helping to save up to 14m in running costs. Alina Sartogo, one of the co-founders of Zest, which developed the tool, said all the food waste it identified was edible, but not sellable at a profit for the manufacturers. For example, the waste might include a broken KitKat bar, or a product with an expiry date thats too short to sell on to retailers. The Zest software could be expanded across the food supply chain on a subscription basis by March next year, following a series of pilots with different manufacturers. A second pilot with Nestle has recently been launched after receiving funding from the government agency Innovate UKs BridgeAI scheme, which provides a 1.9m match-funded grant for AI projects. Esra Kasapoglu, director of AI and data economy at the agency, said the project represented a solution that aims to transform food sourcing and distribution across the UK, cutting waste, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering costs. About 4.6m tonnes of edible food, equivalent to 10bn meals of food, is wasted in the UK each year. Simon Millard, director of food at the charity FareShare, said the technology would make a huge difference to its work to redistribute food to more than 8,000 charities and community groups across the UK. For the latest pilot, Sustainable Ventures, which supports climate startups, has brought together several companies, including Nestle; the machine learning-based logistics system provider Bristol Superlight, Howard Tenens Logistics, the supply chain management system FuturePlus, FareShare, and Google Clouds BigQuery and Vertex AI platform. Just Stop Oil protesters show their support for Indigo Rumbelow - Ron Fassbender/Alamy The co-founder of Just Stop Oil deliberately plotted to cause airport gridlock at the height of the summer holiday season, a detective has said. Indigo Rumbelow, 31, joined Daniel Knorr, 23, Leanorah Ward, 22, and Margaret Reid, 54, in trying to cause chaos at Manchester Airport on Aug 5 last year. They were equipped with heavy-duty bolt cutters, angle grinders, glue, sand, Just Stop Oil hi-vis vests and a leaflet giving instructions to follow when interacting with police, a court heard. The four were planning to enter the airfield and stick themselves to the taxiway using the glue and sand, but were all arrested near the airport, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court was told. They were all convicted of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance following a trial in February and have now been jailed. Ward was also found in possession of a handwritten note which detailed the motive of the group to enter the airfield and to then contact the police to alert them of their activity. Rumbelow, from London, was jailed for 30 months and Knorr, from Birmingham, got two years while Ward, also from Birmingham, and Reid, from Kendal, Cumbria, each were jailed for 18 months. Each was ordered to pay 2,000 in costs. Leanorah Ward, left, and Margaret Reid - Greater Manchester Police/PA Passing sentence, Judge Jason MacAdam rejected the defendants claims that only minimal delay, inconvenience, cost would have occurred had their plan succeeded. He said: This was a highly organised, planned and determined conspiracy. If it had been successfully executed, [it] would have for some time resulted in chaos not just at Manchester Airport but to infrastructure around the airport and would have had a consequential effect on other airports. Many flights would have been delayed, rerouted or cancelled. Det Ch Insp Tony Platten, who led the investigation, said: We know this disruption was deliberately planned to coincide with the height of the summer holidays, targeting the public and their families. It was vital that we prevented this from happening. The groups actions demonstrated a complete disregard for the impact on the lives of those travelling via Greater Manchester, and I welcome the sentences handed down today. Rad Taylor, Manchester Airport operations director, said: What these individuals were planning would not only have caused significant disruption for tens of thousands of passengers, but also a significant safety risk. The potential consequences of that do not bear thinking about. In statements released by Just Stop Oil after the sentencing, the defendants said the action was part of a campaign for a treaty to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030. Indigo Rumbelow and Daniel Knorr - Greater Manchester Police/PA Knorr said: Things have continued to get worse. The world still sleepwalks towards hell. People are terrified of what rising temperatures and food shortages will mean for them and for their kids. So as long as the climate crisis keeps getting worse, people will keep taking action, prison or not. Ward said: I acted because doing nothing is unthinkable and because the science is clear. We have no other option. In the past five years, the number of people wanting to go on orca safaris in Baja California Sur has risen sharply. Photograph: Andrea Izzotti/Alamy Just after sunrise in the small village of La Ventana in Baja California Sur, the beach is bustling with wetsuit-clad tourists. They climb into Mexican fishing boats and race out into the windy blue bay, cameras at the ready. The fishers turned tour guides follow a couple of ocean safari yachts, which follow directions from pilots sent up in spotter planes. The goal of this 40-boat cavalcade? To enable swimming with orcas in the wild. Swimming with orcas in Mexico falls into a legal grey area as it exploits loopholes in two Mexican laws that protect endangered marine wildlife. This has become particularly problematic in the past five years since selfies with the whales on social media have led to an increase in the number of people wanting to try the activity. We thought it was a great thing at the beginning but it has become kind of a nightmare, says Evans Baudin, the owner of Cabo Shark Experience who estimates he has taken 1,500 people to swim with orcas over the past nine years. Its completely out of control. Since there are no authorities or rules, anyone can do whatever they want. Local fishing boats, some without insurance or the proper licences, are competing with the bigger foreign-owned companies based in the nearby cities of Cabo San Lucas or La Paz. Some of these companies are guaranteeing tourists the chance to swim with orcas and are pulling out all the stops to keep that promise. Whoever tourists book with, the result is the same: increasing numbers of people are swimming or freediving with the whales, meaning dozens of boats are zooming around the animals. This is especially problematic in May and June, the busiest months for orca swimming trips. Georgina Saad, a marine biologist who studied at Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, is worried about where all this may lead. Although no wild orca has ever killed or attacked a human, she says: They are wild animals. If we dont give them distance and space, they may, like any animal, defend themselves. The constant influx of boats and swimmers may also affect the orcas wellbeing. The pods in Baja are usually females with babies and are often feeding on mobula rays, sharks, dolphins, turtles or whales while people are in the water with them. They hunt using sonar to find their prey, and the noise from the motors can disrupt the whales ability to capture food. Eventually, these animals may not want to come back, says Juan Vasquez, owner of a La Paz-based sailing tour company and a captain for more than 20 years. They have good memories and they will remember being harassed. Erick Higuera, a marine biologist and documentary film-maker based in La Paz, says that no one is regulating the sudden increase in swimming with orcas, which took off in 2019 after a few Instagram posts went viral. It brings in a lot of money for communities and no one wants to stop. Now, however, a proposed plan aims to change all that. A group of experts, including Saad, Higuera and Baudin, have put forward recommendations for a species management plan for orcas in La Ventana Bay, where most of the swimming happens. To do that, they incorporated information from 44 people interviewed locally. Saad expects the plan to be approved by the Mexican government this summer. The proposed plan for orcas would be the first species management plan in Mexico based partly on the animals behaviour if they exhibit distress they must be left alone not just a quota on the number of people or boats in an area. Tourists have flocked to Baja for decades to swim with whale sharks and to watch grey and humpback whales. The difference is that these activities are strictly regulated with government-issued permits and firm guidelines but the activity of swimming with orcas has slipped through the regulatory net. This is partly because existing laws do not specifically ban swimming with toothed whales and partly because they rely on having species management plans. The goal is to teach captains and guides how to read whales behaviour so they know when to interact with them safely Georgina Saad, marine biologist The scientists proposed plan for orcas would also require permits for any tourism boats interacting with the animals, and would limit the number of boats that can surround an individual or family to no more than three at a time, with a cap of nine boats on any given day. Since each orca has a unique dorsal fin, captains or guides should be able to keep track of their interactions. Revenue from the permit fees would go towards training people from La Ventana and funding patrol boats to enforce the plan, Saad says. The goal is to teach captains and guides how to read the whales behaviour so they know when to interact with the animals, how to do so safely, and when to give the orcas space. Not everyone is confident that this orca management plan will succeed and some feel as if they were left out of the planning process. Arbitrary, one-sided decisions could affect the future of so many families, says Cristobal Perez, the owner of a tour company based in La Paz. The community needs a voice. Jorge Armando Lucero Gonzalez, a tour boat captain who lives in nearby Agua Amarga, says that no one asked his opinion about the plan, nor any of his cousins or brothers who hope to continue to earn a living from wildlife tourism. Many local captains are worried that permits for swimming with orcas will mainly go to established tour companies in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. They also believe it is unfair that the proposed plan only targets La Ventana when orcas and the tourists who want to see them roam throughout the Baja peninsula. Related: Access to food is not the problem: new orca study deepens mystery behind endangerment Saad believes that ensuring tourists are allowed to swim with orcas only in La Ventana is the most important part of the management plan. We can send the message that this is the only place to do it, and this is how it is going to be done, and the rest is illegal. Regardless of when and how the management plan unfolds, most captains say they will keep taking tourists on trips to swim with orcas, and do their best to keep the people and animals safe. I love these animals more than anything. I want to be able to protect them, and I still want to be able to offer people who are respectful the opportunity to see them, Baudin says. Doing it the right way is the most important thing. This article was amended on 27 May 2025. The photo of the tourist boats was taken by Daniel Aguierre, not Georgina Saad as we stated in an earlier version. Also, while Saad studied and occasionally taught at Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, she now works as an independent marine biologist who advises nonprofit organisations. Joshua Adusei also claimed that the head teachers zero-tolerance behaviour policy was racist A former PE teacher who encouraged pupils to sign a petition wrongly accusing a head teacher of racism has been banned from the profession. Joshua Adusei, 31, told the head of Harris Academy Tottenham in north-east London that he would get him out if he did not resign. He set up a Change.org petition, which received more than 6,000 signatures, claiming the head had permanently excluded three black students from the school after one month in the role. Mr Adusei also claimed the head teachers zero-tolerance behaviour policy was racist. I am going to start a petition to get you out The Metropolitan Police received reports of four death threats from the school, The Guardian reported. Giving evidence to the panel, the head teacher said Mr Adusei came to his office on April 19 2021, and told him that he and others did not think he was doing a good job, and that he had come to request his resignation. The head teacher said there was no attempt by Mr Adusei to specify his grievances, or the basis upon which he was asking him to resign. Instead, the head teacher said, Mr Adusei told him: If you dont resign I am going to start a petition to get you out. The head teacher said this made him feel threatened. Another witness told the panel that they saw Mr Adusei and another member of staff in the playground on the following day, with around 10-20 students standing around them, which was unusual as Mr Adusei should not have been on duty then. Suspended A year 10 pupil who was stopped by the witness for carrying a mobile phone against school policy said: Not gonna lie sir, a member of staff has told me to get it out to sign a petition. Mr Adusei was suspended the same day. Addressing the claims in the petition, the head teacher told the panel he had only been directly involved in excluding two students and that the decision was taken in consultation with various other management staff. He said there was no basis for asserting that his actions disproportionately affected BAME or SEN students. Separately from the online petition, a crowd-funding page which claimed Mr Adusei had suffered a brutal exclusion and an attempted silencing and tarnishing of his reputation raised 320. Threatening online abuse The panel found Mr Adusei had made deliberate and pre-determined decisions to publish untrue and/or misleading comments about Colleague A [the head teacher] and then to manipulate the actions of children for his own private purposes, which it considered to be an abuse of his position and an abuse of trust. The panel said it had received evidence that the head teacher suffered threatening online abuse as a result of the petition, which also led to plain clothes police officers being placed at the school gates. The panel heard that Scotland Yard had contacted the individual to implement enhanced protection measures as a result of the petition. Further allegations that Mr Adusei had failed to complete welfare calls to 26 pupils in his tutor group and failed to teach online lessons on two occasions in January 2021 were also found to have been proven. Misconduct of a serious nature The panel was satisfied that Mr Aduseis behaviour amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. Mr Adusei, who had been employed at the school since 2019, provided no mitigation to the panel or evidence of material insight or remorse for his actions. In a written conclusion on Wednesday, Sarah Buxcey, acting as decision-maker on behalf of the Education Secretary, banned Mr Adusei from teaching indefinitely, subject to a five-year review period. She said: In this case, factors mean that allowing a lesser review period is not sufficient to achieve the aim of maintaining public confidence in the profession. These elements are the seriousness of the findings involving safeguarding failures and the lack of evidence of either insight or remorse. Nigel Farage flirts with the idea of Westminsters top job in wake of his benefit giveaway - Alastair Grant/Associated Press Nigel Farage is finally a contender. How do I know? The press is playing nice. Could you be prime minister, asked a newspaper. History suggests no, he replied, circumstances suggest yes. The optics say: happy days are here again! Nigel has a quarter of a million members; hes on 30 per cent plus in the polls. He was flanked at this swanky press conference by two new mayors, Andrea Jenkyns in a psychedelic dress and Luke Campbell, a boxer, who looked ready to thump anyone who mentioned Rupert Lowe. Hes the kind of old-fashioned British stud one rarely sees in this effeminate age of yoga and Tai chi. The only whiff of the Orient on that stage was Hai Karate. So Nigel, standing between a frock and a hard case, launched into an act worthy of the late Jim Bowen. Rachel from accounts is now Rachel from complaints. Ed Miliband is away with the fairies. Robert Jenrick: hes lost weight, got a new suit, perhaps hes even had his teeth done. As for the PM, I hold no personal malice for a man who is dismal, uninspiring, disconnected, unpatriotic and pointless (and apart from that, a wonderful human being). Keirs veering off, Left and Right, which is ironic given Reform is now accused of doing the same. Keir used to be a Corbynite; Nigel used to be a Thatcherite. Today, he told us hed lift the two-child benefit cap and return the winter fuel allowance, prompting accusations of inconsistency from online intellectuals with a 2:1 in politics (worth every penny). But, said Nigel, there is absolutely no contradiction between being the party of workers and entrepreneurs and you know what? Hes right. OK, so his numbers dont completely add up. Neither do the Treasurys; neither do mine (every time I put on a light, thats one less child I can put through college). What hes realised is that with faith in the state gone and hope for the future lost, politics is no longer Right vs Left but plebs vs patricians, and youve got to identify yourself with the larger half. Kemi fiddles while Rome burns Kemi chose to go quiet; wait for the economy to collapse and voters to dribble back. But all the while she is fiddling with policy groups, Nigel is out there, setting fire to Rome and its working. Starmer has challenged Nigel to a debate: Nigel accepts! He suggests they meet in a working mans club over a few beers with the lads. Assuming Reform sets the rules likely given Keirs skills at negotiation the debate will climax in a game of darts. First prize: the keys to No10 and a Bullseye speedboat moored on the pavement. Theres so much to laugh at, whats to hate? A journalist meekly asked if its true that Reform ran an advert accusing Anas Sarwar, Labour leader in Scotland, of saying he would prioritise the Pakistani community. Nigel gleefully rolled the ad to prove critics wrong but it showed Sarwar saying nothing of the sort, confirming that his words had been distorted. In the street outside, dogs heard a whistle and began barking. Inside, the hacks politely let the subject go. I guess its a bit 2010s to bang on about racism. Gareth Ward was elected the Liberal MP for Kiama in 2011 and was suspended from the party after the allegations came to light in 2022. He was then re-elected as an independent in 2023, and is the current MP for Kiama. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP New South Wales independent MP Gareth Ward allegedly raped a political staffer in his home in 2015 after he invited the man to stay over following an event at Parliament House, a court has heard. Ward, who at the time of the alleged offending was the Liberal MP for Kiama, is facing an expected four-week trial at Sydneys Downing Centre after being charged with five criminal offences. The charges include sexual intercourse without consent against the then 24-year-old staffer in 2015, when Ward was 34. The other four charges relate to an 18-year-old man who Ward allegedly indecently assaulted in his home on the NSW south coast in February 2013, when Ward was 31. In her opening address on day one of the trial on Tuesday, crown prosecutor Monika Knowles told the jury while Ward sat in the dock opposite that she would argue in both instances Ward was either reckless to the complainants consent or failed to consider whether they consented or not. In the case of the 24-year-old, she said she would also argue Ward knew the staffer did not consent because he did not have reasonable grounds to believe he did. Ward was elected the Liberal MP for Kiama in 2011 and was suspended from the party after the allegations came to light in 2022. He was then re-elected as an independent in 2023, and is the current MP for Kiama. Ward has pleaded not guilty to each of the charges, and his defence lawyers are due to give opening arguments on Wednesday. Knowles walked through the allegations against Ward for the jury, starting with the 18-year-old, whose identity alongside the 24-year-olds will remain under a non-publication order. Knowles said the crown alleged the 18-year-old met Ward at a business event in Bomaderry when he was 17. The court heard they struck up a friendship and the alleged victim then joined the Young Liberals. The night of the alleged assault in 2013, the court heard the complainant ran into Ward in Nowra while on his way to a party with his then girlfriend, and Ward told the complainant during the interaction he might invite friends to his place. The court heard the complainant had a fight with his girlfriend later that evening and left the party for Wards house after the pair had a phone conversation. The court heard when he got there he realised no one else was at Wards house. The complainant continued to drink alcohol while at Wards house, the court heard. While he was in the back yard he pretended to pass out on the grass as a joke while Ward was inside. When Ward found the 18-year-old, he shook him. Then he allegedly slid his hands into the complainants shorts and rubbed his buttocks and then moved his hand to his genitals. Knowles told the court that the complainant, who was in shock and froze then opened his eyes and pretended as though he had just woken up. The court heard he told Ward he was going to go home, but Ward steered him towards the bedroom. While in bed, the court heard that Ward mounted the 18-year-old and massaged him. After the complainant told Ward to stop, he did so eventually and both went to sleep. The 18-year-old continued to have contact socially and on a business level with Ward, the court heard, but he later cut this off. He contacted police in 2020. The alleged offending against the second complainant the 24-year-old political staffer allegedly occurred in 2015 when Ward was 34, the court heard. Knowles told the court the complainant reported the assault in 2021 after telling a friend. The friend, who will appear before the court as a witness, knew both complainants and each had told her separately about what allegedly happened to them. The court heard the 24-year-old was at the time working for another MP when Ward invited him to stay over after an event at Parliament House in 2015. The staffer lived a fair way away from Parliament House and was preparing himself for a long journey ahead of him when Ward asked if he would like to stay at his home in Potts Point. The staffer alleges that when they got to Wards home the MP tried to kiss him, and the staffer let it happen for a few seconds but then pushed him away. Ward later showed the staffer to where he was sleeping, which the complainant alleges he assumed was a room he had to himself. The complainant alleges he was in bed trying to get to sleep when Ward returned to the room and tried to put his arm over the complainant but he kept moving away. Ward then allegedly put his hands in the staffers shorts and digitally penetrated him. He allegedly did not respond to the staffers request to stop. The jury trial, before judge Kara Shead SC, continues. Lord Sumption said he would not waste any sympathy on Mrs Connolly Some ideas are so stupid only intellectuals believe them. Substitute judges for intellectuals and George Orwells marvellous aphorism applies perfectly to an article by Jonathan Sumption first published on The Telegraph website on Monday. I wasnt going to write about Lucy Connolly this week, but so incensed was I by Lord Sumptions awful opinions that I cannot stay silent. It was good to see that a huge number of readers more than 9,000 comments at the time of writing (a record, I think) had the same furious reaction to Sumptions unforgivably callous, I shall not waste any sympathy on Mrs Connolly. Why does Lord Sumption think sympathy for Lucy is wasted? She is mother to a 12-year-old girl who has been without her mummy for 10 months and may yet sustain long-term psychological harm. A woman of previous good character who lost a child in horrifying circumstances and lashed out in rage and sorrow last summer when six parents suffered the anguish of their little girls being slaughtered in a massacre that bore the bloody hallmark of an imported crime. A 42-year-old childminder, tender carer to the infants of immigrants, who shares the majority British view that hordes of undocumented males from backward cultures, put up at vast expense in asylum hotels, pose a threat to our society in general, and our children in particular. Lucy acted in haste, posted something she called disgusting and repented quickly. A model prisoner, she could have been released on tag last November but instead has been kept inside while fellow inmates, who are openly planning the robberies they will commit to fund their drug addiction, are let out. Any decent judge or magistrate would be looking for a reason to avoid giving such a person a custodial term when community service would suffice. Sarah Pochin, Reform UKs first woman MP and a magistrate for 20 years, yesterday described Lucys sentence as draconian, saying she should never have gone to prison in the first place and it would not happen under a Farage government. Yet Mrs Connolly, who was given a notably harsh jail term for a post on social media when thousands of violent men and paedophiles get off with a lower, even a suspended, sentence (more of this warped judicial behaviour anon) is apparently unworthy of compassion or mercy from his lordship. Really? I have been a fan of Lord Sumption. The former Justice of the Supreme Court is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant legal minds of his generation. During Covid, those of us who thought lockdown was an appalling mistake were grateful and reassured to have this pillar of the establishment on our side. He warned that British society was becoming totalitarian and the government was deliberately stoking up fear and acting with a cavalier disregard for the limits of their legal powers. The British public has not even begun to understand the seriousness of what is happening to our country, Sumption said, and his words carried huge weight. Why that same, deeply clever man cannot see how Lucy Connollys case represents exactly the kind of authoritarian overreach we saw during lockdown (with fear as its instrument) is a puzzle. Or maybe not if the idea is to buttress Sumptions colleagues in the Court of Appeal, who have attracted considerable criticism since Lord Justice Holroyde declared last week that there was no arguable basis that Lucy Connollys (manifestly excessive) original sentence was manifestly excessive. Lord Sumption, a former Justice of the Supreme Court, expressed his feelings on Lucy Connollys case in an article on this website earlier this week - Richard Williams/Mirrorpix Lord Sumption concedes: English law has generally been on the side of freedom of expression it has always drawn the line at threatening language which is likely to provoke a breach of the peace If a rabble-rouser stood on a soap-box in front of a howling mob and urged them to head for the nearest immigration hostel and burn it down, this point would be obvious. Doing it on social media is worse because the reach of social media posts is much greater. Its algorithms thrust words like Mrs Connollys under the noses of people who are already likely to agree. The internet can whip up a howling mob in minutes. But there is zero evidence that Lucys words, posted on the evening of the Southport murders, incited violence. Riots did not break out in minutes. They started days later following Sir Keir Starmers infamous and insulting 19-second laying of a wreath in Southport before a jeering crowd. And after the authorities had done their sly best to conceal from a distraught public key information about the killer, Axel Rudakubana compare the alacrity (and sigh of relief) with which they announced that the alleged Liverpool car attacker was a white, middle-aged male. Funny what can be disclosed when an alleged offender doesnt belong to a protected minority, eh? No normal person agrees with Lord Sumption that fleeting tweets are worse than, to take just one example, what suspended Labour councillor Ricky Jones is alleged to have done in person at the time Lucy was arrested. Jones was filmed at an anti-fascism demonstration apparently urging a crowd to attack rioters: They are disgusting Nazi fascists and we need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all. For reasons which Id quite like the Ministry of Justice to explain, Jones was granted bail while Lucy Connolly had her bail application rejected twice. Jones has been a free man since January (no pressure to plead guilty for him, no kangaroo hearing within days) and his much-postponed trial will finally take place in August (unless the judge has a pressing lunch engagement or pigs are seen flying over the Old Bailey). By which time, Lucy will have served a whole year behind bars. It is this apparent two-tier justice which Lord Sumption did not address in a piece where he loftily dismissed the claim that Lucy is a free-speech martyr or even a political prisoner. I am no student of jurisprudence (a lucky escape as I got into Cambridge to read law) but to me, and to millions of others, it is perfectly obvious that a political prisoner is exactly what Lucy Connolly is. Prison authorities at Drake Hall in Staffordshire have just punished their exemplary prisoner for press engagement thats communicating her predicament via her husband, Ray, to yours truly. Auntie Judith, AKA your columnist, has sadly been struck off the list of people Lucy is allowed to phone. She has also repeatedly been denied release on temporary licence (ROTL) with her child and sick husband. Youve offended a lot of people, Lucy, one official chided. Probation officers and prison guards alike have expressed astonishment that Lucy is still not free. After the Court of Appeals heartbreaking decision last Tuesday, her cell was full of officers coming to commiserate: they all assumed she was going home, and other prisoners had already distributed Lucys stuff among themselves. After months of unfair treatment, when Lucy dared to complain to someone outside the prison that she wasnt being allowed the leave on licence to which she was entitled, the prison authorities said she would, yet again, not be allowed that leave, because of, yes, complaining to someone outside the prison. What does that sound like to you? Joseph Heller called it Catch-22. I am told that prison authorities have been rattled by The Telegraphs coverage of Lucys case. Good. So they bloody well should be. The free press are we still allowed one of those, Prime Minister? will not stay silent when we perceive a carriage of misjustice. I could easily fill this column with examples of heinous cases where an offender was afforded more lenient treatment than Lucy Connolly. One that leaps out concerns the Court of Appeal, which just dashed Lucys hopes. In March 2023, the court cut the jail term given to former Labour peer Lord Ahmed of Rotherham for sexually abusing two children in the 1970s. Ahmed was convicted of trying to rape an underage girl on two occasions and seriously sexually assaulting a boy under the age of 11. He was jailed for five years and six months at Sheffield Crown Court in February 2022. The judge told Lord Ahmed: Your actions have had profound and lifelong effects on the girl and the boy, who have lived with what you did to them for between 46 and 53 years. They express more eloquently than I ever could how your actions have affected and continue to affect their lives in so many different and damaging ways. However, in their infinite wisdom, three Appeal Court judges, including Lord Justice Holroyde who decided that Lucy Connollys 31-month sentence was not manifestly excessive, reduced the jail term of the sexual abuser and Labour Muslim peer to two years and six months because his age at the time of the offences was not given sufficient weight. Let us pause for a moment, lords, ladies and gentlemen, and marvel at the very clever stupid men who think that a mother who put something hateful for four hours on social media deserves a longer prison sentence than a man who tried to rape and molest children, and got away with that dreadful crime for half a century. I shall not waste any sympathy on Mrs Connolly, quoth the finest legal mind of his generation. What she did was a serious offence. She didnt try to rape a child though, did she, Lord Sumption? She didnt sexually assault a little boy and claim that two traumatised children told malicious falsehoods about her. She didnt use power and influence to put herself above the law. She didnt get her outrageous sentence reduced by privileged men who seem to have a problem relating to white women from ordinary families with sensible views about immigration. Honestly, the way the judiciary extends leniency to sex offenders is repellent to the point of warped. At least 177 paedophiles have walked free since Lucy Connolly was sentenced on October 17 2024. A devoted mum jailed for two years and seven months while depraved men in possession of the worst category of images of children being violated dont lose a single day of their liberty. (Huw Edwards being just one notorious example: a six-month suspended sentence for the BBC boy-groomer!) By now, it should be amply clear to the British people that our justice system is broken and politicised. Here is a retired judge who emailed the Planet Normal podcast: For 40 years, I felt proud and privileged to be a member of what I perceived as a noble and learned profession. Alas! No longer it seems. The way the judiciary has treated poor Lucy Connolly and her family is nothing short of an outrage and scandal that should offend all decent people, while those who bring terror and mayhem to the shores of this nation are admonished (if they are even caught) with little more than a slap on the wrist. I am actually surprised that a senior member of the judiciary has not resigned in the most public of ways to distance himself from the heartlessness of his brothers. Lucy Connollys treatment has a political motive behind it. Of that there can be no doubt, despite the Separation of Powers being one of the cornerstones of our unwritten constitution. Keep up the good fight, Allison, for all our sakes. And here is a Telegraph reader who styles himself DC Anonymous: Im a serving police officer of 25 years. Ive been a detective on specialist crime units, so I know my way around the justice system. The grossly disproportionate sentence and treatment of Lucy is an embarrassment to the justice system. Her tweet was vile and nasty. However, a community sentence would have been more appropriate. My colleagues and I often work long hours to get convictions over the line and often see paltry sentences dished out to some of the most dangerous offenders with all mitigations taken into consideration. Only for a lady who poses no threat to society to be given two years, seven months. It sickens me to my stomach. Most of us joined the job to arrest real criminals, not see innocent members of the public criminalised for hurty words. My colleagues and I are sick to death of woke management, judges and politicians making our difficult jobs even tougher. No wonder the public has lost respect for us. I am close to tears when I read emails like those, and as I watch Lucys crowdfunder appeal edge towards 150,000. Thank God there are still good people who are appalled that hurty words Orwellian thought crimes no less receive swingeing sentences while villains go free. Its not hard to foresee that this institutional madness could end up in the serious civil unrest that making a scapegoat of Lucy was meant to forestall. On Tuesday, Tommy Robinson, the far-Right activist, was released from prison after his 18-month sentence was reduced by four months at the High Court last week. Looking like an Old Testament prophet, eyes blazing with religious fervour, a heavily-bearded Robinson (who endured weeks of solitary confinement) said that a war was being waged against free speech in Britain. Citing Lucy Connolly, Robinson said she was not a violent criminal and demanded to know why she had been jailed for so long. While Sir Keir claimed not to have heard of Lucy (does the dreadful man expect us to believe a word he says?), Boris Johnson said that Starmers Britain is losing its reputation for free speech and turning into a police state. Too right. On Tuesday, Nigel Farage became the latest heavyweight to champion Starmers political prisoner, saying: I want to make it absolutely clear that Lucy Connolly should not be in prison Although she should not have said what she said, there were millions of mothers at that moment in time after the Southport [massacre] feeling exactly the same way. Beautifully put. Compare and contrast with Lord Sumptions cold, contemptible, Lucy Connolly is in prison where she belongs. This is what happens when judges have minds so brilliant they cannot be polluted with common sense or mercy. I just spoke to Ray Connolly, who is at home in Northampton. Ray said that he had read The Telegraph article and Sumption seemed to be a stupid git (possibly the first time the law lord has been described in that way!) and that Sir Keir must be regretting the day he tried to make an example of Lucy Connolly. So, where do we go from here? Drake Hall prison authorities told Lucy that a previous ROTL had been denied because she had expressed extreme views in her phone conversations (possibly with Auntie Judith). But that had now been downgraded to strong opinions. Are they saying that Lucys ROTL is now good to go? asks Ray, who is desperate for his wife to be able to come home and hug and reassure their daughter even for one day and a night. What further ridiculous excuses and delaying tactics can the justice system come up with for denying Mrs Connolly the temporary leave to which she is entitled? The British public has not even begun to understand the seriousness of what is happening to our country, Lord Sumption said when free speech was brutally suppressed during Covid lockdown. Well, dear Lord Sumption, I think theyre starting to understand it all too well, thanks to Lucy Connolly. Pakistans senate passed the landmark ban on child marriage in the capital on 19 May. It is hoped that other regions will follow suit, though religious parties oppose the law. Photograph: Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Image During last weeks tense debate over whether the Pakistan senate should pass a bill banning child marriage, Naseema Ehsan stood up to speak. I got married at 13 years old and I want child marriage to be banned, said the 50-year-old senator. I was lucky to have good and affluent in-laws but most Pakistani women are not so lucky. Not every child has a supportive husband like me. When she finished talking, there was applause in the chamber. Despite fierce opposition, later that day the bill banning child marriage in Pakistans capital city, Islamabad, was passed. It will be signed into law by the president in the coming days and replace legislation introduced under British colonial rule. The landmark parliamentary vote comes more than a decade after a similar bill was passed in Sindh province. Senators, civil society organisations and activists hope that because this latest bill was passed by both houses of Pakistans legislature, other regions will follow suit, eventually outlawing child marriage throughout the country. This bill sends a powerful message, says Sherry Rehman, the politician who tabled the bill in the senate after Sharmila Farooqi introduced it in Pakistans lower house, the national assembly. Its a very important signal to the country, to our development partners, and to women that their rights are protected at the top. Under the new legislation, the minimum age for marriage is 18 for both males and females in the capital, with underage marriage now a criminal offence. Previously, it was 16 for girls but 18 for boys. Strict punishments, including up to seven years in prison, have been introduced for people including family members, clerics and registrars who facilitate or coerce children into early marriage. Any sexual relations within a marriage involving a minor with or without consent will be deemed statutory rape, while an adult man found to have married a girl could face up to three years in prison. I had complications during pregnancy. Doctors told me I was weak because I was very young, a child Naseema Ehsan It is a moment of hope in an increasingly gloomy landscape for womens rights globally, according to Jamshed Kazi, Pakistans representative for UN Women. This particular passage [of the bill] is even more significant because its happening in the wake of counter-currents, he says. We are seeing a global pushback on womens rights and even a renegotiation of issues that were settled maybe 30 years ago. Countries are challenging the use of gender-responsive language, and even sexual and reproductive health and rights. In Pakistan, 29% of girls are married by 18 , according to a 2018 demographic survey, and that 4% marry before the age of 15 compared with 5% for boys, according to Girls Not Brides, a global coalition aiming to end child marriage. The country is among the top 10 worldwide with the highest absolute number of women who were married or in a union before the age of 18. Girls who marry are less likely to finish school and are more likely to face domestic violence, abuse and health problems. Pregnancies become higher risk for child brides, with a greater chance of fistulas, sexually transmitted infections or even death. Teenagers are more likely to die from complications during childbirth than women in their 20s. Ehsan knows only too well the dangers facing girls who are married early. She had her first child at 15. I had complications during pregnancy, she told the Guardian. Doctors told me I was weak because I was very young a child. My health, and my daughters health, were affected, she says. Her in-laws could afford medical care and she had three more children in consecutive years. She dropped out of school but her husband allowed her to continue her studies privately. At 20, I came to the realisation that I should have finished my studies and waited till 19, at least, to become a mother. I would have been able to take care of my children more, she says. To see it defeated repeatedly, or not even make the agenda, has been one of the most difficult parts of this journey Sherry Rehman Since then, she has seen many cases of child brides dying in childbirth in her home province of Balochistan, where girls can get married at 16. A woman dies due to pregnancy complications in Pakistan every 50 minutes. Ive never been so content to vote for a bill as the child marriage restraint bill, she adds. The world has changed and developed. We have progressed and we must embrace the progress It was a very much needed bill. It has been a long time coming, according to Kazi, and is the result of more than a decade of advocacy by civil society and rights organisations. Rehman says it follows three attempts over seven years to get a ban passed, with previous bills falling victim to parliamentary inertia as well as religious opposition. It has been difficult to go through various stages and jump through hoops, and to keep making amendments, she adds. To see it defeated repeatedly, or not even make the agenda because there was opposition in the National Assembly, has been one of the most difficult parts of this journey. Related: Child marriage in decline but will take 300 years to eliminate Some religious and political leaders have threatened to protest against the bill, claiming it is unIslamic, that marriage must be a family decision and that puberty should mark the age a girl can be married. We should not be forcing the age of child marriage. Parents should decide that and children should consent to it, says Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, secretary general of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl political party. In Britain and western societies, during adulthood they have relations and partners, and they have sex and then do abortion and waste their children. Why dont Pakistani liberals and civil society and even the west see that and introduce laws over there? This new law is unacceptable and unbearable, he says. We will decide our course of action. Nadeem Afzal Chan, information secretary of the Pakistan Peoples party which is in power in Sindh and Balochistan provinces refutes such claims. We must celebrate this bill as it protects the rights of children, he says. The Balochistan government soon will enact laws to ban child marriages. Peaceful protest should not be criminalised, the Northern Ireland Assembly has heard. Stormont Opposition Leader Matthew OToole was speaking following the arrest of two protesters in Belfast on Saturday. Sue Pentel, a high-profile campaigner against Israels military offensive in the Gaza Strip, was one of two women detained by officers on suspicion of criminal damage. Videos circulated online of the arrest of the 72-year-old indicate the alleged offence related to the placing of stickers on a banks ATM machine. Ms Pentel and the other woman who was arrested, who is in her 50s, were released later on Saturday pending a report to Northern Irelands Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Stormont Opposition leader Matthew OToole said peaceful protest is a profound right in a democracy (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr OToole mentioned the arrests during Members Statements in the Assembly on Tuesday morning. However, Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots warned MLAs against second-guessing police. First Minister Michelle ONeill sent solidarity to both those arrested in Belfast, and Liam O hAnnaidh from the Irish rap group Kneecap who has been charged by police in London with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig in November last year. Speaking in response to a question from People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll during questions for the Executive Office, Ms ONeill said: Can I firstly send solidarity to both parties that you refer to. I think that highlighting genocide, highlighting the inhumane slaughter of defenceless citizens, is not a crime. Thats certainly my view, and I send solidarity to all those protests and calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine. I think that anybody that goes out to raise their voice, rightly so in my opinion, in terms of calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine, is doing a good thing because the international community is far too silent. Earlier Mr OToole told MLAs: Its important to say there is no more profound right in a democracy than peaceful protest. Over the weekend we saw dozens more innocent people lose their lives in Gaza as a result of the bombardment by the Netanyahu regime. We are witnessing an ongoing genocide in Gaza. People from all over this region, from all backgrounds, all ages, all perspectives are completely, frankly, in disbelief at what they see on their screens. They want some form of registering protest, dissent and challenging what is happening in the Middle East. One means is through peaceful protest. One of the people who was arrested is a woman named Sue Pentel, who is in her 70s. She also just happens to be Jewish. She will be known to people here because she is often here, peacefully and respectfully engaging with MLAs on her views in relation to the Middle East. He went on: I understand that the PSNI has a difficult job to do. I dont trivialise the fact that in fast-moving situations sometimes there are judgments that have to be made by police officers, but I dont think anybody, certainly not the dozens and dozens of my constituents who are, frankly, appalled by whats happening in Gaza, who have emailed me in the last few days to say What the hell is going on in our society whenever a peaceful protest is met with arrests of pensioners? Peaceful protest in Belfast city centre, even if it is a minor convenience, is not something which should be criminalised. That is legitimate peaceful protest and, yes, I respect that police officers have a job to do in all these circumstances, but lets please be proportionate and respect the rights of ordinary people to register dissent and protest. Stormont Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots warned MLAs against second-guessing police (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Poots urged caution on comments around live investigations: I just want to make it very clear that the police have a role to do, and its not our place to be second-guessing that role. There are a number of matters of the day and urgent questions that were put in that related to different events that have taken place, questioning police, and I think that we need to be very, very careful whenever there is a live investigation. This hasnt got to the stage of there being charges, and may never get to that stage, but there is a live investigation and its not our role in this House to influence police decisions on investigations. They have to go through their course, it goes to the PPS, there is a due process to happen there, and its not for us to seek to influence that. I just caution Members on that issue. Dal Babu, pictured in 2013, says: It doesnt take rocket science to predict what will happen: the far right will twist this and say, right, youve named him because its a white person. Why arent you naming the next person? Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian Merseyside polices decision to release details of the ethnicity of the suspect in the Liverpool parade collision could raise difficulties and challenges for forces in the future, a former superintendent has said. Merseyside police said they arrested a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area about two hours after the incident that left dozens of people, including four children, injured. Dal Babu, who was a senior Met officer, told the Guardians First Edition that the decision was unprecedented, but he could envisage pressure being applied to forces in future to release details on the racial background of suspects. It doesnt take rocket science to predict what will happen: the far right will twist this and say, right, youve named [the race] because its a white person. Why arent you naming [the race of] the next person? And it will present some difficulties and challenges to the police, he said. Babu stressed the decision had been correct to share the information on this occasion to combat racist and Islamophobic misinformation on social media, while warning that every decision should be taken on a case by case basis. You could imagine a situation where the far right will say, Oh, you havent named the ethnicity of this person and thats because they are a person of colour, he said. Its really important that people dont see it as a precedent because every incident will be different. People may feel in a future incident that theyre entitled to know the ethnicity and race, and it may not be appropriate to release it, he said. A senior legal source said there could be circumstances where naming the ethnicity of a suspect could cause riots rather than quell them. What will a force do if they arrest someone in similar circumstances who is recently arrived on a small boat or who has a clearly Muslim name? They will now be under huge pressure to name them, the source said. Far-right extremists used social media within minutes of the Liverpool tragedy to exploit the scenes of horror, the Guardian has been told. One account claimed the incident was a terrorist attack. Another account also made false claims including that the man arrested by police at the scene was really a Muslim, despite what police had said. Merseyside police were criticised after the Southport murders last summer for not releasing more information after false rumours were started online that the killer was a Muslim asylum seeker. For Merseyside police, Monday nights decision to release details about the suspects race and nationality was not a precedent. They believe in this case it was right, with detectives convinced the suspect detained was the only person they were looking for. It might not be right in a case where the identity of a suspect was unclear and where identity could be an issue at trial, a source said. In March, chief constable Serena Kennedy told MPs she wanted to dispel disinformation in the immediate aftermath of the Southport murders by releasing information about attacker Axel Rudakubanas religion, because he came from a Christian family, but was told not to by local crown prosecutors. Police did disclose that the suspect was a 17-year-old male from Banks in Lancashire, who was born in Cardiff. Widespread rioting followed the murders, with some disorder targeting mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers. Jonathan Hall KC, the governments official reviewer of terrorism legislation, told the Guardian that Merseysides decision on Monday evening should set a precedent for future incidents. The authorities seemed to have learned the lessons of Southport. It should be a precedent, while recognising there will be the odd case where you need to say little or nothing. Transparency is the right precedent. Hall said if a suspect in a high-profile case was a Muslim asylum seeker: You have to do that as well. Nick Lowles, of Hope Not Hate, a leading group monitoring the far right, said: Police have learned lessons after Southport. What they did this time was to fill the void, putting information out as soon as possible. If it had been a terrorist attack, Im not sure anything would have calmed tensions down. The decision to release details was an operational matter and therefore separate from government, Whitehall sources said. Asked if he would like to see similar details released in the future in similar cases, the prime minister, Keir Starmer, said: That is a matter for the police and the investigation is ongoing so I think we need to leave that to them. I think today is a day really for thinking about all those impacted by this and being absolutely clear that we stand with them. Donald Trump called Vladimir Putin absolutely crazy for his attacks on Ukrainian cities at the weekend - ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/AFP Vladimir Putin is playing with fire over his continued assault of Ukraine, Donald Trump has warned. The US president heaped further criticism on the Russian leader after he launched the biggest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine since the war began almost four years ago. What Vladimir Putin doesnt realise is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire! Mr Trump said in a post on Truth Social. A record number of Russian drones killed at least 13 people across Ukraine at the weekend, despite a prisoner exchange and the US pushing for a truce. Russia mocks Trump Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, shot back at Mr Trump, saying: Regarding Trumps words about Putin playing with fire and really bad things happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing WWIII. I hope Trump understands this! RT, Russias state broadcaster also mocked the US president, writing on X: Trumps message leaves little room for misinterpretation, the outlet wrote. Until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning. The rebuke from Mr Trump is the latest display of his apparent shifting attitude towards Putin. On Monday, the US president called Vladimir Putin absolutely crazy for his attacks on Ukrainian cities in some of his strongest criticism to date. Credit: US Network Pool / Reuters Mr Trump, who is growing increasingly frustrated with the pace of peace talks, could move ahead with new sanctions on Russia in the coming days. Options were drawn up in the past several weeks to apply new measures punishing Moscow, but they have yet to be approved by Mr Trump in fear they could push Russia away from negotiations entirely, according to CNN. In the aftermath of the missile and drone bombardment, the president said he would absolutely consider new sanctions. Hes killing a lot of people, Mr Trump said of Putin. I dont know whats wrong with him. What the hell happened to him? Lawmakers are lobbying Mr Trump to ratchet up US sanctions after the weekend attacks. Spearheaded by republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the bill aims to impose crippling measures on Moscow. It would include massive secondary sanctions, aimed at countries who trade with Putin, including 500 per cent tariffs on those that buy Russian energy. Leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage - HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP There was no disguising the principal target of Nigel Farages speech in London. He effectively dismissed the Conservatives as a busted flush and turned his guns fully on Labour. Electorally this made sense. At the general election, Reform UK placed second in 89 Labour seats across the country, with many located in the North East of England, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and South Wales. Reforms by-election victory in Runcorn shows that few Labour seats are safe should the party maintain the momentum it has shown in recent months. Mr Farage believes a great shift is taking place in British politics on a par with the decline of the Liberal Party 100 years ago and its replacement by Labour. He sees Reform supplanting the Conservatives as the main party of the Right. They have had a good run for 200 years but it is over, he said. That sounds a touch hubristic. The Conservatives may have slumped to their worst ever result but they have been written off before only to recover. However, the big difference with past steep slumps in Tory fortunes, as in 1906 and 1997, is that they now have a serious challenger to their Right while also facing a threat from the Lib Dems to their Left. Mr Farage has calculated that this marks the end of the road for the Tories whose policy programme during 14 years in office failed to differ significantly from Labours. Taxes rose to record levels, net zero goals were set by Tory ministers, immigration soared and woke ideas took root. Mr Farages pitch is that he will end all of these. To appeal to Labour voters he said the two-child benefit cap should be removed and the winter fuel allowance restored to all pensioners. In addition, no tax would be paid on the first 20,000 of income ostensibly to encourage people on benefits to work. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said this would cost between 50 billion and 80 billion. There would also be a new transferable marriage tax allowance on the first 25,000 of earnings to encourage bigger families. Mr Farage said this would be paid for by ending net zero, greater efficiencies in local government and Whitehall, scrapping quangos and emptying hotels of illegal migrants, saving 350 billion. Many will remain sceptical of Reforms policies. But Mr Farage has boosted membership and pushed his party ahead in the polls. British politics now has a serious contender for power that can no longer be dismissed as a fringe populist movement. Ukrainian troops attend training at an obstacle course in Zaporizhzhia - Shutterstock Russian forces have captured four villages in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region after Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to carve out a buffer zone along the border. The new incursion, which is now gathering steam, comes after days of shelling of the region and some of Russias largest aerial bombardments across Ukraine since the beginning of the three-year war. Ukrainian officials said for weeks that Russian troops were trying to make inroads into Sumy, the regions main city that lies 18 miles from the border, citing it as evidence that Russia is not serious about peace. In response to Russia scaling up its attacks, Donald Trump, the US president, accused Putin on Tuesday of playing with fire in a fresh tirade against his counterpart over stalled efforts to achieve a ceasefire. Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, had earlier claimed it was Europe, not Moscow, that was sabotaging peace talks as he lashed out against decisions to allow Ukraine to strike Russia with Western-supplied weapons. A buffer zone in Sumy would reduce Kyivs ability to launch drone strikes on Russian territory and guard against any future Ukrainian cross-border attacks. Credit: Reuters Ukraine used Sumy as a launchpad for its major incursion into Russias neighbouring Kursk region last year, in the biggest invasion of Russian territory since the Second World War. In early May, Russias defence ministry said they were creating a security strip in Sumy, but Ukraine claimed they were having little success, despite battles close to the border. Russias recent advances are the latest battlefield setback for Kyiv as it seeks to hold territory and avoid handing Moscow the advantage in any peace talks. The enemy is continuing attempts to advance with the aim of setting up a so-called buffer zone, Oleh Hryhorov, Sumys regional governor, said on Tuesday. He said Ukraine was holding the line, but the villages of Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka and Zhuravka had been occupied, adding that their residents had long been evacuated. Russias defence ministry said on Monday it had also taken the nearby village of Bilovody, implying a further advance. Though Russias offensive activity is concentrated in the eastern Donetsk region, Moscows invasion into northeastern Ukraine shows how it is stretching Kyivs forces on multiple fronts. Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly warned that Russia is preparing new offensives against Sumy as well as the northeastern Kharkiv and southeastern Zaporizhzhia regions. There is much evidence that they are preparing new offensive operations. Russia is counting on further war, the Ukrainian president said on Monday, without elaborating. He has frequently warned Russia was preparing offensives against Sumy, Kharkiv in the northeast and the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. During a visit to Kursk last week, after claiming to have expelled the last of Kyivs troops, Putin said he ordered his forces to create a security buffer zone in Sumy as the long border remains vulnerable to Ukrainian incursions. Mr Hryhorov, the Sumy governor, said Ukraines troops were keeping the situation under control, inflicting precise fire damage on the enemy. It comes after Russia launched roughly 900 drones at Ukraine between Friday and Saturday, followed by its biggest single drone attack of the war so far on Sunday, firing 355 drones. It battered cities and towns across the country, including the capital of Kyiv, killing dozens and saturated the countrys air defences. Russia called its massive aerial assaults a response to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on its own civilians. Credit: US Network Pool / Reuters Mr Trump on Sunday called Putin absolutely crazy for needlessly killing a lot of people, marking a significant shift in his formerly cordial approach to the Russian leader. He threatened to enforce further sanctions on Moscow, which has repeatedly refused to agree to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire and shown no signs of scaling back its maximalist demands. The Kremlin responded combatively, by suggesting that Mr Trumps comments were the result of emotional overload. If a final push does not work, Mr Trump is said to be considering withdrawing from peace efforts, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing White House sources. Again taking a far tougher stance on Putin, Mr Trump on Tuesday said he had stopped lots of really bad things happening to Russia. And I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire! he added on his Truth Social Network. 07:05 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our live coverage. We will be back soon with more updates and analysis from the conflict. 07:04 PM BST Trump: Putin is playing with fire Donald Trump has accused Vladimir Putin of playing with fire in a fresh tirade against his Russian counterpart over stalled Ukraine peace efforts. What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire! the US president wrote on his Truth Social network. His statements follow some of Russias largest aerial attacks on Ukraine since the start of the three-year war, which have killed dozens of civilians, including children, since Friday and saturated the countrys air defences. In response to the recent bombardments, Mr Trump on Sunday called Putin absolutely crazy for needlessly killing a lot of people, marking a significant shift in his formerly cordial approach to the Russian leader. He threatened to enforce further sanctions on Moscow, which has repeatedly refused to agree to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire and shown no signs of scaling back its maximalist demands. The Kremlin responded by suggesting that Mr Trumps comments were the result of emotional overload. If a final push does not work, Mr Trump is said to be considering withdrawing from peace efforts, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing White House sources. 06:53 PM BST US blocks G7 push to tighten Russian oil price cap Washington opposed a joint G7 effort to lower the price cap on Russian oil exports, sources familiar with the talks have claimed. The price cap was introduced by the G7 and EU in December 2022 and bans Western companies from trading, shipping or insuring Russian oil sold above $60 per barrel, in order to clamp down on the Kremlins ability to finance its war machine. The Financial Times, citing three unnamed officials, said the plan was dropped after US treasury secretary Scott Bessent refused to support it during last weeks meeting of finance ministers. 06:13 PM BST Turkeys top diplomat to travel to Kyiv this week Turkeys foreign minister, currently on a visit to Moscow, will travel to Kyiv this week. Hakan Fidan is planning to travel to Kyiv this week, a Turkish official told AFP, without indicating when the trip would take place. Turkey maintains good relations with both Russia and Ukraine and earlier in May hosted the first direct talks between the two warring sides since the start of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 05:48 PM BST In pictures: Column of destroyed armoured vehicles in Donetsk A column of destroyed armoured vehicles in Russian-controlled part of Ukraines Donetsk region - REUTERS Further destroyed vehicles in the village of Mykilske near Vuhledar city - REUTERS 05:30 PM BST Lavrov: Europe should stop sabotaging peace talks Europe should stop sabotaging Ukraine-Russia peace talks, Sergei Lavrov, the Kremlins foreign minister, has demanded. If the war stops - their political careers will be over, theyre putting their personal interests over their people, Mr Lavrov said, referring to European leaders pledging to continue support for Ukraine. Europe should stop sabotaging peace efforts in Ukraine, he said. On Monday, Friedrich Merz, Germanys chancellor, backed allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons for long-range strikes into Russia. Clarifying his comments on Tuesday, he said that there were no longer any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Kyiv by its allies, and that this was a decision taken months ago. Responding, Mr Lavrov said Mr Merzs comments illustrates the level of competency of those who have risen to power in Europe. 04:40 PM BST Russia condemns Finlands naval drills in Baltic Sea Russias foreign ministry has accused Finland of escalating tensions by carrying out pre-organised naval drills in the Baltic Sea. Maria Zakharova, Russias foreign ministry spokesman, said the naval exercises were becoming a tool of Nato escalation near Russias border. Finland has started its Exercise Narrow Waters 25, the countrys annual spring drills. It was formally a national exercise, before being expanded to include Nato allies, including Sweden, Germany and Estonia after Finland joined the alliance in 2023. Russia is also currently carrying out naval exercises further south near its western exclave of Kaliningrad. It comes after Finland on Monday accused Moscows fighter jets of violating its airspace. Exercise Narrow Waters 25 bringing together #NATO Allies from the Baltic Sea region. The Finnish Navy led exercise trains vessels and troops to conduct joint naval operations in the unique environment of the Baltic Sea, this time together with .#merivoimat #NAWA25 pic.twitter.com/wsW33cAmKz Finland at NATO (@FinlandatNATO) May 27, 2025 04:11 PM BST Pictured: Ukrainians stand outside their destroyed homes near Kyiv Residents stand near their destroyed homes in the Kyiv region on Tuesday after the first night without airstrikes in several days - Shutterstock Editorial 03:53 PM BST Russia calls its aerial attacks a direct response to Ukrainian strikes Russia said Tuesday that its massive aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent days were a response to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on its own civilians, accusing Kyiv of trying to disrupt peace efforts. Moscow fired hundreds of drones at Ukraine between late Friday and early Monday, killing more than a dozen people and saturating the countrys air defences. Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin had gone absolutely CRAZY and threatened Russia with sanctions over the attacks. As we reported earlier, the Russian defence ministry accused Kyiv and its allies of taking a series of provocative steps to thwart negotiations initiated by Russia. Civilians, including women and children, were injured, it said, describing its recent strikes on Ukraine as a direct response. 03:13 PM BST Ukraine counts the cost as military aid is cut back As the bloody battle against Vladimir Putins troops stretches into its fourth year, the toll on Ukraine is mounting. Hundreds of billions of pounds have been spent on fighting the Russian invaders, and at least 46,000 soldiers have died. Hopes that Donald Trump would bring a prompt end to the war have all but vanished. Instead, his constant flip-flopping has made many fear that the leader of the free world has abandoned Ukraine. For the war-torn country, this means crucial flows of US aid and weaponry could reduce to a trickle or cease completely. It is absolutely a risk. Ukraine is nervous about that. The strategy is to draw down as much as they can now, stockpile it for that time. Theres not a lot of trust there, says Timothy Ash, an associate fellow at Chatham House. It will make the fight more difficult, but they can still continue. They can sustain the war for at least six months to a year. The war grinds on without some peace process. 02:55 PM BST Pictured: Ukrainian artist paints used munitions Artist Tetyana Skoromna paints used large-caliber shells and artillery shells with images of Christian saints in her art studio in Lviv, Ukraine 02:35 PM BST More than 200 Ukrainian POWs have died in Russian prisons More than 200 Ukrainian POWs have died while imprisoned since Russias full-scale invasion three years ago, new data has shown. Abuse inside Russian prisons was likely a contributing factor in many of these deaths, according to officials from human rights groups, the UN, the Ukrainian government and a Ukrainian medical examiner who performed dozens of autopsies on POWs. The officials said the prison death toll adds to evidence that Russia is systematically brutalising captured soldiers. They added that forensic discrepancies, and the repatriation of bodies that are mutilated and decomposed, point to an effort to cover up alleged torture, starvation and poor health care at dozens of prisons and detention centres across Russia and occupied Ukraine. Russia has previously accused Ukraine of mistreating Russian POWs allegations the UN has partially backed up, though it says Ukraines violations are far less common and severe than what Russia is accused of. 02:07 PM BST Russia working on next prisoner swap with US, Kremlin says The US and Russia are working on another prisoner swap between the two countries, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. Last week, Russia and Ukraine swapped 1,000 for 1,000 captives as part of the largest prisoner swap of the war so far. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, said Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed another exchange involving nine people from each side in a recent phone call. 01:23 PM BST Russias draft peace deal to include settlement dates, says Kremlin We reported earlier that the Kremlin said it was working on a memorandum setting out its conditions for a possible peace deal to end the war in Ukraine (see post at 9:45am). Were now hearing more details about what the draft is expected to contain. Maria Zakharova, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, said the future peace treaty would include potential settlement dates and a possible ceasefire for a limited time period if relevant agreements are reached. We hope that the Ukrainian side is doing the same and will send us their draft as they receive the Russian document, she added. 01:00 PM BST Zelensky may not be invited to Nato summit Volodymyr Zelensky may not be invited to Natos summit this summer because of Donald Trumps stance towards Ukraine. The Ukrainian president attended during Joe Bidens time at the White House, however Mr Trump has repeatedly opposed Kyivs ambition to join the military alliance. Mr Zelensky may instead attend a parallel summit in order to avoid conflict with the US president, the New York Times reported 12:43 PM BST Trump considers new sanctions on Russia Donald Trump is considering new sanctions on Russia after becoming frustrated with stalling peace talks and Vladimir Putins continued attacks on Ukraine, it has been reported. The Wall Street Journal said the US president was considering a range of options to pressure Putin into accepting concessions such as an immediate 30-day-ceasefire, which Russia has long rejected. Mr Trump could withdraw from peace efforts if a final push doesnt work, the outlet added, citing people familiar with Mr Trumps thinking. The US president has long claimed to have a good relationship with Putin, but on Sunday said he was not happy with him after a major Russian aerial attack on Ukraine. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers, he said. Volodymyr Zelensky said last night that the Kremlin was counting on a prolonged war and that intelligence reports indicated Russian forces are preparing to launch a new offensive. Ukrainian recruits train in Zaporizhzhia - Shutterstock Editorial 12:23 PM BST Russian forces seize four villages in Sumy We reported earlier that Russian forces had broken into several border villages in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region (see post at 10:09am). The local governor has now confirmed that Russian forces have captured four villages in the Sumy region, as part of a wider push to establish a buffer zone along the Ukrainian border. The enemy is continuing attempts to advance with the aim of setting up a so-called buffer zone, Oleh Hryhorov, Sumy Governor, wrote on Facebook. He said the villages of Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka and Zhuravka had been occupied, adding that residents had long been evacuated. 11:40 AM BST Russia accuses Ukraine and European allies of provocative steps to wreck peace talks Russias defence ministry has accused Ukraine and European countries of taking provocative steps to wreck direct peace talks, Moscows Interfax news agency has reported. The Kremlin pointed to Kyivs increased attacks on civilian targets in Russia, fuelled by Western-made drones. The defence ministry said 2,331 drones have been intercepted and destroyed over the past week. 11:16 AM BST Russian hackers behind cyber attack on police networks and Nato last year A previously unknown Russian hacking group was behind attacks last year on the networks of the Dutch police, Nato and several European countries, Dutch intelligence agencies said on Tuesday. The group, known as Laundry Bear, was most likely supported by the Russian state, the Dutch General Intelligence Agency and Military Agency said in a joint letter to parliament. The cyberattacks against Dutch institutions are part of a larger international cyber threat posed by the hacker group, they added. Laundry Bear also conducted cyber-espionage against companies that produce high-end technologies that Russia has difficulty accessing due to Western sanctions over the Ukraine war, it said. It said the group had sought to get hold of information related to the procurement and production of military equipment by Western governments and Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. 11:00 AM BST What readers are saying in the comments... 10:43 AM BST Russia captures another village in east Ukraine Russian troops have seized the village of Stara Mykolaivka in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, Moscows defence ministry said on Tuesday. The battlefield report has not been independently verified. Servicemen of the 68th Separate Chasseurs Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region - REUTERS 10:27 AM BST Russia: Talk of new US sanctions is campaign to derail peace talks We have been reporting earlier that Donald Trump is considering new sanctions on Russia after becoming frustrated with stalling peace talks and Vladimir Putins continued attacks on Ukraine. The options do not include banking sanctions, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with Mr Trumps thinking. Now, Dmitry Peskow, Kremlin spokesperson, has said such media reports are part of a campaign aimed at disrupting peace talks over Ukraine. 10:09 AM BST Russia ramps up push for Sumy buffer zone Russian forces have broken into several border villages in Ukraines Sumy region, as part of a wider push to establish a buffer zone along the Ukrainian border. The Ukrainian army said its soldiers had held their positions under increasing pressure from Russian forces, who seized parts of Yunakivka and Khotin. Oleg Hryhorov, head of the Sumy regional military administration, said Russia had been attempting to create a buffer zone. During a visit to Kursk last week, Putin said he ordered his forces to create the necessary security buffer zone, though failed to give specifics. State media later said the Russian president was referring to the Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod regions, which border Sumy and Kharkiv, and Chernihiv. The city of Sumy lies just 25km from the Ukrainian border, so a buffer zone would reduce Kyivs ability to launch drone strikes on Russian territory. 09:58 AM BST Watch: Ukrainian POWs return home We thank the entire team working to bring our people home. And I especially thank our warriors who are replenishing Ukraine's exchange fund with captured occupier soldiers. pic.twitter.com/FYK2p7yWLw Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 27, 2025 09:45 AM BST Russia still working on draft peace deal, says foreign ministry Russia is still working on a draft memorandum setting out its conditions for a possible peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, the Kremlins foreign ministry said on Tuesday. Maria Zakharova, foreign ministry spokeswoman, said work was continuing on the Russian draft and that once the document was ready it would be handed over to Ukraine. Russia continues to develop a draft memorandum on a future peace treaty, defining a number of positions, such as the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement, and a potential ceasefire for a certain amount of time if appropriate agreements are reached, she said. After a call with US President Donald Trump earlier this month, Vladimir Putin said that Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on such a memorandum. 09:21 AM BST Russia preparing new offensive, Zelensky says Russia is preparing to launch a new offensive in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky said, citing Ukrainian intelligence reports. The Ukrainian president said late last night there was ample evidence that Russia is planning a major push and that the Kremlin is counting on a prolonged war. This is a blatant disregard for all those around the world who seek peace and are trying to make diplomacy work, he said, adding I am confident that our partners intelligence services are having the same information. Ukraines military last week reported that Russian troops were massing on the other side of the border near Kharkiv, in what it said was clear preparation for active assault actions by the enemy. The Russian army on Monday launched the largest number of drones againstUkraine since the beginning of the full-scale war 355 attack UAVs, mostly Shaheds 09:13 AM BST China denies Ukrainian reports on military supplies to Russia China has never provided lethal weapons to any parties to the war in Ukraine and strictly controls dual-use items, the ministry said on Tuesday. In response to Ukrainian reports of Chinese supplies to Russian military plants, Mao Ning, ministry spokesperson, said: The Ukrainian side knows this full well, and China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation. Ukraines foreign intelligence chief on Monday said China is supplying a range of important products to 20 Russian military plants. 08:42 AM BST Merz: We may have to prepare for prolonged war in Ukraine The war in Ukraine is expected to persist due to Russias reluctance to enter peace talks, Germanys chancellor said on Tuesday. Wars typically end because of economic or military exhaustion on one side or on both sides and in this war we are obviously still far from reaching that (situation), said Friedrich Merz, speaking as a joint press conference with Finish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, in Turku. So we may have to prepare for a longer duration, Mr Merz added. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz - Getty Images Europe 08:21 AM BST Putin threatens crackdown on Western businesses in Moscow Russia will throttle remaining Western firms operating in the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin has warned. It comes in response to calls to restrain the activities of US tech companies Zoom and Microsoft, which currently provide only limited services in Russia. We need to throttle them...and I say this without hesitation, said Putin, in response to a question on the topic. A slew of Western companies, including McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Heineken, announced they were halting business in Russia after it launched its military offensive in Ukraine. When Ukraines allies launched a barrage of economic sanctions on Russia, many other companies significantly reduced their activities in the country. The US fast-food chain Mcdonalds closed all of its 850 restaurants in Russia in response to the countrys attacks of Ukraine in 2022 - Anadolu 07:49 AM BST Trump seriously considering lifting all war fighting restrictions on Ukraine, sources say Donald Trump is seriously considering removing all restrictions imposed by the previous administration on Ukraines war fighting, sources have said. All the previously imposed restrictions whether already eased or not are currently under the review, one senior Western official told the Kyiv Post. President [Trump] believes that the current status-quo does not serve our common interests of bringing Russia to the [negotiation] table. Earlier on Monday, Germanys Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there were no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine by its Western allies. This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia. The Kremlin called it a dangerous move. Ukraine had previously received long-range missiles from the US, the UK, and France including Atacms, Storm Shadow, and Scalp but was initially permitted to deploy them only against Russian military forces in occupied Ukrainian territories. 07:33 AM BST Russia launches 60 drones in overnight attack, Kyivs air force says Russia launched 60 drones against Ukraine in an overnight attack, Kyivs air force said on Tuesday. Some 43 drones were neutralised, with 35 shot down and eight redirected by electronic warfare, they added. Russia had launched more than 900 against Ukraine over three nights, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday. 07:24 AM BST Watch: Aftermath of Sumy shelling Russian drone attacks injured three people in Ukraines south and south-east overnight, Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday. Two people were injured in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the governor said on Tuesday. Air defence forces were working during the night in the Dnipropetrovsk, said Serhiy Lysak on the Telegram messaging app, adding that five drones had been shot down over the region. Credit: Reuters 07:14 AM BST Hello and welcome to our live coverage Were bringing you the latest updates from the Ukraine war. M23 rebels in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after the city was seized in February - Hugh Kinsella Cunningham/Getty Images The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have been accused of killing, torturing and disappearing civilians after seizing swathes of territory in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The groups actions violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes, Amnesty International said on Tuesday. Amnesty investigators collected testimony from 18 men who were held by M23 fighters in a network of detention centres in Goma and Bukavu the two major cities captured by the rebel group in its assault earlier this year. One man described witnessing two of his fellow inmates being killed in captivity. The M23 [fighter] brought out a hammer and hit him in the ribs. He died on the spot, he said. They took another person. He said he was a former member of the Republican Guard. They hit him with the hammer, but he didnt die immediately. In the morning, he was dead. The besieged city of Goma was seized by M23 in January - STR/AFP via Getty Images Another man, who was detained in Goma, witnessed the rebels executing a fellow detainee. I saw one man who was assassinated, he said. [M23] were asking him where he kept the weapons and where is so and so. They shot him in the stomach and the right arm. At least nine of the former detainees said they were beaten with a range of implements including wooden rods, electric cables, and engine belts on areas including their genitalia and buttocks. I was beaten for five days, said a former detainee who was held in a military compound in Goma. Everyone was hit. They said they were going to kill me. They said: We dont need you. We will take your wife, and we will impregnate her. Five of the detainees required hospital treatment following their release. Surrendered members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) - MOISE NIYONZIMA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Many of the men interviewed by Amnesty said they were detained on suspicion of supporting the Congolese government and army. Some were accused, without evidence, of hiding or possessing weapons, others of knowing the whereabouts of civil servants or government officials, while several were detained for speaking out against M23 abuses. Survivors said hundreds of detainees were being held in overcrowded, unsanitary cells without sufficient food, water, sanitation facilities or healthcare, Amnesty said. Some were not told at all why they were being held and were denied access to lawyers or communication with their families. Amnesty wrote to Rwandas Ministry of Justice and Attorney General with its allegations earlier this month, but says it has not yet received a response. More than 7,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands more displaced in the DRC since January in the latest escalation in conflict between the armed forces and the M23, which was formed in 2012 and has roots in the 1998 Rwandan genocide. Hundreds of thousands of refugees have been displaced since January in the latest escalation in conflict - MOISE NIYONZIMA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The United Nations maintains that Rwanda has de facto control of M23 operations, and has detailed how M23 recruits are trained under Rwandan supervision and equipped with Rwandan weaponry but Rwandas leader, President Paul Kagame, has repeatedly denied any involvement in supporting the M23 rebels. M23s public statements about bringing order to eastern DRC mask their horrific treatment of detainees. They brutally punish those who they believe oppose them and intimidate others, so no one dares to challenge them, said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty Internationals Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. Regional and international actors must pressure Rwanda to cease its support for M23. In February, David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, announced that Britain would suspend aid to Rwanda due to its support of M23. The UK has also said it will impose other measures, including looking into potential sanctions and suspending future defence training assistance. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security The speed at which police released the race and ethnicity of the suspect in the Liverpool car incident is unprecedented, a former chief superintendent has said. Merseyside Police confirmed they had a arrested a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area around two hours after the incident that left dozens of people, including four children, hurt. The force was criticised in the wake of the Southport murders last summer for not releasing more information after false rumours were started online that the killer was a Muslim asylum seeker. A police officer at the scene in Water Street (Peter Byrne/PA) Former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu told BBC Radio 5 Live: What we do have, which is unprecedented, is the police very quickly giving the ethnicity and the race of the person who was driving the vehicle and it was Merseyside Police who didnt give that information with the Southport horrific murders of those three girls, and the rumours were that it was an asylum seeker who arrived on a boat and it was a Muslim extremist, and that wasnt the case. So I think what the police have done very, very quickly, and Ive never known a case like this before where theyve given the ethnicity and the race of the individual who was involved in it, so I think that was to dampen down some of the speculation from the far-right that sort of continues on X even as we speak that this was a Muslim extremist and theres a conspiracy theory. In March, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy told MPs she wanted to dispel disinformation in the immediate aftermath of the Southport murders by releasing information about attacker Axel Rudakubanas religion, because he came from a Christian family, but was told not to by local crown prosecutors. Police did disclose that the suspect was a 17-year-old male from Banks in Lancashire, who was born in Cardiff. Widespread rioting followed the murders, with some disorder targeting mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers. Widespread rioting followed the Southport murders (PA) Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram backed the forces unusual decision to release the information about the Liverpool suspect so quickly. He told reporters: If you have a look at my timeline, there was somebody very quickly saying Why are you lying? Theres been another incident in another part of the city, which obviously wasnt true, and then they were trying to stir it up who might be responsible for it. Thats why I think the police acted to dampen that sort of speculation, because it was designed to inflame. It was designed to divide. Asked if he would like to see similar details released in the future in similar cases, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: That is a matter for the police and the investigation is ongoing so I think we need to leave that to them. I think today is a day really for thinking about all those impacted by this and being absolutely clear that we stand with them. A stalker who left a radio DJ feeling unsafe and paranoid by repeatedly sending her letters, emails and gifts has been spared jail. Keaton Adams, of Englefield Green, Surrey, even turned up at the Heart radio studio in Leicester Square in central London in January this year, asking to see presenter Katrina Ridley. The 51-year-old persistently tried to contact Ms Ridley between November 1 2024 and February 20 2025 because he believed he was in a relationship with her, Westminster Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday. In December, 60 messages, some of which were delusional in nature, were sent in just three hours, prosecutors said. One message sent to the radio station read: Im going to say goodnight now baby girl I love you always. Adams contacted Ms Ridley on her personal email, wrote about her having spyware at his home and said they were going to get married in Australia, the court heard. In December 2024, he sent coffee mugs to the studio with I will always love you printed on them. Ms Ridley said in her victim impact statement that the stalking had a huge impact on her life, leaving her feeling unsafe and paranoid and unable to use public transport. Adams had pleaded guilty to one count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress. He was jailed for 16 weeks, suspended for 18 months. A restraining order was put in place, banning Adams from contacting Ms Ridley or her colleagues and from visiting Leicester Square. Actor Stephen Graham said the Adolescence creators have done our bit as he reflected on the amount of people who have stopped him in the street since the hit Netflix drama came out. The four-part series which explores misogyny among teenage boys has prompted a national conversation about online safety. This Is England star Graham, 51, who co-created the drama with Jack Thorne, plays Eddie Miller, who watches armed police burst into his home to arrest his 13-year-old son Jamie, played by newcomer Owen Cooper. Speaking to British GQ, he said: The other day we were in New York and this woman came up to me. Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters arriving for the special screening of Adolescence at Bafta in central London (Ian West/PA) She was about 75. Im talking Fifth Avenue wealthy, in a beautiful cashmere hoodie and a Moncler gilet so expensive that it doesnt even have the badge on, you know what I mean? She looked at me and, I swear to God, her eyes welled up. She said, I just want to give you a hug. And her husband went, Can I shake your hand? We have sons and we have grandchildren. He continued: Then weve gone back to the hotel where Im staying and some fellas pushing a bin round the corner. And hes looked up and hes gone, Oh my God. Your programme, man, I just want to say I think its fantastic. We watched it, the whole family. And then he went about his business. And I just thought, Wow, if Im in New York, and weve reached this cross-section of people, then shit this thing really has exploded, hasnt it? He added: I hoped it (the show) would create conversation. The amount of stuff me and (his wife) Hannah (Walters) are getting sent, and the amount of people Im seeing on the streets who were saying that has happened between them and their children, is huge. To me, thats objective complete. Weve done our bit. Now you go and crack on. He also told the publication that his and Walters production company, Matriarch Productions, paid to put people up on the production team because they wouldnt have been able to afford it. He said: By going, Look, we know how much you want it, well cover the rent that gives that person the opportunity to save money, and then on the next job, they can pay the rent. In March, creators Thorne and Graham spoke to Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street about the issues raised in the drama. The series took months of preparation and rehearsals so that each episode could be filmed in one continuous shot, which was praised by viewers of the show. Graham will be speaking at the GQ heroes conference, taking place at Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire, from July 2 to 4. The heroes issue of British GQ is available via digital download and on news-stands on June 10. Stockton Rush on board the Titan submersible. (BBC) A BBC documentary on the Titan submersible implosion explores what happened during the fatal subsea expedition to reach the wreck of the Titanic. Implosion: The Titanic Sub Disaster, which was broadcast on 27 May, was given unprecedented access to the investigation into why the sub imploded during a dive in the North Atlantic Ocean on 18 June 2023. All five people on board tourist and expedition company OceanGate's craft were killed British adventurer Hamish Harding, 58; British businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his 19-year-old son Suleman; French deep-sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet; and Oceangate CEO Stockton Rush, 61. The ongoing investigation into the disaster by the US Coast Guard has centred on whether Rush ignored repeated safety warnings and near-misses involving Titan before its final fateful dive. Who was Stockton Rush? Born Richard Stockton Rush III into a wealthy San Francisco family in 1962, Rush was a descendant of two men who signed the US Declaration of Independence. As a child, Rush talked about becoming an astronaut and wanted to be the first person on Mars. At the age of 12 he started scuba diving and became a commercial pilot when he was 18. In 1984, Rush completed a degree in aerospace engineering at Princeton University, followed by an MBA at Berkeley in California. OceanGate chief executive Stockton Rush has been accused of repeatedly ignoring safety warnings about his company's Titan submersible. (AP Photo) (CREDIT LINE:BBC / Take Me To Titan (BBC Travelshow) / Simon Platts) Rush worked briefly as a flight-test engineer for the F-15 programme, then went on to manage a company specialising in remote control technology. By 2007, he had the idea of starting his own submarine company and co-founded OceanGate two years later. Stockton Rush, who was one of five who died inside the Titan submersible, has been criticised in the wake of the tragedy. (BBC) (CREDIT LINE:BBC / Karl Stanley / Karl Stanley) In a speech to the Explorers Club in New York in 2017, shown in the BBC documentary, Rush said: "I wanted to be an astronaut. That's why I got an engineering degree. I watched Star Trek, Star Wars, and I wasn't going to get to Jupiter or Mars but I did realise that all the cool stuff that I thought was out there is actually underwater. "The goal was where do you want to go in the ocean? Where is the most known site in the ocean? And it's clearly the Titanic." What happened before the Titan disaster? The BBC documentary shows the US Coast Guard's Titan Submersible Marine Board of Investigation trying to piece together what happened in the run-up to the submersible's implosion in June 2023. Rush insisted on using carbon fibre for the hull of Titan instead of titanium, something questioned by engineering experts because it was an untested material for deep dives. In 2019, OceanGate tested Titan in deep waters in the Bahamas, but after its 47th ever dive, submersible pilot Karl Stanley warned Rush that noises made by the hull meant it was no longer safe. Stanley emailed Rush and described "an area of the hull that is breaking down/getting spongy". The US Coast Guard is investigating what happened in the lead-up to the implosion of the Titan submersible. (PA) (American Photo Archive) Shortly afterwards, a pre-dive inspection of the hull found a crack in the carbon fibre, where layers of the material had begun to come apart, a process known as delamination. The damage meant the hull had to be replaced, but when this was done by Rush the following year, he again used carbon fibre. And when Titan was relaunched at the beginning of 2021, OceanGate disregarded US guidelines for carrying passengers and did not register their operation. Rush tried to justify this at a GeekWire summit in 2022, saying: "When you're outside the box, it's really hard to tell how far outside the box you really are. And we were pretty far out there." The OceanGate submersible Titan which imploded during a dive in June 2023, killing all five people on board. (PA) (American Photo Archive) Rush and Titan had been scheduled to be the subjects of a Discovery Channel documentary, but TV presenter Josh Gates told the BBC documentary he pulled out of the project after the OceanGate chief played him audio of bangs from a previous dive. "It wasn't just a red flag for me, it was like a flare had gone up," said Gates. He said he called the president of his TV network and said: "We shouldn't do this. This is a mistake. Something bad is going to happen here." Adventurer and businessman Alfred Hagen, who had paid $200,000 (148,000) in 2021 to try to reach the Titanic wreck on board Titan, was part of Dive 61, which was abandoned at 7 metres. After it was back above the surface, the submersible's titanium dome fell off. Hagen did get to see the Titanic on board Dive 80, on 15 July 2022, but while ascending there was a loud crack, which later turned out to be the carbon fibre delaminating and the hull started to break apart. This meant any subsequent expedition in the submersible was extremely dangerous. The disaster and the aftermath On 18 June 2023, OceanGate launched Dive 88, piloted by Rush, who was accompanied by Harding, Dawood and his son, and Nargeolet. All communication was lost with the submersible about 500m from the ocean floor, and recently retrieved footage from the support ship was shown to US Coast Guard investigators as part of the BBC documentary. It is believed it features the moment that Titan imploded. From left to right, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Hamish Harding, Stockton Rush, Suleman and Shahzada Dawood were all killed. (Yahoo News UK) (Yahoo News UK) In the clip, Rush's wife Wendy, OceanGate's head of communications, hears a sound on a monitor while sitting on the support ship. After the noise, described as "like a door slamming" by investigators, Mrs Rush asks colleagues: "What was that bang?" Wreckage from the submersible was recovered from the ocean floor near the Titanic after days of searching. Debris from the Titan submersible was recovered from the ocean floor near the wreck of the Titanic. (AP Photo) (Paul Daly, Associated Press) The findings of the US Coast Guard are expected to be published later this year. No criminal charges have been brought involving Titan's implosion, but Rush has been widely criticised since the disaster. When the hearings opened last September, OceanGate's former operations director David Lochridge testified he believed an incident was "inevitable" and that the company "bypassed" safety rules. He said he warned the firm of safety issues but was ignored before he was sacked in 2018. The hearings were also told that Rush said in a 2018 meeting: "This is one of the safest things I will ever do. I'm not dying. No one is dying under my watch - period. Implosion: The Titanic Sub Disaster is available on iPlayer and will be broadcast on BBC2 at 9pm on Tuesday. The UK and US must cooperate on new technologies such as artificial intelligence to counter the clear shared threat from China, Lord Peter Mandelson has said. The British ambassador to the US used a speech in Washington on Tuesday to warn that China posed a more serious threat than the Soviet Union and urge the UK and US to use this months trade deal as a springboard for even closer cooperation. Speaking to the Atlantic Council, he said: We face a clear shared threat. There is nothing in this world I fear more than China winning the race for technological dominance in the coming decades. China represents a far more dynamic and formidable strategic rival than the Soviet Union ever was economically sophisticated, highly innovative and strategically patient. Labour has attempted to thaw relations with Beijing since coming to power, with ministers including Rachel Reeves and David Lammy visiting the country after a period of disengagement under the Conservatives although the Government insists it will challenge China where necessary. But US President Donald Trump has been consistently hostile, applying much higher tariffs to Chinese goods than those from any other country. Arguing that the UK and US should combine forces to drive the scientific breakthroughs that will define this century, Lord Mandelson said AI should be the spearpoint of British-American collaboration. He added: Rather than stifling these transformative technologies through excessive regulation, our two governments must unleash their immense potential for human benefit and Western advantage. Lord Mandelsons comments follow the announcement of a trade deal between London and Washington earlier in May that saw the US cut tariffs on British steel and cars, while keeping the 10% levy on imports in general. At the time, the Government said the agreement opened a path to a future UK-US technology partnership, as well as a digital trade deal subject to further negotiation. Lord Mandelson suggested that the 10% tariff rate was unlikely to come down, noting Mr Trump appeared quite wedded to the figure as a baseline. But he added that the two countries could look within that baseline to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers where it is in our mutual advantage. The King and Queen processed through the Canadian capital in a carriage ahead of their historic appearance at the countrys state opening of parliament. Charles and Camillas horse-drawn landau was led by 14 mounted riders with 14 more behind as they travelled with Canadas first indigenous Governor General Mary Simon and husband Whit Grant Fraser. Crowds had gathered to watch the spectacle that processed passed some of Ottawas iconic landmarks to the Senate of Canada, where the King will deliver a speech from the throne to formally open the 45th Parliament. Canadians have seen the royal visit as a show of support for their country by its King, after Canada faced the unwanted attention of US President Donald Trump who has launched a trade war against his neighbour and made threats to annex the country as Americas 51st state. Later today, The King will open Parliament in Canada, becoming the first monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. Queen Elizabeth II addresses the 23rd session of Canadian Parliament in 1957. Plus tard dans la journee, le Roi ouvrira la legislature du Parlement pic.twitter.com/fRuSqFg9LT The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 27, 2025 Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney has praised the historic ties between his nation and the UK that crises only fortify. Commenting on the aims of his administration, Mr Carney said the Kings speech would outline the governments ambitious plan to act with urgency and determination, and to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve: to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build the strongest economy in the G7, to bring down the cost of living, and to keep communities safe. Mr Carney and his wife greeted the royal couple when their carriage arrived at the Senate building and waiting nearby was a guard of honour. A deafening 21-gun salute rang out across the capital as enthusiastic well-wishers shouted we love you King Charles. The King inspected the troops formed in two lines outside the Senate and Charles walked pass the first row and then the second before entering the building for the ceremony to begin. Updated 27 May 2025 at 7:23 am Dozens were injured on Monday after a car ploughed into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the clubs recent Premier League title. With most people enjoying a spring break holiday, up to 1 million Liverpool fans had lined the streets to celebrate the team as they moved through the city centre with the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus. The parade began at Allerton Maze south of the city before embarking on a 10-mile route over three-and-a-half hours ending with a finale on the Strand in the city centre. Chaos erupted on Water Street, about a mile before the parades endpoint. The bus had only recently passed the attendees when a vehicle rammed into the crowds, witnesses reported. Footage of the incident, which was circulating online on Monday, appeared to show the car speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street, passing a Hooters restaurant at one point, with people knocked to the floor off the windshield, falling to the ground and darting out of the way to avoid harm. A 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested, Merseyside Police confirmed. One onlooker, Matthew OCarroll, 28, from Runcorn, saw the car approaching the top of Water Street. He said the vehicle went past a parked police van at a decent speed and that the driver was beeping as he went through the crowd. Meanwhile, witness Mike Maddra told the PA news agency the car turned left, mounted pavement, come towards us and runs towards the buildings. He said: we got out the way and it was speeding up. The parade came to an abrupt halt in Water Street (PA) Mr Maddra said he thought he saw two people being hit and added, it looked deliberate. Social media video also showed angry fans converging on the vehicle as it came to a stop, smashing windows before police intervened. Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihul, said you could hear the bumps as the driver rammed spectators. He described how crowds began trying to smash the car windows, causing the driver to stall for about 10 seconds, before putting his foot down again and hitting more people. Witnesses told The Guardian the whole ordeal lasted 20-30 seconds, and the first victim was thrown about 20 feet in the air. Police and emergency personnel dealing with a road traffic accident on Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool (Danny Lawson/PA) Dan Ogunshakin, an off-duty BBC reporter attending the parade, told the public broadcaster he saw people hitting the car before it reversed and then it suddenly accelerated forwards, straight towards the surrounding crowd. What had once been an atmosphere of celebration and joy and happiness suddenly turned into fear and terror and disbelief, he said. Police said the car eventually stopped at the scene and the man was detained. BBC reporter Matt Cole described how police officers exited a squad of armed police vehicles with rifles and medical packs and began running to the scene. Daniel Jones, 28, told The Sun newspaper that police restrained people who were smashing the car. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the terrible events that took place earlier today. pic.twitter.com/HwNCVtd2WD Mersey Fire (@MerseyFire) May 26, 2025 They were ripping the register plate off, he said. The back window was broken when the (driver) was still in it. Twenty-seven people were taken to hospital, and a further 20 were treated at the scene. Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, said four people who were trapped under the car, including a child, were rescued by firefighters. At a press conference, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the horrific incident was not being treated as terrorism. North West Ambulance Services Dave Kitchin and Merseyside Polices Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, during a press conference (Danny Lawson/PA) Liverpool Echo reporter Paddy Edrich said local Italian restaurant Riva was used as a makeshift triage centre. People inside Riva are being treated by paramedics. Some have bandages around their heads and limbs, he said in a post on X. Staff in the restaurant appear to be providing fluids to those being treated and the emergency services. Other casualties were spotted being taken away by ambulance to nearby hospitals. A heavy emergency services presence remained in place for hours afterwards, with police cars, fire engines and ambulances remaining on the street. A large blue tent was erected on Water Street, with two fire engines parked in front. People inside Riva are being treated by paramedics. Some have bandages around their heads and limbs. Staff in the restaurant appear to be providing fluids to those being treated and the emergency services. @LivEchonews Paddy Edrich (@PaddyEdrichECHO) May 26, 2025 Liverpool FC said in a statement that the club was in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident, a post on X read. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident. Well-wishes flowed from other Premier League clubs, including Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City. In a statement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: The scenes in Liverpool are appalling my thoughts are with all those injured or affected. He later added: Tonight, I have spoken to Steve Rotheram about the terrible events in Liverpool and the remarkable bravery shown by the police and other emergency services. They are supporting and caring for those injured in these terrible events. Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror. The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool. Vector illustration of two profiles of a man and woman with speech bubbles inside their heads. Let me begin by saying Im a firm believer in gender equality. Its why I no longer consider myself a feminist, at least not in the modish, man-bashing, 21st century definition of the word. But we should not pretend that, for its countless benefits, female emancipation and the feminisation of our workforce have not come with costs, trade-offs and unintended effects. One of which is Britains gradual drift to the Left. To Nigel Farage, the most pertinent consequence is our declining fertility rate. In 1970, the average woman was having 2.57 children; now its 1.44, far short of the 2.1 required to maintain a stable population. Farage wants marriage tax breaks to incentivise family formation good policy, though itll cost a few bob, that will do next to nothing to alleviate our demographic woes. The pro-natalist Right hope women can be bribed into having more children; evidence from Hungary, South Korea and Japan tell a different, bleaker story. We handed women choice, and they opted to hang up the apron and shove the hoover in the cupboard. Where did they go? First, to higher education, where they make up 57 per cent of all students. And from there, into teaching, nursing, the creative arts, retail, hospitality, social work and local government all sectors where women outnumber men. Every time their representation exceeds 50 per cent, we cheer. Where men still dominate, its evidence of the patriarchy. In few areas is the female presence, or influence, more pronounced than Human Resources, where around 75 per cent of professionals and a seriously bonkers 91 per cent of administrators are women. And the turkeys are voting for veganism: consciously or otherwise women are advancing policies which cater to their own needs, irrespective of the impact on the bottom line. It suits women to work flexibly surveys show most want a hybrid model of two to three days from home one of the practices most ardently advanced by HR teams. Just ask the estate agent who won a payout of more than 180,000 after her boss refused to let her leave work early to collect her daughter from nursery. It also suits women to advance such causes as equal pay for equal work, a quasi-Marxist concept which dictates that female cleaners, for instance, ought to receive the same remuneration as male warehouse workers. Yet none of these measures appears to be improving output productivity in the public sector is no higher than it was in 1996, before the internet took off nor are they making us happier. Britain has one of the largest HR sectors in the world and has just been crowned the work from home capital of Europe, yet were suffering from a worklessness crisis driven by mental health problems. They are also allowing us to overlook the plight of men, who are more likely to struggle in education and work. When studies consistently show that women are more likely than men to align with progressive ideologies, support identity politics and advocate for censorship, their dominance in HR takes on greater significance. They are, indeed, the woker sex, and their ideology is shaping institutions and businesses across the country. Firms have become excessively politicised, with corporate policies no longer focused solely on profitability or efficiency but virtue signalling and adherence to the creed of diversity, equity and inclusion. Consider, for instance, when Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc told MPs that there was no senior non-diverse (white male) hire made at the company without her approval. Or when Alison Rose made climate change a central pillar of her leadership at NatWest. It should come as no great shock that women are increasingly voting Left especially given they are over-represented in the public sector and perhaps therefore predisposed to big statism. The real surprise is that this gender gap has taken so long to emerge. Three out of five Reform voters were male at the most recent general election. Its only since 2017 that women have been more likely than men to vote Labour. In response, alarm has been mounting in the Conservative tent which is presumably why Jeremy Hunt expanded free childcare at a cost of 4 billion to the taxpayer. The party now has its fourth female leader, was able to define woman long before Keir Starmer, and former Tory MP Bim Afolami was the first father in British parliamentary history to vote by proxy while on paternity leave. But none of it is sticking. Perhaps Farage will reverse the trend. But for now, Britain is becoming a Left-wing country, one woman at a time. A woman cleared of having an illegal abortion is planning to file a complaint with the police, prosecutors and the NHS over how she was treated. Nicola Packer told the BBC her situation could have been handled much more compassionately and that what she had been through makes her feel sick. The 45-year-old was cleared by a jury last month of unlawfully administering to herself a poison or other noxious thing with the intent to procure a miscarriage. She had taken prescribed abortion medicine when she was around 26 weeks pregnant, beyond the legal limit of 10 weeks for taking such medication at home and beyond the legal abortion limit of 24 weeks. She told jurors she did not realise she had been pregnant for more than 10 weeks. Audio has since been shared with the BBC of a senior Metropolitan Police officer speaking at a meeting in the days after Ms Packers arrest, in which he shares concerns about how the investigation has developed. The officer can be heard saying there are definitely valid discussions, I think, to be had around whether that arrest, in the circumstances, was best for Nicola. He adds that criminalisation of abortions is an uncomfortable area for police to be operating in and is not something that sits well with us, or that we have really much experience in at all. In an interview with the broadcaster Ms Packer said those involved in her case need to be held accountable. She added: Its really making me feel sick the way everything was handled. I did not need to go straight from the hospital to the police station. I could have gone home and recuperated for a couple of days. It just could have been handled much more compassionately, causing less trauma than they did. Ms Packers trial heard she took abortion medicine at home in November 2020 and later brought the foetus to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in a backpack. She spent the night in hospital and was arrested the next day. Consultant gynaecologist Jonathan Lord, who has cared for Ms Packer and now acts as her advocate, confirmed she plans to file a complaint with the Met Police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the NHS over her treatment. He was at the 2020 meeting and described it as utterly shocking. Speaking about the BBC File on 4 Investigates programme, he said: One of the many things that is so deeply unsettling about this documentary is the way the organisations (NHS, police, CPS) arent accepting any accountability for the harm they are causing, but are hiding behind the law to defend that they did the right thing. All of us make mistakes and errors of judgement, thats forgivable. But failing to learn from them, and worse still trying to defend utterly contemptible actions that have caused such suffering, is suggestive of a toxic culture at the heart of these institutions. Thats why the law has to change as it is both driving this behaviour and acting as a shield to protect those who should know better. The case prompted calls for reform of the law, including from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Rcog) which claimed the trial showed just how outdated and harmful current abortion law is. The college has issued recommendations stating that healthcare professionals do not call the police or external agencies if a woman states or they suspect she might have sought to end her own pregnancy unless she has given explicit consent to do so, or you consider it justified in her best interests. An amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill on decriminalisation in England and Wales is said to have the support of more than 60 cross-party MPs and backers hope for a vote on it as early as June. Those backing the amendment, which states that no offence is committed by a woman acting in relation to her own pregnancy, insist it would not change any law regarding the provision of abortion services within a healthcare setting, including the time limit, the grounds for abortion or the requirement for the approval of two doctors. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said they are mindful this case would have been incredibly difficult for Ms Packer but that they had acted impartially and without favour. The CPS had initially found there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a case against Ms Packer but police detectives requested a review of that decision, something the Met said is not unusual and is standard practice to ensure all critical evidence is considered. The case went to trial following that review. The Met spokesperson added: We recognise the profound impact this investigation has had and we remain committed to carrying out our duties in a way that is fair and thorough. A CPS spokesperson said prosecutors recognise the profound strength of feeling these cases evoke but have a duty to apply laws passed by Parliament fairly and impartially. They added: The role of the Crown Prosecution Service in this case was not to decide whether Nicola Packers actions were right or wrong; but to make a factual judgement about whether she knew she was beyond the legal limit when she procured an abortion. Prosecutors considered there was enough evidence to bring this case for a court to decide, and we respect the jurys decision. Ms Packer also told the BBC she felt angry at midwives for calling the police when they really didnt have to. A Chelsea and Westminster Hospital spokesperson said: At the time, our staff acted in line with the processes and guidance available to them. Their first priority, as in all cases, was to support and provide care to the patient. We remain committed to providing safe, respectful and person-centred care at all times, and will continue to reflect on points of learning from this case. Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Friedrich Merz at a previous meeting, in December in Kyiv Photograph: Efrem Lukatsky/AP The German chancellors drive to keep a campaign pledge of more robust backing for Ukraine is running into blocks within his own government as he prepares to welcome Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Berlin. Friedrich Merz made a full-throated declaration on Monday, hours before Zelenskyys one-day visit was announced, that Germany was for the first time lifting previous range restrictions on weapons supplied to Kyiv, along with Ukraines other main western supporters. His statement in an interview with a public broadcaster, which his team later posted to social media was widely interpreted as a pivot toward bolstering Berlins aid to Kyiv at a time of devastating aerial bombardment by Russia. It drew immediate condemnation from Moscow and invited speculation it could be a prelude to Germany announcing it was sending long-requested Taurus missiles to Ukraine, possibly as soon as at the Zelenskyy talks on Wednesday. However, on Tuesday, Merz, of the conservative Christian Democratic Union, appeared to finesse his message as he faced criticism from his coalition partners, the centre-left Social Democrats. Far from a groundbreaking new policy, Merz said, permission for Ukraine to strike military targets inside Russian territory using weapons supplied by western allies had been granted previously after an extensive debate. Hence yesterday in Berlin I was describing something that already happened months ago, he said. Ukraine already fired British-made Storm Shadow missiles into Russia last November, as well as French Scalps and US Atacms. Germany has delivered only two weapons systems to Ukraine that could be used to attack Russian positions beyond the border: Mars II rocket launchers and PzH 2000, a self-propelled howitzer. Range restrictions on both were lifted in May 2024. The Kremlin had said on Monday that any new decision to scrap range limits was quite dangerous and contrary to our efforts to reach a political settlement. Merzs initial comments also drew criticism from leading Social Democrats. MP Ralf Stegner, an SPD foreign policy expert and frequent critic of arms shipments to Ukraine, called the remarks not helpful and wrong and demanded redoubled diplomatic efforts. Vice-chancellor Lars Klingbeil of the Social Democrats insisted there was no new agreement that goes beyond what the previous government did on range restrictions. The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, used the confusion over Merzs initial remarks to question the calibre of people who had risen to power in leading European countries, Reuters reported. Merz said yesterday with such pretentiousness that from now on and forever there are no restrictions on the range of strikes before placing the policy in context, Lavrov told reporters at a meeting in Moscow with the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan. Asked about Donald Trumps comment that Vladimir Putin had gone absolutely crazy with the latest offensive, Lavrov said that the US president was showing emotion as he was watching his efforts for peace in Ukraine sabotaged by European politicians. In what Ukraine called a weekend of terror, Russia battered Kyiv over three nights with massive air attacks, fuelling calls from western partners for an immediate ceasefire. However, Merz said on Tuesday that a halt to the fighting appeared far out of reach, despite Russian and Ukrainian officials holding direct talks for the first time in three years earlier this month. Wars typically end because of economic or military exhaustion on one side or on both sides, and in this war we are obviously still far from reaching that, Merz said at a joint news conference with the Finnish prime minister, Petteri Orpo, in Turku. So we may have to prepare for a longer duration. Merz has already met Zelenskyy twice this month, in Kyiv and at a summit of European leaders in Albania. The talks in Berlin are aimed at discussing possible further direct discussions between Ukrainian and Russian officials, and to inform Zelenskyy about a new planned EU sanctions package against Russia, Der Spiegel and Suddeutsche Zeitung reported. Before taking office three weeks ago, Merz had hammered his Social Democrat predecessor, Olaf Scholz, as being far too timid in his defence of Ukraine against the Russian onslaught. Scholzs three-way coalition strongly backed Kyiv but stopped short of sending it long-range Taurus missiles, citing concerns it could heighten tensions with nuclear-armed Moscow. Merzs new government has stressed Germany, the second biggest national supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the US, would no longer publicly detail what arms it was sending to Ukraine, opting for a stance of strategic ambiguity. The secrecy, however, is unlikely to paper over differences between the ruling parties over military aid. Despite Merzs repeated calls as opposition leader and during the campaign ahead of Februarys general election to send Ukraine Taurus missiles, which have a range of 500 km, SPD leaders have made clear that they would, at least for now, veto such a move. Moscow, which has repeatedly rejected proposals from Kyiv and its western allies for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and fired hundreds of drones at Ukraine between late Friday and early Monday, killing more than a dozen people. The Kremlin insisted on Monday that Putin was simply taking measures necessary to ensure Russias security. Merz is expected to travel to Washington next month for his first meeting as chancellor with Trump, who has positioned himself as a go-between to broker an end to Moscows three-year offensive. European leaders are working to win steadfast support from the US president for sanctions against Russia after conflicting messages. A 1-year-old boy died after he was left in a caregiver's truck for several hours, police in New Mexico said, calling it a "very tragic incident." Police responded to a home in Albuquerque on Sunday after the child was found unresponsive in the caregiver's truck, according to Albuquerque Police Department spokesman Gilbert Gallegos. The cause of death is pending an autopsy, though heat appears to have been a factor, Gallegos said. Police have not released the name of the child. MORE: Mom arrested after 2-year-old child found alone in hot car: Police The child's parents had left the boy in the care of a male relative who lived at the home around mid-morning, Gallegos said. When family members contacted the relative later that day, the young adult realized the child was not inside, Gallegos said. Family members attempted CPR until first responders arrived some time after 5 p.m., Gallegos said. "They tried for a long time to revive the child. Unfortunately, the child died at the scene," Gallegos said during a press briefing on Monday. PHOTO: Authorities respond to a home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where police say a 1-year-old boy who had been left in a truck died, May 25, 2025. ( KOAT) Gallegos said he did not know the temperature inside the truck or exactly how long the child was left inside it, but that it was "several hours for certain." No arrests have been made and the local district attorney's office is not filing charges at this time, Gallegos said. Detectives interviewed the relative as well as a number of other family members and neighbors, Gallegos said. The relative had left on foot before officers arrived at the scene, but returned to the home, Gallegos said. "His relatives speculated that he was just traumatized," Gallegos said. "They said he was a good person but he was just in shock when this happened." MORE: 5-year-old boy dies after being left in hot car for 7 hours; foster mom arrested: Police The incident remains under investigation. Officers had contacted the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department and the department is not aware of any history involving the family, according to Gallegos. "It's a really tragic incident, and our detectives are still investigating to try to get to the bottom of what happened," Gallegos said. Prior to this incident, three children in the United States have died in hot cars so far this year, according to the national nonprofit Kids and Car Safety. On average, nearly 40 children die in hot cars in the U.S. each year, according to the organization. 1-year-old New Mexico boy dies after being left in truck for several hours: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Some of the biggest cities across the United States are also among the hottest places to be during the summer. Even the hottest cities don't compare to Death Valley, famous for its extreme heat, but millions of city residents can still experience dangerous heat on a regular basis in June, July and August. From the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the deserts of the Southwest, here are 10 of the hottest cities across the U.S. with a population over 250,000. Phoenix Phoenix is home to over 1.6 million people and regularly experiences some of the highest temperatures of any city in the country. The temperature climbs above the 100-degree mark on a daily basis from the end of May through the middle of September, with the mercury occasionally flirting with the 120-degree mark on the hottest summer days. Downtown Phoenix skyline with the South and Sierra Estrella mountain ranges in the background. (Photo credit: Getty Images) These blistering hot days are followed by warm nights, with the low temperature sometimes failing to drop below 90. Las Vegas Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination in the southwestern U.S., and visitors can expect heat when they visit in summer months. The city averages over 70 days a year with temperatures in the triple digits, and it set a new all-time heat record of 120 degrees in 2024. LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 26: General views of the Las Vegas Sign on June 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) People traveling to popular tourist destinations nearby, such as Red Rock Canyon or the Hoover Dam, should also prepare for extreme heat and take safety precautions. Tucson, Arizona Tucson, Arizona, sits on the edge of the Sonoran Desert and is nearly as hot as Phoenix, located 100 miles to the northwest. One of Tucson's hottest summers in recent years occurred in 2013 when the temperature climbed into the 100s for 39 consecutive days, including all of June. A desert dust storm, also known as a haboob, rolling into a neighborhood. (Photo/Getty Images) Thunderstorms can provide temporary breaks in the extreme summer heat, but they can also kick up dust storms, called haboobs, that reduce visibility and cause dangerous travel conditions. Riverside, California While the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean help to limit temperatures along coastal areas of Southern California, people living farther inland can experience much hotter conditions. Riverside, California, approximately 50 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, has recorded triple-digit heat every month from March through November. The all-time high temperature of 118 is higher than that of Tucson, and just a few degrees shy of the heat records in Phoenix and Las Vegas. San Antonio, Texas San Antonio is home to around 1.5 million people and experiences long stretches with temperatures in the 90s during the height of summer. The city frequently experiences temperatures above the 90-degree mark more than 110 days out of the year, as well as several days in the low 100s. The historical average high temperature of 97 degrees in August is one of the highest averages among major cities across the entire country. Miami Although the mercury in South Florida doesn't climb as high as it does in the southwestern U.S. during the summer, Miami's proximity to the tropics can make it feel boiling hot, especially for those not accustomed to the high humidity levels. Miami has only recorded a temperature of 100 once since 1895, but the strong summer sun paired with the humidity can send the AccuWeather RealFeel temperature over 110 on the hottest afternoons of the year. Aerial view of palm trees framing the city skyline on Oct. 27, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Miami is also one of the warmest cities in the country during the winter, with afternoon temperatures often ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s. Houston Tropical moisture from the Gulf has a strong influence on the weather pattern along the coast of Texas, including in Houston, the state's most populated city with over 2 million people. The humidity can boost the AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature above 100 on a daily basis. Moisture from the Gulf also helps to fuel rain and thunderstorms, making Houston the wettest of the county's hottest cities, with rain falling on more than 100 days in a given year. Fresno, California Outside of the deserts in California, the Central Valley is the state's hottest region with temperatures often reaching the triple digits. This includes Fresno, home to over half a million people. In 2018, the city experienced 30 consecutive days with a temperature at or above the 100-degree mark, the longest stretch in the city's history. Dallas Located farther inland from the Gulf than Houston or San Antonio, Dallas can experience some of the hottest weather of all of the major cities in Texas. Being farther away from the source of tropical moisture allows temperatures to be slightly higher than near the coast with daily highs in the mid- to upper 90s from the end of June into early September. Aerial photograph of the Dallas skyline at sunrise (Getty Images/Westend61) Although the summer heat can be more intense in Dallas than in Houston or San Antonio, the city experiences colder winters with temperatures frequently dipping below freezing. Orlando, Florida One of Florida's hottest cities is also one of its most popular tourist spots, with more than 75 million people visiting in 2024. Unlike Miami, temperatures in Orlando can occasionally reach the 100-degree mark with an all-time record high of 103. Overnight temperatures also remain high, as it rarely dips below 60 from June through September. Orlando also remains warm throughout the winter with afternoon highs in the 70s and overnight lows that rarely drop below 30. Some robberies are messy acts of desperation. But these heists were planned with methodical precision, carried out by crews who knew exactly what they were doing. Millions in cash and valuables were taken in bold moves involving tunnels, explosives, insider help, and occasionally, nothing more than a convincing story. Stay tuned for the final entry. It's the largest bank theft ever recorded, and it involves a dictator and nearly a billion dollars in cash. Manhattan Savings Institution Robbery (1878) Credit: Wikipedia Led by George Leslie, a gang of professional burglars stole $2.7 million from a New York City bankan astronomical sum in 1878. Leslie, an architect turned thief, planned the operation in detail but was murdered before the heist. His crew pulled it off using copied keys and insider help. Much of the money was recovered. Baker Street Robbery (1971) Credit: Reddit Were in the vault. Its all go. Thats the message intercepted by a ham radio operator who accidentally tuned into one of the most British heists ever pulled off. In London, thieves tunneled into the vault of Lloyds Bank from a rented shop two doors down. Over a weekend, they reached the floor, cracked deposit boxes, and vanished with valuables worth up to 3 million. The break-in was so carefully executed that it wasnt discovered until Monday morning. British Bank of the Middle East Robbery (1976) Credit: Facebook While Beirut was deep in civil war, one crew saw an opportunity. Using explosives (and an inconveniently located church wall), they blasted into the British Bank of the Middle East. Locksmiths helped open vaults while chaos reigned outside. The two-day spree ended with $44.5 million in cash, gold, and stocks missing, and no one ever charged. United California Bank Heist (1972) Credit: Instagram Amil Dinsio and crew believed Nixon had a secret slush fund stashed in a California bank. So they blew up the vault, grabbed $30 million, and almost got away with ituntil someone left fingerprints on a dishwasher in the rental hideout. Oops. Seafirst Bank Robbery (1997) Credit: Yahoo Ray Bowman and Billy Kirkpatrick walked into a Seattle bank dressed like they'd stepped off a noir film set. With automatic weapons and chilling precision, they emptied the vault and made off with $4.4 million. The FBI called them the Trenchcoat Robbers. Their precision and calm earned them a long run, but their record of similar heists across the U.S. eventually caught up to them. Commonwealth Bank Robbery, Sydney (1984) Credit: bunniestv A group of masked men stormed the George Street branch, made the staff open the vault, and walked out with over AUD 1 million. No tunnels or costumes were involved. It sparked a massive security overhaul across Australia. Societe Generale Heist, Nice (1976) Credit: bbc Albert Spaggiaris crew spent months tunneling from the sewer system into the vaults of Societe Generale. On a quiet weekend, they crept in, cracked over 400 boxes, and left behind this message: Without weapons, nor hatred, nor violence. Their poetic exit couldnt save them from eventual capture, but some of the loot was never seen again. 300 Million Yen Robbery, Tokyo (1968) Credit: Facebook A man impersonating a police officer stopped a bank car transporting bonuses for Toshiba employees, claiming it was rigged with explosives. He convinced the bank employees to evacuate the vehicle, then drove off with 294 million yen. Despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved and is one of Japan's most infamous heists. Bank of France Robbery, Saint-Nazaire (1986) Credit: BBC Heavily armed robbers raided the Saint-Nazaire branch of the Bank of France and stole 11 million. They held employees at gunpoint and escaped before authorities arrived. Although some were later arrested, much of the money disappeared. Banco Rio Heist, Argentina (2006) Credit: Facebook In Buenos Aires, robbers disguised as hostage-takers stormed Banco Rio and stalled police negotiations. While police surrounded the bank, the crew escaped through a tunnel to a nearby building, having emptied over 100 safety deposit boxes. A note left behind said, Its not love, its just money. Northern Bank Robbery, Belfast (2004) Credit: Wikipedia Two executives families were held overnight while the robbers coerced them into unlocking vaults the next day. The gang loaded 26.5 million into vans and disappeared. Although suspects were later linked to paramilitary groups, the heist remains officially unsolved, and most of the money is still missing. Knightsbridge Safe Deposit Centre Heist (1987) Credit: Instagram Italian playboy Valerio Viccei posed as a potential client, then overpowered the staff and brought in his crew. They emptied hundreds of boxes, making off with $97 million. The catch? Viccei was arrested trying to ship his Ferrari to South America. He was charming, but not that smart. Banco Central Burglary, Brazil (2005) Credit: Facebook A gang posing as landscapers rented a house near Banco Central in Fortaleza and spent three months tunneling 256 feet to the vault. Over a weekend, they removed $71.6 million in used notes. Despite a high-profile investigation and several arrests, only a fraction of the money was ever found. Dar Es Salaam Bank Heist, Baghdad (2007) Credit: Reddit In Baghdad, insiders at Dar Es Salaam Bank stole $282 million in cash. The robbers, who were reportedly security guards, walked out undetected, likely aided by connections with local militias. No charges were ever filed. The cash, in U.S. dollars, simply disappeared into the fog of post-war corruption. Central Bank of Iraq Robbery (2003) Credit: Wikipedia This heist was no covert operation. The day before the U.S. invasion, Saddam Hussein sent his son Qusay with a handwritten order to withdraw $920 million in cash from the Central Bank of Iraq. Trucks hauled it away. Later, U.S. troops recovered some of it, though not all of it legally. Over 30 soldiers were convicted of skimming stacks for themselves. An 18-year-old who was kayaking on Grapevine Lake in Texas over Memorial Day weekend was killed after being struck by a jet ski, whose driver fled the scene, police said. The incident happened on Sunday evening when the jet ski, with a driver and a passenger onboard, hit the victim, Ava Moore, according to the Grapevine Police Department. Grapevine Lake is a reservoir in northern Texas, approximately 20 miles northwest of Dallas and northeast of Fort Worth. PHOTO: 0329-JGF-aerials-Dallas-area-US-TX (Jon G. Fuller / Vwpics/VWPics via AP Images) MORE: After weekend of tornadoes in South, more severe weather possible on Memorial Day The passenger on the jet ski remained at the scene to be interviewed by first responders, police said, while the driver fled with an adult male. While leaving the area, the driver and the man then struck another vehicle, according to Grapevine Police. Police are investigating the related automotive hit-and-run incident, while Texas Game Wardens are leading the investigation into Moore's death on the lake. PHOTO: An 18-year-old who was kayaking on Grapevine Lake in Texas over Memorial Day weekend was killed after being struck by a jet ski, whose driver fled the scene, police said. (Grapevine Police Department) MORE: Shooting on South Carolina charter boat leaves 11 injured: Police Grapevine Police released an image of the alleged jet ski driver, asking anyone with information about the incident and the individual to contact Grapevine Police detectives at cidmail@grapevinetexas.gov. "Our thoughts are with Ava's family and friends during this difficult time. Texas Game Wardens remain committed to keeping our public waters safe," Grapevine Police said in a statement. Jet ski driver flees after killing 18-year-old kayaker in Texas: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A massive manhunt that began for 10 escapees was down to two on Tuesday while authorities turned their attention toward people aiding the inmates who literally broke out of a New Orleans jail 11 days ago. Louisiana State Police announced Monday that three more escapees had been nabbed in Louisiana and Texas and pledged to "pursue every lead" until the two who remain at-large are once again in custody. Police also announced the arrests of six people accused of aiding the escapees. "Individuals who choose to assist, conceal or harbor these fugitives are violating the law and will be arrested, regardless of the level of assistance given or where they are found," Louisiana State Police Sgt. Kate Stegall wrote in a social media post. "Harboring fugitives threatens the safety of our communities and will not be tolerated." The latest inmates to be recaptured were Lenton Vanburen, 26, who was taken into custody in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by local police there; and Leo Tate, 31, and Jermaine Donald, 42, arrested in Walker County, Texas, by the Texas Department of Public Safety. All three are expected to face additional charges related to the escape, officials said. "This is a clear example of how effective collaboration and open communication between agencies can lead to successful outcomes!" the social media post said. Well-known prison breaks: Here are some fugitives who were never caught Six more accused of aiding escapees At least 13 people have been arrested, including an inmate who did not flee, for collaborating with the escapees. Six arrests were announced Monday, including Diamond White, 21, on charges that include principal to aggravated escape and obstruction of justice for helping Antoine Massey, according to state police spokesperson Sergeant Kate Stegall. Massey remains at-large. Others announced Monday included Lenika Vanburen, 28, Tyshanea Randolph, 27, Patricia Vanburen, 18, Angel McKay, 41, and Lenton Vanburen Sr., 48. All face charges of accessory after the fact, accused of aiding Vanburen. All were booked into the Plaquemines Parish jail, Stegall said. Several other arrests have taken place since the escape Trevon Williams, an inmate who did not escape, was charged with 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced May 23. The same day, the New Orleans Police Department said it arrested Emmitt Weber on a charge of accessory after the fact of simple escape. Weber was one of four people questioned after investigators "combed through surveillance footage, connecting crucial dots in the search," the police department added. "As I promised when we initiated our investigation, we will hold absolutely everyone who contributed any role to the prison break in New Orleans accountable," Murrill said. Others arrested in connection with the prison escape include jail maintenance worker Sterling Williams, 33, Casey Smith, Connie Weeden, Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste. Smith, 30, Weeden, 59, Harris, 32, and Baptiste, 28, all women, are accused of being in contact with and helping the escapees. Sterling Williams is charged with being a principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office. Murrill said Williams admitted that he complied with a demand from one of the inmates to shut off the water to a cell, allowing escapees to rip out a toilet and sink unit and climb through the hole in the wall that was created. Michael Kennedy, a lawyer for Sterling Williams, told USA TODAY that his client argues he didnt know the men were planning to escape and shut the water off because an inmate had clogged a toilet. 3 more inmates caught: 2 New Orleans escapees remain at large How the latest escapee arrests took place Vanburen, who had been in custody on a second-degree murder charge in connection with a 2021 fatal shooting, was caught with the help of a tip from the public, police in Baton Rouge said. He was apprehended while sitting on a bench near a department store in the city, about 80 miles northeast of New Orleans. Donald and Tate were arrested the same day in Huntsville, Texas, after leading law enforcement officers from several agencies on a high-speed chase, Huntsville police said in a social media post. Huntsville is more than 350 east of New Orleans. Donald, who before the escape was being held on charges that included second degree murder, now faces addtional charges of escape and resisting an officer, Huntsville police said. Tate, who was being held on burglary and obstruction charges, now must also face aggravated escape and escape from custody charges. What prison escapees are still on the run? The search is continuing for escapees Massey, 32, and Derrick Groves, 27. Massey is charged with domestic abuse involving strangulation and theft of a motor vehicle, according to Orleans Parish records. There also is a warrant for his arrest in St. Tammany Parish for second-degree rape, second-degree kidnapping, domestic abuse involving strangulation and violation of a protective order involving battery stemming from an incident in November, the parish's sheriff's office told USA TODAY. Groves was convicted of two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder in October in connection with a shooting during Mardi Gras in 2018. Groves also has been awaiting sentencing on a manslaughter charge since October. The Orleans Parish Prison is seen on May 21, 2025, in New Orleans. Ten inmates escaped from the prison on May 16 by climbing through a hole behind a toilet. How did the inmates escape? The 10 inmates fled the Orleans Parish jail May 16. Authorities said the group pulled open faulty sliding cell doors, tore out a bathroom to create a hole in the jail and then climbed a wall to escape. Three were recaptured by the end of the same day. Two more were caught a week later. Authorities announced awards of up to $20,000 per inmate for information leading to the arrests of the escapees. Orleans Parish DA worries about the safety of staff Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams told USA TODAY the escape appeared to be an "inside job" and that he worried for the safety of his staff. Jason Williams said he is especially worried for two colleagues who tried the second-degree murder case against Groves, one of two remaining at-large escapees. The two colleagues left the state for their safety, according to Jason Williams. He would not say whether his office had received any credible threats."They're young. They've got families," Jason Williams said. "They don't deserve to be in a situation." Some victims and witnesses in the cases against the escapees also "wanted to be relocated," Jason Williams said. He worries the dangers following the escape will chill peoples willingness to testify and serve on juries in other cases. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Chris Kenning, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2 New Orleans prisoners still on the run after massive jailbreak In this photo provided by Marisa Marulli a veterinary team conducts a CAT scan on a sea turtle named Pennywise at an equine center in Wellington, Fla., on Wednesday May, 21, 2025. (Marisa Marulli via AP) JUNO BEACH, Fla. (AP) A massive loggerhead sea turtle hit by a boat off Florida's Atlantic coast arrived at a turtle hospital needing medical care, but at 302 pounds (137 kilograms), Pennywise was too large to fit their equipment. So the veterinary team at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach took her to nearby Jupiter Medical Center, hoping she could get a CT scan on a human machine. She was too big for that, as well. They quickly came up with another plan: taking Pennywise to Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, where the scan was performed on equipment designed for horses. And, luckily, the horse-sized machine was big enough to fit this lady through," Heather Barron, the chief science officer and veterinarian at Loggerhead, told The Associated Press. Turns out, they also got a nice surprise: Images showed that Pennywise is carrying eggs. We hope well be able to get her back out there into the wild as soon as possible so that she can lay those eggs," Barron said. Loggerheads, an endangered species, often lay multiple clutches during a season, she said. Pennywise arrived at the center Monday, after a crew from Inwater Research Group found her floating in the Atlantic with significant blunt force trauma to her shell that had already started to heal. The staff at the Juno Beach turtle center estimated that Pennywise's injuries were about a month old. Barron said the imaging showed some damage to bones that surround the spinal cord. They have the turtle on high-powered antibiotics. "Luckily, right now, her neurologic exam shows that all those nerves are intact. And that is a great sign for her. Were very excited about that and well just be rechecking to make sure that we have no progression of the disease, and as soon as we feel like that wound is healed well enough, she can go back out into the wild. Even so, Barron said, Pennywise's story is a textbook case of a turtle returning to the area for mating and nesting season, only to fall victim to an entirely preventable boat-strike injury. Because nesting season in Florida runs from March 1 to Oct. 31, officials at the sea turtle center are encouraging boaters to slow down and to be especially mindful in what they refer to as the Sea Turtle Protection Zone, which extends a mile (1.6 kilometers) off the coast. ___ Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After a 4-year-old student in Alabama ingested ethanol and was taken to a hospital with one-third the state's legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC), her teacher was arrested, according to multiple reports, citing local authorities. The 56-year-old female teacher was charged with aggravated child abuse after her student, who was in her care at Collins-Rhodes Elementary School in Prichard, told detectives with the Mobile County Sheriff's Office that she received a drink from her teacher that made her feel sick, WALA and WPMI reported. The allegations against the teacher came up when the student's parents took her to the hospital on April 28 after they picked her up, and she was extremely ill, Mobile County sheriff's deputies told the TV stations. The teacher pleaded not guilty on May 27 after waiving arraignment, according to court documents, per WKRG. USA TODAY contacted the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, the Prichard Police Department, the Collins-Rhodes Elementary School and the Mobile County Public School System on May 27 but has not received a response. Memorial Day shooting: 2 dead, 9 injured in Memorial Day shooting in Philadelphia: Police What BAC did the child have after the alleged incident? The child spent two and a half days in the ICU after her family said she ingested a sizable amount of ethanol, which is a renewable fuel the U.S. Department of Energy says is in more than 98% of U.S. gasoline, the TV stations reported, adding that the girl is now recovering at home. The toxicology report, obtained by WALA, showed the girl had a BAC of nearly .029. According to the National College for DUI Defense, the legal (BAC) limit in Alabama is 0.08. As of May 27, the woman is still listed on Collins-Rhodes Elementary School's website as a special education teacher. Student reportedly began feeling sick after nap time A sheriff's deputy told WPMI that a teacher's aide realized after nap time that the student felt ill. "Whenever she didn't wake up first, she felt something was off," sheriff's deputy Lonnie Parsons said, per the TV station. "They tried to wake her up, but she was very sluggish. She could not stand up without assistance." The sheriff's office was also told about previous complaints made about the woman, Parsons said, but he did not divulge what the complaints were about, WMPI reported. In a statement obtained by WMPI, the Mobile County Public School System said: "We take all allegations seriously. The teacher was placed on administrative leave when this allegation was first made. We have been cooperating with law enforcement on the investigation, and we will continue working with them." Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teacher arrested after student ingested ethanol, had high BAC: Reports Dr Derek Hao, from RMIT University, holds the teams spongy wood-based composite material that can absorb water from the atmosphere. (CREDIT: Shu Shu Zheng, RMIT University) Refined wood, salt, sunlight, and artificial intelligence might soon deliver clean drinking water from thin aireven in the driest regions of the world. Thats the promise behind a new invention developed by researchers from Australia and China. Their novel, wood-based material not only absorbs water from the air but also releases it using only sunlight, offering hope for a world facing growing water shortages. How the New Material Works The device, made from refined balsa wood, works like a high-tech sponge. It captures moisture from the air and, when heated by the sun, releases it as clean water into a cup. Even in low humidity and freezing temperatures, it remains functionaloffering water in conditions where many other systems fail. The material at the heart of this technology is a blend of wood, lithium chloride, and a solar-absorbing surface made of carbon nanotubes. These ingredients form a strong, porous sponge that can absorb water vapor from air at humidity levels ranging from 30% to 90%. Thats a wide range, making the device useful in many parts of the world. Graphical abstract. (CREDIT: Journal of Cleaner Production) Once exposed to sunlight, the sponge heats up. This causes the absorbed water to evaporate from the material and collect in a container, ready for drinking. Researchers found that in laboratory tests, the material could release nearly all its absorbed water within 10 hours of sun exposure. Even at just 30% humidity, it pulled about 0.6 milliliters of water per gram from the air. And at 90% humidity, it absorbed about 2 milliliters per gram. Why This Technology Matters Freshwater scarcity is a growing problem worldwide. Nearly 80% of people face serious water shortages. Traditional methods like fog harvesting or radiative cooling often dont work well in dry areas. That's where atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) comes in. By pulling water directly from the air, AWH systems dont rely on rivers, lakes, or underground sources. Related Stories The use of wood as a base for the sponge isnt just a clever choiceits a strategic one. Wood is naturally porous and full of channels that can hold water. Its also biodegradable, cheap, and widely available. Researchers chose balsa wood for its sponge-like structure, which helped them build a stable, reusable material. Lithium chloride, the salt used in the device, is known for its ability to absorb water even in low humidity. But in powdered form, it can clump or leak. By embedding it in wood, researchers avoided these problems and created a stable system for absorbing and storing water. Boosted by Artificial Intelligence The researchers didnt just stop with good materials. They used machine learning to fine-tune the design and predict how the material would perform under different environmental conditions. Random forest and long short-term memory (LSTM) models showed high accuracy in predicting both water absorption and release rates. One of the best models achieved a prediction accuracy with an R value of 0.988 for absorption rate. An invention with a sponge-like material, developed by researchers in Australia and China, absorbs water from the atmosphere and then releases it in a cup using the suns energy. (CREDIT: Shu Shu Zheng, RMIT University) An analysis using the Shapley Additive Explanations method revealed that three main factors influence how well the material works: how long it absorbs moisture, how much salt it contains, and the relative humidity of the air. Surprisingly, temperature played a smaller role. These models helped researchers visualize how small changes in conditions affected water collection. That means future improvements could be designed more quickly and accurately, reducing trial-and-error in the lab. Durable and Flexible in Harsh Conditions One of the most impressive aspects of the sponge device is its durability. In outdoor tests, it collected up to 2.5 milliliters of water per gram overnight, then released most of it during the day, reaching a daily water collection efficiency of 94%. The device held up well through 10 cycles of absorbing and releasing water, with less than 12% performance drop. https://youtu.be/qo-EIKi7XSM Even after being stored at 20 C for 20 days, the sponge still absorbed water and worked as expected. This freeze resistance makes it especially valuable for emergency use in cold climates. Real-World Potential and Next Steps Dr. Derek Hao from RMIT University in Melbourne led the study with support from Dr. Junfeng Hou at Zhejiang A&F University and five other Chinese research institutes. Hao said the design combines nature-inspired materials with smart engineering. Its simple structure means it could be mass-produced and deployed in remote or disaster-hit areas. Each sponge cube is smalljust 15 cubic millimeters. But by combining multiple cubes or scaling up the system, larger volumes of water could be collected. The device could be placed in arrays and operated entirely on solar power, without needing batteries or electricity. A pair of tweezers squeezes water from the spongy material developed by the team. (CREDIT: Xingying Zhang) Researchers are now in talks with industry partners about pilot-scale production. Hao noted that integrating the device with solar panels and smart sensors could allow it to run day and night. Sensors could monitor air temperature, humidity, and solar energy to optimize the systems operation. Hao envisions future models that are even smarter. With better design platforms, guided by AI, researchers could test new combinations of materials without long lab experiments. This could speed up innovation and lead to devices that are more efficient, cheaper, and better suited to different climates. Broader Trends in Water-From-Air Technologies The breakthrough builds on years of research into new materials for AWH. Many groups have tested hydrogels, aerogels, and composite materials to improve water capture. These materials combine salts with flexible matrices like cellulose, guar gum, and even bacterial cellulose. They absorb more water and release it more easily than older materials like silica gel or zeolite. https://youtu.be/PoiA5eeQaBI Some of the latest designs use natural materials like loofah, rapeseed pollen, and sodium alginate to create sponges that are both eco-friendly and effective. These materials can also biodegrade after use, reducing environmental harm. Still, many of these earlier methods involve costly or complex manufacturing. The new wood-based sponge offers a simpler, cheaper alternative. Its mix of affordability, performance, and smart design could make it one of the most promising technologies for solving the global water crisis. Research findings are available online in the Journal of Cleaner Production. Note: The article above provided above by The Brighter Side of News. Like these kind of feel good stories? Get The Brighter Side of News' newsletter. Amazon manufactures and tests its Hercules and Proteus robots inside a massive facility in North Reading, Massachusetts. Madeline Stone / BI Business Insider recently toured two facilities where Amazon designs and manufactures its robots. Amazon has hundreds of thousands of robots working in its sortation and fulfillment centers. Its facilities give an inside peek at what modern manufacturing looks like. Inside an unassuming office park in North Reading, Massachusetts, Amazon employees are hard at work building robots to support its vast network of fulfillment centers. This facility, along with another about 50 miles away in Westborough, provides a modern view of US manufacturing. President Donald Trump has made his pledge to bring manufacturing back to the US a cornerstone of his administration. But there appears to be a growing appetite for reshoring among company CEOs, a recent annual survey from consulting firm Kearney found. While tariffs and geopolitical tensions provide extra incentive to do so, some obstacles remain, the Kearney analysts wrote. People also aren't necessarily clamoring to work in factories. A poll by the Cato Institute done last year found that while a majority of Americans believed that the US would be better off if more people worked in manufacturing, only a small percentage said they personally want to work on a factory floor. 'A good attitude' and the 'ability to problem solve' The 209,000-square-foot facility in North Reading was previously the home of Kiva Systems before Amazon acquired the mobile robotics company for $775 million in 2012. Elevated platforms look down on an open floor area where robot models named Hercules and Proteus come off a manufacturing line. They have their batteries charged and systems tested, and then file themselves away to be shipped to fulfillment centers in a process Amazon calls a "robot graduation." Both types of robots transport heavy pods of items around Amazon's fulfillment centers, but while Hercules follows a preordained path marked on the floor, Proteus can sense people and humans in its path and make its own decisions about where to go. There are four manufacturing lines in the facility, each with 10 stations. Lights above each station signal green when everything is in place and red when something is wrong. Workers build robots on four assembly lines inside Amazon's North Reading, Massachusetts, facility. Madeline Stone Tye Brady, chief technologist at Amazon Robotics, told Business Insider on a recent visit to the facilities that the company is proud of the fact that it manufactures its robots in Massachusetts. "We know that it can be done and we can do that very efficiently and employ the local workforce," Brady said. A recent Morgan Stanley report estimated that Amazon's investments in robotics could save the company as much as $10 billion a year. Amazon Robotics's facility in Westborough is even larger than the one in North Reading, stretching about 350,000 square feet. In that facility, Amazon workers manufacture robots that can sort, like one called Sequoia that combines several different robotic processes into one storage system. Rows upon rows of cables hang down above containerized robotic storage systems that are testing software updates behind chain-link fences, safely away from human workers. Amazon manufactures sortation robots like Sequoia inside its Westborough facility. Madeline Stone Both the North Reading and Westborough facilities also have corporate offices and research and development labs located directly off the manufacturing floor. Brady said the location is a "competitive advantage" because their engineers and manufacturing employees can work together from the start. "And we've created many, many jobs because of that," he said. Erica McClosky, director of manufacturing and technical operations at Amazon Robotics, said that about 300 people work on the more physical tasks involved in building and maintaining a fleet of robots that's more than 750,000 strong. Erica McClosky leads manufacturing for Amazon Robotics. Madeline Stone The majority of workers are assemblers who work on the line itself. Another team is responsible for testing robots before they go out to fulfillment centers and for repairing them when they're experiencing issues. There are also employees who receive and ship out the materials needed to assemble the robots. Amazon sources mechanical parts from local suppliers as well as global ones. These employees typically don't need advanced technical knowledge to do their jobs. "Generally, the requirement for us is a good attitude, ability to problem solve, and be curious," McClosky said. In addition to those employees, about 150 engineers support and assist them. That includes process engineers who work alongside assemblers as they learn how to build a product, as well as test and quality engineers. Technical program managers bring the whole process together. 'There's no doubt that we're seeing jobs change' Brady said Amazon's work is just the beginning of what's possible in "physical AI," a term used to describe the process of bringing AI to robots that can perceive and react to the real world. "When I speak about physical AI, it would be like us talking about the computer in the '50s," he said. "I really foresee the future filled with physical AI systems that enable and augment a person's capability to do their job." He added that the team aims for the robots to be collaborative and always work in concert with humans. The work that happens in Amazon's Massachusetts facilities ultimately plays out in Amazon's sortation and fulfillment centers, where orders are picked, packed, and prepared for delivery. About 75% of the packages that Amazon processes touch at least one of its robotics systems. Julie Mitchell, director of robotic sortation technology at Amazon Robotics, said her design teams get direct feedback from operations teams at fulfillment centers so they know what tasks need to be automated and what may or may not be working. Mitchell and McClosky's overall goal is to optimize manufacturing and design so that robots arriving at a fulfillment center are ready to get to work. "We partner really early on to get their feedback at the very beginning of our designs so that we're always going in the right direction with our technology," Mitchell said. The robot named Sequoia is a sortation and storage system. Madeline Stone Amazon recently opened a next-generation fulfillment center in Shreveport, Louisiana, with 10 times the number of robots than older fulfillment centers. Brady said that 30% more of the jobs in the Shreveport fulfillment center are more technical in nature than in other locations. "There's no doubt that we're seeing jobs change," Brady said. But rather than have robots replace jobs, Brady said that Amazon is committing significant resources to upskilling its employees. That includes technical apprenticeship programs and paying for some employees' college tuition. "You need both people and machines to work together in order to achieve this task," he said. "If you can blend the best of both worlds the common sense, the thinking at a higher level, the reasoning, understanding overall building flow, understanding the problems that need to get resolved and then let the machines do the menial and mundane and repetitive, then you actually have created a more productive system." Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON The Supreme Court allowed a middle school's ban on a student's controversial T-shirt to remain in place, declining to take a case related to the child's THERE ARE ONLY TWO GENDERS" message. The decision May 27 leaves in place a lower courts ruling that it was reasonable for the school to conclude the shirt could be disruptive. Two of the court's conservative justices, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, said they would have taken the student's appeal. The Supreme Courts move came as the debate over transgender rights has leaped to the forefront in the culture wars and after President Donald Trump declared that only two sexes, male and female, would be recognized by the federal government. These sexes are not changeable, Trump stated in one of his first executive orders. U.S. medical associations support a spectrum of genders, including nonbinary. The American Psychological Association defines gender as the attitude, feelings and behaviors a person associates with their sex. Liam Morrison was a seventh-grader in 2023 when his Massachusetts' middle school said he could not wear a T-shirt stating, "THERE ARE ONLY TWO GENDERS." Middle schooler wore a shirt that shared Trump's sentiment on transgender issues Liam Morrison wanted to share his views on the matter in 2023 when, as a seventh grader, he wore his two genders T-shirt to school. When the principal told Liam he couldnt return to class unless he changed his shirt, Liam opted to go home. As the controversy over the shirt increased, Liam later wore a version of the shirt with the word censored taped over two genders. He was told to change that shirt, too. School officials said they were acting out of concern for gender-nonconforming students, some of whom had experienced serious mental health struggles including thoughts of suicide because of how they were treated by other students. Attorneys for Liam said the school violated his First Amendment rights to express a view different from the schools. Lawyer David Cortman speaks with the media next to his client Liam Morrison, after arguments before a federal appeals court concerning a middle school's decision to not allow him to wear a T-shirt that says, "There are only two genders", in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., February 8, 2024. Stories of belonging across the country: Sign up for USA TODAY's This is America newsletter. Attorneys cite a 'marketplace of ideas' in school Liam "sought to participate in his schools marketplace of ideas and address sociopolitical matters in a passive, silent, and untargeted way, lawyers with the Alliance Defending Freedom told the Supreme Court. "Students dont lose their free speech rights the moment they walk into a school building," David Cortman, an attorney with the group, said in a statement after the Supreme Court rejected the appeal. "Schools cant suppress students views they disagree with." The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the school, noting federal courts have ruled schools can restrict messages that can be reasonably interpreted to demean a persons identity and are reasonably expected to be disruptive. And school officials, Judge David Barron wrote, must have some margin to make high-stakes assessments in conditions of inevitable uncertainty. The question here is not whether the t-shirts should have been barred, Barron wrote. The question is who should decide whether to bar them educators or federal judges. Alito: Free speech at school should be the rule, not the exception In his dissent, Alito said the appeals court had watered down the Supreme Courts demanding standard for when schools can restrict a students free speech rights. Free speech should be the rule, not the exception, he wrote. But the appeals court, Alito said, deferred to school officials speculation about the effects of the T-shirt, even though there were no actual disruptions, and accepted the administrators conclusion that the shirts messaged demeaned others personal identity. Feeling upset, however, is an unavoidable part of living in our `often disputations society, Alito wrote. And the desire to avoid discomfort or unpleasantness is no reason to thwart a students speech. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court declines case on student's 'only two genders' T-shirt A Checkers employee in Florida was arrested after being accused of shooting and killing a customer who "was possibly asking for mayonnaise packets," according to local authorities and court documents. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office shared on May 22 that Elijah Travis Mackey, 23, was charged with premeditated murder with a firearm in connection with the killing of Wesley Robertson at a Checkers location in Kissimmee. Mackey, who was working at the Checkers location during the incident around 10:10 p.m., engaged in a verbal dispute with Robertson regarding his food order, according to the sheriff's office. The confrontation escalated, prompting Mackey to shoot Robertson, the law enforcement agency said. Robertson was taken to a local medical center, where he succumbed to his injuries, the sheriff's office said. Deputies arrested Mackey and booked him into the Osceola County Jail on May 22, the sheriff's office said. It is unclear if Mackey has a bail or defense attorney. USA TODAY contacted Checkers on May 27 but did not receive an immediate response. Witnesses recount the confrontation between Mackey and Robertson According to an arrest warrant obtained by USA TODAY, a witness told detectives that after Robertson, who was on foot in the Checkers' drive-thru line, got his food from the right window, he began complaining about his order and demanded to speak to the manager several times. While at the window, Mackey came around from the right side of the building and began arguing with Robertson, the arrest warrant says. During the argument, Robertson called Mackey several slurs before the employee reached into the right side of the front of his waistband and pulled out a small handgun, the witness told detectives, per the court document. No other words were exchanged before Mackey shot Robertson in the chest, the witness said, according to the arrest warrant. When the injured Robertson fell headfirst into the building, Mackey ran toward a nearby slingshot ride, the court document states. Pictured is an under construction Checkers in Jacksonville, Florida. Another witness told detectives a similar story, but the person noted that Robertson was possibly asking the Checkers workers for mayonnaise packets at the time of the incident, the arrest warrant states. The witness also told detectives that after fleeing, Mackey returned to the business moments later to retrieve his backpack, only to leave on foot once again, according to the court document. Responding deputies eventually found Mackey hiding under the stairwell of a motel, and when deputies handcuffed him, he spontaneously said, "I have a gun on me," the arrest warrant says. Once the gun on Mackey was recovered, the court document states that deputies heard Mackey say several times, "Is dude okay?" Video from the Checkers shows Mackey climbing out of a drive-thru window and walking to the frontof the business, where Robertson was. Moments later, the video shows the customer falling to the ground, according to the arrest warrant. Checkers: 'We are shocked and saddened' In a statement obtained by People and WESH, Checkers said: "We are shocked and saddened by the incident that occurred last night at our restaurant in Kissimmee, Florida. The actions of this one employee do not reflect the values of the thousands of our hardworking employees across the country. We are working closely with the police in their investigation, and we are sending our thoughts and prayers to the guest's family." The Checkers location in Kissimmee reopened for business on May 23, WESH reported. Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Checkers employee accused of killing customer over order dispute Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office Randolyn Allen Randolyn Allen, 43, is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Brett Daigle in Louisiana on May 24 Daigle, 48, was shot dead during a custody exchange in Lake Charles, with the children present The Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office said that they are still investigating the incident, and Allen is being held in custody pending a bail hearing A Louisiana woman is in custody after a contentious custody exchange turned deadly. Randolyn Allen, 43, faces a second-degree murder charge after deputies say she killed 48-year-old Brett Daigle on May 24. Daigle is the father of Allens children and the former couple was meeting at a home in Lake Charles for a custody exchange when the incident occurred, according to a news release from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office. Deputies were called to the residence in response to the shooting at around 2:30 p.m., according to 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. Detectives were then notified about the incident, and after speaking to several eyewitnesses, they determined that Allen "discharged a firearm at the residence during a child custody exchange," according to the release. Daigle was "struck several times" and pronounced dead on the scene, deputies said. This all happened in front of the couple's children, though it is unclear if Daigle was returning them after they spent time at his home in Colorado or picking them up to spend time in Colorado. Allen is now being held at the Calcasieu Correctional Center and her bond has yet to be set in the case, according to jail records. It's unclear if she has an attorney. Read the original article on People By Kalea Hall DETROIT (Reuters) -General Motors is investing $888 million at a New York propulsion plant to increase engine production and build a next-generation V8, the company said on Tuesday. The investment at the Tonawanda propulsion plant in Buffalo, New York, first reported by Reuters, is a shift from a previously announced $300 million commitment to make electric-vehicle drive units at the plant. The move is likely another sign of automakers adapting to slower-than-expected market demand for EVs and comes after the Detroit automaker aggressively lobbied Congress to rescind California electric-vehicle rules. GM said the investment will support the sixth generation of GMs V-8 engines, used in full-size trucks and SUVs expected to be more fuel-efficient. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the project will support 870 jobs at Tonawanda Propulsion, including 177 jobs deemed at risk. The state plans to provide up to $16.96 million in tax credits in return for investment commitments. New York said last week it would pause penalties associated with any shortfalls of EV sales for two years. GM has been more adamant in staying the course on its move to EVs than other automakers, but has also pulled back on some of its previously announced EV investments, including selling its stake in a battery cell plant to battery partner LG Energy. GM CEO Mary Barra has said the automaker has a plan to sell only electric light-duty vehicles by 2035 but has said it will "be responsive to where the customer is." Executives have more recently positioned the company to be focused on adapting to customer demand for EVs, but the automaker has also continued launching the vehicles. It now has about a dozen EVs available in the United States. GM committed to a $300 million investment for drive unit production at the Tonawanda plant during the 2023 negotiations with the United Auto Workers union. Production of the drive units had not been launched there. (Reporting by Kalea Hall in Detroit; Additional reporting by David Shepardson in Albany, New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis) In the world of auto insurance discounts, the biggest savings are tied to telematics. State Farms Drive Safe & Save promises up to 30 percent off your auto insurance premium for safe driving; Progressive says it handed out over $1.2 billion in discounts through Snapshot. Although Allstate no longer advertises an average or maximum discount on its website, it claimed in the past that discounts from the Drivewise telematics program could total as much as 40 percent. But for many drivers, concerns about data privacy are a major deterrent. Before drivers can earn a telematics discount, they must opt into a program that permits their insurance company to collect huge amounts of personal data, including geolocation data, often with limited, hard-to-find or murky information about how that data will be stored or used. In recent months, these privacy concerns have made their way to state lawmakers, attorneys and attorneys general, with lawsuits and proposed legislation cropping up across the country in a patchwork attempt to regulate how insurance companies use customers telematics data. Why state authorities are cracking down on insurance telematics First, it was Texas. In January, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Allstate and its telematics partner Arity, alleging that the two companies had conspired to collect and sell telematics data from over 45 million Americans. Attorneys in Illinois followed suit in February, filing a class action lawsuit against Allstate in federal court. Automakers that collect telematics data via in-vehicle technology have also come under fire for data-sharing partnerships with insurance companies. In April, lawyers in Texas filed a class action lawsuit against Progressive and Toyota for sharing customers driving data without consent. In the meantime, lawmakers in several U.S. states have introduced new legislation that would put restrictions on the way insurance companies gather and use customer data for the purposes of telematics. Legislators in Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Carolina and Tennessee introduced bills focusing on transparency and consumer protection: Maryland Senate Bill 984 : Would require insurers to disclose what data they collect for the purposes of telematics. Missouri House Bill 1121 : Would prohibit insurers from purchasing driving data from third parties like manufacturers. New York Senate Bill 5486 : Would require insurers to file the methodologies they use to calculate telematics discounts with the superintendent and disclose them to the public. North Carolina House Bill 81 : Would require written notification and consent from policyholders. Tennessee Senate Bill 195: Would require insurers to obtain consent from policyholders and make disclosures about how telematics data is collected and used. Of these five bills, only North Carolinas HB 81 has seen significant forward momentum. The rest have stalled in committee or been withdrawn entirely by the lawmakers who introduced them. Less than one in four Americans trust companies to do the right thing with their data Sharing data with companies is a constant part of daily life for most of us but its also a source of deep concern for many Americans. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center found that 81 percent of Americans are very concerned about how companies use the data they collect from them, with 42 percent saying theyre very worried about companies selling their personal information without their knowledge. Just 21 percent of Americans, the study found, are confident that those who have access to their personal information will do what is right. That leaves many drivers stuck between the rock of rising premiums and the hard place of privacy fears. More states are passing data privacy laws, but they may not protect telematics users The burst of lawsuits and legislation surrounding telematics privacy comes out of a bigger trend: state efforts to regulate data privacy in an increasingly online world. Data privacy is a hot topic in state capitols these days, with 19 states passing comprehensive data privacy laws since 2018 most of them within the past two years. California kicked it off in 2018 with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and 18 states have followed. With so many states passing data privacy laws in the past few years, its not unreasonable to assume that other states will follow, rolling out protections for consumer data, including personal and geolocation data shared through telematics programs. Theres just one problem, says Kara Williams, law fellow at the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC): most of these state-penned data privacy laws dont amount to much. In a recent review of all 19 laws conducted by Williams and her EPIC colleagues, most received D or F grades. The problem with those privacy policies, she says, is that they leave consumers with limited control over their data: You essentially have to accept the terms or not do the thing youre trying to do. In this case, that means choosing between signing away control over personal data or giving up on what may be the biggest discount opportunity available. Even states with relatively robust data privacy laws may not adequately protect consumers in the case of usage-based insurance. Williams and her colleagues gave Marylands newly passed Online Data Privacy Act a generous B-. The bill includes specific exemptions for insurance companies, allowing them to use customer data as needed without complying with the laws new provisions. Data minimization: A key to reliable privacy laws? One of the problems with the way privacy laws currently operate, Williams says, is that they require consumers to take control of their own data privacy. While putting the consumer in charge might sound like a good thing, what it means in practice is that ensuring your data is being used in ways youre comfortable with requires a lot of research. If youve ever scrolled to the bottom of a long terms and conditions page just to click I agree and get on with your day, youre probably familiar with this dilemma. Technically, youve been notified and given a chance to consent to (or opt out of) data collection, but in practice, most consumers likely arent making a truly informed decision. A privacy framework that allows companies to collect large amounts of data and places the responsibility for privacy on the consumer effectively means that a lot of us are flying blind when it comes to data privacy and that includes many drivers signing up for telematics programs. A partial answer to this dilemma, EPICs analysts believe, is legislation that emphasizes data minimization: that is, restrictions on how much data companies can collect in the first place. We advocate for the data minimization framework because it shifts the onus onto the companies to make sure theyre handling data responsibly, Williams says. By shrinking that pool to only the data thats truly necessary to provide the service customers are looking for, data minimization has the potential to make transparency more meaningful and privacy laws more impactful. What this means for most of the country While the wheels of progress are churning furiously around the issue of data privacy, most Americans remain where they started, with little autonomy in the telematics process. If your state hasnt passed data privacy legislation or regulations on telematics or if those protections exclude insurance companies you may be stuck choosing between trusting your insurer to use your data responsibly or giving up the chance to qualify for lower insurance rates. EPICs 2025 State of Privacy report notes that six states Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Nevada, North Dakota and Wyoming have never considered, much less passed, a data privacy bill. Twenty-five have considered this type of legislation but have yet to pass it. New England may be the next region to watch for stronger protections on consumer data: Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont are all working on comprehensive data privacy laws this year. But whether those laws will pass and whether theyll offer meaningful protection to customer data in the insurance space remains to be seen. In the meantime, its important to understand the data privacy legislation (or lack thereof) governing how insurers operate telematics programs in your state. If youre on the fence about enrolling in a usage-based insurance program, consider taking the following steps: Read privacy policies carefully: Your insurance company should have a privacy statement on its website or app explaining the data it collects via telematics, along with how its used. Taking time to read any privacy policies provided by your insurer can help you make an informed decision about opting into usage-based insurance. Know your rights: Depending on your states laws, you may have the right to access, correct or delete the personal information your insurance company collects or you may have none of these rights. Ask questions: While agents may not have answers to all of your usage-based insurance questions, your insurer may have a dedicated support team for its telematics program who can help you understand the agreement youre entering with your insurer. Check your automakers telematics practices: Even if you choose not to opt into your insurers telematics program, the lawsuit against Progressive and Toyota indicates that some insurers may obtain your driving data through a partnership with your cars manufacturer. Understanding the telematics systems in your vehicle and how the automaker in question uses them could help you protect your data. Weigh the costs and benefits of telematics: Despite the concerns it raises about data privacy, telematics can be a powerful tool for safe drivers looking to lower their insurance premiums especially if your rates are currently high due to non-driving factors like your age or credit. Savings could outweigh any discomfort you may have with the privacy risks of opting into these programs. Why the promise of telematics may still be worth fighting for Although privacy concerns may remain a problem for insurance consumers in many states, telematics still holds a powerful incentive not offered by most other insurance discounts: the chance to break free from an outdated system of insurance pricing. Traditionally, insurance companies base their pricing on risk calculated from third-party data: motor vehicle reports from the DMV, geographic crash data from law enforcement and demographic safety statistics drawn from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In this pricing model, youre assigned a premium based on the groups you belong to for instance, young driver, convicted speeder, resident of ZIP code 33101 and the average risk carried by those groups. That approach to car insurance pricing leaves policyholders with surprisingly few ways to change the cost of their insurance. For most people, the only way to lower their insurance costs is to shop around or reduce their coverage, and that doesnt actually reduce risk, says Ryan McMahon, senior vice president of strategy at Cambridge Mobile Telematics, the worlds largest telematics service provider. Telematics offers something different. A "longtime charter and commercial fishing captain" is in deep waters after poisoning and shooting dolphins in the Gulf of America, formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico, federal authorities said. Zackery Brandon Barfield, 31, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to 30 days in prison and ordered to pay a $51,000 fine months after pleading guilty to three counts of poisoning and shooting dolphins in violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Northern District of Florida announced on May 23. "The Gulf of America is a vital natural resource," Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle Spaven said in a statement. "The defendants selfish acts are more than illegally poisoning and shooting protected animals they are serious crimes against public resources, threats to the local ecosystem, and a devastating harm to a highly intelligent and charismatic species." Seized evidence, a shotgun and pesticide used by Zackery Brandon Barfield to kill dolphins. Barfield, who's been a licensed charter and commercial fishing captain in the Panama City area throughout his adulthood, poisoned and shot bottlenose dolphins on multiple occasions from 2022 to 2023, the U.S. attorney's office said, citing court documents and statements made in court. He pleaded guilty to his crimes in February, court records show. When did Barfield begin poisoning and shooting dolphins? Federal prosecutors reference a time in the summer of 2022 when Barfield became frustrated with the dolphins eating red snapper from the lines of his charter fishing clients. To rid the problem, he began placing methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide that's harmful to humans and wildlife, inside baitfish to poison the dolphins that came up near his boat, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Methomyl is restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency to control flies in non-residential settings, federal prosecutors said. Despite knowing the toxicity of methomyl, Barfield continued to feed poisoned baitfish to the dolphins for months, including on an estimated six to seven charter trips, the U.S. attorney's office said. While Barfield was captaining fishing trips in December 2022 and the summer of 2023, he used a 12-gauge shotgun to shoot at least five dolphins when he saw them eating snapper from his client's fishing lines, federal officials said, adding that he killed one during this period. Other times, Barfield shot but did not immediately kill dolphins near his boat. Barfield shot a dolphin in front of elementary-aged children The U.S. attorney's office said on one trip, Barfield shot a dolphin while two elementary-aged children were aboard his boat, along with more than a dozen fishermen. "He knew the regulations protecting dolphins, yet he killed them anyway once in front of children," Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson, of the DOJ's Environment and Natural Resources Division, said in a statement. How did federal authorities find out about Barfield's crimes? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration learned about Barfield's behaviors in 2023 when one of its special agents received a tip about a fisherman killing bottlenose dolphins, the government agency said, adding that this information culminated in a two-year investigation. Evidence obtained throughout the investigation determined that Barfield fed between 24-70 dolphins poison-laden baitfish on charter trips that he captained, according to the NOAA. When asked why, the captain said he was "frustrated with dolphins stealing his catch," the government agency said. From 2014 to 2024, there were 21 known intentional dolphin killings from gunshot wounds, arrows, explosives and other sharp objects, the NOAA said. "There are consequences to individuals who decide to harm protected and endangered species," Paige Casey, acting assistant director of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement Southeast Division, said in a statement. "We take these types of actions seriously and we will exhaust any and all leads related to marine mammal deaths to prosecute bad actors to the full extent of the law." Barfields prison sentence will be followed by a one-year term of supervised release, the U.S. attorney's office said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fishing captain sentenced after shooting, poisoning dolphins Josie / TikTok Josie and her teacher A Michigan high school student named Josie, 16, went viral on TikTok for getting a tattoo in honor of her choir and theater teacher, Jacob Salisbury Josie tells PEOPLE she got inked after learning that Mr. Salisbury would be leaving his job to go back to school She tells PEOPLE about their close bond and the meaning behind her tattoo In a small town in Michigan, high school choir and theater director Jacob Salisbury has been forming something special with his students, one of whom he affected so greatly and positively that she decided to get a tattoo in his honor. Josie, 16, recently went viral on TikTok for sharing that she had gotten a tattoo in honor of the teacher she says "practically saved" her mental health just by allowing her the freedom to be unapologetically herself. The pair met when Josie was in seventh grade before she joined Salisbury's class. Their friendship eventually blossomed into something transformative and beautiful for the teenager, as she tells PEOPLE, he encouraged her to be herself and helped her through some tough times. The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! "Sal [Josie's nickname for Mr. Salisbury] and I have an awesome bond. We eat lunch together, I do voice lessons with him and we spend countless hours after school for theater productions. Hes such an influence on me because he isnt afraid to be himself. He had a large impact on my mental health because, without him, I wouldnt have joined choir and become myself," Josie tells PEOPLE. As she reflects on how much she's grown, Josie says without Mr. Salisbury's guidance, she "would still be the anxiety-filled and depressed" person she felt she was in her younger years. "Choir made me want to come to school, helped me find amazing friends, and [encouraged me] to be who I am today." When Josie found out Mr. Salisbury who went viral on TikTok back in 2024 for reacting to his chorus' musical rendition of the "Crazy? I was Crazy Once..." meme would be leaving his job to go back to school, she wanted to commemorate their time spent together with a tattoo. "I always want to be reminded of him and how proud he is of me, so I figured I would get 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. Josie / TikTok Josie's tattoo In a follow-up video to her first TikTok post, which has over 1 million likes as of writing, Josie shared a close-up look at the fresh ink on her wrist, which depicts a treble clef and bass clef coming together to make a heart, just like the earrings Mr. Salisbury wears to "every concert." "I was very nervous to show him because I had no clue how he would react," Josie admits of how she was feeling before the big reveal. But, Mr. Salisbury's wonderfully shocked expression proves he felt otherwise. "I think it went really well. I will truly never forget Mr. Salisbury, and I hope he knows how much of an impact he had on my life," she adds. Read the original article on People Indonesian authorities seized two tons of crystal methamphetamine hidden on a fishing boat and arrested six people in the country's biggest-ever drug bust, officials said Monday. The National Narcotics Agency, or BNN, said Thai authorities had notified them that the Indonesian-flagged vessel, sailing from the Andaman Sea to Batam Island, could be carrying a huge haul of narcotics. Indonesian authorities said they intercepted the boat in waters off the Riau islands last Tuesday, and found 2,000 packages of crystal meth stuffed into cardboard boxes hidden within the ship. "The result of the search is two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine," BNN chief Marthinus Hukom told a press conference. "This is the biggest haul in Indonesia's narcotics bust history." Authorities released images of handcuffed suspects wearing orange jumpsuits and face masks sitting in front of hundreds of packages of the alleged drugs. Suspects are seen alongside seized crystal methamphetamine during a press conference by Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) officials in Batam, Riau Islands, on May 26, 2025, after they seized two tonnes of the drug hidden aboard a fishing boat following a tip-off from Thai authorities. / Credit: ANDARU AK/AFP via Getty Images Marthinus estimated the drugs to be worth more than $4 million. Indonesian authorities investigated the case over the last five months, working closely with Thai authorities. The illicit drugs were produced in the "Golden Triangle" region where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, and were smuggled by an organized crime group working with Indonesian traffickers, Marthinus said. Six people onboard the fishing boat were arrested, including four Indonesians and two Thai nationals. The crew told authorities they were fishermen recruited by the drugs syndicate which promised to pay them 50,000 Thai Baht ($1,500) and a $3,000 bonus. Marthinus said a fugitive from Thailand was behind the operation and that Indonesia would issue a red notice for the trafficker. Monday's drug bust was the second major drug seizure this month. Indonesian authorities previously seized 1.2 tons of crystal meth and more than 700 kilograms of cocaine inside a Thailand-flagged fishing boat near the Riau islands. Authorities said they arrested five people and released an image of the suspects on ship with packages of drugs and armed officers behind them. In a separate case, Indonesian authorities arrested an Australian on Monday for allegedly smuggling cocaine on the tourist island of Bali, a charge that could carry the death penalty, officials said Monday. Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws, and convicted smugglers are sometimes executed by firing squad. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Full interview: Jack McCain on "Face the Nation" Trump seeks to end all federal contracts with Harvard Kamala Harris, Elon Musk Former Vice President Kamala Harris took a swipe at billionaire Elon Musk and likened the Trump administrations America First policy to 1930s-style isolationism, which many historians believe helped escalate World War II. During remarks at the 2025 Australian Real Estate Conference, held on the Gold Coast, the failed Democratic presidential candidate alluded to an interview Musk did with podcast titan Joe Rogan in which the worlds richest man warned that the Wests empathy is being weaponized. There was someone that is very popular these days, at least in the press, who suggested that it is a sign of weakness of Western civilizations to have empathy, Harris, 60, said in a sit-down with Aussie real estate behemoth John McGrath. Imagine, she continued. No, its a sign of strength to have some level of curiosity and concern and care about the well-being of others. During his March interview with Rogan, the Tesla founder emphasized that you should care about other people, but argued, weve got civilizational suicidal empathy going on. Former Vice President Kamala Harris took a swipe at Elon Musk. AP The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy, the empathy exploit, Musk contended. Theyre exploiting a bug in Western civilization, which is the empathy response. Harris also appeared to lament President Trumps foreign policy approach, without mentioning him or any of his top officials by name. I do worry, frankly, about whats happening in the world right now, the former vice president admitted. Its important that we remember the 1930s, she went on. Elon Musk previously warned that the West has civilizational suicidal empathy. REUTERS Its important that we remember that history has taught us that isolation does not equal insulation [and] the importance of relationships of trust, of the importance of friendships, integrity, honesty. The former vice president refrained from bashing any of Trumps policies specifically, but the comments broadly took issue with his America First approach to foreign affairs. Despite her crushing defeat last year, Harris had vowed not to be quiet during Trumps second term in the White House. Last month, she emerged from weeks of laying low and delivered a stern rebuke of her rival while speaking at Emerges 20th anniversary gala in San Francisco. She lambasted the commander in chief for creating the greatest manmade economic crisis in modern presidential history and engaging in a wholesale abandonment of American ideals. Harris is currently thought to be mulling her political future, including whether or not she should vie to be governor of California in 2026, run for the presidency again in 2028, or stay on the sidelines. I am unemployed right now, she joked earlier at the 2025 Australian Real Estate Conference. Kelly Ripa shares one positive after kids go off to college The former soap opera actress shares three children with husband Mark Consuelos Their youngest son, Joaquin, graduated from the University of Michigan earlier this month Kelly Ripa thinks there are some positives when it comes to being an empty nester. During the Monday, May 26, episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the married daytime talk show hosts, both 54, did their best to assure guest Amanda Peet that she will be okay when her daughter goes off to college this fall. I dont wanna cry, the Your Friends & Neighbors actress, 53, said when asked about her oldest going to college soon. Peet and her husband, David Benioff, share three children: Henry, 10, Molly, 14, and Frances, 18. ABC Live Kelly & Mark with Amanda Peet Peet said Frances will be going very far away to the opposite coast. Let me just say this, Ripa said. The first one is like a bit of a shock. Each one, like the second one, is like, no big deal. Third one, for 24 to 48 hours, youre gonna be like, Oh my gosh, what have we done now? Now its just us. Luckily, the All My Children actress says the third times a charm. And then your entire life becomes nudity in the household wherever you want, Ripa said as husband Mark Consuelos sat beside her smiling. Caught by surprise, Peet replied, Wow, good to know! Kelly Ripa/Instagram Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and their family Total freak show all the time, Ripa added. The pair, who have been married since 1996, are mom and dad to Michael, 27, Lola, 23, and Joaquin, 22. Joaquin graduated from the University of Michigan earlier this month. Anyway, we just returned from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where our newborn baby graduated university. Thats right, were done! Ripa said during the May 5 episode of their talk show. Disney Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Consuelos added that they had a lot in common with other parents, who seemed to be just as lost as he and his wife were when it came to the big day. What was interesting was that in talking to the other parents, we realized we werent alone. Because theres a bunch of information that parents need. Like, what time is this? Where do you need to be? he said. Ripa added that the special occasion was a days-long celebration. 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. "So it started out on Thursday night with a big showcase at the theater department," the proud mother explained. "Here we are with Joaquin, who performed. He was incredible and amazing and we were very impressed. Then our daughter flew in from London to catch the performance. There she is. And then the following day, he got his diploma from the school of drama." Even though the day was momentous indeed, Ripa joked that in one of their family photos, Were all just going through the motions at this point. Everybody's sort of like, Okay. Take the picture. Take the picture so we have a photo of Michael in one of the graduation photos. " Read the original article on People Get ready for a road trip revolution. Buc-ees, the Texas-based travel center giant with a cult-like following, is bringing its beaver-branded magic and famously clean restrooms to even more travelers this summer, with several new, sprawling locations set to open their doors. For the uninitiated, Buc-ee's is far more than just a gas station. Its a destination in itself, a roadside oasis famed for its staggering size, seemingly endless rows of fuel pumps (often over 100), and, above all, its impeccably maintained restrooms. But the allure doesn't stop there. Inside, visitors find a sprawling retail emporium offering everything from freshly prepared Texas BBQ and walls of jerky to the addictive "Beaver Nuggets" (caramel-coated corn pops), homemade fudge, kolaches, and an overwhelming array of Buc-ee's branded merchandise, from t-shirts to home decor. Related: Lenny Kravitz Visited Buc-ee's for the First Time, and Fans Can't Believe What He Picked Up While There This combination has turned casual travelers into devoted fans, creating palpable excitement whenever news breaks of a new location. This summer, that excitement is hitting fever pitch as Buc-ee's plants its beaver flag in new territories and expands its presence in others. Kicking off the summer surge, Harrison County, Mississippi, will welcome its very first Buc-ees on June 9th. This 74,000-square-foot behemoth is expected to feature 100 gas pumps and bring around 200 jobs to the Gulf Coast region, offering a major new pit stop for those traveling along I-10. The first Buc-ees in Virginia is set to open its doors on June 30th in Rockingham County. Strategically located off I-81 in the Shenandoah Valley, this 74,000-square-foot location will feature 120 fueling stations. Its arrival marks Buc-ee's most northeastern point yet, introducing a whole new region to the wonders of Beaver Nuggets and pristine potties. Just a day later, on July 1st, Brunswick, Georgia, will cut the ribbon on the Peach State's third Buc-ee's. Also boasting a 74,000-square-foot footprint, this location near I-95 will serve as a major hub for travelers heading to and from Georgia's Golden Isles and Florida. These openings represent a significant push in Buc-ee's ongoing expansion beyond its Texas roots. Since 2019, the chain has successfully moved into states like Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, and Colorado, proving that the demand for its unique blend of convenience, cleanliness, and culinary delights knows no state lines. While fans in other states eagerly await their own Buc-ee's (with locations planned for Ohio, Arizona, North Carolina, and more in the coming years), this summer belongs to Mississippi, Virginia, and Georgia. Prepare for grand opening fanfare, traffic and an endless supply of brisket sandwiches. America's Cult Road Trip Mega-Store is Opening 3 More Huge Locations This Summer first appeared on Parade on May 26, 2025 Ever since baby elephant Tula arrived at the Oregon Zoo, people have been captivated by just how precious she is! It's been so much fun to watch her grow up alongside mom, Rose, and at 500 pounds, she's getting to be quite the big girl! The zoo shared a new video of Tula-Tu and her mom on TikTok on May 23, and as you can see, she's having quite the field day while throwing her very own "floral parade." The caption on the video reads: "Everythings coming up Tula! Today this 500-pound baby elephant was named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Grand Floral Parade " Isn't she just adorable? She truly does deserve her own Grand Marshal title. People who watched the clip were equally as delighted as zoo visitors. One person said, "Overcast days are no match for miss Tula-Tu's infectious good attitude!" Another Tula lover added, "We can just tell that she's going to do an amazing job , and someone else chimed in with, "Congratulations Tula! 2025 Portland Rose Festival Grand Marshal!" Related: Adorable Baby Elephant 'Asking' for Piggy-Back Ride Is Too Cute to Resist The Grand Floral Parade is taking place on June 7 in Portland, Oregon, and it's a time-honored tradition in the city. As the official website for the parade describes: "For more than 117 years, Portland families, visitors and community groups have been making memories at the Grand Floral Parade. A colorful reflection of local, regional and international communities, the parade draws hundreds of thousands of cheering viewers of every age, along a route that makes its two-mile march along Portland's downtown city streets." However, even though Tula-Tu was named Grand Marshal, if you're attending the parade, sadly, you won't actually see her. According to KGW8 News, a "larger-than-life mock elephant will appear as Tula-Tu on the Alaska Airlines float. For an up-close glimpse of this cutie, you'll have to make a visit to the Oregon Zoo. Here's another fun little clip of her to tide you over until you can make the trip. Baby Elephant at Oregon Zoo Throws Her Own 'Floral Parade' and It's Too Cute first appeared on PetHelpful on May 26, 2025 Getty Images Lindsay Lohan at Cinemacon on April 3 Lindsay Lohan shared rare comments about parenting her 2-year-old son Luai in a new interview with 'Elle' published on May 27. The Freakier Friday actress opened up about how she tries to create a sense of normalcy for her child, whom she shares with husband Bader Shammas, in Dubai. Lohan also opened up about what her daily routine with her son looks like. Lindsay Lohan is opening up about what her routine as a mom looks like. Since welcoming her son Luai with husband Bader Shammas in July 2023, the Parent Trap alum has kept her private family life mostly under wraps while occasionally giving fans glimpses of her curly-haired boy and their life in Dubai (complete with a taut makeup-free selfie or two). In a new interview with Elle published on May 27, Lohan got candid about her surprisingly normal parenting routine as well as how shes been able to create a sense of normalcy for her son away from Hollywood. The Mean Girls star emphasized her love of routines and schedules, telling the publication that her typical morning consists of writing in her journal, green tea, Pilates, and breakfast with her son. Despite being based in Dubai, Lohan revealed that she and Shammas also spend half the year in Los Angeles and New York Citybut that she struggles with keeping this schedule up when shes away from home. Instagram Lindsay Lohan with her son Luai Its hard in L.A. Even taking my son to the park in L.A., I get stressed. Im like, 'Are there cameras?' In New York, theres no worry; no one bothers us. Everyone has their own thing going on, she explained. While calling out L.A.s space and New Yorks different kind of energy, Lohan said that Dubai offers her family the best of both worlds. Im thinking as Im saying this, the funny thing is, in Dubai I get all of those things. I get the privacy, I get the peace, I get the space. I dont have to worry there; I feel safe, she shared. Lohan also revealed that shes savoring these early years in Dubai before she and Shammas need to think about schooling for Luai. I want to spend more time there. It is nice to have a balance. But my husband and I are always like, Okay, we have until hes five, she said, calling her family the most important thingmy husband, my son, and me. Instagram Lindsay Lohan's son Luai at a playground Its all about balance and, as I said, routine. Especially when you have a kid, routine is the most important thing. And whatever their routine is, Ive got to live by that, she continued. However, Lohan also revealed that her son is just beginning to catch on to the fact that his mom is an actress. I dont think he really knows yet, she said. In my trailer, one day I was watching the original guitar scene [in Freaky Friday] and practicing movements, and he was there and he was like, Mama, pointing at the screen. Instagram Lindsay Lohan's husband Bader Shammas and her son Luai playing The star previously opened up about her daily routine with her son during a Today appearance in November, revealing that in addition to a mother-son breakfast, theres one sweet tradition she cant miss. "I have this thing," she told Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager at the time. "Since my son was born, I take a picture of him every single morning, the second he wakes up. And I like can't miss it, so I need to be on his schedule." Read the original article on InStyle Maskot / Getty Images Key Points Hawaii has the highest average price for regular coffee in the U.S., averaging $4.98 per cup, requiring nearly 8 minutes of work based on the states average hourly wage. Nebraska has the most affordable regular coffee, priced at $2.12 per cup and requiring less than 4 minutes of work to afford. In contrast, Washington, D.C. offers the cheapest Starbucks coffee, needing just 5.67 minutes of work to purchase a cup, thanks to high average earnings. Hawaii, despite having the most expensive regular coffee, ranks among the top 10 most affordable states for Starbucks. The cost of a cup of coffee is a hot topic these days. With the economy in seemingly constant flux, its a little luxury that often gets maligned as one of the first expenses to cut in order to save money. Dont worry, coffee lovers, that notion has long been debunked. However, its wise to understand exactly how much that daily cup costs you, and it turns out that amount depends entirely on where you live. In early May, Coffeeness, a website that is entirely dedicated to coffee, released the findings of its analysis that examined exactly how many minutes Americans must work to afford their daily coffee. To reach its conclusion, the team gathered the average price of a regular coffee and a Starbucks coffee in each state. It then used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify average hourly earnings in each state. (It noted it refrained from using minimum wage data, seeing as coffee is considered a non-essential purchase.) Next, it assumed the purchase of one cup of coffee per day from a coffee shop, which it defined as coffee from a diner or coffee shop without creamer, flavorings, or add-ons. It also excluded specialty coffee and espresso from boutique roasters. The team then calculated how much of an hours wage was needed to afford that cup. Related: Coffee Is Getting Pricier, But This Simple Hack Lets You Brew More With Less After all that digging into data, it was found that Hawaii has the most expensive cup of coffee. Its to be expected that coffee prices by state will differ somewhat. Still, Hawaii really stands out as the state with the most expensive cup of joe, the findings stated. It noted that on average, a cup of black coffee costs $4.98, or more than a dollar more than youll pay in California. And while Hawaiis average hourly wage is a healthy $37.88, that doesnt help offset much of the cost when viewed as a percentage of an hour of work. In fact, the cost of a coffee equals over 13% of an hours work. In other words, it takes almost eight minutes of work to pony up for a cup. Other expensive spots include New Mexico at No. 2, where a cup costs $3.31, which represents 6.82 minutes of work, followed by Louisiana at $3.26 per cup, or 6.57 minutes; Arizona at $3.51 per cup, or 6.13 minutes; and Nevada at $3.23, or 6.11 minutes. Another state with expensive regular coffee is Washington, the findings added. However, thanks to all those tech jobs, workers in this state are among the highest hourly earners in the USA. In fact, they only need to put in a 5.25-minute shift to pay for a cup of regular coffee. When it comes to the most affordable spot for coffee, that honor goes to Nebraska, where the average cup costs $2.12. And, with the states average hourly wage of $32.82, it takes less than four minutes for locals to earn enough to pay for a cup. Starbucks, despite being a global brand, varies widely in affordability across the United States. In some states, notably Arkansas, the chains coffee is shockingly out of reach relative to local wages. Arkansas doesnt have the priciest Starbucks brew, but it ranks as the least affordable: residents must work for well over 10 minutes to afford a single cup. Mississippi and New Mexico also stand out, where low average wages paired with relatively high Starbucks prices mean over 17% of an hourly wage is needed to buy that coffeehouse staple. Related: This Simple Trick Will Get You a Discount on Almost Every Iced Latte On the opposite end of the spectrum, Washington, D.C., tops the list for Starbucks affordability. Even though the price tag is one of the highest in the country, the capitals strong average wages more than make up for it. With just 5.67 minutes of work required, D.C. residents get their caffeine fix with minimal effort beating out even Massachusetts, the next most affordable state, where it takes nearly seven minutes of labor for the same cup. There is at least one piece of good news for Hawaii: While regular coffee is the most expensive in the nation, Starbucks offers a relative bargain, ranking among the ten most affordable states for the brand. Those employed in the Aloha State still have to spend close to eight minutes working for a cup of Starbucks, the analysis shared. However, in comparison, Hawaii has some of the most affordable Starbucks around, outranked by only nine other states. States where Starbucks costs the least STATE PRICE AVERAGE HOURLY EARNINGS AFFORDABILITY MINUTES TO WORK District of Columbia $5.20 $55.02 9.45% 5.67 Massachusetts $4.75 $42.65 11.14% 6.68 Washington $4.78 $42.17 11.34% 6.80 Connecticut $4.75 $39.14 12.14% 7.28 Colorado $4.92 $40.31 12.21% 7.32 California $5.07 $40.97 12.37% 7.42 New Jersey $4.77 $38.36 12.43% 7.46 Maryland $4.47 $35.90 12.45% 7.47 Minnesota $4.93 $39.01 12.65% 7.58 Hawaii $4.79 $37.88 12.65% 7.59 Read the original article on Food & Wine Rebecca Granados John (left) and Jordan Groom at their vow renewal ceremony Jordan and John Groom, both 29, celebrated their vow renewal in California earlier this month while she faces cancer We wanted a moment of brightness for our family and friends to remember," Jordan says of the ceremony, which was organized by nonprofit Wish Upon a Wedding I know it sounds cliche, but Ive never seen a couple that embodies love as much as they do, a longtime friend gushes Editor's note: Johnny Dodd, a senior writer at PEOPLE, first began covering Chicago-based nonprofit Wish Upon a Wedding last year. Earlier this month, he attended one of the ceremonies they organize for terminal and seriously ill couples, speaking with the family and organizers. This is the their story. A misty drizzle was falling one recent afternoon as I stood in a patch of walnut trees 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Id come there to watch the vow renewal ceremony of two 29-year-old college sweethearts Jordan and John Groom who have spent the past two years grappling with the kind of nightmare that none of us would ever want to face. Jordan was diagnosed with stage 4 anal cancer that has spread to her lungs and the lymph nodes around her pelvis. And on May 7, while the rest of the world went about its business, the couple along with friends and family members gathered under a dark gray sky to renew their vows and celebrate their love for one another with those who have stood by them during this often-bleak chapter of their lives. I might not be here much longer, Jordan said a few minutes before the start of the ceremony at a venue known as The Walnut Grove in Moorpark, Calif. We wanted a moment of brightness for our family and friends to remember," she added. "So many people have sacrificed and given us so much during this tough time weve been going through. This is a way for us to celebrate each other, along with our whole support system. Rebecca Granados John and Jordan Groom with their son Noah on May 7. Not surprising to anyone who knows the bubbly couple, the ceremony which included their 5-year-old son, Noah, walking Jordan down the aisle was cheery and light, despite the weather and the circumstances. Those in attendance gushed over the Grooms' deep love and dedication to one another. I know it sounds cliche, but Ive never seen a couple that embodies love as much as they do, said longtime friend Jackie Quzman. It makes me emotional just thinking about it. Even on the really rough days where theres nothing positive to think about, they always support each other. Its really beautiful. Married for seven years after first meeting during their freshman year at Azusa Pacific University (I knew Id kick myself, John recalled, if I didnt ask her out), Jordan insists now that she cant imagine going through cancer without John, a self-confessed Pokemon and Dungeons & Dragons fanatic. 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 Hes been such a rock, she said of her husband, who has become her full-time caregiver. I know I can count on him no matter what. Hes really funny and such a nerd. After Jordan was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in 2023, the couple said the disease progressed to stage 4 after they had already spent months trying get the necessary authorization for surgery from their health insurance company. That, admitted Jordan, who is currently undergoing chemo therapy and will be undergoing surgery to remove the initial tumor in early June, was so hard to hear. But the hardship also brought the couple who often finish each others sentences closer. No matter what we go through, so many personal struggles and financial difficulties, we just keep getting tied tighter and tighter together, said John. Jordan agreed, adding: Weve definitely had our low points and, over the past two years, weve argued more than we ever have out of sheer exhaustion. But weve never gone to bed angry. Rebecca Granados Jordan, shortly before the start of her vow renewal ceremony. The ceremony was set into motion by the Chicago-based nonprofit Wish Upon a Wedding, which Jordan learned about through one of the numerous cancer support groups shes involved with. The organization helps throw free weddings and vow renewals to couples who are facing a terminal illness or a life-altering health circumstance. Since 2009, they have provided more than 300 ceremonies around the nation by working with local wedding industry professionals who donate everything from catered food and wedding attire to a venue, videographers and DJs. When you're going through a tragedy, you just need someone to walk into your darkness and do something nice for you," the groups executive director, Lacey Wicksall, said. "And that's what we're here to do to just provide a respite in the middle of the storm. Rebecca Granados John and Jordan Groom. More than 20 vendors worked together and donated their services for the Grooms' event this month, including Generation Tux, which has provided nearly 200 tuxedos for Wish Upon a Weddings ceremonies over the past three years. Everyone deserves to celebrate love and their love story, said Generation Tux's vice president, Chris Lorenzo, who outfitted John in his hunter green-colored tuxedo. And they should get to do that in style regardless of their situation, especially couples facing life altering circumstances. The nonprofits mission of bringing some much-needed cheer into the lives of those grappling with terminal illnesses was hardly lost on the Southern California-based wedding planner and officiant for the vow renewal ceremony, both of whom are cancer survivors. It's very easy to go to a dark place when you have a serious diagnosis, said lead planner Penelope Lopez-Contreras of Events LC. Helping them celebrate their love surrounded by their loved ones is a great way to continue the fight. As a leukemia survivor, I know what the battle is like and how dark it can be," added officiant Danny Bardales. "Thats why Im here and honored to give back. The ceremony and after-party, the grateful couple said, was just what they need to get them ready for their next challenge: Jordans upcoming major surgery at City of Hope, a cancer research and treatment center in Southern California, to remove her original tumor. Im still not out of the woods, Jordan said. But our outlook is a lot brighter than it was a year ago. Read the original article on People British citizen Thomas Parker walks towards a district court before he is sentenced for drug offences, in Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP) A British man has been sentenced to 10 months in prison in Bali, Indonesia, for drug offences, after facing a charge that could have resulted in the death penalty. Thomas Parker, from Cumbria, was arrested on January 21 at a villa near Kuta beach after he allegedly collected a package containing drugs from a motorcycle taxi driver. According to court documents, police officers said Parker was "acting suspiciously" while collecting the package. When approached by police, he allegedly discarded the package and fled. He was later traced back to his villa and arrested. A lab test confirmed that the package contained just over one kilogram of MDMA, the main ingredient in ecstasy. During the police investigation, the 32-year-old electrician proved that he did not order the package, which was sent by a drug dealer friend named Nicky, whom Parker had known for around two years. Parker was told someone would pick it up shortly from him, and he was not promised money or anything else by Nicky in return. British citizen Thomas Parker sits on the defendant's chair before being sentenced for drug offences, in Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Police reduced the initial charge of drug trafficking, which carries a possible death sentence, to the less serious offence of hiding information from authorities after investigators determined that the package was not directly linked to him. During the trial, which began last month at the Denpasar District Court, Parker told the court he initially refused to collect the package but agreed to do it after Nicky assured him the package was safe and would not put him in danger. Prosecutors on May 6 sought a one-year prison term for Parker, but the judges said they reduced the penalty because Parker regretted his acts, had not been previously convicted and promised to reform. Parker sat silently as a panel of three judges at Denpasar District Court handed down the punishment. The judges also ordered the time he has already served since he was arrested to be deducted from his sentence, meaning he will be free in several months. British citizen Thomas Parker sits on the defendant's chair before sentenced for drug offences, at a district court in Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia (AP) After the judges read the sentence, Parker said that he accepted the verdict and will not appeal. Prosecutors must decide whether to accept it within a week. I really, really regret everything that has happened, Parker said. I am sorry and will follow the judge's decision. 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, 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. 'Steer clear, drink beer' is a valuable mantra for tropical travellers (Simon Calder) The government must do more to heighten awareness of the risk of methanol poisoning while abroad: that is the message from family and friends of British victims who unwittingly consumed drinks containing the deadly substance. Six backpackers died in Laos in November 2024 after drinking free shots of spirits tainted with methanol at a hostel in Vang Vieng in Laos. Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from London, lost her life along with two Australians, two Danes and an American. Her travelling companion, Bethany Clarke, is campaigning for greater awareness of the dangers. In July 2022, Kirsty McKie, 38, was working as a ceramicist in Bali when she died after drinking liquor contaminated with methanol. Kirsty drank a moderate amount and the results were catastrophic, says her mother, Margaret McKie. After the inquest in Manchester into Kirstys death, the coroner said: "There was little publicity by the UK government of the risk in contrast to the approach taken by the Australian government who had undertaken a campaign to increase awareness to protect their citizens travelling in areas of Asia such as Bali. Besides these tragedies, in recent years deaths from methanol poisoning have also been reported in other countries including India, South Africa and Turkey. The charity MSF has a spreadsheet showing 1,000 incidents of suspected methanol poisoning each typically affecting multiple victims in the past 25 years. The Foreign Office says it will will explore more ways to inform British travellers about the risks of methanol. These are the key questions and answers. What is methanol and why is it so dangerous? Methanol is a chemically simple form of alcohol, also known as wood spirit or methyl alcohol. Its uses are mainly industrial. It is used in nail varnish, anti-freeze and screen-wash, as well as a fuel. The substance is highly toxic and definitely not for human consumption: if ingested, methanol is processed in the body and becomes formic acid, which attacks the system. The UK Health Security Agency says it causes coma, convulsions, blindness, nervous system damage and death. Just 10ml two teaspoons of methanol can cause blindness or neurological damage, and 25ml can prove fatal. Why would anyone add methanol to drinks? Bluntly, to make money. Organised crime regularly doctors drinks, says Jim Dickson MP, who is working with the families and friends of victims to raise awareness of the risks. Adding methanol boosts the alcohol content, and because it has only a very faint smell and is tasteless you would not know that your drink is contaminated. The Methanol Institute, the worldwide trade association for producers, says: Methanol is often deliberately and illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol (normal alcohol that can be consumed) in countries where taxes on legitimate alcohol or the cost of legitimate alcohol might be perceived as too high. The institute likens methanol spiking to adding petrol to a drink. Poisoning can also happen with home-made alcohol that isnt brewed properly, producing methanol instead of ethanol. What are the symptoms? Beverley Tompkins, travel health nurse for Nomad Travel has written an excellent blog on the dangers of methanol, which says: The first signs of poisoning include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, tiredness, confusion and dizziness. Further symptoms appear 12-48 hours later and can include headaches, blurry vision, trouble looking at bright lights, tunnel vision or seeing static like that on an old TV screen or complete blindness, seizures and coma. Ms Tompkins says any one of these symptoms is a red flag that this is not normal alcohol poisoning. Urgent hospital medical care must be sought immediately. Treatment includes ethanol (ordinary alcohol), a drug called Fomepizole which stops the methanol turning into formic acid and dialysis to flush out the system. Where are the biggest risks? The Foreign Office includes information about the risks from methanol poisoning in travel advice pages for five South East Asian nations Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia as well as Costa Rica, Fiji and Turkey. The Australian government widens the danger area, saying methanol poisoning can be a risk in popular destinations in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. What should travellers look out for before drinking? Any situation in which a drink could have been tainted with methanol or drugs, for that matter. For example, a bar in which shots are poured from open bottles. In a relaxed backpacker environment such as a hostel, it is easy to see how travellers could be lulled into a false sense of security. But the dangers extend far beyond the backpacker circuit. Campaigners point out that in Bali, methanol poisoning has been known to affect guests at beach clubs and five-star hotels. The Foreign Office warns: Go to reputable venues. Stick to places with a decent reputation shady bars arent worth the risk. But campaigners say that this advice is too weak, and that some upmarket establishments have been the location for tragedies. Drinking at reputable establishments reduces the risk of methanol poisoning, but doesn't eliminate it, says the Australian government. It urges caution if offered unusually cheap or discounted brand-name alcohol. Margaret McKie, mother of Kirsty McKie, says: Kirsty had lived and worked in Bali for years and was well informed about the dangers of methanol. She and her fiance purchased alcohol from a supposedly reputable source that supplied high-end hotels and restaurants. Yes, people should avoid local spirits completely, and yes, it's important not to let your drink out of your sight. However, the only guarantee of total safety is not to drink spirits at all whilst in these places on holiday. Or to buy your spirits in duty free at the airport in the UK before you go. What is the best policy for travellers? If you are in a bar, only consume drinks you can watch being opened and poured. The ideal is canned or bottled beer in a tropical environment the more fluid the better, too. Steer clear, drink beer is a valuable mantra. If you are buying for consumption in your hostel or hotel, avoid anything that could be home brew, and beware of drinks that are significantly cheaper than the market average. The Foreign Office minister Catherine West says: What is in bottles in supermarkets, in some cases, will not be what is described on the label. The FCDO advice says: Check your bottles. Seals should be intact, and labels should look legit (no misspellings or dodgy print). But campaigners say: Branded bottles are often refilled with home-produced alcohol. Be aware of the initial symptoms of methanol poisoning, including nausea, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties and confusion, so you can help others deal with what is a serious medical emergency. With thanks to the families and friends of victims who are honouring their memories by working to increase awareness of the risks. By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine is overhauling its minerals sector, which has been pounded by three years of war, in the hope of unlocking potential and attracting billions of dollars of investment from a minerals deal with the U.S., its ecology minister said. The country has deposits of 22 of 34 minerals deemed as critical by the European Union for industries such as defence, high-tech appliances and green energy, as well as ferro alloy, precious and non-ferrous metals used in construction, and some rare earth elements. However, much of the sector is underdeveloped, weighed down by Soviet-era bureaucracy and lack of investment. After months of fraught negotiations, Kyiv and the United States agreed a minerals deal in April that was heavily promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump. It created a fund, which became active on May 23, that will receive money from new mining licences in Ukraine and invest in minerals projects. Ecology Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk told Reuters in an interview that Ukraine hoped the fund would significantly increase the mineral industry's potential, noting extraction was a capital-intensive and long-term task. "Currently, our natural resources sector's share of gross domestic product is 4%, but the potential is much greater," she said late on Monday, without giving projections. "We really hope the agreement will draw more attention to this sector and make foreign investment more understandable and more attractive." With the conflict still ongoing, about half of the country's mineral wealth and a fifth of its territory are now under Russian occupation. Ukraine has lost most of its coal deposits, as well as some lithium and manganese deposits and other minerals. Hrynchuk estimated that the sector had suffered losses of about 70 trillion hryvnias ($1.7 trillion) due to the occupation of Ukrainian territory and combat action along a more than 1,000 km (621 miles) frontline. Ukraine updated its strategy for its resources sector at the end of last year and was now focusing on improving access to information and data on geological exploration, reducing bureaucracy and finalising the lists of critical and strategic minerals crucial for the economy, she said. The work is also part of Ukraine's push to move closer to the European Union, which Kyiv hopes to join in 2030. UNDERDEVELOPED AND UNEXPLORED Hrynchuk said the government was working with the European Commission and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on a multi-year project to digitise up to 80% of Soviet-era geological data. That task is about 40% complete, she said. The government was also working to review an existing 3,000 mining licenses. Hrynchuk estimated that about 10% of them could be dormant. "We are not interested in taking away assets if there is a potential for them to work," she said. "We are interested for those assets which are... valuable for the state and have not been working for 10 years or more, to make appropriate managerial decisions about them. And to launch them back into circulation." The licence review will be done this year and next, she said. Despite wartime challenges, the government continued to auction mining licenses and last year raised 2.4 billion hryvnias from auctioning 120 mining licenses. It hopes to get a similar amount into the state coffers this year and has already awarded 32 licenses, with the majority for building sector materials, including clay, sand, marble, granite, but also amber. Investors, who at present are predominantly domestic, were mostly interested in licenses for oil and gas exploration, as well as minerals such as titanium, graphite and manganese, she said. The U.S. minerals deal was agreed despite a clash between President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Trump during their meeting in the White House in February. Final documents to enable the joint investment fund to operate were exchanged last week, but projects will take time to materialise, Ukrainian officials said. The minerals deal, which U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent termed as a full economic partnership, hands the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals accords and will help to fund Ukraine's reconstruction. (Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Sharon Singleton) By John Kruzel WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Tuesday to hear a student's challenge on free speech grounds to a Massachusetts public school's decision to bar him from wearing a T-shirt reading "There are only two genders" due to concern about the message's effect on transgender and other pupils. The justices turned away an appeal by the student, who was 12 at the time of the 2023 incident, of a lower court's ruling upholding the ban as a reasonable restriction and rejecting his claim that the school's action violated the U.S. Constitution's protections against government abridgment of speech. The student, Liam Morrison, sued officials at John T. Nichols Middle School and the town of Middleborough, seeking monetary damages. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani and then the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against him. The 1st Circuit decision stated that "it was reasonable for Middleborough to forecast that a message displayed throughout the school day denying the existence of the gender identities of transgender and gender nonconforming students would have a serious negative impact on those students' ability to concentrate on their classroom work." Conservative Justice Samuel Alito, in a dissent from the Supreme Court's decision to turn away the appeal, wrote that the 1st Circuit ruling was flawed and that it reflects a broader confusion in the lower courts. "As this case makes clear, some lower courts are confused on how to manage the tension between students' rights and schools' obligations," Alito wrote in a dissent that was joined by fellow conservative Justice Clarence Thomas. "Our nation's students, teachers and administrators deserve clarity on this critically important question." The legal dispute implicates a 1969 Supreme Court precedent in a case known as Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District that lets public schools restrict student speech when it would "substantially disrupt" a school community. The issue of transgender rights is front and center in the U.S. culture wars. Since returning to office in January, Republican President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance on transgender rights, targeting "gender ideology" and declaring that the U.S. government would recognize two sexes: male and female. The Supreme Court on May 6 permitted Trump's administration to implement his ban on transgender people in the military. 'A MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION' Morrison, who was a seventh grade student at the time, wore the T-shirt reading "There are only two genders" to school in March 2023. His lawyers said in court papers he did so in order to "share his view that gender and sex are identical, and there are only two sexes - male and female." His lawyers wrote in a Supreme Court filing that Morrison "hoped to start a meaningful conversation on gender ideology" as well as to protect other students against ideas that he considered "false and harmful" and to "show them compassionate people can believe that sex is binary." A teacher reported the shirt to the school principal's office, noting that LGBT students were present at school that day and expressing concerns that the shirt could disrupt classes. The principal asked the boy if he would be willing to change his shirt and return to class, but he declined. The principal then called the boy's father, Chris Morrison, who opted to pick up his son from school rather than have him remove his shirt. School officials cited the dress code in the school's student handbook, which stated: "Clothing must not state, imply, or depict hate speech or imagery that target(s) groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation or any other classification." In May 2023, the student again wore the T-shirt to school, but covered the words "only two" with a piece of tape that read "censored," thus bearing the message: "There are (censored) genders." He removed that shirt after being asked by school officials. During the proceedings, the school system's superintendent said that some students at John T. Nichols Middle School "have attempted to commit suicide or have had suicidal ideations in the past few years, including members of the LGBTQ+ community," and that some of those struggles were "related to their treatment based on their gender identities by other students." The boy brought the lawsuit along with his father and stepmother. They were represented by the conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom. The plaintiffs sought a court order prohibiting school officials from barring his wearing of the T-shirt and declaring the disputed portions of the dress code unconstitutional. They also sought unspecified monetary damages. The Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, is expected to rule by the end of June in a major transgender rights case involving a legal challenge to Tennessee Republican-backed ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. (Reporting by John Kruzel; Editing by Will Dunham) By Aaron Ross NAIROBI (Reuters) -The United States is assessing the future of its military command for Africa, its top general for the continent said on Tuesday, and called on African governments to make their views on its possible elimination known in Washington. President Donald Trump's administration is considering merging AFRICOM, which became a distinct geographical command in 2008, with the U.S. command in Europe to cut bureaucracy, American media outlets reported in March. Speaking to reporters before a conference of African defence chiefs in Kenya, AFRICOM's commander, General Michael Langley, said he had discussed the issue with officials on the continent. "I've talked to a number of ministers of defence and a few presidents and told them we were assessing," Langley said. He said governments should make their views about AFRICOM's future known through their ambassadors in the U.S. "That's what I tell them. I said: 'okay, if we're that important to (you), you need to communicate that and we'll see'." Before 2008, U.S. military activities in Africa were handled by commands from other regions. AFRICOM's creation reflected rising U.S. national security interests on the continent, including Islamist insurgencies and competition with China and Russia. In West Africa, where groups with ties to al Qaeda and Islamic State have grown in recent years, U.S. security influence has waned following a series of military coups. The putsches forced Washington to pull back on security support and brought to power juntas that have turned to Russia for assistance. Last year, the ruling junta in Niger ordered the U.S. to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country and vacate a $100 million drone base. Langley said the U.S. had nevertheless maintained some intelligence sharing with the military regimes in the Sahel region and was looking for "other ways to continue to stay engaged". (Reporting by Aaron Ross;Editing by Alison Williams) A growing number of mothers are struggling with their mental and physical health, according to a new study. The study, published Tuesday in JAMA Internal Medicine, surveyed 189,417 mothers from 2016 to 2023. The findings show a sharp drop in maternal mental health, with only 25.8% reporting excellent mental health in 2023, down from 38.4% in 2016. In addition to the decline in "excellent" mental health, mothers describing their health as just "good" rose from 18.8% to 26.1%, and "fair/poor" rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. We found a dramatic increase in mothers reporting fair or poor health -- a 64% increase, Jamie Daw, lead author of the study and assistant professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, told ABC News. These declines originated before the pandemic, suggesting this is due to broader societal and population level factors. PHOTO: Stock Photo (Adobe Stock) Physical health also declined over this period, with 15% fewer mothers reporting excellent physical health, and more women reporting just good health. These effects, however, were felt disproportionately with vulnerable mothers -- single, younger, with less education and whose kids were multiracial, publicly insured, or uninsured. US surgeon general issues advisory on parents' mental health Experts warn that worsening maternal mental health can have a ripple effect across generations. Poor mental health in mothers is linked to problems during childbirth, early childhood development, and long-term physical and mental health of children. We know that poor mental health contributes to maternal mortality, and it increases the risk of other poor health outcomes for both mom and baby, said Dr. Jade Cobern, a board-certified physician in pediatrics and preventive medicine and fellow of the ABC News Medical Unit. As a pediatrician, I know firsthand that a mothers health is integral to a childs overall health and well-being." She continued, "I tell all my patients' mothers that taking care of their own health is a part of taking care of their babys health and should be prioritized. Fathers also reported declines in mental health, though mothers were consistently worse off -- one in 12 mothers reported "fair/poor" mental health compared to one in 22 fathers. These findings add urgency to the national conversation about parents mental health. Most research has focused on mothers around childbirth, but this study suggests parental support needs to be extended beyond the postpartum period. [We] need to reframe maternal mental health to not only be focused on pregnancy and postpartum. American mothers who are parenting children of all ages are reporting worse mental health, said Daw. Parents say they're struggling with their own mental health amid a growing youth mental health crisis The U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory on parental pressures in August 2024, calling for policy changes, community programs and individual action to preserve the mental health of caregivers, naming it a public health priority. As a society and medical community, we have to continue to protect and prioritize mental health resources for all parents so families can thrive, said Cobern. There is no shame in speaking up about mental health. Its a sign of great strength to seek help when needed. A. Taylor Thomas, MD, MPH is an anesthesia resident at the Massachusetts General Hospital and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Only 25% of moms in US report 'excellent' mental health, marking an alarming decline originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Memorial Day has always been a solemn day in my family. I grew up the descendant of six generations of career Army officers. My father often reminded my siblings and me that we never missed a meal or heard a shot fired in anger, and that it was our job to thank those who had. His point was clear: Our comfort was made possible by the sacrifices of others. But in recent years, I have come to believe that Memorial Day needs a broader lens. Even as we rightly honor those who died while serving their country, we must also acknowledge the quieter, often invisible losses here at home. Since the start of the War on Terror in 2001, more than 7,000 U.S. service members have died during their service, mostly in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 140,000 veterans took their own lives between 2001 and 2022 well over 6,000 veterans every year, or an average of more than 17 each day. These deaths may not be the result of enemy fire, but they are casualties of war just the same. Research has consistently shown that suicide among veterans is closely linked to their military experience particularly exposure to combat, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the often abrupt loss of identity and purpose following discharge. Veterans are most at risk immediately after leaving the service, when many many feel most disconnected from the fellowship and mission that once defined their lives. During deployment, servicemembers develop extraordinary bonds. Many of the veterans I have worked with over the past decade say that their primary mission in combat was not glory or medals it was getting their people home safely. That sense of unity is a kind of armor. But when they return home, that armor often disappears. They leave their unit, lose their support system and face a civilian world that doesnt always understand the war theyre still fighting. Lt. Col. Charley Watkins, my dads Vietnam chopper pilot who now works with veterans in transition, calls this their new norm. Its when the camaraderie fades, and the isolation begins. That isolation is often the most dangerous battlefield. In my work leading filmmaking workshops for veterans, Ive seen the power of collaboration up close: Men and women who have never met coming together to craft narratives that express shared service experiences and help them begin to make sense of things that no longer make sense. These arent just creative exercises. They are personal, hopeful, often transformative opportunities for veterans to feel heard, valued, and part of a team again. Dr. Rachel Yehuda, Mental Health Chief at the Bronx VA Medical Center has said of our workshops, Once these struggling veterans begin to see the world differently, anything is possible. The films themselves are also a potent way for the rest of us to empathize through a medium we all understand. Of course, filmmaking is only one of many collaborative tools for healing. The real solution starts with awareness and then action. Civilians dont need to be experts in trauma to make a difference. Often, the most powerful thing we can do is simple: show up. A call. A coffee. An invitation to a family cookout. These seemingly small gestures can offer the lifeline that keeps someone connected. One of my closest friends, Capt. Rich Barbato, a decorated Iraq War veteran, has lost 42 soldiers from his airborne battalion to suicide. If there had been more opportunities and ways to recreate a sense of community when I came home, he told me recently, many more of my brothers in arms would be alive today. That should haunt us. And it should move us to act. Millions of men and women have courageously served this country so that others like me wouldnt have to. So that we could choose to forget the fact that so many went to war and made the ultimate sacrifice; so that we could pursue prosperity and live our lives in peace. And maybe thats okay. Maybe the ability to lose ourselves in a festive, gorgeous May weekend is simply proof of the value and purity of that gift. And yet that is precisely why it is so important that we do acknowledge our veterans on Memorial Day and every day. So this Memorial Day, while we honor those who died in service to our country, let us also remember those who died after their service casualties of a war that never truly ended for them. Let us support the families they left behind. And let us recognize that preventing future loss is not just the responsibility of the VA or the Pentagon. Its on all of us. 782 words Benjamin Patton is the Founder and Executive Director of the Patton Veterans Project. He is the grandson of World War II commander General George S. Patton, Jr. and son of Major General George S. Patton IV, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gov. Josh Shapiro shakes hands with a student at Millersville University in Millersville, Pa. on Aug. 29, 2023. Commonwealth Media Services (The Center Square) Pennsylvanias college system graduated 21,000 students this academic year as hopes rise for more state funding in the coming budget. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education comprises 10 universities that serve 82,000 students, of which 90% claim residency. Its a key statistic given the commonwealths attempts to lure college graduates to settle and grow families amid a looming demographic crisis. "These graduates are both broadly educated and specifically prepared to enter roles with talent shortages, from hospitals and classrooms to law enforcement, growing businesses and the high-tech STEM economy," said system Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. Roughly 70% of this years graduates earned degrees in STEM, health care, business, law enforcement and education all careers struggling with dangerous labor shortages. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. "As state-owned public universities, we have a responsibility to equip students to be critical thinkers, good communicators, and creative problem solvers as we help provide the talent that Pennsylvania needs, Fiorentino said. These graduates exemplify that students are overwhelmingly choosing majors to get jobs that are in high demand, and they are ready for rewarding careers that help drive Pennsylvanias economy." The system has prioritized affordability since 2018, when the first of seven tuition freezes was implemented. As of 2025, students pay $7,716 per semester, roughly one-third of the statewide average and less than half the national average of $15,900, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education. Thats why system officials have asked lawmakers for another $40.3 million to maintain the freeze, in line with Gov. Josh Shaipros own request. PASSHE graduates are prepared, driven and essential to Pennsylvanias future, Fiorentino said. "Their education opens doors not only for personal advancement but also for community and statewide progress. These students are filling roles that keep our hospitals, schools and businesses thriving, and they are the next generation of civic leaders who will take Pennsylvania into the future. Republican lawmakers are calling for crippling sanctions against Russia after Moscow launched its largest-ever drone attack on Ukraine defying President Trumps call for an end to the bloodshed. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill to impose harsh sanctions and tariffs on Russia and its allies, said the assault that killed at least 13 people on Sunday cannot go unpunished. This latest outrage by Russia will not go unaddressed, Graham wrote on X. Without Chinas support, Putins war machine comes to a halt. Republican lawmakers called for crippling sanctions against Russia after Vladimir Putin launched the largest drones strike against Ukraine of the war. Sergei Savostyanov/TASS via ZUMA Press An apartment building hit by a Russian strike in Kyiv on May 24, 2025. Photo by Andriy Zhyhaylo/Oboz.ua/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) also joined his GOP colleague and pleaded directly with the president to join the rest of the Western world in addressing Russias increased aggression. Ive had enuf [sic] of Putin killing innocent ppl [sic], Grassley vented on X. Pres Trump Take action AT LEAST SANCTIONS. Russia unleashed 355 drones and nine cruise missiles overnight Sunday, the Ukrainian air force said, making it the biggest aerial bombardment in the war to date. The onslaught capped off a brutal three days in which Kremlin forces launched around 900 drones at Ukraine, officials said. Trump who previously promised he would end the war on day one of his second presidential term slammed Putin as absolutely crazy on Sunday, but stopped short of announcing tougher sanctions on the regime. Im glad President Trump is finally calling out Putin, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said in a statement to The Post. Its beyond time to send them more lethal weapons. This Administration must act now. This war may have started as a Putins invasion of Ukraine, but this is now under his watch. If Ukraine falls, it will always be known in the history books that it happened with Trump doing little to help Ukraine defend themselves with the means we have available. Balconies in a residential building destroyed by the attack in Kyiv. Photo by Andriy Zhyhaylo/Oboz.ua/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Rescue workers at the scene of a Russian strike in Kyiv. SERGEY DOLZHENKO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The Nebraska Republican also stressed on X that Putins goal is to dominate Ukraine & he wont stop until he realizes he cannot win. The US & Allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth, sanction Russia to the max, & confiscate the $300B in overseas Russian assets, he added. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), who co-chairs the House Ukraine Caucus, also re-upped his well-worn call for much more stringent sanctions on Moscow. The United States cannot fail to respond as Putin escalates his barbaric assault on innocent Ukrainians. Congress must actimmediately and decisively, Fitzpatrick (R-PA) demanded on X Sunday. We need full, crippling sanctions targeting Putin, his regime, and those bankrolling this campaign of terror until the Russian war machine collapses in on itself, he added. In an impassioned plea on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said things must change. Ukrainian firefighters and rescuers work at a storage facility of a factory that was hit by a Russian strike in Vasyshcheve, Ukraine on May 26, 2025. SERGEY KOZLOV/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Firefighters working to extinguish a fire at a residential building in Kyiv. Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images New and strong sanctions against Russia from the United States, from Europe, and from all those around the world who seek peace will serve as a guaranteed means of forcing Russia not only to cease fire, but also to show respect, Zelensky wrote on X. Putin must start respecting those he talks to. For now, he is simply playing games with diplomacy and with diplomats. That must change, he declared. Last week, European leaders hit Russia with sanctions over Putins refusal to accept a US-backed cease-fire deal. Trump refused to join despite threatening further sanctions on Moscow if it continued to reject the peace talks earlier this month. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick said the US must act immediately and decisively to sanction Russia. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision as a tactic to keep Russia at the negotiating table despite the commander in chiefs suggestion that the US would end its mediating efforts in Ukraine. However, while Trump hesitates on announcing further action, 81 senators have pledged their support of a bill to impose sanctions against the Kremlin, as well as a 500% tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas and other products. Our legislation will isolate Russia putting it on a trade island by imposing stiff tariffs on other countries that support these atrocities, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Graham said in a joint statement on the bill. While we yearn for peace, it is increasingly clear to us and a supermajority of the Senate that Putin is playing games. The United States Senate stands ready to act if these games continue, they added. Russia was also notably the only country absent from Trumps list of nations to be slapped with at least a 10% tariff in April. The White House said Russias exclusion was down to previously imposed sanctions already preventing any meaningful trade with Moscow. Shelter Pit Bull Who Looks and Waits for Someone to Notice Her Is Running Out of Time originally appeared on PetHelpful. If youre in the Dallas area, Lilah needs our help! The sweet shelter Pit has the best spirit and really wants someone to come and adopt her. Sadly, the right person hasnt come around yet, causing the worst to happen. The dog has recently been put on the euthanasia list. And the end will happen unless someone sees her story and decides to step in. Shared by the Pawsitive Influence Group, the dog is currently at Dallas Animal Services in Dallas, Texas. She needs someone to rescue her ASAP. We can think of nothing worse than whats about to happen to Lilah. The Pittie is so young only 2 years old which means she still has so much love to live. How could this happen to her? Its almost unthinkable. Lilah needs a foster or adopter in Dallas, Texas. If youre wondering why shes been at the shelter so long its because her family hasnt seen her yet, the videos caption reads. Related: Precious Playful Pit Bull Mix Is Starting to Lose Hope in Central California Shelter Shes 2 years old, sweet, gentle, and just wants to lay her head in your lap, it continues. A volunteer recently took her to an event and couldnt stop raving about how loving and well-behaved she was. This well-behaved sweetie could be yours if you act fast. Lilah needs us its now or never. Commenters were totally upset. Please someone give this baby a chance, one person begged. Hope she finds a forever home soon! someone else exclaimed. Beautiful girl. Please someone save her life. She deserves to live, a third person wrote. Big boost for Lilah. I hope someone in Dallas or nearby can help her, she seems like a perfect pup, one commenter wrote. If you or someone you know is ready to make a difference in a dogs life, you could come to Lilahs rescue. Just head to the Dallas Animal Services website to fill out the paperwork. Hurry! Every minute for this sweet girl counts. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Shelter Pit Bull Who Looks and Waits for Someone to Notice Her Is Running Out of Time first appeared on PetHelpful on May 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on May 26, 2025, where it first appeared. Three more inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail earlier this month have been captured, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced Monday. Two escapees remain at large. Inmate Lenton Vanburen was detained in Baton Rouge, Murrill said on social media. Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were arrested in Walker County, Texas, by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Murrill said in another post. Vanburen was originally serving time for a parole violation, possession of a firearm by a felon and illegal carrying of a weapon, Murrill said. Five people were arrested and charged with accessory after the fact for assisting Vanburen, Louisiana State Police said Monday evening. Tate was originally incarcerated on charges of burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon and illegal carrying of a weapon. He also has a criminal history that includes attempted second-degree murder, the attorney general said. Donald was originally arrested on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery and possession of a firearm by a felon. The three men will now both face additional charges related to the escape, Murrill said. The 10 inmates broke out of the jail on May 16, and three were captured in the first 24 hours after their escape. Surveillance video showed several inmates forcing open a cell door at about 12:22 a.m. CDT on May 16 and breaching a wall behind the cell's toilet. At around 1 a.m., video showed the inmates fleeing the building through a nearby loading dock, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. The escape went unnoticed by the sheriff's office until approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday. At the time of the escape, no sheriff's deputy was assigned to the area where the inmates initiated the jailbreak. At least 13 people have been arrested in connection with the escape of the 10 inmates, including a maintenance worker at the jail who was accused of shutting off water to a cell that the inmates used in the escape by removing a toilet from the wall. Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Full interview: Jack McCain on "Face the Nation" Trump seeks to end all federal contracts with Harvard Coiled diamondback rattlesnake in leaf litter PhilBilly/iStock via Getty Images What would you do if you wanted to throw some steaks on your backyard grill on a nice summer day, but were instead met with a loud rattling sound coming from inside the grill? Thats just what happened to these Arizona homeowners, who spotted a western diamondback rattlesnake living under their grill. Knowing the snake was large and venomous, the homeowners called a relocation expert for help with its removal. Find out what happened next. Its best to call the experts if you find a western diamondback rattlesnake living in or around your home. Clint H/Shutterstock.com How Does a Snake Catcher Safely Capture a Snake? Rattlesnake Solutions, based in Arizona, gives us an inside view of the world of capturing reptiles on their YouTube channel. In a posted video, Rattlesnake Solutions owner Bryan Hughes, urban rattlesnake specialist and snake researcher, records his day as he takes a couple of house calls helping out homeowners by removing snakes in their homes. When Bryan arrives at the first house on his list, he brings his snake-catching equipment: a hook on a long pole, a bucket, and snake tongs. This snake is small and easy to catch. Next up is a much bigger challenge. At the second house of the day, Bryan is guided to the backyard where a rattlesnake has been seen living under the grill. A five-foot-long diamondback rattlesnake is an unusual find, even for a veteran snake catcher. Rattlesnake Solutions / YouTube Original As soon as Bryan opens the door to the grill, we can hear the loud sound of a rattle. When Bryan moves the grill back and brings out the snake with his hook, we can see how big the snake is. Were gonna call this snake four feet ten inches, Bryan says later in the video after measuring the snake. That is then the largest confirmed diamondback that Ive actually measured; that Ive ever gotten a call on in Arizona in the 14 years that weve been doing thisthat is just amazing. How Do You Measure a Snake? By using a tube, snake experts can safely handle rattlesnakes for measuring. Rattlesnake Solutions / YouTube Original In the video, Bryan takes the snake back to his office and shows us how he measures it. He takes out a tube, which isnt long enough for this massive snake. The snake thinks its escaping and goes through the tube headfirst. From there, Bryan can get hold of the back of the snake and safely stretch it out for a measurement. Including the tail, Bryan thinks this diamondback is about five feet long. As large as this is, diamondbacks can reach up to seven feet long. What Types of Rattlesnakes Live in Arizona? The large rattlesnake in the video was a western diamondback rattlesnake. They are a species of pit viper and detect prey by sensing the heat differences of living animals. Western diamondbacks are found in the southwestern U.S., where they live in various habitats, including urban areas. Though they try to avoid people, they will bite when threatened. They are venomous, and their bite is dangerous to humans. However, antivenom is available and should be administered shortly after a bite occurs. Western diamondbacks are not the only rattlesnake species that live in Arizona. Arizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state. The most common are the sidewinder, western diamondback, Mojave, and black-tailed rattlesnakes. All rattlesnakes are venomous and require treatment if bitten. You can identify a western diamondback by the black diamond-shaped blotches along its body. When Should You Call In a Professional to Help Catch a Snake? While most snakes are not a threat to people and should be left alone, there are times when they need to be safely removed from an area. If a snake is living in or around your home, its best to call a professional to have it relocated. In the video, Bryan explains that the western diamondback living under the grill was likely there looking for a shady spot to get out of the heat. There may have been rodents around, attracted by fallen bits of food from the grill, which also would have made it an appealing location for the diamondback. Relocating Snakes in Arizona Gopher snakes are another commonly found snake in Arizona, but gopher snakes are not rattlesnakes and are non-venomous. rawaccess/Shutterstock.com Rattlesnake Solutions typically relocates snakes to a safer area, away from humans, where the snakes can live without encountering many people. However, Bryan explains this particular snake may have a difficult time adjusting to a new home due to its age, which he estimates to be around 30 years old. Another part of the service the company offers is not only relocating snakes, but helping homeowners understand how to keep snakes out of their homes and yards in the first place. The company does this by studying snake behavior. By keeping this large rattlesnake, they may learn a lot of useful information about its behavior, such as how high it can climb and what sort of fence might keep it out. However, Bryan says that if he can find a good place to release the snake, he would like to do so. The post A Snake Catcher Discovered the Biggest Rattlesnake Youve Ever Seen Under a Barbeque Grill appeared first on A-Z Animals. Chinese university signs cooperation MoU with Kazakhstan's judicial institutions Xinhua) 10:38, May 27, 2025 Jiang Zeting (R), chair of the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) Council, and Christopher Campbell-Holt, registrar and chief executive of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court and International Arbitration Centre (IAC), pose for a photo after the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Astana, Kazakhstan, on May 26, 2025. The CUPL signed a memorandum of understanding with the AIFC Court and IAC on Monday here. (Photo by Kalizhan Ospanov/Xinhua) ASTANA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court and International Arbitration Centre (IAC) on Monday here. Both entities plan to jointly promote practical cooperation in international arbitration and cultivate high-level legal professionals for foreign-related rule of law work. Jiang Zeting, chair of the CUPL Council, who is currently visiting Kazakhstan, met with Christopher Campbell-Holt, registrar and chief executive of the AIFC Court and IAC. Jiang noted that the university, leveraging its strategic layout of "one center with multiple bases," is strengthening legal exchanges and mutual learning between China and Central Asian countries. He also shared that CUPL is currently working to establish a global law leadership academy, aimed at cultivating high-level legal professionals familiar with international legal norms to support global governance. Campbell-Holt said the strengthening of Kazakhstan-China economic cooperation has led to increasing demand for cross-border dispute resolution. He proposed that both sides deepen their institutional cooperation by promoting mutual learning in commercial arbitration rules and conducting joint practical training to provide legal support for regional economic growth. The CUPL delegation is scheduled to visit Tajikistan and Uzbekistan afterward to advance the joint establishment of cooperation mechanisms. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on May 27 declined to get involved in a dispute about mining on land sacred to the San Carlos Apache Tribe, a case that religious groups backed to test the scope of a 1993 federal law protecting religious freedom. Dozens of churches and religious groups urged the court to hear the challenge from members of the tribe, who are represented by a prominent religious rights law firm. Lawyers for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty said courts are far too apt to dodge the question of what qualifies as an improper burden on religion under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Two of the court's conservative justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas said they would have taken the case. "Before allowing the government to destroy the Apaches' sacred site, this Court should at least have troubled itself to hear their case," Gorsuch, who often defends Native American rights, wrote in his dissent. Gorsuch said he has no doubt the court would have agreed to hear the case if it had involved a historic cathedral instead of an ancient site of tribal worship. Another conservative justice, Samuel Alito, said he did not participate in the decision. Alito did not give a reason for his recusal. The case the court declined to hear involves a section of the Tonto National Forest in Arizona that sits atop the worlds third-largest deposit of copper ore. In 2014, Congress handed over 2,422 acres in the region to a private mining company, Resolution Copper, in exchange for other land in Arizona. Apache Stronghold, an advocacy group representing some members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, sued to block the transfer. The Apache Tribe says the site called Chichil Bidagoteel, or Oak Flat is their direct corridor to the Creator and is needed for religious ceremonies that cannot take place elsewhere. Wendsler Nosie Sr., right, leads a group of runners in the final stretch of the 10th annual Oak Flat Run at Oak Flat, a campground that is part of the Tonto National Forest near Miami, AZ, on Feb. 17, 2024. Under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the government cannot substantially burden a persons exercise of religion without a compelling governmental interest. The federal government said the Supreme Court has previously ruled that the law doesnt apply when the government is dealing with its own property. But Mark Rienzi, president of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said its obvious that tribal members religious expression is being hampered. Of course, it's a burden on their religion when you blow up their sacred site and they can't worship there, Rienzi said. That's just plain English. The mining company said that interpretation of the law would allow one person to block any use of public land except their own if they sincerely believed some activity be it camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, or mining destroyed the lands sanctity. Resolution Copper also said its project has the potential to supply nearly one-quarter of the nations copper needs to help with the transition to clean energy and other national priorities. Earlier this month, a federal judge in Arizona temporarily blocked the federal government from moving forward with the land transfer until the Supreme Court acted on the appeal. Wendsler Nosie Sr. of Apache Stronghold, the group fighting to preserve the site, said they haven't given up. While this decision is a heavy blow, our struggle is far from over," Nosie said in response to the Supreme Court's decision. "We urge Congress to take decisive action to stop this injustice while we press forward in the courts. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court declines to hear case about mining on sacred land FILE - Julie Chrisley, right, and her husband Todd Chrisley pose for photos at the 52nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards April 2, 2017, in Las Vegas. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that hes planning to pardon TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, famous for Chrisley Knows Best, a reality show that followed their tight-knit family and extravagant lifestyle that prosecutors said was boosted by bank fraud and hiding earnings from tax authorities. The Chrisleys were convicted in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks in the Atlanta area out of more than $30 million in loans by submitting false documents. They were also found guilty of tax evasion, obscuring their earnings while showcasing a luxurious way of living that authorities said included high-priced cars, designer clothes, real estate and travel. Prosecutors said the couple walked away from their responsibility for repayment when Todd Chrisley declared bankruptcy and left $20-plus million in unpaid loans. Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, and Todd Chrisley got 12 years behind bars. The couple was also ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution. Your parents are going to be free and clean and I hope that we can do it by tomorrow, Trump said in a call with their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, according to a video posted online by a White House aide. In a social media post, the aide declared, Trump Knows Best! Theyve been given a pretty harsh treatment based on what Im hearing, the president added a few moments later of the couple. A White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss decisions that hadn't yet been made public, said the pardons would be forthcoming. The move continues a pattern of Trump pardoning high-profile friends, supporters, donors and former staffers. On Monday, Trump pardoned Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff who was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted on fraud and bribery charges. The president posted online that Jenkins and his family have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ. The president has also moved to pardon Paul Walczak, a Florida health care executive imprisoned on tax charges, whose mother helped expose the contents of a diary kept by Ashley Biden, daughter of former President Joe Biden. And, in April, he pardoned Nevada Republican Michele Fiore, who was awaiting sentencing on federal charges that she used money meant for a statue honoring a slain police officer for personal costs, including plastic surgery. The Chrisleys attorney, Alex Little, said the pardon corrects a deep injustice and restores two devoted parents to their family and community. President Trump recognized what weve argued from the beginning: Todd and Julie were targeted because of their conservative values and high profile. Their prosecution was tainted by multiple constitutional violations and political bias, Little said in a statement. Little's statement added, Todd and Julies case is exactly why the pardon power exists. Thanks to President Trump, the Chrisley family can now begin healing and rebuilding their lives. Before the Chrisleys became reality television stars, they, and a former business partner, submitted false documents to banks in the Atlanta area to obtain fraudulent loans, prosecutors said during their trial. They accused the couple of spending lavishly, then using new fraudulent loans to pay off old ones. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last summer upheld the Chrisleys convictions but found a legal error in how the trial judge had calculated Julie Chrisleys sentence by holding her accountable for the entire bank fraud scheme. The appellate panel sent her case back to the lower court for resentencing. Savannah Chrisley spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where she talked about her parents imprisonment. She said then that they were persecuted by rogue prosecutors echoing Trumps rhetoric about the criminal justice system as he faced investigations and criminal cases of his own. She said Trump had been targeted for his politics, and said her parents likewise were targeted because of their conservative beliefs and high profile. Ill never forget what the prosecutors said in the most heavily Democratic county in the state, before an Obama-appointed judge. He called us the Trumps of the South, Savannah Chrisley said in her remarks at the convention, adding, He meant it as an insult but, let me tell you, boy, do I wear it as a badge of honor. ___ Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed. By Mike Scarcella (Reuters) -A federal judge on Tuesday struck down an executive order targeting law firm WilmerHale, in the third ruling to overwhelmingly reject President Donald Trump's efforts to punish firms he perceives as enemies of his administration. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, in Washington, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, said Trump's order retaliated against the firm in violation of U.S. constitutional protections for free speech and due process. "I have concluded that this order must be struck down in its entirety as unconstitutional," Leon wrote in his 73-page opinion. "Indeed, to rule otherwise would be unfaithful to the judgment and vision of the Founding Fathers!" Leon said Trump had penalized WilmerHale for hiring Robert Mueller, the Republican-appointed special counsel who led a probe into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election and Trump campaign ties to Moscow. Trump has derided the investigation as a political "witch hunt." In a statement, WilmerHale said Leon's ruling "strongly affirms our foundational constitutional rights and those of our clients. We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients." White House spokesman Harrison Fields in a statement said Trump acted within his power by rescinding security clearances for the firm's attorneys. Reviewing the president's clearance decisions "falls well outside the judiciarys authority, Fields said. WilmerHale was among four law firms that sued the administration over Trump's orders, which suspended their lawyers' security clearances and sought to bar them from federal buildings and strip their clients of U.S. federal government contracts. WilmerHale called Trump's order flagrantly unconstitutional, arguing it violated its rights to speech, due process and equal protection under the law. The firm in its lawsuit was represented by prominent conservative lawyer Paul Clement, who was the U.S. solicitor general during the George W. Bush presidency. Leon barred federal agencies from enforcing the March 27 executive order against WilmerHale, a 1,200-lawyer firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and across the country. He called the order "a staggering punishment for the firms protected speech" that harmed its ability to represent its clients. In a related lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell on May 2 overturned Trump's executive order against law firm Perkins Coie. On May 23, U.S. District Judge John Bates issued a similar ruling that struck down Trump's order against Jenner & Block. A fourth judge is weighing whether to overturn an executive order that targeted Susman Godfrey. The U.S. Justice Department has defended Trumps orders in court, arguing in each case that Trump was lawfully exercising his presidential power and discretion. Trump has accused the firms of "weaponizing" the justice system against him and his allies. The Justice Department can appeal Leon's order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Nine law firms, including Paul Weiss, Latham & Watkins; Skadden Arps; and Willkie Farr, reached deals with Trump that averted punitive actions, pledging a combined total of nearly $1 billion in free legal services to advance causes he supports. Trump's targeting of firms has drawn condemnation from many within the legal industry. Some have criticized the firms that reached agreements as capitulating to presidential coercion. (Reporting by Mike Scarcella in Washington, D.C., and additional reporting by David Thomas; Editing by David Bario and Bill Berkrot) Towfiqu Ahamed / Getty Images Squishing ants releases pheromones which can attract even more ants into your home. Use poison bait traps, fill cracks and holes, and try natural remedies to get rid of ants. Keep your kitchen clean and clean up spills immediately to prevent infestations. It's the sight every homeowner dreads: a trail of ants crawling around on the floors. While frustrated, you may feel the urge to squish, stomp, or swat those tiny uninvited guests, but you should resist the impulse. It'll do more harm than goodnot just to the insect, but to your home. So, what's a better way to deal with an ant infestation? We talked to two entomologists for insights into why the squish method should be avoided and more effective ways to tackle an ant infestation. Meet the Expert Brian L. Fisher is the chair of entomology at the California Academy of Sciences who has researched ants for over 30 years. Louisa Messenger is a medical entomologist and professor of environmental and global health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Why Squishing Ants Won't Work When an ant is killed by force, like squishing, the insect's body will send a message to the rest of its colonyand maybe even leave a mess or odor. For example, wood ants release formic acid, which smells like vinegar and can cause skin irritation in humans. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more! The Argentine ant and the carpenter ant are the most common types of ants found in homes. When squashed, those types of ants release pheromones to indicate danger and that the community should mobilize, fight, and defend. "They're essentially sending a distress signal to alert the nearby colony that there's a perceived threat," says Louisa Messenger, a medical entomologist and professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "They're coming in to investigate, defend and mount more of a coordinated response. Counterintuitively, you actually end up with more ants than you wanted in the first place." Messenger notes that you can wipe away the formic acid or pheromones with vinegar or soapy water, but it's a short-term solution for a few days. "Essentially, that's going to disrupt the ants' ability to chemically locate where they and their sort of siblings have been traveling," she says. "But if you have thousands of ants, that's not going to solve the bigger picture." Both the Argentine and carpenter ants have super colonies with many queens, workers, and foragers who intermingle with each other, making them especially difficult to get rid of once an infestation takes hold. "It's subunits of nests that don't have clearly defined boundaries," says Brian L. Fisher, the chair of entomology at the California Academy of Sciences, who has researched ants for over 30 years. "It's impossible to say you're going to keep all the ants out. Once you kill one little subunit, there's another one that's going to take its place, and those just keep going." 3 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Ants in the Home Using Poison Bait Products Messenger suggests using an EPA-approved insecticide with poison bait, but with the understanding that some aren't safe for small children and animals. On top of that, many of the insecticides are slow-acting, so it will take about 72 hours for you to start seeing results. The process depends on the way ants feed a colony. For Argentine ants, Fisher says the adult workers can't eat solid food, so a worker ant has to carry the bait back to the colony, feed it to a larvae that can ingest it and regurgitate it for the workers, who then take it to the queen. But all of that has to occur before the larvae dies from the poison. So it'll likely take more than one ant to take the bait and kill the colony. Fill in Cracks and Holes Around the House Fisher and Messenger suggest blocking ants from coming into the house by setting barriers. Take note of where the ants might be entering your home from. Use clear silicon, chalk, or another material to seal any holes in the house where you suspect ants might be coming in from. Stay vigilant and notice if the ants find another hole or crack to enter through. Make sure to use the seal those holes as well. Repeat as necessary. Try a Natural Remedy Fisher and Messenger both suggested natural remedies such as Borax and sugar, Diatomaceous earth, and cloves that are safe for humans and pets. "Using non-pesticides or nasty chemicals is feasible, but you have to be a little bit persistent," Fisher says. He notes cloveseither ground up or used wholecan repel ants and create a natural barrier against them. Messenger suggests using Diatomaceous earth, which is a natural food-grade silica powder, and putting it around any cracks and crevices where the ants might be entering. The powder will break down the ant's exoskeleton, causing them to die from dehydration. How to Prevent an Ant Infestation To prevent an ant infestation, Messenger advises to keep your kitchen clean and make sure to put away food in air-tight containers, take your trash out regularly, and fully clean up any small food crumbs or sugary drink spills around the house. Sugar attracts ants, among other insects. "Sometimes, you can have a pristine home, but there's some microscopic food in the environment that we wouldn't be able to notice, but an ant certainly would," Messenger says. Ants look for water as well, so Fisher suggests keeping a five-foot barrier around your house dry and removing any irrigation. Read the original article on The Spruce LIVERPOOL, England Images of a car plowing into a large crowd of soccer fans celebrating their team's English Premier League title win had barely made it to national newscasts when notorious right-wing voices started to call the incident a "suspected terrorist attack" on social media. The X account of Tommy Robinson, a convicted fraudster who is well known as the leader of the English far right, retweeted video of the vehicle knocking down people dressed in Liverpool Football Clubs ketchup-red strip, writing that it looked "very intentional." (The posts were labeled "admin," a probable reference to the fact that Robinson did not write them himself since he was in prison at the time.) Others swiftly followed suit, opining that the driver had been motivated by Islamic extremism. Within a couple of hours, Merseyside Police released details on a suspect detained at the scene, describing him as a 53-year-old white British male from the Liverpool area. Officials also urged the public not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Within five hours, police had described the incident as isolated and not being investigated as terrorism-related. The release of these details by the British police, most notably the suspects race, was remarkably fast. The scene in Liverpool on Tuesday after a vehicle plowed into a crowd of soccer fans Monday. (Phil Noble / Reuters) For many, it was a sign of lessons learned after the 2024 Southport stabbing attack, in which the same police force was pilloried for not sharing enough information soon enough and allowing rumors to run rampant. In this vacuum, speculation turned into calls for action, which soon bloomed into racist riots that rocked Britain in the aftermath of the deadly assault that killed three young girls, with more injured. In Southport, violent riots erupted last summer after false information shared on social media claimed the suspect in the stabbings was a radical Islamist migrant. Police were accused of failing to share accurate information on the suspect quickly enough, allowing rumors to circulate unchallenged. On Tuesday, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram praised Merseyside Police for having handled the situation fantastically in an interview with Sky News. Dal Babu, a former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent, described the forces swift release of information, including details on the race of the man arrested in the incident, as unprecedented. Ive never known a case like this before where theyve given the ethnicity and the race of the individual who was involved in it, Babu told BBC Radio 5 Live on Tuesday. I think that was to dampen down some of the speculation from the far-right that sort of continues on X even as we speak, he said, adding that it appeared to be a lesson learned as a direct result of what happened after the Southport attack. In that case, he noted rumors swelled of the suspect being an asylum seeker who arrived on a boat and it was a Muslim extremist and that wasnt the case. In a news conference Tuesday, Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said the suspect had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims separately said police believed the man arrested had been able to follow an ambulance responding to reports of a member of the public having a heart attack, after a road block was temporarily lifted. More than 50 people were initially taken to or showed up at hospitals for treatment, with children among those hurt. Eleven people remained in the hospital for ongoing treatment, but all appeared to be in stable condition and recovering well, police said. Lessons learned Darrin Hooper, who traveled with his wife from Maidstone, Kent, just over 30 miles southeast of London, to celebrate Liverpool's win, praised the polices quick response on the scene as well as on social media. It was a good thing that they announced it straight away, he said Tuesday as he stood among a crowd gathered on the edges of scene of Monday's incident, which had been cordoned off. Theyve just got to say it. And then it stops all the speculation, Hooper, 60, an electrical engineer, told NBC News. A police officer stands guard after a car ran into a crowd in downtown Liverpool. (Chantal Da Silva / NBC News) Sneha Venket, who traveled to the city with her husband, a major Liverpool F.C. fan, all the way from Cologne, Germany, to join in the parade, described the events that unfolded Monday as a very bitter end to a very, very happy day. Recalling the grim events of last year in the eastern German city of Magdeburg, in which a 9-year-old child and four adults were killed after a car was driven into a crowd at a Christmas market, Venket, 39, said she wasnt surprised to see speculation swirl in the aftermath of Mondays incident. In that case too, Europes far right was quick to tap into fears around the deadly attack. Venket, who is studying screenwriting, said it was important to allow police to investigate before jumping to conclusions, but, she said, nowadays, it looks like society is more polarized than ever, every society. I think its just a global trend right now. Courtesy of Julie Wolfson / Photo by Niki Weegens Making coffee doesnt have to be costly or complicated. The inexpensive stovetop moka pot should be a leading contender for an easy, top-quality brew. Invented in the 1930s by Alfonso Bialetti in Crusinallo, Italy, this modest coffee maker has become an archetypal symbol of efficient design around the world. Moka pot devotees have flooded social media with adoration and brewing tips. And top coffee professionals have joined in to share step-by-step tutorials. Renowned coffee expert James Hoffmann has dedicated several videos to the best practices and science behind the moka pot. He even sliced one in half to show its structure and inner workings. Related: Why the Best Coffee Is Made in a Moka Pot The moka pot extraction concept is based on speed, simplicity, and intensity of flavor, says Simone Amenini, head of quality control and education for Ditta Artigianale and the Scuola del Caffe Firenze. It took the place of the cuccuma, the Neapolitan coffee pot which isn't actually Neapolitan widely used in Italian homes starting from the mid-1800s. The moka pot could create a stronger-flavored brew, as it extracts the coffee grounds under pressure. This decidedly breaks with the trend in other European countries that continued to prefer a softer and smoother coffee on the palate, using infusion-based extractions like coffee pots, French press, syphon, and pour-over, says Amenini. Moka pots were always present in the homes where Amenini grew up. For a long time, it represented the ideal of coffee at home, he says. It represents the morning coffee that my parents prepare when I am at their house. It represents the after-meal coffee at my grandmother's house when we had the whole family gathered together. How a moka pot works A moka pot harnesses steam to push water up through ground coffee and into the top chamber where the completed brew sits. The boiler at the bottom of the pot is filled with water. As the water heats up, it begins to steam and expands the air to press the water up through a funnel and into the middle section, where the ground coffee sits in a basket. The liquid is then pushed through the grounds to the top chamber. The brewed coffees journey is the opposite of the many drip coffee machines or pour-over methods which rely on gravity. These techniques allow water to drip down over grounds and into a pot below. Why coffee pros love the moka pot Morgan Eckroth, drink developer and 2022 U.S. Barista Champion, prefers a moka pot to make coffee without the bells and whistles of a high-powered espresso machine. Courtesy of Julie Wolfson / Photo by Niki Weegens Ive always found the tactile and methodical nature of the moka pot to be very grounding, she says. I think, for many folks, moka pots hold a lot of nostalgia, and while I dont necessarily have those same memories, theres something about the brewing style that transports me back. Its a coffee maker that requires you to be present for every stage of the brew in a way thats pretty rare nowadays. Eckroth loves to travel with a moka pot. Her go-to is the six-cup Bialetti Moka Express. Its a brewer that doesnt require the same level of gear that others typically do. A moka pot, grinder, heat source, and coffee are really all you need, she says. A strong, hot cup of coffee from a moka pot while camping is my ideal scenario. Many award-winning baristas gravitate to detailed brewing recipes with intensive focus on grind size, gram measurements, and water temperature. But the moka pot has been known to inspire a more intuitive process. Courtesy of Julie Wolfson / Photo by Niki Weegens While Im a huge proponent of utilizing repeatable and trackable coffee recipes, I typically find myself reverting to simpler brewing with the moka pot, says Eckroth. I fill the bottom chamber with preheated water up to the pressure valve and add enough medium-fine coffee to fill the basket. Following these two steps will usually result in a 1:10 ratio of coffee to water. Eckroth recommends to put an AeroPress filter atop the grounds for an extra level of filtration. I start the brew on medium heat, and as soon as the first coffee rises into the upper chamber, I turn the heat down to low, and let it brew slowly, she says. At the very first signs of sputtering, as the lower water chamber empties, I cover and remove the brewer. The coffee should then be served immediately. Courtesy of Julie Wolfson / Photo by Niki Weegens Francesco Sanapo, co-founder of Ditta Artigianale and three-time Italian barista champion, feels a deep connection to the moka pot. The moka pot is a cultural symbol of Italy, he says. When I was young, I would wake up for school to the smell of moka in my house. Moka plays an important role not only for me, but for all Italian people. Sanapo uses a moka pot at breakfast every morning with his family. My best advice to is always use good, filtered water. Los Angeles chef Royce Burke, the host of the Carpetbagger podcast, brews coffee in a moka pot daily. Burkes love of the moka pot is also sentimental. Its so simple, and the tradition of unscrewing it, tapping out the spent grinds, rinsing, filling the water chamber, grinding the beans by hand, pouring them in, screwing it back on, igniting the burner and listening for the gurgling sound of morning, it makes me so happy, he says. A step-by-step guide to make coffee in a moka pot Courtesy of Julie Wolfson / Photo by Niki Weegens Fill the bottom chamber with filtered water up to just below the safety valve (the pros often suggest to begin with boiling water for ideal extraction). Add medium-ground coffee to the filter basket. Level the grounds. Do not overfill or press down. Add an AeroPress filter over the coffee grounds for extra filtration (optional). Screw on the top of the moka pot and place the brewer on medium heat. Open the top of the pot to watch for the beginning of extraction. Keep an eye on the pot to see when the coffee begins to fill the top chamber. Take the pot off the heat before it begins to sputter with bubbles. Be careful in case the handle becomes hot on the stove. Close the top and wait a few minutes for the coffee to finish brewing. Courtesy of Julie Wolfson / Photo by Niki Weegens How to care for a moka pot Most moka pots are not dishwasher safe, so clean them by hand. After you make coffee, rinse with hot water only, and dry thoroughly. When coffee oils build up, add vinegar or citric acid to water in the bottom chamber and brew normally to allow the mixture to enter the top chamber. Then rinse with fresh water. Read the original article on Food & Wine Sharyn Umana-Angers/Travel + Leisure Scenic view's Maltas capital city Valletta. Malta offers expats a budget-friendly lifestyle for under $36,000 per year, according to a new report by International Living. The website highlighted the lesser-known towns of Melliea, Marsaxlokk, and Gozo as some of the most affordable places to live in Malta, where renting a two-bedroom apartment doesnt exceed $1,000 per month. Expats should keep in mind that groceries tend to be more expensive on the island due to shipping costs. Moving abroad to a warm, sunny spot that looks out on the azure waters of the Mediterranean sure sounds dreamy. It also sounds expensive. But, as a new report in International Living shows, there is one place where you really can have it all for under $36,000 a year. In late March, the website dedicated to helping expats live, retire, and travel abroad released a list of the top spots to live in Malta, an archipelago located off the coast of Sicily, known for its beautiful scenery, fantastic architecture, and a growing expat community. "With its stunning coastline, mild climate, and affordable cost of living, English-speaking Malta offers expats and retirees a high-quality yet budget-friendly lifestyle," International Living reported, adding that Malta is often one of the European Unions most overlooked retirement destinations. Malta offers the best of Mediterranean livinghistory, safety, and affordability, Kathleen Evans, a contributor to International Living, shared. Its an incredibly safe place where living on $3,000 a month, or even less, is still a reality. According to Evans, expats and retirees can stretch their dollar by living outside hotspots, such as Valetta's Inner Harbour. International living highlighted three locations as the best destinations for affordable living in Malta: Melliea, Marsaxlokk, and Gozo. In Melliea, a less populated area of the island, expats will find gorgeous beaches and thinner crowds. They'll also find two-bedroom, two-bath apartments renting for about $950$1,000 per month. (Though the website notes that "sea-view properties come at a premium.") Those who want to buy can find houses in the $250,000$300,000 range. Marsaxlokk, located in the south, is a quaint fishing village with just 4,000 full-time residents. Here, apartments rent for about $900$1,000 per month, while homes can be purchased for over $300,000. And lastly, in Gozo, Maltas northernmost island, expats will find a bit more energy, thanks to its 41,000 residents. Here, a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment rents for $900 per month, and homes sell for around $309,000. International Living noted that those seeking permanent residency should consider buying property worth at least 300,000 (about $309,000), which will qualify them for the country's MPRP permanent residency program. However, if you just like to test the waters first, you can apply for its Digital Nomad Visa, which allows non-residents to stay for up to one year and can be renewed up to three times. As for the rest of your living expenses, International Living reported that groceries are a little pricey due to shipping costs, and there is only one public hospital in Malta, complicating access to specialized care. See the full report and more insights on Malta at internationalliving.com. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (L-R) Thomas V. Kelly, Herbert G. Tennyson and Eugene J. Darrigan Staff Sgt. Eugene Darrigan, 2nd Lt. Thomas Kelly, 1st Lt. Herbert Tennyson and 2nd Lt. Donald Sheppick were among the 11 crew members of the bomber Heaven Can Wait who were killed when their plane was struck by enemy fire in March 1944 off the coast of Papua New Guinea Their remains were deemed 'non-recoverable' at the time Decades later, through the efforts of Kelly's family, authorities were able to find and excavate the crash site, where they retrieved the remains of the four crew members The remains of four American World War II soldiers, whose plane was shot down by enemy fire in 1944 and crashed off the Pacific Ocean, have finally been returned to their loved ones. Staff Sgt. Eugene Darrigan, 2nd Lt. Thomas Kelly, 1st Lt. Herbert Tennyson and 2nd Lt. Donald Sheppick were accounted for in September, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced. Their remains were found in 2023 by an underwater recovery team that excavated the crash site. The four soldiers were among 11 who were on board the aircraft Heaven Can Wait that took part in a bombing mission when it received anti-aircraft fire, the department said. Witnesses from other aircraft during the March 11, 1944, mission said they saw flames erupting from the bomb bay, spreading to the tail quickly before the plane plunged into the waters of Hansa Bay, Papua New Guinea, killing all 11, according to the agency. Despite other aircraft circling around the crash site, no survivors from Heaven Can Wait were seen. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency via AP This undated photo shows the World War II B-24 bomber, Heaven Can Wait, that went down in the waters of Hansa Bay, Papua New Guinea in 1944 Exhaustive searches were conducted in the battle areas and crash sites of New Guinea in 1948 following the end of the war. In March 1950, a board of AGRS [American Graves Registration Service] officials concluded they were unable to locate any remains of the other Heaven Can Wait crew members, the department said. They were designated as non-recoverable. At the time of his death, radio operator Darrigan, 26, was married and had a young son, the Associated Press reported, adding that navigator Sheppick, 26, and pilot Tennyson, 24, left behind pregnant wives. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency via AP This 1943 photo shows 10 of the 11 members of the crew of the World War II B-24 bomber, Heaven Can Wait It was only in 2013 that the family of bombardier Kelly undertook an investigative mission to collect historical documents and eyewitness accounts about the Heaven Can Wait crew, said the accounting agency. They collaborated with Dr. Scott Althaus of the University of Illinois who is also Kellys first cousin removed to help with their efforts. In a report that he wrote after a four-year investigation, Althaus suggested that the aircraft probably crashed off Awar Point in what is now Papua New Guinea, the AP reported. The report was then shared with the nonprofit Project Recover, whose team located the debris field in 2017. Then in 2023, an underwater recovery team excavated the crash site, where they retrieved possible osseous materials and various material evidence, to include life support equipment and identification tags. The recovered evidence was sent to the DPAA Laboratory for review and analysis, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said. Scientists were able to identify the remains of the four fallen soldiers using "dental and anthropological analysis, as well as material and circumstantial evidence," officials added. Darrigan was buried in his hometown of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., on Saturday, May 24, the AP reported. Kelly, the bombardier, was expected to be buried in Livermore, Calif., on Monday, May 26. Meanwhile, the remains of Tennyson and Sheppick will be interred in the coming months, according to the report. Im just feeling a lot of gratitude right now, Althaus told The Washington Post. Im sure I will be flooded with emotions, he added. How can it be that our family is living what should be an impossible story? What made it possible was many people along the way stopping and remembering. 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. Susan Pineiro, Darrigans great niece, said at the burial service for her relative, After 80 years, this great soldier has come home to rest," according to the AP. Read the original article on People Courtesy of Reynolds Consumer Products Key Points Hefty released limited-edition birthday cake-scented Ultra Strong trash bags to celebrate its 60th anniversary, priced at just 60 cents per 20-count box. The bags are infused with a vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles scent, aligning with the growing trend of novelty, food-inspired fragrances in everyday products. Hefty partnered with the Chicago Cubs for an in-stadium birthday-themed activation. Leave it to Hefty to make trash day smell like a party. To mark its 60th birthday, the brand released a limited-edition run of birthday cake-scented Ultra Strong trash bags and theyre going for just 60 cents a box. Each 20-count box of tall kitchen bags comes infused with the scent of vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles, combining Heftys signature six-in-one protection with a whiff of pure nostalgia. Its a sweet spin on an everyday task one that fits right in with the recent wave of birthday cake-flavored everything, from protein bars to body wash. Scented trash bags arent new, but birthday cake? Thats a choice. Related: The 6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans, According to Our Tests Hefty has been making reliable products that are a key part of everyday life for 60 years, said Brienne Neisewander, vice president of marketing at Hefty. We wanted to celebrate this milestone with something fun, unexpected, and unmistakably Hefty. To take the celebration offline, the brand teamed up with the Chicago Cubs for a birthday-themed stadium activation on May 27. At Wrigley Field, the first 5,000 fans through the Budweiser Bleacher Gate scored a limited-edition Hefty birthday bucket hat proof that, yes, even your trash bag brand can throw a ballpark party. Courtesy of Reynolds Consumer Products Heftys birthday-themed release taps into the trend of food-scented everything. From pickle candles to pizza cologne, weve seen strange but this is equal parts nostalgic and ridiculous. The rise of food-scented everything Birthday cake-scented trash bags might sound absurd at first, but theyre part of a growing trend: food fragrances showing up in unexpected places. Think fried chicken firelogs, pizza perfume, and dill pickle candles. These novelty scents tap into sensory nostalgia and internet-ready absurdity especially when they riff on universally loved flavors. The birthday cake has become a go-to fragrance for brands aiming to evoke celebration, comfort, and just enough chaos to go viral. Call it a lifestyle Scented bags have long been about function masking kitchen odors with citrus, lavender, or clean linen. But this latest release pushes into lifestyle territory. With this drop, Hefty joins a broader group of utility brands, rebranding everyday items as moments of joy. From Methods designer soap bottles to Targets dopamine decor, even the most utilitarian products are getting the personality treatment. A birthday cake-scented trash bag might not change your life, but its a reminder that the mundane doesnt have to be boring. Where to get Hefty Birthday Cake trash bags The limited-edition Hefty Ultra Strong Birthday Cake Scent Trash Bags are available now exclusively online at shop.hefty.com while supplies last. At just 60 cents per box, theyre priced to celebrate the brands 60th anniversary and yes, theyre expected to go fast. Youll find them online, but dont be surprised if they show up on Instagram before they hit the curb. Read the original article on Food & Wine In the race with Washington for dominance in this crucial sector, Beijing has now introduced new educational guidelines aimed at equipping students with the ability to design algorithms by the time they reach secondary school. Rather than solely focusing on developing the most advanced technologies, China aims to win this global competition by cultivating a society that can fully harness the potential of these tools. Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies) In recent weeks, new guidelines have been published outlining the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Chinas education system, starting from the earliest stages of schooling. Chinese pupils will thus be introduced to the possibilities of AI from primary school, with the goal of enabling them to independently understand and design algorithms by the time they finish secondary education. The plan aligns closely with two key development objectives put forward by President Xi Jinping. The first, part of a wider institutional reform launched in 2023, seeks to gradually eliminate courses deemed unsuitable for social and economic development in order to better align students with the needs of an emerging society. The second relates to Chinas ambitious aim to become a global leader in AI by 2030. This includes the AI+ campaign, which already offers incentives to companies that adopt artificial intelligence a successor to the earlier Internet+ strategy, which successfully fostered a digital consumer economy in China more advanced in many respects than its Western counterparts. Through this education reform, children will begin using AI technology from the outset, helping to close the educational gap between students in urban centres and those in rural areas, where access to such software is not always guaranteed. The guidelines reflect an approach focused on educating the new generation about the vast potential of this technology. However, they appear to pay little attention to the equally vast risks posed by unregulated and uncritical use. The only risk explicitly acknowledged is the danger of overdependence, with a rule prohibiting students and teachers from relying exclusively on AI to complete their work. Across the world, there is growing debate about the impact of widespread AI use on the development of critical thinking skills. Such concerns, however, have never been a priority in Chinas education system, where ideological rigidity already poses a challenge to independent thought. The clear aim of this reform is to gain an advantage in the technological rivalry with the United States by preparing future generations accordingly. In this kind of arms race, the two countries are pursuing different but not mutually exclusive strategies. According to Zhang Yaqin, former head of Chinas leading search engine Baidu, American companies focus on the model, while Chinese companies aim for practical applications of artificial intelligence. The underlying idea is that the value created by AI does not lie solely with those who develop it, but with those who apply it effectively. While Washington continues to focus on developing the most sophisticated technologies, Beijing is pursuing a broader societal strategy. In other words, Xi Jinpings vision goes beyond research and innovation: he seeks not only to develop software, but also to shape users who can make intelligent and strategic use of this powerful technology. by Vladimir Rozanskij Zurab Dzhaparidze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change opposing the Georgian Dream regime, has been arrested for refusing to pay a fine imposed on him for failing to appear before a parliamentary inquiry commission he considers illegitimate due to electoral fraud. If people refused to live in lies, the regime would collapse instantly, he declared. Tbilisi (AsiaNews) During a court session in Tbilisi, one of the leaders of the opposition political coalition Coalition for Change, Zurab (Girchi) Dzhaparidze, was arrested following the prosecutions request to change his preventative measure from provisional release to detention. The politician had refused to pay a fine of 20,000 lari (approximately 6,400) for failing to appear before a parliamentary inquiry commission, which he deemed illegitimate along with the entire Georgian parliament, following electoral fraud in last Novembers elections. Activists and opposition figures claim that there is now one more political prisoner in Georgia. Dzhaparidzes supporters shouted Slaves! at the judges after the five-hour court session ended with the arrest of the leader, who is also the founder of the party Girchi More Freedom and among the first to refuse payment of the fine imposed by the chair of the commission, Tei Tsulukiani, a member of the ruling party. The parliamentary investigation was launched in January 2025 to examine the crimes of the previous regime, which governed from 2004 to 2012 under former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is now imprisoned. Dzhaparidze and others were summoned to give their opinion on the human rights situation during that period. The politician refused to attend, calling the commission a farce and a tool for spreading lies by the current regime. He declined to take part in this circus or play by the rules of the dictatorship, and as a result, was prosecuted, declaring that as a matter of principle, he would not pay a single penny of the fines imposed. Girchi added that the lie is not only in politics, but also when the police give false testimony, the prosecution pretends nothing has happened, and the judge sees all this and submits to rules that have nothing to do with the law If people refused to live in lies, the regime would collapse instantly. The courthouse was turned into a fortress under siege from the early hours of the morning, with extraordinary security measures and an unprecedented mobilisation of police forces. Many activists gathered to support the opposition leader but were kept outside the building, and several were arrested. The Georgian Young Lawyers Association reported several violations, including obstruction of access to the court, interrogations at the entrance, and denial of permission to attend the hearing, which was held in one of the smallest courtrooms despite the high public interest. Numerous restrictions were also placed on journalists. Another opposition figure, Gigi Ugulava, stated that something very serious is happening in this court. We are witnessing the chronicle of a prearranged arrest, with all doors locked and police stationed in every corner of eastern Georgia. This is a medieval police state resurrected in our time. According to him, the display of force clearly indicates that the police knew the judges decision in advance. Only 19 people were allowed to attend Dzhaparidzes trial: 10 journalists, 5 relatives, and representatives of the Czech and Swedish embassies. The lawyer and deputy chairman of the Coalition, Nika Gvaramia, also requested the replacement of the judge, whose wife is a close friend of the prosecutor. No requests were granted, and in protest, the lawyers walked out of the courtroom. Dzhaparidze then requested a court-appointed lawyer, but the judge left him without legal representation. In his final interview before the trial, he said, Im ready for prison. For years, Ive understood where we are heading and have prepared myself psychologicallybut we must still grasp what awaits us all. 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. 27 May 2025 17:15 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more This week opened with a renewed sense of purpose in the liberated territories of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur, as reconstruction efforts gathered pace. In Lachin, where new foundations were laid under the auspices of the Great Return programme, the momentum was both visible and symbolic, a signal of revival and enduring hope. On 27 May, President Ilham Aliyev visited Lachin district to inaugurate two key manufacturing sites: the Latifa sewing factory and the Lachin branch of the Pirshaghi shoe factory. Both facilities have begun operations within the emerging Lachin Agro-Industrial Park, which is fast becoming an economic cornerstone for the region. The openings mark another milestone in Azerbaijans state-led strategy to reintegrate the formerly occupied territories. Since the end of the conflict, the government has focused on rebuilding infrastructure, resettling displaced families, and reviving local economies, with Lachin, part of the broader East Zangazur area, at the centre of these efforts. Yet, how central is job creation to the long-term success of resettlement? And what does this reveal about the broader economic model now taking shape in Garabagh? Speaking to Azernews, Azerbaijani economist Eldaniz Amirov suggested these developments are far more than symbolic. Rather, he argued, they represent the foundational steps towards a sustainable and resilient regional economy. "One of the two main reasons why the population willingly returns to the liberated territories is that they can be provided with permanent employment there, Amirov noted. He emphasised that the opening of the LATIFA sewing factory and the PIRSHAGHI shoe factory represents a practical stage of economic reintegration. The LATIFA sewing factory was established with an investment of 1.2 million manat (approx. $706,000), creating 30 permanent jobs and a daily capacity of 2,000 textile productsincluding home textiles, sportswear, and exclusive sets. Meanwhile, the PIRSHAGHI shoe factory, built with 367.9 thousand manat (approx. $216,000)in investment, will employ 15 people and has a monthly production capacity of 1,500 pairs of shoes for men, women, and children. Its output is aimed not only at the domestic market but also at European exports. Amirov pointed out the growing scale of the agro-industrial park, noting that currently 12 enterprises operate in the Lachin Agro-Industrial Park, and in the near future this figure will reach 46. Planned sectors include furniture manufacturing, fisheries, light and food industries, scientific and experimental centres, and eco-friendly processing facilities. As a result of these initiatives, a new economic ecosystem is being formed in the region, Amirov stated. The creation of jobs, the establishment of production areas equipped with technological equipment, and the expansion of export opportunities create a real basis for the sustainable development of Garabagh and East Zangazur. He concluded by stressing the link between job creation and social stability: Each opened enterprise is a concrete factor ensuring the social stability of a family returning there. 28 May 2025 00:01 (UTC+04:00) By AzerNEWS Every year, on the 28th of May, the people of Azerbaijan proudly celebrate the founding of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) in 1918a historic milestone that remains one of the most sacred pages of Azerbaijan's national history. It was on this day that the people of Azerbaijan declared their right to self-determination, giving birth to the first secular and democratic republic in the Muslim East. As we mark this meaningful day, we not only remember the courageous leaders who laid the foundations of our statehood, but also reflect on the resilience, strength, and unity of the Azerbaijani nation throughout its journey. The 28th of May is not merely a date on the calendar. It is a symbol of our sovereignty, identity, and commitment to the principles of independence. The establishment of the ADR was a monumental achievement, especially in a time of great global upheaval, and it demonstrated the vision and resolve of Azerbaijani intellectuals and statesmen. Figures such as Mammad Amin Rasulzade, Fatali Khan Khoyski, and others devoted themselves to the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality. Their efforts ensured that the Azerbaijani people would emerge from the shadow of empire and take their rightful place among the free nations of the world. Although the ADR lasted for only 23 months, it succeeded in laying the groundwork for a modern state. The republic introduced universal suffrage, granting voting rights to women even before many Western countries established a national army, opened diplomatic missions, and made Azerbaijani the official language. These were not just administrative changes; they were expressions of a national awakening. The ADR ignited a spirit of patriotism and civic consciousness that lives on to this day. Following decades of Soviet rule, Azerbaijan once again reclaimed its independence in 1991, and with it, the dreams of the ADR founders were revived. Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijan, played a pivotal role both in the protection of the Azerbaijani language and in the consolidation of Azerbaijans independence, especially during the critical period surrounding that period. The National Leader was a consistent advocate for the Azerbaijani language as a core component of national identity. Even during the Soviet era, when Russian was the dominant administrative and educational language, Aliyev emphasized the importance of Azerbaijani. As the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan (19691982), he took symbolic and practical steps to elevate the status of the Azerbaijani language in schools, government, and cultural life. After regaining political leadership in the early 1990s, the Great Leader's efforts intensified. One of his significant achievements was the formal establishment of Azerbaijani as the state language in the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan (adopted in 1995 under his presidency). He supported the transition to the Latin script for the Azerbaijani alphabet in 2001, which further reinforced the linguistic and cultural independence of Azerbaijan from its Soviet past and helped align it more closely with the Turkic world. National Leader Heydar Aliev regarded language not only as a tool of communication but also as a key pillar of sovereignty, culture, and national unity. His legacy continues to be strongly associated with the preservation of national values, statehood, and cultural heritage. Today, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become a powerful and respected state in the region. Azerbaijan has successfully restored its territorial integrity, strengthened its economy, and become a key player in international energy and transportation projects. From the development of the liberated Garabagh region to the BakuTbilisiKars railway and the Southern Gas Corridor, Azerbaijan continues to rise as a bridge between East and West, and a guarantor of regional stability. The victory in the 2020 Patriotic War was not only a triumph of arms, but also of historical justice. It was a testament to the unity of our people and the enduring strength of our statehood. The spirit of 28 May lives in every corner of our lands, especially in Shushathe cultural capital of Azerbaijan, where the flag of independence flies high once more. As we celebrate this cherished holiday, we must also look to the future with confidence. The youth of Azerbaijan, educated, dynamic, and deeply patriotic, are the inheritors of the ideals of the ADR. They carry forward the legacy of our national heroes, not only in word, but in actionwhether through innovation, service, or sacrifice. The new generation is building a stronger, more prosperous Azerbaijan, one that honors its past while shaping a future of promise and dignity. On this Independence Day, let us raise our tricolour flag with pride. Let us remember the sacrifices made for our freedom, and let us continue working together for a brighter tomorrow. The 28th of May is more than a commemorationit is a reaffirmation of who we are as a nation: independent, united, and forever devoted to the land we call home. 27 May 2025 18:15 (UTC+04:00) The latest edition of the SHE Congress - a premier platform celebrating womens leadership- brought together over 500 participants in a vibrant gathering filled with inspiring speeches, insightful panels, and dynamic discussions. The event was proudly supported by Azercell Telecom, the countrys leading mobile operator, which joined as the Digital Transformation Partner. Held under the theme Beyond Now - Creating What Lives On, the congress featured strong participation from Azercell, represented by Shirin Aliyeva, Chief Legal and Data Strategy Officer, and Sona Abbasova, Director of Corporate and Marketing Communications. In her keynote speech, Shirin Aliyeva highlighted Azercells commitment to values that extend well beyond connectivity: At Azercell, our mission goes beyond providing telecom services. Were deeply invested in social development and the growth of human capital. As technology, especially AI, continues to transform our world, we remain convinced that no innovation can replace empathy, emotion, or creativity. Every initiative must remain focused on people and their well-being. One of the standout sessions was a panel titled The First Open Door - Taghiyevs Legacy, dedicated to the history of womens education in Azerbaijan. Moderated by Sona Abbasova, the discussion explored the visionary role of Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, whom she described as one of the early believers in soft power - a man who, over a century ago, had the courage to champion girls education despite societal norms and resistance. Orman Aliyev, Executive Director of Baku Media Center, spoke about the upcoming biopic Taghiyev, which chronicles the life and impact of the philanthropist. He noted that the film reflects not only Taghiyevs achievements but also his struggle to advance education for women. Taghiyev believed that educating a woman meant educating an entire family - and the society of the future. That vision still resonates today. The films screenwriter, Ismayil Imanov, emphasized that while society has evolved in many ways, some outdated beliefs about girls education still persist. This sentiment was echoed by Gunesh Tekin, lead actress of the series Citizen A, inspired by Jafar Jabbarlys play Almaz. She pointed out that many of the challenges portrayed in the century-old story - particularly around access to education for girls - remain relevant, often due to ingrained parental stereotypes. Vafa Kazdal, Vice-Rector for Strategy and Development at ADA University, brought the discussion into todays context. She spoke about the importance of creating opportunities for young women and empowering them to make informed choices and gain confidence in shaping their futures. When we open more doors for girls, we drive progress for entire communities. she noted. Closing the session, Saida Abdullayeva, a Board Member of the Huma Qusu Education Support Fund, shared the funds mission and partnership with Azercell. She noted that the initiative has enabled many young women to study abroad equipping them to contribute to innovation and technological advancement in Azerbaijan. 27 May 2025 11:22 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The 8th International Children's and Youth Fine Arts Festival "Azrbaycanim" (My Azerbaijan) has been held in Baku, Azernews reports. The event was timed to Independence Day (May 28). Speakers included the head of the Khatai District Executive Power Rafiq Guliyev, members of the Azerbaijani Parliament Vugar Rahimov and Parvana Valiyeva, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, People's Artist Aghaali Ibrahimov, People's Artist Arif Huseynov, director of the Khatai Arts Centre, Zahid Azazov, and others. In their remarks, they emphasised the significance of the festival, which promotes a deeper understanding of the country's culture, nature, and spirit, as well as the development of children's and youth's creativity and love for Azerbaijan among its citizens and foreigners. Participants were awarded in age categories for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, as well as with commendation prizes, diplomas, and gifts. The festival themed "Azerbaijan through my eyes" was held under the motto "Azerbaijan, I love you!". Nearly 2,000 artworks were submitted to the competition, created by young authors aged 8 to 21 from Azerbaijan, as well as from the USA, Belarus, Iran, Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Peru, India, and Myanmar. In total, about 900 art works were exhibited, with the top 10 paintings in each age category invited to the festival. Works by international participants were published and displayed at the exhibition, and their authors received certificates. Additionally, the top five authors received gifts. The festival continued with musical performances, presentations by young artists, and an art master class by art teacher Akif Yarishov. Organisers plan to hold an exhibition-sale of works created during the festival. The project was implemented with the support of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting CJSC, Khatai District Executive Authority, Azerbaijan Artists' Union, the Azerbaijan Branch of the International Watercolour Society, Nakhchivan Artists' Union, Khatai Children's Art Gallery and the Khatai Arts Centre. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. 27 May 2025 17:37 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more A heartfelt commemorative evening has been held at the International Mugham Centre to mark the 75th anniversary of the birth of the legendary mugham artist, People's Artist of Azerbaijan, and recipient of the "Shohrat" Order, Agakhan Abdullayev (19502016), Azernews reports. The event began with a rare archival video of Abdullayev's performance, carefully preserved in the "Golden Fund" of Azerbaijani Television and Radio, an emotional glimpse into the voice that once mesmerised generations. Renowned poet, playwright, and secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, Ilgar Fahmi, hosted the evening. Prominent figures such as Member of Parliament Ziyad Samadzade, People's Artist Vamik Mammadaliyev, and Honoured Art Worker Nazim Kazimov shared heartfelt memories of the maestro. They highlighted his invaluable contributions to the evolution of mugham, his mentorship of an entire generation of vocalists, and his unique vocal mastery, powerful yet delicate, with a signature style that echoed both tradition and innovation. Abdullayev was more than a performer; he was a custodian of cultural memory, representing Azerbaijan's rich musical heritage on the world stage with dignity and artistry. The concert program brought together a constellation of stars: People's Artists Zabit Nabizade and Simara Imanova, Honoured Art Worker Aqil Malikov, and Honoured Artist Ilkin Ahmadov. They were joined by winners of the National Mugham TV Contest Miralam Miralamov, Mammad Najafov, Huseyn Melikov, and Nisbet Sedrayeva, each breathing new life into the traditional art form. The performances were beautifully accompanied by the International Mugham Centre's soloist ensemble under the direction of Rovshan Gurbanov. 27 May 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) The open court session continued on May 26 at the Baku Military Court in the criminal case against Armenian citizens Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. They stand accused of crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, preparing and waging aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and other grave offenses arising from Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan. Presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (alternate judge Gunel Samadova), the court ensured that each defendant had legal representation and interpretation in their native language. The session was attended by the accused, their lawyers, some victims and their legal successors and representatives, as well as state prosecutors. Before the questioning, Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the court staff, interpreters, and explained the rights and obligations stipulated by law to the victims who were participating in the court proceedings for the first time. The court announced that a new lawyer joined the defense team of accused Arkadi Ghukasyan, who also stated that he has no objections to the new lawyer. The trial began with the interrogation of accused Madat Babayan. Responding to questions from State Prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, Babayan stated that he had served in an armed detachment in the village of Gozlukorpu, Aghdara district. Babayan admitted to being deployed to combat posts but denied his involvement in the occupation of villages in Aghdara. Babayan once again confirmed in court that he had traveled from Aghdara to Khojaly in February 1992. When questioned by public prosecutor Fuad Musayev about the reason for his arrival in Khojaly, he replied, I came for support, for help. He acknowledged the fact that he knew personally people like Valerik Petrosyan, Davit Grigoryan, and Albert Grigoryan, and confirmed that he had fought under Lambert Karapetyans command. Babayan also admitted that the group had been involved in the massacre of Azerbaijani civilians in the Kalbajar district. Afterwards, the court reviewed a video footage in Armenian, with the assistance of an interpreter. The video depicted a "celebratory event" held on the 19th anniversary of the so-called liberation of Aghdara. Bako Sahakyan, then the leader of the separatist regime, attended along with Armenian officials and others. During the event, medals and gifts were awarded to former fighters who had been involved in the occupation of Aghdara. In the footage, B.Sahakyan stated: The fact that we are awarding former veteran fighters here means that we are awarding all former fighters. That is, everyone who participatedregardless of whether they currently serve in a section, platoon or detachment is being honored. When Tugay Rahimli, Assistant to the Prosecutor General for Special Assignments, asked about the individual receiving a medal in the footage, Babayan denied it was him. I dont know him. And also thats not me, he claimed. Defendant Bako Sahakyan confirmed that the event had taken place but neither confirmed nor denied awarding Babayan a medal. I understand why you asked this question, he said. But I was not familiar with Madat Babayan at that time. I met him here. The court also heard testimony from another accused Melikset Pashayan. Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for the Protection of State Prosecution of the Prosecutor General's Office, Pashayan said he had served in the 31st Battalion of the so-called "Asgaran district." He stated that from 1993 to 1994, he was stationed near the villages of Suma, Sarijali, and Gulluja in the Aghdam district. It was a rifle battalion equipped with grenade launchers, mortars, machine guns, automatic weapons, and grenades, Pashayan said. When asked whether he had participated in looting after the occupation, he replied: I did not participate in the looting. By the time my shift at the post ended, there was nothing left to loot anyway. Pashayan claimed that it was Armenian civilians, not soldiers, who carried out the looting. He said the military had warned civilians not to enter the area, telling them: Dont go there, youll get hit by bullets and shells. He explained that these warnings were issued to protect civilians from physical harm. Pashayan also noted that he had received the so-called regimes Medal for Courage for his role in the First Karabakh War. I dont remember exactly wheneither during Bako Sahakyans or Arayik Harutyunyans time, he added. Later, accused Garik Martirosyan, who served in the same battalion with M.Pashayan, was interrogated. Responding to questions from prosecutor Fuad Musayev, he stated that he had been involved in the war since 1993. "I was serving in the "Asgaran Defense District", my commander was Vitaly Balasanyan." Noting that their battalion was stationed in Aghdam, the accused stated: The battalion was initially stationed in the village of Aghbulag, Asgaran. After the seizure of Aghdam, the battalion was stationed in this district. The battalion commander was Vilen Safaryan, the platoon commander was Armen. I do not remember the company commander. The accused also underlined that a group of servicemen from the 31st battalion, in which he served, had been involved in the occupation of Aghdam. He objected his involvement in the occupation, saying: We were deployed at the post to defend the captured territories. Garik Martirosyan also confirmed that he had been awarded: I was honored with the Medal For Courage, which was conferred upon either by order of Arkady Ghukasyan or Bako Sahakyan. Following a break in the trial, the examination of evidence continued, focusing on the chapter Enforced disappearance of people, torture of prisoners and hostages. Vusal Aliyev, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, underscored that mass grave sites had been discovered in the liberated territories, with inspections carried out at these sites by investigative authorities. While the protocols of these inspections examined in the court, it was noted that during the excavations carried out after the liberation of the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan, numerous mass graves containing human bones were found, with those areas being inspected by the investigative authorities. It was underlined that some of the captives and hostages were deliberately killed by torture and inhuman treatment in the places of detention. Additionally, many of the captives and hostages were released through measures undertaken by Azerbaijan and international organizations, as well as in exchange for money given through personal initiatives and connections of their close relatives. Afterwards, victim Zahid Hasanov testified under the aforementioned chapter, saying that On March 7, 1994, he was wounded in the village of Ashaghi Seyidahmadli in the Fuzuli district and stayed there until March 8. On March 8, the Armenians entered that village and captured us - 4 injured. They tortured us both when we were wounded and taken away in a KamAZ truck, and when we were in the hospital. They kept us in the children's hospital No. 3 in Khankendi, where our prisoners and hostages, including women and children, were also kept. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) did not care about us either. The committee representative named Mark, and his nurse was Veronika. While I stayed there for about a month and a half. During that time, Mark came there twice. He did not care for our wounds or do anything else. Then they took us to Shusha prison, but Mark did not come there at all, Hasanov added. He also mentioned that when he was detained in the hospital in Khankendi, secondary school students came to see him with their teachers and said: "They showed us to the children and said, 'Look, these are Turks, they are your enemies.' The children also spit at us and threw stones at us." The victim stated that he was not treated while he was detained in Khankendi, adding during that time, he was brutally beaten and subjected to different types of tortures by Armenian soldiers and guards named Samvel, Vrezh, Borya, Karen, Armen, Serzhik, who had consumed alcohol and drugs. Gurbanov Ilham Salman oglu, Nazim, Panah Isgandarov, Shahbaz, Igor Aliyev, Khasay, Abdullayev Eldar Israyil oglu, Tarlan, Sevil, as well as Azerbaijani hostages whose names he did not recall, were also subjected to the same severe torture. On April 28, 1994, Khasay, Panah Isgandarov, Igor Aliyev and Murshud Mastaliyev were taken to Shusha prison, where they were regularly beaten mercilessly with wooden batons, metal bars and other blunt instruments by Emin, Karen, Gor, Vren, Albert, Sergey, as well as Armenian guards whose names he did not know, kept them in cold cells without food or water, enforcing them to perform hard labor. At the same time, on May 1, 1994, Karen put him in a solitary cell, pouring a bucket of cold water over him and beating him with a wooden baton right up to loss of consciousness. On May 8, 1994, together with Azer Aslanov and Murshud Mastaliyev, he was taken to a detention center located in a three-story building in the city of Khankendi and was forced to perform hard labor every day in the 4th battalion, which was stationed near the military hospital in the city of Khankendi and commanded by Karen Babayan. The victim underscored that while in captivity, he had seen one of the accused, Bako Sahakyan, in the battalion, and that the battalion commander met him. Accused Bako Sahakyan noted that he had been in contact with prisoners and hostages since the end of 1992 and for the next 30 years due to his official duties, and said: "I have been in contact with those international organizations, the ICRC." B. Sahakyan avoided responding to the follow-up question of the public prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev. Victim Zaur Gulmammadov said that he had been shot in the stomach during the fighting on the Nargiztepe hill in the Khojavand district in February 1993. I passed out from the trauma, and when I woke up, I found myself in a different place. Later, I learned that that place was the territory called Tek chinar in the Khojavand district. When I opened my eyes and wanted to ask my comrades, I was hit by a rifle butt. First, they took me to the prison in Khojavand, then to the hospital, where I went into surgery and the bullet was removed. They took me back to the prison and then to Girmizibazar. There, they beat me with the rifle butt. Three months later, on Andraniks anniversary, they came and said that we were taking them to behead them. Then, an ICRC representative came, who was informed by the Armenians that there were no wounded or Azerbaijani soldiers here. They tried to deceive the ICRC and kill us, he added. Gulmammadov mentioned that after being held captive for 9 months, he was handed over to Azerbaijan during a prisoner exchange and said: Currently, my left side is a prosthesis. In his testimony, Victim Askar Askarov stated that he was born in the Khinalig settlement of the Guba district and fought in the Kalbajar, Aghdara, and Lachin directions. He was captured by Armenian soldiers on April 2, 1993. According to the victim, he was tied to the back of an armored personnel carrier and driven around the center of the city of Kalbajar, brutally beaten, tied to a pole in the evenings, being subjected to other types of tortures. Later, he was taken to the temporary detention center of the Basarkechar district internal affairs department of Armenia, along with young and old hostages, and held in one of the cells for a day. According to him, he was subjected to fierce beatings, kicks, and rubber batons in all the places where he was held. On January 15, 1995, he was released from the border area with the Gazakh district together with Bakhtiyar Taghiyev and handed over to the Azerbaijani side. In his testimony, Victim Elchin Jafarov stated that in May 1993, he was called up for military service from the Narimanov district and began serving in a military unit stationed in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. He was captured by Armenian soldiers in June 1995. He was detained in the Garakils district for 4-5 hours, then taken to the city of Yerevan in a Niva car. He was taken to the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, and then to a temporary detention center. According to him, while he was being held there for 23 days, he was subjected to torture. He was then taken to the detention center of the State Security Committee of Armenia, where he was released in 1996. During their detention in solitary confinement, he was subjected to different types of tortures, forced to perform hard labor, beaten with iron and other objects, and their body branded with heated pieces of iron. The Armenians forced him to switch to their side, and once he objected, they were brutally beaten. The victim was released from captivity on May 10, 1996, and, together with 67 Azerbaijanis who were held captive in various places, was sent from Yerevan airport to Baku. After the testimonies, the victims answered the questions of representatives of the victims, defense attorneys and the accused. Forensic medical examination reports on the victims were also read out in court. The next court hearing is scheduled for May 29. The defendants Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan are charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and other articles. 27 May 2025 07:00 (UTC+04:00) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of 28 May Independence Day. According to Azernews, the letter reads: is Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Excellency, On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, as well as on my own behalf, please accept our heartiest felicitations on the joyous occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Pakistan greatly values its historically excellent brotherly relations with Azerbaijan, defined by mutual trust, exemplary affection, and resolute support to each other, on all core issues. I am glad to note that thanks to your outstanding leadership and powerful support, our friendly relations are on a positive trajectory, as we work together to transform them into a broad-based, mutually beneficial economic partnership. I would like to reiterate my profound appreciation for Your Excellency's steadfast support to Pakistan during the recent crisis with India. We are also grateful to our Azerbaijani brethren for their unwavering solidarity with Pakistan. Indeed, as true brothers, our hearts always beat in unison, especially as our destinies are intertwined. I greatly look forward to my visit to your beautiful country in coming days. I fondly recall our most warm and productive discussions during my visit to the beautiful city of Baku in February 2025. I deeply appreciate Your Excellency's firm resolve to building stronger and closer Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations. I am confident that the momentum generated by the high-level engagements will soon translate into tangible outcomes, across all areas of mutual interest, InshAllah! In this spirit, I greatly look forward to welcoming you in Pakistan, at your earliest convenience. I wish Your Excellency health, success and happiness, and pray for lasting peace, progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of Azerbaijan. Please accept Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 27 May 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more In accordance with President Ilham Aliyevs instructions, the Great Return to the liberated territories continues, Azernews reports. Those resettling in the village of Kengerli in the Aghdam district are families who had previously been temporarily accommodated in various parts of the country, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. Some 48 families206 peoplehave been relocated to the village of Kengerli in this phase. The returning residents expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive support provided by the state. They also thanked the valiant Azerbaijani Army, our heroic soldiers and officers who liberated the lands from occupation, and prayed for the souls of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives on this path. It should be noted that currently, more than 40,000 people live in Karabakh and East Zangezur, including former internally displaced persons who have been resettled there, as well as those working on various development projects in the region. This includes employees of local branches of state institutions and those working in newly reestablished healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy facilities. 27 May 2025 10:25 (UTC+04:00) On May 27, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the LATIFA Lachin Garment Factory. Azernews reports that Bunyad Gasimov, Director General of Baku Landscaping Service LLC, briefed President Ilham Aliyev on the facility. The Lachin Agro-Industrial Park, which was inaugurated on August 26, 2023, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, continues to expand its operations. Located in the village of Zerti in the Lachin district, the park currently hosts 12 operational enterprises. It was noted that two more enterprises are set to begin operations within the industrial park, one of which is the LATIFA Lachin Garment Factory. With a total investment of 1.2 million manats, the factory will create 30 new jobs. It is expected to produce 2,000 textile items per day, including home textiles, sportswear, exclusive clothing, and other products. After familiarizing himself with the enterprise, the head of state met with the residents. 27 May 2025 10:27 (UTC+04:00) On May 27, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the Lachin Electric Network Digital Control Center. Vugar Ahmadov, Chairman of Azerishig Open Joint-Stock Company, briefed the head of state on the progress achieved at the facility. The center is designed to ensure uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply to consumers in the city, including newly constructed residential complexes, as well as industrial, social, agricultural, and tourism facilities currently under development. This facility represents an innovative solution that collects and processes data on the status of the electrical network, enabling digital control, protection, and management of the systems equipment. The center is equipped with two 1600 kVA power transformers and modern 35 kV and 0.4 kV indoor distribution units. To supply electricity to the facility, dual-circuit power transmission lines measuring 4.8 kilometers in length have been laid from the "Lachin" substation. The state-of-the-art equipment installed here ensures high-precision and unified technological measurements, supports reliable network operation, reduces energy transmission losses, and minimizes overall operational costs. The center also features an online notification system to inform consumers in advance of planned power outages. With the integration of renewable energy sources into the gridautomatically managed through the Digital Control Centerelectricity supply interruptions are completely eliminated. The center enables the multifunctional operation of the substation based on the volume of electricity received and transmitted, and fully coordinates the interaction of devices and equipment. Operations are automatically adapted to the requirements of the distribution network. In addition, the system enhances decision-making capabilities in information and technical security and supports the integration of green energy sources into the grid. The substation within the center is of a closed type, and since all control operations are conducted remotely, there is no need for permanent on-site staff.+ 27 May 2025 11:37 (UTC+04:00) Felipe VI, King of Spain, has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of 28 May Independence Day. According to Azernews, the letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. President, On behalf of the government and people of Spain, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Your Excellency on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Independence Day. Mr. President, I wish you robust health, and the beloved people of Azerbaijan peace, prosperity, and progress. With deep respect and esteem," 27 May 2025 14:24 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Ministry of Finance does not plan to allocate large amounts from the state budget for unpredictable events. Azernews reports that Finance Minister Sahil Babayev stated this during the discussion of the draft law On the Implementation of the State Budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024 at todays meeting of the Committee on Economic Policy, Industry, and Enterprising of the Milli Majlis (the Parliament) of Azerbaijan. The deputies noted that there are few funds specifically set aside for emergencies. The ability to predict emergencies in advance is very limited. To avoid a large amount of unspent funds during budget implementation next year, a large allocation is not made. However, during any emergency, funds are provided from both the state budget reserve fund and the Reserve Fund of the President of Azerbaijan as necessary, the minister explained. Babayev also emphasized that additional funds can be allocated from auxiliary departments for emergency purposes: We do not plan to allocate a large amount for unpredictable events. Instead, funds can be provided through our auxiliary departments and reserve funds whenever emergencies arise. 27 May 2025 12:54 (UTC+04:00) Lee Ju-ho, Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of the Republic of Korea, has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of 28 May Independence Day. According to Azernews, the letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Excellency, On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Over the years, our two countries have built strong ties of cooperation and partnership. I hope to further develop the relationship between our two countries and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two peoples. Please accept my best wishes for Your Excellencys good health and happiness, and for the lasting prosperity of the Republic of Azerbaijan." 27 May 2025 15:02 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has announced that discussions on financial market regulation and oversight have taken place between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, Azernews reports. According to a post shared by CBA Chairman Taleh Kazimov on the social platform X, he met with Madina Abylkassymova, Chair of the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during a working visit to Kazakhstan. "As part of my business trip to Kazakhstan, I met with Madina Abylkassymova to discuss key issues related to the regulation and oversight of financial markets. Following the discussions, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between our institutions," Kazimov wrote. Under the memorandum, both sides agreed to conduct reciprocal visits focused on the current state and development of financial markets, harmonization of regulatory standards, and the adoption of innovative supervisory mechanisms. The agreement also includes enhancing oversight and monitoring tools for market participants, strengthening the protection of consumer and investor rights, and broadening the exchange of experience and information. The MoU will further support joint training programs, seminars, collaborative research projects, and knowledge-sharing initiatives between the two regulatory bodies. 27 May 2025 13:52 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing TRT Haber. According to the information, the visit is scheduled for tomorrow, May 28 Azerbaijans Independence Day. It is also reported that Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit Azerbaijan on the same day. Yesterday, the May 28 Independence Day Program of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held at the Bestepe Congress and Culture Center. Speaking at the event, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Ylmaz emphasized Turkiye's continued support for Azerbaijan. He stated: We will continue to stand by Azerbaijan, which supported us during the February 6, 2023 earthquake and in our fight against terrorism. This unity of heart will remain strong. Ylmaz added that the unshakable brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkiye will endure, symbolized by their flags waving side by side. He concluded by saying that Azerbaijans Independence Day is a source of shared pride for the Turkic world, reaffirming that the deep bonds between the two nations will continue to grow. 27 May 2025 17:56 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more During an official visit to Georgia, Rovsn Rustmov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), held a meeting with Lasa Abashidze, the newly appointed Director General of Georgian Railways JSC, Azernews reports. According to a statement by Azerbaijan Railways, Rustmov congratulated his Georgian counterpart on the new appointment and wished him success in his new role. The two sides discussed the future of bilateral cooperation in the transport and logistics sectors, particularly focusing on enhancing the efficiency of international transit corridors passing through Azerbaijan and Georgia. Emphasis was placed on improving EastWestEast cargo transportation routes and maximizing the potential of the Middle Corridor. Special attention was given to the strategic role of the BakuTbilisiKars (BTK) railway in boosting regional freight traffic. The leaders also exchanged views on strengthening the activities of the joint venture BTKI Railways LLC to optimize BTK operations and attract new cargo flows. 27 May 2025 19:16 (UTC+04:00) As part of the international conference titled Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas, a panel session on Youth Voices for Inclusion: Tackling Prejudice and Misconceptions was held in Baku. The panel session was moderated by Said Mohamed Said Ahmed, General Secretary of the Maore Committee, Union of the Comoros. Addressing the session, Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Centre for Peace Research and a member of the Muslim Council of Elders' Executive Office, said that in the modern era, especially with the advancement of artificial intelligence and technology, Islamophobia has become an increasingly dangerous phenomenon. Misinformation spread through algorithms and the rapidly spread stereotypes on social media have contributed to the widespread negative image of Muslims. This not only affects a single religious community but also the social cohesion as a whole, he mentioned. Muslim youth living in the West sometimes face discrimination, pressure, and isolation due to their identity. However, this situation also increases their responsibility and role in society. They must not only share their own stories but also convey the peaceful nature of Islam and its cultural values to broader audiences, he added. Mohamad Antoni, Chairman of the Institute for Literacy and Education, Executive Director of the Muslim Youth Forum for International Affairs of Indonesia, emphasized that combating Islamophobia is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the Muslim community. It is also the responsibility of every young people who respects human rights and believes in justice. In this regard, collaboration among young people representing different cultures, religions and ideas is extremely important, he noted. "Words are just words until they appear in action. We, as the Muslim Youth Forum, are conducting trainings, research projects and digital campaigns in various countries in this area, Mohamad Antoni emphasized. He described enlightened and united youth as the most powerful force that can stand against Islamophobia in a more effective manner. Other speakers at the session included Martine Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, Oussama Jammal Secretary General at US Council of Muslim Organizations, Lala Khalilzade, Leading Advisor at the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), and Carol Ferrara, Graduate Program Director of Marketing Communication Department at Emerson College. The session continued with engaging discussions. 27 May 2025 17:58 (UTC+04:00) On May 27, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a limited format meeting with Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in Lachin. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his satisfaction with his visit to Karabakh and East Zangezur, emphasizing that the visit once again reaffirms Pakistans position: Karabakh is Azerbaijan! The Prime Minster congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the upcoming Independence Day. He also shared his strong impressions of the restoration and construction efforts carried out in Lachin and the surrounding areas under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership in a short period, and extended his sincere congratulations to the President and the people of Azerbaijan on these remarkable achievements. Highlighting the natural beauty of the region, the Prime Minister noted that it will become one of the most magnificent and attractive tourist destinations in the future. Recalling that these territories had been under occupation for 30 years, President Ilham Aliyev said that Lachin was among the first Azerbaijani districts to be occupied in 1992. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that during the occupation, Lachin was utterly devastated by Armenians and, just like the peaceful inhabitants of the other occupied territories, Lachins residents also endured ethnic cleansing. He noted that restoration and reconstruction work is now underway in Lachin. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reported that a ceasefire had been achieved between India and Pakistan in the South Asia region, and he affirmed Pakistans interest in ensuring peace and stability there. The head of state expressed his satisfaction with the attainment of peace and a ceasefire in the region and stressed that Azerbaijan also supports resolving all issues through dialogue. During the meeting, the parties held a wide-ranging exchange of views on expanding economic and trade ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, as well as on cooperation in science, education, high technologies, and student exchange programs. They noted with pleasure that, following this bilateral meeting, a trilateral summit in the AzerbaijanTurkiyePakistan format will take place on May 28 in Lachin, with the participation of Turkiyes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They pointed out that this meeting will be yet another clear expression of the brotherhood and friendship among the countries. 27 May 2025 19:19 (UTC+04:00) The trial of Armenian national Ruben Vardanyan, accused under numerous articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijanincluding crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other grave offensesresumed on May 27. According to Azernews, the hearing at the Baku Military Court was conducted by a judicial panel chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev, alongside Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, with Gunel Samedova serving as the reserve judge. The defendant, Ruben Vardanyan, was provided with a translator in Russian, his preferred language, and was represented by a lawyer of his choosing. At the beginning of the hearing, Judge Agayev explained the legal rights and obligations to the victims who were participating in the trial proceedings for the first time. The court heard emotional testimonies from numerous victims of violence allegedly committed by the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian militant groups across various regions of Azerbaijan during and after the conflict. Tahir Aliyev, a legal heir of a victim, testified that his son, Sabuhi Aliyev, was killed in Aghdara by Armenian forces and illegal militants. Seymur Teymurov, responding to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, stated that a Kornet missile fired by Armenian forces struck the vehicle he was traveling in, killing two passengers and leaving him injured. Rafiq Ahmadov reported being wounded by a landmine planted by enemy forces in the Aghdam region. Ramil Alekperov testified that he was injured in Khankendi due to a mine planted by Armenian forces. Mehman Guliyev recounted losing his right eye after being hit by artillery shell fragments during a heavy bombardment in Kalbajar. Rashad Abdullayev suffered injuries after an anti-tank rocket was fired in Aghdam. Other victims, including Elsever Nazarov (Aghdara), Fagan Hagverdiyev (Aghdam), Siraj Niftaliyev (Khojaly), Nadir Balayev, Rauf Yusifov, and Orkhan Farzaliyev (Khojavend), testified that they were wounded by gunfire from Armenian forces. Mirsaleh Heydarzadeh, answering questions from state prosecutor Terane Mammadova, said he was shot in Shusha while driving, and both he and his passenger were injured by gunfire from forested terrain. Rahim Ibrahimov was also wounded by gunfire in Aghdara. Aqil Isparzadeh suffered injuries from a shell explosion in Khojavend, which also claimed two lives and injured three others. Ramil Khankishiyev stated that he and Khasi Verdiyev were wounded by a mine explosion in Aghdara, and Mirmusa Mehdizadeh was killed. Nemat Rustamov was injured by a sniper bullet and mortar fire in Khojavend. Erzulla Taghiyev was wounded by mortar shelling in Khojavend. Abdulla Asgarzadeh, responding to questions from Prosecutor Fuad Musayev, testified that he and Erzulla Taghiyev were injured while riding in a clearly marked medical vehicle that was targeted by a mortar shell fired by Armenian forces. Despite the medical emblem, they fired on us, he stated. Vaqif Kheyrullayev said he was injured by gunfire in Lachin, during an attack in which Mirtalib Agayev was killed, and Oruch Rzayev along with several others were wounded. Mirhuseyn Dostuyev was shot in the right leg by a sniper in Khojavend. Parviz Iskandarli and Samir Farzaliyev testified that they were injured in Khojaly. Samiq Aliyev suffered injuries from an artillery shell near Shusha. Emil Jafarov was injured in Khojavend due to gunfire by Armenian forces. Tural Dadashov was wounded by a mortar explosion in Kalbajar, which also killed several people, whose names he could not recall. Nusrat Karimov testified that he was injured by gunfire in Aghdam, and that one of the other wounded remains hospitalized. Aslan Azizov stated that he, along with Namig Zohrabov and Nusrat Karimov, sustained various injuries due to enemy fire in Aghdam. Mahammad Qayyumlu and Murad Huseynov also testified to being injured by Armenian fire in Aghdam. Medical forensic opinions regarding the victims injuries were also presented during the hearing. The next court session is scheduled for June 3. Ruben Vardanyan is charged under numerous articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, including: 27 May 2025 20:12 (UTC+04:00) Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held an expanded meeting over luncheon with Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on May 27 in Lachin. 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! 27 May 2025 20:19 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The largest operator of logistics terminals in Kazakhstan, JSC Kedentransservice, and the Danish company Maersk have signed a cooperation agreement in the field of terminal cargo services in Kazakhstan, Azernews reports. Under this agreement, JSC Kedentransservice will provide container handling and storage services, as well as transportation across its entire domestic network of branches. The first batch of containers from Maersk has already arrived at the Kedentransservice terminal in Astana. This agreement is part of Maersks long-term strategy to develop multimodal routes throughout Central Asia. Regular deliveries planned within the cooperation framework will establish a stable cargo flow and contribute to the expansion of Kazakhstans multimodal transport system. This, in turn, will strengthen Kazakhstans position as a reliable transit hub connecting the West and the East. Kazakhstans strategic location along the New Silk Road makes this partnership especially significant, as it enhances the efficiency of trade corridors linking Europe and Asia. The collaboration between Kedentransservice and Maersk is expected to accelerate the growth of seamless logistics solutions, fostering greater economic integration in the region. 27 May 2025 23:55 (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. Thailand intends to integrate cryptocurrency into the countrys real economy by enabling tourists to link their digital assets to credit cards for making purchases, 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! Search for Missing Teen Called Off After Involving Coast Guard from Washington, Oregon Published 05/25/25 at 6:05 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Long Beach, Washington) The US Coast Guard Saturday called off a search for a teenage swimmer missing off the Washington coast's Long Beach Peninsula. After more than four hours of looking for the 15 year old most of it in the dark - the search was suspended at 12:30 a.m. Saturday. (File photo / USGC) The call originally came from Pacific County dispatch about 8 p.m. on Friday, with watchstanders from the Coast Guard Sector Columbia River on the Oregon coast side reporting the teen was in trouble in the waters off Long Beach. Initially, the boy had been seen struggling to swim and two members of his party went out to try and rescue him. They soon required rescue themselves, with a Pacific County Rescue Swimmer on a jet ski sent out to assist them. The pair were apparently suffering from hypothermia and a local EMS transported them to Ocean Beach Hospital. The US Coast Guard launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat from Station Cape Disappointment with several crewmembers onboard as well as a MH-60 Jayhawk from Air Station Astoria. The search was exhaustive, covering over 100 nautical miles in the region. Greg Merten, Coast Guard Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator, said the search was suspended pending any new information which has not materialized. The act of suspending any search, let alone that of a 15-year-old, is something that the Coast Guard does not take lightly and not without a heavy heart, Merten said. We would like to thank the swimmer from Pacific County for their heroism and extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this horrible tragedy. The USGC reports that at the time, winds were 8 knots from the Northwest, with three-foot waves and water temps at 54 degrees. Air temperature was at 53 degrees. Experts say this part of the Washington coast is rougher than further south and much more difficult to swim in. Earlier this month, USCG crews responded to another incident off the Oregon coast just south of here at Cannon Beach, with reports a ship offshore had sent off a distress flare. Crews called off the overnight search a few hours later, after not finding any vessel and with no reports of one missing from the area. The conclusion was there was no boat in distress. Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Two Shimmering Examples of Oregon Coast Historical Inns at Lincoln City To get a truly historic experience, however, you have to go back a ways. Lincoln City hotel reviews Old, Authentic Oregon Coast Motor Lodge Converted Into Colorful Boutique Motel History and histrionics: one outstanding yet funky little motel on the outer edges. Newport hotel reviews, lodging news, Newport lodging Warm Sunsets to Raucous Oregon Coast Storms: Upclose at Cannon Beach's Schoon... One of the major highlights is that beachfront lawn. hotels, lodging reviews The Good, the Rad and The Soaring on N. Oregon Coast: Sunset Vacation Rentals A distinctive set of vacation rentals that create a constant state of wowing. Manzanita, lodging reviews, hotels, Wheeler, Nehalem, Tillamook, Cannon Beach More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Seattle's police guild (union) in a statement has publicly denounced ANTIFA violence in the city after Marxist ANTIFA thugs, in conjunction with "transgender" activists violently attacked a Christian concert and rally in a city park resulting in dozens of arrests. The Christians had a valid permit for the rally. The ANTIFA attack went on for hours with the Christians blocked from leaving. "Public safety in the City of Seattle continues to be politicized and violent ANTIFA criminals once again dominate Seattle's public safety conversations with their insane use of political violence," the police statement declared, "This is Seattle's public safety political reality." Meanwhile, Seattle's far left mayor denounced the victims. He said Christian groups should no longer get permits for events. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/05/seattle-police-officers-guild-releases-statement-making-it/ UPDATE: Now it looks like the FBI is about to get involved to investigate this ANTIFA attack. https://www.zerohedge.com/political/fbi-probing-allegations-targeted-violence-against-religious-groups-seattle-official Laura Gillespie, Pinsent Masons With M&S reporting that online sales are unlikely to be possible until July, customer data has been stolen, and the company estimating that its profits for the year are likely to reduce by around 300m, it is abundantly clear the devastating effect a cyber attack can have on a business. What is of concern, is the fact that ransomware attacks are increasingly common. In a recent report produced by the Pinsent Masons cyber team looking at the past year, almost 50% of the incidents were ransomware hackers accessing company systems to encrypt and steal data. In 83% of cases, they did in fact steal data, be that data of customers, employees, clients or them all. The issues that all businesses should be reflecting on, seeing the devastation that can unfold fall under four key areas. Plan for the worst, hope for the best Practising how your business would respond in the event of a ransomware attack, will help you think about the practical issues how do we contact each other when we have no internal directories and e-mail? Where are the contact details for our insurer? What can we operate as a business today? Teasing out these practical issues is best done outside the pressure of a live incident. Other key issues to consider are understanding how your network is configured, to know what information is held where. Also, test your backups. Only too often we have heard clients confidently say that they have retained back-ups, only to find that they too have been encrypted, meaning that there is no quick route to recovery. One final point to discuss is: would you pay a ransom? It is lawful to do so in the UK, for now, subject to controls and checks. However, our cyber team have worked with clients with no viable back-ups, no route to recovering business operation, and the only opportunity to salvage their business is paying the ransom. This decision can be delayed or challenged with banks requiring their own checks, or investors having a different risk appetite. Understanding your ability to deliver this option is therefore crucial. Test operational resilience When dealing with regulators, we often see requests for results of penetration testing on a companys systems. It is clear that proactively challenging operational resilience is an important step in understanding risk and responding in real time to it. The bonus with this is you spot the holes before the hackers do. Understand your supply chain Increasingly, companies do not operate IT systems, operations and programmes in isolation. However, with integration and reliance comes risk. M&S has been reporting that the root of their attack was with employees at a third-party contractor. This demonstrates the importance of understanding who has access to systems and ensuring appropriate contractual requirements, and clear scopes of work, are in place. Know who is doing what, and how. Communication and engagement When a company falls victim to a cyber attack, it is challenging to know with whom and how any communication should take place. It is crucial to have specialist advice to guide this. It is likely that a report will have to be made to the ICO (Privacy Regulator), but employees, customers and stakeholders will all want to know what is happening. However, it may not be necessary, or possible, to always provide full updates. The reality is that sometimes, there is little that can be shared whilst vital forensic investigation is undertaken. With the increase in mass claims after a cyber incident, it is important that thoughtful consideration is given to what is said, when and how. Laura Gillespie is a partner at law firm Pinsent Masons and head of its NI cyber team Actor Pierce Brosnan has responded to criticism of his Irish accent in MobLand saying his own voice is very soft. The Drogheda-born star plays mobster Conrad Harrigan in the Paramount+ series, which follows the Harrigan crime family and their battle with the Stevenson family in London, but despite the actor being from Ireland, he has faced backlash for his accent in the role. Margaret Canning, business editor at Belfast Telegraph with Chris Hyland, customer business manager at Molson Coors, launch the Belfast Telegraph Grocer Marketing Awards (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph) From left, the judging panel in the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Grocer Marketing Awards: RNN Communications founder Riki Neill, Grainne Moody, director of the food and drink division of Invest NI, Food NI chief executive Michele Shirlow MBE and Ulster University professor Barry Quinn (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph) Winners of the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Grocer Marketing Awards will be announced at the GroceryAid Grocers Ball in the Culloden Hotel and Spa on Friday, June 13. Drinks brand Madri Excepcional 0.0%, owned by Molson Coors, is the headline sponsor of the awards for the first time. Finalists have been announced across 10 categories, recognising successful marketing campaigns across all parts of the highly-competitive grocery sector. Chris Hyland, NI customer business manager at Molson Coors Beverage Company, which owns Madri Excepcional, said: Madri Excepcional 0% is proud to be the title sponsor of the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Grocer Marketing Awards. "We extend our best wishes to all entrants as the award shortlist is announcedcongratulations on your achievements so far." Here is the shortlist. Belfast Telegraph Grocer Marketing Awards 2025: Shortlisted companies and campaign names Best Marketing Campaign, sponsored by Madri 0% Naturo Natural Pet Foods (Mackle Pet Food): Dogs Dont Care What They Eat, Naturo do Musgrave NI: Good Food Locally Sourced Frozzys: Limited Edition Celebration Pack Henderson Group: Its From SPAR Actually S&W Wholesale: Nearby Were Back for the Did You Getters SHS Drinks: Big Shloer Christmas Favourite Foods 110-year Milestone Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer, sponsored by Forest Feast Henderson Wholesale: Darcy Wilson Musgrave Marketplace: Emma Toal S&W Wholesale Nearby: Danielle Murphy Re-Gen: Katerina Poutsi GM Marketing: Laimis Minelga Henderson Wholesale: Nakina Lamont Leader in Marketing, sponsored by Hovis Henderson Group: Bronagh Henderson Britvic: Jeff Brennan Elevator: Michael McCrory From left, the judging panel in the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Grocer Marketing Awards: RNN Communications founder Riki Neill, Grainne Moody, director of the food and drink division of Invest NI, Food NI chief executive Michele Shirlow MBE and Ulster University professor Barry Quinn (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph) Best Brand, sponsored by Whites Oats Henderson Foodservice: Barista Bar Musgrave NI: Frank & Honest Coffee Company Mackle Petfoods: Naturo Natural Petfood Ormo (Hovis Ltd): Celebrating 150 Years in the baking Henderson Wholesale: Eurospar NI Best Digital, sponsored by McConnells Irish Whisky Mash Direct: Mash Direct Christmas Campaign 2024 Musgrave NI: Frank & Honest Coffee Company Musgrave Marketplace: Student Freshers Night Nearby NI: Did You Getters Whites Oats: Making Good Mornings since 1841 Hendersons: 12 days of Christ- mas Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership, sponsored by Hunky Dorys Musgrave: SuperValu Centra Maxol: Maxol Nearby NI: Local Legends Henderson Wholesale: Eurospar Vivoxtra Logo Best Sustainability Initiative, sponsored by Start Solar Musgrave: SuperValu Centra Re-Gen: Our Future is Cleaner Britvic: Ballygowan Best Export Marketing, supported by Invest NI (note supported is correct) S&W: S&W Hovis: Hovis Best New Product/Product Relaunch, sponsored by Hub Packaging Henderson Foodservice: Barista Bar Rewards + App Musgrave NI: Good Food Locally Sourced Dale Farm: Sukie Frozzys: Happy Gut Softbakes Britvic Ireland: Pepsi Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion, sponsored by SHS Musgrave: SuperValu Centra Epic Deals Dale Farm: Dromona Open Joy Nearby NI: Half-Time Heroes Henderson Group: Freezer Meal Deal Campaign Me and SF working together: Nama trial hears of messages sent by Bryson before infamous committee appearance Prosecution alleges OHara advised Bryson on how to read the committee Jamie Bryson arrives at Belfast Crown Court last week (Liam McBurney/PA) Liam Tunney Tue 27 May 2025 at 16:33 Jamie Bryson said the idea of working with Sinn Fein to make the DUP squirm was unreal, the Nama trial has heard. A new opinion poll asked people in NI about their views on climate change (Matthew Vincent/PA) Less than 60% of people in Northern Ireland believe that human activity is the primary cause of climate change, a new opinion poll has suggested. The Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) survey found that respondents have lower levels of trust in scientific expertise on climate change than those in similar surveys in the rest of the UK, Ireland or elsewhere in Europe. According to the poll, 59% of respondents believe that human activity is the primary cause. It also shows that 86% of respondents believe human activity plays at least some role. This is one of the lowest levels of belief in Europe, placing Northern Ireland just above Slovakia and Lithuania and below the UK average of 90% and 88% in Ireland. Despite this, the poll suggests that public concern remains high, with eight out of 10 respondents viewing climate change as a serious threat to human civilisation. The majority of respondents support stronger international cooperation and political action to address it, with three quarters wanting to see local politicians elected in their constituency do more to tackle climate change. The survey from ARK, a social policy hub, is a joint Queens University Belfast and Ulster University initiative. The NILT survey is an annual survey recording public attitudes to social issues. In 2024, 1,199 adults gave their opinion on issues including criminal justice system, integrated education, adult safeguarding, skills and training needs, relationships with different communities living here and gender-based violence. The latest research on climate change was carried out by Professor Katy Hayward and Dr Jonny Hanson from Queens University. Other findings included: Men are less likely than women to feel personally responsible or support political action to address climate change. Younger people (18 to 34 years) are less likely to feel a sense of personal responsibility to address climate change. Leave voters are more likely to be sceptical and less concerned than Remain voters. There are no major differences between rural and urban dwellers on the topic of climate change, although the former are less likely to trust scientific experts on the topic. Professor Hayward said: The Climate Change Act (2022) marked a significant step for the Northern Ireland Assembly but whether it actually leads to the necessary political action depends in part on public demand to see politicians uphold their commitments. This NILT data shows us that not only are most people in Northern Ireland (82%) concerned that climate change poses a serious threat to nothing less than the future of human civilisation, they actively want to see local politicians do more to tackle it. Dr Hanson said: This data is a reminder that tackling climate change is as much a societal endeavour as a technical one. Our attitudes to climate change in Northern Ireland will shape how we address it. Dr Paula Devine from Queens University Belfast and Director of the NILT survey said: For over 25 years, the Northern Ireland Life and Times survey has been recording public attitudes to key social issues affecting our lives. Understanding what people think is vital to addressing the climate crisis now and in the future. The Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) Survey on attitudes to climate change is available at https://www.ark.ac.uk/ARK/nilt/ Belfast City Council has completed its probe into a near miss incident which involved a young trainee being locked in the lion enclosure last summer but is refusing to share any details with the public due to commercial concerns among other considerations. The Belfast Telegraph has made repeated queries about the investigation that was launched in August 2024 after an individual on a training scheme managed by the Department for Communities was left in the company of a pride of Barbary lions. Motorcycling Andrew Irwin reveals his target for a successful weekend as he looks to get British Superbike season back on track A four-year-old boy from Co Down who died in a swimming pool incident in Tenerife has been remembered as a precious and happy little boy. A funeral notice said Edward James Watson Massey tragically passed away last Thursday, May 22. It has been reported that the child, who is from the Seaforde area, died shortly after arriving in the largest of the Canary Islands for a family holiday. The tragedy unfolded in the San Miguel de Abona resort in the southern part of the popular island. An emergency response report confirms that the Emergency and Security Coordination Center (CECOES) received an alert that a minor had been rescued from a hotel pool by a lifeguard and was in cardiorespiratory arrest just before 5pm. A nurse co-ordinator gave instructions to locate a defibrillator in the area and begin resuscitation manoeuvres rescuers from the facility and nearby doctors participated. Two advanced life support ambulances and a medical helicopter were despatched to the scene as CPR attempts continued. The deceased child is described as the precious son of Richard and Joanne and loving brother and best friend of Victoria. Edward James Watson Massey News Catch Up - Monday 26 May The funeral notice states that Edward will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all his friends and family circle. He will be cherished in our hearts forever. Our lives will never be the same without him," it added. Social media users have expressed shock and grief online. My hearts in a million pieces," one woman wrote. "The most precious and happy little boy, an absolute joy to be around. You are so so loved Edward. Another added: Haven't stopped thinking of this since, unimaginable. Rest easy little man. Thinking of Joanne and her family at this incredibly difficult time. Sending thoughts and love to you all. Following the tragedy, a spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed they were supporting the family of the youngster and were in touch with Spanish authorities. Exclusive | UVF gun convict Irvine in secret talks with PMs adviser until just six months ago Judge told he was critical to negotiations aimed at ensuring loyalist paramilitaries disappeared Jonathan Powell, left, was talking to Winston Irvine, right, until December Sam McBride Tue 27 May 2025 at 07:00 The Prime Ministers national security adviser was in secret talks with UVF commander Winston Irvine until six months ago long after hed been caught red-handed with guns and ammunition. Mr Milei was awarded the 1 million dollar (736,916) Genesis Prize in January in recognition of his support of Israel. After he postponed a planned visit in March, he is now set to receive the prize in a ceremony at Israels Knesset on June 11 and deliver a speech to the Israeli parliament. Organisers say Mr Milei will donate the prize money to launch an initiative aimed at improving diplomatic relations between Israel and Latin American countries and fighting antisemitism in the region. Vice president Victoria Villarroel, right, and president Javier Milei attend a military parade (AP/Gustavo Garello) Prize organisers say they recognised Mr Milei for reversing Argentinas long history of anti-Israel votes at the United Nations, designating the Hamas and Hezbollah militant groups as terrorist organisations and reopening investigations into the bombings of Jewish and Israeli targets in Argentina in the 1990s. Mr Milei also has pledged to move Argentinas embassy to Jerusalem joining a handful of countries, including the US, to recognise the contested city as Israels capital. The move is not expected to take place during his visit. Previous winners have included business owner and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, actors Michael Douglas and Barbra Streisand, violinist Itzhak Perlman, sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former Soviet political prisoner Natan Sharansky. The Ivy League school has pushed back on the administrations demands for changes to several of its policies (Steven Senne/AP) The Trump administration is asking federal agencies to cancel contracts with Harvard University worth about 100 million US dollars (74 million), a senior administration official has said. The US government has already cancelled more than 2.6 billion dollars (1.9 billion) in federal research grants for the Ivy League school, which has pushed back on the administrations demands for changes to several of its policies. A draft letter from the General Services Administration directs agencies to review contracts with the university and seek alternate vendors. Harvard has filed a lawsuit over the administrations calls for changes to the universitys leadership, governance and admissions policies (Charles Krupa/AP) The administration is planning to send a version of the letter on Tuesday, the official said. The New York Times first reported on the letter. US president Donald Trump has railed against Harvard in an intensifying clash with the nations oldest and wealthiest university, calling it a hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism. Harvard filed a lawsuit on April 21 over the administrations calls for changes to the universitys leadership, governance and admissions policies. Since then, the administration has slashed the schools federal funding, moved to cut off enrolment of international students and threatened its tax-exempt status. US president Donald Trump has railed against Harvard, calling it a hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism (Evan Vucci/AP) The administration has identified about 30 contracts across nine agencies to be reviewed for cancellation, according to another administration official. The contracts total roughly 100 million dollars, including executive training for department of homeland security officials. Agencies with contracts that are deemed critical are being directed not to halt them immediately, but to devise a plan to transition to a different vendor other than Harvard. The letter applies only to federal contracts with Harvard and not its remaining research grants. Mr Trump laid into Harvard on social media over the weekend, threatening to cut an additional three billion dollars (2.2 billion) in federal grants and give it to trade schools across the US. He did not explain which grants he was referring to or how they could be reallocated. The president also accused Harvard of refusing to release the names of its foreign students. In a new line of attack, he argued that students home countries paid nothing towards their education and that some of the countries were not at all friendly to the United States. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but Harvard offers its own aid to foreign and domestic students alike. We are still waiting for the foreign student lists from Harvard so that we can determine, after a ridiculous expenditure of billions of dollars, how many radicalised lunatics, troublemakers all, should not be let back into our country, Mr Trump said on social media. It was not exactly clear what he was demanding. The federal government already has access to visa information and other records on foreign students at Harvard and other universities. The department of homeland security has demanded that Harvard turn over a trove of files related to its foreign students, including disciplinary records and records related to dangerous or violent activity. Harvard said it complied, but the agency said its response fell short and moved to revoke the universitys ability to enrol foreign students. A federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the move after Harvard sued. Japans government said on Tuesday that it was looking for ways to help Harvards foreign students. Education minister Toshiko Abe told reporters she planned to ask Japanese universities to compile measures to support international students. The University of Tokyo, Japans top school, was considering temporarily accepting some Harvard students hit by the Trump sanctions. For most of us, getting a GP appointment, or getting seen to in A&E without having to wait for hours, is more important than constitutional issues Chris Moore has worked on the Kincora scandal for 30 years. His new book is entitled Britains Shame Mountbatten, MI5, the Belfast Boys Home Sex Abuse Scandal and the British Cover-Up. Kincora was one of the darkest chapters in Northern Irelands history. It was a home for vulnerable boys east Belfast run by paedophiles, it was a place where dozens of boys and teenagers were abused, raped and damaged by a gang of predators. That story would be bad enough in and of itself, but the scandal did not stop there. William McGrath: Paramilitary, paedofile and suspected MI5 agent. The home was run by William McGrath, a leading loyalist, and the founder of the mysterious Tara paramilitary group. McGrath has long been believed to have been an MI5 agent and the agency has long been accused of endeavoring to cover up what happened in Kincora. That allegation was rebuked by Sir Anthony Hart's in his final report for the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry. The report did not find any evidence that the intelligence services were aware of the paedophile ring operating at the home; or that the "spooks" were blackmailing the abusers to spy on fellow hardline Ulster loyalists. Sir Anthony said the idea that Kincora was a "brothel", used by the security services as a "honeypot" to extract information about leading loyalists was without foundation. But the secrecy around MI5s approach to Kincora continues to foster suspicion. But perhaps the most shocking allegation to come out of the home is some of the victims believe that they were abused by Lord Mountbatten a mentor to King Charles, he was the late Queens second cousin. Journalist Chris Moore has worked on the Kincora scandal for 30 years. His new book is entitled Britains Shame Mountbatten, MI5, the Belfast Boys Home Sex Abuse Scandal and the British Cover-Up. He joined Ciaran Dunbar in the studio. You may know him from the Mel Gibson directed The Passion of the Christ film. Actor Jim Caviezel starred in the film, playing the role of Jesus Christ. The film captures Jesus final hours and crucifixion in a way that many moviegoers had never seen before. His acting was moving and helped people develop a new appreciation for Jesus love and courage on His path to the cross. What you may not know is that Caviezel is a devout Christian who isnt afraid to share his faith on and off the screen. Caviezel is strong in his Catholic faith and this faith has helped him navigate through Hollywood. In an interview with People, Caviezel said that he is drawn to roles that enable him to be the light. The light is much brighter in the darkest of places. In those darkest of places, I want to be the center of it. I was drawn to that, Caviezel said. He stands behind his faith so much that he has refused to play certain roles or scenes if it compromised his faith or beliefs. Out of respect to his wife, Caviezel refused to do nude love scenes in the movies Angel Eyes with Jennifer Lopez and High Crimes with Ashley Judd, ChurchLeaders.com reports. As a devout Catholic, he opposes abortion. He has used his position as an actor to speak out for pro-life causes. He also used his platform to challenge the church to not lose the faith. Caviezel and his wife have adopted three children from China who were battling cancer. They felt a sense of calling to them. Two of them had brain tumors and one had cancer sarcoma. Their chance of survival wasnt great, but I wanted to helpThey make me want to be a better man. Love is a decision. He also credits God not only his talent but also his successes to God. He told Faithwire during a Facebook Live appearance that his gift is from God. It was a gift given to me. I didnt give it to myself, he said. When Caviezel feels a special calling to a play a role, he follows through. During the filming of The Passion of the Christ, he almost died during filming. I thought I would put the makeup on and prepare the same way and we would shoot it in studio and suddenly I realized I was in a fight for my life. It was very cold and I got hypothermia. The makeup burned my skin and I caught pneumonia in both lungs. I was struck by lightning and eventually had two heart surgeries including open-heart. Despite major health setbacks, he was committed to completing this role. He felt like playing Jesus in the film was an important part of his faith journey. I need him every day. I feel the lack of love in the world and in myself at times and Im looking for purpose like everyone else. In this business that doesnt suffer fools, when the world kicks you, I know that I have my personal Savior right there with me and he feels the pain that I feel. While he is best known for his role as Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, he also played the evangelist Luke in the film Paul, Apostle of Christ. In the film, he visits Paul (James Faulkner) in prison to put the apostles story and teaching in writing for distribution to Christians in Rome and abroad. Those writings would late become the book of Acts in the Bible. Caviezel looks for stories that have great redemptive qualities because thats the truth that he knows, he said in an interview. When I read this, I thought this is more of what Im supposed to do, Caviezel said. I just look for redeemable qualities in it. I think you walk away from a movie like this affected in a lot of ways. While Caviezel is known for his biblical roles, playing Paul was quite different than other characters hes played. What he found most fascinating in his research of Luke was not only his background, but also the way Christ worked through him. Youve got Matthew, youve got Mark, youve got Luke and heres a guy whos a pagan thats writing one of the gospels, Caviezel. Our Lords message is universal and it can hit anybody, but we all have an emptiness in our heart. He knows that there is a lot that viewers can take away from his roles, even those who may not have known Christ. I had a friend of mine watch the movie who likes me as a person but doesnt come from any faith and he watched the movie and was simply blown away, Caviezel said. He said, Jim, the writer of this is brilliant and I said, why so, and he said, That line To live as Christ, to die is gain, is truly brilliant, and I said, That was written by Paul. A couple days later, Caviezels friend asked if he could see his Passion of the Christ movie. He was right on the edge, and it planted a seed and thats a big change but he felt loved in the movie and he felt home, Caviezel said. Thats all I wanted to convey to people is that our Lord wants them to feel home with Him. He loves them and wants to give them the life they were meant to have. Caviezel has also said in a number of interviews that he will once again play Jesus in the much-anticipated Mel Gibson directed, The Resurrection of the Christ. Caviezel believes that the sequel to The Passion of the Christ will be the single biggest film in history. Its a huge responsibility, Caviezel said. Our industry, often times when they get a film that is biblical, they change it in many ways when you start doing that and taking liberties like that it loses its value. Lesli White is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and a concentration in print and online journalism. In college, she took a number of religious studies courses and harnessed her talent for storytelling. White has a rich faith background. Her father, a Lutheran pastor and life coach was a big influence in her faith life, helping her to see the value of sharing the message of Christ with others. She has served in the church from an early age. Some of these roles include assisting ministry, mutual ministry, worship and music ministry and church council. Shutterstock.com There are Christians in all parts of the world, and they all desire to be more like Jesus. We strive to live according to the wisdom and commands of God given in the Bible. The Bible is the perfect guide on how to be more like Jesus. However, obedience requires an understanding of what to obey. If you dont understand what you must abide by, youre just a lost sheep without a flock. While no Christian is excellent, we will continually grow due to the Spirits work in us. Still, there are some traits that every Christian should have to be more like Jesus. Humility Jesus mentions pride many times in the Bible. Pride is the opposite of humility, and many believe its the root of many problems in Scripture. The dictionary defines pride as an unreasonable feeling of superiority over another. However, it doesnt have to be toward a specific person. As a Christian, you should flee from pride and never be too good to receive criticism from someone else. James 4:10 says that we should humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt us. We must humble ourselves to know that we dont know everything. We cant do things out of our strength. Instead, we should humble ourselves and allow God to take over. GodFearing God calls us not to fear anything but God. He is all-powerful and has authority over everything. When we realize and see God as the highest in command over the entire universe, we can rest in knowing that theres no need to be afraid of anything else. Being God-fearing isnt about being scared of God. Instead, its about embracing and respecting His authority and putting Him first. So how do we put God first? We can put God first by not having any idols. An idol doesnt have to be physical or material. It can be a person or mentor. Jesus should be your priority in a Christians life, and we should run to Him before anything else. Loving We are to be imitators of God and walk in love. Ephesians 5:1 says that we should follow Gods example as His dearly loved children. Gods greatest commandment is to love God with all our hearts and to love others like ourselves. We love God by keeping His commandments. After loving Jesus, loving others like yourself is the second greatest commandment in the Bible. We should treat others the way we want to be treated. Also, you have to love and respect yourself first before you can love others the same way. God wants you to be confident in His love to begin with, and then we can love others as well. By loving others as God loves us, we show God that we follow His Word and believe in His commandments. Patient Christians understand that all things happen in Gods timing. God is very patient with us, and God calls us to be patient with others. Loving people comes with patience. Its not a singular occurrence but a continuous effort to show the love of Christ. Ephesians 4:2 says that we should be completely humble and gentle; we should also be patient and bear with one another in love. God calls us to show love with all people over and over again. This behavior shows patience. Christians should show the love of Christ without expecting anything in return or seeing the results immediately. Showing non-believers the love of Christ could help them experience the love of Christ themselves. Christians should be patient and know these things take time, and its up to Jesus to save them. We should ask God for endurance to do good, to keep praying and caring for others. During seasons of difficulty or times of uncertainty, you must continue to stay strong and remain confident in the work God has called us to do. Kind Love is patient and kind. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us that we must be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. This verse in Ephesians includes forgiveness. Corinthians 3:12 says that we should clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience as Gods chosen people. We are not to only love the ones easy to love, but we should also love the most difficult to love as well. Luke 6:35 says that we should love our enemies and expect nothing in return, and your reward will be great. SelfControl As a Christian, you should seek a renewal of your mind. Self-control starts in your mind. If you think about it before acting out in sin, you should play it out in your mind consciously or subconsciously beforehand. If you have control over your mind, you can quickly act out in self-control. To have control over your thought life, you need to go to Jesus as your primary source. In modern times, were required to make decisions, no matter how big or small. How we react to events and circumstances in our minds impacts our mental and physical health. Our brain is in control of our body, and its stronger than our body. God calls us to have a sound mind. We arent bound by the physical, but were in control of the material. Free will isnt an illusion; God created us with free will to choose how to focus our attention, and we decide what to think about in our minds. We can choose to feel the way God wants us to think. To be like Christ, we have to listen and be obedient to Gods Word. We have to stop practicing sin and practice righteousness. God wants us to walk in the light. We must confess our sins, and God will forgive us of all unrighteousness. Abiding in Jesus is practicing morality, loving God is keeping His commandments. God has given us all the resources we need to be like Him. We can walk like Jesus by starting to make simple decisions to choose the things of God and over things of the world. 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. Cj Garner and Marcus Lyon, who together own The Common Table, plan to keep the lease on the current space just up the road and are contemplating reimagining the original location as a breakfast and lunch spot. Williams College President Maud Mandel is navigating the impacts of Trump-era federal policies that threaten the schools endowment, diversity programs, international student access and research funding. In a calm but firm response, Mandel says the college will adapt while remaining true to its educational mission and values of inclusion and autonomy. Researchers in UK and India collaborate to tackle urgent issue of antibiotic overprescription by dentists May 27, 2025 | Tuesday | News To develop teaching and training modules tailored to the Indian dental curriculum Antibiotics play a crucial role in treating infectious diseases, but their effectiveness is diminishing globally as microbes adapt and develop resistance. The University of Leeds (UK) is leading international efforts to combat the rise of these so-called superbugs. In South Asia alone, deaths directly linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are projected to reach 11.8 million between 2025 and 2050. One of the key drivers of this crisis is the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics for conditions like toothache. In response, the University of Leeds has partnered with the Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER) in Chennai to launch a pilot community engagement study focused on dental practitioners. PhD researcher Dr Aarthi Bhuvaraghan engaged local dentists in the study, providing them with a desk guide and a continuing professional development (CPD) module. Following this intervention, participants showed improved understanding and a readiness to change their prescribing habits. The CPD module is currently being digitised and will soon be freely accessible via the Indian Dental Associations website. This initiative forms the foundation of Dr Bhuvaraghans PhD research at the University of Leeds School of Dentistry. Professor Dr S. Bhuminathan, Registrar at Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, said, "As a dental practitioner, I have seen firsthand how the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are often underestimated, and how the critical role dentists can play in combating this issue is frequently overlooked. Dr Aarthi Bhuvaraghans research has powerfully exposed the widespread misuse of antibiotics in India, as well as the absence of clear national or local guidelines for dental practice. More importantly, her work has significantly raised awareness among dental professionals, contributing to better clinical practice and improved patient safety. With her support, we are now working towards embedding antimicrobial stewardship into the undergraduate dental curriculum." Dr Bhuvaraghan is supported by a multidisciplinary team at the University of Leeds, including Professor John Walley and Dr Rebecca King from the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, and Dr Vishal Aggarwal, Clinical Associate Professor in Acute Dental Care and Chronic Pain at the School of Dentistry. In collaboration with BIHER, the team aims to develop additional teaching and training modules tailored to the Indian dental curriculum. They are also actively seeking funding to expand the programme to other regions across India. 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. 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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 It was a bittersweet moment when bestselling crime writer Michael Connelly was told that the series featuring his signature detective Harry Bosch the longest-running character on streaming television in the world was being cancelled. After seven series of Bosch, which began in 2014, and three of Bosch: Legacy on Prime Video, Connelly, who also created The Lincoln Lawyer, was told there wouldnt be a fourth series for Bosch. Advertisement Speaking from his home in Los Angeles, Connelly, whose books have sold more than 85 million copies worldwide and been translated into 45 languages, says: I have no complaints about it only lasting 10 seasons. Its rare that shows last that long. I just wish we knew we were ending it when we were writing it and filming it, and I think we would have gone out in a slightly different way. There were a couple of loose ends and luckily the last episode was an introduction to (Renee) Ballard. Now hes working on a new series centring on the Ballard character as she heads up a cold case squad, starring Maggie Q, which is scheduled for summer. So as one door closes, another opens. And his creation The Lincoln Lawyer (in which lawyer Mickey Haller runs his office from his Lincoln car), which was adapted into a film starring Matthew McConaughey and later a Netflix series starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, has just been renewed for a fourth season. Yet Bosch will live on, Connelly says confidently. Ive definitely not finished with Bosch. I think well probably see him again next year in a book. The former journalist, who has had to cancel his latest US and England tour because of a medical procedure, is now considering how his 40th book might make the screen and says hes already had some interest regarding adaptation. Nightshade, a stand-alone thriller, introduces a new detective, County Sheriff Detective Stilwell, who has effectively been put out to pasture on the picturesque Catalina Island off California after a fall-out with a fellow detective on the Los Angeles mainland. Advertisement Soon enough, though, he is investigating the death of a young woman who has drowned in the harbour, but comes up against his old LA adversary who is trying to take over the inquiry and hamper Stilwells investigation. Connelly, 68, favours using less well-known actors, or those you cant put a name to, to play his lead characters in the screen adaptations of his work. Sometimes its just somebody who can lead through example and Titus Welliver (who plays Harry Bosch in both TV series) has the gravitas of a guy who knows how to act well and is like automatic, not having to do a number of takes because he doesnt know his lines. The author, who has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years but also has a home in Florida, where he grew up, has been to Catalina Island many times and was aware that there was just one detective there assigned to handle everything except homicide, which is left to the LA County Sheriffs Department. I talked to a guy who was an old hand who could tell me about the politics, the place and what its like to be the lone detective on the island. He actually retired and now lives in Texas. But I liked the idea of it almost being like a private detective story, a guy who doesnt have a (police) partner and works cases by himself. Advertisement The former journalist, who was a crime reporter at the Los Angeles Times, is prolific, writing at least one book a year his next is a Lincoln Lawyer book called The Proving Ground which is out in autumn. His interest in crime was sparked when, at 16, he was driving home after his dishwashing shift at a Fort Lauderdale resort at night when witnessed a man running and hiding a gun in a hedge before fleeing. After pulling over and finding the gun wrapped in a shirt, Connelly saw police cars arriving. It turned out the suspect had just shot somebody trying to steal their car. The young Connelly spent the night with detectives in a police station, and ended up looking at line-ups but was unable to identify the suspect, who was never caught. I was handled by a really tough guy, a Harry Bosch-like detective, which turned me towards more hard-boiled fiction and true crime and newspaper stories about crime. But reporting was always a means to an end to writing detective stories. Today, he doesnt support the Trump administrations take on gun rights. I dont have a gun. I live in a community where theres a lot of crime but I dont feel the need to have a gun. Its a root source of a lot of problems. A lot of the violence in this community is the easy access to weapons. Advertisement (Alamy/PA) I know there are tons of cops out here who are Trumpers, but theyre not the ones that help me with my books. Ive taken shots at Trump in my books and Ill do a book signing and invariably somebody would say something, he continues. Many times people have said, I used to love your books but I cant read them anymore because you put your politics into them. It doesnt bother me. I never respond to anyone who says something like that. Unlike Connellys more famous detectives, his latest, Stilwell, has found a happy romantic relationship with his partner, assistant harbourmaster Tash Dano, on the island. This is the first main character Ive ever written who has a reasonably healthy and stable relationship with a partner. If you look back across 39 books before, I didnt have that. Harry Bosch, Renee Ballard, Mickey Haller, they all have fraught relationships and are all looking for something, which makes them easier to write. Advertisement Part of the inspiration comes from his own happy marriage to college sweetheart Linda McCaleb, with whom he has a daughter. Theyve been married for 41 years, as long as hes been writing books. Linda is his first reader on each new manuscript. I was thinking, isnt it about time I wrote about someone who is more like me in that regard than these characters Ive dwelled on for 30-plus years? Its about the accommodations couples make, but at the end of the day, they know why theyre in the relationship together. I like that aspect of it. With the TV series cancelled for now, will he ever kill off his first hero, Bosch? I dont think so. I mean, never say never. I hope the last book Im writing has Bosch in it. Now, whether thats just his final book or his final story, I dont know yet. Nightshade by Michael Connelly is published on May 22nd by Orion, priced 22 Drinks company Aperol has announced a four-day summer event, turning Dublin's Grand Canal Dock into a shimmering stage of sunshine, spritz and sparkle. A giant disco ball will take centre stage for Aperidisco at Charlotte Quay, a weekend-long celebration of "music, movement and Italian joy" from Thursday, June 5th, until Sunday, June 8th. Advertisement Suspended on a specially built pontoon, the disco ball is set to come alive with light projections, bringing a new kind of energy to one of Dublins most iconic locations. The programme will include immersive and free evening sessions on Thursday and Friday, casual walk-in experiences on Saturday and Sunday, and limited-ticket events. Among the activities planned are yoga sessions, DJ sets, a masterclass in spritz creation, and a two-course Italian-inspired brunch. Brian Robinson, UK partnership markets director at Campari Group, said Aperidisco is our way of bringing people together to celebrate the Summer with top Irish DJs, an immersive Aperol experience and of course a refreshing Aperol Spritz. Thursday and Friday at Aperidisco are free to attend, while Saturday and Sunday will feature ticketed events with limited capacity priced between 10 and 25. Aperol Island and the Aperol Terrazza will remain open to walk-ins throughout the weekend. Tickets are available online here The Supreme Court has overturned a decision that an Irish developer of a shopping centre in Poland could not be pursued here for a 6.3 million judgment obtained against him in Poland on behalf of 57 Irish investors. Last year, Michael Scully won an appeal over the enforcement of the Polish judgment here in the Court of Appeal (CoA). Advertisement But a company, Coucal Ltd, to which the investors had assigned their rights, then appealed that decision to the Supreme Court. On Monday, a five-judge Supreme Court overturned the CoA decision and said Mr Scully could be pursued for enforcement of the judgment here. Mr Scully, a Clonalkilty farmer who also co-owned Castle Carbery Properties Ltd which built the shopping centre in Opole, Poland in 2009, had appealed a decision of the High Court that a Polish judgment over the investment scheme against him could be enforced here. Some 48m was borrowed for the purpose of funding the shopping centre. The CoA allowed Mr Scullys appeal after finding that the use of Coucal, a Polish special purpose vehicle (SPV) company set up by the investors, which brought the case against him in Poland, represented "the commodification of litigation" which was clearly prohibited by Irish public policy. Advertisement The 57 investors alleged they were defrauded by Mr. Scully when he induced them to divest themselves of their investments in the shopping centre, on terms which were very unfavourable to them and very favourable to Mr. Scully. Those claims were denied. While proceedings against Mr Scully in Poland were initially unsuccessful, by 2021 the Warsaw Court of Appeal found that Mr. Scully had wrongfully and without authority purported to enter into agreements on behalf of Coucals shareholders. It awarded judgment against him for some 6.3million. The Warsaw appeal court also permitted Coucal to bring proceedings in Ireland to enforce the judgment against assets he owns here, including a farm in Co Cork. Mr Scully then brought proceedings here against Coucal Ltd seeking refusal of recognition and enforcement of the Polish judgment. The application was brought under an EU regulation, called Brussels I Recast, relating to enforcement of civil and commercial judgments across the EU. Advertisement In the meantime, Mr Scully had appealed the judgment to the Polish Supreme Court which decided to make a reference to the Court of Justice of the EU relating to issues concerning judicial independence and impartiality and in particular the claimed lack of independence of one of the Polish Court of Appeal judges. Mr Scully's case here was rejected by the High Court in November 2022 and he appealed, winning the appeal in the CoA just over a year ago. Coucal then sought and was granted an appeal to the Supreme Court. In two separate concurring judgments on behalf of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell and Mr Justice Gerard Hogan allowed the appeal. Advertisement The Chief Justice said it was clear that enforcement of the judgment in this case did not approach the required standard for being an exceptional case in which recognition of a foreign judgment should be refused on grounds of public policy. Ireland Jury in Richard Satchwell trial told they can cons... Read More If someone enters a contract in another state, they would not normally be entitled to complain of the application of the laws of that state to either their conduct or their transactions, he said. The Brussels Recast Regulation normally requires enforcement of the judgments obtained in other member states without engagement with the underlying merits of the claim or the applicable law, he said. This is consistent with a high hurdle being required to be satisfied before enforcement of any judgment can be refused, he said. Mr Justice Hogan said in the circumstances of this case one cannot say that the recognition of the Polish judgment should be refused on the ground that to do so would be manifestly contrary to public policy in this State within the meaning of the Brussels Recast Regulation. Advertisement He said his judgment was subject to the caveat that, while the CoA declined to adjudicate on this issue of Polish judicial independence, which had been argued by Mr Scully in the case, he now invited the parties to make further submissions on this issue. A jury will return to the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday to consider its verdict for a second day in the trial of Richard Satchwell, who denies murdering his wife before hiding her remains beneath their Cork home. The jury of five men and seven women began considering their verdict at 3.05pm this afternoon and have spent a total of 46 minutes deliberating in their jury room in the Criminal Courts of Justice building. Advertisement At 3.50pm today, presiding judge Mr Justice Paul McDermott told the jurors that he would send them home for the evening and asked them to come back to the Central Criminal Court at 10.30am in the morning to resume their deliberations. Before sending the jury of five men and seven women out to begin their deliberations at 3.05pm on Tuesday, presiding judge Mr Justice Paul McDermott asked them to consider all the evidence in the case. He said if he had omitted any piece of evidence, they should "go on what's important" to them. The judge had told the panel that there are three verdicts they can return in relation to the murder charge against Mr Satchwell, namely, guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter or not guilty. He asked them to be unanimous in their verdict. Mr Justice McDermott told the jurors that there were two routes to the verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter; on the basis that they were satisfied that there had been an unlawful killing but that Mr Satchwell did not have an intention to kill Tina or cause her serious injury, and also on the basis of partial self defence. Advertisement The judge began charging the jury around midday on Monday in the Central Criminal Court trial of Mr Satchwell (58), who has pleaded not guilty to murdering his 45-year-old wife Tina Satchwell - nee Dingivan - at their home address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork between March 19th and March 20th, 2017, both dates inclusive. Mr Justice McDermott concluded his charge this afternoon to the 12 jurors, having told them on Monday that they could consider the issue of self-defence. The judge said the onus lay on the prosecution to prove that Mr Satchwell was not acting in self-defence. He said a scenario had been presented to the jury that the accused was attacked by Ms Satchwell and had sought to defend himself in the manner described in his interviews with gardai. He said if the jury decided the force used by Mr Satchwell was reasonable in the circumstances as he honestly believed them to be, then they must acquit him of murder and manslaughter and return a verdict of not guilty. Advertisement He said if Mr Satchwell honestly believed he used no more force than was reasonably necessary, but the degree of force used was not what a reasonable person would have used, then he was not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. He said if self-defence didn't apply, then they could find the accused guilty of murder provided they were satisfied he intended to kill or cause serious injury. The trial has heard that on March 24th, 2017, Mr Satchwell told gardai that his wife, Tina, had left their home four days earlier but that he had no concerns over her welfare, feeling she had left due to a deterioration in their relationship. The accused formally reported Ms Satchwell missing the following May, but her body was not discovered for over six years, when gardai in October 2023, conducting "an invasive search" of the Satchwell home, found her decomposed remains in a grave that had been dug almost one metre deep underneath the stairs. Advertisement When re-arrested on suspicion of Tina's murder after her body was removed from their Cork home, Mr Satchwell told gardai that his wife "flew" at him with a chisel, that he fell backwards against the floor and described her death after he said he held her off by the belt of her bathrobe at her neck. The Assistant State Pathologist has told the trial that Tina's cause of death cannot be determined due to the skeletal nature of her remains. Last Friday in her closing speech, Gerardine Small SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the jury that Mr Satchwell's narrative of how his wife died after he held her off by the belt of her bathrobe was "absolutely farcical" and had "more holes in it than a block of Swiss cheese". Ms Small submitted that the British truck driver had woven "a web of deceit" and continued his "fabricated narrative" over the years. Counsel said Mr Satchwell's objective from the very outset was "always to put everyone off the scent" and that this was done because he had murdered Tina. Advertisement In his closing address, defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC told the jurors that there was no doubt Mr Satchwell was guilty, but asked the jurors what exactly he was guilty of. He argued that although the accused had lied "to the people of Ireland", the lies do not make him a murderer, or relieve the prosecution of the burden of proving the ingredients of murder. The Land Development Agency (LDA) plans to deliver more than 320 new apartments in Shankill, Co Dublin. The development at Woodbrook, which will have access to a new Dart station, will include 102 one-bed and 226 two-bed homes. Advertisement All of the apartments will be made available as cost rental. The agency said the apartments would be delivered in partnership with property development company Castlethorn through the LDAs Project Tosaigh initiative. This is where the agency partners with private homebuilders, providing the financial stimulus required to initiate construction and complete new housing projects. The completed homes are then owned by the LDA and made available as cost rental or sold by the LDA in partnership with local authorities through affordable purchase schemes. The development will be next to Woodbrook Dart station, which is due to open this summer In this case, all of the 328 Woodbrook apartments will be made available as cost rental. Cost rental is a relatively new tenure, which provides a long-term rental option with rents at least 25 per cent below market rates. Advertisement Cost rental is designed to assist those who do not quality for social housing or other State housing supports, but who are struggling to afford to rent in the private market. The apartments are part of Castlethorns Woodbrook development, which includes 685 homes and has the potential to deliver an additional 500 homes. The development will also feature amenities including a creche, a primary school and neighbour centre. The Woodbrook apartments are being delivered in two blocks over six storeys and are due to be completed by 2026. Woodbrook Dart station is due to open this summer. Ireland Targets for cost-rental properties expected to be... Read More John Coleman, chief executive of the LDA, said the development was in an accessible and attractive location for renters. "These new homes will play an important role in addressing demand for affordable, secure rental accommodation in south Dublin," he said. Joe OReilly, chief executive of Castlethorn, said the firm was "delighted" to partner with the LDA on the project. "The proximity to the new Dart station, high-quality design, and inclusion of community facilities make this a highly attractive offering. We look forward to delivering these sustainable A-rated homes and helping to establish a new community that will thrive for generations to come." Ireland is set to become the first EU country to limit trade with Israel's illegal settlements as the reworked Occupied Territories Bill is brought to the Cabinet by Tanaiste Simon Harris. Mr Harris will on Tuesday ask the Cabinet to approve the drafting of the general scheme of a Bill to ban the importation of goods from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Advertisement The Fine Gael leader said last week he had a legal view that including services in the Bill was not possible. It is understood the heads a summary of each section of the legislation are already at an advanced stage and will be published within a few weeks. They would then be sent to the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs for discussion before the end of June. Senator Frances Black told RTEs Morning Ireland that she was very relieved to finally see some action on the Bill which she first proposed in 2018. She said it was an important step that the Bill was finally going to Cabinet. However, Ms Black said it was horrible to think that so many people had continued to suffer since she first proposed the Bill in 2018. Advertisement It would have been great if we had it done back then, but it's never too late to do the right thing and we need to see action urgently. Ms Black said her team had published detailed legal advice from some of the most eminent lawyers in the world, making absolutely clear that we can include services in the legislation if the political will is there. Just last week, over 400 of Ireland's most high-profile lawyers wrote to Government saying we can do this. And the Tanaiste has said that he's open to being challenged on this. And he said he's no objection at all to include the services in the legislation if we can get the legal detail right and that is what the Dail Foreign Affairs Committee has been asked to look at when the Bill goes through there in a few weeks. The Bill could be done and dusted by the autumn, she added, saying she would be willing for the Oireachtas to stay in session well into the summer to get the Bill passed in full. Advertisement She said she had been working on the legislation for seven years and would love to see President Michael D Higgins sign it into law before he leaves office as he has played a blinder when it comes to Palestine. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein's Mairead Farrell said goods and services needed to be included in the Bill. The Galway West TD told Newstalk radio that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had very clearly said the settlements in the West Bank were illegal and that all trade must end with them. Fine Gael TD Barry Ward pointed out that the amount of trade between Ireland and the West Bank settlements was small at less than 200,000, and said the Bill was not going to stop a single bullet being fired in Gaza. Advertisement Israel-Hamas War Nine of a doctors 10 children killed in Israels... Read More But the principle involved in this is hugely important, he added. And that's why Simon Harris has massively accelerated this Bill since he became Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. And that is why the Government has committed to making it law. Mr Ward said the Bill originally drafted by Ms Black was absolutely illegal which was why a new Bill had to be drafted. The Government has committed to passing this law. There's no point in passing a law that is going to fall at the first hurdle in terms of any legal challenge. The reason that we can now do this, is not just because we want to, but because of the decision of the ICJ as a preliminary opinion that there is probably genocide happening in Gaza, and that's what empowers the Irish Government to actually make this legislation. It can only happen in relation, for example, to the West Bank. The Bill that Frances drafted applies to any illegal settlement anywhere in the world, including somewhere like Crimea or Western Sahara or wherever it might be. So it's important to remember that trade policy and trade legislation is extremely complex, and it takes time to put it together. Three members of the board of Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) resigned on Tuesday morning, after months of controversy at the operator of paediatric healthcare in the State. CHI was established in 2019 to govern and operate paediatric services in Ireland, and currently operates Temple Street, Crumlin and Tallaght hospitals. It will also operate the new National Childrens Hospital upon completion. Advertisement In recent times, there have been a number of controversies in the hospital, including ongoing delays with the completion of the National Children's Hospital, the implantation of unapproved springs into children with scoliosis, the threshold for hip surgeries, and surgical outcomes for children in the orthopaedic service. The Children's Health Ireland group is a separate entity from the HSE, although it is funded by the HSE and accountable to it. Who resigned? A total of four board members of Childrens Health Ireland have resigned over the past week, after months of controversy at the operator of paediatric healthcare in the State. Dr Gavin Lavery, Brigid McManus and Catherine Guy tendered resignation letters to the Health Minister on Tuesday morning, following on from the resignation of Mary Cryan last week. Advertisement Ms Cryan is a former HR director with the Brown Thomas Group, and former employer member of the Labour Court. Dr Lavery is a former ICU physician, president of the intensive care society of Ireland and clinical director of HSC Safety Forum (NI). Ms Guy is currently chief executive of NiftiBusiness and a former managing partner of ByrneWallace Law Firm in Dublin, while Ms McManus is a former secretary-general at the Department of Education and Skills. That means 40 per cent of the CHI board have resigned in the last seven days. Advertisement In April, the chairman of the CHI board Dr Jim Browne also resigned following the publication of a critical report into the use of springs in child spinal surgery. Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, confirmed the resignations during an interview on RTE Radio. She today updated Cabinet on the actions taken to improve the governance of CHI and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC) following last week's clinic audit report on hip surgeries. Ms Carroll MacNeill said HSE chief Bernard Gloster has agreed to respond to the report and its implications within the next week. She will also update on the appointment of two HSE board members to the CHI board as well as a strengthening of the Service Level Agreement between the HSE and CHI. Advertisement Ms Carroll MacNeill said that she had "strong questions about the governance of CHI and its direction towards the future" and that there had been three resignations from the board this morning. "We need to have a functional governance structure to enable us to get to the opening of the Children's Hospital and to deal with the many issues in children's health," she told RTE Radio One. Ms Carroll MacNeill said she was not empowered by law to ask for the resignations. She said there were now seven people on the CHI board, including two she appointed over the weekend from the HSE board. There are seven people on it that were appointed in 2025 or in 2024. There are now three additional vacancies, and I will be looking to make similar appointments over the next number of days. Advertisement Controversies This all comes after several controversies involving CHI, including a report published on Friday that found many children underwent unnecessary hip surgeries in two Dublin hospitals. The clinical audit of dysplasia of the hips surgeries in children found that a lower threshold for operations was used at CHI Temple Street hospital and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC) than the threshold used at CHI Crumlin. The review discovered that in the period 2021 to 2023 almost 80 per cent of children operated on at the NOHC, and 60 per cent of those at Temple Street, did not meet the threshold for surgery. The 2,259 children who underwent hip surgeries in the three hospitals (NOHC, CHI Temple Street and CHI Crumlin) from as far back as 2010 will now be subject to clinical reviews. Opposition TDs have called for a public inquiry and for CHI to be fully subsumed into the HSE. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said the hip dysplasia issue was a horrendous scandal and there was a very fundamental problem of governance in CHI. I think CHI is not fit for purpose as currently set up. I think thats kind of part of what a public inquiry needs to look at, but it needs to be quick. In an interview on RTE Radio Ones This Week programme, HSE boss Bernard Gloster said that the potential for Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) to be fully subsumed into the HSE will be one option considered amid concerns around clinical care and governance. Mr Gloster was asked if the issues highlighted by the report were down to bad decisions by doctors or a bad system. It can be a combination of any of those and rarely in a deficiency in a healthcare system will it come down to one single part of that, he said. Asked if there would be accountability for individual surgeons, Mr Gloster highlighted that CHI and NOHC were the employers, not the HSE. But he said the question of accountability was fair and appropriate. He said there were also questions about the governance of the institutions involved. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) found in April that the use of springs in spinal child surgery, which were of a non-medical grade, was wrong. The springs were used in three operations carried out by a surgeon at CHIs Temple Street. Were you sitting there, fingers crossed, hunched in anticipation of yet another Chinese car brand arriving in the Irish car market? Well, then we have some good news Leapmotor is coming in September. Leapmotor isnt entirely Chinese, however; its actually the product of a joint venture between Leapmotor itself, and the vast car-making conglomerate that is Stellantis. That being the case, its only natural that the Irish importer for Leapmotor is going to be Gown Auto, which already represents eight other Stellantis Group brands here, including Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Opel, and Peugeot (and Honda, which is nothing to do with Stellantis at all). Advertisement Michael Dwan, Managing Director at Gowan Group said: Leapmotor aims to become Irelands best value electric vehicle brand by offering high levels of specification and advanced technology as standard. Leapmotor is big in China, of course, and has been one of the fastest growing new brands there. Its first models will arrive in Ireland in September of this year, and they couldnt be more different. The first is the small and very cheap T03, which looks like a car trying to wear a Fiat Panda Halloween mask, has a 37kWh battery, and has a range of only 265km. It will be a rival to the likes of the Hyundai Inster and the Dacia Spring, but Leapmotor is promising high-end specifications for the dinky EV, including a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a modern 10.1-inch infotainment system. Advertisement At the other end of the scale is the C10 SUV, which is meant to be a premium-level car and a rival to the likes of BMW and Audi. Leapmotor C10 SUV It boasts a 69.9kWh battery and a range of up to 500km, but possibly of more interest to Irish buyers will be a long-range plug-in hybrid which boasts a range of up to 145km on battery power, and then 900km on a combined battery and fuel tank. It will be notably well-equipped, and will come as standard with electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree surround view camera, heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker premium Hi-Fi system, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, and a ten-inch digital instrument cluster. Prices havent been announced yet, but the T03 will have to start below 20,000 if its to compete with Dacia and Hyundai. Advertisement The C10s quasi-premium ambitions make for a cloudier picture, but realistically its going to have to be priced between 40,000 and 50,000 to compete with mainstream opposition, not to mention the more established Chinese brands such as BYD. As is ever the case with these new brands, ambition is not in short supply. Leapmotor says that by 2028 it will have expanded to an eight-car lineup, including a third model for 2025 the B10 compact crossover. The B10 and the T03 are already being built in Europe (the B10 in Slovakia, the T03 in Poland) which means they will be able to duck around the EUs Chinese EV tariffs. At the same time, the status of the C10 is less clear, although Stellantis is known to be seeking additional factory space in the EU for a third Chinese EV. Argentinas President Javier Milei is headed to Israel. Mr Milei was awarded the 1 million dollar (736,916) Genesis Prize in January in recognition of his support of Israel. Advertisement After he postponed a planned visit in March, he is now set to receive the prize in a ceremony at Israels Knesset on June 11 and deliver a speech to the Israeli parliament. Organisers say Mr Milei will donate the prize money to launch an initiative aimed at improving diplomatic relations between Israel and Latin American countries and fighting antisemitism in the region. Vice president Victoria Villarroel, right, and president Javier Milei attend a military parade (AP/Gustavo Garello) Prize organisers say they recognised Mr Milei for reversing Argentinas long history of anti-Israel votes at the United Nations, designating the Hamas and Hezbollah militant groups as terrorist organisations and reopening investigations into the bombings of Jewish and Israeli targets in Argentina in the 1990s. Mr Milei also has pledged to move Argentinas embassy to Jerusalem joining a handful of countries, including the US, to recognise the contested city as Israels capital. The move is not expected to take place during his visit. Advertisement Previous winners have included business owner and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, actors Michael Douglas and Barbra Streisand, violinist Itzhak Perlman, sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former Soviet political prisoner Natan Sharansky. A court on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali has sentenced a British man to 10 months in jail for drug offences 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 containing drugs from a motorcycle taxi driver on a nearby street. Advertisement Police officers said Parker was acting suspiciously when he collected the package, according to the court document. 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 arrested. A laboratory test confirmed the package contained slightly more than one kilogramme (2.326lbs) of MDMA, the main ingredient in ecstasy, the document said. Thomas Parker was appearing at Denpasar District Court (Firdia Lisnawati/AP) 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, whom Parker had known for around two years and spoke to regularly through the Telegram messaging app. Parker was told someone would pick it up shortly from him, and he was not promised money or anything else by Nicky in return. Advertisement Police reduced the initial charge of drug trafficking, which carries a possible death sentence, to the less serious offence of hiding information from authorities after investigators determined that the package was not directly linked to him. During the trial, which began last month at the Denpasar District Court, Parker told the court he initially refused to collect the package but agreed to do it after Nicky assured him the package was safe and would not put him in danger. Prosecutors on May 6 sought a one-year prison term for Parker, but the judges said they reduced the penalty because he regretted his acts, had not been previously convicted and promised to reform. Parker said he accepted the verdict and would not appeal (Firdia Lisnawati/AP) Parker sat silently as a panel of three judges at Denpasar District Court handed down the punishment. The judges also ordered the time he had already served since he was arrested to be deducted from his sentence, meaning he will be free in several months. Advertisement After the judges read the sentence, Parker said that he accepted the verdict and would not appeal. Prosecutors must decide whether to accept it within a week. I really, really regret everything that has happened, Parker said. I am sorry and will follow the judges decision. Indonesia has very strict drug laws and convicted traffickers can be executed by a firing squad. Advertisement About 530 people are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, including 96 foreigners, ministry of immigration and corrections data showed. Indonesias last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016. Two men have been arrested on Spain's Costa Blanca on suspicion of the attempted murder of an Irish national who is fighting for his life in a hospital intensive care unit. The 21-year-old was shot in the head near to a shopping centre in Orihuela Costa, south of Alicante. Advertisement Detectives revealed on Tuesday they had held two male suspects aged 27 and 45. They confirmed the victim remains in intensive care in a critical condition nearly a fortnight after the incident. A spokesman for the Civil Guard, who was unable to confirm the nationalities of the two suspects, said on Tuesday: We have arrested two men as the suspected authors of a shooting in which an Irish national aged 21 was seriously injured after receiving a bullet to the head in Orihuela Costa. The shooting took place in the coastal town of Orihuela, south of Alicante. Photo: AFP via Getty The shooting took place on the night of May 13th near a leisure area close to the Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre. Advertisement The young man hurt remains in a critical condition in intensive care in hospital. Investigators gathered together witness statements, analysed evidence and made inquiries about the victim and his close circle as part of their probe. Part of the evidence they collected was a bag with a revolver, ammunition and the victims telephone. The two suspects are a 27-year-old man and another male aged 45. One was held in Orihuela Costa and the other in nearby Pilar de la Horadada. Both were arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide. The homes of one of the pair was also searched. World Spain orders Airbnb to block 65,000 holiday rental... Read More The force spokesman added: A court in Orihuela has remanded one of the men, considered to be the shooter, in prison, while the other has been released on bail as a suspected accomplice but banned from leaving the country. Detectives did not say what they thought the motive behind the crime was. None of the three men have been named. The Civil Guard also on Tuesday released video footage and photos of the gun and ammunition they seized as well as images of one of the suspects being taken into custody in handcuffs. Russian forces have taken four border villages in Ukraines north-eastern Sumy region, a local official has said, days after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had issued an order to establish a buffer zone along the border. Sumy borders Russias Kursk region, where a surprise Ukrainian incursion last year captured a pocket of land in the first occupation of Russian territory since the Second World War. Advertisement The long border is vulnerable to Ukrainian incursions, Mr Putin said, and creating a buffer zone could help Russia prevent further cross-border attacks there. Meanwhile, a Russian bombing campaign that had escalated in recent days slowed overnight as far fewer Russian drones targeted Ukrainian towns and cities. Homes in Korostyshiv, in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine, pictured on Sunday after being destroyed by a Russian strike (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Moscows invasion has shown no signs of stopping despite months of intense US-led efforts to secure a ceasefire and get traction for peace talks. Since Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Turkey earlier this month for their first direct talks in three years, a large prisoner exchange has been the only tangible outcome, but negotiations have brought no significant breakthrough. Advertisement The US special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said Russia had not yet delivered a promised memorandum that they told US president Donald Trump in a phone call on May 19 would outline the framework for a possible peace agreement. The Kremlin had also ruled out the Vatican as a venue for future negotiations, he said. We would have liked to have it at the Vatican and we were pretty set to do something like that, but the Russians didnt want to go there so I think Geneva may be the next stop, Mr Kellogg said in an interview on Tuesday on the Fox News channel. Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said on Tuesday that Turkey was also ready to host a future round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had issued an order to establish a buffer zone along the border (Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Between Friday and Sunday, Russia launched around 900 drones at Ukraine, officials said, amid a spate of large-scale bombardments. On Sunday night, Russia launched its biggest drone attack of the three-year war against Ukraine, firing 355 drones. From Monday to Tuesday, Russia fired 60 drones at Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said on Tuesday. Russias ministry of defence claimed its air defences had downed 99 Ukrainian drones overnight over seven Russian regions. The weekend surge in Russias bombardments of Ukraine drew a rebuke from US president Donald Trump, who said Mr Putin had gone crazy. This comment prompted a sharp Kremlin reaction on Monday, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticising emotional reactions to events. Advertisement Mr Peskov adopted a milder tone on Tuesday, hailing US peace efforts and saying that the Americans and President Trump have taken a quite balanced approach. In Sumy, Russian forces are trying to advance deeper after capturing villages, Oleh Hryhorov, head of the Sumy regional military administration, said in a statement. Ukrainian forces are endeavouring to hold the line, he said. The weekend surge in Russias bombardments of Ukraine drew a rebuke from US president Donald Trump (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Residents of the captured villages were evacuated earlier, and there was no immediate threat to civilians, Mr Hryhorov said. Advertisement Mr Putin visited the Kursk region last week for the first time since Moscow claimed that it had driven Ukrainian forces out of the area last month. Kyiv officials have denied the claim. Ukraine seized a pocket of land in Kursk last August. The long border remains vulnerable to Ukrainian incursions, Mr Putin said. He said he told the Russian military to create a security buffer zone along the border but provided no public details of where the proposed zone would be or how far it would stretch. Mr Putin said a year ago that a Russian offensive at the time aimed to create a buffer zone in Ukraines north-eastern Kharkiv region. That could have helped protect Russias Belgorod border region, where frequent Ukrainian attacks have embarrassed the Kremlin. Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria have reached an agreement with the transitional government in Damascus to evacuate Syrian citizens from a sprawling camp in the desert that houses tens of thousands of people with alleged ties to the militant Islamic State (IS) group. Sheikhmous Ahmed, an official in the Kurdish-led authority that controls the countrys northeast, said an agreement was reached on a joint mechanism for returning the families from al-Hol camp after a meeting among local authorities, representatives of the central government in Damascus and a delegation from the US-led international coalition fighting IS. Advertisement Mr Ahmed denied reports that the administration of the camp will be handed over to Damascus in the near future, saying there was no discussion in this regard with the visiting delegation or with the Damascus government. Syrias interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa (AP/Francisco Seco) Human rights groups for years have cited poor living conditions and pervasive violence in the camp, which houses about 37,000 people, mostly wives and children of IS fighters, as well as supporters of the militant group. They also include Iraqis as well as nationals of Western countries who travelled to join IS. The US military has been pushing for years for countries that have citizens at al-Hol and the smaller, separate Roj Camp to repatriate them. Advertisement Iraq has taken back increasing numbers of citizens in recent years, but many other countries have remained reluctant. As for Syrians housed in the camp, a mechanism has been in place for several years to return those who want to go back to their communities in the Kurdish-controlled areas, where centres have been opened to reintegrate them. Before now, however, there had not been an agreement with the government in Damascus to return them to areas under the central governments control. The new agreement comes amid attempts to increase the cooperation between Kurdish authorities and the new leaders in Damascus after former president Bashar Assad was unseated in a rebel offensive in December. Advertisement Under a deal signed in March between Syrias interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF is to be merged into the new government armed forces. All border crossings with Iraq and Turkey and airports, and oil fields in the northeast are to come under the central governments control. Prisons where about 9,000 suspected members of the Islamic State group are held are also expected to come under central government control. The deal marked a major step toward unifying the disparate factions that had carved up Syria into de facto mini-states during its civil war that began in 2011 after the brutal crackdown by Mr Assads government on massive anti-government protests. Advertisement However, implementation has been slow. Washington has been pushing for its enactment and, in particular, for Damascus to take over management of the prisons in northeast Syria. Anti-Islam activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson, has been released from prison in England after serving a jail term for the civil offence of contempt of court. The 42-year-old left HMP Woodhill on Tuesday after his 18-month sentence was reduced by four months at the High Court in London last week. Advertisement He was filmed speaking on his X social media channel for around 20 minutes with longer hair and a bushy beard, and wearing a rosary around his neck. Robinson said he will organise a free speech festival in London for supporters later in the year. Robinson was filmed with longer hair and a bushy beard on his release from prison (@TRobinsonNewEra/X/PA) The activist 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. World Starmer to condemn Reform UKs dangerous right-wi... Read More He is currently facing two further, separate court cases, and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on June 5th accused of harassing two journalists. Advertisement Robinson was charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence between August 5th and 7th, 2024. He is also facing a separate trial in October next year over an accusation that he failed to provide the Pin for his mobile phone when stopped by police in Folkestone, southern England, in July 2024. Dozens were injured on Monday after a car ploughed into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the clubs recent Premier League title. With most people enjoying a spring break holiday, up to 1 million Liverpool fans had lined the streets to celebrate the team as they moved through the city centre with the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus. Advertisement The parade began at Allerton Maze south of the city before embarking on a 10-mile route over three-and-a-half hours ending with a finale on the Strand in the city centre. Chaos erupted on Water Street, about a mile before the parades endpoint. The bus had only recently passed the attendees when a vehicle rammed into the crowds, witnesses reported. Footage of the incident, which was circulating online on Monday, appeared to show the car speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street, passing a Hooters restaurant at one point, with people knocked to the floor off the windshield, falling to the ground and darting out of the way to avoid harm. Advertisement A 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested, Merseyside Police confirmed. One onlooker, Matthew OCarroll (28), saw the car approaching the top of Water Street. He said the vehicle went past a parked police van at a decent speed and that the driver was beeping as he went through the crowd. Meanwhile, witness Mike Maddra told the PA news agency the car turned left, mounted pavement, come towards us and runs towards the buildings. Advertisement He said: we got out the way and it was speeding up. Mr Maddra said he thought he saw two people being hit and added, it looked deliberate. Social media video also showed angry fans converging on the vehicle as it came to a stop, smashing windows before police intervened. Harry Rashid (48), from Solihull near Birmingham, said you could hear the bumps as the driver rammed spectators. Advertisement He described how crowds began trying to smash the car windows, causing the driver to stall for about 10 seconds, before putting his foot down again and hitting more people. Witnesses told The Guardian the whole ordeal lasted 20-30 seconds, and the first victim was thrown about 20 feet in the air. Police and emergency personnel dealing with a road traffic accident on Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Dan Ogunshakin, an off-duty BBC reporter attending the parade, told the public broadcaster he saw people hitting the car before it reversed and then it suddenly accelerated forwards, straight towards the surrounding crowd. What had once been an atmosphere of celebration and joy and happiness suddenly turned into fear and terror and disbelief, he said. Advertisement Police said the car eventually stopped at the scene and the man was detained. BBC reporter Matt Cole described how police officers exited a squad of armed police vehicles with rifles and medical packs and began running to the scene. Daniel Jones (28) told The Sun newspaper that police restrained people who were smashing the car. They were ripping the register plate off, he said. The back window was broken when the (driver) was still in it. Twenty-seven people were taken to hospital, and a further 20 were treated at the scene. Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, said four people who were trapped under the car, including a child, were rescued by firefighters. At a press conference, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the horrific incident was not being treated as terrorism. North West Ambulance Services Dave Kitchin and Merseyside Polices Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, during a press conference (Danny Lawson/PA) Liverpool Echo reporter Paddy Edrich said local Italian restaurant Riva was used as a makeshift triage centre. People inside Riva are being treated by paramedics. Some have bandages around their heads and limbs, he said in a post on X. Staff in the restaurant appear to be providing fluids to those being treated and the emergency services. Other casualties were spotted being taken away by ambulance to nearby hospitals. A heavy emergency services presence remained in place for hours afterwards, with police cars, fire engines and ambulances remaining on the street. A large blue tent was erected on Water Street, with two fire engines parked in front. Liverpool FC said in a statement that the club was in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident, a post on X read. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident. Well-wishes flowed from other Premier League clubs, including Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City. In a statement, British prime minister Keir Starmer said: The scenes in Liverpool are appalling my thoughts are with all those injured or affected. He later added: Tonight, I have spoken to Steve Rotheram about the terrible events in Liverpool and the remarkable bravery shown by the police and other emergency services. They are supporting and caring for those injured in these terrible events. World Man arrested after car ploughs into crowds of peop... Read More Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror. The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool. Charging and access to fuel were also concerns a century earlier. Americans in the 1920s wanted to explore the country. But many rural and suburban areas didnt have electricity. President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a big push to electrify the entire country in 1936 the last farms were connected to the grid in the early 1970s. That made it difficult to use electric cars in many places. An electric automobile charging during a tour from Seattle to Mount Rainier in 1919. Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs. Republican leaders say that electric vehicles do not deserve subsidies in the tax code and that their tax bill levels the playing field that Democrats had tilted in favour of one technology. A hundred years ago, politicians also put their thumbs on the scale and came down on the side of oil. The oil industry has enjoyed numerous tax breaks. One was enacted in 1926 when Congress allowed oil companies to deduct their taxable income by 27.5 per cent of their sales. The sponsor of the legislation later admitted that the incentive was excessive. Loading We grabbed 27.5 per cent because we were not only hogs but the odd figure made it appear as though it was scientifically arrived at, Texas Democratic Senator Tom Connally, who sponsored the break, was quoted as saying in a biography of Lyndon B. Johnson, Sam Johnsons Boy: A Close-Up of the President From Texas. That tax break lasted for decades. It was eliminated for large oil producers and reduced for smaller companies in 1975. Perhaps unsurprisingly, crude oil became dominant. The US Energy Department noted on a timeline on its website that electric cars all but disappeared by 1935. The triumph of internal combustion made long-distance travel accessible to the masses and helped power the US economy. It also led to deadly urban air pollution and has been a major cause of climate change. Now, the decadeslong tug of war between combustion engine and electric cars is intensifying again, and electric cars may be in trouble, at least in the United States. The decadeslong tug of war between combustion engine and electric cars is intensifying again, and electric cars may be in trouble. Sales of electric cars are growing quickly in most of the rest of world, increasing 35 per cent in China in the first four months of the year and 25 per cent in Europe, according to Rho Motion, a research firm. But in the United States, sales were up a more modest 11 per cent in the first three months of 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book. Republican leaders are pushing legislation that would eliminate many Biden administration programs intended to promote electric vehicle sales, including a $US7,500 federal tax credit. They also want to impose a new annual $US250 fee on electric vehicle owners to finance highway construction and maintenance. While the Republican changes probably wouldnt kill electric vehicles, they could set the industry back years. EV momentum in the US has slowed, with policy uncertainty mounting, analysts at Bernstein said in a note this month. Jay Leno with a restored 1909 Baker Electric at a facility for his large automobile collection in Burbank, California. Credit: New York Times But electric cars have not just been hampered by politics. They also had to overcome gender stereotypes. Their benefits like quiet, smooth operation were considered by some men to be too feminine, and, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many models like the Baker Electric were explicitly marketed only to women. Advertisements for the early electrics hang on the walls of Lenos Burbank garage. Make This the Happiest Christmas Give Your Wife an Electric, proclaims one. On another, a young woman pleads, Daddy Get Me a Baker. A reproduction of an ad, left, for one Americas first electric vehicles, on the walls of Jay Lenos collection. Credit: New York Times Men, by contrast, have long been pitched on the masculine virtues of petrol cars that roar and thunder. In autumn 2022, Republican representative for Georgia, Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is closely allied with Trump, pushed the notion that petrol cars are more macho at a rally. Theres nothing more American than the roar of a V-8 engine under the hood of a Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro, an incredible feel of all that horsepower. But Democrats, she said, want to emasculate the way we drive. Elon Musk, Teslas CEO who has been working with the Trump administration, has tried to broaden the appeal of electric vehicles. His companys newest model is the Cybertruck, a massive pickup truck with lots of sharp angles. Musk has done everything he could to try to make a Tesla a manly vehicle, said Virginia Scharff, an emeritus distinguished professor of history at the University of New Mexico and author of numerous books, including Taking the Wheel: Women and the Coming of the Motor Age. But, Scharff added, Musk may have gone too far. His alignment with Trumps conservative politics has alienated some of the most reliable buyers of electric cars liberals and environmentalists who hope to move the world away from fossil fuels. Loading Heres like the gender flip: Tesla is so associated with a kind of toxic masculinity now as opposed to the electric car being associated with femininity in the early part of the 20th century, Scharff said. The concept of home charging isnt new. Home car chargers also made their debut a century ago, only bulkier and a bit more frightful. It looked like a machine out of Dr Frankensteins laboratory, said Leslie Kendall, chief historian at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Kendall said electric cars could have stuck around and even done well. But they were hampered by the lack of electricity in many communities, long charging times and their higher costs relative to petrol vehicles a Model T in 1908 cost about $US650 compared with $US1,750 for an electric roadster. Loading You could carry extra gas with you, he said. You couldnt carry extra electricity. Richard Riker, a grandson of electric car pioneer Andrew L. Riker, said his grandfather had identified one of the biggest stumbling blocks to the cars he designed and sold one that lingers to this day. They didnt have charging stations out on the street corners like my grandfather said they need to, Riker said Hong Kong, Macao investors encouraged to set up film production firms on Chinese mainland Xinhua) 10:40, May 27, 2025 BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- China's central authorities have introduced new rules that allow service providers from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions to establish film production companies on the mainland, as part of efforts to deepen industry cooperation and boost filmmaking. The regulation, issued by the China Film Administration, permits qualified investors to set up and operate production firms under China's existing foreign investment and business registration frameworks. These companies will be allowed to produce a wide range of content, including feature films, animation, documentaries, and virtual reality productions. Newly established firms may act as lead producers and apply for project registration. Existing Hong Kong- or Macao-invested enterprises may also apply to expand their operations to include film production, pending regulatory approval. The measure, which took effect on Monday, follows recent revisions to service trade agreements. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The main risk was environmental, he said, because the carcinogenic chemicals released into the waterways accumulated in the bodies of wildlife, especially predators such as platypuses. Loading Warwick found last year that nine wild platypuses from across NSW had traces of PFAS in their livers, and the worst was a platypus found dead at Wingecarribee River near Berrima in the Southern Highlands with 390 micrograms of PFAS chemicals per kilogram in its liver. The study, designed to find the source of the pollution, took samples from the water column and river sediment near sewage outfalls at five sites, including Goulburn, Lithgow and three in the Southern Highlands. The researchers also tested for nutrients that could cause algal blooms and heavy metals. The PFAS contamination was higher at the sewage outfalls and then diluted downstream, which Warwick said was a strong indication that the outfalls were the source. The river sediment 50 to 100 metres downstream from the outfalls showed higher concentrations of PFAS, which Warwick said had probably accumulated over some time. PFAS are a family of synthetic chemicals prized for their resistance to heat, grease, and water, and used in a wide range of everyday products such as stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products and firefighting foams. Warwick said PFAS in sewage could come from human waste and also household items and activities, such as being shed from clothing in the washing machine or non-stick cookware in the kitchen sink. The worst results were for the Wingecarribee River at Bowral, with high concentration of PFAS chemicals including the notorious carcinogen PFOS at 2900 nanograms per kilogram, more than double the next worst at Lithgow. The NSW EPA licenses operators of sewage treatment plants. A spokesperson confirmed there was no requirement to monitor PFAS levels, but said this was set to change under the revised PFAS National Environmental Management Plan. The ABS released its first dataset on PFAS contamination in Australians over the age of 12 on Tuesday. Most of the population has exposure to at least some types of PFAS, and this is slightly higher for men. The concentration of the cancer-causing contaminants in peoples bodies rose with age, which the ABS explained was partly because the chemicals accumulated over time and partly because PFAS usage has reduced this century after a peak in the decades after 1970. NSW had the highest proportion of its population exposed to PFOS detected in the blood of 99.7 per cent of residents and PFOA (96.8 per cent). The average level of PFOS contamination was 1.9 nanograms per millilitre of blood for NSW residents, on par with South Australia and second only to Tasmania. The five wastewater treatment plants in the Western Sydney University study are owned by respective local councils. The water flows into the catchment managed by WaterNSW, and is then treated and supplied as drinking water by Sydney Water. A WaterNSW spokesperson said the Australian drinking water guidelines referred to drinking water post-treatment, but the agency had been sampling untreated water in these dams to test for PFAS levels for several months. With the exception of Medlow and Greaves Creek dams, all results for untreated water from all Sydney dams, including Warragamba, are well within current and proposed drinking water guidelines, the spokesperson said. A Sydney Water spokesperson said: Our monitoring indicates our drinking water is safe to drink and meets proposed Australian drinking water guidelines at all water filtration plants. Sydney Water also discharges highly treated sewage into rivers within its network. Like the other operators, it is not currently obliged to test for PFAS. The EPA has started public consultation on its statutory five-year review of Sydney Waters sewage treatment plant licences, including the level of treatment required. Public submissions close on June 12. Loading Advertisement Exclusive Eating outFood Frogs Hollow owner to open Puerto Rico-inspired bar in heritage space Punters will walk down a laneway and staircase to discover a basement venue dedicated to rum, tequila and Santana-inspired tunes. Heres what else to expect. Matt Shea May 27, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share It started with a Carlos Santana album. Well, I was listening to two, actually exploring his back catalogue, Peter Hollands says about the iconic Mexico-born musician. Abraxas and Shaman. Abraxas loosely translates to the original god. It would be a cool name for a bar, but my mum kept asking, Whats the name again? If she cant remember it ... Peter Hollands at the entrance of his new bar, Shaman, which will open in late July. Markus Ravik So we went with Shaman instead Shaman speaks to that particular artist, but it also drives the music direction, it drives the layout, and it drives the drinks. Like any bartender worth his weight in egg whites, Hollands has an exacting eye for detail. But he also tends to overflow with ideas mixed, remixed and finely tuned for different audiences. Bars such as Frogs Hollow, Alice, and the rebooted Alliance Hotel seem simple on their surface, but sit in each and watch carefully, and you slowly realise the thought thats gone into them. Advertisement Related Article Star chef Shannon Kellam proves theres life after Montrachet It will be the same with Shaman, which is scheduled to open in a moody basement space at 109 Edward Street (the heritage-listed former Metro Arts building) in late July. Beyond the music, Shaman broadly takes its influence from the Caribbean and parts of Latin America that surround the Panamanian isthmus but in particular Puerto Rico. When I worked for Bacardi, I visited the distillery in Puerto Rico, Hollands says. And it [the island] has that feeling of a place where anything could happen. There are the green rolling hills, and the dichotomy of these old colonial forts and the new buildings. Theres a rich migrant community there, which helps lend it all these different shades. For drinks, Shaman manager Tim Pope who previously owned and operated Par Bar in Fitzroy with fellow recent Brisbane import Tony Huang will focus on rum and tequila, backed by just one beer by the bottle and a handful of wines. The back bar will be compiled entirely of rums such as Pyrat XO and Myerss Original Dark Rum. Hollands plans to make the most of the basement spaces 1890-built brick walls and timber beams. Markus Ravik Advertisement Were going to try and do the best margarita [made with Patron Silver] and daiquiri in Brisbane, Pope says. Thats about balance ... a good-quality tequila or rum, and fresh citrus. It comes down to how we shake and how long we shake, Hollands adds. But also the glassware and preparing that properly weve got a big glass freezer [for that]. Its about applying that science. I feel [as an industry] weve gotten a little bit away from what a drink needs to be. People miss the fact the drink is balanced. Yeah, it looks pretty, but is it tasty? There will be one beer and one beer only Estrella served by the stubby out of iced crates that will sit on the back bar. Theres no cold room, and I cant do kegs, Hollands says. You have that idea of these workers sitting around a table after work, three rounds in. The ice is sparkling, dripping off the bottles. Its about taking the negatives of the space and turning them into positives. Advertisement As for the space, punters will enter via the old cart laneway, on the left-hand side of the building, before descending the staircase many will associate with Dr Gimlettes external bathrooms. Instead of turning left for the loo, though, Shaman is straight ahead in a tenancy previously used for functions. Punters will find Shaman down the staircase many will associate with Dr Gimlettes bathrooms. Markus Ravik Hollands plans to make the most of the buildings 1890-built brick walls and imposing timber beams. Expect pops of colour, a U-shaped, upholstered bar on one wall and a mirrored feature wall opposite that provides the backdrop for an informal dance floor. There will also be black bentwood furniture. As for the music, Santana, of course, provides the thematic through line, with plenty of New Orleans brass and blues, say, or chilled old-school reggae. That style of music implies a good time, but its not meant to be too rowdy, Hollands says. Its a venue designed to take you to your happy place. Shaman, 109 Edward Street, will open in late July. Wasnt it fascinating to watch the papal conclave over recent weeks? The producers of the movie Conclave must have been counting their blessings, as viewers were drawn to their fictionalised version just as the real event was unfolding. It made me think that many families go through their own kind of conclave after the death of a parent. There might be a will appointing an executor hopefully but what if that person is no longer suitable, perhaps due to ill health, estrangement, or simply being overwhelmed? The papal conclave lasted just two days and involved 133 experienced cardinals. A family conclave may be far less public, but it can be just as fraught. Credit: AP The papal conclave lasted just two days and involved 133 highly educated and experienced cardinals. Throngs packed St Peters Square and millions watched online. A family conclave may be far less public, but it can be just as fraught. Someone has to arrange the funeral, draft the death notice, and write the eulogy often amid simmering tensions. These decisions can be especially sensitive in blended or second families, where loyalties and histories collide. The federal election was only on May 3, but one vanquished Liberal MP has already found a new job. Or make that a new-old job. Defeated Coalition MPs who dont have an investment portfolio or private family company to fall back on face a tough job market, considering the strength of the Labor victory. The Liberals Keith Wolahan lost his seat of Menzies, in Melbournes eastern suburbs. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Which boss wants to hire someone on the losing side of an electoral landslide, particularly when the Albanese era could stretch beyond the electoral horizon? Taking matters into his own hands is Keith Wolahan, the Liberal Party bright young thing who lost the outer Melbourne seat of Menzies to Labors Gabriel Ng after one term. She offended some in the room and was castigated by others. With the benefit of reflection, the organisers realised fault was partly theirs for not anticipating it might present a problem for a Labor leader to celebrate Israel in the middle of a horrendous conflict in Gaza. A year ago, Allan was asked to perform the toast at the same Jewish community event and declined. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan outside the Adass Israel synagogue after it was destroyed in December 2024. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui When Jacinta Allan raised her champagne flute on Tuesday night and offered the traditional salutation to mark the anniversary of Israels independence, there was nothing simple about her gesture. It was less a case of ill will than unfamiliarity. Back then, the Jewish community, having grown used to Daniel Andrews reflexive support for Israel, was still getting to know Victorias new premier. She was sworn in just 10 days before October 7, having come to the job as a career politician from Bendigo, who in her previous parliamentary duties had never had reason to form clear views about Israeli security, Palestinian self-determination and what those questions mean to Melbourne Jews. There was a misplaced assumption that Allan, as a woman of the Labor left, would view Israel solely through the prism of Palestinian displacement and the electoral calculus of inner-city seats either held by or swinging to the Greens. To people who saw her this way, her refusal to toast Israels independence confirmed she was no friend. On Tuesday night, it was a very different mood in the room. Melissa Abu-Gazaleh has spent the past 18 years travelling to schools, mentoring young men with her charity, Top Blokes. She presents on a number of issues: drugs, alcohol, risk-taking. But theres one topic guaranteed to have boys raising their hands, desperate to talk: porn. Melissa Abu-Gazaleh said young boys are desperate to talk about the impacts of porn. Credit: Wolter Peeters Young men have a gut feeling that what they are viewing is not healthy, and it is harmful, but they dont know how to escape it because it is everywhere, she said. Abu-Gazaleh is dealing with an influx of calls from parents and schools, desperate to tackle the burgeoning problem. A 50-year-old man has been arrested and is expected to be charged after his elderly father died in a suspicious house fire in Sydneys inner west. Edward Ted Grantham, a retired pastor and music teacher, was found dead inside his Croydon home after the blaze erupted about 4am on Wednesday. The 80-year-old lived in the Irrara Street property with his wife Anne and their 50-year-old son Christopher. Police spent the day looking for Christopher, who was last seen in Leichhardt about 6.30am, saying they held concerns for his welfare and that he may be able to assist with their inquiries. The 50-year-old was found at about 7.40pm on Wednesday at Woy Woy on the Central Coast, about 85 kilometres away from his home. My heartiest sympathy to, and agreement, with Roderick van Gelder (C8), declares Kate Coates of Wangi Wangi. There is not one device in my world, large or small, that I have truly conquered: car accessory shenanigans, microwave, dishwasher, CD player, watch, phone or, heaven help me, the allegedly smart TV. I do have a useful solution, however. Buy the exact same model that the (adult) kids have. Then, if you have a phone question, an overzealous oven or just cant get the stupid computer to do what you want, call the kids! I dont know about smart fridges, admits Graeme Finn of Campsie, but I have a very old wall oven that has EMAIL branded on it. I cant determine which replacement element to buy because there is no model number. I emailed the company but they couldnt help, either. Taking advantage of a hopefully long-lapsed limitation period, Ian Morris of Strathfield writes: This talk of letterboxes (C8) takes me back 60 or so years when, around cracker night, we would use tuppenny bungers to blow up our neighbours letterboxes. Im sure this was a widespread practice throughout Sydney in that era. John Loveridge of Tewantin (Qld) claims his innocence: On cracker nights long ago a number of letterboxes in my street felt the effects of a double bunger being inserted in the slot and lit. It wasnt me as I could only afford penny bungers or double happys. Conversely, Peter Miniutti of Ashbury has decided to fall on his sword: Growing up in East Ryde, there were no fancy or unusual letterboxes. Still, none of them were safe on cracker night. Belated apologies to those who had theirs demolished via a tuppenny bunger or two. At the time of the interview, the court heard, both Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson had died, and police had just searched Erin Pattersons home. Eppingstall said: Were trying to understand why youre not that ill. Patterson replied: Mmmmm. Do you understand why were interviewing you today? Eppingstall asked. Yes, but Ive never been in a situation like this before, Ive been very, very helpful with the health department during the week ... because I do want to know what happened. Ive given them as much info as theyve asked for, Erin Patterson replied. She denied ever foraging for mushrooms or dehydrating food. When told that her ex-partner, Simon Patterson, had raised questions over why Erin had invited his parents to lunch, she said: Theyve always been very good to me. I want to maintain those relationships, despite whats happening with Simon. I love them a lot. Theyve always been really good to me and always said they would support me, she said. I really appreciated that because both my parents are gone, my grandparents are all gone, theyre the only family that Ive got. I think Simon hated that. I love them. Nothing hes [Simon] ever done to me will change the fact theyre good, decent people, she said. Eppingstall told the court the homicide squad got a notification on August 1, 2023 about a mass food poisoning event at a lunch that had occurred on July 29, 2023. On August 3, 2023, he said his team took over the investigation after learning guests were fatally ill. On August 4, 2023, he said the squad learned Heather Wilkinson had died overnight, and a colleague began looking into Erin Pattersons phone and bank records. At 6.47pm that day, he said he learned Gail Patterson had also died. On the same day, Eppingstalls colleague found a transaction of interest a food dehydrator left at the Koonwarra tip two days earlier. On August 5, 2023, Eppingstall and his team undertook a search of Erin Pattersons home. There, he said the accused told him shed used the RecipeTin Eats cookbook Dinner to cook a beef Wellington. Page 252 was that beef Wellington, the witness said. During a search of the kitchen area, he said did not see any grey plates that matched the description of dinner plates that Ian Wilkinson, who survived the lunch, earlier told the jury he had eaten off. Eppingstall said he stayed with the accused for most of the four hours it took to search the home. He said she had a phone with her most of the time and was allowed to use it on at least one occasion unobserved alone in a room for about 20 minutes. She was talking about making arrangements for her daughter for ballet, right from the start she had a phone, yes, the witness said. That phone was taken back to the police station and locked up in Eppingstalls locker, the court heard. I had the only control over that locker, he said. The witness was then shown data records that showed the phone was factory reset a number of times, including about 5am on August 6, 2023. Detective Sergeant Luke Farrell also said he found a food-spattered recipe page for beef Wellington inside a RecipeTin Eats cookbook in Pattersons kitchen during the police search of her Leongatha home on August 5. Detective Sergeant Luke Farrell was present at the raid on Erin Pattersons home in the aftermath of the fatal lunch. Credit: Jason South During his evidence on Tuesday, Farrell said the accused and her children were home the morning of the raid as officers began photographing and documenting items of interest. The court heard the witness introduced himself at one point, telling Patterson police were there investigating the death of two people. Her response, the court heard, was: Who died? The first item of interest shown to the court, Farrell said, was a Sunbeam dehydrator instruction manual, which police found in a kitchen drawer. On top of the kitchen cupboards he said, was a closed copy of the RecipeTin Eats cookbook Dinner. The beef Wellington recipe from the RecipeTin Eats cookbook, Dinner, by Nagi Maehashi. It wasnt a bookmarked page, but on a separate page, there was a beef Wellington recipe, and that page was spattered with cooking, he said. In photographs shown to the jury, the officer said there was a set of digital scales found on a shelf of a cupboard in the pantry. In Pattersons sons bedroom, the officer said police found a Cooler Master computer inside a white cupboard and a black mobile phone on the top shelf that was just out of sight of the photographer. This phone, the court heard, was taken and photographed. In the same childs bedroom, he said they found a Samsung tablet in the possession of the accused womans daughter, which was also seized. Images were also shown of the top of a kitchen bench and dishwasher, which contained plates of different colours. Farrell said he hadnt been aware that Patterson didnt know if anyone had died at that time. She was told in my presence that at least Heather Wilkinson had died. She expressed surprise, he said. Im sure she was told about whoever of the deceased had died at that stage. Farrell said that towards the end of the search, about 3.45pm, he asked Patterson for her mobile phone. Ian Wilkinson and daughter Ruth Dubois arrive at court on Tuesday. Credit: Jason South I asked for it, and she gave it to me, he said. Video of their conversation showed Farrell sitting on one side of the kitchen table and Patterson on the other, with her back to the kitchen. The phone, in an orange flip case, was then handed across the table. The witness said he asked the accused if a PIN was required, and she gave two options. But when he opened it, he said none was needed. During cross-examination by defence barrister Colin Mandy, SC, the witness was asked more about the plates found at the home. He agreed that despite knowing plates were of interest to police, they were not photographed or seized. Loading The only plate I can recall being seized was one from the refrigerator with fruit on it, Farrell said. He agreed that some of the plates in the dishwasher, of two different sizes, appeared to have a red surface and dark underside, while other plates were white. There appears to be a red tinge on the eating surface, yes, Farrell said. Despite touting them as the toughest laws in the country, Western Australias Department of Health has not issued a single fine to retailers selling potentially fatal nitrous oxide gas also known as nangs more than six months after the new regulations were introduced. A 9News Perth investigation found the popular party gas remains readily available from corner stores in Perths central business district, and from online distributors who deliver them door-to-door within 30 minutes. Nangs are a behind-the-counter drug that give a cheap high but starve the brain of oxygen, with users risking serious health issues such as permanent brain and spinal damage, seizures, psychosis and memory loss including Perth teenager Molly Day. The state government restricted their sale in October, preluded by months of warnings, to food and beverage businesses to use them for baking. Giant jumbo canisters with one or more litres of gas were outlawed entirely. Bryce Cotton has blamed Perth management for his exit from the Wildcats, claiming the NBL club gave him too short a time frame to decide his playing future. But the Wildcats owner has defended the club for making a horrible but apparently unavoidable decision to cut ties with one of the leagues greatest ever players. Five-time NBL MVP Cotton raised eyebrows signing with the Adelaide 36ers last week, having knocked back the Wildcats contract extension after nine years in Perth. Bryce Cotton in action for the Wildcats at RAC Arena in 2024. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images But on Tuesday, the 32-year-old said the Wildcats were responsible for his decision to sign elsewhere by insisting he make a decision on his future before he had a proper chance to explore his options. As much as people feel or say, Why did I leave the Wildcats?, I didnt technically leave, Cotton told the EasyDay podcast. The Wildcats parted ways with me because I wasnt willing to give an answer back in March. Cotton had been open with the Wildcats about his desire to test his value on the open market after the 2024/25 season, which finished as the greatest yet of his already illustrious NBL career. The American had been linked with Japanese club Chiba Jets, coached by former Wildcats boss Trevor Gleeson, and played a handful of NBA games before arriving at the Wildcats. But Cotton claims the Wildcats were pushing him for an answer only days after hed touched down in Puerto Rico for a brief off-season stint at Mets de Guaynabo. At that point, Im pretty sure the (NBL) grand final was still going on, Melbourne playing Illawarra, Cotton said. I had my agent tell them, Look, honestly, giving yall within the next two or three days after Id gotten to Puerto Rico, that shits not enough time for me to make a decision. Like not being no cocky or no arrogant shit, but I just had one of the greatest seasons in NBL history, and Im a free agent for the first time in forever. It couldnt have been a better time. It left Cotton feeling there was only one option, to leave the Wildcats, telling the club: I want to test free agency. So if you guys feel like you want to move on, I understand, but that (two or thee days) is not enough time for me to make a decision. Wildcats owner Mark Arena has subsequently defended the Wildcats, telling NBL Now that the club did everything we possibly could to sign (Cotton) with the time frame we had. But the Wildcats had eight other players hitting free agency, including key men Keanu Pinder and Dylan Windler, so felt they needed an answer on their talismans future. We didnt want to end up in a position where we were waiting and waiting and waiting (for an answer from Cotton) and we were at a point where other players perhaps started looking elsewhere, Arena said. Its a massive decision, a horrible decision we had to make, which was wait longer and risk the whole squad and our success, or make the hard call and move on and build a roster with plenty of time to do that that can win a championship. Cotton insisted he remained close with the Wildcats playing roster and his final coach, John Rillie. Im happy theres not beef between me and JR, its all love. We spoke after the decision with Adelaide was made as well. Its all good, Cotton said. AAP Tasmanian Jacqui Lambie has retained her Senate seat after speculation she could lose it to One Nation candidate Lee Hanson, who entered the race only in April after urging from her mother and party leader, Pauline Hanson. Two of the six Tasmanian Senate spots were in doubt for weeks, leaving Lambie in limbo alongside Lee Hanson, Labors Bailey Falls, and the Liberal Partys Richard Colbeck. Senator Jacqui Lambie. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Despite Lambies return, Labor is likely to negotiate with either the Greens or Coalition in the Senate, as support from either group would be enough for the government to pass legislation, diminishing the power that independents and minor parties have in the upper house. Other candidates to win Tasmanian Senate spots include Labors Carol Brown and Richard Dowling, Liberals Claire Chandler and Colbeck, and Greens senator Nick McKim. Hanson missed out. Labors longest-serving foreign minister has called on the Albanese government to sanction Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and recognise Palestinian statehood within weeks, a move he said could help resuscitate stalled efforts to achieve a two-state solution. Gareth Evans, a Labor luminary who served as foreign minister from 1988 to 1996, rejected claims by pro-Israel voices within Labor that recognising a Palestinian state would reward Hamass terror attacks of October 7, 2023. Former Labor minister Gareth Evans. France and Saudi Arabia will co-host a high-profile meeting at the United Nations from June 17-20 aimed at creating momentum for a two-state solution, and which some nations, including France, may use to officially recognise Palestinian statehood. Australias top representative to the United Nations, James Larsen, raised speculation of an imminent shift by saying in a speech on Monday night that a two-state solution was the only hope for ending the cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. To pursue costs from the third parties, Deemings team flagged its intention to seek subpoenas for Pesuttos communications with his donors. Loading Without those gifts, Mr Pesutto would not have been able to defend the proceedings or continue with his defence of the proceedings, particularly in the exhaustive manner he did, George wrote in the letter to MinterEllison, which is representing Pesutto, as first reported by The Australian. Kennett told The Age he held no concerns about the legal threat and that he had only given a token donation to Pesutto last year to show his support for the then-leader. But he said he was deeply disappointed and angry for the thousands of volunteers who give their time to the Liberal Party and for MPs Crozier and Southwick. Im not sure the party room will ever get over this, Kennett said. I am deeply concerned about the way they are conducting themselves and what I would call the lack of clear leadership in resolving this matter. Two sources unable to speak publicly said a senior member of the Hawthorn electorate conference formally wrote to the partys administrative committee on Wednesday to seek support for Pesutto, including through a loan, to protect the seat from a byelection. Defending Hawthorn would cost the Liberal Party upwards of $500,000. Office bearers at the administrative committee were having a regular meeting on Wednesday night and expected the matter to be raised. However, the full administrative committee would need to approve any support, and no meeting has been scheduled to do so. A crowdfunding page set up to help the former Liberal leader pay the legal costs has so far received more than $185,000, and Pesutto has separately secured about $500,000. But attempts to get the Liberal Party or its investment arm, the Cormack Foundation, to financially contribute have so far been unsuccessful. Southwick, who was Pesuttos deputy, told reporters the former leader was a fighter and needed to remain a strong local member for Hawthorn. The real enemy is the Labor government I dont get distracted by that. I dont think any of us should get distracted by that. It does annoy me. It frustrates me when people play other games and get involved in other things from all sides of politics, Southwick said. Loading Current Opposition Leader Brad Battin, who took over the role from Pesutto in December of last year, rejected that it would be a failure of his leadership if the matter were not resolved with Pesutto remaining in parliament. Theres some things that will be within my control and not within my control, and Im working towards the things that are in my control, Battin said. You cant go to bed worrying about the things you cant control. Battin insisted the party room was united but encouraged MPs to stick on message. He has refused to go into any confidential conversations but said he hoped to take the full team to the 2026 election, though Pesutto supporters doubted his commitment to finding a solution. Grugeon, the developer who bankrolled Deemings case, questioned why Pesuttos wealthy backers werent stepping in if they wanted to spare him from bankruptcy. The whole thing could be settled within a day, Grugeon told The Age on Wednesday. He said Pesuttos supporters were now attempting to shift the blame on Battin. He never made the mess. In a statement, Deeming said there were no lawsuits against anyone other than Pesutto and that it appeared he had run the case without the necessary money. The letter simply seeks to understand who aided him to do so because I may have to seek cost recovery through them. Being a lawyer, John knew better than anyone the legal and financial risks in refusing to apologise and retract his defamatory claims against me, she said. His defences failed, I won my case, and he agreed to pay my costs last year. Time has progressed, but he still has 21 days from Friday to pay. He also still enjoys the ongoing public support of at least three powerful multi-millionaire backers who can easily afford to pay it. Nine, the publisher of this masthead, sought costs from billionaire Kerry Stokes in its defamation victory against Ben Roberts-Smith after arguing Australian Capital Equity and the Seven Network controlled Roberts-Smiths litigation. Pesuttos internal supporters argue that the donations in that case are distinct from the donations Pesutto received. They view drawing more of the party into Deemings costs recovery as untenable and an existential threat to the party. Pesutto told reporters that those named by Deemings solicitors had provided in the scheme of things, relatively modest amounts of donations. Baillieu, Crozier, Gillies and Boffa have been contacted for comment. Fitzherbert and Napthine declined to comment. The distribution hub outside Gazas southernmost city of Rafah which is under full Israeli army control had been opened the day before by the GHF, which has been slated by Israel to take over aid operations. Loading The UN and other humanitarian organisations have rejected the new system, saying it wont be able to meet the needs of the population and allows Israel to use food as a weapon to control the population. They have also warned of the risk of friction between Israeli troops and people seeking supplies. Palestinians have become desperate for food after nearly three months of an Israeli blockade that has pushed Gaza to the brink of famine. Palestinians at the scene told AP that small numbers of people made their way to the GHF centre on Tuesday morning and received food boxes. As word spread, large numbers of men, women and children walked for several kilometres from the sprawling tent camps along Gazas Mediterranean coast. To reach the hub, they had to pass through nearby Israeli military positions. By the afternoon, hundreds of thousands were massed at the hub. Videos seen by Reuters some of which could not immediately be verified showed lines of people walking through a wired-off corridor and into a large open field where aid was stacked. Later, images shared on social media showed large parts of the fence torn down as people jostled their way onto the site. Two people said each person was searched and had their faces scanned for identification before being allowed to receive the boxes. Crowds swelled and turmoil erupted, with people tearing down fences and grabbing boxes. The staff at the site were forced to flee, they said. The AP journalist positioned some distance away heard gunfire and rounds of tank fire. Smoke could be seen rising from where one round impacted. He saw a military helicopter overhead firing flares. There was no order, the people rushed to take, there was shooting, and we fled, Hosni Abu Amra, who had been waiting to receive aid, said. We fled without taking anything that would help us get through this hunger. It was chaos, Ahmed Abu Taha said, adding he heard gunfire and saw Israeli military aircraft overhead. People were panicked. Crowds were seen running from the site. A few managed to secure aid boxes containing basic items like sugar, flour, pasta and tahini but the vast majority left empty-handed. A UN spokesperson called images of the incident heartbreaking. Palestinians heading to receive food and humanitarian aid packages in Rafah on Tuesday. Credit: AP In a statement, GHF said that because of the large number of Palestinians seeking aid, staff at the hub followed the groups safety protocols and fell back to allow them to dissipate, then later resumed operations. A spokesperson for the group told the AP that no shots were fired from GHF. Speaking on condition of anonymity in line with the groups rules, the spokesperson said the protocols aimed at avoiding loss of life, which is exactly what happened. In a separate development, Israel carried out airstrikes on Wednesday on the international airport in Yemens capital, Sanaa, destroying the last plane belonging to the countrys flagship carrier. The strikes came after Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired several missiles at Israel in recent days, without causing casualties. The Israeli military said it destroyed aircraft used by the rebels. It was not immediately clear if anyone was killed or wounded in the strikes. Israel and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said without providing evidence that Hamas, Gazas dominant militant group, had tried to block civilians from reaching the aid distribution centre in Rafah. Hamas denied the accusation. The real cause of the delay and collapse in the aid distribution process is the tragic chaos caused by the mismanagement of the same company operating under the Israeli occupations administration in those buffer zones, Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, said. This has led to thousands of starving people, under the pressure of siege and hunger, storming distribution centres and seizing food, during which Israeli forces opened fire. GHF uses armed private contractors to guard the hubs and the transportation of supplies. The hub is also close to Israeli military positions in the Morag Corridor, a band of territory across the breadth of Gaza that divides Rafah from the rest of the territory. Israels three-month long blockade has pushed Gaza to the brink of famine. Credit: AP GHF has set up four hubs around Gaza to distribute food, two of which began operating on Monday both of them in the Rafah area. By late afternoon on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST), GHF said it had distributed about 8000 food boxes, equivalent to about 462,000 meals. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein wrote on X that 8000 food packages were delivered to Palestinians on Tuesday, the first day of what he described as an American initiative. Some of the recipients showed the content of the packages, which included some rice, flour, canned beans, pasta, olive oil, biscuits and sugar. Palestinians open a box containing food and humanitarian aid. Credit: AP The UN and other humanitarian groups have refused to participate in GHFs system, saying it violates humanitarian principles. They say it can be used by Israel to forcibly displace the population by requiring them to move near the few distribution hubs or else face starvation a violation of international law. They have also opposed the use of facial recognition to vet recipients. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the turmoil at the Rafah centre, saying, There was some loss of control momentarily happily we brought it under control. He repeated that Israel planned to move Gazas entire population to a sterile zone at the southern end of the territory while troops fight Hamas elsewhere. Israel has said the new system is necessary because it claims Hamas has been siphoning off supplies that reach Gaza. The UN has denied that any significant diversion takes place. Throughout the war, the UN and other aid groups have conducted a massive operation distributing food, medicine and other supplies to wherever Palestinians are located. Israel says GHF will replace that network, but the past week has allowed a trickle of aid to enter Gaza for the UN to distribute. COGAT, the Israeli military agency in charge of co-ordinating aid, said on Tuesday that 400 trucks of supplies, mainly food, were waiting on the Gaza side of the main crossing from Israel, but that the UN had not collected them. It said Israel had extended the times for collection and expanded the routes that the UN could use inside Gaza. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office OCHA, told reporters in Geneva that agencies struggle to pick up the supplies because of the insecure routes that are being assigned to us by the Israeli authorities to use. He said the amount of aid allowed the past week was vastly insufficient. More than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels air and ground war, Gaza health authorities say. The war was launched following a cross-border Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, that killed some 1200 people and saw 251 taken hostage into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. AP, Reuters In November, when Succession creator Jesse Armstrong got the idea for his caustic new movie, Mountainhead, he knew he wanted to do it fast. He wrote the script, about grandiose, nihilistic tech oligarchs holed up in a mountain mansion in Utah, in January and February, as a very similar set of oligarchs was coalescing behind Donald Trumps inauguration. Then he shot the film, his first, over five weeks this spring. It premieres Sunday on HBO an astonishingly compressed timeline. With events cascading so quickly that last year often feels like another era, Armstrong wanted to create what he called, when I spoke to him last week, a feeling of nowness. Hes succeeded. Much of the pleasure of Mountainhead is in the lens it offers on our preposterous nightmare world. I spend a lot of my time saucer-eyed with horror at the rapid degeneration of the United States, agog at the terrifying power amassed by Silicon Valley big shots who sound like stoned Bond villains. No one, I suspect, can fully process the cavalcade of absurdities and atrocities that make up each days news cycle. But art can help; its not fun to live in a dawning age of techno-feudalism, but it is satisfying to see it channelled into comedy. Steve Carell plays tech titan Randy in Mountainhead. In Mountainhead, three billionaires gather at the modernist vacation home of a friend, a Silicon Valley hanger-on they call Souper, short for soup kitchen, because hes a mere centimillionaire. One of the billionaires, the manic, juvenile Venis the richest man in the world has just released new content tools on his social media platform that make it easier than ever to create deepfakes of ordinary people. Suddenly, people all over the world are making videos of their enemies committing rapes or desecrating sacred sites, and any prevailing sense of reality collapses. Internecine violence turns into apocalyptic global instability. Its not a far-fetched premise. Facebook posts accusing Muslims of rape have already helped fuel a genocide in Myanmar, and tools like those that Venis unleashes seem more likely to be months than years away. Washington: US President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin was playing with fire by refusing to engage in ceasefire talks with Kyiv as Moscows forces made gains in Ukraines north-east. With his frustration increasing, Trump has lashed out at Putin as Russia hits Ukraine with some of the three-year-old wars deadliest drone and missile attacks while not moving forward on ceasefire efforts. Donald Trump warned of really bad things for Russia. Credit: AP What Vladimir Putin doesnt realise is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened in Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire, Trump said in a Truth Social post on Wednesday (AEST). The president, who prides himself on having friendly relations with Putin, did not elaborate. June in Buffalo marks 50th anniversary June in Buffalo, the annual, world-renowned new music festival and conference dedicated to emerging composers, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year with a powerful lineup of senior composers, resident ensembles and special guests. The festival, presented by the Department of Music and the Center for 21st Century Music, will take place June 1-7 on the UB North Campus, with a concluding event on June 7 at Silo City. Jonathan Golove, associate professor music, serves as artistic director of June in Buffalo, continuing the festivals mission of fostering innovation and mentorship in new music. Founded in 1975 by composer Morton Feldman, the festival has become a premier destination for emerging and established composers, performers and scholars of new music. Over the past five decades, June in Buffalo has hosted an extraordinary roster of composers who have shaped the course of music in our time including Feldman, John Cage, Luciano Berio, Elliott Carter, Gyorgy Ligeti, Steve Reich, Pauline Oliveros, Charles Wuorinen, Joan Tower, David Lang, Julia Wolfe and Kaija Saariaho, among many others. For its golden anniversary season, the festival welcomes another distinguished lineup of senior composers: Peter Gilbert, George Lewis, Karola Obermuller, David Sanford and Ming Tsao. Resident ensembles include Meridian Arts Ensemble, Slee Sinfonietta and [Switch~Ensemble]. Participating as special guests this year are UB faculty members Tiffany Du Mouchelle, soprano, and Eric Huebner, pianist and music department chair, and saxophonist Kyle Hutchins. The final day of the festival on June 7 concludes with a special event at 6pm at Silo City featuring a series of short new works for mixed ensemble composed by eight UB PhD composition students. These works, performed by the acclaimed Metropolis Ensemble, are uniquely inspired by the extraordinary acoustic environment of the abandoned grain silo at Marine Terminal A. One of the compositions will be selected by the producers of the PBS television series Songs About Buildings and Moodsto be featured in an upcoming episode that includes footage of Silo City. June in Buffalo is free and open to the public. Events include lectures and workshops led by the world-renowned faculty composers and guest artists, professional presentations on the latest trends and techniques in contemporary music, participant forums and open rehearsals, and afternoon and evening concerts by faculty composers, resident ensembles and internationally acclaimed soloists. The schedule is forthcoming and will be posted on the festivals website. Des barges de 150 metres demantelees, des dizaines dembarcations reduites en cendres : la region de lEst mene une offensive sans precedent contre lexploitation miniere illegale dans les cours deau, a appris cameroun24. Baptisee Eaux Claires , cette operation vise a eradiquer une pratique pourtant interdite depuis 2019, mais qui persiste au mepris des risques environnementaux et sanitaires. ? Une exploitation miniere hors norme et hors la loi Le gouverneur Gregoire Mvongo laffirme : Nous avons saisi des embarcations a plusieurs etages, de 100 a 150 metres de long . Des installations flottantes geantes, temoins de lindustrialisation clandestine de lorpaillage dans les rivieres de lEst. ? Pourquoi une telle interdiction ? Pollution massive : Mercure, cyanure et autres produits toxiques deverses dans leau. Mercure, cyanure et autres produits toxiques deverses dans leau. Degradation des ecosystemes : Disparition des poissons, contamination des sols. Disparition des poissons, contamination des sols. Sante publique en danger : Maladies hydriques, eaux impropres a la consommation. ?? La loi face aux realites economiques Si linterdiction date de 2019, lorpaillage illegal prospere, alimente par : ? La pauvrete et le chomage des jeunes. ? La demande internationale en or et minerais. ? La corruption et la faible surveillance des zones reculees. ? Loperation Eaux Claires : Une solution durable ? ? Bonne nouvelle : Les autorites agissent enfin, avec des saisies et destructions massives. ?? Defi persistant : Sans alternatives economiques, les orpailleurs pourraient revenir. Certaines rivieres de lEst sont tellement polluees que leau nest plus potable depuis des annees. Orpaillage illegal Cameroun, operation Eaux Claires, pollution rivieres Est, exploitation miniere interdite, mercure dans leau Cameroun, gouverneur Gregoire Mvongo, environnement Cameroun ?? "Operation Clear Waters": Cameroons Eastern Region Cracks Down on Illegal River Mining Barges up to 150 meters long dismantled, dozens of boats set ablaze: Cameroons Eastern region has launched an unprecedented crackdown on illegal river mining. Dubbed "Operation Clear Waters", this offensive targets a practice banned since 2019, yet still thriving despite severe environmental and health risks. ? A Mining Industry Gone Rogue Governor Gregoire Mvongo revealed: "We seized multi-level boats, some 100 to 150 meters long." These floating giants expose the alarming scale of illegal gold mining in Eastern Cameroons rivers. ? Why was it banned? Toxic pollution : Mercury, cyanide, and other chemicals dumped into waterways. Mercury, cyanide, and other chemicals dumped into waterways. Ecosystem collapse : Fish stocks depleted, soil contaminated. Fish stocks depleted, soil contaminated. Public health crisis : Waterborne diseases, undrinkable water. ?? Law vs. Economic Realities Despite the 2019 ban, illegal mining persists, fueled by: ? Poverty and youth unemployment. ? Global demand for gold and minerals. ? Corruption and weak enforcement in remote areas. ? Will "Operation Clear Waters" Succeed? ? Progress : Mass seizures and destruction of equipment send a strong message. ?? Ongoing challenge : Without economic alternatives, miners may return. Some Eastern rivers are so polluted that water has been undrinkable for years. Illegal mining Cameroon, Operation Clear Waters, river pollution East Cameroon, banned mining activities, mercury contamination Cameroon, Governor Gregoire Mvongo, Cameroon environment Mouahna Divine A MOTHER whose daughter was born with a rare genetic condition has written and illustrated a childrens book to help celebrate difference. Sarah Gannon, an occupational therapist living in Co Kilkenny, drew inspiration for her book, Just See Me: seeing beyond difference, from her seven-year-old daughter Ciara, who has Charge syndrome and is deafblind. Sarah (39), who has more than 17 years experience working with children with disabilities, said she wanted to write the book to educate people and encourage them to see beyond differences. Charge syndrome has lots of different areas of difference, my daughter has got a visual and a hearing impairment, so shes deafblind and shes other bits going on with that, like a cleft lip and palate, said Sarah. She also has cardiac issues and is fed via peg tube. Shes got autism and shes got an intellectual disability. Despite her medical needs, Mrs Gannon said Ciara is a regular little girl who wants to play and engage with other children. In her career, Mrs Gannon has always been passionate about encouraging inclusion and reducing discrimination against children and adults with disabilities. Since having Ciara, she said she has felt compelled to try to reduce peoples fear of disability. The book is just a little poem about seeing beyond her differences and seeing her for her strengths and her abilities and her potential, she said. The illustrations are brightly coloured and hopefully interesting to kids with visual and hearing impairments. All proceeds from the book will go towards the Anne Sullivan Foundation, Irelands national charity which supports people who are deafblind. Sarah Gannon with her husband Ian and two children Ciara and David (Sarah Gannon/PA) Sarah stressed the importance of linking up with other parents in the same position as she reflected on her experience as a parent of a child with a disability. It can be very isolating and very lonely as a parent of a child with additional needs because you feel like youre the only one in that boat, she said. You have to become the expert in your own child, particularly when theres a rare condition. You have to educate the educators and the professionals because theyve probably never heard of it. Other people dont get it, really, they dont, and thats partially what the book is trying to do, help them get it a bit more. Ciara celebrated her seventh birthday on Sunday and Mrs Gannon said she and husband Ian are feeling optimistic about their daughters future. Wed be quite sad around her birthday usually because, of course, its a reminder of where she should be as a seven-year-old and where shes not. And that can be tricky sometimes, she said. But this year, for the first year, were feeling more optimistic and hopeful as shes made huge gains in the last year, and a lot of that is thanks to school. Her communication and speech is really improving and shes very happy with life. Just See Me: seeing beyond difference by Sarah Gannon is available now, published by Austin Macauley at 11.60. Gordon Deegan A 76-year old County Clare man has pleaded guilty to assisting in the unlawful entry into the State in March of last year of a 22 -year old woman he met online. At Ennis Circuit Court on Tuesday, Roger Bishop pleaded guilty to assisting the unlawful entry into the State offence at T1 at Dublin airport on March 1st, 2024, which is contrary to 6.1 of the Criminal Justice Smuggling of Persons Act 2021. Mr Bishop was only returned to trial from the district court for the offence in April and entered his early plea of guilty on Tuesday to the offence. Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (Instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that the plea to the single count is acceptable to the DPP on a full facts basis. Ms Comerford said that a nolle prosequi will be entered in relation to a second charge - and this is where the State will not be proceeding with that charge. Counsel for Mr Bishop, Kenneth Kerins BL (instructed by solicitor, Colum Doherty) asked that the legal aid certificate be granted to cover a GPs report for the sentencing hearing and Judge Francis Comerford granted the application. In March, Judge Grainne Malone declined district court jurisdiction after hearing an outline of the facts in court from Det Garda Karen Barker from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Declining jurisdiction, Judge Malone said: I appreciate that it is somewhat marginal but in all of the circumstances particularly the age discrepancy between the two and the element of preparing a fraudulent ID card I am refusing jurisdiction. Giving an outline of the facts, Det Garda Barker stated that on March 1st, 2024, Mr Bishop travelled to Turkey where he met a female. She said: He purchased tickets and a French ID card and assisted her in travelling to Dublin airport where he presented his passport and the French ID card with her details on it and gained entry. Dt Garda Barker said: It was subsequently found that the French ID card was false in the name of the female. She is 22. The nationality of the woman was not disclosed in court. Asked by Judge Malone how did Mr Bishop come to meet the woman who is 53 years younger than him, Det Barker said: They were in an online relationship. Asked by Judge Malone where is she now, Det Garda Barker said: She subsequently claimed asylum. She attempted to leave the jurisdiction in May-June and Luxembourg returned her back to Dublin airport on the false French ID card she had gained entry with previously. Asked by Judge Malone did Mr Bishop stand to make any financial gain, Det Barker said: No judge - she was culpable. She wanted to come to Ireland and she got in a relationship. He basically thought he was in a relationship with her but when she arrived here, it didnt go to plan. Det Garda Barker said that it wouldnt be one of the more serious cases we have dealt with. Det Garda Barker said that the DPP had directed that the case be dealt with in the district court. Judge Malone said that the DPP has the benefit of all of the papers in this case but said that she was refusing jurisdiction. Judge Comerford remanded Mr Bishop on bail to Ennis Circuit Court to May 30th to fix a date for sentence. Eoin Reynolds Earlier on the day that Jozef Puska murdered Ashling Murphy, he was "a bit sad" and seemed like he had a "problem he didn't want to share with anyone," the Central Criminal Court has heard. Lubomir Puska jnr (38) told gardai two days after the murder that his brother, Jozef Puska, was "not in a good mood" and the family became concerned when he left that afternoon and didn't return. He said he didn't see his brother again that day. Two days after that first statement, Lubomir jnr returned to Tullamore Garda Station and apologised for lying. He said he had, in fact, seen Jozef again that night, soon after 9pm. He said Jozef arrived at the house they shared in Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, just outside Tullamore, looking like he had been beaten up. The trial previously heard that Jozef Puska has been convicted of murdering Ms Murphy, a 23-year-old schoolteacher, on January 12th, 2022. Ms Murphy was exercising by the canal near Tullamore when Jozef Puska stabbed her repeatedly in the neck. Jozef, Lubomir jnr and another brother, Marek (36), lived at the house in Lynally Grove with their wives Viera Gaziova (38) and Jozefina Grundzova (31) and 14 children. Lubomir Puska jnr and Marek Puska are accused of withholding information that was crucial to the investigation into Ms Murphy's murder in January 2022. Marek Puska (L) and Lubomir Puska (R) are accused of withholding information that was crucial to the investigation into Ashling Murphy's murder in January 2022. Photos: Collins Ms Grundzova and Ms Gaziova, are accused of impeding Jozef Puska's apprehension or prosecution by burning the clothes he wore when he murdered Ms Murphy. Each accused has pleaded not guilty. On Tuesday, Det Gda Joanne O'Sullivan told prosecution senior counsel Sean Gillane that Lubomir jnr made voluntary statements at Tullamore Garda Station on January 14th and 16th, 2022. In his first statement, Lubomir jnr said he first saw his brother in the early afternoon that day. He seemed "a bit sad, not in a good mood," Lubomir jnr said. He added: "He seemed to me like a person who doesn't want anyone to know what is biting him inside. Some kind of problem he didn't want to share with anyone." Lubomir jnr left the house at about 11.30, and he said he didn't see his brother again. In his second statement, after Lubomir jnr apologised for lying, he said that when Jozef arrived home on the night of the 12th, it looked like he had been struck on the forehead. When Jozef complained of a pain in the stomach, Lubomir jnr said he looked and saw three lacerations on his brother's abdomen. Jozef insisted that nothing had happened, Lubomir jnr said, and didn't say where he had been. He said their parents arrived a short time later and took Jozef to their home in Dublin. When gardai asked why he had not told the truth in his previous statement, he said: "It felt strange to tell on my brother. I never had to do it before." He said he came back to tell the truth, adding: "I feel better now that I told the truth. I feel better now." The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of seven men and five women. Fiona Magennis A paedophile who raped one of his daughters while she was pregnant has failed in a bid to overturn his conviction for repeatedly sexually abusing her sister when the child was aged between seven and 12. Oliver Berry abused his daughter Sharon up to three times a week and also subjected the child to physical violence. She ran away from home when she was 12 years old. Berry, of Newtown Lawns, Mullingar, had pleaded not guilty to 25 counts of indecent assault relating to Sharon Berry between 1980 and 1986, but was convicted following a trial in June 2023. He was handed a seven-year sentence by Ms Justice Patricia Ryan on July 25th, 2023, to run consecutive to a prison term he was already serving for the sexual abuse of another of his daughters, Jennifer Berry. The 68-year-old was previously jailed for 10 years in 2018, after a Central Criminal Court jury convicted him of 104 counts of both raping and sexually assaulting Jennifer between December 1982 and December 1994. She was aged between seven and 19 at the time. This sentence was subsequently increased by three years following a successful appeal by the State. That trial heard he raped Jennifer throughout her pregnancy and while her two-week-old baby was in the same room. Berry maintained his innocence after the trial, and Ms Berry's mother, who has since separated from Berry, supported him and gave evidence in his defence during the trial. Berry had appealed his conviction, arguing that the trial judge had made an error in ruling that the complainant was competent to give evidence. It was further argued that the judge had erred in not permitting a competency hearing in respect of Ms Berry and in setting limits on the extent to which she could be cross-examined. Dismissing his appeal on Tuesday, against his conviction for abusing Sharon, Ms Justice Tara Burns said none of the appellant's grounds of appeal had been upheld. Ms Justice Burns noted that the proceedings had a protracted history. She said several trials ended with a discharge of the jury or an adjournment after queries were raised about the victims capacity to give evidence. Further arguments arose over whether her initial complaints were reliable, having regard to a mental health issue which the victim disclosed during her evidence in the first trial. During her evidence in that trial, Ms Berry said she was under psychiatric care and was on medication. Following further investigation, the victim's medical records were disclosed. In dismissing Berrys appeal, Ms Justice Burns said the appellant received the victims medical records relating to her mental health. She said it then became a matter for him whether to instruct an expert to determine the effect on the victim, if any, of the mental health conditions referred to in her medical records. She said this could have been used to attempt to lay a foundation in respect of the competency hearing or to challenge the reliability of the victims original complaint, but this was not done. The judge said the height of the challenge was an assertion that the complainant was not competent to give evidence based on a diagnosis of schizophrenia that the victim indicated she had been informed of some time prior to August 2008. No evidence was led as to what the effect, if any, such a diagnosis could have on her ability to tell the truth, she said. In those circumstances, the trial judge did not err in declining to hold a competency hearing. Ms Justice Burns also dismissed the grounds of appeal related to the limitations put on the cross-examination, noting that the relevance of her mental health could only be from the perspective of her reliability as a witness. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. WE welcome everyone, our only objective is for peace in the Middle East and for the genocide to stop. So stated Edward Byrne, a member of Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Carlow branch), as the group vows to maintain its weekly vigil in Carlow town centre calling for an end to the slaughter in Gaza. The group has intensified its call for meaningful engagement from Oireachtas members and MEPs and in recent weeks has written to all TDs in Carlow/Kilkenny posing a series of questions and urging them to take a stance. The ongoing violations of human rights and international law necessitate a revaluation of our stance and actions regarding Israels policies and practices, said a group spokesperson. It is imperative that Oireachtas members take a definitive stance on these pressing issues. We held a brief protest outside Jennifer Murnane OConnors office in Carlow and handed in the questionnaire we ask for meaningful engagement and for our Oireachtas members to be aware of this situation which is unfolding, stated Edward. There has been a lack of engagement, he added. Edward confirmed that the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Carlow branch) intends to email the questionnaire to all Oireachtas members in this constituency. The group holds a vigil every Tuesday night from 6.30pm to 8pm at the Liberty Tree and the overall reaction has been very positive from the people of Carlow. We welcome everyone our only objective is for peace in the Middle East and for the genocide to stop. We are solely focused on that, said Edward. He encouraged people to call in, talk to them and learn more about their objectives and stance on the issue, which include a call for a boycott of Israel. We will continue to be there, Edward stated. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authoritys board of commissioners voted to approve a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026 that reflects significant capital projects and a move to outsource professional services beyond the scope of the small staff, though the airport will take charge of more contractual services in-house. The $36.7-million budget reflects about six years of betting on growth that has now become a reality, said Vice Chair Daniel R. Jacobson. Certainly it takes investment to make things happen, Mr. Jacobson said.But, Theres ample wiggle room here, because we dont always know what the future holds, said board member Santosh Sankar.Operating expenses are $25.3 million, with 47 percent more than last year going to professional services such as consulting, lobbying, legal and accounting services.The board approved $30,000 for a one-year consulting contract with Holland & Knight as state government relations council. The firm tracks legislation, meets with legislators and commissioners in the governors cabinet, and advocates for legislation on the airports behalf.Attorney James Weaver told the board that the generational change happening now in air service at the federal level will work its way to the state level.Were going to see a lot of change, Mr. Weaver said.The airport will spend its net operating revenues of $11.4 million on capital projects ($9.7 million) and debt service ($1.5 million).Infrastructure is going to be a big investment for us this year, said Vice President of Finance and Administration Tena Keith.Construction of a second parking garage will begin this fall. Ms. Keith said the cost of the project will be split between FY26 and FY27 and funded with a mix of state and federal grants, CMAA funds and loans to be determined.Fixed-base operators, salaries and benefits make up 80 percent of the airports expenses. Rental property revenues are up 11 percent. Rental car revenues dropped 1 percent, landing at 8 percent of total revenues.Terminal restaurant renovations will be completed in August. West Side General Aviation renovations and expansion will be completed in October. Officials expect construction bids for a T-hangar and box hangar project to be submitted this fall, too.Though growth is in the airports future, board Chair James Hall urged the board to deal with whats on the plate now.We need our fans to show up, Chair Hall said to the Chattanooga community.Year over year, seat capacity will jump 37 percent in June when Spirit Airlines begins service to Fort Lauderdale, Newark and Orlando. Seat capacity will jump 40 percent in September as United Airlines adds a fourth daily flight to Chicago.Chattanooga has already celebrated new service to Las Vegas, Punta Gorda and La Guardia in the last year.Weve got a lot of seats that we need to fill, said airport President and CEO April Cameron. Our works kind of cut out for us, she said.The airport will host its third-annual air service summit in October for current and prospective air carriers. Its always a fun time to show off our city, Ms. Cameron said. Previous Next More than 120 volunteers, including nine active and retired firefighters from the Chattanooga Fire Department, have gathered in Evans, Georgia, to construct a fully accessible, mortgage-free home for retired Army Sgt. 1st Class David Mathis and his family. The build, taking place from May 18 to May 31, is organized by A Soldiers Journey Home (ASJH), a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to building homes for post-9/11 combat-injured veterans. Mathis served multiple tours in Iraq, where he sustained life-altering injuries from an improvised explosive device in 2017, resulting in the loss of both legs. His resilience and dedication to his country continue to inspire those around him. The new 2,700+ square-foot home is being tailored to ensure full accessibility, featuring widened doorways, roll-in showers, and other adaptive technologies to support Mathis's independence. The Chattanooga Fire Department volunteers participating in the build include Capt. Tyler Swindell, retired Capt. Chip ODell, Lt. Joseph Fuller, Senior Firefighter Britt Bradshaw, Senior Firefighter Mark Coffman, Senior Firefighter Derek Riley, Firefighter Jake Case, Firefighter Joshua Hixson, and retired Firefighter Adam Cannon. "Being part of this build is an honor," said Mr. Coffman. "It's our way of giving back to someone who has given so much for our country." A Soldiers Journey Home was born in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, as a way for a group of New York firefighters to give back for the support they had received from around the country in the wake of the attacks. They began by supporting a variety of disaster relief construction projects, were eventually joined by other firefighters from around the country, and have now devoted more than a decade to building mortgage-free homes specially adapted for veterans with disabilities. A Soldiers Journey Home began by responding to natural disasters, helping communities rebuild after devastating events. Our roots are in serviceanswering the call when others are in need, says Brian Fitzpatrick, president of A Soldiers Journey Home. Over time, we recognized a profound need among our nation's wounded veterans for accessible homes. This realization led us to channel our experience and dedication into building homes that honor their sacrifices and provide them with a foundation for a new chapter in life. Were a society obsessed by outward appearances. When planning to go to a special event, many people agonize over what to wear and how theyll look. On home improvement shows, the first thing prospective buyers consider is curb appeal. And those reality romance shows? Only for the beautiful or handsome. Our eyes are attracted to whatever shiny, glitzy thing comes along. But have you ever discovered how outward appearances can deceive? For instance, that person who catches everyones attention when he or she walks into a room, but if you get a chance to talk with them beyond a casual hello, you discover theyre either filled with ego or have the IQ of a mushroom. Beware of flashy diamonds that turn out to be synthetic. Over the years Ive had the opportunity to get acquainted with people who could command a speaking platform with their wit and eloquence. However, sometimes what you see isnt what you get if you have a chance to talk with them one-to-one. Stage presence doesnt always translate into personal substance. Other times Ive met people who at first didnt seem outwardly impressive, but they possessed inner qualities that drew me to them like a magnet. They serve as reminders not to judge people solely upon externals. As God told the prophet Samuel, The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Among the endearing realities of the Bible is its candor, revealing people as they truly were. Repeatedly we find examples of folks in the Bible whose outward appearance didnt align with the kinds of people they were on the inside. Recently, while reading a one-year Bible that takes the reader through the Scriptures in a calendar year, with both Old and New Testament readings, I came across two examples of how we can be deceived by outward appearances. The first was King Saul. Reading in 1 Samuel, we find the people of Israel had tired of being led by prophetic judges. Give us a king to lead us. We want a king over us, they declared to the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 8:6,19). After all, the Israelites reasoned, other nations all had kings. Why shouldnt they? So, God told Samuel to anoint a fellow named Saul, an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites a head taller than any of the others (1 Samuel 9:2). He seemed outstanding in the most literal sense. Saul had passed the look test, and initially seemed to be a humble individual. When the time came to announce the first king of Israel, were told he had hidden himself among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:22). But soon the Israelites would learn the truth of the adage, Be careful what you ask for. His reign was all downhill from there. He repeatedly ignored Gods commands given through Samuel, and when caught in his sinful disobedience, Saul was quick to cast aside fault, blaming instead the soldiers and people he was chosen to lead. He served as king of Israel for 42 years, but it was a tenure fraught with conflict, jealousy, terrible decision-making, and murder. We find a very striking contrast to Saul in the gospel of John. Its an unlikely woman Jesus Christ encountered at a well outside the Samaritan city of Sychar. Having been married five times and living with a man who was not her husband, this woman was the face of scandal. To avoid accusatory looks, she would go to the well in the midday heat, knowing no other women would be there. Topping it off, Samaritans were universally despised by Jews. And yet, Jesus a Jew chose to honor this disreputable woman with a compassionate conversation that had a surprising outcome, recorded in John 4:4-42. As she approached the well, bearing the weight not only of her water jars but also her forlorn history, Jesus asked, Will you give Me a drink? Looking up at the person speaking to her, she probably thought the Samaritan equivalent of Say what?! You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink? she responded, perhaps thinking this individual had forgotten the days cultural norms. Jesus countered with a statement that caught her attention: If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water. I suspect hearing about living water would have gotten our attention as well. As their interaction unfolded, Jesus revealed He was not only a prophet but in fact the promised Messiah to her utter amazement. Excitedly, she forgot all about getting water from the well and turned into an unwitting evangelist, rushing to tell the townspeople about the person she had just met: Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ? The upshot of this story is that many people in Sychar became believers in Christ, some through the womans testimony and others after talking with Him directly, curious because of what she had said. Isnt it interesting how an outwardly impressive man who became king could turn out to be such an adject failure, while a woman whod lived such a sorrowful life could be used by God for such a life-changing impact on many people in her community? What a powerful reminder not to limit ourselves to the first impressions people make on us. Its also encouraging to know that even if weve never been the center of attention or voted most likely to succeed, the Lord can still accomplish great things through us. * * * Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor, and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 20 books. These include Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. He writes and edits a weekly business meditation, Monday Manna, which is translated into nearly 20 languages and distributed via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for Bob's blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing will launch a new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program in fall 2025 to help meet urgent workforce needs across the region and state.The PMHNP concentration, part of UTCs Doctor of Nursing Practice program, offers two pathways: a full-time, eight-semester post-BSN track for students pursuing a doctoral degree and a five-semester post-graduate certificate for advanced practice registered nurses who already hold a masters degree.Both pathways require 1,050 hours of supervised clinical experience and prepare students to sit for national board certification.There is a mental health crisis unfolding in Tennessee and across the country, said Dr. Chris Smith, director of the UTC School of Nursing and the Universitys chief health affairs officer. We need more nurse practitioners trained not just in screening and support, but in diagnosing and managing careespecially when it comes to medication management. This program gives us the tools to help address that shortage.Dr. Smith said that the need for PMHNPs has grown steadily in recent years.Officials said, "According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, demand for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 18 percent nationally by 2030. In Tennessee, data from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services project significant shortages in nearly every behavioral health profession, including a deficit of more than 1,200 mental health counselors and approximately 800 psychiatrists."According to a Mental Health America report, Tennessee ranks 46th in the nation for mental health provider access despite being 16th in prevalence of mental illness. The disparity between need and availability is particularly stark for youth. The State of the Child 2022 report found that one in four Tennessee children has a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder, but the state ranks 47th for youth experiencing a major depressive episode who did not receive mental health services."The launch of this program is timely and essential, Dr. Smith said. Our faculty have worked hard to build something rigorous, evidence-based and responsive to the needs were seeing in primary care, emergency departments and counseling centers.Mary B. Jackson Assistant Professor Jason Peter, a dual-certified family and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, helped spearhead the new concentration. Mr. Peter practices as a mental health nurse practitioner and currently teaches mental health courses in both the traditional and accelerated undergraduate nursing programs.I have always been an advocate for clients who are underserved and who have difficulty with proper access to health care. Unfortunately, many of those patients also struggle with mental health concerns, said Mr. Peter, a two-time UTC graduate. Through this program, we want to instill that same passion in our students and give them the tools to provide meaningful care where its needed most.Mr. Peter said the PMHNP track will offer students a much deeper level of training.Right now, Im teaching BSN students who need a general understanding of mental health nursing. But this new concentration will specialize in it, he said. Itll include advanced coursework in counseling techniques, psychiatric diagnosis and psychopharmacologyeverything our students will need to become confident, well-rounded mental health providers.Being able to bring this program to UTC is overwhelming in the best way. Theres such a need in the communityand across the countryfor qualified psychiatric nurse practitioners.Dr. Amber Roache, associate professor and coordinator of UTCs nurse practitioner concentration, said the new curriculum was developed in response to a dramatic increase in mental health needs following the COVID-19 pandemic.There have always been mental health issuesdepression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophreniabut COVID really exacerbated a lot of what we were seeing, Dr. Roache said. Social isolation took a major toll, and we saw more people seeking help and asking their providers about counseling and treatment options.She said that the PMHNP role fills a unique and expanding gap in care by combining therapy and prescriptive authority.The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is able to provide the counseling, do the screenings and also prescribe the medication, Dr. Roache said. They can follow up more frequently than psychiatrists and bridge that space between what a counselor can offer and what a physician is licensed to do. Its the same kind of niche nurse practitioners have been filling for decades.The PMHNP concentration builds on UTCs expanding DNP program, which includes Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology-Acute Care tracks.Coursework will cover advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, counseling across the lifespan, group and family therapy and clinical diagnosis and management. Post-graduate certificate students complete the same clinical hours as the full DNP cohort but are not required to complete a scholarly translational research project.This concentration is different from the others we offer because it focuses exclusively on mental health across the lifespanfrom cradle to grave, Dr. Roache said.Dr. Roache also spoke about the broader impact of the PMHNP, especially for current nurse practitioners seeking to expand their scope of practice.This is just another groundbreaking program for us, she said. It gives DNP students advanced clinical and leadership training at the doctoral leveland for those earning the post-graduate certificate, it opens the door to providing care for more diverse patient populations.Its about expanding knowledge, expanding access and getting more practice-ready providers out into the community.Applications are currently being accepted for the first PMHNP DNP cohort, which will begin coursework in August. A post-graduate certificate cohort is expected to start the following academic year. The people of Chattanooga and its surrounding areas need support. Our current U.S. House of Representative, Chuck Fleischmann, is clearly not up to the task. His support of the recent Big Beautiful Bill is yet another example of how our representative has failed us. As the great people of Chattanooga go through their lives being fiscally responsible, Mr. Fleischmann supports a spending bill that puts our country deeper in debt. He has clearly put his interests and the interest of one man before the interests of Chattanoogans and the majority of this country. Mr. Fleischmann has chosen to support billionaires over those struggling with everyday expenses. Currently, there are over 300K uninsured citizens in Tennessee. That number is expected to double if this current bill remains as it is. These are the hard working, disabled, elderly people that depend on Medicaid and the ACA. Why does he favor billionaires over these people? There is an estimated 20 percent of Hamilton Countys population over age 65. Many of these people need resources like SNAP. There are many children in this county that depend on SNAP services. These seniors and children will go hungry and for what? They will go hungry so that Mr. Fleischmann can support the highest 1 percent of the population. This funding bill will trigger sequestration and mandate an estimated $535 billion in cuts to Medicare, yes Medicare. The party and the president said they would not touch Medicare. Mr. Fleischmann and his party have lied to us. Their reckless support of billionaires and cuts to seniors and children in need will cost seniors citizens services through mandated cuts in Medicare. Not only that, it is also estimated that 40 percent of rural hospitals are on the fringe of closing. Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid will likely push them over the edge and make them shudder their doors. That means farmers and others living in those rural areas will have even less healthcare than they currently have. Tennessee is already in the bottom 10 for maternity morbidity. We already have maternal deserts, areas without any healthcare for pregnant women. Now Mr. Fleischmann wants to make this scenario even worse. Why does he choose to support the rich over these people? I am all for peoples rights to own firearms. I am not sure how a silencer is needed for your defense but it is a free country and if you feel the need to have one, so be it. I am also for sensible background checks. There was a $200 tax on silencers and for some reason, that was a priority to remove. Mr. Fleischmann and the GOP chose silencers for guns over supporting senior citizens and children in need. They say we live in the Bible Belt and that the majority of us claim to believe in Christianity. Ask yourself, did Christ support the rich over the marginalized? Did Christ steal from the poor to give to the rich? Did Christ heal to sick and feed the poor? No, no, and yes. What you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me, Mathew 25:40. What was that about a camel and the eye of needle, Luke 18:25. I bring these passages up as they are in stark contrast to what Mr. Fleischmann and the GOP are giving to the good people of Chattanooga. It literally is anti or the opposite of being Christ like. It is interesting when ordinary households prepare budget and need to make cuts, they look at what is their largest expenditures and start there. Why is it that our government refuses to do the same? The U.S. spends over $900 billion per year on defense. That is larger than the next nine countries combined. It sure seems like there could be waste and abuse found somewhere in that $900 billion. As families, we might also look to see how we can increase our income. Why then do we allow loopholes and the rich pay less in percentage than everyday Americans, teachers, police, firefighters, etc...? Why don't the rich keep paying into social security? Why is it capped at $176,100? I know some may say, "Well the rich will never see a return on the money they pay in to it." Yes, that is true. But rich pay taxes for road improvements that they will never drive on as well other infrastructure that their taxes support and will never use. This is about the good of our country. A country without struggling seniors, without hungry children, without marginalized families is a country that prospers for everyone. Even the rich benefit from such a country. The people of Chattanooga need honest representation that reflects the core values of this great community. It would be one thing if Mr. Fleischmann and the GOP presented this great community with a balanced budget that required some cuts but they have not. Mr. Fleischmann and the GOP representation in the House have been measured and have been found wanting. This amounts to complete dereliction of duty. His one job is to represent us and he has failed miserably. Although I encourage you to reach out to Mr. Fleischmann, it is imperative that you reach out to our Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and express to them the need for honest representation for the good of all and not just the billionaires of the world. Scott Tatum The process to amend Tennessees Constitution is longer than passing laws into Tennessees Code. Constitutional amendments, filed as Joint Resolutions, need the approval of two General Assemblies. Once approved, it then goes to the ballot box for voters to decide. In this weeks newsletter, Id like to provide some context to a few proposed constitutional amendments coming to the ballot box next fall. Prohibiting a State Property Tax This amendment proposes changing the Tennessee State Constitution to prohibit the state from ever levying or authorizing property taxes. Local governments will still have the authority to impose property taxes. The Tennessee General Assembly repealed the state property tax in 1949 by setting the rate to 0 percent. Since then, the state has primarily relied on sales tax for revenue. Tennessee is among the lowest-taxed states in the nation and collects zero income tax. Six House Democrats voted against this amendment (Behn, Brooks, Johnson, Jones J., Pearson, Salinas). Status: The amendment received its first approval in the 113th General Assembly and its second approval this past session. Tennessee voters will decide Nov. 3, 2026. Read SJR 1 Keeping Violent Offenders in Custody The amendment will expand the offenses for which a judge can deny bail to include capital offenses, acts of terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, and grave torture. It includes people accused of any other offense that requires at least 85 percent time served. Currently, judges may only deny bail for capital offenses. The amendment does not eliminate bail; it gives a judge discretion. SJR 25 also improves transparency in Tennessees criminal justice system by requiring judges and magistrates to explain their reasoning behind allowing or denying a defendants bail. Twenty-three states have similar amendments to their constitutions allowing the denial of bail for certain offenses beyond capital offenses (National Council of State Legislators). Status: The amendment received its first approval in the 113th General Assembly and its second approval this past session. Tennessee voters will decide Nov. 3, 2026. Read SJR 25 Expanding Victims Rights This amendment would establish clear and enforceable constitutional rights for victims of crime including the rights to be heard, informed, and treated with fairness, dignity and respect through the judicial process. Named after Marsalee Nicholas, Marsys Law is part of a nationwide effort to support crime victims and prevent further trauma. Marsy was murdered in 1983 by her ex-boyfriend, who stalked and killed her while she was a student at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Marsys family ran into her murderer a week after her death on the way back from her funeral, unaware that he was released on bail. This amendment seeks to ensure traumatic experiences like this never happen to victims in TN. Status: The amendment received its first approval in the 113th General Assembly and its second approval this past session. Tennessee voters will decide Nov. 3, 2026. Full List of All Rights Granted Under Marsys Law: The right to be treated with fairness for the victim's safety and dignity. The right to reasonable notice of all public criminal proceedings and all public juvenile delinquency proceedings involving the accused. The right to be present at all public criminal and all public juvenile delinquency proceedings involving the accused. The right upon request to be heard in any proceeding involving release, plea, sentencing, disposition and parole, as well as any public proceeding when relevant. The right to be heard and informed of all parole procedures, to participate in the parole process, to provide information to the parole authority to be considered before the parole of the offender and to be notified upon request of the parole or other release of the offender. The right to be free from harassment, intimidation and abuse throughout the criminal justice system including reasonable protection as defined by the General Assembly from the accused. The right upon request to reasonable notice of any release, transfer or escape of the accused or convicted person. The right to full and timely restitution from the offender. The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence. The right to be informed of the minimum sentence the offender will serve in custody and the scheduled release date. The right to have the safety of the victim, the victim's family, and the general public considered before any parole or other post-judgment release decision is made. The right upon request to confer with the prosecution. The right to be fully informed of all rights afforded to crime victims Siskin Steel & Supply Company, Inc. is celebrating 125 years in business, marking more than a century of growth, innovation and community impact. Founded in 1900 in Chattanooga, Siskin Steel began with just a $5 investment and the determination of Robert Siskin, who started collecting and selling scrap metal to support his family. After Roberts passing in 1926, his sons, Mose and Garrison Siskin, expanded the business by selling new steel, which laid the foundation for the full-service metal supplier the company is today. Now, 125 years later, Siskin Steel offers a wide range of products, including alloy, aluminum, carbon and stainless steel, as well as comprehensive metal processing services. Siskin Steel was acquired as a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance, Inc. in 1996. Since then, the company has expanded beyond its Chattanooga roots with locations in Nashville, Louisville, Ky. and Spartanburg, S.C. It also acquired East Tennessee Steel in 2000 and Southern Steel Supply in 2023. Siskin Steels story is not only one of business success but also one of enduring service to the community. In 1950, the Siskin brothers established what is now the Siskin Childrens Institute, followed by the founding of the Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation in 1990. In 2017, the Siskin Childrens Institute presented the company with its Corporate Philanthropy Award. Siskin Steels legacy of giving continues through ongoing support and partnerships with local charitable organizations, said officials. This milestone is both a celebration of business excellence and a tribute to our companys deep commitment to family and community, said Siskin Steel President Dan Youngman. We are honored to celebrate 125 years of the Siskin Steel legacy. On April 25, 2025, an imbibing Vietnam veteran and legal eagle was enjoying the view from a balcony overlooking 8th Street where the newly relocated five star restaurant from Market Street was conducting an outdoor pre-prom party on the freshly mowed outdoor surface. The young men were appropriately clad in suits/tuxedos and their ladies for the event were lovely in their gowns. The graduating seniors from some of Gig Citys most prestigious institutions of learning were celebrating with their companions at the end of the school year. Across the Inner City, at the base of Missionary Ridge on Derby Street, a similar event was being held at Orange Grove Center in the cafeteria appropriately named The Royal Prom. 399 clients, volunteers, parents, and onlookers enjoyed the events and reveled in the festivities of the evening. In an article, Orange Grove Center Hosts Royal Prom for Individuals with IDD on May 2, 2025 in the Living Well section, a well written article described the physical decorations, the magical atmosphere, and music played by KZ 106.5 classic rock disc jockey, Max Templeton, from 6:00-9:00 PM. The use of the term IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) erroneously suggests and understates the setting enjoyed by all in attendance. The fast and slow dance music from the 1960s-1980s era produced dance floor participants on walkers, in wheel chairs, or just the steady support of a volunteer, parent, or fellow client. The combined conglomerate of those present included the poor, the wealthy, black, white, and other minorities that were part of the happy crowd. The student volunteers, faculty representatives from local high schools, and Miss Teen Chattanooga, contributed to the success of the evening. No disrespect is intended towards those young people that attended the party and dance at Prom Number 1. However, those attending Prom Number 2 represent the microcosm goal of what Chattanooga/Hamilton County/Tennessee/America should strive to become. (The only missing ingredient was an ample supply of Kleenex tissue to compensate for the indoor pollen problem of those first time attendees and supporters.) A woman who had sued Massage Envy Hamilton Place, saying she found she had been filmed while undressed, has dropped her suit in Circuit Court. The complaint was filed by local attorney Robin Flores against Massage Envy Hamilton Place franchisor Goodyear Enterprises and it was dismissed late last week. Mr. Flores filed the suit on behalf of Cierra Shauntae Davenport. Legal counsel for Goodyear Enterprises, LLC, Massage Envy Hamilton Place franchisee, filed a response to the civil complaint filed against them by Mr. Flores. In the response, counsel noted the efforts undertaken beginning in September 2024 and in the ensuing months to provide information to law enforcement and additional actions taken by Goodyear Enterprises to protect present and future clients. On Sept. 23, the day the franchisee was made aware of the actions by Kenneth Spears to video a client, Brooke Goodyear, took immediate actions. She confronted Spears, and he admitted creating the video. She terminated him immediately, reported him to the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board and reported him to the Chattanooga Police Department. In January, law enforcement shared that there were more than two videos and sought the assistance of the franchisee. They specifically asked the franchisee to assist by identifying individuals in the videos by cross referencing cell phone date stamps with appointment times. They also requested the franchisee to not publicly disclose the existence of additional videos, including the identity of those on the recordings. The franchisee complied with the Chattanooga Police Departments requests throughout the investigation. Spears was licensed by the State of Tennessee. No criminal issues showed up in his initial and annual background checks and no known disciplinary actions had ever been reported on his record. The married defendant held prominent positions in his church, including work with the childrens ministry. He was a highly requested therapist at the spa, with a number of his clients coming as referrals from other clients, said officials. Conditions of his employment included annual training noting rules that cellphones and electronic devices are banned in treatment rooms and that videos and photography are prohibited. Spears signed the documents acknowledging such rules as a condition of employment. The response notes that Spears knew his responsibilities as a licensed massage therapist and the nature of his intentional actions. Ms. Goodyear followed state regulations, licensing requirements and training methods, and also took swift and immediate action when the actions of Spears were made known, said officials. The order of dismissal was approved on Wednesday. The U.S. Department of the Interior building is seen in Washington, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Home News 5 things to know about the suspect charged with Israeli Embassy murders Several nonprofit and political organizations sought to distance themselves from a man suspected of killing two Israeli Embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. last week. Police say 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago opened fire on a group of four people outside an event at the museum hosted by the American Jewish Committee, striking two of them fatally at close range. The Israeli Embassy identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who have been described in the media as a "young couple about to be engaged." Investigators believe the attack appeared to be politically motivated after Rodriguez reportedly shouted "free, free Palestine!" while in custody. Authorities recovered the firearm soon after. Here's what we know so far about Elias Rodriguez. Home News Pastor Jamal Bryant protests Targets DEI rollback on anniversary of George Floyds death Megachurch Pastor Jamal Bryant led a prayerful protest outside a Target store in Conyers, Georgia, on Sunday to mark the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's killing by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while pushing a national boycott of the retail chain over its decision to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. "Five years ago, the CEO of Target said George Floyd could have been one of his employees and, with no pressure, made a pledge of $2 billion," Bryant, who leads New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, said during the protest, according to Black Press USA. "To see mega-companies now walk away from diversity, equity, and inclusion is a stark contrast from where we were five years ago." 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. 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 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. 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. Bryant's protest, which was supported nationwide by 67 churches, lasted 9 minutes and 29 seconds, which was confirmed as the official amount of time Chauvin, who was convicted of murder, knelt on Floyd's neck. "The exact amount of time that Derek Chauvin applied pressure to George Floyd's neck, we are applying pressure through prayer," Bryant said, according to 11 Alive. Laretta Wright, a protester at the demonstration, echoed Bryant's statement, calling for Target to be held accountable. "If you've made a promise or a commitment to the people, that's all we ask that you follow through," Wright told Black Press USA. "Don't fall back and tell us to go back because we ain't going back. We're going forward." Bryant's protest at Target comes after he rejected an offer by the company last month to settle the DEI dispute by fulfilling its pledge to invest $2 billion in black-owned businesses by July 31. That rejection also 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." "The people are speaking, and they are speaking with a loud and clear voice. We are sick of the attacks on diversity equity and inclusion. And we're using our dollars to send a message," Gerald Griggs, president of the Georgia NAACP, told 11 Alive. Responding to the protest on Sunday, Target said in a statement to 11Alive that the company is committed to catering to everyone. "Target is absolutely dedicated to fostering inclusivity for everyone our team members, our guests and our supply partners. Today, we are proud of the progress we've made since 2020 and believe it has allowed us to better serve the needs of our customers," the statement said. "In the last five years, we have: committed to invest $2 billion in black-owned businesses and brands within five years; supported students at over 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); invested $100 million to black-led community organizations; given scholarships to over 30,000 members of our team to advance their careers; committed 5% of our profits to the communities we operate in; volunteered millions of hours to organizations across the country and created meaningful opportunities for our team members to thrive both personally and professionally," it continued. "Going forward, we're committed to expanding opportunity by supporting small businesses, increasing access to education, and creating the best team to serve the more than 2,000 communities where Target operates." 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 hasn't commented on why he is only focusing the boycott's attention on Target. Home News President Trump will reportedly announce a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire 'in the coming days U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to declare a ceasefire in Gaza within the coming days, according to a Sky News Arabic report on Monday morning. The report cited anonymous sources familiar with United States-led negotiations, which are reportedly being led by Palestinian-American mediator, Bashara Bahbah. The Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese news channel Al-Mayadeen reported that both Israel and Hamas are currently evaluating the proposal, which it said was developed in cooperation with and with the approval of Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy to the Middle East. On Sunday, Trump told reporters that he wanted to try to end the war. 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 want to see if we can stop the fighting, he said, adding, Weve spoken with Israel, and we want to bring this whole situation to an end as soon as possible. Trump's comments came amid reports that he had asked Israel to postpone the expansion of its Gaza military campaign in order to prevent the ongoing hostage negotiations from collapsing. Trump is also allegedly frustrated with the Gaza War and the lack of resolution, after he promised to end the war quickly upon taking office. Although the negotiations for a hostage deal mediated by Qatar and Egypt have stalled, a separate effort by Witkoff and U.S.-Palestinian businessman Bahbah have continued behind the scenes. Reports reiterated that Washington is exerting pressure on Israel to delay the expansion of fighting in Gaza to allow time for a diplomatic breakthrough. However, the Israeli government has already declared that any negotiations with Hamas would be conducted under fire. According to an Egyptian media report, the new proposal would involve a 60-day pause in fighting, during which 10 living hostages would be released in two phases one at the beginning of the ceasefire and one at the end. Hamas would also hand over the bodies of 16 deceased hostages within several days of the start of the ceasefire. Hamas also demanded the entry of 1,000 humanitarian aid trucks per day, according to the Egyptian report. During the ceasefire, negotiations would focus on ending the war and establishing a new governing authority in Gaza. Another reported Hamas demand was that Witkoff and senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya publicly shake hands to confirm the deal. Israel Hayom reported that Israel has rejected the proposal as incompatible with its war objectives. One official allegedly told the news site, No responsible government in Israel would be willing to adopt such a proposal. It does not indicate a real desire on the part of Hamas to move forward with a deal according to the Witkoff plan. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) believes Hamas is in a difficult situation, having lost most of its command structure, suffered widespread infrastructure destruction, facing an economic crisis, and coming under growing civilian pressure to surrender. The IDF believes the increased pressure could lead to a breakdown by Hamas, and thus advance a hostage deal. The Israeli military announced that it expects to take control of about 75% of the Gaza Strip within two months, compared to about 40% as of today. On Sunday afternoon, the Hamas-run Ministry of Communications in Gaza stated that Israel already controls about 77% of the territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said, "We are going to take over all the territories of the Gaza Strip. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Gateway Church Announces New Senior Pastor, Newsboys Canada Tour Cancelled, Phil Robertson Dies At 79 link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:51 07:51 Top headlines for Tuesday, May 27, 2025 In this episode, we discuss the sudden cancellation of the highly anticipated Newsboys 2025 Canadian tour by Faith Live, leaving fans and attendees wondering what's next. Then, we turn our attention to Virginia, as Gateway Church announces the appointment of Daniel Floyd, the esteemed founder of a megachurch, as their new senior pastor. Lastly, we pay tribute to Phil Robertson, beloved patriarch of the Robertson family, known for his wisdom and faith-driven life, who passed away at 79 following his battle with Alzheimer's. 00:12 Newsboys' Canada tour canceled amid 'lack of transparency' 01:08 Gateway Church names new senior pastor after Morris resignation 01:57 'Duck Dynasty'' star Phil Robertson dies at 79 02:52 Trump officials meet UK pro-lifers arrested for silent prayer 03:48 Pastor challenges African Evangelicals to engage 'now generation' 05:00 Gazans seen protesting Hamas in 'unprecedented' display: report 05:53 Bone figurines in Negev tombs link to early Ethiopian Christians Home Opinion Colorado just criminalized Christianity. Now what? In a chilling assault on religious liberty, parental rights, biology, free speech, and Christianity itself, Colorados House Bill 25-1312, deceptively named the Kelly Loving Act, was signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis, D, on May 16. This legislation, passed in a watered-down yet still dangerous form, represents a radical overreach by the state, effectively criminalizing biblical convictions and punishing Christians for living out not only their faith but the obvious truth that men are men, women are women, and no one can ever change their gender. Since it was first announced for a hearing on April 1 (a fitting day for nonsense like this), HB1312 has been the center of a pitched fight between various coalition groups seeking to defend common sense and the extremely progressive Colorado legislature and governor. 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 Courageous pastors from the Fight1312 coalition, state representatives like Scott Bottoms and Jarvis Caldwell, and organizations like the Center for Baptist Leadership, the Centennial Institute, and Focus on the Family stood firm against its insidious provisions. Although this radical bill has become law, the fight is far from over. Christians in Colorado must rise, trusting in Gods sovereignty, to oppose this tyranny and defend the truth. Polis signed the bill. Under Colorado law, the state is now authorized to prosecute people who "deadnamed" or misgender. We will continue to speak the truth of God plainly regardless of what this law claims. The fight has only just begun. @fight1312 pic.twitter.com/fGAnYJJ3jk J. Chase Davis (@jchasedavis) May 16, 2025 As a reminder, HB1312 is nothing short of insane. It expands the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to define deadnaming (using a persons birth name) and misgendering (referring to someone by their biological sex) as discriminatory acts in public accommodations. This means that Christian institutions will be stripped of the right to operate according to their biblical principles as declared in Genesis 1:27, So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. As such, Christian schools, camps, and other organizations that uphold dress codes or bathroom and overnight accommodation policies aligned with a childs God-given, biological sex, or refuse to adopt inclusive policies mandating the use of pronouns and names according to a persons preferred gender identity, could face lawsuits or penalties. Even more egregious, the law threatens parental rights. Although the most controversial provision classifying deadnaming or misgendering a child as coercive control in custody disputes was removed after public outcry, the underlying ideology remains. The state is signaling that parents who refuse to affirm their childs pursuit of transgenderism, a destructive and deadly delusion rooted in rejecting Gods design, could face scrutiny. State Rep. Jarvis Caldwell, R, passionately argued, The idea that misgendering your own child is considered coercive control, which is another word for abuse? Child abuse? Because you want to get your child help instead of affirming their delusions? This is the most disgusting bill Ive seen so far. God entrusted parents with training up a child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6). Now, parents who take that command seriously risk state interference, loss of custody, and prosecution for upholding biblical truth. The opposition to HB1312 throughout the legislative process was fierce and inspiring. Pastors from Fight1312, a grassroots movement of Christians defending biblical truth, rallied at the Colorado State Capitol, urging believers to stand against what they rightly called a godless bill. Pastor Matt Patrick declared, We are the church, and we must stand for truth. And when the truth of God is being defied, we must call it out. Pastor J. Chase Davis, a key leader in Fight1312, described the bill as an egregious assault on Christians, emphasizing its threat to the Gospel itself. The Douglas County Commissioners also passed a resolution opposing HB 21312, citing its overreach and harm to families. Despite these efforts, the bill passed, and Gov. Polis signed it into law on May 16, 2025, during a Friday news dump to minimize attention. Yet the battle continues. Pastors across Colorado are defying the law by preaching Gods truth about sex and gender. Fight1312 reported on May 18 that many pastors on our team plan to take the pulpit and preach loudly and clearly tomorrow, come what may, openly challenging the states attempt to silence the church. Many Pastors on our team plan to take the pulpit and preach loudly and clearly tomorrow, come what may. Several will openly defy this new law because we love God, and because we love our people. Can your church and pastor say the same? We exhort you now: If your church has pic.twitter.com/tnbRXHb0pr Fight1312 (@fight1312) May 18, 2025 Meanwhile, the Colorado Parents Advocacy Network (CPAN) has filed the first lawsuit against the new Colorado law, seeking to strike it down as a violation of constitutional protections. This legal action is a critical step, and Christians must support it with prayer and resources. In a statement to Fox News, Sarah Parshall Perry, vice president of Defending Education (which is leading the lawsuit for CPAN), said that the law muzzles parents and doctors to protect the states preferred gender orthodoxy. She added, Colorado cant seem to stop losing at the Supreme Court on constitutional challenges to its anti-discrimination laws. And yet, Governor Polis has nevertheless signed another patently unconstitutional iteration of its Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act something that can only be described as an exercise of remarkable hubris. Hubris is right. This bill is nothing less than an attempt by the leftists running Colorado to play God over biology, speech, parents, and religion. Thankfully, the Constitution and Supreme Court precedents provide a strong foundation for overturning this law. The First Amendment guarantees the free exercise of religion and the right to free speech, rights HB1312 blatantly violates by compelling speech (forcing Christians to use chosen names or pronouns) and punishing religious convictions. In Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018), the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that Colorados application of CADA to punish Christian baker Jack Phillips for declining to create a cake for a same-sex wedding violated his free exercise of religion, citing the states hostility toward his beliefs. Similarly, in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis (2023), the Court affirmed that the government cannot compel speech that violates an individuals conscience, a principle directly applicable to deadnaming and misgendering mandates. These cases demonstrate that Colorados attempt to criminalize biblical convictions is on shaky legal ground. To strike down HB1312, Christians must pursue a multi-pronged strategy. First, we should support lawsuits like CPANs, which challenge the laws constitutionality. Second, many Christians should engage in civil disobedience, by preaching truth without fear, trusting in Gods promise: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God (Isaiah 41:10). Third, we must mobilize voters to elect legislators who will repeal this law, holding accountable those who voted for it. Finally, churches must educate their congregations, equipping them to stand firm in a culture increasingly hostile to biblical truth. Finally, the passage of HB1312 must be a wake-up call. It reveals a state willing to prioritize radical gender ideology over the sacred rights of parents, the freedom of speech, and the free exercise of religion. As Pastor Chase Davis warned, the bills downstream effects could make sharing the Gospel illegal, since the Gospel calls for repentance from sin, including the rejection of Gods design for sex and gender. Colorados churches must not cower. They must stand, as the Apostle Paul exhorted, steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Whats next? The fight must continue. HB1312 cannot be allowed to stand if it does, it sets a precedent for further erosion of religious liberty. Other states may follow, emboldened to criminalize Christian convictions under the guise of anti-discrimination. But the Church is not powerless. Colorados Christians can fight back with Gods strength through lawsuits, preaching, political action, and prayer trusting that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Christs Church (Matthew 16:18). The time is now. Churches must unite, support Fight1312, CPAN, and others, and speak the truth without compromise. The soul of Colorado and the nation hangs in the balance. Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center. Home News Evangelical pastor detained by ICE despite stay of removal, no criminal record An Evangelical pastor in Florida who entered the United States illegally several years ago but was allowed to stay under certain conditions has been detained by authorities. Maurilio Ambrocio, a pastor and owner of a landscaping business, was detained last month by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as part of a broader sweep championed by both state and federal officials. Ambrocio had been living in Florida for 20 years. While he entered the country illegally, he had been allowed to remain via a stay of removal, which required that he meet with ICE officials for the last decade at least once a year, remain employed and not commit any crimes. 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 However, when Ambrocio met with ICE officials on April 18, he was detained, to the surprise of his local neighborhood, as National Public Radio reported last week. "For my kids, it's like the world ended," Ambrocio's wife, Marleny, told NPR. The couple has five children aged between 12 and 19, all U.S. citizens. "How are we going to eat?" she asked. "How are we going to pay the bills?" A spokesperson for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told the media agency that the pastor was in the U.S. illegally but offered no further clarification. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has taken steps to deport large numbers of people who entered the country illegally, as well as curb the resettlement of most refugee groups. Earlier this month, ICE announced the completion of a joint operation with Florida law enforcers that occurred April 21-26 to arrest 1,120 "criminal illegal aliens" who were residing in the state. Known as "Operation Tidal Wave," ICE labeled the operation the "first-of-its-kind" and claimed that the total arrests were "the largest number in a single state in one week in ICE's history." Not all who were detained in the raids had criminal records. "Sixty-three percent of those arrested had existing criminal arrests or convictions," explained ICE. "Arrests included 378 criminal illegal aliens with final orders of removal issued by an immigration judge." Greg Johns, a neighbor of Ambrocio's who voted for Donald Trump, said he expected undocumented immigrants with criminal records to be deported, not someone like his neighbor. "You're going to take, you know, a community leader, a pastor, a hardworking man," Johns said in an interview NPR published on Saturday. "What, did you need a number that day?" Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in an announcement that his state was "proud to work closely with the Trump administration and help deliver on the 2024 mandate from America that our borders be secured and our immigration laws be followed." "I've insisted that Florida be the tip of the spear when it comes to state support of federal immigration enforcement. The success of Operation Tidal Wave is proof of our commitment," stated DeSantis. "We will continue to engage in broad interior enforcement efforts." Reacting to Ambrocio's detention, Matthew Soerens, the vice president of advocacy and policy for the Evangelical refugee resettlement organization World Relief, stated that "mass deportations aren't just a political question" but also "directly impact the US Church." "We're already seeing it, and the potential is for a much greater impact: 10 million Christians are vulnerable to deportation," Soerens wrote on social media. World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals, joined other religious groups earlier this year in estimating that about four out of five "immigrants at risk of deportation" in the United States are Christians. Nearly 7 million U.S.-citizen Christians live within the same household as those who are at risk of separation, the group estimates. Home News France seeing rise in church attacks amid warnings of Christianophobia A growing number of attacks targeting churches and clergy across France have raised concerns over what some advocates are calling a surge in "Christianophobia," as incidents reported in recent weeks include physical assaults, threats of arson and desecration of churches. On one of the most recent occasions, Fr. Laurent Milan was confronted by a group of about 10 young men at the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Repos church in Montfavet, near Avignon, shortly after celebrating evening mass on May 10. The youths, some hooded and believed to be between 15 and 20 years old, initially asked to enter the church under the pretense of wanting to convert or visit, according to the French daily newspaper La Provence. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Once inside, the priest claimed they shouted insults directed at Christianity and yelled "Allahu Akbar" before warning him that they would return to burn down the church. The priest later filed a police complaint, and authorities were deployed the following day to secure Sunday mass. Three days earlier, another group had disrupted a parish meeting in the same location by shouting and banging on windows. Fr. Milan told the newspaper that the abuse was not personal but directed at the Catholic faith. The incident in Montfavet followed a string of acts of desecration nationwide. In Saint-Aygulf, southern France, a church was broken into on the night of May 45, The Catholic Herald reported. The tabernacle was ripped open, and the Eucharist was removed. Monseigneur Francois Touvet described it as a deliberate attempt to desecrate what Catholics hold most sacred. Other recent attacks include the vandalism of the parish hall of Saint-Laurent in Maurepas, south of Paris, and a similar incident in Rennes at the church of Saint Jean Marie Vianney. In Normandy, another parish hall was targeted. In Paris, a man carrying a knife entered the Saint-Ambroise church just before mass. Police responded quickly, and no one was harmed. In a separate incident, a 96-year-old priest in Cambrai was kidnapped, tied to a chair, beaten and robbed by two burglars in March. The suspects remain at large. The stolen items included checkbooks, a chalice and a painting. Two priests were attacked on Good Friday, April 18, reports the French weekly Valeurs actuelles. In Lisieux, Normandy, a man returned to the church twice in one day and grabbed the priest by the collar while threatening him. In Tarascon, Provence, another priest was slapped after asking a man to behave respectfully inside the church. The incidents were reported mainly in local and conservative publications and received little to no attention in the mainstream national press, the European Conservative notes. The Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, who also oversees religious affairs, did not issue any public statement in response to the attacks. According to Got Questions, "Christianophobia" refers not to a literal fear of Christians but to hatred or hostility toward them and their beliefs. It involves despising Christians or what they represent, often manifesting as ridicule, marginalization or discrimination particularly in secular or anti-religious contexts. The term is used to describe growing intolerance toward Christian values, especially when those values conflict with dominant social or political views. Following the Montfavet incident, Archbishop Francois Fonlupt of Avignon attributed the attack in part to the poverty of the area. He warned against media coverage that could stoke tensions. Critics have argued that poverty does not justify such acts. In a separate event last month, a Muslim man was fatally stabbed at a mosque near Nimes. The attacker, identified as a 20-year-old of Bosnian origin, filmed the murder while insulting Allah. In response, President Emmanuel Macron stated that "Racism and hatred based on religion can have no place in France. Freedom of worship cannot be violated." Concerns about immigration have also surfaced alongside the rise in religious tensions. Most recent arrivals in France have come from North and Sub-Saharan Africa, and under Macron, both legal and illegal immigration have reached record highs. Figures from a recent intelligence report indicated that 31% of religiously motivated offenses in France in 2024 were classified as anti-Christian. The report said antisemitic acts accounted for 62%, while anti-Muslim incidents made up 7%. The number of arson attacks on Christian places of worship rose from 38 in 2023 to 50 in 2024 a 30% increase. While some of the incidents occurred in New Caledonia, a French overseas territory that experienced unrest earlier in the year, the majority were in mainland France. In March 2024, in the village of Clermont d'Excideuil in southwest France, vandals defaced 58 graves, a church door and a World War I memorial overnight. Islamist slogans were spray-painted in French and Arabic, including phrases like "Submit yourselves to Allah," "Happy Ramadan non-Muslims" and "France is already Allah's." The word "Koufars," meaning "unbelievers," was also written across the cemetery, and "Ramadan Mubarak" was painted on the nearby church's doors. In 2012, three Jewish children and a teacher were shot in Toulouse, and in 2016, Fr. Jacques Hamel was murdered by Islamic State sympathizers. In 2020, three people were killed by a Tunisian migrant outside a church in Nice. Last November, the watchdog group OIDAC Europe warned that anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe reached a total of 2,444 incidents in 2023, with around 1,000 happening in France. The majority of these attacks about 90% were aimed at churches and cemeteries. French officials documented 84 personal attacks on individuals in 2023. Home News Israel-backed Gaza aid group GHF begins aid distribution, slams Hamas for threatening Gazans who receive aid The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced on Monday evening that it had begun aid distribution operations in the Gaza Strip. The aid organization said that trucks had begun delivering aid supplies to distribution hubs in the Gaza Strip and released media showing the delivery trucks, as well as Palestinians receiving aid packets. More trucks with aid will be delivered tomorrow, with the flow of aid increasing each day, the foundation said in a statement. 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 Israel has backed the GHF organization as a way of distributing aid directly to Gaza residents, while minimizing both the risk of Hamas stealing the aid and relieving the IDF of the responsibility of distributing aid while fighting a war. The foundation began its operations one day after the founding CEO Jake Wood announced his resignation, insinuating that the organization would not be able to operate in a manner consistent with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon. Wood did not clarify what specifically prevents the organization from operating according to those principles, but some critics have said some Gaza residents would be severely hindered from reaching aid distribution points due to Hamas resistance and having to pass close to areas of active combat. Some friction in the aid distribution has already been seen, with the GHF condemning threats by Hamas against aid groups, including Palestinian groups, which have agreed to work with the foundation, and attempts to prevent Palestinians from reaching the distribution points. It is clear that Hamas is threatened by this new operating model, and will do everything in its power to see it fail, GHF said in its statement. The foundation also announced the appointment of John Acree as its interim executive director, following Woods departure. The GHF noted that Acree is a senior humanitarian practitioner with more than two decades of global field experience in disaster response, stabilization programming, and civil-military coordination. Several other organizations and groups have agreed to work with GHF both to prepare aid and to help with its distribution, including the U.S.-based aid group Rahma Worldwide. Several boxes distributed by GHF on Monday had the logo of Rahma Worldwide. At the same time, reports from Gaza indicate that a Palestinian Authority-affiliated group, led by former gang leader Yasser Abu Shabab, who has often clashed with Hamas over the seizure of humanitarian aid, has begun helping to secure aid deliveries into Gaza. A Facebook page under the same name claims that the group is not a humanitarian organization, nor is it trying to be a substitute for the state or institutions, claiming Shahab is simply a popular leader who is standing against corruption and plunder, doing everything he can to protect aid and ensure it reaches the deserving people with dignity and justice. The Hamas Ministry of Interior on Monday warned Palestinians not to participate in the new aid distribution system, claiming it is an attempt by the occupation and its security forces to circumvent the control of aid. The Hamas-run ministry said that if Palestinians refuse to participate, it would force Israel to return to distributing aid through the U.N. Hamas has been documented multiple times throughout the war taking aid from U.N. warehouses or directly commandeering aid convoys driven by U.N. operators. The failure of the occupation in its new plan depends on the citizens lack of response and their categorical rejection of it, which will force the occupation to return to the previously implemented system of distributing aid through official institutions affiliated with the United Nations, the Hamas ministry said in a statement. Hamas also threatened to retaliate against anyone who cooperates. We will not hesitate to carry out our duty in securing and protecting aid trucks, and we will not allow the creation of bodies that serve as agents of the occupation in the areas controlled by its army. Anyone who cooperates with the occupation in imposing its agenda will pay the price, and we will take the necessary measures against him, the ministry threatened. Last week, Haaretz editor for National Security, Open Source Intel, and Cyber stories, Avi Scharf, posted satellite imagery from Planet Labs, which appears to show the locations of at least three distribution areas within the Gaza Strip. The pictures show areas which have been completely cleared and prepped for the distribution of humanitarian aid, with broad security perimeters, allowing for aid to be distributed without fear of an attack on the sites. GHF did not release any figures for how many Palestinians received aid or the amount of aid delivered, however, The Washington Post wrote in a report that a relatively small number of people came to collect the aid. The distribution operation is reportedly guarded by the American security contractor Safe Reach Solutions (SRS). This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News Pastor calls for Seattle mayor's apology after Christians attacked at 'don't mess with our kids' event A Seattle pastor is calling for an apology from the city's mayor following a violent clash at a Christian prayer rally in the heart of a historically LGBT-dominant neighborhood. The May 24 rally at Cal Anderson Park, organized by pro-life group Mayday USA for its "DontMessWithOurKids" national tour, drew hundreds of supporters holding signs supporting the sanctity of life, biological gender, the nuclear family and religious freedom. A short time later, pro-LGBT counter-protesters confronted the group. Waving transgender flags, they reportedly clashed with police in riot gear and threw water bottles and other objects. 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 Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers were trying to keep two different protest groups separated and saw "multiple people inside one group throw items at the opposing group" shortly after 1:30 p.m., according to a news release. When officers moved to arrest the people responsible, they were assaulted by more protesters, according to the SPD. The situation escalated over the course of several hours, resulting in 22 adults arrested for assault and obstruction and one juvenile detained, police said. One officer was treated and released from the hospital for an injury sustained during the protests, according to an SPD spokesperson. Video footage from the rally shared on social media showed two protesters who jumped a police barrier to gain access to the stage before being removed by security. According to an event listing, organizers of the counter-protest, which they labeled "Keep Your Bibles Off Our Bodies," included the Freedom Socialist Party, Puget Sound Mobilization for Reproductive Justice and Radical Women. Following the rally, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, a Democrat, released a statement in apparent support of the LGBT protesters and called the Christian worship gather a "far-right rally" that sought to "provoke a reaction by promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our city's values, in the heart of Seattle's most prominent [LGBT] neighborhood." "I am grateful for those who make their voices heard in support of our neighbors without resorting to violence," Harrell said. "In the face of an extreme right-wing national effort to attack our [LGBT] communities, Seattle will continue to stand unwavering in our embrace of diversity, love for our neighbors, and commitment to justice and fairness." After blaming the violence on "anarchists" who he said "infiltrated the counter-protestors group," the mayor also announced that he ordered parks officials to conduct a review to determine "whether there were legal location alternatives or other adjustments that could have been pursued." The Pursuit NW, a multi-campus Evangelical church in the Seattle area, slammed Harrell's remarks as "religious bigotry" on social media and called for Harrell to either apologize or resign. Russell Johnson, lead pastor at Pursuit NW, wrote Sunday on X: "[Harrell] owes Christians in [Washington] State an apology or his bigoted remarks after folks who were holding a peaceful worship event at Cal Anderson Park were violently assaulted for the high crime of expressing their deeply held religious beliefs in the form of a permitted worship event on city property." He criticized Seattle's "inept political leadership" and the mayor for being "an embarrassment to the Emerald City." After citing Harrell's 1996 arrest on weapons and assault charges for brandishing a firearm on a pregnant woman over a parking spot, Johnson slammed Harrell's leadership record. "The Mayor is on his third police chief since taking office. No one wants to work for him. His own family can't stand him. And Antifa gets a free pass from him. "I guess pulling guns on pregnant women isn't enough for Mayor Harrell," Johnson continued. "He's now got to blame Christians for a city that he has let go to hell." Johnson also shared a video, which showed counter-protesters crashing through a police barricade as Mayday USA performed a worship concert at Cal Anderson Park. The @MayorofSeattle owes Christians in WA State an apology for his bigoted remarks after folks who were holding a peaceful worship event at Cal Anderson Park were violently assaulted for the high crime of expressing their deeply held religious beliefs in the form of a permitted pic.twitter.com/sxP1fHWR75 Russell Johnson (@russellbjohnson) May 25, 2025 City officials have taken political positions against Christians in recent years, most notably with missionary and political activist Sean Feucht in September 2020 when the city shut down a local park to prevent him from hosting a prayer rally on Labor Day while allowing protesters to engage in violent protests. Despite efforts by Seattle Parks and Recreation to halt the event at Gas Works Park, more than 2,000 Christians ultimately gathered in the streets of Seattle in a "worship protest" during the height of the coronavirus shutdown. Home News Supreme Court lets punishment stand after kid wore only 2 genders shirt to school The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal in the case of a Massachusetts public school student punished for wearing a shirt stating, "There are only 2 genders." In an orders list released Tuesday morning, the high court declined to grant a petition for a writ of certiorari in the case of L.M. v. Town of Middleborough, Massachusetts, et. al. As a result, an earlier ruling from the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals against the minor student and his parents is allowed to stand. 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 Justice Samuel Alito authored a dissenting opinion to the denial of the petition, which was included in the orders list. He was joined by Justice Clarence Thomas. "This case presents an issue of great importance for our Nation's youth: whether public schools may suppress student speech either because it expresses a viewpoint that the school disfavors or because of vague concerns about the likely effect of the speech on the school atmosphere or on students who find the speech offensive," wrote Alito. "So long as the First Circuit's opinion is on the books, thousands of students will attend school without the full panoply of First Amendment rights. That alone is worth this Court's attention." In March 2023, Liam Morrison, a John T. Nichols Middle School student, was removed from class and ordered to remove his shirt because it said, "There are only two genders." Later that year, Morrison wore the shirt again, though he put tape over the "only two" part, writing the word "censored" on the tape. Once again, school officials told him to change his clothes. According to an interview shortly after the incident, Morrison claimed that many of his classmates supported his actions and that he encouraged people of all viewpoints to express their beliefs. "Always fight for what you believe in. and well, never let anyone stop you from believing," he added. "But, it's being taken away from us. And being able to speak up not just about your own opinion, but for everybody else." A lawsuit was filed on his behalf by his parents, with the complaint accusing the school of violating Morrison's First Amendment rights. The school argued that the shirt violated the official dress code, which prohibited clothing with hateful messaging. A three-judge panel of the 1st Circuit unanimously ruled against Morrison in June 2024, upholding a lower court decision. Circuit Chief Judge David Barron, an Obama appointee, authored the panel opinion, concluding that, under certain circumstances, "school officials may bar passive and silently expressed messages by students at school that target no specific student." Barron added that while "in many realms of public life one must bear the risk of being subjected to messages that are demeaning of race, sex, religion, or sexual orientation," the court does not believe "that our public schools must be a similarly unregulated place." "L.M. himself acknowledged at oral argument that schools could bar silent, passive expression that described persons who identify as transgender in obviously highly demeaning terms but targeted no specific individual," wrote Barron. Home News TD Jakes warns college graduates about AI, saying its impossible to prepare for 'whats next' Bishop T.D. Jakes, the founder of the Potter's House in Dallas, Texas, recently warned college graduates that nothing will prepare them for the impact of artificial intelligence on society, and the only thing they can be sure of is God. Jakes, who received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, delivered the warning during his commencement address to the graduates on May 17. "It has not been since Henry Ford discovered the automobile or the Wright brothers the airplane that we have seen the impact of what artificial intelligence is going to do to our world," Jakes said. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "This will not be your grandmother's world. You will not work your grandmother's job, and you will not have your grandmother's dream. It is totally impossible to prepare you for what's next because none of us are sure what's next," he continued. "The only thing that we are sure of is who will go with us into whatever we have to face next. And if God be for us, who can be against us." Jakes speech comes more than a decade after world famous physicist Stephen Hawking, computer scientist Stuart Russell, physicists Max Tegmark and Frank Wilczek wrote in 2014 that AI could be the "worst mistake in history." The scientists' comments were prompted by the 2014 movie, "Transcendence" starring Johnny Depp and Morgan Freeman, which highlighted competing visions for the future of humanity with highly intelligent machines. "Imagine a machine with a full range of human emotions. Its analytical power will be greater than the collective intelligence of every person in the history of the world. Some scientists refer to this as the 'singularity.' I call it 'transcendence,'" Johnny Depp's character, Dr. Will Caster, states in the haunting science fiction drama. "Artificial intelligence (AI) research is now progressing rapidly. Recent landmarks such as self-driving cars, a computer winning at Jeopardy! and the digital personal assistants Siri, Google Now and Cortana are merely symptoms of an IT arms race fueled by unprecedented investments and building on an increasingly mature theoretical foundation. Such achievements will probably pale against what the coming decades will bring," the scientists noted. Four years after that warning, former NSA contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden warned that continued advancement of AI could lead to more pernicious policing of people around the world through the creation of a "permanent record" of their lives. Snowden wrote a book about it, Permanent Record. "The greatest danger still lies ahead, with the refinement of artificial intelligence capabilities, such as facial and pattern recognition. An AI-equipped surveillance camera would be not a mere recording device, but could be made into something closer to an automated police officer," Snowden said in a two-hour interview with The Guardian in Moscow. While some pastors have been experimenting with AI, a 2023 study released by Barna suggests that most Christians don't believe AI is good for the Church. Based on a survey of 1,500 U.S. adults, the data found that most Christians disagree with the statement, "AI is good for the Christian Church." Some 30% of respondents said they strongly disagree with the statement, while another 21% said they somewhat disagree. Another 27% reported that they don't know. Only 6% of Christians said they strongly agree with the statement, while 16% said they somewhat agree. In general, a majority of U.S. adults in the survey said they were still getting familiar with AI. Just 10% said they used AI for work often or for personal business. Approximately two years later, coders at Amazon are raising concerns that AI is increasingly doing more of their work, relegating them to what feels like assembly line workers, according to The New York Times. Despite his warning about AI, Jakes encouraged the graduates at Morris Brown College never to stop fighting. He pledged a $100,000 donation to the college and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Home News Judge orders Trump admin. restore health articles that promote gender ideology A federal judge sided with two doctors at Harvard Medical School, ruling that President Donald Trump's administration must restore medical research articles that promoted gender ideology and transgender topics to a government website. In his order Friday, Judge Leo Sorokin of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction calling on the Trump administration to restore the doctors' articles and others removed for similar reasons while the case is adjudicated. The judge, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, argued that the removal of the articles violated the free speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. 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 "This is a flagrant violation of the plaintiffs' First Amendment rights as private speakers on a limited public forum," Sorokin wrote. "The plaintiffs are likely to succeed in proving that the removal of their articles was a textbook example of viewpoint discrimination by the defendants in violation of the First Amendment. Because irreparable harm necessarily flows from such a violation, and the balance of harms and the public interest favor the plaintiffs, the motion for a preliminary injunction is allowed in part," the judge's ruling stated. The articles, written by Dr. Gordon Schiff and Dr. Celeste Royce, had been published on the Patient Safety Network, an online resource run by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To comply with Trump's executive order in January, "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," the doctors' articles were removed. The order, which announced the government's intention to "defend women's rights" and only recognize two genders, tasked federal agencies with the removal of "all statements, policies, regulations, forms, communications, or other internal and external messages that promote or otherwise inculcate gender ideology." One of the articles removed included a commentary co-authored by Royce on a case study about a delayed diagnosis of endometriosis, which was published on PSNet in June 2020. The commentary concluded with a series of "Take-Home Points," noting a reported lack of understanding about the occurrence of endometriosis among trans-identified and non-gender-conforming individuals. Another paper published on PSNet in January 2022 commented on the importance of knowing which groups are at a high risk of suicide, stating: "High risk groups include male sex, being young, veterans, Indigenous tribes, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ)." Sorokin's ruling is not the first time that a judge has issued a decision against the Trump administration's policies related to gender ideology and LGBT issues. Earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Lauren King of the Western District of Washington at Seattle granted a preliminary injunction against two Trump executive orders that banned the federal funding of surgical castrations and hormone drugs for youth exhibiting confusion about their sex. The judge, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, argued that Trump's executive orders violated "the separation of powers" by assuming Congress' role to "appropriate federal funds and set conditions on their use." Trump's order, "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," defined "sex" as "an individual's immutable biological classification as either male or female." In addition, the order stated that "sex" was "not a synonym for and does not include the concept of 'gender identity.'" The other order, "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," prohibited the federal funding of gender procedures for individuals aged 19 and younger. "Countless children soon regret that they have been mutilated and begin to grasp the horrifying tragedy that they will never be able to conceive children of their own or nurture their children through breastfeeding," the order stated. "Moreover, these vulnerable youths' medical bills may rise throughout their lifetimes, as they are often trapped with lifelong medical complications, a losing war with their own bodies, and, tragically, sterilization." Home News US citizen arrested for attempted firebombing of embassy office in Israel A United States citizen has been arrested and charged with attempting to firebomb the branch office of the U.S. Embassy located in Tel Aviv, Israel. Joseph Neumeyer, a 28-year-old dual U.S. and German citizen, was arrested Sunday at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for attempting to destroy the embassy branch office on May 19. If convicted, Neumeyer will face at least five years in prison, with a possible maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars, as well as a maximum fine of $250,000. 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 Prosecutors say Neumeyer arrived outside the Tel Aviv embassy, spat on a guard and left behind a backpack that held three Molotov cocktails, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice. Law enforcement arrested Neumeyer at his hotel and deported him to the U.S. He made an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo of the Eastern District of New York. Social media posts by Neumeyer revealed that, in advance of his trip to the embassy, Neumeyer invited people to "join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv." "Death to America, death to Americans, and f the West." Investigators found additional social media posts from an account allegedly used by Neumeyer revealing threats to assassinate President Donald Trump. "This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump's life," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law." FBI Director Kash Patel said such "despicable and violent behavior will not be tolerated at home or abroad, and the FBI, working with our partners, will bring him to face justice for his dangerous actions." Last week, an individual shot and killed Israeli Embassy staff members Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a couple that was about to be engaged, outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old suspect who was arrested shortly after the shooting, allegedly shouted "free Palestine" as he opened fire at an event that the couple was attending. Before the attack, he had reportedly published a post on social media opposing the Israeli and U.S. governments for what he claimed were atrocities committed against Palestinians in Gaza since the war began in 2023. CIOs today are looking to drive a new wave of transformation armed with artificial intelligence, generative AI, and now AI agents, too. If I had to name the top projects CIOs are driving today, its clear the agenda is shaped by one word: reinvention, says Tejas Patel, leader of tech strategy and advisory for APAC at professional services firm Accenture. There are, of course, many steps as part of that transformation and reinvention. Abonati-va sa primiti pe email saptamanal lista articolelor adaugate pe parcursul saptamanii. Adresele .ru nu sunt acceptate. Email NEWSLETTER Credit: Facewatch An attack on a Hertfordshire charity shop has led to the installation of new facial recognition technology which has never before been used in the charity retail sector. Tone Jarvis-Mack, founder of the Fertility Foundation, which funds IVF grants for individuals and couples who cannot afford treatment, was physically assaulted in his charitys shop in Waltham Cross. Jarvis-Macks shop has subsequently become the first in the charity retail sector to install a facial recognition system designed specifically for retailers, by Facewatch. According to Facewatch, the system works by scanning the faces of individuals as they enter a store using special cameras that capture biometric images. These images are then checked against a secure database of Subjects of Interest (SOIs) on a 'watchlist' - individuals with a known history of offending behaviour in retail environments. If there is a match, staff are sent an alert to secure mobile devices, giving them the opportunity to monitor or engage the individual before a theft or confrontation occurs. Jarvis-Mack's charity shop has become one of the first examples of a non-profit retail space using biometric security as a crime prevention measure. Jarvis-Mack said: It gives us peace of mind. Weve taken back control. Were not trying to catch people; we want to prevent crime from happening in the first place. He added: Retail crime is absolutely out of control. People assume were just given things for free, and so they think it's fair game, but thats not the point, were here to raise money to help people have children. "The abuse I received was shocking. Now, I need to do all I can to protect my staff, volunteers and customers. Levels of abusive behaviour and shoplifting on rise in charity shops According to Civil Societys Charity Shops Survey undertaken last year, charities across the UK reported rising levels of shoplifting, verbal abuse, and anti-social behaviour in their shops. Among its findings, cancer charity Tenovus Cancer Care reported a significant increase in thefts, describing offenders as acting more brazenly, while hospice charity Longfield Community Hospice said that it had issued banning letters to repeat offenders and begun issuing personal alarms to staff. The news comes at a time when a growing number of charity shops have also reported break-ins. Most recently, a St Barnabas Hospice reported that one of its charity shops in Lincoln was broken into overnight, causing significant damage. The incident is part of a reported spate of break-ins in the area and comes at an especially financially challenging time for the charity. 'No part of UK retail industry untouched by criminal activity' Meanwhile, retail crime across the UK as a whole is surging. In 2024, England and Wales recorded 516,971 shoplifting offences a 20 per cent increase year-on-year. The British Retail Consortium estimates that 20 million theft incidents occurred last year, costing the sector 2.2bn, with much of the increase linked to organised gangs. Nick Fisher, CEO of Facewatch, said: Sadly, no part of the UK retail industry is untouched by criminal activity today including our nations much-loved charity shops, which do so much to support vital causes. Through our Take Back Control campaign, we want to shine a spotlight on the real experiences retail workers face daily while on the shop floor. 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, Warships engage in double-banking training at sea China Military Online) 11:09, May 27, 2025 The guided-missile frigate Dali (Hull 553), attached to a naval frigate flotilla under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command, sails towards the designated area during a training exercise in mid-May 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cai Shengqiu) The guided-missile frigate Dali (Hull 553), attached to a naval frigate flotilla under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command, sails towards the designated area during a training exercise in mid-May 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cai Shengqiu) The guided-missile frigates Dali (Hull 553) and Chenzhou (Hull 552), attached to a naval frigate flotilla under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command, conduct double-banking operations at sea during a training exercise in mid-May 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cai Shengqiu) The guided-missile frigates Dali (Hull 553) and Chenzhou (Hull 552), attached to a naval frigate flotilla under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command, conduct double-banking operations at sea during a training exercise in mid-May 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cai Shengqiu) The guided-missile frigates Dali (Hull 553) and Chenzhou (Hull 552), attached to a naval frigate flotilla under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command, conduct double-banking operations at sea during a training exercise in mid-May 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cai Shengqiu) The guided-missile frigates Dali (Hull 553) and Chenzhou (Hull 552), attached to a naval frigate flotilla under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command, conduct double-banking operations at sea during a training exercise in mid-May 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cai Shengqiu) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. In June 2023, Nader Shilkawi, a thirty-four-year-old journalist working with the Sudan Radio and Television Corporation, was returning home from a reporting trip when he was seized by members of a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces. The groupa party in a brutal civil war that has torn the country apart since April 2023accused the reporter of working with the Sudanese army to monitor its movements. I was subjected to torture in detention, Shilkawi said recently via a WhatsApp message. I was beaten. I received threats. He was eventually released, after three days of detention. But Shilkawis story is not so uncommon. The Sudanese civil war, now in its third year, has left more than 150,000 people dead and an estimated fourteen million more displaced. It has also quietly become one of the most dangerous conflicts in the world for journalists. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, at least nine Sudanese journalists have been killed in the line of work so far; two more have disappeared, and seventeen have faced imprisonment or detentionall likely undercounts, owing to the challenges of confirming the data. More than four hundred reporters have been forced into exile. Unlike similarly brutal conflicts in places like Gaza and Ukraine, there has been limited international media attention on the Sudanese war. The situation is so unpredictable that journalists often do not know whether they will survive the next day, let alone report freely, said Sara Qudah, CPJs Middle East and North Africa regional director. Reporters face the constant risk of arrest, injury, or deathwhether through direct targeting or indiscriminate violence. Many live in hiding, have stopped publishing, or operate under pseudonyms. Hanan Adam, a journalist at the Ministry of Culture and Information in the Gezira state and a correspondent for the local newspaper Al-Maidan, was killed, along with her brother, in December 2024 by elements of the Rapid Support Forces. In March of that same year, Khaled Balal, a journalist and media director at the Sudanese Supreme Council for Media and Culture, was shot and killed by gunmen suspected to be part of the Sudanese Armed Forces while at his residence in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state. Ezaldeen Arbab, the head of the Sudanese Journalists Association, a Uganda-based group for exiled Sudanese reporters, says it often feels like the belligerents are waging an undeclared war against journalists. Journalists are harassed, intimidated, and even intentionally killed for simply doing their job, Arbab said. Many media outlets in Khartoum and other cities have been looted or burned down. Both sides restrict media coverage of the areas they control: the paramilitary force only allows access to journalists who speak in its favor, and the Sudanese army hinders media coverage of its own territory, including at camps for internally displaced people. Recently, the army shortened the duration of media permits from one year to one week, Arbab said. The warring factions have also systematically targeted the infrastructure of journalism, according to watchdog groups. CPJ says armed groups have raided, occupied, or destroyed key television and radio stations, particularly in Khartoum. Printing presses have stopped working due to looting, fuel shortages, and damage. Most independent newspapers have ceased operations, and several outlets have relocated abroad or shut down entirely. Notably, twenty-three print newspapers have completely shut down, ending print journalism in Sudan altogether, Qudah said. The countrys primary telecommunications infrastructure has also collapsed in many areas, cutting off journalists access to the internet and mobile networks. Journalists still reporting are doing so under increasingly dire and improvised conditions, often without pay, resources, or security. Nader Shilkawi said that after the Rapid Support Forces seized control of the radio station where he worked, much of his equipment was destroyed. I lost my journalistic work and have been unable to support my family. Oussama Bouagila, the North Africa regional advocacy officer for Reporters Without Borders, said limited international attention toward the Sudanese conflict has led to a feeling of isolation for local journalists. The war in Sudan imposes specific challenges: complete lack of protective structures for journalists due to the collapse of the state and its institutions; multiplicity of threat actors without international protection or monitoring; and lack of technical and logistical infrastructure, making it difficult to access the internet or use modern tools for documentation and dissemination, Bouagila said. Sign up for CJRs daily email Hassan Ahmed Berkia, one of the founders of the Sudanese Journalists Network, a seven-hundred-member professional organization founded in 2008 to track abuses committed against journalists in Sudan, has felt that isolation deeply. He was out of the country when the war began and hasnt considered it safe enough to go back. As an independent journalist and someone who monitors violations against the press, I became a target [and] unwelcome by both sides of the conflict, Berkia said in a message. My return to Khartoum at that time was extremely dangerous. Today, Berkia is stuck in Uganda, watching the tragedy from afar. He has also lost several friends and colleagues to the ongoing war, including a mentor, Muawiya Abdel Razek, a freelancer who was killed along with three siblings in a Rapid Support Forces raid in June 2024. Frankly, I am suffering deeply, he said. I feel as though Im fighting on multiple fronts, with no clear idea of what the coming days will bring. My family has been scattered: some are in my village in the far north of Sudan; others are in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and different Gulf countries. I am currently experiencing the worst psychological state. Southern California Edison, a unit of utility Edison International, agreed on Friday to pay $82.5 million to settle claims with the U.S. Forest Service for costs and damages resulting from the Bobcat Fire in 2020. The U.S. government had filed a lawsuit against SCE in 2023, alleging negligence that caused the wildfire, which burned nearly 180 square miles (466.2 square kilometers) in one of the largest wildfires in Los Angeles County. In a complaint filed in Los Angeles federal court, the government alleged that the wildfire began on September 6, 2020, when a poorly maintained tree contacted power lines, igniting vegetation on a branch, which then fell to the ground and spread the fire. This record settlement against Southern California Edison provides meaningful compensation to taxpayers for the extensive costs of fighting the Bobcat Fire and for the widespread damage to public lands, said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. According to U.S. Department of Justice, this is the largest-ever wildfire cost recovery settlement in the Central District of California. The company has agreed to pay the settlement within 60 days of the effective date of the settlement agreement, which was May 14, without admitting wrongdoing or fault, the U.S. attorneys office in Los Angeles said. We are pleased to have resolved this matter, and will continue to advance wildfire mitigation measures to further enhance public safety and resiliency, said SCE spokesperson Diane Castro. The company submitted a three-year wildfire mitigation plan to Californias Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety last week. (Reporting by Menon in Bengaluru; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi) In a celestial tribute fit for the Waltz King, Johann Strauss II's iconic "The Blue Danube" will be transmitted into deep space on May 31 to honor the composer's 200th birthday. The European Space Agency (ESA) will beam the classical masterpiece toward interstellar space, marking not only the anniversary of the famed Viennese composer, born in 1825, but also ESA's own 50th anniversary. Read more: 5 Famous Operas That Explore Dark Themes and Characters Performed by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the orchestral rendition will be livestreamed during a special event, with free public screenings in Vienna, Madrid, and New York. Although officials confirmed that the music could be converted into live radio signals, ESA has opted to transmit a pre-recorded rehearsal to avoid technical glitches, while the live orchestra performance serves as a synchronized accompaniment. The radio transmission will travel at the speed of light roughly 670 million mph placing the music beyond the moon in just 1.5 seconds, past Mars in 4.5 minutes, and beyond Neptune in about four hours. Within a single day, the signal will have reached the same cosmic distance as NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft over 15 billion miles from Earth and counting. The "Blue Danube" is no stranger to space fame. The waltz gained global recognition after its unforgettable appearance in Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." Now, it will join an elite collection of songs transmitted into the cosmos, including the Beatles' "Across the Universe" in 2008 and Missy Elliott's "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," which NASA beamed toward Venus in 2023. "Music connects us all through time and space in a very particular way," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said. "The European Space Agency is pleased to share the stage with Johann Strauss II and open the imaginations of future space scientists and explorers who may one day journey to the anthem of space." The broadcast will use ESA's deep-space antenna in Spain, aiming the dish directly toward Voyager 1, ensuring Strauss' most famous waltz dances forever among the stars a poetic sendoff from Vienna to the universe. Mary Lou Retton, the first American woman to win Olympic all-around gymnastics gold at the 1984 Olympics, was arrested for DUI in Marion County, West Virginia, on May 17, according to court records. (AP Photo/Suzanne Vlamis, File) AP FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Former U.S. Olympic gold medal gymnast Mary Lou Retton was arrested and accused of DUI in West Virginia earlier this month, according to court records. Retton, 57, was arrested May 17 in Marion County, West Virginia, according to the West Virginia Judiciary. She was charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol and posted a $1,500 bond before being released. Police stopped Retton after receiving a report about a person in a Porsche driving erratically, the Associated Press reports. The former Olympic gold medalist smelled of alcohol, slurred her words and failed a field sobriety test. Officers also reported seeing a bottle of wine in Rettons passenger seat. Retton is a native of Fairmont, West Virginia, located in Marion County. Retton rose to fame at age 16 during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where she won five medals in gymnastics and became the first American woman to win Olympic all-around gold. She also won two silver medals and two bronze medals. Retton was named the Sportswoman of the Year and Amateur Athlete of the Year by the American press, according to her Olympic bio. She was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2023, Rettons family announced she was in intensive care and fighting for her life while battling a rare form of pneumonia. She was placed on oxygen treatment and ultimately recovered from the illness. U.S. Representative Charlie Rangel (D-NY 13th District) attends the National Action Network (NAN) national convention on April 8, 2015 in New York City. "Charlie Rangel was a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents and the best of America," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Monday on X . "The list of his accomplishments could take pages, but he leaves the world a much better place than he found it." Rangel served for so long that he earned the nickname the " Lion of Lenox Avenue ," referring to one of Harlem's primary corridors. Politicians and supporters remembered Rangel, known as Charlie, for his years in public service and deep roots in New York City. He was born in Harlem and was first elected to Congress in 1970, representing a congressional district that was first drawn up in the 1940s and allowed the neighborhood's majority Black voters to send one of their own to Washington. City College of New York spokesperson Michelle Stent confirmed Rangel's death in a statement , saying he died at a hospital in New York. Charles Rangel, the Democratic former congressman from New York who championed his Harlem community on Capitol Hill for almost five decades, died Monday, his family said. New York Mayor Eric Adams said on X that he was "sad to lose a dear friend and exemplary model of devotion and courage." The Rev. Al Sharpton called Rangel a "trailblazing legislator and an unshakable force in American politics." Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also honored Rangel as his "mentor and friend." "He had that Harlem fire in his heart and a joy in his soul that no battle could extinguish," Cuomo said in a statement, adding that "he never forgot where he came from." Rangel, a veteran of the Korean War, was a high school dropout but eventually went to college on the G.I. Bill, getting degrees from New York University and St. John's University Law School. In 1970, he defeated legendary Harlem politician Adam Clayton Powell to start his congressional career. During the next 40-plus years, he became a legend himself a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, dean of the New York congressional delegation and, in 2007, the first Black chair of the influential Ways and Means Committee. "I have always been committed to fighting for the little guy," Rangel said in 2012. Two years earlier, he had stepped down from the Ways and Means Committee amid an ethics cloud. The House would later censure him in a 333-79 vote, citing nearly a dozen ethics violations that included breaching a gifts ban, improper use of influence and failure to disclose income. After the censure, Rangel rose before his colleagues in sorrow. "I know in my heart I am not going to be judged by this Congress," he said. "I'll be judged by my life in its entirety." Rangel remained in Congress and won the 2012 primary. His Harlem district overwhelmingly voted him in again as Barack Obama won a second presidential term. Despite the political stain later in his career, his time in Congress was exceedingly busy. According to the City College statement, Rangel sponsored 40 bills and resolutions that became law. His significant legislative accomplishments include championing the national Empowerment Zone program, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the Affordable Care Act, which Obama signed into law in 2010. Rangel was chairman of the Ways and Means Committee when the Affordable Care Act was being heavily debated in Congress, and he was under pressure from the ethics investigations. In a 2009 interview with Time, he was defiant when he was asked about his legacy. "Well, as Rhett Butler once said in 'Gone With the Wind,' if I'm gone, quite frankly, I don't give a damn," he told the magazine. FILE PHOTO: A visitor stands next to a BYD Sealion 7 EV car at the 41st Thailand International Motor Expo, in Bangkok, Thailand, November 29, 2024. An intensifying auto industry price war in China has stoked fears of a long-anticipated shake-out in the world's largest car market. Shares of China's largest automakers sank Monday after Chinese electric-vehicle giant BYD offered fresh discounts across more than a dozen models, and an executive at another car company fretted openly about the country's deepening price war. BYD's moves cut the starting price of its cheapest model, the battery-powered Seagull hatchback, to 55,800 yuan ($7,765), from nearly $10,000. The BYD price cuts, along with other developments, signal a potential tipping point, where weaker players can no longer sustain deepening losses from the downward spiral on prices, said Tu Le, managing director of Sino Auto Insights, an advisory firm. "This points to a bloodbath later this year," he said. "This could be the first domino that would finally put pressure on weaker players -- startups like Neta and Polestar -- that have been teetering." On Friday, the chairman of Great Wall Motors, Wei Jianjun, warned that China's auto sector was in an unhealthy state, with pricing pressure hammering the bottom lines of car companies and suppliers. He even drew a parallel to Evergrande, the Chinese property developer that was liquidated last year after a major debt crisis. "Now, Evergrande in the automobile industry already exists, but it has not collapsed," he told Sina Finance in an interview. In another sign of stress in the market, Reuters reported that Chinese commerce regulators are examining a growing phenomenon that has also strained the industry: sales of "used cars" that are essentially new cars with zero miles. The tactic is seen as a way for automakers and dealers to hit aggressive sales targets, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. An employee works on a vehicle crankshaft production line at a factory which produces engine parts in Binzhou, in eastern China's Shandong province on March 14, 2025. China's industrial profits rose for a second straight month in April, with their growth improving despite U.S. tariffs and persistent deflationary pressures, thanks to Beijing's measures aimed at supporting businesses. Cumulative profits at major industrial firms climbed 3% last month compared to a year earlier, official data showed Tuesday, accelerating from a 2.6% growth in March. In the first four months this year, industrial profits rose 1.4%, year on year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, bolstered by stronger earnings in the equipment and high-tech manufacturing sectors. U.S. President Donald Trump slapped eye-watering tariffs of 145% on imports from China last month, drawing Beijing to retaliate, effectively amounting to a mutual trade embargo between the world's two largest economies. That, however, did not significantly impact Chinese exports that found other markets. Earlier this month, Washington and Beijing agreed to lower most of those levies, following a trade truce struck during a meeting between the Trump administration and Chinese leadership in Geneva, Switzerland. U.S. tariffs on goods imported from China are now down to 51.1% while China's levies on U.S. imports stand at 32.6%, according to think tank Peterson Institute for International Economics. The profit growth in April was stronger than expected, said Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING, noting the "encouraging" sign that the manufacturing firms saw improved bottom-lines despite the "more challenging external environment." The boost in industrial firms' profits was largely owed to Beijing's efforts targeted at supporting the private sector, offsetting some of the negative impacts from the U.S. tariffs. "These trends underscore the effectiveness of various policy interventions in mitigating arrears owed to private enterprises and ensuring timely payments to small and medium-sized business," said Bruce Pang, adjunct associate professor at CUHK Business School. Profits in the high-tech manufacturing industry from January to April climbed 9% from a year earlier, with notable improvement in the biopharmaceutical products and aircraft manufacturing. Supported by a scheme that subsidizes consumers who trade in old electronics and appliances, the household appliances manufacturers also saw profits improve over 15% from a year ago, data showed. Profits in the mining sector fell 26.8% year on year in the January to April period, while the manufacturing and utilities sectors electricity, heating, gas and water supply saw them rise 8.6% and 4.4%, respectively. State-owned industrial firms saw their profit decline 4.4% in the January to April period compared to the same period a year ago. Private enterprises and those with foreign investments saw profits improve 4.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Weining Yu, a statistician at the NBS, attributed the improved profitability to the industrial sectors' "resilience and ability to withstand shocks," while cautioning that "constraints such as insufficient demand and declining prices" still persist and "uncertainty in the external environment" is still high. Certain industries also faced steeper headwinds, Song pointed out, such as the automobile sector that's caught in a severe "price competition" and the apparel sector which is likely to have seen demand shift to other markets after the rollout of new tariffs. Auto industry profits slumped 5.1% year on year in the first four months this year, while the textile, clothing and apparel industry saw a 12.7% decline. The profit gain in major industrial enterprises came on the back of a 6.1% expansion in industrial output in the country last month. Retail sales growth, however, slowed to 5.1% from a year earlier, underscoring the persisting supply-demand imbalance in the economy. China's industrial profits returned to growth in the first quarter this year, rising 0.8% from a year earlier, reversing the trend of declines since the third quarter of last year. In this article 1364-HK .HSI Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT French President Emmanuel Macron at a luncheon with Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary To Lam at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 26, 2025. Chalinee Thirasupa | Afp | Getty Images Taken from CNBCs Daily Open, our international markets newsletter Subscribe today French President Emmanuel Macron visiting Vietnam and Swedish automaker Volvo Cars laying off employees might not appear to have much in common. But they are, on some level, strategic maneuvers in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's deployment of 50% tariffs on the European Union, which he later delayed. Macron sealed a deal with Vietnam for the Asian country to buy 20 jets from European planemaker Airbus, building on an earlier agreement for a similar quantity. And Volvo Cars' layoffs reflected growing pressure on the company to cut costs. The Swedish automaker has already pulled a China-made car completely out of the U.S. markets because of Trump's tariffs on Beijing. The company, which is owned by China's Geely Holding, also withdrew its financial guidance for both 2025 and 2026, citing tariff pressure on the automotive sector. Hence, while there may be sighs of relief in Brussels for now, Trump's tariff bluster will continue to roil the global economy and investor confidence. What you need to know today And finally... "The idea of putting physical metal in a safe jurisdiction like Singapore with parties they can trust is becoming a big trend nowadays," says Gregor Gregersen, founder of The Reserve. Alessia Pierdomenico | Bloomberg | Getty Images The ultra-rich are increasingly parking their gold in Singapore as global risks and Trump volatility mount Not far from Singapore's airport sits a six-story facility covered in onyx and fortified by tight security. Tucked behind its steel doors are gold and silver bars amounting to about $1.5 billion. Known as "The Reserve," the storage facility features scores of private vaults and a towering storage chamber lined with thousands of safe deposit boxes reaching three stories high. From the start of the year to April, the precious metals repository has received an 88% increase in orders to store gold and silver in the vault from the same period in 2024, said its founder, Gregor Gregersen. "The idea of putting physical metal in a safe jurisdiction like Singapore with parties they can trust is becoming a big trend nowadays," he said, adding that 90% of the new orders are coming from outside of Singapore. France's President Emmanuel Macron gives a press statement near the Metropole Hotel before attending a state dinner in Hanoi on May 26, 2025. French President Emmanuel Macron visiting Vietnam and Swedish automaker Volvo Cars laying off employees might not appear to have much in common. But they are, on some level, strategic maneuvers in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's deployment of 50% tariffs on the European Union, which he later delayed. Macron sealed a deal with Vietnam for the Asian country to buy 20 jets from European planemaker Airbus, building on an earlier agreement for a similar quantity. And Volvo Cars' layoffs reflected growing pressure on the company to cut costs. The Swedish automaker has already pulled a China-made car completely out of the U.S. markets because of Trump's tariffs on Beijing. The company, which is owned by China's Geely Holding, also withdrew its financial guidance for both 2025 and 2026, citing tariff pressure on the automotive sector. Hence, while there may be sighs of relief in Brussels for now, Trump's tariff bluster will continue to roil the global economy and investor confidence. A European-wide shift to nuclear power appears to be gathering momentum as countries hedge their bets in pursuit of more energy independence. In just the last few weeks, Denmark announced plans to reconsider a 40-year ban on nuclear power as part of a major policy shift, Spain reportedly signaled an openness to review a shutdown of its nuclear plants and Germany dropped its long-held opposition to atomic power. The renewed European interest in nuclear shows how some countries are hedging their bets in pursuit of more energy independence. The burgeoning trend appears to be driven, at least in part, by some of the costs associated with renewables, notably solar and wind technologies. "Solar and wind are still the cheapest and fastest way to drive the green transition, and that remains our focus. But we also need to understand whether new nuclear technologies can play a supporting role," Lars Aagaard, Denmark's minister for climate, energy and utilities, told CNBC via email. The renewables-heavy Scandinavian country said in mid-May that it plans to analyze the potential benefits and risks of new advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors, to complement solar and wind technologies. Denmark's government, which banned the use of atomic energy in 1985, added that it does not plan a return to traditional nuclear power plants. "We have no recent experience with nuclear power, and we lack the necessary knowledge regarding safety and waste management. That's why we must begin a serious analysis not to replace solar and wind, but to see whether new nuclear can complement our energy system in the future," Aagaard said. U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a press conference following a two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee on interest rate policy in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 7, 2025. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell shared one of the biggest career mistakes with Princeton graduates and said taking risks and initiatives is the key to getting ahead. In a commencement address to Princeton's Class of 2025 on Sunday, Powell described one of the key traits he said was behind him ultimately becoming a member of the Federal Reserve Board. "As you strive in coming years to reach your full potential you'll need to take risks, and yes to make mistakes. Everyone, and I mean everyone, makes mistakes take it from an expert but the bigger mistake is to avoid taking risks. If you're not failing from time to time you're not asking enough of yourself," Powell said. Powell became a member of the Fed's board of governors in 2012. He was appointed chairman in 2018 by U.S. President Donald Trump, and reappointed in 2022 by former President Joe Biden. He explained that nobody is ever ready to take on more senior positions and leadership roles. "Go for it. Throw yourself into the deep end of the pool, believe in yourself, take risks," Powell said. "When you fall down and you will fall down get up and repeat the cycle." This story is part of CNBC Make It's Six-Figure Side Hustle series, where people with lucrative side hustles break down the routines and habits they've used to make money on top of their full-time jobs. Got a story to tell? Let us know! Email us at AskMakeIt@cnbc.com. In 2018, Josh White went to Home Depot on a mission. He was teaching his 12-year-old daughter how to replace splintering wooden panels on their deck in Passaic, New Jersey, and wanted a smaller hammer to fit her hands. Aisle after aisle, he couldn't find any functional, kid-friendly tools, he says. White, who owns a Boca Raton, Florida-based creative agency called OffWhite Co., decided to sketch and 3D-print his own models. He designed a bird-shaped tape measure with marked ribbon for a tongue and a droopy googly eye as a level got prototypes from a factory in China, and listed the product on Amazon under the name Handy Famm in December 2019. As customer interest grew, White and his Handy Famm team now four full-time workers, some of whom came over from OffWhite designed more tot-centric tools, like giraffe hammers and hippo wrenches, he says. Handy Famm brought in $455,000 in sales last year, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. DON'T MISS: 8 online classes to boost your confidence and pay30% off Memorial Day sale Handy Famm, which sells online and in hardware stores including Home Depot is on track to reach profitability this year, White projects. It's grown enough that it may no longer qualify as a side hustle: White spends at least 40 hours per week growing and marketing it, he says. He started taking a salary from the company earlier this year, though his OffWhite salary still makes up a majority of his income, he says. Notably, White had an advantage in getting Handy Famm off the ground: After designing for companies like Chobani, Cabbage Patch Kids and AeroPress, he already owned equipment to help him model his ideas. He had relationships with manufacturers in China, and more than two decades of experience using art and products to tell stories, he says. Still, anyone can create a successful side hustle with the right "motivation," he says. Here, White discusses the shortcuts he took to build Handy Famm quickly, cost-cutting strategies and how to learn from your mistakes. CNBC Make It: Do you think your side hustle is replicable? White: Yes, but the way I'm doing it, not so much. There aren't a lot of people who have the experiences that I've gone through in life. Before Handy Famm, I traveled the world and worked with manufacturers on how to make stuff for people, anything from headphones to a Barbie doll. I have the network, I have the connections and I know my way around these areas. You can go on Alibaba and find a manufacturer there and just hope for the best. But most people have to spend two years in development and negotiation and thousands of dollars prototyping their products with factories in China. I was able to build Handy Famm so fast because I skipped all the steps and went to the sources. But in terms of identifying [a gap or need] in the market, then figuring out how to make something, I think anyone can do anything if you have the motivation to do it. Are there shortcuts new entrepreneurs can use, even without the type of prior experience you had? I learned early on that you can't rely on the factory to help you do the creative. You want to keep that part as close to your chest as possible. The more vision you have, the more research you do upfront, the more time it'll save you going back and forth. If you just hand over a sketch of an idea, you're going to get disappointed very fast. One of my first projects at OffWhite, I designed this airplane-shaped object holder [that] people could put their knickknacks in. I sent my design to a factory, and it came back as a gray pancake. So, I went ahead and started to build my own model out of clay. You can hire people to help you with the design part too, as long as you have a clear vision a North Star of what you're trying to accomplish. Doing your creative homework upfront seems to contradict some popular Silicon Valley advice, like "launch a minimum viable product" or "move fast and break things." What's the merit of slowing down? The timeframe of "just do it" is fungible [project to project]. Be as smart and educated as you can upfront, but at some point, you have to take the risk. If you want to get something to market, you can't wait until something's perfect either, because then you'll never do anything. Everything has a different learning curve. When we first launched our first tape measure, parents told us their kids were getting too excited and ripping out the ribbon out of the bird head, so we had to go back in and figure out a way to make it stronger. Before we launched the hammer, the [prototype's] head was too heavy to be kid-friendly and functional. Even with all my experience, I had to gut it and put it back together. I think the key point here is: Don't get frustrated. There are always going to be micro-failures, things that go wrong no matter how much research you do. I call [mistakes] my Harvard education because, often, you have to pay your way in time and expenses [to succeed]. But I've learned for the next time, and I get smarter. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Want a new career that's higher-paying, more flexible or fulfilling? Take CNBC's new online course How to Change Careers and Be Happier at Work. Expert instructors will teach you strategies to network successfully, revamp your resume and confidently transition into your dream career. Start today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $67 (+taxes and fees) through May 13, 2025. In this article AAPL Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT A man seen using his phone next to iPhone 16 models kept on display at the Apple store in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Shipments of iPhones from India to the U.S. rose 76% in April year on year, estimates from a technology market analyst firm shows. The surge comes as Apple accelerates its "made in India" plans, which analysts say will meet pushback from President Donald Trump and Beijing. The data from Canalys, now part of Omdia, showed that U.S. iPhones shipped from India in April reached roughly 3,000,000. That's a stark contrast to shipments from China over the same period, which fell about 76% from last year to just 900,000. Omdia says its smartphone estimates incorporate customs records and channel data from iPhone distributors. According to Le Xuan Chiew, a research manager at Omdia, the April numbers show the aggressive measures Apple has taken to adapt to Washington's tariffs against China, where Apple manufactures most of its iPhones. "This latest trade war with China, is the type of disturbance that Apple has long been trying to prepare itself for," he said, adding that the country had first started investing heavily into supply chains in India during the Covid-19 pandemic. India also surpassed China in iPhone shipments to the United States in March, according to Omdia's estimates. The uptick came ahead of Trump's first iteration of "reciprocal tariffs" on April 2. The amount of shipments that month was unusually high and appeared to be the result of the company's stockpiling, according to Chiew. The Trump administration's decision to exempt iPhones and other consumer electronics from his reciprocal tariffs on April 11 did not reverse those trends, with Apple CEO Tim Cook in early may reiterating plans for most iPhone's sold in the U.S. to be manufactured in India. IPhones imported from China under Trump's current term tariffs still face an additional 30% of duties, while the baseline tariff rate is currently 10% for most other countries, including India. Growth to plateau? While the jump in India's iPhone shipments in March and April showed the adaptability of Apple's supply chains, that growth is expected to slow down for the rest of the year, according to Omdia's Chiew. "India's manufacturing capacity isn't expected to grow fast enough to take the entirety of U.S. demand. It's still too early," he said, noting that the company recently began shipments of Apple's most cutting-edge iPhone 16 Pro. watch now Omdia estimates that U.S. iPhone demand is about 20 million a quarter, with India expected to be able to match that level only by 2026. Meanwhile, Daniel Newman, CEO and principal analyst at research firm Futurum Group, noted that shipment numbers reflect final assembly, but are not representative of the entire supply chain and manufacturing process. "It was actually a very low lift for them to migrate more and more of the final assembly from China to India," he said, adding that a vast majority of the sub-assemblies are all still in China. Pushback from Washington and Beijing Analysts said India's ability to expand its iPhone capacity could be curbed by protectionist measures from Washington and Beijing, which both have issues with Apple's reaction against tariffs. According to Newman, while this is the smart thing for Apple to do, it's also playing a "dangerous game" with Trump, as it doesn't meet the objectives of his administration's tariffs. On Friday, Trump threatened to slap a 25% tariff on all iPhone shipments in a social media post, reiterating that he expects iPhones sold in the U.S. to be manufactured and built domestically, "not India, or anyplace else." Get a weekly round up of the top tech stories from around the world in your inbox every Friday. Subscribe Starbucks is in the middle of a turnaround story as new management is expected to overhaul the struggling coffee chain, according to Nancy Tengler, Laffer Tengler Investments CEO and CIO. Tengler broke down her views on Starbucks, Nvidia, and EQT on CNBC's "Three-Stock Lunch" Tuesday. Starbucks Last month, Starbucks missed earnings and revenue estimates for its fiscal second quarter as same-store sales fell for the fifth straight quarter. Still, CEO Brian Niccol said the coffee chain is seeing "momentum" in its turnaround, even though the effort will pressure earnings. "I think it's presenting an opportunity to invest, for investors to step in," Tengler said. " New CFO [Nordstrom alumna Cathy Smith] is adding a level of urgency, and they are really investing in labor, which was a weak spot of the company. You're getting paid to wait. I think this is a name that you can add to just take your time, because it's going to take a little while to turn it around." SBUX YTD mountain Starbucks Nvidia Nvidia is in the sweet spot in the artificial intelligence boom, and investors should use the weakness from headlines to add to their holdings, Tengler said. She said she's been increasing her investment in the chip giant during key market events, including President Donald Trump's initial tariff rollout and the launch of a language model from Chinese competitor DeepSeek. "If you look at where they are in the stack of AI, they're in the sweet spot," Tengler said. "They are the go-to chip provider, and all of the hyperscalers have told us that they're capacity constrained." Nvidia is scheduled to report quarterly earnings on Wednesday after the bell. Many investors are focused on the impact of export restrictions to China. The Trump administration said it was requiring an export license for the company's H20 chip. Nvidia said it would take a $5.5 billion write-down on inventory for its H20 chip, what analysts called the biggest write-down in the history of the chip industry. NVDA YTD mountain Nvidia EQT Tengler is also bullish on Pittsburgh-based energy company EQT . The company has a current dividend yield of 1.1%. "This is a company that's pledged to return 60% of free cash flow to shareholders through buybacks and dividend increases," she said. "They are also generating free cash flow at two times the competition. And we think there's a tailwind behind natural gas prices and LNG export prices so we're pretty optimistic on the group." EQT YTD mountain EQT Japan's Nippon Steel is expected to close its acquisition of U.S. Steel for $55 per share, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC's David Faber. President Donald Trump cleared Nippon's bid for U.S. Steel on Friday, referring to the deal as a "partnership." Trump said Nippon will invest $14 billion over the next 14 months. U.S. Steel's headquarters will remain in Pittsburgh, the president said. U.S. Steel gained about 2% on Tuesday to close at $53.04 per share. The stock rose more than 20% Friday on the back of Trump's announcement. The $55 per share bid for U.S. Steel is the offer that Nippon originally made for the company before the deal was blocked in January. President Joe Biden had blocked Nippon's bid for U.S. Steel on national security grounds, arguing that the deal will potentially jeopardize critical supply chains. But Trump ordered a new review of the proposed acquisition in April, despite his previous opposition to Nippon acquiring U.S. Steel. The United Steelworkers union had opposed Nippon's bid to acquire U.S. Steel. USW President David McCall said Friday that the union "cannot speculate about the impact" of Trump's announcement "without more information." "Our concern remains that Nippon, a foreign corporation with a long and proven track record of violating our trade laws, will further erode domestic steelmaking capacity and jeopardize thousands of good, union jobs," McCall said in a statement. Trump told reporters on Sunday that the deal is an "investment, it's a partial ownership, but it will be controlled by the USA." Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick told CNBC on Tuesday that U.S. Steel will have an American CEO and a majority of its board members will be from the U.S. "It's a national security agreement that will be signed with the U.S. government," McCormick told CNBC's "Squawk Box." "There'll be a golden share that will essentially require U.S. government approval of a number of the board members and that will allow the United States to ensure production levels aren't cut." The $14 billion that Nippon will invest includes $2.4 billion that will go to U.S. Steel's operations at Mon Valley outside Pittsburgh, McCormick said. The deal will save 10,000 jobs in Pennsylvania and add another 10,000 jobs in the building trades to add another arc furnace, the senator said. When asked what Nippon gets from the deal, McCormick said the Japanese steelmaker will "have certainly members of the board and this will be part of their overall corporate structure." "They wanted an opportunity to get access to the U.S. market this allowed them to do so and get the economic benefit of that," McCormick said of Nippon. "They've negotiated it, it was their proposal." Trump said Friday he will hold a rally at U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh on May 30. JPMorgan Chase thinks it has cracked the code on managing more money for America's millionaires. It's not a new financial product, a novel software program or an enticing sign-up bonus. Instead, it's a refurbished take on an old concept the brick-and-mortar bank branch along with new standards for service that are at the heart of its aspirations. The bank is unveiling 14 of these new format branches each acquired when JPMorgan took over First Republic in 2023 in tony ZIP codes in New York, California, Florida and Massachusetts, including Napa, Palm Beach and Wellesley Hills. It's part of JPMorgan's push to convince affluent Americans, many who already use Chase checking accounts or credit cards, that the bank is ready to manage their millions. JPMorgan is the country's biggest bank by deposits and assets and has a top share in areas as disparate as Wall Street trading and retail credit cards. But one of the only major categories where it isn't a clear leader is in wealth management; peers like Morgan Stanley and Bank of America exceed it there. While half of the 19 million affluent households in the U.S. bank with JPMorgan, it has just a 10% share of their investing dollars, according to Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking. "We have this giant opportunity to convince customers to have their wealth management business with us in addition to their deposit relationship," Roberts said in a recent interview. Helped by its acquisition of First Republic, which was known for catering to rich families living on either coast, JPMorgan decided to launch a new tier of service. Called J.P. Morgan Private Client, it is anchored by the new physical locations, of which there will be 31 by the end of next year. The service comes with its own mobile banking app, but its main appeal is the in-person experience: Instead of being handed off to multiple employees like at a Chase branch, J.P. Morgan Private Client members are assigned to a single banker. "What First Republic did really well was deliver a concierge-level of service where if you have an issue, a person owned it for you and you didn't have to worry about it," Roberts said. "So with this experience we are going to deliver a more elevated concierge type of service, like you would expect at a high-end hotel." The price of entry: at least $750,000 in deposits and investments, though Roberts said the bank is aiming for those with around $2 million to $3 million in balances. Two years ago this month, Nvidia shocked investors with sales guidance beyond anybody's wildest dreams, accelerating the stock's epic run. The seemingly unstoppable Club name hit turbulence earlier this year before clawing its way back into the green. The next test of its recovery rally comes Wednesday evening. The leading maker of artificial intelligence chips is set to release its fiscal 2026 first-quarter results after Wednesday's closing bell. Once again, anticipation is high after an eventful few months for Nvidia and the market overall amid President Donald Trump 's tariff war and concerns about an economic downturn. Nvidia stock got crushed during Wall Street's sell-off from late February to early April. Since then, it has soared more than 40% since its 2025 closing low of $94.31 per share on April 4. "I would not be a buyer" of Nvidia at these levels, Jim Cramer said Tuesday, as shares continued to rebound and climbed around 3% in the session. While Tuesday's intraday advance puts the stock slightly positive year to date, it remains about 10% below its all-time high on Jan. 6, a few weeks before Chinese AI startup DeepSeek jolted the broader AI trade. NVDA 5Y mountain Nvidia 5 years Nvidia's earnings have become a hyped-up Wall Street event ever since that May 2023 report , when its second-quarter revenue guidance of $11 billion came in 54% above analysts' expectations, a jaw-dropping beat that sent a stock that had already doubled year to date up 24% the following day. It was a defining moment in the early days of the generative AI boom, sparked six months prior with the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT. The moment carved into stone what investors had been writing down in pencil: All this investment into AI computing power was going to create a windfall for Nvidia, whose cutting-edge graphics processing units, or GPUs, were used to train ChatGPT. And, indeed, it has. Even buying Nvidia stock the session after its post-earnings surge and just holding would be worth a nearly 250% gain on paper. Analysts are expecting Nvidia on Wednesday to report revenue of $43.2 billion for the three months ended in April, representing 66% growth from a year ago and a truly staggering 500% increase from two years ago. But considerable crosscurrents are surrounding Nvidia's upcoming report just as there were in late February when the DeepSeek saga was top of mind that could muddy both its first quarter results and ongoing second quarter guidance and, potentially beyond that. As the AI boom matures, the investment narratives have become more nuanced. In the here and now, it is all about whether Nvidia's February-to-April quarter and, just as importantly, its current quarter outlook will be able to exceed expectations, considering the Trump administration blocked sales of its previous GPU for the Chinese market, known as the H20. While media reports suggest Nvidia is preparing another workaround for China that complies with U.S. government export controls, it isn't currently available and contributing to revenue in the May-to-July period. Wall Street has recalibrated its expectations for Nvidia's current quarter guidance in the wake of the H20 restrictions. The current consensus for the July quarter is for $45.9 billion in revenue, according to FactSet, down $1.8 billion since April 15, the day before the ban was announced. However, some analysts, including those at Morgan Stanley, believe the consensus expectation has not come down enough. That could mean Nvidia's guidance ends up falling short of estimates. Trump's shifting tariff policy and the uncertainty that it injects into the broader economy and companies' willingness decisions is an unknown variable that also could impact Nvidia's results and short-term outlook. That is a risk despite many of its largest customers, including so-called hyperscalers Microsoft , Meta Platforms , and Amazon , signaling alongside their latest earnings reports their intentions to keep spending aggressively on AI. All three are also Club names. "We think that April quarter is poised for a miss in revenues largely from macro uncertainty and from the H20 ban," analysts at Piper Sandler wrote to clients Tuesday. H20 ban resulted in Nvidia announcing a $5.5 billion inventory write-down. In addition to sales, investors will be paying close attention to what all these dynamics mean for Nvidia's expectations for gross margins, an increasingly important metric for the Street. The expectation has been that as Nvidia's rollout of its Blackwell generation AI chips progresses, the company will be able to get gross margins back up in the mid-70% range later this fiscal year. But a lot has changed since Nvidia most recently reported results in late February, and it's fair to wonder whether this projection will remain in place. Nvidia's spate of chip deals in the Middle East part of the company's yearslong "sovereign AI" push figures to be another topic of conversation Wednesday night. It will largely center around when commitments from the likes of Saudi Arabia's Humain will start to materialize into sales, and how financially lucrative these planned data center projects in the region will be in the coming years. As Jim has said, oil-rich nations investing aggressively in AI have the potential to act as "another hyperscaler." Last week, Nvidia also publicized a new supercomputer being built in Taiwan by one of the island's national research laboratories. "These large contracts, in addition to existing deals with hyperscalers, should provide investors with longer-term visibility to revenues that stretch into [next calendar year]," Piper analysts wrote. "We advise investors to weather the uncertainty and stay long the stock as this is likely largely the last wave of negative news for NVDA this year," analysts also said in the note. As far as the Club is concerned, it is difficult to know whether Nvidia is entering a calmer period of positive headlines far outweighing the negative ones. The way the stock has traded in recent weeks certainly suggests that investors are dreaming that such a scenario will be the case. Still, Jim remains wary about acting on the stock ahead of the earnings, even if he is confident that Nvidia's leadership in AI computing is as apparent as it was two years ago. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long NVDA, AMZN, MSFT and META. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Nvidia 's first-quarter earnings report on Wednesday afternoon could set the tone for Wall Street heading into June, but only if investors can agree on what the results truly mean about the artificial intelligence boom. The chip juggernaut has jumped 22% over the past month, even as Wall Street analysts are cautioning clients that the quarterly report likely won't be clean and could include misses on key metrics. NVDA 1M mountain Shares of Nvidia have gained more than 20% over the past month. Part of that murky outlook is due to the ways in which Nvidia is caught up in the geopolitical tensions around trade and national security. The chipmaker has already announced that it would take a $5.5 billion charge in the quarter related to U.S. government export restrictions on so-called H20 integrated circuits, but the full impact of that is still not known, which could lead to a miss on revenue guidance. Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore said in a note to clients that the impact of those restrictions is "messy" but probably not enough to hurt the long-term positive story for the stock. "Sell side does not appear to have universally modeled the impact of H20 ban, so there is some downside potential vs. stale consensus. But if [management] is convincing that supply of racks and non rack Blackwell is improving, and that there is 2h acceleration, it should not matter," Moore said. The quarterly report, which shows results through April 27 , will also not reflect the latest excitement around artificial intelligence. This month, Alphabet rolled out a slew of new AI initiatives and product ideas at its I/O developer conference . There was also the debut of the Claude 4 AI model . "The quarter doesn't matter; the qualitative commentary does + so does the building demand for 'more AI.' The previews and buyside conversations have been pretty consistent this quarter ... slight beat and a guide that will be likely BELOW consensus," said a Bank of America sales desk note. "Saying the 'quarter' and guide don't matter is obviously a little extreme but if one can't see that the usage/adoption of AI has hit an explosive inflection in the past 2 months ... I don't know what to tell you," the note continued. Nvidia is still solidly below its record high from early January, but that doesn't mean the bar isn't high. The stock still has buy or strong buy ratings from 56 of 64 major analysts, according to LSEG. "We advise investors to weather the uncertainty and stay long the stock as this is likely largely the last wave of negative news for NVDA this year," Piper Sandler analyst Harsh Kumar said in a note to clients. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting. Correction: This story has been updated to correct that Nvidia hit a record high in January. Members of the Native American group Apache Stronghold hold protest cards ahead of formally asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn an earlier ruling allowing Rio Tinto to develop the Resolution Copper mine in Arizona, outside the court in Washington, U.S., September 11, 2024. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a last-minute plea from Native Americans seeking to challenge a massive copper mining project in Arizona that would destroy a sacred site used for tribal ceremonies, a weighty dispute that pitted religious rights against business interests. The court turned away an appeal brought by the nonprofit group Apache Stronghold asserting that its members' religious rights will be violated if the Resolution Copper mine goes forward because it would obliterate Oak Flat, the site in question. The Trump administration recently announced its backing of the project. The court order noted that conservative Justice Samuel Alito did not participate. It did not say why. Conservative justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas said they would have taken up the case. Gorsuch, known for his backing of Native Americans in other cases, said in a dissenting opinion that it was a "grievous mistake" not to hear the challenge and suggested the court would have acted differently if the claim were brought by Christians. "Just imagine if the government sought to demolish a historic cathedral on so questionable a chain of legal reasoning. I have no doubt that we would find that case worth our time," he added "Faced with the government's plan to destroy an ancient site of tribal worship, we owe the Apaches no less." The focus of attention is a law passed by Congress in 2014, which transferred the land from federal ownership to Resolution Copper, a joint venture of mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP . Resolution Copper says the mine could supply around 25% of the nation's copper, with the metal in high demand for renewable energy projects and electric vehicles. Apache Stronghold said tribal members' religious rights were violated both under the Constitution's First Amendment and a federal law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Oak Flat has been used for years by Western Apaches, a group of Native Americans that includes various tribes including the San Carlos Apache Tribe, which is based on a nearby reservation. Oak Flat is within the Tonto National Forest, about 70 miles east of Phoenix. "Oak Flat lies within the tribe's ancestral territory and is central to traditional Apache religion as the home of Apache deities and the only place where Apaches can practice unique ceremonies," lawyers for the San Carlos Apache Tribe wrote in court papers backing the appeal. According to Apache Stronghold, the site is the dwelling place of spiritual beings called the Ga'an and acts as "a direct corridor to the Creator." The site is used for sweat lodge ceremonies to mark boys reaching manhood and the multiday "Sunrise Ceremony" that celebrates girls reaching womanhood. An environmental study found that if the mine is built, locations used for various ceremonies would be destroyed, with the land subsiding to create a giant crater almost 2 miles wide. Diamond rings and bracelets on display in a show window in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Yuriko Nakao/Getty Images) Yuriko Nakao | Getty Images News | Getty Images They might be made of the hardest material on earth, but diamonds, with their complex supply chains and expensive price tag, are particularly fragile to U.S. President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff agenda. The precious mineral is facing a baseline 10% import duty to the U.S. a market accounting for over half of the global demand for polished diamonds. The sector is also bracing for additional duties should Trump's 90-day pause come to an end with no new agreements. "It's very clear that the diamond industry, on a global level, has been facing a perfect storm of challenges," Karen Rentmeesters, chief executive of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre told CNBC, adding that tariffs are just "the latest blow." The small precious stones often cross several borders before ending in a store. From mines in Botswana or South Africa, to trading hubs in the Middle East or Europe, and then on to cutting and polishing hubs, before heading back to a jewelry manufacturer there is often a long journey before the item arrives in a store. This complex supply chain means the diamond industry is highly susceptible to any trade disruptions. Raw materials such as gold and copper have been excluded from U.S. tariffs and the industry is pushing for diamonds to also be excluded. Rentmeesters who heads the 580-year-old corporation which represents over 1,400 companies within Antwerp's diamond district, said: "You could argue that loose diamonds are a raw material. You don't walk around with a polished diamond in your hand. You're wearing it in a piece of jewelry. It's in a ring or a pair of earrings." The tariff uncertainty comes at a time when the luxury industry at large is already contending with a slowdown in demand after a post-pandemic boom and an economic slump in China. Lab-grown diamonds mark an ongoing shift However, the biggest disruption to the industry has been the creation of lab-grown diamonds (LGD). Chemically identical, the stones are impossible to distinguish with the naked eye. They are selling at an 80% discount to the natural version and customers are taking advantage of the cheaper prices. Over half of couples surveyed in the U.S. last year, said their engagement ring featured a lab-grown diamond, according to the 2025 Real Weddings study by The Knot which included insights from nearly 17,000 couples. watch now A watershed moment was in 2021 when Pandora, the world's largest jewelry brand by volume, became the first to stop selling mined diamonds. "In the US, some 18 months ago, the volume of lab-grown diamonds in loose stones surpassed that of mined. So if there's any doubt in people's minds that there's a shift going on, it was very visible from there, and since then, it keeps on growing," Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik told CNBC. "With this type of value proposition that lab grown diamonds can offer, we can actually offer diamonds to more people. So it's not necessarily that we see that the total volume of diamonds is going to go down. We'll probably invite more people into the category." With the poor macroeconomic conditions and increasing competition from LGD, the price of mined diamonds has fallen nearly 60% since a peak in March 2022. Tariffs threaten stabilization point However, some analysts say the industry is close to reaching a point of stabilization between LGD and mined diamonds. "The question you have to ask is, how much lower can prices go before consumers see clear differentiation between the two products," said Paul Zimnisky, an independent diamond analyst. He added: "And I think we're finally starting to get to that point where you could buy, you know, a three, four or five carat, which are ridiculous sizes for an engagement ring you could buy the lab grown version for, you know, just a few $1,000 whereas the natural version is going to be tens of hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, I think that price differential is certainly creating distinction." In the face of these challenges, some key players are rethinking their strategies. De Beers, a major player in the diamond industry, said there were signs of an uptake in U.S. demand before Christmas and before the tariff uncertainty hit. Instead of investing in the burgeoning market of LGD, DeBeers is doubling down on natural diamonds. De Beers recently announced it will close its LGD jewelry brand Lightbox in a bid to reinforce "its commitment to natural diamonds in the jewelry sector." "The persistently declining value of lab-grown diamonds in jewelry underscores the growing differentiation between these factory-made products and natural diamonds," De Beers CEO Al Cook said in a company statement. This photograph taken on February 6, 2024 shows employees working at Greenlab Diamonds, a firm manufacturing lab-grown gems on the outskirts of Surat. Sam Panthaky | Afp | Getty Images "The idea of putting physical metal in a safe jurisdiction like Singapore with parties they can trust is becoming a big trend nowadays," says Gregor Gregersen, founder of The Reserve. Alessia Pierdomenico | Bloomberg | Getty Images The ultra-wealthy are increasingly moving their gold offshore as economic and geopolitical uncertainty roils markets and Singapore is emerging as a favored destination. Not far from the city-state's airport sits a six-story facility covered in onyx and fortified by tight security. Tucked behind its steel doors are gold and silver bars amounting to about $1.5 billion. Known as "The Reserve," the storage facility features scores of private vaults and a towering storage chamber lined with thousands of safe deposit boxes reaching three stories high. From the start of the year to April, the precious metals repository has received an 88% increase in orders to store gold and silver in the vault from the same period in 2024, said its founder, Gregor Gregersen. The Reserve, which also sells gold and silver bars, saw sales for precious metals bars skyrocket 200% year on year in that time, data provided by The Reserve showed. Singapore is viewed as the 'Geneva of the East'; it has a reputation as a safe jurisdiction with relative political and economic stability. Nicky Shiels MKS Pamp A growing sense of unease is driving the surge, according to industry watchers. "A lot of very high net worth clients are looking at tariffs, looking at the world changing, looking at the potential of geopolitical instabilities," Gregersen told CNBC. "The idea of putting physical metal in a safe jurisdiction like Singapore with parties they can trust is becoming a big trend nowadays," he said, adding that 90% of the new orders are coming from outside of Singapore. Not far from Singapore's airport sits a six-story facility called The Reserve. Tucked behind its steel doors are gold and silver bars amounting to about $1.5 billion. The Reserve The rise of gold has been meteoric in recent months, with bullion prices notching consecutive record highs. That was fueled in part by its safe haven appeal in the face of the volatility brought about by U.S.-China trade tensions and a mass U.S. asset sell-off in April. Though gold prices recently cooled after investors' risk appetites improved following a thaw in trade tensions between the two economic superpowers, some market watchers still believe they could climb to as high as $5,000 per ounce next year. Spot gold prices are currently trading at $3,346.32 per ounce, near historic levels. Physical bars versus paper The wealthy are also increasingly opting for physical gold bars instead of paper because they do not want as much counterparty and geopolitical risks, Gregersen said. While storing and owning physical gold isn't completely free of price exposure, it limits exposure to certain risks that paper gold carries. For example, counterparty risks are lower if one owns the asset directly. The Silicon Valley Bank crisis that unfolded in 2023 fueled investors' preference for physically owning or securely allocating specific gold bars, instead of relying on paper claims or owning just a stake in a pooled reserve which could be put at risk if a bank collapses, said Nicky Shiels, head of research and metals strategy at MKS Pamp, a precious metals refining and trading firm. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Gold prices in the past one year The World Gold Council's chief market strategist John Reade likewise noted that this is especially the case for those who are worried about the health of the global financial system. "Some holders of physical precious metals are wary of storing gold within the banking system, even in allocated form, so they prefer to hold gold with entities that are not banks," Reade said. Lack of trust in some domestic banks is also a key driver, said Jeremy Savory, founder of Millionaire Migrant, a Dubai-based consultancy that provides citizenship-related services to high-net-worth individuals. "If you're in a country where you don't trust the banking system, for example, Lebanon or Egypt or Algeria they don't want to put it in the bank," said Savory, whose clients include high-net-worth individuals around the world who are trying to move physical gold to vaults in Switzerland, Singapore and Dubai. That said, vaulted gold may be less attractive for short-term investors, given that the transaction costs for purchasing and moving physical gold is higher than that of paper gold, said World Gold Council's Reade. The Reserve's storage facility features scores of private vaults capable of storing 25 to 60 tons of gold, which are stored in boxes and sealed. The Reserve Charter Communications and Toast are among a handful of overlooked stocks in the market that could see gains ahead, according to Bank of America. Stocks have been ripping higher as President Donald Trump reverses or delays many tariffs laid out in early April. The S & P 500 has surged more than 20% since hitting an intraday low on April 7. Traders continue to hunt for good bargains, however, as volatility persists amid on ongoing policy changes. In a recent note to clients, Bank of America highlighted stocks that are under-owned by funds and have catalysts for upward momentum. Specifically, the firm screened for stocks that meet three criteria: Low fund ownership Funds that do own the stock have an overweight allocation relative to their benchmark Have a high "triple momentum rank": This metric combines earnings, price, and news momentum to determine when a stock is in vogue or not "Our analysis shows that stocks that have high ownership and are overweight can outperform for years if a stock's fundamentals remain relatively attractive. Therefore, we believe the challenge for investors is to differentiate between crowded trades with a positive catalyst and crowded trades with a negative catalyst," analyst Nigel Tupper said in a note to clients, outlining his methodology for the stock screen. "Similarly, there is an opportunity to identify under-owned stocks which have a positive catalyst," he added. Take a look below for the group of U.S.-listed companies that made the screen, which uses data as of April 30. Charter Communications has low fund ownership of 17%, while having one of the higher "triple momentum" ranks at 93. Shares of the telecommunications giant, which owns Spectrum, have jumped 20% this year. Charter on May 16 announced an agreement to merge with privately held rival Cox Communications in a deal worth $21.9 billion one of the biggest global deal transactions this year that combines two of the largest U.S. cable and broadband operators. Other stocks on the list outperforming the broader market include Howmet Aerospace and Toast . Howmet, which supplies parts for planes built by Boeing, has been on a monster run over the past year, gaining roughly 54% year to date and hitting a new 52-week high on Tuesday. Howmet has benefited from growth in the defense and commercial aerospace market and boasted strong first-quarter earnings results posted earlier this month. According to Bank of America's screener, however, the company has just 23% fund ownership. Shares of Toast are similarly overlooked with 18% fund ownership, according to the screener. The stock has rallied 18% this year. Here are Tuesday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Piper Sandler reiterates Nvidia as overweight Piper said it's sticking with the stock ahead of earnings on Wednesday. "We advise investors to weather the uncertainty and stay long the stock as this is likely largely the last wave of negative news for NVDA this year. Reiterate OW rating." UBS upgrades LifeStance Health to buy from neutral UBS said the long term growth thesis is intact for the health company. "We are upgrading our rating of LFST to Buy (50%+ upside on $8.50 PT) as we see a fundamental disconnect between underlying performance and valuation today." Piper Sandler initiates SoundHound as overweight Piper said it's bullish on shares of the AI voice company. "We are initiating coverage of SoundHound with an OW rating and $12 price target based on 22x EV/CY26E Sales." Barclays downgrades CoreWeave to equal weight from overweight Barclays downgraded the stock on valuation . "We continue to like the role Coreweave is playing in the new GenAI world. However, after a 157% move since the IPO we see valuation at levels that could be stretched to move higher off fundamentals in the near term. As such, we downgrade to Equal Weight." Goldman Sachs upgrades Cummins to buy from neutral Goldman said it sees "improved supply and structurally higher unit profitability." "We upgrade CMI to Buy from Neutral as we see (i) structurally higher Power Systems profitability (pricing structure beyond data center), (ii) derisked EPA 2027 expectations, and (iii) US truck demand expectations that have been significantly reduced while used sleeper inventory levels that are now down 30% yoy." Baird upgrades Envista to outperform from neutral Baird upgraded the dental equipment company on tariff relief. "We're also upgrading NVST today to Outperform, with our call focused more on stock factors than pure end-market fundamentals, with stable end markets/recent China tariff relief (for now) likely helping this upside become increasingly apparent next couple quarters." Morgan Stanley reiterates Apple as overweight The firm said it's standing by Apple despite concerns over an import tariff on the iPhone. "While 'time to market' of a US-produced iPhone is one major impediment, our math says a 25% tariff on iPhone imports isn't enough incentive for Apple to reshore US-bound iPhone production. This means tariff costs are likely to increase beyond the June qtr; we have largely already accounted for this Truist upgrades Wingstop to buy from hold Truist said it's bullish on the wing-themed restaurant company. "We are upgrading our rating on WING to a Buy, from Hold, and increasing our ests. and PT to $400, from $274. Bernstein names Royal Caribbean a top pick Bernstein calls the cruise company the "vanguard" of the "industry renaissance" and said the stock is a top idea in the second half. "Add in a highly constrained supply environment, set to grow below demand, and Cruise should offer an attractive investment opportunity. Royal Caribbean is at the vanguard of this industry renaissance with the biggest ships and leading the industry on private destinations." Citi initiates DLocal as buy Citi said the cross border payment company is well positioned. "dLocal is a cross-border payment platform, connecting global merchants with customers from emerging economies in Africa, Asia and Latin America, through a unified platform and a single API [application programming interface]." UBS reiterates Tesla as sell UBS said its survey checks showing declining interest in Tesla and EV's. "Survey shows declining interest in EVs and the Tesla brand around the world." Wells Fargo initiates Expro Group Holdings as overweight The firm said it sees a slew of positive catalysts ahead for the energy company. "Initiate coverage of XPRO with an Overweight rating and $12 PT." Jefferies upgrades Southwest to hold from underperform Jefferies upgraded Southwest on the management's new initiatives. " LUV' s $1.8BB of initiatives EBIT in '25: $1BB from tactical changes of yield/inventory mgmt, new distribution channels, cuts to underperforming cities, & new intentional connections." Wolfe downgrades U.S. Steel to peer perform from outperform The firm said it assumes the deal for Nippon to take over U.S. Steel will occur. "We downgrade to Peer Perform in light of shrs trading near the Nippon takeout value. It seemed President Trump was set to approve the deal, which had been awaiting a final White House decision since January." Citi opens an upside catalyst watch on Dell Citi said it sees upside for Dell shares ahead of earnings this week with improved demand for Nvidia's GB200 AI super chip which Dell uses. "We open a ST [short term] Upside View on DELL shares on improving GB200 demand profile, showing a marked improvement." TD Cowen reiterates Microsoft as buy TD Cowen raised its price target on the stock to $540 per share from $490. "As AI revenue is rapidly building in the Azure model, especially OpenAI's contribution, we think this will start to put stronger upward pressure on total Azure growth. We think a return to Azure upside trends and firmer growth in the mid-30% level should help drive a stronger narrative around Azure and greater fund flows back into MSFT. " JPMorgan upgrades MSC Industrial to overweight from neutral JPMorgan said the industrial supplies company is a "turnaround story." " MSM has historically been among the most levered in the group to domestic IP trends given its status as industry leader in metalworking distribution." U.S. President Donald Trump gestures at the annual National Memorial Day Observance in the Memorial Amphitheater, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., May 26, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was monitoring "positive" steps in trade talks with the European Union, after he agreed to delay a 50% tariff on goods from the bloc until July 9. "I have just been informed that the E.U. has called to quickly establish meeting dates," Trump wrote in a post on the Truth Social platform. "This is a positive event, and I hope that they will, FINALLY, like my same demand to China, open up the European Nations for Trade with the United States of America." Trump also said Tuesday that the EU had been "slow walking" in negotiations with the White House over a trade deal. The sudden prospect of even greater tariffs on one of the U.S.' biggest trade partners rattled markets when it was threatened by Trump last Friday. In a post last week, Trump said discussions with the EU were "going nowhere." However, sentiment turned positive on Tuesday amid hopes of a breakthrough. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X over the weekend that the EU was "ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively," while European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said Monday that he had "good calls" with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Europe's regional Stoxx 600 index slightly extended gains after Trump's comments on Tuesday, last trading up 0.55% on the previous session, while U.S. markets opened broadly higher. The 27-member alliance was hit with a 20% tariff on April 2 as part of Trump's "reciprocal" tariff strategy, which was then cut for almost all trading partners to 10% for 90 days. Concurrent U.S. duties on autos, steel and aluminum are also impacting the bloc's exporters. EU officials have repeatedly stressed that they want to reach a deal with the White House, but that this will not come at any cost. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, earlier this month launched a consultation on tariff countermeasures targeting U.S. imports worth 95 billion euros ($107.4 billion) if a deal is not reached. CNBC has contacted the European Commission for comment. On May 8, the U.S. unveiled the outline of a trade deal with the U.K., the first such agreement under the latest Trump administration, although businesses say they are awaiting further details. The deal maintains a 10% baseline tariff on U.K. imports to the U.S., suggesting other countries will face a similar rate at a minimum. Trump has generally struck a favorable tone toward the U.K. due to its more balanced trade relationship in goods with the U.S. He has accused the EU, however with which it has a deficit in goods of treating the U.S. unfairly. EU-U.S. trade is roughly balanced when accounting for both goods and services, according to EU figures. A federal judge on Tuesday angrily tore into President Donald Trump's executive order targeting the top law firm WilmerHale and struck down the entire order as unconstitutional. "The cornerstone of the American system of justice is an independent judiciary and an independent bar willing to tackle unpopular cases, however daunting. The Founding Fathers knew this!" wrote Judge Richard Leon in the scathing, exclamation-point-filled opinion in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. To let Trump's order stand, Leon wrote, "would be unfaithful to the judgment and vision of the Founding Fathers!" The judge, who was appointed to the federal bench by former President George W. Bush, suffused his 73-page order with a tone of open fury rarely seen in judicial pronouncements. "Pleasethat dog won't hunt!" Leon wrote in response to arguments from the Trump administration that WilmerHale's claims of harm resulting from the executive order were merely speculation. "This argument is absurd!" the judge later wrote, balking at the administration's attempt to dispute whether Trump's order caused WilmerHale to lose clients. Since becoming president a second time, Trump has issued a laundry list of presidential orders and memos targeting law firms that have either worked on cases brought against him or hired his political enemies. Trump's order targeting WilmerHale explicitly criticized the firm for hiring Robert Mueller, who served as Department of Justice special counsel and oversaw a probe of possible coordination between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia. The National Public Radio (NPR) headquarters in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, May 5, 2025. National Public Radio on Tuesday sued President Donald Trump over his executive order to cease all federal funding for the nonprofit broadcaster. Trump's May 1 order violates the First Amendment's protections of speech and the press and steps on Congress' authority, NPR and three other public radio stations wrote in the lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. The order "also threatens the existence of a public radio system that millions of Americans across the country rely on for vital news and information," according to the legal complaint against Trump and a handful of top officials and federal agencies. NPR and three of its member stations Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio and KSUT Public Radio want Trump's order permanently blocked and declared unconstitutional. It "expressly aims to punish and control Plaintiffs' news coverage and other speech the Administration deems 'biased,'" attorneys for the news outlets wrote. "It cannot stand." NPR and the Public Broadcasting Service, or PBS, had previously vowed to challenge Trump's order, which asserts that government funding of the news is "not only outdated and unnecessary but corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence." Founded in 1970, NPR says it employs hundreds of journalists whose work is broadcast by more than 1,000 local stations. While most of its initial funding was allocated by Congress and delivered through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, or CPB, the arrangement was changed in the 1980s as the Reagan Administration sought to shrink public media funding. Reality TV Personalities Julie Chrisley (L) and Todd Chrisley (R) visit Hallmark's "Home & Family" at Universal Studios Hollywood on June 18, 2018 in Universal City, California. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he will pardon reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud, and sentenced to several years behind bars. "It's a terrible thing, but it's a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean," Trump said on a phone call with the couple's daughter, Savannah Chrisley. "I hope we can do it by tomorrow," he added, according to a video posted on X by special assistant to the president and communications advisor Margo Martin. "I don't know them, but give them my regards," Trump said. Trump has granted a number of high-profile, controversial pardons since returning to the White House, including for individuals convicted of white-collar crimes. Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for their series "Chrisley Knows Best," were found guilty in 2022 for conspiring to defraud Atlanta-area community banks to get more than $36 million in personal loans, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia. They also "conspired to defraud the Internal Revenue Service," per the attorney's office. Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years. "The President is always pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those who have been unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted by an unjust justice system," White House spokesman Harrison Fields said late Tuesday in a statement about the pardon to NBC News. #WATCH | During an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, " Yesterday, the Pakistani Army chief gifted a photo to the Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif...these stupid jokers want to compete with India, they had given a photograph of a 2019 pic.twitter.com/xJoaBo6zhO ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2025 All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi took a sharp dig at Pakistan, criticising its military leadership for a Chinese military drill photo as an achievement against India.Speaking during an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, Owaisi said that the Pakistani Army lacked the intelligence even to copy images accurately, calling them "stupid jokers"."Yesterday, the Pakistani Army chief gifted a photo to the Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif. These stupid jokers want to compete with India, they had given a photograph of a 2019 Chinese Army drill claiming it is a victory over India," Owaisi said."This is what Pakistan indulges in, they cannot even provide a proper photograph. Nakal karne ke liye bhi akal chahiye, inke pass akal bhi nhi h (It takes brains to cheat, and they don't even have that)," Owaisi stated, adding that people should not consider whatever Pakistan says, even with a pinch of salt.The image in question, reportedly shown by Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir to political leaders during a high-profile dinner was intended to commemorate 'Operation Bunyan al-Marsus', as per News18. However, it was soon exposed on social media as a manipulated image from a 2019 Chinese military exercise.Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju praised Owaisi's remarks on social media saying that he is speaking like a true Indian. "Pakistan ki pol khol di! (Exposed Pakistan completely). At least Asaduddin Owaisi speaking as true Indian in very critical time," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).Owaisi also raised serious concerns about the possible misuse of the $2 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan granted to Pakistan. He argued that the funds could be diverted towards strengthening Pakistan's military and terrorism supporting activities."Pakistan must be brought back in the FATF grey list. The importance of the FATF grey list is that there will be a huge scrutiny on that nation when you do money transactions," Owaisi was quoted as saying by ANI.He accused Pakistan of financing anti-India terror groups through hawala and money laundering networks operating in the Middle East."It is a fact that Pakistan uses the Middle East hawala or money laundering to sponsor terror groups against India... the $2 billion loan which the IMF is giving will be used by the Pakistani military," he added.Owaisi's remarks came as India's diplomatic outreach has intensified following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. India launched 'Operation Sindoor' targeting the terror base camp and sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of May 7.Owaisi is a part of an all-party parliamentary delegation led by the BJP MP Baijayant Panda, which is visiting Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Algeria.The delegation aims to brief countries on India's response to the Pahalgam attack and highlight India's zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism. As the Indian government pushes forward with its plans to strengthen defence capabilities post Operation Sindoor, former defence officials say the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project will be central to ensuring Indias air superiority.Air Marshal (Retd) A. Khosla, former Vice Chief of Air Staff, told CNBC-TV18 that the AMCA is very essential for our Indian Air Force and defence forces, especially as global powers race ahead in aviation technology. He stressed that India's current fleet is lagging behind and the indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet project must be prioritised.The Cabinet had earlier approved a roadmap for the AMCA project targeting induction by 2035. Whats new is the execution modelrecently cleared by Defence Minister Rajnath Singhwhich allows private sector participation and foreign collaboration. If something is not working, you need to give it a catalyst, said Khosla, adding that bringing in private and joint-venture partners will infuse innovation, resources, and accountability.G. Mohan Kumar, former Defence Secretary, pointed out that the project has already seen a decade-long delay. It was actively considered more than 10 years ago and is still in the conceptual stage, he said. With China already fielding its J-20 and J-35 stealth fightersand reports of possible transfers to Pakistanboth experts underlined the urgency to move faster.Khosla warned that if Pakistan receives Chinese fifth-generation aircraft while China continues to develop sixth-generation prototypes, our situation becomes critical. He called for a dual approach: accelerate the indigenous AMCA programme and revive stalled foreign procurement plans like the MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) tender for 114 jets.But global partnerships present tough choices. With China ruled out, only the US and Russia remain viable options. Re-engaging Russia would require renegotiating the terms of a previously scrapped deal, while US platforms come with cost and priority allocation concerns. The best deal would be one that includes technology transfer, doesnt harm our indigenous effort, and is cost-effective, Khosla said.While the government has assigned the AMCA project to the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Kumar emphasised the need for tight oversight and quick financial support. There should be tight oversight from the government, the armed forces, and other agencies, monitoring on a periodic basis to accelerate progress, he said.He also highlighted the need for parallel development of an indigenous aero engine. Self-reliance wont happen automatically. We still need to import things like engines until we can produce them ourselves, Kumar added.The AMCA is Indias only fifth-generation fighter programme currently in motion. Alongside this, the government is also stepping up other defence acquisitionssuch as a planned 3,000 crore procurement of anti-tank guided missiles for the Armys T-90 tanks, and additional weapons orders worth 54,000 crore cleared earlier this year. US Congressman Shri Thanedar said on Monday that there was no basis for President Donald Trump to take credit for stopping the conflict between India and Pakistan, and accused him of seeking political mileage from the situation.In an interaction here at the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh, Thanedar said that after the Pahalgam attack in which terrorists killed 26 people, it was natural for India to respond with Operation Sindoor and the US certainly accepted New Delhis position.He said India and Pakistan are capable of solving their issues. Neither India nor Pakistan invited the US to mediate, he said.Thanedar, a second-term US Representative representing Michigan's 13th Congressional District, has introduced seven articles of impeachment against President Trump.I dont think there was any basis for the announcement made by Trump. He only wanted to seek mileage out of it, so he made the announcement," he said.Earlier this month, India launched Operation Sindoor and hit terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of drone and missile strikes.Trump had claimed that his administration stopped a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, telling the South Asian neighbours that America would do a lot of trade with them if they ended hostilities.Indian government sources in New Delhi have maintained that the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea and that no third party was involved.Trump had announced India and Pakistan agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire and claimed that it happened after a long night of talks mediated by the United States.Later, in a post on Truth Social, he offered to work with India and Pakistan for a solution on Kashmir while crediting Washington for helping the two nations arrive at the historic and heroic decision of stopping the conflict.India maintains that the Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter and that there is no space for any third-party engagement.America had no role in it (in stopping the conflict). India too denied any such thing. There is no basis for Trump taking credit for it, Thanedar said.India and Pakistan are capable of solving their issues. I dont think either India or Pakistan invited the US to mediate, he added.Thanedar said the Indian response to the Pahalgam attack was measured, and Pakistan should not have reacted to it.There was no war. So there was no such thing called a ceasefire, he said.A bitter critic of Trump, Thanedar said Trumps announcement stemmed from his love to stay in the limelight.He cannot sleep if there is no mention of him in the 24-hour news cycle. He wants to manage every news cycle. So he keeps announcing new things which are newsworthy. But they are not well thought (out), he said.Thanedar said Trumps policy on immigrants is harmful for the US, as it is a country of immigrants. He advocated the need to reform the US immigrant policy and said the rules related to it are outdated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said terrorism was not a proxy war but a deliberate war strategy adopted by Pakistan, and India will respond to it accordingly.Refusing to make any distinction between non-state and state actors in Pakistan, Modi said the neighbouring country is engaging in war by continuing to support terrorism."'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) is our 'sanskar' (value imbibed through tradition), we want happiness for our neighbours too, but if you challenge our strength, then India is also a land of heroes," Modi said, speaking at an urban development programme of the Gujarat government."We can not call this a proxy war, as those who were killed after May 6 (during Operation Sindoor) were given state honors in Pakistan. Pakistani flags were draped over their coffins, and their military saluted them. This proves that these terrorist activities are not just a proxy war, this is a deliberate war strategy on their part," the prime minister said."If they are engaging in war, then the response will be accordingly," he said.Modi was on his first visit to Gujarat after Operation Sindoor undertaken by the Indian armed forces to strike terrorism bases in Pakistan in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.During his visit to Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, he experienced "fervour of patriotism with the roar of success of Operation Sindoor", he said, adding that this feeling could be seen across the country.A single thorn can cause constant pain even if a body is strong otherwise, the prime minister said, adding India made up its mind to "remove the thorn of terrorism", and did it with utmost conviction."We should have killed the Mujahideens who entered Kashmir in 1947" and then the present situation would not have arisen, he said, referring to the incursions in Kashmir immediately after Independence."During Partition, Maa Bharati (Mother India) was divided into two, and that very night, the first terror attack on Kashmir was launched by Mujahideens," Modi said, adding that with the help of these terrorists Pakistan captured a "part of Mother India"."Sardar Patel was of opinion then that the Indian army should not have stopped until Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) was reclaimed. However, Patels advice was not heeded. They (Pakistan and terrorists backed by it) tasted blood," said the prime minister."This legacy of terrorism has continued for the last 75 years and the terror attacks in Pahalgam was another horrific form of it. Despite playing diplomatic games, Pakistan repeatedly faced Indias military strength in war. On three occasions, Indias armed forces decisively defeated Pakistan, making it clear that Pakistan could not triumph in a direct military conflict with India," Modi said.Realising its limitations, Pakistan resorted to proxy warfare, pushing trained terrorists into India and targeting innocent and unarmed civilians including pilgrims, he said.India has only kept the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance (in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack) and Pakistan is already feeling the heat, the prime minister further said."India has always pursued progress and welfare of all, offering assistance (to its neighbours) in times of crisis. However, despite these efforts, the nation has often faced violent attacks," he said.While dams were constructed on rivers (falling under the Indus Water Treaty) on our side, they were not maintained properly and desilting was neglected for sixty years, Modi said, adding that gates meant for regulation of the water flow were left unopened, leading to a drastic reduction in storage capacity to merely two to three percent.Indian people must receive their rightful access to water, he said, adding that while significant steps are yet to be taken, initial measures have been initiated."India seeks no hostility, and aspires to peace and prosperity. The country is committed to progress and is contributing to global well-being. With firm determination, India remains dedicated to the welfare of its citizens," he said.When he took over as prime minister in 2014, India was the 11th largest economy, and it rose to the fourth position over the last 11 years despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, difficulties with neighboring countries and natural calamities, Modi noted. Bangladesh's Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of A T M Azharul Islam, a senior leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, who had been on death row since 2014 for alleged war crimes committed during the country's 1971 Liberation War. The acquittal announced on Tuesday, May 27, has triggered criticism from the opposition party, the Awami League. Islam had been in custody since 2012 and was sentenced to death two years later on charges of murder, rape, and genocide during the independence struggle, as per AFP. The verdict was upheld in 2019, but following a fresh appeal filed on February 27, 2025, the bench led by Bangladesh's Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed acquitted him. Shishir Monir, Islam's lawyer, told reporters that his client was fortunate to be alive , pointing out that the "appellate division failed to review the evidence in other cases for crimes against humanity." Monir added, "He got justice because he is alive," reported AFP. The verdict deepens the divide within Bangladesh The ruling has been denounced by the Awami League party, which called the acquittal a "national disgrace" and a "deep betrayal" of the country's liberation struggle and its martyrs, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). "Azharul Islam, a top commander of Al-Badr during the 1971 Liberation War, was convicted for the brutal murder of over 1,500 innocent Bengalis, including acts of mass rape, looting, and collaborating directly with the Pakistani military to crush the independence movement," the statement read. "Today, he walks free," it added, further condemning the decision of the court as a "miscarriage of justice ". The party accused the judiciary of failing to uphold the values of freedom and accountability. The statement also alleged that while media focus remains on "overhyped narratives" of the interim government adviser Muhammad Yunus, "the real enemies of the nation the war criminals who bathed in the blood of our people are being quietly forgiven, washed clean, and welcomed back into society." Jamaat leaders celebrate, and offer a general apology The supporters of the Jammat-e-Islami party have welcomed the court's decision. "They (the hanged leaders) were the victims of judicial killings. If they were alive today, they could have led the country in the right direction," party leader Shafiqur Rahman told reporters, as per AFP. "We seek your pardon, if we have done anything wrong," Rahman added. Ever since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 following student-led protests against her government, Bangladesh has witnessed a lack of stability in terms of governance. With the country's army chief pressurising Yunus to conduct elections by the end of this year, the release of Islam could pose a fresh matter of political tension. Continue Reading with CNBC-TV18 Access Membership Priority Access and Networking: CNBC-TV18's flagship events Interaction with CNBC-TV18's journalists Webinars & LIVE Q&As with India Inc. Leaders Exclusive CNBC-TV18 studio & newsroom tours Premium business insights, expert opinions & analysis Curated lifestyle privileges & offers Chinas approach to Pakistan is evolving. This evolution comes at a time of growing global competition and shifting regional alliances; when Beijings flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is struggling to deliver returns, especially via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It also comes as Chinas economic priorities incline towards securing trade routes and export dominance; the option of an alternative infrastructure vision through the India-Middle East-Economic Corridor (IMEC) is challenging Chinas grip on transnational connectivity. The United States has issued a fresh warning for international students in the country. The warning from the US government comes after it carried out a major deportation drive earlier this year and as per the latest announcement shared by the US Embassy in India, foreign students found skipping classes or dropping out of their courses may risk losing their visa. According to the advisory, students who drop out, skip classes, or leave their program without notifying their university risk revocation of their student visa and disqualification from future US visa applications.Taking to X, US Embassy in India tweeted, If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future US visas. Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues, reads the official statement.The advisory comes days after a federal judge in California has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from revoking the legal status of international students across the US while a lawsuit challenging earlier terminations proceeds. According to AP reports, US District Judge Jeffrey S. White in Oakland issued an injunction last week preventing the government from arresting, incarcerating, or relocating students based solely on their visa status until the case is resolved.Earlier this month, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had issued warning to international students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas in the US, stating that if they fail to report their employment within 90 days of starting their OPT, their legal status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) would be cancelled.In a prior post on X, the Embassy also cautioned that if an individual remains in the "United States beyond your authorised period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States in the future. Ethiopian youth shine in "Chinese Bridge" language competition Xinhua) 11:21, May 27, 2025 ADDIS ABABA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-year-old Mariamawit Habtom was among 14 contestants who recently took part in the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Ethiopian college students, held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. A sophomore majoring in tourism, hospitality, and management at St. Mary's University, Habtom captivated the audience, particularly the Chinese guests, by skillfully playing the Chinese flute during the event held on Friday. "I really enjoy listening to and playing Chinese songs, which are amazingly composed to express different emotions," Habtom told Xinhua in an interview. Her passion for Chinese music dates back to her primary school years, when she was one of 20 students who received two months of flute training. "I was so excited to hear a Chinese woman playing music with a flute at our school. I was the first to register and attend the training session," she recalled, noting similarities between the Chinese flute and Ethiopia's traditional musical instrument washint. Now an active participant in Chinese cultural events in Ethiopia, Habtom frequently performs with the Chinese flute while also providing training to fellow Ethiopians on request. According to her observation, the number of Ethiopians speaking Chinese and performing Chinese cultural shows in various events has significantly ticked up, signaling that China's cultural engagement in Ethiopia is gaining momentum. Mandefro Simegnew, a second-year Chinese language student at Addis Ababa University and the winner of the 2025 "Chinese Bridge" competition in Ethiopia, also confirmed this rising trend. "By learning the language, I would be able to explore more about China's traditions, civilization, lifestyle, and the secret behind its fast economic development," said Simegnew, who hopes to promote Ethiopian culture worldwide using Chinese as a bridge language. Following his victory, Simegnew is set to represent Ethiopia at the global finals of the "Chinese Bridge" competition in China later this year. One of the eight judges of this year's competition, Kaleab Zelalem, an alumnus of a Chinese university and now the owner of a private language training school in Addis Ababa, praised the contestants for their improved language proficiency and cultural performances. He said that interest in learning Chinese is expanding beyond students to include Ethiopian entrepreneurs eager to engage with Chinese business partners. "The language barrier between Ethiopian and Chinese businessmen has significantly reduced over time as more and more Ethiopian college students and businessmen started learning Chinese and getting familiar with Chinese culture," he said. He attributed part of this cultural success to the efforts of Confucius Institutes across Ethiopia, which offer Mandarin courses in universities and colleges. China remains committed to deepening economic, trade, and people-to-people ties with African countries through win-win cooperation and mutual respect as part of its broader development ambitions, he emphasized. Addressing the awarding ceremony, Ethiopia's State Minister of Tourism Seleshi Girma lauded the event as a reflection of growing cultural exchanges between the two countries. "Learning language is the very first step and the key to development. The cultural shows by the Ethiopian contestants are one of the manifestations of the growing cultural ties between Ethiopia and China," Girma said. Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai stressed that the competition has served as a platform to connect China with the wider world and facilitate diverse exchanges through the Chinese language. "I feel so happy to see the contestants showcasing their Chinese language proficiency and artistic talents, and expressing their deep love for Chinese culture and people," Chen said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Nissan considers selling its Yokohama headquarters to cope with worsening financial strain and U.S.-imposed tariffs. Japan faces mounting pressure from the Trump administrations trade policies, with negotiations still unresolved. Seven factories may close, and the burden of tariffs remains uncertain for automakers and suppliers alike. Nissan, once a global automotive powerhouse, is now on the defensiveand its prized real estate may soon become a casualty. The company is reportedly planning to sell its Yokohama headquarters as part of a broader effort to stay solvent amid ongoing financial struggles and escalating U.S. tariffs on Japanese vehicles. According to Nikkei Asia, Nissan has listed the waterfront propertyvalued at over 100 billion yen (approx. $698 million)among the assets it may sell by March 2026. The HQ, located near bustling Yokohama Station, has served as the companys global base since relocating from Tokyo in 2009. Facing a serious cash crunch, Nissan may follow the path of other distressed corporations which have sold their headquarters and then leased it back. A similar strategy could allow Nissan to continue operations uninterrupted while raising crucial funds. Tariffs add fuel to the fire The Trump administrations tariffs on foreign-made vehicles, imposed in early April, have struck a particularly hard blow to Japanese automakers. Nissan, already reeling from years of profit declines and internal restructuring, is now confronting a worsening financial picture. The automaker reportedly plans to use funds from the potential HQ sale to shut down seven of its 17 global factories, a massive operational downscale. Meanwhile, Japan is scrambling for a diplomatic solution. U.S. and Japanese officials met earlier this month to discuss possible tariff exemptionsmirroring agreements the U.S. reached with the UK and a temporary pause on tariffs with China. We have confirmed our intention to continue to ask for tariff avoidance at the earliest possible date, said Masanori Katayama, chairman of the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association. No clear plan While government consultation services are being offered to help businesses cope, there is no consensus yet on who shoulders the financial burden. The cost of tariffs may fall on either the automakers themselves or their parts suppliers, but discussions remain in early stages. In Avengers: Infinity War, Thanos plans to relieve the universes scarcity by magically eliminating half of all life. Its a stupid plan, even if youre fine with murdering trillions. Its so stupid that everyone else in the movie neglecting to point out its stupid comes off as a failure of the script, as though the movie thinks the plans only flaw is that its evil. During the years following the movies release, in which fans dissected every way this plan would fail to achieve its aims, while also noting how this all went down completely differently in the comics, fans settled on one observation that destroys Thanos line of thinking. He could have just doubled the resources that everyone has. If he doubled the resources, he would have doubled the ratio between resources and people, just as killing half of life would have, but without the murder part. This idea has satisfied many viewers and cut a lot of conversations short. But lets think about this for a few minutes: Would doubling the resources really have fixed scarcity? Don't Miss Doubling some resources would help some people. If the worlds adamantium deposits doubled in size tomorrow, you could quickly see how that might improve your everyday life. But Thanos lists just two goals in his crazy quest: full bellies and clear skies. If he snapped his fingers and wished, Let there now be double the resources, how well would that achieve those goals? 5 What Happens When We Double All the Food? What happens is your fridge pops open because its now too overstuffed to stay closed. So, that ruins your whole day. That sounds like a joke, but it speaks to a real issue. Our world isnt designed around storing infinite quantities of food, or even around storing any more food than we store currently. We store a little food, then we eat that food and get some more. With perishable food, if the amount of food doubles, it will go bad long before it prevents long-term starvation. Walt Disney Pictures Thanos better also double the number of fridges and the number of power outlets. Non-perishable food lasts longer, but the stuff will still soon be gone as well, not so much because it gets smelly but because it gets eaten. Outside of the occasional Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve, we dont stockpile that much food, not compared to how much food we produce and consume. The international agencies in charge of plotting our battle against hunger dont even track how much food exists in the world, which shows how little that stat matters. They track the amount of food thats produced each day and the amount each day that people need. Advertisement Doubling the amount of stored food on Earth would be a bit like doubling the amount of stored electricity. Storage matters, but the amount we store already is so small compared to the amount we go through that doubling it isnt going to be solving any crisis. Walt Disney Pictures Obviously, only arc energy will do that. 4 Okay, Lets Double the Farms Then Lets not be so quick to dismiss the idea of doubling food resources. No one ever specified that Thanos doubles the shekels of stored grain. Maybe when he says, Double the food, and snaps his finger, he doubles all food production facilities. Meaning, he doubles the worlds farms. Its debatable whether people would actually want that. Right now, when farmers tear down tens of thousands of acres of rain forest every day to expand their cattle ranches, this attracts objections, rather than people saying, If only you had magic stones and could accomplish this much faster. In fact, agriculture already takes up about half of all habitable land. If they double in size, thats going to be a bit complicated for everyone, especially in countries like Hungary or Mongolia, where agriculture currently already takes up more than half of land. Advertisement Walt Disney Pictures And of course Wakanda, which we hear is just a nation of farmers. And if we want these farms to really produce food, we better hope Thanos also snapped a few more people into existence to work those fields. One of the most basic resources in industry is labor, so doubling the resources should mean increasing the human population. At that point, this glorious plan of doubling the resources-to-organisms ratio has hit a snag. Whether or not his resource doubling does raise the human population, we know it does double the number of livestock and crops. But those are living organisms, too. That was one reason that the original version of the plan made no sense, by the way. When Thanos snapped away half of all life, he snapped away half of all food. And by that same token, increasing the amount of living food also means increasing the amount of living creatures. Advertisement Advertisement Walt Disney Pictures Lets not even calculate the many planets where food is sapient. And were not just talking about a tiny handful of the things. Livestock outweigh humans, by mass, and they have to eat as well, if you plan on maintaining this double-food-production that you started. Total domesticated cattle alone outweigh all humans combined, by mass. Clearly, doubling food production is more complicated than doubling our stockpiles of ramen and then reaping the benefits forevermore. But heres the real complication 3 We Dont Even Need to Double Food Alongside all of this strange speculation about an impossible situation is a fact about the real world that many of you already know. We already collectively produce more food than everyone collectively needs. However, that doesnt result in full bellies for everyone because the food doesnt go to all the hungry people, and doubling food production doesnt change that. If Walmarts warehouses instantly become twice as full, that does nothing to feed the starving people of Sokovia, not unless someone moves the food over there. And if Idahos farms instantly bear twice as many potatoes, that might do nothing to fill Walmarts warehouses, not unless someone moves the food over there. Advertisement Maybe, when the farms suddenly have way more crops than theyre used to selling, itll cost them more to ship the stuff than they can sell them for, resulting in situations like the one below, where farmers have no choice but to bury millions of potatoes and let them rot. Or maybe the government will instruct them to do this, because with many crops, regulations put a ceiling on how much enters the market, for the sake of maintaining prices. No, to feed everyone, we need to plan out routes to transport food to every corner of the world, and we need to pay people to bring food along these routes. Maybe transport would become a bit cheaper if doubling resources means doubling the worlds fuel reserves. Or, maybe it wouldnt. Petroleum is yet another substance whose cost is determined by cartels deciding how much to release rather than by how much exists on Earth. Advertisement Advertisement And doubling petroleum brings up another issue... 2 What About Those Clear Skies? Having spent more time talking about food than perhaps any of you wanted, lets try and cover that second wish of Thanos more quickly. Along with full bellies, he said killing half the population would create clear skies. Well, do you think doubling everyones resources would accomplish this? There is one point on the tech timeline where it might. If were been stinking up the skies with pollution, and weve recently discovered a cleaner technology, but we lack the resources to switch over, doubling our resources might help us do that. We might be at that point right now. But if youre applying this solution across all the planets in the universe, you can be sure that most societies are somewhere else. Advertisement Walt Disney Pictures This planet that got destroyed looks like its skies are pretty clear actually. If we double the petroleum in 1973 (and we assume this oil can get to the people who want it), that wouldnt result in clear skies. If we double the number of whales in 1863, that wouldnt result in clear skies either in the places that burn whale oil. Today, if we go to the Indian farmers who torch their crops once a year and cover their country with smog, giving them twice as many crops isnt going to clear the skies. Now, you might notice that in each of those situations, doubling the stuff people like to burn would improve many peoples lives, even if it doesnt reduce pollution. This is when, if you didnt know it already, you realize Thanos didnt really want to improve many peoples lives. He wanted to wipe out half of all life. Because... Advertisement Maybe its serendipity that Mike Birbiglia and Sarah Silverman released their new Netflix specials just a week apart, considering that both devote so much comedy to elderly parents knocking on deaths door. In PostMortem, Silverman worries aloud that the topic is too heavy for stand-up, reflexively reaching for provocative punchlines whenever the feelings get too real. Birbiglia takes the opposite approach in his new special, The Good Life, leaning into the big emotions even when it means momentarily putting aside the laughs. Thats nothing new for Birbiglia, whose comedy specials feel like especially funny episodes of NPRs This American Life (and yep, the comic has contributed to that very program). In The Good Life, Birbiglia finds himself stretched thin by his dual roles as parent and son. How do you support an ailing parent with whom youve never been close? And how do you answer the big questions as your kids grow old enough to ask them? Nine-year-old daughter Oona came up with a stumper when gazing upon the marquee for a local smoke-and-vape shop: Dad, whats the Good Life? Birbiglia spends his Netflix hour trying to answer that unanswerable question, but takes hilarious detours along the way. The most inspired bit is a vicious takedown of Urban Air, the indoor trampoline park that sends kids to urgent care on a regular basis. (Oona breaks a foot after a few bounces.) The two facilities even sound alike: Urban Air; Urgent Care. Birbiglia signed a mountain of waiver forms to ensure that he wouldnt sue that fantastic company that injures children 365 days a year, but there was nothing in all that paperwork that said he couldnt ridicule Urban Air on Netflix. Don't Miss Birbiglia also gets comedy mileage from his faded Catholicism, ironic considering he was one of the comedians invited to visit the Pope last summer. The invitation seemed surreal. Does the Pope know that if he invites a bunch of comedians, he incredulously asked Jim Gaffigan, that theyll probably talk about it on stage? Advertisement Birbiglias trip to Rome is a skeptical one, but he does return with rosary beads from the Pope, a gift he transfers to his devout father. He lit up like Grandpa Joe in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Birbiglia jokes. Advertisement Michael, you were called by God, whispers Birbiglias mother. Not exactly, remembers Birbiglia. He was called by Jim Gaffigan, who was called by Stephen Colbert, who may have been called by God. Whoever made the call, the visit provided Birbiglia a way to connect with his father in a way that hed rarely managed throughout his life. That rekindled relationship also gives the comic some answers, however incomplete, to Oonas question about what it means to live a good life. Among comedians, Birbiglia is king of the quiet moment, never afraid to let the room get completely silent when he reaches the emotional crux of a story. Its a tool he uses sparingly, but its a sledgehammer, pounding home his conclusions in ways that punchlines rarely can. Theres nothing wrong with Silverman breaking the tension with laughs when emotions get too heavy. But Birbiglia proves that refusing to turn away from those feelings, even when theyre uncomfortable, can be just as satisfying. Shane Gillis hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time back in 2024, complete with an irony-free sketch about an office HR meeting starring the guy who was fired from the show in 2019. Gillis returned to host Saturday Night Live for a second time this past March. And while his fans no doubt enjoyed the appearance, others werent so thrilled with the episode. Especially controversial was the opening monologue, in which Gillis casually riffed on Trumps threats to annex Greenland and delved into his own admittedly racist insecurity over his girlfriends diverse sexual history. Don't Miss The crowds reaction to the monologue was mixed at best, but coming from the typically over-charitable SNL audience, the performance was quickly labeled a bomb by the media, and criticized for its tone-deafness. But if you ask Gillis what went wrong, hell tell you that the real problem wasnt his material, it was pop music fans? Advertisement The comedian recently guested on the Smartless podcast, and was praised by co-host Will Arnett for his jokes about Ken Burns Civil War docuseries, and specifically historian Shelby Foote. But Gillis pointed out that they didnt go over too well on SNL. I did a bunch of Ken Burns material in my SNL monologue, and everyone was kind of like, What the fuck is he talking about? Gillis explained. Every time my monologue doesnt go great on SNL Im 0 for 2 on those things. Advertisement According to Gillis, the monologue fell flat purely because of the young crowd. Tate McRae was the musical guest, so the audience was like 20-year-old chicks just in the front, Gillis claimed, and Im up there talking about Shelby Foote and Ken Burns and the Civil War. They had no idea just some ogre walked out on the stage and started talking about Shelby Foote. But Gillis assessment of the routine omits some important details. For one thing, he had already lost the crowd (and even commented on that fact) several times prior to the Ken Burns jokes, most notably when he compared liberals to the evil Sith from Star Wars. Advertisement Advertisement And while a number of people didnt laugh during the Civil War bit, that likely had less to do with the fact that Tate McRae fans are incapable of understanding the concept of a historical documentary, and more to do with the fact that one of the punchlines literally involved date rape. Gillis joked that Burns work could be used to knock women unconscious if they yap a little, adding thats a little Cosby tip for you. Who needs roofies when we have Ken Burns Presents the History of the Buffalo on PBS? It should also be said that these conspicuously tasteless jokes came around halfway through a monologue that lasted for nearly eight minutes, making it the sixth-longest in the shows history. Thats more than two minutes longer than Adrien Brodys seemingly endless Oscar speech. Its also possible that people in the audience had already heard those Shelby Foote jokes on someone elses podcast years earlier. The Simpsons isnt a show thats typically associated with gratuitous product placement, considering that Mr. Sparkle, Crab Juice and Krusty Brand Home Pregnancy Tests arent even real products. That being said, the show very nearly bent over backwards in order to shill for a superstar trios vanity restaurant chain. Season Fives $pringfield (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling) found Homer getting a job at the towns new casino, owned by an increasingly Howard Hughes-like Mr. Burns. While most of the episode was dedicated to Burns mental breakdown and Marges gambling addiction, the original plan was to devote a significant chunk of the story to Planet Hollywood. Don't Miss For those who werent alive back when Earth was overrun by fax machines and parachute pants, Planet Hollywood was a novelty movie-themed restaurant chain for those diners who somehow still had an appetite even while seated below a nightmare-inducing rubber replica of Sylvester Stallones nude body. Planet Hollywood still technically exists, but not like it did back in the 90s when the celebrity-backed business was seemingly everywhere. Advertisement In the Simpsons episodes DVD commentary, producer David Mirkin revealed that there was originally a whole different subplot that never came to pass concerning the restaurant. We were called and (told), If you put Planet Hollywood in The Simpsons, well get you Arnold (Schwarzenegger) and Bruce Willis and (Sylvester) Stallone. They want to do the show, creator Matt Groening recalled. Taking the word of the publicist that contacted them, Simpsons writers began work on a Planet Hollywood-centric plotline, including Conan OBrien, who apparently contributed some great Schwarzenegger material owing to the fact that hed just worked on the script for the Hans and Franz movie, which also never saw the light of day. Advertisement Despite the writers efforts, the guest stars fell through, and the pointless promotional storyline was scrapped. But that didnt stop The Simpsons from poking fun at Planet Hollywood three years later. In Season Eights My Sister, My Sitter, Homer and Marges boardwalk date includes a stop at Planet Hype, a restaurant owned by celebrities where the entire menu has been personally approved by Rainier Wolfcastles secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Planet Hype eventually became Planet Springfield, and housed posters for movies such as Ernest Goes Straight to Video, and props such as the mug from Heartbeeps and the cane from Citizen Kane, which Lisa famously took issue with (even though there really was a cane in Citizen Kane). Advertisement And the cane is still more impressive than that haunted Stallone blow-up doll, to be honest. While Ricky Gervais obviously still has many loyal fans, others have pointed out hes basically transformed into David Brent, the grating, tone-deaf manager he created for The Office. Gervais recent stand-up specials have been chock-full of conspicuously button-pushing material, including the 2022 Netflix special SuperNature, which included jokes mocking trans women and a bit about the origin of HIV, all of which led to the special being condemned by GLAAD. We watched the Ricky Gervais comedy special on Netflix so you dont have to, the organization said in a statement at the time. Its full of graphic, dangerous, anti-trans rants masquerading as jokes. He also spouts anti-gay rhetoric and spreads inaccurate information about HIV. He was similarly blasted for using the r-word ableist slur during a controversial routine about pediatric cancer from 2023s Armageddon, which even inspired a Change.org petition imploring Netflix to remove the bit from the special altogether. Don't Miss In a new interview with The Los Angeles Times, Gervais defended his material, and lashed out at his critics. Theres always a point to it, Gervais said of his act. Offense often comes from people mistaking the subject of a joke with the actual target, and theyre not usually the same. Advertisement Gervais conceded that he brings up certain taboo subjects on purpose, because he wants to take the audience to a place they havent been before, likening the experience to a guided walk through a scary forest where everything is okay because they always laugh. He also claimed that his comedy is a magic trick. It is a formula. You cant argue with chemistry, adding, No one goes, well, I know I laughed, but I dont agree with it. The problem with this defense is that clearly not everyone is laughing. Since these specials are filmed and distributed by Netflix, shouldnt streaming viewers, even the displeased ones, also be counted as part of Gervais audience? The Extras star also suggested that no one has truly been offended by these specials. People sometimes seek out the offense and thats actually where people can get addicted to being offended, Gervais argued. They like it, it makes them feel alive. The news even picks up Twitter! They say, Oh, fans werent happy! Three fans werent happy. Advertisement To be fair, a lot more than three fans seem to have been unhappy with recent Gervais specials. Regardless of how you feel about the idea of Netflix retroactively censoring a comedy special, nearly 14,000 people signed that petition against Armageddon. And as for the suggestion that anyone who finds fault with Gervais comedy is addicted to being offended, it seems more obvious that Gervais is addicted to being offensive. Advertisement The problem with a lot of these jokes arent that they tackle taboo subjects, its that theyre lazy, intentionally cruel and creatively inert. Theyre specifically designed to offend, rather than make any kind of vaguely-interesting point. He punches down on vulnerable groups, but cloaks it in a semi-ironic delivery that allows him to justify these hack bits to himself, and seemingly cling to the idea that hes still an edgy outsider rather than an out of touch multimillionaire. Advertisement If people stopped being offended by Ricky Gervais, he would probably just fade out of existence like Tinker Bell if nobody claps. The rapid adoption of AI for code generation has been nothing short of astonishing, and its completely transforming how software development teams function. According to the 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, 82% of developers now use AI tools to write code. Major tech companies now depend on AI to create code for a significant portion of their new software, with Alphabets CEO reporting on their Q3 2024 that AI generates approximately 25% of Googles codebase. Given how rapidly AI has advanced since then, the percentage of AI-generated code at Google is likely now far higher. But while AI can vastly increase efficiency and accelerate the pace of software development, the use of AI-generated code is creating serious security risks, all while new EU regulations are raising the stakes for code security. Companies are finding themselves caught between two competing imperatives: maintaining the rapid pace of development necessary to remain competitive while ensuring their code meets increasingly stringent security requirements. The primary issue with AI generated code is that the large language models (LLMs) powering coding assistants are trained on billions of lines of publicly available codecode that hasnt been screened for quality or security. Consequently, these models may replicate existing bugs and security vulnerabilities in software that uses this unvetted, AI-generated code. Though the quality of AI-generated code continues to improve, security analysts have identified many common weaknesses that frequently appear. These include improper input validation, deserialization of untrusted data, operating system command injection, path traversal vulnerabilities, unrestricted upload of dangerous file types, and insufficiently protected credentials (CWE 522). Black Duck CEO Jason Schmitt sees a parallel between the security issues raised by AI-generated code and a similar situation during the early days of open-source. The open-source movement unlocked faster time to market and rapid innovation, Schmitt says, because people could focus on the domain or expertise they have in the market and not spend time and resources building foundational elements like networking and infrastructure that theyre not good at. Generative AI provides the same advantages at a greater scale. However, the challenges are also similar, because just like open source did, AI is injecting a lot of new code that contains issues with copyright infringement, license issues, and security risks. The regulatory response: EU Cyber Resilience Act European regulators have taken notice of these emerging risks. The EU Cyber Resilience Act is set to take full effect in December 2027, and it imposes comprehensive security requirements on manufacturers of any product that contains digital elements. Specifically, the act mandates security considerations at every stage of the product lifecycle: planning, design, development, and maintenance. Companies must provide ongoing security updates by default, and customers must be given the option to opt out, not opt in. Products that are classified as critical will require a third-party security assessment before they can be sold in EU markets. Non-compliance carries severe penalties, with fines of up to 15 million or 2.5% of annual revenues from the previous financial year. These severe penalties underscore the urgency for organizations to implement robust security measures immediately. Software is becoming a regulated industry, Schmitt says. Software has become so pervasive in every organization from companies to schools to governments that the risk that poor quality or flawed security poses to society has become profound. Even so, despite these security challenges and regulatory pressures, organizations cannot afford to slow down development. Market dynamics demand rapid release cycles, and AI has become a critical tool to enable development acceleration. Research from McKinsey highlights the productivity gains: AI tools enable developers to document code functionality twice as fast, write new code in nearly half the time, and refactor existing code one-third faster. In competitive markets, those who forgo the efficiencies of AI-assisted development risk missing crucial market windows and ceding advantage to more agile competitors. The challenge organizations face is not choosing between speed and security but rather finding the way to achieve both simultaneously. Threading the needle: Security without sacrificing speed The solution lies in technology approaches that do not force compromises between the capabilities of AI and the requirements of modern, secure software development. Effective partners provide: Comprehensive automated tools that integrate seamlessly into development pipelines, detecting vulnerabilities without disrupting workflows. that integrate seamlessly into development pipelines, detecting vulnerabilities without disrupting workflows. AI-enabled security solutions that can match the pace and scale of AI-generated code, identifying patterns of vulnerability that might otherwise go undetected. that can match the pace and scale of AI-generated code, identifying patterns of vulnerability that might otherwise go undetected. Scalable approaches that grow with development operations, ensuring security coverage doesnt become a bottleneck as code generation accelerates. that grow with development operations, ensuring security coverage doesnt become a bottleneck as code generation accelerates. Depth of experience in navigating security challenges across diverse industries and development methodologies. As AI continues to transform software development, the organizations that thrive will be those that embrace both the speed of AI-generated code and the security measures necessary to protect it. Black Duck cut its teeth providing security solutions that facilitated the safe and rapid adoption of open-source code, and they now provide a comprehensive suite of tools to secure software in the regulated, AI-powered world. Learn more about how Black Duck can secure AI-generated code without sacrificing speed. There is a long standing convention that democratic leaders shouldnt lecture other democratic leaders about how to run their countries. That precept has been torn up by Donald Trump. The man who may be the most immoral and mendacious president in American history which is saying something has taken it upon himself to lecture the British Government about free speech. Trump has distinct authoritarian tendencies witness his current assault on the independence of Harvard University and his almost complete disregard for the elected representatives of Congress. His championing of free speech is as egregious an example of rank hypocrisy as one is ever likely to find. Hes partly right, of course, and that creates problems for those of us who resent any interference by a foreign leader and abominate Trump while believing that free speech is under attack in modern Britain. Trumps latest hobbyhorse is the case of Lucy Connolly, who during the riots last August sent a nasty and incendiary tweet in which she wrote: Mass deportations now, set fire to all the f***ing hotels full of the b******s for all I care. Although she deleted the tweet quickly, it was viewed more than 310,000 times. Despite having no criminal record, and there being no evidence that her tweet had incited others to violence, Connolly was sentenced to 31 months in prison. Appeal Court judges declined to reduce that term last week. Given her previous law-abiding record, and the lesser sentences often handed out to violent criminals, Lucy Connolly was undoubtedly treated very harshly. That said, for former Home Secretary Suella Braverman to describe her as a political prisoner is over the top. Given her previous law-abiding record, and the lesser sentences often handed out to violent criminals, Lucy Connolly was undoubtedly treated very harshly The White House is reportedly monitoring the case, as though it has every right to question the rulings of British courts. This is only the latest evidence of the Trump administration, itself hardly the acme of probity, sticking its nose into our affairs. In March it dispatched officials from the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour to London to affirm the importance of freedom of expression in the UK and across Europe. What presumption! The American delegation held meetings with Foreign Office officials, and challenged Ofcom about the generally unexceptionable Online Safety Act, which is one of Donald Trumps perennial beefs. It also met five British pro-life activists over their censorship concerns. One of them was anti-abortion campaigner Livia Tossici-Bolt, who was recently found guilty of breaching a public spaces protection order outside a clinic in Bournemouth in March 2023, given a conditional discharge, and ordered to pay costs of 20,000. I was personally on her side since she was only holding a placard some distance from the clinic. But what business is it of officials from the United States to interfere? How would Trump feel if British civil servants were to travel to Washington to investigate miscarriages of justice, some of which are much more serious than Dr Tossici-Bolts case? Such meddling in our affairs would be annoying if Donald Trump were the Archangel Gabriel. It is unendurable given that he is as far from being such an embodiment of virtue as its possible to conceive. This professed lover of liberty egged on by Vice-President JD Vance, who claimed in a speech last February that free speech is in retreat across Britain and the EU encouraged a mob to storm Congress, the home of American democracy, little more than four years ago. Perhaps we should send a delegation to look into Trumps new cryptocurrency business. At a $1.7 million-a-head dinner in Virginia last Thursday, the sitting President and his family are estimated to have netted $148 million (109 million). Trump delivered some anodyne remarks. The fare was described as worse than airline food. How can such a venal man put himself on a moral pedestal, and presume to keep tabs on free speech in this country? It is utterly preposterous, beyond satire. Even the novelist Anthony Trollope could not have imagined him. And yet some figures on the Right of British politics evidently think it is acceptable for him to pass judgment on our country. Suella Braverman rushed to Lucy Connollys defence without it occurring to her that Trump has no business to interfere. Donald Trump with Vice-President JD Vance yesterday. Trump is the last person on this planet with the moral right to tell us how to order our affairs Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, a close friend of Trumps, claimed our American Republican friends seem to care more about free speech in the United Kingdom than our own Government. Just possibly, although I doubt it, but in any event why cant they keep their views to themselves? Perhaps the silliest response came from someone I admire Toby Young, director of the Free Speech Union. Without disclosing reservations about the US government monitoring human rights abuses in this country, he declared that Britain is becoming the North Korea of the North Sea. God preserve us. Trump is the last person on this planet with the moral right to tell us how to order our affairs. And yet, as Ive said, that doesnt mean all his misgivings are misplaced. Free speech in Britain is threatened, as Lord Young has correctly argued. A retired policeman was arrested and handcuffed in his own home by six police officers armed with batons and pepper spray after he had suggested a pro-Palestinian social media post was anti-Semitic. Julian Foulkes was detained by Kent Police. His electronic devices were seized, and officers described the books scattered around his home as very Brexity. There are countless other cases that give cause for concern. As my colleague Boris Johnson recently pointed out, the UK police are now making over 10,000 arrests every year for online comments, more than the police in Russia itself. But much as I criticise Sir Keir Starmer when hes at fault, this state of affairs cant be blamed on him alone. Julian Foulkes was arrested in November 2023, when the Tories were in power, and had been for more than 13 years. According to the Free Speech Union, there were 12,183 arrests over offensive posts on social media and other platforms in 2023, when Starmer didnt yet have a toe in No 10. The police have been gradually bearing down on free speech for years. The Tories let it happen, and Labour is making things worse. We cant blame Sir Keir Starmer for creating a police state. Nor should we expect him as a politician to involve himself in Lucy Connollys case that is for judges though he was wrong last August to say that he was expecting substantive sentencing of rioters within days. That surely must have influenced the courts. What we should now object to is the Prime Ministers smugness, and his pretence that free speech is safe in Britain. When JD Vance alleged in the Oval Office in February that it was threatened, Starmer replied: Weve had free speech for a very long time, it will last a long time, and we are very proud of that. We did have it once, but its increasingly in peril. Trump is the last man in the world who should be encouraged to say so. Sir Keir Starmer the British Prime Minister is the first. Yet he refuses to speak up. A woman who rakes in thousands of dollars a month as a TikTok star has opened up about the harrowing dark side to content creation that most influencers don't want you to know about. The woman, named Maggie, who did not share her last name for privacy reasons, spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about her journey as a social media sensation. She admitted that as she gained in tens of thousands of followers on the video sharing platform, she was struggling immensely behind-the-scenes. The content creator said she would have to film as many as 72 videos a day on some occasions, and would have to sit in front of the camera for hours on end, seven days a week. She also claimed that she was forced to put on a smile even on the days she was feeling miserable - before she ultimately decided she couldn't take the 'inauthenticity' any longer. Maggie eventually left it all behind, saying goodbye to her massive following to start fresh with a new approach: being herself. While chatting with DailyMail.com, Maggie explained that while she was growing up, she was extremely focused on her schoolwork and had little interest in posting on social media. But she started modeling after a friend suggested she join her for a photoshoot, and it unleashed a newfound confidence in her. A woman who rakes in thousands of dollars a month as a TikTok star has opened up about the harrowing dark side to content creation that most influencers don't want you to know about 'Coming from an academic background, I enjoyed tapping into my artistic side and gained body confidence through this experimental phase,' she recalled. 'It was quite different from my previous identity, but I found it liberating.' Soon, she became interested in the idea of content creation, but had no idea where to begin. So she decided to sign with an 'agency' that managed her social media profiles while she 'learned the ropes.' 'They helped me focus on content creation across platforms: TikToks, photo sets, custom content, etc.' she explained. 'And I had quite a few TikToks go viral. 'The agency handled everything - sent me detailed shot lists, told me which outfits to buy, gave me specific scripts to follow. 'They managed posting schedules across platforms, responded to most DMs as "me," handled all business stuff. 'I basically became a performer following their playbook rather than creating authentic content. It was efficient but completely disconnected from who I actually am.' The woman, named Maggie, who did not share her last name for privacy reasons, spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about her journey as a social media star She described her initial content as 'thirst traps with trending audio,' revealing, 'I'd be lying if I said conventional attractiveness didn't open doors. 'But the content that performed best wasn't just pretty pictures - it was when my personality and sense of humor showed through the format.' She admitted that the attention was 'completely addictive' and 'intoxicating,' and said she would 'refresh analytics constantly' and sometimes stay up all night 'responding to comments' and 'getting dopamine hits from notifications.' While she gained tens of thousands of followers, Maggie admitted, however, that it was not easy to be transformed into a social media star practically overnight. She recalled being forced to perform in front of cameras for hours on end, even on days that she wasn't feeling her best. 'At one point, I was making 24 to 72 TikToks a day, seven days a week,' she recalled. 'The perception is glamorous spontaneity, but the reality is I'm often filming 15 versions of the same clip at 2am because that's when the lighting finally looks right, then spending hours analyzing which version gets better engagement. 'Sometimes I simply couldn't work up the motivation. It was especially draining because I was putting on a front, pretending to be someone else. 'I can't fake my emotions well - I'm naturally honest and sincere. Maintaining a persona that wasn't truly me while constantly creating content was unsustainable. 'I was burning out trying to be someone else, and I realized I was just a cog in their system.' She described those months as 'exhausting and unfulfilling,' as she recalled feeling 'disconnected from herself.' So after nine months of building up a massive following, Maggie decided to give it all up. She took a break from content creation and shut down her accounts, spending time focusing on freelance modeling instead. But when she started working with other creators, artists, and photographers, she said she became inspired to return to social media with a new approach: being herself. She admitted that as she gained in tens of thousands of followers on the video sharing platform, she was struggling immensely behind-the-scenes '[This was] a significant turning point. [Working with the other creators] was incredibly empowering and taught me a lot about myself and the industry,' she dished. 'These collaborations were crucial for boosting my self-confidence and developing my authentic voice.' In January 2024, she returned to Instagram and TikTok with a new username, but she quickly learned that starting from scratch - and all on her own - would be another difficult feat. She said she now has to balance 'constantly create new content' while 'researching trends' and 'figuring out' the different 'algorithms.' 'It's a full-time job requiring the skills of an entire team [and I'm doing it alone],' she admitted. 'There's significant guesswork involved in content posting, pricing, and fan interaction - no magic bullet exists. 'Different platforms attract different types of followers, complicating the strategy further. 'People see successful creators and think it's all about being pretty and posting content. 'The reality is it's a complex business requiring skills in marketing, data analysis, customer service, pricing strategy, and platform management.' As for the content she posts now, she described herself as a 'diverse lifestyle' influencer. 'On TikTok, I teach German and give tarot readings - showcasing my girl-next-door vibe while hinting at my femme fatale alter ego,' she said. 'My Instagram focuses on boudoir, lingerie, portrait, and fashion modeling. 'After retiring my initial TikTok profiles that had tens of thousands of followers, I'm building a new community with about 1,300 followers on Instagram - all organic growth. 'I'm still creating content, but with a focus on authenticity, strategy, and solo entrepreneurship.' And while she's able to show more of her true self now, she said there's still many downsides. 'The emotional labor of consistently engaging with followers is substantial, plus, I sometimes have to compartmentalize parts of myself from mainstream society,' she shared. 'And the income instability can be stressful. The whole experience can feel incredibly unstable at times.' She revealed that she now brings in on-average $5,000 per month, but she said it often 'varies.' 'The income fluctuates based on many factors - platform algorithms, trends, seasonal changes in audience engagement, and how much time I can dedicate to creation and promotion,' she added. Maggie is still learning, but she's immensely proud of the decisions she's made. 'This is my full-time job, and it requires wearing multiple hats - content creator, marketer, business strategist, community manager, accountant, and more,' she said. 'Since January, I've been managing everything myself while also exploring ways to empower other creators through the knowledge I've gained. 'I'm [still] finding ways to make this career work for me... That means setting boundaries, being authentic, and evolving my approach as both the industry and my interests change. The key is creating a model that energizes rather than depletes me.' She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help other content creators take on a more authentic approach like her. 'There are many unseen creators putting in good, authentic work who deserve to be seen and heard, not just the mainstream ones,' she concluded. 'I hope people recognize that behind every piece of content is a real person navigating a complex industry. 'The creator economy is still evolving, and those of us within it are constantly adapting to new challenges. 'Ultimately, I believe in creator empowerment, authenticity, and building businesses on your own terms - that's the future I'm working toward, both for myself and others in this space.' Elf-like dolls have seen a surge in demand after Labubus went viral on TikTok Brides in 2025 are updating the 'bouquet toss' ritual by throwing Labubu dolls at their single female friends in yet another sign of the growing obsession with these plush toys. The long-held wedding ritual sees the bride throw her bouquet towards the women in attendance, with whoever catches it said to be the next to get married. However, some newlyweds - presumably lucky enough to have a Labubu or two to spare - are ditching the flowers in favour of the viral bag charms that adult women can't seem to get enough of. For instance, one Melbourne-based bride threw a Labubu keychain at her waiting friends at her wedding reception, as footage of the woman riling up the crowd before chucking the mystery box at them was shared online. The video, posted on TikTok by one of the guests, showed them scrambling to get their hands on the toy while screaming in delight. 'Is it a 2025 wedding if there isn't a Labubu toss?' the caption read. This isn't the only wedding that's featured a 'Labubu toss' in recent times; in fact, 3,235 miles away in Jakarta, another newlywed couple did the exact same. In a video shared on TikTok, the pair can be seen throwing the tiny box into a sea of guests who all rushed to claim the Labubu doll. Melbourne-based Christina filmed a bride tossing one of the popular mystery Labubu boxes instead of a flower bouquet (pictured) The crowd at the Australian wedding went wild as they had the chance of winning a Labubu toy The clip was posted by the bride's sister, who goes by the username @sellarmoonnn, as she revealed her 'boyfriend caught the Labubu toss' in the caption. 'Bouquet toss < Labubu toss,' she added. Elsewhere, another bride seemingly decided to attach the lavender-coloured figurine to her wedding bouquet - before clarifying 'it's for the video'. Krish Parathan, from Toronto, shared a video of a woman getting ready to tie the knot and captioned the clip: 'Your Labubu is the main character of your wedding bouquet.' But the woman believed to be the bride later told people to 'calm down' while explaining that she did not walk down the aisle with the Labubu but simply posed with it for the video. She wrote: 'Everyone calm down it's for video I didn't walk down the aisle with it.' Not only have Labubus been thrown at guests and fastened onto bouquets, but guests have also offered the keyrings as a wedding gift to the bride and groom. One such person, TikToker @babybalut, who attended a wedding in San Jose filmed herself running over to the happy couple with two mystery boxes as they each picked one. An unamed man appeared delighted as he won a Labubu when the bride and groom tossed it at their wedding 'POV: You give Labubus as a wedding gift,' the caption read. She was filmed running over to the happy couple with two mystery boxes as the bride and groom said which ones they wanted Labubu dolls, first created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, are described as having a playful yet fierce look thanks to their wide eyes, sharp teeth, and pointed ears. Labubu fever has gripped the younger generations in recent months, with fans often spending hundreds to complete their collections. These dolls are currently only being produced and distributed by Pop Mart after Lung signed an exclusive worldwide licensing deal with the Chinese toy company in 2019. However, demand for these dolls has surged after Labubus went viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram - meaning they are almost always sold out at Pop Mart stores. It comes after shocking footage of several men hurling punches at one another to secure Labubu dolls surfaced on social media. The group had supposedly been trying to purchase some Labubu dolls at an outlet for Pop Mart, which makes the gremlin-like bag charms, in Stratford's Westfield shopping centre when the brawl ensued. The elf-like plush toys, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, are described as having a playful yet fierce look thanks to their wide eyes, sharp teeth, and pointed ears (pictured: Labubu stock image) It is not the first time the Labubu plushies have sparked violence among fans of the furry fashion accessory, with one woman also telling the BBC she witnessed a fight between a worker and a shopper in the same store. Pop Mart - a Chinese toy store for adults - has since announced it would be pulling all of its Labubu plushies from its 16 UK stores until June to 'prevent any potential safety issues'. The company told the BBC this was 'not the kind of customer experience it aimed to offer' and promised the dolls would 'return to physical stores' next month as they work on a 'new release mechanism'. But some devoted fans have reacted in fury to the company's decision to pull the toys, blaming them for causing 'hype' by only releasing a few dolls at a time. Others have also complained of re-sellers making it increasingly difficult to purchase the dolls, which can be bought in-store or online for as little as 13.50, by selling them on second-hand sites for up to 600. A Toronto-based bride (pictured) took it a step further and decided to include her Labubu into her big day by attaching the lavender-coloured figurine to her wedding bouquet Ashley Bushey, 32, said she spent more than 1,000 on 13 Labubu toys and countless hours scrolling on TikTok Shop, Vinted and Facebook re-sale groups to expand her collection. Miss Bushey, a Northamptonshire-based coffee shop supervisor, said she predominantly tunes in to Pop Mart's regular TikTok livestreams, which showcase the toys for fans to purchase. 'It's a battlefield. (Pop Mart) are live every day from 2pm to 7pm and I sneak out at work, like I'm always trying to score one on the (livestream),' she said. She said she spends 'more time than I care to admit' finding Labubus, but added 'especially now, because they're so hard to get' after Pop Mart's decision to pause UK sales. 'I'm not even a big collector in the scheme of things. If you go into Facebook groups, I mean, some of them are insane,' she said. Miss Bushey said she collects the '90s and early 2000s toys and started buying Labubus from Pop Mart's The Monsters series in December, describing them as 'so ugly that they were cute'. All the Labubus in The Monsters collection are female, making male versions of the toys extremely rare. The toy collector said she managed to find a rare male toy named Zimomo, which she bought for 200, but added that she had seen some limited edition Labubus listed at 600 on Vinted and eBay. Queen Mary and King Frederik X of Denmark delighted royal fans with an affectionate display during a balcony appearance on Monday at Amalienborg Palace. Their intimate interaction had royal pundits speculating that it spoke to the new-found strength of their relationship after a rocky two years. The King and Queen were joined by other Danish royal family members for a special balcony appearance in celebration of the King's 57th birthday. All eyes were on the royal married couple, who only a few weeks ago celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary on 14 May. After standing on the balcony solo to greet and wave to the crowd, King Frederik was joined by Queen Mary, 53, with the couple warmly intertwining their arms. As Queen Mary and King Frederik greeted well-wishers gathered outside the palace, royal watchers noted the happy couple could not take their eyes off each another. In particular, the cameras captured a moment when the King and Queen stole loving glances. King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark looked loved-up when they stepped out on the Amalienborg Palace balcony in celebration of the King's 57th birthday The official Danish royal family Instagram account shared this cosy image of the royal couple amongst a carousel of pictures from the King's birthday celebrations In between waving to gathered well-wishers, King Frederik, 57, and Queen Mary, 53,were spotted gazing into each other's eyes An Instagram fan page dedicated to the Aussie-born royal lit up with comments about how loved-up the King and Queen looked together on the balcony. 'They have a special glow in their gaze,' observed one translated comment. 'Beautiful couple,' stated another. Even as the royals used their free hands to wave to the crowds, Mary and Frederik warmly clung to one another with their other arms, and repeatedly shared intimate looks. Style watchers also noted the couple were perfectly in unison fashion-wise. For his birthday outing, the King donned a navy tailored three-piece suit and dark red tie. Queen Mary coordinated with her husband wearing a teal blue dress by Danish fashion designer Soeren Le Schmidt, which was cinched at the waist with a belt and accessorised with a glamorous Ole Lynggaard brooch. The celebratory occasion also saw the royal couple joined on the balcony by former monarch Queen Margrethe and their children, Princess Isabella, 18, and their 14-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. King Frederik and Queen Mary waved and smiled while greeting well-wishers who had gathered for the King's birthday celebration on the balcony at Amalienborg Palace The royal couple were joined on the balcony for King Frederik's birthday celebration by (L-R) Princess Isabella, Queen Margrethe, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine King Frederik and Queen Mary's affectionate interaction at his birthday celebration suggested that their relationship and marriage is now in a good place The couple's eldest son Crown Prince Christian, 19, was absent from the celebrations due to his current military service commitments. One of the royal family's pet dogs also made a surprise appearance on the balcony. The latest loved-up display between the King and Queen comes as they continue to emerge strongly from a previously tumultuous period in their marriage. Frederik ascended the throne in January 2024 after his mother Queen Margrethe II abdicated in favour of her son. The historic decision made by Margrethe, 85, came amid rumours of marriage troubles involving the King's personal life. However, since becoming King and Queen, it appears the royal couple have made a concerted effort to work on their marriage and once again present a unified front. At numerous recent public engagements Mary and Frederik have appeared warm and affectionate in their interactions, frequently enjoying lingering eye contact, embracing and holding hands. A post on the official Danish royal family Instagram account about the occasion explained that it 'is an old tradition for the regent to be celebrated on his birthday with a balcony scene in connection with the big changing of the guard'. 'When the clock struck 12:00, the birthday boy of the day, His Majesty the King, stepped onto the balcony of Frederik VIII's Palace in Amalienborg and waved to the crowd at the castle square along with his family,' the caption read. The inclusion of Queen Margrethe in the King's birthday celebrations was also considered significant by Danish royal fans. Posting a reply on the royal family's official Instagram account, one fan wrote: 'It simply moves me so much that Queen Margrethe gets to experience this!' 'Seeing [her] son as King and his little family - now on the throne - and being so loved and respected by the people. I don't think Queen Margrethe's smile could be any wider,' they concluded. It takes a lot to shock me. I write about sex and dating for a living - I've heard it all. But recently, at a dinner with friends, I learned something that made my jaw hit the floor. A married couple in my friendship group - sweet, mortgage-burdened, white-picket-fence types - decided to tell me about the unconventional way they had saved their marriage during a recent rocky patch. They had tried counselling but couldn't afford the time or cost of weekly sessions. Then, they'd heard through the grapevine of other middle-class couples struggling with marriage monotony and Groundhog Day sex (or - horror - no sex at all!) that MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, could help. Yep. The party drug you might have experimented with in your teens, the one that gave you enough of a buzz to dance all night and lose your inhibitions with a sexy stranger, is now the middle-class drug du jour for those whose marriages and sex lives need a little... pepping up. The drug (which Aussies call 'pingers' because we have our own weird nicknames for everything) breaks down barriers and dissolves fears while cultivating strong feelings of empathy and love. Which kind of sounds like couples therapy, only more fun. Jana Hocking says several of her friends saved their marriages by having 'chemsex' And when you combine ecstasy and sex, there's a buzzy name for it: chemsex. Now, despite the fact this couple hadn't touched an illegal drug since their university days 15 years earlier, they decided to give it a go before meeting divorce lawyers. My curiosity piqued, I asked them - purely for research purposes - how it all went down. They told me they'd sourced MDMA from a friend of a friend, hired a babysitter for the night, checked into a fancy hotel, and locked themselves in. And after a couple of glasses of champagne, a small amount of MDMA for them both (and half a Viagra for him) they began to feel like naughty teenagers again. They had sex. Then they talked for hours. They really listened to each other. They cried together, held each other and made love again. Afterwards, they felt more connected than they had in years. I started to wonder how many other couples were doing the same, so I asked my social media followers for their stories - and they did not disappoint. 'At first it was beautiful. We were hugging and laughing and saying all the things we missed about each other' (stock image) Sharon* told me: 'I was honestly about to file for divorce. The only thing keeping us together was inertia and guilt. A friend from Los Angeles told me about MDMA therapy and I figured, f*** it, I'll give it one last try. 'We did it at home with music, wine, snacks (no one tells you it kills your appetite). What I didn't expect was how safe I felt to finally tell him how invisible I'd felt since becoming a mother. He just held me and said, "I miss you too". We sobbed and slow danced to the Rolling Stones. 'I don't know if it was the drugs, the nostalgia, or just trying something out of our comfort zone, but something definitely shifted. 'Since then, we've started seeing a couples' counsellor and we're both more open to talking than we've ever been.' Another woman used the drug to try to feel safer in her body after sexual trauma. 'I experienced serious sexual trauma as a child, at the hands of a male family member. It took me more than 20 years to even begin unpacking it,' she said. 'I never used psychedelics recreationally, but eventually I began working with MDMA under expert guidance to help process what had happened to me. 'For most of my adult life, sex had felt hollow and traumatic. I would dissociate, cry or even get physically ill after being intimate. I had very few partners. Ironically, they all thought I was the "best sex" they'd ever had - because I was hyper-focused on their needs and desires. But it was all performance. 'The first time I had sex while assisted by MDMA, something shifted. I felt present. I felt safe in my own body. There was no fear, no shame, no panic. Just connection.' Now she is finally able to enjoy sex. 'I'm more adventurous, more confident, and for the first time, it doesn't feel like a performance. My partner says he's never felt closer to me.' 'The first time I had sex while on MDMA, something shifted' (stock image posed by models) Then there are the couples who make it a regular ritual. 'We do it every three months,' one woman told me. 'Just us at home with a small dose of MDMA, and a "no phones, no fights" rule. It's become our little marriage retreat. "It's not about sex - although that's great, too - it's about getting out of the day-to-day chaos and actually seeing each other again. We write stuff down, share our feelings from the past month and even set intentions. 'I know it sounds woo-woo, but it's the only thing that's stopped us from becoming full passive-aggressive divorce monsters that we've seen our other friends turn into.' However, not all of the stories were positive. Mick* regrets the day he tried it with his wife. 'We were already rocky. There'd been a couple of suspicious texts, a few vague stories. I thought maybe the drug would help us talk it out, clear the air,' he said. 'At first it was beautiful. We were hugging and laughing and saying all the things we missed about each other. But then she told me she'd kissed someone at a work event. 'She said it didn't mean anything, but felt like she had to come clean. I nodded at the time, but the next day, once the drugs had worn off, I was a complete mess. 'We broke up three weeks later. Would we have lasted without the MDMA? Probably not, but I won't pretend it didn't hurt like hell.' Another couple made an unexpected discovery at a music festival. 'We'd taken a mix of MDMA and ketamine at a festival, and when we got home, something clicked or maybe unclicked? Either way, it was the most intense sex we'd ever had,' a wife told me. 'I squirted for the first time in my life, which shocked us both in the best possible way. We just kept laughing, touching, connecting it was playful and primal and completely unexpected. It felt like we discovered a whole new side to each other.' Then there was the couple who scratched their 'seven-year itch'. 'Seven years in, things were feeling a bit stale. The spark had dulled, sex was routine, and we were starting to drift emotionally,' she began. 'Then one night, we tried MDMA together. I know... not exactly what a relationship counsellor would recommend but it changed everything. We stayed up for hours just talking about fantasies, insecurities, all the stuff we were too shy to bring up sober. 'Then we had the wildest sex of our relationship. Since then, we've had a great sex life. We do chemsex a couple of times a year, and every time it resets us emotionally and physically. We even told close friends about it and it saved their marriages too.' Now, let's be very clear: this isn't a recommendation. It's an observation. The couples I spoke to weren't reckless thrill-seekers. They were exhausted professionals with kids, debt and relationship issues they were trying to solve. For them, MDMA wasn't a party drug - it was a last-ditch effort to get emotionally naked when all else had failed. So, is it legal? Not really... but kind of. In Australia, as of July 1, 2023, authorised psychiatrists can prescribe MDMA (and psilocybin - the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) for specific mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, these substances have shown promising results when used in controlled, medically supervised environments (not in hotel rooms with a bottle of Veuve). They stress that while MDMA is relatively safe when administered in precise doses by professionals, it can be dangerous - even lethal - when taken recreationally. And no, it's not approved for use in treating relationship issues. Would I try it? Maybe. Because I've always believed that anything that helps couples communicate better is worth trying. * Names have been changed. Recreational drugs are illegal and carry risks Kmart Australia has announced major changes to its store layout as part of a strategy to attract tech savvy Gen Z and Alpha customers. The retailer is trialling new store formats in select locations, including moving the checkouts - controversially placed in the centre of the store - back to the front. Central checkouts were introduced in stores nationwide about a decade ago to 'improve access' and 'reduce clutter at the exit'. Now in a significant move, Kmart's new managing director Aleks Spaseska revealed plans to highlight fashion and beauty at the front of stores in a bid to boost sales and better appeal to younger shoppers. 'The biggest difference you'll notice is in the apparel and beauty offer in the store,' Spaseska said at the Wesfarmers strategy briefing day, according to the SMH. 'If you go into women's apparel today, you'll see we mostly sell all the tops together, the bottoms together, the dresses together. If you think about the way our merchants put the ranges together, it's a brand-new outfit. 'When you walk the store in the new format, there's much more co-ordination through women's apparel, which allows customers to be much more inspired and helps with outfit building... We've also brought beauty to the front of the store as well.' Daily Mail Australia visited the Kmart store in Ashfield, in Sydney's Inner West, where controversial checkouts were recently reinstated near the front entrance. Upon entering, customers are greeted by rows of beauty essentials, including budget-friendly makeup and skincare products. Kmart's new managing director Aleks Spaseska revealed plans to highlight fashion and beauty at the front of stores in a bid to boost sales and better appeal to younger shoppers Upon entering the Ashfield store, customers are greeted by rows of beauty essentials, including budget-friendly makeup and skincare products The retail chain plans to move its bulkier items - such as car seats and bikes - from the shop floor to the back of the store to free up space for clothing displays. As part of the change, customers will be directed to purchase bulky or big ticket items through a digital 'select and collect' system. Typically known as the go-to spot for mums and millennials, the retailer is now setting its sights on Gen Z and Alpha consumers as it expands its offering in youth apparel, 'kidult' collectibles, beauty, and home and living. In an effort to appeal to younger customers, Kmart is shifting its marketing strategy toward social media. The younger customers have become key drivers of market trends, with their purchasing power growing rapidly - likely fuelled by social media, influencers and online shopping. The retailer's strategy will include creating more social media content to showcase popular low-cost items, including fashion, beauty, homewares, cleaning and more. In recent years, Kmart has drawn tens of thousands of shoppers to its stores - all thanks to organic social media buzz and five-star reviews. In the 2024 financial year, Kmart Group reported a revenue of more than $11billion dollars, with profits of nearly $960million. Daily Mail Australia visited the Kmart store in Ashfield, in Sydney's Inner West, where controversial checkouts were recently reinstated near the front entrance Kmart Australia has announced major changes to its store layout as part of a strategy to attract digitally savvy Gen Z and Alpha customers The Mount Gravatt store in southern Brisbane was among the first to undergo refurbishment late last year. The new store layout has led to increased customer traffic, with Spaseska confirming it has been a huge success, citing 'stronger sales' driven by the improved store flow. Four more stores are expected to roll out the new layout, and if successful, the format will be expanded across all Kmart locations. 'I'm incredibly proud of what our team has achieved so far,' Spaseska said. 'Our purpose to make everyday living brighter has never mattered more to customers, and I look forward to this next chapter in our story.' Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway will bunk in with Aussies at an upmarket college as she begins a three-year undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney. Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal the 21-year-old royal will live on campus at St Andrew's College, one of the university's exclusive student residences. The college charges more than $20,000 per semester to board, and features a gym, college bar, food hall and a yoga studio. St Andrew's has a number of high-profile alumni, including former Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, Olympian Rohan Browning and Bondi Vet Dr Chris Brown. Students on Tuesday received an email from Dr Daniel Tyler, the principal at St Andrew's College, announcing the royal's arrival. 'Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway is moving to Sydney to study an Arts degree at the University of Sydney,' his email read. 'I am pleased to let you know she will be joining 'Drews and living on site. I know she is looking forward to integrating into College and university life. 'There may be media interest and enquiries. Please join us in respecting her privacy. We will share reminders about security on the College site ahead of Semester 2.' Princess Ingrid (pictured) will be studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney Students at St Andrew's received an email, saying the princess would be residing at college The email followed a press release from the Norwegian Palace. 'Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra will begin her studies at the University of Sydney in August, enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts program,' it said. 'She has chosen a three-year degree with a focus on international relations and political economy. 'The Princess will be studying full-time and reside in a student residence on campus. Her Royal Highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come.' News of the Princess's arrival has already stirred excitement across the campus, with students eager about the chance of attending a lecture with royalty. University of Sydney Union (USU) president Bryson Constable welcomed the announcement and encouraged the Princess to involve herself in student life. 'It's incredibly exciting to be welcoming Princess Ingrid Alexandra to the University,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'The USU has a range of exceptional student experiences, and we hope the Princess will find benefit in engaging with our clubs, events, and culture.' Princess Ingrid of Norway (pictured) will be move to Sydney for University later this year Fees at St Andrew's college (pictured) cost more than $20,000 per semester Mr Constable also extended a light-hearted invitation for the royal to help build a cultural bridge on campus. 'Whilst the USU has no Norwegian club at the moment, perhaps the Princess would like to be the inaugural president of one,' he added. The Princess's future residence is no stranger to headlines; St Andrew's College has previously attracted controversy over several high-profile incidents. In 2022, multiple students were suspended after storming the Australian National University (ANU) campus in Canberra. The incident occurred during the college's annual 'Campus to Country' event, with students allegedly travelling to the nation's capital for an unauthorised 'scavenger hunt'. Wearing ski masks, the students entered an ANU student accommodation but were quickly apprehended, removed from the campus by ANU staff, and the matter was referred to ACT Police. In 2023, a student from St Paul's College, another University of Sydney college, had their ear bitten off during an altercation at the St Andrew's College student bar. Security personnel responded quickly, and the injured student was transported in stable condition to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for treatment. St Andrew's College is one of six residential colleges at the University of Sydney (pictured) Despite the severity of the incident, a spokesperson for St Andrew's College defended the institution's reputation. 'St Andrew's College is one of the safest venues for young adults in Sydney to live, socialise, study and interact,' they said. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, St Andrew's College confirmed that the Princess would be moving in next semester. 'We look forward to welcoming Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway as a member of the St Andrews College community.' they wrote. We ask that her privacy is respected while she undertakes her studies at the University of Sydney. St Andrews College will be making no further statement.' Some of the UK's top personal trainers have revealed why they have safety fears over Aldi's reformer Pilates beds. The budget supermarket caused a frenzy by putting the piece of gym equipment - which usually costs upwards of 2,000 - on sale for less than 150 - at stores across the UK this weekend. Queues of fitness enthusiasts queued up to get their hands on a bed - with fights even breaking out in the middle aisle of some stores. Since, hundreds of people have taken to TikTok to share their thoughts on the budget bed - with people praising its price but saying it's smaller and less durable than more expensive models. However, some of the UK's leading Pilates instructors have shared their fears over the bed, urging people to make sure they have proper instruction before using it. Aimee Victoria Long, one of London's top personal trainers, said that the bed has its pros - including the low price point. 'It's significantly less expensive than premium reformers, making it accessible for beginners or those on a budget,' she told Femail. 'However, the bed is lower quality and perhaps not as durable as high-end reformers. Aimee Victoria Long (pictured) one of London 's top personal trainers, said that the bed has it's pros - including the low price point 'Users have reported that the machine can feel 'slightly wobbly' during vigorous movements, and the resistance bands may lack the smoothness of traditional springs, she added. 'Also I assume the strength of these bands doesn't match that of springs'. An Aldi spokesperson said: 'Our reformer Pilates machine is independently tested to meet relevant safety standards and is designed to provide a reliable at-home workout solution. 'Customer safety is always our priority, and we understand the growing interest in home-based fitness so are pleased to be able to offer accessible options that don't compromise on quality.' Aimee, who teaches Pilates, barre, strength & conditioning, and functional training to various celebrity clients also said that the bed is a struggle for taller user. 'The reformer's size may not comfortably accommodate users taller than 5'9', potentially limiting the range of exercises - however, the machine folds for easy storage and includes transport wheels, ideal for home use in limited space. 'The bed's features are also adjustable and claim to cater for anyone up to 6ft 3in.' A huge difference with the bed and a typical Pilates bed is that it uses rubber bands rather than springs. 'The use of rubber resistance bands instead of metal springs may affect the machine's longevity and resistance consistency over time,' she added. Aimee also added that it's 'beginner friendly' so great for people starting their Pilates journey - however, this can mean people aren't doing the exercises correctly. Rebecca Dadoun, Pilates Instructor & Founder of Pilates Prescription echoed the safety concerns of other instructors. 'As much as I want Pilates to be accessible to everyone for recovery, strength, and mental clarity I do have real safety concerns when it comes to budget Reformers like the Aldi one,' she said Cara Farrell, Reformer Pilates instructor added that 'It's great to see reformer Pilates becoming more accessible, Aldi's price point makes it possible for people to practice at home who might not afford regular studio classes'. 'A lawsuit waiting to happen' Fiona Kavanagh, a personal trainer and highly sought-after Pilates instructor, told Femail it's 'great for very petite clients that are well versed in Reformer Pilates, but for anyone else this is an accident & lawsuit waiting to happen'. Here she shares her thoughts PROS Affordability With average price of a Reformer Pilates class ranging anywhere between 20-45 per class, this tool is comparatively a bargain. Compactability The size of the modern day Reformer, even the leading Professional brands like Allegro, Merrithew & Peak often debut a home edition, I personally purchased the Merrithew home Reformer set up and unless you live in a substantial sized home, the machines are pretty huge. Not only are the machines huge, they are exceptionally heavy & incredibly awkward to move & would take at least two strong pair of hands to move safely. Aldi has clearly done there homework here. Not only does it fold up small, it can lay down flat to fit under your bed, or stand up tall to squeeze in between a closet. Although it doesn't state the weight of the machine, it doesn't appear to be heavy, as the resistance is worked through bands, compared to the usual springs, so it seems fairly easy to move. They really have delivered here. Working out on your schedule One of the things brands like Peloton have absolutely nailed is being able to workout on your own schedule, so there really is no excuses. Whether you're a full time mum, a business owner, a full time student, or all of the above, having your favourite equipment in your own home, or where we you use it, means you can workout when it suits you. A growth in the Pilates method While the classical Pilates die hards will no doubt be turning their noses up at the Aldi edition, the fact of the matter is that not everyone has the means to attend group classes as prices are going through the roof and a private 1-2-1 Pilates session, which costs anywhere between 75-120 is often out of the question. Not only is Aldi enabling more clients to experience the magic of Reformer Pilates, it'll likely attract new clients too, that may have been curious to try. Diversity and inclusion I'm going to be brutally honest when I say this, Pilates studios aren't always the most welcoming environments. Look at the marketing and advertising of your nearest studio. Do they show a vast age group, a variety of different shapes and sizes or different ethnicities? While some studios really do make a genuine effort to make as many people feel welcome and included, it's very few & far between. There's been too many conversations that I've had where people have felt intimidated to try a new studio because they don't think that they look the part or will fit in. This is where this could change. The fact that you are totally solo doing a workout, who cares what sportswear you're wearing, who cares if you aren't wearing makeup or had your hair done, if you're not feeling your very best, you can just show up. And at the end of the day, that is what matters. CONS Durability While I appreciate this is at a significantly lower price than an Allegro for example, by looking at the product, I would be extremely worried about the durability of this item. Not only how long is this likely to last, but the machine looks very flimsy, unstable and I have genuine concerns that this could have many potential accidents. The size While being small and compact and easy to put away is a huge plus, with the product being so small, I can't imagine anyone over 60kgs feeling particularly safe on this machine, despite saying it can hold 125kg! If you look at the model in the video, she doesn't appear to have much space either, so anyone over the height of 5'6 is going to struggle, especially men. This is a huge limitation where you wouldn't have that issue on a simple mat, if a Reformer wasn't available. Resistance bands over springs While resistance with bands may serve a purpose, many of the classical Pilates repertoire like short spine, where you lift into a shoulder stand and articulate your spine down to carriage, I would be extremely concerned at just the thought of clients doing this on a machine which it simply isn't build for. A major accident waiting to happen. Not beginner friendly Someone that is brand new wouldn't be able to do this yet, or at least with quality form. A newbie is quite likely to fall out & hurt themselves. Not suitable for injuries Imagine you have an ankle injury or very weak knees, you are not going to be safe in this position and it can likely cause further damage to your injury, or again, fall off the machine. Normal Reformer would have a platform extender. Lack of inclusion Fully aware that this is playing devils advocate to the above statement, but based on the setup of the Aldi Reformer bed, although I believe they've tried to create something great, NOBODY over 60kgs is going to feel safe on this machine, apart from maybe lying down, which you can literally do on a mat. Key fundamentals of the Pilates Reformer like the footbar, the platform, the missing spring tensions, just aren't suitable for a larger person. Very basic movements like lunges, planks & rotation just isn't equipped and I genuinely worry that there would be more accidents, than positive reviews. Lack of guidance While Aldi has included a guide of exercises, having someone new or relatively new is potentially really dangerous to have on a machine like this. Whether it be a 1-2-1 session or a group setting for beginners, there is a strict health & safety go-to, before anyone steps foot on the machines. Basic guidance like where you step on & off & why, you just can't get with a home machine & a manual. Things like what to do if you think you are going to fall, or if you are actually falling, how to stop yourself or where to place your hands to prevent a serious accident, are all missing. Also the public is left totally solo with no one to correct their form, check alignment or offer progressions or regressions. Anyone that has done less than at least 10 sessions just wouldn't know this yet & there's a reason most studios ask clients to attend at least 10 beginner classes before attempting an intermediate class. Advertisement Sophie Hatton, a Classical Pilates expert and founder of Pilates Works & Reformer Retreats added there may be safety concerns over the new model. 'Pilates is undeniably having a moment - but not all reformers are created equal. 'There's a vast difference between Reformer-inspired fitness and true classical Pilates, as Joseph Pilates intended,' she told Femail. 'At professional Pilates studios, reformer equipment is engineered for precision - solid, heavy and designed to support the integrity of the practice. 'The new Aldi model may be budget-friendly, but its lightweight frame and elastic bands in place of spring resistance raise immediate concerns around safety, effectiveness, and durability. 'Without proper resistance, stability or instruction from a fully trained teacher you're not doing Pilates - you're just pulling on bands.' 'To become a Classical teacher takes over 100 hours of in-studio education and more than 650 hours of self-practice, observation and rigorous testing. 'This is a profession rooted in depth, not a passing fitness trend. 'Authentic Pilates strengthens where you're weak, improves alignment and restores balance - it's a transformative method, not just a workout. 'Whether joining a studio or working online, choose your equipment and teacher wisely. It makes all the difference.' Cara Farrell, a reformer Pilates instructor based in Leeds, added that 'It's great to see reformer Pilates becoming more accessible'. 'Aldi's price point makes it possible for people to practice at home who might not afford regular studio classes'. 'It's also a handy option for newly qualified instructors wanting to refine their teaching. 'That said, reformer Pilates is a technical practice. 'Instructors go through extensive training to learn anatomy, safety, and how to correct form, these are things that are hard to self-teach at home. 'Without that knowledge, using a reformer can be risky. 'The Aldi reformer bed looks neat, but the carriage movement and spring system seem a little flimsy, not as smooth or sturdy as professional models. 'I'd also be concerned about the stability of the legs during use. 'If you're thinking about buying one, make sure you've had proper reformer experience first, ideally with a trained instructor. Aldi's viral reformer Pilates machine will be available to buy in-store on Sunday May 25 and will cost just 149.99 'Do your research, watch tutorials, and always double-check the setup for safety. It's a great option if you know what you're doing, but not something to jump into without experience. Rebecca Dadoun, Pilates instructor & founder of Pilates Prescription echoed the safety concerns of other instructors. 'As much as I want Pilates to be accessible to everyone for recovery, strength, and mental clarity I do have real safety concerns when it comes to budget Reformers like the Aldi one,' she said. 'Tick points are that an at home reformer makes reformer Pilates more accessible, it's compact and home friendly and may encourage more movement but these machines aren't built to the same standards as studio Reformers (as per the reviews), and without professional supervision, the risk of injury is higher especially for beginners or anyone already managing pain or postnatal recovery. 'I've had many clients come to me already injured from large group 'Reformer' classes, so the idea of people using even less stable equipment at home, with no guidance, is worrying. 'This isn't about gatekeeping movement it's about moving safely. 'Even the springs on these machines are essentially resistance bands they're not the same as a studio spring. 'If one of those flings off mid exercise, I'd be seriously concerned about the outcome. 'Movement should support your body, not put it at risk. 'And sometimes, the simplest starting point like mat Pilates with props is actually the smartest and safest.' Charlie Hollinshead, Founder of Blanc Space Studios in Fulham added: 'As a qualified pilates instructor, I always recommend taking classes in person, as without guidance from a trained professional, it's difficult to know whether your form and alignment are correct. This can impact both the effectiveness of the workout and your safety. 'That said, I think the Aldi reformer bed is a brilliant option for making pilates more accessible to a wider audience. 'Reformer sessions can be expensive and often limited to boutique studios, so having a lower-cost alternative at home opens up the practice to more people.' 'My advice for anyone using it at home would be to try and take classes in person to learn the basics of reformer Pilates and then subscribe to a reputable online platform offering structured reformer classes. That way, you're not just improvising!' The exercise is very popular with celebrities - including Kate Hudson (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right) Tina Traina, SPIRIT Product Head at David Lloyd Clubs has stated: 'The scarcity of Aldi's limited-stock middle aisle item along with social media influence has created a surge in demand for Reformer Pilates. Reformer beds offer a highly effective workout; however, they are designed with multiple moving parts and adjustable component and so should be performed on a good quality bed with a thorough introduction from an expert instructor.. Without proper guidance or instruction, using the bed could increase the risk of injury due to poor form or misuse. Even small adjustments in alignment or movement can significantly improve the effectiveness of an exercise in Pilates. That's why guided sessions are especially important for beginners. This doesn't only ensure safety but helps users engage correct muscle groups more deeply and efficiently. Just as with owning fitness equipment at home but still choosing to attend gym classes, the value of professional support is still rewarding and beneficial'. Watered down design James Shaw, Founder of James Shaw Pilates told Femail: 'It's no surprise that Aldi has jumped on the Pilates bandwagon with their new at home imitation Reformer machine. With Pilates booming in the fitness world right now, we're seeing more people and brands capitalising on its popularity. But while the machine might look like a Reformer of sorts, the experience it offers is a far cry from the real thing. 'Classical Pilates is a precise, intelligent system. The Reformer wasn't designed to mimic gym equipment or deliver a quick burn it's there to teach you how to move. The springs provide feedback to show you where you are in space, helping you develop better body awareness and connection. Pilates is about whole body integration, not in isolating muscles or replicating gym based movements. 'Machines like Aldi's may be more accessible in price, but they're also watered down in design. The springs are lighter, the footbar is lower, and the overall structure doesn't offer the same resistance, support, or feel as a classical apparatus. Yes, it may look similar but do the public know how to use and connect with it? Without skilled instruction, even the most well made machine is just that a machine. 'Pilates at its centre is an education. In my opinion to practice safely and effectively on a Reformer requires a trained eye and a strong understanding of how the body works and what you want from an exercise. That's why experienced teachers and teaching matter. It's not about trendy equipment learning to move with more purpose. 'We shouldn't lose sight of what makes Pilates truly powerful. High quality training, thoughtful progression, and the art of teaching with skill and intention that's what elevates Pilates beyond the mainstream.' Advertisement Reformer Pilates has seen a substantial boom in the recent years with many enjoying the strengthening and body sculpting benefits of the low impact form of exercise that uses spring-loaded equipment for resistance. Nuno Campos, Head of Fitness, Repose Space told Femail: 'The main benefits of Pilates include improved core strength, flexibility, posture, and overall body awareness. Pilates exercises focus on controlled movements, breathing techniques, and alignment, which can help enhance muscle tone, balance, and coordination. 'Additionally, it can help alleviate back pain, reduce stress, and enhance mental well-being. At Repose Space, we are launching a new Reformer and Chair Pilates combo class next month that offers a full-body workout that challenges strength, flexibility, and balance in new and exciting ways. 'I'd always recommend practicing Pilates in a studio with a certified instructor who can provide personalised guidance and real time feedback. ' However, doing Pilates at home can also be beneficial, especially for those with busy schedules or limited access to a studio. Pilates at home allows for greater flexibility in scheduling and can be a convenient way to maintain a consistent practice. However, it is important to ensure that you have a good understanding of the exercises and proper form to avoid injury.Are there pitfalls to people doing Pilates at home - particularly on a Reformer bed? 'There are potential pitfalls to doing Pilates at home, particularly on a Reformer bed, without proper guidance. Without the supervision of a qualified instructor, in a small group or 1-2-1 setting, individuals may perform exercises incorrectly, leading to ineffective results or potential injury. It's vital to have a solid foundation in Pilates principles and techniques before attempting advanced exercises on a Reformer bed at home. about? 'When practicing Pilates at home, especially on a Reformer bed, issues can include using the equipment incorrectly, maintaining proper alignment, and avoiding overexertion. It is essential to ensure that the equipment is set up properly and in good condition to prevent accidents. 'Additionally, individuals should listen to their bodies, modify exercises as needed, and avoid pushing beyond their limits to prevent strain or injury 'For Reformer Pilates at home, I'd always recommend that individuals have prior experience with Pilates and are familiar with basic exercises and principles. It is advisable to start with beginner-level classes or sessions in a studio to learn proper technique, alignment, and equipment usage before transitioning to Reformer Pilates at home. 'Having a solid foundation and understanding of Pilates fundamentals will help ensure a safe and effective home practice. I personally would recommend at least one session a week with a qualified instructor building a program that one can repeat alone at home. Physiotherapist, Pilates Expert, and founder of Core LDN, Claire Mills, said she 'wasn't a fan' of the machine. 'On first thoughts for those who cannot afford reformer Pilates classes or one of the more sturdy at home reformer versions this does seem appealing. However I'm not a fan for the reasons below. 'There's a reason that Pilates instructors go through lengthy & intense reformer Pilates training; predominantly to ensure that we understand how to use the a reformer safely without causing injury plus learn how to the get the most out of the exercises. The most credited & well known reformer Pilates machines, like the ones that I use in studio are medical devices & therefore have rigorous safety checks. Incorrect use of reformer machines (as per my comments on safety of reformer previously) can lead to injury as the spring resistance for exercises will differ for different people. Lady Gaga has also showed off her exercise at home 'I would therefore recommend that if you are going to use or buy this product that you have prior knowledge of using the reformer & the repertoire of reformer exercises to enable you to use safely & get the most out of it. They state that it can 'transform your body' which is bold, to be able to get close to this you would need to know how to best utilise the resistance for different exercises & know basic strength training principles & where Pilates sits in this in terms of what reps/ sets to do in order to target specific muscle groups & load them to make changes to the muscles. 'Often, we use 1 spring with exercises such as planks or standing plies & springs are much sturdier than resistance bands. Personally it would make me really nervous doing these exercises with a machine that use bands. 'The beauty of great reformer machines is that that they glide quietly & effortlessly, are smooth & easy to adjust feeding into mindfulness, I am unsure if you'd get the same effect with this one. 'The carriage looks quite small so I'm not sure it would be suitable for taller people or men for example. Plus we use the bar a lot & to me it looks really thin & narrow which could have an impact on comfort of grip with hands I.e in planks or with footwork. 'Would I get one, no. Would I recommend clients to get one? Unfortunately I wouldn't be inclined to no. I have a FOLD reformer being delivered to my house tomorrow which is much pricier but in my eyes is the closet to a in-studio reformer in terms of look, functionality & usability.' Meanwhile, Tom McClelland, co founder at FOLD, the closest model to the Aldi reformer welcomes the competetion. 'At FOLD we truly believe reformer Pilates is for everyone and therefore welcome the new Aldi alternative, helping a wider scope of people step onto the carriage for the first time,' he told Femail. How to ensure Reformer Pilates is safe, according to Claire Mills, founder of Core LDN Ensure the credentials of studios and instructors. The instructors should be tailoring the exercises to the class ability and explaining each exercise, including flagging anything that could feel unsteady. Bodyweight has an impact on spring selection for some exercises, so a 6ft guy is likely to not be on the same a spring as a 5ft lady because their abilities are likely to be different, and so the instructor should give spring options accordingly. Check the foot bar is correctly in when using. Due to the nature of the way the springs work and the carriage moves you can take muscles towards the end of their range, and this needs to be done slowly with control. As a physiotherapist I would always explain this to clients to ensure they work within a safe range for them. It's worth noting that if you are then asked to add extra resistance I.e. weights this should always be optional as overloading muscles will cause strains & injuries. Upkeep of the studio and maintenance of the reformers is crucial, they should be checked and serviced regularly particularly the springs to ensure they are safe to use. The class size should not be too big (so the instructor can see all clients), with good lighting and potentially mirrors to help with position. Advertisement 'A long-term investment that reflects the same quality you'd find in a studio, at FOLD, we have an inclusive goal to offer the finest quality reformer Pilates machines to people across the country. 'With a sturdy design built to last without compromising on space, our FOLD machines come in either beige or black to elevate a variety of personal spaces, and studios too. 'Whilst Aldi's offering may be the budget-friendly option, I think it's important to be aware that it may not be the long-term solution. 'Suitable for people between 150 and 190cm in height, its size is designed to cater for a proportion of people, whilst the limited foot bar functionality and resistance cables instead of springs may also offer certain limitations. 'Safety is an important element that can't be overlooked. At FOLD we believe that offering suitable support and guidance is imperative to ensure that our community use our machines safely and correctly. 'So, Welcome to the FOLD, Aldi, the more Reformers, the merrier! 'If and when you're ready to take your practice (and your Pilates machine) to the next level, we'll be right here; springs, support, and community included.' CORE LDN , a London-based studio fusing physio with Pilates methods, saw their class visits almost double in 2024 and there's no sign of this slowing. In recent month there has been a +600 per cent increase in Google searches for Reformer Class Passes. Core LDN founder, physiotherapist and pilates expert Claire Mills predicts: I don't see an appetite for Reformer waning as clients are drawn to its sustainable approach to fitness, and this trend will likely grow as more people prioritise joint-friendly, mindfulness-oriented workouts. 'Ensuring that sessions are led by knowledgeable instructors and tailored to individual needs will remain essential in retaining client loyalty.' Claire's advice for beginners? 'I'd recommend reformer beginners start with a 1:1 or a beginners specific class to learn the above foundations and how to implement these on the reformer which is adds in spring resistance and movement. 'In my opinion, you can end up cheating on the reformer if you have not learnt the fundamentals and your global muscle system can become dominant of the postural muscle system that we're aiming to target with Pilates.' German nurse Joseph Pilates developed Contrology - which eventually became Pilates - during the First World War as a method to continue his strength training while a prisoner of War in the Isle of Man. Fast forward almost 80 years and the exercise is no longer one motivated by necessity - but rather it's a high-end, luxurious workout frequented by A-listers who pay premium prices at dedicated Reformer Pilates studios. The exercise, loved by Meghan Markle and Jennifer Aniston, costs around 35 for a 45-minute class and is surging in popularity in the UK. As most studios recommend training at least three times a week to see any real benefit, people can quickly see themselves spending hundreds a month on the habit. A British food blogger with more than 1.8 million followers on Instagram is facing backlash after eating a giant crab that can live for up to 30 years. Tod Inskip, better known through his social media handle Eating With Tod, ate the eight kg the crab while visiting the Sydney Fish Market while visiting Australia. In a video posted to his Instagram and TikTok channels, Tod showed himself picking the live 15-year-old crab from the tank, before filming it getting deep fried and smothered in a Singapore chilli sauce for him to eat. He filmed himself holding up a 15-year-old specimen of the Tasmanian giant crab, one of the largest crabs in the world - which costs costs AU$2,000 (approximately 950). Tasmanian giant crabs are considered a 'rare delicacy' and are vulnerable to overfishing because they are slow-growing and take a long time to mature. The foodie content creator, who is known for his enthusiastic and glowing reviews of every place he visits, held up a crab that weighed 8.5kg and described it as 'holding a bodybuilder of the sea'. 'They start by deep frying the king crab, then they mix it in a wok with a Singapore chilli sauce,' he explained in the video over clips of the crab's claws and legs sizzling in a fryer. The next clip showed the chef adding the crab's head to the sauce in the wok, and scraping out the insides to the mix. Tod Inskip, who has nearly 2 million Instagram followers on his Eating With Tod page, sparked backlash after sharing a video of the 15-year-old Tasmanian giant crab he ate while in Sydney, Australia The Tasmanian giant crab can grow to weigh up to 20kg and live up to 30 years of age - Tod's specimen weighed 8.5kg He filmed the gargantuan crab being deep fried, smothered in chilli sauce and served over a bowl of noodles, before he began tucking in 'Then in goes the head where they remove all that brain cheese to add to the sauce before serving up over a bowl of noodles,' Tod said in the voiceover. He is then seen at a table with the behemoth dish in front of him, the crab's head and giant claws sticking out of the bowl. 'I'm actually kind of scared, it's like I'm about to eat a dinosaur under the sea,' Tod said. 'What are they feeding this guy? Is this guy like, feeding on great white [sharks] or something? 'Each claw weighs over a kilo and you just dig into it like it's a giant turkey leg. This even makes me look small.' Further reviewing the dish, Tod said: 'It almost tastes a bit like chicken, apart from the fact that it's so soft and so much sweeter. 'Then you just dip that chilli sauce that adds umami creaminess to it. Wow.' He concluded the video by saying: 'If you had like 10 mates and just came and feasted on one of these, I'm still pretty sure you wouldn't finish it.' But he failed to impress his followers, many of whom were horrified at the idea of eating such a 'majestic' animal that takes so long to grow and mature. On both Instagram and TikTok, social media users were outraged by Eating With Tod's post about consuming an 8.5kg Tasmanian giant crab 'I normally love and support your content. This took it too far,' one person wrote. 'That crab was majestic and took 15 years to grow just to be a meal for you. There's something called having honour for the life around us. 'Yes people eat chicken and beef. But you don't slaughter and kill them live in front of you? Maybe you start filming that too and posting it? Unfollowing.' Another said: 'I'm not even a vegetarian but damn, 30 years just to end up on someone's plate', while a third added: 'I eat meat and seafood, but this seems unnecessary. We don't have to eat everything.' Tod also faced backlash on TikTok, with viewers aghast at his consumption of the crab. 'Imagine living and surviving the sea and growing that big just to be served on a plate,' one person said. Another admitted it was 'hypocritical' of them to feel negatively about the video 'as a meat eater', but said 'this one felt different'. 'I would like to toss this guy into heavily crab-infested waters,' a third joked. Some people took issue with the way Tod described parts of the dish - particularly his use of the words 'brain cheese' to describe the contents of the crab's head. 'Brain cheese just killed it for me, I will pass on this one,' one person wrote on TikTok, while others said the term 'lost' them. Others were unimpressed that Tod has described the crab meat as tasting like chicken. 'If it tastes like chicken then something is wrong,' one person said. Another said: 'So it doesn't taste like crab. No thanks.' 'I like the part when you said it tastes like chicken, then explained how it doesn't taste like chicken,' a third joked. Tod is no stranger to criticism, particularly after food influencers were blasted by the Guild of Food Writers earlier this year, who urged them to be 'more honest' in their reviews. Chetna Makan, vice-president of the Guild and a popular food creator herself, told BBC News NI that she 'doesn't trust' the majority of food influencers because many of them share gushing 'collab posts' instead of genuine feedback about the restaurants they visit. She did not name specific influencers, but warned customers that companies tend to favour influencers who post 'over the top and animated' content rather than have reputable restaurant critics review their food. It comes as social media users are becoming increasingly sceptical about popular food influencers and the overly positive reviews they tend to post. Responding to criticism from a follower, Tod maintained that his videos should be treated as recommendations and he 'will never out a business because of bad food'. 'I'll feedback to the owner and keep off Instagram,' he said in explanation for why he only shares positive reviews. 'My page is a positive page to help support businesses. I put a lot of effort into finding great places so rarely have a 'poor' meal.' A transgender influencer has been slammed online after she refused to eat her meal at a Disney World restaurant because the waiter accidentally misgendered her. Transgender woman Lilly Contino has racked up hundreds of thousands of followers for documenting her transition online. She recently took to Instagram and TikTok to share her dismay after a staff member at the Happiest Place On Earth addressed her as 'sir' by mistake. She was eating Tiffins Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park and the waiter was explaining the first course when he used the male pronoun. Despite the employee instantly apologizing, Lilly explained in her video about the incident that she 'no longer felt safe' at the restaurant. She ultimately decided she didn't want to eat there anymore because she knew she wouldn't 'enjoy' the food with her 'guard up.' The content creator ended up not having to pay for the food or her drink, but the interaction left some viewers disgruntled. In the now-viral video, Lilly was seen sitting at the table as the waiter brought out her first course, the $18 Tiffins Signature Bread Service. A transgender influencer has been slammed online after she refused to eat her meal at a Disney World restaurant because the waiter accidentally misgendered her (stock image) But as the waiter was explaining where all the different breads came from, he called Lilly, who was wearing a blue, cropped tank top, white jean shorts, and pink Minnie ears with a bow, 'sir.' 'It's coconut bread from Thailand?' Lilly asked, to which the waiter replied, 'Yes sir.' 'It's ma'am,' Lilly quickly corrected him. 'Ma'am, I'm sorry. My bad sir,' the flustered waiter said. Afterwards, Lilly reflected on the moment to the camera, explaining, 'That totally sucked the joy out of this bread tower. 'It makes me want to immediately leave because I no longer feel safe here. Now my guard has to be up. 'I'm not gonna enjoy this bread as much because my guard is up. We should be able to go places and not have to worry.' The video then cut to Lilly flagging down a waiter, and telling them, 'I don't think I want this bread tower, actually, I'd rather have the check if that's okay.' Transgender woman Lilly Contino took to Instagram and TikTok to share her dismay after a staff member at the Happiest Place On Earth addressed her as 'sir' by mistake (stock image) 'I think their training says they're supposed to say "friend" and not used gendered language, it's a pretty big thing that Disney has done,' Lilly told the camera in another clip. 'Nothing was wrong with the bread, I just don't want it anymore. Just because they apologized doesn't mean [I] don't feel sad or offended. 'Have you accidentally ever hurt someone and said, "I'm so sorry, it's an accident?" Do you expect them to be like, "Oh, it was an accident, of course, no problem whatsoever. All of that hurt is now undone." That's not how it works.' It appeared that Lilly didn't have to pay for the uneaten bread or her soda. In one final clip, a staff member at the restaurant was heard apologizing to Lilly once again, before he told her that her drink was 'also on him,' seemingly confirming the bread was free too. 'They meant well but it still hurts,' Lilly captioned the clip. In March 2022, it was announced that Disney World staff members, as well recordings throughout the parks, would no longer include 'gendered greetings' like 'boys and girls' or 'ladies and gentleman.' Instead, they opted for gender neutral terms such as, 'Hello, everyone,' or, 'Hello, friends.' 'We don't want to just assume because someone might be, in our interpretation, presenting as female, that they may not want to be called "princess,"' Disney's diversity and inclusion manager Vivian Ware said in a leaked conference call with employees. 'So let's think differently about how do we really engage with our guests in a meaningful and inclusive way that makes it magical and memorable for everyone,' she added. Lilly's interaction with the waiter has since gone viral, gaining million of views on both of her platforms. And while some viewers were on her side, many were quick to slam her. 'The waiter was genuinely sincere and apologized,' one user pointed out. 'I understand that being misgendered can be painful, and everyone deserves respect. But it's also important to recognize that not every mistake is meant to offend,' another added. 'Most people are just responding to what they perceive based on appearance and voice - it's not always intentional or hateful. 'Expecting strangers to immediately identify you the way you see yourself, especially without any communication, isn't realistic. Lilly's interaction with the waiter has since gone viral, gaining million of views on both of her platforms. And while some viewers were on her side, many were quick to slam her 'Filming these interactions and publicly calling people out for honest mistakes doesn't build understanding - it alienates people who might otherwise be willing to listen and learn.' 'Patience and acceptance goes both ways,' someone else wrote. 'The waiter literally apologized. GROW UP,' a fourth comment read. A fifth said, 'So they went through all that trouble to make that [bread] just for you to return it because u were misgendered. 'Now they have to throw it out. Honestly, how do you sleep at night?' DailyMail.com has reached out to Disney for comment. After years away from the Hollywood spotlight, Lindsay Lohan is officially back. The 38-year-old actress is once again headlining feature films, rekindling nostalgic fan love, and proving she's still got the acting chops (and vocal cords) to rock out onstage in Freakier Friday, the upcoming sequel to her 2003 cult classic. But according to Lohan, her long-awaited return to screens isn't just a comeback - it's the result of good old-fashioned manifestation. 'I was manifesting it,' Lohan revealed in a conversation with ELLE. 'During COVID, I was like, "I want to work with Netflix." I kept writing it in my journal and saying it.' Netflix soon offered her a three-picture deal, which kickstarted her return with a string of feel-good rom-coms and reintroduced her to audiences who had grown up watching her on screen. But it wasn't just about getting back in front of the camera. For Lohan, it was about doing it on her own terms. Lindsay Lohan said that her upcoming film Freakier Friday is a result of her manifesting that she would work for Netflix Lohan is reuniting with her Freaky Friday costar Jamie Lee Curtis 'I definitely wanted to do my first feature back with Disney,' she said. And that wish came true, too, with Freakier Friday, which not only marks her Disney return but reunites her with Jamie Lee Curtis and the rest of the beloved Pink Slip band. 'It felt really special,' she said of stepping back onto the Disney lot. 'Because I was 10 when I auditioned for The Parent Trap. Now I'm 38. 'And to be back there at this time and have a full life and be able to share it with my husband and my son, it definitely feels unique.' The film, out August 8, is set to be a love letter to California - with scenes shot in Malibu and the Pacific Palisades - as well as to the fans who have championed Lohan throughout her journey. 'There's not a lot bringing me to the movie theaters personally right now,' she admitted. '[Freakier Friday] is a feel-good movie, which is what I want to give people.' Lohan revealed that her aim is to reclaim her joy through her work The actress also opened up about how becoming a mother shifted her priorities and inspired her to reclaim joy through her work. 'I feel like we live in a different world now, where women make it such a point, especially in motherhood, to make time for ourselves,' she said. 'We make it important.' That philosophy carries into her everyday routine, which Lohan describes as grounded and calm. 'Waking up, writing in my journal, sipping my green tea, breakfast with my son. 'And then Pilates, making sure I go.' It's a far cry from the tabloid chaos of her early twenties. These days, Lohan splits her time between Dubai and Los Angeles, enjoying a quieter life out of the paparazzi's lens. 'Even taking my son to the park in L.A., I get stressed,' she admitted. 'In New York, there's no worry.' But she's not planning to stay in one lane. While the Netflix rom-coms offered a soft reentry, she's now looking ahead to more dynamic projects - including her first-ever TV drama role in the upcoming Hulu adaptation of Count My Lies. 'I can't do movies like these forever,' she said of the lighthearted fare. 'With Netflix, I was like, "Okay, now we need to be thinking about other stuff."' Still, no matter how serious or silly the role, Lohan's guiding principle is simple: joy. 'I always want to make movies like that - things that make people happy and bring people together,' she said. 'To escape and find something that they can take into their own life and realize everything's going to be okay.' Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau has raised eyebrows with his very unorthodox outfit choice for a recent royal visit. Justin, 53, joined King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Ottawa Senate building on Tuesday for the opening of the new session of parliament. But when the politician opted to wear a bizarre pair of shoes during the event, some social media users were left stunned. Justin, who resigned as Canadian Prime Minister in January, donned a blue suit for the outing. But he notably paired the elegant ensemble with some bright green and red Adidas Gazelle sneakers. His decision to wear extremely casual footwear at the formal endeavor sent X, formerly Twitter, into uproar as one wrote: 'Totally disrespectful - Trudeau is a clown.' 'Former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is wearing some interesting footwear for today's opening of Parliament,' one person wrote. 'Retirement runners perhaps...? He'll be seated in the front row close to where the King and Queen will be sitting.' Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau has raised eyebrows with his very unorthodox outfit choice for a recent royal visit Justin, 53, joined King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Ottawa Senate building on Tuesday for the opening of the new session of parliament But when the politician opted to wear a bizarre pair of shoes during the event, some social media users were left stunned 'Un-f**king-believable,' another chimed in. Someone else simply posted a close-up of the shoes and wrote, 'Justin Trudeau's shoes today at Parliament.' Justin, who resigned as Canadian Prime Minister in January, donned a blue suit for the outing. But he notably paired the elegant ensemble with some bright green and red Adidas Gazelle sneakers 'What a f**king t**t,' a different user replied. Justin was joined by his mother Margaret Trudeau at the event on Tuesday, and he seemed in great spirits. King Charles and Camilla were escorted in a horse-drawn landau and met by a Royal Salute from a 100-strong Guard of Honor before they headed in. King Charles was invited by the country's new Prime Minister Mark Carney to formally open the new session of parliament in what is widely being interpreted as sign from Canada that its sovereignty is not for sale. The event is the highlight of the couple's whirlwind visit to the North American nation, Charles' first as king. Justin announced his retirement in January, just days before Donald Trump entered office. His decision to wear extremely casual footwear at the formal endeavor sent X, formerly Twitter, into an uproar Justin was joined by his mother Margaret Trudeau at the event on Tuesday, and he seemed in great spirits Trump had repeatedly mocked the Canadian leader by suggesting his country would be better off as the 51st U.S. state. He had become deeply unpopular in recent years over a range of issues including the soaring cost of food and housing, and surging immigration. Months after ending his role as Canada's PM, Justin gave fans a glimpse into his new life as a single dad on social media. Back in March, he posted a selfie that showed him stocking up on household items at a popular department store. Justin's picture showed him with a cart full of kitchen items, including a Master Chef cordless electric kettle, a Black and Decker hand mixer, and a selection of Vida by Paderno utensils. 'Gotta love a Monday morning at Canadian Tire,' he captioned it. He donned a ball cap from the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a black military-style field jacket over a dark green shirt bearing the logo of the Anxious Leaders mental health initiative. Justin announced his retirement in January, just days before Donald Trump entered office He had become deeply unpopular in recent years over a range of issues including the soaring cost of food and housing, and surging immigration Trump had repeatedly mocked the Canadian leader by suggesting his country would be better off as the 51st U.S. state. Justin is seen during the event on Tuesday The comments underneath the post acknowledged the stark difference between his normally polished suits and his casual trucker hats and cargo jackets. Justin appeared to be shopping at Canadian Tire in Gatineau, Quebec, less than four miles from Rideau Cottage, where he and his children lived before his term ended on March 14. According to a source, Justin has rented an apartment in Ottawa where he is expected to stay at least until his youngest children, Ella-Grace, 16, and Hadrien, 11, are finished with school. He shares the children and their 17-year-old son Xavier with Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, from whom he announced a split in August 2023. Whoopi Goldberg has sparked uproar from fans of The View after she claimed that French president Emmanuel Macron's wife Bridgette was simply 'reaching' for his face rather than shoving him. On Sunday evening, a shocking video emerged of Brigitte, 72, appearing to show her pushing her husband's face away as their plane touched down in Vietnam. In the clip, she places both hands on her husband's face and gives it a shove. Macon, 47, has since dismissed claims that they were having an altercation and instead said they were simply 'joking around.' The View host Whoopi, 69, had strong feelings about the viral moment on Tuesday's episode of talk show and while she said she found the footage 'hard to watch,' she argued that Brigitte was simply 'reaching' for Macron's face. She also added that she finds the press attention 'intrusive' and 'uncomfortable.' 'I'm sorry, what I saw and maybe I'm crazy - but I saw someone doing this,' Whoopi said, attempting to reenact the moment with Sara Haines. 'Come here, let me move you.' 'I did not see that,' Sara, 47, retorted. 'I saw embarrassment.' 'That's what I saw,' Whoopi maintained. 'Reaching for his face.' Whoopi Goldberg sparked a furious reaction with her divisive take on Emmanuel Macron shove France's President was pushed in the face by his wife Brigitte Macron as the couple arrived in Vietnam Sunday night She continued: 'This kind of stuff bothers me because people make decisions about stuff they don't know anything about. 'Because having been on the other side of this, I find it intrusive and because no one ever says, "well, what happened?" 'And when you say this is what happened, we were fooling around and whatever, people don't take you at your word and so for me, I find it uncomfortable.' Whoopi added: 'It doesn't help because it's our scrutiny, but it's hundreds of magazines around the world. It's hundreds of TV stations, and, you know, it comes up all the time. 'Just the fact that they have a difference in their relationship is something that people hold on to. I find it's hard for me to watch. It's hard for me to do it but that's just me.' Whoopi's fellow panelists felt uneasy about Bridgette's exchange with Macon and called into question their age gap relationship and power dynamics. Sara commented: 'What happened after this exchange he offers her his hand and she doesn't take it. 'So, the joking narrative is sweet, I mean, we won't ever know what's going on here.' Macon, 47, has since dismissed claims that they were having an altercation and instead said they were simply 'joking around' Whoopi, however, interjected, to add: 'I can tell you why she doesn't want to take his hand. Because she doesn't want you to think she can't come down the stairs. 'We just got through saying how much older she is than he is.' Alyssa said that if the roles were reversed, she would be saying the footage was 'inappropriate.' She began: 'With due respect to our French allies and I have met Emmanuel Macron, they have an odd relationship. 'He was a student, she was a teacher. I don't think it would fly in America or get a lot more scrutiny how it came about but seem to have had a healthy marriage as far as I can see to date.' Alyssa continued: 'I will give them the benefit of the doubt but if the roles were reversed and saw a man come for a woman's face like that I would be at the front of the line picketing saying it's inappropriate.' Viewers were transfixed by Whoopi's remarks and argued that she was wrong. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one said: 'Sorry Whoopi, but NO! The Macrons have a very weird relationship.' 'Whoopi fix those glasses, everybody knows what they saw,' another said. 'She hit that man and she didn't wanna take that man's hand, that didn't have anything to do with her being old. You probably needed to hold that rail coming down the stairs.' The View host Whoopi had strong feelings about the viral clip on Tuesday's episode She said that she finds the press attention 'intrusive' and 'uncomfortable' France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron wave as they board their plane for departure following their visit to Vietnam 'Whoopi STOP that was not fooling around or playing and that's not why she didn't take his hand lol they're human and got caught in a human moment, not a good look!' a third continued. 'Sorry Whoopi but cameras and scrutiny come with celeb/political life.' 'They were not fooling around! If they were she would have taken his arm!' added another. A fifth said: 'Sorry #Whoopi but #French president #EmmanuelMacron and his wife don't look playful in the least.' Macron addressed the uncomfortable scenes and has hit back at any theories. 'My wife and I were squabbling, we were rather joking, and I was taken by surprise,' he told reporters in Vietnam. Now it has 'become a kind of planetary catastrophe, and some are even coming up with theories. 'For three weeks, there have been people who have watched videos and who think that I shared a bag of cocaine, that I had a mano-a-mano with a Turkish president and now that I am having a domestic dispute with my wife. 'In these three videos, I took a tissue, shook someone's hand and just joked with my wife, as we do quite often. Nothing more.' Meghan Markle previously hinted that she might never restock her jam despite the first batch selling out within 45 minutes. It came as she told a US business magazine that she was planning to 'step back to assess' her As Ever brand. But luckily fans of the Duchess of Sussex's online shop won't have to wait as long as they thought - as an insider told MailOnline to expect a restock soon. Meghan, 43, spoke about her business and balancing work with motherhood as the first series of her podcast, published by Lemonada Media, came to a close. She revealed the surprising turn As Ever could take - hinting at a future step into the fashion industry - but said for now she is planning to launch a new range of merchandise in early 2026. 'The category of fashion is something I will explore at a later date, because I do think thats an interesting space for me,' she said. Addressing her first online shop, Meghan said Netflix agreed that rather than market her products under their brand, it would make sense for her to have her own store. In the interview, the Duchess also revealed she wouldn't know 'what to call herself' if she had to write a resume. Luckily fans of the Duchess of Sussex's online shop won't have to wait as long as they thought - as an insider told MailOnline to expect a restock soon Meghan Markle previously hinted that she might never restock her jam despite the first batch selling out within 45 minutes She said: 'If I had to write a resume, I don't know what I would call myself. 'I think it speaks to this chapter many of us find ourselves in, where none of us are one note. But I believe all the notes I am playing are part of the same song.' Meghan added that the 'mom moments' push her to success in the business world, with plans in the future ranging from home goods to fashion. Revealing her son Archie has begun to lose his teeth, she described becoming the tooth fairy and leaving coins and a little dinosaur underneath his pillow. She said: 'I had a lot of business meetings the next morning, but I still chose to cuddle with him the rest of the night. Those mom moments energize me to be a better founder, a better employer, a better boss.' It comes the same day as she discussed the difficulties of wearing heels whilst pregnant with Archie and Lilibet in her latest podcast after the choice divided fans. Speaking on the latest episode of Confessions of a Female Founder, in which she interviewed Spanx founder and friend Sara Blakley, Meghan praised the businesswoman's latest foray into the world of comfy high-heeled shoes. Ms Blakely, from Clearwater Beach in Florida, became the world's youngest female self-made billionaire with the success of her underclothing brand before now looking to create a stiletto heel that is not painful to wear. Meghan told a US business magazine that she was planning to 'step back to assess' her As Ever brand The Duchess of Sussex, 43, was speaking about her business and balancing work with motherhood as the first series of her podcast, published by Lemonada Media, came to a close Meghan Markle (left) was interviewing Spanx founder Sara Blakely (centre) on the latest episode of her podcast released today (Pictured with Jamie Kern Lima) Speaking to the Duchess of Sussex, the pair shared stories of wearing shoes that pinch and 'cripple' wearers, with Meghan describing how she particularly struggled during her pregnancies. 'I gained 65 pounds with both pregnancies,' the Duchess revealed, continuing: 'And you're in these five-inch pointy-toed stilettos. 'You have the most enormous bump, and your tiny little ankles are bracing themselves in these high heels, but all of my weight was in the front, so you're just going how on earth am I not just tipping, you know faceplanting. 'I was clinging very closely to my husband, I was like please don't let me fall.' The Duchess of Sussex did face some criticism for wearing heels so late into her pregnancy, with some doctors warning against the practice due to fear of a fall. Meghan wore stilettos into her eighth month of pregnancy - and when asked how she coping, she quipped: 'One day at a time'. Experts warn that balance problems during late-stage pregnancy. The problem is compounded by pregnancy hormones such as progesterone and relaxing, which as its name suggests makes all the muscles and ligaments in the body relax, making it far easier to turn an ankle. In March 2019, when Meghan was approaching her due date with Archie, midwife Claire Chaubert told the Mail: 'All of your ligaments are softer in pregnancy and your body is not in its usual state of alignment. Meghan, pictured in 2019, told how she would cling 'closely' to Harry while wearing heels during pregnancy to avoid 'faceplanting' 'But Meghan is clearly comfortable in her heels, and it's something she is used to. My advice to any woman who does wear high heels in pregnancy would be not to wear them past the level of comfort.' She added that due to Meghan being a fan of yoga, this could have helped her to keep tottering around in heels longer than the average mother-to-be. The expert said: 'People who do quite a lot of yoga tend to have a much stronger sense of balance, as well as better muscle control and strength.' During the conversation with Ms Blakely, Meghan also revealed that Archie, six, and Lilibet, three, who have been mainly kept out of the public eye at their home in Montecito, California, are doing well. She promised to send Ms Blakely family pictures, adding: 'They are so grown.' The pair also discussed starting businesses in a male dominated world, with Ms Blakely stating: 'There were very few women that I could go to, I really didn't have any... I didn't really even have other female founders that were in my network that I could bounce my approach to business.' Describing her time in boardrooms surrounded by men, she jokingly added: 'I'm like Jane Goodall but instead of observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat I get to observe men in their natural habitat. They totally forget I'm there.' Meghan added: 'There's a misconception that you need to go to Harvard Business School and have a lot of money and get all the best people behind you [to be successful in business]... So you talk yourself out of it. Meghan was discussing Ms Blakely's (pictured) new venture, focusing on comfortable high heels 'So many women especially, we're taught to not even talk about money and there's lots of guilt mentality surrounding having a lot and then at the same time there's a scarcity mindset that's easy to attach to of I'll never have enough.' She also described her relief at finding a partner in Netflix, after MailOnline revealed in recent days that the streaming giant had confirmed a new deal with the Duchess, including a third series of her show With Love, Meghan. The second series is said to have already completed filming. Meghan said: 'I have a partner, I was going to do it all by myself but took a complete U-turn because I really believe in what Netflix and their CPG department are doing. 'But it is a different experience than when you're doing it on your own. When you only have yourself to answer to I think it's twofold. It can be incredibly liberating or it can be incredibly lonely.' Representatives for Meghan Markle have been contacted for comment. All-day dining venue Le Frerot will open in its place from mid-July Parlar in Potts Point has shut its doors for good Sydney's shrinking restaurant scene has claimed another scalp - but this time, it's making way for a French-flavoured comeback. In the heart of Potts Point, one of the city's trendiest postcodes, the high-end, Catalan-inspired Parlar is officially closing its doors. In its place? A more laid-back, all-day dining venue called Le Frerot - and it's not shy about embracing its French roots. The name - literally meaning 'little brother' - is a nod to its sibling venue next door, the polished Franca Brasserie, and marks a major pivot by veteran restaurateur Andrew Becher. Once known for its two-hatted dishes that looked more like art installations than dinner - think anchovy churros and Joan Miro-inspired plating - Parlar catered to Sydney's elite. But in a sign of the times, Becher is moving away from degustation and drama to something that actually pays the bills: croissants, coffee, and classic bistro fare. 'At night, it'll be a bistro,' Becher told the Sydney Morning Herald. But during the day, the venue will have all-day breakfast, boulangerie items, charcuterie, even a cheese room. In the heart of Potts Point, one of the city's trendiest postcodes, the high-end, Catalan-inspired Parlar is officially closing its doors Once known for its two-hatted dishes that looked more like art installations than dinner - think anchovy churros and Joan Miro-inspired plating - Parlar catered to Sydney's elite Le Frerot is expected to open in late July on Macleay Street, and it comes with a not-so-subtle redesign. Gone are the moody 1970s tapestries that defined Parlar. French artworks and a softer colour palette aimed at appealing to Potts Point's changing crowd will take their place - which, according to Becher, is now more mature and looking for daytime options. It's a savvy read of the room. With Bistrot 916 also shutting down recently, which was another beloved French eatery in Potts Point from the team behind CBD darlings Clam Bar and Neptune's Grotto, Le Frerot steps into a gap in the market - and it trades exclusivity for accessibility. But Becher isn't walking away from fine dining altogether. Head chef Jose Saulog, who helped Parlar earn its critical acclaim, will stay on as group executive chef. But Becher admits Parlar's European-style operating model - closed at lunch, frequent staff holidays, and irregular hours - had become tough to sustain. Becher also runs Armorica Grande Brasserie in Surry Hills and recently reopened Pelicano in the old Hugos Lounge space on Bayswater Road. But it's Le Frerot that he sees as a flexible, long-game concept. Le Frerot is expected to open in late July on Macleay Street, and it comes with a not-so-subtle redesign Head chef Jose Saulog, who helped Parlar earn its critical acclaim, will stay on as group executive chef 'In a few years, it might be Roman,' he teased, 'We want to keep it fluid.' It's a move that mirrors Sydney's broader dining shift. As food costs soar, hospitality staff become harder to come by, and diners tighten their wallets, the city is seeing a steady rise in casual, all-day venues - and a steep fall in haute cuisine. Still, the elegance isn't gone altogether. French onion soup, gruyere souffle, and mussels will feature on the dinner menu. And yes, there will be proper pastries in the morning. I had always lived in a world where motherhood no matter how unlikely at times was always, at least, a possibility. Until one precise moment last December, when I finally let that fantasy go. On that day, the day of my operation, I sat alone in a hospital ward. Through the curtain, I could hear the son of the woman in the next bed moan to her, inconsiderately complaining about the drive theyd made that morning, how inconvenient the timing of her operation was, how long he might have to wait. But when the nurse came to wheel her away, I heard him whisper, his voice low with concern: Will she be OK? And I thought how after this operation a uterine ablation I will never have a child to exasperate me or care for me in that way. For a moment, I considered walking out of the ward and holding onto the possibility of having a child, even at the expense of living in crippling pain which was why I was having the procedure in the first place. A uterine ablation would reduce my heavy menstrual bleeding by removing the lining of my womb, taking any chance of my carrying a baby away with it. Aged 43, Id already had the worst 12 months of my life. That year my former much-loved fiance had died in an accident, leaving me beside myself with grief. I didnt know if I had anything left of myself to give up. Yet as they rolled me to surgery I was surprised to find, instead of waves of panic or heartbreak, a surprising sense of relief. It was the final goodbye to the life I had long presumed I would have. Finally, I was going to be free of the pressure I had felt all my life to have children, releasing motherhood from my fingers like a helium balloon and watching it float off into the sky. I felt strangely calm and no one was more surprised by this than me. Indeed, just a few years earlier I had been desperate for a child by any means possible, even exploring the possibility of fostering. And yet I had never been one of those little girls who dreamt of being a mother. I wasnt interested in dolls, except the Barbies who had jobs. My disinterest was exacerbated by having to spend my teenage years and 20s looking after my brother, some ten years my junior, after my mother became unwell. I doted on him, but caring for him pretty much extinguished any fledgling mothering instinct I might have had. However, in my late 30s I felt madly in love and everything changed. This man who I met on a night out quickly became the most significant relationship of my life. He proposed, I said yes and he told me he wanted to be a father. I thought seriously about motherhood for the first time and rapidly became besotted by the idea of starting a family with him. I worried not being able to have children made me less of a woman, and worried it might change how my fiance felt about me He was one of five, an uncle to eight, and had always excitedly longed to be a dad. Suddenly, I found myself romanticising the idea of having children, committed to a life together raising tiny versions of ourselves. I longed not just to have a child, but have his child. And in hindsight, this was deeply significant. Because my yearning for a baby was absolutely entwined with my adoration of him. We got engaged after three years of dating, when I was 36 and he was 28. Because of my age, we realised we had no time to waste, and began trying to get pregnant. We tried the fun way at first. It was an exciting adventure, lying in bed giggling about baby names, joking about how wed have children like us with big noses and short attention spans. I pictured him with our cheeky little girl on his shoulders, taking our little curly-haired boy fishing as he did with his nieces and nephews. But after a year, our trying had come to nothing. We focused on getting healthier together, joining an exercise class while I gave up drinking and started acupuncture intended to boost fertility. When my period was late, I ran out for tests and sat in the bathroom praying a line would appear. It never did. I felt I was failing to give the man I loved the baby he longed for, suddenly desperate for a child in a way Id never known. Every time another friend shared their pregnancy, I felt my heart tug. After two years of trying, and by then 38, I felt desperate enough to pay 500 for a private fertility doctor on Harley Street. She prescribed medication to boost my fertility and recommended a home hormone testing kit to check my most fertile times of the month. Sex became more pressurised. When my period came each month and each time another friend announced they were going to be parents I felt hot with sadness that it would never be us. I worried not being able to have children made me less of a woman, and worried it might change how my fiance felt about me. We had laughed when the fertility clinic told me I was a geriatric mother, but now it seemed the years were chasing away from me. My fiance seemed to worry far less. Rather than feeling calmed by his confidence, I felt alone in my anxiety. A close friend offered to lend us the money for IVF, and we both felt a flush of possibility. Then the pandemic started, and all fertility treatment was cancelled. Locked down together, initially our desire for a baby intensified. The hesitations Id had about embracing a more domestic life softened and I saw the possibility of how it might work. More than this, that taking a step back from work to tend a baby in our home might be more delightful than Id ever imagined. But those fantasies were short lived. As we both lost work a former doctor, he had just started a software firm and struggled with unwell family members and the intensity of lockdown, we rowed, often about having children. As his focus shifted firmly to work and trying to ensure his company survived, I felt crippled by the thought that my time to have children was running through my fingers. But I was afraid to admit this to him. Our feelings came out in angry accusations that the other wasnt eating well or was drinking too much. Our sex life dwindled and I wondered if we were even capable of parenting together. Eventually our arguments intensified so much, I left. Packing my things, taking my fertility medication and hormone tests, I headed for my old London flat, which we had rented out when we moved in together. Part of me thought he would come after me. He never did. Meanwhile, more friends became mothers. I sometimes spotted my fertility medication collecting dust in the bathroom and felt it would never happen for me. The last years of my fertility seemed to be just slipping away. When I did start dating someone new at 40, about a year later, I half joked we should just have a baby! He raised his eyebrows, but did not disagree and I wondered if I was joking at all, as we became dangerously casual with contraception. I secretly hoped by some miracle I might just get pregnant. When that relationship ended after eight months, I explored fostering, finding a scheme to take in 16 to 20-year-old care leavers, only to be told that my rural cottage in Somerset was unlikely to appeal to teenagers. I then interviewed with another fostering group about taking in younger children, but again the cottage got in the way it needed so much work it was impossible to have little ones there safely. Besides which as the fostering adviser talked frankly about the issues, including the fact I might face caring for children whod left care I felt overwhelmed by the thought of doing everything all alone. Meanwhile, my body was on its own journey. My periods had become excruciatingly painful. Every month I was losing so much blood, I had become anaemic. Then, as the months passed, I felt the beginnings of an emotional reckoning. I started to wonder how much my desire for motherhood was really bound up with my feelings for my ex As the doctor made me an appointment to see a gynaecologist, she also offered me contraceptive pills to help lessen the bleeding. I declined at 41, it seemed my last chance to get pregnant even though I wasnt even seeing anyone then. Meanwhile, my former fiance and I made peace. We reached out to each other and apologised for the arguments wed had. I wondered, sometimes, if we might find our way back together. Instead, the worst thing imaginable happened. He was killed in a motorbike accident. I was bereft. Barely a fortnight after his death, the gynaecologist appointment I had been waiting so long for finally came around. I had hardly left my bed, where I had been crying hysterically and I would not have gone at all, except by then the pain in my womb was excruciating. I could barely walk to the hospital from the car park. My appointment required me to wait in the maternity ward, and I sat watching pregnant women and new parents soothing babies, trying not to think of the family we had longed for. In the gynaecologists office, she advised me I needed a small operation to remove a polyp on my uterus, which was cyclically rupturing, causing the pain and blood loss. During the consultation, the doctor looked over the ultrasounds of my womb and mused: You still have plenty of eggs. Do you want children? We could give you a pill to stimulate ovulation. In that moment, mad with grief, it suddenly seemed clear what I needed to fill the black hole in my heart I should have a baby. Yes! I gasped. I went home comforted by this fantasy baby. For a brief moment, it seemed to hold a route back to a life Id lost. But it was a dream that soon evaporated. Grief-racked, I was incapable of dating anyone and was still desperately struggling with pain. A few months later, doctors attempted to remove the polyp, without success. The doctor explained the next solution was an ablation although less invasive than a hysterectomy, it would still destroy the lining of my womb. After this, I would not be able to carry children although, in theory, I could possibly get pregnant. However, doing so would be too dangerous. You cannot put off a decision forever. Now it seemed my body had made it decisively for me. After letting years pass without having children, now I would have to intentionally close the door to motherhood for ever. In the eight months while I waited for the operation, the question of motherhood swung through my head. I wondered if I should have one last stab at getting knocked up, but my heart wasnt in it. I went on dates with men some in their 50s who professed they wanted to start a family, and I thought, irritated, what a luxury for them to decide so late. I avoided ever discussing the question of whether I wanted, or could have, children. Every month, another acquaintance seemed to announce a pregnancy, and pictures of happy children and parents flooded my Instagram. But I knew reality was more complex. Close friends were honest about the complications of motherhood the compromises they made and how some felt their careers had been lost. Then, as the months passed, I felt the beginnings of an emotional reckoning. I started to wonder how much my desire for motherhood was really bound up with my feelings for my ex. I felt his loss and the loss of motherhood simultaneously. I began to understand that I only really wanted children with perhaps even for him. At the same time, grief gave me a profound gratitude for the things I still had. I realised how lucky I was to live a life I love. And most things I love about it, Im able to do because I dont have to juggle my needs with those of children. I came to realise a lot of my worry about not having children came from guilt, because of the stereotype of childless women being seen as selfish. As I watched in admiration as other women embraced motherhood, I thought those are the mothers children deserve, women who really want to dedicate their lives to a younger generation. But I just dont feel that way. After a long, difficult year of grieving, my operation took place. I was exhausted. My nerves only kicked in as they took me into surgery, and I worried about pain. I woke up with a cramping stomach, unable to move my legs from the epidural, feeling finished. Days later, I flew to California a place I chose because it was where my ex and I had taken road trips to take part in a grief retreat. There, I cried to have lost him, but also finally let myself grieve for all the other things I thought I would have in my life with him, including the children we never had. Since the operation, a weight has lifted. It feels amazing to have my body back free, at last, of chronic pain, I feel I have been given a new life. With it, is a sense of relief, and the final letting go of so many dreams. Because the panic of worrying whether to have children that has been with me most of my life has now gone. When on a recent date the subject of having a family came up, I told him I couldnt have children, and I was surprised how blithely I said it. And realised I hadnt lost out on the dream of motherhood. I just no longer had it. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more This just in wearing sunscreen is hot! Over the last decade, skincare as we know it has changed from basic pimple care to a full-circle approach that is as much preventive as it is reparative. Younger generations have begun to prioritize skin health over aesthetics, leading to the rise of a skincare trend we know oh too well SPF! As a loud and proud Gen Z born in 2000, I am among the future that has started asking, What will happen? rather than just letting it happen. As of 2025, skin damage is out, and investing in science-backed face sunscreen is in. After months of testing the results are IN! I found the 11 best SPF products of 2025 I consider myself an SPF connoisseur, as most days, it is the only product I use. With years of editorial and personal testing under my belt and dozens of sunscreens tried I think I have officially narrowed down the absolute BEST SPF skin products you should consider buying in 2025. The best SPF products of 2025 that are actually WORTH it: BEST OVERALL SUNSCREEN Rating: Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Drum roll, please! Our top pick after years of being an avid SPF wearer has to be Naked Sundays. The viral SPF-focused brand is known for its top-tier products from bronzers to setting sprays and beyond. My personal favorite (though I've tried nearly all of their products) has to be this Collagen Glow lotion. It has SPF 50, a seamless shade, and I seriously love the smell! Unlike some products, this one acts as your moisturizer and SPF. It deeply hydrates my skin, leaving a soft, fresh face glow with active ingredients (aka an all-in-one). Shop Pros: - Hydrating - Blends well with liquid highlighter - Non-irritating - SPF 50 - Boosts Collagen Cons: - Takes more blending than others BEST TINTED SUNSCREEN Rating: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen Supergoop and I have a long history, and it is safe to say that after years of use, it remains my absolute favorite. This was the first face SPF product I ever tried, and the weightless application shocks me to this day! The formula is thin, not oily, and completely blendable with other skincare. (Pro-Tip: Mix it in with your moisturizer for smooth, even application!). Packed with protection, this glowy little bottle gives my skin an effortless sun-kissed effect that has become a staple in my daily skin routine. Shop Pros: - Effortless glow - Lightweight wear - Available in multiple shades - Blends well with moisturizer Cons: - Sometimes greasy - Smaller bottles BEST BUDGET SUNSCREEN Rating: e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 Sunscreen You don't need full pockets to get flawless SPF-protected skin, and this e.l.f product proves it. I first tried this hidden gem as a freebie while attending a music festival years ago, and now I can't imagine life without it! The priming SPF goes on incredibly thin and leaves a very subtle glow. It comes in three different glow shades, but our personal favorite continues to be Sunbeam. For only $14, this find is easily worth it for the price and makes it the most affordable option we've yet to try that made our cut. Shop Pros: - Budget friendly - Available in drugstores - Subtle glow - Absorbent Cons: - Doesn't give your skin that 'dewy' look - Only SPF 30 BEST LIP SUNSCREEN Rating: Lanolips Sun Balm SPF 30 Untinted News flash! Even your lips need UV ray protection, besties. This is a recent launch I tried from Australian brand Lanolips, and to say I was SHOCKED is an understatement. I typically dislike SPF-infused lip products, but this one had a summery vibe and kept my lips moisturized for over an hour after application. It is tropically flavored, and you can even shop for a cute phone accessory that will hold it on your case! Shop Pros: - Affordable - Unique - SPF 30 lip protection - Hydrating Cons: - Slight clinical taste - Small tube - A little greasy BEST SPLURGE SUNSCREEN Rating: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 What CAN'T Charlotte Tilbury do?! The makeup icon recently debuted this primer that is packed with SPF, and much like her other products it's good. The formula is scentless, invisible, and minimizes pores for a seamless finish. After giving it a try for a week, I am convinced it is the perfect blend of makeup and SPF. We would be foolish not to mention the price tag, though... At $55, this is the most expensive buy on our list, and thus it falls lower on the scale. Is it amazing? YES! Is it worth the money? Yes, but you can find more affordable (but just as effective) options. Shop Pros: - Invisible wear - Absorbent - Makeup primer - SPF 50 Cons: - Expensive - Small bottle THE SHORTLIST Lancome UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer Lancome is a trusted skincare and beauty brand that I grew up knowing of through my mom! As I matured and began becoming more interested in appearance, I dabbled with the luxe brand and in doing so found this SPF. If you ignore the steep price tag, this primer is one hundred percent worth it. I have very few negative comments on this SPF, and if anything find it to be one of my favorites. It is light-weight, has a whopping SPF 50, and the vitamin-rich formula packs on hydration. I love how my skin feels even during hot, dry days while wearing this product. Shop Caudalie Vinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 All right beauty besties... I have to be honest, this SPF is not high on my list. Although I am a HUGE fan of the brand their SPF let me down. The consistency is more serum like (runny at times) even after shaking and it doesn't leave the 'clean girl' glow I'd expect. But that all being said it has SPF 50 which is super protective and makes it great for vacationing in the sun! Plus, the brand is known for its quality French skincare. Shop Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30 From their viral Lip Butter Balms to their SPF it seems Summer Fridays is the talk of the town. I tested out the best-selling ShadeDrops, and my review is simple: good but not great. I enjoyed the thin texture, but at times feared it veered a bit too liquid for my taste. The shade of the product overall was lovely on the skin, however, my skin did not feel deeply hydrated (which for me is a must!). If you are a fan of the brand, I do think it is a definite 'add to cart' still, but if you were to ask me at $36, it would not be my first pick. Shop Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 Kosas has been a favorite beauty brand of mine for some time now because their products are ultra-hydrating! This cutie SPF and highlighter duo is on rotation here and there in my routine. It leaves a good glow and comes in two shades. However, for the greasy gals, it leaves a small trace of residue, which for me was a deal breaker. Also at $40, this pint-sized pick leans more towards the high end of our range. Shop Sun Bum Face Mist SPF 45 My beach go-to! Sun Bum is known for their tropical must-haves that smell faintly like banana, and this facial mist is my absolute Holy Grail. I love the scent, adore the bright packaging, and appreciate the ability to mist it instead of rubbing it all over my face. Plus, this bad boy can double as a makeup setter during hot, sweaty days. Shop Glossier Invisible Shield Priming Sunscreen SPF 50 If you are looking for an invisible SPF(literally!), this Glossier one is for you! The small bottles pack an SPF 50 punch and, unlike many sunscreen products, are completely clear. What I like is that the formula is incredibly thin to wear and has an aloe-infused base for skin calming. My only grievance was that I found my skin felt a bit greasy, as if it could not fully absorb the product! But given my dry skin, it is entirely possible the see-through sunblock just did not jive with me. Overall, this was a nice change from the average white-cast lotion forms I have tried, and I think I will keep it on deck for the future. Shop Experts have flagged little-known warning signs of the most dangerous types of skin cancerand many do not involve a new or changing mole. Dermatologists have detailed the other key red flags of dangerous melanoma that few patients are aware of, including changes to the nails and genitals. It comes as shock new research revealed the parts of the body most likely to be susceptible to skin cancer vary between men and women. According to the Cancer Research UK study, the majority of melanomas in men are found on the torso, including the back, chest and stomachequivalent to around 3,700 cases a year. Women, meanwhile, most commonly develop the lesions on the legs, from the hips to the ankles, accounting for 3,200 cases every year. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, accounting for four out of five deaths, but only one per cent of total cases. Yet, rates of the disease are predicted to soar yet again this yearup a fifth in just two years. Below, experts tell MailOnline of the surprising skin changes that could be sinister. Signs of skin cancer range from innocuous to obvious, but experts warn that treating cases early is key to making sure they do not spread or further develop Your browser does not support iframes. Dark patches on genitals Melanoma can present as dark lesions on the mucous membranes, meaning the inside of the nose, mouth, vagina, or anus, or the fingers and toes. This subtype of aggressive cancer is exceedingly rare and accounts for less than two percent of all melanoma cases. Unlike other types of melanoma, mucosal melanoma is not affected by sun exposure. About half of the mucosal melanomas start in the head and neck, typically the nose, mouth, trachea (windpipe), or oesophagus (gullet). Smoking, ill-fitting dentures, and ingesting or inhaling carcinogens all greatly compound the risk of sarcomas in the mouth. Most of the remaining 50 percent of melanomas begin in the anus or rectal region and the female genitals. Spots on mucosal areas might not be melanomas but rather squamous cell carcinomas. Dr Nayoung Lee, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health said: 'Initially when its early it kind of looks like a whitish bump or ridge on the mucosal surface. 'So as it grows it starts to look more like an ulcer, it can look fungated [like a fungal infection in appearance], or other things. While doctors have not pinpointed the exact cause of mucosal membrane melanomas and non-melanoma cancers, some believe they are linked to a viral strain of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV strains 16 and 18 are those deemed high risk and cause the vast majority of cervical cancers. But strains six and 11, lower risk varieties, are more commonly associated with non-UV-linked skin cancers inside our bodies' orifices. Dr Zaineb Makhzoumi, a dermatologist at the University of Maryland, also said: 'The subtypes that are causing a cervical cancer are not the same subtypes that are causing skin cancer.' Patients can sometimes mistake nonmelanoma cancers in the genital region with a sexually transmitted infection, but doctors want to drive home the fact that this type of cancer is not a sexually transmitted disease. Changes to fingernails When the disease starts under the nail it is known medically as subungual melanoma and typically presents as streaks or bruises on the nail bed that do not heal or grow out. They commonly appear as a dark brown or black streak. The nail may also become thicker, separate from the nail bed and split down the middle. Another concerning sign of the diseasewhich accounts for around one in 30 melanoma casesis if pigmentation starts to creep up and discolor the skin beyond the nail. The dark lines could be a subungual melanoma a rare type of skin cancer that develops under the nail Subungual melanomas commonly appear as a dark brown or black streak. The nail may also become thicker, separate from the nail bed and split down the middle due to the cancer, which accounts for around one in 30 melanoma cases But if the thickness of the nail changes, and becomes yellowed, it could be another type of nail cancer called onychomatricoma. Black spots and streaks, however. are not necessarily a sign of cancer. It could also be harmless pigmentation, known medically as longitudinal melanonychia. Dermatologist Dr Lindsey Zubritsky, who goes by @dermguru on Instagram, said: 'Not all dark streaks on the nail are dangerous, many people have a benign streak on their nail called longitudinal melanonychia, which is totally normal. 'It's more likely to be benign if it is lighter, it's not changing in colour, it's found on multiple nails or you have a darker skin tone.' Grey or purple blotches According to Macmillan Cancer Support, melanoma that has spread to areas of the skin far away from the original melanoma appears as firm or hard lumps called nodules. It does not always appear raised, though, and could resemble a flat scar or blotch. Typically these areas are grey or purple areas of skin and may bleed. Earlier this month, one GP from from Kinross, Scotland also warned the public to pay attention to any change to their skin, even if it doesn't involve a mole, after he was dealt a shock skin cancer diagnosis that has since spread to his leg and pelvis. Alastair Muir, 63, noticed a skin-coloured lesion on his heel back in 2018 and suspected that it was a wart or verruca, and attempted to have it frozen off. Earlier this month, Alastair Muir, 63, from from Kinross, Scotland also warned the public to pay attention to any change to their skin, even if it doesn't involve a mole, after he was dealt a shock skin cancer diagnosis that has since spread to his leg and pelvis Your browser does not support iframes. But a biopsy taken later that year revealed the devastating truthit was in fact melanoma. 'Most people associate melanoma with pigmented moles that change or grow,' he said. 'It is important for people to know that it doesnt always present that way. 'I think people need to be aware that if you have anything on your skin that is different or changing then it is very worthwhile getting it checked out.' Dry scaly patches In rarer cases dry scaly patches of skin could also be a subtle sign of melanoma. Dr Saira George, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Texas, said: 'Dry skin patches or rashes that arent getting better with treatment, are causing a lot of symptoms, or are occurring in unusual sites on the body where you havent had scaly patches before might be signs of something more than run-of-the-mill dry skin. 'But dry, scaly skin is a common presentation for many things and most dry, scaly skin is not skin cancer.' More often than not, it could be a sign of non-melanoma skin cancera group of cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin. One, squamous cell carcinoma, is caused by an overproduction of squamous cells in the epidermis, the top layer of your skin. In many cases, patients have rough, scaly patches or growths, sometimes with a crusty or bleeding surface. Dr Lee said: 'They just feel scaly so you can feel them more than see them.' People that have a history of heavy sun exposure are most likely to experience this type of skin cancer. With every bad, blistering sunburn comes a heightened risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Fair-skinned people and those with light eyes who are more prone to sunburn are also more vulnerable. More often than not, though, the condition is curable when treated early. In fact, the survival rate is as high as 98 percent. A rough patch or sore that bleeds may indicate another type of non-melanoma skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma which, like SCC, has a high survival rate. Still, people should treat it aggressively once its detected. Dr Lee added: Depending on location they can grow deeper in muscle and bone, so they do become problematic if left to grow for a long period of time. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer overall and the most common type of skin cancer more specifically. READ MORE: Why global warming could shave six months off your life Global warming could be fueling growing rates of cancer in women, a shock study suggests. Researchers in Egypt analyzed the rates of breast, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers in 17 Middle Eastern countries and compared them to rising temperatures over time. They found that for every one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures increased, cases of the four cancers on average increased by up to 280 per 100,000 people over the last 20 years. Increased overall cases were most common in ovarian cancer, with an increase of 280 per 100,000 people, and least prevalent in breast cancer, with an increase of 173 per 100,000. Deaths from all four cancers on average also rose by 171 to 332 deaths per 100,000 for each degree of temperature rise. The greatest rise in deaths was in ovarian cancer at 332 per 100,000, and the smallest was in cervical cancer at 171 per 100,000. The experts from the American University in Cairo note their study was observational and does not prove causation. But they believe global warming could increase exposure to carcinogens, such as those created by wildfire pollution. Extreme weather events such as wildfires and hurricanes, can also disrupt necessary screenings and cancer treatments, causing an increase in cases and deaths. Women are also thought to be more prone to these health effects from climate change, especially during pregnancy and menopause. A new study in Frontiers in Public Health found rates of four common women's cancers, including breast cancer, have increased as temperatures have gone up. Pictured above is a stock image of a woman getting a mammogram to test for breast cancer The above chart shows rates of breast, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers in 17 Middle Eastern and North African countries over two decades Dr Wafa Abuelkheir Mataria, first study author and researcher at the American University in Cairo, said: 'As temperatures rise, cancer mortality among women also rises particularly for ovarian and breast cancers. 'Although the increases per degree of temperature rise are modest, their cumulative public health impact is substantial.' Though the research only looked at countries in the Middle East and North Africa, the US and UK have also been struck by climate change and surging rates of some female cancers. Your browser does not support iframes. Breast cancer, which strikes 330,000 US women every year, has increased one percent every year since 2012, according to the American Cancer Society. Uterine or endometrial cancer rates have also increased about 0.6 percent per year from 2010 to 2019. The disease affects 69,000 US women and kills 14,000 every year. Ovarian and cervical cancers, however, have decreased by up to two percent per year over the last decade, largely due to increased use of birth control and better access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. In the UK, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes, adding up to 55,000 per year. Over 12,000 women lost their lives to breast cancer to the disease in 2022, and figures show it is set to hit more than 17,000 by the half century, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said. Ovarian cancer affects 7,500 women in the UK and kills 4,300, and uterine cancer affects 10,000 and kills 2,500. And each year 3,300 Brits are struck by cervical cancer and 850 lose their lives. The findings also come after President Donald Trump axed 1,000 climate scientists from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), following a history of dismissing climate change as a hoax. The study, published Tuesday in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, collected data on cases and deaths from breast, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers for 17 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Nations included in the study were Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Palestine. The team then compared cancer data to changing temperatures in each country. All data collected, from online United Nations databases, represented 1998 through 2019. The above chart shows deaths from breast, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers in 17 Middle Eastern and North African countries over two decades Symptoms of breast cancer to look out for include lumps and swellings, dimpling of the skin, changes in color, discharge and a rash or crusting around the nipple For every one degree Celsius of temperature change, cases of the four cancers increased by between 173 and 280 additional cancers per 100,000 people. Ovarian cancer had the biggest increase at 280 additional cancers, while breast had the smallest at 173. Cancer deaths overall increased by 171 to 332 deaths per 100,000 for each degree of temperature rise. The greatest rise in deaths was in ovarian cancer, and the smallest was in cervical cancer. Cancer prevalence and deaths increased alongside temperatures in six countries: Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Syria. Breast cancer increased by 330 cases per 100,000 people in Bahrain, 560 in Qatar and 440 in the UAE. Deaths from breast cancer rose 420 per 100,000 in Jordan, 550 per 100,000 in Qatar, 310 per 100,000 in Saudi Arabia and 350 per 100,000 in UAE for each degree of Celsius. Ovarian cancer prevalence increased in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE by 390, 460, 540 and 290 per 100,000 people, respectively, as temperatures rose. Deaths from ovarian cancer in those four countries rose between 330 and 480 per 100,000. Cervical cancer increased in Bahrain, Qatar and Syria by 380, 510 and 250 cases per 100,000, respectively. Deaths from the disease increased by 330 per 100,000 in Iran, 450 per 100,000 in Jordan and 610 per 100,000 in Qatar. For uterine cancer, prevalence increased in Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE by 480 per 100,000, 620 per 100,000, 360 per 100,000 and 370 per 100,000, respectively. Deaths from uterine cancer rose in Jordan and Qatar by 440 and 430 per 100,000. Dr Sungsoo Chun, study co-author and associate chair of the Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology at the American University in Cairo, said: 'Temperature rise likely acts through multiple pathways. It increases exposure to known carcinogens, disrupts healthcare delivery, and may even influence biological processes at the cellular level. 'Together, these mechanisms could elevate cancer risk over time.' He also noted women are 'physiologically more vulnerable to climate-related health risks, particularly during pregnancy.' 'This is compounded by inequalities that limit access to healthcare. Marginalized women face a multiplied risk because they are more exposed to environmental hazards and less able to access early screening and treatment services,' he added. Dr Mataria cautioned the study 'cannot establish direct causality,' and there could be other factors in individual countries influencing cancer rates in women. She said: 'Nonetheless, the consistent associations observed across multiple countries and cancer types provide compelling grounds for further investigation.' The team called for stronger cancer screening programs in areas particularly prone to climate change, as well as reducing exposure to environmental carcinogens. Dr Chun said: 'Without addressing these underlying vulnerabilities, the cancer burden linked to climate change will continue to grow.' READ MORE: Startling maps reveal when you'll die based on where you live Nearly 700 US counties have a lower life expectancy than North Korea, startling new data reveals. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin - Madison combed through Census data for more than 3,100 counties across the US to determine the average life expectancy for each one. They found just over one-fifth of the US has a life expectancy equal to or less than 72.6, the average age a North Korean citizen is expected to live, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) data. And nine counties have life expectancies under 60, mirroring some of the world's most impoverished nations like Syria, Sudan and Lesotho. The findings come despite the US spending more on healthcare per capita than any other country in the world. At the bottom of the list was Buffalo County, South Dakota, where the average resident lives just 54 years, more than two decades shorter than the national average. Following close behind were five other counties in South and North Dakota, where the average life expectancy ranges from 57 to 60. All of the counties with a life expectancy at or below 60 are home to Native American reservations, which have long been plagued by high rates of poverty, alcoholism, suicide, addiction and depression, all of which raise the risk of dying early. Pictured above is North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A new report found 700 US counties have lower life expectancies than North Korea, a country long plagued by war and starvation Your browser does not support iframes. The startling data comes as North Korea has been plagued by starvation. The World Health Organization states North Korea's average life expectancy is 72.6, though it's unclear exactly what's driving that. North Korea is also notoriously secretive about releasing data, so it's possible this figure either hasn't been updated or is inaccurate. The average life expectancy in the US is 77. Of the 3,147 counties analyzed in the Wisconsin University report, 688 meet or fall behind North Korea's reported life expectancy of 72.6. Your browser does not support iframes. Buffalo County, South Dakota, sits at the bottom of the list with an average life expectancy of 54. Dewey County, Oglala Lakota County, Corson County and Todd County, which are all in South Dakota, followed behind, with the average life expectancy ranging from 56.7 to 58.7. Sioux County, North Dakota, Benson County, North Dakota, and Roosevelt County, Montana, all hovered around 60. All three counties are also home to large Native American reservations. The 326 federally recognized Native American reservations in the US have long had significantly lower life expectancies than the rest of the country. According to advocacy group The Red Road, one in four people living on reservations falls below the poverty line, more than twice the national average of 11 percent. In Todd County, for example, 59 percent of residents live below the poverty line, the highest in the nation. This limits access to health insurance and healthier, more expensive foods. Mountains of research also show the Indian Health Service, a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services meant to provide care for Native Americans, is consistently underfunded and understaffed, limiting healthcare for people living on reservations. According to 2016-2020 data from the Indian Health Service, 52 per 100,000 Native Americans die from alcohol-related diseases, such as liver failure, compared to the national rate of 12 per 100,000. The low life expectancy on reservations may also be linked to suicide, as Indigenous people have a 91 percent higher chance of dying by suicide than the general US population, according to the CDC. Nationwide, America has a life expectancy of 77.5 years, according to the latest estimates from the CDC Pictured above is a family living on Standing Rock Reservation between North and South Dakota. The latest data shows people living on reservations live up to 20 years less than the average American, largely due to high rates of poverty, chronic health conditions, alcoholism and suicide All of these nine counties fell just short of the life expectancies of the world's shortest-lived countries. The African nations Chad, Nigeria and Lesotho all have the world's lowest life expectancies of 53, which the WHO attributes to high levels of diseases like HIV and tuberculosis, which are mostly treatable in the US. Rounding out the top 10 shortest lived counties was Kingman County, Kansas, a rural area of 7,000 residents. The average resident lives to just 61, Neighboring Edwards County, Kansas, with just under 3,000 residents, has a life expectancy of 63.6. Also ranking below North Korea was Union County, Florida, with a life expectancy of 68. The county of 15,000 also has the nation's highest rate of cancer, including prostate and early-onset colon cancer. It has also historically led the nation in lung, oral and skin cancers. Health officials believe this could be due to high smoking rates and a lack of health care funding in the area, as well as one in six residents living in poverty. USDA data shows the average household income in the area is about $55,000, about a quarter below the national average of $75,000. Health chiefs have sounded the alarm over an outbreak of potentially deadly salmonella. Five people have been hospitalised and at least 20 sickened, including 13 young children, with a rare type of the diarrhoea-causing bug. The cases were not confined to a specific area of the UK, instead reported across the country, according to UK health and safety watchdogs. Yet officials are still scrambling to determine the source of the outbreak. Previously the strain, known as salmonella saintpaul, was linked to an outbreak in 2023 involving imported cantaloupe melons which affected more than 90 people. But there is no evidence, to date, that cantaloupe is the source of the current outbreak, officials said. Salmonella is a group of bacteria that infects the gut of farm animalsand typically affects meat, eggs and poultry. The nasty bug usually also causes sickness and a fever that clears up in days. However, it can be fatal. Health chiefs have launched a national investigation into a mystery salmonella poising outbreak that has affected 20 people and hospitalised five In 2024, health experts warned of an increase in large outbreaks of salmonella linked to melon consumption. On average, it takes from 12 to 72 hours for the symptoms to develop after swallowing an infectious dose of salmonella. If people become seriously ill, they may need hospital care because the dehydration caused by the illness can be life-threatening. Of the 25 cases, all sickened between February 20 and March 4, six were logged in the North West of England, four in the West Midlands, three in the South West and two in the East of England. The East Midlands, the North East, London, and the South East all recorded a case each. Two cases were also each been confirmed in Northern Ireland and Wales respectively, as well as one in Scotland. Patients struck down with the illness were aged 5 on average but ranged from 1 to 88. Sixteen were female and nine are male. Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: 'UKHSA is investigating a small outbreak of Salmonella and no cases have been identified since March 2025. 'Gastrointestinal bacteria, such as Salmonella, can be spread from person to person as well as from food, so anyone with diarrhea or vomiting should wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and avoid handling food or preparing food for others where possible. 'Please avoid returning to work or sending unwell children to school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.' A top cancer surgeon has warned of the three subtle early warning signs of pancreatic cancer which are far too often missed. Dr Ahmed Ezzat, an NHS surgeon urged people to look out for the hidden symptoms of the deadly disease, as data shows four in five patients are diagnosed at late stages, when the prognosis is bleak. 'Pancreatic cancer has some of the poorest outcomes of all cancers,' the surgeon warned in a TikTok video that's so far garnered over 180,900 views. 'Less than 10 per cent of all patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will make it to 10 years after diagnosis. Let's do something about it.' Dubbed the 'silent killer' due to its subtle symptoms which means the disease, pancreatic cancer kills around 100,000 people in the UK every year. This is the equivalent to one death every hour, with pancreatic cancer believed to be one of 14 cancers on the rise. Now, people need to be vigilant and get specific changes to their health investigated by their GP, said Dr Ezzat. The most subtle sign he shared in the video is a change in blood sugar levels, which can present itself as erratic hunger pangs. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the least survivable forms of the disease and worryingly its on the rise. Source for data: Cancer Research UK Your browser does not support iframes. 'A sign that can be quite subtle is developing type 2 diabetes, or if you're a well-controlled diabetic, suddenly noticing a change in your blood sugars becoming poorly controlled,' he explained. 'This is because the pancreas produces insulin, which is responsible for regulating your blood sugar.' The pancreas is aids digestion and produces hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, which help convert sugar from food into energy. Pancreatic cancer can inhibit the gland from making enough of these hormoneswhich can lead to unstable blood sugar levels. 'If you notice this symptom, then you need to make sure you get investigated urgently by your GP', Dr Ezzat warned his 53,900 followers. Another little-known sign to be aware of is unexplained abdominal pain, or back painwhich the NHS says may feel worse when eating or lying down, and better when you lean forward. Dr Ezzat said: 'If you notice signs of abdominal aches or back pain then this is really important to get investigated by your GP because this could be a sign of pancreatic cancer.' According to the NHS, symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated, are also a red flag. Pancreatic cancer has been dubbed a 'silent killer' due to its subtle signs that are often only spotted too late Alan Rickman who starred in a host of blockbusters including as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films died from the disease in 2016 at the age of 69, just 6 months after his diagnosis Your browser does not support iframes. However, not everyone with pancreatic cancer will experience abdominal pain. The final warning sign to look out for is jaundice, the medic said. 'Jaundice is yellowing in the skin, but can start off most obviously in the whites of the eyes,' the NHS surgeon explained. There are a lot of possible causes of jaundiceoften caused by a build of a yellow substance called bilirubin in the bodyincluding liver disease or cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, jaundice is more common in people whose cancer develops in the head of pancreas, meaning the tumour blocks the bile duct. This duct normally carries bile into the small bowel, but when it becomes blocked, the bile leaks into the bloodstream, turning the skin yellow. However, Dr Ezzat said it is often easier to spot in the whites of the eyes rather than the skin. Other common symptoms of the deadly cancer include loss of appetite, fatigue, a high temperature, feeling or being sick, and diarrhoea or constipation. Dr Ezzat'swarning comes as research published earlier this year suggested that more than half of patients diagnosed with the six 'least curable' cancersincluding lung, liver, brain, oesophageal, stomach and pancreatic cancersdie within a year of their diagnosis. More than 90,000 people are diagnosed with one of these deadly cancers in the UK every year, accounting for nearly half of all common cancer deaths, according to Cancer Research UK. Harry Potter actor Alan Rickman is just one of the many celebrities who has died of pancreatic cancer, just six months after his diagnosis in 2016. Around 10,500 people are diagnosed with the disease in the UK each year, and more than half of patients will die within three months of diagnosis. Less than even per cent live for five years. There are currently no early detection tests and approximately 80 per cent of people are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread, meaning life-saving treatment is no longer possible. Experts have sounded the alarm over a dangerous new cosmetic trend that involves altering the skin and hair using a freezing cold iron. The bizarre craze, which permanently marks the body and hair colour using liquid nitrogen, can raise the risk of skin cancer, according to British experts. This is because the extreme cold kills cells in the skin that are vital for protecting against the deadliest form of the disease, melanoma. Other risks include infection, frostbite and the loss of fingers or limbs, warned Professor Adam Taylor, an expert in anatomy from Lancaster University. 'It can take as little as 20 seconds for liquid nitrogen to cause second, third and even fourth degree burns,' he wrote for The Conversation. This technique, which is also thought to turn the hair white due to the effect of freezing temperatures on pigmentation, was initially invented by farmers to mark animals for identification. However, horses and cattle have skin between two to four times thicker than humans making them less vulnerable to damage, according to Prof Taylor. 'There are strict safety protocols for branding animals. There are zero for humans. And in the UK, its illegal to brand peoplewhether with heat or cold,' he added. Dermatologists have taken to social media to warn of the risks of the bizarre craze Worryingly, comments shared on Reddit reveal that some are attracted to the technique in order to change their hair colour. Will freeze branding turn my hair white?' wrote one user. This is a technique used on farm mammals such as horses, cows, and goats. On pigmented areas the hair grows back white. I have found no research or examples of freeze branding on human scalp though I believe that it would have the same effect. Does anyone have more insight on this?' Prof Taylor explained exactly how so-called freeze branding could increase the risk of cancer. The extreme cold causes ice crystals to form inside skin cells and as the water inside the cells freezes, it expands and breaks the cells walls. The dangerous technique being used for body modifications could increase your risk of developing skin cancer This kills the melanocyte cells, stopping them from producing melanin that gives your skin hair and colour. These melanocyte cells play an integral role in protecting the body against skin cancer. When you are exposed to sunlight or UV rays, the cells produce more melanin to protect your skin. This helps form a protective shield around your DNA to help prevent damage from harmful rays. In the UK, there are around 2,300 melanoma skin cancer deaths and 17,500 new cases recorded every year. There could be other serious implications from losing melanocytes as we dont know all the long-term risks, the expert said. He also flagged the risk of dehydration, which happens because your body loses fluid while trying to heal from trauma. Skin branding is regularly featured in the hit Paramount western show, Yellowstone, which centres around a family-owned cattle ranch in Montana, and follows the dramas that ensue. In the show, characters can be seen being 'branded' by the ranch with a permanent burnachieved by pressing a red-hot iron pressed into their flesh. This is a mark of their loyalty to the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Body modification is an increasingly popular trend in the UK and US. The cosmetic craze involves changing the appearence of the face and body using extreme techniques such as multiple piercings and tattoos. Some experts are urging people to mask up amid rising alarm over a new Covid variant and fears of a summer wave of infections. The NB.1.8.1 strain is already thought to be driving a wave of infections across China, Hong Kong and Thailand along with upticks in hospitalizations. In the US, there have been fewer than 20 cases detected to date. But the strain has been detected in travelers arriving in California, Washington state, Virginia and New York City, raising fears it may be spreading quickly. Lab tests suggest the variant is more infectious than currently circulating strains, which means it could lead to a spike in infections and potentially hospital admissions. In Hong Kong, officials are already urging people to mask up, particularly while on public transport or in crowded places. And in the US, chatter about masks is beginning to creep in. Dr Amy Edwards, a pediatrician at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, told CBS News today that anyone who feels a 'little under the weather' should 'wear a mask'. Another expert calling for masks is Dr Melanie Matheu, an immunologist from California who previously studied at the University of California, San Francisco. She told her 336,000 TikTok followers the US should brace for a 'summer wave' worse than that from the previous year. The above shows people wearing facemasks in Bangkok, Thailand, in March this year - which is among the countries reporting an uptick in Covid cases thought to be due to the new variant Your browser does not support iframes. NB.1.8.1 was declared a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organization on Friday. Patients sickened with the strain are suffering from similar symptoms to those infected with other variants, scientists say, including a fever, cough, sore throat and fatigue. It is not clear how many deaths due to the variant have been recorded. In China, data shows the proportion of severely ill respiratory patients with Covid has jumped from 3.3 to 6.3 percent over the last month, while the proportion of Chinese ER patients testing positive for the disease has jumped from 7.5 to 16.2 percent. Officials in Taiwan are also reporting a surge in Covid ER admissions, with numbers rising 78 percent in a week over the seven days to May 3, the latest data shows. And in Hong Kong, the proportion of swabs testing positive for the virus has now hit a 12-month high at 13.66 percent of samples used. Dr Edwards said: 'If you're a little under the weather, but well enough to be out and about, wear a mask.' Advising on other strategies to control the virus, she said: 'Good cough and sneezing hygiene, good hand washing, staying home if you're not feeling well to keep other people from catching what you've got.' Dr Matheu added: 'My advice would be the same around these variants. 'Make sure you get your updated booster, wear a mask especially if you are vulnerable, high risk, live or work with anyone who is vulnerable or high risk and make sure there is good air circulation in your indoors and areas where you work.' The above shows a hospital in China in January 2023. Many of the patients shown are elderly and were reported to be suffering from Covid The above image is also from the mystery outbreak that gripped China back in January 2025 Authorities in Hong Kong have already urged people to start wearing face masks again amid concern over the new variant. In a statement posted to the Hong Kong Department of Health's website, officials said: 'High-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised) should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. 'The general public should also wear a surgical mask when traveling on public transport or staying in crowded places. 'When respiratory symptoms appear, one should wear a surgical mask, consider avoiding going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.' Your browser does not support iframes. A spokeswoman for the CDC said the agency was 'aware' of the new variant, but said few cases had been detected to date. NB.1.8.1 was first detected in January this year and is thought to have originated somewhere in Asia. To date, it has now spread to 22 countries and a total of 518 cases have been detected. There is no data on hospitalizations or deaths. Scientists say, however, that the infection figures are likely a huge underestimate pointing out that many now do not test for Covid and that government's have majorly scaled back their Covid variant monitoring programs. The proportion of cases caused by the variant is spiking globally, and is up four-fold in the latest month with data available. It was behind 2.5 percent of all Covid cases globally at the start of April, but by the end of the month, this had surged to 10.7 percent. Travelers arriving in the US infected with the variant arrived between April 22 and May 12 from the following countries: China, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, France, the Netherlands and Spain. The variant has also been detected in Hawaii, Rhode Island and Ohio. A mother has shared her horrific ordeal following a dental procedure in Turkey, which left her suffering from severe jaw pain, nosebleeds and chronic sinusitis. Leanne, from Telford, flew to Turkey last May to have her teeth removed and dental implants fitted to fix her broken smile. The mother-of-two, who is also a professional DJ, had veneers and bridges fitted in 2009 while living in Turkey, but knew they 'wouldn't last forever'. When they began falling out, she resorted to gluing them back in with nail glue until she could afford a more permanent fix. Veneers are thin coverings bonded to the front of teeth for cosmetic purposes, while crowns are thicker, covering the entire tooth to protect damaged or weakened ones. After six months of research, the single mum made what she thought was a brave decision: to get dental implants. Tempted by glossy social media ads and the lower cost of treatment abroad, it was a choice she would come to regret. On 8 May 2024, she checked into ES Clinic in Turkey for an initial consultation. She knew she'd need her teeth removed and screws inserted for the implantsbut after an X-ray, the dentist warned the procedure would be far more complicated than she'd been led to believe. In a video posted to TikTok that has garnered over 19,900 views, the DJ documented the procedure from start to finish. 'I'm very sacred, tomorrow they're pulling all my teeth out and then stitching them all up,' she said. 'Then, I think they will put in the screws'. But, it wasn't as simple as 'walking in and out, leaving smiling and happy', like she thought it would be. She was informed that she would need to have more screws, a bone graft and a sinus lift before she could be fitted with implants. A sinus lift is a surgical procedure which involves placing a bone graft between the upper jaw and the membrane of the sinuses that are closest to the back teeth. The idea is that the sinus lift will naturally fuse with the jaw, allowing an implant to be placed. Whilst it is a fairly simple procedure, many patients and doctors opt for general anesthetic to minimise pain. Leanne was initially happy with her temporary implants, but things soon took a turn for the worse when they started falling out just one month later Leanne posted this photo to TikTok, taken earlier this month, to show the extent of the damage that has left her with excruciating pain, nose bleeds, headaches, blisters and swelling However, to save money, Leanne opted out of being put under general anaesthetic, that would cost an additional 400, and was awake for the entire procedure. She had 25 injections in total, as well as one in her hip, but the pain was still 'excruciating'. 'I felt like I was choking with the vacuum thing and the water', she said. 'They were at it for 4 hours total. The pain was horrendous. The screws were in and I felt like the man from Jaws,' she added. Despite being in pain from the procedure, which left her with substantial bruising, Leanne was initially happy with the results of the temporary implants and started feeling 'pretty' again just two weeks after the ordeal. But, just a month after having her implants fitted, the single mother started experiencing problems with her temporary implants that would eventually result in painful blisters forming in her nose, leaving her face disfigured. The temporary teeth that she had fitted just one month before started falling out, revealing the peg-like screws. Then, the plate that was holding the implant in place snapped. In the next video Leanne posted to TikTok, she was unrecognisable. More than a quarter of Britons unable to access an NHS dentist have resorted to DIY treatments such as pulling their teeth out with pliers, an alarming study reveals Her body had started to reject the implants. 'I get the worst headaches and nose bleeds that won't stop,' she explained. 'Because I have low blood count, my body can't fight infection. I've got cold sores in my nose which form scabs and pull my nose in. It's all misshaped and I am constantly in pain. I feel like the world is staring at me.' She continued: 'I look so ugly I could cry. My dentist in the UK won't see me. My temps have snapped. I hate what I've done and I can't do anything about it.' 'Don't believe what you see or hear', she warned her followers. Temporary implant are only supposed to last for four to five months, but doctors advised Leanne not to go back to get her final teeth fitted until the swelling in her face had gone down. A year later, she still hasn't had the final implants fitted and she is taking back-to-back antibiotics to manage the pain. Sinusitis is the swelling of the sinuses and is usually caused by an infection. It is a common condition and usually clears up on its own within four weeks, but the mother has been battling symptoms for a year. Common symptoms include pain swelling and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes and forehead, a high temperature, headaches, bad breathe and toothache. Leanne is now waiting on her infection to clear up before getting further treatment but hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to have surgery in the UK rather than going abroad. This comes as research published in March shows that more than a quarter of people unable to access an NHS dentist have resorted to DIY treatments such as pulling teeth out with pliers. Meanwhile, a fifth who failed to access proper care in the UK over the past two years went abroad for a check-up or dental procedure. A Department of Health and Social care spokesperson said: 'NHS dentistry is broken after years of neglect, forcing patients to resort to desperate measures. 'We're already rolling out 700,000 extra urgent dental appointments and preventing tooth decay in young children through supervised toothbrushing. 'But there is more to be done, and we will also reform the dental contract to increase provision through our Plan for Change.' With movie stars including Raquel Welch and Robert Mitchum among his clientele, Roger Butler had no shortage of glamour in his work at a high-end property lettings agency. But for the shy 22-year-old who had grown up in the sleepy Oxfordshire countryside, the real excitement of living in the London of the 1950s was the chance to explore his homosexuality with encounters that were sometimes as unlikely as they were exciting. One night, having formed a frustratingly chaste friendship with Bryan, a 19-year-old police constable who was leaving the force to join the RAF, Roger was invited to his farewell drinks in a local pub. Dismayed at saying goodbye to his friend, and nervous at being incongruously included, he drank enough that the next thing he remembered was finding himself in his own bed with one of Bryans colleagues, a naked policeman. Although he described their passionate lovemaking as very exciting, it was not lost on him that his first real sexual encounter and the most illegal thing he had ever done was with a police officer. Homosexuality was then still punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and he could imagine a ludicrous scene in which his lover jumped out of bed, donned his policemans helmet and arrested him for complicity in an act of gross indecency. The experience had been thrilling, Roger concluded, but it still didnt mark the breakthrough into the gay world, which he knew must be out there, somewhere. He continued to long for more. A year later he would find it via a new campaign group fighting to change the law on homosexuality. Its eventual success would owe much to an astonishing act of bravery on his part, only for him to become a long-forgotten hero who could only sit by as others reaped the rewards of the battle he fought. I knew nothing of any of this when we first met in 2003. I was then a young gay student at Oxford and began visiting his home there each Tuesday evening, reading him the things he had been unable to see since becoming completely blind in his mid-30s. We formed a close friendship and, when he died, I found a letter in which he left me thousands of pages of his diaries and correspondence and asked me to try to publish them. Roger Butler was the first man to publicly come out and did so while campaigning for the gay liberation movement He suffered glaucoma from the age of two, which led to him becoming blind later in life Through the Homosexual Law Reform Society, Butler found his way to the underground gay social world Through them I have come to understand the real extent of Rogers remarkable courage at the dawn of gay liberation. He was the first man to come out voluntarily, using his own name, to the British public at a time when criminal proceedings against gay men served as one of the few public acknowledgements that they existed. Aged 17, when he arrived in London in the spring of 1952, he had been rejected from National Service because of the poor eyesight which resulted from glaucoma diagnosed when he was two. This left him wearing ugly metal-framed glasses which had always made him feel like an outsider at his grammar school in Banbury, the market town where his parents had moved to escape the Blitz during the Second World War. There he recalled having boyish fun with a fellow pupil named George and an unrequited first great crush on another called Jack, but still remained oblivious to the idea that he might have a particular reason to be frustrated with life in the provinces. I suppose I must have come across the word homosexuality but it had never registered as having any relevance to me. Like road accidents, it was something that happened to other people. One Saturday afternoon in 1957, he was browsing bookshops on the Charing Cross Road when, on a table outside one of them, he saw Against the Law, a Penguin paperback by the Daily Mails former diplomatic correspondent Peter Wildeblood. In the summer of 1953, Wildeblood had spent an evening in a beach hut on the shores of the Solent in Hampshire with the aristocrat Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and West Country landowner Michael Pitt-Rivers. They were joined by two young RAF servicemen who were later granted immunity from prosecution in return for testifying that abandoned behaviour had taken place there. Members of the gay liberation movement protest outside the Old Bailey in London in July 1977 The campaign to legalise homosexuality gained traction in post-war Britain and was helped by several public trials. Pictured: Activists on Essex Street, London, in February 1971 After the three older men were convicted of gross indecency, Wildeblood spent 18 months in prison and following his release he decided he had nothing to lose, laying himself bare in his book and exposing the demeaning and cruel treatment he had received. Prompted by an unaccountable curiosity, Roger bought it for three shillings and sixpence and sat in nearby Leicester Square, tearing through most of it in the next two hours until the strain on his eyes from reading caused him to stop. Its effect on me was electric. Oblivious to the passers by and the continuous traffic, it suddenly dawned on me that everything Wildeblood was saying about himself and homosexuality fitted my situation. It made me spell out unequivocally to myself the uncomfortable truth, I am a homosexual. This realisation had come at a significant turning point in gay history, with the Montagu affair, as it became known, persuading many members of the public that the state had overreached itself in what had been the most sensational trial of its kind since that of Oscar Wilde more than 60 years before. As Roger recalled: [This was] not least because of this distasteful method employed by the prosecution to obtain convictions. It was also seen to be a deliberately high publicity case as part of an intensive anti-homosexual campaign then being pursued by the police and the Home Secretary. Facing a crowd of people as he left court, Peter Wildeblood had feared yet one more indignity. Instead, to his amazement, they had gathered to jeer the police and the witnesses who had spoken against him, and to call words of encouragement to the convicted criminals. Some of the political elite shared the sentiments of the crowd and this helped push the Conservative government of the time to establish a committee, chaired by Sir John Wolfenden, which subsequently issued a report recommending that homosexual behaviour between consenting adults in private be no longer a criminal offence. Against the Law, a Penguin paperback by the Daily Mails former diplomatic correspondent Peter Wildeblood, guided Butler to his homosexual 'awakening' Michael Pitt Rivers, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and Wildeblood leaving court in 1954 Sir John Wolfenden chaired a committee on homosexuality which published a report in September 1957 proposing that the act no longer be treated as a criminal offence This was a stunning proposal from an Establishment body and soon after the reports publication in September 1957, Roger responded to an advert for volunteers placed by the Homosexual Law Reform Society (HLRS), a campaign group set up to ensure that it became a reality. Its activities were coordinated by the Honorary Secretary, a middle-aged antiques dealer named Len Smith, from the house in Islington which he shared with his male lover Reiss. As Roger sat in their sitting room, stuffing envelopes with their printed literature and writing short accompanying notes for individual recipients, the others talked freely about their lovers and the romantic entanglements of their friends. And for the first time, Roger saw two men being affectionate with one another, feeling a physical jolt when Len and Reiss kissed. Through the HLRS, Roger gradually found his way into an underground gay social world but the fun of it all did not distract him from the activism that had led him there. The more he experienced what he called the great age of queerdom, the more determined he was to change the law that threatened him with arrest with each of his brief encounters with sexual liberation. In October 1953, there had been a particularly salacious case when the actor John Gielgud was arrested in a public lavatory in Chelsea for persistently importuning. Able to harness public affection to his advantage, he had continued his showbusiness career despite the negative press, but this was an unusual privilege. The reality for most men like Roger was that the publication of the Wolfenden Report and the early work of the HLRS had done almost nothing to change the practical implications of being known to be a homosexual, or even of being thought to be one. These were set out by one witness whose evidence to the Wolfenden Committee revealed that fear of police proceedings had driven five gay men in one rural neighbourhood alone to commit suicide. In Rogers mind it did not help that the public faces of the HLRS were concerned heterosexuals who, for all that they were well-meaning, seemed hardly positive about the homosexuals on whose behalf they were campaigning. When the organisations first public meeting took place in Westminster in May 1960, the speakers included a Justice of the Peace, who spoke of how as a mother of two sons, she would be horrified if they were criminalised as a result of having to face this problem in their lifetimes. Then came a psychiatrist and member of the HLRS executive committee, who declared it as absurd to judge all homosexuals by the unstable Nancy boy, as to judge all women by prostitutes. Irritated by these speeches, Roger realised that, rather than remaining anonymous and pathetic shadows, the best way to compel society to listen to the case for legal change was for homosexuals to become known as real human beings. For that, they had to be known by name but he could not see any men who had outed themselves to campaign against anti-gay laws, only those who, like Peter Wildeblood, made public statements only after their sexuality was already a matter of official record. I felt it was time for the cause to move on, for someone to come out of the closet, as it came to be described, and defiantly say Here I stand. Three weeks after the Westminster meeting he enlisted the support of two HLRS members who are now even more lost to history than him. All Roger could remember of them was that Raymond Gregson was from Lancashire, a nice, gentle, if somewhat willowy-watery young man while Yorkshireman Robert Moorcroft had characteristic grittiness and weather-beaten good looks. He added: He had, I think, been married but was no longer. What mattered was that they were the only activists who had agreed to go along with his radical plan and he had asked many. In the last week of May 1960, the three men met in a cafe on one of the narrow streets behind the Charing Cross Road and signed four copies of a letter Roger had drafted. Each was addressed to the editor of a national publication and began Sir, we are homosexuals... Gathered around the cafe table rather in the manner of an international treaty, they knew that they were voluntarily exposing themselves to the prospect of persecution as Roger walked hurriedly to a nearby postbox to send the letters immediately to the New Statesman, the Spectator, the Daily Telegraph and the Guardian. The daily newspapers refused to publish the letter but it appeared in both the New Statesman and the Spectator, the latter only after its political correspondent Bernard Levin had sent Roger a telegram to make absolutely sure that it was genuine and that the signatories wished it to be published. Finally, the public were seeing homosexuals who had not been dragged into their view, but who stepped up, freely, calmly and confidently, to claim the name and, in doing so, quietly started a revolution. If Rogers family or colleagues saw the letter, they didnt mention it to him, and no policeman came knocking. Instead Roger could sit in his flat and read the flurry of reactions that he had provoked. Responses were printed for an entire month in the Spectator, while the New Statesman featured debate about the letter for a further month after that. As Roger had hoped, there was now a very real current running through the ensuing printed correspondence that addressed him, Raymond and Robert specifically when they were talking about homosexuals. He believed that society would benefit from understanding that gay people are everywhere and contributing to it; and that change would come when people came to understand homosexuals as ordinary people, part of ordinary life, doing ordinary things. He was right but, by the time the law was finally changed in 1967, and the HLRS invited Roger to a party to celebrate, he couldnt bring himself to enter the spirit of the gathering, struggling as he was with the progression of his glaucoma. Two failed operations, one in 1965 and another a year later, had left him completely blind and, as he became pre-occupied with surviving in a world not designed for sightless people, he gradually became just one more person who used to be involved in the HLRS. His employers guaranteed him a job for life, and cheered him when he managed his first commute into work with the help of his Alsatian guide dog a bitch whose name, he had been startled to learn, was Gay. But by 1970 he realised that he could no longer cope with working and living in London. He quit his job and managed to win a place to read history at Balliol College. Despite the inadequate nature of the books available in Braille he still secured a degree, which enabled him to find work as a private tutor. Although this gave him an income for the next 30 years, becoming blind seemed to have robbed Roger of the freedom to enjoy any of the legal changes that he had helped bring about. In all his time at the heart of the gay scene in London, he had never entered into anything like a meaningful relationship and in Oxford he fared no better, save for episodes like a brief, highly charged encounter with a college porter shortly after he began his studies. Finally it seemed that the last piece of the puzzle had presented itself: a boyfriend named Luke. A college friend who had travelled abroad after finishing at Balliol, he turned up on his doorstep one winter, trying to work out what to do next and Roger invited him to move in. Soon their lives fell into a rhythm around each other, with Luke taking temporary work on a building site, leaving the house just before nine each morning and returning around six, when Roger would pour drinks. Roger found himself waiting for that moment every day for the only time in my life counting the hours until I would hear his key in the lock and feel the comfort of knowing he was back. On the face of it, we might have been made for each other. There was only one flaw. Luke did not see the relationship in the same way that Roger did and would not allow it to become physical. When he eventually moved up North to take a teaching job, the scar he left was lasting and over the decades Roger was left wondering whether he was simply unlovable. Its rather humiliating never to have been wanted in the fullest sense, never to have been the exclusive object of anyones concern let alone desire, he wrote. Its depressing that I shall go to my grave without ever having known the joy of a completely fulfilling relationship. For a good deal of time after his death, Id believed that I was just one more disappointment. During my time at Oxford, he often asked me to read him his typed reminiscences and musings about his life and I see now that he wanted to show me who he really was. In knowing him, I came to understand him, and also to love him. And while I had my own life to live and could never become the kind of lover and lifes companion he clearly hoped I might be, he wrote that meeting me had been the greatest joy of this late phase of my life. He believed I was his final flook his word for a gift bestowed upon him by some external force but this underestimated his own role in creating the circumstances that brought us together. I first cycled to his house in 2003 because Id been asked to by someone Id met at a gathering of gay men, part of the queer community who had welcomed me so warmly when Id come up to Oxford in 2000. And this was only possible because I could arrive at university and live openly as a homosexual. That I was able to do so was, in no small part, because the young Roger Butler had once dropped a letter in a postbox on the Charing Cross Road a letter that changed everything. Adapted from The Light of Day by Christopher Stephens & Louise Radnofsky (Headline Press, 20). Christopher Stephens and Louise Radnofsky 2025. To order a copy for 18 (offer valid to 05/06/25; UK P&P free on orders over 25) go to www.mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Katie Holmes is no stranger to a viral streetwear moment. There was the time she was snapped hailing a taxi in a sexy-cosy bra and cardigan set from premium label Khaite, and the internet went into such a frenzy, the 2,065 combo sold out within the hour. Then theres her beloved Dune XL Woven Tote her go-to for pairing with a slouchy jumper which has been restocked four times as shoppers scramble to copy her look. The actress puts it down to shopping for accessible and classic items. In an interview with Vogue, Holmes said her main requirement when shopping is the longevity of a piece and her ability to wear it season after season. We love a level-headed and sustainable celebrity who knows the importance of investing in high-quality staples, even if they are sometimes a smidge out of our price range. What it does mean, however, is that when Katie Holmes does wear something affordable, you know the quality and design hold up to the high standards she expects of her designer go-to items. So when the 46-year-old recently stepped out in the perfect pair of 140 white trainers, you best believe we immediately clicked add to basket. The shoes in question are Danish brand ECCOs BIOM 2.2 Sneakers, and its clear to see why Holmes is such a fan. They perfectly embody the athleisure trend without being too chunky (lets be honest, some of the massive sporty styles make your legs look ridiculous), and as such are ideal whether youre going to the gym, dressing down an office suit or giving a summer nap dress a 2025 twist. Another win? The trainers feel as good as they look. ECCO is renowned for its LYTR tech, which encourages a natural gait while gripping and supporting your foot so no more blisters when youre running up the escalator on your commute (or taking an impromptu walk to the pub). The shoes are also made with leather and suede from ECCOs own tanneries, so youre guaranteed a high-quality sneaker that really lasts. Holmes exact ECCO BIOM 2.2 Sneakers in white suede are available now at ecco.com. Were shopping before they sell out, and highly recommend you do the same. A veteran Fox News host has admitted he is completely baffled by Donald Trump's latest comments about Vladimir Putin. Brit Hume, 81, the network's Chief Political Analyst, said: 'I don't know what the president is talking about' after Trump appeared shocked and angry to hear about the Russian leader's latest airstrikes in Ukraine. 'The president has always had a very odd conception of Vladimir Putin,' Hume said. 'I think that he thought that he and Putin could be friends and partners and could make deals together and so on. 'But I don't think Putin has changed, I don't know what the president is talking about. 'This is the way Putin has always been. He's always been a particularly brutal dictator, wiling to take any measures he thought necessary to advance his interests.' Trump made a U-turn on his usual support for Putin when he appeared shocked and angry to hear that Russian airstrikes had killed at least a dozen people in Kyiv over the weekend. 'I don't know what the hell happened to Putin,' Trump told reporters on Sunday. Veteran Fox News host Brit Hume (pictured), 81, has admitted he is completely baffled by President Donald Trump 's latest comments about Russian leader Vladimir Putin 'I've known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like it at all.' Trump also called Putin 'absolutely crazy' while writing on Truth Social. 'I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him,' Trump wrote. 'He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I'm not just talking about soldiers. 'Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever.' Trump previously claimed he could end the war in Ukraine in a single day, and he is involved in ongoing negotiations between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Kremlin hit back against Trump's latest comments about Putin by suggesting the US president was suffering from 'emotional overload.' 'We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the Trump remarks about Putin. Trump made a U-turn on his usual support for Putin when he appeared shocked and angry to hear that Russian airstrikes had killed at least a dozen people in Kyiv over the weekend 'Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.' Trump said he has always believed that Putin 'wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it', but warned if Putin continues down his current path 'it will lead to the downfall of Russia.' 'This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelenskyy's, Putin's, and Biden's War, not 'Trump's.'' It's unclear what prompted Trump's sudden change in tone towards Putin. My mother currently is in an elderly mental health ward suffering with depression and anxiety. Her 150,000 bungalow in Port Talbot has been put into a trust since 2015 with myself as the beneficiary and my mother remaining as a tenant. Should the need arise, and she needs to go into something like a sheltered housing complex, could the local authority make me sell her bungalow to cover any care and housing costs? S.M, via email SCROLL DOWN TO ASK YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING QUESTION Harvey Dorset, of This is Money, replies: Care is something that many of us dont consider earlier in life, meaning that if or when this need arises we may not be ready or able to fund it without making financial life altering decisions. As many as 66 per cent of care seekers are self-funding, according to 2024 data from Carehome.co.uk. Just 16 per cent of care seekers were able to access funding from their local authority. For those who live alone, there is a risk that means testing could see their home's value used to pay for care. Self funding: The vast majority of care seekers in the UK are required to fund care themselves There has been forethought on your mothers part to place her property into trust. However, depending on the circumstances of this, it could still be deemed that the property can be used to fund any care needed. As discussed below, this largely relates to the decisions made in 2015 and the reasons they were taken. Yours is a complex issue. This is Money spoke to two financial advisers to find out what your mother needing care might mean for her property held in trust. Natalie Donnell warns that the local authority could deem that your mother still owns the property Natalie Donnell, independent financial adviser at Flying Colours, replies: I am sorry to hear about your mothers illness. Having looked at your question, I think the key issue as regards the bungalow is intent. By that, I mean what was the intention from your mother when she placed the property into a trust in 2015? This is because if your mother were eventually to need full-time care, the local authority would conduct a capital assessment to determine who is responsible for funding the care (i.e. self-funding or funded by the local authority). When it comes to long term or full-time care, if the value of your mothers assets is more than 23,250 (in England it varies in other parts of the UK), she will be responsible for funding her care needs. This is different from the current situation, where I would think your mothers care, in a mental health ward, is being funded by the NHS. Intent comes into this because if the local authority deems that the property was put into trust in 2015 to reduce assets and avoid the eventuality of paying for full-time care later down the line, they could consider this this to be a case of deliberate asset deprivation. That would mean they could treat your mother as still owning the asset (known as notional capital). They could also refuse to fund care (or assess your mothers situation as though she still owned the asset). In some cases, they could take legal action to challenge the trust. Whether the trust holds under scrutiny depends on several factors such as whether the trust was created at a time when future care needs were foreseeable, and the structure and type of trust (i.e. discretionary, life interest etc.). Trusts are a notoriously complex area so I would advise you to seek specialist independent advice on the likelihood of the current arrangement falling foul of the deliberate asset deprivation category, and if so, to see whether there is any action you could take to mitigate against this. Get your financial planning question answered Financial planning can help you grow your wealth and ensure your finances are as tax efficient as possible. A key driver for many people is investing for or in retirement, tax planning and inheritance. If you have a financial planning or advice question, our experts can help answer it. Email: financialplanning@thisismoney.co.uk. Please include as many details as possible in your question in order for us to respond in-depth. We will do our best to reply to your message in a forthcoming column, but we won't be able to answer everyone or correspond privately with readers. Nothing in the replies constitutes regulated financial advice. Published questions are sometimes edited for brevity or other reasons. Adam Johnson warns the local authority's judgement will be based on why the transfer was made in 2015 Adam Johnson, director at SJP partner practice New Forest Wealth Management, replies: The first consideration is whether your mothers care will be funded by the NHS (such as through NHS Continuing Healthcare) or subject to means-testing by the local authority. If her needs are deemed primarily health-related for example, if she is sectioned under the Mental Health Act or qualifies for NHS Continuing Healthcare the value of her property will be disregarded entirely, as the NHS covers all associated costs. If, however, the care is means-tested, the local authority will assess your mothers income, savings, and assets. If her savings exceed 23,250 and her income is insufficient to cover care costs, her home could be included in the financial assessment, depending on her living arrangements. Property use and living arrangements If your mother continues to live in the property or moves into another owned property (such as sheltered accommodation) and receives domiciliary care, the value of her home is typically ignored. However, if she moves into residential care and no longer lives in the property, the local authority may then consider the value of the home unless it is exempt for another reason, such as a dependent still living there. Trust ownership and deprivation of assets As the home has been placed in trust, the key issue becomes whether your mother has any rights to the capital value. If the trust structure means she has no such rights and only a right to reside, with the capital ultimately passing to you she may no longer be considered to "own" the property for assessment purposes and therefore cannot be made to sell it. However, this leads to the question of deliberate deprivation of assets. If the local authority believes the home was placed in trust to avoid future care fees, they could treat her as though she still owns it. Their judgment will centre on why the transfer was made in 2015. Since the arrangement did not benefit inheritance tax planning (due to her continued occupation), they may question what financial objective was being addressed, and whether placing the property in trust was a proportionate response. There is no statutory time limit on how far back local authorities can look for evidence of deprivation. Although a transfer made 10 years ago may be less likely to be challenged, it cannot be ruled out. The outcome will ultimately depend on the local authoritys interpretation of the facts and the strength of the explanation for the trust. I recommend reviewing the trust documents in detail. Millions of Britons have had their personal information stolen in one of the countless cyber hacks on UK companies and organisations. The recent cyber attack on Marks & Spencer was a reminder that even the biggest and most well-known companies can be hit. But what should you do if your personal information is stolen? Are a few of your details really of value to a fraudster and, if so, what can they do with it? Here Money Mail reveals how fast your data is sold on to criminal gangs, what data is valuable, where your data goes and what you can do to protect yourself. Fraudsters act fast... so should you When a cyber attack happens against a business or organisation and large volumes of information are stolen, speed is then of the essence for both potential fraudsters and victims. Dr Nicola Harding, chief executive of security service We Fight Fraud, explains hackers make money by selling the data rapidly for use before potential victims have been alerted and change passwords or security settings. Stolen information becomes a commodity in the underworld, for immediate sale via the dark web. Dr Harding says: Hackers sell the data in bulk so they can move it on quickly, but they dont know how much can be monetised. It may even have been sold on before you know it has been stolen. Personal details, payment information and login details are attractive because hackers can use them to steal identities Dr Harding adds: Stolen data has a shelf life. Theres a chance data has already gone on to the dark web before the organisation which has been hacked has even realised theres a breach and before the consumer has been notified. Nonetheless, it is still worth acting as soon as you can to change your passwords and check your security settings, as we explain below. What's my most valuable data? The most lucrative details a fraudster can get their hands on includes your full name, date of birth and address. These are vital for identity theft. National Insurance numbers are sold on to criminals to commit benefit or tax fraud, while bank details and credit card numbers are used for direct financial theft. There is a huge variation in how much your hacked information is worth, according to global cyber-security consultancy the Enovise Group. Stolen credit card details are worth 3.75 to 37.50, hacked social media accounts are frequently sold for 22.50 to 75, while online bank login details change hands for 150 upwards, depending on how wealthy the victim is. Most expensive are medical records useful for insurance fraud or even creating false medical identities which potentially sell for up to 750. Personal details, payment information and login details including obscure personal information used for secondary verification are attractive because hackers can use them to steal identities. Simon Miller, of fraud prevention service Cifas, adds that seemingly unimportant data, such as your pets name or the street you lived on as a child that you may have used for additional security, may appear harmless but can still be used to guess passwords or bypass verification checks. Data thats less immediately valuable, but still a concern, might include browsing history or non-sensitive contact details. While alone they pose less risk, when combined with other information they can be used for phishing or social engineering attacks. Even if only low-level data has been stolen, such as names and email addresses from a shopping website or discount app, it can still have value for criminals if their victims use the same password for multiple places. Criminals success is down to how well-protected the consumer is. Its why having different passwords is so important, adds Dr Harding. What does it mean if I get a message saying my data has been hacked? Should you receive notification via email informing you that there has been a data breach then, put simply, this means information about you has been accessed by someone without authorisation. Your personal information might now be in the hands of criminals who could exploit it for financial gain, fraud or identity theft. If you are contacted directly by criminals who say they have access to your data and want you to pay them or do something else for them to safeguard your data then it is vital you do not do what they ask and report it to the authorities immediately. These fraudsters are likely engaged in a phishing attempt or social engineering attack. An alert about hacking should be a red flag that your data security has been compromised, says Mr Miller. You need to act quickly to protect yourself, your data and your money. The consequences of having your personal data stolen can range from a mild inconvenience to a complete nightmare. Jano Bermudes, at cyber-security consultancy CyXcel, says that if you receive a message saying your data has been hacked it will have been verified by professionals Jano Bermudes, chief operating officer at cyber-security consultancy CyXcel, says: When you receive a message saying your data has been hacked, it means individuals have accessed your personal information and this fact has been verified by competent professionals usually the forensic cyber specialists deployed during a cyber-insurance claim. The organisation are reaching out to you in line with legal advice they will be receiving in relation to their obligations under one or more compliance regimes [data protection, payments regulation, health regulation or similar]. Even consider replacing your passport If you subsequently receive a message from the company that has been hacked, check that it is genuine. Fraudsters will often exploit fears about hacks by getting in touch and pretending to be from the company that has been hacked or another official organisation. They may offer to help secure your account or your money, but in reality are just tricking you into sharing your personal information. Assess whether the email is genuine by phoning the company, or organisation, if necessary. Do not click on any links in an email or text message. Change any passwords linked to the breached service especially if youve re-used them elsewhere, experts advise. Some websites or apps allow you to enable so-called two-factor authentication. This is where you have to complete an extra layer of security in addition to filling in your password to gain access. For example, it could send a text message to your phone with a security code that you must provide before you can access your account. Mr Miller suggests enabling this technology where possible. He also suggests checking your financial statements regularly if your data has been stolen in a security breach, looking out for transactions that you do not recognise. Dr Harding says you should not panic but act quickly by changing passwords, enabling two-factor identification via text message or email, monitor accounts for unusual activity and use a credit freeze or fraud alert if you suspect identity theft. If the breach involves Government ID (passport, driving licence), report the loss and consider replacing those documents, Dr Harding adds. She also recommends using password manager which creates strong, secure and constantly changing passwords that a user does not have to remember. Use complex passwords and change them regularly, according to Mr Bermudes. He adds that it is essential to download security updates to online devices. Identity fraud is the biggest threat Simon Miller says that every piece of data has value and identity fraud is the most common fraud reported by Cifas members it accounted for nearly 60 per cent of all cases filed to the National Fraud Database in 2024. This is where a fraudster uses your personal details to impersonate you, for example to take out loans in your name. It is essential that you act quickly to minimise damage. To minimise the risk, you should secure your accounts as quickly as possible, monitor your credit file, check your bank account DAILY and report suspicious activity to Action Fraud. What are my rights if my data has been stolen? Under laws such as the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to be informed of the breach in a timely manner; know what data was compromised; access your data and request details of how its handled; complain to the Information Commissioners Office and seek compensation if the breach resulted from the organisations failure to protect your data adequately. Dr Nicola Harding, chief executive of security service We Fight Fraud, says you should not panic but act quickly by changing passwords Dr Harding says: Organisations are legally obligated to act responsibly with your data. If they dont, youre entitled to accountability. If the data theft has led to money being stolen from accounts or fraudulent activity, contact Action Fraud or your bank, which may have the responsibility to reimburse you. But Tom Pelham, lawyer and member of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers tech and cyber team, says further compensation is unlikely because companies falling victim are likely to be treated sympathetically. He says: There is often a lot of negative public sentiment towards companies that suffer a cyber incident, but it is important for everyone to understand the wider context. The vast majority of the clients that we support during live cyber incidents have taken every reasonable step to prevent intrusions, but they are engaged in a daily battle to defend their environments against professional threat actors. The public perception is that these incidents are caused by teenagers in hoodies acting alone, but the reality is that there is a sophisticated army of threat actors around the world who are members of organised crime networks. These threat groups have the resources and skill sets to challenge conventional security architecture and they are motivated by huge financial rewards. In my view, we should be focusing less on the perceived failings of companies that have suffered cyber incidents and more on the unique sophistication and motives of those perpetrating the attacks. Can I claim compensation? If negligence is proven then you can claim compensation, says Dr Harding. She says: If an organisation failed to implement appropriate security measures and that failure led to the breach, you may have grounds to claim compensation for both financial loss and emotional distress. The Information Commissioners Office can investigate, and you can also take legal action independently. But Mr Pelham adds: Whilst we do occasionally see individuals attempting to seek compensation following a compromise of their personal data, most claims will encounter significant challenges. The UK courts are largely sympathetic to the practical challenges that UK companies face in securing their systems and there is a general acceptance that no company can achieve absolute perfection when it comes to security and the protection of customers personal data. Easy ways to protect yourself Once you know what has been exposed you need to think through the wider impact, says The Cyber Centre advice service. If you use the same username and password combination on other sites then you need to change them straight away. If something more private has been exposed, such as your messages, sexuality or extracurricular activities, then you will need to consider what to do next. Victims of identity fraud following a data breach can ask to have a warning flag put beside their name and other personal details in the National Fraud Database. It means banks and other financial organisations know such individuals are vulnerable. Cifas offers this through its Protective Registration service, costing 30 for two years. The Cyber Helpline adds: You have to be switched on to your online security posture. Be careful of suspicious calls, text messages and emails. Check the security settings of your devices and online accounts and investigate anything suspicious. Many organisations who are hacked offer their customers free security tools to help them deal with the impact of their data being known to cyber criminals. This might be free credit score checks, free security software or access to expert advice. For further information, visit the National Cyber Security Centres website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/data-breaches, or the Information Commissioners Office website: https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/data-protection-and-journalism/taking-your-case-to-court-and-claiming-compensation The defence industry has called for a state-backed loan scheme worth hundreds of millions of pounds to help frustrated firms secure financing. Arms companies, particularly smaller ones in the supply chain, have been blocked from opening bank accounts, getting insurance and borrowing money, a report by trade groups ADS and TheCityUK said. And the Government does not provide enough protection to banks who work with defence companies in the face of protests and vandalism, they added. It comes amid a major drive to boost the UKs military capabilities against a backdrop of escalating global conflicts. European defence spending became a top priority after Donald Trump earlier this year said the US would no longer fund Ukraine in its war with Russia. A reset in UK-EU relations could pave the way for Britain to access a 125billion European defence fund. Plea: Smaller defence firms in the supply chain have been blocked from opening bank accounts, getting insurance and borrowing money, an industry report stated TheCityUK, a lobby group for the financial services industry, and defence firms trade group ADS yesterday published a policy paper aimed at improving finance and investment access for the sector. A so-called Guarantee Scheme for Defence would see the Government underwrite loans for the smaller firms that supply giants such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. The state backing would help boost the confidence of banks lending to the sector, the policy paper said. The scheme, which could be funded by the National Wealth Fund, was estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds depending on demand. The report said: Recent increased interest in investing in defence companies is welcome, but this increased appetite needs to flow through to the supply chain in the form of greater cashflow and investment opportunities. Ministers were also urged to provide more support for banks and other financial service providers operating in the industry following protests and vandalism by anti-war campaigners. For example, Barclays branches have been targeted by activists opposed to its alleged provision of financial services to Israeli defence firms. The lenders annual general meeting in London earlier this month was disrupted by pro-Palestinian activists chanting the slogan stop funding genocide. The report said: Despite its support for UK defence businesses, the financial and related professional services industry does not always feel it has sufficient political air cover from government. For example, bank branches have been repeatedly targeted and damaged by anti-defence protesters. TheCityUK chief executive Miles Celic said: The UKs defence and security businesses face a number of challenges that dont arise in other areas of public-private partnership. There is now both an opportunity and pressing need to maximise the contribution of private finance and investment to support UK defence and security businesses. Our industry is committed to working together with the defence industry, government and regulators to develop mechanisms that can help de-risk the industry for the finance and investment community. ADS boss Kevin Craven also said: Financing challenges for SMEs and scale-ups in the defence sector need addressing to ensure cashflow, investment opportunities and resilience, which is essential for innovation and economic spillovers. Its clear that businesses in both the defence and financial services have similar frustrations with existing conditions. They rank among America's most famous social media families - a picture-perfect clan of wholesome Christians pulling in millions of viewers with goofy pranks, dance videos and slick personal content. Cole and Savannah LaBrant and their five children have netted $18 million on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Now the Tennessee-based couple are branching out into religious lifestyle apps and a controversial sales scheme. But as their prominence has grown so too has the backlash. Much of the criticism extends far beyond the standard fare about turning their offspring into revenue raisers to bag millions in advertising returns every month. They have been panned for using cancer victims as clickbait, for their ultra-Christian views, and for posting a family dance video to a Sean 'Diddy' Combs tune days after the hip-hop mogul was arrested on sex-trafficking and other charges, which he denies. Now, they face harsher attacks still for their Christian lifestyle app, which opponents say monetizes faith, and for recruiting fans into NeoLife, a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme selling nutritional supplements. Perhaps their staunchest critic, Madison Harnish, a pop culture pundit, calls the LaBrants 'phony' for preaching moral superiority on camera while trampling on Christian values in pursuit of internet fame and fortune. 'They promote themselves as a morally good and maybe even morally superior picture-perfect family,' Harnish says on her Cruel World Happy Mind show. 'MLM companies, family channels and influencer scams are at their core incredibly immoral Cole and Savannah are huge hypocrites and one of the worst family channels out there.' The LaBrant's are the 'picture-perfect family' for conservative America... but, wait, there's a dark side Posts mark major family milestones, such as Sav becoming pregnant with her fifth child, Beckham, who was born in May 2024 The LaBrants did not respond to the Daily Mail's requests for comment. They've previously acknowledged some 'mistakes' but have brushed off critics as 'haters', saying that the couple 'love our kids' and are not exploiting them. Cole, 28, and Savannah, 32, started dating in 2016 and married the next year. They both had sizable social media audiences already, and 'Sav' was mother to Everleigh, now 12, from a previous relationship. Their 2017 wedding video - a high-production, emotional montage of vows, music, tears and fashion all wrapped in a family friendly Christian message - remains their most successful post, garnering 50 million views. In one viral moment, Cole promises young Everleigh: 'I'll always love you, little girl.' It was genuine - and was a great money-spinner. Since then, their feed has been a steady stream of heart-rending family milestones: pregnancies, gender reveals, and the births of Posie, now six, Zealand, four, Sunday, two, and Beckham, who turned one this month. Last summer, after relocating from California, Cole and Sav revealed they were stopping at five children. Cole even posted about himself undergoing a vasectomy in December. Much of the time, viewers are regaled with the LaBrants gyrating around their $5.2 million six-bedroom mansion outside Nashville, or parading in Halloween costumes and matching Christmas Day pajama sets. The family's YouTube channel has amassed 12.8 million subscribers. On her own, Sav has 30.3 million TikTok followers. Cole, Everleigh and the other children have their own accounts, each with millions of subscribers. Breaking family news nets more clicks and bigger payouts. But there are only so many touching moments a family can muster, so Cole and Sav get creative to keep fans engaged. The LaBrants post an eye-catching, themed Halloween costume display each year The family moved from California to this $5.4 million six-bedroom mansion outside Nashville, Tennessee The LaBrants wear their religion on their sleeves but critics say they're craven opportunists As the energetic family's reach has grown, the missteps have begun to mount up - and some have proved especially controversial. In August 2021, the couple posted a home-made documentary titled 'She got Diagnosed with Cancer', illustrated with a thumbnail photograph of the couple and their three daughters looking distraught. Fans braced for devastating news, with some posting about their fears as to which LaBrant might be sick. The film opens with them expressing concerns about Posie, then aged two, as she underwent scans and blood tests. Viewers have to endure six minutes of teasing before they're told that Posie is not dying or even ill: it was a health scare. The rest of the video follows the LaBrants meeting real childhood cancer patients and calling for research funding. The backlash was immediate and fierce. Even loyal fans said that Cole and Sav had 'crossed a line' by creating suspense around a child's potential life-threatening illness, and 'talking like one of their kids has cancer'. It was widely criticized for being a cheap ruse and 'disgusting clickbait'. They're 'nothing but lying, manipulative emotional terrorists and child exploiters,' posted one follower. It wasn't the first time that LaBrant fans have complained about being manipulated for clicks. In 2019, they posted an April Fools' Day prank in which they told a sobbing six-year-old Everleigh they were giving away the family dog, Carl, because they were all too busy making family dance videos to care for the Pomeranian. The video was uploaded despite her distress. After angry viewers cried foul, Cole and Sav apologized and took it down. Last year, Cole again drew criticism for posting a video of himself and Everleigh, then 11, dancing to a Diddy song days after the hip-hop artist was arrested in New York City on racketeering and sex trafficking charges, which he denies. The family feed escorts viewers through milestones, such as the birth of baby Beckham in May 2024 Cole and Savannah already each had sizable social media followings when they started dating in 2016 After Beckham was born, Cole and Sav revealed that they were stopping at five children Viewers said the post of father and daughter grooving to the 1997 hit I'll Be Missing You, by Diddy and Faith Evans, was in poor taste. 'Why this song during the Diddy scandal!' one shocked user posted. At other times, it's their conservative values that spark fury. In 2022, their pro-life documentary Abortion compared the 'death toll' from pregnancy terminations to the Holocaust. Though common among some pro-life activists, the comparison alienated many fans and prompted a furious push-back from pro-choice viewers for being too blunt a message and ignoring the tough choices many women face. Now, their newest ventures - both religious and financial - are drawing fresh fire. In recent months, the LaBrants launched Bear Fruit, a subscription-based Christian lifestyle app offering tips on parenting, homeschooling, and marriage, along with twice-monthly livestreams from Cole and Sav. Some users say courses on potty training and how to 'spice up your marriage' are 'transformative' and an 'incredible resource for intentional living'. Critics say it's glitchy, full of 'misinformation' and a 'scam app from terrible people'. The latter focus on the app's $6.99 monthly subscription fee, saying the Gospel should be free and pointing to Jesus's views on greedy profit seekers. Supporters say that the church and its messengers need cash to stay afloat. The most controversial move yet came in January when Cole invited followers to join him in a business opportunity. An invitation-only Zoom call of his pitch was secretly recorded by a whistle-blower participant, who later shared it online. In it, Cole reached out to fans offering an 'opportunity' to join his venture, enticing them with potential returns of more than $50,000 per year from selling health supplements for NeoLife, an MLM firm. Cole and Sav have recently celebrated the launch of their Christian family advice app, Bear Fruit A picture-perfect Christmas in the LaBrant household, with matching festive pajamas For years, the LaBrants have been entertaining followers with their goofy pranks and latest dance moves 'I already make millions of dollars on social media posting my kids online, and I live in a mansion. I don't need your money,' Cole told his followers. 'I'm doing this for you, for your benefit.' MLMs are controversial. They often face criticism for operating like pyramid schemes, and some are illegal. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the vast majority of participants earn little to nothing. Profits typically flow to recruiters at the top, and can leave masses of self-employed sellers at the bottom making a few hundred dollars per year, says the Federal Trade Commission. On its website, NeoLife acknowledges that only 0.1 percent of promoters are in its top tier for profits, while more than two thirds make less than $5,000 per year. Hannah Alonzo, a popular YouTuber who debunks cults, scams and pyramid schemes, dubbed it the 'perfect insane crossover' to have one of the 'biggest influencer families on the internet' embrace network marketing. Alonzo said that she pitied the LaBrants for being duped by their own recruiter but insisted that Cole's hires will have it worse. Sav and Cole were 'preying on their followers' and would 'recruit a ton of people, sit back and enjoy the recurring passive monthly income that comes from all their recruits working themselves into the ground', she added. NeoLife and the LaBrants did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. However, Alonzo said that people were becoming more wise to MLMs nowadays and Cole's new venture would 'fade into the background' behind the latest family dance video. The LaBrant's millions of followers, of course, have ring-side seats to watch how this all plays out. A tech sales executive accused of trying to lure a missing girl across the country for sex is still a free man despite sickening charges - and police won't say why. Matthew Nicholas Menard, 35, allegedly spent months grooming Alisa Petrov, 15, after getting in contact via Instagram through her secret iPad. He slowly gained her trust and police alleged convinced her to send him nude photos and engage in perverted sexual fantasies before agreeing to meet in person. Alisa suddenly disappeared from her school in Utah on April 21, and messages between the two revealed they had arranged to meet in Las Vegas. Police believe they never actually met, but Alisa has not been seen or heard from since she was spotted asking for help to get a bus ticket to Las Vegas. Menard last week was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and three counts of criminal solicitation. Police seized his phone at his home in Miami on April 30, but he was never arrested, even after a search of his device allegedly uncovered disturbing messages. South Jordan Police in Utah, which is leading the case, told DailyMail.com that Menard was not on the run, but refused to say why he wasn't in custody, despite a no-bail warrant being filed by the Utah Attorney General. Matthew Nicholas Menard, 35, from Miami was charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and criminal solicitation. Alisa Petrov, 15, disappeared after she was dropped off at her school in American Fork, Utah, on April 21 and hasn't been seen since that day The Miami Police Department refused to explain why Menard was not in custody, or even confirm South Jordan police asked it to help. 'City of Miami PD is always willing to assist other agencies if the call upon us. If there was an investigation from the City of Miami we would not share that information,' it said. Every other police agency in South Florida said they were not involved in the case and the FBI said it was only helping in the search for Alisa, and referred questions to South Jordan PD. Menard's lawyers, Collins Rupp in Bountiful, north of Salt Lake City, did not return calls. A second man Alisa was talking to, identified by police as William Taylor Glines, 37, from Texas City, Texas, was arrested on May 8 and remains in custody. His charges alleged he started talking to Alisa on February 3 and at one point said he was 'double checking' that she was 14 or 15. Many other conversations detailed in charging documents included explicit sexual language and nude photos. Glines was charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted aggravated exploitation of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and criminal solicitation. He was also charged by police in Texas with possessing more than 50 child sexual abuse images or videos. He is yet to enter a plea. Police have not said if Menard and Glines knew each other. 'My youngest and his sweetie,' Menard's mother Elizabeth wrote next to a photo of the couple in January. It's not clear if they were still together when he was charged Menard works as a sales manager at cybersecurity firm Acronis and previously a client executive at the cloud computing company ITsavvy, which was bought by Xerox last year, according to his now-deleted LinkedIn profile. He described himself as a 'results-oriented sales professional with a passion for building strong client relations'. Acronis claimed Menard no longer worked there, but refused to say when he left the company. The youngest of four brothers, Menard grew up in Noblesville outside Indianapolis, with his parents Oliver, who died in 2023, and Elizabeth. He moved first to Chicago, then to Miami and brought home a pretty, blonde girlfriend to Thanksgiving last year, where they all wore matching 'thankful for family' jumpers. 'My youngest and his sweetie,' Elizabeth wrote next to a photo of the pair in January. It's not clear if they were still together when he was charged. But beneath Menard's clean-cut, designer stubbled face was allegedly a depraved desire to sexually abuse young girls. Police detailed in affidavits the disturbing messages between Alisa and Menard dating back to January 17. 'At one point [Menard] asked [the girl], "Are u secretly 15 lol" to which [she] responded... "of course [y]eppers I'm actually in middle school",' police wrote in charging affidavits. Menard's now-deleted LinkedIn describes him as a 'results-oriented sales professional with a passion for building strong client relations' Beneath Menard's clean-cut, designer stubbled face was allegedly a depraved desire Despite allegedly knowing how young she was, they continued to talk and 'the conversations are largely sexual in nature'. '[Menard] over the course of several months, corresponded with [the teen] for the purpose of soliciting sex, sodomy, and child sex abuse material from the minor,' the affidavit continued. '[He] discussed in graphic detail his intent to sexually abuse the child. [He] encouraged and engaged with [the teen] all from the state of Florida, where all his substantial ties to the community and resources are.' Some of the texts included in the affidavit included incredibly graphic descriptions of sexual acts he allegedly wanted to perform on the teen. Eventually, the pair made plans to meet in Las Vegas - where Alisa told witnesses she was heading - and then go to Menard's home in Miami. 'Matt tells the victim he will fly to Las Vegas for a business trip later in May, and she can lay low until he gets there,' the warrant stated. 'They then planned to fly to Los Angeles, CA, together for several days, before ultimately going back to Miami, FL, where Matt lives.' Alisa secretly made the plans with Menard using a long-forgotten iPad she dug out of a dusty box and hid in dresser, her mother said. The device was only found when police rummaged through the family's suburban home in American Fork, about 32 miles south of Salt Lake City. Alisa skipped school and got on a train to Provo, Utah, then tried to go to Las Vegas to meet one of the alleged pedophiles. He planned to fly her to his home in Miami via Los Angeles She was spotted on surveillance footage making a purchase at a local gas station before boarding a UTA train. On April 21, Alisa was dropped off at her school, Canyon Grove Academy. But instead of going to class, she bought supplies at a nearby gas station and convinced a man there to drive her to the local train station. She got off the train in Provo, about 14 miles south of American Fork, and asked multiple people there to help her get a bus ticket to Las Vegas. The teenager hasn't been seen since, and no one knows where she went, who she is with, or how much danger she is in. '[Police] say they cannot guarantee [that Alisa is still alive], but there was no indication that she's not,' Alisa's mother, Olga Petrov, told DailyMail.com. 'They say they still have some leads... but we have no idea what kind of leads, they're not saying anything.' Olga said she and her husband, Nikolai, were vigilant in protecting their daughter and educated her about the dangers of talking to strangers online. 'We regularly check her phone and there was nothing suspicious. Everything seemed to be normal, just classmates, neighbors,' she said. 'We never thought she could be talking to strangers in this way.' The worried mother hoped Alisa was just staying away because 'I would assume she's really embarrassed.' Alisa as a young girl with her parents Olga and Nikolai Petrov, who did all they could to keep their daughter safe from dangers lurking in the shadows Olga (pictured with a young Alisa) said the iPad was so well hidden that she and her husband missed it when they searched their house for clues after she didn't come home She said Alisa didn't have much money and that she didn't have a coat, even though it was below 40 degrees on some of nights after she went missing. 'So somebody else is either helping her and we don't know who or where... I'm not suspecting the worst,' Olga said. 'That means she's with somebody else and we don't know if it's a good person or a bad person.' Olga believes Menard and Glines likely lied about their ages and sent her fake or younger photos of themselves to lure her in. 'I don't believe that was her idea talking to those guys, I think they convinced her to keep talking to them,' she said. 'She told them she is a minor and they still proceeded with the nasty stuff, which is really gross.' Alisa was very trusting of people and liked to strike up conversations with others in the park while hiking or on family holidays. Instead of going to class, Alisa went to a nearby convenience store and bought supplies, which was caught on CCTV, then got on a UTA train to Provo William Taylor Glines, 37, from Texas City, Texas, allegedly had graphic sexual conversations with Alisa before she ran away 'She was always trying to meet people to talk to people, like I mean she was just trusting, and we cautioned her about it all the time to at least to be careful,' her mother said. 'That's just how she is... and they took advantage of her.' Olga said Alisa wanted to study forensics and was taking some AP classes this semester before she went missing. 'Everything was really good, but those guys messed everything up,' she said. Glines was arrested after being identified through a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The probable cause affidavit detailed equally disturbing conversations between Glines and Alisa, including how he convinced he to send nude photos and videos. '[Alisa] expresses feeling extremely uncomfortable and anxious sending pictures and photos of herself, to the point it made her want to self-harm,' it alleged. She was so uncomfortable that on one occasion when Glines allegedly threatened to punish her if she refused, she asked for the punishment instead. Alisa wanted to study forensics and was already doing some AP classes this semester before she went missing Alisa was very trusting of people and liked to strike up conversations with people in the park, while hiking, or on family holidays Alisa asked multiple people to help her get to Las Vegas He told her to beat herself with a piece of wood or a hairbrush as hard as she could, explaining 'I'm a sadist'. 'I'm just saying if the average person knew I was talking to you they'd want to cut my f**king d**k [off],' he said during another conversation. Petrov's desperate family are offering a $20,000 reward for anyone with information on her whereabouts. They set up a website with a desperate appeal to the teen. 'Alisa, if you can see this, please know that we love you, we will always love you. We miss you. All of your friends and our friends are very worried too,' her parents wrote. Whether Alisa made it to Las Vegas and met either of the men is unclear, as is what happened to her after she was seen in Provo, Utah Petrov's desperate family are offering a $20,000 reward for anyone with information on her whereabouts 'We all want you to return. You will not get in trouble for running away. We are not mad at you. We absolutely love you regardless of what happened. 'We just want you to return back so that we are together as a happy family who care about each other, and we will try our hardest to make you happy. Please come back.' Police have classified the teen as an endangered runaway. She is described as standing about 5-foot-3 and weighing about 122 pounds. Surveillance footage from the gas station showed her wearing a white shirt with darker lettering on the front. Democrats continue struggling through their journey in the political wilderness, but one problem they have identified is a loss of their grip on popular culture. Their familiar effort to win the endorsements of celebrities and to campaign with pop culture icons failed to generate the same enthusiasm that propelled politicians like former President Barack Obama. Instead, Trump's political success was fueled by appealing to center-left podcast hosts, comedians, gamer streamers, and online influencers who helped him seize an unprecedented number of votes of Americans previously ignored by the Republican Party. The New York Times revealed that several Democratic groups have pitched ideas to amplify their politics online, many of them receiving millions from investors to get started. But the Democrat attempt to create a 'left wing' podcast network to swing the conversation to the left drew jeers from MAGA political strategists. 'I mean, good for them, if they can sucker these people into giving them money, it's just a total grift, that will have no effect,' Republican political strategist Alex Bruesewitz told the Daily Mail. He ridiculed Democrats for 'being completely out of touch.' Bruesewitz worked with Barron Trump to shepherd President Trump through the unconventional but influential world of podcast personalities such as Theo Von, Andrew Schultz, the Nelk Brothers, Jake and Logan Paul, Adin Ross, as well as the number one podcaster Joe Rogan. The search for the 'liberal Joe Rogan' has become a punchline for Republicans who point out that Rogan was once a California liberal, but that the policies of the left drove him away. Comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan on his show the Joe Rogan Experience in Austin, Texas Theo Von, left speaks with Jake Paul in Emancipation Hall at the 60th Presidential Inauguration Comedian Andrew Schulz interviewed Donald Trump on his podcast 'Flagrant' 'The Left should stop and ask how they lost Joe Rogan in the first place,' online strategist Zach Henry told the Daily Mail. 'But just like after every election, they skip the introspection and double downmore spin, more propaganda, never any accountability.' 'They had the liberal Rogan, his name was Joe Rogan, until their psychotic policies alienated him,' wrote former Trump aide and political strategist Andrew Surabian on X. Rogan was once a supporter of Sen. Bernie Sanders for president in 2016 and also championed Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a former rising Democrat before she was effectively ostracized from Democratic leadership and joined the Republican Party. Surabian argued that the left was ignorant of how Rogan earned the trust and admiration of his massive audience. 'Dems STILL don't get Rogan's appeal. He built an apolitical fanbase over 25 years precisely because people trust he isn't bought and paid for by a political party,' he wrote. Bruesewitz said Democrats would need to dial back on some of their more unpopular policies and engage with existing influential podcasts if they wanted to find their way back into political rebalance. 'Instead of reversing their insane policies that are not rooted in common sense and have alienated every reasonable person in America, Democrats are going to double down on their insanity, and just invest millions of dollars to astroturf shills of their policies,' To be a 'shill' in the podcast and influencer community is the biggest insult, as critics frequently question whether rising shows and podcasts are somehow being compromised by a growing coalition of well-funded interests who want to control the message. Jake Paul (L) and Logan Paul (R) sit the VIP viewing area in Emancipation Hall for the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump Donald Trump participates in an interview with Logan Paul Political strategists from the 1990s and early 2000s sense a familiar trend among Democrats who worked tirelessly to create a 'left-wing Rush Limbaugh,' after the titan AM political talk show radio host singlehandedly weaponized common sense, humor, and unvarnished conservative opinions to swing the country to the right. Left-wing efforts to astroturf talk radio resulted in failed projects such as Air America, which crumbled into obscurity. Even Democratic strategists appeared discouraged by the conversation stemming from activists trying to raise money to try and build their own networks. 'There is no liberal Joe Rogan because there isn't a conservative Joe Rogan,' wrote former Kamala Harris political strategist Mike Nellis on X. 'He's a f***ing entertainer. Go on his show and engage with his audience.' Notably, Harris snubbed Rogan's invite to appear on his program during the 2024 campaign, while Trump sat for a multiple hour interview spanning a wide range of topics. The now-president's interview broke YouTube records and garnered over 38 million views in just three days. But Democrats who are now eager to go on podcasts also face a barrier from the podcast community who have rejected a lot of the policies. Efforts to abandon free speech principles and cancel comedians for 'anti-woke' jokes was highly unpopular with their audiences. Should a Democrat get a spot on the show, they would have to answer for any attacks on free speech, 'woke' policies, and admit they did something wrong in the last election cycle. Alex Bruesewitz poses for a photo with President Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor at Politicon at the Pasadena Convention Center Creating safer more partisan spaces online tends to make Democrats more comfortable. The 'Obama bros' Jon Lovett, Jon Favreau, and Tommy Vietor who funded the Pod Save America podcast after President Trump beat Hillary Clinton in 2016, won significant funding from Democratic benefactors including George Soros to help expand 'Crooked Media' into a larger news and podcast network. The digital publishing group MeidasTouch made waves during the 2024 election and expanded their footprint in 2025 after Harris lost to Trump. But neither of the overtly political messaging platforms can touch the impact of Rogan's audience and influence combined with other prominent podcasters who agreed to interview Trump on their shows. A gleeful Bruesewitz suggested that Democrats invest more in existing liberal influencers who were already being patronized by political firms to drive a Democratic message. David Hogg attends the Fast Company Innovation Festival 2024 a David Hogg appears on Real Time with Bill Maher 'I'm just hopeful that David Hogg wins and they invest millions to platform him.' Bruesewitz said. Hogg, a student who attended Parkland High School in Florida during the 2018 school shooting, was plucked out by liberal professionals to lead a charge for gun control. Conservatives were amazed that Hogg was elevated to a prominent position in the Democratic National Committee where he began tearing down existing Democrats and generating heartburn for party operatives. Bruesewitz, who enthusiastically supported Hogg's rise as a bit of a troll, suggested that he take up the mantle of the left's biggest voice in the podcasting world. 'He should leave the DNC now, I think he's done his work there, he should leave the DNC now and take tens of millions of dollars to be the left's Joe Rogan,' he said. Almost a year after Jay Slater tragically fell to his death following an all-night rave on a trip to Tenerife, his family were finally hoping for some answers. But instead, while last Wednesday's inquest did fill in a number of gaps, the failure of five key witnesses to attend Preston Coroner's Court means mystery still surrounds the 19-year-old's final hours. The Mail's Nick Pisa spent several months covering the case as he reported extensively from the scene and James Tozer was at the inquest for the teenager. Fred Kelly last week picked apart the new mysteries in the case. But as Jay's mother Debbie Duncan pleaded for information, here Nick and James use their unrivalled knowledge of the story to reveal the eight key points they think could hold the key to finally solve the riddle of Jay's disappearance. 1. How did Jay become separated from his friends? Jay and his Lancashire friends Bradley Hargreaves, Brandon Hodgson, both now 20, and Lucy Law, 19 - were in Tenerife to attend the three-day NRG music festival last June. But at some point during the final night - June 16 - at Papagayo, in Playa de las Americas, he became separated from them. In a Snapchat message about stealing a high-end watch which was screenshotted by friend Josh Forshaw who first met Jay on the flight to Tenerife the teenager wrote that he had 'ended up getting thrown out of there'. During the search of the island after he went missing, close friend Mr Hargreaves also known as Bradley Geoghegan told ITV This Morning: 'What's happened is that we have split up, but he has been with people that he already knew.' Jay Slater pictured before he went missing in Tenerife, seen with his mother Debbie Duncan Jay had been driven back to this remote Airbnb before apparently setting off to the resort where he was staying 20 miles away on foot Jay posted this Snapchat of himself standing on the steps of the Airbnb villa Those 'people' are now known to have been convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, 31, and Steven 'Rocky' Roccas. Exactly how Jay left the club and apparently bumped into the men on Veronica's Strip where they bought kebabs remains unclear. Speaking to a podcast in January, Mr Qassim claimed that Mr Hargreaves had wanted to go home but Jay 'refused' to go back. 'I don't know if they thought we were going to be out until the morning,' he said. 'He was like "Bro, matey's left, he's gone back to the apartment, I ain't got the key or anything, is it cool if I chill with you lot?"' Mr Qassim said he told Jay 'I'll give you the sofa downstairs, mind you it's a bit of a drive away'. 'He's like "no no, it's sound, no problem".' What is not in doubt is that Mr Qassim drove the trio back to the remote village of Masca where he and Mr Roccas were staying in a 40-a-night Airbnb, arriving at around 6.30am. Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, disappeared while on a three-day holiday for a music festival 'He's ended up back with them and I don't know how or what has gone on there but he's gone off and rang me halfway to their house saying "I'm staying here and I'll be back the next day",' Mr Hargreaves said. Messages read to Wednesday's inquest detail his friends' concern that they couldn't locate him. Friend Lucy Law made 'repeated efforts' to contact Jay, telling him he is 'off your head' and to go back to their apartment. 2. Why did Jay get into a car with two people he barely knew and travel back to their remote Airbnb? Mr Qassim, initially known only by his nickname Johnny Vegas, had only met Jay for the first time on day one of the festival. He was jailed for nine years in 2015 for being the ringleader of a London-based gang dealing heroin and crack cocaine in Cardiff. While Mr Qassim drove Jay and 'Rocky' on the 19-mile journey up into the mountains in his rented Seat, Jay sent a Snapchat message to his friends boasting that he had just stolen a 12,000 Rolex watch from a reveller and was going to sell it for 10,000. Quite why Jay went from Playas de Americas near where he was already renting a holiday apartment to the remote Rural de Teno park is a key unanswered question. TV sleuth Mark Williams-Thomas spoke to Mr Qassim after Jay's disappearance. 'He told me he was on the [Veronicas] Strip in Playa de las Americas and said that Jay wanted to carry on partying and that he hadn't anywhere to stay, so he invited him back to his rental,' Mr Williams-Thomas told Mail Online last year. Jay sent a message to his friends while being driven to the Airbnb with convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim (pictured) Jay with close friend, Lucy Mae Law, who was with him in Tenerife and did not attend the inquest Bradley Hargreaves was one of the five key witnesses who failed to attend Preston Coroner's Court this week 'In the car they played music all the way, they stopped once to get a can of fizzy drink, and there was three of them in the car, Jay in the back and Qassim's friend in the front.' Speaking later on social media, Mr Qassim said: 'No one took no-one bro. He invited himself.' Both Mr Qassim and Mr Roccas were deemed 'irrelevant' by Spanish police investigating Jay's disappearance and permitted to leave Tenerife. 3. Is there any truth in Jay's claim he had stolen a luxury watch and was planning to sell it for 10,000? As Jay was being driven up into the mountains he sent friend Josh Forshaw a Snapchat message saying he had 'ended up getting thrown out of there me with 2 maili kids just took an AP off some **** on way to sell it for 10 quid'. Then shortly before 6am Jay sent an image to a different Snapchat group captioned: 'Just took a 12k rolly of some **** wi this Mali kid off to to get 10 quid for it now haha off my undies.' Preston Coroner's Court heard that '10 quid' was slang for 10,000, AP was a reference to high-end Audemars Piguet brand and 'Rolly' meant a Rolex. Asked about the messages in an online chat last July, Mr Qassim said: 'No one took my watch, bro. 'Why the f*** would I invite someone who took my watch back to mine so they can sleep on the sofa, what are you on about?' Mr Forshaw said he never saw the watch and had no involvement in attempts to sell it. Jay vanished after attempting to walk back to his lodging after missing a bus from this Airbnb 6AM ON THE DAY JAY VANISHED: He sends a photo to friends while in the back of a car 6AM: A brief video clip is shown of him in the back of the car, claiming how he 'took' a 12,000 watch 7.08am: Jay sent friends a seven-second clip showing mountains outside the Airbnb he was driven back to by Britons Ayub Qassim and Steven Roccas on the morning of his disappearance police later geolocated the footage to Masca Snapchat messages normally delete automatically, but Mr Forshaw said he saved the 'AP' one and later handed it to police. The message about the Rolex was later recovered following analysis of Jay's phone. Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Higson, head of Lancashire Police's digital media investigation unit, said barring the messages there was no evidence on Jay's iPhone about a stolen watch. 4. Why was Jay so adamant that he wasn't going to 'go home' the night before he died? Josh Forshaw who gave evidence by videolink - said he met Jay and his friends for the first time when they flew out for the NRG festival and swapped Snapchat details. He told the Spanish authorities that when he saw Jay on June 16 the night before his death he seemed to be 'off his head on drugs'. At the inquest he said Jay was 'excitable' and 'joyful'. Later in the night there were 'repeated efforts' by Lucy Law to contact Jay, telling him he is 'off your head' and to go back to their apartment. At around 2.40am on June 17 a message was sent by Mr Hodgson reading: 'You need to get home.' Jay replied: 'You think I'm going home you must be disabled.' Jay's family and many others laid the 19-year-old to rest at his funeral on August 10, and asked he be allowed to rest in peace without conspiracies spiralling about his death Jay's body was brought to Accrington Crematorium Chapel by horse-drawn carriage Police analysis found messages recovered from Jay's phone from that night fitted with his friends being 'concerned about his state' due to his being 'incapacitated'. 5. Why did Jay send a friend a picture of himself with two knives and what happened to them? Josh Forshaw claimed that in the early morning of June 17, Jay sent him an image with mountains in the background and showing his top pulled up and two knives in his waistband. At the same time through Snapchat he said Jay texted him: 'I'm carrying these in case it kicks off.' Mr Forshaw said he didn't save the image and did not mention it to the Spanish Guardia Civil law enforcement agency before leaving Tenerife. However he told Lancashire Police about it when he returned to the UK because it was 'the right thing to do'. Mr Forshaw said he did not ask Jay if he was ok in response to the message, but at the inquest insisted under oath that he was telling the truth. Asked last summer about the knives, Mr Qassim said it was 'mental like the guy had two knives on him' and suggested that it meant 'we was in danger'. This week TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas claimed that the knives were 'still in that apartment' when he set off from the Airbnb. 6. Why did he abruptly leave the Airbnb having only arrived there about an hour earlier? If Jay did indeed come back to the Airbnb because he didn't have anywhere else to stay, then why did he leave so soon after arriving? Jay left the remote cottage after less than 90 minutes, apparently hoping to catch the bus back to Los Cristianos. Lucy Law (above) is among those who could not be traced to give evidence, a coroner revealed Jay Slater pictured with friend Brad Hargreaves (left), with whom he was on holiday in Tenerife According to investigator Mark Williams-Thomas, Mr Qassim told him that when they arrived at the rental, Steven 'Rocky' Roccas went straight to bed. 'Jay walked in, and Qassim walked in behind him, went upstairs, and got him a red blanket,' he told MailOnline last year. 'Qassim said "Yo bro, the sofa's for you there" and he gave him a towel if he needed a shower.' He also said he gave Jay a cigarette and let him borrow a phone charger. Mr Williams-Thomas said that Mr Qassim told him he woke up around an hour later to the sound of the door buzzing. He added: 'Qassim opened the door and spoke to a woman and man and they told him to move his car, which he did, and he said he could see Jay chatting to a woman.' After moving the car he said Jay had put his trainers on. 'Qassim said to him "Chill, mate, I'll drop you off later, when I wake up' but he said Jay said 'nah, I need some scran, I'm hungry".' In a podcast interview earlier this year he said Jay told him: 'Bro I'm going to get off.' A police officer overlooks Masca in Tenerife during the search for Jay Slater A dog in the search team which searched for Jay Slater in June Speaking separately on social media last July, Mr Qassim said: 'Yeah I offered him a lift back, but obviously when I wake up, cos you've got to remember we came back at 6.30, 6.40 in the morning like. 'And I only slept for an hour before I had to move my car.' 7. Was he scared of something? Mr Qassim has consistently denied any involvement in Jay's death, saying he 'arrived alive' at his rented cottage and 'left alive'. Asked on social media following the tragic discovery of Jay's body why the teenager would be scared, Mr Qassim said he didn't know. 'I've got videos on my phone where me and him are videoing Rocky in the car where Rocky's sleeping on the front,' he said. 'He was calm, it was a vibe like, we were just bossing jokes, all of this scared and all of that, is like, what you on about scared?' Three Spanish witnesses who gave statements to police agreed that Jay was asking when the next bus would come through the village, making no reference to any sense of panic or drama. Detective Chief Inspector Higson analysed Jay's iPhone found with his body after it was returned to his family. She told this week's inquest that from his messages 'there's nothing at all to suggest Jay was frightened, that he was under any threat, that he was scared of anybody, that he was forced to do anything against his will'. Analysis of the phone battery, location and activity data were 'consistent' with what witnesses had said and where he was last seen, she added. Describing the Facetime call between Jay and his friend Mr Hargreaves which he overheard as the 19-year-old set out on foot, Mr Forshaw told the inquest: 'He was slurring his words but he wasn't begging for help or anything. Jay's disappearance sparked a month-long search effort, which garnered world-wide attention Ayub Qassim invited Jay, 19, back to his rented Airbnb in the mountainous Masca region after the teen had been partying at the final night of the NRG festival in Playa de las Americas, Tenerife Qassim shared footage of the moment that he, Rocky (pictured) and Jay got back to the Airbnb. Qassim and Jay can be laughing at the way Rocky is sleeping in the passenger seat 'He didn't sound like he was in danger.' Jay didn't sound 'distressed or angry', he added. 8. Why did he decide to set out on foot with no water and his phone running out of charge? Jay called his friend Lucy Law at around 8.15am on June 17, telling her that he was 'lost in the mountains with one per cent battery and no water' and had missed a bus back to where he was staying so was trying to walk. From the Airbnb it is around an 11-hour walk to Jay's accommodation in Los Cristianos so it is understandable that he asked locals whether there was a bus or a taxi. In a statement read to the inquest, villager Luisa Hernandez recalled Jay asking her at about 7.55am when the next bus would be. She responded that it was due around 10am, attempting to communicate by pointing when it became clear that he didn't understand Spanish. In a separate interview with MailOnline she told how she held both hands up to signify 'ten' and said 'diez' repeatedly. According to Mr Williams-Thomas, Mr Qassim's account is that Jay misunderstood her answer and believed she had said there was a bus 'every ten minutes'. Locals also told Jay there was no taxi service in the village. Either way it remains unclear why he did not try to wait for a bus or flag down a passing car leading to speculation that for some reason he was trying to get away from the village as quickly as possible. Later that morning Mrs Hernandez was driving to an appointment and briefly caught sight of Jay walking 'at a brisk pace' along the main road. Following his disappearance she said Jay walked away 'quickly', but crucially the wrong way up the hill towards the gorge instead of down towards the city. Members of Jay Slater's family including his mother Debbie Duncan (front right) arrive at Preston Coroner's Court in Lancashire for the inquest into the death of the 19-year-old This was the last time he was seen alive. After his disappearance, Bradley Hargreaves told This Morning that Jay 'rang me walking down the mountain and he just says he's walking home'. He added: 'At the time I didn't think anything of it I just thought he was going to get a bus home or a taxi home because that's what he says he is going to do.' Mr Hargreaves said he could hear stones underfoot and could see Jay had strayed from the path. 'We were both laughing and he said, "Look where I am" and I was like, "I've just come out of a festival" and he didn't seem concerned on the phone until we knew how far away he was. 'I said [to Jay] "Put your location on" and he said "a 15 minute drive or a 14 hour walk, I don't know if it's accurate or not" and I said, "If it's only a 15 minute drive, get a taxi".' But Mr Forshaw recalled overhearing a conversation at around that time in which Jay told Mr Hargreaves he had no money for a taxi. The last contact was a Snapchat call at 8.55am. Police analysed the phone's battery health and established that at 8.27am that morning it was on three per cent, declining to two per cent by 8.33am and one per cent at 8.52am. The phone also showed strenuous activity including ascending 'inclines' between 7.49am and 8.49am but nothing after that consistent with the phone running out of charge. The inquest heard from members of a Dutch search team which flew out to the island at Jay's family's request. They said it would have taken Jay about three-and-a-half hours to hike from the Airbnb in Masca to the ravine where his body was found. Poignantly they said that from having retraced his last steps, they could appreciate why as a 'young guy' he might have believed he was 'going to make it'. It was only the last hour of the route where it became 'difficult to walk', although there was a stream he could have drunk from. Traces of cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine were found in Jay's body, the inquest heard. However due to the length of time between Jay's death and the samples being taken, toxicologist Dr Stephanie Martin was unable to say if he had been under the influence of drugs when he fell to his death. A bitter feud has erupted in a ritzy beachside suburb after a customer complained to the owner of a cheese company about finding a metal bolt in her purchase. Julia Sakr said she had bought a block of Maffra Cheese at her local supermarket, the Fruitlologist in Bondi, in Sydney's eastern suburbs. 'I had a hankering for cheddar cheese and crackers and I saw this gourmet piece of cheese,' the pregnant mother said in a TikTok video shared on Saturday. Ms Sakr said when she arrived home she opened the cheese and discovered a small metal nut inside of it. 'I broke up the top piece, and I saw on the backside of it a bolt. Like a metal bolt, you know, like a tool,' she said. 'This small block of cheese was $10 and it was at night time, so I wasn't going to go back to the Fruitologist to get it exchanged or get my money back.' Ms Sakr threw out the entire block, not wanting to eat the cheese in case the rest was contaminated. 'The very next morning we were going to Cairns for a week and I only just got back yesterday, so I was like, "OK, I'll just email the company and let them know",' she said. 'Number one, so they know it's obviously an issue having a bolt in their cheese, and number two, I just paid $10 for a small block of cheese I didn't get to enjoy.' 'So I said, "Hi there, I purchased your cheese from the Fruitologist in Bondi this evening and I found a bolt in there. I'm glad I spotted it before chewing on some cheese and crackers. How do I get a refund on this?"' She said she received a response in the morning from the director of Maffra Cheese who thanked her for reporting the incident. Ms Sakr claimed the director asked for pictures of the batch number on the back label so she could investigate the incident. 'I was like, "how? I've already thrown it away," which I did, and my cleaners come once a week, so by the time I get back from Cairns, it's not gonna be there,' she said. 'And to be honest, I was a bit p***ed off because like a customer is telling you that they found a bolt in your cheese. 'I decided to get petty because I was like I'm not (going to) let this woman keep my $10 if that's the attitude she's gonna have.' Julia Sakr claimed she was referred to police over the suggestion her cheese block contained a metal nut Ms Sakr bought the $10 block from trendy Bondi supermarket the Fruitologist Then, Ms Sakr said the director informed her the production line doesn't use nuts like the one in her photo, and all the cheeses pass through a metal detector. 'I responded with, "Are you seriously denying this? Why on earth would I contact you if this didn't happen?".' Ms Sakr had hoped the saga could have been 'nipped in the bud'. Instead, she said she received an email, warning her the director would be contacting the police. 'Today I get a response from her saying, "I will be making a police report",' she said. Ms Sakr shared a shot of the email apparently originating from Maffra master cheesemaker Ferial Zekiman. 'I will be making a police report. Kind Regards, Ferial Zekiman,' the email read. It remains unclear whether the police report was intended to be made against Ms Sakr, or about the metal bolt that had been found in the cheese. The Victorian cheesemaker is directed by master cheesemaker Ferial Zekiman Daily Mail Australia has contacted Maffra Cheese for comment. Social media users agreed Ms Sakr had received less-than-satisfactory treatment over the complaint. 'Wow that is incredibly bad customer service,' one said. 'Be petty queen,' another said. Others took the cheesemaker's side. 'The reason they asked for the batch and best before date is so they could investigate the production batch and issue a public food recall,' one wrote. 'Her initial response was perfectly acceptable and to industry standard.' 'The way I read their first reply email was that they wanted the batch number to make sure none of the others were contaminated, potentially pulling all others off shelves from that batch,' another agreed. 'And most of these places do use metal detectors due to the machinery used in production.' Some viewers, however, said the situation could have been handled better by both parties. 'Her initial response was valid, all companies ask for bb dates etc after a complaint, but the rest of her interaction is absolutely ridiculous!' one wrote. 'She could have just explained why she was requesting that info rather than what she did.' A migrant mother of two young boys who was allegedly murdered by her husband and his brother admitted she wanted a divorce and had been sleeping in a car. On the same day she was allegedly killed, Muzhda Habibi, 23, left a Whatsapp voice message for her sister in Afghanistan saying she was unhappy in her marriage. Afghan-Australian advocate Rita Anwari has since been played several messages by Muzhda's sister, and in a message on May 16, her husband Khalilullah Habibi could be heard in the background, she said. That day, Ms Habibi, 23, was found dead at her Springfield Lakes home, south-west of Brisbane in Queensland. Police arrested her husband and his brother Masihullah Habibi, 28, and charged them with domestic violence murder. They have both been remanded in custody pending trial. Ms Anwari had known Ms Habibi by sight, having first seen her while jogging in Central Parklands near Ipswich, west of Brisbane. She said Muzhda would often be seen walking with a group, was always 'dressed very respectfully' and had 'gorgeous glowing skin'. But 'sometimes she was in the park sitting alone, isolated, that she doesnt want to be in touch with anyone'. Muzhda Habibi, 23, was allegedly murdered by her husband Khalilullah (pictured, the couple together) and his brother Masihullah Habibi, 28, after she planned to divorce him Muzhda Habibi had only been back in Australia for a few weeks when she moved into this Springfield Lakes house where police allege her husband and his brother murdered her The young mother hoped to have a freer life in Australia after leaving Afghanistan and see her sons grow up and go to university Ms Habibi had recently moved in with her husband and brother-in-law to the bottom half of a two-storey house on Ash Avenue in Springfield Lakes, where emergency service responders found her 'unconscious and not breathing' around 8pm on May 16. Ms Anwari said she had learned from Ms Habibi's family, who live in the Spain, the UK and the US, that the young mother had been back and forth between Afghanistan and Australia over the last few years. She had studied English at TAFE but her children mostly spoke Farsi with little English because the three and four-year-old boys had not yet attended school or had the chance to pick up the language in Australia. 'She got married with this fella to come to Australia to complete her education, to go to work, and also she had a dream to see her children as graduated from university,' Ms Anwari said. 'In Afghanistan girls cant go to school past grade six, and can't work outside the home. 'Its kind of like a woman is living in a cage.' She said that Khalilullah Habibi had come to live in Australia some time ago, and that Muzhda had joined him in 2021, but that her husband repeatedly pushed her to go back to their home country to stay with his relatives. 'She eventually asked for a divorce. Under Sharia law back in Afghanistan after divorce the children are with the father and she was worried,' Ms Anwari said. Muzhda Habibi is pictured with her children Police tape around the Springfield Lakes house south-east of Ipswich where Muzhda Habibi was found unresponsive and not breathing at 8pm on May 16 A cigarette packet, ashtray and empty glasses on a table at the residence where emergency workers found Muzhda Habibi unresponsive on the evening of May 16 Afghan Australian and women's advocate Rita Anwari said that her community hoped that Muzhda's relatives could look after the deceased woman's young sons, aged 3 and 4, who were with strangers since the tragedy Muzhda had only been back in Australia a few weeks after a visit to Afghanistan and had been sleeping in a car, with one night in a motel, before her husband and his brother had rented the Springfield Lakes home. Muzhda had been having disagreements with her husband, and was hoping to move somewhere else, said Ms Anwari. 'Afghans like Australia over Europe [or] over America because it is a free society and women can feel safe here,' Ms Anwari said. Local Afghan-Australians are planning a memorial for her next Sunday in Springfield Central Parklands, but it is unclear who will claim her remains in the morgue. 'It's so tragic. The children have lost their mother and their father is (in custody) so the boys are with strangers,' Ms Anwari said. 'We want, and Muzhdas family want, the children to be looked after by their blood relatives, which is her sister or her mother. 'The family is devastated. The sister was holidaying in Kabul when it happened. 'When she heard what happened to her daughter, Muzhda's mother collapsed, like a stroke, she is in hospital and can hardly talk.' Khalillulah Habibi and Masihullah Habibi's legal cases are scheduled for mention in court on June 25, with neither required to appear on that occasion. Two small communities are locked in an extraordinary dispute about who should have a massive housing development in their area with both insisting it should be them. Discussions are underway about 2,000 homes being built at Robertson Barracks in Norfolk - a historic 400-acre military base where Churchill and Eisenhower once met during the Second World War. But this has sparked a feud as the land lies on the boundary between Swanton Morley and neighbouring Hoe and Worthing both of which are laying claim to the development as it will generate significant council tax revenue. Much of the base, including where the barracks are located, is in Swanton Morley. But the area which once formed an RAF airfield and where most of the new homes would go up is in Hoe and Worthing. Swanton Morley, which has a population of 2,300, is now arguing it would make sense for the entire site to be administered by one parish, triggering accusations by its smaller neighbour, which has 300 residents, of a land grab. The issue exploded at a recent general purposes meeting hosted by Breckland District Council, the planning authority for the area, where Roger Atterwill, the chairman of Swanton Morley Parish Council, put forward the proposal. But Celia Daniel, the chairman of Hoe and Worthing Parish Meeting, complained there had been no engagement between the two areas about it. Robertson Barracks, which straddles the communities of Swanton Morley and Hoe and Worthing, is earmarked for 2,000 new homes when the base closes Roger Atterwill, chairman of Swanton Morley Parish Council, suggested at a meeting that boundary lines should be changed so that his community is responsible for all the new properties Counterpart Celia Daniel, of Hoe and Worthing, rejected the proposal, calling it 'morally wrong'. Others branded it a 'land grab' She said: This is deeply concerning. The proposal to enlarge Swanton Morley means reducing the Hoe and Worthing parish area. What they are asking for is morally wrong. Michael Goff, who farms land by the airfield, added: Fundamentally, this is a land grab. This will reduce Hoe and Worthing to an utterly irrelevant, moon-shaped sliver of a parish. It might as well disappear at that point. Ms Daniel declined to comment further when contacted by the Mail today, saying only that there had been various meetings since last year about the proposed sustainable development. But Mr Atterwill, who is also leader of the Independent and Green group at the district council, insisted there was no land grab - and claimed his parish was better suited to take on the responsibility of the new dwellings and more deserving of the funds. Between the two villages, Swanton Morley would have all the traffic and all the construction vehicles and everything that goes with that but the houses would be in Hoe and Worthing, he said. Every local authority has to have a local development plan which is made up of the district councils local plan and a selection of parish councils that have done their own neighbourhood plans, so that they can have their own development policies. Hoe and Worthing is quite a small hamlet. They dont have a local development plan and theyve got no intention of doing one. The historic barracks are currently home to 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards. During the Second World War it was RAF Swanton Morley - where Churchill and Eisenhower watched the first combined US and UK bombing raid of the war Royal visits have included one in 2016 from King Charles, who was the Prince of Wales at the time and Colonel-in-Chief of 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards The Princess of Wales visited the barracks in November 2023 after being made Colonel-in-Chief of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards by the King three months earlier Hoe and Worthing is not a parish council. Theyre a parish meeting. They are only meeting once or twice a year. They get a total precept of around 1,800 and ours is 98,000, so there is a difference in resources This is very important to Swanton Morley because were one of the largest villages in the district of Breckland. We have a medical practice here, road infrastructure that needs to be improved and the village school grounds could be expanded. Hoe and Worthing doesnt really have assets. Its got a couple of dog bins and notice boards but no other assets. They dont have a village hall. Mr Atterwill added having a local development plan meant his parish council would be able to lock in Section 106 agreements, under which developers must pay for local facilities in return for planning approval of lucrative sites. And he said Swanton Morley had ambitions to turn the Grade II listed air traffic control tower at the base into a museum due to its significance. On July 4, 1942, British prime minster Winston Churchill and General Dwight D Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe, watched American and British airmen take off from what was then RAF Swanton Morley on the first combined bombing raid of the war. The operation targeted German airfields in occupied Holland and involved six US crews from 15th Bombardment Squadron and six RAF crews from 226 Squadron, using Boston light bombers. The military base was handed over to the Army by the RAF in 1995 Swinton Morley Parish Council want to convert the Grade II listed air traffic control tower at the barracks into a museum Mr Atterwill added: There is no intention to land grab because we are not grabbing any land. Were not looking to grab any buildings. Its simply moving the boundary around the field. Theres no homes or base within that field [at present]. Locals were bemused by the feud between the modestly-sized communities, noting they might normally be expected to fight expansion to preserve their way of life. One said: I wouldnt call it a David and Goliath situation, more David and David. A Swanton Morley resident added: This is Dimbyism definitely in my back yard. The RAF handed the base over to the Army in 1995 and it was renamed after Sir William Robertson, head of the British Army during the First World War. Swanton Morley has 2,300 residents and facilities including a GP surgery, village hall, church and two pubs Hoe and Worthing have a population of 300, with two churches and a fishing lake. Its two pubs have been closed for decades It is currently home to 400 personnel of 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards, with family accommodation and a pre-school on-site, but is scheduled to close in 2031. Troops will relocate to Wales and the site has been earmarked for development under the district councils local plan for the next 20 years as part of efforts to build 16,500 homes in total. Breckland District Council were contacted by the Mail for a comment. But speaking at the May 15 general purposes meeting, district councillors said Swanton Morleys proposal had been put forward prematurely. Conservative member Mark Kiddle-Morris commented: Once there is a planning application, then it would be appropriate to consider this. But we are not quite there yet. This is the moment an Iceland delivery driver drove off with a furious customer on his bonnet after an explosive row sparked by him urinating on his bins. Josh Weaver, 27, claimed the courier became 'aggressive' when he confronted him for taking a toilet break next to the rubbish area of his block of flats. Mr Weaver said he was 'disgusted' and 'shocked' after spotting the brazen act and went over to the Iceland vehicle to confront the driver. But he claimed the courier then got 'aggressive' and slammed him against the van. The customer then called the police, standing in front of the vehicle in Norwood, south London, to prevent the driver from leaving. But instead of staying put, the courier apparently entered the truck from the driver's side and leapt onto the driver's seat so he could move the van. He allegedly drove around 20 seconds before coming to a half when he nearly crashed. Josh Weaver, 27, claimed the courier became 'aggressive' when he confronted him for taking a toilet break (pictured) Mr Weaver pictured on the bonnet of the Iceland driver's delivery van 'He's proceeded to drive into me. I got onto the bonnet. He's driving up the road, swerving,' Mr Weaver told The Sun. Afterwards, Mr Weaver - who had spent 50 on the shop - got off the bonnet before the driver sped off. It is not the first incident of alleged wrongdoing by delivery drivers. Last month, one courier was caught on camera walking away with a parcel - after taking a photo of it on a customer's doorstep to let her know it had 'arrived'. Melanie Hawkins was expecting two deliveries at her ex-boyfriend's address in Portsmouth. She said she had been waiting on goods from George at Asda, as well as a 60 package of clothing from Shein. After receiving confirmation from Evri, Melanie popped in to pick up her packages but noticed the parcel of clothes was missing. Last month, one courier was caught on camera walking away with a parcel - after taking a photo of it on a customer's doorstep to let her know it had 'arrived' A delivery driver was spotted placing a cardboard box and one of the packages on the doorstep before snapping a pic Melanie was then even more shocked when she saw CCTV footage showing that her delivery driver wandered in with the goods, then taken off with one package in hand. In the video, the courier is seen bringing two parcels and a cardboard box through the front gate and up to the doorstep. He places the cardboard box on the doorstep and then briefly places one of the packages on the ground - taking a photograph of it for confirmation purposes. However, he is then seen picking up the package again, tucking it under his arm and walking away with it. Richard Walker, Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods said: 'Shoplifting and retail crime continue to plague our high streets, and it's our hardworking front-line colleagues who are being hit the hardest. The minor skirmish featured in this clip shows one of our brave and dedicated security officers acting to protect our colleagues and customers, and is just one of around 1,000 such incidents we suffer across the country every single week. 'Every Monday morning our Board reviews a number of much more serious incidents involving physical assaults by shoplifters on our store colleagues and managers. No one in retailing or any other walk of life should have to put up with this. 'We are continuing to review and implement additional security measures where we can, but the truth is that these are merely treating the symptoms and not addressing the wider problem. 'Whilst police response times are improving on the whole, we're currently seeing a significant and totally unacceptable increase in serious violent offences. It's vital that the Government makes ending organised and violent shoplifting central to their high street renewal strategy. They have been making the right noises on this, which is promising, but now it is time for them to deliver.' Each May, as uniformed sailors flood New York City like it's 1945, a certain brand of Big Apple woman sets her sights on a specific target: a military man with a six-pack and zero attachments. But this year, the unofficial heart of Fleet Week was not a docked warship. It was a steamy, no-holds-barred singles party where women arrived solo and left with a first mate. Hosted by Single and the City founder Amber Soletti, the 'Fleet Week Mixer' at The Dean near Times Square has become an annual ritual for those who like their men disciplined, deployed and briefly available. 'I've been doing this party for eight years,' Soletti said. 'And every year, I go in with 150 women signed up and zero sailors. It's a Hail Mary - and then, boom, they show up.' If you've ever watched the Sex and the City episode featuring Carrie, Samantha and Co. flirting with sailors during Fleet Week, you get the idea. In fact, Soletti was inspired by it. 'When I moved to New York from Austin, I looked around for a Fleet Week party like that and realized there wasn't one,' she said. 'So I made it.' Each year, Fleet Week brings thousands of sailors to New York City - as well as a wave of women eager to meet them The wildest party is a mixer hosted by the owner of social event company Single and the City Seeing fireworks Despite what some men in uniform said about their motivations ('I'm just here to network'), they were definitely out to flirt, flex, and find someone to make out with while fireworks exploded over the Hudson River. Soletti said one woman texted her the morning after the mixer to say she had a breakfast date with a sailor she met at the event - and had already booked a ticket to visit him in Washington, D.C. But these whirlwind romances don't come without risk. According to Soletti, there's one piece of Navy-issued gear more precious than a heart: the sailor's white hat, or 'cover.' 'Apparently if they lose it, they can't leave the ship again,' she said. 'Last year, women kept walking off with them after dancing. These poor guys were running through the streets of Manhattan trying to find their covers before curfew. 'One guy told me, "I run fast, baby. No one's taking my cover."' One infamous party rule? Dont lose your 'cover' (the sailors' white hats), which are essential for re-boarding the ships Women flew in from across the country for the chance to dance, flirt and maybe more A few beers and free shots Jacob Hodson, a clean-shaven 27-year-old Navy officer stationed in Groton, Connecticut (who could pass for Miles Teller's Top Gun body double), told the Daily Mail he was '100 percent' ready to flirt - after a few beers, of course. His goal? 'Lasting memories,' he said diplomatically, before recounting how some Russian moms tried to pay him for a photo, but he insisted they take it for free as it was his 'public service'. Another sailor, 6-foot-8 Ejai Washington, said he loved the attention but hadn't yet brought anyone back to his room. 'You gotta reach a certain level for me to do that,' he teased. That didn't stop one restaurant owner from pulling him and his friends aside in Times Square and offering them free tequila shots. 'We're not gonna turn down free shots,' Washington said with a grin. Hookups are common, but so are week-long flings and post-party travel plans Grace Potter (right) flew in from Houston with a dream: meet sexy sailors and 'flirt it up.' Meanwhile, Marissa R. (left) said Fleet Week was 'absolutely worth the hype.' Every year, women walk off with them as keepsakes, sparking frantic chases by sailors through Manhattan 'Flirt Week' for the ladies Grace Potter, 24, flew in from Houston with a dream: to meet sexy sailors and 'flirt it up.' 'They've exceeded expectations,' she said. 'They're very welcoming, very flirty. A good time and a half.' Potter had even watched the Sex and the City episode as prep work. Her verdict? 'It's absolutely worth the hype.' Marissa R., a 23-year-old from Austin, took a more academic approach: 'My goal is to talk to as many people as I can, find out as many national secrets as I can, and then obviously keep them to myself,' she joked. She was spotted wearing two sailor hats at once, but said she hadn't kissed anyone 'yet.' 'But the night is young. Very young,' she added. Beatriz Borbon, 25, showed up to Fleet Week last year by accident - and returned this year on purpose. 'It was unhinged and really fun,' she said. 'Watching guys who hadn't seen civilization in ages re-enter society was wild.' She's kissed a few sailors and said 'they're eager,' but admitted that she can't tell the difference between Marines and sailors - and she doesn't care to. 'What's the difference?' she laughed. 'They're sweet, socially awkward nerds who mostly just want to dance with each other,' she chuckled. 'But the rogue Marine has game.' 'I've been doing this party for eight years,' said organizer Amber Soletti (left). 'And every year, I go in with 150 women signed up and zero sailors. It's a Hail Mary - and then, boom, they show up.' Guests are given pickup lines to recite. If someone else has the same line, you take a shot together Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, flirting with a navy sailor in an episode of Sex and the City Breaking the ice The party is structured chaos, thanks to Soletti's matchmaking methods. Guests are given salacious pickup lines to recite, including: 'I'm like Domino's. If I don't come in 30 minutes, the next one's free.' If someone else has the same line, you take a shot together. There was also a sidewalk push-up contest between two sailors egged on by the partygoers. As Soletti noted: 'It's not about meeting The One. It's about meeting... someone.' And for some, the party marked a rebirth. 'A woman came last year after a sexless marriage,' Soletti recalled. 'She brought someone home that night. She said it was like the movie How Stella Got Her Groove Back. She was glowing.' Who is to say I can't have a little bit of fun myself during Fleet Week? It's safe to say, I made my mark on Fleet Week - or at the very least, on the inside of someone's cover Sailing into the sunset As the crowd spilled out of the venue around 11:30pm, the sailors' hats were in jeopardy. 'Someone actually told me, "Hey, that guy really needs that back. He'll get in huge trouble,"' Soletti said. 'I told them, "Don't worry. I'm not keeping it. This isn't my trophy."' For now, the covers have survived, the hookups have commenced, and Fleet Week has once again delivered on its legacy as America's most chaotic, consensual mating ritual. But not all the sailors are looking for one-night stands. 'They usually hook up with one girl and stick with her,' one said of his shipmates. 'So at least they're loyal for the week.' To the two married Marines who spun me around the dance floor and then asked me not to write about it - don't worry, your secret's safe with everyone who reads this. What happens on shore doesnt always stay on shore. Sometimes, it ends up in the Daily Mail. Hamptons regulars were left stunned and furious after a baby was spotted being passed around after midnight during a champagne-fueled night out at one of the area's most exclusive clubs. One local dining with friends at Shelter Island's notorious Sunset Beach Hotel on Sunday night told Daily Mail he was shocked to see the 14-month old girl seated in the VIP area around midnight, surrounded by oblivious adults deep into the evening's Memorial weekend festivities. 'The baby looked stunned,' one witness said. 'The music was blaring, there were flashing lights, and the child was exposed to piercing whistles from the staff and thundering bass from the subwoofers.' One first-time visitor to Sunset Beach called the entire affair 'surreal.' 'There was something almost operatic in how vulgar it all was - the baby, the bottle service, the preening adults who seemed to think this was perfectly normal,' the witness told the Daily Mail. 'The whole scene reeked of a kind of tastelessness that money tends to amplify in places like this. 'I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised... but I was.' Shelter Island police are called to Sunset Beach after midnight on Sunday night Another witness overheard a waitress suggest some water for the baby, bringing it over in a plastic cup, while others saw the child being passed from one guest to another as the party 'raged'. 'It was horrible seeing that baby put through that,' an observer said. Shelter island Police Chief James Read confirmed to the Daily Mail that his department responded shortly after midnight to an anonymous call about a baby in the bar area of the nightspot. 'The caller claimed an infant was being "passed around" in the bottle service section with no parents in sight,' Read said. Officers quickly found both parents and noted the baby was safe and showing no signs of distress. The police report noted that 'no signs of maltreatment' were observed. Police also said neither parent showed signs of significant intoxication. 'While no enforcement action was warranted, this incident serves as an important reminder, as the summer season begins, for all guests and residents to use sound judgment - particularly when young children are present in adult social settings,' the chief added. The baby's mother, who has not been named, was given a drug and alcohol sobriety test - which came back negative - and was told to leave the venue with the child, a witness said. The Sunset Beach Hotel is a secluded enclave that's long been infamous for its wild party scene. Rose and Champagne is drunk by the gallon and look-at-me photographs are de rigueur with a crowd drawn from New York's wealthy finance, fashion and celebrity worlds. The Sunset Beach Hotel is owned by Andres Balazs, who also owns The Chateau Marmont in L.A. and The Chiltern Firehouse in London A woman, believed to be the child's mother, is seen holding the baby before midnight The whistle-blowing waitress is pictured as the baby looks 'stunned' at Shelter Island's Sunset Beach One waitress - seen in photos blowing a signature bottle-service whistle near the child - appeared visibly uncomfortable when police arrived. The manager was observed fielding multiple complaints from guests, some of whom were clearly 'not amused by the baby on the scene,' according to a bystander. The Sunset Beach Hotel and Restaurant is owned by renowned hotelier Andre Balazs, whose global portfolio includes the star-studded Chateau Marmont in Hollywood and the Chiltern Firehouse in London. In the late 1990s, Balazs purchased the sleepy Shelter Island motel and transformed it into a Euro-chic summer haven inspired by Saint-Tropez and frequented by models, moguls, and the children of the Big Apple's wealthy elite. 'The place is notorious for wild behavior, late-night parties, and DJ-fueled chaos that runs into the early hours,' said one longtime Shelter Island resident. 'It sells itself as refined bohemian luxury - but half the time, it's just a sandbox for people with too much money and not enough self-awareness.' The Sunset Beach Hotel (pictured) offers sweeping views of the Peconic Bay During peak summer weekends, reservations are nearly impossible to come by, a local told Daily Mail Over the years, Sunset Beach has hosted an endless stream of celebrities and influencers, including Chloe Sevigny, Gigi Hadid, and the Obama daughters. During peak summer weekends, reservations are nearly impossible to come by. Partygoers start lining up outside the beach club around 10pm. A longtime summer resident said 'high-spending guests not only receive VIP treatment, but can often dictate the evenings music, influencing what the entire club ends up dancing to and bottles can run up into the thousands.; 'The age demographics at Sunset are very interesting,' he shared. 'The crowd skews strikingly young 18 to 25-year-olds in crisp linens and barely-there dresses followed by an eerie demographic void. Then, suddenly, it picks up again in the fifties and beyond.' 'These older guests arent just patrons theyre parents, guardians, and chaperones, often watching from nearby tables or mingling just out of view.' He said some even party alongside their children, indulging the same cocktails, sometimes the same substances. 'The vibe is permissive, almost tribal. Everyone feels safe and perhaps emboldened by the knowledge that their beds, or someones guesthouse, are just a golf cart ride away,' he said. But on Memorial Day weekend, many locals said the scene inside the nightclub with the baby was the moment it veered from glamorous to grotesque. As one 23-year-old partygoer who spoke to Daily Mail put it: 'It honestly felt like a parody of rich people behavior - a baby in the middle of a nightclub, everyone pretending it was normal. 'There's this particular brand of East End tackiness that tries to pass as chic, but really it's just money with no taste and no boundaries. No one blinked. That was the strangest part.' President Donald Trump's friendship with the head of Apple has recently devolved following First Buddy Elon Musk's White House departure - and the fallout could put iPhones prices through the roof. Trump issued a blistering criticism of Apple CEO Tim Cook during his recent trip to the Middle East. The president then followed up with a threat to impose tariffs on all iPhones built outside the US. The move was more shocking because Cook has long been considered tech's 'Trump whisperer.' The apparent disintegration of their friendship comes on the heels of a high-profile bust-up with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and mounting reports that the friendship between Trump and Musk has fizzled. Cook reportedly drew the president's ire last week when he refused an invitation to join Trump in the Middle East, the New York Times claimed. During his time in Qatar, Trump publicly admitted he 'had a little problem with Tim Cook.' He praised Apple's investment into the United States before revealing he told Cook: 'Now I hear you're building all over India. I don't want you building in India.' And during a speech in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Trump took a separate shot at Cook. Praising Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang for traveling with the White House delegation, Trump said: 'I mean, Tim Cook isn't here but you are.' Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, has long been considered tech's 'Trump whisperer', but the president's full throated criticism of him during his recent trip to the Middle East, followed by a threat to impose tariffs on all iPhones built outside the US has raised questions about whether the bromance is dead During a trip to the Middle East (pictured in Saudi Arabia), Trump callled out Cook for failing to join the White House delegation, revealing he 'had a little problem with Tim Cook' Days later, Trump posted out a blast on Truth Social which caught even some of his own administration by surprise. 'I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone's that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,' he wrote. 'If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S. Thank your for your attention to this matter!' 'If they're going to sell it in America, I want it to be built in the United States,' Mr. Trump said on Friday. 'They're able to do that.' The tariff revelation once again sent the stock market into a tailspin amid concerns about what it would mean for the broader economy. If it goes ahead, the price of iPhones and Apple products made abroad could skyrocket. Trump said the tariff would apply to 'anybody that makes the product,' including Samsung, and would begin 'by the end of June.' It marked a significant shift in the pair's relationship. In 2019, Trump described Cook as a 'great executive, because he calls me and others don't.' Apple had vowed to pour $500billion into the United States over the next four years in an effort to placate Trump despite not building their phones domestically. The disintegration of their friendship would come amid mounting reports that the friendship between Trump and Elon Musk has fizzled It marked a significant shift in the pair's relationship. In 2019, Trump described Cook as a 'great executive, because he calls me and others don't' Similarly, Cook said Apple would source 19 billion chips from the US and begin making AI servers in Houston. Back in 2017, Cook said while the company would love to make more of its product in the United States, China simply had better skilled workers and more engineers. Just last month in April, Trump spared iPhone, laptops and other electronics from his brutal 125 percent China tariffs. The list of spared items includes smartphones, laptop computers, hard drives, memory chips and processors all tech essentials that are rarely made in the United States. Experts warned it would take years to ramp up domestic production, if it happens at all. More than 80 percent of all Apple products are made in China including a staggering 80 percent of iPads and over half of all Mac computers, according to data from Evercore ISI. In the days following Trump's tariff announcement, Apple saw $640 billion wiped from its market value. Analysts warn that relocating iPhone production to the U.S. would be a monumental task, both logistically and financially. Bank of America Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan previously estimated that producing the iPhone 16 Pro Max domestically could increase its price by 91 percent, pushing it from $1,199 to approximately $2,300. The latest friendship implosion comes on the heels of a high-profile bust-up with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos Sanchez and Bezos, pictured speaking with Elon Musk (left), attended a Trump-hosted candlelit dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, in January Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives also suggested the cost could soar even higher, potentially reaching $3,500 per unit. The challenges stem from higher labor costs in the U.S. around $200 per unit compared to $40 in China and the lack of a skilled workforce for specialized manufacturing tasks. Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously highlighted the scarcity of qualified tooling engineers in the U.S., noting that while China boasts a vast pool of such talent, the U.S. has a significant shortfall. In response to the escalating tariffs, Apple has taken swift action to mitigate potential disruptions. The company chartered flights to expedite the shipment of approximately 1.5 million iPhones from India to the U.S., aiming to preempt the impact of the tariffs. Trump's former First Buddy Elon Musk was among outspoken critics of Trump's tariff agenda. In April, he said he would like to see 'zero tariffs' between certain nations, including Europe and the United States, for the financial betterment of citizens. Musk personally lost billions of dollars during the subsequent market crash. And while Trump did ultimately negotiate with many nations as well as implement a sweeping tariff freeze, Musk's sway in the White House has significantly diminished amid whispers that he and Trump are no longer as chummy as they once were. Musk revealed during the Qatar Economic Forum that he was moving away from politics and political spending. Just last month in April, Trump spared iPhone, laptops and other electronics from his brutal 125 percent China tariffs . Trump recently traveled to the Middle East. Pictured with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right 'In terms of political spending, I'm going to do a lot less in the future,' he said at the Qatar Economic Forum. 'I think I've done enough,' he added, sparking laughter in the audience. A person familiar with Musk's activities did not rule out the billionaire getting financially engaged in the congressional midterms, but suggested he was dialing it back. 'Hard to say if he will do the same sort of thing like putting everything on pause to do rallies,' the source said. President Trump has noticeably turned his attention away from Musk, sending him fewer messages of support on his social media account in recent weeks. Trump did not mention Musk in any of his Truth Social posts in April or May, according to a Politico analysis of his posts. That's a steep decline from when he first took office and was constantly posting about DOGE and Musk's accomplishments. Musk's posts on X also appear to be veering away from politics and more toward his projects. An Aussie mum has called out a car rental company after she was asked to pay a $180 cleaning fee for a mess she claimed was 'staged'. Narissa Cullen, 34, from Perth, hired a car from Bargain Car Rentals Brisbane for two weeks during a family trip to Queensland in March. Ms Cullen said she and her partner quickly discovered that the car had a number of issues including a faulty headlight and GPS system. When it was time to return the vehicle, Ms Cullen and her partner filled it up with petrol and dropped it back to Brisbane Airport. They took photos of the interior which showed they had left two drink cups in the centre console and a small amount of sand and grass on the mats. Ms Cullen said she was shocked when they landed in Perth and discovered the company had charged them a $180 cleaning fee. The company sent photos of its own, showing the drink cups strewn in the driver's side footwell and a stain on the seat which Ms Cullen said was not caused by her family. The company said its terms and conditions dictated the vehicle 'must be returned to us in a reasonable state of cleanliness,' and 'as a result of the vehicle's condition on return, a steam clean and extra detailing was warranted'. Narissa Cullen, (pictured), from Perth, hired a car from Bargain Car Rentals Brisbane for two weeks during a family trip to Queensland The couple took photos of the car's interior before they returned it which showed they had left two drink cups in the centre console (pictured) In asking Ms Cullen to pay a $180 cleaning fee, the company sent photos of its own (pictured) showing the drink cups strewn in the driver's side footwell and a stain on the seat The company said its terms and conditions dictated the vehicle 'must be returned to us in a reasonable state of cleanliness,' and 'as a result of the vehicle's condition on return, a steam clean and extra detailing was warranted'. But Ms Cullen argued the company's photos didn't match her own. The stain on the driver's seat appeared dark and fresh, she said 'You can see the cleaners have probably spilt it, I don't know if they've done it on purpose, and then staged the cups on the ground,' she said. Ms Cullen disputed the fee with the company, asking for timestamped photos which it did not provide. She also posted a video to TikTok about the disagreement. 'It was pretty upsetting, frustrating and stressful. I was 30 weeks pregnant so we didn't need the added stress,' she said. 'It was a lot of back and forth, a lot of phone calls, they denied everything - it wasn't until I posted the TikTok that they gave us the refund.' An email to Ms Cullen from a staff member at Bargain Car Rentals on March 18 said: 'After further investigation, I've processed the cleaning fee for you. Bargain Car Rentals later refunded the $180 cleaning fee (the Brisbane location is pictured) 'I can certainly see where you're coming from after spending more time looking at the photos, and it turns out we did not follow part of our own process, and this wasn't fair on you. Specifically, we did not contact you before processing the charge.' Ms Cullen said she was worried others could be charged an unfair cleaning fee. 'Who else are they doing this to? Especially older people who don't have the resources or knowledge to get the refund,' she said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bargain Car Rentals for comment. A car belonging to Pheobe Bishop's housemate has been discovered on the streets with its number plates changed. Pheobe, 17, was last seen on May 15, leaving a rundown home in Gin Gin near Bundaberg where she had been living with couple Tanika Bromley and James Wood. Queensland Police believe the pair drove Pheobe the 40 minutes to Bundaberg Airport, where she was supposed to board an 8.30am flight to Brisbane and then onto Perth, where she planned to meet up with her boyfriend. Detectives said they believe Bromley and Mr Wood were the two people who drove her to the airport. No charges have been laid over Pheobe's disappearance and Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Bromley or Mr Wood were involved. Bromley's 2011 silver Hyundai ix35 hatchback with registration 414-EW3 - believed to be the car Pheobe travelled to Airport Drive in - was declared a crime scene along with the Gin Gin house. The Hyundai has now been spotted in Bundaberg with what appeared to be altered number plates. On Monday, a local saw the vehicle and noticed the original number plate had been painted and taped over. Pheobe Bishop (pictured) was last seen on May 15, leaving a rundown home in Gin Gin near Bundaberg after a falling out with her mother The new number plate reads 474-BW8. Black tape and maroon paint appeared to have been used for the deliberate modification. Bromley's car's original registration was a Queensland plate, but this had been covered with 'NSW' written on it. The Hyundai symbol at the back of the vehicle had also been changed to a Toyota symbol. Queensland Police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia they are aware of the seemingly altered number plate and are making further inquiries. During a previous search of the grey Hyundai ix35, police allegedly found a shortened firearm, ammunition, and two replica handguns. Additional ammunition was reportedly located at the Gin Gin property. Bromley was arrested in Millbank on May 25 and was later charged with multiple unrelated weapons-related offences. She faces two counts of possessing explosives without authority, and one count each of possessing restricted items and unlawful possession of weapons. Bromley's 2011 silver Hyundai ix35 hatchback was declared a crime scene along with the Gin Gin house Bromley's vehicle has been spotted with what appeared to be deliberately altered number plates from 414-EW3 to 474-BW8 Black tape and maroon paint appeared to have been used for the deliberate modification Bromley has been refused bail and is due to appear in Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Monday. It comes after officers revealed that key evidence may have been moved from Good Night Scrub National Park before they began their search on Friday. Queensland Police have been searching bushland with cadaver dogs at the park about an hour away from where Pheobe was last seen. On Monday, police announced that several items potentially linked to the investigation were discovered during the search of the park and they have been sent for forensic testing. In a haunting update, Daily Mail Australia has obtained the private messages that Mr Wood sent hours after Pheobe was reported missing. 'Hey hey how are you,' asked a concerned friend on Friday 16 May at 9.45pm. 'Yeah been better ayy darlz how bout you?' Mr Wood replied on Saturday May 17 at 6.18am. Pheobe was living with Tanika Bromley and her partner James Wood When asked if there had been any news about Pheobe, Mr Wood replied: 'No nothing atm, but we are just printing up more flyers to go around and stick up every where and keep searching and hope she makes contact with someone ayy.' The concerned friend said they had their 'fingers crossed for her' and questioned whether there was any CCTV at the airport that may help with the investigation. 'I don't know ayy but how's this cause I was one of the last people to see her alive cops basically asked me if I did her in or hurt her at all ayy,' he said. Mr Wood was questioned by police last week after Pheobe vanished, but was released without charge. Meanwhile, an IGA supermarket worker, who did not want to be identified, told Daily Mail Australia Pheobe visited the store on several occasions 'looking worse for wear with no money'. 'Why aren't questions being asked about what happened to that poor child 10 weeks before this?' the worker asked. The visibly angry staffer said Pheobe 'looked like no one owned her' and was desperate for food, often 'short changing' them 'to the point that I paid for her'. Mr Wood sent a series of texts to a friend hours after the 17-year-old failed to board her flight from Bundeburg to West Australia Daily Mail Australia have obtained the private messages that Mr Wood sent hours after Pheobe was reported missing 'People in this country have to prove they can look after animals or reptiles but not children,' they said. 'This town should be standing still but it's not. It should be crawling with people but it's not. She didn't look like she belonged to anyone.' It's unclear why Pheobe was living at the Gin Gin house, but her the final social media posts suggested she had fallen out with her mother and would not return home. Tragically, it also seems she was struggling living at Bromley and Mr Wood's home. A friend who wished to remain anonymous has shared the last messages they received from Pheobe, sent on Monday, May 12 before she went missing. 'I've been better but I focus on the good s***,' Pheobe said when asked how she was going. 'I take off to WA in three days! Get out of this s*** home for a bit so that will be good, just packing atm (at the moment).' Asked how long she was going for, Pheobe replied: '10 days beautiful x'. Pheobe had moved in to the run-down Gin Gin property with Mr Wood and Bromley after a reported falling out with her mother Police announced they had discovered an item of potential interest in the national park The Gin Gin property where Pheobe was living, cluttered with rubbish and a dilapidated bus, has been a hive of police activity during the probe into her disappearance. When Daily Mail Australia visited the scene on Thursday, there was a pervading stench of decay emanating from the Milden St property, which witnesses speculated could be due to the dead dogs reportedly found at the home. Early reports suggested police had discovered and removed four dead dogs from the scene, but one neighbour told Daily Mail Australia she believed as many as 13 of the animals had been found. MAGA voters in a tornado-ravaged pocket of Mississippi have turned on Donald Trump after he failed to help them for months after deadly twisters tore up their town. Locals in rural Tylertown have said they have felt let down and abandoned by the current administration since the natural disaster caused carnage in March 2025. A violent EF4 tornado - with a wind speed of 166 to 200mph - hit close to the community on March 15, killing five people. Another tornado of EF3 intensity - with wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph - pummeled the area just 30 minutes later, killing another person. The wider southern Mississippi area was ravaged by almost 20 tornadoes in total over a one-week period, damaging thousands of homes and businesses. Several of the red-state residents said they haven't seen a single federal agent in the two months since, despite the widespread carnage. 'I know President Trump said that "America First, we're gonna help our American folks first," but we haven't seen the federal folks down here,' Tylertown resident Bobby McGinnis told PBS. Tylertown, Mississippi residents have turned on Donald Trump after he failed to help them in the wake of deadly tornadoes. 'I know President Trump said that "America First", but we haven't seen the federal folks down here,' said local resident Bobby McGinnis (pictured) MAGA voters in a tornado-ravaged pocket of Mississippi have turned on Donald Trump after he failed to help them for months after deadly twisters tore up their town. (Pictured: A shot of the destruction in the aftermath of twisters in Tylertown, Mississippi, captured on March 16, 2025) Locals in rural Tylertown have said they have felt let down and abandoned by the current administration since the natural disaster caused carnage (shown above) in March 2025 'I don't 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,' said another Tylertown local, Brian Lowery. 'We can't help you because, whatever, we're waiting on a letter; we're waiting on somebody to sign his name. You know, all that. I'm just over it.' Republican Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves applied for a federal disaster declaration from the government on April 1, but he has not received a response. Governors for multiple other red states, including Arkansas and Missouri, have also appealed for federal funding in the wake of recent tornadoes and been rejected. A federal disaster declaration allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to allocate more resources to help states and local governments cope with the aftermath of a major weather event. Trump, 78, pledged to dismantle FEMA within his first weeks in the White House back in January. He claimed the agency was partisan and failed to give adequate aid to Republican states, arguing that emergency relief would be better handled at a local level. David Richardson took over as acting chief at FEMA after previous boss Cameron Hamilton was booted from the role a day after criticizing the president's plans to abolish the department. Richardson promptly threatened to 'run right over' any staff in his department who resist Trump's agenda. Earlier this year, around 20 tornadoes tore through several Mississippi towns, including Tylertown, killing seven people and damaging hundreds of homes Trump, 78, pledged to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within his first weeks in the White House back in January David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has threatened to 'run right over' any staff in his department who resist Donald Trump's agenda 'Don't get in my way,' the former US marine told staffers, according to a recording of his speech obtained by CBS News. 'I don't need the full title I just need the authority from the president,' Richardson continued from behind a presidential-style podium. 'Obfuscation, delay, undermining. If you're one of those 20 percent of the people and you think those tactics and techniques are going to help you, they will not, because I will run right over you. I will achieve the president's intent. 'I, and I alone in FEMA, speak for FEMA,' Richardson said. FEMA employees later described the speech to CBS as 'unhinged' and 'terrifying'. Sean 'Diddy' Combs lawyers have asked a judge to void damaging testimony from fellow rapper Kid Cudi during which he claimed the music mogul firebombed his car. Kid Cudi sensationally revealed on the stand of Diddy's sex trafficking trial last week that his $140,000 Porsche was blown up after the hip hop mogul found out he had been seeing his girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The Pursuit of Happiness hitmaker, real name Scott Mescudi, told jurors Diddy had broken into his house months prior and that his car exploded shortly after he broke off his relationship with Ventura because he knew Diddy was 'dangerous.' But now, Diddy's lawyers have argued theories that he was involved in the firebombing are simply speculation, and has asked the judge to instruct jurors to disregard the statement. In a seven-page letter to the court seen by DailyMail.com, Diddy's lawyers state: 'Scott Mescudi's opinion that Mr. Combs was 'lying' about his Porsche was erroneously admitted and should be stricken from the record.' 'A witness generally cannot testify that in his opinion, a declarant was lying when making a statement.' Kid Cudi had told the court he had no proof or knowledge that Diddy or any of his associates were at his home the day of the firebombing. He had approached Diddy about the incident and Diddy claimed to have no knowledge of it. His lawyers took issue with Kid Cudi telling jurors he believed Diddy was lying. Kid Cudi sensationally revealed on the stand of Diddy's sex trafficking trial last week that his $140,000 Porsche was blown up after the hip hop mogul found out he had been seeing his girlfriend, Cassie Ventura Diddy is on trial accused of a host of sex trafficking and racketeering charges. His ex, Cassie Ventura (pictured together) has testified Diddy's lawyers have argued theories that he was involved in the firebombing are simply speculation, and has asked the judge to instruct jurors to disregard the statement The judge has not yet ruled on the request. Jurors have heard chilling testimony from Ventura herself as well as a host of other witnesses about Diddy's alleged behavior during their relationship. Ventura testified that Diddy made an explicit threat about Mescudi after discovering she had been seeing him. Ventura claimed that Diddy said he was 'he was going to hurt Scott and I' so she broke things off with Mescudi over Christmas 2011 while with her family in Connecticut. 'It was too much,' Ventura said. 'Too much danger, too much uncertainty about what could happen if we continued to see each other. 'Sean said to me he was going to hurt both of us. I took that in my mind that if I stay in this situation we'll both be hurt. According to Ventura during that time 'Sean mentioned that when we were out of the country that Scott's car would be blown up and his friends would be there to see it.' In Ventura's lawsuit against Diddy, which she filed in 2023 and settled the next day for $20 million, she stated that he 'blew up a man's car after he learned that he was romantically interested in (her).' Photos presented to the jury showed the red leather seats covered in black charred stains The door was also covered in black smoke from the January 2012 attack Ventura claimed that Diddy said he was 'he was going to hurt Scott and I' so she broke things off with Mescudi over Christmas 2011 while with her family in Connecticut According to Mescudi, he broke up with Ventura in late 2011 'for her safety, for my safetybecause I knew Sean Combs was violent.' But on January 9th 2012 at 6.30am, Mescudi got a call from his dog sitter saying his Porsche was on fire. The jury was shown photos of the car showing the door covered in black smoke, the red leather seats covered in black stains and the roof slashed. A Los Angeles Fire Department report from the time said that the Porsche was set on fire by an 'incendiary device' and that the cause was 'intentional.' Mescudi said that he arranged a meeting with Combs the next day at SoHo House in Hollywood because things were getting 'out of hand.' Asked why he wanted to call Diddy, Mescudi said: 'I knew he had something to do with it.' An animal behaviour expert says banning dangerous dog breeds would not prevent the kind of vicious attacks seen across Australia in recent times. In the latest such mauling, a six-year-old girl suffered horrific injuries in an unprovoked attack by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier attack on Sunday. The harrowing ordeal unfolded while little Margot McNicol and her family were at non-leashed Woofside Road Dog Park at Nairne in the Adelaide Hills. Margot was playing with her puppy when the American Staffy leapt at her and latched onto her head, inflicting wounds that required emergency surgery. 'Breed speaks for itself. Poor girl,' one person wrote online, prompting another to agree that 'there are far too many ferocious dogs around' and Australia should 'just ban them'. One person took aim at the 'not the dog's fault nutters' who 'put a human life second'. And someone else had an issue with the broader breed of bull terriers, saying 'it's always Pitbulls, always'. However the president of the Australian Veterinary Behavioural Medicine Group, Dr Isabelle Resch, told Daily Mail Australia that 'there's been plenty of different studies that show banning breeds does not work' and that dogs like Staffys can be great pets. Dr Isabelle Resch (right) wants dog owners to be better educated on how to care for their pet after a six-year-old girl was mauled in Adelaide (left) Pictured is the American staffy that mauled Margot in the Adelaide Hills on Sunday. The local council is investigating the incident Dogs that are currently banned in Australia are the American Pitbull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa and Perro de Presa Canario. American Staffordshire Terriers are not banned in Australia. It was the same dog breed that mauled a five-week old baby boy to death as his parents slept at a NSW Central Coast home in 2021. Dr Resch has been a vet for more than 30 years but now works in the field of veterinarian psychiatry. 'There's been quite a few countries that have banned breeds like the American Pitbull and Japanese Tosa and it's failed to reduce the bite risk,' Ms Resch said. 'We need to look at community education and how we interact with dogs.' 'I look after the mental health of dogs and I guess I'm an activist in educating people in the community about how we can help the emotional welfare of dogs,' Dr Resch said. She said breed was 'not an indicator of behaviour' and that it was human actions that had a big impact on how dogs acted. The Labrador is seen as the ultimate family dog, but it does bite more often than most breeds 'There might be some genetic lines that are more prone to some behaviours but just the fact that you're a Rottweiler does not mean you're more likely to be aggressive,' she said. 'Aggression is saying 'bugger off and move away, I'm scared you're going to hurt me', so aggression is a normal response. 'People don't understand how we behave around dogs. Our body language often puts dogs in a position where they feel really threatened.' Dr Resch said data showed dogs that bite the most around the world are often smaller breeds. 'Chihuahua's don't make it to the media because they don't put people in hospital,' she said. 'I've seen more Labradors bite. In my career I have not seen any aggressive Pitbulls.' A report by the Sydney Children's Hospital in 2022 revealed a child was being admitted to a NSW hospital every week with a dog bite. The data took into account of 628 patients who presented with dog-related injuries from 2010 to 2020 and found their average age was just five-years-old. American Staffordshire Terriers have a poor reputation at times The breeds involved in the most reported attacks were Pitbulls (10.3 per cent), followed by Labradors (8.5 per cent) and Rottweilers (6.8 per cent). They were followed by Bulldog (6%), Border Collie (6 per cent), Jack Russell (5.1 per cent), other terriers (other) (5.1 per cent), Kelpie (5.1 per cent), and German Shepherd (4.3 per cent). Nearly half of all recorded dog bites over a 10-year period were from dogs whose breed could not be identified. The results were likely skewed also because many dogs are misidentified as Pitbulls. A victim may claim that it was a Pitbull that bit them when it was in fact a different breed. And that didn't surprise Dr Resch who made the surprising claim that she cannot identify dog breeds by looking at them. 'We can't tell by looking at a dog what breed they are,' she said. 'We've got some very good DNA tests available right now and even those of us who have worked with dogs our whole lives often find we're way off the mark (in guessing a breed) after a DNA test is done.' Many people identify dangerous dogs as Pitbulls when they may not in fact be that breed Dr Resch also said it was a myth that cross breeds were more aggressive than pure-bred dogs, saying they didn't behave any different. She also took aim at social media and how it promoted a lot of misinformation that gave Aussies a distorted view about certain dog breeds. 'It's an absolute fallacy that Pitbulls lock their jaws. We are so biased by online content that feeds us,' she said. 'If someone tells you often enough that Pitbull's bite, you believe it, and I can tell you it's not true. 'There's just so many different variables as to what bites occur, what breed is the breed that actually caused the bite and does legislation stop the bites? No, it doesn't. 'I'm a scientist so I look at the science and I look at the research and the research has shown that banning breeds fails.' Dr Resch said dog owners were the ones who needed to behave better around their pets. 'We need to teach people how to responsibly look after their own dogs and the body language of dogs,' she said. 'They need to get permission before they approach a dog. Don't let your child just walk up to a dog. I would never recommend unsupervised contact between any dog and a child.' Dr Resch said the most common bites were in young male boys and it was generally associated with food and treats. 'That suggests to me that we're not setting these kids up or the dogs up for success. We need to put the onus back on people,' she said. The Victorian Department of Health's Sally Ann Atkinson (pictured below) told the jury she believed the death cap mushroom poisoning outbreak was 'quite unusual' before messages between her and Erin Patterson were revealed in court. The health officer also said she wanted to get the deadly mushrooms off the shelves of stores if they 'existed'. Patterson has claimed she had purchased button mushrooms from a local Woolworths as well as dried muhsrooms from an unamed Asian store in Melbourne. Ms Atkinson said she attempted to call Patterson on August 1 before texting her at 3.50pm that same day. She asked for specific information about the lunch she served her guests including any drinks and ingredients used. 'I need to know what drinks were served, I need to know what shallots were used,' the health officer wrote. Ms Atkinson told Patterson she needed 'more precise information about the packaging' of the mushrooms as well as 'any roads you were parked on or (were) near those stores'. 'Just things to think about when I need to speak to you again,' Ms Atkinson ended her message. Patterson responded at 4.08pm on August 2. 'Hi Sally I will try to get that information all to you as soon as possible,' she wrote. 'Im just dealing with trying to manage and look after the kids in hospital here and a bit snowed under trying to manage that. 'Ill get this info to you as soon as I can but I've just been in a couple of meetings with people at the hospital when youve been trying to call.' Ms Atkinson sent a return message to Patterson barely a minute later and asked about the children. 'Yeah they're fine thank you,' Patterson responded at 4.11pm. 'Very glad to hear that,' Ms Atkinson immediately replied. Ms Atkinson said she also attempted to call Patterson later that evening but there was no answer. She said she left a voicemail and received no return call. Ms Atkinson said Patterson sent a text message again later on August 2. 'She'd told me she'd bought everything on the Friday evening, (the) texts conflicted with earlier assertions,' Ms Atkinson told the court. Ms Atkinson sent Patterson a message back: 'Hi Erin, I have taken a couple of photos of zip-lock type bags with just white labels on them.' The jury heard Ms Atkinson then sent Patterson photos of mushrooms in zip-lock bags. 'Can you tell me please if either of those sizes looks about right and whether the label size seems about right to you,' she wrote. The jury heard Patterson circled one of the zip-lock mushroom bag images and responded. 'Looking at the size and volume of things in the supermarket I realise there's no way it can have been 100g worth,' Patterson wrote. 'I was thinking about the weight of that amount of fresh I think, but dry (mushrooms) weigh a lot less. 'Yes that store doesnt look familiar but that style of packaging and labelling is exactly what I meant. 'They werent whole like those shitake mushies in the photos, they were sliced. And yes the packaging was about half the size of that.' Ms Atkinson then asked Patterson to speak to her on the phone. Patterson responded: 'Sure.' The pair spoke again at about 11.20am on August 3. The jury heard the pair discussed the cooking process surrounding the lunch she served her guests. Ms Atkinson and Patterson also communicated about the mushrooms she used in the beef Wellington. The court heard Patterson said the mushrooms were sliced but not dark. She said they had a similar colour to button mushrooms. Patterson also sent two texts to Ms Atkinson describing the pastry she used for the beef Wellington. 'Hi Sally I used a combination,' Patterson wrote. 'It was all Pampas puff pastry from Woolworths. I had some already in the freezer and used that up and I also bought some more from Woolies that week I believe. 'It was either just the basic Pampas puff pastry or the Pampas butter puff pastry.' China's ambassador to Australia has warned the Albanese government against its trying to forcibly take back control of the strategically significant Port of Darwin - calling it 'ethically questionable'. During the federal election campaign, both Labor and the Coalition promised to return the port to Australian ownership after the Northern Territory government brokered a $506million deal to lease the port for 99 years to Chinese firm Landbridge in 2015. The Labor government has said it is searching for a local buyer but would 'directly intervene' to broker a deal if necessary - though it is not clear how. Ambassador Xiao Qian, who visited the port last week, published a statement on the Chinese Embassy's website on Sunday saying the leasing arrangement delivered strong economic and social opportunities to the region. 'Such an enterprise and project deserves encouragement, not punishment,' he said. 'It is ethically questionable to lease the port when it was unprofitable and then seek to reclaim it once it becomes profitable'. Security expert and Strategic Analysis Australia founder Michael Shoebridge told Daily Mail Australia the port will be the first major foreign policy test in the Albanese government's second term - one neither he, nor Australia, can afford to get wrong. 'The Ambassador raising the port so quickly after the election shows he's acting on instructions from Beijing. Beijing doesn't want Darwin port out of the Chinese company's control and able to be used to support Australia's security,' he said. Beijing has warned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese against following through on his election campaign promise to return the Port of Darwin (pictured) to Australian hands Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian (pictured with Anthony Albanese in January) said it would be 'ethically questionable' to force the sale of the port 'It's obvious this is a test for Prime Minister Albanese set by Beijing to see, "Will he back away from the commitment that he made during the election?"' Mr Shoebridge said it seemed 'quite likely' the Prime Minister will back away from his commitment given he appeared to have only announcement the repossession in April to negate an identical promise from then-Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. 'Now Beijing and the Australian population get to see if the Prime Minister was serious or he was just making his way through the election campaign,' he said. On questions of foreign policy, Albanese has repeatedly stated Australia will 'cooperate where we can, disagree where we must' while engaging on matters of national interest. Mr Shoebridge said the Port of Darwin sale will give the Prime Minister his first opportunity to test the second leg of his statement. 'It will be probably the first case of Albanese applying his slogan. This is an example of "disagree where we must" and does the Prime Minister have the courage to actually disagree on the port?' Ambassador Qian said the lease was secured through an 'open and transparent' bidding process and said the two countries ought to act as strategic partners. 'China and Australia are comprehensive strategic partners. The two sides should foster mutual trust, as mutually beneficial cooperation aligns with our shared interests,' he said. Albanese is pictured alongside Ambassador Qian, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke at a singing ceremony at Parliament House in June 2024 Ambassador Qian is pictured during a trip to the Port of Darwin last week. On Sunday, he defended Landbridge's 99-year lease of the site as an 'open and transparent' process 'We hope the Australian federal government and the Northern Territory government will create a fair, transparent, and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in Australia.' The controversial lease, which then NT Chief Minister Adam Giles described as 'a fantastic outcome for the Territory', has been criticised as a potential national security risk. Landbridge is owned by Chinese billionaire Ye Cheng, but Albanese previously said the private firm is 'connected very directly' with Xi Jinping's Chinese government. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was chided by then-US President Barack Obama over the leasing arrangement at a 2015 meeting. Last month, John Elferink, who was the Northern Territory's attorney general at the time the lease was signed, defended his government's decision to broker the deal - claiming it only became controversial after the infamous Obama meeting. 'We heard nothing from the then-prime minister [Malcolm Turnbull] at that time, equally, we heard nothing from the Labor Party who remained totally silent on the matter,' he told the ABC. 'The only reason this ever became an issue was well after the event when [US] president [Barack] Obama made a comment when he was talking to Malcolm Turnbull. 'That then belled the cat, so to speak. And since that time, this has been a percolating issue in the background.' The Port of Darwin (pictured) is considered to be of strategic significance to Australia, prompting world leaders condemn the 99-year lease agreement While Landbridge has repeatedly stated the port is not for sale, Labor representatives have confirmed the government has been meeting with potential buyers. US private equity firm Cerberus Capital Mangement has emerged as a potential frontrunner in the bid to take back control of the port, though it has yet to confirm reports in The Australian it was preparing a purchase offer. Non-executive director for Landbridge in Australia Terry O'Connor told Daily Mail Australia it was 'business as usual' at the port. 'Landbridge has not yet received any offers or engagement from the government at any level,' Mr O'Connor said. 'Darwin port representatives escorted the Ambassador on a tour of the port during his recent visit to Darwin. 'Landbridge welcomes his comments in relation to the Ports operation and its contribution to the Northern Territory economy.' The Australian government has ruled out cancelling the Chinese company's lease over the port after Albanese ordered a review of the agreement shortly after the 2022 election. The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet said, at the time, the review found a 'robust regulatory system' was in place at the port to manage risks to 'critical infrastructure' but said it would continue to monitor the port's security arrangements. Sir Lindsay Hoyle's entourage of staff has almost doubled in just two years, it can be revealed. Details of the Commons Speaker's staffing bill, obtained by the Mail, reveal it has ballooned to more than 1 million a year. This was up from 550,000 at the beginning of 2023. And the number of those employed by his office jumped from 12 to 21 in that period, as he looks to expand his centuries-old job into a full-blown diplomatic role. Meanwhile, separate disclosures made under the Freedom of Information Act reveal at least 55,000 was splurged refurbishing the four bathrooms and kitchen in his grace-and-favour Commons flat. One source said the cost soared after three bathrooms were decked out in marble, which his office did not deny. The overhaul was part of a lavish 7million refurbishment of Speaker's House, a grand five-storey building in the heart of the Parliamentary estate which offers sweeping views over the Thames. It comes amid growing questions about the scale of Sir Lindsay's travel expenses, which have surged past 300,000 since he became Speaker in 2019. He has taken his wife on several trips along with up to four staff. On his latest jaunt to Malaysia, over February half-term, he spent more than 25,000 on business class flights, hotels and restaurants for him and staff. Sir Lindsay Hoyle's entourage of staff has almost doubled in just two years On his latest jaunt to Malaysia, over February half-term, he spent more than 25,000 on business class flights, hotels and restaurants for him and staff John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'The Speaker seems to be having a jolly old time racking up the spending with a growing posse of staff adding to the soaring travel costs. But this surging expenditure is all paid for by taxpayers struggling with "awful April" as bills and taxes continue to climb. 'That includes his constituents in Chorley. Lindsay Hoyle should look at himself in one of his many grand mirrors and ask whether he's really showing taxpayers and their cash the respect it deserves.' Details of the staffing bill show that, up until February this year (March 2025 data is not available yet), there were 19 staff employed in the Speaker's Office at a cost of 905,148. A further two apprentices, working in other areas on the estate, were also on the payroll at a cost of 103,880. By comparison, the headcount for March 2023 was 12 employees at a cost of 553,063. But the number of roles created has grown as the Speaker's travel bills have, and cover the areas of 'parliamentary affairs and chamber affairs', 'private office and correspondence', 'special projects and events', 'visits and protocol' and the 'Speaker's apprenticeship academy'. Last month the Mail revealed how Sir Lindsay has splurged more than 300,000 on 25 foreign jaunts since becoming Speaker in 2019. A spokesman for the Speaker's Office said: 'As would be expected, a range of staff employed by the House Administration support the functioning of the Speaker's Office, including the Speaker's parliamentary and chamber duties, the private office, special projects and visits and protocol.' The housemate of missing 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop has faced court after a night in jail over a weapons haul allegedly found in the car at the centre of the teen's disappearance. Pheobe was last seen on May 15 leaving a rundown home in Gin Gin, near Bundaberg, where she had been living with couple Tanika Kristan Bromley and James Wood. Queensland Police say the pair told detectives they drove Pheobe to Bundaberg Airport for an 8.30am flight to Brisbane and then on to Perth, where she planned to meet up with her boyfriend. Pheobe's housemates told police they dropped the teen off at the airport in Bromley's 2011 silver Hyundai ix35 hatchback, but no CCTV of her at the airport has been found. Forensic experts have since pored over the Hyundai and the home in Gin Gin after detectives declared both a crime scene as the hunt for the teenager continued. The Hyundai was later spotted on the streets of Bundaberg on Monday with eagle-eyed locals discovering tape and paint had been used to change the number plate from 414-EW3 to 474-BW8. On Tuesday, Bundaberg Magistrates Court heard police found a shortened firearm, ammunition, and two replica handguns in the car. It comes just two months after Bromley was accused of having a sawn-off shotgun and a flick knife in the car when she was stopped by police near Emerald, 500km inland from Gin Gin. Missing teen Pheobe Bishop's housemate Tanika Bromley (pictured) faced court charged with firearm offences During a search of Bromley's grey Hyundai ix35 - which is at the centre of the investigation into the teen's disappearance - police allegedly found a shortened firearm, ammunition, and two replica handguns Magistrate John McInnes told Bromley, 33, that she appeared to have 'an unhealthy interest in short firearms'. He added that Ms Bromley was a victim of domestic violence and not the 'prime mover' in procuring firearms. 'You have been subjected to coercion, violence and duress reoccurring,' Mr McInnes said. 'You have been victim of domestic violence I suspect you might not be the prime mover here. 'I think you're are a person who may not go out and procure a firearm if left to your own devices.' The court was told police also found additional ammunition at the Gin Gin property. Bromley was charged with two counts of authority required to possess explosives and one count each of possessing/acquiring restricted items and unlawful possession of weapons. Bromley had faced the court on Monday but was remanded in custody overnight before returning to court on Tuesday for another bail hearing. Pheobe Bishop was last seen on May 15 and was reported missing when she failed to board a scheduled flight from Bundaberg to Brisbane and then to Perth where she was going to meet her boyfriend The search for Pheobe has entered its 12th day, with police searching bushland with cadaver dogs at the Good Night Scrub National Park The Hyundai was later spotted on the streets of Bundaberg on Monday with eagle-eyed locals discovering tape and paint had been used to change the number plate from 414-EW3 to 474-BW8 Mr McInnes granted Bromley bail but imposed strict conditions. Bromley must adhere to a curfew from 9pm to 6pm at a Gin Gin address and will need to report to Gin Gin police station three days a week starting from Wednesday. She is also restricted from having any contact with her partner Mr Wood. The fresh charges come just one week after she appeared before the same court on May 12 for the previous weapons charges, allegedly discovered in the car in February. Bromley is due to appear again in Bundaberg Courthouse on June 23. Mr Wood was seen for the first time since Pheobe's disappearance when he left the courthouse on Monday. Daily Mail Australia earlier revealed the private messages that Mr Wood sent hours after Pheobe was reported missing. 'Hey hey how are you,' asked a concerned friend on Friday, May 16, at 9.45pm. 'Yeah been better ayy darlz how bout you?' Wood replied on Saturday May 17 at 6.18am. Bromley is under strict bail conditions and has been restricted from having any contact with her partner James Wood Pheobe had been living at a property in Gin Gin - which has also been declared a crime scene - with Bromley and Mr Wood before she vanished without a trace 'That's not good, any word on Pheobe at all?' the friend asked. 'No nothing atm, but we are just printing up more flyers to go around and stick up everywhere and keep searching and hope she makes contact with someone ayy,' replied Wood. The worried friend said they had their 'fingers crossed for her' and questioned the whereabouts of any CCTV that may help with the investigation. 'Surely the airport has footage,' they asked, before Mr Wood replied the following morning. 'I don't know ayy but how's this cause I was one of the last people to see her alive cops basically asked me if I did her in or hurt her at all ayy,' he said. Mr Wood was questioned by police last week after Pheobe vanished, but was released without charge. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting he was involved or considered a suspect - only that police had spoken to Mr Wood after Pheobe went missing. Mr Wood told the friend he was frustrated that the police asked those questions. Tanika Bromley (pictured) lived at the Gin Gin address with her partner James Wood, and Pheobe Bishop It's unclear why Pheobe was living at the Gin Gin house, the final posts she made to social media before she disappeared suggested the troubled teen had fallen out with her mother, Kylie Johnson (pictured) 'I was like WTF, so yeah that's nice to know that purely because I'm a male and look the way I do,' he wrote. Mr Wood has offered a reward for anyone who can reveal Pheobe's location. Queensland Police have been searching bushland with cadaver dogs at the Good Night Scrub National Park, about an hour away from where Pheobe was last seen. But detectives revealed that key evidence may have been moved from the park before they began their search on Friday. On Monday, several items potentially linked to the investigation were discovered during the search of the park and they have been sent for forensic testing. Though it's unclear why Pheobe was living at the Gin Gin house, the final posts she made to social media before she disappeared suggested the troubled teen had fallen out with her mother and would not return home. Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson shared an emotional message on Facebook on Tuesday as the search for her missing daughter entered the twelfth day. 'Finding it hard to get out of bed today,' Ms Johnson wrote. Pheobe's housemates told police they dropped the teen off at the Airport in Bromley's 2011 silver Hyundai ix35 hatchback. 'To find the strength to put one foot in front of the other and know what to do, what to think or what to say. 'People have judgements, accusations and continue (to) say untruths. 'Im not going to correct you or be investing what little strength I have to be correcting these statements or people. 'We as a family are just trying to go through the motions of waiting for Phee to come home.' The parents of a missing Brit say they had 'no contact' from the Spanish police after a search to find him was called off last week. Matthew Chapman, 24, was reported missing on April 30 and earlier this week police launched a two-day search near the popular resort of Tossa de Mar in Catalonia. Cops were said to have scoured the area with a helicopter and drones after Matthew's van was found abandoned at a viewpoint off the Mediterranean coast. But the search was called off late on Thursday, his parents Jane and Andrew Chapman said. However the Times reported the family only learnt about the discovery of the 24-year-old's car from local news reports - and had no contact from South Yorkshire police or local investigators. Matthew had travelled to France on May 1 on the Eurotunnel and spent time in Portugal and Spain before his mobile phone signal petered out around 60 miles north of Barcelona. A spokesman for the Mossos d'Esquadra regional police force confirmed a two-day search for the missing Brit was undertaken. She added: 'It was a land, sea and air search which took place on Wednesday and Thursday. The parents of a missing 24-year-old, Matthew Chapman, (pictured) said they had 'no contact' from Spanish police after the search was called off last week Earlier this week police launched a two-day search near the popular resort of Tossa de Mar (pictured) involving a helicopter and drones before calling it off late on Thursday A spokesman for the Mossos d'Esquadra regional police force confirmed a two-day search for the missing Brit was undertaken. Pictured: Officers of the Catalan regional police force (file image) Your browser does not support iframes. 'The investigation into the missing man's whereabouts is continuing.' Officers are said to be keeping an open mind on what could have happened to Mr Chapman who according to Spanish reports had economic problems and was struggling to keep his car valet firm afloat. It not clear what Catalan police are now doing as part of their investigation. The Mossos d'Esquadra force also led the probe into rugby player and X Factor star Levi Davis' disappearance in Barcelona. The last confirmed sighting of Mr Davis was of him leaving an Irish pub in the Catalan capital on the night of October 29, 2022, after taking a boat from Ibiza with just 35 in his pocket and no change of clothes. The port search and another in the Llobregat Delta, one of Catalonia's most important wetland zones near Barcelona where police said at the time sea currents could have taken his body or items of clothing, failed to yield any clues. They were organised after four members of cruise liner MSC Bellissima, which docked in Barcelona around eight hours after the pub CCTV sighting, said they had seen a man in the sea wearing the same light-coloured top as Levi and shouting for help in English. A lifebuoy was thrown to him and coastguards in Barcelona mobilised their helicopter called Helimer 203 and a vessel called Salvamar Mintaka. Jason Taylor went missing without his phone from the Alicante airport on Saturday A boat operated by firefighters was also sent to the scene along with police and Red Cross vessels but they were stood down after it was confirmed no-one was missing from the cruise liner and police confirmed no-one had been reported missing in port waters or in the sea off Barcelona. A British tourist went missing at Alicante airport at the end of March after a stag do in Benidorm before being found. Jason Taylor, 36, vanished as he waited for a flight back to Birmingham, sparking a police manhunt which had a happy ending nearly four days later on April 1 when he was spotted walking along a nearby beach. Police sources said after he was found that the fact he didn't have his mobile phone on him had caused him extra complications. Tossa de Mar is about 60 miles north of Barcelona and the same distance south of the French border. A driver who slammed his car into a tree in rural Queensland killing two passengers was working as a carer to the pair, police have revealed. Emergency crews were called to Callemonda Road and Mary Valley Road in Brooloo, near Gympie about 170km north of Brisbane, at 2pm on Monday after a Suzuki Kizashi collided with a tree. Two passengers, an 83-year-old Kandanga man who was sitting in the front seat and an 85-year-old Gympie woman in the back seat, died at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, 61-year-old Stuart Daryl Gray, from Valdora, was charged with two counts of manslaughter on Tuesday morning. He was flown to Sunshine Coast University Hospital with serious injuries but is expected to recover. He remains under police guard and the matter was mentioned in Gympie Magistrates Court on Tuesday where bail was not applied for. Police told Daily Mail Australia they will allege that the driver knew the passengers 'in a professional capacity'. The car is understood to have left the road and struck the tree head-on. The corner of Callemonda Road and Mary Valley Road in Brooloo where the Suzuki hit a tree Superintendent Brad Inskip said police understand the driver was a carer for the elderly passengers who were killed in the crash. 'We now believe that that crash was not an accident, but a deliberate act,' Superintendent Inskip said. 'I can say that the two victims... were related, and their relationship with the driver was in a professional manner... he was employed as a carer.' The matter will return to court on May 29. Investigators have asked anyone who may have more information, or dashcam footage of the crash, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Anthony Albanese has visited flood-ravaged towns on the NSW Mid North Coast as 70 Australian Defence Force personnel join the clean-up efforts. It's estimated at least 800 homes have been destroyed followed heavy rain across NSW, which caused major flooding and destruction last week. Up to 50,000 people were isolated during the peak of the flooding, with more than 10,000 remain cut off. The death toll of the floods currently stands at five. ADF personnel arrived in the worst-affected areas on Tuesday morning, and will be assisted by veteran-led Disaster Relief Australia. The group will help clear debris, reopen roads and conduct welfare checks on those in the flood zone. Criticism of the federal response to the floods has intensified online, particularly around the number of personnel deployed to assist in the affected regions. 'There's 14 towns with a disaster warning. Why not 7,000?' one person wrote. 'The Australian Army has 28,500 regular personnel, yet only 70 will be sent to aid NSW's flood crisis,' another wrote. 'With 50,000 isolated, this is a woefully inadequate response.' The Prime Minister has blamed climate change for the rising number of extreme events Residents have called for more help, as they attempt to clean up and rebuild Up to 50,000 people were cut off at the height of the floods across NSW 'Taree is totalled 70 Army personnel is going to make bugger all difference,' a third commented. The Prime Minister visited Taree on Tuesday to meet with SES and ADF personnel alongside Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain. It came after he addressed the ongoing crisis from the National Situation Room in Canberra where he blamed climate change for the wild weather. Albanese noted that many of the recent floods and storms, previously considered 'once in a century' events, are now occurring with alarming frequency in NSW. 'Science told us that there would be more frequent events and that they would be more intense, and that is what we are seeing playing out with a devastating impact on communities,' he said. 'Most significantly, a devastating human impact, with five lives lost during this event, but also a significant environmental impact and of course a significant economic impact as well.' On the ground, residents in hard-hit areas like Taree are demanding more immediate and practical assistance. Local business owner Jeremy Thornton expressed frustration with the federal government's response and called for real solutions. At least 800 homes have been left uninhabitable following the floods Hundreds of people have been rescued and the floods have left five people dead 'When I am hearing Anthony Albanese talk about climate change, I hope he wants to have the conversation with people that are hurting right now,' he told Sky News. 'They don't want to hear that conversation, they want to hear what their leaders are going to do.' The federal government's disaster response, particularly its use of the ADF, has come under renewed scrutiny. A 2023 Defence Strategic Review, commissioned by the Commonwealth, warned against relying too heavily on the military for domestic disaster relief. 'Defence should be the force of last resort for domestic aid to the civil community, except in extreme circumstances,' the report stated. Instead, it recommended the development of national resilience and coordinated response measures in partnership with state governments to better handle the escalating risks of climate change. While floodwaters have mainly receded, there are concerns over a 'severe' cold front moving through NSW and its impacts on local livestock and residents. A disaster recovery allowance, to cover income for up to 13 weeks for people unable to work due to the disaster opened on Monday for residents in an initial group of four NSW council areas, Kempsey, Port Macquarie Hastings, MidCoast and Dungog. Residents in 19 other council areas are eligible for a personal hardship payment of $180 per adult and up to $900 per family for emergency food, clothing and medicine. A playboy executive turned pub baron allegedly remortgaged his mother's luxurious Sydney mansion without her knowledge in a bid to pay off his pub empire's debts. Jon Adgemis allegedly mortgaged the Rose Bay home to pay of his business debts to La Trobe Financial, which now amount to $6.2million. The financier applied to the courts to take possession of the mansion bought in 2018 for $4.5million in a bid to recoup its loans. La Trobe would then look to sell it for as much as $10million. However, the financier has run into trouble trying to enforce the move. His mother is fighting to keep the property, where both her daughter and grandson live, according to court documents. Justice Stephen Rothman heard the case and made a preliminary judgement to allow it to proceed. He stated Adgemis' mother is claiming she 'does not recall and has no record of ever receiving' any legal documentation from La Trobe's endeavours to enforce a loan agreement, according to the Australian Financial Review. Sydney pub playboy (pictured with ex-fiancee Megan MacKenzie) mortgaged his mother's home without her knowledge, a court has heard The financier applied to the courts to take possession of the mansion (pictured) bought in 2018 for $4.5million in a bid to recoup its loans. She denied hiring the law firm which represented her in the main dispute. A default judgement made against her was overturned and a cross-claim filed to remove the mortgage. The mortgage had been taken 'without the knowledge of the first defendant and without her authority,' Justice Rothman said in his written explanation of the claim. Adgemis 'conducted all of the meetings and arrangements in relation to the property and mortgage, none of which seems to have been explained or adequately explained,' to his mother. In a ruling on the house dispute, Justice Rothman said it could be argued the ownership between Mr Adgemis and his mother changed. In such a case, it would follow that debts could only be enforced against the businessman. Justice Rothman considered Mr Adgemis' nephew, who is disabled, needs full time care and lived in the Rose Bay home following the installation of a series of modifications made to cater to his needs. The nephew may have beneficial ownership in some of the equity in the home, the justice said, and he would need to be represented in the case to have his interests asserted. Adgemis' woes began after he left his dealmaker role at professional services heavyweight KPMG. He's pictured with his former fiancee Megan Mackenzie His mother is fighting to keep the property, where both her daughter and grandson live, according to court documents. Justice Rothman granted a temporary stay on La Trobe financiers taking possession of the property given Mr Adgemis' mother had an 'arguable case'. She is set to file her defence in June. Adgemis' woes began after he left his dealmaker role at professional services heavyweight KPMG. He was the head of mergers and acquisitions at accounting giant KPMG. He founded the Public Hospitality group in 2021 and accumulated a sprawling portfolio of 20 venues and developments across Sydney. One of his companies splashed more than $50million on pubs. The portfolio included The Town Hall in Balmain, The Kurrajong in Erskineville, The Exchange in Darlinghurst and The Camelia Grove in Alexandria. He funded the rapid acquisitions and developments with borrowed money, against a low cash-rate during the pandemic. Adgemis' mother has moved to block the acquisition of her Rose Bay home in court. Pictured is an aerial shot of the suburb Increased financing costs sent his company to the brink of collapse in recent years, and a number of the venues went into administration in 2024. Monacobased fashion heir Richard Gazal also brought legal action against Adgemis with a personal bankruptcy claim to the tune of $26million plus interest. Public Kitchen, an entity within Public Hospitality, also faces winding-up by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in the Federal Court. The ATO clocked an alleged $286,175 default on the firm last week, filed to the courts on Friday. In the past, the taxation office also conducted raids on Adgemis' home and business. An Arkansas couple allegedly subjected a young teenage girl to years of sexual assault, starvation, physical violence, and forced drug use - all while threatening to kill her if she ever spoke out. Daniel Ray Caler, 34, and his wife Annie Claire Caler, 28, of Rogers, Arkansas were arrested on May 9 after the alleged teenage victim made a chilling revelation to her school counselor. The girl revealed how she had been raped repeatedly by Daniel Caler over the course of three years, beginning in August 2020, at multiple homes across Benton and Washington counties. Her harrowing account exposes a calculated and prolonged pattern of cruelty, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Bentonville Police Department. The girl, whose identity and age remain undisclosed for privacy, said she survived on just one Pop-Tart and a glass of water per week, and was forced to sleep in a bathtub, without a pillow or blanket because she did not have her own bedroom. When she broke her leg, Daniel and Annie Caler allegedly refused to take her to the hospital, leaving her to heal without medical care. The alleged abuse began in 2020 and continued until March 2023, when the final sexual assault occurred. It was not clear how the victim was related to the suspects. She told police that Daniel raped her in at least four different locations. Daniel Ray Caler, 34, faces a staggering list of charges, including rape, sexual assault, permitting child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child Annie Claire Caler, 28, of Rogers, Arkansas, near Bentonville, has also been charged with permitting child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, but faces additional charges of battery, terroristic threats and introduction of a controlled substance into another body In several of those instances, she screamed 'no' and begged him to stop. Annie Caler allegedly witnessed at least two of the assaults - once walking in on an attack and being told by Daniel to 'get out,' while another time, after hearing the girl's screams, pulling her from the living room of the home and fleeing outside with her. 'I will kill her if she tells anyone,' Daniel is alleged to have said to Annie after the rape incident, per the affidavit seen by 5News. But her intervention did not mark the end of the nightmare. According to the report, Annie had previously ignored other instances and even took part in the broader abuse, leaving her just as culpable in the eyes of the law. The girl also described being beaten, stabbed in the neck with a fork, and told by Annie: 'I hope you die.' The stabbing, she said, came after she failed to do the dishes 'correctly.' There was physical abuse too which saw the victim being pushed into walls, being punched and kicked. The couple are accused of subjecting a young teenage girl to years of sexual assault, starvation, physical violence, and forced drug use - all while threatening to kill her if she ever spoke out The teenage girl revealed how she had been raped repeatedly by Daniel Caler over the course of three years, beginning in August 2020, at multiple homes across Arkansas The couple are believed to share a least three children together If the sexual and physical abuse weren't horrific enough, investigators say the Calers also exposed the victim to a cocktail of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, and others. The girl told officers she repeatedly said she didn't want to try the drugs, but Annie "forced her to snort the drugs at least four times." The couple, who used to both work as corrections officers, also allegedly made her participate in drug deals, using her to deliver drugs to other users. The girl told authorities that fear had kept her silent. After witnessing Daniel's threats to Annie - including a moment when he allegedly told her he would 'kill her' if she said anything - the girl internalized her terror. "This statement made by Daniel scared [the victim] and this is why she never told anyone what was happening to her until now," the document states. But eventually, the guilt and trauma became too much to bear. In April 2025, she confided in a school counselor, who immediately involved a school resource officer, setting the wheels of justice in motion. Annie Caler allegedly witnessed at least two of the assaults - once walking in on an attack and being told by Daniel to 'get out' On another occasion, after hearing the girl's screams, Annie pull her from room of the home where the assault was taking place and fled outside with her 'I couldn't live with the guilt anymore. I thought it was my fault. But now I know I'm safe and have people who will protect me,' the girl explained. Police swiftly obtained arrest warrants for both Daniel and Annie Caler. Both were taken into custody and booked into the Benton County Detention Center, where they are being held on bonds of $750,000 and $500,000, respectively. Both have been assigned public defenders and are due in court next month. Daniel Caler faces a staggering list of charges, including rape, sexual assault, permitting child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. Annie has also been charged with permitting child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, but faces additional charges of battery, terroristic threats and introduction of a controlled substance into another body, according to the records. Authorities have not confirmed the nature of the couple's relationship to the victim, nor why the abuse went undetected for so long. But community members and advocates are demanding answers - and accountability. The victim told police that Daniel raped her in at least four different locations The girl also saw Daniel make threats to Annie - including a moment when he allegedly told her he would 'kill her' if she said anything The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile abuse cases in recent years, but few are as gruesome and depraved in detail. The victim's statement, calm, articulate, and emotionally gut-wrenching, has become the backbone of the investigation. The Arkansas Department of Human Services has not yet commented on whether the girl had prior involvement with the child welfare system, but multiple agencies are now reviewing the case. The Bentonville Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and has urged anyone with further information to come forward. The bravery of an Aussie man who calmly dove his car while a giant spider crawled around him has been praised by social media. The short 11-second video was shared on TikTok recently and it attracted more than 10million views. Most people were stunned that the stoney-faced man was driving at high speeds on a highway as the big huntsman was inches away from him. 'I crashed the car three times already watching this,' one person joked. 'This would send me into cardiac arrest,' another said. 'Why is he so calm?' a third person wrote. Some pointed out the man could have been so serene as he smirked while watching the spider move past him because he clearly knew it wasn't a dangerous species. The spider was a huntsman, which are not known to bite humans. The man is driving along a busy highway while a huntsman spider wonders around his car Huntsman spiders look scary but in reality are harmless to humans 'It's a huntsman, you're all right, they only eat bugs,' one person wrote. 'It's okay, it's a huntsman spider. Their venom isn't poisonous to humans,' another said. While huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous to humans, though they do possess venom. But they formidable-looking creatures. On average, a huntsman spider's leg-span can reach up to 15cm, while their bodies measure about 1.8cm long. Author of Silk & Venom: The incredible lives of spiders, James O'Hanlon, told Daily Mail Australia that what he saw in the video was 'a pretty common occurrence in Australia'. 'As creepy as this might look, this guy isn't in any danger. Huntsman spiders mind their own business and if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone,' O'Hanlon said. 'Even if you are unlucky enough to be bitten by one, their venom isn't that dangerous to humans. Pain and swelling from a huntsman bite can be treated with first aid, just like a bee sting.' A Sydney councillor who slammed his colleagues for allowing 'third world ghetto conditions' to proliferate within their electorate has come under fire for blaming the wrong people. Cumberland City councillor Steve Christou accused his Labor-led council of failing to crack down on what he described as 'unhygienic, unsanitary' conditions in Merrylands, 25km west of the city. He aired the issue in a video shared to social media on Monday, in which he filmed a litter-strewn footpath outside a low-lying block of flats within walking distance of the council building on Memorial Avenue. 'Merrylands and Cumberland City Council should not be a ghetto under ghetto conditions, unfortunately this is what it's turning like consistently under the Labor mayorship,' he said. 'We will keep exposing these truths until some action is taken and holding them to account.' But, instead of a Labor pile-on, the councillor found himself in the firing line. 'It is the residents. Not the council's fault,' one woman wrote. 'Are you delusional? It's not the council, it's the residents,' another said. Cumberland City councillor Steve Christou is pictured outside a block of flats in Merrylands on Monday where litter had been dumped along the roadside Christou described the conditions as 'unhygienic' and 'unsanitary' (pictured) Asked what he made of the backlash, Christou insisted the council had a role to play in allowing the bad behaviour to go unpunished. 'Look, no doubt at the moment, it's a resident issue,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'However, it's a resident issue because council isn't doing anything about it and taking enforcement action and representing the community like they, you know, like they want to.' In the video, Christou described the scene as being akin to 'absolute third world ghetto conditions', adding: 'The area looks like a dump'. It comes as part of a broader campaign wrought by the libertarian councillor against what he sees as a failure to enforce basic conditions of cleanliness in the area. Two weeks ago, he received an email from a local woman whose found her two-year-old son kicking an abandoned syringe outside his kindergarten. 'In my 37 years of being a local in the Merrylands community, I have never seen or [been] exposed to a use[d] syringe,' she wrote. 'I'm utterly [sickened] that my young boy who isn't even three years of age asked me what is that and actually stepped on it. Christou served as the mayor of the Cumberland Council from 2017 to 2022 'Merrylands was a beautiful area growing up and now it looks like a third world country.' Mr Christou served as the mayor of the Cumberland Council from 2017 to 2022 in which time, he was made aware of the potential fines in place for dumping offences. In his time as a councillor, he said he had not once seen the maximum penalty enforced against an illegal dumper. 'Once you start cracking down and catching out a few offenders, you'll find that the rest of the community that are dumping will pull their heads in, because nobody wants to be fined,' he said. Earlier this month, the council proposed to raise council rates by $1.50 per week. The proposal document is currently on exhibition. Christou, the only council member to vote against the proposed rate hike, said he believed the council had failed to demonstrate the work needed to justify the increase in the minds of residents. 'They want to raise rates... and if they were actually going out and implementing a program to kind of stop [illegal dumping] from happening, and carrying out their road works, and we didn't have craters and potholes and overgrown grass and all this list of issues that needed to be fixed, I would support it,' he said. 'But I don't support it because they're not doing anything about it, and any money I feel they're going to get off offer a rate rise, they're just going to spend on other issues that aren't important to the you know, to the residents and the public.' A spokesperson for Cumberland City Council said the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal granted the council a 7.1 per cent rate hike for FY2025/26. Councillor Christou said he filmed the littered rubbish within 500metres of the Cumberland City Council building (pictured) 'There has been no decision made to increase rates by 7.1%, however even with the modest increase, Cumberland will continue to have the second lowest average rates among all Sydney Metropolitan Councils.' They added the increase applies to the total income the council generates as opposed to individual rates and is then levied on property values determined by NSW Valuer General. 'What this means is that for properties that are paying residential rates, the average increase will be $1.50 per week on residential rates portion of a rates notice. 'The costs related to the collection and disposal of waste are recovered through the domestic waste charge portion of a rates notice. Councils Domestic Waste Management Charge is calculated on the overall annual cost of providing the waste service to residents.' They said the council maintains a 'proactive approach' to illegal dumping and litter prevention. 'These actions include installing illegal dumping signage, residential engagement, and education, installing cameras, bollards and fencing to prevent illegal dumping. 'In addition, council collaborates closely with government agencies and neighbouring councils to implement this approach. 'Further, Cumberland residents are provided a waste service that includes separate collections of general, recyclables and organic waste as well as the collection of hazardous waste items and up to 4 free on demand household clean-ups annually to assist with the disposal of larger waste items; a service that removes the need for any illegal dumping. 'Incidents of illegal dumping are investigated by Councils Rangers and fines may be issued when sufficient evidence is available in relation to the identity of the person or organisation responsible.' Jacqui Lambie has secured re-election to the Senate, with counting and the complicated distribution of preferences showing she will be returned ahead of One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's daughter, Lee Hanson. The Australian Electoral Commission confirmed the count on Tuesday morning following a tightly-contested electoral race. The Jacqui Lambie Network senator will join Liberal senators Richard Colbeck and Claire Chandler, Labor senators Carol Brown and Richard Dowling, and Greens senator Nick McKim in rounding out the island state's six upper house representatives. The fight over the final spot came down to a contest between Sen. Lambie, Ms Hanson and a third Labor candidate. Given Labor is on track to have 28 of the Senate's 76 seats and the Greens 11, the government will only need to negotiate with the left-wing party to get legislation passed, leaving other crossbenchers like Sen. Lambie as marginal figures in the new parliament. Sen Lambie, along with ACT independent senator David Pocock, had played a significant role in negotiating with the first-term Labor government on its industrial relations reforms. Recently, Lambie has been outspoken in her opposition to salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour, a shallow fjord on Tasmania's west coast where environmental groups claim local species are being endangered by fishing. Jacqui Lambie (pictured) has secured the fifth seat in the Tasmanian Senate Lee Hanson (right) was unsuccessful in her Senate bid. She is pictured alongside her mother One Nation leader Pauline Hanson (left) Lee Hanson fired shots at Lambie in the weeks before the election, saying the senator feigned conservative values while actually voting in alignment with Labor and the Greens. The younger Hanson said she had been influenced by her mother's 'fantastic family values' but wanted to offer a 'different perspective'. 'I do test my mum's thinking, like any child tests the older generation or their parent,' she told Sky News in April. 'I offer a different perspective, a new perspective, the new challenges of raising children in today's era as well we have debate, but it's good debate. It's healthy debate. Lambie's vote sits currently at 0.51 of a quota point, lower than her previous share of 0.69 in 2019. She was ahead of the third Labor candidate on 0.47 and Ms Hanson's 0.36. Lambie first entered parliament in 2013 after scraping in at sixth place in the Tasmanian senate race as a representative of Clive Palmer's Palmer United Party. The following year, she left the since deregistered party to sit as an independent before being forced to resign in November 2017 along with a number of other dual citizen parliamentarians. In the lead up to the federal election, Lambie said this would be her final term if re-elected. 'My body is absolutely broken from what I went through with in the army and [Department of Veteran's Affairs], and I'm struggling now,' she told NewsWire in April. A quiet Alabama town has been shaken to its core after authorities say a man deliberately cooked his own pet chihuahua alive inside a heated oven. James Williamson, 44, of Atmore, close to the Florida border, committed one of the most horrific acts of animal cruelty all because the tiny dog wouldn't stop barking. He is now facing a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty after police say he followed through on a threat he made to his dog. The gruesome incident occurred last Monday when Williamson got into an argument with a family member. It was during this heated exchange he allegedly threatened to shove the puppy into the oven if it didn't stop barking. Williamson is alleged to have taken the small dog, stuffed it inside a hot oven and turned the appliance on before wedging a chair against the oven door to prevent the puppy from escaping. Neighbors soon reported hearing yelping and cries coming from inside Williamson's home, but by the time police arrived the sound had stopped. According to Sergeant Darrell McMann of the Atmore Police Department, a veteran officer who owns a chihuahua himself, found the puppy's charred, lifeless body outside on the driveway, suffering from severe burns across its tiny body. James Williamson, 44, of Atmore, Alabama said he carried out the despicable act all because the tiny dog wouldn't stop barking Sergeant Darrell McMann of the Atmore Police Department who owns a chihuahua himself described the case as 'horrible and inhumane' saying it tested his composure McMann described the case as 'horrible and inhumane' and said it tested his composure in a way few cases have. 'When I got there, I was just at a loss for words, you know. I really just stood there and looked at the dog for a little bit and had to get myself together,' he told WALA. 'This was someone's pet. This was a life - a small, trusting, defenseless life - and it was tortured.' Williamson was swiftly arrested and charged with a class C felony, the standard charge for aggravated animal cruelty in Alabama. He was booked into custody with a $15,000 bond. If convicted, he will be prohibited from owning animals in the future. But Sergeant McMann believes the punishment should be far more severe. 'I think in cases like this, they [the law] should be strengthened,' McMann said. 'Because I don't think being a class C felony fits what he did.' Currently, Alabama law treats aggravated animal cruelty as a lower-tier felony. Williamson was arrested and charged with a class C felony, the standard for aggravated animal cruelty in Alabama but Sergeant McMann believes the punishment should be far more severe The burned body of the small, lifeless dog was found on Dogwood Drive in Atmore last Monday That means, depending on prior history and the court's judgment, Williamson could avoid significant prison time altogether. Those on social media were outraged by what they had heard. 'I think that might be a fitting punishment for him. And maybe all animal abusers in Alabama,' implored one user. 'Well if he didnt like barking, dont get a dog!' stated another. 'At what point are we going to change our laws here in Alabama so people like this are actually punished? Animal abuse happens far too often, and it's unacceptable,' wrote a third. 'We rank 49th out of 50 states for the worst animal cruelty laws. We need to do better, Alabama. It's heartbreaking that we continue to do nothing to improve, while people go on committing these horrible acts.' A buyer's agent claims she 'lost focus' and didn't find it 'super engaging' when former US vice president Kamala Harris gave a speech at an Australian event. Australian Real Estate Conference attendees were surprised to learn Harris had been booked as a surprise guest at the Gold Coast event on Sunday. The 2024 presidential candidate was among several property experts and entrepreneurs who shared their wisdom with more than 4,000 property professionals. Harris described home ownership as 'one of the greatest challenges' Gen Z faces, recalled her experience refusing a $4billion deal from major banks to settle dodgy mortgage deals as California's attorney-general, and took aim at Elon Musk. However, she also left the audience baffled as she discussed a range of unrelated topics including women's reproductive health, her mother, and the concept of humility with the conference founder John McGrath. Mecca Property Group buyer's agent Ella Cas, 24, attended the conference and struggled to follow the former vice president's hour-long interview. 'The way she speaks I don't know if it's media training, but she will answer a question, try to tell a story and then repeat her answer,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'Honestly, I lost focus every time she was explaining her answer. I didn't find it super engaging, but it was still pretty cool.' Kamala Harris (pictured with her husband Doug Emhoff) was Down Under to attend the Australasian Real Estate Conference Melbourne-based buyer's agent Ella Cas, 24, attended the conference The Melbourne-based buyer's agent said she had been sitting in the 'front few rows' and that Harris 'mostly spoke about her career'. 'It was interesting and you can understand why they chose her to run in the election, but how you see her online is exactly what she's like in person,' Ms Cas said. 'She was meant to be talking about real estate, it was a little bit odd.' During a question and answer session, Harris shared a story about her mother and Playboy magazine covers amongst other anecdotes. 'They tried to bring it back to real estate. The host was just super excited to have her there, it's a huge name to have booked,' Ms Cas said. 'But, it was mostly about her career, growing up, her groundbreaking work. 'It was somewhat inspiring for women and pretty cool to be in the same room as Kamala Harris.' Harris also spoke at length about issues important to her, and launched into a lengthy 'word salad' when asked about humility. Kamala Harris discussed a range of topics away from property including women's reproductive health, her mother and humility 'I don't aspire to be humble. And I don't recommend it, I think that one must be humble. But to aspire to be humble would be quite inauthentic,' she said. 'If one understands that, just, I mean, there's so much that is magnificent and awe-inspiring about this world and its people.' Harris also included throwbacks to famous word salads during her political career including a mention of being 'unburdened by what has been,' the importance of 'speaking truth' and being aware of the significance of the 'passage of time.' 'I think it's very important to understand that people who fight for equality, fight for freedom, they see what can be and are unburdened by what has been they believe in what is possible,' she said. 'So even though it may be characterised as a fight, it really is it should I think be thought of in the context of a fight for something as opposed to against something.' At one point the moderator said he believed her 'best work is ahead of you, for sure, 100 per cent'. 'I am unemployed right now,' she said with a smile. 'Go on, let's speak truth.' When she was asked to give advice to young women in the real estate industry, she repeated her motto about not listening to people who tell them to wait their turn. 'I don't hear no. I eat no for breakfast,' she said. CNN's Jake Tapper admitted that the cover-up of Joe Biden's cognitive decline in the White House may have been 'worse than Watergate.' Tapper compared Biden's White House deception to President Richard Nixon and one of the greatest scandals in political history during an interview with Piers Morgan about his campaign tell-all Original Sin. 'This is an entirely separate scandal. Maybe even worse maybe even worse,' Tapper ultimately admitted. 'It is without question and maybe even worse than Watergate in some ways because Richard Nixon was in control of his faculties when he was not drinking.' Tapper's new book delves into the elaborate and painstaking efforts taken by Biden's inner circle to hide the true extent of the his health problems. Morgan challenged Tapper by asking him to justify his written conclusion that the 'hiding and cover-up of his deterioration is not Watergate.' That's when the CNN anchor actually admitted that he got it wrong. In fact, he told Morgan it 'may be worse' than the 1972 scandal, in which the Nixon administration attempted to cover up a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Nixon was forced to resign and 'Watergate' is now synonymous with political corruption, becoming somewhat of a benchmark through which subsequent administrations are judged. CNN 's Jake Tapper has admitted the cover-up of Joe Biden's cognitive decline in the White House may have been 'worse than Watergate' The extraordinary admission came during an interview with Piers Morgan promoting his tell-all book Original Sin, co-authored alongside Axios reporter Alex Thompson Tapper went on to try to clarify the quote Morgan referenced in the book, which concluded: 'Joe Biden is not Richard Nixon, and the hiding and cover-up of his deterioration is not Watergate.' Morgan had argued: 'I am not entirely sure I agree, Jake, with that conclusion.' But Tapper said the only reason they included the caveat in the book was because they had spoken with a Watergate investigator who discussed 'how powerful the presidency is and how presidents get surrounded by people who have a vested interest in keeping that president propped up.' Tapper in particular has faced enormous backlash for his reporting in the book, with critics arguing he was part of the so-called 'cover-up' he is now trying to expose. But he maintains he trusted Biden and his aides and took them at their word when they assured him that all was well. The turning point for him was the disastrous debate between Biden and Trump in June 2024, which he and fellow CNN star Dana Bash moderated. The duo had iPads which they used to communicate with their production team throughout the debate. Early on, Tapper sent a message to his crew backstage. He didn't know which staff were working, so he 'tried to keep it clean.' 'I wrote 'holy smokes,'' he told Megyn Kelly. 'I wanted to write 'holy f**k.'' Nixon was forced to resign and 'Watergate' is now synonymous with political corruption, becoming somewhat of a benchmark through which subsequent administrations are judged That revelation came on the back of a startling claim that a trio of senior political veterans who had known Biden for decades worked closely with his wife, Dr Jill Biden , and occasionally his troubled son, Hunter, to run the show Around the same time, Bash slid him a piece of paper, with her own message on it. It read: 'He just lost the election.' Kelly was among the leading voices critical of Tapper's role in the cover-up, telling him: 'There is a way of pressing a man like that on the actual infirmities to bring it home to him and to the audience and you didn't do it.' After further criticism of a now-infamous 2020 exchange between Tapper and Lara Trump, during which Tapper shamed her for mentioning Biden's 'cognitive decline', Tapper accepted fault for his past reporting. 'Knowing what I know now, obviously I feel tremendous humility about my coverage,' Tapper told Kelly, while also admitting that 'conservative media was correct' in how it handled the story. 'There should be a lot of soul-searching not just among me but among the legacy media to begin with - all of us - for how this was covered or not covered sufficiently,' he said. 'I wish I could do differently.' Following the car-crash debate, Biden ultimately dropped out of the race and endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. But his antics following that decision continued to infuriate both Harris and fellow Democrats. During a 9/11 commemoration event, he was pictured wearing a MAGA hat at the behest of a member of the crowd, jovially signing the cap and laughing with his audience. Joe Biden grins as he puts on a Trump 2024 hat while visiting a firehouse in Pennsylvania Then, whispers from his camp revealed he genuinely believed he could have defeated Trump. 'What is he doing?' Harris asked her team, according to the book. 'This is completely unhelpful. And so unnecessary.' In October, Biden told supporters 'we got to lock him up,' when talking about former President Donald Trump, at a time when Trump and his supporters were accusing Biden and Harris of 'lawfare' to remove him from the presidential race. Later that month, Biden also referred to President Trump's supporters as 'garbage,' which the campaign famously branded as an insult to working class Americans. While the book is brimming with startling revelations, the authors have been on a PR blitz trying to legitimize it amid concerns that they failed to report the truth whilst it was happening. Tapper even enlisted the expertise of crisis PR maven Risa Heller, who has represented the likes of convicted Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes and Hollywood sex predator Harvey Weinstein. He said the PR guru has helped him with 'advice' as they make the book's 'rollout as smart as possible.' On Sunday, Thompson was asked by Fox News host Shannon Bream about an anecdote referenced in the book about advisors justifying 'undemocratic' actions in an effort to prevent Donald Trump from returning to the White House. The turning point for Tapper was the disastrous debate between Biden and Trump in June 2024, which he and fellow CNN star Dana Bash moderated Tapper previously recalled that when he moderated Biden's disastrous debate last June, he was left stunned as he texted his producers from the desk, 'holy smokes' Reading aloud from the book, Bream quoted an unnamed aide as saying: '[Biden] just had to win, and then he could disappear for four years. 'He'd only have to show proof of life every once in a while His aides could pick up the slack.' Thompson revealed that the source 'went on to say that, when you're voting for a president, you're voting for the aides around him.' 'These aides were not even Senate-confirmed aides,' he said. 'These are White House aides, these were unelected people. 'And one of the things that really I think comes out in our reporting here is that if you believe - and I think a lot of these people do sincerely believe that Donald Trump was and is an existential threat to democracy - you can rationalize anything. 'Including sometimes doing undemocratic things, which I think is what this person is talking about.' And that revelation came on the back of a startling claim that a trio of senior political veterans who had known Biden for decades worked closely with his wife, Dr Jill Biden, and occasionally his troubled son, Hunter, to run the show. Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti and Bruce Reed were the core three decision-makers, the book claims, adding that former senior advisor to the president Annie Tomasini and former White House chief of staff Ron Klain were also 'at times' part of the group. According to the book, both Jill and Hunter Biden were prominent and permanent fixtures within Biden's circle of trust 'Five people were running the country, and Joe Biden was at best a senior member of the board,' one source told the authors. 'In practice, Bruce Reed was the real domestic policy adviser, Mike Donilon was the actual political director, Steve Ricchetti controlled Legislative Affairs, and Klain controlled a bit of everything.' According to the book, both Jill and Hunter Biden were prominent and permanent fixtures within Biden's circle of trust. This is despite aides and insiders partially blaming Hunter for the president's rapid deterioration. 'To understand Joe Biden's deterioration, top aides told us, one has to know Hunter's struggles,' the book stated. While promoting his book, Tapper was asked about Hunter's role in the administration and influence over his father. Fueled by information garnered through interviews with more than 200 people for the book, Tapper answered: 'I think Hunter was driving the decision-making for the family in a way that people - he was almost like a chief of staff of the family. 'It's bizarre because I think he is provably demonstrably unethical, sleazy, and prone to horrible decisions,' Tapper added. 'After his brother died, he cheated on his wife with his brother's widow and then got her addicted to crack.' The recent revelation that Biden has been diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer also sparked rampant conspiracy theories about whether medical professionals were aware of his illness while he was president. Biden's team have maintained he was not tested for prostate cancer while he was president, and that the diagnosis is recent. That reassurance has not stopped MAGA loyalists from demanding his long-term physician Kevin O'Connor be subpoenaed to answer questions about Biden's health. O'Connor repeatedly assured the American public during Biden's term that he was healthy and could have served another four years. Simultaneously, several of Biden's closest aides are facing pressure to reveal how much control they had over his autopen after Trump raised questions about who was really in charge during the Biden administration. According to the book, which is based on hundreds of interviews, 'access' to Biden diminished significantly during his White House term, as his staff allegedly walled him off, even from cabinet members. One cabinet secretary told the authors that he didn't brief the president directly in 2024 but only spoke to the president's aides. Even still, insiders maintained they were not aware of how dire the situation had become until it was too late, despite Biden's repeated gaffes and tumbles on the public stage. One of the most shocking incidents took place in September 2022 incident Biden called out for Republican Congresswoman Jackie Walorski at a White House event. 'Jackie, are you here? Where's Jackie,' he said scanning the audience. 'She was going to be here.' Walorski had been killed in a car crash in August and Biden and the First Lady had issued a statement extended condolences to her family at the time. Another standout moment for Tapper was when Biden did not recognize actor George Clooney at a 2024 fundraising event, along with the revelation that White House aides were considering placing the president in a wheelchair if he were reelected. Erin Patterson's recorded interview with police following the deadly beef Wellington lunch has been aired in open court for the very first time. Wearing a grey jumper and seated across the table from Homicide Squad Senior Constable Stephen Eppingstall, Patterson was asked if she owned a dehydrator or knew anything about them. 'No,' was the response. It was a lie the jury has previously heard Patterson now admits to. On Tuesday, the jury was shown photographs of a manual for a Sunbeam food dehydrator found in a drawer in Patterson's Leongatha home. 'Ive got manuals of lots of stuff Ive collected over the years,' Patterson told the detective on August 5 2023 following the search of her home. 'I just keep them all.' On the opening day of the trial, Patterson's barrister Colin Mandy, SC told the jury Patterson had lied about having cancer and did dump a dehydrator later found to have traces of death cap mushrooms. Erin Patterson was wearing a grey jumper similar to that pictured during her record of interview 'She panicked because she was overwhelmed because there were four people that had become so ill because of the food she served them,' he said. Asked by Senior Constable Eppingstall - the last witness to be called by the prosecution - if she had ever dehydrated mushrooms before, Patterson shook her head in denial. Pressed for information, the detective asked if Patterson had ever foraged for mushrooms. 'Never,' she responded. Patterson had claimed she had bought the dried mushrooms used in her beef Wellingtons from an Asian grocer in Melbourne's south-east. Under questioning, Patterson mentioned her 'co-operation' with the hunt to find that Asian grocer. 'Im sure you understand too that Ive never been in a situation like this before, and Ive been very, very helpful with the health department through the week, because I wanted to help that side of things as much as possible, because I do want to know what happened,' she said. 'Ive given them as much information as theyve asked for, and offered up all the food and all the information about where the food came from the house.' Detective Senior Constable Stephen Eppingstall took to the stand on Tuesday The jury heard Patterson was questioned about the reason for the lunch and why she had invited her in-laws over. 'Because Ive got no other family,' she said. 'I want to maintain those relationships in spite of whats happening with Simon, I love them a lot.' The jury has previously heard Patterson's relationship with her estranged husband had become frosty towards the end of 2022. Patterson, 50, is accused of killing her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, with death cap mushrooms served in the pastry dish during a lunch at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023. Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the only one to survive the lunch, with an attempted murder charge related to his alleged poisoning also in play. Patterson told Senior Constable Eppingstall that Don and Gail had always been good to her. 'They always said to me that they would support me with love and emotional support even though Simon and I were separated,' she said. 'Theyre the only family Ive got.' Erin Patterson's in-laws Don and Gail Patterson died after eating a deadly beef Wellington Patterson told the detective she had tried to maintain her relationship with Simon's parents for the good of her children despite their separation. 'Nothing thats ever happened between us, nothing hes ever done to me, will change the fact that theyre good decent people that have never done anything wrong by me, ever,' she said. Before the 20 minute record of interview was played, the jury heard that the police tasked with raiding Patterson's home had seized just one plate from her home. That plate was retrieved from the kitchen fridge and contained nothing more than fruit. In opening the trial, Crown prosecutor Dr Nanette Rogers told the jury that Patterson had invited everyone over to ask them how she ought to tell her children she had ovarian cancer. Prosecutors said that Patterson served beef Wellington - and ate from a different plate to the others, distinguishing her meal from those alleged to have been poisoned. There were four large grey dinner plates on the table, while Patterson ate from a smaller, tan orange dish, according to Pastor Ian Wilkinson, who became sick but survived. Homicide Squad Detective Sergeant Luke Farrell told the jury that while detectives were interested in Patterson's plates, they had not taken photos of them all after executing a search warrant on August 5, 2023. Homicide Squad Detective Sergeant Luke Farrell leaves Latrobe Valley Court on Tuesday Nor had they measured any of the various plates found inside her Leongatha property. Instead the jury was taken to screen grabs of a video a detective took of Patterson's kitchen. The jury observed images that showed several plates which were red on top and black on the bottom in addition to a white plate with some colour on it. Another image showed a stack of four dark-coloured plates and a single white plate with stripes of blue, black and orange. The pastor gave evidence to the jury on May 6, describing in detail what happened at the lunch. Mr Wilkinson recalled the meal consisted of mash potato, green beans and beef wellington. I could see them (the plates) between Heather and Gail, there were four large grey plates, one smaller plate - a different colour, an orangy-tan color,' he insisted. Gail picked up two of the grey plates and took them to the table, Heather picked up two of the grey plates and took them to the table, Erin picked up the odd plate and put it at her place at the table.' Health official Sally Ann Atkinson led the public health investigation to find the death cap mushrooms Erin Patterson claimed to have purchased in Melbourne's south-east Detective Senior Constable Eppingstall, who spearheaded the investigation into Patterson, later told the jury police had not located any grey plates as described by Mr Wilkinson during their search of the house. Sgt Farrell had been conducting the search on Patterson's home when police allege she factory reset her mobile phone. The jury heard Patterson had been allowed to hang onto her phone throughout the search and spent up to 20 minutes alone with it in a sealed room. On Tuesday, the jury watched video of the moment Sgt Farrell asked Patterson for her phone while they were both seated at her dining table. 'I asked for it and she gave it to me,' Sgt Farrell told the jury. 'I asked her if there was a pin code to open the phone and she provided (two codes) she thought it might've been, but I didn't require a code to access the phone.' The phone was later erased remotely while sitting in a secure locker within the Homicide Squad's headquarters. The jury was shown several images of items seized from Patterson's home. Ian Wilkinson claimed Erin Patterson had eaten off an orange coloured plate that was smaller than the grey plates her guests ate off. He is pictured entering the court on Tuesday These items included an instruction manual for a Sunbeam dehydrator, a set of digital scales and a glass bowl. Sgt Farrell said a RecipeTin Eats cookbook which contained a recipe for beef Wellington was also photographed and seized. The investigator said he opened the book and found a recipe for beef Wellington in a section of 'spattered pages'. Police also seized a jug of gravy and a fruit platter from the fridge. Sgt Farrell said police discovered a Cooler Master personal computer in Patterson's son's room, which was later found to have stored internet searches on death cap mushrooms. Patterson had been unaware anyone had died from eating her lunch at the time the search warrant was executed. Sgt Farrell said that before he commenced the search, he spoke to Patterson and told her police had come to search her home in connection to the 'death of two people'. 'Who died?,' Patterson asked. Patterson's barrister Sophie Stafford and lawyer Ophelia Holloway enter the court on Tuesday Patterson's lead barrister Colin Mandy, SC (left) and lawyer Bill Doogue on Tuesday Earlier, the jury was taken through the public health scramble to locate the dried mushrooms Patterson had told health officials she used to make the beef Wellington. Health official Sally Ann Atkinson told the jury Patterson claimed the mushrooms she purchased came in a clear bag that carried a white label without any kind of commercial packaging. While a council investigator found one shop in Oakleigh, south-east of Melbourne, that contained bagged mushrooms similar to what Patterson described, she said health officials never found any traces of death cap mushrooms being sold. 'It's highly unlikely the commercial mushroom supply chain was contaminated with amanita (poisons),' Ms Atkinson said. She further said there were no 'issues' found with the other foods served in Patterson's lunch and the risk to the public was deemed 'low'. The officer also noted 'no food recalls were deemed warranted'. The trial continues. A mine that produced Australia's largest ever diamond is set to be sold after its owner entered voluntary administration. KordaMentha Restructuring have been appointed voluntary administrators for Perth-based diamond miners Lucapa Diamond Company Limited. Businesses connected to Lucapa - Brooking Diamonds, Heartland Diamonds and Australian Natural Diamonds, are also in administration. It could mean the Merlin diamond mine, about 720km south-east of Darwin, which Lucapa had planned to revive last year, is in doubt because the administrators said its sale was likely. More than 500,000 carats of mostly gemstone-grade diamonds have been dug up at Merlin, including a 104-carat type 2a diamond which is the largest diamond that has been found in Australian history. Lucapa bought the Merlin mine - one of only three diamond mines in Australia - in 2021 for $8.5million and planned to spend $25million to ensure the mine's future for a further five-years. A 2021 a preliminary assessment of the mine identified potential revenues of $1.6billion, as well as a 2.1million carat production target over 14 years. Lucapa managing director Stephen Wetherall said in 2021: 'The results of the scoping study confirm the great potential identified by Lucapa using an innovative hybrid open pit and vertical pit mining methodology to establish a mining operation at Merlin.' Australia's largest ever diamond was dug up from the Merlin diamond mine, about 720km south-east of Darwin (pictured) The Merlin diamond mine produced more than 500,000 carats of diamonds Australia's largest diamond, an uncut 104.73 carat gem is on display at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 'There is potential to deliver further significant value through the operational opportunities and from mineral resource extensions, underground development and exploration as the kimberlites continue at depth and there are a significant number of anomalies that have the potential to deliver new source discoveries,' he said. In January, it was reported than Lucapa used modern exploration technology to obtain 'outstanding' results from a geophysical survey conducted at its Merlin diamond project. Lucapa's initial review of the electromagnetic survey data found two large and highly conductive base metal targets. The company's flagship asset is the Lulo mine, in Angola. Lucapa was contacted for comment. A Sydney woman who disappeared over a week ago has been found after her worried friends begged the public for assistance. Rachel Walker, 34, was last seen in Newtown, in the city's inner west at about 12pm on Tuesday, May 20. Police were notified of her disappearance on Sunday when her family and friends were unable to contact or locate her. 'It's not like Rach not to be in contact for this length of time, we're all worried sick,' close friend Hannah told NewsWire earlier on Tuesday. 'Anyone with any info please contact the police as soon as possible. 'Rachel is so loved by so many people. We just want to know she's OK.' Another friend shared the appeal for information on Facebook. 'I am super worried about her also... horrible news,' one wrote in the comments. Sydney woman Rachel Walker, who disappeared over a week ago, has been found after her worried friends begged the public for assistance Friends of Ms Walker (pictured) previously said they were 'worried sick' Ms Walker was described as having tattoos on the base of her neck and foot 'Fingers crossed,' another said. NSW Police said Ms Walker had been located in an update at 3.18pm on Tuesday. 'A 34-year-old woman reported missing from Newtown on Tuesday (20 May 2025) has been located,' a statement read. 'Police thank the public and media for their assistance.' Pheobe Bishop's distraught mother has hit back at internet trolls as the search for her missing daughter approaches a troubling milestone. The 17-year-old was last seen almost two weeks ago on May 15 leaving a rundown home in Gin Gin, Bundaberg, where she had been living with couple Tanika Bromley and James Wood. Queensland Police say the pair told detectives they drove Pheobe to Bundaberg Airport for an 8.30am flight to Brisbane and then on to Perth, where she planned to meet up with her boyfriend. On Tuesday, the teen's mother Kylie Johnson shared an emotional message to Facebook in which she said she was 'finding it hard to get out of bed'. 'To find the strength to put one foot in front of the other and know what to do, what to think or what to say,' she continued. 'People have judgements, accusations and continue (to) say untruths. 'I'm not going to correct you or be investing what little strength I have to be correcting these statements or people. We as a family are just trying to go through the motions of waiting for Phee to come home.' The post was quickly inundated with messages of support with friends and followers of the case urging Ms Johnson to ignore the trolls. The 17-year-old was last seen almost two weeks ago on May 15 leaving a rundown home Ms Johnson (pictured with Pheobe) said on Tuesday she was 'finding it hard to get out of bed' 'We have your back Kylie! Those that matter know the truth! Those that ridicule with their malicious, degrading comments don't matter!' one said. 'I know you love your girl/kids unconditionally and would do anything to keep them safe. There are no words I can say but feel my arms around you and keep believing,' another said. A third wrote: 'Those who know you and love you know how blessed your family is to be led and loved by you.' Ms Johnson is not the only family member close to the incident to have taken to social media in recent days. Bromley's brother, Sean, has also come forward, claiming his family had serious concerns about the welfare of those at the Gin Gin property and went to the police prior to Pheobe's disappearance. 'It's about time I say something,' he said. 'I'm ashamed my family's name is now getting dragged through the mud because of one particular person.' He went on to discuss his sister's recent run-ins with the law, explaining she was out on bail at the time of Pheobe's disappearance. Pheobe is pictured with her mother Kylie Johnson before she vanished Police are still unclear as to why Pheobe was living at the house with Bromley and Wood According to Mr Bromley, he spoke to an investigations team regarding his concerns. 'I wasn't the only one putting these complaints in,' he continued. 'Especially considering how many times those two have been reported to authorities, welfare and the animal protection service,' he said. 'I even contacted the media by email, had even attached a photo of her court charges, and no one did a thing.' Mr Bromley added that his mother was helping police with their enquiries, but they would appreciate it if she was 'left alone'. 'My heart goes out to this girl and her family, and I hope that the police can get the information to find her and put everyone's mind at ease.' Many have questioned why the 17-year-old lived at the Gin Gin house which, when Daily Mail Australia visited on Thursday, was in an obvious state of decay. An IGA supermarket worker told Daily Mail Australia Pheobe visited the store on several occasions 'looking worse for wear with no money'. The search for Pheobe has entered its 12th day, with police searching bushland with cadaver dogs at the Good Night Scrub National Park Tamika Bromley, Pheobe's housemate in Gin Gin, is pictured Neighbour Shari Loughland told Daily Mail Australia that Pheobe had only been living there 'for a few weeks, up to a month or two'. However, it seems she was also having a hard time living at the Gin Gin property. A friend who wished to remain anonymous has shared the last messages they received from Pheobe, sent on Monday, May 12 before she went missing. 'I've been better but I focus on the good s***,' Pheobe told the friend. 'I take off to WA in three days! Get out of this s*** home for a bit so that will be good, just packing atm (at the moment).' Asked how long she was going for, Pheobe replied: '10 days beautiful x'. No charges have been laid over Pheobe's disappearance and Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Bromley or Wood are involved. The father of the three-year-old girl allegedly murdered by her own mother on Monday evening has rushed home to be by his family's side. MMA fighter and mine worker Jai Ruane is now with his two other children, aged one and two, who were inside the family home at the time of the horrific tragedy. Mother-of-three Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, was found near her dying daughter Sophia in the front yard of their home at Moore Park Beach, on the outskirts of Bundaberg, Central Queensland. Emergency services desperately tried to revive the youngster but police said she had suffered multiple stab wounds and could not be saved. Speaking to Nine News on Tuesday night, Mr Ruane described little Sophia as 'the light of his life'. 'Always smiling, always wanting to help,' he said of Sophia. 'Just full of life and love. 'She just had a huge heart.' Jai Ruane (pictured left with Sophia on her first birthday) is now with his two other children, aged one and two, who were inside the family home at the time of the horrific tragedy A distressed man was seen on his hands and knees in despair as others comforted him in the wake of the tragedy On Tuesday Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip said Mr Ruane lived at the residence, but had been away at work when the incident occurred. He added that the dad had now returned and was with the two children, but was shattered by the alleged murder. 'He is back in town and he is with the children at the moment, no doubt absolutely devastated,' he said. 'It was a horrific scene,' he said. 'It's a terrible, terrible incident for everybody including the witnesses and neighbours, the emergency services, police and ambulance who attended and the investigators who are doing the ongoing investigation. 'This is not something we ever want to attend and want our people to have to deal with.' Acting Supt Inskip declined to confirm if the family was known to police or children's services, adding that line of inquiry would form part of the investigation. He said Flanigan's mental health history will also now be looked into. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, (pictured) has been charged with one count of murder after she allegedly killed her three-year-old daughter Sophia in the front yard of her home Emergency services rushed to Moore Park Beach, on the outskirts of Bundaberg, central Queensland, at 4.45pm on Monday following 'multiple' reports from concerned neighbours. The toddler was found unresponsive with 'multiple wounds' at the Regency Road home and declared dead at the scene, police said. A bladed weapon was also allegedly found at the location, said Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip. Police arrested 32-year-old Lauren Ingrid Flanigan and on Tuesday charged her with murdering her daughter Sophia. Acting Superintendent Inskip confirmed on Tuesday that emergency services were called to a home on Monday evening following several Triple-0 calls from concerned neighbours. He revealed that Mr Ruane lives at the property, but was away at work when the incident occurred. 'He is back in town and he is with the children at the moment. No doubt absolutely devastated,' Acting Supt Inskip said. 'It was a horrific scene,' Acting Supt Inskip said. Sophia, 3, (pictured) was found unresponsive at the Regency Road home and declared dead at the scene 'It's a terrible, terrible incident for everybody, including the witnesses and neighbours, the emergency services, police and ambulance who attended, and the investigators who are now conducting the ongoing investigation. ' This is not something we ever want to attend, nor want our people to have to deal with.' When asked whether the family was previously known to police or child protection services, Acting Supt Inskip declined to comment, stating that this would be part of the ongoing inquiries. He also confirmed that the mental health history of the alleged offender, Lauren Flanigan, will be closely examined as part of the investigation. It's understood Flanigan was a member of the Alive Church in Bundaberg and would often share posts about her faith to her social media accounts. 'Faith. Family. Future. Fitness. Built for wealth. Wired for freedom. Digital Systems. Elite Strategy. No Excuses,' her account profile reads. In many of her posts, Flanigan wrote about 'rising up' and remembering 'who you are' as she battled against 'the system'. 'You are a WARRIOR OF LIGHT. Train like it's war because it is. God is calling His army out of hiding. This is kingdom rising,' Flanigan's most recent post read. Police taped off the property and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the little girl's death 'We move. We build. We burn with holy fire. No more delays. No more compromise. Tag your generals. It's time to RISE.' In September last year, Flanigan shared pictures of Sophia in a pink princess dress to Instagram with the caption 'my divine babies'. In another post, the mother-of-two explained her life would be fulfilled by sharing time with her family and not by having a successful career. 'I realised the most valuable thing I could create was time,' Flanigan wrote. 'Time to watch my babies grow. Time to breathe. Time to live. Time to love. We weren't created to just work, pay bills, and survive the week. A distressed man was seen on his hands and knees in despair as others comforted him in the wake of the tragedy 'We were made to create memories together, lasting legacy, joy, freedom and smiles. 'We were made to create memories together, lasting legacy, joy, freedom and smiles. 'I have given my life to serve. I have a beautiful little family who remind me of love daily. A community that uplifts me, a church that grounds me. 'Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there are areas that still need refining. But I wake up every day with breath in my lungs and fire in my spirit.' Flanigan was not required to appear in person at Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Her legal representative made no application for bail and the case was adjourned to the Bundaberg court until July 21. A butterscotch-yellow Venezuelan restaurant in Sydney's inner-east will be repainted after its owners were warned its new bright new paintjob could cost them a hefty fine. The facade of Tequila Mockingbird in Paddington received the vivid yellow facelift just last month. The restaurateurs had hoped the sunshine-tinged lick of paint over the normally dull brickwork would 'echo the vibrancy' of the cuisine they served. But Woollahra Council took a very different view and officials ordered the owners to choose a new colour scheme for the Heeley Street eatery. Failure to comply, they warned, would result in a $6,000 fine. The restaurant's owners have now vowed to revert to something more neutral in a bid to avoid the costly penalty and said they never meant to cause offence. They said the space had been designed with 'warmth, theatre and nostalgia in mind'. 'The bold yellow interiors (and exterior) echo the vibrancy of Venezuelan culture, symbolising abundance, harmony and the joy we aim to deliver with every service,' their website read. Tequila Mockingbird in Paddington took on a bold colouring last month, now council served them with a request to repaint Owner Michael Fegent said he thought the standout colour would bring warmth to the area. 'Yellow is the prominent colour of the Venezuelan flag, and I chose a colour listed as a heritage by the paint supplier,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald. He said he was unaware the paintwork would need pre-approval from the local government. 'There are lots of terrace houses in the Heritage Conservation Area with vibrant colours, including yellow have they been issued notifications from council?' he asked. The council have since maintained their position. A spokesman said the colour was not 'appropriate in this location'. 'The overall colour of facades must be consistent with a building's character and to the surrounding streetscape, so in this instance the owner must repaint or they may receive a fine,' the council said. 'Council understands that businesses want to stand out, but operating in a Heritage Conservation Area like Paddington comes with responsibilities that are designed to protect and preserve the character of the area, and we appreciate that most people are doing the right thing. ' The restaurant was previously a more neutral greyish-beige, like many of the buildings in the area (pictured in 2021) Tequila Mockingbird has now resigned itself to complying with the council's orders after the owner admitted the business had made a mistake. But some other Paddington pubs in the past have not gone so quietly. In 2011, ad man John Singleton co-owned the area's Bellevue Hotel and continuously repainted the building in the face of council threats. He painted the hotel pink to support breast cancer before spraying it brown, then black. He also offered the pub's facade as a billboard for charity organisations shortly after. He said the council was enacting 'bureaucracy gone mad', according to the Daily Telegraph at the time. On social media, many Paddington locals were dismayed to hear the business's conspicuous colouring had been rejected by the council. 'I'm tired of all the beige and white houses (including my own) in Paddington,' one wrote. 'I long for some of the Mediterranean, bright pastels that coloured the streets for a few decades from the 1950s. Veteran restauranteur Michael Fegent (right) said he didn't mean to offend the council and would repaint the building 'The sunflower yellow of this local restaurant surprised me but I've grown to love it, and think it's mean of Woollahra Council to threaten a fine of $6,000. 'What are "heritage" colours? And how does William Street Paddington escape this drab rule?' Others were equally unimpressed. 'The curse of any house particularly Paddington-Woollahra (where I live and what I have to look at) is the mania for "greige" (beastly non-colour mix of grey and beige),' one woman wrote. 'Agreed! The yellow is so much fun, Woollahra Council surely has better things to police,' another chimed in. 'Grew up there in the 50s and 60s, it was a league of nations with the post war migrants who painted their houses a myriad of colours, which improved the look of the row upon row of the same build of terrace houses,' a third mentioned. 'I wish Woollahra Councils attention to the built environment extended to the neglect of all the infrastructure they own including roundabouts, footpaths, gutters, parks, lanes, lighting,' another said. Fans of Liverpool FC should have been partying into the night on Monday as the Reds celebrated their Premier League title with a street parade. Instead, 27 people are in hospital, including children, while another 20 are nursing minor injuries this morning after a grey Ford Galaxy people carrier careened into crowds of fans, turning jubilant celebrations into a twisted nightmare. Two people, including one child, have been left with serious injuries. Among those injured, four were trapped under the car and had to be removed by paramedics and fire officers. A suspect, a 53-year-old white British man, has been taken into police custody. But how did a title win party to remember turn into one to forget? Our analysis of multiple social media videos, map data and witness statements reveals more about how the incident came to pass. Did you see what happened? Email: jon.brady@mailonline.co.uk Shortly before 6pm Liverpool FC's parade bus wound its way along the Strand, on Liverpool's waterfront, after travelling down Leeds Street. On its journey, it passes the junction with Water Street. Fans begin making their way up Water Street as the parade reaches its conclusion. 5.59pm CCTV footage seen by MailOnline shows a number of cars driving slowly along Dale Street, which leads immediately onto Water Street, against a tide of Liverpool fans heading home after the festivities. Among the cars passing the junction at Moorfields is a grey Ford Galaxy people carrier. Sources have told MailOnline the road was blocked off with bollards, but these were moved to allow an ambulance to get through. This has since been confirmed by Merseyside Police, which told reporters on Tuesday the ambulance was rushing to help a man who had suffered a suspected heart attack. The Liverpool FC parade bus can be seen driving along the Strand in Blackpool amid jubilant scenes - at the junction with Water Street, where carnage would ensue just minutes later The horrifying moment a grey Ford Galaxy people carrier ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool fans celebrating their team's Premier League win Your browser does not support iframes. In Water Street, a short distance away and directly opposite the city's iconic Liver Building, fans were marching down the road celebrating the club's 20th Premier League title. The road did not appear to be marked down for closure during the parade - though authorities said there would be rolling closures throughout the parade. Multiple angles of video footage appear to show the grey Ford Galaxy driving past a William Hill bookmakers on Dale Street - a connecting road to the east of Water Street - beeping at fans, some of whom then kick at the car. Several fans are heard to say: 'What're you doing?' It then reverses back, sending one fan stumbling backwards. A man draped in a scarf then tries to open the door - releasing the catch as the car pulls away, the driver pulling it shut as he heads towards Water Street. As it does, the rear windscreen is smashed after being struck with an object. Eyewitness Harry Rashid, from Solihull, told the PA news agency the car then emerged from 'right next to an ambulance' that is seen parked on Water Street in multiple videos shared online. The 48-year-old said: 'The vehicle came to our right. It emerged from just right next to an ambulance, which was parked up. This grey people carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us. 'It was travelling south, down Water Street, straight towards the Strand, which is where the docks are. 'It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.' Crowds then began rushing the car after it came to a halt, Mr Rashid said. Some of the fans appear to strike the car in video footage shared online, as police officers sought to pull people away from the vehicle. Mr Rashid continued: 'He stalled for a few seconds, probably about 10 seconds. Then the crowd that was a bit further back started rushing at him trying to smash his windows. Moments before the chaos unfolded, the grey Ford Galaxy had been in Dale Street, which leads onto Water Street, where it had reversed into a fan who was sent stumbling Witnesses say the car struck fans on Water Street before it was attacked by angry fans and surrounded by police Footage shot from another angle on Dale Street shows the car reversing as a fan strikes its rear, sending him stumbling backwards It then drives down Dale Street past Liverpool Town Hall, towards Water Street where the carnage ensued A later image of the same area of Dale Street, just outside Liverpool Town Hall, as fans are told to leave the scene by police 'But then he put his foot down again and just ploughed through the rest of them, he just kept going. 'It was horrible. And you could hear the bumps as he was going over the people. 'Then my daughter started screaming and there were people on the ground. It looked clearly deliberate.' He later told BBC Radio 5 Live of the driver: 'He looked kind of emotional, agitated, I don't know why. 'His hands were moving about. He was trying to close the door of the car, I think, because they've tried to pull the door open and then he was trying to close it.' In shocking scenes, the car reverses before accelerating at speed, collecting a pedestrian who falls against the windshield before tumbling to the floor. A police officer dives out of the way just in time. The car swerves to the right, mounting the kerb dividing a cycle lane from the rest of the road and drives through a crowd - some of whom put out their arms in a helpless attempt to stop the car. It just misses BBC reporter Matt Cole, who was attending the parade with his family. He later told BBC News: 'There were screams ahead of us and suddenly this... car just came through the crowd. It just wasn't stopping. I managed to grab my daughter who was with me and jump out of the way. 'It missed myself and my family by literally inches. We then turned and watched what happened momentarily behind us before running. It was being chased by a group of men who were trying to bang on the side of it and throw things at it. 'The back of the rear windshield had been completely smashed in, but it just had no intention of stopping.' The people carrier then veers back onto the road after ploughing through the crowd, casualties falling after being struck. Only some of them immediately get back up. A paramedic carries an injured child away from the scene. Police said four children in total were injured Video footage on social media showed the Ford Galaxy on Dale Street before the chaos - its rear windscreen shattered by a thrown object A paramedic bicycle lies in the road in Water Street following the incident. Ambulance bosses say a cyclist paramedic was knocked down, but not injured The car was quickly swarmed by Liverpool fans and police officers, who stepped in to arrest the driver A police officer helps a walking wounded Liverpool fan after the car ploughed into crowds on Water Street A fan is seen striking the car on Dale Street as it beeped at fans and reversed into one, sending him flying backwards Legions of angry fans then rush the vehicle as one man is heard shouting: 'F****** kill him.' Witness Les Winsper, 55, told The Guardian people started 'banging on the windows' of the car before it then accelerated. He said: 'They smashed the windows and he's panicked and put his foot down. He then hit someone and that person has gone in the air and he's ploughed through the rest of them. I've never seen anything like it.' His friend Craig Steward, 52, added: 'I personally think he's hit someone by mistake and then he's put his foot down.' Eyewitness Chealsea Yuen told Sky News this morning: 'Me and my friend were walking up Water Street with her daughter and her partner and it was jam packed - we were like sardines walking up the street. 'We heard beeping and screaming and when we looked up there was a black people carrier driving straight towards us. 'Me and my friend Francesca jumped out the way and pulled her little girl out the way. It must have been going about 30mph and as it went past we could see all the windows smashed in. There was people with prams there was families in the street, it was a family celebration.' Fan Natasha Rinaldi told Sky News: 'We heard screams. It was so loud. We looked out the window and we saw the car run over people. 'People started rushing to go after the driver and they tried to break the car and the police did everything to block, to push people away. There were just screams and screams and we were very confused. It was a horrible scene. 'We were just celebrating our team winning the Premier League. We were feeling horrified by what we were seeing and we still don't understand what happened, why it happened, we don't know.' 6.00-6.07pm Police officers on site immediately rush to the vehicle as fans attempt to make their way into the car, as emergency calls come in and specialist units are sent to the scene. As angry fans attempt to reach the driver, around 20 police officers in high-visibility jackets surround the vehicle. Armed police vehicles rush to the scene, rifle-toting officers entering the fray, as St John's Ambulance volunteer paramedics begin tending to the wounded. The volunteer ambulance service had deployed 160 people, 12 ambulances and 12 treatment centres across the route - some of whom found themselves rushing into an emergency they had not expected. At 6.07pm, Mersey Fire and Rescue Service is informed of the incident, and sends three fire engines to the scene. In a video shared widely on social media, a man is then bundled into a yellow police public order van as others attempt to storm it, being pushed back by officers. Video footage shared online showed that the car had been kicked and punched by Liverpool fans, and had its rear windscreen smashed by a thrown object on Dale Street A man was bundled into a yellow police public order van by officers moments after the incident unfolded - as police pushed back angry fans who tried to storm inside Members of the emergency services are seen working to free casualties from underneath the Ford Galaxy on Water Street Emergency service workers are seen leaving the scene in Water Street after fans were told to leave and a cordon was established 6.11pm Fire engines arrive at the scene four minutes after the call comes in. Fire officers are immediately mobilised to help four casualties trapped under the car. Chief fire officer Nick Searle said of the efforts: 'Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed people from beneath and passed them to our Ambulance colleagues. 'We then worked with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and transport to hospital as quickly as possible.' 6.42pm Water Street is cordoned off by police and fans are told to leave. 6.50pm Merseyside Police issues its first statement on the incident, confirming it is 'dealing with reports of a road traffic collision'. The force said: 'We were contacted at just after 6pm today, Monday 26 May, following reports a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street. 'The car stopped at the scene and a male has been detained. Emergency services are currently on the scene.' 6.55pm The North West Ambulance Service confirms it is on the scene treating the wounded. 'We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services,' it said. 'Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.' Emergency services surround the Ford Galaxy at the bottom of Water Street in Liverpool after it ploughed through crowds of football fans The aftermath of the incident, as police use a fire engine and screens to shield the view from the public Merseyside Police issued its first statement just under an hour after the incident unfolded, and later confirmed a 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool had been arrested 6.58pm Liverpool City Council engages with Merseyside Police on the incident, and confirms it is being kept informed of developments. 7.33pm The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issues a statement, branding the scenes in Liverpool 'appalling', adding: 'My thoughts are with all those injured or affected.' His statement continued: 'I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident. 'I'm being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is also being kept informed of events. 8pm Just over an hour after issuing its first statement, Merseyside Police confirms further information about the identity of the man arrested, thought to have been the driver. 'We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight's incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre,' it said. 'We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area. 'Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.' 8.05pm Liverpool FC issues a statement confirming it is liaising with Merseyside Police over the incident. The PA news agency reports that counter terror officers are assisting Merseyside Police with initial inquiries. Minutes later, Everton expresses solidarity with the fans of its rival team. 'Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this serious incident in our city,' the club said online, signing off the statement with red and blue hearts. 9.25pm Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, issues a statement. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre,' he said. 'It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day. 'We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.' We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer pic.twitter.com/xreiSqiEnL Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 26, 2025 An inflatable forensics tent was erected at the scene in Water Street last night as police investigations got underway (left to right) Liverpool Council leader Liam Robinson, ambulance chief Dave Kitchin, Merseyside Police's Jenny Sims and fire boss Nick Searle give a press conference on Monday 10.55pm In an emergency press conference, police confirm 27 people had been taken to hospital, including an adult and child with serious injuries. Merseyside's assistant chief constable confirms the incident is not being treated as terrorism. Instead, it is 'isolated', with nobody else being sought in connection. 11.35pm In a new statement, Merseyside Police's ACC Sims said specialist officers were supporting the injured and their families. She alluded to road closures being in place for the event - but did not say whether Water Street was among them. 'The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested. We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle,' she said. 'Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media. 'I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight. 'In the lead up to this event we have been working closely with event organisers and a robust traffic management plan was put in place for the parade which included a number of road closures throughout the route and the city centre. 'We will provide any further updates as soon as we have them.' Dave Kitchin of the North West Ambulance Service confirmed that a cyclist paramedic was struck by the vehicle but not injured. 'As large crowds were expected in the city centre to celebrate Liverpool Football Club's victory, we thankfully had a substantial presence already close to the route, as we would do for any event of this type,' he said. The scene of chaos in Water Street on Tuesday morning. The street remains closed off Police officers walking down Water Street. The kerb the car mounted as it ploughed into crowds can be seen to the right Police officers stand guard at the cordon beside the large inflatable forensics tent placed over the scene 'Our ambulances, hazardous area response team, MERIT doctors, North West Air Ambulance and senior clinicians were very quickly on scene to offer aid and treatment. 'St John Ambulance also had clinical teams present to support us, and were quick to respond, our thanks go to them for their assistance. 'Our emergency ambulances took patients to our NHS colleagues at Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park and Aintree Hospitals. Sadly, four of the injured were children who were enjoying the day with their friends and families. 'We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries these did not need hospital treatment. '27 patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained injuries deemed to be serious. 'Our cyclist paramedic was also unfortunately struck by the vehicle, but we are pleased to report that no injuries were sustained. We also know some patients have self-presented at local hospitals. 'We are working closely with our partners at Merseyside Police and share their appeal for calm. This is indeed, an appalling incident, and we understand that people will be deeply upset. 'The people of Liverpool have shown many times before that you are a strong community, you support one another.' A British couple who claimed to be tourists coming from Thailand have been arrested at a Spanish airport with more than 33 kilograms of cannabis in their suitcases. The pair were remanded in custody after suspicious officers picked them out from other passengers arriving at Valencia Airport because of their 'nervous and evasive attitude.' The man and woman, aged 33 and 34 respectively, had arrived on a flight from France and were carrying two large pieces of luggage and said they had nothing to declare. But when the bags were checked with X-ray scanners, security staff discovered that they were carrying no clothing or personal belongings. The bags were instead packed with vacuum-sealed bags of a plant-based substance, which was taken to be tested and discovered to be cannabis. They were arrested late on May 5 and were hauled into court the next day, accused of drug trafficking. They were remanded in prison as the investigation continues, and are not expected to know for several months whether they will be formally indicted and face trial. The case, which has only come to light this week, follows a series of arrests of British travellers who have been accused of transporting drugs worth up to millions of pounds. It comes after a 23-year-old British woman in Ghana was arrested last week after being accused of attempting to bring up to 18kg of cannabis into the UK on a May 18 British Airways flight to Gatwick. A British couple who claimed to be tourists coming from Thailand have been arrested at a Spanish airport with more than 33 kilograms of cannabis in their suitcases The pair were remanded in custody after suspicious officers picked them out from other passengers arriving at Valencia Airport because of their 'nervous and evasive attitude' Ghana's Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC), a government agency, alleged that luggage checks revealed the young Brit had hidden 32 slabs of substances initially suspected to be a narcotic drug in two suitcases destined for London. A later field test proved positive for cannabis, with the drug weighing 17.72kg in total. She was arrested by officers at the airport and has been reportedly moved to the NACOC's headquarters in Accra for further investigation. Her arrest is the latest in a recent string of British female smugglers who have been caught illegally transporting drugs worth up to millions of pounds. Earlier this month, Bella May Culley, 18, sparked a massive international search operation after she was reported missing while she was believed to be holidaying in Thailand. However, it was later revealed that the teen, from Billingham, County Durham, had been arrested 4,000 miles away on drug offences in Georgia, allegedly carrying 30 pounds (14kg) of cannabis into the ex-Soviet nation. And recently 21-year-old Charlotte Lee May, from Coulsdon, south London, was arrested in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo after police discovered 46 kg of 'Kush' - a synthetic strain of cannabis - in her suitcase. The former flight attendant told MailOnline from behind bars in brutal Negombo Prison that she had 'no idea' about the drugs, which were worth up to 1.2million. She appeared at Negombo Magistrates Court on Sunday, May 18 and could face up to 25 years in prison. The Ghana drug bust also came on the same day that officers were said to have arrested three people, including a young 19-year-old British citizen, allegedly found to have been carrying 53kg of cannabis across two suitcases on a return flight from Dubai. A British woman, 23 (pictured), has been arrested, accused of trying to bring nearly 18kg of cannabis into the UK on board a British Airways flight from Accra, Ghana, back to London's Gatwick Airport on May 18, according to Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) The NACOC claimed that luggage checks revealed that the young Brit had hidden 32 slabs of substances suspected to be a narcotic drug in her suitcase, which later tested positive for cocaine Confirming the arrests of the couple in Spain, a spokesman for the Civil Guard in Valencia said: 'The Civil Guard and Tax Agency have arrested two people on a flight from France for carrying more than 33 kilograms of vacuum-packed marijuana in their suitcases. 'The two passengers, a British man and woman, were displaying a nervous and evasive attitude and were stopped before they reached customs control. 'They said they were coming from Thailand and were entering Spain as tourists and had nothing to declare. 'Following standard procedure, their suitcases were put through a specialist scanner which showed up a large amount of organic material in both but no clothes or personal belongings. 'The cases were subsequently opened in their presence and found to contain a substance which tested positive in the cannabis-marijuana drugs test. 'The drugs were subsequently confirmed to be 33,540 grams of marijuana. The arrest is the latest in a recent string of British female smugglers who have been caught illegally transporting drugs worth millions of pounds. Bella May Culley, 18 (pictured) was arrested on drug offences in Georgia, having allegedly carried 30 pounds (14kg) of cannabis into Thailand 'The British man and woman were subsequently arrested for a crime of drug trafficking and remanded in prison following a court appearance.' Their court appearance, which led to their remand in prison, took place behind-closed-doors as is normal in Spain where only trials are held in public. The two British nationals are not expected to find out for several months now whether they will be formally indicted and face trial. The ongoing judicial probe is being conducted by an investigating judge who will carry out his investigation in secret. Defence lawyers acting for the Brits are likely to attempt to have them freed on bail in the coming weeks, although the amount of drugs they had in their luggage makes it unlikely they will be let out of prison for some time. They can be held behind bars on pre-trial detention for up to two years under Spanish law. A further two-year extension can be sought by prosecutors but has to be approved by a judge and would be unlikely in a case of this kind. Metro Trains Sydney staff were forced to manually open doors of a train to let commuters off while it experienced a mechanical issue. A metro train had to be held at Barangaroo Station just after 4pm on Tuesday due to a problem with the pantograph, the power connection device on the roof. One of the 100 passenger on the train took to social media and warned that the service going to Sydenham was 'unable to move'. 'Lights dimmed before we got to the station,' they said. 'Doors opened fine, then after they closed weve been unable to move. 'Eleven minutes and counting. Person on PA says mechanical issue. 'Metro staff are now manually trying to open the doors to let us out'. Staff managed to open the door for people to get out 15 minutes later but the train remained stuck. Metro staff had to manually open the doors of a train to let passengers off (stock image) Commuters were warned there had been a change to the Metro service to Sydenham due to the mechanical issue A Sydney Metro spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that a carousel was implemented between Tallawong and Barangaroo. Two shuttle services were also put on between Sydenham and Barangaroo. 'All stations were serviced, and customers were being communicated via station announcements and (display boards),' the spokesperson said. 'Customers were filtered onto platforms, to allow for ease of passenger alighting and boarding services.' The train that broke down had been moved by about 6.50pm and full services are due to resume, they said. The flatmates at the centre of Pheobe Bishop's mystery disappearance were having relationship problems weeks before the teen went missing, an ex has revealed. The 17-year-old had moved into the run down Gin Gin property with James Wood and his partner Tanika Bromley, 33, following a reported falling out with her mother. It's understood that Wood and Bromley had been in a relationship since the end of last year. But Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Wood was in contact with other women just last month, claiming that he had split with Bromley. He even begged an ex to 'send nudes,' while Bromley was banished from the home and living in the ramshackle bus parked outside of the property. Pheobe, 17, was last seen on Thursday May 15, leaving the share house near Bundaberg. Queensland Police believe the pair drove her the 40 minutes to Bundaberg Airport, where she was supposed to board an 8.30am flight to Brisbane and then onto West Australia, where she planned to meet up with her boyfriend. Pheobe never checked in for the flight and has not been seen since. Pheobe, 17, was last seen on May 15 leaving the share house she lived in near Bundaberg An ex has claimed that James Wood (pictured) was in contact with other women just last month, claiming he had split with his partner Tamika Wood begged one ex to 'send nudes,' while his partner Tamika Bromley (pictured) was banished from the home and living in the ramshackle bus parked outside of the property Bromley's 2011 silver Hyundai ix35 hatchback with registration 414-EW3 - the car Pheobe travelled to Airport Drive in - has been declared a crime scene along with the Gin Gin house. Neighbours claim the pair moved to the house in October last year, which is the same time they announced their relationship on Facebook. But an ex-girlfriend told Daily Mail Australia that she'd been intimate with Wood around February this year and that he reached out again a month ago. 'James and I were mates after we were last together but he was hitting me up again a few weeks ago,' the woman claimed. 'He was asking me to send nudes, and I said no because he is with her but James said he wasn't with Tanika, that he left her.' His ex recalled her shock of reading the news reports regarding the missing teen and the removal of 11 dead dogs from the property. She claims Wood was always a 'good guy,' during their relationship. 'He loved his dogs, that's what I can't understand how they all died. 11 of them. Like wow,' she said. Neighbours say the pair moved to the Gin Gin property (pictured) in October last year, which is the same time they announced their relationship on Facebook. An ex-girlfriend told Daily Mail Australia she'd been intimate with James Woo (pictured) around February this year and he reached out again a few weeks ago Wood told his ex he had broken up with Tamika Bromley (pictured) 'I don't know what to think. He got kicked out of his place in Emerald because the landlord was selling it and that's when he moved with her around the end of 2024.' The ex admitted there was a period across some months that Wood was seeing both her and Bromley, but insisted she was unaware she was being cheated on back then. 'I didn't know that or else I wouldn't have had anything to do with him,' she said. She also recalled Wood driving the grey Hyundi iX35 at the centre of Phoebe's disappearance the last time she saw him. 'He packed up and came and said goodbye to me and was driving that car then,' she said. While it is not clear why Pheobe was living at the house, which remains a crime scene, it's believed that her mother Kylie Johnson, was friends with the pair and a former workmate of Bromley. Final posts Pheobe shared to social media before she disappeared suggested the troubled teen had fallen out with her mother and would not return home. Ms Johnson has faced online backlash online for allowing the unconventional living arrangements, with many holding her partly responsible for her daughter's disappearance. While it is not clear why the young girl was living at the house, which is now a crime scene, it is believed that her mother, Kylie Johnson, was friends with Wood (pictured) Ms Johnson took to social media on Tuesday to hit back at the accusations. 'Finding it hard to get out of bed today,' she wrote. 'To find the strength to put one foot in front of the other and know what to do., what to think or what to say. 'People have judgments, accusations and continue to say untruths. I'm not going to correct you or be investing what little strength I have to be correcting these statements or people. 'We as a family are just trying to go through the motions of waiting for Phee to come home.' Her post was inundated with supportive messages. 'We have your back Kylie, we know the truth,' one friend wrote. Another added: 'I love you Kylie, people need to remember they don't know you or the family. Final posts Pheobe (right) made to social media before she disappeared suggested the troubled teen had fallen out with her mother (left) Police continued to search bushland in Good Night Scrub National Park, about an hour away from where she was last seen last weekend and had cadaver dogs at the scene. Wood and Bromley have been questioned by police and released without charge. Daily Mail Australia does not suggest either were involved in Pheobe's disappearance Wood was at Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Monday to support Bromley who appeared on unrelated firearms charges. Bromley was remanded in custody overnight before returning to court on Tuesday for another bail hearing. Bromley was charged with two counts of authority required to possess explosives and one count each of possessing/acquiring restricted items and unlawful possession of weapons. Wood did not attend court on Tuesday, where Bromley was granted bail. She must adhere to a strict 9pm-6am curfew at a Gin Gin address and must report to Gin Gin police station three days a week, starting from Wednesday. She is also restricted from having any contact with Wood. Two Australian brothers have surrendered to police in Thailand hoping to make amends after footage of a wild street brawl emerged. Carlos Anthony Madafferi, 25, and Isaac Biagio Madafferi, 20, turned themselves in on Monday night following the altercation in Pattaya earlier that morning. Police alleged the brothers and two Thai security guards from a bar attacked another tourist. Disturbing footage showed a group of men standing around the bloodied tourist. Tensions momentarily cooled before the tourist, seen with facial injuries, yelled after the group and held up two middle fingers. The gesture reignited the group's fury and they were seen pushing the tourist onto the road and kicking him. The brawl only ended when a passing motorcyclist wedged his vehicle between the group and the tourist to defuse the situation. The tourist, barefoot and with his shirt unbuttoned, got to his feet and appeared to call after the group as they walked away. Carlos Anthony Madafferi (left), 25, and Isaac Biagio Madafferi (right), 20, turned themselves into Thai police on Monday The Australian brothers were involved in a violent street fight (pictured) in Pattaya The Madafferi brothers and two Thai security guards allegedly beat another tourist (pictured) The brothers (right and second right) and two security guards attended a Thai police station on Monday evening The Madafferi brothers turned themselves into police on Monday night. Security guards Theerasak Phungjaingam, 40, and Wongmalai, 35, also handed themselves in. Police alleged the group confessed to participating in the fight at the station. Carlos also shared a message to the alleged victim. 'If you wake up today, please come and report at the police station or to a hospital because we want to take care of all expenses if we have done something wrong,' he said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Thailand Police and Department of Foreign Affairs for further comment. The brawl occurred in the notorious coastal town of Pattaya, formerly dubbed Thailand's 'sin city'. Tommy Robinson has been released from prison after his sentence for contempt of court was reduced by a judge. The activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was seen leaving HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes this morning after serving a sentence for the civil offence of contempt of court. His original 18-month jail term was reduced by four months at London's High Court earlier this month and he has spent seven months behind bars. Robinson was filmed speaking on his X social media channel for about 20 minutes today with longer hair and a bushy beard and wearing a rosary around his neck, while saying he would organise a free speech festival in London for supporters later this year. It was revealed last week that Robinson, 42, has now been charged with harassment causing fear of violence against two men and is due to appear before Westminster magistrates in central London on Thursday next week. He had been jailed last October after admitting multiple breaches of an injunction made in 2021, which barred him from repeating false allegations concerning a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him for libel. The sentence comprised a 14-month 'punitive' element and a four-month 'coercive' element. Sentencing judge Mr Justice Johnson had told 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. Tommy Robinson has been released from prison - and pictured sporting a new beard The activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was seen leaving HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes this morning Robinson, who was previously due to be released on July 26, applied to purge his contempt, with his lawyers telling the court 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 last week said that there was an 'absence of contrition or remorse' from Robinson, but that the defendant had shown a 'change in attitude' since he was sentenced. The judge 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. He was jailed last year for 10 admitted breaches of the injunction, after the Solicitor General issued two contempt claims against him. Robinson had been serving a sentence for the civil offence of contempt of court He had his 18-month jail term for contempt reduced by a High Court judge last week Lawyers for the Solicitor General said they agreed that Robinson (pictured today outside HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes) had taken steps to adhere to an injunction Robinson was filmed speaking on his X social media channel for about 20 minutes today with longer hair and a bushy beard and wearing a rosary around his neck 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. Announcing the new charges alleging harassment, a Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said last Wednesday: 'We have authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, 42, with harassment causing fear of violence against two men. 'The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.' Robinson is facing a separate trial in October next year over an accusation that he failed to provide the Pin for his mobile phone when stopped by Kent Police in Folkestone in July last year. Prince Harry made a surprise visit to China at the same time King Charles touched down in Canada for a state visit. The Duke of Sussex made the trip yesterday for a tourism conference in Shanghai where he advocated for sustainable travel. In his first ever visit to the country, Harry spoke to fulfil his role as co-founder of Travalyst, an organisation which promotes environmentally friendly forms of travel. His older brother Prince William made a similar diplomatic trip to China ten years ago, marking the first official royal visit in 30 years. Meanwhile, Harry's estranged father Charles visited Canada yesterday with his wife Queen Camilla to attend the State Opening at the Parliament in Ottawa - marking the first time the monarch has done so since his mother Queen Elizabeth in 1977. Charles and Camilla were greeted with shouts of 'welcome home' as they exited their plane which had travelled from the UK. Their two-day trip to Canada has been branded 'momentous' due to its bold show of solidarity with the country, as clashes with US President Donald Trump over sovereignty continue. Prince Harry made a surprise visit to China yesterday where he advocated for sustainable travel The Duke of Sussex made the trip for a tourism conference in Shanghai yesterday King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at Ottawa Airport during an official visit to Canada in Ottawa, Canada, yesterday Prior to the trip, Charles was reportedly 'concerned' about the growing friction between Canada and the US. Meanwhile Harry - during his address to the Envision 2025 Global Partner Conference - told the travel industry it must do more to reach its climate change targets before the end of the decade. Discussing the issue at the conference, the Prince said: 'Climate change isn't just an environmental challenge it's a critical business emergency, costing the global economy $143billion dollars annually. 'Now is the moment for the industry to reaffirm its commitment to being a force for good. 'Challenges will undoubtedly rise, but if there's one thing I've learned in my life, it's that meaningful change never comes easily. Harry called on the Asia-Pacific (APAC) travel industry to strengthen its commitment to sustainable tourism and collective climate goals Speaking in Shanghai at Trip.com Group's Envision 2025 Global Partner Conference, the Duke delivered the keynote address to industry leaders from across the region On his 20th visit to Canada, Charles and Camilla met crowds to hear thanks and gratitude from members of the public 'The true measure of our commitment is how we respond when the path becomes difficult. We must never give up.' On his 20th visit to Canada, Charles met crowds to hear thanks and gratitude from members of the public. The monarch, who is head of state for Canada, is also anticipated to meet with Indigenous leaders and veterans during his trip with Camilla, amid ongoing efforts to support reconciliation efforts. Back in March, Charles held a meeting with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, after the Commonwealth leader was met with mounting pressure from the US. A man with links to the Alameddine crime gang shot in the head during a drive-by shooting has died in hospital. NSW Police were called to Church Street beneath the M4 overpass at Granville in western Sydney shortly after 5pm on Sunday after a gunman opened fire on a white Toyota HiLux ute occupied by four men waiting at the traffic lights. Alameddine associate Dawood Zakaria, 32, was shot in the head while solicitor Sylvan Singh, 25, was struck in the arm and leg. Police revealed on Monday that Zakaria had undergone surgery in Westmead Hospital and was on life support and not expected to survive the second attempt on his life. He has since died in hospital. Singh is understood to have been an innocent victim caught up in the latest episode of Sydney's gangland war. He remains in hospital in a stable condition. Detectives believe Samimjan Azari, 26, was the intended target of the shooting. The alleged Alameddine crime gang leader was in the backseat of a Toyota HiLux with his 'bodyguard' Levi Vitukawalu, 28, at the time. Both were uninjured. Alameddine associate Dawood Zakaria (pictured) has died after being shot in the head Dawood Zakaria (pictured) wasn't expected to survive Sunday night's shooting Police said Sunday's incident was the third shooting in a 'tit for tat' internal war within the powerful Alameddine crime clan. It's understood the gunmen were following the HiLux from a police station, where Azari had just reported for bail over an alleged armed robbery. Photos showed Azari sitting on a footpath near the scene of the shooting on Sunday night while surrounded by police officers on Sunday. Both his hands were covered with evidence bags. Police allegedly found a firearm inside the HiLux and later charged both Azari and Vitukawalu with possession of an unauthorised pistol and acquiring pistol subject to firearms prohibition order. The pair appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Monday, where police prosecutor Kye Jiang opposed bail for Azari amid fears his 'senior role' in the Alameddine gang could cause further bloodshed. The court also heard that Sunday's shooting was the second attempt on the lives of Azari and Zakaria within months. Both had previously survived another targeted shooting earlier this year at Brighton-Le-Sands in Sydney's south. The gunmen are believed to have followed the HiLux from a police station It's understood alleged high-ranking Alameddine crime gang member Samimjan Azari (pictured at the scene with police) was the intended target of the shooting Azari and Vitukawalu were granted bail on Monday. Police launched Taskforce Falcon on Tuesday in response to violent crime in the Sydney metropolitan area, including Sunday's shooting. This included investigations into 13 incidents of public place shootings, arson attacks and kidnappings, dating back to December 2024. NSW Police and Counter Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley told reporters that officers will find 'every single on of these crooks'. 'We will not tolerate these lawless thugs getting out there with their vendettas against each other and putting in danger innocent victims in our community. 'If you intend to become a part of these organised gangs, you are either going to end up in a small cell for the rest of your life, or indeed, at the morgue.' As Taskforce Falcon was announced, officers carried out Firearm Prohibition Order compliance checks in Sydney's west Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson also warned that anyone tied to the illegal activity, whatever the scale of their involvement, will be targeted. 'We consider those periphery players in the commission of those jobs as equally responsible as those who pull the triggers,' he said. Footage released on Tuesday showed officers carrying out proactive Firearm Prohibition Order compliance checks in Greystanes and Merrylands in Sydney's west as part of Taskforce Falcon. Nigel Farage faced tough questions over the costs of his plans today as he launch a dramatic bid to woo left-wing voters. The Reform leader trolled that Keir Starmer is 'terrified' of the threat from the insurgents as he committed to scrap the two-child benefit cap altogether and fully restore winter fuel payments. Alongside the moves on the totemic issues for left-wingers, Mr Farage used a press conference in Westminster to announce plans for a transferable marriage tax allowance worth around 1,000 a year. However, Reform is facing mounting questions about how they plan to pay for the extraordinary giveaways, with national opinion polls suggesting they might end up in a position to implement the policies. The respected IFS think-tank said the flagship proposal to increase the personal allowance from around 12,000 to 20,000 would cost between 50billion and 80billion by itself. Mr Farage risked setting hares running by refusing to guarantee the future of the triple lock on the state pension, saying the party had yet to take a position on the mechanism. He argued that 40billion a year could be saved nationally by scrapping Net Zero, as well as billions more by axing 'DEI' initiatives and quangos - although he conceded his hopes for savings might be 'slightly optimistic'. The party would also stop 'young undocumented males' coming across the Channel and being put up in 'five star hotels' with 'free dental'. Nigel Farage launched a dramatic bid to woo Labour voters today promising a splurge on welfare and tax breaks for married couples Your browser does not support iframes. The Tories have strongly backed the two-child benefit cap saying it is 'fair' Former Reform MP Rupert Lowe laid into Mr Farage for his 'cynical' move on benefits Tories pointed to a massive black hole in Reform's spending plans Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said the pledges amounted to well over 60billion of extra spending, while Reform supporter Tim Mongtomerie this morning admitted the sums do not yet 'add up'. Mr Farage's intervention is designed to embarrass Sir Keir, as the PM and ministers wrestle over proposals for cutting benefits. There have been hints that the government will bow to pressure to loosen the two-child benefit cap, which critics argue fuels poverty. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson suggested this morning changes are 'on the table'. However, no firm announcements have been made, and Sir Keir has been unable to spell out how he will widen eligibility for winter fuel allowance, as Rachel Reeves desperately tries to balance the books. The speech, framed as Mr Farage's 'pitch to working people', saw the Reform leader flanked by council leaders, mayors and new Runcorn MP Sarah Pochin. He said the Government are 'collapsing in terms of support' and later added: 'Reform really are now the party of working people.' Mr Farage went on the attack over the deal to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, accusing Sir Keir of being 'a man that puts international courts before British sovereignty' and the 'most unpatriotic PM in history'. 'He and his government are so hopelessly out of touch with working people. They U-turn on everything as they do not believe in anything.' Mr Farage accused Labour of lacking the will to bring net migration down to zero, and claimed Sir Keir's deal with the EU 'betrays the very essence of Brexit'. 'This Prime Minister has no connection with working people. No connection with what we used to call working class communities,' he said. 'He doesn't understand what it's like to get up at 5 o'clock in the morning and go out and work physically hard for the time, he doesn't seem to understand that the tax burden, the cost of living, energy bills have meant that people genuinely have had a lower standard of living, quite consistently, over the course of the last 10 years.' Mr Farage added: 'His leadership frankly is dismal, it is uninspiring, it is disconnected from real life, it is in my view, unpatriotic, and now even opinion polling today suggesting that over half the country thinks his leadership, frankly, is pointless.' Mr Farage denied there was a contradiction between being 'the party of workers' and the 'party of entrepreneurs'. And the Reform chief said lifting the two-child benefit cap was a way of helping 'British families' rather than people who 'come in and have a lot of kids'. 'We built this party around three key principles, things that we think need to be fought for and defended, things that we think most people in this country hold the dearest in their hearts,' he said. 'That is of course family, community, and country. That is why we believe lifting the two-child cap is the right thing to do. Not because we support a benefits culture, but because we believe for lower-paid workers this actually makes having children just a little bit easier for them. 'It's not a silver bullet, it doesn't solve all of those problems. But it helps them.' The married couple tax allowance would exempt one spouse from paying tax on the first 25,000 of their income. The other would enjoy a tax-free income of 20,000, the level to which Reform has promised to raise the threshold for the basic rate. At present, workers pay the 20 per cent rate of income tax on everything between 12,570 and 50,270. Critics say that move alone would cost at least 50billion. Mr Farage said: 'We need to encourage people to have families and ensure they feel financially able to have them. The collapsing birth rate in the UK, now well below the rates needed, is an existential crisis for our country. The Tories and Labour have sought to solve it with open borders. 'A Reform government will cut net immigration to zero and do everything in its power to encourage British people who are able and want kids to have them. 'Scrapping the two-child [benefit] cap is just the start. We will, as soon as finances allow, introduce a UK 25 per cent transferable marriage tax allowance.' He branded the current benefits system 'perverse' because it means some can work part-time 16 hours a week but earn less than if they claimed benefits. Mr Farage said Reform would pay for winter fuel payments and ending the two-child benefit cap by scrapping net zero and the 'DEI agenda'. Acknowledging that claims for how much could be secured in savings might be 'slightly optimistic', he said: 'The national debt is now 2.8trillion, and that's not just the last government, but this one too, are hopelessly adrift when it comes to government borrowing. 'We are going to make big savings. We will stand here before you in one year's time and show you the excessive costs that we've taken out of local government and at a national level. Mr Farage's intervention is designed to embarrass Keir Starmer (pictured), as the PM and ministers wrestle over proposals for cutting benefits There was marginally brighter news for Sir Keir today as a YouGov poll showed he is preferred to Mr Farage as PM Mr Farage was flanked by newly-elected Reform mayors for his press conference today 'If we win the next election, we will scrap net zero, something that is costing the Exchequer an extraordinary 40 billion plus every year. There will be no more asylum hotels or houses of multiple occupancy. People who come here illegally, across the channel or on the back of lorries will not be allowed to stay. We will scrap the DEI agenda, which is costing the taxpayer up to 7 billion a year throughout the public sector, and yes, we see considerable savings to be made amongst the quangos. 'So yes, I do accept that these proposals, especially the one of lifting to 20,000 the level at which people start paying tax, I accept that it's expensive, but I genuinely believe that we can pay for it because we're not ideologically tied to the same ideas upon which we believe the Conservative and Labour governments have gone so wrong.' Asked about the triple lock - which means the state pension always rises by the highest out of inflation, earnings and 2.5 per cent - Mr Farage said: 'The triple lock for pensioners is not something we've addressed as yet. 'We will, between now and the next election. We are as you can see building out our policy platform.' Stuart Adam, a senior economist at the IFS, said the announcements on winter fuel and the two-child benefit cap were 'dwarfed' by the tax policy. He told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme: 'Those are all significant things, and they are high-profile new public announcements, but actually they are all still dwarfed by some of the big policies that were in the manifesto last year, and today Nigel Farage recommitted to increasing the income tax allowance to 20,000, which depending on details might cost 50 billion, 60 billion, 70 billion, 80 billion, relative to other policies where we might be talking 1 billion, 2 billion, 3 billion each. So the big story is still those very big tax cuts and how they would ultimately be paid for.' He added the announcements by Mr Farage this morning were much smaller than last year's 'very radical' manifesto published by Reform UK for the general election. 'As it stands, I don't think they have really set out how they would pay for such big giveaways,' Mr Adam said. 'Of course, they don't have to do that yet, we're not yet at a general election. But at some point, if they're going to be a party of government, they would have to make those numbers add up.' Mr Montgomerie, who recently defected to Reform from the Tories, told the Today programme: 'I wouldn't say the numbers do add up yet I readily concede that. 'It's absolutely essential that our numbers do add up, and they will add up, I'm absolutely sure about that. 'But what you're seeing at the moment is a creative policy process, where we're coming up with policies to address the times.' He added: 'We don't know what the public finances are going to be by the time of the next election but before that there will need to be a worked out public financial plan to reassure people like you, the electorate and of course the markets that Reform's numbers do add up.' Mr Farage also declared that he would reverse the deal to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and pay billions of pounds to lease back the Diego Garcia military base. However, it is unclear how Reform would do that after the treaty has been ratified. Labour Party chairwoman Ellie Reeves said: 'Nigel Farage, a private-educated stockbroker and career politician, has only ever cared about his own self-interest and personal ambition, never about what is good for working people in this country. 'Farage wants to abolish the NHS, praised Liz Truss' disastrous mini-budget, opposed Labour's landmark employment reforms and said Jaguar Land Rover, a huge employer, deserves to go bust. 'His Reform manifesto included billions of pounds worth of unfunded spending pledges but did not commit to the triple lock. Farage must urgently clarify whether he will cut the state pension to pay for his reckless tax cuts.' Ms Phillipson told BBC Breakfast on the two-child benefit cap. 'We're certainly looking at it as part of the task force. As I say, nothing's off the table but this is not straightforward, the costs are high,' she said. 'When we came into Government we had to make some difficult decisions about how we got the economy back on a stable footing, because actually it's working people who lose out when you have that kind of instability that we saw under Liz Truss, when mortgage rates went up, rent went up as a result of all of the instability and the chaos. 'But I came into politics to tackle child poverty, to make sure that wherever you're from doesn't determine what you can go on to achieve in life, to break that link between background and success. 'That is the moral mission of this Labour Government. That is what we are all as a Government determined to deliver.' She added: 'We'll set it all out later on this year, in the autumn. I think it's important that we get it right. GB News is considering axing its 'anti-woke' comedy show following a raft of complaints over a remark made about the LGBTQ+ community. One of the presenters of Headliners suggested on Saturday the panel show could be taken off air within two weeks. The programme, which is a comic spin on traditional newspaper review shows, is currently at the centre of GB News's latest dispute with regulator Ofcom. More than 1,200 viewers complained and 70,000 people signed a petition after comedian Josh Howie appeared to suggest the LGBTQ+ community included paedophiles. The remarks were made during a segment on a sermon by a US bishop, which urged President Donald Trump to 'have mercy' on gay, lesbian and transgender children. Mr Howie referenced a statement from the bishop's church calling for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. The comedian, who has insisted he was making a joke, said: 'I just want to say, that includes paedos, if you're doing the full inclusion.' Now presenter Lewis Schaffer has suggested the future of Headliners, which has been running since 2021, has been thrown into doubt. More than 1,200 viewers complained and 70,000 people signed a petition after comedian Josh Howie appeared to suggest the LGBTQ+ community included paedophiles Presenter Lewis Schaffer has suggested that the future of Headliners is in doubt in a post on X He wrote on X on Saturday: 'I'm heading into the studio! I've been told by management that the show will be on air for another two weeks while they decide what to do!' Then at the start of the show, he added: 'We're not allowed to talk about it.' Leo Kearse, who was hosting Headliners, replied: 'Thank you for not talking about it.' Mr Howie has insisted the controversial remarks were just him making a joke. He said: 'It's a comedy show. Where three comedians make jokes as we review the next day's newspapers.' MailOnline has contacted GB News for comment. It is the latest blow for the right-wing broadcaster which has been involved in a number of disputes with Ofcom. GB News was last year handed a 100,000 fine for breaching impartiality rules in a programme featuring Rishi Sunak. It followed an appearance by Mr Sunak on a February 12 broadcast called People's Forum: The Prime Minister, where he was asked questions by a studio audience. An earlier investigation by Ofcom found that 'an appropriately wide range of significant viewpoints was not presented and given due weight'. It was ruled last March that five episodes on GB News hosted by Tory MPs broke Ofcom's impartiality rules. Pictured: Jacob Rees Mogg Laurence Fox (right) spoke about Ava Evans during Dan Wootton (left) Tonight in 2023 GB News is currently challenging the regulator's ruling. Meanwhile in February, GB News won a High Court battle against Ofcom after it ruled the channel had breached impartiality rules in a programme presented by Jacob Rees-Mogg. The judge ruled that the initial decisions which were made in May and June 2023 were unlawful. Furthermore in 2023, GB News received 7,300 complaints and launched an internal investigation after former host Laurence Fox made a series of remarks about a female journalist. The actor-turned-activist apologised for a 'demeaning' sexist rant about political correspondent Ms Evans, which included him asking 'who would want to sh*g that?. Fox said he was angry with Ms Evans over comments she made on a BBC debate around male suicide and alleged she had a 'dislike of men in general', but apologised for 'demeaning her'. Addressing the situation in a video posted to X, he said: 'If I was going to be sensible and I could replay it, I would say: 'Any self-respecting man in 2023 would probably be well advised to avoid a woman who possessed that worldview because she would probably cause him nothing but harm'. 'But what I did say was, you know, 'I wouldn't shag that', and all that sort of stuff, which is not right. It's demeaning to her, to Ava, so I'm sorry for demeaning you in that way. 'However angry I am with you still for doing that, and it demeans me because it's not representative of who I am.' Donald Trump is said to be 'seriously considering' lifting all restrictions on how Ukraine uses U.S. supplied weapons against Russia, according to Western officials. The U.S. president could go further than his predecessor in removing all restrictions imposed by the Biden administration, sources told the Kyiv Post on Monday. Trump has sought to end the three year war in Ukraine by mediating peace talks and even exploring possible concessions to the invading force. But with talks making little progress, and Russia still hammering Ukraine with successive drone strikes, one official said current restrictions are 'under review'. 'President [Trump] believes that the current status-quo does not serve our common interests of bringing Russia to the [negotiation] table,' the official told the outlet. Despite making overtures to peace, Putin has expanded attacks on Ukraine in recent days, launching the heaviest drone strikes of the war on Kyiv over the weekend. European leaders welcomed a subsequent shift in tone from Trump, who wrote on Sunday that Russian president Vladimir Putin 'has gone absolutely crazy'. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that Trump has finally realised that Putin was not looking for peace. 'President Trump realises that when President Putin said on the phone he was ready for peace, or told his envoys he was ready for peace, he lied,' Macron said. Firefighters operating on burning houses following Russian strike in Kyiv region, May 25, 2025 A Ukrainian serviceman attends a military drill as a recruit near a frontline, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, May 26, 2025 Donald Trump (pictured on May 23) is said to be considering relieving Ukraine of restrictions on how it fights Russia Lifting all restrictions on how Ukraine fights Russia would bring the U.S. back more closely in alignment with Europe. Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, revealed on Monday that 'there are no longer any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine' from Britain, France and the U.S. The previous German government had strongly supported Kyiv, but stopped short of sending it long-range Taurus missiles, fearing further escalation with Russia. Merz clarified today that the decision was taken months ago. 'Ukraine can now also defend itself by attacking military positions in Russia,' Merz added on X. 'Until recently, it couldn't do that, and apart from very few exceptions, it hadn't done so either.' Europe has sought greater alignment as Russian strikes against Ukraine continue to intensify despite ongoing peace talks. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is now planning to visit the U.S. in the coming days, a Western official told the Kyiv Post late on Monday. Wadephul told German news programme Tagesschau that Putin 'wants to continue the war', and that European partners are now preparing fresh sanctions. 'There will be reaction from the West, and I think also from the United States of America,' Wadephul assessed. Vladimir Putin gestures during his meeting with local business leaders at the Saint Yekeaterina's Hall of the Kremlin, May 26, 2025 Tankers of the 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade training at a training ground in Donetsk region, Ukraine on April 28, 2025 Rescuers conduct search and rescue operation at residential district after Russian air attack on May 25, 2025 in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine Trump has, until now, been more open to working with Russia than the Biden administration, driving a wedge between the U.S. and its partners in Europe. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pointed to several instances of Russia breaking ceasefires in recent months as evidence Putin is not operating in good faith. European leaders this month urged Russia to agree to a 30 day initial ceasefire as a show of good faith, but Russia said it would not respond to pressure. Putin then said there were issues which needed to be resolved before Russia could agree, effectively rejecting the proposal. Trump's overt criticism of Putin on Sunday pivoted significantly from his long-held public stance on Russia. He wrote: 'I've always said that [Putin] wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that's proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!' The Kremlin was careful in its response, though took aim at Trump in a thinly veiled swipe at 'emotional reactions'. 'We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organising and launching this negotiation process,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the Trump remarks about Putin. 'Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.' Trump's comments came after at least 13 people were killed and dozens injured in Ukraine overnight Saturday into Sunday as Russia fired 367 drones and missiles west. It was the largest combined aerial attack since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Between Sunday and Monday, Russia launched another 355 drones and nine cruise missiles against Ukraine, per Kyiv's air force. Ukraine said it was the largest drone-only attack of the war so far. Russia argued the attacks were a response to Ukrainian attacks on 'social infrastructure'. Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a residential area struck by a rocket as a result of an overnight strike in a village near Kyiv, Ukraine, 25 May 202 A firefighter extinguishing a blaze in a private enterprise facility following a Russian strike in Kharkiv region, May 26, 2025 Trump has until now been more patient with Putin than his predecessor. For months, Trump has vowed to end the war, offering U.S. mediating services while also threatening wider use of sanctions. But with progress stalled, and Moscow still targeting population centres in Ukraine, Trump's rhetoric on Russia has become more pointed. Macron said Monday he hoped Trump's anger at Moscow translated 'into action' as Europe hardened its own response to Russian aggression. 'We have seen once again in recent hours Donald Trump express his anger. A form of impatience. I simply hope now that this translates into action,' he said. He suggested that Putin had tricked Trump by engaging in diplomatic talks surrounding a peace deal, even after meeting with his envoy Steve Witkoff on four different occasions. A British man arrested in Bali for allegedly taking a package containing just over a kilogram of MDMA from a taxi driver has avoided the death penalty. 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. On Tuesday, the Denpasar District Court reportedly handed him just 10 months for drug possession. Parker repeatedly expressed his remorse in his final plea last week, and asked the panel of three judges 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.' Thomas Parker, from Cumbria, (pictured) was arrested near Kuta beach in January after allegedly collecting a package from a taxi driver at a nearby street 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 32-year-old electrician was able to prove that he did not order the package Parker was paraded in front of media in an orange jumpsuit in Denpasar Thomas Parker listens to his interpreter during his trial hearing The case went unreported until authorities showed a handcuffed Parker at a news conference on March 6. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office previously 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. An Aussie tourist who faces up to five years behind bars in Bali over a violent brawl has forgiven the security guards he's accused of assaulting. Mohamed Rifai, 27, from Sydney's south-west, appeared Denpasar District Court on Tuesday to continue his testimony about the February 11 melee. He and eight security guards remain in custody over the brawl outside Finns Beach Club in north Kuta which involved up to 15 security staff and five Australian tourists. Rifai claimed he acted in self-defence while he was allegedly attacked by the security guards after they escorted his friend John Ebid from the club. He is accused of inflicting major injuries on security staff, including Made Bagus Yohanandita, who suffered head injuries and lost several teeth. In a surprise twist, Rifai shook hands and embraced each of the co-accused security guards in front of the judge after giving evidence against them on Tuesday. 'Will you forgive them?', the judge asked Rifai. 'Yes, I will,' Rifai replied. Mohamed Rifai (centre) shook hands and embraced each of the security guards in court after giving evidence against them on Tuesday Rifai (pictured appearing in on Tuesday) is accused of severely injuring a security guard outside Finns Beach Club on February 11 The court heard the brawl (pictured) broke out after one of Rifai's friends was evicted from the club The judge responded: 'Please, all of you forgive each other. During his victim testimony, Rifai recalled how the brawl was sparked by Mr Ebid's eviction from the club. 'I was in the main pool and saw my friend being taken out so I approached him (a security guard),' he told the court. 'I asked what happened and he said to let him take him (Mr Ebid) but then they did the same thing to me.' When asked if the security used any weapons, Rifai claimed they used bamboo. '(I was hit) in my face, my head, almost all my body,' he said. 'They kicked my stomach also.' Rifai added he had been to Finns Beach Club several times with family and friends previously and had 'never had a bad experience before'. In his victim testimony on Tuesday, Rifai said he forgave the security staff and shook their hands in front of the judge panel The court heard all eight security guards and Rifai (pictured together) had signed a 'peace agreement', witnessed by police Rifai is facing five years in Indonesian jail for the injuries security guard Made Bagus Yohanandita suffered in the alleged fight The eight security guards charged over the brawl are I Gede Laksemana Aryawan, I Gusti Putu Agus Surya Negara, Wayan Alit Junaedi, I Made Ivan Darma Saputra, I Nengah Dading Gunadi, I Gede Ngurah Alit Sujana, I Ketut Gede Mawantara and I Nyoman Mertayasa. 'I' is a common prefix used to indicate the person is a male, compared to 'Ni' which is used for women. The court heard all eight security guards and Rifai had signed a 'peace agreement', witnessed by police, following the brawl. The security staff were charged with assault causing minor injuries. Each faces up to two years and eight months behind bars if found guilty. Rifai faces five years in Indonesian jail for the injuries Mr Yohanandita suffered in the altercation. However he claims it was another security guard who laid the damaging blow. When Rifai was asked who he hit and how many punches he threw on February 11, he said 'everything was chaos'. 'I don't remember. Many people attacked me, I just tried to defend myself,' he told the court. Rifai (pictured in February) claimed he acted in self defence while being attacked by the group of security guards after they evicted his friend from the club Rifai's trial will continue on June 3. He faces up to five years in an Indonesian jail 'I feel sorry for what I have done because the situation was chaos at that time.' Rifai's trial will continue on June 3. It's understood the apologies exchanged between the parties in court on Tuesday could lead to lighter sentences if convicted. A community rocked by the loss of a three-year-old girl allegedly murdered by her own mother have united grief at an emotional church vigil. Emergency services rushed to a Moore Park Beach home on the outskirts of Bundaberg in central Queensland on Monday afternoon following 'multiple' reports from concerned neighbours. Mother-of-three Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, was found in the front yard of the home near her dying daughter, Sophia Ruane. Emergency responders desperately tried to revive little Sophia but she could not be saved. Hours after Flanigan was charged with murder, 60 locals gathered at Alive Church in Bundaberg on Tuesday night for an evening of prayer and worship. A senior pastor confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Lauren and her late daughter were members of the church community. Devastated mourners walked hand-in-hand into the church to contemplate the tragedy that just 24 hours ago no one could ever have comprehended. Mourners hugged, cried and raised their arms in prayer. About 60 people gathered at Alive Church in Bundaberg, central Queensland, to offer prayers to a three-year-old who died on Monday Emergency services attempted to revive Sophia (pictured) but she died at the scene Some members of the congregation stood as they sang along to a church band. During the service, Pastor Adam Ryan recalled Sophia and her 'beautiful, cheeky life'. 'Tonight we offer our prayers for friends, and families, and (those) directly affected by these events,' he told the mourners. 'We lift up the life for little Sophia tonight,' he said, also paying tribute to Pheobe Bishop who has been missing for more than a week.' There was no mention of Sophia's mother during the service. Earlier on Tuesday night, senior pastors Adam and Joey Ryan shared a joint statement with Daily Mail Australia about the loss of Sophia. 'As a church family, we are hurting. We are now wrestling with the same questions,' they said. 'Unfortunately, 'Why?' is not always easily answered. Lauren's story is a heartbreaking one that led to tragedy. 'Sophia was a beautiful little girl. Radiant, happy and just a little bit cheeky. 'She brought a burst of joy to every room she entered and she will be dearly missed.' Alive Church's senior pastors Adam and Joey Ryan said the community was hurting Lauren Flanigan (pictured, left) and her daughter Sophia were members of the Alive Church congregation, with the senior pastors saying Lauren's story is a 'heartbreaking one' The service was hosted as its 'best response as a church to tragedy'. 'Alive Church's doors are open to those that are hurting, lost and broken,' the pastors added. 'These are tragic circumstances. Our hearts are heavy.' Sophia's dad Jai Ruane, who is an MMA fighter and mine worker, was not a member of the church and didn't attend the service. It's understood he was reunited with his remaining two children on Tuesday after making the drive back from his FIFO workplace near Mackay. He earlier spent time with Bundaberg police. Speaking to Nine News on Tuesday night, Mr Ruane described little Sophia as 'the light of his life'. 'Always smiling, always wanting to help,' he said of Sophia. 'Just full of life and love. She just had a huge heart.' Those attending the vigil offered prayers for friends and families during the service Sophia's father Jai Ruane (left) did not attend the service but issued a statement on Tuesday in which he described his daughter as the 'light of his life' Flanigan was charged with murder early on Tuesday morning. Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip declined to confirm if the family was known to police or children's services, adding that line of inquiry would form part of the investigation. He said Flanigan's mental health history will also now be looked into. It is understood Flanigan would often share posts about her faith to her social media accounts. 'Faith. Family. Future. Fitness. Built for wealth. Wired for freedom. Digital Systems. Elite Strategy. No Excuses,' her account profile reads. In many of her posts, Flanigan wrote about 'rising up' and remembering 'who you are' as she battled against 'the system'. 'You are a WARRIOR OF LIGHT. Train like it's war because it is. God is calling His army out of hiding. This is kingdom rising,' Flanigan's most recent post read. 'We move. We build. We burn with holy fire. No more delays. No more compromise. Tag your generals. It's time to RISE.' Alive Church had hosted the vigil as its 'best response as a church to tragedy'. Pictured are mourners wiping away tears during the service Acting Superintendent Inskip revealed that Mr Ruane lives at the property, but was away at work when the incident occurred. 'It's a terrible, terrible incident for everybody including the witnesses and neighbours, the emergency services, police and ambulance who attended and the investigators who are doing the ongoing investigation. 'This is not something we ever want to attend and want our people to have to deal with.' Flanigan was not required to appear in person at Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Her legal representative made no application for bail and the case was adjourned to the Bundaberg court until July 21. Flanigan remains in custody. China ready to expand economic, trade cooperation with Cambodia -- premier Xinhua) 14:18, May 27, 2025 KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday that China is ready to work with Cambodia to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, so as to further expand economic and trade cooperation. Li made the remarks in his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit. Li said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has lately paid a historic visit to Cambodia, during which both sides jointly announced the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. China-Cambodia relations have once again taken the lead in building a community with a shared future for mankind, and the ironclad friendship between the two countries has been further deepened, he added. China stands ready to work with Cambodia to follow through on the outcomes of Xi's visit, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, make good use of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, and steadily advance practical cooperation across various fields, Li said. The Chinese premier called on China and Cambodia to respond to external uncertainties with the certainty of building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future, jointly promote their economic development and safeguard their common interests. China is willing to work with Cambodia to accelerate the synergy between high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy, speed up the implementation of the cooperation plans for the Industrial Development Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor, and create more new highlights of cooperation and foster new areas for growth, Li noted. Encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest in Cambodia, China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Cambodia in such areas as infrastructure, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, he said. China and Cambodia have achieved positive results in recent joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes, Li said, calling for stronger and more effective measures to safeguard the safety and security of the two peoples. At present, the international situation is becoming more turbulent and chaotic, Li noted. China is willing to work with Cambodia and other countries in the region to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly oppose unilateralism and power politics, safeguard international fairness and justice, uphold the multilateral trading system and maintain the stable and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, so as to inject more positive energy into world peace, stability, prosperity and development, he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Merseyside Police quickly released the race and ethnicity of the Liverpool ramming suspect - after being accused of fueling the summer riots with an 'information vacuum'. The force announced they had arrested 'a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area' two hours after a crowd ploughed into fans watching Liverpool FC's Premier League trophy parade - leaving at least 47 injured. The force was criticised in the wake of the Southport murders last summer for not releasing information about the killer's ethnicity and religion after false rumours were started online that he was a Muslim asylum seeker. Former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu said it was 'unprecedented' that the police 'very quickly' gave the ethnicity and race of the ramming suspect. 'What we do have, which is unprecedented, is the police very quickly giving the ethnicity and the race of the person who was driving the vehicle and I think that was, and it was Merseyside Police who didn't give that information with the Southport horrific murders of those three girls, and the rumours were that it was an asylum seeker who arrived on a boat and it was a Muslim extremist and that wasn't the case,' he told BBC Radio 5 Live. 'So I think what the police have done very very quickly, and I've never known a case like this before where they've given the ethnicity and the race of the individual who was involved in it, so I think that was to dampen down some of the speculation from the far-right that sort of continues on X even as we speak that this was a Muslim extremist and there's a conspiracy theory.' A car ploughed into fans celebrating Liverpool FC's Premier League trophy at around 6pm The force announced they had arrested 'a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area' around two hours later Asked if it was a result of Merseyside Police having learned the lessons from what happened after Southport, he said: 'Yeah, absolutely, I think you're spot on. 'It's remarkably striking because police will not release that kind of information because they'll be worried about prejudicing any future trial, but I think they have to balance that against the potential of public disorder and we had massive public disorder after the far-right extremists had spread these rumours.' At a press conference on the evening of the Southport stabbings on July 29 last year, Merseyside Police described the man they had arrested as a 17-year-old male from Banks in Lancashire, who is originally from Cardiff'. In the meantime, false rumours that he was a Muslim asylum seeker who had come over on a small boat spread online, prompting attacks on mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers. Two days after the attack, on July 31, a new police statement clarified that he had been 'born in Cardiff'. Newspapers published his photo on August 2, but his race or ethnicity was never mentioned by police. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy later told MPs she wanted to dispel disinformation in the immediate aftermath of the Southport murders by releasing information about the attacker Axel Rudakubana's religion, as he came from a Christian family, but was told not to by local crown prosecutors. Today, Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride MP says that police 'were right' to release prompt information on the suspect's ethnicity. At a press conference last night, authorities confirmed the incident was not being treated as terrorism 'It's important that police get information out in a prompt and timely manner and there was criticism around Southport and the vacuum that was created and then filled - in part at least - by social media and conspiracy theories,' he said. 'So I think the police have done the right thing.' Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram also backed the force's decision. He told reporters: 'If you have a look at my timeline, there was somebody very quickly saying ''Why are you lying? There's been another incident in another part of the city'', which obviously wasn't true, and then they were trying to stir it up who might be responsible for it. 'That's why I think the police acted... to dampen that sort of speculation, because it was designed to inflame. It was designed to divide.' But asked if he would like to see similar details released in the future in similar cases, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said this was 'a matter for the policy'. Peter Williams, senior lecturer in policing at Liverpool John Moores University, described the move as a 'complete step change'. 'It has been a shift, because, particularly in relation to the aftermath of Southport... there was a lot of criticism focused at Merseyside Police and of course the CPS, in relation to how the management of information was sort of dealt with,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'But also, if listeners cast their mind back further, is the investigation into Nicola Bulley as how the management of the information was responded to on that occasion. That led to a College of Policing inquiry.' Southport killer Axel Rudakubanu was born in Cardiff to Christian parents from Rwanda The fiend murdered Bebe King (left), Elsie Dot Stancome (middle) and Alica da Silva Aguiar (right) Mr Williams said one of the recommendations made after the Southport attack was to prevent any 'vacuums' of information in future incidents, particularly where there is harmful online content. He continued: 'It was no surprise to me last night that within an hour or so, we got a statement to say what had happened and that somebody, a male, had been detained. Later on, there was a press conference led by the Assistant Chief Constable, where she shared a lot more information. 'As that investigation progresses, which will be a major one led by the major investigation team, that will be shared with the public, so there's been a complete step change in how the police will be communicating what has occurred with the public.' Today, Nigel Farage welcomed that Merseyside Police had begun to learn some of the lessons and said it was necessary to 'let us know the truth' to squash crazy online theories. Had the truth been known we would not have had these situations (riots), he added. Rudakubana was found by police to be in possession of a PDF file titled 'Military Studies in the Jihad against Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual'. He also possessed numerous other documents on violent subjects, including A Concise History Of Nazi Germany, The Myth Of The Remote Controlled Car Bomb and Amerindian Torture And Cultural Violence. Police said the material discovered showed an 'obsession with extreme violence' but there was no evidence he ascribed to any political or religious ideology or was 'fighting for a cause'. The 53-year-old man arrested over the Liverpool parade ramming is still being held by police. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims has said the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism. This is the terrifying moment the engine of a United Airlines passenger jet bursts into flames as it takes off from China. Dramatic footage shows the US-bound Boeing 777 accelerating along the runway before the right turbofan becomes a ball of fire - forcing the flight to be abandoned. Officials at Beijing Capital International Airport said that Flight UA889 to San Francisco was cancelled due to a mechanical failure that affected both engines on Monday, May 26. A frightened passenger aboard the aircraft said: 'I was sitting by the window, half asleep, when the plane took off. 'The nose of the plane should have lifted, and suddenly, the right engine made a noise, and I saw a ball of flame gushing out.' Another traveller added: 'We saw countless fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and engineering vehicles from the shuttle bus. There were as many as 40 or 50 of them, all flashing different lights.' Local media reported that all passengers and crew members were safe. United Airlines confirmed that the flight was cancelled due to a technical malfunction. This is the terrifying moment the engine of a United Airlines passenger jet bursts into flames as it takes off from China Dramatic footage shows the US bound Boeing 777 accelerating along the runway before the right turbofan becomes a ball of fire - forcing the flight to be abandoned Officials at Beijing Capital International Airport said that Flight UA889 to San Francisco was cancelled due to a mechanical failure that affected both engines on Monday, May 26 Affected passengers were offered complimentary re-booking, with additional travel arrangements still being coordinated. Fire crews at the airport responded swiftly, dousing the engines with fire-suppressing foam. A United Airlines spokesperson said: 'United flight 889 from Beijing to San Francisco on Monday aborted its takeoff while still on the ground after losing power in one engine. 'The aircraft safely came to a stop and passengers deplaned to buses on the runway. 'We have arranged for hotel rooms for our customers and are scheduling a new flight on a different aircraft on Tuesday so they can continue their trip.' The Boeing 777 is designed to operate for approximately 60,000 flight cycles or 20 to 25 years, based on rigorous testing and simulations under in-service conditions. However, with proper maintenance and regulatory approval, many 777s are expected to safely exceed their original design life. This comes only months after another United Airlines flight caught on fire. In February, terrified passengers were told to evacuate a jetliner via slides and stairs at Houston's main airport after the right wing caught fire. United Airlines flight 1382 to New York City was halted while still on the runway shortly after 8.30am at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, as an engine problem had caused smoke and fire on the wing during take-off. There were no injuries and passengers were bused back to the terminal, the FAA said. The take-off was stopped after the Airbus A319 'received an indication about one engine,' the statement said. This alarming experience came just a month after American Airlines passengers were forced to evacuate their plane when it caught on fire at Denver Airport following mid-air engine trouble. Shocked passengers were seen fleeing via the wing of the aircraft as smoke billowed from the plane on March 13. The flight, AA 1006, had departed Colorado Springs Airport at 4:52pm (local time) and was headed to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was diverted to Denver shortly after takeoff when the crew reported engine vibrations, according to Federal Aviation Administration. 'After landing and while taxiing to the gate an engine caught fire and passengers evacuated the aircraft using the slides,' said the FAA. Meghan Markle has hinted she might never restock her jam in an interview with a US business magazine which said she was planning to 'step back to assess' her As Ever brand. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, was speaking about her business and balancing work with motherhood as the first series of her podcast, published by Lemonada Media, comes to a close. In an interview given to coincide with the final episode of Confessions of a Female Founder, the Fast Company said the Duchess of Sussex wants to 'step back, gather data from the launch, and figure out exactly what As Ever could be.' Meghan revealed the surprising turn As Ever could take - hinting at a future step into the fashion industry - but said for now she is planning to launch a new range of merchandise in early 2026. 'The category of fashion is something I will explore at a later date, because I do think thats an interesting space for me,' she said. Her previous store sold out in 45 minutes and contained homely items as well as her long-awaited pots of jam. Addressing her first online shop, Meghan said Netflix agreed that rather than market her products under their brand, it would make sense for her to have her own store. Netflix already has its own online shop selling brand-related products such as Stranger Things bomber jackets and Squid Game merchandise. In the interview, the Duchess also revealed she wouldn't know 'what to call herself' if she had to write a resume. Meghan Markle's jam sold out within minutes of going on sale - but it's unknown if it will ever be available to purchase again The Duchess of Sussex, 43, was speaking about her business and balancing work with motherhood as the first series of her podcast, published by Lemonada Media, comes to a close On the same day as the firsts series concluded, it was revealed Meghan may never restock her As Ever jam She said: 'If I had to write a resume, I don't know what I would call myself. 'I think it speaks to this chapter many of us find ourselves in, where none of us are one note. But I believe all the notes I am playing are part of the same song.' Meghan added that the 'mom moments' push her to success in the business world, with plans in the future ranging from home goods to fashion. Revealing her son Archie has begun to lose his teeth, she described becoming the tooth fairy and leaving coins and a little dinosaur underneath his pillow. She said: 'I had a lot of business meetings the next morning, but I still chose to cuddle with him the rest of the night. Those mom moments energize me to be a better founder, a better employer, a better boss.' It comes the same day as she discussed the difficulties of wearing heels whilst pregnant with Archie and Lilibet in her latest podcast after the choice divided fans. Speaking on the latest episode of Confessions of a Female Founder, in which she interviewed Spanx founder and friend Sara Blakley, Meghan praised the businesswoman's latest foray into the world of comfy high-heeled shoes. Ms Blakely, from Clearwater Beach in Florida, became the world's youngest female self-made billionaire with the success of her underclothing brand before now looking to create a stiletto heel that is not painful to wear. Speaking to the Duchess of Sussex on today's podcast, the pair shared stories of wearing shoes that pinch and 'cripple' wearers, with Meghan describing how she particularly struggled during her pregnancies. 'I gained 65 pounds with both pregnancies,' the Duchess revealed, continuing: 'And you're in these five-inch pointy-toed stilettos. She revealed she may not restock the previous goods she sold, including her long-awaited jam, and instead come up with new products Meghan Markle (left) was interviewing Spanx founder Sara Blakely (centre) on the latest episode of her podcast released today (Pictured with Jamie Kern Lima) 'You have the most enormous bump, and your tiny little ankles are bracing themselves in these high heels, but all of my weight was in the front, so you're just going how on earth am I not just tipping, you know faceplanting. 'I was clinging very closely to my husband, I was like please don't let me fall.' The Duchess of Sussex did face some criticism for wearing heels so late into her pregnancy, with some doctors warning against the practice due to fear of a fall. Meghan wore stilettos into her eighth month of pregnancy - and when asked how she coping, she quipped: 'One day at a time'. Experts warn that balance problems during late-stage pregnancy The problem is compounded by pregnancy hormones such as progesterone and relaxing, which as its name suggests makes all the muscles and ligaments in the body relax, making it far easier to turn an ankle. In March 2019, when Meghan was approaching her due date with Archie, midwife Claire Chaubert told the Mail: 'All of your ligaments are softer in pregnancy and your body is not in its usual state of alignment. 'But Meghan is clearly comfortable in her heels, and it's something she is used to. My advice to any woman who does wear high heels in pregnancy would be not to wear them past the level of comfort.' She added that due to Meghan being a fan of yoga, this could have helped her to keep tottering around in heels longer than the average mother-to-be. She said: 'People who do quite a lot of yoga tend to have a much stronger sense of balance, as well as better muscle control and strength.' The College of Podiatry recommends that pregnant women wear 'comfortable, supportive footwear', preferably with an adjustable fitting such as Velcro or laces and avoid wearing high heels as they can place 'unnecessary pressure on your joints at a time when they are already under strain'. During the conversation with Ms Blakely, Meghan also revealed that Archie, six, and Lilibet, three, who have been mainly kept out of the public eye at their home in Montecito, California, are doing well. Meghan told how she would cling 'closely' to Harry while wearing heels during pregnancy to avoid 'faceplanting' Meghan was discussing Ms Blakely's (pictured) new venture, focusing on comfortable high heels She promised to send Ms Blakely family pictures, adding: 'They are so grown.' The pair also discussed starting businesses in a male dominated world, with Ms Blakely stating: 'There were very few women that I could go to, I really didn't have any... I didn't really even have other female founders that were in my network that I could bounce my approach to business.' Describing her time in boardrooms surrounded by men, she jokingly added: 'I'm like Jane Goodall but instead of observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat I get to observe men in their natural habitat. They totally forget I'm there.' Meghan added: 'There's a misconception that you need to go to Harvard Business School and have a lot of money and get all the best people behind you [to be successful in business]... So you talk yourself out of it. 'So many women especially, we're taught to not even talk about money and there's lots of guilt mentality surrounding having a lot and then at the same time there's a scarcity mindset that's easy to attach to of I'll never have enough.' She also described her relief at finding a partner in Netflix, after MailOnline revealed in recent days that the streaming giant had confirmed a new deal with the Duchess, including a third series of her show With Love, Meghan. The second series is said to have already completed filming. Meghan said: 'I have a partner, I was going to do it all by myself but took a complete U-turn because I really believe in what Netflix and their CPG department are doing. 'But it is a different experience than when you're doing it on your own. When you only have yourself to answer to I think it's twofold. It can be incredibly liberating or it can be incredibly lonely.' Representatives for Meghan Markle have been contacted for comment. Two British women have been given a six-month suspended sentence after a video of pole-dancers posing in front of a historic Greek landmark went viral, local media reports. The performers, who are also said to have organised the photo shoot last week, have also been handed a 200 fine covering court costs. The troupe had been arrested over the weekend and charged with violating archaeological law and degrading the surrounding area after their risque performance at the Old Palace of St. Michael and St. George. But three were acquitted and told reporters outside court that they are 'really sorry for causing any offence'. The tearful women looked downcast as they admitted they 'let down' people in Greece and the UK and were thankful 'justice has been served'. The first British woman told kerkyrasimera.org: 'We feel sorry to everyone we offended and let down in Greece and back home and we deeply regret what we do and want to thank the judge for seeing that we didn't mean to cause this.' The other Brit said: 'We just wanted to say we are really sorry for causing any offence and we understand how important your monuments are to you, we just didn't realise. 'We couldn't be any more sorry and we are just glad that justice has been served today.' The tearful women looked downcast as they admitted they 'let down' people in Greece and the UK and were thankful 'justice has been served' Two British women have been given a six-month suspended sentence after a video of a scantily-clad photo shoot in front of a historic Greek landmark went viral The troupe had been arrested over the weekend and charged with violating archaeological law and degrading the surrounding area after their racy performance at the Old Palace of St. Michael and St. George A third woman added: 'I also just want to say we are incredibly sorry to have caused such an offence and such trouble. 'We are really happy that the judge gave us justice today.' In one of the clips, believed to be the first two women who spoke outside court, two dancers were seen balancing together on a pole in bright red underwear by the 200-year-old UNESCO heritage site. In another, believed to be the third woman, a dancer in black thong leotard is cheered on by a British woman who shouts 'yes Shelly, nice!'. The group of women went to court yesterday but covered their faces with jumpers and pieces of clothing as they entered the building. Local media reported that the women denied the charges and rejected the claim of insult. They allegedly said everything happened 'without their knowledge' and apologised as soon as the trial began. 'We were carried away by the photographer,' they are reported to have said, adding 'if someone had told us it was forbidden, the matter would have ended there'. One performer said: 'We just wanted to say we are really sorry for causing any offence and we understand how important your monuments are to you, we just didn't realise' Another added: 'I also just want to say we are incredibly sorry to have caused such an offence and such trouble' The performers, who are also said to have organised the photo shoot last week, have also been handed a 200 fine covering court costs In the video a dancer in black thong leotard is cheered on by a British woman who shouts 'yes Shelly, nice!' Dancers limber up next to the performance in Corfu They suggested a sign with the rules regarding the use of the monument and relevant information would have meant the incident was avoided. The Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities, Tenia Rigakou, said that a permit is needed for any activities to take place on sites of archaeological interest. Local media reported that the judge had proposed acquitting all five women for the charge of Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage. He also wanted the charge of environmental degradation dropped and change the charge for the two organisers to environmental degradation due to negligence. The first defendant was told that no damage intervention occurred and it was not for commercial use. No prosecution is expected to be brought against the photographer, according to his lawyer Vasilis Provatas. He claimed the event had been set up in October and therefore could not be held responsible for the organisation or conditions of the photo shoot. He did not appear at the trial, citing health reasons. The stunt sparked out rage in Corfu where it featured as the top story on local news website Corfu Press (pictured) The Palace of St Michael and St George in Corfu City, Corfu, undated The former royal residence, commissioned by British Lord High Commissioner Sir Thomas Maitland and designed by Colonel George Whitmore, holds pride of place in the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The British tourists appeared before a prosecutor over the weekend and it had been allegedly postponed til Monday by the dancers' lawyer because the photographer had not been brought in. The dancers had been visiting the island as part of a 'pole dancing vacation' that takes place every over the last two weeks of May and is set up by a British holiday organiser, according to local media. Intensive pole and aerial hoop workshops are available as well as the opportunity to build their pole photo shoot portfolios. The Municipality of Corfu and the Museum of Asian Art are also said to have filed a lawsuit against the dancers. Local outlet Proto thema assessed at the time: 'Understandably, there were several reactions regarding who gave permission for such a photo shoot in the city centre.' Dozens of residents expressed online fury over the 'disgraceful' photo shoot taking place outside the historic palace with some claiming the dancers were British. 'The Corfu Palaces: they once hosted royals. Now, pole dancing,' commenter Panagiotis Kalogeros wrote on Facebook. Onlookers watched the performance under the arches at the 19th century palace A woman performs on the pole before an audience in Corfu The unidentified dancers were criticised by locals on social media 'If Lord Byron saw pole dancing at the Palaces, he would have returned to England without a second thought.' 'Would they do the same at Buckingham [Palace]?' wrote another. 'Of course, here we have been the inferior in Europe for years on vacation and binge. [sic]' Another worried how the pole was supported, fearing 'that they pierced the slabs in the ground' to hold it in place. There was no evidence the site had been damaged. The Palace of St. Michael and St. George was designed by British architects in the early 19th century, using neoclassical styles typical of the time. For more than two centuries it has stood in the old city of Corfu, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007. The building is still in use today and remains a well preserved instance of Regency architecture towards the end of the Georgian period. Greek users on Facebook were anxious that part of the site could have been damaged during the photo shoot, several asking how they gained permission. 'Did the permanent residents of the historic centre and their association take a position for this event?' one asked. Some social media users defended the routine, however, writing: 'Dancing is part of culture[.] it's just that this one is misunderstood...' 'Who gave the permission slip???' said another. 'Someone should call the police,' added a third. The Directorate of the Museum of Asian Art, today housed inside the palace, was unaware of the event, according to local media. Not all abhorred the dancers for performing outside the historic building, however. User Bill Metallinos defended the performance. 'Basically, what we see is the backstage of some photography,' he said of the video. 'Otherwise dancing is part of culture[.] it's just that this one is misunderstood... 'Yes the concept offends the monument but as an open space unguarded and unmarked disappointing swimsuits or extra items I see no reason someone who wants to take photos to be banned, it is an open public space. 'But to see how hypocrit[ical] we are, we have passed a road of heavy vehicles through the Palace and under its Arch and we are sending all the exhaust pollution to Tufopetra that has been consumed by all this fuel gas... A Panoramic view of the Old Town of Corfu as seen from New Fortress 'And instead of shouting about the damage we are doing to it we ourselves are shouting about the photography that was done by some professionals in the area. 'In the end, who damages the monument? Them or us?' Another user disagreed and expanded: 'What do traditional dances have to do with stripping there? 'Me personally if my daughter was there I would be ashamed.' The palace in Corfu was built over a five year period in the immediate aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. The defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815 saw the Ionian Islands, including Corfu, become a protectorate of the UK through the Treaty of Paris. In turn, Corfu became the seat of the British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. It was Sir Thomas Maitland who commissioned the Palace of St. Michael and St. George as the official residence for the Lord High Commissioner. There was a boom in Regency architecture building across Britain and its overseas holdings after the end of the Napoleonic Wars as government spending steadily recovered and timber shortages eased without the war demand. Closer to home, examples of Regency architecture can be seen in the work of John Nash across London. Britain revived some of the classical architectural styles of the Greeks and Romans during its imperial rise, after architects like Inigo Jones brought back to the British Isles techniques recovered by the Italians through the 16th and 17th centuries. A senior Cabinet minister has warned that assisted dying laws are being rushed through Parliament with too little time for proper scrutiny. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, said there was a 'curtailed' debate in the House of Commons over what would be 'such wide societal change'. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill aims to allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales - with less than six months to live - to legally end their lives. MPs continued their scrutiny of the legislation - a private members' bill being spearheaded by Labour's Kim Leadbeater - earlier this month during an almost five-hour debate in the Commons. This saw critics claim the Bill does not include enough protections and was being hurried through Parliament. Ms Mahmood, an opponent of the legislation, has now added her voice to those criticisms ahead of a planned further debate on the Bill next month. This is despite Cabinet ministers having previously been warned to steer clear of public debate on the issue, as the Government attempts to maintain a neutral stance. The Justice Secretary said the process had 'shown the inadequacies' of using a private members' bill to bring forward assisted dying laws. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, said there was a 'curtailed' debate in the House of Commons over what would be 'such wide societal change'. Campaigners in favour of assisted dying laws gathered outside Parliament ahead of MPs' latest debate last month 'My views [on assisted dying] are well known,' Ms Mahmood said when speaking to The Times last week. 'They haven't changed between second reading and the debate we had last Friday and what will happen when we get to third reading. 'I do think that this process has shown the inadequacies of private members' bills as a vehicle for such wide societal change. 'I know they have worked in the past. I can see why campaigning backbench MPs will think, 'If we were able to do this for abortion for example a few decades ago we can use the same mechanism now'. 'But there are huge implications here and the debate that we're having is curtailed, it is short. We saw that last Friday. I don't think it's the right thing to do.' Last year, Labour peer Charlie Falconer sparked fury by claiming ministers should not 'impose' their religious beliefs on others over assisted dying. He hit out after Ms Mahmood, the first Muslim to become Lord Chancellor, said she would vote against Ms Leadbeater's Bill ahead of its first reading in the Commons in November. Lord Falconer said there were 'religious and spiritual reasons' for Ms Mahmood's opposition to the Bill. But his intervention prompted an angry backlash among Ms Mahmood's fellow MPs, as well as from religious leaders. The Bill's current stage known as report stage will continue on June 13, when further debate will take place in the Commons. If time allows on that day it is possible a third reading could take place, giving MPs another vote to either approve or reject the overall Bill and decide whether to send it on to the House of Lords. Amid pomp and pageantry not seen in Canada for more than half a century, King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the country's Parliament today/yesterday with a powerful - and at times defiant - message for President Trump. In a 'Speech from the Throne' - made of wood from a Windsor oak, no less - Charles, 76, spoke of his 'deep pride and pleasure' at witnessing 'Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope'. He also highlighted the country's 'unique identity' and made clear in the strongest possible terms - within the remits of his role as a constitutional monarch, of course - of his personal pride that 'the Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada'. Introduced to Parliament as The King of Canada, many MPs looked visibly moved - some even broke into impromptu cries of 'God Save The King' - as he walked into their Senate building. Charles had been invited by the country's Prime Minister Mark Carney to formally open the new session of parliament in what is widely being interpreted as sign that Canadian sovereignty is not for sale. While he cannot publicly comment on recent threats by the US President to annexe Canada and make it America's '51st state', his decision to accept the invitation at such short notice was seen as strong gesture of unity, and the red carpet has been rolled out. Indeed it is only the second time a King or Queen of Canada has ever opened Parliament, the last being his late mother in 1958. Charles and Camilla were escorted in a horse-drawn landau, escorted by flag-bearing 'Mounties', and met by a 100-strong Guard of Honour at Ottawa's Senate building, along with a 21-gun salute. The King delivers his speech during the State Opening of Parliament on Ottawa, Canada on Tuesday The King was seen talking and laughing with the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney The King and Queen travelled in a landau carriage to the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday Queen Camilla and King Charles are greeted by cheering crowds and British flags in Ottawa on Tuesday The event is the highlight of the couple's whirlwind visit to the North American nation, Charles' first as king. Queen Camilla is seen arriving at the Senate building alongside King Charles III King Charles III during the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber at the Senate of Canada Building The King read his speech for the State Opening in both English and French In his speech - which was delivered in French and English - the King recognised indigenous peoples who once lived on the land held by the Senate, and said he hopes both indigenous and other communities can find 'truth' and commemorate the nation's history together. He also paid tribute to all those who lost their lives in the Second World War, as he recognised the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The Kings voice notably cracked with emotion on the last paragraph of his speech, showing just how much this visit has meant to him, particularly given his ongoing health issues. In a possible message to Donald Trump, the monarch added that 'self-determination' was a pivotal value to the country, after the US President threatened to 'annexe' Canada and make it America's '51st state'. The King stood for the British and Canadian national anthems and inspected the soldiers, looking deeply moved at times. Queen Camilla, wearing a navy blue crepe silk embroidered dress by Fiona Clare, a matching hat by Philip Treacy and carried a navy blue Chanel bag, looked on proudly. She also sported her own Canadian Rifles brooch as the regiment's colonel in chief, with a pearl and diamond choker. The King was wearing a lounge suit with medals and his Order of Canada around his neck. Aides revealed the Queen's great-great-great grandfather, Sir Allan Napier MacNab, was leading Canadian politician who led the 'province of Canada' as it was then known. After taking his place in the chamber, the Queen on a throne by his side, the King finally read his much-anticipated 'Speech from the Throne', written - as it is in Britain - by the Canadian government and outlining their new legislative agenda for the coming Parliament. However it was clear that the King had added a strong personal touch to their words. Britain's King Charles sits at the Senate of Canada Building as he waits to give his address and officially open Parliament Mark Carney leads applause for the King during his speech in Ottawa, Ontario Britain's King Charles arrives at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa, Ontario The King stood outside the Senate of Canada Building while a band played the Canadian national anthem Amid pomp and pageantry not seen for more than half a century, King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at Canada's Parliament today He said: 'This is my twentieth visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and my first as Sovereign. As I have said before, 'Every time I come to Canada a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart.' 'I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.' He added: 'It has been nearly seventy years since the Sovereign first opened Parliament. In the time since, Canada has dramatically changed: repatriating its Constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth. 'Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, and committed to reconciliation.' Significantly, he concluded: 'The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism. 'When my dear late mother addressed your predecessors seven decades ago, she said that in that age, and against the backdrop of international affairs, no nation could live unto itself. 'It is a source of great pride that, in the following decades, Canada has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good.' To huge applause he added: 'As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!' The King's 26-minute speech also included several references to 'global trade' and the recent Trumpian tariffs, making clear that while Canada wishes to work with the US they are also looking to strengthen bonds with other 'reliable trading partners and allies' worldwide. 'The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canada's relationships with partners are also changing,' Charles said, in cautious words. The King's 26-minute speech also included several references to 'global trade' and the recent Trumpian tariffs Charles and Camilla share a joke as they were welcomed into the heart of Canada's government The King was spotted greeting former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Members of the House of Commons gather in the doorway to listen to the Senate speech 'We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes.' The decision to accept the invitation to attend parliament's state opening at such short notice - only the second time a King or Queen of Canada has ever done so, the last being his late mother in 1958 - is seen by Canadians as strong gesture of unity, and the red carpet is being duly rolled out. Their Majesties travelled from Rideau Hall, the official residence for the monarch in Canada, to the Bank of Canada where they transferred into their open-topped carriage. Built in the 1890s in Australia, it was bought by Canada's ninth governor general, Earl Grey, who donated it to the country under the care of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It was last used by the King and Queen on their 2017 royal tour of the country. Queen Camilla was wearing a navy blue crepe silk embroidered dress by Fiona Clare, a navy blue hat by Philip Treacy and a navy blue Chanel bag. She also sported her own Canadian Rifles brooch as the regiment's colonel in chief, and a pearl and diamond choker. The King was wearing a lounge suit with medals and his Order of Canada around his. He was seen smiling to passersby while sat in a carriage on his way to Parliament, alongside his wife. Charles and Camilla's horse-drawn landau was led by 14 mounted riders with 14 more behind as they travelled with Canada's first indigenous Governor General Mary Simon and husband Whit Grant Fraser. Recently-elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney awaited the royal couple outside the Senate of Canada, and the national anthem was played by a watching band. As the King was taken to the Commons, a hush fell over the crowd gathered in anticipation of the event. Aides said the Queen's great-great-great grandfather, Sir Allan Napier MacNab, was leading Canadian politician who led the 'province of Canada' as it was then known. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana, greeted them at the Senate building alongside a Royal Salute from a magnificent 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment and a 21-gun salute. King Charles is escorted from the carriage to the Senate building by a member of the armed forces Recently-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney stood waiting for the royal couple outside the Senate of Canada Canadians await the arrival of the King and Queen ahead of the Opening of Parliament today embers of the guard of honour gather, on the day Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla visit the Senate of Canada Building A grand meeting committee awaited King Charles outside the Senate on Tuesday An overhead shot shows the King and Queen being lead by procession into Canada's Senate The King and Queen were seen smiling and waving to passersby while sat in the carriage Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau arrives ahead of an appearance by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Senate Chamber for the State Opening of Parliament Trudeau attends the State Opening of Parliament along with representatives from Canada's indigenous communities Trudeau 'dressed down' for the occasion by donning Adidas Gazelle trainers for the event The King and Queen will sit on these thrones commissioned in 2017 and built with English walnut wood from Great Windsor Park donated by Queen Elizabeth II The Royal Salute is a formal military honour reserved for members of the Royal Family or heads of state. The King will be invited to inspect the guard before entering into the Senate, lead by The Usher of the Black Rod. A fanfare was played as the King and Queen entered the government chamber. After introductions, the King will give his Speech from the Throne to officially open the 45th Parliament, outlining his government's agenda and priorities much like in the UK. The King was seen talking closely with Carney before the speech began. It will be only the third time the Canadian monarch has read the speech, with the honour normally falling to the Governor General, their official representative in Canada. Queen Elizabeth previously gave the speech in 1957 and 1977. While the King does not write the speech himself - that is a matter for his government - he does intend to weave more personal elements into it reflecting on his affection for the country. Organisers also say indigenous elements will be incorporated throughout the Speech from the Throne, representing the three distinct groups in Canada: First. Nations, Metis and Inuit. Yesterday the couple were greeted by two 'Mounties' - members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - and a 25-strong Honour Guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoon, of which the King is Colonel-in-Chief. Dignitaries including Governor-General of Canada Mary Simon, newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney and National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, as they touched down in Ottawa. Prime Minister Mark Carney has an audience with King Charles at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Monday King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Ottawa yesterday for an historic visit to the country's capital - the first by Charles as its head of state - to formally open parliament on Tuesday Disembarking at Hanger 11, they were greeted by two 'Mounties' - members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - and a 25-strong Honour Guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoon, of which the King is Colonel-in-Chief They met with local people including school groups before touring a marketplace and attending a tree-planting ceremony. The King and Queen were repeatedly thanked for coming to Canada, as they made their way around a crowd during their first engagement of the royal visit. As they made their way along the barriers, shaking hands with members of the public, they were told variations of 'thank you for coming' and 'thank you so much for coming', interspersed with anecdotes about how people had met his late mother during her previous visits. Some shouted 'God Save The King', and a group sang an acapella version of the UK national anthem. The King and Queen stopped for a few moments to talk to one of her regiments, the Queen's Own Rifles of which Camilla is Colonel-in-Chief. She told them she was very pleased to see them. One woman said she had 'goosebumps' after meeting the couple, having waited from 9am to secure her place in the crowd before finally seeing the King and Queen at around 2pm. King Charles III meeting 100-year-old Weston Girl Betty Sinnett during a tree planting ceremony in Rideau Hall, Ottawa. The Weston Girls were 50 young women from across Canada who were sponsored by Canadian businessman Garfield Weston to attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in the summer of 1953 King Charles lll meeting with school children at the Airport in Ottawa Heather Dorward, 46, told the King she had met the late Queen Mother when she was in Toronto as a schoolgirl. The King responded by telling she his grandmother 'was amazing'. The King and Queen went on to tour a small number of market stalls set up by local producers. He asked staff running a falafel stand about their background in Syria and about their recipes, and praised Purebread Bakery for its use of 'local origin heritage grains'. At the Garland Sugar Shack, a member of the Royal Household purchased a two bottles of maple syrup for the King and Queen to take hom with them. Inside, the King and Queen toured a selection of stalls from local charities, organisations and schools. The King was given an update about the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance's land use strategy, and spoke in French to La Tablee des Chefs about their work with students who were putting together bags of 'solidarity soup'. At a stall for Ingenium, a collection of three national museums, he was introduced to a Canadian Arcott sheep and a man riding a stationery bike to demonstrate how it takes 13 people riding one non-stop to power one average Canadian home. The King was particularly interested in hearing about the sheep, which is considered a Canadian breeding success story, and said that he was 'proud to be' a champion of wool. At a table for the Red Cross, he said: 'I'm trying to keep up with First Aid. The problem is if you don't use it, you forget it.' Others in the crowd shouted 'Welcome home,' 'Welcome to Canada' and 'God save the King' as Charles and Camilla shook hands at Lansdowne Park, a community hub in Ottawa. A former state minister is fighting allegations he invited a drunk man and a teenager back to his house on separate occasions to sexually abuse them. Gareth Ward, the member for the NSW seat of Kiama on the state's south coast, has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault. The 44-year-old faced Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday for the first day of his four-week trial. Ward has been accused of indecently assaulting an 18-year-old he met at a networking event on NSW's south coast in 2012. The alleged victim had been drinking at a party in Nowra in February 2013 when Ward invited him to his home and offered to pay for his taxi, the court was told. Crown prosecutor Monika Knowles claimed the teen kept drinking after he arrived before deciding to pretend to be passed out on the grass as a 'joke'. The court was told Ward allegedly tried to rouse him before putting his hands inside the teen's shorts and touching his buttocks and scrotum. The jury was told the teen stopped pretending to be unconscious and told Ward he wanted to go to bed, but the politician told him he wouldn't be safe sleeping on his own. Kiama MP Gareth Ward (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including sexual intercourse without consent, at Sydney's Downing Centre District Court The Crown alleged Ward got into bed with the teen, sat on his buttocks and began to massage his lower back. The teen froze and asked the MP to stop because he wanted to go to sleep, Ms Knowles claimed. The jury will be required to determine whether the alleged massage amounts to an indecent assault or, alternatively, a common assault. Two years later, Ward allegedly sexually assaulted a 24-year-old he worked with at NSW Parliament, the jury was told. The man had been drinking when the MP offered to let him stay the night at his apartment in Potts Point, Ms Knowles alleged. She claimed Ward poured them drinks and tried to kiss the man, who said no before briefly allowing a second kiss. After pushing Ward away, the jury was told the 24-year-old went into the room he had been offered and stripped off for bed. The Crown alleged Ward got into bed with him and tried to put his arm around the man, which he pushed off, before sexually assaulting him. The court heard that Ward (pictured with former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian) allegedly invited a drunk man and a teenager to his home on separate occasions to sexually abuse them. He has maintained his innocence The man said stop and tried to push him away, the jury was told, but Ward allegedly kissed the man's neck and masturbated beside him. Ms Knowles alleged the 24-year-old was left 'sad and confused', which was followed by a discussion of his future and a suggestion Ward would take care of him. Both men continued contact with Ward after the alleged assaults but later made complaints to police. Ward was charged over the alleged assaults in 2022, but has continued to maintain his innocence. He has held the Kiama electorate since 2011, winning three elections as a Liberal before securing the 2023 poll as an independent. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 North Korea has warned that a nuclear war could erupt in space, as it joined Russia and China in condemning US president Donald Trump's futuristic vision of a 'Golden Dome' missile defence system. The $175billion (129billion) project, proposed by Trump and inspired by Israel's Iron Dome system, is aimed at blocking threats from adversaries like China and Russia. But Pyongyang's foreign ministry said Trump's plan risks turning 'outer space into a potential nuclear war field' and called it 'the height of self-righteousness [and] arrogance.' It accused the US of being 'hell-bent... to militarise outer space' and starkly warned that the programme could spark a 'a global nuclear and space arms race.' Earlier today, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Trump's project undermines the foundations of strategic stability as it involves the creation of a global missile defence system. And last week, Beijing said it was 'seriously concerned' about the Golden Dome, which it said has 'strong offensive implications'. China's foreign ministry said: 'The United States, in pursuing a "US-first" policy, is obsessed with seeking absolute security for itself. 'This violates the principle that the security of all countries should not be compromised and undermines global strategic balance and stability.' This picture taken on May 8, 2025 shows a joint striking drill of long-range artillery and missile systems of the Korean People's Army eastern front division at an undisclosed location in North Korea North Korea has threatened to start a nuclear war in space, after joining Russia and China in slamming US president Donald Trump's (pictured) futuristic vision of a 'Golden Dome' missile defence system Kim Jong Un speaks during a launching ceremony of a new naval destroyer at a western port in Nampo, North Korea, on April 25, 2025 Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP that Kim Jong Un likely sees Trump's Golden Dome as a threat that can "significantly weaken" its nuclear arsenal. 'If the US completes its new missile defence programme, the North will be forced to develop alternative means to counter or penetrate it,' he said. In April, Kim Jong Un unveiled a nuclear-capable naval destroyer that he says will bolster North Korea's ability to defend itself in the face of perceived aggression from the US and its regional allies. The North Korean leader attended the warship's launch ceremony at the western port of Nampo with his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae, according to state-run media. Ju Ae has been widely regarded by analysts as the likely successor to Kim since she was referred to as a 'great person of guidance' in an official report last year. Kim said the 5,000-ton vessel would bolster efforts to expand the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military. The 'multi-purpose' destroyer, designed to handle a variety of arms including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, was touted as the first in a new class of heavily armed warships. Kim, who has framed the arms buildup as a response to the supposed danger posed by the US and its allies in Asia, said the destroyer would be handed over to the navy early next year before beginning active duty. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is seen with his daughter Kim Ju Ae a ceremony at the western port of Nampo for the launch of a nuclear-capable naval destroyer According to state media, Kim has said the 5,000-ton vessel will bolster efforts to expand the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military Kim waves as he and Ju Ae are seen at the official launch ceremony for the warship Jo Chun Ryong, a secretary in the ruling Workers' party, claimed the ship was equipped with the 'most powerful weapons' and was built 'within 400-odd days'. Kim also took aim at efforts by the US and South Korea to expand joint military exercises and update their nuclear deterrence strategies, which he portrayed as preparations for war. He vowed to 'respond decisively to this geopolitical crisis and ongoing developments,' the Korean Central News Agency reported. An investigation into the mysterious death of a Las Vegas journalist dramatically ended with the suspected killer also dying in a fiery police chase in the Utah desert. The chilling series of events began earlier this month when freelance journalist Matthew Kelemen, 56, was killed and stuffed in a box inside a storage container in Sin City. His decomposing body was found on May 20 when an employee discovered a 'foul-smelling odor' coming from the storage container. Officials have not yet released a cause of death, however Keleman's sister Mikki Zeferatos told the Las Vegas Review Journal that investigators believe he was struck from behind with a hammer. As cops looked into the gruesome death, they discovered Kelemen's roommate Joseph Del Rivo, 63, had hired the storage container through a luggage storage app called Bounce. Del Rivo had dropped the box with Kelemen's remains inside at the facility days before, and employees reportedly found the decomposing journalist when a moving company came to pick up the storage container. As investigators zeroed in on Del Rivo, that same day the suspect was involved in an unrelated police chase when he led the Utah Highway Patrol on a daring pursuit. The chase ended when Del Rivo flipped his vehicle off the highway and it exploded in a fireball, killing the murder suspect hundreds of miles from where his alleged victim had been found dead hours before. Las Vegas freelance journalist Matthew Kelemen (pictured) was found dead on May 20 stuffed into a box in a storage container after allegedly being bludgeoned by his roommate with a hammer On the same day that Kelemen's decomposing remains were found, his alleged killer and roommate Joseph Del Rivo was involved in a high-speed chase with Utah police that ended with his death in a fiery crash (pictured) Kelemen's family say they last heard from the Las Vegas journalist shortly before his death, when his brother Steve said he told him he was getting ready to move out of his living arrangement with Del Rivo. 'Hed only lived there for about six months, but he kept telling my brother what a strange guy this was,' Zeferatos said. 'He said he was really uneasy living there. The guy was a disgusting slob, were his words.' Kelemen's sister recalled her brother told his family that he planned to tell Del Rivo that he was unhappy with their dynamic, but warned them that he was 'worried about how hes going to react. Zeferatos said investigators told her that the Bounce app that Del Rivo allegedly used to try and transport her brother's body is typically used by businesses to transport goods and store them short-term. He was found in a box inside a large crate, which she believes may have been one of Kelemen's guitar amplifiers. 'Matt played the guitar and he had amplifiers, and it was a big black box,' she said. Kelemen's family said he was a talented guitarist and believe the box he was stuffed inside was for one of his guitar amplifiers The journalist's family said before his death, he had been complaining of Del Rivo's hygiene and described him as a 'disgusting slob' Utah police said they tried to pull Del Rivo over when he was caught speeding over 90mph, before he accelerated to over 140mph on the pursuit until he swerved out the way of a spike strip and crashed into a fireball Investigators said Del Rivo used an app called Bounce in an attempt to move Kelemen's body from a storage container, but the remains were discovered when employees found a 'foul-smelling odor' from inside the facility Utah authorities said the chase that ended in Del Rivo's death unfolded around 5:45pm when a trooper saw him speeding down Interstate 70. Cops said in a press release that Del Rivo drove up behind the squad car at 'over 90mph', before accelerating further when the trooper activated his sirens and tried to pull him over. Del Rivo reached speeds of over 140mph as he led the trooper on a chase for around 10 miles, while other troopers began deploying spike strips down the interstate. The murder suspect's front tires were destroyed by the spike strips during the chase, however authorities said he still tried evading police and drove with flat tires for another three miles. The chase eventually came to a dramatic end when a second set of strip spikes were laid on the highway, and Del Rivo attempted to swerve out of the way. He lost control of the vehicle and flipped it off the interstate, which killed Del Rivo as he was ejected from the car before it exploded into a fireball. Kelemen was a well-known freelance reporter in the Las Vegas area and had been published in a number of outlets since he moved to the city in 2003, and was most recently published shortly before the Memorial Day weekend Kelemen was a well-known freelance reporter in the Las Vegas area and had been published in a number of outlets since he moved to the city in 2003. He had been a staff writer at the now-closed 944 and City Life magazines, and was most recently published in Las Vegas Magazine in a preview for the Memorial Day weekend. Zaferatos said the discovery of her brother's body was 'horror-movie stuff', and said her family has suffered a 'rough couple of days.' 'I'm barely holding it together,' she said. A top Russia national security official issued a dire warning regarding President Donald Trump's most recent comments claiming Vladimir Putin is 'playing with fire.' Deputy Chair of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said that if 'really bad things' were to happen to Russia, it would lead to the third World War. Trump posted to Truth Social on Tuesday: 'What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire!' It came after Trump grew more frustrated with the Russian president over the weekend after Moscow spent the last few days showering Ukraine with missile and drone strikes. 'Regarding Trump's words about Putin 'playing with fire' and 'really bad things' happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing WWIII,' Medvedev wrote to X. 'I hope Trump understands this!' Last week Trump spoke with Putin if what he thought was a productive conversations but it made no progress in concluding the war between Russia and Ukraine. Follow the Daily Mail blog A 'delusional' stalker who left a radio DJ feeling 'unsafe and paranoid' by bombarding her with letters, emails and gifts has been spared jail. Keaton Adams turned up at the Heart radio studios in Leicester Square in Central London in January this year to look for presenter Katrina Ridley. The 51-year-old persistently tried to contact the presenter between November 1, 2024 and February 20 2025, believing that he was in a relationship with her. Westminster Magistrates Court was told how one of the messages sent to the radio station read: 'I'm going to say goodnight now baby girl... I love you always.' Adams contacted Ms Ridley on her personal email, wrote about her having 'spyware' at his home and said they were going to get married in Australia, the court heard. In December 2024, he sent coffee mugs to the studio with 'I will always love you' printed on them. Prosecutor Gozde Elidemir said: 'The victim in this case is a radio DJ at Heart Radio. 'Although contact from the listeners is encouraged by the station, the victim began to notice the defendant's messages. A stalker plagued Heart Radio presenter Katrina Ridley, pictured, with unwanted gifts and letters Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that in December he sent 60 messages, some of which were 'delusional in nature', were sent in just three hours. Pictured: Heart DJ Katrina Ridley 'They appeared to be delusional in nature and there was a large number of them.' Ms Elidemir said the DJ started receiving 20 'unusual' emails a day from Adams in October last year. By he had sent 60 messages, some of which were 'delusional in nature', in just three hours. In one email he said: 'When I said you will become my wife I meant it, I love you always and forever'. On January 13. Adams went to the radio station with another ,am asking for the victim but was turned away', she added. A week later Ms Ridley received a bouquet of roses and letters from Adams in which he wrote about plans to 'revisit' the presenter, the court heard. In her victim impact statement read out in court, Ms Ridley said: 'The events have had a huge impact on my life. 'I have been feeling unsafe and paranoid - I haven't been able to get public transport since the incident out of fear. 'When I'm at work I have to ignore a huge volume of creepy messages and emails which makes my work so much harder. 'I am really concerned about the escalation of what might happen next as the behaviour appears to be consistently ramping up.' Keaton Adams turned up at the Heart radio studios in Leicester Square, pictured, in Central London in January this year to look for the presenter She said she also noticed comments left by Adams on her Instagram account. Adams admitted sending 'items, gifts, letters and messages' but claimed this 'did not amount to harassment. 'He claimed it was a two-way conversation with him and the radio host...because she would talk to him through the radio channel and he would respond through emails,' the prosecutor added. Adams has 11 previous convictions including a recent failure to comply with a community protection notice and a breach of a non-molestation order, the prosecutor said. Esther Berry-Benton, defending, said Adams was 'severely unwell' at the time of the offence. 'This is not bitter acts of revenge. This is a man convinced the radio was talking to him and that he was in a relationship with somebody on it. 'Unfortunately, this relationship was created entirely out of Mr Adams' mind.' She said Adams suffers from paranoid schizophrenia but that his medication had been 'discontinued' after a 'long period of time without issues. 'After that occurred Mr Adams then deteriorated in terms of his mental health.' Adams is receiving injections to control his symptoms. He is now able to 'reflect on his actions with a level of clarity and introspection that, I will be honest, is no small achievement in his situation', added Ms Berry-Benton. Magistrate Gerald Cohen sentenced Adams to 16 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months. Adams was further ordered to complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting either Heart Radio or Ms Ridley directly or indirectly, entering the area of Leicester Square or going near her home address should he know it. 'The restraining order stays in place until either revoked or altered', the magistrate told him. Keaton, of Surrey, admitted stalking involving serious alarm or distress. Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have agreed to a prisoner swap days after the US president branded his Russian counterpart 'crazy.' The prisoner swap was revealed Tuesday by Russia's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, who praised Trump as 'a man who wants results' as he spoke at an event in Turkey. Lavrov said the prisoner swap was agreed amid negotiations over the end of the war in Ukraine, which he sensationally accused European nations of attempting to 'sabotage.' As Lavrov announced the prisoner swap, sources told the Kyiv Post that Trump was 'seriously considering' lifting all restrictions on how Ukraine uses weapons on Russia. The US State Department did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for details on which prisoners are set to be exchanged. Tuesday's breakthrough comes four days after Trump separately revealed that a 'major prisoners swap' had taken place between Russia and Ukraine, believed to involve up to 1,000 prisoners on each side. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform at the time that the massive exchange 'could lead to something big', but did not offer details on what he wanted for brokering the deal. If the latest prisoner swap between the US and Russia goes ahead, it will be the first since American teacher Marc Fogel was returned to the US in February after over three years in a Russian prison. A number of Americans remain in Russian prisons that could form part of the deal, including 72-year-old Stephen Hubbard, who was sentenced last year to almost seven years in jail for fighting for Ukraine in the war. American soldier Gordon Black, 35, a US staff sergeant, also remains in a Russian jail after he was arrested in May 2024 on dubious theft charges. Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have agreed to a prisoner swap days after the US president branded his Russian counterpart 'crazy' The prisoner swap was revealed Tuesday by Russia 's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, who praised Trump as 'a man who wants results' as he spoke at an event in Turkey The developments come after a whirlwind weekend of diplomacy from Trump where he told reporters on Saturday that he was 'absolutely' considering imposing new sanctions on Russia. The next day, Trump launched into a blistering attack on Putin where he said the Russian leader has gone 'absolutely crazy.' Trump condemned the Russians for escalating their strikes on Ukraine while negotiations were ongoing, which he said was resulting in the 'needless killing of a lot of people.' In a chilling warning about the future of the former Soviet nation if the bloodshed continues, Trump said Putin's war 'will lead to the downfall of Russia.' 'I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform at the time. The Kremlin initially hit back as it suggested that Trump was suffering from the 'emotional overload' of brokering major peace deals across the globe. 'We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the Trump remarks about Putin. 'Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.' Just a day later, Lavrov has now praised Trump as a 'man who wants results' in a major breakthrough for the hostile nations. A number of Americans remain in Russian prisons that could form part of the deal, including 72-year-old Stephen Hubbard (pictured), who was sentenced to almost seven years for fighting for Ukraine in the war American soldier Gordon Black, 35, a US staff sergeant, also remains in a Russian jail after he was arrested in May 2024 on dubious theft charges If the latest prisoner swap between the US and Russia goes ahead, it will be the first since American teacher Marc Fogel (pictured) was returned to the US in February after over three years in a Russian prison The prisoner swap this week was agreed amid negotiations over the end of the war in Ukraine, which Russia sensationally accused European nations of attempting to 'sabotage' Trump previously faced backlash for his remarks on Sunday about Putin, with critics saying he was naive for believing 'something has happened' to the Russian dictator. He said he believes Putin 'wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it,' after some observers said it appeared Trump wanted Ukraine to give up its recently lost territory in exchange for peace. Trump added at the time: 'This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelenskyy's, Putin's, and Biden's War, not 'Trump's.' 'I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred.' Despite his very blunt words for Putin, Trump also included a caveat that Ukraine is not completely absolved of fault for the devastating war. 'Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does,' he said, reigniting the tension between the two leaders. 'Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don't like it, and it better stop.' Trump's harsh words for Zelensky came as the two world leaders have had a complicated recent relationship, notably including an extraordinary argument in the Oval office earlier this year in front of the world's press. That spat appeared to be smoothed over in recent weeks as the US and Ukraine reached a landmark critical minerals deal. A New York family kicked off the summer season with a horrifying discovery when they opened their backyard pool and found a dead body found floating in the water. The disturbing find occurred on Sunday afternoon ahead of the Memorial Day holiday in the Long Island neighborhood of East Shoreham, New York, according to the Suffolk County Police Department. The residents of the home couldn't immediately be reached for comment when contacted by DailyMail.com. The department's homicide squad is now investigating the body's identity and cause of death, including the possibility that the corpse belongs to a murder suspect who had been on the run. The suspect was Matthew Zoll, 23, who disappeared in November after allegedly killing his father. Matthew was accused of stabbing his father, Joseph, 61, in their Rocky Point home, which is about five miles from East Shoreham. Police said at the time Matthew fled the scene of the crime in a black GMC Yukon and ran away after crashing the car. The East Shoreham home is about a half-mile from where police believe Matthew crashed his car and fled on foot. A family in New York made a shocking discovery when they took off the protective cover on their backyard pool and found a dead body floating in the water The victim's identity hasn't yet been released, but the community has speculated that the body may belong to a young man who vanished last November after allegedly killing his father Matthew Zoll, 23, disappeared last November after he was accused of stabbing his father, Joseph Zoll There is a wooded lot behind the home that extends to the parkway where the crash occurred. The shocking murder rocked the seaside Long Island community as authorities issued a massive manhunt for the alleged killer. US Marshals searched for the fugitive for weeks, combing a nearby 1,600-acre state park, but Matthew was never found. Police reported at the time that Matthew had schizophrenia and had gone missing last April. Joseph Koll had worked as a mail carrier and had 'lots of friends,' his neighbor Karen Diffley told the New York Post after his tragic death. Diffley told the publication that she heard someone faintly screaming 'help' the night of Joseph's murder, but assumed it was just the TV. 'Im in shock. Im totally in shock. He was a very nice man,' she added. 'If I needed help mowing the lawn he would lend us his lawn mower. Very quiet.' Another neighbor, Gavan Israel, described Joseph as a 'nice, quiet, soft-spoken guy,' adding, 'Joe had a problem with alcohol years ago but he cleaned up.' Community members told reporters at the time that Joseph was a kind neighbor. He died on November 9 after sustaining stabbing wounds As the community mourns Joseph's (middle) death, questions still loom over what happened to his son Matthew (far left) A neighbor told reporters at the time of Joseph's death that he was living in the home with his two sons. His younger son, Matthew, was accused of his father's death and has been missing ever since 'He was divorced. His wife moved to another town years ago. It was just him and his two sons. His older son, he was okay. 'Matthew, you could see immediately something was off because he was always looking down. He never really talked,' Israel continued. 'He had a problem a few months ago where he went missing because he went off of his medication. The local news did a story about it when [police were] looking for him. Im guessing thats probably what this started with a lack of meds.' The community was left with looming questions about what transpired before Joseph's death and where his son disappeared to. 'It was very strange... We all thought he just left town. Got on a train or a bus,' community member Sharon Healey told local NBC affiliate, WNBC. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office is working to determine the identity of the body found in the pool. DailyMail.com reached out for an update on the investigation. A disgraced New York politician who was jailed for sexting a minor is trying to break back into politics and was caught canvassing residents in the streets of the Big Apple. Anthony Weiner, 60, a registered sex offender, is running for NYC City Council just six years after he was released from his 21-month stay behind bars for sexting a 15-year-old. The lanky Democrat was seen canvassing the streets with a handful of flyers with a woman holding a campaign sign. Social media photos show the sex offender talking to a mother with a small child, hugging an older woman, and taking photos with constituents in Manhattan's Lower East Side neighborhood. However, his return to the political sphere has not been without backlash as people have not forgotten his conviction, especially his running mate Sarah Batchu. Batchu proposed a bill nicknamed the Weiner Act in February that would ban registered sex offenders from holding public office in the city, according to City & State New York. 'We have 4.5million people in New York City who are women and when we see men like this running for office, it really sends the message that our safety is expendable, our pursuit of justice is futile, and our pain is invisible,' Batchu said. However, her proposal would not affect Andrew Cuomo, the former governor who is running for mayor against incumbent Eric Adams and who also faced sexual harassment accusations, the outlet reported. Anthony Weiner , 60, (pictured in white) a registered sex offender, is running for NYC City Council just six years after he was released from his 21-month stay behind bars for sexting a 15-year-old Social media photos show the sex offender talking to a mother with a small child, hugging an older woman, and taking photos with constituents in Manhattan's Lower East Side neighborhood Weiner pleaded guilty in 2017 to carrying on a months-long online sexual relationship with a 15-year-old Weiner registered his campaign in December and has wracked up $197,437 in contributions, public records showed. His ex-wife, Huma Abedin, has donated $175 toward his campaign on March 13, while her sister, Heba Abedin, donated $150 in December, the NYC Campaign Finance Board records showed. Weiner shares a preteen son named Jordan with Huma, who was taken to visit his father in prison, Jordan revealed to the Wall Street Journal in 2022. The father-of-one is also highly aware of his public image, he told The Atlantic. 'Everyone that I talk to about the race, they fundamentally know perfectly what approach I should take. Some people are like: "You should say: 'F**k it. Donald Trump got elected as a 34-time felon.'" Or lean into it, you know. Make a joke about it,' he told the outlet. 'And about an equal number of people say: "You got to spend the first four or five pieces of mail apologizing, explaining that you served your whatever it is, youve learned your lesson".' Despite his nonchalant demeanor, he has been upfront about acknowledging his crime and his sex addiction. 'Im not a victim of some larger conspiracy,' he told The Atlantic. 'Its just a thing that I did that Ive accepted responsibility for.' In the online messages, Weiner had sent bare-chested photos of himself to the girl, repeatedly called her 'baby,' complimented her body, and told her that he woke up 'hard' after thinking about her DailyMail.com saw evidence of extremely lewd messages he sent the victim He also admitted to the outlet that he was 'a little' bit chasing redemption with this campaign. 'I mean, look, to some degree, this is what Im really good at. Its as basic as that,' the former representative, who served in Congress from 1999 to 2011, told the outlet. Weiner pleaded guilty in 2017 to carrying on a months-long online sexual relationship with a 15-year-old. She claims the politician asked her to dress up in 'school-girl' outfits for him on a video messaging application, and pressed her to engage in 'rape fantasies,' DailyMail.com exclusively revealed in 2016. The online relationship began in January 2015 while the girl was a high school sophomore and before Weiner's wife, a former Hillary Clinton aide, announced she was ending their marriage. Huma and Weiner officially began divorced in early 2025, but have been separated for nine years. Weiner had been aware the girl was underaged at the time of the relationship. In the online messages, Weiner had sent bare-chested photos of himself to the girl, repeatedly called her 'baby,' complimented her body, and told her that he woke up 'hard' after thinking about her, according to copies of the conversations. Weiner registered his campaign in December and has wracked up $197,437 in contributions. His ex-wife, Huma Abedin (pictured together), has donated $175 toward his campaign on March 13, while her sister, Heba Abedin, donated $150 in December The revelation comes just weeks after Weiner's wife Huma Abedin announced that they had separated in the wake of another sexting controversy. In August, the New York Post reported on sexual chats between Weiner and a 40-year-old woman, during which the former congressman sent her provocative shirtless photos of him while his four-year-old son was curled up next to him in bed. Weiner has faced a number of sexting scandals since 2011, when he was forced to resign from Congress after his online sexual messages with a female college student were revealed. Another sexting scandal in 2013, involving 22-year-old Sydney Leathers, derailed his bid for New York City mayor. In the course of that scandal, his alias Carlos Danger was disclosed. The former congressman has faced scrutiny over online chats with minors in the past. In 2011, he admitted to sending five private Twitter messages to a 17-year-old girl, but said the messages 'were neither explicit nor indecent.' The girl's family told the New York Times that the conversation appeared to be harmless. After serving his prison sentence, Weiner worked as a CEO of a countertop company in Brooklyn Naval Yard and attempted to run for NYC Mayor. Weiner's political fate will be decided on June 24 when the NYC primary election takes place. An Arizona woman was told by her HOA that she needed to take down a banner honoring her soldier brother who died in Iraq because it was a 'nuisance.' Kendall Rasmusson has flags, banners and other patriotic decorations on her front lawn in Surprise, a suburban community near Phoenix. The most important of her Memorial Day adornments is a poster depicting her late brother, Sgt. John Kyle Daggett. Daggett, 21, died on May 15, 2008, roughly two weeks after he sustained serious injuries from a propelled grenade attack while fighting in Baghdad. This didn't matter to her new HOA management company, Trestle Management Group, which sent her a letter on May 7 telling her she needed to take it down. In the letter obtained by AZFamily, the company said the banner showing Daggett violated an HOA regulation on property 'nuisances.' 'They put it in comparison with dead plants, dead trees and bushes, and it was kind of offensive to have it be in this comparison of what theyre calling a nuisance,' Rasmusson told the outlet in an interview. The letter also appeared to compare the banner to 'rubbish' and 'debris,' while also calling it 'unsightly.' Pictured: Kendall Rasmusson and her brother Sgt. John Kyle Daggett, who would later die in combat in the Iraq War Daggett was hit with a propelled grenade attack while fighting in Baghdad and died two weeks later on May 15, 2008. He was 21 years old Rasmusson's new HOA management company, Trestle Management Group, ordered her to take down this banner from her garage, calling it a 'nuisance' Frustrated, Rasmusson posted about this on a local social media page, which then prompted Trestle to send her another email seeking to defuse the situation. In that email, the company further clarified that its intention was 'not to cause frustration or overlook the significance of the display'. Trestle also claimed that its representatives had noticed that the poster of Rasmusson's brother had been up for several months. This is what caused them to classify it as a permanent exterior feature instead of a decoration. Under the HOA's rules, decorations can go up 30 days before a holiday and must be taken down 10 days after. Most HOAs have regulations similar to this in order to maintain a uniform look in the community, with some even restricting the size and specific placement of decorations. This isn't the first time Rasmusson has been asked to take the banner down. In 2018, her old HOA management company fined her $500 for keeping it up too long. But after she launched an online petition, she was allowed to keep it up on other holidays such as Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. Rasmusson said the new management company doesn't seem to be aware of the prior arrangement she had or isn't willing to honor it. DailyMail.com approached Rasmusson and Trestle for further comment. Pictured: The garage, as well as Rasmusson's lawn, is often filled with American flags, stars and banners Pictured: The resting place of Daggett, which is located at a national cemetery in Washington, D.C. The HOA's decision didn't just anger Rasmusson; it also angered many community members, some of whom took to social media to express their outrage The HOA's decision didn't just anger Rasmusson; it also angered many community members, some of whom took to social media to express their outrage. Tony Cuchiara, who knows the Rasmusson family, posted on Monday that he and his wife, Heather, had recently visited Daggett's grave in Washington, D.C. 'A month ago, Heather and I went on a trip to Washington, D.C. and made it a point to visit our dearly beloved friend Kyle Daggett. He is a hero to us all! I hope this HOA is held responsible for complete and total violation of our rights!!!' he wrote on Facebook. In another post, he called what the HOA did 'absolute horse****' and demanded it be shut down. Another woman, Nancy Bash, was similarly perturbed by the HOA's controversial action. 'Shame on that HOA. This young man gave his life for our freedom. I honor you sir. Thank you for your service,' she wrote. Many on social media speculated that the HOA only cited Rasmusson because a neighbor complained about the patriotic display. The initial letter sent to Rasmusson only revealed that one of the company's representatives found the violation 'during a recent inspection of your community.' Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former assistant Capricorn Clark is expected to take the stand against him during his sex-trafficking trial in New York. The mogul's ex-employee has been mentioned about a dozen times by various witnesses who have taken the stand in the trial, and prosecutors claim she was kidnapped twice by Diddy or his bodyguards. Clark described Diddy as 'the devil' in 2023 after he was hit with several lawsuits, writing: 'Last 11 years of my life, I have had to deal with EVERYONES nonsensical allegiance to the devil,' according to HotNewHipHop. Clark's name came up during Kid Cudi's testimony last week, as the rapper said she was the one to alert him to Diddy allegedly breaking into his Los Angeles home in December, 2011. Kid Cudi testified Thursday that he had gone to a West Hollywood hotel with Cassie to get her away from the seething Combs when he got a call from Clark, who sounded 'very scared' and 'on the verge of tears.' He said she told him 'Sean Combs and an affiliate were in my house and she was in a car and she was forced to go with them over there.' Cudi said he then raced to his house, but Combs was gone. Inside, he testified, he found Christmas gifts had been opened and his dog was locked in the bathroom. After the break-in, his dog was 'very jittery and kind of on edge all the time,' he said. Then, someone set fire to Cudis car, destroying it. Clark, who worked for Diddy from 2004 until 2012, also came up repeatedly during the testimony of Diddy's ex-girlfriend and main accuser, Cassie Ventura. The mogul's ex-employee Capricorn Clark, pictured with Cassie Ventura in 2008, has been mentioned about a dozen times by various witnesses who have taken the stand in the trial Prosecutors claim Clark was kidnapped twice by Diddy or his bodyguards Diddy's attorneys have argued in court that he is guilty of domestic violence, which he is not charged with, but not of sex-trafficking or racketeering Cassie told the jury that she sent an email in December, 2011, to Clark and her mother saying Diddy was threatening to release sex tapes of her and have 'someone hurt me and Scott Mescudi [Kid Cudi] physically.' Prosecutors are hoping that Clark's testimony about being kidnapped back up the two kidnappings highlighted in their indictment against the mogul. They previously said in opening statements that Diddy allegedly once woke up an employee in the middle of the night and forced them at gunpoint to take him and his bodyguards to the home of a man Cassie was dating. The second alleged kidnapping happened when Clark was taken by Diddy's bodyguards to sit through 'days of lie-detector tests.' Another of Diddy's former assistants, David James, testified last week that he had been told Clark was once subjected to a lie-detector test after she was robbed while carrying the mogul's jewelry bag. Prosecutors allege that Combs used his fame and fortune to create a deviant empire of exploitation, coercing women into abusive sex parties while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and beatings. Diddy's attorneys have argued in court that he is guilty of domestic violence, which he is not charged with, but not of sex-trafficking or racketeering. In four days of testimony last week, Cassie said Combs physically abused her during most of their relationship from 2007 through 2018. The second alleged kidnapping happened when Clark was taken by Diddy's bodyguards to sit through 'days of lie-detector tests' Kid Cudi testified Thursday that he had gone to a West Hollywood hotel with Cassie to get her away from the seething Combs when he got a call from Clark, who sounded 'very scared' and 'on the verge of tears' After the break-in, his dog was 'very jittery and kind of on edge all the time,' he said. Then, someone set fire to Cudis car, destroying it George Kaplan, Combs former personal assistant, testified Thursday that in 2015 he saw Combs be violent with Cassie on a private jet. He said no one helped her as she screamed: Isnt anybody seeing this? Kaplan said he didnt intervene because he was afraid of losing his job, but quit after that attack and a later episode in which he saw Cassie with a bruised eye. Jurors also heard Thursday from makeup artist Mylah Morales, whos worked for Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and other stars. She said Combs stormed into Cassies bedroom at a hotel the weekend of the 2010 Grammy Awards. Combs shut the door and she heard 'yelling and screaming.' Then she saw Cassie with a 'swollen eye and a busted lip, and knots on her head.' Later, the general manager of the ritzy LErmitage Beverly Hills hotel testified that Combs frequently stayed there using aliases such as Frank White and Frank Black names Cassie said he used when checking in for freak-offs, which often involved baby oil and hot wax. Frederic Zemmour said Combs guest profile noted he 'ALWAYS spills candle wax on everything and uses excessive amounts of oil.' The profile instructed staff to 'place the room out of order upon departure for deep cleaning.' This is the shocking moment a section of the Costa Del Sol sea turned brown after a pipe exploded just meters from British tourists' balconies. Footage shows water gushing from a cracked underground pipe in Benalmadena before streaming through a popular resort toward the coastline. Just seconds later, a large brown blotch begins to spread across the surf as horrified holidaymakers watch on. A Spanish-speaking tourist filmed from a beachfront balcony near the Globales Los Patos Park Hotel as the drama unfolded. She could be overheard asking a companion: 'What's that? Are they cleaning something?' before pointing out bubbles coming from the centre of the stain. Stunned lifeguards were seen frantically ushering people away from the murky water as groups of curious beachgoers tried to get a closer look. Town Hall authorities raised a yellow flag warning just after midday on Monday, shortly after the ocean near the Hotel Spa Benalmadena Palace became discolored. Officials blamed the incident on a ruptured high-pressure water pipe, claiming it spilled 'clean, drinkable water' that dragged mud and sediment into the sea. They insisted there was 'no contamination' or danger to public health. This is the shocking moment the sea in Costa Del Sol turned brown after a pipe exploded just meters from Brit tourists' balconies Footage shows water streaming from a cracked underground pipe in Benalmadena before gushing through a popular resort and making its way down towards the coastline Benalmadena Town Hall said in a statement: 'Public water firm Acosol reported an incident that occurred around midday yesterday in its upstream drinking water supply network in the municipality. 'After detecting the incident, the water leak was immediately stopped before the impact of the incident was studied and repair work began.' The council described the burst pipe as 'quite old and deteriorated', adding: 'It is drinking water and the image it produced is the result of the natural dragging of towards the sea, without any type of contamination.' A green flag was put up later in the day after conditions returned to normal - though not before Locals were left furious by the mishap and took to social media to share their fraustration. One resident questioned: 'How many litres of water are going to be lost before the problem is fixed?' Another fumed: 'And the council turns off the beach showers to raise awareness among people.' Just seconds later, large brown blotch begins to spread cross the water as horrified holidaymakers watch on Officials blamed the incident on a ruptured high-pressure water pipe, claiming it spilled 'clean, drinkable water' that dragged mud and sediment into the sea A third added: 'Wastewater does not have or should not have that pressure, but I disagree that it is not partly faecal water that you see in the sea. 'That water carries excrement from the road and especially the waste dog walkers leave on the beach.' The disturbing incident comes just weeks after a toxic chlorine cloud forced around 160,000 people into lockdown across parts of Spain popular with tourists. Authorities warned that a blaze at an industrial warehouse selling pool cleaning products had released the gas over the Catalonia region. The fire started at around 2:20am on May 10 in Vilanova i la Geltru, a coastal town 30 miles south of Barcelona, and caused a huge plume of chlorine smoke over the area. Locals and tourists received an urgent alert on their phones telling them to stay indoors and not their their homes as firefighters battled the flames. Around 160,000 people in five towns were affected by the lockdown on Saturday morning. 'If you are in the zone that is affected, do not leave your home or your place of work,' the Civil Protection service posted on social media site X. No one was injured in the fire, Catalan emergency services said. Nigel Farage has accused Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar of having introduced sectarianism into Scottish politics. The Reform UK leader defended his partys attack ad against Mr Sarwar as he played it in full at a press conference in London which was aired live by national broadcasters. Labour and the SNP have condemned the ad, which Reform UK spent thousands of pounds on, as racist and have called for Meta to remove it from Facebook. In the video, clips are played of Mr Sarwar encouraging people from south Asian communities to get involved in politics. Defending the ad after playing it to a room of journalists, Mr Farage said: So it was Anas Sarwar that introduced sectarianism into Scottish politics, making it perfectly clear his priority was to a certain section of the community. All weve done is to put out the exact words spoken by him without any comment, weve said nothing, just that we will represent the people of that constituency. The fact that they, having chosen to go down the sectarian route, choose to throw accusations back at us says to me that we are winning. In the ad, Reform claims Mr Sarwar, who was born in Glasgow to Pakistani Muslim parents, will prioritise Pakistani people. The Reform UK leader defended his partys attack ad against Anas Sarwar Mr Sarwar has described the Reform UK leader's comments as a 'blatant attempt' to 'try and poison our politics' Mr Farage played the controversial advert on a TV during a press conference in London Mr Sarwar is not heard saying that, with clips showing him saying: Pakistanis need (to be) represented in every mainstream political party in Scotland and across the UK. The clip then cuts to a different part of the speech, with Mr Sarwar saying: The days where south Asian communities get to lead political parties and get to lead countries is upon us. Mr Sarwar has condemned the ad as a very deliberate dog whistle. Responding to the latest comments by Mr Farage, Mr Sarwar said: This is a blatant attempt from Nigel Farage to try and poison our politics here in Scotland. I have fought against sectarianism all my adult life. Mr Sarwar, who is a qualified dentist, added: I was working in Scotlands NHS while Nigel Farage was on the gravy train in Brussels, and now I am trying to change our country while he tries to divide it. Nigel Farage is a poisonous man who doesnt understand Scotland, doesnt care about Scotland, and thats why Scotland will reject him. The Scottish Labour leader has previously said he believes Reform UK is questioning his identity, belonging and loyalty to the country with its advert. Members of the media saw the advert again as it was played at the event in London He had added: I am a Scot, a proud Scot. Having worked in Scotlands NHS, I want to deliver a fairer and better Scotland. What these guys are, are chancers who want to play on peoples fears, to divide us rather than actually deliver meaningful solutions for the people of Scotland. The ad is part of Reform UKs campaign in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, which will be held next week. Reacting to the latest development, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said: 'This advert was a despicable attempt to bring blatant racism into the by-election. This hateful kind of politics can't be welcomed into Scotland.' Surveillance cameras captured the moment a cryptocurrency businessman escaped after more than two weeks of being tortured inside a luxury Manhattan townhouse. Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, 28, hobbled down a busy SoHo street on Friday after having ran out of a lavish six-story apartment where he was allegedly chained up, electrocuted and taunted with a chainsaw for 17 days. The Italian national, bloodied and shoeless, flagged down a NYPD traffic officer at the intersection of Spring and Mulberry Streets and pleaded for help, NBC 4 reports. The disheveled tourist told the officer he had seized the opportunity to escape after being told it would be his 'death day'. Police said he was covered in bruises, cuts and had ligature marks on his wrists from where he was allegedly bound. Officers converged on the property and arrested John Woeltz, the so-called 'Crypto King of Kentucky', on charges of assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. Woeltz, 38, was allegedly part of a group that concocted a sadistic scheme to lure Carturan - who is understood to have been a business partner of Woeltz and his associate William Duplessie - to New York so they could access his crypto account. Duplessie, accompanied by his lawyers, surrendered himself to police Tuesday morning, officials told NBC 4. Duplessie, 32, will face charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Woeltz's glamorous Italian assistant Beatrice Folchi, 24, was also taken into police custody, but later released. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has declined to prosecute pending further investigation. Surveillance cameras captured the moment Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, 28, hobbled down a busy SoHo street Friday after having ran out of a lavish six-story apartment where he was allegedly chained up, electrocuted and taunted with a chainsaw for 17 days. Carturan, bloodied and shoeless, flagged down a NYPD traffic officer at the intersection of Spring and Mulberry Streets and pleaded for help John Woeltz, (pictured) the so-called 'Crypto King of Kentucky ', was arrested on charges of assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. He is currently being held without bail Woeltz's associate William Duplessie (center) surrendered himself to the NYPD's Major Case Squad Detectives unit on Tuesday morning. Duplessie, 32, will face charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment Duplessie, right, is escorted out of the New York Police 13th Precinct after turning himself Police raided Woeltz's residence on Friday after Carturan after claimed to have escaped the house where he alleged he had been held captive since May 6. Investigators said they found a trove of evidence inside the property, including Polaroid pictures of Carturan being tied up and tortured. Detectives recovered several torture items from the home, as well as a gun that law enforcement sources told NBC 4 was used to 'inflict fear and pain on the victim'. Carturan claimed he had been lured to the house by his former business associate, Woeltz, with the promise of returning Bitcoin already extorted from him. But when he arrived, Carturan claims, he was chained up, electrocuted, pistol-whipped and threatened with a chainsaw in an effort to give up the passwords to his crypto accounts. Woeltz and his male 'accomplice' allegedly threatened to kill the alleged victim's family unless he provided passwords to accounts holding Bitcoin. Believing he would soon be shot, Carturan told his alleged captors he would give up his password. Prosecutors claim as Woeltz went to retrieve his laptop from another room, the victim fled down the stairs. Carturan was transported to a nearby hospital with 'laceration to his face', 'injury to his wrists consistent with being bound' and various other injuries on his body and head, prosecutors said, describing the victim as having been 'traumatized'. Sources close to the investigation told the news outlet that Woeltz and Duplessie had 'roughed up' Carturan before, but never violently. They would often pick on him, with the insider describing their relationship as 'complex' and having a 'Wolf of Wall Street/frat guys gone wild' vibe. William Duplessie is walked into Manattan Central Booking Tuesday after he was arrested for allegedly kidnapping an Italian tourist and torturing him for three weeks in an attempt to gain access to his Bitcoin account Woeltz's glamorous Italian assistant Beatrice Folchi, 24, (pictured) was also taken into police custody, but later released. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has declined to prosecute pending further investigation Several wealthy 'crypto bros' living in a lavish Soho, New York City, brownstone allegedly lured a former business partner to the residence, where they kidnapped and tortured him over the course of several weeks The alleged torture took place for weeks in the beautiful SoHo home. The apartment was most recently listed for $75,000 a month Police have arrested a group of so-called 'crypto bros' in connection with the case. The gang were alleged to have pistol-whipped Carturan and threatened to sever off his limbs with an electric chainsaw before he pretended to concede his passwords. At one point, they were said to have 'carried the victim to the top flight of stairs of the apartment in the compound and hung the victim over the ledge, after threatening to kill the victim if [he] did not provide the defendant with the victim's Bitcoin password'. Police said the men took Polaroid photographs of themselves torturing him - one showing him bound to a chair with a gun pressed to his head. The photos, authorities believe, were likely intended to extort money from either the alleged victim or his family back in Italy. Investigators also found broken glass, helmets, night vision goggles and a bullet proof vest strewn across the apartment. The men also reportedly forced him into taking drugs - including crack cocaine - and imposed mental torment upon him, repeatedly insisting he would never escape. Prosecutors also allege that he was urinated on during the ordeal, and that his captors slashed his leg. Officers raided the residence on Friday and 37-year-old John Woeltz was arrested and dramatically dragged out of the building in a white bath robe Woeltz and others in the apartment allegedly chained up the tourist, taunted him with a chainsaw, and forced him to do cocaine Woeltz is accused of luring the Italian tourist to New York and torturing him in the SoHo apartment for weeks Woeltz, described by police as the renting occupant of the apartment, was dragged out of the building in a white bath robe on Friday morning. Officers found him in an upstairs bathroom. He was charged on Saturday with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the Manhattan DA's office. Prosecutors deemed him a flight risk as he owns a private jet and a helicopter. He is being held without bail. Duplessie surrendered himself to the NYPD's Major Case Squad Detectives unit on Tuesday morning. The custody exchange was reportedly expected. Officials have since revealed that he faces charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment. President Donald Trump is cutting the federal government's remaining contracts with Harvard University, worth about $100 million. The announcement will be made via a letter from the General Services Administration to federal agencies, which was obtained by The New York Times. The letter, being sent out later Tuesday, also tells the agencies: 'Going forward, we also encourage your agency to seek alternative vendors for future services where you had previously considered Harvard.' The administration has frozen about $3.2 billion in grants and contracts with Harvard, which sued the government in response. Trump has waged war on elite universities, accusing them of antisemitism and blasting their 'woke' ideology. He claims the top schools in the country are controlled by 'Marxist maniacs and lunatics.' Harvard has born the brunt of Trump's fire but is also fighting back just as hard. President Donald Trump issued another broadside against Harvard University Tuesday's letter instructs agencies to respond by June 6 with a list of contract cancellations. Any critical contracts would not be immediately canceled but will transition to other venders. The letter is signed by Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of the GSA's federal acquisition service. The letter echoes many of Trump's charges, accusing Harvard of antisemitism and race discrimination in its admissions process. 'We recommend that your agency terminate for convenience each contract that it determines has failed to meet its standards, and transition to a new vendor those contracts could be better serviced by an alternative counterparty,' Gruenbaum wrote. Contracts with about nine agencies would be affected and include a $49,858 National Institutes of Health contract to investigate the effects of coffee drinking and a $25,800 Homeland Security Department contract for senior executive training. Trump has set his sights on the country's oldest and most prestigious university, working to undermine its authority and bring it to its knees. On Monday he said he was considering redistributing billions of dollars in grant money intended for Harvard to trade schools across the country. 'I am considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land,' he posted on his Truth Social platform. 'What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!!' Many Republicans see elite universities as an example of extreme progressive values that advance liberal power and discriminate against conservatives. The attacks on the schools also reflect Trump's effort to root out DEI practices throughout the country. Harvard University has fought back against President Trump As part of his attack, Trump's also trying to stop Harvard from accepting foreign students and portraying the school as antisemitic. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of 'perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes-pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' practices.' 'Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country,' she noted. The administration also claims Harvard failed to adequately act against antisemitism during protests following the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by not taking steps against pro-Palestine protesters. Harvard is fighting back by launching several lawsuits and accusing the administration of violating the first amendment. University President Alan Garber told NPR that he finds the measures taken by Trump to be 'perplexing.' 'Why cut off research funding? Sure, it hurts Harvard, but it hurts the country because after all, the research funding is not a gift,' Garber said, adding that these dollars are awarded to efforts deemed 'high-priority work' by the federal government. A lawsuit Harvard filed last month seeks the restoration of more than $3 billion in federal funding. Another filed last week asked a federal court to reinstate its right to enroll international students. Last week a federal judge temporarily reinstated Harvard's right to enroll international students. There will be a hearing on Thursday to determine whether that order should be extended. Republicans on Capitol Hill are backing the president. The House approved a provision in Trump's federal budget that will allow increased taxes on the investment returns of university endowments. It still needs Senate approval. But, if approved, it would cost Harvard, which has an endowment of $53 billion, an estimated $850 million a year. A disgraced teacher convicted of having sex with a teenage pupil has penned a childrens book to help parents talk about their past mistakes. Eppie Sprung was struck off the teaching register after she was caught half naked with the 17-year-old boy by police patrol officers in 2012. The 39-year-old was spared jail but was placed on the sex offenders register for six months and given a six-month community payback order after admitting sexual activity with a person under 18 while she was his teacher and in a position of trust. She is now the author of a new book, Here, with you, which she wrote to help parents talk to their children about the life-lasting bad choices they have made. It follows the story of two bears, with the adult bear having to inform the young bear of a mistake that continues to impact their lives today, and features the slogan: You and I know that making bad choices doesnt make you a bad person. The publication of the book, which features a sweet cover of the two animals in a boat holding a glowing lantern while at sea, comes just months after Sprung went on a BBC Radio Scotland phone-in show to complain about the stigma and media attention her conviction brought. Eppie Sprung was caught having a relationship with a pupil in 2012 During the call on Mornings with Stephen Jardine she said it was the most difficult thing I experienced and complained about how it affected certain aspect of her life including employment and not being invited to my daughters friends birthday parties. Now in a blog post titled, Not a Monster, a Mum, Sprung explains her reasons behind her book after realising even before her daughter was conceived that she would need to handle talking to her children very carefully. She said: Navigating being both a mother and a person who has been convicted of a sexual offence is complex and challenging... the problem is, no matter what I do, I know that just by being their mum, Im going to cause them pain. One day, theyre going to learn to type things into internet search engines and theyre going see my name emblazoned across tabloids - Eppie Sprung: Sex Offender. Their friends are going to talk about them behind their back. 'People are going to ostracise them. 'Theyll probably question who I really am and whether the feelings of safety I instil in them are actually some sort of lie. Society will tell them Im a monster. The long, long shadow of the poor choices I made back then will likely continue to impact on my children long into adulthood. Sprung lost her marriage and job after she drove to a layby with the boy in December 2012 following a school Christmas dance and had sex with the pupil. The pair were discovered by patrolling police officers who became suspicious when they spotted condensation on the car windows and found them in the front seat. Sex offender Eppie Sprung has written a children's book to teach youngsters past mistakes 'don't make you a bad person' Sprung, then aged 26, taught English at St Josephs College in Dumfries and had agreed to give the dyslexic teenager extra lessons. When she was sentenced in June the following year at Dumfries Sheriff Court, Sheriff George Jamieson told her: You were there simply to teach but you have been called into temptation and you have committed adultery. 'Your marriage is gone and your career as a teacher is gone. What you have been charged with is a breach of trust and I cannot see that there is anything to be gained by a custodial sentence. Had it not been for the fact that you were this young mans teacher, there would have been no criminality. It later emerged that she ended up living with the boy in her marital home less than two months after being put on the register. At the time he said they were not in a relationship and he later moved out. In the years that followed Sprung also set up Next Chapter Scotland, which works to help anyone who has been involved with the criminal justice system to navigate the stigma and discrimination that they can face throughout their lives. The charity, which has received National Lottery funding, states its vision is of a society that no longer judges people based on their worst choices but, instead, sees them as they are today. The Prince and Princess of Wales have said they are 'deeply saddened' after a driver ploughed into a crowd of people during Liverpool's Premier League title parade. A total of 65 people including children were injured after the Ford Galaxy rammed into the crowd on Water Street, in the Liverpool city centre, at around 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Out of these, 50 were treated in hospital, of which 11 remain in a stable condition. The fire service previously said a child and three adults were removed from beneath the people carrier. Merseyside Police insisted there was a 'robust' traffic plan in place and that the car followed an ambulance after a roadblock was temporarily lifted so paramedics could help a man who suffered a suspected heart attack. A 53-year-old man, from West Derby, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs, Merseyside Police said. Prince William and Catherine released a statement on Tuesday afternoon at the same time as King Charles and Queen Camilla, while Princess Anne paid a surprise visit to first responders at a major hospital in Liverpool. The Prince and Princess of Wales said: 'We are deeply saddened by the scenes in Liverpool yesterday. What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy. 'Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground.' King Charles, who is in Ottawa with Queen Camilla to mark the opening session of Canada's parliament, also said they were 'deeply shocked and saddened'. The Prince and Princess of Wales have said they are 'deeply saddened' after a driver ploughed into a crowd of people The King also said he was 'deeply shocked and saddened' by the crash during Liverpool's Premier League title parade The King and the Prince and Princess of Wales released statements on Tuesday, while Princess Anne visited first responders at a Liverpool hospital The Princess Royal meets with medical staff from the hospital team during a visit to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital to meet and thank emergency responders Police tents surrounded by debris at the scene in Water Street the morning after the horror 'My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible events that took place in Liverpool on Monday,' Charles, 76, said. 'It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances. 'At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.' The King added that their 'prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected' and thanked the emergency crews who rushed to the aid of those injured. Meanwhile, his sister Anne paid a surprise visit to a Liverpool hospital to speak to medics and first responders who treated those injured in the parade carnage. The Royal, 74, was in the city for another event and changed her plans so she could visit staff at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital as well. A number of those wounded in the incident on Monday night were taken to the hospital, the largest in the city. Staff and visitors lined to corridors to greet the Princess on Tuesday afternoon. The Royal, wearing a bright red jacket and burgundy skirt, was given a round of applause after speaking to paramedics and ambulance staff. She spent around 50 minutes at the hospital. Police officers investigate the scene of an incident in Water Street, on the sidelines of an open-top bus victory parade for Liverpool's Premier League title win A car collided with a crowd of Liverpool fans at their Premier League trophy parade on Monday Emergency services rushed to the scene, and 27 people, including four children, were taken to hospitals across the city Hundreds of police officers rushed to the scene amid panic and distress from supporters Your browser does not support iframes. The Princess, one of the hardest working Royals, was accompanied by representatives from Liverpool Football Club. Earlier in the day, she was given a tour of the luxury cruise liner the Queen Anne on the River Mersey in Liverpool, to mark the 185th anniversary of the shipping firm, Cunard. The fleet's latest vessel, the Queen Anne, arrived in Liverpool on Monday in time to provide a backdrop for the open-top bus Premier League parade. The ship had her naming ceremony in the city last year. Merseyside Police's detective chief superintendent Karen Jaundrill said there were a total of 65 confirmed casualties following the incident on Water Street. A press conference also heard 50 people were taken to hospital and are receiving ongoing treatment as a result of the incident, but all appear to be recovering well. At a press conference on Tuesday, Ms Sims said: 'It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the roadblock was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a heart attack.' She added: 'There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place.' More than half a million dollars have been donated online to help confessed teen killer Karmelo Anthony, who is charged with stabbing and killing Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Texas. Through an online platform called GiveSendGo, supporters of the murder suspect have raised $533,452 as of Tuesday. However, Anthony's embattled family is still hoping to get even more money, raising the goal threshold several times to its current amount of $600,000. Donations- most ranging from $20 to $100- have poured in from come across the country as the case has garnered national attention, becoming a flashpoint about race and privilege. At an April 2 high school track meet in Frisco, a wealthy Dallas suburb, Anthony and Metcalf argued because Anthony was sitting under the team tent of a school he didn't attend. Then a student at Centennial High School, Anthony seated himself under the tent for Memorial High School athletes who left their personal belongings, like money and phones, under the tent for security while the students participated in events. Metcalf, 17, a Memorial High junior, asked Anthony to leave. The confrontation escalated until Anthony pulled out a knife and drove it through Metcalf's chest, leaving the teen to bleed out in his twin brother's arms. Austin Metcalf, 17, was stabbed and later died after a confrontation with Karmelo Anthony at an April 2 track meet in Frisco, Texas An online donation fundraiser for alleged killer Karmelo Anthony has raised a staggering half a million dollars The 18-year-old confessed to killing Metcalf, telling arresting officers 'I'm not alleged. I did it,' although now he is claiming self defense. The finances of the Anthony family have been under public scrutiny since the teen's dad claimed to be struggling financially at an April 15 bond hearing, where they asked a judge to reduce the $1 million bail to $250,000 so they could get the then 17-year-old out of jail. At the time, Anthony's parents claimed they have not received any of the money that had been raised for them online, and that the funds had been earmarked for their son's legal defense, not to pay the bond. However, as DailyMail.com exclusively reported, the mom, dad mom, Anthony and several younger siblings were living behind the luxury of a gated community in a $900,000 home in Frisco while crying poor to the court. The online fundraiser now says, the money will be used for several purposes. 'While legal defense is a critical part of this journey, we want to make it clear that this fund is not solely dedicated to legal expenses,' Anthony's mom, Kala Hayes, who administers the account posted. 'The funds raised will also support a range of urgent and necessary needs that have emerged as a result of this situation, including but not limited to the safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats to their safety and well-being, as well as basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures.' After being freed from jail. Anthony returned to his gated community, but his spokesman later claimed he had to be relocated due to racist threats on his life. Anthony's family has been renting a $900,000 home in the gate community "Richwoods' in Frisco, Texas Anthony's family (pictured) said they were forced to move to a new home in an 'undisclosed location' due to threats they have received In a controversial decision, the school district allowed the first-degree murder suspect to get his high school diploma, but not to take part in the Centennial High graduation ceremony last week, DailyMail broke the news. The teen has been checking in with court officials via telephone, as part of his house arrest conditions, public records show. He has left the gated community is now staying at an undisclosed location. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe account for Metcalf has raised even more money than Anthony's. $558,789 has been donated by over 12,000 people for the slain boy's family. A teenager learning how to drive accidentally sped off a 40-foot cliff during a driving lesson in California and killed the male relative who was teaching her. Laguna Beach resident James Politoski, 64, died after the vehicle he was in plunged off the side of the hill on Monday. The student driver, who has not been identified by authorities, was behind the wheel of the blue coupe when the crash occurred at around 4.10pm. Dramatic images showed the vehicle on its roof at the bottom of a steep embankment. Rescue crews in Laguna Beach were dispatched and found the car upside down on the South Coast Highway between Wesley and Montage Resort Drive. A preliminary investigation found that the vehicle was being operated by a young driver with a learner's permit, according to a press release by the Laguna Beach Police Department. She had been driving in the upper parking lot of Gelson's Market, a shuttered grocery store. The young driver went straight through a small wooden barrier at the edge of the parking lot, causing the car to careen down an approximately 40-foot embankment. A teenager learning how to drive accidentally sped off a 40-foot cliff during a driving lesson in California and killed the male relative who was teaching her. That relative was identified as James Politoski, a 64-year-old resident of Laguna Beach The student driver was behind the wheel of a teal coupe when the crash occurred at around 4.10pm on Monday. Pictured: The wooden barrier that the car sped through before plummeting on the sidewalk below The parking lot (pictured) is home to a number of retail stores and was apparently where the pair was practicing driving Politoski, whose relationship to the teenager remains unknown, was found dead at the scene. The teenager had 'significant injuries' and was transported to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo for treatment. Police said she is expected to survive. The teen appeared to be driving a Volkswagen Beetle at the time of the crash. In one angle, the classic VW logo appeared to be visible on the rear of the car, which was facing the highway. 'The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available,' the police department said. 'The Laguna Beach Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident,' it added. DailyMail.com approached the police and the family of the deceased for further comment. Two British men are being held in the same high-security Norwegian prison as mass murderer Anders Breivik after being accused of money laundering. Dad-of-one Samuel Cook, 31, and another man, yet to be named but understood to be a former Royal Marine, were transporting 1.5million of silver coins while working as close protection officers. The pair were hired by a UK-based company to move the 500kg load across Oslo but were stopped by police on their way to drop off the huge trove. They were then arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery, according to Samuel's dad, Steve Cook, 54. For more than a month, the duo who usually deliver goods or protect high-profile individuals have been locked up in high-security Ringerike Prison - famous for housing Neo-Nazi killer Anders Breivik. The mass murderer killed 77 people, mostly teenagers, in Norway in 2011 after he went on a bombing and shooting rampage at a summer youth camp. The protection officers are now set to stay for another four weeks in the terrifying compound after local police successfully appealed to hold them for longer last Thursday. Alongside the Exeter-local and the Marine, around 160 long-term and high risk prisoners are normally housed in Ringerike Prison which is surrounded by a 7metre high wall. Samuel Cook, 31, is being held in a high-security Norwegian prison alongside another Brit after being accused of money laundering The close protection officer was transporting 1.5million of silver coins but was arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery on their way to drop off the huge 500kg load in Oslo His 'distraught' parents have only heard from Samuel a few times and said he does not know why he is being held at the prison Translated Oslo District Court documentation claimed it was deemed highly probable that the silver coins were proceeds of illegal activity. The Court of Appeal argued the circumstances suggest that Samuel and his colleague 'most likely understood' that the coins may have been obtained through criminal offences. But Steve and wife Sarah Cook, 50, said the men have no idea why they have been held, believing it was a simple, straightforward job to transport goods. The 'distraught' parents added that Samuel - who is registered disabled due to having bipolar disorder, ADHD and depression - has no criminal record, and would not knowingly commit a crime. 'As far as Samuel and his co-worker were concerned, it was all legal, and above board,' the terrified father said. 'The role is to do secure deliveries and escorting people but you don't really know your mission until you arrive. 'They were hired as couriers in good faith. 'We don't think they've been charged but it's been a month and they haven't been released. For more than a month, the duo who usually deliver goods or protect high-profile individuals have been locked up in high-security Ringerike Prison 'Apparently they were first arrested for aggravated burglary. 'They were getting 250 a day, for three days. Who would risk prison for 750?' Samuel's solicitor, Odd Martin Helleland confirmed his client has been charged with negligent money laundering and was further detained because Oslo District Court felt there was 'reasonable ground for suspicion'. The pair were hired on April 21 by a company who contracted their workplace, and their transport and accommodation was arranged for them, Steve says. They flew out to Oslo from Heathrow soon after, and were arrested on 22nd April. Steve said the British Embassy this week informed him the reason for their detention is now considered alleged 'negligent money laundering' rather than robbery. It is understood the two men were not known to each other before taking on the assignment. Samuel's family said they have spoken to their son a handful of times since he was detained and he seemed ok but was lacking sleep. Samuel is staying in the same high-security prison as mass murderer Anders Breivik (pictured in a courtroom in 2016) What the police believe is gunman Anders Breivik disguised as a police officer walking with a gun in hand among bodies as he went on a 90 minute killing spree Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in jail, the harshest penalty possible under Norwegian law, for killing 77 people in a bomb and gun attack in July 2011 (pictured are victims of the attack) A FCDO (Foreign Office) Spokesperson said: 'We are supporting two British men detained in Norway and are in contact with the local authorities'. The Norwegian Correctional Service said it is 'prohibited by law from disclosing information about individual inmates'. A spokesperson for Oslo Politidistrikt - the Oslo police - said: 'This case has been transferred to the National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (kokrim).' State prosecutor Jon Andre Hvoslef-Eide, of kokrim said: 'We can confirm that the arrests are linked to an investigation in Norway. 'The investigation is ongoing, and we therefore have no further comments.' A British holidaymaker is fighting for his life after plunging from a Costa del Sol hotel. The tourist was rushed to the Costa del Sol Hospital in a 'critical condition' after the incident at the Hard Rock Hotel in Puerto Banus near Marbella. He was then transferred to the Regional University Hospital of Malaga after 5am on Sunday, when the incident took place. Witnesses say the unnamed tourist fell from a first-floor balcony although it is said to have been the equivalent of a third-floor fall because of the area the hotel is built in. Police have not yet made any official comment but are not thought to be treating the incident as a case of so-called 'balconing', where tourists try to leap into their hotel holiday pools from their rooms or jump between balconies. Another three British friends who were with the injured man, who is described as young but whose age has not yet been made public, have been questioned by police as part of an ongoing investigation. According to local reports, they were sleeping at the time and were unaware their friend had plunged to the ground. The trio were only informed of the incident by police when they knocked on their door. Hours earlier on Saturday, two Irish holidaymakers were hurt after crashing off their buggy at a golf course near Marbella. A British holidaymaker is fighting for his life after plunging from a balcony of the Hard Rock Hotel in Puerto Banus (pictured) near Marbella The tourist was rushed to the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella in a 'critical condition' One of the men had to be airlifted to hospital after smashing through a protective barrier around a green near the 18th tee at Santa Clara Golf and falling around 23ft. An investigation is ongoing. And two weeks ago, a British teenager was left fighting for his life after falling from a third-floor apartment in Ibiza. The 18-year-old man lost consciousness following the incident in Sant Antoni de Portmany, according to emergency services. Paramedics were able to stabilise the victim, who sustained serious injuries, before he was transferred to hospital. This is a breaking news story. More to follow. Two firefighters and a member of the public died after part of a building collapsed during a horror blaze near Bicester Village. Martyn Sadler, 38, Jennie Logan, 30, and businessman David Chester, 57, were killed after a fire engulfed Bicester Motion - a former RAF base - on May 15. Initial findings from the post-mortem examinations show that all three people died from multiple traumatic injuries. Two other firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital in a stable condition. Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray from Thames Valley Police said today: 'Our initial investigations suggest that all three sustained injuries in line with those typically caused by the collapse of part of a structure. 'We will make no further comment on the post-mortems' preliminary findings,' he added. 'This remains an unexplained death investigation and is being led by our Major Crime Unit, who continue to work with fire investigators and the Health and Safety Executive to ascertain the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the sad deaths of Jennie, Martyn and Dave.' Around ten fire crews rushed to Bicester Motion to tackle the blaze in a warehouse at around 6.40pm on May 15. Jennie Logan, 30, from Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service, who died in the blaze at Bicester Motion Firefighter Martyn Sadler (pictured), 38, died in the major incident at Bicester Motion Two firefighters and a businessman were killed as they tried to tackle the blaze. (Picture of the fire as it raged through the building) The former RAF base is now home to over 50 specialist businesses, which focus on classic car restoration and engineering. Eyewitnesses described seeing thick 'black' smoke in the sky from as far away as Oxford on the night of May 15 and hearing multiple loud explosions. Vikas Talwar, 40, who lives in a housing estate near Bicester Motion, could see the fire from the street corner outside his house. He said: 'There was a lot of smoke yesterday. Lots of people were gathering here on the corner but a lot of smoke was coming out. 'There was flames on the roof, on the top of the roof, and a huge big cloud of smoke in the air. I could see it from this corner near my house.' Julie Stocker saw the flames from her bedroom window and described the deaths as 'devastating'. The 46-year-old, who lives across the road from Bicester Motion, said: 'We could hear the crackle of the fire and then obviously the various explosions and stuff. '(The smoke) was going very high. It was a mixture of white smoke and then really thick black smoke. 'We were praying that obviously no one was injured, but sadly that's not the case. It's devastating.' Dave Chester (pictured), 57, was killed after the ex-RAF base went up in flames earlier this month Drone footage shows how a large door on an aircraft hangar at the ex-RAF base collapsed in the inferno 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 Mr Sadler was a firefighter for Oxfordshire County Councils Fire and Rescue Service but also worked with the London Fire Brigade. In an emotional tribute, Mr Sadler's grieving family last week said he was 'born to be a firefighter'. 'Coming from a strong fire service family it was always in his blood, but it was significantly more than that with him, it was his life,' they added in a statement released by police. 'The passion and dedication he had for the job was outstanding. 'From as early as he learnt to walk and talk, his days were filled with episodes of Fireman Sam or London's Burning and as soon as he was old enough to join the fire cadets his career began. 'He achieved way beyond his dreams and nothing would ever put a bigger smile on his face. 'He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and all-round family member, an amazing friend, a committed colleague and the true definition of a hero. 'Our world has fallen apart and our hearts are completely broken, but somewhere in amongst it all we are immensely proud of him and his unwavering bravery.' Ms Logan's family also paid tribute, describing her as a 'force to be reckoned with'. Martyn Sadler (centre) and Jennie Logan were also both members of the Bicester Vixens rugby team Your browser does not support iframes. 'When Jennie's pager went off, there was no stopping her,' Ms Logan's mother, father and sister Emilie said in a joint tribute. '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.' Mr Chester, from Bicester, died after helping fire crews 'without hesitation', his family said in a tribute. 'Dave was always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help. This is exactly what happened on Thursday evening, he saw firefighters needing assistance and helped without hesitation,' they said. 'He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived - helping others and putting them ahead of himself. 'Although he is no longer with us, he will always be in our hearts and his legacy will continue.' A Louisiana grandmother has now been dragged into the New Orleans prison escape saga after she was arrested for allegedly helping one of the fugitive inmates who remains on the run. Connie Weeden, 59, of Slidell, has been arrested and is now behind bars facing serious felony charges for allegedly being an accessory after the fact in connection to the dramatic escape. Her grandson Jermaine Donald broke free from Orleans Justice Center on May 16 alongside nine other inmates following a dramatic toilet-hole breakout. Five inmates are still roaming free after the brazen breakout which involved carving a hole behind a toilet and crawling through it to escape the facility. Louisiana State Police revealed Weeden's alleged involvement in a damning press release on May 22. Investigators discovered that the grandmother was in regular contact with her fugitive grandson both before and after the jailbreak. The investigation uncovered evidence that Weeden was speaking to Donald over the phone in the lead-up to the escape and continued providing assistance even after he had fled the facility. A Louisiana grandmother, Connie Weeden, 59, was dragged into the jail escape saga after being arrested for allegedly helping one of the fugitive inmates who remains on the run Five inmates are still roaming free after the brazen breakout which involved carving a hole behind a toilet and crawling through it to escape the facility Police say she even provided cash to the dangerous fugitive through a mobile phone app, potentially helping to fund his life on the run. The escapees still at large include Donald, 43, along with Derrick Groves, 28, Antoine Massey, 33, Leo Tate, 32, and Lenton Vanburen Jr., 27, according to Louisiana State Police officials. The inmates who have been successfully located and returned to custody include Corey Boyd, 20, Kendall Myles, 21, Gary Price, 21, Dkenan Dennis, 24, and Robert Moody, 22. This comes after a Louisiana jail worker was arrested after admitting to helping the group of violent criminals escape by turning off the water supply to their cell. According to Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, the inmates managed to escape from their cell after breaching a wall behind a toilet. Authorities believe sheriff's employees may have helped, and three have been suspended. On Tuesday, authorities announced their first staff arrest. Sterling Williams, 33, confessed that one of the escapees 'advised him to turn the water off in the cell' before the men slipped away through the hole in the wall, according to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. In an arrest affidavit, Williams said one of the inmates who escaped had threatened to 'shank' him if he did not turn off the water. Her grandson Jermaine Donald broke free from Orleans Justice Center on May 16 alongside nine other inmates following a dramatic toilet-hole breakout Williams said one of the inmates who escaped had threatened to 'shank' him if he did not turn off the water Another inmate tried to take Williams' phone and attempted to get him to bring a book with cash app information. Williams, who worked in maintenance at the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, was arrested on Monday. Authorities said by turning off the water, Williams 'willfully and maliciously assisted with the escape.' '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,' the affidavit stated. He was booked at Orleans Parish jail, then relocated to another facility and charged with 10 counts of simple escape and malfeasance in office. 'This is a continuing investigation, and we will provide updates as often as possible. 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.' Ten dangerous inmates were discovered missing during a routine head count at Orleans Parish Jail Friday morning after escaping through a wall behind a toilet Authorities believe sheriff's employees may have helped with the escape, and three have been suspended Sterling Williams (pictured), 33, has been arrested for helping a group of violent criminals escape by turning off the water to their cell block During a New Orleans City Council meeting on Tuesday, Hutson said she 'takes full accountability' for the escape. '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,' she said. 'We are continuing to pursue everyone involved.' President Donald Trump's criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin sent shockwaves through the Russian economy on Monday. Russia's stock market fell more than 2 percent after Trump appeared to lose patience with Putin, calling him 'crazy' and threatened new sanctions over Moscow's escalation of attacks on Ukraine. The Moscow Exchange (MOEX) index dropped to 2,711 points by 5:30 p.m. local time, down from its opening level of 2,735, according to the Moscow Times. The investment firm Finam said that Trump's remarks were responsible for spooking the markets. Trump was considering new sanctions against Moscow after Putin's attacks on Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported, in response to Russia's apparent lack of interest in a peace deal to end the war. 'He's killing a lot of people,' Trump said to reporters about Putin. 'I don't know what's wrong with him. What the hell happened to him?' European leaders are growing more impatient with Trump's attempt to bring peace between the two countries, convinced that Putin is just stringing the president along. French President Emanuel Macron seized the opportunity to savage Putin on Monday after President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the Russian president. US President Donald Trump walks to speak to journalists before boarding Air Force One from Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, New Jersey Russian President Vladimir Putin continues launching attacks against Ukraine France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) poses with his wife Brigitte Macron during a state dinner with Vietnam's President Luong Cuong Macron suggested that Putin had tricked Trump by engaging in diplomatic talks surrounding a peace deal, even after meeting with his envoy Steve Witkoff on four different occasions. 'President Trump realizes that when President Putin said on the phone he was ready for peace, or told his envoys he was ready for peace, he lied,' Macron said during a visit to Hanoi, Vietnam. Macron indicated he wanted Trump to do more against Putin. 'We have seen once again in recent hours Donald Trump express his anger. A form of impatience. I simply hope now that this translates into action,' he said. Putin launched three days of attacks in recent days launching hundreds of drones and several missiles across Ukraine. On Monday, Russia sent at least 355 drones into Ukraine alone and launched nine missiles. 'What's happening in Ukraine is unacceptable and extremely serious. You can't say you're ready to talk and then bomb,' Macron said. Russia said the attacks was a response to ongoing Ukrainian attacks against Russia. 'We have seen how the Ukrainians have been hitting our social infrastructure, peaceful infrastructure. This is a response strike. It's a strike against military facilities, military targets,' a Kremlin spokesperson said. Trump expressed his frustration with Putin during a conversation with reporters after returning to Washington, DC on Sunday and in a post on social media. US President Donald J. Trump (L) and Vice President JD Vance (R) salute during the National Memorial Day Observance France's President Emmanuel Macron gives a press statement near the Metropole Hotel before attending a state dinner Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a congratulatory speech 'I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!,' Trump wrote, complaining that Putin was 'needlessly killing a lot of people.' 'Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever,' Trump added and said Putin's war in Ukraine could lead to the 'downfall of Russia.' Trump spoke personally with Putin last week about the proposal for peace, which the president hailed as an important step forward for peace. But Putin's actions drew criticism from Trump. The Kremlin responded to Trump's accusations by suggesting he was reacting emotionally. 'This is a very crucial moment, which is associated with an emotional overload for absolutely everyone and with emotional reactions,' Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov told reporters on Monday. The Trump administration has shut down a migrant processing center in San Diego after an 'unprecedented decrease' in illegal border crossings. US Border Patrol decommissioned the massive 1,000-person facility over the weekend after recording a 96 per cent decline in illegal crossings, the White House revealed Tuesday. Footage shared on social media showed crews dismantling the soft-sided immigration facility, which was constructed under the Biden Administration. Border Patrol's San Diego sector arrested less than 1,200 migrants in March with an average of 38 per day, the sector chief touted. Officials reported the arrests dropped by 186 per cent when compared to the same tine period last year. President Trump has vowed to deport record numbers of immigrants who are in the US illegally, but has complained that courts and existing laws have slowed the effort. The White House, in its statement Tuesday confirming the San Deigo center's closure, highlighted the Administration's weekend arrests of 'sick criminal illegal immigrants' in the US. Among those arrested last weekend were convicted rapists, alleged child sex offenders, drug dealers, violent offenders and known gang members. US Border Patrol decommissioned the massive 1,000-person facility over the weekend after recording a 96 per cent decline in illegal crossings, the White House revealed Tuesday Footage shared on social media showed crews dismantling the soft-sided immigration facility, which was constructed under the Biden Administration President Donald Trump (pictured) has vowed to deport record numbers of immigrants who are in the US illegally, but has complained that courts and existing laws have slowed the effort Federal immigration officials arrested dozens of migrants following immigration court hearings across the US last week. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained migrants at courthouses in New York City, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Seattle, according to family members, attorneys and news reports. In at least some of the arrests, immigration judges had just dropped active cases against migrants, family members and advocates said. The move could potentially allow US authorities to put them in a fast-track deportation process known as expedited removal. ICE guidance issued earlier this year directed officers to consider all immigrants previously released for expedited removal if they had not affirmatively applied for asylum. The operation showcases a new strategy to speed up deportations and bypass lengthier immigration processes. A senior Department of Homeland Security official said the effort aimed to deport immigrants allowed to enter the US under former President Biden. 'ICE is now following the law and placing these illegal aliens in expedited removal, as they always should have been,' the official said in a statement. The White House, in its statement Tuesday confirming the San Deigo center's closure, highlighted the Administration's weekend arrests of 'sick criminal illegal immigrants' in the US 'The increased border enforcement is accompanied by the Trump Administrations efforts to arrest criminal illegal immigrants throughout the nation,' the statement said It comes as Trump is locked in a series of court battles with federal judges who have repeatedly imposed temporary restraining orders to freeze potentially unconstitutional actions, pending further rulings. One of the key cases being contested revolves around court injunctions stopping the use by Trump of an obscure wartime law to deport alleged illegal migrants or alleged foreign criminals without any due process. But the president, as he marked Memorial Day on Monday, tore into his 'scum' opponents and the judges who don't rule in his favor in a lengthy, all-caps tirade on his Truth Social platform. He began by declaring: 'HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL, INCLUDING THE SCUM THAT SPENT THE LAST FOUR YEARS TRYING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY.' The post claimed that 'warped radical left minds' had allowed in millions of illegal immigrants, 'many of them being criminals and the mentally insane.' As well as blaming his political predecessors, Trump accused 'USA hating' judges of being 'on a mission to keep murderers, drug dealers, rapists, gang members, and released prisoners from all over the world, in our country so they can rob, murder and rape again.' A furious anti-Trump commencement speech given by CBS News' Scott Pelley has added to a growing headache for his network bosses after it unleashed a torrent of backlash from the MAGA faithful. Pelley raged against the president as he warned the graduating class at Wake Forest of an 'insidious fear' permeating the nation since he retook the White House. After Pelley's speech went viral, the anchor was mocked for his dramatic mannerisms throughout the rebuke as conservatives branded him a hypocrite for ranting about the sanctity of journalism. But the speech may yet add to turmoil inside CBS as it faces a $20 billion lawsuit from Trump accusing the network of deceptively editing its interview with Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election. The editing came as CBS' 60 Minutes program sat down with Harris in October, when she gave a 'word salad' response to the Israel-Hamas conflict that was included on a YouTube clip but was mysteriously removed from the broadcast. Trump alleges that the network tried to manipulate the American people by favoring his election opponent, with his lawsuit seen as a crisis for CBS's parent company Paramount Global as it enters critical negotiations for a merger. The huge lawsuit threatens to derail Paramount Global's anticipated sale to Skydance Media for $8 billion, with Pelley's inflammatory speech unlikely to warm Trump to the network. CBS News reporter Scott Pelley faced criticism for his commencement speech at Wake Forest university over the weekend, where he raged against President Trump in a furious pro-DEI rant Pelley raised his arms in the air and paused for dramatic effect throughout his speech, which was mocked by conservatives Pelley didn't hold back as he warned Wake Forest graduates of an 'insidious fear' permeating the nation since Donald Trump retook the White House The potential sale of CBS' parent company to Skydance Media is the subject of a Federal Communications Commission investigation, and must be approved by the FCC's Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee. Democratic Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden recently issued a warning to the network warning that any settlement could be considered an illegal payoff. This may mean Paramount has to fight the lawsuit until its conclusion, with Pelley's speech likely to fuel the fire from the White House to make the network pay. Last month, Pelley also went rogue as he rebuked his own corporate bosses live on the air and warned them against appeasing Trump to let the multi-billion-dollar merger go through. '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,' he said. 'No one here is happy about it.' The potential sale of Paramount to Skydance is reportedly critical for its controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, whose family needs the $2.4 billion she would receive in shares to pay their mounting debts or they risk losing billionaire status, per the LA Times. The CBS star's commencement speech comes as parent company Paramount Global is set to be sold to Skydance Media for $8 billion, with controlling shareholder Shari Redstone (pictured) reportedly 'desperate' for the sale to go through to keep her billionaire status The potential sale of CBS' parent company to Skydance is the subject of a Federal Communications Commission investigation, and must be approved by the FCC's Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee (seen with Trump in November 2024) Pelley's speech may add to the network's headaches, after he is already facing a wave of criticism from conservatives for his overtly political commencement speech, with footage of his theatrical mannerisms going viral. 'In this moment, this morning, our sacred rule of law is under attack,' he said in the speech. 'Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack. Freedom of speech is under attack.' Pelley raised his arms in the air as he continued: 'And insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, our homes and into our private thoughts.' 'The fear to speak... in America,' he added while pausing for dramatic effect. 'Power can re-write history, with grotesque, false narratives. They can make criminals heroes, and heroes criminals. 'Power can change the definition of the words we use to describe reality. Diversity is now described as illegal. Equity is to be shunned. Inclusion is a dirty word. This is an old playbook, my friends. There is nothing new in this.' Trump supporters quickly launched on the anchor's speech, with X users branding him 'angry and unhinged' Trump supporters quickly launched on the anchor's speech, with X users branding him 'angry and unhinged,' saying he was making the anti-Trump remarks 'as he speaks openly and freely in America.' 'This self-important, sermonizing propagandist is what passes for a legacy media "journalist,"' one X user wrote. 'WTF is up with Scott Pelley?' another questioned. 'His speech at Wake Forest graduation was a national disgrace in my opinion. He is not informed and talks only for the liberals... this makes me want to hurl.' Among those who joined the pile-on against Pelley was Jaunita Brodderick, who once accused former President Bill Clinton of rape. 'What a pompous POS,' she wrote on X. Others branded Pelley a hypocrite for his remarks about the sanctity of journalism, as they pointed to his employer's allegedly deceptive editing of Harris' interview during the election campaign. 'Did Scott Pelley mention that 60 Minutes edited Kamala's campaign interview, and helped her answer questions?' one X user responded. 'Until he does that, his credibility is ZERO.' A 'happy-go-lucky' and 'caring' young British woman died while on holiday in Thailand after accidentally consuming a lethal cocktail of drugs, an inquest heard. Rebecca Turner, 36, died in a Bangkok hotel room after taking what she thought was a line of cocaine with her partner. But the white powder she thought was cocaine was actually a lethal combination of drugs including painkillers, sleeping pills, morphine and anxiety medication. Now her devastated mother has warned other travellers to stay away from street drugs while travelling in Thailand. Anita Turner, 64, from Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, said: 'It's so, so dangerous out there. There are loads of drug deaths all the time. It's shocking. 'I would warn people to stay away from recreational drugs out there because you simply don't know what's in it.' She condemned Thai police and said the drugs were bought from a street drug pusher just yards from police station on a road notorious for tourist deaths. 'There have been multiple deaths on that one road. Loads of people have died and yet the Thai police don't want to know.' Rebecca Turner had been travelling in Thailand and was due to fly home just a month after she died Rebecca Turner (pictured right) spent her last Christmas with her sister Lois (left) and her father Ron (middle) in 2023 A family photo of Rebecca Young as a child, her inquest is expected to be heard in January 'I'm absolutely heartbroken. It's been devastating for the whole family. I wanted to warn people going out there not to buy drugs. It's too dangerous.' Rebecca had been travelling in Thailand to celebrate a friend's wedding in Laos in March last year. She and Sam Melnick, 32, a self-employed gas-engineer and plumber, had checked into the Khaosan Palace Hotel on March 12 and were due to check out on March 16 He had texted a friend on March 15 saying he had just bought some cocaine, Mrs Turner said. An inquest into Rebecca's death heard the couple had planned to check out on March 16 but at midday a friend called the hotel to say Rebecca was missing. Hotel staff made several calls to the hotel room but received no answer so, as the guests were overdue for checking out, staff went to the room and used a key card to gain entry. On entry they discovered Rebecca lying dead on her left side on the floor near the bathroom while Sam was lying dead on the bed. The inquest at East Sussex Coroners' Court in Lewes, was told a clear plastic ziplock bag was found containing white powder, Picture of Rebecca Turner ( left ), who died in Thailand after accidentally consuming lethal cocktail of drugs, and mother Anita Turner White powder was also found spread on the sink and a bank note was found rolled up on the sink. The drug was ultimately found to be heroin. Rebecca's body was flown back to the UK and an autopsy was carried out. The pathologist carried out toxicology tests and found evidence of multiple drugs in her system including morphine, monoacetylmorphine, noscapine, diazepam, codeine and trazodone. The hearing was told Rebecca had a history of drug and alcohol misuse, depression and anxiety. But the 36-year-old, who had previously spent four years in Laos and described it as her second home, was looking forward to her travelling and was due to meet up with friends. Coroner Laura Bradford ruled out suicide despite Rebecca's history of depression and mental health problems. Giving a conclusion of drug-related death, she extended her sympathies to the family. Afterwards her mother, Anita, said she had visited Thailand three times since her daughter's death last year in a desperate attempt to uncover what actually happened. Rebecca (pictured) died in Thailand after unwittingly taking a 'cocktail of lethal drugs' She plans to go back again in June to help provide assistance for children in schools in Bangkok which was a cause close to her daughter's heart. She said: 'I want to go back and help the schools for the sake of Rebecca, to raise funds and equipment for them. It was something Rebecca really wanted to help with so I'm doing it for her as well. 'But most of all I just want to say: 'Please don't do drugs out there'. It's so dangerous and you don't know what is in it. It's just not worth it. 'Rebecca was a lovely, caring person. She was happy go lucky really and we loved her. We are absolutely heartbroken.' Last year, six tourists - including a British lawyer - died in Laos after drinking vodka laced with deadly methanol. Trainee solicitor Simone White, 28, was among five young women and one man who consumed vodka at the 6-a-night Nana Backpacker Hostel. Just 4ml of methanol, a common by-product of home-brewed alcohol which is sometimes added to bootleg drinks to make them stronger, can be lethal. All six people died despite receiving medical treatment. A further dozen needed hospital treatment but survived. A Syrian asylum seeker suspected of belonging to the Islamic State group has pleaded guilty to killing three people and wounding 10 more in a stabbing spree at a German summer festival last year. Issa Al Hasan, 27, made the confession at the start of his trial, held under tight security at the higher regional court in Duesseldorf on Tuesday. In a statement read out by his lawyer, Hasan, sitting under police guard behind a protective glass screen, admitted having 'committed a grave crime'. 'Three people died at my hands. I seriously injured others,' Hasan said of the attack in August in the western city of Solingen. 'Some of them survived only by luck. They could have died, too,' he said in the statement. 'I deserve and expect a life sentence.' The stabbing spree at the mid-summer street festival was one of a string of attacks that shocked Germany and stoked security fears. Hasan was an asylum seeker from Syria who had been slated for deportation. Issa Al Hasan, 27, pleaded guilty to killing three people and wounding 10 more in a stabbing spree at a German summer festival last year An ambulance and police stand on August 24, 2024 near the scene where three people were killed and 10 were injured In a statement read out by his lawyer, Hasan, sitting under police guard behind a protective glass screen, admitted having 'committed a grave crime ' German authorities' failure to remove him from the country fired a bitter debate over immigration that heated up in the run-up to national elections in February this year. Hasan faces charges including three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and membership of a foreign terrorist organisation. Prosecutors say he set out to harm 'nonbelievers' at the 'festival for diversity' in the centre of the western city of Solingen. Hasan allegedly saw his targets 'as representatives of Western society' and sought 'to take revenge against them for the military actions of Western states'. An IS member whom Hasan had contacted that month allegedly encouraged him to go ahead with the plan and promised him that the group would claim it and use it for propaganda purposes. The group later said via its Amaq outlet on the messaging app Telegram that an IS 'soldier' had carried out the attack in 'revenge' for Muslims 'in Palestine and everywhere'. Prosecutors say Hasan had filmed videos in which he pledged allegiance to IS and forwarded them on to his IS contact just before he committed the attack. Hasan did not specifically address his alleged motivations for carrying out the attack or his supposed IS membership. A psychiatric expert told the court that the accused had denied being a radical Islamist. Hasan was seen getting dragged to his arraignment at the Federal Supreme Court (BGH) in Karlsruhe, Germany, by federal police officers, who took him to the southwestern courthouse via helicopter on August 25, 2024 Forensic police inspect on early August 24, 2024 the area where at three people were killed and 10 injured when Hasan attacked them with a knife on late August 23, 2024 in Solingen Forensic police inspect on August 24, 2024 the scene where at three people were killed In the statement read out by his lawyer, Hasan said he had 'killed and injured innocent people, not unbelievers'. 'Christians, Jews and Muslims, we all are cousins, not enemies.' The stabbing spree was one in a series of attacks attributed to asylum seekers and migrants that pushed immigration to the top of the political agenda in Germany. In May 2024, a man with a knife attacked people at an anti-Islam rally in Mannheim, fatally wounding a police officer who intervened. The Afghan suspect went on trial in February and is also alleged to be sympathetic to the IS group. In December, a Saudi man was arrested after a car ploughed through a Christmas market crowd in the eastern city of Magdeburg, killing six people and wounding hundreds. And in January, a man with a kitchen knife attacked a group of kindergarten children in Aschaffenburg, killing a two-year-old boy and a man who tried to protect the toddlers. An ambulance and police stand on August 24, 2024 near the scene where atthree people were killed and 10 were injured A 28-year-old Afghan man was arrested at the scene of the attack, which came during campaigning for February 23 elections. Just 10 days before the vote, an Afghan man was arrested on suspicion of driving a car through a street rally in Munich, killing a two-year-old girl and her mother and injuring dozens. The centre-right CDU/CSU, which demanded tough curbs on immigration in the wake of the attacks, came first in the election with 28.5 per cent of the vote. The biggest gains however were made by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which saw its share of the vote more than double to over 20 per cent. Elon Musks dad Errol has revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis for the first time as he backed the Mails campaign for a national screening programme. The retired engineer, 79, had his whole prostate removed after the disease was found by chance following a routine blood test for an unrelated condition. Errol, father of the billionaire spaceship and social media tycoon, is now urging men to get themselves tested to boost their survival chances. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer in England, with 55,033 cases identified in 2023, the latest figures show. Catching it early improves the odds of successfully treating the disease, which kills around 10,200 men nationwide each year. The Daily Mail is campaigning for a national prostate cancer screening programme, initially targeted at high risk men. This includes those who are black, have a family history of the disease or particular genetic mutations. Errol, from Cape Town, South Africa, was born to an English mother and spent a couple of years growing up in Bristol and Gloucester. Errol Musk, 79, has revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis Speaking on a visit back to England today, he told the Mail: I feel lucky to be alive and feel fortunate my tumour was caught early, while it was still treatable - but there are so many men who are not so fortunate. With one in eight men set to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, its vital we catch it early and get them the urgent treatment they need. Thats why I support the Daily Mails campaign for national prostate cancer screening programme. I urge all Governments, including the UK Government, to get testing, so we can ensure men get diagnosed faster and catch the cancer before it develops. Errol had no prostate cancer symptoms but was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate in February last year after a routine test identified an elevated level of prostate specific antigen in his blood - a possible indicator of the disease. He had returned to hospital for a regular checkup following open-heart surgery years earlier. Errol revealed his diagnosis in a video interview with his friend Avi Lasarow, shared exclusively with the Mail. He said: A few years ago, I went for a flying medical and the doctor rushed me to a cardiologist, and I had an open-heart operation as a result of that. Errol Musk (pictured right) revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in a video interview with friend and business partner Avi Lasarow (left), shared exclusively with the Mail I keep going back for checkups and so on. I'm all right, I had a valve repair, replacement, in my heart. But when I went for my checkup at the beginning of last year, they said to me, with the many blood tests they do, that I had a raised PSA. Not particularly raised, but it was raised. I was advised to go to a urologist and have that looked at. I went to urologist and he asked me to come back, which brings me to a rather sort of comical aspect I always thought when you go into see a doctor and he's going to tell you that you have cancer, that he first tells you to sit down, and maybe offers you a cup of tea and asks you, if you're comfortable, if youd like a cushion? They don't do that. Youve barely sat down on a hard bench chair, and they've said: You have cancer! And so, after seeing the urologist, he said to me I have cancer of the prostate. I said: Well, what now, you know? He said: Well, we can remove the prostate, and then we have to see what's left. So, I agreed and I went for this operation and they removed my prostate and also all the lymph nodes on the right side, they teared that all out as well. Errol Musk broke the news of his prostate cancer diagnosis to son Elon Musk (pictured) via email, who is said to have responded Sorry, dad - whatever it costs, Ill pay. The biopsy showed that the prostate was carcinomas. It wasn't a question of leaving it. It was a case of stopping the cells from spreading. So, it was definitely the right decision in terms of maintaining my life. They didn't suggest to me that there was an alternative. They said you must have this removed. And as I've been going back, I don't seem to have a problem at this point. Errol cancelled a planned overseas trip and had the operation in July 2024, around the time Donald Trump suffered a grazed ear in an assassination attempt and his son Elon first endorsed him as president. He broke the news to Elon via email, who is said to have responded Sorry, dad - whatever it costs, Ill pay. Errol, who is making a good recovery, added: For the first six weeks, I actually felt pretty awful. You feel no strength. Your body feels weak, your legs weak, you just feel old, and you don't feel very good. The doctor said to me it would take 12 months after the operation before I felt all right. The Daily Mail is campaigning for a national prostate cancer screening programme, initially targeted at high risk men. Health secretary Wes Streeting has declared his support for a national prostate cancer screening programme But I started to feel ok after three months I'm much better now, and I'm looking forward to getting to the 12 months. Errol plans to launch Musk Health Systems, a DNA testing service that focuses on longevity and screening for genetic predisposition to illnesses, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer. DNA testing can help identify individuals at increased risk of prostate cancer, guide treatment decisions, and provide information to relatives who may also be at risk. - - - Watch the full Errol interview with Avi at https://muskhealthsystem.com - - - The NHS already offers national screening programmes for breast, bowel and cervical cancers - but not for prostate cancer. The UK National Screening Committee, which advises the government on which screening programmes to offer, is currently considering recent developments around prostate cancer diagnosis and is due to report its findings later this year. Analysis by the charity Prostate Cancer Research suggests such a scheme would lead to an extra 775 cases being diagnosed early each year among high-risk men aged 45 to 69. This includes those who are black, have a family history of the disease, or have a particular genetic mutation. It would also spare almost 300 men a year from a stage 4 diagnosis, when the tumour has spread around the body, making it incurable. Wes Streeting has declared his support for a national prostate cancer screening programme in a major boost for the Mails campaign. The health secretary told MPs in April that he would like to see the NHS proactively offer men tests for the disease in a move that could prevent thousands of needless deaths. He said he is particularly sympathetic to the argument that this should initially be targeted at high-risk men. A renowned Canadian university has launched a bizarre 'Adulting 101' campaign for pampered students who can't perform the most basic life tasks like changing a tire, buying groceries or doing laundry. In an era dominated by digital innovation, Generation Z - or those born between 1997 and 2012 - are in desperate need of practical knowledge that older generations might otherwise consider 'common sense'. 'I don't know how to change a tire. I don't have a car at all,' Aldhen Garcia, a first-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), told CBC's The Current. 'I don't know how to sew,' he added. 'I don't know how to do a lot of things, other than cooking.' The University of Waterloo, a top-ranked institution in Ontario known for its programs in math, computer science and engineering, has responded to the growing demand by launching an online communications campaign - Adulting 101, or the Adulting Guide. The campaign is designed to unify resources from several departments across campus, promoting student well-being and personal growth. Through creative, accessible messaging, Adulting Guide encourages students to prioritize their mental and physical health, embrace new responsibilities and explore opportunities for development. By connecting students with existing campus resources, Adulting Guide offers a fresh, relatable approach to navigating adulthood in college - tackling essential life skills that many Gen Z students find challenging, such as cooking, budgeting, basic nutrition, laundry and even navigating a grocery store. A renowned Canadian university has launched an 'Adulting 101' - or Adulting Guide - communications campaign aimed at teaching essential life skills - including how to change a tire - to lacking adults living in an era dominated by digital innovation The University of Waterloo (pictured), a top-ranked institution in Ontario known for its programs in math, computer science and engineering, has responded to the growing demand by launching a unique, online resource - unifying resources from several departments across campus Generation Z, or those born between 1997 and 2012, are increasingly seeking practical knowledge in areas traditionally taught at home or in school, desperately trying to hone in skills previous generations might call 'common sense' 'You've probably already started to notice that things won't get done unless you do them,' a course description on the university's website reads. 'From managing your finances, grocery shopping, keeping your laundry whites... white, staying organized - there are a lot of important life skills you might have wished you learned sooner.' Beyond teaching basic life skills, the campaign emphasizes mental and physical health - encouraging students to explore their personal growth through practice in leadership and teamwork, intercultural communication, problem-solving and decision-making and time management. The university also offers skill evaluations to help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement. 'What you're experiencing is normal,' director of student success Pam Charbonneau said in a message to those struggling. 'A lot of your peers are going through the same thing at the same time.' The communications campaign covers everything from maintaining healthy relationships, practicing fire safety in the kitchen and changing a tire. For many, the campaign has been a saving grace - not only helping them personally, but also boosting their daily confidence in navigating the ins and outs of adulthood. Jean Twenge (pictured), a researcher and psychology professor at San Diego State University, suggests that prolonged adolescence and 'helicopter' parenting have delayed development among Gen Z The university's director of student success, Pam Charbonneau, said that many students report feeing anxious or stressed as they figure out their life post-secondary school, and that access to resources like the Adulting Guide helps normalize their experiences The Adulting Guide is a communications campaign designed to teach basic life skills that Gen Z often struggles with, including cooking, budgeting, basic nutrition, laundry and even navigating a grocery store According to Charbonneau, many students report feeing anxious or stressed as they figure out their life post-secondary school, and that access to resources like 'Adulting 101' helps normalize their experiences. She added that many students have also expressed a wish that they had learned these skills earlier in life. Experts have attributed the generation's lack of skills to several factors, including the decreasing independence these young adults are given during childhood. Jean Twenge, a researcher and psychology professor at San Diego State University, suggests that prolonged adolescence and 'helicopter' parenting have delayed development among Gen Z. Twenge, who studies generational differences, argued that limiting children's freedom and failing to teach them practical skills is only doing them 'a disservice', as reported by CBC. 'We send them off to adulthood without other skills,' she told the outlet. 'If they're not learning how to make decisions on their own and solve problems, that can be challenging.' Twenge, who studies generational differences, argued that limiting children's freedom and failing to teach them practical skills is only doing them 'a disservice' The university's communications campaign covers everything from maintaining healthy relationships, practicing fire safety in the kitchen and changing a tire Twenge encouraged parents to move away from the mindset that they must do everything for their children, and instead start involving them in tasks like cooking and laundry at an earlier age As the author of several books, Twenge has extensively researched how a lack of foundational knowledge leaves young people more prone to making costly mistakes in everyday life. In her 2017 book titled iGen, Twenge introduced the concept of the 'slow life strategy' - an idea where people live longer, spend more time in school and parents tend to have fewer children, but raise them with greater care and intention. This approach, she explained, often leads to kids gaining independence later than previous generations. Another reason for the gap may be that students are living at home for longer periods, which often results in them taking on fewer responsibilities as parents continue to manage the household tasks. As the author of several books, Twenge has extensively researched how a lack of foundational knowledge leaves young people more prone to making costly mistakes in everyday life Twenge's primary concern while analyzing the basic skill gap is the rising rates of depression and other mental health issues among young people in Gen Z (pictured: Twenge) Another reason for the gap may be that students are living at home for longer periods, which often results in them taking on fewer responsibilities as parents continue to manage the household tasks She encouraged parents to move away from the mindset that they must do everything for their children, and instead start involving them in tasks like cooking and laundry at an earlier age. However, Twenge's primary concern while analyzing the gap is the rising rates of depression and other mental health issues among young people. A 2023 commentary published in the Journal of Pediatrics reviewed dozens of studies and reports, concluding that the rise in mental health issues among young people is linked to fewer opportunities for children and teens to socialize away from adults. The commentary suggested that depriving young people of independence can contribute to elevated levels of anxiety, depression and suicide. While Twenge supports universities offering basic life skill practice for Gen Z, she emphasizes that the real solution must start much earlier A 2023 commentary published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggested that depriving young people of independence can contribute to elevated levels of anxiety, depression and suicide Other universities have also began offering similar programs that address topics such as planning, finances and first aid to lacking adults living in an era dominated by digital innovation 'Self-advocacy is probably the most important piece and probably where the gap is right when they come in, if they really haven't had to do much of that before,' Charbonneau said, as reported by CBC. 'You see their shoulders drop when they realize there's actually someone and something here to help me solve my problem.' Other universities have also began offering similar programs that address topics such as planning, finances and first aid. While Twenge supports universities offering basic life skill practice for Gen Z, she emphasizes that the real solution must start much earlier. Britain is hoping to negotiate down Donald Trump's 10 per cent 'baseline' tariffs on UK good sold to America, Lord Mandelson said today. The Labour peer, who is the UK's ambassador to the US, outlined how work is ongoing to 'address' the 'reciprocal' tariffs the US President has imposed. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump announced an agreement to provide UK relief to American tariffs on cars and steel. But a 10 per cent baseline tariff on most UK goods, described by Mr Trump as a 'reciprocal' tariff, still remains in place despite the trade deal. Lord Mandelson, speaking at an Atlantic Council event, said the UK and US should continue to look at reducing both tariffs and non-tariff barriers where possible. Yet he admitted that Mr Trump was 'quite wedded' to his 10 per cent baseline levies. He spoke after the US President backed away from his threat to pose 50 per cent tariffs on imports from the EU next month by pushing a deadline back to 9 July. Lord Mandelson suggested the UK's own trade agreement with the US should serve as a 'template' for others - including the EU - in avoiding a major trade conflict. The former cabinet minister also urged Britain and America to work together in order to beat China in a race to harness the potential of AI. He compared this to the 'Manhattan Project' during the Second World War, when the UK and US collaborated on developing the first nuclear weapons. Britain is hoping to negotiate down Donald Trump 's 10 per cent 'baseline' tariffs on UK good sold to America, according to Lord Mandelson The Labour peer, who is the UK's ambassador to the US, outlined how work is ongoing to 'address' the 'reciprocal' tariffs the US President has imposed Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump announced an agreement to provide UK relief to American tariffs on cars and steel. But a 10 per cent baseline tariff on most UK goods still remains Speaking about the recently-signed trade agreement between Sir Keir and Mr Trump, Lord Mandelson said: 'We had to deal with the sectoral tariffs as a priority. 'Because they were the ones that presented a particular threat to industry and jobs in Britain. 'We were facing, unless that deal was done, in the following fortnight a massive loss of jobs in our auto sector in the West Midlands and elsewhere in Britain. 'In our steel sector, and potentially - and I'm glad we've got this prospective protection - on aerospace and pharmaceuticals as well. 'I hope this deal between Britain and the US offers a template for other nations, including the EU, to do its own deal with the US. 'Because none of us wants to see big trading partners - even giants - going head-to-head.' Under the agreement announced on 8 May, both Britain and the US agreed to continue trade negotiations in a number of areas. 'We need the reciprocal tariffs, which are slightly different from the sectoral ones, we need to address those as well and we've agreed to do so,' Lord Mandelson added. But, asked to assess the UK's chances of improving the terms of the agreement, he said: 'Let's see, I think the President seems quite wedded to that 10 per cent baseline. 'Within that baseline, I think we can and should look where it is in our mutual advantage to reduce not just the effective tariffs that are operating, but also the non-tariff barriers. 'I think this is a source of great irritation to the President.' Lord Mandelson noted how Mr Trump's baseline tariffs were 'not exactly unique', as he highlighted how Richard Nixon 'had done exactly in the early 1970s'. 'Another 10 per cent baseline tariff put on trade between the US and its partners,' he added. 'So this is not exactly unique, it's not new - I'm not saying it's welcome.' Trade experts have suggested the UK-US deal is a step towards excluding China from global supply chains. And Lord Mandelson said countries in Europe were 'becoming more conscious of the need not to expand or extend our reliance on China'. 'Europe doesn't want to shut out China or decouple from China, but we've got to be much more sceptical,' he added. 'We've got to scrutinise much more carefully key areas where we are overly-dependent on China in our supply chains.' He insisted, under Sir Keir, that Britain would not be returning to the so-called 'golden era' of relations with China under former PM David Cameron. Lord Mandelson urged the UK and US to work together on AI, as he outlined a vision of Britain as 'an AI-driven new model economy for the 21st century'. 'I believe we have to do that with American technology, capital and talent to add to our own. We have all those things in plentiful quantity,' he said. 'If we allow China to win this race - and heavens knows they're catching up with every year that passes - if China wins that AI race they will have the key. 'They will be able to do things that cascade down not just in their own country but everyone elses across the world. 'I don't want to see a world in which China has got the key to AI, where it's able to use that key to open up so many other areas of technological advance. 'Their values, their principles, how they conduct themselves is not right for the sort of world we want to live in and create. 'That's why I think we have to band together, just as we did in the Manhattan Project. 'That was an extraordinary collaboration between two great science-rich nations - our own and the US. 'What goes for the Manhattan Project now needs to go for so many other sectors of technological advance. 'Where we can create huge new sources of improvement in the lives of our people and of humanity.' As well as the trade agreement with the US, Sir Keir has also recently signed a Brexit 'reset' deal with the EU. Critics have blasted the agreement for tying the UK much closer to Brussels' rules. But Lord Mandelson, a former EU commissioner, said: 'There's no point in disaligning ourselves from EU rules and standards where we are operating in Britain those rules and standards in order to export into the European single market. 'Why make a fetish of disalignment when we know that it's in the interests of our businesses and traders to follow those rules and standards?' Yet Lord Mandelson admitted there were 'other areas' - such as on data protection and AI - where the UK should 'follow a more independent regulatory pathway'. The Trump Administration has ordered US embassies to halt all student visa applications as the president cracks down on America's higher education business. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed officials to stop scheduling appointments with student visa applicants as they prepare to implement a social media vetting process, according to a cable obtained by Politico. 'Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days,' the cable states. The Institute of International Education Open Doors data report found that in 2023-2024 academic year, the United States hosted a record-breaking 1.1 million international students - including an estimated 10,000 British students. These students generated $43.8 billion through tuition, housing and living expenses, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Donald Trump has waged war on elite universities, accusing them of antisemitism and blasting their 'woke' ideology. At the beginning of his second term, Trump ordered the deportation of foreign students who took part in pro-Hamas protests on college campuses in the US. Harvard has borne the brunt of Trump's fire but it is also fighting back just as hard and sued the administration. The Trump Administration has ordered US embassies to halt all student visa applications The president and his Republican allies have claimed that Harvard is 'antisemitic' for allowing pro-Palestinian protests to take place on campus (pictured: a Harvard protest in October 2023) The Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday its revocation of Harvard's ability to host and enroll students from other countries. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem published a letter she sent to the Ivy League university last week instructing the thousands of current students to either transfer to other schools or leave the country. Trump has demanded to know all of the names and countries of origin of all nearly 7,000 foreign-born students attending Harvard University. The president said it was unacceptable that 31 percent of the students who attend the famous Ivy League school are 'from foreign lands.' Harvard filed on Friday a lawsuit against the Trump administration for revoking its right to host foreign students. The school said in a court filing Trump's action will have an 'immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders.' 'With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission,' Harvard wrote. 'Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.' Trump intends to cut the federal government's remaining contracts with Harvard University, worth about $100 million. Trump has waged war on elite universities, accusing them of antisemitism and blasting their ' woke ' ideology. Pictured: pro-Palestine protestors at Columbia University Trump ordered the deportation of foreign students who took part in pro-Hamas protests on college campuses in the US The announcement will be made via a letter from the General Services Administration to federal agencies, which was obtained by The New York Times. The letter, being sent out later Tuesday, also tells the agencies: 'Going forward, we also encourage your agency to seek alternative vendors for future services where you had previously considered Harvard.' The administration has frozen about $3.2 billion in grants and contracts with Harvard, which sued the government in response. Trump threatened on Monday to take $3 billion in funding away from the Ivy League university to distribute to trade schools instead. He also used Truth Social to complain that Harvard hadn't released to the federal government a list of foreign students enrolled in the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based school. 'I am considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land,' Trump wrote Monday morning. 'What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!!' The president and his Republican allies have claimed that Harvard is antisemitic for allowing pro-Palestinian protests to take place on campus amid the current Gaza war. 'We are still waiting for the Foreign Student Lists from Harvard so that we can determine, after a ridiculous expenditure of BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, how many radicalized lunatics, troublemakers all, should not be let back into our Country,' the president wrote in a second Truth Social post. The president said it was unacceptable that 31 percent of the students who attend Harvard are 'from foreign lands' Your browser does not support iframes. Harvard University has fought back against President Trump. About a third of Harvard's students nearly 7,000 are from foreign countries 'Harvard is very slow in the presentation of these documents, and probably for good reason!' he continued. 'The best thing Harvard has going for it is that they have shopped around and found the absolute best Judge (for them!) - But have no fear, the Government will, in the end, WIN!' Last week Judge Allison Burroughs, a 2014 Obama appointee, temporarily paused the Trump administration's move to cancel Harvard's student visa program. Harvard said that canceling the program, which includes 7,000 visas and amounts to around a quarter of the Ivy's student body is a 'blatant violation of the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act.' Trump's Department of Homeland Security moved to cancel the program after the university failed to provide the government with extensive behavioral records of visa holders in the student body. Notably, the president has several close associates who were international students educated in the US, including senior advisor Boris Epshteyn, who helped Trump put together his legal team for criminal cases. Epshteyn was born in Russia and emigrated to the United States, and met Eric Trump as a student at Georgetown University. A woman was held hostage and violently beaten by a combat veteran who barricaded himself inside the home of reclusive billionaire Beanie Babies CEO Ty Warner. Linda Malek-Aslanian, 60, is 'comatose due to a brain injury' after being 'violently beaten' at Warner's Montecito estate last Wednesday. Russell Maxwell Phay, 42, of Nevada, allegedly broke into the billionaire's home, proclaimed it was his property and demanded everyone leave, The Santa Barbara Independent reports. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Malek-Aslanian outside with 'severe injuries' and Phay 'barricaded' in a second-story bathroom. He tried to evade arrest by jumping from the bathroom window, but was tackled to the ground by sheriff's deputies and K-9 officers, authorities said in a press release obtained by DailyMail.com. Phay was charged with attempted murder, burglary, kidnapping, and assault. The former Army combat soldier, who previously claimed he was 'trained to eliminate' his enemies, is being held at the Santa Barbara County jail and is not eligible for bail. Warner, 80, was at the mansion - located in Montecito, a southern California celebrity enclave that home to dozens of stars including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - during the attack, but not unharmed. It is unclear if he and Phay ever occupied the same room. Officials do not believe that Phay personally knew the CEO or his alleged victim Malek-Aslanian, a financial services expert 'who once worked for Warner's hotels division', KSBW reports. Linda Malek-Aslanian, 60, (pictured) is 'comatose due to a brain injury' after being 'violently beaten' by a combat veteran who invaded billionaire Beanie Babies CEO Ty Warner's mansion in Montecito, California last Wednesday Russell Maxwell Phay, 42, of Nevada, (pictured in his 2018 mugshot) allegedly broke into the billionaire's home, proclaimed it was his property and demanded everyone leave, before violently assaulting the victim Police responded to reports of a disturbance at Warner's mansion in the 1000 block of Fairway Road shortly after 4.30pm Wednesday Police responded to reports of a disturbance at Warner's mansion in the 1000 block of Fairway Road shortly after 4.30pm Wednesday. The suspect - later identified as Phay - was holed up inside the property in what authorities feared could be an ongoing hostage situation. A BearCat armored vehicle, K-9 officers and a helicopter were deployed as officers established a perimeter around the residence. Officers entered the home in search of victims and discovered that the occupants had all escaped, but did find Phay hiding in a restroom upstairs. Crisis negotiators tried to talk him into coming out of the bathroom, but Phay attempted the flee out of the window instead. He was apprehended, arrested and booked into the Santa Barbara County Southern Branch Jail, where he continues to be held without bail, sheriff's records show. Phay was arraigned in Santa Barbara County Superior Court on Friday morning. He pleaded guilty to all the charges against him, prosecutor Kevin Weichbrod confirmed to the Noozhawk newspaper. Prosecutors allege Phay entered Warner's home with the 'intent to commit larceny' before assaulting Malek-Aslanian and inflicting 'great bodily injury'. The criminal complaint said Malek-Aslanian 'was particularly vulnerable'. Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch told People Magazine that Warner was 'present' during the attack but 'was not physically harmed'. The DA added: 'He was able to escape and contact authorities.' Prosecutors allege Phay entered Warner's home (pictured) with the 'intent to commit larceny' A BearCat armored vehicle, K-9 officers and a helicopter were deployed to the estate as officers worked to establish a perimeter around the residence Phay has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, assault, kidnapping and residential burglary, as well as obstructing or delaying sheriff's deputies. Savrnoch, who branded the case as 'very serious', has also filed special allegations against Phay, claiming he poses 'serious danger to society'. He is due back in court on June 2 for a preliminary hearing. Phay appears to have a history of alleged violence, with the veteran having been named in a complaint as recently as last year, according to KEYT. He allegedly threatened a couple, who resided in Arroyo Grande, over the phone. He was arrested in in Siskiyou County in 2018 and charged with battery and assault, but the case was dismissed last year. Phay also appeared in court in 2014 after he allegedly threatened his wife and followed her across state lines after she tried to flee with their son. A violent attack against his wife resulted in a prison sentence, but his release Phay was eligible for diversion programs that targeted ex-military personnel battling mental health issues. He told The San Francisco Chronicle after his release: 'They've recognized that I am salvageable. I need treatment, and I've gotten treatment. I feel like people here understand the brotherhood.' Ty Warner, 80, (pictured in 2003) was at the mansion during the attack, but was unharmed. It is unclear if he and Phay ever occupied the same room. Officials do not believe that Phay personally knew the Beanie Babies CEO or his alleged victim Malek-Aslanian Phay left the Army as a trained infantry combat soldier with specialized weapons training, telling the newspaper how 'I have been trained to eliminate you'. He admitted that his remark 'sounds crazy, but it is true.' Phay was expecting to serve in Kuwait, but his tour of duty expired before he could be deployed. In the charging documents for his latest alleged offence, DA Savrnoch cited Phay's previous criminal records, which he claimed were 'both numerous and of increasing severity'. He also alleged that Phay's behavior on probation, parole, and post-release supervision was 'unsatisfactory'. A man has denied breaching a restraining order against former James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. Daniel Wilson, 36, denied 11 counts of violating the order which prohibited him from contacting the producer. The order was put in place at Isleworth Crown Court on July 3, 2017, and Mr Wilson allegedly attempted to contact Broccoli 'without reasonable excuse' on 11 dates between April 2022 and April last year. Mr Wilson, from Lambeth, appeared on video link at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to each charge. The court heard he is currently staying in hospital and that the bail conditions that had been put in place at an earlier hearing would continue. Judge Sally-Ann Hales KC told Wilson he cannot 'be in possession of any device that can access the internet' or contact Broccoli directly or indirectly. He must also live and sleep each night in a location directed by the NHS, she said. His trial was set for July 19 2027 and Judge Hales added: 'I'm afraid that is the earliest date that the court can accommodate.' Ms Broccoli, 64, (left) and Michael G Wilson, 83, (right) produced the James Bond franchise after the death of Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli Daniel Wilson, 36, denied 11 counts of violating the order which prohibited him from contacting the producer She granted that Broccoli can give evidence behind screens 'given the a nature of the allegations'. Wilson was charged with acting in breach of the restraining order on April 1, April 19, May 19, May 25, June 30 and July 6 2022. He is also accused of doing so on March 10, April 12, April 17, April 20 and April 22 2024. The 007 franchise had been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first 007 movie Dr No in 1962. Ms Broccoli, 64, and Michael G Wilson, 83, produced the James Bond franchise after the death of Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli until it was announced in February this year that Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control. Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson produced the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Spectre and No Time To Die. They have been honoured with CBEs, and won the outstanding British film Bafta for 2012's Skyfall along with director Sir Sam Mendes. Amazon gained creative control of the British spy franchise following a deal which saw Eon Productions, run by Wilson and Broccoli, become co-owners with Amazon MGM Studios. President Donald Trump delivered a fresh warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin after the Russians spent the past few days showering Ukraine with missile and drone strikes. 'What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD,' Trump posted to Truth Social Tuesday. 'He's playing with fire!' Over the weekend Trump grew publicly frustrated with Putin, who he had spoken to on the phone for two hours the previous Monday, coming away from the conversation saying he thought it to be productive. But there was no progress made in concluding the war - with Russia escalating its attacks on Ukraine thoughout the weekend, pummelling the country with drone strikes. Ukrainian officials estimated around 900 drones were launched by Russia in attacks from Friday through Sunday nights, the Associated Press reported. Trump said Sunday that he was 'absolutely' considering more sanctions on Russia in response. On Monday, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Senate's president pro tempore, encouraged Trump to make that move. 'Ive had enuf of Putin killing innocent ppl. Pres Trump Take action AT LEAST SANCTIONS,' the 91-year-old Iowa Republican posted on X. Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) received a new warning from President Donald Trump (right) on Tuesday 'What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia , and I mean REALLY BAD,' Trump posted to Truth Social Tuesday. 'He's playing with fire!' South Carolina's Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham echoed Trump's frustrations with Putin in a post Tuesday - though didn't explicitly call for sanctions. 'I appreciate all that President Donald Trump has done to try to end this terrible war. But to end any war, you must have willing partners. As of yet, Putin is not willing,' Graham said. 'As to Putin: we must remember this is the man who facilitated the Assad Regime in dropping barrel bombs from helicopters on innocent civilians and intentionally targeted hospitals in Syria,' Graham said. 'The same barbaric behavior is playing out in Ukraine. To the Russian people: Putin is leading you into the abyss.' He noted how Russia's economy was now smaller than Italy's, tens of thousands of Russian soldiers are killed and wounded and the country is more 'isolated than ever.' 'This doesnt make Russia great. It makes it a pariah state,' Graham said. 'You, the Russian people and military, can do better.' Trump has yet to make that move. Instead he's engaged in a war of words with the Russian leader. 'I'm not happy with what Putin's doing. He's killing a lot of people,' Trump said at the Morristown, New Jersey airport Sunday evening. 'I don't know what the hell happened to Putin. I've known him a long time. Always gotten along with him. But he's sending rockets into cities and killing people.' 'We're in the middle of talking and he's shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities. I don't like it at all... I don't know what's wrong with him,' the president complained. In his Truth Social post later Sunday night, Trump charged that Putin had gone 'gone absolutely CRAZY!' 'I've always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that's proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!' Trump said. In turn, the Kremlin said the American president was suffering from an 'emotional overload.' Putin said Monday that he wanted to 'throttle' American tech companies, including Zoom and Microsoft, that are still being used in Russia. 'They're trying to choke us, we should respond in kind,' Putin said. A Russian military commander also claimed that Putin survived a massive drone attack while riding in his helicopter last week. Last Tuesday Putin was visiting the Kursk region when his helicopter was 'virtually at the epicenter of repelling a large-scale attack by the enemy's drones,' said Yury Dashkin, commander of a Russian air defense division, according to the state news agency TASS. 'Therefore, we simultaneously conducted an air defense battle and ensured the safety of the presidential helicopters flight in the air,' Dashkin said. The Kursk region borders Ukraine, with Moscow claiming that it had driven Ukrainian forces out of the area last month. The Russians have provided no additional evidence that the near-miss occurred. Trump was asked about the claim Sunday when he left his Bedminster golf resort and said he had no knowledge of it. 'I haven't heard that,' he told reporters. 'I don't know, but I have not heard that,' Trump added. He speculated 'maybe that would be a reason' for Russia's bombardment of drone and missile attacks into Ukraine over the weekend. Higher education in America has been plunged into chaos following President Donald Trump's order for all US embassies to stall student visa applications - so what does that mean if you are applying for one? Although details on the new order are ever-changing, foreign students should take these steps to help them through the process following Tuesday's major announcement. Those who already have a student visa appointment have been urged to keep it as the halt only applies to new interviews for applicants, according to a cable obtained by Politico. People should also stay up to date with their specific embassy following the halt - as cancellations could start happening soon. To do that, users can monitor their local embassy website, checking the visa section for appointment details and updates. General delays should also be expected as many have been affected by the announcement. Foreign students should also take a close look at their social media accounts as the administration said they are preparing 'for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting.' Those affected should also work to coordinate with their American institution for updates on their end, especially if you are still waiting for an appointment. Higher education in America has been plunged into chaos following President Donald Trump 's order for all US embassies to stall student visa applications Those who already have a student visa appointment have been urged to keep it as the halt only applies to new interviews for applicants. (Pictured: 2023 image of Harvard University campus) Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed officials to stop scheduling appointments with student visa applicants as they prepare to implement a social media vetting process, according to the directive. 'Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days,' the cable states. The Institute of International Education Open Doors data report found that in the 2023-2024 academic year, the United States hosted a record-breaking 1.1 million international students. These students generated $43.8 billion through tuition, housing and living expenses, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Donald Trump has waged war on elite universities, accusing them of antisemitism and blasting their 'woke' ideology. Harvard has borne the brunt of Trump's fire but is also fighting back just as hard and has sued the administration. The Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday its revocation of Harvard's ability to host and enroll students from other countries. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem published a letter she sent to the Ivy League university last week instructing the thousands of current students to either transfer to other schools or leave the country. Trump has demanded to know all of the names and countries of origin of all nearly 7,000 foreign-born students attending Harvard University. The president said it was unacceptable that 31 percent of the students who attend the famous Ivy League school are 'from foreign lands.' Harvard filed on Friday a lawsuit against the Trump administration for revoking its right to host foreign students. The school said in a court filing Trump's action will have an 'immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders.' 'With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission,' Harvard wrote. 'Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.' A 13-year-old Ohio boy was tragically killed during a Memorial Day parade after he fell off a trailer and was run over in front of the horrified crowd. Matthew Schultz, a student from North Canton, died Monday after falling from an Air Ninja Gym float during the annual parade in the city of Green. The trailer, which carried six other children ages 7 to 13, was being escorted by two adults walking alongside it when the tragic accident occurred. The float was representing a children's gym in Green and it was attached to a dual-axle car hauler being pulled by a Ford F-150 pick-up truck, which was driving at or below 5 miles an hour at the time of the accident, according to the sheriff's office. The boy fell at around 11:30am before being then struck by the trailer's wheels, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner. Paramedics from the Green Fire Department were following directly behind the float and rushed to help. Matthew was transported to Akron Children's Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:04pm, just over 30 minutes after the incident. 'Our hearts go out to the family this time a terrible loss, we look to support them as a green community any way that we can,' Mayor Rocco Yeargin said. Matthew Schultz, a student from North Canton, died Monday after falling from an Air Ninja Gym float during the annual parade in the city of Green Matthew was transported to Akron Children's Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:04pm, just over 30 minutes after the incident 'Our school district has reached out to the school district of North Canton to offer counselors that will be in action to help their students walk through this issue.' The teen attended North Canton City Schools, according to the Summit County Sheriff's Office. North Canton City Schools released a heartbreaking statement, saying Matthew was 'a kind and caring student' who brought joy to those around him. 'The loss of a young life is deeply devastating, and our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew's family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this unimaginable time.' 'He was a kind and caring student. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to everyone affected by this tragedy.' 'Please know that our crisis management teams have been activated and we will have counseling services and resources available for students and staff at each of our buildings. Please encourage those around you to seek support.' North Canton City Schools released a heartbreaking statement, saying Matthew was 'a kind and caring student' who brought joy to those around him The boy fell at around 11:30am before being then struck by the trailer's wheels, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner Danielle Paciorek, who spoke on behalf of the Schultz family, said Matthew 'brought a lifetime worth of joy to those who knew him' Danielle Paciorek, who spoke on behalf of the Schultz family, said Matthew 'brought a lifetime worth of joy to those who knew him.' 'Matthew was just 13 years old, but in that short time, he brought a lifetime worth of joy to those who knew him. He was a bright light, full of curiosity, laughter and love,' she said. The woke mayor of Seattle who slammed Christians for holding a prayer rally that was disrupted by trans activists was once arrested on weapons and assault charges, it has been revealed. Bruce Harrell faced charges of aggravated assault, carrying a weapon and interference with official acts in 1996, newly surfaced court records from Fox13 found. Harrell was arrested on September 27, 1996, after reports at the time said he got into a fight over a parking space outside the Ameristar Casino in Omaha, before a handgun was found in his car by security. He was hit with the three charges as aggravated misdemeanors, and faced a maximum of two years in jail as he made his first court appearance weeks later. Harrell fought the charges, and six months later in March 1997 all three counts were dismissed at the request of prosecutors, with Harrell ordered to pay court costs. In a report from the time from the Omaha World Herald, Harrell was quoted as saying the charges resulted from arguing with security when they wanted to search his car. According to the records from Pottawattamie County, a .25 caliber semiautomatic pistol was discovered in his vehicle. Harrell said in a statement after the arrest was revealed that the altercation in the parking lot was a 'misunderstanding' before he was 'racially profiled' by security when they searched his car. The mayor's brush with the law resurfaced this week as his judgement came under scrutiny following violent scenes at a Christian prayer rally on Saturday in his city, when trans activists disrupted the event before Harrell took their side and condemned Christians as 'anarchists.' The Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harrell was once arrested on weapons and assault charges in 1996, newly surfaced court records have revealed Harrell faced charges of aggravated assault, carrying a weapon and interference with official acts after reports at the time said he got into a fight over a parking space outside the Ameristar Casino, before a semiautomatic handgun was found in his car by security The Seattle mayor said in his statement that he had the gun on him at the time because he was afraid for his safety after receiving death threats when he 'received a nomination for appointment to a controversial affordable housing board.' 'I received a deluge of calls opposing my nomination, including death threats. As a Black man newly relocated to a Midwestern community, I had a handgun in my car for the safety of myself and my wife,' he said. 'Just after midnight, having received these threats, I was approached by multiple people in a parking lot. 'Not knowing their intentions and fearing for my life, I referenced being in possession of a handgun, which was unloaded, and showed it to them.' Harrell said the other people 'realized there was a misunderstanding' while they were in the parking lot, and he diffused the situation. 'We amicably settled the dispute, entering the establishment together,' he said. 'However, I was then racially profiled by a private security officer and detained for having the gun in my car,' the mayor continued in his statement. 'Knowing all the facts, the prosecutor asked to drop the charges and a judge agreed. I pursued legal recourse after my constitutional rights were violated by an illegal search.' The Seattle mayor said he had the gun on him at the time of his arrest because he was afraid for his safety after receiving death threats, before it was found in his car as a result of 'racial profiling' Harrell said the incident was a formative moment for his political career, as such instances of being 'unfairly targeted by bias' are 'one reason I have been a strong advocate for police accountability.' 'Including advocating for SPD to join the consent decree, and why I proposed and passed Seattles bias free policing law,' he said. 'This is also why Ive fought for racial equity and opportunity through initiatives like 'Ban the Box,' recognizing that people of color are disproportionately likely to be arrested, and too many are not in a position to prove their innocence and get a second chance.' The revelation of Harrell's brush with the law comes as his leadership in Seattle came under scrutiny following the arrest of dozens of people at a Christian prayer rally last week. It came as Christian activists from On Fire Ministries hosted their 'Mayday USA' rally at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday. The event was described as 'standing together for Biblical truth and values' as part of the '#DontMessWithOurKids' movement, according to the organization's Facebook. Counter protesters showed up under the theme of 'Keep Your Bibles Off Our Bodies,' and brought signs that read 'Republican Lies Kill Trans People' and 'Protect Trans Youth.' The revelation of Harrell's brush with the law comes as his leadership in Seattle came under scrutiny following the arrest of dozens of people at a Christian prayer rally last week It came as Christian activists from On Fire Ministries hosted their 'Mayday USA' rally at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday, as counter-protestors with a pro-trans movement fought with the rally in ugly scenes Police said protesters threw water bottles, knocked over fencing and assaulted officers as a total of 23 people were arrested at the event Harrell said after the arrests at the park that it was infiltrated by 'anarchists' as he took the side of the pro-trans protestors Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers arrested 23 people throughout the day as clashes between the groups grew violent, as police said 'while (cops were) taking the individuals into custody, they were assaulted by more protesters, resulting in even more arrests.' After the counter-protestors disrupted the event, Harrell condemned Mayday USA's rally and claimed violence only broke out because 'anarchists infiltrated' the event. 'Todays far-right rally was held here for this very reason to provoke a reaction by promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our citys values, in the heart of Seattles most prominent LGBTQ+ neighborhood,' Harrell said. 'Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protestors group and inspired violence, prompting SPD to make arrests and ask organizers to shut down the event early, which they did.' Folake Kellogg, 58, a spokesperson for the Mayday USA event, told The Seattle Times that their group was not trying to provoke anyone. 'They say we don't like people. We're not the ones throwing things. We're here to love Jesus,' Kellogg said, Shocking footage captured the moment two female Secret Service agents fought with each other outside former President Barack Obama's $8 million DC mansion. The altercation unfolded May 21 at around 2:30am as the former president's security detail grappled next to a police vehicle. In audio before the fight shared by RealClearPolitics reporter Susan Crabtree, one of the Secret Service agents was reportedly heard calling for a supervisor as she threatened to attack her colleague. 'Can I get a supervisor down to Delta two immediately before I whoop this girl's ass,' the agent in the audio said. In a statement to DailyMail.com, a Secret Service spokesperson said the fight came as the agents were on-duty. It is unclear if the Obamas were in the home at the time. 'The individuals involved were suspended from duty and this matter is the subject of an internal investigation,' the statement read. 'The Secret Service has a very strict code of conduct for all employees and any behavior that violates that code is unacceptable. Given this is a personnel matter, we are not in a position to comment further.' It comes a year after a Secret Service agent assigned to then-Vice-President Kamala Harris was removed from duty after she got into a physical fight with her fellow agents. Shocking footage captured the moment two female Secret Service agents fought with each other outside former President Barack Obama's DC home The altercation unfolded May 21 at around 2:30am as the former president's security detail grappled with each other next to a police vehicle Former President Barack Obama's $8 million DC home is pictured The Secret Service has come under scrutiny in recent years amid allegations of unprofessionalism and security lapses. These allegations came under the spotlight after the near-assassination of President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania last July, which ultimately led the agency's director Kimberly Cheatle to resign. Cheatle was replaced by Sean Curran, one of the agents who surrounded Trump after he was shot in the ear on stage at the rally. The altercation in Harris' security detail last April also brought humiliation to the agency, as reports said a female agent identified as Michelle Herczeg flew into a frenzy at her fellow agents. According to Secret Service sources, Herczeg arrived for duty acting erratically, grabbing a fellow agent's personal phone and started deleting applications from it. She also was mumbling to herself, hiding behind curtains and throwing items at fellow agents including menstrual pads, according to a report at the time from RealClearPolitics. Herczeg told her fellow agents they would 'burn in hell and needed to listen to God.' #BREAKING AND EXCLUSIVE: @RCPolitics has obtained video of the fight between two women Secret Service Uniformed Division Officers outside former President Obama's residence last week after one officer called a supervisor to come before "I whoop this girl's ass." The https://t.co/6BQyQdEcBs pic.twitter.com/9ouSfHh4sN Susan Crabtree (@susancrabtree) May 27, 2025 It is unclear if the Obamas were in their DC home when the fight unfolded last week It comes a year after Secret Service agent Michelle Herczeg (pictured), who was assigned to then-Vice-President Kamala Harris, was removed from duty after she got into a physical fight with her fellow agents The Secret Service came under scrutiny following the near-assassination of President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania last July, which led the agency's director Kimberly Cheatle to resign and be replaced by Sean Curran (the agent to the right of Trump) Sources at the time said the special agent in charge and a detail shift supervisor tried to calm Herczeg after she began exhibiting aggressive behavior, but she tackled the Senior Agent in Charge of security detail and began punching him. Although Herczeg was armed, her weapon remained in the holster until the she was disarmed by her colleagues. She was handcuffed and removed from the terminal. The Secret Service was overhauled under Trump as his own agent Curran was installed as the new chief soon after the Butler shooting. In recent weeks, another incident involving the Secret Service went viral as footage showed a mysterious man creeping close to Trump's daughter Ivanka. The moment came on May 3 when the First Daughter and her husband Jared Kushner were having dinner at Carbone Beach in South Beach, Florida. In recent weeks, another incident involving the Secret Service went viral as footage showed a mysterious man creeping close to Trump's daughter Ivanka before an agent shoved him away Footage showed an unidentified man holding a Manila envelope, and wearing khaki shorts and a black t-shirt trying to walk alongside them. At that point, an agent in a blue button down shirt and black jeans could be seen gently shoving the man out of the way. When the man then put his hand on the agent, the guard responds by forcefully pushing the bystander out of the way with both hands. The scene sent bystanders screaming in shock - prompting Ivanka to turn around to see what the commotion was. But within seconds, the guard could be seen rushing her and Jared into an awaiting SUV. Amid the footage going viral online, the Secret Service told DailyMail.com: 'During a protective movement on Saturday, May 4, 2025, an adult male encroached, coming too close to Secret Service personnel. 'A special agent immediately intervened, physically redirecting the individual to reestablish a safe perimeter. The public is reminded that during protective operations, maintaining a safe distance from law enforcement and protective personnel is essential. 'Adequate space ensures agents can respond swiftly to unexpected actions and helps safeguard everyone in the vicinity.' A high-ranking drug cartel leader crumbled and begged his squadron of 'sicarios' not to leave him behind as the Mexican Army zeroed in for an intense shootout. Sinaloa Cartel security chief Jorge 'La Perris' Figueroa was killed inside a home that doubled as the criminal organization's drug stash house in Navolato, a city in the western state of Sinaloa, during an Army special unit raid last Friday. Figueroa, who was wanted by the United States Department of Justice, implored the cartel's hitman, nicknamed '37,' to help him escape, according to a leaked conversation obtained by Mexican journalist Jose Luis Montenegro. 'My buddy, my buddy, 37,' Figueroa calmly said in Spanish through a two-way radio. 'Go ahead, go ahead, listen, give me the exact location so I can hit you there with the gang,' the hitman replied. A frightened Figueroa could then be heard saying, 'Don't leave me alone, dude.' The cartel henchman then assured his boss that they were not going to leave him behind. Figueroa seemed to grow tired and worried that he would be captured as he waited for his squadron of killers to rescue him. Sinaloa Cartel security chief Jorge 'La Perris' Figueroa begged his gang of assassins to rescued him as the Mexican military zeroed in on his location last Friday before he died in a shootout A Mexican soldier was captured on video firing towards a target during the raid of a home where they killed two Sinaloa Cartel members, including Jorge Figueroa, who was in charge of providing security for the two sons of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman '37, I'm f****** around the corner,' said Figueroa, referencing the cartel's hideout. 'What are you scared of or something, damn it? If those f****** soldiers are f****** already here, damn it.' 'Come on, man, come closer, man, are you not that tough, come on,' Figueroa said before the audio cuts off. The soldiers eventually got to Figueroa, whose body was seen in pictures lying on a bed next to an assault rifle. Mexico's public safety secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch broke news of Figueroa's death on X on Friday and said that the Army was on the scene to arrest Figueroa before they were met with gunfire. Garcia Harfuch said Figueroa was 'one of the main generators of violence' in the state of Sinaloa. Notorious drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman is escorted to a helicopter by Mexican security forces at Mexico's International Airport in Mexico City, Mexico on February 22, 2014. El Chapo is serving a life sentence in the United States Ovidio Guzman and his brothers took over the Sinaloa Cartel operations after their father, Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman was extradited to the United States, where he is serving a life sentence Figueroa was responsible for overseeing the security of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's two sons, Ivan Guzman and Jesus Guzman, who operate the Sinaloa Cartel faction known as 'Los Chapitos.' Garcia Harfuch said Figueroa led the cartel's war-like response against the military and police following the arrest of El Chapo's son, Ovidio Guzman, at his home in the Sinaloa town of Culiacan in October 2019. The daylight assault left 13 people dead before then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador greenlighted Ovidio's release despite an extradition request from the United States. Figueroa was wanted by the United States government, which was offering a $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. According to the Department of Justice, Figueroa was allegedly in charge of setting up the security details for 'Los Chapitos,' a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel led by El Chapo's fugitive sons, Ivan Guzman and Jesus Guzman. Figueroa shared cartel security duties with Nestor 'El Nini' Perez, who was arrested and extradited to the U.S. on May 25, 2024. He also oversaw El Nini's security and was in charge of coordinating his fentanyl business. A Mexican military vehicle is parked in front of the home that served as a Sinaloa Cartel stash house in Navolato, a city in the western state of Sinaloa Figueroa and other Sinaloa Cartel members were indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of New York in April 2023. Montenegro revealed that the Mexican Army learned of Figueroa's whereabouts after the Sinaloa Cartel's 'La Mayiza' faction, which is led by Ismael 'Mayito Flaco' Zambada, whose father Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada cofounded the organization with El Chapo, shared the location. Figueroa, Montenegro claimed, had been in the process of turning himself after conversation with Mexico and United States officials. A no-nonsense Florida sheriff confronted a man who has been charged with threatening to assassinate him and demanded to know why he wants him dead. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood went toe-to-toe with Matthew Moulton, 45, following his arrest in Washington state. Moulton sent Chitwood an unhinged email accusing him of proliferating 'AI child porn' after the sheriff threatened to publish delinquent children's mugshots, court documents state. He then allegedly told the law enforcement officer, 'I'm going to have to threaten you with death'. Police in Florida said they traced Moulton's email address and contacted the College Place Police Department in Washington. He was arrested on March 31 and extradited all the way to Volusia County, where he is being prosecuted for a felony charge of written threats to kill or do bodily injury. His extradition last has made waves after Chitwood decided to confront Moulton as he was escorted through Daytona Beach International Airport last week. 'Matthew, Im Sheriff Chitwood. I'm the guy you want to kill, and there's nothing I can do about it. Challenge accepted,' Chitwood taunted. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood confronted Matthew Moulton, 45, who is accused of threatening to kill over email Moulton's hands appeared to be restrained under his blue sweatshirt as he talked with the sheriff The two had it out with one another in the middle of Daytona Beach International Airport Moulton told the sheriff he'd merely sent him a Bible verse from Romans 5, but Chitwood was undeterred. 'You do know in Florida, a written threat to kill is a felony. You know that, right?' the sheriff asked. 'Just so you know, I'm the one who made sure you came back, and I hope you enjoy your stay at the branch jail.' In a raspy voice, Moulton said Chitwood 'violated his federal rights'. 'I will also tell you that you will not see Mickey Mouse on this trip, and you have to reimburse us for your flight here and for your stay at the at the county jail,' Chitwood said, talking over the suspect. Chitwood then asked him to 'look me in the eye and tell me why you want me dead.' Moulton did not directly answer, but began ranting about Christianity and telling the sheriff he wasn't a Christian. Chitwood argued back and insisted he is a Christian. 'OK, we're going to take you where you need to go. We will make sure the cell has rubber in it,' the sheriff said as Moulton was shown climbing into the back of a police car. In the email authorities claim was authored by Moulton (pictured in his mugshot), he leveled wild accusations at Chitwood involving AI child porn In referencing 'AI child porn,' Moulton was likely referring to Chitwood's controversial plan to broadcast the mugshots of children who make shooting threats against schools Moulton's arrest report, beyond detailing his alleged writings to Chitwood, also mentions Moulton's bizarre posts on a social media website called GAB (Pictured: Moulton posts a picture of a black, patterned knife that has a cross dangling from the blade) Chitwood first named and shamed Carlo 'Kingston' Dorelli, an 11-year-old boy who was charged with making a written threat of a mass shooting - a felony. His deputies also perp walked the boy on camera Moulton first contacted Chitwood after the sheriff announced his new policy regarding children's mugshots, according to court documents. In the email authorities claim was authored by Moulton, he leveled wild accusations at Chitwood involving AI child porn. 'Do you know what the Internet does with the images of children you expose? They put them into AI and make child porn out of them. They post them on 4Chan,' the email said. During a September press conference, Chitwood raged at underage students who had either brought guns to schools or had made written threats. 'Since parents, you don't want to raise your kids, I'm gonna start raising them. Every time we make an arrest, your kid's photo is gonna be put out there. And if I could do it, I'm gonna perp walk your kid, so that everybody can see what your kid's up to,' he said. Chitwood made good on that promise right away, posting a video of his deputies perp walking an 11-year-old boy who allegedly had a kill list and threatened to shoot up two schools. The boy, Carlo 'Kingston' Dorelli, was also found to be in possession of a large cache of weapons, though they appeared to be fake. Police said they found airsoft rifles, fake ammunition, swords, knives and throwing stars in his bedroom. At least three avid users of 4chan, a social media site known for hosting neo-Nazis, were charged in 2023 after threatening to kill Chitwood (Pictured: Chitwood holds up a photo of Richard Golden, who spent 366 days in prison for his threats against the sheriff) Tyler Meyer, 32, also threatened Chitwood. He would later plead no contest and was forced to reimburse the sheriff's department for the costs it incurred to extradite him from California to Florida Officials also allegedly found a paper in his room with several names that appeared to have stab marks next to them. 'He had written a list of names and targets,' Chitwood said at the time. 'He says it was all a joke.' Moulton is currently in jail on a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on June 19, 2025. Moulton's arrest report also mentions his account on GAB, which is marketed as a free-speech social media platform. His account contains several bizarre posts, including one where he is holding a black, patterned knife that has a cross dangling from the blade. Since his legal troubles began, Moulton also shared his GiveSendGo page that is supposed to raise money for his defense. The page, which he titled 'Our Rights Have Been Crucified', has pulled in just one donation of $25 from one of his friends on GAB. Moulton's goal is to raise $1 million. Chitwood, sheriff of Volusia County since 2017, is no stranger to death threats. Since 2023, he has been on the receiving end of threats from seven different men spread all over the country. Cristhian Zapata, now 25, is pictured in the backseat of police car after threatening Chitwood. Like Meyer, he pleaded no contest and paid a fine to the sheriff's department At least three avid users of 4chan, a social media site known for hosting neo-Nazis, were charged in 2023 after threatening to kill him. Chitwood has long been an outspoken critic of hate groups, especially ones that espouse anti-semitism. The men who made threats were described as Nazi sympathizers by authorities. They include 40-year-old Richard Golden of New Jersey, 32-year-old Tyler Meyer of California, 25-year-old Cristhian Zapata, and Tony Stromberg of Canada. All three men pleaded no contest and were forced to pay several thousand dollars to reimburse the sheriff's department for the cost of their extradition. Golden also spent 366 days in prison after he was sentenced on December 1, 2023. Three other men have also made death threats against Chitwood since 2023, including one man from Alberta, Canada, who allegedly said he would kill the sheriff and his family members. Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge has shut his west London pub just 18 months after opening it and six months after he warned that Rachel Reeves's Budget would decimate the hospitality industry. Mr Kerridge only opened the doors to the Butcher's Tap and Grill in Chelsea in December 2023 following the success of the original pub in Buckinghamshire, but it is set to serve its last customers this weekend. Housed in a two-storey Victorian property, the pub sold food such as gourmet burgers and hot dogs while the bar offered a variety of craft beers. It racked up an impressive four star rating on TripAdvisor with many praising its steak offerings which led one reviewer to label it 'a meat eaters delight'. But rising costs and a decrease in demand led to Mr Kerridge deciding to close the shop. A spokesman for the chef told The Standard: 'The team has worked hard to make the concept work but nothing is a given in the challenging climate hospitality businesses now face. 'Increasing costs demand a match in revenue and turnover that has not materialised at the site, providing an opportunity to regroup, rethink and rebuild. 'The group remains confident it can learn from the experiences in Chelsea and adapt to create something great.' Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge (pictured) has shut his west London pub just 18 months after opening it Mr Kerridge only opened the doors to the Butcher's Tap and Grill in Chelsea (pictured) in December 2023 following the success of the original pub in Buckinghamshire Mr Kerridge warned six months ago that Rachel Reeves's Budget would decimate the hospitality industry The closure comes less six months after Mr Kerridge warned the Budget would have a catastrophic effect on his industry. The chef had previously endorsed Labour at the General Election and was one of 120 business figures who signed an open letter in May saying it was time to give Labour a chance. But in December last year Mr Kerridge said the rise in employers National Insurance payments imposed by Rachel Reeves would lead to a huge amount of closures in the hospitality sector. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp seized on his comments, saying: Labour tricked businesspeople like Tom into supporting them at the election by pretending they had no plans to significantly raise taxes. Mr Kerridge had said he faced additional costs of about 850 a year for each of his 200 staff - totalling 170,000. MailOnline has approached Mr Kerridge for comment. A Democrat mayor is under federal investigation, accused of helping illegal immigrants escape ICE. The probe has been confirmed by US Rep. Andy Ogles Monday, who explained the federal inquiry will look into whether Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell aided and abetted illegal immigration. Homeland Security and the judiciary committees will be looking if tax dollars were used in 'criminal enterprise,' the congressman announced at a Memorial Day press conference. 'If youre helping violent gangs destroy Tennessee by obstructing ICE you belong behind bars,' Ogles said Monday. On Memorial Day, the congressman and other local members of the GOP claimed Mayor OConnell obstructed an operation by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in early May. Almost 200 people were arrested in the week-long sweep between ICE and state police, according to the Tennessean. O'Connell had been critical about the involvement of the Metro Nashville Police Department. The mayor pointed out federal officials had 'shown us no proof' that those arrested in the early May operation were people 'with criminal histories or criminal intent.' The immigration sweeps took part in largely Hispanic areas of Nashville. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 30: Nashville Mayor, Freddie O'Connell, speaks during the 2024 Music City Walk of Fame Induction ceremony at Music City Walk of Fame on October 30, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles (R, Tennessee) speaks at a press conference at the Tennessee State Capitol Building in Nashville, TN on May 26, 2025. Andy Ogles holds a press conference "Stop the Invasion 'We dont even know the names of who theyve arrested, much less the charges,' the mayor told WKRN at the time. 'What we have seen is a violation of due process and the defiance of court orders.' When asked about what specifically he was accusing the mayor of doing, the congressman told reporters, 'Well that's why we're going to have an investigation,' but failed to name any crimes. The Democrat has denied any wrong doing while pushing support for the Belonging Fund. 'The Belonging Fund supports families known to be impacted as a result of activities related to immigration, but the entire point is family supports, cost of living, those kinds of things,' OConnell told the local outlet. 'Its not even intended to be about legal services, so it is about people who have identified food insecurity as a result of possibly losing somebody who was an earner in the household, it is about childcare, it is about basic family needs.' Nashville has become a hot bed for illegal immigrants in recent years. The Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua set up shop there during the Biden Administration. In recent weeks, multiple TdA thugs have been taken into custody during ICE raids across the state.. A towering 45-foot-tall statue of a naked woman has sparked uproar in San Francisco after it was unveiled along the city's iconic Embarcadero. The sculpture, titled R-EVOLUTION, is the work of California artist Marco Cochrane and was first unveiled at Burning Man in 2015. The statue - weighing a staggering 32,000 pounds - was too heavy to be installed in New York's Union Square earlier this year, where it was initially headed. Instead, it has now found a temporary home in Embarcadero Plaza. But its latest appearance - standing completely nude in a major public plaza - has ignited fierce backlash online and in the city. Critics have blasted the piece of artwork as 'obscene' and saying 'nobody asked for it.' 'Somebody put up a 45' naked lady statue in San Francisco, nobody asked for it,' one X user fumed. 'Now you have to walk between her legs to get from the Ferry Building to the Embarcadero.' A towering 45-foot-tall statue of a naked woman has sparked uproar in San Francisco after appearing seemingly overnight along the city's iconic Embarcadero But its latest appearance - standing completely nude in a major public plaza - has ignited fierce backlash online and in the city The statue has her arms outstretched, her eyes closed, and her bare body towering over pedestrians just steps from the bay. The display - which began Thursday, April 10 - is expected to remain in place through October. After that, organizers say it may be leased or sold. From 5-6pm everyday, the statue 'breathes' as built-in electronics cause her chest to slowly rise and fall in a show. But many residents have slammed the statue. 'Who funded this dumb ass s**t?' one commenter asked on X, as photos and videos of the sculpture circulated widely. Others complained the statue was installed without any public input. It was a move permitted because the project was privately funded. 'R-EVOLUTION is public art only in the most literal sense: It exists in public space,' local NPR station KQED wrote. 'The public - as in, the people - had nothing to do with it.' Despite being labeled a message of 'feminine liberation,' the 47-foot sculpture wasn't even made by a woman. Cochrane, 63, has said the piece is meant to inspire a 'shift in perspective' around gender and power. The statue - weighing a staggering 32,000 pounds - was too heavy to be installed in Union Square earlier this year, where it was initially headed The display - which began Thursday, April 10 - is expected to remain in place through October The sculpture, titled R-EVOLUTION, is the work of California artist Marco Cochrane and was first unveiled at Burning Man in 2015 But not everyone is against the eye-popping artwork. 'I'm impressed by the musculature, the accuracy,' retired physician Daniel Murphy, who came to see the piece in person, told Courthouse News. 'There's just a lot of anatomical detail that is more accurate than I would have expected.' A teen's freedom of speech case has made it all the way up to the Supreme Court after he was sent home from school over two years ago for wearing a shirt that said, 'There are only two genders.' The Supreme Court declined to hear Liam Morrison's appeal, upholding a district court's decision siding with Nichols Middle School in Middleborough, Massachusetts, a suburb outside of Boston. The First Circuit Court ruled that the school had the right to prohibit students' viewpoints if they were harmful, citing that the message was offensive to transgender students. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, with Alito writing that the case, 'presents an issue of great importance for our Nation's youth.' The Alliance Defending Freedom and the Massachusetts Family Institute are defending Liam and his parents in the case. 'Were disappointed the Supreme Court chose not to hear this critical free speech case,' ADF Senior Counsel and Vice President of U.S. Litigation David Cortman said in a statement after the ruling. 'Students dont lose their free speech rights the moment they walk into a school building. Schools cant suppress students views they disagree with,' Cortman continued. 'Here, the school actively promotes its view about gender through posters and "Pride" events, and it encourages students to wear clothing with messages on the same topicso long as that clothing expresses the schools preferred views on the subject.' Liam Morrison was sent home from school in 2023 after refusing to take off his shirt that read, 'There are only two genders' Liam and his parents filed a lawsuit against the middle school for infringing on his right to free speech A district court sided with the school, so Liam's attorneys appealed to the US Supreme Court. The court declined to hear the appeal, with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting The case cites a landmark ruling in 1969, Tinker v. Des Moines, which set precedent that students don't shed their right to free speech at school unless it causes 'substantial disruption.' The controversial saga originated over two years ago, when Liam, who was in seventh grade at the time, was asked to remove the divisive shirt. When he refused, his father, Christopher Morrison, was called to pick him up. Liam then returned to school with a piece of tape over the words 'only two' and wrote 'censored,' instead. Liam has since stood by his decision to wear the shirt, accusing his middle school of stripping him of his right to freedom of speech. 'What did my shirt say? Five simple words: "There are only two genders,"' Liam said at a school board meeting shortly after. 'Nothing harmful. Nothing threatening. Just a statement I believe to be a fact.' The family then filed the suit, citing the town of Middleborough, the previous acting school principal Heather Tucker, the Middleborough School Committee, and Middleborough Public Schools superintendent Carolyn J. Lyons. In June, the district court sided with the school, agreeing that educators didn't violate Liam's First Amendment rights. Liam later returned to school with tape over his shirt that read, 'censored.' He was asked to take the shirt off once again The incident happened at Nichols Middle School (pictured) in Middleborough, Massachusetts, a suburb outside of Boston However, last October, Liam's family appealed his case to the Supreme Court in hopes of a different outcome. 'This case isn't about T-shirts; it's about a public school telling a middle-schooler that he isn't allowed to express a view that differs from their own,' Cortman said at the time. Liam wrote an op-ed featured in Fox News in February titled, 'My middle school silenced my free speech T-shirts about "two genders." I'm fighting back.' In his essay, Liam said that his parents taught him to challenge his thinking and come to his own conclusions without outside influences. 'Its natural for our family to have those conversations where we share our different thoughts and views. Shouldnt that be natural and encouraged at school, too?' he wrote. Deborah Ecker, the lawyer representing the school, previously argued that educators were within their rights to ask Liam not to wear the shirt. 'Looking at what the school officials knew about their school, the age of the kids, the LGBTQ community in that school, and the real mental health concerns, their decision to have the plaintiff remove the T-shirt was reasonable.' 'They reasonably could forecast that the message, if he was allowed to wear it in the school and in a classroom, would reasonably cause a disruption to the school work and invade the rights of other students.' Liam wrote an op-ed in Fox News defending his shirt, writing, 'Its natural for our family to have those conversations where we share our different thoughts and views. Shouldnt that be natural and encouraged at school, too?' School officials also argued that the student handbook prohibits clothing implying hate speech based on 'race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation or any other classification.' The school's superintendent defended the decision, noting that some students 'have attempted to commit suicide or have had suicidal ideations in the past few years, including members of the LGBTQ+ community,' Reuters reported. The superintendent added that some of the students' struggles were related to the mistreatment they received because of their gender identity. Liam's case has made national headlines since he was sent home over two years ago. The political climate has changed since then, with President Trump signing an executive order on his first day in office titled, 'Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.' The order redefined the definition of sex as a biological classification of male or female. It also required Americans to have their biological sex listed on all federal documentation instead of their gender identity. The Alliance Defending Freedom and the Massachusetts Family Institute are defending Liam and his family in the ongoing case The political climate has changed since Liam first wore his shirt to class. President Trump signed an executive order stating that the federal government would only recognize two genders The Massachusetts Family Institute, who is also representing Liam and his family in the case, praised the Executive Order. 'For individuals like Liam Morrison, which have been persecuted for saying exactly what this order proclaims, this development serves as validation,' the Massachusetts Family Institute said in January. However, many have called the order transphobic, with LGBTQ+ advocacy organization GLAAD calling it 'inaccurate,' 'inflammatory,' and 'highly unhinged.' DailyMail.com reached out to the Middleborough Public Schools District for comment on Liam's case but didn't immediately hear back. She is a renowned Scots voice over artist whose career spans over two decades. Having graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy for Music, Gayanne Potter went on to voice adverts, announcements and characters and appeared in a number of TV and film productions. But she is now the latest artist to be embroiled in a row over AI plagiarism after learning her voice data is being used on Scotlands trains without her permission. The trained professional, from Edinburgh, said ScotRails Iona, a recently rolled out AI announcer replacing messages recorded by human on some routes, relies on voice data she recorded four years ago. Ms Potter shared an angry post online accusing the nationalised train operator of dismissing her concerns, asking the company: Why continue to choose a dreadful AI version of me when Im right here? The actress said she has been in dispute with a Sweden-based company called Readspeaker about the use of her voice data following recordings she made for them in 2021. She alleges they were made to provide text-to-speech for translation purposes, and their later use in an AI model called Iona went beyond their agreement. Gayanne Potter is one of Britain's most recognisable voices - behind adverts for the likes of Estee Lauder, Apple, LBC radio, and B&Q An AI-generated image of the imagined woman behind the synthetic voice used on ScotRail trains. However, Readspeaker says they have a contract to use her voice and their legal team has comprehensively addressed her concerns. Ms Potters post read: I approached the company and expressed my distress at this, as it was far removed from what I believe I signed up for. I requested them to cease using my data. They refused. Their legal team simply shut down conversations. The voice over artist says she received only a minimal fee for the initial work, which she offered to repay to have the data deleted. Her post continues: So imagine my distress when I discover that ScotRail have installed the Readspeaker model Iona that contains my biometric voice data as their new announcer on all their trains. I did not know. I was not asked. I did not consent. Ms Potter said she felt violated, and argued: ScotRail should employ a real human irrespective of who it is. Referring to a particular station to the north of Glasgow, she said: Why continue to choose a dreadful AI version of me when Im right here... And I know how to pronounce Milngavie. A spokesman for Readspeaker said it was aware of Ms Potters concerns. He continued: Readspeaker and Ms Potter have a contract regarding the use of her voice. Readspeaker has comprehensively addressed Ms Potters concerns with her legal representative several times in the past. Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: We are always looking at ways to improve the customer journey experience, and we know how important both on-train and at-station announcements are. The use of an automated voice allows us to have more control over the announcements being made, ensures consistency for customers, and gives us flexibility to make changes at short notice. ScotRail has always used automated announcements in relation to customer information, but it doesnt replace human interaction through either with pre-recorded audio or staff on trains - something that will continue. We are working closely with Network Rail and other train operating companies to continue making improvements across Scotlands Railway, and we are hopeful of further developments in the coming months. The rail operator has told the BBC it does not intend to remove the AI voice from its trains. Tourism season this year might look a little different in the U.S. with people from several countries opting to skip out on visiting the states. Americans might see a decrease in visitors particularly from those countries hit hardest by President Donald Trump's tariffs. The hotel travel site Trivago has seen a double-digit dip in the percentage of bookings to the U.S. from travelers based in Japan, Canada and Mexico. America's northern and southern neighbors were first on Trump's tariff hit list when he announced on February 1 a 25 percent tax on Canadian and Mexican exports. On April 2, the president held his so-called 'Liberation Day' event where he announced sweeping tariffs on nearly every U.S. trade partner. The government's National Travel and Tourism Office found that visits to the U.S. from overseas fell by 11.6 percent in March compared to the same month the year prior, according to preliminary figures. The economic impact of tariffs on Americans, it appears, has also led to more choosing to spend less on travel this year. Some countries hardest hit by President Donald Trump's tariffs are opting not to visit the states during their holidays this year, according to data from the travel booking site Trivago Americans are choosing domestic holidays amid financial uncertainty and economic instability. There is also now a higher demand for Americans booking cheaper hotels in lower star categories. Additionally, travelers from the United Kingdom are opting to take trips within their borders, as well, Trivago's findings suggest. The travel site also found that demand among Germans for vacations to the U.S. was 'down heavily' this travel season though the decline was less than the Canadian, Mexican and Japanese travel figures. Trump has threatened a 50 percent tariff on Germany, which has the largest economy in the European Union. The president announced on Sunday that paused the tax that was intended to take effect next month. While U.S. hotels are hit hard by this lack of international travel, other businesses in the $2.6 trillion tourism industry are increasingly worried about a 'Trump slump' this season. President Trump announced on April 2 tariffs on 180 different countries and trade partners and now Americans are opting for domestic vacations instead of traveling abroad The president's trade war and tariff threats have caused a volatile market and now his One Big Beautiful Bill Act initiative is causing concerns of a massive crash including in the bonds market. Canadians were particularly furious over Trump's trade war as he repeatedly said the northern neighbors should become the 51st U.S. state because it would be beneficial for the country and its people. Trump leveled earlier this year tariffs on more than 180 countries, but since then has paused most of them for periods of up to 90 days while international governments negotiate deals. A Florida family has been left with $700,000 in damages after a Costco refrigerator delivery went horribly wrong. Bradley Byrd purchased the $3,500 fridge online from the superstore in November, which included installation. However, the free service ended up costing his family hundreds of thousands of dollars due to a faulty water line installation that caused massive flooding. The appliance was delivered and installed by an uninsured third-party contractor hired by Costco on December 2. About six hours after it was placed, Byrd said his daughter frantically called to tell him their house was flooded. 'She facetimes me and says, "Dad, the house is underwater,"' Byrd told local outlet News4JAX. The father said the water supply line had been improperly installed and caused flooding throughout his home. 'So what happened is, during installation, most of the extra water line is wrapped into a coil and taped on the back of the refrigerator like it is now, but the installers didn't do that,' Byrd said. Bradley Byrd (pictured) said his family has been left with $700,000 in damages after a Costco refrigerator delivery went horribly wrong The free service ended up costing his family hundreds of thousands of dollars due to a faulty water line installation that caused massive flooding 'They allowed it to go underneath the refrigerator, and they allowed the refrigerator's wheels to sit on a line, which caused a crack that grew larger and larger.' Video showed Byrd wading through the water that spread throughout his home and damaged furniture, electronics and even structural elements of the house. 'We got the tree up, Christmas presents wrapped. Everything was great. And then all of a sudden, a couple of days later, we had to leave,' Byrd said. 'Right now, we're down to what appears to be a construction site. Still, it looks like an unfinished home, because it is an unfinished home.' Byrd said his family was forced to leave their home, and air quality testing found high moisture levels and mold in a majority of the first floor. He claimed he was given an estimated total repair costs at about $700,000 and neither Costco nor the delivery company have been helping. 'So far, I have spent about $300,000 on repairs, mitigation, third-party charges for reports and testing, and to get our belongings moved out and into storage,' Byrd said. Byrd said he accepted a $38,000 no-strings-attached payment from Costco, but has not agreed to their $175,000 settlement offer. The water spread throughout his home and damaged furniture, electronics and even structural elements of the house The father said the water supply line (pictured) had been improperly installed and caused flooding throughout his home 'They drop the ball and are hoping that I foot the bill with my life savings for their bottom line,' he said. The family returned to their home in March, which does not have a fully functional kitchen or bathroom. Byrd launched a website to document the mounting damage and claims process he has faced. 'These are the expenses to pay for our alternative living, mitigate our house, and bring our house back to the same condition it was in before the damage,' the website states. 'Any enhancements, upgrades in materials, etc., are not reflected here. These are my cost to be made whole and not a penny more.' The website stated the approximate damage to the house is $360k, personal property damaged is $76k, alternative housing and living expense $78k, litigation and moving and storage $117k, and professional services to recover monies from RXO so far is $72k. A pair of pigeons appeared to want to go for a joyride after they flew onboard a Delta flight, leaving passengers scrambling to capture them. The chaotic moment took place Saturday night while passengers on flight 2348 boarded the aircraft in Minneapolis, Minnesota bound for Wisconsin. The clip, captured by passenger Tom Caw, showed the bizarre incident unfold right before his eyes. The dark plane, lit up with blue lights, appeared to be completely full as a man stood in the aisle just before one of the rogue birds charged down the middle of the plane. The man then lifted a jacket in the air, making the pigeon stop in its tracks before it appeared to fall to the ground while other passengers screamed and ducked away. When passengers initially boarded the plane at MinneapolisSaint Paul International Airport, Caw said he overheard someone tell a flight attendant 'there was a pigeon on the plane.' Soon enough, the pilot hopped on the microphone and informed everyone that that was indeed the case and that 'he had no experience with this situation.' The pigeon was then escorted off the plane by baggage claim handlers, Caw said. It is unclear how the birds go on board. A pair of pigeons startled passengers on board a Delta flight on Saturday night after they somehow got onboard 'People applauded. A young girl asked if she could pet it,' he added. Thinking that was the end of the mayhem, the plane prepared for take off on the runway when another pigeon snuck onboard, Caw detailed. 'This is my video of it flying through the cabin. It was caught, and we returned to the gate,' he said. 'Pilot said when he radioed the control tower about us coming back due to a pigeon, the guy said that was a first for him. Pilot told him it was the second time for himthe first being half an hour earlier.' The second pigeon was taken off the plane by another baggage handler and was 'still alive,' Caw said. 'My guess is the pigeons were tired of flying and wanted snacks. They didnt know this flight to MSN is too short for Delta to offer beverage/snack service,' he added. A spokesperson with Delta Airlines told DailyMail.com the flight, with 119 customers and five crew members on board, arrived 56 minutes late due to the incident. 'Delta appreciates the careful actions of our people and our customers to safely remove two birds from the aircraft prior to departure and we apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel,' they added. A man was seen in the middle of the aisle attempting to catch one of the pigeons just before it was escorted off by staff News of the animals on the plane comes a little more than a month after a United Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a rabbit got sucked into its engine. Dramatic video showed a fireball of flames erupting from an engine on Flight 2325 shortly after it took off from Denver Airport on April 13. Passengers on the Edmonton, Canada-bound flight recalled hearing a 'loud bang' and feeling 'significant vibration' just after takeoff, but the aircraft continued to climb. 'Every few moments there was a backfire coming from the engine, a giant fireball behind it,' passenger Scott Wolff told ABC's Good Morning America. 'Everyone in the plane then started to panic.' The Boeing 737 safely landed back at Denver Airport around 8.05pm local time. A four-year-old boy from Northern Ireland who tragically died after being pulled from a hotel swimming pool in Tenerife has been pictured for the first time. Edward James Watson Massey, from Co Down, was found unresponsive on Thursday, May 22 in a pool in San Miguel de Abona, a popular holiday spot in the south of the island. A funeral notice for the young boy reads: 'Edward will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all his friends and family circle.' 'He will be cherished in our hearts forever. Our lives will never be the same without him.' He leaves behind parents Richard and Joanne and sister Victoria. Emergency services rushed to Jose Miguel Galvan Bello Avenue shortly before 5pm local time following reports of a child in cardiac arrest. Several hotel guests, including individuals who identified themselves as doctors, reportedly joined the rescue efforts in a desperate attempt to revive the child. It's understood that a nurse from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) provided CPR instructions over the phone while medics scrambled to locate a defibrillator, The Sun reported. Two advanced life support ambulances and a medical helicopter were sent to the scene. Edward James Watson Massey died after being pulled from a hotel swimming pool in Tenerife last week Emergency services rushed to Jose Miguel Galvan Bello Avenue shortly before 5pm local time following reports of a child in cardiac arrest. Pictured: Stock image of Playa San Miguel de Abona,Tenerife However, despite the best efforts of paramedics, who carried out advanced resuscitation procedures, the child could not be saved. Spanish broadcaster Telecinco stated: 'The child died after failing to recover from a cardiorespiratory arrest following a rescue from a hotel pool.' Local police supported emergency teams at the scene, and the Civil Guard has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told The Sun: 'We are supporting the family of a British child who has died in Spain, and are in contact with the local authorities.' The devastating tragedy comes after a a British woman died after plunging 60 feet from a scenic beauty spot in Majorca. The 39-year-old was rushed to hospital on Monday after falling from a lookout point in the Palma neighbourhood of El Jonquet, which overlooks the sea. Police and paramedics who responded to an emergency call stabilised her and she was transported to hospital, where she was admitted into an intensive care unit. The unnamed Briton died the same night at Palma's Son Espases Hospital, according to reports. A British woman has died after plunging from a scenic beauty spot in Majorca. File photo: Aerial view over Playa de Palma in Majorca Palma police have opened an investigation. Insiders close to the ongoing probe confirmed police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy and said the woman's death was not being treated as a crime. Detectives have spoken with witnesses who saw the woman fall. It was not immediately clear if she was on holiday in Majorca or lived locally. A little girl has been taken to hospital after a car ploughed into two pedestrians in Scotland. Emergency services rushed to the scene at Monreith in Dumfries and Galloway on Tuesday morning. A car and two pedestrians were involved in the incident, with an eight-year-old girl taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. The A747 remains closed and motorists are being asked to use alternative routes. Emergency services rushed to the scene at Monreith in Dumfries and Galloway on Tuesday morning A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'The A747 next to Monreith is closed following a report of a crash involving a car and two pedestrians, around 10.50am on Tuesday, 27 May. 'An eight-year-old girl has been taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment. 'Emergency services are in attendance and drivers are asked to avoid the area.' A furious Melania Trump is denying the 'completely false' rumor that her son Barron was rejected from Harvard University. The viral internet rumor about the 19-year-old resurfaced on Tuesday after President Donald Trump launched another broadside against the Ivy League university, cutting the federal government's remaining contracts, which are worth about $100 million. The first lady's office denied Barron ever applied to Harvard, let alone got turned down from attending. 'Barron did not apply to Harvard, and any assertion that he, or that anyone on his behalf, applied is completely false,' her communications director Nicholas Clemens said in a statement. Harvard has a notoriously high reject rate with about 96% of applicants being told no. Barron Trump at his high school graduation in May 2024 It's unclear where the rumor that Barron was rejected got started. When President Trump launched his first broadside against Harvard in April, canceling a massive round of federal funding after the university wouldn't bow to his demands, the internet went a fire with speculation he was angry because his son wasn't admitted. 'Did Trump target Harvard because the university rejected Barron?,' read several posts on social media. Even a Democratic senator stoked the fires of speculation with a tweet on the matter. 'Can't help but wonder how many Trumps got rejected by Harvard,' Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island wrote on X when he reposted an article about the president's attacks. There has never been any evidence that Barron applied and was rejected. The youngest Trump child broke from family's tradition when he decided to attend Stern Business School at New York University. The president attended the University of Pennsylvania as did many of his children. Other Trump kids went to Georgetown University. In an interview with DailyMail last fall, Donald Trump said Barron had been accepted to 'a lot' of colleges. 'He's a very smart guy, and he'll be going to Stern, the business school, which is a great school at NYU,' he said. He also said Barron had considered following in his footsteps at University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, but ultimately chose NYU. 'It's a very high quality place. He liked it. He liked the school,' said Trump. Melania Trump denied the internet rumor that Barron Trump was rejected from Harvard President Donald Trump with son Barron and first lady Melania at his second inauguration Barron Trump with his parents at Donald Trump's first inauguration Barron graduated from Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida, last May. He lives in Trump Tower in New York while attending NYU. Melania Trump has spent much of her time as first lady in New York with her son. The two are close and she is known to be protective of him. In September, she told Fox News that Barron was always looking at studying in New York. He 'wants to be in New York and study in New York and live in his home,' she said at the time. President Trump, meanwhile, has waged war on elite universities, accusing them of antisemitism and blasting their 'woke' ideology. He claims the top schools in the country are controlled by 'Marxist maniacs and lunatics.' Trump has demanded Harvard eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion program; cut the power of its professors; refuse foreign students; and ban masks at campus protests. Harvard is fighting back just as hard, filing lawsuits in federal court to counter the administration. The US State Department has thrown the summer vacation plans of countless Americans into disarray with a rare travel advisory for Italy warning of an increased 'risk of terrorist violence'. Italy ranks as the fifth most visited country in the world, having welcomed an impressive 65 million international visitors last year alone. Despite its popularity the US State Department has placed the European destination on its travel advisory list with an increase to a 'Level 2' warning, urging 'increased caution' over concerns of terrorist activity. 'There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy,' the department said in the report. The advisory warned that terrorists may strike with little to no warning, urging travelers to remain vigilant in locations commonly targeted. These include tourist spots, transport hubs, shopping malls, hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, parks, sporting events, schools, airports and other public areas. The US travel advisory system consists of four levels, with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 4 - reserved for countries in active war zones or with authoritarian regimes - being the highest. Italy previously held a Level 1 advisory - the lowest level - shared by most European countries. The US State Department has issued a travel advisory for Italy , warning travelers of an increased 'risk of terrorist violence' The advisory - a Level 2 - warned travelers that terrorists may strike with little to no warning, urging them to remain vigilant in locations commonly targeted Commonly targeted areas include tourist spots, transport hubs, shopping malls, hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, parks, sporting events, schools, airports and local government buildings A Level 1 advisory simply advises travelers to 'exercise normal precautions' when visiting international destinations. The department has stated that their advisories are regularly reviewed and updated based on current intelligence, security conditions and other relevant factors to ensure the safety of US citizens abroad. However, the agency did not elaborate why a more serious warning was issued at this time, especially since no recent incidents were cited to justify the change. Nevertheless, travelers are urged to remain vigilant, follow local news and register with the US embassy either before or during their trip. Italy previously held a Level 1 advisory - the lowest level - shared by most European countries Italy ranks as the fifth most visited country in the world, having welcomed an impressive 65 million international visitors last year alone The new warning places Italy alongside other Western European countries that face similar advisories, including France, Germany, Spain and the UK Preparing a contingency plan for emergency situations was also recommended. The Italian government has not yet commented on the renewed warning. The new warning places Italy alongside other Western European countries that face similar advisories, reflecting broader regional concerns over potential terrorist threats. France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom are among those with Level 2 advisories from the State Department. In May, a similarly vague advisory was issued for Switzerland, despite its longstanding reputation as one of the safest countries in the world. For years, now, women have been losing jobs after daring to express the view that biology is real and important. Companies and public bodies, captured by the demands of extremist trans activists, have exacted cruel punishments on those expressing perfectly mainstream - and legal - views on sex and gender. Inevitably, tribunals have followed a number of these cases. During these, weve heard horrifying details of women treated abominably by employers in thrall to campaigners who urged and enforced the illegal adoption of self-ID policies when it came to single-sex spaces. Weve heard of women bullied and shunned for questioning the right of those born male to self-identify into womens spaces, from changing rooms to domestic violence refuges. Equally inevitably, those women capable of fighting back have been winning legal actions. But even a rock solid case does not make it easy to retaliate. Good lawyers are expensive and the process is draining, both physically and emotionally. For every woman who has triumphed in court, there are many more for whom launching a legal case seemed impossible. The establishment by the novelist and philanthropist JK Rowling of a fund to support womens legal protection of their rights immediately removes any financial barriers to action for those with viable cases. Author JK Rowling has established a fund to support womens legal protection of their rights The intervention of Ms Rowling should, right now, be concentrating minds in human resources departments across the country. Since the Supreme Court ruled, last month, that sex, in law, was a matter of biology rather than paperwork, a number of organisations - in both the public and private sectors - have issued statements announcing their decisions to consider the implications for their policies. This widespread and reckless complacency stands to cost companies - and taxpayer-funded bodies - dear. The facts are simple. If a service is offered on a single sex basis that means biological sex, not personal identity. The law is the law and no further consideration is required in order for employers to meet their obligations under it. A number of past legal actions after women were unfairly dismissed or bullied out of jobs for refusing to agree with the mantra trans women are women were possible thanks to the support of online crowd-funding campaigns. Ms Rowling frequently promoted - and donated to - such fundraisers. Now, shes a one-woman crowd-funder, ready to back the cases of every woman wronged at work for speaking the truth about sex. The JK Rowling Womens Fund will transform the battlefield when it comes to women discriminated against for their legitimate, reality-based views. At the heart of industrial tribunals there may be vulnerable people playing for high stakes but the human cost means nothing to the insurers underwriting employers costs. For them, its all about the bottom line and the prospect that every woman with a case now has access to the best lawyers in the business will, I suspect, encourage many to urge settlement rather than the humiliation, and inevitable cost, of more doomed defences. If one required proof that womens rights are in need of the fiercest protection, it came in the response to the launch of Ms Rowlings fund. With delicious pathos, one activist lawyer declared online that the Harry Potter creator had emerged from the shadows as the funder of what he described as the anti feminist biology is destiny movement. Ms Rowling has never been in the shadows when it comes to her views on womens rights, has she? Other responses were, predictably, more violent in tone. The ongoing tribunal involving nurse Sandie Peggie, claiming discrimination and harassment against NHS Fife and trans-identifying doctor Beth Upton, brought the issue of the way so called gender critical women had been treated at work to wide attention. This is a case that cut through with the public and forced some politicians to address an issue they preferred to avoid. Scottish Labours leader Anas Sarwar and his deputy, Jackie Baillie, announced their support for Ms Peggie and declared their belief in the importance of biological sex. If theyd known what they know now, they added, they would not have voted in favour of the SNPs ultimately doomed plan to allow anyone to self-identify into the legally-recognised sex of their choosing. But while the Peggie case and the subsequent ruling on the legal meaning of sex by the Supreme Court may have forced a humiliating U-turn by the Labour leadership on the matter of biological reality, others remain stubbornly committed to defiance of the law. Naturally, the Scottish Greens - a great Wodehousian satire of a revolutionary cell - remain committed to the use of single-sex spaces by anyone who feels they belong to that sex. There have been recent statements of resistance from trade unions, too. Unison has permitted a trans woman to run for a women-only position on its national executive council. But every act of performative defiance by well-funded trade unions - or taxpayer-funded local authorities and health boards - is another costly legal action in the making. It should not have been necessary for JK Rowling to guarantee to underwrite the legal costs of women discriminated against for their views on sex and gender. Nobody should ever have lost a job, a promotion, or a contract on the basis of their view that sex is immutable and important. Nor should the novelist have felt it necessary to establish, in 2022, Beiras Place, a women-only support service for victims of sexual violence in the Lothian area. Ms Rowlings decisions to fund Beiras Place and to underwrite the legal costs of women discriminated against for believing in the reality of sex are acts of feminist philanthropy which, in a world not made batty by gender ideology, would have been hailed by our political leaders. I know that recognition is the last thing on the writers mind but isnt it downright weird that, when he talks of the achievements of successful Scots, First Minister John Swinney never mentions the support Beiras Place has given to hundreds of women? Money is not the only thing women taking action to defend their rights need. Ask anyone who has been through the tribunal process and theyll tell you that the emotional support of friends and allies is essential. This comfort will not be in short supply for those women who receive backing for their cases from the JK Rowling Womens Fund. The writer is part of an international network of campaigners, fighting to protect womens rights against the demands of trans activists, and calls to action and support do not go unheeded. Let the nations human resources departments brace themselves. A most remarkable plot twist has just been written. Holidaymakers face weeks of travel misery at Scotlands two biggest airports this summer as staff look set to walk out in a dispute over pay. Around 600 ground crew workers at Edinburgh and Glasgow international terminals could bring operations to near standstill after emphatically rejecting two separate pay offers. Now union leaders are warning that strike action is looming unless their employer Menzies Aviation puts an improved deal on the table. Unite the Union, which represents the workers, branded the basic pay offer of around 4 per cent at Edinburgh and 4.25 per cent at Glasgow as unacceptable after the company announced a record-breaking performance last year. And it said if improved offers are not made it will have no option but to ballot members on industrial action during the peak season. This could lead to delays and cancellations affecting major airlines including British Airways, Loganair, Emirates, Lufthansa and AIR Transat, all of which are supported by Menzies ground handling and passenger services workers. Holidaymakers could face mayhem this summer as airport staff walk out over pay Menzies staff are also used by Aer Lingus, American Airlines and United Airlines, with strike action likely to spell misery for tens of thousands of holidaymakers hoping to jet off to popular destinations such as Spain and the US. Unite industrial officer Carrie Binnie said: Summer strike action looms over Edinburgh and Glasgow airports because the pay offers on the table from Menzies Aviation arent good enough. Menzies Aviation has the ability to improve its offers and they can easily resolve this pay dispute without any disruption to the travelling public. If the company fail to table a better offer to our members, Unite will have no option but to ballot our members for strikes over the summer holidays. A total of 97 per cent of the estimated 300 workers balloted in Glasgow voted against the latest pay offer of 4.25 per cent, while all 300 staff based at Edinburgh turned down an offer worth around 4 per cent. It comes just two months after Menzies, which has ground handling staff at around 300 airports in 65 countries, announced it had achieved its fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth after global revenue reached 1.9billion [$2.6bn (USD)] - up 20 per cent over the year. The company also reported global earnings before tax of 282million [$382m] last year. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said in the wake of this members emphatically rejected unacceptable pay offers. She added: The Menzies group is posting sky-high profits and our members who contribute towards this success deserve far better from the company. On its website Menzies put its success down to its staff and non more so than ground services, which includes flight dispatchers, airside agents and controllers. It states that they always do our best to deliver safe and trusted service and a world-class passenger experience for every customer, every time, adding: None more so than ground services, where our dedicated teams make sure that more than 250m passengers every year are ready for take-off through the delivery of a portfolio of supportive services. But if strike action goes ahead it could impact on a number of flights in and out of the two airports. Last year during the peak summer months Glasgow saw on average 30,000 passengers a day go through the terminal on 240 flights. Edinburgh, meanwhile, reported a record 15 million passengers in 2024, which it hailed as a milestone achieved for the first time ever at a Scottish airport. It announced new destinations of New York, Dubai, and Toronto, with even more routes on the timetables for this year including to Boston and Vienna. Neither Edinburgh nor Glasgow airports were willing to comment on the latest pay dispute. But a spokesman for Edinburgh Airport stressed that Menzies was just one of a number of providers of ground handing staff at Scotlands largest airport. The latest threat of industrial actions comes a week after Unite announced wage wins for 100 North Air workers across Scottish airports, and over 140 ABM cleaners and OCS workers who assist passengers with mobility issues based at Glasgow Airport. Last year, planned strikes at Glasgow and Aberdeen airports were also called off after workers accepted a new pay deal by employers ICTS in July. Around 300 workers voted overwhelmingly to walk out over the busy summer months if the offer of a basic pay increase of 4 per cent, back dated to January, and a 500 one off payment was not improved. But Unite confirmed the dispute came to an end after a pay deal worth up to 12.8 per cent was agreed. Menzies Aviation said last night it was committed to finding a solution to avoid disruption during the busiest time of the year. Phil Lloyd, Senior Vice President UK, Menzies Aviation, said: Following the rejection of recent pay award proposals, we remain committed to seeking a resolution. We have invited Unite to return to the table to continue discussions this week and hope to reach an agreement which is workable for both the business and our employees at both Edinburgh and Glasgow. We will continue to work to pursue an agreeable solution to protect services for our airline and airport partners and their customers. Diddy's former personal assistant told jurors at his trial that she was forced to take lie detector tests for five days and threatened with being thrown in the East River if she failed. Taking the stand on Tuesday, Capricorn Clark said she was left 'petrified' after being brought to an abandoned building in New York and locked in while being questioned about the hip hop mogul's missing jewelry. Another time, she claimed Diddy kidnapped her at gunpoint and drove her to a love rival's house where he intended to shoot the man dead, the court heard. Diddy allegedly broke into the home and then chased the other man after he pulled up out the front in his car. The extraordinary claims emerged during the testimony of Clark, 46, who repeatedly broke down in tears while describing her nightmarish employment with Diddy. Diddy, 55, whose real name is Sean Combs, has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution. He faces life in jail if convicted. During her testimony, Clark said that a few months after working for Diddy in 2004, a diamond necklace with a cross, a diamond bracelet, and a diamond watch all went missing. Diddy's former assistant Capricorn Clark repeatedly broke down in tears while describing her nightmarish employment with the music mogul, on the witness stand on Tuesday Clark's account of Combs's volatility and violence launched the third week of testimony at his federal sex trafficking trial in Manhattan The next day Paul 'Uncle Paulie' Offord, Diddy's head of security, took her to a vacant building in Manhattan - it would later be used for an office for Diddy's record label, Bad Boy - and had the doors locked behind him. They went to the sixth floor where on an abandoned floor there was a fold up table and a huge man sitting chain smoking. In vivid testimony she said the man was 'the size of two linebackers'. Clark said: 'He said I had been brought to the building to take a lie detector test to figure out what happened with this jewelry. 'He said if you fail these tests they're going to throw you in the East River', referring to the river off the coast of Manhattan. According to Clark, the man was 'very serious.this was a very serious conversation. I was petrified'. Fighting back tears, Clark said she did the test because 'I was afraid of what would happen if I didn't pass.and the test was the only way to get through this thing'. After some time the man administering the test told her the results were 'inconclusive'. She said: 'It was: 'I'm not getting a good reading. You need to calm down. You're going to be in the East River If I can't get a good reading on this'. I couldn't calm down. I wasn't doing a good job of calming down'. Clark, pictured with Diddy and Fonzworth Bentley in 2005, exposed the mogul's list of celebrities enemies Tuesday, name-dropping Suge Knight and 50 Cent. She was fired by Diddy in 2012 Clark, pictured with Cassie Ventura in 2008, has been mentioned about a dozen times by various witnesses who have taken the stand in the trial During cross examination Diddy's lawyer Marc Agnifilo showed Clark a text she sent him in 2021 in which she warmly reminisced about working for him The next day Offord brought Clark back to the same building again and they kept going for the rest of the week, the jury was told. Clark said: 'I was told I was not able to leave until we got to the bottom of it'. She was asked to return to work on Monday and never went to the police. The threats to Clark's life - which totaled around 50 during her time with Diddy - had actually begun on day one of her employment, she told the court. Diddy took exception to her having worked for his hip hop rival Suge Knight and, during a walk in Central Park, told Clark: 'If anything happened he'd have to kill me'. The threats were sometimes aimed at other people including rapper 50 Cent, with whom Diddy has a long-running feud. According to Clark, early in her employment with Diddy they were at the MTV office and were doing some publicity with 50 Cent. She told the court: 'After the interview wrapped up, myself, Puff (Diddy) and Chris Lighty got in an elevator'. Clark took the stand Tuesday and told the court she started working with Death Row records after graduating college, with Diddy's rival Suge Knight as her manager Clark told the court the first threat came when Diddy learned she had previously worked for his rival Suge Knight; pictured with Tupac in 1996 Lighty, who died in 2012, was Diddy's manager and was also managing 50 Cent at the time. Clark said: 'Puff told Chris - they were having some issue - I don't like the back and forth, I don't like that. I like guns. He (Diddy) had an issue with 50 Cent'. Asked to describe Diddy's demeanor, Clark said: 'Very serious'. By 2011 Clark had become the Global Brand Director for Sean John, Diddy's fashion label. One morning that December she was woken up around 5.30am by Diddy who was standing outside her apartment in Los Angeles a jealous rage after finding out his girlfriend Cassandra Ventura was seeing somebody else. Clark opened her door to see a 'furious' Diddy who, bizarrely, had a split in his grey trousers by the crotch so she could see his underwear. He was also holding a gun in his hand and demanded to know about the rapper Kid Cudi, also known as Scott Mescudi, who had been dating Ventura at the same time as Diddy. Clark said: 'He said why didn't you tell me? I said I don't know what you're talking about. He said who is Scott? I said I don't know any Scott. He said Kid Cudi. I said oh Cassie's friend'. Clark said she was upset that her relationship with Cassie got in the way of her job with Diddy Referring to Mescudi, Diddy said: 'Get dressed we're going to go kill this n*****'. When Clark resisted, Diddy told her: 'I don't give a f*** what you want to do. Go get dressed'. Fighting back tears, she said: 'I'd never seen anything like this, he'd never come to my house.I'd never seen him with a weapon, never seen him making me do something (like) this'. They arrived at Mescudi's house in the Hollywood Hills and Diddy and his security guard, Reuben, gained entry to the property. Clark said she called Ventura and told her that 'Puff (Diddy) came and got me with a gun and brought me to Cudi's house to kill him'. She heard Mescudi on the other end of the phone saying: 'He's in my house'. Clark said: 'I could hear him running out. I said Cassie stop him, he's going to get himself killed. She's like, I can't'. Shortly after Diddy got out of the house, Mescudi pulled up. Kid Cudi testified Thursday that he had gone to a West Hollywood hotel with Cassie to get her away from the seething Combs when he got a call from Clark, who sounded 'very scared' and 'on the verge of tears' Kid Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi, told the court that the next day his Porsche 911 Cabriolet was set on fire and that he suspected Diddy was responsible Clark said: 'Puff (Diddy) looked in my face, I gave him a visual cue it was him. There's that n***** right there. 'Cudi (Mescudi) pulled up, came to a complete stop. Took a look and sped up the hill. Puff and Rube jumped in the car and we started chasing him. It felt like forever but couldn't have been more than a minute'. After some police passed them on the way to Mescudi's house, Diddy began to calm down and told Clark to go and speak to Ventura and Mescudi. Diddy allegedly said: 'Once you get Cassie you guys need to go talk with (Mescudi) and convince him not to tell the police it was me. If you guys don't convince him of that I'll kill all you m************'. When Clark relayed this to Mescudi he was 'mind blown', Clark said. She took Ventura to Diddy's home and he subjected her to a brutal heating. Clark said: 'Puff was standing there in a robe and underwear and he immediately began kicking Cassie. '(He used) 100 percent full force in her legs to begin with. He kicked her in her thigh, her leg, he kept kicking her'. Ventura kept backing off and eventually ended up in the courtyard in the fetal position but Diddy kept up the beating. He allegedly told Clark that 'if I jump in he was going to f*** me up too'. Diddy then ordered Clark to get off the property and in distress she called Ventura's mother and told her to call the police. Mescudi has told the court that the next day his Porsche 911 Cabriolet was set on fire and that he suspected Diddy was responsible. When Clark was called by the police and an arson investigator she hung up the phone, she told the jury. In tears once more, she said: 'I wanted this whole thing to be over and that was going to make it worse'. Recounting another disturbing episode, Clark said that Diddy objected to her being away from him for an hour in the summer of 2006 while at his Miami home. Rob Walker, the manager of Pharrell Williams, had come over as they were shooting a video on an island nearby and Clark accompanied him after he let. Sixty minutes later, Diddy rang Clark and said: 'Where the f*** are you?' so she went back Another time at the Miami home, Clark complained to the chef and said, 'I hate it here' and he went berserk. Clark said: 'She walked outside and told him what I said, it exasperated her. He immediately looked at me, he said you hate it here, he charged at me. 'Ran towards me and started pushing me back, out towards the front entrance of the kitchen, about 25, 30 yards'. Diddy's attorneys have argued in court that he is guilty of domestic violence, which he is not charged with, but not of sex-trafficking or racketeering The second alleged kidnapping happened when Clark was taken by Diddy's bodyguards to sit through 'days of lie-detector tests' Lifting her arms up to show they jury, she said: 'Right here, the top of my shoulders '(He was saying) if you hate it here get the f*** out of my house! He repeated it until we were outside'. Clark quit her job but rejoined Combs later on, one of several times she left his employment then went back before she finally quit in 2018. During cross examination Diddy's lawyer Marc Agnifilo showed Clark a text she sent him in 2021 in which she warmly reminisced about working for him. The message read: 'Totally unrelated to our current conversation, but did you know I had the biggest crush on you before I first started working for you? When we hung out all the time. I played it super cool.I couldn't tell if it was mutual. I just know for sure you liked to have me around. Sometimes I wonder if we misused all that dope chemistry. It was super fun back then'. The message said she used to call Diddy 'Choc', short for Chocolate, adding she had 'great memories' from those days. Clark cried again when asked to describe how working for Diddy had been positive in some ways. She said: 'Coming from my background without finishing college it was another form of business school if I could make it through. 'I did learn a lot of stuff from Mr. Combs. He knows how to executehe's tenacious, he wanted to break the glass ceiling as to what we were allowed to do with black people in the business world and that was.it helped to be working with someone who would match wits with you in the fervor to be successful'. Removing her glasses and wiping the tears from her eyes with a tissue, Clark said: 'This is very complicated'. Clark became distraught after being shown emails from her time working with Diddy - the judge asked her if she needed a break but she said no. Clark said she felt like Diddy's 'protector' and that it was painful to her that the only reason she was rehired was because Ventura asked him to do so. 'This is my whole life,' she said, 'and their shenanigans: I have no parents, my son has autism, he's nonverbal. My stakes are higher, sir'. Agnifilo asked about why Clark reached out to Diddy in 2021 and asked for a letter of recommendation. 'I needed his help so I could take care of my son,' she said. Agnifilo asked: 'You reached out to him consistently, you wanted him to forgive you?' Clark replied: 'I wanted my life back'. A one-year-old boy was found dead inside a blisteringly hot pickup truck in southwest Albuquerque on Sunday evening. Police have described the death as 'a very tragic incident' and one that occurred while the child was supposed to be under the supervision of a male relative who authorities say, simply forgot he was there. 'It's obviously a tragedy. But a one-year-old - it's really difficult to fathom,' said Albuquerque Police Department Public Information Officer Gilbert Gallegos The child's parents dropped him off around 10:30am leaving him in the care of a young adult relative. But what should have been a routine day turned to horror when that relative left the child in the back seat of his vehicle, parked in the sun with the windows closed. It wasn't until almost six hours later at 5pm that someone realized the baby was missing. Family members contacted the caregiver to ask where the child was, prompting a frantic search - and a heartbreaking discovery. 'They realized the child wasn't inside the home,' Gallegos said at a press briefing. Family members were devastated after a one-year-old child died after being left in a hot car Police were on the scene but were unable to revive the baby boy who passed away 'Family members may have started CPR, but Albuquerque Fire Rescue took over. They tried for a long time to revive the child. Unfortunately, the child died at the scene.' Although the official cause of death is pending an autopsy, police say all signs point to heatstroke. 'I know the family was really devastated at the scene,' Gallegos said. 'It was a pretty large extended family. So I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers and be respectful of what they're going through right now.' The neighborhood has been left stunned by the horror of what happened. The National Weather Service estimates the interior of the parked vehicle could have reached more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit even though Albuquerque's high on Sunday was around 83 degrees. The closed car turned the vehicle into a oven. According to experts, 80 percent of a car's temperature rise occurs in the first 10 minutes, making such tragedies horrifyingly quick. 'It doesn't have to be that hot outside for it to be deadly,' Gallegos stressed. 'Being in a hot truck with the windows up can get extremely hot after just a little bit of time.' As temperatures rise with the warmer weather experts are once again urging vigilance. The entire street was closed off while police carried out their investigation Police have described the death as 'a very tragic incident' and one that occurred while the child was supposed to be under the supervision of a male relative who authorities say, simply forgot he was there 'A child's body overheats three to five times faster than an adult's,' Gallegos said. 'Even at 72 degrees outside, the inside of a car can become deadly in minutes.' Kids and Car Safety is pushing for more widespread use of technology like rear-seat reminders in vehicles, and greater public awareness campaigns - especially in states like New Mexico, where summer heat can strike with lethal speed.' 'Check the back seat,' Gallegos urged. 'Always.' 'The temperature the car can hit can go over 115 degrees - and in many cases, even higher. These situations happen at least once a year, and in some years, multiple times,' said Paul Szych, a public safety expert with KOAT. Despite the devastating outcome, no arrests have been made but police say the case remains under investigation and that they've been working closely with the local district attorney and the Children, Youth and Families Department. The young caregiver, who initially fled the scene before returning, has been interviewed but is not currently facing charges. Despite the devastating outcome, no arrests have been made but police say the case remains under investigation 'His relatives speculated that he was just traumatized,' Gallegos said. 'They said he was a good person, but he was just in shock when this happened.' Authorities have also confirmed that there is no prior history of child abuse or neglect involving the family. According to the national nonprofit Kids and Car Safety, the death of the Albuquerque child marks the fourth hot car death of a child in the US this year. Since 1990, at least 1,127 children have died in hot cars across the country and more than 7,500 have suffered injuries ranging from heat exhaustion to severe brain damage. Nearly 90 percent of the victims are under the age of 3. In over half of those cases, the child was unknowingly left behind by a parent or caregiver. 'The problem is, people jump to the conclusion that a parent left a child in the vehicle,' said Valencia County Fire Chief Matt Propp. 'But a lot of times, it's somebody who's not accustomed to having a child with them - a family member, a friend. And those few hours - that's all it takes.' Propp also voiced his frustration with bystanders who hesitate to intervene when they see a child trapped in a hot vehicle. 'The recurring theme we hear is: "Why didn't you break the window? I didn't want to get sued." But the alternative is so much worse.' All 23 CVS Pharmacy locations in Arkansas are at risk of closing following the passage of an obscure new state law. The legislation, known as Act 624, was signed into law last month by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. It bans Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from owning or operating pharmacies starting in 2026. It would make Arkansas the first state to prohibit vertical integration between PBMs and pharmacies - a business model used by CVS Health through its subsidiary, CVS Caremark. Supporters say the law addresses longstanding concerns about market competition and transparency in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Governor Sanders called the measure necessary to curb what she described as 'abusive' PBM practices. 'These massive corporations are attacking our state because we will be the first in the country to hold them accountable for their anticompetitive actions,' Sanders said in an April press release. PBMs act as intermediaries between drug manufacturers, insurers and pharmacies, negotiating prices and determining reimbursement rates. Critics argue that PBMs who also own pharmacies can steer patients to their own outlets while under-reimbursing independent competitors. John Vinson, CEO of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, said the law aims to restore fairness in the marketplace. 'The Arkansas Pharmacists Association is supportive of Act 624,' Vinson said. All 23 CVS Pharmacy locations in Arkansas are at risk of closing following the passage of a new state law The legislation, known as Act 624, was signed into law last month by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (pictured) 'Act 624 is pro-business and pro-fair competition as it will support a market to remove conflicts of interest and stop price setters from also being price takers in a way that raises drug prices while also squeezing out market competitors.' CVS Health warns the law could have serious consequences for patients and health plans across the state. A company spokesperson told Newsweek the legislation will increase drug costs and disrupt care for over 340,000 CVS pharmacy patients in Arkansas. 'All of our 23 Arkansas stores are currently open and will continue to operate for the immediate future. We're doing everything we can to continue to provide pharmacy services to our 340,000+ Arkansas pharmacy patients,' the spokesperson said Tuesday. CVS also disputes claims that PBMs harm independent pharmacies, noting that there are currently 14 more independent pharmacies in Arkansas than in 2019. The company also argued that its PBM reimburses independent pharmacies at a higher rate than CVS locations in 61 percent of cases. 'Facts should matter more than rhetoric, and a simple economic analysis could have avoided all this chaos,' the spokesperson added. 'Small businesses, employers, health plans and others are going to have to pay more for prescription drugs starting next year because of this new law. The legislation makes Arkansas the first state to prohibit vertical integration between PBMs and pharmacies - a business model used by CVS Health through its subsidiary, CVS Caremark 'Proponents of the bill have consistently made misleading claims about the need and rationale for this legislation, while downplaying the devastating impact it will have on patient care.' PBMs have faced increasing scrutiny over opaque pricing practices, according to the Center for American Progress, which claims that CVS Caremark controlled roughly one-third of the PBM market in 2022, with other health giants such as Cigna and UnitedHealth close behind. With Act 624 set to take effect on January 1, 2026, CVS says it is reviewing its options in the state. While no closures have been confirmed, the future of its Arkansas locations remains uncertain. A British pensioner has been arrested in Chile's Santiago Airport after allegedly being caught trying to smuggle 11 pounds of methamphetamine into the country. The 79-year-old man, whose identity has not been revealed, had arrived on a flight from Cancun, Mexico and was detained after a scanner detected a 'suspicious' substance in his suitcase. He had been due to spend one night in a hotel in the Chilean capital before boarding a flight to Sydney, Australia the following day. The pensioner appeared in court where a judge approved a prosecution request to remand him in custody pending likely charges and a trial. Police say the drugs apprehended would have been worth around 200,000 on Chilean streets. The Brit traveller was asked to open his suitcase in front of cops who discovered a secret compartment where the drugs had been packed. Airport police chief Sergio Paredes said it was the first time the arrested man had entered Chile. He said: 'This person came from Mexico and when he was arrested and taken to the anti-narcotics squad's airport offices, he said that the suitcase had been received by some Mexican nationals at Cancun airport. A British pensioner, 79, was arrested in Chile's Santiago Airport (pictured) after allegedly being caught trying to smuggle eleven pounds of methamphetamine into the country Police say the drugs apprehended would have been worth around 200,000 on Chilean streets (Pictured: Stock image of Chilean police) Chilean customs officers released pictures of the drugs (above) they had confiscated and said they had 'intercepted a foreign citizen' 'He was due to spend a night in a hotel in the centre of Santiago before boarding a flight to Sydney, Australia.' Mr Paredes said police were still investigating whether the drugs were due to remain in Chile or be taken to Australia. He told local press: 'Prosecutors are looking into this and trying to establish whether the drug was for internal consumption or was due to be transported by this British national to Australia.' Chilean customs officers released pictures of the drugs they had confiscated on X, saying they had 'intercepted a foreign citizen'. Their post read: 'Customs officials intercepted a foreign citizen with more than five of kilos of methamphetamines hidden in a secret compartment in his luggage at Santiago Airport. The pensioner had been due to spend one night in a hotel in the Chilean capital before boarding a flight to Sydney, Australia (pictured) the following day 'He was stopped after his luggage was scanned and has been remanded in custody.' The pensioner's arrest is the latest in a series of similar recent apprehensions around the world involving British nationals - although most have been far younger than the man held in Chile. Yesterday it emerged a British couple aged 33 and 34 had been held at Valencia airport after police discovered 33 kilos of cannabis in their luggage. The pair claimed they were tourists coming from Thailand after they were intercepted coming off a flight from France. A 23-year-old British woman in Ghana was arrested last week after being accused of attempting to bring up to 18kg of cannabis into the UK on a British Airways flight to Gatwick. Yesterday it emerged a British couple aged 33 and 34 had been held at Valencia airport after police discovered 33 kilos of cannabis in their luggage (pictured) Meanwhile Bella May Culley, 18, parked a massive international search operation in early May after she was reported missing while she was believed to be holidaying in Thailand. It was later revealed that the teen, from Billingham, County Durham, had been arrested 4,000 miles away on drug offences in Georgia, allegedly carrying 30 pounds of cannabis into the ex-Soviet nation. Recently 21-year-old Charlotte Lee May, from Coulsdon, south London, was also arrested in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo after police discovered 46 kg of 'Kush' - a synthetic strain of cannabis - in her suitcase. The former flight attendant, facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted, is claiming she had 'no idea' about the drugs worth up to 1.2 million and insisting they must have been planted in her luggage without her knowledge. Astrology, tarot cards and seances are not often associated with the pragmatism and sobriety of the Royal Family. But Princess Diana - in moments of personal crisis - often turned to the spiritual realm for reassurance, cramming her diary with appointments in the late 1980s and 90s. Andrew Morton wrote in the authorised biography Diana Her True Story: 'When she first began investigating the possibilities of the spiritual world, Diana was very open, almost too open, to belief. 'She was so much at sea in her world that she clutched at any prediction, in the way that a drowning man clutches at flotsam.' But a former palace official told royal author Sally Bedell Smith that this was a 'cry for help'. Diana was first encouraged to speak with a spiritual advisor by Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York. In 1986, the couple referred Diana, tortured over her failing marriage to Prince Charles and the pressures of royal life, to astrologer Penny Thornton. 'I just wanted to see,' she told Thornton, 'if there is light at the end of the tunnel.' Princess Diana (pictured in Egypt) crammed her diary with spiritual appointments in the late 1980s and 90s In 1986 Prince Andrew and Sophie referred Diana, tortured over her failing marriage to Prince Charles and the pressures of royal life, to astrologer Penny Thornton. Charles and Diana are pictured Andrew Morton wrote: 'When she first began investigating the possibilities of the spiritual world, Diana was very open, almost too open, to belief.' Diana is pictured in Japan in February 1995 Diana began seeing psychic Betty Palko, naturopath Roderick Lane, celebrity psychic Sally Morgan, astrologer Debbie Frank, clairvoyant Vasso Kortesis, medium Rita Rogers and homeopathic dowser healer Jack Temple. Morton wrote that Prince Charles, who himself is known for his interest in holistic medicine and philosophy, was not supportive of Diana's many spiritual appointments. He said: 'When Charles saw her reading a book called Facing Death while she was on holiday he asked her bluntly what she was doing wasting her time reading about all those issues.' Diana became close friends with San Lorenzos restaurant owners Lorenzo and Mara Berni, who Morton wrote 'had a reputation of an Indian earth mother'. They encouraged Diana's interest in astrology, tarot cards and 'other realms of alternative metaphysics such as clairvoyance and hypnotism'. It was around this time that Diana was introduced to Debbie Frank who - as Morton wrote - 'combines general counselling and analysis concerning the present and the future as they relate to the conjunction of planets appropriate to Diana's birth time and date'. 'Born under the sign of Cancer, Diana has many qualities typical of that sign: protective, tenacious, emotionally attuned and nurturing. 'As her confidence in herself grew, Diana started to see these methods of self-analysis and forecast as tools and guides rather than as a lifeline to gab on to.' Renowned psychic Betty Palko is pictured, who was Princess Diana's psychic between 1985 and 1990 Diana became close friends with San Lorenzos restaurant owners Lorenzo and Mara Berni, who Morton wrote 'had a reputation of an Indian earth mother'. She is pictured leaving San Lorenzo in 1994 Andrew Morton wrote in Diana Her True Story: 'When she first began investigating the possibilities of the spiritual world, Diana was very open, almost too open, to belief' As depicted in season six of The Crown, Diana and Dodi visited psychic Rita Rogers - one of the UK's best-known mediums just weeks before they died in the fatal car crash in Paris. They were put in touch by a mutual friend in 1994, and Rogers did an initial reading over the phone before they met in person. 'You couldn't pull the wool over Diana's eyes,' she said. 'She could spot a fraud from 20 paces, and would have quickly sussed me if I hadn't been genuine.' Christopher Andersen, author of The King, said: 'Over the years Diana went through a revolving door supply of astrologers, faith healers, numerologists, tarot card readers, clairvoyants, psychics, and 'spiritual advisors. 'Most told her what she already knew: that her husband was cheating on her with his old flame.' Bodyguard Ken Wharfe agreed. 'Diana was in the thrall of all these mad psychics,' he told Tina Brown in The Diana Chronicles. Diana and Dodi visited psychic Rita Rogers - one of the UK's best-known mediums - just weeks before they died in the fatal car crash in Paris Rita Rogers and Diana (pictured) were put in touch by a mutual friend in 1994, and Rogers did an initial reading over the phone before they met in person At the inquest into Diana's death it was noted that Diana's reliance on spiritual advisors offered companionship and a sense of comfort during a difficult time - but also fueled her paranoia. The inquest heard Diana was obsessed with clairvoyants - including one she dubbed 'Fergie's witchwoman', whose identity was not revealed. Mr Jephson, a former lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy, worked for Diana between 1990 and 1996. He said he was worried that she put so much faith in astrologers and soothsayers because this 'fed the paranoia that never lurked far beneath the surface'. By the time of her Panorama interview in 1995, he said, Diana 'saw plots everywhere', even claiming that someone had taken a 'pot-shot' at her with a gun in Hyde Park. 'Needless to say, I had all the accusations checked out, but the threats were, as I had known all along, all in her imagination.' The psychic bloodline of the royal family can be dated back to the days of Queen Victoria. Rogers said: 'You couldn't pull the wool over Diana's eyes. She could spot a fraud from 20 paces, and would have quickly sussed me if I hadn't been genuine' Occult expert J.H. Brennan claimed that Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, was 'fascinated by spiritualism' and would invite mediums to Buckingham Palace and hold seances In his book Whisperers: The Secret History of the Spirit World, occult expert J.H. Brennan claimed that Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, was 'fascinated by spiritualism' and would invite mediums to Buckingham Palace and hold seances. Brennan also claimed that Victoria's servant John Brown, whom she was rumoured to have a romantic relationship with, actually acted as a medium to help her channel the spirit of her beloved late husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Many other members of the Royal Family, such as the Queen Mother, the late Queen and Prince Philip have also reportedly attended seances and other investigations into the paranormal. In the documentary The King of UFOs, paranormal historian Richard Felix claimed that Queen Elizabeth II attended a seance in 1953 hoping to connect with her then-recently deceased father. The queen's mother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, sister, Princess Margaret, and husband, Prince Philip, were also reportedly in attendance. Last year Diana's former butler revealed that the late royal haunts his mansion in Cheshire and that the late Queen also believed in the supernatural. Paul Burrell, pictured with Diana in 1994, started working in the Princess's royal household in 1987 and was her personal butler until her death in 1997 In his memoir Spare, Harry said that he once sought help from a woman who claimed to have powers to connect with his late mother Paul Burrell started working in Charles and Diana's royal household in 1987 and was the Princess's personal butler until her death in 1997. He was having his home inspected by a group of ghost hunters on an episode of Celebrity Help! My House is Haunted when he made the claims. Prince Harry wrote about exploring the occult to feel connected to his late mother. In his memoir Spare he said that he once sought help from a woman who claimed to have powers to connect with his late mother. 'Your mother says that you are living the life that she couldn't live,' Harry recalled the woman telling him. 'You're living the life she wanted for you.' The British Royal family may well be one of the most documented families in the world. From the ten o'clock news to The Crown and even South Park, it is hard to flick through the channels without coming across a fictional version of our beloved royals. So what happens when you take three of the Mail's royal experts and ask them to watch portrayals of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as seen on our screens throughout the years? Will they find the clips realistic? Is there any truth to the Hollywood retellings of Megxit? And what would really happen if a senior royal came out as gay? Find out on Acting Royal - a brand new series available exclusively on the Daily Mail's Royal YouTube channel. In the first episode, Rebecca English, the Daily Mail's Royal Editor, Richard Eden, the Daily Mail's Diary Editor, and Charlotte Griffiths, the Mail on Sunday's Editor at Large, give their verdict on four films and two series that depict the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - with varying degrees of accuracy. Rebecca English, the Daily Mail's Royal Editor, reacts to clips of fictional versions of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Charlotte Griffiths, the Mail on Sunday's Editor at Large, gives her verdict on the films and TV series Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace (2021) Set three years after the royal wedding, Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace follows the couple as they step down from their frontline duties as senior royals following the birth of their first son Archie. It received a 10 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In the clip shown to the Mail's royal experts, Harry, played by Jordan Dean, and Meghan, portrayed by Sydney Morton, are told by a courtier that the Queen can only meet with them in '23 days time'. 'We British tend to be rather good at pretending something isn't happening for so long, it'll simply just go away,' the courtier says. 'That was a great line from the courtier,' Rebecca, who has covered the royal beat for the Daily Mail since 2004, said. 'That was definitely the Palace's reaction to what Harry and Meghan were asking. 'Harry and Meghan had been speaking to the Palace for a very long time about their desire to have this half-in, half-out relationship where they didn't have to be full time working royals and they could pursue commercial interests but still retain the perks and also do some of the work. 'That actually did happen,' she confirmed. Adding his own two cents, Richard, who edits the newspaper's diary, said: 'Essentially Harry thought that if he sat down with his grandmother Elizabeth and talked things through, she would understand what their concerns were and they would be able to work things out. Jordan Dean and Sydney Morton star in Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace (2021) Richard Eden, the Daily Mail's Diary Editor, watches the film which received a 10 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes 'But he later complained that even though she had initially agreed to meet him, then it became difficult and courtiers started putting up barriers, saying they'd have to wait and they couldn't meet. 'That eventually forced them to rush out statements,' he added. 'When Harry wrote Spare, I think he was imagining this in his head,' Charlotte said. 'It's almost like it's Spare vomited onto a TV screen - it's such nonsense, it's so unrealistic.' Spencer (2021) Starring Kristen Stewart, Spencer follows Princess Diana as she spends her Christmas holidays at Sandringham with the Royal Family - all while knowing that her husband is having an affair. The film was met with critical acclaim with Stewart later picking up a Satellite Award for Best Actress. In one touching scene, Diana is seen with her sons Prince William and Prince Harry discussing presents. 'This is Prince Harry at his sweetest,' Richard said. 'Lying their with his head in his mother's lap. Kristen Stewart won an award for her portrayal of Princess Diana in Spencer (2021) Richard said the image of a young Prince Harry lying in his mother's lap was a 'picture of innocence' 'It's a picture of innocence really and how they had their ideal life with their mother. It's a very nostalgic portrayal. 'Generally when we see representations of William and Harry with their father, it tends to be quite formal and stiff.' Referencing the bestselling book Spare, Richard added: 'Harry has written about that in his memoir, how his father would come and say goodnight to him and it always felt quite formal. 'But here we have Harry just lounging around, lying with his head resting in his mother's lap. 'It couldn't be a more intimate, natural setting and I presume that's what the filmmakers are trying to portray.' Red, White and Royal Blue (2023) Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, Red, White And Royal Blue follows Alex, the son of the American President, as he develops a romantic relationship with Prince Henry, the self-described 'spare' rather than heir to the British throne. 'This is definitely not The Crown,' Rebecca said as a half-naked British prince is found hiding in a hotel wardrobe by the White House's Deputy Chief of Staff. Red, White And Royal Blue follows Alex (centre left), the son of the American President and Prince Henry (centre right) Based on the novel of the same name, the unlikely pair develop a romantic relationship 'I can't believe you've put me on the spot with this one,' she added. Recoiling at a rather crude line in the film, Richard said: 'This is very cheeky to include this, isn't it? 'It's certainly an amusing fantasy,' he said. 'And you've got the practicalities as well. 'In this case, they are talking about "the spare" so it is not the direct line of succession but if it was the heir to the throne then you are thinking about children and the implications of that. 'It's a really interesting scenario but we will stick with fantasy just for now. 'This is something which we have never seen in Britain,' Richard added. 'An openly gay member of the royal family, let alone, in this case, a very senior one. 'It was a big story when a very junior member of the extended Royal Family, Lord Ivar Mountbatten, came out as gay and got married so this is really something I find hard to envisage at all.' Indeed, Lord Ivar Mountbatten, who recently appeared on the Traitors US, is the first member of the British monarch's extended family openly in a same-sex relationship, and upon marrying his partner James Coyle in 2018, he was the first to have a same-sex wedding. Reacting to the romantic comedy, Charlotte said that it's 'about time we had a gay member of the Royal Family' Adding her own commentary about Red, White and Royal Blue, Charlotte said: 'Obviously completely mad but very funny. I wonder if they've ever watched it? 'I think it's about time we had a gay member of the Royal Family. We'll have to see what happens in the future.' The Prince (2021) The Prince is a controversial adult cartoon series which premiered on HBO in 2021 but was cancelled after one season. It followed an animated Prince George as he navigated 'the trials and tribulations of being a royal child'. But it also featured caricature versions of Harry and Meghan on the made-up reality show 'Royally Screwed' where the royal couple renovated houses to turn them from 'drab' to 'fab'. In the episode played to the Mail's royal experts, the Anderson Family is taken into their new kitchen by the animated Duke and Duchess who reveal that they spent $100,000 on 'solid gold inlay'. 'That's very good,' Charlotte said while pausing the video. 'They are alluding to their big spending habits. 'At the time, they had just done Frogmore Cottage up for 2.4million so I am sure that's what that is riffing on.' In the controversial HBO series The Prince, Harry and Meghan star in the reality show 'Royally Screwed' Rebecca said that the animated series sums up 'the money for old rope-ism of what Harry and Meghan have been doing since leaving the Royal Family' 'This clip is particularly funny,' Rebecca said. 'It really sums up very effectively the money for old rope-ism of what Harry and Meghan have been doing since leaving the Royal Family in terms of their Netflix and media deals. 'That's been a criticism that has been levelled at them a lot,' she said. 'Taking vast sums of money and producing sub-standard content for it.' Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance (2018) First aired on Lifetime, this film follows Harry and Meghan throughout their courtship as they struggle with the mounting media attention. The Mail's Royal experts were shown a clip of Meghan, played by Parisa Fitz-Henley, as she rants about the paparazzi hounding her family. 'I spent the entire day asking, no, begging, my nearest and not-so dearest friends and family to turn the press away, to refuse cold-hard cash and deny that Meggie is dating Harry because your family would not consider that dignified,' the fictional Meghan says in the Lifetime film. 'That is pretty insulting,' Rebecca said in reaction to the line. Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romances stars Parisa Fitz-Henley (left) and Murray Fraser (right) Richard described the depiction of Meghan as 'ridiculous' 'This is ridiculous,' Richard said while gesturing at the screen. 'This idea that Meghan here was upset by the news coming out. 'I remember distinctly that when a newspaper broke the story of Harry and Meghan's romance, Meghan appeared to be loving it. 'She was smiling for the cameras who had flocked to her house in Canada. 'Didn't she later say that she was asked not to smile so much because it was sort of awkward for the Royal Family?' he questioned. 'This idea that she was horrified by the reaction I think is absurd.' Family Guy - Season 22, Episode 3 (2023) The creators of Family Guy are more than used to poking fun at celebrities - and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no exception. 'Sir,' an animated butler says as he approaches an animated Harry and Meghan sunbathing by a pool in an episode of Family Guy which aired in 2023. 'Your millions from Netflix for no one knows what.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear on Family Guy as their butler hands them a cheque from Netflix Charlotte congratulated Family Guy for a 'good take' on the royal couple 'Put it with the rest of them,' Harry replies. 'Babe,' Meghan interjects. 'Time to do our daily $250,000 sponsored Instagram post for Del Taco.' 'Well, that's very funny,' Charlotte said. 'The Instagram thing isn't true because they didn't use Instagram for ages. 'The thing about not knowing why on earth they are being paid so much by Netflix has definitely come to pass. 'So well done Family Guy,' she said. 'I think that was a good take.' To watch more of our experts' reactions to portrayals of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on screen, watch the first episode of Acting Royal now and subscribe to the Daily Mail's Royal YouTube channel. A British toddler has become the youngest ever member of Mensa - the largest and oldest high-IQ society in the world. Joseph Harris-Birtill was officially welcomed into the elite club at the age of just 2 years and 182 days. To qualify for Mensa, you must have an IQ of at least 132, putting you in the top two per cent globally. The youngster impressed the society after saying his first word at just seven months old. 'It soon became clear that he was an exceptional little being,' explained his mother, Dr Rose Harris-Birtill. 'He first rolled over at five weeks, said his first word at seven months, and read his first book out loud from cover to cover at one-and-three-quarter years. 'By two-and-a-quarter years old he was reading out loud fluently for 10 minutes at a time, could count to 10 in five languages and could count forwards and backwards to well over 100.' Joseph is even younger than the youngest female Mensa member, Isla McNabb, who was 2 years 195 days old when she joined. A British toddler has become the youngest ever member of Mensa - the largest and oldest high-IQ society in the world Joseph Harris-Birtill was officially welcomed into the elite club at the age of just 2 years and 182 days Somewhat unsurprisingly, Joseph's parents, both 39, work in academic fields. His father, David, is a Senior Lecturer at the University of St Andrews, while Rose is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the same university and Editorial Director at the Open Library of Humanities. 'He's learning morse code, knows the Greek alphabet, and has recently gotten interested in the periodic table,' his mother explained. 'His interests are vast and varied, and he is always keen to learn more and loves a challenge.' Despite scoring at the 98th percentile, Joseph doesn't realise yet just how clever he really is, according to his parents. 'He is very kind and loving, confident and curious, and incredibly determined,' his mother said. 'He loves a challenge and is really exhilarated by complexity, whether learning chess or poring over new words and concepts that he hasn't come across before.' His parents decided to reach out to Mensa to get more support for Joseph, after it became clear how advanced his reading skills were. Despite scoring at the 98th percentile, Joseph doesn't realise yet just how clever he really is, according to his parents His parents decided to reach out to Mensa to get more support for Joseph, after it became clear how advanced his reading skills were 'I searched online for any further support available, and saw that Mensa offers resources and membership for highly able children,' Rose said. 'We hope that this accomplishment can give him a sense of pride when he is older it's a very unusual accolade and the credit is all his!' Rose hopes Joseph's story will help to raise awareness about highly able learners. 'It is a common misconception that everything is super easy for gifted children,' she said. 'But everyone needs appropriate stimulation and understanding throughout their lives, and highly able learners can sadly have their unique talents dimmed by the pressure to fit into environments that simply haven't been properly designed for them. 'Joseph is fortunate enough to attend a brilliant nursery and has an excellent music teacher, and in Mensa we hope to provide him with a community of peers as a source of further support as his formidable intellect continues to grow and develop.' A massive data breach that exposed over 184 million online accounts has been discovered, and experts are calling the stolen information a 'cybercriminal's dream.' The trove of Apple, Facebook, and Google usernames and passwords was found online in an unmanaged server by data breach hunter and security researcher Jeremiah Fowler. The mysterious database not only contained secure login data for millions of private citizens, but also had stolen account information connected to multiple governments around the world. While looking at a small sample of 10,000 of these stolen accounts, Fowler found 220 email addresses with .gov domains, linking them to more than 29 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, China, India, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. 'This is probably one of the weirdest ones I've found in many years,' Fowler told WIRED. 'As far as the risk factor here, this is way bigger than most of the stuff I find, because this is direct access into individual accounts. This is a cybercriminal's dream working list,' the cybersecurity expert continued. In total, Fowler discovered 47 gigabytes of data with sensitive information for accounts on various sites including Instagram, Microsoft, Netflix, PayPal, Roblox, and Discord. The best action to take right now is to change your passwords if you use any of these platforms and also activate Two-Factor Authentication, which adds another layer of security to logging in by sending a secure code to your phone or email. The trove of Apple, Facebook , and Google usernames and passwords was found online in an unmanaged server by data breach hunter and security researcher Jeremiah Fowler Fowler discovered the database in early May while searching the internet for vulnerabilities in major computer networks. The unprotected database was managed by World Host Group, a web hosting and domain name provider founded in 2019. It operates over 20 brands globally, offering cloud hosting, domain services, and technical support for businesses of all sizes. Once Fowler confirmed that the exposed information was genuine, he reported the breach to World Host Group, which shut down access to the database. Seb de Lemos, CEO of World Host Group, told WIRED: 'It appears a fraudulent user signed up and uploaded illegal content to their server.' Fowler said 'the only thing that makes sense' is that the breach was the work of a cybercriminal because there's no other way to gain that much access to information from so many servers around the world. How the 184 million accounts ended up in the open database is still a mystery. There were no identifiable owners and no purpose for the logins IDs to be there. Fowler suspected that the person who collected the private data used a malware program called infostealer to compile this list. Any hackers who accessed the database before its discovery could use the stolen usernames and passwords to log into accounts, potentially stealing personal data or money. They could have also committed fraud by making unauthorized transactions or engaging in identity theft. The mysterious database not only contained secure login data for millions of private citizens, but also had stolen account information connected to multiple governments around the world The cybersecurity expert warned that this particular breach also poses a major national security risk. Exploiting government email accounts could allow hackers and foreign agents access to sensitive or even top secret systems. The stolen data could also be used as part of a larger phishing campaign, using one person's hacked account to gain private information from other potential victims. Along with creating new passwords and activating Two-Factor Authentication, cyber experts urge anyone who use these platforms to starting monitoring their accounts for suspicious activity. That includes watching over emails, banking apps, and social media accounts for changes that you did not make yourself. Apple, Google, and Meta users can also consider freezing their credit, and activate fraud alerts on their bank accounts. This will allow them to block anyone from using their personal information to open up new financial accounts in their name. The best action to take right now is to change your passwords if you use any of these platforms and also activate Two-Factor Authentication This latest discovery of stolen records comes just days after over one billion Facebook users had their private account information allegedly stolen in one of the largest data breaches in social media history. A cybercriminal using the alias ByteBreaker claimed to have scraped 1.2 billion Facebook records and is now selling the data on the dark web. Scraping, or web scraping, involves using automated tools to collect large amounts of data from websites, similar to copying and pasting information at scale. Fowler noted that it's unlikely scraping was used in this new scheme because of the presence of plaintext passwords in the database. At least three city-killing asteroids that could strike Earth are hiding behind our closest neighbor in the solar system. A new study warns that Venus is blocking out our view of many near-Earth asteroids - large space rocks that cross or come near Earth's orbit - setting up the potential for a devastating impact. Researchers from Brazil, France, and Italy found that several asteroids in sync with Venus's orbit are extremely hard to spot because they're often hidden by the Sun's glare. Three in particular, 2020 SB, 524522, and 2020 CL1, have orbits that take these asteroids dangerously close to Earth. Even worse, the asteroids don't follow perfectly stable paths, meaning any kind of gravitational change could shift their course and pull them towards Earth. The three asteroids flying along with Venus measure between 330 and 1,300 feet in diameter, making each one capable of leveling entire cities and setting off massive fires and tsunamis. The researchers noted that the Rubin Observatory in Chile might be able to spot deadly asteroids approaching from our blind spot near Venus, but the window to see them would be extremely short, possibly lasting only two to four weeks. If one of these asteroids were to hit a city, it would make a crater over two miles wide and release over one million times more energy than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945. At least three city-killing asteroids that could strike Earth have been discovered near our closest neighbor in the solar system - Venus (Stock Image) Most of the solar system's asteroids are in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter. However, others are co-orbital with planets. Astronomers are now finding more of these asteroids co-orbiting with Venus, posing a threat to Earth The international team, led by Valerio Carruba of Sao Paolo University, focused on asteroids that share Venus's orbit around the Sun, called Venus co-orbital asteroids. 'Twenty co-orbital asteroids of Venus are currently known,' the authors wrote in their report to the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. 'Co-orbital status protects these asteroids from close approaches to Venus, but it does not protect them from encountering Earth,' they warned. Essentially, these asteroids are like dancers moving in step with Venus as they both move around the Sun; staying safely away from it due to their synchronized orbits. However, their wobbly and unpredictable paths can cross Earth's track, and if they reach that crossing point at the same time as Earth, they could crash into us. The near-Earth asteroids 2020 SB, 524522, and 2020 CL1 are the most concerning because each has a very small Minimum Orbital Intersection Distance (MOID) - the closest distance between their orbit and Earth's orbit around the Sun. A smaller MOID means an asteroid's chance of colliding with Earth increases dramatically. These three asteroids near Venus have MOIDs of less than 0.0005 astronomical units (AU), which is about 46,600 miles - closer than the Moon's average distance from Earth. In April, scientists at NASA increased the chance of an asteroid hitting the Moon to four percent. That prediction came after the probability of an impact on Earth rose to 3.1 percent - the highest odds ever recorded for a large asteroid. Researchers warned that they might be able to spot deadly asteroids approaching from our blind spot near Venus, but the window to see them would be extremely short, possibly lasting only 2 to 4 weeks Since telescopes here on Earth have a limited ability to see in all directions out in space, the researchers believe that a dedicated space probe needs to be launched towards Venus. According to their report, this is the only thing that can fully map the 'still invisible' hazardous asteroids hiding in Earth's blind spot. In February, NASA ruled out the possibility that another asteroid known as 2024 YR4 striking Earth in 2032. The threatening space rock is around 200 feet in diameter and still has a 1-in-25 chance of colliding with the Moon. Were it to hit the Earth, it would unleash a blast at least 500 times more powerful than that of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Despite moving out of the danger zone, scientists are still tracking 2024 YR4 to learn its exact size of composition. If 2024 YR4 does hit the Moon in seven years, knowing these key facts could be a major boon for scientists around the world. The blast wouldn't affect Earth but it would be the first time scientists could watch a known asteroid create a lunar crater in real-time. The data gathered from this impact could help scientists understand more about other craters on the lunar surface. Self-styled atheist Joe Rogan has apparently found God. The podcast star is now attending church services on a 'consistent' basis, according to one of his former guests, religious scholar Wesley Huff. 'Joe Rogan and I have had on and off communication since then,' Huff said of the January appearance. 'I can tell you for a fact that he is attending a church, and that has been a consistent thing.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Coming to terms with God: Joe Rogan has flip-flopped between being a believer and non-believer in Christianity and Jesus, something he attributes to a difficult childhood Believer: Wesley Huff (left) was a guest on the Joe Rogan (right) Experience in January, when the pair delved deep into questions of Christianity and the Bible Huff said on the Know What You Believe podcast that he's stayed in contact with Rogan since that three-hour interview where the two men took a deep-dive into Christianity and the Bible. 'And so, things are happening,' Huff said of the podcaster's spiritual awakening during the May 20 podcast. It comes just weeks after Rogan admitted he quit alcohol due to health concerns. Huff added that Rogan is a 'very inquisitive individual' who has been looking for reliable and trustworthy sources of information regarding Scripture. Huff noted that interest in Christianity was beginning to see a 'resurgence' in recent months, with many teenagers reportedly seeking out more information about the Bible. 'We had someone who reached out to us recently at Apologetics Canada, who is probably the last bricks-and-mortar Christian bookstore that I've ever heard of,' the 34-year-old scholar revealed. 'But they said, "We have people walking through our doors asking, young people, teenagers saying, "I want a Bible. All my friends are reading this thing,"' Huff continued. DailyMail.com has reached out to Rogan for comment about Huff's claims. The revelation that Rogan may have found religion comes just weeks after the podcaster said the resurrection of Jesus Christ seems more believable than the logic of the Big Bang theory. The podcaster criticized how people doubt Jesus's resurrection while accepting the Big Bang as scientific truth. 'I'm sticking with Jesus. Jesus makes more sense. People have come back to life,' he said during the May 7 podcast with TikTok personality Cody Tucker. Rogan has flip-flopped between being a believer and non-believer, something he attributes to a difficult childhood. He has previously said growing up he was 'pretty atheist' but became spiritual after the death of his grandfather. During the January interview with Huff, Rogan was left stunned after being gifted what his guest claimed was evidence Jesus was real. Huff handed Rogan a replica of what Christians say is one the oldest known manuscripts of the Bible, known as Papyrus 52, which is believed to be the oldest excerpt of the long-lost Gospel of John in the Bible. Thought to have been written nearly 2,000 years ago, the artifact details how Jesus stood trial and some consider it eyewitness testimony from the period leading up to his crucifixion. Huff, the son of missionaries, was born in Pakistan and grew up surrounded by religion, saying his family had the Bhagavad Gita [Hindu scripture], the Book of Mormon, and the Koran on the shelf. Seeing the light: Huff said Christianity was experiencing a 'resurgence' in recent months, with many teenagers reportedly seeking out more information about the Bible Huff's claims that Christianity is seeing a comeback in 2025 have merit, as a new poll recently revealed a significant increase in the number of people reading the Bible across the U.S. According to the American Bible Society, a poll of more than 2,600 people throughout January 2025 found that the number of Bible readers increased from 38 to 41 per cent. The poll considered anyone who read Scripture more than three times a year outside of church to be a Bible reader. That would equate to roughly 10 million more people reading the Bible in 2025 if the numbers are correct. From 2024 to 2025, researchers found that both Gen Z and millennials were reading from Scripture more than they were a year ago. 'Millennials saw a 29 per cent increase in Bible use from 2024 to 2025 and men saw a 19 per cent increase, closing the long-time gender gap,' the American Bible Society revealed in a statement. Previously, men and younger adults were the least likely Americans to express an interest in the Bible. Rogan also falls into the 56 per cent of all Americans who are now showing an interest in the Bible, Jesus, or both. Until now, Rogan has remained fairly skeptical of the existence of Jesus and the biblical stories of his resurrection. During a June 2024 episode of Rogan's podcast, the host asked musician Kid Rock where he would go if he could travel back in time. The musician replied: 'Jesus.' When Rogan asked if he truly believed Jesus would be there, Kid Rock answered: 'Absolutely. 1,000 per cent.' Pressed further, he said the reason was simple: 'My faith.' Rogan sat silently for a few seconds, staring at Kid Rock, before saying: 'I mean, that's a good answer.' 'I think the concept of Jesus is absolutely amazing, and if Jesus came here and wanted to visit me, I would be psyched,' noting that he's 'very interested in the idea of Jesus being a real person,' he continued. However, he also told Kid Rock: 'I want Bigfoot to be real, just like I want Jesus to be real.' An Australian woman has warned travellers after US border officials made unfounded accusations she was a prostitute before hauling her into a private area and trawling her phone for 'proof'. Sydney woman Everlyn 23, said she went to Los Angeles in October last year but her holiday was derailed when she was subjected to the 'beyond degrading' ordeal from customs officers at the airport. The young woman said she was singled out by Transport Security Administration (TSA) agents as soon as she arrived at the airport. One female agent was 'extremely hostile' when asking about the 23-year-old's job and lifestyle. The agent then appeared skeptical when she told her she worked in the public service for a branch of the Australian government. 'They accused me of being a sex worker from the outset, before they had even checked my phone or any documentation,' she told Daily Mail Australia. She said she waited in a secluded area of the airport, before an agent arrived and asked her directly, 'do you have sex for money?'. Everlyn informed him she had never done such a thing in her life. Everlyn said TSA agents searched her phone for 'proof' she was a sex worker without any basis for the accusations A TSA agent stops a passenger as they try to get through the airport in the US (stock) She said the agents must have stereotyped her. 'They were making assumptions and treating me in a humiliating manner whilst completely unfounded,' Everlyn said. Unsatisfied with her answers, officials made her wait at the back of a line before taking her to a detention area where she had to undergo an even more humiliating ordeal. Officials searched through her phone for 'proof' of her supposed double life. One agent had searched the word 'sex' in Google and forced the 23-year-old to open her private messaging and banking applications. 'A female agent walked in after and loudly commented that she would 'never pimp herself out,' which was completely uncalled for and humiliating,' she said. Everlyn's stomach began turning when authorities discovered personal messages and explicit photos she had shared privately with her boyfriend. 'I wasn't made aware that they would be looking through such personal content, and they were showing these photos to the other male agents in the back,' she said. The incident follows a number of other women announcing they will no longer fly to LAX and sharing their own horror stories 'He showed me the photos directly and then took the phone to the back where I could hear other male officers making comments.' 'It was beyond invasive and degrading. There were multiple men in the room, and I felt completely violated. After the invasion was over officials tried to convince her to admit to conducting sex work, even trying to coax her into talking to him like a friend. 'Obviously the answer was still 'no'.' The officials at one point threatened to fly her back to Australia. The ordeal lasted two to three hours, she estimated, as she opened up about the experience to 'help others avoid such a traumatic experience'. Everlyn said she believed officials targeted her because she was travelling alone. 'I do think the main reason they made such an absurd assumption is because I was traveling alone as a young woman,' she said. The young woman said she felt 'degraded and invaded' after officials conducted the search of her phone 'It felt like they saw 'solo female traveler' and immediately jumped to conclusions, completely disregarding anything else.' The tourist, who goes by evrlynbb on TikTok, shared a clip yesterday telling part of the story. The video amassed tens of thousands of views, and garnered more than one hundred comments. Many women shared the same things had happened to them or their friends. 'This exact thing happened to me too!! I missed my connecting flight it was horrible,' one woman said. 'Why must they do this?' 'This has happened to so many Australian girls I know, especially if they're flying into LAX and solo,' another added. 'Some customs officers seem to show misogynistic bias by assuming that pretty women must be escorts. That's sad,' a third commenter wrote. In a later comment, the Sydney-sider said she felt denigrated by the episode. 'Two to three hours and I got sl*t-shamed by a female TSA agent when I didn't do anything,' she wrote. In June 2023, TSA agents were caught on surveillance video at Miami International Airport stealing from passengers as they went through security. The shocking footage showed Labarrius Williams, 33, and Josue Gonzalez, 20, working together to steal money from passengers' bags at security checkpoint E on June 29. In June 2023 TSA agents were caught on surveillance video at Miami International Airport stealing from passengers as they went through security Video provided by the Miami-Dade County State Attorney's office showed Williams shifting around items in a bin and then walking away while Gonzalez puts his hand on the item. Gonzalez was then seen gripping something in his hand while removing it from the bin, then immediately dropping something in his pocket before returning to the conveyor belt. Another clip showed Gonzalez starting to unzip a purse as the bin works its way down the belt. On July 6 of that year, Williams, Gonzalez and a third TSA agent Elizabeth Fuster were arrested for allegedly removing $600 from a passenger's wallet while they were going through security. An elderly woman who accidentally flew to Bologna instead of Berlin despite using a different airline has criticised the airport's lack of security. Lena, who has not shared her full name, was flying alone from Sweden to the German capital to visit her son, Paul-Johan, but had a stopover in Copenhagen. It was there that the 79-year-old managed to board a Ryanair flight to the Italian city despite having booked through Easyjet. She said she followed the 'Go to Gate' instructions and 'hurried' when she saw the other passengers boarding the flight last Thursday. 'Once I was on board, I saw that Ryanair was written everywhere, and then I thought: But wait, I was supposed to fly with Easyjet",' she said. Since she had been let on, she presumed there was a collaboration between companies especially since her seat was empty or that she had been re-booked without her knowledge. When her flight went on for longer than she expected, the horror of her mistake dawned on the pensioner. 'I think it's serious that a mistake like this could happen without anyone noticing, considering how much security there is around the flight,' she told local media. Lena, 79, was flying alone from Sweden to the German capital to visit her son, Paul-Johan, when she boarded the wrong connecting flight that took her to Bologna Your browser does not support iframes. 'What would have happened if it had been a terrorist?' Ryanair have said that the responsibility to board the right plane lies with each passenger. They told Expressen: 'There are several information points during the journey where passengers are informed about the flight's destination, including screens at the gate and loudspeaker announcements on board'. Lena said she believed she showed her passport and boarding pass at the gate. Kastrup Airport in Copenhagen said they 'take the incident very seriously and are ensuring careful follow-up with the parties involved'. The pensioner had been on her way to support her son's student group participating in a UN conference in Rostock over the weekend. She had arrived in the Danish capital in good time and even managed to sit and wait for some time. Once on board, she realised that the usual flight time of an hour to Berlin was considerably longer and only began descending 90 minutes in. Her son, more than 900km away in Berlin, was waiting for his mother at the central station where they had missed their train they were supposed to get Half an hour and several concerned messages later, he got a text saying 'Hi, Im in Bologna. What should I do?' 'But it could be that the flight is delayed,' she thought. When she saw the 'Welcome to Bologna' sign after disembarking, Lena said she 'didn't think it was true'. It was only after she was in Northern Italy that she realised both flights to Berlin and Bologna were leaving from the same gate, but the Ryanair flight was boarding first. The confused passenger tried to explain herself to airport staff in Bologna but she said that they had been 'unfair and condescending'. 'I am 79 years old, travelling alone, and it was a very vulnerable situation to end up in. 'A woman who worked at Ryanair accused me of having made a mistake herself.' Her son, more than 900km away in Berlin, was waiting for his mother at the central station where they had missed their train they were supposed to get. Half an hour and several concerned messages later, he got a text saying 'Hi, Im in Bologna. What should I do?'. 'Once I was on board, I saw that Ryanair was written everywhere, and then I thought: But wait, I was supposed to fly with Easyjet",' and presumed there was a collaboration between companies Kastrup Airport in Copenhagen said they 'take the incident very seriously and are ensuring careful follow-up with the parties involved' Neither airline provided much help, he claimed, and Kastrup allegedly did not want to take responsibility, instead re-directing them to the airline providers. After nearly a day in Bologna airport, Lena was finally put in a two-hour taxi to Venice by Ryanair staff. She slept in a hotel before catching an early morning flight to be reunited with Paul-Johan. Her luggage is still in Copenhagen. 'Now I have finally arrived in Rostock, which of course feels good after everything that has happened.' A man who moved from Yorkshire to London has opened up about the biggest differences he's noticed - from what he misses most about the North to one thing in the capital that he finds downright 'disgusting'. Oliver Radcliffe, who hails from just outside Huddersfield, made the move to London six months ago - and he's already picked up on a number of 'wild' differences between the two regions. And while he stressed the capital has 'plenty to offer,' he admitted that it's come as a bit of a culture shock to be regularly faced with 'grumpy commuters' and 'nobody ever saying thank you'. A recent trip back home made Oliver realise it's not just family or a familiar bed he misses - it's the small, everyday things that really make a place feel like home. Writing for MyLondon, here are the three things about northern life Oliver can't stop thinking about - and the one southern habit he's really not a fan of. 1. The water Having grown up near the Pennines, Oliver admitted he maintains 'high standards' when it comes to water quality. According to the Yorkshireman, the 'extremely hard' water in London doesn't quite compare to a 'refreshing, crisp glass of Yorkshire tap water' that 'might as well be an endless supply of Evian'. Oliver Radcliffe, who hails from just outside Huddersfield, made the move to London six months ago - and he's already picked up on a number of 'wild' differences between the regions Describing the taste of London tap water as 'disgusting', Oliver also highlighted his ongoing battle with keeping things sparkling clean in his home And he described the taste of London tap water as 'disgusting'. He explained: 'London tap water is extremely hard, and battling with the limey liquid is a fight you don't realise the pain of until you find a thin film of limescale scum floating on every cup of tea, which even gold label Yorkshire Tea can't fix.' Oliver also highlighted his ongoing battle with keeping things sparkling clean in his home. He said: 'The days of a clear shower screen are a thing of the past, wine glasses - crusty, and don't even get me started on the damage it does to a kettle.' 2. The hills Having gone from a lush landscape of of moors, rolling hills and the Peak District on his doorstep, Oliver says the flatness of London just doesn't cut it. He described the 'endless flat' of London as 'eerie and bleak', though he mentioned the capital has some 'gentle inclines'. He added: 'Simply having hills building up the horizon is something you don't quite appreciate when you become so used to them. Oliver, who grew up a stone's throw away from Denby Dale, says the tradition and flavour of Yorkshire pies are unbeatable 'But taking a Londoner for a trip up to the top of Holme Moss, they will quickly understand what I'm talking about.' 3. The pies If there's one thing Oliver truly misses from home, it's a proper meat-based Yorkshire pie. He declared his 'stereotypically northern, deep-rooted' love for a pie, and often craves a rustic pork, apple and stuffing variety from a local butcher when he's in the capital. He grew up a stone's throw away from Denby Dale - famous for making the world's biggest pie at 40-feet-long - and says the tradition and flavour of Yorkshire pies are unbeatable. He added: 'Whether it's hot or cold, with beans or mushy peas, the rich history of pie-making in Yorkshire is unmatched elsewhere in the country and whatever the generation of butchers have been doing to perfect the recipes over the generations has clearly paid off.' Rating: Jane Austen: Rise Of A Genius (BBC2) Kate Winslet was told by her drama teacher shed never get anything but fat girl roles. Oprah Winfreys boss called her unfit for TV news. Harrison Ford became a carpenter and nearly quit acting for good after the head of Columbia Pictures told him he had no future. The list of hapless nitwits who rejected megastars-to-be is a long one, but none blundered more badly than Thomas Cadell. The publisher fancied himself as an intellectual. He once bragged to his most successful writer, Edward Gibbon, that he would prefer to lose his fortune than publish insipid novelists. But his smugness cost him more than his fortune. Today, Cadell is chiefly remembered as the twit who refused to read even the first page of Pride And Prejudice, when Jane Austens father sent him the manuscript. The bundle of papers was returned unopened, with a five word note: Declined by return of post. Nobody rejects Jane now. With the 250th anniversary of her birth approaching, a bevy of famous fans queued to contribute to a three-part biographical series, Jane Austen: Rise Of A Genius. Actors Sam West, Charity Wakefield and Tamsin Greig read from her books and few surviving letters. Novelist Helen Fielding confessed her influence on Bridget Joness Diary. Cherie Blair offered a feminist perspective, and Admiral Lord West explained the importance of the Royal Navy in her familys life. With this years clever BBC drama Miss Austen still fresh in our minds, millions of viewers are aware that Janes older sister Cassandra (played by Keeley Hawes in the show) burned most of her letters. Just 160 survive, out of thousands. Cassandra was afraid of the scandal they might cause. Perhaps she was right to worry, gauging by the reaction of writer Bee Rowlatt: We know that Jane Austen can be very, very savage, very, very brutal. Thomas Cadell (pictured) is chiefly remembered as the twit who refused to read even the first page of Pride And Prejudice, when Jane Austens father sent him the manuscrip Jane Austen was famed for her novels including Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and more A 'peacock edition' of 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, printed in 1894, which forms part of a display of unique volumes and rare editions by Austen to coincide with the 250th anniversary of her birth Theres an excruciating moment in one of the letters, a searingly cruel comment about a woman who has a miscarriage. Jane Austen commented that the woman miscarried because her husband was so ugly she took one look at him and aborted. Thats horrible. Calling it horrible seems to miss the point. Jane and Cassandra clearly shared a gallows sense of humour, which is a common form of defence when life is tough. They lived in an era of smallpox and cholera, when a third of children died before their fifth birthday. Set against that world, Janes quip sounds almost tame. The recreated scenes in this documentary, supplemented with excerpts from film adaptations of the books, give us plenty of soft-focus Georgian romance. Jane, portrayed by Hungarian actress Emoke Zsigmond, is forever musing at her desk or whispering sly asides to Cassandra. Its just picturesque enough to make relaxing TV, and just informative enough to hold your attention. Did you know Jane turned down a marriage proposal from a man named Harris Bigg-Wither? Now thats a wise rejection. MasterChef Australia: Back To Win said an emotional goodbye on Tuesday night's episode after a tricky pud packed the bags of a budding chef. It was never going to be an easy challenge when O.MY restaurant's Blayne Bertoncello walked through the MasterChef doors, especially when he introduced his Variations of Sourdough and Strawberry with Elderflower and Balsamic dessert. However, when Rue, Tim, Audra and Sarah were tasked with remaking the dish perfectly for five plates, the pressure was at an all time high. It soon became clear, this pressure test wasn't going to be a piece of cake. The dish included a strawberry sorbet which sat atop a sourdough-infused creme patissiere, a strawberry gum emulsion, macerated strawberries, sourdough tuilles and fried elderflower crisps - all finished off with a balsamic gel. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. MasterChef Australia: Back To Win said an emotional goodbye on Tuesday night's episode after a tricky pud packed the bags of a budding chef It was never going to be an easy challenge when O.MY restaurant's Blayne Bertoncello (pictured) walked through the MasterChef doors, especially when he introduced his Variations of Sourdough and Strawberry with Elderflower and Balsamic dessert As Rue, Audra, and Tim all struggled with their emulsion, which split and was too runny when compared to Blayne's, the temperatures began to soar in the kitchen. In the end, it was the dessert queen herself Rue Mupedzi who was sent home over her grainy creme pat. In tears, Rue told the judges that it had been an honour cooking for them and being on the show for a second time around. 'Just being called back among such amazing chefs made me realise I'm also part of the great people,' she shared. Jean-Christophe Novelli sang high praises of the contestant and her presence on the show. 'You are unique, you've got the most amazing spirit and, for me, I believe you are a ray of sunshine in any kitchen,' he told Rue in a heartfelt speech. Speaking of her final cook with 10Play, Season 15's Rue was left disappointed after being eliminated in a challenge she considered to be her bread and butter. 'I really felt like this was a cook that I was supposed to shine in, and I didn't,' Rue said. In tears, Rue Mupedzi (picured) told the judges that it had been an honour cooking for them and being on the show for a second time around 'You are unique, you've got the most amazing spirit and, for me, I believe you are a ray of sunshine in any kitchen,' Jean-Christophe Novelli told Rue in a heartfelt speech 'I had done all these elements over a thousand times, and somehow that didn't show. You couldn't see that on the plate.' On Sunday night's episode, another MasterChef Australia: Back To Win elimination saw a talented chef put down their skillet for the final time in an action-packed, temperature-rising cook-off. It was a lobster wonton that sent this ambitious candidate home following a prophetic insight and a broth that fell short. Seafood connoisseur Josh Niland challenged the MasterChef Australia participants with a dish famed for its easygoing nature - but easygoing it wasn't. The task was to create a surf and turf dish, with the chefs expected to put their own spin on the iconic food combo. Season 14 runner up Rhiannon Anderson, 48, who chose to make lobster wontons paired with beef broth, wasn't confident from the get-go, confessing in her piece to camera that she could be the one cooking for the last time in the MasterChef kitchen. And after ending up in the bottom three with Tim and Darrsh, she was proved right. 'It has to come back to flavour and texture, which is why I'm so sorry to say this, Rhi. I'm sorry, you're going home,' Andy Allen told the chef. Season 14 runner up Rhiannon Anderson (pictured) was sent home from MasterChef kitchen last week An emotional Rhi dubbed her second time round on the show a 'bloody epic experience' as she held back tears. 'How many people get to come back to win and just do what I've just done? And I've had an absolute blast.' She went on to say that she'd be heading home to her husband and hopping right back into the kitchen. 'I'll just have to go home to Deano and cook him something. Not quite as much fun, but anyway.' Jeremy Clarkson has revealed the very unlikely reason he was arrested and thrown into a French prison aged just 19. Speaking during the new series of his Prime Video show Clarkson's Farm, the broadcaster, 64, blamed his brush with the law on a slug. He said: 'I once had to go to prison in France because of a slug. True story. I went to a restaurant called La Pomme d'Amour and there was a slug in my lettuce'. Jeremy explained that the apologetic waiter then offered him as much as he could drink in a bid to quickly smooth over the situation. 'I was only 19 so I thought: "I will then" And I did. I was arrested a bit later because I was a bit wobbly. I was trying to explain to the policeman that I'd eaten a slug and the man had given me a lot of drink'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Jeremy Clarkson, 64, has revealed the very unlikely reason he was arrested and thrown into a French prison aged just 19 Speaking during the new series of his Prime Video show Clarkson's Farm , the broadcaster blamed his brush with the law on a slug (A young Jeremy pictured) 'But I couldn't think what the French for slug was. I said: "Je mange un escargot sans maison" [I eat a snail without a home]. 'They just thought: "This man is definitely paralytic", I got thrown into prison because I didn't know the French for slug.' Elsewhere during the latest episodes, which were released on Friday, Jeremy was left choked up as he thanked his farm assistant Harriet Cowan for 'saving his life' during an emotional send-off. The Top Gear legend praised Harriet, 24, - who had been stepping in for fan favourite Kaleb Cooper, 26 - was heading back to Derbyshire after lending a helping hand at Diddly Squat Farm. Getting visibly emotional, Jeremy told Harriet: 'Listen, you've been an absolute star. Thanks ever so much for everything. 'Absolutely brilliant, and best of luck, and I'll send you pictures of the barley when it's growing.' Quick as a flash, Harriet quipped: 'If there are any f**k ups don't send them to me.' Jeremy replied: 'No, I'm not. I'm not going to tell Kaleb either. That's the important thing. Saved my life, you did. You were brilliant.' He said: 'I once had to go to prison in France because of a slug. True story. I went to a restaurant called La Pomme d'Amour and there was a slug in my lettuce' Jeremy explained that the apologetic waiter then offered him as much as he could drink in a bid to quickly smooth over the situation 'I was only 19 so I thought: "I will then" And I did. I was arrested a bit later because I was a bit wobbly. I was trying to explain to the policeman that I'd eaten a slug and the man had given me a lot of drink' As she packed up to leave the caravan she'd been living in, Jeremy quickly asked if he could call on her again if he ever got 'stuck' to which she assured him he could. Speaking directly to camera, the telly star summed it all up with: 'She's a superstar, that one.' Clarkson's kind words came after weeks of chaos at the farm following Kaleb's absence. The young farmer was away touring with his live show, The World According to Kaleb, leaving Jeremy to tackle most of the graft alone. In one scene, the TV presenter is seen stranded in the dark, stuck in a tractor and completely overwhelmed. 'I don't know anything,' he says, flustered. 'The fuse has blown [in the tractor], Lisa's in London, Kaleb's off wherever the b****y hell he is. 'It's coming up for six o'clock and all I've drilled in a whole day is a tenth of the field.' Struggling to stay afloat, he turns to land agent Charlie Ireland for help. 'I'm thinking while Kaleb is away I'm going to need a hand,' he admits. 'Is it possible for you to go away and find someone to give me a hand? Because I'm properly struggling.' Elsewhere during the latest episodes, Jeremy was left choked up as he thanked his farm assistant Harriet Cowan for 'saving his life' during an emotional send-off He praised Harriet, 24, - who had been stepping in for fan favourite Kaleb Cooper , 26 - was heading back to Derbyshire after lending a helping hand at Diddly Squat Farm Full-time farmer and nurse Harriet soon stepped in and after the fourth series dropped on Friday, fans raved 'a star is born' at the newcomer. They wrote on X: '30 minutes in and I'm calling it already Harriet is going to be massively famous and she could be worth bringing back #clarksonsfarm.' 'And a 'Star' is born Harriet Cowen! #clarksonsfarm #amazonprimevideo.' '#clarksonsfarm S4 and I already love Harriet '4000 years old' 'That's as old as you?',' another penned, followed by laughing emojis. 'And I'm already rooting for Harriet... she's brilliant.' 'I love Harriet. And I love that she calls the Lambo 'she'. Married At First Sight star Carina Mirabile has revealed new shock details about her TV husband Paul Antoine's shocking door punching incident, which aired on the Channel Nine show earlier this year. During the emotionally charged episode, Paul sensationally punched a door in the couple's shared apartment after Carina made what she thought was an offhand comment about a dalliance with US rapper Quavo. The incident set the couple down a rocky relationship road, as well as shocking viewers and sparking a police investigation. Speaking about the incident on her new podcast with celebrity hairstylist Jacob Mueller, This Is Chaos, Carina recalled the lead up to Paul's violent outburst - a double date with couple Rhi Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels. She explained that what she thought was an innocent comment about her tryst with Quavo triggered something in Paul. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Married At First Sight star Carina Mirabile has revealed new shock details about her TV husband Paul Antoine's shocking door punching incident which aired on the Channel Nine show earlier this year 'We were taking turns putting on a song [in an Uber]. I put on a song and it was one with Quavo in it. I said, "I slept with him" as it was funny and stupid, we all laughed about it. Paul laughed as well,' she said. 'Then when we get back to the apartment and Paul was so furious. He was frustrated, I could see he was upset. He was pacing, he had to go the balcony, I was thinking okay this isnt normal, something is up.' Carina added that she thought her comment would be inconsequential, given a shock confession Paul made to Carina that was cut from the show's final edit. 'When Paul and I were doing Confessions Week at the start of the experiment, he openly said that he was into swinging with his ex-partner,' Carina revealed. 'I was like, are you for real? Does your family know about this? Then he told me all about his past dating life and I just let it go.' Given Paul's racy confession, Carina said that she was surprised at Paul's reaction to her own admission. 'He was just so upset and dramatic about the whole Quavo situation. I kept apologising, he kept saying he was embarrassed that I openly said that. I kept saying sorry, sorry, sorry. I didnt feel unsafe, it was just us having a fight,' she said. 'I said, "but you openly said, on camera, for a national television show, that you had slept with swingers and did swinging with your ex so I didnt think [me sharing that story] that was a bad thing." During the emotionally charged episode, Paul sensationally punched a door in the couple's shared apartment after Carina made what she thought was an offhand comment about a dalliance with US rapper Quavo Carina added that she thought her comment would be inconsequential, given a shock confession Paul made to Carina that was cut from the show's final edit. 'When Paul and I were doing Confessions Week at the start of the experiment, he openly said that he was into swinging with his ex-partner,' she revealed 'Wheres the juxtaposition between this? What is okay and not okay? Youre allowed to do that and I just have to accept it? But when I say something about my past sex life you have a massive blow up?' Carina then revealed that a producer, hearing the arguing coming from the couple's room, tried to intervene prior to Paul's outburst. She said the producer encouraged Paul to take a walk to calm down, but an evening stroll did little to allay the groom's temper. 'He was angry, pacing and breathing heavily. I just said, "lets go to bed, lets go to bed." So were laying in bed, I could hear him panting and I asked, "whats going on? Are you okay?" He got up and said "no, Im not okay." 'He got up and bang, bang. I was like holy shit this has now gotten so much serious. I was freaking out, thinking how did it get from that comment to this situation?' Carina, who stayed with Paul following his outburst, said that she regrets standing by her man, adding that she feels she let domestic violence victims down. 'Watching that back as it aired, with all of the viewers of the show, I know I 100 per cent let down so many women and victims of domestic violence,' she said. 'While it was all happening [during filming], I was processing it all and didnt know what was happening. Given Paul's racy confession, Carina said that she was surprised at Paul's reaction to her own admission Carina, who walked away from a heartbroken Paul during Final Vows, added that she is arming herself with knowledge about domestic violence so as not to make the same mistake again 'I thought he was coming from a place of having to create this drama for a television show. There was so much drama with other couples on the show, and we were boring essentially.' Carina, who walked away from a heartbroken Paul during Final Vows, added she is arming herself with knowledge so as not to make the same mistake again. He hadnt shown me any bad behaviour signs or signs of domestic violence at all [prior to that night] and it all happened so out of a blue,' she said. 'I am now trying to educate myself so I can identify things like this and signs for my future relationship. Before this I had never experienced any form of domestic violence.' Speaking about the incident in April, Paul told Daily Mail Australia that lack of sleep was one catalyst for his outburst. 'I was mentally drained. We were filming 12 to 14 hours a day, and I was running on five hours of sleep. I just snapped,' he said. Paul added he felt Carina's apologies over her public admission were 'deflective' adding that his reaction was 'unacceptable'. 'I walked out of the room and I lost control. The moment it happened, I instantly felt shame. I felt disgusted,' he said. Paul also confirmed that this kind of behaviour had never happened before in his life. 'My friends, my family they know me. That's not who I am. I've never lashed out like that.' Rachael Finch has shared a horrific message she received from an online hater, and hit back at the troll. The former Miss Universe runner-up, 36, took to Instagram on Monday to read out a brutal email she was sent via her supplement brand Kissed Earth. The message slammed the company for being 'boring' and accused Rachael of giving children Violet, nine, and Dominic, six, a 'life of boredom and misery'. 'Just wanted to know why this brand of product is any different or more effective than the millions that are already on the market,' the message began. 'It's just so boring. The market is well over-saturated, so what is your point of difference? Or is it that it is owned by a runner-up Miss Australia from 16 years ago?' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Rachael Finch, 36, has shared a horrific message she received from an online hater 'Is that how she justifies her excessive price point? Also, what medical doctors were consulted in the development of the powdered oral range?' it continued. The hate message went on to say humans 'have existed and thrived on this planet for millions of years' without the help of 'gut tonics or turmeric enemas'. 'You are just the most boring and angular-faced woman on Australian TV,' they added. The troll then accused Rachael of making 'controversial statements online just to get people thinking' about the mother-of-two and her brand. 'People don't like you because your kids live a life of boredom and misery,' they said, referencing the gruelling exercise regime Rachel and her husband Michael Miziner have for their kids. 'They aren't having fun working out with their bats*** crazy mother on Christmas morning, that's for sure. 'Get a life and stop trying to ride on the tailcoats [sic] of a long forgotten title that, in the modern day, holds virtually no relevance as compared to 20 years ago.' They then said the Miss Universe pageant title Rachael once competed for is now seen as 'irrelevant, chauvinistic and boastful'. The message accused Rachael of giving children Violet, nine, and Dominic, six, a 'life of boredom and misery'. All pictured with husband/father Michael Miziner The message also took aim at her 2010 stint on Dancing With The Stars, saying the competition show was just 'satire'. 'Don't you get it? We're laughing at you, not for you. All of your accomplishments are decades old now,' they said. Rachael appeared to take the horrific and lengthy message in her stride, saying she 'felt sad' for the troll as they were 'clearly going through a lot of hurt'. 'But overarching this is a perfect example of why we need to teach our kids inner strength and resilience,' she added. Rachael said 'there is nothing more important' than teaching children how to 'believe in themselves' and 'back themselves' in the face of adversity. 'To recognise only their opinion matters and they do not need outside validation to determine who they are,' she said. Rachael finished the video by encouraging her followers to be a strong 'support base' for their children so they can build their confidence. Mrs. Doubtfire star Lisa Jakub responded to recent claims that she has 'vanished' following the peak of her career. The actress, 46, who starred as the eldest Hillard daughter Lydia in the classic 1993 family film, hit back at the assertion after she was named in an article on The List titled: 'Once-popular child stars who completely vanished'. Jakub reposted the article to her Instagram, writing, 'Big news, everyone. I've just found out that I have "completely vanished."' 'Was it my current lack of popularity that made me vanish?' Jakub, who also starred in the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day, questioned in her caption. 'I'm not sure how I was able to evaporate entirely (have I been a wizard all along?), but as soon as we have more information, I'm sure this publication will let you know.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Mrs. Doubtfire star Lisa Jakub, 46, responded to recent claims that she has 'vanished' following the peak of her career The actress starred as the eldest Hillard daughter Lydia in the classic 1993 family film alongside the late Robin Williams; Pictured in a still Her fans took to the comments to agree with the star, with one joking, 'With superpowers like that they need you in the next marvel movie.' Another added, 'I was about to go on a rant in your defense until I saw this was posted by you. Shes still around! She does a great email newsletter! Shes on social media!' 'Oh my goodness! Please keep us updated if you reappear!' another quipped. 'I want to learn this trick,' another added. Despite stepping back from her career, Lisa has been active on social media. Jakub now works as a yoga instructor and also runs mindfulness retreats for veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Aside from Mrs. Doubtfire and Independence Day, her other roles included the 1997 Comedy/Romance The Beautician and the Beast and Rambling Rose (1991), where she starred alongside Laura Dern. Last year Lisa revealed that her late onscreen father, Robin, defended her after she was expelled from high school while filming Mrs. Doubtfire in 1993. Lisa played one of Robin's three onscreen children in the classic comedy film, alongside Matthew Lawrence and Mara Wilson. The actress shared that Williams had noticed she was upset and when she told him her school kicked her out he personally wrote a letter to her principal. 'I got thrown out of high school on Doubtfire,' Jakub said while appearing on a Mrs. Doubtfire reunion episode with her movie siblings Mara and Matthew, on Lawrence's Brotherly Love podcast. Jakub reposted the article to her Instagram, writing, 'Big news, everyone. I've just found out that I have "completely vanished"' 'Was it my current lack of popularity that made me vanish?' she questioned in her caption. 'I'm not sure how I was able to evaporate entirely (have I been a wizard all along?)' Despite stepping back from her career, Lisa has been active on social media. She now works as a yoga instructor and runs mindfulness retreats for veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder 'The amazing thing was Robin saw that I was upset,' she recalled. 'He asked me what was going on. I explained. He wrote a letter to my principal saying that he wanted them to rethink this decision, that I was just trying to pursue my education and my career at the same time and could they please support me in this.' Lisa explained that she was expelled due to the filming schedule. 'I'm Canadian. I was attending high school in Canada, then I left for four months to film the movie. We were going to set up this system, pre-internet, where I'd mail my school work back and forth to the school. We did that for a while.' However, the school decided that the system was not going to continue. 'My school in Canada sent a note saying, "You know, this isnt working for us anymore. Don't come back."' Jakub was in the ninth grade at the time and remembered being heartbroken by the news. 'It was just so heartbreaking, because you know I had this life that was very unusual and that was the one normal thing.' Though Robin's letter did not get her re-admitted, Jakub shared that her principal had proudly displayed the letter in his office. Last year Lisa revealed that her late onscreen father, Robin, defended her after she was expelled from high school while filming Mrs. Doubtfire in 1993 Lisa played one of Robin's three onscreen children in Mrs. Doubtfire, alongside Matthew Lawrence and Mara Wilson 'This principal got the letter, framed the letter, put it up in the office and didn't ask me to come back,' she said. Lisa later got her GED and studied writing at the University of Virginia. Based on the novel Madame Doubtfire, the 1993 movie stars Robin as a floundering voice actor called Daniel who gets divorced and loses custody of his children. Daniel comes up with a harebrained scheme to see more of his little ones - go into drag as a Scottish nanny and get hired by his ex-wife Miranda (Sally Field). After decades struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction, Robin committed suicide in 2014 at the age of 63 by hanging himself with a belt. To mark 30 years since the film's release, its director Chris Columbus fondly told Business Insider he kept 'four cameras' running at all times to 'keep up with' Robin. In fact, Robin was such a whirlwind of improvisation that Chris still has '972 boxes of footage' from Mrs. Doubtfire - and hopes to use some of it in a documentary. 'Early on in the process, he went to me: "Hey boss, the way I like to work, if you're up for it, is I'll give you three or four scripted takes, and then let's play,"' Chris recalled. Jakub also starred in the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day; seen in a still from the film Her other roles included the 1997 Comedy/Romance The Beautician and the Beast She also starred alongside Laura Dern in the 1991 film titled Rambling Rose (pictured) 'By saying that, what he meant was he wanted to improvise. And that's exactly how we shot every scene. We would have exactly what was scripted, and then Robin would go off and it was something to behold.' Chris revealed that he hopes to go back into his massive stockpiles of footage from Mrs. Doubtfire to piece together a documentary about Robin's process. 'There are roughly 972 boxes of footage from Doubtfire - footage we used in the movie, outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage - in a warehouse somewhere and we would like to hire an editor to go in and look at all of that footage,' he said. 'We want to show Robin's process. There is something special and magical about how he went about his work and I think it would be fun to delve into it.' Heidi Klum made a rare public appearance with her nepo son Henry on Sunday at the 2025 American Music Awards. The 51-year-old German supermodel and her 19-year-old child, whom she shares with ex-husband Seal, coordinated in black outfits. For her part, the blonde bombshell hit the red carpet in a blazer-inspired sleeveless dress with a plunging neckline and exaggerated shoulder pads. She added thigh-high black leather boots as she posed for photos with the frock's ruffled train trailing behind her. Meanwhile, Henry looked spiffy in a button-up shirt and timeless suit with shiny black dress shoes. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Heidi Klum made a rare public appearance with her teenage son Henry on Sunday at the 2025 American Music Awards The 51-year-old German supermodel and her 19-year-old child, whom she shares with ex-husband Seal, coordinated in black outfits Heidi wore her blonde hair in a center part and loose ringlets that fell over her chest. She looked typically beautiful with smoky eye makeup and matte, mauve-colored blush with a matching lip stain. Her son's dark hair was in a neat mop of locks and he sweetly held his mother's hand as they walked the carpet. Heidi and Seal were married from 2005 and 2014, and he's remained in Leni's life. In addition to Henry, the former couple welcomed son Johan, 18, and daughter Lou, 15. While walking the red carpet ahead of the main ceremony, Heidi and her son spoke exclusively with DailyMail.com, opening up about their close bond and potentially working together in the future. Henry praised his parents for being an 'inspiration' to him. 'Anything that I do, always so supportive and I hope love most importantly, that is number one at the top. So much love,' Henry added. Klum chimed in to share that she is proud of her son as well as 'all of my kids.' The blonde bombshell hit the red carpet in a blazer-inspired sleeveless dress with a plunging neckline and exaggerated shoulder pads The 51st American Music Awards took place at the Fontainebleau hotel in Las Vegas on Memorial Day, and were hosted by Jennifer Lopez (pictured) American Music Awards 2025 Winners: AT A GLANCE Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish Album of the Year: Billie Eilish Hit Me Hard And Soft Collaboration of the Year: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars Die With A Smile Social Song of the Year: Doechii Anxiety Favorite Male Pop Artist: Bruno Mars Favorite Pop Song: Billie Eilish Birds Of A Feather Favorite Male Country Artist: Post Malone Favorite Country Album: Beyonce Cowboy Carter Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist: Eminem Favorite Hip-Hop Song: Kendrick Lamar Not Like Us Favorite Male R&B Artist: The Weeknd Favorite R&B Song: SZA Saturn Favorite Male Latin Artist: Bad Bunny Favorite Male Latin Album: Bad Bunny DeBI TiRAR MaS FOToS Favorite Latin Song: Shakira Soltera Favorite Rock Artist: Twenty One Pilots Favorite Rock Song: Linkin Park The Emptiness Machine Favorite K-Pop Artist: RM Favorite Afrobeats Artist: Tyla New Artist of the Year: Gracie Abrams Song of the Year: Billie Eilish Birds Of A Feather Favorite Touring Artist: Billie Eilish Favorite Music Video: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars Die With A Smile Favorite Female Pop Artist: Billie Eilish Favorite Pop Album: Billie Eilish Hit Me Hard And Soft Favorite Female Country Artist: Beyonce Favorite Country Duo or Group: Dan + Shay Favorite Country Song: Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen I Had Some Help Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist: Megan Thee Stallion Favorite Hip-Hop Album: Eminem The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grace) Favorite Female R&B Artist: SZA Favorite R&B Album: The Weeknd Hurry Up Tomorrow Favorite Female Latin Artist: Becky G Favorite Latin Duo or Group: Julion Alvarez y su Norteno Banda Favorite Rock Album: Twenty One Pilots Clancy Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist: Lady Gaga Favorite Soundtrack: Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 Advertisement 'But what I love is when I see people and they're like, oh my God, we just, were with Henry and he is the kindest, sweetest.' She added, 'When other people tell me that, when it's not like a prompted situation or something like that, when you hear from other people that your kid was really great when he was over or he did something for someone that makes me proud.' In regards to if there could be a possible collaboration between the pair in the future, Henry expressed, 'So we might have something, something coming up, we will be doing something together very soon.' His mom also shared, 'My kids are getting so much older now. I know. I mean, time flies. I also, 20 years ago I had Henry, time flies, it is crazy! I love working with my kids.' The German supermodel also shares 21-year-old daughter Leni with her ex Flavio Briatore, an Italian businessman. However, she has stated that Briatore played no part in her daughter's life, and she has always considered her ex Seal to be Leni's true father. Klum has been married to 35-year-old German Tokio Hotel band member Tom Kaulitz since 2019. The 51st American Music Awards took place at the Fontainebleau hotel in Las Vegas on Memorial Day. Jennifer Lopez hosted this year's ceremony, which comes a decade after she first hosted in 2015. The 55-year-old Bronx native made a bold entrance by kicking off the show with a performance that included a makeout session with her backup dancers, including a woman. The 55-year-old Bronx native made a bold entrance by kicking off the show with a performance that included a makeout session with her backup dancers, including a woman One of her glamorous looks of the evening was a beaded silver dress with a halter neck design. She draped an aqua-blue jewel-toned cape over it, wearing it falling off her shoulders as the floral-embroidered number fell at her feet. A bevy of other artists including Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Janet Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Lainey Wilson, Renee Rapp and Rod Stewart also performed on stage Jackson receive dthe Icon Award during the festivities, while Stewart was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A Queensland-based influencer has opened up about her harrowing experience after being attacked by two rottweiler dogs who were let off their lead at the beach. TikTok star Claire Champion shared a clip to the social media platform on Monday in which she revealed how terrified she was by the encounter. 'I am not okay, I have come out of hospital at 4pm after taking my dog for a walk this morning. We were approached by two rottweilers who were off their leash,' she began. Claire added her dog appeared terrified by the encounter, as they tried to escape without harm. 'We were walking down a nature strip near the off-leash dog beach. My dog is super-reactive, I pull her back in... The [owner] sees this and calls over the dogs, who see us and start running over,' she added. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Queensland-based influencer Claire Champion has opened up about her harrowing experience after being attacked by two rottweiler dogs who were let off their lead at the beach 'I picked my dog up, just bracing for it, thinking this is going to be so bad. The dog comes around, faces us and steps forward. Claire added she gave the rottweilers a warning to back off but instead it escalated the situation. 'I kicked the dog in the chest, I was like, "No!" My dog Billie let out a little bark, before I knew it I was on the ground with her underneath me, trying to shelter her from these dogs,' she tearfully recounted. 'All I could think about was protecting her. All I can remember is screaming, "no, no, no" as they bit Billie's legs. I fully blacked out.' She added she realised she was injured when she inspected her body. 'I look at my hand and there is blood dripping down it. I told the owner I need to go to hospital,' she said. 'I have to go in for day surgery tomorrow to get my hand opened back up and properly cleaned. The cut is all the way to the bone. 'I'm probably going to have to get both fingernails removed because they have been compromised by teeth. The doctors are really worried about infection. Claire shared a clip to the social media platform on Monday in which she revealed how terrified she was by the encounter with the rottweilers She added she gave the rottweilers a warning to back off but instead it escalated the situation Claire added she didn't blame the rottweiler dogs for what happened but instead saw it as the fault of their owner. 'It was not their fault, it was complete owner error. Who the f**k in their right mind takes two rottweilers for a walk and then takes them off the leash?' she sniped. 'My poor dog and I are traumatised.' Claire finished by asking her 130,000 followers if any of them could advise her about what the steps she should be taking going forward. Eve Markoski-Wood flaunted her wealth on Monday as she lived it up in Paris for her 20th birthday while carrying a $10,000 Chanel handbag. The budding influencer, who is the daughter of Bachelor couple Snezana and Sam Wood, showed off her designer accessory with an image shared to Instagram. Posing in front of the Eiffel Tower, the brunette beauty slipped into a black trench coat as she slung the expensive black bag over her shoulder. Eve shared two more pictures of her lavish trip to France, sharing an exterior snap of the artisan bakery Maison Bergeron. She also shared a photo of lush, organic fruit from a market she visited during her getaway. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Eve Markoski-Wood flaunted her wealth on Monday as she lived it up in Paris for her 20th birthday while carrying a $10,000 Chanel handbag The budding influencer, who is the daughter of Bachelor couple Snezana and Sam Wood, showed off her designer accessory with an image shared to Instagram Eve, who is based in New York, is currently celebrating her birthday, seemingly without her family present. She shared a gallery of black and white photos to Instagram on Tuesday which saw her lounging in a bed while holding a cake littered with candles. Eve put on a leggy display in the images, slipping into a very short black dress that moulded to her figure. She paired the ensemble with a pair of black stockings and matching high heels. It came just a few days after mother Snezana, 44, took to social media to pay tribute to her husband and Eve's step-father Sam on his 45th birthday. The former reality TV star posted a gallery of loved-up pictures, in which the happy couple can be seen sharing a series of intimate moments. One snap featured the pair, who have been together since meeting on The Bachelor ten years ago, staring into each other's eyes while enjoying a romantic dinner for two. A second photo showed Snezana and Sam locking lips in the same setting. Eve shared two more pictures of her lavish trip to France, sharing an exterior snap of the artisan bakery Maison Bergeron Eve, who is based in New York, is currently celebrating her birthday, seemingly without her family present Eve is the daughter of Snezana, 44, who met husband Sam, 45, on The Bachelor in 2015 Another photo saw the two packing on the PDA at what appeared to be a sporting event. 'Happy Birthday to the man that still gives me butterflies everyday,' Snezana said in the Instagram message, which she posted on Thursday. She continued: 'No one I'd rather laugh with, dream with and grow old with and like a fine wine you just keep getting better with age. Love you.' Snezana also included several pictures of Sam playing with the couple's young children. The fitness mogul married Snezana (nee Markoski), after meeting her on the third season of The Bachelor in 2015. Sam shares Willow, seven, Charlie, five, and Harper, three, with Snezana as well as her daughter Eve from a previous relationship. Patti LuPone is facing a wave of criticism from Broadway insiders and fans after skewering multiple high-profile colleagues. LuPone, 76, declared in an interview with the New Yorker published Monday that fellow Broadway legend Audra McDonald is 'not a friend' - and hasn't been for some time. The touchy topic was brought to the surface when LuPone was asked about McDonald performing in Gypsy, a musical she's closely associated with. 'When I asked what she had thought of McDonalds current production of Gypsy,' the publication's Michael Schulman wrote LuPone 'stared at me, in silence, for fifteen seconds. 'Then she turned to the window and sighed, "What a beautiful day."' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Patti LuPone, 76, is facing a wave of criticism from Broadway insiders and fans after skewering multiple high-profile colleagues in a new interview. Pictured April 27 in NYC Audra McDonald and LuPone pictured during rehearsal of Mahagonny at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in LA on January 30, 2007 LuPone also questioned the experience of Kecia Lewis, six months after Tony-award winning actress called her out for remarks she found 'offensive,' also asking for an apology. Lewis addressed LuPone in an open letter she posted to Instagram last fall. LuPone told the magazine in reaction: 'Oh, my God. Here's the problem. She calls herself a veteran? Let's find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she doesn't know what the f*** she's talking about.' LuPone added, 'She's done seven. I've done thirty-one. Don't call yourself a vet, b****.' (The publication noted that Lewis has done 10 and LuPone 28.) LuPone's latest sentiments were also criticized in a post on the Broadway-based On Stage Blog from founder Chris Peterson titled 'Patti, We Get It. You're a Diva. But This Aint It.' 'Patti LuPone has long built her brand on being Broadway's no-nonsense, truth-telling, don't-you-dare-use-your-phone--in-the-front-row diva,' Peterson said. 'And listen, there's a place for candor. There's even a place for a little theatrical flair offstage. 'But in 2025, there's also a line. And in her recent New Yorker profile that would make any publicist bang their head on their desk, Patti didn't just cross that line. She gleefully stomped all over it.' Peterson cited LuPone calling Lewis a b**** 'dismissively;' and suggesting 'she doesn't know what she's talking about.' Dailymail.com has reached out to reps for McDonald, Lewis and LuPone for further comment. LuPone also questioned the experience of Kecia Lewis, six months after Tony-award winning actress called her out for remarks she found 'offensive,' also asking for an apology LuPone declared a interview with the New Yorker published Monday published Monday that fellow Broadway legend Audra McDonald is 'not a friend.' Pictured in 2011 in NYC Emmy-nominee Douglas Lyons also slammed LuPone for her remarks. saying, 'Dear Patti Lupone, '31 shows doth not equal class. #broadway.' In an extended statement, Lyons said, 'White privilege is the audacity to be quoted in a major publication flippantly discrediting our Black Broadway Queens - while calling them a name you'd dare never to whisper to their face. 'I think Ms. Lupone is a remarkable talent, but 31 Broadway shows obviously doesn't equal class.' Reactions on X were also divided into camps of people blown away by LuPone's candor, and others annoyed by her stream of vitriol. Writer Tom Smyth said 'gonna start saying what a beautiful day when people ask me how a show was.' Another Broadway fan defended LuPone's opinionated takes, calling her 'the worlds foremost professional hater,' adding, 'thats why shes also our greatest theatrical talent.' Last fall, Lewis said remarks LuPone made struck her as 'racially microaggressive,' 'rooted in privilege' and 'bullying,' adding that LuPone should take a different tack to 'promote a culture of respect, empathy and inclusion.' Lewis said that she was only speaking for herself in public calling out LuPone over the perceived slights. 'I am speaking for Keisha Lewis only,' said Lewis, who won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for Hell's Kitchen earlier this year. 'Not from the cast or crew or producers of Hell's Kitchen. Emmy-nominee Douglas Lyons also slammed LuPone for her remarks. saying, 'Dear Patti Lupone, '31 shows doth not equal class. #broadway' Reactions on X were also divided into camps of people blown away by LuPone's candor, and others annoyed by her stream of vitriol LuPone contacted officials with the Shubert theatre on Broadway (where the show is performed), Lewis said, as she is currently performing in The Roommate at the Booth Theatre, a neighboring venue. Lewis said Lupone complained to Shubert officials to tweak various sound cues in Hell's Kitchen she found 'to be too loud.' LuPone 'sent flowers to our sound and stage management team thanking them' after the adjustments were made to her liking, according to Lewis. Lewis also cited a clip of LuPone refusing to sign a Playbill for Hell's Kitchen, saying, 'They're too loud.' Lewis said: 'I wanted to address this because, Ms. LuPone, these actions, in my opinion, are bullying - they're offensive, they're racially microaggressive, they're rude, they're rooted in privilege and these actions also lack a sense of community and leadership for someone as yourself who has been in the business as long as you have.' Lewis said she defines microaggressions as 'subtle, unintentional comments or actions that convey stereotypes, biases or negative assumptions about someone based on their race. Lewis said that while microaggressions 'can seem harmless or minor,' they 'can accumulate and cause significant stress or discomfort for the recipient - examples include calling a Black show loud in a way that dismisses it.' Tony-award winning actress Kecia Lewis, 59, called out Broadway staple LuPone last fall Lewis won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for Hell's Kitchen last year. Pictured June 16 in NYC Lewis said that the specific words LuPone used in her summation of the musical spoke volumes: 'In our industry, language holds power and shapes perception, often in ways that we may not immediately realize. 'Referring to a predominantly Black Broadway show as loud can unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes, and it also feels dismissive of the artistry and the voices that are being celebrated on stage. Lewis said that comments like LuPone's 'can be seen as racial microaggressions, which have a real impact on both artists and audiences. 'While gestures like sending thank you flowers may appear courteous, it was dismissive and out of touch, especially following a formal complaint that you made that resulted in the changes that impacted our entire production, primarily the people who have to go out on stage and perform.' Lewis said LuPone should have approached the Hell's Kitchen production with more of a collaborative approach, as 'direct communication' would demonstrate 'respect for the work being done, and awareness of how actions resonate across diverse teams.' LuPone pictured with Mia Farrow in September in NYC at The Roomate's opening Lewis said that in the absence of a collaborative approach, LuPone's conduct amid the situation could be viewed as bullying. 'Bullying in a professional setting can include exerting influence to disrupt using one's status or connections to cause unnecessary changes to someone else's work environment, such as requesting sound adjustments,' Lewis said. She added: 'Performative gestures are also bullying, and what I mean by that is by sending thank you flowers after impacting the production can be perceived as disingenuous, particularly if it sidesteps meaningful dialog or resolution.' Lewis said that she, LuPone and others in the Broadway community 'are not just neighbors' but rather 'a community that shares in each other's artistry and challenges. 'Respect and collaboration are what keep us thriving and inspire the next generation.' Lewis wrapped up in saying, 'Ms. LuPone I respectfully submit to you that you owe us an apology, not flowers.' Fans have blasted MasterChef Australia contestant Theo Loizou after he committed a kitchen crime on Monday night. During the high-pressure Mystery Box Challenge, Theo was seen tasting his dish with a spoon and then returning the utensil to stir his saucepan. The faux pas sent viewers into an uproar, with some taking to social media to blast the fan favourite for dropping the show's high hygiene standards. 'Anyone else notice Theo tasting his puree and then putting the same spoon back into the pot?' one viewer wrote on Reddit. 'I mean dont tell me Im the only one! I always catch myself watching out for this and it drives me nuts when contestants do it. Total pet peeve of mine. Yeesh.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Fans have blasted MasterChef Australia contestant Theo Loizou after he committed a kitchen crime on Monday night During the high-pressure Mystery Box Challenge, Theo was seen tasting his dish with a spoon and then returning the utensil to stir his saucepan Another viewer claimed the practice of 'double-dipping' was rife among the contestants on the cooking show. 'They all do it!! And whats with the lack of hygiene when it comes to hair being open or in your face? Thats the biggest ick!' they said. Several users attempted to detail how chefs deal with tasting food while it is being prepared in professional kitchens. 'This is one of the things I notice every year [on MasterChef Australia] that I assume is just due to not many of them having ever worked in a real restaurant,' wrote one viewer on the Reddit thread. 'Chefs usually have a jar of spoons at their work station for testing, each spoon gets used once and then goes in a container of water and over to the dishwashing station when full,' they explained. Meanwhile, others shrugged off Theo's 'doubling dipping'. 'That pot isn't exactly sitting at room temperature festering. The food will be fine,' claimed one eagle-eyed viewer. Another fan agreed, adding: 'If the pots were boiling or just at a high heat, it would just be getting sterilised due to the heat.' Viewers online claimed the practice of 'double-dipping' was rife on the cooking show Still, the online discussion led to the show's fans letting loose on what they saw as possible hygiene hazards in the MasterChef Australia kitchen. 'Its not just reusing the spoon theyve put in their mouths though,' a fan began. 'What about the rings theyre wearing on their hands while theyre handling foodstuffs or their hair flopping around their face while they cook etc etc. 'Maybe Im a bit ocd, but I get grossed out about these.' 'For me it's the contestants wearing rings. The spoons is a close second,' agreed another Reddit user. According to 2024 MasterChef Australia contestant Sumeet Saigal, the cast are informed of the hygiene standards ahead of filming. 'You're always briefed about hygiene and you're always reminded,' she told Yahoo Lifestyle last June. She said the 'rules' included no 'double-dipping', no re-using of spoons and any food that hits the floor goes straight in the bin. 'Yes, you may have a slip-up now and again,' she told the publication. 'But the thing is, when you compare what happens on the show versus what people don't see happen in commercial kitchens, you're looking at a pretty safe environment.' She also said that the producers also take extra precautions when it comes to food preparation. 'We actually have very active food teams that stand along the side. So you don't see them, but every bench has got a representative of the food team that stands watching this stuff,' Sumeet explained. 'So they're constantly watching to see that you're not double dipping and anything that falls on the floor is picked up and thrown in the bin, because food hygiene is a very big part of it.' Barry Keoghan has revealed he was so nervous meeting Ringo Starr that he couldn't look him in the eye as he prepares to play him in the upcoming Beatles biopic. Gladiator II hunk Paul Mescal will play Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, Barry will star as Ringo Starr and Joseph Quinn will play George Harrison in the films about The Fab Four. And to prepare for the role they have all been attending a 'Beatles Bootcamp' for the past 16 weeks, with Barry, 32, learning drumming and even meeting Ringo himself. Speaking at the Fastnet Film Festival in Ireland this week Barry said of the encounter with the icon, 84,: 'I sat opposite him and I could not look at him because I was nervous and his wife Barbara was there and she said, 'You can look at him.' 'Every time I looked at him I saw myself in his glasses. I said to him: 'I am not coming here to quiz you. I am coming to find out what made you and how the contrast was going back to Liverpool after Beatlemania.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Barry Keoghan has revealed he was so nervous meeting Ringo Starr that he couldn't look him in the eye as he prepares to play him in the upcoming Beatles biopic To prepare for the role the actors have all been attending a 'Beatles Bootcamp' for the past 16 weeks, with Barry, 32, learning drumming and even meeting Ringo himself (right) 'We can all do imitation but I wanted to know where it came from. He was so on the money.' He also described his current Beatles Bootcamp as an 'absolute joy' where he has been practising the 'walk and accent' of Ringo. Barry explained: 'It's a place of failing, a place of learning and trying. That's the process I'm in now. It's a playground for me.' 'The drumming is going great. I've been doing it for like six, seven months. I've got blisters on my hands now.' In April director Sam Mendes revealed that all four films called The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event will come out in the same month, as he introduced his four leading stars. Each of the movies will focus on one of the members of the band. According to the director, Sony's film boss Tom Rothman dubbed the films 'the first binge-able theatrical experience'. 'We're not just making one film about the Beatles we're making four,' Mendes announced. 'Perhaps this is a chance to understand them a little more deeply.' 'The Beatles changed my understanding of music,' Mendes added. 'I've been trying to make a movie about them for years.' Gladiator II hunk Paul Mescal will play Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, Barry will star as Ringo Starr and Joseph Quinn will play George Harrison in the films Speaking at Fastnet Film Festival in Ireland this week Barry said of the encounter with the icon, 84,: 'I sat opposite him and I could not look at him because I was nervous' (The Beatles seen) 'I'm honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,' the filmmaker shared back in 2024, as per People. The movies are being made by Sony Pictures and Sam's Neal Street Productions company. Mendes explained that he pitched the idea of making four films about the group last year and wowed Sony executives Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler with his plans. The Skyfall filmmaker told Deadline earlier this year: 'We went out to Los Angeles just before Christmas to pitch the project, and it's fair to say we were met with universal enthusiasm.' 'The reason Sony stood out from competing offers was down to Tom and Elizabeth's passion for the idea, and commitment to propelling these films theatrically in an innovative and exciting way.' Barry has risen to huge stardom in the last few years with roles in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin. It comes after Barry revealed he is 'forever grateful' to his driver Niall for taking him to rehab during a time of struggle. The actor opened up about the special bond he shares with Niall, who got on a plane with him to make sure he got to a rehabilitation facility in England. In April director Sam Mendes revealed that all four films called The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event will come out in the same month, as he introduced his four leading stars Barry described his current Beatles Bootcamp as an 'absolute joy' where he has been practising the 'walk and accent' of Ringo Barry told Hollywood Authentic: 'Niall literally drove me and put me on a plane himself, came with me and brought me to the rehab in England. 'I went back to visit. It was nice to see the staff again, and for them to see the change in me. 'They were quite emotional about it. I'm forever grateful. When I say that Niall is the best, I mean it, because no one else put me on the plane, by the hand, literally got on the plane with me.' Barry also shared his family's experience with rehab, including his mother who died from heroin addiction 20 years ago and his brother, who has also been in treatment. Influencer and TV star Vanessa Mariposa was taken to hospital after claiming she was spiked with date rape drugs and robbed at a party. The former Sommerhaus der Stars - Summerhouse of the Stars - candidate took to Instagram Monday to recall the ordeal that left her fearing for her life. 'I want to share something serious with you, something that happened to me recently and that every woman needs to hear,' she wrote in her post caption. Mariposa, 32, told her over 800,000 followers that she and her friend had attended a rooftop party in Mallorca before the evening took a terrifying turn. The Austrian TV personality claimed they had been at the event for three hours and 'drank a total of three glasses of wine' before the pair suddenly began feeling sick. 'Suddenly, we both felt really, really bad, and I immediately realised something was wrong with me,' she said. 'Both of us started feeling extremely unwell, out of nowhere'. According to Vanessa, the women did not leave their drinks unattended, but date rape drugs - a substance added to drinks to incapacitate someone - were slipped into their glasses. Vanessa Mariposa was taken to hospital after claiming she was drugged with date rape drugs and robbed at a party while on holiday The former Sommerhaus der Stars - Summerhouse of the Stars - candidate took to Instagram Monday to recall the ordeal that left her fearing for her life Vanessa Mariposa and Diogo Sangre on Sommerhaus der Stars - Summerhouse of the Stars The influencer said she vomited several times and was left unable walk on her own. 'I couldnt walk properly, I threw up multiple times and I completely blacked out - I lost all memory of the night. Thats when I knew something was really wrong,' she said. 'I really thought I was going to die.' While under the influence of the date rape substance, Mariposa claimed her Cartier bracelet was stolen along with her phone's SIM card. This instilled in her the fear that the perpetrator had even worse intentions as she would not have been able to call for safety without her mobile phone. 'And what scares me most is, I simply firmly believe that these disturbed people who did this to us had completely different intentions for us,' she said. Luckily, Mariposa's partner, Luca, and another friend that were nearby sensed 'that something was wrong' and the men brought the two women back home safely. The following day, the influencer went to hospital where doctors allegedly found traces of the date rape drug. 'The next day I went immediately to a doctor and also to the hospital to check my whole body and Im still shocked about what happened,' she said. Mariposa bravely recalled her ordeal to her huge social media following in a bid to warn other women about the party scam. 'Im sharing this because I want every woman out there to stay alert. Dont trust anyone blindly. Never leave your drink unattended. 'Something far worse could have happened to us that night. Please take this seriously'. The influencer said she vomited several times and was left unable walk on her own While under the influence of the unknown substance, Mariposa claimed her Cartier bracelet was stolen along with her phone's SIM card The following day, the influencer went to hospital where doctors allegedly found traces of the date rape drug 'I'm just grateful that we were so lucky in this nightmare that nothing worse happened to us physically,' she said. It comes after Mariposa's suffered a terrifying breast plant rupture in 2023 during her training for a diving competition. She told German newspaper Bild at the time: 'I was jumping and jumping and at some point I noticed that my chest was really hurting. I felt like I could hardly breathe. 'Luckily, nothing is leaking from the implant, so there's no danger. A procedure like this is incredibly expensive, though; you'll pay 6,000. I think I'll have to pay for it myself.' They have been married for 17-years and Stephen Graham has confessed he is still as in love with his wife as ever. The Adolescence star, 51, and Hannah Walters met when they were just starting out as trainee actors at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance in Sidcup, Kent. After working together on This England in 2006, their bond strengthened and they went on to tie the knot in June 2008. And as they approach their 17 year anniversary, Stephen admitted he still finds his wife 'dead saucy'. Opening up about their relationship in an interview with GQ Stephen gushed: 'She's me best mate for one, she's funny as f**k. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Stephen Graham has admitted he still finds his wife 'dead saucy' after 17-years of marriage as he gushes over their partnership amid the success of Netflix's Adolescence Opening up about their relationship in an interview with GQ Stephen gushed: 'She's me best mate for one, she's funny as f**k' (pictured with his wife Hannah Walters) 'I find her dead saucy. She's amazing. She's the light of my life. Do you know what I mean? We're a great little partnership. It really works.' The couple also work together on their joint production company, appropriately named Matriarch Productions, which was behind the hugely successful Netflix series Adolescence. On the impact of the series Stephen explained: 'I hoped it would create conversation, the amount of stuff me and Hannah are getting sent, and the amount of people I'm seeing on the streets who were saying that has happened between them and their children, is huge. 'To me, that's objective complete. We've done our bit. Now you go and crack on.' As well as playing a pivotal role off-screen, Hannah even had a brief on-screen cameo during the series. The actress and producer, 48, appeared in episode two as Mrs. Bailey - a teacher at Bruntwood Academy who reprimands Katie's grief-stricken best friend Jade (Fatima Bojang) for punching Ryan (Kaine Davis). But this is not the first head-turning project that Hannah has worked with her husband on. Their collaboration brought forth the multi-BAFTA-nominated film Boiling Point in 2021, where Hannah not only served as an executive producer but also appeared on screen. He added: 'I find her dead saucy. She's amazing. She's the light of my life. Do you know what I mean? We're a great little partnership. It really works' The couple also work together on their joint production company, appropriately named Matriarch Productions, which was behind the hugely successful Netflix series Adolescence On the impact of the series Stephen explained: 'I hoped it would create conversation, the amount of stuff me and Hannah are getting sent, and the amount of people I'm seeing on the streets who were saying that has happened between them and their children, is huge' The film like each episode of Adolescence - was remarkably filmed in one single take. Meanwhile Stephen has always been his wife's biggest fan. Reflecting on her talent during an online Q&A about 2021 prison drama Time, he gushed: 'I watched Hannah back in the day at drama school and always thought she was brilliant.' Elsewhere while on the Graham Norton show in February, Stephen explained how Hannah was also key to getting the production of their other streaming success on Disney+, A Thousand Blows, off the ground as she presented the story to Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight, who was fascinated by the idea. The couple settled in Ibstock, Leicestershire, close to Hannah's family, where they are well-liked in the community and live in a modest 450k four-bedroomed semi. The pair share daughter Grace, 20, and Alfie, 18. Speaking about the importance of spending time with his children he said: 'There's a lesson that I learned, and I think it goes back to making that choice of not wanting to go to America and not having that kind of drive to be famous. Hannah, 48, appeared in episode two as Mrs. Bailey (pitured) - a teacher at Bruntwood Academy who reprimands Katie's grief-stricken best friend Jade (Fatima Bojang) 'I remember Alfie, when he was young, asking me to go and kick a ball about or whatever. 'And me going, "I can't, just give me half an hour. I'm doing this." And as he turned and walked away, I kind of stopped and I looked and I seen his back [slumped], And I thought, "Oh sh*t, wait a minute. I can do this any time. That mightn't happen again." 'So what I would say is: always make time. No matter how busy you are, make time, because that opportunity may never come back again.' The Heroes Issue of British GQ is available via digital download and on newsstands on 10th June. If a man introduces his wife of 14 years to a male friend, only for them to embark on affair, it would be totally understandable for him to feel somewhat bitter at them walking down the aisle together, cheered on by Hollywood stars and the US President himself. However, when Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez exchange vows in Venice next month, there's unlikely to be any pangs of envy from her ex-husband Patrick Whitesell, 60, who has since found happiness with a glamorous Australian actress almost two decades his junior. The soon-to-be Mrs Bezos was propelled into mega-stardom when she cheated on Hollywood movie executive Patrick with the Amazon founder, 61. It emerged that Jeff had been 'whisking then married Lauren away on exotic trips' and embarking on 'secret rendezvous' - all while he kept up the facade as the perfect family man and husband to his then-wife of 25 years, Mackenzie Scott. After bouncing back from his ex-wife's infidelity, Patrick, who has an estimated net worth of $450million, is now halfway to being a billionaire and relishing in his new marriage with his glamorous actress and model wife Pia, 41. She previously starred in Home & Away, but since moving to LA with Patrick she has carved out a new low-key identity as an influencer with her own skincare brand. It is a world away from Lauren's showy brand of celebrity. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Patrick, the CEO of Hollywood talent agency WME, has clients including Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, Matt Damon, Michelle Williams, Idris Elba, Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, John Krasinski, Jude Law, Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington Patrick Whitesell, 60, was left heartbroken when his wife Lauren Sanchez, 55, left him for billionaire Jeff Bezos after their whirlwind affair emerged in 2019 (pictured in 2011) The soon-to-be Mrs Bezos was propelled into mega-stardom when she cheated on Hollywood movie executive Patrick Whitesell with the Amazon founder, 61 (R). Patrick had introduced the pair (All pictured together in 2016 years before their affair emerged) The American businessman enjoys a private life away from the spotlight with mother-of-two Pia, dubbed Australia's most beautiful women While Lauren enjoyed a lavish hen do in Paris earlier this month attended by Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry and Kris Jenner, the Whitesells circle includes the cream of the Hollywod A-list, including Ryan Reynolds, Denzel Washington and Hugh Jackman. Not that they are likely to shout about it. The American businessman enjoys a private life away from the spotlight with Pia, dubbed Australia's most beautiful women and their blended family. He has a son, Evan, and daughter, Ellie, with Lauren, and Pia has two sons from a previous relationship, Isaiah, 21, and Lennox, 18. The couple married in a private ceremony in May 2021 in LA, after their engagement in November 2020. The pair enjoyed a luxury but low-ley honeymoon in Mexico shortly after their union. Patrick, the CEO of Hollywood talent agency WME, has clients including Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, Matt Damon, Michelle Williams, Idris Elba, Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, John Krasinski, Jude Law, Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington. He had only just separated from Lauren when he was introduced to Pia by mutual friends in 2019. At the time, Pia was trying her luck in Hollywood after a successful stint on the Australian soap opera Home and Away. Pat was also throwing himself into work to distract himself from the headlines about Lauren and Jeff. By early 2020, the pair were photographed together for the first time on a sun-soaked holiday in Malibu. Later that year, Patrick proposed with an enormous emerald-cut diamond ring, with Pia declaring herself 'the luckiest girl in the world'. The couple married in a private ceremony in May 2021 in LA, after their engagement in November 2020. The pair enjoyed a luxury low-ley honeymoon in Mexico shortly after Pia then made the life-changing decision to relocate from her home in Bondi to Los Angeles, where Patrick lives and works, that same September, travelling abroad with her two sons Isaiah, 21, and Lennox, 18 (pictured) They didn't waste time getting married, making things official in a private ceremony held in May 2021, not long after Pia had packed up her life in the Sydney to move across the world to live with Patrick, and bringing her sons with her. More than three years later, the Whitesells remain blissfully happy, with a source telling Daily Mail Australia in 2024, 'Pat's having the last laugh, 100 per cent. 'He's living the f****** dream with Pia and he knows it. I doubt he thinks about Lauren or Jeff or that whole debacle at all.' Sources close to both Lauren and Patrick say they are incredible co-parents who are raising amazing children together. Also, the same source has said that Pia and Lauren are friends who get along very well. Patrick was the one who introduced his first wife to the billionaire she would eventually have an affair with. While it's unclear when exactly they started seeing each other, Lauren and Jeff's romance was first exposed by the National Enquirer in January 2019 when they were both still married. Soon after the affair made headlines, the billionaire divorced his wife of more than 25 years and the mother of his four children, Mackenzie. At the time, the bombshell report from the Enquirer claimed Lauren and Jeff had been involved in an eight-month affair, which included him sending her raunchy messages and erotic selfies, and having secret rendezvous at palatial private estates. Former Home And Away star Pia is an actress, model and mother to two sons from her previous marriage. She previously lived in Australia before relocation to the US to move in with Patrick More than three years later, the Whitesells remain blissfully happy, with a source telling Daily Mail Australia in 2024, 'Pat's having the last laugh, 100 per cent The outlet said it had tracked them 'across five states and 40,000 miles, tailing them in private jets, swanky limos, helicopter rides, romantic hikes, five-star hotel hideaways, intimate dinner dates and "quality time" in hidden love nests'. After the Enquirer's accusations, Jeff fired back by writing a lengthy essay to the publication's CEO, David Pecker, in which the e-commerce mogul accused the company of blackmailing him. 'Rather than capitulate to extortion and blackmail, I've decided to publish exactly what they sent me, despite the personal cost and embarrassment they threaten,' he wrote. '[After] intimate text messages from me were published in the National Enquirer, I engaged investigators to learn how those texts were obtained, and to determine the motives for the many unusual actions taken by the Enquirer. 'We were then approached with an offer. They said they had more of my text messages and photos that they would publish if we didn't stop our investigation.' He shared alleged emails sent to him by Enquirer staffers, in which they described the racy images they had 'obtained during their newsgathering' in detail. 'If in my position I can't stand up to this kind of extortion, how many people can,' Jeff continued. 'Of course I don't want personal photos published, but I also won't participate in their well-known practice of blackmail, political favors, political attacks, and corruption. I prefer to stand up, roll this log over, and see what crawls out,' he added. While it's unclear when exactly they started seeing each other, Lauren and Jeff's romance was first exposed by the National Enquirer in January 2019 when they were both still married (pictured together at the F1 Grand Prix over the weekend) Jeff and Lauren became engaged in May 2023 and plan to wed in late June (pictured in March) As for how Jeff and Lauren met, Lauren's husband Patrick was apparently the first to introduce the two at an Amazon Studios party for the movie Manchester by the Sea in 2016. Her production team was then hired to film footage for Jeff's rocket company, Blue Origin, in 2018. 'Patrick and Lauren have socialised with Jeff Bezos and his wife for a few years, because both [former] couples have houses in Seattle,' a source told Page Six after their affair was brought to light. 'Then Lauren was hired to work on one of Jeff's projects, Blue Origin, a space-launch company. She has been shooting aerial shots for Jeff.' After four years of lavish getaways, private jet rides, dinner dates at the most sought-after restaurants in the world, designer shopping trips, yacht rides, and invites to parties amongst the top stars, Jeff and Lauren became engaged in May 2023 and plan to wed in late June. Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora headed to Morocco this week with charity Operation Smile as they vowed to help 'change the lives of children'. The Scottish entrepreneur has been a supporter and ambassador for Operation Smile - which helps children with cleft paletes and carries out free surgeries across the world - since 2013. Duncan recently travelled with Nigora to Casablanca with the charity to observe life-changing operations and meet the patients - many of whom are babies and toddlers receiving surgery - and their families, as part of the Women in Medicine programme. The former Dragons' Den star has previously visited The Philippines, Mexico, Vietnam, and Ghana with the charity. Duncan shared a snap of himself in a surgical gown and cap as he introduced eight-month-old Zyad, who was heading into surgery for a cleft palete operation. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora headed to Morocco this week with charity Operation Smile to witness life-changing operations Duncan shared a snap of himself in a surgical gown and cap as he introduced eight-month-old Zyad, who was heading into surgery for a cleft palete operation He later shared another snap of the tot after the surgery as he wrote: 'Zyad is recovering well from his operation, Handsome boy.' Sharing a look at their trip to Morocco, Nigora wrote: 'Day One: Selection Day with @opsmileuk and @operationsmilemorocco_official @gabbywhitehorn @tombannatyne1 @duncan.bannatyne an emotional and inspiring start, meeting the incredible kids and families filled with hope. .' Duncan showed his generous and philanthropic spirit last year at the Pride Of Britain Awards, after making a huge donation to an incredibly inspiring child's fundraiser. The ceremony had viewers in floods of tears when it aired in November, as it showed eight-year-old girl Florence Bark honoured with a Child of Courage award. The exceptionally brave little girl has battled acute myeloid leukaemia from a young age and is currently waiting for a lung transplant. But even while coping with her own health issues, Florence - who goes by Florrie - has set up her own charity to help other children with cancer, called Be More Fab. And her family has set up a secret GoFundMe page to raise money for the charity, which can be found here. Entrepreneur Duncan, 75, dug deep after being touched by Florrie's story when he attended the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday. He later shared another snap of the tot after the surgery as he wrote: 'Zyad is recovering well from his operation, Handsome boy' The Scottish entrepreneur has been a supporter and ambassador for Operation Smile - which helps children with cleft palettes and carries out free surgeries across the world - since 2013 The former Dragons' Den star has previously visited The Philippines, Mexico, Vietnam, and Ghana with the charity Duncan recently travelled with Nigora to Casablanca with the charity to observe life-changing operations and meet the patients Sharing a look at their trip to Morocco, Nigora wrote: 'Day One: Selection Day with @opsmileuk and @operationsmilemorocco_official @gabbywhitehorn @tombannatyne1 @duncan.bannatyne an emotional and inspiring start, meeting the incredible kids and families filled with hope. ' The businessman benevolently gave a whopping 30,000 to Florrie's fund on Thursday, becoming the top donation of the almost 75,000 raised so far. The Bannatyne health club owner celebrated his milestone 75th birthday with a lavish party in February, as he danced the night away with his beloved wife Nigora. The acclaimed entrepreneur enjoyed the special day as Nigora documented the celebration on her Instagram page, sharing a stunning shot of the couple posing together. Taking to her Stories, the former dental surgery receptionist recorded herself next to Duncan during their lavish outing. Another snap captured Nigora posing inside the sumptuous location as she beamed next to her husband. Dragons' Den star Duncan showed his generous and philanthropic spirit, after making a huge donation to an incredibly inspiring child's fundraiser The 2024 Pride of Britain Awards had viewers in floods of tears when it aired in November night, as it showed eight-year-old girl Florence Bark honoured with a Child of Courage award (pictured) The Uzbekistan-born beauty exuded fashion wearing Versace from head to toe, sizzling in a chic gold print co-ord from the house brand. Another video captured the Dragon's Den star enjoying his time as he was seen busy chatting to one of his friends, showing a live band on stage in the background. Duncan was in high spirits and appeared to have fully recovered from his recent injury, after he was seen using a walking stick and wearing a knee brace. Right after New Year's celebrations, the philanthropist was seen boarding a plane to depart St Barts' Gustaf III Airport - after spending the festive season on the island alongside his beloved wife. The eastern suburbs may look like a playground for Sydney's young, hot and rich. But in reality, the major players in the east are no different to teenagers competing to be the most popular girl in school. They may be older, some even a little wiser, but - according to our society insider - the same rules apply. Behind the scenes at the Vaucluse mansion parties, Double Bay brunches and Mimi's long lunches, whispers abound about who's in and who's out of the elite harbourside cliques. We spoke to a well-informed member of the 'in crowd' and regular DM snitch who shared with us a tongue-in-cheek 'tier list' that's been doing the rounds in group chats lately. In it, socialites are divided into A, B and C lists. There are plenty of familiar names and some controversial placements - we'll leave it up to you to decide if they're fair. First up, the A-list... Pictured from left to right: Caroline Tran, Lou O'Neil, Montarna McDonald, Bernadette Fahey, Kris Macourt and Deborah Symond O'Neil THE A-LIST Leading the pack is Lou O'Neil (nee Hay) who is the daughter of the late Donald Hay, the brush-manufacturing pioneer and founder of Hayco. In 2022, she married Jake O'Neil, a property developer and the second-eldest son of millionaire superyacht broker and Rose Bay marina owner Denis O'Neil and his wife Charlotte. Lou, a beauty and fashion content creator, isn't the only wealthy outsider to marry into the super-rich O'Neil family. Aussie Home Loans heiress Deborah Symond O'Neil, who tied the knot with eldest son Ned in 2018 in a lavish ceremony in the Whitsundays, also made the A-list. Poppy Tzaneros (nee O'Neil), the daughter of Denis and Charlotte, runs in the same circles. She is married to Anthony Tzaneros, a member of the founding family of the giant port logistics firm ACFS. Joining the trio is 'Pilates queen' Bernadette Fahey, who married Buildcorp COO Jordan Sukkar in a star-studded ceremony in Sydney last November. She is known for being the fitness instructor to some of Sydney's most high-powered socialites, including Jade Yarbrough and Madeleine Holtznagel (more on them later). Montarna Pitt, the founder of successful Sydney PR firm The Audience Agency, also made the A-list, which is hardly surprising given how well-connected she is. Montarna Pitt (pictured), the founder of successful Sydney PR firm The Audience Agency, also made the A-list, which is hardly surprising given how well-connected she is Also making the A-list is Nadia Fairfax, who is considered one of Sydney's top socialites Pictured from left to right: Lou O'Neil, Deborah Symond O'Neil and Poppy Tzaneros Stylist and brand consultant Caroline Tran and writer Kristina Macourt are also notable members of the Sydney 'It' crowd. Also making the A-list is Nadia Fairfax, long considered one of Sydney's top socialites and fashion bloggers. She is married to Michael Wayne, the managing director of Medallion Financial and a regular contributor to Sky Business. 'It' girl Harriet Williams has also cemented her place in the elite social scene, despite her recent split from marketing guru Andy El-Bayeh. Harriet, a kinesiologist at Inner Remedy, hails from a wealthy Sydney family, while Andy is the chief creative officer and founder of creative agency Example. Hoda Waterhouse (nee Vakili) and her sister Rey-Hanna Vakili are also part of the eastern suburbs' principal social scene. Hoda, an architect, is married to bookmaker and horse racing royalty Tom Waterhouse, while Rey's husband is multimillionaire chicken heir Johnny Ingham. Johnny's sister Tamie Ingham, the former business partner of Jasmine Stefanovic and wife of celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi, also holds a lofty position at the top of the Emerald City's social ladder. Pictured from left to right: Hannah Gold, Kristina Macourt, Bernadette Fahey, Montarna Pitt, Brittany Gallagher and Harriet Williams Hoda Waterhouse (nee Vakili) and her sister Rey-Hanna Vakili (both pictured) are also part of the eastern suburbs' principal social scene Tamie Ingham, the former business partner of Jasmine Stefanovic and wife of celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi, also holds a lofty position at the top of the Emerald City's social ladder THE B-LIST While they aren't quite at the pinnacle of Sydney high society, those in the B-list are still ones to watch. The biggest of the B-crowd - at least according to the list doing the rounds - is P.E Nation founder Pip Edwards. She's a self-made fashion millionaire, but her reputation as a tabloid headline magnet perhaps keeps her from reaching the lofty heights of the A-list. Dina Broadhurst, variously known as the 'nude artist' and 'The Body of the East', also sits firmly in the middle of the pack (although, personally, we think she deserves to be in the A-list based on her figure alone). PR guru Roxy Jacenko is known for representing many celebrity clients and you'd think she would find a place near the top, but we understand she dropped to the B-list after relocating to Singapore with her family in 2023. The B-list includes some familiar names, including Pip Edwards (left) and Jackie O (right) Dina Broadhurst, known as the 'nude artist' and 'The Body of the East', sits firmly in the middle of the pack (although we think she deserves to be in the A-list based on her figure alone) Roxy Jacenko is known for representing many celebrities and you'd think she would find a place near the top, but we understand she dropped to the B-list after relocating to Singapore Joining Roxy on the B-list is Madeline Holtznagel (right), the 27-year-old girlfriend of Sydney hospitality mogul Justin Hemmes (left). They are expecting their first child together Jackie 'O' Henderson is aggressively refurbishing her image from radio shock jock into a more brand-safe Goop-y influencer for Gen X women. If net worth decided social status she'd be right up there, but her history of on-air scandals keeps her in the B-list. But we're sure, having signed a 10-year $200million deal in 2023, she'll be crying all the way to the bank. Joining her on the B-list is Madeline Holtznagel, the 27-year-old girlfriend of Sydney hospitality mogul Justin Hemmes, 52. They are expecting their first child together. Rounding out the middle tier is Ellie Aitken, who hit the headlines in late 2021 when her marriage to high-profile stockbroker Charlie Aitken blew up over his affair with her close friend Hollie Nasser. Rounding out the middle tier is Ellie Aitken (centre right), who hit the headlines in late 2021 when her marriage to stockbroker Charlie Aitken blew up over his affair with her close friend Hollie Nasser. (Pictured from left: CJ and Hollie Nasser, and Ellie and Charlie Aitken) Kristin Fisher's (pictured) reputation took a hit when a brush with the law in 2021 prompted a magistrate to scold eastern suburbs elites for their casual cocaine use Sisters Jade (right) and Jasmine Yarbrough (left), from Queensland, round out the C-list Model Laura Csortan became a Sydney 'It' girl when she won a string of beauty pageants in the late '90s. But these days she keeps a lower profile THE C-LIST Now, there's nothing wrong with being a C-lister. While those sharing this list may have had snarky intentions, the socialites in Class C are still more rich, famous and beautiful than any of us could hope to be - and at least they're not on lists D to Z, which we dare not publish. The aforementioned Hollie Nasser found a place, buoyed to relevancy by her role in the eastern suburbs love triangle. Although she hasn't done much since. She's joined by Kristin Fisher, one of Sydney's most in-demand beauticians who runs an eponymous salon in Double Bay. But while her talents as an 'eyebrow queen' are legendary, her reputation took a hit when a brush with the law in 2021 prompted a magistrate to scold eastern suburbs elites for their casual cocaine use. Model Laura Csortan became a Sydney 'It' girl when she won a string of beauty pageants in the late '90s. But these days she keeps a lower profile. Sisters Jade and Jasmine Yarbrough, from Queensland, round out the C-list. Jasmine is married to TV star Karl Stefanovic while (unfortunately) Jade's biggest claim to fame is being involved in the 'Noosa rumble' with her ex Michael Clarke. This article was first published on January 9 ...and the Melbourne socialites When our high society snitch passed on a 'tier list' of Sydney's most talked-about socialites, we knew straight away it was one for our Mail+ subscribers. So after the Emerald City's rankings proved wildly popular, we did a ring around Melbourne's most clued-up insiders and asked: who are the big names south of the border? Below, we present our tongue-in-cheek tier list of the unofficial queens of Toorak, Brighton and South Yarra. Some you'll know from Daily Mail's years of showbiz coverage, but others have the kind of wealth that keeps them below the radar, and it's hard not to conclude that they make Sydney look like Australia's second city when it comes to style. The socialites are placed into three tiers - A, B and C - and, as with the previous list, we'll leave it up to you to decide if their placements are fair. Without further ado, here are the A-listers... Top of the food chain is Sarah Lucas (formerly Lew, nee Nowoweiski) and her daughter Bella Lew, whom she shares with ex-husband Steven Lew, the son of retail billionaire Solomon Lew Sarah (centre) and Bella (right) are pictured at Sarah's pre-wedding party in Venice in 2023 Interior designer Tamsin Johnson (pictured with her husband, celebrity tailor Patrick Johnson) is also a notable member of Melbourne's 'It' crowd, despite having moved to Sydney A-list Top of the food chain is Sarah Lucas (formerly Lew, nee Nowoweiski) and her glamorous daughter Bella Lew, whom she shares with her ex-husband Steven Lew, the son of billionaire retail magnate Solomon Lew. Sarah married her second husband, restaurateur Chris Lucas, in Venice in 2023 at the luxury Aman hotel, in the same second-floor ballroom where George and Amal Clooney tied the knot. Tamsin Johnson is also a notable member of Melbourne's 'It' crowd despite having moved to Sydney. She runs her own interior design practice and is behind some of the Victorian capital's finest homes. 'Queen bee' AFL WAG Rebecca Judd also makes the A-list, which is hardly surprising as she is so revered in the city's social scene she has been given the nickname 'God'. Georgia and Bella Geminder, the glamorous granddaughters of billionaire 'cardboard king' Richard Pratt, also run in the same elite circles. Their mother, Fiona, owns cardboard giant Visy and is worth a reported $3.4billion, while their father, Raphael, who is also on Forbes' Rich List, has a 40 per cent share in the plastics manufacturer Pact. Sacha De Winter, who married into the prominent blue-blood Baillieu family, has also cemented her place in the lofty heights of Melbourne's social scene. 'Queen bee' WAG Rebecca Judd (pictured with husband Chris) also makes the A-list. She is so revered in the city's social scene she has been given the nickname 'God' Georgia and Bella Geminder (both pictured), the glamorous granddaughters of billionaire 'cardboard king' Richard Pratt, also run in the same elite circles Sacha De Winter (pictured with her husband Hamish Baillieu), has also cemented her place in the lofty heights of Melbourne's social scene Amanda Valmorbida's (left) family made their fortune as wholesalers for the La Gina and Sirena tinned food brands in the 1970s, and by importing Lavazza coffee. Her husband Tim Holmes a Court's (right) father is a cousin of Australia's first billionaire Robert Holmes a Court Kristen Fowler (pictured), who is married to Harry Fox, the grandson of billionaire trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, also holds a position on the top of the social ladder Joining the A-list is Amanda Valmorbida, whose family made their fortune as wholesalers for the La Gina and Sirena tinned food brands in the 1970s, and by importing the ubiquitous Lavazza coffee. Her husband Tim Holmes a Court's father is a cousin of Australia's first billionaire Robert Holmes a Court. Kristen Fowler, who is married to Harry Fox, the grandson of billionaire trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, also holds a position on the top of the social ladder. B-list One of the main 'It' girls on the B-list is Rebecca Harding, who is engaged to TV, radio and podcast superstar Andy Lee. Rozalia Russian, the model-influencer wife of hospitality king Nick Russian, who owns Bar Bambi on AC/DC Lane, also earns a place in the middle tier. Former WAG-turned-fashion designer Nadia Bartel has moved up the ladder, having successfully rebuilt her reputation after that Kmart plate incident. One of the main 'It' girls on the B-list is Rebecca Harding (left), who is engaged to TV, radio and podcast superstar Andy Lee (right) Rozalia Russian, the model-influencer wife of hospitality king Nick Russian, who owns Bar Bambi on AC/DC Lane, also earned her place in the middle tier Former WAG-turned-fashion designer Nadia Bartel has moved up the ladder, having successfully rebuilt her reputation after that Kmart plate incident Journalist-turned-skincare entrepreneur Zoe Foster-Blake should be at the top, what with her estimated net worth of $36million, but her move to Sydney with husband Hamish Blake has impacted her position in the Melbourne scene. Joining her on the B-list is Lisa Wipfli, the wife of Nova 96.9 breakfast host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli, who also splits her time between Melbourne and Sydney. Radio presenter Lauren Phillips, who is engaged to private jet mogul Paul O'Brien, has been a C-list fixture for years - but by thrashing Kyle and Jackie O in the breakfast show ratings, she has climbed up a rung. Designer Effie Kats is another prominent socialite whose clothes are regularly seen on the likes of Dannii Minogue, Kelly Rowland, Carrie Bickmore and DJ Havana Brown. Lindy Klim moved back to Melbourne last October after splitting from her second husband, property developer Adam Ellis, and living in Indonesia for years. Being a legitimate Balinese princess guarantees her a spot in the B-list - and the only way is up. Journalist-turned-skincare entrepreneur Zoe Foster-Blake should be at the top, what with her estimated net worth of $36million, but her move to Sydney has impacted her ranking Joining Zoe on the B-list is Lisa Wipfli (right), the wife of Nova 96.9 breakfast host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli (left), who also splits her time between Melbourne and Sydney Lauren Phillips (left) and Effie Kats (right) also made the B-list Lindy Klim moved back to Melbourne last October after living in Indonesia for years. Being a legitimate Balinese princess guarantees her a spot in the B-list - and the only way is up Rounding out this middle tier is Emma Hawkins, the wife of Geelong great Tom Hawkins, and reality TV star and co-founder of the Liberty Belle Skin Centre Andrea Moss Also in the middle tier are Emma Hawkins, the wife of Geelong great Tom Hawkins, and reality TV star and co-founder of the Liberty Belle Skin Centre Andrea Moss. Other notable B-listers include Holly Lucas, the daughter of famed Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas; and Georgia Maddern, the niece of TV stalwart Rebecca Maddern and wife of Patch Garnaut of the Garnaut financial advisory family. The C-list While they aren't quite at the pinnacle of Melbourne's high society, these names are still ones to keep an eye on. AFL star Josh Daicos' fiancee Annalise Dalins works as a model and is signed to top agency Vivien's - could she be the next 'Queen bee WAG'? AFL star Josh Daicos' fiancee Annalise Dalins works as a model and is signed to top agency Vivien's - could she be the next 'Queen bee WAG'? Sarah Ellen has also been making a name for herself after leaving acting behind to focus on her influencing career, and now boasts almost 800,000 Instagram followers Also building a reputation in the beauty industry is Bridget Bond, the head of international brand development at cosmetics giant Mecca Footy WAG Jessie Murphy (nee Habermann), the wife of former Carlton skipper Marc Murphy, is also one to watch, having burst onto the scene at the 2016 Brownlow Medal Brendan Fevola's stepdaughter Mia Fevola rounds out the list as a budding influencer and entrepreneur Sarah Ellen has also been making a name for herself since leaving acting behind to focus on her influencing career, and now boasts almost 800,000 Instagram followers. Also building a reputation in the beauty industry is Bridget Bond, the head of international brand development at cosmetics giant Mecca. Bridget is the sister-in-law of A-lister Holly Lucas. Footy WAG Jessie Murphy (nee Habermann), the wife of former Carlton skipper Marc Murphy, is also one to watch, having burst onto the scene when she wore a daringly low-cut dress at the 2016 Brownlow Medal. Brendan Fevola's stepdaughter Mia Fevola rounds out the list as a budding influencer and entrepreneur. Sophie Kasaei shared a positive fertility update on Instagram on Monday after opening up about her struggle to conceive a baby with her boyfriend Jordan Brook. The Geordie Shore star, 35, who suffers from endometriosis and has spoken publicly about her fertility journey, was joined by her partner Jordan, 29, as the pair shared an update with their followers, revealing they have finally got some answers. In a lengthy new video update, Sophie said: 'So me and Jordan have been waiting to do this video because we were waiting to see where we're going to be at in our fertility journey, and waiting for some news to come through. She continued: 'So, now we're at a position where we can actually tell you exactly what's been going on. We feel like it's the best time to speak now about it. 'Not long ago, a couple of months ago, we got the first bit of news. Which was I had something called Ureaplasma.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Sophie Kasaei shared a positive fertility update on Instagram on Monday after opening up about her struggle to conceive a baby with her boyfriend Jordan Brook The Geordie Shore star, 35, who suffers from endometriosis and has spoken publicly about her fertility journey, was joined by her partner Jordan, 29, as the pair shared an update According to Medical News Today, Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria commonly found in the urinary or genital tract. It does not usually cause symptoms, but in some cases, it may contribute to infections, fertility problems, or pregnancy complications. Revealing she had no idea about the condition, Sophie continued: 'But Ureaplasma is like an embedded bacteria that can cause infertility, and I knew nothing about this, and in the UK they never tested for this. 'And this testing that we've been getting is more like immunology testing, and they test for like everything. 'And Ureaplasma would have caused a lot of infertility anyway. Now I was a little bit worried, I was like how do I get rid of that, and that was literally a course of antibiotics of two weeks. Jordan chimed in, saying: 'No sex for two weeks and antibiotics for two weeks.' Sophie explained further: 'Then we got further testing once we got rid of the Ureaplasma and were like "Right, let's go down the road of getting our bloods done." 'Prior to all this, Jordan's had sperm done and I've had everything else done and we're both fine.' Jordan added: 'So, we was at a stage where egg count was good, sperm count was good, Ureaplasma's now gone. In a lengthy new video update, the star revealed that she was first diagnosed with Ureaplasma, a type of bacteria commonly found in the urinary or genital tract She went on antibiotics for several weeks and revealed to her followers that her egg count was good and so was Jordan's sperm count. However, they were still struggling to conceive, so went to Fertilysis for more answers What is Ureaplasma? Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria commonly found in the urinary or genital tract. It does not usually cause symptoms, but in some cases, it may contribute to infections, fertility problems, or pregnancy complications. Source: Medical News Today Advertisement 'So that's where we're at but there was still, obviously, it wasn't happening, so unanswered questions and we needed more detail.' Sophie explained: 'So then Jordan got his bloods done. I got my bloods done in the UK from Superdrug and it costs like 80 quid each to get these done privately.' Jordan added: 'But, if you go back to our previous video, there was a box we got from Fertilysis, we got another box which was to send our bloods off now for both of us. All labelled up, so my vials had Jordan, Sophie's vials had Sophie, 'With all instructions of what you needed to do in the box, we boxed that up and then it was off the next day.' Sophie continued: 'We got our results about seven to 10 days and it was just a phone call. I was away at the time, but me and Jordan had a good phone call, and Jordan knows a lot more about this because he was taking a lot of notes. 'So the bloods came back and we finally got more answers, and it makes sense.' Revealing the issue, Jordan said: 'Sophie has a very very overactive immune system. Which is great to stop her getting ill, but, what that means is Sophie's immune system is effectively killing my sperm. 'It's too strong, so it's killing my sperm before it can make an embryo. Because it's a foreign body, Sophie's body sees my sperm as a foreign body. He continued: 'So, we've been offered lit therapy.' Explaining what lit therapy is, Sophie added: 'Basically they take Jordan's blood cells and put it into a vaccine and inject into me, so it makes my body accept Jordan's cells.' The pair then discovered that Sophie has a very overactive immune system and positively revealed to their followers that they have been offered lit therapy Jordan explained further: 'So they make a vaccine out of my blood and my white blood cells at the clinic, and then that gets administered to Soph effectively, hopefully stopping Soph's immune system killing the sperm. 'Because it sees it as something of its own. There's another two or three things which we will later talk about with the doctor.' Sophie concluded: 'That is the update' as Jordan chimed in with: 'Things are looking up, things are looking positive for the first time in a long time. He added: 'This is the first time that we've both felt positive for a long time.' Alongside the new video update, Sophie captioned the post: ' FERTILITY UPDATE PART 1 'It's been a long road and looking for answers comes with so many stresses and worries. We can now say finally after over 2 years we have got some answers on our fertility journey! 'I was recommended Fertilysis from a few girls who have had amazing success stories so I thought let's give it a try! 'We found out firstly that I had a bacteria called Ureaplasma that causes infertility - why no one ever tested me for this in Uk I do not no. 'But a course of antibiotics and it was gone. We then had our bloods sent off to see what's going on in our immunology and we got even more answers! Alongside the new video update, Sophie captioned the post: 'It's been a long road and looking for answers comes with so many stresses and worries. We can now say finally after over 2 years we have got some answers on our fertility journey!' 'We found out we are a partial DQ alpha match which also affects implantation. But there is even more hope as this can be treated too! 'I just wish we knew about @fertilysis sooner. I know now we are in the best hands and the outcome is going to be amazing. Finally feeling hopeful and can finally see some light after a challenging few years. She concluded the post 'Next its off to Athens to get the next batch of treatments (prayer hands emoji) @fertilysis thank you x' According to Fertilysis's website, they specialize in the investigation and treatment of unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriages, providing answers where standard practices fail. Last year, Sophie candidly spoke about her fertility struggles. The reality TV star admitted her fertility journey 'hasn't been the easiest' as she thought 'she would be able to fall pregnant straight away'. Speaking to Heat magazine at the time, she said: 'We've been trying for a few months now. I thought I'd get pregnant straight away, but it's a lot harder than people think.' Sophie, who started dating the TOWIE star in November 2022, added: 'It's not the easiest - there are definitely hard months but we'll get there one day. At the moment, though, Jordan is loving the trying. 'He's having a field day because I'm fulfilling all of his needs and wants!' Last year, Sophie candidly revealed her fertility journey 'hasn't been the easiest' and thought 'she would be able to fall pregnant straight away' Sophie has been incredibly open in the past about her battle with endometriosis which has led to her going through certain fertility tests. The star was diagnosed back in 2020 when she opened up with her followers about her 'excruciating' battle with the condition. Endometriosis is a condition resulting from endometrial tissue outside the uterus which causes pelvic pain and is often related to menstruation. She compared her horrendous ordeal to someone 'stabbing you in your ovaries' when she shared her experience with her followers. 'I want to say to anyone who suffers from endometriosis like it is so painful! I literally was just fine and I've started to cry again. 'I've just done a PT session and I had to leave because the pain that I just felt driving home, honestly I can't describe that pain. 'It's the most excruciating pain, it's like someone's got a knife and is just stabbing you in your ovaries.' Davina McCall has revealed she urgently wrote letters and a will before her brain tumour surgery to make sure 'everyone was okay if she died'. The presenter, 57, who is now in the all clear, was diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a rare type of benign brain tumour in November and underwent a six-hour operation. Prior to the life-threatening surgery, Davina admitted on her Begin Again podcast this week that she went to 'extreme' measures in case anything bad happened during the operation. Speaking to her guest Jamie Theakston about their respective cancer journeys, she explained: 'I have never had thought processes like I had before my operation. 'Some people were like "You were quite extreme" because I was like I need to make sure everyone is alright if I die, will, letters. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Davina McCall, 57, who is now in the all clear, has revealed she urgently wrote letters and a will before her brain tumour surgery to make sure 'everyone was okay if she died' Speaking to guest Jamie Theakston (pictured) about their respective cancer journeys, she explained: 'Some people were like "You were quite extreme" because I was like I need to make sure everyone is alright if I die, will, letters' 'You did that?', Jamie asked. 'Yeah. I mean I was literally telling everybody [that I was fine]. But being on an operating table is a risk at our age.' Last month Davina appeared in a video with her partner Michael Douglas, where she confirmed she had received the all clear after undergoing an MRI scan. The TV personality also shared unseen before and after snaps from her scan revealing that the tumour has completely disappeared from her brain. Accompanying the video, Davina wrote: 'So here it is. Our final brain surgery update. Had the final MRI this week. @brain.surgeon.uk got everything out during surgery, it's not coming back. 'Thanks so so much to everyone at @onewelbeck and @clevelandclinic . To my mum and @mdlondon for taking such good care of me . To Sarah for being my BFF to my amazing kids. To @brain.surgeon.uk for being the GOAT. 'I am so so grateful particularly because I know a lot of people have inoperable tumours and and I know I'm lucky to be able to draw a line under this and move on with my life when so many people can't. And I'm just gonna say this one more time. Benign does not mean fine.' She told how she had her final MRI and admitted that she was nervous' as if any of the tumour was left that it would grow back and she'd have to 'go through the whole thing again'. The presenter was diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a rare type of benign brain tumour in November and underwent a six-hour operation Last month Davina appeared in a video with her partner Michael Douglas, where she revealed to fans she received the all clear after undergoing an MRI scan She noted that she'd 'mentally prepared herself' for that scenario, while Michael added that he too was nervous as it had been 'a huge journey'. Laughing with joy and relief, Davina then added: 'but it was clear!' Elsewhere in the podcast, Jamie, 54 - who is now cancer free - reflected on his emotional journey. Jamie announced he had been diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer in October 2024 after listeners had noticed there was something not right with his voice. It's cancer is a type of cancer that affects the larynx (voice box). The radio host, who has a monthly laryngoscopy check up, said that although he has been through hardship he admitted cancer has been a 'real gift' as he now doesn't take life or his family for granted. Jamie said: 'I feel in a much better place not only physically but also mentally because I have learnt so much about myself, and about how strong you can be. 'I've learnt about other people, about friends and family about how important they can be. Supporting, being there, not taking them for granted. It has been a real gift. 'Often when bad things happen to us, in the aftermath of that there can be good things to take from it and I really do feel that I am a better person because of what I have been through than what I was before. Elsewhere in the podcast, Jamie, 54 - who is now cancer free - reflected on his emotional journey, admitting his diagnosis has been a 'real gift' as he now doesn't take life or his family for granted After undergoing three life-changing surgeries and being told he had 'a one in six chance he might not be able to talk again', Jamie revealed In January that he was free from the disease 'I can look back about what things are important, I'm much more relaxed about work and about life. 'When you tell your children you have cancer and what that might mean to then telling your children you don't have cancer and what that might me. 'And all of a sudden you see your future ahead of you and it's like that's pretty cool. When I got through it, all I did was plan ahead. Months, years ahead because I've got my future.' Elsewhere in the chat, Jamie revealed he initially kept his possible cancer diagnosis a secret from beloved wife Sophie Siegle for weeks as they enjoyed a family holiday to Japan. The Heart Breakfast host said he was so blindsided by the news he worked hard to 'suppress it' in order to enjoy the trip with their sons Sidney, 17, and Kit, 16. Jamie said that he had to undergo emergency scans just hours before boarding a plane for their long-awaited family trip. I didnt tell anyone. At that stage, I thought, well, it might not be cancer. So theres no point really in saying anything,' he said. 'I just tried to suppress it. All I could think was, its probably not. It wasnt until the biopsy results came back that the cancer diagnosis was confirmed. I then had to go home and tell my wife, he said. She was distraught. Jamie revealed he initially kept his possible cancer diagnosis a secret from beloved wife Sophie Siegle (pictured together) for weeks as they enjoyed a family holiday to Japan The Heart Breakfast host said he was so blindsided by the news he worked hard to 'suppress it' in order to enjoy the trip with their sons Sidney, 17, and Kit, 16 (pictured with his sons in 2018) I went on holiday with this in the back of my mind, We had a fantastic time - but obviously, this was there in the background.' Breaking the news to his sons, he said, was the hardest part: 'I had to explain to them that I was going to be fine, but they were too young to understand. When you say youve got cancer to a 14-year-old, they think youre going to die'. 'My youngest son had been with me when I was told my mum had died of cancer, so he knew what it meant. Jamie lost his mum in late 2022. I was so pleased that she had died before I got cancer, he said. I wouldve hated for her to know. Im not sure what that wouldve done to her. During the chat he recalled how listeners noticed his voice had changed: People mentioned my voice wasnt sounding right, he said. And I knew it wasnt right myself, but you just think - sore throat, nothing serious. But a visit to a throat specialist changed everything. He looked at my throat and said, Oh yeah, thats probably cancer I said What do you mean? And he said Nine times out of ten, it is cancer and we need to get you scanned now. After his initial surgery, doctors feared some cancerous cells may have been left behind, prompting a second, and eventually a third operation. We were getting dangerously close to removing so much of the vocal cord that I wouldnt be able to talk again, he reflected. But the third surgery was successful, and in January this year, Jamie triumphantly returned to Heart Breakfast alongside co-host Amanda Holden - whom he credits with getting him through it. Amanda was incredible, he said. She checked in on me nonstop. She kept the show going. Shes a force of nature. I didnt tell anyone. At that stage, I thought, well, it might not be cancer. So theres no point really in saying anything I just tried to suppress it. All I could think was, its probably not. Jamie, who once shied away from talking about personal struggles publicly, says he now feels a responsibility to speak out - especially given how unusual his type of cancer is. 'The cancer I had, laryngeal cancer, is very rare. A lot of doctors I spoke to had never even seen a case of it. But because it presents itself through your voice, you can diagnose it early. And that's why I'm still here.' Hes become evangelical about early diagnosis. Cancer outcomes at stage one are really good. But once it gets to stage three, its not.' Victoria and David Beckham appeared to put their fall out with Brooklyn to the back of their minds as they enjoyed an expensive date night in New York on Monday. The couple visited the Eleven Madison Park as they tucked into the ten course vegan tasting menu priced at $365-per-head. Taking to Instagram David shared an array of snaps of the delicious dishes before him and the former Spice Girl, 51, posed with the kitchen and waiting staff. Sharing a picture with head chef and owner Daniel Humm, David, 50, penned: '@elevenmadisonpark Once again I'm blown away. Thank you Daniel to you and your amazing team x'. The pair looked to enjoy their evening out despite their fears there may be no way back for them and son Brooklyn after he declared he 'would always choose' wife Nicola Peltz. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Victoria and David Beckham took their mind off their fall out with Brooklyn as they enjoyed a $365-per-head date night at fine dining restaurant in New York on Monday The pair looked to enjoy their evening out despite their fears there may be no way back for them and son Brooklyn after he declared he 'would always choose' wife Nicola Peltz Their eldest child and his actress wife are understood to be at the heart of a bitter fallout with his family, who are based in the United Kingdom while they reside in Los Angeles. But the 26-year old influencer appeared to make his feelings clear in an Instagram video shared on Sunday, in which he pledged his unwavering loyalty to Nicola, 30 - the daughter of Miami-based billionaire businessman and investor Nelson Peltz. Brooklyn whisked his wife off for an early morning motorbike ride and captioned the video: 'My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x you're the most amazing person i know xx me and you forever baby.' Those close to the Beckhams have now told The Sun that the message seemed 'very pointed'. The insider added: 'It shows how much this situation with his family has escalated. 'It's very sad for everyone involved, especially David and Victoria who love him very much. This isn't the Brooklyn his family knows and loves. 'This post was like a dagger to their hearts but they will always be there for Brooklyn.' MailOnline has contacted Victoria and David Beckham for comment. Sharing a picture with chef and owner Daniel Humm, David, 50, penned: '@elevenmadisonpark Once again I'm blown away. Thank you Daniel to you and your amazing team x' The couple visited the Eleven Madison Park as they tucked into the ten course tasting menu priced at $365-per-head David shared an array of snaps of the delicious dishes including a 'chilled legume salad with glazed spring peas, garlic aioli, and snow pea relish, finished with a minty spring pea broth' The 26-year old influencer appeared to make his feelings clear in an Instagram video shared on Sunday, in which he pledged his unwavering loyalty to Nicola, 30 - the daughter of Miami-based billionaire businessman and investor Nelson Peltz Brooklyn whisked his wife off for an early morning motorbike ride and captioned the video: 'My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby' Nicola reshared the video to her own page and replied: 'I've always got you baby,' followed by a burning love heart emoji. Fans were disappointed at the couple's 'immature' posts, with one penning: 'I'm sorry but you pair need to grow up, 'You've made a point of going on about the love for your grandma who passed last year and yet you're happy to see your husband estranged from his family. This will eventually come between you & Brooklyn. However long it takes it will split you up & we'll all be watching. Be nice life's too short.'; 'Stay close with both the families, life's short, believe me, it's not worth any argument.'; 'Real love doesn't make you choose. Why can't you love your wife AND family'; 'Actually quite sad that you are adding fuel to the fire to hurt your parents. You only get 1 mum and dad so many have lost their without even knowing they would' In the video they cruised around on the motorbike as Nicola put his arms around Brooklyn and held on. Other fans scolded Brooklyn and Nicola for riding without protective care on the motorbike. Hours later, Brooklyn's brother Cruz, 20, declared his love for his parents in another Instagram post. Sharing a picture of David and Victoria with all four of their children, Cruz wrote: 'I love my family, I love you guys more than anything. 'Mum and dad, you gave us life and cared for us no matter what. I cannot tell you how blessed we all are to have you in our lives x.' It comes after Victoria and husband David made yet another attempt to extend an olive branch to their son Brooklyn on Thursday evening as they attended the TIME100 Impact Dinner in New York City. Victoria also took to her Instagram Story as she shared a birthday tribute to her pal Jo Manoukian Posing in the snap she penned: 'Still having fun for over 20 years!!' Cruz appeared to make a slight dig at his brother in a post on Sunday as he clearly sided with his parents with his choice of words amid the family feud David and Victoria are understood to be devastated following the fall-out with Brooklyn (seen in happier times last year) They were clearly keen to show the world that they were more in love than ever amid the family 'feud' Fans were disappointed at the couple's 'immature' posts, with one penning: 'I'm sorry but you pair need to grow up Putting on a united front at the event the couple displayed a family photo taken at Victoria's 50th last year which included all four of their children. It captured a moment reminiscent of happier times for the family, prior to their ongoing feud with their eldest son and his wife Nicola. While Brooklyn was present at the former Spice Girl's big birthday last year, both he and his wife failed to make an appearance at her 51st or at David's 50th earlier this month. And while his other brothers Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, took to social media to pay their birthday tributes to their parents, on both occasions Brooklyn stayed silent. Rachael Finch was embracing a sometimes maligned trend on Tuesday. The former Miss Universe runner-up was spotted working her angles in a pair of skin tight skinny jeans during an outing in a salon in Sydney's Cronulla. She paired the sleek trousers with a black leather belt and tank top in the same dark tone. She completed the look with a pair of stacked white sneakers and opted for a natural makeup look. Rachael could be seen posing up a storm while her phone was attached to a glass door with a suction holder. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Rachael Finch (pictured) was embracing a sometimes maligned trend on Tuesday. The former Miss Universe runner-up was spotted working her angles in a pair of skin tight skinny jeans during an outing in a salon in Sydney 's Cronulla Skinny jeans had fallen out of favour in recent years, with Gen Z declaring them uncool and dated. But the tide appears to have changed in 2025, with many young influencers declaring the 2010s staple is back in vogue. It comes after Rachael shared a horrific message she received from an online hater, and hit back at the troll. She posted to Instagram on Monday to read out a brutal email she was sent via her supplement brand Kissed Earth. The message slammed the company for being 'boring' and accused Rachael of giving children Violet, nine, and Dominic, six, a 'life of boredom and misery'. 'Just wanted to know why this brand of product is any different or more effective than the millions that are already on the market,' the message began. 'It's just so boring. The market is well over-saturated, so what is your point of difference? Or is it that it is owned by a runner-up Miss Australia from 16 years ago?' 'Is that how she justifies her excessive price point? Also, what medical doctors were consulted in the development of the powdered oral range?' it continued. Rachael could be seen posing up a storm while her phone was attached to a glass door with a suction holder Skinny jeans had fallen out of favour in recent years, with Gen Z declaring them uncool and dated. But the tide appears to have changed in 2025, with many young influencers declaring the 2010s staple is back in vogue The hate message went on to say humans 'have existed and thrived on this planet for millions of years' without the help of 'gut tonics or turmeric enemas'. 'You are just the most boring and angular-faced woman on Australian TV,' they added. The troll then accused Rachael of making 'controversial statements online just to get people thinking' about the mother-of-two and her brand. 'People don't like you because your kids live a life of boredom and misery,' they said, referencing the gruelling exercise regime Rachel and her husband Michael Miziner have for their kids. 'They aren't having fun working out with their bats*** crazy mother on Christmas morning, that's for sure. 'Get a life and stop trying to ride on the tailcoats [sic] of a long forgotten title that, in the modern day, holds virtually no relevance as compared to 20 years ago.' They then said the Miss Universe pageant title Rachael once competed for is now seen as 'irrelevant, chauvinistic and boastful'. The message also took aim at her 2010 stint on Dancing With The Stars, saying the competition show was just 'satire'. Rachael hit back recently after being accused of giving children Violet, nine, and Dominic, six, a 'life of boredom and misery'. All pictured with husband/father Michael Miziner 'Don't you get it? We're laughing at you, not for you. All of your accomplishments are decades old now,' they said. Rachael appeared to take the horrific and lengthy message in her stride, saying she 'felt sad' for the troll as they were 'clearly going through a lot of hurt'. 'But overarching this is a perfect example of why we need to teach our kids inner strength and resilience,' she added. Rachael said 'there is nothing more important' than teaching children how to 'believe in themselves' and 'back themselves' in the face of adversity. 'To recognise only their opinion matters and they do not need outside validation to determine who they are,' she said. Rachael finished the video by encouraging her followers to be a strong 'support base' for their children so they can build their confidence. James Corden was a long way from Barry Island on Monday as he relaxed with wife Julia Carey aboard a sprawling yacht on the Italian Riviera. The Gavin & Stacey star appeared to be enjoying a late spring break with Julia and a group of friends in picturesque Portofino - a popular holiday destination for the rich and affluent. Peeling off his shirt, Corden, 46, made the most of soaring coastal temperatures while unwinding on the chartered mega-yacht as it cruised the Mediterranean. Joining her husband, Julia, 49, caught the eye in a plunging white swimsuit as they idled on the boat's top deck. The couple were unwinding in Italy as Corden prepares to to make his return to Broadway this summer. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. James Corden was a long way from Barry Island on Monday as he relaxed with wife Julia Carey aboard a sprawling yacht on the Italian Riviera The Gavin & Stacey star appeared to be enjoying a late spring break with Julia and a group of friends in picturesque Portofino He will star as Serge in a new production of ART, Yasmina Reza's comedy about friendship, ego and modern art. The limited 17-week run from August through December marks a much-anticipated return to the stage for Corden, who won a Tony Award for his performance in One Man, Two Guvnors in 2012. He will star opposite How I Met Your Mother's Neil Patrick Harris and Jumanji's Bobby Cannavale. American theatre director Scott Ellis is set to helm the production. Ellis's past credits include Pirates! (or, Gilbert and Sullivan Plunder'd), English, and A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. The role will mean extended time away from his family. Corden who lives in the UK with his wife Julia Carey, 48, and their three children, Max, 13, Carey, 10, and Charlotte, 7, will spend several weeks in New York for rehearsals ahead of the official run. A theatre insider told MailOnline: 'It's exciting to see James Corden return to the stage in ART - even if only for 90 minutes a night. 'While his recent turn in The Constituent at the Old Vic was somewhat underwhelming, this new production is sure to be one of Broadway's hottest tickets.' Peeling off his shirt, Corden made the most of soaring coastal temperatures while unwinding on the chartered mega-yacht as it cruised the Mediterranean Corden was enjoying his latest overseas break as he prepares to to make his return to Broadway this summer Joining her husband, Julia caught the eye in a plunging white swimsuit as they idled on the boat's top deck The presenter was seen taking photos on his mobile phone while cruising the Mediterranean The presenter waved at onlookers as his mega-yacht cruised off the coast of Portofino ART, originally written in French and translated by Christopher Hampton, premiered in Paris in 1994 before transferring to London's West End and then Broadway, winning the Olivier, Tony, and Moliere Awards for Best Play. The story centres on three friends - Serge, Marc, and Yvan - whose relationships are tested when Serge buys an expensive, entirely white painting. The play explores themes of taste, loyalty, and the fragile nature of male friendship. The news comes as The Mail on Sunday revealed that Corden - who spent eight years in Los Angeles hosting The Late Late Show before relocating to the UK last year - is now said to be weighing up a run for Mayor of London. Corden, who cemented himself as a household name playing Smithy in Gavin & Stacey, has been vocal about his political views but has always stopped shy of taking it further. Corden and Julia appeared to be thoroughly enjoying their holiday in one of Italy's most glamorous seaside destinations The presenter shared a joke with another member of his group during Sunday's outing However, at the BAFTA television awards, Corden was introduced to the hosts of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast and revealed his latest ambitions to Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby, former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman and former Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson. An onlooker said: 'James told them he was a regular listener to their podcast and how much he enjoys the cut and thrust of politics. 'He clearly has a lot of respect for those who put themselves out there and run for office. 'And it was suggested that he should step into the political arena and stand in the future. There was talk that he should run for Mayor of London.' The current mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, was first elected in 2016 and won a third term last year. Corden's representatives have been contacted for comment. The actor cemented himself as a household name playing Smithy in Gavin & Stacey Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have touched back down in the UK after a magical family trip to Disneyland Paris. The Love Island star celebrated her 26th birthday in France with the boxer, 26, and their daughter Bambi, two, and shared an array of sweet snaps from the holiday. Molly and Tommy recently reunited after their shock split in August, with a source telling The Sun that they are in the 'honeymoon period again'. After the epic trip, the family were all spotted landing back in the UK via private jet before they drove back to Molly's 4million Cheshire home. Molly cut a casual figure in grey tracksuit bottoms and a white vest top, which she styled with a white linen shirt worn open over the ensemble. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have touched back down in the UK after a magical family trip to Disneyland Paris The family were all spotted landing back in the UK via private jet before they drove back to Molly's 4million Cheshire home She kept comfortable in a pair of white loafers and accessorised her look with an array of gold chain necklaces. Tommy looked sporty in grey tracksuit shorts and white trainers, which he paired with a Mickey Mouse fleece from his trip to Disneyland. He looked every inch the doting father as he cradled Bambi in his arms after they arrived back from their family holiday. Molly and Tommy looked more loved-up than ever during their Disneyland Paris trip, sharing an array of precious family photographs to Instagram. One snap showed Tommy planting a kiss on Molly's head as she flashed a huge smile, while they pushed their baby girl in her pram. Molly also shared adorable snaps with daughter Bambi as they rode the merry-go-round together. The influencer looked stylish in an all-white outfit and donned Minnie Mouse ears as she marked her birthday in the theme park. The Paris trip marked Molly's seventh holiday of the year having already jetted off to locations including Switzerland, Paris and St. Moritz already in 2025. Molly cut a casual figure in grey tracksuit bottoms and a white vest top, which she styled with a white linen shirt worn open over the ensemble Tommy looked sporty in grey tracksuit shorts and white trainers, which he paired with a Mickey Mouse fleece from his trip to Disneyland The couple travelled back via private jet as they enjoyed a trip in style after spending Molly's birthday in Paris She also flew to Dubai with Tommy in March with Bambi, and they then recreated the trip with another relaxing UAE voyage shortly after. At the time, Molly referred to the trip as 'the best holiday of her life' after fans were sent wild over whether she and Tommy had reunited. However, Molly was hit by a health scare upon her return from their second Dubai trip as she was rushed to hospital not long after. The Maebe founder said in a recent YouTube video that she was suffering with 'severe pain' in her leg following the long-haul flight and was told to urgently go to A&E to get it checked. Molly said she feared she had a blood clot in her leg after feeling a 'sharp, stabbing pain' in her leg which then moved to her knee and ankle. She called 111, when she started to feel her leg go numb, and was told by a doctor to go straight to hospital. She said: 'Basically yesterday I thought I had a blood clot and half of today I thought I had a blood clot in my leg. 'Obviously flying home from Dubai I was on the plane for like nearly eight hours I didn't drink like hardly any water. The Love Island star celebrated her 26th birthday in France with the boxer, 26, and their daughter Bambi, two, and shared an array of sweet snaps from the holiday She also shared adorable snaps with daughter Bambi as they rode the merry-go-round together Molly looked stylish in a beige cropped jacket and blue denim jeans which she teamed with Minnie Mouse ears as she wandered around the park 'I was in so much pain, like it was in the back of my knee, so so strong. Like it didn't feel like a dead leg, it was like a sharp stabbing pain 'I was in A&E for absolutely hours. It was absolutely packed, it was such a sad environment, so many poorly people.' But after waiting for four hours in A&E for a blood test, Molly had to wait for three more hours for the results to see a doctor. Worried about not getting back to take Bambi to nursery, Molly went back home, but after suffering from dizziness and nausea, went back for a full round of testing. Thankfully, she got the all-clear, adding: 'Like there was nothing that showed them any sort of concern or anything about a blood clot.' He's fed prime ministers, fired up school kitchens and famously bared all in the name of good food. Now Jamie Oliver's just hit another milestone, with wife Jools hailing him as an 'absolute legend' in a heartfelt tribute marking his 50th birthday. On Tuesday, Jools posted a warm video montage on Instagram, featuring candid family photos and sweet moments with their five children - Poppy, 22, Daisy, 21, Petal, 15, Buddy, 13, and River, 7. The pictures showed everything from wedding pictures and family hugs to intimate behind-the-scenes shots, capturing the closeness of their life together. 'Happy birthday my absolute LEGEND, we love you SO much xxx and cannot wait to celebrate you today 50!' she wrote. 'WOW we are so proud of everything you have achieved so far, you are wonderful xxxx love you xxx.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. He's fed prime ministers, fired up school kitchens and famously bared all in the name of good food Now Jamie Oliver 's just hit another milestone, with wife Jools hailing him as an 'absolute legend' in a heartfelt tribute marking his 50th birthday On Tuesday, Jools posted a warm video montage on Instagram, featuring candid family photos and sweet moments with their five children - Poppy, 22, Daisy, 21, Petal, 15, Buddy, 13, and River, 7 'Happy birthday my absolute LEGEND, we love you SO much xxx and cannot wait to celebrate you today 50!' she wrote 'WOW we are so proud of everything you have achieved so far, you are wonderful xxxx love you xxx' Oliver, best known to a generation of viewers as The Naked Chef, responded in the comments with a flurry of heart emojis Jamie, best known to a generation of viewers as The Naked Chef, responded in the comments with a flurry of heart emojis. The couple, who met as teenagers in Essex and married in 2000, are now approaching their 25th wedding anniversary this June. Over the years, Jamie has often spoken about the grounding role Jools and their family play in his busy life. In a 2021 interview he said: 'I feel very lucky. I started dating Jools when I was 18. She's been a really solid and utterly important part of my life and my job's quite exacting. 'It expects quite a lot, and she's my rock. She allows me to do my thing but then come home and be me And I think she still quite likes me, which is really nice.' His mother, Sally Oliver, also shared a public message: 'A very Happy 50th Birthday to our dear son, Jamie. We are truly blessed and grateful to have had this unfailingly kind soul in our lives for the last 50 years.' Jamie rose to fame in the late 1990s with his accessible cooking style and cheeky Essex charm. His first television series and cookbook, The Naked Chef, launched in 1999 and turned him into a household name. Over the past two decades, he has published dozens of cookbooks and, in 2023, released his first children's story, Billy and the Giant Adventure. That same year, he withdrew a separate children's book following criticism from First Nations Australians, issuing an apology. Jools, 50, and Jamie, who married in 2000, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in June His mother, Sally Oliver, also shared a public message: 'A very Happy 50th Birthday to our dear son, Jamie. We are truly blessed and grateful to have had this unfailingly kind soul in our lives for the last 50 years' Oliver rose to fame in the late 1990s with his accessible cooking style and cheeky Essex charm. His first television series and cookbook, The Naked Chef, launched in 1999 and turned him into a household name Over the past two decades, he has published dozens of cookbooks and, in 2023, released his first children's story, Billy and the Giant Adventure. That same year, he withdrew a separate children's book following criticism from First Nations Australians, issuing an apology His Ministry of Food programme, which recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, continues to offer practical food education in schools and communities across the UK His television credits include Jamie's School Dinners, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, Jamie Cooks Italy, and Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast Long a vocal advocate for children's nutrition, Oliver made national headlines in 2005 when he launched a campaign to reform school dinners, taking aim at the now-infamous Turkey Twizzlers. His Ministry of Food programme, which recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, continues to offer practical food education in schools and communities across the UK. His television credits include Jamie's School Dinners, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, Jamie Cooks Italy, and Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast. Although his restaurant empire, including Jamie's Italian, went into administration in 2019, Oliver has since returned to the dining scene. His latest opening, on Catherine Street in London, launched in 2023. Kate Winslet's daughter Mia Threapleton has admitted her famous mum would never intentionally choose to put Titanic on the TV when they were growing up. Mia, 24, who has followed in her mother's footsteps as an actress, admitted she has never seen the hit Oscar-winning film all the way through. Joking about the only time she has watched it she told Defined magazine: 'I don't remember why it was on. My mother would never optionally put that film on. 'She does not like watching herself. And I totally understand why.' Refering to her mum's racy car scene with Leonardo DiCaprio she added: 'I remember the car scene happening and these hands appeared from behind my head and covered up my eyes. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Kate Winslet's daughter Mia Threapleton has admitted why her famous mum would never let them watch Titanic growing up Joking about the only time she has watched it she told Defined magazine : 'I don't remember why it was on. My mother would never optionally put that film on' 'I was like, "I can still hear everything!"' Mia has now bagged her biggest role yet and is starring in Wes Anderson's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme which was released on Friday. Looking back on the day she found out she had got the part, back in December 2023 she revealed she was on a train and immediately called her best friend and cried. 'She burst into tears as well. She was like, "Oh my God, I can't believe it. I'm so proud of you. This has been your dream for so long." It felt like, "This is really happening". Last week Mia attended the Cannes Film Festival for The Phoenician Scheme's very star-studded premiere. The actress looked incredible in a dramatic dark green gown as she posed up a storm for the cameras. The strapless number, which was embroidered with an orange flower design, also featured a statement-structured skirt. The Phoenician Scheme was the most star-studded movie that premiered at this year's Cannes, but this is no surprise with legendary director Anderson at the helm. She added: 'She does not like watching herself. And I totally understand why '(Kate and Mia pictured 2023) Refering to her mum's racy car scene with Leonardo DiCaprio she added: 'I remember the car scene happening and these hands appeared from behind my head and covered up my eyes' Mia looked stunning in her latest shoot as she posed for a close up wearing a beige jacket and array of chunky gold jewellery Mia has now bagged her biggest role yet and is starring in Wes Anderson's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme which was released on Friday Looking back on the day she found out she had got the part, back in December 2023 she revealed she was on a train and immediately called her best friend and cried ' She burst into tears as well. She was like, "Oh my God, I can't believe it. I'm so proud of you. This has been your dream for so long." It felt like, "This is really happening" The film stars Benicio Del Toro and Mia (pictured) as a tycoon and his daughter, a nun, who is made the sole heir of his estate Mia looked sensational in an array of dramatic black and white shots In another snap she wrapped up in a beige coat and grey boots Leading the cast is Benicio del Toro, who plays wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda, who appoints his only daughter, a nun as the sole heir to his estate. However, as Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins. Mia stars as Sister Liesl, and she joins Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend and Bill Murray. The movie is set to be released in the US on May 30, with hopes it could become Anderson's next big Oscars contender, following his success with The Grant Budapest Hotel in 2014. Lindsay Lohan revealed her hopes for another child and the parenting advice Jamie Lee Curtis shared with her in a wide-ranging interview for Elle's 2025 Summer Issue. In an interview conducted by SNL star Chloe Fineman, Lohan, 38, said she wanted to give her toddler son Luai Shammas a sibling to play with. 'I feel like we live in a different world now, where women make it such a point, especially in motherhood, to make time for ourselves. We make it important. But also, once you have one kid, youre like, Oh, my kid needs a kid to play with.' Lindsay, who shares Luai with husband Bader Shammas, explained. 'Is that where you are right now?' Chloe, 36, asked Lindsay. 'Im like, He needs a friend,"' Lindsay added. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Lindsay Lohan revealed her hopes for another child and the great advice Jamie Lee Curtis shared with her during her pregnancy in a wide-ranging interview for Elle's 2025 Summer Issue Lindsay also wants multiple children to care for her once she gets older. 'I dont know if its selfishbut Im like, "I need more than one kid to take care of me when Im older,"' the Herbie Fully Loaded star said. Lindsay received some A-list advice from her Freaky Friday co-star Jamie Lee Curtis during her pregnancy. Curtis, who is reuniting with Lohan for this year's sequel Freakier Friday, encouraged Lohan to make self-care a priority during motherhood. 'Were both very family-oriented people. We always talk about that, and one of the other big things [shes taught me] is to always take care of yourself first. Because without that, how can you do everything for everyone else?' The Irish Wish actress and her husband met at a dinner with mutual friends in Dubai back in 2019 and said 'I do' two years later in 2021. The couple confirmed the arrival of their son Luai in July 2023 though did not provide an exact birth date. While filming Freakier Friday last year, Curtis told People the red-haired vixen went full 'mom mode' while on set. Lohan and her husband Bader Shammas at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March The couple share two-year-old son Luai together The actress dished on her hopes for a second child during an interview for Elle's 2025 Summer Issue The 66-year-old declared the mother-of-one was 'always' in 'mom mode,' admitting to the publication in 2024, 'she just loves it. It's actually very hard to pull her away from mom mode.' Although the fiery haired actress never brought her son to set during filming, Jaime shared that Bader would 'pick her up from work almost every day.' 'Bader and Luai came and [would wait] for her in her trailer, and then they all go home together,' she gushed. While at Disneys D23 fan event to promote the film in August 2024, the pair were asked who they would like to switch bodies with, like in their hit film, and Lohan said her baby. 'Maybe my baby,' Lohan told People. 'Just to see because he is, so pure and just so happy, just to see life through his eyes, every day. Hes just this beautiful bundle of joy. I cant think of anything else.' Lohan revealed Jamie Lee Curtis encouraged her to make self-care a priority during motherhood; pictured April 2025 Freakier Friday will land in theaters on August 8. Filming for the sequel began in June of 2024 with production wrapping in late August of that year. Curtis and Lohan portrayed a mother-teenage daughter duo who magically switch bodies in the 2003 adaptation of Mary Rodgers' 1972 Freaky Friday novel. Sharon Osbourne continued to spark concern with her increasingly thin frame as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Monday. The 72-year-old reality TV personality's clothes looked loose on her body during an outing in city after she recently admitted Ozempic had left her unable to gain weight. For her shopping trip in West Hollywood where she looked at clothing and jewelry at at Jenni Kayne and Chrome Hearts, she looked effortlessly stylish as she layered a cream-colored sweater layered over a plain, white top. She paired the cozy knit with black, straight-leg trousers and all-white sneakers. The former X Factor judge who was among the first celebrities to publicly confirm using the diabetes drug Ozempic after starting the medication over two years ago looked chic with her signature, bright red bob paired with tinted sunglasses. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Sharon Osbourne continued to spark concern with her increasingly thin frame as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Monday This week, she sparked concern among her fans as she displayed her drastic transformation in her recent social media post. While showing support for her husband Ozzy Osbourne's song War Pigs, she appeared gaunt with loose-fitting clothes hanging off of her shrinking frame. Her concerned fans took to her comments section to discuss her appearance as some said she looked 'ill' while others asked her to 'stop losing weight.' The TV star was among the first of the many stars to publicly confirm using the diabetes drug after her slimmed-down appearance sparked widespread concern. Though she was initially pleased with her results after starting the medication in December 2022, Osbourne later admitted she feared she had taken it to far. Last November, she said she had been off the drug for 'a while' but was still struggling with her weight. Despite feeling 'frustrated,' she said she was 'satisfied' with the way she looks now. 'I can't put on weight now, and I don't know what it's done to my metabolism, but I just can't seem to put any on, because I think I went too far,' she shared on Howie Mandel's podcast. The 72-year-old reality TV personality's clothes looked loose on her body during an outing in city after she recently admitted Ozempic had left her unable to gain weight This week, she sparked concern among her fans as she displayed her drastic transformation in her recent social media post; pictured November 2023 in London While showing support for her husband Ozzy Osbourne's song War Pigs, she appeared gaunt with loose-fitting clothes hanging off of her shrinking frame The TV star was among the first of the many stars to publicly confirm using the diabetes drug after her slimmed-down appearance sparked widespread concern; pictured March 2010 in London Though she was initially pleased with her results after starting the medication in December 2022, Osbourne later admitted she feared she had taken it to far; pictured September 2019 in Los Angeles In February, she told The Guardian she had lost 'three stone [42 pounds] in four months. Too much.' Osbourne recently told DailyMail.com that she hasn't regained any of the weight she lost while taking the drug and admitted she's been left feeling 'frustrated' by the lingering effects. 'Now, I weigh just over 7 stone. I need to put on 10 pounds, but however much I eat, I stay the same weight,' she said. 'I've had enough,' she continued. 'I've given up on all interventions. I couldn't have much more facial surgery there's not that much skin left to stretch, pull or cut. And I won't have any more fillers or Botox. 'I don't think I'll ever be happy with the way I look,' she added. 'But I'm now satisfied. It's taken years for me to say this but I've learned my lesson. This is me. It's finally time to leave well alone.' China reaffirms commitment to helping African nations 15:02, May 27, 2025 By Zhao Jia ( Chinadaily.com.cn Foreign Minister Wang Yi has a group meeting with African envoys to jointly celebrate Africa Day in Beijing on Monday. (Photo/Xinhua) China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening unity and solidarity with African countries to drive shared modernization, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a group meeting with African envoys in Beijing on Monday, to jointly celebrate Africa Day. Over 50 African ambassadors or charge d'affaires to China, along with the permanent representative of the African Union to China, attended the event. China-Africa relations have entered their best period in history, Wang said, with China having upgraded its relationships with all African countries with which it has diplomatic ties to the level of strategic partnerships. The overall relationship between the largest developing country and the continent with the largest number of developing countries has been elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Looking ahead, Wang said China will continue to provide support on issues concerning core interests and major concerns, and will remain Africa's most sincere friend and most reliable partner. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, or FOCAC. Highlighting the tremendous potential and broad prospects of China-African cooperation, Wang expressed China's readiness to take the upcoming coordinators' meeting on the implementation of the follow-up actions of the ninth ministerial conference of the FOCAC as an opportunity to accelerate common modernization. "The more turbulent and intertwined the international situation becomes, the more China and Africa should strengthen solidarity and cooperation," Wang said. He urged both sides to jointly oppose power politics, champion multilateralism, uphold the United Nations-centered international system, and promote liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment. Wang also pledged that China will, as always, firmly support the just positions of African countries and their greater role on the international stage. The African envoys emphasized that China's effective and practical cooperation with the continent has significantly contributed to improving African people's well-being and played a leading role in international cooperation with Africa, setting a model for international relations, especially since the establishment of the FOCAC. African countries are inspired by China's major policies toward the continent, they said, adding that countries are confident in cooperation with the world's second-largest economy and stand ready to advance the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. The envoys also pledged firm adherence to the one-China principle and firm opposition to interference in China's internal affairs. African countries are willing to work together with China to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as well as defend the common interests of the Global South countries, they added. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Billy Ray Cyrus has broken his silence on his shocking Elizabeth Hurley romance. The 63-year-old country crooner made some sweet comments about the 59-year-old Austin Powers actress. On Tuesday the father of Miley Cyrus took to social media to make the notes as he shared video from their red carpet debut in Rome on Saturday. 'With my beautiful girlfriend in Rome ,' he wrote next to the clip, which features the couple walking arm in arm at the opening of the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation. The behind-the-scenes view of the elegant affair included a look at the 'Orizzonti | Rosso' Exhibition Opening Dinner at the Palazzo Barberini. Hurley shared the same video on her Instagram page, but merely tagged the city #Roma. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley shared video from their red carpet debut in Rome on social media Monday. 'With my beautiful girlfriend in Rome ' the country crooner, 63, wrote next to the clip She played Sade's song Paradise beneath the clip, while Cyrus chose to use the KC and the Sunshine Band's hit That's the Way I Like It. The Royals star looked regal in a bright pink gown with a plunging neckline and dramatic caped sleeves. The Grammy winner adopted a cowboy chic look in a dark suit embellished with eye-catching silver buttons on both the blazer and pants legs along with western boots and hat. 'I dont think Ive ever seen Billy Ray smile . It definitely looks good on him !' wrote a fan. 'Im so happy for the both of you and to see you smile is beautiful ' commented another. 'Love how LOVE looks on you both!! Many blessings to you both!! ,' posted a fan of both Hurley and Cyrus. Another kept their reaction short, but emphatic. 'Freaking. Love. This.,' they wrote. Sharing a series of still photos from the glamorous gathering, Cyrus used the title from the Bellamy Brothers' 1976 hit Let Your Love Flow to describe the post. The couple held hands as they gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the elegant affair included a look at the 'Orizzonti | Rosso' Exhibition Opening Dinner at the Palazzo Barberini 'I dont think Ive ever seen Billy Ray smile . It definitely looks good on him !' wrote a fan. 'Love how LOVE looks on you both!! Many blessings to you both!! ,' posted another The pair were joined by Hurley's son Damien, 23, who has given his approval to to the matchup. Cyrus is reportedly estranged from several of of his six children, including daughters Miley, 32 and Noah 25, whom he shares with ex-wife Trish Cyrus. Hurley and Cyrus first met when they were working on 2022's Christmas in Paradise surprised their fans when they went Instagram official with their relationship on Easter day. The pair were joined by Hurley's son Damien, 23, who has given his approval to to the matchup; Pictured in Rome on Saturday The siren posed in this tomato red bikini In a recent interview Breast Cancer Research Foundations Hot Pink Party in New York City earlier this month Hurley addressed what many may consider an odd coupling. 'I think people found Billy and I being together a little surprising,' she told Page Six. 'Its not surprising to me because were actually quite similar and get on extremely well. There has been quite a reaction,' she acknowledged. Explaining the things they have in common, Hurley revealed, 'We both like to laugh a lot, and we both love the country. And we both love country music, both love movies. Weve got a lot in common and cowboy boots, definitely.' Radio broadcaster Darren Scott has died after a lengthy battle with stage four cancer. Darren passed away aged 61 after a lengthy battle with stage 4 malignant melanoma, South African radio station HOT 102.7FM confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. Malignant melanoma, also known as metastatic melanoma, is when skin cancer spreads beyond the primary site to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes and internal organs. Darren is survived by his two sons Mark and Matthew, while his loved ones and colleagues have also flocked to pay tribute to the 'dedicated' and beloved radio star. His former partner Sarah-Kate Accetta told East Coast Radio that she and their two sons have to learn to face life without him. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. South African radio broadcaster Darren Scott has died after a lengthy battle with stage four cancer Darren is survived by his two sons Mark and Matthew, while his loved ones and colleagues have also flocked to pay tribute to the 'dedicated' and beloved radio star 'As we make our way back home now, to not only commemorate his life, but to learn how to face life without him, I ask from the bottom of my heart: please pray for the boys,' she said. 'Their world has changed forever, and we need every bit of strength we can hold onto. I will cherish the opportunity to fill their days with laughter and love, with the many, many wild, wonderful, and unforgettable stories about their dad.' Meanwhile, HOT 102.7FM Breakfast presenter Simon Parkinson said: 'Darren was the most dedicated radio person I've ever known.' 'At one stage he was doing two live shows a day breakfast in one province and drive in another. Who does six hours of live radio every day? Darren Scott.' 'When we started the original HOT brand, Darren was the first person I called. And he said, ''I'm in. Let's go'',' the station's founder Lloyd Madurai recalled. 'And I saw the happiness in Darren again.' His friend and colleague Ian F added: 'There was never a moment together without a funny chirp or a laugh.' His close friend of 15 years Will Scott praised Darren for inspiring him to pursue a career in radio himself. 'Darren was my best friend for 15 years before we ever worked together professionally,' he said. Darren passed away aged 61 after a lengthy battle with stage 4 malignant melanoma, South African radio station HOT 102.7FM confirmed in a statement on Tuesday Darren marked 40 years in radio last year and was inducted into South Africa's Radio Awards Hall of Fame in an unforgettable achievement He has worked for South African radio stations including Radio Bop, 5FM, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio 'He played a huge role in me pursuing a career in radio. When his son Mark was born, Darren walked around with a smile for two years. 'And even when things got tough, he kept fighting for his family. He was the most talented broadcaster I've ever worked with.' Darren marked 40 years in radio last year and was inducted into South Africa's Radio Awards Hall of Fame in an unforgettable achievement. He has worked for South African radio stations including Radio Bop, 5FM, Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio. Supermodel pinup Elsa Hosk has posed topless again. The 36-year-old Swedish sex pot was seen without a top on when by a swimming pool at an idyllic villa on a sunny day. The Stockholm native flashed the flesh while keeping her makeup light and her white hair down. She added white briefs and black high heels. 'ELSA HOSK x @nakdfashion swim collection launching May 29th! Sign up via the link in my bio for pre-access,' the Instagram caption said. The siren from Scandinavia was also seen in skimpy yet colorful bikinis and chic head scarves with large hoop earrings for a dramatic pool party look. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Supermodel pinup Elsa Hosk has posed topless again. The 36-year-old Swedish sex pot was seen without a top on when by a swimming pool at an idyllic villa on a sunny day The Stockholm native flashed the flesh while keeping her makeup light and her white hair down In this image, the star had on an ivory bikini with strappy black heels The website had a descrition of the new collection. 'Dreamy designs for sun-drenched days: explore a sophisticated swimwear collection designed by the iconic supermodel and entrepreneur Elsa Hosk,' read the note. 'Sign up for pre-access to this refined beachwear drop, one hour before the regular launch, including a price benefit.' The saturated photos were shown in a wide spread making the most of the sultry designs. This comes after Helsa went nude for a campaign with Italian luxury footwear brand Gia Borghini. 'This exclusive collection seamlessly blends GIA BORGHINIs expertise in luxury craftsmanship with Helsas Scandinavian-inspired designs, creating a collection that celebrates sophistication, style, and timeless elegance,' the company shared. The launch offers a curated selection of shoes that embody both brands 'commitment to refined design and impeccable craftsmanship.' 'From strappy sandals to elevated, everyday footwear, this collection captures the essence of understated luxury with a focus on superior quality and expert detailing. The collection will be sold exclusively on both brands' websites, www.giaborghini.it, and through select high-end retailers worldwide, including Revolve, FRWD, and other premium fashion destinations. This comes after she modeled lingerie for I Am Gia in September. Fans went wild for the look saying 'oh lord' and 'she is wild' in the comments box with one follower even sharing, 'Wish she came in my office, pun intended.' Her pals Kendall Jenner, Candice Swanepoel, Lori Harvey and Amelia Hamlin hit the like button. This gold bikini with a scalloped top looked perfect with her gold heels 'ELSA HOSK x @nakdfashion swim collection launching May 29th! Sign up via the link in my bio for pre-access,' the Instagram caption said The siren from Scandinavia was also seen in skimpy yet colorful bikinis She almost looked overdressed in this white one piece with a gold chain belt Hosk is a 5ft9in supermodel. Elsa Anna Sofie Hosk modeled for Victoria's Secret, appearing in the brand's annual fashion show from 2011 to 2018. She also posed for Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Ungaro, H&M, Anna Sui, Lilly Pulitzer and Guess. And she has landed on the covers of Vogue and Elle. The highlight of her career has been working for VS. She opened the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2016 and wore the Swarovski outfit in 2017. She was chosen to wear the Dream Angels Fantasy Bra in the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show held in New York City. A plunging black one-piece swimsuit included a scarf it seems This bikini told was accompanied by a mini skirt and heels with gold jewelry There were fuzzy black accessories on her wrists The bra, worth $1 million, was designed by Atelier Swarovski. Elsa has been in a relationship with British businessman Tom Daly since 2015. Their daughter was born in February 2021. This I Am Gia ad comes months after Kim Kardashian hand-selected Victoria's Secret veteran to model her sheer opal blue SKIMS designs for summer. Hosk looked slender in the sexy styles. There was a pale blue opal sheer dress and catsuit that left little to the imagination. And there was also a dark gray look that seemed perfect for date nights. 'JUST DROPPED: MILKY SHEER AND NEW FITS EVERYBODY. The summers major statement is here, with curve-hugging sheer styles and matching buttery foundations,' said the caption. Hosk shocked her fans in March with a very dramatic ad campaign The showstopper at the Resurrection red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 22 'Hosk wears the Milky Sheer Mock Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit, Long Skirt and Legging,' it was added. SKIMS has become a blockbuster since its inception. In April 2021, Skims was already valued at a whopping $1.6 billion. But now the Kim's company has a valuation of more than $3.2billion after raising $240million in its latest round of funding in January, according to Forbes. Lili Reinhart sparked fan concern after sharing a scary Uber story in her latest social media post. While sitting in her ride share, the Riverdale alum, 28, filmed footage of the vehicle she was sitting in with duct tape strangely taped over the doors of the backseat from the inside. Alongside the clip of the interior of the car, she wrote: 'If you never see me again, show this to the police.' And in her caption, she added: 'Is this gonna be an Uber horror story?' At the end of the short video, the actress who sparked concern after revealing her shocking health battle with a 'mystery' chronic illness turned the camera to herself to showcase her worried expression. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Lili Reinhart sparked fan concern after sharing a scary Uber story in her latest social media post; pictured February in Los Angeles In her comments section, she responded to a fan after they jokingly asked, 'Pls let us know where your sunglasses are from before you go.' Reinhart played along and said they were from Saint Laurent as she added three broken heart emojis. In the hours since she uploaded the TikTok, her social media went viral with an overwhelming amount of fan-written comments as they expressed concern and asked for an update. Her fans initially interpreted her video as a lighthearted joke but after hours of no follow-up, fans started flooding her comments. Nearly an entire day later, on Tuesday, Reinhart finally updated her fans again and penned an additional comment of her original video. 'I'M ALIVE,' she wrote. When one of her followers wrote that 'the window was down, you're good,' she commented, 'Literally...' She also shared a post on her Instagram Story to update her fans that she is safe. 'I'm alive. I was never actually scared for my life.. I thought it was funny. Can we joke these days??' While sitting in her ride share, the Riverdale alum, 28, filmed footage of the vehicle she was sitting in with duct tape strangely taped over the doors of the backseat from the inside Alongside the clip of the interior of the car, she wrote: 'If you never see me again, show this to the police' And in her caption, she added: 'Is this gonna be an Uber horror story?' Her fans initially interpreted her video as a lighthearted joke but after hours of no follow-up, fans started flooding her comments. Nearly an entire day later, on Tuesday, Reinhart finally updated her fans again and penned an additional comment of her original video; pictured May in New York City She also shared a post on her Instagram Story to update her fans that she is safe. 'I'm alive. I was never actually scared for my life.. I thought it was funny. Can we joke these days??' Her post comes months after she revealed she was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis amid a lengthy health ordeal last year 'Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life,' she wrote on her Instagram at the beginning of the year while reflecting on 2024 Her post comes months after she revealed she was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis amid a lengthy health ordeal last year. In a January interview with Self and on her Instagram, she opened up about the diagnosis and health issues. 'Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life,' she wrote on her Instagram at the beginning of the year while reflecting on 2024. Also known as bladder pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis is 'a condition that causes long-term pain or discomfort in the bladder and abdominal area, along with urinary frequency and urgency,' according to the Cleveland Clinic. During her interview with Self, she revealed she has been suffering from mysterious symptoms for the past four years that have led doctors to believe she is either suffering from an autoimmune disorder however, they are uncertain which one it is or the lingering effects of a past infection. And over the summer, she began experiencing symptoms similar to those of a urinary tract infection that ultimately led to her IC diagnosis. Diddy's pregnant ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura has gone into labor just days after testifying in the disgraced rapper's sex trafficking trial. Ventura, 38, is expecting her third child with husband Alex Fine, with sources telling TMZ she was rushed to a New York hospital on Tuesday and is currently in the labor and delivery unit. Ventura was around eight months pregnant when she began her horrifying testimony in the trial on May 12. She delivered graphic testimonies alleging that the music mogul physically and psychologically abused her over more than a decade from 2007-2018. She detailed the regular beatings she allegedly experienced, the rapper's use of blackmail and scare tactics to coerce and manipulate, depraved sex acts she claims she was forced to participate in - and the medical toll she suffered as a result. Ventura concluded testifying on May 16, just 11 days before she went into labor. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Diddy's pregnant ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura has gone into labor just days after testifying in the disgraced rapper's sex trafficking trial - pictured with husband Alex Fine and daughters, Frankie, five, and Sunny, four Ventura was around eight months pregnant when she took to the stand earlier this month - pictured with Diddy in 2018 Ventura is pictured heading to court for the final day of her four day long testimony on May 16 Ventura and Fine already share two daughters Frankie, five, and Sunny, four and are expecting a son. She announced her pregnancy in February. DailyMail.com has contacted Ventura's representatives for comment. Controversy first publicly grew around Diddy in late 2023, when he quickly settled a sex abuse case Ventura filed against him for a rumored $30million. Multiple properties across the country he owned were raided in March of 2024 and he was arrested six months later in September. In May 2024 Combs' downfall was hastened by the release of a devastating video of him beating Ventura in the corridor of a hotel in Los Angeles in 2016. The video, which was first broadcast by CNN last May, was played in full to the trial before Ventura, a male escort and others gave their testimonies. He has remained incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn awaiting his trial after he was refused bail on multiple occasions. He faces life in prison on five federal charges: racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. Combs has plead not guilty to all the charges. His defense team has said the alleged victims are ex-girlfriends who willingly participated in threesomes. Her husband Alex Fine was seen leaving an NYC apartment with a duffle bag as he made his way to a nearby SUV Ventura, 38, (pictured with husband Fine in March) was rushed to a New York hospital on Tuesday and is currently in the labor and delivery unit An emotional and heavily pregnant Ventura broke down on the stand as she said Diddy raped her, was an out-of-control drug addict, and someone she felt she couldn't leave Ventura is pictured with her family earlier this year when she announced her pregnancy Prosecutors in Combs' federal case say the music mogul used blackmail and violence in his efforts to silence alleged victims. Among the claims made against the entertainer is that he persuaded women to participate against their will in group sexual exhibitions referred to as 'Freak Offs.' Ventura's testimony during the trial earlier this month painted a harrowing picture of her years with Diddy, describing the emotional and physical abuse she allegedly endured. A male escort allegedly hired by Combs to engage in a variety of sexual acts with Ventura during his notorious 'freak off' parties also took the stand to explain how 'Diddy' purportedly pushed Ventura into unprotected sex with strangers and orchestrated various sexual encounters for his own pleasure. In response, lawyers for Combs sought to portray Ventura as a willing and eager participant in the music mogul's sexual lifestyle. His defense says that, while he is guilty of domestic violence, nothing he did amounted to a criminal enterprise. They exposed more text messages where she declared her love for the rapper, despite the abuse she says she suffered, and prompted her to admit that she neither 'hated' the rapper when the alleged abuse happened, nor does she 'hate him' today. She confirmed that they continued their relationship even after he beat her, and even cheated on her now husband with Diddy. A male escort allegedly hired by Combs to engage in a variety of sexual acts with Ventura during his notorious 'freak off' parties also took the stand to explain how 'Diddy' purportedly pushed Ventura into unprotected sex with strangers - pictured together 2006 Ventura said Diddy raped her, was an out-of-control drug addict, and someone she felt she couldn't leave. She later testified that she broke up with Diddy for good in August 2018 after she saw a photo of him with another woman he'd been dating for the last few years of their decade-long relationship. Soon after, Ventura said, she started dating her now husband, Fine. Ashley Walters has revealed his hard-hitting role in Netflix's Adolescence helped him realise he's 'too liberal' as a parent, after the drama shone a light on teenagers and their relationship with social media. The four-part series received critical acclaim when it hit the streaming service in March, and centres on a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a schoolgirl. In the show, viewers saw how teen Jamie Miller's perception of girls had been radicalised through content he was viewing online, and also showed the vast amount of social media consumed by teenagers at school. Speaking on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast, Ashley said that starring in Adolescence has changed the way he parents his eight children. The Top Boy star shares Shayon and Panerai, 19, and daughter China with his former partner, Natalie Williams. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Ashley Walters has revealed his role in Netflix's Adolescence helped him realise he's 'too liberal' as a parent, after the drama shone a light on teenagers' relationship with social media He also has two young daughters, Antonia and Ashleigh, with another unnamed woman, while he raises Amiaya-Love, River, and a stepson with his wife of 12 years, actress Danielle Isaie. Reflecting on the reception Adolescence received, Ashley said: 'You always set out right to do more than just make an entertaining show, especially when you're talking about something quite specific, right? So you want to create conversation. 'I guess none of us knew how much conversation it would create and it's the gift that keeps on giving. It's not slowing down anytime soon but that's always good. 'I think for me, the biggest thing I've taken from it is how it's affected me and my family. It's very rare that I will be in a show and then learn huge things about myself afterwards.' 'Just as a parent, just as a parent. I realized I've been a bit too liberal as a parent. I've been a bit too easy going with my kids, with devices, screen time, stuff like that. 'I don't think I understood how dangerous those things can be sometimes so there are a lot of changes that happened in my house, a lot of conversations between me and my wife just about where we're going with them and how much time they spend on screens and on their iPads. 'The stuff that they're doing on there as well that we maybe felt was like quite harmless, actually you look deeper into it and you're like, wow, that could lead to this and that could lead to that. 'Those changes have happened and that's been the biggest thing for me really. I feel like that is part of why it's become so big, because before that, I felt scared to have those conversations with my kids. The four-part series received critical acclaim when it hit the streaming service in March, and centres on a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a schoolgirl In the show, viewers saw how teen Jamie Miller's perception of girls had been radicalised through content he was viewing online (actor Owen Cooper is pictured in the show) 'I felt not scared, but more like, I didn't want to make them stand out. Their friends are doing it so it's fine, right? I feel like what Adolescence did was say to parents, okay, you can all have the conversation now, like here's evidence and proof of the extreme of where it can go if you're not going in their room and checking on them. 'I feel like parents all around the world have gone ''okay now we can discuss this openly without feeling like c****y parents''. MailOnline revealed last month that star Owen Cooper would be entered in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role as murder suspect Jamie Miller in the show that has become one of Netflix's most-watched series ever. Experts hailed the 'genius move' of placing Cooper in Supporting, as opposed to Best Actor, which they said would massively boost his chances of winning. Adolescences's four episodes, all filmed in one continuous take, explore the influence of online misogyny and incel culture - with Sir Keir Starmer calling for the series to be shown in schools. The PM said: 'At home we are watching Adolescence. I've got a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, and it's a very good drama to watch. Speaking on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast, Ashley said that starring in Adolescence has changed the way he parents his eight children (pictured with his younger kids) 'This violence carried out by young men, influenced by what they see online, is a real problem. It's abhorrent, and we have to tackle it.' Graham and fellow co-writer Jack Thorne said they wanted the critically acclaimed series to 'cause discussion and make change'. Speaking to Sky News, the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said that the government was 'acutely aware' of the issues raised in Adolescence. The hit show has prompted a discussion about the impact of social media on children. Writing for the Mail on Sunday, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said: 'Adolescence is not just a TV drama it is a disturbing glimpse into the minds of thousands of young British boys warped by the extreme violence and sexual abuse they are witnessing every day online.' Fearne Cottons Happy Place Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Taina Elg, a glamorous star to MGM in the 1950s, has died in her native Finland. She was 95. The Golden Globe winner was best known in Hollywood for her versatility, starring in a variety of projects with some of tinsel town's biggest names. Born in 1930 in Helsinki, the budding actress and dancer starred in her first film in 1940. After World War II, she and a small group of Finnish students were allowed to go to Sweden to study dance, and her host family later supported her when she moved to London to study with Royal Ballet. It was there she was discovered by American film producer Edwin H. Knopf and signed to a seven-year contract by MGM. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Taina Elg, one of a glamorous squad of women signed to MGM in the 1950s has died in her native Finland . She was 95 While under contract, she appeared in 1955's The Prodigal starring screen siren Lana Turner, followed by Alice with Turner and future James Bond star Roger Moore in 1956. She won the Golden Globe for best female foreign newcomer for her performance in Gaby with Leslie Caron. In her next film, the musical Les Girls with Gene Kelly and Mitzi Gaynor, she was able to show off her dancing skills as a showgirl. She and co-star Kay Kendall shared the Golden Globe for best actress in a musical or comedy for their work. Elg also starred in Imitation General, a World War II comedy co-starring Glen Ford and Red Buttons. After leaving MGM, she signed with the Rank Organization for a remake of the spy thriller The 39 Steps. She starred as a schoolteacher who gets involved with a British diplomat to decipher and break up a sinister plot against England in the 1959 big screen release. At the ripe old age of 30, Elg turned her attention to TV and the stage. She appeared in guest spots on shows such as Wagon Train and Hong Kong, along wit the daytime dramas such as The Doctors. Elg was studying ballet in London where she was discovered by American film producer Edwin H. Knopf and signed to a seven-year contract by MGM; Circa 1957 Elg, a talented dancer and actress starred in 1957's Les Girls with Gene Kelly and Mitzi Gaynor (l); circa 1958 She and co-star Kay Kendall (center) shared the Golden Globe award for best actress in a musical or comedy for their work in the musical After leaving MGM, she signed with the Rank Organization for a remake of the spy thriller The 39 Steps co-starring Kenneth More Elg starred as the title character in a touring production of the musical Irma La Douce in 1962. She made the first of her seven Broadway appearances, in 1970 as a nun in Josh Logans Look to the Lillies, based on Sydney Poitier's Oscar winning turn in 1963's Lillies of the Field. The multi-talented Elg received her first Tony nomination for the 1974-75 revival of Frank Loessers Wheres Charley? co-starring Raul Julia. Another Broadway success included the musical Nine, where she originated the role of Guido's Mother in the Best Musical winner. Elg also toured in the musicals Two by Two, Gigi, and Titanic. Elg married her first husband Carl-Gustav Bjorkenheim in 1953 and the two shared a son, jazz guitarist Raoul Bjorkenheim. The couple divorced in 1960; Pictured in May 1956 The actress originated the role of Olympia Buchanan, the first wife of tycoon Asa Buchanan, on One Life to Live. Her character dramatically and fatally fell over a balcony at a costume party; Pictured in March 1981 In 2004, Elg was awarded one of Finland's highest honors, the Order of the Lion of Finland and was bestowed the rank of a Knight First Class; Pictured in Los Angeles n May 1956 The actress starred in the soap opera Guiding Light as Dr. Ingrid Fisher and originated the role of Olympia Buchanan, the first wife of tycoon Asa Buchanan, on One Life to Live in which her character dramatically and fatally fell over a balcony at a costume party. Elg was married twice and shared her son, jazz guitarist Raoul Bjorkenheim, with her first husband Carl-Gustav Bjorkenheim, whom she married in 1953 and divorced seven years later. She wed her second husband, Rocco Caporale, in 1985 and was with him until his death in 2008. In 2004, Elg was awarded one of Finland's highest honors, the Order of the Lion of Finland and was bestowed the rank of a Knight First Class. Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori left nothing to the imagination as she went nude again in her latest social media posts. On Tuesday, the 30-year-old model shared a triptych of thirst traps sans caption, wearing nothing but sheer pantyhose and a fishnet top that was completely see-through. With her skin-baring, scandalous look, she wore silver, pointed-toe kitten heels with a contrasting, black lace-up design. She left her long, jet black tresses down, and in addition to having wispy fringe covering her face, she also sported a pair of dark sunglasses. This comes shortly after she showed off her backside in another X-rated snap, channeling her husband's ex-wife Kim Kardashian last week. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori left nothing to the imagination as she went nude again in her latest social media posts On Tuesday, the 30-year-old model who has been married to the rapper, 47, for over two years shared a triptych of thirst traps, wearing nothing but sheer pantyhose and a fishnet top that was completely see-through. And just recently, she faced backlash after baring her breasts in a see-through top, much like this week's post, during a public outing in Spain with the rapper. Her fashion choices, including her eye-popping red carpet stunt at the Grammys in February as well as their recent shopping trip in Mallorca, have sparked controversy about 'public indecency.' Many locals were angered by her outfits, deeming them inappropriate at the very least while others claimed they were even illegal and she was breaking the laws. As seen in shocking fan footage, she wandered from stall to stall wearing a black fish net bra top with her nipples in full view while visiting the booths of an outdoor market in Mallorca. Locals appeared surprised and held up their phones to hit record as the couple walked through the market in the revealing ensemble. 'People were horrified. They could be heard asking, "Is that her real nipple?" as they walked by,' one witness told news.com.au. 'Kanye was standing back a little, letting her browse the market.' Despite the backlash, women have been allowed to go topless in certain areas of Spain since 2020 under Catalan equality law. Spanish officials have enforced rules that allow women to sunbathe topless in public without fear of arrest, according to the Daily Record. With her skin-baring, scandalous look, she wore silver, pointed-toe kitten heels with a contrasting, black lace-up design She left her long, jet black tresses down, and in addition to having wispy fringe covering her face, she also sported a pair of dark sunglasses Just recently, she faced backlash after baring her breasts in a see-through top, much like this week's post, during a public outing in Spain with the rapper; pictured February in Los Angeles Many locals were angered by her outfits, deeming them inappropriate at the very least while others claimed they were even illegal and she was breaking the laws; pictured February 2024 in Milan, Italy Censori has been married to West for over two years, and, most recently, the pair have been entangled in rumors of marital woes; pictured May 2023 in Los Angeles Authorities can be fined up to a little over $580,000 USD (430,000 or $900,000 AUD) if they prevent women from going topless. However, Censori's revealing look has been deemed 'inappropriate' by critics and many have been asking online, 'Why hasn't this woman been arrested for indecency yet!!!?' Censori has been married to West for over two years, and, most recently, the pair have been entangled in rumors of marital woes. Following West's unhinged and offensive social media rants, they were reported to have called it quits for a bit before reuniting again in Spain. West's ex-wife Kardashian whom he was married to from 2014 to 2022 has also reportedly been 'going through hell' and has strengthened her security for her children in the aftermath. West and Kardashian share four kids daughters North, 11, Chicago, six, and sons Saint, eight, and Psalm, five. ABBA icons Frida Lyngstad and Benny Andersson made a surprise appearance at the band's Voyage show in London on Tuesday evening. The Swedish stars, who were married from 1978 to 1981, were showered with applause as they made impromptu speeches ahead of their avatar doppelgangers taking to the stage. Frida, 79, stunned in a chic cream ensemble as she joined pianist Benny, 78, who opted for a snazzy printed blazer, in the balcony, former bandmates Agnetha Faltskog, 75, Bjorn Ulvaeus, 80, who were also previously married were not present. Speaking to the audience she said: 'I love you very much, thank you for all your support over the years, it's hard to imagine it's nearly 50 years ago'. Before declaring: 'I'm turning 80 this year' to wild cheers from the audience as she signed off: 'I love you thank you'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. ABBA icons Frida Lyngstad, 79, and Benny Andersson, 78, made a surprise appearance at the band's Voyage show in London on Tuesday evening. The Swedish stars, who were married from 1978 to 1981, were showered with applause as they made impromptu speeches ahead of their avatar doppelgangers taking to the stage Taking the microphone Benny then pretended to tell a rude joke, quipping: 'Two men walk into a bar' as Frida collapsed into giggles. Although they got together before ABBA officially formed staying together during the band's success was hard and eventually the band broke up due to divorce. Frida and Benny first met in 1969 and were living together, before getting married in 1978 right at the heart of ABBA's international fame. Two years later, in 1980, they broke up and divorced the following year. An Expressen interview in 1981, Benny said: 'I don't know how other people deal with things like this. 'Frida and I are still friends and I'm still a member of ABBA. We are still good friends, but we are not married anymore. 'We discussed what was going to remain in the group in spite of all we have been through. We decided to stay together for the sake of the music.' Frida said: 'Now that Benny and I have broken up, we are able to work much better together. Our relationship is not as intense as it was, but we are still in contact. Frida, 79, stunned in a chic cream ensemble as she joined pianist Benny, 78, who opted for a snazzy printed blazer, in the balcony Speaking to the audience she said: 'I love you very much, thank you for all your support over the years, it's hard to imagine it's nearly 50 years ago' Before declaring: 'I'm turning 80 this year' to wild cheers from the audience as she signed off: 'I love you thank you' Taking the microphone Benny then pretended to tell a rude joke, quipping: 'Two men walk into a bar' as Frida collapsed into giggles Speaking about their split Frida said: 'We have always been very honest about relationships and after long and hard talks we decided to go our separate ways' (pictured 1974) Former bandmates Agnetha Faltskog (L) Bjorn Ulvaeus (Far left) who were also previously married were not present (ABBA pictured at the show's opening in 2022) 'We have chosen to be completely honest with each other. We have always been very honest about relationships and after long and hard talks we decided to go our separate ways. 'We simply grew out of each other. It came down to our different goals in life. We have always been honest and talked about everything. We talked and talked and finally, we agreed that a divorce would be the best solution. 'There was a lot of tears and a lot of discussions. But there was no way back. Breaking up became a necessity.' And so it seemed the band had to break up too. ABBA Voyage, launched in 2022, has holographic avatars of the band singing crowd favourites such as Dancing Queen and Waterloo. And the recreation of music legends is likely to be a huge hit with fans and the economy. Following the show Benny took to the piano while the crowd was entertained by Elvis Costello Frida also sang some of the band's classic hits Also celebrating the show's third anniversary was Myleene Klass who flashed a glimpse of leg in a stylish floral dress Denise Van Outen was every inch the dancing queen in a pair of high waisted sequinned bell bottoms Eleanor Tomlinson showcased her gorgeous post partum figure in a denim jumpsuit three months after welcoming her first child with husband Will Owen Celebrity Big Brother and West End star Marisha Wallace put on a very busty display in a plunging sequinned jumpsuit Richard Osman enjoyed the evening with wife Ingrid Oliver ABBA Voyage, launched in 2022, has holographic avatars of the band singing crowd favourites such as Dancing Queen and Waterloo The positive financial impact of the Swedish hit-makers' new venture in London has been revealed in a new report. The four-piece band are represented as digital avatars in the popular attraction at Stratford's Queen Elizabeth Park in east London, previously home of the London 2012 Olympics. And ABBA are evidently making 'money, money, money', to quote one of their hits, according to the new study. ABBA's hologram showed ABBA Voyage has pumped 322million into the British economy - with more than a million tickets bought at up to 181.50 each. ABBA Voyage are celebrating their third anniversary with a 'little added something' to the iconic concert setlist from May 27. It's like the monster from your dreams, soldiers here say. The one you cant escape, however hard you try. If youre chosen as the target, well, thats it for you, game over. A favourite tactic of this recently introduced, but already widely feared, predator is to lie in wait in a field beside a road. Only when an approaching vehicle is sighted does the monster take off to manoeuvre for the kill. Recent films on Russian military social media showcase its successes: hit after hit on Ukrainian vehicles marked with the white triangle of the now largely abandoned Kursk offensive when Ukraine crossed into Russia last summer. Welcome to the terrifying new world of the fibre-optic drone. Over the past three years, here in Ukraine, Mail cameraman Jamie Wiseman and I have witnessed and sometimes experienced drone warfares deadly technology race. Early on, we saw the widespread adoption of recreational Mavic-style unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as reconnaissance machines, hand-in-hand with their adaptation as bombers. The advent of kamikaze first-person view (FPV) drones changed the battlefield situation again, quite radically. Today, they are the predominant weapon of this war. The Mail's Richard Pendlebury examines one of the 'unjammable' drones Controlled by fibre optic wires 20km long, their signal can't be jammed. No wonder one Russian unit is using them to rain death across Ukraine But each advance in one sides drone capability has encouraged an improvement in the others electronic warfare defences. That is, the defender will always try to find a means to jam the radio signals with which an attacking drone pilot controls their machine. But what if a drone could be piloted some other way? One that would prevent such enemy interference by making it un-jammable so that like the shark in Jaws there is no escape? Since the autumn, the Russians have been fielding such a weapon. While likened by those on the receiving end to a monster, its more like a deadly kite. Because, until the point of impact, this new wonder weapon is physically attached, via a control panel, to its pilot, by as much as 20km of fishing line-thin fibre-optic cable. Weighing as much as 3kg, this is gradually unwound from a spool carried by the drone. During the collapse of the Kursk salient and retreat back across the border, Ukrainian forces were harried by these drones. One unit I have spoken to lost 70 per cent of its transport, though not just to fibre-optic devices. But fibre-optic FPVs are being deployed in other sectors, including here in Donbas. The Ukrainians are rushing to catch up. We were given exclusive access to one of the units which is already flying fibre-optic kamikazes against the Russians. We also visited an embattled Ukrainian marine battalion which has been targeted by enemy fibre-optic drones since last September. But first, briefly, how do they work? Fibre-optic cables transmit data using light pulses through a thin strand of glass or plastic. This allows high-speed data transmission over long distances, with high bandwidth and minimal signal loss. Ideal for drone warfare. Conventional drones are controlled by radio signals. But these can be jammed, causing the drone to fail. A fibre-optic drones control transmissions arent vulnerable to electronic jamming, as they are relayed within a physical cable. In a secret location a little behind the Donbas frontline, we meet Fast, a fibre-optic drone pilot of the Raroh unit of 24th Brigade. Theyve been using the new weapon to fight Russian advances in several sectors of this front. He brings with him one of the weapons a quadcopter mounted with a warhead, like a conventional kamikaze drone, but carrying a large cylindrical spool underneath. This contains 10km of cable. The whole rig warhead excluded costs about 1,100. Fast says that, aside from being impervious to electronic warfare, fibre-optic drones have other advantages. Conventional drones cannot fly very low, because the radio wave does not go around mountains or even houses, he explains. Thanks to optics, you can fly this thing at a minimum altitude, regardless of the terrain. Which means that the drone can wait in ambush on the ground, rather than have to loiter aloft where it is vulnerable to air defences. The fibre-optic drones are limited in range to the length of their cable though the Ukrainians are testing 20km spools and there is talk of 40km. They are mainly used in areas of powerful Russian electronic warfare as a last line of defence against large armoured attacks on infantry positions. Im told it has to be flown smoothly. No jerky changes of direction. Again, a little like a kite in the park. One Ukrainian infantryman suggested to me the best way to escape was to take cover in forest or thick undergrowth in which the fibre-optic cable might get snagged. That was more a hopeful guess rather than a proven fact. Among those who have been on the receiving end are the men of the 2nd Battalion of the 37th Separate Marine Brigade, an elite naval infantry unit entrenched in the Kurakhove sector, with the Russians on three sides of their position. We were supposed to visit the battalions main casualty stabilisation point. But that morning it was badly damaged by two Russian artillery shells. For now, they will have to rely upon a single mobile casualty pod, positioned under camo netting by a tumbledown cottage. The tiny emergency room is a reconfigured shipping container, equipped with a single operating table. This is meant to service the entire battalion. It is here we meet a remarkable young surgeon, Lieutenant Illia. In the first two months after the full invasion he was a civilian doctor working just behind the Mykolaiv front. During that time he conducted 184 limb amputations: an average of three every day. Since he signed up for the marines his fastest amputation time has fallen from 45 minutes to just 25. As we talk, the crash of artillery falling on the Kurakhove pocket is incessant. Most of these marines are veterans survivors might be a better word of the vicious battle for Krynky, a village in Kherson Oblast on the otherwise Russian-held eastern bank of the Dnieper river. The marines had to abandon their tiny bridgehead last July after months of close-quarter fighting against enormous odds, on a battlefield measuring one kilometre deep by 110 metres wide. Lieutenant Illia of the 2nd Battalion, 37th Separate Marine Brigade, a young frontline medic who says he's had to carry out over 180 limb amputations. He shows his 'do not resuscitate' tattoo Officially, the Krynky operation cost the corps 260 dead with a further 800 missing, presumed killed, according to reports. In other words, 1,000 men were lost for a single village that could not be held. An expensive diversion at best, a bloody disaster at worst. I remark on the number of stray cats and dogs that have already congregated around their temporary medical post. This provokes a very dark anecdote. Yes, these pets are always attracted to human presence, says a marine. In Krynky, all the civilians had left and if our drones saw such dogs or cats beside a building we would immediately check if our own troops were occupying it. If they werent, that meant the Russians were there and so the building got taken out. Because of the tell-tale strays. He shrugs. Yes, war is s****y. Drones are by far the biggest threat now, the new fibre-optic models the biggest of all. The war has changed, says Illia. At the beginning, casualties were mainly caused by artillery. Here we are dealing with a game of drones. There are ten drones per square kilometre, unfortunately. If you are not killed immediately by the first drone, then you are bait for the second. He adds: But a human being adapts to everything. One will always remain a human being. The main thing is to remember this. We move on, in the direction of Kurakhove, through a hamlet of wooden cottages, several of which have been demolished by direct hits. Eventually we pause on the edge of a vast, muddy steppe that stretches away towards the eastern horizon. At this point we have to leave what passes for a road and continue our journey across the fields. Journeys end is a treeline overlooking a shallow valley. Here, the artillery fire is louder still. But among the undergrowth lies refuge; a camouflaged doorway: the entrance to 2nd Battalions underground combat HQ. A target is hit on the front line. Drones are by far the biggest threat now Richard Pendlebury with a Fibre Optic FPV drone, technology which is now being used by both sides in the Ukraine Russia War Major Anatolii, left, in his underground bunker, from which he and his men are defending their homeland We descend into a claustrophobic maze of grey tarpaulin-lined tunnels until finally we emerge into a dimly lit room, where some half a dozen soldiers are sitting staring at a wall of monitors, on which drone-fed footage of the battle taking place above ground nearby is being played in real time. Unlike upstairs, it is a deceptively silent conflict. Is that [one of] ours? an officer is asking, as a screen shows an attack drones live feed of its bomb dropping on a treeline. No, its one of theirs, comes the reply. And its close by. The 2nd Battalion is commanded by Major Anatolii. He is candid about the numbers game here, which much favours the invaders. During the time that my battalion and indeed the brigade has been serving here, the enemy has [rotated] their own brigades three times, he says. Meanwhile, we remain the same composition as we were, in the same places. The Russians have an almost unlimited supply of cannon fodder for their near-suicidal infantry assaults on the marine positions. The marines do not. For me, the loss of one soldier is huge. For them, the loss of ten soldiers is just a matter of headquarters will send us more. He says his men are holding on through sheer willpower. The numbers of enemy concentrated here is much greater. And they have fibre-optic FPVs, which we cant fight at all. The marines first encountered the weapon in Toretsk last September, when one of their logistics truck drivers had a narrow escape. When the driver arrived he said that the road hed travelled along was mined with trip-wire devices, recalls the major. We said, Thats stupid. If theyre going to mine the road, they wouldnt use trip wire, theyd use anti-tank mines. But he insisted, saying, No, theres a lot of wire wrapped around the wheels of my truck. Come and look. So we checked, and there was a lot of this wire caught up about the wheels. But then we spotted an FPV drone was stuck in the trucks bar armour. Due to malfunction, it hadnt exploded. Wed never seen a drone like it before. There was a kind of round box underneath it. We contacted the specialists of the 28th Brigade and they told us that these were new fibre-optic cable drones that our opponents were now using. Here, on the Kurakhove front, they have become an omnipresent threat. One of the Russian units that uses them in this sector goes under the name Judgment Day. The major says: Our only protection is that an enemy operator is all thumbs, or there are bad weather conditions. And if [by using fibre optics] the enemy take control of logistics, if we cannot deliver ammunition, food, and personnel there, then my guys cant hold out for long. And if I cannot pick up the wounded or the dead, then the morale of the guys will be zero. The major shrugs. But still, the marine corps holds on. And we will continue to do so to the best of our ability. Its time for us to leave. The sky above is still clear. But the monster is out there, somewhere. Additional reporting Oleksandr Kostiuchenko Tesla customers were left stunned when they learned that their newly-purchased Cybertrucks have been deteriorating as they were left sitting outside for months. Reza Solanti, of Texas, for example, said he ordered a Cybertruck on April 25 and received an immediate notification that his vehicle was ready for pickup, Techoreon reports. When he then questioned the quick turnaround, a Tesla employee told him that the truck left the factory on January 8 - meaning that it had been exposed to the elements for more than four months. Solanti then decided he would not keep the electric vehicle - which could face significant quality and reliability issues from being left outside for so long. The elements are not good for cars in general, but electric vehicles suffer greater risks - like battery degradation from temperature fluctuations, reduced charge capacity, moisture damage from inadequate ventilation and possible rust formation, according to The Cool Down. Cybertrucks, in particular, also already struggle from rapid depreciation due to ridiculously high repair costs, numerous recalls and manufacturing problems. That, in addition to CEO Elon Musk's controversial role in the Trump White House - which prompted worldwide protests of Teslas and sent it stock plummeting - left the company with thousands of unsold Cybertrucks. Tesla CEO Elon Musk had claimed that Tesla had more than one million reservations for the Cybertruck before it was released to the public The company now has thousands of unsold Cybertrucks sitting outside its factories In the days before the vehicle was released in late 2023, Musk had claimed that Tesla had more than one million reservations for the vehicle, according to Business Insider. But since the Cybertrucks were released to the public, Tesla has sold just over 46,000 of the vehicles, Fortune reports. Its sales dwindled even further in the first three months of 2025 - falling to 6,406 units sold, compared to 12,991 units the quarter before. Making matters worse, the company had to halt deliveries in March due to concerns the side paneling was falling off - and days later, Tesla recalled every single Cybertruck ever sold due to the issue. That marked the eighth recall on the Cybertruck in just about 15 months of production. In fact, just one month before, the company recalled an additional 375,000 vehicles due to a steering issue. Photographs now show thousands of unsold vehicles outside of the company's factories. Some are awaiting delivery, while others lack buyers. CEO Elon Musk's controversial role in the Trump White House prompted worldwide protests of Teslas and sent it stock plummeting In an effort to get customers back, Tesla has offered a lifetime of free charging for customers who buy a new Foundation Series Cybertruck - though that model comes with a $95,000 price tag. Tesla executives also unveiled a cheaper version of the vehicles, costing about $70,000 and is offering financing deals as low as zero percent on the new version of the Model Y. At the same time, the EV maker dropped production targets for several Cybertruck lines over the past few months, two employees told Business Insider. It also reportedly cut Cybertruck production teams by about half. But still, the company has continued to see its sales plummet. By the end of the first quarter last month, profits cratered 71 percent as the EV giant pulling in $409 million compared to $1.4 billion during the same stretch last year. In China, sales are also down over 18 percent compared to last year, UK sales are down 62 percent and German sales are down 46 percent. Tesla's stock price also shed nearly 40 percent of its value since January, when Musk started serving as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and was spotted everywhere with President Donald Trump. He has now said he would no longer fund political campaigns and has 'done enough' The outspoken EV CEO has since confirmed to an audience at the Qatar Economic Forum that he would no longer fund political campaigns after he had 'done enough.' When asked if he was sure about his job security, Musk responded with a quip. 'Well, no, I might die,' he said while laughing. He also told the live audience that his time as a campaign contributor will be winding down. 'In terms of political spending, I'm going to do a lot less in the future,' he said when asked about his efforts to help Republicans. In the meantime, prospective Cybertruck buyers are encouraged to ask specific questions about their vehicle's production dates and storage histories before finalizing purchases. Those concerned about getting an older vehicle can also request documentation showing when their vehicle left the factory. Southwest Airlines will soon be charging travelers $35 for one checked bag and $45 for two, bringing an end to the company's free baggage policy. The move will take effect tomorrow months after the airline confirmed it would end 'bags fly free' policy by charging some customers to help boost earnings. Southwest was the only major US carrier that allowed customers to check in two bags at no cost. The airline said it will continue to offer two free checked bags to loyal customers with the A-List Preferred status and to passengers that pay the most premium fare. Customers with the lower loyalty status, A-List, will get one free checked bag. The carrier will also credit one checked bag for passengers who hold its co-branded credit card. Southwest withdrew its financial forecast for the year over uncertainties from President Donald Trump's trade war. Following the price announcement, fliers expressed their fury and annoyance over the changes in a Reddit post created by a former Southwest employee. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said the carrier will begin charging fliers $35 for one checked bag and $45 for two tomorrow 'Good bye Southwest. Audios. Hasta la vista. That means good bye,' a flier wrote. 'I'm A-List Preferred and this is sickening to me. 'Plus imagine how many extra carry-on bags are gonna be tried to be taken on the plane now, slowing down boarding considerably,' another person responded. Members of the airline's 'A-List' and 'A-List Prefered' programs will still be able to enjoy some free bag perks. The airline, which has built a brand offering a no-frills, customer-focused experiences, has also announced other changes. Southwest is launching a basic economy fare to remain competitive with other major airlines. It's also launching dynamic pricing models for its rewards program, tracking how much money repeat customers spend on tickets instead of miles traveled. 'We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs,' Bob Jordan, the brand's CEO, said. 'We will do all this while remaining focused on whats made us strong our People and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning customer service only they can provide.' Social media users are furious and annoyed over the new rules and insist they will no longer fly Southwest because of it Southwests announcement comes amid increased pressure from activist investors, particularly Elliott Investment Management who want to push it to cut costs and boost profits. It also laid off 1,750 corporate jobs as part of a restructuring effort. The mass layoff was the first in the company's history. The end of free bags comes after cuts to routes last year plus the axing of other perks. In September, Southwest cut almost a third of its flights to and from Atlanta in a blow to the city and staff based there. In September, Southwest also said it is axing its popular open seating policy after half a century. Instead, it will soon charge passengers a fee to pick a seat. The end of the iconic 'bags fly free' perk was first mooted last year, but bosses denied the rumors. Southwest, which once boasted a record 47 consecutive years of profit prior to the pandemic, is struggling to regain sustained profitability. A report out earlier this year showed how airlines including Delta, United and American pocketed a staggering $33.3 billion from just baggage fees last year - a sharp 15 percent rise from $29 billion in 2022. The airline has not charged for checked bags in over 50 years This sum is solely made up of fees from larger carry-on bags, standard checked baggage fees, and fines for overweight or extra large checked bags and accounted for 4.1 percent of global airline revenue last year. Meanwhile, in January there was backlash against Southwest for letting able-bodied flyers use wheelchair assistance to board early. A passenger tweeted that he had counted 30 people get early boarding after lining up in wheelchairs. But only two needed them to disembark, he wrote - suggesting 28 passengers has either been cured on the flight or were gaming the system. Major banks have closed 36 locations across America in just three weeks, as experts warn communities are being stripped of vital local services. Between April 26 and May 15, major lenders including Santander, US Bank and Wells Fargo were among the eight banks to notify the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) of planned closures. Banks are required to alert the OCC before shutting down a branch and the agency then publishes the filings in a weekly report. Scroll down to see the full list with addresses. While the listings indicate intent to close, they are not final confirmations. In the three week period, Santander said it would 28 locations far more than any other institution. Community Bank was next at five local branches, US Bank four, and Wells Fargo three. The remainder was made up by Bank of America, Capital One, Flagstar and Key Bank. New York was the worst hit state, losing ten local bank locations. Santander closed 28 locations in the three week period, far more than any other institution Expert Darren Kingman has warned of the risks of bank branch closures Massachusetts was also hit with six closures and Pennsylvania, five. In 2024, banks closed a total of 1,043 branches nationwide and the trend has only accelerated in 2025 with 272 closures already logged in the first quarter alone. New research also recently revealed that the last physical branch could close in 2041. Experts from Self Financial reached the number by studying the rate of net closures across the country, which has averaged 1,646 each year since 2018. 'Retail bank closures in the US aren't slowing,' Darren Kingman from Root Digital told DailyMail.com. 'The last time this many people shared a local branch was in 1995' he explained. Kingman warned that while the US edges toward a cashless future, over 200 million Americans still deposit cash meaning longer lines and worse service as access shrinks. Despite the digital shift, a new GoBankingRates survey also found 45 percent of Americans still prefer in-person banking. Wells Fargo was among the major banks to register plans to shut some of its branches Your browser does not support iframes. Capital One has also closed locations this year 'The shift towards online banking is growing more intense in 2025,' GoBankingRates lead data content researcher Andrew Murray told DailyMail.com. 'Despite the trend towards online banking, our survey data shows more than half of Americans are concerned about the rising number of physical branches that have shut down in the past few years,' Murray explained. 'Meanwhile, a whopping 76 percent says that the current banking system needs small or major changes.' Further to this more than half of respondents said they were concerned about the rising number of physical bank branch closures over the last few years. Bank of Montreal (NYSE:BMO Get Free Report) (TSE:BMO) is expected to be releasing its Q2 2025 earnings data before the market opens on Wednesday, May 28th. Analysts expect Bank of Montreal to post earnings of $1.89 per share and revenue of $8.79 billion for the quarter. Bank of Montreal (NYSE:BMO Get Free Report) (TSE:BMO) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 25th. The bank reported $3.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.68 by $1.36. The company had revenue of $9.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.58 billion. Bank of Montreal had a net margin of 9.22% and a return on equity of 10.18%. The firms revenue was up 20.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.56 EPS. On average, analysts expect Bank of Montreal to post $8 EPS for the current fiscal year and $9 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get Bank of Montreal alerts: Bank of Montreal Stock Performance NYSE BMO opened at $103.90 on Tuesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $96.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $97.53. The stock has a market cap of $75.23 billion, a PE ratio of 14.89, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.03. Bank of Montreal has a fifty-two week low of $76.98 and a fifty-two week high of $106.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 0.98. Bank of Montreal Cuts Dividend Institutional Inflows and Outflows The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, May 27th. Investors of record on Tuesday, April 29th will be given a dividend of $1.1094 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, April 29th. This represents a $4.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.27%. Bank of Montreals dividend payout ratio is currently 57.35%. An institutional investor recently raised its position in Bank of Montreal stock. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Bank of Montreal (NYSE:BMO Free Report) (TSE:BMO) by 87.1% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 5,742 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 2,673 shares during the quarter. AQR Capital Management LLCs holdings in Bank of Montreal were worth $548,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 45.82% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have commented on BMO shares. Cibc World Mkts lowered Bank of Montreal from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, April 4th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Bank of Montreal from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 28th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Bank of Montreal from $161.00 to $163.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, February 26th. Scotiabank started coverage on shares of Bank of Montreal in a report on Thursday, May 15th. They set a sector perform rating on the stock. Finally, CIBC reissued a neutral rating on shares of Bank of Montreal in a report on Tuesday, May 20th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $128.40. Read Our Latest Research Report on Bank of Montreal Bank of Montreal Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The companys personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Montreal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Montreal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Finance of America Companies (NYSE:FOA Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Saturday morning. A number of other research firms also recently commented on FOA. UBS Group decreased their target price on Finance of America Companies from $25.00 to $22.50 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Raymond James boosted their target price on Finance of America Companies from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 25th. Get Finance of America Companies alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Finance of America Companies Finance of America Companies Stock Performance NYSE FOA opened at $20.64 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $221.04 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a quick ratio of 2.80, a current ratio of 2.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 40.07. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $20.52 and a 200-day moving average price of $22.91. Finance of America Companies has a twelve month low of $4.10 and a twelve month high of $32.40. Finance of America Companies (NYSE:FOA Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The company reported $0.52 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $165.70 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $79.56 million. Finance of America Companies had a negative return on equity of 4.00% and a net margin of 18.89%. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Finance of America Companies will post 0.75 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC grew its stake in Finance of America Companies by 53.7% in the first quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 34,429 shares of the companys stock worth $732,000 after purchasing an additional 12,029 shares in the last quarter. Cooperman Leon G lifted its position in Finance of America Companies by 11.2% during the 1st quarter. Cooperman Leon G now owns 1,202,187 shares of the companys stock worth $25,558,000 after acquiring an additional 120,692 shares during the period. OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp lifted its position in Finance of America Companies by 107.1% during the 1st quarter. OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp now owns 23,400 shares of the companys stock worth $497,000 after acquiring an additional 12,100 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its position in Finance of America Companies by 209.5% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 85,918 shares of the companys stock worth $1,827,000 after acquiring an additional 58,156 shares during the period. Finally, Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI lifted its position in Finance of America Companies by 20.0% during the 1st quarter. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI now owns 24,000 shares of the companys stock worth $510,000 after acquiring an additional 4,000 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 97.20% of the companys stock. Finance of America Companies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Finance of America Companies Inc a financial service holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of a retirement solutions platform in the United States. It operates through two segments: Retirement Solutions and Portfolio Management. The Retirement Solutions segment engages in the loan origination activities comprising home equity conversion, proprietary reverse, and hybrid mortgage loans for senior homeowners. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Finance of America Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Finance of America Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank of Canada (OTCMKTS:NTIOF Get Free Report) is expected to be releasing its earnings data before the market opens on Wednesday, May 28th. Analysts expect National Bank of Canada to post earnings of $1.72 per share and revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter. National Bank of Canada Price Performance OTCMKTS NTIOF opened at $94.05 on Tuesday. National Bank of Canada has a 52 week low of $74.21 and a 52 week high of $100.08. The company has a current ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. The stock has a market cap of $36.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.98 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $85.71 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $88.84. Get National Bank of Canada alerts: National Bank of Canada Cuts Dividend The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, April 1st were given a $0.7975 dividend. This represents a yield of 3.86%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, March 31st. National Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 40.05%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In NTIOF has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Scotiabank upgraded shares of National Bank of Canada to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, May 15th. National Bankshares lowered shares of National Bank of Canada from a speculative buy rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Friday, April 4th. Cormark lowered shares of National Bank of Canada from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, February 21st. Cibc World Mkts lowered shares of National Bank of Canada from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Friday, April 4th. Finally, CIBC reiterated an outperform rating on shares of National Bank of Canada in a research note on Tuesday, May 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on NTIOF National Bank of Canada Company Profile (Get Free Report) National Bank of Canada provides financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional clients, and governments in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services, such as credit, and deposit, investment solutions, international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for National Bank of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX:AFP Get Free Report) declared a final dividend on Monday, May 26th, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Investors of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be given a dividend of 0.011 per share on Thursday, July 3rd. This represents a dividend yield of 0.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, June 17th. This is a 10.0% increase from AFT Pharmaceuticalss previous final dividend of $0.01. AFT Pharmaceuticals Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 36.66, a current ratio of 2.30 and a quick ratio of 0.61. The stock has a market cap of $296.56 million, a PE ratio of 21.55 and a beta of 0.37. Get AFT Pharmaceuticals alerts: AFT Pharmaceuticals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the development and sale of pharmaceutical products in New Zealand, Australia, Asia, and internationally. It offers products for use in the areas of allergy, cold and flu, digestive health, eye care, first aid, nail care, oral care, pain management, skin care, and supplements, as well as other products. Receive News & Ratings for AFT Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AFT Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Investment Services Inc. decreased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 12.9% in the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 1,418 shares of the companys stock after selling 210 shares during the period. American Investment Services Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,095,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in LLY. Garner Asset Management Corp grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Garner Asset Management Corp now owns 532 shares of the companys stock worth $411,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the period. FWG Holdings LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. FWG Holdings LLC now owns 2,023 shares of the companys stock worth $1,640,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the period. Morling Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.7% during the 4th quarter. Morling Financial Advisors LLC now owns 266 shares of the companys stock worth $205,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the period. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.0% during the 4th quarter. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 606 shares of the companys stock worth $468,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the period. Finally, Applied Finance Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.4% during the 4th quarter. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC now owns 855 shares of the companys stock worth $660,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 0.2% LLY opened at $713.99 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $676.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 60.97, a P/E/G ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.48. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12 month low of $677.09 and a 12 month high of $972.53. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $786.82 and a 200 day moving average of $802.40. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $3.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.64 by ($1.30). The firm had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.77 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 85.24% and a net margin of 23.51%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 45.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.58 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 16th will be paid a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.84%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 16th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 48.82%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $818.24, for a total value of $818,240.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,840 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,778,521.60. This trade represents a 14.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes LLY has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. They set an overweight rating and a $975.00 target price on the stock. Hsbc Global Res cut Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a moderate sell rating in a report on Monday, April 28th. Wall Street Zen raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, February 7th. Finally, UBS Group decreased their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,100.00 to $1,050.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eighteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,011.37. Get Our Latest Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. (NYSE:BAH Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, May 27th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 11th will be given a dividend of 0.55 per share by the business services provider on Friday, June 27th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.01%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 11th. Booz Allen Hamilton has raised its dividend by an average of 11.3% annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 14 years. Booz Allen Hamilton has a dividend payout ratio of 28.8% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Booz Allen Hamilton to earn $6.94 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.20 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 31.7%. Get Booz Allen Hamilton alerts: Booz Allen Hamilton Trading Up 1.7% Shares of NYSE BAH traded up $1.81 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $109.60. The company had a trading volume of 2,285,404 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,459,292. The stock has a market cap of $13.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.35, a PEG ratio of 1.25 and a beta of 0.56. The companys fifty day moving average price is $115.06 and its 200-day moving average price is $125.48. The company has a quick ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.72. Booz Allen Hamilton has a 12 month low of $101.05 and a 12 month high of $190.59. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Booz Allen Hamilton ( NYSE:BAH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 23rd. The business services provider reported $1.61 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.59 by $0.02. Booz Allen Hamilton had a return on equity of 68.97% and a net margin of 7.39%. The firm had revenue of $2.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.03 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.33 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Booz Allen Hamilton will post 6.44 earnings per share for the current year. An institutional investor recently raised its position in Booz Allen Hamilton stock. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its position in Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. (NYSE:BAH Free Report) by 22.9% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 26,167 shares of the business services providers stock after buying an additional 4,870 shares during the quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd.s holdings in Booz Allen Hamilton were worth $2,737,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. 91.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently weighed in on BAH. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $120.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, May 19th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $142.00 to $110.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 14th. Raymond James reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton in a report on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $109.00 price objective (down previously from $150.00) on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton in a report on Friday, April 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Booz Allen Hamilton from $140.00 to $120.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $140.40. Get Our Latest Research Report on Booz Allen Hamilton About Booz Allen Hamilton (Get Free Report) Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation provides management and technology consulting, analytics, engineering, digital solutions, mission operations, and cyber services to governments, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations in the United States and internationally. It focuses on artificial intelligence services comprising of machine learning, predictive modeling, automation and decision analytics, and quantum computing. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BOX (NYSE:BOX Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 1.220-1.260 for the period. The company issued revenue guidance of $1.2 billion-$1.2 billion. BOX also updated its Q2 2026 guidance to 0.300-0.310 EPS. BOX Trading Up 1.3% BOX stock traded up $0.40 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $31.49. 3,775,942 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,830,479. BOX has a 52-week low of $24.63 and a 52-week high of $36.33. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $30.76 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $32.11. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.36, a PEG ratio of 4.42 and a beta of 0.94. Get BOX alerts: BOX (NYSE:BOX Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 27th. The software maker reported $0.03 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.25 by ($0.22). BOX had a net margin of 13.96% and a negative return on equity of 17.20%. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that BOX will post 0.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BOX declared that its board has approved a share repurchase program on Tuesday, March 4th that permits the company to repurchase $150.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the software maker to repurchase up to 3.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are generally an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. A number of research firms have recently commented on BOX. Raymond James restated an outperform rating and issued a $38.00 price objective (down from $40.00) on shares of BOX in a report on Wednesday, March 5th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an underperform rating and issued a $21.00 price objective on shares of BOX in a report on Wednesday, March 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on BOX from $38.00 to $37.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, March 5th. DA Davidson cut their price objective on BOX from $45.00 to $40.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on BOX from $36.00 to $35.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $36.44. View Our Latest Research Report on BOX Insiders Place Their Bets In other BOX news, CFO Dylan C. Smith sold 13,000 shares of BOX stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.95, for a total transaction of $415,350.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 1,440,684 shares in the company, valued at $46,029,853.80. The trade was a 0.89% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Aaron Levie sold 10,000 shares of BOX stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.08, for a total value of $320,800.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 2,979,780 shares in the company, valued at $95,591,342.40. This represents a 0.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 66,377 shares of company stock worth $2,060,714 in the last three months. 3.90% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in BOX during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $31,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its position in BOX by 7.4% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 477,822 shares of the software makers stock valued at $14,746,000 after purchasing an additional 32,726 shares during the period. Finally, Woodline Partners LP boosted its position in BOX by 16.4% during the 1st quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 17,800 shares of the software makers stock valued at $549,000 after purchasing an additional 2,506 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.74% of the companys stock. About BOX (Get Free Report) Box, Inc engages in the provision of an enterprise content platform that enables organizations to securely manage enterprise content while allowing easy, secure access and sharing of this content from anywhere, on any device. Its products include cloud content management, IT and admin controls, Box Governance, Box Zones, Box Relay, Box Shuttle, and Box KeySafe. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BOX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BOX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Utilities Limited (TSE:CU Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as C$38.67 and last traded at C$38.42, with a volume of 924733 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$38.06. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently weighed in on CU shares. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Canadian Utilities from C$39.00 to C$41.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 8th. CIBC boosted their price target on shares of Canadian Utilities from C$38.00 to C$40.00 in a report on Friday, April 4th. Finally, Scotiabank upped their target price on shares of Canadian Utilities from C$37.00 to C$38.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 13th. Get Canadian Utilities alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on CU Canadian Utilities Stock Performance Insider Activity The stocks 50 day moving average price is C$37.02 and its 200 day moving average price is C$35.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 158.34. The company has a market capitalization of C$7.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.76, a P/E/G ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.66. In other Canadian Utilities news, Senior Officer James Armstrong sold 1,258 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$37.98, for a total value of C$47,778.84. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 136 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$5,165.28. This represents a 90.24% decrease in their position. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 1,908 shares of company stock valued at $71,135. 37.58% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Canadian Utilities Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Utilities Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electricity, natural gas, renewables, pipelines, liquids, and retail energy businesses in Canada, Australia, and internationally. It operates through ATCO Energy Systems, ATCO EnPower, and Corporate & Other segments. The ATCO Energy Systems segment provides regulated electricity transmission and distribution services in northern and central east Alberta, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan; and integrated natural gas transmission and distribution services in Alberta, the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan, and Western Australia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Utilities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Utilities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in iShares Global Energy ETF (NYSEARCA:IXC Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 1,042 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $40,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of IXC. BTG Pactual Asset Management US LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Global Energy ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of iShares Global Energy ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Kohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Global Energy ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. GeoWealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Global Energy ETF by 72.2% in the 4th quarter. GeoWealth Management LLC now owns 916 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 384 shares during the last quarter. Finally, IMG Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of iShares Global Energy ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $40,000. Get iShares Global Energy ETF alerts: iShares Global Energy ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA IXC opened at $38.09 on Tuesday. iShares Global Energy ETF has a one year low of $33.89 and a one year high of $43.50. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $38.32 and a 200-day simple moving average of $39.46. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.94 billion, a PE ratio of 13.55 and a beta of 0.71. About iShares Global Energy ETF iShares Global Energy ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Global Energy Sector Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P Global Energy Sector Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the S&P Global 1200 Index, and measures the performance of companies that S&P deems to be part of the energy sector of the economy. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IXC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Global Energy ETF (NYSEARCA:IXC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Global Energy ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Global Energy ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, April 24th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Thursday, May 29th will be paid a dividend of 0.18 per share by the bank on Friday, June 13th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 29th. First BanCorp. has raised its dividend payment by an average of 27.3% annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 6 consecutive years. First BanCorp. has a payout ratio of 33.5% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect First BanCorp. to earn $2.10 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.72 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 34.3%. Get First BanCorp. alerts: First BanCorp. Stock Up 0.3% FBP opened at $20.21 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $19.24 and a 200-day moving average of $19.56. First BanCorp. has a 1-year low of $16.40 and a 1-year high of $22.40. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.17, a P/E/G ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 0.93. Institutional Trading of First BanCorp. First BanCorp. ( NYSE:FBP Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 24th. The bank reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $248.13 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $243.08 million. First BanCorp. had a net margin of 24.37% and a return on equity of 18.89%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.44 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that First BanCorp. will post 1.85 earnings per share for the current year. A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of FBP. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its stake in shares of First BanCorp. by 6.1% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 516,986 shares of the banks stock worth $9,911,000 after acquiring an additional 29,631 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its holdings in First BanCorp. by 1,445.7% during the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 430,329 shares of the banks stock worth $8,249,000 after acquiring an additional 402,488 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of First BanCorp. by 4.6% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 96,368 shares of the banks stock worth $1,847,000 after buying an additional 4,236 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in First BanCorp. by 24.4% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 42,927 shares of the banks stock valued at $824,000 after buying an additional 8,419 shares during the period. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its position in First BanCorp. by 328.8% in the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 2,950 shares of the banks stock worth $57,000 after acquiring an additional 2,262 shares during the period. 97.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of First BanCorp. from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $22.80. View Our Latest Stock Report on FBP About First BanCorp. (Get Free Report) First BanCorp. operates as a bank holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico that provides a range of financial products and services to consumers and commercial customers. The company operates through six segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking, Mortgage Banking, Consumer (Retail) Banking, Treasury and Investments, United States Operations, and Virgin Islands Operations. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for First BanCorp. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First BanCorp. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $4.30 and last traded at $4.29, with a volume of 3989364 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $4.27. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently issued reports on LYG. Morgan Stanley upgraded Lloyds Banking Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 4th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Lloyds Banking Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Lloyds Banking Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, March 20th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut shares of Lloyds Banking Group from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 11th. Finally, HSBC raised shares of Lloyds Banking Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 1st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold. Get Lloyds Banking Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Lloyds Banking Group Lloyds Banking Group Stock Performance The firm has a market cap of $64.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.95 and a beta of 0.97. The companys 50 day moving average is $3.83 and its 200 day moving average is $3.30. Lloyds Banking Group (NYSE:LYG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The financial services provider reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by $0.03. Lloyds Banking Group had a net margin of 11.45% and a return on equity of 8.46%. The business had revenue of $5.91 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.78 billion. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Lloyds Banking Group plc will post 0.27 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of LYG. Jackson Thornton Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Lloyds Banking Group by 20.4% in the 1st quarter. Jackson Thornton Wealth Management LLC now owns 15,168 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $57,000 after purchasing an additional 2,573 shares in the last quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Lloyds Banking Group by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 61,411 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $235,000 after buying an additional 2,617 shares during the last quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 27.2% in the first quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC now owns 12,916 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 2,758 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. grew its position in Lloyds Banking Group by 22.1% during the first quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 15,369 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $59,000 after acquiring an additional 2,784 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Crumly & Associates Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Lloyds Banking Group by 8.7% in the 1st quarter. Crumly & Associates Inc. now owns 36,162 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $138,000 after acquiring an additional 2,884 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 2.15% of the companys stock. About Lloyds Banking Group (Get Free Report) Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance, Pensions and Investments. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, and credit cards to personal customers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lloyds Banking Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lloyds Banking Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (NYSE:OR Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $25.65 and last traded at $24.97, with a volume of 1051195 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $24.86. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently issued reports on OR. Raymond James reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Osisko Gold Royalties in a research report on Friday, April 4th. National Bankshares restated an outperform rating on shares of Osisko Gold Royalties in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Osisko Gold Royalties from $24.00 to $23.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, April 4th. Finally, Scotiabank raised Osisko Gold Royalties from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and upped their price objective for the company from $22.00 to $24.00 in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $23.00. Get Osisko Gold Royalties alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Osisko Gold Royalties Osisko Gold Royalties Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $4.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 281.01 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 4.40 and a quick ratio of 4.40. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $22.52 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $20.22. Osisko Gold Royalties (NYSE:OR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 7th. The basic materials company reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $54.92 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $79.63 million. Osisko Gold Royalties had a return on equity of 7.94% and a net margin of 8.50%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd will post 0.62 earnings per share for the current year. Osisko Gold Royalties Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.055 per share. This is a positive change from Osisko Gold Royaltiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.05. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 30th. This represents a $0.22 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.87%. Osisko Gold Royaltiess dividend payout ratio is currently 105.88%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Osisko Gold Royalties Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in OR. Plato Investment Management Ltd acquired a new position in Osisko Gold Royalties during the 1st quarter valued at $56,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its position in Osisko Gold Royalties by 152.4% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,256,583 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $26,539,000 after buying an additional 758,815 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its holdings in Osisko Gold Royalties by 13.1% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 3,770,679 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $79,566,000 after acquiring an additional 435,467 shares in the last quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. lifted its position in shares of Osisko Gold Royalties by 16.8% in the 1st quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 104,001 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $2,199,000 after acquiring an additional 14,981 shares during the period. Finally, EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. lifted its position in Osisko Gold Royalties by 6.8% in the first quarter. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. now owns 24,020,067 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $507,009,000 after purchasing an additional 1,534,292 shares during the period. 68.52% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Osisko Gold Royalties Company Profile (Get Free Report) Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd acquires and manages precious metal and other royalties, streams, and other interests in Canada and internationally. It also owns options on offtake; royalty/stream financings; and exclusive rights to participate in future royalty/stream financings on various projects. The companys primary asset is a 3-5% net smelter return royalty on the Canadian Malartic complex located in Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Osisko Gold Royalties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Osisko Gold Royalties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quanta Services, Southern, and Bank of New York Mellon are the three Renewable Energy stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Renewable energy stocks are shares of companies that generate electricity or fuel from naturally replenishing sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal or biomass. By investing in these equities, shareholders gain exposure to the growth potential of the clean-energy sector while supporting the transition away from fossil fuels. These stocks often appeal to investors seeking both financial returns and environmental sustainability. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Renewable Energy stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Quanta Services (PWR) Quanta Services, Inc. provides infrastructure solutions for the electric and gas utility, renewable energy, communications, and pipeline and energy industries in the United States, Canada, Australia, and internationally. The companys Electric Power Infrastructure Solutions segment engages in the design, procurement, construction, upgrade, repair, and maintenance of electric power transmission and distribution infrastructure and substation facilities; installation, maintenance, and upgrade of electric power infrastructure projects; installation of smart grid technologies on electric power networks; and design, installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial and industrial wirings. Quanta Services stock traded up $6.90 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $342.26. 664,238 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,573,020. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The stock has a market capitalization of $50.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 56.76, a PEG ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 1.02. Quanta Services has a fifty-two week low of $227.08 and a fifty-two week high of $365.88. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $290.60 and its 200 day simple moving average is $302.70. Read Our Latest Research Report on PWR Southern (SO) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. SO traded up $0.46 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $90.10. 1,805,050 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,485,112. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $89.87 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $87.20. The firm has a market capitalization of $99.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.47, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.60. Southern has a 1-year low of $76.64 and a 1-year high of $94.45. Read Our Latest Research Report on SO Bank of New York Mellon (BK) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. NYSE:BK traded up $1.08 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $90.17. 1,719,705 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,055,819. Bank of New York Mellon has a 52-week low of $57.18 and a 52-week high of $90.63. The firm has a market cap of $64.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.52, a PEG ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.70. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $81.98 and a 200 day simple moving average of $81.95. Read Our Latest Research Report on BK Featured Stories Annaly Capital Management (NYSE:NLY Get Free Report) had its price target cut by research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from $22.00 to $21.00 in a report issued on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Royal Bank of Canadas target price would suggest a potential upside of 10.89% from the companys previous close. A number of other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Annaly Capital Management from $21.00 to $19.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 16th. Piper Sandler decreased their price target on Annaly Capital Management from $21.50 to $21.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of Annaly Capital Management from $20.15 to $20.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, Jones Trading reiterated a buy rating and issued a $21.00 target price on shares of Annaly Capital Management in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $21.00. Get Annaly Capital Management alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Annaly Capital Management Annaly Capital Management Trading Up 0.8% Shares of Annaly Capital Management stock traded up $0.15 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $18.94. 870,419 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,332,126. The company has a 50 day moving average of $19.26 and a two-hundred day moving average of $19.77. The stock has a market cap of $11.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.92, a P/E/G ratio of 4.89 and a beta of 1.25. Annaly Capital Management has a fifty-two week low of $16.60 and a fifty-two week high of $22.11. Annaly Capital Management (NYSE:NLY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.72 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.01. Annaly Capital Management had a return on equity of 14.95% and a net margin of 20.70%. The business had revenue of $186.64 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $418.04 million. As a group, analysts expect that Annaly Capital Management will post 2.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Annaly Capital Management Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Inlight Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Annaly Capital Management during the first quarter worth about $25,000. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in Annaly Capital Management in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Twin Tree Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Annaly Capital Management during the 1st quarter worth $29,000. Assetmark Inc. bought a new position in shares of Annaly Capital Management during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. boosted its position in Annaly Capital Management by 78.5% in the 4th quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,630 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 717 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 51.56% of the companys stock. Annaly Capital Management Company Profile (Get Free Report) Annaly Capital Management, Inc, a diversified capital manager, engages in mortgage finance. The company invests in agency mortgage-backed securities collateralized by residential mortgages; non-agency residential whole loans and securitized products within the residential and commercial markets; mortgage servicing rights; agency commercial mortgage-backed securities; to-be-announced forward contracts; residential mortgage loans; and agency or private label credit risk transfer securities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Annaly Capital Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Annaly Capital Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TFR Capital LLC. purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 3,477 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $619,000. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Financial Life Planners acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. BankPlus Trust Department acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Rialto Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. CoreFirst Bank & Trust acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Bellwether Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Stock Down 1.4% Shares of BATS:QUAL opened at $174.12 on Tuesday. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 12-month low of $148.34 and a 12-month high of $187.26. The company has a market cap of $49.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.81 and a beta of 1.06. The companys fifty day moving average is $168.83 and its two-hundred day moving average is $176.99. About iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QUAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Xerox Holdings Co. (NYSE:XRX Get Free Report) CEO Steven John Bandrowczak acquired 22,300 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 23rd. The stock was purchased at an average price of $4.48 per share, with a total value of $99,904.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 382,442 shares in the company, valued at $1,713,340.16. This represents a 6.19% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Xerox Stock Performance NYSE:XRX traded up $0.25 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $4.75. The stock had a trading volume of 1,842,422 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,948,513. Xerox Holdings Co. has a twelve month low of $3.45 and a twelve month high of $14.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.61, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.11. The stock has a market cap of $597.13 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.44 and a beta of 1.75. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $4.72 and its 200 day simple moving average is $7.02. Get Xerox alerts: Xerox (NYSE:XRX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The information technology services provider reported ($0.06) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.03) by ($0.03). Xerox had a negative net margin of 21.24% and a positive return on equity of 7.57%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.06 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Xerox Holdings Co. will post 1.07 earnings per share for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Wall Street Zen cut Xerox from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 5th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and two have assigned a hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $9.50. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Xerox Hedge Funds Weigh In On Xerox A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in XRX. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its stake in shares of Xerox by 2,035.4% during the first quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 3,682,002 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $17,784,000 after purchasing an additional 3,509,574 shares during the period. Paradigm Capital Management Inc. NY boosted its holdings in shares of Xerox by 2,392.4% in the 1st quarter. Paradigm Capital Management Inc. NY now owns 1,246,200 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $6,019,000 after purchasing an additional 1,196,200 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Xerox by 397.5% in the 4th quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 1,378,215 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $11,618,000 after purchasing an additional 1,101,171 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Xerox by 2,846.8% in the 4th quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,128,973 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $9,517,000 after purchasing an additional 1,090,661 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Xerox in the 1st quarter valued at $4,765,000. Institutional investors own 85.36% of the companys stock. About Xerox (Get Free Report) Xerox Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a workplace technology company that integrates hardware, services, and software for enterprises in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Print and Other; and FITTLE. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Xerox Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xerox and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Time is the great equaliser, and the masters of strategy often utilise this universal element to their advantage, as is the Russian grandmaster despot Vladimir Putin. Importing mass migration at speed to destabilise nations To prepare your victim for defeat, you must first destabilise the enemy from within. Importing millions of migrants into Europe via channels in North Africa and the Middle East was the first phase, and has been highly successful in destabilising European societies, and burdening countries with high costs, bleeding them dry slowly. Importing Ideological Woke Subversion Importing woke soviet hyper-sensitive political correctness was another element of destabilising Western society and culture by utilising racial groups to create division and demoralisation. Western nations have had their governments, their educational institutions and their popular culture infiltrated by woke ideology which has created vast divisions and cracks in all elements of their societies. People in the West are now so weakened, they question their own identity, their sex, their political ideology, their history and every facet of their lives, all thanks to the importation of woke culture by the enemy. The enemy also programs and utilises the useful-idiot leftists within the West to complete their program of national destabilisation. Destroying Western freedoms and democracy Many formerly free and democratic countries like the UK have now adopted authoritarian practices like having people arrested and jailed for comments they make on social media. This is a major victory for Russia because the UK used to value free speech and democracy but through the importation of woke ideology by its enemies it has now adopted communist authoritarian, totalitarian practices. Economic war There may be economic sanctions against Russia, but these are insignificant as it looks to its allies in China, North Korea, Iran, India and further. The true sanctions are upon the Western nations who are threatened economically, especially with global de-dollarisation campaigns led by Russia, China and Iran and the BRICS. The global economic split is now a fissure that can only be resolved by physical war, which will materialise eventually. War Weakening the enemy is a slow process but very effective if conducted in a targeted manner, as Russia and China have been doing for decades now. Western nations are now being prepared for physical war. First they were attacked through the woke demoralisation programs, intermittent hacking attacks, and mass immigration. The phases following this initial deluge will be even more horrific as an apathetic, divided, hysteria-led Western population is confronted with the physical reality of global war. Time may heal or lessen wounds of previous trauma, but for the grandmaster, time is a tool that if used with care whittles down the enemy with precise and deadly cuts. There has been widespread disappointment following the decision by the Northern Health Trust to cut Emergency General Surgery (EGS) from Causeway Hospital. EGS is likely to be removed from Causeway Hospital, after the Northern Trust recommended providing the service at Antrim Area Hospital. This news of a recommendation follows a review and public consultation. The Boards recommendation requires the approval of the Health Minister and Department of Health before it can be implemented. As it stands the service is spread between both Antrim Area and Causeway Hospitals. Campaign group SOS Causeway branded the news a complete betrayal. A spokesperson for the group said in light of the recent shocking news they will continue to fight for local health services. As per our previous statement, we knew this was going to happen. This is a complete betrayal to the people and further damages relations with public service bodies and processes such as public consultations, the spokesperson said. It should be noted that 29 people out of a total of 1,415 consultation responses were in favour of this move, absolutely shocking. This included staff and those working in both Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital, which casts a huge doubtful shadow over the claims from members of the board claiming the need for this move is recognized on both sites. SOS Causeway Hospital will continue to work hard. We will remind the Health Minister of his commitment now to meet with us, we will lobby heavily and widely. We previously delivered a presentation at a deputation workshop to our local council, this was only the beginning. Elected representatives will be left with no illusions as to where the loyalties of their constituents lie; in those who advocate best for their needs. We will continue to liaise with colleagues and organisations echoing our many concerns and are already in the midst of planning a public meeting with various other actions to accompany this. Make no mistake, this is a bump in the road, we are here for the journey, to fight for our local health services and essentially for common sense. Farmers For Action Steering Committee called for the Health Minister not to sign off on the removal of EGS at Causeway. A spokesperson from the group said: The North Coast is a huge farming area and this industry has catalogued many lives saved due to farm accidents and the availability of acute emergency surgery at Causeway. We implore you Minister to save lives going forward by retaining services at Causeway Hospital. East Derry MLA Claire Sugden said the public were 'deeply concerned' by the Trust's decision. This decision is worrying, not just because of what it means in practice, but because of the impact it will have on patients and families across the North Coast, Ms Sugden said. People in my constituency are deeply concerned. They see essential services being moved further away, making it harder to access the care they need when they need it most. The former Justice Minister also raised serious concerns about the impact on families and vulnerable patients. This is not just about distance. It is about dignity and outcomes, she said. Older people may struggle to travel to Antrim to visit a loved one. That means patients recovering from major surgery, especially those with dementia or at risk of delirium, could be left without the comfort and reassurance of familiar faces. That is unacceptable and risks poorer recovery. Speaking on the decision Chief Executive of the Northern Trust Jennifer Welsh said: When we first began this process, we gave a commitment that proposals for any new model would be based on the evidence and data that is available to us, and that is what we have presented here today. The work done by our teams to get us to this point has been painstaking. I know there is tremendous depth of feeling on this issue, including from some of our own staff, and throughout the consultation period we have met with a wide range of stakeholders, and heard concerns from our local community about our proposals to transform how we deliver general surgery services. Put simply: we cannot continue to provide emergency general surgery across both our acute sites. If we do not act now and plan for service change, we are facing an inevitable collapse. I do not say that to scaremonger or cause alarm; Im saying this because it is the very difficult reality we are faced with. Gillian Traub, Director of Operations at the Northern Trust, added: We accept that what we are recommending as a Board, will not be welcomed by some in our local community who have raised very genuine concerns about any proposed change. Should service change go ahead, we will do all we can to build public trust and confidence by ensuring that the transition to a new model will be as smooth as possible, for both our patients and staff. Consultant surgeon James Patterson said the new delivery model would create better training opportunities and make Causeway Hospital a more attractive location for staff. Mr Patterson said: Its important to say that, under the recommended proposal, general surgery will not be removed from Causeway Hospital. This is about separating out emergency general surgery from elective procedures so that we can ensure elective theatre time at Causeway is protected. Should service change go ahead, it creates an opportunity for Causeway to become an elective hub, and this could really start to make a difference when it comes to tackling lengthy waiting lists. The new proposed service model would also give surgical trainees access to protected theatre time in elective surgery, while also allowing them to have exposure to emergency general surgery during their rotation at Antrim Area Hospital. Chief Executive Jennifer Welsh stressed that the proposed change to general surgery would have no bearing on the Trusts unwavering and continuing commitment to Causeway Hospital. Our Vision and ambition for Causeway remains. We have an unwavering and continuing commitment to the hospital, our workforce and wider community, said Ms Welsh. Causeway Hospitals future is secure. It is, and will remain, an important part of our Trusts acute network, and an important part of the regions acute hospital network. This proposal does not change that. We are also fully committed to maintaining a 24/7 Emergency Department and acute inpatient services at Causeway. By reshaping our general surgery service, we believe Causeway Hospital is perfectly positioned to become an elective hub for the entire North West. We are keen to see further investment in expanding and enhancing services at the hospital and we hope we will have the support of our local community when it comes to driving that vision forward. The recommendation will now be formally submitted to the Department of Health for consideration by the Health Minister. PICTURED ABOVE: Dr Andrew Dobbin, Dr Christina Mulholland, Dr Daniel Mullally, Dr Russell McLaughlin, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Professor Lourda Geoghegan Deputy CMO and Brian McFetridge, Assistant Director of Unscheduled Care at South Eastern Trust. The Health Minister has welcomed the recruitment of up to 26 new Emergency Medicine Consultants who are taking up posts in hospitals across Northern Ireland. The recruitment is the result of work involving the Department of Health, the Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) to ensure there are pathways in place for newly qualified Consultants to find employment in the HSC. Funding for these new posts has been provided by a reduction in spending on locum doctors within Emergency Departments. Some of the new Emergency Medicine Consultants are already in post, while others are currently going through recruitment processes. Up to 26 additional consultants should be in post by the end of this year. The new consultants will take up posts across all five geographic Health and Social Care Trusts and will be deployed according to clinical and staffing need. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: Were all acutely aware of the very significant pressures on our hospital Emergency Departments. Both staff and patients want us to do all we can to alleviate those pressures and thats been a central focus for my Department and Trusts in recent months. Stabilising our current workforce and strengthening our future workforce is an important part of our work across the HSC system. READ NEXT: ARC Fitness annual 3K Colour Dash returns to Derry next month At a meeting with the RCEM last year, I recognised that it was incongruous for the HSC to be putting specialist Emergency Medicine doctors through training and then having no vacancies for them when they qualified, while at the same time spending around 30m a year on locum cover for Emergency Departments. I asked Departmental officials to work with the Trusts and the RCEM with the aim of offering posts to the newly qualified Consultants when their training was completed, funded from within Trusts current budgets. Welcoming the recent recruitment Professor Lourda Geoghegan, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: I am very encouraged by early reports from Trusts where new Consultants have taken up post - about not only a reduction in spending on medical locums, but also the added benefit of increasing the presence of senior decision-making in EDs where staff continue to work under considerable pressure. I think there is merit in extending this very effective approach to other specialties and disciplines. Dr Russell McLaughlin, Vice President for RCEM Northern Ireland said: We would like to thank the Health Minister and the Department of Health for responding to our call to strengthen the consultant workforce and future proof the Emergency Medicine specialty. Our census, carried out last year, revealed a critical shortage of these highly skilled healthcare professionals, with only half the recommended number of Emergency Medicine consultants in place with just one per 7,786 ED attendances. The need for expansion is clear its vital our departments have these senior decision makers, who are qualified and ready to step into these roles, which are critical for patient safety. Donegal County Council has passed a motion seeking an independent judicial statutory public inquiry into the defective concrete block crisis. The motion was moved by Independent Councillor Frank McBrearty, stating that the full truth of the scandal, which the State has attributed to freeze-thaw, must be revealed. With scientific evidence pointing to internal sulfate attack as the cause of crumbling blocks, Cllr McBrearty has called for forensic evidence to be provided on the origin of the freeze-thaw mindset, which was shared as far back as 2013. READ NEXT: ARC Fitness annual 3K Colour Dash returns to Derry next month Cllr McBrearty called for the withdrawal of the IS 465 standard, on which the current DCB scheme is based, and stated that the inquiry would be for for all the people that have been forced into a grant scheme that is based on a false standard. He said: Donegal County Council and its elected members have sadly let down the people of Donegal, especially when they have endorsed the 90/10 and enhanced grant schemes to date. In June 2021, the people of Donegal marched to Dublin in protest to the Government's failures in this scandal. On that day, Sinn Fein put a motion before the Dail, which was amended at the request of Aontu to include the establishment of a Public Inquiry. This motion was passed, so what has happened to that motion since? Following the passing of the motion, Donegal County Council is set to write to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne. Cllr McBrearty added that every member of the Oireachtas should also receive the wording of the motion. The motion has received the full backing of the 100% Redress Party. Councillor Tomas Sean Devine, who seconded the motion, added: The 100% Redress Party stands united behind this call. Homeowners deserve nothing less than the full truth and proper accountability. Deputy Charles Ward said: This collective call reflects growing public demand for transparency and an end to the ongoing hardship faced by tens of thousands of impacted families. Our community deserves a public inquiry. We deserve transparency and respect. This crisis has gone on far too long, we need the inquiry to happen now, so we can finally get answers and justice for those impacted. A man with an address in England has been jailed at Derry Crown Court for drug offences after being described as 'a trusted courier making deliveries throughout the island of Ireland'. Ivan Chan, 38, whose address was given as Creswick Avenue in Essex, who had no previous criminal convictions, pleaded guilty to having eight vacuum bags containing four kilos of cannabis when his car was stopped on the Culmore Road by the police last August 4. The police also found 300 cash inside the car which Judge Neil Rafferty KC ordered should be donated to the local branch of Marie Curie. The court heard that police found on Chan four handwritten lists of addresses in Northern Ireland, Galway and Dublin. The judge said: "It is quite clear he was acting in the role of a trusted courier making deliveries to known people throughout the island of Ireland". READ NEXT: Woman returned for trial on charge of child abduction in Derry Judge Rafferty said that Chan, who has been in custody since his arrest last August, had previously lived in Ballymena and Holywood. The court heard that Chan, who had previously worked on oil rigs and who opened a shop when he moved to Ballymena, became involved in supplying drugs after he was forced to close his shop because of the economic downturn. Judge Rafferty said the defendant became involved with certain people and to make money he involved himself in this criminal enterprise as a delivery driver for drugs gangs. Describing the defendant as a trusted courier carrying out drugs runs to various people throughout Ireland. He added: "He had no drugs issues himself and never used drugs and had no previous convictions until he pleaded guilty to this criminality". Chan was jailed for two years. The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) in Northern Ireland is to be lifted. Stormont Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said the zone in force across Northern Ireland, and the current ban on poultry gatherings, will be lifted at noon on Saturday May 31. It follows the lifting of compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds which took effect on May 10. The measures, imposing a range of compulsory biosecurity controls on poultry flocks, were introduced on January 18 2025 to address the risk posed by avian influenza to the poultry sector. Earlier this year thousands of birds were culled and sanitation actions carried out at premises in Magherafelt in Co Derry and Cookstown, Pomeroy and Stewartstown in Co Tyrone where cases had been confirmed. Mr Muir said the adherence to the measure limited the spread of the disease in Northern Ireland this year. I want to thank all flock keepers for their vigilance and adherence to good biosecurity measures, he said. This has undoubtedly limited the spread of this disease in NI over the recent months. Thanks to the determined efforts from the poultry sector in Northern Ireland to protect their flocks and minimise the impact of disease, we are now in a position to lift the AIPZ and reduce all mandatory restrictions placed on bird keepers. Im sure this will be welcome news for the sector which contributes greatly to our economy and wider society. I am aware that my counterpart in the Republic of Ireland has also made a similar decision for a lifting of the AIPZ there on the same date. Northern Irelands chief veterinary officer, Brian Dooher, added: I would like to remind all flock keepers that while the measures of the AIPZ are no longer a legal requirement, the need for stringent, mandatory biosecurity measures are still of paramount importance to help prevent the spread of the disease from wild birds or another source to poultry. Any future bird gatherings should also meet the conditions of a general licence and notify the department in advance. It is imperative that we dont get complacent. The risk of an avian influenza incursion to poultry is still present, albeit lower than before. Lower risk does not mean no risk. I would urge all bird keepers to continue to implement the biosecurity measures of the AIPZ as they have been doing. The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) welcomed the announcement. UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy described positive news for our poultry farmers who have worked tirelessly over recent months to protect their flocks. Their commitment to maintaining high biosecurity standards has been crucial in limiting the spread of the disease, he said. This step reflects the progress made in controlling avian influenza and offers a much-needed boost for the sector. However, while legal restrictions are being eased, we echo the call from Daera and the chief veterinary officer for continued vigilance. Good biosecurity must remain a top priority to protect the sector from any further outbreaks. Peaceful protest should not be criminalised, the Northern Ireland Assembly has heard. Stormont Opposition Leader Matthew OToole was speaking following the arrest of two protesters in Belfast on Saturday. Sue Pentel, a high-profile campaigner against Israels military offensive in the Gaza Strip, was one of two women detained by officers on suspicion of criminal damage. Videos circulated online of the arrest of the 72-year-old indicate the alleged offence related to the placing of stickers on a banks ATM machine. Ms Pentel and the other woman who was arrested, who is in her 50s, were released later on Saturday pending a report to Northern Irelands Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Mr OToole mentioned the arrests during Members Statements in the Assembly on Tuesday morning. However Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots warned MLAs against second-guessing police. Mr OToole told MLAs: Its important to say there is no more profound right in a democracy than peaceful protest. Over the weekend we saw dozens more innocent people lose their lives in Gaza as a result of the bombardment by the Netanyahu regime. We are witnessing an ongoing genocide in Gaza. READ NEXT: Bloody Sunday Trust condemns arrest of 72-year-old grandmother at Palestine protest outside Barclays Bank People from all over this region, from all backgrounds, all ages, all perspectives are completely, frankly, in disbelief at what they see on their screens. They want some form of registering protest, dissent and challenging what is happening in the Middle East. One means is through peaceful protest. One of the people who was arrested is a woman named Sue Pentel, who is in her 70s. She also just happens to be Jewish. She will be known to people here because she is often here, peacefully and respectfully engaging with MLAs on her views in relation to the Middle East. He went on: I understand that the PSNI has a difficult job to do. I dont trivialise the fact that in fast-moving situations sometimes there are judgments that have to be made by police officers, but I dont think anybody, certainly not the dozens and dozens of my constituents who are, frankly, appalled by whats happening in Gaza, who have emailed me in the last few days to say What the hell is going on in our society whenever a peaceful protest is met with arrests of pensioners? Peaceful protest in Belfast city centre, even if it is a minor convenience, is not something which should be criminalised. That is legitimate peaceful protest and, yes, I respect that police officers have a job to do in all these circumstances, but lets please be proportionate and respect the rights of ordinary people to register dissent and protest. Mr Poots urged caution on comments around live investigations: I just want to make it very clear that the police have a role to do, and its not our place to be second-guessing that role. There are a number of matters of the day and urgent questions that were put in that related to different events that have taken place, questioning police, and I think that we need to be very, very careful whenever there is a live investigation. This hasnt got to the stage of there being charges, and may never get to that stage, but there is a live investigation and its not our role in this House to influence police decisions on investigations. They have to go through their course, it goes to the PPS, there is a due process to happen there, and its not for us to seek to influence that. I just caution Members on that issue. The Irish government has been accused of taking 'an obstructive approach' in regard to the inquest into the death of Kieran Doherty who was found shot dead on the Braehead Road in Derry in 2010. The comments came during a preliminary hearing into Mr Doherty's death which was told that the Chief State's Solicitor office (CSSO) in the Republic had set out a proposal for information being secured fromthe Gardai. Kieran Doherty (32) from Coshowen in Derry was found shot dead on the Braehead Road on February 24 2010. His body had been bound and stripped before being found on the remote Road on the outskirts of Derry. At today's hearing counsel for the Coroner outlined a proposal from the CSSO which would entail a hearing in the High Court in Dublin where evidence would be taken in regard to what material the Gardai may have. The Coroner Brian Sherrard was told that if the request was received from his office this hearing would be arranged as 'speedily as possible.' This proposal was welcomed by the counsel for the Coroner who said it did appear to offer a way forward. However Stephen Toal KC for the next of kin said that once again there seemed to be 'a complete failure to meaningfully engage from the Irish government.' READ NEXT: Woman returned for trial on charge of child abduction in Derry He said that the actions of the CSSO were 'deeply hurtful' to the family who wanted an Inquest into 'this callous murder'. Mr Toal said that the family had waited 15 years for the Inquest to progress and he said the CSSO could easily provide an index of the material they possessed so perhaps the hearing could possibly move forward without that material or else 'it could take another 15 years.' The barrister said that the approach from the Irish government to date was 'ineffective and unproductive'. The Coroner said he felt it would be 'prudent and necessary' to have some idea of what material the Gardai had before trying to move forward. He instructed that preliminary questions be sent to the CSSO in order to start the process for the High Court hearing in Dublin. The preliminary hearing was adjourned until June 24 to allow the questions to be drawn up. Less than 60% of people in Northern Ireland believe that human activity is the primary cause of climate change, a new opinion poll has suggested. The Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) survey found that respondents have lower levels of trust in scientific expertise on climate change than those in similar surveys in the rest of the UK, Ireland or elsewhere in Europe. According to the poll, 59% of respondents believe that human activity is the primary cause. It also shows that 86% of respondents believe human activity plays at least some role. This is one of the lowest levels of belief in Europe, placing Northern Ireland just above Slovakia and Lithuania and below the UK average of 90% and 88% in Ireland. Despite this, the poll suggests that public concern remains high, with eight out of 10 respondents viewing climate change as a serious threat to human civilisation. The majority of respondents support stronger international cooperation and political action to address it, with three quarters wanting to see local politicians elected in their constituency do more to tackle climate change. The survey from ARK, a social policy hub, is a joint Queens University Belfast and Ulster University initiative. The NILT survey is an annual survey recording public attitudes to social issues. In 2024, 1,199 adults gave their opinion on issues including criminal justice system, integrated education, adult safeguarding, skills and training needs, relationships with different communities living here and gender-based violence. The latest research on climate change was carried out by Professor Katy Hayward and Dr Jonny Hanson from Queens University. Other findings included: Men are less likely than women to feel personally responsible or support political action to address climate change. Younger people (18 to 34 years) are less likely to feel a sense of personal responsibility to address climate change. Leave voters are more likely to be sceptical and less concerned than Remain voters. There are no major differences between rural and urban dwellers on the topic of climate change, although the former are less likely to trust scientific experts on the topic. Professor Hayward said: The Climate Change Act (2022) marked a significant step for the Northern Ireland Assembly but whether it actually leads to the necessary political action depends in part on public demand to see politicians uphold their commitments. This NILT data shows us that not only are most people in Northern Ireland (82%) concerned that climate change poses a serious threat to nothing less than the future of human civilisation, they actively want to see local politicians do more to tackle it. Dr Hanson said: This data is a reminder that tackling climate change is as much a societal endeavour as a technical one. Our attitudes to climate change in Northern Ireland will shape how we address it. Dr Paula Devine from Queens University Belfast and Director of the NILT survey said: For over 25 years, the Northern Ireland Life and Times survey has been recording public attitudes to key social issues affecting our lives. Understanding what people think is vital to addressing the climate crisis now and in the future. The Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) Survey on attitudes to climate change is available at https://www.ark.ac.uk/ARK/nilt/ Peaceful protest should not be criminalised, the Northern Ireland Assembly has heard. Stormont Opposition Leader Matthew OToole was speaking following the arrest of two protesters in Belfast on Saturday. Sue Pentel, a high-profile campaigner against Israels military offensive in the Gaza Strip, was one of two women detained by officers on suspicion of criminal damage. Videos circulated online of the arrest of the 72-year-old indicate the alleged offence related to the placing of stickers on a banks ATM machine. Ms Pentel and the other woman who was arrested, who is in her 50s, were released later on Saturday pending a report to Northern Irelands Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Mr OToole mentioned the arrests during Members Statements in the Assembly on Tuesday morning. However, Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots warned MLAs against second-guessing police. First Minister Michelle ONeill sent solidarity to both those arrested in Belfast, and Liam O hAnnaidh from the Irish rap group Kneecap who has been charged by police in London with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig in November last year. Speaking in response to a question from People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll during questions for the Executive Office, Ms ONeill said: Can I firstly send solidarity to both parties that you refer to. I think that highlighting genocide, highlighting the inhumane slaughter of defenceless citizens, is not a crime. Thats certainly my view, and I send solidarity to all those protests and calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine. I think that anybody that goes out to raise their voice, rightly so in my opinion, in terms of calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine, is doing a good thing because the international community is far too silent. Earlier Mr OToole told MLAs: Its important to say there is no more profound right in a democracy than peaceful protest. Over the weekend we saw dozens more innocent people lose their lives in Gaza as a result of the bombardment by the Netanyahu regime. We are witnessing an ongoing genocide in Gaza. People from all over this region, from all backgrounds, all ages, all perspectives are completely, frankly, in disbelief at what they see on their screens. They want some form of registering protest, dissent and challenging what is happening in the Middle East. One means is through peaceful protest. One of the people who was arrested is a woman named Sue Pentel, who is in her 70s. She also just happens to be Jewish. She will be known to people here because she is often here, peacefully and respectfully engaging with MLAs on her views in relation to the Middle East. He went on: I understand that the PSNI has a difficult job to do. I dont trivialise the fact that in fast-moving situations sometimes there are judgments that have to be made by police officers, but I dont think anybody, certainly not the dozens and dozens of my constituents who are, frankly, appalled by whats happening in Gaza, who have emailed me in the last few days to say What the hell is going on in our society whenever a peaceful protest is met with arrests of pensioners? Peaceful protest in Belfast city centre, even if it is a minor convenience, is not something which should be criminalised. That is legitimate peaceful protest and, yes, I respect that police officers have a job to do in all these circumstances, but lets please be proportionate and respect the rights of ordinary people to register dissent and protest. Mr Poots urged caution on comments around live investigations: I just want to make it very clear that the police have a role to do, and its not our place to be second-guessing that role. There are a number of matters of the day and urgent questions that were put in that related to different events that have taken place, questioning police, and I think that we need to be very, very careful whenever there is a live investigation. This hasnt got to the stage of there being charges, and may never get to that stage, but there is a live investigation and its not our role in this House to influence police decisions on investigations. They have to go through their course, it goes to the PPS, there is a due process to happen there, and its not for us to seek to influence that. I just caution Members on that issue. 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. Trend Micro offers enterprise AI security platform across data in cloud or on-premises; AI security solution integrated with Nvidia enterprise AI factory validated design Global enterprise cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704) today announced that it's bringing powerful and simplified security capabilities to Nvidia Enterprise AI Factory validated design, helping organizations worldwide safely transform their business with next-gen AI infrastructure. Eva Chen, Co-Founder and CEO at Trend: "AI is being unleashed worldwide, changing the way we work and innovate. But it comes with new security challenges, and the infrastructure required is already highly complex. Trend is leading the industry in simplifying and securing this new environment, and we are doing so with customers at all stages of their AI journey." Justin Boitano, vice president of Enterprise AI Products at Nvidia: "As AI becomes integral to enterprise operations, organizations require security that matches the speed and complexity of AI factories. Together, Trend Micro and Nvidia are delivering an integrated platform that empowers organizations to confidently deploy AI while protecting data across on-premises and hybrid cloud environments." Trend Vision One is the leading platform in the industry that can seamlessly provide a single set of security rules across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud infrastructure. Trend is prepared to meet security needs in any environment worldwide. As a growing number of enterprises continue shifting towards proprietary AI infrastructure, a security solution that can support any stage of transformation is critical. According to recent Forrester Research, "Data centers are at the heart of sovereign AI ecosystems. Organizations training AI models with their data need to make sure that sensitive data and workloads remain in the country when digital sovereignty constraints demand it. Organizations, cloud vendors, hyperscalers, and service providers constitute an ecosystem that requires a combination of sovereign data centers, sovereign AI solutions, and sovereign workforces."* Trend Micro and Nvidia have collaborated to deliver an agentic AI-powered security solution as part of the Nvidia Enterprise AI Factory validated design, addressing the needs of security-conscious enterprises in government, healthcare, financial sectors, and more. The collaboration brings together Trend Vision One for Sovereign Private Cloud (SPC), Nvidia NIM microservices, Nvidia NeMo, and Nvidia Morpheus cybersecurity AI framework to create a pre-validated solution for organizations requiring complete data jurisdiction. This integrated offering ensures sensitive data remains on sovereign soil while enabling powerful AI capabilities. Key benefits include: 100% data sovereignty with on-premises deployment options for air-gapped environments Pre-integrated hardware, software, support, and deployment services Threat detection intelligence built with Nvidia AI software and accelerated computing for real-time security analysis Comprehensive protection across email, cloud, network, endpoint, data, and identity Simplified procurement and deployment, accelerating time-to-value For enterprises building their own GenAI implementations, this solution delivers the security, performance, and compliance needed to confidently deploy AI while maintaining complete control over sensitive data. The collaboration eliminates "DIY security" challenges, providing a clear starting point that remains fully customizable to each organization's unique requirements. Trend remains committed to leading the charge for proactive security across the globe. With unmatched intelligence-gathering capabilities and the largest vendor-agnostic bug bounty program in the world, Trend continues to discover, understand, and inform the industry about the evolving digital landscape. Trend is staying ahead through events like Pwn2Own Berlin, which highlight the growing importance of understanding and securing AI. *Forrester, Top 10 Emerging Innovations In The Data Center, 2025 | March 17, 2025 About Trend Micro Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader , helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro's AI-powered cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, Trend's platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 70 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.TrendMicro.com. PR Contact Elite Public Relations, Betty / 0917-525-819 / betty@epr.com.tw Elite Public Relations, Selina / 0963-830-501 / selina@epr.com.tw Trend Micro, Angela / 0955-335-686 / angela_chiang@trendmicro.com Trend Micro, Ivy0912-050-313ivy_chang_chien@trendmicro.com Article edited by Jack Wu The role of industrial organizations in defining cybersecurity specifications: Eurosmart, GlobalPlatform, and TCG In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, industrial organizations play a pivotal role in establishing robust specifications and standards. These entities bridge the gap between industry needs and regulatory frameworks, ensuring the creation of secure, interoperable, and scalable solutions. Among the most influential players in this domain are Eurosmart, GlobalPlatform, and the Trusted Computing Group (TCG). Additionally, organizations like the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) contribute significantly to shaping global cybersecurity frameworks. Together, these organizations form a cohesive ecosystem to address the multifaceted challenges of cybersecurity. Eurosmart: Advocating for secure digital solutions Eurosmart, an association dedicated to fostering security in digital interactions, has long been a key player in shaping cybersecurity specifications. Focused on secure elements, identity solutions, and security subsystems in Systems on Chips (SoCs), Eurosmart promotes standards that address emerging threats and technological advancements. Key Contributions: Standardization of Secure Elements: Eurosmart develops specifications for secure elements used in smart cards, e-passports, and secure SoC subsystems. These standards ensure data integrity and protection against unauthorized access. Engagement with Regulatory Bodies: By collaborating with EU regulators, Eurosmart aligns its specifications with legislative requirements like the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). This ensures that security measures meet both industry and governmental expectations. Focus on Secure Subsystems: Eurosmart plays a significant role in defining cybersecurity specifications for secure SoC subsystems, Focuses on embedded security functions within SoCs, including external secure NVM, secure boot, data integrity, and cryptographic functionalities. These ensure robust protection against sophisticated threats, making SoC subsystems integral to secure digital infrastructure. Eurosmart's contributions extend beyond technical specifications. Its advocacy for certification frameworks ensures that products meet high-security benchmarks, enhancing consumer trust and market reliability. GlobalPlatform: Enabling interoperability and security GlobalPlatform focuses on the standardization of secure digital services and devices, with an emphasis on enabling interoperability. This organization's specifications are widely adopted in the mobile, IoT, and payments industries, making it a cornerstone of secure device communication. Key Contributions: SESIP Certification: Through the Security Evaluation Standard for IoT Platforms (SESIP), GlobalPlatform provides a streamlined certification process tailored to IoT products. This approach reduces complexity while maintaining high-security assurance levels. Secure Component Standardization: GlobalPlatform defines standards for secure elements, trusted execution environments (TEEs), and mobile platforms. These standards ensure compatibility and security across devices and services. Collaborative Technical Working Groups: GlobalPlatform engages with technical working groups to address specific industry challenges, ensuring its standards remain relevant and comprehensive. GlobalPlatform's emphasis on interoperability ensures seamless integration across devices and networks, enhancing both user experience and security. Trusted Computing Group (TCG): Building Trustworthy Systems The Trusted Computing Group (TCG) specializes in developing open standards for hardware-based security. Its specifications provide foundational trust mechanisms for a wide range of devices, from PCs and servers to embedded systems. Key Contributions: Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs): TCG's TPM specifications establish a hardware root of trust, enabling secure boot processes, encryption, and key management. TPMs are integral to safeguarding critical data and system integrity. Embedded Systems Security: TCG extends its standards to embedded systems, addressing the unique challenges of securing constrained devices. Its specifications are widely used in industrial automation, automotive, and healthcare sectors. Collaboration with Technical Groups: TCG works closely with groups like ISCI to enhance standards for industrial control systems and critical infrastructure security. TCG's focus on hardware-based security provides a strong foundation for building resilient systems capable of withstanding sophisticated cyber threats. ETSI: Shaping telecommunications security The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is a global leader in creating standards for telecommunications, including cybersecurity. ETSI's work ensures secure communication protocols and infrastructure. Key Contributions: Development of Cybersecurity Standards: ETSI's EN 303 645 serves as a baseline for IoT security, outlining requirements for device integrity, data protection, and vulnerability management. Support for Telecommunications Security: ETSI has developed specifications to secure 5G networks, addressing threats like unauthorized access and data breaches. Collaboration with Industry: By working with network operators, manufacturers, and regulators, ETSI ensures its standards meet the dynamic needs of the telecommunications sector. ETSI's focus on telecommunications security ensures that global communication networks remain robust and resilient. IEC: Global safety and security standards The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) develops standards for electrical and electronic systems, integrating cybersecurity into its frameworks. Its work spans industries like energy, healthcare, and industrial automation. Key Contributions: Industrial Control System Security: IEC 62443 provides comprehensive guidelines for securing industrial control systems, mitigating risks associated with cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure. Healthcare Device Security: IEC collaborates with ISO to create standards for medical device security, ensuring patient safety and data protection. Integration with Cyber-Physical Systems: IEC's standards address the cybersecurity challenges of interconnected systems, including smart grids and autonomous vehicles. Collective impact on cybersecurity Eurosmart, GlobalPlatform, TCG, ETSI, and IEC collectively contribute to a cohesive cybersecurity landscape. Their specifications ensure: Enhanced Security: By addressing vulnerabilities at both hardware and software levels, these organizations provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Global Interoperability: Standardization efforts promote compatibility across devices and systems, fostering international collaboration and trade. Market Confidence: Certification programs and adherence to high-security benchmarks enhance consumer trust in products and services. Challenges and future directions Despite their significant contributions, industrial organizations face challenges such as: Keeping Pace with Technological Advances: Rapid innovation demands continuous updates to specifications and standards. Global Harmonization: Aligning standards across regions requires extensive collaboration and negotiation. Balancing Security and Usability: Striking the right balance between robust security measures and user convenience remains a critical task. Looking ahead, the role of industrial organizations will expand to address emerging technologies such as quantum computing, AI, and blockchain. By continuing their collaborative efforts, these organizations will ensure that cybersecurity specifications remain relevant, effective, and universally adopted. Conclusion Industrial organizations like Eurosmart, GlobalPlatform, TCG, ETSI, and IEC are at the forefront of defining and implementing cybersecurity specifications. Their efforts underpin the secure operation of digital services and devices worldwide. By addressing current and future challenges, these organizations ensure that the global digital ecosystem remains resilient, secure, and trustworthy. Winbond actively participates in key industry organizations such as GlobalPlatform and Eurosmart, contributing to the development of new cybersecurity standards and ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory requirements. All Winbond Secure Flash products meet modern cybersecurity regulations and requirements, supporting industry standards and certification processes. They are pre-certified with various cybersecurity frameworks, easing the certification burden for customer platforms. Additionally, Winbond provides a complete turnkey solution, including pre-certified devices, software, and conformance documentation, tailored to regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED). For more details on how Winbond can help secure your supply chain and simplify compliance, visit Winbond's website or contact Winbond directly, or download the latest Hardware Security White Paper. Article edited by Sherri Wang 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. Coming to An Tain Arts Centre, Dundalk, on June 12th for a very special storytelling event made for lovers of the supernatural The Ghost Story Gathering! Over one otherworldly evening, three writers and two performers will present three brand new ghost stories made to curdle your blood. Expect tales of terror, but also a ton of laughs, as the creepy creatives share stories of spirits, demons, witches and other assorted horrors! The frights arent just confined to the stage. Before the show, brave attendees will have the opportunity to create their own ghost stories, which could be read by our horror host live on the night and even win a prize! Have you got a ghost story to share, or want to flex your horror-writing muscles? The Ghost Story Gathering is the place for you. For summer scares, escape the sun and come join the team in the shadows to hear stories that will freeze your bones. If you are brave enough The next gathering takes place on Thursday June 12th at 8pm in An Tain Arts Centre, Dundalk. It features local writers Conor McGinnity and Mark OReilly, alongside the Gatherings award-winning founder, Peter Dunne. The fantastic performers for the night are Ceara Carney and Anthony Kinehan. Read Next: Woman (51) fined for careless driving in Louth This is the first Ghost Story Gathering to take place in Dundalk. Previous nights played in Dublin to huge success. Past creatives have included talented TV writers and playwrights such as Clare Monnelly, Aisling OMeara, John Morton, Gary Duggan, Catriona Daly, Fionnuala Gygax and Sharyn Hayden, amongst others. Tickets are priced at 10 (+ 1.50 booking fee per ticket) and are available at https://www.antain.ie/event/the-ghost-story-gathering/ To keep up to date with the Ghost Story Gathering on Instagram, follow @ghost_story_gathering_dublin There are over 900 children with a disability or autism waiting in Louth for an Assessment of Needs (AON) report, along with vacancies in over half the therapy posts in the north of the county, it has been revealed, with local political representatives backing the demand made by disability campaigner Cara Darmody, that the Government backs tackle long waiting lists for Assessment of Need. Last week, Cara Darmody, a teenage campaigner for disability rights, spent 50 hours camped outside the Dail to demand that the Government address the large waiting lists for children waiting for an assessment for disability or autism. Her demands were supported, both in Leinster House, and outside, by local representatives. Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu, Sinn Fein's disability spokesperson, took part in a debate in Leinster House that was organised by the combined opposition parties, while Louth People Before Profit (PBP) representative, James Renaghan, committed to work with campaigners and parents with children with additional needs, to ensure that those needing assessment of need get what they are legally entitled within the legally mandated time frame. Speaking in the Dail last week, Deputy O Murchu said the fact that a 14-year-old had to sit outside Leinster House for two nights was particularly sad. Deputy O Murchu told the Dail that the only thing there is going to be agreement on across the Chamber is that there has been a failure to deliver and none of this is good enough. The Government has to take responsibility for its failures. He continued: We talk about a single point of access and we know that even those who are lucky enough to get therapies or an assessment still have to make the journey and deal with elected representatives. That is the sign of a system that does not work. There are 902 people on the waiting list in Louth for AON, with 245 waiting over 12 months. That does not sound like much of a success. Read also: Dundalk's Downtown Hub offers calm space for Leaving Cert students There are 15,296 children who have been failed. We cannot talk about success when, by the end of the year, we could be talking about 24,796 children not having received an assessment of need within six months. Government is talking about removing one of the few rights that people have. They are going to exercise this right because they are failing to get the service from the State that they absolutely deserve and that is required. The Louth TD continued, highlighting the huge rate of vacancies in the disability network team in north Louth. Not to take away from the great work that is done by many people, he said, but if you look at the children's disability network team in north Louth, 53% of occupational therapist posts are vacant, as are 52% of speech and language therapist and 48% of psychologist posts. If you exclude administrative staff, there is a 36% vacancy rate across the board. There has been a failure to deliver, we need to see real delivery and this is just not good enough. Paying tribute to Cara Darmody and backing her demand for the Government to tackle the long waiting lists for Assessment of Need, Louth PBP representative, James Renaghan said that Cara Darmody forced Assessment of Need to the top of the Dail agenda last week through her bravery in protesting outside the Dail for 50 hours. This has forced the Government to sit up and pay attention. But it is a disgrace that Cara and other disability campaigners are having to resort to sleep-outs outside the Dail to try to enforce their legal rights. Mr Renaghan continued: What sort of society are we living in where children have a constitutional right to an education and a right to an appropriate education in their community under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and where in law you have the right to an assessment of need within six months, yet people have to sleep out outside the gates of the national Parliament to try to enforce what are already their legal rights? Fifteen years ago 1,000 children were waiting on assessments of need, now there are more than 15,000 waiting. The HSE projects that the waiting list will rise to 25,000 by the end of this year. This is all because the Government has consistently failed and continues to fail to plan for needs it knows exist. The average waiting time for an assessment of need is now more than two years, during which a child cannot access the therapies they need in the public system. It is a way of rationing resources, forcing those who can afford it to go private and saving money for the Government regardless of the human cost. It is grotesque that the State, the Government, is breaking its own law and 25 families a month take the State to court to get what they are already legally entitled to. Mr Renaghan added, campaigners like Cara Darmody continue to mobilise and are putting growing pressure on the Government to take meaningful action. I will work with campaigners and parents with children with additional needs to put pressure on the local Government representatives to ensure that all those needing assessment of need get what they are legally entitled within the legally mandated time frame. The Ashford Castle Estate was the setting for this years Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards, which this year saw a Louth producer take one of the major awards at the celebration of Irelands food producers and craftspeople. Founded in 1986 by Myrtle Allen, Euro-Toques Ireland has long championed local food integrity, craftsmanship, and community-led gastronomy. The 2025 Awards continue this mission with the theme: Honouring Irelands Kitchen Table, paying tribute to a place where for generations food meets tradition, memory and storytelling. Held on Monday, 26th May, the event brought together chefs, producers, and advocates of Irish food culture to honour the people behind the countrys most exceptional ingredients. Seven awards were presented across the categories of Water, Land, Farm, Dairy, Artisan Produce, and Traditional Craft. The 2025 Awards winners are: LAND: Coole Farm - For cultivating vibrant, organic salad leaves with care and intention. Their regenerative approach restores soil health, supports biodiversity, and strengthens their local community food system. WATER: Dingle Sea Salt - For producing Irelands first solar-evaporated sea salt using a fully off-grid, low-carbon process. Their product, harvested from the Atlantic, reflects innovation, sustainability, and a strong sense of place. FARM: Moy Hill Farm - For their ethical, regenerative egg production and their holistic approach to farming that nourishes both land and people. Through education, CSA boxes, and on-farm transparency, they foster a resilient, community-rooted food culture. DAIRY (Cultured Butter): Salt Rock Dairy - For handcrafting cultured butter using milk from their own herd and Wexford sea salt. Their work revives traditional butter-making and redefines local dairy with transparency, flavour, and integrity. DAIRY (Soft Cheese): Ballylisk The Triple Rose - For their rich, triple cream cheese made from a single pedigree herd in Armagh. Their commitment to artisan craftsmanship and traceability results in a luxurious product with depth and distinction. ARTISAN PRODUCE: Wild Irish Foragers - For preserving Irelands edible wild heritage through handcrafted syrups, shrubs, and jellies made from foraged botanicals. Their deep connection to the land and traditional methods keeps forgotten flavours alive. TRADITIONAL CRAFT/SKILL: Seagull Bakery - For championing real bread made from Irish-grown grains and bold fermentation. Their Waterford bakery supports local farmers and reimagines traditional baking with creativity, skill, and sustainability. The Irish kitchen table is a symbol of trust, care, and resilience, said Aishling Moore of Goldie in Cork, Head of the Euro-Toques Food Council. It is where we learn the fundamentals of food not just how to cook, but how to value what we eat and who we share it with. Conor Halpenny of Square Dundalk, Chair of Euro-Toques Ireland, added: We are honouring those who have kept Irish food grounded producers and craftspeople who quietly shape our national identity through their work every single day. This years Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards underline a deep, collective commitment to sustainable, small-scale, and traditional food production across Ireland. Each award category reflects a fundamental element of the Irish food story from ocean-harvested salt and nutrient-rich seaweeds to soil-nurturing salad leaves, pasture-raised eggs, and hand-churned butter. The 2025 awards particularly celebrate: producers who channel the purity of Irelands marine environment into seasonings that elevate flavour while protecting biodiversity; salad growers who regenerate land and community through hyper-local, small-scale farming; free-range egg farmers who build food systems rooted in animal welfare, microbial life, and old-fashioned trust; and butter and cheese makers whose deep respect for the land and traditional methods results in products that express a strong sense of place. An Garda Siochana are appealing for witnesses after a male was found unresponsive in Cork city centre in the early hours of the morning. Gardai were alerted to an incident in which a male was discovered unresponsive on Winthrop Street in Cork city shortly before 12:30am on Monday, May 26. The injured male, aged in his 20s, was transferred to Cork University Hospital where he remains in a serious condition. The scene is currently preserved for technical examination by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit. READ MORE: Gardai confirm human remains as Michael Gaine amid major investigation update Investigating Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to please come forward. Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the surrounding area of Winthrop Street and Patrick Street between midnight 12:00am and 1:00am is asked to make this footage available to Gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021 452 2000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing. They say that behind every successful man, there is a woman. In master baker Ciaran Walshs case, he is very fortunate to have three women behind him, supporting him, encouraging him, and egging him on in his new business, Crumbs And Cream, in Midleton. Ciaran gives me a warm welcome and a firm handshake, and I tell him I thought pastry needed a light touch! Making pastry is all about practising, says Ciaran. Practice makes perfect. And yes, the less handling, the better. When the 25-year-old, of Togher, watched his grandmother and mother bake delicious staples, such as apple tarts, rice crispy buns and fairy cakes at home in the kitchen, he got the bug. My missus, Larrisa, encouraged me and supported me all the way when I wanted to open my own business, says Ciaran. She was great. Larrisa, from Limerick, is not officially Ciarans missus just yet. But she will be some day soon! he vows. Back in the day, he developed a huge interest in baking. And Id always jump in at Christmas and help with the prep and cooking, says Ciaran, who worked as a chef after he graduated from culinary college. Baking and cooking were always my passion, adds Ciaran. Ciaran Walsh and girlfriend Larissa McCarthy After college, I worked in Vienna Woods for three years and then I did a stint in the Marina Market with Poulet Vous. I loved the atmosphere there among the 33 outlets which were all buzzing; it was unique. Every day was enjoyable. The banter between ourselves and our customers was great craic every day, says Ciaran. The stallholders all worked well together and we ate together during the day. Inside, the market is a closed community and I loved sharing that atmosphere with the others. However, Ciaran always harboured the dream to go it alone. To open an artisan bakery in a buzzing town with a friendly vibe and a supportive community. Midleton fitted the bill. It was always in the back of my mind to open my own business, says Ciaran. Pastry was my background, and I knew that I baked well. I bit the bullet, and with the support of Larissa and the encouragement from my mother and my grandmother, I began looking at premises that would suit. In the meantime, Ciaran tested the water. I brought my products to the outdoor markets, and I began to get lots of orders. I was working out of a commercial kitchen in Carrigaline, and soon I was doing wholesale orders for local bakers and for bakers up the country. When Ciaran came across a sweet little shop on Main Street in Midleton up for rent, he envisaged the warm, fuzzy feeling of his grannys kitchen there, always smelling of fresh baking. He got to work. Its all about quality ingredients, says Ciaran. The old reliables are best. Real butter, fresh eggs, good chocolate, good cocoa. Nothing comes out of a jar or a bottle. I make small quantities to ensure freshness. What does he make in his little domain where he creates the magic? I make decorative cakes, specialised cakes for occasions, says Ciaran. Chocolate fudge, black forest and kinder are very popular. The brownies and cookies with various toppings are selling well. Ciaran Walsh with his mum Janice and granny Mary The Biscoff cheesecake goes down well too. Light and fluffy, it melts in the mouth. Ciarans light hands and expertise stir, sift, and whip, blending magical mixture into heavenly delights fresh from the oven. Ciaran thinks the town of Midleton is magic. I used to live here, he says. So I was a local for two years. I got to know people and, like the Marina Market, I felt that I fitted in and that there was a niche here for me. Midleton people are very supportive to local businesses. They look after their own. Ciaran gives back to the community and the residents of Midleton. If local schools or the GAA are hosting fundraisers, Id always donate my baked goods to support them, to give something back to the community, says Ciaran. His crunchy chocolatey cookies are popular. The cookies with the different toppings are my best-sellers, he says. He is particularly known as the new crumble cookie. The term was coined in America, says Ciaran. Here in Ireland, I am called the new crumble cookie! Fuelled with ambition, this ambitious young man wants to expand and make a name for himself. I am already supplying two or three outlets in Cork. I want to become a household name. I want Crumbs And Cream to be what families talk about, and I want them to remember what treats that they got here. Reach for the moon and if you fall short, youll land among the stars. While Ciarans culinary delights are going down well with the people of Midleton, Messy Buns at the top of the town is established well now for a few years. Now, Messy Buns is a household name, says Ciaran. Leighs cupcakes are a household staple. I took inspiration from him. He has a niche product like me. I think competition and choice is very healthy in every town. What are the challenges for young entrepreneurs like Ciaran? The overall economic effects present challenges, he says. The price of cocoa, butter and chocolate has rocketed. When the raw ingredients go up in price, it affects the business. Ciaran is in the business of tempting people to try his original creations. My salt and vinegar crisp cookies, offering the combination of the sweet and the savoury, are a good seller, he says. People are willing to try out new things, and they are curious. I created the balance of sweet and savoury in one product. Ciaran notices my frown, wondering how this combination appeals to the palette. Dont knock it till you try it! he laughs. I change my flavours every week. Who tries Ciarans baking? My customers are all ages, from toddlers to pensioners. My regulars are a staple. They come from near and far. One lady travelled especially from Dublin to try out my cookies! says Ciaran. That really impressed me. It warmed the soul, if you know what I mean. Ciaran, a one-man show, is simmering and bubbling with the spark of joy that his baking brings him and brings his customers. Here, in-house, its just me, he says. I am a one-man army! But his troops are rallying behind him. Yes, mum, granny and Larissa are always in my corner. They helped me to realise my dream. That warms the soul. The Lord Mayor of Cork has welcomed US senator Bernie Sanders to Cork last night, while gently admonishing the veteran progressive politician for not visiting before. The senior senator for the state of Vermont and the longest-serving independent in US congressional history, is in Cork with his Irish-American wife, Jane OMeara Sanders, who has Cork connections. Mr Sanders and Ms OMeara Sanders were in Cork for a Siptu event in Connolly Hall, and they called over to City Hall to sign the distinguished visitors book in the Lord Mayors chambers. The Lord Mayor, Chicago native and Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, said it was an honour to welcome Mr Sanders to Cork, but he teased the US senator for not having got around to visiting until now. He spoke about US and international politics, touching as well on the need to challenge divisive narratives being promoted online, Mr Boyle said. It was an honour to welcome him to Cork, but I did admonish him lightly for not coming here before now. I know that his wife Jane has family connections here in Cork, having family around the Youghal area. Picture: Eddie O'Hare Labour Party councillor Ciara OConnor said Mr Sanders had spoken very eloquently and he was an inspiration. Mr Sanders has twice sought the Democratic Partys presidential nomination, in 2016 and in 2020. He lost out to Hillary Clinton in 2016, and to Joe Biden in 2020. Revered by liberals as the leader of the US progressive movement, Mr Sanders even drew a backhanded compliment from US president Donald J Trump recently. Bernies probably the best they have, the 78-year-old Mr Trump said of the 83-year-old Mr Sanders. By the way, hes about seven years older than me or more, eight years older. One thing I got to give him credit-- hes a lunatic but hes still pretty sharp. A ceremony of remembrance was held on Saturday May 25 for 14 famine orphan girls who departed Dunmanway under the Earl Grey Scheme of Assisted Passage to Australia in 1850. The girls had been living in the Dunmanway Workhouse during the famine until they were shipped to Melbourne. A representative of the Australian Embassy attended the event, which saw a memorial of remembrance to the orphans unveiled, as well as in interpretative sign documenting the shared story between Ireland and Australia and the story of these famine orphans. The interpretative sign is funded by Cork County Councils Commemorations Office and Heritage Department, while the monument is made possible by generosity of a great-great-granddaughter of one of the 14 orphans. Australian Charge dAffaires to Ireland -Mr. James Hazell paces a wreath at the monument. Picture: David Creedon History consultant Michelle OMahony explained: Last summer, a descendant of one of these girls arrived in Dunmanway in determined to find her ancestral homeland. She is the great-great granddaughter of Ellen Desmond, one of the girls who left on the Eliza Caroline in 1850 and is investigating her Dunmanway origins with the assistance of myself and the Dunmanway Historical Association. She is also active in the Earl Grey Famine Orphan Group in Melbourne and explained to me that many of the descendants of this group have identified their ancestors as being from Dunmanway. She was told by her grandmother the harrowing stories of their arrival in Melbourne and the difficulties they faced in their early years. On Sunday, a mass was held to remember the girls at St. Patricks Church in Dunmanway and to reflect and remember all of Dunmanway and the wider communitys famine victims, followed by a short ecumenical ceremony at the famine pits, located at the Fanlobbus Graveyard on the Dunmanway to Bandon road. Ms OMahony explained: These girls, as orphans had undoubtedly many family relatives buried in the burial pits in Fanlobbus Graveyard. The Earl Grey Scheme, despite offering these girls a better life, hid the real agenda, which was it being a scheme to address the growth of the population of the colony and address the issue of the gender imbalance in Australia, remembering that the early population of Australia consisted of convicts shipped out to populate these new world colonies." A Cork TD is urging the Government to preserve the Heatherside Hospital site in Doneraile for wildlife conservation and biodiversity purposes. Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul OShea is calling on the Government, through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), to take the opportunity presented to them and acquire the historic site. Built in 1909 as a sanitorium for tuberculosis (TB) patients, Heatherside Hospital also operated as a mental health facility until it was permanently closed in 2010. Heatherside Hospital lies on over twenty acres of land in the Ballyhoura area of North Cork. Despite its historic significance, the buildings on the site have fallen into serious disrepair after its closure almost 15 years ago. Mr OShea said it is important to consider how Heathside can be utilised now and going forward. He added that with a proactive investment from the NPWS, the land could be revitalised to nurture and expand habitats for endangered species. There has been many discussions thrown out there to see how Heatherside could be used in the future. However, one common theme is coming back from all of these discussions. The refurbishment of the facility is cost prohibitive, and the location is too remote. So, we must think outside the box and see how we can still make sure Heatherside serves us now and into the future. We have a unique opportunity here not just to preserve, but to actively support our ecosystems for future generations. Much of the lands surrounding the hospital is already planted and can only benefit from agencies like the NPWS looking after it into the future. I am asking that the NPWS would step in here and acquire Heatherside now and ensure this site becomes a new sanitorium, not for humans this time but for our wildlife. Mr OShea added: This is why I want to highlight the sites already rich biodiversity status and its potential to serve as a sanctuary for wildlife and protected species. It served our most vulnerable humans for many years. I think it is now time for Heatherside to serve our most vulnerable wildlife and the environment. A Dungarvan man who ducked into the bus station at Parnell Place in Cork as soon as he saw gardai approaching has been jailed for a year for having vacuum-packed cannabis worth over 2,000 in his possession. Darren Cummins, aged 31, of Kilongford, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, was sentenced to two years, with the last year suspended, by Judge Dermot Sheehan at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Garda Patrick Houlihan outlined the background to the incident that occurred on April 26, 2023, at Parnell Place. Gardai were responding to a report of a public order incident when the drugs offence was detected. Gardai saw him turn and run into the station and then exit through a side entrance, said Garda Houlihan. They approached him and there was a strong smell of cannabis coming from him. He was found with a carrier bag containing vacuum-packed cannabis in 25 zip-lock pouches. He was conveyed to Bridewell Garda Station, and during interview he made admissions to the sale or supply of drugs. The street value of the drugs amounted to just over 2,000. An aggravating factor in the case was his previous drug convictions. Cummins had eight convictions for having drugs for his own use. He also had two convictions for drug dealing. He admitted the charge of having cannabis for sale or supply, again arising out of the circumstances at the bus station on Parnell Place. Cork is the starting point for this year's RETRO Cannonball classic car rally, which takes place from June 13-15, to raise for The Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation. Featuring 100 classic cars, RETRO Cannonball will commence this year on June 13 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island at 10:30am. Cannonball has already raised 1,946,432 for Irish children's charities and this year they are raising funds for the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation. The classic car convoy will include cars such as the Lamborghini Diablo, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 348 GTS, Mercedes-Benz SL Classics, Lancia Beta, BMW 635CSI, Porsche 911 Carrera and Targa, MG Midget, Ford Escort Cosworth, Chevrolet Corvette, VW Beetle, Ford Thunderbird, mini cooper and many more. Spectators can get up close, view the cars and take photographs at each of the start and finish lines, pitstops and lunch stops. After departing the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island, the classic car convoy will then roll through Cork, Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath with a delicious lunch along the way in Kilshane House in Tipperary . followed by a coffee stop in Kinnitty Castle in Offaly and the first overnight stay and finish line at The Sheraton Hotel in Athlone. On day two June 14, the RETRO Cannonball convoy travels through the lake county of Westmeath and on to Tyrone. They will then have lunch at Corick House in Tyrone, before crossing on the ferry from Greencastle to Greenore. The second overnight stay and overall finish line is coming to the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth for the first time and takes place at Ballymasconlon house, located just 20 minutes from the town of Carlingford. Registration is also now open for Cannonball Ireland, the supercar event, taking place on September 12-15 this year and a firm favourite with both drivers and spectators with proceeds to the Jack and Jill. RETRO Cannonball is a more laid-back experience, but drivers and spectators still enjoy one of the most unique motoring fraternities in the world with breath taking driving routes, luxurious hospitality and that rare camaraderie that makes Cannonball a truly unforgettable experience. For further details of all events visit www.cannonball.ie. Cork music legend Ricky Lynch sang in Connolly Hall on Monday evening to welcome US senator Bernie Sanders to the Rebel City. The veteran progressive politician had already signed the distinguished visitors book in City Hall, where the Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, had gently admonished Mr Sanders for not visiting before. The senior senator for the state of Vermont, and the longest-serving independent in US congressional history, he is in Cork with his Irish-American wife, Jane OMeara Sanders, who has family connections in Youghal. Mr Sanders has twice sought the Democratic Partys presidential nomination, in 2016 and in 2020. He lost out to Hillary Clinton in 2016, and to Joe Biden in 2020. Mr Lynch, who has for years electrified Cork audiences with his own compositions and with blistering cover versions, said Mr Sanders had held his audience rapt with his speech about US and global politics. Hes a great speaker, a great orator, he spoke for a good 10 minutes, it was a small gathering, maybe only about 60 people or so, but he was superb, Mr Lynch said. He spoke about Trump, Musk, Zuckerberg and the effect they have had on the world. It was a brilliant speech. I was brought in, just in the heel of the hunt to do two or three songs to bring events to a close. I did a version of Dylans A Song for Woody, which I rearranged for Bernie, and I did a version of Forever Young, which I thought was kind of apt. Its a good exhortation. Mr Lynch was himself immortalised recently in Christy Moores The Big Marquee, where he was listed alongside the likes of Caitriona Twomey, Don OLeary, Joe Mac, Hank Wedel and Jim Crowley among his favourite things about Cork. Saturday night were packed in tight all together in The Big Marquee When the man from the Cork Examiner comes up and says to me How come you keep coming back to The Rebel every year The answers plain and simple Mick, the reasons very clear Its the reels in Ringaskiddy, its the jigs in Haulbowline Ricky Lynch singin in The Corner House, Hes like a vintage wine Its the crack on Sherkin Island, the Hake in Union Hall The Turbot caught upon Cape Clear, you can eat the bones and all." Both Mr Sanders and Ms OMeara Sanders were in Connolly Hall for a Siptu event, where they received awards as lifelong members of the Cork Council of Trade Unions. Mr Sanders and Ms OMeara Sanders are in Ireland for a few days, and are planning to visit the Mother Jones plaque in Shandon on Tuesday afternoon. A jury will return to the Central Criminal Court tomorrow to consider its verdict for a second day in the trial of Richard Satchwell, who denies murdering his wife before hiding her remains beneath their Cork home. The jury of five men and seven women began considering their verdict at 3.05pm this afternoon and have spent a total of 46 minutes deliberating in their jury room in the Criminal Courts of Justice building. At 3.50pm today, presiding judge Mr Justice Paul McDermott told the jurors that he would send them home for the evening and asked them to come back to the Central Criminal Court at 10.30am in the morning to resume their deliberations. Before sending the jury of five men and seven women out to begin their deliberations at 3.05pm today, presiding judge Mr Justice Paul McDermott asked them to consider all the evidence in the case. He said if he had omitted any piece of evidence, they should "go on what's important" to them. The judge had told the panel that there are three verdicts they can return in relation to the murder charge against Mr Satchwell, namely; guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. He asked them to be unanimous in their verdict. Mr Justice McDermott told the jurors that there were two routes to the verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter - on the basis that they were satisfied that there had been an unlawful killing but that Mr Satchwell did not have an intention to kill Tina or cause her serious injury, and also on the basis of partial self defence. The judge began charging the jury around midday on Monday in the Central Criminal Court trial of Mr Satchwell (58), who has pleaded not guilty to murdering his 45-year-old wife Tina Satchwell - nee Dingivan - at their home address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork between March 19 and March 20, 2017, both dates inclusive. Mr Justice McDermott concluded his charge this afternoon to the 12 jurors, having told them on Monday that they could consider the issue of self-defence. The judge said the onus lay on the prosecution to prove that Mr Satchwell was not acting in self defence. He said a scenario had been presented to the jury that the accused was attacked by Ms Satchwell and had sought to defend himself in the manner described in his interviews with gardai. He said if the jury decided the force used by Mr Satchwell was reasonable in the circumstances, as he honestly believed them to be, then they must acquit him of murder and manslaughter and return a verdict of not guilty. He said if Mr Satchwell honestly believed he used no more force than was reasonably necessary but the degree of force used was not what a reasonable person would have used, then he was not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. He said if self defence didn't apply, then they could find the accused guilty of murder provided they were satisfied he intended to kill or cause serious injury. The trial has heard that on March 24, 2017, Mr Satchwell told gardai that his wife Tina had left their home four days earlier but that he had no concerns over her welfare, feeling she had left due to a deterioration in their relationship. The accused formally reported Ms Satchwell missing the following May but her body was not discovered for over six years, when gardai in October 2023, conducting "an invasive search" of the Satchwell home, found her decomposed remains in a grave that had been dug almost one metre deep underneath the stairs. When re-arrested on suspicion of Tina's murder after her body was removed from their Cork home, Mr Satchwell told gardai that his wife "flew" at him with a chisel, that he fell backwards against the floor and described her death after he said he held her off by the belt of her bathrobe at her neck. The Assistant State Pathologist has told the trial that Tina's cause of death cannot be determined due to the skeletal nature of her remains. Last Friday in her closing speech, Gerardine Small SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the jury that Mr Satchwell's narrative of how his wife died after he held her off by the belt of her bathrobe was "absolutely farcical" and had "more holes in it than a block of Swiss cheese". Ms Small submitted that the British truck driver had woven "a web of deceit" and continued his "fabricated narrative" over the years. Counsel said Mr Satchwell's objective from the very outset was "always to put everyone off the scent" and that this was done because he had murdered Tina. In his closing address, defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC told the jurors that there was no doubt Mr Satchwell was guilty, but asked the jurors what exactly he was guilty of. He argued that although the accused had lied "to the people of Ireland", the lies do not make him a murderer or relieve the prosecution of the burden of proving the ingredients of murder. The spirit of Cork-born union leader Mary Mother Jones Harris was never more needed than it is now, US senator Bernie Sanders said in a visit to Shandon on Tuesday. As Mother Jones said, We mourn the dead, but we fight for the living, and if there was ever a time in the modern history of our planet, now is the time to fight for the living, Mr Sanders said. The veteran progressive politician, who is the longest-serving independent in US congressional history, has been visiting Cork with his Irish-American wife, Jane OMeara Sanders. Mr Sanders has twice sought the Democratic Partys presidential nomination, in 2016 and in 2020, losing out first to Hillary Clinton and then to Joe Biden. US senator Bernie Sanders with his wife Jane, Ann Piggott and Ger O'Mahony and the Mother Jones committee at the Mother Jones plaque on John Redmond St. Picture: Dan Linehan Mary Harris was born on the northside and was baptised in the North Cathedral on August 1, 1837. In her teens, she moved with her family to North America, first to Canada and then to the US. She would go on to become a union organiser, and she was once described as the most dangerous woman in America. For the past 14 years, the Spirit of Mother Jones festival has been run from the back room of James and Marie Nolans butcher shop on Shandon St, and Mr and Ms Sanders, retracing the footsteps of Mother Jones, called in to meet the locals. We have a very good sale today, the famously gruff Brooklynite growled as he posed for pictures behind the counter. Mr and Ms Sanders were presented with a bag full of Cork goodies, including a portrait of Mother Jones, bottle of Tanora, and chester cake - better known as donkeys gudge although they were warned to eat that before heading home, lest they incur tariffs. Jane O'Meara Sanders and Bernie Sanders at Shandon Later, around the corner on John Redmond St, they visited the Mother Jones plaque, both spoke briefly before William Hammond of the Cork Folk Festival sang Joe Hill and Salonika a post-World War I Cork song which was revived by Jimmy Crowley of this parish. It was quite something to see the senior senator for the state of Vermont singing along to Right away Salonika, right away me soldier boy, but his words on the legacy of Mother Jones resonated with the crowd. Senator Bernie Sanders on John Redmond St We are seeing massive concentrations of wealth and power in a handful of multi-billionaires who want to literally control not only the United States but the entire world, who could care less for working people, for children, they want it all, and its important that we have a level of international solidarity that we have not seen for a long time, he said. If you are concerned about whats happening in the United States today, mark my words, it will be in Europe, it will be in Ireland tomorrow. So it is imperative that we all stand together and remember our common humanity, that all the children in the world have a right to live, to food, to education, to security, and that we strive for a world of peace and not war, Mr Sanders said. Theres an enormous amount of work in front of us, lets stand together and lets do it. A book of evidence was served on a 27-year-old man accused of raping a young woman at an apartment in Cork city early in January 2022. Detective Garda June OShea served the accused with the book of evidence at Cork District Court. The only charge in the book states that on January 3, 2022, at an address in Cork city, he raped the young woman. Sergeant John Dineen applied to have the case sent forward to the Central Criminal Court, where a date will be set for a hearing of the case possibly later in the year. No details of the allegations in the case were outlined in court and, because of the nature of the charge, there is a legal prohibition on publishing any details that would identify either party. Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan applied to have legal aid extended for a senior counsel and junior counsel to represent the accused. Judge Mary Dorgan granted that application. When asked by the judge about bail conditions, Sgt Dineen said the accused could be remanded on the same conditions of bail as heretofore including that he would have no contact, directly or indirectly, with the complainant, that he would surrender his passport, and provide gardai with a phone number at which he would be contactable at all times. Alison O'Riordan A jury will return to the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday to consider its verdict for a second day in the trial of Richard Satchwell, who denies murdering his wife before hiding her remains beneath their Cork home. The jury of five men and seven women began considering their verdict at 3.05pm this afternoon and have spent a total of 46 minutes deliberating in their jury room in the Criminal Courts of Justice building. At 3.50pm today, presiding judge Mr Justice Paul McDermott told the jurors that he would send them home for the evening and asked them to come back to the Central Criminal Court at 10.30am in the morning to resume their deliberations. Before sending the jury of five men and seven women out to begin their deliberations at 3.05pm on Tuesday, presiding judge Mr Justice Paul McDermott asked them to consider all the evidence in the case. He said if he had omitted any piece of evidence, they should "go on what's important" to them. The judge had told the panel that there are three verdicts they can return in relation to the murder charge against Mr Satchwell, namely, guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter or not guilty. He asked them to be unanimous in their verdict. Mr Justice McDermott told the jurors that there were two routes to the verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter; on the basis that they were satisfied that there had been an unlawful killing but that Mr Satchwell did not have an intention to kill Tina or cause her serious injury, and also on the basis of partial self defence. The judge began charging the jury around midday on Monday in the Central Criminal Court trial of Mr Satchwell (58), who has pleaded not guilty to murdering his 45-year-old wife Tina Satchwell - nee Dingivan - at their home address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork between March 19th and March 20th, 2017, both dates inclusive. Mr Justice McDermott concluded his charge this afternoon to the 12 jurors, having told them on Monday that they could consider the issue of self-defence. The judge said the onus lay on the prosecution to prove that Mr Satchwell was not acting in self-defence. He said a scenario had been presented to the jury that the accused was attacked by Ms Satchwell and had sought to defend himself in the manner described in his interviews with gardai. He said if the jury decided the force used by Mr Satchwell was reasonable in the circumstances as he honestly believed them to be, then they must acquit him of murder and manslaughter and return a verdict of not guilty. He said if Mr Satchwell honestly believed he used no more force than was reasonably necessary, but the degree of force used was not what a reasonable person would have used, then he was not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. He said if self-defence didn't apply, then they could find the accused guilty of murder provided they were satisfied he intended to kill or cause serious injury. The trial has heard that on March 24th, 2017, Mr Satchwell told gardai that his wife, Tina, had left their home four days earlier but that he had no concerns over her welfare, feeling she had left due to a deterioration in their relationship. The accused formally reported Ms Satchwell missing the following May, but her body was not discovered for over six years, when gardai in October 2023, conducting "an invasive search" of the Satchwell home, found her decomposed remains in a grave that had been dug almost one metre deep underneath the stairs. When re-arrested on suspicion of Tina's murder after her body was removed from their Cork home, Mr Satchwell told gardai that his wife "flew" at him with a chisel, that he fell backwards against the floor and described her death after he said he held her off by the belt of her bathrobe at her neck. The Assistant State Pathologist has told the trial that Tina's cause of death cannot be determined due to the skeletal nature of her remains. Last Friday in her closing speech, Gerardine Small SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the jury that Mr Satchwell's narrative of how his wife died after he held her off by the belt of her bathrobe was "absolutely farcical" and had "more holes in it than a block of Swiss cheese". Ms Small submitted that the British truck driver had woven "a web of deceit" and continued his "fabricated narrative" over the years. Counsel said Mr Satchwell's objective from the very outset was "always to put everyone off the scent" and that this was done because he had murdered Tina. In his closing address, defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC told the jurors that there was no doubt Mr Satchwell was guilty, but asked the jurors what exactly he was guilty of. He argued that although the accused had lied "to the people of Ireland", the lies do not make him a murderer, or relieve the prosecution of the burden of proving the ingredients of murder. High Court Reporter Coolmore Stud bloodstock billionaire John Magniers legal action over a collapsed 15 million Co Tipperary land deal has opened at the High Court. The hearing is expected to last three weeks. Lawyers acting for Mr Magnier are claiming that Maurice Regan, the US-based construction magnate allegedly engaged in a full frontal assault on a property deal for the Barne Estate after it was purportedly agreed in August 2023. Mr Magnier was present in court for the opening of the case. Mr Magniers proceedings are anchored in the claim that the owners of the Barne Estate reneged on a purported deal to sell the 751-acre estate to him for 15 million, instead choosing to sell to Mr Regan for a higher price. Opening the case on Tuesday before Mr Justice Max Barrett, Paul Gallagher SC, for the Magniers, claimed that Mr Regans pursuit of the land breached an exclusivity agreement made on the purported deal between representatives of the estate and Mr Magnier. Mr Magnier along with his adult children John Paul Magnier and Kate Wachman wants to enforce the alleged deal. They say the deal was struck at an August 22nd, 2023, meeting at Mr Magniers Coolmore Stud. They also claim an exclusivity agreement, stipulating that the estate not permit its representatives to solicit or encourage any expression of interest, inquiry or offer on the property from anyone other than Mr Magnier, was in effect from August 31st to September 30th. Barne Estate is held for the benefit of Richard Thomson-Moore, his sister Alexandra, their children, and their spouses by a Jersey trust. The Magniers have sued the Barne Estate, Mr Thomson-Moore and three companies of IQEQ (Jersey) Ltd group seeking to enforce the purported deal. The Barne defendants say there was never any such agreement and subsequently they agreed to sell it for 22.5 million to Mr Regan, founder of the New York building firm JT Magen. Mr Regan is not a party to the case. Mr Gallagher claimed that a local estate agent involved in the deal, John Stokes, appeared visibly shaken when he visited Mr Magnier following calls from Mr Regan after the deal was claimed to be agreed. Mr Gallagher also told the court that Mr Regan allegedly arranged for crime journalist Paul Williams to contact Stokes. The implication was that his [Mr Regans] exclusion from the bidding process was somehow unlawful, said Mr Gallagher. By George Lithgow, PA A Liverpool fan run down at the clubs victory parade has described how he locked eyes with the driver and pleaded for him to stop moments before the car ploughed into him. Jack Trotter, 22, from Co Down, was enjoying celebrating his teams success when he found himself face to face with the Ford Galaxy on Water Street in the city centre on Monday. The stricken Northern Irishman was helped by fellow fans and locals into a nearby pub until emergency services arrived to take him to hospital. Photos of the father-of-one being carried by two firemen while wearing a Liverpool scarf were on the front pages of several national papers on Tuesday. More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals (Owen Humphreys/PA) Mr Trotter, from Newtownards, Co Down, escaped without serious injury and has been discharged from hospital, but fears he could be left with walking problems for weeks. He had made the trip to Liverpool with his girlfriend, Abbie Gallagher, 22, who screamed out in terror when she saw the car coming towards him. Abbie was a few feet ahead of me, and I was just taking videos singing with Liverpool fans Id never even met before, Mr Trotter told the PA news agency. Then I just heard her screaming my name, I put my phone down and by then I was face to face with the car. He had slowed down. And then I put my hands up and pleaded for him to stop, and he wasnt stopping. Then he clipped me. Mr Trotter said the incident was very quick. I did lock eyes with him, he continued. People were hitting his car, shouting at him. Everything was very dark. Everything was very blurry. He had ran through me by the time I could get a good look at him. When the car had hit me, the adrenaline kicked in, and I didnt really, obviously feel anything. And then once I found my partner, the adrenaline wore off, and then I just collapsed on the wall and said Abbie, thats me, Im gone. UK home secretary Yvette Cooper during a visit to the scene (Peter Byrne/PA) Mr Trotter said bystanders helped him away from the scene before firemen took him to an ambulance. The moment was captured by nearby photographers. We were approached by a few Liverpool men, and then by a bouncer of a pub, he said. She had brought us in, cleared everyone, even though the pub was still full, got a seat for me and and then she went and got the emergency services. Asked about his injuries, he said: My legs arent broken, which is good. Its just my left leg where it was hit is just a good bit tender. My backs got slipped disks. I just recovered from a back injury Its just brought it back, but 10 times worse. Mr Trotter and his girlfriend are due to fly home on Wednesday, but he said he was unsure how if he would be able to travel in his condition. Were going to have to get on with easyJet, to find a way for me to access the plane. Im not going to be able to walk up steps anytime soon. Describing his memories of the traumatic incident, he said: Its going to impact me for a lot of reasons. Im just thinking, was it actually even real? Was it, you know, a dream? We are still here. However, the worst could have happened. More than 50 people, including children, were treated in different hospitals and 11 people remained there in a stable condition, police said in an update on Tuesday. The 53-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving. (Photo: Peter Kenny)Steve Bannon has predicted there will be friction between U.S. President Donald Trump and the country's Catholic bishops. Photo taken in 2019. The United States' President Donald Trump likes to have his way, but he is not entirely getting it with the Roman Catholic Church, where a substantial number of his voters worship. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) appears to be at odds with the Trump administration over some of its policies, according to Newsweek on May 24. The preceding week, the USCCB, the official assembly of the Catholic Church in the United States, criticized U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for rescinding a policy that gave guidance on the care, custody, and documentation of pregnant women they encounter. "It is deeply troubling and inexcusable that measures intended to ensure the basic safety of pregnant mothers and their young children while in government custody could be rescinded with such indifference toward the vulnerability of those involved," said Bishop Mark J. Seitz, of El Paso, Texas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration. And pushback against Trump has also come from the Episcopal Church's migration service, which refused a Trump request to resettle South Africans who were granted a fast-tracked refugee status, MSNBC reported on May 18. The moved ended a nearly 40-year resettlement partnership with the federal government, said Bishop Matthew Heyd of the Episcopal Diocese of New York . Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Pete Flores released the memo, circulated internally but not announced, on May 5, showing that four policies were determined "either obsolete or misaligned with current Agency guidance and immigration enforcement priorities." One of them was the 2022 memo "Processing of Pregnant, and Postpartum Noncitizens and Infants," which spells out guidelines for CPB, including offering a medical assessment to all pregnant women and making sure breast-feeding mothers have access to privacy and rest facilities. "This decision is all the more concerning as the Administration simultaneously ramps up family detention in place of safer, more cost-effective alternatives to detention," Seitz said. "Let us be clear: protecting pregnant mothers and their children can never be considered 'obsolete.' This principle irrefutably extends to noncitizens in immigration detention, each of whom possesses an inviolable, God-given dignity that must be respected. "We urge the Administration to reissue guidance that adequately reflects and affirms the increased standard of care due to this vulnerable population while in government custody." Earlier the BBC reported on May 5 that any jubilation on the American Make America Great Again about the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, dissipated as key voices from Donald Trump's Maga movement came to a disappointed conclusion: the first American Pope does not appear to be "America first." The BBC said little was known about the political leanings of Pope Leo XIV, who was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago. It said he had raised concerns for the poor and immigrants, and chosen a name that may reference more liberal church leadership. The report also said the new Pope appears to have both supported the liberal-leaning Pope Francis and criticised Trump's policies on social media. Still the president had said little about Leo's election except that it was a "great honour" for the United States. However, some of Trump's most foremost supporters were quick to attack Pope Leo, lambasting him as a possible challenge to Trump and on the perception that he will follow Pope Francis in areas like immigration. "I mean it's kind of jaw-dropping," Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon told the BBC, speaking of Pope Leo's election. "It is shocking to me that a guy could be selected to be the Pope that had had the Twitter feed and the statements he's had against American senior politicians," said Bannon, a hard-right Trump loyalist, practising Catholic and former altar boy. He predicted that there would be "definitely friction" between Leo and Trump. The increase may only affect lenses and accessories and not cameras, for now. Nikon has announced that it will increase prices on its photography products in the US due to tariffs, joining other camera manufacturers including Canon, Blackmagic Design and Leica in doing so. It hasn't yet shared which products will be affected, but several outlets have received word from dealers that the changes will mostly affect lenses and accessories manufactured in China. "Due to the recent tariffs, a necessary price adjustment for products will take effect on June 23, 2025," the company wrote last week. "We will be carefully monitoring any tariff developments and may adjust pricing as necessary to reflect the evolving market conditions. We wish to thank our customers for their understanding and know that we are taking every possible step to minimize the impact on our community." The development comes from Trump's recent tariffs affecting electronic goods, with Nikon noting that the increase could cut its operating profit by around $68 million. Canon, the worldwide leader in camera sales, said in its earnings report last month that it would raise prices soon. Fujifilm recently paused US preorders for several models including the X-M5 and X100 VI. Other electronics companies, including Acer and DJI, also recently announced US-only price hikes. In its latest earnings report, Sony said it expects to seller fewer PS5s and expects a $700 million tariff-related revenue hit. These increases could just be the beginning. Nikon builds its products in multiple countries affected by US tariffs, including China, Thailand and its home country, Japan. Unless those nations can negotiate new tariff terms before the end of Trump's 90-day pause, they could be subject to drastically higher rates by July which would in turn prices for Nikon and many other camera manufacturers. It accused them of making it too easy for underage users to access content. European regulators are investigating Pornhub. On Monday, the European Commission (EC) accused the platform of not doing enough to block underage access. Also included in the investigation are Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos. The EC suspects the porn sites have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA), which includes child safety measures. Specifically, it accused the platforms of lacking age restriction tools. All four sites let EU users watch content after clicking a single button to confirm they're over 18. In a statement to Engadget, Pornhub said it's "fully committed" to the online safety of minors. "Our sites are fully RTA compliant as rated by the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP), and are strictly reserved for those of legal age only," the company said. It added that it believes device-level verification, rather than on the website, is "the real solution." "Children should not have access to pornographic content," EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier said at a press conference (via The Guardian). "This is why today the commission has opened [the] investigations." Next, regulators will carry out an in-depth probe. If the companies are found to be in violation, they could face fines of up to six percent of their global annual turnover. However, the EC could also accept remedies from the companies. The DSA allows the commission to regulate online platforms with over 45 million users. Those missing that mark fall under the jurisdiction of the EU's 27 member states. On that note, the commission said Stripchat no longer meets that threshold. Moving forward, it will be regulated by Cyprus, where its parent company operates. However, the new designation doesn't take effect for four months, so it remains part of the probe. Xi signs order on protection of military-industrial facilities Xinhua) 08:05, May 27, 2025 BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has signed an order to promulgate a set of regulations on protecting China's important military-industrial facilities. China's State Council and the CMC have jointly published the document. Premier Li Qiang also signed a State Council decree to release the document. The regulations aim to protect the security of important military-industrial facilities, ensure their effective use and normal operations, while modernizing the country's national defense. They will apply to buildings, sites, and other facilities used for the research, production, testing, and storage of important weaponry and equipment. The facilities also include archives and data centers, communication stations, observation stations, and specialized ports, docks, airports, and dedicated railway lines, according to the document. The document mandates security measures, including the establishment of protection zones for such sites, stipulating that without authorization from relevant management authorities, access to protection zones for important military-industrial facilities is prohibited for individuals, vehicles, and vessels. Photography, videography, audio recording, sketching, or documentation of these protected areas are also not allowed. Violations of relevant rules may incur criminal punishments, according to the document. The needs for protecting relevant facilities should be taken into consideration while formulating plans for social-economic development, it says. The regulations, comprising 51 articles in seven chapters, will take effect on Sept. 15, 2025. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) In Guiyang, roadside concerts strike a chord with the public 15:38, May 27, 2025 By Chen Junyi ( People's Daily Performers clad in traditional ethnic costumes sing at a roadside concert held near the Wenchang Pavilion in Yunyan district, Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou province, January 1, 2025. (Photo by Zhang Hui/People's Daily Online) As dusk settled and the lights flickered on, the old city wall in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou province, began to glow. In front of the Wenchang Pavilion, a historical landmark, a musician strummed the opening chords of a guitar, starting a roadside concert. This concert requires no tickets, receives no commercial sponsors, and exists solely to provide the public with an intimate and accessible musical experience. Since its launch two years ago, Guiyang's roadside concert series has staged over 400 performances across the city. Everyone is welcome to participate, making it a vibrant and inclusive cultural celebration. In fact, the tradition of roadside concerts in Guiyang dates back decades. In 1937, a local music society called Zhuguang performed patriotic songs in the streets and alleys, using music to rally support for the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. More than 80 years later, local musicians continue to perform regularly in places like the Wenchang Pavilion, Jiaxiu Tower, and Qianling Mountain Park, drawing crowds with impromptu performances that often resemble mini-concerts. A roadside concert is held near Guanshan Lake in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou province, June 26, 2024. (Photo by Weng Qiyu/People's Daily Online) In 2023, Guiyang's cultural and tourism authorities recognized this vibrant grassroots movement and launched the "Guiyang Roadside Concert" brand. Designated performance spaces were created at prominent city landmarks, offering platforms for music lovers to show their talents. "We host themed concerts. Some highlight Guizhou's ethnic culture and others invite well-known musicians," said Zhang Ting, deputy head of the publicity department of Yunyan district, Guiyang. "And of course, we've kept the most popular format - the full-audience sing-along. Participation is open to all through our public platform." This inclusive approach has attracted participants from diverse backgrounds. Yang Jiayi, a young rapper, made his debut here and quickly energized audiences with his rhythmic performances. Liu Guohong, a taxi driver who practices singing in his spare time, has delivered heartfelt renditions that invite enthusiastic sing-alongs. Music has become a powerful connector bringing people together and enriching Guiyang's cultural life. One notable ensemble, Zhe'ergen, named after a beloved Guizhou herb also known as fish mint, is composed of both visually impaired and sighted musicians united by their shared passion. "Zhe'ergen grows underground, in darkness, yet thrives with vitality," said drummer Chen Changhai. "That's the spirit we want to convey." During a recent performance, Zhe'ergen played well-known songs to an audience of over a thousand, who illuminated the stage with their phone flashlights and sang along. "Although I couldn't see the audience, I felt them all around us," said flutist Yang Pan. "The connection was real and the joy was contagious." The rise of roadside concerts has also inspired local bands like the Shiji Band to explore Guizhou's rich ethnic and traditional music heritage. "Our unique instruments, vocal styles, and craftsmanship offer endless creative possibilities," said band founder Li Qian. So far, over 80 bands and 1,500 musicians have performed at the Wenchang Pavilion roadside concerts. More than 10 local artists have even premiered original compositions on this stage. The White-Haired Girl, a Chinese contemporary classical opera, is staged at a roadside concert held near the Wenchang Pavilion in Yunyan district, Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou province, December 1, 2023. (Photo by Deng Gang/People's Daily Online) For Zhong Tang, a content creator born in the 1980s, these concerts are indispensable. Perched on a small stool with his smartphone focused on the performers, he recorded and shared memorable moments on social media. "I get to enjoy great music and promote my hometown," Zhong said. A hallmark of Guiyang's roadside concert program is the recruitment of volunteers to document and share performances online. "There's no threshold for participation. Anyone who's interested can join," said Zhong. His video team now includes hundreds of volunteers, whose efforts have contributed to over 5 billion online views of the 73 concerts held at the Wenchang Pavilion. Enhancing the online audience experience remains a priority. "After receiving feedback about dim lighting, we installed LED signage for subsequent shows. When livestreaming experienced lag, we collaborated with telecom providers to improve the connection," said an official from Yunyan district. "While thousands attend in person, an even larger audience follows online, and their experience is equally important." To date, Guiyang has hosted more than 400 roadside concerts, drawing over 3 million live attendees. Around 70,000 citizens and tourists have stepped onto the stage, united in song and performance, demonstrating the enduring power of music to connect and inspire. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Donald Trump Jr.'s forthcoming members-only club in Washington, D.C., is expected to bar a wide range of political elites, including many who served under former President George W. Bush, according to a report in The New York Times. The club, named Executive Branch, is set to open next month in the Georgetown neighborhood, tucked beneath Georgetown Park and accessible only via a discreet stairwell next to the mall's parking garage. The private venue is reportedly aimed at supporters of former President Donald Trump and promises exclusivity and controversy. The venture is co-founded by Trump Jr., David Sacks, a tech entrepreneur and former Trump crypto advisor, Zach and Alex Witkoff, sons of real estate developer Steven Witkoff, Omeed Malik, head of 1789 Capital, and Chris Buskirk, co-founder of the conservative donor group Rockbridge Network. Membership reportedly comes with a hefty price tag. CNBC reported that some individuals are willing to pay up to $1 million to gain entry, though sources close to the project say money alone won't secure admittance. "Only those who personally know one of the club's owners can gain admittance," The New York Times reported, citing the founders' vetting process. According to Sacks, even those with insider access may be rejected if they are affiliated with the press or represent political ideologies misaligned with the club's vision. "We don't want members of the media or just a lot of lobbyists joining," an unnamed insider told CNBC. "We want people to feel comfortable having conversations in privacy." In a podcast last month, Sacks explained the motivation behind the project's political positioning. "To the extent there are Republican clubs, they tend to be more Bush-era Republicans as opposed to Trump-era Republicans," he said. "So we wanted to create something new, hipper and Trump-aligned." As per DailyMail, a spokesperson for the club emphasized that it is "not just for any Saudi businessman," and that the membership will reflect a tight-knit network of Trump-aligned insiders. Among those excluded will likely be many who served under George W. Bush, a decision that is reportedly infuriating to the former GOP president and his allies. Founding members are said to include Sacks; the Winklevoss twins, who gained notoriety for suing Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg; Jeff Miller, a top Trump fundraiser; and venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya. Executive Branch's soft launch earlier this year reportedly drew a high-profile guest list, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz. AppLovin CEO Adam Foroughi and other tech executives were also in attendance, according to CNBC. The club is expected to cap its membership at fewer than 200 individuals. It could also serve as a new social base for former President Trump himself, who was known during his first term to frequent his Trump International Hotel in D.C., often holding court at its steakhouse and interacting with allies in the lobby. That hotel lease was sold by the Trump Organization in 2022 following ethics complaints over its dual role as a social hub and potential influence site. Behind the scenes, staff at "The Kelly Clarkson Show" are reportedly concerned that Kelly Clarkson might leave the show once her NBC contract expires in 2026. The uncertainty has sparked growing speculation about the show's future. A longtime producer on the show spoke anonymously to the DailyMail, sharing how unstable things feel on set. "Not feeling too stable," the staffer said. "She could bolt at any time. Where does that leave me?" Though the team holds no ill will toward Clarkson herselfdescribing her as "a wonderful person"the source admitted that the uncertain environment has left many stressed and bracing for sudden changes. "This feels like it could collapse any minute," they added. Earlier this year, Clarkson, 43, was absent from her show for over two weeks in March without public explanation. While sources later claimed she was handling a personal matter, her unpredictable absences and recent emotional behavior have stirred even more worry. Adding fuel to the rumors, an insider told PageSix in April that Clarkson may be planning to step away from television entirely to spend more time with her two children, River Rose, 10, and Remy, 8. "Kelly's No. 1 priority is her children," the source explained. "The show is grueling. She wants to be closer to home in Texas." Kelly Clarkson show staff concerned over uncertain future and production stability https://t.co/XbZpm2BVob pic.twitter.com/OxlOIkuYUU Page Six (@PageSix) May 26, 2025 Kelly Clarkson's Talk Show Future in Doubt as NBC Eyes Replacements Before relocating her show to New York, Kelly Clarkson lived in Montana and California with her children and ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. Now, as she prepares to release her ninth album and begins a summer Las Vegas residency, her future with the talk show remains in question. NBC executives, aware of the tension and speculation, are reportedly considering replacementsamong them, beloved former "Today" co-host Hoda Kotb, who stepped away from the morning show in January to focus on her family and wellness brand. "There's a long list of names and Hoda is part of that list," according to the source. Some staff members have expressed openness to the idea of Hoda Kotb stepping in, viewing her as a respected and stabilizing presence. One producer suggested she might offer stronger leadership if changes occur. Despite the Emmy-winning show averaging 1.2 million viewers daily this season, the behind-the-scenes mood has darkened, PageSix said. According to one team member, there's understanding among the staff that if Kelly Clarkson chooses to leave, it would be a respected decision. They also noted that if Hoda Kotb were to take over, it could be a positive outcome for all involved. Originally published on Music Times (Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante) Leveraging Infosys Topaz, the collaboration will aim to enable effortless experiences and productivity improvements for over 77,000 E.ON employees across Europe. BENGALURU, India, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a strategic collaboration with E.ON, one of Europe's largest energy companies with business in energy networks, energy infrastructure solutions, and retail. This collaboration will help create an experience-led, data-driven, sustainability-focused digital workplace ecosystem, facilitating E.ON's transition to a full stack digital energy company that will aim to realize business value through AI. The collaboration will leverage Infosys Topaz, an AI-first offering using generative AI technologies, to modernize operations, enhance user value, and foster innovation through a product-centric, agile, and automated approach, while enforcing state-of-the-art security and compliance. E.ON and Infosys will implement a human-centric support model to give E.ON employees the choice, control and convenience to become more efficient and to enable even faster business innovation. Dr. Victoria Ossadnik, COO Digital and Innovation, E.ON, said, "At E.ON, we are playmakers for new energy. Digitalization and digital technology are key for reliable, affordable and sustainable energy systems. Our strategic partnership with Infosys is essential for our digital transformation and operation - together, we are paving the way for a smarter, more efficient energy future." Ashiss Kumar Dash, EVP & Global Head - Services, Utilities, Resources, Energy, and Enterprise Sustainability, Infosys, said, "At Infosys, we are proud to bring our deep expertise in AI and digital transformation to this significant collaboration with E.ON. By leveraging Infosys Topaz, we will enable an AI-powered digital workplace transformation that will bolster productivity and employee experience. We believe that energy companies like E.ON are at the forefront of driving a digital revolution driven by the need to better meet evolving customer demands and achieve operational excellence. Infosys is committed to providing the solutions and support needed to help enterprises navigate this evolution, while creating lasting value for both the organization and its customers." About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/... View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/infosys-and-eon-collaborate-to-enable-ai-powered-digital-workplace-transformation-302465591.html Washington, D.C., The Embassy of Brunei Darussalam hosted a cultural exhibition Thursday evening, April 17, 2025, that brought together diplomats, business executives, and community leaders. The event, presented in partnership with the Washington Education & Cultural Attache Association (WECAA) and Du Plain Global Enterprises, featured art displays and culinary presentations. Washington Gets Rare Glimpse Into Bruneis Culture Through Art and Cuisine Pickup Short URL to Share Other experts on these topics Welcome to the News Release Wire Selection Control Panel. Instant News Wire An Australian woman told police she "loved" members of her husband's family she was later accused of killing with poison mushrooms, a court heard Tuesday. Erin Patterson, 50, is charged with murdering the parents and aunt of her estranged husband in 2023 by serving them a beef Wellington laced with lethal "death cap" mushrooms. She is also accused of attempting to murder her husband's uncle, who survived the meal after a long stay in hospital. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges in a trial that has captivated the country. Jurors on Tuesday hear an interview police recorded with Patterson in the days following the lunch. In the 21-minute video, a police officer asked Patterson to describe her relationship with the guests. Patterson said she "loved" her parents-in-law. "I've got no other family. They've always been good to me and I want to maintain those relationships," she said. "They are the only family I've got and they are the only grandparents that my children have and I want them to stay in my kids' lives and that is really important to me." Patterson was estranged from her husband Simon, who turned down an invitation to the July 2023 lunch. His parents, Don and Gail, died days after eating the beef-and-pastry dish. Simon's aunt Heather Wilkinson also died, while her husband Ian fell seriously ill but later recovered. - 'Very helpful' - Patterson told police that she had never "been in a situation like this before". "I have been very, very helpful with the health department through the week because I wanted to help that side," she said in the video. "I do want to know what happened. So I have given them as much information as they have asked for." This included information about the meal, where police could find leftovers and where she had bought the ingredients. In the video, police also outlined items they seized at Patterson's home during their search. This included several mobile phones, computers, a cookbook that contained the beef Wellington recipe and a fruit platter one of the lunch guests brought. The video was recorded several months before Patterson was arrested and charged with murder. The prosecution alleges Patterson deliberately poisoned her guests and took care that she did not consume the deadly mushrooms herself. Her defence says it was "a terrible accident" and that Patterson ate the same meal as the others but did not fall as sick. The trial is expected to last another week. lec/sft/lb (The Center Square) Another Democratic mayor is coming under fire for issuing a directive to city employees that appears to interfere with federal immigration operations. Earlier this month, Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell issued Executive Order 30 requiring local law enforcement to track interactions with federal immigration officials. He also held a news conference stating that city officials did not request this approach to safety, we do not support it, referring to a targeted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation. Nashvilles City Review Board posted a notice on X urging residents who experienced or witnessed an immigration-related event to call a city-monitored hotline and file a complaint. In response, U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., said the mayors order was an outrageous directive requiring Nashville employees and first responders to report all communication with federal immigration authorities directly to the Mayor and called on the U.S. House Judiciary and Homeland Security committees to investigate. On Monday, Ogles announced that Congress was launching an investigation and he was requesting any internal discussions or documents concerning ICE enforcement actions in Nashville or Davidson County and all correspondence involving Metro employees and affiliated NGOs regarding the arrest or detention of criminal illegal aliens within the city or county. Ogles said the mayor was standing with rapists, drug traffickers, sexual predators, child traffickers, the list goes on, which is why I will always stand on the rule of law, and with ICE. I don't just stand with ICE, I'll stand in front of ICE because, We the People have had enough. O'Connells statements and actions indicated he was potentially aiding and embedding illegal immigration, Ogles said, adding that the committees will be conducting an investigation into the mayor of Nashville, his conduct and whether or not federal dollars have been used. Ogles also issued a warning to Tennesseans: If youre helping violent gangs destroy Tennessee by obstructing ICE you belong behind bars. The escalation between the mayor and federal authorities occurred after ICE Nashville agents, working with federal partners and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, arrested 196 criminal foreign nationals with extensive criminal histories, including those who were previously deported and illegally reentered the country. Federal and state authorities do not need a mayors permission to carry out targeted immigration enforcement operations but ICE has requested the cooperation of local authorities. Those who wont comply risk losing federal funding, prosecution and other actions taken by the Trump administration, The Center Square has reported. Under Republican Gov. Bill Lee, state law enforcement and the Tennessee National Guard have been involved in responding to border-related crime. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations is actively targeting human trafficking operations run by the violent Tren de Aragua foreign terrorist organization. The Tennessee National Guard participated in Texas Operation Lone Star, The Center Square reported. In response to OConnells statement about not supporting ICE agents public safety efforts, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security posted mugshots of violent convicted criminals ICE agents arrested and took off of Nashville streets. They include a Venezuelan national and TdA affiliate member; a Salvadoran affiliated with another foreign terrorist organization, MS-13, who has an active Red Notice in El Salvador for aggravated murder. His criminal history includes a conviction for possession of methamphetamines, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear, and criminal impersonation. Others include a Haitian national sentenced for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and marijuana possession; a Guatemalan national sentenced to four years in prison for aggravated assault; an Iraqi national convicted of rape, larceny and false imprisonment. He was also arrested for failing to register as a sex offender and has a final order of removal from a judge dating Sept. 1, 2021. Of the 196 arrested, 95 had prior criminal convictions and pending criminal charges; 31 were previously removed who illegally reentered the U.S. Lee praised the work of THP troopers, saying he was proud of them for assisting federal partners in the removal of dangerous criminals and drugs from our streets. Tennessee is safer today thanks to dedicated law enforcement who are leading the mission to restore public safety in America. The crowd, some with signature red hats bearing US President Donald Trump's name, cheered when the man on the stage asked if they were happy that America was becoming great again. But instead of somewhere in the United States, this scene was playing out in an arena in a southern Polish city, complete with a dusting of red or blue "Make Poland Great Again" hats. Hundreds had come for the first Polish edition of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a US convention that has been around for decades and has become a celebration of Trump. The event in Rzeszow is a sharp signal of the hold the US leader's particular brand of conservatism has in Poland, which is days from picking a new president from a field that includes a big Trump fan. That candidate -- nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki -- was endorsed by a special guest at Tuesday's conference: US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who said: "He needs to be the next president of Poland." "We need you to elect the right leader. You will be the leaders that will turn Europe back to conservative values," the Trump ally told the crowd in Rzeszow. "If you elect a leader that will work with President Donald J. Trump, the Polish people will have an ally strong that will ensure that you will be able to fight off enemies that do not share your values," Noem said. "You will have strong borders. And protect your communities. And keep them safe... You will continue to have a US presence here. A military presence... And you will have equipment that is American made," she added. Nawrocki, who got a standing ovation at the conference, is a Trump fan and met the US leader at the White House earlier this month. He claimed Trump told him: "You will win". Poland's run-off election on Sunday is shaping up to be a very tight one in the polarised country of 38 million people, as the latest opinion surveys have the candidates tied. Nawrocki, who is backed by Poland's right-wing main opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), will face off against pro-EU Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, the candidate of the ruling centrists led by former EU chief Donald Tusk. - 'American style: loud and big' - The event in Rzeszow, which was organised with Poland's right-wing TV Republika, was held in a region populated by conservative voters. "Are you happy that America is getting closer to being great again? Did the re-election of Donald Trump bring you joy, make you happy?" CPAC organiser Matt Schlapp asked the crowd, which responded with applause. "We thank you for your courage to be in this room, to stand with us as we fight a most venomous enemy," the chairman of the American Conservative Union said, decrying the "globalists" who he said threatened tenets like family, rule of law and freedom of religion. Vendors sold trucker hats with the slogan "Make Poland Great Again", CPAC Poland mugs and books including one by Nawrocki. While most of the Rzeszow crowd was in suits and ties -- there were exceptions like Anna Maria Ziolkiewicz, who came dressed in Poland's national red-and-white colours with a Nawrocki election button on her lapel. "I'm a patriotic, religious person with right-wing views, so this event is right up my alley... There's a positive atmosphere," the 61-year-old accountant and history buff from the central city of Lodz told AFP. She praised Trump as "a wonderful man with character, brave and strong" -- though cautioned that he did not quite understand the danger posed by Russia. Ziolkiewicz believes Poland should be closer to the United States than to the European Union as "the US has never double-crossed us, never deceived us", while she said countries like France and Britain failed to help Poland at the start of World War II. Krzysztof Pietrzyk, a 43-year-old entrepreneur from nearby Lublin, regretted that the atmosphere at Tuesday's event was "a little bit too quiet". "I was hoping to have here more American style: loud and big," he said, recalling how tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk brandished a chainsaw on stage at this year's CPAC event near Washington. Donning a well-worn "Make Poland Great Again" hat, unemployed engineer Zenon Fabianowicz said he covered more than 700 kilometres (over 400 miles) from the western village of Krzeszyce to attend. Poland is a "pro-American society. We have a lot in common with the United States. And I think Trump also has a fondness for Poland," the 62-year-old said. "It's the first time CPAC is happening in Poland and I couldn't miss the opportunity." amj/giv Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday that the first-ever summit between his country, Southeast Asian leaders and Gulf states was "a response to the call of the times" in a geopolitically uncertain world. The trade-dependent economies are looking to insulate themselves after US President Donald Trump blew up global trade norms by announcing a slew of tariffs targeting countries around the world this year. Though he subsequently instigated a 90-day pause for most, the experience has spurred the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and others to accelerate efforts to diversify their trading networks. On Tuesday the Malaysian capital hosted the inaugural summit between ASEAN, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) -- a regional bloc made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Li told the meeting that "against the backdrop of a volatile international situation", the summit was "a pioneering work of regional economic cooperation". "This is not only a continuation of the course of history, but also a response to the call of the times," he said. Opening the talks, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was confident the three sides could "shape a future that is more connected, more resilient, and more prosperous for generations to come" -- having warned on Monday that "a transition in the geopolitical order is underway". ASEAN has traditionally served as "a middleman of sorts" between developed economies like the United States, and China, said Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore (NUS). With Washington looking unreliable these days, "ASEAN member states are looking to diversify", he said. "Facilitating exchanges between the Gulf and People's Republic of China is one aspect of this diversification." Malaysia, which holds ASEAN's rotating chairmanship, is the main force behind the initiative, Chong said. - 'Timely and calculated' - Beijing has suffered the brunt of Trump's tariffs and is also looking to shore up other markets. China and ASEAN are already each other's largest trading partners, and Chinese exports to Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam surged by double digits in April -- attributed to a re-routing of US-bound goods. Premier Li's participation is "both timely and calculated", Khoo Ying Hooi from the University of Malaya told AFP. "China sees an opportunity here to reinforce its image as a reliable economic partner, especially in the face of Western decoupling efforts." Beijing and Washington engaged in an escalating flurry of tit-for-tat levies until a meeting in Switzerland saw an agreement to slash them for 90 days. Chinese goods still face higher tariffs than most though. According to a draft statement seen by AFP, ASEAN will express "deep concern... over the imposition of unilateral tariff measures". But it said earlier this year it would not impose retaliatory duties. - Treacherous waters - ASEAN has historically avoided choosing a side between the United States and China. China is only Southeast Asia's fourth largest source of foreign direct investment, after the United States, Japan and the European Union, noted NUS' Chong. Anwar said Monday he had written to request an ASEAN-US summit this year, with his foreign minister saying Washington had not yet responded. Yet any closer alignment with Beijing presents problems of its own, despite Anwar's insistence Monday night that "whatever is being said... we are here as a friend of China". On Monday, Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos said there was an "urgent need" to adopt a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea. Beijing has territorial disputes with five ASEAN member states in the area, with China and the Philippines having engaged in months of confrontations in the contested waters. Anwar raised the South China Sea with Li, the Malaysian prime minister said in a Tuesday Facebook post announcing the one-on-one meeting. "Other disputants... are perhaps willing to let the Philippines bear the brunt of pressure," Chong said. Tension between Manila and Beijing "means that these issues will not fade into the background, much as some other Southeast Asian states wish to focus on economic issues", he added. llk-reb/dhw Spain has revived a push for Basque, Catalan and Galician to be made official EU languages, despite a less-than-enthusiastic response from fellow European countries fearing a domino effect. After an unsuccessful bid in 2023, Madrid brought its regional language campaign back to Brussels this week, managing to get it onto the agenda of a meeting of European ministers on Tuesday. No decision was made -- and the question was punted to a later date for lack of consensus, according to the Polish EU presidency -- with the awkwardness palpable as ministers were quizzed on the issue by reporters. For context, the socialist government of prime minister Pedro Sanchez depends on support from Catalan lawmakers to get most of its legislation through the Spanish parliament. Spain has generated "big pressure" around the linguistic question, said a second diplomat, on condition of anonymity. But concerns are rife among other EU countries that a change in Spain's favour could open the door to similar requests for any number of minority languages. "We understand the importance of this issue for Spain," stressed Marilena Raouna, deputy European affairs minister for Cyprus. "What is important is that it is done in a way that is legally sound and that does not create a precedent," she added. The European Union currently has 24 official languages but there are around 60 minority and regional languages in the 27-nation bloc. All legal EU documents -- treaties, laws and international agreements -- must be translated into the 24 languages with interpretation available at leaders' summits and ministerial meetings. - The Russian question - Adding a new language requires unanimous support among the 27 member states -- far from secured in this case. Speaking on Catalan television network 3Cat on Tuesday, Spain's foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said seven countries still opposed the plan -- promising to reach out to each to address their concerns. "This is an irrevocable commitment by the Spanish government," he said. "We want what is the norm on the streets of Spanish cities to be the norm in Europe's streets too." Several countries signalled sympathy with Madrid, while voicing reservations. "We really do see and appreciate the efforts the Spanish government is vesting in this topic," summed up the Croatian minister, Andreja Metelko-Zgombic. "It deals also with some legal implications, and I think we would be best served to look at it really, very, very closely," she added. Some warn against "making a European issue out of a national one", in the words of one diplomat. Several countries fear a knock-on effect. In the Baltic countries for instance, there are fears that Russian -- spoken by a large part of the population -- could be made an official language of the bloc, said Marko Stucin, Slovenia's state secretary for European affairs. According to one diplomat, the legal services of the European Council, which brings together member states, consider that answering Spain's request would require changing the bloc's founding treaties. "We have to act in accordance with European treaties," said France's Europe minister Benjamin Haddad. "Let's work together with the Spanish to find a solution." But other countries have hinted at a possible compromise: limiting any change to long-established regional languages that already have official status at a national level. In that scenario, argues Slovenia's Stucin, only three languages would be eligible: Basque, Catalan and Galician. Madrid argues indeed that the three tongues -- of which Catalan is the most widely-used with more than nine million speakers -- should be considered in a different category to other minority languages. Another sensitive issue is cost, with the bloc seeking to pour billions into strengthening its defences, and bracing for a gathering trade war with Washington. Spain, according to Stucin, has always insisted it would foot the extra translation bill. That remains to be seen, cautions another EU diplomat. ob-ec/giv Without giving consumers a heads up, NorthWestern Energy on Friday said it will increase electricity rates for consumers by $204 a year, without review from Montanas utility regulator. Documents filed with Montanas Public Service Commission indicate that rates increased $17.07 a month for NorthWesterns typical residential customers without prior approval from regulators or notifying its customers. NorthWestern, which provides electricity and natural gas service to roughly two-thirds of Montana residents, is relying on a little-known Montana law that allows a monopoly utility to set its own rates when the PSC fails to act on a utility-requested rate change within nine months. NorthWesterns latest request for a change in rates was filed in July 2024. When the clock ran down on the PSCs time to act, the utility moved ahead with the electricity rates it initially requested. PSC President Brad Molnar told Montana Free Press on Friday that the utility deserves some of the blame for delays in the commissions decision-making, and Montana is entering the wild West in utility rates. [NorthWestern is] saying that theres going to be no oversight on what [they] ask for that is what theyre doing, Molnar said. What it comes down to is they want another $70 million [from customers], and theyre not willing to wait two weeks to start the process. It is a very, very high-risk maneuver on their part. A hearing on NorthWesterns rate case is scheduled to begin June 9. The commission could require a downward adjustment on rates based on the outcome of that hearing, in which case, NorthWestern customers would be refunded the difference with interest. NorthWestern Energy is looking forward to the opportunity to present our case fully and transparently at the Montana PSC hearing next month, NorthWestern spokesperson Jo Dee Black said in a text to MTFP Friday. Gary Duncan, who has been working in utility regulation for four decades, said he isnt aware of a Montana utility rolling out a new rate without regulatory approval before. I have never seen this done, not in my history. And, also, I believe that when youre raising rates by 16.8%, the public should be noticed by the commission and by NorthWestern, he said. I have a vested interest in this also, because I happen to be a customer of NorthWestern, so this irritates the hell out of me. Molnar said the rate increase will have disproportionate impacts, hitting those reliant on electricity (as compared to natural gas) for heating and cooling, as air conditioning season begins. Its going to have huge negative effects, he said. Many people are not going to afford their utility bills, is our concern. A big piece of NorthWesterns overall rate increase is tied to the $300 million 175-megawatt gas plant near Laurel that NorthWestern fired up last fall. The rates NorthWestern proposed last year and adopted Friday were based on an assumption that all 18 units of the plant would be operational, and that hasnt been the case. One of the issues is an overcollection for [Yellowstone County Generating Station] for units that they thought would be in service, but are not yet, said Jenny Harbine, an Earthjustice attorney representing Montana Environmental Information Center in the rate case. Theyve backtracked. Theyve acknowledged that their initial filing was inflated. Harbine said that refunds later for higher rates now kind of puts ratepayers on this roller coaster. It was Aug. 5, 2004, when a rocket-propelled grenade bounced off a wall and exploded 3 feet from Pfc. Kevin James Knights head, knocking him unconscious. About 10 minutes later he rejoined the fight. Getting evacuated wasnt on my mind, he said. Nearly 21 years later, the former Helena resident received his Purple Heart on Jan. 5 as the RPG that knocked him unconscious sat in his home. The Marine was 20 years old when he was wounded in action during the Battle of Najaf in Operation Iraqi Freedom, which lasted from March 20, 2003, through Aug. 21, 2010. Knight enlisted in the Marines two days after the conflict began and said he came from a post-9/11 generation that believed people had a duty to serve. He was a sophomore at Capital High School when two planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York and decided his senior year to do something no one in his family had done. He added he was born in Helena and grew up as a timid kid who avoided physical confrontation, so joining the Marines may have come as a shock to his family. Before he received burns to the face and a traumatic brain injury, his 81 mm mortar platoon received a call from Iraqi police who said they needed reinforcements during a gunfight. His platoon possibly shouldnt have been there he said because he was a part of a mortar platoon, but due to the amount of vehicles and firepower, they were called on to act as a quick reaction force. Knight, now 40 and an entrepreneur, plans to talk more extensively about this in his book that does not have a working title, set to possibly be published Aug. 5, the 21st anniversary of his injury. Since retiring from the military, he started and rotated through multiple companies, but now operates Purple Pricing, a revenue management service within the short-term rental industry. He was a light machine gunner in the Marines and received between three to four months of training before he was thrown into war. His battalion, when it arrived, had about 35 Marines and eight armored Humvees. Knight said he remembered feeling anxious and excited during the moments leading up to his arrival on the battlefield where he was injured, but quickly realized things could have gone wrong very fast. When I saw the first Marine get shot and heard the sounds, it hit me, like this is real, he said. As he dismounted, a Marine in close proximity was shot and killed. The 11-year Marine veteran said he would not want his two children, ages 12 and 9, to join the military, wanting them to take the college route instead. Advice he would have given his younger self with the information he knew now would have been to accept fear and find ways to cope with it to move forward in war and life. When asked if his children had ever mentioned it, he said he was open with them about his own experiences. They know I fought and lost friends, so its not always glorious, Knight stated. They are doing much better than me. Throughout his military career he was deployed five times between 2003 and 2014. He said for some Memorial Day was an everyday affair. Its an opportunity for me to talk about the guys I consider my heroes, Knight said. The best of my generation died in Afghanistan. He remembered seeing 19-year-olds running point during missions. When you see those types of people in those kinds of situations it can only leave you in awe, he said. He urged people to listen and research the stories of those who fought in the Battle of Najaf and others because their stories deserve to be told. Knights Purple Heart ceremony was held in April at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, where he resides. A powerful campaign has launched warning that the new inheritance tax changes will unfairly devastate farming widows and threaten the future of family farms. The campaign, started by Welsh Plaid Cymru politician Sian Gwenllian MS, challenges the Labour government's controversial IHT reforms outlined in the October budget. In a letter sent to the First Minister, she said that the upcoming changes to inheritance tax relief, due to come into force in April 2026, would "disproportionately and adversely affect" farming widows. "This creates a deeply unfair situation for many widows who inherited their husbands estates in good faith, unaware of future changes to tax law," the letter reads. There is significant concern within rural communities that these tax changes, aimed at closing loopholes exploited by wealthy investors, have overreached and are now harming legitimate, working family farms. Ms Gwenllian also raised the matter during a plenary session in the Senedd, attended by the First Minister, urging both the Welsh and UK governments to act on the issue. She said: "The changes will have a disproportionate impact on womenwomen who are farmers' widowsbecause the relief of the husband who has passed away will not be transferred to the widow to provide double the relief." The Member of Senedd added that the changes would leave families unable to plan their estates effectively or ensure inheritance certainty for future generations: The families have lost out on opportunities to plan their estates and to draw up wills that would provide certainty for children for the future," she said. "Im sure that you would agree that this is a matter of equality for women in Wales that requires your attention and that of the government. In response, Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan acknowledged the issue had not previously been raised and committed to further discussions with ministers: I havent heard that particular aspect referred to before and, therefore, I will have discussions with the Minister here before seeing if we need further discussion, just so that they are aware of that particular aspect on the inheritance tax. Last week, the NFU demanded changes to Labour's inheritance tax rules in order to protect elderly farmers facing financial hardship. The union warned that elderly farmers across the nation were "stuck in an abhorrent position" as many "feel like a burden on their families". Meanwhile, tax and farming experts recently proposed an alternative clawback approach to the government, but Number 10 declined to consider it. A 15-year-old has been referred to a fire safety intervention course after admitting to starting a blaze next to a haystack on a farm in north Essex. The fire was extinguished before it could take hold, avoiding major damagebut officers have warned of the potentially devastating consequences. The incident, which occurred on 3 May in the Braintree district, came amid an extremely dry spring for many farmers across the country. PC Luke Jones, of Essex Polices Rural Engagement Team, who led the investigation, said: The teenager admitted lighting the hay but said they didnt intend to start a big fire. The flames were put out before they could properly take hold, but arson can have devastating and heart-breaking consequences for farmers, with livestock injured or killed and buildings and machinery destroyed. Hay is highly combustible and even a small fire can spread very quickly into the surrounding countryside and become a wildfire, which would be catastrophic for the environment and local communities." As part of a community resolution agreed between the farmer and the police, the teenager issued a formal apology and will now attend the Essex County Fire and Rescue Services Fire Safety Intervention Scheme. The course, a form of restorative justice, is designed to help young people who have demonstrated fire-setting behaviour understand the consequences of their actions and deter further incidents. PC Jones said the approach aimed to educate rather than criminalise: The farmer wanted the teenager to face up to what they had done and to learn what the effects of their actions could have been. "So rather than go down the court route, we arranged for a community resolution instead. This brings home to the teenager the enormity of their actions while avoiding giving them a criminal record at a young age. The cost of on-farm fires surged by 37% to over 110 million in 2023, and blazes were larger in scale than usual, according to the latest available figures. However, there was a 15% fall in the number of fire claims involving growing crops, buildings and farm equipment reported to NFU Mutual in that year. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) have jointly urged Bangladeshs interim government to take immediate and concrete steps to improve labour rights in the countrys garment, footwear, and travel goods sectors. The AAFA and FLA have urged Bangladesh's interim government to take immediate action on labour rights, including releasing arrested workers from the Fall 2023 protests and reforming the minimum wage review process. They also called for labour law revisions to meet international standards, stressing that such steps are crucial for worker welfare, export growth, and progress in US tariff negotiations. In a letter addressed to Dr Muhammad Yunus, the organisations called for the release of workers and labour leaders arrested during the Fall 2023 wage protests and the withdrawal of associated charges. Despite prior engagements, including delegations to Bangladesh in late 2024 and early 2025, the AAFA and FLA expressed concern in the letter over the lack of progress on key issues. These include establishing an annual, transparent minimum wage review mechanism for the garment, footwear, and travel goods industries, with participation from all stakeholders, and revising the Bangladesh Labour Act to align with international standards. Reforms sought include easing trade union registration, increasing penalties for unfair labour practices, and extending full rights to workers in Export Processing Zones (EPZs). The associations emphasised that resolving these matters is essential not only for the well-being of workers but also for the sustained growth of Bangladeshs export industries. They also linked progress on labour rights to the ongoing negotiations with the US over proposed tariffs. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU) Reciprocal US tariffs have started affecting a bit production chains in Cambodia, but they are yet to turn a disaster to worry about, according to Kaing Monika, deputy secretary general of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC). There is definitely a panic, especially among the exporters here, as about 40 per cent of the Kingdoms exports go to the US, Monika said addressing a forum on Cambodias economy in the context of US reciprocal tariffs at the Cambodia-Korea Cooperation Centre in Phnom Penh recently. Reciprocal US tariffs have started affecting a bit production chains in Cambodia, but they are yet to turn a disaster to worry about, says Kaing Monika, deputy secretary general of trade body TAFTAC. The Commerce Ministry feels diversification of export markets is the long-term solution and Cambodian goods have sufficient added value, even if the raw materials are sourced from other countries. Cambodian businesses are hopeful as the second round of negotiations between the two sides over reciprocal tariffs is set to start, he was cited as saying by a domestic media outlet. Penn Sovicheat, secretary of state and spokesman of the Commerce Ministry, said diversification of export markets remains the long-term solution. Regarding the origin of goods, Sovicheat said goods produced in Cambodia have sufficient added value to be considered Cambodian products, even if the raw materials are sourced from other countries. The principle of sufficient value-added is applied by the European Union and the United Kingdom to Cambodian goods and falls under the ASEAN cumulation principle, which considers goods as domestic if they use raw materials from countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and are fully produced with local labour, he added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 26, 2025) - Enduro Metals Corporation (TSXV: ENDR) (OTCQB: ENDMF) (FSE: SOG0) ("Enduro") and Commander Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CMD) ("Commander" and together with Enduro, the "Parties") are pleased to announce that on May 26, 2025 the Supreme Court of British Columbia issued its Final Order approving the previously announced plan of arrangement between the Parties (the "Arrangement"). Closing of the Arrangement remains subject to satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including receipt of final stock exchange approvals and the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the arrangement agreement. Subject to the satisfaction of these closing conditions, the parties currently expect to complete the Arrangement on or about May 31, 2025. Further details regarding the Arrangement, including the principal closing conditions and the anticipated benefits for shareholders, can be found in Commander's management information circular dated April 9, 2025 in respect of the Meeting, a copy of which can be found under Commander's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. About Enduro Metals Enduro Metals is an exploration company focused on its Newmont Lake Project; a total 688km2 property located between Eskay Creek, Snip, and Galore Creek within the heart of British Columbia's Golden Triangle. Building on prior results, Enduro's geological team has outlined multiple deposit environments of interest across the Newmont Lake Project including high-grade epithermal/skarn gold along the McLymont Fault, copper-gold alkalic porphyry mineralization at Burgundy, newly discovered copper-gold porphyry mineralization at North Toe, and a large 10km x 4km geochemical anomaly hosting various gold, silver, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, and lead mineralization along the newly discovered Chachi Corridor. About Commander Resources Commander is a Canadian focused exploration company that has leveraged its success in exploration through a combination of partnerships and sole funded exploration. Commander has a portfolio of base and precious metal projects across Canada including its flagship Burn Project, a newly discovered porphyry copper-gold project in the Babine copper belt of central British Columbia and its October Dome copper and gold porphyry target in central British Columbia and our Sabin VMS project in Ontario. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Commander Resources Ltd. "Robert Cameron" President and Chief Executive Officer On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Enduro Metals Corporation "Cole Evans" Chief Executive Officer For further information please contact: www.commanderresources.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Enduro's and Commander's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements concerning the parties' expectation that they will complete the Arrangement and the timing thereof, and all other statements that are not historical in nature. Although Enduro and Commander believe the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, forward-looking statements by their nature involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF ENDURO AND COMMANDER AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE ENDURO AND COMMANDER MAY ELECT TO, NEITHER OF THEM UNDERTAKES TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253444 SOURCE: Commander Resources Ltd. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 26, 2025) - Argyle Resources Corp. (CSE: ARGL) (OTCQB: ARLYF) (FSE: ME0) ("Argyle" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete an offering of up to 2,000,000 units of the Company ("Units") at a price of C$0.50 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds up to C$1,000,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the authorized share structure of the Company (a "Share") plus one-half of one Share purchase warrant (each whole such warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Share at an exercise price of C$0.55 for 24 months following the completion of the Offering. The Units to be issued under the Offering will be offered to purchasers pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption ("LIFE Exemption") under Part 5A.2 of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions, in all the provinces of Canada, except Quebec. The Units offered under the LIFE Exemption will not be subject to resale restrictions pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document ("Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.argyleresourcescorp.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general working capital purposes and as otherwise described in the Offering Document. The Offering is scheduled to close on or about June 6th, 2025, and is subject to certain conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Closing of the Offering is also subject to the condition that the Company raise a minimum of $750,000 through the Offering. The securities to be offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Argyle Resources Corp. Argyle Resources Corp. is a junior mineral exploration company engaged in the business of acquiring, exploring, staking and evaluating natural resource properties in North America. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Pilgrim Islands, Matapedia, Lac Comporte and Saint Gabriel quartzite silica projects in Quebec, Canada. The Company also has an option to acquire 100% of the following properties: the Clay Howell Rare Earths Project in northern Ontario, Canada and the Frenchvale Graphite Property located in Nova Scotia, Canada. Argyle is engaged in a research partnership with the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS), a high-level research and training institute funded by the Quebec government to conduct exploration programs on the Company's silica projects. The Company was incorporated in 2023 and its head office is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Forward-Looking Statements This 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", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release such as statements regarding the acquisition of the Project and receipt of regulatory approval are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are not limited to the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Factors that could cause actual results to vary from forward-looking statements or may affect the operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business include, among other things, that the Offering may not be completed as contemplated, or a all; that any proceeds raised from the Offering may not be utilized as currently intended; that mineral exploration is inherently uncertain and may be unsuccessful in achieving the desired results; that mineral exploration plans may change and be re-defined based on a number of factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control; the Company's ability to access sources of debt and equity capital; competitive factors, pricing pressures and supply and demand in the Company's industry. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253447 SOURCE: Argyle Resources Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 26, 2025) - Maritime Resources Corp. (TSXV: MAE) ("Maritime" or the "Company") announces it proposes to consolidate the Company's issued and outstanding common shares (the "Common Shares") on the basis of one (1) new Common Share for every ten (10) existing Common Shares (the "Consolidation"). Each shareholder's percentage ownership in the Company and proportionate voting power will remain unchanged after the Consolidation, except for minor changes and adjustments resulting from the treatment of any fractional Common Shares. Management believes the Consolidation will help facilitate ongoing organic growth while providing the Company with increased flexibility for future corporate initiatives. This proposed Consolidation aims to attract new shareholders and improve the marketability of the Common Shares as a compelling investment opportunity. As a result of the Consolidation, the 1,119,460,072 Common Shares issued and outstanding prior to the Consolidation will be reduced to approximately 111,946,007 Common Shares. The exercise price of the Company's existing incentive stock options under the Company's omnibus equity incentive plan, the number of Common Shares issuable thereunder, and the exercise price and number of Common Shares issuable under certain outstanding warrants will be adjusted in accordance with the Consolidation. The Consolidation was approved by shareholders at the Company's Annual General and Special Meeting held on August 8, 2024, but remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX.V"). The effective date of the Consolidation will be on June 16, 2025. The Company will not be changing its name in conjunction with the Consolidation. About Maritime Resources Corp. Maritime (TSXV: MAE) (OTC Pink: MRTMF) is a gold exploration and development company focused on advancing the Hammerdown Gold Project in the Baie Verte District of Newfoundland and Labrador, a top tier global mining jurisdiction. Maritime holds a 100% interest directly and subject to option agreements entitling it to earn 100% ownership in the Green Bay Property which includes the former Hammerdown gold mine and the Orion gold project. Maritime controls over 439 km2 of exploration land including the Green Bay, Whisker Valley, Gull Ridge and Point Rousse projects. Mineral processing assets owned by Maritime in the Baie Verte mining district include the Pine Cove mill and the Nugget Pond gold circuit. On Behalf of the Board: Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations of the Canadian Securities Administrators. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may also be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "could" or "would". While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. 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 forward-looking statements in this news release include without limitation, statements with respect to the Consolidation, including obtaining all required approvals, among others. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, and is based on the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX.V 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 release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253448 SOURCE: Maritime Resources Corp. Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, has emphatically stated that lithium is "the new oil" and is the most critical component in electric vehicles. He has stressed that lithium supply and refining are the front line of all EV production, noting that it remains one of the biggest bottlenecks in scaling the clean energy transition. Elektros Inc.'s groundbreaking discovery aligns perfectly with Musk's vision of securing reliable, ethically sourced lithium to meet the surging global demand. A Historic Opportunity for Billionaires, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries to Power the Future with Rare-Earth 'White Gold' SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 26, 2025 / Elektros Inc. (OTC PINK:ELEK), a distinguished pioneer in the rare-earth sector, proudly announces groundbreaking progress in its Sierra Leone lithium expedition, positioning the company at the forefront of the global energy transition. A Strategic Leap in Lithium Exploration In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainable energy solutions, Elektros Inc. has achieved significant milestones in its Sierra Leone operations. The company's latest geological surveys reveal lithium concentrations surpassing initial projections, indicating the potential for one of the most substantial lithium deposits in West Africa. Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, has long emphasized the critical role of lithium in the future of transportation. High-grade lithium, particularly from secure and ethical sources, is not just a preference for Musk-it is a necessity. As the backbone of electric vehicle batteries, lithium determines the efficiency, range, and sustainability of EVs. Musk has repeatedly highlighted the importance of lithium supply chains in public statements, stating that lithium refining and sourcing are among the biggest constraints to Tesla's growth. The discovery of high-grade lithium in Sierra Leone by Elektros Inc. could align with Musk's strategic vision for securing dependable lithium resources, further accelerating the global adoption of clean energy vehicles. "Our findings in Sierra Leone are not just promising-they're transformative," stated Shlomo Bleier, CEO of Elektros Inc. "This expedition propels us into a new era of energy innovation, aligning with global demands for clean and efficient power sources." Capitalizing on Global Energy Trends The urgency for lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage, has never been more pronounced. With major automakers like Tesla and BMW intensifying their search for reliable lithium sources, Elektros Inc.'s advancements come at a pivotal moment. Industry analysts highlight the strategic importance of West African lithium reserves in diversifying the global supply chain, reducing dependency on traditional markets, and fostering economic growth in emerging regions. Investor-Centric Growth and Market Potential Elektros Inc.'s streamlined share structure and proactive exploration strategies have caught the attention of investors seeking opportunities in the booming EV and renewable energy sectors. The company's recent developments are anticipated to catalyze increased trading activity and shareholder value. "Elektros Inc. is not just exploring lithium; we're unlocking the future of energy," remarked CEO Shlomo Bleier. "Our Sierra Leone project exemplifies our dedication to innovation and shareholder prosperity." Lithium, often called the "white gold" of the energy sector, is one of the most coveted and strategically essential commodities in the global economy today. It is the critical element powering every electric vehicle (EV) on the market-from Tesla and Mercedes-Benz to BMW and Lexus. Its high energy density, lightweight nature, and rechargeable capabilities make it indispensable for lithium-ion batteries, which are the heartbeat of the EV industry. According to Benzinga, "Thanks to global green initiatives and the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), lithium stocks could be a good place to invest if you're looking for growth and capital appreciation." Benzinga further notes that lithium demand is projected to rise with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% through 2026, fueled by the shift to electric transportation and renewable energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts lithium demand could surge up to 42 times by 2040, driven by unprecedented demand for clean technologies. But with supply bottlenecks and limited global extraction sites, companies with early-stage discoveries like Elektros Inc. are positioned for long-term impact and success. Benzinga highlights several lithium-related stocks as high-growth investments, and Elektros Inc.'s recent breakthrough in Sierra Leone places it firmly on the radar of institutional and retail investors alike. The company's ability to deliver high-grade, ethically sourced lithium aligns with both market needs and environmental priorities. With the world at a tipping point between fossil fuel dependency and clean energy dominance, lithium remains not just a commodity, but a global catalyst for innovation and transformation. According to Reuters, "Lithium is the irreplaceable element powering the electric vehicle boom and the clean energy revolution. Its strategic importance has made it one of the most sought-after minerals in the world, drawing major investment and global competition." Lithium: The 'White Gold' Powering the EV Revolution The Billion-Dollar Opportunity Starts Small While Elektros Inc. may be a small-cap company today, it stands on the brink of transformation. Just as industry giants like Albemarle, SQM, and Lithium Americas began with early-stage projects and visionary leadership, Elektros is poised to evolve into a dominant force in the rare-earth mineral space. This is not just a press release-it's a call to visionaries, to those who understand that timing is everything. With groundbreaking lithium discoveries in Sierra Leone, a streamlined share structure, and a firm commitment to ethical sourcing, Elektros represents a rare chance to get involved at the ground level of what could become one of the great lithium success stories. As the global race for lithium intensifies, Elektros is ready to scale-strategically, sustainably, and with investor value at the core of its mission. The future belongs to those who see it early. This is your moment. Global Lithium Leaders Paving the Way As Elektros Inc. advances its lithium discovery in Sierra Leone, it follows in the path of some of the most successful lithium companies in the world. These five industry leaders represent the immense potential of the sector-and Elektros aims to join their ranks as it scales operations and builds investor value: 1. Albemarle Corporation (ALB) - A global leader in lithium production, Albemarle operates extraction and processing facilities around the world, supplying lithium hydroxide and carbonate for electric vehicles and energy storage. 2. Piedmont Lithium Inc. (PLL) - A key player focused on developing lithium projects in the U.S., Piedmont aims to supply domestic battery manufacturers with high-quality lithium hydroxide from its integrated operations. 3. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM) - Extracting lithium from rich brine sources in Chile's Atacama Desert, SQM is one of the largest lithium producers globally, serving the growing demand from EV and tech sectors. 4. Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) - With major projects in Nevada and Argentina, Lithium Americas is developing large-scale lithium resources to support the clean energy transition and EV market growth. 5. Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd. (GNEN.F) - A vertically integrated lithium powerhouse, Ganfeng sources, refines, and supplies lithium materials to the world's top EV and battery companies across multiple continents. While Elektros Inc. is still in the early stages, our strategic discovery in Sierra Leone and commitment to clean energy innovation position us to grow and evolve into a global lithium force just like these established leaders. This is the inflection point-now is the time to get involved and grow with us. About Elektros Inc. Elektros Inc. (OTC PINK:ELEK) is a forward-thinking company specializing in the exploration and development of rare-earth elements essential for modern energy solutions. With a focus on sustainability and technological advancement, Elektros Inc. is committed to driving the global shift towards renewable energy. Cautionary Language Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Elektros Inc.'s future operations and potential developments. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Elektros Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Lithium, often referred to as the 'white gold' of the energy sector, is a rare-earth mineral that plays an indispensable role in the advancement of clean technology. Its critical use in electric vehicle (EV) batteries positions lithium as a cornerstone of the global transition to renewable energy. Every major automaker - from Tesla and Mercedes-Benz to BMW and Lexus - relies on lithium to power the next generation of vehicles. As the world pivots away from fossil fuels, the demand for lithium is skyrocketing, making it one of the most strategically valuable resources of our time. Elektros Inc.'s discovery in Sierra Leone could prove to be a game-changer in securing a sustainable and powerful energy future. According to Benzinga, "Lithium is the lifeblood of the electric vehicle industry. Every EV-from Tesla to BMW-relies on this rare-earth element to power its battery technology. As global demand accelerates, lithium is becoming not just a valuable commodity, but an irreplaceable strategic resource for the clean energy future." According to Reuters, "Lithium is the irreplaceable element powering the electric vehicle boom and the clean energy revolution. Its strategic importance has made it one of the most sought-after minerals in the world, drawing major investment and global competition." Contact Information: Email: elektrosinc@gmail.com Website: www.elektrosinc.com Facebook: facebook.com/elektrosinc SOURCE: Elektros, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/automotive/elektros-inc.-ignites-billionaire-interest-with-breakthrough-lithium-discovery-in-sierra-1032073 Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution, or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 26, 2025 / Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (TSXV:AEMC)(OTCQB:AKEMF) ("AEMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed a flow-through financing of units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.115 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $500,020 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consisted of one common share of the Company that qualifies as a "flow-through share" for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (an "FT Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole, a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant is exercisable to purchase for one common share of the Company to be issued on a non-flow-through basis (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.16 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months after the closing date of the Offering. Upon the conditional acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), the Company closed the Offering and issued an aggregate 4,348,000 FT Shares and 2,174,000 Warrants underlying the Units sold in the Offering. The Company paid a cash fee of $35,001.40 and issued 304,360 non-transferable share purchase warrants (the "Finder Warrants") to arm's length finder, 3L Capital Inc., (the "Finder"), representing 7% of the gross proceeds and 7% of the Units arranged by the Finder under the Offering. Each Finder Warrant is exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company (the "Finder Share") at $0.115 per Finder Share for a period of 24 months after the closing of the Offering. The securities issued and issuable under the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day following the closing date of the Offering. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" as such term is defined under subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and "BC flow-through mining expenditures" as defined in subsection 4.721(1) of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia). Proceeds of the financing will be deployed for exploration work at the Company's Angliers - Belleterre project in Quebec, with particular attention to the Rapids / McBride and Vaseux prospects. Planned work includes, geological mapping, prospecting and sampling, ground-based geophysical surveys and/or exploration drilling. The Rapids / McBride prospect shows possible signs of Kambalda-style nickel-copper mineralization but also has features indicative of a volcanogenic massive sulfide environment. The Vaseux prospect shows indications of mineralization potentially similar to the Midrim nickel prospect which occurs on third-party claims to the east. Qualified Person Gregory Beischer, the Company's President and CEO, is the qualified person, as defined under NI 43-101 having reviewed and approved of the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. For additional information, visit: https://alaskaenergymetals.com/ About Alaska Energy Metals Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (AEMC) is an Alaska-based corporation with offices in Anchorage and Vancouver working to sustainably deliver the critical materials needed for national security and a bright energy future, while generating superior returns for shareholders. AEMC is focused on delineating and developing the large-scale, bulk tonnage, polymetallic Nikolai Project Eureka deposit containing nickel, copper, cobalt, chromium, iron, platinum, palladium, and gold. Located in Interior Alaska near existing transportation and power infrastructure, its flagship project, Nikolai, is well-situated to become a significant domestic source of strategic metals for North America. AEMC also holds a secondary project in western Quebec; the Angliers - Belleterre project. Today, material sourcing demands excellence in environmental performance, technological innovation, carbon mitigation and the responsible management of human and financial capital. AEMC works every day to earn and maintain the respect and confidence of the public and believes that ESG performance is measured by action and led from the top. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Gregory Beischer" Gregory Beischer, President & CEO FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Gregory A. Beischer, President & CEO Toll-Free: 877-217-8978 | Local: 604-609-7149 Forward-Looking Statements Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation), including, without limitation, the statements as to the use of proceeds, to perform exploration surveys and to drill exploratory holes at the the Rapids / McBride and Vaseux prospects. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions, or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If the Company updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, in the United States or to any "U.S Person" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act")) of any equity or other securities of the Company. The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the 1933 Act or under any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person absent registration under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws or an applicable exemption therefrom. 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. SOURCE: Alaska Energy Metals Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/alaska-energy-metals-announces-closing-of-flow-through-unit-financing-with-a-sing-1032071 - Challenging Limits: A Material that Achieves the Balance of Two Contradictory Properties - NIPPON KINZOKU CO., LTD. (TOKYO: 5491) (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) is proud to introduce "NK-301ZF", spring-use stainless steel that achieves both excellent processability and high strength within the chemical composition range of SUS301 (JIS), as part of its environmentally conscious "Eco-Product" series. This material has been widely adopted in various industries, including the automotive, electronic components, and semiconductors sectors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250526260185/en/ NK-301ZF combines high strength with high ductility, enabling both weight reduction of parts and simplification of manufacturing processes. These characteristics have led to its adoption in a wide range of applications, including smartphone components, diaphragm, and flat spiral spring. NK-301ZF combines high strength with high ductility, enabling both weight reduction of parts and simplification of manufacturing processes. This contributes to improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact throughout the customer's entire manufacturing process. Additionally, its enhanced design flexibility allows for optimization of shapes and specifications, leading to improved processing efficiency and yield. These characteristics have led to its adoption in a wide range of applications. At our company, NK-301ZF is designated as an "Eco-Product" based on these considerations. We are committed to sustainable manufacturing through the promotion of environmentally friendly materials, with the goal of achieving Net Zero CO2 emissions by 2050. This product was developed in accordance with NIPPON KINZOKU's 11th business plan, "NIPPON KINZOKU 2030", which is focused on the key concept of "Near Net Performance" -achieving the performance required by end products through material design. Our objective is to further expand its sales in the automotive, electronic components, semiconductors, and related markets. Features 1. Chemical Composition The chemical composition is adjusted to meet the JIS standard range. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/assets/images/2025/05/Chemical-Composition.pdf 2. Mechanical Property Compared to conventional SUS301, NK-301ZF has greater elongation, helping to prevent cracking during forming. It is also a high-strength material that can achieve a hardness level of HV580 or higher. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/assets/images/2025/05/Mechanical-Properties.pdf At equivalent strength levels, it offers higher elongation and superior ductility to conventional SUS301. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/assets/images/2025/05/Relationship-Between-Hardness-and-Elongation.pdf 3. Fatigue Resistance, Processability We controlled the inclusions in the steel, which significantly reduced the amount of macroscopic nonmetallic inclusions. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/assets/images/2025/05/Image-of-Inclusions.pdf Consequently, we anticipate improved fatigue resistance. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/assets/images/2025/05/MIT-test-results.pdf Click here for the full text. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/assets/images/2025/05/Introducing-NK-301ZF-A-Breakthrough-Material-Combining-High-Strength-and-High-Ductility.pdf About NIPPON KINZOKU Group Our products have been used in a range of areas from the precision field to the construction industry. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/en/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250526260185/en/ Contacts: Production Process Support Dept. NIPPON KINZOKU CO., LTD. Email: sisaku-sc@nipponkinzoku.co.jp https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/en/inquiry Leading Asian AV and Broadcast systems integrator Ideal Systems announced today that it has acquired Singapore based Pro-Audio specialist Control Logic Systems (CLS). SINGAPORE, SG / ACCESS Newswire / May 26, 2025 / In a deal announced on the opening day of Broadcast Asia 2025, David Seow, Managing Director at Control Logic Systems said, "We are delighted to become part of Ideal Systems growing AV business in Southeast Asia, and think our premium speaker bands including Fohhn Audio, Amate Audio, Revolution Acoustics, Bogen and Public Adress Systems from LDA Audio Tech and Amperes Electronics, will fit perfectly into the premium Pro-AV market space where Ideal Systems operate. We bring with us, over 30 years of enterprise Pro-Audio experience with large scale deployment projects like networked public address system design and installation for Singapore Changi Airport Terminal-3, and to Singapore rail system (MRT) as well as Churches, Auditoriums, Hospitality and Retail markets. We will work with Ideal's SEA team to boost the enterprise audio systems capability of Ideal's rapidly growing Pro-AV business." Ideal Systems Acquires CLS Fintan Mc Kiernan, CEO Ideal Systems and David Seow, MD CLS The deal will see CLS staff, and its existing stock, including a wide array of demonstration equipment being relocated from CLS and installed into Ideal's offices, which will ensure that Ideal Systems have full audio demonstration capabilities for cutting edge audio products like beam steering speakers permanently available for its customers. Fintan Mc Kiernan, CEO of Ideal Systems in Singapore stated "The timing is great for us, as our AV business is continuing to grow, to be able to bring in such experienced audio experts like CLS is a major boost for our AV team. With a new lineup of premium audio products and the injection of CLS technical knowledge and market experience, we are set to accelerate our growth in the market while also increasing our quality of service to our customers. David is an Elected member of Institute of Sound, Communications & Visual Engineers (UK), and has an amazing technical skillset in audio, which will not only compliment our business but will be a great support asset for our expanding teams in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. We have successfully worked with CLS on previous cutting-edge sound system hospitality projects where we deployed Fohhn Beam Steering Active Line Array Speakers for The Iconic Marjorie Hotel in Penang, The Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa in Langkawi and The Hilton Hotel in Petaling Jaya. During these projects we have developed a tight partnership with CLS and over the past few years it became the logical next step to bring their audio specialization into our AV portfolio for Southeast Asia" SOURCE: Ideal Systems (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/ideal-systems-acquires-control-logic-systems-in-singapore-1031818 The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative drives sustainability and smallholder engagement JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new partnership is set to advance palm oil production in Indonesia to make it more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiativebrings together global integrated palm oil group Musim Mas, sweet-packaged food company Ferrero, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Preferred by Nature, Agriterra, and the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN). Funded by the Danish government's Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP) programme, this initiative aims to enhance independent smallholder livelihoods, protect the environment, and promote sustainable palm oil production in line with global sustainability standards and regulatory frameworks, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative This five-year project focuses on implementing scalable solutions for sustainable palm oil production. Its aim is to support 5,400 independent smallholders in adopting regenerative agricultural practices that improve farming conditions, reduce synthetic inputs, and strengthen climate resilience. The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative will also strengthen two farmer organisations and help 2,500 farmers achieve certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standards. Additionally, it aims to create diversified income opportunities for 2,000 community members-60 percent of whom will be women-while implementing measures to safeguard biodiversity and mitigate deforestation risks. A key element of the initiative is establishing a multi-stakeholder jurisdictional alliance to promote ecosystem restoration and ensure alignment with sustainability standards. Preferred by Nature, an international NGO headquartered in Denmark with extensive experience in sustainable agriculture and forestry projects, will lead project coordination, capacity building, and training in sustainable practices. Dutch agri-agency Stichting Agriterra will focus on strengthening farmer organisations, enabling financial sustainability, and fostering cooperative business models, while international NGO SAN will provide expertise in regenerative agriculture and deliver on-ground support through its Indonesian partners Kaleka and Setara Jambi. Both Musim Mas and Ferrero have a shared interest in securing a sustainable and traceable palm oil supply chain that complies with regulatory standards and meets voluntary commitments. Addressing Systemic Challenges in Palm Oil Supply Chains This project aligns the shared objectives of Ferrero and Musim Mas with development goals by addressing systemic challenges within independent smallholder supply chains. These challenges include low productivity, varying levels of familiarity with sustainable farming practices, and environmental degradation, such as declining soil health. Independent smallholders, who manage over 40 percent of Indonesia's planted palm oil, often encounter barriers to meeting RSPO and ISPO standards, including resource constraints, uneven access to knowledge, and land tenure issues. This initiative seeks to tackle these barriers by equipping farmers with the necessary tools and training to adopt sustainable practices, achieve certifications, and improve market access. At the landscape level, the project fosters a multi-stakeholder alliance involving corporate, governmental, and civil society actors to strengthen ecosystem protection. These efforts safeguard biodiversity and support alignment with global sustainability standards like the EUDR. A Model for Sustainable Palm Oil Production By combining private sector commitments with nonprofit expertise, the Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable palm oil production and creates a win-win scenario for all stakeholders. Farmers can benefit from increased productivity, improved market access, and diversified incomes. Meanwhile, partners like Ferrero and Musim Mas can secure a reliable, sustainable, and traceable palm oil supply chain. This project also generates long-term economic benefits for rural communities, contributes to global climate goals, and positions the Rokan Hulu region as a leading example of sustainable palm oil production. This transformative initiative sets the stage for a more sustainable and inclusive palm oil industry. By addressing systemic challenges and fostering collaboration, the project paves the way for a resilient and environmentally responsible supply chain that benefits all stakeholders. Mr Olivier Tichit, Director of Communications and Sustainability at Musim Mas, said: "Empowering smallholders through training and support is key to building a resilient and sustainable palm oil supply chain. Musim Mas takes a landscape-based approach to sustainability. Across the Smallholder Hubs we operate, we work with governments, suppliers, smallholders, NGOs, and other players in the landscape to achieve sustainability transformation. This project will enable us to contribute in a new dimension with our new partners." Mr Nicola Somenzi, Head of Responsible Sourcing at Ferrero, said: "We aim to create a thriving supply chain which benefits farmers' livelihoods and communities, protecting people and nature. Beyond sourcing RSPO segregated palm oil for our products, our active participation in initiatives like this strengthens the foundation for a resilient and environmentally responsible supply chain that creates long-term value for all." Mr Jakob Ryding, Senior Director of Projects at Preferred by Nature, said: "At Preferred by Nature, we believe that sustainable palm oil production is only possible when smallholders are equipped with the right knowledge, resources and market access. This project demonstrates how collaboration between businesses and NGOs can address systemic challenges, empower farmers, and protect vital ecosystems. We are delighted to be part of this initiative." Mr Jose Joaquin Campos, Executive Director at SAN, said: "By integrating regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions, this initiative demonstrates how sustainable farming can simultaneously revive ecosystems and enhance farmer livelihoods." Mr Marco Schouten, CEO of Stichting Agriterra, said: "Strengthening farmer organisations is at the heart of what we do. This project provides the tools needed to empower farmer organisations and their members, enabling them to cooperate to achieve financial sustainability and seize new market opportunities." Devane Sharma Musim Mas Corporate Communications media@musimmas.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2695749/Musim_Mas_Ferrero_Sustainable_Palm_Oil.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/danish-government-in-collaboration-with-preferred-by-nature-ferrero-san-agriterra-and-musim-mas-for-sustainable-palm-oil-production-in-indonesia-302464990.html CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / May 26, 2025 / Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp (CSE:WOGC) ("WOGC") wishes to announce that this week (effective May 16, 2025), it has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement ("SPA") with Terra Metals Inc (a Delaware corporation)("TMI-Del"), Terra Metals Limited (a Zambian corporation)("TMI-Zambia")(subsidiary of TMI-Del), Lunda Resources Limited (a Zambian corporation)("Lunda") (formerly known as Zamsort Limited)(a subsidiary of TMI-Zambia), Central African Renewable Energy Corporation Limited ("CARE")(a Zambian corporation)(a subsidiary of TMI-Zambia), Mumena Mushinge ("TMI Vendor") and Brian Chisala ("TMI Vendor")(TMI-Del, TMI-Zambia, Lunda, CARE and the TMI Vendor(s) are collectively referred to as the "TMI-Del Parties"). WOGC will acquire all of the shares of TMI-Del from the TMI Vendors. The transaction shall be a reverse takeover ("WOGC RTO"). Prior to closing WOGC will: (a) issue a share dividend of approximately 520,000 WOGC common shares to WOGC registered and NOBO shareholders who hold less than 4,000 shares; (b) consolidate its common shares on a four for one basis; (c) effect a name change; and (d) complete a spinout of Fox Creek Energy Ltd. ("FCE") by plan of arrangement. As consideration for the shares of TMI-Del, WOGC will issue up to 42,160,000 post-consolidated shares at a deemed price of $0.50 per share ($21,080,000 Cdn). The purchase price was to include 100% of the shares of TMI-Del (which would own 100% of TMI-Zambia, Lunda and CARE at the time of closing)(subject to dilution by virtue of a joint venture agreement which entitles a third party (Metalex Commodities Inc.) to acquire up to 67% of Lunda and CARE by investing up to $102,000,000 US in a joint venture). The assets of Lunda consist of: (a) Zambia Small Scale Mining Licence No. 8248-HQ-SML; and (b) Zambia Small Scale Mining Licence No. 34040-HQ-SML ("Kalaba Copper Mine"). The assets of CARE at the closing of the RTO will be Zambia Large Scale Exploration Licence No. 27037-HQ-LEL "CARE Mineral Claim"). Zambia Large Scale Exploration Licence No. 31190-HQ-LEL will be transferred by CARE to Lunda pre closing. The 200MW Solar Power Project Feasibility Rights in Kawambwa District, Zambia's Northern Province will be sold by CARE pre closing to a non arms length party. The purchase shall not include the shares of two subsidiaries of TMI-Zambia, Cupriferous Resources Limited (Zambia) and Alliance Limited (Zambia), which will be sold pre closing. The purchase price payable by WOGC to the Vendors for the TMI-Del securities shall be $21,080,000 CDN (15,500,000 USD) (the "Purchase Price") and shall be satisfied as follows: (a) $6,919,300 by issuance of 13,838,600 post 4:1 consolidation WOGC Shares at $0.50 per WOGC Share; and (b) $14,160,700 by the reservation and possible future issuance of 28,321,400 post 4:1 consolidation WOGC Shares (1 share issued for every $0.20 CDN gross revenue or equity or loan capital loan (provided proceeds used to advance the Kalaba Copper Mine or CARE Mineral Claim or other resulting issuer property) invested in TMI-Del or any subsidiary of TMI-Del (including the Lunda - Kalaba Copper Mine or CARE Mineral Claim) post January 1, 2025) (the "Performance Shares"). The SPA is subject to conditions including: (a) due diligence by May 31, 2025; (b) CSE listing approval; (c) CSE listing application filed by June 15, 2025; (d) completion of all proposed transactions by September 15, 2025; and (e) completion of the Plan of Arrangement dated January 1, 2023 with FCE and Odaat Oil Corp ("Odaat"), whereby WOGC shall dividend the shares of FCE to the shareholders of WOGC (spinout of FCE) leaving WOGC with no assets and no liabilities. The shareholders of WOGC approved the transaction at the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders on December 12, 2024. For further information, please contact: Gregory J. Leia, President and CEO Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp. Suite 203 - 221 - 10th Avenue SE Calgary Alberta T2G 0V9 T: (403) 870 0091 Email: gleia@wolffleia.ca The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. SOURCE: Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/wogc-and-tmi-delaware-agree-definitive-share-purchase-agreement-1032086 Tokyo, London, and Paris, May 27, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - JCB and PayXpert, a pioneering omnichannel payment services provider based in Europe and in the UK, today announced a strategic partnership to enhance JCB's card acceptance across European[1] and UK markets. The collaboration promises a smoother payment experience for both merchants in the regions and international JCB Cardmembers.Through this collaboration, JCB's 169 million cardmembers will enjoy greater convenience and accessibility across a wide range of businesses throughout Europe and in the UK. PayXpert's varied merchant network is covering diverse sectors such as retail, hospitality, tourism, and transport. This partnership ensures broader JCB Card acceptance, making it easier than ever for JCB Cardmembers to use their preferred payment method while traveling and spending in Europe and in the UK.By joining JCB's merchant community of 56 million worldwide, PayXpert is ideally positioned to facilitate JCB Card acceptance in Europe and in the UK and support the growth of its merchant partners. This partnership will also enable PayXpert's merchants to tap into the growing number of JCB Cardmembers, mainly from Asia, who frequently travel and shop across Europe. This way, merchants will be able to cater for the needs of international travellers and offer a more seamless and tailored in-store payment experience, encouraging repeat business and fostering loyalty. The collaboration will also facilitate cross-border payments, further enhancing convenience for both merchants and cardmembers. Moreover, JCB Card acceptance on POS terminals is enabled at no additional setup cost, empowering merchants to tap into new revenue opportunities effortlessly."We are delighted to announce our new collaboration with PayXpert to further expand JCB's presence in the European and UK market," said Ray Shinzawa, Managing Director, JCB International (Europe) Ltd. "This partnership aligns with our goals of providing JCB Cardmembers with a fast and secure payment experience, whenever they need it. By leveraging PayXpert's extensive network and expertise, we will further increase our JCB Card acceptance, providing unparalleled convenience for our cardmembers travelling throughout Europe."Nicolas Riegert, Co-founder & CEO, PayXpert added, "We are thrilled to welcome JCB to our network and offer our merchants access to a wider customer base. This partnership showcases our commitment to providing seamless and flexible payment solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. Inclusivity is at the core of PayXpert's DNA, and by accepting international payment methods like JCB, we enable more global shoppers to enjoy a payment experience tailored to their preferences and habits. By welcoming JCB Cardmembers, our merchants can attract new customers, increase sales, and enhance their overall customer experience."About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 56 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 169 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/About PayXpertPayXpert[2] is a pioneer in omnichannel payments, subsidiary of Societe Generale group. We support local and international brands across various industries, providing services both online and in-store. We have developed services focused on revenue optimisation, performance enhancement, fraud prevention, as well as cross-border payments such as Discover or JCB, and alternative methods like Alipay+ and WeChat Pay. Our solutions also integrate inclusive features for the visually impaired. Our vision is to create a payment ecosystem that facilitates an inclusive commerce experience. www.payxpert.comMEDIA CONTACTS:JCB International (Europe) Ltd.Diana Lee: dlee@jcbeurope.euJCB (Head Office in Japan)Anna Takeda: Anna.Takeda@jcb.co.jp[1] PayXpert Spain SL can facilitate the acceptance of JCB in the following countries in Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Spain and Sweden.[2] PayXpert is divided into PayXpert Limited and PayXpert Services Ltd, a subsidiary of the Societe Generale group, which includes PayXpert Spain SL and PayXpert France. PayXpert Limited is regulated by the FCA and licensed in the UK. PayXpert Spain is regulated by Banco de Espana and licensed in Spain.Source: JCBCopyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. CALGARY AB / ACCESS Newswire / May 26, 2025 / Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp (WOGC-CSE) ("WOGC") wishes to announce that it will hold a special meeting ("Meeting") of the shareholders of WOGC at 7:00am on June 4, 2025. The fourfold purpose of the Meeting is set out below. Recent events have impacted the go forward plans of WOGC. Background: WOGC has shareholder and court approval of a plan of arrangement to spin out a wholly owned subsidiary Fox Creek Energy Ltd. ("FCE") and its subsidiary Odaat Oil Corp ("Odaat"). Recent Events: First, prior to implementation of the plan of arrangement, Odaat sold substantially all of its oil and gas assets by agreement dated February 28, 2025. The agreement is subject to the approval of the Alberta Energy Regulator. Assuming approval is obtained, Odaat intends to: (a) complete it statutory abandonment and remediation obligations for assets not sold and after satisfaction of debts to distribute the net sale proceeds to shareholders leaving no assets and no liabilities in WOGC, FCE and Odaat. Second, WOGC has executed a definitive agreement to acquire the shares of Terra Metals Inc. (Delaware corp)(see press release dated May 26, 2025) which will result in a reverse takeover transaction ("WOGC RTO"). Third, FCE has received non-binding expressions of interest to enter into reverse takeover ("FCE RTO") transactions to close before the closing of the WOGC RTO. One of the conditions is that the shares of Odaat be sold prior to the closing of the FCE RTO. The shares of Odaat may have to be sold prior to the resolution of all debts and assets in Odaat. A mechanism has been developed to ensure existing shareholders receive the benefits of the assets in Odaat post liquidation. Fourth, because of the uncertainty in closing the WOGC and/or FCE RTO transactions and the high cost of continuous disclosure (especially audit costs for fiscal year end December 31, 2025), WOGC is seeking shareholder and court approval to take WOGC and/or FCE private by December 31, 2025 if the WOGC RTO and/or the FCE RTO transactions do not close. The purpose of the Meeting is fourfold: 1) To approve by special resolution the Plan of Arrangement Amending Agreement #2 dated May 1, 2025 (to delete paragraph 5.1(k) of the Arrangement Agreement requiring concurrent filing of the Articles of Arrangement and the closing of the WOGC RTO); 2) To approve by special resolution and by majority of the minority (if necessary), the going private transaction for WOGC, if by December 20 2025, WOGC has not completed a reverse takeover. The going private transaction shall consist of: The Articles of Incorporation of WOGC would be amended to create two new classes of shares: (i) WOGC Class "A" Redeemable Preferred Shares with a redemption price of $0.00001 per share; and (ii) WOGC Class "A" common shares which would rank pari passu with the WOGC common shares without par value; WOGC would be delisted from the Canadian Securities Exchange; The existing WOGC common shares would be converted into WOGC Class "A" Redeemable Preferred Shares; The WOGC Class "A" Redeemable shares would be redeemed; WOGC would be wound up when existing debts are paid or satisfied with any surplus being dividended to the shareholders of WOGC; Gregory J. Leia would subscribe for 100 WOGC Class "A" common shares at $1.00 per share; WOGC would cease to be a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario The board of directors would have the discretion not to implement the going private transaction 3) To approve by special resolution and by majority of the minority (if necessary) the going private transaction for FCE, if by December 20 2025, FCE has not completed a reverse takeover. The going private transaction shall consist of: The Articles of Incorporation of FCE would be amended to create two new classes of shares: (i) FCE Class "A" Redeemable Preferred Shares with a redemption price of $0.00001 per share; and (ii) FCE Class "A" common shares which would rank pari passu with the FCE common shares without par value; The existing FCE common shares would be converted into FCE Class "A" Redeemable Preferred Shares; The FCE Class "A" Redeemable shares would be redeemed; FCE would cease to be a reporting issuer in Alberta and British Columbia; FCE would be wound up when existing debts are paid or satisfied; Gregory J. Leia would subscribe for 100 FCE Class "A" common shares at $1.00 per share. The board of directors would have the discretion not to implement the going private transaction 4) To approve by majority of the minority, a resolution approving the sale of the shares of Odaat to Gregory J. Leia (President/director) for $1.00 and an undertaking to dividend any surplus funds to WOGC shareholders upon liquidation (after payment of reasonable fees and disbursements). Two director/officers hold approx 70% of the issued and outstanding shares have voted proxies in favour of the matters to come before the Meeting. Shareholders will be provided dissent rights. Assuming the shareholders approve the above, WOGC has scheduled a court application before Justice C. Jones at 2:00pm on Friday June 6, 2025 at the Court House in Calgary. The application is a virtual hearing. Shareholders who wish to participate must notify Wolff Leia, Barristers and Solicitors (Attention:Gregory J. Leia) 24 hours prior to the application. WOGC has filed the following documents on www.sedarplus.ca : (a) Notice of Meeting dated May 5, 2025; (b) Management Information Circular dated May 5, 2025; and (c) form of proxy (collectively the "Documents"). The same information will be available on the CSE website at www.thecse.com. WOGC will deliver by means (which may include electronic means) through Broadridge and by regular postal service a copy of the Documents to each registered holder or beneficial holder. A request is to be made by email to Gregory J. Leia at gleia@wolffleia.ca or otherwise by delivery to the corporate office at the address set out below. Proxies are to be sent by email to gleia@wolffleia.ca. For further information, please contact: Gregory J. Leia, President and CEO Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp. Suite 203 - 221 - 10 th Avenue SE Calgary Alberta T2G 0V9 T: (403) 870 0091 gleia@wolffleia.ca SOURCE: Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/special-meeting-of-shareholders-june-4-2025-notice-of-court-application-june-6-2-1032088 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! FPT Corporation (FPT) recently participated in the inaugural Vietnam-France Leaders Forum, an initiative that marked a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Co-chaired by FPT Chairman Dr. Truong Gia Binh and Artelia Executive Chairman Mr. Benoit Clocheret, the event was held during French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron's official state visit to Vietnam. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250526282163/en/ The Vietnam-France Leaders Forum was held for the first time in Hanoi, Vietnam The forum brought together nearly 50 representatives from leading Vietnamese and French enterprises across various sectors, including aerospace, banking finance, energy, retail, healthcare, education, and more. Notable participants from Vietnam included the Vietnam Software IT Services Association (VINASA), FPT, Vietjet, CMC, BIDV, BRG Group, and TH Group. On the French side, representatives from the French Embassy, the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF), the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (CCIFV), French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE), Business France, and major industry players such as Airbus, Alstom, TotalEnergies, Odyssey, Thales, Suez, EDF, SNCF, and Systra were in attendance. Vietnam-France Leaders Forum focuses on strengthening business ties between France and Vietnam, leveraging both nations' comprehensive strategic partnership and shared ambitions. It emphasized fostering collaboration, joint ventures, and lasting partnerships between leading companies from both countries to achieve mutual national transformation goals. Looking ahead, the forum is set to become a recurring event, held annually on a rotating basis between the two countries, to sustain dialogue and jointly address evolving business challenges. "Vietnam and France share a profound bond rooted in history and culture, which is a strong foundation for a future defined by innovation, shared prosperity, and strategic cooperation. I strongly encourage Vietnamese and French businesses to take the lead in forging new economic partnerships that reflect the dynamism of our two nations. The Vietnam-France Leaders Forum was created to serve as a catalyst for this vision, bringing together leaders, ideas, and opportunities to build a prosperous future together," said Dr. Truong Gia Binh, FPT Founder and Chairman. To further support French companies in addressing global challenges, FPT Chairman also proposed a co-location strategy, encouraging French businesses to establish a presence in markets where FPT actively expands its workforce. "While France and Vietnam face some different challenges, we also tackle similar ones in sustainable development, industrial digitalization, and social transformation. That is why we encourage forum members to establish ventures and partnerships in both countries, and aim to attract more French companies, from large firms to SMEs, to develop business in Vietnam, while encouraging Vietnamese corporations to expand into France," said Mr. Benoit Clocheret, Artelia Executive Chairman. The forum featured roundtable discussions that delved into market insights, business expertise, and opportunities for bilateral collaboration. Representatives from Vietnam and French businesses expressed strong interest in forming strategic partnerships in key areas such as sustainable energy, urban development, modern transportation, healthcare, retail, IT talent training, and financial services. As a representative of Vietnam's IT sector, FPT Executive Vice President Pham Minh Tuan emphazised FPT's key differentiator of comprehensive ecosystem, with education system covering from elementary to university level, providing training not only in languages and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, but also business etiquettes that enables people to work effectively across diverse cultures. "Looking into the future, FPT commits to generating millions of jobs for the young generation, and building successful partnerships with French enterprises in any form of collaboration, not only in Vietnam but also for the global market", he said. At the event, FPT and Odyssey Education signed a Letter of Intent to introduce a high-quality French education program into Vietnam's academic system. Odyssey Education is a renowned French international education group specializing in providing French curricula across Europe, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, as well as a partner of The Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). France was the first European country that FPT expanded into in 2008. The company has since collaborated with global leaders, including Airbus, La Poste, Air Liquide, Quadient, Canal+, Sagemcom, SNCF, Geopost, and more. In 2023, FPT's French subsidiary was recognized among France's Top 100 ICT Companies, underscoring its growing influence in the country. That same year, FPT deepened its local capabilities by acquiring a majority stake in AOSIS, a French IT consulting firm specializing in SAP, Data, Cloud, and smart solutions for the aerospace, aviation, and transportation sectors. To further strengthen cultural and professional ties, FPT also launched the FPT Francophone Association, aimed at developing French-speaking talent and fostering business and cultural exchange. Most recently, in May 2025, FPT was the only Vietnamese company to participate in the Choose France Summit in Paris, affirming its long-term commitment to the French and European markets, and expressing interest in strategic partnerships in AI, semiconductors, transportation, energy, and education. About FPT FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam and operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. Over more than three decades, FPT has consistently delivered impactful solutions to millions of individuals and tens of thousands of organizations worldwide. Committed to elevating Vietnam's position on the global tech map and delivering world-class solutions for global enterprises, the Corporation focuses on five strategic areas: Artificial Intelligence, Automotive, Semiconductor, Digital Transformation, and Green Transformation. In 2024, FPT reported a total revenue of USD 2.47 billion and a workforce of over 54,000 employees across its core businesses. For more information about FPT's global IT services, please visit https://fptsoftware.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250526282163/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Mai Duong (Ms.) FPT Corporation FPT Software PR Manager MCP.PR@fpt.com EPIC Suisse AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results EPIC Suisse releases high level Q1 2025 numbers in line with majority shareholder's reporting obligations 27-May-2025 / 06:45 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media release - Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Zurich, 27 May 2025 EPIC Suisse releases high level Q1 2025 numbers in line with majority shareholder's reporting obligations EPIC Suisse AG (the "Company" and "EPIC", the consolidated group; SIX: EPIC), publishes today high-level figures1 for the period 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025 in parallel with its indirect majority shareholder, Alrov Properties & Lodgings Ltd (the "Alrov Group"): Fair value of the portfolio as at 31 March 2025 totals CHF 1.62 billion split into Investment properties in operation at CHF 1'467 million (31 Dec 2024: CHF 1'465 million) and Investment properties under development / construction at CHF 158 million (31 Dec 2024: CHF 149 million) Total income (defined as rental income and other income) for Investment properties in operation for the 3-month period 2025 amounts to CHF 16.9 million (3-months 2024: CHF 16.7 million) Total bank debt as at 31 March 2025 is CHF 662 million (31 Dec 2024: CHF 662 million) The IFRS NAV stands at CHF 798 million as at 31 March 2025 (31 Dec 2024: CHF 820 million) 1 In line with the Q1 / 3-month 2025 report published today by EPIC co-founder and indirect majority shareholder Alrov Group on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. Financial calendar Half-Year Report 2025: 25 August 2025 Selected high level numbers YTD 30 September 2025: 25 November 2025 Contact information Valerie Scholtes, CFO, EPIC Suisse AG, Phone: +41 44 388 81 00, E-mail: investors@epic.ch About EPIC Suisse AG EPIC Suisse AG is a Swiss real estate company with a high-quality property portfolio of CHF 1.6 billion in market value. It has a sizeable development pipeline and a strong track record in sourcing, acquiring, (re)developing and actively managing commercial properties in Switzerland. EPIC's investment properties are mainly located in Switzerland's major economic hubs, specifically the Lake Geneva Region and the Zurich Economic Area. Listed on SIX Swiss Exchange since May 2022 (SIX ticker symbol EPIC; Swiss Security Number (Valorennummer) 51613168; ISIN number CH0516131684). More information: www.epic.ch Disclaimer This publication may contain specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of EPIC Suisse AG and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. EPIC Suisse AG assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments. Evolva Holding SA / Key word(s): Tender Offer Evolva Holding SA announces offer to acquire GZO AG and launch a regional healthcare platform 27-May-2025 / 07:00 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. PRESS RELEASE | AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR Evolva Holding SA announces offer to acquire GZO AG and launch a regional healthcare platform Reinach, Switzerland, 27 May 2025 - Evolva Holding SA (SIX: EVE) ("Evolva") a SIX Swiss Exchange-listed company, today announced a fully-funded binding offer to acquire 100% of the share capital of GZO AG Spital Wetzikon ("GZO") for a total consideration of CHF 5 million. The offer, extended to all existing GZO shareholders, represents a strategic and value-preserving alternative to GZO's current restructuring proposal. No additional capital required from communities Under Evolva's proposed transaction, the municipalities owning GZO will not be required to contribute any further capital. In contrast, Evolva's offer provides an immediate cash payment to shareholders, reversing the current expectation of municipal funding support. Creditor-friendly debt restructuring: No haircut, day-one recovery over 60% Upon acceptance of Evolva's offer, Evolva will present a restructuring plan to creditors that offers an upfront cash distribution and a debt-for-equity swap into Evolva shares. Importantly, the proposal will not include any haircut to creditor claims. Based on current valuations, Evolva estimates that creditors could realize a day-one recovery value exceeding 60%, with the potential for full recovery over time. Transaction highlights Evolva will acquire 100% of GZO AG, subject to: Acceptance by shareholders representing at least 51% of GZO shares Creditor and shareholder approval of the restructuring plan (Nachlassvertrag) GZO emerging from the definitive moratorium GZO will remain operational, continue servicing its region, and emerge debt-free and well-capitalized Post-restructuring, GZO will retain sufficient liquidity and capital for continued investment and growth GZO's current debt will be addressed through a creditor-approved plan that avoids losses and preserves value Significant upside for Evolva shareholders The proposed transaction is expected to generate substantial value for existing Evolva shareholders. By repositioning Evolva as a well-capitalized healthcare platform with strong assets and strategic growth potential, the transaction lays the groundwork for a material revaluation. Evolva believes that the equity value of the combined business could ultimately be worth several times the company's current share price, offering a highly attractive upside for long-term investors. Strategic vision: A listed Healthcare Platform Evolva aims to use GZO as the foundation for a scalable healthcare platform, leveraging its public listing to consolidate smaller hospitals across the region. The new entity will benefit from improved governance, strategic focus, and financial flexibility to drive long-term growth. Board expansion to support strategic transition Upon successful closing of the transaction, it is Evolva's intention to enlarge the Board of Directors to strengthen governance and align with the company's new strategic direction. This expanded board will include Gregor Greber as well as independent directors and individuals with proven sector expertise, ensuring a leadership team with the necessary experience to guide Evolva through its next phase of growth. A viable path forward Unlike the current proposal, which calls for a CHF 50 million equity injection from municipalities and faces strong creditor resistance, Evolva's offer removes the burden on taxpayers, secures strong recovery for creditors, and ensures uninterrupted medical care for the region. The transaction ensures that the hospital is rescued as a going concern, safeguarding healthcare services for the community. We look forward to working closely with the GZO team to build a strong future together. This transaction offers a compelling path forward: one that preserves critical services, respects creditor interests, relieves municipalities, and creates value for shareholders. Presentation A presentation outlining the transaction highlights, key rationale and restructuring proposal is available on the company website via this link . Contact Evolva Doris Rudischhauser +41 79 410 81 88 investors@evolvaholding.com About GZO GZO Spital Wetzikon is a regional center of excellence with a university teaching mandate. It has 150 beds and, with around 900 employees, provides extended basic medical care for over 100,000 outpatients and around 10,000 inpatients per year, primarily from the Zurich Oberland region. In 2024, GZO generated revenue of CHF 152.5 million. About Evolva Evolva Holding SA is a SIX Swiss Exchange-listed company (SIX: EVE) that has been actively seeking a reverse take-over candidate since April 2024 when shareholders revoked the liquidation and delisting of the company at the AGM 2024. Disclaimer This announcement is not an offer of securities into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Further, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Australia or Japan or under the applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of such laws. This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments. The Company is hereby clarifying and providing additional information on the financing announced on May 21, 2025 TME Pharma has secured private binding commitments from professional European investors for 1.7M in the form of debt with a 12-month maturity The transaction extends financial visibility into May 2026 with the newly reduced cost structure Private, non-listed, non-tradable warrants are issued in conjunction with the debt with an exercise price of 0.10, a 38% premium to the 10-day VWAP prior to the initial announcement, which could bring another 1.7 million if exercised. Designated CEO D.M. van den Ouden has subscribed for 29% of the new debt and warrant issue Two members of the supervisory board also participated in the financing Proceeds will support ongoing operations while TME Pharma seeks financial and industrial partners to advance the NOX-A12 and NOX-E36 clinical programs Regulatory News: TME Pharma N.V. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALTME),a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of cancer by targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME), announces today that its financial visibility will be extended into May 2026 through the issuance of debt via private contractual agreements with professional European investors (Investors) in exchange for 1.71 million in cash. The debt will be issued on May 28, 2025 at a discount to the aggregated nominal value of 2.05 million and may be fully repaid by the company in cash at maturity for 1.92 million. On the basis of these agreements 17,056,000 private, non-tradable warrants will also be issued on May 28, 2025 to Investors giving the holders the possibility to subscribe for one common share for each warrant, subject to adjustment of the number of shares, with an exercise price of 0.10 per warrant, a 38% premium to the share price calculated from the 10-day volume weighted average price (VWAP) preceding the initial transaction announcement made on May 21. In recent months, TME Pharma has implemented measures to drastically reduce costs starting on July 1, 2025, while preserving the company's main assets. This transaction aims to limit near-term dilution potential for existing shareholders by using debt repayable in cash to provide a one-year extension to financial visibility for the company. While the warrants issued in the transaction have dilutive potential, their exercise price is currently above the share price and the company now has more time to choose the timing and negotiate conditions of any future capital raises that could trigger adjustment of exercise conditions. In addition, if all the warrants are exercised, this will bring the company an additional 1.71 million in cash. The proceeds from this financing will support TME Pharma's ongoing operations, enabling the company to maintain readiness of its NOX-A12 and NOX-E36 clinical programs for further development as soon as it has found the right industrial or financial partners. The company remains open to worldwide and regional licenses as well as strategic transactions. "I'm pleased that our new strategy is already delivering results," said Aram Mangasarian, CEO of TME Pharma "Although costs have been reduced drastically, this does not change the expectations we have for the success and value of our NOX-A12 and NOX-E36 programs. We continue to see healthy interest, and I am confident that with the right strategy we can attract financial, industrial or strategic partners. This financing also shows the strong commitment to the success of TME Pharma from our leadership, D.M. van den Ouden, the newly designated CEO, as well as two of the Supervisory Board members." "As a shareholder in TME Pharma myself, I am convinced that we can create value with NOX-A12 and NOX-E36 over the coming period, and I am determined to maximize this value. This is why I have decided to invest in the company through this new financing, which limits near-term dilution even if the warrants may create new shares in the future while also bringing additional cash to the company," saidDiede van den Ouden Designation Debt Cash Purchase Amount Debt Amount to be Reimbursed in Cash at Maturity Debt Nominal Amount % of Total Debt to be Issued Warrants No. to be Issued Cash to be received upon exercise % of Total Warrants to be issued Total Transaction 1,705,600.00 1,921,368.67 2,054,939.75 100.0% 17,056,000 1,705,600 100.0% of which the current and nominated directors have participated as follows: Mr. Diede van den Ouden 498,000.00 561,000.00 600,000.00 29.2% 4,980,0000 498,000 29.2% Dr. Maurizio PetitBon 50,000.00 56,325.30 60,240.96 2.9% 500,0000 50,000 2.9% Dr. Lee Schalop 20,000.00 22,530.12 24,096.39 1.2% 200,000 20,000 1.2% Details of the debt and non-tradable warrants issued via individual private agreements with Investors: Debt: The debt is purchased at discount to nominal value of 83% and repaid at maturity in cash at 93.5% of nominal value. Closing date for receipt of cash by the company is May 28, 2025, on which date the debt and warrants will be issued. Maturity of the debt is 12 months from the issuance date, May 28, 2025. TME Pharma has the right to reimburse in cash any outstanding loan amount early. In such cases, a lower percentage of the nominal value will be paid, determined by the number of months remaining before maturity of the debt at between 83.7% and 93.5% of the nominal value, according to table below: Number of whole months remaining prior to maturity of debt when loan amount reimbursed in cash (dates when this applies) 11 (May 28 June 27 2025) 10 (June 28 July 27 2025) 9 (July 28 Aug 27 2025) 8 (Aug 28 Sept 27 2025) 7 (Sept 28 Oct 27 2025) 6 (Oct 28 Nov 27 2025) 5 (Nov 28 Dec 27 2025) 4 (Dec 28 2025 Jan 27 2026) 3 (Jan 28 Feb 27 2026) 2 (Feb 28 Mar 27 2026) 1 (Mar 28 Apr 27 2026) 0 and at Maturity (Apr 28 2026 to Maturity) Percentage of loan amount to be reimbursed in cash to fully extinguish debt obligation 83.7% 84.5% 85.4% 86.3% 87.2% 88.1% 89% 89.9% 90.8% 91.7% 92.6% 93.5% The debt amount shall constitute direct, unconditional, unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of TME Pharma , ranking equally between the lenders and (with the exception of the mandatory provisions of Dutch law) equally with all other present or future unsubordinated and unsecured obligations (with the exception of those benefiting from a preference in accordance with the law) of the issuer. constitute direct, unconditional, unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of , ranking equally between the lenders and (with the exception of the mandatory provisions of Dutch law) equally with all other present or future unsubordinated and unsecured obligations (with the exception of those benefiting from a preference in accordance with the law) of the issuer. If the company conducts a capital increase by issuance of new shares, the debt holders will be given the opportunity to participate on equal conditions to other investors in the capital increase. The payment for shares is then settled against a percentage of the value of the debt the company owes to the debt holder according to the following table: Number of whole months remaining prior to maturity of debt when loan amount contributed to capital increase (dates when this applies) 11 (May 28 June 27 2025) 10 (June 28 July 27 2025) 9 (July 28 Aug 27 2025) 8 (Aug 28 Sept 27 2025) 7 (Sept 28 Oct 27 2025) 6 (Oct 28 Nov 27 2025) 5 (Nov 28 Dec 27 2025) 4 (Dec 28 2025 Jan 27 2026) 3 (Jan 28 Feb 27 2026) 2 (Feb 28 Mar 27 2026) 1 (Mar 28 Apr 27 2026) 0 and at Maturity (Apr 28 2026 to Maturity) Percentage of loan amount to be settled for shares to fully extinguish debt obligation 89% 90% 91% 92% 93% 94% 95% 96% 97% 98% 99% 100% Warrants: For each 0.10 of cash received one private non-tradable warrant to purchase one share, subject to the adjustment below, will be issued to an Investor with an exercise price of 0.10. Maturity of the warrants is 24 months from May 28, 2025. This transaction will thus result in the issuance of 17,056,000 warrants. If subsequent to issuance of these warrants, the company conducts a financing operation >1.5 million resulting in issuance of shares or giving the right to purchase shares at a price per share below 0.10, this will trigger an adjustment to the number of shares received for each warrant. This adjustment will result in additional shares being issued upon exercise of the warrant to effectively adjust the price per share paid upon exercise to a 20% premium above the price paid in the operation triggering the adjustment. The number of shares issued upon the exercise of each warrant is termed the "Warrant Exercise Ratio". In case a transaction triggering an adjustment is conducted by TME Pharma, then a new Warrant Exercise Ratio shall be calculated using the following formula: warrant exercise price (always 0.10) consideration per ordinary share 1.2 (which applies a 20% premium) warrant exercise price (always 0.10) consideration per ordinary share 1.2 (which applies a 20% premium) For the purposes of calculating this formula, Consideration per share shall mean, under any given transaction, the consideration per ordinary share at which any ordinary shares are being issued or may be issued upon exercise of any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any ordinary shares. Such adjustment shall become effective on the date of issue or grant, as the case may be, of such shares or such options, warrants or rights. The Warrant Exercise Ratio shall be rounded to 4 digits after the decimal place for calculation of the number of shares per warrant. No partial Shares can be issued, any fractions shall be rounded down and ordinary shares may never be issued at below their nominal value, currently 0.01. No adjustment shall be made if the Warrant Exercise Ratio obtained with the above calculation is lower than the Warrant Exercise Ratio in force prior to the transaction. By way of example: if shares are issued at 0.08 per share, at a time when the Warrant Exercise Ratio is 1, then the calculation would be as follows: Starting Warrant Exercise Ratio: 1 New Warrant Exercise Ratio: 0.10/0.08/1.2 1.0417 Exercise of 100,000 warrants would then result in the issuance of 104,170 shares for an aggregate exercise price of 10,000, or a price per share of 0.0960 per share, a 20% premium to the Consideration per ordinary share in the capital increase triggering the adjustment. A minimum number of 100,000 warrants must be exercised at each exercise, which would result in payment of 10,000 to the company for exercise (100,000 warrants exercised 0.10 exercise price 10,000) A tracking table of the outstanding debt and warrants will be available on the company's website as of the issuance date, May 28, 2025. Shareholder and Corporate Authorizations The issuance of the warrants giving the right to subscribe for the same number of ordinary this transaction is carried out in accordance with Dutch law and relies upon the delegation of authority to issue shares and rights to subscribe for shares granted to the company's board of directors by its shareholders in the annual general meeting (AGM) on June 27, 2024. The company has completed and obtained all necessary corporate approvals for this transaction. In particular, at the AGM held on June 27, 2024, the company's shareholders approved the issuance of shares and rights to subscribe for shares up to the full amount of authorized capital as per its articles of association amounting to 1,350,000 divided into 121,000,000 ordinary shares, and 14,000,000 preference shares, each share with a nominal value of 0.01. In addition, and if and as per the moment the company's issued and paid-up ordinary share capital will amount to 1,000,000, the transitional provision outlined in article 37 of the company's articles of association will become effective, according to which the authorized capital of the company amounts to 5,000,000 divided into 450,000,000 ordinary shares and 50,000,000 preference shares, each share with a nominal value of 0.01. Dilutive Potential The table below summarizes the dilution from the new ordinary shares that would be issued upon exercise of all of the private, non-tradable warrants to be issued under this transaction, assuming no adjustment to the number of shares issued per warrant is required. Description Shares to be issued Total shares outstanding Dilution (cumulative) Shareholder starting with 1% on May 20, 2025, would then hold Outstanding shares on May 20, 2025 94,186,546 Shares issued from exercise of 17,056,000 private, non-tradable warrants, latest on May 27, 2027 17,056,000 111,242,546 15.33% 0.85% Other securities The company is also issuer of other securities Warrants Z. At the time of this announcement there are 2,810,092 Warrants Z outstanding which, if exercised in full before June 20, 2025, may result in issuance of a maximum number of 3,512,615 new ordinary shares against an exercise price of 0.20 per share. As of May 26, 2025, the last exercise period will be running until June 20, 2025 (inclusive). The transaction disclosed in this press release does not trigger any adjustments to the Warrants Z. If any Warrants Z are exercised in the last exercise period, the number of outstanding shares quoted above may change. Warrants Z that have not been exercised in that last exercise period at the latest will become null and void, without value. Investors may familiarise themselves with the risks described in the company's 2024 annual financial report (LINK) available on the company website. About TME Pharma TME Pharma is a clinical-stage company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of the most aggressive cancers. The company's oncology-focused pipeline is designed to act on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer immunity cycle by breaking tumor protection barriers against the immune system and blocking tumor repair. By neutralizing chemokines in the TME, TME Pharma's approach works in combination with other forms of treatment to weaken tumor defenses and enable greater therapeutic impact. In the GLORIA Phase 1/2 clinical trial, TME Pharma is studying its lead drug candidate NOX-A12 (olaptesed pegol, an anti-CXCL12 L-RNA aptamer) in newly diagnosed brain cancer patients who will not benefit clinically from standard chemotherapy. TME Pharma has delivered top-line data from the NOX-A12 three dose-escalation cohorts combined with radiotherapy of the GLORIA clinical trial, observing consistent tumor reductions and objective tumor responses. Additionally, GLORIA expansion arms evaluate safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in other combinations where the interim results from the triple combination of NOX-A12, radiotherapy and bevacizumab suggest even deeper and more durable responses, and improved survival. US FDA has approved the design of a randomized Phase 2 trial in glioblastoma and TME Pharma was awarded fast track designation by the FDA for NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy and bevacizumab for use in the treatment of the aggressive adult brain cancer, glioblastoma. NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy had also previously received orphan drug designation (ODD) for glioblastoma in the United States and glioma in Europe. TME Pharma has delivered final top-line data with encouraging overall survival and safety profile from its NOX-A12 combination trial with Keytruda in metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients, which was published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer in October 2021. The company has entered in its second collaboration with MSD/Merck for its Phase 2 study, OPTIMUS, to further evaluate safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in combination with Merck's Keytruda and two different chemotherapy regimens as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The design of the trial has been approved in the United States. The company's second clinical-stage drug candidate, NOX-E36 (emapticap pegol, L-RNA aptamer inhibiting CCL2 and related chemokines), showing potential to address fibrosis and inflammation is evaluated in ophthalmic diseases with a high need for well-tolerated therapies with anti-fibrotic effect. Further information can be found at: www.tmepharma.com. TME Pharma and the TME Pharma logo are registered trademarks. Keytruda is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp Dohme Corp. Visit TME Pharma on LinkedIn and X. About the GLORIA Study GLORIA (NCT04121455) is TME Pharma's dose-escalation, Phase 1/2 study of NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy in first-line partially resected or unresected glioblastoma (brain cancer) patients with unmethylated MGMT promoter (resistant to standard chemotherapy). GLORIA further evaluates safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in the expansion arm in which NOX-A12 is combined with radiotherapy and bevacizumab. About the OPTIMUS Study OPTIMUS (NCT04901741) is TME Pharma's planned open-label two-arm Phase 2 study of NOX-A12 combined with pembrolizumab and nanoliposomal irinotecan/5-FU/leucovorin or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in microsatellite-stable metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. Disclaimer Translations of any press release into languages other than English are intended solely as a convenience to the non-English-reading audience. The company has attempted to provide an accurate translation of the original text in English, but due to the nuances in translating into another language, slight differences may exist. This press release includes certain disclosures that contain "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are based on TME Pharma's current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the risks inherent in oncology drug development, including clinical trials and the timing of and TME Pharma's ability to obtain regulatory approvals for NOX-A12 as well as any other drug candidates. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and TME Pharma undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250526560802/en/ Contacts: For more information, please contact: TME Pharma N.V. Aram Mangasarian, Ph.D., CEO Tel. +49 (0) 30 16637082 0 investors@tmepharma.com Investor and Media Relations: LifeSci Advisors Guillaume van Renterghem Tel. +41 (0) 76 735 01 31 gvanrenterghem@lifesciadvisors.com NewCap Arthur Rouille Tel. +33 (0) 1 44 71 00 15 arouille@newcap.fr 4basebio Plc - Final Results and Notice of AGM PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, May 27 27 May 2024 4basebio plc ("4basebio", the "Company" or the "Group") Final Results and Notice of AGM The Board of 4basebio plc is pleased to report the results for the financial year ended 31 December 2024. The annual report and accounts together with a notice of the Company's annual general meeting, which is to be held on 27 June 2025 at 9:00am in the offices of 4basebio plc are expected to be uploaded to the Company's website and posted to shareholders shortly. The annual general meeting will be followed by a presentation from the Company through the Investor Meet Company platform on 30 June 2025 at 10am. Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and register interest here: https://www.investormeetcompany.com/4basebio-plc/register-investor. Highlights Revenue Growth : The Group doubled its revenues from DNA sales against the previous year, with overall revenues of 933k. : The Group doubled its revenues from DNA sales against the previous year, with overall revenues of 933k. Product Supply for clinical trial purposes: 4basebio supplied opDNA to its client HelixNano Technologies Inc. for the manufacture of an mRNA vaccine product for use in a first in human trial; the Group also commenced supply of HQ and GMP grade synthetic DNA into a tier one pharma company's vaccine program. 4basebio supplied opDNA to its client HelixNano Technologies Inc. for the manufacture of an mRNA vaccine product for use in a first in human trial; the Group also commenced supply of HQ and GMP grade synthetic DNA into a tier one pharma company's vaccine program. MHRA regulatory approval to manufacture GMP : The Group received its GMP manufacturing licence from the UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. : The Group received its GMP manufacturing licence from the UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Expanded Intellectual Property : The Group continues to develop its technology platform with the intellectual property portfolio now comprising 29 patent families, reinforcing its leading position in synthetic DNA. : The Group continues to develop its technology platform with the intellectual property portfolio now comprising 29 patent families, reinforcing its leading position in synthetic DNA. Successful Equity Raise : The 40 million primary equity investment which concluded in November 2024 underpins the Group's continued growth plans. : The 40 million primary equity investment which concluded in November 2024 underpins the Group's continued growth plans. Strategic Advisory Board: The Group formed a Strategic Advisory Board during the year to support the board in developing the strategic direction of the business. Overview 4basebio PLC (AIM: 4BB) is a Cambridge, UK-based AIM-quoted life sciences service Company for the 4basebio group of companies ("the Group"), which has commercial, manufacturing and R&D operations in the UK and Spain. It is a market leader in the development, manufacture and commercialisation of synthetic DNA and thermostable, non-viral delivery systems for use in cell & gene therapy and vaccine markets, across mRNA therapeutics and vaccines, AAV, gene editing and DNA vaccines. 4basebio's objective is to displace incumbent plasmid DNA with its synthetic DNA for large scale manufacture of DNA for clinical and commercial use. Its products offer its customers application specific product and performance benefits addressing critical customer needs in the cell & gene therapy and vaccine markets. This also includes much quicker manufacturing turnaround times relative to plasmid DNA. 4basebio also continues to invest in research and development activities to further develop its platforms and expand its product offering, particularly focussed on different nucleic acid modalities. Consequently, the Group continues to file significant numbers of patents each year. Dr Heikki Lanckriet, CEO and CSO for 4basebio, said: "2024 has been a transformational year of growth for 4basebio, closing the strategic investment by Elevage and M&G, securing MHRA certification and continuing to expand our commercial capabilities and client base. We are delighted to have supplied product during the year for our client HelixNano to progress its mRNA vaccine programme, as well as the supply of DNA for a tier one pharma vaccine programme. We anticipate continued commercial success and strong revenue growth in the year ahead." For further enquiries, please contact: 4basebio PLC Dr. Heikki Lanckriet, CEO +44 (0)1223 967 943 Nominated Adviser Cairn Financial Advisers LLP Jo Tuner / Sandy Jamieson / Ed Downes +44 (0)20 7213 0880 Joint Broker RBC Capital Markets Matthew Coakes / Sandrine Cailleteau / Kathryn Deegan +44 (0)20 7653 4000 Joint Broker Cavendish Capital Markets Limited Geoff Nash / Nigel Birks +44 (0)20 7220 0500 Chairman's statement Performance The 2024 financial year has been another strong year for 4basebio with a doubling of its DNA revenues over the period, continued expansion of its customer base and further development of its DNA platform. Another key milestone during the year was the equity investment of 40 million from Elevage Medical Technologies and M&G Investments into the Company, first announced in July 2024 and concluded in November 2024, following regulatory approval. This investment was concluded at a market valuation for the Company of 192 million and offered clear endorsement of 4basebio's technology and future growth prospects. The Company is delighted to welcome these highly regarded investors to the share register. With this funding, the Group expects to be able to rapidly scale its commercial and operational capabilities. Following the investment, 4basebio moved quickly to strengthen its commercial team, which included the recruitment of four staff based in the USA. As a result of these changes, the Group anticipates an acceleration of its revenue generation over the next year and beyond. The Board was also restructured to offer representation to 4basebio's two major shareholder groups, Elevage / M&G and Deutsche Balaton. As a result, the Board increased from five members following the Annual General Meeting in June to eight members by the end of the year. The synthetic DNA business continued to make excellent progress during 2024. A significant achievement was the supply of 4basebio opDNA product for use in a first-in-human mRNA vaccine trial by HelixNano Technologies in March 2024. The Group also commenced supply of HQ and GMP synthetic DNA for a Tier 1 pharmaceutical company mRNA vaccine programme. This commercial development underscores the market's growing acceptance of synthetic DNA in preference to plasmid DNA. The Group is delighted that following the year end the 4basebio also received its GMP manufacturing licence from the UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. This enables the Group to supply GMP critical starting materials as well as GMP drug substance into customer clinical trials and represents another key milestone for 4basebio on its commercial journey. We expect the Group's commercial development to accelerate further with this recent announcement as customers can be confident that 4basebio can now support their programmes through each phase of their clinical development. Alongside DNA, 4basebio also continues to invest into its Hermes non-viral delivery system. Optimising the platform for vaccine applications continued to be funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Group continues to develop its platform through collaborative projects. Finally, in July 2024, the Company formed a Strategic Advisory Board ("SAB") and welcomed senior industry executives to support the management team and board with advice and industry insight spanning technical, operational, commercial and strategic matters as well as supporting the Group in the realisation of its growth goals and objectives. Overall, the Group continues to make excellent progress and the Board believes the Group is well placed to grow 2025 revenues strongly and to continue innovating and providing new solutions to its clients. The Group will continue to be loss making in 2025 as it continues to invest in its technology and people and will draw on cash balances to fund those losses. Strategy 4basebio's strategy remains focussed on becoming the global leader in DNA for cell & gene therapies and vaccine applications. Its synthetic DNA products offer speed, safety, and application-specific benefits. The 4basebio platform can be tailored to diverse applications from mRNA and gene editing to AAV and DNA vaccines. The Group's application validation teams work with clients during their journey with 4basebio to demonstrate the benefits and advantages of its DNA, recognising the different characteristics of synthetic DNA relative to plasmid DNA may mean that customer processes may not be optimised for synthetic DNA. Through this collaborative approach, 4basebio's objective is to become a strategic partner for its clients as they progress from early stage research through to pre-clinical, clinical and commercial stages. As clients progress through these stages, both the quantity and quality of DNA required increases, with customer revenues expected to increase significantly over time. Share Price The share price opened the year at 680 pence and reached a high of 1,820 pence in June before closing the year at 1,210 pence, a 78% uplift against the 2023 closing price. Trading volumes during the year represented approximately 4% of shares in issue, with a typical daily trading volume of 2,440 shares. At year end, approximately 73% of the Company's shares were closely held between the Company's largest shareholders and Board Directors. The Board has limited visibility on holdings below the reporting threshold of 3% as holdings in the Company are typically held in nominee accounts. The Board believes that a significant portion of the remaining shares is owned by long term shareholders. Environmental, Social and Governance In 2024, the Company engaged with EcoVadis, a globally recognised provider of sustainability ratings for supply chains and corporate ESG performance. This engagement reflects the Group's proactive approach to ESG and its commitment to continuous improvement in these areas. The insights derived from EcoVadis will inform the Group's strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational practices to ensure long-term sustainability and accountability. People and Culture The Group has continued to strengthen its teams across all disciplines and remains science led with over 80% of its workforce holding scientific degrees. The team has expanded geographically with staff now in the USA and Dubai, alongside long standing teams in the UK and Spain. 4basebio seeks to attract the right skills into the organisation and welcomes 22 nationalities across its various locations. The Group maintains a relatively flat organisational structure and strives to maintain an open, informal and supportive culture. There is an emphasis on staff welfare and development with resultant strong staff retention. The Board would like to thank all staff for their commitment and dedication over the past year which has been instrumental in 4basebio's continued progress. Tim McCarthy Chairman Consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2024 [in '000] 2024 2023 Revenues 933 506 Cost of goods sold (303) (166) Gross profit 630 340 Administration expenses (13,866) (8,813) Other operating expenses (114) (85) Other operating income 1,308 506 Loss from operations (12,042) (8,052) Finance income 140 0 Finance expense (752) (302) Financial result (612) (302) Loss before tax (12,654) (8,354) Income tax income 321 689 Loss for the year (12,333) (7,665) Loss per share Basic and diluted (in /share) (0.94) (0.62) Items that may be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent periods Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (313) (172) Total comprehensive income (12,646) (7,837) Consolidated statement of financial position 31 December 2024 [in '000] 2024 2023 Assets Intangible assets 3,480 2,669 Property, plant and equipment 4,326 4,197 Other non-current assets 33 34 Non-current assets 7,839 6,900 Inventories 374 332 Trade receivables 283 107 Other current assets 1,627 1,514 Cash and cash equivalents 34,604 3,069 Current assets 36,888 5,022 Total assets 44,727 11,922 Liabilities Financial liabilities (188) (392) Trade payables (1,694) (694) Other current liabilities (1,383) (1,191) Current liabilities (3,265) (2,277) Financial liabilities (15,028) (10,065) Other liabilities (54) (72) Non-current liabilities (15,082) (10,137) Total liabilities (18,347) (12,414) Net (liabilities) / assets 26,380 (492) Share capital 13,772 11,132 Share premium 37,250 706 Merger reserve 688 688 Capital reserve 13,864 13,530 Foreign exchange reserve (471) (158) Profit and loss reserve (38,723) (26,390) Total Equity 26,380 (492) Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2024 [in '000] Share capital Share premium Merger reserve Capital reserve Foreign exchange reserve Profit and loss reserve Total equity Balance at 1 January 2024 11,132 706 688 13,530 (158) (26,390) (492) Loss for the year - - - - - (12,333) (12,333) Shares issued in period 2,640 36,544 - - - - 39,184 Foreign Exchange difference arising on translation of 4basebio S.L.U. - - - - (313) - (313) Share based payments - - - 334 - - 334 Balance at 31 December 2024 13,772 37,250 688 13,864 (471) (38,723) 26,380 [in '000] Share capital Share premium Merger reserve Capital reserve Foreign exchange reserve Profit and loss reserve Total equity Balance at 1 January 2023 11,130 706 688 13,307 14 (18,725) 7,120 Loss for the year - - - - - (7,665) (7,665) Shares issued in period 2 - - - - - 2 Foreign Exchange difference arising on translation of 4basebio S.L.U. - - - - (172) - (172) Share based payments - - - 223 - - 223 Balance at 31 December 2023 11,132 706 688 13,530 (158) (26,390) (492) Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2024 [in '000] 2024 2023 Net loss for the period (12,333) (7,665) Adjustments to reconcile net loss for the period to net cashflows Income taxes (321) (689) Interest income (140) 0 Interest expense 752 302 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 800 676 Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets 4 133 33 Other non-cash items 11 (375) 220 Working capital changes: (Increase)/decrease in trade receivables and other current assets (76) (109) Increase/(decrease) in trade payables and other current liabilities 748 695 (Increase)/decrease in inventories (49) (202) Tax receipt 117 561 Net Cash flows from operating activities (10,744) (6,178) Investments in property, plant and equipment (697) (871) Investments in capitalised development and intangible assets (874) (619) Cash flows from investing activities (1,571) (1,490) Net receipt/(payment) of loans 4,812 6,584 Shares issued 39,184 2 Interest received 72 0 Interest paid (86) (67) Capital lease payments (115) (94) Cash flows from financing activities 43,867 6,425 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 31,552 (1,243) Exchange differences (17) (39) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 3,069 4,351 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 34,604 3,069 Notes to the financial statements 1. General 4basebio PLC (the "Company" or "4basebio") is registered in England and Wales with company number 13519889. The Company is domiciled in England and the registered office of the Company is 25 Norman Way, Over, Cambridge CB24 5QE. 4basebio PLC is the parent of a group of companies (together, "the Group"). The Group focusses on life sciences and in particular the development of synthetic DNA and nanoparticles suitable for inclusion in, or delivery of, therapeutic payloads for gene therapies and gene vaccines. The Company trades on London Stock Exchange's AIM market. The international securities number (ISIN) number for its AIM traded shares is GB00BMCLYF79; its ticker symbol is 4bb.l. The consolidated financial statements of 4basebio PLC and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2024 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 23 May 2025. 2. Basis of preparation The consolidated financial statements of 4basebio UK PLC (or "the Group") for the financial year ending 31 December 2024 have been prepared using UK adopted international accounting standards. The consolidated financial statements comprise the results of 4basebio PLC, 4basebio S.L.U., 4basebio UK Limited and 4basebio Discovery Limited for the whole year. The above summary has been extracted from the report and financial statements and, accordingly, references to notes and page numbers may be incorrect. Shareholders are advised to read the full version of the report and financial statements which will be available from the Company's website shortly. 3. Earnings per share 2024 2023 Numerator [in '000] Result for the period (12,333) (7,665) Denominator [number of shares] Weighted average number of registered shares in circulation (ordinary shares) for calculating the undiluted earnings per share 13,116,570 12,319.270 Basic and diluted earnings per share () (0.94) (0.62) The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share for continuing operations was based on the weighted average number of shares as determined above. The numerator is defined as result after tax from continuing operations. The average number of share options outstanding during the period was 404,973 (2023: 653,771) which have not been included in the calculation of the diluted Earnings per share because they would be anti-dilutive since the business is loss making. 4. Approval of the financial statements The financial statements were approved by the Board of directors and authorised for issue on 23 May 2025. Progress on share buyback programme ING announced today that, as part of our 2.0 billion share buyback programme announced on 2 May 2025, in total 3,075,000 shares were repurchased during the week of 19 May 2025 up to and including 23 May 2025. The shares were repurchased at an average price of 19.04 for a total amount of 58,544,752.50. For detailed information on the daily repurchased shares, individual share purchase transactions and weekly reports, see the ING website at www.ing.com/investorrelations. In line with the purpose of the programme to reduce the share capital of ING, the total number of shares repurchased under this programme to date is 17,066,183 at an average price of 18.45 for a total consideration of 314,795,030.16. To date approximately 15.74% of the maximum total value of the share buyback programme has been completed. Note for editors For further information on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroom. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr. Press enquiries Investor enquiries Christoph Linke ING Group Investor Relations +31 20 576 5000 +31 20 576 6396 Christoph.Linke@ing.com Investor.Relations@ing.com (mailto:Investor.Relations@ing.com) ING PROFILE ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank's more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 100 countries. ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N). ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our policies and actions are assessed by independent research and ratings providers, which give updates on them annually. ING's ESG rating by MSCI was reconfirmed by MSCI as 'AA' in August 2024 for the fifth year. As of December 2023, in Sustainalytics' view, ING's management of ESG material risk is 'Strong'. Our current ESG Risk Rating, is 17.2 (Low Risk). ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers. Here are some examples: Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell. Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are our clients, and so is ING. We finance a lot of sustainable activities, but we still finance more that's not. Follow our progress on ing.com/climate. IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014 ('Market Abuse Regulation'). ING Group's annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ('IFRS- EU'). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2024 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding. Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to di?er materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may di?er materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation: This document may contain ESG-related material that has been prepared by ING on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. ING has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third-party sources and makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or reliability of such information. Materiality, as used in the context of ESG, is distinct from, and should not be confused with, such term as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or as defined for Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC') reporting purposes. Any issues identified as material for purposes of ESG in this document are therefore not necessarily material as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or for SEC reporting purposes. In addition, there is currently no single, globally recognized set of accepted definitions in assessing whether activities are "green" or "sustainable." Without limiting any of the statements contained herein, we make no representation or warranty as to whether any of our securities constitutes a green or sustainable security or conforms to present or future investor expectations or objectives for green or sustainable investing. For information on characteristics of a security, use of proceeds, a description of applicable project(s) and/or any other relevant information, please reference the offering documents for such security. This document may contain inactive textual addresses to internet websites operated by us and third parties. Reference to such websites is made for information purposes only, and information found at such websites is not incorporated by reference into this document. ING does not make any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of, or take any responsibility for, any information found at any websites operated by third parties. ING specifically disclaims any liability with respect to any information found at websites operated by third parties. ING cannot guarantee that websites operated by third parties remain available following the publication of this document, or that any information found at such websites will not change following the filing of this document. Many of those factors are beyond ING's control. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ING speak only as of the date they are made, and ING assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason. This document does not constitute an o?er to sell, or a solicitation of an o?er to purchase, any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Attachment Gcore welcomes Prof. Dr. Feiyu Xu, a leading figure with expertise in AI research and industry LUXEMBOURG, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gcore, the global edge AI, cloud, network, and security solutions provider, today announced it has strengthened its board with the addition of AI expert, Prof. Dr. Feiyu Xu. A renowned AI researcher, Prof. Dr. Xu has held pivotal leadership roles at SAP, Lenovo, and the German Research Centre for AI. Her appointment reinforces Gcore's commitment to driving AI innovation and industry leadership. Prof. Dr. Xu will help shape the company's AI vision, growth strategies, and long-term goals. Since its founding in 2014, Gcore has continually expanded its product suite, most recently with Everywhere Inference, which offers flexible deployment options, including cloud, on-premise and hybrid environments. By running on edge points of presence, Everywhere Inference enables faster processing and response time for end user and applications. As the first Gcore Board Advisor to hold a leading position in AI research and innovation, Dr. Xu will guide Gcore's growth and innovation in the edge AI field. Today, Gcore provides global infrastructure across six continents that enables businesses to train and deploy AI models globally with ultra-low latency. With 180+ edge locations, including more than 50 cloud locations and 14,000 peering partners, Gcore brings AI workloads closer to users for faster, more scalable, and cost-efficient performance. As the company continues to grow, Prof. Xu's expertise will consolidate Gcore's position as a world-leading innovator in AI. Prof. Xu said: "I am thrilled to be joining as Gcore's Board Advisor, a unique tech company with immense potential. Gcore not only provides the infrastructure needed for developing AI applications, but it also actively contributes to the growth of the AI ecosystem in Europe. I am delighted to be part of a team that will shape the future of technology and innovation." Andre Reitenbach, CEO of Gcore, commented: "It is an honor to welcome Prof. Xu as Board Advisor. Prof. Xu's strategic vision and deep expertise in AI will make her an exceptional addition to the board. As a renowned scientist and business leader with a deep understanding of AI, Prof. Xu's insights will play an integral role in advancing Gcore's mission to connect the world to AI anywhere and anytime." About Gcore Gcore is a global edge AI, cloud, network, and security solutions provider. Headquartered in Luxembourg, with a staff of 600+ operating from ten offices worldwide, Gcore provides its solutions to global leaders in numerous industries. The company manages its own global IT infrastructure across six continents, with one of the best network performances in Europe, Africa, and LATAM, due to the average response time of 30 ms worldwide. Gcore's network consists of 180+ points of presence around the world in reliable Tier IV and Tier III data centres, with a total capacity exceeding 200 Tbps. Learn more at gcore.com and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2695161/Prof_Dr_Feiyu_Xu_Board_Advisor_Gcore.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gcore-appoints-ai-expert-prof-dr-feiyu-xu-as-board-advisor-302464378.html Cahill to Replace Charlotte Hogg Who is Leaving After Eight Successful Years at Visa Visa (NYSE:V) announced today that it has appointed Antony Cahill as the new Regional President and Chief Executive Officer for its European operations, subject to regulatory approval. A longtime banking executive and Visa veteran, Mr. Cahill will replace Charlotte Hogg, who is leaving Visa after eight years to pursue a new external opportunity. Mr. Cahill will be based in London and is expected to transition to his new role in early June. Since 2023, Mr. Cahill has served as President of Value-Added Services (VAS), responsible for designing, developing and delivering a global portfolio of 200+ products and solutions that power client growth and business performance. Under his leadership, VAS has rapidly grown into a $9B global business and has delivered revenue growth of more than 20% annually. He initially joined Visa in 2018 as Managing Director for Visa Europe and later became Deputy Chief Executive Officer for the region, where he oversaw all of Visa's client relationships across 38 European markets. Prior to joining Visa, Mr. Cahill served as Chief Operating Officer at National Australia Bank (NAB) where he spent eight years in senior roles. Earlier in his career Mr. Cahill spent 12 years at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ). "We are grateful to Charlotte for all she has done to advance our business in Europe," said Visa CEO Ryan McInerney. "With Antony's experience in the region, deep understanding of the diversity and complexity of our markets and strong relationships with our partners, he is uniquely qualified to lead Visa Europe." Oliver Jenkyn, Group President, Global Markets, remarked, "Antony is a driven, high-impact leader who is well-positioned to help us continue to accelerate our business and capitalize on the enormous growth opportunity in the region." Visa Europe Limited Board Chair Debbie Hewitt added, "We could not be more delighted to welcome Antony back to Europe where he takes the helm of a healthy, thriving business. This is a testament to Charlotte's outstanding leadership. During her nearly eight years as CEO of Visa Europe, Charlotte significantly increased revenue in the region, expanded Visa's business, and grew its teams and market share in strategically important European markets including the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. We thank her for her many contributions and wish her every success in this next chapter." An internal search for Mr. Cahill's replacement has begun and the Company expects to name his successor shortly. About Visa Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250526920244/en/ Contacts: Mark Hooper +44 (0)20 7795 5336 Europeanmedia@visa.com 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! The CEO of Visa Europe and former Deputy Governor and COO of the Bank of England joins leading private markets fund servicer The appointment of Ms. Hogg underscores Alter Domus' ambitious vision and commitment to driving innovation for private markets asset managers and their investors worldwide Alter Domus, the leading global provider of tech-enabled fund services for the private equity, real assets and private debt sectors, today appointed Charlotte Hogg as CEO. After a distinguished career of over 25 years in financial services, across both the public and private sectors, Ms. Hogg joins Alter Domus from mid-summer. Ms. Hogg succeeds Doug Hart who has served as CEO since 2019. Her appointment follows that of Mark Wiseman, the former Global Head of BlackRock's Active Equities business and Chairman of BlackRock's Alternatives business. He was also the former President and CEO of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. These appointments and other recent high-caliber hires, reflect both the scale of Alter Domus' achievements and the scope of its future ambitions as the business seeks to cement its position as the leading service partner to alternative asset managers. Private markets have become one of the main engines of global economic expansion and Alter Domus is committed to helping investment firms navigate complexity, scale sustainably, and accelerate growth for clients and the broader economy. Charlotte Hogg said: "I'm excited to join Alter Domus. As a business, it was founded on the knowledge that private markets offer incredible long-term growth opportunities for investors and would therefore require best in class services. Alter Domus' leaders have met that challenge and have established a strong and resilient platform. The opportunity now is to build on that. Alter Domus' commitment to delivering technological innovation, outstanding client experience and private markets know-how will make the business an invaluable partner for asset managers as they continue to scale and expand their offerings. I look forward to working with Alter Domus' clients across the US, Europe and Asia." Mark Wiseman, Chairman of Alter Domus, said: "Alter Domus plays a vital role within the private markets' community. It is crucial the business continues to evolve to meet the ever-growing needs of our international client base. Charlotte's appointment is a pivotal moment in the development of Alter Domus. The depth of her experience in financial services across both sides of the Atlantic will enable her to play a transformative role and galvanise our teams globally we're delighted to have her on board. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Alter Domus, I wish to thank Doug for his exceptional years of service in building the firm." Doug Hart, Chief Executive Officer of Alter Domus, commented: "I am very pleased to welcome someone of the caliber of Charlotte Hogg as the CEO of Alter Domus. Charlotte shares our strategic vision and dedication to the delivery of first-class client service, and operational and technological expertise that helped our Assets under Administration more than treble to $3.0 trillion during my tenure as CEO." Alongside Mr. Wiseman as Chair, Ms. Hogg as CEO and the Leadership team, the Alter Domus board will continue to draw upon the expertise of its majority investor Cinven and other shareholders including Permira and the original founders of the firm. Mr. Doug Hart will stay on at Alter Domus in an advisory capacity as Vice-Chair of Debt Capital Markets. About Alter Domus Alter Domus is a leading provider of tech-enabled fund administration, private debt, and corporate services for the alternative investment industry with more than 5,700 employees across 39 offices globally. Solely dedicated to alternatives, Alter Domus offers fund administration, corporate services, depositary services, capital administration, transfer pricing, domiciliation, management company services, loan administration, agency services, trade settlement and CLO manager services. For more information on Alter Domus please visit www.alterdomus.com and LinkedIn. About Cinven Cinven is a leading international private equity firm focused on building world-class global and European companies. Its funds invest in six key sectors: Business Services, Consumer, Financial Services, Healthcare, Industrials and Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT). For additional information on Cinven please visit www.cinven.com and LinkedIn. About Permira Permira is a global investment firm that backs successful businesses with growth ambitions. Founded in 1985, the firm advises funds across two core asset classes, private equity and credit, with total committed capital of approximately 80bn. For more information, visit www.permira.com or follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250526691796/en/ Contacts: Media: alterdomus@peregrinecommunications.com Members from industry-leading organizations met to advance their mission to revolutionize lives through technology The 2025 Annual Member Meeting of theInnovative Optical and Wireless Network Global Forum (IOWN Global Forum) recognized its progress and shared its latest plans to deliver the networks of the future. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527406869/en/ More than 250 delegates across its now 160+ member organizations assembled in Stockholm for a series of meetings, workshops, and networking events to discuss and advance their activities towards the Forum's Vision 2030 Roadmap, five years on from its foundation. This year, the IOWN Global Forum was also joined by a number of special guests to provide a wider political and industry context to its groundbreaking work. In his keynote address at the opening plenary, Hakan Jevrell, Sweden's State Secretary to Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, discussed how as next-generation technologies evolve, geopolitical uncertainty persists, and industries face new challenges, developing systems and solutions that future-proof businesses and enable them to remain competitive is becoming increasingly vital. FUTURES Stockholm Highlights of the Forum's public event, FUTURES Stockholm, which showcases the mission and achievements of the IOWN Global Forum to external audiences, included: A presentation by Omdia's Ian Redpath on a new whitepaper on the future of the digital economy, powered by All-Photonics Networks. An energy efficiency panel discussion, led by Nokia's Lieven Levrau, with Red Hat's Hidetsugu Sugiyama and Orange's Eric Hardouin as panelists, discussing the Forum's work to create a sustainable and high-performance compute and network infrastructure. A wider industry business panel moderated by Reuters' Supantha Mukherjee, with a line-up of Business Sweden's Mats Granryd, Ericsson's Stephane Lessard, Accenture's Jefferson Wang, and Sony's Katsutoshi Itoh, on how advanced network infrastructure will help future-proof diverse sectors. Looking ahead to the next five years Dr. Katsuhiko Kawazoe, President and Chairperson of the IOWN Global Forum, commented: "Five years on since we founded the IOWN Global Forum, our membership is growing with momentum and at pace as more leading global companies from the technology and vertical sectors join our journey. We are fast broadening our use cases to develop innovation opportunities across industries, moving from Proof of Concept, to Proof of Value, to Proof of Business. In other words, what these technologies truly mean in terms of exciting commercial opportunities as well as enhanced customer experiences. "As we move ahead in the next five years from development to implementation, and explore new territories including quantum innovation, we are fully focused on driving market success for the IOWN Global Forum technologies. Continuing our mission to deliver a smart, sustainable, and secure world for all." About the IOWN Global Forum The IOWN Global Forum was established in 2020 as a private sector organization to develop IOWN Global Forum technologies and use cases, and is comprised of over 160 organizations. The objective of the IOWN Global Forum is to accelerate innovation and adoption of a new communication infrastructure to meet our future data and computing requirements through the development of new technologies, frameworks, specifications, and reference designs in areas such as photonics R&D, distributed computing, use cases, and best practices. For more information, visit IOWN Global Forum Innovative Optical and Wireless Network. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527406869/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Joe Hatt IOWN Global Forum press@iowngf.org ZURICH, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BC Platforms, a technology company pioneering the future of global Real-World Data (RWD) excellence, today announced the appointment of Keith Collier as Chief Product Officer and Michele Lichtenfield as EVP & Head of Global Marketing. Keith and Michele will work with other senior leaders to expand the Company's global impact and deliver groundbreaking products that redefine the future of scalable and secure RWD solutions. Keith Collier, a seasoned technology executive with more than two decades of experience, will lead Product Strategy and Development for the life sciences and healthcare sectors. He has previously led global product management, digital transformation, and business growth initiatives across the life sciences, intellectual property, and scholarly publishing industries. Before joining BC Platforms, he held several senior leadership positions at Clarivate, including Senior Vice President of Products. His extensive career also includes product leadership roles at Research Square, Thomson Reuters, and Accenture. Michele Lichtenfield will lead global marketing strategy, brand development, and market expansion initiatives at BC Platforms. With more than two decades of global experience in healthcare, technology and life sciences, Michele has a proven track record of building compelling brand narratives, enhancing company positioning and driving highly effective go-to-market strategies. Prior to joining BC Platforms, she held senior marketing roles at Signify Health, Clarivate, ERT (now Clario), and IMS Health (now IQVIA), among others, where she spearheaded integrated marketing programs that opened new markets and consistently drove growth. "Keith and Michele's appointments have come at a transformational time - for both the life sciences and healthcare industries as well as BC Platforms," said Mukhtar Ahmed, CEO, BC Platforms. "As the Real-World Data and Real-World Evidence partner-of-choice for both healthcare and life sciences, strengthening our product portfolio, strategy, and development with Keith's insight and leadership, and extending our global reach and impact with Michele's deep marketing experience will propel our growth and expansion, ultimately delivering the future of global Real-World Data excellence." Keith Collier, Chief Product Officer at BC Platforms, said: "The convergence of technology, Real-World Data, and unmet market need presents a unique opportunity to transform the way BC Platforms serves our customers with our proven expertise in life sciences. The Company's mission to help customers accelerate the pace of medical innovation and improve health outcomes also resonates deeply with me. I look forward to taking our Real-World Data and federated architecture solutions to the next level as we help organizations succeed in today's highly dynamic environment." Michele Lichtenfeld, EVP & Head of Global Marketing, BC Platforms, stated: "I am thrilled to be joining BC Platforms at such an exciting moment in its journey. The Company has truly unique offerings that address some of the industry's most challenging issues. I look forward to building on BC Platforms' legacy of innovation and bringing its transformative Real-World Data capabilities to life in bold, creative ways." In February 2025, the Company announced the appointment of Mukhtar Ahmed as its new CEO to lead the expansion of its global real-world data ecosystem, accelerate the development of AI-driven analytics, and deepen strategic partnerships. About BC Platforms BC Platforms is a technology company pioneering the future of global Real-World Data (RWD) excellence. Our data and analytical products, combined with our specialized industry knowledge, enable our customers to accelerate the pace of medical innovation and health outcomes through collaborative research and unmatched data insights. We have the unique ability to provide unmatched access to global, research-ready, regulatory-grade patient data. This is enabled by an end-to-end software stack encompassing the full RWD value chain with a unique federated and AI-enabled solution architecture, including deep expertise in Trusted Research Environments (TREs). We work at the highest standards of privacy and security (GDPR+) and our data and platforms have proven global scalability across the life sciences and healthcare. Founded in 1997, we have a strong scientific heritage and a global track record of excellence, working in close collaboration with a network of world-leading researchers, developers, and major industry partners. Our global operations include our headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, as well as sites in Finland, US, UK, Singapore, Sweden, and France. For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn. For media enquiries, please contact: BC Platforms Bettina Taxell, Head of Marketing Operations bettina.taxell@bcplatforms.com www.bcplatforms.com SciTribe Dr. Priya Kalia, Managing Director priya@scitribe.life Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696349/BC_Platforms_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bc-platforms-appoints-senior-product-and-marketing-executives-to-further-advance-global-expansion-and-real-world-data-leadership-302465379.html TOKYO, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IMAGICA GROUP Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, launched the IMAGICA GROUP Film Project as a new challenge to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2025. The outline of the project, which will be the company's first original film production, was announced on Wednesday, May 14, with "Maria" being selected as its first film at a press conference held at the Japan Pavilion of the 78th Cannes International Film Festival. Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108703/202505269457/_prw_PI1fl_GXwJ56s4.jpeg Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108703/202505269457/_prw_PI2fl_2rZ4Ad06.jpeg Shunjiro Nagase, Representative Director, President and CEO of IMAGICA GROUP Inc. delivered opening remarks, followed by greetings from Hirokazu Kore-eda (Film Director), Shozo Ichiyama (Programming Director, Tokyo International Film Festival) and Yuka Sakano (Executive Director, Kawakita Memorial Film Institute), who served as jury members for the selection of the winning project. Producer of the first award winning project "Maria," Hana Tsuchikawa (Producer at OLM, Inc.), gave her impressions as the first winner, and the writer and director, Tomoka Terada, who was unable to appear at the conference in person, shared her feelings and introduced her project in a video message. The press conference ended with the jury's overall comments on the winning film production project. Comments from Press Conference Speakers Shunjiro Nagase (President and CEO of IMAGICA GROUP Inc.) "We have been considering what we should do now to support the visual culture of the future. In the process, we have come to the conclusion that it is important to bring new talents and works to the world and pursue the possibilities of Japanese visual expression on the global stage, and launched this project. "The IMAGICA GROUP's goal with this project is to realize the entry into and winning of awards at international film festivals. We asked three people to evaluate the projects: Director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Tokyo International Film Festival Programming Director Shozo Ichiyama, and Executive Director Yuka Sakano of the Kawakita Memorial Film Institute." Outline of the IMAGICA GROUP Film Project Please see below link for further details and data including application requirements and official materials (photos, movie footage, press release): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11pBQrHQdNXVJKnBm_EhmxC0IYi-jiYPl IMAGICA GROUP 90th Anniversary Special Site https://www.imagicagroup.co.jp/90th-anniversary/en/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/imagica-group-film-project-maria-selected-by-film-professionals-including-film-director-hirokazu-kore-eda-at-78th-cannes-film-festival-302465453.html SYDNEY, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi has unveiled their second activation with Man City star and Brand Ambassador, John Stones. Their latest campaign, Tunnel of Triumph, builds on the success of last year's Axi spread-betting campaign, once again featuring John Stones. This year, the City star relives some of his biggest moments on the pitch and reveals what those experiences have meant to him and the team. Hannah Hill, Head of Brand and Sponsorship?at Axi, expressed her enthusiasm for their new campaign, stating, "We're thrilled to be launching the Tunnel of Triumph campaign featuring our Brand Ambassador, John Stones. John is a remarkable player who brings relentless edge, ambition, and never settles for less on the pitch - qualities that perfectly mirror our own. When it comes to what we deliver for our clients, we continually aim to excel, whether it's through our super competitive trading conditions, our excellent customer service, or our offerings. Focusing exclusively on the UK audience, our latest campaign promotes our Spread Betting account, highlighting how our clients can trade the markets tax-free*." Axi's Tunnel of Triumph campaign complements the broker's 'Four Years' campaign, launched in March 2025, which featured City star players Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones. The campaign celebrated four remarkable years of collaboration, shared achievements, and reaching new heights together. Further to the broker's long-term partnership with Manchester City and having John Stones as their Brand Ambassador, Axi is also the Official LATAM Online Trading Partner of LaLiga club, Girona FC, and the Official Online Trading Partner of Brazilian club, Esporte Clube Bahia. https://youtu.be/ThJDNXKddac CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.?71.4% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.?You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. *Applies to UK spread betting. Tax laws are subject to change and depend on individual circumstances. Tax law may differ in a jurisdiction other than the UK. Axi does not provide tax advice. About Axi Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading brand, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more. For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact:?mediaenquiries@axi.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08aae059-82a9-4097-921e-3fb8c451ea98 IMPROVATE cooperation with the Romanian Airports Association that Host Exclusive Forum with Executives from All 17 Romanian Airports SIBIU, Romania, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Romanian aviation sector welcomed a delegation of leading Israeli technology companies as part of an exclusive innovation event co-hosted by IMPROVATE and the Romanian Airports Association (RAA). The forum brought together CEOs and senior executives from all 17 civilian airports in Romania, including major international hubs such as Henri Coanda International Airport (Bucharest), Cluj-Napoca International Airport, Timi?oara International Airport, and Ia?i International Airport. This was the second consecutive year that IMPROVATE partnered with the RAA to bridge Israeli innovation with Romania's growing aviation infrastructure needs. The Israeli companies presented advanced technologies tailored to airport operations, security, mobility, and automation - with several demo requests and follow-up discussions already underway. Participating Israeli Companies: 1. IntuView http://www.intuview.com IntuView is an AI platform for name matching and real-time watchlist alerts, used by government and security agencies worldwide. Its patented technology mimics human text comprehension, enabling intelligent threat detection across multiple languages and data sources. 2. Driliant Specializing in predictive monitoring and command-and-control systems, Driliant offers real-time airspace monitoring solutions. The company's technologies support air traffic management and have been applied in national drone initiatives, defense, and medical fields. 3. Mer Group https://www.mer-group.com A global leader in security and resilience, Mer Group provides comprehensive, customized solutions against physical, cyber, geopolitical, and reputation-based threats. The group includes Athena, led by former Navy Commander Omer Laviv, and supports full-cycle deployment in complex environments like airports. 4. CoreVision http://www.corevision-tech.com CoreVision develops state-of-the-art identity verification and visitor control systems. Its proprietary image processing and optical character recognition (OCR) technology powers highly accurate and fast ID validation for secure facility access. 5. EZ Raider https://www.ezraider-usa.com EZ Raider manufactures all-electric, all-terrain mobility vehicles used by police, military, rescue teams, and recreational markets. The four-wheel design ensures safe, stable, and narrow-path maneuverability, ideal for airport patrols and emergency access. 6. Afcon Control and Automation https://en.afcon.co.il/technologies/ Part of the publicly traded Afcon Group, Afcon provides integrated control and automation systems for critical infrastructure. With advanced capabilities in low-voltage systems, Afcon enables unified control environments across complex airport operations. "This forum isn't just about showcasing technology - it's about forging practical partnerships," said Ronit Hassin-Hochman, CEO of IMPROVATE. "We are proud to support long-term cooperation between Israeli innovation and Romania's dynamic aviation ecosystem. Romania's airports serve as vital gateways to Europe, and Israeli technologies are ready to help elevate their operational and security capabilities." IMPROVATE's next event will take place on June 25, 2025, in Sofia, Bulgaria, and will focus on Smart Cities. The forum will bring together mayors and senior municipal officials from across Central and Eastern Europe to explore innovative technologies for urban management, sustainability, and infrastructure. About IMPROVATE www.improvate.net IMPROVATE is a platform that connects innovation companies with countries worldwide, focusing on cyber, homeland security, and defense. Through high-level summits, delegations, and direct engagement with decision-makers, IMPROVATE brings together government leaders, senior executives, investors, and Israeli technology companies to foster meaningful cooperation and commercial partnerships. Its distinguished board and international partners include: Garry Kasparov , World Chess Champion and Human Rights Advocate , World Chess Champion and Human Rights Advocate Rosen Plevneliev , President of Bulgaria (2012-2017) , President of Bulgaria (2012-2017) Yigal Unna , Director General of Israel's National Cyber Directorate (2018-2022) , Director General of Israel's National Cyber Directorate (2018-2022) Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Gilead , Former Director of Policy and Political-Military Affairs, Israel Ministry of Defense , Former Director of Policy and Political-Military Affairs, Israel Ministry of Defense Yves Leterme , Former Prime Minister of Belgium , Former Prime Minister of Belgium Prof. Vlado Buckkovski, Former Prime Minister of North Macedonia Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696197/IMPROVATE.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/israeli-innovation-lands-in-romania-airport-leaders-meet-cutting-edge-technologies-from-israel-302465647.html PARIS, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CoinW, one of the world's leading cryptocurrency asset trading platforms, has joined forces with Superteam Europe to successfully conclude the Solana Breakout Hackathon - Colosseum, a month-long initiative that ran from April 14 to May 16 across France, the Balkans, Germany, and Poland. As Solana's key ecosystem enabler in Europe, Superteam Europe localized and coordinated the event across multiple regions, while CoinW contributed its deep exchange expertise, community reach, and developer support to empower emerging blockchain talent and promote meaningful adoption across the continent. This initiative was designed not only to drive innovation on Solana but also to promote broader blockchain adoption in Europe. Participants competed to build impactful Web3 projects, while CoinW offered free listing opportunities, mentorship, and potential incubation support to outstanding teams. "We are thrilled with the success of the Solana Breakout Hackathon and our ongoing partnership with Superteam Europe," said Nassar Achkar, Chief Strategy Officer at CoinW. "This collaboration showcases our long-term commitment to empowering blockchain builders and promoting sustainable growth in the global Web3 ecosystem." Long-Term Collaboration Beyond Events CoinW's partnership with Superteam Europe goes far beyond one-time events. The two teams have jointly launched strategic activities throughout 2024, including: Superteam Poland Launch Party & Founders' Dinner (Jan 22-23): CoinW engaged with builders and community leaders in Warsaw. (Jan 22-23): CoinW engaged with builders and community leaders in Warsaw. Superteam France Ski Retreat (Feb 1-8): CoinW joined Solana's core contributors and KOLs for strategic dialogue and community building in the Alps. (Feb 1-8): CoinW joined Solana's core contributors and KOLs for strategic dialogue and community building in the Alps. Solana Breakout Hackathon (Apr 14-May 16): CoinW supported multiple regional hackathon stops, offering real resources and exposure to top projects. In total, CoinW committed $100,000 USD to support these initiatives, covering event sponsorship, community outreach, developer incentives, and listing resources. This investment underscores CoinW's broader ambition to build long-term impact across the European Web3 space. From Events to Ecosystem Building The partnership also emphasized ecosystem co-creation. CoinW and Superteam Europe co-hosted a range of online forums, including AMAs, livestreams, and developer roundtables, to increase community participation and visibility. Both parties also collaborated with universities and blockchain societies to host educational workshops, lectures, and student-led research initiatives. Additionally, they engaged regional KOLs and content creators to drive shared messaging, foster dialogue, and raise awareness of Web3's transformative potential. Superteam Europe also featured in CoinW's WConnect virtual series, showcasing top Solana projects to CoinW's global audience and reinforcing the reach of local innovation. The Hackathon Ends, but the Mission Continues The conclusion of the Breakout Hackathon marks a new beginning rather than an end. CoinW and Superteam Europe remain dedicated to nurturing grassroots innovation, empowering developers, and expanding blockchain adoption in Europe through long-term investment and ecosystem collaboration. Together, they are building a more connected, open, and innovative Web3 future across the continent. About Superteam Superteam unites developers, founders, and creators from across the continent. As a regional powerhouse of the Solana ecosystem, Superteam drives growth through hackathons, education, and funding, empowering a new wave of decentralized innovation. About CoinW Founded in 2017, CoinW has grown into one of the world's leading cryptocurrency asset trading platforms, serving a vast and diverse global user base. With a clear vision to support wealth growth and empower blockchain innovation, CoinW continuously refines its product offerings and expands a diversified service ecosystem. In recent years, CoinW has actively strengthened its global brand presence through cross-industry collaborations and strategic international expansion, driving ongoing brand evolution. Moving forward, CoinW remains committed to building a thriving crypto ecosystem, advancing global financial inclusion, and accelerating the widespread adoption of blockchain technology. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696532/CoinW_x_Superteam_Europe.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696533/Solana_Breakout_Hackathon___Colosseum.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2618621/CoinW_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/coinw-teams-up-with-superteam-europe-to-conclude-solana-hackathon-and-accelerate-web3-innovation-in-europe-302465648.html Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Strathmore Plus Uranium Corporation (TSXV: SUU) (OTCQB: SUUFF) ("Strathmore" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the expansion of the Agate Project by staking an additional 15 lode mining claims, increasing the project to 100 claims for ~2,067 acres. The newly claimed area has noted historical drilling completed by Kerr McGee in the 1970s that encountered shallow uranium mineralization at less than 200 feet deep. Strathmore will continue to expand the area of mineralization after last years successful drilling program. Agate is in the Shirley Basin Uranium District, one of the most prolific uranium districts in the U.S. where 53 million pounds of uranium has been mined by open pit, underground and in-situ recovery. UR Energy's Shirley Basin project is located 6 miles to the northeast of Agate, where they are actively building an in-situ operation as a satellite to their Lost Creek mine 100 miles west in central Wyoming. In 2024, Strathmore identified a new zone of shallow mineralization located one mile south of the northern trend, within the overlying middle sand unit. Notable drill results include hole AG-143-24, which intersected 14 feet of 0.046% eU3O (from 30.5 to 44.5 feet), and hole AG-147-24, with 15.5 feet of 0.051% eU3O (from 29 to 44.5 feet). This newly discovered trend remains open to both the north and south and is scheduled for further exploration in the 2025 season and is expected to significantly expand the resource. Strathmore has completed 200 exploration holes (including 5 monitor wells) on the Agate project, with over 90% of the holes hitting mineralization. The 2023-24 exploration defined approximately 3,700 feet of a mineralized trend in the lower sand unit, with notable intercepts in two holes, AG-10-23 (16.0 feet @ 0.081% eU3O8 from 82.0-98.0 feet) and AG-16-23 (21.0 feet @ 0.089% eU3O8 from 79.0-100.0 feet). This northern trend is open to the west and east, where further exploration in 2025 intends to expand into these untested areas. Strathmore Director John DeJoia commented "I have personally mined and been responsible for mining approximately 20 million pounds of uranium in Shirley Basin (now UR Energy's property). I mined by open pit, underground methods, and the first commercial ISR operation in the U.S. With 9 out of every 10 exploration drill holes we completed intercepting mineralization at Agate, I have re-evaluated my conventional thinking regarding economics. Conventional wisdom has always professed that "Grade is King" however, the uranium mineralization at Agate is thick and therefore yields substantial grade-thickness (GT) products, and it is at a shallow depth of a little over a hundred feet! Grade is important but the economics at Agate are outstanding. I'm excited to be starting our 2025 drilling program and continuing to grow this project for a future ISR mine". 2025 Exploration Plan Strathmore is pleased to announce the 2025 Exploration Plan for the Agate Project, to expand the area of mineralization after last years very successful drilling program. Currently up to 100 drill sites are permitted, with the intent to explore with two drill programs. This summer five core holes are planned to compliment groundwater studies from closely located monitor wells previously installed in 2024. The core will be used for chemical equilibrium studies by the Company and the University of Wyoming for their ongoing geophysical research at the project. Planned exploration drilling intends to link together discrete deposits encountered in the lower sand in 2023-24 and expand upon the 2024 discovery of mineralization in the shallow middle sand. The intent of the exploration is to expand the mineralization on the property into a multi-zone deposit, with the potential of stacked roll fronts, and to gather the necessary information to complete a mineral resource estimate and technical report on the project during winter 2025. University of Wyoming Research Project Strathmore is also pleased to report on the University of Wyoming's (UW) ongoing geophysical study at the Agate project. The research by Dr. Bradley Carr, Director of UW's Near-surface Geophysical Center, consists of ground and borehole geophysics applied across the project to detect and image a uranium roll front and possibly monitor the movement of the roll front's position during future in-situ mining development. In this research, the borehole and surface geophysical methods utilized include Seismic Reflection, Seismic Refraction, Direct Current Resistivity, Induced Polarization, Electromagnetics, Self-Potential, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Strathmore looks forward to working with Dr. Carr to provide potential targets for the 2025 exploration season, including the new 1- mile step out discovery, based on their current geophysical studies and those completed in 2023-24. In early 2023, Dr. Carr received a grant from the University's School of Energy Resources for US$200,000 to complete the research. Recently Dr. Carr was awarded additional funding for US$120,000 which in part will be used to advance the geophysical research at Agate, and for a study of deeper uranium mineralization at the Company's Beaver Rim project during summer 2025. Lastly, Strathmore has donated US$20,000 to the University to help finalize the purchase of XRF analysis capabilities on core samples for the Department of Geology and Geophysics' GeoTEK analysis equipment. About the Agate Property The Agate property consists of 85 wholly owned lode mining claims covering 1,756 acres. Uranium mineralization on the project is contained in classic Wyoming-type roll fronts within the Eocene Wind River Formation, an arkosic-rich sandstone. Historically, 53 million pounds of uranium were mined in Shirley Basin, including from open-pit, underground, and the first commercial in-situ recovery operation in the USA during the 1960s. At the property, the uranium mineralization is shallow, from 20 to approximately 150 feet deep, much of which appears below the water table and likely amenable to in-situ recovery. Kerr McGee Corporation, the largest US uranium mining company at the time, drilled at least 650 holes across the project area in the 1970s, delineating several targets of potential mineralization. In 2023 and 2024, the Company completed 200 exploration holes on the Project, discovering several areas of potential mineralization. About Strathmore Plus Uranium Strathmore is focused on discovering uranium deposits in Wyoming, and has three permitted uranium projects including Agate, Beaver Rim, and Night Owl. The Agate and Beaver Rim properties contain uranium in typical Wyoming-type roll front deposits based on historical drilling data. The Night Owl property is a former producing surface mine that was in production in the early 1960s. Cautionary Statement: "Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release". Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. disclaim 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 expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Terrence Osier, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp., a Qualified Person. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Dev Randhawa" Dev Randhawa, CEO To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253454 SOURCE: Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. Company opens London office and strengthens support for growing customer base in Europe, including Avincis LONDON, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TracPlus , a global leader in mission-critical intelligence for aerial firefighting, today announced the opening of a new office in London, marking its first permanent presence in Europe. The move reflects TracPlus's continued global growth and deepening support for customers across wildfire-prone regions worldwide. As part of this expansion, TracPlus has appointed Atlanta Taylor as Account Director and Harry Bickerton as Account Manager. Both will be based in London and focused on serving the company's growing EMEA customer base. "This is an exciting step for TracPlus as we continue to invest in the regions we serve," said John O'Hara, CEO of TracPlus. "With a dedicated presence in London and new team members on the ground, we're better positioned to support our partners across EMEA, helping them operate more safely and effectively in the face of increasing wildfire threats." Strengthening Support for EMEA Customers The London team expands TracPlus's footprint beyond its Auckland, New Zealand headquarters, bringing customer-facing expertise closer to key markets. This global coverage enables our team to serve our customers across regions continuously. Among TracPlus's growing EMEA customers is Avincis, a leading aerial emergency services provider with operations across Europe. The two companies recently announced a partnership to modernize coordination and tracking for complex aerial missions. New Hires Bring Deep Regional and Operational Experience Atlanta Taylor brings seven years of aerospace and defense experience, specializing in data-driven solutions for European aerial emergency services. Harry Bickerton, who previously worked in TracPlus's New Zealand office, returns with a background in aviation, sales, and account management, including seven years as a commercial pilot and flight instructor. TracPlus Momentum Following FireFlyte Platform Launch This expansion comes during significant growth for TracPlus following the recent launch of its FireFlyte platform. The company recently surpassed 1 billion datapoints, with more than 1 million new datapoints being captured daily. In 2024 alone, TracPlus processed 142 million reports, supported 332,188 aerial drops, tracked over 170 million litres of suppressant deployed, and logged over 99 million kilometers flown by aircraft involved in critical operations. These milestones reflect TracPlus's expanding role as the trusted backbone for real-time coordination, operational visibility, and after-action review in aerial firefighting missions worldwide. "Strategic growth isn't just about scale, it's about delivering better support where and when it matters most," added O'Hara. "With our global expansion, new team members, and ongoing platform advancements, we're building the foundation to help agencies and firefighters respond faster, operate more safely, and tackle their toughest challenges confidently." About TracPlus TracPlus delivers mission-critical intelligence that transforms aerial firefighting operations worldwide. Our platform integrates real-time tracking, operational reporting, and advanced analytics to help agencies and operators deploy resources more efficiently, enhance safety, and achieve better outcomes. With over 880 million position reports and 10 million flight hours of data captured over 15 years, TracPlus provides unmatched operational insight that drives better mission outcomes when lives and property are at stake. Additionally, in 2024, over 171 million liters of drops were recorded in our software. Trusted by over 700 organizations across 44 countries, we serve leading aerial firefighting agencies including Australia's NAFC and New Zealand's FENZ. Our approach creates a unified operational view across all assets, enabling real-time decision-making and post-mission analysis that measurably improves response times, resource allocation, and firefighting effectiveness. For more information, visit tracplus.com or fireflyte.com . Media Contact ani.radountcheva@tracplus.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676504/TracPlus_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tracplus-establishes-london-presence-with-emea-hires-and-continued-global-growth-302464619.html DUBAI, UAE, May 27, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - In a region undergoing a digital renaissance, AI - and more critically, AI-powered experiences and Agentic AI - have emerged as the defining force behind customer experience transformation. This paradigm shift took center stage at the Customer Experience Live Show Middle East 2025, the region's most prestigious CX leadership gathering, where the newly released Customer Experience Live Intelligence Report 2025 outlined how enterprises are leveraging intelligent systems to not just automate, but think, act, and adapt independently.According to the report, a staggering 89% of organizations are investing in both AI-powered experiences and predictive analytics, highlighting an unprecedented leap toward proactive, self-directed customer engagement strategies. Agentic AI, in particular, is gaining traction - these autonomous systems are designed to independently assess, decide, and respond to customer needs in real-time, redefining the very foundation of service delivery. This transition is empowering businesses to move from reactive service models to predictive, hyper-personalised engagement - while freeing human agents to focus on complex, high-value interactions."This isn't just an upgrade in tools - it's a philosophical shift in how organisations approach customer experience," said Ayusha Tyagi, Managing Director, Customer Experience Live. "AI and Agentic AI are allowing brands to deliver human-like support at scale, while creating space for empathy, creativity, and more strategic CX design. The future belongs to companies that can fuse intelligence with intention."In a bid to deliver intelligent, intuitive, and immersive experiences, organisations across the Middle East are aligning their technology investments with customer-centric strategies. The report reveals that 59% of companies are deploying AI agents to enhance responsiveness and automate interactions, while 83% are prioritising operational excellence as a critical driver of CX transformation. At the same time, 69% of businesses are focusing on improving customer engagement and satisfaction, reaffirming that strong relationships are central to long-term success. Additionally, 56% are investing in outsourcing CX support and services, aiming to scale service delivery and improve efficiency.As 81% of organisations are actively pursuing increased customer satisfaction and retention to remain competitive, it is evident that customer experience is no longer confined to a single department - it has become a strategic business imperative."The future of CX is here: AI and Agentic AI are combining the power of automation with human insight to deliver experiences that are not just personalised but predictive, proactive, and powerful," noted Sanjay Gupta, VP Sales, South Asia & Middle East, NICE.This year's edition also brought together influential voices and decision-makers from companies such as Al Futtaim Group, Bank Muscat, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Etihad Airways, NEOM, The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever, and Zurich among others.Held at the JW Marriott Hotel Dubai Marina on 13-14 May 2025, the event further celebrated innovation through the Customer Experience Live Awards, honouring leading organisations transforming their customer journeys through data, design, and digital intelligence. This year's winners included Saudi Ports Authority "Mawani", Aster DM Healthcare, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Saudi EXIM Bank, NICE, Oman Data Park, Tawuniya, Tasleem Metering & Payment Collection, Dammam Airports Company, EHS, Octopus Outsourcing, NEOM Operations, Dubai National Insurance, Medcare Hospital & Medical Centres, Saudi Awwal Bank, Fitness First MENA, Silah Gulf, Sprinklr, Verint, and Qatar Airways Group.The event was co-presented by NICE and e& enterprise, with Sprinklr joining as Spotlight Partner, each bringing deep expertise and innovation to the forefront of customer experience transformation. This year's edition was further enriched by co-located shows - the AI Experience Show, Digital Excellence Show, and Contact Centre Show Middle East 2025 - offering attendees a 360-degree view of the technologies, trends, and strategies shaping the future of customer experience.Other distinguished sponsors included Cisco, AWS, Verint, Ipsos, Qualtrics, Sydr Systems by SITE, Sideways 6, Exotel, Locobuzz, Kanari, Konnect Insights, Robosoft Technologies, Silah Gulf, XEBO.ai, intella, Hamsa, November Five, Calabrio, 2Ring, Answered by Aramex, and NovelVox.Strategic partners for the event were the International Customer Experience Institute and Bpo Search, with media partners being Customer Data Platform Institute, ACN Newswire, Call Centre Helper, CrmXchange, StartupNews.fyi, siliconindia, CIOReview, AI Tools Network, Financial Service Review, Conference Alerts, Applied Technology Review, The European Business Review, CIO Outlook, AIPressRoom, OnestopNDT, Omanoilandgas.com, Worldoils, and Energy Business Review.To download the Customer Experience Live Intelligence Report 2025 or learn more about the event, visit: www.customer-experience.liveAbout Customer Experience LiveCustomer Experience Live is a leading digital customer experience insights and research powerhouse in the EMEA and APAC regions. Committed to driving growth within organisations through rigorous research and insightful activations, the company plays a pivotal role in facilitating successful business ventures and fostering innovation in customer experience solutions. With a focus on understanding end-user needs and market dynamics, Customer Experience Live empowers top-level executives and solution providers to navigate the ever-changing landscape of customer experience.About Customer Experience Live Show Middle EastCustomer Experience Live Show Middle East is the region's most prestigious show designed for the top-tier CX suite. For 8 successful editions, this premier conference has empowered enterprises to enhance their customer experience strategies through insights on Omni AI experience, operational efficiency, VoC redesign, and proactive engagement.With a strong focus on positioning CX as a driver of business growth, the event brings together senior executives and industry experts to address evolving challenges and build long-term customer loyalty.Participate in the upcoming edition to gain actionable insights, connect with CX leaders, and benchmark against the very best in the field.For more information, please contactRiji Raju, Content and Marketing Lead, Customer Experience LiveEmail: riji.raju@customer-experience.liveSource: Customer Experience LiveCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. KUALA LUMPUR, May 27, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - CGS International Securities Pte Ltd ("CGS International") and CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd ("CGS MY") in collaboration with MBSB and OCBC Malaysia, today at their curtain raiser for the inaugural ASEAN Business Forum 2025 ("ABF2025" or the "Forum"), shared key action points slated for intense discussion at the event to be held on 29 May 2025. ABF2025 will be held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, and the ASEAN-GCC + China Summit 2025. A key highlight of the forum is the corporate engagement and business exchange session designed to drive real business collaboration between pre-screened and pre-selected matching parties from the top 25 corporations and investors across ASEAN and China.Themed "From Vision to Reality - ASEAN Partnerships Fuelling Sustainable Growth", the forum is co-hosted with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia. It is expected to draw more than 600 attendees comprising over 200 foreign and local corporates, policymakers and corporate captains. They represent the region's largest companies of over RM1 trillion in market capitalisation, council members of ASEAN BAC countries, and fund managers with total funds under management of over RM 8 trillion. The gathering comes at a critical juncture of a changing world order arising from United States tariffs, as affected countries explore alternative strategies to sustain economic stability and growth.Present at the curtain raiser were CGS International's strategic partners, represented by YBhg. Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of the ASEAN-BAC for Malaysia, Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, MIDA Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Investment Promotion and Facilitation), YBhg. Dato' Azlan Shahrim, Group Chief Strategy Officer representing MBSB Berhad and Ms. Tan Ai Chin, Managing Director, Senior Banker & Head of Investment Banking of OCBC Malaysia - both trusted banking partners committed to growing ASEAN financial ecosystems and supporting sustainable investment flows.Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, MIDA Deputy CEO (Investment Promotion and Facilitation) shared, "We commend CGS International Securities for hosting the ASEAN Business Forum 2025 - a timely effort that speaks to the region's shared aspiration for sustainable and inclusive prosperity, amidst geopolitical and challenging global economic landscape. At MIDA, we are committed to partnerships that go beyond transactions, that shape long-term value for Malaysia and uplift business communities. This forum bodes well with the statement of intent by ASEAN - to lead with shared purpose, unity, and economic vision. As the Malaysian government's principal promotion agency, MIDA stands ready to facilitate investments that strengthen regional supply chain integration and elevate ASEAN on the global stage."YBhg. Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of the ASEAN-BAC for Malaysia added, "Now, more than ever, ASEAN needs to strengthen bilateral ties and stay united. We need to be deliberate and realistic, taking concerted efforts to optimise intra-ASEAN trade and investments. Amongst our 12 priorities, initiatives such as the ASEAN Business Entity (ABE) directly facilitate this by enabling operational flexibility to ASEAN-based companies to move business, capital, and talent, which will in turn allow emerging businesses and markets to flourish."In her opening presentation, Puan Azizah Mohd Yatim, CEO of CGS MY said, "This forum marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to attract more investment and trade to the region by leveraging CGS International Group's Chinese parentage. Malaysia's Chairmanship of ASEAN is happening at a unique time of a shifting world economy. Together with our fellow ASEAN members, we have a golden opportunity to co-ordinate and re-establish deeper, stronger intra-ASEAN, ASEAN+3 and global ties. Through our deep ASEAN network and parentage, we can connect and support the capital needs of businesses in the region and help investors navigate cross-border investments confidently. To date, we have organised and facilitated B2B and B2G engagements for companies and policymakers with China, working towards uplifting ASEAN's businesses and economies."On behalf of MBSB Group, its Chief Strategy Officer Dato' Azlan Shahrim highlighted, "Our active participation in the ASEAN Business Forum reflects our commitment to catalysing deeper collaboration across the region. At MBSB Group, we are committed to advancing Malaysia's regional and global ambitions through our unique combination of MBSB Bank's banking solutions and MIDF's development finance expertise. With focus on high-impact sectors such as renewable energy, electrical and electronics, aerospace, agri-foods, and halal, we provide bespoke services that empower businesses and SMEs to grow strategically across ASEAN and beyond. Through our investment banking services, Shariah advisory expertise, and commitment to sustainability, we are helping companies raise capital and scale, in line with the region's evolving economic landscape."Ms Tan Ai Chin, Managing Director, Senior Banker & Head of Investment Banking of OCBC Malaysia, concluded, "At OCBC, we believe ASEAN's strength lies in its connectivity - the seamless integration of markets, talent, and capital, underpinned by sustainable growth. Our participation in ABF2025 underscores our commitment to facilitate cross-border economic collaboration. Through OCBC Group's integrated global network - spanning corporate & investment banking, private banking, asset management and insurance - we empower businesses to unlock growth opportunities that transcend borders. With our deep-rooted presence in ASEAN and Greater China, OCBC is uniquely positioned to deliver tailored sustainable and Islamic financial solutions as well as bespoke M&A advisory to facilitate trade and investment flows. Together, we are bridging economies while building a resilient, net-zero future for ASEAN."The full-day forum will feature more than 20 speakers and panellists for discussions as well as closed- door meetings between investors and policy makers, all focused on addressing challenges and catalysing opportunities for high-value deals and strategic partnerships for regional economic growth. Several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) will be announced during the Forum, signalling long- term collaboration in strategic growth sectors such as healthcare, investments, single family office, and trade. In addition to the MOUs, China Galaxy Securities and CGS International Group intend to establish a China-Malaysia and ASEAN investment programme, which aims to foster capital flows, build stronger investment linkages, and support co-investment opportunities amongst China, Malaysia and ASEAN countries, with Malaysia as a key regional anchor.Source: CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn BhdCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY) (OTCQB: DRYGF) ("Dryden Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Visible Gold ("VG") was observed on Dryden Gold's initial drill program at the historical Laurentian Mine Target ("Laurentian") and the Intersection Target on the Elora Gold System. Laurentian is approximately one kilometer north of the Jubilee Target ("Jubilee") where the Company recently released assay results of 301.67 g/t over 3.90 meters including 1,930 g/t over 0.60 meters in a newly discovered hanging wall structure. The VG intersected at Laurentian was on a new parallel mineralized hanging wall structure. At the new Intersection Target, 200 meters northeast of Jubilee, VG was intersected before the main target in a mineralized footwall structure. This confirms new target potential on parallel high-grade structures along a one-kilometer strike at the Elora Gold System. Both holes have been submitted to the lab and results are expected in the coming weeks. Trey Wasser, CEO of Dryden Gold states "I feel that finding visible gold in these two first pass exploration targets, over a one-kilometer strike length, confirms that our Team's structural interpretation has reached a real breakthrough. Based on our mapping and interpretation, the newly identified gold bearing deformation event (D3) intersects the Elora and Big Master Gold Systems and appears to have enriched several parallel mineralized structures. This has allowed the Team to update the drill plan and really vector in on high-grade targets. This D3 fault structure is prevalent throughout the Gold Rock Camp. So, as we now prepare to test the Mud Lake Area, which is located two kilometers north of Laurentian, we are rapidly gaining confidence in our ability to continue to identify value targets and make new discoveries to create shareholder value." Figure 1: VG from Laurentian Mine Target Hole DGR-25-001 New Hanging Wall Zone To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9776/253458_figure1.jpg Figure 2: VG from Hole DGR-25-007 at the Intersection Target To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9776/253458_figure%202.jpg Figure 3: Plan Map of Gold Rock Exploration Targets To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9776/253458_7f61f74ec453aa0e_004full.jpg Jubilee Zone A new phase of drilling at Jubilee has begun and will focus on confirmation of the plunge of the main zone as well as follow-up of the newly discovered HW Zone. These results will be processed throughout the month of June. The Company would like to clarify that turnaround time for logging the oriented core and receiving lab results, on these deeper drill holes, is now running approximately 8-10 weeks. Since drilling started on this phase of the program, the Company has completed 6,818 meters of drilling on the Elora Gold System with 4,416 meters pending assay results. Marketing Update Management will be participating in The Mining Event of the North (the "Event") on June 3-5, 2025, in Quebec City. CEO, Trey Wasser will be meeting with shareholders and new investors over one-to-one meetings and various networking events. Prior to the Event, on June 2, the Company will sponsor an investor lunch in Montreal and a dinner in Quebec City organized by MI3 Communications. Subsequent to the Event, Mr. Wasser will be meeting with institutional clients. Dryden Gold will also be participating in 121 Mining Investment New York on June 9-10, 2025, followed by an investor roadshow on June 11, 2025, organized by Trinity Financing Investments Corporation. Investors can expect an update on the ongoing drill program and recent assays from the Gold Rock Camp. Qualified Person The technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Maura J. Kolb, M.Sc., P.Geo., President of Dryden Gold and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Analytical Laboratory and QA/QC Procedures The Company is drilling NQ size core. Samples are cut in half, with half going to the lab for analysis and half kept as a record. True thickness/widths of the mineralization is unknown, result intervals are reported as the drilled core lengths unless otherwise stated. All sampling completed by Dryden Gold Corp. within its exploration programs is subject to a Company standard of internal quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) programs which include the insertion of certified reference materials, blank materials, and a level of duplicate analysis. Drill samples from the 2024 and 2025 program were sent to Activation Laboratories, with sample preparation and analysis in Dryden, where they were processed for gold analysis by 50-gram fire assay with an atomic absorption finish and over limits determined by Fire Assay with a gravimetric finish. Select samples were analyzed using metallic screens. Activation Laboratories systems conform to requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17025 guidelines and meets assay requirements outlined for NI 43-101. ABOUT DRYDEN GOLD CORP. Dryden Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY") and on the OTCQB marketplace ("DRYGF"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition and consolidation, exploration success, and mergers and acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominant strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys collaborative relationships with First Nations communities and benefits from proximity to an experienced mining workforce. 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 Statements The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the acquisition of the Property, receipt of corporate and regulatory approvals, issuance of common shares; future development plans; future acquisitions; exploration programs; and the business and operations of Dryden Gold. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (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 are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings including receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval for the acquisition of the Property; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in Dryden Gold's and the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward--looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Dryden Gold and the Company do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from Dryden Gold's and the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253458 SOURCE: Dryden Gold Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 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 is pleased to announce the signing of its first franchise agreement in Atlantic Canada for the province of P.E.I. This will be Heal's 51st franchise agreement with entry into what will be our fourth operating province for the brand, fifth overall for Happy Belly. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies quick serve restaurant ("QSR"). Happy Belly 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/253487_9e1cf6f3c4c7a853_001full.jpg "Just ten weeks after announcing our area development agreement for Heal in Atlantic Canada, we are happy to move forward with the signing of our first franchise agreement in the province of Prince Edward Island, said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "As summer begins, we look forward to building on this momentum and securing more franchise agreements across Atlantic Canada. Establishing Heal on the east coast is a significant step in our national expansion strategy." Happy Belly 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/253487_9e1cf6f3c4c7a853_002full.jpg "With each new signed agreement our coast-to-coast Canadian expansion grows. As we move into the back-half of 2025, our focus is on accelerating growth through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. With more restaurants in development across Canada, we expect to announce additional projects throughout the remainder of the year as we continue to secure new franchise agreements and premium real estate nationwide. This progress is a clear step forward in our mission to become a predictable and disciplined growth company. Happy Belly now has 531 contractually committed retail franchise locations across our emerging brands-whether in development, under construction, or already operating. We are steadily expanding this pipeline throughout 2025 and 2026, continually selecting the right franchise partners and securing optimal real estate to achieve our brands' development goals." We are just getting started. About Heal Wellness Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more. 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 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/253487_9e1cf6f3c4c7a853_003full.jpg Sean Black Chief Executive Officer Shawn Moniz Chief Operating Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this 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/253487 SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc. The selected finalists have demonstrated entrepreneurial execution and translational potential for a range of scientific approaches The winner(s) will be officially announced on July 3, 2025, and will receive an EUR 100,000 cash prize Munich, Germany, May 27, 2025 - The Strungmann Awardselection committee today announced this year's award finalists. The three companies and their founders highlight the exceptional and internationally successful leaders emerging from the DACH region's thriving life science ecosystem. Now in its second year, the award aims to recognize founders who are not only advancing breakthrough science, but who have also demonstrated the drive and resilience required to translate innovation into therapeutic impact. The award was established to honor its namesakes, Andreas Strungmann, M.D., and Thomas Strungmann, Ph.D. As the founders of Hexal they achieved extraordinary entrepreneurial success, subsequently they expanded on these achievements in their roles as visionary investors. The award celebrates the next generation of leaders advancing a great idea into reality. "We are convinced of the exceptionally talented leaders in the DACH life science ecosystem and are committed to recognizing and promoting both innovative ideas and execution through this award. This year's finalists underscore the depth of scientific and entrepreneurial excellence in the DACH region. They represent a remarkable diversity of scientific fields: from targeted cancer therapies to regenerative neuroscience and drug resistance. It's inspiring to see how different paths can lead to meaningful innovation that improves patients' lives," said Andreas und Thomas Strungmann. The following visionary entrepreneurs have been selected by the award committee for their innovative mindset and talent for execution in translating biomedical research into therapeutic approaches: Dragan Grabulovski | Philipp Spycher | Isabella Attinger-Toller - Araris Biotech The founding team of Araris Biotech, Dragan Grabulovski, Ph.D., CEO, Philipp Spycher, Ph.D., CSO, and Isabella Attinger-Toller, Ph.D., CTO, has built one of Switzerland's most successful biotech ventures in recent years. Spun out of the Paul Scherrer Institute (part of ETH domain), the team developed a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) linker-payload technology (AraLinQTM) that enables one-step payload attachment to off-the-shelf antibodies, without the need of prior antibody engineering. Their collaborative leadership and scientific excellence led Araris to raise over CHF 40 million, form a strategic partnership with Chugai (Roche) and Johnson & Johnson, and achieve a landmark acquisition by Taiho Pharmaceutical in March 2025 for up to USD 1.14 billion. Araris Biotech is advancing a new class of ADCs aiming to redefine the entire paradigm of targeted cancer therapy and beyond. Martin E. Schwab | Stefan Moese - NovaGo Therapeutics Prof. Martin E. Schwab, Ph.D., CSO and co-founder of NovaGo Therapeutics, is a world-renowned neuroscientist whose pioneering work on nerve growth inhibition fundamentally changed the field of neuroregeneration. He discovered the protein Nogo-A, a key blocker of nerve repair in the central nervous system and translated this breakthrough into the development of regenerative antibody therapies. Building on decades of research at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, he founded NovaGo in 2015 to advance clinical candidates for patients with spinal cord injury and related indications. Since joining as CEO in 2023, Stefan Moese, Ph.D., has brought deep expertise in biologics and translational drug development. Together, he and Martin E. Schwab are driving the company's efforts to translate cutting-edge science into regenerative therapies, where the first candidate has entered clinical trials in acute spinal cord injured patients in 2024. NovaGo Therapeutics is a Swiss biotech company developing antibody-based therapies to promote nerve and blood vessel regeneration, with a lead program targeting acute spinal cord injury. Stefanie Fluckiger-Mangual - TOLREMO therapeutics Stefanie Fluckiger-Mangual, Ph.D., founder and CEO of TOLREMO therapeutics, has built a company that is redefining the way drug resistance is approached in the treatment of cancer. Drawing from her academic research at ETH Zurich, she uncovered that resistance is often driven by transcriptional changes - sometimes long before oncogenic mutations arise. This insight led to the development of a proprietary screening platform which resulted in the identification of CBP/p300 as an epigenetic master regulator of non-oncogene resistance. Under Stefanie's leadership, the company has raised over CHF 34 million and advanced its lead program TT125-802, a novel, highly selective CBP/p300 inhibitor, into the clinic. In this ongoing clinical trial, TT125-802 has shown a best-in-class safety profile and unprecedented monotherapy activity in solid tumors. TOLREMO therapeutics is pioneering a comprehensive new approach to tackle cancer drug resistance by blocking transcriptional resistance pathways that operate parallel to the primary oncogene signaling axis. This represents a differentiated strategy to address a major challenge in cancer treatment, with significant therapeutic potential both as a monotherapy as well as in combination with targeted therapies. As a next step in the selection process, an expert jury consisting of leading entrepreneurial personalities and biotechnology investors will select the winner(s). The winner will be officially announced on July 3, 2025, and will receive a EUR 100,000 cash prize. To learn more about the award and stay up to date on the latest news visit our website: www.struengmannaward.de. About the Strungmann Award The award was established in 2024 to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs realizing revolutionary ideas in the DACH life science sector. The goal is to reward exceptional achievements with a prestigious prize and to further the development of the next generation of leaders in this space. The award was named to honor twin brothers Andreas Strungmann, M.D., and Thomas Strungmann, Ph.D., who are among the important entrepreneurs, visionaries and investors in the life science sector. As the founders of Hexal, they achieved extraordinary entrepreneurial success and as investors, they have continued to repeat that success for more than 20 years by building and developing leading companies across the industry, including Mainz-based BioNTech. Learn more at https://struengmannaward.de/. Media Contact Trophic Communications Stephanie May, Ph.D. and Anja Heuer Phone: +49 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Forum Energy Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) (the "Company" or "Forum") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to sell a new royalty on its 100% owned Aberdeen Uranium Project in Nunavut, Canada (the "Project") to Uranium Royalty Corp. ("URC"). Highlights: 2.0% Gross Overriding Royalty Acquired for CAD$1 Million: URC will acquire the royalty for a cash payment of CAD$1,000,000 to Forum at closing, which is scheduled to occur by the end of May 2025. Forum retains the right to repurchase 0.5% for CAD$1,000,000 within six months of a successful pre-feasibility study; this right expires seven years after issuance. Strategic Location: Aberdeen is directly adjacent to the west of the Orano-operated Kiggavik Project , which hosts over 132 million pounds of U3O in Indicated and Inferred Resources, making it one of the largest undeveloped uranium projects globally. (1) Highly Prospective Ground: Aberdeen covers more than 95,000 hectares in the underexplored Thelon Basin-Canada's emerging analogue to the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. Drilling to date has returned high-grade results, including: 1.15% U3O over 2.4 metres 0.62% over 17.9 metres 0.11% U3O over 35.3 metres (2) (1) Based on Orano's Annual Activity Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, available on Orano's website. (2) See Forum news release titled, "Forum Drilling Extends Uranium Mineralization at the Tatiggaq Deposit, Aberdeen Uranium Project, Nunavut", issued on November 26, 2024, and available under Forum's profile on SEDAR+. The Aberdeen Project The Project is an Exploration stage project located on the northeast edge of the Thelon Basin in Nunavut Territory, approximately 100 km west of the Hamlet of Baker Lake. The Project is wholly owned and operated by Forum. The Project covers approximately 95,519 hectares and is located directly adjacent to the west of the Orano operated Kiggavik advanced uranium project. The Aberdeen Royalty The Royalty consists of a 2.0% gross revenue royalty on the Project. Forum may buy-back one quarter (0.5%) of the Royalty upon payment to URC of $1,000,000 for a period of six months following the announcement of a successful pre-feasibility study. This option expires seven years after the Royalty is issued. About Uranium Royalty Corp. Uranium Royalty Corp. is the world's only publicly traded uranium-focused royalty and streaming company. URC provides investors with uranium commodity price exposure through strategic acquisitions in uranium interests, including royalties, streams, debt and equity in uranium companies, as well as through holdings of physical uranium. The Company is well positioned as a capital provider to an industry needing massive investments in global productive capacity to meet the growing need for uranium as fuel for carbon-free nuclear energy. URC has deep industry knowledge and expertise to identify and evaluate investment opportunities in the uranium industry. The Company's management and the Board include individuals with decades of combined experience in the uranium and nuclear energy sectors, including specific expertise in mine finance, project identification and evaluation, mine development and uranium sales and trading. About Forum Energy Metals Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is focused on the discovery of high-grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut. For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com . ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo. President & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253465 SOURCE: Forum Energy Metals Corp. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 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 Thermo Fisher Scientific 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, 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. 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-1030733 Promotions into New Roles Help Drive Efficiency, Enhance Operations, and Strengthen Credit Management ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Climate First Bank (https://www.climatefirstbank.com) is excited to announce the expansion of its C-suite with the promotion of two esteemed leaders, Chris Van Buskirk and Blaine Worak. These strategic appointments are set to drive efficiency and strengthen our credit management, ensuring continued growth and excellence in our operations. Climate First Bank Climate First Bank Logo Blaine Worak, previously serving as Senior Vice President, Director of Operations, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. With more than two decades of expertise in finance and banking, Worak brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. In this role, Worak will spearhead initiatives to enhance efficiency across all departments within the bank, working closely with leadership to identify and address operational gaps and leveraging technology to optimize processes. Before joining Climate First Bank, Worak held various roles at South State Bank through its acquisition of CenterState Bank, playing a key role in numerous mergers and acquisitions. Worak also holds an MBA from the University of Central Florida, further enhancing her qualifications for this pivotal role. "I am honored to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Climate First Bank. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to drive operational excellence and leverage technology to support our exciting growth," said Blaine Worak, Executive Vice President, COO at Climate First Bank. Chris Van Buskirk, formerly Senior Vice President, Sr. Corporate Advisor in the Commercial Lending department, has accepted the role of Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer. With 25 years of experience in the industry and a degree from the University of Central Florida, Van Buskirk brings a wealth of experience and trust to this critical position. Van Buskirk will oversee the bank's credit management, ensuring secure lending practices. Van Buskirk's leadership will provide the stability and expertise needed to manage our credit appetite effectively. "I am excited to step into the role of Chief Credit Officer and ensure that our lending practices balance safety and soundness while continuing to meet the credit needs of our clients. I am committed to maintaining the trust and stability that our clients expect from Climate First Bank," said Chris Van Buskirk, Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer at Climate First Bank. About Climate First Bank Recognized as the fastest-growing new bank in America since 2009, Climate First Bank is the world's first FDIC-insured, values-based, digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. A Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet member and operationally net-zero since it opened its doors in June 2021, the Bank offers a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products powered by technology to meet the expectations of today's consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. The Bank reports annually on its impact in line with corporate social responsibility goals. Read the most recent Impact Report here. Member FDIC. For more information, please visit: www.climatefirstbank.com. Contact Information John Collins Collins Strategy Group john@collinssg.com (917) 496-4587 Rachel Kent Marketing Director rachel.kent@climatefirstbank.com 5186693550 SOURCE: Climate First Bank View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/climate-first-bank-elevates-c-suite-leadership-team-with-strategic-p-1031483 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / North Shore Uranium Ltd. (TSXV:NSU) ("North Shore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the term of the South Falcon Option Agreement (the "Agreement") with Skyharbour Resources Ltd. ("Skyharbour") has been extended from three to four years. The Agreement governs exploration activities on 11 of the 15 mineral claims that constitute the Company's Falcon property ("Falcon" or the "Property") located in the Athabasca Basin region of Saskatchewan. North Shore is currently preparing for future exploration programs at Falcon. SOUTH FALCON OPTION AGREEMENT AMENDMENT On May 26, 2023, North Shore Energy Metals Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into the Agreement with Skyharbour. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company has the right to earn up to a 100% interest in 11 Falcon claims totaling 42,512 hectares by completing certain cash payments, share issuances and exploration expenditure commitments over a three-year period commencing on October 31, 2023. The layout of the 11 claims is shown in Figure 1. The Agreement has been amended, with the term being extended from three to four years. Commitments formerly required on or before October 31, 2025, are now due on or before October 31, 2026, and commitments required by October 31, 2026, are now due on or before October 31, 2027. In consideration for the term extension, North Shore has agreed to issue Skyharbour 500,000 common shares (the "Consideration Shares") of the Company at a deemed price of $0.035 per Consideration Share. Issuance of the Consideration Shares is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Consideration Shares are subject to a four-month plus one-day hold period upon issuance. Brooke Clements, President and CEO of North Shore stated: "We are pleased with the extension on the term of the Agreement with Skyharbour from three to four years. The extra time will allow us to optimize our systematic and efficient exploration programs at Falcon. Our team believes that Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin is the best jurisdiction in the world for uranium exploration and development and that our work has shown that Falcon offers great potential for a new signficant uranium discovery." FALCON EXPLORATION UPDATE In its September 17, 2024, October 10, 2024, November 13, 2024, February 27, 2025 and May 6, 2025 news releases, the Company summarized work being done at the West Bear and Falcon properties with emphasis on Falcon. Three priority areas have been established at Falcon, Zones 1, 2 and 3 and 36 uranium targets within the three zones have been selected to date by North Shore and its consultants (Figure 1). As reported on May 16, 2024, the Company discovered near-surface uranium mineralization at drill sites P03 and P08 within the South Priority Area in an underexplored area that had never seen drilling (Figures 1 and 2). The Company's top priority at Falcon is to investigate uranium targets along an electromagnetic conductor trend that includes these two new uranium occurrences. High priority target, FA003, which is entirely on land and located 500 metres south of uranium occurrence P03, is an illustration of the types of targets the Company has in its pipeline. (Figures 2 and 3). At FA003 the EM conductor system and an associated magnetic low are disrupted and the interpreted structural system splits, with one arm going to the northeast, the other to the north-northeast. In addition, there is an associated gravity low anomaly identified from the 2022 airborne survey data (Figure 3). The combination of the disruptions and change in orientation of the electromagnetic trend as well as the magnetic and gravity lows can be indicative of the alteration footprint associated with a uranium mineralizing system. The Company will continue planning for future prospecting and drill programs focused on targets like FA003. Research on existing targets and structural corridors will continue and updates will be provided on an ongoing basis. Geologic information from the Saskatchewan database, EM conductors from Saskatchewan database and North Shore interpretation, targets from North Shore interpretation. Figure 1: Map showing Falcon exploration targets and priority zones. Geologic information from the Saskatchewan database, EM conductors, faults and targets from interpretation by Condor North Consulting ULC ("Condor") and North Shore. Single- and double-peak responses picked from survey profile lines. Figure 2. South Priority Area where uranium mineralization was discovered by North Shore in 2024 at drill targets P03 and P08. Vertical gravity gradient (GDD) data processing by Condor, 2.5 g/cm3 density used in terrain correction, data presented in Eotvos (Eo). Structural and EM interpretation by Condor; single- and double-peaked responses picked from airborne survey profiles. Figure 3. Falcon target FA003 with gravity background. FALCON BACKGROUND INFORMATION Falcon consists of 15 mineral claims totaling 55,503 hectares; four of the claims comprising 12,791 hectares are 100 percent-owned by the Company and the remaining 11 claims are subject to the Agreement with Skyharbour described above. Falcon is located 30 km east of the active Key Lake uranium mill and former mine. Between 1983 and 2002, the mine produced a total of 209.9 million pounds of U3O8 at an average grade of over 2.0%0F[1]. ABOUT NORTH SHORE The nuclear power industry is in growth mode as more nuclear power will be required to meet the world's ambitious CO2 emission-reduction goals and the needs of new power-intensive technologies like AI. In this environment, new discoveries of economic uranium deposits will be very valuable, especially in established uranium-producing areas like Saskatchewan. North Shore is working to become a major force in exploration for economic uranium deposits. The Company is working to achieve this goal by exploring its Falcon and West Bear properties at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin and by evaluating opportunities to complement its portfolio of uranium properties. QUALIFIED PERSON Mr. Brooke Clements, MSc, P.Geol., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and the President and CEO of North Shore, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this press release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information: Please contact: Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Telephone: 604.536.2711 Email: b.clements@northshoreuranium.com www.northshoreuranium.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "project", "appear", "interpret", "coincident", "potential", "confirm", "suggest", "evaluate", "encourage", "likely", "anomaly", "continuous" and variations of these words as well as other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "could", "may", "should", "would" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current and planned exploration activities including the potential for the definition of a mineral deposit of potential economic value within Falcon; that drilling results, geophysical survey results and/or interpretations thereof are defining potentially mineralized corridors; results from future exploration programs including drilling; interpretation and meaning of completed and future geophysical surveys; conclusions of future economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans to continue to be refined; possible variations in grades of mineralization and/or future actual recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the availability of sufficient funding on terms acceptable to the Company to complete the planned work programs; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. [1] Source: Government of Saskatchewan - Mineral Deposit Query (https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1130). There is no guarantee that a uranium deposit similar to Key Lake will be discovered on the Falcon Property. SOURCE: North Shore Uranium Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/north-shore-uranium-ltd.-announces-extension-to-falcon-property-option-agreement-1032072 EQS-News: North Peak Resources Ltd. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous North Peak Confirms High Grade Material Remains at Prospect Mountain within the Dean Cave Area, Including a Sample Grading 46.5 g/t Au, 569 g/t Ag 27.05.2025 / 13:01 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - North Peak Resources Ltd. (TSXV: NPR) (the "Company" or "North Peak") announces results from some sampling of the underground and surface dump historical occurrences at its Prospect Mountain property (the "Property") in Eureka, Nevada. Following the 2024 drill program at the Wabash/Williams historic mining areas, which confirmed that considerable high grade oxide mineralization remains around the historic stopes (e.g. 85.7 g/t Au over 3m within a larger interval of 12 g/t Au over 22.9m in hole PM24-039 - see press release dated 12th November 2024), the Company is evaluating some of the accessible historical underground stopes and caves for similar potential within the historical Diamond Mine. Highlights: Initial channel sampling of insitu gossanous material from the Dean Cave area on the 500' level of the historical Diamond mine yielded 46.5 g/t (1.36 oz/t) Au, 569 g/t (16.6 oz/t) Ag, 4.09% Pb, 3.12% Zn over 15 cm over 15 cm Dump grab samples from the historical Kit Carson mine included 5.3 g/t Au, 39 g/t Ag, 7.03% Pb, 1.92% Zn and 3.32 g/t Au, 692 g/t Ag, 1.82% Pb, 2.59% Zn Lundgren Stope area yielded best assay of 0.74 g/t Au, 252 g/t Ag, 0.28 % Cu, 0.09% Pb, 2.23% Zn Historical 4th July mine yielded a copper rich sample of 0.11 g/t Au, 5.2 g/t Ag, 1.74% Cu, 0.24%Pb, 2% Zn "We are pleased with the latest results from our sampling program across the mountain aiming to identify new mineralization around existing workings and in structural target areas. Our exploration strategy is to leverage our existing infrastructure of 11 miles of underground tunnels to help delineate targets within our three explorations zones. The exploration zones are near surface potentially open-pittable oxide material, underground accessible oxide material around historical underground workings and the sulphide material just below the workings," commented Rupert Williams, CEO. "We are in the final stages of securing all necessary approvals ahead of a drill program planned for this summer which will focus on near surface oxide material." Background to the Areas Mineralization in Carbonate Replacement Deposits often occurs in vertical chimneys and layer parallel mantos. The Dean Cave area is one of a series of historical high grade chimney stopes in the northern part of the historical Diamond Mine, which include the DMEA/Deadbroke chimney and the East Cave chimney. The Deadbroke/DMEA chimney extends from surface down to at least 400m and the Dean and East Cave chimneys have only been exploited from underground and extend for at least 100m upwards from the historic 650' level of the mine. At depth the faults appear truncated by the west dipping Dominic fault, which may displace their depth extents. The chimney zones occur along an E/NE trending fracture zone parallel to the Silver Connor Fault near the intersection with steeply dipping NW fault zones associated with the Banner McIntosh fault system and an unnamed NW fault and represent an underground oxide exploration target with high potential for further mineralization, both towards surface and to depth. The Dean Cave stopes for which there are production records averaged 0.229 oz/t (7.8 g/t) Au, 5.83 oz/t (200 g/t) Ag from 291 ore cars (Silver Viking Corp., 1980, map DM0-08 - Note: these records are historical and have not been verified). The DMEA refers to the area that was briefly mined around 1954 following a loan being granted by the Defense Minerals Exploration Administration for development costs. Material generated averaged 0.69 oz/t Au, 50.5 oz/t Ag, 29.4% Pb (See technical report, April 10th, 2023 on SEDAR+ or on the company's website). The Deadbroke area, is south of the Wabash/Williams historic mining area, where the Company's 2024 drill program was focused, and at surface a number of patented claims sit, which are owned 100% and include Old Put and Antelope (see Figures 1 & 3). The Kit Carson mine was perhaps the highest-grade historical mine on the Property and consists of a surface shaft and two working levels (L. Molinelli, 1879, Mining in Eureka County, Nevada). It occurs at the junction of the Silver Connor Fault and the steeply dipping, unnamed NW trending fault. It has remained unexplored since first mined in the 19th century. The Lundgren stopes consist of a group of roughly vertical stopes both upward to the historical Dominic mine, and downward to the 400' level of shaft 3. The stopes consist of a group of chimneys along an ENE trending fault, with the greatest amount of historical mining at the Western end junction with the North trending Diamond Fault. Some of the highest grade samples from the early 20th century were found here with up to 2.29 oz/t (71.6 g/t) Au, and 56.6 oz/t (1769 g/t) Ag (E. Young, 1932, Preliminary Report on the Diamond Excelsior Mines - Eureka, Nevada, these samples are historical in nature and have not been verified by the Company). The historical 4th July mine lies south of and 150 m above the Diamond main level. Mineralization occurs where the tunnel intersected another steeply dipping, E/NE striking fault. As the tunneling did not extend to the intersection of this fault with the Diamond fault, and the 4th of July mine has had little exploration since the 19th century, this trend may represent a significant body of previously unexploited mineralization. Figure 1: Section along E/NE fracture zone, looking SE showing historic chimneys and underground workings. Dean Cave sample location in Orange in interpreted pink stopes/caves. It is unknown if the faults continue below the Dominic Fault. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9875/253474_figure1.jpg Figure 2: Plan of sample localities with underground infrastructure. Kit Carson is a surface shaft. Orange - main level, Diamond tunnel; blue - 500 level; pink, upper workings. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9875/253474_figure2.jpg Figure 3: Long section of underground workings and associated areas, looking East. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9875/253474_figure3.jpg Table 1: Assay Results Sample East, m North, m Elev, m Type Source Lithology Au, g/t Ag, g/t Cu, % Pb, % Zn % Description 851871 164772 8522899 2573 chip subcrop gossan 0.11 5.22 1.74 1.24 2 4th of July tunnel wall 851872 164447 8524136 2478 grab dump gossan 5.30 38.7 0.04 7.03 1.9 dump of Kit Carson shaft 851873 164446 8524135 2478 grab dump gossan 3.32 692 0.10 1.82 2.6 dump of Kit Carson shaft 851874 164502 8523214 2409 chip subcrop dolomite 0.10 17.7 0.12 0.41 1.7 Lundgren stope wall 851875 164531 8523211 2409 chip subcrop gossan 0.02 7.03 0.94 0.10 1.3 tunnel wall, Ludgren stope 851876 164520 8523216 2409 chip subcrop gossan 0.74 252 0.28 0.09 2.2 Lundgren stope wall 851877 164516 8523211 2409 chip subcrop gossan 0.41 68.8 0.24 0.15 2 Lundgren stope wall 851878 164669 8524147 2252 chip subcrop gossan 46.5 569 0.16 1.09 3.1 base of Dean cave Review by Qualified Person, Quality Control and Reports Mr. David Pym, CGeol., is the Qualified Person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, who reviewed and approved scientific and technical disclosure in this press release. The Qualified Person has not reviewed the mineral tenure, nor independently verified the legal status and ownership of the Property or any underlying property agreements. Samples are loaded into a plastic crate and dispatched daily to the ALS Global prep-lab in Elko Nevada. A standard, a blank and a field duplicate were inserted after every 20 samples, for a QA/QC rate of 15%. Six standards from CDN Resource Laboratories were rotated through the samples. The standards had gold values ranging from 0.433 to 7.34 ppm. Samples are dried crushed and pulverised and assayed for gold with a 30g fire assay and a 44 element ICP MS suite. Overlimit samples for gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper are automatically re-assayed by suitable methods. About Prospect Mountain The Property lies in the Battle Mountain Eureka trend, in an area known as the Southern Eureka Gold Belt, where three styles of mineralization have been identified, gold, silver Carlin style mineralization, Carbonate Replacement gold, silver, lead, zinc mineralization (CRD) and carbonate hosted Porphyry Related Skarn lead, zinc and gold mineralization associated with cretaceous intrusions. At the Property, the CRD mineralization is heavily oxidized to depths of at least 610m (2,000ft) below the top of the ridge line. A Plan of Operations is in place which covers part of the Property (totalling 189 acres) and entitles an operator to pursue surface exploration, underground mining of up to 365,000 tons per annum and certain infrastructural works. It includes a permit to extract water from a well and to build water containment facilities. A more complete description of Prospect Mountain's geology and mineralization, including at the Wabash area, can be found in the NI 43-101 Technical Report (the "Technical Report") on the Prospect Mountain Property, Eureka County, Nevada, USA dated and with an effective date April 10, 2023, prepared by David Pym (Msc), CGeol. of LTI Advisory Ltd. and Dr Toby Strauss, CGeol, EurGeol., of Merlyn Consulting Ltd., which has been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the profile of the Company and on the Company's website. About North Peak The Company is a Canadian based gold exploration and development company that is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NPR". The Company is focused on acquiring historical sites, with low cost producing gold and other metals properties, with near term production potential and 8+ year mine life in the northern hemisphere. The Company acquired an initial 80% interest in the Prospect Mountain Mine complex in Eureka, Nevada in 2023 (see the Company's May 4 and 23, 2023 and August 25, 2023 press releases). The Company can give no assurances at this time that its properties and interests will fulfil the Company's business development goals described herein. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. For further information, please contact: Rupert Williams, CEO Phone: +1-647-424-2305 Email: info@northpeakresources.com Website: www.northpeakresources.com Chelsea Hayes, Director Phone: +1-647-424-2305 Email: info@northpeakresources.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, timing and completion of any drilling and work programs on the Property, estimates of mineralization from drilling, sampling and geophysical surveys, geological information projected from drilling and sampling results and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones, the potential for minerals and/or mineral resources and reserves, and statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Property and the Company that may be described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, accuracy of assay results, geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, and the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the quarter ended March 31, 2025 available at www.sedarplus.ca , many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of 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, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253474 Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser,to view the associated documents http://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253474 News Source: North Peak Resources Ltd. 27.05.2025 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 New AI Features to Empower Brand Communities as Digital Discovery Evolves AUSTIN, Texas, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IgniteTech, a leader in AI innovation for enterprise software, today announced its acquisition of Khoros, the comprehensive platform for digital-first customer engagement. IgniteTech is set to integrate its proven AI technologies across the Khoros platform. This strategic move comes as brands without AI-enhanced capabilities face up to 40% drops in visibility and engagement. "Khoros has found its ideal home at IgniteTech," said Eric Vaughan, CEO of IgniteTech. "As an AI-first innovation company, we recognize the fundamental shift in how customers interact with brands. AI answer engines are rapidly widening the gap between market leaders and those failing to understand the changes required to keep up. We'll deliver an AI Community Orchestrator and Brand Defender, plus a complete AI-driven Brand Intelligence Suite, all multilingual and sensitive to global cultural nuances-transforming the Khoros Communities and Khoros Service (previously Khoros Care) product lines, helping brands maintain control over their narrative." "This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Khoros and its customers," added Chris Tranquill, CEO of Khoros. "Our customers have built valuable communities and brand care programs now challenged by AI answer engines. By joining the IgniteTech family, they'll gain critical competitive advantages as slower-adoptive competitors see their digital investments lose relevance and value in the AI-first world." This acquisition follows IgniteTech's complete shift into an AI-first organization, pioneering AI technologies from the ground up in less than 10 months. These innovations will now enhance the entire Khoros product suite, creating smarter, more interactive experiences across all digital touchpoints. Enhancing the Complete Khoros Platform IgniteTech is enhancing the entire Khoros platform-including Communities, Service and Social Media Management-with new AI features, starting with these key capabilities for Communities and Service that deliver important value: For Khoros Communities: AI Expert Help - Advanced AI providing immediate, multi-lingual responses, reducing response times from hours to minutes while driving higher engagement. AI Discovery Defender - Ensures community content remains discoverable by AI systems, as unprepared competitors face 49% traffic losses following Google's AI introduction. AI Brand Defender - Monitors what AI systems say about your brand, correcting misinformation while maintaining narrative control. Brands with sophisticated monitoring see 18% higher clickthrough rates. AI Community Orchestration - AI tools working alongside community managers to generate content, moderate interactions, analyze sentiment and identify engagement opportunities-creating vibrant communities while surfacing actionable insights. For Khoros Service: Brand Intelligence Suite - Complete solution for digital brand management. AI Brand Care Expert - Routes high-risk interactions to humans while handling routine inquiries consistently. With 83% of customers expecting immediate responses, this creates a competitive advantage. AI Social Pulse Monitor - Detects conversation patterns invisible to conventional tools, identifying emerging issues before they impact business. AI Creator Intelligence System - Identifies ideal creator partnerships based on authentic alignment rather than superficial metrics, with early adopters seeing 40-60% higher conversion rates. The AI Technology Integration IgniteTech's AI approach distinctly enhances both Khoros Communities and Khoros Service with a unified philosophy that keeps humans at the center. Rather than replacing humans with AI or leaving them struggling without assistance, the implementation creates a partnership where human expertise and AI capabilities amplify each other's strengths. Community managers and Service agents maintain control while AI handles repetitive tasks, provides instant assistance and augments human capabilities. This human-centered approach ensures that technology enhances human judgment and creativity rather than attempting to substitute for it. Implementation Timeline As the market divide expands between AI-enabled leaders and increasingly marginalized followers, Khoros customers will receive AI Expert Help functionality by mid Q3 2025, with AI Discovery Defender and AI Brand Defender integration following in the course of Q3 and Q4 2025. The Brand Intelligence Suite for Khoros Service will begin rolling out in parallel. A preview of the upcoming capabilities is available immediately at https://ignitetech.ai/khoros for all Khoros customers. Jones and Spross, PLLC, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher, LLP served as counsel to IgniteTech, and Moelis & Company LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal counsel to Khoros for the transaction. About IgniteTech IgniteTech is a global, AI-first enterprise software company. With a track record of successful company and technology acquisitions with rapid innovation, IgniteTech's solutions power the world's businesses. Since retooling the company in 2024 to become an AI innovation organization, IgniteTech has created two new AI-powered innovations, Eloquens AI and MyPersonas, along with AI capabilities across its entire platform. Media Contact: media@ignitetech.ai Follow: LinkedIn / X About Khoros Khoros' award-winning enterprise software makes it easier for complex brands to engage with customers at scale across all digital, social and brand-owned channels. Whether it is for service and support, communications or sales, the solutions powered by advanced automation and AI unlock more consistent, personalized and helpful omni-channel interactions between brands and their audiences. Khoros serves 2,000 of the world's most reputable companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, and consistently receives recognition as a Best Place to Work. For more information, please visit https://khoros.com. Follow: LinkedIn / X View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ignitetech-acquires-khoros-to-transform-customer-connections-in-the-ai-answer-engine-era-302465367.html ABU DHABI, UAE, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HAYAH, the UAE's digital life insurer, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has entered into a strategic partnership with APRIL, a global leader in insurance distribution and services based in Lyon, France. The collaboration has launched a new suite of innovative health insurance and International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) solutions, now available to customers in the UAE. Through this alliance, HAYAH is delivering comprehensive, flexible health coverage for individuals, families, and businesses - locally and internationally - through a fully digital experience. HAYAH is enhancing its offering for the UAE's diverse and fast-growing population by leveraging APRIL's international expertise. The partnership's first offering is an exclusive International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) already available in Dubai, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the country's large expatriate community. Together, the two firms are simplifying and expanding access to high-quality and customer-centric health protection across the Emirates. The partnership will soon extend the solution to additional locations in the region. "HAYAH is proud to partner with APRIL to bring cutting-edge, digital-first health insurance solutions to the UAE," said Mohamed Seghir, CEO of HAYAH. "As a 'gone' myself (a Lyon native in our local slang), it's a privilege to collaborate with a company that shares my hometown roots. This city boasts a remarkable blend of heritage excellence, exemplified by our world-famous gastronomy, and forward-thinking innovation, being the birthplace of cinema. As we redefine access to world-class health insurance in the UAE, our immediate focus is on delivering these values today - ensuring individuals and businesses across the country benefit right now from the most innovative and customer-centric coverage available." "HAYAH's commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions complements APRIL's mission to simplify health insurance for everyone," said Romain Di Meglio, Head of IPMI, Asia and the Middle East, APRIL Group. "By combining our global expertise with HAYAH's digital-first approach, this partnership marks a significant step towards providing comprehensive and flexible international private medical insurance that meets the diverse needs of the UAE's population." About HAYAH Insurance Company HAYAH Insurance Company is a leading digital insurance provider in the UAE, offering a range of innovative insurance solutions tailored to meet the needs of individuals and businesses. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, HAYAH leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver seamless, accessible, and affordable insurance products. Website: www.hayah.com About APRIL APRIL International is the IPMI division of the APRIL Group which operates across 20 countries with a recorded turnover of 860 million in 2024. APRIL's 3,000 staff members aim to offer customers and partners an outstanding experience combining the best of humans and technology. Specialists in designing and delivering flexible, simple, and more accessible international private health insurance solutions for individuals, families, students, SMEs and large corporates. Website: https://www.april-international.com/en Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696515/Mohamed_Seghir_CEO_HAYAH.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hayah-and-april-insurance-partner-to-bring-world-class-health-insurance-solutions-to-the-uae-302465747.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Sasquatch Resources Corp. (CSE: SASQ) ("Sasquatch" or the "Company") is pleased to provide updates surrounding its Mount Sicker project ("Mount Sicker" or the "Project"), located near Duncan, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Highlights (expanded below) are as follows: On Saturday, May 24 th , an event organized by The Geological Association of Canada - Pacific Section, was held at Mount Sicker, and attended by 25-30 geologists, government representatives, students and other interested parties. Okane Consultants and Ecofish Research have been retained to assist Sasquatch in advancing the Project, and both groups have now completed property visits to the Mount Sicker site. A detailed waste rock volume survey has been completed on the two main waste areas at Mount Sicker (the Tyee and Lenora piles) by Kenyon Wilson, and a legal survey of the site is underway as required to convert the Mount Sicker mineral claim into a mining lease. Acid testing was completed on material previously used for an ore-sorting test run performed by Tomra Systems ASA, with both waste and post-sorted material tested separately, and results were highly promising, showing enormous potential environmental benefits in completing the planned processing. The Company has been progressing with permitting, communicating with local government and First Nations, and on April 7, a meeting with the British Columbia Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals (the "Ministry") was held to discuss progress at Mount Sicker. Geological Tour of Mount Sicker by Geologists, Government Representatives, and Students The tour was originally envisioned as a student field-trip, but it picked up a great deal of outside interest and became a much broader event, and in the end was organized mainly through The Geological Association of Canada - Pacific Section. There were a number of senior geologists, government employees/representatives, students and other interested parties in attendance (including one member of the local North Cowichan City Council). Sasquatch has already received referrals from those in attendance to assist in moving the Project forward. The message surrounding the Company's goals at Mount Sicker was simple - separate and remove high sulphide material in the waste rock piles, including the gold, copper, silver and zinc, but also environmentally harmful elements such as arsenic, lead and sulphur, and engage a reclamation strategy that allows nature to return to the Project site, while also taking steps to address existing hazards. The Project seemed to receive universal approval by those on the tour, and a local news reporter covered the event (with a link to the resulting story provided below). https://cheknews.ca/geologists-tour-potential-cowichan-mining-project-on-mount-sicker-1256985/ Justin Devault, Sasquatch Board member, commented: "This event shows not only the positive local interest in Mount Sicker, but also its importance as a project, as it could produce a positive impact for mining in Canada generally, and particularly on Vancouver Island. If we can get needed approvals, the people of the Cowichan Valley will see first-hand the impact a simple clean-up operation can have on a legacy mining site that has otherwise remained a dangerous and unsightly hazard for the past 120 years. It's certainly worth mentioning that while this is primarily a reclamation project, there is a great deal of gold, copper, silver and zinc in the waste rock piles, and the waste left behind from historical mining is indeed vast. This Project could end up serving as an example of what new, modern mining methodology can do to profitably and responsibly restore legacy mining sites nation-wide." Consulting Groups Retained To assist in advancing permitting, designing and implementing water testing programs, and completing an effective reclamation strategy for the Project site, the Company has retained both Okane Consultants ("Okane") and Ecofish Research ("Ecofish"). Both groups have already completed site visits at Mount Sicker and have provided invaluable assistance thus far. From their web-site: "Okane helps mining companies to return the land responsibly and safely at the end of a mine's lifecycle. We believe in challenging the status quo and advocate for meaningful partnerships and positive outcomes for community stakeholders and Indigenous rightsholders. Our solutions help our clients achieve positive financial, environmental, and social outcomes from feasibility through to relinquishment." Okane has over 100 employees based in Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, and works on projects large and small all over the world. From the Ecofish web-site: "We offer a broad range of trusted environmental assessment, monitoring, mitigation, offsetting and design services - delivered using a proven, science-based approach. It's an approach that appeals to clients in industry, government and First Nations: we are a well-known and well-trusted environmental consultancy. We now have a team of over 180 scientists and other professionals capable of working on projects around the world." The Company looks forward to continued collaboration with these outstanding groups as we navigate through the permitting process. Waste Rock Volume Survey A detailed survey of the two main waste piles at the Project, Tyee and Lenora, was completed by Kenyon Wilson and they have now started on a legal survey of the Project site which is one of the requirements to convert the claim area to a "mining" lease. The volume survey estimates there are just under 100,000 cubic meters of waste material and does not include substantial waste dumps located near the former Richard III mine nor a number of other areas that have waste rock material. Further surveys are planned for those areas as we assess the full breadth of the prospective Project area with permitting. Acid Testing Results The Company performed acid testing on a variety of waste material at Mount Sicker, including on straight waste (feed samples) and rejected low-sulphide waste (material which would not be removed from the Project site and instead would be used in reclamation). The results were very promising and provided early validation that the proposed process could be highly effective in removing the vast majority of not only gold, copper, silver and zinc, but also any additional contaminants that currently pose environmental threats. More details will be released once a full processing report has been completed by engineers. Permitting Progress and Local Government and First Nations Consultation The Company has been advancing towards permitting at Mount Sicker on various fronts. After making an initial preliminary submission to the Ministry in 2024, the Company has been working with a number of specialized groups, including Okane, Ecofish and Kenyon Wilson as noted above, to compile and provide further information respecting the Project and the proposed on-site activities to the Ministry. In addition, over the past several months, Sasquatch has been reaching out to local MLAs and MPs, to the City of North Cowichan, and to local First Nations groups to keep everyone as informed as possible about progress at Mount Sicker. Presentations have been given to North Cowichan City Council and to Halalt First Nation elders, among others, and thus far feedback has been highly constructive. In the case of North Cowichan City, the council voted to unanimously approve support. The Company hopes to complete site tours and continue positive consultations over the coming months. On April 7, the Company met with the Ministry to provide an update on progress at Mount Sicker, and the Company has committed to keeping the Ministry informed as the permitting process continues. About Sasquatch Resources Corp. Sasquatch Resources Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on its Mount Sicker Property in southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, the Blue Grouse Property, located about 30km from the Mount Sicker Property on the south side of Lake Cowichan, and the Santana Property (the area known as the former Santana mine) on Quadra Island, British Columbia. The Company owns its interest in the Mount Sicker Property outright, subject to an aggregate 2% net smelter returns royalty, half of which Sasquatch can repurchase by issuing an aggregate of 500,000 Sasquatch common shares to the royalty holders. Sasquatch has the irrevocable right and option until July 2030 to conduct exploration on the Blue Grouse Property and to remove and process minerals from the surface and near-surface, including without limitation from the mineral "waste rock" and near-surface exposures up to a depth of 10m from surface. The Company owns its interest in the Santana Property outright. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect, including with respect to the Company's business plans respecting the exploration and development of its mineral properties, the proposed work programs on its mineral properties and the potential and economic viability of its mineral properties. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253459 SOURCE: Sasquatch Resources Corp. A new era is beginning for Sicilian publishing. La Sicilia, the most widely read newspaper on the island and a reference point for millions of Sicilians worldwide, is now officially under the control of Palella Holdings, the family office led by Italian-American entrepreneur Salvatore Palella, originally from Acireale and long residing in the United States, from where he oversees numerous international business ventures. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527567715/en/ Visit www.palella.com The transaction, finalized through the Sicily Investment Fund and the establishment of a new publishing company with Gianluca Spriano appointed as CEO, marks a historic handover after 80 uninterrupted years of management by the Ciancio Sanfilippo family. Through Dse, the family has published the newspaper since its founding in 1945 by Domenico Sanfilippo, a lawyer and landowner from Adrano. His grandson, Mario Ciancio Sanfilippo, led the paper for 51 years, becoming a central figure in Italian journalism, also serving as president of FIEG and vice president of ANSA, and transforming a regional newspaper into the strategic asset of one of Southern Italy's most important media groups. For eighty years, La Sicilia has been a key player in regional life and the voice of the Sicilian people. It has been a training ground for some of the country's most respected journalists. The publication has always stood out for its authority and independence, as recently acknowledged by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella during the 80th anniversary celebration of the newspaper. Under its new ownership, led by Salvatore Palella, La Sicilia now enters a new phase of development, focused on maintaining and enhancing its deep-rooted identity with Sicily while expanding its national and international presence. Special attention will be given to technological innovation, including the launch of a new app and an innovative platformization of the editorial product. Leveraging the global recognition of the "Sicilia" brand-also the name of the newspaper-the new vision aims to build a symbolic bridge with the millions of Sicilians living abroad, especially in the United States. The acquisition also includes a stake in ANSA, and goes beyond the editorial field. Palella Holdings plans major investments in the acquired real estate assets, including the Centrale del Latte in Catania-an iconic city institution included in the Dse portfolio-which is set for a significant relaunch based on a strategy of enhancement and reuse. The same philosophy underpins the selection of a new headquarters for the newspaper, in a prestigious property located in a residential area of Catania, which will become the symbol of a new editorial and cultural era for the publication. STATEMENTS The Ciancio Family: "We have decided to entrust our newspaper to a young and visionary entrepreneur like Salvatore Palella, confident that his international vision will lead La Sicilia toward new achievements, while respecting the tradition our family has built with passion and independence over the past eighty years-supporting key battles for the development of the island, championing the region's most vibrant forces, and serving as a tool for democracy and legality." Salvatore Palella: "Acquiring La Sicilia is not just a publishing initiative-it's a heartfelt gesture of love for my homeland. As a Sicilian who has lived abroad for many years, I feel both the responsibility and the desire to contribute to the island's future, starting with free, modern, and forward-looking communication. La Sicilia will continue to be the voice of Sicilians-deeply rooted in our identity, yet open to the world. It's time for Sicily to rise again, together. For me, acquiring La Sicilia is both a personal and professional milestone. I return to my homeland with a clear goal: to invest meaningfully in the future of this newspaper by focusing on digital innovation, an authentic connection with the region, and the enhancement of the exceptional talents I have already had the chance to meet. We want to make La Sicilia a national and international benchmark, a source of pride for Sicilians everywhere." Antonello Piraneo, Editor-in-Chief of La Sicilia: "The newsroom, which I have had the honor of leading for the past six years, is ready to take on this new phase with confidence and enthusiasm. I want to thank the Ciancio family for the trust and editorial freedom they have given me over the years. I now look to the future with optimism, alongside the new publisher, with whom we share an ambitious and tangible growth project. I am confident that the independence of our journalism will be preserved and expanded." Domenico Ciancio Sanfilippo, Deputy Editor of La Sicilia: "The newspaper looks to the future by staying true to its history. I will continue, with the same passion, to work toward enhancing a brand that has represented the values of sound journalism and democracy for 80 years. I am grateful to my father for what he built, and we will continue to draw inspiration from his teachings." Santo Russo, Sole Director of Dse S.p.A. (confirmed by Palella Holdings): "We are leading an important media enterprise and an authoritative information model into the future. This acquisition is a positive signal and a vote of confidence in Sicily's potential. Palella Holdings' strategic approach aims not only at relaunching a media company, but also at fostering broader economic and cultural growth across the entire region." Gianluca Spriano, CFO of Palella Holdings: "The challenge ahead is significant, but so are the enthusiasm and the ideas with which we plan to face it. Our goal is to preserve the identity and autonomy of the newspaper, while at the same time instilling it with a modern and global entrepreneurial vision." The new era of La Sicilia is ready to begin-anchored in a prestigious legacy and looking boldly toward the future. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527567715/en/ Contacts: Press: Esclapon Co. Press Office for Everli Emidio Piccione +39 366 628 3807 emidio.piccione@esclapon.it palella.com New license agreement gives Deutsche Bank increased access to IBM's innovative software solutions to accelerate innovation, optimize operations, and enhance customer experience FRANKFURT and EHNINGEN, Germany, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Deutsche Bank (Frankfurt: DBK) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a continuation of their partnership in the form of a strategic agreement that grants Deutsche Bank further access to IBM's comprehensive suite of software solutions. This includes IBM's business and IT automation stack, advanced hybrid cloud products, as well as access to the watsonx AI portfolio. Additionally, Deutsche Bank will benefit from the latest upgrades to the IBM Storage Protect software suite. These innovative solutions enable Deutsche Bank to further optimize its business processes, IT infrastructure, and services. By leveraging IBM's technology, Deutsche Bank aims to replace legacy solutions, maximize ROI, and deliver an enhanced customer experience. This agreement marks a significant continuation of the longstanding relationship between the two companies, particularly in relation to Deutsche Bank's existing software estate. "IBM is a natural partner for Deutsche Bank's ambitious technology transformation, and their innovative solutions continue to help optimize and streamline our technology stack," said Tony Kerrison, Deutsche Bank's Head of Group Technology Infrastructure and Head of Technology Data and Innovation for the Americas. "Our employment of IBM's software and tooling strategically complements our ambitions to modernize, simplify and strengthen our technology infrastructure." "We are proud that Deutsche Bank has further intensified their relationship with IBM by engaging with our innovative software solution portfolio," said Dominic Schulz, IBM Global Managing Director for Deutsche Bank. "With access to IBM's comprehensive offerings, including the innovative watsonx AI and automation portfolio, Deutsche Bank will be able to analyze its data more deeply, simplify complex business processes, and drive IT automation." About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformation quickly, efficiently, and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information. About Deutsche Bank Deutsche Bank provides retail and private banking, corporate and transaction banking, lending, asset and wealth management products and services as well as focused investment banking to private individuals, small and medium-sized companies, corporations, governments and institutional investors. Deutsche Bank is the leading bank in Germany with strong European roots and a global network. Media contact: Barbara Jax IBM Corporate Communications barbara.jax@at.ibm.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696702/IBM_TAL_Sphere.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2319830/IBM_LOGO_1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/deutsche-bank-accelerates-digital-transformation-with-ibms-software-portfolio-302465765.html Co-funded by The Hashgraph Association and Exponential Science Foundation, the pan-African hackathon invites the next generation of builders to join Africa's largest Web3 Hackathon SCHWYZ, Switzerland, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss non-profit organisation driving global adoption of Hedera-powered solutions by funding innovation, training, certification, and venture building programs, in collaboration with Exponential Science Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation accelerating responsible tech adoption, via research, education, and innovation activities, today announces the launch of the Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 to enable the next generation of Web developers and empower economic inclusion in Africa with a digital future for all. This biggest Web3 Hackathon initiative combines online participation with onsite events in over 20 African cities, with a goal of attracting over 10,000 participants across more than 15 countries on the African continent. Developers, students, and entrepreneurs are invited to collaborate to build decentralized solutions on Hedera across industries such as Finance, Healthcare, Telecoms, Sustainability, Agriculture, and Manufacturing, while leveraging the convergence of other deep technologies such as AI, IoT, Robotics, and Quantum Computing, with a prize pool of more than $1 million on offer for the winning teams and projects. With global participation officially open from August 1 to September 30, 2025, the hackathon tasks applicants to develop blockchain/distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based, scalable solutions tailored to the continent's most urgent challenges and needs. All solutions will be built on the Hedera network - the world's most energy-efficient and cost-effective DLT, which offers cost predictability, the highest levels of security, and the ability to support reliable, scalable, and enterprise-grade applications. Already having secured the backing and participation of more than 50 global and regional partners to be announced over the next few weeks, as well as over 100 universities and tech hubs, the hackathon is designed to be the largest of its kind on the African continent. The event will offer extensive technical education, certification, and hands-on support from Hedera-Certified engineers, with hacking stations to be established in cities such as Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi, Kinshasa, Cape Town, Casablanca, and Tunis for in-person collaboration, alongside a fully virtual Hackathon track accessible worldwide. "Africa is home to one of the youngest, most enthusiastic and dynamic tech communities in the world; its future will depend on digitization," said Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association. "By equipping developers and entrepreneurs with Web3 skills and next generation toolkits, we're not just solving today's problems, we're shaping the future of decentralized innovation in one of the world's most significant growth markets, fostering a digital future for all through financial, identity, and communication inclusion." The hackathon aims to catalyze continuous innovation across four key tracks: On-Chain Finance and Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenisation; ESG Sustainability and Traceability; Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and AI; and Gaming, Metaverse, & NFTs. Developers of all skill levels and backgrounds are encouraged to participate - no prior blockchain experience is required. Extensive training resources will be provided through the Hedera Academy, with access to a thriving developer community. The Hashgraph Association and the Exponential Science Foundation will be carrying out awareness and training campaigns to prepare participants for the hackathon before the official start date on August 1st 2025. "Initiatives such as the Hedera Africa Hackathon encourage the next generation of tech builders, researchers, and entrepreneurs. As well as driving blockchain education and innovation within a continent that is showing incredible growth potential. We encourage anyone with an interest in blockchain technology to sign up and start developing the next wave of practical solutions across multiple industries to gain valuable experience and a chance to claim the prize pool. Our hope is that participants will go on to launch their own ventures and share their learnings," said Paolo Tasca, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Exponential Science Foundation. The Hedera Africa Hackathon 2025 is operated and supported by a strong network of partners, under the experienced leadership of DAR Blockchain, a Tunisian-based Web3 Hub that has been operating in the Web3 industry since 2017. DAR Blockchain plays a significant role in magnifying the impact of this hackathon initiative across the continent and builds on THA's previous efforts to support blockchain innovation in Africa. For more information, please visit https://hedera-hackathon.hashgraph.swiss/ About The Hashgraph Association The Hashgraph Association supports training and innovation programs across multiple industry verticals. At the forefront is the digital enablement and empowerment of the public through the broad adoption of Hedera-powered, enterprise-grade solutions and applications in the decentralized economy, which include accreditation and certification. As a non-profit, The Hashgraph Association funds innovation, research, and development for the benefit of economic inclusion with a positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact. For information about The Hashgraph Association, visit www.hashgraph-association.com. About Exponential Science Foundation Exponential Science is a foundation led by visionary founders Dr. Paolo Tasca and Nikhil Vadgama, who have advanced emerging technologies through education, research, and innovation. Recognising the power of the convergence of technologies such as blockchain and AI to tackle complex multidisciplinary challenges, they founded Exponential Science as a natural evolution of their long-standing work, aiming to strive towards a more inclusive and innovative future for all. For more information about Exponential Science, visit www.exp.science/. About Hedera Governed by a council of the world's leading institutions, Hedera is a high-performance, secure, and sustainable public, permissioned DLT network. It enables seamless tokenization of real-world and digital assets with unmatched performance, security, and compliance. From regulated security tokens to NFTs, Hedera empowers the efficient creation of diverse asset types by providing enterprises and developers with robust open-source tools to unlock illiquid assets and drive the evolution of financial markets. For more information about Hedera, visit www.hedera.com. Media Contact: thehashgraphassociation@wachsman.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696610/Hedera_Africa_Hackathon.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hedera-africa-hackathon-launches-with-1m-prize-pool-to-accelerate-africas-digital-future-302465722.html Brisbane, Queensland, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (TSXV: GMG) (OTCQX: GMGMF) ("GMG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the following internal GMG run engine test results when G Lubricant was added to a Caterpillar 22 kVA diesel engine run at an 80% Load. Test results show a 10% increase in energy efficiency (kwh/litres), and also a 33% reduction in harmful diesel engine exhaust particulate matter emissions, when three doses of G Lubricant, with a maximum graphene dosage of 0.03%, was added to the standard diesel engine oil. It is noted that the test engine was not operating optimally before G Lubricant was added - the engine was overheating at long runs of sustained high loads. As a result, after the initial dose of G Lubricant was added, an additional two dosages of G Lubricant were used to hopefully bring the engine into a more stable operating regime, an outcome that was generally achieved. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/253490_gmg_image.jpg Buy Now at: www.G-Lubricant.com Figure 2 and 3 show the table and graph distribution of engine efficiency of the various dosages of G Lubricant versus the baseline. Baseline Diesel Engine Oil Engine Efficiency (kwh/litres) G Lubricant (0.01%) Engine Efficiency (kwh/litres) G Lubricant (0.02%) Engine Efficiency (kwh/litres) G Lubricant (0.03%) Engine Efficiency (kwh/litres) 3.04 3.36 (10% increase) 3.35 (10% increase) 3.36 (10% increase) Figure 2: Engine Efficiency Performance Increase from G Lubricant Figure 3: % Distribution of Fuel Efficiency Relative to Baseline To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/253490_d626526a342c2ac9_005full.jpg Figures 4 and 5 show the table and graph distribution of diesel engine particulate matter emissions of the various dosages of G Lubricant versus the baseline. Baseline Diesel Engine Oil Particulate Matter (ppm) G Lubricant (0.01%) Particulate Matter (ppm) G Lubricant (0.02%) Particulate Matter (ppm) G Lubricant (0.03%) Particulate Matter (ppm) 20.97 15.56 (26% reduction) 14.55 (31% reduction) 13.97 (33% reduction) Figure 4: Engine Emission Particulate Matter Reduction from G Lubricant Figure 5: % Distribution of Particulate Matter in Emissions Relative to Baseline To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/253490_d626526a342c2ac9_006full.jpg Figure 6 shows the exhaust emissions of the diesel engine at various dosages of G Lubricant, versus the baseline which shows similar levels as the baseline test runs. More testing is being done to get more detail on the impact of G Lubricant across engine emissions. % O2 ppm CO ppm NO % CO2 C FT ppm NOx ppm NO2 Baseline (DEO) 7.8 151.5 359.6 9.8 30.0 362.2 2.7 DEO + 1% G Lubricant 7.5 161.3 383.5 10.0 28.1 386.7 3.3 DEO + 2% G Lubricant 7.5 170.6 377.0 10.0 27.6 379.8 2.8 DEO + 3% G Lubricant 7.4 184.8 388.7 10.1 28.4 391.4 2.7 Figure 6: Emissions Data for G Lubricant Relative to Baseline Detailed Equipment and Process for Testing G Lubricant The following describes the equipment used and the process followed by the Company in demonstrating the fuel saving demonstration of the G Lubricant in the diesel engine generator: The same testing equipment, data systems and processes were used which was verified by the University of Queensland and detailed in GMG's previous press release on the 25 th February, https://graphenemg.com/gmg-unveils-g-lubricant-engine-performance-testing-results-a-transformative-graphene-energy-saving-solution-for-the-multi-trillion-dollar-global-liquid-fuel-industry/ February, https://graphenemg.com/gmg-unveils-g-lubricant-engine-performance-testing-results-a-transformative-graphene-energy-saving-solution-for-the-multi-trillion-dollar-global-liquid-fuel-industry/ GMG also added the following testing equipment to the testing program: Testo 340 Diesel Kit 2 engine emissions test kit which was newly calibrated by the third-party supplier. PDSA DPM-RT-2 particulate matter test unit which was newly calibrated by the third-party supplier. A 22kVA Caterpillar diesel engine generator (with 1,959 hours of run time) was setup in the GMG Richlands warehouse. The generator was connected to a 40-kW power load bank which consumed the energy produced by the generator and created the load and a 500-litre self-contained fuel tank. Two calibrated flow sensors were connected (inflow and return/outflow) to the fuel lines and to a data logger which recorded the fuel consumption. An Energy Analyzer was used to log and track energy produced by the generator. Tests were conducted on 80% loads of the engine from the 40-kW power load bank - 22 kW. A baseline to record diesel fuel consumption under normal engine oil and operating conditions was completed with newly changed recommended premium diesel engine oil and a new oil filter. This oil change was carried out by a professional engine maintenance service company. The engine was run at 80% load and the baseline and G Lubricant data set used for the analytics is when the maximum ambient temperature for the day was less than 33 degrees Celsius and relative humidity was between 50% and 80% with no rain. Fuel consumption for diesel engines changes when operating in rain or very high humidity or temperatures, so the fuel consumption data baseline and G Lubricant engine oil additive performance testing were excluded for these times. data set used for the analytics is when the maximum ambient temperature for the day was less than 33 degrees Celsius and relative humidity was between 50% and 80% with no rain. Fuel consumption for diesel engines changes when operating in rain or very high humidity or temperatures, so the fuel consumption data baseline and engine oil additive performance testing were excluded for these times. Only steady state data was used and so any variance or anomalous data seen in either baseline or G Lubricant datasets were removed from the analytics. Data sets were grouped into minute blocks. datasets were removed from the analytics. Data sets were grouped into minute blocks. Once the baseline fuel tests were completed, G Lubricant with approximately 1:100 concentration was mixed at approximately 1% ratio by weight into the existing engine oil. This was done another 2 times. The end ratio of GMG's Graphene to the diesel engine oil was approximately 3:10,000 by weight. GMG's Managing Director and CEO, Craig Nicol, commented: "G Lubricant is not only increasing fuel efficiency it is also reducing particulate matter - which is amazing to see - we will need to do more tests to see what the long-term performance is for this." GMG is continuing to conduct more tests to determine the total performance regime of the G Lubricant. These performance tests will be announced as the information becomes available. GMG's Chairman and Director, Jack Perkowski, commented: "Fantastic news - G Lubricant testing data are exciting - well done to the team - showing great promise as a way to reduce fuel costs and emissions across the multi-trillion dollar liquid fuels industry." 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 potential of G Lubricant to optimize efficiency and power for stationary or mobile engines, the potential of G Lubricant to reshape the future of the global liquid fuels industry, GMG's intention to commercialise and market G Lubricant, the progress of the Company's patent applications, the potential market for G Lubricant and the potential revenue available for 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/253490 SOURCE: Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. GRIN also announces closing of $140 million Series D financing, including a $65 million strategic equity investment from Angelini Pharma and $75 million from existing investor Blackstone Life Sciences Collaboration combines Angelini Pharma's global reach and focus on complex neurological disorders with GRIN's expertise and capabilities in developing and advancing precision therapeutics for neurodevelopmental disorders Under terms of the collaboration, GRIN is to receive $50 million upfront, and is eligible to receive up to $520 million in milestones and tiered royalties in addition to shared development costs GRIN will continue to lead global development and retains exclusive rights for radiprodil in the United States, Canada, and Mexico Funding from both transactions will support ongoing operations including planned global pivotal Phase 3 trial for radiprodil in the treatment of GRIN-related neurodevelopmental disorder in 3Q 2025 NEW YORK and ROME, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GRIN Therapeutics, Inc., a leader in the development of therapies to treat serious neurodevelopmental disorders, and Angelini Pharma, part of the privately owned Angelini Industries, today announced a collaboration for the development and commercial rights outside of North America of GRIN Therapeutic's investigational drug radiprodil, currently being studied in multiple rare genetic epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders. GRIN Therapeutics also announced the closing of its $140 million Series D financing with investment by Angelini Pharma and Blackstone Life Sciences. Together, the two transactions highlight a significant total near-term commitment of $115 million from Angelini Pharma, which includes a $65 million strategic equity investment and a $50 million upfront payment related to the collaboration. Existing GRIN Therapeutics investor Blackstone Life Sciences contributed $75 million to the Series D financing round. Jacopo Andreose, PhD, CEO of Angelini Pharma, will join GRIN's Board of Directors. "We are very pleased to close this financing round and to welcome Angelini Pharma-an ideal partner whose engagement reflects the significant value we've built around the radiprodil program in a relatively short period," said Bruce Leuchter, MD, President & CEO of Neurvati Neurosciences and GRIN Therapeutics. "This strategic collaboration marks an important point of validation for GRIN Therapeutics, the clinical data generated to date, and the potential of radiprodil as the first approved treatment for patients with GRIN-related neurodevelopmental disorder (GRIN-NDD)-a population with urgent unmet need. We are also deeply grateful for the continued support and commitment of Blackstone Life Sciences, whose partnership has been instrumental in advancing our efforts. With this momentum, we are well-positioned to move radiprodil into pivotal trials and take an important step toward delivering a novel therapeutic option to patients and families." "Our strategic collaboration with GRIN Therapeutics, including our participation in this Series D financing and in-licensing deal for radiprodil, reflects our dedication to advancing highly innovative treatments in brain health, building on our deep therapeutic expertise in neurology and psychiatry" said Jacopo Andreose, PhD, CEO of Angelini Pharma. "We see radiprodil as an opportunity to address the substantial unmet medical need of people living with GRIN-NDD and potentially other rare pediatric neurological diseases. We look forward to working closely with the team at GRIN Therapeutics to help bring this promising therapy to patients around the world." "Angelini Pharma is a leading international pharmaceutical company and we are thrilled to have their backing, partnership and commitment to the further growth of GRIN Therapeutics and development of radiprodil," said Kiran Reddy, MD, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone Life Sciences. "The team's rapid progress with radiprodil-achieving multiple regulatory designations and advancing toward a pivotal Phase 3 trial- is very promising and today's milestone also validates the ability of Neurvati's model to efficiently develop high-impact neuroscience therapies." Radiprodil is a targeted, selective, and potent negative allosteric modulator of the GluN2B subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. NMDA receptors are crucial for synaptic transmission, cognition and seizures. Several NDDs and epilepsy syndromes are associated with either genetic mutations or overactivation of NMDA receptors. Radiprodil has received multiple regulatory designations, including Breakthrough Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of seizures associated with GRIN-NDD with gain-of-function (GoF) variants. Additionally, radiprodil has been granted FDA Orphan Drug designation, rare pediatric disease designation, European Medicines Agency (EMA) Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation, and a positive opinion for orphan designation from the EMA Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for the treatment of GRIN-NDD. The company remains on track to initiate a global, pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for radiprodil in GRIN-NDD in the third quarter of 2025. Additionally, an ongoing open-label Phase 1b/2a study, known as the Astroscape trial, is evaluating radiprodil in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II. Under the terms of the agreement, GRIN Therapeutics will continue to lead global development and retain exclusive rights for radiprodil in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Angelini Pharma will receive exclusive rights to commercialize radiprodil in the rest of the world. GRIN Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment of $50 million, and the parties will share certain clinical development costs for radiprodil. Additionally, GRIN Therapeutics may receive up to an additional $520 million based on achieving certain development, regulatory and sales milestones. GRIN Therapeutics is also eligible to receive tiered royalties based on global sales as well as payments from any future sublicense transactions outside of Europe. "Our strategic collaboration with Angelini Pharma shows how global partnerships can play an important role in advancing our business strategy at Neurvati, which is purpose-built to identify, advance, and unlock the potential of promising neuroscience assets through focused, mid-to-late stage development," said Dr. Leuchter, adding, "We are also very pleased to welcome Jacopo Andreose to our Board of Directors. His deep expertise in global drug development and commercialization will be a significant advantage for us as we progress radiprodil through Phase 3 development and prepare for potential regulatory approvals worldwide." About Radiprodil Radiprodil is an investigational, potent negative allosteric modulator selectively targeting the GluN2B subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, for the treatment of GRIN-related neurodevelopmental disorder (GRIN-NDD). It has been awarded Breakthrough Therapy, Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and a positive opinion for orphan designation from the EMA Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). The planned global Phase 3 trial for radiprodil for GRIN-NDD will aim to evaluate the impact of a targeted treatment on core aspects of the disease, including seizures, behavioral abnormalities and functional outcomes. Radiprodil is also being developed for the treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II. The Astroscape trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06392009) is an ongoing, open-label Phase 1b/2a clinical trial assessing the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and potential efficacy of radiprodil in patients with TSC or FCD type II. About GRIN Therapeutics GRIN Therapeutics is dedicated to the research and development of precision therapeutics for pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders with the goal of bringing hope to patients and caregivers. Late last year, GRIN Therapeutics reported promising topline data from a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial (the Honeycomb Trial, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT identifier: NCT05818943) evaluating radiprodil in GRIN-related neurodevelopmental disorder (GRIN-NDD) in patients with gain-of-function (GoF) variants, leading to the decision to advance to a global Phase 3 trial. The company has an additional ongoing clinical trial to evaluate radiprodil for the potential treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II. GRIN Therapeutics is an affiliate of Neurvati Neurosciences, a portfolio company of Blackstone Life Sciences. For more information, please visit www.grintherapeutics.com About Neurvati Neurosciences Neurvati Neurosciences, a portfolio company of Blackstone Life Sciences, identifies and advances the development of high-potential drug candidates across the neuroscience landscape. Neurvati employs a collaborative model that establishes fit-for-purpose affiliate companies, aligning dedicated resources with long-term strategic capital to catalyze innovative treatment options in areas of unmet need. Neurvati's team of experienced operators and drug developers seeks opportunities to challenge current treatment paradigms and make a difference for patients suffering from a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. For more information, please visit www.neurvati.com About Angelini Pharma Angelini Pharma is an international pharmaceutical company, part of the privately owned multi-business Angelini Industries. The Company researches, develops and commercializes health solutions with a focus on the areas of Brain Health, including Mental Health and Epilepsy, and Consumer Health. Founded in Italy at the beginning of the 20th century, Angelini Pharma operates directly in 20 countries, employing more than 3,000 people. Its products are marketed in over 70 countries through strategic alliances with leading international pharmaceutical groups. For more information about Angelini Pharma please visit https://www.angelinipharma.com. About Angelini Industries Angelini Industries is a multinational industrial group founded in Ancona in 1919 by Francesco Angelini. Today, Angelini Industries represents a solid and diversified industrial reality that employs approximately 5,800 employees and operates in 21 countries around the world with revenues of over 2 billion euros, generated in the health, industrial technology, and consumer goods sectors. A targeted investment strategy for growth; constant commitment to research and development; deep knowledge of markets and business sectors, make Angelini Industries one of the Italian companies of excellence in the sectors in which it operates. To learn more visit www.angeliniindustries.com. About Blackstone Life Sciences Blackstone Life Sciences is an industry-leading private investment platform with capabilities to invest across the life cycle of companies and products within key life science sectors. By combining scale investments and hands-on operational leadership, Blackstone Life Sciences helps bring to market promising new medicines and medical technologies that improve patients' lives and currently has more than $12 billion in assets under management. Corporate Contacts GRIN Therapeutics Elliott Ruiz, MBA Senior Vice President, Finance & Operations +1 201.674.5417 elliott.ruiz@neurvati.com Angelini Pharma Chiara Antoniucci Global Head of Brand and Media Communications +39 3477133926 Chiara.antoniucci@angelinipharma.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/grin-therapeutics-and-angelini-pharma-enter-into-exclusive-collaboration-to-develop-and-commercialize-radiprodil-outside-north-america-302464677.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Trans Canada Gold Corp. (TSXV:TTG)(OTCQB:TTGXF) ("Trans Canada" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that the Company has now received formal approval for its new Lloyd 5-23-29-1W4 Well with the issuance of its well license and drill permit for the new 7 leg-multilateral well and drill program situated near Lloydminster, Alberta. The Company has agreed to participate to drill a 7 leg Sparky multi-lateral well with Croverro as operator for the Joint Venture. The newly proposed 5-23 multilateral well will be situated adjacent to the Company's successful 12-14 Multilateral Well, near Lloydminster, Alberta. Trans Canada has a 18.75% interest in the new well. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is expected to be similar to the company's successful 7HZ LLOYD 12-14-49-01W4 well, that was drilled in 2023 and encountered 2486 metres of oil pay in the Sparky Oil Formation. The 12-14 Sparky well has now produced over 100,000 barrels of oil and continues to produce consistently month over month. The new 5-23 well is planned to open an estimated 3000 m of Sparky formation. The well is scheduled to be drilled this summer. Drilling, completion and equipping costs are expected to be $1.9 million ($350,000 net to Trans Canada). The well costs are fully funded out of production cash flow thereby preventing any share dilution. MULTILATERAL DRILLING IN 2025 The Company now has an interest in 1040 acres in the AMI, led by the Croverro Partnership Group, which will allow the drilling of up to two (2) additional multilateral wells targeting the Sparky Zone for 2025-2026. The 320-acre parcel offset our existing lands to the south were acquired by the Croverro Energy Group. The company interest in the lands is 18.75% with all wells to be drilled on a non-promoted basis (pay 18.75% to earn 18.75%). Our operator, Croverro Energy, has acquired and processed 2 additional seismic lines, which combined together with existing well control will allow the more precise targeting in the Sparky Zone when drilling the horizontal wells in the oil resource reservoirs. Commented Tim Coupland, "We are expecting increased additional oil production for 2025, as we prepare to drill another large Multilateral well. We are always exploring additional exploration drilling opportunities in both central Canada and the United States. The Company will continue with its adopted multilateral well drilling strategy for 2025-2026", using new state of the art multilateral well drilling techniques in Alberta and Saskatchewan, to create growth." DRILLING TO COMMENCE SUMMER 2025 MULTILATERAL WELL-TARGETING SPARKY FORMATION The Company has agreed to participate to drill a 7 leg Sparky multi-lateral well with Croverro as operator for the Joint Venture. The newly proposed 5-23 well will be situated adjacent to the Company's 12-14 Multilateral Well, near Lloydminster, Alberta. Trans Canada has a 18.75% interest in the new well. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is expected to be similar to the company's successful 7HZ LLOYD 12-14-49-01W4 well, that was drilled in 2023 and encountered 2486 metres of oil pay in the Sparky Oil Formation. The 12-14 Sparky well has now produced over 85,000 barrels of oil and continues to produce consistently month over month. The new 5-23 well is planned to open an estimated 3000 m of Sparky formation. The well is scheduled to be drilled this summer/ third quarter of 2025, subject to final permitting by the Alberta Energy Regulator. The company now has an 18.75% working interest in the Joint Venture with Croverro. The Area of Mutual Interest now contains 1040 acres with potential in the Sparky Zone only. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is based on similar wells drilled in the Sparky Oil Formation using surrounding well control and recently processed seismic lines. Croverro Energy Ltd., under the terms of the agreement, is the Operator. ABOUT TRANS CANADA GOLD CORP. - OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION/REVENUE PRODUCING WELLS The Company is a discovery focused Oil & Gas Resource Development and Mineral Exploration Company that is currently focused on developing and drilling its' production of conventional heavy oil exploration properties, increasing production capabilities, and increasing future oil production revenues through responsible exploration. The Company identifies, acquires and finances with its working interest partners, the ongoing development of oil and gas assets primarily situated in Alberta Canada. The Company has qualified Senior exploration management and Geological teams of professionals, seasoned in exploration production, field exploration and drilling. The Company currently works with Croverro Energy Ltd., who has demonstrated proficiency, expected of an experienced oil and gas technical team that has proven oil production, and revenue success with large multi-lateral wells currently under their supervision. The Company has the necessary manpower in place to develop its natural resource properties and manage its production properties. The Company is committed to minimizing risk through selective property acquisitions, and responsible exploration drilling, and maximizing long term petroleum and natural gas resource assets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Tim Coupland, President and CEO Trans Canada Gold Corp. Tel: (604) 681-3131 astar@telus.com www.transcanadagold.com or Christian Timmins, Director Trans Canada Gold Corp. Tel: (403) 597-3410 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Trans Canada Gold Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/trans-canada-gold-corp.-receives-well-license-drill-permit-for-its-new-lloyd-5-23-1032067 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Stardust Solar Energy Inc. (TSXV: SUN) (FSE: 6330) (OTCQB: SUNXF) (the "Company" or "Stardust Solar"), a leading North American franchisor of renewable energy installation services, is pleased to announce that it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent dated effective May 25, 2025 ("LOI") with MarkeDroid OU, an Estonia-based provider of renewable energy virtual power plant services ("MarkeDroid"), to become the exclusive North American distributor of the MarkeDroid A.I. based solar and battery optimization solution. This strategic partnership was facilitated by ClimateDoor and the European Union's Lower Carbon Business Action program, connecting innovative EU technologies with Canadian market leaders. Partnership Highlights Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, it is expected that Stardust Solar will integrate and white-label MarkeDroid's AI-powered optimization solution across its network of 93+ franchise territories throughout Canada and the United States, and Caribbean MarkeDroid technology evaluates market prices, on-site solar production, and energy usage patterns to optimize buy-sell-store cycles for maximum efficiency It is expected that MarkeDroid's advanced battery arbitrage and grid flexibility services will help boost energy savings and reduce costs for the Company's residential and commercial customers "We are excited to bring MarkeDroid's intelligent optimization technology to North America, further enhancing the value proposition of our solar and battery storage installations," said Mark Tadros, Founder and CEO of Stardust Solar. "This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering solutions that not only drive down costs but also accelerate renewable energy adoption across our growing footprint." This LOI represents an important milestone in Stardust Solar's expansion strategy. Which builds off of the Company's recent achievements, including: The acquisition of 49 U.S. territories through the strategic Solar Grids Development LLC asset purchase New franchise launches in high-growth markets including Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and Florida A project backlog exceeding C$2 million backlog in signed contracts for solar and energy storage installations set to commence in spring 2025 across the Company's franchise network; Key Strategic partnerships, such as such as its distribution agreement with Tesla for the Powerwall energy storage solution. Management believes that the partnership with MarkeDroid will further strengthen Stardust Solar's reputation for innovation and its ability to deliver superior returns on renewable energy investments. "Through our partnership with Stardust Solar, we will aim to make a tangible impact on North American renewable energy markets," said Toomas Teesaar of MarkeDroid. "Stardust Solar's extensive installer network and commitment to exceptional service are an ideal match for our vision of enabling more flexible and efficient clean energy ecosystems." About MarkeDroid Artificial Intelligence Technology: MarkeDroid leverages proprietary AI asset-specific modeling. MarkeDroid's AI models were developed in collaboration with data scientists from STACC, a firm that has connections with the University of Tartu. This enables MarkeDroid to both possess advanced models and utilize relevant data effectively. The foundational data for MarkeDroid's models includes: Production forecasts based on location-specific weather predictions Consumption forecasts derived from historical data Energy prices, market prices, and energy contract components On-site setup parameters such as PV capacity (kW), battery storage (kWh), and rights to sell energy These inputs form the basis for calculating the most optimal 24-hour plan for each asset. In the event of changes--such as grid balancing or fluctuations in energy storage-- MarkeDroid's system recalculates the plan based on the new conditions. To ensure the effectiveness of its planning, MarkeDroid utilizes three distinct models. By monitoring the fixed variations among these models, MarkeDroid can proactively intervene if deviations indicate potential issues The partnership between Stardust Solar and MarkeDroid is expected to create not only financial benefits, but also important environmental advantages by reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering carbon emissions. The LOI is expected to establish a pathway toward a legally binding commercial contract supported by EU-funded Technical Assistance, which, if entered into, will create opportunities for future collaboration and technology co-development. Completion of the transactions contemplated in the LOI remains subject to the satisfaction of various conditions including, without limitation, the receipt by the Company and MarkeDroid of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals and other conditions customary for transactions of this nature, and entering into a definitive agreement. Stardust Solar and MarkeDroid are arm's length parties, and no finder's fees are expected to be paid in connection with the transactions contemplated in the LOI. About Stardust Solar: Stardust Solar is a North American franchisor of renewable energy installation services, specializing in solar panels (PV), energy storage systems, and electric vehicle supply equipment. The Company equips entrepreneurs with branded business management services, cutting-edge equipment, and comprehensive support, including marketing, sales, engineering, and project management. With franchises across Canada and the United States, Stardust Solar drives the adoption of clean energy solutions that boost economic development and create a more sustainable future. Media and Investor Contacts: Disclaimer: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward looking statements, including statements relating to the entering into of a definitive agreement with MarkeDroid, the completion of the transactions set forth in the LOI on the terms described herein or at all, the expected benefits of the Company's partnership with MarkeDroid, the Company's business plans and expected future growth, expected franchise expansions, the outlook of future operations, revenue growth, new opportunities and the demand for the Company's products. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward looking statements. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention. It assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward looking statements or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253441 SOURCE: Stardust Solar Energy Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Wealth Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: WML) (OTCQB: WMLLF) (SSE: WMLCL) (FSE: EJZN) (the "Company" or "Wealth") announces that on May 23, 2025, it signed, together with the Quechua Indigenous Community of Ollague (the "Community" or "CIQO"), the documentation leading to the formation of Kuska Minerals SpA ("Kuska Minerals"), a joint venture that will continue to develop the Kuska Project (the "Project") in the Salar de Ollague area. Kuska Minerals is divided as 95% ownership for Wealth and 5% for the Community. Additionally, the Community ownership stake has certain preferential rights, including anti-dilution protection, as Kuska Minerals may issue new shares to fund growth via equity, and a right to appoint one director to the 5-person Board of Directors. The transaction to found Kuska Minerals included the contribution by Wealth to the new company all its mining claims in the Ollague territory, covering an area of over 10,000 hectares, as well as all resource exploration data, direct lithium extraction technology assessments, and economic assessment studies of the Project (see press release of February 3, 2025). Wealth also announces that the Kuska Minerals Board of Directors will be composed of Mr. Marcelo Awad, Mr. Hendrik "Henk" van Alphen, Mr. Francisco Lepeley, Mr. Stephen Foot, and Mr. Victor Nina Huanca. The latter is currently president of the Quechua Indigenous Community of Ollague, and his appointment as a director of the new company has been ratified, along with the partnership agreement with Wealth, by a large majority of the community's assembly members. The next steps for the Project is a focus on continuing qualification efforts for a CEOL (Special Lithium Operating Contract), giving Kuska Minerals and its shareholders basic guarantees to continue investing capital in geological exploration, feasibility studies, and obtaining permits, especially a favorable environmental qualification resolution. For this purpose, management anticipates Kuska Minerals will soon start an environmental impact assessment with baseline studies and reports. Meanwhile, the Indigenous consultation prior to granting a CEOL in Ollague began in late 2024 and has advanced efficiently due to the Community's advanced knowledge of this lithium project. Regarding the formation of Kuska Minerals, Henk van Alphen, CEO of Wealth Minerals Ltd., said, "The creation of this joint venture is a major step in the development of our lithium projects in Chile. We always envisioned this project as one that would fully integrate the community, both in its ownership and decision-making. We have been working with the Quechua Indigenous Community of Ollague for over five years and are convinced that they will be a great partner, and that their early involvement in all stages of the Kuska Project will allow us to develop it with the highest environmental, social, economic, and governance standards." For his part, Victor Nina Huanca, president of the Quechua Indigenous Community of Ollague and new director of Kuska Minerals, commented, "Our dream of having real and effective participation in any project developed in Ollague is finally being fulfilled. Our community knows our territory best and has a lot to say about where and how a mining project can be developed there. We are confident that with our participation on the board of directors of the new company, we will be able to ensure that the Kuska Project is executed with best practices and that we will have direct and timely information about everything that happens. We will also continue to ensure that the Project is truly beneficial for our people. Today, it is in the hands of the government authorities to make the decisions so that our Kuska project can be carried out, providing resources for community development in a sustainable manner and for several years. This partnership with a mining company is the first of its kind in Chile and fulfills one of the guidelines of the National Lithium Strategy regarding community involvement." The Kuska Project is located on 10,200 hectares in the Salar de Ollague area, Antofagasta Region, Chile. Wealth Minerals Ltd. began developing the Project in 2019 and has completed two exploration campaigns to date, which also led to the publication of an initial resource estimate ("Estimated Lithium Resources Ollague Project" published on SEDAR+ on January 13, 2023) under Canadian NI 43-101 standards. The study estimates indicated resources of 741,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent ("LCE") with an average concentration of 175 mg/L, in addition to inferred resources of 701,000 tonnes of LCE with an average grade of 185 mg/L. Additionally, the Company has advanced the study of various direct lithium extraction ("DLE") technologies and published a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") in February 2024, prepared by DRA Global Limited, which yielded very attractive profitability values (IRR of 33% and a NPV at 10% discount of US$1.65 billion, pre-tax in both cases) for a 20,000 tonne LCE per year project with a 20-year mine life. In September 2024, the Chilean government announced that Ollague had been selected as part of an initial shortlist of salt systems being prioritized for CEOLs. It has opened application processes for this project, in which Wealth participated. From now on, the new company, Kuska Minerals, will take ownership and control of the Project. The Kuska Project has been an example of mining project development with community involvement, which will be reinforced with the formation of the new company. About Wealth Minerals Ltd. Wealth is a mineral resource company with interests in Canada and Chile. The Company's focus is the acquisition and development of lithium projects in South America. The Company opportunistically advances battery metal projects where it has a peer advantage in project selection and initial evaluation. Lithium market dynamics and a rapidly increasing metal price are the result of profound structural issues with the industry meeting anticipated future demand. Wealth is positioning itself to be a major beneficiary of this future mismatch of supply and demand. In parallel with lithium market dynamics, Wealth believes other battery metals will benefit from similar industry trends. For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's website (www.wealthminerals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of WEALTH MINERALS LTD. "Hendrik van Alphen" Hendrik van Alphen Chief Executive Officer 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 press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and US securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement, timing and cost of exploration programs, anticipated exploration program results, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, the Company's expectation that it will be able to enter into agreements to acquire interests in additional mineral projects, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including TSXV acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's latest interim Management Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253455 SOURCE: Wealth Minerals Ltd. Delivery of Humphrey Spirals Marks Key Milestone in Construction Timeline; Circuit Designed for 1,000 TPD Tailings Reprocessing to Produce Gold, Silver, and Mica Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) (FSE: Z7D) ("ESGold" or the "Company"), a fully permitted, near-term gold and silver mining company, is pleased to announce the successful delivery of its Humphrey spiral concentrators to the Montauban site in Quebec. These spirals complete the full gravity separation circuit-an essential piece of infrastructure that brings ESGold one step closer to production. The circuit is designed to process up to 1,000 tonnes per day (TPD) of historic tailings into a marketable mica concentrate, while also recovering gold and silver through ESGold's integrated processing flow. View Delivery Footage Here -> https://youtu.be/RU6pHXD4-1s Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4999/253468_figure1.jpg A Tangible Step Toward Production The installation of the gravity separation system is a foundational step in ESGold's transition as it moves toward becoming one of Canada's next gold and silver mining companies. The Humphrey Spirals are industry-standard gravity concentrators that utilize centrifugal force and fluid dynamics to separate lighter waste material from heavier, valuable minerals such as mica, gold, and silver. Widely used in mineral processing operations around the world, these systems are known for their efficiency, low operating cost, and ability to operate without chemical reagents-making them ideal for high-throughput tailings reprocessing. This system will process the Montauban tailings into a clean, marketable mica concentrate, while recovering residual gold and silver values using the Company's integrated processing approach. Combined with existing infrastructure, this equipment establishes the backbone of the Company's tailings-to-cash flow model, enabling production of valuable industrial minerals with a minimal environmental footprint. "The delivery of our gravity separation circuit marks a tangible step as we accelerate toward production," said Paul Mastantuono, CEO of ESGold. "With boots on the ground, key equipment on site, and construction progressing on schedule, there is a high level of excitement across the company. It's one thing to plan for production-it's another to physically see it coming together for our shareholders." Next Steps Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) coming soon, expected to outline enhanced project economics based on current metal prices coming soon, expected to outline enhanced project economics based on current metal prices Circuit Assembly & Integration: On-site installation of the gravity system and final mechanical alignment On-site installation of the gravity system and final mechanical alignment First Production: Remains on track for year-end 2025 Remains on track for year-end 2025 Exploration Update: ANT survey interpretation and 3D geological model release expected in the coming weeks This milestone underscores ESGold's steady progress toward near-term production and revenue generation. With construction advancing, key infrastructure in place, and an updated PEA forthcoming, the Company remains focused on delivering value through disciplined execution and operational readiness. About ESGold Corp. ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) (FSE: Z7D) is a fully permitted, pre-production resource company at the forefront of clean mining and exploration innovation. With proven expertise in Quebec, the Company is advancing its projects toward production and feasibility while delivering long-term value through sustainable resource recovery and exploration. ESGold's flagship Montauban property, located 80 kilometers west of Quebec City, serves as a model for responsible mining practices, combining near-term production with district-scale discovery potential. For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces. Stay connected by following us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and joining our Telegram channel. On behalf of the Board of Directors Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements are based on assumptions and expectations that involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially. Forward-looking information includes statements regarding the expected use of proceeds, the development and construction timelines of the Montauban Project, future production, and anticipated project milestones. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking information contained in this release is qualified by these cautionary statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253468 SOURCE: ESGold Corp. Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - An exhibition from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) on Canada's LGBT Purge opens today at the Canadian Embassy Art Gallery in Washington, D.C. The pop-up exhibition is on display as part of WorldPride, an annual event that promotes visibility and awareness of 2SLGBTQI+ issues on an international level. Love in a Dangerous Time pop-up exhibition To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11675/253450_27d91423643f19f2_002full.jpg Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada's LGBT Purge shares the harassment and firing of 2SLGBTQI+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and federal public service workers from the 1950s to 1990s. This well-documented but not well-known piece of history became known as the LGBT Purge. "The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, as well as all of our exhibitions and programming, are grounded in the belief that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," said Isha Khan, CMHR CEO. "Our collective responsibility is to ensure those rights are protected and upheld for everyone." The pop-up exhibition and a full-scale version were developed through a partnership between the LGBT Purge Fund and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The powerful exhibition shares this painful chapter of Canada's history while celebrating the courage and resilience of those who fought for justice, and whose activism led to lasting legal and social change. "This exhibition shines a light on the baseless and tragic pursuit of 2SLGBTQI+ people who sought to serve their country," said Michelle Douglas, survivor and executive director of the LGBT Purge Fund. "It reveals important lessons for today and strives to leave visitors with a sense of the resilience of those who experienced the Purge. We also hope this exhibition will give people pause and not allow history to repeat itself." The 500-square-foot pop-up exhibition is one component of the partnership between the CMHR and the LGBT Purge Fund that also includes a full-scale exhibition currently on display at the CMHR in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Both the pop-up and the full exhibition will continue travelling and sharing these important stories. The Embassy of Canada Art Gallery, located at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. in Washington, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free of charge. -30- Media contact: Amanda Gaudes Media Relations Specialist, CMHR About the Canadian Museum for Human Rights The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. Canada's only national museum in Western Canada, the CMHR is situated on Treaty 1 territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in the heart of the continent. Its mandate is to explore human rights in Canada and beyond, to enhance the public's understanding of human rights, promote respect for others, and encourage reflection and dialogue. Its vision is to create a world where everyone values human rights and takes responsibility for promoting respect and dignity for all. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11675/253450_27d91423643f19f2_003full.jpg About the LGBT Purge From the 1950s to the 1990s, the Government of Canada systematically investigated, harassed and fired 2SLGBTQI+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP and the federal public service - over 9,000 of them. Now called "the LGBT Purge," this official policy destroyed thousands of careers, did untold psychological damage and ruined lives. It was one of the longest-running, largest-scale violations of human rights in any workplace in Canadian history. In 1992, a landmark legal challenge to the military's discriminatory policies against LGBT service members formally ended the Purge. A class action lawsuit in 2018 led to justice for hundreds of Purge survivors, including a $145 million settlement and an official apology from the Government of Canada. The class action legal settlement included funds for legacy projects, including this pop-up exhibition, to honour survivors of the Purge as well as those who did not live long enough to receive compensation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253450 SOURCE: Canadian Museum for Human Rights Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) (the "Company" or "Doubleview") is pleased to announce that it is raising flow-through funds by way of a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for aggregate proceeds of up to $750,000. Each flow-through share (the "FT Share") will be issued at a price of $0.75. Each FT Share of the Company qualifies as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "ITA"). The proceeds of the sale of the FT Shares will be used for contribution and maintenance of the Company's exploration work on its BC projects, particularly for the polymetallic Hat Project, located in northwestern BC. This work includes drilling, geological advisory and analytical services as well as other development work. Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws and in accordance with the Exchange policies, all securities issued under this Offering will be subject to applicable resale restrictions under applicable securities laws and to the Exchange hold period of four-months and one day from the date of issuance. Doubleview may pay a finder's fee in cash and/or shares in connection with the private placement. The closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the TSX Venture Exchange. About Doubleview Gold Corp A mineral resource exploration and development company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: A1W038) and (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview focuses on identifying, acquiring, and financing precious and base metal exploration projects across North America, with a strong emphasis on British Columbia. The company enhances shareholder value through the acquisition and exploration of high-quality gold, copper, cobalt, scandium, and silver projects-collectively critical minerals-utilizing cutting-edge exploration techniques. Doubleview's success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company's strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector. About the Hat Polymetallic Deposit The Hat Deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia, is a polymetallic porphyry project with major resources of copper, gold, cobalt, and the potential for scandium. As one of the region's significant sources of critical minerals, the Hat deposit has undergone targeted exploration and development. The 0.2% CuEq cut-off resource estimate, as of the recently completed Mineral Resource Estimate and the Company's July 25, 2024, news release, is summarized below: Average Grade Metal Content Open Pit Model Hat Resource Category Tonnage CuEq Cu Co Au Ag CuEq Cu Co Au Ag Mt % % % g/t g/t million lb million lb million lb thousand oz thousand oz In Pit Indicated 150 0.408 0.221 0.008 0.19 0.42 1,353 733 28 929 2,045 Inferred 477 0.344 0.185 0.009 0.15 0.49 3,619 1,945 91 2,328 7,575 Scandium potential for the Hat Deposit is estimated to be 300 to 500 million tonnes at an average grade of 40 ppm (0.004%) Sc2O3. For further details, please refer to the Company's July 25, 2024 news release. Qualified Person: Erik Ostensoe, P. Geo., a consulting geologist, and Doubleview's Qualified Person with respect to the Hat Project as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, and approved the written technical disclosure contained in the news release. He is not independent of Doubleview as he is a shareholder in the company. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer 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. Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253445 SOURCE: Doubleview Gold Corp. Regulatory News: Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE: PM) will host a live webcast of the company's remarks and Q&A session with Emmanuel Babeau, Chief Financial Officer, at the 2025 dbAccess Global Consumer Conference on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at approximately 11:15 a.m. CET (5:15 a.m. ET). The Webcast and presentation slides will be available at www.pmi.com/2025dbaccess, with a post-event recording of the webcast available for one year at the same site. The webcast will provide a live stream of the entire PMI session and can also be accessed on mobile devices by downloading PMI's free Investor Relations Mobile App at www.pmi.com/irapp. Philip Morris International: A Global Smoke-Free Champion Philip Morris International is a leading international consumer goods company, actively delivering a smoke-free future and evolving its portfolio for the long term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, nicotine pouch and e-vapor products. As of December 31, 2024, PMI's smoke-free products were available for sale in 95 markets, and PMI estimates they were used by 38.6 million adults around the world. The smoke-free business accounted for 42% of PMI's first-quarter 2025 total net revenues. Since 2008, PMI has invested over $14 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, with the goal of completely ending the sale of cigarettes. This includes the building of world-class scientific assessment capabilities, notably in the areas of pre-clinical systems toxicology, clinical and behavioral research, as well as post-market studies. Following a robust science-based review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the marketing of Swedish Match's General snus and ZYN nicotine pouches and versions of PMI's IQOS devices and consumables the first-ever such authorizations in their respective categories. Versions of IQOS devices and consumables and General snus also obtained the first-ever Modified Risk Tobacco Product authorizations from the FDA. With a strong foundation and significant expertise in life sciences, PMI has a long-term ambition to expand into wellness and healthcare areas and aims to enhance life through the delivery of seamless health experiences. References to "PMI", "we", "our" and "us" mean Philip Morris International Inc., and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527027029/en/ Contacts: Philip Morris International Investor Relations: Stamford, CT: +1 (203) 904 2410 Lausanne: +41 (0)58 242 4666 Email: InvestorRelations@pmi.com Media: David Fraser Lausanne: +41 (0)58 242 4500 Email: David.Fraser@pmi.com TwinMaster is excited to announce that the company will be exhibiting for the first time at back-to-back AEC events in Boston and London in June. Industry professionals attending the 2025 AIA Conference on Architecture and Design in Boston from June 5 to 6 are invited to visit TwinMaster at booth #2281 in the Innovation Pavilion. Following Boston, TwinMaster will showcase its innovative technology at the NXTBLD and NXTDEV conferences in London from June 11 to 12. Attendees can find TwinMaster at stand #9 in the Pickwick Gallery. TwinMaster is an AI-powered software platform that revolutionizes collaboration and decision-making for project teams throughout the design, construction, and operations phases of a project. The company is making predictive design efficient using AI and Digital Twin technology. "At TwinMaster, we believe in an AI-first approach to solving design problems quickly and effectively," said Dr. Prasanta Bose, CEO CTO. "Users interact seamlessly and intuitively with 'Arch-e', our AI copilot, via natural language prompts to design, analyze, and optimize projects in minutes instead of hours, days, or weeks." "Imagine a design companion that lets architects peer into the future of their projects before a single brick is laid. TwinMaster's new AI-driven platform pairs state-of-the-art generative models with continuously updating Digital Twins to simulate how a building will perform through decades of occupancy and climate change," noted Michael Jansen, Chief Business Officer. Designers can iterate in minutes-adjust a facade geometry, swap materials, reshape circulation-and watch downstream performance indicators refresh on the fly, turning speculative decisions into evidence-backed strategies. The result is a radically streamlined workflow where creativity and analytics converge, empowering architects to deliver smarter, more resilient buildings with confidence. TwinMaster is currently in beta. Architects who use TwinMaster experience better design results with a significant reduction in design hours. Practicing architects interested in participating in the free beta program can register at https://www.thetwinmaster.com/register. About TwinMaster Founded in 2023 in Frisco, Texas, TwinMaster is an emerging player in the field of AI-driven predictive design for architects, builders, and owners. Led by experienced founders with backgrounds at DARPA, NASA, Lockheed Martin, Starbucks, Arthur Anderson, and other leading organizations, TwinMaster aims to transform how architects work using AI. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527861437/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Mr. Michael Jansen, Chief Business Officer Email: info@thetwinmaster.com Website: https://www.thetwinmaster.com MANAMA, Bahrain, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ila Bank, powered by Bank ABC, has partnered with Mastercard to enhance the bank's proposition across consumer products, launching new affluent, travel products and loyalty offerings. ila Bank will leverage Mastercard's expertise to introduce loyalty program that supports cardholders' lifestyle, providing added value across a wide range of areas, including dining, luxury shopping, travel and priceless experiences. The new product line will also leverage enhanced fraud solutions and privacy protection to secure every transaction. Mohamed Almaraj, ila Bank CEO, said, "ila has always been about the customer. We are proud to have maintained our commitment to offering customer-centric solutions and experiences in a growingly cashless economy, and this strategic agreement furthers the ila promise of 'banking that reflects you'. Renewing our engagement with Mastercard will strengthen our standing as the frontrunner in the region's digital payments landscape by offering the most seamless, secure and future-focused product portfolio that provides unparalleled premium benefits." Adam Jones, Mastercard's Division President for West Arabia, said, "In line with our shared commitment to driving innovation across the digital ecosystem, our long-standing relationship with ila Bank focuses on delivering customer-first solutions that help ensure a secure and rewarding banking experience. We will continue to provide our partners with enhanced product offering, supporting regional expansion." Mastercard has been a trusted partner of ila Bank from the outset, supporting the bank's strategy Together, they have introduced several innovative propositions to the market, including the multi-currency debit program, the Pay with Rewards loyalty programand the Mastercard airline co-brandwith Gulf Air in Bahrain. Since its establishment in 2019, ila Bank has been dedicated to addressing the dynamic needs and lifestyles of its customers with bespoke banking solutions. The digital, mobile-only bank, well-received both domestically and regionally, currently offers a range of card products, including debit, credit and prepaid cards, that provide unparalleled bonus advantages and a personalized loyalty reward system. Other innovative products accessible through the award-winning ila app include smart digital saving tools, like Hassala and Jamiya, as well as Al Kanz, ila's prize account that awards substantial cash prizes to lucky customers throughout the year. About Mastercard Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. www.mastercard.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a838d1fe-d20b-4879-8e41-152c9e78b0a4 Maher Albash M +971 50 188 2508 malbash@webershandwick.com Longueuil, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Greenheart Gold Inc. (TSXV: GHRT) (OTCQX: GHRTF) (the "Company" or "Greenheart Gold") is pleased to announce that it has qualified to upgrade from the OTCQB Venture Market to the OTCQX Best Market (the "OTCQX Market" or "OTCQX"). Greenheart Gold will commence trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "GHRTF". The OTCQX Market, the highest tier of the U.S. OTC Markets, is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. Trading on OTCQX is expected to enhance a company's visibility and accessibility among U.S. investors by adhering to higher financial and governance standards. "We are pleased to be upgrading to the OTCQX market. We feel that the OTCQX will provide a valuable platform to help build visibility among U.S. investors," said Justin van der Toorn, the President and CEO of Greenheart Gold. The Company's common shares will continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada under the symbol "GHRT". About Greenheart Gold Inc. Greenheart Gold is an exploration company that builds on a proven legacy of discoveries within the Guiana Shield, a highly prospective geological terrain that hosts numerous gold deposits yet remains relatively under-explored. The Company is led by former executives and members of the exploration group of Reunion Gold, a team that was most recently noted for the discovery and delineation of the multimillion-ounce Oko West deposit in Guyana. Greenheart Gold intends to build on its technical knowledge, strong contact base and previous success from exploring in the Guiana Shield to assemble, maintain and explore a portfolio of early-stage exploration projects in Guyana and Suriname that are prospective for orogenic gold deposits. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website ( www.greenheartgold.com ). Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information", which may include, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Company's expectations that OTCQX will enhance the Company's visibility and help attract new investors. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are based on various assumptions. There is no assurance that these expectations will be realized. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates, or opinions, or other factors, should change. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The Company's 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 U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253498 SOURCE: Greenheart Gold Inc. By Elias Habbar-Baylac NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, intense, and costly. In 2024 alone, global natural disasters resulted in an estimated $368 billion in economic losses, with 60% of these losses uninsured, highlighting a substantial protection gap (Insurance Business). Looking ahead, a 2024 World Economic Forum report predicts that by 2050, climate-intensified natural disasters could lead to $12.5 trillion in economic losses worldwide (World Economic Forum). At the same time, corporate exposure to climate risks is expected to triple by mid-century, with over $1.14 trillion in market value at risk for companies listed on major global exchanges (Axios). However, there is also a massive opportunity on the horizon. According to a 2025 report by FIC and Bain & Company, global revenues from climate adaptation solutions are expected to grow from $1 trillion today to $4 trillion by 2050, while the investment opportunity could soar from $2 trillion to $9 trillion (GIC, 2025). These figures highlight an investable frontier for the private sector. It is a space where impact venture capital can play a catalytic role in accelerating technologies that can save lives, protect assets, and create economic value. The Power of Adaptation & Resilience Technologies Cisco Foundation is answering this call through its Regenerative Future Fund and grants to nonprofits. The Foundation strategically invests in innovative technologies designed to help communities adapt, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. The Regenerative Future Fund's approach combines patient, catalytic capital with blended finance models, creating an enabling environment for companies to scale transformative adaptation solutions, even when immediate financial returns are uncertain. Keep reading to learn more about five startups and organizations the Foundation is supporting and how they are helping communities adapt and build resilience. Responding to Rainstorms and Hurricanes: Real-Time Flood Monitoring with Hohonu The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the costliest on record, causing approximately $200 billion in damages, with 20 named storms battering the United States and resulting in widespread damage (New York Post/ Fox Weather). Real-time water data at the neighborhood level is critical for life-saving decision-making. With hurricanes intensifying and moving more unpredictably, the difference of a few inches in water level can determine whether a neighborhood floods. For example, many communities affected by storms like Hurricane Helene in 2024 lacked timely and localized water level data, leading to inadequate early-warnings, delayed responses, and increased damage. Hohonu, which provides smart monitoring tools, fills this gap by delivering community-level visibility into changing water conditions. Their affordable flood-monitoring sensors deliver real-time, hyperlocal water level data to vulnerable coastal and inland communities, enabling swifter, more informed decisions around evacuations, infrastructure protection, and emergency response. The ability to track water levels on a block-by-block level can reduce emergency response times by up to 30% and has been shown to increase the efficacy of flood preparedness efforts by more than 40%. With support from the Cisco Foundation Regenerative Future Fund, Hohonu is scaling rapidly and working with both government and commercial entities to bring real-time water monitoring to every community that needs it. As Kevin Mukai, Hohonu's COO, noted, "With Cisco Foundation's goal of building resilient and empowered communities - not to mention Cisco's strengths in networking, IoT, and digital transformation - the fit could not be better." As of 2025, Hohonu has deployed more than 160 monitoring stations across 16 states, generating millions of hours of publicly available water level data. This open-access approach reinforces the importance of transparency and public engagement in resilient infrastructure and intelligent monitoring solutions. By helping communities build their own awareness and response capabilities, Hohonu's platform strengthens local autonomy and preparedness in the face of rising weather and environmental risks. Learn more how Hohonu helps Lee County stay ahead of flooding in the video above. Predictive AI Analytics for Wildfire Management: Vibrant Planet In 2023 and 2024, the United States experienced some of its most destructive wildfire seasons in recent memory. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, wildfires burned over 8.5 million acres nationwide in 2024 alone. In California, Los Angeles County saw multiple wildfires exacerbated by dry conditions and fuel buildup. These fires displaced thousands of residents and caused tens of billions in insured losses - much of which might have been mitigated with a $9 million investment in fuels reductions along the wild-urban interface, according to post fire analysis on the Eaton Fire conducted by Vibrant Planet. This is exactly where Vibrant Planet's platform comes in. It is a first-of-its-kind decision support system that enables fire districts, states, counties, federal agencies and utilities to understand current risk and ecological health, pinpoint priorities for risk mitigation treatments, then simulate the effects of different treatments (such as defensible space, hazardous fuels reduction, forest thinning or prescribed burns) and, over time, quantify ecological and economic benefits. The platform also supports cross-jurisdictional coordination of plans and spending for implementation. In Placer County, California, which has the highest number of structures at risk of wildfire in California, local authorities used Vibrant Planet to prioritize and plan 20,000 acres of wildfire risk reduction treatments across forested communities. The result was a cohesive, community-supported roadmap that not only reduced fire risk but also improved water security, biodiversity, and carbon storage, approved within 14 weeks, compared to typical multi-year planning processes. Vibrant Planet is now contracted as an annual subscription across 73 million acres in eight western states, including about 30 million acres in California alone. Vibrant Planet's technology reduces the time it takes to develop and approve forest management plans from years to weeks and reduces conflict in complex socioecological environments. The platform provides forecasted outcomes of different types and intensities of treatment, and models their effects on wildfire probability and intensity, which helps managers weigh and communicate tradeoffs of different plans to drive public support and funding for implementation. Through numerous partnerships, Vibrant Planet provides a comprehensive wildfire resilience solution - from house-level defensible space to wildland-urban interface hazardous fuels reductions, to watershed-scale ecosystem restoration. Cisco Foundation's investment has supported the expansion of these capabilities, enabling broader adoption of Vibrant Planet and accelerating the development of new features, including slope stabilization planning and ecosystem recovery support. As fire risk increases, platforms like Vibrant Planet will be essential for building long-term resilience and protecting people, infrastructure, and nature. Autonomous Wildfire Suppression: Rain Through Azolla Ventures - an impact-first investor supporting early-stage technology companies that can achieve large-scale impact-Cisco Foundation indirectly supports Rain, a startup transforming wildfire response through autonomous aircraft. Building on the proven Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter and MATRIX autonomy platform, Rain's AI firefighting pilot enables aircraft to autonomously perceive, understand, target, and suppress emerging wildfires, reducing response times and improving safety for human responders. This blend of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous robotics represents a cutting-edge approach to fire mitigation/management, offering communities a rapid, reliable tool to combat wildfires effectively. The autonomous technology behind helicopters equipped with Rain is crucial in tackling fires during hazardous conditions, such as nighttime or in rugged terrain, when traditional firefighting efforts face significant barriers. This advanced capability can save valuable response time and protect firefighters by reducing their exposure to extreme risks. Advanced Forest Management: Earth Force Earth Force is advancing forest management through remote-controlled machinery and real-time digital monitoring. By modernizing vegetation management, Earth Force enables safer and more efficient wildfire prevention at scale. This technology not only mitigates wildfire risks but also enhances local economic resilience by creating safer, technology-driven forestry jobs. Earth Force's remote-controlled equipment allows for safer and more precise forest clearing, significantly reducing the danger to workers in wildfire-prone areas. This modernization addresses labor shortages in forest management and positions communities to proactively address wildfire risk more effectively. Cisco Foundation Regenerative Future Fund supports Earth Force through an investment in Third Sphere, an early-stage fund backing AI-native founders transforming global systems through climate-aligned technologies. Empowering Communities to Build Resiliency: Open Future Coalition Open Future Coalition (OFC) works alongside communities to design adaptable workflows, build capacity, and foster ecosystems of practice across sectors like regenerative agriculture, watershed restoration, and Indigenous land stewardship. This work has been especially impactful in Western North Carolina, where OFC is partnering with North Carolina A&T State University and Warren Wilson College to support flood response efforts, citizen participation in scientific research, and regional biocultural mapping as part of broader post-disaster recovery and resilience strategies. The Regional Resilience Fellowship program - launched with grant support from the Cisco Foundation - played a key role in shaping these tools through real-world use across 35+ project sites, laying the groundwork for a "living library" of community-published resources, templates, and curricula from projects across the OFC network. By strengthening a common infrastructure for local action, OFC is helping communities from Appalachia to the Amazon scale their impact and mobilize the resources they need to build resilient communities. Building a More Resilient Future Cisco Foundation's Regenerative Future Fund and resiliency-related grants are integral parts of the company's broader environmental sustainability strategy, the Plan for Possible, as well as our long-standing disaster response efforts. This starts with employee fundraising campaigns and grants to nonprofits that support communities in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. It extends to Cisco Crisis Response deployments that use our technology to support first responders, and to longer-term resilience and recovery efforts with our technology, our people, and our resources. Learn more about how the Cisco Foundation supports resiliency on cisco.com 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/from-floods-to-fires-cisco-is-investing-in-technologies-that-make-comm-1032190 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - DARK STAR MINERALS INC. (CSE: BATT) (FSE: P0W) (the "Company" or "Dark Star") is pleased to announce that it has entered into the following marketing services agreements to enhance its market presence and awareness. Dark Star Minerals Inc. CEO & Director Marc Branson declares, "With an extensive portfolio of uranium assets, Dark Star is prepared to engage a global audience and highlight our asset base. We take pride in the dedication and effort invested in building this foundation, and we are ready to advance into the next phase of development." Marketing Services Agreement with Mayfair Media Pursuant to an agreement dated May 1, 2025, the Company has engaged Mayfair Media Operations Pty Ltd. ("Mayfair Media"), which operates Mining.com.au, Australia's leading Mining News platform, reaching over 100,000 engaged readers monthly, to provide certain investor relations services to the Company. The engagement is set to commence on June 1, 2025 (the "Commencement Date") and will continue until May 31, 2025, unless terminated pursuant to the terms of the agreement. The agreement includes a cancellation period providing at least 7 days written notice prior to the expiration of a three-month period from the Commencement Date. The monthly consideration for the services provided by Mayfair Media through Mining.com.au is $3,890 per month and includes coverage of Company announcements, video interviews, audiograms and special features on Dark Star. Known for its dynamic coverage and leading video content, Mining.com.au provides unparalleled visibility to mining companies through premium sponsored content, announcement highlights, and exclusive features - all optimised for maximum search impact. The Mining.com.au platform serves as a powerful channel for companies to connect with investors, industry leaders, and stakeholders across Australia. Christopher Norris is the owner of Mining.com.au. Mayfair Media's contact information is as follows: 6/66 Appel Street, Surfers Paradise, Queensland 4217, attention: Christopher Norris, email info@mining.com.au. Mayfair Media currently holds no securities in the Company and operates at arm's length. Marketing Agreement with Plutus Invest & Consulting Pursuant to a marketing services agreement dated May 15, 2025, Dark Star has engaged Plutus Invest & Consulting GmbH ("Plutus"), a German limited liability corporation, to provide certain marketing services including advertorial marketing, public relations strategies and advertisement-based investor awareness campaigns in the European market for a term of twelve (12) months in consideration of a marketing fee up to 250,000 for the services during this period. Plutus and its principals are arm's length to the Company. Plutus's contact information is as follows: Buchtstrasse 13, Bremen 28195, Germany, attention: Marco Messina, Managing Director, email: contact@plutusinvest.de, telephone: +49-421-175 40 932. Plutus currently holds no securities in the Company and operates at arm's length. Marketing Agreement with Free Market Media The Company has also reached an agreement with Free Market Media Ltd. ("Free Market") to provide certain web services to Dark Star. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Free Market will set up on-line advertising portals, on which hi-view resources will pay directly at cost for the advertising. Subject to Canadian Securities Exchange approval, Free Market will be retained on a month-to-month basis and commence immediately to assist the Company in raising awareness. In consideration of services provided by Free Market, Dark Star has agreed to pay advertising expenses up to $10,000 per month should the Company deem this beneficial. Free Market Media is based out of Langley, British Columbia, and its principal is Brent Rusin. Mr. Rusin can be reached by email at shakespear_67@msn.com, or by phone at 604-790-7291. Free Market holds no securities in the Company and operates at arm's length. About Dark Star Minerals Inc. Dark Star Minerals Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of critical mineral resources, specifically the rare earth complex. Dark Star has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Ghost Lake claims located in the prolific CMB of Labrador, which consists of 28,575 ha of contiguous claim blocks, and has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Bleasdell Project consisting of over 515 ha in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253431 SOURCE: Dark Star Minerals Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Spearmint Resources Inc. (CSE: SPMT) (OTC Pink: SPMTF) (FSE: A2AHL5) (the "Company" or "Spearmint") announces that it intends to complete a consolidation of its issued and outstanding common shares (the "Shares") on the basis of one new Share (a "Post-consolidated Share") for every ten currently outstanding Shares (the "Consolidation"). The Company also announces it intends to change its name and its trading symbol in connection with the proposed Consolidation. Completion of the Consolidation, name change and symbol change are subject to approval by the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The effective date of the Consolidation, name change and symbol change will be announced in a subsequent news release. It is anticipated that the Consolidation will reduce the number of outstanding Shares from 287,828,583 Shares to approximately 28,782,858 Post-consolidated Shares, subject to adjustment for rounding. The Board of Directors of the Company believes that the consolidation of the Shares will both enhance the marketability of the Company as an investment and better position the Company to raise the funds necessary to execute the Company's business plan. No fractional Post-consolidated Shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. As required under the Business Corporations Act (BC), any fractional Shares remaining after the Consolidation that are less than one half of a Share will be cancelled and any fractional Shares that are at least one half of a Share will be rounded up to one whole Share. The exercise price and number of Shares of the Company, issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants and conversion of outstanding convertible debentures, will be proportionally adjusted upon the implementation of the proposed Consolidation in accordance with the terms thereof. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include that the Company intends to consolidate its share capital. These forward-looking statements 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 information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include that the Company may not obtain approval for the Consolidation from the CSE. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253436 SOURCE: Spearmint Resources Inc. IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) ("IHS Towers") group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has today published its 2024 Sustainability Report. The report covers sustainability activities from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 and demonstrates IHS Towers' continued commitment to its stakeholders, including, but not limited to, its employees, customers, suppliers, local communities, regulators, governments and shareholders. IHS Towers' vision is to help create a connected world, where mobile connectivity promotes continued economic growth and social development. The communications infrastructure it provides is vital to enabling that connectivity. In 2024, IHS Towers continued to make progress in executing its four-pillar sustainability strategy focusing on ethics and governance, environment and climate change, education and economic growth, our people and communities which is detailed in this report. Sam Darwish, Chairman CEO, IHS Towers, commented, "In an increasingly connected world, our solutions help facilitate digital inclusion. As detailed in our 2024 Sustainability Report, we seek to further broaden access to the socioeconomic opportunities this presents through our community focused initiatives. In 2024, 55% of our sustainability spend focused on initiatives relating to our education and economic growth pillar. Through the development of ICT centers and digital kiosks, the delivery of STEM training programs, and the facilitation of school internet connectivity, we are helping connect the next generation to critical education resources. 2024 also marked the completion of our three-year partnership with Giga, a joint UNICEF and ITU initiative, and I am proud of the contribution IHS Towers has made to Giga's objective of connecting all schools in the world to the internet, and all children to information, opportunity and choice." 2024 Sustainability Report Highlights As of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, we reported the following environmental, social and governance ("ESG") related progress: Environment Carbon Reduction Roadmap: Reduced our Scope 1 and Scope 2 kilowatt-hour emissions intensity by approximately 11% compared with 2023, with an approximate 20% reduction in emissions intensity since 2021 Invested $209.4 million in Project Green since the project began in 2022 Planted 7,800 seedlings in Brazil's Amazon region, restoring an additional four hectares of degraded area Partnered with WaterAid to construct rainwater harvesting systems at four schools in Nyamagabe District, Rwanda, providing more than 4,000 children and staff with clean water Social Introduced five Life Saving Rules and nine HSE Principles to further strengthen our approach to health and safety The rate of recordable work-related injuries among IHS employees decreased to 0.04, in comparison to 0.17 in 2023 27% of our employees were female and 73% were male, equal to the percentage reported in 2023 Employees completed 12 hours of training on average on the IHS Academy Spent $8.2 million on community-focused sustainability initiatives, bringing the total investment in our local communities to $37 million since 2017 Facilitated digital inclusion by: Training more than 100,000 students in digital skills through Nigeria's 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative Providing over 2,000 young people with new ICT and digital facilities in Cameroon and Rwanda Supporting over 5,250 students with STEM skills and training in Nigeria and Brazil Enhanced Giga's visibility analysis in Brazil: By integrating IHS Brazil data, Giga determined that the average distance from a school to the nearest tower was 0.85 kilometers Governance IHS South Africa achieved a Level 4 rating in its first Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) audit Maintained our ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification 1 In March 2025, we received an updated ESG Risk Rating from Morningstar Sustainalytics. Our ESG Risk Rating places us in the top 9% of all companies assessed by Morningstar Sustainalytics in the Telecommunication Services Industry 2 Continued driving high standards of integrity throughout our supply chain; 4,581 supplier employees completed training in topics relating to our Supplier Code of Conduct For more information, please visit www.ihstowers.com/sustainability About IHS Towers: IHSTowers 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 Cautionary 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 (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements. 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. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to statements regarding our business strategy, plans, market growth and our objectives our sustainability program and Carbon Reduction Roadmap. 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. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to general macroeconomic conditions in the countries in which we operate; our inability to successfully execute our business strategy and operating plans, or deliver on our sustainability or environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy and initiatives under anticipated costs, timelines, and complexity, such as our Carbon Reduction Roadmap (Project Green); environmental liability; and the important factors discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to us as of the date of this press release, 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. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. Additionally, we may provide information herein that is not necessarily "material" under the federal securities laws for SEC reporting purposes, but that is informed by various ESG standards and frameworks (including standards for the measurement of underlying data), and the interests of various stakeholders. Much of this information is subject to assumptions, estimates or third-party information that is still evolving and subject to change. For example, our disclosures based on any standards may change due to revisions in framework requirements, availability of information, changes in our business or applicable government policies, or other factors, some of which may be beyond our control. 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. Additionally, the information included in our 2024 Sustainability Report, including highlights provided in this press release, are subject to certain important disclaimers that should be read and considered in concert with such information. 1 ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification has been achieved in the UAE, UK and operating companies. 2 Copyright 2025 Morningstar Sustainalytics. All rights reserved. This report contains information developed by Sustainalytics (www.sustainalytics.com). Such information and data are proprietary of Sustainalytics and/or its third party suppliers (Third Party Data) and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement of any product or project, nor an investment advice and are not warranted to be complete, timely, accurate or suitable for a particular purpose. Their use is subject to conditions available at https://www.sustainalytics.com/legal-disclaimers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527024904/en/ Contacts: For more information, please email: communications@ihstowers.com or visit: www.ihstowers.com QSRMTM generates negligible shock upon actuation, is part of the next generation of release mechanisms BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Heliospace Corp., a subsidiary of Helio Corporation (OTC:HLEO) has been awarded a NASA Phase II Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) for its QuasiStatic Release Mechanism (QSRM), a next generation release mechanism that generate negligible shock upon actuation. Heliospace Heliospace NASA SBIR Phase II awards support in-depth development of R&D ideas whose feasibility has been established in Phase I and that are likely to result in a commercial product. "We're excited about the many possible uses of QSRM," says Greg Delory, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Heliospace. "This includes sensitive electronics, optical systems, avionics, sensors, and other shock-sensitive hardware used in any flight system application where mitigating shock is of paramount importance." "QSRM has many advantages over the current state-of-the-art development," says Joe Pitman, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Heliospace. "Reduced exported shock during actuation, field resetability that helps mitigate project costs and schedule risk, and improved verification and validation activities make QSRM an attractive option to replace traditional release mechanism." About Helio Corporation: Helio Corporation is a technology, engineering and research and development (R&D) holding company serving commercial, government and non-profit organizations. Our wholly owned subsidiary, Heliospace Corporation ("Heliospace"), is an aerospace company specializing in the design, engineering, assembly and test of space flight qualified hardware and provides systems engineering, modeling, analysis, integration and test services to customers in government, commercial, private and non-profit markets. With deep expertise in civil space missions combined with a growing business serving commercial companies, our primary company objective is to enable humanity's pursuit of the scientific and commercial development of space. https://helio.space/ Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Some of the matters discussed herein may contain forward-looking statements that involve significant risk and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words like "believes," "could," "possibly," "probably," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "seek," "intend," "plan," "expect," or "consider" or the negative of these expressions or other variations, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual transactions, results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future transactions, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on current expectations and projections about future events and the information currently available to us. Although we believe that the assumptions for these forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Consequently, no representation or warranty can be given that the estimates, opinions, or assumptions made in or referenced by this presentation will prove to be accurate. We caution you that the forward-looking statements in this presentation are only estimates and predictions, or statements or current intent. Actual results or outcomes, or actions that we ultimately undertake, could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to risks, uncertainties or actual events differing from the assumptions underlying these statements. We caution investors not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in, or made in connection with this presentation. The Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this presentation as a result of new information, future events or changes in the Company's business plans or model. Heliospace Corporation 2448 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710 Phone: 510-545-2666 Email: info@Helio.space SOURCE: Helio Space Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/aerospace-and-defense/heliospace-wins-nasa-sbir-phase-ii-award-for-quasistatic-release-mechanism-1032133 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / A recent article by Sustainable Biz Canada spotlights DP World's latest step toward greener port operations: the field trial of its first hydrogen-powered rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver. Authored by business editor Tyler Choi, the article - titled "DP World Field Tests Its First Hydrogen-Powered Crane in Vancouver" explores how this innovation could help the global logistics giant significantly cut carbon emissions - starting in Canada, with the potential to scale worldwide. RTG cranes are a common feature at container terminals, lifting and moving 40-foot containers. But they're also heavy diesel users. At DP World's Vancouver terminal, the 19 RTGs account for half of the site's diesel consumption, contributing thousands of tons of CO2 annually. To tackle this, the company retrofitted one of the cranes to operate on hydrogen fuel cells, making it the first of its kind in DP World's global network. "We realized that we need to find a solution to electrify or decarbonize our RTG yard cranes," said Joel Werner, COO of DP World in Canada, in an interview with Sustainable Biz Canada. The new hydrogen-powered crane emits only water vapor, eliminating up to 150,000 liters of diesel consumption per year. Werner added it's also quieter, more reliable, and less polluting than its diesel counterpart. The move is part of DP World's broader plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. With over 1,500 gantry cranes in use across its global terminals, scaling the hydrogen solution could lead to major emissions cuts. The crane is now in a year-long field trial to measure hydrogen consumption, productivity, and cost against a traditional diesel model. While the pilot initially used grey hydrogen (from fossil fuels), the ongoing trial uses green hydrogen sourced from HTEC, another B.C. company that produces hydrogen from renewable energy. Hydrogen was chosen over batteries for several reasons. "We have a very energy-intensive application lifting 40 tons repetitively all day long," Werner said. "If you go to the pure battery solution, we can quickly deplete that, so we needed a solution that could work in that use case reliably." Vancouver's role as a hydrogen innovation hub also made it an ideal launchpad. If the trial proves successful, DP World plans to retrofit all 25 RTG cranes at its Vancouver and Prince Rupert terminals. The technology could then be deployed to terminals worldwide, including in the Netherlands and Australia. Hydrogen retrofits may also extend to other port equipment like reach stackers. With port operations contributing up to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, DP World's hydrogen-powered crane is a promising step toward cleaner, more sustainable supply chains. Read the original article here. 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-begins-field-trial-of-first-hydrogen-powered-crane-in-v-1032193 EQS-News: African Energy Chamber / Key word(s): Miscellaneous African Energy Chamber: Angolan President Joao Lourenco Selected as 'Energy Person of the Year' 27.05.2025 / 15:45 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Angolan President Joao Lourenco Selected as 'Energy Person of the Year' President Lourenco has transformed Angola's oil and gas sector through regulatory reform, peace and stability, good governance and anti-corruption Angola's President Joao Lourenco has been selected as the 'Energy Person of the Year' by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( www.EnergyChamber.org ), in recognition of his drive for good governance, commitment to reform and work to address corruption in Africa. The award recognizes President Lourenco's instrumental role in transforming Angola into one of Africa's biggest oil and gas producers and how his forward-looking vision is expected to consolidate the country's position as a regional petroleum hub in Africa. Since his election in 2017, President Lourenco has turned Angola's economy - and broader oil and gas industry - around. With ageing oilfields and reduced upstream investment, the country was witnessing rapid production decline. However, President Lourenco's long-term strategy to revitalize the industry saw a series of milestones achieved, and in 2025, the country continues to witness a positive growth trajectory across its oil and gas sector. By introducing flexible investment structures, President Lourenco spurred interest back into the industry, leading to greater investment across the entire energy value chain. These include risk service contracts, a permanent offer scheme, marginal fields opportunities and an incremental production initiative. The privatization of Sonangol, the establishment of the upstream and downstream regulators and revised tax codes have further catalyzed spending and transparency in Angola. President Lourenco has also set clear targets for the country. These include plans to sustain oil output above one million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2027, scaling-up capacity in the natural gas sector while accelerating green energy development. In the oil sector, President Lourenco has spearheaded new development opportunities across the upstream and downstream sectors. With a six-year licensing round introduced in 2019, the country witnessed a surge in investments as major operators sought out new discoveries in both the on- and offshore markets. Now, the country anticipates a $60 billion five-year investment drive, as major players expand their portfolios. Upcoming projects include the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development by Azule Energy and the TotalEnergies-led Kaminho development. To further bolster production, Angola is also opening doors to new block opportunities. A licensing round launching in 2025 will further entice spending, offering 10 blocks for exploration in the Kwanza and Benguela Basins. The country also offers 11 blocks for investment via direct negotiation in conjunction with five marginal fields opportunities. Angola's flexible investment structures - spearheaded by President Lourenco and aimed at supporting a variety of investments - continue to play a major part in facilitating spending across Angola's upstream market. President Lourenco has also positioned the natural gas sector as a catalyst for development in Angola. Already an LNG producer, the country strives to enhance production capacity through associated and non-associated projects. The country's first non-associated project - led by the New Gas Consortium - will come online in late-2025 or early-2026. However, President Lourenco's drive in Angola goes beyond the upstream sector. To address domestic fuel demand, the country targets a refining capacity of upwards of 400,000 bpd. The first phase of the Cabinda oil refinery will begin operations in 2025, introducing 60,000 bpd to the market. Additional investment opportunities in the downstream sector include the planned 200,000 bpd Lobito refinery and the 100,000 Soyo refinery. Under President Lourenco's leadership, the country has engaged investors on these projects, while promoting new downstream developments that promise greater fuel security in both Angola and the broader region. President Lourenco's achievements go beyond oil and gas development. Recognizing the vital need to address climate change concerns, President Lourenco has also been a strong advocate for diversified investments in Africa. Angola is spearheading renewable energy projects as well as green hydrogen. With a commitment to improving peace in Africa, President Lourenco continues to work closely with regional counterparts to foster stability. As Angola celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025, President Lourenco's drive to facilitate inclusive development in Africa will serve as a source of inspiration. "President Lourenco has not only been an instrumental leader in Angola but has played a major part in facilitating investment and development across the broader African oil and gas landscape. By committing to industry reform, working closely with international partners and implementing clear and actionable objectives, President Lourenco has shaped Angola's oil and gas market into what it is today," states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. The 'Energy Person of the Year' celebrates the achievements of President Lourenco, highlighting how his ambitious and inclusive approach to development has unlocked a wealth of opportunities for Angola and the broader region. Previous award winners include Frank Fannon, Former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Mohammed S. Barkindo, former OPEC Secretary General, former Namibian President Hage Geingob, Meg O'Neill, CEO and Managing Director, Woodside Energy and Dr. Benedict Oramah, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. Download Image: https://apo-opa.co/4jitncn 27.05.2025 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 Exhibition themed on Caihua held at Palace Museum in Beijing Xinhua) 15:51, May 27, 2025 Clothes and accessories with Caihua elements in designing are displayed during the exhibition titled "A Thousand-Year Legacy of Caihua: Inheritance and Innovation in Official-Style Chinese Architectural Polychrome Painting" held at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, May 26, 2025. The exhibition, officially opened to the public on Tuesday, showcases 43 pieces of ancient Chinese Caihua items and Caihua artworks from students supported by China National Arts Fund. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) An ancient architectural component decorated with Caihua is displayed during the exhibition titled "A Thousand-Year Legacy of Caihua: Inheritance and Innovation in Official-Style Chinese Architectural Polychrome Painting" held at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, May 26, 2025. The exhibition, officially opened to the public on Tuesday, showcases 43 pieces of ancient Chinese Caihua items and Caihua artworks from students supported by China National Arts Fund. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Painting materials are displayed during the exhibition titled "A Thousand-Year Legacy of Caihua: Inheritance and Innovation in Official-Style Chinese Architectural Polychrome Painting" held at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, May 26, 2025. The exhibition, officially opened to the public on Tuesday, showcases 43 pieces of ancient Chinese Caihua items and Caihua artworks from students supported by China National Arts Fund. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Guests visit the exhibition titled "A Thousand-Year Legacy of Caihua: Inheritance and Innovation in Official-Style Chinese Architectural Polychrome Painting" held at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, May 26, 2025. The exhibition, officially opened to the public on Tuesday, showcases 43 pieces of ancient Chinese Caihua items and Caihua artworks from students supported by China National Arts Fund. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Guests view a copy of a Caihua painting from Mogao Grottoes in northwest China's Dunhuang during the exhibition titled "A Thousand-Year Legacy of Caihua: Inheritance and Innovation in Official-Style Chinese Architectural Polychrome Painting" held at the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, May 26, 2025. The exhibition, officially opened to the public on Tuesday, showcases 43 pieces of ancient Chinese Caihua items and Caihua artworks from students supported by China National Arts Fund. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Equity InsiderNews Commentary Issued on behalf of RUA GOLD Inc. VANCOUVER, BC, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity InsiderNews Commentary - Gold's relentless climb-briefly topping $3,350 last week-has rekindled investor appetite across the mining sector, particularly among small-cap names long starved of attention. Safe-haven demand, rate cut expectations, and fresh volatility tied to US President Donald Trump's tariff warnings have sent bullion prices soaring, prompting Citi to raise its short-term gold target to $3,500. Bank of America followed by increasing its gold exposure in Q4, citing a bullish shift in underlying market conditions. As gold prices remain favourable, analysts are watching for breakout moments across the junior mining space, with RUA GOLD Inc. (TSXV: RUA) (OTCQB: NZAUF), Luca Mining Corp. (TSXV: LUCA) (OTCQX: LUCMF), Probe Gold Inc. (TSX: PRB) (OTCQB: PROBF), Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE-American: DC), and Montage Gold Corp. (TSX: MAU) (OTCQX: MAUTF). Despite a 40% gain in the gold price since 2019, junior valuations remain deeply discounted-still hovering near pre-COVID levels. Analysts at Jefferies and InsideExploration note this disconnect, suggesting a re-rating could be overdue if current price strength persists. Veteran investor Rob McEwen and billionaire John Paulson both see $5,000 gold within reach, while JPMorgan recently projected a potential path to $6,000 if even a sliver of U.S.-held foreign assets are reallocated toward bullion. For investors scanning the horizon, catalysts are beginning to emerge. RUA GOLD Inc. (TSXV: RUA) (OTCQB: NZAUF) is a gold exploration company advancing district-scale opportunities in New Zealand-a country with a long legacy of high-grade gold production and renewed interest from global investors. Today, RUA reported high-grade intercepts from its Cumberland project, including 1 metre at 26.9 g/t gold and 1 metre at 16.2 g/t. These results confirm the continuity and near-surface nature of the Gallant vein system that previously returned 62.2 g/t gold-including a standout 1-metre interval grading 1,911 g/t-which stands as RUA's first drill-tested target generated through VRIFY'sAI-assisted discovery platform. "From the very first drill holes, we intersected significant, wide quartz veins hosting high-grade gold, confirming historical intercepts," said Robert Eckford, CEO of RUA GOLD. "This marks an exciting start, validating the effectiveness of the VRIFY AI targeting process and confirming near-surface mineralization with the potential to extend the envelope of known mineralization across a 2km structural zone.. It's a major step forward for our hub-and-spoke strategy in Reefton The Gallant prospect represents the first VRIFY AI target that we have drilled so far. This structure is traceable on surface for over 600m and remains largely untested along strike and at depth." Located just 3 km from the past-producing Globe Progress mine, Gallant hosts steeply dipping quartz veins up to 14 metres wide and remains open along strike and at depth. Historic drilling in the area returned standout intercepts like 20.7 metres of quartz, with intervals grading up to 1,911 g/t gold at depths less than 80 metres -suggesting the potential for a shallow, high-grade resource in a district with strong infrastructure. A follow-up program is now underway, stepping 100 metres south, with additional assays pending. RUA controls roughly 95% of the Reefton Goldfield, which has historically yielded over 2 million ounces at grades ranging from 9 to 50 g/t. At its Auld Creek project, recent drilling returned 9.0 metres at 5.9 g/t gold equivalent and 1.25 metres at 48.3 g/t. Importantly, only two of four known shoots are currently included in the model. Earlier hits include 12 metres at 12.2 g/t gold equivalent, including a 2-metre stretch grading 54.8 g/t. Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696823/Equity_Insider.jpg Adding further strategic value, Auld Creek contains high-grade antimony-a critical mineral now trading above US$50,000 per tonne. Surface samples have exceeded 40% antimony, with multiple drill intercepts over 8%. In early 2025, the New Zealand government designated antimony as a national priority, heightening the potential relevance of RUA's dual metal profile. In the Hauraki Goldfield on the North Island, RUA recently completed its second surface campaign at the Glamorgan project, identifying three gold-arsenic anomalies across a 4-kilometre trend. Rock chip samples returned grades up to 43 g/t gold, while CSAMT geophysics confirmed resistive zones consistent with quartz-rich vein systems. A drill access agreement is expected shortly, and all targets are being ranked using VRIFY's DORA AI engine. RUA GOLD is led by a team with over $11 billion in collective mining exits, and backed by $5.75 million in fresh capital. Their strategy targets undervalued, high-grade potential in proven jurisdictions-using modern data to accelerate discovery across two of New Zealand's most historically productive, but underexplored, gold belts. With multiple drill programs active and catalysts expected in 2025, RUA offers significant leverage to continued exploration success. CONTINUED Read this and more news for RUA GOLD at: https://equity-insider.com/2025/04/24/others-found-1911-g-t-here-before-now-a-proven-11b-mining-team-is-back-to-finish-the-job/ In other industry developments and happenings in the market include: Luca Mining Corp. (TSXV: LUCA) (OTCQX: LUCMF) has discovered multiple new high-grade ore shoots at its Tahuehueto gold-silver mine in Durango, Mexico. Highlights include 9.4 metres grading 5.21 g/t gold equivalent and 5.1 metres at 5.62 g/t AuEq, with one interval peaking at 9.37 g/t AuEq. "The discovery of multiple new high-grade ore shoots so quickly into this new exploration program confirms the robust nature of the Tahuehueto epithermal vein system," said Paul D. Gray, VP Exploration of Luca Mining. "The fact that the current drilling program has consistently intersected well-mineralized veins in previously untested areas also confirms the Company's exploration approach and moreover speaks to the larger potential of the Tahuehueto mineralized system." These discoveries sit near current mine workings and point to immediate upside for near- and mid-term production plans. Probe Gold Inc. (TSX: PRB) (OTCQB: PROBF) has awarded its Environmental Impact Assessment contract to WSP, a global leader in permitting, as it advances the Novador Project in Quebec toward production. "This milestone marks another key step forward in the permitting process and continued de-risking of the Novador Project," said David Palmer, President and CEO of Probe Gold. "Partnering with WSP, a recognized leader in Environmental Impact Statements, gives us confidence in the quality and scope of the work, which will help us to meet our permitting timeline of 2027." The EIA/EIS will address environmental, hydrological, and biodiversity factors, forming the foundation of both federal and provincial approvals. Submission is expected by early 2027, aligning with the company's timeline to advance Novador toward construction readiness. With over 10 million ounces of total gold resources across the Val-d'Or properties, Probe is positioned as a leading district-scale developer in one of Canada's most prolific mining camps. Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE-American: DC) is advancing its Richmond Hill Project in South Dakota with an 80,000-foot drill campaign focused on metallurgical sampling and resource expansion ahead of an Initial Assessment with Cash Flow (IACF) expected mid-2025. "Dakota Gold continues to advance its Richmond Hill and Maitland projects," said Dr. Robert Quartermain, Co-Chair, Director, President and CEO of Dakota Gold. "With our March financing, we are well funded for our planned activities in 2025 and well into 2026." A feasibility study is scheduled for 2027, with $47 million in cash earmarked to fully fund both stages. At Maitland, the company is also preparing a maiden resource estimate after intercepting grades as high as 10.76 g/t gold over 4.0 meters. Montage Gold Corp. (TSX: MAU) (OTCQX: MAUTF) is deepening its presence along West Africa's Boundiali belt through a strategic equity investment in Aurum Resources, which owns the Boundiali and Napie gold projects. "We are pleased to enter into a strategic partnership with Aurum, further strengthening our presence along the Boundiali greenstone belt in Cote d'Ivoire," said Martino De Ciccio, CEO of Montage. "As construction at Kone continues to rapidly advance on budget with first gold pour well on track for Q2-2027, we remain focused on executing our strategy of creating a leading African gold producer." Located immediately north of Montage's Kone project, Boundiali is already host to 1.59Moz at 1.0 g/t gold, with aggressive drilling and a PFS underway. Montage's own Kone project remains on track for first gold pour in Q2 2027 and is expected to average over 300,000 ounces per year in its first eight years. The new collaboration provides exploration synergies and shared upside across one of West Africa's most prospective gold corridors. Article Source: https://equity-insider.com/2025/04/24/others-found-1911-g-t-here-before-now-a-proven-11b-mining-team-is-back-to-finish-the-job/ CONTACT: Equity Insider info@equity-insider.com (604) 265-2873 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Equity Insider is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). 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Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696721/Equity_Insider_1.mp4 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2644233/5338894/Equity_Insider_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/as-gold-pushes-higher-junior-miners-begin-to-show-signs-of-life-302465885.html Shenzhen's ICIF spotlights AI, mixed reality, and platform-driven innovation in culture sector SHENZHEN, CN / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / China's 21st International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) is underway in Shenzhen, drawing more than 6,200 exhibitors from government agencies, cultural institutions, and enterprises in a hybrid online-offline format. Billed as a bellwether of China's cultural policy and industry trends, this year's fair highlights the country's deepening integration of technology and culture amid a broader digital transformation push. Shenzhen's ICIF spotlights AI, mixed reality, and platform-driven innovation in culture sector With the theme "Innovation Shapes Trends, Creativity Lights Up Life," the fair showcases frontier applications in artificial intelligence, immersive experiences, and digital heritage preservation. At the center of attention is "Wen Xiaobo," an AI-powered virtual assistant offering real-time guidance and search services to visitors. A newly launched AI zone features over 60 leading firms - including UBTech and Yuanxiang - mapping out the contours of China's "AI + Culture" ecosystem. Inside the exhibition halls, displays range from AI-driven manuscript restoration and metaverse tourism simulations to smart robotics and gesture-controlled drones. Humanoid robots act as cultural ambassadors, performing martial arts and classical music, while engaging attendees in Chinese chess - demonstrating advancements in AI decision-making. Smart glasses with real-time translation functions exemplify tools that could reshape cross-cultural communication. Mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) installations are crowd favorites. At the X-META park exhibit hosted by Shenzhen's Futian District, visitors don VR headsets to embark on 15-minute immersive expeditions through icy dreamscapes. Meanwhile, the world's first Android-based spatial computing prototype combines MR capabilities with portability and high processing power, with potential applications in education, gaming, and media. In another display, MR headsets enable a towering statue of Ramses II to be virtually reconstructed in real space, as drones maneuver based on hand gestures - creating a dramatic blend of physical and digital environments. Innovation also extends into cultural preservation. A deep-learning model trained on historical scripts and textures enables high-precision digital reconstruction of ancient texts, including Dunhuang manuscripts - hailed by experts as a milestone in digital heritage work. Other headline-grabbing debuts include China's first manned autonomous aerial vehicle prototype, pointing to future low-altitude tourism, and a new conversational AI engine designed to simplify software development - potentially ushering in a democratized "citizen developer" era. As China pushes forward with its digital agenda, the ICIF is emerging as a strategic platform for showcasing technological advances, brokering deals, and exploring the global potential of the nation's cultural exports. More than just a marketplace, the fair invites deeper conversations about cross-sector collaboration, innovation-driven growth, and China's role in shaping a digitally enhanced cultural future. The convergence of culture and technology, industry experts say, is poised to become a key engine of high-quality development and soft power projection in the years ahead. The fair runs through May 26. SOURCE: People's Daily Online USA View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/chinas-cultural-tech-fusion-fair-charts-a-digital-future-1032197 Dr. William K. Oh Appointed Founding Chair; Drs. Roy S. Herbst, Ranjit S. Bindra and Rajwanth Veluswamy join as Inaugural Members CAMBRIDGE, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Archetype Therapeutics, a drug discovery company that uses generative AI to rapidly screen billions of potential drugs virtually for their clinical impact in genomically-defined patient cohorts, today announced the formation of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to help advance its preclinical programs and Archetype discovery platform. William K. Oh, MD, a distinguished medical oncologist and early advisor to Archetype, serves as the Founding Chair. Dr. Oh is joined by three new SAB members: Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, MS, of Yale School of Medicine, one of the world's foremost experts in lung cancer, Ranjit S. Bindra, MD, PhD, of Yale School of Medicine, co-founder of multiple biotech companies, and Rajwanth Veluswamy, MD, MS, of NYU Langone Health, an expert in lung cancer clinical development. "I've had the pleasure of advising Archetype since its early days and have been impressed by the tremendous progress the team has made in validating its AI-native discovery platform through strategic partnerships," said Dr. William K. Oh, Founding Chair of the Archetype SAB. "Drs. Herbst, Bindra and Veluswamy bring unique and complementary expertise to our work - Roy as a pioneer in lung cancer personalized medicine and targeted therapies, Ranjit as a prolific discovery and translational physician-scientist and entrepreneur, and Raj as an expert in designing and executing lung cancer clinical trials. Their perspectives will be invaluable as we advance Archetype's mission to develop patient-driven therapeutics." William K. Oh, MD is the Director of Precision Medicine at the Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital and is an internationally recognized genitourinary oncologist with over two decades of leadership experience in academic medicine and life sciences. Dr. Oh previously served as Chief Medical Officer of the Prostate Cancer Foundation and of genomics startup Sema4 and was the former Chief of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. A graduate of Yale College and New York University School of Medicine, he trained at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "We are grateful to Dr. Oh for his guidance from Archetype's inception and for assembling a high-impact inaugural SAB," said Tom Neyarapally, CEO and Co-Founder of Archetype Therapeutics. "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Herbst, who has pioneered genomics-driven drug development and patient care in lung cancer, Dr. Bindra, whose extensive discovery and translational research experience and pharma dealmaking expertise will help us develop programs that exceed our partners' expectations, and Dr. Veluswamy, whose lung cancer expertise informs our development of clinic-ready assets in our most advanced disease area." Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, MS, is Chief of Hematology/Medical Oncology and Deputy Director at the Yale Cancer Center, and holds multiple additional leadership roles at Yale. Prior to these roles, he served as the Chief of Thoracic Medical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. A world-renowned lung cancer expert, Dr. Herbst was among the first to implement the role of mutations in EGFR and other genes to guide treatment, and led the integration of immunotherapy into the standard of care. Throughout his career, he has worked to make lung cancer a curable disease by pioneering the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapy in the earliest stages of the disease. He has held leadership roles at ASCO, AACR, and IASLC; co-led major collaborative initiatives such as Stand Up to Cancer, the BATTLE protocol and the NCI Lung MAP initiative; and published hundreds of papers on oncology and therapeutics. He has been the leader of the lung cancer SPORE at Yale for the last decade and has been funded by multiple organizations and foundations for his work. Dr. Herbst received his BS/MS from Yale University, his PhD from Rockefeller University, his MD from Cornell University, and an MS from Harvard University. He completed his clinical training at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Ranjit S. Bindra, MD, PhD is a Professor of Therapeutic Radiology and holds multiple additional leadership roles at Yale. Dr. Bindra is a physician-scientist focused on drug development and DNA repair in gliomas and other cancers. He has co-founded several biotech companies, including Modifi Biosciences, a glioblastoma-focused startup acquired by Merck for $1.3 billion in upfront and milestone payments. Dr. Bindra received his undergraduate, MD and PhD degrees from Yale, and completed his clinical training at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He serves on several biotech and academic advisory boards. Rajwanth Veluswamy, MD, MS is an Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Langone Health and a practicing thoracic oncologist specializing in lung cancer. His research focuses on clinical trials and precision oncology, with a particular interest in novel targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer and the factors responsible for clinical outcomes in lung cancer patients. Dr. Veluswamy earned his medical degree from the University of Szeged, Master of Science degree in Clinical Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and completed his hematology and medical oncology training at Mount Sinai. About Archetype Archetype Therapeutics is an AI-native biotech that is pioneering the use of AI for generative chemogenomics - enabling the virtual screening of billions of potential drugs per day in genomically-defined patient cohorts. The disease-agnostic Archetype platform has been deployed and validated in in vitro and in vivo testing in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (esLUAD), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and other diseases, and has accurately predicted the outcomes of clinical trials and the impact of drugs in these diseases. Archetype is partnering across the healthcare and life sciences ecosystem to rapidly discover and develop patient-driven therapeutics. Please contact Tom Neyarapally at tom@archetypetx.com to discuss how to partner with Archetype on our mission to rapidly discover and develop therapies for underserved patients. SOURCE: Archetype Therapeutics View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/biotechnology/archetype-therapeutics-announces-scientific-advisory-board-1032199 Acquisition enables deeper integration of synchronous replication technology into MariaDB Enterprise Platform for high availability and scalability MariaDB plc today announced the acquisition of Finnish-based company Codership Oy and its flagship product Galera Cluster, a powerful high availability database solution providing high uptime, no data loss and scalability for database growth. With the acquisition, the core Galera team, as well as its founders, will join MariaDB, strengthening the company's European engineering and technical support team. Since its inception nearly 14 years ago, Galera Cluster has prioritized its relationship with MariaDB, including through partnerships and technical integration. It has been a standard part of MariaDB Server for over nine years. Over a third of MariaDB Enterprise Platform customers utilize Galera Cluster today. As the demand for high availability and zero data loss in high-volume production environments grows, the combination of MariaDB Enterprise Platform and Galera Cluster is gaining significant traction within MariaDB's customer-base. "High availability and advanced replication methods are a critical area for our enterprise customers," said Vikas Mathur, chief product officer, MariaDB plc. "When I speak to our customers, it is clear that these values have always been a strength of MariaDB. By bringing Galera Cluster into the fold formally, we'll be able to take MariaDB's high availability and advanced replication power to the next level, as well as deliver an even higher level of support and service to our customers." "The acquisition of Galera Cluster marks an exciting step in MariaDB's growth journey," said Rohit de Souza, CEO, MariaDB plc. "In a very short period of time, we've delivered significant product innovation both to our customers and to our community, while also turning the company into a well-run and profitable business. This acquisition will enable us to accelerate our pace of innovation so we can deliver exceptional value to our customers at an even faster rate." "Joining MariaDB is an exciting step for Codership and Galera Cluster," said Seppo Jaakola, co-founder of Codership, the company behind Galera Cluster. "We know MariaDB users greatly benefit from our high availability solution, and this acquisition will expand our reach, bringing our clustering technology to even more customers." Galera Cluster works with both MariaDB and MySQL database environments. Both versions will be maintained for the time being and users should experience no change. Please contact MariaDB if you are interested in upgrading from community to the enterprise version of MariaDB. Since last September's take-private transaction by K1 Investment Management and appointment of Rohit de Souza as MariaDB's CEO, MariaDB has invested heavily in innovation for its database customers and users, including launching open source vector search capabilities, a new MariaDB Enterprise Platform version with advanced enterprise tooling and now acquisition of Galera Cluster synchronous replication technology to further bolster its Enterprise Platform capabilities. MariaDB was also recognized as a winner of a 2025 AI TechAward in the category of Open Source AI for its innovation in open source vector search capabilities. To learn about the advantages of Galera Cluster's synchronous replication and built-in high availability features, watch MariaDB's recent webinar "High Availability with MariaDB: Choosing the Right Approach Clustering vs Replication." Additional Resources Learn about the MariaDB Enterprise Platform, including MariaDB with Galera Cluster Watch the webinar "High Availability with MariaDB: Choosing the Right Approach Clustering vs Replication" Discover when you should upgrade to MariaDB Enterprise Platform Dive into the MariaDB Advantage Follow @mariadb on X and LinkedIn Read MariaDB's blog About MariaDB MariaDB seeks to eliminate the constraints and complexity of proprietary databases, enabling organizations to reinvest in what matters most rapidly developing innovative, customer-facing applications. Enterprises can depend on a single complete database for all their needs, that can be deployed in minutes for transactional, analytical, hybrid use cases. Trusted by organizations such as Deutsche Bank, DBS Bank, Red Hat, ServiceNow and Samsung MariaDB delivers customer value without the financial burden of legacy database providers. For more information, please visit mariadb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527634819/en/ Contacts: Tsai-Ni Ku tsaini@bospar.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Tiffany Houston, Chief Executive Officer, Shine Foundation ("Shine") and her team, joined Brady Wilson, Senior Account Manager, Equity Trading, TMX Group to open the market to honour the National AccessAbility Week. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mznsm0EmG-c For 38 years, Shine Foundation has empowered young people ages 11-21 living with severe physical disabilities by fulfilling personalized Shine Dreams that help them see a brighter future. With close to 9,000 Dreams delivered across Canada, Dreams create opportunities for young people to build confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose. This National AccessAbility Week, Shine highlights the need for a more accessible and inclusive Canada so that people living with severe physical disabilities can chase their ambitions without barriers. Learn more at shinefoundation.ca. Shine was established in 1987 by a London, Ontario father as a legacy to his son who passed away from muscular dystrophy. He wanted young people like his son to be able to live their dreams. By 1990, the Foundation was delivering customized Dreams all across Canada. As Shine continues to grow and raise awareness in communities from coast to coast to coast, the next goal is to change a life every day by 2030! To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253506 SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange DELRAY BEACH, Fla., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market, valued at US$4.79 billion in 2023, is forecasted to grow at a robust CAGR of 7.5%, reaching US$6.10 billion in 2025 and an impressive US$8.74 billion by 2030. Chromatography is used in analytical chemistry to separate and analyse volatile compounds without decomposition. It conducts complicated separations like amino acid sequencing or pollutant separation. In this non-destructive technique, separation is based on differential partitioning between the mobile and stationary phases. Chromatography accessories and consumables play a vital role in the operation of chromatography systems. These products are usually required to operate and maintain chromatography instruments and systems. The key factors contributing to market growth include the growing popularity of hyphenated chromatography techniques, the rising use of chromatography for food safety applications, the growing importance of chromatography tests in drug development, and the increasing demand for environmental analysis. Additionally, emerging markets are expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for market players during the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=1294 Browse in-depth TOC on "Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market" 421 - Tables 64 - Figures 408 - Pages By Based on technology, the liquid chromatography segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The chromatography accessories & consumables market is categorized into liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and other technologies. The liquid chromatography segment comprises high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), flash chromatography, low-pressure performance liquid chromatography (LPLC), and other liquid chromatography technologies. The key factors driving the market growth of the liquid chromatography segment include the most widely used technique due to its flexibility and functionality, and its wide range of applications, such as high-throughput purification systems that purify large samples daily. By product, in 2024, the columns segment accounted for the largest market share. Columns are the most critical part of chromatography systems, as chromatographic separation occurs inside the column. The growing concerns about food & water safety are expected to drive market growth in this segment in the coming years. By geography, The Asia Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR in the chromatography accessories & consumables market. This region includes countries such as China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. The growth of the chromatography accessories & consumables market is driven by the rising outsourcing of drug discovery & development activities undertaken by emerging economies due to low labor costs and the increasing growth of the biopharmaceutical industry in the region. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=1294 As of 2024, the leading companies in the chromatography accessories & consumables market include Agilent Technologies, Inc. (US), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (US), Waters Corporation (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US), Jasco International Co. Ltd. (Japan), PerkinElmer Inc. (US), Bruker (US), Restek Corporation (US), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), Avantor, Inc. (US) and Merck KGaA (Germany). Agilent Technologies, Inc. (US): Agilent Technologies is one of the leading players in the chromatography accessories & consumables market. To continue its competitive advantage and propel future growth, the company has adopted several strategic moves, such as partnerships and acquisitions. For instance, in 2023, Agilent partnered with PathAI to combine Agilent's assay expertise with PathAI's algorithms, focusing on integrated solutions and companion diagnostics in digital pathology. Moreover, Agilent has a strong global presence across more than 100 countries and is expanding its geographic reach further through strategic collaborations. Waters Corporation (US): Waters Corporation is a leading company in the chromatography consumables and accessories market. In 2023, the company partnered strategically with Sartorius to combine Sartorius' Resolute BioSMB multi-column chromatography system with Waters' PATROL UPLC Process Analysis system. The collaboration was designed to enhance process analytics and minimize chromatography resin consumption in downstream biomonitoring. Waters Corporation also makes strategic acquisitions to expand its product lines and venture into new business opportunities. A prime example is the acquisition of Integrated Software Solutions Pty Limited (US) and its two subsidiaries, which helped Waters to increase its laboratory software solutions portfolio. Such strategic acquisitions have substantially increased the company's customer base and strengthened its global market position. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Membrane Chromatography Market Chromatography Reagents Market Cannabis Testing Market Life Science Instrumentation Market Mass Spectrometry Market Get access to the latest updates on Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Companies and Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market Size About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. 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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/chromatography-accessories--consumables-market-worth-us8-74-billion-by-2030-with-7-5-cagr--marketsandmarkets-302465562.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - AJN Resources Inc. (CSE: AJN) (FSE: 5AT) (AJN or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has signed a conditional heads of agreement (HOA) with Godu General Trading S.C. (Godu) to acquire up to a 70% interest in the 42,8km2 Okote Gold Project located within the same gold belt, roughly 100km south of the c4.5Moz Lega Dembi Gold Mine, which is the largest gold producer in Ethiopia. Work will commence once the agreement and AJN capabilities have been presented to the regional Oromia state authorities who have verbally confirmed their support. MIDROC held the licence and conducted exploration at Okote up to 2019 and drilled a combination of 88 Reverse Circulation and Diamond holes for a total of 13,761 metres. MIDROC drilling covered a strike length of ~2,400m with the largest concentration of holes covering the northern 1,000m x 400m. Highlights Significant historic drilling results from MIDROC included the following: BH1100N/1: 18.13m at 3.25g/t Au , 25.05m at 3.82g/t Au , 12m at 3.34g/t Au and 13m at 8.71g/t Au BH212_25: 11.78m @ 4.39g/t Au and 6.87m @ 6.66g/t Au RC825N/1: 8m @ 4.64g/t Au RC1575N/1: 15m @ 1.65g/t Au BH8: 15.57m @ 2.1g/t Au BH212_275B: 11.65m @ 4.59g/t Note that these historical results have not been validated by AJN and any such validation will be part of future work programs. It is the Company's understanding that the reported results underwent standard QAQC procedures. AJN intends to review the drill and related data in greater detail, and twin some of these holes to confirm these results. Historic drilling covered ~2,400m of strike ; largest concentration of drill holes covers 1,000m x 400m in the northern portion of the area drilled. ; largest concentration of drill holes covers 1,000m x 400m in the northern portion of the area drilled. Artisanal workings in untested areas in the north suggest mineralisation is open to the north; historic drilling confirms mineralisation open to the south. Previous studies 1 confirmed multimillion ounce gold potential at the Okote gold project; AJN has not verified the results of these studies. confirmed at the Okote gold project; AJN has not verified the results of these studies. AJN to conclude an NI 43-101 report and mineral resource estimate during the due diligence period. AJN to conduct 1,500m of drilling during the due diligence period; drilling to confirm historic results, infill drilling to confirm continuity of mineralisation and test potential mineralisation below recent artisanal workings in the north. Figure 1: Geology and Drill Holes completed by MIDROC on the Okote Prospect. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5922/253503_fffea8b1549adb5f_001full.jpg CEO and President Klaus Eckhof commented: "We are extremely excited about the agreement to acquire an interest in the Okote Gold Project, which has been subjected to extensive drilling and trenching by MIDROC, the previous owner and operator of the Lega Dembi mine prior to relinquishment of the Okote licence. Furthermore, the Okote Gold Project lies in the same gold belt as Ethiopia's largest gold producer at Lega Dembi less than 100km to the north. We are particularly interested in conducting our own mapping and sampling in the northern area where artisanal miners are reported to have exposed new areas of mineralisation, which will complement the more than 2km of previously defined mineralisation. Our field crews are ready to mobilise as soon as final presentation has been made to the regional authorities. We also look forward to conducting our own mineral resource estimate where previous consultants have suggested the Okote project has multimillion ounce potential. We look forward to fast tracking our initial due diligence drilling programme in coming months to understand and unleash the true potential of the project." Geology and Mineralisation of the Okote Gold Project Figure 2: Location of all known Gold Occurrences within the Renowned Neoproterozoic Arabian-Nubian Shield in Ethiopia and Surrounding Countries To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5922/253503_fffea8b1549adb5f_002full.jpg The Okote Gold Project is located within the Adola Gold Belt in southern Ethiopia, a geologically complex region composed of highly deformed Precambrian rocks forming part of the world-renowned Arabian-Nubian Shield in which known gold occurrences are shown in Figure 2. The belt is subdivided into several lithostructural domains, with Okote situated in the Megado Terrain, dominated by low-grade metavolcano-sedimentary sequences and associated granitoids. The local geology is characterised by various types of schists, interspersed with remnants of granodiorite and gabbroic intrusions. Gold mineralisation at Okote is predominantly within a NNE trending shear zone which hosts a series of en-echelon quartz veins containing sulphides, tourmaline and free gold in which veins have limited strike length and little continuity at depth. The style of mineralisation is typical of hydrothermal, shear-hosted gold systems, with multiple deformation phases influencing the distribution and geometry of mineralised zones. The quartz veins were the primary focus of the drilling conducted by MIDROC who struggled to identify continuity of the veins similar to those mined at Lega Dembi. In addition, significant mineralisation including that in BH1100N/1 (18.13m at 3.25g/t Au, 25.05m at 3.82g/t Au, 12m at 3.34g/t Au, and 13m at 8.71g/t Au) was within sheared diorites which were not followed up in any detail. Subsequent structural analyses conducted on behalf of the licence owner Godu, concluded that future trenching and drilling is required to the north of current area of drilling and drilling at deeper levels in the northern portion of drill coverage. It was further recommended to focus on defining mineralisation within the broader shear zones where previous drilling reported up to 86.09m at 0.38g/t Au (BH6), 91.72m at 0.34g/t Au (BH8) 37.21m at 0.41g/t Au (BH13) and 28.95m at 0.75g/t Au (BH1550N/2) as opposed to defining the extent of quartz veins. During the 90-day due diligence period, the Company will map all artisanal workings and open trenches and will log selected holes drilled previously to better understand controls on mineralisation. This will be followed up with a 1,500m drilling programme designed to twin selected holes from previous drilling and to test newly identified areas from mapping including following up of potential continuation of sheared diorites. Deal Structure AJN can acquire up to a 70% interest in the Okote Gold Project on the following terms: AJN will conduct a 90-day due diligence which can be increased by a further 60 days, which includes drilling of a minimum of 1,500m. On completion of the due diligence and should AJN wish to continue, AJN and Godu will sign a detailed joint venture agreement and AJN will commit to fund an initial US$2,000,000 exploration programme. AJN will make a payment of US$100,000 to Godu within 10 days of the later of (a) signing the HOA, (b) receiving satisfactory confirmation in writing that Godu is the legitimate owner of the Okote Gold Project with no liens or other encumbrances; (c) Board acknowledgement from O-Mining Group (representing the Oronia regional governmental authorities and custodian of the land in the region) and signing of the final HOA by the CEO of Godu. On completion of the due diligence and should AJN wish to continue, AJN will make a payment of US$250,000 to Godu within one month of signing the shareholders agreement and a further payment of US$250,000 to Godu within 6 months from signing the shareholders agreement. On completion of the exploration phase within 18 months with the option to increase to 24 months, AJN will deliver a JORC or similar internationally accepted mineral resource estimate on the Okote project. On completion of the mineral resource estimate, AJN will, if it wishes to continue, make a payment of US$5,000,000 within one month of completion of the exploration phase and, if the parties decide to enter into a mining agreement, AJN will make a further US$5,000,000 payment within one month of completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study ( DFS ). ). AJN will sole fund all exploration and the parties will ensure all permits are maintained in good standing during the term of the agreement period. The parties agree to complete a DFS within 9 months which can be increased to 12 months of completing the exploration phase. AJN will finance all DFS accomplishment works. As part of their commitment to social responsibility, the parties agree to provide financial support for community development initiatives in the area surrounding the Okote Gold Project. QP Statement Mr. Dylan le Roux (BSc Hons) is an independent consultant of AJN Resources Inc. and a qualified geologist. Mr. le Roux is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Geological Science) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP Reg. No. 155814). Mr. le Roux is a qualified person (QP) under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. About AJN Resources Inc. AJN is a junior exploration company. AJN's management and directors possess over 75 years of collective industry experience and have been very successful in the areas of exploration, financing and developing major mines throughout the world, with a focus on Africa, especially the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although AJN Resources Inc. believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, AJN Resources Inc. 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. 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. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. Note 1: Venmyn Independent Projects (VIP), a division of Venmyn Rand (Pty) Limited (Venmyn) - Scoping Study on the Okote Gold Project, April 2012; Milliard Andualem - Preliminary Resource Estimate of Okote Primary Gold Deposit, June 2023 (Godu inhouse report) To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253503 SOURCE: AJN Resources Inc. Conditions of availability of preparatory documents Regulatory News: Theshareholders of Arverne Group (Paris:ARVEN) are invited to attend the Combined General Meeting of the Company ("the Meeting") which will be held on Wednesday June 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the offices of Jones Day, 2 rue Saint Florentin, 75001 Paris. The notice of the meeting, including the agenda, proposed resolutions and conditions for attending and voting at the Meeting, was published on May 12, 2025, in Bulletin des annonces legales obligatoires ("BALO"), bulletin no. 57. The notice of meeting will be published in the BALO on May 30, 2025. Documents and information relating to this Meeting will be made available to shareholders in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In accordance with article R. 22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code, preparatory documents for this Meeting are available on the Arverne Group website (www.arverne.earth) in the "Annual General Meeting" section. About Arverne Group Arverne Group specializes in harnessing underground resources to transform them into environmentally friendly, local and renewable energy, contributing to the prosperity of local communities. As an integrated industrial player, Arverne Group spans the entire underground value chain, from exploration to drilling and production to sales to end-users. Arverne Group aims to become the French leader in geothermal energy and its by-products, including low-carbon geothermal lithium. Founded in Pau in 2018, Arverne Group has structured its business activities around several subsidiaries, notably Lithium de France (geothermal heat and extraction and sale of geothermal lithium), 2gre (sale of geothermal heat), Arverne Drilling Services (drilling operations). A mission-driven company, Arverne Group is listed on the Tech Leaders segment of Euronext Paris (ISIN FR001400JWR8, symbol ARVEN). www.arverne.earth View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527300272/en/ Contacts: Media Relations communication@arverne.earth arvernegroup@image7.fr Investor Relations investor.relations@arverne.earth alexandre.commerot@seitosei-actifin.com New independent brand, Explore, powered by Cialfo and BridgeU, offers universities access to an unparalleled community of K12 students seeking international education. Manifest Global's portfolio now includes Explore, Cialfo, BridgeU, and Kaaiser. SAN DIEGO, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new force in international student recruitment, Explore, has launched today, empowering universities to connect with and recruit high-potential international undergraduate students. Leveraging the combined strength of leading and trusted platforms Cialfo and BridgeU, Explore provides access to the largest community of international K12 students globally. Explore offers a comprehensive suite of events, in-platform promotion and marketing solutions designed to ensure institutions attract and diverse range of students, actively researching international study options. These solutions include targeted digital campaigns, engaging content creation, impactful events, and more, all aimed at connecting universities with prospective undergraduates and their high school counsellors. "In today's competitive global education landscape, finding and engaging the right international undergraduate talent is paramount for universities," says Rohan Pasari, Explore Board Member and CEO of Manifest Global. "Explore is uniquely positioned to address this challenge. By harnessing the power of our market-leading platforms, expert team, and deep data insights, we equip institutions and the broader education sector with the knowledge needed to make informed, evidence-based decisions and achieve their recruitment goals." Explore debuted at NAFSA in San Diego with follow-up events to be held in the UK in June. About Explore Explore is part of Manifest Global, a global education investment firm headquartered in Singapore. Manifest's portfolio of education companies and platforms includes BridgeU, Cialfo, and Kaaiser. These three student-facing brands connect tens of thousands of students with international education opportunities every year through advanced university and careers guidance platforms, used by K12 schools in over 150 countries. The integration of online and offline channels creates both a seamless experience for our students and high schools as well as scalable, targeted and attributable returns for institutions through Explore. For more information, visit explore.study. About Manifest Global Manifest Global is a global education investment firm headquartered in Singapore, specializing in building companies that connect the world towards growth, prosperity, and innovation. With a portfolio of brands including Cialfo, Explore, BridgeU, and Kaaiser, Manifest Global is dedicated to enhancing global student mobility and fostering an interconnected education ecosystem. It's backed by prominent global funds including Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital, Square Peg, Tiger Global, SEEK Growth, DLF Ventures, Cercano Management, Analog Capital, January Capital, and more. For more information, visit manifest.inc. For media inquiries, please contact: Jonah Duffin: jonah.duffin@explore.study View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/explore-launches-to-transform-international-undergraduate-student-recruitment-302465505.html Novotech, a globally recognized full-service clinical research organization (CRO) and scientific advisory company trusted by biotech and small- to mid-sized pharmaceutical companies to guide drug development at every phase, was honored to welcome The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong, New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Industry and Trade, to its Seoul office on May 19. The Minister's visit highlights a deepening collaboration between South Korea and Australia in the field of clinical research and highlights the strategic importance of cross-border partnerships in advancing global drug development. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527294947/en/ Novotech, a globally recognized full-service clinical research organization (CRO) and scientific advisory company trusted by biotech and small- to mid-sized pharmaceutical companies to guide drug development at every phase, was honored to welcome The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong, New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Industry and Trade, to its Seoul office on May 19. "Novotech is a fantastic success story demonstrating the global value of NSW's strengths in life sciences and clinical trials," said Minister Chanthivong. "I was thrilled to learn about Novotech's growth in the Republic of Korea and the central role their business plays in bringing Korean biotech innovation to the world. Investment NSW looks forward to continuing to support Novotech as it generates export dollars for our state while helping people around the world tackle serious health issues." Minister Chanthivong was joined by a delegation including: Brooke O'Rourke, Chief of Staff to Minister Chanthivong. Rebecca McPhee, Deputy Secretary of Investment NSW. David Lawson, NSW Trade Investment Commissioner for Japan Korea. Yoojin Kim, NSW Trade Investment Director for Korea. The delegation engaged with Novotech leaders Dr. Yooni Kim, Hyun Kim, and Lilian Kim, who shared insights into Novotech's growth as a global clinical research organization and the expanding role of South Korea as a premier destination for clinical trials. "We are honored that the Australian NSW Trade Minister and senior officials from NSW Investment have selected Novotech as a leading example of collaboration between Australia and South Korea," said Dr. Yooni Kim, Managing Director Asia-Pacific at Novotech. "This visit reinforces the strong and growing partnership between the two countries in the clinical research and biopharmaceutical sector. As the largest Australian-founded global services company operating in South Korea, Novotech is committed to creating more success stories that demonstrate the value of this collaboration. I believe Novotech's strong partnership with the Australian NSW government and their NSW Investment can mutually benefit Korean biotech companies and the Australian clinical trial market." The discussion reinforced Novotech's strong partnership with Australia, supported by a track record of successful clinical trials and a shared vision for future innovation. With increasing interest from Korean biotechs to conduct research in Australia, both parties explored opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation and accelerate cross-border clinical development. Novotech, recently recognized as the Best CRO in Australia by IMAPAC's Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards, continues to solidify its position as the region's leading clinical development partner. The company offers Korean biotech sponsors seamless access to Australia's world-class research infrastructure, regulatory expertise, and accelerated clinical pathways. Through its integrated full-service model, Novotech enables Korean biotechs to confidently expand early-phase programs into Australia, backed by deep regional knowledge and globally aligned operational standards. About Novotech Novotech-CRO.com Novotech is a globally recognized full-service clinical research organization (CRO) and scientific advisory company trusted by biotech and small- to mid-sized pharmaceutical companies to guide drug development at every phase. With a global footprint that includes 30+ offices across the Asia-Pacific region, North America, and Europe and partnerships with 5,000+ trial sites, Novotech provides clients an accelerated path to bring life-changing therapies to market by providing access to key clinical trial destinations and diverse patient populations. Through its client-centric service model, Novotech seamlessly integrates people, processes, and technologies to deliver customized solutions that accelerate the path to market for life-changing therapies. By adopting a true partnership approach, Novotech shares a steadfast commitment to client success, empowering innovation, and advancing healthcare worldwide. Recipient of numerous industry accolades, including the Frost Sullivan CRO Company of the Year award for 19 consecutive years, Novotech is recognized for its excellence in clinical trial execution and innovation. Its deep therapeutic and regulatory expertise, combined with local market insights, ensures streamlined clinical trials, optimized data analytics, and accelerated patient recruitment strategies. Together with clients, Novotech transforms scientific advancements into therapies that improve global health outcomes, embodying a mission of driving innovation and delivering impactful results For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527294947/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Toyna Chin mediacontact@novotech-cro.com USA: +1 415 364 8135 Metacon AB (publ), reg. no. 556724-1616 (the "Company" or "Metacon"), has held its Annual General Meeting today, on 27 May 2025, at Metacon at Stationsgatan 12 in Uppsala. At the meeting, resolutions were made on the following. Adoption of the accounts and discharge from liability The Annual General Meeting adopted the income statement and balance sheet for the Company and the Group for 2024. The members of the Board of Directors and the CEO were discharged from liability for the financial year 2024. Allocation of profit The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the Board of Directors' proposal, that no dividend will be paid for the financial year 2024 and that the result for the year shall be carried forward. Board of Directors and auditors The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the nomination committee's proposal, that the number of Board members shall be four without deputies and that the Company shall have one auditor and one deputy auditor. Furthermore, the Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the nomination committee's proposal, to re-elect Ingemar Andersson, Christer Nygren, Mats W Lundberg and Thomas Nygren as Board members and to re-elect Ingemar Andersson as Chairman, all for the period until the end of the next Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the nomination committee's proposal, to re-elect Tomas Nojd as the Company's auditor with Camilla Beijron as deputy auditor for the period until the end of the next Annual General Meeting. Remuneration The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the nomination committee's proposal, that an annual Board remuneration of SEK 300,000 shall be paid to the Chairman of the Board of Directors and SEK 150,000 to each of the other Board members. It was further resolved, in accordance with the nomination committee's proposal, that remuneration to the auditor shall be paid in accordance with approved invoices. Resolution regarding incentive program to employees and key individuals The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the board of directors' proposal, to implement an incentive program for employees and key individuals in the group. The incentive program comprises of a new issuance of a maximum of 32,000,000 warrants. Each warrant entitles to subscription of one (1) new share in the Company during the period from 1 July 2027 until and including 1 August 2027. More information regarding the incentive program can be found in the notice of the Annual General Meeting which was published on 25 April 2025. Resolution regarding incentive program to the board of directors The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the proposal by certain larger shareholders, to implement an incentive program for the Board of Directors. The incentive program comprises of a new issuance of a maximum of 8,000,000 warrants. Each warrant entitles to subscription of one (1) new share in the Company during the period from 1 July 2027 until and including 1 August 2027. More information regarding the incentive program can be found in the notice to the Annual General Meeting which was published on 25 April 2025. Authorisation to issue new shares The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the Board of Director's proposal, to authorise the Board of Directors to, on one or several occasions, resolve to issue shares, warrants and/or convertibles. The authorisation shall include the right to deviate from the shareholders' preferential rights and the right to resolve on issues to be paid by way of cash consideration, non-cash consideration or by way of set-off. The Company's share capital and the number of shares may, by virtue of the authorisation, increase by a maximum amount and number of shares, respectively, that falls within the limits of the Articles of Association. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting and complete resolutions The minutes from the Annual General Meeting, including the complete resolutions, will be available at the Company and on the Company's website, www.metacon.com For further information, contact Christer Wikner, by phone 0707-647389 or e-mail info@metacon.com About Metacon AB (publ) Metacon AB (publ) develops and manufactures energy systems to produce fossil-free "green" hydrogen. In the Electrolysis business unit and in close partnership with world leader PERIC Hydrogen Technologies, Handan, China, Metacon offers complete electrolysis plants for large-scale production of hydrogen. Metacon also offers production-integrated hydrogen refueling stations, a globally growing area within clean transport. The products in the Reforming business unit are based, among other things, on Metacon's patented HIWAR technology that generates hydrogen through catalytic steam reforming of biogas or other hydrocarbons such as bioethanol. The development of Metacon's reforming products is carried out within the wholly owned subsidiary Metacon S.A. in Patras, Greece. The business is focused on catalytic process chemistry and advanced, compact reformers for high-efficiency hydrogen production. www.metacon.com. For further information, see: www.metacon.com | X: @Metaconab| LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/metaconab Bangkok, Thailand--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Leading multimodal booking platform 12Go announces the global roll-out of its new rail-pass marketplace, giving travelers a single, intuitive hub to browse, purchase, and activate the world's most popular train passes - including Eurail, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), South Korea's KORAIL Pass, and the Taiwan Rail Pass - in just a few clicks. 12Go Launches All-in-One Rail-Pass Marketplace, Bringing Unlimited Train Travel to Europe, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Beyond To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/253260_eeb416bf84cf4856_001full.jpg With passes already live on the site, 12Go now covers dozens of national and regional networks, offering customers unprecedented flexibility and cost savings for journeys that span everything from Germany's high-speed ICE services to Japan's legendary Shinkansen. Rail passes on 12Go offer unlimited boarding on travel days - whether on consecutive days or flexibly within a longer window. Customers can choose the length and style that suits their plans: Consecutive-Day Passes : Unlimited travel across a set number of continuous days : Unlimited travel across a set number of continuous days Flexi Passes: A limited number of travel days (e.g., 5 days in 1 month) that can be activated on demand Passes are available in First or Second Class, with First Class providing roomier seats, quieter cars, and - in many markets - lounge access. Youth, senior, and child discounts apply across most networks. Travelers are pursuing the freedom to explore by train without grappling with multiple booking systems. The new rail-pass marketplace eliminates that friction, delivering the best global passes on a single, trusted platform - perfect for backpackers, families, and business travelers alike. Once a pass is booked, 12Go emails step-by-step activation instructions - whether a QR code for digital validation or an exchange voucher for a physical pass. The platform's user dashboard keeps every reservation and activation rule in one place, minimizing confusion and eliminating paper clutter. Extensive Network Coverage Europe : Eurail's network spans 33 countries and marquee operators like Deutsche Bahn (Germany), SNCF (France), OBB (Austria), and Trenitalia (Italy) : Eurail's network spans 33 countries and marquee operators like Deutsche Bahn (Germany), SNCF (France), OBB (Austria), and Trenitalia (Italy) Japan : The JR Pass covers the entire Japan Railways Group, including JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu, JR Hokkaido, and JR Shikoku : The JR Pass covers the entire Japan Railways Group, including JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu, JR Hokkaido, and JR Shikoku South Korea, Taiwan, and more: 12Go's marketplace continues to expand, bringing additional Asian and European passes online throughout 2025 Most passes - such as Eurail Global or JR Pass - are permanent integrations on 12Go. About 12Go 12Go is a leading multimodal ticketing platform headquartered in Bangkok, connecting millions of customers to bus, ferry, flight, and train operators across Asia, Europe, and Oceania. With secure payment options and 24/7 customer support, 12Go simplifies door-to-door travel planning in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.12go.asia SOURCE: 12Go To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253260 SOURCE: APG Regulatory News: GeNeuro (Euronext Paris: CH0308403085 GNRO), a biopharmaceutical company developing new treatments for neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, announces that the Geneva Court of First Instance has, in a May 26, 2025, judgment, granted GeNeuro SA a four-month definitive debt-restructuring moratorium, under the continued supervision of the court-appointed commissary. Definitive Debt-Restructuring Moratorium As previously announced, GeNeuro SA had obtained in September 2024 a four-month provisional debt-restructuring moratorium following the Geneva Court of First Instance's approval. This provisional moratorium was then extended in January 2025 for a further four months. This procedure is aimed at facilitating the restructuring of the Company's debts and exploring solutions to ensure the continuity of its operations in the interests of all stakeholders. The decision to grant a definitive debt-restructuring moratorium of four months, extendable, granted on May 26, 2025, will allow GeNeuro SA to further its efforts to evaluate all available options, including recapitalization, advancing and/or monetizing its therapeutic assets in development, and negotiating agreements with its creditors. These efforts remain centered on maximizing value for all stakeholders and ensuring the Company's ability to continue its mission to develop innovative treatments targeting neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. The definitive moratorium ensures that GeNeuro SA remains protected from creditor actions while it continues to develop and implement its restructuring strategy. Any significant developments will be communicated as appropriate. The Geneva Court of First Instance judgment will be published in the Feuille d'Avis Officielle du canton de Geneve and the Feuille Officielle Suisse du Commerce. Operational and Financial Updates The Commissary has approved that GeNeuro SA engages into part-time fixed term contracts with Jesus Martin Garcia and Miguel Payro, the Company's former CEO and CFO, to continue the ongoing restructuring efforts in the interest of all stakeholders. As previously announced, the Company has decided to postpone the publication of its December 31, 2024 annual results and annual financial report in order to be able to take into account the financial impacts of the restructuring targeted by the Company as part of the granted debt-restructuring moratorium procedure. The Company will announce by press release the new date of their approval and publication. About GeNeuro GeNeuro's mission is to develop safe and effective treatments against neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, by neutralizing causal factors encoded by HERVs, which represent 8% of human DNA. GeNeuro is based in Geneva, Switzerland and has R&D facilities in Lyon, France. About the debt-restructuring moratorium Under Swiss law (the law applicable to GeNeuro SA), a debt moratorium, or stay of execution, is a preventive measure to bankruptcy proceedings. The purpose of this procedure is to enable a company in financial difficulty to restructure its debts with its creditors and find measures to improve its situation. The stay protects the Company from legal action by its creditors while it works with the "commissaire au sursis", an independent expert appointed by the judge to supervise the process, help draw up a draft composition agreement and validate possible recovery measures. This process may result in a recapitalization of the company, a restructuring of its debt or a sale of all or some of its assets, among other things, with the proviso that if this fails, the company may be forced into bankruptcy. The aim of this procedure is to reach an agreement that will enable the Company to continue its operations while satisfying its creditors. For more information, visit: www.geneuro.com Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward looking statements and estimates concerning GeNeuro's financial condition, operating results, strategy, projects and future performance and the markets in which it operates. Such forward-looking statements and estimates may be identified by words, such as "anticipate," "believe," "can," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "is designed to," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "objective," "should," or the negative of these and similar expressions. They incorporate all topics that are not historical facts. Forward looking statements, forecasts and estimates are based on management's current assumptions and assessment of risks, uncertainties and other factors, known and unknown, which were deemed to be reasonable at the time they were made but which may turn out to be incorrect. Events and outcomes are difficult to predict and depend on factors beyond the company's control. Consequently, the actual results, financial condition, performances and/or achievements of GeNeuro or of the industry may turn out to differ materially from the future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by these statements, forecasts and estimates. Owing to these uncertainties, no representation is made as to the correctness or fairness of these forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates speak only as of the date on which they are made, and GeNeuro undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527085736/en/ Contacts: GeNeuro Jesus Martin-Garcia Chairman and CEO investors@geneuro.com All resolutions adopted with a very large majority Governance in line with market best practices Legrand's Board of Directors further bolstered by the appointment of Stephane Pallez (FDJ United) and reappointments of Patrick Koller (formerly at Forvia) and Florent Menegaux (Michelin) Legrand, France's datacenter champion, reiterates its ambitious targets for 2030 Regulatory News: Legrand's (Paris:LR) Combined General Meeting of Shareholders took place on May 27, 2025 and was chaired by Angeles Garcia-Poveda, Chair of the Board of Directors. I. Full support from shareholders for first-class governance in line with market best practices All resolutions put forward by the Board of Directors were approved with a very large majority In particular, resolutions were adopted promoting first-class governance, with the election of three directors who were previously or are currently senior executives of French industrial groups, world and European leaders. More specifically, shareholders approved: the appointment of Stephane Pallez (FDJ United) as an independent director for a period of three years; and as an independent director for a period of three years; and the renewals of Patrick Koller (formerly at Forvia) and Florent Menegaux's (Michelin) terms of office as directors for a period of three years. As a result, out of a total of 13 members (including two directors representing employees), the Board of Directors consists of: nine independent members, representing a proportion of 82%1, which far exceeds the 50% minimum level recommended by the AFEP-MEDEF Code of Corporate Governance; six women , representing a proportion of 55% 1 , representing a proportion of 55% seven nationalities : American, Canadian, English, French, German, Indian and Spanish. : American, Canadian, English, French, German, Indian and Spanish. six current or former Chief Executive Officers of major listed Groups. As a result, the composition of the Board of Directors is in line with market best practices, and it can draw on the skills and expertise of highly prominent figures, who are well-placed to support the Group's strategic priorities, as outlined in its new and ambitious roadmap for the period out to 2030. The Shareholders' Meeting also approved the payment of a dividend of 2.20 per share with respect to 20242, representing an increase of more than 5%. The ex-dividend date will be May 29, 2025 and the dividend will be paid on June 2, 2025. II. Legrand, France's datacenter champion, reiterates its ambitious 2030 roadmap that will unlock significant value creation At the Shareholders' Meeting, Benoit Coquart, CEO of the Group, presented Legrand's strategic model, which is highly value-creating. The Group is ideally positioned in a buoyant industry, in particular thanks to i) the depth of its offering, ii) its balanced exposure to various geographies and end-markets, and iii) its unique positioning within its value chain. He outlined the Group's strategic growth drivers, which include innovation, eco-responsible products, customer experience, digital, pricing and acquisitions. These will enable the Group to make the most of the industry tailwinds out to 2030, which he also presented. Under its new strategic roadmap for 20303, Legrand aims to accelerate growth, both in essential infrastructures (53% of the Group's 2024 revenue) and in energy and digital transition (47% of the Group's 2024 revenue, which include products for datacenters, energy transition, and digital lifestyles). The Group's solutions were presented in detail. In particular, Legrand is now France's undisputed leader in datacenters, a segment that already accounted for 20% of the Group's revenue4 in 2024. Notwithstanding its remarkable performance in 2024, the pace of organic growth accelerated further in this segment during the first quarter of 2025. The strength of the order backlog supports the forecast of strong growth for 2025. This performance speaks to the relevance of the Group's products that offer enhanced value in use, are highly configurable and are considered by all types of datacenter operators as mission-critical for business continuity or performance purposes. Lastly, Legrand's ambitions for 2030 both financially and extra-financially were reiterated, including revenue of between 12 billion and 15 billion, an average adjusted operating margin of approximately 20% of revenue, free cash flow averaging 13 -15% of sales, 80% of sales to be generated from eco-responsible products and a reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in line with the Group's Net Zero 2050 commitment. III. Financial performance and outlook CFO Franck Lemery then provided details about Legrand's financial performance and outlook. In 2024, the Group recorded further growth in sales and very good results, with a +3.9% growth (organic and through acquisitions), an adjusted operating margin and a net profit attributable to the Group of 20.5% and 13.5% of sales respectively, and a free cash flow conversion rate of 111%. Over the past 5 years, the Group's value creation has been consistent and dependable and its added value allocation balanced. Achievements in 2024 were fully in line with the Group's strategy combining i) rapid growth in datacenters, ii) continuous innovation with multiple new products launches both in energy and digital transition and essential infrastructure ranges, and iii) acceleration of the acquisitions policy, with nine deals announced over 12 months. Legrand's results for the first quarter of 2025 and the targets for the current year5 were emphasized. Based on the first-quarter results, with growth excluding currency effects of +11.2% and the adjusted operating margin of 20.7%, and given the market outlook, the 2025 growth targets excluding currency effects of between +6% and +10% and a stable margin compared with 2025 have been [fully] reiterated. Shareholder returns, the proposed dividend and the Group's shareholder communications were also discussed. IV. CSR achievements and policy Virginie Gatin, Executive VP Corporate Social Responsibility, restated in her introductory comments the key role CSR plays in Legrand's performance In the final year of its 2022-2024 CSR roadmap, Legrand's overall achievement rate was 113% in 2024, notably with the reduction in the Group's CO2 emissions (Scopes 1 2) of -53% over three years, significantly exceeding the targets set. The consistency of the Group's CSR achievements over the past five years was stressed. Lastly, the five pillars of the new CSR roadmap for the 2025-2027 period were reiterated6, together with the non-financial ratings awarded to the Group. This roadmap, fully embedded within the Group's performance and value creation strategy, represents a crucial source of competitive advantage for Legrand. V. Exemplary governance and compensation Michel Landel, Lead Director and Chairman of the Nomination and Governance Committee, commented on changes to the composition of the Board of Directors, which reflects a diversity of profiles, cultures and expertise in line with its diversity policy, the Group's strategic priorities and market recommendations. He then presented the role and work of the Lead Director, along with the process for assessing the Board's operating procedures as well as its activities and those of its specialized committees in 2024. Michel Landel, Chairman of the Compensation Committee, after reminding the principles of the compensation policy, provided details on the resolutions relating to company officers' compensation subject to shareholders approval. All presentations made in the meeting, including the voting results, a full playback of the meeting and answers to written questions are available on the Legrand website: www.legrandgroup.com/en, "INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS/Shareholders' meetings/2025 General meeting" section. KEY FINANCIAL DATES: Ex-dividend date: May 29, 2025 Dividend payment: June 2, 2025 2024 first-half results: July 31, 2025 "Quiet period7" starts July 1, 2025 ABOUT LEGRAND Legrand is the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for residential, commercial, and datacenter markets makes it a benchmark for customers worldwide. The Group harnesses technological and societal trends with lasting impacts on buildings with the purpose of improving life by transforming the spaces where people live, work and meet with electrical, digital infrastructures and connected solutions that are simple, innovative and sustainable. Drawing on an approach that involves all teams and stakeholders, Legrand is pursuing a strategy of profitable and responsible growth driven by acquisitions and innovation, with a steady flow of new offerings that include products with enhanced value in use (energy and digital transition solutions: datacenters, digital lifestyles and energy transition offerings). Legrand reported sales of 8.6 billion in 2024. The company is listed on Euronext Paris and is a component stock of the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG and CAC SBT 1.5 indexes. (code ISIN FR0010307819). https://www.legrandgroup.com 1Directors representing employees are not counted for the purpose of calculating (i) the minimum ratio of directors of a single gender, in accordance with provisions of the law or (ii) the proportion of independent directors on the Board of Directors, in accordance with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Code of Corporate Governance. 2 To be paid entirely out of distributable income. For more information, readers are invited to refer to the press release of February 12, 2025. 3 For more information, please refer to the documents published in the Capital Markets Day 2024?-?Legrand section. 4 Pro forma figures, based on 12 months' revenue for the companies acquired during the year. 5 For more information, readers are invited to refer to the press release of May 7, 2025. 6 For more information, please refer to the documents published in the CSR Capital Markets Day 2025?-?Legrand section. 7 Period of time when all communication is suspended in the run-up to the publication of results. Readers are invited to check the authenticity of Legrand's press releases using the CertiDox app. For more information, visit www.certidox.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527432428/en/ Contacts: Investor relations Financial communication Ronan MARC (Legrand), +33 1 49 72 53 53, ronan.marc@legrand.com Press relations Lucie DAUDIGNY (TBWA), +33 6 77 20 71 11, lucie.daudigny@tbwa-corporate.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (CSE: AWKN) (OTC Pink: AWKNF) (FSE: 954) ("Awakn" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce, further to its press releases dated February 27, 2025, April 11, 2025 and April 23, 2025, that Solvonis Therapeutics plc (LSE: SVNS) ("Solvonis") has acquired all of the outstanding common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares"), all outstanding restricted share units (the "RSUs") in the capital of the Company, and all outstanding deferred share units (the "DSUs") in the capital of the Company (the "Transaction"), pursuant to an arrangement (the "Arrangement") under Division 5 of Part 9 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) carried out pursuant to an arrangement agreement dated February 22, 2025 between the Company and Solvonis (the "Arrangement Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement, all holders of outstanding Common Shares will receive 46.67 ordinary shares in the capital of Solvonis (each, a "Solvonis Share") for each one (1) Common Share held. Holders of RSUs and DSUs will receive 46.67 Solvonis Shares for each one (1) DSU and one (1) RSU, respectively. All issued and outstanding Common Share purchase warrants (each, a "Warrant") have been exchanged for new ordinary share purchase warrants (each, a "Solvonis Warrant") with adjustments to: (i) the number of Solvonis Shares issued upon exercise of the Warrants; and (ii) the exercise price, such that the Warrant holder will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the Solvonis Warrants that number of Solvonis Shares at such exercise price that the holder would have been entitled to receive had it exercised the Warrants immediately prior to the closing of the Transaction. As previously announced, the Arrangement was approved by shareholders of the Company at its special meeting of shareholders held on April 22, 2025 and by the Supreme Court of British Columbia on April 30, 2025. With the completion of the Arrangement, the Common Shares will be delisted from the Canadian Securities Exchange on May 28, 2025, and from the OTCPink Market shortly thereafter. The Company has applied to cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws. Awakn shareholders, whose shares are not held through a brokerage account, based outside of the United Kingdom should reach out to Share Registrars at enquiries@shareregistrars.uk.com and telephone +44 (0)1252 821390, in order to be able to obtain copies of their certificates representing their Solvonis Shares. Awakn warrantholders may contact Solvonis at info@solvonis.com to obtain a copy of the certificates representing the Solvonis Warrants. About Solvonis Solvonis Therapeutics plc (LSE: SVNS) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for addiction and mental health disorders. Headquartered in London and listed on the London Stock Exchange main market, Solvonis is advancing a differentiated pipeline of repurposed and novel compounds targeting high-burden neuropsychiatric conditions with significant unmet need. The company's current focus includes Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), which affects over 40 million people across the U.S., UK, and EU4 markets, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), impacting more than 13 million adults in the U.S. and approximately 20 million across those same regions. About Awakn Life Sciences Corp. Awakn Life Sciences Corp. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics targeting addiction. Awakn has a near-term focus on Alcohol Use Disorder, a condition affecting 40 million people in the US and key international markets and 285m people globally for which the current standard of care is inadequate. Our goal is to provide breakthrough therapeutics to addiction sufferers in desperate need and our strategy is focused on commercializing our R&D pipeline across multiple channels. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian, United States and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, including. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Awakn's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as Awakn's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the risks, uncertainties and other factors. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Awakn's expectations include risks associated with the business of Solvonis; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in Awakn's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to Awakn. The forward- looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and Awakn undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253532 SOURCE: Awakn Life Sciences Corp. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / T-Mobile International AG UPDATE: May 19, 2025 Community Support Update T-Mobile teams continue to help communities stay connected in St. Louis, Missouri. We are currently offering free Wi-Fi and device charging at two local Fire Departments. Community members - including first responders - are welcome to stop by anytime. The locations will be open 24 hours a day but may change. St. Louis Fire Department Engine House 26. Address: 4520 Margaretta Ave., St. Louis, MO 63115 St. Louis Fire Department Engine House 28. Address: 4810 Enright Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 UPDATE: May 18, 2025 Community Support Update T-Mobile teams are on the ground in St. Louis, Missouri helping communities stay connected. We are currently offering free Wi-Fi and device charging. Community members - including first responders - are welcome to stop by anytime. The location will be open 24 hours a day but may change. Metro by T-Mobile retail store at Grand Blvd. Address: 1411 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63106 # # # May 16, 2025 T-Mobile is actively responding to and continues to monitor powerful storms that have brought tornadoes, damaging winds and widespread lightning to parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. This turbulent weather is expected to extend across the Great Plains and to the east coast. Network Readiness T-Mobile's network has held up well, with power outages leading to only minimal localized disruptions. In places where the network has had impacts, restoration efforts are underway. Permanent network hardening, including backup power and overlapping coverage, are helping to support the network. And our automation and AI-enabled Self-Organizing Network (SON) continues to help dynamically reroute traffic and maintain coverage while recovery continues. We have activated our emergency teams who are deploying portable generators and providing refueling support to restore and maintain connectivity to impacted locations. First Responder & Agency Coordination We are coordinating with emergency management agencies across the affected states to provide support as needed. Community Support Readiness Our Community Support team is monitoring shelter and other needs. We remain ready to deploy portable Wi-Fi, charging stations and connectivity solutions if conditions require. We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as the situation evolves. Please visit T-Mobile Emergency Response. Follow the T-Mobile Newsroom on X and Instagram for the latest updates. # # # T-Mobile Generator Deployment View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from T-Mobile International AG on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: T-Mobile International AG Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/t-mobile Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: T-Mobile International AG View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/telecommunications/t%e2%80%91mobile-responding-to-severe-weather-sweeping-through-the-central-u.s.-updated-1032336 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - SOL Strategies Inc. (CSE: HODL) (OTCQB: CYFRF) (formerly, Cypherpunk Holdings Inc, "Sol Strategies" or the "Company"), a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to investing in and providing infrastructure for the Solana blockchain ecosystem, is pleased to announce that it has filed a preliminary short form base shelf prospectus (the "Preliminary Shelf Prospectus") with securities regulators in each of the provinces and territories of Canada. A copy of the Preliminary Shelf Prospectus may be obtained under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Upon the filing and receipt of a final base shelf prospectus, the Company will be permitted to make offerings of common shares (including through "at-the-market" offerings), warrants, subscription receipts, units, debt securities, or any combination thereof for up to a maximum amount prescribed in the final base shelf prospectus and over the period which the base shelf prospectus is effective. The Company has filed this Preliminary Shelf Prospectus to increase its financial flexibility going forward. SOL Strategies currently has no immediate plans to issue any securities under it at this time, and may never proceed with any such issuance. Should the Company decide to offer securities the specific terms, including the use of proceeds, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement to the final base shelf prospectus, which will be filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulators. "The filing of a base shelf prospectus supports our growth strategy by providing us with the flexibility to access capital as future opportunities arise in the rapidly evolving Solana ecosystem," said Leah Wald, CEO of SOL Strategies. "This strategic move enhances our ability to act decisively when compelling investment opportunities present themselves." This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any province, territory, state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such province, territory, state or jurisdiction. About SOL Strategies SOL Strategies Inc. (CSE: HODL) (OTCQB: CYFRF) is a Canadian company actively investing in, supporting, and providing infrastructure for the Solana blockchain ecosystem that operates at the forefront of blockchain innovation. Specializing in the Solana ecosystem, the company provides strategic investments and infrastructure solutions to enable the next generation of decentralized applications. To learn more about SOL Strategies, please visit www.solstrategies.io. A copy of this news release and all the Company's related material documents regarding the Company may be obtained under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements and information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's or the Company's management team's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, and expectations regarding the characteristics, value drivers, and anticipated benefits of the Company's business plans and operations related thereto. Forward-looking information can also be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or indicates that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" taken, "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the filing of a final base shelf prospectus and any future financings or filing of prospectus supplements; and the potential benefits of these actions. There is no assurance that the Company's plans or objectives will be implemented as set out herein, or at all. Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The purpose of forward-looking information is to provide the reader with a description of management's expectations, and such forward-looking information may not be appropriate for any other purpose. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates, and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates, and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Disclaimer: SOL Strategies is an independent organization in the Solana ecosystem. SOL Strategies is not affiliated with, owned by, or under common control with Solana Foundation (the "Foundation"), and the Foundation has not entered into any association, partnership, joint venture, employee, or agency relationship with SOL Strategies. None of the Foundation or its council members, officers, agents or make any representations or warranties, recommendations, endorsements or promises with respect to the accuracy of any statements made, information provided, or action taken by SOL Strategies and expressly disclaim any and all liability arising from or related to any such statements, information or action. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253534 SOURCE: Sol Strategies Inc. Regulatory News: Maurel Prom (Paris:MAU): The Combined shareholders' meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Mr. Jaffee Suardin. Resolutions The Combined Shareholders' meeting approved all the resolutions put to the vote. The Combined Shareholders' Meeting approved notably the parent company and consolidated financial statements for the 2024 fiscal year. The General Shareholders' Meeting approved the payment of a dividend of 0.33 per share. The dividend will be paid out on 28 August 2025, the ex-dividend date is 26 August 2025 and the record date is 27 August 2025. Composition of the Board of Directors and its Committees The General Shareholders' meeting renewed Mr. Marc Blaizot, Mr Bagus Rahadiansyah et Mr Jaffee Suardin as directors. The Board of Directors of Maurel Prom remains composed of 8 members, including 3 independent directors and 4 women, i.e. 50% of the members of the Board. All information on the composition of the Board of Directors and its Committees is available on the Company's website, under Governance: https://www.maureletprom.fr/en/groupe/gouvernance The Board of Directors meeting, hold at the end of the Meeting, renewed the mandate of Mr Olivier de Langavant as Chief Executive Officer for a new period of one financial year. For more information, please visit www.maureletprom.fr/en/ This document may contain forecasts regarding the financial position, results, business and industrial strategy of Maurel Prom. By their very nature, forecasts involve risk and uncertainty insofar as they are based on events or circumstances which may or may not occur in the future. These forecasts are based on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which may prove to be incorrect and which depend on a number of risk factors, such as fluctuations in crude oil prices, changes in exchange rates, uncertainties related to the valuation of our oil reserves, actual rates of oil production and the related costs, operational problems, political stability, legislative or regulatory reforms, or even wars, terrorism and sabotage. Maurel Prom is listed on Euronext Paris SBF 120 CAC Mid 60 CAC Mid Small CAC All-Tradable PEA-PME and SRD eligible Isin FR0000051070 Bloomberg MAU.FP Reuters MAUP.PA View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527731970/en/ Contacts: Maurel Prom Shareholder relations Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 83 16 45 ir@maureletprom.fr NewCap Investor/media relations Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 98 53 maureletprom@newcap.eu Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, is proud to announce that its CEO and Founder, Gabriel Shaoolian, has been published in Entrepreneur. His latest article, titled "Fix This First to Make Every Ad Dollar Count," offers entrepreneurs across the U.S. expert insights on why addressing underlying website and brand issues is critical before increasing advertising spend. The piece, available now on Entrepreneur's Leadership Network, highlights how many companies mistakenly focus on boosting ad budgets without first optimizing their digital foundations - a strategy that can undermine ROI and waste precious marketing dollars. According to a 2024 U.S. digital marketing report by Statista, digital ad spending in the U.S. is projected to grow to over $298 billion this year, underscoring the urgency for brands to ensure their websites and digital experiences are optimized before scaling ad investments. Spotlight on Foundational Success Gabriel Shaoolian's article outlines how even the most creative campaigns can underperform if a company's website has slow load times, confusing navigation or a poorly defined brand message. He emphasizes the importance of auditing digital touchpoints to fix foundational issues before layering on paid strategies. "This feature in Entrepreneur is a proud moment for our agency," said Ana Margarida Meira, Partner and Vice President of Client Relations at Digital Silk. "Gabriel's advice reflects the approach we take with every client: before spending on ads, we ensure the brand and user experience are aligned to support conversion and engagement." Key Takeaways for U.S. Brands The article offers tangible steps for brands seeking to maximize their marketing ROI, including: Conducting thorough website audits to identify performance bottlenecks Streamlining site navigation to reduce friction points Refining brand messaging to connect more effectively with target audiences Implementing A/B testing to inform design and content improvements These insights are particularly relevant as U.S. companies face rising competition in a digital marketplace expected to continue its rapid expansion, with an estimated 14.3% annual growth in digital ad spending through 2027. About the Entrepreneur Feature Entrepreneur's Leadership Network provides a platform for experienced business leaders to share practical, actionable advice with millions of readers monthly. Gabriel Shaoolian's contribution reinforces Digital Silk's reputation as a trusted voice in the U.S. web design and digital marketing industry. For the full article, visit Entrepreneur: Fix This First to Make Every Ad Dollar Count. About Digital Silk Digital Silk, is a Miami award-winning digital marketing 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/253383 SOURCE: Digital Silk Dublin, Ireland--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - OUTsurance Ireland is marking 1 year since it launched in the Irish market with the announcement that it will continue its expansion and hire 100 people over the next year. These sales, customer service, and claims management positions are being created in response to overwhelming consumer demand and interest. Having attracted thousands of customers since launching its car and home insurance offer in April of last year, OUTsurance has proven a popular choice with Irish consumers looking to get something back from their insurance. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/253505_113099bed43ba8a1_001full.jpg The first personal lines insurance underwriter to launch in Ireland in over a decade, OUTsurance has gained traction through its customer-first approach and solving existing pain points in car and home insurance. An emphasis on value means those switching to OUTsurance have saved an average of 97 on their car insurance. Meanwhile, its customer service has proven to be another key factor in the company's success, with over 90% of calls from the Irish public being answered within 20 seconds by a member of the OUTsurance team. This has seen the company rise to be the highest-ranked insurer in Ireland on Trustpilot. OUTsurance's entry to the Irish market aimed to drive competition for consumers and disrupt the market's status quo. The company currently offers car insurance and home insurance, along with its innovative stand out proposition the 'OUTbonus', where Irish customers can get 10% of their premiums (less taxes and levies) back in cash straight into their bank account when they stay claim-free for 3 years. OUTsurance Ireland CEO Peter Broome said, "We have been thrilled by the reception we've received since launching one year ago, having hit our business targets for our first year. It is on foot of this growth that we continue our expansion by hiring 100 people over the next year to meet overwhelming customer demand. "I feel strongly that our success is based not only on our great value proposition, but also the customer-first approach and human interaction which is central to the OUTsurance experience. You'll speak to a person - not a bot - when you call us at OUTsurance and we have a strong record of answering more than 90% of calls within 20 seconds. "The Irish public are savvy consumers, wanting as much choice as possible when it comes to spending their hard-earned cash, and this has been reflected in the level of engagement with our team and services. "Our growing team delivers a great service when people need us. For example, we are approving windscreen claims in 24 hours . On average, customers that have switched to OUTsurance are saving 97 on their car insurance. Our goal is to deliver long-term value to our customers, and we remain on course to do that for many years to come." Applications for the new roles are already open, with the entry-level positions requiring no previous experience or specific qualifications, and training being provided to all successful candidates. For further information about the roles available, visit outsurance.ie/careers. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253505 SOURCE: GYT Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning branding agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, today announces a surge in demand for full-service brand identity projects as U.S. companies reposition for the evolving AI era. A dynamic, futuristic visual representing the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence as U.S. companies reshape their brand identities for the AI era. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10732/253552_47c434f7a41cabc1_001full.jpg From AI-driven product integrations to internal cultural overhauls and post-acquisition restructuring, businesses across industries are increasingly seeking comprehensive rebranding solutions to stay competitive. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global AI market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030, with U.S. companies driving significant adoption rates source. This accelerating shift is prompting organizations to not only upgrade technologies but also redefine their brand narratives to align with new offerings and values. Rebranding Momentum Fueled by AI Integration The agency has observed that many companies moving into AI-powered products or services are rethinking their visual identities, messaging, and customer touchpoints to reflect innovation, trust, and adaptability. In parallel, businesses navigating mergers or cultural shifts are turning to full brand identity solutions to unify internal and external audiences under a refreshed banner. Key trends behind this surge include: AI-driven product launches requiring modern, tech-forward branding requiring modern, tech-forward branding Cultural transformation initiatives calling for redefined brand values and mission calling for redefined brand values and mission Post-merger or acquisition restructuring needing cohesive visual and verbal identity systems needing cohesive visual and verbal identity systems Heightened competition in AI-saturated sectors pushing companies to stand out in AI-saturated sectors pushing companies to stand out Customer expectations for intuitive, future-ready experiences across all brand touchpoints Expert Insight "We are seeing a clear pattern: U.S. companies recognize that surviving in the AI era goes beyond adding new tools - it requires a deep, authentic shift in how the brand is positioned both internally and externally," says Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO of Digital Silk. "Our full-service rebranding projects help brands bridge that gap, ensuring they are ready for tomorrow's marketplace." U.S. Market Growth in Branding Services Recent U.S. market studies reinforce this trend. The branding services market is projected to expand steadily, with a focus on digital transformation initiatives. A report from IBISWorld estimates the U.S. branding and design industry to have reached $16 billion in 2024, reflecting rising corporate investments into repositioning strategies source. About Digital Silk Digital Silk is an award-winning Full-Service Miami Branding Agency dedicated to 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/253552 SOURCE: Digital Silk Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - ONAR Holding Corporation (OTCQB: ONAR), a leading marketing technology company and network of marketing agencies, is pleased to announce it will be presenting at the Centurion One Capital 5th Annual LA Summit, which will be taking place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Wednesday, June 5th to Thursday, June 6th, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. Claude Zdanow, Chairman & CEO, is scheduled to present on Thursday, June 5th at 1:50PM PDT. Claude Zdanow will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings during the event. "This is a fantastic opportunity to share our vision and connect with such a distinguished group of investors and industry leaders. We're confident that our presentation will highlight the exciting advancements we're making and the significant potential that lies ahead for ONAR," said Zdanow. This presentation follows closely after announcing the recent appointment of Jon Bond to ONAR's Board of Directors, generating further excitement about the company's future success. Centurion One Capital 5th Annual LA Summit will feature public and private companies across various industries that will be given the opportunity to present to some of the most prominent venture capital, family office, private equity firms, high net worth individuals and institutional investors in the growth space attending from Canada, the United States, and abroad. For registration details or to submit one-on-one investor meeting requests, please click here. Summit Details: Event: Centurion One Capital 5th Annual LA Summit Format: Presentations, Q&A, Panel Discussions and 1 X 1 Investor Meetings Date: Wednesday, June 5th and Thursday, June 6th, 2024 Time: 9:00 AM PDT - 5:00 PM PDT Venue: The Beverly Hills Hotel About Centurion One Capital Centurion One Capital ("Centurion One") is the premier independent investment banking firm dedicated to fueling the growth and success of growth companies in North America. With an unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive financial solutions and strategic guidance, Centurion One is a trusted strategic partner and catalyst to propel issuers to unlock their full potential. Our team comprises seasoned professionals who combine extensive financial expertise with deep knowledge of various sectors. We take a proactive and results-driven approach, working closely with our clients to develop tailored strategies and execute transactions that maximize value and drive long-term success. Centurion One - Empowering Growth. Driving Innovation. Partnering for Success. About ONAR Holding Corporation ONAR (OTCQB: ONAR) is a leading marketing technology company and marketing agency network, now publicly traded as Onar Holding Corporation. ONAR's mission is to provide unparalleled marketing services that drive revenue growth through an integrated, AI-driven approach. Committed to honor, candor, and best-in-class results, ONAR aims to lead the industry by example, ensuring every client relationship is deeply rooted in trust and excellence. ONAR has nearly 50 team members across five continents, and it is aggressively expanding its team to support the company's growth and acquisition pipeline. Its agencies service over 45 clients across various industries: Performance Marketing & SEO: Our high-touch performance marketing agency, Storia, specializes in brand growth, data-driven excellence, and paid advertising. Full-Service Healthcare Marketing: Partnering with healthcare professionals, Of Kos provides a full service patient experience and strives to revolutionize the standard of care. Experiential Marketing & Events: CHALK is an experiential marketing powerhouse of event architects who turn bold ideas into unforgettable reality, designing events that dare to defy the ordinary. Pioneering Technology Incubator: ONAR Labs is a team of data scientists, engineers, and industry experts who are identifying, developing, and commercializing innovative marketing technology solutions born from servicing our agency clients, battle-tested by our network to ensure real-world applicability and impact. ONAR's network of agencies focuses on servicing middle-market and growth stage companies, and ONAR is actively searching for agencies to acquire and become part of the network. Learn more about ONAR Holding Corporation at https://www.onar.com/. SOURCE: Centurion One Capital Corp. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar was higher against its major counterparts in the New York session on Tuesday amid easing trade tensions between the U.S. and the European Union. President Donald Trump delayed the implementation of 50 percent tariffs on imports from the European Union to July 9 from June 1. 'I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union,' Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday. 'I agreed to the extension - July 9, 2025 - It was my privilege to do so,' he added. 'The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly.' The move by Trump comes as analysts previously suggested the threatened tariff on the EU was just a negotiating tactic and not where the eventual rate will wind up. The greenback climbed to 4-day highs of 1.3499 against the pound and 1.1322 against the euro. The currency is seen finding resistance around 1.33 against the pound and 1.12 against the euro. The greenback advanced to 4-day highs of 0.6434 against the aussie, 0.5940 against the kiwi and 1.3782 against the loonie. The currency may find resistance around 0.63 against the aussie, 0.58 against the kiwi and 1.39 against the loonie. The greenback firmed to a 4-day high of 0.8280 against the franc and a 6-day high of 144.45 against the yen, from an early nearly 3-week low of 0.8188 and a 4-week low of 142.10, respectively. The next possible resistance for the currency is seen around 0.88 against the franc and 149.00 against the yen. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2025 AFX News PUNE, India, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Thermostatic Mixing Valve Market is projected to grow from USD 1,202.40 million in 2024 to USD 1,749.6 million by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5%. This steady growth is driven by rising demand for temperature control systems in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. With increasing awareness around scald prevention and energy efficiency, thermostatic mixing valves are gaining traction in plumbing and heating applications. Governments and regulatory bodies across several regions are mandating the use of such valves in public and healthcare facilities to ensure user safety and comfort, which further supports market expansion. Market growth is also fueled by the growing adoption of smart and automated water systems, particularly in modern infrastructure and green buildings. Advancements in valve technology-offering improved precision, reliability, and integration with digital control systems-are attracting both retrofit and new installation markets. Moreover, rising construction activities in emerging economies, coupled with heightened focus on hygiene and water conservation, are creating new opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers. As industry players focus on product innovation and strategic partnerships, the thermostatic mixing valve market is poised for long-term, sustainable development. Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/thermostatic-mixing-valve-market Key Growth Determinants Rising Demand for Safety and Comfort: The growing emphasis on scald prevention and consistent water temperature in residential, commercial, and healthcare settings is a major driver of the thermostatic mixing valve market. These valves ensure optimal temperature control, reducing the risk of burns and enhancing user comfort, particularly in facilities serving vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Regulatory mandates enforcing the installation of anti-scald devices in public infrastructure further accelerate adoption. Expansion of Smart Infrastructure and Water Systems: The increasing integration of thermostatic mixing valves into smart plumbing and heating systems is supporting market expansion. As buildings become more connected and energy-efficient, demand for precise and automated temperature control systems is rising. These valves play a crucial role in optimizing water usage and reducing energy consumption, aligning with global trends toward sustainability and smart building technologies. Growth in Construction Activities: Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, especially in emerging economies, are boosting demand for thermostatic mixing valves. The surge in residential housing projects, commercial buildings, and institutional facilities is generating widespread application opportunities. Retrofit initiatives in developed regions also contribute to market growth, as older systems are upgraded for improved safety and efficiency. Technological Advancements and Product Innovation: Ongoing R&D investments are driving the development of advanced thermostatic mixing valves with improved durability, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with digital systems. Manufacturers are focusing on offering compact, easy-to-install designs and incorporating features like self-balancing and fail-safe mechanisms. These innovations not only enhance performance but also expand the applicability of thermostatic mixing valves across diverse industries. Key Growth Barriers 1. High Initial Costs and Installation Complexity: The upfront investment required for thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) can be substantial, particularly for advanced models. This financial barrier is more pronounced in cost-sensitive regions and among small-scale residential users. Additionally, the complexity involved in installing these valves, especially in older infrastructures, necessitates specialized expertise, further escalating costs and potentially deterring adoption. 2. Regulatory Inconsistencies and Limited Awareness: The absence of uniform standards and regulations across different regions poses a challenge for TMV manufacturers and users. This lack of standardization can lead to confusion and hinder widespread adoption. Moreover, in certain areas, there is a limited understanding of the benefits and importance of TMVs, resulting in resistance or apathy towards their implementation. Segmentation Based on Valve Type: Emergency High/Low Point-of-Use Standard Based on Application: Residential Commercial Industrial Based on region North America The U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France UK. Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea South-east Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa GCC Countries South Africa The Rest of the Middle East and Africa Preview the report with a detailed sample and understand how it can benefit your business strategy. Request a free sample today - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/thermostatic-mixing-valve-market Regional Analysis North America: North America remains a dominant force in the thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) market, holding a substantial 35.2% share in 2024. The United States, in particular, is projected to maintain its leadership, accounting for approximately 72.5% of the North American market by 2034. This dominance is driven by stringent safety regulations, a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, and widespread adoption across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The region's focus on sustainable building practices and advanced plumbing infrastructure further bolsters TMV demand. Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is poised for rapid growth, with a projected CAGR of 6.6% from 2025 to 2034. China leads this surge, fueled by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and a growing middle class increasingly aware of health and hygiene standards. The demand for smart home solutions, which include TMVs, is rising as consumers seek safe and convenient plumbing technologies. Europe: Europe continues to be a significant market for TMVs, driven by advanced plumbing systems and strict building safety regulations. The region's commitment to energy and water conservation supports the adoption of TMV technology. Government-backed initiatives, such as energy efficiency strategies for buildings, mandate the use of safety devices like TMVs in construction projects, ensuring consistent demand across key countries including Germany, the UK, and France. Rest of the World: Regions like Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are experiencing gradual growth in the TMV market. This expansion is attributed to increasing awareness of water safety, the need for energy-efficient solutions, and the gradual implementation of building safety standards. As these regions continue to develop their infrastructure and prioritize health and safety, the adoption of TMVs is expected to rise steadily. Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis The thermostatic mixing valve market is moderately fragmented, with several global and regional players competing on the basis of product performance, regulatory compliance, innovation, and pricing. Key manufacturers are focusing on expanding their product portfolios through advanced technologies that enhance temperature precision, durability, and integration with smart plumbing systems. Companies are also investing in R&D to develop low-maintenance and eco-friendly valve solutions, responding to the growing demand for sustainable infrastructure. Strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are increasingly shaping the competitive dynamics of the market. Leading players are collaborating with construction firms and regulatory bodies to secure long-term contracts, particularly in commercial and institutional projects. Regional expansion remains a priority, with companies targeting high-growth markets in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. In parallel, established players are reinforcing their presence in North America and Europe by upgrading distribution networks and offering tailored solutions for residential and healthcare applications. Pricing pressure and the need for product differentiation compel manufacturers to maintain high quality standards and after-sales support. The market also sees rising competition from emerging regional brands, especially in cost-sensitive markets. Players that offer certified products meeting global plumbing and safety standards are better positioned to gain trust and market share. Overall, innovation, compliance, and strategic alliances remain the key levers of competitive advantage in this evolving market. Tailor the report to align with your specific business needs and gain targeted insights. Request Full Report Here - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/thermostatic-mixing-valve-market Key Player Analysis Danfoss A/S Honeywell International Inc. Pegler Yorkshire Armstrong International Inc. Afriso-Euro-Index GmbH Caleffi S.p.A Watts Water Technologies Company Bradley Corporation ESBE Group Reliance Worldwide Corporation Recent Industry Developments In 2024, ThermOmegaTech launched its stainless steel STVM (Steam Trap Valve Module), designed for superior strength and leak-free sealing. Featuring welded components, the valve offers enhanced durability for demanding industrial applications. In 2024, ThermOmegaTech introduced the Thermal Bypass Valve with Pressure Relief (TBV-PR), which combines temperature control and pressure relief in a single-valve design. This integration improves system safety and simplifies installation in thermal management systems. In September 2023, Galvin Engineering and RMC Reliance Valves unveiled the lead-safe Clinimix Healthcare TVM, specifically engineered for healthcare settings. The valve features lead-free materials and improved safety mechanisms to prevent scalding. In March 2022, Bradley Corporation launched the Navigator digital mixing valve, delivering precise temperature control within 3 degrees. This advanced technology enhances safety and efficiency in domestic hot water systems. In October 2020, RWC introduced its first Reliance Valves product line, incorporating JG Speedfit push-fit connections for simplified installation. In February 2020, Bradley Corporation released a new thermostatic mixing valve tailored for commercial applications, expanding its product offerings in temperature control solutions. Reasons to Purchase this Report: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the market through qualitative and quantitative analyses, considering both economic and non-economic factors, with segmentation and sub-segmentation details provided in terms of market value (USD Billion). Identify regions and segments expected to experience the fastest growth or dominate the market, with a detailed analysis of geographic consumption patterns and the factors driving or hindering market performance in each region. Stay informed about the competitive environment, with rankings of major players, recent product and service launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions from the past five years. Access detailed profiles of major market players, including company overviews, insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis, to understand competitive advantages and market positioning. Explore the present and forecasted market landscape, with insights into growth opportunities, market drivers, challenges, and constraints for both developed and emerging regions. Benefit from Porter's Five Forces analysis and Value Chain insights to evaluate various market perspectives and competitive dynamics. Understand the evolving market scenario, including potential growth opportunities and trends expected in the coming years. Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/thermostatic-mixing-valve-market Discover additional reports tailored to your industry needs Instrumentation Valve and Fitting Market -https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/instrumentation-valve-and-fitting-market Emergency Shut Down Valves Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/emergency-shut-down-valves-market Thread Pressure Independent Control Valves Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/thread-pressure-independent-control-valves-market Thermostatic Radiator Valves Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/thermostatic-radiator-valves-market Stainless Steel Valve Tag market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/stainless-steel-valve-tag-market Aerospace Valves Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/aerospace-valves-market Electronic Expansion Valves Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/electronic-expansion-valves-market Flat Valve Caps and Closures Market - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/flat-valve-caps-and-closures-market Follow Us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/credenceresearch/ https://x.com/CredenceResearc https://www.facebook.com/CredenceResearch About Us: Credence Research is a viable intelligence and market research platform that provides quantitative B2B research to more than 2000 clients worldwide and is built on the Give principle. The company is a market research and consulting firm serving governments, non-legislative associations, non-profit organizations, and various organizations worldwide. We help our clients improve their execution in a lasting way and understand their most imperative objectives. Contact Us Mitul Dean Tower C-1105 , S 25, Akash Tower, Vishal Nahar, Pimple Nilakh, Haveli, Pune - 411027, India sales@credenceresearch.com www.credenceresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2562161/5339765/Credence_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/thermostatic-mixing-valve-market-to-reach-usd-1-749-6-million-by-2032--growing-at-an-5--cagr--credence-research-302466229.html ROSEAU, DM / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / The Kingdom Bank is facing serious scrutiny following a major security breach that allowed an unauthorized party to bypass two-factor authentication (2FA) and withdraw over EUR 93,000 in cryptocurrency from a client account. The affected party, a regulated trading firm, reports that despite Google Authenticator being enabled on their Kingdom Bank account, critical actions such as password resets, user role changes, and cryptocurrency transfers were carried out without any 2FA verification prompts. The breach reportedly began when a third party compromised the email account associated with the firm's Kingdom Bank login. Using this access, the intruder reset the password, logged in, added a new user with administrator privileges, and initiated irreversible crypto transfers-all without requiring a Google Authenticator code. "It was shocking to discover that Kingdom Bank's advertised 2FA was not enforced for high-risk actions like credential changes or fund withdrawals," said a representative from the trading firm. "This allowed full account takeover without the security protections we believed were in place." Delayed Response and Denial of Responsibility The firm states that the breach was reported immediately via Kingdom Bank's live chat system late Wednesday evening. Despite providing documentation and urgent follow-ups through multiple emails, no substantive action was taken until Friday evening, when the bank's legal department issued a formal response. The letter from The Kingdom Bank denied any responsibility, citing the external email compromise and the fact that the breach occurred outside normal business hours. The letter concluded: "Kindly be advised that this constitutes our final decision in this matter. It has been reached after due consideration, and no further claims, appeals, or correspondence will be entertained." Investigation Reveals Security Oversight In the aftermath, the client conducted its own investigation, confirming that even after the breach, actions such as changing the login email or adding a new user still did not require 2FA codes. These findings raise significant concerns about The Kingdom Bank's authentication architecture. Although The Kingdom Bank advertises enhanced security features, the firm warns that marketing claims do not match actual enforcement, leaving users exposed to irreversible losses-particularly in blockchain-based transactions where no reversals are possible. Call for Transparency and Reform The incident underscores the importance of full-spectrum 2FA enforcement for all sensitive account functions, including: Password and credential resets Adding or modifying users Transferring crypto or fiat funds The trading firm is now urging other Kingdom Bank clients and digital finance users to review their platform's security implementation, especially for accounts involving cryptocurrency. They recommend selecting providers operating in regulated jurisdictions (e.g., EU, UK, or USA), where customer protections are clearly defined. "This was not just a technical breach-it was a failure of basic security design and response protocol," the firm emphasized. "Financial institutions must ensure their systems align with what they advertise." About The Kingdom Bank Breach The Kingdom Bank has not issued any public statement acknowledging a flaw in its security systems. The client affected by the breach continues to advocate for tighter industry standards and greater accountability from digital banking and crypto service providers. Media Contact Information The Kingdom Bank press@luxtradingfirm.com https://www.thekingdombank.com/ SOURCE: The Kingdom Bank View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/security-lapses-at-the-kingdom-bank-raise-alarm-after-%e2%82%ac93-000-crypto-1032398 Register/View Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6217478678603/WN_h8uMVWINQsmS3HWF8K59Wg Please join/register at least 5 minutes prior to the call. Questions emailed to info@mustgrow.ca will be addressed during the Q&A portion of the webcast. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - MustGrow Biologics Corp. (TSXV: MGRO) (OTCQB: MGROF) (FSE: 0C0) (the "Company" or "MustGrow"), a leading provider of biological and regenerative agriculture solutions, is pleased to announce its operating and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. For complete details, please refer to the Q1-2025 Condensed Interim Financial Statements and associated Management's Discussion and Analysis, available on SEDAR+: www.sedarplus.ca or on the Company's website: www.mustgrow.ca. Key Financial Highlights: Sales revenue of $3.8 million was recorded in Q1-2025 vs. zero in Q1-2024 in Q1-2024 Gross profit of $541,221 (14.3% gross profit margin) in Q1-2025 (1) Cash and equivalents on hand as at March 31, 2025 was $2.0 million with Inventory of $2.4 million Net loss for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 was $1.6 million and the net loss per share was $0.03 (basic) for the same period "Our 2025 first quarter marked a pivotal milestone for MustGrow, reflecting the first full quarter of revenue since the acquisition of the NexusBioAg sales and distribution business on December 31, 2024," stated Corey Giasson, President and CEO of MustGrow. "$3.8 million is a meaningful revenue figure for us, and with additional products already secured for the NexusBioAg distribution platform and increasing commercial farmer interest in our TerraSanteTM U.S. biofertility product, we are accelerating our mission to improve the global food system through sustainable production solutions." The Company continues to focus on capital allocation that generates revenue and revenue growth of both its NexusBioAg Canadian sales and distribution business and TerraSanteTM biofertility sales in the United States. In the first quarter, MustGrow secured access to several additional agriculture products through its NexusBioAg sales and distribution platform in Canada, including a five-year exclusive distribution agreement with Adjuvants Plus Inc. (a Canadian regenerative agriculture company) and the addition of three new biological solutions to its product lines designed to enhance crop health, boost yield potential, and improve environmental resilience: EZ-Gro Max, EZ-Gro Cyto, and Rootella mycorrhizal inoculants. MustGrow is continually working on securing new and meaningful products for Canadian farmers. More information is available on the NexusBioAg website: nexusbioag.com. Notes : (1) Gross margin is a non-IFRS financial measure. This ratio expresses gross profit as a percentage of revenue for a given period. It assists in explaining the Company's results from period to period and measuring profitability. This ratio is calculated by dividing gross profit for a period by the corresponding revenue for the period. There is no directly comparable IFRS measure. About MustGrow MustGrow Biologics Corp. is a fully-integrated provider of innovative biological and regenerative agriculture solutions designed to support sustainable farming. The Company's proprietary and third-party product lines offer eco-friendly alternatives to restricted or banned synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. In North America, MustGrow offers a portfolio of third-party crop nutrition solutions, including micronutrients, nitrogen stabilizers, biostimulants, adjuvants and foliar products. These products are synergistically distributed alongside MustGrow's wholly-owned proprietary products and technologies that are derived from mustard and developed into organic biocontrol and biofertility products to help replace banned or restricted synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. Outside of North America, MustGrow is focused on collaborating with agriculture companies, such as Bayer AG in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, to commercialize MustGrow's wholly-owned proprietary products and technologies. The Company is dedicated to driving shareholder value through the commercialization and expansion of its intellectual property portfolio of approximately 112 patents that are currently issued and pending, and the sales and distribution of its proprietary and third-party product lines through NexusBioAg. MustGrow is a publicly traded company (TSXV-MGRO) and has approximately 52.4 million common shares issued and outstanding and 59.4 million shares fully diluted. For further details, please visit www.mustgrow.ca. MustGrow Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect the results, performance or achievements of MustGrow. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of MustGrow to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, MustGrow. Important factors that could cause MustGrow's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include: the receipt of final approval by the TSXV and those risks described in more detail in MustGrow's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by MustGrow with the applicable securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are referred to such documents for more detailed information about MustGrow, which is subject to the qualifications, assumptions and notes set forth therein. Neither the TSXV, nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV), nor the OTC Markets has approved the contents of this release or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 2025 MustGrow Biologics Corp. All rights reserved. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253561 SOURCE: MustGrow Biologics Corp. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX:NDM)(NYSE American:NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") reminds shareholders of the upcoming deadline to vote at the Company's Annual General Meeting (the "Meeting"), which is scheduled to be held on June 19, 2025. The Board of Directors of Northern Dynasty recommends that Shareholders vote FOR ALL proposed items At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to vote on the following agenda items for the ensuing year: elect the board of directors; appoint the auditor; approve the Company's amended Share Option Plan; re-approve the amended Company's Deferred Share Unit Plan; and re-approve the Company's Shareholder Rights Plan. Meeting Details Northern Dynasty will hold the Meeting on June 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) at the offices of the Company at 14th Floor 1040 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. Please visit the Company's website complete details and links to all relevant documents ahead of the Meeting at the link below: https://northerndynastyminerals.com/investors/agm/. Questions & Voting If you have questions about the meeting matters or require voting assistance, please contact Northern Dynasty's proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group at: North American Toll Free: 1-877-452-7184 (1-416-304-0211 outside North America) Email: assistance@laurelhill.com Proposed Deferred Share Unit Plan Amendment In order to bring the Company's Amended Deferred Share Unit ("DSU") Plan ("DSU Plan") within the guidelines established by Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS), it will propose a further amendment to the DSU Plan to be presented to its shareholders at its June 19, 2025 annual shareholders meeting. The amendment to the DSU Plan from that disclosed in the Company's Information Circular involves a restriction in Section 7.1 on amending Sections 6.2 and 6.4(c) of the DSU Plan without first obtaining shareholder approval. Sections 6.2 and 6.4(c) of the DSU Plan limit the value of shares issuable under the DSU Plan to each non-employee director as follows: (a) $100,000 in any twelve-month period in the form of DSUs granted under the DSU Plan; and (b) $150,000 in any twelve-month period when combined with the value of shares issuable to the non-employee director pursuant to all grants under all of the Company's other share compensation arrangements during the twelve-month period, without first obtaining shareholder approval. Accordingly, no amendments to these limits set out in Sections 6.2 and 6.4(c) of the DSU Plan will be permitted without shareholder approval. Adoption of the DSU Plan is subject to shareholder approval and acceptance by the Toronto Stock Exchange. A copy of the proposed DSU plan can be found under Northern Dynasty's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Additionally, a redline version of the proposed DSU plan is available on the Company's Meeting website at https://northerndynastyminerals.com/investors/agm/. About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly owned Alaska-based U.S. subsidiary, Pebble Limited Partnership, is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 1,840 mineral claims in Southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit, located 200 miles from Anchorage and 125 miles from Bristol Bay. The Pebble Partnership is the proponent of the Pebble Project. For further details on Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Project, please visit the Company's website at www.northerndynastyminerals.com or contact Investor services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1- 800-667-2114. Review public filings, which include forward-looking information cautionary language and risk factor disclosure regarding the Company and the Pebble Project in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca and in the United States at www.sec.gov. Ronald W. Thiessen President & CEO U.S. Media Contact: Dan Gagnier, Gagnier Communications (646) 569-5897 Forward-Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under applicable provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. SOURCE: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/northern-dynasty-reminds-shareholders-of-upcoming-annual-meeting-and-announces-am-1032485 Victoria, Seychelles, May 27th, 2025, Chainwire BTSE, a leading blockchain technology company, today announced its Bitcoin Pizza Day campaign results, recording a 20% increase in 24-hr futures trading volumes to $3.6 billion by the end of the campaign. Users initiated over 100,000 AutoTrader strategies throughout the month-long campaign. The results reflect the companys dedication to better educating users, creating more simplified and intuitive trading tools, and building a strong community where individuals can learn about crypto investing. BTSE held trading competitions, a global photo contest, and various community group incentives from April 26 to May 26 to celebrate Bitcoins first commercial transaction 15 years ago. A collective 5.22 million USDT in rewards were distributed in commemoration of the date, May 22, 2010. BTSEs AI-assisted investing platform AutoTrader played a major role in attracting new users, as campaign participants invested in its automated strategies en masse as part of the campaign. AutoTrader offers thousands of automated trading strategies that are created by experienced trading professionals and consistently tested for performance by smart AI algorithms. Users can invest in over 100 cryptocurrencies through AutoTrader, going long or short; they can also adjust each strategys time frame, risk tolerance, and risk management parameters such as take-profit and stop-loss conditions. Bitcoins steady climb to a new all-time high on Bitcoin Pizza Day was a key factor in driving results over the past month. Our campaigns were well-timed and primed to capture the renewed optimism that global investors feel towards Bitcoin and crypto, said Jeff Mei, Chief Operating Officer of BTSE. Our Pizza Day campaign reflected key improvements that weve made to our products, and represent the beginning of a series of initiatives to take our retail trading services to the next level. We look forward to announcing more exciting products and campaigns over the next several months. Looking ahead, BTSE will continue to focus on innovative product design and customer service excellence, and actively explore new partnership opportunities in key markets such as Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. About BTSE BTSE Group (https://www.btse.com/en) is a global blockchain technology company focused on three primary businesses: Exchange, Payments, and Infrastructure Development. The BTSE exchange supports 350+ cryptocurrencies and 100+ perpetual futures contracts with over USD $30B in monthly trading volume. The payments platform can provide fiat and crypto pay-ins and outs, as well as OTC services for over 50 major currencies. Additionally, their enterprise solutions enable businesses to white-label the exchanges infrastructure, wallets, payment gateways, access liquidity, and more. Contact Ker Zheng BTSE Holdings Limited [email protected] Disclaimer: This is a paid press release and is distributed for general information only and is not intended to constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Quadria Capital, a New Delhi, India-based healthcare-focused private equity firm, announced the final close of its Fund III with US$1.07 Billion in total commitments, exceeding its original $800M target. The fundraise comprised over US$954M in primary commitments and US$114M in committed co-investment capital. An additional US$300M co-investment capacity is anticipated over the course of the investment phase, bringing total committed capital to approximately US$1.3 Billion upon full deployment. Quadria Capitals largest existing backers included North American and European sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, and strategic corporates. The fund also secured new commitments from globally recognized institutional investors. Most notably, there was backing from institutions across the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain. The fundraise further attracted interest from India, with fresh capital from banks, insurance companies, and family offices. Additionally, the fund received re-up commitments from impact investors, underscoring Quadrias continued dedication to scalable healthcare businesses that deliver lifesaving care to underserved populations across Asia. Already nearly 40% deployed including closed and signed investments the fund has invested in Aragen Life Sciences (a global CRDMO serving over 400 pharma clients), NephroPlus (Asias largest dialysis chain), and Maxivision (Indias leading eye care chain). Two new investments in Southeast Asia are expected soon. Founded in 2012 and led by Led by Dr Amit Varma, and Abrar Mir, Co-Founders and Managing Partner, Quadria Capital is a healthcare investor managing over US$4 Billion in assets across 27 investments in South and Southeast Asia including India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. FinSMEs 27/05/2025 Surgify Medical, an Espoo, Finland-based medical technology company which specializes in bone surgery, raised 7M in Series A funding. The round was led by ZEISS Ventures, with participation form European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund), Lednil and Cascara Ventures. The comany intends to use the funds to expand its operations in Europe and the U.S. with its bone-cutting technology that protects soft tissue in head, neck, and spine procedures. Led by CEO Visa Sippola, Surgify Medical is dedicated to improving bone surgery by making it more precise through itss flagship product, Surgify Halo, which is focused on differentiating between hard and soft tissues, providing enhanced protection against incidental soft tissue damage and streamlining procedures. To date, the company has raised 14M in total funding and has offices in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and the United States. FinSMEs 27/05/2025 Traceloop, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based company that monitors LLM app in production, raised $6.1M in Seed funding. The round was led by Sorenson Capital and Ibex Investors, with participation from Y-Combinator, Samsung NEXT, and Grand Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate product development, and expand go-to-market efforts. Led by CEO Nir Gazit, Traceloop brings automated evaluation and monitoring to generative AI development to predict performance and prevent errors from reaching users. Built on open-source OpenLLMetry, Traceloop is now available as a commercial platform that helps teams test, troubleshoot, and improve AI agents before they reach users. By replacing manual checks with automated evaluations, it gives teams the tools to reduce guesswork, deploy changes more frequently with data-backed confidence, and catch quality issues before they reach production enabling faster iteration, more reliable outputs, and greater confidence in every release. FinSMEs 27/05/2025 Volare, a Pori, Finland-based biotechnology food company, raised 26M in funding. Backers included Maki.vc, Firstminute Capital, Springvest, The Finnish Climate Fund (to be merged with Finnish Industry Investment), Finnvera, Norion Bank, and other financial investors. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts. Founded in 2021, Volare is a science-based company developing and deploying technology to turn food industry side streams into sustainable insect protein, oil and fertilizers on an industrial scale. Its focus is on the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), which naturally converts food industry byproducts into high-value resources. The company will start building the first industrial scale plant in 2025 in Finland. An offtake agreement with Skretting, a global aquafeed leader, will also ensure long-term demand from the upcoming facility. The team includes: Tuure Parviainen , who has led Volare as CEO since its founding, will transition to the role of CSO. In this new position, Parviainen will focus on advancing the companys core technology and overseeing the development of its new industrial facility. , who has led Volare as CEO since its founding, will transition to the role of CSO. In this new position, Parviainen will focus on advancing the companys core technology and overseeing the development of its new industrial facility. Jarna Hyvonen, the new CEO. FinSMEs 27/05/2025 London, UK, May 27th, 2025, Chainwire XDC Network, an enterprise-grade Layer-1 EVM-compatible blockchain today announced they have concluded their integration with Utila, an enterprise-grade digital asset operations platform. With this integration, banks and financial institutions will now be able to custody assets with XDC Network through Utilas secure, institutional digital asset operations platform. This integration marks another significant milestone for XDC Network. Earlier this year, XDC announced the launch of the first funds on its platform in token form, representing the worlds largest MMFs from providers including abrdn, Fidelity International, BlackRock, and State Street. This builds on the previous partnership announcement between XDC and Archax for real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation. This new integration is a powerful alliance that enables traditional banks and financial institutions to securely custody and manage assets, says Ziv Keinan, Head of Markets and Partnerships at XDC. Utila brings a robust security architecture, intuitive user experience, and seamless integration capabilities, making them an ideal partner as we continue to expand institutional access to digital assets on our network. In March 2025, Utila announced that it had secured $18 Million Series A funding to power their institutional digital asset operations, in response to skyrocketing demand for operational use cases like payments, tokenization and treasury management. Utila processes over $8 billion in monthly volume today and has secured over $35 billion in transactions to date. This integration unlocks new capabilities for institutions managing and building on XDC: Securely custody XDC assets using Utilas non-custodial, MPC-based wallets Implement role-based access and granular policy enforcement across users and teams Automate treasury workflows, token operations, and transfers on XDC Connect to the XDC Network from Utila via a customizable EVM RPC for maximum control and performance Were excited to support the XDC Network as part of our multi-chain strategy, said Bentzi Rabi, Co-founder & CEO of Utila. As digital asset payments, tokenization, and RWA adoption accelerate, institutions need flexible, secure infrastructure to operate across blockchain networks. This integration ensures they can do so confidentlywithout compromising on security or usability. The integration is now available to all Utila and XDC Network customers. About XDC Network XDC Network is a blockchain specifically developed to support trade finance and RWA tokenization. A highly optimized, EVM-compatible Layer 1, XDC Network reaches consensus through a delegated proof-of-stake (dPoS) mechanism, which allows for a transaction time of mere seconds, near-zero gas fees, and a high number of transactions per second (TPS). Secure, scalable, and highly efficient, the XDC Network powers a wide range of novel blockchain use cases and provides state-of-the-art infrastructure for enterprise-grade blockchain applications. For more information, users can visit https://XinFin.org or https://XDC.org. About Utila Utila is the secure, all-in-one digital asset operations platform for institutions. Utila enables organizations of all sizes to securely manage and build on digital assets. Utila offers secure MPC wallets, granular policy controls, robust APIs, payments, and tokenization engine, and integrations with banking, AML, exchanges, DeFi, and more. Trusted by industry leaders, Utila processes over $8B monthly and has secured $35B+ in transactionsgrowing rapidly. Users can learn more at https://utila.io/. Contact Elizabeth Fitzgerald Magnitude, Inc. [email protected] Disclaimer: This is a paid press release and is distributed for general information only and is not intended to constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. This comes on the heels of multiple high-profile security breaches at Salman Khans Bandra residence, Galaxy Apartments, earlier this month read more In a second incident within a week involving intrusion attempts at the residences of prominent Bollywood actors, an unidentified woman allegedly tried to trespass into actor Aditya Roy Kapurs Mumbai home on Tuesday. The Mumbai Police registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter based on a complaint lodged by the actors domestic staff. According to police sources, the woman attempted to gain illegal access to the actors residence. However, her entry was thwarted, and authorities were alerted promptly by the household help. No official statement has been released by the actor or his team regarding the incident as of now. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This comes on the heels of multiple high-profile security breaches at Salman Khans Bandra residence, Galaxy Apartments, earlier this month. In the most recent of those incidents on May 22, a woman was detained by the Mumbai Police after she was found attempting to enter the building unlawfully. Police confirmed that the woman was stopped before reaching Khans private quarters and is currently under interrogation. Her identity and origin are being verified, and officials have yet to determine whether she is a local resident or someone who travelled from another region. In a separate but related case, on May 20, a male intruder from Chhattisgarh was caught trying to stealthily enter the premises of Galaxy Apartments. The alert security team managed to intercept him in time and handed him over to law enforcement authorities. A preliminary inquiry has confirmed his identity and hometown, though his motives remain under investigation. Aditya Roy Kapurs Aashiqui 2 was a blockbuster romantic drama of 2013. Post that, we saw the actor in Anurag Basus anthology Ludo in 2020. And now, he reunites with Basu again for Metro In Dino. This is a film that shows how the city of Mumbai has changed ever since the filmmaker made a similarly themed film back in 2007. And Kapur dabbles with an intense character filled with sweep and ache. Kapur pairs up with Sara Ali Khan. With added inputs from agencies Sooraj Pancholi recently opened up on facing serious allegations in connection with the Jiah Khan suicide case, which halted his life and took a toll on him. The actor shared how the long legal battle changed his life. My equation with my family is better than ever now because there was a point in our lives where we couldnt make eye contact with each other and speak because there was so much pain each one of us was going through. Now we can look at each other and smile at the past. When something like that happens to a family, we, of course, get close. We were not that close before the incident, but after that, it brought us very close, said Sooraj while talking to SCREEN. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even during the low phase, I was always positive because I had people around me who were a good support system. Ups and downs are a part of a persons life, not every day can be a happy day. The trolling, the news, the bashing, being pointed at, not getting work, being pushed on the side, seeing other people go much ahead of you, everything gets to you. You have to be strong for yourself, there is no way out, he added. Jiah (25) was found dead at her home in Mumbai on 3 June 2013. Sooraj was booked by Mumbai Police one week letter after the incident based on a letter that was seized and he was arrested. The letter mentioned her troubled relationship with Pancholi and alleged he mentally and physically abused her. On the professional front, Sooraj Pancholi was recently seen in Prince Dhimans Kesari Veer , the film also featured Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Kiran Kumar and Akansha Sharma in prominent roles. Jiah (25) was found dead at her home in Mumbai on 3 June 2013. Sooraj was booked by Mumbai Police one week letter after the incident based on a letter that was seized and he was arrested read more Zarina Wahab has finally opened up about her son Sooraj Pancholi dating the late actress Jiah Khan and claimed that the Ghajini star took her life due to getting rejection from the Telugu industry. A lot of people dont know this, so I want to clarify it. The friendship or whatever they hadSalman was about to launch him (Sooraj), so I asked him to put a stop to it. He broke it off with her (Jiah) because her mother also wasnt happy about it. She asked if she could meet him sometimes, and he agreed to, only as a friend. They had broken up a month before the incident took place, said Zarina while talking to Nayandeep Rakshit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She was about to try her luck in Telugu films, but she got rejected on the spot. She was supposed to act with Gopichand; they took Rakul Preet in that film later on. She tried to call Sooraj, but he was busy and couldnt pick up her call. By the time he got back to her that night, she was already dead. Now, isnt it wrong for people to blame him? Only God knows what happened to her. Maybe she couldnt handle that rejection in the south well. He went through a lot for 10 years; he was in his early 20s. I cannot explain what we went through as a family, she added. Jiah (25) was found dead at her home in Mumbai on 3 June 2013. Sooraj was booked by Mumbai Police one week letter after the incident based on a letter that was seized and he was arrested. The letter mentioned her troubled relationship with Pancholi and alleged he mentally and physically abused her. In 2023, a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court acquitted Sooraj in the case as Judge AS Sayyed said, Due to paucity of evidence, this court cant hold you (Sooraj Pancholi) guilty, hence acquitted. According to reports, the city-state of Singapore, since 2019, has witnessed an increase in both the number of scams and the amount of money lost. In 2024, Singaporeans, including the rich and famous, lost around $800 million to scamsters in over 50,000 cases. Why do experts say Singaporeans are uniquely vulnerable? read more Singapore has seen over 13,000 scam cases in 2025. Victims are estimated to have lost $242 million thus far. Reuters Singapore is in the grip of a scamdemic. According to reports, since 2019, the city-state has witnessed an increase in both the number of scams and the amount of money lost. Around $800 million was looted from residents of Singapore in 2024 alone including from the rich and famous in over 50,000 cases. But what do we know? What do experts say is to blame? Lets take a closer look What do we know? As per the report in the Financial Times, Singaporeans have been among the biggest scam victims on the planet over the past two years. The city state has seen over 13,000 scam cases in 2025. Victims are estimated to have lost $242 million thus far. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Singapore in 2024 recorded 51,501 scam cases. Residents of the city state lost $800 million a 70 per cent increase over 2023. The police have only been able to recover around $182 million of this money. More from Explainers Liverpool parade crash: Why Europe is witnessing a rise in car-ramming attacks And its not just ordinary citizens either. Among the victims were the citys rich and famous including actor Laurence Pang. Pang lost around $31,000 (Rs 26 lakh) in crypto to a scammer name Mika. Mika lured Pang to invest in a fake e-commerce company. It took months before Pang figured out he was being conned. In 2023, Singaporeans lost the most amount of money per person of any nation $3100 (Rs 2,64,000). Thats a higher figure than the citizens of Switzerland and Austria lost on average. Worse, experts say these are just the reported figures meaning that the real numbers could be even higher. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance has claimed over 67 per cent of scam victims in Singapore have not reported the matter to the authorities. The scams are varied from romance like in the case of Pang to people offering jobs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2023, Singaporeans lost the most amount of money per person of any nation $3100 (Rs 2,64,000). Representational image The criminals also call Singaporeans and pose as bank and government officials. In 80 per cent of the victims, it is the victims who willingly transfer their money or crypto to the criminals. In many cases, this could be entire life savings. A new survey shows that at least a third of Singaporean looking for work have been targeted by a job scam. Most of these scamsters reach out from Meta platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, authorities say. PYMNTS Intelligence quoted data as showing that scams became the leading form of fraud last year ahead of digital payment fraud. The share of scam-related fraud rose by 56 per cent, while financial losses from scams jumped 121 per cent. Scams now account for 23 per cent of all fraudulent transactions, with relationship/trust and product/service scams responsible for most losses, PYMNTS wrote in December. These scams manipulate individuals into authorizing fraudulent transactions, often using deceptive tactics. Additionally, fraud involving compromised credentials, where individuals are tricked into revealing account details, is also on the rise. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is to blame? As per Financial Times, experts say Singaporeans are uniquely vulnerable. This is because they are rich, tech-savvy, and extremely compliant with authority a deadly combination in this instance. They are rich and naive, an asset recovery professional told the newspaper. Experts say artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and phishing schemes are making it harder and harder to determine whether one is being scammed. As AI continues to evolve, its becoming harder to tell whats real and whats a scam especially in digital hiring. This is no longer just a tech problem; its a human one, said Kenji Naito, Group CEO of Reeracoen Group, told The Source. The value of human involvement and verified interactions is becoming even more important. We must build hiring ecosystems where people feel safe and trust comes by default. Todays AI-driven attacks arent limited to phish-y emails. Fraudsters now employ voice cloning and deepfake videos to impersonate executives, tricking employees into authorizing large fund transfers, a report by PYMNTS Intelligence warned. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance has claimed over 67 per cent of scam victims in Singapore have not reported the matter to the authorities. Credit: Pexels The accessibility of generative AI tools means that even low-level scammers can produce high-quality forgeries, blurring the lines between genuine and fake communications. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The problem is getting so out of hand that authorities are considering bringing back certain punishments. We believe in caning as a strong deterrent, Loretta Yuen, chair of the fraud committee at the Association of Banks in Singapore, told Financial Times. Its a deterrent, but there is also a sense of revenge to it. People like Pang are sharing their experiences in hopes of spreading awareness to others. The most important thing to remember is that any time money or crypto is mentioned, it is a massive red flag, Pang told the newspaper. You can be sure at that point that it is a scam. With inputs from agencies RJD chief Lalu Prasads son Tej Pratap Yadav found himself at the centre of a controversy after sharing a now-deleted social media post about his long-term relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. The row has now escalated as his estranged wife Aishwarya Rai has criticised the Yadav family and dismissed the episode as drama ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. Notably, Aishwarya had moved out of Tej Prataps home just months into the marriage after alleging mistreatment and harassment by him and his family read more The row involving RJD chief Lalu Prasads son, Tej Pratap Yadav, continues. It all started with a social media post, which has since been taken down, showing his partner, Anushka Yadav. Tej Pratap claimed they have been in a relationship for 12 years. Soon after, Tej Pratap was removed from the party for six years by his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, who described his actions as irresponsible behaviour. ALSO READ | Who is Anushka Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadavs partner? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the middle of all this, Tej Prataps estranged wife, Aishwarya Rai, criticised the Yadav family, calling the entire episode drama and just for show ahead of the elections in Bihar. She questioned, Why was my life ruined? Why was I beaten? So, who is Aishwarya Rai, and what happened during her marriage to Tej Pratap? How did she respond to the controversy over Tej Prataps social media post and his removal from the party? What details have come out so far? Heres a look at the situation in full. Who is Aishwarya Rai? She is the granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Prasad Rai and the daughter of Chandrika Rai, a six-time MLA and former minister. Her grandfather, a Congress leader, served as Bihars Chief Minister for a brief period in 1970. Aishwarya graduated from Delhi University and holds an MBA degree. In 2018, she married Tej Pratap Yadav in a grand ceremony held in Patna. However, the marriage did not last long. Within a few months, Aishwarya moved out of Tej Prataps house, accusing him and his family of mistreatment. Aishwarya Rai has criticised the Yadav family and called the entire episode drama. Screengrab/ANI The fallout between the two families quickly became public. Aishwarya was seen crying as she left the Yadav home. Speaking to the media later, she said she was mistreated during the marriage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She later made serious accusations against members of the Yadav family, including former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, Tej Prataps sister and MP Misa Bharti, and Tej Pratap himself. According to an NDTV report, she filed a police complaint alleging harassment and assault. Rabri Devi also lodged a counter complaint, accusing Aishwarya of attacking and troubling her. Tej Pratap also spoke out, saying the two were not suited for each other. Im North Pole and shes South Pole. There have been fights between me and my wife in front of my parents. I dont want to live with her anymore. Theres no point in being unhappy and stressed, he said. The political relationship between the two families also broke down. The 2018 wedding had brought both families even closer. Aishwaryas father, Chandrika Rai, had begun his political career with the Congress but later joined the RJD and grew close to Lalu Prasad Yadav. After Aishwaryas separation and the accusations that followed, Chandrika Rai quit the RJD and joined Nitish Kumars JDU. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A divorce case is currently pending in court. Why was I beaten?: What Aishwarya Rai said on Tej Pratap controversy Aishwarya has strongly criticised the Yadav family amid the controversy surrounding Tej Pratap Yadavs alleged long-term relationship with a young woman. Reacting to Tej Prataps expulsion from the RJD and the family for six years by his father Lalu Prasad Yadav, she said it was just a show meant to mislead people. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar: "... Why was my life ruined? Why was I beaten? Now they have suddenly had a social awakening. They are all together. They have not separated... The elections are near, that is why they have taken such a step and created this drama...," says RJD leader Tej pic.twitter.com/DC2BXUdJO2 ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2025 Everyone knows what happened. If they (Lalu Prasad Yadavs family) knew the whole thing, then why did they get him married to me? Why was my life ruined? Why was I beaten? Now they have suddenly had a social awakening. I got information about my divorce from the media. All the information I got was through the media I did not know what was going on, she was quoted as saying by ANI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She also pointed fingers at Rabri Devi, claiming that she may have been behind the entire act of expelling Tej Pratap while choosing to remain silent because of the approaching Bihar elections. Aishwarya questioned why no one in the family spoke up earlier when she was allegedly being abused. Rabri Devi must have gone yesterday and told them to stay quiet for now since its election time, thats why theyre putting on this drama, she said. Aishwarya accused Lalu Prasad Yadav of staging a political drama by pretending to take action against his son. She also raised questions over the familys talk of social justice and said she would continue her legal fight. Now that it is out, he has had an affair for 12 years and blaming the woman is the easiest way out. When will I get justice? I will continue my fight, she added. The row over Tej Prataps relationship The former Bihar minister caused a controversy after he posted on social media that he had been in a long-standing relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. Along with a photo of the two, he wrote, The one seen in this picture is Anushka Yadav. We have been known to each other for the last 12 years. We are in love and have been in a relationship for 12 years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Facebook post claimed that Tej Pratap Yadav had been in a long-term relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. Image: News18 Shortly afterwards, Tej Pratap said that his Facebook account had been hacked. He claimed it was an attempt to defame and harass both him and his family. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav reacted by expelling his elder son from the party for six years, calling his actions irresponsible behaviour. He also said he was cutting off family ties with him. In a statement, he said, Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The activities, public conduct and irresponsible behaviour of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions. With inputs from agencies Their relationship has been unusual. Emmanuel Macron first met his wife Brigitte when he was just 15 and she was a teacher at his school and a mother of three. They fell in love and tied the knot. Now, many years later, their marriage is under scrutiny again after a video emerged of Frances First Lady reportedly shoving the presidents face while disembarking from a plane read more France's President Emmanuel Macron being pushed in the face reportedly by his wife Brigitte Macron as the couple arrived in Vietnam to begin a tour of Southeast Asia, at Noi Bai International Airport, in Hanoi. Reuters Were they just horsing around or did Frances First Lady Brigitte Macron slap husband, Emmanuel Macron, just as they were about to disembark from the plane to start a tour of Southeast Asia? Thats the question everyone was asking after visuals showed two arms in red sleeves reaching out and pushing Macron away with the French president recoiling and turning his head. Then realising he was on camera, he broke into a smile and gave a little wave. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In subsequent visuals, Macron and his wife, wearing a red jacket, appeared at the top of the stairs of the plane. He offers her an arm but she doesnt take it. They then walk down the carpeted stairs side by side. "Oh shit" moment of the week. Emmanuel Macron (47) gets the 2-handed face push from his wife, Brigitte Macron (72). The fake smiles are priceless. pic.twitter.com/mwL52zLrp8 Reality G (@soundreece) May 26, 2025 The incident quickly became headlines in France with daily newspaper Le Parisien asking Slap or squabble? The incident has also once again put the spotlight on the French President Emmanuels relationship with Brigitte, which began in the most scandalous of manners she was the teacher of his drama club in school. As people continue to discuss and debate the latest slapgate, we take a look at the scandalous relationship between Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When boy met teacher, and they fell in love It was the year 1993; a 15-year-old Emmanuel Macron had just been admitted to La Providence, a private school founded by devout Jesuits in Frances Amiens. It was here that he first met Mme Auziere (as Brigitte then was), who was the extrovert Latin, French and theatre teacher. Interestingly, Laurence, the daughter of Brigitte (she was married to a banker then), returned home from school one day raving about the talents of a classmate who was a crazy boy who knows everything about everything. She then met him when the 15-year-old Macron played the lead role in a school play Jacques and his Master, by the deeply philosophical Czech writer Milan Kundera. The teen then asked the 40-year-old mother of three if she would help rewrite sections of the play The Art of Comedy by Eduardo De Filippo, to expand it to include 15 new roles. And thats when the love began to bloom. The two met every other Friday to discuss the script and slowly but steadily they became infatuated with each other. The now French First Lady later admitted, Little by little, I was won over by his intelligence. A young Emmanuel Macron with his teacher, Brigitte Trogneux Auziere, then 24 years his senior and a married mother-of-three children. Image Courtesy: France 3 As rumours began to circulate over their romance, Brigitte then convinced a 17-year-old Emmanuel to go to Paris to finish his schooling. But even as he left, Emmanuel vowed to Brigitte, Whatever you do, I will marry you! STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And it seems that the 17-year-old held true to his words and in 2007 when he was just 29 years old, he tied the knot with 54-year-old Brigitte in the upmarket town of Le Touquet the same place where she had married her previous husband 33 years earlier. Brigitte wore a short white dress. Her three children attended as well as other family members and Emmanuels own parents. Each and every one of you is a witness to these last 13 years, said Macron in a toast to his bride and new family. And you have accepted us. You have made us what we are today I want to thank you for loving us the way we are, and I want to thank Brigittes children because this has not been easy for them. Macrons gay rumours surface Once married, the couple focused on Emmanuel Macrons political ambitions. Brigitte quit her job as a teacher and began working as his main consultant when he became finance minister in the government of Francois Hollande in 2014. She stood firmly by his side when he launched his presidential campaign, weathering all sorts of attacks from the media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron, kisses his wife Brigitte Trogneux in 2017. File image/Reuters One such attack was that Brigitte was actually a cover-up for Emmanuel, who they claimed was a homosexual. Emmanuel strongly rejected these claims, telling supporters his wife Brigitte shares my whole life. Any reports of a double life were not about him but his hologram, he joked. And in 2017, at age 39, Emmanuel was elected the president of France, becoming the countrys youngest leader ever. Speaking on the age difference theres a 25 year age gap between the two Brigitte then told Elle France, There are times in your life where you need to make vital choices. Of course, we have breakfast together, me and my wrinkles, him with his youth, but its like that. But thats not all. The relationship suffered another blow when rumours emerged that Brigitte was actually a man , named Jean-Michel, who had transitioned into a woman. However, this claim was found to be totally untrue and the two women who had perpetuated this lie were ordered by the court to pay 8,000 in damages to Frances first lady. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Slapgate hits Macrons And with the visuals of French President Emmanuel Macron being apparently shoved in the face on Sunday has once again reignited rumours of discord in the relationship. However, the French leader has dismissed these as just rumours, insisting that the couple was just joking around and everyone needs to calm down. We are horsing around and, really, joking with my wife, he said, adding that the incident was being overblown: It becomes a sort of geo-planetary catastrophe. Frances President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron pose for photos during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi. The leader has laughed off the visuals of him being shoved, saying they were horsing around. Reuters He added that other videos had been misinterpreted, like ones purportedly showing him sharing a bag of cocaine or confronting the Turkish president. None of these are true, he said, and everyone needs to calm down. His office issued a similar response, saying it was a moment of closeness between the pair. His offices statement read: It was a moment where the president and his wife were decompressing one last time before the start of the trip by horsing around. Its a moment of complicity. It was all that was needed to give ammunition to the conspiracy theorists. With inputs from agencies Sri Lanka is running desperately short of salt. Social media is flooded with pictures of empty shelves, while citizens are complaining about having to spend days searching for the staple. But what happened and why? And how is India helping? read more Sri Lanka is running desperately short of salt. While the situation is tinged with irony given the fact that the country is surrounded by the sea on all sides, it is no laughing matter for the citizens of the island nation. This is just the latest crisis to hit Sri Lanka over the past few years. People in Sri Lanka have had to struggle with a shortage of food, medicine and fuel since 2022. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what happened? What do we know? How is India helping? Lets take a closer look: What happened? As per The Independent, social media is flooded with pictures of empty supermarket shelves. There is a severe shortage of salt. Supermarket shelves are running out of salt and consumers are getting frustrated, Jamila Husain, editor of Daily Mirror, wrote on X. Consumers in Sri Lanka are having to spend days hunting for salt. Had to hunt for salt for the past few days and finally found salt in Boralasgamuwa. Another day in Sri Lanka, one citizen wrote on social media. The lucky who find it end up having to pay double the market price. As per Organiser.org, citizens are having to shell out as much as Rs 145 per kilo for salt. Why is this happening? As per The Independent, the salt shortage in Sri Lanka is due to domestic production crashing. As per AsiaNews.it, salt production in Sri Lanka usually takes place in March-April and October-November. But heavy rainfall and lack of sufficient light since mid-March has caused output to plummet at the Hambantota, Elephant Pass and Puttalam salterns. The incessant rains have also washed away 15,000 kilos of harvested salt that was ready to be collected. Puttalam alone provides 60 per cent of the countrys domestic output, as per Organiser.org. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A vendor mixes fruits with spices and salt to sell customers at a stall in Colombo. Sri Lanka requires180,000 metric tonnes of salt eveyr year. Reuters A 50 kilo bag of salt at Puttalam, which used to be sold for Rs 420, is now being sold for close to Rs 2000. The Independent quoted trade minister Wasantha Samarasinghe as saying, They expected to get a harvest in March, and then in May. But in May also production has broken down due to rain. As per Tamil Guardian, the Elephant Pass and Kurunchativu salterns prior to 1990 would produce 85,000 metric tonnes of salt annually. However, the armed conflict in Sri Lanka caused production to decline in both these salterns. Production at the Elephant Pass stopped entirely after it was captured by The Liberation Tigers (LTTE). Today, the Elephant Pass produces just 20,000 tonnes of salt annually. As per Organiser.org, Sri Lankas current salt demand is estimated at 180,000 metric tonnes. But the salt industry produces only between 135,000 and 140,000 metric tonnes per year enough to meet 60 to 65 per cent of domestic demand. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How is India helping? India has extended a hand towards Sri Lanka in its time of need. New Delhi has sent Colombo over 3000 metric tons of salt, as per Organiser.org. Of this, 2,800 metric tonnes were provided by Indian government-owned salt firms. The rest 250 metric tonnes were bought from private Indian firms. (File) Sri Lankas President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands. India has extended a hand towards Sri Lanka in its time of need. Reuters Indias Ministry of Commerce and the diplomatic machine in Colombo are coordinating the delivery. Some have expressed frustration with the situation. Its ironic that an island nation surrounded by the ocean continues to face recurring salt shortages. And once again, for something as basic as salt, were turning to India just as we do for fuel, medicines, and other essentials, academic Dr Chandana Wickaramasinghe wrote on X. According to data, around 6 million Sri Lankans, nearly a third of the countrys population, faced food insecurity during the prolonged economic crisis. But others are grateful. Indias support during our worst criseseconomic, medical, or now climatichas been unwavering, a senior Sri Lankan bureaucrat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Organiser.org. This is what a real neighbourhood-first policy looks like. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sri Lankas politicians said they were left facing no choice. Given the failed harvest, we had no choice but to import salt despite our efforts to support the local industry, Samarasinghe was quoted as saying by The Independent. Sri Lanka in January bought 35,000 tonnes of salt from India the first time it had done so in 15 years. Interestingly, Samarasinghe on Monday said his country had not relaxed the import ban on salt due to requests from the industry. We first imported about 12,500 tonnes of salt, Samarasinghe was quoted as saying by EconomyNext.com. The salt producers association told us not to bring any more salt after we brought the 12,000 tonnes. Previous administrations in Sri Lanka had placed import controls on salt. With inputs from agencies King Charles III is in Canada to deliver a speech from the throne in Ottawa as the Canadian parliament is set to open. French President Emmanuel Macron will be on a two-day visit to Indonesia from today, while an all-party parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will visit Panama read more Britains King Charles III is set to deliver a speech from the throne in Ottawa. File image/AP It is set to be a busy Tuesday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, King Charles will be in Canada to deliver a speech from the throne in Ottawa as the Canadian parliament is set to open. Meanwhile, NSA Ajit Doval is likely to visit Russia to attend the 13th International Meeting of NSAs on Security Issues. French President Emmanuel Macron will be on a two-day visit to Indonesia from today. An all-party Parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will visit Panama today. Meanwhile, Frances National Assembly is set to vote on proposed laws concerning palliative care and assisted dying in the country today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that is likely to take place throughout the day. King Charles III to deliver throne speech as Canada parliament opens Britains King Charles III is on a visit to Canada to deliver the speech from the throne in Ottawa. The 76-year-old monarch has accepted an invitation from Canadas newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney, even amid notwithstanding the monarchs ongoing treatment for cancer. This address will signify the official opening of Canadas new parliament and will delineate the governments legislative agenda. Traditionally, the throne speech is read by the governor general, the monarchs official representative in Canada. The last time a British monarch delivered it was in 1977, when Queen Elizabeth II visited the country. The visit comes at a time of rising tensions between Canada and the United States, after US President Donald Trump suggested making Canada the 51st state and raising tariffs on Canadian goods. Emmanuel Macron to visit Indonesia French President Emmanuel Macron will be visit Indonesia for two days beginning May 27. Indonesias Foreign Minister earlier stated that Chinese Premier Li Qiang will also be present during that time. The two leaders will hold talks with Indonesias President Prabowo Subianto. Indonesias Foreign Minister Sugiono earlier said, The plan will be to have President Macron visiting Indonesia after the Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur. Prior to that, there will also be a visit from the prime minister of China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also confirmed Lis trip to Indonesia in April following his meeting with President Prabowo. Shashi Tharoor-led all-party delegation in Panama An all-party Parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will visit Panama from Tuesday (May 27) to convey Indias strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The delegation will reach there from Guyana. During the three-day visit, the delegation will interact with Panamanian leadership and key interlocutors from the media, strategic community, Indian community and diaspora and friends of India in Panama, the Embassy of India in Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica posted on X. https://twitter.com/IndiainPanama/status/1926842659273924705 France to vote on palliative care and assisted dying bills Frances National Assembly is set to vote on two significant end-of-life bills today, namely access to palliative care and to legalise assisted dying under specific conditions. The assisted dying bill proposes allowing adults suffering from serious, incurable conditions causing unbearable physical or psychological suffering to request medical assistance in dying. Patients would be required to self-administer a lethal substance, with medical assistance permitted if they are physically unable to do so. The palliative care bill aims to establish an enforceable right to palliative care, ensuring that all patients have access to comprehensive end-of-life support. This initiative addresses the current shortfall in palliative care services, as highlighted in a July 2023 report by the Court of Audit, which noted that only half of the needs in this area are presently met. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies On May 27, 1964, Jawaharlal Nehru, the prime minister of India, passed away after suffering a heart attack at age 74. Nehru is widely known as the architect of modern India and one of the most important leaders of the Indian freedom movement. He had been at the helm for 17 years guiding the country in the backdrop of monumental events including the US-Soviet Cold War and the 1962 War with China read more Jawaharlal Nehru, also known as Pandit Nehru, was the architect of modern India. One of the most monumental moments in Indias history took place on May 27, 1964. Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, passed away after suffering a heart attack at age 74. Nehru, also known as Pandit Nehru, was the architect of modern India. In in the pantheons of Indias greatest politicians, he remains a titan. 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 Nehru passes away On the day he died, Jawaharlal Nehru was prime minister of India and a towering national figure. It was the position he had held for 17 straight years since the countrys Independence in 1947. Nehru was born into a Kashmiri Brahmin family in in Allahabad on November 14, 1889 . His father, Motilal Nehru, was a well-known lawyer and leader of the Independence Movement. He also knew Mahatma Gandhi. Nehru was first educated at home. He was then sent abroad first to Harrow and then to Trinity College in Cambridge. He was not a top student. I have become a queer mixture of East and West, out of place everywhere, at home nowhere, Nehru wrote of his time abroad. On returning to India, Nehru got married to Kamala Kaul. Their only child, Indira, would go on to serve as prime minister. But that came later. Nehru over the next couple of decades became one of the most important leaders of the Indian political movement. He also became close to Mahatma Gandhi and was widely seen as the heir apparent to the movement. On August 15, 1947, Nehru became Independent Indias first prime minister. Lord Louis Mountbatten, viceroy of India, discusses Britains partition plan with Jawaharlal Nehru and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. File image/AP For the next 17 years, Nehru would guide India through monumental events including the Cold War between US and the Soviet Union and the 1962 War with China pursuing a path of non-alignment and policies known as Nehruvian socialism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He died with his daughter Indira at his side. Nehrus death was greeted by massive shock from by his fellow politicians. The prime minister is no more. The light is out, an emotional C Subramaniam, a Cabinet minister, told Parliament. Incidentally, Nehru had used the very same phrase the light is out while announcing Gandhijis death. His demise plunged India its writers, intellectuals, thinkers and the public at large into a profound sorrow. Nehru, to this day, remains one of the most important and influential politics India has ever seen. Golden Gate bridge opens Also, on May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened for the first time to the public. The bridge, which had been under construction for five years, was a massive undertaking. Over 200,000 people came to gape at the 4,200 square foot suspension bridge connecting San Francisco and Marin County. Work on the bridge began on January 5, 1933 during the Great Depression. A decade had passed after bridge engineer Joseph Strauss had first proposed building a suspension bridge for around $27 million. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Five years after work began, the Golden Gate Bridge was opened on May 27, 1937, becoming the longest bridge span in the world at the time. File image/Reuters Strauss, who was later elected chief engineer of the project, would be ably assisted by consulting engineer Leon S. Moisseiff, architect Irving F Morrow, and others. Moisseiff and Morrows contributions cannot be understated. After all, it was Moisseiff who convinced Strauss to build a simple suspension bridge. Morrow and his wife Gertrude, meanwhile, developed the look of the bridge. Morrow also aided in choosing the Golden Gate Bridges famed colour international orange. But the work came at a cost. In all, 11 men died during the work on the bridge. At the time of its opening, it was the worlds longest bridge. It would hold that record till 1964. The Golden Gate Bridge stands to this day as an engineering marvel. Every year, thousands of people from around the world still come to San Francisco to admire it. This Day, That Year 1660: Denmark and Sweden signed the Treaty of Copenhagen, bringing an end to the major conflict between the two powers. The treaty, alongside the Treaty of Roskilde, determined the modern boundaries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. 1679: England passed the Habeas Corpus law putting a dent in the right of kings. The law, which translates to you shall have the body, arguably remains the cornerstone of legal jurisprudence for democracies around the world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 1897: Bram Stokers Dracula went on sale in London. The Irish writer is said to have based the character on Prince Vlad III of Wallachia also known as Vlad The Impaler. From Buffy The Vampire Slayer to Blade and Twilight, the hold of vampires on Pop culture has never since waned. 1933: Disney releases its animated movie Three Little Pigs. The whimsical musical, which preceded Walt Disneys masterpiece Snow White by four years, was a major hit and influenced the direction of the entire animation industry for years to come. India is accelerating its development of the fifth-generation fighter jets with Rajnath Singh approving the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model. It will boost the nations aerial capabilities at a time when threats from Pakistan and China continue to rise read more Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given the approval for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme execution model. Image Courtesy: @DefenceMinIndia/X Indias Air Force just got a huge boost. The Narendra Modi government has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme execution model to bolster the countrys aerial combat capabilities. On Tuesday (May 27), the Defence Ministry said that Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model. In a significant push towards enhancing Indias indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model, it said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The decision comes amid Operation Sindoor, when India launched military strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and also neutralised drones and missiles fired from across the border. It also comes at a time when the nuclear-abled Islamabad is looking to acquire at least 40 J-35A stealth fifth-generation jets from China. But what do we know of fifth-generation fighter jets? What are fifth-generation fighter jets? While fifth generation jets are quite a buzzword, what does it actually mean? Simply put, fifth generation fighter jets are stealthier than traditional fighter jets. They are designed to have superior situational awareness and get the first shot in any engagement. According to Business Insider, only aircraft with features such as stealth capabilities which can cruise at supersonic speeds without engaging its afterburners can be classified as fifth-generation fighters. As of now, only a few countries are capable of making these fighters; they are the United States, China and Russia. Two US Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth jet fighters fly near Andersen Air Force Base. The F-22 are among the few fifth-generation fighter jets in the world. File image/Reuters As of today, the US has the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Meanwhile, the Russian fifth-gen jet is the Sukhoi Su-57 and it was introduced into service in 2019. A single- seater jet, it is armed with air-to-air, air-to-ground, anti-ship as well as anti-radiation missiles. China also boasts of the Chengdu J-20 , which also goes by the name of Mighty Dragon. Other countries such as South Korea and Turkey are also developing their own fifth-generation aircraft. According to reports, at least 40 of South Koreas KAI KF-X is to be delivered by 2028 and a total of 120 aircraft is to be deployed by 2032. Turkey is expected to induct its TAI TF-X planes by 2030. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is Indias fifth-gen the AMCA? Indias answer to fifth generation fighter jets is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme (AMCA), which has been in the pipeline since 2010. According to those in the know, the AMCA is a 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft having advanced stealth features to avoid detection by enemy radar. According to Dr Krishna Rajendra Neeli, project director of AMCA at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Indias fifth-gen fighter would be on par or even superior to other aircraft in use globally. It is expected to be able to carry up to four long-range air-to-air missiles and several precision-guided munitions, with a payload of 1,500 kg, Indian Express reports. Moreover, the AMCA will also include a Divertless Supersonic Intake, which has been produced in India for the first time, as per a report by The Hindu. A full-scale model of the AMCA at Aero India 2025. PIB Last year, in March, the PM-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had approved the development of five prototypes of the twin-engine AMCA at an initial cost of Rs 15,000 crore. The clock is now ticking on AMCA with the ADA committed to delivering the jets prototype by 2031, and the series production is slated to start by 2035. We have fixed a 10-year timeline, starting today. After the first prototype is developed, we will go in for series production, which should commence by 2035, a source was quoted as telling The Print. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its important to note that the development of Indias fifth-gen fighter follows the same timeline as the US thats because of the technological hurdles that are expected along the way. As the Economic Times said, Indias fifth gen doesnt just require stealth airframe design, but also innovations in propulsion, electronic warfare, and integrated battle networks. Now, with the Defence Ministry giving the green light for the AMCA programme execution model, the ADA will seek a partner, be it state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or private companies, like TATA, Adani, L&T. The Execution Model approach provides equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on a competitive basis. They can bid either independently or as joint ventures or as consortia, read a statement released by the defence ministry. The entity/bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country. Why is it crucial for India to have a fifth-gen fighter jet? Its essential that India moves quickly on the development of the fifth-generation aircraft. This is because the Indian Air Force is currently grappling with just 30-32 fighter squadrons, against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. Moreover, at least eight more squadrons are slated for retirement over the next 10 years. Theres also the fact that India is facing a number of rising threats; theres Pakistan that is building up its arsenal with the help of China and Turkey as was evident during Operation Sindoor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, Beijing continues to be a menace and they boast of a highly advanced air force with not only fifth-generation fighter jets but also reportedly building and carrying out trial of its sixth-generation aircraft. The AMCA project will further boost Indias defence creation capability and prove to the world that it is not dependent on others for its security. The project will give a thrust to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Make in India idea. Footage of Chinas J-36 test flight that circulated online. Image Courtesy: X What do we know of Chinas 6G fighters? While India is moving forward with its fifth-generation fighters, China is already surged ahead with testing their new sixth-generation fighter prototypes. According to reports, there are two being tested out one reportedly developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation with its serial number suggesting it had been designated as the J-36, and another featuring V-shaped wings and twin engines that analysts have provisionally named the J-50. Notable features of these jets was that they had a tailless design and a rare three-engine setup. As Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told South China Morning Post, The three-engine configuration is interesting, considering that the J-36 is a large aircraft, almost the size of a modern bomber, which would need high-performance engines with long-range and high payload characteristics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its important to note that joint sixth-generation fighter projects are also underway in other countries Britain, Japan, and Italy are collaborating on the Global Combat Air Programme, while France, Germany, and Spain are working on the Future Combat Air System. With inputs from agencies Conflicting claims have emerged over whether Hamas and Israel have agreed to a new ceasefire and hostage deal. While some Palestinian officials assert a 70-day truce is in place, Israeli and US authorities deny any agreement has been finalised read more Conflicting reports have emerged over whether a new ceasefire and hostage deal between Hamas and Israel is on the verge of being finalised. On Monday, a Palestinian official familiar with Hamas position stated that the group had agreed to a proposal relayed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff . According to this official, the offer involves the release of 10 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in two phases in exchange for a 70-day ceasefire and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The agreement, reportedly delivered to Hamas through mediators, also includes the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, including many serving long-term sentences. However, these claims were quickly rejected by both Israeli and US officials. Witkoff himself told Reuters the plan being referenced was completely unacceptable and denied that Hamas had accepted any deal he authored. He pointed out that the plan circulating was not his own. What I have seen is completely unacceptable, Witkoff reiterated to CNN. That deal is on the table. Hamas should take it. A senior Israeli official echoed this sentiment, calling the reported framework impossible for any Israeli government to accept. The official further described the terms as undermining Israels ability to secure the release of its citizens and defeat Hamas militarily. The Israeli government insists that any ceasefire must be temporary and tied directly to the release of hostages not a step toward a permanent cessation of hostilities under current conditions. What are the key terms of the reported proposal While the specifics of the deal remain disputed, various reports have outlined several proposed elements. Palestinian sources claim the following points are under consideration: A 70-day ceasefire, negotiated through mediators, with American supervision. The release of 10 Israeli hostages, five on the first day of the agreement and another five after 60 days. Israeli withdrawal to positions it held two months prior. Comprehensive humanitarian aid entry into Gaza. A phased prisoner exchange, with Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinian inmates. Some reports also mention symbolic gestures such as the deal being signed by senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya and US envoy Witkoff, followed by a handshake a condition rejected outright by Israeli officials. An earlier version of the deal, reportedly suggested by Hamas, called for a 90-day ceasefire. This was countered by a 60-day proposal from the US, with both sides eventually settling on a 70-day duration in the latest iteration, according to sources cited by the Lebanese network Al-Mayadeen and Egypts Al-Rad. Despite the multiple versions circulating, Israeli leadership insists that the proposal diverges significantly from the US-initiated framework they are willing to consider. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is inconceivable that Hamas would decide whether we receive another five hostages two months from now, while we are forced to negotiate how we receive the bodies of others during that period, said an Israeli official. No government in Israel would agree to this. How ceasefire talks have fared so far Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy appointed by US President Donald Trump, has emerged as a key figure in the latest mediation attempts. Speaking to CNN, Witkoff stated that he would oversee the negotiations for a permanent ceasefire if an initial temporary truce and hostage release deal is accepted. Israel will agree to a temporary ceasefire/hostage deal that would see half of the living and half of the deceased return and lead to substantive negotiations to find a path to a permanent ceasefire, which I have agreed to preside over, he said. Witkoff clarified that while Hamas has not yet accepted his version of the deal, the offer remains open. Meanwhile, Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American businessman with past ties to Trumps 2024 campaign, has served as an unofficial backchannel, reported CNN. Bahbah has met with Hamas officials in Doha and has reportedly played a key role in coordinating the proposal now under discussion. Trump himself addressed the crisis, stating, We want to see if we can stop it. We spoke with Israel, and we want to see if we can stop this whole situation as soon as possible. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, according to US officials speaking to CNN, Witkoff has not held direct talks with Hamas. The lack of direct communication has contributed to confusion over the authenticity and status of the proposal in question. What the current situation in Gaza is Even as ceasefire talks continue, the situation on the ground has grown more volatile. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued evacuation orders for much of southern Gaza, including the entire city of Khan Younis and its surroundings. The orders direct civilians to relocate to Al-Mawasi, a narrow stretch along the Mediterranean, which is already overcrowded and lacking infrastructure. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adree described Khan Younis as a dangerous fighting zone that has been warned several times. According to Israeli military officials, the IDF now intends to occupy up to 75 per cent of Gaza within two months as part of its expanded campaign. The Philadelphi Corridor a 14-kilometre buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border is reportedly already under Israeli control. With five divisions currently operating inside the strip, Israeli forces are pushing deeper into Palestinian territory. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, visiting troops in Khan Younis, told them, You are fighting on the central front of the state of Israel. This is a prolonged, multi-arena war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier this week, three rockets were fired from southern Gaza. Two fell within the territory itself, while a third was intercepted. Hamas has claimed that Israels intensified military activity now controls roughly 77 per cent of the territory, either directly or by cutting off civilian access to homes and essential areas. How international pressure is mounting As the humanitarian toll mounts with nearly 54,000 Palestinians killed according to Gaza health officials and widespread reports of severe malnutrition Israel faces growing international scrutiny. The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, according to Israeli counts. In recent weeks, allies such as the United Kingdom, Canada and France have increased pressure on Israel. London has paused trade negotiations and sanctioned violent settlers in the West Bank, while Paris and Ottawa have warned of sanctions. The European Union is reviewing its longstanding trade agreement with Israel. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz added to the criticism, stating on national broadcaster ARD, The actions of the Israeli military in Gaza can no longer be justified on the grounds of a fight against Hamas terrorism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Still, not all voices are critical. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem met with Netanyahu over the weekend and expressed support for the Israeli governments handling of the war. According to the Israeli Government Press Office, she praised Netanyahus leadership during her visit. Where the ceasefire talks stand Despite the public rhetoric, little tangible progress appears to have been made in the negotiations. Two Israeli officials told CNN that there has been no progress in the talks and that Hamas continued to hold firm in its refusal. One clarified that any breakthrough could happen only if Hamas aligns with the Israeli position. Netanyahu also addressed the issue on social media, saying, I very much hope well have something to announce on that front. And if not today, then tomorrow we are not giving up. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Moti Ram Jat, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, has been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly sharing sensitive information related to national security with Pakistan intelligence officers (PIOs). He is also being questioned for a possible link to the Pahalgam terror attack, as he was posted there just days before the incident. Six days after his transfer, terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists, killing 26 people read more Moti Ram Jat had recently been posted in Pahalgam. Six days after his transfer, the terror attack took place. AP/File Photo A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan has been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly sharing sensitive details with Pakistan intelligence officers. The jawan, identified as Moti Ram Jat, was said to be involved in spying and had been sharing important information related to national security with Pakistan intelligence officers (PIOs) since 2023, according to officials. The Special Court at Patiala House has sent him to NIA custody until June 6. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | Notably, security agencies have been stepping up their actions against espionage . In the past two weeks, more than 15 people have been arrested from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh after the terror attack in Pahalgam. Who is the CRPF jawan, and what kind of information did he share? What steps are security agencies taking against espionage activities? We explain below. Heres a look: Who is Moti Ram Jat? The NIA arrested CRPF jawan Moti Ram Jat for allegedly sharing sensitive details linked to national security with Pakistan intelligence officers in exchange for money since 2023, according to officials. Sources told CNN-News18 that Jat was serving as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in the 116th Battalion of the CRPF before being transferred. The NIA, which arrested him in Delhi, said Jat had been receiving money from Pakistani officials through different routes. He is currently being questioned. He was sent to NIA custody until June 6 by the Special Court at Patiala House. On the same day, the CRPF dismissed him from service with immediate effect. The Special Court at Patiala House has sent him to NIA custody until June 6. AFP/Representational Image According to reports, Jat made contact with Pakistani handlers through social media. Investigators found that a Pakistani handler transferred several lakh rupees to the bank account of his wife. The CRPF launched an internal inquiry after noticing unusual online activity following Operation Sindoor. After four days of questioning, Jat was removed from service and handed over to the NIA on May 21. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The agency has accused him of passing on intelligence about security force movements and the locations of key installations to Pakistani handlers. He has been booked under sections 15 (pertaining to terror act), 16 (punishment for terror act), and 18 (conspiracy and related acts) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Hindustan Times reported. Notably, the CRPF is the countrys largest paramilitary force. In Jammu and Kashmir, it is responsible for counter-terrorism and maintaining public order. Reports claimed Jat was honey-trapped in 2023. Pakistani officials, pretending to be a woman, contacted him on social media and later obtained details such as convoy movements, The Hindu reported. During the monitoring, it was found that 3,000 had been deposited in his (the Assistant Sub-Inspectors) account per month from a foreign account, which raised the red flags, an official told the publication. Moti Ram Jat is being questioned by NIA officials, who are looking into how far the espionage network reaches and whether he has any connection to the Pahalgam attack, reports said. The claims come at a time when he had recently been posted in Pahalgam. Six days after his transfer, terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists, killing 26 people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the attack, India carried out Operation Sindoor early on May 7. The operation targeted terror-related sites and camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen inside Pakistan. Sources told ThePrint that senior CRPF officers had questioned Moti Ram Jat over his suspicious social media activity. The CRPF is the countrys largest paramilitary force. Reuters/File Photo Indias espionage crackdown The arrest and sacking of the CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector comes at a time when police forces across several states are stepping up efforts to track those accused of passing secret information to Pakistani handlers for money, and individuals pushing Pakistans terror propaganda in Jammu and Kashmir. This month, at least 19 people have been arrested by police in Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. The charges range from leaking sensitive defence-related information to maintaining contact with Pakistani nationals who used illegal means to gather intelligence. Initial investigations suggest a Pakistan-supported spy network operating across northern India. Among those arrested are two women, Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana resident with 3.77 lakh subscribers on YouTube and 1.33 lakh followers on Instagram, and 31-year-old Guzala from Punjab. Both were allegedly in touch with a Pakistani officer named Ehsan-ur-Rahim , also known as Danish, who was posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra travelled to Pakistan several times and documented her visits. Image courtesy: Instagram Danish was expelled by India earlier this month. He was declared persona non grata after being linked to intelligence leaks in Punjab and carrying out activities that went against diplomatic norms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jyoti was sent to judicial custody on Monday after her police remand ended. According to security agencies, she had been in contact with three Pakistani intelligence officials, particularly during times when India had imposed communication blackouts due to heightened alerts under Operation Sindoor. With inputs from agencies An AI-generated deepfake video of the US President Donald Trump urged people to invest in Trump Hotels through an app called Trump Hotel Rentals and promised high returns upon installation. It turned out to be a cyber scam that duped more than 800 people of crores of rupees across Karnataka in the last five to six months read more The scammers lured victims using the US President Donald Trumps name, making the investment scheme called 'The Trump Hotel Rental' seem trustworthy and legitimate. AI-generated representative image An AI-generated video of US President Donald Trump urging you to invest in the Trump Hotel chain, promising a daily return of 3 per cent on your moneysounds like a golden opportunity, right? Unfortunately, its a cleverly disguised cyberscam that has already tricked hundreds of Indians in the state of Karnataka. As reported by The Times of India, over 800 people have fallen prey to this fraud, collectively losing crores of rupees. The scammers lured victims using the US Presidents name, making the investment scheme seem trustworthy and legitimate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Many of the duped investors are now seeking help from the police to recover their hard-earned money. In this explainer, we break down how the scam worked, why it seemed convincing, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling into similar traps. The modus operandi The scam was orchestrated through a mobile app named Trump Hotel Rental, which has since been taken down. Fraudsters used it to lure users with assurances of quick and massive returns, sometimes promising over 100 per cent profits. One such victim, a 38-year-old advocate, lost nearly Rs 6 lakh. He told The Indian Express that he stumbled upon a YouTube video in January 2024. It advertised an investment opportunity in Donald Trump Hotel Rentals and featured what appeared to be Donald Trump himself, offering high returns. Curious and convinced, the man clicked the link in the video, which directed him to download an app. To get started, he was asked to fill out a form with his bank details, including his account number and IFSC code. His first deposit was a modest Rs 1,500, which activated his account and promised a daily return of 3 per cent. At first, the scheme deliveredhe received small daily payouts, which made the offer look genuine. The scam was orchestrated through a mobile app named Trump Hotel Rental, which has since been taken down. Fraudsters used it to lure users with assurances of quick and massive returns. Representative image. Reuters I was paid Rs 30 every day, and I was allowed to withdraw it after the total earnings crossed Rs 300. As the money was being paid on time and I could withdraw it, they started asking me to invest more. It started with Rs 5,000 and ended at Rs 1,00,000. Finally, they asked me to pay taxes to withdraw the money. But, they did not return it, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to The Times of India, a dashboard on the app showed increasing earnings to the user for each completed task, such as writing company profiles. This made them believe the earnings were genuine. Encouraged by timely payments in the early stages, victims were gradually convinced to invest bigger sums, with assurances of doubling their money within 24 hours. Over 800 people swindled The scam wasnt isolated to a single location. According to the police, it spread across Karnataka, affecting people in Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, Haveri, and other parts of the state. In just five to six months, the fraud managed to dupe more than 800 people. So far, over 200 victims, including the 38-year-old advocate, have come forward to file complaints. Together, they claim to have lost nearly Rs 2 crore through the fraudulent app. Police said several individuals from government departments, law enforcement, and business backgrounds have also fallen prey to the scam. A case has been registered under the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating. Encouraged by timely payments in the early stages of the Trump Hotel Rental scam, victims were gradually convinced to invest bigger sums, with assurances of doubling their money within 24 hours. AI-generated representative image Further, what makes this scam particularly challenging is its high level of sophistication. A senior cybercrime officer in Bengaluru told website The420.in, The fraudsters used sophisticated tools AI, social engineering, and app-based redirection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that tracking the origin of the deepfake videos and dismantling the apps backend is proving difficult, as its reportedly hosted on overseas servers. Investigators are now working closely with national cyber agencies and tech companies to trace the digital infrastructure supporting the scam. However, the use of short-form deepfake videos, combined with frequent changes in the apps name and host, has made the trail difficult to follow. So far, the police have managed to freeze Rs 1.5 lakh in one of the bank accounts where victims money was routed. It has come to light that crores of rupees have been swindled across the country through fake links such as the Trump Hotel Rental scheme, which falsely promises to double your money. The public is urged to reject unknown links and remain vigilant, stated a police release. Authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to avoid clicking on suspicious links and to thoroughly verify any online investment offers before engaging. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The public is urged to reject unknown links and remain vigilant, the police reiterated. With input from agencies On July 2, 2023, Secret Service agents discovered 207.6 milligrammes of cocaine in a plastic bag in a vestibule near the West Wing of the White House. Despite forensic tests, no fingerprints or usable DNA were found. The investigation initially ended in 11 days with no suspect identified. This was when Joe Biden was president. The FBI has now reopened the case read more A barricade with the word "Stop" stands in front of the White House, in Washington, DC, US, November 6, 2024. File Image/Reuters The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reopening its investigation into the controversial discovery of a small bag of cocaine inside the White House complex, a case that has fuelled conspiracy since it was first reported in July 2023. The renewed probe follows a broader initiative by the FBIs new leadership to revisit high-profile, unresolved cases that have drawn significant public interest. Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino confirmed the relaunch of the probe, alongside new efforts into two other unresolved matters: the 2022 leak of the Supreme Courts draft opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organisation, and the January 6, 2021, pipe bombing incident in Washington, DC Bongino announced the decision on X (formerly Twitter), stating: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shortly after swearing in, the Director and I evaluated a number of cases of potential public corruption that, understandably, have garnered public interest. We made the decision to either re-open, or push additional resources and investigative attention, to these cases. Thanks for following this account and allowing us to update you about what were doing at your FBI. A few updates: -The Director and I will have most of our incoming reform teams in place by next week. The hiring process can take a little bit of time, but we are approaching that Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) May 26, 2025 He added that he has requested regular updates: These cases are the DC pipe bombing investigation, the cocaine discovery at the prior administrations White House, and the leak of the Supreme Court Dobbs case. I receive requested briefings on these cases weekly and we are making progress. If you have any investigative tips on these matters that may assist us then please contact the FBI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the post, referring to FBI Director Kash Patel, Bongino revealed that most of our incoming reform teams in place by next week. The hiring process can take a little bit of time, but we are approaching that finish line. This will help us both in doubling down on our reform agenda. The Director and I have done only one media interview together. We decided early on to limit our media footprint overall in order to keep the attention on the work being done. There are both positives and negatives to this approach. We have chosen to communicate, in writing, on this platform to fill some of the inevitable information vacuums. I try to read as much of your feedback as possible but the workday is busy, and my office is a SCIF with limited phone access. In response to feedback, both positive and negative, from our interview last week we will be releasing more information which will further clarify answers to some of the questions asked in the interview, added Bongino. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What was the 2023 White House cocaine incident On the evening of July 2, 2023, the United States Secret Service discovered a small clear plastic bag containing less than a gram of powdered cocaine inside the White House complex. The discovery was made during routine patrols in a vestibule near the West Executive Avenue entrance to the West Wing. This area is frequently used by staff, military personnel, facility workers and tourists who enter on guided tours. Visitors to this section of the White House are instructed to leave mobile phones and personal belongings in cubbies located in the vestibule before entering the secure wing. The vestibule lies between a foyer and a lower-level lobby, an area accessible to a wide range of individuals throughout the day. Upon identifying the substance, the Secret Service temporarily evacuated parts of the White House complex. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) conducted on-scene tests, which initially confirmed the powder to be cocaine. The FBI subsequently took custody of the bag for additional forensic and chemical testing at its laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. The investigation included an extensive review of security protocols, camera footage, visitor logs and forensic testing. According to a Secret Service statement issued in July 2023, no fingerprints were recovered from the packaging and the DNA present was insufficient for comparison to potential suspects. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The FBIs laboratory tests confirmed the contents as 207.6 milligrammes of cocaine. There was no surveillance video footage found that provided investigative leads or any other means for investigators to identify who may have deposited the found substance in this area, the Secret Service said at the time in a statement. Without physical evidence, the investigation will not be able to single out a person of interest from the hundreds of individuals who passed through the vestibule where the cocaine was discovered. At this time, the Secret Services investigation is closed due to a lack of physical evidence. At the time of the discovery, then US President Joe Biden and his family were away at Camp David, a detail the White House cited in dismissing accusations linking them to the drugs. Nonetheless, the incident quickly became a lightning rod for political commentary and innuendo, especially surrounding Hunter Biden. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Haryana Police is currently examining the digital trail of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who is currently under arrest for allegedly spying for Pakistan. The forensic analysis of data obtained from her laptop and mobile phones has unveiled some shocking revelations about her links with Pakistani intelligence operatives read more 'Spy' YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was in direct contact with at least four Pakistani intelligence agents and spoke to them one-on-one. Image courtesy: YouTube/TravelwithJo Haryana Police is currently examining the digital trail of spy YouTuber , who is currently under arrest for allegedly spying for Pakistan. The 33-year-old travel vlogger was taken into custody earlier this month after intelligence agencies raised concerns over her frequent visits to Pakistan and her close interactions with officials from the Pakistan High Commission. She is now in 14-day judicial custody. During the probe, police recovered a staggering 13 terabytes of data from her five mobile phones and laptop. And now, the forensic analysis of that data has unveiled some shocking revelations about her links with Pakistani intelligence operatives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres whats come to light so far. According to a report by NDTV, Malhotra knew that the Pakistani officials she was in touch with worked with Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistans notorious spy agency. Yet, she showed no hesitation or fear while engaging with them. Sources told the outlet that Malhotra was in direct contact with at least four Pakistani intelligence agents and spoke to them one-on-one. These contacts reportedly included individuals named Danish, Ahsan, and Shahid. The Pakistani operatives reportedly provided her with special treatment during her visit to Pakistan, a senior police official told the Hindustan Times, further saying that she was fully aware of their positions, including involvement in intelligence. Security agencies have uncovered that YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was in touch with three Pakistani intelligence officers during Operation Sindoor. Image courtesy: YouTube/@TravelwithJo Authorities are now working to identify the exact designations and roles these Pakistani agents held within the countrys security establishment. Following her arrest, Malhotra reportedly admitted that she had been in touch with a Pakistani officer named Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish. She had first met him at the Pakistan High Commission while applying for a visa to visit the country. Danish was expelled by India earlier this month. He was declared persona non grata after being linked to intelligence leaks in Punjab and engaging in activities that violated diplomatic protocols. 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 Besides Danish, NDTV sources had earlier revealed that Malhotra was in frequent contact with Ali Hasan, a handler working for ISI. Officials said the two were in regular communication, with investigators trying to retrieve WhatsApp chats between them. In one such message, Malhotra had reportedly told Hasan, Get me married in Pakistan, indicating a possible emotional connection with him and Islamabad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heavy security accompanied Malhotra during Pakistan visit In one of her two-month-old videos uploaded on her YouTube channel Travel with Jo, Jyoti Malhotra can be seen under unusually tight security during her visit to Pakistan. Throughout the video, armed men carrying AK-47 rifles shadow her movements, escorting her wherever she goes. Jyoti Malhotra can be seen under unusually tight security during her visit to Pakistan. Throughout the video, armed men carrying AK-47 rifles shadow her movements, escorting her wherever she goes. Image courtesy: YouTube/@TravelWithJo While en route to the Valmiki Mandir in Lahore, Malhotra is seen conversing with a security officer, who remarks, A special door at Shahi Qila (Lahore Fort) was opened for you. It is the oldest door there. Now that you are here, do visit Anarkali Bazar (also in Lahore). As she approached the temple, the streets were heavily manned with security forces dressed in green and black jackets. At one point, some personnel appeared to block off traffic on one end of the roadsomething Malhotra herself described as a chakka jam. Vehicles stopped to allow her to cross. Interestingly, the same guardssome wearing No Fear jacketsalso made an appearance in a video by Scottish YouTuber Callum Mills. In the clip, Mills expressed shock at seeing the heavy security detail around Malhotra in Anarkali Bazar. Look at all the guns she has got surrounding her. Theres about six gunmen surrounding her, he said, adding that such a presence made the area appear unsafe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The kind of security Malhotra received has now come under scrutiny. Haryana Police are investigating who authorised the armed protection, especially since the men in the Anarkali footage werent in uniform and may have been plainclothes officers. Earlier, authorities raised concerns over how she financed these trips, indicating that they may have been sponsored. Her known income sources do not justify her foreign travel. We suspect external funding. On the surface, she was just a travel blogger, said Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan during a press briefing. Malhotra sent to 14-day custody On Monday, Malhotra was sent to 14-day judicial custody in Hisar, Haryana. This comes after she had already completed a four-day police custody period, which ended the day before. She is accused of leaking sensitive information to Pakistan, including details about nationwide power blackouts that took place during Operation Sindoor. She is accused of leaking sensitive information to Pakistan, including details about nationwide power blackouts that took place during Operation Sindoor. Image courtesy: YouTube/@TravelwithJo She was actively communicating with handlers from Pakistan even when there was a communication blackout, a senior intelligence source told The Financial Express. She also allegedly shared information related to the blackouts imposed across North India during the operation. Police suspect that Malhotra was likely developed as an asset by Pakistani handlers. While she had no access to sensitive defence data, officials believe she was instructed to present Pakistan in a positive light through her content. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In modern warfare, the enemy tries to set a positive narrative in its favour. The involvement of Malhotra suggests she helped them in setting narratives. This is how influencers and YouTubers are being roped in, Sawan added. With input from agencies As per the latest update, India has 1,010 active Covid cases, with Kerala leading at 430, followed by Maharashtra with 210, according to Union government data. Amid the recent rise, concerns are growing over booster shots and protective measures like wearing masks and social distancing. With cases climbing, health officials are urging people to follow basic precautions, especially to protect vulnerable groups read more With cases climbing, health officials stress the need to stick to basic precautions. Reuters/File Photo Covid-19 cases have increased across the country, and so have peoples concerns. Do we need booster shots? Is it time to bring back masks? As of Monday, May 26, India has 1,010 active Covid cases. Kerala tops the list with 430 active cases, according to data shared by the Union government. Maharashtra is next with 210 active cases, including 154 reported in the past week. Delhi has reported 99 new cases, taking its total to 104. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | New Covid-19 variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, detected in India: Should you be worried? Should you start wearing a mask again? In this explainer, we look at some of the key questions around the recent surge in Covid cases - whether a booster shot is needed, if masks should be used again, which states are seeing a rise in infections, and whether there is a reason to worry. Lets get you answers to these questions and more. Covid-19 cases in India: Should you get a booster dose and wear masks? It is worth noting that two new coronavirus subvariants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, are being linked to the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in China and parts of Asia, as per reports. The World Health Organization (Who) has placed both variants under its Variants Under Monitoring list. This means they are being closely watched but have not yet been categorised as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. The Health Ministry has confirmed that both variants have been found in the country. They are offshoots of the JN.1 variant. With cases climbing, health officials stress the need to stick to basic precautions, especially to protect vulnerable groups. While symptoms remain mild to moderate in most cases, older adults and those with weak immune systems are still at higher risk of severe illness. As of May 26, India has 1,010 active Covid cases. Reuters/File Photo This has raised fresh concerns around booster vaccines and other protective measures. What do experts think? Has the government issued any new guidance? At the moment, there are no fresh national instructions about booster doses. Health officials maintain that there is no need to panic, but suggest people wear masks, cover their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing, and practise social distancing, especially around those more at risk. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dr Sharad Joshi, Director and Head of Pulmonology and Paediatric Pulmonology, Max Healthcare, told NDTV, Presently there is no recommendation for a vaccine booster dose. We must wait for government guidelines and proper research. On safety measures, he told the media outlet that it is important to wear a mask, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and maintain social distancing. He also advised mask use in crowded or closed spaces and suggested regular handwashing. Dr Piyush Ranjan, a professor at AIIMS, told News18 that booster doses are not urgently needed for everyone. However, they remain important for older adults and those with underlying conditions. Given the mild nature of current cases and the absence of a significant surge in India, booster doses for the general population are not urgently necessary but should be encouraged for those who have not received a booster in over a year, as waning immunity is a key driver of current surges, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Dr Narayana Subramaniam, Senior Consultant and Director of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, and Director of Clinical Innovation at Sparsh Hospitals, told South First that annual Covid-19 vaccines are advised for those at risk of serious illness, especially those over 65. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National IMA COVID Task Force in Kerala, told the publication that another vaccine dose is unlikely to offer long-term protection for most people. By the time a new variant appears, the protection from that dose may no longer be effective. State-wise breakdown of Covid cases in India: Should you be worried? As of Monday, May 26, India has 1,010 active Covid cases. Kerala leads with 430 active cases, according to data from the Union government. Maharashtra follows with 210 active cases, including 154 reported in the past week. Delhi has added 99 new cases, bringing its total to 104. Other states reporting infections include Gujarat (83), Tamil Nadu (69), Karnataka (47), Uttar Pradesh (15), Rajasthan (13), West Bengal (12), Haryana (9), Puducherry (9), Andhra Pradesh (4), Madhya Pradesh (2), Telangana (1), Chhattisgarh (1), and Goa (1). On Friday, the Delhi government issued an advisory asking hospitals to be ready, ensuring beds, oxygen supplies, essential medicines, and working equipment like ventilators and BiPAP machines are available. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said there is no need to panic about Covid-19 cases and reassured that hospitals are prepared if cases rise. We have details of the Covid-19 cases. Our hospitals have all the facilities. We have also issued an advisory, she said. We have analysed the scenario and there is no panic situation. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Monday that the current virus strain is not serious but urged caution. We should be prepared for everything. There should be no problem for oxygen, ventilators, testing kits and wards. Their availability must be ensured, he said. Health officials have said that most current cases are mild and are being treated at home. For now, experts say there is no cause for panic, but staying alert, especially to protect vulnerable groups, is important. Three ICG capital ships and a pollution response vessel were deployed to contain a potential marine disaster after MSC ELSA 3 sank near Alappuzha. Tug boats aided in recovering 29 cargo containers and floating debris off Keralas coast. read more Three capital ships, ICG Samarth, ICG Saksham, and ICG Vikram, were deployed off the coast of Kochi on Monday, and a pollution response vessel sailed from Mumbai to help prevent a marine disaster caused by chemical and oil-laden containers washing ashore from the Liberian ship MSC ELSA 3, which capsized and sank near Thottappally harbour in Alappuzha the previous morning. Tug boats were also used in the rapid response to transport the 29 cargo containers and other debris, including thermocol, powder, and textiles, that had been detected floating off the coast of Kerala. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Union shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who took stock of the response at a meeting with the DG and secretary of shipping, wrote on X that all efforts were focused on complete salvage of marine fuel and other hazardous materials transported in the containers. The pollution response vessel Sagar Prahari is en route to the site. Regular aerial surveillance is being carried out using Dornier aircraft equipped with the MSS 6000 system to monitor any oil spillage. All four company representatives of MSC have arrived in Kochi, he said. The DG of Shipping is investigating the circumstances behind the Liberian vessels catastrophic 26-degree list (tilt) towards the starboard side while it was around 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi. The vessel sank 14.6 nautical miles off Thottappally at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday. The logbook should say if there were any collisions or other impediments on the way. When exactly they realised the listing should find mention too, an official stated. The mercantile marine department in Kochi has previously issued a pollution responsibility notice to the vessel owners, M/s MSC, under the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. MSC has engaged TT Salvage to handle container recovery, oil removal, and environmental cleanup. CM Pinarayi Vijayan called another emergency meeting on Monday to assess the situation, following which his office announced a set of actions aimed at protecting the coastal population, avoiding an environmental disaster, and coordinating response mechanisms including state and national agencies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Through his speeches, the Indian prime minister has time and again addressed the Pakistani population directly, giving them a reality check about the situation of their country and motivating the youth to speak out against state-sponsored terrorism read more Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent remarks on Pakistan have not only reached its leadership but also reverberated among the common people of the country. Through his speeches, the Indian prime minister has time and again addressed the Pakistani population directly, giving them a reality check about the situation of their country and motivating the youth to speak out against state-sponsored terrorism. PM Modis relationship, however, has not been this sour with Pakistan. It began on a positive note with PM Modi inviting Nawaz Sharif, among other heads of state, for his first swearing-in in May 2014. He also made an unplanned stopover in Lahore on the way home from Afghanistan in December 2015. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 2016 and 2019 terror attacks were a turning point when the prime minister started to call out Pakistans backing for terrorism publicly. Here are all the instances when PM Modi gave a direct message to Pakistanis from the comfort of his home ground, India. 2025 During a public meeting in Gujarats Kutch yesterday, PM Modi said, I want to ask the people of Pakistan, What have you achieved? India has become the fourth largest economy in the world. What is your condition? Who ruined the future of your children? The perpetrators of terrorism, the Pakistani army, have their own agenda. Your govt and your army are supporting terrorism. It has become their means of income. The youth and children of Pakistan have to decide whether they are on the right track. To free Pakistan from terrorism, its people, its youth need to come forward. They can choose to lead a peaceful life; else, my bullet is there against terror, he added. In a podcast with Lex Fridman in March this year, PM Modi said, I believe even the people of Pakistan long for peace because even they must be weary of living in strife and unrest, they must have grown weary of relentless terror where even innocent children are killed and countless lives are destroyed. 2024 Last year in May, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar said that India should respect Pakistan as it yields nuclear weapons. Replying to his controversial comments, PM Modi said, I have personally visited Lahore to check how powerful it is, seemingly referring to his 2015 trip to Lahore. 2021 That year, PM Modi wrote a letter to former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and although it was not a direct communication to the citizens of the country, the letter proposed steps for good ties between the two nations. As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative, he said in the letter. 2016 This was the year when India conducted the Uri surgical strikes to avenge the deaths of Indian soldiers at an Army base. Talking directly to Pakistani people, PM Modi told them to ask their rulers why Pakistan was exporting terrorism at a time when India was exporting software. I want to say that India is a ready for a war India is a ready for a war on poverty. Let both countries fight to see who would eradicate poverty first I want to tell the youth of Pakistan, lets have a war on ending unemployment I want to call out to the children in Pakistan, lets declare war on illiteracy. Lets see who wins. Lets declare war on infant mortality and maternal deaths, he further said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the same year, PM Modi addressed India on the occasion of Independence Day but his message was also directed at the people of Balochistan. He said, People of Balochistan,Gilgit and PoK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) have thanked me a lot in past few days, I am grateful to them, referring to one of his earlier remarks against the Pakistani government for the atrocities against the community. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was flown by Army helicopter on Monday to avoid large protests for his short 6 km journey from Imphal airport to Raj Bhawan. read more Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was airlifted in an Army helicopter on Monday to avoid major protests on his way from Imphal airport to Raj Bhawan, just six kilometres away. The protests were led by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), with hundreds of people forming a human chain on Tiddim Road to oppose the removal of the states name from a government bus. The protest stretched about 5.5 km from Imphal airport to Keishampat Junction, with many students taking part. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was part of a larger state-wide agitation led by COCOMI, which is demanding a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the immediate removal or transfer of Chief Secretary PK Singh, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, and DGP Rajiv Singh. The anger was sparked by a May 20 incident when a Manipur State Transport bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival was stopped by central forces, who allegedly ordered the word Manipur to be removed from the bus. The move was seen as an insult to the states identity. Governor Bhalla, who had flown to New Delhi on May 21 with Chief Secretary PK Singh, returned to Imphal today. The reason for his visit to the capital has not been made public. As news of his return spread, fresh protests broke out along the route. Demonstrators held banners saying, Governor must tender apology to the people of Manipur COCOMI and Apologise to Manipur or leave Manipur. Heavy security was deployed along the protest route, but to avoid any clashes, the Governor and the Chief Secretary were flown by helicopter and landed inside the secure Kangla Fort. From there, Bhalla continued to Raj Bhavan. The southwest monsoon hit the city on Monday, causing widespread waterlogging and bringing local train and metro services to a halt. However, after a night of heavy rain, there were no immediate reports of waterlogging in the city on May 27, while local train services have resumed read more Mumbai woke up to light showers on Tuesday morning, giving some respite to its residents after a day of heavy downpour, as the Indian Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for the city today. The southwest monsoon hit the city on Monday, causing widespread waterlogging and bringing local train and metro services to a halt. However, after a night of heavy rain, there were no immediate reports of waterlogging in the city on May 27, while local train services have resumed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The southwest monsoon arrived in Mumbai on Monday, marking the earliest onset ever recorded for the city. Previously, the earliest onset was on May 29, a record set in 1956, 1962, and 1971 (based on data going back to 1950). This unusually early arrival coincided with Mumbai breaking a century-old record for May rainfall, which has now reached 295 mm. Typically, the monsoon sets in around June 11, so this years onset is significantly early Tomorrow, Mumbai will be under a yellow alert, Shubhangi Bhute, the head of the IMD Mumbai, said. Meanwhile, IMDs Colaba observatory has logged 439 mm of rainfall on Monday, breaching the all-time record that was previously set at 279.4 mm in 1918. In fact, during Cyclone Tauktae in May 2021, the city recorded only 257.8 mm of rain. Incessant rains inundated the citys underground metro services, inaugurated just 17 days ago. Passengers reported water pouring down the steps at Acharya Atre Chowk station, resembling a waterfall. Videos captured large amounts of water accumulating at the underground Worli metro station. As a precaution, metro doors remained closed for a period, preventing passengers from disembarking. The early arrival of the monsoon triggered a political slugfest in Maharashtra on Monday with the ruling Mahayuti bloc blaming the sudden downpour for Mumbais waterlogging, while the opposition accused the government of failing to prepare the city despite heavy spending. The political sparring intensified with a sharp jab from opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who said, The Metro line was aptly named Aqua, since it is under water today. His comment came after operations on Mumbais new Metro Line 3 (Aqua) were suspended due to heavy rains inundating an underground station. Another opposition party, the Congress, said despite spending crores of rupees, the government has failed to clean Mumbai, improve roads, or fix the drainage system. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, however, attributed the flooding of Mumbais low-lying areas, which led to disruption of road and railway traffic, to the early arrival of southwest monsoon and bringing over 200 mm of rainfall in a short span. With inputs from agencies During a rally in Gujarat, PM Modi accused Pakistan of using terrorism as a war strategy, not just a proxy war. He cited Operation Sindoor, where India destroyed terror camps in 22 minutes, as proof. Modi said Indias response will match the scale of the threat read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Pakistan on Monday for cross-border terrorism, saying India cannot remain mute while the countrys security is threatened by a proxy war by a neighbouring country. PM Modi stated during a public gathering in Gandhinagar during his two-day trip to Gujarat, We want to stay in peace, and let others live in peace. But when our strength is challenged through proxy war, we cant stay silent. Earlier, we used to call it a proxy war. However, after the scenes we witnessed after May 6, we no more call it a proxy war," the Prime Minister said, adding, This is because we destroyed multiple of their terror camps in just 22 minutes." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was a decisive action. And this time, everything was done in front of the cameras, so that no one back home would ask for proof," PM Modi said. The funerals of terrorists in Pakistan were conducted with state honours, their coffins were wrapped in Pakistani flags, while the countrys army gave them a salute." This proves that terrorism is not a proxy war, but a war strategy by Pakistan. We will answer accordingly," he said. During Indias partition in 1947, the country was divided into three parts. Soon after, the first terrorist attack was reported in Kashmir, and Pakistan occupied one part of Kashmir. Had we killed these Mujahideens, if we had listened to Sardar Patel, he wanted the Army to not stop until we get back PoK For 75 years, we suffered, and what happened in Pahalgam was a distorted form of that attack." The Indian Army has defeated Pakistan every time. Pakistan understood that it cannot win from India," the PM said. India, on the intervening night of May 7 and 8, launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan and destroyed multiple terror targets there. More than 100 militants seeking refuge in Pakistan were also slain in the operation. This happened after Pakistan carried out a terrorist strike in Kashmirs popular Pahalgam on April 22, killing 26 innocent visitors. Survivors later said that the terrorists had interrogated them about their beliefs and killed those who answered they were not Muslims. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The attackers also demanded that the visitors repeat a Kalma (an Islamic word) to establish that they were not Muslims before killing them point blank. The Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur, a celebration of peace and cultural unity, has become a flashpoint of identity following an incident on May 20 that triggered political backlash, media protests, and renewed ethnic tensions read more Agitators form a human chain during a protest over the alleged removal of 'Manipur' signage from a state government bus in Imphal. PTI The Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur, a celebration of peace and cultural unity, has become a flashpoint of identity following an incident on May 20 that triggered political backlash, media protests, and renewed ethnic tensions. According to India Today NE report, the controversy erupted after a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus carrying journalists to cover the festival was stopped at the Gwaltabi checkpoint by personnel from the 4th Mahar Regiment. The security forces allegedly instructed the media team to cover the words Manipur State Transport on the buss windshield with white paper, an act perceived as a deliberate attempt to erase the states identity, added the report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 5th Shirui Lily Festival, which was held from May 20 to 24 in Ukhrul, returned after a two-year hiatus due to ethnic tensions. The controversial order triggered widespread outrage among the Meitei community, who regard the states name as a vital emblem of their identity and historical pride. The incident forced the media team to abandon their assignment and return to Imphal, further fueling resentment. According to the report, the directive was particularly jarring given the Union Governments previous acknowledgment of Manipurs legacy most notably in 2021, when Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Mount Manipur, in tribute to the states role in the 1891 resistance against British colonial rule. The removal of the states name from the vehicle was widely condemned as a direct insult to Manipurs dignity, and what ensued was a wave of public outrage, mass protests, and shutdowns that reignited simmering tensions over identity, autonomy, and the role of security forces in the conflict-ridden state. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei civil society group, called a 48-hour general strike starting midnight on May 21. The shutdown brought the Imphal Valley to a standstill, with businesses, schools, and public transport closed, except for emergency medical services and travel to the festival. The All Manipur Working Journalists Union and Editors Guild Manipur also launched a pen-down protest, demanding a full investigation and accountability for the incident. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD COCOMI accused the Mahar Regiment of attempting to undermine the states authority and called for the resignation of key officials, including the security advisor, the director general of police, and the chief secretary. They also demanded a formal apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Several other civil society groups echoed these concerns, questioning how such a directive could be issued and enforced within Manipurs own territory, further intensifying the debate over the states autonomy, dignity, and internal cohesion. The controversy also intensified existing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, particularly since the ethnic conflict in May 2023. The road to the festival passes through a buffer zone and some Kuki villages, which has heightened concerns about safety and access. Kuki civil society organisations have previously warned Meiteis against crossing the buffer zone, citing it as a direct challenge to their community and jurisdiction . The incident has overshadowed the festivals intended purpose of promoting peace and cultural unity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who inaugurated the festival, faced criticism for continuing with the event amid the controversy. On Monday, Governor Bhalla was airlifted in an Army helicopter on to avoid major protests on his way from Imphal airport to Raj Bhawan, just six kilometers away. The protests, led by COCOMI, saw hundreds of people forming a human chain on Tiddim Road to oppose the removal of the states name from a government bus. The protest stretched about 5.5 km from Imphal airport to Keishampat Junction, with many students taking part. Governor Bhalla, who had flown to New Delhi on May 21 with Chief Secretary PK Singh, returned to Imphal today. The reason for his visit to the capital has not been made public. In response to the public outcry, the state administration has now formed a two-member committee to investigate the incident. The committee, comprising Home Commissioner N Ashok Kumar and IT Secretary Th Kirankumar Singh, has been tasked with submitting its findings within 15 days and recommending preventive measures to avoid such occurrences in the future, reported Times of India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the investigation unfolds, the incident continues to fuel debates over Manipurs identity, governance, and the delicate balance between security measures and cultural sensitivities. With inputs from agencies Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has indicated that Operation Sindoor was only a trailer, and more actions are in the pipeline read more It seems the dust has settled somewhat on the India-Pakistan conflict, but only for now. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh indicated that Operation Sindoor was only a trailer, and more actions are in the pipeline. Other statements also outline Indias objectives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India would pursue terrorists and their backers to the ends of the earth, that India reserved the right to give a fitting reply to any further terrorist attack, not differentiating between terrorists and their sponsors, and that the Indus Water Treaty would remain in abeyance till terror stopped. In sum, the main thrust is to get a full stop on terrorism. Delhi has had enough. And so have the people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Know Your Enemy However, a strategy is based on knowing the enemy and why he attacked at all. After all, the Balakote strike demonstrated clearly that India was prepared to hit conventionally despite a nuclear overhang. For five years, there was relative peace, though matters began to spiral again with small attacks in late 2024. Then on April 16th Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, rather than a civilian leader, chose to address a group of overseas Pakistanis, proclaiming Pakistans prowess, that Hindus and Muslims were ever different, and Kashmir as a jugular vein. The Pahalgam attack occurred five days later. That attack not just identified and hit Hindus but also had terrorists tell hapless widows to go and tell Modi. On April 26, Munir chose to reiterate the whole diatribe, this time to cadets of the Pakistan Military Academy. Clearly, Pakistans army wanted war and was prepared to take the risk of escalation. Thats point one. This assessment is backed by an influential Pakistani media report which observed, Pakistans historic military victory over India is expected to yield multiple dividends, with the most immediate being the all-time high public respect for the armed forces and a surge in the popularity of the countrys political and military leadership, especially General Asim Munir. Munir is now a field marshal. Thats all rather a contrast from the time when the army was facing the worst protests of its history after the arrest of Imran Khan, which led to shoot at sight orders even in late 2024, and arrests of spy chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed and other senior officers, leading to cries of yeh jo dehshatgardi hai, iss ke peeche vardi hai resounding across the country. Add to this massive protests in April just before the Pahalgam against a massive canal project that would have denied water to Sindh. All that is forgotten as the armys position surges on perceptions of a victory. The trouble is it wont last long, and the terrorists will be back when the army feels necessary. In sum, as long as the army is in power, nothing is going to change. Thats point two. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US Roped In Second, the army had another objective. Pakistanis resentment was more than apparent at Track 2 dialogues attended by this author at their complete sidelining, even by Delhi which was preoccupied with other matters. Weeks before Pahalgam, US officials were in Pakistan discussing a deal with the Army Chief present which would centre on Balochistans and Khyber Pakhtunkwas considerable mineral wealth. That might or might not go through, given the extreme instability already. But Pahalgam did the trick and ensured a US tilt towards Pakistans favour. Thats nothing new. The US has always stepped in to stop a possible nuclear escalation, but Pakistan calculated that Trump would once again offer mediation he had done this twice in his previous term and he did. That was not all. Worse was Secretary Rubios condoling loss of civilian lives in Pakistan. Islamabad therefore has welcomed the US role and its equating of the two countries something it has long manoeuvred for, even as Delhi rejected it, reiterating its position on this as a bilateral issue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In short, Islamabad has gained points, even as it was given the much awaited loan from the International Monetary Fund. True, it has imposed 11 new conditionalities, making a total of 50, the highest ever. But it got the money. Notice also that Pakistan has also managed to completely erase any mention of Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Mohammed from United Nations reports on counterterrorism. The narrative of Pakistan as a terrorist state has frayed in the US and allied countries as their attention is taken up with bloody wars in Ukraine and Gaza. True, US intel folks know their Pakistan. Recently, Islamabad traded in an ostensible planner of the Abbey Gate attacks in a nicely calculated move during Trumps inauguration in a joint operation. Thats intel dependency. Any chasing after terrorist backers may be difficult, though perhaps not the terrorists themselves. Thats point three. Taking all these together, it is apparent that Indias strategy has to adjust to new geopolitical realities. The first move is to trace and punish terrorists; it can be undertaken together with diverse intelligence agencies who have a stake in terms of their own national security. Many who will cooperate, regardless of political statements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Second, diplomacy needs to push towards tying every penny of grants and aid given by European and Japanese governments among others with progress in democracy. If the US can be persuaded to join this drive for its own interests in stability for mineral exploitation then all the better. Third, in a move that might seem almost blasphemous, its in our interest to start empowering the politicians, industrialists and plain business folks in Pakistan with the promise of cross-continent trade in the future so that a powerful group forms that has strong stakes in peace. Its possible. After all, the idea is already out there, given that former COAS Gen Qamar Bajwa had called for just that. Fourth, mainstreaming the dangers of terrorism will require trade as leverage for a transactional president. Pakistan is already on that game, engaging with the Trump family-backed World Liberty Council through the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council, roping in Binance, the worlds largest crypto exchange. With the army in power, matters are moving fast. We need to get our snails pace bureaucracy to go places. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Finally, the threat to stop water has to be calibrated carefully using all media sources to convey the message that a shortage of water is due to Pakistan army adventurism. All these are intermeshing activities with a clear common objective. Get the Pakistani people to send the military back to the barracks with the backing of an international community that is at present distracted by wars on their doorstep. Its a challenge of giant proportions. Ironically, however, such an outcome would probably be the best possible result for Pakistan itself. For India, the whole exercise will be aimed at denying the equating of the worlds largest democracy with what is, after all, a terrorist state. Its good that our delegations are talking terrorism again. But Operation Sindoors next phase needs more action. The author is Director (R&A) at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. She tweets @kartha_tara. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the aftermath of a hard-won military engagement, the nation witnessed a disappointing descent into political theatrics, activation of fifth columnists and media frenzy read more Living in India is not enough; India must live in you. Satyameva Jayate Truth alone triumphs, but only when we dare to defend it. Image: PTI As Operation Sindoor settled down, another front remained wide open and dangerously active: the war within. In the aftermath of a hard-won military engagement, the nation witnessed a disappointing descent into political theatrics, activation of fifth columnists and media frenzy. At a moment that called for dignity and responsible leadership, some political voices across the spectrum chose instead to trade accusations, indulge in hyperbole, and reduce a national crisis to a partisan petty politics spectacle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Behind the scenes of a victorious Operation Sindoor lies an invisible, insidious layer of battle narrative manipulation, digital espionage, fifth columnists, and internal enablers that threaten national unity much more than cross-border terrorism. This theatre of war is actively being manipulated by Pakistans ISI and Chinese intelligence agencies, often via local proxies, compromised media voices, and foreign-funded NGOs/pseudo-think tanks. Media platforms, too, fell short of turning studios into war rooms, replacing journalism with jingoism, and airtime was wasted on speculative outrage and misplaced commentary. The need for trained war correspondents, credible empanelled defence analysts and responsible journalism came to the fore. Operation Sindoor: A Military Success Amid Internal Erosion Operation Sindoor, executed with professional tri-service coordination and indigenous technology, redefined the doctrine of swift, punitive retaliation against terrorism. It reinforced Indias deterrence posture. However, even as the nation stood in solidarity with its soldiers, a section of media personalities, digital influencers, and political voices began questioning the operations legitimacy, purpose, details and even timing. Some demanded proof of military success, others cried election stunt, and some went as far as framing the airstrikes as violations of international normsechoing the exact language used by Pakistani state propaganda and Chinese disinformation units. The resemblance was no coincidence. This was narrative warfare, designed abroad but delivered at home. Fifth Columnists and Their New Playbook In the age of hybrid war, the enemy within wears no uniform. They may hold media microphones, academic tenures, NGO placards, or political positions. They weaponise free speech not to question but to delegitimise Indian national interest. What makes this group particularly dangerous is its ability to amplify enemy propaganda under the pretext of democracy. These voices are routinely picked up by ISI-controlled media outlets like Dawn, The Express Tribune, or Chinese platforms like Global Times and repackaged as Indian dissent. The adversary uses these clips to claim legitimacy for their false narratives. Its a loop of disinformation with local fingerprints and global consequences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Role of ISI and China: New Age Psychological Warfare Pakistans ISI has always relied on proxy war and radicalisation, but in recent years it has expanded its playbook to include psychological destabilisation. After every strike or counterterror operation, the ISI, often in coordination with Chinese cyber units, activates social media campaigns to plant seeds of doubt within Indian society. Their goal: fracture internal cohesion, vilify Indian forces, and aim at lowering morale. Chinas involvement is more calculated. It sponsors or influences NGOs, think tanks, academic collaborations, and media exchanges that appear benign but are often vectors for strategic influence. Many foreign-funded organisations operating in India have quietly pushed narratives that question Indias sovereignty, advocate restraint on security actions, or highlight only the human rights violations of Indian agenciesnever those of Pakistan or China. Such institutions dont wave enemy flagsbut they often carry enemy agendas. Honey-Trapping and Digital Espionage: Silent Breaches One of the lesser-discussed dimensions of internal compromise is the honey-trapping of Indian key personnel. ISI and Chinese agents have been increasingly using fake social media profilesmostly attractive female avatarsto befriend civilians and government officials, posing as students, researchers, or journalists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Conversations begin innocently and gradually turn emotional or romantic, eventually leading to sensitive information being extractedbase locations, movements, and codes. In several cases, individuals never realised they were speaking to enemy handlers until they were arrested or dismissed. Indias adversaries are using emotional blackmail and digital seduction as warfare tools, bypassing firewalls by targeting human vulnerabilities. Media Echo Chambers and the Anti-India Spin Machine In the post-Operation Sindoor media cycle, a striking trend emergedcertain Indian media houses and influencers actively downplayed the military strikes impact while magnifying enemy propaganda. The arguments ranged from this will radicalise more people to elections are near, hence the drama. These statements were not random. They were perfectly aligned with talking points circulated by Pakistans media and Chinese foreign ministry officials. When an Indian national questions Indias motives, it gives ISI and Chinese Communist Party propaganda a layer of legitimacy. This isnt journalism. Its information laundering, and India is paying the price for not calling it out soon enough. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Social Media Trap: Manufactured Outrage and Digital Sabotage Social media today is a double-edged sword. While it has empowered common citizens, it has also opened the floodgates for manipulation, fake news, bot networks, and psychological conditioning. After Operation Sindoor, thousands of posts surfacedfrom anonymous citizens calling India a warmonger to viral images falsely claiming civilian and military casualties that never occurred. Many of these posts originated from accounts traced to Pakistan and countries beyond, often run by diaspora groups with ideological or sectarian leanings. However, whats worrying is how these posts were retweeted and quoted by Indian accounts through journalists, citizens, student leaders, and even politicians without verification. The unethical and unverified quest for post popularity and TRP is a dangerous trend. Foreign NGOs and Ideological Subversion Several foreign-funded NGOs operating under the garb of human rights have been openly critical of Indias security response but are silent on the roots of terrorism. They release reports after every counter-insurgency operation but never on the killing of Indian soldiers or civilians by cross-border terror groups. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is increasingly evident that some of these entities act as soft proxies for adversarial governments. They are used to create international noise, get India censured at human rights forums, or trigger fact-finding missions during times of military action, especially in Kashmir or the Northeast. Eight Recommendations: What the Government Must Do India must wake up to the reality of fifth-generation warfare. The battlefield is no longer just the LOCits the internet, academia, TV studios, and WhatsApp groups. Heres what the government must urgently prioritise: 1. Establish a National Cognitive Warfare Structure A multi-agency task force involving the military, IB, cyber cells, and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to monitor and counter real-time narrative sabotage and digital psyops. There is a need for a National Defence Media network including TV and YouTube which must be the voice for truth. 2. Enforce Stricter Oversight on Foreign-Funded NGOs and Educational Institutions All NGOs and educational institutions receiving international funds must disclose affiliations, funding sources, and activities. Quarterly national audits should be mandated for high-sensitivity sectors like education, media, and border-state development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 3. Launch a Military Cyber Shield Programme Educate all ranks of the military and paramilitary forces on digital grooming, honey-trapping, phishing, and fake profiles. Cyber wellness must become part of force readiness. Also, run a national-level awareness programme to prevent citizens from being innocently lured. 4. Designate Deliberate Anti-National Disinformation as a Security Offence and Bring in Legal Statute Repeated, verified instances of deliberate falsehoods that aid enemy propaganda must be brought under national security laws. This must be done with surgical precision and in time to protect genuine free speech. 5. Strengthen Citizen Digital Literacy From schools to workplaces, citizens must be trained to detect fake news, identify bot patterns, and resist emotional manipulation online. A vigilant society is the best firewall. 6. Ethical and Professional Journalism To ensure responsible conflict coverage, the media must uphold ethical journalism and avoid sensationalism. Empanelling credible defence analysts and trained war correspondents can provide informed, balanced perspectives, helping anchor public discourse in facts rather than speculation. This strengthens both national security and media integrity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 7. National Citizens Security Culture Society must be empowered by a National Citizens Security Culture, as security is everyones business. This would mitigate both the non-kinetic threats, especially disinformation, and kinetic threats by sleeper cells and anti-national elements. 8. Countering Politicised Anti-National Narratives To combat politicians who distort national security issues for partisan gain, it is vital to enforce political accountability and uphold strict parliamentary decorum. Parliamentary laws must ensure that in the name of democracy, national interest is not sacrificed at the altar of petty politics. Patriotism Is the New Counter-Weapon India must not confuse freedom of expression with the freedom to aid the enemy. Dissent is a democratic right. But when dissent echoes the objectives of ISI, Peoples Liberation Army, or foreign-funded propaganda networks, it becomes a weapon against the very nation that allows it. In the hybrid wars of tomorrow, the real test of patriotism will not just be on the bordersit will be in our minds, narratives, and moral clarity. Let us ensure we know which side we are on. Living in India is not enough; India must live in you. Satyameva Jayate Truth alone triumphs, but only when we dare to defend it. The author is former Director General, Mechanised Forces. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. For the time being the decks are in Ahmed al-Sharaas favour, but delicate and uneasy calm, divergent expectations, and external powers could stabilise, destabilise or balkanise this ancient land due to lack of political will, credibility and wily craft read more Perhaps for Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka al-Jolani, displacing Assad with exemplary speed may not have been as important as his being embraced by President Donald Trump during his visit to Saudi Arabia this month (May 13-16). Of course, this was done at the behest of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), whose welcome to al-Sharaa, by extending the Arab embrace, has been strategic and far-reaching. Other Arab states have followed suit as reconstruction of Syria affords significant opportunities. Decimated Iranian Shia influence in Syria, courtesy of Israeli decisive action against its proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah, is indeed symptomatic and opportunistic for the major Arab Gulf powers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It has been easier to let al-Sharaa occupy the chair and affection vacated by Bashar al-Assad at the Arab League, who was brought back into the Arabian fold, as he tried to broadly establish his control over Syria with the help of Russia and Iran as well as being a conduit for Iranian connections and influence to Lebanon through Syria. In this war of influence, Iranians, followed by Russians, have lost a great deal, which was dictated by their own strategic distractions. Winners have been Turkey, Arab Gulf states, the US and Israel, and possibly ISIS. Israel lost no time in decimating and destroying Syrian military and navy and air power while occupying the strategic Golan Heights, which it does not intend to return. That could surely be the continuing bitter bone of contention between Tel Aviv and Damascus. Even though the new Syrian regime is keen to reduce its external challenges by following a pragmatic foreign policy. Al-Sharaas pragmatic and smart diplomacy, after his meeting with President Trump, was on play, and it is surmised with some credibility that Syria could be the next country to become part of the Abraham Accords. President Trump has been very keen that Saudi Arabia normalises diplomatic ties with Israel, which have been predicated and made conditional by Riyadh on the establishment of a viable Palestinian state along with the Two State Solution. A disenchanted Trump has reportedly warned Israel that continued military operations in Gaza could jeopardise American support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In fact, Trump heard this demand in all his interactions with the Arab leaders and also expressed his dismay with PM Netanyahu for breaching the ceasefire and creating an untenable humanitarian disaster in Gaza while intending to occupy it and displace the Gazans, thereby creating a rift with its two peace treaty partners, ie, Egypt and Israel. This was further accentuated as the Turkey-Israel complex and competing regional dynamics became far more volatile and incendiary both in the context of Palestine, Gaza and Syria. Turkey is a NATO ally of the US, and Trump seems to have some fondness for Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while he is disenchanted by Benjamin Netanyahu, and he asked both of them to patch up and sort out their differences as far as the situation and direct potential conflict in Syria are concerned. Their technical teams have met in Baku twice, but the potential for a flare-up is still very real. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even as geopolitical and geo-economic contestations continue to play out in Syria, the domestic challenges for interim President al-Sharaa remain very real. As per the UN, restoring the countrys services, shattered by 14 years of conflict, is essential amid widespread food insecurity and crippled health services, as the Tishreen Dams damage has restricted water and electricity for over 400,000 people. The humanitarian situation remains critical, with nearly 15 million Syrians requiring health services, 13 million facing acute food insecurity, and over 620,000 displaced amid harshest conditions. Pursuant to Trumps decision, the US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Syria General License (GL) 25 to provide immediate sanctions relief for Syria in line with the presidents announcement for the cessation of all sanctions on the war-ravaged West Asia nation. A quick lifting of promised sanctions and immediate relief and humanitarian assistance as well as relief from Caesars Act would alleviate the suffering of Syrians to some extent. The Americans have also officially lifted the personal sanctions on President al-Sharaa and his interior minister, Anas Khattab (until recently the chief of intelligence agencies). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The European Union agreed to lift all sanctions on Syria and plans to release the first economic aid to them. Even China signed some MoUs for cooperation, including between the Land and Sea Port Authority for investments in the Hasiyah Industrial Zone and Adra Zone outside Damascus. Its time for India also to engage with the new government by providing direct humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria lest the acrimonious India-Turkey relations have a lasting impact. De facto authorities vision for Syrias future as a positive contributor to the promotion of international peace and security and their will to build friendly relations based on mutual respect could be a good starting point. It is imperative that a genuine, broad-based national dialogue conference be arranged to establish a transitional government to oversee national processes, including the drafting of the constitution and the holding of elections. These will be tested as they move forward. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For the time being the decks are in Jolanis favour, but delicate and uneasy calm, divergent expectations, and external powers could stabilise, destabilise or balkanise this ancient land due to lack of political will, credibility and wily craft. A lot also depends on al-Sharaa as to how inclusive an approach he is able to muster and implement in order to accommodate diverse interests, extremists and militia groups, extreme conservatives vs moderates and modernists and womens empowerment. A difficult task indeed, but if he has been able to wash off his old affiliations with ISIS and al-Qaeda rather cleanly, he will have to find a tabula rasa for his Syrian dream in sync with regional and global expectations. The author is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is currently a Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A car drove into a crowd celebrating Liverpools Premier League title win on Monday, leaving 27 people injured. Police have arrested a 53-year-old man and said the incident is not being treated as terrorism. read more A car crashed into a crowd celebrating Liverpools Premier League title win on Monday, injuring 27 people. Meanwhile, the Police said it was not a terrorist attack. We believe this to be an isolated incident, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims told a press conference, adding a 53-year-old white British man had been arrested. The incident is not being treated as terrorism, she added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A 53-year-old British man was arrested on Monday after driving his dark-coloured minivan into a crowd of Liverpool fans celebrating the teams Premier League win, police said. The vehicle sped through the large crowd just minutes after the players open-top bus had passed, hitting several people along the way. At least 27 fans were taken to hospital, including two who were seriously injured. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, rushed to the scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed the total number of people injured. The scenes in Liverpool are appalling my thoughts are with all those injured or affected, Starmer said. Liverpools last league title came in 2020 but supporters were denied the chance to publicly celebrate that trophy due to restrictions in place at the time during the pandemic. Dancing, scarf-and-flag-waving fans braved wet weather to line the streets and climb up traffic lights to get a view of Liverpools players who were atop two buses bearing the words Ours Again. The hours-long procession surrounded by a thick layer of police and security crawled along a 16-km route and through a sea of red smoke and rain. Fireworks exploded from the Royal Liver Building in the heart of the city to seemingly signal the end of the parade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The team issued a short statement saying its thoughts and prayers were with those affected. This is a developing story. As Vladimir Putin has refused to make peace and has instead ramped up attacks on Ukraine, US lawmakers have sought 500% tariffs on Russia and those countries that buy Russian energy products, such as oil, gas, and uranium. read more In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on April 26, 2025. AP Photo As Vladimir Putin has refused to make peace in Ukraine, US lawmakers have pressed for imposing 500 per cent tariffs on Russia and its trading partners. US lawmakers have increased their calls for such tariffs after Russia launched the largest aerial attack on Ukraine over the weekend. Ukraine on Monday said that Russia launched 357 drones and missiles into Ukraine the previous night that killed at least 12 people and injured 30. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even as these tariffs have bipartisan approval, Trump is unlikely to budge as he has aligned the administration completely with Russia . Since assuming office, he has humiliated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after inviting him to the White House, cut intelligence and military aid to Ukraine, called for Zelenskyys ouster, reached out to his rivals, falsely accused him of starting the war, and parroted Russian propaganda. ALSO READ: In high-stakes call, Trump gives in to Putin & endorses Russias position in Ukraine war Despite such antagonistic treatment, Zelenskyy has accepted all three ceasefire proposals floated by Trump whereas Putin has rejected all of them . Even though Trump has rebuked Putin in social media posts, he has done nothing to pressure him. Instead, he has rewarded Putin by endorsing his position in the war. US lawmakers seek 500% tariffs on Russia, trading partners Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have sought 500 per cent tariffs on Russia and those countries buying Russian goods , such as oil, gas, and uranium. With such secondary sanctions, countries like India and China, which are major buyers of Russian oil, are bound to be affected. European countries that still buy Russian gas are also likely to be affected. The bill, formally called by the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, has been co-signed by 50 senators 25 Democrats and Republicans each. It has been sponsored by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and co-sponsored by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal. In addition to 500 per cent tariffs on all goods and services from Russia, the bill calls for 500 per cent tariffs on all goods or services imported into the United States on a country that knowingly sells, supplies, transfers, or purchases oil, uranium, natural gas, petroleum products, or petrochemical products that originated in the Russian Federation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These tariffs are not isolated actions but are part of a broader set of actions that the bill seeks. The bill further seeks sanctions on top Russian officials, including the president, the prime minister, the army chief, military chief, top state-owned companies, etc. Republican lawmakers press for sanctions on Russia Senior Republican lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives have called for tougher sanctions on Russia to pressurise Putin into making peace. Sharing a post from Ukraines foreign ministry about the Russian attacks over the weekend, Graham said, This latest outrage by Russia will not go unaddressed. Without Chinas support, Putins war machine comes to a halt. ALSO READ: Ukraine and beyond: 25 years on, Putin is still fighting Cold War and hes finally winning Republican Representative Don Bacon, the Chair of Cyber Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, told New York Post that its beyond past time that more powerful weapons are sent to Ukraine and more punishing sanctions are imposed on Russia. Im glad President Trump is finally calling out Putin. Its beyond time to send them more lethal weapons. This Administration must act now. This war may have started as a Putins invasion of Ukraine, but this is now under his watch. If Ukraine falls, it will always be known in the history books that it happened with Trump doing little to help Ukraine defend themselves with the means we have available, said Bacon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, the Chair of the House Ukraine Caucus, said on X, The United States cannot fail to respond as Putin escalates his barbaric assault on innocent Ukrainians. Congress must act immediately and decisively. We need full, crippling sanctions targeting Putin, his regime, and those bankrolling this campaign of terror until the Russian war machine collapses in on itself. At around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, members of the specialist SWAT unit were seen stationed at the main entrance of the Secretariat. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were also deployed outside read more Civil officials protest inside the Secretariat building in Dhaka on May 25, 2025, demanding the repeal of a government order giving it greater power to sack employees for disciplinary breaches. AFP Government employees protested for a fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, demanding the repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which has halted administrative functions at the Bangladesh Secretariat and barred outsider entry. Issued by the President and gazetted on Sunday evening, the ordinance empowers the government to terminate employees for four categories of disciplinary violations through a show-cause notice, without initiating formal departmental proceedings. At around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, members of the specialist SWAT unit were seen stationed at the main entrance of the Secretariat. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were also deployed outside. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The protest began around 11:00 a.m. outside Building No. 6 in the Secretariats Badamtoli sector, amid heightened security at all gates. Stringent security measures remain in place, with government employees continuing their demonstrations against the newly enacted ordinance, which was gazetted shortly after staff voiced opposition and four days after the advisory council approved its draft. Only Secretariat officials and staff are being permitted entry. The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier announced on Monday that visitors would not be allowed into the premises today. As Bangladesh faces deepening political unrest, the BNP demands election dates from interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who remains silent ahead of his Japan visit. With rising domestic pressure, military concerns, and billion-dollar loan deals on the horizon, tensions grow over delays in restoring democracy following the ouster of Hasinas regime and disbanding of the Awami League. read more Political uncertainty continues to mount in Bangladesh as the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) intensifies pressure on the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to announce a clear timeline for national elections. The BNP, headed by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has expressed strong discontent over Yunuss silence on holding elections by December, a timeline previously suggested as a possible return to democratic order. With no official commitment yet on the election schedule, Yunus is set to embark on an official visit to Japan from 28 to 30 May. During this visit, Bangladesh is expected to sign two major loan agreements with Japan, amounting to $1.074 billion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BNP, however, remains unconvinced. Party leaders argue that international engagements must not come at the cost of delaying the restoration of democratic governance. The people of Bangladesh are waiting for a firm assurance. Yunuss silence only adds to the prevailing mistrust, a senior BNP leader said, urging immediate clarity on the poll timeline. Recently, Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman along with the navy and air force chiefs met Yunus and reportedly reiterated their call for election by December this year to allow an elected government to take charge and conveyed their reservation about the corridor issue. Several analysts called the meeting crucial to consolidate the military strength. During last years protests, the army avoided a crackdown, instead extending its hand for Hasinas safe exit to India. It also supported Yunus appointment as chief adviser, as demanded by the SAD, much of which later formed the NCP. Yunuss administration recently disbanded Hasinas Awami League, sending many of its senior leaders, including former ministers, to jail to face trial for charges like crimes against humanity. The South Asian nation of some 170 million people has been in political turmoil since the ouster of the previous regime. The situation has escalated over the last few days with rival parties and trade unions or pressure groups protesting on the streets of the capital Dhaka with a string of competing demands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Japan is undergoing a profound shift from postwar pacifism to proactive civil defence, building a nationwide shelter network to confront growing regional threats and redefine its role in an uncertain world read more Japan is making major changes to its defence preparations, reflecting a shift in how the country approaches national security in todays increasingly unstable world. For many years, Japan relied on the peace-focussed rules in its postwar constitution, which kept it from building up its military too much. But now, Japan is quickly improving its defence systems because of growing fears about missile threats from nearby countries. As part of this major change, Japan has started a large project to build enough bomb shelters for 10 million people. This includes making more underground and long-term shelters, especially near Taiwan and other islands in the southwest, as reported by Nikkei Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is more than just building new sheltersit shows a deeper change in how Japan sees its role. The country is working to become a stronger and more protected island combining stronger buildings and shelters with more military readiness. This change was clearly stated in Japans updated National Security Strategy, which came out in December 2022. In that report, Japan said its security situation is now more severe and complex than at any other time in the post-Second World War period, showing just how serious the country views todays threats. Doubling shelter capacity: A race against time According to the Cabinet Secretariat, Japan now has more than 58,000 designated bomb shelters. But as reported by Nikkei Asia, only about 3,900 of theseor around 7 per centare underground, which many see as the most important type for protecting people from modern missile attacks. These underground shelters can currently hold only 5 per cent of Japans population. To fix this, the government has set a new goal: to increase capacity so over 10 million people can be protected, nearly doubling the current limit of 6 million. As part of this effort, the government is looking at 1,489 more possible sites for underground shelters. This could add around 4 million square meters to the current total of 4.91 million square meters of shelter space. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Japan Times explained that using the short-stay space standard of 0.825 square metres per person, this would be enough room to protect more than 10 million people during an emergency. These shelters are being divided into short-term spaces for quick safety and long-term ones where people could stay for up to two weeks. The areas closest to Taiwan are getting special attention, especially the Sakishima island chain. According to The Japan News, this includes Ishigaki, Miyakojima, Yonaguni, Taketomi and the village of Tarama. These islands are considered frontline areas if a conflict involving Taiwan breaks out with Yonaguni being just 110 kilometres away from Taiwan and lacking many options for evacuating large groups of people. To protect the residents, the Japanese government is planning to build strong, new shelters that can hold people for about two weeks. The Japan Times reported that these shelters will have 30-centimetre-thick reinforced walls, multiple entry and exit points, emergency ventilation systems, food and water supplies and strong structures that can resist missile strikes and bombings from the air. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Yonaguni Town, local leaders have asked the government for help building these shelters. Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, as quoted by The Japan News said that people in the area are very concerned and agreed that strengthening the defence system in the Nansei area is an urgent issue. To support this, the defence ministry has included funding in the 2025 budget to help pay for building these vital shelters in the region. Tokyos underground response Japans capital, Tokyo, is also getting ready for possible major emergencies. According to The Japan News, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is planning to build its first long-term underground shelter inside Azabu-juban Station on the Toei Oedo subway line. This new shelter is meant to protect people if the city ever faces a long-lasting missile attack since many citizens are worried that current evacuation centres wouldnt be strong enough to handle such a situation. The planned shelter will have food and water supplies, emergency electricity, air ventilation and communication systems to help people stay safe for an extended period. But as The Japan News also pointed out, the project comes with big money and planning problems. Each shelter could cost hundreds of millions of yen, so making similar shelters across the entire city would be very hard unless private companies help. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tokyo is now looking at creative ideas like turning underground parking areas into shelters and encouraging private builders to create spaces that can be used both in everyday life and during emergencies. A psychological and social turning point Japans major push to build more bomb shelters shows not just a change in defence planning but also a big shift in how people think and feel about safety. For many years, civil defence wasnt a big focus in Japan. It was seen as something from the past, especially because the country followed a pacifist path and relied on protection from the US through its nuclear shield. But now, both the government and the public are starting to face the hard truth that a military conflict in East Asia could directly affect Japan. This change in thinking has two sides. First, building more shelters makes people more aware that Japan could be in real dangerits a sign that the country is no longer untouched by rising tensions in the region. But at the same time, it helps create a stronger feeling of unity and readiness. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has supported civil defence efforts for a long time saying that showing a strong attitudelike saying, Shoot if you can, but not a single Japanese citizen will diecan actually help prevent attacks. Businesses are also reacting to the possible risks. A Kyodo News survey shared by the Eurasian Times found that 53 per cent of Japans major companies have already made emergency plans in case a crisis breaks out over Taiwan. These plans include evacuation routes and storing supplies. This shows that Japanese companies are increasingly worried about how a conflict could impact them, especially because Japan has close business and investment ties with Taiwan. Shelter specifications and comparative insights To make sure the new shelters work well, Japan is setting strict safety and building standards. In early 2025, the government carried out a nationwide survey to check if existing shelters were strong and safe enough under the Civil Protection Law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As reported by The Japan Times, the results showed that 61 per cent of shelters had walls that met the required thickness of 30 centimetres. However, only 46 per cent had strong enough ceilings to handle powerful impacts. On a more positive note, 73 per cent of the shelters had the needed multiple entry points for people to get in and out safely. Japan is also looking at how other countries have built their shelter systems. According to The Japan Times, Finland has shelters for 86 per cent of its population. These are designed to protect people from chemical attacks and can support three-day stays. South Korea has gone even further, with shelters that could hold 331 per cent of its population. All of them are underground and fully equipped. When compared to these countries, Japans shelters are still very different in terms of how well they are built and what they offer. This shows just how much work Japan still has to do to reach similar levels of protection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Strategic context: Deterrence by denial Japans shelter-building campaign is not happening on its own. Its a key part of a bigger plan to stop threats before they happen, as explained in the countrys major defence update from 2022. In the National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy and Defence Buildup Program released that year, Japan laid out its goal to raise defence spending to 2 per cent of its GDP by 2027 and to add counterstrike missile systems to its defences. Japans new defence thinking is focussed on what it calls deterrence by denial. This means making it harder for enemies to succeed if they attack, by strengthening both military and civilian defences. The basic idea is that if a country like Japan can take a hit and keep going, then enemies may be less likely to attack in the first place. This way of thinking is especially important now, as China becomes more forceful over the issue of Taiwan. Tokyo understands that if China takes action against Taiwan, it could also affect Japanespecially in places like the Senkaku Islands, which both Japan and China claim. So, Japans efforts to improve civil defence are not just about keeping people safe during an attack. They are also about sending a clear message to potential enemies: attacking Japan wont be easy or worth it. Community preparedness: Civil defence as civic duty Local communities in Japan are also playing a big role in getting ready for emergencies. According to The Japan Times, five cities and towns in the Sakishima Islands were picked for the first round of shelter construction because they had already done evacuation planning and run civil defence drills. This shows how important it is for everyday people to be involved in preparing for disasters. These drills are not done alonethey are organised together with both the prefectural and national governments adding an important layer of safety and teamwork. Local governments are also working closely with the central government to make evacuation maps, let people know where the nearest shelters are and improve emergency alert systems. In some areas, residents are being taught basic survival skills and first aid bringing back old community traditions of helping each other during crisestraditions that had slowly disappeared after the war. Costs and challenges Even with strong progress, Japan faces many challenges ahead. Building strong shelters, especially underground ones designed for long stays, costs a lot of money. The Tokyo metropolitan government has already said that to build many of these shelters across the city, help from private companies will be needed. Japan also needs to balance civil defence needs with current laws like the Building Standards Act, which might not cover situations like wartime attacks. The government plans to create a clear policy by the end of fiscal 2026 that will guide shelter construction and may update these laws, according to The Japan Times. Another big issue is protection against unusual threats like nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) attacks. Unlike Finland, Japans current shelter plans do not include systems to defend against these NBC threats, leaving an important weakness in the countrys civil defence system. Japans focus on building strong civil defence is a major part of its security identity in the 21st century. The plan to expand shelters, especially near Taiwan, shows that Japan is seriously facing regional dangers and choosing to be prepared and resilient. This change from a mostly peaceful approach to one of defensive readiness is more than just a strategyit is a deep shift in how Japan thinks about its future safety. If done well, this plan could help Japan delay or stop attacks and give the country more influence in keeping peace. Israel considers all of Jerusalem, including the annexed Palestinian-majority east, its indivisible capital. The international community, however, does not recognise this, and Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state read more People gather at Western Wall Plaza in the old city of Jerusalem on May 26, 2025 marking Jerusalem Day, commemorating the Israeli army's 1967 capture of the city's eastern sector during the Arab-Israeli war. AFP Several Palestinians were left injured as far-right Israelis conducted an annual parade in Jerusalems Old City to celebrate Israels capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. However, the parade turned violent after a wave of ultranationalist Jews entered the city, chanting death to Arabs. Soon after, Arab traders in the Muslim Quarters were harassed by young Israeli men after thousands of Jews marched through the Damascus Gate. Israel considers all of Jerusalem, including the annexed Palestinian-majority east, its indivisible capital. The international community, however, does not recognise this, and Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Far-right politician and minister Itamar Ben Gvir joined the celebrations with fellow Israelis as he visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, on Monday. I ascended to the Temple Mount for Jerusalem Day, and prayed for victory in the war, and the return of hostages held in Gaza, said the national security minister, whose past visits to the site have sparked anger among Palestinians and their supporters. On the other hand, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called the event a festival of hatred and racism, adding that it is a disgrace and an insult to Judaism. May your village burn The route of the parade ends at the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, the holiest site where Jews are allowed to pray. After so many years that the people of Israel were not here in Jerusalem and in the land of Israel, we arrived here and conquered Jerusalem, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, said 21-year-old Yeshiva student Yosef Azoulai. So we celebrate this day in which we won over all our enemies. Groups of Israeli youths were seen confronting Palestinian shopkeepers, passersby and schoolchildren, as well as Israeli rights activists and police, at times spitting on people, lobbing insults and trying to force their way into houses. Some chanted death to Arabs, may your village burn and Gaza belongs to us, drawing the occasional uncomfortable look from families making their way to the Western Wall. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies South African President uses humour to recount tense Oval Office meeting with Trump, amid strained ties over trade, aid freeze, and false genocide claims read more US President Donald Trump shows documents claiming genocide against Afrikaners to South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office on Wednesday. AP File Days after his tense Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump last week, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday addressed the incident for the first time, responding with a hint of humour during his first public appearance since the encounter. According to a Bloomberg report, as Ramaphosa entered an infrastructure conference in Cape Town on Tuesday, the lights were dimmed evoking the US presidents call to turn the lights down in the Oval Office to cue up a video montage that amplified his false claims of a White genocide in South Africa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When I came in, I saw the room going a bit dark, Bloomberg quoted Ramaphosa as saying to the audience. For a moment, I wondered what is this? Is it happening to me again? he added. Ramaphosa visited Washington last week in a bid to convince Trump to exempt South Africa from the full impact of his broad trade tariffs. The United States remains South Africas second-largest trading partner, after China. Although the meeting began on a cordial note, Trump caught Ramaphosa off guard just minutes in by playing a video promoting his controversial views. At that point I was seated very nicely. I was beginning to get into a groove of interacting with this man, and I suddenly hear him say, dim the lights, Ramaphosa was quoted as saying, reliving the moment for his Cape Town audience. Some people have said this was an ambush. I was bemused. I was there thinking what is happening? he was quoted as saying. The Oval Office meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders, following months of strained relations. Tensions escalated after Trump froze US aid to South Africa over his claims of violent attacks targeting White farmers. He also publicly criticised Pretorias genocide case against Israel a key US ally at the International Court of Justice. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The meeting came shortly after 49 South Africans of Afrikaner descent were flown to the US on a plane chartered by Washington and granted refugee status. The move was linked to Trumps controversial assertion that White Afrikaner farmers are facing genocide and land seizures by the South African state claims not supported by official data, reported Bloomberg. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, there have been no state-sanctioned land seizures, and police statistics consistently show that young Black men are disproportionately affected by violent crime. Despite being blindsided by Trumps video during the meeting, Ramaphosa described the visit as a diplomatic success, noting that it opened the door to discussions on a potential new trade agreement between the two countries. He also expressed optimism that Trump would attend the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg this November, where South Africa will pass the forums leadership to the US. With inputs from agencies If the bill is passed, Ireland would make importing goods from the occupied regions of Palestine a criminal offence. However, the law will not seek a boycott of Israeli products read more A drone view shows displaced Palestinians sheltering in tents set up near the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City on February 17, 2025. Reuters File Ireland has moved to table a bill that would ban imports from the occupied territories of Palestine, a first such move by an EU member to curtail products made by Israeli settlements in Gaza. Given the scale and gravity of what were now seeing with the deprivation of aid and the bombardment of Gaza this is an appropriate course of action to take, Simon Harris, the countrys deputy prime minister, told the Financial Times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The settlements consist of residential, agricultural, and commercial developments in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, located beyond Israels internationally recognised borders. How will it affect trade? If the bill is passed, Ireland would make importing goods from the occupied regions of Palestine a criminal offence. However, the law will not seek a boycott of Israeli products. A ban on exports from the occupied territories is largely symbolic, given that trade is limited to physical goods like dates, oranges, olives, and some timber, with a total value of just 685,000 over the four years from 2020 to 2024. Conor ONeill, the head of advocacy and policy at Christian Aid Ireland, said, This is a massive welcome step, it is the first time a trade measure of this kind has been applied to Israel by any EU country. After decades of saying and repeating that illegal settlements are totally illegal and that the EU is opposed to them, this is the first time that words are being matched with action. EU reviews deal with Israel Last week, the EU ordered a review of its cooperation deal with Israel and Britain halted trade talks with it as European nations took a tougher line over the Gaza war. France renewed its commitment to recognise a Palestinian state, a day after Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu angrily hit back at Britain, France and Canada for threatening action over his countrys military offensive and blockade of Gaza. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said a strong majority of the 27 member states at a foreign ministers meeting backed the move in a bid to pressure Israel. Countries see that the situation in Gaza is untenable, and what we want is to really help the people, and to unblock the humanitarian aid so that it will reach the people, Kallas told journalists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Even as US President Donald Trump has slammed Vladimir Putin for killing civilians with continued attacks, he has continued to reward Russia by accepting its terms and has done nothing to pressure the countrys leader to make peace, emboldening him to keep hitting Ukraine with impunity. read more US President Donald Trump has a pattern not a method to what his critics call madness in his dealing with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. First, Trump promises a ceasefire. Then, he floats offers favouring Russia and pressures Ukraine to accept those offers Ukraine has accepted all three ceasefire offers so far. When Putin rejects those offers, Trump invokes sanctions. Then, he expresses shock when Putin ramps up attacks and pleads to Putin when attacks continue despite public pleadings. In the end, Trump does nothing and simply accepts Putins terms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a relish for Kremlin, Trump also makes sure to trash Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy along the way for starting the war and call Putin names. In recent weeks, Trump has followed the pattern to the T: He first floated three ceasefire offers that benefitted Russia much more than Ukraine. As Ukraine accepted and Russia rejected those offers, he joined European leaders in threatening Russia with sanctions if Putin would not agree to an immediate ceasefire. When Putin refused, Trump junked the threat, dropped the call for a ceasefire, and instead handed Putin a victory by endorsing Russias position in the war. ALSO READ: In high-stakes call, Trump gives in to Putin & endorses Russias position in Ukraine war The result is that Putin stands more emboldened than ever to wage the war Ukraine thanks to his ties with Trump. Trump has endorsed Russias position in war In a high-stakes call last Monday, Trump endorsed Putins position of direct talks with Ukraine and gave up his own demand for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. It is an open secret that direct talks are a pretext to prolong the war as much as possible and tire out Ukraines supporters the United States is already tired under Trump. Since then, Russia has attacked Ukraine with thousands of missiles and drones and killed dozens. Trump also indicated after the call that he was done mediating and could not be expected to pressurise Russia not that he had ever put any pressure. Weeks after ending the shuttle diplomacy , he said after the call that he wants the Vatican to host and facilitate direct talks between Ukraine and Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After his call with Putin, Trump told European leaders on a call that Putin does not want to end the war as he thinks he is winning, according to Wall Street Journal. In a victory lap soon after the call, Putin said that he was 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. a euphemism for maximalist demands. Putin has used root causes to refer to maximalist demands, such as the recognition of all Ukrainian provinces that Russia has claimed and other territories that it controls; the ouster of Zelenskyy and his administration; the 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. Trump pleads, rebukes, and then accepts Putins terms In his latest round of rebukes after Russia launched hundreds of missile and drone attacks, Trump said that Putin had gone absolutely crazy and he did not know what the hell happened to Putin. Previously, Trump has said that he wondered whether Putin was dragging his feet in efforts to end the war. At no point, however, Trump took any action to pressurise Putin to make peace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In rare moments in which the President of the United States publicly pleaded to the Russian leader, Trump has made at least two public pleas to Putin to stop killing Ukrainians. Putin has rejected both of his pleas. Yet Trump has not taken any action to pressurise Putin. Instead, Trump has rewarded Putin with direct talks for a reset of trade and political ties between the two countries. ALSO READ: Trump wants Ukraine deal to be based on Istanbul Protocols, heres why that will be Russian victory At every step, Trump has strengthened Putins hand. Firstly, he stopped the military and intelligence aid to Ukraine that allowed Russia to retake territory captured by Ukraine in Kursk. Then, he floated a peace proposal that contained some of the biggest Russian demands and practically amounted to an instrument of surrender for Ukraine. Putin, however, rejected the proposal and said that nothing less than complete acceptance of his maximalist demands would end the war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ian Bremmer, the president of geopolitical consultancy Eurasia Group, has said that Russia said no cease-fire and Trump is increasingly washing his hands of it. He said that the result is that the support for Ukraine continues to recede in importance for the Americans and that what comes next is more fighting expanded Russian attacks across Ukraine, fewer restraints on Ukraine targeting inside Russia. Even as Putin has rejected all of Trumps pleadings, ceasefire offers, and peace proposals, all of which contain terms friendly to Russia, Trump has not yet taken any action to impose any cost on Trump. Instead, he has signalled that Ukraine and Europe are on their own. Thats the new reality to which Europe is adapting to as a longstanding ally has switched the allegiance under a new leader. The Kremlin has dismissed Donald Trumps criticism of Vladimir Putin as an emotional reaction, saying the US president may be experiencing emotional overload after calling the Russian leader absolutely crazy over Moscows largest airstrike on Ukraine. read more US President Donald Trump has said he is not happy with what Vladimir Putin is doing after Moscow launched its largest aerial attack of its three-year war on Ukraine on Sunday. File image/Reuters The Kremlin said US President Donald Trump may be experiencing emotional overload after he called Russian President Vladimir Putin absolutely crazy following Russias biggest airstrike on Ukraine over the weekend. Trump said Putin had gone absolutely CRAZY by unleashing the largest aerial attack of the war on Ukraine and said he was weighing new sanctions on Moscow, though he also scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organising and launching this negotiation process, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the Trump remarks about Putin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions. Ukraines air force said over 360 air attack vehicles were used in the latest strike, including nine cruise missiles and 335 attack drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, calling it proof that Moscow was misleading Donald Trump after his recent phone call with Putin, during which Russia claimed it was open to real peace talks. Over 900 attack drones launched against Ukraine in just three days, along with ballistic and cruise missiles. There is no military logic in this, but it is a clear political choice of Russia the choice to keep waging war, Zelensky said in a statement. Only a sense of complete impunity can allow Russia to carry out such strikes and constantly increase their scale, he added. The US Embassy in India has warned that skipping classes or dropping out without informing your school could get your student visa revoked. Read to know the complete advisory. read more At a time when the Donald Trump administration is cracking down on campuses and curtailing immigration, the US Embassy in India has issued an advisory regarding student visas. In a post on X, the US Embassy has said that skilling classes, leaving your programme, or dropping out of your institute without notifying the institute may lead to your visa being revoked. The Embassy said that such a revocation may make you ineligible for future visas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues, the Embassy further said. If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas. Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues. pic.twitter.com/34wJ7nkip0 U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) May 27, 2025 The advisory comes days after the Trump administration banned Harvard University from enrolling foreign students. The university challenged the ban in the court and secured a stay on the ban. Since assuming office, Trump has institute increased vetting at US borders that has subjected even naturalised citizens and legal permanent residents to increased questioning. There is also an increasing possibility of immigration officials searching your mobile phones, laptops, or other electronic devices. All of these is being done to purportedly stop or minimise the misuse of visa. There are concerns in the administration that people misuse their visa and end up working on student or visitor visa. Such a crackdown is part of Trumps anti-immigration platform that vowed to bring back jobs and deport all undocumented people. However, Trump has even expelled lawful citizens and has violated court orders to deport a person. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharifs latest offer of peace and counter-terror talks with India comes amid fresh tensions and echoes a familiar pattern of diplomacy followed by betrayal. With recent attacks and intelligence inputs raising red flags, history offers a cautionary taleraising doubts over whether this renewed outreach is genuine or another strategic ploy. read more In a renewed push for diplomacy, Pakistans leadership once again extended an olive branch to India, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing willingness to engage in comprehensive peace talks to resolve all outstanding issues, including the perennial flashpoints of Kashmir and cross-border terrorism, alongside water disputes and trade. However, Indias experience offers little hope for optimism, as Pakistans peace overtures have often been followed by actions that undermine bilateral trust and escalate tensions, with the latest remarks by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once again raising questions over the sincerity of Islamabads intentions and the real motives behind its renewed call for dialogue . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While speaking in Iran, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir and water issues, through negotiations. We are also ready to engage our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism. The timing of this overture, just weeks after a sharp military flare-up following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir has raised eyebrows. For many in New Delhi, it evokes a familiar pattern: peace proposals from Islamabad swiftly followed by actions that undermine them. Indian officials have dismissed Sharifs remarks as little more than recycled rhetoric, citing Pakistans persistent support for cross-border terrorism. Recent intelligence inputs indicating the regrouping of Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have only reinforced New Delhis long-held position: that meaningful dialogue is impossible while terrorism remains an instrument of Pakistans statecraft. A historical pattern of peace overtures and subsequent betrayals Since the partition in 1947, India and Pakistan have experienced cycles of conflict and attempted reconciliation. Notably, peace initiatives have often been derailed by subsequent hostile actions: 1999 Lahore Declaration: Signed with much fanfare by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this agreement aimed at nuclear risk reduction and fostering peaceful relations. Yet, the fragile peace quickly shattered with the eruption of the Kargil conflict just months later, a major military intrusion attributed to Pakistan. 2001 Agra Summit: High-level talks between Vajpayee and then-Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf collapsed without a joint declaration. India pointed to Pakistans continued equivocation on cross-border terrorism as the primary reason for the failure. 2004-2007 backchannel talks: During the era of President Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, secret negotiations reportedly came close to a consensus framework on Kashmir. However, political instability in Pakistan and the devastating 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, orchestrated by Pakistan-based militants, brought these promising discussions to an abrupt halt. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 2015 Modis Lahore visit: An unexpected diplomatic gesture by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made a surprise stopover in Lahore to meet Nawaz Sharif was followed shortly by the Pathankot airbase attack in early 2016, again attributed to Pakistan-based militant groups. 2019 Pulwama attack: A suicide bombing in February 2019 killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel in Pulwama, triggering Indias retaliatory Balakot airstrikes deep inside Pakistani territory and escalating tensions. 2025 Pahalgam Attack: Just weeks before Sharifs current overture, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, resulted in 26 deaths. This incident prompted a swift and strong Indian response, including the temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the downgrading of diplomatic ties, highlighting the fragility of any peace efforts in the shadow of ongoing terror. Terror and talks cannot go together New Delhis consistent stance has been that terror and talks cannot go together, asserting that a conducive, terror-free environment is a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue. Reinforcing this firm stance, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently reiterated that the Kashmir issue remains a bilateral matter, stressing that the Indian government is willing to discuss Kashmir with Pakistan but specifically regarding the vacating of illegally occupied Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the issue of terrorism. The persistent shadow of civil-military divide A critical obstacle to durable peace initiatives from Pakistan has often been the perceived discord between its civilian leadership and powerful military establishment. This persistent divide has historically undermined diplomatic efforts. Analysts in India often view Islamabads calls for peace through the prism of its domestic challenges and international pressures. Pakistan is currently dealing with heavy economic headwinds with ongoing discussions with the IMF for financial assistance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the past, such periods have sometimes coincided with attempts to project a more peace-seeking image internationally, potentially aimed at garnering diplomatic goodwill or financial relief. The vast and disproportionate influence of Pakistans military in its foreign policy also remains a crucial factor in assessing the sincerity and longevity of any diplomatic initiatives. The coming days will reveal Indias official response to Sharifs latest offer. However, given the deep-seated mistrust, the recent military flare-up in Pahalgam, and Indias firm stance on terrorism and PoK, a major diplomatic breakthrough remains a distant prospect. For now, Pakistans offer is likely to be viewed not just on its face value but as part of a broader pattern requiring tangible and verifiable steps towards peace rather than mere declarations. King Charles, speaking during a symbolic visit to show support for Canada at a time it has faced U.S. annexation threats, on Tuesday expressed his love for Canada and said the country would remain strong and free. read more Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and King Charles talk ahead of the King delivering speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa, Canada on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Image- AP King Charles III said Canada is facing unprecedented challenges in a world thats never been more dangerous as he opened the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday with a speech widely viewed as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by US President Donald Trump. Trumps repeated suggestion that the US annex Canada prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give the speech from the throne outlining his governments priorities for the new session of Parliament. The king is the head of state in Canada, which is a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented, Charles said in French. He added that many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Its rare for the monarch to deliver whats called the speech from the throne in Canada. Charles mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did it twice before in 1957 and 1977. I have always had the greatest admiration for Canadas unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians, he said. Charles, on his 20th visit to Canada, noted that it has been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened Parliament. In the time since, Canada has dramatically changed: repatriating its constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth. Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, the monarch said. He said when his late mother opened a new session of Canadian Parliament in 1957, World War II remained a fresh, painful memory and said the Cold War was intensifying. Freedom and democracy were under threat, he said. Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect. Charles also said that the Canadian government will protect Canadas sovereignty by rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It will stimulate the Canadian military industry by participating in the ReArm Europe plan and will thus contribute, together with European partners, to trans-Atlantic security. And it will invest to strengthen its presence in the North, as this region, which is an integral part of the Canadian nation, faces new threats, the king said. Former Canadian Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper were among those in attendance. The speech isnt written by the king or his UK advisers as Charles serves as a nonpartisan head of state. He read what was put before him by Canadas government, but makes some remarks of his own. Carney, the new prime minister and a former head of the Bank of England, and Canadas first Indigenous governor general, Mary Simon, the kings representative in Canada, met with Charles on Monday. Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the United States. The kings visit clearly underscores Canadas sovereignty, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Carney won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Trump. The king said that Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians. More than 75 per cent of Canadas exports go to the US and Carney is eager to diversify trade. The new US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, said that sending messages to the US isnt necessary and Canadians should move on from the 51st state talk, telling the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. that if theres a message to be sent, there are easier ways to do that, such as calling him or calling the president. There are different ways to send a message and a phone call is only of them, said Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University. The king would normally add his own short introductory remarks and observers will be listening to them very carefully with the issue of Canadas sovereignty in mind. The king said that among the priorities for the government is protection of the French language and Quebec culture, which are at the heart of Canadian identity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They define the country that Canadians, and I, love so much. Canada is a country where official and Indigenous languages are respected and celebrated, he said. The government is committed to protecting the institutions that promote these cultures and this identity throughout the world, such as CBC/Radio-Canada. He also said the Canada must protect Quebecs dairy supply management industry. Trump attacked the industry in trade talks. The king will return to the UK after the speech and a visit to Canadas National War Memorial. Justin Vovk, a Canadian royal historian, said the kings visit reminds him of when Queen Elizabeth II opened the Parliament in Grenada, a member of the commonwealth, in 1985. A US-led force invaded the islands in October 1983 without consulting the British government following the killing of Grenadas Marxist prime minister, Maurice Bishop. King Charles III will outline new Prime Minister Mark Carneys government priorities in a speech in the Canadian Parliament today. Its widely viewed as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by U.S. President Donald Trump. read more Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, greets Britain's King Charles as he arrives at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Ontario, during a royal visit Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo) Symbolic royal appearance seen as a rebuke to US President Trumps 51st state rhetoric and assertion of Canadian sovereignty. In a highly symbolic move loaded with political messaging, King Charles III arrived in Ottawa for a rare royal visit. Accompanied by Queen Camilla, the monarch was received on the tarmac by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, the Kings official representative in Canada. The centrepiece of King Charles whirlwind tour will be Tuesdays ceremonial opening of Canadas Parliament, a duty no British monarch has performed in nearly seven decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, last did so in 1977. The King will deliver the traditional Speech from the Throne, outlining the new Canadian governments legislative agenda, though Carneys office will draft the words. A message beyond the speech Though never explicitly stated, Carneys decision to invite the monarch to perform this ceremonial duty is widely seen as a carefully choreographed message, one that highlights Canadas distinct identity at a time when its sovereignty has become the subject of unwanted political commentary from Washington. This visit speaks to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, Carney said in a statement, subtly signalling that Canada will not be drawn into Trumps provocative annexation narrative. The prime minister, a former Bank of England governor who took office on promises to confront Trumps growing aggressiveness, is using the royal visit to reaffirm Canadas autonomy under the Crown, a constitutional link that remains despite Canadas legislative independence. Tuesdays event will be marked with full royal pomp: a horse-drawn carriage carrying the King and Queen to the Senate of Canada Building, flanked by a 100-member honour guard from the Royal Canadian Regiment and a 28-horse military escort. At the chamber, Charles will receive the Royal Salute before entering to read the governments program. More than ceremony While the Kings speech will formally reflect the Canadian governments agenda, experts believe observers will closely study his introductory remarks, often personally drafted by the monarch, for subtle affirmations of Canadas sovereignty. This visit reminds me of Queen Elizabeths 1985 address to the Parliament of Grenada, said Justin Vovk, a Canadian royal historian, referring to another post-colonial moment of constitutional affirmation after a controversial US military intervention in the Caribbean. Similarly, the visit carries symbolic resonance in light of Charless recent diplomatic role in Britain, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer leveraged the Kings stature to invite President Trump to London earlier this year. But in Ottawa, the message appears inverted aimed at preserving national distance from Trumps overreach rather than drawing him closer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Domestic reception and international interpretation Although polling suggests many Canadians remain ambivalent toward the monarchy, Carney is seen to be using the royal visit to shore up national sentiment and institutional legitimacy, especially at a time when Trumps rhetoric is seen as both inflammatory and destabilising. The new U.S. ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, downplayed the optics, telling CBC News that there are easier ways to send a message than by inviting the King to open Parliament. But political observers say the optics matter. This is not just about pageantry, said Daniel Beland, a political scientist at McGill University. Its a carefully curated signal that Canadas institutions and allegiances are not up for negotiation. After delivering the address and visiting the National War Memorial, the King and Queen will return to the UK, leaving behind a country that, at least for now, is asserting its own path under the Crown, not the Stars and Stripes. With inputs from agencies. During a joint press conference with his Vietnamese counterpart, Luong Cuong, in Hanoi, Macron stressed the importance of a rule-based order at a time of both great imbalance and a return to power-driven rhetoric read more France's President Emmanuel Macron and Vietnam's President Luong Cuong shake hands during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi. (Photo: Reuters) France has a flurry of new trade deals with Vietnam, as Trump tariffs threaten the world economy. During his first leg of his Southeast Asia tour, which started with a visit to Vietnam, French President Emmanuel Macron signed over 30 agreements worth $10 billion, including a major Airbus deal for 20 aircraft. Macrons first formal visit to Vietnam, the first by a French president in nearly a decade, follows US President Donald Trumps threats on Friday to impose 50 per cent duties on European Union goods from June 1, fuelling tensions with the 27-country bloc, though he later delayed that deadline to July 9. During a joint press conference with his Vietnamese counterpart, Luong Cuong, in Hanoi, Macron stressed the importance of a rule-based order at a time of both great imbalance and a return to power-driven rhetoric. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What did the deals cover? Deals covered the purchase of 20 Airbus planes, cooperation on nuclear energy, defence, rail and maritime transport, Airbus earth-observation satellites and Sanofi vaccines, a list of documents seen by Reuters showed, confirming an earlier report. The deal with European planemaker Airbus for Vietnams low-cost airline VietJet to buy 20 A330neo wide-body aircraft follows last years agreement for 20 of the jets. The two countries also signed deals intended towards a defence push, with Cuong saying that the defence partnership involved sharing of information on strategic matters and stronger cooperation in the defence industry, cybersecurity and anti-terrorism. Meanwhile, Macron reiterated Frances support of freedom of navigation, an issue dear to Vietnam as it often clashes with Beijing over contested boundaries in the South China Sea. EU concerns over Vietnams concessions to US At the same time, the European Union has been on the edge since Vietnam announced plans to cut tariffs on several products as the country tries to avoid being hit with US tariffs because of its large bilateral trade surplus. Under the new plans revealed late on Tuesday, the tariff on American liquefied natural gas will be cut to 2 per cent from 5 per cent, on automobiles to 32 per cent from a range of 45 per cent to 64 per cent, and on ethanol to 5 per cent from 10 per cent, the head of the Finance Ministrys tax policy department Nguyen Quoc Hung said in a statement posted on the ministrys website. The tariff cuts are aimed at improving trade balances with (Vietnam)s trade partners, Hung said, adding that while the US and Vietnam had a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the countries had not signed a free-trade agreement. With inputs from agencies A notification posted on the governments official visa portal announced the launch of the New AFGHAN Visa module available for six categories read more As India and Afghanistans Taliban improve ties, New Delhi has reopened visa services to Afghan nationals. The visas will be mainly issued to people who want to seek medical treatments in India on a case-to-case basis. Who will get the visas? A notification posted on the governments official visa portal announced the launch of the New AFGHAN Visa module available for six categories. Sources have told the Economic Times that priority will be given to people with ailments. The newly updated portal features categories such as student, business, medical, medical attendant, entry, and UN diplomat visas. Applicants must upload a recent front-facing photograph, along with their passport and national ID card, both of which should include personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, and expiry date. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New Delhi-Taliban relationship Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he held a good conversation with acting Muttaqi during which the two leaders discussed Indias traditional friendship with the Taliban-ruled country and the ways to take the bilateral cooperation forward. Jaishankar also appreciated Muttaqis condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. He also welcomed Muttaqis firm rejection of what he called recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports. Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continued support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward, Jaishankar said. Muttaqi strongly rejected Pakistans allegations of missile attacks by India on Afghanistan, official sources told PTI. It was an apparent reference to a report in a section of the Pakistani media that claimed India had hired the Taliban to carry out a false flag operation at Pahalgam. India has also approved the entry of 160 buses from Afghanistan carrying dry fruits and nuts via the Attari border in Punjab as a special gesture. Pakistan had initially blocked the Afghan trucks access to pass through the border, following which the countrys authorities allowed some of them to unload at Attari. Sharif embarked on a four-nation trip this week to seek support from allied nations against Indias Operation Sindoor and the subsequent military conflict between the two countries read more Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated his willingness to get into direct talks with India over all issues, including Kashmir, the Indus Water Treaty and terrorism. His comments came during a visit to Irans capital, Tehran, where the prime minister arrived as part of his four-nation visit. While addressing a joint press conference with the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif said, We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations and are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Your browser does not support the video tag. Sharif embarked on a four-nation trip this week to seek support from allied nations against Indias Operation Sindoor and the subsequent military conflict between the two countries. He met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to thank him for his support during the cross-border fighting between India and Pakistan. Long live our friendship Had the honour of meeting my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan-India standoff, which resulted in Pakistans overwhelming victory, Alhamdolillah! Conveyed the sentiments of gratitude from the people of Pakistan to their Turkish brothers and sisters, Sharif said on X. The prime minister said that the two countries reviewed bilateral trade and other key areas as Turkey reaffirmed its backing for Pakistan. We also reviewed the ongoing progress of our multifaceted bilateral engagements particularly in trade and investment and reaffirmed our resolve to continue working closely to further strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation. Long live Pakistan-Turkey Friendship, Sharif added. Roti khao, warna meri goli khao Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan, saying that its people must choose between peace and the path of terrorism. The people of Pakistan will have to come forward to bring their country out of terrorismeither eat bread peacefully, or else my bullet is there, PM Modi said. Pakistan was rattled after Indias response. They sent in drones to the regions along the border, including in Kutchh The brave women of Kutchh defeated Pakistans propaganda when they repaired the Bhuj runway in 72 hours during the 1971 war Those women came to me and blessed me and they also gifted me a sindoor plant. It will be planted in the PM House. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A Russian hacking group known as Laundry Bear, allegedly supported by the Russian state, targeted the Dutch police, Nato, and other European networks said Dutch authorities. The group accessed confidential information and also targeted high-end tech companies. read more Dutch authorities said that a Russian hacking group known as Laundry Bear, allegedly supported by the Russian state, targeted the Dutch police, NATO, and other European networks. Representational image. A previously unknown Russian hacking group was behind attacks last year on the networks of the Dutch police, NATO and several European countries, Dutch intelligence agencies said on Tuesday. The group, nicknamed Laundry Bear by the security agencies, was most likely supported by the Russian state, the Dutch General Intelligence Agency and Military Agency said in a joint letter to parliament. The cyberattacks against Dutch institutions are part of a larger international cyber threat posed by the hacker group, they said in a statement detailing the findings of their probe into the incidents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The group operated under the radar until it was discovered conducting a hacking operation in September 2024 in which it successfully gained access to the confidential details of Dutch police officials, it said. Laundry Bear also conducted cyber-espionage against companies that produce high-end technologies that Russia has difficulty accessing due to Western sanctions over the Ukraine war, it said. The investigation also reveals that Laundry Bear has been responsible for cyber operations against Western governments and other institutions since at least 2024, the statement added. It said the group had sought to get hold of information related to the procurement and production of military equipment by Western governments and Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. (Except headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff) Proposals by European nations and the US to hold peace negotiations at the Vatican, an initiative supported by Pope Leo XIV, have rejected by Russia, while it continues to prepare a draft memorandum for a possible peace agreement with Ukraine read more This combination photo shows President Donald Trump in a business roundtable, May 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a signing ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, May 10, 2025. AP Russia has voiced its support for Turkey hosting another round of peace negotiations with Ukraine following a previous meeting earlier this month, which failed to yield any substantial progress amid US-led efforts to halt the ongoing war, now in its fourth year. We are grateful for Turkey for its readiness to continue assisting with such negotiations and a peace settlement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday, after discussions in Moscow with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The initial direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, held earlier in Istanbul, ended without agreement after Moscow declined a US-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. Instead, Russia reiterated its longstanding hardline demands aimed at ending its prolonged invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022. Proposals by European nations and the US to hold peace negotiations at the Vatican, an initiative supported by Pope Leo XIV, were also rejected by Russia, Bloomberg reported. Fidan additionally met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lavrov late on Monday, according to Kremlin statements. Meanwhile, Russia continues to prepare a draft memorandum for a possible peace agreement with Ukraine, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday, as reported by the Interfax news agency. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration over stalled peace efforts, criticising Putin publicly. Trump indicated the possibility of imposing additional sanctions on Russia, condemning Putin as absolutely CRAZY! and accusing him of needlessly killing a lot of people through recent drone and missile attacks. Ukraine reported a record wave of Russian attacks overnight into Monday, marking the third consecutive night of heavy strikes involving drones and cruise missiles across various regions. Kyiv stated that the assaults injured civilians and damaged critical infrastructure. During their meeting on Tuesday, Lavrov and Fidan also addressed some setbacks in the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in southern Turkey. The facility, Turkeys first nuclear plant, is being constructed by Russias state nuclear agency, Rosatom, but has faced repeated delays. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russias defence ministry said that Ukraine, backed by Europe, had taken several provocative actions to derail peace talks. Read on for more details. read more Russia's Defence Ministry says Ukraine has taken several 'provocative steps' to derail peace talks. Russian Defence Minister, Andrey Bulesov. Representational image. Russias defence ministry said on Tuesday that Ukraine, backed by certain European countries, had taken several provocative steps aimed at derailing Moscow-initiated direct peace talks with Kyiv. The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years took place on May 16, but failed to produce a ceasefire agreement. At the initiative of the Russian Federation, direct Russian-Ukrainian dialogue on a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine has been resumed, the ministry said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the same time, the Kyiv regime, supported by certain European countries, has taken a number of provocative steps aimed at disrupting the negotiation process. According to the Russian ministry, since May 20, Ukraine has significantly increased drone and missile attacks on Russian territory, using Western-supplied munitions and targeting civilian areas. Between the evening of May 20 and the morning of May 27, Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 2,331 Ukrainian drones, including 1,465 outside the immediate conflict zone, the ministry said. Ukraine has also reported a sharp escalation in Russian attacks on its territory, including a record barrage on Sunday night. The intensification prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to comment that Russian President Vladimir Putin had gone absolutely CRAZY, while also threatening new sanctions. Russias defence ministry on Tuesday said that its strikes were retaliatory, precise, and targeted solely at military facilities and enterprises within Ukraines military-industrial complex. (Except headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff) The $175-billion project, proposed by US President Donald Trump, is aimed at blocking threats from China and Russia read more US President Donald Trump announces his plans for the "Golden Dome," a national ballistic and cruise missile defence system in the presence of Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office at the White House. AFP The United States Golden Dome project undermines the foundations of strategic stability as it involves the creation of a global missile defence system, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday. The $175-billion project, proposed by US President Donald Trump, is aimed at blocking threats from China and Russia. Trump has publicly presented the design for the Golden Dome , a $175 billion comprehensive missile defence program unlike anything the US has done before. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The concept is built on a multi-layered architecture that will defend the US homeland from missile threats utilising both terrestrial and space-based technology, including, for the first time, space-borne weapons capable of intercepting missiles at various stages of flight. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated that he expects the system to be fully operational before the end of my term, which expires in January 2029. Highlighting the initiatives extraordinary scale, he stated that the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missile threats even if they are launched from space. China and Russia issued a joint statement, calling the Golden Dome idea deeply destabilising in nature, warning that it risks militarising outer space and creating an arms race. These countries already have anti-satellite capabilities, and the US has accused them of developing offensive space weapons capable of disabling American spacecraft. Russias buffer zone will cover nearly all of Ukraine and will leave just a tiny sliver of territory in the western part of the country, according to Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council and a close ally of Vladimir Putin read more Russia's deputy head of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev (with flowers) takes part in a wreath laying ceremony marking Defender of the Fatherland Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Russia, February 23, 2024. (Photo: Reuters) Russia will create a buffer zone that will cover nearly all of Ukraine, according to Dmitry Medvedev, a top Russian official and a close ally of Vladimir Putin. Medvedevs remarks come days after Russian leader Putin said that Russia will create a buffer zone along the countrys borders to safeguard border regions. The purpose of a buffer zone is to separate the warring sides. While Russian officials have not gone into specifics, their statements suggest the purpose with the buffer zone is to bring distance between Ukrainian forces and their territories so as to minimise Ukraines strikes in Russian or Russian-controlled territories. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a post on his Telegram channel, Medvedev shared the map of what the envisioned buffer zone could look like see below. This is how Russias buffer zone with Ukraine would look like, occupying nearly all of Ukraine, according to Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev is the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, which is the main national security and strategic planning body under Kremlin. He reports directly to Putin. He has previously served as the President (2008-12) and Prime Minister (2012-20) of Russia. ALSO READ: Ukraine and beyond: 25 years on, Putin is still fighting Cold War and hes finally winning By leaving just a tiny sliver of territory in the western part of the country, Medvedev has made it clear yet again that the idea behind Putins war on Ukraine is the subjugation of entire Ukraine and the erasure of Ukraine as a sovereign nation one of the core purposes of the Russian invasion. As part of his revanchist, Cold War-era chekist mentality, Putin does not consider Ukraine as a sovereign nation and that is why his maximalist demands call for the ouster of the countrys elected leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and amendments of the constitution that would reduce the country to a satellite state of Russia. What does Putin mean by buffer zone? Putin on May 22 said that Russia had decided to create the necessary security buffer zone along Russia-Ukraine border. He further said that Russian forces were already suppressing enemy firing points to create the buffer zone. While Putin did not go into details, Russian state media later reported that he was referring to the Ukraines border with Russias Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions that border Ukraines Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions. However, Russian officials have called for a much bigger buffer zone. In line with the rationale described above, one Russian general, Viktor Sobolev, said that idea behind buffer zones was to prevent Ukraines long-range weapons, such as like HIMARS, from striking Russia or Russian-held territories. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think the buffer zone of security should cover the border areas where our new regions [Russia-annexed Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions] are located, among other things. That is, these are parts of Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv and Odesa regions, said Sobolev, according to Kyiv Post. Russian forces have captured four villages in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region, the local governor said, the latest battlefield setback for Kyiv as it seeks to hold territory and avoid handing Moscow the advantage in any peace talks. read more In this photo provided by Ukraine's 65th Mechanized Brigade press service, Ukrainian servicemen attend a military training in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, Monday, May 26, 2025. Photo- AP Russian forces have seized four villages Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka and Zhuravka in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region, local governor Oleh Hryhorov announced. The recent Russian advancement is being considered a major setback for Kyiv as it tries to maintain control of the area and prevent Moscow from gaining leverage in any future peace negotiations. The moves come in the wake of some of the largest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine since the full-scale war began in early 2022, although attacks briefly eased from Monday to Tuesday. Ukraine has responded by launching dozens of long-range drones into Russian territory, temporarily forcing the closure of some Moscow airports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Sumy region, which Ukrainian forces previously used as a base for incursions into Russias Kursk region, has been under heavy Russian bombardment for months. Russias Defence Ministry said on Monday it had taken the nearby village of Bilovody, implying a further advance in the more than three-year war. Though Russias offensive activity is concentrated in the eastern Donetsk region, Moscows inroads into northeastern Ukraine show how it is stretching Kyivs forces on multiple fronts. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly warned that Russia is preparing new offensives against Sumy as well as the northeastern Kharkiv and southeastern Zaporizhzhia regions. There is much evidence that they are preparing new offensive operations. Russia is counting on further war, he said on Monday, without elaborating. HARSH WORDS FROM TRUMP Zelenskiy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet over peace talks, after representatives from the warring parties met in person earlier in May for the first time in three years. Russia launched an unprecedented drone barrage against Ukraine at the end of last week, firing more than 900 drones as well as missiles over three nights, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to label Putin as crazy. Trump also said he was considering new sanctions against Russia to pressure Moscow to negotiate, but there has been no indication of action yet and he has shifted U.S. policy towards Russias position since returning to office. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday that the scale of Russias overnight attacks dropped sharply from the preceding barrage. Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for the West to step up sanctions pressure on Russia to force it to accept the need for peace. During a trip to the Kursk region in March, Putin repeated his call for his military to consider establishing a buffer zone along Russias border. Ukrainian officials have said for weeks that Russian troops are trying to make inroads into Sumy region, the main city of which lies less than 30 km from the border. Russian forces, attacking in small groups on motorcycles and supported by drones, have been widening the area where they have been carrying out assaults, a spokesperson for Ukraines border guard service said. Hryhorov, the regional governor, said Ukraines troops were keeping the situation under control, inflicting precise fire damage on the enemy. With inputs from agencies While touted as symbols of international unity, a growing number of cross-border marriages between Chinese men and women from Pakistan and Bangladesh are being exposed as fronts for trafficking and exploitation read more More and more Chinese men are marrying women from South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan. At first, these marriages may look like love stories across borders. But in many cases, they are hiding a serious problemhuman trafficking. Some women are being tricked and taken away from their homes, believing they are getting into genuine marriages. Instead, they end up in dire situations, under the control of criminal gangs. While leaders and embassies talk about friendship between the countries, there is mounting evidence that some of these marriages are actually part of a dangerous scam. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Marriage mirage: A facade for trafficking The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has issued a strong warning to its citizens, urging them to avoid involvement in cross-border marriages through illegal matchmaking agencies and to reject the notion of buying a foreign wife. The statement was prompted by increasing reports of abuse and legal consequences surrounding such marriages, especially in Bangladesh where they may amount to human trafficking under local law. Chinese law already prohibits any form of cross-border marriage matchmaking done for profit or by deception. However, this legal restriction has proven ineffective against the proliferation of underground agents operating across borders. These agents target young women from impoverished backgrounds, who see marriage as an escape from poverty. Similar concerns were echoed in a Gulf News report on April 18, 2019, which highlighted Pakistans struggle with illegal marriage centres that deceive Christian girls with false promises. Often, Chinese men are introduced as wealthy, newly converted Christians or Muslims, purportedly offering a better life abroad. But rather than a dream life in China, many women are trafficked into prostitution or used for illegal organ trade. Exploiting poverty and faith A disturbing pattern emerges across the reports: these scams disproportionately affect marginalised communities, especially Pakistani Christians. Reverend Johan Qadir, a community leader in Dubai, told Gulf News that illegal marriage agents often produce fake documents to disguise Chinese men as suitable matches even forging religious conversion certificates to gain the trust of poor families. This deception is rooted in systemic inequality. As highlighted by a DW report on November 5, 2019, Pakistani father Basheer Ahmed saw the proposal from a Chinese man for his daughter as a blessing. Living in poverty, he could not imagine an easier way to secure her future. But the dream quickly turned into a nightmare when his daughter was beaten and forced into prostitution after arriving in China. Her story mirrors that of many others. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This harmful situation takes advantage of two things: poverty and traditional beliefs. Many families see daughters as a way to get money by marrying them off, especially when they are struggling financially. A crisis enabled by strategic silence? What makes these abuses even more troubling is the slow and ambiguous response from governments. Even after many news reports and stories from victims, both China and its South Asian partners have been cautious and reticent in how they react. For example, the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement reported by Gulf News and The Express Tribune on May 12, 2019, that there was no proof of forced prostitution or organ trade involving Pakistani women in China. However, the embassy did admit that illegal matchmaking was happening and said they would work with Pakistani authorities to address it. Such statements appear more concerned with safeguarding the image of China-Pakistan relations, especially as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) continues to grow. CPEC, which began in 2015 and is worth $46 billion, has brought thousands of Chinese workers and businesspeople to Pakistan, according to Gulf News in 2019. This large movement of people has made it easier for abuse and illegal marriages to happen. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pakistani Foreign Office also showed this sensitivity in comments shared by The Express Tribune. Officials asked people not to exaggerate the issue and to be careful with how it is talked about, even though they confirmed that Pakistan and China were working together to investigate the matter. These cautious statements suggest that both countries want to avoid hurting their strong political and economic relationship. Legal blind spots and lax oversight One major factor enabling this crisis is the disparity in visa and immigration policies. As noted by human rights advocate Asad But in DWs reporting, Chinese nationals enjoy relatively unrestricted access to Pakistan, often receiving visas on arrival. In contrast, Pakistani citizens must undergo a rigorous visa process to enter China. This imbalance allows exploiters to travel and operate freely, while their victims remain trapped by red tape and disinterest from authorities. The laws exist but are not uniformly enforced. Bangladesh, for instance, has stringent anti-trafficking laws, with penalties ranging from seven years imprisonment to the death penalty, the Global Times report said. Yet, the underground network continues to thrive, partly because legal processes are long and corruptible. The embassy in Dhaka explicitly warned that trafficking suspects may remain detained for years before sentencing, derailing their lives permanentlyregardless of guilt. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Pakistan, crackdowns have had limited impact. Following a media expose and raids in 2019, the FIA arrested 11 Chinese nationals and several local accomplices in Lahore, The Express Tribune said. Still, these isolated actions appear reactive rather than systemic and there has been no report of substantial convictions or dismantling of wider trafficking networks. Victims without recourse One of the most troubling aspects of this scandal is the fate of the women who become victims. Once married and transported abroad, they are isolated by language, culture and lack of legal protection. The marriage scam crisis is not just a bilateral issueit reflects a wider regional pattern of exploitation. Human Rights Watch noted that such bride trafficking is disturbingly similar to cases in at least five other Asian countries. The phenomenon points to a broader gender imbalance and demand for wives in China, where years of the one-child policy and a cultural preference for sons have led to a significant shortage of women. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As a result, traffickers look beyond borders to satisfy demand. Poor women from Southeast Asia, South Asia and even parts of Africa become commodities in an international marriage market. Chinas expanding economic footprint in South Asia brings with it not only investment but also responsibility. The marriage scam crisis is a litmus test for how both China and its partner states manage the balance between strategic alliances and human rights. Amid frustration with Vladimir Putins rejection of peace offers and continued attacks, US President Donald Trump is considering imposing new sanctions on Russia and removing all limits on Ukraines use of weapons in the war, according to reports. read more In a sign of growing frustration with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump is considering imposing new sanctions on Russia and removing all limits on Ukraines use of weapons in the war, according to reports. The developments come at a time when Trump has increasingly expressed frustration with Putin over continuous rejection of peace proposals, dismissal of peace talks, and increasing missile and drone attacks in recent days that have killed dozens in Ukraine. Trump on Sunday said Putin has gone absolutely crazy and has no idea what the hell happened to him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump further said, Im not happy with what Putin is doing. Hes killing a lot of people, and I dont know what the hell happened to Putin. Hours after Trumps remarks, Putin launched the largest aerial attack on Ukraine so far with 257 missiles and drones that killed at least 12 people and injured dozens. Since last weekend before the Trump-Putin call, Russia has launched around 1,000 missiles and drones and have killed dozens in Ukraine. Trump considering new sanctions on Russia: Report Trump is considering imposing new sanctions on Russia out of frustration with Putins lack of will to make peace in Ukraine, according to Wall Street Journal. The newspaper reported that new sanctions are unlikely to include banking sanctions and it is also possible that Trump may not decide to impose sanctions at all. If Trump walks back on sanctions again, it would be the latest instance of him issuing empty threats that dont mean nothing. So far, Trump has not put any pressure on Putin despite the Russian leader rejecting every ceasefire proposal, peace offer, and defying Trumps personal calls to curtail attacks on civilians and come to the negotiating table. Instead, Trump has rewarded Russia by accepting Putins demands and opening talks for a bilateral reset. Trump has also continued to trash Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the defender, for seeking to buy air defence systems and calling Putin names. ALSO READ: Even as Trump slams Putin for civilians killings, he rewards Russia by accepting its terms The Journal reported that the purpose of sanctions would be to pressure Putin into coming to the negotiating table. The newspaper further reported that Trump is also getting tired from the lack of any meaningful progress in peace talks and may decide to end efforts altogether he has already ended the erstwhile shuttle diplomacy . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The end of mediation efforts would play into Putins hands. One of the main reasons behind prolonging the conflict with participation in low-level peace talks is to tire out Ukraines supporters. Trump considering removing limits on Ukraines use of weapons: Report Kyiv Post has reported two senior Western officials as saying that Trump is seriously considering removing all limits on Ukraines use of Western weapons. The development comes a day after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom had decided to remove restrictions on Ukraines use of Western long-range weapons. All the previously imposed restrictions whether already eased or not are currently under the review as President [Trump] believes that the current status-quo does not serve our common interests of bringing Russia to the [negotiation] table, one official told Kyiv Post. If Trump actually green-lights the removal of all limits, it would mean that Ukraine could hit any target anywhere in Russia with Western weapons. Jorge Rivero, a US-based Russia-Ukraine specialist, told Kyiv Post that the relaxation would allow Ukraine to target military installations within Russian territory, including airbases responsible for launching Geran-2 drones and strategic bombers that have conducted sustained strikes against Ukrainian cities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rivero further said, This policy shift could further authorize Ukrainian forces to engage Russian command and control nodes, as well as logistical arteries deep inside Russia, with precision-guided munitions." ALSO READ: Ukraine and beyond: 25 years on, Putin is still fighting Cold War and hes finally winning So far, Ukraine was allowed to use Western weapons up to a certain range inside Russia. It was only in the final weeks of his presidency that previous US President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to use Western weapons inside Russia. To be sure, Trump has neither donated nor sold any weapon to Ukraine so far. Instead, he has trashed Zelenskyy for wanting to buy Patriot air defence systems that are critical to taking down Russian missiles. The Kyiv Post further reported an official as saying that Trump would finalise the decision on the issue as well as next phase of support to Ukraine after the administrations meetings with German officials this week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is expected to visit the Washington DC this week. Wadephul on Monday said that that Putin doesnt want peace, he wants to continue the war, and we cannot allow him to do that. He sounded hopeful that the Trump administration would be onboard with the next round of sanctions being prepared by European countries. President Donald Trump has railed against Harvard in an intensifying clash with the nations oldest and wealthiest university, calling it a hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism read more People walk between buildings on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge. File image/AP The Trump administration has asked federal agencies to cancel contracts worth approximately $100 million with Harvard University, according to a senior administration official. The government has previously cancelled more than $2.6 billion in federal research contracts with the Ivy League institution, which has resisted the administrations demands for changes to key programmes. A draft letter from the General Services Administration instructs agencies to review contracts with the university and seek alternative contractors. The government intends to deliver a version of the letter on Tuesday, according to the official. The individual spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The New York Times first reported on the letter. President Donald Trump has railed against Harvard in an intensifying clash with the nations oldest and wealthiest university, calling it a hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism. Harvard filed a lawsuit April 21 over the administrations calls for changes to the universitys leadership, governance and admissions policies. Since then the administration has slashed the schools federal funding, moved to cut off enrollment of international students and threatened its tax-exempt status. The administration has identified about 30 contracts across nine agencies to be reviewed for cancellation, according to another administration official who was not authorized to speak publicly and provided these details on the condition of anonymity. The contracts total roughly $100 million, including executive training for Department of Homeland Security officials. Agencies with contracts that are deemed critical are being directed not to halt them immediately, but to devise a plan to transition to a different vendor other than Harvard. The letter applies only to federal contracts with Harvard and not its remaining research grants. PM Starmer has a two-pronged task ahead of him: to boost the indigenous workforce, all while clamping down on migration. Labour Party has announced that the government will increase its English-speaking requirement for overseas workers which will eventually make it harder for migrants to stay in the country read more The UK government has authorised plans to train over 120,000 builders, engineers and care workers to cut down the countrys dependence on foreign labour as the Keir Starmer-led government moves to curb immigration. The administration has allocated $4.1 billion to offer new apprenticeships, according to an official release on Tuesday. A 32 per cent hike in the Immigration Skills Charge, a fee paid by employers who sponsor skilled foreign workers, is expected to fund 45,000 additional training spots in sectors like construction and social care, which rely significantly on migrant labour. The government is also supporting initiatives aimed at adult education. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tuesdays statement said a planned 32 per cent rise in the immigration skills charge, designed to dissuade businesses from hiring foreign workers, would deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in priority sectors. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said, Were taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment. Businesses have said they cannot hire enough staff locally, warning that the tougher rules would harm the economy unless they were accompanied by a fundamental overhaul of the countrys skills training system. Britains PM Starmer has a two-pronged task ahead of him: to boost the indigenous workforce, all while clamping down on migration. His Labour Party has recently announced that the government will increase its English-speaking requirement for overseas workers which will eventually make it harder for migrants to stay in the country. A recent analysis by Boston Consulting Group warned that the UKs supply chains could be strained by the $1.2 trillion in public and private infrastructure investment projected by the end of 2029. The report advised expanding the shortage occupations list to ease recruitment of overseas workers and suggested loosening English language requirements for key visa categories. With inputs from agencies The announcement came as Israel is facing global condemnation over the conditions in Gaza, where it has been at war since Hamass unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack read more Displaced Palestinian children wait to receive free food at a tent camp, amid food shortages, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Reuters A controversial US-backed aid group for Gaza announced Monday that it had begun distributing food in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory, and decried Hamas death threats against organizations supporting its operations. The Gaza Humanitarian foundation (GHF) said in a statement that it commenced operations in Gaza today, delivering truckloads of food to its Secure Distribution Sites, where distribution to the Gazan people began. More trucks with aid will be delivered tomorrow, with the flow of aid increasing each day. The organization, based in Geneva since February, has promised to distribute some 300 million meals in its first 90 days of operation. The announcement came as Israel is facing global condemnation over the conditions in Gaza, where it has been at war since Hamass unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A nearly three-month total blockade on Gaza has only begun to ease in recent days, amid warnings of looming famine. The United Nations and international aid agencies have meanwhile said they will not cooperate with the GHF, amid accusations it is working with Israel while lacking any Palestinian involvement. UN officials have raised concerns that the organization could be used to weaponize aid by restricting who is eligible to receive it. GHF said Hamas was striving to block its operations. It condemned in the strongest terms Hamass death threats targeting aid groups supporting humanitarian operations at GHFs Safe Distribution Sites, and efforts to block the Gazan people from accessing aid at the sites. It is clear that Hamas is threatened by this new operating model, and will do everything in its power to see it fail, it said. While stressing its non-negotiable dedication to the safety and security of aid workers and civilians, GHF insisted these threats will not deter us. We are taking every measure to ensure secure operations and will continue working with trusted partners to deliver aid with integrity. The group is meanwhile facing internal turmoil. In a statement on Sunday, GHFs executive director for the past two months, Jake Wood, said he felt compelled to leave after determining the organization could not fulfil its mission in a way that adhered to humanitarian principles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said it had become clear that it is not possible to implement this plan while also strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon. On Monday, the GHF announced it had named John Acree interim Executive Director, hailing his more than two decades of global field experience in disaster response, stabilization programming and civil-military coordination. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for Yemens military, stated that Yemeni forces deployed a domestically-produced Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missile in a retaliatory strike on Ben Gurion International Airport, located on the outskirts north of Lod read more Members of Israeli security services fill up a crater near a road outside Israel's Ben Gurion airport after a missile launched from Yemen struck the area. AFP The Yemeni Armed Forces have launched two separate operations in response to ongoing Israeli actions against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, as well as alleged acts of sacrilege at the al-Aqsa Mosque site in occupied East al-Quds. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for Yemens military, stated on Tuesday afternoon that Yemeni forces deployed a domestically-produced Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missile in a retaliatory strike on Ben Gurion International Airport, located on the outskirts north of Lod. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They also launched a locally-manufactured Zulfiqar ballistic missile at a strategic target east of Tel Aviv. The Zulfiqar is reportedly a highly manoeuvrable, radar-evading, surface-to-surface missile with a range of approximately 2,000 kilometres (1,242 miles). Saree emphasised that the military operations were effective in achieving their objectives, including forcing millions of illegal settlers into shelters and halting aviation activity at Ben Gurion Airport. The senior Yemeni military officer condemned Israels relentless deadly onslaught in Gaza, the devastating siege on the local population, and the ongoing policy of famine as unparalleled atrocities in human history. This requires that all freedom-loving people of the Yemeni nation as well as peoples of the world take action to uphold justice, defend humanity, and fulfill their duties toward the oppressed Palestinian people, Saree added. He stated that the Yemeni Armed Forces would escalate their retaliatory operations against the Zionist entity deep into the occupied Palestinian territories. Saree emphasised that Yemeni troops would not cease their retaliatory actions in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip until the ongoing assault ends and the tight blockade is completely lifted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the conflict in Gaza continues, the Yemenis have imposed a strategic blockade on vital maritime routes, blocking the transfer of military supplies to Israel and urging the international community to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Yemeni Armed Forces have declared that they will not halt their attacks until Israel ends its land and air offensives in Gaza. Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who branded Sheikh Hasinas government as the worlds worst autocratic, is now facing similar accusations himself, amid growing concern over his combative and unilateral style of rule read more Bangladesh's former PM Sheikh Hasina has mounted a fresh attack on Muhammad Yunus and termed him a 'militant leader'. File image/AFP Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who last year used his Victory Day speech to target ousted Sheikh Hasina and labelled her administration as the worlds worst autocratic government, now finds himself facing similar accusations from across the country, with growing concerns over his increasingly combative and unilateral style of governance. Because of our faults we could not give completeness to our achievements and of late a monstrous autocratic government had grabbed the country which virtually promised that it will not allow anything to remain which could benefit the country, said Yunus referring to ousted Sheikh Hasina-led government what he described as the the worlds worst autocratic government in the Victory Day speech. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Once seen as a champion of democratic ideals, Yunus is now being viewed by many as replicating the same authoritarian tactics he once condemned, marked by a series of unpopular decisions and confrontational policies. His administrations crackdown on government employees, open defiance of court orders, hardline approach towards the business community, and growing tensions with the military over election delays have drawn sharp criticism. Yunus going after govt employees Protests have erupted nationwide over a controversial new public service law championed by Yunuss administration. The legislation, which allows for the swift dismissal of government employees for misconduct, has drawn sharp criticism from civil service unions. They have labelled the ordinance as repressive and a black law, and argue that the new provisions infringe upon their constitutional rights. The protesting employees have vowed to continue their protests until the ordinance is repealed. On Tuesday, the fourth straight day of the protest, government employees crippled administrative functions at the heart of Dhaka, demanding the repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025. In response to mounting protests, the government began talks with protesting employees. On May 27, 2025, officials met with leaders of various staff associations at the Secretariat to discuss their demands and seek a resolution. The protest was called off at the secretariat earlier today after the government assured them it would review the contentious law, reported Daily Sun. As elite SWAT units and Border Guards maintain a heavy presence outside the Secretariat, growing protests are now seen as more than just resistance to a controversial civil service law they signal a deepening rebellion against the authority of Muhammad Yunuss interim government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What initially appeared to be a bureaucratic dispute is rapidly evolving into a broader flashpoint, adding fuel to a national crisis marked by political instability, widespread public discontent, and mounting questions over the legitimacy of an unelected regime. The Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 amends the Public Service Act of 2018, introducing provisions that classify four types of conduct by government employees as misconduct, allowing for their dismissal without formal departmental proceedings. The government has stated that these amendments aim to streamline disciplinary actions and reduce bureaucratic delays. Meanwhile, thousands of teachers in government primary schools have also begun an indefinite leave from work, demanding a wage hike. Yunus defying court orders In a parallel crisis, the Dhaka South City Corporation remains paralysed due to a standoff involving the mayoral seat. Civil servants have gone on strike, demanding that BNP leader Ishraque Hossain be installed as mayor following a court order. Although the Election Commission did not challenge the decision, Yunuss interim government has defied the ruling and appealed to the High Court, seeking to block Hossains swearing-in and preserve the role for its own appointed administrator. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On May 22, the Bangladesh High Court summarily rejected a writ petition seeking a stay on the Election Commissions (EC) decision to declare Hossain as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The dispute stems from a March 27 ruling by Dhakas First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal Judge Md Nurul Islam, who overturned the 2020 DSCC election results, declared Ishraque the rightful winner, and directed the EC to issue a gazette within ten days. The EC complied on April 27. On May 14, DSCC resident Mamunur Rashid submitted the writ petition to the HC challenging the legality of the tribunals verdict and ECs gazette notification. He argued that the ruling was rushed and did not follow due legal process. In the petition, Rashid said the EC did not wait for the law ministrys opinion before issuing the gazette notification declaring Ishraque as DSCCs mayor, adding that since the mayoral term had already expired and the position was vacated through an ordinance, the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to declare Ishraque elected as DSCC mayor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Business community up in arms Yunus has also come under fire from Bangladeshs business community. In an extraordinary press conference held on Sunday, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI), along with other industry groups, condemned what they described as a deteriorating business climate. Prominent business leader Showkat Aziz Russell likened the targeting of entrepreneurs to the killings of intellectuals during the 1971 Liberation War, warning that economic instability could spark a famine-like crisis as layoffs rise and consumer confidence plummets. We dont know how we will pay bonuses and salaries to workers ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, The Telegraph quoted Russell, president of the Bangladesh Textiles Mills Association, as saying You are inviting foreigners to invest in the country (but) foreigners know that investment in Bangladesh is not viable. They know Vietnam is more profitable than Bangladesh, he added. Growing discord between Yunus and military leadership Tensions between Bangladeshs interim government and the military leadership have spilled into the open, with growing concerns over delayed elections and controversial security-related policy decisions, particularly a proposed humanitarian corridor into Myanmars conflict-ridden Rakhine state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reports suggest mounting discord as the armed forces question both the timeline for restoring democratic rule and the implications of certain foreign policy moves. In a significant development, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, along with the Navy and Air Force chiefs, met Yunus last week to press for elections by December. Their message was clear: the military wants a swift return to elected government and has expressed reservations about the proposed Myanmar corridor initiative. Meanwhile, the following day, General Zaman convened a meeting with senior officers at Dhaka Cantonment, where he reportedly said that he was unaware of several strategic decisions taken by the government, despite the militarys key role in national affairs. According to The Daily Star, during a 30-minute address and a subsequent hour-long Q&A, the army chief said, Bangladesh needs political stability. This is only possible through an elected government, not by unelected decision-makers. The military has also decided to crack down on increasing incidents of mob justice, reflecting a broader concern over law and order during the interim regimes tenure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As speculation over a civil-military rift grew, the Bangladesh Army issued a clarification on Monday. Brigadier General M Nazim-ud-Daula, the Armys operations director, said the military was not in conflict with the interim administration but remained resolute in its constitutional role. We (the government and army) are working to help each other. There is no scope to misinterpret it," he told reporters. However, Daula made it clear that the military would remain firm on matters of national interest. There would be no compromise when it comes to the countrys independence, security and sovereignty," he said, adding, The issue involving the corridor is highly sensitive. For the army, national interest comes first. The military leadership has also reportedly raised concerns about key decisions made without electoral legitimacy, including the potential foreign management of the Chattogram Port and the approval of Elon Musks Starlink satellite internet service moves they fear could compromise national security. These developments come amid rising discontent across various sectors, including the civil service and business community, over the Yunus-led interim governments policies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yunus now faces growing criticism for what many see as an increasingly unilateral and authoritarian approach, fueling political uncertainty and deepening national unease. With inputs from agencies Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Berlin on Wednesday amid escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war and shifting Western policies that could shape whether the war moves toward peace or deeper into war read more Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Berlin on Wednesday amid escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war and shifting Western policies that could shape whether the war moves toward peace or deeper into war. According to a Reuters report, Russian forces, as on Tuesday, have captured four villages in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region, marking a significant setback for Kyiv as it strives to maintain territorial integrity. The villages Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka, and Zhuravka were reportedly occupied after months of intense bombardment, with residents having been evacuated prior to the assaults. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sumy Governor Oleh Hryhorov described the Russian advances as attempts to establish a buffer zone along the border, added the report. In response, Ukraine has launched dozens of long-range drone attacks into Russian territory, leading to temporary closures of Moscows major airports. These strikes have disrupted civilian life and intensified cross-border tensions. President Zelenskyy has warned of potential new Russian offensives in the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions, citing evidence of increased military preparations. He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of obstructing peace efforts, despite recent diplomatic engagements. Amid these developments, Western countries, including Germany, the UK, France, and the US, have lifted restrictions on arms shipments to Ukraine, enabling Kyiv to strike deeper into Russian-held territories. There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine neither by the British, nor by the French, nor by us, nor by the Americans, The Guardian quoted him as saying on Monday, following Russias largest drone attack on Ukraine of the war to date. This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia with very few exceptions, it didnt do that until recently. It can now do that, he added. Reacting to the development, the Kremlin condemned the decision as dangerous, warning of potential escalation. In the United States, President Trump has criticised Russian President Vladimir Putins recent actions, calling him absolutely crazy following a massive drone barrage that resulted in civilian casualties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ive always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! said Trump. Trumps comments came after Russia, between Sunday evening and Monday morning, launched 355 drones against Ukraine, killing 10 people. The Ukrainian air force said it was the largest drone attack yet. Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry said they destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones. The Kremlin dismissed Trumps remarks as emotional reactions, downplaying their significance. This is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions, Putins spokesperson said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies China seeks deeper strategic alignment with ASEAN, GCC -- premier Xinhua) 16:52, May 27, 2025 KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Tuesday that China is ready to deepen strategic alignment with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment, as well as enhance coordination of macroeconomic policies. Addressing the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, Li called on the three sides to support each other in addressing new challenges in the course of development, and to foster new models of international industrial and economic cooperation. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) UltraProlink has launched its new On-Air Cardioid Condenser Microphone, aimed at creators who need clear, high-quality audio without complex equipment or high expenses. UltraProlink On-Air Cardioid Condenser Microphone The On-Air microphone uses a cardioid pickup pattern that focuses on the speakers voice while reducing background noise. It includes hardware to minimize vibrations, offers easy adjustments, and supports plug-and-play setup, turning any home or office desk into a professional recording space. UltraProlink noted that the On-Air works well across formats whether recording podcasts, streaming, gaming, or creating videos and delivers sharp, clear audio for every use. Features Cardioid Pickup Pattern: Captures the speakers voice and filters out surrounding noise. Shock Mount: Absorbs vibrations from bumps or movement, maintaining audio quality. Sturdy Grille: Shields the microphones internal parts to ensure long-lasting durability. Adjustable Desktop Stand: Lets users easily change the height and angle for optimal recording. 3-Meter 3.5mm to XLR Cable: Connects directly to laptops, mixers, or audio interfaces with no extra drivers or apps needed. Quick Specifications: UltraProlink UM1220BLK Condenser Microphone Kit Model: UM1220BLK Type: Condenser mic with cardioid pattern Color: Black Includes: Mic, mount, adjustable stand, 2m 3.5mm to XLR cable, manual Uses: Podcasting, vlogging, gaming, streaming Features: Shock mount reduces vibrations, metal grill protects mic Stand: Adjustable tilt and height Connection: Plug & play, no drivers or apps needed Cable length: 2 meters (6.56 ft) Warranty: 6 months, activated via QR code Pricing and Availability The UltraProlink On-Air Cardioid Condenser Microphone with a 2-meter cable is priced at Rs. 2,999 on UltraProlinks official website. It is available for a limited time on Amazon.in at Rs. 2,499. Commenting on the launch, Pankaj Mirchandani, Founder & CEO of UltraProlink, said, Qualcomm has announced its first global Edge AI Developer Hackathon, scheduled for June 1415, 2025, at the Qualcomm campus in Bengaluru, India. Qualcomm First Global Edge AI Developer Hackathon This event highlights Qualcomms focus on supporting Indias growing developer community and aims to establish the country as a key player in on-device AI innovation. The hackathon invites engineers, students, and young developers across India to develop and demonstrate AI applications on advanced platforms. Event Details and Features Qualcomm describes the hackathon as a platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation. It will last 24 hours and provide participants with expert guidance and access to the latest hardware. Microsoft is the global partner for the series, while Sarvam AI is the model partner. Prizes and Recognition Winning teams will receive Snapdragon-powered ASUS laptops, coverage on Qualcomms developer blog, and appearances in a Discord livestream spotlight. The Popularization Award includes a POCO F6 Deadpool Edition smartphone and digital exposure across Qualcomms platforms. Future Plans Qualcomm said it plans to host more editions across India, reflecting its long-term goal of nurturing local edge AI talent, encouraging grassroots innovation, and providing Indian developers with a global platform. Event Availability Date: June 14, 2025, 12 PM to June 15, 2025, 7 PM IST Location: Qualcomm Bengaluru Campus Registration is open until May 31, 2025, with limited seats available; you can visit the official website to register. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. King Charles III (top C) and Queen Camilla open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (L) looks on in the Senate Baltic defence ministers reiterated their commitment to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP from 2026 Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence 23. May 2025 - 17:00 Defence Ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania met at Amari Air Base to align positions ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague this June. The meeting focused on strengthening European defence readiness, increasing defence spending, advancing the Baltic Defence Line initiative, enhancing investments in the defence industry, and supporting Ukraine. "The primary topic of today's discussion with my Latvian and Lithuanian colleagues was, unsurprisingly, defence spending," said Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur. "Estonia is committed to allocating approximately 5.4% of GDP annually to defence from 2026 to 2029. Together, the Baltic States agree that in today's security environment, it is essential for NATO Allies to raise their defence spending to at least 5% of GDP." Minister Pevkur also emphasised the importance of boosting investments in the defence industry at both EU and national levels. "We must reinforce our own defence capabilities, for example, by making use of EU joint borrowing mechanisms," he said. Ministers also reviewed progress on the joint Baltic Defence Line, a vital component of NATO's new regional defence plans and eastern flank deterrence. They agreed on a coordinated approach to apply for EU funding for the project in the coming months, aiming to formalise the request at the June European Council. The Baltic States reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine and their commitment to provide military assistance equivalent to at least 0.25% of GDP for as long as necessary. "We do not support any attempts to pressure Ukraine into unjust negotiations," Pevkur stated. "Peace must come on Ukraine's terms and with full respect for its territorial integrity." Another key discussion point was Russia's shadow fleet activity in the Baltic Sea. "Incidents involving Russia's shadow fleet are increasingly systematic. We are witnessing a situation where the Russian Federation has effectively launched a military operation to protect it," said Pevkur. "This proves that our efforts to monitor and sanction these operations have been effectiveand we must now intensify them. The shadow fleet fuels Russia's war machine and violates international norms." Estonia will assume the lead of the Baltic Defence Ministers' meeting format in 2025, taking over from Lithuania, the chairing country in 2024. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah chief: 'Trump must free himself from grip of Israel' Iran Press TV Sunday, 25 May 2025 10:55 PM Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem has said that US President Donald Trump must free himself from "the grip of Israel if he wants to achieve his goals." Sheikh Qassem made the remarks on the occasion of Resistance and Liberation Day on Sunday, where he also said that Trump should seize the opportunity and rid himself of the burden that is Israel. "The US is violating Lebanon's national sovereignty and will not be able to impose the conditions of the occupation, no matter the cost in sacrifices and confrontations," he stated. 'Resistance is the only option for liberation' Sheikh Qassem started his speech by saying that the resistance has evolved from a project into a permanent pillar of Lebanon following the expulsion of the Israeli occupation. Resistance is the only option for liberation, he stated. He said the resistance was born out of necessity to confront threats and is the natural support for the army. The Hezbollah chief noted that the emergence of the resistance was a natural response from a proud people who reject humiliation, occupation, and surrender to the Israeli enemy. "The resistance began to grow in the 1960s and 1970s, with Imam Sayyed Musa al-Sadr emerging as a leader of resistance through the establishment of the Movement of the Deprived," he said. "After the 1982 Israeli invasion, the occupation remained and sought to impose the humiliating May 17 Agreement in 1983. However, genuine resistance at the popular, clerical, and national levels, in cooperation with Syria, succeeded in preventing that agreement," Sheikh Qassem said. He stated that from 1985 to 2000, the southern border strip remained under Israeli occupation, and resistance became the core of the confrontation. "Since 1978, despite international resolutions, Israel had not withdrawn, making continued resistance and sacrifice essential," he stated. Sheikh Qassem stated that Israel withdrew earlier than expected, on the night of May 24, 2000, without informing its collaborators. May 25 was declared Resistance and Liberation Day. "May 25, 2000, was a major victory for the resistance and the people who broke Israel and forced its unconditional withdrawal from southern Lebanon," he said. "Not a single retaliatory act occurred after the withdrawal. Collaborators were handed over to the state for trial. Locals were reassured, and no sectarian strife erupted in the liberated areas," Sheikh Qassem noted. 'Shining jewel of resistance' He called the martyred secretary general of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, "the shining jewel who led the resistance to victory." "The credit for liberation goes first to God, then to Imam Sayyed Musa al-Sadr, and to the martyr resistance leaders Sheikh Ragheb Harb, Sayyed Abbas al-Mousawi, and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah," he stated. The resistance transformed Lebanon from weakness to strength and put an end to Israel's expansionist ambitions, he noted. He added that Resistance and Liberation Day laid the foundation for everything that followed. "The resistance brought change in Palestine, put the enemy on the path to decline, and paved the way for all subsequent developments," he said. "This generous, proud people, who raise their children on dignity and stand up to the enemy, will succeed and achieve their goals," he said. Resistance is the choice of the people and the faithful, he said. Lebanon's resistance is defensive, a refusal to occupation and surrender, and it adaptssometimes it fights and deters, sometimes it holds firm and prevents, and other times it endures while staying ready, he said. He added that resistance is a method and a direction. Weapons are tools used when necessary and based on interest. Resistance is the act of a people's will and choice. The resistance is rooted in Lebanon's very fabricit cannot be removed because it is tied to the essence of the nation, he said. "We and the state are fully committed to the indirect ceasefire agreement with the enemy. In return, "Israel" has committed over 3,300 violations, and we continue to face this aggression," he said. The United States bears responsibility as it sponsors the aggression, just as it did here, in Gaza, and elsewhere. Lebanon must be strong, confident, and free. Its voice must rise in the UN Security Council, and the Council of Ministers must also raise its voice. Everyone concerned must act accordingly," he said. The resistance does not stay silent in the face of oppression, nor does it surrender. It exercises patience and gives time, but action is required, he said. "We still consider the war ongoing. All salutations go to those who are sacrificing. If Israel exploits its power, this only strengthens our resolve and defiance," Sheikh Qassem said. 'Yemen forced the US to stop its attacks' "Yemen forced the US to stop its attacks, and it sacrificed for Gaza, Palestine, Arab and human dignity, and the US was unable to do anything with it," he stated. The US will not be able to achieve Israel's conditions through pressure, no matter how great the sacrifices, he said. "We have two choices: either victory or martyrdom. Threats and surrender are not an option," he concluded. He said that Iraq, with all its religious authorities, Popular Mobilisation Forces, and officials, stands in solidarity with Lebanon and Palestine and supports reconstruction. Iran's people and Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, stand with Lebanon and Gaza, he said. "Hezbollah and the Amal Movement have proven to be a social safety valve. Their alliance has shown itself to be a strategic and unbreakable partnership," he said. "Israel will not be able to endure. God willing, we will rebuild our country and our villages while simultaneously working for construction and liberation," he concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint statement from the leaders of France, Poland and Germany on Independence Day of Georgia. Elysee - President of France Posted on 26 May 2025 On the occasion of the Independence Day of Georgia, with Mr Donald Tusk, Prime minister of the Republic of Poland, and Mr Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, we would like to send a message of friendship and solidarity to the Georgian people, and reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Georgia. We support the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people. These aspirations reflect a willingness to be part of the European family. We, therefore, condemn all activities of the Georgian authorities resulting in the democratic backsliding and the attacks against civil society, media and government critics. Freedom of expression and of assembly must be upheld. Reports of excessive violence must be investigated. Laws that contradict European standards must be amended and the much-needed reform process must be picked up again. The Georgian authorities need to re-establish a dialogue with opposition and civil society. The people of Georgia should not be deprived of the opportunities associated with the country's European path. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza's agricultural infrastructure continues to deteriorate at alarming rate Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Available cropland now at less than five percent, according to latest geospatial assessment from FAO and UNOSAT 26/05/2025 Rome - Less than five percent of the Gaza Strip's cropland area remains available for cultivation, according to the latest geospatial assessment carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), further deteriorating food production capacity and exacerbating the risk of famine in the area. As of April 2025, more than 80 percent of the Gaza Strip's total cropland area has been damaged (12,537 hectares out of 15,053) and 77.8 percent is not accessible to farmers, leaving just 688 hectares (4.6 percent) available for cultivation. The situation is particularly critical in Rafah and in the northern governorates, where nearly all cropland is not accessible. Using high-resolution satellite imagery and comparing against pre-conflict baselines, the assessment also found that 71.2 percent of the Gaza Strip's greenhouses have been damaged. Rafah has suffered the highest increase in damaged greenhouses (86.5 percent in April 2025, compared with 57.5 percent in December 2024), while all greenhouses in the Gaza governate are damaged. Agricultural wells have not fared better, with 82.8 percent of them damaged across the Gaza Strip. That figure stood at around 67.7 percent in December 2024. Before the start of the conflict, agriculture accounted for approximately 10 percent of Gaza's economy, with more than 560,000 people relying entirely or partially on crop production, herding, or fishing for their livelihoods. "This level of destruction is not just a loss of infrastructure - it is a collapse of Gaza's agrifood system and of lifelines. What once provided food, income, and stability for hundreds of thousands is now in ruins. With cropland, greenhouses, and wells destroyed, local food production has ground to a halt. Rebuilding will require massive investmentand a sustained commitment to restore both livelihoods and hope," said Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General. Looming famine Earlier this year, FAO estimated that the total value of damages and losses experienced by the agricultural sector in Gaza since hostilities began, in 2023, was over $2 billion ($835 million in damages, $1.3 billion in losses), with estimated recovery and reconstruction needs estimated at about $4.2 billion. With the breakdown of the ceasefire, these figures will undoubtedly have risen further, underlining the huge challenge of rebuilding the livelihoods of farmers, livestock owners and fishermen across the Gaza Strip. The latest assessment from FAO and UNOSAT follows the release of a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, which warns that the entire population of the Gaza Strip - approximately 2.1 million people - is facing a critical risk of famine following 19 months of conflict, mass displacement, and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid. According to the IPC report, between 1 April and 10 May 2025, 93 percent of the population, which translates to 1.95 million people, were classified in Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above), including 925,000 (44 percent) in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 244,000 people, or 12 percent of the population, in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe). In Phase 5, the population is subject to catastrophic levels of food insecurity and faces starvation. Looking ahead, current projections are that 470,000 people (22 percent) will be in IPC Phase 5 from 11 May to the end of September 2025. In response to the report, FAO has called for the immediate restoration of humanitarian access and the lifting of blockades. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Jordan and Norway: Defending multilateral cooperation Government of Norway Joint Press Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Norway and Jordan News story | Date: 26/05/2025 Ministers of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ayman Safadi of Jordan and H.E. Espen Barth Eide of Norway met today for regional consultations. Safadi and Eide agreed that a well-functioning multilateral system and a world order built on international law are vital to their countries' national interests. Multilateral cooperation is essential to uphold international peace and security, promote sustainable development and poverty reduction, and establish progressive norms on human rights, climate and environment, women's rights and the other key issues of our time. They also agreed that only the UN has the mandate, legitimacy and infrastructure to be the nexus of global multilateral cooperation. Currently, the UN system is being challenged by both serious funding cuts and growing geopolitical pressure that undermine the principle of multilateralism. In response, the Secretary General has launched the UN80 Initiative to ensure the organization evolves in line with today's global context. The initiative involves forming bold proposals for UN system reforms to help the organization maintain its efficiency and global leadership function. Jordan and Norway support the Secretary General's efforts and expect bold proposals for organizational changes and innovation that will strengthen UN efficiency. Reforms that help maintain the role of the UN as our foremost meeting place for dialogue and global policy and decision making. Reforms that will make sure that the broader UN system can efficiently support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Pact of the Future on the ground, as well as maintain the global humanitarian system. For reforms to be successful, they need support from the broad membership of the UN. Jordan and Norway, together with likeminded partners, will therefore reach out to countries in all regions, building cross-regional support for ambitious UN reform agenda. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Al-Qassam Brigades operations in Gaza; Israeli soldiers and tanks targeted IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 26, 2025 The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement, targeted Israeli soldiers and tanks in three operations in Gaza City. The Al-Qassam Brigades announced in a statement that its fighters after returning from the battle lines said that they had targeted a group of Israeli soldiers consisting with anti-personnel missiles. It also announced that in another operation, Hamas fighters detonated a minefield in the path of the Israeli soldiers. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leader stresses need for effective measures to stop Israeli crimes in Gaza IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 26, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei while referring to Pakistan's special position in the Muslim world emphasized the need for joint and effective activities between Iran and Pakistan to stop the crimes of the Israeli regime in Gaza. The Leader made the remarks in a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tehran on Monday. Ayatollah Khamenei hailed the end of hostilities between Pakistan and India and expressed hope that the two countries would resolve their differences. He noted that Pakistan has had a "very good and strong" stance on the issue of Palestine over the past years. "There have always been temptations for Muslim countries in recent years to establish relations with the Zionist regime, but Pakistan has never been impacted by these temptations," Ayatollah Khamenei said. Pointing to the Islamic Ummah's great capacities to have more power in the world now, the Leader placed a premium on forging unity and developing relations among Muslim countries under such circumstances that warmongers in the world have much motivation to sow discord and wage wars. Ayatollah Khamenei said that this is the only thing that can ensure the security of Muslim nations. The Leader said Palestine is the "prime issue of the Muslim world" and noted that people in Europe and the US hold demonstrations to voice their protest to their governments over the ongoing "catastrophic" situation in Gaza. However, some Muslim countries stand by the Israeli regime, he pointed out. The Leader said Iran and Pakistan can play a pivotal role in the Muslim world by cooperating and redirecting the issue of Palestine from this wrong path. The Leader expressed optimism about the future of the Muslim world. Ayatollah Khamenei said Tehran and Islamabad have "warm and brotherly" relations, adding that Pakistan's good positions during the Iraqi-imposed war on Iran (in 1980-88) are an example of such cordial ties. The Leader said the current bilateral cooperation in various fields is below the expected level, and added, "The two countries can help each other in many areas." Ayatollah Khamenei expressed hope that the Pakistani prime minister's visit to Tehran would contribute to the comprehensive expansion of relations in various fields, especially in the economic, political, and cultural sectors. The Leader also emphasized the necessity of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in order to further active the ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization). During the meeting, which was also attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Pakistani prime minister hailed Iran's positive role in solving the crisis between Pakistan and India. Sharif expressed regret that the international community refrains from taking effective measures to put an end to the ongoing catastrophic situation in Gaza. Sharif arrived in Tehran earlier on Monday to meet with high-ranking Iranian officials. The Pakistani prime minister is visiting Iran at the invitation of President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments. Upon his arrival at Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport, Sharif was greeted by Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. This marks Sharif's second official visit to Tehran within the past year. Pakistani Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir is accompanying the prime minister on this trip. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian reaffirms Iran's support for India-Pakistan ceasefire IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 26, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has once again voiced Iran's support for a durable ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling for dialogue between regional countries to resolve disputes and promote peace. Speaking at a joint press conference with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tehran on Monday, the president said that the West and South Asia need peace and calm more than ever. He underscored the necessity for more consultations among regional countries and other international partners towards that goal. He touched upon his discussions with the Pakistani prime minister before the press conference and said that both Iran and Pakistan are determined to implement the documents already signed between the two nations. "We share views that our joint borders have to be free from insecurity and the presence of terrorist and criminal groups," Pezeshkian said, highlighting the determination on both sides to upgrade security at the joint borders. "The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the stability and peace of the people of Pakistan among its highest interests," the president added. Pezeshkian said that he and the Pakistani prime minister also reviewed the latest regional and Muslim world issues, including the ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza. He said that Iran and Pakistan, as two key members of the Organization of the Islamic Countries (OIC) and advocates of the cause of Palestine, condemn these crimes and the Western support for the Israeli regime. Prime Minister Sharif described his official visit to Tehran as a historic moment, hailing the deep-rooted ties between Iran and Pakistan. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended by the Iranian government. Sharif hailed the high-level bilateral meeting between Iranian and Pakistani delegations as constructive, and said that the two countries are seeking agreements to enhance trade and economic cooperation. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S., other Israeli allies, must be held accountable for complicity in Gaza genocide: Iran IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 26, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran has strongly condemned a deadly Israeli strike on a school sheltering the displaced Palestinians in Gaza, saying the United States and other Western backers of the Israeli regime must be held accountable for their complicity in the ongoing genocide in the enclave. In a statement on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the escalation in Israeli aggression in Gaza over the past two days, including the attack on the Fahmi al-Jarjawi school in central Gaza City that killed over 50 innocent Palestinians, and the massacre of nine children of a Palestinian doctor in Khan Younis. He denounced the Israeli attacks on camps and tents housing displaced Palestinians as blatant war crimes and part of a colonial genocidal agenda against Palestine. Baqaei also pointed out that the international community's muted response has further emboldened the Israeli regime to escalate its atrocities against the defenseless Palestinian people, adding that Israel shows no restraint in its brutality and blatant violations of international norms. The situation in Gaza amplifies the responsibility of the international community to take immediate action to protect the oppressed Palestinian people, he said. Additionally, Baqaei expressed outrage at the extremist actions of Zionist settlers in the occupied West Bank and al-Quds, including the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. "It is the legal and moral duty of all countries and international organizations to take action to stop the crimes of the Israeli regime and to prevent the normalization of the massacre of people, the destruction of homes, and the occupation of others' lands," he added. Baqaei further emphasized the direct responsibility of the supporters of the Israeli regime, particularly the U.S., Britain, and some other European countries, for the crimes committed by the occupying regime. He stressed, "The obstruction by the U.S. and other backers of the regime in holding criminals accountable, along with their overt and covert attempts to hinder the judicial processes of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), is the main reason for the impunity of Israeli regime officials and decision-makers, allowing their crimes to continue." "These countries must be held accountable for their complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza," the spokesperson said. 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli strikes kill about 60 Palestinians and two ICRC staff in Gaza IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 26, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian sources reported that 57 Palestinians and two staff members of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been killed in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since Sunday morning. Qatari media Al Jazeera quoted medical sources in Gaza Strip as saying that Fahmi Al-Jarjawi School, a shelter for displaced people in Gaza City's Al-Daraj neighborhood, was bombed, resulting in the killing of 25 Palestinians. "Using its usual justification, the Israeli military claims, without providing evidence, that the Fahmi al-Jarjawi school in Gaza was a 'command and control center' for Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad," Al Jazeera reported. It added that the Israeli military has bombed hundreds of such places sheltering forcibly displaced civilians since the start of the war in 2023. Accordingly, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the total casualties of the Israeli regime's aggression on the Gaza Strip have risen to 53,939 since October 7, 2023. It further announced that the casualty count now includes 122,797 injured Palestinians. Following an Israeli airstrike on a civilian home in Gaza, the ICRC confirmed the death of two local humanitarian workers. 9376**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At the EU development ministers meeting, Latvia highlights its priorities in development cooperation policy, notably support to Ukraine Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26.05.2025 On 26 May 2025, in Brussels, Belgium, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Artjoms Ursulskis participated in the meeting of the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council in its Development configuration addressing the topics of financing for development, the EU-Africa relations, support for Ukraine's resilience, the future of EU development cooperation with a view to the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework, which will take effect when the current budget period ends in 2027. "Our relations with partners must be rooted in our values and principles, while the EU's support must also be in line with its strategic interests. In order to boost security situation in the EU, it is essential that we provide support to our partners, in particular, to the EU Eastern Partnership countries, which are facing security threats posed by Russia," Artjoms Ursulskis noted in his remarks to his colleagues. One of the agenda highlights at the meeting was a discussion on development financing ahead of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain. In their exchange, Member States reaffirmed the EU's support for the system of multilateral development financing, its reform, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals setting out the priorities of global development cooperation until 2030. Member States also pointed out that a more active communication with partner countries is needed about the EU's contribution to advancing global development. The Parliamentary Secretary also underlined Latvia's priorities within the EU development cooperation policy - support for good governance, the rule of law, reform, resilience and security, civil society, independent media, and the fight against disinformation, especially in the Eastern Partnership countries. After the meeting, Artjoms Ursulskis attended an opening ceremony for the EU support programme for Latin America and the Caribbean organised by EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Sikela. The objective of the programme is to provide the EU's support for the promotion of inclusive societies in partner countries in the region. The EU Foreign Affairs Council in its Development configuration deals with the topics High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) will take place from 30 June to 3 July 2025 in Seville, Spain. The event aims at reviewing the current global architecture of sustainable development financing to ensure sufficient funds for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Such conferences are held once in a decade, and the previous conference took place in 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lithuania is looking to invest EUR 1.1 bllion in countermobility measures over the next decade, says Minister of National Defence D. Sakaliene Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2025-05-26 International cooperation | Security and defense policy On May 22 through 23, the Baltic Defence Cooperation Ministerial Committee (B3) met in Estonia. Minister of National Defence of Lithuania Dovile Sakaliene with Minister of Defence of Latvia Andris Spruds and Minister of Defence of Estonia Hanno Pevkur discussed status of the joint regional projects, security of the critical undersea infrastructure, and agenda of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague. Other topics addressed at the meeting were strengthening of the European defence capabilities and defence industry, the transatlantic bond and support to Ukraine. "We have agreed to the general Baltic Defence Concept at this meeting. Lithuania is going to invest EUR 1.1 billion in countermobility measures in the coming decade. This step will be followed by synchronization with Poland, integration of the Baltic Defence Line and the East Shield to obtain European Union funding. Our border is the border of the whole of NATO. We have agreed on joint procurements with the Ministers through SAFE which will save, accelerate delivery of the needed equipment and ensure interoperability and cooperation of our forces," said Minister D. Sakaliene. Wen addressing strengthening regional security Defence Ministers discussed the developed Baltic Defence Line project: the whole of countermobility measures being positioned along the eastern border of NATO to strengthen the security of the Alliance's borders with Russia and Belarus. Ministers also discussed further progress on the project development and the EU financing instruments it might be eligible for. Latvia is currently developing a joint Baltic Defence Line and the East Shield Project Concept Note of the Baltic-Polish Ministries of Defence. The project will lay out the concrete projects the countries are prepared to implement together and the EU financing instruments they will apply for. The Note is planned to be signed at a European Council meeting in June. When discussing strengthening of the European defence capabilities, Ministers reiterated the support to the EU effort to enhance the defensive readiness of the member states in line with the proposals of the White Paper and the ReArm European Initiative. Ministers discussed potential areas of joint procurement as well. Addressing Lithuania's defence capabilities, Minister reminded of the strategic decision the country had taken based on the National Threat Assessment to allocated 5-6 % of GDP for defence in 2025-2030. She underscored that all NATO Allies had to share the financial burden fairly, for which reason Lithuania would aim to facilitate an agreement on a floor 5% of GDP defence spending and retained definition of defence spending at the next NATO Summit. D. Sakaliene underlined that coordination of practical Baltic action in accelerating key capability, for example, Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), procurement would enhance the regional defensive readiness and support interoperability within NATO. Minister also pointed out that the lessons of war in Ukraine encourage us to integrate new technologies, such as drones, anti-drone equipment and electronic warfare, besides the conventional capabilities. Implementation of it would ensure flexibility and forward-mindedness of our forces. While discussing strengthening of the defence industry, D. Sakaliene accentuated that Lithuania aimed for as voluminous production in Lithuania as possible in order to safeguard own defensive capabilities against geopolitical shocks and ruptures of supply chains. According to Minister, we need to stay autonomous in critical areas. This is addressed by the four strategic defence industry clusters developed by Lithuania to meet our and our Allies' needs for ammunition and explosives, drones and anti-drones, production and repair of military equipment, and maritime defensive capabilities. The Baltic Defence Ministers then focussed on the transatlantic bond. D. Sakaliene noted that despite the ongoing European-deployed U.S. capability review, there we no indications of American intent to curb their military presence in the Baltic states. In the important discussion on security undersea infrastructure, Ministers agreed that persistent NATO presence in the Baltic Sea is one of the most effective deterrents possible, while the European Union should agree on sanctioning the Russian shadow fleet. In the debate on the support to Ukraine Baltic Defence Ministers highlighted the regeneration of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at maximum pace in order to strengthen deterrence. Lithuania supports Ukraine with early 0.3% of GDP and is responsible for coordination of constant provision of specialized vehicles and other demining equipment to demining units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the format of the Capability Coalition for Demining. Lithuania is also prepared to join the Coalition of the Willing, an initiate of thirty nations united by a mission to provide security guarantees to Ukraine after a ceasefire Ministers concluded the meeting by signing a Joint Communique on further defence cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ASEAN summit kicks off in Malaysia with eye on integration, resilience People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:39, May 26, 2025 KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit kicked off here on Monday in the capital of Malaysia, with greater regional integration and resilience against trade and economic disruptions high on the agenda. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the plenary session, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged ASEAN members to work together to face the challenges brought about by a changing world order to ensure the agenda of sustainable and equitable development is not sidelined. "For ASEAN, our peace, stability and prosperity have often depended on an open, inclusive, rules-based international order, anchored in the free flow of trade, capital and people. These foundations are now being dismantled under the force of arbitrary action," he said. "Indeed, a transition in the geopolitical order is underway and the global trading system is under further strain, with the recent imposition of U.S. unilateral tariffs. Protectionism is resurging as we bear witness to multilateralism breaking apart at the seams," he added. Anwar also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with friendly partners of the grouping, noting the significance of the first ever ASEAN-China-GCC summit, which brings together the grouping along with China -- the region's biggest economic partner, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Malaysia is the chair of ASEAN for 2025, and is hosting the ASEAN Summit and related summits under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability." Established in 1967, the grouping includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump agrees to EU tariff extension after call with von der Leyen People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:29, May 26, 2025 NEW YORK/ BRUSSELS, May 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that he agreed to postpone the planned 50 percent tariff on imports from the EU until July 9. "It was my privilege to do so," Trump wrote on Truth Social, following a call from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requesting an extension. "(Von der Leyen) said she wants to get down to serious negotiation," said Trump. Writing on X, the EU chief described the call as "good," saying that "Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively." On Friday, Trump said talks with the 27-member bloc were "going nowhere," threatening to impose a 50 percent tariff on all EU imports from June 1. EU officials and member state representatives responded with discontent, warning that such coercive tactics would jeopardize transatlantic trade talks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Over 4K PH-US troops participate in 'Kamandag' drills Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno May 26, 2025, 2:16 pm MANILA -- At least 4,000 Filipino and American troops will participate in the weeklong "Kamandag" military exercise, which started Monday at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. "Kamandag" (venom), short for "Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma mula sa Dagat" or Partners of Warriors from the Sea, is an annual bilateral exercise between the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the US Marine Corps (USMC). The PMC said 2,028 Filipino participants from the PMC, Marine reservists, Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard, are taking part in the exercises in multiple sites across Central and Northern Luzon. On the US side, 2,031 USMC members are involved in the drills. Held annually since 2016, Kamandag focuses on enhancing joint capabilities in responding to security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Activities include command and control training, maritime security, coastal defense, live-fire drills and special operations. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden to summon Israeli envoy over Gaza blockade Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 11:05 PM Growing international backlash against Israel's blockade of aid into Gaza has sparked calls for sanctions by European nations. Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Monday that the Israeli ambassador will be summoned in protest, urging the EU to impose sanctions and diplomatic pressure to ensure humanitarian aid reaches war-torn Gaza. "We absolutely do not support what the Israeli [regime] is doing now, blocking access to Gaza," Kristersson said in statements reported by the Swedish news agency TT. "We have been very clear about this, both at the national level and with many other European countries." Leaders from Sweden, Finland, and Denmark have condemned Israel over the humanitarian aid crisis in Gaza, and called on the regime to immediately ensure the flow of assistance into the Palestinian territory. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called for international pressure on Israel, saying the regime "must ensure immediate access for humanitarian aid." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the current situation in Gaza "unacceptable." Spain has also pitched in with Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stating that Madrid is considering sanctions on Israel. He emphasized that recognizing the state of Palestine is essential for peace. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has denounced the latest Israeli air strikes on a school building sheltering displaced families in Gaza City, which killed at least 35 Palestinians, labeling the assault as a humanitarian tragedy and a political catastrophe. "I have to say that what happened this weekend when another kindergarten in the Gaza Strip was hit is a human tragedy and a political catastrophe," Merz said during his speech on Monday at the European Forum organized by West German Broadcasting (WDR). He added that the German government contacts Israeli officials to raise concerns about the military offensive. The UK, France, and Canada have already warned of targeted sanctions if Israel continues its military offensive and aid restrictions in Gaza. On May 21, the European Union (EU) announced the launch of a formal review of the Association Agreement with Israel, particularly Article 2 of the agreement relating to respect for human rights, in light of recent developments and the continued Israeli aggression in Gaza. The European Commission (EC) will initiate this procedure to verify Israel's respect for human rights and democratic principles, conditions stipulated in Article 2 of the agreement. At least 53,977 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 122,966 individuals injured in the brutal Israeli military onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged coastal territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN: 95% of Gaza's agricultural land unusable amid Israeli war Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 6:52 PM A new geospatial assessment from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows less than five percent of the Gaza Strip's cropland is capable of being cultivated. The joint assessment from the FAO and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) described the situation as "alarming" on Monday. The assessment found that more than 80 percent of Gaza's total cropland has been damaged, while 77.8 percent of that land is now inaccessible to farmers. Only 688 hectares (1,700 acres), or 4.6 percent of cropland, remains available for cultivation. The destruction has extended to Gaza's greenhouses and water sources, with 71.2 percent of greenhouses and 82.8 percent of agricultural wells also damaged. The FAO further warned that the destruction of agricultural infrastructure amid Israel's war on Gaza is "further deteriorating food production capacity and exacerbating the risk of famine". The UN agency said Israeli attacks on land, wells and greenhouses were exacerbating the already critical risk of famine in Gaza. "This level of destruction is not just a loss of infrastructure - it is a collapse of Gaza's agrifood system and of lifelines," said Beth Bechdol, FAO's deputy director-general. "What once provided food, income, and stability for hundreds of thousands is now in ruins. With cropland, greenhouses, and wells destroyed, local food production has ground to a halt. Rebuilding will require massive investment - and a sustained commitment to restore both livelihoods and hope." An analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) earlier this month warned that Gaza's entire population was facing a critical risk of famine after 19 months of war, mass displacement, and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid. While Israeli regime announced last week that it would allow "minimal" aid deliveries into Gaza, UN agencies and humanitarian organizations have warned that the trickle of supplies is failing to reach starving population of the blockaded Palestinian region. Meanwhile, Israeli air attacks and artillery attacks continue to kill dozens of Palestinians every day in Gaza. On Monday, Israeli forces bombed a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City, sparking a fire and killing at least three dozen Palestinians, including several children. Gaza health officials said over 50 people were killed in Israeli attacks across the enclave since dawn, according to health officials. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address German chancellor slams Gaza school massacre as humanitarian tragedy, political catastrophe Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 6:14 PM German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has denounced the latest Israeli air strikes on a school building sheltering displaced families in Gaza City, which killed at least 35 Palestinians, labeling the assault as a humanitarian tragedy and a political catastrophe. "I have to say that what happened this weekend when another kindergarten in the Gaza Strip was hit is a human tragedy and a political catastrophe," Merz said during his speech on Monday at the European Forum organized by West German Broadcasting (WDR). He added that the German government is in contact with Israeli officials to raise concerns about the military offensive. Merz also sharply criticized the Tel Aviv regime for violating international humanitarian law in Gaza, and said he would raise these concerns with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week. He stated that the Israeli military onslaught has gone far beyond acceptable limits and that its objective is no longer clear, emphasizing that the suffering of the civilian population cannot be justified. Merz acknowledged that Germany has been reluctant so far to publicly criticize Israel due to its historical responsibility. However, he emphasized that he can no longer understand any military objectives in Israel's current actions. "When boundaries are crossed, where international humanitarian law is truly violated, Germany and the German chancellor must also say something about it," Merz pointed out. At least 53,977 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 122,966 individuals injured in the brutal Israeli military onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged coastal territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli lawmaker, settlers break into UNRWA facility in occupied east al-Quds Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 5:43 PM A group of extremist Israeli settlers, led by a Knesset member, have forcefully entered a compound of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied east al-Quds. Roland Friedrich, UNRWA's West Bank coordinator, confirmed that around a dozen Israeli protesters, including a member of parliament, stormed the compound on Monday Among them was Yulia Malinovsky, a key legislator behind the recent Israeli law banning UNRWA. UNRWA provides services including development assistance, education, emergency humanitarian aid, and healthcare to 5.9 million Palestinian refugees in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is also the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza, where 2.1 million refugees are already relying on extremely inadequate amounts of aid allowed across the border by the Israeli regime. The Israeli parliament ratified legislation on October 28 that bans UNRWA from operating in Palestinian and occupied territories. In less than one week, this legislation will come into effect. The new law effectively ends the UNRWA operations in the occupied West Bank and Gaza because the Israeli regime controls access to both regions. The Monday attack on the UNRWA office will be further straining relations between the Israeli regime and the UN agency. It came on the occasion of the 1967 illegal occupation of East al-Quds, in another blatant violation of international law. Earlier in the day, over 900 settlers, led by Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Meanwhile, the Hamas resistance group has strongly censured the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque led by Ben Gvir. The movement says such violations aim to Judaize the Muslims' holy site. The group warned against the blatant desecration of the holy site and provocative actions. Hamas called on Palestinians to gather at the mosque in large numbers and protect it by resisting the violations. The movement also urged Arab and Muslim nations to fulfill their responsibility regarding Palestinians by resisting forced displacement and halting the Israeli regime's aggression against them. Benjamin Netanyahu met with visiting US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the occupied al-Quds on Sunday. Noem was accompanied at her meeting with Netanyahu by US Ambassador Mike Huckabee. Netanyahu's office added that during the meeting, Noem "expressed her unreserved support for the prime minister" and his aggression on Gaza. Noem and Huckabee also attended celebrations organized by settlers marking the 1967 Israeli occupation of al-Quds city. The visit by a US official to the occupied territories comes as Israel ramps up its offensive in the Gaza Strip to capture the entire besieged Palestinian region. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepened as an Israeli airstrike targeted a school in the Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City, killing multiple people, including a father and his five children. Reports indicate at least 18 children were among those killed in the Israeli attack on the Gaza school. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Pakistan must take joint action to stop Israel's crimes in Gaza: Leader Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 5:35 PM Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran and Pakistan should take "joint and effective" measures to stop the crimes of the Israeli regime in the Gaza Strip. In a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Tehran on Monday, the Leader said Pakistan has a special position in the Muslim world. Ayatollah Khamenei hailed the end of hostilities between Pakistan and India and expressed hope that the two countries would resolve their differences. The Leader noted that Pakistan has had a "very good and strong" stance on the issue of Palestine over the past years. "There have always been temptations for Muslim countries in recent years to establish relations with the Zionist regime, but Pakistan has never been impacted by these temptations," Ayatollah Khamenei stated. Pointing to the Islamic Ummah's great capacities to have more power in the world now, the Leader placed a premium on forging unity and developing relations among Muslim countries under such circumstances that warmongers in the world have much motivation to sow discord and wage wars. This is the only thing that can ensure the security of Muslim nations, Ayatollah Khamenei added. The Leader said Palestine is the "prime issue of the Muslim world" and noted that people in Europe and the US hold demonstrations to voice their protest to their governments over the ongoing "catastrophic" situation in Gaza. However, some Muslim countries stand by the Israeli regime, Ayatollah Khamenei said. The Leader said Iran and Pakistan can play a pivotal role in the Muslim world by cooperating and redirecting the issue of Palestine from this wrong path. The Leader expressed optimism about the future of the Muslim world. Ayatollah Khamenei said Tehran and Islamabad have "warm and brotherly" relations, adding that Pakistan's good positions during the Iraqi-imposed war on Iran (in 1980-88) are an example of such cordial ties. The Leader said the current bilateral cooperation in various fields is below the expected level and stated, "The two countries can help each other in many areas." Ayatollah Khamenei expressed hope that the Pakistani prime minister's visit to Tehran would contribute to the comprehensive expansion of relations in various fields, especially in the economic, political, and cultural sectors. The Leader also emphasized the necessity of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in order to further active the ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization). During the meeting, which was also attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Pakistani prime minister commended Iran's positive role in solving the crisis between Pakistan and India. Sharif expressed regret that the international community refrains from taking effective measures to put an end to the ongoing catastrophic situation in Gaza. The Pakistani premier hoped that his good and constructive talks with Iranian officials in Tehran would pave the way for further expansion of mutual ties. Heading a delegation, Sharif arrived in Tehran on Monday at the invitation of the Iranian president. He started a four-leg regional tour on Sunday by traveling to Turkey, and also plans to visit Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. Earlier in the day, he met with Pezeshkian and attended a joint press conference with him. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Settlers storm al-Aqsa Mosque to mark Israeli occupation of al-Quds Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 10:07 AM Hundreds of Israeli settlers have stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in al-Quds to mark Israel's occupation of the city's eastern sector following the 1967 Six-Day War. They waved the flags of the occupying regime and performed Talmudic rituals in the mosque's courtyards on Monday commemorating the so-called Jerusalem Day. Extremist Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was among those intruding into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Every year, Israeli settlers mark the event by marching through the streets of al-Quds and its occupied Old City, including the predominantly Arab neighborhoods, to the Western Wall. The participants regularly assault, attack, and harass Palestinians, shouting inflammatory slogans. Last year's march saw several attacks on Palestinians and journalists by marchers, who chanted anti-Arab refrains, plastered stickers on shuttered shops, and called for the expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. The Israeli occupation police said on Sunday that they were deploying thousands of officers across al-Quds. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site for Muslims. Under an agreement signed between Israel and the Jordanian government in the wake of the regime's occupation of al-Quds in 1967, non-Muslim worship at the holy compound is prohibited. But the ban is a mere phrase and, in action, circumstances have been against Muslims. The provocative settler intrusion into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound takes place at a time when Israel keeps its bloody war machine running in the Gaza Strip. Israel has killed at least 53,939 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in its genocidal war on Gaza since early October 7, 2023. Hamas slams Ben-Gvir's violation In a statement, the Palestinian Hamas resistance group said Ben-Gvir's storming of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound represents a "flagrant violation" of its sanctity and a "desperate attempt" by Israel to judaize the holy site. It also affirmed that Palestinian people will keep defending the al-Aqsa Mosque and thwarting the Zionist schemes for the holy site's division or judaization. The Gaza-based resistance group further called on Palestinians to intensify their presence at the Mosque, and confront the settlers' intrusions and rampages. "We also urge the free people of our Arab and Islamic nation to uphold their responsibilities toward protecting the holy Mosque, support the resilience of our people in al-Quds who face displacement attempts, and work to stop the occupation's aggression against our people and holy sites," Hamas added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Maduro's ruling party sweeps Venezuela's parliamentary and regional elections Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 9:08 AM President Nicolas Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) has achieved a decisive victory in the Latin American country's elections, securing 82% of the National Assembly seats and 23 votes out of 24 governor positions. Preliminary results released by the National Electoral Council (CNE) on Monday showed that the PSUV and its allies had won 82.68 percent of votes cast the previous day for seats in the National Assembly. The PSUV secured 40 of the 50 seats contested on the national lists, thus consolidating its parliamentary dominance for the next legislative period. This landslide win will also keep the ruling party in control of the attorney general's office and the top court, whose members are elected by lawmakers. According to electoral authorities, 42.66% of registered voters cast ballots across the country. Some 21.4 million people were registered, meaning that about 9.12 million voters participated. Carlos Quintero, vice President of CNE, noted that the figures were the same as the figures in the 2021 elections. Meanwhile, Elvis Amoroso, president of CNE, said the elections were conducted peacefully and without incidents, thanks to the commitment of the Venezuelan people and security deployment, which guaranteed security and transparency in more than 15,700 polling centers. Maduro, after casting his vote, stated that the elections "defeated violence and fascism" and reaffirmed Venezuela's commitment to peace and sovereignty. The main opposition led by Maria Corina Machado, an engineer and former MP, had urged Venezuelans not to boycott the elections. Maduro, however, shrugged off the boycott claims, saying "When the opponent withdraws from the field, we advance and occupy the terrain." Over 6,600 candidates from 54 political organizations participated in the elections, which renewed 285 deputies, 260 regional legislators, and 24 governors. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Entirely untenable': Australia condemns Israel's 'outrageous' blockade of aid into Gaza Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 6:59 AM Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has blasted Israel for blocking the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, where people are starving amid the regime's genocidal war. "Israel's actions are completely unacceptable," he told reporters on Monday. "It is outrageous that there be a blockade of food and supplies to people who are in need in Gaza ... People are starving." Albanese said he had expressed his criticisms to the Israeli president during a recent meeting in the Italian capital of Rome, where he told Isaac Herzog that the regime's "excuses and explanations" for stopping critical food and medical supplies for Gaza were "completely untenable and without credibility." Israel waged the Gaza geocidal war on October 7, 2023, but it failed to achieve its declared objectives despite killing at least 53,939 Palestinians and injuring 122,797 others. The occupying entity accepted longstanding negotiation terms by the Hamas resistance group under a Gaza ceasefire, which began on January 19. However, Israel violated the truce on March 2, cutting off humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Just over two weeks later, the criminal regime also resumed its deadly bombing campaign and redeployed troops to the territory. Last week, Israel allowed a small amount of food, medicine and other supplies to trickle into Gaza after an 11-week siege that has left many of the 2 million Palestinians there starving. In a joint statement, two dozen countries, including Australia, urged Israel to allow the full resumption of aid to the Gaza Strip and enable the UN and humanitarian organizations to work independently and impartially to save lives. "Humanitarian aid should never be politicized and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change," the statement read. Meanwhile, Labor Australian MP Ed Husic said his country "can and should be doing more" to pressure Israel. In an article for The Guardian, he said the government should call in the Israeli ambassador to demand "immediate freer, rapid flow of humanitarian aid", as well as rapidly increase contributions to international aid efforts. Greens Senator David Shoebridge also reiterated his call for the Australian government to end its multi-million dollar military contracts with two Israeli arms companies and their subsidiaries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli airstrike on Gaza school-turned-shelter kills over 35 Palestinians, including children Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 6:29 AM Israel's overnight airstrikes on a Gaza school sheltering displaced families kill at least 36 Palestinians, including many children, according to medics and civil defense officials. Israeli forces, early Monday, struck the Fahmi al-Jarjawi School in Gaza City's Daraj neighborhood, where hundreds of displaced Palestinians from Beit Lahiaa northern town under intense Israeli bombardmenthad sought refuge. According to Gaza's Civil Defense agency, rescuers retrieved 20 bodiesmany of them childrenfrom the school, with numerous victims charred after fires tore through two classrooms that had been converted into shelters. Local sources report the casualties included Mohammad al-Kasih, Hamas's northern Gaza police investigations chief, as well as his wife and children. The Palestinian health ministry reported that just before the school attack, an Israeli airstrike struck a residential building on Thawra Street in Gaza City. The airstrike hit both a residential building and adjacent tents housing displaced families. The force of the explosion caused debris from the destroyed home to collapse onto the nearby tents, leading to further casualties. According to reports, at least four people were killed in the attack. The twin strikes mark an intensification of Israel's military campaign, which has seen a significant escalation in northern Gaza over the past week. An Israeli airstrike Friday struck the home of Gaza physician Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, killing nine of her ten children. The attack left her 11-year-old son wounded and her husband, Hamdi al-Najjar, in critical condition. Israeli military forces systematically target civilian families, medical facilities, and healthcare personnel as part of its ongoing genocide in Gaza. Israel launched the genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023. According to the health ministry of Gaza, it has killed nearly 54,000 Palestinians there so far, mostly women and children. In January, the Israeli regime was forced to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas, given the regime's failure to achieve any of its objectives, including the "elimination" of the Palestinian resistance movement or the release of captives. The 42-day stage of the truce, which was marred by repeated Israeli violations, expired on March 1, but Israel is refraining from stepping into talks for the second stage of the agreement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Polish President: No Trump at Summit, No Unity at NATO Sputnik News 20250526 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump's absence from the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague would signify a "serious crisis" in the alliance, Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Monday. "If US President Donald Trump does not attend the NATO summit in The Hague, it will be a serious crisis," Duda said in an interview with Radio Zet, while expressing confidence that Trump would still come to the summit. When asked about Trump's efforts to restore peace in Ukraine, Duda said that the US leader was acting "very calmly" but claimed that Russia allegedly did not react despite multiple steps by Washington. "I expect President Donald Trump to take more radical actions," the Polish president said. Duda said that it was difficult to predict exactly what measures Trump would take, but added that he believed that the White House and Pentagon were working on various alternative solutions. The NATO summit will be held from June 24-25 in The Hague. The Dutch Foreign Ministry said in April that about 45 heads of state and government, 45 foreign and defense ministers, as well as about 6,000 members of delegations are expected at the summit. A total of about 8,500 people are expected to attend the event. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gazans' suffering goes on amid intensifying Israeli strikes 26 May 2025 - After another deadly weekend of Israeli attacks in Gaza, aid teams stressed once again on Monday that the "trickle" of supplies being allowed into the war-torn enclave will not halt famine. In occupied East Jerusalem, meanwhile, Israeli protesters illegally entered a compound of the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA. The development comes after the Israeli military coordination unit COGAT said on Saturday that 388 trucks had entered Gaza since last Monday - the first aid to arrive in well over two months of blockade that have caused hunger levels to spike. Humanitarians have repeatedly warned that at least 500 to 600 trucks need to cross into Gaza every day to provide people with their daily needs - as they did before war erupted on 7 October 2023 after Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel. Token assistance "We are on the back of 11 weeks of nothing entering the Gaza Strip, no food, no medicines for 11 weeks, nothing apart from bombs," said James Elder, a spokesperson for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). "And so today, a week after life-saving aid was finally allowed into Gaza again, the scale of that aid is painfully inadequate," he told UN News. "It looks like a token that appears more like cynical optics than any real attempt to tackle the soaring hunger crisis among children and civilians in Gaza." Today, Gazans remain at "critical risk of famine", UN-backed food security experts warned earlier this month. In their latest update, they estimated that one in five people in Gaza - 500,000 - faces starvation. Needs are 'absolutely critical' UN Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim Sarah Poole, who is currently in Gaza visiting displaced persons' shelters, reported that many families have been displaced more than 12 times, with living conditions deteriorating rapidly. "The needs are absolutely critical," Ms. Poole told UN News, warning that the situation has been compounded by a lack of lifesaving supplies. She said that humanitarians are working hard to overcome numerous challenges and bring aid to people, including food, water and healthcare. Ms. Poole repeated the UN Secretary-General's call for an immediate end to fighting, the release of hostages, humanitarian aid at scale and an end to the suffering endured by Gaza's population for far too long. Another school hit Reports on Monday indicated meanwhile that Israel's intensifying military operation in northern Gaza against alleged terrorists and their infrastructure had killed at least 50 people in air strikes. One attack hit a school in Gaza City sheltering hundreds of people uprooted by more than 19 months of violence. Footage reportedly taken after the incident showed the silhouette of a child stumbling through a classroom set ablaze at Fahmi al-Jarjawi school. Another air strike hit a home elsewhere in Gaza City killing four people, according to the health authorities. UN-run shelters are now "overwhelmed with displaced people desperately seeking safety", the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said in an update on Monday. It also underscored that the lack of food has added to people's suffering. "Many families are sheltering in abandoned, unfinished, or damaged buildings," the agency explained. "Sanitation conditions are dire; in some cases, hundreds of people are having to share a single toilet. Others, including children and pregnant women, are sleeping in the open." Farming smashed Across Gaza, less than five per cent of the Strip's cropland remains available for cultivation, according to UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT). Using high-definition imagery, the agencies' findings emphasize just how much food production capacity has shrunk in Gaza because of the war, exacerbating the risk of famine. As of April 2025, more than 80 per cent of the Gaza Strip's total cropland area has been damaged (12,537 hectares out of 15,053) and 77.8 percent is not accessible to farmers, leaving just 688 hectares (4.6 percent) available for cultivation. The situation is particularly critical in Rafah and in the northern governorates, where nearly all cropland is not accessible. Settler protest Following the protest at the UNRWA compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday, a spokesperson for the UN agency noted that one member of the Israeli Knesset had joined the settlers inside the gates. Monday is a national holiday in Israel, marking the moment following the Six-Day War in 1967 when the country's troops occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The UNRWA facility - located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem - has been targeted in past arson attacks that set light to the perimeter fence. At the end of January, UNRWA withdrew its staff from the compound under protest at the entry into force of an Israeli law banning the agency's operations in occupied East Jerusalem. The location retains its status as a UN facility that is protected under international law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA condemns the forced entry of a group of Israelis, including a member of parliament, into the Agency's compound in East Jerusalem UNRWA 26 May 2025 UNRWA condemns the forced entry of a group of Israelis, including a member of parliament, into the Agency's compound in East Jerusalem From Roland Friedrich , the Director of UNRWA Affairs for the West Bank, including East Jerusalem as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter) At approximately midday today, a group of Israelis led by a Member of Knesset and accompanied by Israeli media entered without authorisation into UNRWA's compound in Sheikh Jarrah, EastJerusalem. The group asserted they were "liberating" the "former UNRWA headquarters" on the occasion of Jerusalem Day, which for Israelis marks the reunification of the city. However, under international law, East Jerusalem is occupied territory and its annexation by the State of Israel is not recognised. The group brought flags and erected banners, seeking to claim the compound for the establishment of a new Israeli neighbourhood. Israeli police, alerted to the scene, failed to protect the inviolability of the UN premises. Following months of aggravated harassment directed towards the site and the entry into force of two anti-UNRWA Knesset laws in January 2025, UNRWA was forced to vacate the compound and withdraw under protest all its international staff. This unauthorised entry represents another violation of Israel's obligations as a UN member state to protect UN premises and facilitate humanitarian work. UNRWA condemns today's illegal provocation. Background Information: UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on. UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Brussels Unveils $170 Billion Plan To Boost EU Defense Capabilities By Rikard Jozwiak May 27, 2025 On May 27, the European Union will formally approve its 150 billion euro ($170 billion) scheme to boost defense spending in the bloc. The so-called SAFE (Security Action For Europe) regulation was first proposed in March by the European Commission in response to calls from member states for financial and political support to meet new defense targets pushed by NATO -- and to potentially step in for Ukraine should the United States shift its focus elsewhere. The final regulation, seen by RFE/RL, spells out clearly that "the threats posed by Russia and Belarus are of particular urgency and relevance," and need to be countered quickly. Due to the time required to develop defense products and scale up industrial production capacity across the EU, the regulation also says it will be "vital" for the union to start supporting member states "as soon as possible so that they can place orders very rapidly." Brussels first responded to the member states' calls by triggering the EU's national escape clause for military spending, meaning that expenditure for items like weapons and ammunition won't be accounted for in the bloc's punishment mechanism for countries breaching EU spending limits. That created fiscal leeway -- but member states also need the cash as soon as possible. With several capitals keen to access the proposed funds quickly -- and with no need for unanimity or consent from the European Parliament -- EU ambassadors approved the new legislation on May 21, with only Hungary opposed. The new scheme functions the same way as the EU's recent COVID-19 recovery program, which was worth 800 billion euro ($920 billion). For SAFE, the bloc will use its triple-A credit rating to raise the required 150 billion euro on the markets and then loan it to member states. This will be much cheaper than having most EU members trying to generate the funds themselves by borrowing separately. Five EU countries -- Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Sweden -- currently enjoy a triple-A rating, so they most likely won't need to participate in the scheme, leaving more of the potential loans for poorer members. Strings Attached The fact that the loans have a maximum duration of 45 years, don't need to be serviced in the first decade, and countries won't have to pay VAT on the equipment purchased are other advantages that Brussels hopes will trigger a European defense splurge. But there are, of course, some strings attached to all this. First of all, many indebted southern member states complain that unlike the COVID recovery scheme, which also included a grant component, this initiative is exclusively a loan, which will place an even bigger burden on already strained public finances. SAFE is also supposed to stimulate joint defense procurements between countries, with the European Commission keen to use the instrument to create a proper European defense market instead of the nationally fragmented one that largely exists today. Countries can apply for loans without teaming up with another state during the first year only. After that two or more countries must apply jointly. The scheme expires in 2030. In order to ensure the money is fairly distributed, the share of loans granted to the three member states getting the biggest allowance should not exceed 60 percent of the entire 150 billion euro allocated to the scheme. But the big issue in the past month has been who can participate in SAFE -- balancing various member states' desire to boost domestic production with the reality that not every component can be made in the EU. For starters, the countries in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) -- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland -- are included in the scheme. The same is true of EU candidate country Ukraine. The regulation justifies their inclusion by citing "those countries' close partnership with the Union in industrial defense production" and the fact that "Ukraine is directly faced with Russia's ongoing war of aggression." 'Brussels Compromise' Even so, there have been grumbles. The United States, in particular, has complained about being locked out of this process. And many EU member states -- still keen to maintain transatlantic military links while also keeping other close partners involved in aspects of SAFE -- have also lobbied hard to open up the scheme to further outside participation. In the end, a "65-35 rule" was settled on. That means that 65 percent of the value of the weapon acquired has to be generated in the EU, the four EFTA countries, or Ukraine. The other 35 percent can be produced elsewhere, such as in the United States. But it gets a bit more complicated. If a country has a Security and Defense Partnership (SDP) with the EU, 65 percent of the value of the weapon can come from that state. The United Kingdom recently penned such a deal with the bloc -- and Albania, Japan, Moldova, North Macedonia, and South Korea also have similar deals in place. Ultimately, as one EU official who spoke to RFE/RL put it, the upshot is "a classic Brussels compromise" -- a rather big deal has been struck but the money won't start flowing until everyone, including many outside the family, gets their fair share. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-defense-spending- safe-scheme-ukraine-support/33424615.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 Russo-Ukraine War - 27 May 2025 - Day 1189 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 Sergey Surovikin, former Commander of the Russian Group of Forces in Ukraine, is reportedly carrying out a role as 'head of a group of Russian military specialists' at the Russian Embassy in Algeria. Russian Embassy photographs appear to show a notably thinner Surovikin at an event dedicated to Russia's 09 May Victory Day, in his probable first public appearance in an official role since 2023. Surovikin, also former commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), was not seen in public for many months following the abortive Wagner Group mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin in June 2023, which was denounced by Russian President Putin as 'treason'. Reports of Surovikin's arrest and detention in relation to the June 2023 Wagner Group mutiny were not publicly confirmed. The Russian Ministry of Defence (MOD) did not officially announce Surovikin's resignation. However, in September 2023, references to him were reportedly removed from the Russian MOD's website. Russian authorities were likely suspicious of Surovikin's long association with Wagner dating back to his operational activity in Syria, a notable operational nexus for Wagner, from 2017. Surovikin also served as point of contact for Wagner with the Russian MOD. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of the day, there have been 166 combat clashes, the Russian enemy launched one rocket and 60 air strikes at Ukrainian troops and settlements, using two rockets and 94 controlled aviation bombs. 912 Russian strikes with kamikaze drones were recorded, 3237 artillery shells were carried out. Seven attacks were carried out by Ukrainian units in the Kharkiv direction in the settlements of Vovchansk, Zapadne, Stroivka, Figolivka and Dovgenke, two clashes are ongoing so far. In the Kupians komu direction, the Russian opponent twice tried to go ahead on Ukrainian positions near Zagrizovoye. Defense forces stopped all enemy attacks. Twenty-four times Russian forces attacked in the Lyman direction, trying to advance in the areas of the Serebryansky Forest, Nadia, Novomikhailivka, Ridkoduba, Kopanok, Katerinivka, Yampolivka, Green Valley and in the directions of Grekivka, Grigorivka, Karpivka, the New Peace. Ukrainian defenders repelled 18 Russian attacks, ongoing six boezitknen . In the direction of Kramators komu, the troops of the zagarbnika 10 times attacked near the Chasovoye Yar, Orihovo-Vasilivka and in the direction of the White Mountain, Maysky, Stupocok, Predtecinyogo, currently two confrontations are ongoing. The enemy tried 15 times to infiltrate Ukrainian defense in the Toretsky direction in the areas of Friendship, Diliyivka and Toretsk, fighting is still ongoing in three locations. Intensely attacks the Russian enemy of Ukrainian defenders in the Pokrovsky direction. Here, during the day, Russian forces committed 53 assault and offensive actions. High activity of Russian occupiers in the settlements of Zorya, Myrolyubivka, Malinivka, Lisivka, Zvirove, Udachne, Elizabethtivka, Kotline, Gorikhove, Novosergiyivka, Novomikolaivka, Muravka, Kotlyarivka, Trinity, Bogdanivka, Andriyivka and in the directions of Yablunivka, Oleksiyivka. One battle is still going on. Under the impact of the Russian CAB was the settlement of Stepanivka. According to preliminary calculations, for today Ukrainian soldiers in this direction have damaged 134 Russian occupiers, 61 of them - irrevocably. Also Ukrainian defenders destroyed seven cars, one motorcycle, three BPLA. In the Novopavlovsky direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped 16 attacks in the areas of the settlements of Konstantinopil, Burlatske, Novopil, Green Field and in the direction of Shevchenko, four more clashes remain unfinished. Russian forces caused an air strike in the area of Novodarivka. In the direction of Gulyaipil, Russian forces struck Gulyaipol with unkempled missiles. There were nine clashes in the Orikhiv direction, Russian forces tried to advance in the areas of the settlements of Mali Sherbaki, Stepovo and in the direction of Novodanilivka, Ukrainian defenders gave a decent section of the foreigners. The enemy caused air strikes in the districts of Kamiansky and Stepnogirsk. The Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions in Siversky, Gulyaipilsky and Pridniprovsky directions. Twenty-nine combat clashes took place today in the Kursk direction, six of which are still ongoing. During the day, Russian forces carried out 229 artillery shells, including 13 from reactive salvage systems; launching seven air strikes, dropping 14 guided bombs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address United Arab Emirates : Eighth EU-UAE Structural Dialogue on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Concludes in Abu Dhabi European External Action Service (EEAS) 26.05.2025 Abu Dhabi EEAS Press Team The United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted the 8thEU-UAE Structural Dialogue on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) in Abu Dhabi. The strategic meeting reaffirmed the strong commitment and continued collaboration between the UAE and European Union (EU) in combating financial crimes and strengthening international cooperation. Senior representatives from both sides explored key areas of cooperation, including judicial coordination, law enforcement collaboration, financial intelligence exchange, and reinforcing UAE-EU partnerships to ensure alignment and mutual effectiveness. The dialogue featured a comprehensive review of ongoing collaboration between UAE and EU respective authorities, with a focus on global trends, emerging risks, and challenges related to fighting money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Both sides explored potential avenues for expanded joint efforts to safeguard financial systems from illicit activities, as well as uphold global compliance standards. The UAE continues to reinforce its commitment to combating global financial crimes, which remains at the core of its national strategy, supported by strong leadership and rigorous enforcement measures. As an outcome of the Dialogue, both sides agreed on the intention to proceed with a clear set of technical and tangible areas of judicial and law enforcement cooperation, which include enhancing exchanges and joint efforts. Both parties expressed mutual interest in committing to the cooperation areas. The 8th EU-UAE Structural Dialogue was co-chaired by Saeed Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the United Arab Emirates and the Deputy-Director-General for Financial Stability, Financial services, and Capital Markets Union, Alexandra Jour-Schroeder. During the dialogue, Saeed Al Hajeri reaffirmed the longstanding and robust UAE-EU partnership, emphasising the importance of advancing strategic collaboration. Al Hajeri underlined the UAE's steadfast commitment to deepening cooperation with the EU, stressing the importance of joint efforts to leverage shared expertise, enhance transparency, and build resilience within the global financial system. Al Hajeri underscored that the 8th EU-UAE Structural Dialogue on AML/CFT marks a key milestone between the UAE and the EU, reflecting a shared commitment to combating money laundering and terrorism financing through enhanced cooperation, strategic initiatives, and a unified vision for financial security. He added: "This partnership aligns with the UAE's broader vision to contribute practical solutions to global financial challenges, reinforce international collaboration, and ensure the integrity of global financial systems." During the dialogue, Alexandra Jour-Schroeder welcomed the exchanges with the UAE authorities on concrete ways to achieve progress in establishing a sustainable cooperation approach in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. She added that it is key for the EU to strengthen the judicial and law enforcement cooperation with the UAE on AML/CFT matters. The agreement of both sides on tangible areas for further cooperation in this field is a positive sign and the EU looks forward to improving joint cooperation. UAE participants included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, the Secretariat General of the National AML/CFT Committee, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Ministry of Justice. Participating EU representatives included the European Commission Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (DG FISMA), the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST), the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), the External Action Service (EEAS), as well as the EU bodies and agencies Eurojust, European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), and Europol. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Objective brought to heel on Global Dexterity By Corporal Michael Rogers 26 May 2025 Sitting in the cabin of a C-17A Globemaster III above the Northern Territory, soldiers from 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), Battle Group Heeler, were bombed up and ready for a fight. When a five-minute warning blared over the aircraft's loudspeaker, they roused into action. Books and rations were packed away, helmets were donned and weapons checked. With a gut-lurching plummet, the plane dove towards the target airfield, its steep descent intended to foil any incoming fire. A one-minute warning was called as the plane touched down on the tarmac. The soldiers hefted packs onto their backs, slung their weapons and pulled goggles over their eyes as the dusty afternoon heat flooded in the now-open rear door. They rushed down the ramp at the loadmaster's signal, pausing only to load their weapons before heading for the nearby treeline to secure the airfield in preparation for follow-on forces. The mission started on May 5, when elements of Battle Group Heeler departed RAAF Base Amberley to conduct a tactical air landing operation to clear and seize Nackeroo Airfield in the Northern Territory. It was part of Exercise Global Dexterity, a RAAF 36 Squadron-led exercise to develop the tactical airlift and airdrop capabilities of the Australian, Canadian, US and UK air forces with the C-17A Globemaster III. Commanding Officer 6RAR Lieutenant Colonel Edouard Cousins said the scenario was a realistic task for the unit. "Activities such as this are invaluable to us as the Army's Ready Battle Group, working in a combined-joint environment with our AUKUS partners with the world's best C-17A and C-27J pilots," Lieutenant Colonel Cousins said. "Deploying at short notice to seize an airfield up to 3000 kilometres away from our home base in Brisbane is something that we may well be called upon to do." The battle group comprised an infantry company and Bushmasters from 6RAR, a combat engineer section from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, and two M777 howitzers from 1 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, transported by three C-17s and one C-27J Spartan aircraft. For Lieutenant Luke McClay, of 105 Battery, the exercise's biggest challenge was using a dismounted command post, something rarely seen in modern artillery. Being light on personnel meant breaking down a Bushmaster's worth of communications equipment into four backpacks. "It was a lightweight operation with heavy guns, which is the way they used to do it and the way we would probably be employed if we were to go into a theatre in the Indo-Pacific," Lieutenant McClay said. The battery plans to train the dismounted skills again in the jungle, using Manitou off-road forklifts to rapidly deploy guns into position and assist in clearing terrain. "You can see the tactics translate perfectly," Lieutenant McClay said. The battle group conducted a second airfield clearance on return to RAAF Base Amberley, this time in the dark under night vision, which added extra complexity, according to Lieutenant Colonel Cousins. "These activities provide our battalion focus and they also ensure that we have the opportunity to train and rehearse for what might come," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Converting brain power to fire power By Major Peter Nugent 26 May 2025 With drones buzzing overhead and uncrewed vehicles scrabbling over the harsh desert terrain, Australian soldiers were given a glimpse of the future during Project Convergence - Capstone 5 (PCC5). About 140 Australian personnel gathered at the US Army National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, with counterparts from the US, UK, New Zealand, Canada and France integrating emerging technologies into a joint multinational force. Head of Land Capability Major General Richard Vagg, said the "experimental event" would be of continual benefit to the Australian Army. "It's a key pillar to our modernisation efforts," Major General Vagg said. "Not only does it give us the opportunity to experiment with emerging technology, which is nested with our modernisation plans in Australia, it allows us to integrate with our key coalition partners." Contingent Commander Colonel David Lipschitz, of 9th Brigade, said military technologies were tested on PCC5, in addition to integration with coalition partners, collaboration to achieve key outcomes, and observation of the latest emerging technologies for modern warfare. "The aim here is that we are ready; that we've not only trained with the technology but also trained with our coalition partners," Colonel Lipschitz said. "We need to know how the technology works when we are integrated with our partners, and how to achieve a decisive outcome during operations." Major Ben Peterson, of 1st Armoured Regiment, said Australians were working alongside the UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Battlegroup from the 2nd Royal Yorkshire Regiment. He said hyper-teaming was one of the key technologies being experimented with during PCC5, which tested human-machine integration in a field environment. "We're getting one soldier to do something that previously took many soldiers. For example, a single controller using multiple uncrewed ground and aerial systems at once," Major Peterson said. While some of the experiments taking place during PCC5 were overt, there were also covert technologies being put to the test in the Californian desert, such as a new radio system that has the potential to reshape the battlefield. Captain Wayne Mulhall, of Electronic Warfare - Army Headquarters, was part of the team responsible for putting the Australian-designed and built TrapRadio through its paces. "TrapRadio supports Australian soldiers through force protection and also the ability to create a dilemma through the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning," Captain Mulhall said. "TrapRadio is able to generate a deception to support commanders, mimicking high-value targets, which creates a dilemma for adversary operators." Away from the frontline, logisticians were testing a prototype system that would allow partner nations to track supplies, such as ammunition, fuel or food, to assist each other to overcome shortfalls. Captain Shane Allen, of 17th Sustainment Brigade, said the digitalised joint modular intermodal logistics systems used electronic tags to track items through a computer network, no matter where they were and which force they belonged to. "We had a Nepalese driver in a UK vehicle, with an Australian CROP [container rolling off platform system] inside a French ISO 20ft container," Captain Allen said, describing the multinational logistics integration on PCC5. "What we've identified in this activity is that it enables partner nations to demand resources that aren't within their own systems, but within their neighbouring force and the neighbouring partner nations, creating a shorter timeline of resupply that is beneficial for the entire mission and coalition." Australian Army Land Network Integration Centre, in conjunction with the US Army Futures Command, ensured tactical compatibility through operational data integration was explored to validate ability to operate as a combined joint force. The success rate of fire missions on PCC5 also demonstrated Australia's land-based long-range fires capability, a key component in contributing to a strategy of denial as outlined in the National Defence Strategy. PCC5 also continued to develop strong ties between personnel on the ground, who are using new and emerging technology and Australian Defence industry partners who are creating and developing the equipment. This is an important step for Defence in developing greater self-reliance in preparation for future missions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA Navy's carrier Liaoning holds damage control drills amid Japanese media hype Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: May 26, 2025 11:07 PM The aircraft carrier Liaoning of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy recently held damage control drills that Chinese experts said are crucial to the vessel's combat capability. The experts stressed that China's carrier operations are normal, routine and expected to continue to increase, as Japanese media hyped the Liaoning's recent activities in the East China Sea. The PLA Navy's aircraft carrier Liaoning recently conducted damage control exercises. Crew members fully equipped with protection suits and professional equipment practiced fire reconnaissance, smoke control and first aid in an intense but orderly manner, the PLA Daily reported on Monday. During the exercise, the Liaoning hosted aircraft takeoff and landing operations at sea, according to a video by China Bugle, an official media account affiliated with the PLA news media center. Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday that damage control drills are a key part of a warship's basic training program. Damage control is a fundamental part of ensuring combat capability, as a warship could inevitably be attacked during combat and suffer damage that needs to be dealt with to avoid further losses. Such exercises are so important that they are held from time to time, Wang said, noting that it is not aimed at any specific target. The PLA Daily did not provide details on exactly when and where the exercises by the Liaoning took place. According to a press release by Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff on Sunday evening, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force on Sunday spotted a group of five PLA Navy warships including the aircraft carrier Liaoning, two Type 052D guided missile destroyers and two Type 054A guided missile frigates sailing in waters about 200 kilometers north to Huangwei Yu, an islet near Diaoyu Dao. Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have always been China's territory. Japanese news outlet NHK claimed in a report that this is the first time the defense ministry has announced takeoffs and landings of fighter jets using a Chinese aircraft carrier sailing in the East China Sea. Song Zhongping, another Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday that Japan does not need to make a fuss out of a Chinese aircraft carrier's normal and routine activities. As Chinese carriers' operations become more frequent as they develop, everything will naturally fall into place. In recent days, China has revealed the activities of all three of its aircraft carriers. In addition to China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, the second aircraft carrier Shandong recently conducted a full-procedure flight support exercise at a naval port in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province, while the country's third carrier, the first one equipped with catapults, is holding intensive sea trials, the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Saturday. Aircraft carriers are not meant to remain constantly docked, but are meant to conduct all sorts of training exercises and missions in not only coastal waters but also far seas to enhance their tactical and strategic capabilities, Song said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China unveils regulations on protecting military industrial facilities Global Times By Global Times Published: May 26, 2025 11:01 PM China's State Council and the Central Military Commission have jointly published a set of regulations on protecting China's important military industrial facilities, which will take effect on September 15, 2025, according to the Xinhua News Agency on Monday. The regulations aim to safeguard the security of key military industrial facilities, ensure their operational effectiveness, and maintain the normal conduct of military research, production, and related activities, thereby strengthening the modernization of national defense, reported CCTV. The regulations consist of 7 chapters and 51 articles. First, the regulations clarify the scope of key military industrial facilities and the responsibilities of relevant parties, defining the range of key military industrial facilities to be protected by law and specify the duties of relevant departments under the State Council, local governments, military authorities, and management units of key military industrial facilities. Second, the regulations standardize the delineation of protected zones for key military industrial facilities, and stipulate that key military industrial facilities shall be protected through the establishment of designated protected zones, outlining the procedures and requirements for delineating and adjusting the boundaries of these zones. Third, the regulations specify protective measures for key military industrial facilities, and require that controlled access and other security measures be implemented within the protected zones. the regulations also define protection requirements for the outer security control areas surrounding these zones and establish provisions for safeguarding special scenarios, such as major scientific research and testing activities conducted using key military industrial facilities. Fourth, the regulations strengthen the responsibilities and obligations of management units for key military industrial facilities, and mandate the establishment of a sound protection accountability system, the implementation of full-process safety management, the formulation of emergency response plans, and the conduct of risk assessments for security protection. Additionally, the regulations outline requirements for internal security and related aspects. Fifth, the regulations enhance oversight and support from all relevant parties, and stipulate that the preparation of national economic and social development plans should account for the protection needs of key military industrial facilities. The regulations also reinforce the supervisory, inspection, and comprehensive governance responsibilities of industry regulatory authorities and local governments. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Cambodia conduct first Ream training center-based live-force sea-air drill Global Times By Liang Rui and Liu Xuanzun Published: May 26, 2025 09:57 PM The China-Cambodia "Golden Dragon-2025" joint exercise conducted a live-force drill in the maritime and aerial domains near the port of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on Monday local time. Official media highlighted that this was the first time the Cambodia-China Joint Support and Training Center at Port Ream was utilized for live-force operations. In the drill, a combined task force consisting of 11 naval vessels and 3 air force helicopters from both countries participated in the exercise, according to Xinhua News Agency. Chinese equipment, including the Type 071 amphibious landing ship, Type 056A corvette and Z-20 helicopter, participated in the exercise, according to a video from China Bugle, an official media account affiliated with the PLA news media center. According to Xinhua, the drill simulated a scenario in which "terrorists" hijacked a cargo ship using armed speedboats, focusing on joint counter-terrorism and anti-hijacking operations, with key exercises including coordinated response, escort operations, counter-terrorism and anti-piracy, as well as joint maritime and aerial search and rescue. Upon receiving the alert, the joint task force swiftly deployed to the "incident area." After locating the target through maritime search efforts, the naval and aerial forces employed various tactics, such as verbal warnings, warning shots, and suppressive fire, to deter and force the "terrorists" to halt, followed by rapid containment and boarding operations, Xinhua reported. Subsequently, both sides held a closing ceremony for the live-force drill. This exercise marked the first air-sea joint military live-force drill in the "Golden Dragon" series, as well as the first time the Cambodia-China Joint Support and Training Center at Port Ream was utilized for live-force operations. The exercise achieved its goals of mutual learning, shared progress, and enhanced capabilities, demonstrating both nations' firm resolve and strong ability to jointly safeguard maritime security, Xinhua reported. Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that this year's drills covered not only land and air operations but also maritime and aerial domains. "As the participating forces and branches expanded, so did the scale and scope of the exercise," Zhang said. "Notably, as the first time the joint exercise relied on the Cambodia-China Joint Support and Training Center at Port Ream for live-force operations, it helped improve the center's operational efficiency," Zhang said. Fu Qianshao, another Chinese military affairs expert, said the joint exercise further strengthened mutual trust and understanding in maritime and naval cooperation between the two countries. "Through such exercises, China can enhance friendly exchanges with other nations and jointly uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea," Fu said. The "Golden Dragon" series of joint exercises is a regular military cooperation program between China and Cambodia. This exercise will be the 7th of its kind between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries. It will facilitate cooperation between the two sides and contribute to the building of a China-Cambodia all-weather community with a shared future for the new era, according to the spokesperson of Chinese defense ministry Zhang Xiaogang. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 26, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: May 26, 2025 17:48 CCTV: How does China view the significance of Premier Li Qiang's official visit to Indonesia? Could you share more information on this visit? Mao Ning: At the invitation of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to Indonesia from May 24 to 26. During the visit, Premier Li held talks with President Prabowo Subianto and they jointly attended the Indonesia-China Business Reception. He also met with Speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives Puan Maharani and held a symposium for Chinese enterprises operating in Indonesia. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia and Premier Li's visit is of vital significance. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 75 years ago, China and Indonesia have supported and stood by each other, and the cooperation between the two sides have continued to scale new heights, setting an example of major developing countries seeking self-improvement through unity and achieving mutual benefit. Standing at a new historical starting point, China stands ready to work with Indonesia to form greater synergy between the development strategies of the two countries, deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, improve the level of trade and investment facilitation, expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges and bring more benefits to the two peoples. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. Amid an international landscape full of changes and instability and with rising unilateralism and protectionism, the Bandung Spirit has become even more relevant. China stands ready to work with Indonesia and other fellow developing countries to carry forward the the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, work proactively to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, stay committed to multilateralism and free trade, firmly defend the common interests of developing countries and promote world peace, stability and development. TV Tokyo: The date for the return of the pandas from Wakayama, Japan to China has been decided. Could you please provide the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' comment on this? Additionally, is there a plan to send new pandas to Wakayama in the future? Mao Ning: Over the years, the giant pandas living in Japan have received tremendous affection from the Japanese public. China and Japan have had fruitful cooperation on giant panda breeding, research, exchanges and public education. Based on the cooperation agreement, giant panda Liang Bang and her three cubs will return to China this June. We thank the teams in Japan for the meticulous care to the pandas, and we welcome Japanese friends to come visit them in China. AFP: The summit between ASEAN, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will be held in Malaysia from Monday to Wednesday. What are China's expectations especially with regard to the current trade war with the United States? Mao Ning: As we previously announced, Premier Li Qiang will attend the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. Through the summit, China looks to enhance cooperation with member states of ASEAN and GCC. Information about the meeting will be released in due course. Please stay tuned. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Memorandum Issued by Institute for American Studies of DPRK Foreign Ministry Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, May 27 (KCNA) -- The Institute for American Studies of the DPRK Foreign Ministry Monday released a memorandum to inform the international community that the U.S. establishment of a new missile defense system is a very dangerous "threatening initiative" aimed at threatening the strategic security of the nuclear weapons states regarded by the U.S. with hostility and facilitating the use of the offensive military muscle of the U.S. forces. According to the memorandum, the U.S. plan for the "Golden Dome" missile defense system setting it as a goal to closely defend the Continent of North America from the ballistic missile, cruise missile and supersonic missile attack by its strategic enemy states is a typical product of "America first", the height of self-righteousness, arrogance, high-handed and arbitrary practice, and is an outer space nuclear war scenario supporting the U.S. strategy for uni-polar domination with the preemptive establishment of the outer space-based military substructure, not a "defensive measure" to cope with the "threat" from someone. The memorandum disclosed the U.S. offensive weapon system aimed at the preemptive strike at sovereign states. The U.S., which defined outer space as a battlefield in future in its early years, has been hell-bent on the moves to militarize outer space, claiming that those who dominate outer space can win victory in the future war. The plan for "Golden Dome" being advocated by the present U.S. administration is also the expression of another attempt to militarize outer space coming from the past strategies for dominating outer space and the epitome revealing the criminal past of the U.S. which plunged the whole world into the nightmare of the outbreak of a nuclear war. Down through history, the U.S. has justified its moves for space militarization, claiming that the perfect interception of nuclear missiles by its enemy states flying toward its mainland can be realized only by the introduction of the space-based interception system. Under the pretext of defending its mainland, it has been hell-bent on building a missile defense system targeting the independent sovereign states including the DPRK. Clear is the reason why the U.S. is scheming to freeze the so-called "threat" from sovereign states as a pretext for modernizing its missile defense system, persistently spinning out the time-worn sophism just like a guilty party filing the suit first. It is to preemptively attain military superiority in an all-round way by justifying its hegemony-oriented moves for space arms buildup and accelerating outer space militarization behind the screen of "mainland defence" and to launch the military strike at its enemy states at its will by relying on it. This is the military strategic goal pursued by the U.S. and the main goal of the "Golden Dome" project being prioritized by the present U.S. administration. The memorandum pointed out the malignant factor that has heated the strategic arms race worldwide and accelerated the potential danger of outer space war. The U.S. plan for building a new missile defense system is the root cause of sparking off global nuclear and space arms race by stimulating the security concerns of nuclear weapons states and turning the outer space into a potential nuclear war field. Shortly ago, a U.S. space company announced that the U.S. Space Force is planning the design of a kind of orbit transporter called "space aircraft carrier" and will invest 60 million U.S. dollars in it. The reality in which the global concern about the fact that the advent of the "space aircraft carrier" will be a catalyst for aggravating military confrontation in outer space is growing is a typical example proving a catastrophic consequence to be entailed by the U.S. moves to militarize outer space. Another example of the U.S. moves to militarize outer space is the development of the "X-37B" unmanned spacecraft being accelerated by the U.S. Space Force. It is not fortuitous that many space experts appreciate that the threat posed by the "X-37B" to the world is no less than nuke as the advent of the "X-37B" is an unpleasant factor reminiscent of the realistic possibility of space warfare that has been considered by mankind as imagination. The memorandum disclosed the U.S. military hazardous attempt of betting the security of its satellites. Since 2016, the U.S. has staged all sorts of missile interception drills including missile warning drill, combined ballistic missile defense drill and naval missile defense drill by mobilizing Aegis destroyers and latest drones together with Japan and the ROK. The U.S. set up a space force unit in the ROK in December 2022. It inaugurated the U.S. space force in Japan at the Yokoda U.S. Air Force Base in December 2024, and formally operated the real-time tripartite missile information sharing system among the U.S., Japan and ROK targeting the DPRK's missile launch in December 2023. Clear is the aim sought by the U.S. in its persistent attempt to build an integrated missile defense system with Japan and the ROK. Lurking behind it is an attempt to further intensify their military subjugation to the U.S. through the establishment of the integrated missile defense system with its satellite countries and to use the forces of its satellites for the military operations of the U.S. forces in case offensive actions against regional countries are launched. The above-said facts prove that the U.S. moves to build the integrated missile defense system are the dangerous military gambling prompted by the ignorant and selfish intention of the suzerain state to use its satellites as the cannon fodder and bullet shield for realizing its interests even by betting the security of its satellites. The memorandum pointed out the means of offering profits to ensure the constant boom of the U.S. munitions monopolies. Today, the U.S. armaments spent in the space field are three times the cost of civil space development, which corresponds to 95 percent of the space-related expenditure of all countries of the world. The present U.S. administration claims that the establishment of the "Golden Dome" missile defense system will cost only 175 billion U.S. dollars, but the recent announcement of the U.S. Congressional Budget Office that the cost of building the space-based interceptor missile system will amount to 542 billion U.S. dollars to maximum suggests that the plan for "Golden Dome" is the largest arms buildup plan in history. The global security environment, which is becoming uncertain due to the U.S. undisguised moves for space militarization, proves that the security of the state and the region can be reliably guaranteed only by the symmetry of the matchless power capable of firmly bringing not only the current challenges but also the coming challenges under its control, the memorandum stressed. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint engagement for Europe's security and future: Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to Spain and Portugal Germany Federal Foreign Office 26.05.2025 - Article Foreign Minister Wadephul's talks in Spain and Portugal will focus on topics including Europe's defence capabilities and support for Ukraine, as well as economic issues such as competitiveness and the climate-friendly restructuring of our economy. Dialogue with important European partners at an early stage Just a few weeks after assuming office, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is continuing the close exchange with key European partners with his first official visit to Spain and Portugal. After initial personal meetings with his Iberian counterparts, not least at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels and the informal NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Antalya, the trip to Madrid and Lisbon underscores the importance of Spain and Portugal as trusted partners of Germany in geopolitically challenging times. Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasised: Cohesion and an ability to act are the pillars on which we must base our joint endeavours to tackle the most important political tasks in Europe. No European country can overcome the huge challenges facing us by acting alone. In focus: security, defence and global dialogue. The talks with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Albares in Madrid and with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel in Lisbon will centre on the question of how to strengthen Europe's security and its defence capabilities. Not only are Spain and Portugal close EU partners, they are also NATO allies with whom Germany coordinates closely on all foreign and security policy issues. Furthermore, Spain works with Germany in the Weimar Plus format, a platform for regular dialogue between the largest countries in Europe. The goal of the format is to rapidly expand Europe's defence capabilities against the backdrop of geopolitical upheaval. As important players in shaping dialogue with countries in Latin America and Africa, Spain and Portugal also play a central role in embracing Europe's global responsibility and developing its international relationships in an increasingly complex world. For Germany and our partners on the Iberian Peninsula, it is clear that support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's war of aggression remains the crucial task for European security. The threat to peace in Europe from Russia is also a central issue in Spain and Portugal, despite their distance from Ukraine. Together, we want to work to ensure that commitment to Ukraine throughout the world, and above all across the Atlantic, remains high so that Ukraine can engage in future peace negotiations from the best possible position. Expansion of bilateral and economic ties Germany, Spain and Portugal are linked by a close network of cultural, social and economic relations. This network is to be expanded further, also and particularly in the fields of science and business, where the climate-neutral transformation of the European economy harbours considerable common potential. As pioneers in the area of renewable energies and hydrogen and its derivatives, Spain and Portugal have a key role to play in the decarbonisation of our continent and in helping to reduce our dependency as Europeans on energy imports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Federal Foreign Office 26.05.2025 - Press release Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul issued the following statement today (26 May 2025) prior to his departure for Spain and Portugal: Cohesion and an ability to act are the pillars on which we must base our joint endeavours to tackle the most important political tasks in Europe. Profound upheaval and crises around the world are posing challenges not least for us in Europe. Our support for Ukraine against Russia's aggression shows how effective unity can be and how much it is still needed: only from a position of strength, supported by close partners, can Ukraine withstand Putin's destructive fervour. Europe will be a strong space for freedom and democracy if we can rely on each other completely, as is the case with Spain and Portugal. Be it in the area of defence, competitiveness, decarbonisation or migration issues, no European country can overcome the huge challenges facing us by acting alone. In all these areas, we need "more Europe". We are united with Spain and Portugal in this joint conviction, and we are putting it into practice: we are already stepping up efforts in defence, and will continue to do so together. While in Madrid and Lisbon, I will also be talking to my colleagues about how we can make our voice even more heard in the world. Spain and Portugal play a key role here - and not only because one in ten people in the world speak Spanish or Portuguese, but above all for cultural and political reasons. The perspectives Spain and Portugal can give us are vital if, as a united Europe, we are to help shape global developments and become stronger at transatlantic level. Chief Army commander: Iran fully prepared to respond to threats IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 26, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the commander-in-chief of Iran's Army, says Israel is unable to harm Iran, with the Islamic Republic being in full preparedness to give an appropriate response to threats. Mousavi made the comments on Monday in Tehran as he spoke with reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony to unveil the Army's Encyclopedia of the Sacred Defense. The eight-volume encyclopedia is about Iran's defense during the eight-year war with the toppled Iraqi Baath regime in the 1980s. "Israel is too abject to be capable of harming Iran's greatness," the commander said, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic is so powerful that it can cause significant challenges for the regime and its supporters. "If they are in a rush to receive another True Promise [operation], we are fully prepared to deliver an appropriate blow," Mousavi said, in reference to Iran's military operations against Israel in April and October last year, which were conducted in response to the regime's escalating aggression. Mousavi made the comments in response to a question about Israeli officials' rhetoric in recent weeks about strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Similar comments were also echoed by Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, the deputy commander of the Iranian Armed Forces for coordination affairs, as he addressed a ceremony to commemorate Sacred Defense martyrs. The ceremony took place in the city of Qom on Monday. He said that the army is fully prepared to completely defeat the enemy, warning them that any threat will receive a harsh response. Sayyari said that adversaries launched the war in the 1980s, because they thought that Iran was weak, but they were defeated. Today, he added, "we are also fully prepared to confront the enemy with the support of the people...this nation has always stood against threats." 9376**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran never seeks to waste time in negotiations: Foreign Ministry spokesperson IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 26, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says that Iran has demonstrated over the past few weeks that it is not interested in wasting time in the Omani-mediated negotiations with the United States. According to Baqaei, Tehran approached the process seriously, purposefully, and with the intention of achieving a fair and fact-based understanding. He also said that media reports regarding Iran-U.S. talks or negotiations between Tehran and European states should be treated with cautiously, as certain media outlets affiliated with the Israeli regime attempt to spread false information to distort the talks process. Regarding the resumption of Iran-Europe talks, he said that the Islamic Republic is ready, adding that the time and venue for the potential negotiations must be determined. Iran-I.A.E.A. cooperation Asked about cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.), Baqaei said that the Islamic Republic has always pursued constructive collaboration with the U.N. nuclear watchdog and that Tehran, as a member of the organization, abides by its commitments. He also said that I.A.E.A. deputy director general is scheduled to visit Iran this week, urging the I.A.E.A. director general to carry out his mission without being influenced by parties that do not hesitate to use international organizations as tools for their own agenda. Nuclear talks On the timing of the next round of talks on Iran's nuclear program, he said that Oman, as a facilitator of the process, proposes suggestions to both sides. Baqaei said that Iran is consulting with Oman on the next round of talks. Additionally, he stressed that uranium enrichment is the integral part of Iran's peaceful nuclear program and must be maintained. The Islamic Republic, he said, will not make the slightest concession in this respect, and Oman's proposals will take Iran's red lines into account. Iran's indisputable right The spokesperson said that if the U.S. aims to ensure that Iran's nuclear program does not shift toward military purposes, this can easily be achieved,. He reiterated that the Islamic republic has never sought to use nuclear energy for military ends. However, he warned that if efforts are made to deny Tehran its inalienable rights, the Iranian nation will continue to pursue nuclear program for producing electricity and other peaceful applications. Israeli crimes He further said that the Israeli regime uses civilian Palestinians as human shields, which is explicitly against humanitarian laws and constitutes a war crime. Baqaei urged international judicial organizations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (O.I.C.) and human rights bodies to document such atrocities and bring the perpetrators to justice. The ongoing genocide in occupied Palestine is the most severe issue of the West Asia region, he said, urging all freedom-seeking nations not to remain silent in this regard. Interim agreement Baqaei ruled out speculations regarding Iran-U.S. intentions to reach an interim agreement, saying that a temporary accord has never been on Tehran's agenda; therefore, it has not been discussed in these rounds of talks. Sanctions amid talks He affirmed that the Foreign Ministry will continue the Omani-mediated negotiations with the U.S. as long as dialogue serves the interests of the Iranian nation; however, Washington's anti-Iran sanctions will not aid the negotiations; instead, they will increase suspicions. Enrichment in Iran He questioned the authenticity of a report from an Italian media outlet regarding a three-year halt of Iran's uranium enrichment activities. Nuclear consortium Regarding the establishment of a nuclear consortium, he said that Iran supports any contributions from regional states in enrichment and fuel production for its peaceful nuclear program; however, the idea of forming a nuclear consortium cannot replace Iran's enrichment program on its own territory. Moreover, he said, the Islamic Republic has informed neighboring states about the nuclear talks, as regional collaboration can help advance the negotiations. Iran's headquarters The spokesperson said that claim about the United States' deadline for inspecting Iran's nuclear and military facilities is baseless, and the think tank that made the allegation represents the interests of certain warmongering factions. Pezeshkian's visit to Oman Baqaei said that President Masoud Pezeshkian's upcoming visit to Muscat is in response to an official invitation from Omani King Haitham bin Tarik. He noted that the two sides will discuss regional developments, including Iran-U.S. talks, he also said, adding that President Pezeshkian will visit Oman on Tuesday and Wednesday; therefore, reports on the next round of nuclear talks during these days are baseless. Iran-Taliban Ties Responding to a question about diplomatic relations between Iran and Afghanistan's caretaker government, the spokesperson stated that Tehran and Kabul maintain regular consultations. He added that the Taliban's foreign minister recently visited Iran to participate in the Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025. Iranian expatriates Baqaei said that the Foreign Ministry is pursuing the case of an Iranian citizen, who was arrested in Iraq, noting that Iranian and Iraqi authorities have good cooperation on judicial matters. Regarding the apprehension of Several Iranian expatriates in Britain, described the arrests as suspicious and questionable from the Islamic Republic's perspective, emphasizing that no legal justification has been provided to substantiate the accusations against them. The spokesperson also described the arrest of a female Iranian national in France as unjust and illegal, urging the French government to release her as soon as possible. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fuel smuggling inflicting $4bn in annual losses on Iran: official Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 7:32 PM The Iranian government's official estimates show that fuel smuggling is inflicting some $4 billion in annual losses on the country. The head of Iran's Central Headquarters for Combating Goods and Currency Smuggling said on Monday that fuel smuggling from Iran to its neighboring countries has reached an average of 20 million liters per day. Alireza Rashidian said in an interview with the Tasnim news agency that diesel fuel and gasoil account for a bulk of fuel shipments smuggled from Iran. Rashidian said that considerable supplies of gasoil and mazut delivered to Iranian power plants and agricultural units have been diverted to smuggling in recent years. He said the government had launched a pilot scheme to identify fuel smuggling operations in five Iranian provinces, adding that some 69,000 cases of irregularities were spotted after monitoring the journey of some 200,000 fuel shipments. The official said that huge gasoil supplies had also been delivered to owners of inactive tractors and agricultural greenhouses. Rashidian said that police and military forces had recovered some 110 million liters of fuel from smugglers in the past three months, adding that more than 8,500 people had also been arrested for charges related to fuel smuggling over the same period. The remarks come more than a week after the Iranian government said it was going to remove a major part of the subsidies allocated to diesel fuel as part of its efforts to control rampant smuggling. Iran has the cheapest fuel prices in the world, with a two-tier pricing system for diesel that does not currently exceed 6,000 rials ($0.075) per liter. That comes as official reports from the government and parliament suggest Iran will have to spend some $10 billion on fuel imports in the calendar year to late March to respond to domestic demand for gasoline and diesel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Army chief says forces 'fully prepared' to deliver appropriate strikes against Israel Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 2:15 PM The chief commander of the Iranian Army says his forces are "fully prepared" to deliver an appropriate strike at Israel as the regime continues to ratchet up its bellicose rhetoric against the Islamic Republic. "If they [Israel] are in a rush to receive another True Promise [operation], we are fully ready to deliver an appropriate blow and collect on what they already owe us," Chief Commander of the Iranian Army Major General Abdol-Rahim Mousavi told reporters on Monday. In 2024, the Islamic Republic demonstrated its military might with Operation True Promise I and II, retaliatory strikes launched in response to Israeli aggression. The operations, carried out using hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones, showcased Iran's ability to strike sensitive Israeli military and intelligence targets with surgical accuracy. Iranian officials have underscored that the country only deployed a fraction of its firepower during the dual reprisal. Mousavi said the Israeli regime is too abject to be able to harm Iran's endeavor. "This is while the Islamic Republic's power can pose extraordinary challenges to the regime and its supporters," Iran's Army chief emphasized. He warned that Israel could still make a miscalculation against Iran as the regime is ruled by foolish, child-killing leaders. The Israeli regime has threatened to launch an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities in the coming months, amid indirect talks between Tehran and Washington over a potential nuclear agreement. US President Donald Trump has reportedly told Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington was, for now, unwilling to support any military action against Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian: Iran 'more powerful than ever'; has hundreds of alternatives if sanctioned Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 11:11 AM President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran is "more powerful than ever" thanks to its scientists and elites, adding that if the Islamic Republic is sanctioned instead of engaged in diplomacy, it has "hundreds" of effective alternatives ready. "The enemies wrongfully think that the country has been weakened," the chief executive said in the capital, Tehran, on Monday, emphasizing the strength of the nation's intellectual capital. Pezeshkian, who was addressing the anniversary of the establishment of the country's Islamic Azad University, meanwhile, called for national synergy and resolution of standing divisions across various ranks inside the country towards improving the nation's status even further. "We just need to focus on synergy instead of conflict, and work hand in hand to overcome our problems." Addressing the current status of the Islamic Republic's indirect talks with the United States, the senior official discussed the prospect of the country being targeted with more illegal sanctions instead of being engaged in a proper negotiation process. "If they sanction us instead of negotiating [with us], we have hundreds of [alternative] ways [before us to choose from]," he asserted. Observers note how the comments hark back to the country's managing to successfully skirt numerous coercive economic measures by the US and its allies for years. They cite some of the means that have been used by the Islamic Republic towards circumventing the bans as its diversifying its economic ties and expanding the current ones, and reinforcing domestic production. Pezeshkian's remarks come amid Washington's insistence on "zero" uranium enrichment by the Islamic Republic, and even total annihilation of the country's nuclear energy sites. Iran has utterly ruled out either prospect, while insisting that any effective diplomatic procedure has to seriously address the issue of the American bans. US President Donald Trump has even threatened to escalate the US's controversial "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, which has featured imposition of the sanctions, to "massive maximum pressure." Pezeshkian underscored, though, that "it's not as if their refusal to negotiate with us and [insistence rather on] sanctioning us, will make us die from hunger." "We will find a way," he explained, reminding Iran's monumental resources, particularly concerning energy and minerals. "There are hundreds of ways to overcome our problems; all we need to do is come together, unite, and allow the elites to work in the field." Adding to his remarks, the chief executive dismissed the notion of undue reliance on overseas actors. "If we rely on others, we will fail," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran asserts interim deal 'off limits' in talks with US, no compromise on enrichment Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 10:54 AM Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says an interim agreement has not been a part of the agenda in the ongoing indirect nuclear talks with the United States. "An interim agreement has never been on our agenda, and for this reason, it has not been raised in this round of talks either," Baghaei said at his weekly press briefing on Monday, referring to the fifth round of Iran-US indirect negotiations held in the Italian capital of Rome on Friday. Like the previous four rounds, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy for West Asia affairs, Steve Witkoff, led their negotiating delegations in the fifth round of talks on Friday. The talks are mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. Enrichment 'integral' part of Iran's nuclear industry Baghaei once again reiterated the country's right to enrich uranium, saying no compromise is accepted in this regard. "What is clear and probably needs no emphasis is that uranium enrichment, as an inseparable part of Iran's peaceful nuclear energy, must definitely be maintained, and we will make no slightest compromise in this regard," the Iranian spokesperson added. He emphasized that Oman's proposals observe Iran's red lines. Asked about Oman's proposals regarding the continuation of the talks, he said the time and venue of the next round of the negotiations have not been fixed yet. Baghaei noted that consultations are underway between Iran and Oman, and that the Omani side would announce the time and place of the next round of the talks whenever it reaches a conclusion. He said Oman, as a facilitator of this process, presents its views wherever it believes it can be helpful and coordinates with both sides. Speaking to reporters at the end of the Rome talks, Araghchi hailed "one of the most professional" rounds of negotiations with the US, saying Tehran will continue to hold its ground and insist on its "completely clear" positions. The top Iranian negotiator added that both sides agreed to transfer proposals and ideas exchanged during the talks to their capitals for more discussions. Iran never sought to use nuclear energy for military purposes In reaction to President Donald Trump's optimistic remarks regarding the US talks with Iran, Baghaei said the two countries can reach a deal if Washington aims to prevent militarization of Tehran's nuclear program. "We have never sought to use nuclear energy for military purposes. However, if the [US] goal is to deprive Iran of its absolute right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, we do not believe that this process will lead to a conclusion," the Iranian spokesman added. He emphasized that nuclear energy is part of the rights and demands of the Iranian nation and the country's need to generate nuclear electricity. Energy consortium 'not replacement' for enrichment in Iran Baghaei also rejected a plan to establish a nuclear consortium in the region as a replacement for domestic enrichment, saying the countries in the region want to use peaceful nuclear energy to produce fuel. "Therefore, Iran will support any process to involve regional states in enrichment and the production of the fuel needed for peaceful nuclear projects, but this initiative can in no way replace the uranium enrichment program inside Iran," he emphasized. He also noted that Iran has informed its neighboring countries about all rounds of its indirect talks with the United States, as it believes that their cooperation can help advance the negotiations. Iran ready for talks with Europe The Iranian spokesman once again reiterated the country's readiness to continue dialogue with Europe, saying the sides need to make decisions about the time and place of the talks. He added that many news reports are fabricated by sources affiliated with the Israeli regime with a clear goal of destroying the process of Iran-Europe or probably Iran-US negotiations. Baghaei noted that Iran has proved over the recent weeks that it has never sought to waste time in the negotiations. "It is clear to everyone that we have entered this process seriously, purposefully and with the intention of reaching a fair and just agreement based on realities and we have shown our seriousness in this process," he pointed out. Baghaei also pointed to the failure of a ceasefire in Gaza, and said the Israeli regime has not adhered to its commitments for a truce in the past few months due to its nature, which seeks nothing but the annihilation of Palestine. "It is shameful that a truck of food has not entered [Gaza] in the past months," he said, reminding the international community of its responsibility to take meaningful measures. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran 'reviewing' Omani proposal aimed at removing obstacles in US talks: Araghchi Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 4:53 AM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran is reviewing a number of approaches put forwarded by Omani mediators towards removing the standing obstacles lying in the way of the indirect talks with the United States. The top diplomat made the remarks in the capital Tehran on Sunday on the sidelines of an event held to mark the international Africa Day. The official, however, did not comment on the nature of the potential courses of action that had been proposed by Muscat. The fifth round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States concluded in Rome on May 23, 2025. Subsequently, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badral-Busaidi, acting as mediator, noted that the discussions yielded "some but not conclusive progress." He, nevertheless, expressed hope that clarifying remaining issues could lead to a "sustainable and honorable agreement." Araghchi, himself, has described the recent negotiations as "one of the most professional" rounds to date, highlighting a "better and clearer understanding" of the Islamic Republic's positions by the American side. The United States has been demanding -- in the same way as its closest regional ally, the Israeli regime -- a complete halt to Iran's peaceful nuclear enrichment activities. Both have also been occasionally calling for total annihilation of the country's nuclear facilities, though the American side has not come up with the proposal as much as Tel Aviv has. The Islamic Republic, though, has unexceptionally asserted its sovereign right to continue peaceful enrichment for civilian purposes. Last week, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called it "utterly wrong" for the United States to insist on Iran's completely stopping its peaceful uranium enrichment activities. "To say that 'we will not allow Iran to enrich uranium' is a huge mistake," Ayatollah Khamenei stated. "No one is waiting for permission from anyone. The Islamic Republic has its own policies, its own methods, and it pursues its own agenda." Tehran has, additionally, roundly rejected accusations against its nuclear program of "diversion towards military purposes," noting that it never either pursues, builds or or stockpiles nuclear arms in line with moral and religious imperatives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Hints 'Something Good' Could Be Announced Soon On Iran Talks By RFE/RL May 26, 2025 US President Donald Trump said progress has been made in nuclear talks with Iran and suggested that "something good" could be announced in the "next two days," without being specific. "We've had some very, very good talks with Iran," Trump told reporters on May 25 following Omani-mediated negotiations in Rome that ended on May 23. "And I don't know if I'll be telling you anything good or bad over the next two days, but I have a feeling I might be telling you something good." Trump added that "we've had some real progress, serious progress" in recent talks. "Let's see what happens, but I think we could have some good news on the Iran front," Trump added. The comments come after a series of mixed signals following the fifth round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran in Rome. Both Washington and Tehran took tough positions heading into the talks on Iran's uranium enrichment, but Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said there was potential for progress after Oman made several proposals. "We have just completed one of the most professional rounds of talks.... We firmly stated Iran's position.... The fact that we are now on a reasonable path, in my view, is itself a sign of progress," Araqchi told state television. However, the Omani mediator of the talks said Washington and Tehran made "some but not conclusive" progress in Rome negotiations. The two countries have been discussing ways to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting some economic sanctions against Tehran. The main obstacle is Iran's uranium enrichment capability -- something that the United States insists must be abandoned in any deal to ensure Iran will not weaponize its nuclear program. But retaining the ability to enrich uranium has become a matter of principle for Iran. Araqchi has said enrichment will continue "with or without a deal." The Trump administration maintains that Iran must completely stop its enrichment activities -- a stance that US special envoy Steve Witkoff recently described as essential "because enrichment enables weaponization." Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran it could face military action if diplomacy fails, although he has stressed that he hopes a deal can be reached. "I'd love that to happen because I'd love to see no bombs dropped and a lot of people dead," he said in his latest remarks. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-iran-nuclear- oman-negotiations-araqchi/33424114.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 Japan-Italy Summit Telephone Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan May 26, 2025 On May 26, commencing at 8:15 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with H.E. Ms. Giorgia MELONI, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic. The overview of the talk is as follows. At the outset, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his appreciation for President Meloni's initiative in being a mediator between Europe and the United States and hoped to deepen their cooperation at the G7 and other international fora. In response, President Meloni expressed her desire to further develop good relations between Italy and Japan, which have been growing ever closer. The two leaders welcomed the progress made in a wide range of cooperation based on the "Japan-Italy Action Plan", and concurred that Japan and Italy will further deepen economic and cultural cooperation on the occasion of Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan, such as "food exchanges" through Japanese and Italian cuisine, both of which value ingredients. The two leaders concurred that they will make further progress on security cooperation, including the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), as Italy increases its involvement in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders discussed a wide range of economic issues in detail, taking into account the impact of the U.S. tariff measures on global economy and the multilateral free trade system. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan May 25, 2025 ISTANBUL: 25 May 2025 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who arrived on an official two-days visit to Turkiye, held a warm and most cordial meeting with the President of the Republic of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during his offici visit to Turkiye today. The engagement reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for progress and prosperity. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Turkiye for their unwavering support to Pakistan during the recent developments in South Asia, underscoring the strength of the fraternal bonds between the two nations. He lauded Turkiye's principled stance and the outpouring support of goodwill of the Turkish people for Pakistan and termed it as a source of great comfort and strength for Pakistan. The Prime Minister highlighted the commitment and courage and the spirit of sacrifice of the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the resolute patriotism of the people Pakistan that was demonstrated in an unprecedented manner which contributed greatly to Pakistan's overwhelming victory in Marak-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in the defence of our homeland. Emphasizing the need to further strengthen economic cooperation, particularly through joint ventures and enhanced bilateral investment, the Prime Minister highlighted key sectors including renewable energy, information technology, defence production, infrastructure development, and agriculture as areas of mutual interest and potential. The two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and reiterated their resolve to elevate the strategic partnership to greater heights. They also followed up on the implementation of key decisions taken during the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), held in Islamabad on 13 February 2025. Both sides agreed to take steps for achieving 5 billion USD annual bilateral trade target as agreed earlier by the two leaders. In addition to bilateral issues, Prime Minister Sharif and President Erdogan discussed pressing regional and international developments. Both leaders reaffirmed their principled support for each other's core concerns, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. They also expressed deep concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, urgently calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected Palestinian population. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to further deepen the multifaceted cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye. The two leaders pledged to continue working closely for regional peace, sustainable development, and the shared prosperity of their peoples. Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq dar, Information & Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi and Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkiye Dr. Yusuf Junaid were also part of Pakistan delegation. Turkish President Erdogan also hosted dinner in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the accompanying delegation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistani PM in Tehran to discuss bilateral, regional issues with top Iran officials Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 1:42 PM Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on key bilateral, regional, and global issues. Heading a delegation, Sharif arrived in Tehran on Monday at the invitation of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The prime minister was officially welcomed by the Iranian president at the Sa'adabad cultural-historical complex in northern Tehran. A meeting of Iranian and Pakistani high-ranking delegations and a joint press conference in the presence of Pezeshkian and Sharif are among the agenda of the visit. The Pakistani prime minister was welcomed by Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni at Tehran Mehrabad airport upon his arrival. Sharif started a four-leg regional tour on Sunday by traveling to Turkey. He also plans to visit Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. Speaking in an interview with IRNA ahead of his visit, Sharif hailed Iran's peace diplomacy as commendable, underscoring his nation's solidarity and support for the Islamic Republic. He said that the primary purpose of his visit to Tehran is to express gratitude to Iran for its support, specifically endorsing Iran's peace diplomacy in the region, during Pakistan's recent tensions with India. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the reception on Africa Day, Moscow, May 26, 2025 26 May 2025 17:37 880-26-05-2025 Colleagues, Friends, Each year in May, we traditionally convene at the Foreign Ministry Mansion to mark Africa Day - a commemoration that holds profound significance not only for Africans but for all humanity. This date symbolises the surmounting of a colonial past and embodies the unwavering resolve of African peoples in their quest for freedom and justice. To mark this occasion, President of Russia Vladimir Putin has conveyed a message to the heads of state and government of African nations. Allow me to present it: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Please accept my warmest congratulations on Africa Day. This year commemorates several anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations, as well as the 65th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The defeat of Nazism and the dismantling of the colonial system stand as pivotal events of the 20th century, securing the potential for free, peaceful development for all humankind. Over the past decades, independent African states have firmly established themselves as respected members of the international community, achieving notable progress in both economic and social development. Multilateral cooperation at the African Union and various subregional organisations has helped enhance peace, security, and stability across the continent. Russia has consistently advocated for deepening its traditionally friendly ties with African partners. This commitment was clearly demonstrated at the Russia-Africa Summits held in 2019 and 2023, which opened new avenues for cooperation and fostered greater alignment on key international issues. The Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum is a new dialogue platform that yields positive results as well. The next meeting of this format is scheduled to take place in one of the African countries later this year. I am confident that through our joint efforts, we will continue to broaden the scope of Russia-Africa relations, advancing the wellbeing of our peoples and contributing to the emergence of a just and democratic multipolar world order. I wish you good health and success, and to the citizens of your states - peace and prosperity. Vladimir Putin. Colleagues, This year is marked by the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War and the Second World War, as well as the 65th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. This is emphasised in the message from President of Russia Vladimir Putin. These epoch-making events are closely interconnected. On May 10, 1945, in a congratulatory telegram to the head of the Soviet government, Joseph Stalin, Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia remarked: "This victory, bringing us the end of the most savage tyranny the world has ever known, has ushered in the threshold of an era of greater happiness and justice for all peoples threatened with annihilation." We remember and honour the hundreds of thousands of Africans who fought in the armies of the anti-Hitler coalition, hastening Victory. In turn, the defeat of Nazism galvanised the national liberation movement, accelerating the collapse of the colonial system. Our nation made an immense contribution to the decolonisation process, grounded in one of the UN Charter's key principles - the right of nations to self-determination. For many years, we selflessly supported Africans in their struggle for freedom and independence, consistently aiding the formation of young states and their comprehensive socio-economic development. Today, Russia continues to foster the strengthening of Africa's position as a unique and influential centre of global development. In particular, we support African aspirations to secure a permanent 'seat' within the UN Security Council. We will further assist interested African nations in enhancing their defence capabilities, countering terrorism, and ensuring food and energy security. In recent years, the African continent, asserting itself as one of the pillars of a sustainable multipolar world order, has achieved impressive results. Such progress has largely been made possible by the collective will of Africans to address shared challenges and pursue common goals. We welcome the dynamic development of integration processes, which strengthen solidarity across the continent and amplify its voice. The African Union plays a pivotal role in this regard. The symbolism of the organisation's flag, adopted in 2010, is particularly meaningful - the green represents African aspirations and the drive for unity, the gold signifies Africa's wealth and bright future, while the white embodies the purity of the desire for genuine friendship across the world. Russia remains a reliable and steadfast partner to African nations in strengthening their sovereignty, the foremost threat to which remains persistent neocolonial practices. In this context, we consider the African Union's chosen theme for 2025 -Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations" - to be in keeping with the spirit of the times. A significant step in this direction was the adoption by the UN General Assembly in December 2024 of the resolution Eradicating Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations, which mandates consideration of establishing an International Day of the Struggle Against Colonialism on December 14 - the date of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. We expect the corresponding draft resolution to be adopted this autumn during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. This will undoubtedly bolster the fight against neocolonial practices, which Western nations continue to employ in their relations with the Global South and East. We stand united with our African friends in striving to imbue our relations with new substance - in line with the realities of the 21st century. Together, we are working to implement the agreements reached at the Russia-Africa Summits in Sochi in 2019 and St Petersburg in 2023, as well as at the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi in November 2024. The Joint Action Plan for 2023-2026, adopted by heads of state, encompasses priority areas of cooperation, including security, trade and investment, agriculture, information and communication technologies, science, culture, and education. Moreover, it aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. We note the dynamic growth of trade and economic ties. In 2024, trade between Russia and Africa exceeded 27.7 billion dollars. Clearly, given our existing potential, this is far from the limit. One of the most dynamic areas of Russian-African cooperation remains education. Today, more than 32,000 African students are enrolled in our universities. Joint efforts are intensifying in critical fields such as healthcare, epidemic control, and emergency prevention and response. Our collaboration with the African Union and other multilateral structures on the continent is expanding actively. We see significant potential in fostering their ties with Eurasian integration bodies the EAEU, CSTO, and SCO. Naturally, we wholeheartedly support the development of cooperative relations between the African Union and BRICS. Our commitment to deepening a multifaceted strategic partnership with Africa is reflected in the establishment of a new structural unit within the Russian Foreign Ministry - the Department of Partnership with Africa. On the agenda is the preparation of the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, to be held this year in an African country. There is no doubt that its outcomes will contribute to the substantive groundwork for the third Russia-Africa Summit, planned for 2026 - also on the African continent, as outlined in the aforementioned Address by President Vladimir Putin. I would like to once again extend my congratulations on this occasion and wish the peoples of Africa and all those present peace, health, and prosperity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin: Russia Cannot Achieve Sovereignty Without Economic Independence Sputnik News 20250526 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - For Russia no other sovereignty is possible without its economic sovereignty, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday. "Of course, I have to note the contribution that business, including the younger generation of entrepreneurs, has made to the development of the Russian economy in the 21st century the revival of agriculture, the construction complex, entire sectors of industry and modern services, and the strengthening of our sovereignty, including industrial, technological, and financial. And without this sovereignty, no other sovereignty is possible, because everything is based on it, it is the foundation," Putin said at a meeting with representatives of the Russian business community. The country's strong fourth place among global states in terms of purchasing power parity is an achievement of the domestic business, Putin said. Russian companies not only have strong positions in the domestic market, but are also actively developing abroad, the president added. "A number of foreign companies have left the Russian market largely due to the coercion of the so-called political Western elites. And some of them, unfortunately, this is an obvious thing, have framed their Russian partners," Putin said. Russia's economy has been growing at an accelerated pace in difficult conditions in the last two years, Putin said. "In the last two years, in ... rather difficult conditions, Russia's economy has been growing, growing at an accelerated pace. You know, 4.1% the year before last and 4.3% last year is a good indicator," Putin said. The economic growth covered the widest range of industries, including agriculture, digital technologies, services, finance, the president also said. "Your [Russian entrepreneurs'] companies occupy increasingly strong positions inside the country, and also confidently compete abroad. Thanks to the flexibility of their approaches and, of course, the quality of their products, they are increasing supplies to promising global markets. And I want to assure you that the state will definitely continue to support you and your efforts, will lend a shoulder to the realization of your initiatives," Putin said. Companies from the United States have not stopped supplying and servicing medical equipment in Russia, unlike European ones, Vladimir Putin said. "By the way, US companies have been supplying and servicing [medical equipment] all these years without any failures, while many European companies have slipped up," Putin said at a meeting with representatives of the Russian business community. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Slovenian President Slams EU for Cutting Ties With Russia Sputnik News 20250526 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar called out the European Union for shutting down communication with Russia, describing it as a mistake while also revealing that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is looking to reconnect with Moscow during an interview with Politico out on Monday. "One of the mistakes of [the] European Union was that we stopped communicating with Russia," Musar said. She suggested forming a EU group of "wise men and women" to initiate "silent" diplomacy with Russia towards open talks. Dodging direct engagement with Russia, Hungary and Slovakia makes the EU look politically weak, Musar said. Instead Europe should push to sit at the table with "the United States, Russia, Ukraine," she added. Musar revealed she recently talked with von der Leyen about restarting dialogue with Moscow. Von der Leyen "told me that they are working on that," Musar said. Russia has repeatedly said that it can cope with the sanctions pressure. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the policy of containing and weakening Russia is a long-term strategy of the West and that the sanctions have dealt a serious blow to the global economy. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Western Air Defense Systems Helpless Against Iskander Missiles - Rostec to Sputnik Sputnik News 20250526 Western-made air defense systems used by Ukraine including the US-supplied Patriot batteries are incapable of intercepting Russia's Iskander missiles and can only watch how they fly, Russia's state tech corporation Rostec told Sputnik. "The enemy cannot repel strikes by the Iskander system. The ballistic missile follows a complex and unpredictable trajectory at extremely high speeds," the statement read. The maneuvering capabilities of the Iskander ballistic missile far surpass the handling capacity of most NATO interceptor missiles, Rostec added. "That's why the Ukrainian Armed Forces have nothing capable of shooting down an Iskander. In reality, they can only watch it fly knowing their targets will inevitably be hit," Rostec said. Rostec highlighted that the Iskander's warhead is powerful enough to cripple targets even at a considerable distance from the missile's impact point. Additionally, if the launch system is struck by the blast wave or shrapnel, it becomes irreparably damaged. "Although the launchers were placed far apart, the warhead was strong enough to hit both. The 'brain' and 'heart' of the air defense system the command vehicle and multifunctional radar were also destroyed," the report noted. The developers also put the spotlight on the missile's high precision, pointing out that the Russian-made Iskanders often hit their target with zero deviation outshining the accuracy of foreign ballistic systems. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Software problems cause signal anomalies in HIMAR tests: Army ROC Central News Agency 05/26/2025 07:33 PM Taipei, May 26 (CNA) Two instances of "signal anomalies" during a recent test firing of missiles using the U.S.-made M142 high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) were due to a fire control computer malfunction rather than Chinese signal jamming, the Army said Monday. Army Chief of Staff Chen Chien-yi () gave the assessment in response to concerns raised by a lawmaker during a legislative hearing that the system experienced signal anomalies during the recent test of the system. Taiwan has purchased 29 of the latest HIMARS from the United States, and the first shipment of 11 was delivered in October 2024. Taiwanese troops carried out the first live-fire test of the HIMARS system at the Jiupeng Base in the southernmost county of Pingtung on May 12. During the test, a total of 33 rockets were fired. Chen told lawmakers that the signal anomalies on the day of the test occurred during the transmission of the firing command to the fire control computer, with the computer generating a self-diagnostic fault message. Following standard operating procedures set by the U.S., the operator resolved the issue, and the launch was successfully carried out, he said. After the test firing, however, Chen said the issue was quickly reported to the U.S. supplier. It responded that the system's core functions remained intact and that the anomalies were mainly due to a "sporadic software issue" identified by the computer's self-diagnostic check, a problem found in the same software by the U.S. military and other user countries, Chen said. Chen said a software update will be carried out as soon as possible, and it is not considered a problem with the entire system. There have been concerns that the HIMARS multiple rocket system could potentially be subjected to GPS spoofing or interference by the Chinese military. Concerns over the the HIMARS may not be unfounded. They were rendered "completely ineffective" when used by Ukraine because of Russian electronic jamming systems, the Washington Post reported in May 2024, citing a confidential Ukrainian weapons assessment, according to The Hill. Russia electronic warfare capabilities caused the HIMARS to miss its target by more than 50 feet, the report said, though more recent accounts suggest HIMARS missiles have had more success, even if one system was recently destroyed by a Russian fiber-optic drone. Chen said the recent test firing was conducted under comprehensive control protocols, which took into account the electromagnetic environment and the possibility of enemy signal interception. He said the airspace, sea area, and electromagnetic environment were all considered as part of the safe firing procedures, and "no abnormalities were observed on the day of the test" in the general environmental circumstances. (By Yang Yiao-ju and Evelyn Kao) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan-China interactions continue despite stalled talks: MAC head ROC Central News Agency 05/26/2025 07:27 PM Taipei, May 26 (CNA) Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) head Chiu Chui-cheng () said Monday that Taiwan and China still maintain some level of interaction, even though official dialogue has stalled. Chiu said during a radio show that interactions with China are being carried out in line with the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. Chiu made the comments after Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Frank Wu () said during a May 21 legislative hearing that while "cross-strait dialogue is suspended, channels for passing messages remain open." Chiu explained that Wu was simply stating the facts and expressing hope that both sides of the Taiwan Strait could resume dialogue, which was cut off in 2016. Tsai Ing-wen () of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party took office as Taiwan's president in her first term that year. Chiu acknowledged that maintaining "normal dialogue" is currently difficult because Taiwan will never accept China's demand to treat the "1992 Consensus," based on the "One China principle," as a precondition -- since it effectively seeks to eliminate the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name. Nevertheless, Chiu said some interaction continues between the MAC and China's Taiwan Affairs Office, as well as between the semi-official SEF and its Chinese counterpart, the Beijing-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS). He was referring to the 3,179 messages the SEF sent to China in 2023 -- mostly concerning public petitions -- and the continued implementation of 26 cross-strait agreements. Furthermore, individuals across the Strait, including Taiwanese businesspeople, scholars and journalists, frequently travel between the two sides and share information, Chiu said, adding that this was likely what Wu meant when he said the "channels for passing messages remain open." During the radio interview, Chiu was also asked to comment on a recent incident in which a group of Chinese visitors posed for a selfie with a People's Republic of China (PRC) flag during their visit to Taiwan. According to the minister, they were later identified as students studying in Macau. The incident drew media attention after YouTuber Pa Chiung () posted a photo on the social media platform Threads showing five Chinese female students posing with a PRC flag in downtown Taipei. According to multiple sources, the group was in Taiwan to attend a concert. Calling the act of displaying the flag "provocative," Chiu said the students engaged in activities that violated the stated purpose of their visit, which was tourism. Taiwan welcomes tourists from around the world and supports attendance at events, Chiu said, but incidents like this should not happen. He said authorities have issued a warning, and future entry applications from the group will face stricter review. "They clearly knew this kind of behavior would stir resentment in Taiwanese society, but still challenged the law by saying 'come and catch me,'" Chiu said. "That's just inappropriate." (By Hsieh Yi-hsuan and Ko Lin) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan minister calls air base images on Chinese platform 'composites' ROC Central News Agency 05/26/2025 05:26 PM Taipei, May 26 (CNA) Aerial photos of Hualien Air Base that appeared recently in a video on Chinese social media were digitally composed images and not taken by a drone that flew over the military base, Defense Minister Wellington Koo () said Monday. The images appeared on Xiaohongshu (rednote in English) on May 21, a day after President Lai Ching-te's () first anniversary in office, and seemed to be aerial shots taken by a drone, raising concerns of an undetected intrusion into Taiwan's air space. They were highlighted in a video that used graphics to identify different structures on the air base, such as barracks and hangars, and also showed general distances and other features. Speaking to the media before a legislative hearing, Koo downplayed the images, saying that an internal analysis found they were post-processed using 3D compositing techniques and were not captured by a drone intruding into or filming outside the military base. During the legislative session, Koo was asked by lawmakers if the video was part of a cognitive warfare campaign by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and he said it did contain certain such elements. He said the military's political warfare units and spokesperson system needed to respond swiftly and assertively to counter such actions. The Air Force, meanwhile, said there was no drone intrusion into the Hualien base, but Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Ching-jan () acknowledged they could be difficult to detect, especially given that Taiwan's installation of anti-drones systems had yet to be completed. Fielding lawmakers' questions whether the military is currently capable of visually detecting drones, Lee said visual detection was extremely difficult at higher altitudes and complex backgrounds, and made even more difficult given that most drones are relatively small in size. Lee said that the construction of both active and passive defense systems began in 2022, and parts of the bases where the systems will be located have been established. Once all the facilities are fully equipped, "any drone intrusions will definitely be detected," Lee said, but he did not say when these anti-drone systems will be completed and fully activated. When asked at the hearing about the progress of the Army's procurement of 26 sets of anti-drone systems, Army Chief of Staff Chen Chien-yi () said those systems were primarily for Taiwan's outlying islands. The procurement and production agreement was approved in early April, with the first batch of 13 systems scheduled for delivery in early October, he said, and the second batch is set for delivery in 2026. (By Yang Yao-ju and Evelyn Kao) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/05/26 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Date 6 a.m. May 25 (Sun.) to 6 a.m. May 26 (Mon.) (UTC+8) PLA activities 4 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN ships and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140526_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan.jpg [Open a new window] 1140526_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan.jpg [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden contributes SEK 4.8 billion to strengthen Ukraine's defence capability Government Offices of Sweden Press release from Ministry of Defence Published 26 May 2025 On 22 May, the Government instructed the Swedish Armed Forces to provide economic donations to multilateral funds and initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defence capability. These donations total approximately SEK 4.8 billion. The international community has established a number of funds and initiatives for the procurement of materiel and equipment to strengthen Ukraine's defence capability. Sweden provides support to several of them. On 22 May, the Government instructed the Swedish Armed Forces to provide additional economic donations worth approximately SEK 4.8 billion. These donations are part of a 19th support package presented by the Government on 31 March and adopted by the Riksdag on 29 April. "These disbursements will make Ukraine's armed forces and defence industry stronger in their defence against Russia," says Minister for Defence Pal Jonson. Contributions to several capability coalitions The Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) is a cooperation format consisting of almost 60 countries and organisations that meet regularly to coordinate international military support to Ukraine. Within the framework of the UDCG, capability coalitions have been established to coordinate and mobilise support in various areas. Many of these capability coalitions manage funds for purposes such as procuring materiel and equipment that Ukraine requests in the areas in which the respective coalitions work. The Government decided to make donations to the following coalitions. The Demining Capability Coalition: SEK 100 million. Sweden's donation will contribute to funding for the procurement of mine clearance equipment, including mine sensors, vehicles and personal protective equipment. The Drone Coalition: SEK 300 million. Sweden's donation will contribute to funding for the procurement of various types of unmanned aerial vehicles. The Maritime Capability Coalition: SEK 50 million. Sweden's donation will contribute to funding for the training of personnel of the Ukrainian Navy within the framework of Operation Intercharge. The IT Coalition: SEK 30 million. Sweden's donation will contribute to funding for the procurement of equipment to establish Ukraine's DELTA situational awareness system. Continued support to the Danish model for procurement in Ukraine Sweden has previously contributed to the Danish model for procurement of materiel and equipment for Ukraine from the Ukrainian defence industry. The Government has now decided to contribute additionally over SEK 1 billion to this model. Strengthening the Ukrainian defence industrial base and security of supplies is a vital part of the long-term build-up Ukraine's defence capability. Co-financing of materiel for Ukrainian ground combat capability The Government has also decided to donate SEK 418 million for the procurement of materiel to support the build-up of Ukraine's ground combat capability, including armoured vehicles. Denmark is leading the procurement. Ukraine has requested support from the Nordic and Baltic countries to support the development of its mechanised ground combat capability. For this reason, Sweden has initiated cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries. This cooperation enables joint solutions and coordination of support to achieve a greater impact for Ukraine. Ammunition procurement As a complement to the procurement of ammunition for Ukraine within Sweden, the Government has decided to support two multilateral initiatives for ammunition procurement. Czechia has launched an initiative for the international purchase of large volumes of ammunition with short delivery times. This includes artillery shells that Ukraine dearly needs. Sweden has previously contributed to this initiative, and the Government has now decided to donate an additional SEK 550 million. Estonia has undertaken a similar initiative that also aims to co-finance ammunition procurement. The Government has now decided to contribute just over SEK 546 million to the Estonian initiative. Sweden's donations to these ammunition initiatives are an important contribution towards the EU goal of providing Ukraine with at least 2 million artillery shells in 2025. Support for air defence and long-range drones Air defence systems and long-range drones are a top priority of the Ukrainian armed forces. For this reason, the Government is allocating over SEK 1 billion for the multilateral procurement of air defence systems and long-range drones to combat targets deep behind enemy lines. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turk appeals for end to daily killing and destruction in Ukraine Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 26 May 2025 GENEVA -- The killing and injuring of dozens of civilians over the weekend, mainly in attacks launched by Russian armed forces, underscores the urgent need to end the conflict in Ukraine and to commit to the steps necessary to achieve a lasting peace, in line with international law, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said today. Since Friday, nightly Russian attacks with record numbers of long-range missiles and drones have killed and injured civilians across Ukraine. According to information gathered by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), at least 14 civilians, including three children, were reportedly killed and 88, including 11 children, injured. The majority of those killed and injured were in major cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv, or in populated areas in other regions. Large numbers of long-range drones launched into the Russian Federation by Ukrainian armed forces injured at least 11 civilians over the weekend, according to Russian authorities. "It is time to put an end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, to commit to - and implement - a comprehensive ceasefire that stops the daily killing and destruction, and to start genuine peace negotiations, built on respect for international law," said Turk. "To achieve a sustainable solution, it is imperative to put people and their human rights first. The needs and rights of those most affected by the conflict, including prisoners of war (POWs), civilian detainees, deported and forcibly transferred children, the displaced and those living in occupied territory of Ukraine, must be at the centre of the discussions around peace," the High Commissioner said. In recent days, 880 prisoners of war and 120 civilians from each side have been exchanged. Most of the civilians appeared to have been detainees, but details on individuals included in the exchange are not yet available. "Many families can now breathe a sigh of relief because their loved ones have finally returned home. But at the same time, other families have lost relatives and their homes, as their communities across Ukraine came under attack," Turk said. The High Commissioner highlighted that, even amid ongoing hostilities, people deprived of their liberty must be protected. Summary executions, torture and all forms of inhumane and degrading treatment of prisoners are always prohibited, in any circumstances, and must stop immediately. In addition, he stressed that civilian detainees should be released as soon as the lawful reason for their detention ceases to exist, and their protection against refoulement must be ensured. Practical measures to strengthen the protection of POWs and civilian detainees include enabling regular correspondence with their families, establishing Mixed Medical Commissions to visit and assess the health of POWs, and granting and improving the access of independent monitors, including the UN Human Rights Office, to places of internment and detention. Background: The UN Human Rights Office has monitored and reported on the human rights situation in Ukraine since 2014. It has in total interviewed more than 1,700 current and former POWs and civilian detainees on both sides. The Office has verified that at least 13,134 civilians have been killed and 31,867 injured since the Russian federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin's helicopter came under drone attack last week: Russia Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 2:30 PM Russian President Vladimir Putin's helicopter came under attack by Ukrainian drones as peace talks are ongoing between the two countries to find an end to the Ukraine war. Putin visited the liberated Kursk Region in a surprise visit last week, a Russian military official told RBC news agency on Sunday. "We were simultaneously engaged in an air defense battle and ensuring airspace security for the president's helicopter flight," Yury Dashkin, commander of a Russian air defense division, said. "The helicopter was effectively at the epicenter of the response to the massive drone attack." "The intensity of the attack during the flight of the aircraft with the Commander-in-Chief over the territory of the Kursk Region increased significantly. Therefore, we simultaneously conducted an air defense battle and ensured the safety of the presidential helicopter's flight in the air," Dashkin said. The task was fulfilled, "the attack by the enemy's drones was repelled, all airspace targets were destroyed," he added. The Ukrainian drone attack was carried out on May 20 as Putin visited the border region for the first time since Russian forces pushed Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk Region last month. During the visit to Kursk, Putin met with volunteers, as well as heads of municipalities, and acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein. In what seemed to be a retaliatory attack on Sunday, Ukrainian regions came under massive airstrikes that Kiev claimed killed at least 12 people and injured dozens of others. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who had vowed to end the Ukraine war in 24 hours after taking office, has warned both sides against continuing the war. In a post on Sunday on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that he's "doing his country no favors talking the way he does" against Putin, and that "everything out of his mouth causes problems" for his nation. He also criticized the Russian leader, saying, "I'm not happy with what Putin is doing." "I've known him a long time. Always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like it at all." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump-Putin rift widens over Ukraine amid diplomatic failure to end war Iran Press TV Monday, 26 May 2025 8:04 AM US President Donald Trump has censured his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin after Moscow launched a large aerial attack on Ukraine, highlighting Washington's failure to end the conflict as the American leader had boasted he would end the war within 24 hours. Trump has been trying to get both sides to agree to a ceasefire over the three-year-old war in Ukraine. He spoke for more than two hours with Putin last week and said he believed the call had gone "very well." On Sunday, Russia fired a barrage of 367 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kiev. Trump warned that he would impose more sanctions on Russia if the war continues and Putin does not come to the negotiation table. Trump: Zelensky causing problems The US president also lambasted Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying, "He is doing his country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems. I don't like it, and it better stop." Trump's comments came amid an escalation in fighting between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow accusing Kiev of launching hundreds of drones between Tuesday and Friday. One strike took place during a visit by Putin to Kursk Region, where his helicopter "was at the epicenter" of a Ukrainian drone assault, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. On February 28, Trump, and Zelensky engaged in a heated discussion in the Oval Office, which was filmed for the world to see. The pair clashed when discussing efforts for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. Since then, the three counties have engaged in several rounds of negotiations. During the latest round in Turkey on May 16, each country agreed to release 1,000 prisoners of war, the largest swap of the war so far. The countries' respective leaders were absent from the talks after Putin rejected Zelensky's offer for an in-person negotiation and did not accompany the Russian delegation to Turkey. After the negotiations in Turkey, Ukraine tentatively agreed to a 30-day ceasefire while Putin said Russia will work with Ukraine to craft a "memorandum" on a "possible future peace." Aside from a major prisoner-of-war swap last week, there has been little or no progress on bringing the war to an end. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Calls Putin 'Absolutely Crazy' After Record Drone Attack On Ukraine By RFE/RL May 26, 2025 US President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin "has gone absolutely crazy" following a series of deadly attacks on Ukrainian cities and warned that if he attempts to conquer all of Ukraine, it will lead to Russia's "downfall." Ukrainian officials said on May 26 that Russia had launched some 355 drones at Ukraine overnight -- a record number in more than three years of war -- along with nine cruise missiles. The attack, the third consecutive night Russia had fired a major salvo at Ukraine, hit several locations, including residential buildings and industrial facilities, officials said. "I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him," Trump said in his harshest public comments ever regarding the Kremlin leader. "He has gone absolutely CRAZY!" "He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I'm not just talking about soldiers," Trump wrote on his social media platform late on May 25. "Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I've always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that's proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!" The Truth Social posting came shortly after Trump assailed Putin in similar comments to reporters. "I'm not happy with what Putin is doing. He's killing a lot of people, and I don't know what the hell happened to Putin," he told reporters in New Jersey as he prepared to fly back to Washington. Putin is "sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like it at all," Trump said angrily on the Morristown airport tarmac. "We're in the middle of talking and he's shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities. I don't like it at all," Trump said. "I'm surprised. Very surprised." "Something happened to this guy -- and I don't like it." Trump said he would "absolutely" consider imposing further sanctions against Russia to force progress in peace talks, although he wasn't specific. The Kremlin responded to Trump's message by warning of "emotional overload" at a "very crucial moment," adding that Putin "is taking the decisions that are necessary to ensure the security of our country." In a sign of growing impatience among Ukraine's allies over what they see as Russia's stalling tactics, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there were "no longer any range restrictions" on arms supplied by key Western allies to Ukraine, allowing Kyiv to attack "military positions in Russia." "There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine -- neither by the British nor by the French nor by us nor by the Americans," he said during a forum organized by German state broadcaster WDR. "This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia.... With very few exceptions, it didn't do that until recently. It can now do that." Officials from Britain, France, and the United States have yet to confirm Merz's claim. In his criticisms, Trump also turned his attention to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, sharply chastising him for "doing his country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don't like it, and it better stop." The flood of comments came after Zelenskyy, in a rare public rebuke of Kyiv's most-important ally, condemned what he called "America's silence" after Russian attacks over the weekend killed at least 13 people and left dozens of others injured. Commenting on May 26, Zelenskyy said that "only a sense of total impunity can allow Russia to carry out such strikes and continue increasing their scale." "There is no real military logic to this, but there is significant political meaning. In doing this, Putin shows just how much he despises the world -- the world that spends more effort on 'dialogue' with him than on real pressure," he added. Ukraine's European allies remained vocal in their condemnation of Russia's latest attacks and for the need to maintain support for Kyiv. "Last night's attacks again show Russia bent on more suffering and the annihilation of Ukraine," top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas wrote on social media. She called for "the strongest international pressure on Russia to stop this war." Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in a TV debate that the attacks were "further proof that Russia is not interested in peace." The governor of Ukraine's Sumy region on May 26 said that Russian forces had captured four villages as part of an attempt to create a "buffer zone" on Ukrainian territory. Oleh Hryhorov said the four villages were now held by Russian forces. He said their residents had long been evacuated. "The enemy is continuing attempts to advance with the aim of setting up a so-called 'buffer zone,'" he wrote. The death and destruction at Ukrainian civilian sites was mixed with rejoicing and jubilant scenes over the weekend as hundreds of prisoners of war returned from captivity in Russia for the third day of a mass exchange in a so-called 1,000-for-1,000 swap deal. "It is good that I'm home. Everything will be all right. I have no words," Oleksandr, a returning soldier, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. He said he had been captured in Avdiyivka, in eastern Ukraine, on July 27, 2022. "My wife and son [are waiting for me]. We will talk soon," he added. "I was waiting for this day. I still can't believe it," another soldier, who did not give his name, told RFE/RL. "I didn't know how long I would be there...We had no information. For three years we didn't know what was happening to our country," he added. At the same time, Russian media reported that 303 Russian soldiers released by Ukraine had landed in Moscow on May 25 and would "undergo medical treatment and rehabilitation." Ukrainian Civilian Deaths Mount Russian missiles and drones struck Ukrainian cities with deadly fire over the weekend. Among the 13 reported deaths were three minors -- aged 8, 12, and 17 -- in the northwestern region of Zhytomyr, far away from the front lines. But the capital, Kyiv, appeared to be the focus of Russia's latest attacks, although several other cities experienced air assaults as well. "It has never been like this before. There were dozens of explosions. Not 10, not 15 -- it was endless. You hear that roar in the sky and then bang! And we just keep waiting for what's next," Oleh, a pensioner in Mykolayiv, told RFE/RL after the May 25 attacks. "We assume that [a drone] was on its way to bomb a factory [nearby], but it was shot down and hit the house as it fell. The blast was crazy. We were in the kitchen at that moment. We all ran to the hallway and sat there. It was really scary," he added. The details provided by both sides could not be independently verified. RFE/RL is effectively banned in Russia and unable to operate there. Its teams in Ukraine regularly witness deadly attacks on civilian targets across the country. "Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped. Sanctions will certainly help," Zelenskyy said. Ukraine and European countries have called for a significant ramping up of the existing sanctions regime unless Moscow accepts a 30-day cease-fire proposed by Washington. But Trump has proved reluctant to do it, praising a recent telephone call he had with Putin, in which the Russian leader did not agree to any pause in fighting. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-putin-russia- ukraine-sanctions-drones/33423768.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 Russia Forced to Respond to Situation in Ukraine Putin Sputnik News 20250526 MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russia has been forced to respond to the situation in Ukraine and "do what the country is doing now," Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday. "They just forced us to do what we are doing now and they are trying to make us guilty," Putin told a meeting with representatives of the Russian business community. He stressed that it was not Russia that organized a "bloody coup" in Ukraine. Putin also noted that after the coup by the Kiev regime, Ukraine began persecuting and killing civilians in Donbass. Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Putin said the goal was "to protect people who have been subjected to abuse and genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years." He described the operation as a necessary measure, insisting that Russia was left with "no other choice," and that the security risks had reached a point where no other response was possible. Putin added that Russia had spent 30 years trying to reach an agreement with NATO on European security principles but was repeatedly met with deceit, lies, pressure and blackmail. Despite Moscow's protests, the alliance continued to expand steadily toward Russia's borders. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iskanders Don't Miss: How Russia is Turning Ukraine's NATO-Made Air Defense Shield Into Swiss Cheese Sputnik News 20250526 Russian missiles keep overwhelming NATO-sourced air defenses in Ukraine - and the latest strikes prove it. The enemy can do nothing but watch Iskander missiles fly, fully aware that their targets are doomed but unable to respond, says Russian state defense giant Rostec. Here's why. Iskanders fly along unpredictable trajectories at tremendous speeds (up to Mach 7). Their G-load during maneuver significantly exceeds what most NATO anti-aircraft missiles can withstand, Rostec says. Besides their 400-700 kg payload, just the shockwave generated during the missiles' approach, or munition fragments, can be enough to take enemy defenses out of action. Plus they're incredibly accurate (5-7M CEP). In other words, NATO has nothing like them. Swiss Cheese Air Defenses Ukraine's air defenses have been decimated over three years of fighting, covering only Kiev plus 2-3 strategic objects elsewhere, says Russian air defense forces historian Yuri Knutov. "The remaining objects are practically defenseless." That's because Russia is using the Fabian strategy - firing missiles and drones to grind down enemy defenses, logistics and defense production in depth, and aiming to achieve victory not through decisive battles, but exhaustion leading to collapse. Response to Provocations The growing intensity of Russian missile strikes in spite of new peace talks in Istanbul makes sense, Knutov says, given Kiev's attempts to disrupt negotiations through its own recent drone attacks on Russian military and civilian targets. Ukraine's strikes were intended to evoke a tit-for-tat response, but Russia didn't bite, sticking to strategic targets, like: Ukraine's Avangard drone plant radio intel sites the Main Intelligence Directorate drone assembly sites, weapons storage "We will not reduce the intensity of strikes because the enemy (not just the Kiev regime but the countries supporting it) must understand that the task of strategically weakening Russia cannot be solved by increasing arms deliveries," Knutov summed up. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK, France, Germany, US Lift Range Restrictions on Military Supplies to Ukraine - Merz Sputnik News 20250526 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United Kingdom, France, the United States and now Germany have lifted range restrictions on military supplies to Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. "There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine not by the British, not by the French, not by us, not by the Americans. This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, including, for example, by striking military positions on Russian territory. Until a certain point, it could not do this," Merz said in an interview with the WDR TV channel. Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Ukrainians are striking Russian social and civilian infrastructure facilities, and that Russia's strikes against military targets in Ukraine are in retaliation. Russian air defense systems have shot down 148 Ukrainian drones over the regions in the past 24 hours, the Russian defense Ministry said on Monday. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelensky Regime to Wage 'Eternal War' Against Russia - Ukrainian Opposition Politician Sputnik News 20250526 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Ukrainian authorities have been developing a strategy of "eternal war" against Russia and priming its people for endless conflict, Ukrainian opposition politician and chairman of the Other Ukraine movement Viktor Medvedchuk said on Monday. "The Kiev regime has been devising a strategy of war for centuries, preparing the population for it. It is sheer insanity if we consider the conflict's consequences for the country," Medvedchuk said in a statement published on the website of the Other Ukraine movement. He also drew parallels between Kiev's policy and Hitler's obsession with "eternal war," adding that the ideology has found followers not just in Ukraine but also in Western nations like Germany, which is trying to "impose their own 'order'." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's rhetoric risks sparking World War III, Medvedchuk added. The politician argued that Volodymyr Zelensky's "brothers in mind" in several European governments are fueling wars on multiple fronts, including the economy. Targeting Russia amounts to World War III, which US President Donald Trump is trying to avoid, though the "coalition of the willing to war" ignores this, Medvedchuk said. "This hundred-year war lives only in the minds of Kiev junta's leaders, and this in no way meets the interests of the Ukrainian people. The Ukrainian elite is determined to fight for a hundred, thousand years, profiting off their own citizens' blood. To end the war in Ukraine, Nazism must be wiped out, and Zelensky and his crew need to face justice," Medvedchuk said. On Friday, Deputy Head of Zelensky's Office Iryna Vereshchuk said that "the war is for a long time," ceasefire or not, urging that Ukrainian children be prepared for war from school. The head of the support center for Ukrainian displaced persons in Crimea of The Other Ukraine, Oleg Bondarenko, called her statement a provocation. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Take Control of Two Settlements in Sumy Region - MoD Sputnik News 20250526 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian troops have taken control of the settlements of Vladimirovka and Belovody settlements in the Sumy region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. "As a result of the active and decisive actions of Units of Battlegroup Sever, the settlements of Vladimirovka and Belovody in the Sumy region has been taken control of," the ministry said. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated up to 475 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "The enemy lost up to 475 military personnel, nine armored combat vehicles, eight vehicles and an artillery piece," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated up to 235 Ukrainian servicepeople, while Russia's Battlegroup Yug has eliminated up to 205 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the ministry said. Russia's Battlegroup Sever eliminated up to 275 soldiers in the past day, the ministry said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Strikes Civilian Infrastructure in Russia, Moscow Strikes Military Targets - Kremlin Sputnik News 20250526 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukrainians are striking Russian social and civilian infrastructure facilities, and Russia's strike against military targets in Ukraine is a retaliatory one, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. "We see how Ukrainians are hitting our social and civilian infrastructure facilities. This is a retaliatory strike a retaliatory strike against military facilities, against military targets," Peskov told reporters. The foreign leaders who came to Moscow to celebrate Victory Day witnessed Ukraine's attempts to attack Russian territory, Peskov added. "We have all witnessed how the Kiev regime threatened foreign leaders on the eve of their arrival in Moscow to celebrate Victory Day. Everyone has heard these threats from the Kiev regime. And many of the leaders who were here actually witnessed attempts by the Kiev regime to launch drone strikes on the territory of Russia, major cities and the capital on the eve of such an important day. These attempts are continuing, we are forced to take measures," Peskov concluded. Vladimir Putin makes the decisions that are necessary to ensure the security of the country, Peskov said. "President Putin makes the decisions that are necessary to ensure the security of our country," Peskov told reporters when asked how the Kremlin assessed Trump's words about Putin. Last week, US President Donald Trump said that he disapproved of Russia's recent actions in Ukraine. The US president said that he was "absolutely" considering the possibility of imposing additional sanctions against Russia. There are contacts between the special services of Russia and the United States, but there is no need to talk about large-scale cooperation on security aspect yet, Peskov said. "There are contacts between special services [Russia and the US]. However, it is too early to talk about any large-scale cooperation on various aspects of ensuring security," Peskov told reporters. Russia and the United States are at the very beginning of the return of bilateral relations to a working state, the official added. Vladimir Putin will receive Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "The President will receive Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan, who is on a working visit to Moscow, today," Peskov told reporters. The main topic of the Russian-Turkish contacts during Fidan's visit will be the discussion of bilateral relations, the spokesman said, adding that an exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine may also take place. There is no understanding yet on the continuation of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and on their location, it is necessary to prepare for the second round, Dmitry Peskov said. "There is no understanding yet on the continuation of the negotiation process and the venue, we need to prepare for the next round. Therefore, it is too early to talk about it," Peskov told reporters. Russia is grateful to Turkey for the ideal conditions for the Istanbul talks, Kremlin spokesman said. "Of course, we are grateful to the Republic of Turkey for the ideal conditions that the Turkish side has provided for the Istanbul talks," Peskov told reporters. There is no understanding yet on the continuation of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and on their location, Peskov added. "Of course, the beginning of the negotiation process, for which the American side has made great efforts, is a very important achievement. And we are really grateful to the Americans and [US] President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process. This is a very important achievement," Peskov added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andriy Yermak Meets with Business Representatives to Strengthen the Work of the Council for Entrepreneurship Support President of Ukraine 26 May 2025 - 23:40 Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting with representatives of Ukrainian businesses. He expressed gratitude to entrepreneurs for everything they are doing for the country and emphasized that there can be no strong state without a strong business sector. Andriy Yermak spoke about the meeting in Istanbul and Ukraine's further diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and enduring peace. He also announced that a new-format meeting between the President of Ukraine and business representatives is expected to take place soon. "The President sees our Council primarily as the foundation for shaping the country's economic policy and strategy - together with the Head of State and the government," Andriy Yermak emphasized. According to him, once the war ends, Ukrainian businesses and citizens must have a clear understanding of how the country will move toward a new economic development strategy. "The President and the government remain committed to the concept of maximum deregulation of business and maximum privatization - with the exception of enterprises of strategic importance to the national economy," he stated. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko added that, at the President's initiative, sectoral and regional directions were added to the discussions on government initiatives to improve the business climate, as well as to the earlier developments with the Council for Entrepreneurship Support. "We believe there should be privatization of everything that can be privatized, a special regime for investment in the defense industry, and certainly a special regime for frontline territories - recognizing that recovery won't be very fast. The government is now working on all the necessary mechanisms and tools," she noted. Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office Yuriy Katsion reported that an expanded list of Council members has already been formed. It will include over 75 qualified representatives from all sectors and various regions of Ukraine. More than 10 thematic and sectoral committees have been established to ensure effective and professional work on addressing all issues raised by the business community. In addition, several meetings between government officials and representatives of business associations have already taken place. "This effectively marks the beginning of the Council's work in its expanded composition. Key issues troubling businesses across various sectors have been identified. These issues are already being addressed at the level of ministries and agencies, and relevant draft laws are being prepared," he added. Deputy Head of the Office of the President Viktor Mykyta emphasized that a national platform called "Dialogue Between Government and Business" operates in Ukraine, within which all heads of regional military administrations meet weekly with business representatives. Thanks to this platform, more than 100,000 responses have been collected, providing a clear understanding of the challenges faced in each region. According to him, in the first quarter of this year, local budget revenues grew by 19% compared to the same period last year. "Each region now has a range of business support programs funded through regional budgets. To date, businesses in the crop and livestock sectors, as well as relocated enterprises, have already received over one billion hryvnias in support," Viktor Mykyta stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Can See from the Information Obtained by Intelligence and from Open-Source Data That Putin and His Entourage Do Not Plan to End the War - Address by the President President of Ukraine 26 May 2025 - 20:39 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! Today, I held a meeting of the Staff. There were intelligence reports - very thorough ones. We discussed the overall situation: the war, Russia's intentions, the capabilities of Russia's troops and its military and industrial complex, as well as our ability to pressure Russia and disrupt its plans. We can see from the information obtained by intelligence and from open-source data that Putin and his entourage do not plan to end the war. There is currently no indication that they are seriously considering peace or diplomacy. On the contrary, there is ample evidence that they are preparing new offensive operations. Russia is counting on a prolonged war. And on their part, this is a blatant disregard for all those around the world who seek peace and are trying to make diplomacy work. I am confident that our partners' intelligence services are having the same information, seeing the same facts - and it's important that they do not turn a blind eye, but report to their leadership. The only thing that is needed now is absolutely honest conclusions and appropriate joint pressure on Russia. All the more so as Russian strikes are becoming increasingly brazen and large-scale every night. Over 900 attack drones launched against Ukraine in just three days, along with ballistic and cruise missiles. There is no military logic in this, but it is a clear political choice - the choice of Putin, the choice of Russia - the choice to keep waging war and destroying lives. Recently, a meeting was held in Istanbul. Now the Russians are supposedly drafting proposals for a memorandum on peace. They've already spent over a week on this. They talk a lot about diplomacy. But when, in the midst of all that, there are constant Russian strikes, constant killings, relentless assaults, and even preparations for new offensives - this is clearly a diagnosis. Russia deserves full-scale pressure - everything that can be done to limit its military capabilities. I thank everyone around the world who understands this. New and strong sanctions against Russia - from the United States, from Europe, and from all those around the world who seek peace - will serve as a guaranteed means of forcing Russia not only to cease fire, but also to show respect. They all must respect the world. Putin must start respecting those he talks to. For now, he is simply playing games with diplomacy and diplomats. That must change. Today at the Staff meeting, we thoroughly analyzed the consequences of Russian strikes, their drone tactics, and our responses. I instructed a significant increase in the production of our interceptor drones, and we will be engaging more funding from our partners to support this. Relevant updates are being prepared. I also ordered dedicated funding for Ukraine's ballistic missile program to accelerate missile production. There was also a detailed report from Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Maliuk. There are some good results. Thank you. And one more thing. Today, I want to recognize our defenders of the sky. Over the past few days, our combat aviation pilots - flying F-16s and Mirages - have performed very well. A significant portion of the cruise missiles were shot down by them. Thank you! Also, the 11th Shepetivka Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, the 96th Kyiv Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, the 138th Dnipro Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, the 208th Kherson Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, and the 301st Nikopol Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade - thank you for your precision! And my thanks also go to all units defending our skies - mobile fire groups, army aviation helicopters, and electronic warfare specialists. Thank you to everyone who is fighting for Ukraine! And thank you to everyone who helps. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Need for Pressure on Russia and Coordination with European Partners: President of Ukraine Holds Call with Prime Minister of Albania President of Ukraine 26 May 2025 - 17:17 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama. The Head of State thanked him for organizing the European Political Community Summit, which took place in Tirana on May 16. The President specifically noted that support for Ukraine and efforts to strengthen it remained in focus throughout the event. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the Albanian Prime Minister about recent Russian missile and drone attacks. He emphasized that these strikes once again demonstrate Russia's unwillingness to end the war - underscoring the importance of increasing international pressure on the Russian Federation. A key focus of the conversation was unity with European partners. President Zelenskyy invited Prime Minister Rama to participate in the upcoming Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summit and shared which countries have already confirmed their participation. Edi Rama assured that Albania will be represented. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address West Palm Beach, Fl , May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Joe Osborne, a well-known trial lawyer at Osborne & Francis Law Firm in Boca Raton, Florida, recently joined Rene Perras on the podcast Coffee with Q to talk about something that affects millions: medical errors. The interview, now streaming on YouTube, explains how simple hospital mistakeslike missed test results, wrong diagnoses, or poor communicationcan lead to life-changing consequences for patients and their families. "Medical errors aren't always malpractice," Osborne explained. "But when a doctor or hospital fails to meet the basic standards of careand someone gets hurtthat's when it crosses the line." Osborne used a heartbreaking real-life example to make his point: a surgeon involved in a plane crash who didn't tell the hospital about his injuries, then performed a surgery that ended in tragedy. So what can be done? Osborne shared clear, simple steps hospitals and doctors can take to prevent errors, such as: Having better systems for following up on test results Making sure patients understand when they need more tests or treatment Having a second expert review necessary scans or results He also warned that Florida law gives victims a limited time to take legal action, and sometimes patients don't even realize something went wrong until it's too late. This episode of Coffee with Q is a must-watch for anyone concerned about their rights in the healthcare system. Watch it here To learn more about Joe Osborne and how Osborne and Francis Law Firm helps victims of medical negligence, visit www.realtoughlawyers.com. About Osborne and Francis Osborne and Francis is a law firm specializing in medical malpractice, personal injury, and advocating for patients' rights. With extensive experience in medical error cases, the firm is committed to helping victims find justice in the healthcare system. About Coffee with Q "Coffee with Q" is a program hosted by legal news reporter Rene Perras dedicated to helping consumers find justice. The show features interviews with legal experts on various topics affecting consumer rights. Media Contact: Rene Perras -Host & Legal News Reporter with Coffee with Q Email: rp@coffeewithq.com Source first published https://www.coffeewithq.org/understanding-medical-errors-and-patient-rights-with-joe-osborne/ Attachment Greenville, South Carolina, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARCpoint Inc. (TSXV: ARC) (the Company or ARCpoint) is pleased to report that it has filed its unaudited Q1, 2025 Financial Statements and related Management Discussion and Analysis as summarized below. Interim CFO and Director, Adam Ho commented, In addition to a year over year reduction in overall costs as a result of the CRESSO transaction, we have also recently enacted additional temporary reductions in overall compensation and professional services costs of approximately USD$57k per month. These temporary reductions are a testament to the commitment of our team members in our pursuit of increasing value for our shareholders and other stakeholders. Beginning in mid-April of this year, the Company enacted temporary reductions in overall compensation and professional services costs totalling approximately USD$57k on a monthly basis. These temporary reductions represent approximately 40% of total monthly compensation and key, monthly recurring professional services costs. The reductions are temporary and are intended to help the Company manage its finances while it works to increase revenues through the addition of new users of the Companys MyARCpointLabs (MAPL) technology platform. Mr. Ho added, Although a reduction in costs is important and we are grateful for the sacrifices our team members are making, we remain focused on adding new users of our MAPL platform and look forward to reporting on our progress in this regard soon. On Aug. 20, 2024, the company announced that it had entered into a transaction with Any Lab Test Now (ALTN) to bring together the franchise operations of both Any Lab Test Now and ARCpoint into a new joint venture company, CRESSO Brands LLC. ALTN, based in Atlanta, Ga., was founded in 1992 and at the time of the Aug. 20, 2024, transaction, had more than 235 United States franchise locations, providing direct access to clinical, DNA, and drug and alcohol lab testing services, as well as phlebotomy and other specimen collection services, through its retail storefront business model. When combined with the more than 135 ARCpoint franchise group locations, also at the time of the transaction, CRESSO is now the largest franchise network of its kind in the United States. At the time of the CRESSO transaction, ALTN and ARCpoint also agreed to make ARCpoint's MyARCpointLabs technology platform (MAPL) the systems choice for CRESSO brand franchisees. Given that the Company now holds a 29.5% interest in the CRESSO, ARCpoints interest is accounted for using the equity method. As a result, revenues and costs previously attributable to the Companys franchise operations, are no longer consolidated into the ARCpoints financial statements. All results below are reported under International Financial Reporting Standards and in US dollars. The Company reminds readers to take into consideration that the CRESSO transaction was concluded in the third quarter of 2024 on August 20, 2024. For accounting purposes, the Company has deconsolidated ARCpoint Franchise Group and recorded its 29.5% interest in CRESSO as an equity investment going forward. The Company advises readers to see its unaudited interim Financial Statements (the Financial Statements) and the interim Management Discussion & Analysis of the Company (MD&A) under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca. On January 3, 2025, the Company completed the sale of its 68% share ownership interest in ABH Greenville, as originally announced on December 30, 2024. In exchange for its ownership interest in ABH Greenville, the Company received a cash consideration of $360,000. As at March 31, 2025, the Company had total cash on hand of approximately US$0.23 million. All results below are reported under International Financial Reporting Standards and in US dollars. Summary of 2025 Q1 Financial Results Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $0.18 million compared to $1.61 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to decreased royalty and franchising revenues as no royalties and brand fund revenues were included after the CRESSO joint venture transaction (CRESSO Transaction) on August 20, 2024. Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $0.62 million compared to a net loss of $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in net loss was primarily due to a decrease in cost of revenue of $0.6 million, a decrease in salary and wages of $0.7 million, a decrease in general and administrative expenses of $0.1 million and a decrease in sales and marketing costs of $0.1 million, partially offset by a gain in the disposal of ABH Greenville of $0.3 million and a gain in the share of income of CRESSO of $0.2 million. Operating cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was negative $0.9 million compared to negative $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was negative $0.4 million compared to negative $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was negative $0.6 million compared to negative $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. DEFINITION AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES The Company reports certain non-IFRS measures that are used to evaluate the performance of its businesses and the performance of their respective segments. Securities regulators require such measures to be clearly defined and reconciled with their most comparable IFRS measures. As non-IFRS measures generally do not have a standardized meaning, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Rather, these are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the results of the operations of the Company from managements perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation, nor as a substitute for analysis of the Companys financial information reported under IFRS. Non-IFRS measures used to analyze the performance of the Companys businesses include EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. The Company believes that these non-IFRS financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Companys performances and may be useful to investors because they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. These financial measures are intended to provide investors with supplemental measures of the Companys operating performances and thus highlight trends in the Companys core businesses that may not otherwise be apparent when solely relying on the IFRS measures. These non-IFRS measures are calculated as follows: EBITDA is comprised as income (loss) less interest, income tax and depreciation and amortization. Management believes that EBITDA is a useful indicator for investors, and is used by management, in evaluating the operating performance of the Company. See Consolidated EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation appended to this press release for a quantitative reconciliation of EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is comprised as income (loss) less interest, income tax, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation, Brand Fund revenue and expense timing difference, change in fair value of warrant liability, foreign exchange gain (loss) and other income / expenses not attributable to the operations of the Company. Management believes that EBITDA is a useful indicator for investors, and is used by management, in evaluating the operating performance of the Company. See Consolidated EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation appended to this press release for a quantitative reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure. A reconciliation of how the Company calculates EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is provide in the table appended to this press release. For more information, please see the unaudited interim Financial Statements (the Financial Statements) and the interim Management Discussion & Analysis of the Company (MD&A) under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca . About ARCpoint Inc. ARCpoint is a leading US-based health care company that leverages technology along with brick-and-mortar locations to give businesses and individual consumers access to convenient, cost-effective healthcare information and solutions with transparent, up-front pricing, so that they can be proactive and preventative with their health and well-being. ARCpoint is based in Greenville, South Carolina, USA. ARCpoint Corporate Labs LLC develops corporate-owned labs committed to providing accurate, cost-effective solutions for customers, businesses and physicians. AFG Services LLC serves as the innovation center of the ARCpoint group of companies as it builds a proprietary technology platform and a physician network to equip all ARCpoint labs with best-in-class tools and solutions to better serve their customers. The platform also digitalizes and streamlines administrative functions such as materials purchasing, compliance, billing and physician services for ARCpoint franchise labs and other clients. For more information, please contact: ARCpoint Inc. Adam Ho, Interim Chief Financial Officer Phone : (604) 329-1009 E-mail : invest@arcpointlabs.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION : Forward-Looking Information this news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws which are based on ARCpoints current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs and views of future events. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as expect, likely, may, will, should, intend, anticipate, potential, proposed, estimate and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions may, would or will happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information in this news release is based upon the expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and views of future events which management believes to be reasonable in the circumstances. Forward-looking information includes estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Froward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies, the COVID-19 pandemic; competition and other risks. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all such factors. When considering the forward-looking information contained herein, 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.sedar.com. 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. Neither the TSX Venture 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. ARCpoint Inc. Consolidated EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation (Expressed in United States Dollars) Miami, USA, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CRYPTOMINING FIRM is a world-leading AI green eco-new energy free cloud mining platform that provides users worldwide with the opportunity to earn free Bitcoin (BTC), Ripple (XRP), and Dogcoin (DOGE) through passive income. The platform uses advanced artificial intelligence technology to optimise mining activities and ensure maximum profitability and efficiency. Users can start profiting without any upfront investment, making it a viable option for both newbies and seasoned cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Cryptocurrency has been hot lately. Everyone knows it, but not everyone knows that you can freely exchange BTC, DOGE, XRP and other cryptocurrencies through Robinhood, start cloud mining, and earn a potential return of $500 to $51,720 per day! CRYPTOMININGFIRM is a company specializing in cloud mining and a leader in the global computing power market. 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With their ease of use, high profitability and commitment to sustainability, these platforms are becoming an increasingly popular choice for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and maximise returns. If you would like to learn more about CRYPTOMININGFIRM, please visit its official website: https://cryptominingfirm.com/ Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. 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. BENGBU, China, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On May 24, the 7th Smart Sensor Industry Development Conference kicked off in Bengbu, Anhui Province and attracted over 700 experts and enterprise representatives. The event has been held in Bengbu for six consecutive sessions since 2017, emerging as a key platform to boost the innovative development of the city's smart sensor sector and its leapfrog transformation from a technology chaser to an industry leader. In recent years, Bengbu has concentrated efforts on building China Sensor Valley through collaborative innovation involving government, industry, academia, research, finance, application, and service. It has gathered more than 200 enterprises engaged in the smart sensor sector, including 69 high-tech companies and 40 provincial-level "little giant" SMEs (that specialize in niche sector, command a high market share, and have strong innovative capacity and core technologies). The city is also home to the only enterprise in Anhui Province that has both integrated circuit and MEMS wafer production lines, which is rare even nationwide. Themed "Chip Convergence in Jianghuai, Smart Sensing for the World", this session of the conference focused on cutting-edge fields such as automotive, medical, and robotics. At its opening ceremony, the 2025 Report on China MEMS Industry Development and Top 10 High-Quality Sensor Industrial Parks was released, in which Bengbu Economic Development Zone is included. Enterprises showcased innovative achievements including ultra-low noise bio-signal acquisition chips and multi-channel EEG acquisition systems, and announced the successful trial production of the first batch of products from 8-inch MEMS wafer production line. Scheduled to achieve a monthly capacity of 30,000 wafers, with 10,000 wafers attainable by the end of this year, this production line will become a core force in China's micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) industry. During the event, 3 innovation platforms including the Yangtze River Delta (Bengbu) Industry-Education Integration Collaborative Center and the Automotive Intelligent Sensing Special Committee were inaugurated, housing settlement allowances were granted to 5 high-level talents, and agreements on 20 key projects were signed, which injected new momentum into the development of this industry. Source: 7th Smart Sensor Industry Development Conference BENGALURU, India, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aurigo Software, the leading provider of capital planning and construction management software for infrastructure and facility owners, announced the appointment of Dr. Sunil Kumar Vuppala as Vice President of AI Labs. Based in Bengaluru, Dr. Vuppala will lead the companys global artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and research and development initiatives. Dr. Sunil Vuppala joining as Head of Aurigo AI Labs is a significant milestone in our ambition to embed AI at the heart of every product we build, said Manish Sharma, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Aurigo Software. Sunil pairs world-class expertise in AI/ML, agentic architectures, and data science with a proven ability to turn research into responsible and trustworthy enterprise-scale solutions. Under his leadership, we will accelerate our AI-first SaaS roadmap that delivers unprecedented value to our customers. Dr. Vuppala has over 20 years of experience spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, analytics, Internet of Things, and automation. He has built four AI-first platforms and executed 100+ AI use cases, working with over 30 clients globally. With 40+ patents to his name, including six granted in the U.S., Dr. Vuppala has authored more than 35 technical papers and delivered over 100 guest lectures in academic and industry forums. In his new role, Dr. Vuppala will lead the development and expansion of Aurigos AI Labs and oversee the continued evolution of its core AI solution, Aurigo Lumina. His responsibilities include integrating trustworthy, secure, and scalable AI into the companys flagship platform, Masterworks, and driving AI adoption in capital planning and construction management across infrastructure and facility owners globally. Aurigo is building the future of enterprise AIaaS, and its an honor to be leading a team thats passionate about solving real-world problems, said Dr. Vuppala when asked about his appointment. The companys inherent culture of innovation and customer focus creates the perfect environment to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in the infrastructure domain. Before joining Aurigo, Dr. Vuppala served as Director of Data Science at Ericssons Global AI Accelerator (GAIA), where he led cross-functional teams to develop production-grade AI models across telecom, security, and visual intelligence domains. He also held senior positions at Philips Research, Infosys R&D, and Oracle, contributing significantly to research and enterprise applications in sectors including healthcare, telecom, energy, and education. Dr. Vuppala holds advanced degrees from IIT Roorkee (M.Tech), IIIT Bangalore (Ph.D.), IIM Ahmedabad (SMP), and NLSIU Bengaluru (MBL). A passionate educator and industry volunteer, he teaches at institutions such as IIIT-B and Great Learning and serves as chair of the IEEE Computer Society Bangalore Chapter. About Aurigo Software Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence and build with quality. With more than $450 billion of capital programs under management, Aurigos solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government, with over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India. Learn more at www.aurigo.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f0d302c-01ec-4b8e-b0a5-00fc4c2244a9 TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading pump brand Walrus Pump Co., Ltd. (6982) is making its debut at 2025 Computex Taipei, taking place from May 20 to 23. The company has continued to advance its smart pump technology and offers comprehensive pump solutions. In addition to everyday and manufacturing applications, Walrus has expanded into advanced sectors such as data centers, EV charging station cooling, and heat exchange systems. Through continuous innovation and strategic market deployment, the Company has solidified its position as a leader in Taiwans pump market. In Q1 2025, the company reported consolidated revenue of NT$429 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 17.84%. Gross profit reached NT$121 million (up 15.24% YoY), with a gross margin of 29%. Net profit after tax was NT$32 million, up 38.45% YoY, and earnings per share (EPS) came in at NT$0.80, up 21.21% YoY. This strong Q1 performance highlights the company's solid operational momentum. Walrus operates two major production bases in Taiwan Sanzhi in New Taipei and the Zhengyi Plant in Luzhu District, Kaohsiung. Its new Global Plant in Kaohsiung is expected to receive its operating permit and begin small-scale production in the second half of this year. This facility will feature smart manufacturing, integrating production line data through a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and incorporating an automated warehouse system enhancements expected to significantly boost both production capacity and inventory management efficiency. In parallel, the Companys subsidiary, Suzhou Walrus, continues to serve the Mainland China market while expanding into ASEAN regions, meeting diverse pump order demands from both domestic and international clients. With the booming development of AI computing and high-density data centers, cooling efficiency has become a key component of next-generation infrastructure. At Computex Taipei, Walrus is officially unveiling two innovative pump series: the TPMS Slim Motor Multistage Centrifugal Pump series and the CMP Glandless Variable-Speed Pump series. The TPMS Slim Motor Multistage Centrifugal Pump series features intelligent control capabilities, dynamically adjusting pump speed and chilled water flow based on IT heat loads. This makes it an ideal solution that meets the dual demands of energy efficiency and modular cooling systems in modern data centers striking a balance between cooling performance and operational costs. Meanwhile, the CMP series is compatible with a variety of coolants. Its glandless design significantly reduces leakage risks and maintenance costs, making it a key component in the next generation of high-reliability liquid cooling solutions for data centers. Both of these products align with ESG goals by focusing on energy savings, smart control, and efficient space utilization positioning them as driving forces in the global upgrade of data center infrastructure. In terms of R&D, Walrus operates a dual-power Pump Dynamic Laboratory certified by both TAF and TUV. This cutting-edge facility provides validation and testing technologies that can be tailored to meet customer-specific needs for server modular system integration, ensuring precise optimization of pump head, flow rate, and motor performance. To strengthen its digital strategy, Walrus integrates IoT technology into pump automation and smart monitoring, offering remote control and predictive maintenance to enhance product reliability and safety. Additionally, Walrus provides timely customer support through its AI-powered service platform and dedicated after-sales service team, ensuring fast responses to maintenance needs. As global demand for server cooling surges, Walrus is showcasing its ambitions to enter the high-end server cooling market at this years exhibition. Since 2024, it has steadily received orders for liquid cooling pumps for server applications and continues to invest in the development of Brushless DC (BLDC) motors. With strong R&D capabilities and highly competitive product quality, Walrus is poised to become the go-to partner for many domestic thermal module manufacturers. It also aims to strengthen its overseas presence through brand-driven market expansion, driving sustained growth and promising future performance. Press Contact: Walrus Pump Chang, Teng-Hsi (02)2768-0001 Exclusive Japanese partner Kowa has received regulatory approval to initiate Phase 3 clinical trials on NCX 470 for the treatment of ocular hypertension in Japan Milestone payments from Kowa totaling 3 million expected to be received by Nicox in 2025 Extends Nicoxs cash runway until the end of 2025 May 27, 2025 release at 7:30 am CET Sophia Antipolis, France Nicox SA (Euronext Growth Paris: FR0013018124, ALCOX), an international ophthalmology company, today announced that its exclusive Japanese partner for NCX 470, Kowa, has received Clinical Trial Notification (equivalent of a U.S. Investigational New Drug, IND) approval to initiate Phase 3 clinical trials on NCX 470 for the treatment of ocular hypertension in Japan, triggering a 1 million milestone payment to Nicox. The clinical trials are expected to be initiated in H2 2025, which would trigger a second milestone payment of 2 million. This important achievement, which enables the initiation of phase 3 clinical development of NCX 470 for Japanese patients, demonstrates the effective collaboration established between the Kowa and Nicox teams and represents a significant advance by Kowa in the delivery of their accelerated development plan. As a result, we expect to receive a total of 3 million in development milestones from Kowa in 2025, extending our cash runway until at least the end of 2025. said Gavin Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Nicox. We congratulate our Japanese partner on the swift progress and look forward to continuing to work with them to bring NCX 470 to the Japanese market. Cash Runway Based on the current cash position, estimated revenue and anticipated milestone payments (including the Kowa milestones mentioned above) Nicox now estimates that it is financed until the end of 2025. If any of the assumptions around estimated income or costs change, this may impact the cash runway of the Company. Key Future Milestones Denali Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating NCX 470 in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: Topline results are expected in the third quarter of 2025 Topline results are expected in the third quarter of 2025 NCX 470 Phase 3 clinical trial in Japan: Initiation expected in H2 2025 Kowa NCX 470 License Nicox licensed the rights to develop and commercialize NCX 470 in Japan to Kowa in February 2024. Nicox may receive a further 7 million in development and regulatory milestones, up to 17.5 million in sales milestones and tiered royalties from 7% to 12% on net sales of NCX 470 in Japan. Kowa is responsible for all development, regulatory and commercialization costs for NCX 470 in Japan. About NCX 470 NCX 470, Nicoxs lead clinical product candidate, is a novel NO-donating bimatoprost eye drop, currently in Phase 3 clinical development for the lowering of IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Results of Mont Blanc, the first of the two Phase 3 clinical trials, have been extensively published and are available on our website. The second Phase 3 clinical trial, Denali, is currently ongoing. The last American patient in Denali has completed their final visit, with Chinese patients completing theirs, and the results are expected in Q3 2025. Mont Blanc and Denali have been designed to fulfil the regulatory requirements for safety and efficacy Phase 3 trials to support NDA submissions in both the U.S. and in China, where NCX 470 is exclusively licensed to Ocumension Therapeutics. NCX 470 is also licensed exclusively to Kowa for Japan. ICG Enterprise Trust plc (the Company) 27 May 2025 Transaction in Own Shares The Company announces that on 23 May 2025 it bought back 53,544 of its own shares, to be held as treasury shares, at an average price of 1240 pence per share. Further details are set out below: Number of shares held as treasury shares following settlement of this purchase: 103,544. Total shares in issue excluding treasury shares following settlement of this purchase: 63,450,648. The Company has bought back these shares under the authority granted by shareholders at its Annual General Meeting in June 2024, which permits the Company to repurchase a maximum of 14.99% of its ordinary shares. The actual number of shares repurchased by the Company will depend on market conditions. This authority lasts until the next shareholder authority granted (expected to be at the Annual General Meeting in 2025), or until expressly revoked by shareholders. No maximum consideration payable has been determined by the Company, but the Company is unable to pay a price for any shares pursuant to the buyback which would equate to a premium to the net asset value. It is the Companys current intention to hold any shares bought back in treasury. The Company has instructed Numis Securities Limited (trading for these purposes as Deutsche Numis) as its broker in respect of its buyback transactions. This arrangement is in accordance with the UKLA Listing Rules and the Companys general authority to repurchase shares. Analyst / Investor enquiries: Chris Hunt Shareholder Relations, ICG +44 (0) 20 3545 2020 Andrew Lewis Company Secretary, ICG +44 (0) 20 3545 1344 Media: Clare Glynn Corporate Communications, ICG +44 (0) 20 3545 1395 Sydney, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sydney, New South Wales - Sydney's leading removalists, Holloway Removals & Storage have extended operations to Melbourne and Brisbane over the past couple of yearsa significant milestone in the company's growth. In an impressive move, the family-owned removals company have expanded their operations from their Sydney base, to include Melbourne and Brisbane, offering their five-star moving and storage services to Australia's entire eastern seaboard. From humble beginnings as one man and a van in Bondi, Holloway Removals has evolved to become an example of excellence in the removals industry, with thousands of happy customers successfully moved. Therefore, this gradual expansion came as a natural next step to the growing demand for the company's stress-free approach to moving. "Expanding to Melbourne and Brisbane was a natural evolution for us," a company representative at Holloway Removals & Storage says. "Having settled in Sydney for so many years, we are excited to bring our expert industry knowledge and 5-star customer service to more Australian companies and families that need it." From humble beginnings as one man and a van in Bondi, Holloway Removals has evolved to become an example of excellence in the removals industry, with thousands of happy customers successfully moved. Therefore, this gradual expansion came as a natural next step to the growing demand for the company's stress-free approach to moving. "Expanding to Melbourne and Brisbane was a natural evolution for us," a company representative at Holloway Removals & Storage says. "Having settled in Sydney for so many years, we are excited to bring our expert industry knowledge and 5-star customer service to more Australian companies and families that need it." With feet firmly on the ground in Melbourne, Holloway was keen to keep the ball rolling. Through strategic marketing and with Holloway trucks all across Sydney and Melbourne, the company's brand awareness was soon at a national level. After 4 more years of hard work and gaining a reputation as movers you can trust, Holloway Removals then acquired Giffen Furniture Removals in Brisbane in 2024, helping to get the ball rolling on their Brisbane expansion. It is clear that Holloway's dedication to offering an end-to-end removals service, far beyond standard moving companies, has greatly contributed to their expansion success. The company's teams take great care of every detail of the moving process, from packing and unpacking to storage, so that customers don't have to lift a finger. "Being a family-owned business, we take great pride in treating every customer's property with the same care we would our own," stated Joel (Marketing Manager). "Whether someone is moving across the street or across state lines, our employees go out of their way to deliver a smooth, hassle-free experience." The expansion across the East Coast has made Holloway Removals & Storage one of Australia's most trusted removal companies, offering professional, reliable, and tailored moving services to more Australians than ever before. The Holloway reach is also unlikely to end there. Andy Holloway, the company founder, shares his hopes for the future of expanding across Australia and beyond: "We're really happy to be in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. In 5 years we'll probably be in Perth and Adelaide. Then potentially in Tasmania, Darwin and Cairns, maybe even New Zealand". It's clear that prospects for Holloway Removals are only set to get bigger and better. "There's no timeline but definitely to be in every capital city and possibly some smaller towns in NSW is the goal." For more information about Holloway Removals & Storage or to book a move in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, see their website - https://hollowayremovals.com.au/ or call 0285034444. About Holloway Removals & Storage Holloway Removals & Storage specialise in residential and commercial relocation both locally and interstate. They have over 13 years of experience in the moving industry, offering full moving solutions like packing, transportation, storage, and unpacking. Holloway Removals has been highly regarded for its five-star service and is AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association) accredited. Their full-service and stress-free moving and storage operates across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. ### For more information about Holloway Removals & Storage, contact the company here: Holloway Removals & Storage Joel Kristensen 1300 134 176 marketing@hollowayremovals.com.au Address - 27 Allen St, Wolli Creek, Sydney, NSW 2205 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (West Red Lake Gold or WRLG or the Company) (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) is pleased to report drill results from its 100% owned Madsen Mine located in the Red Lake Gold District of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Shane Williams, President & CEO, stated, The South Austin zone has been producing very high grades and impressive widths in the definition drilling program to begin 2025 often associated with the presence of visible gold. The team is successfully defining a panel of very high-grade mineralization in South Austin between 8L and 12L of the mine. It is becoming apparent that a lot of high-grade material was left behind in this area by historic operators and we are taking full advantage of this low hanging fruit that sits immediately adjacent to our existing underground development. These organic growth opportunities are exciting because they represent high margin ounces that can be sequenced into our mine plan very efficiently. As drilling progresses at depth we expect to uncover more areas of untapped potential and look forward to providing further updates as assay results continue to be received. These drill results are located approximately 50 meters (m) up-dip from the South Austin intercepts previously announced on February 26, 2025, where drilling returned 114.26 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) over 10.6m, 77.90 g/t Au over 3m and 24.48 g/t Au over 8.5m (Figure 3). This area is also approximately 300 m up plunge from the drill results recently announced on May 13, 2025 where drilling returned 48.97 g/t Au over 18.7m, 52.86 g/t Au over 4.5m and 25.49 g/t Au over 7.5m (Figure 3). The South Austin zone continues to demonstrate significant grade and thickness potential at depth and along strike, which is being fully realized and accurately defined through definition drilling. The purpose of this drilling was definition and expansion within priority areas of South Austin to continue adding to an already substantial inventory of high-confidence ounces to support the restart of production at the Madsen mine, which was announced on May 22, 2025. The Company reported positive results from its recently completed bulk sampling campaign on May 7, 2025, and also filed a Technical Report for its Pre-Feasibility Study for Madsen on February 18, 2025. The South Austin Zone currently contains an Indicated mineral resource of 474,600 ounces (oz) grading 8.7 g/t Au within 1.7 million tonnes (Mt), with an additional Inferred resource of 31,800 oz grading 8.7 g/t Au within 0.1 Mt. SOUTH AUSTIN ZONE HIGHLIGHTS: Hole MM25D-08-4380-011 Intersected 12.1m @ 61.51 g/t Au, from 11.0m to 23.1m, Including 1m @ 725.00 g/t Au, from 12m to 13m, Also including 0.5m @ 16.06 g/t Au, from 23.5m to 24.0m. This high-grade intercept was complimented by a band of visible gold hosted within foliation adjacent to deformed blue-grey-quartz and diopside veinlets (Figure 1). Figure 1. Visible gold showings in hole MM25D-08-4380-011. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d639f52d-1c7f-449e-8d82-ef59f85352ba Hole MM25D-08-4380-003 Intersected 8.35m @ 43.54 g/t Au, from 8.50m to 16.85m, Including 1m @ 347.81 g/t Au, from 8.5m to 9.5m. This high-grade intercept was complimented by a large bleb of visible gold associated with quartz-tourmaline and quartz-diopside veinlets (Figure 2). Figure 2. Visible gold showings in hole MM25D-08-4380-003. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d71948e-c508-4bae-91e1-87ef66d460ff Hole MM25D-08-4380-026 Intersected 11.2m @ 24.61 g/t Au , from 7.8m to 19.0m, Including 1.5m @ 166.36 g/t Au , from 15.5m to 17.0m. Intersected , from 7.8m to 19.0m, Including , from 15.5m to 17.0m. Hole MM25D-08-4380-024 Intersected 3.2m @ 16.46 g/t Au , from 9.3m to 12.5m, Including 0.6m @ 75.44 g/t Au , from 9.9m to 10.5m. Intersected , from 9.3m to 12.5m, Including , from 9.9m to 10.5m. Hole MM25D-08-4380-006 Intersected 3m @ 16.96 g/t Au , from 6m to 9m, Including 1m @ 48.47 g/t Au , from 7m to 8m. Intersected , from 6m to 9m, Including , from 7m to 8m. Hole MM25D-08-4380-022 Intersected 3.3m @ 15.16 g/t Au , from 33.0m to 36.3m, Including 0.9m @ 46.01 g/t Au , from 33.6m to 34.5m. Intersected , from 33.0m to 36.3m, Including , from 33.6m to 34.5m. Visible gold was also observed in hole MM25D-08-4380-010 within a significant intercept as outlined below in Table 1. TABLE 1. Significant intercepts (>3 g/t Au) from drilling at South Austin Zone. Hole ID Target From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Au (g/t) MM25D-08-4380-001 South Austin 22.00 25.50 3.50 12.21 Incl. 24.50 25.50 1.00 39.58 MM25D-08-4380-002 South Austin 3.45 4.00 0.55 10.46 MM25D-08-4380-003 South Austin 8.50 16.85 8.35 43.54 Incl. 8.50 9.50 1.00 347.81 MM25D-08-4380-004 South Austin 17.50 19.00 1.50 3.43 MM25D-08-4380-005 South Austin 22.60 23.60 1.00 3.26 MM25D-08-4380-006 South Austin 1.00 3.00 2.00 3.82 AND South Austin 6.00 9.00 3.00 16.96 Incl. 7.00 8.00 1.00 48.47 MM25D-08-4380-007 South Austin 13.00 18.60 5.60 7.23 Incl. 14.50 15.50 1.00 19.96 Also Incl. 16.70 17.20 0.50 15.63 AND South Austin 20.10 22.60 2.50 3.00 MM25D-08-4380-008 South Austin 24.80 25.80 1.00 3.74 MM25D-08-4380-009 South Austin 13.50 16.50 3.00 12.99 Incl. 15.50 16.50 1.00 34.20 MM25D-08-4380-010 South Austin 13.30 16.00 2.70 3.57 AND South Austin 17.00 19.00 2.00 3.51 MM25D-08-4380-011 South Austin 11.00 23.10 12.10 61.51 Incl. 12.00 13.00 1.00 725.00 MM25D-08-4380-012 South Austin 24.50 29.20 4.70 6.98 Incl. 26.25 26.75 0.50 15.78 Also Incl. 28.45 29.20 0.75 25.91 MM25D-08-4380-013 South Austin 12.35 20.60 8.25 3.93 Incl. 14.35 15.35 1.00 10.98 MM25D-08-4380-014 South Austin 4.00 5.00 1.00 4.88 AND South Austin 25.50 26.40 0.90 4.83 MM25D-08-4380-015 South Austin No Assays > 3 g/t Au MM25D-08-4380-016 South Austin 22.00 25.00 3.00 4.32 AND South Austin 27.50 28.10 0.60 3.77 MM25D-08-4380-017 South Austin 14.50 16.50 2.00 3.49 AND South Austin 20.70 22.00 1.30 3.57 MM25D-08-4380-018 South Austin No Assays > 3 g/t Au MM25D-08-4380-019 South Austin 8.00 12.00 4.00 11.34 Incl. 10.00 11.00 1.00 30.25 MM25D-08-4380-020 South Austin 18.40 20.15 1.75 8.52 Incl. 19.50 20.15 0.65 15.52 MM25D-08-4380-021 South Austin 7.40 9.00 1.60 3.85 AND South Austin 12.00 20.25 8.25 5.18 Incl. 14.20 15.00 0.80 23.76 MM25D-08-4380-022 South Austin 17.50 21.00 3.50 5.28 Incl. 18.40 19.25 0.85 14.36 AND South Austin 33.00 36.30 3.30 15.16 Incl. 33.60 34.50 0.90 46.01 MM25D-08-4380-023 South Austin 2.75 6.40 3.65 4.25 Incl. 5.00 5.50 0.50 13.57 MM25D-08-4380-024 South Austin 6.00 8.00 2.00 6.52 AND South Austin 9.30 12.50 3.20 16.46 Incl. 9.90 10.50 0.60 75.44 MM25D-08-4380-025 South Austin 10.00 14.00 4.00 3.28 MM25D-08-4380-026 South Austin 7.80 19.00 11.20 24.61 Incl. 15.50 17.00 1.50 166.36 MM25D-08-4380-027 South Austin 9.00 11.00 2.00 4.21 AND South Austin 17.00 18.90 1.90 3.19 MM25D-08-4380-028 South Austin 17.80 18.50 0.70 9.51 AND South Austin 22.00 23.50 1.50 21.56 Incl. 22.00 22.95 0.95 33.01 *The From-To intervals in Table 1 are denoting overall downhole length of the intercept. True thickness has not been calculated for these intercepts but is expected to be 70% of downhole thickness based on intercept angles observed in the drill core. Composite grades reported are uncapped. Internal dilution for composite intervals does not exceed 1m for samples grading <0.1 g/t Au. TABLE 2: Drill collar summary for holes reported in this News Release. Hole ID Target Easting Northing Elev (m) Length (m) Azimuth Dip MM25D-08-4380-001 South Austin 435579 5646330 31 26.0 93 -14 MM25D-08-4380-002 South Austin 435579 5646329 31 17.8 99 0 MM25D-08-4380-003 South Austin 435579 5646329 32 18.6 105 14 MM25D-08-4380-004 South Austin 435579 5646329 31 22.0 110 -19 MM25D-08-4380-005 South Austin 435579 5646329 30 27.7 111 -32 MM25D-08-4380-006 South Austin 435579 5646328 33 12.0 121 27 MM25D-08-4380-007 South Austin 435579 5646328 32 102.0 123 2 MM25D-08-4380-008 South Austin 435579 5646328 30 25.8 124 -31 MM25D-08-4380-009 South Austin 435576 5646327 30 22.2 127 -19 MM25D-08-4380-010 South Austin 435576 5646327 31 36.0 129 3 MM25D-08-4380-011 South Austin 435577 5646327 33 33.5 130 32 MM25D-08-4380-012 South Austin 435576 5646327 30 29.2 138 -32 MM25D-08-4380-013 South Austin 435576 5646327 31 20.6 141 -8 MM25D-08-4380-014 South Austin 435576 5646327 32 36.0 146 15 MM25D-08-4380-015 South Austin 435576 5646327 33 14.1 153 45 MM25D-08-4380-016 South Austin 435575 5646327 31 39.0 156 3 MM25D-08-4380-017 South Austin 435575 5646327 32 36.0 163 28 MM25D-08-4380-018 South Austin 435570 5646311 30 19.0 107 -20 MM25D-08-4380-019 South Austin 435569 5646311 31 15.0 117 -11 MM25D-08-4380-020 South Austin 435569 5646311 32 26.5 118 23 MM25D-08-4380-021 South Austin 435567 5646311 33 36.5 145 60 MM25D-08-4380-022 South Austin 435568 5646310 30 45.0 146 -24 MM25D-08-4380-023 South Austin 435568 5646311 33 33.0 139 30 MM25D-08-4380-024 South Austin 435568 5646310 32 33.0 157 30 MM25D-08-4380-025 South Austin 435567 5646310 32 33.0 175 29 MM25D-08-4380-026 South Austin 435567 5646311 33 33.0 166 48 MM25D-08-4380-027 South Austin 435569 5646312 33 36.0 101 27 MM25D-08-4380-028 South Austin 435569 5646312 32 35.3 95 10 DISCUSSION Accessed through the Madsen Mine East Portal, the South Austin Zone sits south in the hanging wall of the main Austin Zone. Like the other mineralized domains that comprise the Madsen Mine, the South Austin structure is hosted within broad, kilometer-scale planar alteration and deformation corridors that have been repeatedly reactivated during gold mineralization and subsequent deformation and metamorphism. At the deposit scale the Austin, South Austin, North Austin, and McVeigh Zones are locally folded and structurally dismembered by transposition and rotation into the penetrative S2 Foliation. In addition to this intense deformation overprint, the mineralized veins and alteration have been subjected to the relatively high temperatures of amphibolite facies metamorphism, which led to extensive recrystallization and growth of the skarn-like replacement mineral assemblage of diopside-amphibole-quartz-biotite. All significant gold mineralization on the mine property is demonstrably early relative to the most significant, penetrative deformation (D2) and metamorphic events. The North Austin Zone displays mine-style alteration and mineralization and consists of multiple mineralized domains defined over a strike length of 0.5km. Mineralization remains open at depth and along strike to the northeast. In drill core, or at underground face exposures, gold-bearing zones at the Madsen Mine are best identified visually by fine (sub-millimetre) grains of free gold within strong alteration and veining. All high-grade intervals generally contain visible gold on drill core exteriors, although numerous examples exist of high-grade assays where visible gold was only identified within the interior (cut surface) of the core samples. Apart from the presence of free gold, pervasive silicification (locally accompanied by discrete quartz veining) and quartz-carbonate or diopside veining are the best indicators that a given interval is within a high-grade zone along/within the mineralized structure. The current underground drilling program at the Madsen Mine is focused on further definition of near-term mining inventory, as well as growth of the current mineral resource. Drilling has been focused on the more continuous and higher-grade portions of the Austin, South Austin, North Austin and McVeigh Zones. This will continue to be the strategy through 2025. High resolution versions of all the figures contained in this press release can be found at the following web link: https://westredlakegold.com/may-27-2025-nr-figures/. FIGURE 3. Long section highlighting Top Three (3) intercepts announced in 2025 from infill drilling stations in the South Austin, Austin and McVeigh Zones[1]. [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report and Prefeasibility Study for the Madsen Mine, Ontario, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated January 7, 2025. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f93ef55-1c35-4866-93b2-d1f20af60ed4 FIGURE 4. Madsen Mine long section showing location of 08-4380 Drill Bay in the South Austin Zone.[1] [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report and Prefeasibility Study for the Madsen Mine, Ontario, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated January 7, 2025. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f240e69f-7acf-403f-a760-2cdf97d221e3 FIGURE 5. South Austin plan view drill section showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-08-4380-001 through -028. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a16de764-946b-407e-9b06-2e02d0f736df FIGURE 6. South Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-08-4380-024 through -026. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c3121ea-fc48-4964-b7f2-4fe9a5d32a54 FIGURE 7. South Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-08-4380-021 through -023. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a681de56-790d-44fd-bbc3-3ef990068a28 FIGURE 8. South Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-08-4380-018 through -020, -027 and -028. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f774e3f-7099-4724-bbde-802e39c09199 FIGURE 9. South Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-08-4380-013 through -017. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52fc9c5e-d9ae-42d1-a586-bd355b6a290b FIGURE 10. South Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-08-4380-009 through -012. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/92f75e16-af2a-4784-aa03-abfaecbd9680 FIGURE 11. South Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-08-4380-006 through -008. Hole -007 was an exploratory hole extended to confirm the contact with Confederation rocks to the southeast. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/92f75e16-af2a-4784-aa03-abfaecbd9680 FIGURE 12. South Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-08-4380-001 through -005. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/884f99cb-c4be-416c-b096-9a9724b3aeb1 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL Drilling completed underground at the Madsen Mine consists of BQ-sized diamond drill core for definition drill programs and oriented NQ-sized diamond drill core for exploration focused drilling. All drill holes are systematically logged, photographed, and sampled by a trained geologist at the Madsen Mine core processing facility. Minimum allowable sample length is 0.5m. Maximum allowable sample length is 1.5m. Control samples (certified standards and uncertified blanks), along duplicates, are inserted at a target 5% insertion rate. Results are assessed for accuracy, precision, and contamination on an ongoing basis. The BQ-sized drill core is whole core sampled. The NQ-sized drill core is then cut lengthwise utilizing a diamond blade core saw along a line pre-selected by the geologist. To reduce sampling bias, the same side of drill core is sampled consistently utilizing the orientation line as reference. For those samples containing visible gold (VG), a trained geologist supervises the cutting/bagging of those samples, and ensures the core saw blade is cleaned with a dressing stone following the VG sample interval. Bagged samples are then sealed with zip ties and transported by Madsen Mine personnel directly to SGS Natural Resources Facility in Red Lake, Ontario for assay. Samples are then prepped by SGS, which consists of drying at 105C and crushing to 75% passing 2mm. A riffle splitter is then utilized to produce a 500g course reject for archive. The remainder of the sample is then pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns from which 50g is analyzed by fire assay and an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish (SGS Code GO-FAA50V10). Samples returning gold values > 100 g/t Au are reanalyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50g sample (SGS Code GO_FAG50V). Samples with visible gold are also analyzed via metallic screen analysis (SGS code: GO_FAS50M). For multi-element analysis, samples are sent to SGSs facility in Burnaby, British Columbia and analyzed via four-acid digest with an atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish for 33-element analysis on 0.25g sample pulps (SGS code: GE_ICP40Q12). SGS Natural Resources analytical laboratories operates under a Quality Management System that complies with ISO/IEC 17025. The Madsen Mine deposit presently hosts a National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) Indicated resource of 1.65 million ounces (Moz) of gold grading 7.4 g/t Au within 6.9 Mt, and an Inferred resource of 0.37 Moz of gold grading 6.3 g/t Au within 1.8 Mt. Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Mineral resources as stated are inclusive of mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Madsen Mine also contains Probable reserves of 478 thousand ounces (koz) of gold grading 8.16 g/t Au within 1.87 Mt. Mineral reserve estimates are based on a gold price of US$1,680/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report and Prefeasibility Study for the Madsen Mine, Ontario, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated January 7, 2025 (the Madsen Report). The Madsen Resource Estimate has an effective date of December 31, 2021, and excludes depletion of mining activity during the period from January 1, 2022, to the mine closure on October 24, 2022, as it has been deemed immaterial and not relevant for the purpose of the Madsen Report. A full copy of the Madsen Report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Will Robinson, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for exploration at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. ABOUT WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a mineral development company that is publicly traded and focused on advancing and developing its flagship Madsen Gold Mine and the associated 47 km2 highly prospective land package in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The highly productive Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada has yielded over 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the world's richest gold deposits. WRLG also holds the wholly owned Rowan Property in Red Lake, with an expansive property position covering 31 km2 including three past producing gold mines - Rowan, Mount Jamie, and Red Summit. A map accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/872f708e-e3a6-436b-b29b-6bac3c5e9b43 ON BEHALF OF WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD. Shane Williams Shane Williams President & Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Gwen Preston Vice President Communications Tel: (604) 609-6132 Email: investors@wrlgold.com or visit the Companys website at https://www.westredlakegold.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 AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as anticipate, expect, estimate, forecast, planned, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the potential production of mining operations at the Madsen Mine; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Companys future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Companys securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; and changes in the Companys business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. 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 information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Companys managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Companys annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects managements current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release 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. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Companys continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. . With over 100 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, the humanitarian system faces unprecedented challenges in funding essential services. In response, an innovative financial productthe Cardano Impact for UNHCR ETP (CASL)launches on 28 May on the SIX Swiss Exchange, creating a bridge between institutional capital and humanitarian relief through blockchain. The CASL ETP (Ticker: CASL | ISIN: CH1327686056) is the first-ever regulated exchange-traded product that converts blockchain staking rewards into continuous funding for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The product offers investors exposure to Cardano (ADA), while automatically donating 100% of staking rewardsnot principaltoward field operations supporting refugees across over 135 countries, including Syria, Sudan, and Venezuela. This launch represents a world first in sustainable finance and humanitarian aid, said Oliver Anselmo, Deputy Executive Director at Switzerland for UNHCR. It transforms passive investment returns into a recurring, scalable stream of support for people who have lost everything. Quantifying Impact Based on current ADA staking yields (~3.5% APY) and projections of initial fund inflows, the CASL ETP could generate $1.5 to $2 million in annual donations with $50 million in assets under managementfunds that directly power UNHCR's emergency response and innovative refugee programs. Industry-First Technical and Regulatory Design Structured by issuance.swiss AG and operated under Swiss regulatory approval, CASL is physically backed 1:1 by ADA, with a 1.5% management fee. It bypasses crypto-native complexities through a familiar ISIN, allowing institutions to invest using USD, EUR, or CHFwith no wallets, private keys, or blockchain knowledge required. CASL is an industry-first that merges full regulatory compliance, institutional-grade staking infrastructure, and humanitarian aid in one product, said Laurent Kssis, CIO at issuance.swiss AG. Weve eliminated the operational barriersfrom fiat on-ramps to stakingand embedded impact at the protocol layer of capital allocation. Powered by Trusted Partners Custody and staking are operated by Taurus SA, a FINMA-regulated securities firm and leader in digital asset infrastructure, based in Geneva, Switzerland. ADA contributions to the underlying stake pool include 3.5 million ADA from the Cardano Foundation, alongside more than 200 delegations of holdings from the HOSKY team and their fans for a total amount of 6.3 million ADA, underscoring community trust and sustainability. Our infrastructure secures the ADA and operates staking pools to maximize both yield and impact, said Lamine Brahimi, Managing Partner at Taurus SA. We are extremely proud to extend our partnership with UNHCR for Switzerland and with Cardano, and to demonstrate how innovation can be a force for good by providing support to forcibly displaced people. Why Cardano? Why UNHCR? From funding streams to digital ID, one thing is clear: blockchain has the potential to be a great leveler, providing innovative ways of solving some of the administrative problems that make seeking refuge even harder. With the technology and use cases now at a stage where they have the capacity to substantially facilitate daily operations, the widespread adoption of humanitarian blockchain solutions must become one of the industrys key priorities, said Frederik Gregaard, CEO of the Cardano Foundation. Cardano currently ranks among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap (~$22 billion), with ADA priced at approximately $0.62 as of May 2025. Its proof-of-stake consensus, peer-reviewed architecture, and environmental efficiency make it uniquely suited for mission-critical applications. The Bigger Picture This model is already drawing attention from other humanitarian and philanthropic entities. We believe this model can and should be replicated, added Pavel Izmaylov, CEO of issuance.swiss AG. Discussions are already underway to launch additional impact-linked ETPs supporting education, climate resilience, and public health within the next 6 to 12 months. An early institutional investor Florian Volery, Liqwid.Finance, commented: CASL gives us ADA exposure, recently included in US Fed Reserve digital assets and the only blockchain never experienced any technical outage, while automatically contributing to one of the most urgent causes of our timeit's smart capital at its best. Product Summary Name: Cardano Impact for UNHCR ETP (CASL) Ticker: CASL | ISIN: CH1327686056 Launch Date: May 28, 2025 Exchange: SIX Swiss Exchange Management Fee: 1.5% Custodian & Staking Operator: Taurus SA Currency: USD / EUR / CHF Underlying: 100% physically backed Cardano (ADA) About UNHCR UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects and assists people forced to flee due to conflict and persecution. Operating in over 135 countries, UNHCR delivers life-saving aid and solutions to refugees and stateless people. About Switzerland for UNHCR Switzerland for UNHCR is the national partner of the UN Refugee Agency for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Its mission is to support UNHCR's mission by mobilizing essential resources and raising awareness on behalf of those who are forced to flee. About Cardano Foundation The Cardano Foundation advances Cardano's global adoption and is committed to unlocking blockchain for good. It stewards the development of the Cardano protocol and ecosystem. About issuance.swiss AG issuance.swiss AG is a Swiss-based issuer of regulated digital asset products, pioneering accessible, transparent, and socially impactful investment structures. About Taurus SA Taurus SA provides regulated infrastructure for digital assets, enabling custody, tokenization, and staking services trusted by top-tier institutions. For media inquiries: press@issuance.swiss media@cardanofoundation.org UNHCR/Switzerland for UNHCR: alvaro.cosi@unrefugees.ch press@taurusgroup.ch HONG KONG, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On May 22, 2025, CoinEx celebrated Bitcoin Pizza Day with a one-of-a-kind global treasure hunt CoinEx Crypto Quest: The Bitcoin Pizza Hunt, bringing together our diverse international community for a day of fun, creativity, and crypto rewards. The event not only honored one of cryptos most iconic milestones, the first Bitcoin transaction used to buy pizza, but also showcased the strength and unity of the CoinEx ecosystem across continents. A Community-Driven Success This years campaign was built on the spirit of community collaboration and digital engagement. We are proud to share that: Treasure boxes were hidden in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Dubai, Iran, Turkey, Italy, and Spain, giving users a chance to celebrate the day Attracted participants from across 10 countries joined the hunt All 10 pizza box rewards, each containing a code for $100 in BTC, were successfully found and redeemed The event sparked a noticeable surge in local community participation, with a 5x increase in user-generated content and engagement across social platforms From creative social media posts to real-time hunts guided by live clues, the CoinEx community came together in truly inspiring ways, in both online and on the ground. Expanding CoinEx's Global Footprint The international scope of this campaign emphasized CoinExs continued commitment to building a borderless crypto platform. Each activation reflected CoinExs belief in empowering communities with localized experiences that are both meaningful and memorable. As we look ahead, CoinEx will continue to innovate and create opportunities that bring the crypto world closer together. Thank you for being part of the quest. See you at the next milestone. About CoinEx Established in 2017, CoinEx is an award-winning cryptocurrency exchange designed with users in mind. Since its launch by the industry-leading mining pool ViaBTC, the platform has been one of the earliest crypto exchanges to release proof-of-reserves to protect 100% of user assets. CoinEx provides over 1400 coins, supported by professional-grade features and services, for its 10+ million users across 200+ countries and regions. CoinEx is also home to its native token, CET, incentivizing user activities while empowering its ecosystem. To learn more about CoinEx, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube COVER : Contact: CoinEx pr@coinex.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by CoinEx. 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. 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We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/51d2db70-0ff8-486a-a628-e1024ec277e9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a27266e-2b04-45a5-8e86-4af5de4510c2 CALGARY, Alberta, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volt Lithium Corp. (TSXV: VLT | OTCQB: VLTLF | FSE: I2D) (Volt or the Company) is pleased to announce that Marty Scase, Volts co-founder and Board member, has agreed to join the Volt management team as Executive Chairman. This leadership enhancement, combined with recent operational milestones, supports the Company's strategy to expand growth and commercial opportunities within the U.S. critical minerals sector. Volt also announces details of its upcoming annual and special meeting (AGM), including a proposal for a strategic name change and continued corporate focus on corporate presence and operations within the United States. These initiatives reflect the Company's ongoing strategic alignment with U.S. policies supporting U.S. domestic critical mineral production. Annual and Special Meeting Details Date: June 18, 2025 June 18, 2025 Time: 12:00 p.m. (MDT) 12:00 p.m. (MDT) Location: Suite 1925, 639 5th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9 The AGM agenda will include a proposal to change the Companys name to LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc. Full meeting details, including director elections, auditor appointments, and incentive plan approvals, are provided in the Management Information Circular available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Companys website. Management Appointment Volt is pleased to announce that Volt co-founder, co-inventor of Volts extraction technology, and member of the Board, Marty Scase, has agreed to join the management team as Executive Chairman. Mr. Scases transition to Executive Chairman reflects his increased daily involvement in advancing the Companys extraction technologies as Volt moves toward commercial production. As the Company continues its rapid growth path in the U.S., Mr. Scase will continue to drive Volts overall strategy for innovation and technology development as it transitions to commercial operations. Alex and I started Volt with the goal of efficiently extracting lithium from oilfield brines, commented Marty Scase. With the new LibertyStream name reflecting our broader ambition, Im excited to deepen my involvement and support the team as we further develop our extraction capabilities and explore additional opportunities from the resources we process. Im very pleased Marty is joining the management team, commented Alex Wylie, Volts President and CEO. His commitment and experience have always been central to our technologys development. Marty stepping into this expanded role, alongside our new name, highlights our intent to broaden the applications of the infrastructure we are integrating in field operations. Corporate Update and Strategic Rationale Following the commissioning of its Field Simulation Centre in Calgary in late 2023, Volt established collaborations with U.S. oil and gas operators, validating the effectiveness of its lithium extraction technology. In May 2024, a partnership and investment from a Permian Basin operator facilitated the deployment of Volts initial Generation 1 Field Unit in Texas. In September 2024, the Generation 1 unit was deployed and began processing 600 barrels of oil field brine per day. Subsequently, in January and February 2025, Volt successfully installed and began operating its Generation 5 Field Unit, which can now process over 10,000 barrels of oilfield brine per day. Since its installation, Volt has completed over 300 test runs with the Generation 5 Unit, effectively identifying optimal operating parameters to support economically viable commercial-scale lithium production, even at relatively low lithium concentration levels in the brine. Additionally, as previously referred to in Volt News Release dated December 10, 2024, Volt, in partnership with Wellspring Hydro, secured supportive governmental backing, including a U.S. $2.5 million grant from the State of North Dakota, underscoring alignment with U.S. critical mineral production initiatives. With these U.S. partnerships, Volts Generation 5 Field Unit now represents the largest known operational Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) system processing oilfield brines in North America. The modular design of the system is specifically intended for efficient and cost-effective scalability, offering the potential to quickly respond to growing domestic demand. Strategic U.S. Corporate Transition and Name Change Building upon progress made through U.S. partnerships, Volt seeks shareholder approval to rename the company LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc. The proposed name, LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc., reflects the Company's strategic evolution toward becoming an essential infrastructure partner for the U.S. oil and gas industry, focused on unlocking domestic critical mineral resources and engaging effectively with U.S. domestic customers to support supply chain security. Leverage participation in U.S. federal programs designed to strengthen domestic critical mineral production. Align operations closely with U.S. strategic initiatives emphasizing innovation, domestic mineral production, and supply-chain resilience. Volts intended future transition to business primarily in the U.S. strategically positions the Company to align with favorable governmental policies and initiatives designed to enhance critical mineral supply. Looking Ahead With these foundational elements in placeproven technology, North America's largest operational DLE system processing oilfield brines, strategic U.S. partnerships, and a strengthened leadership teamVolt (to be LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc. following shareholder approval in June 2025) is decisively advancing from demonstration to initial commercial-scale lithium production. Volt is now actively pursuing opportunities to meet the growing U.S. domestic demand for critical minerals and look forward to updating shareholders on our commercialization milestones. Further updates will be provided as additional commercialization milestones are achieved. About Volt Lithium Volt is a lithium development and technology company aiming to be one of North Americas first commercial producers of lithium carbonates from oilfield brine. Our strategy is to generate value for shareholders by leveraging managements hydrocarbon experience and existing infrastructure to extract lithium deposits from existing wells, thereby reducing capital costs, lowering risks and supporting the worlds clean energy transition. With four differentiating pillars, and a proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology and process, Volts innovative approach to development is focused on generating the highest lithium recoveries with lowest costs, positioning us for future commercialization. We are committed to operating efficiently and with transparency across all areas of the business staying sharply focused on creating long-term, sustainable shareholder value. Investors and/or other interested parties may sign up for updates about the Companys continued progress on its website: https://voltlithium.com/. Contact Information For Investor Relations inquiries or further information, please contact: Alex Wylie, President & CEO T: +1.403.830.5811 E: info@voltlithium.com Or Bill McClain, Investor Relations T: +1.604.773.9423 E: info@voltlithium.com Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, target, plan, forecast, may, will, would, could, schedule and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. Statements, other than statements of historical fact, may constitute forward-looking information and include, without limitation, information with respect to the Companys anticipated operational milestones, the anticipated name change of the Company and transition to operations predominantly in the United States, the deployment of the Field Unit in the Permian Basin, the production of battery grade lithium by the Field Unit, and the commercial production of lithium from oilfield brine. With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this press release, the Company has made numerous assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies and may prove to be incorrect. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein including those known risk factors outlined in the Companys annual information form for the year ended June 30, 2024 and (final) short form base shelf prospectus dated July 20, 2023. 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 the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. / NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES / TORONTO, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSXV: FLT; OTCQX: TAKOF; Frankfurt: A2JEQU) (Volatus, or the Company), a leading provider of innovative aerial intelligence and logistics solutions, is proud to announce that Transport Canada has granted the Company additional nationwide Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOC) that dramatically expand the scope and flexibility of Volatus commercial drone operations and allows for expanded use of the Companys Operations Control Center (OCC) in Vaughan, ON. Expanded Nationwide Drone Operating Authorities Transport Canada has issued Volatus a newly amended SFOC unlocking a powerful suite of expanded drone operating privileges across Canada. These new authorities encompass operating procedure permissions that include: Canada-Wide BVLOS Authorization for Drone Operations Day and Night To conduct beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations using small drones (250g to 25kg) across the country, both day and night in uncontrolled airspace, outside of aerodrome environments, expanding the previously announced authority for nation-wide BVLOS authority at night. Proximity Flight Near Infrastructure Permission to operate an RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) beyond visual line-of-sight without a pilot or visual observer maintaining visual contact within 100 feet vertically and 200 feet horizontally of structures such as buildings, towers, powerlines, and rail corridors, opening the door to close-proximity and long-range inspections, surveillance, and security patrols. Permission to operate an RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) beyond visual line-of-sight without a pilot or visual observer maintaining visual contact within 100 feet vertically and 200 feet horizontally of structures such as buildings, towers, powerlines, and rail corridors, opening the door to close-proximity and long-range inspections, surveillance, and security patrols. Access to Restricted and Controlled Airspace Approval to operate within Class F restricted airspace and NOTAM-defined zones, enabling missions in complex or dynamically managed environments. Approval to operate within Class F restricted airspace and NOTAM-defined zones, enabling missions in complex or dynamically managed environments. Operations in Northern Domestic Airspace Clearance for BVLOS drone flight operations at altitudes up to 400 feet AGL in Canadas Northern Domestic Airspace, supporting high-latitude missions for environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, cargo delivery and Indigenous community services. Clearance for BVLOS drone flight operations at altitudes up to 400 feet AGL in Canadas Northern Domestic Airspace, supporting high-latitude missions for environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, cargo delivery and Indigenous community services. BVLOS Operations Without Visual Observers Specific authorization to operate RPAS beyond visual line-of-sight without the pilot or observer maintaining direct visual contact, leveraging Transport Canada-accepted detect-and-avoid technologies and operational protocols. Specific authorization to operate RPAS beyond visual line-of-sight without the pilot or observer maintaining direct visual contact, leveraging Transport Canada-accepted detect-and-avoid technologies and operational protocols. Support for Remote and Automated Systems This enables integration with automated and remote drone operations, including nested (drone-in-a-box) solutions through accepted SORA-based risk mitigation and oversight. These regulatory advancements set the stage for scalable, automated, and commercially viable drone operations from coast to coast. Why It Matters: Regulatory Momentum with Commercial Impact Canada-Wide BVLOS, Day or Night Using Transport Canada-accepted detect-and-avoid systems and safety protocols, Volatus is now authorized to fly drones across the country beyond visual line-of-sight, including at night. Using Transport Canada-accepted detect-and-avoid systems and safety protocols, Volatus is now authorized to fly drones across the country beyond visual line-of-sight, including at night. Heavy-Lift & High-Altitude Capability - The ability to fly certain drones over 25kg and above standard altitude ceilings unlocking extended operations in sectors such as cargo logistics, energy transmission line monitoring, search and rescue operations, and telecommunications tower inspections. The ability to fly certain drones over 25kg and above standard altitude ceilings unlocking extended operations in sectors such as cargo logistics, energy transmission line monitoring, search and rescue operations, and telecommunications tower inspections. Wildfire Response & Restricted Airspace Access - Volatus can operate in wildfire restricted airspace during active wildfire eventssupporting government and firefighting agencies with aerial intelligence, hotspot detection, and real-time situational awareness. With these approvals, Volatus can more significantly and on a wider basis, provide clients with nationwide BVLOS drone services at scale for clients in energy, telecom, transportation, agriculture, mining, and public safety, said Rob Walker, Chief Commercial Officer for Volatus. We can deploy heavier, longer-range drones capable of carrying larger payloads or extended sensors and we can commercialize our Operations Control Centre (OCC) offering a managed service for enterprise clients and partnersoffering real-time drone oversight, mission management, and data collection including large scale deployment of drone-in-a-box solutions, nationwide with regulatory compliance. Building on a Growing Portfolio of Regulatory Approvals These new authorizations build on the national nighttime BVLOS authority announced in March 2025, which permits drone operations beyond visual line-of-sight during legal night in uncontrolled airspace. In addition, Volatus holds a suite of existing and renewed Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOCs) that collectively enable: Fixed-Corridor BVLOS for Medical Drone Deliveries approving operations beyond visual line-of-sight flights between hospitals, enabling medical cargo deliveries over an urban-adjacent environment with regulatory oversight and OCC-managed safety protocols, with ground-based radar serving as the detect-and-avoid (DAA) mitigation. approving operations beyond visual line-of-sight flights between hospitals, enabling medical cargo deliveries over an urban-adjacent environment with regulatory oversight and OCC-managed safety protocols, with ground-based radar serving as the detect-and-avoid (DAA) mitigation. High-payload operations with certain drones that exceed 25kg, supporting missions such as cargo transport, wildfire response, and infrastructure inspection. with certain drones that exceed 25kg, supporting missions such as cargo transport, wildfire response, and infrastructure inspection. Operations in restricted wildfire airspace for forest fire support missions , including BVLOS flights above 400 feet AGL under agreements with provincial fire authorities. , including BVLOS flights above 400 feet AGL under agreements with provincial fire authorities. Altitude waivers for flights above standard ceiling limits in support of long-range and terrain-following missions. for flights above standard ceiling limits in support of long-range and terrain-following missions. Use of Foreign Operators and Pilots, recognition of foreign operator and pilot credentials allows Volatus to deploy its multinational pilot workforce seamlessly across operations. With certified pilots based in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, this flexibility enables rapid mobilization, efficient cross-border coordination, and global service delivery under a unified operational framework. Together, these approvals represent one of the most robust regulatory frameworks granted to any drone operator in Canada, positioning Volatus at the forefront of scalable, compliant, and high-impact drone services. These regulatory approvals dont just reflect our technical readiness, they position us at the forefront of Canadas evolving drone economy, said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus. With the ability to fly further, higher, heavierat any time and in many location scenarioswere opening up a new scale of possibility for aerial intelligence and logistics. Positioned for Leadership Volatus is among a select group of operators in Canada authorized to fly missions that meet Transport Canadas highest accepted safety assurance level for complex drone operations SAIL 4. This means weve demonstrated that our technology, procedures, and risk mitigation strategies meet stringent safety standards required for higher-risk environments, including beyond visual line-of-sight flights in urban-adjacent areas. Operating at this level enables us to serve critical sectors, such as healthcare, infrastructure, and public safetywith safe, reliable, and compliant drone services at scale, remarked Greg Colacitti, Chief Operating Officer for Volatus. These authorizations build upon one another to create an ecosystem where we can operate with flexibility, scale, and commercial viability, Colacitti added. They give us a distinct operational advantage and make us the partner of choice for organizations seeking scalable, safe, and high-performance drone operations in Canada and beyond. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With a strong foundation of over 100 years of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides comprehensive solutions using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). We serve industries such as oil and gas, utilities, healthcare, and public safety. Our mission is to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through cutting-edge, real-world solutions. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements that constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information about the Shares-for-Debt Transaction, including information regarding the receipt of regulatory approvals, the conversion of the Debentures, the timing and anticipated benefits thereof, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data and operating plans, strategies, or beliefs of management as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on managements current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements reflect the Companys current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include but are not limited to: the anticipated benefits of the conversion of the Debentures; TSXV approval of the Shares-for-Debt Transaction; and including, but not limited to, those factors set forth in the Companys annual and quarterly managements discussion and analysis filed on www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. 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. 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. Contact Information: Rob Walker, CFO rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com +1-833-865-2887 www.volatusaerospace.com CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES Over 2.0 million hours worked without a Lost Time Injury, with more than 2,100 employees and contractors on-site Well on track for first gold pour in Q2-2027 and on budget with over $304 million of capital committed as at today, representing approximately 36% of the total capital expenditure, with prices in line with expectations CIL ring beams were completed two months ahead of schedule, marking a key milestone, while other workstreams such as the water storage facility, and camp construction are also progressing ahead of schedule EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES 90,000-meter drill programme is underway to progress last years efforts which resulted in the delineation of starter maiden resources for 7 new higher-grade satellites while 6 other targets were progressed to pre-resource definition stage A total of 45,887 meters were already drilled in Q1-2025, amounting to exploration expenditure of $6.9 million Q1-2025 drilling focused on the Gbongogo-Koroutou trend, which stretches over a 15km length and hosts multiple deposits and targets, and the Sissedougou trend, for which resources are expected to be delineated throughout the year FINANCIAL POSITION Robust liquidity and available sources of financing totalling $833 million compared to remaining capital disbursements of $750 million VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montage Gold Corp. (Montage or the Company) (TSX: MAU, OTCQX: MAUTF) is pleased to report on its construction and exploration activities for Q1-2025, with highlights provided in Table 1 below. Table 1: Business and financial highlights THREE MONTHS ENDED All amounts in US$ million, unless otherwise specified March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 March 31, 2024 Q1-2025 vs. Q4-2024 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES Cumulative hours worked, million hrs 1.0 0.3 - +0.7 Lost-time injuries frequency rate, rolling 12-month % 0.0 0.0 - +0.0 Total cumulative capital committed, inclusive of amount disbursed 217.5 109.2 - +108.3 Cumulative capital disbursed 84.6 27.4 - +57.2 Cumulative capital committed and to be disbursed 132.9 81.8 - +51.1 EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES Meters drilled, meters 45,887 46,709 2,139 (822 ) Exploration expenditure 6.9 8.9 2.5 (2.0 ) FINANCIAL POSITION1 Cash flows generated from (used in) investing activities (56.7 ) (78.1 ) - +21.4 Cash flows generated from financing activities 0.4 75.5 26.1 (75.1 ) Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 42.7 115.3 28.7 (72.6 ) Liquidity and available sources of financing 832.9 918.5 28.7 (85.6 ) 1As referenced in the Companys Financial Statements dated March 31, 2025, and Managements Discussion and Analysis dated March 31, 2025, available on SEDAR+ and on the Companys website. The Companys interim consolidated Financial Statements and associated Managements Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2025, have been filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and are available for download on the Companys website. Rapid construction progress is being made at the Companys flagship Kone project in Cote dIvoire which remains well on schedule to pour gold in Q2-2027 and on budget. A total of 727,448 construction hours were worked in Q1-2025, totalling over 2.0 million since the commencement of the project until today, safely without a Lost Time Injury (LTI). Significant progress is being made on the key ongoing workstreams which include the water storage and abstraction facility, and camp construction. Notably, the carbon-in-leach (CIL) ring beams were completed two months ahead of schedule, which marks a key milestone. A total of $217.5 million of capital had been committed at quarter-end (inclusive of $84.6 million disbursed), which has further increased to approximately $304 million as at today, representing approximately 36% of the total $835 million capital expenditure, with prices in line with expectations. In parallel, the Company continues to be focused on unlocking value through its exploration programme with a total of 45,887 meters drilled in Q1-2025, out of its full year target of 90,000 meters, amounting to $6.9 million. During the quarter, exploration focussed on the Gbongogo-Koroutou trend, which stretches over a 15km length and hosts multiple deposits and targets, and the Sissedougou trend. Maiden resources for new discoveries and updated resources for the recently made discoveries are expected to be published throughout the year. Martino De Ciccio, Chief Executive Officer of Montage, commented: We are very pleased with the rapid progress being made to unlock value at our Kone project in Cote dIvoire, which is one of the largest gold projects currently under construction globally. On the construction front, we remain on budget and well on schedule for first gold pour in Q2-2027. With over 2,100 employees and contractors on-site, we are pleased to have already achieved over 2.0 million hours worked without a lost-time injury. Moreover, we are proud to have poured the CIL ring beams two months ahead of schedule, which marks an important milestone. On the exploration front, we are continuing to build on the success achieved last year which resulted in the delineation of starter maiden resources for 7 new higher grade satellites while 6 other targets were progressed to pre-resource definition stage. Given the success of the ongoing drill programme, we expect to publish resource updates for several deposits progressively throughout the year. Our continued success builds on the momentum generated thus far to advance our strategy of creating a premier African gold producer and delivering value for all our stakeholders. KONE PROJECT UPDATE Construction continues to progress on-budget and on-schedule for first gold pour in Q2-2027, with key highlights summarized below: On-site workforce now exceeds 2,100 employees and contractors, with over 90% local employment, demonstrating the Companys commitment to local content and community engagement. now exceeds 2,100 employees and contractors, with over 90% local employment, demonstrating the Companys commitment to local content and community engagement. Montages construction team is continuing to ramp-up construction activities, with key self-perform tasks undertaken including earthworks, concrete and civils works, building and camp construction, and electricals. These activities are supported by the vocational training programmes which were launched in Q3-2024, in partnership with the government-accredited Lycee Technique de Mankono. Training encompasses steel fixing, building, electrics, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, firefighting, working at heights, environmental management, and heavy equipment operation. is continuing to ramp-up construction activities, with key self-perform tasks undertaken including earthworks, concrete and civils works, building and camp construction, and electricals. These activities are supported by the vocational training programmes which were launched in Q3-2024, in partnership with the government-accredited Lycee Technique de Mankono. Training encompasses steel fixing, building, electrics, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, firefighting, working at heights, environmental management, and heavy equipment operation. Strong continued safety record with over 2.0 million hours without a LTI since construction commenced until today. Figure 1: Celebrating over 2.0 million hours without an LTI Process plant construction continues to rapidly advance: Mill area excavation and steel foundations rebar have been completed. CIL train 1 and 2 ring beams have been completed two months ahead of schedule. Reagent, cyanide and lime storage areas are progressing well alongside the construction of the plant site office, control room and main admin buildings. Figure 2: Process plant overview and key infrastructure All major procurement items have been awarded, at or below budget prices, including long-lead items such as the crusher, mill, thickeners, HPGR and structural steel. Figure 3: Mill fabrication Engineering, design, and procurement is progressing on schedule as detailed engineering for the infrastructure remains on track to be completed by mid-2025. is progressing on schedule as detailed engineering for the infrastructure remains on track to be completed by mid-2025. Water supply remains on track with the first two levels of decants at the river abstraction site emplaced with concrete pours and rock fill well underway. Over 60% of earthworks have been completed, with excavation of the water abstraction channel complete. The construction of the pumping station and welding of the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes is also well underway. Figure 4: River abstraction site and pumping infrastructure Water Storage Facility is 75% complete and is already holding water. The dam spillway has been completed and additional earthworks to raise the dam wall height to specification is on schedule. Figure 5: Water storage facility progress Gbongogo haul road clearing has been completed between the Kone processing plant and the Marahoue river crossing. The remaining haul road north of the Marahoue river is scheduled to be done in Q4-2025. has been completed between the Kone processing plant and the Marahoue river crossing. The remaining haul road north of the Marahoue river is scheduled to be done in Q4-2025. Tailings Storage Facility key equipment is on schedule to be delivered in Q3-2025, with tailings liners already delivered and ready for installation. key equipment is on schedule to be delivered in Q3-2025, with tailings liners already delivered and ready for installation. Airstrip construction is 60% complete and has been approved by the Autorite Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ANAC). is 60% complete and has been approved by the Autorite Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ANAC). The Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) has led to the implementation of 4 pilot programs aiming to restore and enhance the livelihoods of Persons Affected by the Project (PAPs). The pilot projects currently involve 162 PAPs following agreements with affected communities. The complete LRP programme is under development and will be finalized pending the results of the pilot projects in the coming months. Additionally, the literacy programme has been rolled out to the surrounding communities, benefiting over 500 individuals to date. (LRP) has led to the implementation of 4 pilot programs aiming to restore and enhance the livelihoods of Persons Affected by the Project (PAPs). The pilot projects currently involve 162 PAPs following agreements with affected communities. The complete LRP programme is under development and will be finalized pending the results of the pilot projects in the coming months. Additionally, the literacy programme has been rolled out to the surrounding communities, benefiting over 500 individuals to date. Resettlement village construction is already 25% complete as work ramped-up following the reception of community approval for the demonstration home. Figure 6: Resettlement construction progress and demonstration home The permanent camp construction is advancing well as 160 prefabricated rooms have been completed and fully utilised. A further 80 prefabricated rooms are expected to be complete in Q2-2025. The concrete and blockwork for the 8 permanent 10-person accommodations is over 70% complete. Figure 7: Permanent camp Timeline to first gold pour The Company remains on track for first gold pour in Q2-2027, based on a 27-month construction period for the process plant, with key upcoming milestones presented in Table 2 below. As noted above, major construction works for the water storage dam, site infrastructure, and earth and concrete works are well underway. Table 2: Kone project timeline to first gold pour Work Stream Q1-2025 Q2-2025 Q3-2025 Q4-2025 Q1-2026 Q2-2026 Q3-2026 Q4-2026 Q1-2027 Q2-2027 Tailings Dam & Water Dams Tailings Dam * * * Water Storage & Dam * * Construction Power Supply * * * * * Site Infrastructure * * * * * * * Earth works & Concrete Works * * * * * * Structural, Mechanical, Piping * * * * * * Electrical * * * * Process Plant Commissioning * * First Gold * CASH FLOW, LIQUIDITY SOURCES AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS Cash flows generated from financing activities decreased by $75.1 million from $75.5 million in Q4-2024 to $0.4 million in Q1-2025 driven by the draw down of the Zijin Stream in Q4-2024. Cash flows used in investing activities decreased by $21.4 million from $78.1 million in Q4-2024 to $56.7 million in Q1-2025. This decrease reflects the Companys purchase of gold put options during Q4-2024, which was partially offset by expenditures related to the initiation and ongoing ramp-up of construction activities for the Kone project. As at March 31, 2025, the Company had a consolidated cash balance of $42.7 million compared to $115.3 million as at December 31, 2024, as the Zijin Stream was drawn in late 2024. The expected reduction in the cash balance was due to the investments in mineral property, plant and equipment, and operating cash flows used for general and admin expenses and exploration activities. As at March 31, 2025, the Company had total liquidity and available financing of $832.9 million, comprised of $750.0 million of undrawn available financing composed of the $625.0 million Wheaton Stream, $50.0 million Zijin Loan Facility and $75.0 million Wheaton Loan Facility (as described in the press release dated 23 October, 2024), cash on hand and other liquid assets. On April 17, 2025, the Company subsequently drew $156.3 million of the $625.0 million Wheaton Stream. A total of $217.5 million of capital had been committed for the Kone project construction as at quarter-end (inclusive of amounts disbursed), which further increased to approximately $304 million as at today, representing approximately 36% of the total $835 million capital expenditure, with prices in line with expectations. A total of $84.6 million has been disbursed for the Kone project construction, of which $57.2 million in Q1-2025, with approximately $750.4 million remaining to be disbursed (inclusive of $84.0 million of contingencies). EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES The Company is focused on advancing the Kone project construction whilst simultaneously unlocking value through achieving its short-term exploration target, as published on October 7, 2024, of discovering more than 1Moz of Measured and Indicated Resources, at a grade 50% higher than the Kone deposit, to be achieved before the commencement of production. Achieving the set exploration target would represent a significant return on the exploration investment and aligns with the Companys strategic objective of boosting production from the commencement of production while maintaining an annual production of at least 300koz for more than 10 years1. The Company completed 45,887 meters of drilling amounting to exploration expenditure of $6.9 million in Q1-2025. The quarters exploration programme focused on infill and step-out drilling on the new deposits and advanced targets identified on the Gbongogo-Koroutou and Sissedougou trends. The Company announced an Update Mineral Resource Estimate on April 8, 2025, which included maiden resources on 7 new deposits. The Company expects the ongoing drill programme to support further updates to the mineral resource estimates for select deposits in the upcoming quarters. In addition to the exploration activities on the Kone project, the Company recently announced strategic partnerships with African Gold Limited (African Gold; ASX:A1G) and Aurum Resources (Aurum; ASX:AUE). Montage will obtain up to a 19.9% ownership stake in African Gold. The closing of Tranche 1 of the transaction was announced on April 7, 2025, while Tranche 2 is expected to close in Q2-2025 as it is subject to an African Gold shareholder vote. Montage will obtain a 9.9% interest in Aurum to strengthen its position along the Boundiali Belt. The transaction is subject to an Aurum shareholder vote and is expected to close in Q2-2025. TSX LISTING The Company graduated to the TSX at market open on April 29, 2025, and continues to trade under the stock symbol MAU. The graduation represents a significant milestone in the Companys journey towards becoming a premier African gold producer as it is expected to enhance visibility, broaden our investor base, increase liquidity, and provide potential index inclusion. ANNUAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL MEETING The Companys 2025 Annual and Special General Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM") will be held on June 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time at Four Bentall Centre, Suite 2800, 1055 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC, V7X 1L2. Shareholders of record as of April 24, 2025, will be entitled to vote at the AGM. The Notice of Meeting and the 2025 Management Information Circular (the Information Circular), which includes details of all director nominees and other matters to be addressed at the meeting, have been filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ and are also available on the Companys website at www.montagegold.com. No presentations or operational updates will be provided at the AGM. Further information on how to vote or appoint a proxy is outlined in the Information Circular. Shareholders are encouraged to vote their shares in advance of the AGM. ABOUT MONTAGE GOLD Montage Gold Corp. (TSX: MAU) is a Canadian-listed company focused on becoming a premier African gold producer, with its flagship Kone project, located in Cote dIvoire, at the forefront. Based on the Updated Feasibility Study published in 2024 (the UFS), the Kone project has an estimated 16-year mine life and sizeable annual production of +300koz of gold over the first 8 years and is expected to enter production in Q2-2027. QUALIFIED PERSONS STATEMENT The scientific and technical contents of this press release have been verified and approved by Mr. Peder Olsen, a Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101. Mr. Olsen, President and Chief Development Officer of Montage, is a registered Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM). CONTACT INFORMATION For Investor Relations Inquiries: Jake Cain Strategy & Investor Relations Manager jcain@montagegold.com +44-7788-687-567 For Media Inquiries: John Vincic Oakstrom Advisors john@oakstrom.com +1-647-402-6375 For Regulatory Inquiries: Kathy Love Corporate Secretary klove@montagegold.com +1-604-512-2959 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, Forward-looking Statements). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute Forward-looking Statements. Words such as will, intends, proposed and expects or similar expressions are intended to identify Forward-looking Statements. Forward-looking Statements in this press release include statements related to the Companys objectives of achieving first gold pour in the second quarter of 2027; the Companys mineral reserve and resource estimates; results of the drill programs including targeted additions to the estimated mineral resources at the Kone Project, and the timing thereof; expected recoveries and grades of the Kone Project; timing in respect of the commencement of construction, the length of construction and of the mining operations at the Kone Project, including estimated construction costs; timing and amount of necessary financing related to the mining operations at the Kone Gold Project; the timing and amount of future production from the Kone project; anticipated mining and processing methods of the Kone project; anticipated mine life of the Kone project. Forward-looking Statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that any Forward-looking Statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, including that the returns from the Kone project will be lower than estimated, that targeted additions to the mineral resources will not be achieved or that the cost of construction of the Kone project will be higher than estimated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from include uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral reserve and resource estimates and definitive feasibility studies, and in delineating new mineral reserve and resource estimates, including but not limited to, assumptions underlying the production estimates not being realized, incorrect cost assumptions, decreases in the price of gold, unexpected variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates being lower than expected, unexpected adverse changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, or expectations in that regard not being met, unexpected failures of plant, equipment or processes (including construction equipment), delays in or increased costs for the delivery of construction equipment and services, unexpected changes to availability of power or the power rates, failure to maintain permits and licenses, higher than expected interest or tax rates, adverse changes in project parameters, unanticipated delays and costs of consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks inherent in the Cote dIvoire, title risks, including failure to renew concessions, unanticipated commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, and other risk factors set forth in the Companys Annual Information Form available at www.sedarplus.ca, under the heading Risk Factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Montage to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any Forward-looking Statement. Any Forward-looking Statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. 1 Source: For further information on the discovery target please refer to the Companys news release dated October 7, 2024, and for information regarding the Kone deposit please refer to the Updated Feasibility Study available on Montages website and on SEDAR+. See Technical Disclosure. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04d91f12-a9e5-4cbb-8a75-6f0c74be0c0a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7181072a-3d6e-419e-b5f8-49770398d731 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4559fd77-7a10-45f9-8609-7eda009dd6ba https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/866b4c1d-f5cf-48e4-a32b-8d72d9f885d2 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/520ccb9c-eeb9-4543-90a4-aafc24120d30 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/286e40d6-b034-4fcb-ad8b-001c57bf0d3a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e36f8bb-3ac8-4f4c-98d5-f199dce2c21d VIENNA, Va., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) ("Castellum" or "CTM"), a cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software engineering services company focused on the federal government, reminds stockholders that its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders (2025 Annual Meeting) will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) and that stockholders of record on the close of business on March 21, 2025, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 2025 Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. The 2025 Annual Meeting will be held at the offices of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP , 7900 Tysons One Place, Suite 500, Tysons, VA 22102, and will be conducted in person and virtually via live audio conference call. Stockholders interested in accessing the live audio conference call may dial 1 (800) 715-9871 or 1 (646) 307-1963. The conference identification number is 9842123. After adjourning the 2025 Annual Meeting, members of CTM's management will conduct an informal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. A copy of the informal presentation is posted to the Companys website under the Investor tab at https://investors.castellumus.com/events-and-presentations/default.aspx . Investors are encouraged to download a copy of the presentation on Tuesday morning when available, as it will not be presented live. About Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM): Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) is a cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software engineering services company focused on the federal government - https://castellumus.com/ . Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements: This release 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. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events and can generally be identified by the use of statements that include words such as "estimate," "project," "believe," "anticipate," "shooting to," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "likely," "will," "would," "appears," "goal," "target" or similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's expectations for revenue growth and new customer opportunities, improvements to cost structure, and profitability. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's expectations for revenue growth and new customer opportunities and other customers, improvements to cost structure, and profitability. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: the Company's ability to compete against new and existing competitors; its ability to effectively integrate and grow its acquired companies; its ability to identify additional acquisition targets and close additional acquisitions; the impact on the Company's revenue due to a delay in the U.S. Congress approving a federal budget, operating under a prolonged continuing resolution, government shutdown, or breach of the debt ceiling, as well as the imposition by the U.S. government of sequestration in the absence of an approved budget; the ability of the U.S. federal government to unilaterally cancel a contract with or without cause, and more specifically, the potential impact of the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization on government spending and terminating contracts for convenience. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") which can be viewed at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements made in this release or in any of its SEC filings except as may be otherwise stated by the Company. Contact: Glen Ives President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: (703) 752-6157 info@castellumus.com https://castellumus.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50f4abcc-d3ff-42eb-aabc-339704b54996 BDRs will provide Brazilian investors direct access to invest in the largest domestic potash development project Strategic step to expand investor base in Brazil, aligning with National Fertilizer Plan's goal of reducing import dependence Trading on B3 complements existing NYSE American listing (GRO) MANAUS, Brazil, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brazil Potash Corp. ("Brazil Potash" or the "Company") (NYSE-American: GRO), a mineral exploration and development company with a critical mineral potash mining project, the Autazes Project, today announced the successful launch of its Brazilian Depositary Receipts (BDRs) on the B3 S.A. Brasil, Bolsa, Balcao ("B3"), Brazil's main stock exchange. The BDRs have been approved for listing on B3 and will begin trading on May 26, 2025 under the ticker symbol GROP31. The BDR program will allow Brazilian investors to directly participate in the ownership of Brazil Potash, which is developing the strategic Autazes Potash Project in Amazonas state. This domestic investment opportunity aligns with Brazil's National Fertilizer Plan, which aims to reduce the country's dependence on fertilizer imports from 85% to 45% by 2050. "We're proud to offer this investment opportunity to the Brazilian market, where the impact of our project will be directly felt," said Matt Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of Brazil Potash. "Our company was created to address a critical vulnerability in Brazil's agricultural supply chain. Now, through the BDR program, Brazilian investors can participate in building domestic potash capacity that will support the country's position as the world's largest net exporter of agricultural products." The BDRs will be backed by Brazil Potash's common shares, which will continue to trade on the NYSE American exchange under the ticker symbol "GRO." Each BDR will represent 1:1 of a common share of the Company. This dual listing approach enhances the Company's visibility in both North American and Brazilian capital markets, improving liquidity and broadening the investor base. Banco Bradesco S.A. will serve as the depositary institution for the BDR program. The BDRs are being issued as Sponsored Level I BDRs, governed by CVM Instruction 332, CVM Instruction 480, and the B3 Issuers Regulation and Manual. About Brazil Potash Brazil Potash (NYSE-American: GRO) (www.brazilpotash.com) is developing the Autazes Project to supply sustainable fertilizers to one of the worlds largest agricultural exporters. Brazil is critical for global food security as the country has amongst the highest amounts of fresh water, arable land, and an ideal climate for year-round crop growth, but it is vulnerable as it imported over 95% of its potash fertilizer in 2021, despite having what is anticipated to be one of the worlds largest undeveloped potash basins in its own backyard. The potash produced will be transported primarily using low-cost river barges on an inland river system in partnership with Amaggi (www.amaggi.com.br), one of Brazils largest farmers and logistical operators of agricultural products. With an initial planned annual potash production of up to 2.4 million tons per year, Brazil Potashs management believes it could potentially supply approximately 20% of the current potash demand in Brazil. Management anticipates 100% of Brazil Potashs production will be sold domestically to reduce Brazils reliance on potash imports while concurrently mitigating approximately 1.4 million tons per year of GHG emissions. Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" and are based on the reasonable expectations, estimates and projections of the Company as of the date of this press release. The words "plans," "expects," or "does not expect," "is expected," "budget," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," or "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might," or "will be taken," "occur" or "be achieved" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the trading of BDRs on B3; the potential benefits of the BDRs or the Autazes Project, the status of the Company's project, government regulation and environmental regulation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Contact: Brazil Potash Investor Relations info@brazilpotash.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c1a5f9f-83cc-441e-a8ce-447f106781e7 Dublin, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Wind-Assisted Propulsion Market: Focus on Application, Technology, Installation Type, Vessel Type and Country-Level Analysis - Analysis and Forecast, 2024-2034" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe wind-assisted propulsion market was valued at $96.98 million in 2024, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 71.69%, reaching $21.58 billion by 2034. In Europe, wind-assisted propulsion (WAP) is formally integrated into the IMO's Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), indicating that it is a genuine "energy harvesting" technology. Vessels can lower engine load and CO2 emissions by using Flettner rotors, wing sails, or kite systems to transform prevailing winds into direct propulsive drive. However, regional weather variability still has a significant impact on fuel-saving performance: long-term calms or crosswinds can negate the benefits of powerful northerly gales. In order to counteract this, operators are depending more and more on advanced weather-routing systems that incorporate fuel-cost optimisation procedures, vessel-specific performance curves, and real-time weather forecasts. These systems dynamically plot course adjustments that optimise wind leverage without sacrificing schedule. Despite these operational advancements, commercial adoption is still hampered by a number of interconnected challenges. Rotor-sail installations and rigid wing-sail systems often need capital expenditures in the multi-million dollar range, with payback periods expected to be several years. These timelines conflict with the volatility of the charter market and short contract terms. The lack of uniform engineering and certification standards is another obstacle; each integrator has its own standards for structural strength, control system protocols, and maintenance practices, which hinders bulk production and drives up unit costs. Additionally, class-society assessments and structural reinforcements are often triggered by retrofits, which adds weeks to dry-dock timetables. Future projections indicate that unit costs will significantly decrease as WAP hardware develops, production lines expand, and classification societies agree on standard design frameworks. WAP will increasingly function as a complementary "zero-cost" thrust source as European shipping decarbonises through the use of green methanol, advanced biofuels, and hydrogen fuel-cell trials. This will increase the range and financial feasibility of alternative-fuel vessels on the North Sea, Baltic, and Mediterranean trade lanes. How Can This Report Add Value to an Organization? The Europe wind-assisted propulsion market is set for substantial growth with advancements in wind technology, increasing investments, and growing awareness of sustainable shipping. As a result, the wind-assisted propulsion sector is a high-investment and high-revenue market with vast opportunities for expansion. The Europe wind-assisted propulsion market has been experiencing rapid growth. It presents significant opportunities for both established and emerging players in the industry. Companies are focusing on strategies such as partnerships, collaborations, technological innovations, and expanding infrastructure to gain a competitive edge. Product development, particularly in terms of advanced wind propulsion systems for different vessel types, is a critical strategy for maintaining market leadership and driving sustainable shipping practices. Key players in the Europe wind-assisted propulsion market offers various wind-assisted technologies for vessels. Companies are actively pursuing strategic partnerships and collaborations to leverage synergies, improve product offerings, and tap into untapped revenue potential. With increasing regulatory pressure to adopt eco-friendly solutions, the Europe wind-assisted propulsion market is set to witness accelerated growth, benefiting from innovations that drive sustainability in maritime operations. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 84 Forecast Period 2024 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $96.98 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $21580 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 71.6% Regions Covered Europe Europe Wind-Assisted Propulsion Market Trends, Drivers and Challenges Trends Rapid expansion of wind-assisted propulsion solutions across Europe Increasing use of hybrid systems such as rotor sails, wing sails and kites Both retrofits on existing vessels and "wind-ready" new builds on the rise Drivers Tightening international and EU emission regulations pushing for lower fuel use Rising fossil-fuel costs making wind-assist economically attractive Government grants and port incentives supporting adoption Investor and customer demand for greener shipping practices Challenges High upfront investment and long payback periods for shipowners Lack of uniform standards for measuring performance and savings Dependence on weather conditions leading to variable fuel-saving results Complexity of integrating new systems into existing ship designs Supply-chain constraints for specialized components Market Segmentation Application Cargo Ships Passenger Ships Fishing Vessels Bulk Carriers Technology Towing Kites Sails Flettner Rotor Suction Wing Others Installation Type Retrofit New Installation Vessel Type Wind-Assisted Motor Vessels Purely Wind Vessel Company Profiles Norsepower bound4blue Econowind Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. Airseas GT Green Technologies Becker Marine Systems Propelwind S.A.S. SkySails Marine DNV OCEANBIRD For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gqpdz4 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 Dublin, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Top 10 Growth Opportunities Related to Sustainability Development Goals in the Test & Measurement Market, 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report examines the key trends shaping sustainability in the T&M industry, highlighting the 10 most significant SDGs guiding these transformative efforts. Sustainability has emerged as a crucial focus for businesses, extending beyond a buzzword to become a vital component of corporate strategy. This significance is evident among test and measurement (T&M) companies, which are actively committed to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015. The UN has established guidelines to assist companies in balancing social, economic, and environmental sustainability. T&M companies play a key role in this effort by continuously monitoring and gathering data to measure environmental key performance indicators (KPIs). They assess critical parameters such as energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, food and water quality, carbon emissions, and the utilization of sustainable resources. In addition to operational metrics, T&M companies are increasingly prioritizing social goals, including promoting gender equality and providing quality education. There is a concerted effort to create pathways for women and minority groups in the corporate landscape, encouraging their growth into leadership roles. T&M companies are also forming strategic partnerships with peers who share similar values and demographics, aimed at enhancing gender diversity, responsibly selecting supply chain partners, and advancing sustainable practices. Top 10 Growth Opportunities Responsible Consumption and Production Partnership for Goals Clean Water and Sanitation Climate Action Quality Education Life of Land Industry Innovation and Infrastructure Affordable and Clean Energy Life Below Water Gender Equality For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9c5vsm 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. Mahe, Seychelles, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TopFX is proud to mark its 15th anniversary, celebrating a significant milestone in its journey of providing world-class forex trading solutions, deep liquidity access, and innovative trading technology to clients across the globe. Since 2010, the company has scaled its reach, expanded its product offering, and earned the trust of over 7,000 partners in 210 countries. Originally focused on delivering deep, reliable liquidity to institutional partners, TopFX has since expanded into a full-service brokerageproviding every trader access to the kind of execution, tools, and infrastructure once reserved for professionals. This evolution has been guided by a clear commitment to performance, transparency, and adaptability. By continually investing in technology and expanding its offerings, TopFX has stayed ahead of market demands while supporting the needs of both traders and partners. Delivering Consistent Trading Conditions to Traders Globally With a focus on technology and performance, TopFXs official website showcases a complete trading environment where clients can access diverse instruments and advanced tools. Clients can choose between the MT4 and cTrader platforms, take advantage of spreads starting from 0.0 pips, and benefit from fast execution speeds with no hidden costs. As we move into our next chapter, were investing in the next phase of our growth, Victor Zachariades, CEO of TopFX, added. Strengthening partner programs, introducing new client benefits, and preparing to launch platform enhancements and account types that reflect the needs of todays traders. While details are under wraps for now, whats coming will offer even greater flexibility, access, and opportunity for our global trading community. About TopFX Founded in 2010, TopFX Group is a fully regulated group of forex brokers under the CySEC and of Seychelles, offering services to retail and institutional clients worldwide. The company offers access to a wide range of assets across MT4 and cTrader, alongside Islamic accounts, copy trading, and integrated tools like Autochartist and Trading Centralempowering clients with data-driven insights. Backed by deep liquidity and a global network of over 7,000 partners, TopFX remains a trusted choice for traders and brokers alike. Victor Zachariades, CEO of TopFX https://topfx.com/sc CT House, Office 9A, Providence, Mahe, Seychelles csupport@topfx.com /+248 4374705 Mahe, Seychelles, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- M4Markets, a well-established global broker in online CFD and forex trading, has officially expanded its presence across multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. With this new initiative, the broker aims to deliver timely market updates, practical trading tips, and deep-dive insights in a format that suits modern traders everyday routines. Market participants can now stay updated with real-time chart insights, key market recaps, and expert takes on breaking news right from M4Markets social channels. We know traders do not want to dig through long reports every time they need clarity, said Oscar Asly, CEO of M4Markets. Our team recognized the need to connect with traders in the spaces they already engage, such as on social media, between trades, and throughout their day. That is exactly what our new social presence is all about. We are now delivering valuable market updates in a way that fits their day-to-day lives. From LinkedIn commentary for professionals to Telegram channels for rapid-fire insights, and even Instagram stories that break down trends in seconds, we are building a presence that feels useful, fast, and human. This expansion is not only about broadcasting content, but also about being part of our traders journey. A Broker That Invests in Trader Education Licensed under FSA, CySEC, and DFSA, M4Markets has earned a strong reputation for empowering traders through a balanced mix of technology, market access, and in-depth education. The newly enhanced social channels will now act as an extension of the brokers mission. From simplified explainer videos and daily market outlooks to step-by-step strategy reels, M4Markets is helping both new and seasoned traders make smarter, more informed moves. We are proud of what we have built, but we are always asking how we can do more, added Asly, This year alone, we have been recognized for our trading conditions, deposit and withdrawal systems, and transparency. But the real success is measured in how supported our traders feel. With ultra-tight spreads, lightning-fast execution, and the power of both MT4 and MT5 platforms, we have laid the groundwork. With the latest social media expansion, we are going beyond the platform to offer useful content that is quick to access, easy to understand, and grounded in real market expertise. That is the kind of connection that makes a difference. About M4Markets M4Markets is a multi-regulated online broker offering competitive CFD trading across forex, shares, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. With spreads from 0.0 pips, average execution speeds of 30 milliseconds, and a minimum deposit of just $5, M4Markets has become a preferred choice for traders seeking speed, transparency, and flexibility. The company also offers several account types, namely Standard, Raw Spread, Premium, and Dynamic Leverage, catering to different strategies and experience levels. Moreover, clients benefit from secure fund handling via segregated accounts, instant deposits, and multiple funding methods, along with negative balance protection. M4Markets also supports demo and Islamic accounts, social trading tools, and a host of trader-focused promotions. With a global presence and award-winning service, the brokerage firm continues to raise the standard for accessible, high-performance trading. SINGAPORE, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a landmark announcement that bridges Asia and Europe, Leo International Group has acquired a controlling stake in SPOABG AG, a publicly listed company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE). The company has now been officially renamed Leo International Precision Health AG (LIPH AG), with updated ticker symbols LEOW.F and LEOW.DU. This momentous move marks the first time in a century that a Taiwanese-founded enterprise has achieved mainboard listing status on Germanys prestigious Frankfurt Stock Exchange. It represents a major milestone in Leo Internationals global expansion strategy and underlines its commitment to advancing AI-powered precision health across continents. A Vision Rooted in Humanity, Realized Globally Founded in 1926, Leo International Group is a fourth-generation family-owned enterprise headquartered in Taiwan, with a mission rooted in Caring for People, Advancing Humanity. The Groups diverse portfolio spans biomedical innovation, wealth succession and high-end lifestyle services. With its new listing, Leo International is now using Germany as a springboard to scale its AI-driven healthcare strategy aptly titled the Precision Health Trinity while establishing a global investment and innovation platform for its subsidiaries and partners. Why Frankfurt, Why Now? Germanys Frankfurt Stock Exchange, part of the Deutsche Borse Group, boasts a market capitalization of EUR 1.97 trillion and is one of the worlds leading financial centres. In 2024 alone, Germanys biotech and medtech sectors attracted EUR 1.6 billion in investment, a 70% year-on-year surge. As global healthcare shifts toward digitization, the digital pathology market alone is forecast to grow from USD 8.1 billion in 2024 to USD 19.5 billion by 2031. This makes Frankfurt a prime launchpad for Leo Internationals Precision Health Trinity, a three-pronged approach integrating: * AI-driven drug discovery for broad-spectrum and rare diseases * AI-enabled diagnostics for targeted treatment * Community-focused medical services through smart clinics This acquisition of a Frankfurt Stock Exchange mainboard-listed company marks a pivotal milestone in our global strategic expansion, said Leo Wang (above), Chairman of Leo International Group. We will place precision health at the core of our growth strategy, leveraging international capital markets to drive innovation and create lasting value for all stakeholders. Singapore: Building a Legacy Through Family Office Strategy Parallel to the Frankfurt expansion, Leo International announced the establishment of a Single Family Office (SFO) in Singapore. The office will manage multigenerational capital while aligning with the Groups long-term vision for social impact and wealth succession. Singapore has emerged as Asias premier family office hub, now home to over 2,000 SFOs. Its political stability, transparent regulation and attractive tax environment make it a top choice for ultra-high-net-worth families. Singapore provides a robust legal and asset protection framework, said Kevin Foo (below) of Leo International Family Office Singapore. Through our platform, we aim to connect capital networks across Singapore, Greater China, and ASEAN, while deepening our investments in health technology and impact-driven philanthropy. Strategic Growth Through M&A and Global Capital LIPH AG will serve as a public investment vehicle for Leo International to drive its non-organic growth strategy. By acquiring and integrating AI-health companies across Europe and Asia, the Group seeks to rapidly scale operations, unlock synergies, and boost shareholder value. The Group plans to attract sovereign wealth funds and global investors, leveraging fair valuation mechanisms in capital markets. The aim: to build a robust, cross-border precision health platform that drives the next wave of biomedical innovation. We are exploring dual listings, ADR issuance, and collaborations with the London Stock Exchange Group, said Dr. Joshua Lo, CEO of LIPH AG and a seasoned executive with previous stints at Portwell Inc. and other tech firms. Our goal is to expand regional relevance while delivering on global healthcare needs. A Family Legacy, Reimagined for the Future Leo Internationals journey from a Taiwanese family business to a global leader in health-tech exemplifies a unique fusion of heritage and innovation. Rooted in values shaped over four generations, the Groups current trajectory is driven by industrial relevance, cutting-edge technology, and social purpose. As we position ourselves at the intersection of AI, pharmaceuticals, and intelligent diagnostics, our family office and listed entity serve as twin engines, said Chairman Wang. They power our commitment to both industrial growth and global impact. With 80% equity in the newly renamed Frankfurt-listed firm, Wang and original Group shareholders are transitioning their stakes to gain full access to international capital markets, all in accordance with German legal and accounting standards. The Road Ahead From Singapore to Frankfurt, Leo International is building more than a business it is building a bridge between continents, industries, and generations. As AI redefines healthcare, and as wealth reorients across borders, Leos Precision Health Trinity is poised to become a defining force in the biomedical landscape. With strategic focus, family values, and global ambition, Leo International is not just joining the conversation it is leading it. DALLAS, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The time required to schedule a physician appointment in 15 major metropolitan areas has increased by 19% since 2022 and by 48% since 2004, according to a new survey conducted by AMN Healthcare, the nation's leading healthcare workforce solutions company. The 2025 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times reveals that it now takes an average of 31 days to schedule a physician appointment in 15 of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. This is an increase from 26 days in 2022, the last year the survey was conducted, and from 21 days in 2004, the first year the survey was conducted. "Average physician appointment wait times are the longest they have been since we began conducting the survey in 2004," said Leah Grant, president of AMN Healthcare's Physician Solutions division (formerly known as Merritt Hawkins). "Longer physician appointment wait times are a significant indicator that the nation is experiencing a growing shortage of physicians." The survey tracked average new patient physician appointment wait times in six specialties: obstetrics/gynecology, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, dermatology, gastroenterology, and family medicine. Average physician appointment wait times in the six specialties include: Obstetrics/Gynecology - 42 days, up 33% since 2022 and up 79% since 2004. Gastroenterology - 40 days (gastroenterology was added to the survey in 2025). Dermatology - 36.5 days, up 6% since 2022 and up 50% since 2004. Cardiology - 33 days, up 23% from 2022 and up 74% since 2004. Family Medicine - 23.5 days, up 14% since 2022 and up 16% since 2009, the first year family medicine was included in the survey. Orthopedic Surgery - 12 days, down 29% since 2022 and down 29% since 2004. Average physician appointment wait times for all specialties vary by metropolitan area. Boston has the longest average physician appointment wait time at 65 days, while Atlanta has the shortest at 12 days. The metropolitan areas included in the survey have some of the highest physician-to-population ratios in the country. According to Grant, if patients are having difficulty scheduling appointments in these highly populated areas, it can be assumed that access to physicians may be even more problematic in areas with fewer physicians. Its a sobering sign for the rest of the country when even patients in large cities must wait weeks to see a physician, Grant said. Physician appointment wait times can vary widely depending on the specialty and metropolitan area. Wait times can range from as short as one day to as long as 291 days for a dermatology appointment in Portland, Oregon, as long as 231 days for an obstetrics/gynecology appointment in Boston, as long as 208 days for a gastroenterology appointment in Detroit, and as long as 175 days for a cardiology appointment in Washington, D.C. Physician Medicare and Medicaid Acceptance Rates The survey also indicates that 82% of physicians in the 15 major metropolitan markets accept Medicare as a form of payment. Boston has the highest number of physicians accepting Medicare at 94%, while Atlanta has the lowest at 68%. By contrast, only 53% of physicians in the 15 metropolitan areas accept Medicaid as a form of payment. Detroit has the highest number of physicians accepting Medicaid at 85%, while New York has the lowest at 28%. The type of health insurance patients have may impact their access to physicians, said Leah Grant. While Medicare is widely accepted by physicians, Medicaid is less so. The survey includes data from 1,391 physician offices located in 15 metropolitan areas, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minnesota, New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. To view AMN Healthcares 2025 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times visit https://online.flippingbook.com/view/83050962/. About AMN Healthcare AMN Healthcare is the leader and innovator in total talent solutions for healthcare organizations across the United States. Through a steadfast partnership approach, we solve the most pressing workforce challenges to enable better clinical outcomes and access to care. We provide a comprehensive network of quality healthcare professionals and deliver a fully integrated and customizable suite of workforce technologies. TORONTO, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Class 1 Nickel and Technologies Limited (CSE: NICO | OTCQB: NICLF) ("Class 1 or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from its previously completed high-resolution electromagnetic-magnetic airborne geophysical survey (see Class 1 news release 23 April 2025) over its River Valley PGE-Cu-Ni Project (the RV Project), located about 65 kilometres northeast of the City of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. The RV Project covers approximately 2,916 ha, within which lies several kilometres of prospective geology and known PGE-bearing sulphide mineralization categorized as Contact-Style PGE-Cu-Ni and hosted by the River Valley Intrusion (RVI). The RV Project is immediately south of the advanced River Valley Palladium Project being developed by New Age Metals Inc. The Company engaged Geotech Ltd (Geotech) to fly a helicopter-borne VTEM Plus time-domain electromagnetic and horizontal magnetic-gradiometric survey (the Survey) over the RV Project. The final Survey totalled about 254 line-km covering part of the southern contact and part of the eastern footwall of the RVI (Figure 1). Highlights from the Survey include: Geophysical mapping of known surface to near-surface sulphide-hosted Contact-Style PGE-Cu-Ni sulphide mineralization (Figure 2). New surface and near-surface exploration opportunities along and near the Crerar PGE Trend and also well outside known sulphide occurrences (Figure 2). Several new surface features requiring ground follow-up, based on known correlation between hydrothermal alteration and magnetite destruction or conversion (Figure 3). Magnetics suggest known PGE trends continue along strike and that other trends, parallel to the known PGE trends, could exist, requiring ground-truthing (Figure 3). CEO David Fitch commented, The results from this first-ever VTEM Plus survey covering this area of the River Valley Intrusion and our multi-kilometre Crerar PGE Trend are exciting, providing the Companys technical team with numerous surface and near-surface targets to follow-up on in the soon to be launched summer field program. As we confirm these new targets, we will commence detailed surface mapping and sampling, geophysical surveys, and trenching to expose and understand these PGE-Cu-Ni targets. Geophysical surveys are not definitive and do not carry any guarantee of a mineral discovery and that in addition to conductive sulphide mineralization, bedrock conductors can also be caused by graphite, conductive structures, and barren sulphides. Results from neighboring properties do not necessarily reflect those that exist within Class 1 Nickels RV Project. River Valley PGE-Cu-Ni Project The RV Project, covering known Contact-Style PGE-Cu-Ni sulphide mineralization (Crerar PGE Trend) in the southern part of the intrusion (Figure 1), provides PGE-focused exploration upside to the Companys portfolio as well as exposure to critical minerals, PGE, copper, and nickel. The RV Project is underlain by gabbroic to anorthositic rocks of the Paleoproterozoic RVI with a focus on targeting the productive Marginal and Inclusion-Bearing zones. Figure 1. Outline of the RV Project mining claims (red boundary) that define the River Valley PGE Project and the area surveyed (blue boundary) using Geotechs VTEM Plus airborne system (base geology from OGS, 2011: Ontario Geological Survey. 1:250 000 scale Bedrock Geology of Ontario; Miscellaneous ReleaseData 126 Rev.1). Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) Plus Survey In March 2025, Geotech carried out a helicopter-borne geophysical survey over the River Valley PGE-Cu-Ni Project, near River Valley, Ontario. Principal geophysical sensors included a versatile time domain electromagnetic (VTEM Plus) system and a horizontal magnetic gradiometer with two caesium sensors. Ancillary equipment included a GPS navigation system and a radar altimeter. About 254 line-kilometres of geophysical data were acquired during the survey. The Survey was flown in a northwest-southeast direction with traverse flight line spacings of 100 metres and 1 km-spaced tie lines in a northeast direction. Information and data was reported in the WGS 84 Datum, UTM Zone 17 North. VTEM and Magnetic Survey Interpretation VTEM conductor anomalies were first identified based on conductance and subsequently reviewed for possible cultural interference in Google Earth images. These filtered anomalies were then prioritized (the Targets) and integrated with other data and information (Figure 2 and Figure 3), including total magnetic intensity (TMI), magnetic first vertical derivative (1VD), magnetic tilt angle derivative (TDR), property geology, known sulphide mineral occurrences and trends, and known historical drilling compiled from assessment reports and the Ontario Drill Hole Database (ODHD). Figure 2. Generalized geology from the southeastern River Valley Intrusion (OGS, 2011), showing the River Valley PGE Property boundary and the location of known sulphide mineralization, PGE-sulphide trends such as the Crerar PGE Trend, and historical drill hole collars. Electromagnetic picks, known mineralized trends, and potentially new areas of sulphide mineralization are shown in Figure 3. These and other very positive results from the Survey will form the subject of this summers exploration program that will include geophysical ground-truthing, mapping and sampling, geophysical surveys, and trenching. Figure 3. Magnetic Tilt Angle Derivative overlain on the generalized geology from the southeastern River Valley Intrusion (OGS, 2011), showing the location of the River Valley PGE Property boundary, location of known sulphide mineralization, PGE-sulphide trends such as the Crerar PGE Trend, historical drill hole collars, and geophysical (EM and structural) picks. The Geophysical Structural Picks represent some of the new trends that will be ground-truthed during this summers field program. Qualified Person Technical information and data in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans (P.Geo., PGO #0183), a geological consultant to the Company, and a Qualified Person under the definitions established by National Instrument 43101. About Class 1 Nickel Class 1 Nickel and Technologies Limited (CSE: NICO | OTCQB: NICLF) is a Mineral Resources Company primarily focused on the exploration and development of its 100% owned komatiite-hosted nickel sulphide projects: the Alexo-Dundonald Project (A-D), near Timmins, Ontario (4 nickel sulphide deposits) and the Somanike Project, near Val-dOr, Quebec (includes the historical Marbridge Ni-Cu Mine). Both projects comprise extensive property packages covering past-producing nickel mines, offering excellent exploration upside and near-term production opportunities. The Company holds 100% interest in its River Valley PGE Project located about 65 km northeast of the City of Sudbury, the worlds largest and longest operating nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE mining camp (see Class 1 news release 13 December 2023). Outside of the River Valley PGE Project, Class 1 is advancing its Alexo-Dundonald Project toward near-term production and at the same time continue brownfield and greenfield exploration on its large property package to aggregate additional nickel resources. The A-D Project sits on a 14+ km strike-length, folded komatiite unit containing four nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE mineral resources plus numerous underexplored sulphide occurrences. Decades of successful capital expenditure and investment into the Project has resulted in the discovery and delineation of the four mineral resources but the greater Property area remains underexplored. The A-D Project was previously mined (ca. 2005) via a direct shipping model, and the Company is investigating the possibility of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) study to determine the best path forward. For more information, please contact: Mr. David Fitch, President & CEO T: +61.400.631.608 E: info@class1nickel.com For additional information please visit our website at www.class1nickel.com and our Twitter feed: @Class1Nickel. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is 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. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Companys managements discussion and analysis as filed under the Companys profile at SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/73891d0e-39eb-49ef-9a4a-676d18efe5e3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0c3e12ec-1111-425e-bb18-4ae4a47ce41a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ca02dbd4-4a58-4da2-998f-27d56bd8756e Austin, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to SNS Insider, the global Echocardiography Market was valued at USD 2.04 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 3.68 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 7.67% from 2024 to 2032. Growth in this market is driven by the increasing global prevalence of CVD, growing use of medical imaging in CVD treatment, and rising investments, funds, and grants for research and development in medical imaging. Improvement in technology, especially 3D/4D imaging and AI (artificial intelligence)-enabled ultrasound systems, is improving diagnostic accuracy and optimizing the workflow in the clinic. Increased awareness of preventive medicine, the expansion of the geriatric population, and rising point-of-care ultrasound use in the hospital and other settings are also factor driving the market. Get a Sample Report of Echocardiography Market@ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/2853 U.S. Market Insights The United States echocardiography was estimated at USD 0.52 billion in 2023 and is projected to USD 0.92 billion in 2032 growing at CAGR of 7.41 % for the forecast period. The US is the largest market for echocardiography in North America due to the very high penetration rate of advanced diagnostic imaging techniques in the US, the sizable healthcare industry, extensive emphasis on research and development by manufacturers. The market in the country will also dominate since leading vendors have established a presence with a strong emphasis on early disease detection. Major Players Analysis Listed in this Report are: GE HealthCare Philips Healthcare Siemens Healthineers Canon Medical Systems Corporation Mindray Medical International Limited FUJIFILM Sonosite Samsung Medison Esaote SpA Hitachi Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas Echocardiography Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2024 US$ 2.04 billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 3.68 billion CAGR CAGR of 7.67% From 2025 to 2032 Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025-2032 Historical Data 2021-2023 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) Segment Dynamics By Device Type, Cart-Based Segment Dominates the Echocardiography Market The cart-based segment dominated the market in 2024, with a share of 78.2% of the total market for echocardiography, since these products are commonly used in hospitals and advanced diagnostic centers where a wide range of clear and detailed cardiac imaging needs to be performed. The systems offer fine definition images, higher software solutions, and new-generation imaging modes like 2D, 3D/4D, and Doppler. They efficiently manage large volumes of patients, which makes them perfect for an inpatient and emergency setting. Moreover, their popularity in clinical settings will continue due to interoperability with electronic health records (EHR) and constant updates by manufacturers. By Test Type, Transthoracic Echocardiography Segment Dominates the Echocardiography Market In 2024, the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) segment led the echocardiography market, accounting for approximately 42% market share. Due to its non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and availability, TTE has become the preferred first-line diagnostic method for the assessment of cardiac function and structure, accounting for the vast majority of the overall market. TTE offers a real-time, high-resolution picture of the heart, making it easier to manage a variety of cardiovascular diseases. The fact that the test can be performed rapidly and at the bedside also improves its utility in various clinical settings, including the ED and ICU. By Technology, 2D Segment Dominates the Echocardiography Market. In 2024, 2D echocardiography accounted for the largest share of the overall echocardiography market, at 66.3%, due to the clinical implementation of 2D imaging that is cost-effective and offers real-time imaging. Increasing evidence has supported the efficacy of cardiac structure diagnoses via 2D echocardiography because these images appear clear and high resolution; the cardiac structure can be misidentified as a problem. The ease of use interface and the ability to work across a multitude of clinical information environments, ranging from large hospitals to small clinical there, also made it a hard workhorse of system. In addition, these advanced features, such as Doppler and strain rate analysis, improve its sensitivity, specifically making it the imaging modality of choice in cardiac imaging settings. By End-User, Hospitals & ASCs Segment Dominates the Echocardiography Market In 2024, the Hospitals & Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) segment led the echocardiography market, driven by the high volume of cardiovascular procedures performed in these settings. Hospitals are major centers for detailed cardiac diagnoses and procedures, aided by advanced imaging devices, caring technicians, and physicians. The increasing adoption of ASCs is driven by the cost-effective nature and efficiency of these centers, as they provide an alternative to outpatient procedures. The growing incidence of heart disorders requires immediate and accurate investigation, which in turn solidifies the demand for echocardiography in these centres. In addition, its incorporation in the standard care protocols of hospitals and ASCs highlights the central role of echocardiography in driving the market growth. Need Any Customization Research on Echocardiography Market, Enquire Now@ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/2853 Echocardiography Market Segmentation By Device Type Cart-Based Handheld By Test Type Transthoracic Echocardiography Transesophageal Echocardiography Stress Echocardiography Others By Technology 2D 3D & 4D Doppler Imaging By End-user Hospitals & ASCs Diagnostic Center Others North America Dominates the Echocardiography Market, Asia Pacific Expected to Register Fastest Growth North America dominated the echocardiography market in 2024, with a share of 39.4%, owing to factors such as the presence of a sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, high uptake of advanced diagnostic imaging technologies, and leading market participants. The growing incidence of cardiovascular diseases, coupled with the presence of suitable reimbursement policies for supporting technologies, is expected to fuel the demand for early & accurate diagnostic solutions in the region. Additionally, the growing burden of chronic diseases and huge investments in preventive care backed up by strong governmental support for healthcare in the U.S. and Canada also boost the market growth. Asia Pacific is estimated to hold the fastest growth in the echocardiography market during the forecast period, with 8.6% CAGR, owing to rapidly developing healthcare infrastructure and growing awareness regarding cardiovascular health. Urbanization and the evolving lifestyle aspects in this region, along with an increasing life expectancy, are causing an increased incidence of heart-related disease. In addition, the increasing healthcare technology investments, the increasing diagnostic services in rural areas, and the conducive government initiatives have broadened the echocardiography access, increasing the market penetration in China, India, and Japan. Buy a Single-User PDF of Echocardiography Market Analysis & Outlook Report 2024-2032@ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/2853 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 (2024) 5.2 Prescription Trends (2024), by Region 5.3 Device Volume, by Region (20202032) 5.4 Healthcare Spending, by Region (Government, Commercial, Private, Out-of-Pocket), 2024 6. Competitive Landscape 7. Echocardiography Market by Device Type 8. Echocardiography Market by Test Type 9. Echocardiography Market by Technology 10. Echocardiography Market by End-user 11. Regional Analysis 12. Company Profiles 13. Use Cases and Best Practices 14. Conclusion Related Reports Medical Imaging Devices Market to Surpass USD 61.5 Billion by 2032, Driven by Steady 5% CAGR AI in Ultrasound Imaging Market Set to Reach USD 2.05 Billion by 2032, Growing at 8.7% CAGR Portable Ultrasound Market Forecasted to Hit USD 6.8 Billion by 2032 with 11.3% CAGR Surge Point-of-Care Ultrasound Market to Grow to USD 7.47 Billion by 2032, Expanding at 7.11% CAGR 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. TORONTO, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Event registration for Culture Days 2025 is officially open. Individual artists and creators, organizations, groups, and communities can now register at Culturedays.ca to present free arts, culture and heritage experiences for the public to attend as part of a Canada-wide network of activities, concerts and showcases, collective art projects, workshops, and so much more from September 19, 2025, through October 12, 2025. Arts. Culture. Community In a time when community, belonging, and creative expression are more essential than ever, Culture Days invites everyone to take part in a collective act of imagination. More than a celebration, Culture Days is a nationwide reminder of how arts, culture, and heritage shape who we are and how we connect. Whether through music, dance, storytelling, visual art, or shared traditions, Culture Days is a call to gather, celebrate, and reflect on what unites us and what makes each of us unique. As a truly inclusive and accessible event, Culture Days mobilizes communities nationwide to showcase the rich mosaic of culture in Canada and ensures everyone is invited to the table. Culture Days has significantly contributed to the growth and strength of Canada's arts sector over the past 15 years. In 2024, more than 5 million attendees participated in 4,000+ events presented in hundreds of cities, towns, and rural areas from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Ultimately, Culture Days is about supporting a strong arts and culture sector in every community across Canada, highlighting how the work of artists and creatives contributes to Canadas shared values and diversity of identities. Ready, Set, Create! For event organizers, Culture Days is a path to deeper connections with current and potential supporters and fans, increasing visibility and showcasing offerings to a captivated local and national audience. As part of the annual national marketing campaign, registered event organizers have access to free marketing tools, resources, templates, content, guides and learning opportunities to help make the most of participation. Get started with the Culture Days FAQs , Programming Ideas , Participation Guide or the Indigenous Cultural Programming Guide to plan events recognizing The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). Explore the Culture Days website, Creative Toolbox , and Webinar Series for inspiration. Culture Days 2025 takes place September 19, 2025, through October 12, 2025. Follow along as the cross-country celebration of arts and culture comes to life! #CultureDays and @culturedays on Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Media Resource About Culture Days Culture Days has become Canada's largest cultural event, holding over 50,000 events with over 25 million attendees over the past 15 years. Culture Days fosters a welcoming annual event during the fall with free activities and performances hosted by artists, cultural organizations, and municipalities in over 5,000 communities across Canada. Participants are filled with many experiences to partake in, ranging from arts, culture, and heritage events. From the Yukon to New Brunswick, British Columbia to Hudsons Bay and all points in between Culture Days highlights, amplifies, and empowers the diverse arts and cultural life in our communities. As a leading national voice for an active, engaged, and inclusive cultural life, Culture Days provides a range of tools and skill development resources that contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the arts sector across Canada. The Culture Days annual national awareness campaign culminates in a three-week celebration of the arts. Culture Days is a registered charity. Visit culturedays.ca for more information. Financial support for Culture Days is provided by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts. Culture Days is also made possible through the support of Pattison (National Out-of-Home Media Partner), Cineplex Media (National Media Partner), and BT/A (National Creative Partner). Toronto, Ontario, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This month, Abell Pest Control proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone: the 100th birthday of Ralph Abell, a second-generation leader whose life and legacy are deeply woven into the fabric of the company. Founded in 1924 by his father, Earl Abell, in the basement and garage of their Toronto home, the business began as a modest pesticide manufacturing operation. Under Ralphs guidance and vision, it evolved into one of the most trusted names in pest control across Canada and beyond, a true Canadian success story built on family values, innovation, and service. From its earliest days, Abell Pest Control was founded on family, hard work, and a commitment to integrity. Ralph exemplified these principles. Known for his technical expertise and forward-thinking leadership, he championed a model of pest control that was quiet, effective, and people-focused. Ralph was a true pioneer in the pest control industry, ahead of his time in both service and how he treated people, said Brett MacKillop, President of Abell Pest Control. He believed in doing things right, focusing on lasting solutions, and showing genuine respect for customers and team members. His values, innovation, integrity, and excellence still guide our business today. As President of the Canadian Pest Management Association from 1972 to 1974, Ralph helped raise public awareness about the industry and the importance of using pesticides safely. He also worked closely with government officials to improve regulations and promote higher standards across the industry. Ralph joined the business full-time in 1940 as the first technician, having spent his childhood learning from his father, Earl Abell. His hands-on experience and natural understanding of the industry helped shape a unique perspective: that pest control isnt just about eliminating problems, its about keeping families and communities safe. In 1960, Ralph Abell became President, leading the company into a period of expansion and modernization. Pest control is essential to public health and well-being, said MacKillop. From preventing the spread of disease to safeguarding food supplies, our work remains necessary. Over the past century, the industry has advanced from basic chemicals to science-driven, sustainable solutions. What has endured is the unwavering commitment to public health and safety, a legacy instilled by Ralph Abell. Happy 100th birthday, Ralph! About Abell Pest Control: Founded in 1924, Abell Pest Control is a proudly Canadian-owned and operated company that has been providing trusted pest management services across the country. With a long history of protecting customers and their patrons, Abell is committed to delivering exceptional service to both homes and businesses nationwide, available 24/7. Committed to innovation, Abell Pest Control offers cutting-edge technology-driven solutions for pest prevention and management, ensuring the highest standards of service. Abell values partnerships and is dedicated to giving back to the industries it serves, maintaining a strong network of alliances to better support its customers. Learn more about Abell by visiting www.abellpestcontrol.com or following them on social media for pest control tips on Facebook and Instagram. CONTACT: Eliana Pasquariello Abell Pest Control epasquariello@abellgroup.com Dublin, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United States Online Food Delivery Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. United States Online Food Delivery Market is expected to reach US$ 72.94 billion by 2033 from US$ 31.11 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 9.93% from 2025 to 2033. The demand for delivery services is fueled by a number of factors, including the growing popularity of smartphones, convenience, a wide variety of food selections, technological advancements, and the development of busy lifestyles. With services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates providing easy access to a large selection of eateries, online food delivery has become increasingly popular in the US. Consumers can purchase meals online or through mobile apps, with the option of pickup or delivery. These services frequently offer promotions or subscription plans, and they usually charge for delivery. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of online ordering has changed eating habits and made meal delivery a commonplace aspect of American society. Convenience, the rise of busy lifestyles, and increased smartphone usage are the main drivers of the U.S. online food delivery market's expansion. Food ordering is now simple due to the growth of websites like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. More customers are drawn to restaurants with a variety of menu alternatives, including healthier and specialty cuisine options. Usage is further increased via subscription models, loyalty benefits, and simple payment methods. Technological developments that continue to improve consumer experience, such real-time tracking and AI for tailored recommendations, are driving market expansion. In April 2024: Amazon's new Prime monthly grocery delivery subscription service, available to Prime members and anyone with a registered electronic benefit transfer card, was welcomed in more than 3,500 American cities and towns. This subscription, which costs $9.99 per month for Prime members and pays for itself after one delivery order in a month, gives Prime members access to more convenient delivery and pickup options as well as unlimited grocery delivery on orders of $35 or more from Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, and a variety of local grocery and specialty stores that are all available on Amazon.com. Growth Drivers for the Online Food Delivery Market Strategic Alliances and Investments The growing emphasis on strategic alliances and acquisitions is a major factor driving the expansion of the US online food delivery sector. Leading businesses are partnering with grocery shops, restaurant chains, and other food service providers in an effort to expand their market share and enhance their service offerings. Through these partnerships, meal delivery apps can offer a wider variety of food options, catering to a wider customer base. Grubhub and Homewood Suites by Hilton teamed together in June 2023 to provide food options for visitors at about 500 locations throughout the US. Tourists may simply place orders from nearby restaurants using the Grubhub app's geolocation and rapid response (QR) codes, adding to their dining options and improving their overall experience. Additionally, prominent organizations can enhance their efficiency, fortify their position, and seamlessly integrate new technologies by purchasing smaller delivery and technology firms. In addition, partnerships with large supermarket chains lead to the launch of grocery delivery services, which benefit consumers and create new revenue streams. These strategic choices boost key players' competitive edge and encourage creativity and efficiency, which expands the market as a whole. Campaigns for Marketing and Promotion The industry for online food delivery is mostly driven by aggressive marketing and promotional initiatives. In order to raise brand awareness and draw in new customers, businesses are making significant investments in advertising across a range of platforms, including social media, television (TV), and online channels, according to the outlook for the US online meal delivery market. Discounts, free shipping, and loyalty plans are examples of promotional offerings that are essential for keeping current customers and promoting regular use of the service. For instance, Grubhub and Amazon extended its free Grubhub+ deal for another year in June 2023 for American Prime members, providing exceptional savings on restaurant purchases and no delivery costs. This collaboration raised the value of Prime by giving members access to exclusive dining options and fantastic prices through Grubhub's platform. Additionally, working with well-known events or celebrities at particular seasons of the year boosts brand awareness and human engagement. Particularly effective are these marketing techniques in converting traditional in-person diners to online delivery customers. Delivery platforms can gain a competitive edge, boost user acquisition, and promote ongoing market expansion by employing creative marketing strategies to regularly engage their audience. Technological Advancements The expansion of the online food delivery sector in the United States is mostly driven by technological developments. Customers may place orders with ease thanks to the growth of mobile apps and smooth online platforms, which provide real-time order monitoring, simple payment options, and AI-powered personalized recommendations. By cutting down on wait times and increasing customer satisfaction, GPS and route optimization technology increase delivery efficiency. The ordering process is further streamlined by integration with smart devices, such as voice assistants (like Alexa and Google Assistant). For instance, Uber Eats began deploying food delivery robots in a number of US locations in May 2023. Furthermore, systems can forecast demand, offer targeted discounts, and optimize menu offerings with the use of advanced data analytics. Additionally, artificial intelligence improves operational efficiency and helps with customer care through chatbots. Challenges in the Online Food Delivery Market Intense Competition One major obstacle in the US internet food delivery sector is fierce competition. Due to the dominance of some platforms, such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates, it is challenging for new competitors to increase their market share. In order to draw clients, these well-known companies frequently use aggressive marketing strategies, providing loyalty plans, discounts, and alliances with well-known eateries. Due to the intense competition, platforms' and restaurants' profit margins are under strain as the emphasis moves from long-term sustainability to client acquisition. Differentiation and innovation are therefore essential for surviving in the competitive market. Third-party reliance One of the biggest issues facing the online food delivery industry is third-party dependence. Restaurants depend on platforms for customer access and delivery services, but this creates a lack of control over the customer experience. Customer happiness may be impacted by order errors, delays, and uneven service quality. Furthermore, these platforms' exorbitant commission fees lower restaurant profit margins. Restaurants run the risk of being unduly dependent on outside parties as the market gets more competitive, which will hinder their capacity to interact directly with consumers and keep control over the quality of their brand and services. Company Analysis: Business Overview, Key Persons, Recent Development & Strategies, Sales Analysis Grubhub Doordash Uber Eats Postmates Dominos Pizza Inc. Kroger Co. Blue Apron Holdings HelloFresh Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $31.11 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $72.94 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.9% Regions Covered United States Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research & Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenge 5. United States Online Food Delivery Market 6. Market Share Analysis 6.1 By Business Model 6.2 By Platform Type 6.3 By Payment Method 6.4 By Cities 7. Business Model 7.1 Platform to customer delivery 7.2 Restaurant to customer delivery 8. Platform Type 8.1 Websites 8.2 Applications 9. Payment Method 9.1 Cash on delivery 9.2 Online 10. Cities 10.1 Seattle 10.2 Pittsburgh 10.3 San Francisco 10.4 Austin 10.5 San Jose 10.6 San Antonio 10.7 Virginia Beach 10.8 Miami 10.9 San Diego 10.10 Los Angeles 10.11 Portland 10.12 Atlanta 10.13 Orlando 10.14 Washington, DC 10.15 Jacksonville 10.16 Riverside 10.17 Houston 10.18 Sacramento 10.19 Denver 10.20 New York 10.21 Tampa 10.22 Tucson 10.23 Dallas 10.24 Salt Lake City 10.25 Phoenix 10.26 Others 11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 11.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 11.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 11.3 Degree of Rivalry 11.4 Threat of New Entrants 11.5 Threat of Substitutes 12. SWOT Analysis 12.1 Strength 12.2 Weakness 12.3 Opportunity 12.4 Threat 13. Key Players Analysis For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n79tj4 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 Amendment to Euronexts liquidity contract Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris 27 May 2025 Euronext N.V. today signed an amendment to the liquidity contract entered into with Rothschild Martin Maurel on 7 February 2018, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/908 of 26 February 2016, Articles L. 225-209 et seq. of the French Commercial Code, AMF Decision No. 2018-01 of 2 July 2018 (the AMF Decision) and the provisions referred to therein. Under this amendment, the amount allocated to the liquidity account was increased by 4,500,000 euros (four million five hundred thousand euros). CONTACTS ANALYSTS & INVESTORS ir@euronext.com Investor Relations Aurelie Cohen Judith Stein +33 6 15 23 91 97 MEDIA mediateam@euronext.com Europe Aurelie Cohen +33 1 70 48 24 45 Andrea Monzani +39 02 72 42 62 13 Belgium Marianne Aalders +32 26 20 15 01 France, Corporate Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella +33 1 70 48 24 45 Ireland Catalina Augspach +33 6 82 09 99 70 Italy Ester Russom +39 02 72 42 67 56 The Netherlands Marianne Aalders +31 20 721 41 33 Norway Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund +47 41 69 59 10 Portugal Sandra Machado +351 91 777 68 97 About Euronext Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europes leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal. As of March 2025, Euronexts regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with 6.3 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices. For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn. Disclaimer This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided as is, without representation or warranty of any kind. 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To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com. Attachment Cleveland, OH, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asurint announces the launch of the Comprehensive Provider Profile, a first-of-its-kind solution designed to thoroughly screen and monitor health care providers throughout their tenure in the industry powered by Verisys data. This new offering has uniquely enhanced patient protection and organizational risk management, while facilitating compliance with federal and state health care regulations. Asurint and Verisys anticipate widespread adoption by retail pharmacies, pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), and health plans. The partners also envision applications spanning public health agencies at the federal, state, and local level to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. Verisys supplies industry leading compliance, credentialing, and risk mitigation data tailored to the health care industry. President Amy Andersen stated, We are proud to offer 40 percent more actionable insights from our screening and monitoring activities. This delivers customers the full picture of the people they trust with patient care, privileged information, and sensitive company operations. According to Asurint CEO Alla Schay, The big idea here is combining Verisys health care-specific licensure and boards actions with Asurints deep criminal activity insights to create one seamless solution. This helps organizations accurately and efficiently receive actionable information through the Comprehensive Practitioner Profile when hiring or contracting with individuals who should be excluded from health care service. Built-in real-time monitoring then delivers ongoing support by providing events that may impact their eligibility, to help organizations proactively mitigate risk to their healthcare program. Asurint delivers the nations largest repository of health care criminal profiles, along with the ability to check applicants, employees, and contractors against sex offender and other sanction registries. The company currently monitors several million providers in support of patient safety and deterrence of fraud or waste. Asurints proprietary solution results in more than twice the actionable criminal information than traditional public records database searches. Verisys is the best partner in this market, said Schay. The entire Asurint team is excited about the many ways the Comprehensive Provider Profile will help protect patients, reduce organizational risk, streamline hiring, enhance compliance, and contribute to a culture of accountability and transparency across the health care sector, she concluded. About Asurint Asurint has 17 years of innovation and growth in the industry with powerful background screening and monitoring technology backed by subject matter experts and personalized solutions. Our technology enables clients to make faster, more informed decisions that promote safer workplaces and communities. Performing more than 10 million background screens annually, Asurints technology and resources have proven scalability to meet tomorrows challenges. About Verisys Verisys empowers healthcare organizations with real-time, verified, and monitored data solutions. We provide actionable provider data to compliance programs across the United States and help the healthcare industry use data at critical decision points across the full provider engagement and revenue cycle. For nearly thirty years, we have delivered provider data solutions to the most complex institutions in healthcare, and we have the experience to maximize performance at any organization. Visit verisys.com to learn how we transform provider and employment data from problematic to worry-free. Washington, DC, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After thirteen years as the leader of Airlink, the aviation and logistics humanitarian relief NGO, President & CEO Steve Smith will step down at the end of September 2025. As Airlinks first and only CEO, Smith built and led a groundbreaking global aviation industry humanitarian initiative. Since its inception, Airlink has facilitated worldwide aid and relief to more than 60 million people through its unique relationships with airlines and NGOs. Everything Airlink has achieved was made possible by its aviation and logistics partners, volunteer corps, generous donors, and most importantly, a world-class team of dedicated professionals, said Smith. Together, weve built a globally recognized organization that has helped to redefine the relationship between aviation and logistics companies, and relief organizations. Smith led the organization through dozens of major responses over the years, including the 2014-2015 Ebola response in West Africa (recognized by President Clinton), the Ukraine War (where Airlink transported over 2,400 tons of supplies and 1,100 responders to help Ukrainian civilians), and more recently the humanitarian responses in Gaza and Sudan. He navigated the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to refine Airlinks model to address the ever-changing environment of humanitarian aid and relief, driven by geopolitics, increasing global conflicts, and climate change. On behalf of the Airlink Board of Directors, I would like to thank Steve for his service to the organization and for his leadership over the past 13 years, said Todd Freeman, Board Chair. As we celebrate Airlinks 15-year anniversary, we acknowledge the strong foundation of relationships and best practices that Steve has established. His dedicated work has positioned the organization optimally for future growth and success. Bob Brown, founder of Airlink, said, It was an enormous privilege to watch Steve build this vibrant and successful organization from its early days. We were fortunate to find such a dedicated and talented leader who embodied the ideals of the organization. We will be forever grateful to Steve and his family. A search committee of the Board led by Airlink Board Chair, Todd Freeman, has been formed and will be directing the search for Smiths successor. About Airlink, Inc. Airlink is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization delivering critical aid to communities in crisis by providing free or discounted airlift and logistical solutions to vetted nonprofit partners, changing how the humanitarian community responds to disasters worldwide. Its network includes over 200 aid organizations and over 50 commercial and charter airlines. Since its inception in 2010, Airlink has flown 13,500 relief workers and transported 18 million pounds of humanitarian cargo, directly helping 60 million people impacted by natural and man-made disasters. In 2025 Airlink celebrates its 15th anniversary. For more information, visit airlinkflight.org and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. Amundi General Meeting Olivier Gavalda becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors All resolutions have been approved with an average approval rate of 98.34% Shareholders General Meeting of Amundi was held on Tuesday 27 May 2025. With a quorum of 92.79%, the General Meeting approved all the resolutions submitted by the Board of Directors, with an average approval rate of 98.34%. After approving the financial statements for 2024, the General Meeting of Amundi has notably approved the distribution of a dividend of 4.25 per share. The ex-dividend date is set at 10 June 2025 and the dividend will be paid from 12 June 2025. The General Meeting also approved the appointment as Director of Olivier Gavalda, who becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the appointment of Jean-Christophe Mieszala as independent Director. The detailed results of the votes of the General Meeting will be available on the website https://about.amundi.com/ within the regulatory timeframe. Biographies Olivier Gavalda has spent his entire career at Credit Agricole. He joined Credit Agricole du Midi in 1988 where he successively held the positions of Organisation Project Manager, Branch Manager, Training Manager and finally Head of Marketing. In 1998, he joined Credit Agricole Ile-de-France as Regional Director, then in 2002 he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Credit Agricole Sud Rhone-Alpes, in charge of Development and Human Resources. In 2007 he became Chief Executive Officer of Credit Agricole Champagne-Bourgogne. In 2010, he joined Credit Agricole S.A. as Head of the Regional Banks Division and then in 2015 he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of the Development, Customer and Innovation Division. In 2016, he became Chief Executive Officer of Credit Agricole Ile-de-France. In November 2022, he has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Credit Agricole S.A. in charge of Universal Bank. Olivier Gavalda is Chief Executive Officer of Credit Agricole S.A. since 14 May 2025. Olivier Gavalda holds a masters degree in Econometrics and a DESS (post-graduate diploma) in organisation/computing from Arts et Metiers. Jean-Christophe Mieszala served as a French civil servant and worked at the World Bank, until he joined McKinsey & Company in 1994. After several years in the United States, he moved to France and was elected Partner in France in 2000, then Senior Partner in 2006. He served as Managing Partner France (chief executive officer) from 2010 to 2017, then Global Chief Risk Officer from 2018 to 2024. He was also a member of McKinsey's Global Board of Directors from 2018. He left McKinsey in September 2024. In addition to his consulting activity for companies for nearly 30 years, he has been making regular contributions to various think tanks (WEF, Institut de l'Entreprise, MGI, etc.) and market initiatives concerning the French financial system and the French industrial ecosystem. Jean-Christophe Mieszala is a member of the Advisory Committee of the Banque de France, a board member of Ecole des Mines ParisTech and of Allianz France. Former student of the Ecole Polytechnique (class of 1985), Jean-Christophe Mieszala trained at the Corps des Mines (French civil service) until 1991 and obtained his MBA with honors from INSEAD in 1994. *** About Amundi Amundi, the leading European asset manager, ranking among the top 10 global players1, offers its 100 million clients - retail, institutional and corporate - a complete range of savings and investment solutions in active and passive management, in traditional or real assets. This offering is enhanced with IT tools and services to cover the entire savings value chain. A subsidiary of the Credit Agricole group and listed on the stock exchange, Amundi currently manages more than 2.2 trillion of assets2. With its six international investment hubs3, financial and extra-financial research capabilities and long-standing commitment to responsible investment, Amundi is a key player in the asset management landscape. Amundi clients benefit from the expertise and advice of 5,700 employees in 35 countries. Amundi, a trusted partner, working every day in the interest of its clients and society www.amundi.com Press contacts: Natacha Andermahr Tel. +33 1 76 37 86 05 natacha.andermahr@amundi.com Corentin Henry Tel. +33 1 76 36 26 96 corentin.henry@amundi.com Investor contacts: Cyril Meilland, CFA Tel. +33 1 76 32 62 67 cyril.meilland@amundi.com Thomas Lapeyre Tel. +33 1 76 33 70 54 thomas.lapeyre@amundi.com Annabelle Wiriath Tel. + 33 1 76 32 43 92 annabelle.wiriath@amundi.com 1 Source: IPE Top 500 Asset Managers published in June 2024, based on assets under management as at 31/12/2023 2 Amundi data as at 31/03/2025 3 Paris, London, Dublin, Milan, Tokyo and San Antonio (via our strategic partnership with Victory Capital) Attachment Springfield, Mo., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), in partnership with Dr. Jose Perea of the Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Salamanca (IBSAL) and a global network of collaborators, will host the inaugural Global Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank (GEOCRCTT) on June 1819 in Barcelona, Spain. This two-day event will convene leading experts from research, healthcare, and advocacy to develop a comprehensive research strategy aimed at reversing the troubling trend in early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) cases. Its the first time weve ever hosted an international meeting, and we are thrilled to convene more than 75 scientists and patients, said Anjee Davis, CEO of Fight CRC. Global partners consistently ask us, How can we meaningfully engage patients and reflect their voices in the science? Through this international coalition of scientists, were committed to advancing the science with patients at the center. We want to make sure the lessons weve learned in the U.S. are shared globally. This isnt just about presenting research; its about rolling up our sleeves and working together to drive it forward. Its a true dialogue around collaboration, and that level of global partnership simply hasnt happened before. As early onset colorectal cancer becomes increasingly prevalent, especially in countries with traditionally lower risk, the GEOCRCTT represents a timely and necessary response. Through keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and specialized breakout sessions, the Think Tank will facilitate knowledge sharing across borders and disciplines. Experts will focus on setting research priorities, strengthening collaborative efforts, and identifying targeted ways to support patients, caregivers, and affected communities worldwide. This gathering marks a pivotal moment in our approach to early onset colorectal cancer research as one of the only initiatives to explore global etiology; not just from a specific country or region, the entire world, said Andrea (Andi) Dwyer, advisor to Fight CRC and member of the University of Colorado Cancer Center. "The future of EOCRC research and patient support depends on this level of unity and commitment. The GEOCRCTT reflects the growing urgency to address EOCRC with a united, strategic approach. For more information on the GEOCRCTT, or to support Fight Colorectal Cancer and its partners, visit fightcolorectalcancer.org or join the conversation at #GEOCRCTT. GEOCRCTT Goals and Deliverables: Publishing Think Tank Outcomes: Findings, recommendations, and action items will be published in a leading peer-reviewed journal, making them accessible to the global research and medical communities. Supporting Critical Research Efforts: Through GEOCRCTT, six grants have been awarded to support baseline data collection internationally. This research funding underscores a united commitment to filling gaps in understanding EOCRCs causes, risk factors, and trends on an international scale. Empowering Patients and Advocates: Through focused sessions, GEOCRCTT will provide advocacy groups and patient communities with the latest information and strategies to elevate awareness and improve support networks globally. Fight CRC remains committed to advancing these efforts and fostering a global culture of informed, patient-centered care. Attachment Mahe, Seychelles, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BitMart Research, the research arm of BitMart Exchange, has released a comprehensive report examining a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital finance. As the U.S. accelerates efforts to regulate the stablecoin ecosystem through the groundbreaking GENIUS Act, the launch of USD1a fully fiat-backed stablecoin associated with former President Donald Trumps familysignals a major shift in both regulatory alignment and market power. This in-depth analysis explores the legal, financial, and political implications of the GENIUS Act and USD1s rapid ascent, highlighting their combined potential to redefine the stablecoin landscape and solidify U.S. dominance in the global digital asset economy. Preface Since the collapse of TerraUSD (UST) in 2022, the market share of algorithmic stablecoins has continued to decline. As an algorithmic stablecoin, UST was not backed by any fiat currency or assets but relied solely on an algorithmic mechanism to maintain its peg to the U.S. dollar. Once confidence collapsed and the mechanism failed, a chain reaction ensued in the market. In contrast, fiat-backed stablecoinssuch as USDT, USDC, and USD1which are supported by highly liquid assets like U.S. dollars and Treasury bonds, have gradually become the mainstream. However, even these stablecoins continue to face scrutiny regarding their regulatory compliance and transparency. To address these challenges, the United States has recently accelerated the advancement of the GENIUS Act, aiming to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the stablecoin market. GENIUS Act Significance of the GENIUS Act to the Crypto Market The GENIUS Act plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the crypto market, particularly in the realm of stablecoins. Its core provisions include restrictions on issuance eligibility, reserve requirements, compliance obligations, user protection, and international applicability. The Act clearly stipulates that stablecoins must be fully backed by an equivalent amount of highly liquid assets, ensuring that users can redeem their holdings at any time. To protect token holders, the assets of an issuer must be prioritized for user repayment in the event of bankruptcy. Moreover, issuers must strictly comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) requirements to prevent the misuse of stablecoins for illicit purposes. Overall, while the GENIUS Act enhances regulatory oversight and protects user rights, it also raises the entry bar for stablecoin issuers in the short term. Existing issuers will be required to restructure their asset reserves, disclosure practices, and internal systems, which may entail significant costs and operational complexity. Key Provisions of the GENIUS Act 1. Licensing and Regulatory Framework The Act permits only three types of entities to issue payment stablecoins: Subsidiaries of banks or credit unions Non-bank financial institutions approved by federal regulators (e.g., institutions regulated by the OCC) State-licensed issuers that meet federal substantive equivalence standards The Act adopts a dual regulatory system: Issuers with a market cap over $10 billion must be subject to federal oversight Smaller issuers may be regulated at the state level, provided they meet federal baseline requirements 2. Reserve and Asset Segregation Requirements All stablecoins must be backed by 100% reserves and can only use highly liquid assets, such as: Cash and demand deposits Short-term U.S. Treasury securities ( 93 days) Short-term repurchase agreements ( 7 days, under central bank oversight) Central bank reserves Customer assets must be strictly segregated from operating funds, cannot be re-pledged, and may only be temporarily pledged for short-term liquidity purposes. 3. Transparency, Auditing, and Accountability Mechanisms Issuers are required to disclose reserve asset compositions monthly and undergo audits by certified public accounting firms.Regulators will also establish standards for capital adequacy, liquidity, and risk management. Issuers with a market cap over $50 billion will face stricter audit and compliance standards CEOs and CFOs must sign monthly compliance certifications False statements may lead to criminal liability 4. AML and National Security Compliance Stablecoin issuers are classified as financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act and must implement AML and sanctions compliance programs, including: Transaction monitoring Risk assessments Filing of suspicious activity reports 5. Restrictions on Foreign Issuers and Big Tech Foreign stablecoin issuers that fail to comply with U.S.-equivalent standards will be prohibited from operating in the U.S.Large technology companies (e.g., Meta, Amazon) must meet stringent financial compliance, user privacy, and fair competition requirements to prevent monopolistic behavior and systemic risks. 6. Consumer Protection and Bankruptcy Priority Stablecoin holders will have priority claims on issuer assets in the event of bankruptcy.To avoid conflicts of interest, the Act prohibits members of Congress and senior executive officials from participating in stablecoin issuance during their term in office. 7. Legal Classification and Regulatory Clarity The Act explicitly states that payment stablecoins are not classified as securities or commodities, thus excluding them from SEC and CFTC jurisdiction. This provides legal clarity and prevents overlapping regulation. Legislative Progress As of May 22, the GENIUS Act passed a motion to proceed to debate with 69 votes in favor and 31 against, entering the amendment phase. With the House and Senate rapidly advancing their respective versions of stablecoin legislation and a rare bipartisan consensus on crypto regulation, the Act is widely expected to complete the legislative process by Q4 2024. Introduction to USD1 Background of USD1 USD1 is a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin launched in March 2025 by World Liberty Financial Inc. (WLFI), a DeFi platform controlled by members of former U.S. President Donald Trumps family. Each USD1 token is designed to maintain a 1:1 peg to the U.S. dollar and is fully backed by reserves consisting of short-term U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. dollar deposits, and cash equivalents. The project emphasizes regulatory compliance and transparency, with reserve assets regularly audited by a third-party accounting firm and custodied by BitGo, a leading digital asset custody provider. The projects key figures include Zach Witkoff, co-founder of WLFI, and Eric Trump, Donald Trump's son, who also serves as WLFIs head. Current Status of USD1 As Bitcoin recently broke its all-time high and interest in USD1 surged, ecosystem partners associated with the USD1 network have gained significant market attention. Tokens from partnered projectssuch as Buildon, Lista DAO, StakeStone, Haedal, and Cookiehave experienced sharp price increases, fueling enthusiasm around the WLFI + USD1 narrative. As of mid-May 2025, USD1s market capitalization surpassed $2.1 billion, making it the seventh-largest stablecoin. Since its launch in March, USD1 has rapidly expanded across Ethereum, BNB Chain, and more recently, the Tron network.However, according to official statements from WLFI, USD1 is primarily targeted at institutional users. Its most notable real-world application to date is its selection by MGX, an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm, as the official stablecoin for a $2 billion investment into Binance, marking USD1s first major institutional use case. USD1 Ecosystem Partnerships BUILDon BUILDon is a meme token representing the cultural mascot of the BSC (BNB Smart Chain) builder community. On May 17, the project officially announced the addition of a USD1 trading pair, and has since actively engaged with WLFI on social media. On May 22, WLFI publicly disclosed the purchase of BUILDons native token B, triggering a price surge of over 450%. StakeStone On May 9, StakeStone announced a partnership with WLFI to provide omnichain liquidity infrastructure and cross-chain staking yield services for USD1 users. On May 22, following Binances listing of USD1, StakeStones native token STO rose over 20% in a single day. Lista On May 7, Lista DAO announced a strategic partnership with WLFI. The Lista ecosystem plans to add USD1 to its treasury, introduce a USD1/lisUSD LP pair, and support USD1 as CDP collateral. On May 22, following the Binance listing news, Listas token price jumped 37.9% in one day. In addition to these core partners, USD1 is now supported across various DeFi protocols including Venus Protocol, Aster, Meson Finance, and Falcon Finance, enabling its use for trading, collateralization, and liquidity provisioning. On the custody and liquidity side, BitGo is responsible for holding the reserve assets, while BitGo Prime offers institutional-grade liquidity and trading services. DWF Labs has deployed several DeFi liquidity pools for USD1 and has committed $25 million in WLFI token purchases to support the ecosystem.For wallets and consumer applications, USD1 has been integrated into platforms like TokenPocket, HOT Wallet, Pundi X, and Umy, enabling its use in payments, hotel bookings, and merchant settlements within various Web3 scenarios. Comparison Between USD1 and Competitors Mechanically, USD1 shares many similarities with leading stablecoins such as USDT and USDC. It follows a 1:1 reserve model, backed primarily by U.S. Treasury securities, cash, and other highly liquid assets, with third-party custody and periodic audits to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance.What sets USD1 apart is its unique political brand value. Backed by the Trump family through WLFI, USD1 has experienced exceptionally rapid early-stage growth, most notably being selected as the official stablecoin for MGXs $2 billion investment in Binance. This momentum is largely driven by the Trump family's public influence and political capital, which has bolstered confidence in the stablecoin's credibility and regulatory soundness. However, its worth noting that the previously launched $TRUMP meme coin, also associated with the Trump name, experienced significant price volatility, raising concerns about its stability and long-term value. This historical context may impact investor confidence in USD1especially when considering the broader political dynamics that can influence sentiment and risk in the crypto market. Future Outlook The GENIUS Act is not merely a regulatory framework for stablecoinsit represents a broader strategic initiative by the United States to strengthen the international dominance of the digital dollar. By promoting the issuance of compliant, USD-pegged stablecoins, attracting global capital inflows into U.S. Treasury assets, and imposing stricter controls on foreign issuers, the Act aims to enhance both the security and stability of the overall crypto market while mitigating the risk of incidents like the TerraUSD collapse. Against this backdrop, highly compliant stablecoin projects are well-positioned to gain greater market recognition. For instance, USD1, with its strong political and institutional backing, may benefit significantly as the GENIUS Act moves forward. Its ecosystem partners and integrations could play an increasingly important role in the future digital asset landscape. About BitMart BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in cryptos potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. New users can register here to unlock an $8,000+ welcome bonus. Risk Warning: The information provided is for reference only and should not be considered a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any financial asset. All information is provided in good faith. However, we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of such information. All cryptocurrency investments (including returns) are highly speculative in nature and involve significant risk of loss. Past, hypothetical or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The value of digital currencies may rise or fall, and there may be significant risks in buying, selling, holding or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial situation and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal or tax advice. Long Beach, CA, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly one year ago, Long Beach City College (LBCC) launched the first Urban Planning associate degree in the California Community Colleges system, through a new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona. Our new Associate Degree in Urban Planning reflects Long Beach City Colleges commitment to shaping equitable and sustainable communities, said Uduak-Joe Ntuk, Long Beach City College Board of Trustees President. By equipping students with the modern tools to address land use, climate resiliency, and urban revitalization, were preparing the next generation of leaders to design better cities of the future. Our new Urban Planning program underscores how LBCC is a college where lives are transformed and students are uplifted, as urban and regional planners in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Orange County metropolitan area are earning an average salary of more than $111,000 annually, said Dr. Mike Munoz, Long Beach City College Superintendent-President. Graduates from widely diverse backgrounds will be equipped to contribute to sustainable and resilient community planning and are literally building the future. The program was developed in consultation with the Long Beach Community Design Center, a non-profit comprised of leading area urban planners, architects, and representatives from Cal Poly Pomona. The new curriculum focuses on the skills needed for entry-level roles in planning agencies or consultancies. Those completing the program will have a solid foundation in urban design skills, land use planning, and government policy-making while learning to tackle planning challenges using industry-standard GIS software and understand the socioeconomic aspects of urban development. Among the required courses are Urban Dynamics American Cities; Urbanscapes & Cultures; Research Methodologies for Design; Intro to Geographic Information Systems; and Urban Design Studies. As part of the new degree pathway, the Urban Planning & Design Internship Program was also launched by the Long Beach Community Design and the City of Long Beach to give students real-world experience in shaping the built environment. Through curated activities, events, and project-based experiences, students engage with professionals in the field, gain insight into urban planning best practices and techniques, build industry-relevant skills, and form meaningful mentorship connections. Interns were hosted across the private sector, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of urban planning and design work. The first cohort included 10 undergraduate students from LBCC, CSU Long Beach, UCLA, UC Irvine, and Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in architecture, urban planning, urban studies, environmental science, geography, and civil engineering. David Salazar, Long Beach Community Design Centers founder and executive director, was among those whose efforts were paramount in developing the new program. The ground-breaking Associate of Science Degree in Urban Planning at LBCC, along with a pathway to Cal Poly Pomona, is an exceptional opportunity for the youth of Long Beach to pursue a career in a field that can improve the quality of life in their communities, Salazar said. This unique partnership provides young planners with a clear path to establishing a successful career in urban planning, where their voice and perspective are vital. Dr. Leslie Forehand, an LBCC architecture professor who played a key role in developing the program, agreed. This achievement not only elevates our students' academic journeys but also ensures that our community is shaped by the very minds we nurture, she said. It's a significant step towards a future where our community's growth and planning are driven by its own educated, empowered members. Dr. Gwen H. Urey, emeritus professor at Cal Poly Pomonas Department of Urban and Regional Planning added, LBCC's new Associate of Science Degree in Urban Planning degree is a model for planning education at the community college level. The Department of Urban & Regional Planning at Cal Poly Pomona celebrates this achievement and anticipates welcoming its graduates into our accredited Bachelor of Science program, which they will be able to complete in two years. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 3,700 openings nationally for urban and regional planners each year, on average, over the decade, with many of those openings expected to replace those who retire or transfer to other occupations. More than 2,000 of the nearly 43,000 urban and regional planners working in the United States are employed in the region. # # # About Long Beach City College Long Beach City College consists of two campuses with an enrollment of over 35,000 students each semester and serves the cities of Avalon, Lakewood, Long Beach, and Signal Hill. 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Spearheaded by Dr. David Webb, DDS, FACS, FAACS, this initiative seeks to recognize individuals with a strong academic foundation and a demonstrated commitment to improving lives through medicine. Dr. David Webb, a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with decades of clinical experience, has long championed the development of future healthcare professionals. Through this scholarship, Dr. David Webb aims to assist students pursuing degrees in pre-dental, pre-med, nursing, public health, biology, or other healthcare-related disciplines. His goal is to encourage those who not only excel academically but who also exhibit genuine compassion and a drive to serve their communities. The Dr. David Webb Scholarship for Future Doctors is open to high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students who are enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university within the United States. The application process includes a 500800 word essay responding to the following prompt: What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how do you plan to use your education to improve the lives of others? Essays and applicant contact information must be submitted via email to apply@drdavidwebbscholarship.com, with the subject line: Dr. David Webb Scholarship Application [Your Full Name] Applications must be submitted by February 15, 2026, and the scholarship winner will be announced on March 15, 2026. Dr. David Webbs passion for medical education and service continues to inspire the next generation of doctors and healthcare leaders. This scholarship represents his broader vision of supporting those who are committed to healing and human connection. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. David Webb remains deeply involved in mentorship and community outreach, reflecting the values at the heart of this scholarship program. Through the Dr. David Webb Scholarship for Future Doctors, Dr. David Webb invites driven and compassionate students to take the next step in their journey toward meaningful, impactful careers in medicine. For more details and application guidelines, please visit the official scholarship website: https://drdavidwebbscholarship.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Dr. David Webb Organization: Dr. David Webb Scholarship Website: https://drdavidwebbscholarship.com Email: apply@drdavidwebbscholarship.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f353965-d635-4b29-bfb9-8ffc068a0920. NEWPORT NEWS, Va., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) hosted members of the United Kingdom House of Commons Defence Committee at its Newport News Shipbuilding division last week. The visit was held in support of the trilateral Australia, United Kingdom and United States (AUKUS) partnership. HII continues its commitment to supporting AUKUS, which set in motion tasking across all three countries to determine the optimal pathway to provide Australia with conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines and a broader partnership on advanced capabilities. The Committee were delighted to visit the HII yard and see the skill and endeavour on display, said Tan Dhesi, chairman of House of Commons Defence Committee. The AUKUS agreement is a vital tool for the strategic advantage of all three countries and the Committee is pleased to support it with our recently launched inquiry, ensuring it achieves its maximum potential. Defence Committee members met with company leadership and saw facilities that support construction of Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines. Additionally, they participated in a tour of the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School that focused on HIIs workforce development expertise. Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-hosts-united-kingdom-house-of-commons-defence-committee-members-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/. We greatly appreciate the Defence Committees engagement and the opportunity to showcase how HIIs decades of expertise directly support AUKUS objectives, said Michael Lempke, president of the HII Mission Technologies division Global Security group and the leader of HIIs Australia and U.K. operations. From building nuclear-powered submarines to fortifying industrial capacity across the U.S., U.K. and Australia, our efforts are closely aligned with the trilateral vision. These discussions are vital to strengthening the collaboration and driving the innovation that underpins AUKUS. Industrial integration of submarine and shipbuilding capabilities between the U.S., U.K. and Australia is a critical component of the AUKUS partnership, enabling aligned defense production, workforce development, and supply chain collaboration to support shared security objectives. NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy. HII is the founding member of the AUKUS Workforce Alliance (AWA), a dedicated partnership committed to preparing a skilled workforce in support of all steps of Australias optimal pathway to sovereign nuclear-powered submarines. The company was awarded a contract for the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) pilot program to accelerate the identification and qualification of Australian suppliers and products into the United States submarine industrial base. About Defence Committees inquiry: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9068/aukus/ About HII HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HIIs mission is to deliver the worlds most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world. As the nations largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HIIs workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit: HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/ HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII HII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII Contact: Todd Corillo Todd.T.Corillo@hii-co.com (757) 688-3220 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/58e10b8d-40aa-41d0-ae1c-fc3eb8b5c17e VAL-DOR, Quebec, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartier Resources Inc. (TSX-V: ECR) (Cartier or the Company) announces that at its annual general meeting of shareholders held on May 27, 2025, the following individuals were elected as directors of Cartier: Name Votes for % For Myrzah Tavares Bello 52,547,290 98.17 Philippe Cloutier 53,412,290 99.79 Mario Jacob 53,412,290 99.79 Alain Laplante 53,388,268 99.74 Daniel Masse 53,412,290 99.79 Manuel Peiffer 53,388,268 99.74 The stock option plan of the Company (the Plan) as described in the Management Information Circular dated April 24, 2025 (the Circular) was approved by the shareholders at the meeting. The maximum number of shares issuable under the Plan is to represent a maximum of 10% of the shares issued and outstanding from time to time (on a non-diluted basis). For further information, the Circular is available for consultation on SEDAR+. The proposal to appoint KPMG LLP as auditors of the Company as presented in the Circular was approved by the shareholders at the meeting. Following the annual meeting, the Board of Directors named the following individuals as officers of the Company: Philippe Cloutier, P.Geo., President and Chief Executive Officer; Ronan Deroff, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration; Nancy Lacoursiere, BAA, Chief Financial Officer; Daniel Masse, B.SC., ADM.A. PL.FIN., Chairman of the board; Alain Laplante, FCPA, ICD.D, Corporate Secretary. The Chairman of the board, Daniel Masse is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Deroff as the new Vice President of Exploration and stated: Over the years, Ronan has played a significant role in advancing our company, particularly in the development of the Cadillac camp. His strong expertise, excellent knowledge of the territory, and extensive exploration experience will enable him to effectively oversee the continued rigorous execution of our current programs while generating new opportunities, especially within the Cadillac camp. On May 27, 2025, the Board of Directors granted a total of 3,600,000 stock options to directors, officers and one consultant of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the stock option plan, each option will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.11 per share no later than May 26, 2030. Contact: Philippe Cloutier President and CEO Cartier Resources Inc. Telephone: (819) 874-1331, Toll free: 877 874-1331, Fax: (819) 874-3113 The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. RUSSELLVILLE, Ark., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Dr. Jeremy Saul Scholarship for Medical Students is now officially open for applications, offering aspiring undergraduate students across the United States the opportunity to receive a one-time award in support of their medical education. Founded by Dr. Jeremy Saul, a respected and active family physician, the scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering the academic and professional growth of future healthcare providers. The Dr. Jeremy Saul Scholarship for Medical Students is available to current undergraduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges or universities who are planning to enter the medical field. This scholarship is intended to ease financial challenges and encourage students who demonstrate both academic potential and a strong desire to serve their communities through healthcare. Through a carefully structured essay contest, one deserving student will be selected to receive the $1,000 award. Dr. Jeremy Saul, a practicing family medicine physician based in Arkansas, has spent his career delivering patient-centered care in diverse healthcare settings. A graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and a former Chief Resident of his Family Medicine Residency program, Dr. Jeremy Saul brings years of experience in clinical practice, medical leadership, and mentorship. His vision for this scholarship is to provide financial support and guidance for those who are committed to continuing the tradition of compassionate, community-focused healthcare. Applicants for the scholarship must submit a thoughtful essay of 500800 words responding to the following prompt: Reflect on a personal experience that solidified your passion for a medical career. How do you plan to embody the values of compassion, innovation, and service in your future work as a healthcare professional, and what impact do you hope to make in your community? In addition to the essay, students must meet the following eligibility requirements: Be enrolled full-time or part-time in an accredited undergraduate program in the United States. Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Demonstrate a clear intent to pursue a career in a medical or healthcare-related field. Provide documentation of community service or extracurricular activities that reflect a commitment to serving others. All submissions must be uploaded through the official application portal by February 15, 2026. The winner will be announced on March 15, 2026, and featured on the scholarships website and social media platforms. This initiative represents a growing need to support students at the early stages of their academic journey. The path to a medical career is both demanding and rewarding, says Dr. Jeremy Saul. This scholarship is one small way to recognize the resilience and motivation that students bring to the profession. I hope it provides meaningful encouragement to someone who is ready to make a difference. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their submissions early and to ensure that all materialsincluding the essay and academic transcriptare submitted on time. Essays will be evaluated for originality, clarity, and alignment with the core values that Dr. Jeremy Saul has championed throughout his medical career. To apply or learn more about the Dr. Jeremy Saul Scholarship for Medical Students, visit [insert scholarship website link]. Inquiries may be directed to apply@drjeremysaulscholarship.com. This scholarship is not bound to any particular city or state and is open to eligible undergraduate students throughout the United States. About the Organizer Dr. Jeremy Saul is a board-certified family physician based in Russellville, Arkansas. With a career that spans family medicine, emergency care, and rehabilitation, Dr. Jeremy Saul remains committed to serving patients and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. His dedication to medical education and patient advocacy continues to shape his approach to medicine and community involvement. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Dr. Jeremy Saul Organization: Dr. Jeremy Saul Scholarship Website: https://drjeremysaulscholarship.com/ Email: apply@drjeremysaulscholarship.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f348f22-0dec-4c10-a4ff-622cfb87451b SAN DIEGO, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) is proud to announce that Andrew Cardno, Chief Technology Officer of QCI, will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Class 2 Gathering (C2G) Conference, taking place June 24, 2025, at Prairie Band Casino in Mayetta, Kansas. Mr. Cardno will participate in General Session II: Utilizing Analytic Theories, scheduled for Tuesday, June 3 from 11:30 AM to 12:20 PM. This session will explore the integration of analytic theories and artificial intelligence to enhance player engagement and drive data-driven decision-making in bingo and slot operations. Joining Mr. Cardno on stage will be Erik Isner, with the session moderated by Eric Casey. Attendees will gain insight into how descriptive and diagnostic analytics uncover player behavior, while predictive models help forecast churn and high-value player actions. The session will also address solution-focused analytics for retention and monetization, and how probability models and game theory are redefining success in the highly competitive brick-and-mortar gaming landscape. "Integrating advanced analytic theories with AI is transforming our industry," said Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI. From optimizing bingo outcomes through pattern recognition to leveraging reinforcement learning in slots, we are ushering in a new era of data-led decision making that drives both player satisfaction and operational efficiency. Sarah House, C2G Committee Co-Chair, added, Were thrilled to have Andrew Cardno bring his extensive expertise to the C2G Conference. His insights into the application of advanced analytics and AI in gaming align perfectly with our mission to drive meaningful conversations around innovation and modernization in tribal gaming. The C2G Conference is a key gathering for tribal gaming operators and technology leaders, offering a platform for exploring cutting-edge innovations and strategies to improve performance across gaming properties. ABOUT CLASS 2 GATHERING Class 2 Gathering brings together casino and gaming professionals, vendors, and experts in the field of class II casino gaming from the traditional bingo hall experience to the slot floor. The conference will combine education paths, showcase current innovations, plus engaging events for participants. The education paths have a wide range of topics encompassing class II gaming including data analytics, cybersecurity, guest service, mobile on premise, and the hub and spoke model. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit the exhibitor expo, user workshops, and network during evening events. Registration and agenda information can be found at www.class2gathering.com. ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Denver, and Phoenix. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com. ABOUT Andrew Cardno Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master's level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew's innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today's mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industriesbe it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSDAndrew's impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring 10 influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew's work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors. Contact: Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence Phone: 858-349-8354 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSX-V: DMGI) (OTCQB US: DMGGF) (FRANKFURT: 6AX) (DMG or the Company), a vertically integrated data center and digital asset technology company, announces that DMGs digital asset custody subsidiary, Systemic Trust Company (STC) has added the capability to send bitcoin in a regulatory compliant and carbon neutral manner. This enablement is the keystone that bridges the key pillars of DMGs carbon-neutral Bitcoin ecosystem STC, whose platform is built on Fireblocks custody solution, and Terra Pool, the worlds first carbon neutral Bitcoin mining pool. By utilizing Fireblocks, a proven and trusted solution for wallet infrastructure, users can be assured of the security and integrity of their digital asset holdings when they are stored and subsequently sent. In turn, DMGs Petra technology empowers bitcoin transactions from STCs Petra-enabled wallets to be sent via Terra Pool, which removes the risk of commingling with nefarious actors and utilizes energy from carbon neutral energy sources, a highly sought after capability increasingly demanded by financial institutions globally. DMGs CEO, Sheldon Bennett, commented: "Integrating Petra technology with Fireblocks custody solution achieves a key milestone for enabling DMGs carbon neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, as it allows not only Systemic Trust being able to send bitcoin in a regulatory-compliant and carbon neutral manner but also the much larger ecosystem of Fireblocks 2000+ customers. Our goal remains to provide financial institutions, government and enterprises choice as to how they transact bitcoin, and this is a key advancement that can broadly give them that choice, all the while advancing our burgeoning collaboration with Fireblocks." About Terra Pool Terra Pool is the worlds first carbon neutral Bitcoin mining pool, designed to reward miners with carbon neutral bitcoin. It plays a crucial role in advancing a carbon neutral Bitcoin ecosystem. When integrated with DMGs subsidiary, Systemic Trust, a digital asset custodian, financial institutions and content creators gain the ability to send bitcoin in a regulatory-compliant and carbon neutral manner. About Systemic Trust Company Systemic Trust Company is a qualified custodian fully regulated under the Alberta Loans and Trust Corporations Act, ensuring client digital assets are managed with the highest standards of compliance and security. Systemic Trust combines regulatory compliance, cutting-edge technology and robust insurance coverage to deliver the ultimate digital asset custody experience. About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. DMG is a publicly traded and vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that manages, operates and develops end-to-end digital solutions to monetize the digital asset and artificial intelligence compute ecosystems. Systemic Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DMG, is an integral component of DMGs carbon neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, which offers financial institutions the choice to send bitcoin in a regulatory-compliant and sustainable manner. For additional information about DMG Blockchain Solutions and its initiatives, please visit www.dmgblockchain.com. Follow @dmgblockchain on X, LinkedIn and Facebook, and subscribe to the DMG YouTube channel to stay updated with the latest developments and insights. For further information, please contact: On behalf of the Board of Directors, Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director Tel: +1 (778) 300-5406 Email: investors@dmgblockchain.com Web: www.dmgblockchain.com For Investor Relations: investors@dmgblockchain.com For Media Inquiries: Chantelle Borrelli Head of Communications chantelle@dmgblockchain.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service 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 This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding DMGs strategies and plans, the potential and expectations of STC and Terra Pool, the opportunity and plans to monetize bitcoin transactions and provide additional products and services to customers and users, the continued investment in Bitcoin network software infrastructure and applications, the expected allocation of capital, developing and executing on the Companys products and services, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Companys technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information. Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty rate or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMGs production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hashrate mining difficulty. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company's financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoin; the demand and pricing of Gen AI data centers and usage; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG's bitcoin; DMG's relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG's facilities; DMG's ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers' needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG's business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Companys filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMGs past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoin from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG's products, services and blockchain and Gen AI technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs (which includes energy costs), increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of Bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. BOGOTA, Colombia, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the third time, Invest in Bogota, through its Convention Bureau, participates in IMEX Frankfurt, one of the most important meetings of the global meetings, incentives, congresses and events (MICE) industry. IMEX Frankfurt takes place from this Tuesday until next Thursday, May 22, bringing together more than 12,000 professionals from the events and incentive travel industry from around the world, including planners of corporate meetings, associations, travel agencies, technology providers and tourist destinations, who will be able to participate in business meetings, educational sessions and networking activities that drive innovation and opportunities in the sector. Invest in Bogota will be present at ProColombia's booth 180, thanks to the articulation of efforts with the entire national and international value chain of the sector, also making visible all the potential that the city has, but especially its Bogota Fairs, Events and Conventions District made up of Corferias, Agora and the Hilton Corferias hotel. "This event becomes a key bet to position Bogota-Region among the most competitive markets for meetings tourism, since it not only connects with highly qualified buyers, but also allows us to be at the forefront of the trends that are transforming the industry," said the manager of the Convention Bureau, Luisa Fernanda Vasquez. The meeting will be attended by Kamila Caselles, official of the bureau, who will present the opportunities and competitive advantages offered by Bogota-Region in terms of sustainability, innovation and strengthening of business tourism. It is worth noting that, in 2024, the Convention Bureau contributed to the capture of 36 international events, which generated an economic spillover of USD 15.5 million attracting more than 80,600 attendees, and helped manage another 78 events, strengthening Bogota's position as a leading destination in Latin America for meetings and congresses. Invest in Bogota is a public-private partnership between the Bogota Chamber of Commerce and the Capital District, and its 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. Invest in Bogota Luis Alejandro Tibaduisa +57 3176419456 Bogota, Colombia SAN DIEGO and TORONTO, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aptose Biosciences Inc. ("Aptose" or the "Company") (TSX: APS; OTC: APTOF), a clinical-stage precision oncology company developing a tuspetinib (TUS) based triple drug frontline therapy to treat patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), today announced the voting results from the Company's annual and special meeting of shareholders held today, May 27, 2025 (the "Meeting"). A total of 1,477,794 common shares of the Company, representing 57.90% of the common shares of the Company entitled to be voted, were voted by shareholders present or represented by proxy at the Meeting. The Company is pleased to announce that all of the nominees listed in the proxy statement dated April 28, 2025 (the "Proxy Statement"), were re-elected as Directors. The results of the vote are provided below: Nominee Votes For % Votes For Votes Against % Votes Against Ms. Carol G. Ashe 1,055,169 97.80 23,724 2.20 Dr. Denis Burger 1,054,232 97.71 24,662 2.29 Dr. Erich Platzer 1,065,494 98.76 13,399 1.24 Dr. William G. Rice 1,053,959 97.69 24,935 2.31 Dr. Mark D. Vincent 1,054,474 97.74 24,420 2.26 Mr. Warren Whitehead 1,065,452 98.75 13,442 1.25 Dr. Bernd R. Seizinger 1,065,504 98.76 13,389 1.24 Aptose shareholders also voted in favor of the following matters: an advisory (non-binding) resolution on the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers, as more particularly described in the Proxy Statement; a resolution, the full text of which is set forth in the Proxy Statement, approving amendments to the Corporation's 2021 stock incentive plan to increase the number of common shares reserved for issuance thereunder (the "Stock Incentive Plan Amendment Resolution"); a resolution, the full text of which is set forth in the Proxy Statement, approving the adoption of an amendment to the Corporation's articles to effect a reverse stock split of the Companys outstanding common shares at a ratio in the range of 1-for-2 to 1-for-20, to be effected at a ratio and date as determined by the board of directors of Aptose (the "Reverse Split Proposal"); and a resolution, the full text of which is set forth in the Proxy Statement, approving one or more adjournments of the Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, if a quorum is present, to permit further solicitation of proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Meeting to approve the Stock Incentive Plan Amendment Resolution or the Reverse Split Proposal and to permit the Corporation to complete the search for a successor auditor to KPMG LLP. The Company has adjourned the Meeting to a later date and time to permit the Company to complete its search for a successor auditor to KPMG LLP. Once the new meeting date is determined, Aptose will issue a press release with the details and provide shareholders with information about the proposed new independent auditor. At the reconvened meeting, shareholders will be asked to vote on the appointment of the successor auditor and the authorization of the board of directors to set such auditors remuneration. Please refer to the Company's Proxy Statement available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or EDGAR www.sec.gov for more details on the matters covered at the Meeting. Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Meeting will also be filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR. About Aptose Aptose Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing precision medicines addressing unmet medical needs in oncology, with an initial focus on hematology. The Company's small molecule cancer therapeutics pipeline includes products designed to provide single agent efficacy and to enhance the efficacy of other anti-cancer therapies and regimens without overlapping toxicities. The Company's lead clinical-stage compound tuspetinib (TUS), is an oral kinase inhibitor that has demonstrated activity as a monotherapy and in combination therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is being developed as a frontline triplet therapy in newly diagnosed AML. For more information, please visit www.aptose.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian and U.S. securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's expectations with respect to retaining a new auditor, including further communication regarding the reconvention of the Meeting, expectations with respect to effecting the Reverse Split Proposal and other statements including words such as "continue", "expect", "intend", "will", "hope" "should", "would", "may", "potential" and other similar expressions. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements described in this press release. Such factors could include risks detailed from time-to-time in our ongoing current reports, quarterly filings, annual information forms, annual reports and annual filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions set out in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission underlying those forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and we do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. We cannot assure you that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. For further information, please contact: Aptose Biosciences Inc. Susan Pietropaolo Corporate Communications & Investor Relations 201-923-2049 spietropaolo@aptose.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: O4V3) announces that it has selected Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC (Ausenco) to lead the study work for a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on its wholly-owned Los Reyes gold-silver project (Los Reyes or the Project) located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. The Company is targeting the delivery of a PEA reflecting a high return, high margin, low capital and long-life project at Los Reyes. The PEA will be based on drilling to the end of 2024 and incorporate the extensive technical work completed to-date. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent more than $64 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 221,000 metres of drilling. The PEA is targeted for completion in Q3 2025. Prime CEO, Scott Hicks, commented, We are excited to share that we are accelerating our work on a Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Los Reyes Project. This follows a recently completed, robust initial de-risking program of benchmarking capital and operating costs, assessing infrastructure and reviewing design parameters for both mining and processing with the Ausenco team. It builds upon the extensive metallurgical testwork program that we had undertaken, in addition to the geotechnical and mine planning optimization that Prime and previous Project owners have completed. Our approach assumes a low capital, 5,000 tonne-per-day mill fed by a combination of open pit and underground material and may include a higher throughput sensitivity scenario. We look forward to updating the market on our results as we target completion of the PEA in the third quarter of 2025. In parallel with the preparation of the PEA, Prime will prioritize exploration, targeting highly prospective areas with potential to contribute additional resource ounces in future studies. Ausenco has been chosen to lead the PEA based on its extensive experience with projects of similar scale in Mexico, including advancing Silvercrests Las Chispas Project from technical studies through construction, leading the delivery of Discovery Silvers Cordero Project Feasibility Study and Vizsla Silvers Panuco PEA and providing process design expertise for GoGolds Los Ricos Project Feasibility Study. Prime will continue to work with AGP Mining Consultants Inc., Knight Piesold Ltd., and Kappes Cassiday & Associates to deliver a high quality, independent study. 2025 Outlook The Company plans to continue its success-based approach to exploration to further identify new prospective targets, expand the existing resource, and infill drilling. Additional work will include geological mapping and geochemical sampling to identify further discovery areas. Six drill rigs remain on site at Los Reyes, with planned fiscal 2025 exploration focused on: Extending the high-grade Z-T Area shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south. Expanding the known high-grade mineralization at Guadalupe East. Increasing the Central Area resource through additions southeast at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East. Generative target drilling of high-grade intercepts at Las Primas, Fresnillo and Mariposa to further grow these emerging resources, as well as other target discovery areas to demonstrate the significant resource expansion potential at Los Reyes. Project activities are also planned to include: Preliminary Economic Assessment completion: Further refine metallurgical, geotechnical, mine planning and development parameters for project development, including process and underground mining optimization, infrastructure assessment and permitting requirements targeting Q3 2025 completion. Community Engagement: Continue to engage with and support local ejidos (communities) through educational, community and environmental programming, access (road) improvements and infrastructure development. Prime continues to sponsor and benefit from a strong geologist intern program, supporting geology students from local colleges and universities. About Ausenco Ausenco is a global company redefining what's possible. The team is based out of 21 offices working across five continents to deliver services worldwide. Combining deep technical expertise with a 30-year track record, Ausenco delivers innovative, value-add consulting, studies, project delivery, asset operations and maintenance solutions to the minerals and metals and industrial sectors (http://www.ausenco.com). About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project Los Reyes is a high-grade, low-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. On October 15, 2024, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit and underground resource based on exploration drilling up to July 17, 2024. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent more than $64 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 221,000 metres of drilling. The Company is targeting the delivery of a PEA by the end of Q3, 2025 that will highlight a high return, high margin, low capital and long-life project at Los Reyes. October 15, 2024 Resource Statement1 (based on a $1950/oz gold price, $25.24/oz silver price, economic-constrained estimate) Mining Method and Process Class Tonnage (kt) Gold Grade (g/t) Gold Contained (koz) Silver Grade (g/t) Silver Contained (koz) Gold Equiv. (g/t) Gold Equiv. (koz) Silver Equiv. (g/t) Silver Equiv. (koz) Open Pit - Mill Indicated 24,657 1.13 899 35.7 28,261 1.60 1,265 123.3 97,723 Inferred 7,211 0.89 207 42.8 9,916 1.45 335 111.8 25,911 Underground Indicated 4,132 3.02 402 152.4 20,243 5.00 664 386.1 51,290 Inferred 4,055 2.10 273 78.6 10,247 3.12 406 240.7 31,380 Total Mill Indicated 28,789 1.41 1,301 52.4 48,504 2.08 1,928 161.0 149,012 Inferred 11,266 1.33 480 55.7 20,163 2.05 741 158.2 57,291 Open Pit - Heap Indicated 20,254 0.29 190 8.4 5,492 0.40 261 31.0 20,201 Leach Inferred 5,944 0.30 58 7.3 1,398 0.40 76 30.6 5,856 Total Indicated 49,042 0.95 1,491 34.2 53,995 1.39 2,190 107.3 169,213 Inferred 17,210 0.97 538 39.0 21,561 1.48 817 114.1 63,147 Refer to the Additional Notes section for the gold equivalent grade (AuEq) calculation method and further information. Drilling and geological interpretation suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas. Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies. QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetres mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut and one half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into 2 halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored. Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates as well as preparation duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole. Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns. Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements. Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21. Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories. Additional Notes Primes MRE as of October 15, 2024 is classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) CIM Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council (as amended, the CIM Definition Standards) and in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; g/t is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 g/t or 1.0 g/t as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 g/t Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of US$1,950 per ounce and silver price of $25.24 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (g/t) = Au grade + (Ag grade x $25.24 / $1,950). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 95.6% and 81% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 73% and 25% respectively when heap-leached. Additional details are available in the associated Technical Report, filed on November 27, 2024. Qualified Person Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release. About Prime Mining Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development. For further information, please visit https://www.primeminingcorp.ca/ or direct enquiries to: Scott Hicks CEO & Director Indi Gopinathan VP Capital Markets & Business Development Prime Mining Corp. 710 1030 West Georgia St. Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3 Canada +1(604) 238-1659 info@primeminingcorp.ca Cautionary Notes to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimates This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the U.S. securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms mineral reserve, proven mineral reserve, probable mineral reserve, inferred mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, measured mineral resources and mineral resources used or referenced in this presentation are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in the CIM Standards. The CIM Standards differ from the mineral property disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) in Regulation S-K Subpart 1300 (the SEC Modernization Rules) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multijurisdictional disclosure system, the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, the Companys disclosure of mineralization and other technical information may differ significantly from the information that would be disclosed had the Company prepared the information under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. 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. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19 and other future pandemics, delays in or failure to receive access agreements, on-going receipt of amended and/or operating permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, physical access to the property, security risks, availability of contractors and skilled labour, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated March 25, 2024, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Las Vegas, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Las Vegas, Nevada - Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant, a well-known spot in Las Vegas, is excited to share its special focus on the Orange Shrimp, a dish that has become one of its highlights. This popular dish is prepared using jumbo shrimp that are freshly peeled, lightly battered, and then fried in pure vegetable oil. They're topped with a house-made orange sauce that perfectly blends with pineapple chunks, white onions, carrot slices, and fresh orange pieces. Served alongside premium Jasmine Rice, the dish promises a unique flavor experience. Alan Wong, representing Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant, shared their dedication to quality and tradition, noting, "Our Orange Shrimp dish represents the fusion of authentic Chinese and Thai flavors. We aim to provide our guests with a memorable dining experience that transcends the usual expectations." Situated in the lively city of Las Vegas, the restaurant appeals to a wide crowd by offering dine-in, take-out, and delivery services. It has established itself as a culinary hotspot, attracting both locals and tourists. Their easy-to-navigate website showcases a full menu and a simple ordering system, allowing customers to access and enjoy their dishes without hassle. In tune with global customers, they accept various currencies such as Euros, Pounds, and even Bitcoin. Kung Fu Thai Chinese Restaurant is noted for its diverse menu, which includes appetizers like spring rolls and crab rangoon, alongside main courses that marry Chinese and Thai inspirations. As a highlight of their menu, the popularity of the Orange Shrimp dish has inspired its central role. For those interested in checking out this dish, more information is available at https://www.kungfuplaza.com/349-orange-shrimps. Their commitment to quality is clear in their curated menu selection, which includes fried rice, soups, and vegetarian options, ensuring there's a delightful dish for everyone. Even without meat, the vegetarian options maintain the same level of taste and satisfaction. Over the years, the restaurant has shown its ability to adapt and grow with changing times. By keeping their patrons engaged through specials and discounts shared on their website and social media, they maintain lively interaction with customers. Alan Wong further expressed their ambitions, saying, "Our goal is to remain a cornerstone in the Las Vegas dining scene. The positive feedback and trust we've received from our patrons drive us to continually elevate our dishes, ensuring consistency in flavor and freshness." For those preferring to dine at home, Kung Fu Thai Chinese Restaurant offers efficient take-out and delivery services. Their timely delivery ensures that meals arrive warm and fresh, mirroring the standards expected in their dining room. Kung Fu Thai Chinese Restaurant also values their gift certificates, which are great for sharing a delightful Asian dining experience with loved ones. These certificates make for flexible dining options, applicable to any dish on the extensive menu. In summary, Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant continues to be a favorite choice for those seeking genuine Thai and Chinese cuisine in Las Vegas. By highlighting unique dishes like the Orange Shrimp, which eaters can find more about at the restaurant's website, they keep their roots alive while staying open to new tastes and dining trends. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxfsRvj8Eqs To discover more about their full menu and services, including the famed Orange Shrimp, visit their website at https://www.kungfuplaza.com/. Guests can order and explore detailed meal descriptions, enriching their dining experience with this beloved restaurant. Their blog provides further updates and news about the restaurant's offerings, keeping customers informed about new dishes and special events in their culinary journey. ### For more information about Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant, contact the company here: Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant Alan Wong 702-247-4120 aw@kungfurestaurants.com 3505 S Valley View Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89103 For the principal purpose of repaying a promissory note payable to Stephen Plants for Zefiros acquisition of Plants & Goodwin, Inc., Zefiro Methane Holding LLC, a subsidiary of Zefiro has obtained a USD $2,480,000 secured loan to settle the 'Notice of Failure to Pay' concerning Stephen Plants $2 million promissory note. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (Cboe Canada: ZEFI) (Frankfurt: Y6B) (OTCQB: ZEFIF) (the Company, Zefiro, or ZEFI) is pleased to announce that it has successfully obtained a USD $2,480,000 secured loan for the principal purpose of curing a payment-related discrepancy which led to the issuance of a Notice of Failure to Pay (the Notice) as announced in Zefiros May 14, 2025 press release. The Notice was issued in connection with a USD $2,000,000 promissory note, which was created in conjunction with the May 12, 2023 acquisition of Plants & Goodwin, Inc. (P&G). In Zefiros May 14, 2025 press release, the Company also announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal quarter that ended March 31, 2025 (FQ3 2025). Key highlights from these results are summarized below. All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise specified. Sequential growth of gross profit by 73.7% from approximately $600,000 in Zefiros previous fiscal quarter (ended on December 31, 2024, referred to herein as FQ2 2025) to approximately $1,000,000 of gross profit for FQ3 2025. Revenue of $6.9 million for FQ3 2025. Although revenue for this quarter was 8.7% lower than the $7.5 million in revenue earned during FQ2 2025, maintaining a comparable level of revenue during FQ3 2025 (calendar months of January, February, and March 2025) demonstrates Zefiros resilience during what is historically slow season in the environmental remediation industry. Additionally, Zefiro substantially maintained its revenue levels in the midst of widescale economic and federal policy volatility that caused slowdowns across multiple sectors for companies of all sizes throughout early 2025. It should also be noted that Zefiro achieved 73.7% gross profit improvement between FQ2 2025 and FQ3 2025, despite 8.7% lower revenue for FQ3 2025. This reflects optimization of the Companys operations and key reductions to its overhead expenses without impacting performance. The first three quarters of Zefiros 2025 fiscal year had combined revenue of $24.4 million, an increase of approximately 5% over the first three quarters of Zefiros 2024 fiscal year, which had combined revenue of $23.4 million. This sustained performance exhibits continued growth of Zefiros core operations. Please refer to Zefiros public filings on SEDAR+ ( https://www.sedarplus.ca/ ) for all details from recent earnings reports. Zefiro is the largest single plugger of orphaned/abandoned oil and gas wells in North America. As a fully integrated remediator, Zefiro has in-house teams and fleets of equipment to undertake plugging projects for private and public sector clients. Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR+ or the Investors section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media. Zefiro Founder and CEO Talal Debs commented, Zefiros management team is proud to have taken swift action to align the necessary resources for rectifying the discrepancy which led to the Notice that was issued last week. As our industrys landscape stabilizes following economic and federal policy volatility, I believe that we are poised to continue with ramping up our performance with an ever-growing docket of environmental remediation work from government agencies and private land owners. Zefiro Methane Corp. has issued 14,950,000 warrants to the lenders in conjunction with the USD $2,480,000 secured loan, which was advanced by such lenders to Zefiro Methane Holding LLC, a subsidiary of Zefiro. The secured loan will carry a term of 18 months and accrue interest at a rate of 18% per annum, provided that it will be repayable at any time at the option of Zefiro. The loan is secured by a pledge of 100% of Zefiro Methane Holding LLCs holdings of Plants & Goodwin common stock. The principal use of proceeds of such loan will be to repay a USD $2,000,000 promissory note held by Stephen Plants, which was issued to Mr. Plants in connection with Zefiros prior acquisition of Plants & Goodwin, Inc. in 2023. Such warrants have been issued with a strike price of CAD $0.23 per Zefiro common share, representing the closing price of the Zefiro common shares on May 22, 2025, and carry a three-year term. Catherine Flax, who is a Director of the Company, is one of the lenders and subscribed for USD $800,000 of the principal amount of the loan and 4,820,000 of the CAD $0.23 warrants. Ms. Flax is a related party of the Company within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). As a result, the subscription by Ms. Flax of such portion of the loan and of such warrants are each considered to be a related party transaction, as such term is defined in MI 61-101. The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101 (pursuant to subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a)) as the fair market value of the portion of the loan and the warrants subscribed by, and the consideration received from, Ms. Flax did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The transaction was reviewed and approved by the directors of the Company (with Ms. Flax abstaining). The Company did not file a material change report 21 days before the completion of the transaction as the Company needed to complete the transaction on an expedited basis. Reporters/Media: For any questions or to arrange an interview, please contact Rich Myers of Profile Advisors (New York City) by email at media@zefiromethane.com or by telephone at +1 (347) 774-1125. About Zefiro Methane Corp. Zefiro is an environmental services company, specializing in methane abatement. Zefiro strives to be a key commercial force towards Active Sustainability. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, Zefiro is building a new toolkit to clean up air, land, and water sources directly impacted by methane leaks. The Company has built a fully integrated ground operation driven by an innovative monetization solution for the emerging methane abatement marketplace. As an originator of high-quality U.S.-based methane offsets, Zefiro aims to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. Talal Debs Talal Debs, Founder & CEO For further information, please contact: Zefiro Investor Relations 1 (800) 274-ZEFI (274-9334) investor@zefiromethane.com For media inquiries, please contact: Rich Myers - Profile Advisors (New York) media@zefiromethane.com +1 (347) 774-1125 Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seeks, believes, plans, expects, intends, estimates, anticipates and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information including statements regarding: the use of proceeds from the secured loan, the Companys intention to reduce emissions from end-of-life oil and gas wells and eliminate methane gas; the Companys partnerships with industry operators, state agencies, and federal governments; the Companys expectations for continued increases in revenues and EBITDA growth as a result of these partnerships; the Companys intentions to build out its presence in the United States; the anticipated federal funding for orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoring activities; the Companys expectations to become a growing environmental services company; the Companys ability to provide institutional and retail investors alike with the opportunity to join the Active Sustainability movement; the Companys ability to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns; and other statements regarding the Companys business and the industry in which the Company operates. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; (iv) failure to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; and (v) other risk factors set forth in its Prospectus dated April 8, 2024 under the heading Risk Factors. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by Zefiro Methane Corp. can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca/ . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9a8c70c9-e01f-4856-aa53-e8381fcc4283 New York, NY, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SEDA Experts LLC, a leading US-based financial expert witness firm specializing in complex economic, financial, and accounting disputes, is pleased to announce its expansion into Australia. The move is part of the firm's strategic plan to extend its global reach and increase its capacity to deliver top-tier litigation support. Since its inception, SEDA Experts has become a recognized leader in providing sophisticated financial expertise in the U.S and Europe, assisting top law firms and corporations in intricate and high-stakes litigation disputes. The firms team provides objective, credible, and authoritative expert opinions that make a significant impact in complex litigation. With its expansion, the company aims to provide the same high level of service to its clients in Australia. "SEDA's expansion to Australia will provide clients in the region with unparalleled access to a diverse team of professionals with deep expertise in various financial sectors. We are glad to increase our commitment to Australian clients, whom we are already serving locally and across the globe," said Peter Selman, Managing Partner and Chairman of SEDA Experts. In anticipation of the Australian market's unique requirements, SEDA Experts has recruited Simon Thackray, former Senior Equities Analyst at Jefferies and Citibank, Mark McKendry former group treasurer at Auswide and senior bond trader at JPMorgan, Quantitative Finance expert Rubin Rajendram; and Tim Davies, former Director of FX Structuring at Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Lloyds Bank. The team will be led locally by John Feeney, an Australia-based former banker. The expansion of SEDA into the Australian jurisdiction will bring a broad range of skilled witnesses across many financial products and sectors. We have many Australian experts who can be complemented by the international reach of SEDA. This will bring a local focus with a global reach, said Mr. Feeney. About SEDA Experts LLC SEDA is a leading expert witness firm specializing in financial services. We support international law firms by offering the highest level of expertise across the financial industry and providing access to the most influential financial services industry leaders. We provide superior independent advice, data analytics, valuation, and elite expert reports and testimony services to law firms, regulators, and leading financial institutions. Investability, an Australian investor relations firm, marks its fifth year with expanded investor events and ambitious growth initiatives. Since 2020, the company has facilitated AUD 400M in equity funding and USD 250M in M&A deals, serving 65 clients globally across natural resources, technology, and financial services sectors. Photo credit: Investability SYDNEY, Australia, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investability , a leading boutique investor relations consultancy, is celebrating its fifth year with an expanded lineup of investor events designed to connect growth-focused companies with quality investors. The milestone highlights the firms continued success in delivering tailored solutions to clients across natural resources, technology, and financial services sectors. Since its inception in 2020, Investability has facilitated over AUD 500 million in equity funding and worked on mergers and acquisitions totaling USD 250 million. As the firm looks ahead, it is increasing its focus on hosting impactful investor events to strengthen ties between companies and the investment community. Our fifth year marks a significant milestone for Investability, and we are proud of the progress we have made in becoming a trusted partner for clients navigating the capital markets, said Dannika Warburton, Founder and Principal of Investability. This year, we are expanding our investor event offerings to provide even more opportunities for companies to showcase their potential and connect with investors globally. The expanded event schedule includes roadshows, conferences, and bespoke investor presentations tailored to meet clients' needs, ranging from pre-IPO startups to publicly listed companies. These events aim to bridge the gap between companies and investors, ensuring clear communication of investment opportunities and fostering stronger engagement. Our goal has always been to provide a platform for companies to tell their stories effectively and build meaningful relationships with investors, added Warburton. We enable our clients to stand out in a competitive market while offering investors valuable insights and opportunities by increasing the scale and scope of our events. Should we include a summary of upcoming events here? Or simply tell people to reach out for more information on upcoming events? Sydney Resources Sundowner | Investor Event (Sydney, New South Wales) Wed, 7 May 2025 all investors welcome ASX Companies with North American Assets | Investor Event (Los Angeles, California) Late August, 2025 institutional investors only Small Cap Companies Battle Pitch Series - Melbourne and Adelaide October 2025 all investors welcome London Mining Week Investor Event (London, UK) - November 2025 institutional investors only Investability also regularly hosts virtual events and investor webinars with individual stocks. You can sign up to receive Investability event invites here: investability.com.au/subscribe Investability has earned a strong reputation for its high-touch service model, blending traditional investor relations with cutting-edge digital strategies. As the firms founder, Warburton devotes the majority of her time to advising C-suite executives on the development and seamless execution of investor relations programs. While the work is often high-pressure and time-sensitive, reflecting the pace of markets and constant flow of client updates, Warburton thrives in the dynamic environment. Its a role that constantly inspires and energises me, she says. This forward-looking mindset is whats propelling Warburton and the Investability team into their next phase of growthdespite challenging market conditions. The firm is actively exploring partnerships with technology platforms to strengthen its sentiment analysis and digital engagement capabilities. At the same time, it continues to expand its global investor network, which includes high-net-worth individuals, fund managers, brokers, and family offices. With a clear focus on innovation and connectivity, Investability is positioning itself for even greater impact in its sixth year and beyond. About Investability Investability is a boutique investor relations consultancy headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Specializing in connecting growth-focused companies with quality investors, the firm provides a comprehensive range of services, including roadshows, strategic advisory, digital marketing, capital raising, and investor analytics. Since its founding in 2020, Investability has supported over 65 clients globally, facilitating equity funding and mergers and acquisitions across diverse industries. Investabilitys next investor event will be held in Sydney on Wednesday, 7th May. For more information, please contact: Contact Information: Name: Dannika Warburton Company: Investability Partners Email: info@investability.com.au Website: www.investability.com.au A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7b5b37d3-0429-4824-8e75-84a67cb0b6b5 Photo Courtesy of: VIMB PORT VILA, Vanuatu, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The CNO Future Fund has officially relaunched under Vanuatus revised Citizenship by Investment regulatory framework, reinforcing its role as the leading option under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). Operated by VIMB Services Limited, the Fund is one of the few fully compliant entities confirmed by the government following an extensive review of all CIIP agents. The regulatory amendments, now in effect, require a minimum contribution of USD $165,000 for a main applicant with spouse and two dependents, inclusive of government due diligence fees. This includes a USD $60,000 direct government fee and a USD $50,000 five-year redeemable investment into a designated, government-approved fund. In addition, all designated agents must now submit quarterly and annual investment reports, financial statements, and employment data as part of enhanced compliance and transparency standards. Daniel Agius, Managing Director of VIMB Services Limited and architect of the CNO Future Fund, welcomed the relaunch, emphasizing the funds alignment with government reforms and long-term development goals. The CNO Future Fund was purpose-built to deliver transparent, high-impact investment outcomes, said Agius. This relaunch validates our structure and reinforces investor confidence in both the fund and the program. In its first full year of operation, the CNO Future Fund raised USD $6.25 million, which was deployed in strategic investments, and achieved 32.62% Net-Asset Value (NAV) growth, despite a severe earthquake in December 2024 that disrupted much of Port Vilas infrastructure. Seventy percent of the Funds operations were restored by Q1 2025, with all damages fully insured and repair work underway. Key achievements include: 144 CIIP citizenship applications processed processed USD $8.2 million in direct government revenue generated generated 30% equity stake in Vanuatu Baskets , the countrys leading coconut oil producer , the countrys leading coconut oil producer New coconut plantation acquired on Malekula Island to secure long-term supply on Malekula Island to secure long-term supply Copra hubs established in Epi, Ambrym, Malekula, with expansion in the Santo islands in Epi, Ambrym, Malekula, with expansion in the Santo islands Upgrades to the copra mill infrastructure , improving production and safety , improving production and safety 230+ tons/month of CNO production capacity enough to power 2MW of renewable energy enough to power 2MW of renewable energy Exports initiated to New Zealand and New Caledonia to New Zealand and New Caledonia Four 7-ton trucks delivered to support rural logistics to support rural logistics Over 55 new jobs created and 65+ rural bank accounts opened Were proud to be recognized not just for compliance, but for delivery, Agius added. Our NAV performance and infrastructure investments are directly contributing to Vanuatus energy independence and rural development. The Fund has also advanced key national priorities, including support for Vanuatus 2030 goal of 100% renewable energy generation. Ongoing negotiations with UNELCO and global partners explore the use of coconut oil biofuel for grid power and maritime use. Plans are in motion to install 2x1MW biofuel-powered generators, further establishing Vanuatus renewable credentials. The Funds upcoming value-adding investment focus includes transforming old coconut plantations into high-value timber products, expanding supply chain activity into the kava and cocoa sectors, developing land projects with accredited processing centers to support local communities and streamline agricultural exports and integrated end-use supply in the Agri-Tourism Sector. About VIMB Services Limited VIMB Services Limited is a government-appointed Designated Agent for Vanuatus Citizenship by Investment Programs, including the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). Headquartered in Port Vila, Vanuatu with global reach, VIMB provides application processing, fund management, and project implementation services. Through the CNO Future Fund, VIMB channels investor capital into sustainable initiatives that support national development in renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and community resilience. Contact Information: Daniel Agius VIMB Services Limited Email: info@vimb.org Website: www.vimb.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4142f506-d220-43a9-93c0-7c30fce17874 VANCOUVER, May 27, 2025 - Temas Resources Corp. ("Temas" or the "Company") (CSE:TMAS)(OTCQB:TMAS)(FSE:26P0) is pleased to provide an update on the Australian Stock Exchange (the "ASX") listing process. The Company reports that it has made initial submissions to the ASX and Australian Regulators and is anticipating filing a prospectus with the ASX in the coming weeks. The Company and management continue to work closely with its advisors and PAC Partners Securities Pty Ltd. ("PAC Partners") to bring the listing to a speedy conclusion. The listing timeline remains intact with an anticipated conclusion in the next 6 to 8 weeks. Mr. Kyler Hardy, Temas Executive Chairman and Director comments: "I am pleased with the progress the Company is making towards completing its listing on the ASX. The ASX is an engaged retail and institutional market with a keen focus on the natural resource sector. This listing will allow Temas to access the capital it needs to advance the La Blache Titanium project along with the Company's unique extraction technology. The Australian capital markets ecosystem for resources is deep and well developed, and our lead banker, PAC Partners, offers both strong research coverage and global capital support to assist us in accessing these resources." Pursuant to a marketing services proposal dated April 11, 2025, Temas has engaged Milestone Capital Partners Ltd. ("Milestone") to provide certain marketing services including editorial and newsletter marketing and public relations investor awareness campaigns in the European market for a term of four (4) weeks in consideration for a one-time fee of 250,000 commencing on May 27, 2025. Milestone and its principals are arm's length to the Company. Milestone's contact information is as follows: Le Millefiori - 1 Rue des Genets - 98000 Monaco, attention: Christian Klingebiel, Managing Director, email: ck@mcp.ltd, telephone: +41 79 798 00 47. Milestone currently holds no securities in the Company and operates at arm's length. About Temas Resources Temas Resources Corp. (CSE: TMAS) (OTCQB: TMASF) is advancing the 208.5Mt inferred @ 16.7% TiO 2 Eq La Blache Titanium project in Quebec. La Blache has a current Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA") showing C$6.6 billion NPV 8 post tax, 60.8% IRR over a 14-year mine life. The critical metals the Company is exploring for are central to our national mineral independence, and titanium is a key aerospace and defense industry metal. Additionally, the Company owns a suite of advanced green mineral processing technologies which it is not only applying to its projects but looking to license internationally. The novel suite of technologies reduces the environmental impact and carbon footprint of metal extraction through advanced processing and patented leaching technologies. All public filings for the Company can be found on the SEDAR+ website www.sedarplus.ca . For more information about the Company, please visit www.temasresources.com. For further information or investor relations inquiries: Tim Fernback President and CEO timf@temasresources.com Tel: (604) 340-3774 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally and results from anticipated and proposed exploration programs, conditions in the equity financing markets, and assumptions and risks regarding receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals. Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. SOURCE: Temas Resources Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Vancouver, May 27, 2025 - Atco Mining Inc. (the "Company") (CSE:ATCM; OTC: ATMGF; Frankfurt: QP9) is pleased to announce that SuperQ Quantum ("Super") was recently presented as a Masterclass titled "Super: The ChatGPT for Quantum and Supercomputing" at a INVENTURES 2025. As previously announced on March 21, 2025, the Company has entered into an agreement to acquire Super (the "Super Acquisition") and is currently working to obtain approval from the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE" or the "Exchange") to complete the Super Acquisition. The Super Acquisition is expected to constitute a "fundamental change" pursuant to CSE Policy 8 - Fundamental Changes and Changes of Business, and upon completion, Dr. Muhammad Khan will lead the Company as CEO and Board Chair and the Company will carry on the business related to Super. INVENTURES is Alberta's flagship technology conference and one of Canada's premier innovation gatherings. The 2025 edition which took placed on May 21st until the 23rd in Calgary, Alberta, brought global investors, entrepreneurs and policy leaders to explore tracks such as "Explore the Next Frontier: AI, DeepTech, FinTech, Spacetech, Quantum." Occupying the premium opening slot on Day 1 (May 21st), the session, titled "Super: The ChatGPT for Quantum and Supercomputing", headlined the event's "Explore the Next Frontier" track with the only masterclass of the conference attracting a capacity audience. The session, presented by Dr. Muhammad Khan, showcased how the Super platform is dismantling technical and cost barriers to quantum adoption. Attendees witnessed a live demo of Super's natural-language interface, which transforms complex challenges into real-time solutions using hybrid AI, quantum annealing, gate-based quantum computing, and classical supercomputing. Dr. Khan emphasized, "Quantum computing isn't a future promise-it's delivering ROI today. Our Super platform is the ChatGPT for this industry, empowering businesses to harness quantum advantage without needing specialized training." "Through Super, we are synthesizing years of R&D into an intuitive, on-demand experience for every organization," he continued. "We have already enabled customer-facing commercialized products powered by quantum computing." Masterclass Highlights Super Demonstration: Super was unveiled as a natural-language quantum and supercomputing platform that lets users describe complex problems in plain English and receive real-time solutions powered by AI, quantum annealing, gate-based quantum processors and GPU clusters. Real-World Impact Today: Demonstrated use cases included optimizing AI model performance, mitigating tariff impacts on supply chains, and reducing the costs of manufacturing and mining operations. Consumer-Facing Breakthroughs: Highlighted collaboration with D-Wave that led to one of the first quantum-powered robot motion planning system at-scale. Global Scalability: Announced plans for "Super Hubs" worldwide, including partnerships in Alberta, British Columbia, Dubai and Sharjah to accelerate industry and research adoption. Why SuperQ Stands Out Profitability Focus: Unlike its quantum peers, Super is working to become the first quantum computing platform that's profitable in its first two years of operations. Strategic Collaborations: Collaborations with the D-Wave, DataStax, IEEE Computer Society, Economic Development Lethbridge, Sharjah Research and Technology Innovation Park position Super at the nexus of research and commercialization. About Dr. Muhammad Khan A Silicon Valley veteran and Cambridge alumnus, Dr. Khan has 18+ years bridging cutting-edge science and industry. He has founded, scaled, raised for and successfully exited deep tech companies in Canada and the US while building partnerships with technology leaders like NVIDIA, Google, D-Wave and DataStax. A frequent speaker at LEAP, Web Summit, and IDC CIO Summit, Dr. Khan's vision centers on bridging the gap between lab and market. About the Super Acquisition On March 20, 2025, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire Super in exchange for 100,000,000 common shares of the Company, at which time the Company would continue as a technology issuer with a focus on quantum computing. At the closing of the Super Acquisition, the Company has agreed to change its corporate name (the "Name Change") from "Atco Mining Inc." to "SuperQ Quantum Computing Inc.", make certain board and management changes (as described below) and, subject to the approval of the CSE, commence trading on the CSE under the trading symbol "QBTQ". Upon the closing of the Super Acquisition, the Company will carry on the business related to Super. The Super Acquisition is expected to constitute a "fundamental change" pursuant to Policy 8 - Fundamental Changes and Changes of Business of the CSE. Completion of the Super Acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of a number of customary conditions, including, but not limited to: (i) receipt of all required approvals and consents relating to the Super Acquisition, including without limitation, (A) acceptance by the Exchange and receipt of other applicable regulatory approvals, (ii) completion of the Name Change; (iii) the board of directors being reconstituted, such that it will consist of five directors, being Dr. Muhammad Khan (Chair), Krishna Ganesh, Manoj Joseph, Dr. Shahadat Hossain and Neil McCallum, along with management changes, including Dr. Muhammad Khan joining as CEO of the Company. See the Company's March 21, 2025 press release for more information. For further information contact: Etienne Moshevich, CEO of Atco Mining Inc. Email: info@atcomining.com Telephone: (604) 681-0084 Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally refers to information about an issuer's business, capital, or operations that is prospective in nature. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "would", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking information. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking information concerning (a) the Super Acquisition, (b) the consolidation paid, (c) the Name Change (including its timing) (d) the expected composition of the board and management of directors of the Company following the completion of the Super Acquisition, (e) the completion and timing of board, securityholder and regulatory approvals, including the application to and approval by the CSE in respect of the Super Acquisition, (f) the ability of the Company and vendor of Super to meet the conditions of the Super Acquisition and the timing for completing the Super Acquisition, (g) the timing for meeting the terms and conditions of the definitive agreement for the Super Acquisition, (h) the preparation and delivery to securityholders of a listing statement and the timing associated with its preparation and delivery to securityholders, (i) information surrounding the business and operations related to Super; and (j) trading in the Company's common shares and when such trading will resume, if at all. The Company cautions that all forward-looking information is inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and the vendor of Super, including expectations and assumptions concerning the Company, the vendor of Super and Super, the Name Change, the Super Acquisition, the timely receipt of all required approvals (as applicable), including the acceptance of the CSE, the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the definitive agreement for the Super Acquisition, as well as other risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including but not limited to assumptions regarding prevailing market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties to develop the forward-looking information in this press release. 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. There can be no assurance that the Super Acquisition will be completed in its entirety or at all. Investors are cautioned that any information released or received with respect to, among other matters disclosed in this press release, the Name Change, and/or the Super Acquisition may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Such forward-looking information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities laws. 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 news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, May 27, 2025 - Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. (the "Company") (CSE:GCC) (OTC:GCCFF) (WKN:A402CQ) (FSE:3TZ) announces that the most recent drill hole QGQ25-24 on the Halo zone at the Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property (the "Property"), 4 km (2.5 miles) from Hixon, BC, has intersected strong quartz-carbonate veining, including visible gold ("VG") measuring 1.0 x 0.5 mm (for pictures see the Company's website https://goldencariboo.com/latest-news). QGQ25-24 marks a 175 m (574 ft) step-out from previous drilling, confirming the Company's geological model of a strongly mineralized zone associated with the lithological contact between argillite and greenstones. The footprint of all mineralization drilled at the Halo zone currently measures up to approximately 470 m by 290 m by 320 m (1540 ft by 950 ft by 1050 ft) and remains open along strike and towards depth, including approximately 620 m (2030 ft) of untested north-northwest strike towards the PIoneer Ltd. past producer and 750m (2460 ft) of untested south-southeast strike towards the Main zone target at the past producing Quesnelle Quartz Mine. With its current step-out drill program, the Company is focusing on the strike expansion of the Halo zone mineralization. Overall, the geological setting of the gold mineralization at the Company's Quesnelle Gold Quartz Project shows strong similarities with the Spanish Mountain gold deposit, situated 120 km (75 miles) towards the southeast along the same geological trend. As a sediment-hosted vein (SHV) deposit, the Spanish Mountain deposit is considered to belong to the same subclass of orogenic gold deposits as some of the world's largest deposits, including, e.g. Muruntau, Uzbekistan (>80 Moz) and Bendigo, Australia (>20 Moz) (Klipfel 2005). Golden Cariboo's President and CEO, Frank Callaghan, stated, "Each new drill hole in our step-out program continues to validate the strength and accuracy of our geological model. The consistency of mineralization we are seeing, particularly along the contact between argillite and greenstones, is highly encouraging. With visible gold now identified in 12 out of 13 holes, the potential scale of this zone is becoming increasingly evident. What makes this even more exciting is the near-surface nature of the mineralization and the property's close proximity to infrastructure. These advantages position us well for future development and underscore the exceptional opportunity we have at the Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property." The latest drill hole, QGQ25-24, was drilled as a 175 m (574 ft) step-out towards the north of previous drilling and was set up at an azimuth of 016 and inclination of -45 to target a strong soil geochemical (MMI) gold anomaly related to the inferred surface expression of the contact between upper argillite and greenstones. It was collared in the upper argillite unit and intersected the lithological contact into the upper greenstone domain at a depth of 140.43 m (460.7 ft). Similar to all previous drill holes that intersected this contact, a strong stockwork of quartz-carbonate veins, including visible gold, is developed in association with brittle shear zones on both sides of the lithological contact (Photos 1 & 2). QGQ25-24 was terminated within the mineralized zone at a depth of 173.50 m (569.2 ft), due to technical issues. Geological 3D modelling of the recent drill results (Figures 1 & 2) shows a general moderately steep westerly to west-southwesterly dip of lithological units in the area of the Halo zone discovery. A unit mainly comprising carbonaceous argillites (upper argillite) forms the stratigraphically highest member of the lithologies drilled at the Halo zone. The upper argillite overlies a package of greenstones, divisible into three domains, including upper greenstones (intermediate to mafic tuffs and volcanic sediments), variolitic greenstones (mainly variolitic and pillowed mafic to intermediate flows), and lower greenstones (fine-grained to aphanitic intermediate to mafic flows and volcaniclastics). The lower boundary of the greenstone package is marked by a lower argillite unit. Gold mineralization, associated with multi-directional quartz-carbonate veining, which is related to multiple brittle shear zones, has been intersected throughout the greenstone package and to a lesser degree in the upper argillite. A zone of particularly high grades occurs within the upper greenstone domain in close spatial association with the contact between the upper argillite and the greenstone package. For the first time, this zone was intersected in its entirety in the top of drill hole QGQ24-20, resulting in an intercept of 1.45 g/t Au and 16.05 g/t Ag over 137.17 m (450.0 ft), including 4.61 g/t Au and 86.26 g/t Ag over 23.20 m (76.1 ft) (February 25, 2025 News Release). The recent drill holes, QGQ24-21, QGQ25-23, and QGQ25-24, all intersected a visually strong quartz-carbonate vein stockwork along the argillite to greenstone contact (assays pending), including several occurrences of visible gold-bearing veins (e.g. May 13, 2025 News Release). The observations made in these drill holes correlate very well with the aforementioned high-grade zone, which marks significant step-outs from previous drilling along strike towards the north-northwest, while simultaneously proving the down-dip potential (Figures 1 & 2). To date, 12 out of 13 drillholes intersecting this high-grade zone at the Halo target showed visible gold mineralization. The technical information in this news release has been reviewed by Jean Pautler, an independent consultant commissioned by the Company. Jean Pautler is a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC and a "Qualified Person" with respect to NI 43-101. Click Image To View Full Size Photo 1: Quartz-carbonate stockwork hosting visible gold (1.0 x 0.5 mm) in intensely sericite-iron-carbonate-fuchsite altered andesite tuff (upper greenstone domain). Drill hole QGQ25-24 at 152.95 m (501.8 ft). Click Image To View Full Size Photo 2: Example of intense quartz-carbonate vein stockwork at the contact between upper argillite and upper greenstone in QGQ25-24. The yellow box marks the location of Photo 1. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1: Reported gold intercepts in the Halo and North Hixon zones, plan view. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 2: Cross-section through geological 3D model of the Halo zone. Lithological domains are shown as 3D-shaded silhouettes of their contact surfaces. Red dashed lines mark the inferred boundaries of the high-grade mineralization zone associated with the argillite-greenstone contact. Depth of field is 250 m (820 ft). Click Image To View Full Size Figure 3: Location of the Halo Zone discovery and nearby infrastructure About Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. is rediscovering the Cariboo Gold Rush by proceeding with highly targeted drilling and trenching programs on its Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property which is bordered by Osisko Development (NSE:ODV/TSXV:ODV), partly intertwined with them at the north end of the Cariboo Gold Project, and located along a favorable corridor adjacent to the Spanish and Eureka thrust faults over a 94,899 hectare (234,501 acre) area. Historically, over 101 placer gold creeks on the 90-kilometer (56 mile) trend from the Cariboo Hudson mine north to the Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property have recorded production and successful placer mining continues to this day. Golden Cariboo's Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northeast of, and road accessible from, Hixon in central British Columbia. The Property includes the Quesnelle Quartz gold-silver deposit, which was discovered in 1865 in conjunction with placer mining activities. Hixon Creek, which dissects the old workings, is a placer creek which has seen small-scale placer production since the mid 1860s. For further information please contact: GOLDEN CARIBOO RESOURCES LTD "J. Frank Callaghan" J. Frank Callaghan, President & CEO Tel: 604-669-6463 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS www.goldencariboo.com LIKE AND FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn Neither the "CSE" Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements: This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and plans of the Company. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding; the expectation that the Company will receive all necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; the expectation that the Company will complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; the expectation that the proceeds will be used for property exploration and for general working capital; the Company's exploration plans with respect to its Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property; and the anticipated participation of the insider in the Offering. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, that the Company will receive all necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; that the Company will complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; that the proceeds will be used for property exploration and for general working capital; that the Company will have the resources required to proceed with its exploration plans; that the Company will not run into regulatory or other barriers in carrying out its business plans; that the insider will participate in the Offering, on the terms and conditions and in the amount currently expected by management; and that the Company will be able to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements on the basis anticipated. Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company 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 the Company will not receive the necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; that the Company will not complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; that the Company will be unable to use the proceeds for property exploration and for general working capital; that the Company may incur unanticipated costs; that the Company may not have the resources required to pursue its exploration plans; that the Company's operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; that the insider may not participate in the Offering on the terms and conditions and in the amount currently expected by management, or at all; and that the Company may not be able to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements on the basis currently expected. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this news release. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this news release by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this news release. The forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date they were originally made. The Company has no intention and undertakes 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. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, May 27, 2025 - Sage Potash Corp. (TSXV: SAGE) (OTCQB: SGPTF) ("Sage Potash" or the "Company") announces that, further to its May 9, 2025 news release, its non-brokered private placement of up to 16,000,000 common shares of the Company ("Common Shares") at a price of $0.25 each for gross proceeds of up to $4 million (the "Offering"), will now include a warrant component. The Offering will now be for up to 16,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.25 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of one Common Share and one-half of one non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.35 for a period of 2 years from the date of closing of the Offering. Proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration and general working capital purposes. The Company may pay finders' fees in cash and/or securities of the Company in connection with the Offering. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance under applicable securities laws. Certain directors and officers of the Company may acquire securities under the Offering. Any such participation will be considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects that the Offering will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and neither the expected fair market value of securities being issued to related parties nor the consideration being paid by related parties would exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Closing of the Offering is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. About Sage Potash Corp. Sage Potash is a Canadian company vested solely in the Sage Plain Property and intends through sustainable solution mining techniques to become a prominent domestic potash producer within the Paradox Basin situated in Utah. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) or contact the Company by email at info@sagepotash.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 contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this news release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance of Sage Potash and with respect to the Offering, including the use of proceeds thereof and the proposed issuance of securities. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's 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 risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis available for review under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgement based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. For media inquiries, please contact: Marcus van der Made, Investor Relations of Sage Potash Corp. - marcus@sagepotash.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253580 Kentucky Republicans had a pretty good night on Tuesday. They won five statewide offices, including two they took over from the Democrats: state attorney general and secretary of state.There was one exception, however, and its a big one. GOP Gov. Matt Bevin lost his re-election campaign against Democrat Andy Beshear, the outgoing attorney general.Beshears margin wasnt big. He appears to have taken about 5,000 more votes than Bevin, out of more than 1.4 million cast. Bevin has refused to concede, referring to unspecific irregularities.But the result in Kentucky along with the strong possibility that Democrat John Bel Edwards will win re-election in Louisiana, another red state, on Nov. 16 shows that even in a highly polarized era, voters are still willing to split their votes when it comes to elections for governor.Bevins strategy was to make this a national race, make this about Beshear being tied to Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and too liberal for the state, says Dewey Clayton, a political scientist at the University of Louisville. Beshear played it cool and kept to statewide issues, particularly health care and education.Beshear was the ninth Democrat to capture a governorship since the election of President Donald Trump in 2016, including victories in states Trump had carried, such as Kansas, Michigan and Wisconsin. Republicans have picked up no new governorships since Trump took office, although West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice switched to the GOP in 2017.Voters think about the executive in their state differently than they do federal races, says Marshall Cohen, political director of the Democratic Governors Association. Theres more that voters think about than national politics when theyre voting for governor.In Tuesdays other gubernatorial contest, Mississippi Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves succeeded GOP Gov. Phil Bryant, who was term-limited. Reeves survived a tough primary and competitive runoff and ended up beating Democratic state Attorney General Jim Hood by nearly 6 percentage points.Although Hood ran well ahead of Clintons performance in 2016, Mississippi proved too red a state for him to win. It revealed what the Republican Partys strategy is in this state, says Nathan Shrader, a political scientist at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss. They can win and get through these elections, even tighter ones, without appealing outside of the party base.Not every state is as red as Mississippi, or as blue as California. Most red states have Republican governors, while most blue states are governed by Democrats.Still, there are now eight states where Trump won that have Democratic governors. The four Republicans who govern states that Clinton carried in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont are consistently ranked among the most popular governors in the nation.Given the nature of their job funding schools, building roads and the like governors tend to be more pragmatic than legislators. Last year, many of the most progressive Democratic candidates for governor lost in states such as Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Maryland. The same held true for Republicans who made support for Trump central to their message in Kansas, Michigan and Pennsylvania.Unlike members of Congress, governors are not beholden to their party leaders Pelosi and Trump so governor candidates who are better fits for the state are able to win in primaries, says Shiro Kuriwaki, a doctoral student at Harvard University who published a study showing that South Carolina voters were more likely last year to split votes for governor than for the U.S. Senate.In 2016, not a single senator was elected to a state that their party didnt carry for president. There are only 34 U.S. House members, out of 435, who represent districts that voted for the opposite party for president (including just three Republicans).Fewer than 10 percent of state legislators represent districts their party didnt carry for president. In fact, Republicans control the legislature in every state that Trump carried in 2016. With their sweep of the Virginia legislature on Tuesday, Democrats now control both chambers in every state Clinton carried, with the exception of Minnesota. (Democrats won the Minnesota House last year, but the state Senate was not up for grabs.)Legislative majorities have grown bigger over the last decade, meaning one party is not only in control, but firmly in control. Supermajorities are common. Voters in several such states have welcomed governors who can act as a brake on legislatures controlled by the otherwise dominant party.And most governors are elected outside the presidential year.The absence of other high-profile races almost certainly allows for more coverage of the gubernatorial election, notes Texas Tech University political scientist Joel Sievert, and makes it more salient for those voters who do participate.He notes that voter turnout is lower for gubernatorial elections, compared with the presidential. That gives the minority party more of a fighting chance. Democrat Laura Kelly of Kansas won election with less than 50 percent of the vote last year, as did Republican Charlie Baker of Massachusetts in 2014 (although he won re-election easily last year).In Kentucky, Beshear took 49.2 percent of the vote, to Bevins 48.8 percent.In close contests, it does not take that much split-ticket voting in order for the race to tip one way or the other, Sievert says.There were instantly arguments among pundits about whether the result in Kentucky can be taken as any kind of bellwether for Trumps chances next year. Trump carried the state by 30 percentage points in 2016. Bevin essentially sought to make Trump his running mate, referring to him frequently and decrying the impeachment process. Eddie Rispone, Edwards Republican opponent in Louisiana, is pursuing a similar strategy and welcomed Trump to the state on Wednesday night.The simple fact is that voters sometimes are willing to vote differently in state races than they do in federal ones. At least when it comes to governors.Bevin consistently ranked among the least popular governors in the country, making enemies by insulting teachers and legislators alike. Bevin turned a lot of people off, even Republicans, says Clayton, the Louisville professor.Tying himself to Trump may have helped Bevin keep the election as close as it was, says Seth McKee, Sieverts colleague at Texas Tech. Nationalizing your contest is a smart diversion when youre so unpopular in the state.Sievert and McKee published a paper last year that found, while elections for governor have become more nationalized in recent years, voters are still more likely to break party ranks for them than in Senate contests.When I look at governor races, I think theyll always have that wiggle room for people to split their tickets, McKee says. There are real issues that face states. What they do in a state is often very detached from what happens in national politics. Ghanas reserves hit $10.7 billion Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Business News May - 27 - 2025 , 10:54 Ghanas Gross International Reserves (GIR) rose significantly to $10.7 billion as of end-April 2025, representing 4.7 months of import cover. This was as a result of the countrys strong external sector performance, which saw notable improvements during the first quarter of the year. The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, disclosed this at the 124th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press briefing on Friday. He said Ghana recorded a provisional current account surplus of $2.1 billion in Q1 2025, mainly driven by elevated commodity prices and increased production volumes of gold and cocoa. Strong remittance inflows also played a key role in boosting external earnings. The current account surplus, combined with net outflows in the capital and financial account, yielded an overall Balance of Payments surplus of $1.1 billion, Dr Asiama stated, adding that the performance significantly contributed to reserve accumulation. He further indicated that the outlook for the external sector remains broadly favourable, backed by expectations of continued growth in gold and cocoa export receipts and steady inflows from the Ghanaian diaspora. The positive developments in the countrys external position come amid efforts by the central bank and the government to stabilise the macroeconomy and build foreign exchange buffers to withstand external shocks. Reviving Ghanas poultry industry: Call to action Raymond Denteh Business News May - 27 - 2025 , 09:07 Once a vibrant pillar of national economic development, Ghanas poultry sector now stands at a crossroads. In the 1960s and 70s, Ghana proudly met its domestic poultry demand, even exporting processed chicken meat and day-old chicks (DOCs) to neighbouring countries. The industry supported tens of thousands of livelihoods and contributed to national food security and GDP growth. Fast forward to 2025, however, and the picture is disheartening. Today, local production meets less than 10% of Ghanas poultry consumption, with about 400,000 metric tons of chicken imported annuallymostly from the EU, Brazil, and the USA. This massive import dependency not only threatens local agribusinesses but also exposes the nation to serious food security vulnerabilities. How did we get here? 1. Trade liberalisation without protection The liberalisation of Ghanas trade regime in the 1980s and 90s opened the floodgates to subsidised poultry imports from industrialised nations. With no safeguards in place, local producersalready battling high production costswere edged out of their own market. 2. Rising cost of feed and inputs Feed constitutes about 70% of the cost of poultry production. Local feed prices, driven by high costs of maize and soya, remain uncompetitive. Compounding this are poor input financing systems and lack of forward contracts between farmers and suppliers, making the value chain vulnerable to price shocks. 3. Weak hatchery and breeding systems Most hatcheries operate far below capacity. Ghana lacks a national breeder program to produce fertilized eggs, relying heavily on expensive imports. Local DOCs are often of inconsistent quality, leading to poor flock performance and higher mortality rates. 4. Fragmented value chain and infrastructure gaps From inadequate abattoirs and cold storage to inefficient logistics, the poultry value chain in Ghana remains underdeveloped. The absence of cohesive linkages between producers, processors, marketers, and regulators reduces productivity and limits competitiveness. 5. Policy gaps and poor coordination Government interventions, though well-intentioned, are often fragmented, inconsistent, and politically motivated. There is no long-term, coordinated national strategy for poultry development. Policies are reactive rather than strategic. 6. Fragmented farmer associations: The silent killer of Ghanas poultry ambitions One of the most crippling yet under-acknowledged challenges facing Ghanas poultry sector is the fragmented nature of farmer associations and the near-absence of coordinated value chain collaboration. This disunity weakens advocacy, limits access to affordable financing, and deprives the sector of the bargaining power needed to influence national policy. Without strong, united cooperatives or apex bodies, poultry farmers and farmers in general, struggle to secure inputs, access training, enforce quality standards, or pool resources for shared infrastructure like hatcheries and processing plants. Even more damaging is the unhealthy rivalry, finger-pointing, and isolated efforts that undermine collective progress. Rather than pulling together for sector-wide transformation, actors often prioritize short-term individual gains over long-term collective prosperity. This attitude is self-defeating. Reviving the poultry industry will require more than just moneyit demands unity, vision, and the willingness of industry players to sacrifice short-term personal gains for long-term sectoral growth. Strong associations can lead the charge toward joint investment, self-regulation, and robust policy influence. Ghanas poultry sector can rise again, but only if its farmers learn to act not just as competitorsbut as collaborators in a shared future. 7. Dumping of imports Exporters from the EU, USA and Brazil benefit from agricultural subsidies and offload surplus by-products, chicken partsmainly back, thigh, wings, etcinto Ghana at prices well below production cost. This constitutes economic dumping and threatens the survival of local producers. Can you believe Ghana has started importing frozen Chicken from China? A new vision for poultry in Ghana 1. Creating a competitive local ecosystem Feed production and input financing: Invest in local feed production, expand soya and maize cultivation, and promote input financing schemes tailored for smallholder producers. Establish a national breeding programme:Develop a viable national breeding farm to supply fertilized eggs to hatcheries, reducing dependence on expensive imports. Strengthen hatcheries and brooding systems: Certify and upgrade hatcheries; train farmers in biosecurity, brooding, and flock management to reduce mortality and improve productivity. Processing and cold chain infrastructure: Support the establishment of certified abattoirs and cold storage facilities through PPPs. Improve packaging, branding, and certification to meet consumer expectations. Skills development and innovation: Build national training programs in poultry management, veterinary services, and agribusiness. Integrate ICT tools for farm management, disease surveillance, and market linkage. 2. Adopting a strategic managed trade policy Import controls and tariff adjustments: Implement phased restrictions on imports while supporting local capacity development. Introduce tariffs where necessary to discourage dumping. Enforce quality standards: Strengthen food safety, traceability, and labeling laws for imported poultry. Public Procurement for Local Chicken: Mandate public institutionsschools, prisons, hospitals, and military to procure only locally produced poultry products. Establish a poultry sector coordination council: Bring together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and donor agencies to develop a long-term poultry sector master plan. 3. Financing the poultry transformation Blended Finance Mechanisms: Utilise partial risk guarantees, concessional loans, and matching grants to crowd-in private investment into poultry production and processing. De-Risking Investment: Partner with banks, rural financial institutions, and development finance institutions (DFIs) to offer tailored financial products for poultry value chain actors. 4. Branding, marketing, and consumer awareness Eat Ghana Chicken campaign: Launch a nationwide branding and awareness campaign that promotes locally raised chicken based on taste, nutrition, and job creation. Modern market access: Support producer cooperatives and SMEs to access modern retail channels and institutional markets. 5. Empowering women and youth Entrepreneurship support: Design specific support programs for youth and women in poultry agribusinesscovering feed production, hatcheries, vet services, processing, and distribution. Access to land and finance: Work with local authorities and financial institutions to ensure equitable access to land, capital, and inputs for youth and women entrepreneurs. Call to Action Ghanas poultry sector does not need more short-term political promises or piecemeal interventions. It needs bold, consistent, and coordinated action. With more than 76% of Ghanaians expressing a preference for local chicken, the market opportunity is evident. It is time for the government, private sector, development partners, and financial institutions to rally behind a national poultry development agenda. By reducing import dependency, boosting local production, and creating sustainable jobs, Ghana can reclaim its rightful place as a poultry powerhouse in the sub-region. Conclusion The decline of Ghanas poultry sector is not irreversible. Through bold leadership, strategic investments, and fair-trade policy, we can transform the sector into a vibrant engine of economic growth, youth employment, and food sovereignty. Let us feed Ghana with Ghanaian chickennutritious, proudly local, and economically empowering. The writer is an agribusiness and investment strategist with over 20 years of experience in banking, impact investment and agricultural finance, poultry and crops value chain development, and policy advocacy. Email: [email protected] www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-denteh-1768aa8 https://web.facebook.com/raymond.denteh This is the first article in a series exploring practical solutions to the poultry sectors decline. Asantehene honours artists at Manhyia Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News May - 27 - 2025 , 16:44 2 minutes read The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has honored 10 exceptional artists with the 2025 Inaugural Artist Laureates award at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. The esteemed recipients include renowned artists such as Professor Ablade Glover, Professor Ato Delaquis, El Anatsui, Francis Kwatei Nee-Owoo, Frances Ademola, Peggy Appiah, Kwame Akoto, and three others. This prestigious ceremony, organized in partnership with the Manhyia Palace and UNESCO, celebrates the artists' remarkable lifetime achievements in African art and history, with the goal of inspiring a new wave of traditional and digital art practitioners. This ceremony marks the launch of a decade-long initiative to recognize industry leaders and inspire a new generation of professionals, including those in digital arts. During the event, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the significant role art has played in shaping Ghanaian societies, particularly among various ethnic groups, from pre-colonial times to the present day. Art as we know it played a critical and functional role in the formation of societies and among virtually all the ethnic groups in Ghana from pre-colonial times through the cultural imperialism that followed and our terms of a nation from 1957. Our first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, used it to unify this country and supported some of the great artists we came to know and who defined vision for us, the symbol of our new independence, he stated. The ceremony also seeks to attract policymakers and art enthusiasts from Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and a delegation from the Republic of Seychelles. Next article: Galamsey and sustainable development diplomacy: Addressing illegal small scale mining in Ghana through international cooperation and diplomatic engagement China's dominance in Africa: A catalyst for transformation or a call for caution? Hajia Nasira Afrah Opinion May - 27 - 2025 , 17:08 6 minutes read The global order is undergoing a seismic shift, propelled by the ascent of emerging powers such as China, India, and Brazil. These nations, once relegated to the margins of a Western-dominated international system, are now reshaping the contours of global governance, economic frameworks, and geopolitical dynamics. Among them, China s influence stands out, particularly in Africa, where its economic, political, and cultural presence is redefining development and diplomacy. Writing from the African continent, where Chinas footprint is unmistakable, I explore the growing influence of these emerging powers, with a focus on China s dominance, and analyze the implications for global governance and international relations. The rise of emerging powers reflects a broader transition toward a multipolar world. China, with the worlds second-largest economy, has transformed from a regional actor into a global superpower. Its Belt and Road Initiative, technological advancements, and expansive trade networks have positioned it as a leader in shaping global economic flows. India, leveraging its demographic dividend and burgeoning tech sector, is carving out a strategic role in the Indo-Pacific while advocating for a greater voice in global forums like the G20. Brazil, a powerhouse in Latin America, draws influence from its vast natural resources and leadership in environmental governance, though domestic challenges have tempered its global ambitions. Together, these nations challenge the traditional dominance of Western powers, pushing for a more inclusive international system. However, Chinas unparalleled engagement in Africa makes it the central focus of this transformation. In Africa, home to over 1.4 billion people and abundant natural resources, China has emerged as a dominant force. Since the early 2000s, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has served as a cornerstone of this relationship, channeling billions in loans, grants, and investments. China is now Africas largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $254 billion in 2022, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Unlike Western aid models, which often impose stringent conditionalities, Chinas no-strings-attached financing resonates with African governments seeking rapid development. Major infrastructure projects, such as Kenyas Standard Gauge Railway, Ethiopia s Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, and Nigeria s Lekki Deep Sea Port, have improved connectivity and spurred economic activity. Yet, these projects have also sparked concerns about debt sustainability, with countries like Zambia, owing China an estimated $6 billion, facing accusations of falling into a debt trap. This economic engagement underscores Chinas strategic vision, positioning Africa as a critical node in its global ambitions. Beyond economics, China s political and diplomatic influence in Africa is profound. By emphasizing non-interference in domestic affairs, China aligns with African leaders calls for sovereignty, contrasting with Western approaches often perceived as paternalistic. This stance has secured Beijing significant support in international forums, with African nations frequently backing Chinas positions in the United Nations on issues like human rights and Taiwan. Chinas soft power is also on the rise, with Confucius Institutes promoting Chinese language and culture and over 80,000 African students enrolled in Chinese universities by 2023. These initiatives are fostering a generation of African professionals with ties to Beijing, while Chinese media outlets like CGTN Africa shape narratives in competition with Western media. On the security front, Chinas establishment of a military base in Djibouti in 2017 and its growing arms exports signal a broadening strategic presence, though its security role remains secondary to its economic influence. The implications of China s dominance in Africa, alongside the rise of India and Brazil, are reshaping global governance. The emergence of these powers challenges the unipolar dominance of the United States and its allies, fostering a multipolar system. Institutions like the BRICS New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank offer alternatives to the World Bank and IMF, providing developing nations with new financing options. This shift could lead to a more equitable global financial system, though it risks creating competing blocs. Emerging powers are also pushing for reforms in global institutions, with India and Brazil advocating for permanent seats on the UN Security Council, while China leverages its veto power to protect its interests and those of its allies. This dynamic suggests a potential for more inclusive governance but also highlights tensions between established and emerging powers. Chinas engagement in Africa exemplifies South-South cooperation, emphasizing mutual benefit over traditional donor-recipient models. This approach resonates with African nations wary of Western influence but raises questions about transparency and accountability, given Chinas opaque lending practices. The growing presence of emerging powers has also intensified geopolitical rivalries, with the United States and the European Union responding through initiatives like Build Back Better World and the Global Gateway. These efforts, however, struggle to match Chinas scale and speed, risking a new scramble for Africa where African nations must navigate competing interests. Environmental and social challenges further complicate this landscape, as Chinese-funded projects have faced criticism for deforestation, pollution, and prioritizing Chinese workers over local labor. Addressing these issues is critical to sustaining Chinas long-term influence. For African nations, Chinas dominance presents both opportunities and challenges. Chinese investment has addressed critical infrastructure gaps, driving modernization and economic growth. However, dependency on Chinese loans risks economic vulnerabilities, as seen in Zambia and Angola. African governments must negotiate strategically, diversifying partnerships with India, which offers expertise in IT and healthcare, and Brazil, with its strengths in agriculture and renewable energy. By balancing these relationships, Africa can maximize development benefits while maintaining sovereignty. The rise of emerging powers, with Chinas dominance in Africa at the forefront, marks a pivotal moment in global governance. Chinas economic, political, and cultural influence is redefining Africas role in the world, offering a model of development that challenges Western paradigms. As India and Brazil also expand their global footprints, the international system is moving toward greater multipolarity, where power is more diffused but potentially more contested. For Africa, the challenge is to leverage these partnerships for sustainable development while safeguarding autonomy. For global governance, the rise of these powers demands a rethinking of institutions and norms to accommodate new players without destabilizing the system. Writing from Africa, I see Chinas influence as both a catalyst for transformation and a call for strategic cautiona dynamic that will shape the continent and the world for decades to come. Writer's email: [email protected] Previous article: This is how parents and guardians can be involved in the 2025 free SHS selection process which has been opened Government to roll out Free SHS in private schools Deputy Minister GraphicOnline Education May - 27 - 2025 , 13:23 2 minutes read The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has revealed that the government will extend the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to private senior high schools. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, May 27, Dr Apaak said the move was part of the government's long-term strategy to ease pressure on public schools and ultimately bring an end to the double-track system. He noted that the inclusion of private institutions in the Free SHS programme had been on the policy agenda since the current administration assumed office and would now be implemented following extensive consultations. As part of our campaign promise, we have been working diligently to bring on board private senior high schools in the delivery of the Free SHS programme., he stated. Meetings have been held, engagements have been done, and we are very certain that with the diligence we expect from our side and the eagerness of the private schools to participate, the private schools will deliver in their participation. We believe strongly that in fulfilling this manifesto campaign promise, this is going to serve as an artery in helping us bring an end to the double-track system, he added. Dr Apaak explained that the decision aligns with the ruling partys manifesto commitment to broaden access to secondary education. He described it as a critical step towards resolving congestion in public schools and ensuring that every eligible student gains admission without delay. According to him, the Ministry has received encouraging feedback from private schools, many of which have expressed readiness to meet the standards and requirements of the Free SHS framework. He added that this collaboration would not only help expand capacity but also ensure a more equitable distribution of educational opportunities across the country. The Deputy Minister made the remarks during the launch of new guidelines for this years Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) school selection process. Under the revised format, candidates will now select seven schools instead of the previous six, with the process running from May 27 to June 6. Dr Apaak stressed that the governments goal was to eliminate barriers to education and ensure that all Ghanaian students benefit from the same opportunities, whether they attend public or private schools. He concluded that the Ministry would continue monitoring and evaluating the rollout to ensure that the quality and integrity of the programme are upheld as more institutions come on board. Next article: U.S. Ambassador reaffirms equal partnership and ongoing support to Ghana ECG had no records on some of the retrieved containers; 54 still missing Ministry of Energy Mohammed Ali May - 27 - 2025 , 11:49 2 minutes read The Ministry of Energy has uncovered lapses in the Electricity Company of Ghanas (ECG) inventory management, revealing that 54 containers remain unaccounted for despite the recovery of 2,637 containers at the Tema Port. Speaking on Citi FM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the Ministrys spokesperson, Richmond Rockson, said a special committee was established to trace ECGs missing containers. The committee comprises representatives from National Security, the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority. According to Mr Rockson, 2,637 containers linked to ECG have so far been traced, with 2,583 physically verified. These include 860 at Meridian Port Services, 1,237 at GPHA terminals, 272 held by National Security, 194 at Amaris Terminal, and 20 at Atlas Manufacturing Terminal. However, 54 containers are still missing, and investigations are underway to determine their whereabouts. The findings follow a probe launched in March 2025 after the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, raised concerns over ECGs inability to account for 2,491 uncleared containers at the port. At the time, only 1,134 had been verified, leaving 1,357 untraced. Mr Rockson noted that earlier reports from the transition team had put the figure at 3,000, but this was subsequently revised to 2,491. He said the discrepancies point to poor record-keeping within ECG. Some containers that ECG had no record of were found, while others listed in their inventory could not be located, he stated. He further revealed procurement irregularities, including the purchase of equipment that was already available in stock. The containers in question are said to contain cables and other electrical equipment essential for power distribution. Mr Rockson added that delays in clearing the containers had resulted in significant demurrage charges, with 2,437 of them exceeding the 60-day limit. To date, only 40 containers have been cleared, leaving 2,597 still at the port. The Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, has directed ECG to transfer all retrieved containers to secure storage facilities and conduct a full inventory to confirm their contents. Mr Rockson also disclosed that the Ministry had identified instances where equipment ordered by ECG had remained in storage for over a decade, while other containers had either been left uncleared or auctioned. He said the Minister has instructed ECG to suspend all non-essential procurement and adopt a new model under which suppliers will be required to clear and deliver goods directly. Investigations are ongoing, with both former and current senior ECG staff under scrutiny. Mr Rockson said the Attorney-Generals office would advise on any legal action once the investigations are concluded. Ghanaian nurse wins $250,000 global award Rebecca Quaicoe Duho May - 27 - 2025 , 02:57 5 minutes read Forty-eight-year-old Oncology Nurse Specialist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, has won this years Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award of $250,000. Mrs Oti, Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, was rewarded for her transformative impact on cancer care across Africa. One of ten finalists out of the 100,000 nominees submitted across 199 countries, she, together with the other nine finalists, was also presented with a plaque of participation. The award came off at a grand ceremony in Dubai yesterday. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award recognises exceptional nurses who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and leadership in advancing health care. In her acceptance speech, Mrs Oti said: My passion for oncology nursing was born out of a desire to bridge this gap and deliver compassionate, high-quality care to those who need it most. This award affirms that dream and empowers me to do even more. It is more than recognition. It is a catalyst for lasting change. I am committed to using it to amplify the voice of African nurses, expand access to cancer care, and build a legacy of leadership and excellence in oncology nursing across our continent. This award, as said, is not mine alone, she emphasised. The initiative, she said, empowered nurses globally, and I am grateful for the platform it has given me to further my mission in oncology nursing, as I reflect on the prize. I am committed to completing the African Cancer Nurses Competences Framework, launching a cancer genetic counselling programme, establishing an educational scholarship fund and creating the African Leadership Academy for Cancer Nurses. This initiative will build capacity, strengthen systems and ensure that quality cancer care is a right, not a privilege. She dedicated the award first to God, adding that it belongs to every patient I have served, every nurse I have mentored, every colleague whom I have joined in this vision of equity in cancer care. Appreciation She extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Ghana, especially the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for creating an enabling environment for healthcare professionals and also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the entire staff of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the Director and Staff of the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre and the Global Nursing and Midwifery Fraternity, the President of the entire membership of Ghana Nurses and Midwifery Association, the Guyana Diaspora Nurses Association for their leadership and advocacy, the Church of Pentecost, the leadership, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the executives and members for their spiritual support and prayers. My mentors, my colleagues whose guidance has shaped my professional growth, my parents, siblings, and in-laws for nurturing and standing by me, my husband who is here with me today, and our three wonderful children. Your love and sacrifice give me strength. The entire Nursing and Midwifery Fraternity in Ghana and abroad, your dedication inspires me daily, she added. This is not just my victory, it is a recognition of the resilience, compassion and leadership of nurses across Ghana, Africa and the world, she said. Recounting how her journey as a nurse started, she said: Over two decades ago, I began my nursing journey with a simple mission to ease pain, bring hope and work alongside those battling cancer. In sub-Saharan Africa, I have witnessed firsthand the inequities in cancer care, especially in the resource-poor communities, but I have also seen the immense potential of nurses to lead transformative change. WHO Director-General The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, earlier congratulated the finalists and acknowledged Aster DM Healthcare's efforts in recognising the crucial role nurses played. He said the award was a way to celebrate nurses' passion and commitment to improving lives globally. In a televised message, he commended the finalists and acknowledged Aster DM Healthcare's efforts in underscoring the importance of nurses. He praised their essential role in health care, expressing gratitude for their critical contributions. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus's message emphasised the significance of nurses in the healthcare system, recognising their dedication and selflessness. Honouring Mrs Oti, the Minister of Tolerance of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, said: The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award stands as a distinguished platform that honours one of the noblest and most impactful professions in human historynursing. Nurses are truly the first line of defence in any healthcare system. They provide care, comfort and hope in the most critical moments and embody the highest ideals of humanity through their compassion and selfless service. The founder and chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, Dr Azad Moopen, also said: Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti has redefined what it means to be a nurse not just as a caregiver but as an innovator, leader and changemaker. Her contributions uplift not only patients but the entire healthcare ecosystem, setting a gold standard for others to follow. The Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare, Alisha Moopen, stated: Naomi Ohene Otis story is a powerful reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolds every day in hospitals, clinics and communities across the world. We are incredibly proud to shine a global spotlight on her work, and through her, honour the millions of nurses who keep healthcare systems running and humanity thriving. Other finalists The other finalists for the 2025 award were Catherine Maree Holliday, Switzerland; Edith Namba, Papua New Guinea; Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho, UAE; Dr Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre, Hong Kong SAR; Dr Jose Arnold Tariga, USA; Khadija Mohamed Juma, Kenya; Maheswari Jaganathan, Malaysia; Dr Sukhpal Kaur, India; and Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya, India. Writers email:[email protected] Well retool security agencies to enhance operations Interior Minister Mohammed Fugu May - 27 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has said that given the crucial role security agencies play in maintaining peace and harmony in the country, the government will continue to retool them to enhance their operations. He said deliberate efforts would be made to equip them with modern tools, logistics and infrastructure to improve their efficiency and responsiveness. Alhaji Muntaka added that there were also plans to deploy drones to monitor border activities and unapproved routes across the country to enhance surveillance. Occasion Addressing various security agencies during his three-day tour of the Northern Region, the minister said: We are exploring the use of drones and night vision drones for security monitoring across various routes. This will give us a clearer picture of what is happening in real time. He said the move had become necessary due to the rising number of immigrants entering the country through unauthorised routes, which he said posed a major security threat. The minister said that although the country had about 48 legal entry points, people continued to exploit unapproved paths to enter the country. We are in a sub-region facing turmoil, and there are numerous cross-border movements between Ghana and neighbouring countries like Cote dIvoire, Togo and Burkina Faso that must be closely monitored, he said. The minister further acknowledged the logistical and operational challenges facing security agencies, particularly the Ghana National Fire Service in the Northern Region, where out of the 16 districts in the region, only seven have fire stations. The last time Ghana procured fire tenders was in 2014; for almost nine years, not even a single new fire tender has been bought. This needs to change, he said. Appeal The Northern Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, ACFOII Franklin P. Masiku, appealed for fire tenders and other logistics to enhance their operations. Sometimes, it takes us nearly an hour to reach affected areas during fire outbreaks. The situation is dire, and we need urgent support to fulfil our mandate, he said. Writers email:[email protected] Five-man armed robbery gang jailed over Dome and Kwabenya attacks GraphicOnline May - 27 - 2025 , 07:01 2 minutes read The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has secured convictions against all five members of a robbery syndicate responsible for violent attacks at Jos Bakery in Dome and ACP Junction near Kwabenya, with sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years' imprisonment. A Police press release said in the first incident on May 11, 2025, two armed assailantsIsaac Agbezudor, 20, alias "Money Man," a mechanic, and Justice Akwasi Sarfo Oppong, 19, alias "Gariba Manta" or "Demon," an okada riderstormed Jos Bakery's Head Office in Dome at 1:25 a.m. Brandishing a locally manufactured pistol, the duo fired warning shots to terrorise staff before escaping with a Tecno Pop 8 phone (GH1,500) and a handbag. Riding an unregistered motorbike, they fled the scene. A police covert operation led to Agbezudor's arrest on May 14. His confession during interrogation enabled investigators to recover the robbery's operational tools: the motorbike, clothing, and identification of his accomplice. By May 22, 2025, intelligence tracking led to Gariba Manta's arrest at an Osino-Saaman mining site. He later guided officers to a Sonitra hideout in Amasaman, where the pistol and live ammunition were retrieved. The Kwabenya Circuit Court convicted both suspects, sentencing Agbezudor to 10 years (two concurrent counts) and Manta to 15 years. Probes revealed Manta's involvement in an earlier 5th February robbery at ACP Junction, where he and three othersBright Alikor, 21 ("Zaamani"), Emmanuel Nii Odartey Lamptey, 23 ("Chameleon"), and Prince Owusu, 19 ("Check Boy")assaulted a woman with a knife and scissors. They stole an iPhone 11 Pro Max, a Samsung tablet, and GH6,000 cash, leaving the victim with stab wounds. Targeted police operations culminated in the trio's arrest. All received 15-year sentences after trial. Authorities are also pursuing a Koforidua-based suspect linked to the stolen iPhone's purchase. DCOP Duuti Tuaruka, Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, praised the intelligence and operations teams for their swift work. He urged public cooperation in crime prevention, assuring informants of confidentiality: "Such collaboration is vital to building safer communities." Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs, signed the statement, reaffirming the police's commitment to tackling violent crime. President Mahama credits strengthening cedi for sharp drop in Ghanas debt GraphicOnline May - 27 - 2025 , 17:16 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has credited the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi with significantly reducing the country's total debt burden by nearly GH150 billion, describing the development as a major step towards restoring fiscal health. Speaking at a high-level presidential session during the 60th Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the 51st Annual Meeting of the African Development Fund (ADF) today (May 27, 2025) in Abidjan, President Mahama said the rebound of the cedi was central to reversing the rising cost of the countrys public debt, most of which is denominated in foreign currencies. One of the push factors for the debt is the strength of the value of the local currency, he explained. Our debt continued to multiply because the cedi continued to grow weaker, and so you needed more cedis to service foreign-denominated debt. Fortunately, the measures we have put in place have begun to show results, and the cedi has been strengthening. We've reduced our total debt over the last five months by almost 150 billion cedis, which is very significant. President Mahama noted that Ghana is now on course to meet its medium-term debt sustainability targets far earlier than projected. He indicated that, should the current momentum continue, the government could achieve a debt-to-GDP ratio of 55 to 58 per centinitially targeted for 2028by the end of this year. The President attributed the cedis turnaround to what he described as bold and necessary fiscal and monetary interventions introduced over the last five months. These, he said, have helped stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence, and create room for strategic investments in productive sectors. He emphasised that while the currency's recovery has offered some relief, the broader focus of his administration remains on implementing long-term reforms aimed at building resilience. We need to look inward, boost domestic revenue, cut wasteful government expenditure, fight corruption, and introduce better accountability in governance, he stressed. The AfDB Annual Meetings provide a platform for African leaders and policymakers to collaborate with development partners and financial institutions on strategies for sustainable growth and economic transformation across the continent. Mahama's remarks were closely watched as Ghana continues its path toward recovery under his renewed leadership. U.S. Ambassador praises President Mahamas commitment to business reforms Jemima Okang Addae May - 27 - 2025 , 11:15 2 minutes read The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has expressed satisfaction with President John Dramani Mahamas renewed focus on improving the countrys business environment. She described the move as essential for Ghanas economic recovery and a positive signal to both local and foreign investors. Speaking on Channel One's The Point of View on Monday, May 26, Ambassador Palmer noted that strengthening the business climate would support Ghanaian exporters and companies while attracting more U.S. investment. She said she has consistently engaged with the government on the need to create a more investor-friendly environment and was pleased to see the issue take centre stage in President Mahamas inaugural address. Improvement to the business climate in general helps Ghanaian exporters, Ghanaian companies that are here and help encourage US investment in Ghana, and I have been talking with the government of Ghana about that my entire tenure, and I am very pleased to see President Mahama make that his number one priority, I think. He talked in his inaugural address about improving the business climate as being essential to Ghanas economic recovery, she stated. She highlighted specific issues such as the need for reforms at the Ghana Revenue Authority, better access to credit, timely payment of government arrears, and the enforcement of contract agreements. According to her, these are key areas that can help businesses thrive. "There are some things that can happen to the Ghana Revenue Authority, with access to credit, with a number of things like contract sancity and payment of government arrears that will help make this more attractive place to invest for American and Ghanaian companies," she added. Ambassador Palmer emphasised that when small businesses are paid on time, they are more likely to succeed, but delays in payments could cause them to collapse. She reiterated that creating a reliable and transparent system would benefit both Ghanaian and American businesses looking to invest in the country. "If small Ghanaian businesses are paid on time, they will thrive and if they are not paid on time, they can't survive," she said. Next article: Ghana confirms 10 new Mpox cases, total rises to 19 Previous article: Ghana recalls embassy staff, sends fresh team to reopen Washington DC Mission on May 29 Veteran journalist and former NMC Chairman Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng passes on Graphic.com.gh May - 27 - 2025 , 12:56 2 minutes read Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, a veteran journalist and former Chairman of the National Media Commission has passed on in London. He is said to have died on Monday. He was 74. Nana Gyan-Apenteng became Chairman of the 8th NMC from November 2015 to November 2018 after Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere had finished serving his tenure, He was a Consultant in Communication, Media and Culture and was also the President of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW). He had an extensive experience in media having practised for over 45 years as a reporter, editor, writer, teacher and trainer He was a former editor and columnist of The Mirror weekly newspaper, as well as the Apagyahene of Tafo Eti in the Eastern Region. He was deputy editor of the erstwhile London-based West Africa magazine in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Returning to Ghana in the 1990s, Nana Gyan-Apenteng worked with the Third World Network as head of the non-governmental organisation's communication unit and editor of its monthly magazine, Africa Agenda. He served as media trainer and communication consultant for several corporate, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations including MTN Ghana, some UN agencies, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), STAR Ghana and others. He was a graduate of Apam Secondary School and the University of Ghana, Legon. He began work formally as a journalist at Daily Graphic in 1982 as a Staff Writer. He subsequently became Foreign News Editor and later had a stint as acting Editor. He was subsequently appointed editor of the Mirror where he introduced news features, which have endured till today. Nana Gyan-Apenteng relocated to the United Kingdom where he co-founded Ghana News magazine before being invited to be the Deputy and Acting Editor of West Africa magazine. He also founded and edited African Topics magazine, the only Pan-African publication dedicated to governance and human rights. He also worked with the Third World Network, Cultural Initiatives Support Programme, the European Union Culture Fund for Ghana, among others as a communications expert. He also served as a part time lecturer at Vauxhall College in London and the European University Centre for Peace Studies in Austria. He also provided training for both state and private sector institutions and was a columnist for The Mirror Newspaper. Woman who stole church TV at military barracks jailed 12 months GNA May - 27 - 2025 , 07:05 3 minutes read An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a 24-year-old woman to 12 months imprisonment for stealing a 50-inch Television (TV) at Teshie Military Barracks in Accra. Mawuena Tamakloe was convicted and sentenced after she pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful entry and stealing the TV valued at GHC8,900. The court sentenced Mawuena to 12-month imprisonment each on charges of unlawful entry and stealing. Prosecution led by Chief Inspector Clemence Takyi told the court that the request by the court for a pregnancy test to be conducted on Mawuena was negative. The prosecution and the case investigator narrated to the court how Mawuena escaped after they had run the test and were returning to the Police station. The case investigator told the court Mawuena crossed the main road close to the Police and hopped into a commercial vehicle and a taxi. According to the female case investigator, Mawuena was nabbed after a Rider offered to assist her by chasing two vehicles that Mawuena hid in. The relieving Judge then advised Mawuena to go and reform in prison. Earlier Chief Inspector Takyi prayed the court to withdraw the charge of causing unlawful damage to the tv, a property of the Church of Pentecost (COP) Whistler Barracks Worship Centre. The court had earlier on entered a plea of not guilty on the charge of causing unlawful damage, after the convict had offered some explanation. Handing down the sentence, the court presided over by Mrs Susan Edufful said she took into consideration the age of the accused, the fact that accused was a first offender, her plea for leniency and the value of the item. Prosecution earlier told the court that the complainant Ebenezer Oppong Aboagye was an Elder of COP, Whistler Barracks Worship Centre located within the Teshie Military Academy while Mawuena, unemployed, was a resident of Tema Community 2. Inspector Takyi said on May 15, 2025 at about 8:30am, Mawuena was spotted by some Military officers who were witnesses in the case, carrying a 50 -inch Hisense UHD 4K flat screen TV out of the Military Academy Barrack, specifically from the COP, Whistler Barrack Worship Centre direction with the churchs inscription on the TV box. Prosecution told the court that when the convict was interrogated by the officers, her explanation did not go down well so she was handed over to the Military Police for further questioning. During the questioning, Mawuena Confessed to having stolen the TV from one of the offices within the church auditorium. Prosecution said the complainant was informed and Mawuena was handed over to the Police together with the TV for action. The prosecutor told the court that the police personnel in the company of the complainant and the convict visited the church and detected that the inner wooden door to the head pastors office had been damaged. The court was told that Mawuena admitted the offence in her caution statement. Previous article: Parliament resumes today for the Second Meeting of the First Session of the 9th Parliament Adu-Boahene has not requested a plea bargain agreement Atta Akyea GraphicOnline Politics May - 26 - 2025 , 21:03 2 minutes read Lead counsel for former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has denied reports suggesting that his client is seeking a plea bargain with the Attorney-Generals Department. Speaking to the media after court proceedings on Monday, May 26, Samuel Atta Akyea dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that neither his client nor the latters wife, Angela Adjei Boatengalso standing trialhad initiated any discussions about a plea deal. We have not made any overtures. There is nothing on the table for us to plea bargain. There has been no requestformal or informalfor any plea bargaining from my clients, Atta Akyea stated. These rumours are not only misleading but also intended to tarnish the reputation of a man who insists on his innocence and is prepared to clear his name through the judicial process. He added that his clients remained confident in their defence and committed to contesting the charges in open court. He also cautioned against what he described as trial by media, urging the public to allow the legal process to unfold without interference or speculation. Mr Atta Akyea further clarified that the court had made no ruling on a plea bargain, but merely acknowledged that it could be a consideration for the defence once disclosures are served. The case has been adjourned to June 11. Meanwhile, the Accra High Court has directed the defence not to engage in any plea bargain negotiations until the prosecution files and serves full disclosures. The order follows a request by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, who asked for more time to meet the disclosure deadline due to the unavailability of a key investigator. Dr Srem-Sai explained, We couldnt comply with the deadline because one of our key investigators was indisposed, thus unavailable to sign the relevant documentation. Our failure to comply with the orders was never deliberate or intentional. We pray you grant us a weeks adjournment. The investigator will be back on Friday. Presiding judge, Justice John Nyadu Nyante, granted the request and ordered that all disclosures be filed by June 2. He further directed that no plea bargain requests should be considered until the accused have received and reviewed the relevant prosecution documents. Attorney-General urges Supreme Court to dismiss Chief Justices injunction request GNA Politics May - 27 - 2025 , 18:05 2 minutes read The Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoos interlocutory injunction seeking to halt her removal proceedings. In a 20-point affidavit, the Attorney General argued that the appropriate legal remedy for not receiving a document or process was not an injunction. I verily believe the same to be true that by law, the appropriate remedy for not receiving a document or a process which the applicant believes to be entitled is not an order of interlocutory injunction, the affidavit stated. The Attorney General denied leaking details of the removal process, stating that only the Chief Justice had made the proceedings public. He acknowledged an opinion poll indicating that a majority of Ghanaians support the applicants removal from office (only 20 per cent do not). However, he rejected claims that the organisation conducting the poll was close to the government. The affidavit stressed that the Committee of Inquiry proceedings being held in camera was a constitutional command meant to preserve, protect, and safeguard not only the dignity of the Chief Justice (the applicant), but all constituents. It asserted that records of consultations between the Council of State and the President regarding the three petitions for removal had been duly supplied to those legally entitled. The Attorney General further argued that the Supreme Court had already ruled on May 21, 2025, in a Centre for Citizenship Constitutional and Electoral Systems LBG v. Attorney General and two others case, dismissing the Chief Justices claims. It is a breach of ethics of the legal profession and abuse of the processes of the honourable court for counsel to repeat or allow to be repeated in court an allegation of fact which counsel knows has been duly decided in the negative by the court of competent jurisdiction, the affidavit stated. It noted that members of the inquiry committee had taken the relevant oaths of office and asserted that failure to take an oath does not disqualify a person from performing official duties, nor nullify actions already undertaken. GNA Majority Caucus to push for accountability to stop abuse of public funds - Ayariga to Parliament Nana Konadu Agyeman Politics May - 27 - 2025 , 17:21 3 minutes read The Majority Leader has told Parliament that the Majority Caucus will spearhead a rigorous pursuit of accountability in Ghanas public financial management to put a stop to abuse of public funds. To that effect, he outlined the unresolve financial malfeasance surrounding the COVID-19 expenditures, Agyapa Royalties deal, $190 million PDS scandal, deals he assured would be investigated to hold accountable those who brazenly plundered public resources without accountability. This House will ensure that the era of financial recklessness is met with unwavering consequences, he assured the House. Full-scale investigation Addressing the House at the commencement of the second meeting of the Ninth Parliamentary on Tuesday, Mr Ayariga also warned that the House would demand a full-scale parliamentary investigation into the handling of COVID-19 expenditures to ensure transparency in how emergency funds were utilised. We will revisit the unresolved Agyapa Royalties deal and require a detailed update on the $190 million PDS scandala case of alleged fraud in power distribution that cost Ghana dearly under the previous administration. Furthermore, we will launch a comprehensive inquiry into the rampant sole-sourcing practices of the past government, exposing how reckless contracts bled the nations coffers while enriching a select few politically connected individuals, he said. Impunity The Leader of Government Business said the Majority Caucus would also push the House to summon Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) for briefings, particularly on the 36 financial cases worth over $20 billion under reviewincluding land-related fraud amounting to $702.2 million. In his view, the gravest danger to the countrys democracy was impunity and that if we fail to hold those responsible for this brazen plunder of public resources accountable, we betray the trust of every Ghanaian who demands justice Bank Square The MP for Bawku Central also said in the course of the last sitting, it emerged that some containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) got missing at the Tema Port. He said further investigations revealed massive cases of reckless procurement at the ECG, with the Minister of Energy promising the House a thorough investigation. We are waiting to be briefed on how far perpetrators have been held accountable. This Parliament must live up to its mandate as the House of accountability, he said. He again told the House that the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Kwasi Asiama, appeared before the Houses Committee of the Whole to provide critical clarifications on the controversial construction of the new Central Bank headquarters, known as the Bank Square. He explained that what began as an $81.8 million project under the previous administration ballooned to an astounding $250 million, a reckless expenditure at a time when Ghanas dire financial crisis had pushed the nation into an IMF bailout. Shockingly, it was revealed that $11.1 million was spent on furniture alone, despite the building remaining incomplete and structurally unsafe for occupation. This House will thoroughly investigate this matter during the current sitting to ensure accountability and justice. The hardworking citizens of Ghana who took to the streets in protest against such blatant mismanagement of public funds deserve answers and their voices must not be ignored and their sacrifices must not be in vain, he said. Writers email: [email protected] Parliament resumes today for the Second Meeting of the First Session of the 9th Parliament GraphicOnline Politics May - 27 - 2025 , 06:43 2 minutes read Parliament reconvenes today, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament officially begins following the Easter recess. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced the resumption in a formal notice issued on May 12, in line with Order 58 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana. The House is expected to sit from 10:00 a.m. at Parliament House in Accra. The new meeting marks the return of full parliamentary activity, with legislators set to engage in debates, committee work, and the scrutiny of key national issues. One of the major events on the calendar will be the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review by the Minister for Finance, expected in August. Speaking on Citi FM ahead of todays sitting, the Second Deputy Majority Whip Richard Acheampong highlighted the busy schedule for the session, noting that ministerial statements will be key to evaluating sectoral performance and outlining future plans. The ministers will make their statements so we can assess their achievements over the past three months and understand their plans going forward. We have a packed agenda this sitting, including the mid-year budget review in August, Acheampong said. Ahead of the sitting, the Minority Caucus held a weekend retreat to reflect on its legislative performance and to set strategic priorities for the new session. The Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed the caucuss commitment to strong oversight and indicated its long-term political ambition. We are sending a strong message to our opponentswe will hold their feet to the fire while remaining a responsible opposition. I assure Ghanaians that we are ready to take power in 2028, he declared. Next article: Majority Caucus to push for accountability to stop abuse of public funds - Ayariga to Parliament Parliamentary immunity not absolute - Speaker warns MPs Nana Konadu Agyeman Politics May - 27 - 2025 , 17:34 4 minutes read The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has warned members of the Parliament (MPs) that the parliamentary privilege they enjoy does not offer them an absolute protection from lawful inquiry. He reminded legislators that privileges were not immunity and a licence to disregard the law, a reason they must conduct themselves in a manner that would not breach the law. The immunities granted to this House and its members are designed to protect the independence of the legislature, not to obstruct justice. These provisions are institutional safeguards and they were never intended as escape routes for honourable members, he said. Due process In a statement at the commencement of the second meeting of the Ninth Parliament yesterday, Mr Bagbin said where allegations were raised against any MP, due processes must take their courses since. Our position on this is unnegotiable as Parliament will not stand by while members are subjected to unlawful or politically motivated persecution. But neither will Parliament offer protection to those who seek to misuse its privileges to frustrate legitimate investigations. I remain committed to fully upholding the constitutional and procedural protections afforded to every member of this House. The dignity of Parliament requires that its rules and privileges be respected. But it also requires that we do not mistake privilege for impunity. Privilege is not impunity. Immunity is not invisibility. The law binds us all. And the law is the law, he said. Solemn duty The Speaker said there had been a noticeable increase in the number of official communications from law enforcement and investigative bodies directed at the House. Those requests, many of which related to the conduct of members, must be treated with the seriousness they deserved, he said. He said some of those matters related to allegations arising before those accused became members of the House, while others, regrettably, concerned conduct alleged to have taken place while members were in office. Mr Bagbin, therefore, urged members to rededicate themselves to the work ahead with patriotism, unity of purpose and collective resolve to secure the interest of the nation, always bearing in mind our solemn duty to people of Ghana. Mr Bagbin indicated that the House was where power was legitimately held to account where policy was examined and scrutinised and where the views, interests and hopes of the constituents found structured expression. He told MPs that the times and the context in which they operated were challenging. The people of Ghana look up to this Parliament for leadership that is ethical, purposeful and proactive. A leadership that inspires confidence and hope as well as a leadership that justifies the trust and investment. They are watching our every step. Not out of mere curiosity but because they know that the decisions taken here affect livelihoods, determine the rate of development and the future of our nation, he said. Accountability The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, told the House that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, would soon put before Parliament a number of crucial bills aimed stopping massive looting of public funds by public officials. He named the bills as the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, a Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Bill, Economic and Organised Crime Office Bill, Ghana Industrial Property Office Bill, Intestate Succession Bill, Legal Education Reform Bill, Legal Profession Bill, Notaries Public (Amendment) Bill, Presidential Transition (Amendment) Bill, State Property and Contract (Amendment) Bill and a new Tribunals Bill. Removal of CJ The Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, the audacious attempts by the Presidency to undermine judicial independence had reached dangerous proportions. The nation watched in disbelief as the Executive launched brazen efforts to remove the Chief Justice, an assault not merely on one officeholder but on the very sanctity of the judicial branch. Writers email: [email protected] Next article: MP, MCE of Korle Klottey commit to address sanitation challenges in KoKMA Previous article: Majority Caucus to push for accountability to stop abuse of public funds - Ayariga to Parliament Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang resumes duty after medical leave GNA Politics May - 27 - 2025 , 15:44 1 minute read Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on Monday, May 26, resumed her duty at the Presidency in Accra, after returning from a medical leave in London in the United Kingdom. The Presidency, in a statement, said the Vice-President attended the general meeting of political appointees at the Presidency. Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, welcomed her on behalf of the team and said that they were happy to have her back in the office. Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang thanked them for their well wishes and expressed her appreciation to them for the remarkable work they were doing in advancing the Presidents vision of resetting and rebuilding Ghana. I encourage us all to press forward with renewed energy and determination, the Vice-President stated. GNA Wontumi picked up by EOCO upon return to Police CID Graphic.com.gh Politics May - 27 - 2025 , 18:10 2 minutes read The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi has been picked up by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following a visit to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters on Tuesday, May 27. Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the NPP in a radio interview confirmed that Chairman Wontumi appeared before the CID earlier in the day to assist with ongoing investigations but he was later picked up by officials of EOCO when he was leaving the premises. He said heavily armed men crossed the vehicle of Chairman Wontumi and took him away. As of 5:30pm, he said the reason for the pick up was not known as Wontumi continued to remain in EOCO custody and he had been denied access to counsel. Chairman Wontumi was officially cautioned on Monday, May 26, for allegedly engaging in mining operations without a license in a forest reserve. In a press release issued on Monday, May 26, the CID confirmed that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako had reported to the CID Headquarters in Accra earlier that day at noon. He was accompanied by a legal team led by former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame. According to the statement, Wontumi cooperated fully with investigators and submitted a formal statement. He was subsequently granted bail with instructions to return for further questioning on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi has denied involvement in illegal mining and reports. Speaking to journalists after his interrogation by the CID on Monday, he firmly defended his innocence on both fronts, stating he had complied fully with legal requirements regarding his mining operations. Ice Universe: the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ is lighter than and almost as thin as the Galaxy S25 Edge Thin is in? The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge launched with a slender frame that measures just 5.8mm thick and soon it will have competition. No, were not talking about the iPhone 17 Air, but instead about the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ Ice Universe has a unit on hand and posted this comparison video with the S25 Edge. The Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ is a sub-6mm phone it should be 5.95mm, though the calipers used in the video only show one decimal point. Thats 0.2mm or so (depending on the exact dimensions) more than the S25 Edge. Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ measured against the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Next up, both phones went on the scales and the Infinix phone is actually lighter 154.6g vs. 163.8g for the Galaxy. Thats pretty impressive work by the Infinix team, but it does beg the question what kind of battery is inside the Hot 60 Pro+? Unfortunately, The Cat has made no mention of capacity so far. Samsung only managed to fit 3,900mAh in the Galaxy S25 Edge frame, so its not a high bar to clear. The Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ was 6.8mm thick, weighed 162g and packed a 5,000mAh battery. Of course, that model is from last year and these days high density Si/C batteries are much more common. Well have to wait and see which might be a while, since Infinix still hasnt officially confirmed the existence of the Hot 60 Pro+, never mind having set an announcement date. Hey, guysI have the Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ and the SAMSUNG S25 Edge. Now I might be the only person on the earth who both have the thinnest flat screen phone and the thinnest curved screen phone. Compared to each other, the thickness of S25 Edge is only 0.2mm less than that one, pic.twitter.com/DKblkosAVT ICE CAT (@UniverseIce) May 27, 2025 Source Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge According to some Samsung Community posts, the latest software update for the Galaxy A56 is causing some bootloop issues. The update itself isn't big and brings some minor improvements to the software experience, with the most notable one being the ability to launch Gemini by a long press of the power button. In any case, after installing the update, some users are reporting bootloops, essentially bricking their phones. The bad news is that Samsung has yet to acknowledge the issue, but the good news is that the workaround is very easy. You just have to power off the phone, remove the SIM card and start up the phone again. Once the OS boots, insert the SIM card. Interestingly enough, the update reached the Galaxy A26 and A36, but no such issues have been reported. Source | Via Samsung Galaxy A56 Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy A36 The Guam Conservatory of Arts is hosting a summer camp for children interested in exploring the arts giving them the opportunity to see what they like in a four-week period. The camp will allow campers to try ballet, drama, arts and crafts, tap dance, music, poetry and chorale. No prior training is required, and the summer camp is open to children ages 5-13. The Conservatorys president and creative director Eugene Bob Bordallo said its their first summer camp endeavor and they hope those who participate will learn a lot in the four weeks. The camp will allow participants to get a taste of different art forms, and the hope is they see what they are passionate about and continue to grow it. Hopefully even after a month they will have a sense that they accomplished something, Bordallo said. They hope the interest will bring them back to the Conservatory in the fall after the camp. The camps are from May 26 to June 20 and June 30 to July 25. The camp runs from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. and costs $900 with a $25 registration fee. Tuition assistance is available through a block grant for qualifying families, needs-based scholarships, and discounts as well as an installment plan option. Guam Conservatory of Arts is a certified after school care provider, and as such, eligible families may get tuition paid for through a Child Care Block Grant. They are located at 56 Route 8 Barrigada, Guam 96913. For more information, contact (671)787-4367 or (671)929-7799 or email Admin@GuamConservatory.Org Bordallo said the nonprofit tax-exempt organization is committed to offering training in classical arts namely ballet and music. As a career He said its a pre-professional program to train a dancer to follow it as a career. By the time kids are 17 or 18, they have options whether they want to train at the university level, apply for scholarships to pay for their schooling or to audition for entry level for professional ballet companies. So thats a big goal, he said. He said this type of training is multiple classes in a week so it would cost too much money for most parents without financial support. The Conservatory wanted to be a nonprofit so it could apply for federal and local grants, get donations and sponsorships to help those who cant afford to pay for all the classes. Parents can also apply for the block grant which will pay for the tuition to attend the classes. Rebecca Grunzke, board treasurer, said they want to generate interest in the classical arts and the summer camp will give kids a day full of different activities so there will be something for everyone. Miranda Duenas, board secretary, said they want to get kids in the door because maybe they dont know they like a certain art. They might learn they love ballet or tap dancing, or maybe the piano or trumpet. We want to provide that exposure, she said. The hope is if the camper likes a certain art, they will continue to come to the Conservatory to grow their passion. Lifesaver Bordallo shared his personal story of how classical arts was lifesaving for him growing up. While his siblings would get in trouble, he was playing the piano and then when he got into dance, it was even better. He was able to take out his stress and tension through physical activity and become a professional dancer. He said Guam has high rates of obesity and diabetes and dance helped him to stay healthy even as he is in his 60s. My contention is if you establish these habits early on, youll keep them, he said. Women, men and children paraded in royal gowns and traditional Filipino attire, generally referred to as Filipiniana, at the center court of Micronesia Mall on May 24 for the festive Santacruzan. Santacruzan is a Philippine religious and cultural procession that honors the finding of the true cross by Queen Helena, or Reyna Elena, and her son, Emperor Constantine. Women and girls representing different island organizations, along with some elected Guam officials serving as consorts and donning Barong Tagalogs, paraded throughout the mall in a vibrant display of pomp, pageantry and traditions. The Filipino Ladies Association of Guam, FLAG, hosted the event as part of Philippine Heritage Month observed in June. Here are samples of the spectacular fashion on display. Its been 14 years since the unexplained disappearance of sisters Faloma and Maleina Luhk from a school bus stop in As Teo village on Saipan and now their aunt is speaking out that the key to solving the case is closer to home than anyone might think. I hope the FBI will reach out to me and I could give them some good leads to finding the girls, their aunt Tina Palacios said. Only one person knows what happened and where the girls are at. I truly believe that its a family member that took the girls. Palacios said the girls know better to get into a car with strangers. They knew the person, thats why there was no screaming or running away. A stranger cannot take two young girls without a fight, she added. Palacios said there was an FBI profiler from Colorado who came to Saipan to specifically try and break the case back in 2021. I know the guy and I plan to reach out to him and (see) what his findings were about, she said. Palacios said shes still holding up hope that her nieces are still alive. I still believe that Faloma and Maleina are still alive. One day soon, they will come back. I pray they are safe, well, and strong. I cant wait for the day that I see you two back. You will be grown to be beautiful young souls, the aunt said. She said she will never give up hope of their return. Stay strong together and dont give up and keep praying everyday God will answer and bring you back home. You are gone but never forgotten. You two will come back, she said. I miss you both and Ive kept my promise to take care of you two and give you the life you so well deserved. God, please keep Maleina and Faloma safe and bring them back home. An open case The CNMI Department of Public Safety and the FBI, meanwhile, are again urging the public to come forward with any new information. The Luhk sisters case remains one of the CNMIs most haunting unsolved child disappearances, and the mystery has also captivated other parts of Micronesia where the family has relatives. We continue to pray for the families, said CNMI Department of Public Safety Assistant Chief of Police Simon Manacop in a statement marking the somber anniversary. As an open case for 14 years now, we continue to ask anyone who may provide information on the disappearance of Faloma and Maleina. DPS continues to investigate leads or any information in reference to this case. The two sisters vanished on May 25, 2011, while waiting at a school bus stop in As Teo, Saipan. Faloma was 10 years old, and Maleina was 9. When they failed to return home that afternoon, a missing persons report was filed. The FBI was brought in the same day to assist in the investigation. Up to $25K reward To date, the FBI has offered a reward of up to $25,000 for any credible information leading to the girls whereabouts. Retired FBI special agent Haejun Park, who led the investigation for more than a decade, recalled the emotional impact their disappearance had on the community. They were children of the community, meaning we probably saw them at some point or another, being a small island, Park said. And when they went missing, everybody kind of knew who they were. The sisters school community was also devastated. They were utterly shocked, Park said. The sisters-especially Faloma-were known for their pleasant demeanors and constant smiles. Today, the FBI Honolulu Division, which has jurisdiction over U.S. territories such as the CNMI, continues to work the case. The bureaus Saipan satellite office remains active in the investigation. Partner agencies involved over the years include the U.S. Marshals Service, the DEA, Homeland Security, and local authorities. The search for the girls has covered land, sea, and air. We had law enforcement officers and government agencies flying to Saipan to support us, Park said. But it took people on the ground to help us look further into the jungle, where they knew the land. Despite extensive efforts and over a decade of interviews, the investigation has yielded no definitive leads. There is no conclusion to where these girls mightve ended up, Park said. Our hope is we find these girls alive somewhere. Beyond the CNMI The investigation also extends beyond the CNMI. FBI special agent Rick Bauer emphasized the importance of community outreach within the Micronesian diaspora, particularly in the continental United States where many former Saipan residents now live. Thats just another reason to drive us and the law enforcement-and the community-to get answers, Bauer said. The public is urged to come forward with any tips, no matter how insignificant they may seem. We believe there are people out there that know something, Bauer said. No matter how big or how little it may be, it could be something that law enforcement can use in solving this mystery. Anyone with information can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov. Anonymous tips are welcome. The girls physical descriptions at the time of disappearance: Corrections and clarifications: This story has been updated to reflect the accurate cost of Glass Breakwater repair contracts. Other information was previously published in paragraphs 11 and 12. Guam missile defense, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and billions of dollars in construction and Typhoon Mawar recovery will stay at center stage through the next two years of military leadership on the island, outgoing Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Brent DeVore said Tuesday. The outgoing commander also commented on efforts to deal with Guams ongoing housing shortage, and missile defense issues flagged by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. DeVore reflected on his past year of work during a sit-down with incoming commander Rear Adm. Brett Mietus and the media at JRM headquarters. Outgoing DeVore leaves after just a year at JRM, shorter than the usual two-year stint for admirals. He took the helm after former JRM commander, Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, stepped up to the newly formed Joint Task Force-Micronesia. Mietus said he plans to spend his first 30 days of command to listen, to learn and understand the work needed in each of the priority areas laid out by DeVore. The incoming commander said hes already had a chance to meet with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. $5B construction According to DeVore, JRM has about $5 billion worth of active military construction, spread across 70 active projects, ongoing as of Tuesday. The density of those projects spoke to the importance of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, he said. This is American homeland. Its the farthest west of the American homeland. And I think were seeing a recognized investment by the U.S., Congress, by the federal government, by the administration, DeVore said. JRM is also starting on about $2 billion worth of money put solely towards infrastructure repairs post-Mawar. He said the most visible piece of that is repair work for the Glass Breakwater, the 3-mile long structure that protects ships docked in port at Apra Harbor. Fixes to the Mawar-damaged breakwater are contracted out at $571 million. Other major work includes repairs to the hangar for the search and rescue Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, which was damaged by Mawar, DeVore said. Theres also work to repair housing inside the fence, he added. Missile defense, Camp Blaz An environmental impact statement and final record of decision for a planned 360-degree missile defense system for Guam are in the pipeline and due August, according to DeVore. He called the December missile interceptor test a tremendous success and said much of the work ahead is trying to figure out how to integrate different interceptor systems. As for Camp Blaz, more buildings at the facility will be brought online in the next two years, so that more Marines can be relocated from Okinawa, DeVore said. A contingent of about 50 marines and sailors moved into the bases barracks earlier this month, the first of nearly 5,000 troops relocating from Okinawa. DeVore on Tuesday said he didnt have an announcement about when the next contingent of Marines will arrive. He said they will come at a pace determined by the Marine Corps. Incoming commander Mietus said hell have clearer priorities after his first 30 days on the job. No need for me to break anything here, so Ill listen and learn for about 30 days and then figure out where to make tweaks and adjustments along the way, Mietus said. He said he had really great conversation with the governor last week, and looked forward to building a partnership with her. Mietus will take the helm of JRM after a change of command ceremony on Thursday at Guam High School. Seeking military housing DeVore said within the next 12 months, JRM may put out a solicitation for excess commercial properties that could be used to house military personnel. Housing has become a big concern in light of the buildup, with the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority pointing to increasing military personnel, dependents, and contractors as driving housing prices out of reach of the islands middle class. According to DeVore, JRM put out a request for proposals about a year ago, to see if there were any viable properties for military housing. We know theres capacity out there, unused by the tourism industry, and maybe theres a partnership that we could use, he said. Its still going through the development evaluation of that, what money could be put against some of those. At Andersen Air Force Base, there is about $500 million worth of housing construction ongoing. By the early 2030s, the Department of Defense will start looking at other areas for on-base housing. Maybe we can start to go a little more vertical and provide some opportunities for housing inside the fence, DeVore said. JRM in April predicted the military buildup, and plans for a new 360-degree missile, to add around 10,117 people to the local population between 2024 and 2027. GAO report DeVore did comment briefly on a recent report from the GAO that found missile defense plans lack some of the basic building blocks needed to sustain the project. GAO, the investigative arm of Congress, pointed out the importance of the Army developing a long-term strategy so it could advocate for construction priorities and installation support to avoid further delays. It also flagged shortages of housing, health care, inadequate health care, and an unclear figure for how many personnel are needed for the system. We welcome the oversight. I think everybody in Washington, D.C., all the way down, is constantly looking for wheres the best use of every individual dollar, DeVore said Tuesday. He stressed the militarys work in the Civil-Military Coordination Council with the Leon Guerrero administration. DeVore said the DoD had to be open and transparent with the local government about challenges faced, and looked to places to work together. Certainly in my 30 years of federal government, we could all use more money, but theres not more money to have, and its limited, and weve got to be as smart and resourceful and pragmatic and practical where we can in the use of limited and precious taxpayer money, he said. China is not hell-bent on conquering Micronesiaand the U.S. push for military dominance in the region may be working against the nations security interests, argued political scientist Van Jackson on Tuesday. Jackson spoke during day one of the virtual Security and Insecurity in Micronesia forum hosted by local think tank Pacific Center for Island Security. A senior lecturer on international relations at the Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand and former advisor for the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense, he said there was simply no basis in fact that China was interested in taking over Micronesia. While Chinese control of the region would not be good, and the superpower did not have the best interest of Micronesia at heart, modern China is not Imperial Japan, Jackson said. He said with the exception of the Federated States of Micronesia, most foreign investment from the Chinese government went to Melanesia and Polynesia. That investment peaked in 2016, and was declining since, according to Jackson, even as great power competition with the U.S. started to heat up. He said police assistance from China to Pacific nations was mostly in response to the U.S. bringing greater national security attention to the region. If Chinas goal had really been to divide and conquer, it was not trying very hard, he said. Chinese interests in the Pacific, and especially Micronesia, were small compared to other regions, the scholar said. That could change, he noted, but it was true for the time being. It was clear that the U.S. dominated the Pacific militarily, and had forced out major Chinese investment around Micronesia through the Compacts of Free Association, and treaties with Kiribati. The U.S. in this region has no right, no standing, to be afraid of China. In the Taiwan Strait, theres a little bit of a different story, which we could talk about, but in the Pacific, its just a lot of paranoia, Jackson said. War games paint Guam as a likely target if a U.S.-China conflict erupts over Taiwan, the Pacific Daily News has reported. Micronesia as a buffer The threat of Chinese control, and the promise of Department of Defense investment, led to the Compact nations voluntarily giving up some of their authorities to the U.S, he said. Jackson said it was true that China wanted Micronesia to be a buffer between U.S. forces and Beijing, and that the country sought to weaken the U.S. sphere of influence in the region. If your goal is U.S. primacy, thats a bad thing. That sounds like a problem, he said. But if your goal is just stability, what China wants is not necessarily a bad thing. It was the policy of the U.S. to completely exclude other great powers from its spheres of influence, as it did in Micronesia. The U.S. wants to be able to take military actions here, new radar sites, refurbished runways, relocating forces, firing range complexes, right? Those kinds of actionsMicronesian nations are not in a position to veto them, and no other country can be allowed to do them, Jackson said. But it was because of that power projection, and the perceived dominance of the U.S. over Micronesia, that China was pushing back against U.S. influence in the region, and potentially threatening it, he said. The Pacific cannot be a buffer between outside powers if it appears to be controlled by one side or the other. In that case, the Pacific becomes an object or an asset or a weapon, right? And that only heightens insecurity, according to the political scientist. If the U.S. has control over Micronesia, and the jurisdictions there dont have a say, then American strategists could use the region to posture forces in a way that China finds threatening. That doesnt help deterrence either, that encourages arms racing, according to Jackson, adding that an arms race was not in the interest of U.S. security. Increasing U.S. force posture in Micronesia was also fueling a race between China and Australia to provide security guarantees to island nations in Melanesia and Polynesia, he added. The race was costing Australia billions, Jackson said. Its fine to oppose a Chinese sphere of influence, but if you support a U.S. sphere of influence, youre just accelerating Chinas bid for a sphere of its own, he said. According to Jackson, what would most benefit the U.S. Pacific strategy was more autonomy, or self-governance, for Micronesia. America should have a presence, but not to the exclusion of all other powers, he said. Micronesian nations should work to negotiate with the U.S. as a bloc, collectively sorting out issues, instead of one-by-one, in the hopes of being taken more seriously, according to Jackson. He added that in exchange for U.S.-backed security, Micronesia had sacrificed much of its economic possibilities. He cited research from Brown University, which showed that military spending provided less jobs than investment in any other sector. Its a 2010-2013 gray Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback with damage to the front-right bumper, a possible windshield damage, and a broken or missing front passenger mirror. These are new details about a vehicle possibly linked to a May 18 hit-and-run in Dededo that police released on Tuesday. The incident happened around 2:30 a.m. The Guam Police Departments Guam Highway Patrol Division is asking the public to come forward if they have any information on the vehicle or any witnesses. The victim remains in stable condition as of 4 p.m. May 27, GPD said. Shortly after the hit-and-run, police said the victim was on life support as a result of injuries from the incident. Contact police, Crime Stoppers Anyone with information regarding this incident or has knowledge of a vehicle matching the description provided is urged to contact GHPD personnel via GPD Dispatch at (671) 475-8615-7. Anyone can also leave an anonymous tip on the Guam Crime Stoppers website at www.guam.crimestoppersweb.com. One need not have to leave a name. Early morning incident Around 2:34 a.m. on May 18, a Sunday, a pedestrian was walking on the southbound outer lane of Route 3 in Dededo, based on preliminary information from GDP. A vehicle traveling in the same outer southbound lane struck the pedestrian and fled the scene. Medics transported the victim to the Guam Regional Medical City for further medical treatment, GPD said. Units from GPDs Guam Highway Patrol arrived on the scene to conduct their investigation. This case remains open and pending further investigation. GPD said it does not have further releasable information at this time. GPD remains committed to ensuring the safety of our community and will provide updates as more information becomes available, it added. The Guam Solid Waste Authority is going after disposal services to get rid of any scrap produced by a new car crusher, according to GSWA General Manager Irvin Slike. GSWAs $480,000 car crusher is meant to help deal with the islands widespread junk car problem. The machine landed on Guam in February, and staff have already been trained on it, but GSWA wants to figure out what to do with crushed vehicles before it deploys the machine around the island. Crushing vehicles is meant to make it cheaper and easier to get rid of junkers that are routinely abandoned. Slike, during a GSWA board meeting on Thursday, said the agency is putting out small purchase bids for on-island disposal and shipping services to get rid of the crushed vehicles. He said the initial purchase will cost about $25,000, and will be covered by excess revenues from GSWAs 2025 budget. Disposal is expected to cost between $400 and $500 per vehicle, according to Slike. Department of Public Works Director Vince Arriola in November estimated as many as 50,000 junk vehicles abandoned around the island. If that figure is accurate, it could cost GovGuam at least $20 million to get rid of every junker on Guam, based on rates provided by Slike on Thursday. But he said the small purchase is meant to probe the market, in the hopes of coming up with a better price for junker disposal. What we want to do is gather some information so that GovGuam or another agency can put together a larger procurement, Slike told the GSWA board. Once thats done, I think the unit costs will dramatically reduce if theres a commitment in terms of number of cars, he said. Slike said GSWA has approached the Mayors Council of Guam, the principal agency responsible for junk car disposal, about a partnership. He said the mayors and the Guam Environmental Protection Agency are working out the logistics of a deal. The general manager previously said that the car crusher will first be used to deal with junk vehicles around northern Guam, where hazardous chemicals can leak into the aquifer. Inalahan Elementary School passed its annual sanitation inspection with 15 demerits and a "B" rating, an improvement from the previous one when it got 28 demerits and a "C" grade. The Guam Department of Education, which announced the results of the Department of Public Health and Social Services' inspection, said the progress was made possible by the "united efforts and dedication of all the faculty, staff and stakeholders." GDOE congratulated the school and its community of supporters for their "dedication to meeting the safety and health standards and making the necessary improvements." "Your collective efforts in addressing the various requirements from your last inspections and meeting all areas of the standards have been instrumental in this success," Education Superintendent Erik Swanson said in a statement. Inalahan Elementary School Principal Michael Perez thanked those who made the improvements possible, citing their "unwavering commitment, hard work, and time invested." An adrift inflatable raft was found around 9:19 a.m. Tuesday about one-quarter mile off the reef near The Westin Resort Guam in Tumon Bay, and the U.S. Coast Guard urgently requests the publics assistance in identifying it. Authorities seek any information about the rafts origin or related circumstances. A local charter operator discovered the engineless grey inflatable Lan Hai-brand raft and towed it to the Hagatna Boat Basin. Inside, investigators found fuel cans, a fresh bag of apples, hardboiled eggs, canned coffee, an unused patch kit, oars, a fishing rod without tackle or lures, and several pairs of shoes in various sizes, the Coast Guard said in a release Tuesday afternoon. The U.S. Coast Guard response, led by Cmdr. Ryan Crose as search and rescue mission coordinator, launched a shoreline search from Gun Beach to Ritidian Point and coordinated with the Guam Fire Departments Rescue for surface and aerial drone searches. No missing persons or overdue vessels have been reported to island authorities, and inquiries with Rota and Saipan officials yielded no leads, the Coast Guard said. Search conditions were optimal, but no additional evidence surfaced, it said. Our investigation into the adrift raft found off Tumon Bay continues, and were deeply concerned for the safety of any individuals who may have been aboard, Coast Guards Crose said in a statement. Were grateful for the communitys support and are working closely with Guam Fire, Guam Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Guam Customs Service. Anyone with information should contact JRSC Guam at (671) 355-4826 or RCCGuam@uscg.mil. Haiti - Politic : Young Haitians with remarkable political maturity On Sunday, May 25, 2025, during the 6th session of the UN Security Council Simulation Workshops in Haiti, Niola Lynn S. D. Octavius, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Civic Action (MJSAC), graced a space of high civic and political significance with her presence. This event was dedicated to the fundamental themes of good governance, youth inclusion, and participatory democracy. In her address, Minister Octavius elevated the debate by forcefully and clearly emphasizing the urgent need to give participatory democracy a concrete foundation, particularly through collective, resolute, and unified involvement in the vast project of the announced constitutional referendum. The latter, seen as a founding and decisive step, aims to provide the Republic with a new Mother Law, a catalyst for political stability, a guarantor of future electoral consultations, and the foundation of a new social contract oriented toward justice, inclusion, and popular sovereignty. "The young participants demonstrated remarkable political maturity by presenting well-structured discussions and realistic proposals for action." At the end of the workshops, they officially submitted a strategic advocacy document structured around three major themes : Axis 1 : Humanitarian access and protection of food resources, which calls for the creation of a secure humanitarian corridor, the protection of agricultural infrastructure, and the establishment of a UN force dedicated to food protection. Axis 2 : Local capacity building and food sovereignty, advocating direct support for local production, the promotion of community partnerships, and the development of sustainable and resilient agriculture. Axis 3 : International cooperation and targeted sanctions, encouraging firm measures against the use of famine as a weapon of war, strengthening South-South cooperation, and the creation of a global humanitarian coordination platform. The Young Actors for Change (JEACHA) network paid a glowing tribute to Minister Octavius, in recognition of her steadfast commitment, her enlightened support, and her visionary stance on behalf of Haitian youth. HL/ S/ HaitiLibre The electric car industry is experiencing turbulent times The German Electric Mobility Association (Bundesverband Elektromobilitat, BEM) has not been spared. As was announced on Friday, the association, which claims to have around 450 members, has filed for insolvency. The circumstances are unclear; there has recently been some personnel turbulence. Anzeige According to the announcement by the Berlin-Charlottenburg insolvency court on May 23, the Berlin lawyer Joachim Voigt-Salus has already been appointed insolvency administrator. According to the BEM, the association's members include car and two-wheeler manufacturers, suppliers, charging station manufacturers and law firms. The BEM also had a parliamentary advisory board with members of the German and European parliaments. Dispute was followed by expulsion Nothing is yet known about the circumstances of the insolvency. The BEM itself has yet to comment on the matter. Around a year and a half ago, a dispute within the then three-member board became public. It also concerned the use of financial resources and the implementation of the association's own BEM Academy GmbH. In a letter to all members, former association president Kurt Sigl made clear his differing ideas from those of his fellow board members Christian Heep and Markus Emmert, who were still in office. In spring 2024, the association finally parted ways with Sigl, who had co-founded the association in 2009, without replacing him. (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 world's largest chip contract manufacturer TSMC is establishing the European Union Design Center (EUDC) in Munich. At this center, TSMC will work with customers to develop chip designs that will then be produced either by TSMC itself or by TSMC's joint venture European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC). With EUDC, TSMC aims to strengthen its collaboration with European customers. It is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2025. Anzeige All TSMC and ESMC production processes are available for selection among clients. ESMC will produce chips with structure widths of 28 to 12 nanometers in Dresden from the end of 2027. The focus will be on microcontrollers for cars with innovative integrated, but non-volatile Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM) and Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM), which TSMC explicitly intends to co-develop in Munich. In Taiwan, production with 2 nm structures (N2) is starting this year. TSMC cites industrial applications, artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) as further areas of application for EUDC designs. EUDC will work together with the nine existing TSMC design centers in Taiwan, the USA, Canada, China, and Japan. Apple, already based in Munich Apple, among others, already has a research center in Munich, which the manufacturer took over from Intel in 2019. Apple's first own mobile modem C1 for the iPhone 16e was largely created with the know-how gained there. Apple Munich is also said to have helped develop its own M processors. Cooperation with TSMC at the site would not come as a surprise. TSMC has not yet commented on the planned number of employees in Munich. Job advertisements can already be found on LinkedIn and elsewhere. (mma) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. Russia has accused Finland of escalating regional tensions through NATO-linked naval exercises in the Baltic Sea. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday that the Finnish Navys current operations are becoming a tool of NATO escalation near Russias border. The statement refers to Finlands main spring naval exercise now underway in the Gulf of Finland and other southern coastal waters. According to government sources, a legislative proposal aimed at legalising online alcohol sales within Finland remains incomplete. The bill has not been sent for consultation, and there is no consensus within the government on its content. As a result, home delivery of alcohol is unlikely to be permitted this year. Finlands government is struggling to draft a new alcohol law that would allow domestic online sales and home deliveries without violating European Union competition rules or dismantling Alkos monopoly. The issue lies in the governments attempt to open up online sales while preserving Alkos exclusive right to sell stronger alcoholic beverages. The EU Commission rejected an earlier version of the bill in December, arguing it was discriminatory and incompatible with EU law. The rejected proposal would have allowed only domestic producers and retailersincluding Alko and grocery chainsto sell and deliver alcohol online. The Commission stated that online alcohol delivery from other EU member states must be governed by the same rules as domestic sales. Any divergence would unfairly favour Finnish operators and undermine the internal market. In response, the Finnish government has been forced to reconsider its position. Efforts to merge domestic and foreign distance sales into a single legal framework have continued throughout the spring. A major sticking point is whether liberalising domestic alcohol deliveries would trigger broader changes that break Finlands state-controlled retail system. If domestic sales are permitted under relaxed rules, similar rights must also be extended to EU-based producers. Sources say the first version of the revised bill would have effectively dismantled Alkos monopoly, contradicting the governments own policy platform. The concern is that if foreign breweries and wineries are allowed to sell online under the same terms, domestic producers might shift operations abroad to gain an advantage, potentially to nearby Estonia. At the same time, Finland has long faced pressure to clarify its legal stance on alcohol purchased from other EU countries. While authorities once claimed that foreign online alcohol purchases were banned, current practice requires Finnish taxes to be paid but does not ban the trade outright. The EU has urged Finland to resolve this legal ambiguity in its Alcohol Act. The delay has also exposed divisions within the government. The Christian Democrats, led by Sari Essayah, oppose further liberalisation. Essayah, who serves as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, was the only cabinet member to vote against moving forward with the legislation last autumn. She warned at the time that the government was rushing ahead without EU clearance and criticised the proposals allowance of higher alcohol limits for delivery than for sale in grocery stores. The government's autumn memorandum suggested that allowing delivery of drinks with up to 13 percent alcoholbeyond the current 8 percent limit for fermented beveragescould undermine Alkos exclusive role in distributing stronger alcohol. Last year, the government eased restrictions slightly by allowing grocery stores to sell stronger beers, ciders, and mild wines. But broader changes, including online sales of spirits, remain off the table for now. Yles sources believe that if the new law goes too far, it could start a chain reaction. One possible outcome is the end of Finlands long-standing alcohol monopoly, protected under EU law only on the basis of public health. HT Merz is visiting Finland to attend a meeting with Nordic prime ministers. His remarks followed questions about diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Turku on Tuesday that Russia and President Vladimir Putin have no interest in pursuing a ceasefire in Ukraine. He made the comments during a joint press appearance with Finlands Prime Minister Petteri Orpo . I haven't had any illusions from the beginning that this would happen quickly, Merz said. The Russians are not responding to invitations from the Vatican or other mediators. That shows Russia and Putin are not currently interested in a truce or ceasefire. His comments come as Ukraine continues to defend against an escalation of Russian drone and missile attacks. According to Ukrainian sources, Russia launched a record 355 drones and nine missiles on Sunday night, followed by 60 drone attacks on Monday. In response to recent criticism from Moscow, Merz reiterated his support for Ukraines right to use Western-supplied weapons against military targets in Russia. The German chancellor referenced weapons sent by Britain, France, Germany, and the United States. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Merzs position undermines peace negotiations and accused European leaders of "sabotaging" Russias peace efforts. Prime Minister Orpo welcomed Germanys stance, highlighting shared strategic priorities in Europe and the Baltic Sea region. He also praised Germanys increased defence spending and commitment to supporting Ukraine. We are united by a joint view of Europe's future, Orpo said. We need leadership and a joint will so that we can strengthen European competitiveness and defence. The meeting in Turku underscores growing cooperation between Finland and Germany on defence and regional security, particularly after Finlands accession to NATO in 2023. HT The declaration, initiated by the Netherlands and backed by 16 EU countries, expresses concern over laws passed by the Hungarian Parliament in March and April 2025. The signatories argue the measures infringe on fundamental rights protected under European law. Finland has signed a joint EU declaration urging Hungary to repeal new legislation that restricts LGBTQ+ rights and allows bans on Pride events. We are deeply concerned by recent legislative and constitutional amendments infringing on the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ persons, the statement reads. Among the changes criticised is a law enabling authorities to fine participants and organisers of LGBTQ+ events, such as Budapests annual Pride parade. The legislation also permits facial recognition surveillance at such gatherings and gives the government the power to prohibit them altogether. The declaration states that these measures undermine freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and privacy. It also argues they violate Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which commits member states to uphold human dignity, freedom, equality, and minority rights. The signatories have called on Hungary to revise the laws without delay. If the Hungarian government refuses, they urge the European Commission to act. We call on the Commission to use all tools at its disposal to ensure Hungarys compliance with its obligations under EU and international law, the declaration says. In addition to Finland and the Netherlands, the statement was signed by Germany, France, Austria, Ireland, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Hungarys government has faced repeated criticism from other EU members for laws perceived as targeting sexual and gender minorities. The latest legal amendments have sparked large protests in Budapest, where demonstrators waved EU and rainbow flags in front of the Hungarian Parliament. The European Union previously froze 18 billion in funding to Hungary in December 2022 due to rule-of-law concerns, citing serious breaches in democratic standards. HT Homeowner uprising again dooms a firing range Janae Daley implores county commissioners to block plans for a gun range on Summer Road in Edneyville. [SCREENSHOT OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING] The developer who applied for a permit to build a commercial shooting range on Summer Road dropped the plans last Thursday morning, less than 24 hours after neighboring homeowners implored the Henderson County Board of Commissioners to prevent the disruptive land use. Related Stories Andrew Riddle, a commercial real estate broker, issued a statement saying that he had been scouting for a suitable site for a gun range ever since commissioners eased zoning restrictions on them in 2021. While not able to fully realize the finished design of the range, and safety measures that would be in place, I understand the deep concerns of the surrounding communities of residents so I have concluded I will be withdrawing my application for the project, Riddle said. Riddle, who ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Board of Commissioners in 2014, had set up an awkward situation, optics wise, when homeowners announced they intended to challenge a development permit the countys Technical Review Committee authorized on May 6. The appeal would have been taken up by the county Zoning Board of Adjustment, which Riddle chairs. Homeowners who live near the proposed firing range site were elated that they dodged a land-use bullet. Its fantastic. Its great the commissioners listened to our concerns, said Dan Kinkel, one of the organizers of the opposition. I assume they did their job and talked to Andrew. The people had a voice and the county listened and it worked out. Would you buy a home in this area? Riddles retreat came less 24 hours after residents of the rural community in Edneyville near the shooting range site packed a Board of Commissioners meeting; 17 of them rose to beg commissioners to stop the firing range. Frank Wood urged commissioners to read subsection 42.330, as well as the exception provision to the noise ordinance in 18.4.a.3. There is a long held tradition in this country that ordinary citizens do not have to bury themselves in the minutia of county ordinances because we elect officials who have the duty to ultimately act in the common good. But that has not happened here, Wood said before playing a recording of gunfire made outside the 1,000-foot buffer the county ordinance requires. I ask you, is this noise reasonable to occur seven days per week, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.? Would you buy a home in this area with that level of noise? As an active North Carolina Realtor, I can assure you that our property values will take a dramatic hit. The vast majority of those vacant residential lots are gonna become yours, he told commissioners. Why? What fool would keep paying taxes on property they could never sell or develop. You have a wonderful chance to correct an error and to demonstrate that Henderson County is willing to work with citizens so that we can all have a bright future. A major safety concern Noting that the main task on their docket last Wednesday was to draft a 2025-26 budget, homeowner Mike Read advised commissioners to appropriate some funds towards potential litigation that may be headed your way. We may be talking about millions of dollars. Ive worked for an international technology company for the last 30 years and I can tell you this is the worst technical review I've ever seen, Read added. The site survey is significantly deficient on many fronts. Young families, too, urged commissioners to stop the gun range. My family and I live at the end of Summer Road, Megan Masters said. Our house is exactly 1,000 feet from this proposed gun range. This is a major safety concern, as we have a 6-year-old child who regularly rides his four-wheeler outside, 300 feet from this proposed gun range. He will no longer be able to do that. Noting that the zoning ordinance allows commercial firing ranges to operate 11 hours a day, seven days a week, she asked, Does Hendersonville no longer guarantee the right to quiet enjoyment? The mother of five children all of whom play, learn and grow right here in this community Janae Daley holds a degree in early childhood development. Im here today to speak not just as a parent, but as an advocate for all the children and families in this community, Daley said as she soothed the baby she was holding on her shoulder. Placing a gun range at a high elevation poses serious risks, not only because of the noise, but because of how sound travels farther and louder from the top of a mountain. With fewer obstacles to absorb the sound, the gunshots are going to carry miles in every direction. I urge the board to reconsider, because once this is built, theres no turning back, she said. It shows incredible negligence to allow a gun range to be put in our neighborhood, knowing the harm it does to the entire surrounding community. But if we say no now we protect our childrens health, their play and everybodys peace of mind, and make sure that everybody is comfortable and safe in their own homes. We hear you, Lapsley says Although he stopped short of saying he had urged Riddle to drop his application for a permit, board Chair Bill Lapsley assured the Summer Road residents that he understood their concerns. We hear you, he said. On behalf of my colleagues, we have received numerous emails pointing out the issues that youve discussed this morning. Weve recognized that we are following the process that our ordinance has at the moment. We understand that an appeal is pending to the Zoning Board of Adjustment on this matter. He said he thought all five commissioners had driven to the area to check it out. I know I have voiced my concerns to Mr. Riddle, but at this point we are discussing the matter with legal counsel, and well see what transpires as a result of the appeal, he said. The Summer Road firing range became at least the fifth shooting range for commercial or law-enforcement use to be shot down in the court of public opinion since 2010. Others had been proposed and shot down in the Deep Gap community, on Pinnacle Mountain, on Macedonia Road near Saluda and at BRCC. Less than 24 hours after yet another rural uprising against target shooting, Riddle pulled the shooting range plans. My objective has been to identify a site that fully complies with all relevant ordinance requirements while also placing safety measures for surrounding land, streams, and noise for the impact of such a facility, he said in a news release. I remain committed to finding a more remote and appropriate locationone that both satisfies regulatory standards and minimizes disruption to the residents of Henderson County. It would appear those two goals meeting regulatory standards and minimizing disruption are becoming more out of reach. It becomes plainer by the day that when it comes to a commercial firing range, no site is remote enough. Russia said Tuesday that its massive aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent days were a "response" to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on its own civilians, accusing Kyiv of trying to "disrupt" peace efforts. Moscow, which has repeatedly rejected proposals from Kyiv and its Western allies for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, fired hundreds of drones at Ukraine between late Friday and early Monday, killing more than a dozen people and saturating the country's air defences. US President Donald Trump, who has been seeking to broker an end to Moscow's three-year offensive, said Vladimir Putin had "gone absolutely CRAZY" and threatened Russia with sanctions over the attacks. Diplomatic efforts to end the fighting have accelerated in recent weeks, with Russian and Ukrainian officials holding direct talks for the first time in three years earlier this month. But Putin has been accused of stalling peace talks and the Kremlin has shown no signs of scaling back its maximalist demands. "Kyiv, with the support of some European countries, has taken a series of provocative steps to thwart negotiations initiated by Russia," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. Russian air defences destroyed 2,331 Ukrainian drones between May 20 and 27, more than half of which were intercepted in areas outside the battlefield, the ministry said. "Civilians, including women and children, were injured," it said, describing its recent strikes on Ukraine as a direct "response". "At the very least, we can say that these actions by Kyiv are inconsistent with efforts towards a peace process," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Moscow said it had only hit "military targets" in Ukraine but Ukraine said at least 13 civilians were killed in Russian attacks on Sunday. Russia's full-scale military offensive on Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and ravaged large parts of the east and south of the country. Kyiv accused Russia of trying to evade responsibility for the killings. "We need to end this eternal waiting -- Russia needs more sanctions," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak said Tuesday on Telegram. For three of the past four nights, Russia pummelled Ukraine with hundreds of drones in what Kyiv described as a weekend of "terror". Moscow fired fewer drones at Ukraine overnight into Tuesday but strikes still damaged buildings in the northern Sumy region and hurt multiple people in the regions of Kherson and Kharkiv, officials said. In a rare rebuke of Russia's Putin, Trump said on social media late Sunday Washington time: "I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!" The Kremlin played down Trump's criticism on Monday, saying Putin was taking measures "necessary to ensure Russia's security" and that everyone was feeling "emotional" at the moment. Ukraine and Russia sent back 1,000 people each over the weekend in their biggest ever prisoner exchange, while Moscow said it was preparing a document outlining its peace terms following their talks in Istanbul. But that document was still not ready on Tuesday, despite Russia announcing it would present it to Ukraine once the prisoner swap was complete. Moscow has consistently rejected a call by Kyiv and its Western allies for an unconditional and full ceasefire, and has called for Kyiv to drop its NATO ambitions and cede territory it already controls. "As soon as the memorandum is ready, it will be sent to Kyiv. We hope that the Ukrainian side is doing the same," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Tuesday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday that Istanbul would be a "very good" location for future talks, after the Turkish city hosted previous negotiations earlier this month. Tensions between Europe and Russia spiked this week after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Monday that Ukraine's key Western backers had dropped range restrictions on arms sent to Kyiv. His comments triggered confusion over the West's policy, and on Tuesday he said his remarks were not an announcement but referred to a process that had been "happening for months." The Kremlin warned on Monday that any new decision to drop range limits was "at odds" with reaching a peace settlement and would be "quite dangerous". by Xinhua writers Yang Qi, Wang Xiaopeng and Liang Saiyu BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- When Japanese architect Shuhei Aoyama dropped by a bakery near the centuries-old Miaoying Temple, also known as the White Stupa Temple, in downtown Beijing, he was delighted to see his latest project buzzing with people. With its cozy porch and grey brick walls, the bakery blends seamlessly into the surrounding hutong alleys and courtyard houses of the historical district. The building's exterior wall features a big mirror, attracting numerous passersby to take photos. Inside, a well-positioned window offers seated diners the perfect view of the iconic white pagoda, a Buddhist structure designed by a Nepalese architect and built in the early Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). By skillfully weaving together traditional elements and modern aesthetics, Aoyama has created a space that is at once inviting, artistic, and deeply connected to the city's cultural roots. "I didn't expect so many customers when designing it," Aoyama told Xinhua in fluent Chinese with a mild smile. The Japanese architect first visited China as a teenager, and returned in 2005 after earning a master's degree in architecture. Amid Beijing's vibrant architectural boom ahead of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Aoyama decided to make the city his home. The next 10 years would see him living in the hutongs, and drawing inspiration from these ancient alleys. In 2014, he co-founded an architectural studio at a Beijing startup hub. REINVENTING HUTONG LIFE Aoyama first rose to public attention through a television show in which he transformed aging hutong residential buildings. One notable project involved an L-shaped house of less than 40 square meters in Dengshikou Hutong. Aoyama reimagined the space into a functional and desirable home, much to the delight of its returning residents. Having lived in the hutongs himself, Aoyama developed a deep appreciation for the lifestyle. "I realized that in the hutongs, buildings are in constant dialogue with their environment," he explained. But what impressed Aoyama most was the strong sense of community. "For example, my neighbor's child would wander in and out of my house and into others', and my neighbors would clean the shared courtyard and even help me collect the laundry when it's raining," he said. "They did this because they believed the shared space was part of their home. In their minds, the entire hutong was home." To Aoyama, architecture is a vessel for memory, preserving the traces of time and history. "I don't want to see old neighborhoods turned into museums -- preserved, but empty because people move out when they get the chance. We aim to use modern design to turn them into places people actually want to live in." By employing new materials and techniques, Aoyama's team has joined the local endeavor in addressing common issues in hutong living: cramped spaces, poor insulation, inadequate bathrooms, and limited ventilation and daylight. He believes it's vital for a city to keep such diverse communities in the old town where people of different ages and backgrounds can interact with each other. INSIDER TO CHINA'S ARCHITECTURE As a Japanese architect based in China, Aoyama has had a unique vantage point on the country's architectural development. Rather than joining a large global firm, he chose to begin his career with a Japanese company in China. "I felt there was more I could contribute here," he said. In 2005, the company's projects were mostly mega ones in major cities, such as large commercial complexes and residential buildings. After establishing his studio, Aoyama shifted his focus toward urban renewal: revitalizing old neighborhoods and historical districts nationwide. Official data showed that from 2019 to 2024, China initiated the renovation of 280,000 old residential communities, benefiting 48 million households and over 120 million people. More recently, Aoyama's team has taken on rural revitalization projects, transforming traditional countryside homes into guesthouses and boutique hotels. Aoyama notes that China's architecture industry has become more standardized and professional over the years. "Clients now evaluate firms, domestic and foreign alike, based on their work, philosophy, and values." With its vast population and many growing cities, China, which now pursues the building of quality homes that are safe, comfortable, eco-friendly, and smart, remains a fertile ground for architectural innovation. "There are still so many opportunities," Aoyama said. ARCHITECTURE AS CULTURAL BRIDGE "Architecture is not like selling a product but a creative pursuit," Aoyama remarked. "If I want to design something in Beijing, I need to understand the local climate, culture, terrain, and how people live. The process is a great way to truly get to know a place." Over the past two decades in China, Aoyama has traveled to every provincial region -- more than many Chinese people. During these trips, he collected not only building materials like ancient bricks that interested him, but also books on local architecture, to better understand the country. Traveling across borders frequently, he was surprised by how deep the exchanges between China and Japan had gone. "Twenty years ago, few people around me had been to Japan. Now, many of my Chinese friends have visited, and some know it even better than I do," he said, adding that they also have Chinese clients who asked his team to renovate properties they purchased in Japan, incorporating traditional Chinese courtyard elements into the design. While pursuing his doctorate at Tsinghua University, Aoyama joined a collaborative project that brought students from both countries together to work and learn. That experience left a lasting impression. "I hope more young people from China and Japan can connect through architectural projects," he said. "For me, architecture is an important medium for cultural exchange." IHG Hotels & Resorts opens the world's first voco resort with the opening of voco Quang Binh Resort - By IHG in Vietnam. The all-suite-and-villa resort also marks the second voco hotels property to open in Vietnam, alongside voco Ma Belle Danang - By IHG which opened in 2023. Each voco property is characterised by its individual charm, which provides guests with something unique while creating an inviting and unstuffy atmosphere for guests to truly unwind and feel at ease. Infused with charming personal touches and subtle Vietnamese influences, voco Quang Binh Resort - By IHG is a great gateway to explore the province of Quang Binh. Located in Dong Hoi, the capital city of the Quang Binh province in central Vietnam, voco Quang Binh Resort - By IHG offers 68 suites and beachfront villas providing a tranquil and personal atmosphere with direct access to Bao Ninh beach. Its design focuses on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The distinctive interior offers a subtle nod to Indochine aesthetics with rich colours, intricate patterns and local craftmanship, paired with artworks exclusive to voco hotels. The spacious layout of its suites and villas - between 43sqm and 300sqm, invites natural light to flood in, creating a rustic and calming atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Upon check in, guests will be greeted with a signature voco welcome treat that's both unique and representative of the local area. At voco Quang Binh Resort - By IHG, guests will enjoy "Cu o" - a traditional Vietnamese candy from the region, made of peanut, caramel, ginger and rice paper. The resort's spa - Yen Spa & Wellness, comprises of 17 treatment rooms, a foot spa, a rejuvenating hydrotherapy pool, sauna room, and salon. In addition, guests can access both an indoor and an outdoor pool as well as a 24-hour gym. For dining, guests have the option to dine at Flamingo Restaurant, an all-day dining concept that serves up local signatures such as Quang Binh banh canh, Quang noodles, Hue beef noodle soup as well as favorite international dishes, or sip on refreshing cocktails at Oasis Pool Bar while watching the spectacular Vietnamese sunset. The hotel is a great gateway to explore the magnificent beauty of the province of Quang Binh including Son Doong Cave which is the largest cave in the world and home to towering stalagmites, underground rivers, jungle with wildlife and a 116-kilometre-long coastline with picturesque beaches such as Nhat Le and Da Nhay. Guests can also look to visit the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, kayak on Mooc spring, experience Vietnam's longest zipline, mud bathing at Chay river or visit the spiritual cultural site of Lieu Hanh Mother Temple. Launched in 2018, voco hotels by IHG has quickly become one of IHG Hotels & Resorts' fastest growing with 94 open hotels and 95 exciting destinations in the pipeline, including voco Bandung Setiabund and voco Bangkok Surawong in South East Asia later in 2025. Staying true to voco hotel's "step by step" sustainability mantra, voco Quang Binh Resort - By IHG is committed to innovation and sustainability, and the belief that small steps collectively make the biggest difference. This includes pillows and duvet fillings made from recycled materials and premium organic New Zealand bulk bath amenities from Antipodes. For more on voco Quang Binh Resort, visit the hotel's website or follow on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. *Numbers are correct as of 31st March 2025 Hotel website The GAA and leading design and build contractor, McAleer & Rushe, have celebrated a key construction milestone with the topping out of the new 40m Maldron Hotel at Croke Park, Dublin. Marking the structural completion of the development, the ceremony welcomed over 50 guests and brought together key project stakeholders, including GAA President Jarlath Burns and senior representatives from McAleer & Rushe and hotel operator, Dalata Hotel Group. The 200-bedroom, four-star hotel will feature a range of high-end amenities, including a business centre with five meeting rooms, a state-of-the-art gym, and full-service bar and restaurant. Scheduled to open in 2026, the hotel forms part of the wider Clonliffe Lands Masterplan, and is ideally located adjacent to Croke Park Stadium, offering guests immediate access to the stadium and excellent connectivity to Dublin Airport, major road networks, and public transport services in Drumcondra. Dalata Hotel Group, Ireland's largest hotel operator, will manage the hotel under its Maldron brand, renowned for delivering high-quality accommodation and a superior guest experience. To date, McAleer & Rushe has delivered more than 3,000 hotel bedrooms for Dalata across Ireland and Great Britain, with this latest development reinforcing their strong partnership and shared commitment to continued growth. Designed to achieve a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating, the hotel will boast environmental features such as green roofs, air source heat pumps and EV charging points, and will feature a traditional hand built red brick facade to complement the surrounding built environment. So far, McAleer & Rushe has diverted 100% of construction waste from landfill, saved 5,308 m of soil through reuse on site, and is on track to meet the client's whole life carbon target of 707 kg COe per m. A-1 Hospitality Group, a family owned and operated hotel management and development company based in Kennewick, Washington is pleased to announce the groundbreaking for the new 163-room AC Hotels by Marriott in Kennewick, Washington. Located at the Three Rivers Convention Center, the hotel will operate as a franchise owned by A-1 Three Rivers Hotel, LLC and managed by A-1 Hospitality Group. The AC Hotels brand creates an atmosphere with European soul, Spanish roots and artfully crafted local touches. The signature AC Lounge offers expertly made cocktails, local craft beers, and an elevated wine program. Tapas-style small bites complete the food menu in a comfortable and elegant atmosphere. The open, light-filled AC Kitchen is open for breakfast daily, featuring freshly sliced prosciutto, specialty cheeses and croissants imported from France. The new five-story property will include such amenities as an indoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center, a rooftop restaurant and bar and six meeting rooms with a combined 12,000 square feet of functional meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 450 people. A-1's portfolio includes a total of 20 hotels across five states. For more information about A-1 Hospitality Group and its expansive portfolio, please visit our website. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is pleased to announce the appointment of Pattabiraman A as the Director of Food & Beverage. With over two decades of experience in hotel administration and F&B operations, Pattabiraman brings exceptional expertise in driving revenue growth, enhancing customer satisfaction, and elevating employee engagement across leading hospitality properties in Middle Eastern countries and India. Pattabiraman has established himself as an innovative and creative leader through his career, holding key positions at prestigious hotels. Most recently, he served as the Director of Food and Beverage at Park Hyatt Chennai, India, where he demonstrated excellence in operational leadership and strategic management. In his role at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Pattabiraman will oversee all food and beverage operations, focusing on culinary innovation, service excellence, and strategic growth. He will collaborate closely with the hotel's leadership team to ensure that dining experiences reflect the luxury standards and cultural richness for which The Ritz-Carlton is renowned globally. As he takes the helm of the Food & Beverage division, Pattabiraman will bring his signature blend of creative vision and operational mastery to elevate the hotel's diverse dining concepts. His strategic approach aims to showcase the finest global cuisines while celebrating Karnataka's rich culinary heritage, positioning The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore as the city's epicenter of gastronomic excellence and innovation. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is delighted to welcome Pattabiraman A to its distinguished leadership team, confident that his wealth of international experience and passion for culinary artistry will inspire new heights of luxury dining that resonates with both international travelers and local connoisseurs alike. Kimpton La Peer Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Parker as General Manager. With over two decades of hospitality experience and 11 years serving as General Manger across multiple hotels, Parker is highly regarded for driving improvements in operational initiatives, pushing creative limits and leading top-producing teams. He joins La Peer Hotel from Hana-Maui Resort where he held the position of General Manager and oversaw three F&B venues, one gas station, a full-service spa and a retail town center. Prior to that, Parker was the General Manager of The Shay in Culver City, California. While at The Shay, he oversaw the hotel's opening and growth in the competitive Los Angeles market and operated budgets throughout the pandemic. Parker is well acquainted with the Kimpton brand, as he spent a majority of his early hospitality career at Kimpton Hotels in Chicago, IL, Cambridge, MA and Santa Barbara, CA. With a proven track record of exceeding budgeted revenues, growing guest experience metrics and driving exceptional results, Parker is perfectly poised to advance operations and guest experiences at Kimpton La Peer Hotel. In his free time, Parker enjoys cooking, hiking, walking his dogs, strolling art galleries, and sipping black coffee and white wine. Building on the success of their collaboration in the United Kingdom and France, Louvre Hotels Group is strengthening its strategic alliance with Wifirst, reaffirming its commitment to digital innovation across its hospitality portfolio. This next phase of the partnership extends to 14 additional hotels across Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany. This new milestone demonstrates the trust weve built with Louvre Hotels Group over the years. Were proud to support their ambitions with best-in-class connectivity solutions. Our mission is to ensure guests enjoy a seamless and secure digital experience wherever they are in Europe. Vince Jouan, VP EMEA at Wifirst The newly signed hotels will benefit from Wifirsts WiFi as a Service model, delivering cutting-edge infrastructure, built to guarantee fast, reliable, and secure connectivity. With digital demands rising, this level of service has become a cornerstone of both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Wifirst has consistently demonstrated technological excellence and operational reliability. They are more than a provider they are a strategic partner who understands our vision. Expanding our collaboration into new markets was the natural next step to ensure our infrastructure remains robust, future-proof, and scalable. Philippe Cadon, Operation Support Director at Louvre Hotels Group This international expansion confirms Wifirsts position as a key partner of Louvre Hotels Group in delivering consistent guest experiences across borders. For more information, visit www.wifirst.co.uk or follow us on linkedin. About Wifirst Wifirst is the European leader in managed WiFi for professionals. The operator deploys and operates high-performance, secure and sustainable "as a service" connectivity solutions. Its know-how and technologies appeal to IT decision-makers from the largest companies and public organizations (AccorHotels, Havas, The French Ministry of the Army, Norauto, The Ascott, etc.) In 2023, Wifirst joins the Next40: a program from the Ministry of Economy which identifies the most promising companies of the french tech ecosystem. Wifirst covers 29 countries and is present in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Germany where he has acquired the german operator Hotsplots, specialiser in on-board WiFi solutions. For more information: www.wifirst.co.uk. Sarah Battoue The Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express brands are accelerating their growth on the Spanish market with four new signings: Vignette Collection Mallorca - Finca Banyols, Vignette Collection Jerez, Hotel Indigo Gandia - Beach and Holiday Inn Express San Sebastian - Errenteria. This announcement is in addition to the 500 rooms recently added to IHG's Spanish portfolio, bringing the total number of rooms opened and signed to almost 13,000 in the country. The Hotel Indigo Gandia - Beach and the Vignette Collection Jerez strengthen the company's presence in the Luxury & Lifestyle segment, with the latter becoming the second Vignette Collection property in Spain following the signing of the Vignette Collection Mallorca - Finca Banyols earlier this month. The Holiday Inn Express San Sebastian - Errenteria builds on the strong tradition of IHG's Holiday Inn brand in Spain and demonstrates the continued confidence of owners and investors in its renowned selection of Essentials brands. Details of new Spanish signings: Vignette Collection Mallorca - Finca Banyols : Owned by Prevario Banyols and managed by Hotel Collection International - HCI, this 45-room hotel on a Mallorcan finca will open in the first half of 2025. It is located on the picturesque island of Mallorca, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. : Owned by Prevario Banyols and managed by Hotel Collection International - HCI, this 45-room hotel on a Mallorcan finca will open in the first half of 2025. It is located on the picturesque island of Mallorca, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Vignette Jerez Collection : A 34-room boutique hotel with Senator Hotels & Resorts, will become the second Vignette Collection property in Spain. Located in the heart of Jerez's picturesque city centre and within walking distance of the old town's main square, it will open its doors in the second half of 2025. : A 34-room boutique hotel with Senator Hotels & Resorts, will become the second Vignette Collection property in Spain. Located in the heart of Jerez's picturesque city centre and within walking distance of the old town's main square, it will open its doors in the second half of 2025. Hotel Indigo Gandia - Beach : Also signed with Senator Hotels & Resorts, this 40-room beachfront hotel is located in the coastal town of Gandia and is set to open on July 11 2025. Hotel Indigo Gandia - Beach will include a beach club, swimming pool, poolside chill-out bar, and restaurant featuring local ingredients. : Also signed with Senator Hotels & Resorts, this 40-room beachfront hotel is located in the coastal town of Gandia and is set to open on July 11 2025. Hotel Indigo Gandia - Beach will include a beach club, swimming pool, poolside chill-out bar, and restaurant featuring local ingredients. Holiday Inn Express San Sebastian - Errenteria: This 82-room hotel is the second signing in this announcement with Hotel Collection International - HCI, bringing our partnership to seven open and signed hotels. The property will open in mid-2026 and is located just outside San Sebastian in the Errenteria district of the Spanish Basque Country, close to San Sebastian Airport and the French border. IHG has 55 hotels operating under eight brands in Spain: Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, voco, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn. In addition to the 22 open Iberostar properties and another 12 under development, IHG is strengthening its presence in the resorts and all-inclusives segment. In 2024, IHG has announced the development of five new hotels in three brand collections: Luxe & Lifestyle, Premium and Essentials - Hotel Indigo in Jerez de la Frontera, Vignette Collection Mallorca - Finca Banyols, voco Granada, Holiday Inn Express Seville - City and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sabadell. As one of IHGs priority markets, its wonderful to grow our footprint so substantially in Spain, where weve signed nearly 700 rooms in the first nine months of this year. This significant expansion demonstrates the continued trust our owners have in our brands to provide strong returns on their investments, and our commitment to support them to capture demand and drive performance through our powerful enterprise. We have ambitious plans to accelerate the presence of both our powerhouse mainstream segment and our distinctive Luxury & Lifestyle collection in Spains key urban and leisure destinations with it being a key growth market for the company. It is truly a privilege to be able to deliver on these ambitions alongside so many of our longstanding and new growth partners. It is thanks to their trust in IHG and our talented teams that we can bring amazing new hotels right across our diverse brand portfolio to the market. (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts About IHG IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Imagine you have a new employee working at the front desk of your cozy hotel in the Alps. A guest, freshly landed, sends a message: I heard you have rooms with breathtaking views. What do they look like, and how much would it cost to upgrade? To seize this upsell opportunity, your new employee must: Check which rooms with views are available Find images of those rooms, ideally showcasing the scenery from the window Select the one that would be the best fit for the guest Write an enticing description of the rooms features and the view Inform the guest of the upgrade cost Even if all the information is in the PMS, consolidating everything takes time and can be especially difficult for new staff. And if images or room details arent readily accessible, it can slow down even the most experienced team member. Now, imagine theres a tool that understands the inquiry, scans hundreds of files in seconds, pulls the relevant images, generates a description, checks availability and pricing, and packages everything up for you. All you need to do is review, make any final tweaks, and send it off to the guest. Better yet, picture this entire exchange happening between the guest and a chatbot, with no human intervention. Thats the power of multimodal AI. What is multi-modal AI? Multimodal AI represents the next generation of AI systems that can process and integrate different data types and formats simultaneously. For example, while a traditional AI-powered chatbot might provide room availability from structured data and a list of features from a library of text descriptions, multi-modal AI brings together all the information stored within a hotels systems and combines it automatically to generate outputs in multiple formats that are richer and more contextually relevant. As Nikhil Shah, Cloudbeds Head of Data Science, explains, multimodal AI transforms absolutely any type of content into numerical data points, which reside within what's known as an embedding space. There, we have vector-based representations of the content, whether it's room images, maintenance, voice notes, or training materials. This enables hoteliers to create a comprehensive library of knowledge specific to their hotel and locate anything from a single search bar. A simple example of multimodal AI in action is asking platforms like ChatGPT to create an image from a textual prompt or build a chart from a dataset. However, multimodality extends to integrating diverse data points. For instance, if I ask ChatGPT, Ill be traveling to Paris next weekend. I enjoy museums, love good food, and prefer walking tours. Can you create a two-day plan for me, also considering the weather forecast? The exchange may appear purely textual, but it integrates multiple data points: my interests, the destination, the timeframe, and the weather. Applications across industries The global multimodal AI market size is expected to reach $8.4 billion by 2030, with a market growth of 32.3% CAGR. Here are a few examples of how other industries are using it. Healthcare If anomalies are detected in an X-ray, multimodal AI integrates this with results from other medical exams, the genetic markers, and current conditions of the patient, to assess risk and suggest a course of action for a complete diagnosis. eCommerce Multimodal AI integrates data from different sourcesin-store cameras, website interactions, purchase patterns, and social mediato gain deeper insights into customer behavior, personalize their shopping experience, and recommend products. Agriculture Farmers already use satellite imagery, soil sensor readings, and weather data to optimize practices and inputs. Multimodal AI links this data into a unified system, enabling them to correlate satellite imagery of crop health with soil conditions and weather forecasts to make precise decisions about irrigation, fertilization, or pest control. Transportation GPS for precise location data and route optimization is standard in fleet management. Multimodal AI enhances this by integrating live video feeds to identify obstacles, radar to measure the speed and distance of nearby objects, and lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) to create accurate 3D maps of the surroundings, making operations safer and more efficient. Finance Multimodal AI strengthens fraud detection by combining transaction details, spending patterns, geolocation, and surveillance data. For instance, if a credit card transaction occurs in a foreign country while the users phone geolocation shows them in their home city, the AI flags the activity as suspicious, cross-checking it against historical spending patterns and ATM footage (if available) to identify potential fraud. Why is multimodal AI important for hotels? As Cloudbeds CEO, Adam Harris said on the Hotel Tech Insider podcast, a successful hotel operation relies on five pillars. The first three have always existed: finding and retaining customers, improving the guest journey, and improving operations. The fourth pillar is data. Thanks to digitalization, there's no lack of it in hotels. However, this abundance risks being siloed across too many platforms. Data is everywhere. The average number of systems that are powering a hotel is 19 right now , Harris noted. This challenge creates the need for the fifth pillar: intelligence - the ability to control all the data points generated by the other four and derive insight from them. That's where harnessing the correct forms of AI creates superhuman front desk staff, better guest experiences, better ways of reaching guests, more revenues from guests, and better customer journeys overall , said Harris. Multimodal AI is one of these essential technologies. The ability to communicate using different formats has always been a hallmark of human interaction. Multimodality transforms AI from smart software into an expert assistant, bringing it closer to how humans think and operate. Multimodal AI systems are more resilient to noise and missing data. If one modality is unreliable, unavailable, or incomplete, the system can depend on others to ensure consistent and accurate outputs. 5 ways hotels can use multi-modal AI The potential of multi-modal AI in hospitality is endless. Here are five examples of its possible uses. 1. Answering guest queries If a guest asks via chat what equipment the gym offers, the AI can instantly locate stored images or videos of the gym, generate a descriptive text based on them, and send it to the guest. This approach combines visual and textual data to deliver accurate, engaging responses quickly, enhancing the guest experience. 2. Upselling amenities and services If a traveler enquires about family-friendly room options, the AI can combine visual and contextual data (e.g., room availability and the number of travelers) to present an image of a standard room while suggesting an upgrade to a family room, highlighting its additional space and features. If the traveler accepts, the AI can confirm the booking and send a payment link automatically. 3. Improving event planning Multimodal AI can review images or videos of layouts from past events alongside guest feedback to identify what worked best. This helps teams replicate successful setups more efficiently, whether for corporate events, weddings, or conferences. This functionality also supports room configurations. For example, if a couple is celebrating an anniversary, AI can detect this note in their guest profile and alert housekeeping. The team can then configure the room based on past setups, including a chilled bottle of champagne and rose petals. 4. Maintenance Multimodal AI can analyze diverse data sourcesmaintenance logs and images or videos to detect and address problems in hotel rooms, such as clogged drains or weak wifi. Say that a guest reports a leaky tap to the front desk, maintenance can request a picture ahead of investigating the issue to determine a plan of action before heading up to the room. After the issue is fixed, the front office can then thank the guest for their patience and offer a voucher to compensate for the inconvenience caused. 5. Ad optimization Before launching a marketing campaign, multimodal AI can analyze data from previous ones to identify which visuals and messages performed best. This information is used to create highly engaging ads and landing pages. Cloudbeds: Using multi-modal AI to transform hotel operations Cloudbeds Intelligence is an AI layer built into the Cloudbeds platform that leverages causal and multimodal AI to boost revenue, optimize time and costs, and improve the guest experience. Cloudbeds Intelligence leverages multimodal AI to transform staff training and enablement, helping teams standardize processes and respond to guest queries fast to improve satisfaction and capitalize on revenue-generating opportunities. About Cloudbeds Cloudbeds is hospitality's only intelligent growth engine a unified platform trusted by the world's most ambitious hoteliers across 150 countries. Built to challenge the limits of outdated tech stacks, Cloudbeds connects operations, revenue, distribution, and guest experience in one powerful, intuitive system. At its core is Signals, hospitality's first AI foundation model, giving hoteliers the power to anticipate demand, run smarter operations, and craft more personal, profitable guest journeys at scale. Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds has earned top honors from Hotel Tech Report (Top PMS, Hotel Management System, and Channel Manager, 20212025), the World Travel Awards (World's Best Hotel PMS Solutions Provider, 2022), and Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 (2024). For more information, visit www.cloudbeds.com. View source ETC and GDS-Movement Launch White Paper to Help Destinations Navigate EU Sustainability Rules - Image Credit European Travel Commission The European Travel Commission (ETC) and the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) have released a white paper, A Destinations Guide to the New EU Sustainability Regulations, at IMEX Frankfurt 2025. This guide aims to help destinations in the tourism industry navigate significant upcoming regulatory changes. Being prepared helps Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) ensure sustainability compliance, reduce negative environmental impacts, mitigate reputational damage, achieve financial and legal immunity, and create new business opportunities. The new directives the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGTD), and the Green Claims Directive (GCD) will require greater transparency, accountability, and stricter management of sustainability claims, reshaping how destination management organisations operate and communicate their environmental impacts. These regulations apply not only to destinations and businesses within Europe, but to any organisation operating in the EU market, including global accommodation platforms and digital intermediaries. This white paper was launched to help NTOs, DMOs, and the wider tourism industry navigate these changes and offers practical steps to achieving compliance, managing risks, and seizing new opportunities. It also provides guidance on updated sustainability reporting and compliant communication strategies to help organisations navigate the evolving legislative landscape with confidence. ETC CEO, Eduardo Santander, commented: Sustainability is now a key factor in how destinations are viewed and engaged with. NTOs and DMOs are in a unique position to lead the way, helping local businesses and stakeholders navigate the shift to more responsible, responsive tourism. With new EU rules on the horizon, its essential they stay ahead of the curve and set the example for others to follow. Guy Bigwood, CEO of the GDS-Movement, said: Proactive destinations can lead by example while honouring the new regulations. This is not just about compliance its about leadership and new scope. Destinations that act now will build trust, enhance their reputations, and be better-positioned for long-term success. The white paper highlights three key actions: Understanding the roles and responsibilities involved in complying with the new EU directives. Aligning with the regulations, marketing claims, and destination management strategies. Tackling the risks of non-compliance and the opportunities of early adoption, such as improved reputation, new funding channels, and enhanced visitor trust. To further support the industry in this transition, ETC and GDS-Movement will host two webinars, on 10 and 11 June 2025, offering additional insights and practical next steps. The full white paper can be downloaded here. US Tourism Industry Grapples with Unprecedented 'Perfect Storm' - Image Credit Unsplash The Current State of U.S. Tourism In 2025, the U.S. tourism industry is confronted with many challenges. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), America is predicted to lose $12.5 billion in travel revenue this year, making it the sole country out of 184 analyzed to experience a decrease in tourism income this year. International Visitor Spending International visitor expenditure is anticipated to plunge to less than $169 billion by the year's end, a 7% decrease from 2024 and a striking 22% fall from tourism's pre-pandemic peak in 2019. The WTTC foresees that U.S. tourism might not recover to pre-COVID numbers until 2030. Contributing Factors Several interconnected factors contribute to this decline. A strong dollar has made American vacations prohibitively expensive for many international visitors. Additionally, strict border controls and immigration enforcement have discouraged potential travelers. Furthermore, the Trump administration's 'America First' rhetoric, while popular domestically, has sent a chilling message to international markets. Impact on Specific Regions The impact is particularly severe along the Canadian border, with 66% of businesses in New York's "north country" reporting significant decreases in Canadian bookings for 2025. New York City, a popular destination for international visitors, has revised its 2025 projections downward by 400,000 tourists and $4 billion in tourism spending. Despite setting tourism records in 2024, California predicts a 1% overall decline in visitation and a 9% drop in international visitors this year. Domestic Travel Trends Notably, the challenges aren't limited to international visitors. Economic uncertainty and potential tariff concerns have caused Americans to reduce travel spending. However, while Americans are cutting back on travel overall, many are simply shifting their plans rather than canceling them outright. Impacts on Travel Companies This domestic retreat is impacting major travel companies. For instance, Expedia's stock fell more than 7% earlier this month after reporting weaker-than-expected U.S. travel demand. Future Projections While the present picture seems grim, the recent rebound in some international markets offers hope. Nevertheless, industry experts warn that the worst may be yet to come. A recent half-empty Helsinki-to-LAX flight serves as a quiet reminder that America's brand as the world's premier travel destination isn't guaranteed, with international visitors increasingly opting for destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and other markets that offer easier entry and warmer receptions. Discover more at Quartz. Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. New CRB Streaming Royalty Rates are a Big Win for Artists Artists just scored a major win with proposed new CRB streaming royalty rates. These overdue increases and other changes supported by SoundExchange may mark a turning point in how creators are valued in the digital economy. New CRB Streaming Royalty Rates Under Web VI are a Big Win for Artists from The Trichordist In a landmark development for recording artists, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) has proposed new royalty rates under the Web VI proceeding, covering the period 2026 through 2030. These rates govern how much commercial broadcasters must pay for streaming sound recordings under the statutory licenses set forth in Sections 112 and 114 of the U.S. Copyright Act. The new rates reflect the culmination of years of advocacy by SoundExchange and artist-rights groups and represent another meaningful upward adjustments in royalty rates. The Copyright Royalty Judges have adopted a meaningful schedule of increasesboth in per-stream royalties and in the minimum annual fees webcasters must paydesigned to better align statutory streaming compensation with market realities. (Unlike streaming mechanical rates, webcasting royalties are a penny rate per play.) A Clear Victory in Numbers Year Web V Per-Performance Rate Web VI Per-Performance Rate % Increase Over Web V Web V Min. Annual Fee Web VI Min. Annual Fee / % Increase 2026 $0.0021 $0.0028 +33.33% $1,000 $1,100 / +10.00% 2027 $0.0021 $0.0029 +38.10% $1,000 $1,150 / +15.00% 2028 $0.0021 $0.0030 +42.86% $1,000 $1,200 / +20.00% 2029 $0.0021 $0.0031 +47.62% $1,000 $1,250 / +25.00% 2030 $0.0021 $0.0032 +52.38% $1,000 $1,250 / +25.00% These increases arent merely arithmetic; they represent a philosophical shift in how creators are valued in the digital economy. Structural Adjustments Beyond the rate hikes, the CRB has adopted operational changes proposed by SoundExchange to royalty reporting and distribution. For example: The late fee for audit-based underpayments is reduced from 1.5% to 1.0% per month, capped at 75% of the total underpayment. Starting in 2027, webcasters using third-party vendors must obtain transmission and usage data or contractually guarantee its delivery. If a commercial broadcaster fails to file a report of use, SoundExchange may now distribute royalties based on proxy data. These tweaks aim to close loopholes and increase reliability in royalty trackingcritical steps toward a more transparent system. The Road Ahead While the Web VI proposal rule will be final after June 16, 2025, it is already being hailed as a pivotal win by artist advocates. For too long, streaming-era economics have undervalued creators in favor of platforms and intermediaries. This ruling is a recognitionlong overdue and hard-won. When finalized, the Web VI clear and easy to understand rates and terms will not only ensure a greater financial contribution for featured and nonfeatured recording artists and rights holders, but also reassert the foundational principle that creators should be paid fairly when their work fuels billion-dollar platforms. For artists and musicians navigating a shifting industry, the law is catching up with the market it governs on the side of the creators who drive the business. Of course, dont forget that some of these same broadcasters who pay under the statutory license for streaming do not pay anything to artists for over the air broadcast of terrestrial radio for the exact same plays of the exact same recordsanother reason that Congress must finally pass the American Music Fairness Act. Thats why we support the #IRespectMusic campaign and the MusicFirst Coalition. Share on: Pittsfield's $226M Budget Mostly Personnel, Expenses, Debt Service PITTSFIELD, Mass. Mayor Peter Marchetti said the $226 million fiscal year 2026 budget is mostly personnel, expenses, and debt services. The total for city and school personnel is $110.6 million, health insurance is $33 million, the retirement contribution is $18 million, and debt service is $19.8 million. This represents $181.7 million, or 80 percent of the spending plan. "So as we begin the conversation, we're talking about people, we're talking about benefits, and we're talking about debt service for the most part," he said to the City Council on Wednesday, the first day of hearings for the FY26 budget. The proposed $226,246,942 budget is a nearly 4.8 percent increase from the previous year. It includes $86,450,361 for the school department, $11,202,345 for the department of public services, and $15,468,750 for the Pittsfield police. Marchetti has also asked that $2 million in free cash be applied to offset the FY26 tax rate. The city expects to raise about $118.8 million in property taxes, and the spending plan includes $19.2 million from water and sewer enterprise funds and $81.3 million in state aid ($68.4 million being Chapter 70 funds for schools). At the beginning of the year, the mayor foresaw a potential 15 percent increase in the city's health insurance but fortunately, it wound up being around eight percent. During the Massachusetts Municipal Association Conference at the end of January, officials were told that the increase for MIIA/ Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is between 9 percent and 19 percent, with an average of 14.8 percent. "We later learned that ours was a 10.9 percent increase, but after doing a really deeper dive and analyzing who is on what insurance plan, that increase is really only an 8.2 percent increase at a little over $2.5 million," Marchetti reported. Pittsfield Begins Review of $226M Budget for Fiscal 2026 PITTSFIELD, Mass. On the second night of fiscal year 2026 budget hearings, the City Council preliminarily approved 11 departmental budgets in 40 minutes. Conversation on Thursday began with a discussion about employee raises. Mayor Peter Marchetti explained that everyone's raises are different, but his, based on the consumer price index, is a 3.1 percent hike from $119,313 to $125,279. The budget was presented on Wednesday, May 21. "For department heads and some middle managers, they're also with the same CPI index of 3.1 percent. According to the code, the mayor is entitled to give them a merit-based raise if he or she chooses to. I did for all the department heads retroactively, and it was just recently that I had done that," he explained. "And the logic behind it is, if you pick up a union contract, and I'm just generically speaking, if a union contract says their (Cost of living adjustment) is 3 percent they're also entitled to a step increase, which is about 3 percent and so staff is getting a pay raise of 6 percent while the administrative team is only getting a raise of 3.1 percent and in some cases, very quickly, the second in command could be making more than the department based on contract." When an employee meets all of their requirements and goals, they are entitled to a two percent merit raise. There are merit raises budgeted for FY26 so far. Ward 4 Councilor James Conant was absent, and there were no speakers during public comment. Mayor The $275,723 mayor's office budget was preliminarily approved with little discussion. It is a $13,907, or 5.31 percent, increase from the previous year. Account Name 2022 Approval 2023 Approval 2024 Approval 2025 Approval 2026 Approval Mayor $102,428 $110,000 $115,725 $119,313 $125,279 Director of Admin Services $62,889 $67,605 $70,000 $72,170 $75,779 Executive Assistant $46,516 $50,004 $53,872 $54,133 $56,840 Markets and Advertising $125 $125 $200 $200 $200 Supplies $2,575 $2,450 $2,500 $2,500 $3,500 Travel $0 0 $1,000 $1,000 $1,500 MA Municipal Association $11,500 $11,500 $12,500 $12,500 $12,625 Total $225,908 $242,784 $255,797 $261,816 $275,723 RSVP The $132,021 Retired Senior Volunteer Program Budget was preliminarily approved with some discussion. It is a $7,943, or 6.40 percent, raise from the previous year. Councilor at Large Alisa Costa inquired about $35,000 and $36,000 salary lines in the department, as they are "extremely low." Director Lisa Torrey explained that those positions get about a $10,000 pay bump through a grant. Marchetti added that the city has an RFP out for a salary study over the next couple of months. "I honestly don't think anybody should make less than $40,000," Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso said. "And even at $40,000, it's tough to pay for rent and food." The mayor said he would "absolutely" take that into consideration. "And what I am going to say to you guys, collectively, there'll be two issues with that," he said. "First, that wonderful thing called Proposition 2.5, and then secondly, happy to do it, but when I present the budget that's now considerably higher than the one that's in front of me " Account Name 2022 Approval 2023 Approval 2024 Approval 2025 Approval 2026 Approval Director of RSVP $40,235 $44,290 $44,241 $46,968 $51,071 Volunteer Coordinator $24,974 $27,491 $30,907 $33,080 $35,000 Administrative Assistant $25,500 $28,070 $32,619 $34,080 $36,000 Membership and Dues $50 $55 $150 $450 $450 Postage $750 $826 $0 $0 $0 Staff Training $250 $275 $750 $450 $450 Supplies $1,000 $1,101 $1,675 $1,675 $1,675 Volunteer Recognition $403 $3,000 $4,600 $4,600 $4,600 Travel $0 $500 $500 $1,200 $1,200 Equipment and Copier Lease $1,665 $1,833 $1,575 $1,575 $1,575 Total $96,424 $106,142 $117,017 $124,078 $132,021 Library The $1,727,177 Berkshire Athenaeum budget was preliminarily approved with some discussion. It is a $138,857, or 8.74 percent increase from the previous year. The library added a fifth first assistant to the Adult Services department to meet the growing needs of the community. Director Alex Reczkowski compared the position to the school departments' teachers of deportment, which focus on the class conduct rather than academic materials. "We have people who bring their whole selves to the library, and so we're looking for kind of a teacher of deportment for Adult Services," he explained. He added that the library doesn't necessarily have a staff member creating activities for folks spending lots of time there during the day, and this extra position can do that. Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn said that constituents have struggled with some of the activity going on around the library. Outside the library is a popular spot for unhoused people to sleep while shielded from the elements. "We talked about it and I don't know if the general public knows how much effort you guys are doing there to kind of clean things up, for lack of a better term," he said. Account Name 2022 Approval 2023 Approval 2024 Approval 2025 Approval 2026 Approval Senior Supervisors $211,268 $268,348 $303,848 $321,469 $321,755 Supervisor Specialist $47,035 $50,368 $54,649 $57,915 $60,839 Supervisor Specialist $130,943 $128,045 $139,934 $141,719 $144,678 Library Assistant II $163,932 $173,326 $194,700 $203,347 $232,488 Senior Technicians $159,835 $166,403 $175,813 $188,212 $243,285 Senior Assistants $132,720 $150,859 $160,135 $177,578 $202,300 Director of Athenaeum $81,343 $87,443 $94,208 $101,886 $106,980 Library Custodians $82,413 $83,202 $104,808 $107,400 $110,622 Library Assistant I $98,011 $98,996 $110,865 $108,699 $110,816 Library Technicians $37,388 $39,293 $43,354 $45,946 $48,693 Library Shelvers $2,874 $2,998 $3,021 $3,599 $4,171 Equipment Maintenance $950 $1,000 $975 $1,030 $1,030 Library Staff Development $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $4,500 $4,500 Supplies - General $12,770 $12,770 $12,770 $12,770 $12,770 Supplies - Custodial $6,450 $6,450 $7,850 $7,850 $7,850 Binding and Microfilm $3,575 $3,575 $4,300 $4,650 $4,650 Newspapers and Periodicals $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 Books and Audio Visual $30,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $50,000 Travel $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Unclassified - Library $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Library Networking Fees $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $49,000 $49,000 Theft Detr. $1,280 $1,280 $750 $750 $750 Total $1,265,737 $1,315,737 $1,514,980 $1,588,320 $1,727,177 The $846,771 Office of Community Development budget was preliminarily approved with little discussion. It is a $23,225, or 2.82 percent, increase from the previous year. Ward 7 Councilor Rhonda Serre commented that she is "very happy" with Downtown Pittsfield Inc.'s work and has seen a lot of growth downtown in the last couple of years. Account Name 2022 Approval 2023 Approval 2024 Approval 2025 Approval 2026 Approval Director $50,644 $50,411 $54,255 $55,937 $59,816 Parks Open Space Planner $75,727 $81,406 $87,827 $92,218 $96,830 City Planner $70,666 $75,966 $73,723 $80,981 $79,180 Conservation Agent $58,171 $59,270 $63,101 $68,309 $70,434 Administrative Coordinator $39,273 $40,505 $43,773 $46,166 $48,860 Business Development Manager $32,778 $33,270 $35,669 $32,175 $33,784 Community Development Specialist $93,074 $93,074 $90,471 $98,679 $90,592 Administrative Assistant $6,722 $6,742 $7,097 $7,285 $7,885 Playground Leaders $2,000 $24,000 $26,000 $26,385 $27,841 Seasonal Labor $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $22,736 $23,502 Recreation Coordinator $48,441 $49,773 $52,547 $47,094 $48,507 Human Services $71,750 $71,750 $71,750 $71,750 $71,750 Land Use and Zoning $0 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Advertising and Marketing - $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 Lake Management $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 Supplies $10,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $7,000 Recreation Programs $7,500 $7,500 $11,000 $12,000 $12,000 Downtown Inc. $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $50,000 Planning Studies $25,000 $5,000 $5,000 $15,000 $15,000 BRPC Assessment $35,645 $36,484 $37,397 $38,331 $39,290 Total $734,391 $758,651 $788,110 $823,546 $846,771 Airport The $377,493 Pittsfield Municipal Airport budget was preliminarily approved with some discussion. It is a $39,141, or 11.5 percent, increase from the previous year. Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey and Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi highlighted the airport's revenue to the city, Lampiasi coining it a "success story." Account Name 2022 Approval 2023 Approval 2024 Approval 2025 Approval 2026 Approval Airport Manager $66,265 $71,235 $76,667 $79,044 $82,996 Assistant Airport Manager $54,768 $58,876 $63,423 $67,607 $71,732 Airport Inspector $45,623 $49,045 $52,853 $56,329 $59,765 Scheduled Overtime $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $14,000 Commission Clerk $1,872 $1,872 $1,872 $1,872 $0 Contractual Services $12,000 $10,000 $10,000 $13,000 $14,000 Utilities $55,000 $50,000 $50,000 $62,000 $64,000 Telephone $2,200 $2,000 $2,000 $0 $0 Maintenance $28,000 $28,000 $30,000 $30,000 $32,500 Snow Removal $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $0 $10,500 Education & Training $0 $3,000 $2,700 $5,000 $5,000 Membership and Dues $1,500 $700 $1,200 $1,500 $1,500 Supplies $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $4,000 $5,000 Equipment $0 $5,000 $3,000 $3,000 $9,000 Total $284,728 $297,228 $311,215 $338,352 $377,493 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The $210,171 Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion budget was preliminarily approved with some discussion. It is a $23,669, or 12.69 percent, increase from the previous year. "I know that talking about diversity, equity, inclusion, especially now, can be uncomfortable and I've heard from folks in our community that we should change the name, we should change what we do, We're afraid of losing federal dollars,' and I think this is such an important role that our government must play in our community," Costa said. "And I encourage folks who don't understand why this is important or what the office is doing to really reach out to (Director Michael Obasohan)." Language stipends for bilingual employees have been moved from Human Resources to this office. There are seven employees who receive the stipend, and Obasohan reported that a Mandarin-speaking community member felt they communicated effectively in the City Hall for the first time when a trained staff member used a language device to translate. Costa reported that many households who speak English as a second language say they feel more welcome and better understood at City Hall in the past few years, "And I think that's just really a really important circumstance." Account Name 2022 Approval 2023 Approval 2024 Approval 2025 Approval 2026 Approval Language Prof. Stipend $2,450 (actual) $7,525 (actual) $18,450 (actual) - $18,900 Chief Diversity Officer $51,610 $89,803 $96,650 $99,647 $104,629 Administrative Assistant $18,250 $47,213 $52,304 $55,755 $58,542 DEI Ambassadors $8,400 $8,400 $8,400 $9,600 $9,600 Contractual Services $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 Recruitment and Retention $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $0 $0 Professional Development $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $8,000 $5,000 Supplies $1,000 $3,000 $3,000 $1,500 $1,500 Travel & Dues $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,000 Total $99,760 $169,416 $181,854 $186,502 $210,171 Human Resources The $283,396 Human Resources budget was preliminarily approved with some discussion. It is a $10,022, or 3.67 percent, increase from the previous year. Kavey and Wrinn voted in opposition. Kavey pointed to higher raises in the department, such as seven percent, and that he has voted against the Human Resources budget in the past for that reason. "This one is just making me uncomfortable, because it's been consistently high raise after consistently high raise after consistently high raise," he said. "It's not that I don't think people should be paid, but when I'm only seeing it for a certain department, not for other departments, it just makes my ears go up." Account Name 2022 Approval 2023 Approval 2024 Approval 2025 Approval 2026 Approval Director of Human Resources $90,430 $97,212 $105,135 $108,395 $116,161 Human Resources Specialist $48,452 $52,086 $56,126 $59,829 $63,485 Training $13,500 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 City Physician/ Medical Services $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 Online Application Program $5,600 $9,750 $9,750 $9,750 $9,750 Stipend Language Prof $3,000 $6,500 $16,200 $18,900 $0 Supplies $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $4,000 $4,000 Assessment Centers $19,500 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $32,500 Recruitment and Retention $3,000 $5,000 $7,500 $12,500 $12,500 Total $218,982 $234,048 $258,211 $273,374 $283,396 Council on Aging The $418,938 Council on Aging budget was approved with no discussion. It is a $7,835, or 1.91 percent, increase from the previous year. Account Name 2022 Approval 2023 Approval 2024 Approval 2025 Approval 2026 Approval Director $64,240 $69,057 $74,686 $77,002 $76,125 Senior Clerk Typist $34,898 $34,115 $36,460 $38,453 $40,221 Admin Assistant/Supervisor $34,895 $37,513 $39,233 $40,605 $45,056 Soc Serv Tech/Custodian $30,640 $36,876 $38,667 $40,780 $38,268 Soc Serv Tech/Custodian (PT) $34,546 $38,090 $37,919 $41,026 $43,352 Program Assistant $39,463 $41,181 $44,369 $47,298 $49,471 Activities Leaders (PT) $33,218 $33,330 $38,472 $41,026 $40,451 Kitchen Coordinator $15,600 $18,093 $19,236 $20,513 $20,494 Temp. Labor $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 Equipment Maintenance $6,300 $7,656 $6,900 $6,900 $7,000 Building Maintenance $15,000 $17,691 $21,000 $22,400 $23,400 Printing $1,000 $1,179 $1,200 $1,200 $1,200 Supplies $2,500 $2,948 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 Program Expense $23,900 $28,325 $25,900 $25,900 $25,900 Total $341,200 $371,055 $392,042 $411,103 $418,938 City Clerk The $443,476 City Clerk's Office budget was preliminarily approved with no discussion. It is a $6,936, or 1.59 percent, increase from the previous year. Account Name 2022 Approval 2023 Approval 2024 Approval 2025 Approval 2026 Approval City Clerk $75,825 $81,511 $87,941 $90,667 $97,015 Assistant City Clerk $43,627 $45,499 $48,440 $51,088 $54,080 Head Clerk $39,706 $40,301 $35,485 $37,425 $54,080 Assistant Clerk Registrar $39,706 $40,332 $48,559 $51,760 $54,923 Election Officers $22,935 $24,696 $35,280 $55,752 $33,852 Secretary Board $33,741 $35,189 $35,485 $36,423 $38,550 Senior Clerk Typist $37,609 $34,247 $35,485 $37,425 $39,628 Election Custodians $2,800 $2,800 $4,200 $3,200 $3,200 Equipment Maintenance $7,173 $6,775 $6,850 $6,900 $7,700 Election Programming $9,000 $6,000 $9,000 $6,600 $6,600 Election Rentals $700 $500 $700 $600 $600 Education and Training $600 $800 $800 $1,200 $1,200 Advertising and Marketing $2,000 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $1,500 City Code Updates $8,000 $8,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 Records Preservation $2,000 $6,000 $5,000 $5,000 $3,000 Supplies $23,000 $16,500 $23,000 $19,000 $24,000 Census $16,000 $18,000 $19,500 $21,000 $28,000 Total $363,082 $369,650 $408,225 $436,540 $443,476 Veterans The $918,978 Veterans' Services budget was preliminarily approved with little discussion. It is a $92,109, or 11.14 percent, increase from the previous year. "The budget should be a lot bigger for this organization," Wrinn said. "[Director Jim Clark] does a ton for veterans and for the community." Account Name 2022 Approval 2023 Approval 2024 Approval 2025 Approval 2026 Approval Veterans' Agent $55,312 $59,460 $62,433 $64,358 $80,898.00 Administrative Assistant $33,742 $34,248 $37,259 $39,511 $37,080.00 Equipment Maintenance $1,400 $1,500 $1,750 $1,750 $1,750.00 Rental Expense $6,500 $6,500 $6,500 $6,500 $6,500.00 Flags $8,600 $11,000 $12,000 $12,000 $15,000.00 Supplies $2,000 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500.00 Program Expense $900,000 $800,000 $750,000 $700,000 $775,000.00 Awards and Declarations $250 $250 $250 $250 $250.00 Total $1,007,804 $915,458 $872,692 $826,869 $918,978.00 Cultural Development The $140,008 Office of Cultural Development budget was preliminarily approved with no discussion. It is a $5,784, or 4.31 percent, increase from the previous year. Housatonic Valley Association Joins International Conservation Program PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) has been selected for the Salazar Center for North American Conservations Peregrine Accelerator for Conservation Impact 2025 cohort. This international program aims to enhance the impact of strategies addressing biodiversity loss, ecological connectivity, and community resilience. Through this six-month program, which includes funding, mentorship, and collaboration with organizations in the North Atlantic region of the U.S. and Canada, HVA's "Follow the Forest" initiative will be expanded. "Follow the Forest" involves over 50 partners working to protect and connect forests across Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. "Follow the Forest is about working across natural, political and organizational boundaries to protect the connections that sustain life, said Tim Abbott, HVAs Conservation Director. "The Peregrine Accelerator is an exciting opportunity to elevate this work and strengthen the partnerships that make it possible." Julia Rogers, HVAs Senior Land Protection Manager, added: "The Accelerator will catalyze our connectivity work across the region, inspiring collaborative efforts informed by community members and scientific data, she said. HVA staff are scheduled to attend a retreat on Prince Edward Island in early June to commence the program. The "Follow the Forest" initiative focuses on safeguarding forest acreage in eastern New York, western Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and Vermont, an area identified as crucial for species movement, ecosystem health, and carbon storage. The initiative has engaged various land trusts and conservation partnerships to address habitat fragmentation and conserve forested areas to foster a more connected and climate-resilient landscape. The Accelerator will provide HVA and its partners with support to strengthen community science tools, communication strategies, and funding and governance models for the initiative. 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 Chinese automakers' shares plummeted on Monday following new incentives from industry leader BYD and a stark warning from Great Wall Motors' CEO about the unhealthy state of the global auto industry. BYD Co Ltd's Hong Kong-listed shares closed 8.6 per cent lower, while Geely Auto experienced a steeper decline of 9.5 per cent. Other prominent players like Nio and Leapmotor also saw their shares fall between 3 per cent and 8.5 per cent. The price war raging within the world's largest car market has intensified, with manufacturers continuing to slash prices and offer premium features, such as smart assisted driving, for free. Over the weekend, Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD announced a new wave of subsidies and incentives across more than 20 models. This brought the starting price of its most affordable offering, the all-electric Seagull hatchback, down to 55,800 yuan ($7,765) for customers trading in their old vehicles. Geely quickly followed suit with similar incentives on Monday, further fueling the ongoing price competition. On Friday, Wei Jianjun, the chairman of Great Wall Motor warned that the Chinese auto industry had its own "Evergrande", referring to the debt-laden developer that became the centre of a liquidity crisis in China's property sector." open image in gallery BYD Sealion 6 DM-i from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD is pictured at Bangkok International Motor Show 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Now, Evergrande in the automobile industry already exists, but it has not collapsed," he told Sina Finance in an interview. He did not name any automakers but said some of the "main manufacturers" in China had put too much effort into pursuing market value and raising their stock prices. Wei, one of the Chinese industry's most outspoken company chiefs, said that the Chinese electric vehicle industry was in an unhealthy state given its heavy losses and how a prolonged price war was weighing on the supply chain. Suppliers were struggling to survive, he added, due to an ongoing pressure to lower prices and delayed payments, and accused carmakers of cutting corners on safety and reliability. Some products have been reduced from 220,000 yuan to 120,000 yuan in the past few years. What kind of industrial products can be reduced by 100,000 yuan and still have quality assurance? Well this is absolutely impossible," he said, again not naming any companies. Last week, China's state planner warned against excessive competition in some industries, saying that some firms were even selling below cost, disrupting fair competition and warned that it may take corrective action. 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 Chinese customs authorities have intensified efforts to prevent smuggling of Labubu dolls, as the worldwide craze for the gremlin-like toys most often seen dangling from bags shows no sign of slowing down. Created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, as part of a whimsical collection of characters dubbed The Monsters inspired by Dutch and Nordic folklore, the Labubus appeal lies in their ugly-cute aesthetic. The toys are sold predominantly by the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, which has stores located all around the world, including the US and UK, and are usually sold in blind boxes, each containing a randomly chosen toy, meaning you wont know which Labubu or colour youve received until you open it. In recent months there have been multiple reports of smuggling that highlight just how high the demand for the toys has become. Customs officials seized 318 Pop Mart toys from three travellers at the Changsha Huanghua International Airport in Hunan province, and 94 from one at the Hefei Xinqiao International Airport in Anhui province, all intended for resale, reported China Daily based on data from the General Administration of Customs of China. According to China's Customs Law, transporting undeclared goods that exceed the prescribed limits for personal use with the intent to profit constitutes smuggling. If the evaded tax amount surpasses 50,000 yuan (5,127), it is considered a criminal offence, potentially leading to severe penalties up to life imprisonment. Even within China itself, the resale market for Labubus is booming. Limited-edition figures, like the hidden edition of Labubu 3.0, originally priced at 99 yuan (10), now command prices exceeding 2,600 yuan (266) on Chinese resale platforms. One particular listing was reportedly posted for 2,699 yuan (277) and saw over 2,300 users marking it as wanted. Pop Mart is a Chinese brand, but overseas toy editions often feature exclusive collaborations not available in China, making them even more desirable, a buyer named Mr Sun Yuzhuoran told China Daily. The frenzy for Labubus isnt restricted to China. Pop Marts overseas revenue jumped 475 per cent year-on-year in Q1 2024, fuelled by high demand from cities outside of China, reported CNN. The Labubu brand alone generated 3bn yuan (307.5m) of Pop Marts total 2024 revenue, reflecting its meteoric rise from niche figurine to international pop culture icon. Pop Marts overseas revenue jumped 475% year-on-year in Q1 2024, fueled by high demand from cities outside of China ( AP ) Unsurprisingly, supply of the toys has not always managed to keep up with demand. In the UK, Pop Mart was forced to suspend in-store Labubu sales after brawls and crowd surges broke out during restocks. To ensure safety and comfort, we have temporarily paused all in-store and Roboshop sales of THE MONSTERS plush toys, the company said via Instagram. A queue outside the Birmingham Pop Mart store became so long it made headlines, while rare Labubus are being re-sold on third-party sellers sites for more than 1,000 a pop. In Kuala Lumpur, a man dubbed the blind box bandit was caught on security footage stuffing Labubu boxes worth around RM400 (69) down his shorts at the Ace Cards & Collectibles, according to The South China Morning Post. In Hong Kong, a couple was filmed stealing Labubu toys worth HK$5,000 (471) from a claw machine, while another group made off with 13 toys valued at HK$10,000 (942) after damaging the machine. With official supplies out of stock at many US Pop Mart branches, enthusiasts there have also turned to resale sites. On Detroit-based resale website StockX, Labubus originally priced at around $50 (37) are being sold for anywhere between $143 (105) and $310 (229). On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice China could seize Taiwans smaller outlying islands as a tactic to intimidate the government in Taipei, a US intelligence report has warned. Though the vast majority of its population lives on the main island of Taiwan, Taipei also controls a number of smaller island chains including the Kinmen and Matsu close to the Chinese mainland, the Pratas and Taiping in the South China Sea and the Penghu archipelago off Taiwans southeastern coast. Seizing and attempting to annex these islands is among a number of military options available to Beijing as it continues to threaten Taiwan with a wholesale invasion, according to the latest Worldwide Threat Assessment report released earlier this month by the US Defence Intelligence Agency. Beijing claims Taiwan as a breakaway province, and Chinese president Xi Jinping has threatened to reunite the island with the mainland, by force if necessary. The Taiwanese people largely favour the status quo which gives them de facto independence. Kinmen, at its closest point, is less than two km (1.2 miles) away from Chinese-controlled territory. open image in gallery A Taiwan flag is seen on a small island during a boat tour around the islands of Kinmen ( AFP via Getty Images ) The DIAs report does not anticipate an all-out invasion of Taiwan in 2025, but warns Chinas People Liberation Army (PLA) forces could scale up the attacks on the democratic islands smaller outposts. China possesses a variety of military options to coerce Taiwan, including increasing the frequency and scope of Chinas military presence operations, air and maritime blockades, seizure of Taiwans smaller outlying islands, joint firepower strikes, and a full-scale amphibious invasion of Taiwan, the US agency said. It added: China appears willing to defer seizing Taiwan by force as long as it calculates unification ultimately can be negotiated, the costs of forcing unification continue to outweigh the benefits, and its stated redlines have not been crossed by Taiwan or its partners and allies. The US intelligence report also warned that Beijing will continue terrorising Taiwan with its campaign of diplomatic, information, military and economic pressure to achieve its long-term goal of reunification. China will also test the USs commitment to Taiwans defence, the defence agency said. Though Taiwan and the US have no formal military treaties or even diplomatic ties, Washington would be expected to respond to any Chinese attack against Taiwan and use Guam as a staging point for such operations. War monitors have warned that the archipelagos of Kinmen and Matsu are especially vulnerable among Taiwans territories. open image in gallery People look at the view from an observation point in Nangan township in the Matsu Islands ( AFP via Getty Images ) Across the Taiwan Strait, Kinmen and Matsu islands are located over 100 miles from the main island of Taiwan but just off the PRCs coast. open image in gallery A Taiwan flag is seen at Liaoluo port in Kinmen ( AFP via Getty Images ) Beijings contemporary efforts to annex Kinmen and Matsu blend economic enticements, nonviolent coercion, legal warfare, information operations, infrastructure construction, and miscellaneous gray zone lines of effort to manipulate public opinion on the islands and erode Taiwans control of its territories, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in its assessment last year. The US-based think tank warned that China could escalate current lines of effort (LOEs) to erode Taiwans sovereignty over its outlying territory of Kinmen in a short-of-war coercion campaign to seize control of the island group in the near term. Taiwan is this week hosting the governor of Guam, the US Pacific territory that would almost certainly be a key player in any Chinese military moves against Taiwan. Guam governor Lourdes A Leon Guerrero is making her first trip to Taiwan since taking office in 2019. Since then, China has significantly upped its military pressure on Taiwan with drills around the island and incursions by ships and aircraft across the median line of the Taiwan Strait, especially in the past two years. 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 North Korea has condemned US president Donald Trumps plan to build a new $175bn missile defence shield dubbed the Golden Dome. In a memorandum issued by the foreign ministrys Institute for American Studies, North Korea described the plans as a "threatening initiative", not a defensive measure, aimed at securing military superiority and threatening nuclear-armed adversaries, according to state media KCNA. The Golden Dome plan "is a typical product of 'America first', the height of self-righteousness, arrogance, high-handed and arbitrary practice, and is an outer space nuclear war scenario," it said, urging the international community to speak out against the plan. Seven days after his inauguration in January, Mr Trump issued the Iron Dome for America executive order to create a cutting-edge defence system that protects the US from long-range missile attacks. Last week he revealed that his administration has settled on a design for the system, which he said will be operational within three years. The president appointed Michael Guetlein, the current vice chief of space operations, to lead the project. The project has been estimated to cost $175bn to the US, and the Congressional Budget Office earlier this month estimated that it could go up to between $161bn and $542bn over two decades. Posters for the proposed Golden Dome for America missile defense shield are displayed before an event with President Donald Trump in the Roosevelt Room at the White House ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The North Korean memorandum called it the largest arms buildup plan in history, and said it threatened the global security environment. North Korea said US has been hell-bent on the moves to militarise outer space after previously defining outer space as a battlefield in the future. The US plan for building a new missile defence system is the root cause of sparking off a global nuclear and space arms race by stimulating the security concerns of nuclear weapons states and turning outer space into a potential nuclear war field, it added. It argued that the USs continued trilateral military cooperation with its allies Japan and South Korea is an effort to use them as cannon fodder and bullet shields to pursue its own interests. We resolutely oppose the United States' criminal ambition to use outer space for hegemonic purposes, it added. We will continue to exercise our sovereign right to defend our strategic security interests and ensure regional peace and security. North Korea's criticism of the US missile defence initiative comes amid its own expanding nuclear weapons programme, with Pyongyang continuing to carry out hundreds of missile tests in open defiance of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Despite international sanctions, including a 2006 UN Security Council order banning its development of nuclear weapons and related activities, North Korea has tested multiple intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). In October 2024, North Korea conducted its latest test of its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, recording the longest flight in the process. The slew of frequent missile tests has prompted the US, South Korea and Japan to boost their military cooperation, including annual joint defence drills in the Korean peninsula. China last week said it was also "seriously concerned" about the Golden Dome project and called for Washington to abandon its development. 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 Polls show the candidate from South Koreas main left-wing opposition party emerging as the clear favourite in next months presidential election, a snap vote that many hope will draw a line under one of the most tumultuous political crises in the history of the country. Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae Myung, 61, enjoyed the support of 49 per cent of the public in the latest Gallup Korea poll, 14 percentage points ahead of his main conservative rival Kim Moon Soo of the People Power Party on 35 per cent. On 3 June, South Korea will finally elect a replacement for Yoon Suk Yeol who was ousted following his impeachment for trying to impose martial law in December last year, a move that plunged the country into unprecedented political turmoil. The snap election was called in April after the Constitutional Court issued a ruling to formally remove Mr Yoon from office. Mr Lee of the Democratic Party and Mr Moon of Mr Yoons People Power Party have emerged as the top contenders in the elections in the deeply polarised country. Mr Lees position as favourite has held firm since the beginning of the election campaign on 12 May at one point he enjoyed a more than 20 percentage point lead in polls. open image in gallery South Korea's Democratic Party's presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung greets supporters during a presidential election campaign in Goyang, South Korea ( AP ) Mr Lee narrowly lost to Mr Yoon in the 2022 presidential election with a margin of 0.7 per cent of the votes polled and survived an assassination attempt during a visit to a construction site on Gadeok Island in Busan when he was stabbed in the neck in 2024. Known for being outspoken and positioning himself as anti-elitist, Mr Lee is hailed by his supporters as a working class hero with his promises to make a "real Republic of Korea" with jobs and a fair society. Mr Lee has advocated for using fiscal policy to support the economy and bringing to justice anyone involved in Mr Yoon's botched attempt to declare martial law in December. His rival, Mr Kim, is a former labour minister under the Yoon administration and has been polling higher than other conservative contenders after he criticised the arrest of Mr Yoon and the impeachment hearings conducted by the Constitutional Court. open image in gallery South Korea's People Power Party's presidential candidate Kim Moon Soo reacts during a presidential election campaign in Seoul, South Korea ( AP ) He positioned himself as the president for the economy, promising to create a business-friendly environment. The Gallup poll has the New Reform Partys Lee Jun Seok in third, with 11 per cent favourable votes. The survey was one of the last major polls to be published before a week-long blackout period that begins on Wednesday, when new polls are banned from publication by law. Mr Kim has sought to widen his support base by uniting forces the Reform Partys Mr Lee, a move that could make the race a virtual tie, but his overtures have been rebuffed so far. Yet its not all good news for the Democratic Party, with an internal rift emerging after former prime minister Lee Nak Yon, who represents a minority faction, announced his support for Mr Kim on Tuesday. He said Mr Lee's tendency to abuse majority power must be checked. Still, Mr Lee was likely to maintain a comfortable lead in the absence of a major unexpected turn that could shake up the race, said Choi Jin, director of the Seoul-based Presidential Leadership Institute. "It seems almost impossible at this point that (Lee) will make a fatal mistake or (Kim) will pull off something that will touch the heart of the whole country," Choi said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A college professor in Bangladesh says the authorities have yielded to the demands of Islamist groups and removed her from her post for being vocal about women's property rights. Nadira Yeasmin, an assistant professor of Bangla language at Narsingdi Government College, was transferred about 270km away to another college near the border with India after a 48-hour ultimatum was issued by Hefazat-e-Islam. Activists and civil society groups in Bangladesh have expressed concern over religious hardliners exploiting the fragile law and order situation in the aftermath of last year's monsoon protest to curtail womens rights. Ms Yeasmin, a vocal women's rights activist, was removed from her post after Hefazat-e-Islam protested against the professors articles in a local magazine titled 'Hisya' (rights). The Islamist outfit claimed that articles published in the magazine calling for equal inheritance rights for men and women a longstanding demand in Bangladesh were contradictory to Islamic inheritance laws. The Hefazat earlier in April had staged massive protests against the Womens Affairs Reform Commission, which the interim government had installed to ensure equal rights for women. Ms Yeasmin has now been appointed an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Satkhira Government Mahila College in Dhulna district, a move that is being viewed as disciplinary action against her. While professors are routinely transferred to new roles, OSD postings usually remove them from active duties while keeping them on the payroll, according to local media reports. Ms Yeasmin, in a post on Facebook, said her "freedom of expression has been violated". "As a woman, I protest this incident. However, no force can suppress my voice when it comes to speaking up for human rights," she added. The professor said Bangladesh's education department could have transferred her to any college in Dhaka or other districts, but they moved her to Satkhira an area of strong support for the right-wing outfit Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. "What is the real goal of those who transferred me to Satkhira?" she asked. Her transfer has triggered a conversation about the shrinking space for women's freedom of speech in Bangladesh since the ousting of the authoritarian regime of Sheikh Hasina emboldened radical religious groups. Maleka Banu, secretary general of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, earlier told The Independent that Islamists were using their increased visibility since last year's popular protests to create an environment of fear so that women were confined to their homes. Last years student protests snowballed into a bloody revolution against Ms Hasina's Awami League government. It forced Ms Hasina to flee to India on a helicopter as an angry mob overran the presidential palace. The power vacuum was quickly filled with a caretaker government led by long-time Hasina critic and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who returned to the country to be named interim leader. After Ms Hasina fled, law and order collapsed in Bangladesh as police refused to return to the streets, citing targeted violence. While the law enforcement apparatus has since limped back to work, the situation remains grim, with reports of women being publicly humiliated because of their clothes, appearances and movements. Dr Banu had accused Bangladesh's past and present governments of bowing down before the "right-wing and forgetting women's rights". Ms Yeasmin's transfer was criticised by academics, activists and civil society members, who asked the government to roll back the decision. Samantha Sharmin, senior joint convener of the newly-formed National Citizens Party, said: "I strongly protest the decision to transfer Nadira Yasmin by surrendering to mob violence. This decision should be reversed immediately." Social media group Bangladesh Feminist Archives condemned the government's move, which it said goes against the values of democracy and principles of free speech. The group said the professor faced both physical and online intimidation for her advocacy of equal property rights between men and women. "Nadira Yasmin committed no crime. She simply voiced an opinion in a public debate. Even if her position were controversial, she had every right to express it," the group said. "The state's duty was to protect her, not surrender to mob pressure." Academic Tanveer Hossain Anoy warned that "what begins as a protest against one womans voice ends as a warning to every woman who dares to speak". Anu Muhammad, professor and member of the Democratic Rights Committee, a civil society group, said that although the Hasina regime has been ousted the situation for freedom of speech remains the same. "The people of the discriminatory Hefazat are unable to answer words with words, and write with writing. That is why they resort to force, shouting, threats, and attacks," he was quoted by Prothom Alo as saying. In a statement to the Daily Star, a Hefazat spokesperson said that they were "happy" that a "solution had been reached" with the transfer of Ms Yeasmin. 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 Australian man has been arrested in Bali and could face execution by firing squad after Indonesian authorities accused him of receiving and intending to distribute 1.7kg of cocaine on the island. Lamar Aaron Ahchee, 43, originally from Cairns in northern Queensland, was taken into custody last Thursday in the beachside area of Canggu, following a joint surveillance operation by Bali police and customs officials. He is now being held at the Bali Police Detention Centre and has been charged under Indonesias narcotics laws, which carry the death penalty for trafficking class 1 drugs. Defending Mr Ahchee, his lawyer Edward Pangkahila told the Associated Press the accused was not the owner of the cocaine, he is just a dealer. In a separate statement to the Sydney Morning Herald, Mr Pangkahila said Ahchee, though a user of cocaine, had no idea the packages contained drugs. His client picked them only as a favour to a friend who supposedly couldnt collect them himself. Officers display cocaine as evidence seized from an Australian man, Lamar Aaron Ahchee, identified by police with the initials LAA ( EPA ) According to police, the cocaine was concealed in chocolate packaging and shipped from England in two separate parcels addressed to locations in North Kuta and Badung Regency. The packages arrived at Denpasar airport on 21 May and were flagged during a routine customs X-ray inspection. Authorities then coordinated a controlled delivery operation. Mr Ahchee allegedly instructed two drivers from local ride-hailing services to collect and deliver the packages to his rented apartment. He was arrested shortly after taking delivery. Officers say they recovered 206 clip bags of cocaine weighing 1.7kg in total, along with a digital scale, mobile phone and plastic materials in his room. Police chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya said the drugs were valued at Rp12bn (544,000) and that the quantity was enough to supply thousands of users. With the secured evidence of 1,713.92g net estimated to be worth Rp12bn, we have successfully saved 2,666 lives from the threat of the dangers of drugs, he told reporters. Authorities presented Mr Ahchee at a news conference on Monday. Dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and wearing a mask, he remained silent throughout. Inspector General Adityajaya said: He is suspected of importing or distributing class 1 narcotics. He is threatened with the death penalty or life imprisonment. Local media Bhinneka Nusantara reported that Mr Ahchee initially told investigators he was acting on instructions from someone known only as Boss, and was promised 50 million rupiah (2,200) to accept and distribute the packages. His lawyer, Mr Pangkahila, said the Australian national had been emotionally distressed following the arrest and had slammed himself into the walls of the police station in despair. Mr Ahchee, he added, was a user of cocaine but claimed to have been misled by a foreign acquaintance he had known for about a year. He is not the owner of the cocaine, he is just a dealer, Mr Pangkahila told the Associated Press. The police must be able to chase and arrest the person who is acting as his boss, to reveal this case fairly. Mr Pangkahila told The Sydney Morning Herald that his client thought he was collecting a parcel as a favour and was unaware it contained drugs. He also said the individual who allegedly recruited Mr Ahchee had left the country. I cant speak for the police, but I can speak for my client. [Ahchee] had no idea what was in the package; he never admitted it was his, he never received or was promised payment. It was just a favour. My client was very upset. He was so upset he was throwing himself onto the wall and onto the floor he is stressed because he knows the charges carry the death penalty. All these drug dealers, they will involve innocent people because if and when police make an arrest, they are not the ones with the drugs, he said. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia confirmed that it was providing consular support to an Australian citizen detained in Bali. Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment, a spokesperson told news.com.au. Mr Ahchee had lived in Bali since 2017. His social media accounts suggest he previously worked as marketing director at the luxury beach club Omnia and later as general manager at Brick Lane in Canggu, before stepping down last year to embark on new adventures. 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 Holidaymakers in countries hit hardest by Donald Trumps trade tariffs are shunning America for their trips abroad, while UK and US travellers are increasingly choosing to staycation amid economic worries, according to hotel search site Trivago. Johannes Thomas, chief executive of Trivago, told the PA news agency the group was seeing double-digit declines in bookings to the US from travellers in Canada, Mexico and Japan. Demand among Germans for trips to the US is also down heavily, with a single-digit decline in bookings for accommodation in America, although the firm has not seen a significant change in demand from Britons travelling to the US. Mr Trump has levied tariffs on more than 180 countries, with Canada and Mexico among the first to be impacted although he later paused many of his so-called reciprocal tariffs for 90 days following financial market turmoil. Germany the largest economy in Europe is set to be hit particularly hard by the US tariffs and the threat to its exports. Mr Thomas added that US holidaymakers are also paring back their holiday spend in the face of economic uncertainty caused by Mr Trumps move to unleash higher tariffs on countries across the world. Mr Thomas told PA: If you look at the different markets, the US tends to be the more sensitive one to uncertainty. People there are much more connected to the stock market and have a higher amount of debt, so are more sensitive to economic developments. Bookings on the site show Americans are spending less on their trips, while there is higher demand for cheaper hotels and lower star categories. German-based Trivago, which is majority-owned by Expedia, said that the economic worries caused by the trade war has also seen a trend for many travellers across the US and UK to opt for domestic trips. Recent booking data shows that in the UK, there has been a 25% year-on-year leap in demand for domestic travel for the key months of July to September. In times of uncertainty, people stay closer to home, said Mr Thomas. The group said London is topping the destinations for British staycationers, followed by Edinburgh, where demand is up by nearly 30%; York; Blackpool; and Manchester. But Mr Thomas said that among Britons, bookings have remained robust despite clouds over the wider global and UK economy, with a 16% increase in total travel demand for the peak quarter to September. 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 Emmanuel Macrons wife Brigitte has captured headlines across the globe after she appeared to push the French President in the face as the couple arrived in Vietnam for the start of a Southeast Asia tour. In a now viral video, Brigitte Macron appears to shove her husband, before he descended from the presidential plane on Sunday (26 May). She remained hidden behind the plane's fuselage, blocking any view of her body language. The couple then descended the steps together. An Elysee official played down the moment, denying it showed an argument between the couple: "It was a moment when the president and his wife were relaxing one last time before the start of the trip by having a laugh." open image in gallery French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) After hitting headlines on Sunday, The Independent has taken a closer look at Brigitte Macrons life. She met her now-husband when he was a student at Le Providence, a Catholic school in France, where she worked as a drama teacher. She was 39 at the time they first met and he was 15. Brigitte was married to banker Andre-Louis Auziere, and the couple have three children, Sebastien, Laurence and Tiphaine. The now French President began an affair with Brigitte, who is 24 years his senior when he was 16. His parents had believed their son was dating his teachers daughter, Laurence, until the truth came out through a family friend. Shocked, the Macrons removed their from the school, but he and Brigitte kept in touch while he was in college. The pair eventually married in 2007 when he was 29 and she was 54. open image in gallery France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron disembark from the plane upon their arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi ( AFP via Getty Images ) Becoming a stepfather to her three adult children, he told them at the wedding reception: Thanks for accepting us, a not-quite-normal couple. The French President previously called his wife his anchor, saying she kept him focused in his job. In an interview with CNN, Mr Macron said: For me, its very important for my personal balance to have somebody at home telling you the truth every day. Access to truth is one of the main challenges. Somebody with her deep convictions and knowing you for what you are and loving you for what you are, not for what you represent or your role or your honours. That is very important to me. In an interview with Elle magazine, Brigitte said she and her husband are just like any other couple. She said: We agree, we disagree. We argue, we stop arguing. Its very fluid. 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 When youre asleep, the world remains awake. Thousands of nocturnal species are crawling, flying, leaping, swimming, and dancing through forests, caves, lakes, parks, and the urban environment. Without seeing them, people may not even know theyre there. Even though theyre largely unseen, a new research review has found that without the contribution of the worlds nocturnal pollinators, humanity would struggle to survive. "We have this idea that all the magic happens during the day, because thats when were active, and thats when we see bees and butterflies fluttering around flowers," Liam Kendall, a postdoctoral fellow at Swedens Lund University, said in a statement. Kendall and fellow researcher Charlie Nicholson were the authors of the first-of-its-kind meta-analysis which was published this month in the journal Ecology Letters. open image in gallery Nocturnal pollinators play just as significant a role as their daytime counterparts, according to a recent review from researchers in Sweden. Theyre calling for better protections to safeguard the species, which help to safeguard the worlds food supply ( AFP via Getty Images ) Most people know about daytime pollinators, including birds, bees, wasps, and butterflies. They provide critical ecosystem services, working to fertilize flowers that can create fruit and seeds. Without their services, humanity would be in dire straits. One in three bites of the food Americans eat depends on pollinators. Furthermore, nearly 80 percent of global crop plants used to make food and other plant-based products require pollination by animals. For decades, scientists have tried to determine whether plants are largely pollinated during the day or at night. But, less attention has been given to the bats, months, nocturnal butterflies, and fireflies. To understand their role compared to their daytime counterparts, Kendall and Nicholson compiled data from 135 studies, finding that 90 percent of the 139 plant species that were examined in the studies had similar reproductive success, regardless of when the plants were pollinated. "We were definitely surprised by the number of plant species where it didnt matter. We found this really fascinating because it's easy to assume that a specific plant needs a specific pollinator. The analysis actually showed almost the opposite theres much more flexibility. A different pollinator than expected can contribute enough for a plant species to reproduce," said Kendall. open image in gallery The white-lined sphinx moth, which is also known as the hummingbird moth, is a crucial pollinator for twilight-blooming flowers, according to Mass Audubon. They are found throughout North America ( Tom Koerner/USFWS ) So, why has their impact taken so long to widely recognize? In fact, it hasnt been totally unrecognized. Moths have been called the unsung heroes of pollination, many of which are tied to apple pollination. The white-lined sphinx moth, which is also known as the hummingbird moth, is a crucial pollinator for twilight-blooming flowers, according to Mass Audubon. They are widespread in North America. Plus, hundreds of species of plants rely on U.S. bats, including bananas, mangos, and agave. Kendall theorizes that daytime pollinators are seen by humans as more beautiful, and attract more attention. Furthermore, he hypothesizes that many researchers may have had a certain idea for how pollination for a particular plant may occur. Of course, it is also notable that humans are most active during the daytime. The authors also highlighted that daytime species are better protected than nighttime species. Tackling artificial light at night or excessive or poorly placed lighting that can interrupt the natural environment may be one way to help protect them. They also face exposure to pesticides, disease, invasive species, climate change, and habitat loss. Climate change is disrupting the relationship between all pollinators and plants, with rising temperatures affecting when plants flower and potentially getting them out of sync with their pollinators. "Actions are often taken to protect daytime pollinators, such as spraying pesticides at night. Theres an oversight there sure, you're protecting the daytime insects, but youre also, theoretically, harming the nocturnal pollinators. This means we could be doing much more, but we havent thought enough about it so far, and more research is needed," said Kendall. 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 partner of wealthy aristocrat Constance Marten assaulted two female police officers at a maternity ward hours after she had given birth, a court has heard. Marten, 38, and Mark Gordon, 50, are charged with the manslaughter of their baby daughter Victoria, who died in a tent on the South Downs in early 2023. On Tuesday, the court heard about a strange incident involving the couple in Wales hours after Marten had given birth to an older sibling six years before. Gordon had pleaded guilty to assaulting Pc Sian Beynon and Detective Sergeant Delma Jones during the course of their duties in 2017. Giving evidence, Det Sgt Jones said they had gone to the hospital after a baby was born in the morning, and medical staff raised concerns over the identity of the parents. She asked the father several times for his name and date of birth before he gave the identity of James Amer, who was born on April 31, 1987. open image in gallery Court artist sketch of Mark Gordon giving evidence at the Old Bailey in London ( Elizabeth Cook/PA ) The officer said: I asked him to confirm his date of birth, and he replied, yeah. At this time, I realised there are only 30 days in April. He started rocking backwards and forwards in a chair and acted confused muttering under his breath several times. I explained I wanted to do some checks on him. He then shouted out. He then shot up from his seat. He starts pacing backwards and forwards. He was clenching his fists and his behaviour completely changed. My colleague Pc Beynon was standing by the door. He walked up to her and pushed her to one side. Having already assaulted Pc Beynon, the officers tried to restrain him and stop him from making good his escape, the court heard. Mr Gordon had opened the door. He managed to free himself from our grip. He started running up to where his partner and baby was, Det Sgt Jones said. open image in gallery CCTV footage of Constance Marten, Mark Gordon and baby Victoria in a German doner kebab shop in East Ham ( Metropolitan Police/PA ) Gordon then went back into the corridor and tried to grab her again, causing her to fall to the floor, she told jurors. We were telling him to calm down, to comply. Obviously, we had concerns over where we were there were babies and other people around. We were concerned what he was capable of. Det Sgt Jones said her colleague then deployed her Pava incapacitant spray at least twice. She added: He was trying to escape while we were still holding onto him. We were asking him to calm down, stop resisting, but this had no effect whatsoever. She told jurors that she and her colleague were hit during the struggle before a new father stepped in to help. I left that incident being bruised. I had cuts on my hands. I cant say he struck me directly but in his attempt to get away from us, I probably was struck. open image in gallery Court artist sketch of Constance Marten appearing at the Old Bailey in London ( Elizabeth Cook/PA ) The new father came out of a ward and assisted in restraining Gordon before more police arrived to arrest him, the witness said. Det Sgt Jones told jurors the incident lasted about 10 minutes but she remembered the events very well eight years on, as they were so unusual. The officer, who has 20 years experience of policing, said: I remember them very well. This is a strange incident that I dealt with. The court has heard how a high-profile manhunt was launched in January 2023 after the defendants fled their burning car near Bolton, Greater Manchester, and went off grid in a bid to avoid their fifth child being taken into care. The prosecution had alleged Victoria died from hypothermia or was smothered while co-sleeping in a flimsy tent, despite past warnings. Her body was discovered with rubbish inside a shopping bag in a disused shed near Brighton after the defendants were arrested. Marten and Gordon, of no fixed address, have denied the gross negligence manslaughter of their daughter and causing or allowing her death between January 4 and February 27 2023. Jurors have been told the defendants were convicted at an earlier trial of concealing the birth of a child and perverting the course of justice. The Old Bailey trial was adjourned until Wednesday. 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 Police have a lot of questions to answer after a car is believed to have tailgated an ambulance through a roadblock at Liverpool FCs Premier League victory parade and ploughed into a crowd of fans, injuring 65 people. A top security expert has warned the horrifying incident should never have happened as officials faced tough questions about safety measures at Mondays event, which saw up to one million fans flock to the citys streets. A 53-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug driving was still being quizzed by police on Tuesday night as police scoured CCTV to work out how the car was able to breach road closures. One victim recalled how he locked eyes with the driver and pleaded for him to stop moments before being hit. Eleven people remain in hospital after a Ford Galaxy struck fans on Water Street, off the main parade route on The Strand, at around 6pm, leaving some trapped under the vehicle. open image in gallery Forensic officers at the scene on Water Street ( PA Wire ) Natasha Rinaldi, 31, was watching the parade from her friends flat on Water Street, Liverpool, said: We heard so many screams. I will never forget seeing a woman stuck under the car. It was so distressing. She was the last person to be rescued. Merseyside Police assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said there was a roadblock in place but it was temporarily lifted for an ambulance to reach a man suffering a suspected heart attack. The people carrier is believed to have followed it inside the perimeter and onto the packed street as fans made their way to catch trains, buses and taxis home. A security expert said the horrifying incident could easily have been prevented and questioned why enhanced measures, such as anti-vehicle security barriers, were not in place. Lee Doddridge, who has trained the UKs counterterrorism security advisers at the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and planned major events including the Ryder Cup in Wales in 2010, told The Independent: It could have easily been prevented. Regardless of the circumstances, the vehicle shouldnt have been anywhere within that cordon. He said Merseyside Police have a lot of questions to answer over the incident, which is not being treated as terror-related. open image in gallery Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said a roadblock was temporarily lifted to allow an ambulance to reach a man suffering a suspected heart attack ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) The force has said there were robust traffic management measures in place for the parade. However, Mr Doddridge added: Merseyside Police commented that they had a well-managed traffic plan, but clearly it wasnt that well planned because a vehicle was able to get so close. Clearly, they deployed the wrong tactics, he added. They had police snipers on the rooftops, but you wouldnt have taken a shot into a crowd of tens of thousands of people, plus the area was covered in smoke from fireworks and flares. What they should have been doing was making sure that the area was safe for people to gather. Liverpool City Council confirmed the road was closed to vehicles under a rolling road block, and Hostile Vehicle Mitigation measures were in place. Liverpool City Metro mayor Steve Rotheram also demanded answers to legitimate questions about how the car was able to enter the area. open image in gallery Hundreds of thousands of Liverpool fans were celebrating their sides Premier League triumph ( Getty ) Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Ms Sims defended the policing operation during the 10-mile parade, saying they had planned for all contingencies including road closures and an armed police presence. She added: There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place. There have so far been 65 confirmed casualties, and officers are trying to identify others. Within hours of the crash, police revealed the suspect was a white British man from West Derby in Liverpool, in a move that has been described as a complete step change from the response to last Julys Southport attack, as police worked quickly to quash online disinformation about their identity. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill added: Our detectives are speaking to many witnesses, including those injured, witnesses at the scene and emergency responders, as we seek to get a full picture of exactly what happened. In addition, extensive CCTV inquiries are being carried out across the city to establish the movements of the car before the incident took place. Traumatised witness Natasha Rimaldi, 31, was watching the parade from her friends flat on Water Street when she heard desperate screams from below. We rushed over to the window and saw injured people all over the floor, she told The Independent. We heard so many screams. I will never forget seeing a woman stuck under the car. It was so distressing. She was the last person to be rescued. Ms Rinaldi, a Liverpool fan for 12 years, said the collision, which injured 65 people, including four children, had destroyed what was supposed to be a very happy day. The first thing I thought was, how did the driver get in? The roads were blocked; it was hard even to get inside as someone walking. I just dont understand how the car ended up there. A group of people were trying to break into the drivers car and were shouting get him! It was so shocking and took us a while to understand what had happened. open image in gallery Flowers were left at the scene on Water Street on Tuesday ( PA ) Donna Skeldon, 51, and her partner Chris Wilson, 52, from the Isle of Wight, fled into a side street in terror as the car ploughed through the crowd. I was just running in a panic, she said. We werent sure what was happening, but when you see so many people running, you just run for your life because you dont know whats happening. Sir Keir Starmer said the whole country stands with Liverpool as he paid tribute to victims and first responders, adding that scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation. Princess Anne visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, where 11 people remain in a stable condition. Staff who treated the wounded said they were very, very fortunate that there were no more injuries. Consultant Jay Rathore said that most of the injuries were limb injuries. No life-threatening, we were able to manage them. 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 Far-right political activist Tommy Robinson has walked free from prison after his jail term for breaching an injunction was reduced by four months last week. The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, left HMP Woodhill, Buckinghamshire, on Tuesday after his 18-month sentence was cut back at the High Court. He was jailed for the civil offence of contempt of court in October 2024 after admitting breaches of an injunction which barred him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him for libel. After his release, he was filmed speaking on his X social media channel for around 20 minutes with longer hair and a bushy beard, and wearing a rosary around his neck. Yaxley-Lennon was previously due to be released on 26 July, but had applied to the High Court to purge his contempt order. open image in gallery Robinson was filmed with longer hair and a bushy beard on his release from prison ( PA ) He was jailed for 10 admitted breaches of the injunction, after the solicitor general issued two contempt claims against him. The first claim alleged that 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 the activists profile on the social media site X. 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. In a ruling last Tuesday, Mr Justice Johnson said there was an absence of contrition or remorse from Yaxley-Lennon, but that he had shown a change in attitude since he was sentenced. open image in gallery Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been released from prison early after his jail term was reduced ( PA ) The judge said: He has given an assurance that he will comply with the injunction in the future [and] that he has no intention of breaching it again. The injunction was issued after Yaxley-Lennon 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, Yaxley-Lennon made false claims on Facebook, including about Mr Hijazi, leading to the libel case. Mr Justice Nicklin ordered Yaxley-Lennon to pay Mr Hijazi 100,000 in damages and his legal costs, as well as making the injunction preventing Yaxley-Lennon from repeating the allegations. Last week, Mr Justice Johnson warned that Yaxley-Lennon 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 The government has pledged to create 120,000 new apprenticeship and training opportunities in England before the next general election, aiming to bolster the workforce and reduce reliance on migrant workers. These opportunities will focus on key sectors such as construction, engineering, and healthcare. To fund up to 45,000 of these training places, the government will increase the Immigration Skills Charge paid by employers recruiting from overseas by one-third. This charge, levied on companies sponsoring skilled workers from outside the UK, will contribute directly to training British workers. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised the importance of this investment, stating: "A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today were backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive." She further highlighted the long-term economic benefits, adding, "When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future creating opportunities as part of our plan for change." But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and were taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, its now the responsibility of young people to take them. open image in gallery Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future. ( PA ) The plans for 120,000 training places include an extra 30,000 apprenticeship starts across the current Parliament. The apprenticeship budget for 2025-26 is more than 3 billion. From January 2026, funding will be shifted away from masters-level apprenticeships to focus on training at lower levels, although support will be maintained for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. The immigration White Paper published earlier this month set out plans to hike the immigration skills charge by 32% to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration. As many as one-in-eight 16-24 year-olds are not in education, employment or training. Sarah Yong, director of policy and public affairs at the Youth Futures Foundation said: International evidence shows apprenticeships are a highly impactful way to support young people to prepare for and access jobs, yet participation among under-25s, especially the most marginalised, has declined in recent years. open image in gallery Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson having a go at bricklaying ( PA ) With stubbornly high youth unemployment and inactivity, rebalancing the apprenticeship system can encourage investment in youth apprenticeships and is a first step in enabling more young people to access good work. The Law Society urged the Government to continue to fund masters-level apprenticeships for those aged over 21. The societys president Richard Atkinson said: Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships continue to be the only route outside of university to qualify as a solicitor due to specific qualifications set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Apprenticeships play a vital role in promoting social mobility. Shadow education minister Neil OBrien warned: The decision to scrap higher apprenticeships will do damage to the public services, particularly the NHS. It will make it impossible for many young people who dont go university to enter the professions. Numerous employers and professional bodies have warned about the damage scrapping higher apprenticeships will do, which is why this is being snuck out during recess. 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 Donald Trumps niece has said she was devastated by her uncles rise to power in 2016, and that foresaw his administration being unspeakably awful. Mary Trump, a psychologist and writer, called the current US president pathetic, as she warned that he had never evolved from the man she knew growing up as a child. She sat down with BBC journalist Samira Ahmed to discuss the rise of her uncleat the Hay Festival in Wales on Tuesday, which The Independent is once again partnering with. Describing her response to her uncles first election win, she said: I handled the 2016 election badly. I was devastated by it. I took it really personally because I felt like the worst person on the planet was being elevated at the expense of better people. How I responded to the election prefigured how I responded to everything else [later in his term] because I knew it was going to be unspeakably awful. open image in gallery 'I handled the 2016 election badly,' Mary Trump said ( Alamy/PA ) And I saw the specific policies and the ways in which those policies were designed to be cruel and to have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable people in the country. She added: One of the reasons I took 2016 personally is because it felt like millions had voted to turn America into my family - which is a terrible idea. She also spoke about the need for opponents to her uncle to organise together: My point of view is that I don't understand people who are afraid of Donald, because he's so pathetic. Seriously, I would be embarrassed to be afraid him. But it is his supporters and followers - who are willing to lay down their life for him and to make acts of violence on his behalf - who are the more worrisome group of people. open image in gallery Mary Trump sat down with BBC journalist Samira Ahmed to discuss the rise of her uncle at the Hay Festival in Wales on Tuesday, which The Independent is once again partnering with. ( Billie Charity/Hay Festival ) Ms Trump also spoke on Monday evening at the festival, on a panel alongside Baroness Rosie Boycott, Baroness Eluned Morgan, the first minister of Wales and leading US journalist McKay Coppins. Responding to Mr Coppins describing the US presidents visceral anger at elites because Manhattans senate aristocracy always kind of laughed at him, Ms Trump said: Donald is one of the most aggrieved people on the planet. And he feels like those grievances are legitimate. It goes deeper, but we see how its playing out on institutions of higher learning. Hes very insecure. open image in gallery Ms Trump also spoke on Monday evening at the festival, on a panel alongside Baroness Rosie Boycott, Baroness Eluned Morgan, the first minister of wales and leading US journalist McKay Coppins. ( Adam Tatton-Reid/Hay Festival ) Ms Trump went on to say that his grievances went even deeper, explaining how he watched his father, Fred Trump, dismantle his charming, funny, sensitive older brother, Fred Trump Jr. His fear does stem from having witnessed what happened to my dad. The eldest son, who was supposed to be the heir to the Trump empire, who is deemed unworthy by their father, she said. Hay Festival, which is spread over 11 days, is set in Hay-on-Wye, the idyllic and picturesque Town of Books. The lineup includes Salman Rushdie, Michael Sheen, Jameela Jamil, and more. The Independent has partnered with the festival once again to host a series of morning panels titled The News Review, where our journalists will explore current affairs with leading figures from politics, science, the arts and comedy every morning. 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 Canada is facing a critical moment in its history, King Charles said on Tuesday at the opening of the countrys parliament, in an address that was seen as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by Donald Trump. In a speech to the Senate in Ottawa, written by Canadas new government, Charles said prime minister Mark Carneys administration would bond with reliable trading partners and allies a nod to Mr Trumps disruptive economic tactics. Many Canadians have seen the Kings two-day visit to Ottawa his 20th to the country overall as a symbol of support for a nation that has faced the unwanted attention of Mr Trump, who has both enacted a trade war against his neighbour and threatened to annex it. Charles referred to the country that Canadians and I love so much, but made no direct reference to the US president, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian exports and muses about turning Canada into Americas 51st state. Charles also told the parliament that self-determination is among a number of values that Canada holds dear and that its government is determined to protect. open image in gallery Charles opened the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday and delivered an address written by the nations new government ( PA ) He is the first British monarch in almost 50 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament. Queen Elizabeth II did so twice, in 1957 and 1977. The King said that on the first of these occasions, in 1957, the Second World War remained a fresh, painful memory and the Cold War was intensifying. Freedom and democracy were under threat, Charles said in his speech, which lasted 26 minutes and was delivered in English and French. Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect. The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canadas relationships with its partners are also changing. We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes. open image in gallery Charles is the first British monarch in almost 50 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament ( PA ) Charles also said that the Canadian government would protect Canadas sovereignty by rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian armed forces. It will stimulate the Canadian military industry by participating in the ReArm Europe plan and will thus contribute, together with European partners, to transatlantic security. And it will invest to strengthen its presence in the north, as this region, which is an integral part of the Canadian nation, faces new threats, the King said. He added: The prime minister and the president of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations. In parallel, the government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, recognising that Canada has what the world needs and values the world respects. open image in gallery Charles and Camilla attend a ceremony to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the National War Memorial ( PA ) The speech isnt written by the King or his advisers, as Charles serves as a non-partisan head of state. He read what was put before him by Canadas government, but made some remarks of his own. He and Camilla were driven to the Senate in a horsedrawn carriage, escorted by 28 riders from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and cheered by flag-waving onlookers. Charles then inspected an honour guard, all clad in bright red uniforms. The King and Queen later took part in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial as their visit to Canada came to a close. The royal couple and the gathered crowds observed a minutes silence, standing still as the murmur of distant voices was heard. Earlier, after the Kings address at the opening of parliament, he went on a brief walkabout with his wife en route to the memorial, clutching the hands of well-wishers and sharing a few words of greeting in the brilliant summer sunshine. 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 Treading slowly out of their Airbnb on to the heavily-policed street, the OBrien family turned to inspect the aftermath of the appalling events the evening before. Behind the tangled cordon, empty beer bottles and takeaway boxes were strewn across the deserted road. In the distance, a forensic officer checked the road surface for evidence. For the sombre-looking family-of-four, it was like waking up from a violent nightmare, hoping it was just a dream. But it wasnt. Less than 24 hours earlier, the group were among thousands of joyous Liverpool fans packed into the street for their teams Premier League-winning parade. open image in gallery Peter OBrien, Marie OBrien, Danny OBrien and Paul O'Brien (from left to right) attended the parade on Monday ( Alex Ross/The Independent ) Unbeknown to them was they were in the path of a Ford Galaxy vehicle that would turn the citys party of the year into a horror show. Only for young Liverpool fans pushing them out of the way, the family from County Meath in Ireland were saved from joining the 65 confirmed casualties. The youngest - Danny, aged 11 - still appeared visibly shaken as he stood next to his father, Paul, and grandparents, Marie and Peter. For the little fella to see it going on - its very hard to understand, said his 39-year-old father. As dawn broke on Tuesday, many in the city had questions over how the vehicle entered Water Street, with an investigation only in its early stages. But for the OBriens, they were just thankful to be able to walk away. "It [the car] passed us by inches, and then it continued and we could actually hear the thuds of people being hit, said Paul. It was just a terrible scene. There were kids, men and women on the ground. open image in gallery Emergency services at the scene after a car crashed into a crowd in Liverpool ( PA Wire ) "The men who pushed us out of the way were amazing, it was heroic stuff, young Liverpool supporters. They didn't think for a second, only for those people they don't know." As the rain came down on Tuesday, the closed-off section of road turned into a central point for grief for dozens of Liverpool supporters. CCTV obtained by The Independent showed the moment the vehicle moved down Dale Street, through the crowds, before entering Water Street. Fans had confronted the vehicle before it finally came to a stop, with four people trapped underneath. On Tuesday, many observers walked to the police cordon where they took pictures, hugged each other. One person laid flowers. open image in gallery Flowers laid at the scene of the vehicle hitting dozens of people during Liverpools Premier League-title winning parade ( PA ) Donna Skeldon, aged 51, from the Isle of Wight, was tearful as she retold how she fled in terror down a side street when the violence broke out. "I was just running in a panic," she said. "We weren't sure what was happening, but when you see so many people running, you just run for your life because you don't know what's happening. She heard thuds as she ran, fearing at first they could be gun shots before looking around to see people hitting the car after it had come to a stop. It's horrible to think you're in that sort of situation. You never want to be there again, seeing the horror in front of you. While the day had initially started out as a celebration, the city centre soon emptied as emergency services battled to bring the scene under control. Lisa Meiklajohn, 38, said: We were in the Reds Bar last night and it was meant to be a big ticketed event, but it was completely quiet. It was a somber mood. People just didnt want to go out. They were upset. Others voiced frustration at how the vehicle had been able to hit the crowds. Ruben Derby, aged 26, said: You have so many people at an event - how can a car be able to get inside the roadblock and do this? Later in the evening, at Merseyside Polices headquarters in the city centre, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims explained the car was believed to have followed an ambulance as it responded to a man suffering a suspected heart attack. open image in gallery (PA Graphics/PA) ( PA Graphics ) While 11 people remain in hospital, officers are still questioning a 53-year-old man, who has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said the public had showed an incredible response in helping the police in its investigation. It emerged that off-duty staff came into work at the citys hospitals. Clearly, the city was shook by the incident - but many at the police cordon also showed a steely resilience. Caio Cesar, 31, from Brazil, said: These are things that this city has unfortunately a bit of experience with. The people and the city know how to recover - and we will. 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 Murdoch family became obsessed with the TV drama Succession, an insider has claimed, when uncanny similarities were spotted between the show and the clans real-life. Members of the family are even said to have believed someone from within its ranks had been leaking information to writers of the HBO series, as it imitated reality so closely at times. McKay Coppins, the journalist behind the shocking and rare interview with James Murdoch published earlier this year that revealed what life as Rupert Murdochs son is really like, made the claims at the Hay Festival in Wales on Tuesday, which The Independent is once again partnering with. When asked by an audience member whether he knew if the family had watched Succession, Mr Coppins said: It was one of the very first questions I asked James, actually. open image in gallery Members of the family are even said to have believed someone from within its ranks had been leaking information to writers of the HBO series. ( HBO ) He added: As I would eventually learn, the Murdoch family is, actually, obsessed with Succession. Theyre particularly obsessed with who was leaking to the shows writers. They all were convinced that somebody mustve been feeding the shows writers stories because there were scenes that were too uncannily true to life. James watched the first episode and found it too difficult to watch. Kathryn, his wife, has seen more. Liz, his sister, has watched all of them. Speaking to Guto Harri, former communications director for Murdochs News International, at the event, Mr Coppins went on to say the siblings had different beliefs about who was leaking information - with theories ranging from each other to former partners. open image in gallery Murdochpremium ( PA ) He said: I finally just went to Jesse Armstrong, the creator of the show, and asked him, did you have a mole in the Murdoch family? He laughed and said no, but Im aware this has become a psychodrama for the Murdoch family. The future of Murdochs sprawling media empire, which includes Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and UK outlets such as The Sun and The Times, has captivated public attention in recent years. It has provided partial inspiration for the acclaimed drama, which culminates with a right-wing media tycoons family grappling with the fallout of his death. In an article published in February in The Atlantic, Murdochs youngest son, James, laid bare remarkable details about the real-life succession drama within the Murdoch family. open image in gallery James Murdoch arriving at court for a hearing on changes to the familys trust ( Reuters ) The articles publication came soon after the patriarch lost his legal battle to ensure his eldest son, the more right-leaning Lachlan, would control the family trust after his death. Hay Festival, which is spread over 11 days, is set in Hay-on-Wye, the idyllic and picturesque Town of Books. The lineup includes Salman Rushdie, Michael Sheen, Jameela Jamil, and more. The Independent has partnered with the festival once again to host a series of morning panels titled The News Review, where our journalists will explore current affairs with leading figures from politics, science, the arts and comedy every morning. 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 British man has been sentenced to 10 months in prison in Bali, Indonesia, for drug offences, after facing a charge that could have resulted in the death penalty. Thomas Parker, from Cumbria, was arrested on January 21 at a villa near Kuta beach after he allegedly collected a package containing drugs from a motorcycle taxi driver. According to court documents, police officers said Parker was "acting suspiciously" while collecting the package. When approached by police, he allegedly discarded the package and fled. He was later traced back to his villa and arrested. A lab test confirmed that the package contained just over one kilogram of MDMA, the main ingredient in ecstasy. During the police investigation, the 32-year-old electrician proved that he did not order the package, which was sent by a drug dealer friend named Nicky, whom Parker had known for around two years. Parker was told someone would pick it up shortly from him, and he was not promised money or anything else by Nicky in return. open image in gallery British citizen Thomas Parker sits on the defendant's chair before being sentenced for drug offences, in Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Police reduced the initial charge of drug trafficking, which carries a possible death sentence, to the less serious offence of hiding information from authorities after investigators determined that the package was not directly linked to him. During the trial, which began last month at the Denpasar District Court, Parker told the court he initially refused to collect the package but agreed to do it after Nicky assured him the package was safe and would not put him in danger. Prosecutors on May 6 sought a one-year prison term for Parker, but the judges said they reduced the penalty because Parker regretted his acts, had not been previously convicted and promised to reform. Parker sat silently as a panel of three judges at Denpasar District Court handed down the punishment. The judges also ordered the time he has already served since he was arrested to be deducted from his sentence, meaning he will be free in several months. open image in gallery British citizen Thomas Parker sits on the defendant's chair before sentenced for drug offences, at a district court in Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia ( AP ) After the judges read the sentence, Parker said that he accepted the verdict and will not appeal. Prosecutors must decide whether to accept it within a week. I really, really regret everything that has happened, Parker said. I am sorry and will follow the judge's decision. 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, 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. 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 UK Navy is to use artificial intelligence to detect hostile state activity in the Arctic, amid the increasing threat from Russia in the region. The area is a key flank of European and Britains security, while the Kremlins operations there aid it war in Ukraine and threaten critical infrastructure like undersea cables to the UK, ministers warn. On a visit to Iceland, the Foreign Secretary David Lammy will announce a new joint scheme between the two countries to use cutting edge AI technology to monitor the activity of state actors. HMS Tyne escorting Russian warship Boikiy through the English Channel (LPhot Unaisi Luke/MoD/PA) ( PA Media ) Mr Lammy said: Its more important than ever that we work with our allies in the High North, like Norway and Iceland, to enhance our ability to patrol and protect these waters, The problem is growing as rising temperatures lead ice caps to melt, opening up previously inaccessible routes. Areas close to the Arctic are being used by Russias nuclear-powered icebreakers, clearing paths for tankers helping fund his illegal war in Ukraine. These are Russias shadow fleet of ships which transport oil and gas or stolen Ukrainian grain, to get around Western sanctions. The foreign secretary will also reveal that the UK has halted Putins plans to have a floating repair dock in the Arctic, to service the icebreakers. Under the new joint UK-Iceland strategy more than half a million pounds, 554,000, of UK funding from the UK Integrated Security Fund, for the Alan Turing Institute, will examine how AI can improve monitoring. The announcement comes after Donald Trump hit out at Putin, calling the Russian leader absolutely crazy for firing hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukraine overnight. French president Emmanuel Macron said he hopes Trumps latest remarks would translate into action, while Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky called for the US to slap additional sanctions on Moscow instead of continuing talks. 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 Nigel Farage has made his most direct pitch to Labour voters yet, as he vowed to tear up Sir Keir Starmers deals from the last fortnight if he wins power and declared Reform UK as the true party of the workers. In a wide-ranging speech in central London, the Reform UK leader turned his guns on Labour as he tacked to the left, vowing to reverse the cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners and end the two-child benefit cap. open image in gallery Farage challenged Starmer to a debate ( Getty ) While Mr Farage held on to his traditional rightwing causes of slashing taxes, ending net immigration and scrapping diversity officers and policies, his message was aimed at disaffected Labour voters who polls suggest are abandoning Sir Keir. He also challenged the prime minister to a debate in a working mans club in Labour former red wall heartlands after the Labour leader said he was ready to face off with Mr Farage. But opponents labelled the Reform UK leader as a fraud. Labour chair Ellie Reeves said: "There's nothing new about what Nigel Farage said today: the tens of billions of pounds of fantasy promises he made this morning are exactly how Liz Truss crashed the economy, devastating the finances of families across the country. Those families don't need to be told what the consequences would be of this nonsense. They live through it every month through the higher mortgages, higher rents, higher prices, and higher bills inflicted upon them by the last government. Mr Farages press conference came as a new poll suggested voters would rather see Sir Keir Starmer, Sir Ed Davey or Kemi Badenoch as prime minister. In a blow to the Reform leader, a YouGov survey revealed all three of the Labour, Lib Dem and Conservative leaders would win a two-way choice for PM. Sir Keir was preferred to Mr Farage by 44 per cent of voters, with just 29 per cent opting for the Brexiteer. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed beat Mr Farage by a similar margin, 44 per cent to 27, while Ms Badenoch was only marginally ahead. open image in gallery Britain's prime minister Keir Starmer is willing to debate Farage ( AP ) However, a Techne UK poll for The Independent put Reform eight points ahead of Labour on 30 per cent to 22 per cent. Mocking a favourite catchphrase of the prime minister, Mr Farage declared that Reform UK "really are now the party of working people". And he claimed that Labour are "terrified" of his party, and declared the Conservative Party "finished". Mr Farage said Labour are absolutely terrified of Reform" and claimed they "did even worse" than the Conservatives in the local elections earlier this month. "We completely wiped them out in County Durham, in many other parts of the East Midlands and elsewhere." He said the government are "collapsing in terms of support", and later added: "Reform really are now the party of working people" while describing Sir Keir as heading the least popular government taking office since the Suez crisis in 1956. He claimed that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is woefully in over her head and vowed to tear up Labours deals made in the last week on the Brexit reset with the EU and handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. He also tore into Sir Keirs controversial speech on immigration and in a new focus on on the importance of family, the Reform UK leader also appeared to suggest lowering the abortion limit below the current 24 weeks. In a blistering attack on Sir Keir, he said: This prime minister has no connection with working people. No connection with what we used to call working-class communities. "He doesn't understand what it's like to get up at 5 o'clock in the morning and go out and work physically hard for the time, he doesn't seem to understand that the tax burden, the cost of living, energy bills have meant that people genuinely have had a lower standard of living, quite consistently, over the course of the last 10 years." The Reform UK leader said he did not want to wait until the next general election for a potential debate, and would want to face him before then. He said: "I've got a great idea, why don't the prime minister and I go to a working man's club somewhere in the red wall and we'll sit there and let them ask us questions, and you can all come along and cover it live. "That's my open invitation to the prime minister. Let's go to one of the former mining communities, let's go somewhere that Labour have held the seat pretty much consistently since 1918. Whether the prime minister will enjoy a few beers with the lads and do the Channel 4 racing that afternoon, I'm not sure, but I am very, very happy to do so." TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: Nigel Farage is a political fraud wholl jump on any bandwagon to chase headlines. He is full of empty promises, writing cheques he knows will never be cashed. And Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey said: Nigel Farage praised the disastrous Truss mini-budget, and now he wants to repeat it with huge unfunded spending pledges and only vague promises of fantasy savings. Its Trussonomics on steroids. 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 transatlantic alliance needs a boot up the backside, Peter Mandelson has warned, saying that Britain must work closely with the US to take on Chinese technological dominance. The UKs ambassador to the US argued Beijing represents a far more dynamic and formidable strategic rival than the Soviet Union ever was, urging Britain and the US to combine forces to drive the scientific breakthroughs that will define this century. Rather than stifling these transformative technologies through excessive regulation, our two governments must unleash their immense potential for human benefit and Western advantage, he said. Peter Mandelson speaking at the 2025 Atlantic Council Christopher J. Makins Lecture ( Atlantic Council ) While Donald Trump almost blocked Lord Mandelsons ambassadorship because of concerns about his links to China, the Labour peer now appears to have turned against Beijing, saying there is there is nothing in this world I fear more than China winning the race for technological dominance. David Camerons Conservative government sought closer economic ties with Beijing and hosted a state visit for President Xi Jinping in 2015, known as the golden era of relations. But speaking at the Atlantic Council on Tuesday, the ambassador warned that there is now a new dynamic between China and the west, saying Britain and the US must not be afraid... to take on aspects of Chinas behaviour and policies. He also urged European countries to step up their defence spending and stop living in a fantasy created by the US security guarantee, accusing Europe of having spent decades relying on the US to defend it in the face of global threats. Lord Mandelson said: "If we are serious about rebuilding confidence in the international system we need to devote an enormous amount of energy and goodwill to preserve, sustain and deepen the alliances which exist between like-minded countries for the UK and the rest of Europe. We must reboot the transatlantic alliance. Indeed, a boot up the proverbial backside is needed now to deliver peace through strength across three interconnected domains - military, economic and technological." Lord Mandelson added: "For my generation, the 20th century, gains in peace and prosperity were thought of as a European peace dividend. I now recognise it as an urgent bill, that peace dividend - an urgent bill for decades of defence under-investment, a payment that is long overdue. "We have lived in a fantasy created by the US security guarantee, complacent that a friendly heavyweight across the water would be always there when the going gets tough. In February, the prime minister outlined plans for Britain to spend 2.5 per cent of its GDP on defence by 2027, up from 2.3 per cent currently, following repeated warnings from Mr Trump that Europe must spend more on its defence. It comes after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that trade tensions from Donald Trumps sweeping global tariffs will dampen the UKs economic growth next year, despite upgrading this years growth forecast for Britain. The IMF said the UK is experiencing an "economic recovery," with GDP expected to rise by 1.2 per cent this year, a step up from the 1.1 per cent growth it predicted in April. Meanwhile, it maintained its projection that the UK economy will expand by 1.4 per cent in 2026. But IMF economists said this will come despite global trade tensions wiping 0.3 percentage points off growth for the year. The forecasts were published just weeks after Britain struck a historic trade agreement with the US last month that will slash the bulk of Mr Trumps tariffs. The deal saw US tariffs on cars immediately cut from 27.5 to 10 per cent for up to 100,000 vehicles almost the total number exported last year. Levies on steel and aluminium will be reduced to zero, however, a general 10 per cent tariff for other goods will remain. 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 Labour has called on Nigel Farage to take action after an image emerged from a Reform local election stunt depicting female cabinet ministers as cows in an abattoir. The roadside setup in Hertsmere, Hertfordshire, shows deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, chancellor Rachel Reeves and education secretary Bridget Phillipson depicted as cows waiting to be slaughtered. The stunt, pictured by a passerby and passed to The Independent, was damned as dehumanising and misogynistic. open image in gallery Reform local election stunt depicting leading female cabinet ministers as cows in an abattoir ( Lib Dems ) It has shocked political parties in Westminster, where MPs, including Mr Farage, are having to take extra security measures to protect themselves from potential attacks. The imagery of a slaughterhouse has brought back memories of attacks on MPs, including the deaths of Labours Jo Cox and the later Tory MP David Amess. Other MPs have been attacked, including Labour minister Stephen Timms, who was stabbed. And the danger faced by politicians was underlined last week when homes linked to prime minister Sir Keir Starmer were set on fire. A Labour spokesperson said: This is a dehumanising and misogynistic portrayal of hardworking female cabinet members who are delivering change for our country on behalf of the British people. If Nigel Farage wants his party to be in any way seen as remotely professional, he should start by condemning this stunt and confirming nothing like this will happen again. open image in gallery Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage ( PA ) A Lib Dem spokesperson added: This is horrifically misogynistic and, after seeing politicians murdered in recent years, inferring that some should also be sent to an abattoir cannot be dressed up as anything other than an attack on democracy. Nigel Farage needs to step in and launch a full investigation, and anyone associated with this vile stunt must be expelled from Reform. The stunt was bedecked with Reform posters during a hard-fought campaign where the party gained 677 council seats and two mayoralties across the country. There is no evidence to link it to any national campaign. Reform did not initially answer questions on the issue, but responding to The Independent at a press conference in London, Mr Farage said: All sorts of appalling things get said and done by people fighting in elections, at local and national level, and we get it done to us. If one or two of our people do it to them, maybe they think its funny. It probably isnt very funny. I cant pretend were perfect. What I can tell you is that one of the ways in which we have professionalised this party is to put people through a vetting process. And I think weve come up with a slate of elected councillors and mayors and a new MP that we can genuinely be very proud of. If there is the odd lapse in taste, then I regret it, but its kind of called politics. 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 education secretary has given the strongest signal yet that the government will scrap the two-child benefit cap, saying that lifting it is certainly something we are considering. It comes ahead of a major speech from Nigel Farage on Tuesday, where he will commit to scrapping the benefit cap and reinstating the winter fuel payment in full in an attempt to position his party as the true opposition to Labour. The Reform UK leader is also expected to accuse the government of lacking the will to bring net migration down to zero, and claim Sir Keirs deal with the EU betrays the very essence of Brexit. open image in gallery Education secretary Bridget Phillipson took aim at Reform UK ahead of a major speech today ( PA ) But hitting back at Reforms plans, Bridget Phillipson dubbed the party just not serious, claiming Mr Farage would dismantle the NHS as we know it and massively undermine our ability to deliver free breakfast clubs by reinstating tax breaks for private schools. Asked whether she thinks the government should lift the two-child benefit cap, Ms Phillipson said: Its not off the table. It's certainly something that we're considering. We've always been clear that social security measures are an important part of what the child poverty task force is looking at. She told Sky News that tackling child poverty is personal to her, insisting it is the moral purpose of this government. It's personal to me, because for part of my childhood, I experienced what too many children right now in our country are experiencing, and I know the damage it does, she said. I know the scar it has, not just for those individual children and families, but, actually, for all of us. We're all poorer as a country when we aren't able to benefit from the amazing talent of so many children and families. That's why we're serious about tackling child poverty. Sir Keir Starmer is privately said to be in favour of doing away with the two-child benefit cap a policy that restricts parents from claiming certain benefits for more than two of their children. Critics of the policy say removing it would be the most effective way of reducing child poverty amid warnings that as many as 100 children are pulled into poverty every day by the limit. However, it is thought the cap wont be lifted until the government publishes its child poverty strategy, which has now been delayed until the autumn. There is growing pressure on Labour to scrap it, as well as to water down its upcoming welfare cuts, as fresh polling showed that almost half of all red wall voters disapprove of the way the government has acted on benefits. open image in gallery Nigel Farage is gearing up to announce new policies on benefits ( PA ) A new poll conducted by Merlin Strategy across 42 red wall seats - those historically held by Labour - 48 per cent of people had a negative view of the governments handling of benefits policies, while just 25 per cent approved. Of those who said they voted Labour at the 2024 election, people were divided with 38 per cent approving and 38 per cent disapproving. Meanwhile, within his own party, the prime minister is facing a rebellion from MPs over controversial welfare cuts, which will see personal independence payments (PIP) cut for 800,000 people with disabilities, and a growing unease over the direction of the party. Last week, in an attempt to win back disillusioned voters and appease his MPs, the prime minister announced plans to row back on last years controversial decision to means test the winter fuel payment, telling the Commons he would look at increasing the thresholds at which people start to receive the benefit. Todays speech, framed as Mr Farages pitch to working people will see the Reform leader flanked by council leaders, mayors and Runcorn MP Sarah Pochin. A party source said Mr Farage will challenge Sir Keir to go to a working mans club in the north of England with him and see who connects better with working people. But asked about his proposals, the education secretary hit back: "It's just not serious.They're just not serious people. It's not credible. This is a party, after all, that doesn't believe in the NHS, that would dismantle the NHS as we know it, that has consistently opposed the measures that Labour has brought in to back workers through the Employment Rights bill, making sure, for example, that more workers can have access to sick pay. Those are the kinds of decisions that are that reform are interested in making. The one policy that they have in education is to reintroduce tax breaks to private schools, which would massively undermine our ability to deliver free breakfast clubs - the kinds of measures that working families are benefiting from right now. That's Reform. That's who they are. They're not on the side of working people. They're not serious about how they deliver change. And every time they get the opportunity to back working people, for example, with better rights at work, they oppose it." Mr Farage has previously called for an end to the NHS being funded through taxes, but has been unable to say how it would be paid for instead. While he has insisted that he wants the health service to remain free at the point of delivery, he added that Reform is looking into how we get there. 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 father has described surviving a terrifying boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale on Memorial Day that left 11 people, including his two young children suffering from burns. Antonio Rivera was one of the 13 people on board when the accident happened at approximately 5.45pm on Monday afternoon. He told CBS News that the driver had been attempting to restart the engine after refueling, intending to return the party to shore along the Intracoastal Waterway. We tried to fuel up the boat and it mustve been a gas leak, Rivera said. A spark went off and an explosion. The strength of the blast threw members of the group into the water and caused a flash fire, according to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue spokesperson Frank Guzman. open image in gallery Marisa Toomsen and Bret Triano talk to a Fort Lauderdale police after helping rescue those injured in the boat explosion ( South Florida Sun Sentinel/AP ) The injured were subsequently rescued by members of the public and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and taken to nearby Broward Health Medical Center for treatment. Those suffering severe burns were subsequently transferred on to a specialist unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The remaining two boaters and a dog were reportedly unharmed. Rivera said his wife and children, aged just five and seven, had been wounded but added: Theyll be okay theres nothing permanent but they did get third-degree burns. It was terrifying. open image in gallery Investigators examine a boat, dockside with blue cover, whose engine exploded with 13 people on board in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday May 26 2025 ( CBS News Miami ) Eyewitness Bret Triano said he had seen the boat engulfed by a fireball and rushed to help, along with several others, by jumping into a dinghy. When they went to start their boat up, it just exploded. People were kind of falling off the boat, he said. Triano said he found Rivera in the water: He was saying, Save me, please dont let me die, Im so hot, I need water. The vessel had been anchored at a sandbar near the waterways New River Triangle, a popular congregating point for boaters on holiday weekends, at the time of the explosion. The USCG has since posted on social media that a salvage operation is underway and that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is investigating precisely what caused the incident. 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 massive wall of dust enshrouded the city of Chicago recently, forcing a ground stop at the Midwestern hubs airports and stunning the citys more than 2.6 million residents. But, while sudden dust storms can be dangerous, the lesser known harms lie in the windswept particles themselves with the Chicago dust storm likely to contain lead, farm chemicals and particles that aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma. Im sure people will have some health issues after it, said Karin Ardon-Dryer, an assistant professor at Texas Tech University, said of Saturdays event. Carried by strong winds and an approaching thunderstorm, the ominous Illinois cloud brought near-zero visibility to highways in just a matter of minutes. People received emergency warnings on their phones from the local National Weather Service office. Local forecasters had anticipated the blowing dust days earlier. We definitely had awareness that there was a possibility of some blowing dust. But, the fact that it got into downtown Chicago is what really surprised us, Eric Lenning, the meteorologist-in-charge at the National Weather Services Chicago office, told The Independent. Its kind of unprecedented. At least, in our generation, if not earlier, he said, noting that the Midway Airport had dropped to a quarter mile of visibility with a wind gust of 60 miles per hour. open image in gallery A historic dust storm hit Illinois last weekend. The haboob may have sent lead, pesticides and other worrying toxins into downtown Chicago skies ( NWS Chicago ) Haboobs, another term for intense dust storms, can occur anywhere in the U.S., but are most common in the Southwest. Dusty El Paso, Texas, has seen 10 just this year, according to Inside Climate News. So far 2025 is only trailing the Dust Bowl years of 1935 and 1936. Last Saturdays storm started near Bloomington, Illinois, before traveling northeastward. It was the first such storm of this magnitude to hit the Windy City since the Dust Bowl, in the early-to-mid-1930s the first in 91 years. With dust storms come particulate matter, known as PM.10 and PM2.5. PM2.5 are the same polluting particles in wildfire smoke, that have been tied to increased emergency department visits. open image in gallery The storm caused near-zero visibility conditions on interstates in Indiana and Illinois. It also resulted in a ground stop at Chicago airports ( INDOT/NWS Chicago/X ) In addition to the expected impacts on the respiratory system and for people with conditions like asthma, there are cardiovascular and pulmonary effects. Like other blowing dust, the composition of the Illinois dust could include heavy metals. Lead exposure is another concern, according to U.C. Merced researcher Estrella Herrera. Exposure can result in reproductive issues, high blood pressure, hypertension, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, and memory and concentration problems in adults. In children, it can lead to hearing problems, slowed growth, headaches, learning and behavioral difficulties, lowered IQ, and damage to the brain and nervous system. Theres lead. It looks like its everywhere in Chicago. So, that can be picked up and we can breathe it. It not only goes to the lungs but also goes to the veins. It can travel the whole body, she said. Pesticides used in agricultural practices are also concerning. In 2019, there was a high complaint of the misuse of pesticides in Illinois, she noted. It decreased last year, but is still there. open image in gallery This was an unprecedented event for downtown Chicago. The eastern U.S. and Midwest are generally not arid enough for these storms ( AP ) Those pesticides, carried in the dust, could cause skin irritation, neurological and respiratory problems, and increase the risk of cancer and other chronic conditions. The solution to reducing exposure lies at Illinois farms. In a place like Illinois where the source of the dust is agricultural trends in dust can be very strongly controlled by changing farming practices, Stuart Evans, an assistant professor at the University of Buffalo said. If you change how you till the soil or when you till the soil or whether you have a windbreak or whether you use a land cover to hold the soil down. There are lots of human choices that go into affecting how much dust there is in the eastern part of the U.S. Theres lead. It looks like its everywhere in Chicago. So, that can be picked up and we can breathe it. Estrella Herrera, a researcher at U.C. Merced But, farms arent the only way communities may be threatened. Kevin Perry, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Utah affectionately known as Dr. Dust, knows that well. Hes experienced 10 dust storms on the western states Great Salt Lake, that he said felt like youre getting sandblasted. Perrys studied the toxic dust coming from Utahs lakebed. Its full of cancer-causing arsenic, mercury, and a dozen other metals. Exposure can lead to a severe medical response, and people should stay inside if they can, he pointed out. If those metals make it to the surrounding communities frequently and at high enough concentrations, then it could lead to a rise in the rate of certain types of cancer. Skin cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer are the most commonly associated with arsenic, Perry said. As the lake continues to dry up due to climate change, certain parts are getting even dustier. The frequency of local dust storms is expected to increase. The most recent storm was at the end of last month, according to ABC 4. open image in gallery People living around Utahs Great Salt Lake frequently have to deal with toxic dust storms. They could become even more frequent due to climate change ( Kevin Perry/The Independent ) Most of the time, people will notice a dust storm, but Id say a lot of the time that theyre completely unaware that dust events are happening, he added. Climate change is making the droughts that can contribute to the formation of dust storms longer and more severe. Ardon-Dryer said modeling work shows theres a very strong link between dust storms and climate change, and this year is expected to be a particularly dry summer for the West. Climate exchange has contributed to a process known as desertification, according to David Lerach, an associate professor at the University of Northern Colorado. Earths major drylands have been trending toward becoming even dryer. As a result, these regions are more prone to future dust storms, he noted. However, individual dust storms occur on relatively small scales and only when multiple ingredients line up, including strong wind events. The future of dust in the U.S. remains unclear. What is certain, Merced assistant professor Yemi Adebiyi told The Independent, is that it can be everywhere. Dust travels across oceans and continents, reaching from China to the Pacific Northwest and from the Sahara Desert to Texas. What is happening in one place has connections to what is happening everywhere else even if you cant see it, he 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 Three inmates part of a group that broke out of a jail in Louisiana have been captured, with two left on the run. Louisiana State Police stated one of the men was arrested in Baton Rouge by local police, and two others were arrested in Walker County Texas by officials. Louisiana authorities named the latest inmates who were recaptured as Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald. A spokesperson added that two more inmates remain wanted by authorities. The extensive search has been ongoing across New Orleans for 10 inmates who escaped the Orleans Parish Justice Center on May 16. The men yanked open a faulty cell door inside a jail, squeezed through a hole behind a toilet, scaled a barbed-wire fence and fled the prison. The inmates absence wasnt discovered until a morning headcount, hours after they bolted for freedom. open image in gallery This combo from photos provided by Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office shows from left top: Dkenan Dennis, Gary C Price, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles, Corey E Boyd. Bottom from left: Lenton Vanburen Jr, Jermaine Donald, Antonine T Massey, Derrick D. Groves, and Leo Tate Sr ( Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office via AP ) A review of the physical security infrastructure revealed signs of tampering, the sheriffs office told The Independent. Prior to the escape, steel bars protecting plumbing fixtures were intact. After the escape, at least one steel bar appeared to have been intentionally cut using a tool, compromising the integrity of the pods security features. City and state officials have pointed to multiple security lapses in the jail. The jail was severely understaffed at the time of the escape, with only 40 personnel overseeing 1,400 inmates. Many of the men were originally in the New Orleans jail, awaiting sentences or trials, for alleged violent crimes including murder. Inmates Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, Kendall Myles, Gary Price, and Corey Boyd were captured last week and are back in custody. After the escape, a jail maintenance worker was arrested and accused of turning off the water to the toilet, an act authorities said helped the men get out. The worker said he had been threatened by one of the inmates if he refused to do so. In addition, four other people have been arrested for allegedly helping the inmates once they were on the loose. 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 Pentagon is reportedly in the grip of a new Cold War, and it has nothing to do with Russia. A rift between two senior advisers to Pete Hegseth has led to a wider schism at the department, fueling speculation about the long-term prospects of the embattled defense secretary as a member of President Donald Trumps Cabinet, according to reporting by The Washington Post. Numerous people familiar with the matter told the paper that claims of departmental unity are belied by continued dysfunction behind the scenes, stemming from personality conflicts, lack of experience, ongoing vacancies in important roles, and paranoia over what political crisis could erupt next. Theres a cold war that exists in between flash points, one person told the Post, recounting numerous instances when tempers have flared among key figures on the secretarys team. Its unsettling at times. Sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing retribution, described the most combustible relationship as that between two Hegseth aides, Eric Geressy and Ricky Buria. They claim that Geressy, a retired soldier whom Hegseth has credited with mentoring him during their service in Iraq, has expressed ongoing concerns that Buria, until recently a military assistant to the defense secretary and now his acting chief of staff, has attempted to marginalize colleagues to enhance his own standing within the Trump administration. open image in gallery US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth looks on during a meeting with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz to the Pentagon in Washington, DC, May 27, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Amidst the fallout from the Signalgate scandal in March, tensions between the two are said to have boiled over when Geressy found out he was excluded from meetings during a trip across the Pacific by Hegseth and blamed Buria. Geressy also voiced concern about how many administration officials were using Signal and told staffers that the White House had a dim view of Buria, seeing him as self-important. A retired command sergeant major, Geressy is often praised by Hegseth, who awarded him the Distinguished Service Cross for combat valor. He leads the Joint Service Interagency Advisory Group (JSIAG), which includes numerous Special Operations troops and representatives from other government agencies. Their focus is on countering Mexican drug cartels, the Post reports. Buria was a Marine Corps pilot who previously served as a junior military aide for President Joe Bidens defense secretary, Lloyd Austin. In February, his responsibilities expanded when he assumed the role of a three-star general after Hegseth fired his senior military assistant, Lt. Gen. Jennifer Short, without providing any reason. This elevation, and his handling of it, reportedly irritated numerous senior military officers. When the temporary assignment was coming to a close, Buria requested to retire from the Marine Corps and become a senior civilian adviser to Hegseth, with the reported backing of the secretarys wife, Jennifer Hegseth, who has been advising him. When Hegseths chief of staff, Joe Kasper, left in April, officials questioned whether the secretary could maintain departmental organization and manage disputes among staffers. He then named Buria as his acting chief of staff. It is unclear whether the White House will appoint a replacement or whether Buria can remain in the role long term. Asked about a New York Post report that Buria had called Trump and Vance crazy and dumb in the past, the president said on Sunday he didnt know who he was and would recommend that we dont take him if such reporting was true. Geressy, meanwhile, is frustrated by the chaos at the Pentagon and has contemplated resigning, according to CNN, but has stayed on out of loyalty to both Hegseth and his team. open image in gallery President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Major General Trevor Bredenkamp at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) These are tense times at the Pentagon, and friction between Geressy and Buria appears symptomatic of the instability at DoD after a series of scandals hit Hegseth, reportedly irritating the White House. Current and former defense officials told the Post that it is unclear how long Hegseth can remain in the role without imposing order among his own staff. Around the time of Burias elevation, Hegseth fired three politically appointed senior defense officials whom he accused of leaking sensitive information to the media. Dan Caldwell, Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll issued a scathing statement, stating that they had been slandered and that the claims leveled against them were baseless. Sean Parnell, a senior adviser and chief spokesman for Hegseth, minimized the tension, saying in a statement to the paper that workforce adjustments are a natural and necessary feature of any highly effective organization. Hegseth is committed to ensuring the Department of Defense has the right people in the right positions to execute President Trumps agenda, Parnell said. open image in gallery Sean Parnell at the Pentagon ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Furthermore, Parnell dismissed the significance of disagreements among Hegseths staff, stating that Americans outside Washington dont care about palace intrigue or sensationalized, mainstream media gossip they care about action. He said Hegseths team is working in unison to focus the Defense Department on its core mission of warfighting and to deliver results. Parnell is one of three new senior advisers appointed in the wake of the recent firings. Justin Fulcher and Patrick Weaver are the other two, with the former coming from DOGE and the latter having previously served as a congressional aide, on the National Security Council, and in the Department of Homeland Security. Speaking on Monday at a Memorial Day wreath laying, Trump continued to show support for Hegseth, calling him a tough cookie, and saying he has devoted his life to service members and veterans, while acknowledging that he went through a lot. 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 Russian bots are piling on President Donald Trump, and calling him a clown, after he publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine. Nearly 1,000 posts ridiculing Trump have popped up on the Russian social media platform VKontakte since Sunday, after Trump vented that the Russian leader had gone absolutely CRAZY and was needlessly killing a lot of people in Ukraine. The pro-government accounts have accused Trump of having dementia, Newsweek reported, citing investigative Russian news outlet Agentstvo. Some of the comments accused Trump of acting like a child and getting so mad early in the morning, as if he wasnt given what he wanted. Other apparent bot comments claimed Trump really lost his mind and wants to sit on two chairs a Russian idiom for trying to play both sides. open image in gallery Russian bots have been piling on President Donald Trump ever since he shared critical comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Some bots mocked Trump over his post. What can you expect from a clown who threatens Russia instead of taking care of his own country? one wrote. Another piled on, Its not Putin whos gone crazy, but Trump. Apparently, dementia comes as a hereditary gift for all U.S. presidents along with the [presidential] chair. A spokesperson for the bot-tracking project Botnadzor found the recent spate of bots failed to keep a neutral tone in their comments about Trump after his Sunday comments critical of the Russian leader. The Kremlin downplayed Trumps criticisms, chalking his comments up to emotional overstrain, while Trump claimed their recent phone call had gone very well. Trump, who just this weekend expressed new harshness toward Russia, also threw jabs at Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, writing in the same post, everything out of his mouth causes problemsit better stop. The 47th president has repeatedly claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its third year, in 24 hours. He is now more than 100 days in office. Trump has frequently seen as supportive of Putin and his efforts, but in recent days has hit out more against Moscow over the war. open image in gallery Trump, over the weekend, claimed Putin had gone absolutely crazy and was needlessly killing people in Ukraine. ( SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images ) His lashing out at Russia comes after Moscow bombarded Ukraine with missiles and drones this past weekend in one of the largest aerial assaults of the war, now in its third year. Trump, on Truth Social, suggested something happened to Putin to make him needlessly kill a lot of people. Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! Trump wrote. Trump also echoed the sentiment while speaking to reporters Sunday night, telling them, Hes killing a lot of people. I dont know what the hell happened to Putin, Ive known him a long time. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A frustrated federal judge accused Donald Trumps administration of manufacturing chaos after the government failed to give a group of deportees due process and violated court orders against removal flights to war-torn South Sudan. District Judge Brian Murphy last week warned that administration officials could face contempt charges after violating his weeks-old court order against summary removals of immigrants without meaningful notice before they are sent to countries where they could face violence or death. He then allowed the government by its own request to hold those deportees overseas, in U.S. custody, while giving them a chance to receive a reasonable fear interview to explain how they would face persecution or torture in South Sudan. They are currently being held on a military base in Djibouti. But government attorneys have now changed their tune, Murphy wrote in a late-night order on Monday. It turns out that having immigration proceedings on another continent is harder and more logistically cumbersome than the administration anticipated, he said. Murphy, who was appointed by Joe Biden, has faced a barrage of attacks from the White House, which labeled him a far-left activist who is trying to protect the violent criminal illegal immigrants. Trump called him absolutely out of control and accused him of hurting our country. open image in gallery Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin and Trump administration officials have blasted Judge Paul Murphy for his court orders revolving around a group of deportees the government is sending to South Sudan ( AP ) White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller has derided Murphy as a local city judge who is endangering Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. In a Truth Social post on Memorial Day, Trump raged against USA hating judges who suffer from an ideology that is sick and very dangerous for our country. Hopefully the United States Supreme Court, and other good and compassionate judges throughout the land, will save us from the decisions of the monsters who want our country to go to hell, he wrote in an all-caps message on Monday. During a hearing last week, Murphy found that the government violated a court order that deportees receive notice of their removal in a language they can understand with at least 15 days to challenge it. Instead, deportees were given fewer than 16 hours notice. Defendants have mischaracterized this courts order, while at the same time manufacturing the very chaos they decry, Murphy wrote. By racing to get six class members onto a plane to unstable South Sudan, clearly in breach of the law and this Courts order, Defendants gave this Court no choice but to find that they were in violation of the Preliminary Injunction. Murphy said he restrained himself by not ordering the government to simply return the men so they can receive due process in the United States. Instead, the Court accepted Defendants own suggestion that they be allowed to keep the individuals out of the country and finish their process abroad, he wrote. To be clear, the Court recognizes that the class members at issue here have criminal histories. But that does not change due process, he wrote. The Court treats its obligation to these principles with the seriousness that anyone committed to the rule of law should understand. open image in gallery The State Department reports South Sudan is plagued by reports of slavery, kidnapping, sexual abuse, torture and extrajudicial killings as UN officials warn of impending civil war ( AFP via Getty Images ) Murphy denied a request from government attorneys to block his earlier order. In court, government attorneys characterized the administrations failures to comply with his court orders as a big misunderstanding, according to Murphy. From this course of conduct, it is hard to come to any conclusion other than that Defendants invite lack of clarity as a means of evasion, he wrote. The class-action case in Murphys court involving several deportees challenging their removal is among several high-profile immigration cases playing out in federal courts across the country. Immigration officials have raced to deport immigrants to El Salvador as well as war-torn African countries including Libya and South Sudan often with little notice or opportunity for a lawyer, raising alarms among judges, attorneys and legal aid groups that the administration is willfully denying due process rights as Trump pushes for sweeping deportations for potentially millions of immigrants. 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 family of a critically ill Mexican girl who could die within days if her treatment is paused fears they could be deported after the Trump administration prematurely revoked her humanitarian parole, their lawyers said. Deysi Vargass 4-year-old daughter, Sofia, urgently required better medical care for a life-threatening condition and was granted temporary humanitarian parole to enter the U.S. from her home country of Mexico in 2023, The Los Angeles Times reports. open image in gallery Deysi Vargass 4-year-old daughter Sofia requires constant medical treatment for her condition and was granted temporary humanitarian permission to enter the U.S. in 2023 ( Jeremy Cohen/Courtesy of Public Counsel ) Sofia has short bowel syndrome, a rare condition that stops her from absorbing nutrients in food. When she was born in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, she had to be attached to feeding tubes 24 hours a day. Since moving to the U.S., her condition has significantly improved, but she still requires treatment every day. The Trump administration prematurely revoked Sofias humanitarian parole on April 11, leaving her at risk of death if she has to leave the country, an attorney representing the family said. This is a textbook example of medical need, Rebecca Brown of the pro bono firm Public Counsel told the paper. This child will die and theres no sense for that to happen. It would just be a cruel sacrifice. The family is currently living in Bakersfield, California, just over 100 miles north of Los Angeles. The threat to Sofias life was confirmed by Dr. John Arsenault of the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, where she receives regular treatment every six weeks. open image in gallery Now the Trump administration has told the family to leave the country. Sofias doctor said that if her treatment is interrupted, it could be fatal within a matter of days ( Jeremy Cohen/Courtesy of Public Counsel ) Arsenault said in a letter seen by The Los Angeles Times that if there is an interruption to administering nutrition to her system, it could be fatal within a matter of days. The doctor added that patients who receive the treatment, called Total Parenteral Nutrition, at home are not allowed to leave the country. The infrastructure to provide TPN or provide immediate intervention if there is a problem with IV access depends on our programs utilization of U.S.-based healthcare resources and does not transfer across borders, Arsenault explained in the letter. Following news coverage about her case, the Department of Homeland Security said Sofias parole was still being considered in a statement to The Independent. Any reporting that Vargas and her family are actively being deported are FALSE. This family applied with USCIS for humanitarian parole on May 14, 2025, and the application is still being considered, a senior DHS official said. Sofia was born one month premature and had to undergo six surgeries due to an intestinal blockage, as medics struggled to get the condition under control in Mexico. During one surgery, Vargas, 28, told the newspaper that doctors cut out too much, leaving Sofia with short bowels. One blood infection she suffered as a result nearly killed her. open image in gallery Little Sofia has spent much of her young life in the hospital undergoing treatment. She was finally discharged in September 2024, but requires daily care and medication ( Deysi Vargas ) While she was being kept alive in Mexico, her condition was no better by the age of two and Vargas knew the family would have to move to get her better care. Vargas signed up to the Biden administrations CBP One app to book an appointment with border agents in Tijuana to receive two-year protection from deportation. The app is now used by the Trump administration to notify migrants to self-deport or face the consequences. At the appointment on July 31, 2023, agents could tell that Sofia was seriously unwell just by taking one look at her. God knew she needed better treatment, Vargas told The Los Angeles Times. When we got to the entrance, they saw her and asked us if we needed medical help. That same day, the family was taken to Rady Childrens Hospital-San Diego and her condition improved quickly. A year later, Sofia was referred to the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, which has one of the highest-ranked programs for gastroenterology in the U.S. Under their care, by September 2024, Sofia was discharged and could receive treatment in the comfort of her home. Meanwhile, her parents were working hard to hold down odd jobs in Bakersfield. open image in gallery Sofia was born one month premature and had to undergo six surgeries due to an intestinal blockage, as medics struggled to get the condition under control in Mexico ( Deysi Vargas ) It was incredible, Vargas, who found a steady job as a cleaner at a restaurant, told the outlet. I had waited so long for doctors to tell me, Maam, your daughter is OK now. She can go home. Sofias care is still gruelling. She must still spend 14 hours a night hooked up to the intravenous feeding system and Vargas also has to administer different medication that goes into her stomach through a gastric tube four times a day. At preschool, a school nurse has to administer nutrition daily. As things were beginning to look up, the notice from immigration arrived, swiftly followed by a notice terminating her employment authorization. Their attorney believes the familys legal status was terminated by mistake and has submitted a petition for a continuation of temporary humanitarian legal status because of Sofias medical condition. This is the intended purpose to help the most vulnerable who need attention here, Brown said. We can avoid having harmed the child and the family. Vargas added that they only intend to stay for as long as Sofia requires treatment, which is unclear. This article was amended on May 28 to include a statement from the Department of Homeland Security Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has pardoned a sheriff from Virginia who happens to be a stalwart MAGA supporter after his conviction of accepting more than $75,000 in bribes. Trump announced the pardon in a Truth Social post on Monday. He declared that former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins would receive a "full and unconditional" pardon in the Memorial Day social media missive. Jenkins was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after he was convicted of conspiracy, honest services fraud, and bribery last December, according to the Daily Beast. The president used some familiar terminology to describe Jenkins' experience with the U.S. justice system. Trump claimed the bribed sheriff had been "dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden Department of Justice. This Sheriff is a victim of an overzealous Biden Department of Justice, and doesnt deserve to spend a single day in jail, Trump wrote. He is a wonderful person, who was persecuted by the Radical Left monsters, and left for dead. Former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins. Jenkins received a pardon from President Donald Trump on Sunday after he was convicted for accepting more than $75,000 in bribes. Trump hailed him as a wonderful person ( Culpeper Sheriff's Office ) The president said instead of sitting in a cell, Jenkins will instead have a "wonderful and productive life." Prior to losing an election in 2023 for the sheriffs job, Jenkins had been Culpeper County's top law enforcement officer for more than a decade. That long career fell apart after the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia brought allegations against Jenkins accusing him of taking tens of thousands of dollars worth of bribes in exchange for appointing businessmen from Northern Virginia as auxiliary sheriffs. The businessmen reportedly weren't interested in enforcing the law, but rather skirting traffic tickets and carrying concealed guns without the need for a permit, according to prosecutors. Officials said that none of the men who paid for the positions were trained for the roles, or vetted, and none ever rendered any kind of law enforcement service to the sheriff's department. We hold our elected law enforcement officials to a higher standard of conduct, and this case proves that when those officials use their authority for unjust personal enrichment, the Department of Justice will hold them accountable, Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary Lee said in March after Jenkins' conviction. Jenkins has connections to the MAGA world through the Claremont Institute, a far-right think tank where he was one of eight sheriffs selected as fellows. The institute's membership includes a number of former Trump officials. In April, Jenkins insisted if he could talk to someone in the Trump administration, he could get help in his case. "I truly believe if I could get an hour of time with someone in the administration, and lay out some facts with my attorney it could spare him prison, Jenkins said during a webinar hosted by the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. "I believe wholeheartedly in the president. I believe if he heard the information, I know he would help if he knew my story." It appears he was right. 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 As Washington settled in for a typically sleepy Memorial Day following the passage of Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill in the House, the president fired off one of his trademark furious rants on Truth Social, but the target was a surprise. This time, the target wasnt any of his domestic political foes like the Democrats who voted in lockstep against the budget package he endorsed, or the handful of Republicans who refused to fall into line. It wasnt even aimed at the various law enforcement figures who have attempted to hold him to account over the years. Sunday evenings rant was aimed squarely at Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite what he called a very good relationship with Putin, Trump in his latest statement on the Ukraine-Russia war blasted the Russian leader as absolutely crazy. He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever, Trump posted on Truth Social. Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! Trump warned. He echoed the same thoughts as he spoke to reporters in New Jersey on Sunday ahead of his return to Washington that day. "He's killing a lot of people," said the president. "I don't know what the hell happened to Putin, I've known him for a long time. open image in gallery Donald Trump speaks to reporters on Sunday about the war in Ukraine ( AFP/Getty ) Trumps sudden harsh turn was illuminative, if not for the reason he may have intended. A throwaway jab aimed at Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky (everything out of his mouth causes problems it better stop) in the same post solidified the underlying intention of the screed: Trump was massaging a bruised ego. With his pride wounded, Trump has turned to lashing out at the Russian leader who is now publicly refuting his repeated claim that he could end the destructive three-year-old conflict in 24 hours. Four months after Trump took office, supposedly poised to immediately shut down the war, attacks on Ukrainian targets intensified over the weekend, with Russia launching its largest aerial assault of the war thus far. Loath as he is to give Zelensky any credit for correctly predicting that Russias leadership had no real intentions of ending the war, Trumps emotional outburst comes as he seems to be realizing that the issue could become a major blemish on the dealmaker perception he has sought to cultivate. More importantly than representing a threat to his ability to live up to his own boasting, the attacks also refute many of Trumps more recent statements about the Russian president and his supposed desire to see the war end. Trump, who famously hates being made to look foolish by his allies, said as recently as last Monday of Putin: I do believe he wants to end it. But Frances president Emmanuel Macron believes Trump is beginning to realize the truth about Putins war stance. "I believe that President Trump has realized that when President Putin told him he was ready for peace, he was lying," Macron said on Monday. He pointed to the severity of Russian offensives as the persuading factor. "You cannot claim to be ready for negotiations and carry out attacks at the same time. Such double rhetoric demonstrates the insincerity of any statements about dialogue," said the French president. open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky, flanked by Keir Starmer and Emanuelle Macron ( AFP/Getty ) Now, Washington is already beginning to wonder if Trump will back up his rhetoric with action. He has repeatedly vowed to slap damaging sanctions on Russia if the invasion continues without a resolution, most recently doing so this month in an interview with Foxs Bret Baier. But in a press gaggle days after those remarks, Trump also suggested that his administration may just back away from the conflict, which would keep going without U.S. involvement if a deal was not reached. Capitol Hill is not keen to let that happen a bipartisan resolution to impose a new slate of sanctions on Russia hit 81 co-sponsors in the Senate last Wednesday, according to a press release from joint co-sponsors Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. The bill, which is designed to be snapped into place if peace talks fall apart, would slap sanctions on a range of Russian top ministers, as well as on businesses and entities that transact with the Russian armed forces. Russia has agreed to provide its term sheet for a ceasefire in the next few days. Its contents will speak volumes as to whether or not Russia is serious about peace. We suspect it will be more of the same, the pair said in a joint statement. If it is more of the same, Russia can expect decisive action from the United States Senate. 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 has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is playing with fire following a barrage of Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine. The U.S. president also suggested Russia has avoided really bad things thanks to him. What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday. Hes playing with fire! During his campaign, Trump promised to end the war within 24 hours after his return to the White House and repeatedly claimed that Russias invasion never would have happened had he been in office at the time. But more than three months after his inauguration, with no ceasefire yet in sight, Trump is increasingly critical of his Russian counterpart and has threatened to impose severe sanctions after a relentless string of attacks. Nothing sadder than a tough guy who needs to remind you hes tough, right after admitting to shielding Russia, wrote former Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who was a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. Trump is publicly admitting to acting exactly as an agent of influence of Russia would be expected to act, said Phillips OBrien, a professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. The president is also feeling pressure to be harder on Russia, which he really doesnt want to do, he wrote. When will those REALLY BAD things finally start happening to Russia? wrote Olena Halushka with the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory. We cant wait. Russian state-controlled media outlet RT appeared to mock Trumps statement, saying the presidents post leaves little room for misinterpretation, until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning. Trump is dialing up criticism of Putin while admitting really bad things would have happened to Russia if it werent for him ( Getty Images ) The presidents latest comments follow recent criticism against his Russian counterpart after three massive drone and missile attacks against civilian targets across Ukraine, including what Ukraine has called the largest attack yet since the start of Russias assault more than three years ago. I wouldnt call it frustration, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said of Trumps latest remarks on Tuesday. It was the statement of a man who has led the effort for peace in so many regions, making it clear and being completely transparent about what has transpired, she told reporters. Trump has many tools to end the carnage, and Russia should take Trumps comments seriously, said Bruce. After spending a bulk of his second administration thus far falsely blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the war, Trumps recent rhetoric has gestured towards threats and outright condemnation of Putin. Just last week, the president praised a call with Putin as excellent in tone and spirit. But on Sunday, he unleashed a tirade against the Russian leader, who he has called a friend, saying he has gone absolutely CRAZY with the latest attacks. Something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! Putin is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers, Trump wrote Sunday. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. The Kremlin shrugged off the presidents remarks, saying in response that everyone involved is guilty of emotional overload while thanking Trump for his efforts to broker peace which Russia is routinely rejecting. Zelensky urged Trump to apply real pressure against Putin. Putin shows just how much he despises the world the world that spends more effort on dialogue with him than on real pressure, Zelensky wrote on Monday. The increase in Russian strikes should be met with increased sanctions, he added. Russias disregard for diplomacy and refusal even to consider a ceasefire must be met with a freeze on Russian finances and a halt to its oil trade. 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 Employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs are fearful, paranoid, and demoralized as plans loom to downsize the agency by cutting around 83,000 jobs but details remain vague, according to a report. Proposals to shrink the workforce by 15 percent were first reported in March after a department memo set out an objective to cut enough employees to return to 2019 staffing levels of just under 400,000. The move would require terminating tens of thousands of employees. VA Secretary Douglas A. Collins was grilled about the proposed cuts by the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs earlier this month, but claimed the 80,000 target was merely a goal to look at our restructuring. Since then, however, morale has been plummeting at the department as staff anxiously wait to hear more about the plans, The Washington Post reports. open image in gallery Morale has plummeted at the Department of Veterans Affairs as staffers anxiously await further news about job cuts. VA Secretary Douglas A. Collins was grilled about the proposed cuts by the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs earlier this month. ( AP ) The veterans now check in and ask us how we are doing, a social worker at a hospital in the Great Lakes region told the newspaper. They see the news and are very aware of the circumstances and fearful of losing VA support that they depend on. Another contractor at a VA medical center in Palo Alto, California, said employees are currently fearful, paranoid, demoralized. One veteran staffer said in a written submission seen by the outlet that Iraq felt safer than being a VA employee currently does. Around a quarter of employees at the VA are veterans. My leadership in Iraq cared about me as a human and didnt just see me as a number, the VA communications worker said. Doctors, nurses and claims processors would not be targeted in the cuts, VA spokesperson Peter Kasperowicz told The Independent, but said the department would reduce administrators, advisors, and middle manager posts to eliminate duplicative, unnecessary layers of management and bureaucracy. Thousands of jobs at hospitals and clinics would still be under threat from future cuts, according to The Post, which Kasperowicz said was inaccurate because no decisions have been made with respect to staff reductions. Kasperowicz also sought to lay the blame at the door of the previous administration. open image in gallery Around a quarter of employees at the VA are veterans. Doctors, nurses and claims processors would not be targeted in the cuts, according to Collins. But thousands of jobs at hospitals and clinics would still be under threat from future cuts, The Post reports. ( Getty ) During the Biden Administration, VA failed to address nearly all of its most serious problems, such as benefits backlogs, rising health-care wait times and major issues with survivor benefits, Kasperowicz said in a statement to The Independent. Kasperowicz disputed claims of low morale and accused the The Post and other biased media outlets of writing dishonest hit pieces about the Trump administrations efforts to fix the VA. Veterans groups are rallying against the cuts in the coming weeks. The Unite For Veterans rally is slated for June 6, the D-Day anniversary, at Washington, D.C.s National Mall to defend the benefits, jobs, healthcare and essential VA services under attack. The progressive VoteVets group spoke out about the cuts on Memorial Day. Gutting VA will result in delayed appointments and substandard care, leading directly to more veteran deaths, Kayla Williams, Iraq Veteran and senior policy advisor at VoteVets, said. In fact, as reports and internal documents now prove, Elon Musk's wrecking ball is causing systems to fail, putting veterans at risk. Kasperowicz added that the department has already made significant progress in fulfilling VAs mission of serving Veterans by reducing the departments disability claims backlog by 25 percent since Trump entered office, ending DEI at the department, and processing record numbers of disability claims for the fiscal year 2025. 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 health official has told an Australian court that it is highly unlikely the deadly mushrooms involved in a suspected triple murder came from commercial supply chains, including Woolworths and Asian grocers. The testimony of health official Sally Ann Atkinson came during the trial of Erin Patterson, who is accused of serving a lunch containing toxic mushrooms that led to multiple deaths in 2023. Ms Atkinson ruled out that store-bought mushrooms could be deadly or contaminated and discussed her departments report after the deaths of three of Ms Pattersons relatives that the risk to public health was deemed very low. Ms Atkinson said that she spoke with Ms Patterson several times in the days after the fatal mushroom lunch in July 2023. She told the court that the Department of Healths investigation into the suspected mushroom poisoning continued until 11 August, after which a report was compiled. Ms Atkinson said the department concluded it was highly unlikely that commercially sold mushrooms those available in supermarkets were contaminated with amatoxin, the deadly toxin found in death cap mushrooms, as these fungi grow only in the wild. The Food Safety Unit found no issues with the mushroom supply to Woolworths and no evidence of food packaging tampering, she said. Ms Atkinson, quoting from the departments report, said: Based on the above, the risk to public health was deemed very low. No food sampling, other than samples already collected from the lunch were considered to be warranted. open image in gallery A sign at the entrance of the township in Leongatha, Australia ( Getty ) Ms Patterson is facing charges of murdering Don Patterson, Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson, as well as attempting to murder Ian Wilkinson relatives of her estranged husband, Simon Patterson. She is accused of lacing a dish with deadly death cap mushrooms and serving it to her relatives after inviting them for lunch. Prosecutors allege she called the meeting with the pretext of sharing medical information an allegedly fabricated cancer diagnosis. Ms Patterson, 50, has pleaded not guilty. In the court on Tuesday, Ms Atkinson said that during her conversations with Ms Patterson, she gave different versions of what happened after the fatal lunch. open image in gallery Ian Wilkinson, the only surviving guest of a lunch at Erin Patterson's house, leaves after testifying at the Supreme Court in Victoria, Australia ( EPA ) At first, she made it seem like she might have used the dried mushrooms in another meal before the beef wellington, the health official testified. Later, Ms Patterson said she hadnt used them before. She also first said she bought all the ingredients on the same day, but later claimed she bought them over a few days. And at one point, she said she shopped in Mount Waverley, but later changed that to Glen Waverley, referring to two suburbs in Melbourne, Ms Atkinson told the jury on Tuesday. open image in gallery A memorial plaque on the grave site for Don and Gail Patterson in Korumburra, Australia. Erin Patterson is on trial in Australia, accused of murdering three relatives by serving them beef Wellington laced with deadly death cap mushrooms at a lunch in Leongatha, Victoria, in July 2023; she has pleaded not guilty, claiming it was a tragic accident ( Getty Images ) The jury had earlier heard that Ms Patterson told Ms Atkinson she had bought the mushrooms used in the beef wellington from a Woolworths in Leongatha and an Asian grocer in Melbourne. Also on Tuesday, detective sergeant Luke Farrell detailed the search of Ms Pattersons Leongatha home on 5 August 2023, about a week after the fatal lunch, with Ms Patterson present during the visit at approximately 11.40am. The jury was shown photographs from the search, including kitchen drawers where an instruction manual for a Sunbeam dehydrator was found tucked away. Other images revealed digital kitchen scales with a glass bowl inside a pantry and a RecipeTin Eats: Dinner cookbook on the countertop. The cookbook contained a piece of tissue used as a bookmark, while a separate page featuring a beef wellington recipe was stained with cooking liquids. Officers also found a jug with liquid in the pantry and a platter of cut fruit in the fridge. The trial continues. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Australia has elected its youngest ever senator as 21-year-old Charlotte Walker secured an unexpected victory in one of the countrys southern states. Ms Walker turned 21 on the day of Australias federal election last May and, like many female candidates who run for election in Australia, wasn't expected to win. A former union official, Ms Walker secured the third Senate seat for the governing center-left Labor Party in South Australia. This was an unexpected victory as, due to the Australia's preferential voting system, a party's third candidate rarely succeeds. open image in gallery ( AP ) Despite receiving the lowest vote count among the six newly elected senators for South Australia, Ms Walker's victory was officially declared by the Australian Electoral Commission on Tuesday. The newly elected senator, whose six-year term commences on July 1, acknowledged the significant shift her new role represents. A federal lawmaker's base salary is more than 205,000 Australian dollars ($133,000) annually. "There's a few feelings. Obviously, there's a lot of pressure," Ms Walker told Australian Broadcasting Corp. after the results were announced late Monday. "I want to do a good job for South Australians, but I also want to show young people, particularly young women, that this is achievable and this is something that they can do also. I'm also really excited. Not many people my age get to go to Canberra and have the ability to contribute in the way that I will," she added. Previous young lawmakers Before Ms Walker, the youngest senator was Jordon Steele-John of the Greens party, who was elected for Western Australia state in 2017 at the age of 23. Australia's youngest-ever federal lawmaker was Wyatt Roy, who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 at the age of 20. He lasted two three-year terms before he was voted out of his Queensland state seat. Large swings at elections as occurred May 3 typically bring a larger proportion of women into the Parliament in seats that their parties hadn't realistically expected to win. Often the newcomers lose their seats when votes swing back at the next election. open image in gallery Adelaide, South Australias largest city ( Getty Images ) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expects 57 per cent of Labor lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives will be women when the new Parliament first sits on July 22. The proportion of women was 52 per cent during Albanese's first term in government. Australian governments usually lose seats in their second term. Albanese leads the first federal government not to lose a single seat at an election since 1966. Labor is expected to hold 94 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, up from 78 in the last Parliament. Australian National University political historian Frank Bongiorno said unexpected swings can put women candidates into Parliament after seeking apparently unwinnable seats . But Bongiorno said Labor had been working on increasing women's representation since the party introduced a quota in 1994 that stated 35 per cent of candidates in winnable seats had to be female. "The fact that we now have not 50 per cent, but 57 per cent is partly a function of obviously just the size of the swing, but it is also, I think, very deliberate changes that have occurred within the Labor Party over about 30 years from what was a very male-dominated culture and environment," Bongiorno said. The odds had been stacked against Ms Walker being elected as her party's third choice in South Australia, Bongiorno said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The difference between the images is stark: on Sunday Emmanuel Macrons face was being shoved by his wife Brigitte as the pair prepared to leave an airplane that had just landed in Vietnam. The apparent altercation - and the French presidents reaction to it - was caught on camera for the world to see. But on Tuesday the pair were all smiles as they boarded the steps to the same flight leaving Vietnam as part of their six-day tour of Southeast Asia. open image in gallery Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron put on a show of unity a they left Vietnam on Tuesday ( AFP/Getty ) open image in gallery The couple hold hands as the ascend the stairs to Frances presidential plane ( AFP/Getty ) Offering a picture of unity, the married couple with a 25-year age gap was seen holding hands after waving from the boarding staircase. Ms Macron, 72, wore a cream-coloured pin-stripe suit as she stood next to her 47 year-old husband. On Monday, in the middle of an overseas trip aimed at developing relations between France and Europe, Mr Macron had been forced to dismiss speculation of a spat spilling into the public eye. Footage from the Macrons arrival in Vietnam, for the first leg of a three-country tour, caught the apparent shove before the pair descended from the presidential plane at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. The incident caused him to step back, looking surprised, before he quickly beamed and waved at the cameras on the Tarmac below. open image in gallery Days earlier footage captured Ms Macron appearing to shove her husbands face before he disembarked the flight ( Reuters ) Ms Macron remained momentarily hidden behind the plane's fuselage, blocking any view of her face or body language. The couple, who have been married since 2007, then descended the steps together, with Frances first lady appearing to refuse her husband's arm. I was bickering, or rather joking, with my wife," Mr Macron later told reporters. It's nothing. Im surprised by it, it turns into some kind of global catastrophe where people are even coming up with theories to explain it... Its nonsense. The couple appeared to convey a different image when pictured boarding the presidential plane on Tuesday as they left Vietnam for Indonesia. They will travel to Singapore towards the end of this week. open image in gallery The couple were seen arm in arm earlier in the day ( EPA ) A presidential aide said the purpose of the trip was to pitch France as a reliable alternative partner to the United States and China. But the incident between the couple has shifted the media focus of the trip. Mr Macron cautioned that this was not the first time in recent weeks that the content of videos of him had been twisted by people he described as crackpots. open image in gallery The Macrons are on a tour of South East Asia ( AFP via Getty Images ) The French president cited a video shared on social media that showed him removing a crumpled white object from a table on a train during a visit to Ukraine. Some social media users suggested - without providing evidence - that the object was a bag of cocaine. Mr Macron said it was a tissue, and his office accused France's enemies of spreading fake news. On Monday, an Elysee official said of the latest video: It was a moment when the president and his wife were relaxing one last time before the start of the trip by having a laugh. 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 France's National Assembly is set to vote on a bill that would permit adults with incurable illnesses to take lethal medication, reflecting increasing calls for legal end-of-life options throughout Europe. The vote, scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, marks a significant point in the debate over the sensitive issue. If a majority of lawmakers approve the bill, it will proceed to the Senate for further consideration. The proposed law defines assisted dying as enabling individuals, under specific conditions, to use a lethal substance themselves. Assistance from a doctor or nurse would only be available to those physically unable to administer the medication themselves. Eligibility for the measure would require patients to be over 18, and either French citizens or residents of France. A team of medical professionals would need to confirm that the patient has a severe and incurable condition in an advanced or terminal stage, is experiencing unbearable and untreatable pain, and is voluntarily seeking lethal medication. open image in gallery France Assisted Dying ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Individuals with severe psychiatric conditions or neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimers disease, would not qualify under the proposed legislation. The person would initiate the request for lethal medication and confirm the request after a period of reflection. If approved, a doctor would then deliver a prescription for the lethal medication, which could be taken at home, at a nursing home or a health care facility. In parallel, another bill on palliative care meant to reinforce measures to relieve pain and preserve patients' dignity will also be put to a vote Tuesday. A 2023 report indicated that most French citizens back legalizing end-of-life options, and opinion polls show growing support over the past 20 years. Initial discussions in parliament last year were abruptly interrupted by President Emmanuel Macrons decision to dissolve the National Assembly, plunging France into a months-long political crisis. Months-long debate still ahead A definitive vote on the measure could take months to be scheduled amid Frances long and complex legislative process. The National Assembly has the final say over the Senate. Earlier this month, Macron suggested he could ask for French voters to approve the measure via referendum if parliament discussions get off track. Activists supporting the change have criticised the complexity and length of the parliamentary process that they say is penalising patients waiting for end-of-life options. open image in gallery British MP Kim Leadbeater has spearheaded a similar bill on assisted dying which is currently being debated in the UK ( PA ) Many French people have traveled to neighbouring countries where medically assisted suicide or euthanasia are legal. The Association for the Right to Die with Dignity (ADMD) has called on French lawmakers to respect the French who want the same right that our Dutch, Belgian, Luxembourgian, Swiss, Spanish, Portuguese neighbors have. French religious leaders issued this month a joint statement to denounce the bill, warning about the dangers of an anthropological rupture. The Conference of Religious Leaders in France (CRCF), which represents the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist communities, said the proposed measures risk exerting pressure on older people and those with illnesses or disabilities. Similar talks in the UK The debate in France comes as similar talks are ongoing in the UK, where lawmakers are debating a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales after giving it initial approval in November. Medically assisted suicide involves patients taking, of their own free will, a lethal drink or medication that has been prescribed by a doctor to those who meet certain criteria. Euthanasia involves doctors or other health practitioners giving patients who meet certain criteria a lethal injection at their own request. Assisted suicide is allowed in Switzerland and several US states. Euthanasia is currently legal in the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Canada, Australia, Colombia, Belgium and Luxembourg under certain conditions. 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 Russia is preparing to launch a new military offensive in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed, even as the Kremlin suggests it is still open to peace talks. After days of unprecedented Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine, involving more than 900 missiles and drones, Mr Zelensky claimed Kyiv had obtained intelligence suggesting Moscow was on the brink of a new push. We can see from the information obtained by intelligence and from open-source data that Vladimir Putin and his entourage do not plan to end the war, the Ukrainian president said in his nightly address on Monday. There is currently no indication that they are seriously considering peace or diplomacy. On the contrary, there is ample evidence that they are preparing new offensive operations. Russian troops have increased their attacks in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region in recent weeks, targeting an area 30 miles long between the two cities of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, analysts tracking the front line have told The Independent. open image in gallery Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, citing very thorough intelligence reports, says Russia is planning a new military offensive ( AP ) Emil Kastehelmi, who runs the Black Bird Group, a Finnish open-source intelligence outfit that uses satellite imagery and social media to track the front line in Ukraine, says Russias rate of advance is the fastest it has been this year. And it will likely grow during the summer, as Russians should have reserves for larger offensive actions, he said. Mr Kastehelmi said the Russians were likely trying to achieve more decisive operational success this summer. Even though they advanced relatively quickly last summer and fall, they still did not, for example, take any single region to fulfil their political goals. They didnt even manage to capture any larger cities, he said. Its likely they want to change this now, as even though the security architecture of Europe isnt solely decided by who owns the next 30 to 50km of Donbas (eastern Ukraine), successful military operations will affect the [peace] negotiations too. He added that they have witnessed additional attacks south of Pokrovsk towards the administrative border between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk. Future attacks are likely to focus on filling two salients between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, separated by a Russian advance beyond the town of Ocheretyne, analysts suggest. Konrad Muzyka, a defence analyst and director of Rochan consulting, which also tracks the front line in Ukraine, said they observed Russian elements from two regiments penetrating Ukrainian defensive positions along the TO504 road linking Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka last week. A former Ukrainian officer who writes under the name Tatarigami wrote on X (Twitter) that the advances, albeit still minor, are the result of months-long efforts by Russia to disrupt Ukrainian logistics lines to the front. Cutting off supply lines has made vehicle transport nearly impossible, Tatarigami, who heads the Frontelligence Insight analysis group, wrote. In some cases, individual soldiers must walk more than 10km at night to deliver basic supplies, an unsustainable way for supporting any sizeable unit, or even rotating troops. Both Mr Kastehelmi and Tatarigami said these issues have been compounded by Ukraines ongoing recruitment problems, with not enough new soldiers deploying and too many tired troops being unable to rotate out. That Russia hasnt taken more territory in the current climate is a testament to the determination of Ukraines fatigued forces, they both said. open image in gallery A Ukrainian soldier attends a military drill as a recruit near a front line in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine ( via Reuters ) According to Western intelligence estimates, Russias current rate of recruitment is around 30,000 per month, more than six times that of Ukraine. Mr Zelenskys announcement comes after US president Donald Trump suggested Putin had gone absolutely crazy after the weekend of massive Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine. Mr Trump suggested Putin was needlessly killing civilians a fact that has been true for at least the entirety of Russias full-scale invasion before warning Moscow against trying to conquer all of Ukraine. Putin claims to be invested in agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine but has declined at every opportunity to alter his maximalist demands, which would amount to the effective end of Ukraines sovereignty, as a prerequisite to peace. After a call with Mr Trump last week, Putin said that Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a future peace accord. He said the memorandum would define the principles of a possible settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement and details about a possible ceasefire. On Tuesday, foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said work was continuing on the Russian draft and that once the document was ready, it would be handed over to Ukraine. 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 Spanish hatmaker has warned that a 40-year tradition of supplying felt hats to Orthodox Jews in the U.S. is at risk due to President Donald Trump's trade war. The community, primarily located in New York and New Jersey, purchases approximately 30,000 hats each year from Fernandez y Roche Industrias Sombreras Espanolas, a 140-year-old factory in Seville, southern Spain. In May, they began paying a 10% import tariff for the first time, according to the factory's Managing Director, Abraham Mazuecos, who spoke with Reuters. Trump has frequently criticised the EU for what he claims are unfair trade imbalances with the U.S. He has also suggested an additional 50% tariff on EU goods. However, on Sunday, he agreed to extend the deadline for negotiations between Washington and the 27-nation bloc until July 9. open image in gallery Orthodox Jewish hats are pictured at 140-year-old Fernandez y Roche Industrias Sombrereras Espanolas factory in Salteras, near Seville ( Reuters ) Mazuecos stated that higher tariffs would be "dramatic" for the handmade hat factory, as it cannot afford to lower prices for its long-standing U.S. clients to compensate for the new fee. "Our margins are tight, so we expect a decline in demand," Mazuecos told Reuters, highlighting the potential impact of the trade war on their business. The factory supplies 60% of the 100,000 hats bought each year by Orthodox Jews, with half going to the U.S. and the other half to Israel. Spanish hats account for a fifth of all black felt hats purchased by the Orthodox Jewish community in the U.S., which also imports from Italy and China, Mazuecos said. open image in gallery A person works at 140-year-old Fernandez y Roche Industrias Sombrereras Espanolas factory, which produces Orthodox Jewish hats, in Salteras, near Seville ( Reuters ) The black felt hat, worn daily by Orthodox Jewish men from the age of 13, is typically replaced every three years at a cost of between $120 and $380, he added. Mazuecos said that U.S. customers could gradually buy fewer hats from abroad and seek U.S. manufacturers that can produce them at lower prices."There are hat factories in the United States, but they are highly specialised in cowboy hats," he said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russian forces have seized four border villages in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region, a local official said on Tuesday, just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin stated he had ordered the establishment of a buffer zone along the border. Elsewhere, a Russian bombing campaign, which had escalated in recent days, slowed overnight, with fewer Russian drones targeting Ukrainian towns and cities. Despite months of intense US-led efforts to secure a ceasefire for peace talks, Moscow's invasion shows no signs of stopping. Since Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Turkey earlier this month for their first direct talks in three years, a large prisoner exchange has been the only tangible outcome, but negotiations have brought no significant breakthrough. Between Friday and Sunday, Russia launched around 900 drones at Ukraine, officials said, amid a spate of large-scale bombardments. On Sunday night, Russia launched its biggest drone attack of the three-year war against Ukraine, firing 355 drones. Ukrainian servicemen attend a military training in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine ( Andriy Andriyenko/Ukraine's 65th Mechanized Brigade via AP ) From Monday to Tuesday, Russia fired 60 drones at Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said on Tuesday. Russias Ministry of Defense claimed its air defenses had downed 99 Ukrainian drones overnight over seven Russian regions. In Sumy, Russian forces are trying to advance deeper after capturing villages, Oleh Hryhorov, head of the Sumy regional military administration, said in a statement. Ukrainian forces are endeavoring to hold the line, he said. Residents of the captured villages were evacuated earlier, and there is no immediate threat to civilians, Hryhorov said. Putin visited the Kursk region last week for the first time since Moscow claimed that it drove Ukrainian forces out of the area last month. Kyiv officials have denied the claim. Ukraine seized a pocket of land in Kursk last August. The long border remains vulnerable to Ukrainian incursions, Putin said. He said he told the Russian military to create a security buffer zone along the border but provided no public details of where the proposed zone would be or how far it would stretch. Putin said a year ago that a Russian offensive at the time aimed to create a buffer zone in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region. That could have helped protect Russias Belgorod border region, where frequent Ukrainian attacks have embarrassed the Kremlin. 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 Palestinian delegation has secured the right to fly their flag at the World Health Organization (WHO), following a vote on Monday. The symbolic decision, which the Palestinian envoy hopes will lead to broader recognition within the United Nations, was passed at the WHO's annual assembly in Geneva. The proposal, put forward by China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and others, saw 95 votes in favour, with Israel, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Germany voting against. Twenty-seven delegations abstained. It follows a successful Palestinian bid for membership of the U.N. General Assembly last year and comes amid signs that France could recognise a Palestinian state. In apparent reference to the devastating Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Lebanon's delegate Rana el Khoury said the vote's outcome provided "a small ray of hope for the brave Palestinian people whose suffering has reached unbearable levels". A sign of the World Health Organization (WHO) displayed at their headquarters in Geneva on March 13, 2025. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Israel's ambassador Daniel Meron argued against the WHO resolution which he said eroded the principles of the U.N. and the rules-based order and called for a vote. "It sends a dangerous message that political symbolism can override legal standards, that emotion can replace process and that partisan interests can bend the rules of international legitimacy," he said. Its main ally, the United States, which plans to exit the WHO, did not participate. Even though almost 150 countries have recognised a Palestinian state, most major Western and other powers have not, including the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Japan. France and Japan voted in favour of the proposal while Britain abstained. "It is symbolic and one act but a sign that we are part of an international community to help on health needs," the Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ibrahim Khraishi, told Reuters. "I hope we will soon have full membership of the WHO and all U.N. forums." Palestinians seek statehood in territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war. They have official observer state status at the WHO, which is currently undergoing a transformation as it looks ahead to life without its biggest donor the United States. Last week, the Palestinians won the right to receive notifications under the WHO's International Health Regulations - a set of global rules for monitoring outbreaks 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 young Gazan influencer has been killed as Israels military offensive in the territory continued to intensify. Eleven-year-old Yaqeen Hammad reached tens of thousands with her social media videos, which focused on supporting the Gazan community by helping to distribute clothing and toys to orphans. She worked closely with the Ouena Collective, a Gaza-based non-profit providing aid and supporting projects in the Strip, alongside her older brother and humanitarian worker Mohamed Hammad, the Palestine Chronicle reports. The Chronicle said she was Gazas youngest social media activist, posting videos about the work with her brother and Ouena building a kitchen to feed Palestinians during the month of Ramadan, as well as videos laughing and playing with other children. Is there anything more beautiful than the smile of children Gaza? she wrote in the caption to a video just one week ago showing children enjoying games and dancing. She also posted videos about daily life, showing her followers how she cooks when there is little fuel to be had. open image in gallery Eleven-year-old Yaqeen Hammad reached tens of thousands with her social media videos ( Instagram/@yaqeen_hmad ) Yaqeen was killed when Israel shelled al-Baraka in Deir el-Balah, northern Gaza, on Friday night, Al Jazeera reports. Tributes flowed on her social media following news of her death. Her body may be gone, but her impact remains a beacon of humanity, Gazan photojournalist Mahmoud Bassam wrote. Dozens of Palestinians including women and children have been killed in Israeli bombardments since Friday, as Israels renewed offensive in the Gaza Strip continues despite international condemnation. The UNs International Organisation for Migration said the renewed offensive had forcibly displaced nearly 180,000 people between May 15-25. open image in gallery Yaqeen was killed when Israel shelled al-Baraka in Deir el-Balah, northern Gaza, on Friday night, Al Jazeera reports ( Instagram/@yaqeen_hmad ) A new aid system in Gaza opened its first distribution hubs Monday, according to a U.S.-backed group that said it began delivering food to Palestinians who face growing hunger after Israel's nearly three-month blockade to pressure Hamas. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is taking over the handling of aid despite objections from United Nations. The desperately needed supplies started flowing on a day that saw Israeli strikes kill at least 52 people in Gaza. The group said truckloads of food - it did not say how many - had been delivered to its hubs, and distribution to Palestinians had begun. It was not clear where the hubs were located or how those receiving supplies were chosen. Under pressure from allies, Israel began allowing a trickle of humanitarian aid into Gaza last week after blocking all food, medicine, fuel or other goods from entering since early March. Aid groups have warned of famine and say the aid that has come in is nowhere near enough to meet mounting needs. Hamas warned Palestinians on Monday not to cooperate with the new aid system, saying it is part of Israel's plans to transfer much of Gaza's population to other countries. Israel says it plans to facilitate what it describes as the voluntary migration of much of Gaza's population of 2 million, a plan rejected by Palestinians and much of the international community. Israel's military campaign has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and internally displaced some 90 per cent of its population. Many have fled multiple times. With additional reporting from AP, Reuters 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 Rest stops are a necessary part of travel - now a new list has revealed the No. 1 spot in each state for that break from the road. Millions of Americans are set to hit the road this summer, and many of them will make stops along the way to refuel, take a bathroom break and grab their favorite gas station snacks. The American Automobile Association recommends that drivers traveling more than 100 miles or more than two hours schedule a break to rest. While the time drivers spend at any given rest stop can vary, AAA recommends resting for at least thirty minutes if you feel tired. But its not just about when you stop for a break, but where you stop. A 24-hour bathroom or fun dining options can make your road trip more enjoyable. American River Wellness an addiction recovery program that helps Department of Transportation employees, such as truck drivers, return to work believes in making road-trippers feel a little more human, so they surveyed 3,000 drivers and truckers to find out their favorite rest stops. When we think about what makes a great road trip, its easy to focus on the destinations but often, the places we remember most vividly are the ones we stop at along the way, American River Wellness founder and CEO Graham Sargent said in a recent release announcing the survey results. He added: A clean, thoughtfully maintained rest stop can turn a grueling drive into something that feels a little more human. Here are some of the rest stops that Americas roadtrippers believe have the best public restrooms, and what other amenities they have to offer: Sunset Point Rest Area The Sunset Point Rest Area off I-17 in Arizona was chosen as the states best rest stop. It overlooks the Bradshaw Mountains and had a major renovation completed in 2023. The restrooms have been upgraded, as well as the vending machine building and the parking lot. "It is cleaner than most restrooms, visitor Byron Beverly told Fox10 Phoenix. There wasn't any graffiti, so they do keep it pretty clean here. open image in gallery The Sunset Point Rest Area off I-17 in Arizona overlooks the Bradshaw Mountains and had a major renovation completed in 2023 ( Arizona Department of Transportation ) Trinidad Welcome Center The Trinidad Welcome Center off I-25 was listed as the best rest stop in Colorado. The center has free WiFi, a play area for children and RV parking. For visitors looking to stay awhile, theres also war veterans memorials on site and free trolley tours to the downtown area. One traveler wrote on Yelp in February 2024 that the lovely center was a warm welcome into Colorado! open image in gallery The Trinidad Welcome Center off I-25 in Colorado has free WiFi, a play area for children and RV parking ( Colorado.com ) Biden Welcome Center The Biden Welcome Center off I-95 in Delaware was ranked the best rest stop in the state. The center, which was re-named after former President Joe Biden in 2018, has dining options, including Burger King and Starbucks, for hungry travelers and offers tax-free shopping. One visitor called the center nice, clean and well maintained in an April review on Yelp. open image in gallery The Biden Welcome Center off I-95 in Delaware has dining options, including Burger King and Starbucks, for hungry travelers and offers tax-free shopping ( Visit Delaware ) Georgia Welcome Center The Georgia Welcome Center off I-95 received the honor of being chosen as the states nicest rest stop. The center has 24/hour restrooms and free parking. One tourist said in a March review on Yelp of the center: Clean! Friendly! Touristy with things to read and shoot photos with! Would absolutely stop in! open image in gallery The Georgia Welcome Center off I-95 has 24/hour restrooms and free parking ( Explore Georgia ) Greenfield Rest Area The Greenfield Rest Area off I-70 has made the top spot among Indianas rest stop offerings. The rest stop parking lot can fit 84 cars, 101 trucks, and has five handicap spots. There are vending machines and restrooms, including a family bathroom. While a tourist on Yelp called the vending machine selection awesome in a May 2024 review, he said that the rest stop itself was very small. open image in gallery The Greenfield Rest Area off I-70 can fit 84 cars, 101 trucks, and has five handicap spots ( Indiana Department of Transportation ) Kittery Welcome Center The Kittery Welcome Center off I-95 in Maine has wowed drivers. The center has all the necessities travelers may need, such as seating areas, restrooms and vending machines, as well as some fun attractions like a camping-themed hang-out spot for kids, a life-sized Smokey Bear statue and a giant lobster trap to take photos with. A nice good clean place to stop, one traveler said of the center in a Yelp review from September 2024. open image in gallery The Kittery Welcome Center off I-95 in Maine has some fun attractions like a camping-themed hang-out spot for kids, a life-sized Smokey Bear statue and a giant lobster trap to take photos with ( Maine Tourism Association ) I-95 Maryland House The Maryland House off I-95 has left a lasting impression on visitors. The rest stop offers food from restaurants like Wendys, Dunkin Donuts, Nathans Famous amd Auntie Annes. One traveler called the rest stop clean, spacious and full of variety for food options, in a Yelp review from April. open image in gallery The Maryland House off I-95 offers food from restaurants like Wendys, Dunkin Donuts, Nathans Famous amd Auntie Annes ( Maryland Transportation Authority ) I-81 Welcome Center The I-81 Welcome Center in Bristol, Tennessee, has ranked No.1 in the state. The center has double-sided mens and womens bathrooms, a dog walk area, picnic tables and a Civil War exhibit. This is the best and cleanest rest stop that I think Ive visited in any state that I have travel [sic] to or through, one Yelp reviewer wrote in April. She said of the centers staff: They are so very nice and welcoming there. open image in gallery The I-81 Welcome Center in Bristol, Tennessee, has double-sided mens and womens bathrooms, a dog walk area, picnic tables and a Civil War exhibit ( TN Vacation ) Hill County Safety Rest Area The Hill County Safety Rest Area, located northbound on I-35 in Texas, has impressed drivers with its playground, picnic tables and vending machines. The rest stop also includes two sets of mens and womens restrooms and a storm shelter. open image in gallery The Hill County Safety Rest Area, located northbound on I-35 in Texas, has impressed drivers with its playground, picnic tables and vending machines ( Texas Department of Transportation ) Sprague Lake Rest Area The Sprague Lake Rest Area off I-90 in Washington has earned the top spot among rest stops in the state. The rest area includes picnic areas, vending machines and accessible restrooms. open image in gallery The Sprague Lake Rest Area off I-90 in Washington state includes picnic areas, vending machines and accessible restrooms ( Washington State Department of Transportation ) Here is the full list of the best rest stops in all 50 states: Alabama: Ozark on US-231 Alaska: Kenai River Center Arizona: Sunset Point Rest Area I-17 Arkansas: Ozark Rest Area I-40 California: Camp Roberts Rest Area US-101 Colorado: Trinidad Welcome Center I-25 Connecticut: I-84 Danbury Welcome Center Delaware: Biden Welcome Center I-95 Florida: Florida Welcome Center I-95 Georgia: Georgia Welcome Center I-95 Hawaii: Kula Forest Reserve Picnic Area Maui Idaho: Smoky Mountain Rest Area ID-75 Illinois: Belvidere Oasis I-90 Indiana: Greenfield Rest Area I-70 Iowa: Loess Hills Scenic Byway Rest Area I-29 Kansas: Topeka Service Area I-70 Kentucky: Kentucky Welcome Center I-65 Louisiana: Slidell Maine: Kittery Welcome Center I-95 Maryland: I-95 Maryland House Massachusetts: Charlton Service Plaza I-90 Michigan: New Buffalo Welcome Center I-94 Minnesota: Goose Creek Rest Area I-35 Mississippi: Vicksburg Welcome Center I-20 Missouri: Joplin Welcome Center Montana: Sweetgrass Rest Area I-15 Nebraska: Melia Hill Rest Area I-80 Nevada: Amargosa Valley Rest Area US-95 New Hampshire: Salem Welcome Center I-93 New Jersey: Clara Barton Service Area NJ Turnpike New Mexico: Santa Rosa Welcome Center I-40 New York: Long Island Welcome Center NY-25 North Carolina: Burlington Rest Area I-85/I-40 North Dakota: Painted Canyon Rest Area I-94 Ohio: Jeffersonville Welcome Center I-71 Oklahoma: Oklahoma Welcome Center I-35 Oregon: Oak Grove Rest Area I-5 Pennsylvania: Sideling Hill Service Plaza I-76 Rhode Island: Portsmouth off Route 24 South Carolina: South of the Border I-95 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 city in Belgium has told tourists to stop stealing cobblestones from its historic centre after losing up to 70 each month during peak season. Bruges, the capital of West Flanders and a Unesco World Heritage Site has warned holidaymakers that its stones are not souvenirs. City councillor Franky Demon recently claimed that the medieval city is losing between 50 and 70 cobblestones each month to visitor pockets, with repair costs of around 200 (168) per square metre of stones. He urged tourists: We ask for nothing but respect. Walking in Bruges means treading on centuries of history. Please leave these stones where they belong, reported The Brussels Times. According to Demon, local spots such as Minnewater, Vismarkt, the Grand Place and the Gruuthuse Museum are rapidly losing cobbles, creating a safety hazard for pedestrians. In a statement to CNN, he said: While some may see this as harmless or quirky, the consequences are serious. The removal of cobblestones poses a clear safety risk to both residents and visitors. Missing or loosened stones create tripping hazards, and city workers must frequently be dispatched to carry out repairs. Demon added that the cobblestones are part of our citys soul and should be left intact for future visitors. Its not the first time locals in Bruges have taken action against tourism. Last July, a tour guide in Bruges was pushed off a bridge in front of a horrified group of tourists for destroying the citys cultural heritage by sitting down. Pascal Gerritsen, a 31-year-old Dutch tour guide, was sent tumbling into the Dijver Canal when an unidentified man on a bicycle shoved him off his perch on St Bonifacius Bridge. A man who called himself the Masked Lover of Architecture told VRT that he was the one who deliberately pushed Pascal as he has no respect for architecture. It is forbidden to use street furniture, eg benches, dustbins, lampposts, to address tour participants, the assailant wrote of his motivation. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast 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 Holidaymakers from countries most affected by US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs are opting against vacations in America, while UK and US travellers are increasingly choosing staycations amid economic concerns, according to hotel search site Trivago. Trivago's chief executive, Johannes Thomas, revealed to the PA news agency that the group has observed double-digit declines in bookings to the US from travellers in Canada, Mexico, and Japan countries significantly impacted by the trade disputes. This shift in travel patterns suggests a potential link between economic policies and tourism choices, with travellers from affected nations seemingly diverting their holiday spending elsewhere. Simultaneously, rising economic anxieties appear to be influencing UK and US travellers to favour domestic holidays, contributing to a growing staycation trend. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has threatened to increase the tariffs on goods imported from the EU (Niall Carson/PA) ( PA Wire ) Demand among Germans for trips to the US is also down heavily, with a single-digit decline in bookings for accommodation in America, although the firm has not seen a significant change in demand from Britons travelling to the US. Mr Trump has levied tariffs on more than 180 countries, with Canada and Mexico among the first to be impacted although he later paused many of his so-called reciprocal tariffs for 90 days following financial market turmoil. Germany the largest economy in Europe is set to be hit particularly hard by the US tariffs and the threat to its exports. open image in gallery A cargo plane rolls to the start at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Mr Thomas added that US holidaymakers are also paring back their holiday spend in the face of economic uncertainty caused by Mr Trumps move to unleash higher tariffs on countries across the world. Mr Thomas told PA: If you look at the different markets, the US tends to be the more sensitive one to uncertainty. People there are much more connected to the stock market and have a higher amount of debt, so are more sensitive to economic developments. Bookings on the site show Americans are spending less on their trips, while there is higher demand for cheaper hotels and lower star categories. German-based Trivago, which is majority-owned by Expedia, said that the economic worries caused by the trade war has also seen a trend for many travellers across the US and UK to opt for domestic trips. Recent booking data shows that in the UK, there has been a 25% year-on-year leap in demand for domestic travel for the key months of July to September. In times of uncertainty, people stay closer to home, said Mr Thomas. The group said London is topping the destinations for British staycationers, followed by Edinburgh, where demand is up by nearly 30%; York; Blackpool; and Manchester. But Mr Thomas said that among Britons, bookings have remained robust despite clouds over the wider global and UK economy, with a 16% increase in total travel demand for the peak quarter to September. 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 It was the wizardry that clinched it. After diving into the world of Super Mario, being menaced by the monsters of Dark Universe, speeding around the cosmos on duelling coasters and marvelling at the dragons of Isle of Berk, the combination of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Newt Scamander left our jaws totally floored by the staggering setting for their latest wizarding adventures. That was our immediate impression of Universal Orlandos new $6bn (4.5bn) theme park in Florida that has just opened, threatening Walt Disney Worlds dominance in Orlandos tourist trade. Epic Universe certainly lives up to its billing in a dazzling welter of big-name franchises, astounding animatronics and larger-than-life rides that fully justify the massive outlay on this ambitious mission to redefine the theme park experience. Epic Universe is also the latest and most expensive step in a 15-year process of local one-upmanship with Warner Bro. Studios, that started with the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universals Islands of Adventure in 2010, a 20-acre land that went to new lengths to immerse visitors in an ultra-realistic film-themed world. Taken aback by Universals audacity and ingenuity, which was underlined by a second Wizarding World in the Universal Studios park in 2014, Disney hit back with Pandora The World of Avatar in its Animal Kingdom park (2017) and Star Wars: Galaxys Edge in Disneys Hollywood Studios (2019), two additional lands that took up the immersive challenge and ran with it. Now Universal has raised the bar again, devoting an entire park to this immersivisation and building it with the same eye for detail but more advanced technologies and a holistic approach across its 120 acres. Curiously, it utilises the same hub-and-spoke design first pioneered by Walt Disney in his Anaheim park in 1955, but updates that traditional blueprint with an innovative series of portals into each world, of which there are four, plus the central linking area of Celestial Park, which is the only non intellectual property (IP) section of this Universe. open image in gallery Video aficionados must head to the primary-coloured world compelte with three rides ( Universal Orlando ) Taking inspiration from video games as well as films, the IP quartet consists of Super Nintendo World, How To Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, Dark Universe (a wildly brooding realm inhabited by the classic monsters of Universal Pictures) and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, the third Potter world, marrying Harrys period with that of 1920s Paris from the prequel Fantastic Beasts series. Nintendo World is assuredly the place for video game aficionados, an outrageously colourful 3D whirl in the company of Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Donkey Kong. It features three contrasting rides packed with gaming imagery and interactive elements, which invite guests to buy a Power-Up Band ($45/34) and compete for digital coins and keys. You dont need them to enjoy the rides, though. Read more: Bluey is heading to Disney theme parks and cruises in 2025 By contrast, Dark Universe surrounds visitors with the blighted village of Darkmoor, a sinister setting dominated by Frankenstein Manor and featuring two outstanding rides, notably the Monsters Unchained attraction that reaches new heights for the authentic menace of Dracula, Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Wolf Man and a 9ft-tall Frankenstein. The queue is a veritable work of art and the level of detail is stunning, but this may not be ideal for young children. open image in gallery Dark Universe has two outstanding rides: he Monsters Unchained attraction and ( Universal Orlando ) For those who prefer their thrills more visceral, Stardust Racers in Celestial Park is the high-speed scream machine that pits intertwining roller-coasters against each other in a looping sequence of breathtaking bravado, while Constellation Carousel takes the opposite tack, gently beguiling riders in interconnected circuits of almost balletic grace. In many ways, The Isle of Berk is the sleeper hit. Its three rides may look like over-dressed versions of regular amusement park attractions, but so much care and attention has been taken to recreate credible versions of the essential dragons from the three films that the opportunity to pat Toothless the dragon on the snout feels absurdly real. And, when the stage show The Untrainable Dragon launches the 30ft dragon over your head, the collective wow! from the audience is palpable. Its a triumphal moment for Universals designers, matched only by the equally spectacular staging brilliance of Le Cirque Arcanus in the Potter-verse. open image in gallery Parents beware the souvenir interactive wizard wands arent magically cheap ( Universal Orlando ) Ah, the Wizarding World. This third incarnation of JK Rowlings books is sure to attract the visiting hordes in greatest number, lured by an astonishing stage show, a heroic ride experience and the inevitable Butterbeer amid a staggering large-scale recreation of Paris in the Roaring Twenties. Headline attraction Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry offers a blockbuster addition to the wizarding canon, this time with Harry and Co having to prevent the evil Dolores Umbridge from escaping her trial at the Ministry with the help of a helter-skelter dash through an increasingly mind-boggling array of digital projection and animatronic characters. Read more: I visited Americas only private island resort This is Universals big selling point, and it certainly puts the whizz in wizardry. Even the immense queuing area is eye-popping, with a vast indoor plaza based around the Ministry of Magic. Parents beware here, though the souvenir interactive wizard wands are a staggering $65-$85 (48-64), while a cup of that (non-alcoholic) Butterbeer is $15 (11) in a souvenir plastic mug. Finally, the parks dining options all surpass normal theme park standards. We sampled eight of the 30 food and beverage outlets, from the elegance of full-service restaurant Atlantic in beautifully-landscaped Celestial Park to the Frankenstein-shaped pretzel in Dark Universe, and were never less than satisfied. If pushed to name our best dish, wed probably opt for the decadent Donkey Kong Crush Float, a mix of banana and pineapple soft serve ice cream, pineapple soda, caramel popcorn and chocolate toffee pieces served in a waffle cone. A sweet sensation of unashamedly indulgent proportions. Be aware the full Epic Universe complex, which covers 750 acres and includes three signature hotels, is two miles from the existing resort area but is linked by its own electric bus service. The hotels include the glittering Helios Grand Hotel, a 14-storey colossus that has its own park entry, as well as a Mediterranean-inspired fine-dining restaurant, Flora Taverna. The view from rooftop Bar Helios is nothing less than epic, hence totally in keeping with Universals immersive ambitions. Just watch those purse-strings. How to get there British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3.5-star Universal Stella Nova resort from 829pp, travelling on select dates between 1-31 January 2026. Price includes World Traveller return flights from London Gatwick, one checked bag at 23kg per person and accommodation. Book by 31 May 2025. For reservations, visit britishairways.com/universal. Read more: My American family couldnt visit me in London, so we went to London in Florida instead Kermit the Frog has hopped onto the stage at the University of Maryland to deliver a message of unity and collaboration to the graduating class of 2025. The iconic Muppet, known for his sometimes cynical but ultimately hopeful outlook, encouraged the crowd of thousands to navigate the uncertainties of the "real world" by working together. Here's a little advice, if you're willing to listen to a frog, Kermit said. Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together. Witnesses to the Liverpool FC parade car crash recalled the terrifying moment the vehicle missed them by just inches, as panic, screaming, and commotion set in amongst crowds gathered in the city centre on Monday (26 May). Paul O'Brien, from County Meath in Ireland, said he saw the vehicle driving through the crowd at quite a considerable speed. He told The Independent that fans were heroic as they jumped onto the vehicle to slow it down, with others pushing Mr OBrien and his family aside as they were in the cars path. Four children were among the 27 people rushed to hospital following the crash, while 20 others were treated at the scene for minor injuries. Merseyside Police have been praised for acting swiftly after a car ploughed into crowds in Liverpool city centre to dismiss any speculation over the identity of the alleged driver. Within two hours of the incident at Liverpools Premier League victory parade, authorities said the suspect was a 53-year-old white British man from the Merseyside area. Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said that false reports of similar incidents elsewhere in the city caused real consternation. Four children were among the 27 people rushed to hospital following the incident on Monday evening, while 20 others were treated at the scene for minor injuries. Nigel Farage has said Reform activists depicting female cabinet ministers as cows to be slaughtered is probably not very funny. The Reform UK leader responded to a report by The Independent about an image that emerged from a Reform local election stunt depicting Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves and Bridget Phillipson as cows heading to the abattoir. He said: All sorts of appalling things get said and done by people fighting in elections at a local and national level. We get it done to us, and if one or two of our people do it to them, maybe, if its funny, it probably isnt very funny. 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 On May 24, during the graduation season events at New York University Shanghai, more than 30 Huangshan intangible cultural heritage artisans brought the millennia-old Huizhou charm to life alongside over 1,600 international students in an event titled Ancient Huizhou 72 Hours Adventure. At the event site, crowds gathered around various booths, with international students showing great enthusiasm. In the Huangshan cultural tourism themed exhibition area, distinctive cultural and creative products attracted many visitors, and bilingual brochures provided a comprehensive introduction to Huangshans cultural tourism resources. Just a few steps away, the Fish Lantern Inheritance Workshop was already surrounded by visitors. American student Emilia marveled while holding a fish lantern: This lantern reminds me of the starry nightscape of Huangshan. At the Huizhou Ink booth, visitors, guided by intangible cultural heritage masters, wrote messages on postcards using Huizhou ink. The ink gently spreading on the paper deepened the feelings shared. In the Huangshan specialty products area, the fresh aroma of Keemun black tea blended with the crisp fragrance of Huangshan-style baked buns, attracting many to taste and purchase. As dusk fell, Anhui opera performers took the stage, captivating the audience with their exquisite movements and drawing rounds of applause. Afterwards, the performers interacted with visitors for photo opportunities. On stage, a Huangshan cultural tourism ambassador introduced the magnificent beauty of Huangshan to students, parents, and visitors, extending a warm invitation: Welcome to Huangshan. In the evening, a fish lantern parade lit up the venue, with visitors eagerly raising their phones to capture photos with the fish lanterns. Source: Anhui Daily Logix Aero sought to buy aircraft engines from Thai company Logix Aero Ireland, an Irish company that trades aircraft engines, was swindled out of more than $820,000 (721,000) after a fraudster infiltrated emails regarding a deal with a Thai company from whom Logix Aero had agreed to buy two engines. The fraudster duped executives at both the Irish firm and Thailand-based Siam Aero Repair by leading them both to believe they were emailing each other about the deal, when in fact the fraudster was orchestrating the emails. Ryanair sues UK firm over aircraft de-icing machines Airline claims that it couldnt use machines during cold snap at Stansted Airport A Ryanair aircraft at Stansted Airport in England. Photo: Getty John Mulligan Mon 26 May 2025 at 03:30 Ryanair has sued a UK company that services aircraft de-icing machines after the airline suffered delays in December 2023 when it couldnt use them because, it alleges, they hadnt been properly maintained. Actor Stephen Graham said the Adolescence creators have done our bit as he reflected on the amount of people who have stopped him in the street since the hit Netflix drama came out. The four-part series which explores misogyny among teenage boys has prompted a national conversation about online safety. This Is England star Graham, 51, who co-created the drama with Jack Thorne, plays Eddie Miller, who watches armed police burst into his home to arrest his 13-year-old son Jamie, played by newcomer Owen Cooper. Speaking to British GQ, he said: The other day we were in New York and this woman came up to me. Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters arriving for the special screening of Adolescence at Bafta in central London (Ian West/PA) She was about 75. Im talking Fifth Avenue wealthy, in a beautiful cashmere hoodie and a Moncler gilet so expensive that it doesnt even have the badge on, you know what I mean? She looked at me and, I swear to God, her eyes welled up. She said, I just want to give you a hug. And her husband went, Can I shake your hand? We have sons and we have grandchildren. He continued: Then weve gone back to the hotel where Im staying and some fellas pushing a bin round the corner. And hes looked up and hes gone, Oh my God. Your programme, man, I just want to say I think its fantastic. We watched it, the whole family. And then he went about his business. And I just thought, Wow, if Im in New York, and weve reached this cross-section of people, then shit this thing really has exploded, hasnt it? He added: I hoped it (the show) would create conversation. The amount of stuff me and (his wife) Hannah (Walters) are getting sent, and the amount of people Im seeing on the streets who were saying that has happened between them and their children, is huge. To me, thats objective complete. Weve done our bit. Now you go and crack on. He also told the publication that his and Walters production company, Matriarch Productions, paid to put people up on the production team because they wouldnt have been able to afford it. He said: By going, Look, we know how much you want it, well cover the rent that gives that person the opportunity to save money, and then on the next job, they can pay the rent. In March, creators Thorne and Graham spoke to UK prime minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street about the issues raised in the drama. The series took months of preparation and rehearsals so that each episode could be filmed in one continuous shot, which was praised by viewers of the show. Graham will be speaking at the GQ heroes conference, taking place at Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire, from July 2 to 4. The heroes issue of British GQ is available via digital download and on news-stands on June 10. Agriculture Minister says changes will have little impact Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon says proposed changes to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will bring only limited direct benefit to Irish farmers. Speaking at a meeting of EU agriculture ministers in Brussels, he said that while the proposals address some concerns raised by Ireland and member states, their impact on Irish family farms may be marginal. He welcomed some changes, particularly to the performance clearance and amendment processes used by governments, which he said should go some way to ease the administrative burden for member states in relation to conditionality. However, Mr Heydon expressed doubt over the relevance of some elements of the package for Irish farmers. A first impression of these proposals may be of limited direct benefit to Irish farmers, he said. Our family farm structure means that while we have very few very large farms, we equally do not have a large number of very small farms. So the initiatives related to the small farmer scheme are of little benefit to Ireland. We need to ensure that the end result delivers some real reduction in the administrative burden for farmers and for member states. In a later discussion on the EUs deforestation regulation (EUDR), which is due to come into effect next year, Mr Heydon said: There remains the potential for significant administrative burden on primary producers in the beef and our dairy sectors. He urged the Commission to explore simplified implementation approaches and supported calls to delay enforcement. Ireland therefore supports the calls for a further delay in implementation to allow time to address these issues. ICMSA president Denis Drennan described the Commissions simplification proposals as unconvincing and said the overall regulatory tide shows no sign of easing. Theres no real confidence in the Commission on this drive for simplification. Weve seen and heard it all before and so far from the issues being simplified, they become steadily more cumbersome and complex year-on-year, said Mr Drennan, who specified the EU Deforestation Regulations as a perfect example of talking about simplification, while acting to make things more complex. IFA president Francie Gorman highlighted last week that this is now the second corrective package on the CAP within a year. This fact should serve as a lesson for the future and shape our discussions. Farmers need policies that are coherent, consistent, meaningful and implementable, with greater farmer input throughout, but particularly in design stage, he said. However, he warned that future simplification efforts must not undermine the common nature of the CAP or open the door to uncontrolled renationalisation. That would mark the end of CAP as we know it, he said. How farming has been a lifeline for this Roscommon native after a double tragedy After Leah Cull lost her father and brother to suicide, she returned home from Australia, faced with the difficult choice of selling the family sheep farm or learning how to run it. She explains how farm life has helped her mental health, and why she has become a Sinn Fein councillor and trainee psychotherapist Sheep farmer and Sinn Fein councillor Leah Cull on her family farm in Arigna, Co Roscommon. Photos: Brian Farrell Catherina Cunnane Tue 27 May 2025 at 03:30 After losing both her father and brother to suicide within five years, Leah Cull returned home from Australia to north Roscommon in 2020 to save her family farm. Volunteer Jaden Keenan with a border collie at the Almost Home NI event in Magheralin to showcase some of the animals that have been difficult to rehome (Photo by Peter Morrison) Trustee Karen Matthews at the Almost Home NI event in Magheralin to showcase some of the animals that have been difficult to rehome (Photo by Peter Morrison) Volunteer Charlotte Irvine with a border collie at the Almost Home NI event in Magheralin to showcase some of the animals that have been difficult to rehome (Photo by Peter Morrison) Volunteer Charlotte Irvine with a border collie at the Almost Home NI event in Magheralin to showcase some of the animals that have been difficult to rehome (Photo by Peter Morrison) The rain didnt stop dog lovers from turning out for a special rehoming event hosted by animal welfare charity Almost Home. The Co Down organisation, which works to rehome animals across, held a dedicated night to showcase some of its collies and bull breeds in need of forever homes. Charlotte Irvine, a volunteer with the charity, said specialist breed events allow potential owners to get to know a number of dogs of their favourite breed all at once. We do a lot of socials and posts on social media, but theres nothing like coming and meeting a dog in person, Charlotte said. Volunteer Charlotte Irvine with a border collie at the Almost Home NI event in Magheralin to showcase some of the animals that have been difficult to rehome (Photo by Peter Morrison) Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 27th It also helps [the dogs] to socialise and become more confident, because they have a range of different backgrounds. Some of them have maybe come from homes and others havent. Its really good to get them out, meeting the public, and to get breed enthusiasts coming to meet them as well. But for bull breeds, the team hopes that similar events will help challenge common misconceptions. I think a lot of what we want to do is to get members of the public out to see staffies and other [bull breeds] and see how gentle they can be when they are treated properly. So thats really important for us, because we do have a lot of bullies in the shelter, she said. Among those at the event was Moira OSullivan, who attended with her sons, Cathal and Aaron Power. We had a dog who died two years ago and I wasnt really for a new dog, but I think finally we are ready, she said. I can see that the boys missed having a dog around. And we live beside the Mournes, so we want a dog that can come up with us. The family is hoping to adopt a dog in September; Moira said the event has allowed her boys to see how much fun it would be to rehome one. Events like this are great because you get to see all the dogs, she explained. The boys were playing in the field with Max [one of the collies available for adoption] and they realised he was a playing dog. Our old dog wasnt a playing dog, so I think it was great for them to experience it; having a dog with high energy will be great for them. Moira encourages anyone interested in adopting a dog to attend a rehoming event. Its hard whenever you go into a shelter. We went into the kennel and you could see them behind a cage. I find that quite difficult, she said. I think its difficult to know a dog when they are in the cage. Whilst here, you know they are being rehomed but they are actually out and about, so you can get to know them a bit better. Jayden Keenan, meanwhile, was taking care of 14-month-old Zara, one of the collies available for adoption at the event, and he was pleased to see how many eager potential new owners attended the event despite the rain. Its great to see. We were hoping for better weather but seeing the amount of people just shows you how much interest there is, he said. Karen Matthews, one of the main organisers of the event, said she hopes that the showcase has encouraged members of the public to seriously consider adopting. Events like this are very important for encouraging the public to adopt, she said. We always say adopt, dont shop if you can. And its [also] great to get [the dogs] out so they can socialise and get to meet the public. Karen encourages anyone considering adopting a dog to ensure the shelter they are adopting from has taken all the appropriate precautions. Currently there are no official regulations for animal shelters across the UK. But animal activists have called for the introduction of regulations in England and Wales. Karen feels that any regulations should also be introduced in Northern Ireland to ensure animals are cared for properly and that potential owners are aware of a dogs health before adopting them. Ive been in rescue for a long time and you will see rescues popping up everywhere, and some of it is concerning because there are no home checks done, she explained. They arent neutering dogs, they arent home checking. They have dogs coming in and being sold as the same. You cant say everyone is the same but Ive spoken to lots. There needs to be proper regulations. And anyone that is in it for the right reasons will support that, because it will benefit everyone. A Cork Liverpool fan who witnessed yesterdays chaotic scenes on Water Street has told of moments of panic as a car ploughed into a crowd of supporters during the clubs Premier League title celebrations. John Isherwood, a broadcaster with Corks Red FM originally from the UK, was in Liverpool over the weekend for the festivities and was among the hundreds of thousands who took to the streets of Liverpool for an open-top bus parade of the Premier League trophy. Witnesses to the incident have said the bus had only just passed by the scene of where the car drove into the crowd. Merseyside Police have said a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested. Police and emergency personnel dealing with the incident in Liverpool on Monday (Owen Humphreys/PA) Mr Isherwood said he is still a little bit shook up after witnessing the incident which left 47 people injured, including four children. I managed to sleep through the night, but the thought of it all and the images of what I saw in front of me are still very much in my mind, he told RTEs Morning Ireland. Read more Liverpool parade horror: Suspect arrested for attempted murder and drug driving after 47 are injured I was quite near the Liver Building for the actual parade itself, and I'd lost all my friends at this point, walked back towards Water Street and we were all quite jubilant. The area was buzzing with life until we got on to Water Street and literally as we turned on to it, it was directly opposite us. There was a static ambulance, and it was moments, literal seconds of panic, as this car just came out of nowhere. And it seemed to either hit the ambulance Im trying to piece it together from other eyewitness reports I've seen It seemed to either hit the ambulance and catch someone between it and the ambulance and then reversed and headed off down Wall Street itself. Mr Isherwood said he and his friends then rushed to a person on the ground and others around them were panicking, and they couldnt believe what they had seen take place. Police and emergency personnel dealing with a road traffic accident on Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool (Danny Lawson/PA) He said it took just seconds for emergency services to arrive with an ambulance already at the scene and police not far behind. It was a very, very rapid response and our concern was for the person who was immediately in front of us on the floor, who did look in a fairly bad state. But as soon as we saw that the crews were there, we backed off and tried to disperse as many people as possible, get out of the way, give the crews the space to work. And then we heard the commotion from further down the street and sort of saw the car weaving around so. I said to another friend, we saw way too much of something that should never have happened. There was an outpouring of offers of support from people in Liverpool on social media yesterday and Mr Isherwood, who lost a friend in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, said the city of Liverpool has come together following the incident just as it has done in the past. I lost a close family friend at Hillsborough who was known in my local town, his family owned the green grocers, and the club came together then, they've come together in the past and the club and the city will come together again. Ive urged Liverpool supporters or anybody in the city who saw my social media to get in touch with me if they need to. I'm here for them as well. Bookkeeper for fast-food franchises has assets frozen by the High Court, amid claims of gargantuan 4.7m fraud Firms involved in case were set up to run four branches of Eddie Rockets The High Court in Dublin Shane Phelan Tue 27 May 2025 at 14:55 A High Court judge has frozen the assets of a bookkeeper, his wife and his sister below 4.7m, and restrained them from selling property amid what he described as allegations of a gargantuan fraud. Gardai fear chief suspect in Fiona Pender murder may never return to Ireland, as new search under way The lack of anything other than circumstantial evidence means detectives do not have enough evidence to seek his extraditionNew information received by gardai is considered highly significant and has resulted in the planned search operation and the reclassification of the case to murder Gardai begin new search for remains of Fiona Pender on land in Co Offaly Ken Foy Tue 27 May 2025 at 03:30 The chief suspect for the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender is living abroad and likely to never return to Ireland, gardai believe. The first new antibiotic in 50 years to tackle a common superbug will be tested on patients. The drug, which targets one of the bacteria considered to pose the biggest threat to human health, has been hailed as an exciting development in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Yesterday, Roche, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, announced it will take zosurabalpin into the third and last phase of testing on humans. It is the first drug in five decades to show promise of tackling Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen which is described as a priority by the World Health Organisation and an urgent threat by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the US national public health agency. The drug-resistant bacteria disproportionately impact patients who are in the hospital, causing infections such as pneumonia and sepsis. It is estimated that between 40pc and 60pc of infected patients, many of whom are immunocompromised because of conditions such as cancer, die as a result of the bug. One of the reasons it is so difficult to treat is that it has a double-walled membrane protecting it from attack, so it is difficult to get drugs into it and to keep them in, experts said. Zosurabalpin, which has been developed alongside researchers at Harvard University, targets the machine which stops the outer membrane from forming properly. It works differently to all existing antibiotics and it is hoped that it could lay the foundations for future drugs. Our goal is to contribute new innovations to overcome antimicrobial resistance, one of the biggest infectious disease challenges to public health, Michael Lobritz, global head infectious diseases at Roche, said. The phase-three trial, which it is hoped will start later this year or in early 2026, will look at around 400 patients with a carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii (Crab) infection who will either receive zosurabalpin or the current standard of care. It is hoped that the drug will be approved by the end of the decade. Pharmaceutical companies have in the past been unwilling to pursue new antibiotics because of a difficult market in which the drugs are used sparingly to try and avoid resistance. However, the UN has warned that if nothing is done to address the issue, drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths each year by 2050. First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle ONeill has expressed solidarity with Kneecaps Liam Og O hAnnaidh as well as two people arrested in Belfast over the weekend at a pro-Palestine protest. The vice president of Sinn Fein said that highlighting genocide should never be considered a crime. Mr O hAnnaidh (27), who performs as Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence last week after he allegedly displayed a flag in support of the proscribed organisation Hezbollah during a gig in London last year. In a separate incident at the weekend, campaigners Sue Pentel (72) and Martine McCullough, aged in her 50s, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after protesting outside a Barclays bank branch in Castle Place, Belfast. Since the latest conflict in the Middle East escalated in October 2023 following Hamas deadly attack in Israel, there has been criticism of Barclays financial ties with arms companies that sell weapons to the country. Speaking in the Assembly, Ms ONeill was asked by People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll whether she supported Mr O hAnnaidh, and Ms Pentel and Ms McCullough. I think that highlighting genocide, highlighting the inhumane slaughter of defenceless citizens, is not a crime," she replied. That's certainly my view, and I send solidarity to all those protesting and calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine. Mr Carroll pressed the First Minister as to whether she specifically raised the case of Mr O hAnnaidh with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer when the pair met last week. Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O'Neill I made my point in terms of solidarity to these individuals, to Liam Og and to Sue and Martine, she said Because I think that anybody who goes out to raise their voice, rightly so, in my opinion, in terms of calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine, is doing a good thing. The international community is far too silent. The international community has failed to act and the international community has failed to end the genocide in Palestine. I can tell you that I did raise that issue with Keir Starmer on Friday. I made it very clear that they needed to end their arms sales to Israel. And I made it very clear that they need to step up in a real, detailed way with sanctions against Israel, because to not do so is to be complicit in what they're doing. Following Mr O hAnnaidh being charged last week, Kneecap released a statement denouncing the decision. We deny this offence and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is a carnival of distraction, the group said. We are not the story, genocide is, as they profit from genocide, they use an anti-terror law against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesnt have a jury. Whats the objective? To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out. Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. Then, like now, they claim justification. The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it. Belfast rappers Kneecap The Met Polices anti-terrorism unit began investigating the band after footage surfaced of a member appearing to shout The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP. A second video also emerged showing a member allegedly chanting Up Hamas and Up Hezbollah from a stage. Mr O hAnnaidh is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 18 accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah which is a proscribed terror organisation. On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hezbollah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000, the Met Police previously said. Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event. An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge. Following the arrest of two campaigners in Belfast at the weekend, Ms Pentel a Jewish grandmother and high profile campaigner against the war in Gaza said it was ridiculous that they faced being charged with a criminal offence. Emergency legislation before the Cabinet today will allow developers to apply for up to three years of an extension to planning permissions due to lapse. Housing Minister James Browne will seek approval for the measure, which will allow developers with two years left on their permissions to apply for the extension. The legislation is a bid to activate developments such as large-scale apartment complexes. Applications for extensions will have to be made within six months of the legislation commencing. The legislation will also say that development must then commence within 18 months of enactment of the law. The ability to extend planning permission is just one of two measures included in the bill before the Cabinet. The second will see those holding planning permission which is caught up in a judicial review allowed to apply for a retrospective suspension of the time their permission was held up. Currently, if planning permission is subject to a judicial review, the clock is not paused while the process is worked through. Under proposals going to cabinet, planning permission holders can recoup the time lost while the permission was held up. If approved, it is expected the legislation will be completed before the Dail summer recess. Meanwhile, Tanaiste Simon Harris will also bring the long-awaited Occupied Territories Bill to the Cabinet. Mr Harris will ask ministers to approve the drafting of the general scheme of the bill, which will prohibit the importation of goods from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It is hoped that the legislation will be ready for committee scrutiny in June. Opposition parties have been critical of the Government for the pace at which the bill is being brought through the Oireachtas and have accused it of watering the bill down. While Mr Harris will tell his cabinet colleagues that Ireland does minimal trade with the Occupied Territories, the Government has been resolute in wanting to use every means available to end the war in the Middle East. He will inform cabinet colleagues that the Government will look to adopt a twin-track approach to do this. This includes building support at EU level to ensure compliance with international law, as well as progressing legislation in Ireland. The Tanaiste will also ask ministers to approve the participation of Irish soldiers in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) for a further 12 months. Mental Health Minister Mary Butler and Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will ask Cabinet to approve the committee-stage amendments of the Mental Health Bill. The aim of the bill is to revise and improve the experience of people involuntarily admitted to an acute mental health setting, and improve safeguards for those people. It will also introduce a new approach to consent to treatment. Businesses and consumers need certainty, warns commissioner The window of time to reach a trade deal between the EU and the US is very short according to Irelands EU commissioner, as talks between both sides got back on track. Michael McGrath said the US must be willing to engage and reach a compromise if a deal is to be reached. But he said the stakes are high and failure to reach agreement would mean economic devastation for both sides. US president Donald Trump has agreed to delay a threatened 50pc tariff on all EU goods which he announced just on Friday until July 9. It followed what he said was a very nice phone call with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Ireland is one of a number of EU countries to welcome the agreement to intensify talks and avoid any escalation of the transatlantic trade war. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr McGrath said the window of time is very short, six weeks is a very short time for the detailed discussions that have to take place. But he said that businesses and consumers need certainty and no stone will be left unturned. The stakes are incredibly high, he said. If we ended up in a trade war with tariffs of the level president Trump indicated last week, that would be devastating not just for Ireland, but for the EU as a whole. It would derail most transatlantic trade. I dont expect that to pass. I believe a deal can be done and we will certainly do everything we can to achieve that. But that requires two parties that are willing to seriously engage and compromise and reach a durable agreement. Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, who attended the AgriFish council in Brussels yesterday, said the current environment was like Brexit all over again, which will hurt Irelands citizens and companies. A trading partner of Ireland is taking a very significant change in policy, and thats going to hurt us, our companies and our citizens, Mr Heydon said. He said as the EU draws up a list of counter measures, it was now necessary for Ireland to inform the EU of the sectors in Ireland that are particularly sensitive. In particular, the minister highlighted Irelands butter and whiskey exports to the US. If you look at our 2bn in exports last year, Irish whiskey is a key part of that and our Irish whiskey investors are under really significant pressure right now, he said. From our dairy perspective, Kerrygold butter has such a remarkable market share in America. These are all products that will be impacted by tariffs down the line. Mr Heydon said while the EU does not want to use a list of countermeasures, it will be difficult for the commission to draw one up that does not impact the exports of member states. We would recognise its really hard. The EU is in a position here where it is coming up with a list with a value of 95bn. It is not possible to produce lists like that, that doesnt impact a range of different measures, Mr Heydon said. Taoiseach Micheal Martin yesterday said the world cannot afford a trade war but that the EU is engaging sensibly and the US is anxious to get a deal but has issues it wants resolved through negotiation. Europe has responded in a sensible and modest way and hasnt done anything to escalate this in any shape or form, Mr Martin said. The EU doesnt want to escalate this and wants to land this in a reasonable zone. The Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, Simon Harris, will brief the Cabinet on the latest developments. He will also stress that time is of the essence, and there are just 43 days left to engage in meaningful and substantive negotiations before the original 90-day pause in tariffs being imposed, comes to pass. President Trump dropped the plan to recommend a 50pc tariff effective from June 1 after Ms Von der Leyen told him that the EU needed more time to come to an agreement. I agreed to move it, Mr Trump said before returning to Washington after a weekend in New Jersey. She said we will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out. Ms Von der Leyen said in a post on X that she had a good call with Mr Trump and the EU was ready to move quickly. Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively, she said. To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9. The negotiations had been stuck, with Washington demanding unilateral concessions from Brussels to open up to US business while the EU seeks an agreement in which both sides could gain, say people familiar with the talks. Andrew Flaherty has resigned as Chief Commercial Officer at UL. The University of Limerick official who led a controversial overspend on 20 houses near the institution has resigned, almost a year after being placed on administrative leave Andrew Flaherty, ULs chief commercial officer (CCO), led ULs 12.65m purchase of 20 homes at Rhebogue which was criticised by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) and the Dails public spending watchdog. UL chancellor, Professor Brigid Laffan, wrote to university staff this evening informing them Mr Flaherty had tendered his resignation. The university has accepted that resignation, Prof Laffan added. The CCO has also resigned from all directorships and offices associated with or connected to the university. Prof Laffan said Mr Flahertys resignation was effective from today. Mr Flahertys future at the university was drawn into question last year after a Sunday Independent investigation raised concerns about the property deal. Andrew Flaherty has resigned as Chief Commercial Officer at UL. Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 27th The C&AG said UL overspent 5.2m on the homes. The houses are the subject of a planning row between the university and Limerick city and county council because there is no permission to house students in the properties. An Bord Pleanala is currently deliberating on the matter. Mr Flaherty was placed on administrative leave last June. That came two weeks after then-UL president, Kerstin Mey, resigned after students and staff said they had no confidence in her leadership over her role in the deal. She has since moved to a new professoriate role at the university. UL has previously said it does not comment on personal and human resource matters. Mr Flaherty has been approached for comment. He was criticised last year by members of the Dails Public Accounts Committee over previously failing to attend a meeting with it to discuss other matters at the university. It later emerged he had been in Dublin, watching the meeting remotely while sending text messages to colleagues while they spoke with TDs. Labour TD, Alan Kelly, said Mr Flahertys absence from the meeting was like an episode of Hamlet without the prince. The prince was across the road in some establishment texting people here the last time. The prince is not here this time, he added. Eilish ORegan: Is it time to stop paying hospital consultants on the double for treating public patients? National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) needs more scrutiny as CHI report shows it is open to abuse How much staff are paid for NTPF-funded clinics is not made public. Photo: Stock image Eilish O'Regan Tue 27 May 2025 at 03:30 Questions over why many hospital consultants in Ireland are paid on the double from public money are not new. Ksenia Samotiy: A tale of two military homecomings one Irish, one Ukrainian and how both made me cry for different reasons This war is not fought only on the battlefield: it is fought in Russian prisons, in waiting rooms, in the silences between one phone call and the next, in the absences of a name on a list A woman reacts as she embraces her husband, a Ukrainian prisoner of war, who returned after a prisoner swap on Sunday. Photo: Reuters Ksenia Samotiy Tue 27 May 2025 at 03:30 Last Friday I was in Dublin Airport with my friend as she waited for her dad to arrive. Coffee in hand, chatting away to pass the time and occasionally checking the arrivals board, it was a normal afternoon. I do like to people-watch, however, and I started to realise that some of the people around us were waiting just a little bit harder than everyone else: kids with banners; women with flowers; cameras focused expectantly. I was trying to figure out what was going on, but before I could, the doors opened and a group of Irish troops flowed into arrivals, fresh back from their deployment in Lebanon. There were tears, of course, but also laughter, kisses and a lot of joy. US president Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs at the White House last month. Photo: Getty Its nice to be nice, they tell us, but its imperative when there are hundreds of billions of euro on the line. And such were the stakes in the conversation US president Donald Trump had with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen during their very nice call. It resulted in Mr Trump putting the 50pc tariffs, which he had planned to slap on EU imports from June 1, on hold for a month. The extension of the deadline has given fresh momentum to negotiations. Its beginning to feel as if the pace of our evolutionary psychology has been picked up dramatically in the few months Mr Trump has been in office. World markets are learning to absorb what in other times might have been potentially mortal blows to the nervous system of global finance. Mr Trump makes a move which, theoretically at least, could shake the pillars of the world economy; for a time there is turmoil, but within 48 hours Mr Trump changes his mind. All those people running around with their hair on fire are left feeling a little foolish. US president Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs at the White House last month. Photo: Getty Von der Leyen call with Trump gave new impetus to trade talks, EU says Mr Trump seems to enjoy the rush of hearing the sirens and witnessing the consternation he can unleash. But there are consequences to crying wolf. Businesses need stability and security in managing production. The US was the EU trading blocs biggest export partner last year, accounting for some 20.6pc of exports. Nowhere is more vulnerable to the vagaries of Mr Trumps prognostications than Ireland. We dont need to react or indeed overreact to every iteration Medicinal and pharmaceutical products were the EUs most exported sector to the US, and this country was the blocs second biggest exporter, with goods worth 72bn. A 50pc tariff threat would hit 281bn worth of US-EU trade. Not surprisingly, the pause was welcomed by relieved EU leaders, but toying with consumer confidence and investment sentiment generally comes at a cost. Speaking in Brussels, junior minister Neale Richmond said negotiations were about damage limitation. The decisions of the US administration [are] beyond our control, certainly the rhetoric has been very worrying and will continue to be, he said. We dont need to react or indeed overreact to every iteration, or indeed social media post, from the US administration, the Fine Gael TD added. Clearly it is in everyones interest to get a deal done as rapidly as possible and restore some stability to trade relationships. Mr Trump is evidently intent on bouncing the bloc into making concessions. But leaders are in the dark as to what exactly he wants. He seems fixated on tariffs, yet when told by the EU they could be set at zero, they were told non-tariff trade barriers were the issue. He said he doesnt want to make sneakers and T-shirts, but rather to make big things, like chips. But chips are famously small unless, as cynics may doubtlessly suggest, he is talking about the one he is carrying on his own shoulder, the weight of which has left him at such odds with former allies. One way or another, the threats and counter-threats serve no one. Cork Education and Training Board (ETB) has received the green light to enter lease negotiations with Bus Eireann for a potential site for a new Youthreach facility in Macroom. Cork College of FET Macroom Youthreach Centre offers young people who are out of mainstream education an alternative educational pathway. Young people aged between 15 and 20 are offered an opportunity to remain in education and acquire a qualification in a friendly and welcoming setting. High expectations are placed on each individual and students are supported in order to achieve a positive outcome. Equal emphasis is placed on developing academic skills in partnership with practical life skills and preparation for the world of work or further education. The Department has confirmed that a due diligence process is currently underway, which will assess value for money, educational needs, and compliance with environmental and procurement standards. Cork ETB is providing regular updates to SOLAS, and it is anticipated that a lease application could be submitted by the end of the summer. Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless that progress is being made on the new Youthreach facility. Im very pleased to hear that Cork ETB has now been given the green light to enter lease negotiations with Bus Eireann for a potential site in Macroom. This is a significant step forward for the Youthreach programme locally, which plays a crucial role in supporting and re-engaging young people with education. The Cork TD has consistently highlighted the urgent need for a modern, fit-for-purpose education centre for young people in the area who have left the formal school system. I know how important this facility is to the community and to the dedicated staff and learners in the Youthreach programme. I will continue to work closely with the Department, Cork ETB and all stakeholders to ensure this project is delivered without delay. Youthreach provides a vital second-chance education option for early school leavers. The new facility in Macroom will provide these young people with the support and resources they need to reach their full potential, he added. Speaking to The Corkman in April, Christina Cronin who is the Coordinator of Macroom Youthreach Centre said securing a new building is vital for the continued progression of Macroom Youthreach. The current building is not fit for purpose. We need central heating, more bathrooms and basic things like that. Simple things like that can make a big difference. Some of the staff have working in the building for years and it is so cold. We will be in the current building for the foreseeable future and we will do the best with what we have. A new building is needed and has been needed for the last ten years, said Ms Cronin. It would be great for the staff and the students. It would give everyone a great boost. The current building doesnt reflect the hard work that has been done there by the staff and students over the years which is a shame. We want our dream to become a reality. Meet the Cork woman who decided on an unusual entry into politics by taking up her daughters seat Kate Lynch was co-opted to Cork County Council in April after her daughter Eileen was elected to Seanad Eireann as part of the agriculture panel in February. Councillor Kate Lynch Martin Mongan Corkman Tue 27 May 2025 at 07:00 Teacher turned Councillor Kate Lynch spoke to The Corkman about her journey into politics and how shes keeping a family tradition alive, following in both her daughter and sisters footsteps. Cork family with disabled son fight solar farm that will surround their home on all sides Califf and Aisling Delaney say the 179-hectare development will surround their East Cork home on all four sides, with construction noise and panel frequencies potentially impacting their son Aaron, who has Muscular Dystrophy Califf Delaney says that affected rural families are being thrown into worry with no prior warning Kevin Galvin Tue 27 May 2025 at 13:40 A Cork famiy facing the prospect of their home being surrounded by a solar farm on all four sides are pleading with Government to introduce specific legislation on where inland solar farms should be placed. Lorcan Hartnett, who finished in first place in the button accordian section, pictured enjoying himself at the Cuimsiu competition in Causeway on Saturday. Photo by John Kelliher. Aaron Corcoran won a gold medal in the U12 tin whistle category at the Cuimsiu competition in Causeway on Saturday. Photo by John Kelliher. Maire De Cogain, Anna Ni Suileabhain and Lynn Coney pictured having the craic at the Cuimsiu competition in Causeway at the weekend. Photo by John Kelliher. Sinead Costello and Laura Dalton pictured at the Cuimsiu competition that took place on Saturday in the Causeway Secondary School, as part of this years Kerry Fleadh Cheoil. Photo by John Kelliher. Betty and Katie Joyce, Saoirse Fogarty, PJ Mulvihill and Maura Kissane pictured at the Cuimsiu competition in Causeway at the weekend. Aaron Corcoran, Laura Dillane and Lorcan Hartnett pictured enjoying themselves at the Cuimsiu competition in Causeway on Saturday. Photo by John Kelliher. The craic and the ceoil was absolutely mighty in Causeway at the weekend when the Kerry village played host to the Kerry County Fleadh. As part of this, the village hosted the first-ever Cuimsiu competition. Kerry Comhaltas was proud to introduce Cuimsiu the Irish word for inclusion a new competition designed specifically for performers with a disability or additional needs. The concept of an inclusive Fleadh competition was first proposed by Runai Catrina Ui Ifearnain, who recognised the need to expand participation in Irish traditional arts across all communities. The idea was enthusiastically received and unanimously supported by the County Board delegates before being formally ratified in January. Following the event in Causeway on Saturday, Catrina spoke to The Kerryman about it went and she revealed that it was an absolutely amazing event, as well as a little bit emotional. "It was electric. It was just phenomenal. For me too, it was a powerful and emotional experience and it actually was much bigger than a competition that showcases talent. It was really about creating a space where everyone, regardless of their ability could express themselves through music and song. It really was just an amazing day, she said. Going on, Catrina explained how the Cuimsiu committee set up a quiet room for the competitors to use before the competitions if they wished. A support person was also present was with the competitor though out the day. Some competitions requested an audience while others requested no audience. The success of this years Cuimsiu competition Catrina added, would not have been possible without the support and co-operation between Kerry Comhaltas and DSI an organisation committed to supporting children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. As this was the inaugural Cuimsiu competition, Catrina said that was a learning opportunity for all and while this first Cuimsiu competition was confined to the county, she said that she Kerry Comhaltas hope to build on its success and it is hoped that this innovative idea will be taken to provincial and nationwide level, in the near future. She also took the time to praise the team of volunteers it took make the Cuimsiu competition a reality. Without the competitors there would be no competition so a huge thanks to all the competitors who took part to make this Cuimsiu competition a reality. Each competitor has since been invited to perform at the upcoming International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity Symposium which is on in Munster Technological University in June. Following this they will attend the 2025 GRADAM inclusion awards ceremony on Monday 4 August 2pm in Wexford County Council Offices where they will perform together at the All Ireland Fleadh. Kerry and Kenmare native slammed for welcoming US Congressman accused of dehumanising Palestinians and calling them Nazis Sen Mark Daly (centre left) making a presentation to US Congressman Brian Mast in the Irish Seanad last month. The Kerry Friends of Palestine Group has criticised Senator Mark Daly for meeting with US Congressman Brian Mast during a recent visit to Ireland. Congressman Mast was in Ireland last month where he met with Senator Mark Daly chair of the Seanad Eireann to discuss trade, technology investment, defence, and other issues vital to Americas relationship with Ireland. The United States House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman signed the Seanad visitors book during his visit. The Florida Republican is known for his controversial views on Palestinians which were the subject of a House of Representatives resolution that was referred to the Committee on Ethics in 2023. Mr Mast, who once volunteered to serve alongside the Israel Defence Forces in support of its defence of democracy in the Middle East, served in the US Army for more than 12 years, earning him the Army Commendation Medal for Valour and the Purple Heart. Sen Mark Daly (centre left) making a presentation to US Congressman Brian Mast in the Irish Seanad last month. Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 27th In 2023, the Congressman was censured for inflammatory statements he made regarding innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza suffering as a result of the horrific attacks conducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023. He said humanitarian aid to Palestinians should be slowed down and that terrorism is absolutely supported by the Palestinian people from elementary school all the way up into the elderly. On November 1, 2023 during a speech on the House Floor Representative Mast compared innocent Palestinian civilians and children to Nazi collaborators that perpetrated the Holocaust against the Jewish people. He also stated that there are very few innocent Palestinian civilians. Congressman Mast is regularly accused of conflating innocent Palestinians with the actions of Hamas, which some fellow congressmen have said sends a message to the world that violence against all Palestinians is legitimate. Kerry Friends of Palestine Group criticised Senator Daly for meeting Congressman Mast in the Seanad in late April, saying it was ill-judged and showed disregard for the lives of innocent Palestinians. Its vile to have someone like Mast sidling up to Irish politicians for photographs given his views. Senator Daly looked only too happy to accommodate him, said a spokesperson for Kerry Friends of Palestine Group. "Mast has called for the destruction of innocent Palestinians. Its disgusting that he would be welcomed here and allowed such an opportunity to grandstand as a politician of repute when he is not, he added. Senator Daly was contacted by The Kerryman for a comment but did not respond. ESB networks has been called on to explain why Tralee and Killarney recorded a combined 58 per cent increase in power cuts between 2023 and 2024. The ESB manage supply through whats known as planner groups of which there are 34 in total that are linked to counties. The Killarney planner group recorded a 43 per cent increase in power cuts between 2023 and 2024 a jump from 1,612 in 2023 to 2,308 in 2024. The Tralee planner group recorded a 15 per cent increase in power cuts for the same period, going from 1,558 to 1,796. Its thought the outages would also have impacted large numbers of properties on the outskirts of Kerrys two largest towns. Ireland South MEP, Cynthia Ni Mhurchu, has raised what she calls significant concerns about ESB Networks performance in relation to power cuts faced by domestic and business customers across Ireland. Figures provided to Ms Ni Mhurchu by ESB Networks under Freedom of Information show significant year on year increases in power cuts across Ireland between 2021 and 2024. She wants ESB Networks to clarify why there is a 22 per cent jump in power outages across the country between 2023 and 2024, saying a new system of compensation for householders and small businesses for outages lasting more than 12 hours should not be charged for standing charges and levies when the power is out. My worry is that ESB Networks may be trying to cut costs by not investing in our electricity infrastructure to the extent that they should be, she said. "Power cuts have an enormous impact on families, in particular as many homes are now passive homes that depend on heat pumps and dont have open fires or stoves, she added. Ms Ni Mhurchu said customers deserve an explanation as to why they are facing more power cuts when they are paying the second highest electricity prices in Europe. "The least Irish customers deserve is more investment in the infrastructure that delivers that electricity, she said. There were 64,754 power cuts across Ireland in 2024, both planned and unplanned outages representing a 22 per cent increase on 2023 where Ireland had 53,067 power cuts. Between 2021 and 2024, Ireland has seen a 40 per cent increase in the number of power cuts, both planned and unplanned. Ryan Owen, a caregiver who has been described as selfless and empathetic has been crowned Dovida National Caregiver of the Year 2025. Ryan Owen, a caregiver who has been described as selfless and empathetic has been crowned Dovida National Caregiver of the Year 2025. From Leitrim, Ryan received the prestigious award at a recent ceremony to celebrate 20 years of Dovida providing exceptional care in Ireland. Ryan, who has worked for Dovida for a little over a year, was nominated for the award by clients and colleagues from Dovidas Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon office. Having won the local Caregiver of the Year Award, Ryan was put forward for the regional and national competition and had also scooped the Connacht Caregiver of the Year Award before being crowned the overall national winner. I am truly honoured and incredibly grateful to Dovida for receiving this recognition," Ryan said. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the team here in Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. Id like to express my gratitude to all our clients, who make this such a rewarding and fulfilling job, he added. Ryan Owen, Dovida National Caregiver of the Year 2025 (centre), his fiance Emma Devaney (centre right), and Bridget McGrath, General Manager Dovida Sligo/Leitrim/Roscommon (centre left), celebrate Ryans award with staff from Dovida Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon Thomas Coggins, one of Ryans clients, said Ryan is very caring and never in a hurry. "I look forward to seeing him every morning. "He has a great personality. When I got out of hospital, my mobility was poor, so Ryan and myself started exercises to improve it. "After a couple of weeks, I got back on my feet. Ryan was delighted; I was delighted. I would highly recommend him for the job he has chosen to do, said Mr Coggins. Local Public Health Nurse Tracey McPartland described Ryan as someone who is very gentle nature and gets to know the clients very quickly. Bridget McGrath, General Manager of Dovida Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon, said that Ryan has consistently gone above and beyond for his clients. With his selflessness, dedication, empathy and compassion for his clients, Ryan has set a benchmark in caregiving. "He has consistently gone above and beyond, providing exceptional care and support to his clients. Ryan has made a hugely positive impact on our community. His commitment, kindness, and professionalism have improved the lives of many and inspired us all, she added. Competition judge, broadcasting legend Mary Kennedy, said it was clear from the nominations that Ryan possessed all the attributes of a natural caregiver. I was struck by the heartfelt testimonials from Ryans clients and colleagues alike. "Its clear that Ryan has all the qualities of a natural caregiver. "He has great empathy for his clients and their families. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook "His kindness and calm nature while working with palliative care clients, in particular, provided great comfort to people during a very difficult time. He is a truly deserving winner, she added. Shane Jennings, CEO of Dovida Ireland, congratulated Ryan on his achievement and thanked him for the hugely valuable contribution he makes in the lives of his clients and their families. Ryan exemplifies what it means to be a Dovida caregiver. He puts the client at the heart of everything he does, and treats people with kindness, dignity, and respect, he concluded. Mens Sheds in Meath are being encouraged to apply for a share of a 1m government funding package aimed at supporting the Mens Shed network nationwide. Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, took to social media calling on Mens Sheds in Meath to apply for the funding announced on May 23. She said: Mens Sheds have become central to so many communities across Ireland. They have created a space to socialise, share skills, work on meaningful projects and help provide a safe and welcoming environment for men of all ages to come together. Grants of up to 3000 will be available to help 450 Mens Sheds across the country with their running costs such as their heating, electricity utility and insurance bills. One of the biggest Men's Sheds in Meath created in 2012 and with 27 members welcomes the funding and hopes to inspire people to join. Martin Mangan, Co-ordinator of Athboy Mens Shed, said: Its a great social gathering especially for those who are widowed or live alone. The Shed helps get them out and in the crowd. Its very well attended. Some of the lads just come to have a good chat and get the news on whats happening. Mr Mangan (75) who joined the shed after retiring said the men meet every Wednesday and help with projects for anyone who needs work done. At the moment, we are expanding the shed..I hope this grant would help us in that direction. He added: I hope the upcoming generation - those who feel isolated or those who are widowed - would find solace at our place. Other eligible mens sheds in Meath are Ashbourne Mens Shed, Drumconrath Mens Shed, Dunboyne Mens Shed, Dunshaughlin Mens Shed, Enfield Rathmolyon Parish Mens Shed, Kells Mens Shed, Kilcloon Mens Shed, Kilmessan Mens Shed, Meath Coast Mens Shed, Moynalty Mens Shed, Navan & District Mens Shed, Oldcastle Area Mens Shed, Ratoath Mens Shed, Slane and District Mens Shed, The New An Tobar Mens Shed, Trim Mens Shed. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Organisers of Strandhill Peoples Market say theres been no word about a return to Sligo Airport Organisers of the popular Strandhill Peoples Market says they havent been given any guarantees they will return to its former base at a hangar at Sligo Airport. The market was due to re-open in March but the hangar was no longer available due to its use for the switch over of coastguard helicopter providers this year. In a statement the market organisers say that the publics support for Strandhill Peoples Market has been overwhelming with more than 3,500 people signing a petition. From families and food lovers to tourists and traders, the message has been consistent and clear, this market is worth saving. Last week, the Department of Transport and Minister Sean Canney confirmed that both helicopter services will remain at Sligo Airport until December, at which point CHC will leave. We fully respect that decision. We also have nothing but respect for the men and women of the rescue helicopter service many of whom have quietly voiced their support for the market too. We also believe that, while this timeline presents serious challenges, it would at least allow the market to survive along with 11 years of dedication, hard work, and at least some of the 150 jobs connected to it. The statement goes on to say that it has been unable to secure a commitment from the airports board of management that the market would be allowed to return to Hangar 1 when CHC departs in December. This board has witnessed the success of the market first-hand for over a decade 11 years of rent paid, substantial private investment into the hangar, and thousands of weekly visitors coming through the airport gates. Despite this, they have refused to give a guarantee that the market will return, the statement said. It praised the efforts of local councillor Fergal Nealon whom the market organisers say has been a consistent and valued advocate. Cllr Nealon is one of four nominees to the airport board by Sligo County Council. In a statement posed on social media, Cllr Edel MacSharry said, a member of the board, said she recognised the markets cultural, economic, and community value and commended the organisers and traders for building such a vibrant local institution. Since joining the Sligo Airport Board last September, I have worked to understand the pressures facing all stakeholders and find workable solutions. To date I have received no correspondence requesting assistance from me as a public representative from Strandhill Peoples Market. It is my understanding as a board member that the airport manager has been in direct contact with the market business operator, and has offered alternative space within the airport. These options have not been pursued to date. Historically, the market operated from Hangar 1 at Sligo Airport, benefiting from a nominal rent arrangement and support from airport staff that allowed the business to sublet space to over 60 individual traders. This setup was feasible when the airport had available hanger capacity. However, the operational landscape at Sligo Airport has evolved. The airport is now a critical base for the Irish Coast Guards Rescue 118 service, which operates 24/7 to provide life-saving search and rescue missions across the northwest region. The airports primary responsibility is to support these lifesaving services The hangars, including Hangar 1, are essential for housing the Sikorsky S-92A helicopters and supporting equipment required for these operations and other aviation operations at the airport. Given the stringent safety and regulatory standards governing aviation facilities it is important that the airport ensures it can provide the necessary infrastructure, equipment and trained staff for the aviation activity and future activity at the airport I fully support continuing conversations to secure a long-term home for the Strandhill Peoples Market whether at the airport or elsewhere and I am happy to work with the market business organiser, all public representatives who are working on this, and all stakeholders to find a solution. There is still time to get this right, and I am committed to being part of that effort, said Cllr McSharry. On Tuesday the market organisers said that the Board of Sligo Airport has now made contact, and a meeting is set to take place shortly. Students from Kempten along with Sligo Town Twinning members at County Hall, Riverside with Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree. The enduring bond between Kempten and Sligo, twinned since 1990, witnessed a celebration of cultural exchange and friendship as Kempten university and secondary school students visited County Hall recently. The students were warmly welcomed by An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Declan Bree, who highlighted the significance of the exchange programmes in fostering international understanding and cultural appreciation. Our friendship with Kempten has truly enriched our community, stated Cathaoirleach Bree. These exchanges provide invaluable opportunities for our young people to experience different cultures firsthand, build lasting friendships, and broaden their horizons, he said. Also in attendance was Ms. Dympna Gorman, President of Sligo Town Twinning, who brought a poignant reminder of the long-standing relationship: the original town twinning charter, bearing the signatures that cemented the bond over three decades ago. Ms. Gorman spoke of the numerous benefits derived from the twinning agreement, emphasising its role in promoting cultural exchange, educational links, and economic cooperation. Cathaoirleach Councillor Declan Bree spoke of the Erasmus Programme which has played a pivotal role in strengthening the connection between Kempten and Sligo, with Sligo County Council proudly welcoming students from Kempten in recent years. He said this exchange program has not only enriched the educational experiences of the students but has also deepened the ties between the two communities, fostering a sense of global citizenship and mutual respect. The friendship between Kempten and Sligo has been a source of enrichment for both communities, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Bree with Dympna Gorman, President of Sligo Town Twinning. The visit to Sligo County Council served as a reaffirmation of this enduring bond, highlighting the value of international partnerships in promoting cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation. During their stay in Sligo, the students attended Mercy College, Sligo and enjoyed various activities while in Sligo, one of the highlights was Surfing in Strandhill. This is one of several exchanges between both towns, Third level students from ATU Mechatronic Engineering Department have also an annual exchange between their counterparts in Kempten, facilitated and promoted by Sligo Town Twinning. At a recent meeting of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, the lack of Gardai in north Wexford was highlighted as a major concern and a motion was put forward to write to the Garda Commissioner to address this issue. During the Minister for Justices recent visit to Gorey, Cllr Darragh McDonald noted that the Garda numbers in north Wexford were discussed as well as the state of the Garda station in the area. As a result, at the recent district meeting, Cllr McDonald put forward the motion of writing to the Garda Commissioner about Garda resourcing. When I wrote to him last year as part of the local election campaign, the figures suggested that Gorey and north Wexford as a whole was significantly under the average number of Gardai per civilians. "Courtown and Riverchapel would probably be the lowest ratio in the country and I think in light of the population growth, and in light of recent events around the town, major Garda operations and smaller specific events such as burnt out cars, said Cllr McDonald. Echoing these sentiments, Cllr McDonald said hed like the Garda Commissioner to explain his logic behind the allocation of Garda resources. He went on to clarify that local Gardai are doing a great job and are trying their best to produce things but to do their job more successfully and more safely, there needs to be more of them. Other Council members backed Cllr McDonalds motion to write to the Garda Commissioner on this issue. An Irish man is lucky to be alive after falling from a seven-storey building in Lithuania on Sunday. David (Daithi) Manley from Oulart in Co Wexford suffered multiple broken bones in the fall, including a bone in his lower spine, resulting in the loss of all mobility and no feeling from the waist down. The accidental fall happened at approximately 11.00am local time on Sunday. Doctors in Lithuania will have to operate on his spine, but cannot proceed with this surgery yet as he is currently in an Intensive Care Unit with respiratory and cardiac issues. Davids family hope he will be able to undergo surgery in due course, which might help release the pressure on his spinal cord and bring back mobility in his legs. His sister Aoife said their family have spoken to doctors and Davids situation is currently not great. David has a severed spinal chord and has no feeling from below his chest. There are also concerns surrounding his heart, but this should be kept under control. He has been given more medicine to help with his breathing, as his lungs are currently struggling and he could develop pneumonia. The family said that fortunately, he suffered from no brain damage and his mind is in good condition. All broken bones will repair, they say. David Manley Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 27th A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by the family to assist with medical and travel costs over the next number of weeks. David has a long road ahead of him on this recovery path, and we really want to try bring him home, the family say on the GoFundMe website. Doctors are hopeful he may be able to return to a hospital in Ireland in around a month if his recovery is going well and no infections occur. More than 20,000 has been raised so far on the GoFundMe page Davids family set up which will go towards flights, accommodation, and the changes theyll make to their home to make it more accessible. The original target for the GoFundMe page was 3,000 which was quickly surpassed overnight with nearly 400 people contributing to the fund. You can donate to the GoFundMe campaign here. This article was amended on May 27, 2005 at 1.25pm to clarify Davids address and the day of the accident. Flag Week 2025 at Good Counsel College was a vibrant celebration of national identity, student voice, and inclusion. Now in its fifth year, the initiative has grown from a modest 2020 Flag Day into a week of student-led events showcasing creativity, leadership, and a shared commitment to a more inclusive school community. This years programme opened on May 12, with a welcome from fifth year student Colt Belleno and concluded on May 20, with a moving flag-raising led by sixth year Nicholas Venn Wall. At its core, Flag Week continues to honour the values of Thomas Francis Meagher peace, unity, and respect while encouraging reflection on identity and belonging in modern Ireland. A standout moment was the visit from Schools of Sanctuary, where ambassadors from Botswana, Somalia, and Ukraine shared moving stories of migration and resilience, reminding us that the Tricolour belongs to everyone who calls Ireland home. Throughout the week, students shared the countries and cultures they identify with through presentations, posters, and digital content on the Flag Week 2025 Hub which was created by fifth year student, Patrick Conway, with support from Bobby Lanigan. Tuesdays ceremony included a stirring performance by past pupil and Pipe Major, Jack Ronan, with a formal address on Meaghers legacy, MCd by fifth year, Cormac Fleming. Speeches from Jason Little, Alejandro Espadas Rivero (Mexico), Bobby Lanigan, and third year student, Maurizio Toselli (Italy) reflected on identity and unity. The first years were introduced to Thomas Francis Meagher through a presentation by Johawn Shawn in fifth year and Eimantas Cejauskas in third year, followed by an engaging and entertaining quiz led by Michael Power and his team. Other highlights included a student visit to the Multicultural Fair at St. Marys; art and photo displays led by Killian Walsh and Bobby Lanigan; a school flag redesign, now proudly flown; and a competition to create a new Good Counsel College anthem. Flag Week 2025 wasnt just a commemoration, it was a bold, student-driven vision for Irelands future. Students from Co Wicklow joined 110 transition year students from across Ireland to graduate as a St Patricks Mental Health Services mental health ambassador during a special online ceremony held to celebrate the class of 2024/2025. The three Wicklow students involved were Conall Nolan of Colaiste Chill Mhantain, Tianne Kelly of The Dominican College Wicklow and Darragh Emerson, who attends Temple Carrig School, Greystones. For 14 years, St Patricks Mental Health Services has run a transition year programme, with over 100 students from across Ireland taking part annually. The week-long programme runs five times during the academic year between October and March, with 20 to 25 students per programme. The programme takes place in a hybrid format, with students beginning their week with a day spent onsite at St Patricks University Hospital campus, and the remainder of the weeks sessions attended virtually. The students meet mental health experts and clinicians; hear from people who have gone through mental health difficulties and their experiences of mental health recovery; and discuss mental health stigma and ways to tackle it. Conall Nolan of Colaiste Chill Mhantain graduated from the St Patricks Mental Health Services programme. During the programme, participants undertake a range of activities, which include viewing a mock multidisciplinary team meeting with psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses and social workers; taking part in sessions with pharmacists, the medical director and the CEO; and participating in group presentations. Mental health promotion manager at St Patricks Mental Health Services, Sinead OKelly said: St Patricks Mental Health Services transition year programme is a valuable opportunity for students to learn more about mental health in a real-life hospital setting. "Not only does it give young people insight into the field, but it also helps them better understand their own mental wellbeing. By engaging in a programme informed by mental health professionals and learning in a supportive environment, students are supported to build empathy and resilience and develop tools for managing everyday stressors. Compounding of Offenses Under the Companies Act, 2013: A Practical Guide for Indian Companies Under Section 441 of the Companies Act, 2013, Indian companies can settle certain legal violations by compounding offensespaying penalties instead of facing prosecution. We explain the statutory basis, eligibility, procedure, and strategic benefits of compounding for corporate compliance. Indian companies may inadvertently fail to comply with statutory obligationssuch as delays in filing returns, non-appointment of key managerial personnel, or missing prescribed deadlines for corporate meetings. Under the Companies Act, 2013, these instances are treated as offenses for which the firm can be held accountable. To rectify such lapses, companies have the option to apply for compounding of offenses, as provided under Section 441 of the Act. This provision allows the company or its officers in default to settle the offense by paying a monetary penalty, thereby mitigating the risk of prolonged legal proceedings and facilitating timely compliance regularization. CBDT introduces simplified compounding guidelines under Income-tax Act In line with the Union Budget 2024 announcement on simplifying compounding procedures in India, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) released revised guidelines for the compounding of offenses under the Income-tax Act, 1961, on October 17, 2024. The revised guidelines apply to both pending and new compounding applications. Key updates include the removal of offense categorization, elimination of restrictions on the number of times an application can be filed, acceptance of fresh applications after rectifying earlier defects, and the inclusion of offenses under Sections 275A and 276B within the scope of compounding. Section 275A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, deals with the breach of a prohibitory order issued under Section 132(3) during a search and seizure operation. This order restricts individuals from removing or tampering with specific assets or documents. Violation of this order can lead to prosecution, with punishment extending up to two years of rigorous imprisonment and a monetary fine. Section 276B pertains to the failure to deposit tax deducted at source (TDS) with the central government within the stipulated timeline. As TDS amounts are treated as government dues, non-remittance is a serious offense. Punishment under this provision ranges from three months to seven years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine. The revised framework also removes the earlier time limit of 36 months for filing a compounding application. Furthermore, compounding charges have been rationalized by eliminating interest on delayed payments and introducing a standardized rateTDS-related offenses, a uniform rate of 1.5 percent per month. ALSO READ: Guide to Indias TDS Rates for FY 2025-26 Statutory basis and meaning of compounding Compounding is a statutory mechanism that permits companies or their officers to resolve certain violations by paying a financial penalty instead of facing prosecution. It applies only to offenses that are compoundable under law and aims to reduce litigation while promoting voluntary compliance. Once compounded, the offense is considered legally resolved. Types of offense under the Companies Act, 2013 Under the Companies Act, 2013, Section 441 classifies compounding offenses into two primary types: Compoundable offenses: Offenses punishable with a fine only, or with a fine or imprisonment or both. These can be settled through compounding. Offenses punishable with a fine only, or with a fine or imprisonment or both. These can be settled through compounding. Non-compoundable offenses: Offenses that involve imprisonment only or imprisonment and a fine. These must go through judicial prosecution and cannot be compounded. Authorized authorities and jurisdiction Two primary authorities are empowered to handle compounding matters in India. Authority Jurisdiction scope Regional director (RD) Offenses with maximum fine up to INR 2.5 million (US$29,365) National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Offenses with maximum fine exceeding INR 2.5 million (US$29,365) FAQs on compounding offenses Q. What are some of the common compoundable offenses? The following are some of the offenses that are compoundable under the provisions of the Indian corporate law: Delay in filing annual returns : Companies in India are required to file their annual returns with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) using electronic Form MGT-7. Delays in this filing constitute a compoundable offense. : Companies in India are required to file their annual returns with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) using electronic Form MGT-7. Delays in this filing constitute a compoundable offense. Delay in filing financial statements : Companies must submit their annual financial statements through e-Form AOC-4. Failure to do so within the prescribed timeline is also a compoundable violation. : Companies must submit their annual financial statements through e-Form AOC-4. Failure to do so within the prescribed timeline is also a compoundable violation. Failure to appoint a company secretary or chief financial officer (CFO) : Not appointing key managerial personnel, as mandated under the Companies Act, 2013, is a noncompliance subject to compounding. : Not appointing key managerial personnel, as mandated under the Companies Act, 2013, is a noncompliance subject to compounding. Non-maintenance of statutory registers: Companies are obligated to maintain statutory registers containing essential information related to their structure, shareholders, board meetings, and operations. Failure to maintain or update these registers accurately is considered an offense. Companies are obligated to maintain statutory registers containing essential information related to their structure, shareholders, board meetings, and operations. Failure to maintain or update these registers accurately is considered an offense. Non-convening of Annual General Meeting (AGM) within the prescribed timeline: Except for one-person companies, all entities must hold an AGM annually within six months from the end of the financial year, and no more than 15 months should elapse between two successive AGMs. Missing this deadline is a compoundable offense. Q. Who can apply for compounding rectification? The compounding process under the Companies Act, 2013, may be initiated by the following: The company itself Any officer in default The Registrar of Companies (RoC) This provision enables both internal and external parties to trigger the offense rectification mechanism. It ensures that lapses are addressed promptly, whether identified voluntarily by the company or flagged by the regulatory authority. Q. What is the procedure for addressing a compounding offense? The following process is required to be followed for compounding of offenses: Identify the compliance lapse(s). Preparation of necessary documentation along with an application and proof of rectification of the offense. File the compounding application in e-Form GNL-1 along with the necessary documents with the authority concerned. e-Form GNL-1 serves as an application submitted to RoC. The form can be downloaded from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website. Click here: MCA Services> e-Filing> Company Forms Downloads Follow up with the authorities on the application and attend the hearing (if required). Upon approval, the company must pay the compounding fee within the stipulated time. The company must file the order with the RoC in Form INC-28. e-Form INC-28 is critical in recording changes mandated by the NCLT, Regional Director (RD), or other authorized bodies. It ensures that the companys updated status is officially reflected with the RoC. Q. What is the application fee? For compounding applications or the consolidated compounding applications filed, irrespective of the year of offense, the applicant shall deposit a non-refundable Compounding Application Fee as follows: Single compounding applicationINR 25,000 (US$291.57) (per application). Consolidated compounding application INR 50,000 (US$583.14) (per such application). (US$1 = INR 85.74) A tiled floor from around 2600 BC was uncovered in Kalibangan, India. Found near the ancient Saraswati River, the design is still used in many Indian homes today. Mistry OTT Release Date: If youve ever been a fan of Monk, the iconic American detective series that mixed crime-solving with the quirks of OCD, youll likely feel a familiar tug of nostalgia with Mistry, the Indian adaptation set to premiere soon. Starring Ram Kapoor in the lead role, Mistry will be streaming on JioHotstar starting June 27, 2025. What is Mistry all about? Mistry brings back that unforgettable detective energy, this time with a desi twist. Ram Kapoor plays Armaan Mistry, a gifted but deeply troubled detective battling obsessive-compulsive disorder much like the original character Adrian Monk, played by Tony Shalhoub in the original. From avoiding handshakes to compulsively counting things, Kapoors character shares the same compulsions that made Monk both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Meet the team behind Mistry Alongside Ram Kapoor, the show features Mona Singh as ACP Sehmat Siddiqui, the tough and empathetic cop who often grounds Armaans chaotic brilliance. Also joining the ensemble are Shikha Talsania and Kshitish Date in important roles. Mistry is directed by Rishab Seth and produced by Banijay Asia, in association with Universal International Studios. Ram Kapoor, speaking about his role, said in a media statement, Armaan Mistry is a character unlike any Ive played before. The whole experience of shooting Mistry was so immersive - I have deep-dived into this character and understood his quirks, his brilliance and his vulnerabilities. It is a character very close to my heart, and I am thrilled with how it has come out. With Banijay Asia and NBCUniversal Formats collaborating, there has been a clear effort to retain the soul of the original Monk while tailoring it to Indian audiences. Deepak Dhar of Banijay Asia described the show as a seamless blend of crime, humour and heart, while NBCUniversals Linfield Ng praised Kapoors performance and the creative team for capturing the spirit of the original. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, as well as celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. My Hero OTT Release Date: After a successful run in theatres and on the film festival circuit, Avinash Vijaykumars debut film is finally making its way to your screens at home. The much-talked-about Kannada drama, which features Hollywood actor Djilali Rez-Kallah in the lead and marks the Kannada debut of Eric Roberts (yes, Julia Roberts brother and the man you might remember from The Dark Knight), is set to stream on Amazon Prime Video starting May 30, 2025. But theres a catch. My Hero is expected to drop under Amazon Prime Videos TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand) model. So, if you were planning to binge it as part of your subscription, you might need to rent it separately instead. What is My Hero all about? Set in Madhya Pradesh's Maheshwar Ghats, My Hero revolves around Gary, an American who travels to India to perform Hindu Tithi Shradh rituals for his deceased son. The role is portrayed with grace and restraint by Djilali Rez-Kallah. Soon after arriving, Gary meets Vishwa, a street-smart young local boy played by Vedik Kaushik, known from Drama Juniors. As Gary prepares for the rituals, Vishwa shows him around the holy town. What begins as a typical guide-tourist interaction slowly transforms into a deeper connection. The duo form a strong bond, and Gary starts questioning why this bright boy is not in school. The answer he receives is anything but easy to hear. This one is based on a true story What gives My Hero its weight is that it draws from two real-life events. One, a shocking story of a young boy from an oppressed caste who was mutilated for touching a religious idol during a procession. The second, actor Sylvester Stallones visit to Varanasi to perform Hindu rites for his late son. Avinash Vijaykumar, the writer-director, melded these two incidents into a moving narrative. The film is told from Garys point of view, documenting not just his rituals but also Vishwas painful journey, how he was shunned by his village and what made him flee from Karnataka all the way to Madhya Pradesh. Apart from its international flavour with Djilali and Eric Roberts, My Hero also features some of Kannada cinemas finest actors, including H. G. Dattatreya, Prakash Belawadi, Ankita Amar, James Gioia, Niranjan Deshpande, Tanuja Krishnappa, Kshitij Pawar and Dattanna. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, as well as celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025: The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) has officially announced the Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025 today, May 27, 2025, at 11:30 AM IST. Students who appeared for the JAC Class 10 (Matric) exams held from February 11 to March 3, 2025, can now check their results online from 12:30 PM onwards on the official websites jac.jharkhand.gov.in and jacresults.com. JAC 10th Result 2025 Date and Time The JAC 10th Result 2025 was declared in a press conference at the JAC auditorium in Ranchi at 11:30 AM IST. Following the announcement, the results were made available online after 12:30 PM IST for over 4.33 lakh students who appeared for the exams this year. How to Check Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025? Students can check their JAC Matric Result 2025 by following these steps: Visit the official JAC result portals: jac.jharkhand.gov.in or jacresults.com. Click on the Results of Annual Secondary Examination - 2025 link for Class 10. Enter your Roll Code and Roll Number in the required fields. Submit the details to view your Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025. Download and save the digital marksheet for future reference. Digital marksheets will also be accessible via DigiLocker, allowing students to download their results securely using their registered mobile numbers. Important Details About JAC 10th Result 2025 Students must secure a minimum of 33% marks in each subject to pass the examination. Those dissatisfied with their results can apply for revaluation or scrutiny. Marks obtained after scrutiny, even if lower, will be final. JAC 10th supplementary exam details will be announced soon after the result declaration. Original JAC 10th marksheets will be distributed through respective schools after the online results are declared. JAC 10th Result 2025: Previous Years Performance and Expectations Last year, the overall pass percentage for Class 10 was 90.39%, with girls outperforming boys. The top three positions were secured by students from Indira Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Hazaribagh. This years results are eagerly awaited by thousands of students across Jharkhand. Official Websites to Check JAC 10th Result 2025 jac.jharkhand.gov.in jacresults.com DigiLocker platform In case of any issues or queries regarding the Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025, students can contact the JAC helpline numbers: Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025 Supplementary Exam Students who fail in one or more subjects in the Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025 can take the supplementary exams. The dates for these exams are usually announced a few weeks after the main result. To apply, students must fill out the form online on the official JAC website and pay the fees. This exam gives a second chance to clear failed subjects and save the academic year. Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025 FAQs Q. When and where will the Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025 be declared? Answer: The Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025 was declared on May 27, 2025, at 11:30 AM IST. Students can check their JAC Matric result online on the official websites jac.jharkhand.gov.in and jacresults.com from 12:30 PM onwards using their roll code and roll number. Q. How can I check my JAC 10th Result 2025 online? Answer: To check the Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025 online, visit jac.jharkhand.gov.in or jacresults.com, click on the JAC Annual Secondary Examination Result 2025 link, enter your roll code and roll number, then submit to view and download your result. Q. What should I do if I have misplaced my admit card and lost my roll number? Answer: If you have misplaced your admit card and lost your roll number, contact your school authorities immediately. They can help retrieve your roll code and roll number, which are essential to check the Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025 online. Q. Can I apply for revaluation or rechecking of my JAC 10th Result 2025? Answer: Yes, students unhappy with their JAC 10th Result 2025 can apply for revaluation or rechecking by paying a nominal fee through the official JAC website. The board will make corrections if any discrepancies are found after scrutiny. Q. Is there any alternative way to check the Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025 besides the official website? Answer: Yes, besides the official websites jac.jharkhand.gov.in and jacresults.com, students can also check their JAC 10th Result 2025 via SMS by sending RESULT JAC12 RollCode RollNumber to 56263 or download the digital marksheet from DigiLocker. For more news and updates from the world of Education, keep reading Indiatimes education. RBSE class 5 result 2025: The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) is set to announce the RBSE Class 5 Result 2025 today, May 27, 2025, at rajresults.nic.in and rajshaladarpan.nic.in. Students who appeared for the Rajasthan Board 5th class exams held in April 2025 can check their results online using their roll number and date of birth. RBSE Class 5 Result 2025 Date and Time The RBSE Class 5 Result 2025 is expected to be declared on May 27, 2025, at around 5 PM (as per past trends). The Rajasthan Board has already released the Class 8 result on May 26, 2025. Students and parents are advised to keep their credentials ready for quick access once the result is live. How to Check RBSE 5th Result 2025 Online at rajresults.nic.in? Follow these steps to check and download your Rajasthan Board 5th Class Result 2025: Visit the official RBSE result website: rajresults.nic.in or rajshaladarpan.nic.in. Click on the RBSE Class 5 Result 2025 link. Enter your roll number and date of birth as mentioned on your admit card. Submit the details to view your result. Download and print the marksheet for future reference. Rajasthan Board 5th Class Result 2025 Direct Link (To Be Activated) The direct link to check the RBSE Class 5 Result 2025 will be activated on the official portals rajresults.nic.in and rajshaladarpan.nic.in once the results are declared. Students should only rely on official websites to avoid misinformation. RBSE Class 5 Marksheet 2025: How to Download? After the result declaration, students can download their official marksheet online. Also, the Rajasthan Board provides digital marksheets via DigiLocker: Log in to DigiLocker using your mobile number or Aadhaar. Navigate to the Education section. Search for RBSE or Rajasthan Board. Select Class 5 Result 2025 and enter your roll number and year. Download or share your digital marksheet securely. RBSE Class 5 Result 2025 Toppers List (To Be Updated) The Rajasthan Board will also release the Class 5 toppers list highlighting the top-performing students across the state. The topper names and their percentages will be updated here as soon as the official data is released. Rank Topper Name Percentage of Marks 1st To Be Updated To Be Updated 2nd To Be Updated To Be Updated 3rd To Be Updated To Be Updated Previous Year RBSE Class 5 Result Highlights Last year, the RBSE Class 5 results were also announced in late May, with a significant number of students passing with distinction. The board continues to improve transparency and accessibility for students and parents through online portals and SMS result services. RBSE 5th Result 2025 via SMS: Quick Checking Method Students can also check their Rajasthan Board 5th result 2025 via SMS by sending: Type: RAJ5 ROLL NUMBER Send it to: 56263 The result will be sent directly to the registered mobile number. Important Links for RBSE Class 5 Result 2025 Official result portal: rajresults.nic.in Shala Darpan portal: rajshaladarpan.nic.in DigiLocker for digital marksheet download SMS service for result updates For more news and updates from the world of Education, keep reading Indiatimes education. The Odisha government, under Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, has initiated steps to obtain trademark rights over terms closely tied to the heritage and spiritual identity of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This move comes amidst a growing dispute with the West Bengal government after it named a temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. The effort is seen as a measure to protect the sanctity of the temple and ensure that specific religious terms are not used elsewhere inappropriately. Trademark to safeguard religious terms The proposal to secure trademark rights was finalised during a recent meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC), chaired by the Puri Maharaja, Dibyasingha Deb. Attendees included the temples chief administrator, the district collector, and senior police officials. While the full list is yet to be finalised, officials have confirmed that words like Shree Jagannath Dham, Srimandir, Mahaprasad, Nilachal Dham, and Bada Danda are among the terms identified for legal protection. Arabinda Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), stated, This will help prevent misuse of the 12th-century temples original spiritual identity and unauthorised use of its sacred terminology. The dispute over Jagannath Dham naming The conflict intensified after the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, chose to name a new temple in Digha as Jagannath Dham. Odisha authorities maintain that this term refers exclusively to the Puri temple, one of Hinduisms four sacred dhams. The issue was also raised by the Puri Maharaja during the temple committee meeting. He expressed concern that the use of the name by West Bengal violated long-standing religious practices. The West Bengal government cannot use the term Jagannath Dham for their temple at Digha. This is against Hindu scriptures and the age-old tradition of Lord Jagannath, he said. Rumours had surfaced claiming that excess sacred neem wood from the Puri temples Nabakalebara ceremony was used to create idols for the Digha temple. Both Odisha and West Bengal have denied such speculation. Digha's Jagannath Temple stands as a serene yet powerful symbol of spiritual heritage. Its towering presence invites every soul to pause, reflect, and revere. Come witness beauty woven in faith! #JoyJagannath pic.twitter.com/mhFYdvRglx All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 3, 2025 Odisha CM urges reconsideration Earlier this month, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi wrote to Mamata Banerjee requesting that the West Bengal government reconsider using the term for the Digha temple. In his letter, Majhi noted that the term holds deep religious value and using it for a different location could hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. He also highlighted that Bengal contributes significantly to tourism in Puri. In 2023 alone, out of 97.25 lakh domestic tourists, over 13.59 lakh were from West Bengal. Speaking to The Times of India, Majhi reiterated that Puris religious position cannot be duplicated. It is one of the Char Dhams, established since the time of Adi Shankaracharya. No one, including any political leader, can replicate or shift that faith, he said. Odisha moves to trademark Puri temple terms to preserve sanctity amid growing dispute over naming rights with West Bengal. Despite being behind bars and currently standing trial in a federal court, Sean Diddy Combs, aka Puff Daddy or P. Diddy continues to make serious money, largely thanks to the luxury jet he owns. The rapper and entrepreneur is leasing out his $60 million Gulfstream G550, raking in millions even as he faces mounting legal trouble. His federal sex trafficking trial, which officially began on May 5 in Manhattan, has already seen high-profile testimony from witnesses including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, fellow artist Kid Cudi, and a former personal assistant. With legal fees reportedly soaring past the $10 million mark, it appears the embattled mogul is relying heavily on his jets rental revenue to keep his defence strategy afloat. Diddys jet earns millions under the radar As per a RadarOnline.com report, Diddy has quietly made $4.1 million since his arrest in September 2024 by renting out his sleek Gulfstream G550 called LoveAir all while renters remain unaware that theyre flying on a jet owned by the embattled rap mogul. Diddy's private jet LoveAir| Credit: X (@GeneralJoeM17) The jet is listed and operated by luxury aviation company Silver Air, which handles all bookings without disclosing the aircrafts ownership. This strategic anonymity has allowed the business to continue uninterrupted despite the hip-hop mogul facing multiple lawsuits. With at least 126 flights completed and over 149,000 miles logged, the jet is also one of the aircraft that consumed the most miles last year. Inside Diddys Gulfstream G550: $60M jet flying elite passengers The jet, flown 126 times as of May 20, offers high-end comfort with oak-toned interiors, oversized couches, and seating for 14. With an average rental of $32,597 per trip, the Gulfstream G550 has logged nearly 150,000 miles since Diddys arrest. Private jet income helps cover Diddys $10M legal defence With mounting legal expenses stemming from federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution, the private jet income helps cover Diddys $10M legal defence. In addition to this, the hip-hop mogul has been forced to list his sprawling $61.5 million Beverly Hills mansion in a bid to raise funds. However, with the home sitting without buyers on the market for over 200 days, it's his $60 million private jet that has stepped in as his most reliable source of income. No relief for Diddy A sketch of Diddy from courtroom as he undergoes sex trafficking trial| Credit: X (@KiraWontMiss) Meanwhile, Diddy has found himself with little to no help, as all his high-profile connections have turned a blind eye to his trial, seemingly distancing themselves from the musician. Although his family stands by him, his professional career is practically over. If found guilty on all charges, he faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, with the possibility of life behind bars. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, as well as celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. If youve watched a Formula 1 race lately and spotted a stunning woman cheering on Charles Leclerc, chances are youve already seen Alexandra Saint Mleux. Shes been quietly showing up to extend her support, especially during big moments like his recent home race in Monaco, and people are starting to wonder about her and her relationship with the star racer. This year's Monaco Grand Prix wasnt quite the fairy tale ending Leclerc had hoped for. After a nail-biting chase down the final laps, he was forced to settle for second place behind Lando Norris, thanks in part to a Verstappen-shaped roadblock and some tricky pit stop timing. But while the win slipped away, his girlfriend, Alexandra, was right there in the paddock. Shes not loud about her support and doesnt usually seek the spotlight, keeping much of her life off-camera. But away from the glitter and chaos of the F1 world, Alexandra has become a big part of Charles life. So who is she, really? From studying art in Paris to unintentionally stepping into the influencer world, heres everything we know about the woman whos been right there with Leclerc, both on and off track. Meet Alexandra Saint Mleux, Charles Leclerc's gorgeous girlfriend Born on June 19, 2002, Alexandra studied art history at the prestigious LEcole du Louvre, and her love for the arts has always been more than just social media aesthetics. Before influencer life came knocking, she worked as an assistant at the Hotel Des Ventes de Monte-Carlo, living and breathing the fine art world. Credit: Instagram/alexandrasaintmleux Credit: Instagram/alexandrasaintmleux Her Instagram is now an art gallery in itself, as she continues to showcase her love for dreamy vintage visuals. With over two million followers, shes the second most-followed partner on the F1 grid, just behind Kelly Piquet. But fame doesnt seem to faze her, and she still is the quiet art lover that she was before Charles, even when her rise to fame happened quickly, within just a year. Known for her creativity and leadership skills, she is also a boss lady, fronting a fashion campaign for Hailey Bieber-owned Rhode Beauty. When did Alexandra and Charles begin dating? Credit: X/favspopculture Rumours first started swirling in early 2023, but it wasnt until Wimbledon that summer that Alexandra and Charles made things official. Seated alongside Alpine driver Pierre Gasly and his girlfriend Francisca Gomes, the pair looked like theyd walked straight out of a French Vogue spread, looking effortlessly chic and clearly into each other. Since then, theyve become a power couple, and fans love to see their every sighting. Alex and Charles are dog parents! Credit: Instagram/alexandrasaintmleux If theres one thing that makes this love story even sweeter, its Leo, their miniature long-haired dachshund. Adopted in the summer of 2024, Leo might just be the most spoiled pup in motorsport. Alex & Charles with Leo a few days ago pic.twitter.com/bSmvKQtuQt daily alexandra saint mleux (@asmleux) May 27, 2025 He travels in style, naps on yachts, and has become a fan favourite in his own right. Whether hes poking his head out of a designer tote or stealing the show on boat trips, Leo is living the dream. And really, whats more couple-core than raising a fur baby together? My Alex is a Swiftie and the internet swoons In the middle of all the F1 noise and hype, an old video of Charles Leclerc casually mentioning his girlfriend made its way back to social mediaand people havent shut up about it since. When asked about his music taste, Charles said hes always liked Taylor Swift, then smiled and added, But my Alex is a huge Taylor Swift fan. Just like that, the internet melted. The way he said my Alex was soft, unfiltered, and honestly, kind of adorable. Fans clipped the moment, synced it to So High School, and turned it into a full-blown TikTok trend. Swifties and F1 fans found common ground in one wholesome moment, and suddenly everyone wanted a love like thatsimple, sweet, and straight from the heart. Charles Leclerc's former girlfriend Before Alexandra came into the picture, Charles dated Charlotte Sine, a fellow Monaco native and architecture student. Their romance lasted from 2019 to 2022, and she was a regular fixture in his racing world. Their breakup was quiet, and her last appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the end of their dating era. And just a few months later, Charles found love in Alexandra. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. Brigitte Macron is not your typical First Lady, and that is precisely why the world finds her story so captivating. Long before she was walking red carpets or standing beside Frances president at international summits, she was something else entirely: his high school teacher. Emmanuel Macron married Brigitte, who is 24 years older than him | Credit: X/poirot Who is Brigitte Macron, the first lady who was once Frances president Emmanuels Teacher Born Brigitte Trogneux in 1953 in the city of Amiens, she was raised in a wealthy family known for their gourmet chocolate business, Chocolaterie Trogneux, which has been part of French culinary heritage since 1872. But Brigitte chose academia over confectionery and became a respected teacher of literature and Latin. Emmanuel Macron married Brigitte, who is 24 years older than him | Credit: X/poirot When Emmanuel Macron met Brigitte She landed a job at the elite Lycee la Providence in Strasbourg, where one of her students was a precociously intelligent 15-year-old named Emmanuel Macron. Brigitte was 39 at the time, married, and the mother of three children. It was not your average schoolyard crush. The bond between them grew stronger over time, much to the concern of Emmanuels parents, who quickly transferred him to a boarding school in Paris in hopes of putting distance between him and his teacher. But Macron was undeterred. He famously told Brigitte, Whatever you do, I will come back and marry you. Fast-forward to 2007: Brigitte divorced, Macron graduated university, and the two marriedturning their once-taboo relationship into one of the most talked-about love stories in modern politics. Brigitte has since become one of the most visible and influential First Ladies in Europe. Poised, elegant, and outspoken, she supports causes related to education and young people and plays a strong advisory role in her husbands political career. Did Brigitte shove Emmanuel Macron? Recently, the couple was back in the spotlight when a viral video emerged during their official trip to Vietnam. The footage shows President Macron inside an aircraft, seemingly being playfully shoved by someone off-camera. Speculation spread like wildfire when Brigitte appeared moments later, prompting rumours that she had pushed him. The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, was smacked in the face by his wife Brigitte as they exit a plane in Vietnam. He said: I was bickering, or rather joking, with my wife. It's nothing. Look at his face and his fist. pic.twitter.com/flMw23bCie Tony (@TonyL_01) May 26, 2025 Je suis mort le president Macron avait envie deteindre Brigitte apres la gifle pic.twitter.com/m96tCE1hfZ (@10ZOO__) May 26, 2025 An Elysee Palace official addressed the buzz, calling it a light-hearted and private moment between the couple, nothing more than a shared laugh before their diplomatic duties began. Whether it is their beginnings in a classroom or their bond in the spotlight, Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron remain an unmatched political pair, unconventional, unapologetic, and undeniably close. Khan Sir marriage: Famous Indian educator and YouTuber Khan Sir, best known for his engaging teaching style and massive online following, has recently made headlines by secretly getting married. The news took his fans by surprise, especially since Khan Sir is known for keeping his personal life extremely private. Lets take a look at everything we know so far about Khan Sirs wife, his marriage, and more details about his income and net worth. Khan Sirs Secret Wedding: A Quiet Ceremony in the Midst of Tension Khan Sir, who teaches millions through his Khan GS Research Centre YouTube channel, revealed in a recent video that he got married quietly. The reason for this low-key wedding was the rising tension between India and Pakistan during the time his marriage was scheduled. He explained that due to the sensitive situation, he didnt invite anyone to the ceremony. My wedding date was fixed. But during that time, tensions between India and Pakistan increased. So, I chose not to hold a big celebration, Khan Sir said in the video. According to him, his younger brother and mother arranged the wedding, and he couldnt say no to his mothers wish. He also said that his students were the first to hear the news because he considers them an important part of his life. Who is Khan Sirs wife? There is a lot of curiosity around Khan Sir's wife, as he has chosen not to share her full name or any photos publicly. According to India TV news, her name is A S Khan, but Khan Sir has not confirmed anything officially. He told his students that he wants to keep his personal life private, even though many fans have requested him to reveal more. Despite his fame, Khan Sir has always stayed humble and simple. His fans respect his choice to keep his wife away from the spotlight and admire him even more for it. Reception and celebration plans Khan Sir's reception card | Credit: India TV News Even though the wedding was private, a reception is scheduled for June 2 in Patna, with digital invitations already sent out. Additionally, Khan Sir has announced a special wedding reception for his students on June 6, showing how much he values his student community. These celebrations are expected to be modest, keeping in line with Khan Sirs down-to-earth personality. What is Khan Sirs real name? There has been much speculation about Khan Sirs real name. Some believe he real name is Faisal Khan, but there has been no confirmation from him. Even the wedding card reportedly avoided using his full name, adding to the mystery surrounding his identity. However, his students and fans have always respected his privacy. For them, what matters most is the quality of education and the motivation he provides. Khan Sirs net worth and income Apart from his massive popularity as a teacher, many are also curious about Khan Sirs income and net worth. As per reports, Khan Sir earns around Rs 1012 lakh per month from his YouTube channel alone. His total net worth is estimated to be around Rs 5 crore, according to a report by the Economic Times. His YouTube channel, Khan GS Research Centre, has over 24 million subscribers and features more than 400 videos. He teaches a wide range of topics including politics, current affairs, maths, and general studies. Students preparing for exams like UPSC, BPSC, NDA, CDS, SSC, Bank, Railway, and other competitive tests follow him religiously. Khan Sir has once again proved that simplicity and sincerity can win hearts. His quiet wedding, love for his students, and dedication to teaching make him a unique personality in the world of education. While fans may be eager to learn more about Khan Sirs wife, they also understand and admire his wish to keep his personal life private. With his popularity growing each day, its clear that Khan Sirs influence goes beyond the classroomand now into the hearts of millions who see him as a role model. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. The latest episode of WWE Raw saw Seth Rollins take on Finn Balor and Sami Zayn in a triple-threat match to determine the next person to qualify for the Money in the Bank match at the Premium Live Event of the same name. The three stars exceeded expectations and left the audience asking for more. Sami and The Price came within touching distance of securing a win at several points but could not get the job done. It was ultimately Seth Rollins who outsmarted his foe to pick up the win. Heres why Triple H, who heads the creative team, decided to have The Visionary go over in the high-stakes contest. Seth Rollins needed the win to cement his factions standing Seth Rollins association with Paul Heyman has essentially established him as the top heel on Raw. The alliance, which also includes Bronson Reed, recently received a boost when Bronson Reed joined forces with the veteran manager. Seth Rollins advances to the 2025 Mens Money in the Bank match.#WWERAW pic.twitter.com/RXXKWZsfha Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 27, 2025 The powerhouse helped the former Shield member and The Badass beat CM Punk and Sami Zayn at Saturday Nights Main Event. Seth Rollins big win tonight played a prominent role in helping the fast-rising faction retain its momentum. The group would have lost its mojo had The Architect failed to beat Finn Balor and Sami Zayn on the red brand. It furthered the tensions between Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio The closing moments of the contest saw Dominik Mysterio push a chair towards his The Judgement Day stablemate. However, he did a poor job of it, and Finn had to crawl towards the chair to pick it up. This gave Seth Rollins the opportunity to nail the Irish star with a curb-stomp and get the win. The finish essentially widened the rift between The Judgement Day while helping Rollins potentially re-enter the World Heavyweight title picture. Sami Zayn was protected The finish did a good job of protecting Sami Zayn, who has been receiving a mini-push of late. The Canadian star did not get pinned, which prevented him from being buried. Additionally, it it furthered his tensions with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, indicating that he will be a thorn in the side of the heels going forward. Additionally, it also furthered his friendship with Jey Uso as the Yeet Master came to his rescue when he got outnumbered. Stay ahead of the game with the latest updates, match highlights, and insider stories from IPL, cricket, WWE, and more! Click here. Kairi Sane put herself back into the spotlight after a huge win over Liv Morgan on Monday Night Raw. The match may not have had any titles or briefcases on the line, but the story around it and the result itself said a lot. With WWE building towards the Womens Money in the Bank ladder match, Sanes victory couldnt have come at a better time. Liv Morgan returned to television after taking time off to shoot her upcoming film in Japan. Her comeback was kept under wraps, which made the moment even more dramatic as she surprised Dominik Mysterio backstage. That led to an awkward scene with Roxanne Perez, who had recently been welcomed into Judgment Day by Finn Balor. Morgan didnt get into a full argument, but she made it clear that she was back with goals. She wanted the Money in the Bank briefcase. But on her way there, she had to face Kairi Sane. Kairi Sane proves shes not done yet The match was physical and intense. Morgan came out strong with her usual high-energy offence, even hitting a sunset flip powerbomb to the floor. But Sane refused to stay down. She fought back with hard chops, fast strikes, and sharp counters. Even when Morgan landed a diving codebreaker, Sane kicked out at two. Just when it looked like Morgan might take control with her finisher, Roxanne Perez ran to ringside. Instead of helping, her presence sparked an argument with Raquel Rodriguez. The distraction was all Sane needed. She caught Morgan in a quick roll-up and snatched the win. The loss left Morgan furious. She blamed Rodriguez for not keeping Perez away, while Rodriguez pointed fingers at Perez. The rift between all three women is only getting bigger. Meanwhile, this win might be the start of a big rise for Sane. Since her return, shes been part of a Money in the Bank qualifier match, which she lost to Rhea Ripley. However, shes picked up a major win on her own against a main-event talent like Liv Morgan. The Money in the Bank qualifiers have featured a one-last-chance match in the previous years, and Kairi Sane might end up booking her spot in that match if the same happens this year. For Liv Morgan, its back to the drawing board. For Kairi Sane, this could be the push fans have been waiting for. Seth Rollins kicked off the latest episode of Raw with a chilling promo in which he vowed to win the Money in the Bank match next month. He then promised to cash in the contract at a time of his choosing. The Visionary was accompanied by Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman. Seth Rollins puts the WWE locker room notice Seth Rollins was at his lethal best on Raw tonight when he spewed venom on CM Punk and Sami Zayn for meddling in his business. He then assured the WWE Universe that his alliance would dominate the companys landscape. The star also referred to his partners and himself as the future of the promotion. He also took a dig at fans for hurling abusive language at him. Paul Heyman says Seth Rollins is the future of this industry.#WWERAW pic.twitter.com/KycPfE2ved Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 27, 2025 Similarly, Paul Heyman said that Bron and Bronson will benefit from the alliance and emerge as a top draw. What happened at Saturday Nights Main Event? Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker took on Sami Zayn and CM Punk at Saturday Nights Main Event. The match proved to be a compelling one as all four men brought their A-game to the table. Bron Reed returned to the WWE after a long absence and took out Punk in the dying moments of the match. This gave The Badass an opportunity to nail Zayn with a spear and pin him for the win. Stay ahead of the game with the latest updates, match highlights, and insider stories from IPL, cricket, WWE, and more! Click here. The Greek government is "seriously considering" transferring control of its massive agricultural subsidy agency, OPEKEPE, to the independent tax authority amid a sprawling anti-corruption investigation. The potential shift follows a May 19 raid by European prosecutors who uncovered an alleged scheme involving fraudulent pastureland claims to siphon off European Union farming funds Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis told local media outlet SKAI that the government is seeking a "decisive" solution. "AADE [Independent Authority for Public Revenue] is an authority whose impartiality and effectiveness are undoubted, and it has previously served as a payment body during the COVID-19 period," Mr. Hatzidakis said. "There is serious consideration of assigning OPEKEPEs responsibilities to AADE going forward." The government is determined to make a fresh start, "one without compromises, and with strict oversight," the deputy prime minister added. He underlined that entrenched bureaucracy and vested interests "are either confronted or we risk becoming their victims ourselves. OPEKEPE, which disburses approximately 3 billion in EU subsidies annually, has been under official supervision since last summer and was required to implement a restructuring plan to maintain its EU accreditation. The May 19 raid by the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO), assisted by 20 officers from the Hellenic Polices anti-corruption unit, reportedly revealed a widespread scheme. An EU audit team is scheduled to visit OPEKEPEs Athens offices in July, ahead of a decision on whether to maintain or revoke the organizations certification. Meanwhile, EU officials have proposed a financial correction of at least 10% across all agricultural funds allocated to Greece, a sum currently reaching 45 million annually. If OPEKEPE were to lose its certification, it would no longer be authorized to manage EU funds, potentially halting subsidy payments to Greek farmers. While European sources suggest another certified body would eventually take over, establishing such an entity could cause significant payment delays. iefimerida.gr The European Council adopted on Tuesday a regulation setting up the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. According to diplomatic sources regarding the regulation, Opinions and statements have circulated that bear no relation to reality." The following is a summary of the key points, with comments:SAFE opens the way for the permanent participation of third countries in EU armamentss programmes. Incorrect: The regulation is a specific financial programme of limited (four-year) duration.Greece could have blocked the adoption of the regulation. Incorrect: The regulation was adopted by qualified majority. Voting in favour were 26 out of 27 EU member states, including Cyprus .Greece was unable to pass substantial improvements to the draft regulation. Incorrect: The other member states were in favour of adopting the regulation, even in its original version before the proposals for improvements from the Greek side. It could therefore have been adopted without any changes. During the negotiations, Greece succeeded in securing strong legal bases in terms of the conditions of participation by accession candidate countries.Greece will have no say over any future EU-third country agreement because the participation of third countries in SAFE is automatic following the regulations adoption. Inaccurate: The regulation establishes the general framework for the process. Bilateral agreements between the EU and the third country will follow, provided the conditions are met. Therefore, the critical stage concerns the bilateral agreement specific to each country. With Greek intervention, the signing of any such bilateral agreement requires unanimity under Article 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in conjunction with Article 218 TFEU. This is evident from recital 23 of the regulation, combined with the Commission's statement documented in the minutes of the COREPER II meeting held on 18 May, that it intends to utilise Article 212 TFEU as the legal foundation for these agreements. Greece did not take care so that its national interests were taken into account in the participation of third countries. Incorrect: Greece managed to include in Article 16 of the SAFE regulation, on the eligibility rules for third-country companies and entities, a requirement to take into account the security and defence interests of the EU and member states. In conclusion, unanimity and the consideration of national security interests. Complex foreign policy issues must be examined in depth and should not be subject to superficial or arbitrary interpretations for the sake of political expediency. A seriousness commensurate with the gravity of the issues is required. iefimerida.gr Three individuals arrested for the murder of 69-year-old MarizaPapadatou at her home in Akrotiri a few months ago appeared beforethe Public Prosecutor of Zakynthos. A 55-year-old man,his 21-year-old son, and a 50-year-old man, all of Albanian originrequested and were granted a deadline to prepare their statements forthe public prosecutor on Friday morning. According to policesources, the 55-year-old confessed to the murder of the unfortunateMarisa Papadatou, who suffered a fatal stab wound to the femoralaorta. All those arrested have confessed to their involvement in thecase, and it appears that the perpetrators were aiming to rob thehouse. iefimerida.gr Demand for the organization of conferences, events and incentive trips in Greece is international and qualitatively upgraded, according to the conclusions from the International Exhibition for the Organization of Events Germany expresses growing interest in hosting conferences in Greece - A political storm is brewing in Greece over the prospect of Turkey participating in a new European Union defense initiative, as tensions flare between the ruling government and the opposition PASOK party. At the heart of the controversy is the SAFE (Strategic Autonomy for Europe) program, also known as ReArm Europe , a proposed 150 billion EU financial mechanism aimed at strengthening the blocs defense capabilities through low-interest, short-term loans. But as details of the initiative emerge, so do disagreements in Athens over whether candidate countries like Turkey should be allowed to benefit. The government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has suggested that Turkeys involvement could be conditioned on the lifting of its longstanding casus bellia formal threat of war against Greece if it exercises its right to extend territorial waters in the Aegean. This has triggered a fierce backlash from PASOK-KINAL leader Nikos Androulakis, who denounced the idea as unthinkable and accused the government of giving away leverage for little in return. Turkey has no place in European defense, Androulakis said in a radio interview on Monday, citing Ankaras aggressive posture in the Aegean, its occupation of northern Cyprus since 1974, and its poor human rights record. He dismissed the notion that the casus belli condition is a significant concession. Is that the best we can ask for? Are we going to hand them such a gift? he asked. Androulakis doubled down on his criticism later in the day during a PASOK strategy session, accusing the government of presenting a diplomatic retreat as an opportunity. He argued that Greece should have used its voice in EU negotiations to push back more forcefully against any Turkish involvement, particularly given Ankaras history of antagonism toward both Greece and Cyprus. In response, the Greek government defended its approach as pragmatic and strategically sound. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis argued that Androulakis was trivializing complex geopolitical dynamics. This is not foreign policy for amateurs, he said. Marinakis stressed that any participation by third countries in the EUs defense structure must pass through a series of conditionsincluding the unanimous agreement of all EU member states. According to the government, Prime Minister Mitsotakis has used this moment to raise one of Greeces longest-standing foreign policy demands: the withdrawal of Turkeys casus belli. Marinakis insisted that such terms are not symbolic, nor are they easily disregarded. The European Union is not naive, he said. These conditions exist for a reason. #ENGLISH_EDITION #GREECE The Abia State Police Command has rescued 12 children and arrested a couple suspected of involvement in child trafficking in the state. In a statement on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer Maureen Chinaka, speaking on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, said, On the 19/05/2025 at about 1145 hrs, detectives from Abia State Police Command, leveraging credible intelligence, apprehended one Blessing Emebo f 49yrs and Sunday Emebo m 42yrs for operating an unregistered motherless babies home in their apartment at Ikot Ekpene Road Aba. READ MORE: Taskforce Raids Lagos Black Spots, Detains 277 Suspects In One Week Advertisement The statement further revealed, The suspects were found in possession of 12 children, aged between six months and 14 years, from different villages in Arochukwu. The rescued children have been safely handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs for custody. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing. Chinaka added that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation at the state CID in Umuahia and will be arraigned in court once the investigation is complete. The police command emphasised its commitment to reducing crime in the state and urged the public to remain vigilant. Do not leave children with unfamiliar persons, and report suspicious persons with children to the Police in order to nip crime at the bud, the statement advised. President of African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina, has stepped down from the position after spending 10 years as leader of the institution. Speaking at the Presidents Media Welcome Breakfast in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, at the ongoing AfDB Annual Meetings on Monday, Adesina highlighted his major achievements. He also explained how he drove the institutions capital from $93 billion in 2015 to $325 billion. Advertisement The first Nigerian to lead the Bank, empathized that AfDBs flagship development framework, the High 5s, directly impacted 565 million lives across Africa, with major gains in healthcare, food security, transport, electricity, and water access. Mr. Adesina also charged his successor to build on the institutions legacy, stand firm for Africas interests on the global stage, and steer clear of superficial, ineffective initiatives. He said: The two things I am proud of are that we were able to mobilise resources for this like never before in its entire history. The capital of the bank grew from $93 billion to $318 billion. READ MORE: AfDB Vows To Support Tinubus Vision For Nigerian Economy In fact, yesterday I was talking with my vice president of finance, and she told me that because of the variation in currencies and our value, it is not even $318 billion, it is $325 billion. So, Im very proud of the fact that we mobilised that amount of resource. The second thing Im very proud of is that the AfDB has helped to shape, define, and defend the interests of Africa everywhere in the world. In all, 128 million people now have access to improved health services. Also, 121 million people now have access to improved transport; 104 million people are now food secure; 63 million people now have access to potable water; 34 million people now have access to improved sanitation and 28 million people now have access to electricity. And from the ground-breaking and unprecedented Mission 300 Energy Summit jointly launched in Dar Es Salaam by the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group, and other partners, another 300 million Africans will have access to electricity by 2030. These are not just figures. They are futures. They are hopes realised. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the election for the next AfDB President will hold this Thursday. Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has alleged that politicians defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) might be doing so because they have committed crimes or are driven by selfish interests. Speaking on a live radio political program in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyinlola expressed surprise at the increasing number of defections into the ruling APC, despite the countrys ongoing economic hardships and challenges. Oyinlola criticized the APC-led federal government for failing to fulfill its campaign promises to Nigerians. Advertisement He pointed out that many defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other political groups are switching allegiance without the consent of the voters who elected them. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/pdp-demands-urgent-action-by-governor-alia-after-herders-kill-20-in-benue.html According to Oyinlola, For me, two things can be the reason why they are moving to the APC. The first is that maybe they have committed a crime, and they want a soft landing, thereby going to the APC to save themselves. The second thing is selfishness. Those decamping are selfish because Ive not heard anyone of them saying they are decamping because of the masses. It is about themselves. Recent reports confirm that many prominent politicians have defected to the APC. In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, members of the state House of Assembly, and National Assembly all shifted their loyalty to the APC. Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno revealed his intention to join the APC, urging political appointees to follow suit or resign. Wole Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, also left the PDP for the APC, a move that drew criticism from party members. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three bankers and four others before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly orchestrating an 8.5 billion fraud. The defendants Samuel Ihechukwu Asiegbu, Fabian Onyeimachi, Kingsley Ejim Kelechi, Hannah Okunlola Adesokan, Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Ubaku, and Sunday Osademe were slammed with an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence. Advertisement According to a statement released by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Monday, the accused were said to have tampered with internal banking systems and altered vital data in January 2025, causing a loss of 8,568,090,500. The commission alleged the group conspired with others still at large for personal financial gain. The charges, as stated by the EFCC, violate Section 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/wike-pulls-out-of-pdps-reconciliation-deal-says-gov-makinde-responsible-for-partys-crisis.html All defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them in court on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Prosecuting counsel Aso Peters sought the courts approval for a trial date and the remand of the defendants in Nigerian Correctional Service custody. However, defence counsel for Okunlola requested her continued stay in EFCC custody due to health concerns. Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the prosecutions application and adjourned the trial to June 6. Five suspects were remanded at the Correctional Service, while Kelechi remained on existing bail. Okunlola was ordered to remain in EFCC custody. According to EFCC, the defendants conspired to alter banking data to obtain unlawful economic benefits, leading to a financial loss of over 8.5bn. The trial is expected to reveal further details of the alleged banking system breach and cyber-enabled fraud. Nigerian activist and musician Seun Kuti has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of prioritizing the arrest of Yahoo boys internet fraudsters over corrupt politicians. In a video posted on X Tuesday, Seun claimed the EFCC is primarily accountable to the American government, which funds their operations to combat cybercrime. He said, American government pays them for that. And they have to show American government, not the Nigerian government So they have to show constantly how they are arresting Yahoo boys. Advertisement READ MORE: Masseur Nabbed At Spa Owned By BBNaijas Khloe, As Client Accuses Him Of Finge*ing Her During Massage According to Seun, the funding situation made the EFCC focus more on prosecuting cybercriminals than tackling political corruption. He declared, Yahoo boys, EFCC can never stop arresting you. You are more important to them than any politician. Take it from Seun. He challenged the EFCC chairman to a direct confrontation, insisting, You should tell me Im lying that Yahoo boys are no more important to him than politicians. It is his job to bring more Yahoo boys than politicians. That is his job. Seun also criticised the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), calling on the agency to focus solely on politicians, but lamented their inactivity: ICPC should be the one to go after politicians exclusively. What are they doing? Nothing. His remarks have sparked debate about the focus of Nigerias anti-corruption agencies and the influence of international funding on their priorities. The Lagos State Police Command has rescued two individuals who were abducted on Thursday at Ijede Creekside in the Ikorodu area. The commands spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed this in a statement issued on Monday. Hundeyin explained that officers swiftly moved to the scene after receiving a distress call about the abduction around 10:00 p.m. on Thursday. Advertisement READ MORE: Edo Police Nab Armed Robbery Suspect In Hotel Raid He said, A distress report was received at Ijede Division indicating gunshots in the vicinity of Ijede Creekside settlement. Acting swiftly, combined teams comprising more than 15 police tactical squads, detectives, conventional policemen, local vigilantes, hunters, and residents were immediately mobilised to the scene. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that two individuals whose homes are located within the creek had been attacked and abducted by unidentified hoodlums who escaped via the creek and adjoining forest. The police spokesperson further noted that, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, a thorough and well-coordinated rescue operation was initiated. He continued, The 15 policemen, local vigilantes, hunters, and residents were strategically deployed in various directions to block all entry and exit points to the surrounding creek and forest. This coordinated rescue operation led to the successful release of the victims, unharmed, at 10:00 pm on Sunday. The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families. He added that the police, working in collaboration with vigilantes, hunters, and local residents, are continuing to comb the creek and surrounding forest areas in a bid to track down the kidnappers, prevent further incidents, and ensure the culprits are brought to justice. Hundeyin praised the courage of the officers and the support of local vigilantes, hunters, and community members, noting that their prompt and coordinated efforts were crucial to the success of the rescue operation, despite the challenging nature of the terrain. The spokesperson reiterated the commands dedication to protecting the safety and security of everyone living in the state. He called on the public to stay alert and mindful of their security, especially those living in Ijede Creek and other isolated communities. He further encouraged residents to promptly report any unusual or suspicious activities to the closest police station. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions Ilorin Zonal Directorate has detained 49 suspected internet fraudsters in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. In a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity at the EFCC, on Monday, it was revealed that the suspects were apprehended between Saturday and Sunday based on credible intelligence connecting them to internet fraud activities. The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC covers Kwara, Kogi, and Ekiti states. Advertisement READ MORE: Taskforce Raids Lagos Black Spots, Detains 277 Suspects In One Week The operations targeted multiple hideouts across the city with an unlicenced loaded pistol recovered from one of the suspects, who claimed during preliminary interrogation that he was a former cult member. Other items recovered from the suspects include high-end smartphones, laptop computers and two luxury vehicles, the statement further said. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations, he said. Sayria Lagos, the spa owned by Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) star Abiri Khloe Oluwabusayomi, has responded to sexual assault claims made by a client. On Sunday, a client named Angelica Kelechi alleged that she was repeatedly coerced and assaulted by a masseur, describing the ordeal as traumatic. I was sexually assaulted at Sayria Lagos on Wednesday. What I thought was supposed to be a surprise for my sisters birthday became a nightmare for me and now a trauma, she said. Advertisement I had a masseur. He coerced and started fingering me while massaging me. This man put his hand in my private part multiple times. In her caption, she claimed that when she reported the incident to the police, she was blamed for not resisting during the assault and for visiting a spa as a young girl. READ MORE: Ill Do It Again Ubi Franklin Responds To Backlash Over Tinubu Visit Angelica further accused the spa management of attempting to protect the masseur when she raised her complaint. the police station started blaming me the victim saying in Yoruba what is a young girl doing at the spa him and another lady laughed, the caption reads. When this situation was brought to the spa they tried to hide the boy and give us the run around. My kindness has been taken for weakness and I will not be okay with that anymore. In a statement released on Monday, Sayria Spa expressed shock at the allegations, noting that Angelica had acknowledged being comfortable with a male therapist and that the session was supervised, with four people present, including her sister. The spa claimed that Angelica and her sister tipped the staff N25,000 and remained at the location afterward without expressing any complaints. We are aware of the recent posts made by a client regarding an alleged incident at our spa on May 21st, 2025. While we are surprised by the turn of events, it is important that we address the matter with full transparency, professionalism, and respect for all parties involved, the statement reads. The client booked a surprise spa experience for her sister, which included two massage treatments. At her request, the appointment was rescheduled on the same day. Upon arrival, both guests were warmly welcomed, celebrated the occasion with refreshments, and proceeded to their treatments. As per our standard protocol, both clients were given privacy to change. The client in question was asked and confirmed that she was comfortable receiving a massage from a male therapist. During the session, there were a total of four people in the room the client and her sister were side by side, each receiving their treatment simultaneously. The massage was conducted professionally, with the therapist checking in regularly to ensure the clients comfort throughout the session. Following their treatments, both clients expressed satisfaction, tipped our team a total of N25,000, and remained at the spa for an extended period before leaving To our surprise, the client did not report any discomfort or issue to our management. Sayria stated that later the same day, Angelica returned accompanied by police officers, and the therapist was subsequently taken in for questioning. The statement further revealed that Angelica withdrew her complaint the next day. Sayria added that they suspended the staff member involved and reopened the investigation following public backlash. Instead, later that evening, she returned with individuals accompanied by police officers, and our male therapist was taken in for questioning based on an allegation of misconduct, it wrote. Our staff member had to be called back to the spa, and we fully cooperated with the authorities from the outset. The next day, the client voluntarily withdrew her complaint and submitted a formal letter to that effect. Despite this, our management launched an internal investigation immediately. The staff member involved was placed on suspension pending the outcome, and we have formally requested an independent investigation by law enforcement to ensure full transparency and accountability. Following further developments, our founder has instructed that the case be reopened for deeper investigation. The staff member is currently in police custody, and our Managing Director is personally overseeing the matter to ensure that the truth is uncovered and justice is served. We want to reiterate that Sayria Spa has zero tolerance for any form of misconduct or abuse. We remain fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, client care, and safety. We have reached out to the client to express our concern and reassure her that we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness it deserves. We sincerely appreciate the understanding and continued support of our clients and community as we work to uphold a safe, respectful, and trustworthy environment for everyone. Angelica, however, refuted the claim that she tipped Sayrias staff. She also stated that the male therapist confessed to the misconduct and apologised at the police station. I didnt tip anyone, my sister is the one that tipped her girl, she said. The boy admitted what he did at the police station and apologized, the agreement was I wanted him to admit to what he did and sayria donate to an organization that I choose. This agreement was made on Thursday before my flight. Her team kept giving me the run around and ended up donating to what they wanted to and blocked the amount they donated. That wasnt the agreement at all. I also have a voice recording of the agreement that was made. SEE BELOW: Lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Kalu has said that massive defection from opposition parties to ruling All Progressive Party, in the country is a proof of President Bola Tinubus good leadership. Kalu also dismissed suggestions that the growing endorsements for Tinubus 2027 re-election bid stem from concerns over opposition alliances. Addressing newsmen at the national assembly on Tuesday, the Abia State Senator noted that Tinubus leadership has inspired confidence across party lines. Advertisement He maintained that the wave of support for the President is a direct result of his performance and policy direction, not political anxiety. Kalu said: No, no, no. I dont think a party like APC has anybody to fear. The APC is not afraid of any opposition coalition. READ MORE: Igbo Will Reward Tinubu With Massive 2027 Votes Deputy House Speaker, Benjamin Kalu We are the ruling party and we love Nigeria. That is why many of us are investing in industries across the country to create jobs beyond government efforts. The opposition must fight, thats their job. But our job is to deliver, and were doing it. In the coming years, Nigerians will appreciate what Mr. President is doing. On the presidents recent visit to the Vatican, Kalu said it was done at the personal invitation of Pope Francis, Senator Kalu said: It would have been disrespectful if he ignored the Popes invitation. No fewer than eight persons have been killed in fresh attacks on communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. It was gathered that the victims including a pastor and seven natives were murdered by suspected herders on Monday. Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, told PUNCH on Tuesday, that the attacks began on Sunday, around 10 pm, when Pastor Mimang Lekyil of COCIN LCC Kwakas-Mushere was attacked and killed in his house. Advertisement Kefas added the pastors wife was shot in the leg and is currently receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital. According to him, the situation started on Monday, when native youths who were angered by attacks reportedly razed Fulani structures in the same Kwakas area where the pastor was killed. READ MORE: Panic In Plateau Community As Unknown Assailants Kill Two Fulani Herders Kefas further stated that on the same day, at around 9 pm, the herders militia mobilised themselves and attacked the neighbouring Mbor community of Mushere and killed seven natives. He said: In the afternoon of yesterday, 26th May 2025, native youths who were angry with the unprovoked attack and killing of the pastor reportedly razed Fulani structures in the same Kwakas area where the incident took place, but security personnel intervened and brought the whole thing under control. They were making efforts to calm the angry youths in the community but at about 9 pm last night Monday, 26th May 2025, seven natives were attacked and killed at Mbor community of Mushere by suspected herders. Security agencies were alerted but before their arrival, the casualties were recorded. Due to inadequate presence of security personnel in the area right now, some native women and children are leaving Kopmur, and surrounding settlements near Mbor to any seemingly safer places. I have just called the DPO to let him know that the people in the affected community are calling me and that there is no presence of security men there and his number is not going through but I called the DCO who told me that they have already deployed security men to the area. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described President Bola Tinubu as an unapologetic reformist. Oyetola stressed that Tinubus bold policies are aimed at securing long-term benefits for the nations economy and its citizens. The former governor of Osun State led this out at the first International Conference on Public Policy, Governance and Development Agenda held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Monday. Advertisement Represented by Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Oyetola commended Tinubu for showing the courage to challenge the status quo and re-evaluate longstanding public policies in a bid to achieve better results. READ MORE: Tinubus Reforms Prove He Deserves Second Term Oshiomhole He said: In the last two years, President Tinubu has proven himself to be an unapologetic reformist. His willingness to re-engage, review and overhaul critical policies is geared toward reshaping the Nigerian economy and governance for the greater good. As we re-evaluate our policies, we must confront a tough reality: meaningful reform demands courage from the government, patience from the people, and intellectual honesty from the academia. Only through this collective effort can we realise lasting national gains. The Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has expressed strong disapproval over the rising prevalence of indecent dressing among young women, calling it a troubling trend. During the fourth service at Salvation Ministries headquarters, Ibiyeomie addressed the issue of wearing leg chains, cautioning women against blindly following worldly fashion trends without knowing the meanings behind them. Many of you want to be fashionable, but you dont know the implication of what you are doing, the pastor stated, as his congregation listened in rapt attention. Advertisement READ MORE: Atiku Hosts Chess Champion Tunde Onakoya This was revealed in a post shared on Monday by Church Times Nigeria via X. He particularly focused on the fashion trend of wearing leg chains, stating, Ladies who wear chains on their legs simply mean, I am a prostitute. Elaborating on his view, Ibiyeomie stated, The original meaning of wearing chains on the legs is, you are a whore, you are not in the hotel but you are available. He added, Wearing chains on the legs is not fashion, it is simply an advertisement for prostitution. He was direct in warning young women against adopting such trends, encouraging believers to uphold godly standards. The pastor also condemned the revealing of private parts under the guise of fashion, describing it as irresponsible. You opened all your breasts and you say people are disturbing you, Ibiyeomie remarked pointedly. He further criticised the use of see-through outfits that expose underwear, calling it a sign of moral decay. His remarks have sparked widespread reactions, with many people backing his viewpoint while others question the tone and appropriateness of his candid statements. Ibiyeomie concluded, How you dress will determine how people will address you. A factional Social Democratic Party, led by Wole Adesina, has warned some members of the party, planning to form coalition with other parties against President Bola Tinubu in 2027 presidential election. The faction pledged to maintain constructive engagement with the federal government while holding it accountable. Adesinal also distanced itself from any coalition allegedly seeking to derail the administration and undermine the mandate of Nigerian voters from the 2023 general elections. Advertisement This was disclosed in a statement on Monday, by the factions National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Mohammed. He condemned the influx of aggrieved politicians forming a coalition aimed at sacking President Tinubu without presenting any clear-cut alternative vision for Nigerias transformation. READ MORE: SDP Cant Be Used, No One Can Frustrate Me To Step Down For Atiku Adebayo The statement reads: The influx of some aggrieved politicians in a desperate coalition to send President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to Lagos without showcasing any clear-cut alternative agenda for Nigerias transformation is disturbing. The party is not for sale or lease to any group and will not be part of any anti-government plots or coalition that lacks a clear alternative agenda for Nigerias transformation. We call on SDP leaders at all levels to resist any attempt to usurp their leadership and report such actions to the appropriate authorities, while leaving the partys doors open for genuinely intentioned new members. A group under the aegis of Peoples Democratic Partys Frontiers for Change and Progress, has berated Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike over the ongoing internal crisis affecting the party. The group described Wike as real betrayer and architect of misunderstanding bedeviling the major opposition party. They urged the FCT Minister to leave PDP instead of staying behind to cause confusion, accusing him of standing truth in the head and playing to the gallery. Advertisement INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the development is coming, following was a recent allegation made by Wike, accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, of betraying the party. Recall that Wike had claimed that Makinde and Mbah made reconciliation of the partys crisis impossible, accusing the duo of reneging in a purported agreement earlier reached by key stakeholders. Reacting to the former governor of River States claim on Monday, National Coordinator of the group, Emeka Yellow Ikpegbu, accused the Minister of being smart by half, and mounting smear campaign to blackmail Mbah and Makinde. READ MORE: Wike Pulls Out Of PDPs Reconciliation Deal, Says Gov Makinde Responsible For Partys Crisis Robert Ricci (left), founder of DVM Manufacturing LLC, now known as DVM Power + Control, and Jeff Drees, chief executive of Texas-based Mission Critical Group, which bought West Chester-based DVM. Read more The Texas-based, private equity-backed company that bought DVM Manufacturing LLC and its busy West Chester switchgear factory plans to boost its workforce at least 50%, as artificial intelligence swells orders for data centers, and import tariffs boost interest in U.S. factories. Its always been our basic premise to manufacture in the U.S., and the Trump administrations proposed high taxes on foreign-made equipment have fueled an extreme push to become more domestic, Jeff Drees, chief executive of DVMs new owner, electrical-equipment maker Mission Critical Group, said in an interview after buying DVM last month. Advertisement DVM makes power control equipment desk-sized and room-sized that keeps digital infrastructure running for Comcast, DuPont, Merck, SAP, Vanguard, and other big companies data centers, which connect to remote servers, power sources, and backups. Besides West Chester, where it employs 90, DVM has smaller facilities employing a combined 130 in North Wales, Pa., Connecticut, and Georgia. Drees says his company plans to hire 110 to 150 more to handle surging demand. The facilities total 350,000 square feet. Founder Robert Ricci moved DVM two years ago into the 150,000-square-foot former Schramm Inc. works on East Virginia Street, where four generations of Schramms spent a century building the landmark mining-equipment complex. Schramm became world-famous in 2010, when rescuers used the companys Rotodrill to save 33 Chilean copper miners whod been trapped underground for 10 weeks. Two years later, the Schramms sold the firm to private-equity speculators. Layoffs and bankruptcy followed, and in 2022, new owners shut down the West Chester complex and moved production to Australia. Drees said the location is close to customers, which reduces shipping costs, and Pennsylvanias skilled labor and rich supply of natural gas also made it attractive. Robert Ricci, who founded DVM and sold it to Mission Critical, is keeping his job under the new owner. He agreed to answer questions for The Inquirer. The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. Data centers have been a growth business your whole career. Howd you get started? I joined GE Power in the 1990s. I was in sales, and I was lucky. My first client was MCI [the telecom giant, now part of AT&T]. They grew to be one of GEs largest clients, and I grew with the data center technology we supplied. In 2002, I went to work selling enterprise-level data centers to companies around Philadelphia. By 2010, I noticed enterprises like Vanguard, QVC, and SAP were shutting down their data centers and moving to remote cloud providers. There was a real gap in finding [infrastructure providers] between Virginia and New York. To fill that gap, you started Delaware Valley Manufacturing (DVM). Our largest customer out of the gate was Comcast. We grew with them, powering digital infrastructure into the cloud. Starting with the Fortune 100 companies, we put their metadata systems in hyperscale data centers. How did you end up in West Chester? Schramm sold a lot of equipment for fracking. The plant here did not survive frackings collapse [when gas prices fell in the mid-2010s]. We kept needing more space. We had started in Glenside and Warminster, then moved to Norristown across from the Walmart. It just kept growing. This is a big plant, built for big rigging equipment. The first data center we built for Vanguard was about 25 megawatts. Early on, if we got an order like that, it would send us into happy hour. Now we sell systems hundreds of times larger. Vanguard now has a [multiple] gigawatt data center . A lot of your clients need more power to run artificial-intelligence software queries. Do you see the AI boom lasting longer than, say, the fracking boom? I view AI as following an infrastructure cycle. You remember Sungard? After 9/11, Sungard kept the banks running. But in 2003, when they had the great Northeast blackout, [clients] needed a lot of backup, but they werent ready. So companies started looking into the cloud, looking for ways to stay connected even if one provider [or region of the country] went down. Well, the longest pole in that tent was putting together the electrical infrastructure. With the cloud, you still need power; you need switches. You cannot go down. They turn to us. As you depend more on electricity, you need to eliminate interruptions. A two-second outage for some companies is the same as a two-hour outage. It puts them down for days. We have a semiconductor manufacturer in Arizona. It can take them four months to come back from an outage. So we give them UPS switchgear that stands for Uninterruptible Power Source. If power goes out, even for a moment, batteries take over [as the systems bring on backup power]. What other new loads are customers putting on your systems? TJX (which owns T.J. Maxx and other stores) has gone to battery-powered delivery trucks, charged at their distribution centers in Northeast Philly and Princeton and other places where they have clusters of stores. Back in 2015, we bought a company, Themmax Scientific, that makes precision systems [for vaccine storage and drug trial facilities and other specialized pharmaceutical uses]... There are thousands of them in the field. Why did you sell out to a bigger company? I needed to spend millions more this year upgrading our equipment and even then, we couldnt do it alone. Thats why we went with Mission Critical. You could retire. Why are you staying on to run this business for the new owner? I have the best job in the world! I get to build stuff. Philadelphia artist DonChristian Jones finds inspiration for his performance this weekend at the Philadelphia Death and Arts Festival at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Read more We walk around with ghosts, DonChristian Jones declared on a recent visit to Laurel Hill Cemetery. Gazing at the moss-covered tombstones, imposing mausoleums, and looming statuary on a drizzly, overcast May morning, it was hard to disagree. Some of them are benevolent, continued Jones. Some of them maybe arent so good. Advertisement Jones, a Brooklyn-based multimedia artist and musician, grew up between Germantown and East Falls and began visiting the historic cemetery as a young child. He also frequented Laurel Hill West, across the Schuylkill in Bala Cynwyd, where his grandparents were interred. As he rode his bike to his job at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, he would often stare up at the mausoleums bordering Kelly Drive and was inspired to incorporate them into his own art. I did a series of eight large oil paintings of abandoned spaces in Philly, he recalled. One painting is of these three mausoleums, with the notion that one day my mother, my father and I would be buried. It was pretty dark, but I find some levity in being able to talk about this rather than be sequestered in feelings that can be very uncomfortable to people. Jones, whose early aesthetic influences include "Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Edgar Allan Poe, film noir, mystery, often draws on images of the macabre. But those elements have taken on a more personal significance in his art since his father, Frederick Douglas Jones II, died in February 2024 from bone cancer. He was cremated at Laurel Hill West, and his son travels with his remains, incorporating them into his performances. The elder Jones was also a focus of DonChristians debut solo show at New Yorks Museum of Modern Art PS1 earlier this year. Frederick Douglas Jones II was a lifelong conga player who participated in drum circles across the city. Jones uncle is the late Philly Soul legend Teddy Pendergrass. He is also a descendant of the Philadelphia abolitionist, writer, and Underground Railroad conductor William Still, whose legacy he strives to maintain through his work along with the legacy of music he has inherited. I consider myself an abolitionist in every sense of the word, he said. Nowadays abolition mostly involves mass incarceration and police abolition systems I dont believe in. I also went to a Quaker school my whole life, so those ideas were instilled in me at a very young age and have colored my character and my values. This weekend, Jones will bring his site-specific piece The Politics of Mourning to Laurel Hill as part of the inaugural Philadelphia Death and Arts Festival. It will be the fourth iteration of a site-specific intervention on the subject of grief that Jones has previously performed and captured on the shores of Sicily and at temple ruins in Calabria, Italy. For this version, he was drawn to the cemeterys receiving vault, a Doric terra cotta building designed to hold bodies during the winter months when the ground was too hard for burial. It is located at the foot of a winding path, which will allow him to link his piece with that of his mentor and collaborator, Eiko Otake, which will unfold simultaneously. Its called the receiving vault, and I want to receive it, Jones said. I want to create space and time for people to grieve collectively and to remember, and I want to be a well for some of these feelings. In addition to Jones Politics of Mourning, the four-day festival will also feature performances by artists Shavon Norris, Eiko Otake, Mel Hsu, and mayfield brooks, alongside panel discussions, workshops, and information services from experts and advocates in the end-of-life field, at both Laurel Hill East and West. That kind of communion between the living and the dead is exactly the sort of dialogue that Philly-based choreographer, performer, and death doula Annie Wilson hoped to facilitate when she cocreated the Philadelphia Death and Arts Festival. Grief, loss, and death figure a lot into my own work, explained Wilson, who was inspired to delve deeply into those subjects in the wake of her sisters tragic 2016 death from a heroin overdose. As a death doula, Im in conversation with grief counselors, social workers, funeral directors, and hospice nurses. Having one foot in both worlds I have a unique vantage point. Death professionals, she said, want to transform the culture around dying. At the same time I see artists making visionary, imaginative work about these deep mysteries, and I realized thats what artists do, they transform culture. Local audiences will have more opportunities to enjoy the arts against the backdrop of mourning over the coming months. Christ Church Burial Ground is hosting Sonic Sunsets, a monthly series of adventurous jazz concerts. Next up: the trio of saxophonist Stan Zenkov, bassist Pete Dennis and drummer Karen Smith will perform on Saturday, June 7. Philadelphia Death and Arts Festival, May 29-June 1, Laurel Hill East & West, philadelphiadeathandarts.com Patients who arrive at Cooper University Hospitals emergency department are quickly evaluated and assigned one of three tracks: Critically ill patients get immediate care, people with serious but not life-threatening medical needs begin lab work and diagnostic tests, and everyone else takes a seat in the general waiting area. The approach has helped the Camden hospital shave 13 minutes off its average emergency department visit over the past few years, at a time when emergency department visits are getting longer at most hospitals in the region. Advertisement Emergency department visits are getting longer at three out of four hospitals in the Philadelphia region, averaging 3.5 hours, according to an Inquirer analysis of CMS data for 33 hospitals in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania and New Jersey counties. READ MORE: ER visits take over three hours on average across Philly. See how your hospital ranks. Emergency patients spent an average of three hours and 22 minutes at Cooper in 2024. Virtua Voorhees Hospital, in Camden County, had the shortest emergency department visits, at an average of two hours and 25 minutes, according to CMS data. The longest visits in the region clocked in at four hours and 49 minutes at Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital. But Cooper is one of eight in the region where visits are getting shorter, even as the hospital gets busier. The emergency department saw almost 85,000 patients in 2024, up from about 81,000 the year before. Cooper emergency department leaders attributed the improvement to making patient flow through the emergency department a hospital-wide priority. Nothing is more of a team sport than emergency medicine, said Michael Chansky, chair of the department of emergency medicine at Cooper. Cross-department coordination Cooper is a Level 1 trauma center, meaning it is equipped to handle the most serious injuries, and a Level 2 pediatric trauma center. The emergency department coordinates closely with stakeholders, such as lab services, radiology, security, and transportation to minimize delays that can occur when patients in the emergency department need a service that is inside the hospital. 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, the emergency departments vice chair. Patient ambassadors help bridge communication between patients and providers working behind the scenes. Keeping patients and their families updated on whats being done to get them the care they need, even if they are still waiting to see a doctor, helps families stay calm and better understand the process. Improving emergency triage In 2019, Cooper attempted to tackle an age-old emergency department problem: Patients with varying degrees of medical problems may wait hours to be seen by a doctor, while only the most serious trauma patients gunshot wounds, car crash injuries, stroke are taken back immediately. The hospital introduced a Fast Track program to get faster medical care for patients who have serious medical needs, such as patients with sprained ankles, eye injuries, or bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy. Instead of sitting in the general waiting area, these patients are taken to a separate, semi-private waiting area where they can be evaluated by a provider and monitored until a room is available. About a third of Coopers emergency department patients are now treated through the Fast Track. At many large academic hospitals, when a trauma comes in, everything stops because all the resources go to them. Here, a trauma goes into a trauma area and everything else keeps going, Nyce said. Coopers emergency department has designated doctors and support staff for each unit within its emergency department. The department also staffs flex providers, who can move to whichever area theyre needed, which helps reduce the amount of time patients are waiting to be seen. Staff writer Lizzie Mulvey contributed reporting. The FDA approved a blood test that can help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. A Malvern division of Fujiirebebio played a big role in getting the test through approval. Read more The Malvern location of Fujirebio Diagnostics Inc.s played a key role in the clinical development of the first FDA-approved blood test that can help diagnose Alzheimers disease. The test, cleared May 16 for people 55 and older, is expected to help identify patients who might benefit from new drugs that have been shown to slow the type of the dementia that afflicts 6 million Americans. Advertisement Fujirebio Diagnostics has had a presence in Malvern since 1998, when the Japanese company acquired the diagnostics division of Centocor, one of the Philadelphia regions early successes in biotechnology. Johnson & Johnson bought Centocor the following year. The new test is designed to identify a form of brain plaque that is seen as an indicator of Alzheimers. Previously, the FDA had approved tests of spinal fluid or brain scans to check for the plaque, known as beta-amyloid. The blood test is less expensive and less invasive. Fujirebio Diagnostics employees in Malvern assessed the performance of the blood tests two active components and figured out what ratio of the two components to use in the test, Diana L. Dickson, vice president for clinical and regulatory sciences, said in an email. Staff in Malvern also determined what values the test had to show to be considered positive, and prepared the FDA application, she said. Components for the test and the instrument system are manufactured in Belgium or Japan, Dickson said. Fujirebio Diagnostics employs 351 people in Malvern. This article contains information from The Associated Press. A crowd strolls along the boardwalk in Wildwood, N.J. on Monday, May 26, 2025. Read more Shore towns in Phillys reach were bursting with people over a cool but pleasant Memorial Day weekend, but, unlike in past years, police said crowds of teens did not cause major problems. Wildwood brought in police on horseback from the Cape May County Sheriffs Department and New Jersey State Police to bolster patrols, Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano said. Advertisement Two horses, and they did a great job, Troiano said Tuesday. Farther north in Seaside Heights, however, pandemonium reigned, as three stabbings, 73 arrests, and surging crowds prompted police to shut the boardwalk overnight, according to news and social media reports. Seaside Heights Detective Steve Korman told NJ.com that 52 adults and 21 juveniles were arrested between 6 a.m. Friday and 6 a.m. on Memorial Day. Korman added that three young adults were stabbed within a block of the boardwalk in separate incidents. None cooperated with police and no arrests were made. Closer to Philly, Ocean City Police Lt. Dan Lancaster described the weekend in his town as largely uneventful. Earlier curfews, backpack bans, and increased enforcement appeared to have quelled any major disturbances. It was a marked contrast to 2024, when Ocean City saw a chaotic Memorial Day weekend, with a stabbing, fights, crowds of teens, and others running from the boardwalk with their children. In 2024, Wildwood shut its boardwalk overnight to deal with what officials called civil unrest. This year, however, most Shore towns in the Philly region reported towns crowded with teens and others, but no major problems. Ventnor sent police with search lights into the dunes and onto the boardwalk to root out underage drinkers. In Margate, teens once again convened on the beach in front of Lucy the Elephant, leaving broken bottles and other trash for people to pick up the next morning, but no major incidents or arrests were reported. (Margate was also warning yoga instructors not to use the wooden lifeguard davits on guarded beaches for their sling classes.) Towns emphasized that parents could be held responsible, and fined up to $1,000, if their teens were caught breaking curfews or other ordinances. Simply allowing your children to wander the streets in town, or meet up in large groups is dangerous, Margate police cautioned parents prior to the weekend. While you may believe that your children are not engaging in unsafe behavior, or alcohol or drug usage, we assure you that the children they are meeting up with are. There were two rollover traffic accidents in Margate over the weekend, one with two injuries, and the fire department cautioned drivers to slow down. In Ocean City, Lancaster said the department conducted very proactive enforcement of the juvenile and beach curfews, which we believe assisted in curbing any major incidents. Additional officers were brought in on Friday and Saturday nights, he said. Up in Seaside Heights, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra called for the Senate to pass and Gov. Phil Murphy to sign the public brawl bill that would increase penalties for disorderly conduct. Murphy conditionally vetoed the bill earlier this month, asking the legislature to address concerns over First Amendment issues and masks, and it has yet to be adopted. In Wildwood, though, the mayor said added enforcement, emphasizing curfews and parental responsibility, and the horses led to very few problems on the boardwalk. Police did an outstanding job of maintaining a safe environment, Troiano said. We spent a lot of money on policing and it paid off. Vietnam War veteran Frank Schaller pays tribute to the service members whose names are inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Penn's Landing, after the Memorial Day service. Schaller, an Army veteran, said he was wearing an MIA shirt in honor of the lost and missing. Read more She was a little girl, recalled Ca-Tisha Ashlock-Adams, when men from the government would call at her grandmothers house in West Philadelphia, bringing news on the search for her son, Marines Cpl. Carlos Ashlock, who was declared missing in action after a 1967 firefight in Vietnam. The visits went on for years. And Ashlock-Adams saw how after each one, her grandmothers mood would shift, the sadness enveloping her. Advertisement My grandmother was just heartbroken, said Ashlock-Adams, 48, who is Cpl. Ashlocks niece. Ashlock was still missing when the war ended in 1975, and missing a year later when the government declared he and many other MIAs to be presumed dead. Government reports offer no definitive answer, but suggest that Ashlock, 21, was killed in the firefight. His body may have been carried away by North Vietnamese soldiers, often accused of keeping American remains for use as leverage. One thing thats certain, nearly 60 years later: Ashlock has not been forgotten. His family has continued to search for answers, and the U.S. government maintains his case as active. On Monday, Ashlocks service and sacrifice were honored during Memorial Day ceremonies at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Penns Landing. More than 200 people gathered under a striking blue sky, where the Republic of Vietnam Air Force Association helped present the colors and Philadelphia Police Officer Matthew Lint played a mournful Taps. The veterans are old now, their hair gray and thinning, and some leaned on canes for support as they walked the grounds of the memorial. Some came wearing old Vietnam-era uniforms, others in new T-shirts and hats that proclaimed their service. The war claimed 58,200 American service members, including 648 from Philadelphia whose names are inscribed on the black granite walls of the memorial, Carlos Ashlock among them. We do not forget, said Ashlocks brother, Major Ashlock, who turns 72 this month. Im still hoping and praying Im hoping hes maybe still over there somewhere. They havent found any kind of remains. Nearly 1,600 Americans are unaccounted for in Vietnam, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which works to identify and recover remains of those missing from Americas wars. Hundreds of those missing in Vietnam are believed to be non-recoverable, that is, after investigation the DPAA determined that the person died but does not believe it is possible to recover the remains. Investigators rotate into Vietnam on a regular basis to pursue leads. Ashlocks case has been classified under active pursuit, a category that means there is sufficient information to justify research, investigation, or recovery operations in the field. Those cases are the priority for planning and allocation of resources. The DPAA says Ashlock was one of two Marines who suffered deadly wounds in the May 12, 1967, firefight near Que Son village. Intense Viet Cong fire forced fellow soldiers to leave their bodies in the rice fields where they had fallen. A search of the battlefield found nothing the next morning. Major Ashlock remembers falling asleep as a boy to the sounds of Carlos rhythm-and-blues records. Carlos took him to see his first movie at the Boyd Theater on Market Street, How the West Was Won. Carlos, his brother said, was modest and soft-spoken. At Edward W. Bok Technical High School in South Philadelphia, Carlos Ashlock concentrated on graphic and commercial arts, becoming an outstanding sketch artist. His work won an award that was displayed at the John Wanamaker department store, his brother said. He also competed in track and field and sped across practice hurdles he set up near 20th and Cambridge Streets. A Bok teacher described Ashlock as a quiet gentleman. He graduated in spring 1964 and joined the Marines in October, surprising his family, which had no military tradition. He was sent to Vietnam in June 1966 and wounded that December, suffering fragmentation injuries in his neck and his left arm, hand, and hip during combat in the vicinity of Quang Tin Province, records show. He wrote to his family. He said he was healing from the wounds and going back out, Major Ashlock recalled. On the day of May 12, 1967, Ashlock was the squad leader of a rocket unit engaged in close combat with Viet Cong guerillas. Growing casualties, intense automatic-weapons fire, mortar shelling, and approaching darkness caused the Americans to withdraw. When the troops reached a secure area, Ashlock wasnt with them. He was reported as missing, according to a 1976 casualty report that concluded that he had been killed in the fighting. The Marine Corps subsequently promoted Ashlock to the rank of staff sergeant. He was a good person, he really was, really down to earth, Ashlocks brother said. Also true, said Ashlock-Adams, the Marines niece, is that a sense of loss ricocheted through the family, for decades and today, the loss and absence of one person deeply impacting the lives of others. Her grandmother, Ethel Mae Turner, died without knowing the ultimate fate of her son, Ashlock-Adams said. Her grandmother lies in Mount Lawn Cemetery in Sharon Hill, resting beside the empty plot where her sons remains would have been interred. My grandmother passed never having any closure, just knowing where her son was, Ashlock-Adams said. Such a great loss. The day after Philadelphia voters approved a ballot measure to increase oversight over the citys jail system, a former deputy commissioner filed a lawsuit accusing the previous leader of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons of sexual favoritism and retaliation. Terrell Bagby, who has worked for the department for 28 years, was demoted from his position as deputy commissioner overseeing restorative and transitional services in February 2024 because he testified against the departments position as part of a sex-discrimination lawsuit, according to the complaint. Advertisement The suit, filed last week in Common Pleas Court, names only the City of Philadelphia as a defendant. But it accuses former Commissioner Blanche Carney of sexual favoritism, which Bagby alleges arose from an inappropriate sexual relationship Carney had with another deputy commissioner. The allegations in the lawsuit cast a shadow on the decision-making process in the prisons department, which has been embroiled in turmoil in recent years. The jail complex on State Road has seen a spike in the number of deaths and homicides among its population, as well as a series of escapes. In 2022, the city settled a class-action lawsuit that highlighted the staffing crisis in the jails. The federal judge in the case further held the city in contempt last year, and ordered that $25 million be set aside in a fund to urgently remedy conditions. The city declined to comment on the new lawsuit. The Inquirer was unable to reach Carney based on publicly available contact information. The suit says Bagby and Carney had a rocky relationship, which stemmed from discriminatory and inequitable treatment of Bagby compared with the deputy with whom Carney allegedly had a relationship. The lawsuit does not provide examples for how the favoritism manifested, or how a complaint Bagby filed with the citys Employee Relations Unit in 2022 over the issue was resolved. But the relationship further deteriorated in 2023, the suit says, after Bagby testified in a deposition as part of a federal lawsuit brought by three female employees who alleged that they were discriminated against when they were not considered for open warden positions. The prisons department had up to four warden positions throughout the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three female prisons employees sued the city after they were passed over for vacant positions without an interview, despite having ranked on the top of the qualified candidate list based on their civil service exam scores. The employees alleged that the department preferred to keep the positions open instead of promoting women. In her deposition, Carney said the three women were not promoted because they did not have the needed leadership experience to take on the role in a time of crisis. I needed the strongest people to keep these facilities running, Carney testified. I didnt have time to train people, and they had to hit the ground running. But during Bagbys deposition in August 2023, he vouched for all three, saying it was his assessment that they were ready for the job. He described one, whom he supervised directly, as very proactive. Seeks to solve problems. She was a great employee. That testimony doomed Bagbys career at the department, according to the complaint. Days later, Carney gave Bagby a negative performance review, the suit says. And by the end of September 2023 the then-commissioner placed the deputy on what the complaint calls a baseless performance improvement plan. In February 2024, weeks before Carney announced her retirement, she demoted Bagby from his deputy position. Bagby has been subjected to repeated instances of retaliation by his supervisor Commissioner Blanche Carney, designed to block his career advancement and to destroy his reputation within the Department, the lawsuit says. Jason Pearlman, Bagbys attorney, confirmed that his client still works at the prisons department. Bagby worked as the human services program administrator during the last quarter of 2024, according to city employee data. Imagine a Philadelphia where juvenile incarceration rates decline, protecting our citys teens from the negative effects of incarceration while saving public dollars. There is a simple, cost-effective way to move a few steps closer to that reality, write Cheryl Bettigole and Tamara J. Cadet. Read more Philadelphia locks up teens at far higher rates than other, larger U.S. cities, as well as cities like Baltimore that struggle with similar levels of poverty and inequality. Yet, we know that incarcerating teens has long-lasting negative consequences on their education, employment, health, and ability to thrive, without increasing public safety. Imagine a Philadelphia where juvenile incarceration rates decline, protecting our citys teens from the negative effects of incarceration while saving public dollars. There is a simple, cost-effective way to move a few steps closer to that reality: Hire more social workers for the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Advertisement Social workers are uniquely trained to work with young people who have been detained. Their role is to focus on the social, economic, and environmental factors a young person may be facing, rather than just looking at the issues that have brought them into the carceral system. With this holistic point of view, social workers advocate for young peoples rights and needs at the individual and systems levels. They are agents of change and work with other members of a young persons defense team to assess their clients mental health needs, substance use issues, and family or housing concerns to connect them with critical supports such as therapy or job training. Social workers are trained to consider a comprehensive perspective and can effectively lead interdisciplinary teams to ensure young people have a holistic defense. A study by the Bronx Defenders found that interdisciplinary defense teams that incorporate social workers can have a significant impact on incarceration rates: that holistic defense model demonstrated a 16% decrease in the likelihood of custodial sentences, and a 24% decrease in expected sentence length when compared with a traditional public defense model. These may seem like small changes, but expanding the social work team at the Defender Association of Philadelphia could prevent dozens of teens from being incarcerated every year and decrease the time spent incarcerated for dozens more. It could also help prevent the serious overcrowding at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center, where the average daily census remains above the licensed capacity. The city spent more than $80 million on juvenile justice in fiscal year 2021, with costs of up to $220,000 for those youth in state placement and secure detention. Over the past several years, the number of incarcerated youth has increased more than 25%, alongside increases in youth in state placement and secure detention. And those costs do not include the long-lasting impacts of incarceration on the health, well-being, and employment of our citys young people. Teens at Philadelphias Juvenile Justice Services Center have also experienced extreme overcrowding and routine use of extended seclusion, in violation of state rules. These issues amplify the negative effects of incarceration on teens, putting them at further risk of adverse physical and mental health outcomes. But every crisis is also an opportunity. As City Council reviews and debates the budget for this coming year, Council members have an opportunity to fund an increase in the number of social workers in the Defender Association of Philadelphia a low-cost intervention that could decrease incarceration rates, save the city money, and reduce the economic and human toll of incarceration on Philadelphias communities. As Nate Balis of the Annie E. Casey Foundation said, In light of what we know about the negative effects of detention on young people and the continued racial disparities that define juvenile detention in this country, our systems must explore every option and confine young people only in extraordinary cases. Our city spends tens of millions of dollars to incarcerate young people, despite the knowledge that the incarceration of teens is harmful. Its time to spend a few hundred thousand dollars to keep some of them out of jail. Cheryl Bettigole is a professor of clinical family medicine and community health at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the director of public health integration. She served as the health commissioner for the city of Philadelphia from 2021-2024. Tamara J. Cadet is an associate professor at the School of Social Policy and Practice. Prior to her faculty roles, she worked as a social worker for more than 25 years. The opinions expressed here are theirs and do not represent those of the organizations with which they are affiliated. Despite receiving a threatening email from a supporter of President Donald Trump, Solomon Jones writes that he will continue to fight for justice on these pages and on the airwaves, in the streets, and in the halls of power. Read more Several days ago, I received what I believe to be a death threat from a reader who took exception to my criticism of President Donald Trump. First, I have no cure for your TDS, the email began. It may be terminal. Advertisement TDS is an abbreviation for Trump derangement syndrome, a fictional condition Trump and his supporters ascribe to those who disagree with the presidents policies and behavior. The email went on to tell me I was wrong to question what I believe to be Trumps ongoing attack on immigrants, people of color, and the rule of law. But my mind kept going back to the phrase, It may be terminal. The email, sent from a reader who identified himself as a resident of Malvern, was meant to intimidate me. Instead, it has fueled me. There are many things in life that may be terminal, and I will eventually die from one of them. But if I live my life in fear, and refuse to call for justice, Im already dead. I just havent been lowered into the ground. So let me be clear. I will not be cowed. I will not be intimidated. I will not be silenced. My ancestors bled and died for this country. They hoped and prayed for a measure of justice they never received. Their sacrifice was my gain. I am the manifestation of their prayers and the product of their work, and threats produced at a keyboard cannot extinguish the fire my forebears placed in me. I will fight for justice on these pages and on the airwaves, in the streets, and in the halls of power. I will fight until there is no breath left in my body, because freedom is worth all that and more. If some believe Im deranged because Im living out that commitment, so be it. However, there are more accurate examples of what derangement truly looks like. Derangement is parroting the provably false claim that white people are the victims of genocide in South Africa. Derangement is using that lie to justify granting refugee status to the white progeny of apartheid. Derangement is passing a bill that would provide massive tax cuts to billionaires while cutting Medicaid and food assistance for the poor. If, in fact, there is derangement, it is clothed in the uniform of anti-diversity policies that target people of color. Threats produced at a keyboard cannot extinguish the fire my forebears placed in me. It is energized by a U.S. Justice Department that reverses agreements meant to bring change to the police departments whose officers killed Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. It is bolstered by a president who is a convicted felon, and whose administration accepts a $400 million luxury plane from Qatar, despite the constitutional clause that forbids the receipt of such gifts without congressional consent. I am not deranged. In fact, I am quite assured of my sanity. In a moment like this, when federal workers are fired by the thousands, and nearly one in five federal workers is Black, the only sane response for a Black man with a pen is to write. I do this, not because I gain enjoyment from identifying Americas strident anti-Blackness. I do this because I must. I write because my ancestors survived the floating coffins that transported them across the Middle Passage from Africa to America. I write for the enslaved people who worked from what they called cant see in the mornin til cant see at night. I write for my great-grandparents who fled the cotton fields of South Carolina during the Great Migration. I write for my parents, who retired from government jobs thanks to the civil service protections that are now under threat from Trump. Perhaps my writing may someday prove to be fatal. Or maybe Ill live to a ripe old age with my fingertips still tapping out words on a keyboard. But if anyone believes Ill be threatened into silence while my people are suffering, youre sadly mistaken. To paraphrase the immortal words of R&B icon James Brown, Id rather die on my feet than be living on my knees. They are the best position to connect the story of the client from the C-suite down to the insurance and risk management level about what they're trying to achieve, what they've done and also present that in a way that connects with what insurers are trying to achieve as well, said Stafford. The viewpoint on climate risk is really were spending a lot of time on resiliency... to really help our customers and help the insureds really protect themselves, Lopes said. He noted that beyond offering insurance, theres also an obligation for the industry to really help with the resiliency... so that basically we can have a sustainable market over time. According to Lloyd, Ortiz brings experience as an insurance executive, aviation attorney, and aviation claims specialist. He said her background supports the firms objectives and reflects the level of service Gallagher aims to provide. He also noted that the appointment is part of Gallaghers response to ongoing market disruption and geopolitical uncertainty. BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory letter to Fudan University, celebrating its 120th founding anniversary. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended congratulations to the faculty, students and alumni of the university. Over the past 120 years, Fudan University has kept pace with the times, developed a glorious tradition of patriotism and a fine academic ethos, nurtured numerous outstanding talents, produced many original achievements, and played a positive role in China's development as well as in the progress of the Chinese nation, Xi said in the letter. Xi expressed his hope that Fudan University, on the new starting point, will remain steadfast in using the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to nurture talent. The university should deepen the reform of education and scientific research, promote the virtuous cycle of independent technological innovation and independent cultivation of talent, and drive innovations in philosophy and social sciences, Xi stressed. He also urged the university to continuously improve its ability to serve major national strategies and regional economic and social development, thereby making consistent contributions to building China into a strong country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. Founded in 1905, Fudan University is a comprehensive, research-oriented university based in Shanghai. On May 21, the Senate approved its version of House Bill 148, which would expand the insurance commissioners authority to reject rate filings considered excessive and require such filings to be made public. The measure has the backing of Governor Jeff Landry, who has argued that insurers financial results in Louisiana outpace those in Florida and Texas. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple (pictured above) has pushed back on that claim, saying loss ratios are not a direct measure of profitability. The strain of tariffs could force many companies to source cheaper materials or shift to new suppliers, often without adequate time to vet these sources. In industries where safety and quality are paramount, such as food and automobiles, this can be risky, according to Chris Harvey (pictured), senior vice president of client services at Sedgwick. Ninety percent of the claims we see stem from human error, not sophisticated tech. It could be someone clicking a link or falling for a phishing call, Summerfield said. Pen Protect focuses on changing behavior, getting people to pause, ask a colleague, or think twice. Its bite-sized, practical training aimed at reducing that risk. In terms of relief, the court found that Tiara could seek recovery on behalf of the plan under ERISA 1132(a)(2) and pursue equitable remedies - like restitution and disgorgement - under 1132(a)(3), but only for funds still retained by BCBSM. Overpayments that remained with healthcare providers would not be recoverable under the equitable claim. Further, the court affirmed the appointment of a Receiver to investigate and collect Atlas Turners insurance assetsdefined to include policies, proceeds, claims, and related information. However, it reversed a portion of the Receivership order that extended control to any other assets which are related to, touch or are otherwise relevant to such insurance. That language, the justices held, was too broad and not justified by equity principles. After the lawsuit was filed, HG Jones made a formal demand to Howell and Cincinnati to provide defense and indemnity. When both refused, HG Jones filed suit and amended its complaint on July 19, 2023, to add Cincinnati as a defendant. HG Jones argued that because it was acting as Howells real estate manager, it qualified as an insured under Cincinnatis policy and therefore Cincinnati had the primary duty to defend and indemnify it in the underlying lawsuit. The court, however, upheld the dismissal of Tarltons other claims, including false promise, promissory estoppel, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation. Those allegations centered on a letter from Great American stating it would pay part of the claim upon receipt of a signed release. The court concluded there was no binding promise to pay unless Tarlton signed, and since it never did, the claims lacked the necessary factual support. The sheer magnitude of the level of reductions to the Medicaid program alone will impact all patients, not just Medicaid beneficiaries, in every community across the nation, Pollack said. Hospitals especially in rural and underserved areas will be forced to make difficult decisions about whether they will have to reduce services, reduce staff and potentially consider closing their doors. Approximately 90% of international trade is conducted via ocean freight. While insurers report improved maritime safety, particularly in terms of total losses, exposure to traditional perils like collisions and groundings remains. The industry recorded 27 total losses of large vessels in 2024, a record low compared to over 200 per year in the 1990s and down from 35 in 2023. An explosion on a boat carrying raw sewage that was docked on the Hudson River in New York City killed a longtime city employee Saturday, authorities said. Another worker on the city-owned Hunts Point vessel was injured and taken to the hospital after the blast around 10:30 a.m. near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to city Fire Department Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms. A third worker refused medical treatment. The cause of the explosion was under investigation, but New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in statement that criminal intent was not suspected. The men on the boat, which takes raw sewage from the city to be treated, were doing work involving a flame or sparks when the explosion occurred, the U.S. Coast Guard said on social media. First responders found a 59-year-old man unconscious in the river, New York police said, and he was declared dead at the scene. The man had been a longtime employee of the citys Department of Environmental Protection. His name has not been released, but the mayor said he was a devoted public servant who gave 33 years of service to the New York City, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time. The blast spread raw sewage over the deck of the boat, and firefighters and other first responders had to be decontaminated, Simms said. DEP said there did not appear to be any environmental impacts following the explosion. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York New Hampshire has agreed to pay $2.25 million to the mother of Harmony Montgomery, a 5-year-old girl whose father was convicted of murdering her. Crystal Sorey filed a negligence lawsuit against the state last May accusing social workers of ignoring signs that her daughter was being physically abused by her ex-husband after he was awarded custody in early 2019. Adam Montgomery is serving a minimum of 56 years in prison after being convicted of murdering Harmony and moving her corpse around for months before disposing of it. Police believe he killed Harmony nearly two years before she was reported missing in 2021. Her body has not been found. The state does not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement agreement reached last month. The state agreed to these settlements to avoid prolonged litigation and support closure for the families. We recognize their profound loss and hope this brings some measure of peace, Attorney General John Formella said. In July, the state agreed to pay $5.75 million to the mother of a Laconia boy the state placed with a grandmother who is now charged with his 2019 death. In December, it settled with the father of 5-year-old boy Merrimack killed by his mother in 2021. In 2018, the state created an Office of the Child Advocate to serve as an independent watchdog agency, but lawmakers are considering eliminating it in the next state budget. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Connecticut lawmakers last week moved swiftly to plug what could have been a very costly loophole in workers compensation benefits that was created by a state Supreme Court decision in March. The lawmakers effectively invalidated the high court ruling that altered how temporary partial disability benefits are awarded. Insurance industry analysts warned that the change initiated by the court could have increased workers compensation system claim costs by as much as 265% for public and private employers. In March, the Connecticut Supreme Court overturned legal precedent in Gardner v. Dept. of Mental Health & Addiction Services. The ruling held that workers compensation administrative law judges have discretion to grant temporary partial disability benefits for up to 520 weeks rather than requiring them to be converted to permanent partial disability benefits after maximum medical improvement. Lawmakers responded by inserting a provision in a supplementary budget measure. The provision removes an administrative law judges discretion to award temporary partial incapacity benefits and eliminates the anticipated cost increases associated with the ruling that would have affected both the state and various self-insured municipalities. The legislative fix was promptly approved by the Judiciary Committee and inserted into the budget measure (HB 6863) that addressed state budget overruns. According to a legislative assessment, the savings to the state alone could exceed $4 million per year and may vary significantly from year-to year based on the number of cases and the determinations of the administrative law judges. Connecticut Court Restores Administrative Law Judges Discretion in Workers Comp Rep. Jack Fazzino, D-Meriden, vice chair of the Judiciary Committee, called the effect Gardner could have on the state and municipalities really very radical. Eric George, president of the Insurance Association of Connecticut, told the Connecticut Mirror that municipalities, insurers, businesses, trial lawyers and labor quickly came to an agreement that something had to be done. That does not happen often, George told the publication. The Gardner ruling reversed both a 2024 judgment of the state appellate court and an earlier workers compensation board ruling that favored the injured workers employer, the state Department of Mental Health, which argued administrative law judges had no such discretion. The Supreme Court justices found that the clear and unambiguous language of the law ( 31-308) provides that the administrative law judge may but is not required to award permanent partial disability benefits to a claimant after he or she reaches maximum medical improvement. The court also found that, contrary to the employers argument, legislative amendments to the workers compensation law enacted in 1993 did not change the text or meaning of the statute relating to the administrative law judges discretion. Neither did the court accept that the legislative history of those amendments altered the situation. The Workers Compensation Commission has15 administrative law judges who preside over dispute resolution hearings in its eight district offices. Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation Connecticut Rhode Islands top legal chief announced last week that a Massachusetts construction company has agreed to pay $11 million to settle criminal charges that it illegally dumped thousands of tons of contaminated fill in the Ocean States capital city during a highway construction project. According to Attorney General Peter Neronhas office, Barletta Heavy Division Inc. of Canton not only violated state law when it disposed of the contaminated fill in Rhode Island but also deceived state regulators when pressed about the source of the fill. Neronha filed state criminal charges against Barletta in early 2023 after the company agreed to pay $1.5 million in a settlement with the federal government over the same construction fill. When the federal case against Barletta was resolved some time ago, I strongly believed that Rhode Islanders deserved a better outcome, and so we proceeded with our state case, Neronha said in a statement. I am pleased that now, because of our demonstrated willingness to take this case to trial, Barletta has paid an unprecedented monetary amount of $11 million dollars to resolve our case. Barletta oversaw a $247 million project, that started in 2018, to rebuild the Route 6/10 interchange. The charges involved construction-fill disposal that took place in 2020, where investigators say the company transported backfill from other projects to the Route 6/10 site. The project has since been completed. With todays settlement agreement and the dismissal with prejudice of all criminal and civil charges in this case, Barletta is pleased to put this matter behind us and looks forward to continuing our long history of successfully and responsibly delivering world class public infrastructure projects, said Shannon Reilly, an attorney representing Barletta. When the state criminal charges were filed, the company said the soil was urban fill commonly found in city settings throughout the U.S. The attorney generals office maintained that the fill contained hazardous materials and the company disposed more than 4,500 tons in Rhode Island. Whether Barletta learns from this experience remains to be seen. But they have paid a heavy price for their unlawful, irresponsible, and deceptive behavior, and deservedly so, Neronha said. Proceeds of the $11 million settlement will be used to fund dental care services for Providence city youth, Neronha added. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Massachusetts The southwest monsoons early arrival in India this year is good news for crops, but exactly when, where, and how much rain will fall over the next few months are still difficult questions to answer. To help solve that dilemma, India is hoping that a new weather model can significantly help boost its capabilities by forecasting at a resolution of roughly 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), doubling the level of detail previously possible. That means it can zero in on smaller geographic areas and give more localized predictions, helping farmers tailor their decisions and enabling better flood preparation ahead of extreme rainfall events. We will focus on all weather parameters, with rain being the key, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of the India Meteorological Department, told reporters Monday after the launch of the new model, called the Bharat Forecast System. It will enhance the accuracy level, massively support farmers and improve public safety, he said in New Delhi. Despite major advancements over the decades, its still hard to perfectly predict rainfall in the tropics compared with areas further away from the equator. Thats largely because precipitation in the tropics is driven by smaller weather patterns that are difficult to discern, versus large-scale patterns in regions such as North America and Europe. Two models that analyze the atmosphere are seen as the gold standard of weather predictions: the Global Forecast System by the US, and the Integrated Forecast System by a European intergovernmental body. Many countries, including India, take data from them to customize for their own regions. The IMDs new platform has been developed by scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. Theyve used the countrys customized version of the GFS, and sharpened it using a new grid structure that divides the globe into triangles. This approach enables it to make localized predictions for areas roughly the size of a cluster of Indian villages. Meteorologists across the world have been working on making their predictions more accurate and detailed. However, localized extreme weather events have led to demand for finer resolution models, Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh said at a briefing. For example, knowing the precise location and time of heavy rainfall can improve disaster preparation and response, saving lives and money. Farmers can also better time their planting activities with more detailed forecasts, raising crop yields. The country has invested nearly 9 billion rupees ($106 million) in a new supercomputer to power weather and climate research, and aims to more than double the size of its weather radar network in two years to feed the model with additional data, according to the earth sciences ministry. Photograph: Floodwater outside a house in Guwahati, India, on May 20, 2025. Photo credit: Hafiz Ahmed/AFP/Getty Images Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Flood Agribusiness India A Norwegian man awoke to find that a cargo ship had run aground and narrowly missed crashing into his home along the Trondheim Fjords coast. Johan Helberg told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that hed slept through the whole thing and only woke up when a neighbor started ringing his doorbell. Images show the ships red and green bow just meters (yards) from Helbergs house. He told NRK the only damage was to a heating pumps wire. Authorities say they received reports that the NCL Salten had run aground shortly before 6 a.m. Thursday. No injuries or oil spills were reported. Efforts to refloat the ship at high tide were unsuccessful Thursday [May 22]. Shipping company NCL said in a statement it was aware of police statements saying they had one suspect. The company said it was cooperating with the investigation. A police spokesperson could not immediately be reached Friday. Photograph: Johan Helberg stands next to his house, with the container ship NCL Salten in the background, after the 135-meter-long ship ran aground in the Trondheimsfjord, outside Byneset, in Trondheim, Norway, on Thursday May 22, 2025. (Jan Langhaug/NTB Scanpix via AP) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Trucking Hot weather sparked a string of wildfires around Alberta over the weekend, including some near oil and gas wells operated by Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. and others. Four out-of-control fires were burning in Alberta at 4:15 p.m. Monday, including a 2,000-hectare blaze near Swan Hills. The province issued a notice to the towns residents telling them to prepare to evacuate within an hour if needed. That fire is less than half a kilometer away from a CNRL-operated well site and within 20 kilometers of separate well sites operated by CNRL and other companies. Canadian Natural said in an email that its monitoring the wildfire situation across its operations, adding that its working to ensure that staff living in evacuation areas are safe and that it has emergency-response plans in place. Alberta Wildfire didnt respond to a phone call seeking comment. Wildfires present a regular threat to the provinces oil and gas production, typically from March through October. Fort McMurray, the largest population center near Albertas massive oil-sands operations, was heavily damaged by a blaze in 2016 that forced thousands to evacuate and temporarily shut more than 1 million barrels of daily oil output. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Energy Oil Gas An auto mechanic was sentenced to 33 months in prison and ordered to repay $1.37 million to his victims for defrauding a Missouri customer, among others, the U.S. Attorneys Office, Eastern District of Missouri announced last week. Beginning in November 2019, Andres Manny Lopez, 37, defrauded customers of his Arizona company, All Performance Tuning and Diesel Repair LLC, by accepting money for vehicles, vehicle upgrades and parts with no intention of performing the work or turning over the vehicles. He also damaged some customer vehicles and loaned vehicles to others without the owners consent, the U.S. Attorneys Office alleges. A Missouri victim who wanted to buy a vehicle for his mother wired Lopez $45,000 for a Toyota RAV4. Lopez falsely claimed that hed bought the vehicle, and then provided a series of false excuses about why it was not being delivered. Lopez claimed delivery delays were due to product recalls and even impersonated the general manager of a Florida Toyota dealership in text messages to the clients mother. After Lopez was indicted in October of 2023, he defrauded another victim out of approximately $567,892. Lopez allegedly used the money for personal expenses. In a letter to the court, one victim spoke of Lopezs pattern: Promise then a reason why I cannot meet that promise then a new promise then repeat the string (for years). Lopez pleaded guilty in February U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of wire fraud. For years, Andres Lopez lied to customers to line his own pockets. The lies and manipulation continued even after he had been charged for the crime and released on bond, said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. Today, Lopez earned every day of his prison sentence for victimizing people with his fraudulent business practices. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting case. Source: the U.S. Attorneys Office, Eastern District of Missouri President Donald Trump green-lit disaster relief for eight states on Friday, assistance that some of the communities rocked by natural disasters have been waiting on for months. The major disaster declaration approvals allow Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas access to financial support through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Several states requested the aid in response to damage from a massive storm system in mid-March. This support will go a long way in helping Mississippi to rebuild and recover. Our entire state is grateful for his approval, said Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, whose state experienced 18 tornados between March 14 and 15. Mississippi residents in the hard-hit Walthall County expressed frustration earlier this month over how long they had been waiting for federal help. The countys emergency manager said debris removal operations stalled in early May when the county ran out of money while awaiting federal assistance. Earlier this week Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem vowed to expedite Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoes request for disaster assistance, after being pressed on the issue by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican. That is one of the failures that FEMA has had in the past is that people who incur this kind of damage and lose everything sit there for months and sometimes years and never get the promised critical response that they think or that they believe they should be getting from the federal government, Noem said. Trump has pointed to wait times as one reason hes looking to make major changes to the agency. FEMAs newly-appointed acting chief has said he plans to push more responsibility for disaster response and recovery onto states. FEMA did not immediately respond to questions about what prompted the flurry of approvals. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics FEMA As nasty tornadoes popped up from Kansas to Kentucky, a depleted National Weather Service was in scramble mode. The agencys office in Jackson, Kentucky, had begun closing nightly as deep cuts by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency began hitting. But the weather service kept staffers on overtime Friday night to stay on top of the deadly storms, which killed nearly 20 people in the Jackson offices forecast area. Its a scenario likely to be repeated as the U.S. is on track to see more tornadoes this year than in 2024, which was the second-busiest tornado year on record. Forecasters said there was at least a 10% risk of tornadoes Tuesday for 10.6 million people in parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Weather service veterans expressed concern about the agencys ability to keep up in the face of the cuts. Rich Thompson, lead operations forecaster at the NWS Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, said the job is getting done. But he acknowledged that staffing cuts have made it harder on us. It has made it hard on the local offices just to make sure that we have all of our important duties covered. But, I mean, most of the people take those important duties seriously, so were going to do what it takes to cover it, Thompson said. I hope were not in the same staffing situation long term. It would be hard to sustain this for months or years. NWS spokesperson Erica Grow Cei said the Jackson office remained fully staffed through the duration of the event using surge staffing and had support from neighboring offices. A leaner weather service is seeing more extreme weather The Storm Prediction Center had tallied 883 local tornado reports this year as of Monday, which was 35% higher than average for this time of year. Many former weather service employees, especially those fired by the Trump administration, remain connected to the agencys inner workings. They describe an agency thats somehow getting forecasts and warnings out in time, but is also near the breaking point. Theyll continue to answer the bell as long as they can, but you can only ask people to work 80 hours or 120 hours a week, you know for so long, said Elbert Joe Friday, a former weather service director. They may be so bleary-eyed, they cant identify whats going on on the radar. Tom DiLiberto, a weather service meteorologist and spokesman who was fired in earlier rounds of the job cuts, said the situation is like a boat with leaks and you have a certain amount of pieces of duct tape and you keep moving duct tape to different holes. At some point, you cant. As of March, some of the weather service offices issuing tornado warnings Friday and Sunday were above the 20% vacancy levels that outside experts have said is a critical threshold. Those include Jackson, with a 25% vacancy rate, Louisville, Kentucky, with a 29% vacancy rate, and Wichita, Kansas, with a 32% vacancy rate, according to data compiled by weather service employees and obtained by the AP. Technologies used to predict tornadoes have significantly improved, but radar cant replace a well-rested staff that has to figure out how nasty or long-lasting storms will be and how to get information to the public, said Karen Kosiba, managing director of the Flexible Array of Mesonets and Radars (FARM) facility, a network of weather equipment used for research. There really are not enough people to handle everything, said University of Oklahoma meteorology professor Howard Bluestein, who chased six tornadoes Sunday. If the station is understaffed, that could affect the quality of forecasts. Cuts hit in different ways Former weather service Director Louis Uccellini said budget cuts have drastically reduced the number of weather balloon launches, which provide critical information for forecasts. And weather service workers arent being allowed to travel to help train local disaster officials for what to do when they get dangerous weather warnings, he said. Though the number of tornadoes is nearly at a record pace, Thompson and other experts said the tornado outbreak of the last few days is mostly normal for this time of year. For tornadoes to form, the atmosphere needs a collision of warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and storm systems chugging through via the jet stream, the river of air that brings weather fronts from west to east, said Thompson, Bluestein and Harold Brooks of the weather services National Severe Storm Laboratory. The moisture that were getting from the Gulf of Mexico is a lot more than we used to get, said Bluestein. That makes the likelihood that were getting a stronger storm higher and thats pretty unusual. Temperatures in the Gulf are a couple of degrees warmer than usual for this time of year, according to the weather service. The connection between climate change and tornadoes is not as well understood as the links between other types of extreme weather such as heavy rainfall and heat waves, experts say. Under the climate change scenario, were kind of supercharging the atmosphere on some days and then actually reducing the favorability on others, said Ohio State University atmospheric sciences professor Jana Houser. Scientists are also seeing more tornadoes in January, February, March and other times when it used to be too cold for twisters to form, especially in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee, she said. More people are also living in harms way, Brooks said. Thats why Uccellini and others see increasing risks to people and property. When you have this kind of threat and youre understaffed at some point, somethings going to slip through the cracks, Uccellini said. I cant tell you when its going to happen. ___ Associated Press reporter Isabella OMalley contributed from Philadelphia. Photo: A home is destroyed after a severe storm passed through the area, May 17, 2025, in London, Ky. (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 Windstorm Hackers working for Russian military intelligence targeted Western technology and logistics companies involved in shipping assistance to Ukraine, the U.S. National Security Agency said. The hackers were trying to obtain details about the type of assistance entering Ukraine and, as part of the effort, sought access to the feeds of internet-connected cameras near Ukrainian border crossings, according to the NSAs report on the cyberattack, which was issued late Wednesday. The cyber campaign sought to penetrate defense, transportation and logistics companies in several Western countries, including the U.S., as well as ports, airports and rail systems. The report didnt specify which types of aid Russia was surveilling, but Ukraines allies have contributed significant amounts of military and humanitarian assistance since the war began. More than 10,000 internet-connected cameras were targeted, including private devices and public traffic cameras near critical transportation points, such as ports, rail hubs or border crossings. Most were in Ukraine, though some were in Romania, Poland and other eastern or central European countries. Officials did not disclose details about the hackers success or how long they remained unnoticed. The activity detailed in the report began in 2022, the same year that Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is expected to continue its efforts to spy on aid shipments, and companies involved in aid logistics or shipments should be on guard, according to the report, which was issued jointly by the NSA, the FBI and security agencies in several allied nations. To defend against and mitigate these threats, at-risk entities should anticipate targeting, the NSA said. Authorities linked the activity to a Russian military intelligence unit dubbed Fancy Bear that is well known for its past campaigns targeting the U.S. and its allies. The hackers used a variety of tactics to gain access, including spearphishing, which involves sending authentic-looking messages to a potential victim that contain links to harmful software or requests for sensitive information. The Russian team also exploited security vulnerabilities in computer devices used at small and in-home offices, networks that often lack the security measures found in larger systems. The hackers didnt use particularly innovative techniques, according to Grant Geyer, chief strategy officer at the cybersecurity company Claroty. Nevertheless, the sprawling yet carefully orchestrated effort gives the Russians a granular understanding of the aid sent to Ukraine, he said. They have done detailed targeting across the entire supply chain to understand what equipment is moving, when and how whether its by aircraft, ship or rail, Geyer said. Russia could use the information it obtained to hone its war planning, Geyer said, or to plot further cyber or physical attacks on the supply chain to Ukraine. Last fall, U.S. intelligence officials issued a public bulletin directing American defense companies and suppliers to increase security precautions following several acts of sabotage in Europe that officials have blamed on Russia. The Russian Embassy in Washington didnt immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Photo: AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Cyber Russia Insurance veteran and former Willis Group Holdings CEO Joe Plumeri will occupy the new role of chairman at Insurance Advisory Partners (IAP). According to the investment bank focused on the insurance, insurance services and insurtech industries, Plumeri will start the role on September 1. Plumeri served as chairman and CEO of Willis Group for about a dozen years starting in 2000, coming over from CEO of Citibank, North America. He then joined KKR & Co., a former investor in Willis Group, as a senior adviser. IAP said Plumeri will enhance the firms ability to successfully compete with major investment banks and advisory firms across the globe, and he will become an investor in the company. While at Willis, Plumeri inspired Tony Ursano, now managing partner and cofounder of IAP, to leave Bank of America to launch Willis Capital Markets & Advisory and to run corporate development and strategy at Willis. Ursano said Plumeri joins at an important time for IAP, which is now established, growing and redefining the standard for M&A and capital-raising advice through our promise of providing differentiated, objective, insightful advice, while providing an amazing client experience to each and every client we touch. Joe will enable us to raise the bar even further, delivering the highest-quality advice and service to the insurance, insurance services and insurtech industries across the globe, Ursano added. Having closely followed their significant success I am excited to join this exceptional group of people as we drive the next phase of the companys growth, added Plumeri. Insurance Advisory Partners has a great future and Im proud I get to be part of it. Boeing Co. has reached a tentative agreement with the US Justice Department that would allow the planemaker to avoid criminal charges for two fatal crashes of its 737 Max jets more than six years ago. The settlement was disclosed in a federal court filing Friday, just weeks before a trial was set to start June 23 in Fort Worth, Texas. It calls for the company to pay more than $1.1 billion and strengthen quality and safety measures, Justice Department lawyers said. Its a stunning turnaround in the long-running legal case. Just last year, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a criminal conspiracy. But that deal was rejected in December by US District Judge Reed OConnor, who has been overseeing the case since 2021. The new agreement reached over strong objections from some victims families still needs to be approved by OConnor. The government said a final agreement will be filed by the end of next week, but provided an overview of the terms in its filing. Among them: a $243.6 million fine for Boeing and a order for the planemakers board of directors to meet with family members of people killed in the crashes. The tentative agreement would allow require Boeing to contribute $444.5 million to a fund for families of victims killed in the crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019, according to the filing. Boeing also would spend $455 million to strengthen its compliance, safety and quality programs, the filing shows. Ultimately, in applying the facts, the law, and Department policy, we are confident that this resolution is the most just outcome with practical benefits, prosecutors said in a statement, noting that theyd met extensively with relatives of the victims. Family Opposition After the government submitted notice of the agreement, lawyers representing family members of crash victims told OConnor they plan to object to the deal and urge him to deny any attempt by the government to dismiss the criminal case against Boeing. The families intend to argue that the dismissal unfairly makes concessions to Boeing that other criminal defendants would never receive and fails to hold Boeing accountable for the deaths of 346 persons, they said in a court filing. Many of the families opposed any deal that allowed Boeing to avoid criminal prosecution. Theyve fought for years to extract harsher penalties from the company. Both crashes were linked to a flawed flight control system on 737 Max jets. The only Boeing official to face trial was a mid-level manager overseeing the pilot manuals and training materials. He was acquitted. Catherine Berthet, whose 28-year-old daughter Camille Geoffrey was killed in the 2019 crash, said she was absolutely stunned by the proposed agreement. I will never get rid of my pain and my tears, Berthet said in a statement. By deciding not to prosecute Boeing and not to take it to court, the government is sending a message to the public that big companies are above the law and justice, even when they kill. Not all of the victims families are opposed to the deal, according to prosecutors. In Fridays filing, the Justice Department said family members and lawyers representing more than 100 crash victims either expressed support for the resolution, efforts to end the case before trial or did not oppose the agreement. One family member told the government he wants the DOJ to find a way to resolve this matter as soon as possible. Boeing declined to comment on the deal. The companys shares fell less than 1% on Friday. Legal Turns The case has taken several turns. In 2021, Boeing reached an agreement with the Justice Department to defer prosecution on charges that it deceived regulators about the system. Under that deal, Boeing paid a $243.6 million fine. In early 2024, two days before the charge wouldve been dismissed, a door-sized plug blew out of an airborne 737 Max. While no one was killed, the accident led to investigations and findings of lax controls in Boeings factories. The government said Boeing violated the 2021 agreement and recommended a criminal charge. Boeing agreed to plead guilty, pay a fine and install an independent corporate monitor. The agreement also would have required the company spend at least $455 million to bolster its compliance and safety programs. But that proposal was rejected in December by OConnor. He said the agreement diminished his role in ensuring Boeing lived up to its promises and that the process for selecting an independent monitor would rely on diversity, equity and inclusion policies, which the judge claimed would improperly impose race on the hiring decision. In March, OConnor ordered Boeing to stand trial in June. While he didnt explain his decision, the order came a day after the Wall Street Journal reported Boeing was seeking leniency from the Justice Department and trying to avoid a criminal charge. The original plea deal was crafted by the Biden administrations Justice Department, which claimed it was standard practice to include language related to DEI policies. Since taking office Jan. 20, President Donald Trump has been eradicating diversity programs within the federal government. The case is US v. Boeing, 21-cr-005, US District Court, Northern District of Texas (Fort Worth). Photo: Photographer: Ellen Banner/Getty Images Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics USA Fraud Aviation Aerospace While some insurance companies in Florida and beyond have balked at writing properties with rooftop solar panels, FM Global says it has pioneered an idea that may help a testing system that certifies panels for fire and hail resistance. We did a ton of research on how panels are built and should be built, said Louis Gritzo, chief science officer for FM, a mutual insurance company that focuses mostly on commercial properties around the world. The hope is that its going to change the way that renewables are implemented and distributed. Gritzo, who spoke last week at the Insurance Innnovators USA conference in Nashville, hopes other carriers will utilize FMs certification program, cover more solar-topped properties, and reduce their losses on structures that have the systems installed. The biggest vulnerabilities for solar panels are fire and damage from hail storms, Gritzo noted. Walmart in 2019 famously sued Tesla Inc. after several rooftop fires broke out on stores in California, Maryland and Ohio, then reached a settlement. And some Florida-based carriers in recent years have shied away from covering residential and some commercial properties, contending that the panels, mounted on top of roof shingles, metal roof panels, or flat roofs, can lead to leaks and added expense when a roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Researchers with the Florida Solar Energy Center, part of the University of Central Florida, have said that insurers concerns about solar systems are greatly overblown. The photovoltaic panels can help hold down shingles in high winds and have not been shown to cause leaks in the roof deck, in most cases, the center has found. And fires are extremely rare, according to news reports. Hail damage is perhaps more common, but Gritzo, with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, believes the FM approval process now ensures that the glass panels are more impact-resistant. FM has developed standards for examination for panels, including the FM 4478 standard for severe hail, and separate standards for roof materials, known as FM 4473. A number of solar manufacturers now tout the certifications, and some insurers offer premium discounts for homes with the rated photovoltaic systems, according to Lumos, a manufacturer. Solar panels are some of the dozens of products and systems that FM reviews for safety, durability and climate resilience. Although many carriers require Underwriters Laboratories certification for certain products, its rare for insurers themselves to invest in the testing and research. Its part of what has been called FMs prevention-based approach to insurance, designed to reduce losses before a weather or other event occurs, according to Gritzo and company material. Much of the testing is done at FMs 1,600-acre research campus near FMs corporate headquarters in Rhode Island. Doing it this way really floats all boats, Gritzo said about the solar system certification. It would be great if other insurance companies want to use our certifications. Related: How to Protect Rooftop Solar Panels from Hail Damage Topics Carriers Underwriting ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Almost four dozen Venezuelan workers who had temporary protected status have been put on leave by Disney after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to strip them of legal protections. The move was made to make sure that the employees were not in violation of the law, Disney said in a statement Friday. The 45 workers across the company who were put on leave will continue to get benefits. We are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all our employees who may be navigating changing immigration policies and how they could impact them or their families, the statement said. About two-thirds of the workers were in union jobs. The union contract for Walt Disney World service workers in Florida allows them to be reinstated without loss of seniority or benefits once they provide proper work authorization within a year of losing their jobs, said Julee Jerkovich, secretary-treasurer of the United Food And Commercial Workers International Unions Local 1625. Its very distressing, Jerkovich said Friday. Disney is being made to be the bad guy, but they didnt have any choice. Disney would have been criticized if the workers werent put on leave, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents made raids at Disney World, she said. The Supreme Courts order on Monday put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in San Francisco that kept in place Temporary Protected Status for the Venezuelans that would have otherwise expired last month. The justices provided no rationale, which is common in emergency appeals. The order potentially exposes as many as 350,000 Venezuelans to deportation. The status allows people already in the United States to live and work legally because their native countries are deemed unsafe for return due to natural disaster or civil strife. Disney managers had informed the employees verbally before they received an email with details on the leave. This week was their last to work before the 30-day leave, and some employees had been asked to turn in their IDs, said Oscar Tineo, a Venezuelan shop steward at Unite Here Local 737, which represents hotel and restaurant workers at Disney World in Florida. The company is taking this decision to protect them and to protect itself, said Tineo, who won his asylum case and is a U.S. legal resident. Anywhere from 15% to 20% of the almost 80,000 employees at Disney World are Venezuelans. Some of them have an asylum process pending or have requested immigration benefits other than Temporary Protected Status. A bigger concern is a larger group of Venezuelan Disney workers whose status could end at a later date but werent included in the Supreme Courts decision, Tineo said. We came here to live in liberty, without fear, looking for peace, said a 49-year-old Venezuelan woman who works in kitchens at Disney World hotels and asked that she not be identified. It has been difficult, and the fear is very great. The woman left Venezuela with her 10-year-old son after receiving death threats for being a political opposition activist. She applied for asylum and temporary protective status, and her work permit is tied to her asylum. For now, she said she can continue working as a kitchen assistant. They are seeking to comply with the laws, she said of Disney. They are obliged to do this. The Supreme Court case was the latest in a string of emergency appeals President Donald Trumps administration has made to the high court, many of them related to immigration and involving Venezuela. Earlier this month, the government asked the court to allow it to end humanitarian parole for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, setting them up for potential deportation as well. These workers our colleagues, friends, and neighbors have contributed immensely to the success of the Walt Disney Company and to the vibrant culture of central Florida, a coalition of unions at Disney World said in a statement. No worker should have to live in fear of losing everything after building a life here. Photo: (AP Photo/John Raoux) For the first time in the United States, a utility is asking federal regulators for a permit to build a small nuclear reactor. The nations largest public power company, the Tennessee Valley Authority, announced Tuesday it submitted a construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a small, modular nuclear reactor. It wants to develop next-generation nuclear power in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, at its Clinch River site. TVA President and CEO Don Moul said that by going first, they can show other utilities a way to accelerate the development of small nuclear reactors. Nuclear is very reliable, very resilient. It is carbon free, he told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview Monday. It is, what I would consider, one of the highest quality generating sources we have. And so starting a path forward not only helps others in America follow, but it can also help America lead the world in the new technology. The federally owned utility provides electricity to seven states and operates three traditional, large nuclear power plants, which provide 40% of the Tennessee Valleys power. The regions population is growing, industries are replacing fossil fuels with electric alternatives and theres more manufacturing. The TVA expects to need up to 26 gigawatts of power by 2035, enough to power roughly 15 million homes, to meet the growing demand for electricity and replace retiring power plants. Its board launched a program in 2022 to develop and fund small modular nuclear reactors as part of its strategy to dramatically reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, and has provided $350 million for it so far. U.S. electric utilities have been reluctant to invest in new nuclear construction because of large cost overruns and delays in Georgia, as Georgia Power Co.s Plant Vogtle was expanded from two of the traditional large reactors to four, said Jacopo Buongiorno, professor of nuclear science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The TVA decision is meaningful because it may be the start of a trend, Buongiorno added. The United States does not have any next-generation reactors operating commercially. The NRC is currently reviewing applications from companies that want to build these reactors to begin providing power in the early 2030s. A project to build the first was terminated in 2023, as costs increased and not enough local power providers signed up to be part of it. This month, the power company in Ontario, Canada, began building the first of four small nuclear reactors. Ontario Power Generation chose the same reactor the TVA wants to build, GE Hitachis design that uses light water like all large U.S. commercial reactors. In Ontario, theyre expecting the first to cost $6.1 billion Canadian dollars ($4.4 billion), along with $1.6 billion Canadian dollars ($1.1 billion) for equipment to build all four. The cost is expected to decline with each subsequent reactor. TVAs cost estimates are in the same range, Moul said, but he declined to give specifics and said the utility is looking for partners to help with the initial costs. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group says far cheaper, safer and cleaner electricity can be delivered much faster through investments in proven renewable sources like solar rooftops, battery storage and wind power. Theres no bigger example of a money pit than the fantasy of small modular reactors as a viable source of energy in the U.S., said Alex Formuzis, spokesperson for the research and advocacy organization. The Biden administration announced a $900 million investment in these reactors last year. The Trump administration also supports building small modular reactors for flexible, reliable power for energy-intensive sectors like industry and data centers as electricity demand soars. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in March that the $900 million would be awarded, but applicants had to submit new proposals to be judged solely on technical merit, without consideration for past diversity, equity and inclusion practices. The TVA and its industry partners applied for $800 million in federal funding, which they say will help speed up the development of the technology by about two years. The NRC has already said the Clinch River site is suitable for a new nuclear plant. Theres enough room for a total of four small reactors. If the NRC and the TVA board approve the plans to build the first reactor there, it could begin operating around 2032, providing 300 megawatts of power, which is enough for about 175,000 homes. Photo: Scott Hunnewell, vice president of the utilitys New Nuclear Program, signs the construction permit application to build a small modular reactor. (Tennessee Valley Authority via AP) ___ 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. It was another mighty Munster showing in the West yesterday at the 2025 Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards, held in Ashford Castle Estate, in Co Mayo, as three of seven awards on offer went to food producers from the Southern province with many other Munster producers amongst the nominees. Euro-Toques Ireland, founded in 1986 by Myrtle Allen, is the Irish chapter of a European-wide chefs-led organisation dedicated to preserving and championing local food culture, traditional food craft and gastronomy, and the Irish awards carry a special prestige as chef members, numbering some of Irelands finest, nominate and then vote on eventual award winners. This year, themed as Honouring Irelands Kitchen Table, brought together over 100 chef members, food producers and others to salute some very exceptional food producers across seven categories: Water, Land, Farm, Dairy, Artisan Produce, and Traditional Craft. Tom Leach and Moe McKeown of Dingle Sea Salt Dingle Sea Salt triumphed in the Water category as highly innovative producers of Irelands first solar-evaporated Atlantic sea salt using a fully off-grid, low-carbon process, with Salt of Kinsale, Cork, and The Sea Gardener, Waterford, also nominated. The highly progressive Moy Hill Farm, to the fore of the new wave of regenerative farming in Ireland, prevailed in the Farm category for sustainable animal rearing, for their ethical egg production and holistic approach to farming, while Tinnock Farm, Co Tipperary, was the other Munster nominee in this category. Sarah Richards Seagull Bakery, Waterford, was a very popular winner in the Traditional Craft/Skill section for the artist-turned-baker who began out with a tiny oven in her back garden studio and now employs 30 people in their bakery and two retail outlets, in Tramore and Waterford city. Richards business/life partner Conor Naughton said: We were chuffed to win amongst such great company, some really great Irish bakers nominated, and it is great to see real bread bakers celebrated for their craft at such a prestigious awards. Sarah Richards and Conor Naughton, Seagull Bakery Richards has long championed real bread made from Irish-grown grains and works with local grain farmers in her region. It's great to be recognised for our commitment to developing an Irish grain network to really complete the cycle of farm to fork, to support local farmers and systems change to ensure genuinely sustainable food security for Ireland in the future. Winners in the other categories were: Coole Farm, Co Louth (Land Honouring Our Heritage); Ballylisk, Co Armagh (Dairy Soft Cheese), with Corks Durrus Cheese also nominated; Wild Irish Foragers, Co Offaly (Artisan Produce Irish Preserved Ingredients); and Salt Rock Dairy, Co Wexford (Dairy - Cultured Butter), with Irish Gourmet Butter, Waterford, and Toonsbridge Cultured Butter, Co Cork, also nominated. Hugos Bakery, Co Clare, and Wild Flour Bakery, in Innishannon, in Co Cork, were also nominated alongside Seagull Bakery in the Traditional Craft/Skill category. Fergal Smithof Moy Hill Farm, Co Clare, which won the Farm award. After the awards ceremony, guests enjoyed a celebratory seasonal lunch of local produce prepared by Ashford Castle chefs Liam Finnegan and Jonathan Keane, the meal accompanied by a beautifully curated Harvest Table showcasing the wares of the 30-plus nominees. The Irish kitchen table is a symbol of trust, care, and resilience, said Irish Examiner food writer and Goldie head chef Aishling Moore, who is also Head of the Euro-Toques Food Council. It is where we learn the fundamentals of food not just how to cook, but how to value what we eat and who we share it with. Conor Halpenny of Square Dundalk, Chair of Euro-Toques Ireland, added: We are honouring those who have kept Irish food grounded producers and craftspeople who quietly shape our national identity through their work every single day. Actor Pierce Brosnan has responded to criticism of his Irish accent in MobLand saying his own voice is very soft. The Drogheda-born star plays mobster Conrad Harrigan in the Paramount+ series, which follows the Harrigan crime family and their battle with the Stevenson family in London, but despite the actor being from Ireland, he has faced backlash for his accent in the role. The Irish Independents review of the series said Brosnans speaking voice as Conrad was all over the shop and a huge distraction. I told (my dialect coach) that I needed a Kerry accent, so he gave me the name of a man and I googled the guy and that was it. It was a Kerry accent and so, I just gave it full tilt In response to criticism, Brosnan told Radio Times: My own accent is very soft, Conrads accent is a million miles away from me. He went on to explain that the inspiration for the accent was a man suggested by his dialect coach, adding: I told him that I needed a Kerry accent, so he gave me the name of a man and I googled the guy and that was it. It was a Kerry accent and so I just gave it full tilt. In the interview, Brosnan also spoke of the mix of worry and excitement he faces when taking on new roles. The 72-year-old explained: Every job is a challenge and it all comes with a thump of anxiety, because you have to do something. Brosnan was speaking in an interview with Radio Times magazine (Radio Times/PA) What are you doing on the stage? Why are you there? So thats constant. You live with that. You live with that stress all the time, and thats whats so exhilarating. Thats what makes you alive. Brosnan is best known for playing James Bond from 1995 to 2002, starring in four films as 007 in GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Die Another Day (2002). He has also starred in Mamma Mia! (2008), Mars Attacks! (1996) and Mrs Doubtfire (1994). Brosnan will appear in a film adaptation of Richard Osmans The Thursday Murder Club book, which is set for release in August. The full interview can be read in the latest edition of Radio Times magazine. Irelands economy faces unprecedented risks in the coming years, with the current geopolitical situation leading to uncertainty twice as high as it was during the early days of covid-19, according to the Central Bank of Ireland. The banking regulator will, together with the Economic and Social Research Institute, address the Oireachtas housing committee on Tuesday regarding the challenges facing the Irish housing market. Robert Kelly, the Central Bank's director of economics and statistics, is to tell the committee that Irelands significant ties with the US via trade and investment places the country at significant risk of heightened impact due to the tariff and isolationist policies of President Donald Trump. In the short term, the main challenge is heightened uncertainty, now estimated to be nearly twice as high as it was during the early pandemic, which risks reducing consumer spending and delaying investment decisions, Mr Kelly will say. Regarding the immediate future of housing in Ireland, Mr Kelly will strike a downbeat note, reiterating that housing completions here across 2025 are projected to be 35,000 at a maximum, itself a more optimistic outlook than that of most developers. He will note commencements in 2024 surged, but this may have been a result of the temporary waiver of levies on development and water connections. The ongoing stasis seen within Irelands housing market is a costly one, Mr Kelly will tell the committee, noting inadequate housing supply will lead to rising rents and house prices, a fact which will only serve to further undermine our competitiveness as a small open economy. Both Mr Kelly and the ESRIs associate research professor Dr Conor OToole are set to outline similar opinions on the primary blockages to increasing housing supply with the planning system, low productivity in the construction sector, and infrastructural deficits all cited as being factors which are holding the country back. Mr Kelly will describe the fragmented nature of Irelands construction sector which sees 175,000 workers employed predominantly in small firms as hindering scalability and efficiency, to the extent output per hour in Ireland is 25% below the euro area average. Dr OToole is expected to reiterate the same point, that in Ireland there is lower productivity for small and domestic-owned construction firms relative to foreign-owned construction firms, an issue which is likely to be inhibiting activity in the sector. Central Bank director Mr Kelly will estimate an additional 7bn in investment will be required each year in order for the country to scale up to the 54,000 dwellings required each year to match the growing Irish populations demand for housing. Of the three factors the Central Bank believes need to be maximised in order to deal with the crisis prepared land, efficient planning, and productive building Mr Kelly will emphasise the shortage of zoned land, particularly in Dublin and the other urban centres, is a critical bottleneck to housing delivery. He will criticise the domination of short-term thinking with regard to overhauling Irelands dated water, transport and energy infrastructure. Without these, development cannot proceed, Mr Kelly will say. Our analysis shows that delays in infrastructure planning or execution lead to long wait times, causing a permanent reduction in private sector participation and resulting in poor value for money. Dr OToole will note, meanwhile, the challenges in the housing market are complicated and interlinked, and structural reforms on the supply side in planning, zoning and regulation are likely to yield the best return in terms of fostering the long-term production of housing. Ireland is set to become the first EU country to limit trade with Israel as the reworked Occupied Territories Bill is brought to Cabinet by Tanaiste Simon Harris. Mr Harris will today ask Cabinet to approve the drafting of the general scheme of a bill to ban the importation of goods from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Mr Harris said last week he has a legal view that including services in the bill is not possible. Palestinians examining the damage at a school hit by Israeli military strike which killed at least 36 people in Gaza City on Monday, May 26, 2025. Picture: Jehad Alshrafi/AP The Tanaiste is expected to tell ministers that while Ireland does minimal trade with the occupied Palestinian territory, the Government has been resolute in its determination to use every lever available to end the war in the Middle East. Trade in goods which originated in occupied Palestinian land accounted for around 700,000 between 2020 and 2024. Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Monday, May 5, 2025. Picture: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP It is understood the bill will go to the Oireachtas foreign affairs committee for scrutiny next month, with Mr Harris last week saying he was not sure if the bill could be passed before the summer recess. Mental Health Bill Meanwhile, the Government chief whip and minister of state with responsibility for mental health, Mary Butler, through health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, will seek approval of amendments to the Mental Health Bill 2024, which will make changes to the treatment of those involuntarily admitted to an acute mental health setting, and introduce a revised approach to consent to treatment. The bill will grant new powers to the Mental Health Commission to regulate all community mental health services, including community Camhs. CHI governance Ms Carroll MacNeill will update Cabinet on actions taken to strengthen governance and oversight at Childrens Health Ireland and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh after last weeks clinic audit report on hip surgeries. Ms Carroll MacNeill will say that HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster has agreed to respond to the report and its implications within the next week. She will also update on the appointment of two HSE board members to the CHI board, as well as a strengthening of the service-level agreement between the HSE and CHI. Many of the 241 Government committee-stage amendments relate to technical amendments, while others seek to address the concerns of stakeholder groups. European Accessibility Act Meanwhile, ATMs, ticket machines, and other facilities will have to be accessible to all under an EU law being implemented in Ireland Children's Minister Norma Foley will tell Cabinet that the European Accessibility Act is designed to ensure that designated products and services are accessible for people with disabilities. This includes computers and operating systems, ATMs, e-ticketing and check-in machines, digital television services, banking services, and telephony services including smartphones. Also at Cabinet, Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless will bring an update to Government on the rollout of Springboard+ 2025. Ireland will have to continue until at least July 2027 to rely on friendly foreign navies to detect underwater threats off our coast from Russian spy ships and submarines. Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has said he expects contract negotiations for the supply of advanced sonar technology to conclude in the coming months. However, the first sonar system is not expected to be delivered until July 2027. Irish navy ships were equipped with the technology up until the mid-1980s. However, when it was in need of upgrading or replacing, the Department of Defence at the time decided this was too expensive. Sonar is the only way the Navy can get a picture of underwater threats, especially to critically important subsea cables which carry millions of financial and other data transactions between Europe and North America. About 75% of all transatlantic cables pass through Irelands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In total, our EEZ covers 220 million acres (880,000 km) around ten times the size of our landmass. The Russians have repeatedly sent so-called spy ships, such as Yantar, to the cable areas. It is believed that such ships deploy submersibles that have been mapping the cables coordinates and could potentially plant explosives that might be triggered in the event of a major war severely hampering allied communications and economies. However, none have been discovered to date. The British, French, NATO, and occasionally the US Navy have been monitoring Russian activity in our EEZ. Two years ago, the Irish Examiner exclusively revealed that a Russian submarine surfaced just outside the entrance to Cork Harbour. Because the Irish Navy had no sonar, it was unable to monitor the submarines movements underwater. A British helicopter soon arrived and deployed sonar into the sea to track it. Shortly afterwards, a Royal Navy warship helped drive it away. The submarine surfaced just outside Irelands 12-nautical-mile sovereign waters limit. It is now believed that the submarines commander knew the Naval Service had no undersea tracking capability and was waiting for a British response as part of war gaming, while also testing the level of military cooperation between Ireland and the UK. Meanwhile, Mr Harris has responded to a Dail question from Fianna Fail Cork South-Central TD Seamus McGrath by revealing that the current strength of the Navy is 745 personnel far short of the minimum 1,094 required to run the force. He said 97 personnel were inducted into the Navy last year. These included 80 enlisted members, 13 officers, and two former members who had previously left the service but decided to re-enlist. The Navy has been working hard to recruit experienced specialists from the private sector. However, it only managed to attract one chef and one engine room fitterskilled roles the service is critically short of. Mr Harris said three Atlantic-capable P60-class vessels are currently available for operations, but they conduct patrols on a rotation basis usually just one at a time. In addition, a smaller ship, LE Aoibhinn, purchased from New Zealand, is currently on duty. However, it is not robust enough for Atlantic patrols and primarily operates close to the coastline in the Irish Sea. He did not comment when asked about when her sister ship, LE Gobnait, might become operational. It's Tanora, Tayto, and Chester cake for US Senator Bernie Sanders during his visit to Nolan's Butchers on Shandon Street, Cork. RTE repaid 2.4m in covid wage subsidies to which it was not entitled, TDs and senators will be told on Wednesday. A number of RTE representatives, including director general Kevin Bakhurst, will come before the Oireachtas media committee, with chairman Alan Kelly saying he wants to discuss matters relating to policy, governance, expenditure, and administration at the broadcaster. In an opening statement sent to committee members and seen by the Irish Examiner, RTE will say that it last year reviewed its eligibility for the temporary wage subsidy scheme (TWSS) which during the covid-19 pandemic paid part of employee wages for qualifying companies. The review found that the broadcaster had availed of the scheme between March and August 2020 and, as a result, RTE repaid the TWSS subsidy for the periods July and August 2020. "This repayment, together with the PRSI that would have been due had the subsidy not been claimed, amounted to 2.4m." Terence ORourke, the chairman of the RTE board, will attend the media committee along with Kevin Bakhurst and eight senior RTE managers. File picture: Sam Boal/Collins In total, 2.7m has been paid to the Revenue Commissioners the repayment plus interest and penalties. This resulted in a "net credit to the income statement of 2.6 million during 2024 as RTE had previously provided for full repayment of all amounts received for its participation in the scheme", the statement says. In addition, RTE says it "continues to engage fully with the Revenue Commissioners in relation to a Revenue audit" which commenced in 2024 and has made payments of 1.1m to date. Controversial IT project Mr Bakhurst and the chairman of the RTE board, Terence ORourke, and eight senior managers will appear before the committee. Among the matters to be discussed will be the 3.6m write-down on a partly-abandoned IT project, which Mr Bakhurst will say is "an outlier within the overall portfolio of our capital expenditure projects". "It is extremely regrettable when dealing with public funds to have to write down significant sums of money, and I want to underline the fact that we have taken this very seriously and have spent considerable time looking into the details of the project and the process," the statement says. IT project was 'an outlier' "Thanks to the efforts of many, an effective finance system was salvaged, implemented and continues to operate today. "An expert and independent review was commissioned at the end of the project to identify the key lessons to be learned, and it is important to say that in our review of large capital projects for the minister and the department, it was very clear that this project was an outlier within a much larger portfolio of projects." 'Ridiculous' marketing campaign RTE management is also set to be asked about a marketing campaign which uses extras and props, which Mr Kelly on Tuesday called "absolutely ridiculous". "Workers who are working in your environment, whether in front of camera, behind the camera, they all know the environment they're working in," Mr Kelly told RTE's Morning Ireland. "They all know what they have to deal with, day in, day out, and presenting something that isn't actually the real deal or close to it; where actors have been brought in, where props have been brought in for something is presented as if this is RTE ... I mean it's just not a good way of doing it," he said. A 30-year-old Cobh man got out of a car shortly before nine oclock at night at a shopping centre car park to meet a man who owed him money and he struck him with a sword, it was alleged on Tuesday at the opening of a murder trial in Cork. Dylan Scannell of ORahilly Street, Cobh, County Cork, replied to the charge of murdering Ian Baitson, in Eurospar car park, Newtown Road, Cobh, on March 19, 2024: Not guilty to murder, guilty of manslaughter. His trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of six men and six women is expected to go on until June 6 at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork. The date on the charge refers to March 19, 2024, where it is alleged that the deceased was fatally injured four days earlier. Prosecution senior counsel Donal OSullivan gave the jury an outline of the evidence anticipated in the case but stressed to them that this was not itself evidence. First, Mr OSullivan said that for a person to be guilty of murder they must intend to kill or to cause serious injury so that in this case the prosecution must prove that Dylan Scannell intended to kill Ian Baitson or to cause him serious injury. The accused man in front of you pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not murder. He accepts he caused the death but he did not have the requisite mental element of intention. The events which give rise to this are on March 15, 2024, just over a year ago, at a shopping centre/petrol station in an area of Cobh called Newtown. It is called Eurospar. It is alleged Dylan Scannell attacked and struck Ian Baitson with a sword causing his death. That is in essence what is alleged. The two men knew each other. It appears there was a debt owed by Ian Baitson to Dylan Scannell, being paid off bit by bit over a period of time. In the immediate aftermath a mobile phone was recovered at the scene with messages from a WhatsApp conversation between Dylan Scannell and Ian Baitson. You will see the messages. There are voice notes as well. In the run-up to the events of March 15 the messages from Dylan Scannell are coming in a more threatening way. There is going to be a CCTV montage At about 8.50pm Ian Baitson left his mothers home which is very close. He went to the car park at the back of the complex, where there is one of these washing machine facilities The court was told today that it appears Ian Baitson (pictured) owed a debt to Dylan Scannell. File picture "A car pulled up. A person got out and struck him with a sword. The person who was struck was Ian Baitson. The person who carried out the attack left immediately in the car. He was removed to hospital and passed away four days later. The Skoda Octavia was tracked by other cameras going to the car park. (Afterwards) it is tracked to various places. It returns to ORahilly Street but does not stop there. It goes to Connolly Street right next to the harbour. Subsequently, gardai carried out a search in the Mall, Cobh, a shingle-type beach, and a sword was found (with a DNA match to Ian Baitson). The (rental) Skoda Octavia was returned a day or so early. A car mat was seized and blood which was that of the deceased was found. A major garda investigation is underway into an alleged attempt by a garda to hire an assassin on the dark web to murder his former partner. The extraordinary case which has shocked experienced officers in An Garda Siochana appears to have been uncovered when foreign intelligence agencies spotted the request on the underground internet. It is understood they made contact with Garda HQ and an investigation was set up. The Garda Anti-Corruption Unit which was set up under current commissioner Drew Harris was assigned the investigation. The garda, based in Dublin, has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, which garda sources have described as extremely serious not just for the individual but also for the organisation. A statement issued by Garda HQ confirmed the investigation was underway: As part of an ongoing investigation by the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit into alleged serious criminality, a garda based in Dublin is suspended. Details of the case, first revealed in the Irish Independent, allege that the garda sought a person on the dark web, purporting to offer criminal services, to set fire to a house in which the officers former partner lived. It is further alleged that payments, in the form of bitcoin, were made. But the alleged conspiracy unravelled after the man being hired took the money and shut down contact. Dark web It is understood that the communications were spotted by a police or intelligence agency in Europe, which in turn informed An Garda Siochana. Certain EU member states have police and intelligence agencies that have the necessary resources and technology to monitor the dark web, or particularly activities on it. Criminal services include the purchase of firearms, illegal drugs, counterfeit money, stolen data, cyber attack software, and the hiring of hitmen. Once Garda HQ assessed the information the matter was passed on to the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation. It is understood that a search was carried out in which digital devices associated with the garda in question were taken away for forensic examination. The garda was suspended from duty but is not thought to have been arrested yet. Investigators will gather and examine all the digital evidence before seeking to question the garda. "The allegations just boggle the mind," one security source said. "You think you have heard it all, then this." When Commissioner Harris set up the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit, he said there was no reason why Ireland should be any different to other European countries when it came to corrupt and criminal activities of a small number of individual police officers. He said a proactive unit was needed to tackle it. It was the first time in his long political career that US senator Bernie Sanders held an event at a butchers shop, as he retraced the footsteps of activist Mother Jones across Cork City. The 83-year-old Vermont native visited Nolans Butchers on Shandon Street on Tuesday afternoon to pay tribute to the Cork-born trade unionist once labelled the most dangerous woman in America. US senator Bernie Sanders with Ann Piggott and Ger O'Mahony of the Mother Jones Committee at Nolan's Butchers on Shandon Street prior to visiting the Mother Jones plaque on John Redmond Street, Cork. Pictures: Dan Linehan Nolans Butchers, run by James Nolan and his wife Marie, has served as the headquarters of the Cork Mother Jones Committee for the past 14 years. In a small back room filled with potatoes and vegetables, the committees posters and brochures are displayed. Hi, how are you? he said as he entered Nolans. Do you want me to sell something? Mr Sanders added. We have a very good sale today," he said to the group of about 30 people in the shop. Ye can all queue up one by one, Marie chimed. Its cash only now. Mr Sanders and his wife, Jane OMeara Sanders, were welcomed with a round of applause and presented with a bottle of Tanora, a slab of Chester cake, and some Tayto crisps. During the presentation, he was given a history of Mother Jones and a briefing on the work of the committee on Shandon Street. Bernie Sanders, his wife Jane, Ann Piggott and Ger O'Mahony and the Mother Jones committee at the Mother Jones plaque on John Redmond Street, Cork. Mr Sanders added that he had not been aware that Mother Jones had immigrated to the town of Burlington, where he had previously served as mayor. Ive been to many openings and events, and let me tell you this, first time ever me and Jane have ever been to a butchers shop, he said. Thank you, Cork. Bernie Sanders and his wife Jane under the Mother Jones plaque with Garda Michelle McNamara, Sgt JP Twomey, Garda Tony Gardiner and Sgt David Fleming. Picture Dan Linehan Mr Nolan said it was brilliant and a privilege to welcome Mr Sanders to his shop, which has been open for almost 80 years. Hes an amazing man. Hes been around for so long and still as good as he was 50 or 60 years ago, I suppose, Mr Nolan told the Irish Examiner. Its just an honour to have him here, really. It is brilliant to have him, he added. Both Mr Sanders and his wife spent about 20 minutes in the shop before making their way down to John Redmond Street to honour the plaque dedicated to Mother Jones with some speeches, a song, and a shot of whiskey. Judicial reviews have been "weaponised" by some people to prevent housing developments from going ahead, housing minister James Browne has claimed. The housing minister has criticised individuals who use the courts to prohibit very badly needed homes. Some people instigate proceedings with the view that "simply, if you delay a project long enough, the project will fall," Mr Browne said. Mr Browne said he didnt believe everyone taking a judicial review on a planning application was doing so maliciously, adding it is a legitimate part of our legal process. He said the Government was introducing changes to judicial reviews through its new Planning and Development Act, most of which is yet to be commenced. What we are doing is tidying up judicial reviews to ensure that only those who have a legitimate interest in a project can bring forward their objections to it, Mr Browne said. I think the Planning and Development Act will really help to curtail the weaponising of judicial reviews, while allowing people who have legitimate concern exercise their concerns around that. Mr Browne said he did understand peoples concerns and he did not believe it was an ideological matter. Mr Browne said: Not to say their concerns are not real, but I think using the courts in that manner to perhaps prohibit very badly needed homes. I think thats the concern I have in terms of weaponising. When I say weaponising, its not with a view to getting an actual legal result. It is simply slowing down the process enough to prohibit the delivery of the project. It comes as Mr Browne on Tuesday announced new emergency legislation to extend the life of planning permissions. This will allow developers who have just two years left on their planning permission to apply for a three-year extension. However, these applications must be made within six months of the law commencing and development must begin within 18 months. It will also mean that for the duration of a judicial review, time allocated to the planning permission will not expire. Mr Browne said he aimed to have the legislation passed by the Dail before the summer recess. It comes as the housing minister admitted it would be extremely challenging to meet housing targets for 2025, after the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) warned that delivery for this year would likely be around 34,000 houses. A private plane owned by a company which carries out deportation flights for the US government stopped at Shannon for a second time on Monday. Flight tracking data shows a privately-owned Gulfstream jet stopped in Ireland for two hours on Monday en route to Djibouti after leaving an airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The US Department of Homeland Security has not responded to queries on whether the flight was carrying deportees. Last week, the plane had stopped at Shannon carrying eight men to Djibouti in contravention of a US court order. Last week, the department said the flight contained serious criminals and criticised a judge for trying to "bring them back" to America. It is understood the deportees were from Vietnam, Cuba, Myanmar, Laos, and Mexico. On Monday, that same judge excoriated the Trump administration for its failure to offer the men due process. In a 17-page court order, Brian E Murphy of the Federal District Court in Massachusetts, said the men were being held at a foreign military base in Djibouti. "It turns out that having immigration proceedings on another continent is harder and more logistically cumbersome than defendants anticipated. However, the court never said that defendants had to convert their foreign military base into an immigration facility," Mr Murphy wrote. "To be clear, the court recognises that the class members at issue here have criminal histories. But that does not change due process." The issue was once again raised in the Dail on Tuesday, with Labour leader Ivana Bacik asking Taoiseach Micheal Martin if he had been briefed on the flights. Mr Martin said "the minister for foreign affairs is investigating that, along with the minister for transport". "There are basic frameworks and international agreements around the landing of planes for civilian purposes. It is an issue we will enquire into further. It is not immediately clear from the international framework agreements on this issue how one can address it. We will examine it further and come back." So I was in London last week, doing what I grandly refer to as my family duty (actually attending the AGM of a charity, of which more later). In order to explain the family connection, I have to tell you a little-known secret about yours truly. I started in primary school a long, long time ago. St Cronins in Bray, a really good school now (I was there recently) but a really rough school then. As a new boy my full name was written into the roll book and read aloud to the class of ruffians with whom I was to spend the next few years. For any international student, feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and self-doubt are all too common. Charting a cross-continent route from India, I experienced all of these when I landed in Ireland. However, books are always a friend in times of uncertainty and for me, Dublins libraries became a safe haven. Libraries offer a secure and welcoming environment, which is crucial for international students navigating life in a new country. Being a journalist, reading and researching form the cornerstone of my life. The ways in which Irish libraries have become a sanctuary for students is deeply fascinating. No matter where one comes from, libraries can play a dual role for students: one, as an introduction to the countrys culture, and two, as a warm embrace for a new guest. Dublin City librarian Mairead Owens emphasises that social inclusion is the foundational principle of Dublin City Libraries. In an email conversation, Owens says: We welcome international students and provide many services that may benefit them, including study spaces in a relaxed and friendly environment, free wi-fi, online language learning courses, conversation exchanges, access to online periodicals, and a wide repertoire of books both hard copy and digital. Whether writing assignments or preparing for exams, access to seminal readings and books forms an essential part of student life. The fact public libraries offer free membership, universal access across Ireland with a single library card, and a gateway to some of the most important repositories makes them the top choice for many. The recent launch of the National Library Strategy The Library is the Place by the Government marks a bold new chapter in Irelands cultural and educational landscape. Aimed at transforming every library into a multi-purpose education and social space, the strategy outlines a range of ambitious initiatives. Key goals include tripling the number of My Open Library facilities to more than 90 ensuring access from 8am to 10pm year-round and providing every user with access to book clubs. Arpita Chowdhury: 'Libraries are not just about reading. For international students, they are spaces for personal and intellectual growth.' The strategy places strong emphasis on rural outreach via mobile libraries, the national Skills for Life programme (focusing on digital and financial literacy), and the expansion of Irish-language services. These measures aim to boost visitor numbers, increase investment in books, and establish libraries as vibrant hubs for learning, culture, and community engagement. Many international students face language barriers. The adult education and language services provided by public libraries are an inclusive and effective way to help students and newcomers integrate into Irish society. In a digital age when many are moving online and global library footfall seems to be declining, Irish libraries are making concerted efforts to stay relevant. Initiatives like Right to Read, a national programme to promote literacy and reading development for all age groups and backgrounds, not only foster inclusivity but also keep the habit of reading alive. Ms Owens says: Dublin City Libraries are invested in our communities and have been both proactive and responsive in meeting their needs. The inclusion of sensory rooms, sensory toys, assistive technology, and communication boards for visitors with autism reflects the librarys commitment to accessibility and universal learning. Students often operate on odd schedules pulling all-nighters or rising before dawn. For them, library resources can offer a much-needed safety net. The My Open Library initiative, which provides extended hours, is especially useful. Moreover, the home delivery of books for those who cannot physically access a library branch is a unique and thoughtful way to keep the flow of knowledge uninterrupted. The Library app is another helpful feature of libraries in Ireland, checking availabilities, catalogue features, book reservations and more everything is accessible with one touch. To ensure public libraries continue to be the safe havens they are today, sustained funding and the expansion of services are crucial. Libraries are not just about reading. For international students, they are spaces for personal and intellectual growth. Ive joined several book clubs, writing initiatives, and literary festivals through regular visits to public libraries. In many ways, Ive come to understand Dublin through the eyes of its libraries. A quick stroll to my nearest branch always feels like a journey home. On several occasions, Ive availed the inter-library loan facility to access books available across the city. For students on tight budgets, buying books is often not feasible. Libraries make sure were covered. To ensure public libraries continue to be the safe havens they are today, sustained funding and the expansion of services are crucial. Modernising library spaces with the latest technology is essential to attract younger generations. While college libraries do offer 24/7 access and quiet study rooms, public libraries should also step in to provide similar facilities especially meeting rooms and dedicated study areas for students who lack private spaces at home. As international students continue to flock to libraries, lets make sure these welcoming spaces are supported, updated, and celebrated for the lifelines they truly are. At their first bilateral summit since Brexit, UK and EU leaders set out a range of areas where they will seek to forge closer ties. European Council president Antonio Costa, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and British prime minister Keir Starmer hailed the agreement as a historic landmark deal that opens a new chapter in the EU-UK relationship. But it is only the beginning of potentially long negotiations to thrash out the details of closer cooperation in areas like trade, youth mobility and energy. As the two parties sit down at the negotiating table, they will, for the first time since Brexit, agree on how to make trade and cooperation easier. For example, one anticipated agreement will align UK food safety and animal health standards with those of the EU, thereby removing the need for most border checks and ease the flow of agriculture and food products between the two parties. And the expected youth mobility scheme will allow young people to travel, work and study in the EU and the UK for a limited period of time. The looming negotiations will be relatively narrow in scope. The Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement still provide the basis for the EU-UK relationship. The UK is not compromising on its red lines of not joining the single market, the customs union or allowing free movement of people. From left, European Council president Antonio Costa, British prime minister Keir Starmer and president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during a press conference at the end of the UK-EU summit. The negotiations will consequently not fundamentally alter the current relationship. While the impact of the agreements may be significant for specific sectors, the overall economic impact is expected to be relatively modest. This is not to say the upcoming negotiations will be easy or void of controversies. Over the next months, negotiators will have to agree on quotas, time limits, exceptions and financial contributions. Compromises and trade-offs will have to be found. Domestic resistance There will be domestic resistance on both sides. Concerns have already emerged that France might oppose the participation of British defence companies in EU defence procurement programmes. And in the UK, critics argue the decision to dynamically align UK rules and standards with those of the EU in certain sectors will make the country a rule-taker once again. But the answer to the question on many peoples minds: Will this bring us back to all those years of difficult and protracted Brexit negotiations? is no this time around, things are different. In comparison with the Brexit negotiations, these negotiations should be far easier and swifter. They are less consequential and backed by strong political will from both sides. Recent polling indicates both Britons and EU citizens favour a closer relationship between the UK and the EU. The agreement reached at the summit is seen as the first concrete manifestation of Starmers long sought-after reset of the relationship. The Brexit negotiations focused on establishing less cooperation compared with when the UK was a member of the EU. It was a question of addressing increasing barriers to trade and cooperation something many perceived as a lose-lose situation. The upcoming negotiations, on the other hand, are seen to lead towards a win-win reset of relations. The parties enter the negotiations with a mindset of finding solutions that increase trade and facilitate cooperation. The UK is now negotiating as an independent, sovereign country. During the Brexit negotiations, the UK was an EU member (or a closely aligned former member in the case of the negotiations of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement). It was thus important for the EU to make the benefits of membership clear and to discourage other members from leaving. As a result, it drove a hard bargain and the UK had limited influence on the negotiations. However, unlike the UK where Brexit has never fully disappeared from the political debate the EU moved on quickly after Brexit. In Brussels, many now consider the UK an independent but like-minded strategic partner. This is seen not least in the area of security, where the two parties agreed on a security and defence partnership. They set out a framework for closer cooperation in areas of joint interest, such as sanctions, information sharing and cybersecurity, and allowing them to better respond to shared global challenges and uncertainties. Zooming out, the geopolitical picture has changed dramatically since the Brexit negotiations. With the war in Ukraine and the resulting instability in Europe, combined with the shifting priorities of US foreign policy, there is now an even greater need for EU-UK cooperation. The Conversation Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria have reached an agreement with the transitional government in Damascus to evacuate Syrian citizens from a sprawling camp in the desert that houses tens of thousands of people with alleged ties to the militant Islamic State (IS) group. Sheikhmous Ahmed, an official in the Kurdish-led authority that controls the countrys northeast, said an agreement was reached on a joint mechanism for returning the families from al-Hol camp after a meeting among local authorities, representatives of the central government in Damascus and a delegation from the US-led international coalition fighting IS. Mr Ahmed denied reports that the administration of the camp will be handed over to Damascus in the near future, saying there was no discussion in this regard with the visiting delegation or with the Damascus government. Syrias interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa (AP/Francisco Seco) Human rights groups for years have cited poor living conditions and pervasive violence in the camp, which houses about 37,000 people, mostly wives and children of IS fighters, as well as supporters of the militant group. They also include Iraqis as well as nationals of Western countries who travelled to join IS. The US military has been pushing for years for countries that have citizens at al-Hol and the smaller, separate Roj Camp to repatriate them. Iraq has taken back increasing numbers of citizens in recent years, but many other countries have remained reluctant. As for Syrians housed in the camp, a mechanism has been in place for several years to return those who want to go back to their communities in the Kurdish-controlled areas, where centres have been opened to reintegrate them. Before now, however, there had not been an agreement with the government in Damascus to return them to areas under the central governments control. The new agreement comes amid attempts to increase the cooperation between Kurdish authorities and the new leaders in Damascus after former president Bashar Assad was unseated in a rebel offensive in December. Under a deal signed in March between Syrias interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF is to be merged into the new government armed forces. All border crossings with Iraq and Turkey and airports, and oil fields in the northeast are to come under the central governments control. Prisons where about 9,000 suspected members of the Islamic State group are held are also expected to come under central government control. The deal marked a major step toward unifying the disparate factions that had carved up Syria into de facto mini-states during its civil war that began in 2011 after the brutal crackdown by Mr Assads government on massive anti-government protests. However, implementation has been slow. Washington has been pushing for its enactment and, in particular, for Damascus to take over management of the prisons in northeast Syria. Human rights group Amnesty International accused the M23 rebels in eastern Congo of killing, torturing and forcibly disappearing civilian detainees in two rebel-controlled cities on Tuesday. These acts violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes, Amnesty said in a statement. The decades-long conflict in eastern Congo escalated in January, when the Rwanda-backed M23 advanced and seized the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu province, followed by Bukavu in February. Amnesty said that between February and April, it interviewed 18 civilians who had been detained by M23 in Goma and Bukavu, after they were accused of supporting the Congolese army or government. The former detainees said that the rebels produced no evidence of these accusations and several were not informed of the reasons for their detention. These acts violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. They were held in overcrowded, unsanitary cells without sufficient food, water, sanitation facilities or health care, according to the rights group. Several said that they saw fellow detainees die from the harsh conditions and torture. Some described how they witnessed M23 fighters kill two detainees with hammers and shoot another, who died on the spot. All of the former detainees interviewed by Amnesty said that they were either tortured or witnessed M23 fighters torture others in detention, describing severe beatings with wooden rods, electric cables or engine belts. The rights group said that relatives looked for their loved ones at the detention sites, but M23 fighters often refused to grant them access or denied that their relatives were there, which Amnesty said amounts to enforced disappearances. M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo near the border with Rwanda, in a conflict that has created one of the worlds most significant humanitarian crises. More than 7 million people have been displaced, including 100,000 who fled their homes this year. The rebels are supported by about 4,000 troops from neighbouring Rwanda, according to UN experts, and at times have vowed to march as far as Congos capital, Kinshasa, about 1,000 miles to the east. Despite Congos army and M23 having agreed to work towards a truce last month, fighting between the two sides continues. Argentinas President Javier Milei is headed to Israel. Mr Milei was awarded the 1 million dollar (736,916) Genesis Prize in January in recognition of his support of Israel. After he postponed a planned visit in March, he is now set to receive the prize in a ceremony at Israels Knesset on June 11 and deliver a speech to the Israeli parliament. Organisers say Mr Milei will donate the prize money to launch an initiative aimed at improving diplomatic relations between Israel and Latin American countries and fighting antisemitism in the region. Vice president Victoria Villarroel, right, and president Javier Milei attend a military parade (AP/Gustavo Garello) Prize organisers say they recognised Mr Milei for reversing Argentinas long history of anti-Israel votes at the United Nations, designating the Hamas and Hezbollah militant groups as terrorist organisations and reopening investigations into the bombings of Jewish and Israeli targets in Argentina in the 1990s. Mr Milei also has pledged to move Argentinas embassy to Jerusalem joining a handful of countries, including the US, to recognise the contested city as Israels capital. The move is not expected to take place during his visit. Previous winners have included business owner and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, actors Michael Douglas and Barbra Streisand, violinist Itzhak Perlman, sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former Soviet political prisoner Natan Sharansky. Political activist Tommy Robinson has been released from prison after serving a jail term for the civil offence of contempt of court. The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, left HMP Woodhill on Tuesday after his 18-month sentence was reduced by four months at the British High Court last week. A court on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali has sentenced a British man to 10 months in jail for drug offences 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 containing drugs from a motorcycle taxi driver on a nearby street. Police officers said Parker was acting suspiciously when he collected the package, according to the court document. 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 arrested. A laboratory test confirmed the package contained slightly more than one kilogramme (2.326lbs) of MDMA, the main ingredient in ecstasy, the document said. Thomas Parker was appearing at Denpasar District Court (Firdia Lisnawati/AP) 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, whom Parker had known for around two years and spoke to regularly through the Telegram messaging app. Parker was told someone would pick it up shortly from him, and he was not promised money or anything else by Nicky in return. Police reduced the initial charge of drug trafficking, which carries a possible death sentence, to the less serious offence of hiding information from authorities after investigators determined that the package was not directly linked to him. During the trial, which began last month at the Denpasar District Court, Parker told the court he initially refused to collect the package but agreed to do it after Nicky assured him the package was safe and would not put him in danger. Prosecutors on May 6 sought a one-year prison term for Parker, but the judges said they reduced the penalty because he regretted his acts, had not been previously convicted and promised to reform. Parker said he accepted the verdict and would not appeal (Firdia Lisnawati/AP) Parker sat silently as a panel of three judges at Denpasar District Court handed down the punishment. The judges also ordered the time he had already served since he was arrested to be deducted from his sentence, meaning he will be free in several months. After the judges read the sentence, Parker said that he accepted the verdict and would not appeal. Prosecutors must decide whether to accept it within a week. I really, really regret everything that has happened, Parker said. I am sorry and will follow the judges decision. 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, Ministry of immigration and Corrections data showed. Indonesias last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016. Russian forces have taken four border villages in Ukraines north-eastern Sumy region, a local official has said, days after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had issued an order to establish a buffer zone along the border. Sumy borders Russias Kursk region, where a surprise Ukrainian incursion last year captured a pocket of land in the first occupation of Russian territory since the Second World War. The long border is vulnerable to Ukrainian incursions, Mr Putin said, and creating a buffer zone could help Russia prevent further cross-border attacks there. Meanwhile, a Russian bombing campaign that had escalated in recent days slowed overnight as far fewer Russian drones targeted Ukrainian towns and cities. Homes in Korostyshiv, in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine, pictured on Sunday after being destroyed by a Russian strike (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Moscows invasion has shown no signs of stopping despite months of intense US-led efforts to secure a ceasefire and get traction for peace talks. Since Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Turkey earlier this month for their first direct talks in three years, a large prisoner exchange has been the only tangible outcome, but negotiations have brought no significant breakthrough. The US special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said Russia had not yet delivered a promised memorandum that they told US president Donald Trump in a phone call on May 19 would outline the framework for a possible peace agreement. The Kremlin had also ruled out the Vatican as a venue for future negotiations, he said. We would have liked to have it at the Vatican and we were pretty set to do something like that, but the Russians didnt want to go there so I think Geneva may be the next stop, Mr Kellogg said in an interview on Tuesday on the Fox News channel. Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said on Tuesday that Turkey was also ready to host a future round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had issued an order to establish a buffer zone along the border (Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Between Friday and Sunday, Russia launched around 900 drones at Ukraine, officials said, amid a spate of large-scale bombardments. On Sunday night, Russia launched its biggest drone attack of the three-year war against Ukraine, firing 355 drones. From Monday to Tuesday, Russia fired 60 drones at Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said on Tuesday. Russias ministry of defence claimed its air defences had downed 99 Ukrainian drones overnight over seven Russian regions. The weekend surge in Russias bombardments of Ukraine drew a rebuke from US president Donald Trump, who said Mr Putin had gone crazy. This comment prompted a sharp Kremlin reaction on Monday, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticising emotional reactions to events. Mr Peskov adopted a milder tone on Tuesday, hailing US peace efforts and saying that the Americans and President Trump have taken a quite balanced approach. In Sumy, Russian forces are trying to advance deeper after capturing villages, Oleh Hryhorov, head of the Sumy regional military administration, said in a statement. Ukrainian forces are endeavouring to hold the line, he said. The weekend surge in Russias bombardments of Ukraine drew a rebuke from US president Donald Trump (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Residents of the captured villages were evacuated earlier, and there was no immediate threat to civilians, Mr Hryhorov said. Mr Putin visited the Kursk region last week for the first time since Moscow claimed that it had driven Ukrainian forces out of the area last month. Kyiv officials have denied the claim. Ukraine seized a pocket of land in Kursk last August. The long border remains vulnerable to Ukrainian incursions, Mr Putin said. He said he told the Russian military to create a security buffer zone along the border but provided no public details of where the proposed zone would be or how far it would stretch. Mr Putin said a year ago that a Russian offensive at the time aimed to create a buffer zone in Ukraines north-eastern Kharkiv region. That could have helped protect Russias Belgorod border region, where frequent Ukrainian attacks have embarrassed the Kremlin. A group of 17 European Union countries has called on Hungary to revise a new law that allows the government to ban public events by LGBT+ communities, as pressure mounts on the countrys populist government over democratic backsliding. Countries including EU heavyweights France, Germany and Spain expressed concern, in a declaration, that the law passed in April allows for fines on people organising or taking part in Pride events, and the use of facial recognition software to identify them. We are highly alarmed by these developments, which run contrary to the fundamental values of human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights enshrined in the EU treaties, they said. They called on the European Commission the powerful executive branch that monitors the respect of EU laws to expeditiously make full use of the rule-of-law toolbox at its disposal in case these measures are not revised accordingly. There is no such thing in Hungary as a Pride ban. I hope that after these discussions, my colleagues around the table will walk out with a more nuanced view on the Hungarian legislation The declaration was published on social media as ministers for EU affairs gathered in Brussels for yet more talks on the way that Hungarys staunchly nationalist government had introduced legislation that its partners saw as undermining rule-of-law standards. I think its time that we consider the next steps, because this is getting pointless in continuing these hearings, said Jessica Rosencrantz, the EU affairs minister of Sweden, which signed up to the declaration. Ms Rosencrantz said that the 27-nation EU was not just a geographical union but a union based on values, and in that sense we have to act strongly against countries not living up to our common principles. Hungarys EU affairs minister, Janos Boka, said that the new law had simply been misunderstood. There is no such thing in Hungary as a Pride ban, Mr Boka told reporters. Hungarys EU affairs minister Janos Boka, front left, said the new law had simply been misunderstood (Omar Havana/AP) I hope that after these discussions, my colleagues around the table will walk out with a more nuanced view on the Hungarian legislation. The constitutional amendment passed in April declares that childrens rights to moral, physical and spiritual development supersede any right other than the right to life, including that to peacefully assemble. Hungarys contentious child protection legislation prohibits the depiction or promotion of homosexuality to minors aged under 18. The EU commissioner responsible for democracy, justice and rule of law, Michael McGrath, said that the willingness is there to take action against Hungary. He said that a comprehensive analysis of the relevant legislation is under way now. We believe (the draft law) is a breach of EU law, including a breach of internal market freedoms and also a breach of the charter of fundamental rights of the European Union Mr McGrath also expressed very serious concerns about another piece of draft legislation in Hungary. This bill would allow the government to monitor, restrict, penalise and potentially ban organisations it deems a threat to national sovereignty. The draft law marks a significant escalation of the governments long-running crackdown on critical media and non-governmental organisations. It would allow Hungarys controversial sovereignty protection office to identify organisations that influence public debate or voter sentiment in ways it considers detrimental to Hungarys interests. We believe it is a breach of EU law, including a breach of internal market freedoms and also a breach of the charter of fundamental rights of the European Union, Mr McGrath said. We stand ready to use the tools at our disposal to oppose it, he added. EU Commissioner Michael McGrath said the willingness is there to take action against Hungary (Jacob King/PA) As part of its many legal disputes with prime minister Viktor Orbans government, the commission has deprived Hungary of access to billions of euros in EU funds, in part due to fears that the money may be misused. At this point in time, about 18 billion euros (15 billion) is not available to Hungary. Thats because of their own rule-of-law breaches. I wish it were otherwise, Mr McGrath told reporters. Despite rosy government projections, Hungarys economy has for at least two years been in a state of stagnation, partly due to the frozen EU funds. Struggling under high inflation, Hungarys GDP dipped back into negative territory in the first quarter of 2025, the only contraction in the EU. Hungary has also drifted ever further from the EU fold over the war in Ukraine, repeatedly holding up the passage of multibillion-euro aid packages and sanctions. But its European partners are growing more inclined to proceed without Mr Orbans government. The Trump administration is asking federal agencies to cancel remaining contracts with Harvard University, a senior administration official has said. The US government has already cancelled more than 2.6 billion US dollars (1.9 billion) in federal research grants for the Ivy League school, which has pushed back on the administrations demands for changes to several of its policies. Detectives are probing whether the car which ploughed into a crowd during Liverpools Premier League victory parade tailgated an ambulance before running down pedestrians. The citys metro mayor Steve Rotheram said the vehicle should not have been on the street and the big question was how the incident happened. Mr Rotheram said four people are still very, very ill in hospital after the vehicle struck dozens of pedestrians on Water Street in the city centre on Monday. It is understood that Merseyside Police are investigating whether the driver attempted to follow an ambulance that was moving through the crowd. A 53-year-old man was arrested after the horror incident and four children were among around 50 who were injured including one child who was seriously hurt. The force said the suspect was the driver of the car was white, British and from the Liverpool area, adding that it was not being treated as terrorism. Speaking to reporters at the scene on Tuesday, Mr Rotheram said questions about how the car was able to enter the road were legitimate. He said: Water Street was not a route where vehicles were supposed to be using it, it was blocked off. At this end of it, which is the direction that it was coming in, towards The Strand, there were literally hundreds of thousands of people here, so no vehicle would have got through anyway. The questions, I suppose, are legitimate, but we have to give the police the time to conclude their investigations, which is what theyre doing. Emergency services helped injured fans after the incident (Owen Humphreys/PA) The damage vehicles can do when driven into crowds was laid bare in a series of attacks including in 2016 when a lorry ploughed into pedestrians in Nice, France, and the following year in London when vehicles were driven into crowds on Westminster Bridge and London Bridge. Both permanent and temporary barriers and bollards are used commonly to protect the public, as seen in the massive security operation for the Queens funeral in 2022 which was the largest ever deployment of such measures. Footage of the incident circulating online appeared to show people in the crowd following the Liverpool Football Club celebrations attempting to get close to the driver of the car, with one managing to open the drivers car door. Videos then appeared to show the driver close the car door before suddenly speeding up and veering into pedestrians on both sides of the crowded street. The clips posted on social media then showed people from the crowds attempt to chase the driver with some kicking the vehicle and smashing the back window. (PA Graphics) Officers quickly surrounded the car as witnesses attempted to stop the driver, who was eventually detained by police. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Tuesday, Mr Rotheram said he was hopeful that those seriously injured pull through very, very quickly. He told the broadcaster: The actual incident in Water Street will live with those people for all the wrong reasons and thats where we have to really focus our minds. There are still four people who are very, very ill in hospital and we are hoping of course that they pull through very, very quickly. Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, said four people who were trapped under the car, including a child, were rescued by firefighters. At a press conference late on Monday evening, Dave Kitchin from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said 27 people were taken to hospital and 20 people were treated at the scene, with four children among the injured. The scene in Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool city centre on Tuesday morning (Peter Byrne/PA) He said two of those taken to hospital, including one of the children, suffered serious injuries. Mr Kitchin said some patients had also taken themselves to local hospitals. On Tuesday morning a police cordon remained in place at the scene, with a large police van parked in front of a blue tent on the road and officers stationed along the street. Empty bottles and cans littered the road, and a Liverpool flag was attached to the top of traffic lights. The Strand was reopened to traffic as usual. Seventeen members of Greeces coastguard have been charged in connection with the nations worst migrant shipwreck, which resulted in hundreds of fatalities, according to rights organizations representing survivors and victims, as reported on Friday. Survivors claimed that the coastguards response was inadequate when the rusty and overcrowded trawler Adriana sank on the night of June 13, 2023, near Pylos, southern Greece, while heading to Italy. The United Nations reported that the vessel had over 750 passengers aboard, yet only 82 bodies were recovered. Attorneys representing the rights groups announced that criminal charges have been filed against 17 officers. Six rights organizations issued a statement declaring that the decision to prosecute is a significant and obvious step toward justice and accountability for the victims. We need your consent to load this rte-player content. We use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences Among the 104 survivors, many have submitted a collective criminal complaint, claiming that the coastguard took hours to mount a response when the boat encountered distress, despite alerts from EU border agency Frontex and the NGO Alarm Phone. The prosecution also includes the then-chief of the coastguard, the head of the Greek National Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, and two navigation safety officers on duty that day, according to the lawyers. The boat was traveling from Tobruk, Libya, to Italy. Reports indicate that among the passengers were Syrians, Palestinians, and nearly 350 Pakistanis, per the Pakistani government. Survivors testified that the coastguard eventually intervened and was in the process of towing the vessel when it capsized and sank 47 nautical miles off the Pylos coast. The coastguard claimed that they communicated with individuals on board who refused any help, making any rescue operation in rough seas hazardous. However, attorneys for the survivors argued that the coastguard opted to send only a patrol boat from Crete instead of a larger rescue tugboat that was positioned closer at the port of Gytheion in the Peloponnese. They also reported that the patrol boats voyage data recorder was damaged and wasnt repaired until two months after the incident, and there was no video footage from the patrol boat available. 05/15/2025 Dr. Ashley Turner and Dr. Christi Trucks recognized for outstanding contributions in science and career tech education GADSDEN Two Jacksonville State University faculty members were honored at the Etowah Chambers 2025 Excellence in Education ceremony, held May 8 at Gadsden State Community College. The event recognized top educators from across Northeast Alabama, drawing more than 300 attendees. Dr. Ashley Turner, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education in the College of Education and Professional Studies, received the Excellence in Science Award for her work in science education through The Lab. in Teacher Education at Jax State. Her application was selected from a competitive pool of nominees and reviewed based on its educational impact and innovation. Also representing Jax State, Dr. Christi Trucks, Associate Professor and Department Head for Career Technical Education and Professional Studies, was presented the Excellence in Career Tech Post Secondary Award for her leadership and dedication to preparing future educators through hands-on, career-focused learning experiences. "The Etowah Chamber is deeply honored to give recognition to our community," said Philip Hall, President & CEO of the Etowah Chamber. Austin Tillison, Director of PR at Gadsden State Community College also added, "Its a distinct honor for these recipients to be a part of a select group of people making an impact in education. This award ceremony helps set the standard of excellence for education in Northeast Alabama." The Etowah Chamber's Excellence in Education awards recognize teachers of the year, national board-certified teachers, and several other categories in education annually. This is the eighth year the Etowah Chamber has hosted the event. The Etowah Chamber is dedicated to elevating local businesses in the area and recognizing and highlighting the truly amazing educators in our area. 05/22/2025 Nursing student Gabi Diamond wins Lynne Cobb Parker Spirit of Excellence Award. By Brett Buckner The first time Gabi Diamond met Brock Parker was by coincidence. The second time, it felt more like fate. This spring, when Diamond, a senior nursing student, won the Lynne Cobb Parker Spirit of Excellence award named in honor of Brock Parker's late wife - there was no doubt that it was all meant to be. Their bond was formed last year at Mason's BBQ in Jacksonville, where Diamond was a waitress. She brought a drink to a customer's table and mentioned liking his Jax State nursing T-shirt. They started talking. Diamond learned that the man was Brock Parker, who was having a wing of the newly renovated School of Nursing dedicated to his late wife, Lynne Cobb Parker. "I left work that day thinking it was pretty cool that I got to learn the history behind the woman's name I will see every day going to class," said the 22-year-old Diamond, who graduated in May with a degree in nursing. "I thought to myself, 'I hope I am the kind of nurse that she was.'" Lynne Cobb Parker's 38-year career started as a member of Jax State's second graduating class of nurses. Her first job was at Anniston Memorial Hospital before she entered UAB's Master of Nursing program on a full scholarship. After gaining her advanced degree, she joined the staff at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery as a floor nurse. She was promoted to assistant and then Director of Nursing, becoming the hospital's first female executive before retiring as CEO. She died in 2020. Later that summer, Diamond was working as a nursing student aide at Gadsden Regional Medical Center, floating between three different units, including the orthopedic floor. That was where she again ran into Brock Parker, who was visiting his sister following her total hip replacement surgery. Diamond was exhausted and burnt out from a tough semester, juggling three jobs and constantly moving between hospital shifts and waitressing. "I was running on empty," she said. "But meeting Brock again in that moment felt like more than a coincidence - it felt like God placing him in my path right when I needed reassurance the most." Brock didn't know Diamond was struggling. Yet his stories of Lynne's life and legacy came at the perfect time. "I felt a renewed sense of purpose," Diamond said. "His words reminded me why I chose this path. The way he spoke about his wifewith grace, pride, and such light in his eyesleft a lasting impression." Diamond left, hoping to one day make her family as proud as Lynne's family was of her. "That encounter gave me strength during a time I truly needed it," she said, "and it continues to inspire me to pursue a life of impact and service - just like Lynne did." Receiving the Lynne Cobb Parker Spirit of Excellence Award is proof that Diamond is making an impact. Voted on by the faculty and senior class, the award is given to a member of the graduating nursing class who demonstrated outstanding qualities of caring, compassion, commitment to excellence in patient care, and dedication to the highest esthetic qualities of nursing practice attributes that describe Diamond. "She was diligent in the care she provided and set high standards for herself," said Dr. Betsy Gulledge, Chief Nursing Administrator of the School of Nursing/Associate Dean of the College of Health Professions and Wellness. "Graduating with a 4.0 in nursing school is extremely difficult, but also being a skilled and highly professional clinical student, as well, is rare. Gabi embodies everything we expect from a Jax State Nursing graduate: professionalism, caring, high standards, and a love for nursing." Diamond views winning this award as a way of carrying the mantle of Lynne's character, faith, compassion, and commitment to nursing. "After learning more about Lynne's life and legacy, and speaking with Brock Parker, I've come to understand how deeply she impacted those around her," Diamond said. "She's the kind of nurse I hope to be. Receiving an award in her name is both humbling and inspiring." Angels in scrubs A newborn gave Diamonds life purpose. In 2016, Diamond's oldest sister, Morgan, was pregnant with a baby boy named Isaiah. Diamond was preparing to be an aunt for the first time. Before he was born, Isaiah was diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This condition occurs when the diaphragm fails to close during prenatal development, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity. CDH caused Isaiah's heart to shift, and his lungs could not develop properly. Isaiah was born on April 11, 2017, at UAB Hospital. "From the moment he entered the world," Diamond said, "he was a fighter. He was immediately intubated, placed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), and transferred to the NICU at Children's Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham. At five days old, Isaiah underwent surgery to repair the hernia. "His journey was filled with both victories and setbacks," Diamond said. "He was extubated, only to be reintubated, and the pattern continued. Countless lines were placed. He needed dialysis to address complications from ECMO." Despite all he endured, there were moments of hope. "I remember the joy and awe I felt when I was finally able to hold him for the first time on June 11," Diamond said. "Even after everything, he smiled. That smile told me he still had fight in him." At that moment, Diamond knew she would one day be a nurse. Isaiah's condition worsened. On July 4, 2017, Diamond got the call that he was losing the fight. "That night, we said our final goodbyes," she said. "A day most Americans spent celebrating, we spent crying in heartbreak." Those NICU nurses who cared for Isaiah soon became part of the family. "They fought for him, cried with us, and filled his room with love and light," Diamond said. "They were angels in scrubs. I knew then that I wanted to bring that same compassion to others. "Now, every day I go to work, I like to believe Isaiah is watching over me. He is the reason I understand the heart of nursing." That experience taught Diamond more about nursing than any textbook. She witnessed firsthand the strength required to care for critically ill patients and the emotional toll it takes on their families. She also saw the impact that nurses make when healing isn't possible. "They weren't just medical professionals," she said. "They were advocates, listeners, comforters, and a steady presence during chaos. I realized that nursing is about more than performing tasks; it's about being present in the most vulnerable moments of a person's life." Diamond will now pursue a career as an ICU nurse, dedicating herself to serving others in their greatest time of need. "I love being present in those critical moments - supporting families, advocating for patients, and participating in the highly collaborative, fast-paced care that defines critical care nursing," she said. "The ICU challenges me intellectually and emotionally, and I've found it to be where I feel most fulfilled." 05/20/2025 JACKSONVILLE, Ala. Jacksonville State Universitys Longleaf Studios invites the community to a free public screening of its newest documentary, McClellan, A Life Saved, on Friday, June 6, at the Anniston Museum of Natural History Auditorium. The evening begins with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the screening at 6:30 p.m. and a panel discussion at 7:30 p.m. featuring individuals involved in the film. Admission is free and open to all. Fort McClellan stood as a cornerstone of military and community life for decades in the state of Alabama. Its closure in 1999 marked the end of an era, but McClellans legacy continues to resonate through its people, stories, and repurposed spaces. Considered as one of the nations most successful base reuse stories, the former fort is now home to entities such as a stringed instrument maker, an emergency response training facility, and a new movie studio owned by actor and comedian Katt Williams. Longleaf Studios' most recent documentary, McClellan, A Life Saved, serves as a testament to the forts pivotal role in shaping personal lives and regional development. It offers viewers an intimate look at its evolution and lasting influence. Produced for Alabama Public Television by Longleaf Studios in partnership with Water Tower Films, the film reflects Jax States commitment to preserving and sharing Alabamas unique cultural heritage. Longleaf Studios brings to life the stories that define the state, showcasing the talents of students, faculty, and professional filmmakers through the art of storytelling. For those who cant attend the live screening, the film will also premiere statewide on Alabama Public Television on Thursday, May 22, and Sunday, May 25, at 8 p.m. To view the trailer, click here. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Morocco is on a green energy roll, as the governments far-sighted plan to move the North African country to renewables makes it a leader in the region. The installed renewables capacity increased 5% from 2021 to 2025, to 12 gigawatts, according to an announcement in mid-May of the Minister of Energy Transition, Leila Benali. Morocco is a developing country of some 38.4 million people, with a nominal per capita GDP of about $4,500 a year. That population is close to Canadas 40 million or Californias 39.4 million. But the nominal per capita GDP in Canada is 11 times that of Morocco. Moroccos national GDP of something like $150 bn. puts it in the company of the Dominican Republic or Kenya. But eat your hearts out, Americans. Our populous and (so far) wealthy society does not have a minister of energy transition, and Morocco does. And unlike the United States, which is about to commit green energy suicide under the dirty-energy Trump regime, Morocco has big plans to expand its renewables. It plans to get 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Morocco currently has about 1.5 gigawatts of installed solar, but that is expected to grow to over 3 GW in only three years, by 2028. Just for example, a plan for 1.1 new gigawatts of solar has just been signed by Abu Dhabis Taqa with the Moroccan firm Nareva and the Mohammed VI Fund. The $14 billion project will create new solar farms and desalinization plants. Some really interesting experiments are being tried. Tangier Med Port is planning to get the electricity for its functioning, some 14 megawatts, from a floating solar array at the Oued Raml reservoir. Solar panels are bulky and take up a lot of room, so having them float atop water solves the problem of land use. Moreover, if they are installed over the water of a reservoir or bay that is vulnerable to high rates of evaporation, they help preserve the water, and this is the hope with the Tangier Port project. As much as a third of the water in a reservoir can evaporate under Moroccos torrid sun, so this would potentially be a big savings. This reservoir supplies drinking water to the port complex, as well. Reservoir Imagined, Digital, ChatGPT, 2025 An enormous such floating PV project is being studied, as well, for the Oued el-Makhazine reservoir, where there is talk of installing 22,000 floating solar panels. And after a year of hard technical repair work, the Noor Ouarzazate III solar plant is back up, after it was put out of commission in 2024 by a molten salt tank leak. (Molten salt is a battery technology that allows storage of solar energy so it can be released at night.) Minister Benali observed, Our commitment to renewables remains unwavering. Noor Ouarzazate IIIs return marks another milestone in our clean energy journey. New Syrian Government Should Ensure Accountability Human Rights Watch (Beirut) Syrian National Army (SNA) factions that fought the Assad government with backing from Turkiye continue to detain, mistreat, and extort civilians in northern Syria, Human Rights Watch said today. These fighters are being integrated into Syrias Armed Forces, with their commanders appointed to key government and military positions, despite their past involvement in serious abuses. Syrias transitional government should work to end and investigate ongoing abuses and exclude those with records of abuse from the Syrian security forces. The fall of Assads abusive government has meant decades of atrocities by that government have come to an end, said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. But Syrian National Army factions are continuing to detain, extort, and torture residents with impunity. Among the commanders involved in past abuses and who now hold influential posts in the new Syrian military are Mohammad al-Jassem (Abu Amsha) leading the 62nd Division; Saif Boulad (Saif Abu Bakr) leading the 76th Division; Fehim Isa as the defense ministers assistant for northern affairs; and most recently, Ahmed al-Hais (Abu Hatem Shaqra) leading the 86th Division in the eastern region. A February 2024 Human Rights Watch report documented SNA atrocities from 2018 to 2023. The primary targets were Kurds and those linked to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Turkiye considers part of the armed Kurdistan Workers Party, which announced its dissolution on May 12. Human Rights Watch interviewed two Kurdish civilians who were detained by pro-Turkish factions, and three whose relatives or neighbors were detained around the fall of the Assad government in December 2024. Researchers also spoke with a Syrian human rights researcher monitoring abuses in the region, a journalist, and an aid worker in northern Aleppo. On December 1, 2024, emboldened by the military operations of Hayet Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist coalition now leading the transitional government, the SNA initiated its own offensive. It focused on capturing northern Aleppo territory, including Shahba, an area that had largely served as a refuge for Kurds displaced during Turkiyes takeover of Afrin in 2018. On December 3, SNA forces raided the home of a Shahba resident, her husband, and three children. They arrested her husband, a 42-year-old construction worker, without explanation. After 40 days, she said, a relative found him in a hospital in Afrin: They had forcibly removed his fingernails, toenails and teeth, and he had burn marks on his feet He told me Turkish intelligence forces and the SNAs Military Police tortured him in Maarata Prison and forced him to confess that he was building tunnels for the SDF. Then they took him to the hospital and left him there. A few days after he came home, he suffered a stroke and can no longer speak at all. Residents of a village in Afrin described ongoing extortion by Mohammad al Jassems Sultan Suleiman Shah division, which they said imposes taxes on olive farmers and fines on returning families of US$2,000 to $5,000. Between December 2024 and January 2025, the fighters detained nine residents, accusing them of not paying taxes and demanding up to $3,800 each for their release. On January 10, four masked armed men stormed one womans home, took her to their headquarters, and demanded $850 under threat of violence, she said. She promised to pay and was released but fled the area. The next day, neighbors told her the fighters had returned to her house three times, threatened guests at a family funeral, beat her niece, and detained her nieces husband, releasing him only after the family paid $450. She remains afraid to return, describing it as a never-ending nightmare. A 61-year-old man, returned to his village in Afrin in November 2024, eight years after he had left. On December 2, armed members of Said Abu Bakrs Hamzat Division abducted him, beat him with sticks and whips, and confiscated his phone and money. They accused him of ties to the SDF, and later transferred him to Afrin city, beating him en route. He was held for two days until his cousin paid $1,500 for his release. A week later, he said, he sought a security clearance document from the SNA military police to minimize the risk of being detained again, but was instead detained and interrogated by Turkish intelligence and military police officers for six days, and had to pay $1,500 for his release. A 37-year-old man, from Nairibiyah in eastern Aleppo, said the SNAs Sultan Suleiman Shah faction took control of the village in December 2024. On January 14, 2025, armed members arrived in four pickup trucks, fired into the air, beat villagers, including older men, and stole their belongings. They arrested seven young men under the pretext of searching for weapons, he said. Two remained in detention as of early May. A recent report by Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ), a human rights group, documented 41 arrests by SNA factions and the affiliated Military Police in January and February. Ten occurred after the Syrian caretaker governments newly formed General Security forces entered northern Aleppo cities on February 6 following an apparent deal to assume control from the SNA. Despite the removal of most SNA checkpoints, sources in Afrin and elsewhere said that factions still operate from their former bases. Qussai Jukhadar, a researcher for STJ, said arrests decreased in March but hundreds remain detained in SNA-run, Turkish-supervised prisons. On February 15, Syrias interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Afrin, pledging to extend government authority over northern Syria and restore residents rights. On March 10, a key agreement was signed between al-Sharaa and the SDF commander, Mazloum Abdi, focusing on integration into the Syrian army, including for the return of internally displaced people from areas like Afrin. Photo of Aleppo by Fadi Alagi on Unsplash Syrian authorities bear responsibility for abuses by forces integrated into the army as well as for preventing abuses and ensuring accountability. Turkiye, which still oversees former SNA factions and continues to provide weapons, salaries, training, and logistical support to these factions, also bears responsibility for their abuses and potential war crimes. The Syrian transitional government should urgently unify its military under an accountable command with civilian oversight and ensure adherence to international human rights standards. It should take steps to prevent further abuses against Kurdish and other residents in northern Syria, ensure the release of all arbitrarily detained people, and investigate past abuses with fair legal proceedings. Turkiye should discontinue support to abusive commanders and factions and provide reparations to victims. The transitional government should create conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced people, and grant independent monitors unrestricted access to all detention facilities, including those operated by former SNA factions and Turkish forces. Other countries should provide technical and financial assistance to ensure that the new security forces protect civilians and observe the rule of law, including supporting an independent judiciary to ensure lawful detention and treatment of detainees. As Syrias transitional government is integrating into its ranks SNA factions and other armed groups, it must exclude those in the SNA that are responsible for abuses and hold them accountable, Coogle said. If it doesnt do so, the Syrian people will not be able to trust their armed forces and will be vulnerable to yet more abuse. Via Human Rights Watch Toronto, Ontario May 27, 2025 TheNewswire LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSX.V: LME | OTCPINK: LMEFF) (LAURION or the Corporation) is pleased to announce the commencement of its previously-announced 2025 diamond drill program at the Corporations 100%-owned Ishkoday Project, located 220 km northeast of Thunder Bay in northwestern Ontario. The Corporation also reaffirms its ongoing strategic relationship with US Capital Global Partners LLC (US Capital Global) and comments on broader global market dynamics. Drilling Commences on a Multi-Year Growth Strategy Further to the Corporations press releases dated May 8, 2025, the 2025 campaign will begin with approximately 7,000 metres of diamond drilling targeting structurally hosted gold-bearing veins and broader mineralized systems at both the historic Brenbar Mine and the Sturgeon River Mine corridor. This marks the first phase of a multi-year exploration plan designed to: Expand high-grade gold intercepts (e.g., M24 and M25 veins) Advance mineral potential on multiple targets Integrate geophysical, geochemical, and 3D modeling to refine drill targeting Accelerate progress toward a future mineral resource estimate The integration of deep geophysics, structural data, and historic drilling allows us to advance Ishkoday as a true district-scale gold-polymetallic system, said Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin, President and CEO of LAURION. This program reflects our long-term confidence in the projects scale and value creation potential. Relationship with US Capital Global: Active, Long-Term, and Aligned Since 2023, LAURION and US Capital Global have worked collaboratively under a strategic engagement to explore potential transactions and opportunities. While no specific timeline is prescribed, both parties continue to proactively assess a variety of possible transaction pathways, including strategic partnership structures that would be expected to benefit shareholders. Despite evolving macroeconomic conditions including the impact of global trade tensions and tariffs LAURION and US Capital Global remain focused on delivering long-term value and advancing the Ishkoday Project. For more information regarding the Corporations engagement of US Capital Global, please refer to LAURIONs press releases dated August 20, 2024, April 14, 2025 and April 17, 2025. Global Monetary Trends, Basel III, and the Re-Emergence of Gold A profound monetary shift appears to be underway and gold is once again at the center. It is anticipated that, as of July 1, 2025, under the Basel III regulatory framework, physical gold will be reclassified as a Tier 1, high-quality liquid asset (HQLA), thereby allowing gold to be treated equally to cash, and recognized at 100% of its market value. This is expected to mark a structural reset in global finance and restore golds position as a key monetary asset within the global banking system. Meanwhile, de-dollarization is accelerating. BRICS nations are shifting trade away from the U.S. dollar. Chinas mBridge initiative and expanded vaulting infrastructure appear to signal a gold-based neutral settlement system, and central banks are buying gold at record levels. From LAURIONs perspective: Physical gold is now core collateral not just a hedge Mining shares offer high torque to rising gold prices Majors face declining reserves and must acquire to grow This is where junior explorers like LAURION are uniquely positioned. At Ishkoday, the Corporation is working to define a new generation of polymetallic and gold assets, built on strategic geology, at-surface access, and an evolving global gold thesis. As capital rotates toward real assets, LAURION stands at the intersection of: Strategic exploration Global monetary realignment Gold and polymetallic resource potential LAURION believes that the anticipated reclassification of gold as a Tier 1, HQLA asset represents a global signal that gold is back. And discovery-stage explorers are back in focus. Qualified Person The technical contents of this release were reviewed and approved by Jean-Philippe Paiement, PGeo, MSc, a consultant to LAURION, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc. The Corporation is a mid-stage junior mineral exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LME and on the OTCPINK under the symbol LMEFF. LAURION now has 273,494,904 outstanding shares, of which approximately 73.6% are owned and controlled by insiders who are eligible investors under the Friends and Family categories. LAURION's emphasis is on the exploration and development of its flagship project, the 100% owned mid-stage 57 km2 Ishkoday Project, and its gold-rich polymetallic mineralization. LAURIONs chief priority remains maximizing shareholder value. A large portion of the Corporations focus in this regard falls within the scope of its mineral exploration activities and more specifically, advancing the Ishkoday Project. A consequence of LAURIONs success and advancement over the past several years is that the Corporation has become positioned as an acquisition target for appropriate potential acquirors. Accordingly, the Corporations Board of Directors is aware that possible strategic alternatives and transactional opportunities may arise and/or could be procured in the short or medium terms. The Corporation will promptly issue a press release if any material change occurs. In the meanwhile, LAURION will continue to work towards advancing the Ishkoday Project while exploring opportunities and potential transactions that are strategically beneficial to the Corporation and its shareholders. LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc. Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin President and CEO Tel: 1-705-788-9186 Fax: 1-705-805-9256 Douglas Vass - Investor Relations Consultant Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: http://www.LAURION.ca Follow us on X (@LAURION_LME), Instagram (laurionmineral) and LinkedIn () Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Corporations current expectations regarding future events including with respect to LAURION's business, operations and condition, management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions, the Corporations ability to advance the Ishkoday Project, the nature, focus, timing and potential results of the Corporations exploration, drilling and prospecting activities in 2025 and beyond, including the Corporations diamond drill program described in this press release and the Corporations other planned activities for the Ishkoday Project for the remainder of 2025, and the statements regarding the Corporations exploration or consideration of any possible strategic alternatives, transactions and opportunities, as well as the potential outcome(s) of this process and/or the Corporations engagement of US Capital Global, the possible impact of any potential transactions referenced herein on the Corporation or any of its stakeholders, and the ability of the Corporation to identify and complete any potential acquisitions, mergers, financings or other transactions referenced herein, and the timing of any such transactions, and the statements regarding the potential or expected impacts or consequences of the above-referenced global market developments, including the anticipated reclassification of gold as a Tier 1, HQLA asset. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events and future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements could differ materially from those projected herein including as a result of a change in the trading price of the common shares of LAURION, the TSX Venture Exchange or any other applicable regulator not providing its approval for any strategic alternatives or transactional opportunities, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of gold and/or other metals, possible variations in grade or recovery rates, failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the failure of contracted parties to perform, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Corporations publicly filed documents. Investors should consult the Corporations ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Corporations public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. All sample values are from grab samples and channel samples, which by their nature, are not necessarily representative of overall grades of mineralized areas. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the assay values reported in this press release. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - AJN Resources Inc. (CSE: AJN) (FSE: 5AT) (AJN or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has signed a conditional heads of agreement (HOA) with Godu General Trading S.C. (Godu) to acquire up to a 70% interest in the 42,8km2 Okote Gold Project located within the same gold belt, roughly 100km south of the c4.5Moz Lega Dembi Gold Mine, which is the largest gold producer in Ethiopia. Work will commence once the agreement and AJN capabilities have been presented to the regional Oromia state authorities who have verbally confirmed their support. MIDROC held the licence and conducted exploration at Okote up to 2019 and drilled a combination of 88 Reverse Circulation and Diamond holes for a total of 13,761 metres. MIDROC drilling covered a strike length of ~2,400m with the largest concentration of holes covering the northern 1,000m x 400m. Highlights Significant historic drilling results from MIDROC included the following: BH1100N/1 : 18.13m at 3.25g/t Au , 25.05m at 3.82g/t Au , 12m at 3.34g/t Au and 13m at 8.71g/t Au BH212_25 : 11.78m @ 4.39g/t Au and 6.87m @ 6.66g/t Au RC825N/1: 8m @ 4.64g/t Au RC1575N/1: 15m @ 1.65g/t Au BH8: 15.57m @ 2.1g/t Au BH212_275B: 11.65m @ 4.59g/t Note that these historical results have not been validated by AJN and any such validation will be part of future work programs. It is the Company's understanding that the reported results underwent standard QAQC procedures. AJN intends to review the drill and related data in greater detail, and twin some of these holes to confirm these results. Historic drilling covered ~2,400m of strike ; largest concentration of drill holes covers 1,000m x 400m in the northern portion of the area drilled. ; largest concentration of drill holes covers 1,000m x 400m in the northern portion of the area drilled. Artisanal workings in untested areas in the north suggest mineralisation is open to the north; historic drilling confirms mineralisation open to the south. Previous studies 1 confirmed multimillion ounce gold potential at the Okote gold project; AJN has not verified the results of these studies. confirmed at the Okote gold project; AJN has not verified the results of these studies. AJN to conclude an NI 43-101 report and mineral resource estimate during the due diligence period. AJN to conduct 1,500m of drilling during the due diligence period; drilling to confirm historic results, infill drilling to confirm continuity of mineralisation and test potential mineralisation below recent artisanal workings in the north. Figure 1: Geology and Drill Holes completed by MIDROC on the Okote Prospect. CEO and President Klaus Eckhof commented: "We are extremely excited about the agreement to acquire an interest in the Okote Gold Project, which has been subjected to extensive drilling and trenching by MIDROC, the previous owner and operator of the Lega Dembi mine prior to relinquishment of the Okote licence. Furthermore, the Okote Gold Project lies in the same gold belt as Ethiopia's largest gold producer at Lega Dembi less than 100km to the north. We are particularly interested in conducting our own mapping and sampling in the northern area where artisanal miners are reported to have exposed new areas of mineralisation, which will complement the more than 2km of previously defined mineralisation. Our field crews are ready to mobilise as soon as final presentation has been made to the regional authorities. We also look forward to conducting our own mineral resource estimate where previous consultants have suggested the Okote project has multimillion ounce potential. We look forward to fast tracking our initial due diligence drilling programme in coming months to understand and unleash the true potential of the project." Geology and Mineralisation of the Okote Gold Project Figure 2: Location of all known Gold Occurrences within the Renowned Neoproterozoic Arabian-Nubian Shield in Ethiopia and Surrounding Countries The Okote Gold Project is located within the Adola Gold Belt in southern Ethiopia, a geologically complex region composed of highly deformed Precambrian rocks forming part of the world-renowned Arabian-Nubian Shield in which known gold occurrences are shown in Figure 2. The belt is subdivided into several lithostructural domains, with Okote situated in the Megado Terrain, dominated by low-grade metavolcano-sedimentary sequences and associated granitoids. The local geology is characterised by various types of schists, interspersed with remnants of granodiorite and gabbroic intrusions. Gold mineralisation at Okote is predominantly within a NNE trending shear zone which hosts a series of en-echelon quartz veins containing sulphides, tourmaline and free gold in which veins have limited strike length and little continuity at depth. The style of mineralisation is typical of hydrothermal, shear-hosted gold systems, with multiple deformation phases influencing the distribution and geometry of mineralised zones. The quartz veins were the primary focus of the drilling conducted by MIDROC who struggled to identify continuity of the veins similar to those mined at Lega Dembi. In addition, significant mineralisation including that in BH1100N/1 (18.13m at 3.25g/t Au, 25.05m at 3.82g/t Au, 12m at 3.34g/t Au, and 13m at 8.71g/t Au) was within sheared diorites which were not followed up in any detail. Subsequent structural analyses conducted on behalf of the licence owner Godu, concluded that future trenching and drilling is required to the north of current area of drilling and drilling at deeper levels in the northern portion of drill coverage. It was further recommended to focus on defining mineralisation within the broader shear zones where previous drilling reported up to 86.09m at 0.38g/t Au (BH6), 91.72m at 0.34g/t Au (BH8) 37.21m at 0.41g/t Au (BH13) and 28.95m at 0.75g/t Au (BH1550N/2) as opposed to defining the extent of quartz veins. During the 90-day due diligence period, the Company will map all artisanal workings and open trenches and will log selected holes drilled previously to better understand controls on mineralisation. This will be followed up with a 1,500m drilling programme designed to twin selected holes from previous drilling and to test newly identified areas from mapping including following up of potential continuation of sheared diorites. Deal Structure AJN can acquire up to a 70% interest in the Okote Gold Project on the following terms: AJN will conduct a 90-day due diligence which can be increased by a further 60 days, which includes drilling of a minimum of 1,500m. On completion of the due diligence and should AJN wish to continue, AJN and Godu will sign a detailed joint venture agreement and AJN will commit to fund an initial US$2,000,000 exploration programme. AJN will make a payment of US$100,000 to Godu within 10 days of the later of (a) signing the HOA, (b) receiving satisfactory confirmation in writing that Godu is the legitimate owner of the Okote Gold Project with no liens or other encumbrances; (c) Board acknowledgement from O-Mining Group (representing the Oronia regional governmental authorities and custodian of the land in the region) and signing of the final HOA by the CEO of Godu. On completion of the due diligence and should AJN wish to continue, AJN will make a payment of US$250,000 to Godu within one month of signing the shareholders agreement and a further payment of US$250,000 to Godu within 6 months from signing the shareholders agreement. On completion of the exploration phase within 18 months with the option to increase to 24 months, AJN will deliver a JORC or similar internationally accepted mineral resource estimate on the Okote project. On completion of the mineral resource estimate, AJN will, if it wishes to continue, make a payment of US$5,000,000 within one month of completion of the exploration phase and, if the parties decide to enter into a mining agreement, AJN will make a further US$5,000,000 payment within one month of completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study ( DFS ). ). AJN will sole fund all exploration and the parties will ensure all permits are maintained in good standing during the term of the agreement period. The parties agree to complete a DFS within 9 months which can be increased to 12 months of completing the exploration phase. AJN will finance all DFS accomplishment works. As part of their commitment to social responsibility, the parties agree to provide financial support for community development initiatives in the area surrounding the Okote Gold Project. QP Statement Mr. Dylan le Roux (BSc Hons) is an independent consultant of AJN Resources Inc. and a qualified geologist. Mr. le Roux is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Geological Science) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP Reg. No. 155814). Mr. le Roux is a qualified person (QP) under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. About AJN Resources Inc. AJN is a junior exploration company. AJN's management and directors possess over 75 years of collective industry experience and have been very successful in the areas of exploration, financing and developing major mines throughout the world, with a focus on Africa, especially the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although AJN Resources Inc. believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, AJN Resources Inc. 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. 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. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. Note 1: Venmyn Independent Projects (VIP), a division of Venmyn Rand (Pty) Limited (Venmyn) - Scoping Study on the Okote Gold Project, April 2012; Milliard Andualem - Preliminary Resource Estimate of Okote Primary Gold Deposit, June 2023 (Godu inhouse report) Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - North Peak Resources Ltd. (TSXV: NPR) (the "Company" or "North Peak") announces results from some sampling of the underground and surface dump historical occurrences at its Prospect Mountain property (the "Property") in Eureka, Nevada. Following the 2024 drill program at the Wabash/Williams historic mining areas, which confirmed that considerable high grade oxide mineralization remains around the historic stopes (e.g. 85.7 g/t Au over 3m within a larger interval of 12 g/t Au over 22.9m in hole PM24-039 - see press release dated 12th November 2024), the Company is evaluating some of the accessible historical underground stopes and caves for similar potential within the historical Diamond Mine. Highlights: Initial channel sampling of insitu gossanous material from the Dean Cave area on the 500' level of the historical Diamond mine yielded 46.5 g/t (1.36 oz/t) Au, 569 g/t (16.6 oz/t) Ag, 4.09% Pb, 3.12% Zn over 15 cm over 15 cm Dump grab samples from the historical Kit Carson mine included 5.3 g/t Au, 39 g/t Ag, 7.03% Pb, 1.92% Zn and 3.32 g/t Au, 692 g/t Ag, 1.82% Pb, 2.59% Zn Lundgren Stope area yielded best assay of 0.74 g/t Au, 252 g/t Ag, 0.28 % Cu, 0.09% Pb, 2.23% Zn Historical 4th July mine yielded a copper rich sample of 0.11 g/t Au, 5.2 g/t Ag, 1.74% Cu, 0.24%Pb, 2% Zn "We are pleased with the latest results from our sampling program across the mountain aiming to identify new mineralization around existing workings and in structural target areas. Our exploration strategy is to leverage our existing infrastructure of 11 miles of underground tunnels to help delineate targets within our three explorations zones. The exploration zones are near surface potentially open-pittable oxide material, underground accessible oxide material around historical underground workings and the sulphide material just below the workings," commented Rupert Williams, CEO. "We are in the final stages of securing all necessary approvals ahead of a drill program planned for this summer which will focus on near surface oxide material." Background to the Areas Mineralization in Carbonate Replacement Deposits often occurs in vertical chimneys and layer parallel mantos. The Dean Cave area is one of a series of historical high grade chimney stopes in the northern part of the historical Diamond Mine, which include the DMEA/Deadbroke chimney and the East Cave chimney. The Deadbroke/DMEA chimney extends from surface down to at least 400m and the Dean and East Cave chimneys have only been exploited from underground and extend for at least 100m upwards from the historic 650' level of the mine. At depth the faults appear truncated by the west dipping Dominic fault, which may displace their depth extents. The chimney zones occur along an E/NE trending fracture zone parallel to the Silver Connor Fault near the intersection with steeply dipping NW fault zones associated with the Banner McIntosh fault system and an unnamed NW fault and represent an underground oxide exploration target with high potential for further mineralization, both towards surface and to depth. The Dean Cave stopes for which there are production records averaged 0.229 oz/t (7.8 g/t) Au, 5.83 oz/t (200 g/t) Ag from 291 ore cars (Silver Viking Corp., 1980, map DM0-08 - Note: these records are historical and have not been verified). The DMEA refers to the area that was briefly mined around 1954 following a loan being granted by the Defense Minerals Exploration Administration for development costs. Material generated averaged 0.69 oz/t Au, 50.5 oz/t Ag, 29.4% Pb (See technical report, April 10th, 2023 on SEDAR+ or on the company's website). The Deadbroke area, is south of the Wabash/Williams historic mining area, where the Company's 2024 drill program was focused, and at surface a number of patented claims sit, which are owned 100% and include Old Put and Antelope (see Figures 1 & 3). The Kit Carson mine was perhaps the highest-grade historical mine on the Property and consists of a surface shaft and two working levels (L. Molinelli, 1879, Mining in Eureka County, Nevada). It occurs at the junction of the Silver Connor Fault and the steeply dipping, unnamed NW trending fault. It has remained unexplored since first mined in the 19th century. The Lundgren stopes consist of a group of roughly vertical stopes both upward to the historical Dominic mine, and downward to the 400' level of shaft 3. The stopes consist of a group of chimneys along an ENE trending fault, with the greatest amount of historical mining at the Western end junction with the North trending Diamond Fault. Some of the highest grade samples from the early 20th century were found here with up to 2.29 oz/t (71.6 g/t) Au, and 56.6 oz/t (1769 g/t) Ag (E. Young, 1932, Preliminary Report on the Diamond Excelsior Mines - Eureka, Nevada, these samples are historical in nature and have not been verified by the Company). The historical 4th July mine lies south of and 150 m above the Diamond main level. Mineralization occurs where the tunnel intersected another steeply dipping, E/NE striking fault. As the tunneling did not extend to the intersection of this fault with the Diamond fault, and the 4th of July mine has had little exploration since the 19th century, this trend may represent a significant body of previously unexploited mineralization. Figure 1: Section along E/NE fracture zone, looking SE showing historic chimneys and underground workings. Dean Cave sample location in Orange in interpreted pink stopes/caves. It is unknown if the faults continue below the Dominic Fault. Figure 2: Plan of sample localities with underground infrastructure. Kit Carson is a surface shaft. Orange - main level, Diamond tunnel; blue - 500 level; pink, upper workings. Figure 3: Long section of underground workings and associated areas, looking East. Table 1: Assay Results Sample East, m North, m Elev, m Type Source Lithology Au, g/t Ag, g/t Cu, % Pb, % Zn % Description 851871 164772 8522899 2573 chip subcrop gossan 0.11 5.22 1.74 1.24 2 4th of July tunnel wall 851872 164447 8524136 2478 grab dump gossan 5.30 38.7 0.04 7.03 1.9 dump of Kit Carson shaft 851873 164446 8524135 2478 grab dump gossan 3.32 692 0.10 1.82 2.6 dump of Kit Carson shaft 851874 164502 8523214 2409 chip subcrop dolomite 0.10 17.7 0.12 0.41 1.7 Lundgren stope wall 851875 164531 8523211 2409 chip subcrop gossan 0.02 7.03 0.94 0.10 1.3 tunnel wall, Ludgren stope 851876 164520 8523216 2409 chip subcrop gossan 0.74 252 0.28 0.09 2.2 Lundgren stope wall 851877 164516 8523211 2409 chip subcrop gossan 0.41 68.8 0.24 0.15 2 Lundgren stope wall 851878 164669 8524147 2252 chip subcrop gossan 46.5 569 0.16 1.09 3.1 base of Dean cave Review by Qualified Person, Quality Control and Reports Mr. David Pym, CGeol., is the Qualified Person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, who reviewed and approved scientific and technical disclosure in this press release. The Qualified Person has not reviewed the mineral tenure, nor independently verified the legal status and ownership of the Property or any underlying property agreements. Samples are loaded into a plastic crate and dispatched daily to the ALS Global prep-lab in Elko Nevada. A standard, a blank and a field duplicate were inserted after every 20 samples, for a QA/QC rate of 15%. Six standards from CDN Resource Laboratories were rotated through the samples. The standards had gold values ranging from 0.433 to 7.34 ppm. Samples are dried crushed and pulverised and assayed for gold with a 30g fire assay and a 44 element ICP MS suite. Overlimit samples for gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper are automatically re-assayed by suitable methods. About Prospect Mountain The Property lies in the Battle Mountain Eureka trend, in an area known as the Southern Eureka Gold Belt, where three styles of mineralization have been identified, gold, silver Carlin style mineralization, Carbonate Replacement gold, silver, lead, zinc mineralization (CRD) and carbonate hosted Porphyry Related Skarn lead, zinc and gold mineralization associated with cretaceous intrusions. At the Property, the CRD mineralization is heavily oxidized to depths of at least 610m (2,000ft) below the top of the ridge line. A Plan of Operations is in place which covers part of the Property (totalling 189 acres) and entitles an operator to pursue surface exploration, underground mining of up to 365,000 tons per annum and certain infrastructural works. It includes a permit to extract water from a well and to build water containment facilities. A more complete description of Prospect Mountain's geology and mineralization, including at the Wabash area, can be found in the NI 43-101 Technical Report (the "Technical Report") on the Prospect Mountain Property, Eureka County, Nevada, USA dated and with an effective date April 10, 2023, prepared by David Pym (Msc), CGeol. of LTI Advisory Ltd. and Dr Toby Strauss, CGeol, EurGeol., of Merlyn Consulting Ltd., which has been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the profile of the Company and on the Company's website. About North Peak The Company is a Canadian based gold exploration and development company that is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NPR". The Company is focused on acquiring historical sites, with low cost producing gold and other metals properties, with near term production potential and 8+ year mine life in the northern hemisphere. The Company acquired an initial 80% interest in the Prospect Mountain Mine complex in Eureka, Nevada in 2023 (see the Company's May 4 and 23, 2023 and August 25, 2023 press releases). The Company can give no assurances at this time that its properties and interests will fulfil the Company's business development goals described herein. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. For further information, please contact: CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, timing and completion of any drilling and work programs on the Property, estimates of mineralization from drilling, sampling and geophysical surveys, geological information projected from drilling and sampling results and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones, the potential for minerals and/or mineral resources and reserves, and statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Property and the Company that may be described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, accuracy of assay results, geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, and the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the quarter ended March 31, 2025 available at www.sedarplus.ca, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of 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, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Gold Hunter Resources Inc. (CSE: HUNT) (OTCQB: HNTRF) (FSE: 6RH) ("Gold Hunter" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into two mineral property purchase agreements to acquire key mineral licenses that will expand and consolidate its flagship Great Northern Gold Project in Newfoundland (the "Transaction"). Figure 1. Map showing Gold Hunter's consolidated Great Northern Project in Newfoundland, upon completion of the Transaction. The mineral licenses to be acquired upon closing of the Transaction are highlighted in yellow, which will increase the total project area by 3,177 hectares (13.78%) to 26,237 hectares. The additions will enhance structural continuity along the Doucers Valley Fault Zone and bridge gaps near the historic Browning Mine and Thor Deposit. These new acquisition targets represent some of the final key pieces Gold Hunter has long targeted to strengthen the structural and geological continuity of its district-scale land package. The additions will enable the Company to further consolidate the property into two cohesive claim blocks that follow the Doucers Valley Fault Zone, a dominant regional structure associated with gold mineralization, as demonstrated at Gold Hunter's Thor Deposit resource estimate and mineralization observed across the property, such as the Rattling Brook mineralization. Strategic Highlights: The target mineral licenses are adjacent to the historic Browning Mine in the southern project area and close a key property gap on the northern side. The acquisitions will bridge gaps between previously held claim blocks, enhancing geological continuity and exploration potential. Expanded footprint will add 3,177.43 hectares, better positioning the Company for systematic targeting, geophysical surveys, and future drilling (increasing the total project size by 13.78% to 26,237 hectares). The expanded ground will include multiple mineral occurrences, that carry gold results such as the Wizard showing, which has, through work of previous land holders, results containing 20 g/t Au from till, rock, and trench samples - underscoring the high prospectivity of the project area1. "We've had our eye on these pieces for a long time," said Sean Kingsley, President & CEO of Gold Hunter. "They complete the puzzle, allowing us to stitch together a more structured and scalable exploration plan across two strategic blocks. The timing is ideal, as these additions will be immediately integrated into our upcoming full-property geophysics airborne survey upon completion of the transaction." The Company advises that, notwithstanding the proximity of location, discoveries of minerals on or at the Browning Mine and Thor Deposit, and any promising results thereof, are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization of, or located on the expanded Great Northern Gold Project, or the Company's ability to commercially exploit the Great Northern Gold Project, or to locate any commercially exploitable deposits therefrom. The Company cautions investors on relying on this information as the Company has not confirmed the accuracy or reliability of the information. The Transaction On May 23, 2025, the Company entered into a mineral purchase agreement (the "Great Northern-Southern Agreement") with Angie Stockley ("Stockley"), Stephen Stockley Agriculture and Fabrication Inc. ("SSAF"), Unity Resources Inc. ("Unity"), Alexander Duffitt and Margaret Duffitt ("Duffitt"), Jeanette Martin ("Martin"), Almar Consultants ("Almar") and Robert John Snook ("Snook" and, together with Stockley, SSAF, Unity, Duffitt, Martin and Almar, the "GNS Vendors"), pursuant to which the Company has agreed to purchase a 100% interest (the "GNS Interest") in and to 127 mineral claim blocks (within 13 mineral licenses) located in Newfoundland and Labrador from the GNS Vendors. In consideration for the GNS Interest, the Company agreed to pay an aggregate of $25,000 to the GNS Vendors upon signing the Great Northern-Southern Agreement, issue an aggregate of 1,400,000 escrowed common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") to the GNS Vendors on the closing date of the Transaction (the "Closing Date") at a deemed price of $0.08 per Share, and grant an aggregate 2% net smelter royalty (the "GNS NSR") over the GNS Interest at closing, with an option to buyback 1% of the GNS NSR for $1,000,000. In addition, also on May 23, 2025, the Company entered into a mineral property purchase agreement (the "North Central Agreement") with Chad Kennedy ("Kennedy"), United Gold Inc. ("United"), SSAF and Kluane Capital FZCO ("Kluane" and, together with Kennedy, United and SSAF, the "NC Vendors"), pursuant to which the Company has agreed to purchase a 100% interest (the "NC Interest") in and to 39 mineral claim blocks (within 3 mineral licenses) located in Newfoundland and Labrador from the NC Vendors. In consideration for the NC Interest, the Company has agreed to pay $6,000 to United and $6,000 to SSAF upon signing the North Central Agreement, issue 250,000 escrowed common shares to United, 250,000 escrowed common shares to SSAF and 500,000 escrowed common shares to Kluane on the Closing Date, all at a deemed price of $0.08 per Share, and grant an aggregate 2% net smelter royalty (the "NC NSR") over the NC Interest on the Closing Date, with an option to buyback 1% of the NC NSR for $1,000,000. The Shares issued pursuant to the Great Northern-Southern Agreement and the North Central Agreement will be subject to a voluntary escrow arrangement whereby one-third of the Shares held by each of the GNS Vendors and NC Vendors will be released from escrow every six months following the Closing Date. Closing of the Transaction (the "Closing") remains subject to, without limitation, receiving all necessary consents and approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"), as well as the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Gold Hunter expects to complete the Transaction in the coming weeks. https://gis.geosurv.gov.nl.ca/mods/ModsCard.asp?NMINOString=012H%2F10%2FAu+006 Newfoundland Labrador Department of Industry, Energy and Technology Mineral Occurrence Data System. Qualified Persons and Technical Disclosure This news release, along with all scientific and technical information, has been reviewed and approved by Rory Kutluoglu, B.Sc., P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" as defined under NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and is the consulting technical lead for Gold Hunter. About Gold Hunter Resources Inc. Gold Hunter Resources Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on acquiring and advancing high-potential precious and base metal projects. The Company leverages data-driven approach to exploration, combining modern techniques with historical datasets to identify and develop district-scale opportunities. Following the successful divestiture of its first consolidated district to FireFly Metals Ltd., Gold Hunter has assembled the Great Northern Project, covering 40 kilometres of strike length across 23,060 hectares. Positioned along the Doucers Valley Fault Structure in one of Newfoundland's most prospective gold belts, the Company is advancing toward a maiden drill program targeting high-priority anomalies. Gold Hunter is committed to responsible exploration, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and delivering long term value to shareholders. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, GOLD HUNTER RESOURCES INC. Sean A. Kingsley President, CEO, and Director Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance and reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events, including but not limited to statements regarding the timing for receiving all required consents and approvals for the Closing, the ability of the Company, the GNS Vendors, and the NC Vendors to close the Transaction, the potential of the Great Northern Project, exploration plans, geophysical survey integration, and future drilling targets. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to receive all required consents and approvals for the Closing, market conditions, volatility in commodity prices, exploration and development risks, availability of financing, regulatory or political developments, and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Ongoing labour shortages, inflationary pressures, high interest rates, the global financial climate and ongoing international conflicts are some additional factors that are affecting current economic conditions and increasing economic uncertainty, which may impact the Company's operating performance, financial position, and future prospects. Collectively, the potential impacts of this economic environment pose risks that are currently indescribable and immeasurable. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Although Gold Hunter believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - In addition to ongoing drilling at Cowley Park, Gladiator Metals Corp. (TSXV: GLAD) (OTCQB: GDTRF) (FSE: ZX7) ("Gladiator" or the "Company") is progressing regional exploration targeting and is pleased to announce the identification of new high-grade copper skarn drill targets in the HAT prospect area in the northern part of the Whitehorse Copper Project. Significant future exploration potential is indicated at the HAT copper skarn prospect by shallow historical drill results intersecting high-grade copper skarns, including: 10.54m @ 4.99% Cu from 124.39m - HT-001 9.63m @ 1.14% Cu from 108.51m including 2.93m @ 3.13% Cu from 115.21m - HT-004 41.36m @ 0.58% Cu from 8.17m including 10.73m @ 1.07% Cu from 25.91m - HT-007 These newly confirmed targets within the HAT prospect area have been defined through field mapping and sampling, historic data compilation and the incorporation of drone-borne aeromagnetic completed in 2024. This work at HAT has defined multiple undrilled high-magnetic anomalies, coincident with mineralization over more than 7km of strike and along strike from the historic War Eagle open pit mine. Gladiator CEO, Jason Bontempo, commented: "Gladiator is pleased to have identified another priority work area from recently completed drone borne aero-magnetics, field mapping and data compilation of historic drilling datasets. Despite high-grade results including 10.54m @ 4.99% Cu, drilling in the HAT area remains shallow, and this data compilation highlights the opportunity of targeting the 7km anomalous magnetic trend with systematic exploration. "We look forward to updating the market in the coming months with ongoing exploration targeting these known occurrences as well as initial results from Gladiators ongoing, resource drill campaign at Cowley Park." Figure 1: Summary map of Whitehorse Copper Project outline and the location of the HAT prospect area in the north. Undrilled target areas highlighted by high-grade copper skarn mineralization exposed on surface have yielded multiple rock chip results of over 5% Cu and over 1.0g/t Au (detail below). Follow up mapping and 3D geophysical inversion will be used to better define initial drill targeting for proposed drilling in Q3 2025. HAT COPPER SKARN TARGET High-grade copper skarn mineralization has been observed in the HAT area coincident with the magnetic gradient which field mapping identified as the contact between cretaceous granodiorite intrusive and limestones of the Triassic Lewes River formation (see Figure 2 below). Through data compilation of historical drilling, Gladiator has identified significant widths of high grade, near surface copper skarn mineralization coincident with this contact with results, including (refer to Table 1 for full table of results): 10.54m @ 4.99% Cu from 124.39m - HT-001 9.63m @ 1.14% Cu from 108.51m including 2.93m @ 3.13% Cu from 115.21m - HT-004 41.36m @ 0.58% Cu from 8.17m including 10.73m @ 1.07% Cu from 25.91m - HT-007 Figure 2: Summary map of existing work at the HAT prospect area over drone borne magnetic anomalism and including surface sampling and drilling highlights. Geophysics is 2024 1VD surveyed by Pioneer Exploration. Importantly, this newly identified over 7km of highly prospective horizon, now defined by completed drone borne aeromagnetics and surface mapping, remains significantly untested by limited historical drilling. Gladiator plans to complete further mapping and a 3D geophysical inversion to constrain drill targets that initial mapping and rock chipping has highlighted in outcropping high-grade copper and gold skarn mineralization with undrilled outcrops yielding results, including: 5.52% Cu and 1.5g/t Au - E810818 5.34% Cu and 1.0g/t Au - E810817 5.51% Cu and 2.0g/t Au - E810888 These drill results are historical in nature. Gladiator has not undertaken any independent investigation, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results which do not conform to the presently accepted industry standards. EXPLORATION STRATEGY Gladiator is fully funded with planned drilling campaigns targeting high-grade copper skarns throughout the Whitehorse Copper Belt. 1 - Advancing Cowley Park to resource definition and expansion at: Cowley Resource Target: Establish initial drilling framework for Inferred Resource drilling at the Cowley Park Prospect. Cowley Exploration: Targeting upside potential for further copper-skarn mineralisation at Cowley Park. Chiefs Trend Resource Target: Highlight further high-grade, near-term Copper resource potential by testing Southern Target area. 2 - Exploration drilling at: HAT: Follow up mapping and 3D geophysical inversion ahead of first pass follow up drill testing of historical, high-grade copper (+/- gold) skarns. Best Chance: First drill test of outcropping high-grade, magnetite-copper skarn mineralisation and test continuity of mineralisation between target and Arctic Chief. Gladiator reported on the 15 th of October that it had completed a scout drill programme (7 holes for 1,295m) at the Best Chance prospect, where broad widths of mineralised skarn were intersected in holes ACG-007 & ACG-007D2. Arctic Chief: Highlight continuity of high-grade near surface copper and gold mineralisation for future resource drilling. Cub Trend Exploration: Highlight continuity of high-grade, near surface, copper and gold mineralisation for future resource drilling. Drilling has been complemented by planned geophysical programs, including Induced Polarization (ongoing), Electromagnetic and Magnetic surveys to help refine drill targeting in the prospect areas and highlight undiscovered areas of exploration potential. Hole ID Depth East North Dip Azim Note From To Interval (m) Cu (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Mo (ppm) Remarks HT-001 191.72 491,137 6,735,189 -50 180 35.45 41.36 5.91 0.65 Plus 48.65 50.44 1.79 1.77 Plus 60.96 70.10 9.14 0.41 Plus 124.39 134.93 10.54 4.99 Incl. 124.39 132.74 8.35 6.17 Plus 169.01 170.69 1.68 4.43 HT-002 165.51 491,034 6,735,476 -65 266 Partially Sampled - NSA HT-003 216.41 491,144 6,735,057 -45 359 98.00 116.00 18.00 0.29 0.20 1.56 68 HT-004 192.94 491,076 6,735,095 -52 89 108.51 118.14 9.63 1.14 Incl. 115.21 118.14 2.93 3.13 HT-005 201.78 490,581 6,735,687 -48 266 99.36 100.74 1.37 1.02 Hole Partially Sampled HT-006 254.51 490,481 6,735,677 -50 266 151.97 156.67 4.69 1.01 Hole Partially Sampled HT-007 179.53 490,529 6,735,444 -50 86 8.17 49.53 41.36 0.58 Includes 8.53m of Unsampled Core Incl. 25.91 36.64 10.73 1.07 Plus 107.14 110.37 3.23 0.64 TR-98-01 128.00 490,221 6,734,572 0 260 24.00 76.00 52.00 No Compiled Assay Data TR-98-02 89.00 490,238 6,734,711 0 260 38.00 40.00 2.00 No Compiled Assay Data TR-98-03 148.50 490,213 6,734,797 0 260 72.00 74.00 2.00 No Compiled Assay Data TR-98-04 28.00 490,419 6,734,605 0 260 96.00 102.00 6.00 No Compiled Assay Data Table 1: Compiled drill assay results from the HAT prospect area, Includes Quoted Intersections in text & figures from historical core. Note that the quoted Intersections are not true width. True widths of the intersected mineralized skarn system at HAT is currently unknown , with different grade distributions present related to the form of the contact between the granodiorite and sedimentary units as well as different vein generations and orientations within the various intervals. ABOUT THE WHITEHORSE COPPER PROJECT The Whitehorse Copper Project is an advanced-stage high grade copper (Cu) , molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag) and gold (Au) skarn exploration project in the Yukon Territory, Canada. Copper mineralization was first discovered in 1897 on the Whitehorse Copper Belt and comprises over 30 copper-related, primarily skarn occurrences covering an area of 35km long by 5km wide on the western margin of Whitehorse City, Yukon. Exploration and mining development have been carried out intermittently since 1897 with the main production era lasting between 1967 and 1982, where production from primarily the Little Chief Deposit totalled 267,500,000 pounds copper, 225,000 ounces of gold and 2,838,000 ounces of silver from 11.1 million tons of mineralized material milled (Watson, 1984). The Whitehorse Copper Project is accessible by numerous access roads and trails located within 2km of the South Klondike Highway and the Alaska Highway. An extensive network of historical gravel exploration and haul roads exists throughout the project area, providing excellent access to the claim package. Access to existing electric power facilities is available through the main Yukon power grid. Summary: Advanced 35km long High-Grade Copper belt Located on western margin of infrastructure rich Whitehorse City, Yukon 30,000m diamond drilling planned in 2025 10,000m almost completed at the cornerstone Cowley Park Deposit Targeting to report maiden high-grade copper 43-101 resources, March 2026 Targeting 100mt+ from surface at 1%-2% Cu along the copper belt The Project area was previous producer at Little Chief Deposit 1967-82 Hudbay Minerals, production 10.5mt at 1.5% Cu plus 0.75g/t Au Key Institutions - Dynamic, Mackenzie, Macquarie Bank and Orimco QA / QC The drill results and rock chip samples reported in this news release are historical in nature. Gladiator has not undertaken any independent investigation, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. The Company believes that the historical drill results do not conform to the presently accepted industry standards. Gladiator considers these results relevant as the Company will use this data as a guide to plan future exploration programs. The Company also considers the data to be reliable for these purposes; however, the Company's future exploration work will include verification of the data through drilling. Mineralized quoted intersections are reported as interval widths and not true width. True widths of the intersected mineralized skarn system at Hat is currently unknown and is interpreted to be complex making an estimate of the true width unreliable. This is due to different grade distributions and angle geometries present related to the form or outline of the contact between the granodiorite and sedimentary units as well as different vein paragenesis and orientations within the various intervals. Drill holes were drilled at various dips on variable, prospect specific, nominal grids with Gladiator obtaining the drill records and logs from the Yukon Geological Survey (YGS) archives or assessment reports that have been lodged with the YGS, this, at times, includes copies of original assay files. Data has been captured within an industry standard database and validated. Qualified Person All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared or reviewed and approved by Kell Nielsen, the Company's Vice President Exploration, a "qualified person" as defined by NI 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, "Jason Bontempo" Jason Bontempo President and CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell 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 U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information". Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) that are not statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information 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 reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital by the Company through financings, and the risk that such funds may not be raised; the speculative nature of exploration and the stages of the Company's properties; the effect of changes in commodity prices; regulatory risks that development of the Company's material properties will not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons; availability of equipment (including drills) and personnel to carry out work programs; and that each stage of work will be completed within expected time frames. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements or information. 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, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company's forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this news release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Strathmore Plus Uranium Corporation (TSXV: SUU) (OTCQB: SUUFF) ("Strathmore" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the expansion of the Agate Project by staking an additional 15 lode mining claims, increasing the project to 100 claims for ~2,067 acres. The newly claimed area has noted historical drilling completed by Kerr McGee in the 1970s that encountered shallow uranium mineralization at less than 200 feet deep. Strathmore will continue to expand the area of mineralization after last years successful drilling program. Agate is in the Shirley Basin Uranium District, one of the most prolific uranium districts in the U.S. where 53 million pounds of uranium has been mined by open pit, underground and in-situ recovery. UR Energy's Shirley Basin project is located 6 miles to the northeast of Agate, where they are actively building an in-situ operation as a satellite to their Lost Creek mine 100 miles west in central Wyoming. In 2024, Strathmore identified a new zone of shallow mineralization located one mile south of the northern trend, within the overlying middle sand unit. Notable drill results include hole AG-143-24, which intersected 14 feet of 0.046% eUO (from 30.5 to 44.5 feet), and hole AG-147-24, with 15.5 feet of 0.051% eUO (from 29 to 44.5 feet). This newly discovered trend remains open to both the north and south and is scheduled for further exploration in the 2025 season and is expected to significantly expand the resource. Strathmore has completed 200 exploration holes (including 5 monitor wells) on the Agate project, with over 90% of the holes hitting mineralization. The 2023-24 exploration defined approximately 3,700 feet of a mineralized trend in the lower sand unit, with notable intercepts in two holes, AG-10-23 (16.0 feet @ 0.081% eU 3 O 8 from 82.0-98.0 feet) and AG-16-23 (21.0 feet @ 0.089% eU 3 O 8 from 79.0-100.0 feet). This northern trend is open to the west and east, where further exploration in 2025 intends to expand into these untested areas. Strathmore Director John DeJoia commented "I have personally mined and been responsible for mining approximately 20 million pounds of uranium in Shirley Basin (now UR Energy's property). I mined by open pit, underground methods, and the first commercial ISR operation in the U.S. With 9 out of every 10 exploration drill holes we completed intercepting mineralization at Agate, I have re-evaluated my conventional thinking regarding economics. Conventional wisdom has always professed that "Grade is King" however, the uranium mineralization at Agate is thick and therefore yields substantial grade-thickness (GT) products, and it is at a shallow depth of a little over a hundred feet! Grade is important but the economics at Agate are outstanding. I'm excited to be starting our 2025 drilling program and continuing to grow this project for a future ISR mine". 2025 Exploration Plan Strathmore is pleased to announce the 2025 Exploration Plan for the Agate Project, to expand the area of mineralization after last years very successful drilling program. Currently up to 100 drill sites are permitted, with the intent to explore with two drill programs. This summer five core holes are planned to compliment groundwater studies from closely located monitor wells previously installed in 2024. The core will be used for chemical equilibrium studies by the Company and the University of Wyoming for their ongoing geophysical research at the project. Planned exploration drilling intends to link together discrete deposits encountered in the lower sand in 2023-24 and expand upon the 2024 discovery of mineralization in the shallow middle sand. The intent of the exploration is to expand the mineralization on the property into a multi-zone deposit, with the potential of stacked roll fronts, and to gather the necessary information to complete a mineral resource estimate and technical report on the project during winter 2025. University of Wyoming Research Project Strathmore is also pleased to report on the University of Wyoming's (UW) ongoing geophysical study at the Agate project. The research by Dr. Bradley Carr, Director of UW's Near-surface Geophysical Center, consists of ground and borehole geophysics applied across the project to detect and image a uranium roll front and possibly monitor the movement of the roll front's position during future in-situ mining development. In this research, the borehole and surface geophysical methods utilized include Seismic Reflection, Seismic Refraction, Direct Current Resistivity, Induced Polarization, Electromagnetics, Self-Potential, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Strathmore looks forward to working with Dr. Carr to provide potential targets for the 2025 exploration season, including the new 1- mile step out discovery, based on their current geophysical studies and those completed in 2023-24. In early 2023, Dr. Carr received a grant from the University's School of Energy Resources for US$200,000 to complete the research. Recently Dr. Carr was awarded additional funding for US$120,000 which in part will be used to advance the geophysical research at Agate, and for a study of deeper uranium mineralization at the Company's Beaver Rim project during summer 2025. Lastly, Strathmore has donated US$20,000 to the University to help finalize the purchase of XRF analysis capabilities on core samples for the Department of Geology and Geophysics' GeoTEK analysis equipment. About the Agate Property The Agate property consists of 85 wholly owned lode mining claims covering 1,756 acres. Uranium mineralization on the project is contained in classic Wyoming-type roll fronts within the Eocene Wind River Formation, an arkosic-rich sandstone. Historically, 53 million pounds of uranium were mined in Shirley Basin, including from open-pit, underground, and the first commercial in-situ recovery operation in the USA during the 1960s. At the property, the uranium mineralization is shallow, from 20 to approximately 150 feet deep, much of which appears below the water table and likely amenable to in-situ recovery. Kerr McGee Corporation, the largest US uranium mining company at the time, drilled at least 650 holes across the project area in the 1970s, delineating several targets of potential mineralization. In 2023 and 2024, the Company completed 200 exploration holes on the Project, discovering several areas of potential mineralization. About Strathmore Plus Uranium Strathmore is focused on discovering uranium deposits in Wyoming, and has three permitted uranium projects including Agate, Beaver Rim, and Night Owl. The Agate and Beaver Rim properties contain uranium in typical Wyoming-type roll front deposits based on historical drilling data. The Night Owl property is a former producing surface mine that was in production in the early 1960s. Cautionary Statement: "Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release". Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. disclaim 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 expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Terrence Osier, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp., a Qualified Person. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Dev Randhawa" Dev Randhawa, CEO In March 2025, the Government of Sudan brought an application against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention through material and military support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, a paramilitary group, have been at war with Sudans armed forces (SAF) since April 2023. At first glance, the charge appears to affirm the strength of international legal frameworks in offering redress for the genocidal violence the RSF are accused of in Darfur. But it is the opposite; as Sudanese civilians suffer in a counter-revolutionary war, the de facto SAF government is using its position to take the UAE to court, rather than stopping its own abuses. Since Sudans 2019 revolution ousted Omar al-Bashir, the country has been engulfed in a violent counter-revolution, and a brutal sick war between the SAF and RSF played out against civilians. There may be plausible claims of genocide in Sudan, and undoubtedly there have been grotesque atrocities committed against the Massalit people in Darfur, but the application before the ICJ was deeply concerning for its rampant politicisation of genocide. Both sides have bloodied hands. The case isn't about justice and impunity, but rather between rival military factions and their foreign backers, each vying for dominance in a fractured state. It is an apt example of how the international definition of genocide has limited the protection of civilians in situations of extreme state violence. By focusing on the intent to destroy protected communities only, it dismisses alternative frameworks by prioritising national, ethnical, racial or religious groups, rather than political, social, gendered, and economic identities, and has become little more than another form of selectively deployed lawfare. Genocide as lawfare The Sudan versus UAE application, which was rejected by the ICJ for lack of jurisdiction on May 5, is not the first time that Darfur has been the focus of claims of genocide. In 2009 and 2010, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants against former President Omar al-Bashir, including for genocide. Ugandan political scientist Mahmood Mamdani then condemned the Wests eagerness to claim genocide in Sudan while treating the war on terror as morally justified. To him, it was just another example of the racialised, selective application of international criminal law. More than a decade later, this dynamic continues. The Sudan versus UAE case coincided with the US State Departments declaration of genocide in Sudan while remaining silent on Gaza. International law professor William Schabas has argued that genocide is increasingly used as a political weapon. Law professor Nada Ali's explanation that the UN Security Council's selective referrals to the ICC has meant geopolitical considerations take priority over individual rights, even in atrocities, means that it comes as little surprise that political factors impede the Genocide Conventions application and enforcement, limiting the protection of civilians. The case brought by Nicaragua against Germany before the ICJ in 2024 is another illustration of this. Nicaragua alleged that German arms exports and political support to Israel (despite the ICJs earlier provisional measures following the case brought by South Africa against Israel) violated Germanys obligations under the Genocide Convention by contributing to a serious risk of genocide in Gaza. In April 2024, however, the ICJ declined to indicate provisional measures, finding that Nicaragua had not demonstrated the requisite plausibility that Germanys support breached this duty at the provisional stage, and that the threshold was not met. The contrast between Germanys strong position on accountability for Russias actions in Ukraine and its response to Israels actions in Palestine raise serious questions about the consistency of genocide prevention under the law, not least because the ICJ previously affirmed in a case filed by Bosnia against Serbia that states have a duty to act when they know, or should know, of a serious risk of genocide. This ICJs 2007 judgment also held that a states duty to prevent genocide arises when it is on notice of a serious risk, even without a final determination, meaning that the obligation is one of conduct, not result. In 2019 after The Gambia led a suit against Myanmar the ICJ reaffirmed this with the Court dismissing Myanmars objection that Gambia was merely a proxy state. In the same case in November 2023, the Joint Declaration of Intervention by Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom questioned the very threshold for genocidal intent itself. Whats in the Intent to destroy Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the genocide definition is that it requires the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such. While this was a political compromise at the time of its drafting in 1948, it has since become one of the most contested and exclusionary features of International Criminal Law. Raphael Lemkin, who first coined the word genocide originally imagined it as encompassing political and cultural destruction, but these broader dimensions were removed during the drafting of the Convention. Lemkins contemporary Hersch Lauterpacht, in contrast, favoured the protection of individual dignity over group identity. In the Bosniacase, the ICJ held that a pattern of conduct may support an inference of genocidal intent, but only if it is the only reasonable inference, a threshold rarely met especially in contexts of chaotic or multi-faceted violence. As we see playing out in Gaza today, such an arbitrary standard limits intervention, contributes to legal paralysis, and enables killing. Proving genocidal intent is also exceptionally difficult, because states often exploit interpretations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to mask genocidal acts as legitimate warfare. Luigi Daniele, Nicola Perugini, and Francesca Albanese have shown this clearly in recent scholarship setting out how Israel has weaponised IHL to camouflage its genocidal intent, facilitating the displacement and erasure of Palestinians in Gaza. States are responsible for accountability efforts for serious violations of IHL, but Israel's horrifying destruction of Gaza has involved a distortion of IHL, masking settler-colonial practices aimed at eliminating Palestinians. The Katyn massacre of 1940, in which over 20,000 Polish officers and intelligentsia were executed by Soviet forces, illustrates how politically inconvenient atrocities fall outside genocide law. Scholar Louis FitzGibbon exposed how Allied governments suppressed Soviet responsibility for decades and, while FitzGibbon did not claim Katyn constituted genocide in the legal sense, his work shows how atrocities can be excluded from international justice frameworks due to the way legal categories intersect with realpolitik. FitzGibbons dedication to the truth, despite political resistance, also helps us to understand how the failure to acknowledge crimes which might disrupt powerful alliances can occur and has occurred. Similarly, the indiscriminate atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are excluded from genocide law. Though they caused mass destruction and happened before the Genocide Convention, they did not target a group as such and therefore would fall outside legal protection. These examples reveal a core tension; that the law distinguishes between morally equivalent acts not by harm, but by motive. ICJs Israeli Judge Aharon Barak dissented from three of the measures indicated by the Court in the case of South Africa against Israel on the grounds that genocide had not been plausibly alleged, demonstrating the terrible irony that such legal caution may lead to further harm. The evidentiary challenge of proving intent to destroy in whole, or in part, a protected group is crucial, but all too often this has been entirely politicised, undermined, and deeply unhelpful for protecting civilian lives at the time of violence. Genocide in Gaza While Ukraine has so far quite effectively managed to use the language of genocide against Russia, invoking racialised dehumanisation and historical trauma to receive a broadly swift and sympathetic international response this is in sharp contrast to Palestine. This disparity reflects Nimer Sultany and Alonso Gurmendi Dunkelbergs recent scholarship of genocide law as a tool of modern and colonial international law, where atrocities against non-European populations are harder to name, and prove, and ultimately prevent. As Sultany writes in his exceptional article, law and politics are intertwined. While Dunkelberg argues that the conventional definition of genocide has been systematically narrowed, making it ineffective in addressing the recurring violence inherent in colonial modernity. Dunkelberg also emphasises Lemkin's initial, far broader understanding of genocide as encompassing the destruction of a group's cultural, social, and economic foundations, not just physical extermination, and then shows how this broader understanding was subverted by the legal codification of genocide which focused on a narrow interpretation of intent, undermining any original anti-colonial potential. Although Dunkelberg notes how Lemkin himself contributed to the hiding of certain genocides, like the oppression of African Americans, by adopting a narrower interpretation later in his life, he also addresses the tragic irony of Lemkin's legacy: the very concept designed to prevent genocide has been manipulated by international law to obscure its prevalence and protect its perpetrators. In Gaza, where Israels sustained military campaign has involved starvation, the bombing of hospitals and schools, mass displacement, and public statements that indicate genocidal intent, the limits of genocide law in the face of violent geopolitics is clear. Despite widespread civilian destruction and calls for extermination by Israeli officials, international legal bodies have hesitated to frame the violence as genocide although the ICJ has accepted South Africas application against Israel for violations of the Genocide Convention and issued provisional measures. The international community continues to defer to legal process, as if the technical legal challenge of proving intent absolves its duty to prevent. Equally, while Palestines accession to the Rome Statute in 2015 has empowered its legal strategy in enabling the ICC to investigate international crimes committed in Palestine, accountability remains elusive. There is no doubt to Schabas that what Israel is doing in Gaza fully meets the definition of genocide. And yet the ICC has not changed this course. The politics of genocide Samantha Power, a former journalist who became the US Ambassador to the UN under President Obama, lamented in her book on genocide, that genocide law is invoked too late. As the head of USAID, Power herself has failed spectacularly to name Israels destruction of Palestinians as genocide. It is a grim irony that Power wrote the most recent introduction to Lemkins book, with its call for an International Controlling Agency vested with specific powers, such as the ability to visit occupied countries to ensure such atrocities never happen again. Post-liberation is too late, Lemkin wrote in 1944. Despite being party to the Genocide Convention, and with a duty not only to prevent and punish genocide, but to do so regardless of territorial nexus, many states fail to act. The ICJ confirmed in the case of Bosnia v Serbia that this duty exists independently of proof that genocide has already occurred. The same should apply to third-party obligations under instruments such as the Arms Trade Treaty. Another blind spot, as professor Alex de Waal puts it, is the neglect of starvation on the part of genocide scholars, which is even more striking because the intellectual father of genocide studies, Raphael Lemkin, was keenly interested in the politics of food and famine. The starvation of civilians and the blocking of aid access in conflict, especially to coerce civilian populations, has been deemed criminal in the trial of Bosnian-Serb Radovan Karadzic and is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions. Starvation is also criminalised under the Rome Statute; and when carried out with intent to destroy a group in whole or in part, this act may constitute genocide. The ICCs recent arrest warrants against Israeli officials reference alleged starvation tactics but not genocide. Rethinking justice The challenge, then, is not just to name genocide, but to dismantle the legal and political conditions that enable it. In addition to legal and political inertia, the focus on genocide can displace more contextually appropriate responses. Looking at Gaza only through the lens of individual liability narrows the conversation, obscuring racialised patterns of state violence. A legal victory at the ICJ or ICC, even if achieved, will not address these deeper harms. The same can be said of Sudan, where both SAF and RSF are now contesting legitimacy through legal claims while continuing their war against civilians. International laws obsession with state actors and courtrooms excludes grassroots movements and revolutionary alternatives that could offer more meaningful paths to justice. In its current form, the Genocide Convention is deployed more often as a battleground for the powerful. The 2014 genocide of the Yazidis in Iraq is one of the few post-Rome Statute examples where genocide has been widely and legally affirmed, including by UN investigative bodies, national courts, and governments. Yet even here, the aftermath has been marked by a troubling hierarchy of victimhood and the absence of meaningful prosecutions to resolve suffering. Amnesty Internationals ground-breaking report on conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan, published to coincide with the recent second anniversary of the latest conflict, for example, does not mention the word Genocide once. The legal definition of genocide does not protect civilians in situations of extreme violence anymore than the legal case of Sudan against the UAE has resolved violence and stopped the killing of civilians. From Katyn to Gaza, Myanmar, Iraq and Darfur, the gaps in protection expose the contradictions of International Criminal Law and global politics. The definition of genocide clearly enables moral condemnation, but this has not resolved civilian suffering. According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide, the late Pope Francis wrote in an earlier draft of his autobiography. It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies. By the time of his books final publication, the Popes quote was gone. A chant that US leader Donald Trump used to back claims of white genocide in South Africa is an apartheid-era slogan that did not really mean for farmers to be killed, the president said Tuesday. Trump showed clips of an opposition politician chanting "Kill the Boer, kill the farmer" at tense talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa last week where he repeated unfounded claims of an orchestrated campaign of violence against white farmers. He also asked why the opposition politician seen making the chant, opposition firebrand Julius Malema -- whom Trump mistakenly said was in government -- had not been arrested. Ramaphosa told journalists the government accepted court rulings that the controversial slogan should be considered in the context of the liberation struggle against the brutal system of white-minority rule called apartheid. "It's not meant to be a message that elicits or calls upon anyone to be killed," Ramaphosa said. "We are a country where freedom of expression is in the bedrock of our constitutional arrangements," he said, brushing aside the suggestion that Malema should be arrested. Malema's continued use of the chant after the end of apartheid in 1994 infuriates many in South Africa and some groups have attempted to have it banned as hate speech. Malema, the vocal leader of the populist, Marxist-inspired Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, is also seen in the video shown at the White House as claiming, "We are going to occupy land, we require no permission." This fuels claims repeated by Trump that a revised land expropriation act will allow the government to seize white farmland. The law contains a "nil compensation" clause but the government says this would only be in exceptional circumstances and after efforts to seek a "just and equitable" settlement. The revised law brings the judiciary directly into decisions about expropriation, Ramaphosa said. Scenarios of the government taking property without compensation could include situations where the owners could not be traced or were heavily indebted and the property was required for the public interest, he said. The Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the government of national unity, has gone to court to challenge the "nil compensation" provision, which they say is open to abuse. Prosecutors on Tuesday charged a Swedish jihadist over the 2014 killing of a Jordanian pilot, who was burned to death in a cage in Syria after being captured by the Islamic State (IS) group. Osama Krayem, 32, was charged with "participating in the brutal execution of a pilot" near the city of Raqqa, prosecutor Reena Devgun told a press conference. Krayem, who is already serving a 30-year sentence for involvement in the November 2015 terror attacks in Paris, was charged with "serious war crimes and terrorist crimes". According to prosecutors, who had announced they intended to charge Krayem last week, an aircraft belonging to the Royal Jordanian Air Force crashed in Syria on December 24, 2014. The pilot was captured by IS fighters the same day near the central city of Raqqa, and killed sometime before February 3, 2015. The execution was filmed and a 22-minute video accompanied by a specially composed religious chant was published. In the video, the victim is seen walking past several masked IS fighters, including Krayem, according to prosecutors. The pilot is then locked in a cage that is set on fire, leading to his death, Henrik Olin, the other prosecutor in charge of the case, told reporters. "This bestial murder, in which a prisoner was burned alive in a cage, was staged in a carefully produced video that was broadcast around the world. Its publication marked an unprecedented escalation in the Islamic State group's violent propaganda," Olin said. Prosecutors have been unable to determine the exact day of the murder, but the investigation has identified the location where it took place. - 'Obligation' to prosecute - The defendant's lawyer, Petra Eklund, told AFP that her client admitted to being present at the scene but disputed the prosecution's version. "He denies the acts for which he is prosecuted," she said. "He acknowledges having been present at that place during the event but claims not to have acted in the manner described by the prosecutors in the account of the facts." Krayem, who is from Malmo in southern Sweden, joined the IS group in Syria in 2014 before returning to Europe. In June 2022, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison in France for helping plan the November 2015 Paris attacks in which 130 people were killed. The following year, he was given a life sentence in Belgium for participating in the bombings on March 22, 2016, at Brussels' main airport and on the metro system, which killed 32 people. "Even though this is a person that's already sentenced and is serving very long prison sentences in other countries, we will still charge him and we have an international obligation to do so," Devgun told AFP. Krayem has been "temporarily handed over to Sweden to participate in the trial", which is scheduled to begin June 4, according to the Swedish Prosecution Authority. "It is painful for my parents to be confronted with this event again, but we are grateful that the Swedish authorities want to give us justice," Jawdat al-Kasasbeh, the pilot's brother, told broadcaster Sveriges Radio. Japanese actress Nagano Mei is experiencing a significant career fallout in the aftermath of rumours about an alleged love triangle between her and two of her fellow artists, which has caused her to lose out on several jobs and endorsements. Now, sources in the industry say the star's previously crammed program has been completely emptied for the next three years. Nagano, 24, was allegedly involved in simultaneous romantic relationships with "Caster" co-star Kim Moo Jun and her former co-star Tanaka Kei, a married Japanese actor with two children. According to reports, suggestive text messages between Nagano and Tanaka were leaked online in April, igniting widespread speculation and public backlash. All parties Nagano, Kim, and Tanaka have denied the allegations. Despite these denials, Nagano has reportedly lost endorsement deals and her lead role in the upcoming NHK Taiga drama Toyotomi Brothers!. "In view of the great trouble and concern caused to the relevant units by this series of reports, [Mei Nagano] has decided to withdraw from the show," her agency, Stardust Promotion, stated in an official press release. "We deeply apologize to everyone who is looking forward to the broadcast, as well as the program-related personnel and co-stars." Further reports from Japanese media indicate that Nagano has also been dropped from her role as a radio host on Nagano Mei's All Night Nippon X. Additionally, rumors of steep penalty fees for broken contracts have circulated widely, although no official amounts have been confirmed. A network insider suggested the actress may be planning to pivot her career toward streaming platforms in an attempt to recover professionally. "Honestly, a comeback via streaming is the most realistic route for her right now," the source said. "Big-name sponsors won't touch her for the time being, but streaming giants might see the value in her star power and the built-in controversy buzz." Nagano, known for her roles in films such as We Made a Beautiful Bouquet and dramas including My Love Story!!, had been regarded as one of Japan's most promising young talents before the controversy erupted. While Stardust Promotion has not announced any hiatus, industry analysts say the path to rebuilding her public image will likely be slow and uncertain. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - Police in Nyeri have arrested a man in connection with the brutal murder of 7-year-old Tamara Blessing Kabura, who went missing over the weekend under mysterious circumstances. According to reports, Tamara was last seen at the Nyeri Open Air Market before her sudden disappearance. A frantic search by family, residents, and authorities ensued for several days. Tragically, the young girls body was discovered buried in a shallow grave inside the home of a well-known local porter, commonly referred to as a Bebabeba man. Investigators believe the suspect abducted the minor, subjected her to unspeakable acts, and later attempted to conceal the crime by burying her within his residence. News of the discovery sparked outrage across the community. Enraged residents held protests in Nyeri town, demanding that the suspect be released to them so they could administer what they described as "instant justice.". Tensions quickly escalated, forcing police to intervene and disperse the crowd using teargas. Authorities have since confirmed that the suspect is in custody and that investigations are ongoing. They have appealed to the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. The tragic incident has reignited calls for increased child protection measures and vigilance in public spaces. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - Tragedy has struck after a young college student was brutally murdered following a suspected premeditated attack by an unidentified man who lured her to a date. According to reports, the victim was picked up by a man driving a white Volkswagen Polo after she agreed to meet him. Prior to leaving, she had informed her friends about the date and expressed concerns for her safety, instructing them to check on her if she failed to share her location within an hour. When two hours passed without any word from her, her friends grew increasingly anxious. Using the "Find Me" tracking app, they launched a search to locate her. The app eventually led them to a house where they made a chilling discovery - the victims cellphone and handbag were found abandoned inside the residence. Further investigations revealed that a white VW Polo, matching the description given by the victims friends, had been spotted in the area earlier. Witnesses claim the vehicle was seen dropping off a suspicious-looking bag, which was later confirmed to contain the victims body. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large. The motive for the murder remains unclear The Kenyan DAIY POST SHENZHEN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair concluded on Monday with total visits exceeding 2.2 million in five days -- a strong testament to its role as a major platform for global cultural exchange and cooperation. The fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, showcased over 120,000 cultural products and more than 4,000 investment and financing projects. A total of 6,280 government delegations, cultural institutions, and companies joined, according to the organizing committee. The latest version of the fair also expanded its international reach, setting records for the number of participating Belt and Road countries, global partners, and categories of exhibited products. Among the 65 participating countries and regions, more than 50 were from Belt and Road countries. Nations such as Poland, Russia, Brazil, Indonesia, and Egypt showcased a wide range of distinctive cultural offerings. Featuring an artificial intelligence (AI) exhibition area for the first time, the fair drew 60 leading and emerging AI companies. With interactive experiences like AI-powered performances, and full-scenario applications, the area offered a fresh, immersive look at how AI is transforming the cultural industry. Established in 2004, the fair has become a leading cultural event in China and an important platform for helping Chinese culture extend its global reach. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - Social media is awash with a heartbreaking story of a young South African lady who was brutally murdered after being lured to a date by an unidentified man she met on Tinder - a popular dating site. The middle-aged lady was last seen entering a white Volkswagen Polo driven by the man believed to have killed her. Her lifeless body was later discovered dumped at a secluded site, just hours after she met her killer. What makes the case even more chilling is the pattern emerging behind the alleged killers behavior. Reports indicate that the man uses dating sites to prey on unsuspecting women, luring them with charm and displays of wealth. He is said to frequently hire luxury vehicles, including high-end models like the VW Polo seen in this case, to create a false impression of affluence and credibility. He also avoids video calls, a red flag that some of his victims ignore. This latest case from South Africa is similar to that of Rita Waeni, young Kenyan woman who was brutally murdered in early 2024 at an Airbnb along Thika Road. Like the South African victim, Rita was also lured through social media by a man who concealed his identity and intentions. Both tragedies highlight a growing crisis across the continent: the exploitation of online dating platforms by predators who target vulnerable women under the guise of romantic interest. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - Monicah Muthoni, a mother of three, was reportedly killed by her husband in cold blood in front of their three kids. According to reports, the tragic incident occurred after a series of violent incidents in the couples marriage. Friends and neighbors revealed that Monicah had previously suffered severe beatings at the hands of her husband, which left her with life-threatening injuries on more than one occasion. Despite the abuse, Monicah reportedly chose to forgive him-hoping to keep her family together and give her children a stable home. Unfortunately, that decision ended in tragedy. On the day of the murder, Monicahs husband is said to have attacked her in full view of their three young children, using a sharp weapon and hacked her to death in a brutal and senseless act of violence. He then fled the scene and has remained at large since. Authorities confirmed that the case was reported immediately, but as of now, no arrest has been made. The delay in apprehending the suspect has sparked public outrage, with many Kenyans demanding swift justice for Monicah and protection for the children she leaves behind. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - A section of Tanzanian Members of Parliament has called on President William Ruto to take decisive action against Kenyans who they say are disrespecting Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu. Speaking during a parliamentary session on Monday, May 26th, Iringa Urban MP, Jesca Msambatavangu, led the charge, condemning the wave of online insults targeting Suluhu following her Government's controversial deportation of six Kenyan nationals, including Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga. Msambatavangu accused Kenyan youth of exporting violent political behaviour to neighbouring countries under the guise of democracy. "To our brothers in Kenya, let us respect each other. His Excellency William Ruto, we respect you so much - do something. That is not democracy, that is violence," she said. President Suluhus administration has faced a backlash from Kenyas civil society and netizens after deporting the six activists, accused of interfering with Tanzanian affairs. The activists had travelled to Dar es Salaam to support Tanzanian opposition figure, Tundu Lissu, during his ongoing treason trial. However, Kenyas Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, defended the move, calling it a "bold" step to protect Tanzanias sovereignty. The incident has strained diplomatic ties between the two nations, raising concerns over regional cooperation in East Africa. The Kenya DAILY POST Michael Bolton Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has warned of the increasing dangers people of the LGBTQ+ community are facing across Europe. Ms Walsh was speaking on the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum in Ireland, which saw 62 per cent in favour of same-sex marriage, on a high turnout of 61 per cent. The Fine Gael MEP made headlines in 2014, as she was the first openly gay winner of the Rose of Tralee. Speaking to Breakingnews, Ms Walsh recalled the celebrations in Australia as Ireland voted for same sex couples to have the right to get married. "In many ways, it was a bittersweet moment", said Ms Walsh. "I wasn't in Dublin Castle for the announcement of equality for my peers and my generation, but I was on the dance floor in Perth, having just watched the new Perth Rose get selected, standing alongside a Labour politician, who is Dublin born but Australia raised of the name of Stephen Dawson. "While he and his husband were married in 2013, he re-proposed right in front of us on the dancefloor. For him, his home country had seen this overwhelming change of welcome and removal of indifference. "It was such a unique moment to experience, but obviously I would have loved to have been in and around Dublin Castle, but probably more so the West of Ireland, where the perception coming into the election was rural communities would never see the equality that was needed." Ms Walsh admitted the referendum, combined with passing the referendum in 2018 for abortion rights in the country, were big contributing factors to her entering politics. However, she warned that referendums alone would not be enough to continue social change in the country. "People were excited about themselves or a family member or a friend or an auntie or uncle who moved away in the 70s because of their orientation, was now being celebrated. "Repeal the eighth, just the very basic right to women's healthcare, it captured the change that was needed. It was a removal of the shackles in many ways for cultural beliefs. "That hold that we had of ourselves or of other people had of us as a country, that just lifted, which is incredible. "I remember having really deep and meaningful conversations around marriage equality and repeal the eighth, and one of the things that really frustrated me in those conversations was a general election would be coming on and I would ask if they are interested in that, and they would say "not at all, that's not really for me". "We do know the circle of change happens when we elect people who want positive change and positive change. That disconnect was apparent in those two referendums. "They are sexy, they are trendy, they mobilised a vote, they got people home to vote. All of that became so relevant, which is fantastic. "Since then, I wonder how we can connect people to push that progressive change outside of these referendums." In the last few years, countries across Europe have seen a push from far-right politicians and groups which have targeted the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Earlier this week, an event by the Labour party had to be postponed due to the threat of protest from far-right actors at the original venue. Ms Walsh highlighted further examples of moments of feeling unsafe for herself and other members of the community, both in Ireland and across Europe. "There is a website dedicated to me from the 2019 election created by a very infamous family from the west of Ireland, that says by going to schools I brainwash children into becoming LGBTI people, which is so far away from the truth it is laughable. "In June last year, Wicklow Pride was forced to cancel due to threats from protestors. Research from the Midlands LGBTI+ project show 20 per cent of gay people feel unsafe. "Panti Bliss shared on the radio over the weekend that she has never felt more unsafe in the last 10, 15, or 20 years. "I feel safe, but I'm not walking around Dublin city all the time. I am not coming out of gay pubs or nightclubs every weekend. "I absolutely felt unsafe when I was in Belgrade in the Euro Pride parade two years ago. I absolutely felt unsafe attending Budapest pride a couple of years ago, I have no doubt I will feel unsafe when I attend again at the end of June. "There is points over the campaign where do I feel unsafe, no, but it is certainly unsafe online. It doesn't take a whole lot to shift from online to the physical space. "Equality is so hard fought, and very quickly lost, and that is the epicentre of the work we still need to do." THE DEW Drop Brewhouse and Fully Free from Kildare are two of 25 new food and drink producers now launching their products in selected SuperValu stores across Ireland, following their completion of the Food Academy programme. This marks an exciting new chapter for the Dew Drop Brewhouse and Fully Free as they bring fresh, locally made beer and plant based cheese spreads to selected local SuperValu stores. The Dew Drop Brewhouse is an innovative beer-brewing company based in Kill, Co. Kildare. The beer is award-winning and brewed in small batches, given the necessary time to condition and mature. Ronan Kinsella, Founder of The Dew Drop Brewhouse, said: I have always been fascinated by the history of beer and the brewing process and wanted to create something unique of my own. In 2019, I opened our microbrewery at The Dew Drop Inn. We use 90% Irish malted barley, ensuring high-quality ingredients in every batch. The Food Academy has given us a new focus on our retail products, providing us with the knowledge and resources to grow sustainably. It has also helped us refine our business practices and maintain the high standards required to succeed as a modern, competitive brand. Fully Free is a business developed by founders and cheese lovers Suzanne and Gabor Domotor and specialising in handcrafted, dairy-free cheeses made entirely from cashew nuts, which is fermented to develop a deep cheesy taste. Fully Free founders Suzanne and Gabor Domotor Fully Free began with a personal challenge, said Gabor. My wife, Suzanne, has severe food allergies and cannot eat dairy. We are big cheese lovers, and with over 20 years of experience in the food industry, I set out to create not just an alternative, but a true replacement - aged cheese made entirely from cashew nuts. The Food Academy has played a crucial role in our journey. The programme has provided us with invaluable mentorship, industry insights, support on product, brand and packaging development. The Food Academy, now in its 12th year, is a partnership between SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office & is the only accredited producer development programme in Ireland, from Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). Food Academy offers participants a Certificate in Food Entrepreneurship and a robust combination of mentoring, industry insights, and retail strategy. Through expert-led workshops and direct engagement with the Food Academy team, producers refine their products and build the skills needed to succeed in a competitive retail environment. The programmes results speak volumes: Food Academy products have exceeded 260 million in retail sales, with a projected 30 million in sales for 2025 alone. Luke Hanlon Managing Director SuperValu said: SuperValu proudly supports local Irish businesses, working closely with Food Academy participants to drive strong product launches and customer engagement. This years participants will get valuable exposure to connect with shopper and showcase their brands. Its more than a programme; its a movement shaping the future of Irish food. We look forward to seeing this years participants make their mark and continue Irelands rich tradition of food and drink innovation. A Kildare company has been fined 75,000 following the death of a worker in 2019. N&C Enterprises Ltd. of Kilmeague was ordered to pay the sum plus costs of 4,057 by Judge Marina Baxter at Naas Circuit Court on Monday for breaches of charges under health and safety legislation. During previous court dates, N&C Enterprises Ltd had pleaded guilty to the breaches under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 Luis Borges (a Portuguese national), an employee of N&C Enterprises Ltd, was fatally injured on 15 February 2019 while operating equipment under the control of the company. Mr Borges entered into the danger zone through a retrofitted gate which by-passed all the integral safety protective features of the plant when he was struck and fatally injured by a rotating robotic arm. Mark Cullen, Assistant Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, said: N&C Enterprises Ltd. failed in their duty to provide a safe place and system of work to Mr. Borges. In todays workplaces it is not unusual for advanced technology and robotic equipment to be utilised. "Employers must ensure that all inbuilt safety protective devices are in good working order and that employees are not put in danger by unsafe work practices which bypass these crucial safety devices. In this case, the bypassing of these safety protective devices resulted in a fatal incident that tragically was entirely foreseeable and preventable. The Land Development Agency (LDA) plans to deliver more than 320 new apartments in Shankill, Co Dublin. The development at Woodbrook, which will have access to a new Dart station, will include 102 one-bed and 226 two-bed homes. All of the apartments will be made available as cost rental. The agency said the apartments would be delivered in partnership with property development company Castlethorn through the LDAs Project Tosaigh initiative. This is where the agency partners with private homebuilders, providing the financial stimulus required to initiate construction and complete new housing projects. The completed homes are then owned by the LDA and made available as cost rental or sold by the LDA in partnership with local authorities through affordable purchase schemes. The development will be next to Woodbrook Dart station, which is due to open this summer In this case, all of the 328 Woodbrook apartments will be made available as cost rental. Cost rental is a relatively new tenure, which provides a long-term rental option with rents at least 25 per cent below market rates. Cost rental is designed to assist those who do not quality for social housing or other State housing supports, but who are struggling to afford to rent in the private market. The apartments are part of Castlethorns Woodbrook development, which includes 685 homes and has the potential to deliver an additional 500 homes. The development will also feature amenities including a creche, a primary school and neighbour centre. The Woodbrook apartments are being delivered in two blocks over six storeys and are due to be completed by 2026. Woodbrook Dart station is due to open this summer. John Coleman, chief executive of the LDA, said the development was in an accessible and attractive location for renters. "These new homes will play an important role in addressing demand for affordable, secure rental accommodation in south Dublin," he said. Joe OReilly, chief executive of Castlethorn, said the firm was "delighted" to partner with the LDA on the project. "The proximity to the new Dart station, high-quality design, and inclusion of community facilities make this a highly attractive offering. We look forward to delivering these sustainable A-rated homes and helping to establish a new community that will thrive for generations to come." A father charged with 22 counts of masturbating in front of his pre-teen child is arguing the mother of the child is putting the child up to it. The man appeared Naas District Court for his book of evidence and to learn of his date in the circuit court. There are several allegations with kids, said Sergeant Dave Hanrahan for the state. Twenty-two, noted Judge Desmond Zaidan. On various dates between February 2023 and July 2023, the defendant is alleged to have engaged in sexual activities in front of a child, said the sergeant. Engaging in sex in front of the child? With who? His wife? asked the judge. Solo, clarified defence solicitor Tim Kennelly. Masturbation is the charge, but is totally denied." The boy is his own child? asked the judge, to which Mr Kennelly nodded. After giving the defendant the alibi warning as required, the judge turned to Sgt Hanrahan and added: For what its worth, any additional summary charges being added to this will also be subject to the alibi rule. Judge Zaidan then granted Mr Kennelly legal aid for the circuit court trial, but Mr Kennelly sought a special extension on this to cover a parental misconduct report, and this is where the cross-allegations were made public. My client is going through a very acrimonious break-up, and were saying the mother of the child is putting the child up for it. Were totally denying all charges, asserted Mr Kennelly. My client is actively seeking custody, and she said no way', by hook or by crook." Judge Zaidan granted the legal aid extension for the alleged report, before remanding the man on continuing bail until the circuit court on 18 June. PROGRESS on a council project for a proposed heritage trail at Old Kilcullen are expected by late June, according to Kildare County Council. The project was first mooted in 20920. At the recent meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, a question from cllr Tracey O'Dwyer for a timeline update elicited the answer that the project is currently awaiting the results of screening for appropriate access (AA) and environmental impact (EIA). Simon Wallace of the parks department said the council hopes to progress the Part VIII application "by mid or late June." A Part VIII application is the process used by local authorities to give themselves planning permission for a project. The Heritage Trail project has been led by the Old Kilcullen Area Community Association. In September of 2020, cllr Rob Power sought council support for the idea and to work with local landowners to establish public rights of way. In November 2020, cllr Power also raised the possibility of restoring the Old Hacklow Road to pedestrian use as part of the project. The idea subsequently received strong support from cllrs Ivan Keatley and Tracey ODwyer, along with Rob Power, and Minister Martin Heydon. At the end of 2021, OKACA received a feasibility and design grant of 45,000 from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund administered by the Department of Rural & Community Development, following an application through Kildare County Council. Examining the Heritage Trail study in 2023 The council commissioned Athy-based Hayes Ryan Landscape Architects to prepare a study for the proposed trail, which would have viewing points to the medieval Royal Site of Knockaulin (Dun Ailinne), The Curragh, The Hill of Allen, The Dublin and Wicklow Mountains and Mount Leinster, as well as links to the historic features of Old Kilcullen. The plan also had the potential to extend links along back roads to Yellow Bog and The Curragh. A presentation of the study in March 2023, hosted by the council in Halverstown School, attracted a strong level of interest. Landscape architect Geraldine Hayes was on hand to explain the details of the study, which included suggested routes for 'quiet road' techniques that would facilitate safe use of the public road sections for walkers. At last week's meeting, cllr O'Dwyer accepted the response, noting that the assessments are a normal part of the planning process. Fianna Fail councillor Deirdre Cullen has hit out at the under funding of Uisce Eireann, declaring rural Kilkenny as 'paralysed' as a result. Her comments follow a motion from Labour Party representative, Cllr Tomas Breathnach who has called on Kilkenny County Council to write to the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage to seek increased funding to at least 500 million to Uisce Eireann in order to speed up the delivery of wastewater schemes. Cllr Breathnach argued rural areas in Kilkenny are not being 'adequately' served or funded and they can not wait until post 2029 when the current programme will cease. READ NEXT: 'I was astonished' - High profile Kilkenny figure left baffled over crazy stat! A sombre picture emerged across the council chamber at Mays Plenary meeting, with Cllr John Brennan surmising: "Small towns and villges are going to die a death." Meanwhile, Cllr Deirdre Cullen said: "We're paralysing our rural towns and villages because of the lack of our waste water," adding, 'it's simply not good enough'. "It seems to me that it is merely a lack of funding that is hampering this essential infrastructural development that needs to happen at the earliest possible time. "We really cant wait until post-2029. It's absolutely absurd to be given that date. Villages can't wait that long," she added. "Something needs to give now." Mullinavat based councillor, Jenny Catt Slattery labelled the current situation 'a disgrace' and suggested poor water infrastructure is to blame for the lack of housing in the South Kilkenny village. "Something has to be done. We need answers now." Cllr Michael Doyle expressed similar sentiments, stating rural Ireland is in 'really, really big trouble' if something isn't done now. "In Kilkenny especially, there are a lot of rural areas that are in dire need of new services or upgrades and without that, rural Kilkenny is definitely going to really struggle," Cllr Doyle said. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has hit back at calls for tractors to be banned on Irish motorways. The call had been made by the Irish Road Haulage Association whose president said slow-moving tractors on the motorway cause "a clear and present danger to other road users and is a serious tragedy waiting to happen." IFA President Francie Gorman has responded and said the IFA will oppose any move to drive tractors off our motorways. An IFA statement said: "Tractors that travel on the motorway are equipped for speeds above 50km. Tractors with a lower speed are not allowed to travel on motorways. In most cases, the journey tractors are undertaking is local, so the time spent on the motorway is short. Many farm holdings are fragmented, so farmers need access to the road network. Francie Gorman added: This attempt to ban tractors from our motorways has nothing to do with road safety, as implied by the IHRA. It is part of a campaign to corner the market for transporting goods on our roads." The Irish Road Haulage Association President Ger Hyland was speaking as the IRHA launched a campaign to highlight the dangers that tractors and slow moving vehicles pose to other road users on our motorway network. Hyland pointed out that Ireland is currently the only country in the EU that allows tractors on motorways and said that if we are serious about road safety, and preventing further road deaths, tractors should be removed from our motorways. READ NEXT: Fiona Pender probe upgraded to murder as gardai begin new search in Offaly According to Hyland, there are no good reasons to allow tractors to use our motorways: Tractors cause a build-up of traffic behind them on the motorway, with people pulling into other lanes at the last minute to avoid the slow moving tractor. Tractors are a regular sight on our motorways during the summer months, sometimes pulling trailers of hay and silage bales or pulling slurry spreaders or other heavy machinery. "A family in a car driving in heavy fog on the motorway at 120Km per hour could come across this tractor and have very little time to react. This is presenting a clear and present danger to other road users and is a serious tragedy waiting to happen." As things stand, tractors are legally permitted on motorways in the Republic of Ireland, providing that the tractor is capable of reaching a minimum speed of 50km/h. Members of the Irish Road Hauliers Association have described how their HGVs are getting stuck behind tractors and trailers leading to congestion and dangerous manoeuvring on the motorway network. The Irish Road Hauliers Association has advised government to heed guidance issued by the Health and Safety authority of Ireland, who said that as a general rule farm tractors and machinery should not be driven on motorways as they create a serious hazard to other road users due to their slow speed." READ NEXT: Gardai confirm human remains as Michael Gaine amid major investigation update Hyland pointed to some recent tragedies on our roads involving tractors on motorways: We have flagged some high profile accidents already including the death of a father of two in his 30s, who was killed when the car in which he was a passenger was in collision with a tractor on the M1 Northbound between Junctions 12 & 14 at Mooremont, Co. Louth in 2023. This just isnt safe. In many cases, these tractors are been driven by young lads on provisional licenses who just dont have the driving experience to handle difficult road conditions on a motorway Hyland said tractors driving on our motorways are often driving at speeds below 50km per hour, in particular when going up inclines, especially if they have a heavy load attached. The Irish Road Haulage Association has called on the Government to work with the Road Safety Authority and the Irish Farmers Association to take action and ensure that tractors stick to local and regional roads and not use motorways that are designed for fast moving intercity traffic. A bill that would ban cruel fox hunting in Ireland has been introduced to the Dail. The bill was immediately opposed by two rural independent TDs, who said foxes pose concerns for farmers. Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who introduced the bill, said it was unprecedented for a bill to be opposed at first stage. She said she believed it was the first time a bill banning fox hunting was introduced in the Dail. She said that fox hunting had already been banned in England, Scotland and Wales for over two decades and remained in Ireland as a relic of British rule. She said foxes in Ireland are dug out of the ground, attacked by packs of dogs and sometimes torn apart. Trail hunting, snaring and traps will also be included in the ban under her bill, she said. I believe that fox hunting is a cruel and inhumane so-called blood sport, she told the Dail It clearly causes unnecessary suffering, packs of dogs chasing after a fox relentlessly is obviously a very stressful and unnatural situation. Foxes are our last wild dog in Ireland and they should be protected. She cited a 2019 RED C opinion poll, commissioned by the Irish Council Against Blood Sports, that indicated 77% believe fox hunting should be banned, and said that 74% of people polled who lived in rural areas believed it should be banned. The Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Fox Hunting) Bill was opposed at first stage on Tuesday by Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins and Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae, which Ms Coppinger said was unprecedented. Ive never stopped a bill from going to second stage, she told the Dail, arguing that it was a stifling of freedom of debate. Mr Collins said that foxes were classed as a pest and that foxes can cause a serious concern to many farmers, as well as native bird species. The next thing well be inside here looking to see can we protect the rat and the mouse. No one wants to protect the human beings, thats the problem here from what I can see, he told TDs. He said there are fines of thousands of euros if there are breaches of existing fox hunting rules. Foxes do pose huge threats to farmers, I suppose if you were brought up in rural Ireland youd understand that. Mr Healy-Rae said that people from all corners of Kerry had got in touch with him to ensure that we stop this, where its being tried to start. He claimed that 11 out of 12 hens owned by a constituent were killed by a fox. The numbers have increased dramatically. Theyre all over the place. Theyre coming into towns and villages. Theyre in and out of bins and they are everywhere. They have taken over, they have completely taken over the place. Mr Healy-Rae said he was calling a vote on the issue before being told by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy that he could not do that. If Im going to call a vote, I let you know, she said. Chief whip Mary Butler said the government was not opposing the bill at first stage but would consider it at second stage. As is normally the case with Private Members Business, the bill will not be opposed at first stage, that is the process. If and when the bill is listed for second stage, like all other Private Members Business, the government will then consider the matter at that point. Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill has urged the Taoiseach to rectify an anomaly by allowing Irish citizens in Northern Ireland to vote in presidential elections. It comes after the Northern Ireland Assembly voted last month to back extending the right to vote in elections for president of Ireland to all Irish citizens on the island of Ireland. The motion, proposed by Sinn Fein MLAs, was passed by 46 votes to 25. It comes just months ahead of the next Irish presidential election due to take place later this year following the end of Michael D Higgins term. Ms ONeill was asked by Sinn Fein MLA Declan Kearney during Executive Office questions on Tuesday for the assessment of the motion by the office she shares with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Ms ONeill replied: There is no agreed position on this issue. Mr Kearney went on to ask whether Ms ONeill agreed that the extension of voting rights in Irish presidential elections for Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland should be taken forward as a matter of priority by this Irish government. Ms ONeill said that was her personal view on the issue, adding that she has written to Taoiseach Micheal Martin. I think the outcome of that debate and the vote that was put in this Assembly chamber certainly was decisive in terms of the support of the elected members of this chamber in terms of voting in the presidential election, she said. This is obviously my personal view on this, but I actually took the time then to actually write to the Taoiseach to inform them of the fact that this was something that was endorsed here in this Assembly chamber, and I think that its time for the Irish government to certainly correct what has been a deficit in terms of our democratic right to vote in this election. And I think that we encourage, and continue to encourage, that the Taoiseach moves to rectify what is an anomaly in terms of our citizens in the north the fact that you can stand for election in the north, but you cant vote in that election. I dont think thats a tenable or credible argument. It is 12 years beyond the constitutional convention that was held when participants at that convention overwhelmingly endorsed the extension of this franchise, and now the majority view in this house is that this is something that needs to be endorsed in terms of the extension to citizens who live here in the north. Ten years after the marriage equality referendum, in which 62% of the population voted to legalise same-sex marriage in Ireland, there have been 110 same-sex unions in Kilkenny: 51 male couples and 59 female couples. It was the first time in history that a state legalised same-sex marriage by popular vote. Journalist Vivienne Clarke worked as regional press officer on the Yes Equality campaign, and, looking back, has described it as the highlight of her career. As a journalist, one is always supposed to be impartial, but on this occasion I followed my conscience and my heart and I threw myself into the campaign as an ally and advocate for my gay friends, who I felt should have the same rights as every other Irish citizen, says Vivienne. It was heartening to see the response from newspapers all over the country. The day of the count and the subsequent celebrations was one of the happiest of my professional and personal life; my daughter was also involved in the campaign. To this day every time I hear Snow Patrol's song Just Say Yes, which was the anthem of the campaign, I am immediately brought back to that wonderful time, Vivienne says. A new chapter of connectivity between South Kilkenny and Waterford began on Thursday as a new bridge swung into place over the River Suir. The new bridge arrived in four massive parts, carried upstream by barge from Belview Port in Kilkenny, at which they had arrived last week. At 207m, the bridge will be one of the longest city centre pedestrian river crossings in Ireland. The new sustainable transport bridge is part of the multi-million euro North Quays project, set to transform the region by delivering new investment and economic vigour. READ: Massive new development expected to be 'hugely significant' for Kilkenny A Hebo 9 sheerleg crane lifted each bridge section from its barge at Frank Cassin Wharf and transported it upstream to its installation position at the bridge. The transport, lifting and installation of the four steel deck sections wais a complex logistical and engineering challenge, and the process had to be coordinated with the tidal cycle on the river. Like Rice Bridge upstream, the sustainable transport bridge has an opening central span to allow river vessels to pass through, smaller boats can pass underneath the bridge, subject to tides. The inclusion of this opening central span retains potential for future upstream river transport as well as opportunities for maritime events and festivals, including a possible return of the Tall Ships Festival. These types of vertical opening bridges are called Bascule Bridges from the French term for a balance scale and originated in medieval Europe as drawbridges to defend castles and towns. Whereas Rice Bridge is a single leaf bascule bridge, which opens from one side of the central span, the new bridge is a double leaf bascule bridge, which opens from both sides of the central span. The bascule leaves for the opening central span will now be tested and put into operation. The bridge finishing works, which includes the final surfacing, lighting, street furniture, and parapet railings, will commence as well as the installation of the downstream bridge pier protection system. It is anticipated that the bridge will open to the public in the final quarter of next year. In April, Waterford City and County Council granted planning permission to Harcourt Developments (t/a Hopcast Limited) for the development of the first phase of the North Quays SDZ. READ MORE SOUTH KILKENNY NEWS HERE NORTH QUAYS DEVELOPMENT The mixed-use North Quays development will include significant residential accommodation, as well as office and hotel accommodation, retail offerings and high-quality public realm spaces consisting of: 350 residential units, office accommodation including ground floor creche and retail, 160-bedroom hotel and conference centre, and a 163-room aparthotel. It will also include retail units on the ground floor of residential blocks, and high quality public realm spaces like public plazas, a riverside boardwalk and greenway. The Herald reports: New Zealand First leader Winston Peters wants to make it very clear: he wont be working with Labour after the election if the party is still led by Chris Hipkins. When I ruled out Hipkins in 2023, I ruled him out permanently, Peters said (he actually ruled out Labour in November 2022, three months before Hipkins became leader). In other words, barring a leadership change in Labour, it looks like the only conceivable grouping Peters would consider after the election will be something on the right. This is very very significant, even if not surprising. This means the only practical way for Chris Hipkins to become Prime Minister (again) is by agreements with Te Pati Maori and the Greens. He cant rely on just one of them he needs both. There have been 55 public polls since the last election and not a single on of them shows Labour able to govern just with the Greens. Even if TPM abstained, not one of them shows Labour and Greens could form a Government. They must get the support of Te Pati Maori to have a chance at government. The three parties of the right should and must spend all of election year making clear that a vote for Labour will be a vote for Te Pati Maori to be in Government (and for some of the Greens $88 billion in new taxes). Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Variable clouds with showers and scattered thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 84F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 67F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Thunderstorms likely this morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High near 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.. Tonight Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. 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. Nearly four years after a Columbia man's body was found near Truman Lake in Warsaw, investigators have arrested two suspects in the case. The Benton County Sheriffs Office arrested Kayley and Michael Birnbaum in Springfield on May 25 for planning and carrying out the killing of Cody Garrett. Both now face charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection to Garrett's death. One of the two suspects was a beneficiary to a $50,000 life insurance policy taken out in February 2021, according to a probable cause statement. Garrett, 28, was reported missing on June 12, 2021. That same day, deputies located his vehicle at the Truman Lake Mountain Bike Park outside Warsaw. His remains were later found off the trails in a wooded area nearby. According to previous KOMU 8 reporting, Garrett's mother reported that Garrett had told her he was headed to Benton County to do some shooting with his friends and never returned. A medical examiner later determined Garrett had been murdered. According to a probable cause statement, the Jackson County medical examiner found gunshot injuries in Garrett's hand, arm, body and head. He also was reportedly found impaled by a "novelty type sword." Deputies said Michael Birnbaum called 911 on May 25 to turn himself in for first-degree murder. Michael Birnbaum later admitted to law enforcement that he arranged to meet with Garrett in Warsaw in secret and took a pistol with him, according to a probable cause statement. He later allegedly shot and stabbed Garrett. He also allegedly admitted to burning evidence before returning home and throwing the pistol into the Missouri River. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Deputies said they later found novelty weapons in their garage similar to the sword used to impale Garrett. Kayley Birnbaum reportedly told deputies during Miranda interviews that she and Michael Birnbaum researched secluded areas to find the best place to kill Garrett. She also reportedly told authorities that she visited Truman Lake Mountain Bike Park in the days before Garrett's death to "scope it out." She also reportedly said she chose a day to kill Garrett that had ideal weather so that a rainstorm would destroy evidence. According to previous KOMU 8 reporting, the deterioration of the body and the torrential downpour from the day before forced detectives to wait for the preliminary report from the Jackson County medical examiner to determine the cause of death. Kayley Birnbaum also reportedly admitted to researching how to get rid of trace evidence and clean the sword used in the killing. In recent weeks, the case was reopened and investigators say new evidence led to the pair of arrests. Authorities re-interviewed witnesses, analyzed digital forensic data and sent previously untested items for DNA and trace analysis. Digital forensics of a cell phone found communication between one of the suspects and Garrett on June 9, 2021, according to a probable cause statement. The investigation into Cody Garretts death is ongoing and will be for some weeks as we continue to build our case, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Officials thanked several partner agencies in the arrest, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory, the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center, and the Springfield Police Department, which helped safely take the suspects into custody. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. SHREVEPORT, La. -- A second arrest has been made in an animal cruelty investigation in Haughton that led to a woman's arrest last month. By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA The Government is to draft legislation to ban the trade of goods with Palestinian lands illegally occupied by Israeli settlements. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris received Cabinet approval to draft the law on Tuesday. It is understood the Government bill will ban the trade of goods but not services as the basis in EU law is much weaker for services than it is for goods. Simon Harris received Cabinet approval to draft the legilsation (David Young/PA) The Government has opted for fresh legislation instead of progressing the Occupied Territories Bill, first tabled in 2018. The Government has said there is a narrow pathway, based on an advisory opinion from the UNs top court, to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said last July that countries should take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that maintain Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, which it deemed illegal. Mr Harris said that the Government had not yet been able to identify the narrow pathway on services but that there is a legal pathway to ban the trade of goods. He said he believed Ireland would become the first country in the western world to consider such legislation and said he hoped it would encourage other countries to do likewise. Taoiseach Micheal Martin told the Dail that there is very little trade between Ireland and the occupied territories but said the ban was an important symbolic move. He was responding to questions from Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney who said that the Dail was running out of time to pass the goods ban before the summer recess. Just for the record, there is no major trade between Ireland and the occupied territories, there is very little actually, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said on Tuesday. He added: But thats not the point, the point is it is a symbolic move and that is important in itself. In relation to Sinn Feins bill that aims to give Irelands Finance Minister the powers to impose restrictive measures on securities issued by or on behalf of Israel, the Government said the proposals were unworkable. Mr Martin said the legislation proposed by Sinn Fein was simply unworkable and has been written in a manner that in no shape or form could ever be made workable. He said it does not focus on Israel at all and said the review of the EU-Israel Association could have a far greater influence. A Government spokesperson said the proposed Sinn Fein bill was asking for an activity that does not take place in Ireland Israeli bonds are not listed on the Irish Stock Exchange nor are they available to purchase through any regulated entity in the State to end. The spokesperson said that the bill does not prevent securities or bonds from the Israeli state being issued nor does it prevent Israel from raising money by selling bonds. LIDL is planning to open its third supermarket in Laois, on the site of a long-derelict garage. The new store would be constructed on Emmett Street in Mountmellick, at the former Central/Nissan Garage dealership that closed 14 years ago. The German supermarket chain plans to demolish the old garage and four adjoining vacant properties, before constructing a retail store extending to almost 3,500sq.m. The new store would consist of a part-single and part-two storey building together with a car park, according to the planning notice published this week. The on-site notice states that Lidi Ireland intends to apply for planning permission for the development of a discount food store with off-licence sales, on the site comprising the former Central/Nissan Garage complex and numbers 4, 5, 6 and 7 Emmett Street, bounding OMoore Street and Twomey Terrace. The application is for construction of a food store with ancillary off-licence use, with mono-pitch roof measuring c. 2,202sq.m gross floor space and a net retail sales area of c. 3,457sq.m. The notice adds: Construction of associated car and cycle parking with revised main site access from (and associated works on) Emmett Street. Existing site accesses to the rear lane of Twomey Terrace will be removed. Existing site access to OMoore Street will remain in situ. Provision/repair/replacement (as required) of boundary treatments, free standing and building mounted signage, free standing trolley bay, roof-mounted refrigeration and air conditioning plant and equipment, hard and soft landscaping, public lighting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, roof-mounted solar panels, ESB substation, drainage, utility and services infrastructure and connections, and all other associated and ancillary development and works above and below ground level. The old Central/Nissan garage on Emmett Street, on the main N80 road through Mountmellick, closed its doors in 2011 after 46 years in trade and has been vacant ever since. In a prominent location, the property was constantly criticised as an eyesore at council meetings, particularly by local councillor Paddy Bracken who repeatedly called for action regarding the boarded-up premises. Work was carried out to improve its appearance by Laois Co Council and Mountmellick Tidy Towns, including colourful murals organised by the Tidy Towns committee. The Lidl Ireland group has been in discussions with Laois Co Council regarding the development and a planning notice was published on Monday 26 May. The German discount chain, which already has stores in Portlaoise and Portarlington, also plans to build another Lidl supermarket in Graiguecullen, on the Laois/Carlow border. AN appeal has been made to the people of Laois to rally behind a campaign calling for the retention of funding for the LEADER programme. People in Laois are being asked to ensure the continued development of the countys rural infrastructure by signing the petition calling on EU decision-makers to maintain funding for the LEADER programme. LEADER, which is run locally by the Laois Partnership Company has had significant impact on rural communities in Laois over the years since it was introduced 34-years ago, and why people across the county are being asked to sign an online petition being run by international association ELARD. Pictured at the launch of the LEADER Local Development Strategy 2023 - 2027 were the Laois Partnership Company senior management team of Brian Kelly, Marion Griffith, CEO Caroline Lydon and Peter Ormond CEO of Laois Partnership Company Caroline Lydon said: LEADER has had a transformative impact on rural communities throughout the county. While many people might not even be aware of LEADER they have most certainly benefitted from it. One such beneficiary of the programme here in Laois is Camross Parish Development Association, who used their grant for the fit-out of a community building in the village as a multipurpose hub. Other recipients of LEADER funding are Ballykilcavan Brewery and Glamping Under the Stars, both of which have established themselves as thriving local businesses. She said: We are asking people to take two minutes to sign the petition by Friday 6 June to help us to secure a strong future for Laois. People in Laois are being asked to ensure the continued development of the county's rural infrastructure by signing a petition calling on EU decision-makers to maintain funding for the LEADER programme. Research, Policy and Rural Affairs Officer with the Local Development Companies Network Philip ODonnell said: The LEADER/CCLD (Community Led Local Development) programme has had a major positive impact on communities in Laois and around Ireland since it was implemented in 1991. It funds thousands of rural development projects, supporting jobs, tourism, young people, local infrastructure and more. What sets it apart from other funding mechanisms is that LEADER is much more than a grant-giving mechanism - it helps to build capacity and skills at local level to ensure that rural communities can meet the challenges of the future such as climate change, digital connectivity and how communities in counties like Laois can continue to innovate. The petition can be signed by logging onto https://elard.eu/petition_en/ TIMES STAFF WRITER The British political scene was buzzing Tuesday with its latest scandal and its bewildering batch of elements. Alan Clark, the 66-year-old patrician who once was a favored member of Margaret Thatchers government, was accused of having overlapping affairs with the wife of a British judge and her two daughters. Clark--the son of the late Lord Clark, who was well-known in his role as the art historian who created the television series Civilization--saw his own hopes of resuming his political career in the House of Lords dashed Tuesday because of the revelations. Advertisement In his best-selling Diaries last year, the younger Clark, who was a junior defense minister, produced fascinating insights into the workings of ministers in a Conservative government, while at the same time admitting to a career of pursuing women outside his marriage. His book included allusions to a coven, an assembly of witches, among his women friends. He gave the first names or nicknames of three: the mother, Valerie, and her two daughters, Alison and Josephine. It has now been revealed that Valerie is the wife of an English judge, James Harkess. After his retirement, the couple moved to South Africa. One of her daughters, Josephine, now 34, remains close to them in South Africa. The other daughter, Alison, 36, is estranged and lives in homes with former KGB agent Sergei Kausov. Advertisement On Sunday, the top-selling tabloid, News of the World, owned by Rupert Murdoch, published a story by the women admitting to the affairs with Clark; the judge said he supported the allegations. The reason they spoke out, they said, was to tell the truth, to set the record straight. I feel that certain people in the present government and the recent government are rotten to the core, Harkess said, and I think this should be brought out. Harkess was reported to be politically opposed to Prime Minister John Major, a moderate Conservative by Harkess standards. Valerie Harkess said she realized after her 14-year affair with Clark, including a period when she knew her lover had had sex with her daughters, that he was a pathetic, lecherous, dirty old man. Advertisement After the Harkess family landed in London on Tuesday, bankrolled by the News of the World, Clark admitted, I deserved to be horsewhipped. But he denied allegations by the Harkesses that he had offered the family $150,000 to keep them from taking their story to the newspapers. Meanwhile, Jane Clark, the millionaires wife, whom he married when she was 17, told reporters she knew of her husbands infidelities, declaring, Quite frankly, if you bed people I call below-stairs class, they go to the papers, dont they? Jane Clark, 52, has admitted in the past to throwing an ax at her husband after being informed of his latest escapade. Of her husbands girlfriends, she said: I think they are dreadful. They all have their sell-by date on them. They all get put away on the shelf in the end. TIMES STAFF WRITER It was a good day to fly. The weather was clear, and the SilkAir jet was nearly new. The Boeing 737-300 took off from Jakarta, Indonesia, with 104 people aboard and headed for Singapore. The aircraft had reached its cruising altitude of 35,000 feet over the island of Sumatra when it plummeted to earth without warning. The plane was traveling close to the speed of sound when it crashed into the muddy Musi River near the town of Palembang on Dec. 19, 1997. No one survived. The plane hit with such force that the largest piece of wreckage found was a scrap of fuselage 10 feet long. Rescuers recovered only fragments of bodies. Investigators located the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder, but both had stopped working before the plane began to plunge. Advertisement Examination of the wreckage showed that there was no midair explosion, no cabin depressurization and no sign of mechanical failure. There was no distress call from the cockpit and no apparent attempt by the crew to pull the plane out of its dive. Strangely, the controls were set to point the jets nose down and the throttle was on full speed. Investigators found that the pilot, Capt. Tsu Way Ming, 41, had been disciplined by SilkAir six months earlier for turning off a cockpit voice recorder. The Singaporean, a skilled pilot, had lost more than $1.2 million in high-risk securities trading and had bought a $600,000 life insurance policy that took effect the day of the crash. After three years of investigation, the Indonesian government announced the official findings: There was not enough evidence to determine the cause of the crash. But in an extremely unusual dissent, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said that the crash was most likely caused by intentional pilot action and that the evidence pointed to Tsu. Advertisement Some victims families contend that Singapore and Indonesia have tried to cover up the cause of the disaster to protect the airlines reputation. SilkAir is a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, one of the city-states most prominent businesses and one in which the Singaporean government owns the controlling interest. Thomas Oey, an American who lost his mother and brother in the tragedy, believes that a timely determination of pilot suicide might have prevented the October 1999 crash of an EgyptAir flight, which some believe was caused by intentional pilot action. That disaster killed 217 people. Unlike the EgyptAir crash, which occurred off the Massachusetts coast, the Silk-Air crash was little reported in the U.S. Even without an official determination of the cause, most of the families have reached settlements with the airlines. Oey is one of a handful of relatives suing SilkAir in Singapore in an attempt to prove that the pilot intentionally or recklessly crashed the plane. People have the right to know the truth, he said. Advertisement SilkAir denies that one of its employees crashed the plane deliberately and argues that the cause of the disaster has not been determined. The judge in the case could rule as early as this month whether the pilot engaged in willful misconduct. Whatever the Singaporean court decides, New Zealander Derek Ward believes that the evidence is clear. His son, Duncan, was the flights first officer. Tsu intentionally flew the plane directly into the ground, Ward said. I call that mass murder. What else can it be called? Pilot Had Cheated Death for Years Tsu was among SilkAirs most talented fliers--a former top fighter pilot in the Singaporean air force and a member of its performing aerobatic team, the Black Knights. After the crash, the Singaporean press dubbed him the Cowboy Pilot. He had been cheating death for years. On Dec. 19, 1979--exactly 18 years before the SilkAir disaster--he was scheduled to fly with his squadron on an air force training mission but was grounded by a mechanical problem. The other four pilots crashed into a cloud-covered mountain, and all died. In 1981, he crashed with a student pilot during takeoff. Tsu survived, but his student did not. During a training mission five years later, Tsus A-4 Skyhawk developed mechanical problems. He and his student ejected safely. Investigators concluded that Tsu was not at fault in either crash. Tsu left the air force in 1992 as a major and went to work for SilkAir, a regional carrier that flies from Singapore to about 20 cities in Asia. He turned down the chance to fly for parent company Singapore Airlines because he could rise to a command post faster with the smaller organization. Advertisement He soon was seen as management material and put on the fast track. Tsu was promoted to captain in 1996 and given the additional post of instructor pilot seven months before the crash. A father of three, he was said to be a devoted family man. He was quiet, sometimes distant, colleagues said, but spoke his mind and was a leader among the airlines Singaporean pilots. He gained a reputation for doing things his own way and not always following procedure. Tsus professional problems began in March 1997 with a flight to Manado on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The plane was too high as it approached the airport, and Tsu tried to lose elevation quickly by making sharp S-turns--a maneuver appropriate for a fighter jet but not a Boeing 737. In the cockpit that day, it felt like a violent roll, back and forth, co-pilot Lawrence Dittmer testified in July in the court case. All I remember was quick rolls, left and right, left and right, very disturbing. [If] the passengers were anything like me, they would have been scared. I was scared. The S-turns didnt bring the plane low enough, and the captain was forced to make a second landing attempt. Tsu said he would file a report as required for a botched landing but never did. Advertisement Word of the episode eventually reached SilkAirs managers, and they began an inquiry. In late June 1997, Tsu and Dittmer were teamed up for the first time since the Manado incident. In the cockpit, the two pilots began talking about the earlier flight. Dittmer assured Tsu that he was not the source of rumors that they had nearly crashed. As they talked, their plane began taxiing to the runway in preparation for takeoff. Tsu reached behind his seat and switched off the cockpit voice recorder, which operates on a two-hour loop and thus would have taped over their conversation before they landed. He wanted to preserve their discussion as evidence, he said. Dittmer refused to fly without the recorder and offered to repeat his comments later, but Tsu decided to return to the gate and remove the tape. The plane received permission to taxi back and was on its way when Tsu relented and turned the recorder back on. This was again something which I had never seen in my life before, Dittmer told the court. After the incident, SilkAir disciplined Tsu by taking away his newly won promotion to instructor. Advertisement When it came to his finances, Tsu wasnt faring any better. His stock market trading account was suspended twice for nonpayment, once in August and again on Dec. 4, two weeks before the crash. Investigators say he had traded more than 10 million shares and lost more than $1.2 million between 1993 and 1997. Singaporean police concluded that he was not bankrupt because gains from the sale of real estate exceeded his stock losses. His income, however, was not enough to cover his monthly household expenses, police found. When Tsu took out the $600,000 life insurance policy, the company said it would activate it on receipt of his payment. He sent a check Dec. 16, and the policy took effect three days later--Dec. 19, 1997. Ill-Fated Flight Bound for Singapore When SilkAir Flight MI 185 took off for Singapore, Tsu was in the pilots seat and first officer Ward, 23, was the co-pilot. Ward was dating a SilkAir flight attendant and living his dream as an airline pilot. Associates described the New Zealander as friendly, honest and full of life. The aircraft was carrying passengers from 14 countries, including 46 from Singapore, 23 from Indonesia and five from the United States. Advertisement The oldest was 77; the youngest, 2. There was a group of five Aiwa engineers and three Indonesian children traveling without their parents. Also on board were former Singaporean model Bonny Hicks and her fiance, American architect Richard Dalrymple. The other Americans were attorney Kathryn Worth, 36, of Fremont, Calif.; Suzan Picariello, 49, of New York, the senior vice president of American Express travel services for Southeast Asia; Berenice Oey, 71, a Philadelphia native; and her son Jonathan, 39, a Harvard University graduate and director of a computer business in Singapore. The flight took off at 3:37 in the afternoon, and at first, all was normal. A flight attendant brought food to the pilots and left the cockpit, according to the voice recorders final minutes. Shortly afterward, Tsu said he was going into the main cabin and told Ward to finish eating. Some water? Tsu asked. There was a metallic clank, which was later identified as the sound of Tsus seat belt buckle hitting the floor. No, thanks, Ward said. The voice recorder went dead. It was 4:05. At 4:10 p.m., an air controller in Jakarta checked in with the plane and directed it to continue flying at 35,000 feet. Ward responded to the call and gave no indication of any problem on board. Advertisement At 4:11, the flight data recorder, which logs the operation of the planes essential equipment, stopped working. The switch for the data recorder is behind the captains seat, next to the voice recorder switch. At 4:12, Indonesian radar tracking showed the plane had begun descending rapidly. It dropped from 35,000 feet to 19,500 feet in about 30 seconds before disappearing from the radar screen. Less than a minute later, it hit the Musi River and smashed into countless pieces. When rescuers arrived at the remote crash site, they knew immediately that no one could have survived. The plane came down at such a steep angle that coconut trees lining the riverbanks were untouched. Parts of the aircraft were embedded 15 feet beneath the river bottom. The planes tail section broke up seconds before impact and landed about two miles away. Searchers collected just 330 pounds of body parts from the passengers and crew--roughly equal to the weight of two adults. The remains of only six passengers could be identified. Because the plane crashed in Indonesia, responsibility for the investigation fell to the newly formed Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee. It was the agencys first major crash probe. Joining in the inquiry were representatives from Singapore, Australia and the United States. The FBI assisted the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, as it does in many crash investigations. Advertisement Investigators recovered 73% of the 9-month-old airplane, much of it by dredging the river bottom and filtering the mud through sieves. They reconstructed the tail section and, with help from the FBI, examined every inch of electrical wiring recovered. They found no indication of an explosion, short circuit, equipment malfunction, depressurization or weather-related problem, according to the investigative reports. There was no indication that a mechanical failure or short circuit caused the planes recorders to shut down six minutes apart. During the time the voice recorder was working, no unauthorized person entered the cockpit. A background check showed that none of the passengers knew how to fly a commercial airplane. Investigators found the flight controls were set contrary to what one would expect if the pilot had been trying to come out of a dive. The engines were running at high speed, and the speed brakes were stowed. The horizontal stabilizer--a flap in the planes tail that determines whether the nose points up or down--was set at 2.5, the maximum nose-down setting. In December 2000, the Indonesian safety agency announced its long-awaited findings. The investigation has yielded no evidence to explain the cause of the accident, the agencys report said. The NTSC is unable to find the reasons for the departure of the aircraft from its cruising level of [35,000 feet] and the reasons for the stoppage of the flight recorders. The agency, headed by leading Indonesian aviation expert Oetarjo Diran, rejected the theory that Tsu intentionally crashed the plane, because Singaporean police found no suicide note. Diran, who studied at Purdue University in the 1960s, is a professor of aeronautical engineering at the Institute of Technology in Bandung. Advertisement Harsh U.S. Criticism of Indonesias Findings Before Diran released his findings to the public, then-acting Chairman Jim Hall of the U.S. transportation agency sent a detailed critique urging him to come to very different conclusions. Hall said the crash can be explained by intentional pilot action. The airplanes descent, he said, was consistent with sustained manual nose-down flight control inputs most likely made by the captain. Recovery of the plane from its dive was possible but not attempted, Hall said. The evidence suggests that the cockpit voice recorder was intentionally disconnected. Such harsh U.S. criticism of a foreign crash report was unprecedented. But rather than alter his findings, Diran attached the U.S. comments to the Indonesian report. Let the people see we have different opinions, Diran said in a recent interview. One may have the same data and different conclusions. The U.S. view was based in part on tests done in a Boeing simulator to re-create the steep trajectory recorded by radar. Advertisement Just pointing the jets nose down with the horizontal stabilizer would not be enough to bring the plane down so sharply because of the aircrafts inherent tendency to right itself, investigators found. Causing such a precipitous dive would require additional commands, such as rolling the plane on its back and setting the throttle on full while continuing to maintain the nose-down setting. There is simply no other means, other than by deliberate manual input, for the aircraft to go from 35,000 feet to the bottom of the Musi River in the time frame, said an Australian expert who took part in the investigation. Some critics have accused Diran of trying to cover up for Singapore, which has many financial ties to Indonesia. Others suggest that he refused to reach a conclusion of suicide because of his Muslim beliefs. But the professor dismisses such claims. I dont think being a Muslim will make me not objective, he said. All they can say is that I am stupid, not that I am intentionally covering up. Diran said his fundamental difference with Hall was the level of proof required. The U.S. agency sought to determine the crashs probable cause. Diran wanted more. We have no absolute or substantial proof it was a suicide, he said. Advertisement Tsus insurance company, he noted, accepted the police conclusion and paid the pilots family the full value of the $600,000 policy. The professor said Tsu was just a normal man who loved his family and had occasional trouble with his bosses. Diran said he could not believe that a person with Tsus advantages would kill himself and the passengers entrusted to him. Is he really going to murder 100 people because he lost face or lost a couple million dollars? Diran asked. Its incomprehensible to me that he would do that with the background he has. Changing Travel Plans Saved Lecturers Life Thomas Oey was scheduled to be on Flight MI 185 with his mother and brother but changed his plans a few days before departure. The soft-spoken lecturer at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Singapore believes that God spared him for a higher purpose. Since the crash, he has quietly made it his mission to uncover the cause in the hope of preventing similar tragedies. The American-born Oey, who has lived in Singapore most of his life, contends that authorities here have tried to hide the cause of the crash to protect SilkAir and Singapore Airlines. Advertisement Oey maintains that Singapores autocratic government closed ranks behind its airline industry to minimize damage to its reputation. Singapore Airlines has long been highly regarded, but last year, one of its Boeing 747s crashed in Taiwan, killing 82 people, when the pilot tried to take off from the wrong runway. Oey is among the relatives of six SilkAir victims who turned down cash settlements of up to $200,000 each. He wants the court to rule on the cause of the crash, even though he is likely to receive less than that even if he wins. Under Singaporean law, any award would be based solely on what the victims might have earned had they lived. There is no provision for punitive damages or payment for pain and suffering. The case will be decided by a judge without a jury. Compensation is not the important matter, Oey said. The important matter is saving lives. He believes a prompt finding that the SilkAir crash was caused by pilot suicide could have led to video cameras in cockpits and better psychological screening of pilots, perhaps preventing the 1999 EgyptAir disaster. Theres still a lot of anger, Oey said, not so much at what happened but at not admitting what happened. Like Oey, Derek Ward has devoted himself to uncovering and publicizing what he believes was the true cause of the crash: Tsus death wish. An electrical engineer, he has studied the disaster in minute detail and gathered every scrap of information available. Advertisement Unlike Oey, he decided not to fight SilkAir in a Singaporean court, believing that he would never get a fair ruling. He accepted SilkAirs settlement and said he has used the money to further his effort to expose what he calls the airlines wrongdoing. This crash and the subsequent dishonesty has destroyed my wifes happiness, he said. Is $200,000 fair? I dont know how to value the life of a son for whom I felt the greatest love and respect--as a person, I respect him more than I respect myself. Attorney Michael Khoo argued on behalf of the families in court in July that intentional pilot action brought down the SilkAir plane and that the company had turned a blind eye to Tsus previous safety violations. SilkAir, Singapore Airlines and SilkAirs attorney, Lok Vi Ming, declined to be interviewed about the crash. In court, Lok acknowledged that intentional pilot action caused the plane to descend but argued that the pilots may have been reacting to an emergency that is not yet understood. In a desperate search for answers, Lok said in his opening argument, it is too easy to blame the crash on a supposedly depressed and financially troubled pilot. Through the testimony of experts, the families legal team tried to re-create the flights final minutes. Advertisement No one will ever know what happened in the cockpit after the voice recorder went dead. Tsu might have left the cabin, as he said he was going to do, and come back a few minutes later. Or he might never have left at all. One theory is that after Ward talked with air traffic control, Tsu took command of the plane, sent his co-pilot out of the cockpit on a ruse and locked the door. But even if Ward was in his seat when the plane began to dive, there was little he could have done if Tsu was determined to crash the aircraft, said Australian aviation safety specialist Maurie Baston, an expert witness for the families. It would have taken Tsu eight to 10 seconds of continuous thumb pressure on a hand-held button to change the horizontal stabilizer to the maximum nose-down setting. While he was pressing the button, Ward could not have overridden the command, said Baston, a former military aerobatic pilot. And even if Ward immediately realized what Tsu was doing, he said, he couldnt have reached Tsus control from his seat. Flight plans, dishes and manuals would have flown around the cockpit as warning alarms sounded and the plane flipped over or began to spiral. The two pilots might have battled for the controls, but without command of the horizontal stabilizer, Ward would have been powerless to pull out of the dive. In the cabin, the terrified passengers would have remained conscious. They would have known they were about to die as the plane plunged earthward. Advertisement Mohan Ranganathan was a SilkAir captain who knew Tsu and Ward. A veteran 737 pilot, he said he warned his bosses before the crash that Tsu was an unsafe pilot. They refused to listen, he said. Ranganathan quit the airline soon after the disaster. Tsu Way Ming was very dangerous, he said. A person of Duncan Wards experience could never have flown the final profile. It was definitely by a trained aerobatic pilot. Tsu is the only person who could have done it. Police are searching for a driver they say struck a child on a bicycle and fled the scene on Monday, May 26, 2025 in Macungie. Courtesy photo Police are searching for a driver who allegedly struck a child on a bicycle and fled the scene in Macungie. The incident happened shortly before 8 p.m. Memorial Day along Hickory Street, between Lea and Church streets, borough police said. Photos on the police departments Facebook page show the offending vehicle as a dark SUV. Those with information are asked to contact Macungie Police Officer Matthew Santiago at 610-966-2222 or email msantiago@macungiepd.org. Police are searching for a driver they say struck a child on a bicycle and fled the scene on Monday, May 26, 2025 in Macungie. Courtesy photo Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached atpholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Seaside Heights, pictured on Saturday July 1, 2023. More than 70 people were arrested during Memorial Day weekend in 2025. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media More than 70 people were arrested, three were stabbed and the boardwalk was shut down overnight during a chaotic Memorial Day weekend in Seaside Heights, police said. Fifty-two adults and 21 juveniles were arrested between 6 a.m. on Friday and 6 a.m. on Memorial Day, Seaside Heights Detective Steve Korman said. About 100,000 visitors flocked to Seaside Heights for the holiday weekend this year, Korman said. Three young adults were stabbed in Seaside Heights over Memorial Day weekend in separate incidents, Korman said. None of the three who were stabbed cooperated with police, Korman said, and no arrests were made. All three stabbings happened within a block of the boardwalk. The boardwalk was temporarily shut down following the third stabbing, starting just after midnight on Monday, Korman said. Police did not specify whether the entire boardwalk was closed or how long the closure lasted. One of the 73 arrests was of a 21-year-old Beachwood man, whom police arrested after being called to Grant and Ocean Terrace avenues on reports of a fight. The man was also charged with possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, resisting arrest and obstruction. Borough officials entered the weekend with an assertive plan to prevent violence from breaking out on the boardwalk after similar incidents happened last year over the popular travel holiday. Leading up to the weekend, one of the busiest for the Jersey Shore, Seaside Heights Mayor Tony Vaz told NJ Advance Media about 100 police officers were prepared to intervene in disorderly conduct. He said borough officials coordinated a comprehensive plan that would include outside law enforcement response should crowds, particularly teens and young adults, become chaotic. Vaz couldnt be reached by NJ Advance Media on Monday. In back-to-back years, police have responded to stabbings on one of New Jerseys boardwalks during the popular weekend. Last year, a 15-year-old was stabbed during a brawl in Ocean City. Police charged another teenager with attempted murder in the attack. Last year in Seaside Heights, a panicked crowd dashed down exit ramps amid reports of shots being fired on the boardwalk. That claim was later unfounded. Over the weekend, borough police were aided by authorities from both the Ocean County sheriffs and prosecutors office, as well as officers from Brick Township, Korman said. Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, a Republican who represents Seaside Heights, praised the police department for their efforts. Their strong leadership is cracking down. If you go there with bad intentions, you will likely leave in handcuffs, Kanitra said. 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. Jozef Puska was "a bit sad" and seemed like he had a "problem he didn't want to share with anyone," earlier in the day that murdered Ashling Murphy, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Lubomir Puska jnr (38) told gardai two days after the murder that his brother, Jozef Puska, was "not in a good mood" and the family became concerned when he left that afternoon and didn't return. He said he didn't see his brother again that day. Two days after that first statement, Lubomir jnr returned to Tullamore Garda Station and apologised for lying. He said he had, in fact, seen Jozef again that night, soon after 9pm. He said Jozef arrived at the house they shared in Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, just outside Tullamore, looking like he had been beaten up. The trial previously heard that Jozef Puska has been convicted of murdering Ms Murphy, a 23-year-old schoolteacher, on January 12, 2022. Ms Murphy was exercising by the canal near Tullamore when Jozef Puska stabbed her repeatedly in the neck. Jozef, Lubomir jnr and another brother, Marek (36), lived at the house in Lynally Grove with their wives Viera Gaziova (38) and Jozefina Grundzova (31) and 14 children. Lubomir Puska jnr and Marek Puska are accused of withholding information that was crucial to the investigation into Ms Murphy's murder in January 2022. Ms Grundzova and Ms Gaziova, are accused of impeding Jozef Puska's apprehension or prosecution by burning the clothes he wore when he murdered Ms Murphy. Each accused has pleaded not guilty. Det Gda Joanne O'Sullivan told prosecution senior counsel Sean Gillane during the trial on Tuesday, May 27 that Lubomir jnr made voluntary statements at Tullamore Garda Station on January 14 and 16, 2022. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Courtroom in the Criminal Courts of Justice. In his first statement, Lubomir jnr said he first saw his brother in the early afternoon that day. He seemed "a bit sad, not in a good mood," Lubomir jnr said. READ ALSO: Jozef Puska told brother he "cut" a woman - court hears He added: "He seemed to me like a person who doesn't want anyone to know what is biting him inside. Some kind of problem he didn't want to share with anyone." Lubomir jnr left the house at about 11.30, and he said he didn't see his brother again. In his second statement, after Lubomir jnr apologised for lying, he said that when Jozef arrived home on the night of the 12th, it looked like he had been struck on the forehead. When Jozef complained of a pain in the stomach, Lubomir jnr said he looked and saw three lacerations on his brother's abdomen. Jozef insisted that nothing had happened, Lubomir jnr said, and didn't say where he had been. He said their parents arrived a short time later and took Jozef to their home in Dublin. When gardai asked why he had not told the truth in his previous statement, he said: "It felt strange to tell on my brother. I never had to do it before." He said he came back to tell the truth, adding: "I feel better now that I told the truth. I feel better now." The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of seven men and five women. From dusk choruses and bat walks to moth traps and riverside discoveries, Laois celebrated its natural heritage with immersive events during National Biodiversity Week. Organised by Laois County Council in collaboration with the Heritage Council, community groups, businesses, and individuals, the week offered accessible, family-friendly opportunities to explore, observe, and understand the natural environment around them. The week opened with a magical Dusk Chorus walk in Abbeyleix Bog, hosted by naturalists Des and Hugh. Over 40 people attended the event, tuning into the rich evening birdsong while learning about the diverse habitats and species supported by the bog. A special moment occurred when participants heard the distinctive call of the cuckoo, a migratory bird that marks the arrival of spring and whose presence is increasingly rare in Irelands countryside. In Ballyfin, the Nature Photography session proved to be a standout. Wildlife watchers and photographers alike were delighted by up-close sightings of some of Irelands more elusive woodland species: a pine marten, greater spotted woodpecker, red squirrel, and a number of striking jays. These rare sightings provided both inspiration and valuable learning about local biodiversity. A nature talk on pollinators by Edel found an enthusiastic audience in Durrow library. A Twilight Bat Walk in Portlaoise offered a fascinating glimpse into the world of pipistrelle bats. Participants used bat detectors to pick up their echolocation calls and learned about the ecological importance of these nocturnal mammals. The event highlighted how bottom-up food websbeginning with aquatic and terrestrial insect populationsare critical to bat survival, and how creating ponds and wildflower meadows can help support and sustain bat populations and associated predator food webs. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Glamping under the stars. Pic: Alf Harvey Back in Ballyfin, early risers were treated to the soothing sounds of a Dawn Chorus, immersing themselves in the symphony of birds greeting the day. This peaceful event deepened public appreciation for the everyday beauty of local birdlife. At the River Erkina, which forms part of the River Nore catchment, participants engaged in hands-on Water Quality Sampling. They discovered that the river currently holds a good status in environmental healthan encouraging sign of its biodiversity. The Erkina plays an important role in supporting the broader ecological health of the Nore system, which is home to species of high conservation value, including the Irish pearl mussel, one of Irelands most endangered freshwater invertebrates. Further west in Ballykilcavan, an Outstanding Moth Trapping Session fascinated attendees with an impressive variety of species, including the spectacular hawk moth, showcasing the hidden diversity of Irelands nocturnal wildlife. Additional highlights included an informative walk by Kyra and Barry on Biodiversity in Business at Glamping Under the Stars, with a guided exploration of the Grassland Succession of Wild Flowers, which demonstrated how natural meadows evolve and flourish over time. These areas support a rich web of insects and pollinators, as well as small mammals, resulting in increasing sightings of pine martens, owls, and buzzardsa powerful reminder of how healthy habitats sustain entire food chains. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Red Squirrel in Laois. Photo: Rossa Bracken The weeks events were not just about appreciating naturetheyre about understanding our responsibility to protect it, said Lisa Doyle, Biodiversity Officer at Laois County Council. READ ALSO: Giant spider's web in Laois The communitys enthusiasm and curiosity have been inspiring. These events show how everyday actionsfrom creating ponds to letting meadows growcan play a huge role in enhancing local biodiversity," she said. They concluded with a bat walk in Durrow woods and a walk in Cullohill at Bunlacken Brew carpark. Laois County Council adds that National Biodiversity Week 2025 in Laois has strengthened local connections to nature and underscored the role of community action in conservation. Organisers hope the week sparks lasting interest and commitment to protecting the countys unique natural heritage. The Council says it is dedicated to promoting environmental education and nature conservation across the county. We are committed to implementing the National Biodiversity Action Plansupporting the conservation and enhancement of nature in Laois through active stewardship, inclusive engagement, and sustainable initiatives. Lisa Doyle can be contacted at biodiversity@laoiscoco.ie More info at www.laois.ie/sustain Thousands of Laois people over the age of 70 will now be entitled to bring a friend or relative with them and travel for free, according to a Laois TD. From September 2025, all people aged over 70 will be entitled to get a Free Travel Companion (FT+C) Public Services Card. This means someone aged 70 or over can have another person, aged 16 or older, including their spouse or partner, travel with them for free on all transport services provided as part of the Free Travel scheme. This news was welcomed by Portlaoise Fine Gael TD Willie Aird saying 6,098 people in Laois will be eligible. "The new 'Universal Companion Pass' was announced in the 2025 Budget, and is particularly aimed at elderly people who may want a son or daughter to accompany them to medical appointments. "Previously, medical documentation was required upon application for a pass, but it will now be available for all over 70. Pictured: Ballybrophy train station. Photo: The Leinster Express This will make a real difference in peoples lives," Deputy Aird said. "If you have to travel to a hospital or medical appointment, you can bring somebody along with you on public transport for free. For day trips, concerts, family events, and matches, people over 70 can be reassured that they dont have to miss out for fear of traveling alone, they can bring a companion along with them for free," he said. Over 482,612 people across Ireland over the age of 70 will be able to avail of the companion pass. The Department of Social Protection is now writing to eligible persons to inform them of their entitlement to the Free Travel Companion Pass from September 2025. This is an important measure brought forward by Fine Gael as part of the last Budget," Deputy Aird stated. "Im delighted that so many people in County Laois will benefit from this measure. I would encourage people to look out for correspondence from the Department and follow the advice to make sure they are ready to hit the road on the bus or train from September, concluded Deputy Aird. The Department of Transport received an allocation of 3.9 billion in the 2025 Budget, an increase of 480 million from Budget 2024. Laois are being asked to show their support for a local body that has a budget of nearly 4.3 million to help create local jobs, support communities and mitigate climate change. Laois Partnership Company, which is headquartered in Portlaoise, has launched a petition calling on EU decision-makers to maintain funding for the LEADER programme to ensure the continued development of the countys rural infrastructure. The total amount of LEADER funding for the county is 4,275,000. Of this, 2,221,000 is earmarked for economic development and job creation, with 1,119,000 set aside for rural infrastructure and social inclusion. The remaining 855,000 is designated for sustainable development and climate change mitigation projects. Laois Partnership, which runs LEADER in Laois, says it has had a significant impact on the rural communities, which is why people across the county are being asked to sign this online petition being run by the international association ELARD. Caroline Lydon is the CEO of Laois Partnership Company, spoke about the campaign in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. LEADER has had a transformative impact on rural communities throughout the county, and while many people might not even be aware of LEADER they have most certainly benefitted from it. One such beneficiary of the programme here in Laois is Camross Parish Development Association, who used their grant for the fit-out of a community building in the village as a multipurpose hub. Other recipients of LEADER funding are Ballykilcavan Brewery and Glamping Under the Stars, both of which have established themselves as thriving local businesses. MORE BELOW PICTURE. A Laois County Council biodiversity event at Glamping under the Stars in Cullenagh which is supported by Laois Partnership. Pic: Alf Harvey We are asking people to take two minutes to sign the petition by 6th June to help us to secure a strong future for Laois, said Ms Lydon. Philip ODonnell, Research, Policy and Rural Affairs Officer with the Local Development Companies Network, also spoke about the petition. The LEADER/CCLD (Community Led Local Development) programme has had a major positive impact on communities in Laois and around Ireland since it was implemented in 1991. READ ALSO: Laois event aims to empower community, business and organisations "It funds thousands of rural development projects, supporting jobs, tourism, young people, local infrastructure and more. What sets it apart from other funding mechanisms is that LEADER is much more than a grant-giving mechanism - it helps to build capacity and skills at local level to ensure that rural communities can meet the challenges of the future such as climate change, digital connectivity and how communities in counties like Laois can continue to innovate, he said. Laois Partnership says the petition can be signed here: https://elard.eu/petition_en/ and is open until 6th June. A Laois teacher and Liverpool fan who narrowly missed the horrific car incident on Monday, May 26, says he cannot believe how streets were not closed off to traffic. Portlaoise secondary school teacher Tom Moss from Mountmellick is a big Liverpool FC fan, going over three or four times a year. What was up to then a happy event, having watched his beloved team win the Premier League title for the second time in 35 years, then tour past him on the bus, turned to a scene of fear and panic after a car mowed at speed through the crowded street, injuring an estimated 50 people. Tom spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "I was over there with friends. I was thinking of taking my daughter, I didn't because she was doing exams, but I actually commented before the incident, that it was a good thing because while it was all good natured, it wasn't a place for kids, and there was a lot of kids. "From 11am the crowds were very heavy on the streets. From around 2pm they became very large. It was one thing I was really surprised about. Before the team bus arrived, that all the roads were still open. Cars were trying to snake through the large crowds. Lads were drinking, and sitting and jumping on the moving cars. "A good lot of us were saying it was madness to leave the road network open around the city. There was no street you could drive a car down safely. Where we were on the outskirts, there were no police. There were loads in the city centre. "The team bus went by us, about a kilometre out of the city at the university. Everybody then had the same idea, we all surged into the city to meet it at the end of the parade route. We got in around 5.20pm and it was mental. There were some streets there closed off, some streets were impassable with the sheer volume of people. But you still had cars trying to manoeuvre down, it was absolutely ridiculous not to have the roads closed off. "I took a photo in Water Street which was where the incident happened at 5.48pm. I turned to one of the lads I was with and said 'we're not getting any closer here' so we turned back for a bite to eat. The parade was just finished anyway. "It was only when we were sitting in the restaurant at 6.05 I think, that we saw loads of people running past. We thought they were running to get one last glimpse of the tour bus, but they were running because of what happened. "Then you start hearing all reports that it was terrorists, and that there were multiple fatalities. The initial report was of high fatalities but thankfully not so far. "I had my phone on airplane mode for the battery, sure when I turned that on I had about 40 missed calls and WhatsApps from home. They knew about it before I actually did. Social media had it up, some of those videos were very graphic, I didn't feel like watching them, not when you're right there," he said. Read also: Gardai issue appeal over missing Laois boy Tom feels he was lucky. "I suppose you would feel lucky, when you're on that same street, ten minutes beforehand. But a lot of people were saying even before that it was crazy that cars were trying to drive up that close. Even if you had a parade in Mountmellick or Portlaoise, the streets are closed. It was chaos. "We just decided we'd get out. I was parked a mile out, we were walking out and paramedics were racing by. The Liverpool people themselves were particularly upset, obviously worrying about people they knew. I met my group of lads so there was no panic. I believe one is a little girl, still in intensive care this morning," he said. Lidl Ireland GmbH is officially seeking permission to build its third supermarket in Laois. Confirming a story broken by the Leinster Express / Laois Live last March, the German discount supermarket chain has announced its intention to build a store and off licence in Mountmellick. It will spell demolition and a new life for a former thriving Nissan and Chevrolet garage in the town, that has lain idle and a growing eyesore since it shut 14 years ago. The business plans to first demolish the derelict Central Garage along with the four vacant houses either side of it, numbers 4, 5, 6 and 7 Emmett Street, which is the main N80 road to Tullamore. In the planning notices erected on the site on May 26, Lidl give full details. Lidi Ireland GmbH intend to apply for permission for development for a Discount Foodstore Supermarket with ancillary off-licence sales at Emmett Street, Mountmellick, Co. Laois (comprising the former Central/Nissan Garage complex, including nos. 4:7 Emmett Street and Eircodes R32 Y820, R32 YF79, R32 P234, R32 WR28 and R32 WKo6, also bounding OMoore Street and Twomey Terrace). The company plans "the demolition of eight existing buildings, including single storey, two storey, detached, semi-detached and terraced configurations, removal of additional ancillary / derelict structures and associated site clearance. The construction of a part single part two storey Discount Foodstore (with ancillary off-licence use) with mono-pitch roof measuring c. 2,202 sqm gross floor space with a net retail sales area of c 3,457 5qm." A new carpark will be built, accessed off Emmett Street, with secondary site access retained from O'Moore Street. Two of the derelict houses on the site that included in Lidl's demolition plan. Construction of associated car and cycle parking with revised main site access from (and associated works on) Emmett Street. Existing site accesses to the rear lane of Twomey Terrace will be removed. Existing site access to OMoore Street will remain in situ. Provision/repair/replacement (as required) of boundary treatments, free standing and building mounted signage, free standing trolley bay, roof mounted refrigeration and air conditioning plant and equipment, hard and soft landscaping, public lighting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, roof mounted solar panels, ESB substation, drainage, utility and services infrastructure and connections, and all other associated and ancillary development and works above and below ground level. Another house included in demolition plans on the Central Garage site. The company is including a Natura Impact Statement with its application, which will be available to view on the Laois County Council planning website. Meanwhile, Aldi Ireland has unveiled a list of towns it would like to expand to, and Mountmellick is the only Laois town on the list. They already have stores in Portlaoise and Portarlington. The once thriving Mountmellick Nissan garage was liquidated in 2011 after 46 years. The empty property become a centre for anti social behaviour, with doors and windows smashed, and the interior trashed, before it was boarded up in 2014. Read also: Uisce Eireann confirms major watermains replacement work in Mountmellick Laois County Council placed it on the Derelict Sites List twice over the years, removing it after the front was cleaned up. The council replaced disintegrating hoarding on the gate in 2023 with metal sheeting out of its own funds. The Irish Government is to draft legislation to ban the trade of goods with Palestinian lands illegally occupied by Israeli settlements. Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris received Cabinet approval to draft the law on Tuesday. It is understood the Government Bill will ban the trade of goods but not services as the basis in EU law is much weaker for services than it is for goods. The Government has opted for fresh legislation instead of progressing the Occupied Territories Bill, first tabled in 2018. The Government has said there is a narrow pathway, based on an advisory opinion from the UNs top court, to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said last July that countries should take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that maintain Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, which it deemed illegal. Mr Harris said that the Government had not yet been able to identify the narrow pathway on services but that there is a legal pathway to ban the trade of goods. He said he believed Ireland would become the first country in the western world to consider such legislation and said he hoped it would encourage other countries to do likewise. Speaking on RTEs Six One News, Mr Harris claimed there was no policy difference between himself and Senator Frances Black, who had brought forward a Bill that would also include services. He said: I want to do everything humanly possible to help maximise the pressure for a ceasefire and an end to the violence and the war crimes that are happening in Gaza. But what I also want to make sure is that the Bill doesnt fall at the first legal hurdle and I want to produce legislation thats impactful, that could inspire other European nations to join us as well in bringing forward similar legislation. And at the moment, the legal opinion that I have is that its impossible to do goods under EU law because of the ICJ judgments, but it may not be in relation to services. However, the Tanaiste said he would like to be proven wrong if there is a pathway on services. Irish premier Micheal Martin told the Dail parliament that there is very little trade between Ireland and the occupied territories but said the ban was an important symbolic move. He was responding to questions from Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney who said that the Dail was running out of time to pass the goods ban before the summer recess. Just for the record, there is no major trade between Ireland and the occupied territories, there is very little actually, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said on Tuesday. He added: But thats not the point, the point is it is a symbolic move and that is important in itself. In relation to Sinn Feins Bill that aims to give Irelands Finance Minister the powers to impose restrictive measures on securities issued by or on behalf of Israel, the Government said the proposals were unworkable. Mr Martin said the legislation proposed by Sinn Fein was simply unworkable and has been written in a manner that in no shape or form could ever be made workable. He said it does not focus on Israel at all and said the review of the EU-Israel Association could have a far greater influence. A Government spokesperson said the proposed Sinn Fein Bill was asking for an activity that does not take place in Ireland Israeli bonds are not listed on the Irish Stock Exchange nor are they available to purchase through any regulated entity in the State to end. The spokesperson said that the Bill does not prevent securities or bonds from the Israeli state being issued nor does it prevent Israel from raising money by selling bonds. Laois County Council is to explore the possibility of colouring roads red near schools in order to warn motorists to slow down. Independent Cllr Aisling Moran requested the move at a meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. She asked in a motion that Laois County Council in conjunction with the TII, do a pilot project on road safety, using Arles, Ballickmoyler and Killeshin. Changing the colour of the road when inside a 50km zone to a red colour, to signify a change in speed and being a constant visual reminder of the speed limit. In a written response, the Road Design Office, said: Road Design are currently assessing the various locations from a Road Safety aspect. Any changes to the road colouring will be subject to agreement with the TII(Transport Infrastructure Ireland) in line with Technical Specifications. Cllr Moran said painting the roads would slow traffic around schools and act as a visual reminder to motorists in relation to the presence of schools and schoolchildren in the areas. She said it works in other countries and would only be needed over a short distance on approaches to schools. We would be the first county to do it. It is a constant visual reminder, she said. However, Cllr Moran was not pleased to hear the TII would have to be involved. When you give them ideas they wont even listen to you, she said. Laois County Council Senior Executive Engineer Tom Drennan said he would look at the proposal to see what options could be explored. READ ALSO: Lyme disease warning signs for Laois parks Independent Cllr Ben Brennan seconded the motion. He said the road in Killeshin wasnt a national route so the council dont have to worry about TII at that location. Maynooth Community College and Maynooth Post Primary in Kildare held a very special event on Tuesday (May 27), as two new European flags were raised for the schools, officiated by Barry Cowen MEP. Also at the event were former pupil, Naoise O Cearuil TD and Cllr Donna Phelan, who with Deputy Cowen presented the schools with two new European flags which Deputy Cowen helped raise in a flag rasing ceremony. Caolainn Hanlon of Maynooth Post Primary Student Council helped Deputy Cowen raise the European flag in her school. Deputy Cowen, Deputy O Cearuil and Cllr Phelan then took time to take part in a Q and A session with students talking about the different levels of government all the way from Kildare County Council to the European Parliament and the different effects each level has on their day to day lives. Basically we had Barry Cowen, our MEP over, he was here in Ireland anyway this week so we asked him if he was available to come out and raise the two flags in the secondary school, Cllr Phelan says of the day's events. He had availability so it was just a ceremony kind of thing to raise two new European flags, and to have an MEP do it. From Maynooth Community College, there was the principal, Siobhan McCauley, and the Deputy Principal, Niamh O'Donohoe, and then there was a selection of students from third year. Then in Maynooth Post Primary there was the Principal, Mr Johnny Nevin, and also the Politics teacher. They had fifth year students who are studying politics, so Barry went in and actually gave a talk to them, and gave them an opportunity to talk about the role within the European parliament and he brought along with him the new policy on agriculture. So the students were able to ask direct questions about his role and if it is any different to the Dail, and stuff like that. Cllr Phelan says the students raised some very interesting questions about Europe, and were intrigued on the differences between the European and Irish political systems. It was really good to have it explained, from the council to the Dail to the European system and how it all works, it was brilliant, Cllr Phelan adds. Cllr Phelan stressed the importance of such events in raising political awareness in Kildare's youth: I think it's important to hold events like this because we need more youth having a say in politics, and people do need to realise that everybody has an influence on what happens in their own lives. It's really important to get that across at a younger age because they're going to be living the decisions that we're making in ten years' time and why shouldn't they be involved in the conversation? It's giving them the platform to allow them to do that, and letting them know that our doors are always open to help when they need it. READ NEXT: Kildare developers 'sitting on planning permissions' The week ahead looks set to be a wet, windy and unsettled one according to Met Eireann's latest forecast. Unfortunately, these unpleasant conditions are likely to stick around for the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend and into next week too as low pressure continues to dominate causing unsettled and changeable weather. Some parts of the country were battered by heavy showers on Tuesday morning, however it will become drier in the afternoon and stay mostly cloudy with just some patches of drizzle and mist. Here is how the forecast is shaping up for the rest of the week according to Met Eireann. Tuesday night will continue to be cloudy with patches of mist in parts which will start to clear towards morning. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 11 degrees. Wednesday will be mostly dry with just some scattered showers. Rain will develop later in the evening in the southwest and spread eastwards. Highest temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees. READ NEXT: Farmers and truckers in war of words over call for tractor ban on Irish motorways Wednesday night will be a windy one with more outbreaks of rain which could become heavy at times, particularly in the west and north. Areas near the northwestern coast could even experience some gale force winds. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees. Thursday will be another cloudy day with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, which again could turn heavy in the north. However, sunny spells will develop throughout the day further north and northwest. It will also be another windy day with strong southwest to west winds. Highest temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees. Thursday night will see widespread rain which will become heavy in parts of Ulster and Connacht. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 12 degrees. The forecast closer to the weekend looks somewhat uncertain. For now, Friday will see some sunshine and scattered showers. Highest temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees. Saturday currently looks like it will be off to a dry start but will eventually see a band of rain spread from the west through the morning and afternoon. Rain looks set to turn heavy on Saturday with the chances of thunder. Highest temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees. Sunday will see more of a mixture of sunshine and showers, although there will be more heavy rain. Again, there is a chance of thunderstorms. Temperatures are also expected to dip between 13 and 17 degrees. Bank Holiday Monday looks similar with more sunshine and rain. Highest temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees. All set for Thursday's Tianwen 2 mission launch 08:25, May 27, 2025 By Zhao Lei ( Chinadaily.com.cn China's Tianwen-2 probe is transported to its launch area after completing its scheduled assembly, testing, and fueling at the technical area of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan province, May 18, 2025. (Photo/Xinhua) China is set to launch its first asteroid sampling mission, Tianwen 2, on Thursday, according to the China National Space Administration. The administration said in a brief news release on Monday that the decision was made by the mission headquarters after comprehensive analyses and deliberations. "Pre-launch preparations are steadily moving forward at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, and the Long March 3B carrier rocket tasked with the launch is about to receive propellants," the release said. By Monday, both the Tianwen 2 robotic probe and rocket had been assembled and undergone functional checks, it added. According to mission planners, the primary objective of Tianwen 2, the country's second interplanetary expedition, is to recover samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3, also known as 469219 Kamo'oalewa, a quasi-satellite of Earth and a potential fragment of the moon. The rocket will employ a touch-and-go sampling technique, similar to Japan's Hayabusa 2 and NASA's OSIRIS-REx, to collect surface materials and then fly back to Earth's orbit, where its reentry module containing the samples will be released for atmospheric entry, descent and landing. Meanwhile, the main body of the Tianwen 2 probe will use the Earth's gravity to set it on course for a new voyage to a main-belt comet called 311P to continue its scientific exploration tasks. 2016 HO3 was first spotted in April 2016 by an asteroid survey telescope at the Haleakala High Altitude Observatory in Hawaii. The celestial body orbits the sun, so it remains a constant companion of Earth. It is too distant to be considered a true moon of Earth, but it is the best and most stable example to date of a near-Earth companion, or quasi-moon. Scientists believe that it contains clues to the solar system's early history, including its original composition and the process of its formation and evolution. Comet 311P is part of the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Its physical composition is like that of comets, but its orbital characteristics resemble those of asteroids, according to astrophysicists. Tianwen missions, named after an ancient Chinese poem, cover China's interplanetary exploration endeavors. Tianwen 1 was launched in July 2020, and it successfully touched down on Mars in May 2021. The probe deployed a rover, named Zhurong, to explore the Red Planet. Zhurong was the sixth rover on Mars, after five that were deployed by the United States. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) NANCHANG, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Imagine standing on a balcony at night, the ground disappearing into a dark abyss below while a pattern of glittering stars stretches endlessly across the sky canvas above. This breathtaking scene is a reality at a cliffside hotel in east China. "It was a thrilling and romantic experience I'll never forget," said a guest surnamed Zhang, who recently stayed at the hotel located in the Wangxian Valley Scenic Spot in Jiangxi Province. Once a granite mining quarry where villagers had lived and worked, Wangxian Valley has been transformed into a popular tourist destination following a government ban on disorderly mining, with its natural cliffs creatively repurposed into attractions such as cliffside hotels, cliff skywalks and waterfalls. Thanks to its ethereal and mystical views, this valley has garnered wide attention online. The hashtag "Wangxian Valley" has racked up approximately 3.23 billion views on the Chinese short-video sharing platform Douyin. In the first quarter of 2025, the valley hosted 615,800 visitors, generating 120 million yuan (about 16.71 million U.S. dollars) in revenue. This tourism boom has also benefited surrounding villagers. Many of them have opened shops and restaurants within the scenic area, while others have found jobs such as waiters and cleaners. The success of Wangxian Valley exemplifies Jiangxi's efforts to tap into its rich mountainous and hilly landscapes -- accounting for over 70 percent of the province's land area -- by developing distinctive "cliff" tourism. "Cliff-themed scenic spots not only offer tourists unique and immersive experiences, but also enhance Jiangxi's cultural tourism appeal," said an official from the provincial cultural and tourism department. A similar transformation has taken place in Huangling Village in Jiangxi, where homes and terraced fields form part of the mountainside views. Due to inconvenient transportation, most residents opted to relocate to the foot of the mountain, and the village there was soon renovated into a scenic area. The traditional local scene of drying crops on bamboo trays in autumn, known as Shaiqiu, has been reimagined as a tourism trademark. Vast terraced fields have been planted with rapeseed flowers, while the once dilapidated Huizhou-style cliffside buildings have been turned into homestays. "The homestay offers a 'window-to-scenery' experience. During spring, when the rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, it feels like tourists are waking up in a sea of blossoms," said Cheng Hong, a staff member at Huangling scenic spot. Meanwhile, cliff shuttle trains began operating earlier this year in the Dajue Mountain Scenic Area in Jiangxi. Notably, a third of the 11.8-kilometer train route runs directly along a cliff. Passengers can enjoy a "hanging" experience in the air and are treated to sweeping views of canyons, dense forests, seas of clouds and cliffs adorned with blooming rhododendrons. "It's the least physically demanding mountain climbing experience," commented one visitor. Since its launch, the cliff train service has welcomed 184,700 passengers, including over 50,000 during the 2025 May Day holiday period. China continues to promote tourism tailored to local strengths by leveraging resources such as geographical diversity and culture. Data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed that total domestic tourism expenditure had reached 1.8 trillion yuan in the first quarter this year, with 1.79 billion domestic trips made during this period. The owner of GreenRock Convenience Store on Main St, Knocknashee, Boyle has been fined after a 16-year-old was sold a vape without being asked for ID during an undercover HSE sting. Carrick-on-Shannon District Court heard the test purchase took place on 11 November 2024, after Gardai and members of the public raised concerns about underage sales at the store. HSE officer Martina Wallace told the court she entered the premises ahead of the volunteer teenager. The child asked for a strawberry-flavoured vape, Wallace said. The staff member handed it to her, took the money, and didnt ask for ID or her age. I witnessed the sale and immediately informed the server that he had just sold a vape containing nicotine to a minor. The staff member who made the sale was named as Sulman Awan. The business is owned by Tehseen Kashif, who was not present at the time but accepted full responsibility through his solicitor, John Anderson. There was a full admission at the earliest opportunity, Anderson said. My client has taken the matter extremely seriously. All staff have now been retrained, and a strict ID policy is in place. The business assures the HSE and the court that this will not happen again. Judge Brendan OReilly confirmed there were no previous convictions. It appears this was a serious lapse, but it was addressed quickly, he said. Its a hard lessonbut one I hope is now learned. Convicting the business, the judge imposed a 300 fine and ordered 1,200 in prosecution costs payable to the HSE. READ MORE Tributes paid as former Leitrim councillor Des Guckian laid to rest in Annaduff Two public events in Leitrim over the weekend brought urgent attention to the Governments proposed removal of the Triple Lock a key safeguard of the countrys military neutrality. Residents gathered in Ballinamore and Manorhamilton to hear from the Neutrality Roadshow, made up of peace activists, researchers and academics who warned of the growing threats to Irelands neutral status in an increasingly militarised Europe. The Triple Lock mechanism in place since 2001 requires three approvals before more than 12 Irish troops can be deployed overseas: from the Cabinet, the Dail and a United Nations mandate. Last week, the Government published legislation aiming to dismantle it, citing concerns that countries with veto power in particular China and Russia, could block Irish peacekeeping missions. However, no Irish troop deployment has ever been vetoed by Russia or China or any other country at the UN Security Council. In fact, most UN vetoes have been to block US-backed military interventions, undermining a core argument for scrapping the Triple Lock. READ NEXT: Leitrim diaspora returns for historic Gathering weekend The first talk took place in McGirls Bar in Ballinamore on May 24 and the second in the Bee Park in Manorhamilton on May 25. Speakers included Niamh Ni Bhriain, a peace activist and Programme Coordinator with the Transnational Institute in The Hague; Fionn Wallace, a former parliamentary researcher with the Dail and the European Parliament with expertise in foreign defence and security policy; and Patrick Bresnihan, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at Maynooth University and a member of Academics for Palestine. Independent councillor Eddie Mitchell also addressed the audience in Manorhamilton. In her opening remarks in Manorhamilton, Niamh Ni Bhriain warned that successive Irish Governments have been chipping away Irish neutrality for decades. She cited Shannon Airport, where US military planes regularly stop to refuel, and pointed to Israeli overflights carrying weapons through Irish airspace, as Israel arms and perpetrates a genocide. On the threat posed by removing the Triple Lock, Niamh said, Its a matter of urgency because it will remove a safeguard that may see Ireland dragged into war in EU Battlegroups and potentially in NATO-led military missions. READ NEXT: 'Selfless and empathetic' Leitrim man honoured with national award She noted that In March, 139 Irish troops participated in an EU Battlegroup training exercise in Hungary, led by Germany a sign of increasing military integration. Fionn Wallace echoed the urgency, Theyre not proposing to scrap it because they want to send troops to Congo or to Gaza or to Sudan. They want to do it because they want to be able to send Irish troops to war, alongside the EU or NATO. We are slowly being pulled into a war machine, he said. Ireland has long been known for its neutrality, a principle that has become a source of national pride. He noted that if the Triple Lock is dismantled, we will be taking a step further away from being a country that is respected and seen as a peace builder, to one that is simply part of a Western imperial bloc. This is not about whether Irish troops should be helping people, or working in conflict zones this is about whether we, as a country, get to have a say in that, he added. Patrick Bresnihan reminded attendees that neutrality is more than just a foreign policy stance its a framework for imagination and dignity. What neutrality gives us is the capacity to imagine different kinds of futures. It gives us a capacity to not be part of these very powerful polarising logics of good and evil, east and west, empire and its enemies. Its not about left and right. Its about ordinary people its about people trying to live their lives in dignity and safety, he said. Cllr Eddie Mitchell offered a local lens on how neutrality is being undermined by Irelands growing ties with US corporate infrastructure, from LNG terminals to data centres. READ NEXT: New grants worth thousands up for grabs for Men's Sheds across Leitrim What we need is a radical campaign that's evidence-based in Ireland, and we need to tie all of the campaigns that are working on peace and justice and climate together, Cllr Mitchell said. He also warned: Ireland is being repositioned as a strategic outpost for US military and corporate interests. With the Government aiming to push through the scrapping of the Triple Lock before the Dails summer recess, Niamh Ni Bhriain called for urgent grassroots action, including public protest, political pressure on a local and Government level and collective organising to protect Irelands neutrality and prevent deeper militarisation. The overarching message of the speakers was clear: if Irish troops are sent into imperialist wars, it is working-class communities that will bear the burden, and Ireland risks losing its unique position as a voice for peace it has long held in the world. Attendees in McGirl's Bar, Ballinamore on Saturday, May 24 Public acute hospitals will need to increase inpatient bed capacity by between 40% and 60% by 2040, according to a new report. A continued increase in population, particularly at older ages, will drive the increased demand, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute publication on Wednesday. Irelands population is projected to increase from 5.3 million in 2023 to between 5.9-6.3 million by 2040, with the range reflecting differing assumptions on future migration trends. The number of people aged 65 years and over will increase from 1 in 7 of the population in 2023 to 1 in 5 by 2040. This age group are particularly high users of hospital services, accounting for over 60% of inpatient bed days in 2023. The Department of Health-funded research projects that emergency department attendances will grow from 1.6 million to more than two million by 2040. Outpatient department attendances are projected to grow from 4.6 million in 2023, to between 5.5 and 5.9 million by 2040. Day patient discharges are projected to grow from 1.2 million in 2023, to between 1.5 and 1.6 million. Inpatient discharges are projected to grow from 650,000 to up to 900,000. Inpatient bed days are projected to increase from 3.9 million in 2023, to between 5.1 and 6.0 million in 2040. The ESRI research states that there will be a requirements for an additional 650 to 950 day patient beds by 2040 a growth of between 25-37%. In addition, it projects a requirement for between 4,400 to 6,800 inpatient beds an increase of between 40% and 60%. Even at the lower end of the projections, the report highlights the need for substantial additional capacity to meet increases in demand for hospital services by 2040. The analysis shows how different policy choices like reducing inpatient length of stay and waiting list management can alter the projections. Dr Aoife Brick, senior research officer at the ESRI and lead author of the report, said: Our findings highlight significant future growth in demand for public acute hospital services, driven primarily by population growth and ageing. The report offers policymakers evidence on the scale of service expansion needed to meet future demand. Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill welcomed the review and said: This evidence base is crucial for future planning, ensuring we have the facilities to provide the best care to patients. Increasing bed numbers and the necessary resources and workforce requires careful long-term planning. The Programme for Government has committed to delivering thousands more beds through the acute bed capacity expansion plan, new surgical hubs and elective treatment centres. The official opening of the Sean MacDiarmada Summer School will be conducted by First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle ONeill MLA on Friday, May 30. Now in its 17th year, the Summer School has played a key role in raising public awareness of Sean Mac Diarmada, highlighting his pivotal role in modern Irish history and his rural roots in Leitrim. It continues to honour his legacy as a major figure in the 1916 Easter Rising while offering a platform for academic research and public discussion surrounding his life, the Rising, and their lasting impact on Irish society. The official opening takes place at 6pm on May 30, at the MacDiarmada Homestead the last surviving home of a signatory of the 1916 Rising. READ NEXT: Tributes paid as former Leitrim councillor Des Guckian laid to rest in Annaduff Shuttle buses will run from Kiltyclogher village starting at 5pm, providing transport to and from the homestead. Refreshments will be served at the Community Centre following the ceremony. Evening presentations will begin at 7:30pm with a Keynote Address by Michelle ONeill titled Leadership for a new Ireland: Responsibility in a Time of Change. At 8:30pm, Colin Regan, GAA Community and Health Manager will deliver a presentation titled The Big Perspective of Small People. The theme of this year's Summer School is The World Today: Different Perspectives. Events continue the following day, Saturday, beginning at 10:15am with a presentation by Ronan Haslette, Managing Director of Merenda in Manorhamilton, presenting The Impact of Globalisation of an Indigenous SME Merendas Story. . READ NEXT: 'We're being pulled into a war machine': Leitrim events sound alarm over threats to Irish neutrality At 11:15am, Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality will deliver her talk Serving Children and young people in a Topsy-Turvy World. This will be followed at 12:15 pm by Oliver McTernan, Director and Co-founder of Forward Thinking, who will present The Global Consequences of the War in Gaza. Lunch will be served in the community centre from 1:15pm to 2:15pm. The afternoon session begins at 2:15pm with Dr Brendan Kearney discussing the evolving nature of the agricultural sector in Ireland, with a focus on the impact of climate change. At 3:15pm, acclaimed writer and commentator Michael Harding will present his talk, Is History True? offering thoughtful reflections and analysis. Sponsored by Leitrim County Council, the Sean MacDiarmada Summer School continues to attract respected speakers, including international academics and public figures, establishing Kiltyclogher as a hub for cultural reflection and informed discussion. While its early years focused on historical forces shaping Irish identity at home and abroad, since 2016 the School has broadened its focus to include a wide range of contemporary topics, exploring social, economic, political and civic issues ranging from healthcare to public engagement. For more information click here NTT Achieves World's First Real-Time, International Co-Production Using IOWN All-Photonics Network At Expo 2025, NTT Corporation (NTT) debuted "CHO KABUKI Powered by IOWN," a theater performance synchronizing live and virtual performers in Osaka, Japan and Taipei City, Taiwan using the NTT Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) All-Photonics Network (APN). The performances occurred on May 24 and May 25 utilizing the world's first International IOWN APN, activated by NTT and Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (Chunghwa Telecom) in August 2024. "CHO KABUKI Powered by IOWN" tells the story of Princess Miku (performed by Hatsune Miku) and Tadanobu (performed by Shid? Nakamura), who battle the Azure Dragon while traveling through the legendary Thousand Cherry Blossoms that span from the Age of Gods to the present day. Through the IOWN APN, the movements of performers in Taiwan were transmitted in real time to Japan, where they were synchronized with performers at the Osaka Expo site to create a unified production?as if the distant performers were sharing the same stage in-person. In addition, the performance enabled audience participation through the detection of penlights using cross-modal search technology. By analyzing and quantifying the swing of audience members' penlights in real-time, the performance integrated spectators into the efforts to save Princess Miku. Prior to the performances, NTT utilized its digital twin technology (AnotherMe), AI and its proprietary cross-lingual speech synthesis technology to create a virtual copy of Kabuki actor Shid? Nakamura. This multilingual "Shid? Twin," capable of speaking in languages including Japanese, English and Chinese, guided visitors to the venue and provided an overview of how to use designated earphones to enjoy the Kabuki performance. "CHO KABUKI Powered by IOWN" was sponsored by NTT and produced by NTT, Shochiku Co., Ltd. and Dwango Co., Ltd., with special cooperation from Chunghwa Telecom. About the IOWN APN The IOWN APN seeks to maximize the efficiency and performance of long-distance data transfer by eliminating optical-electronic-optical conversions along the transmission path. It aims to achieve three key performance targets: a 100x increase in power consumption efficiency, a 125x increase in transmission capacity and 200x lower latency than conventional systems. The APN is one of three core components of the IOWN Initiative to enable a smarter, connected world built on photonics-based technologies by 2030. In addition to the APN, IOWN aims to realize advanced Digital Twin Computing and a Cognitive Foundation to unlock the full potential of AI, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT). IOWN is supported by the IOWN Global Forum, a non-profit organization established in 2020 by founding members NTT, Intel and the Sony Group that has grown to include more than 150 member companies and organizations. The NTT Pavilion Experience at Expo 2025 The theme of the NTT Pavilion at Expo 2025 is "Parallel Travel," with visitors invited to travel across time and space through the history of the human experience. Powered by IOWN, the pavilion is divided into three zones showing the evolution of communications technologies, from letters and telegrams to the future of communications and connectivity enabled by IOWN. Zone 2 offers a replay of a special live performance by the Japanese band Perfume, which occurred on April 2, 2025 via the IOWN APN. A behind the scenes video of the technology used to realize this performance is available on the NTT Official Channel YouTube page. For more information about NTT at Expo 2025, please visit: https://group.ntt/en/expo2025 About NTT NTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and businesses as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. Our offerings include digital business consulting, managed application services, workplace and cloud solutions, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. We are over $92B in revenue and 330,000 employees, with $3.6B in annual R&D investments. Our operations span across 80+ countries and regions, allowing us to serve clients in over 190 of them. We serve over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of other enterprise and government clients and millions of consumers. 27 may 2025 at 08:20 News published onand distributed by: Skanska builds underground metro station in Oslo, Norway, for NOK 1.7 billion, about SEK 1.6 billion STOCKHOLM, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skanska has signed a contract with Fornebubanen to build the new Skyen metro station in Oslo, Norway. The contract is worth NOK 1.7 billion, about SEK 1.6 billion, which will be included in the Nordic order bookings for the second quarter of 2025. The contract includes the construction of a new underground metro station with two tracks and two access points, one on each side of Hoffsveien at Skyen. The project also involves construction of a station hall located about 45 meters below ground, concrete works, shafts, technical installations such as ventilation, electrical installations, elevators and escalators, outdoor areas, access buildings, and finalization works in pre-excavated tunnels. Additional building works will be carried out at Madserud, Bestum and in the tunnel towards Majorstuen. Skyen is one of Oslo's busiest public transport hubs. The new station will increase capacity and improve connectivity between subway, train, and bus, contributing to positive urban development in the Norwegian capital. The project will be carried out with a strong focus on energy efficiency and reduced climate impact. Construction is scheduled to start in September 2025, with completion expected in 2029. For further information please contact: Audun Lagyr, EVP Communications, Skanska Norway, tel +47 93 45 25 31 Andreas Joons, Press Officer, Skanska Group, 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-underground-metro-station-in-oslo--norway--for-nok-1-7-billion--about-sek-1-6-billion,c4155980 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/95/4155980/3473364.pdf 20250527 NO underground metro station https://news.cision.com/skanska/i/image---metro-station-oslo,c3413192 Image - Metro station Oslo SOURCE Skanska 27 may 2025 at 08:32 News published onand distributed by: Fresenius Kabi to announce the commercial launch of Otulfitm*, an approved Ustekinumab Biosimilar in Canada Fresenius Kabi's ustekinumab biosimilar Otulfi tm is now commercially available for both subcutaneous and intravenous formulations is now commercially available for both subcutaneous and intravenous formulations With this launch, Fresenius Kabi Canada's immunology biosimilar portfolio is further expanding, offering more treatment options for patients with chronic autoimmune conditions Otulfitm is available for adult patients with moderate to severe active Crohn's disease, moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis indications, consistent with the adult indications of the originator biologic Stelara** TORONTO, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Fresenius Kabi Canada announces that its ustekinumab biosimilar, developed by Formycon AG, is now commercially available in Canada. Otulfitm is indicated for the treatment of several serious inflammatory diseases and benefiting more patients with autoimmune conditions. It is the third Fresenius Kabi immunology biosimilar approved in Canada for the treatment of Gastroenterology, Dermatology or Rheumatology conditions, providing treatment flexibility to manage patients at different stages of their autoimmune conditions. The Otulfitm launch milestone represents the third product launch within a span of less than two months, featuring the introduction of Idacio (adalimumab) Citrate-free formulation and the launch of Tyenne (tocilizumab). "The launch of Otulfitm is an important milestone on our pathway to expand our biopharma portfolio in Canada. This achievement underscores our commitment to improving patient care across the country," said Darius Panaligan, Senior Vice President Commercials EU & RoW, Fresenius Kabi Biopharma. "The high demand for biosimilars in Canada highlights the necessity for accessible and cost-effective biologics, which helps to ensure healthcare in Canada is accessible and affordable for all patients. We are proud to be introducing a cost-effective and European manufactured alternative ustekinumab treatment for patients living with inflammatory and immune diseases," said Abhi Bhoite, Senior Director and Head of Commercial, Fresenius Kabi Biopharma, Canada. Fresenius Kabi's patient support program (PSP), KabiCare will provide support to Canadian patients prescribed Otulfitm. KabiCare offers tailored support to its patients with a full range of services including injection training, reimbursement assistance, a dedicated single point of contact, bloodwork coordination and lifestyle assessments. With KabiCare, patients receive assistance in accessing their medicine, ongoing support, education, and guidance throughout their biosimilar treatment journey. Fresenius Kabi is an operating company of Fresenius, that specializes in biopharmaceuticals, clinical nutrition, medical technologies, and I.V. generic drugs for critical and chronic conditions. The company is striving to expand its strong biopharma portfolio, which is a substantial cornerstone of #FutureFresenius. About Otulfitm Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that targets the cytokines interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 which play an important role in inflammatory and immune responses. Health Canada's Notice of Compliance (NOC) approval of Otulfitm (ustekinumab) is based on a thorough evaluation of a comprehensive data package including analytical, pre-clinical, clinical, and manufacturing data. Otulfitm demonstrated comparable efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity to the reference drug Stelara in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Otulfitm was approved for both subcutaneous and intravenous formulations which will offer flexible treatment options for healthcare professionals and patients treated with ustekinumab in Canada. _____ *Otulfitm (ustekinumab) is a trademark of Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH in selected countries ** Stelara is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson About Fresenius Kabi: As a global healthcare company, Fresenius Kabi is Committed to Life. The company's products, technologies, and services are used for the therapy and care of critically and chronically ill patients. With more than 41,000 employees and present in over 100 countries, Fresenius Kabi's expansive product portfolio focuses on providing access to high-quality and lifesaving medicines and technologies. In Biopharma, Fresenius Kabi offers cutting-edge biosimilars for autoimmune diseases and oncology. With leading market positions in Clinical Nutrition, a broad portfolio of enteral and parenteral products makes a distinct difference in patients' nutritional status ? notably as the only corporation offering both product groups. In MedTech, the company provides vital infusion pumps, cell and gene therapy devices, disposables, and more. Fresenius Kabi is the global leader in supplying blood collection bags and devices, supporting blood banks and healthcare facilities worldwide. The company's I.V. Generics and Fluids for infusion therapy help save millions of lives every year, in emergency medicine, surgery, oncology, and intensive care. Fresenius Kabi takes a holistic approach to healthcare and uniquely combines experience, expertise, innovation, and dedication ? making a difference in the lives of 450 million patients annually. In line with the #FutureFresenius strategy, the company is developing, producing, and selling new products and technologies and aspires to expand its position as a leading global provider of therapies, improve patient care, generate sustainable value for stakeholders ? shaping the future of healthcare. Fresenius Kabi is an operating company of the Fresenius Group, founded in 1912, along with Helios and Quironsalud. As ONE team, the companies in the Fresenius Group are committed to providing lifesaving and life-changing healthcare solutions on a global scale. For more information, please visit www.fresenius-kabi.com. About Formycon: Formycon AG (FSE: FYB) is a leading, independent developer of high-quality biosimilars, follow-on products of biopharmaceutical medicines. The company focuses on therapies in ophthalmology, immunology, immuno-oncology and other key disease areas, covering almost the entire value chain from technical development through clinical trials to approval by the regulatory authorities. For commercialization of its biosimilars, Formycon relies on strong, well-trusted and long-term partnerships worldwide. With FYB201/ranibizumab and FYB202/ustekinumab, Formycon already has two biosimilars on the market in Europe and North America. A third biosimilar, FYB203/aflibercept, has been approved by the FDA, EMA, and MHRA; FYB202 is also approved in Canada. Another four biosimilar candidates are currently in development. With its biosimilars, Formycon is making an important contribution to providing as many patients as possible with access to highly effective and affordable medicines. Formycon AG is headquartered in Munich, listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FYB / ISIN: DE000A1EWVY8 / WKN: A1EWVY and is part of the SDAX and TecDAX selection indices. Further information can be found at: www.formycon.com This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g., changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Fresenius Kabi does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release. Management Board: Pierluigi Antonelli (Chairman), Marc Crouton, Andreas Duenkel, Dr. Christian Hauer, Dr. Marc-Alexander Mahl, Dr. Sang-Jin Pak Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Michael Sen Registered Office: Bad Homburg, Germany Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Bad Homburg - HRB 11654 Sasha Sheludko NATIONAL Public Relations +1-(416)-899-9364 [email protected] www.fresenius-kabi.com/en-ca SOURCE Fresenius Kabi Canada Inc. 27 may 2025 at 08:30 News published onand distributed by: Ghana's Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti Wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 Worth USD 250,000 Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti from Ghana has been named the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, selected from 100,000 applications from 199 countries. An Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, she was recognised with USD 250,000 at a prestigious ceremony held in Dubai, UAE. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was launched in 2021 to recognize the invaluable role of nurses in healthcare. The award was presented by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, UAE in presence of Dr Azad Moopen and Alisha Moopen. During this year's ceremony, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, shared a special message applauding Aster's effort in putting a spotlight on the contributions of nurses worldwide. Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti said, "For over two decades, I've witnessed the inequities in cancer care firsthand and dedicated myself to closing these gaps through training, outreach, and system-level change. This award will help amplify our impact ? scaling training, building faculty, and inspiring the next generation of oncology nurses across Africa." Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chaiman, Aster DM Healthcare stated, "Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti has redefined what it means to be a nurse ? not just as a caregiver but as an innovator, leader, and changemaker. Her contributions uplift not only patients but the entire healthcare ecosystem, setting a gold standard for others to follow. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare added, "Naomi Ohene Oti's story is a powerful reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolds every day in hospitals, clinics, and communities across the world. We are incredibly proud to shine a global spotlight on her work, and through her, honour the millions of nurses who keep healthcare systems running and humanity thriving." About Aster DM Healthcare: Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is a leading integrated healthcare provider, with a strong presence across seven countries. Aster is committed to the vision of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare, from primary to quaternary services, with its promise of "We will treat you well". Source: AETOSWire 27 may 2025 at 09:10 News published onand distributed by: Taiwan Excellence Award-Winning Brands Featured at AUTOMATE 2025 Express Optimism for Ongoing Collaboration With U.S. Companies The 15 advanced technology, award-winning companies selected by Taiwan Excellence to showcase their innovative products and services in May at AUTOMATE 2025 were openly optimistic about increasing business and partnerships in the U.S. ? as reported by brand representatives. Participating in AUTOMATE 2025, the global automation show held this year in Detroit, was a first for Taiwan Excellence, an annual award program for innovative Taiwanese products, incorporating the theme of "Advancing Robotics with Taiwanese Precision." "Several of the companies featured by Taiwan Excellence also had booths at this year's show," shared Dennis Yen-Feng Lei, director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of Chicago. "This demonstrates the strong and enduring partnerships between Taiwan and the United States in helping strengthen domestic manufacturing through smart, AI-integrated robotic solutions." Taiwan Excellence was also grateful to receive a warm welcome to Detroit from Automation Alley COO Pavan Muzumdar, who spoke at its Product Launch during the AUTOMATE show. "The opportunities for collaboration between Taiwan and Michigan are not only exciting ? they are essential," said Muzumdar. He further described that Michigan's legacy in manufacturing and its growing strength in Industry 4.0 technologies, shares that same spirit of innovation and reinvention with Taiwan. Top Taiwanese brands in robots and AIoT showcased smart manufacturing solutions, including cobots with AI and embedded vision system, high-sensitivity safety skin for robots, precision components, and Industrial computer/ICT control system for automation. Their solutions also demonstrated Taiwan's strength in advancing robotics, motion control, and intelligent automation tailored for high-efficiency industrial applications. Brands exhibited included: AAEON, APLEX, FATEK, HIWIN, JUMBO LASER, LEANTEC, MiTAC, NOVAKON, PLANET, SYNTEC, TBI MOTION, TECHMAN ROBOT, TOUCHE SOLUTIONS, TOYO ROBOT and TRANSCEND. AUTOMATE attendees described that they were interested in the products being offered and the information was helpful for their companies to consider further business cooperation. Buyers from local manufacturing facilities in the automotive and aerospace industries inquired specifically to seek cooperation on optimizing production processes. For more information, and a full list of the Taiwan Excellence award winning brands at AUTOMATE 2025, visit TaiwanExcellenceAutoUSA.org. About Taiwan Excellence The Taiwan Excellence Awards were established in 1993 by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements of Taiwan's most innovative products. Each year, eligible products go through a rigorous selection process that assesses their products based on four important factors: research and development, design, quality, and marketing with the key criterion of being Made in Taiwan. The Taiwan Excellence mark has gained global recognition as a prestigious symbol of quality and design, effectively showcasing Taiwan's impressive product innovation. For more information, please visit www.taiwanexcellence.org/en. The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at AUTOMATE 2025 is organized by the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). 27 may 2025 at 10:05 News published onand distributed by: You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Director General of the LDEA Anthony K. Souh, officially received Pastor Jimmy Phillips and his delegation from the African Union Trading Company Inc Top: A graphic depicting Lebanese businessperson Moussa Abdul Karim, the University of Liberias department of fisheries and aquaculture sciences and timber advertised, and timber blocks Karim advertises on his WhatsApp profile. Graphic by Rebazar Forte and pictures by Franklin Nehyalor for The DayLight Assistant Minister for Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitations at the Ministry of Justice, Atty Gabriel F. Ndupellar Mr. Woods life was shaped by ancestral strength, a deep sense of purpose, and the enduring vision of his grandfather, Chief Kerkulah Wondeh A GROUP of young artists and authors from Limerick's Bedford Row Family Project have launched a deeply moving book which captures the lived realities of children growing up with a parent in prison. This new project, developed out of a collaboration between Kids Own Publishing Partnership and Irish Penal Reform Trust, and supported by Community Foundation Irelands Toy Show Appeal, offers a glimpse into the lives of children and young people navigating the complexities of having a parent in prison voices and stories which are often unheard and unrecognised. In Keep up Hope: Stories and Artwork by Children and Young People with a Parent in Prison, children and young people share their experiences of parental imprisonment highlighting the pain of separation and the challenges of simply keeping in contact through their own words and drawings. The book vividly captures the complexities of their emotions from the anxiety often caused by prison security procedures and having to communicate through a screen, to the simple pleasure of sharing a bag of sweets during a visit and the sheer joy when a parent is released. READ MORE: Limerick primary school students can collect their very own free book bag at their local library Alison Curtin, project leader with Bedford Row said: We are incredibly proud of all our kids who took part in this project.. they epitomise Bedford row and what we hope to achieve. We were honoured to be part of this fantastic book! I got my life back, because mostly its your mum who makes your home happy, shares one young author, highlighting the impact of their mothers return from prison. Longtime advocate for criminal justice reform, Senator Lynn Ruane, said: This book is more than just a collection of stories; it is a testament to the strength and adaptability of children as well as the power of their positivity and humour. It also features invaluable advice from these young people for other children with a parent in prison, demonstrating their remarkable wisdom, empathy and a desire to support others in their situation." Kids Own Associate Writer Mary Branley, who worked closely with the children on this project, said: Keep up Hope is a book full of love, wisdom and guidance written by children with a parent in prison. Kids' Own Artist, Maree Hensey, and I met the children in art workshops, in collaboration with the IPRT, Bedford Row Limerick, and families of prisoners in Shelton Abbey, Co Wicklow. "Drawn directly from their experience of doing time while separated from a parent, this book explores a range of issues from coping with the situation, to what to expect when entering the prison, to visiting a loved one, and finding help and support from Bedford Row in sharing stories of truth and hope. Keep up Hope is an important resource for parents, families, teachers, social workers and anyone seeking to understand and support children with a parent in prison. A QUICK trip for Friday night snacks turned into a life-changing moment for one lucky Limerick man, who scooped 255,000 in the EuroMillions. The winning Euromillions Ireland Only Raffle ticket was purchased at Moloney's Daybreak in Carrigkerry, Athea, on May 9 and the winner said the big moment almost didnt happen. I was just grabbing a few bits for the family when I asked the shop assistant if I was too late for a EuroMillions ticket, he recalled. She told me I was just in the nick of time, and that ticket turned out to be the big one! He and his partner shared a laugh in the Lotto winners room: Its funny because all weekend he kept joking, asking if I thought he might have the winning ticket. We heard it was won in Limerick, but he kept putting off checking it," said the man's partner. READ ALSO: Excitement grows in Limerick village as it prepares to host Fleadh Cheoil Luimnigh 2025 Now 255,000 richer, the couple say theyre finally able to move forward with building their new family home: Its been a long journey, but this win means we can finally move things along. Were over the moon, and it still doesnt feel real! This Limerick win is part of a special EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffle series running throughout May. Every Tuesday and Friday draw this month includes one guaranteed 250,000 top-up prize in addition to the usual 5,000 Raffle prize, bringing extra excitement to each draw. With past winners from Dublin (four), Meath, Limerick, and Wicklow, anticipation is building as players hope to win one of the remaining guaranteed 250,000 prizes, and possibly the estimated 200 million EuroMillions jackpot in this Tuesday evening's draw. A LIMERICK scheme which is offering courts an alternative option to detaining young people in prison has been heralded a success. The launch of Externs five-year strategy, Vision 2030, took place at the University of Limerick (UL) Pavilion. Minister of State at the Department of Justice Niall Collins said at the launch that Extern has had an instrumental role in delivering youth justice service here in Limerick. Extern is a community and voluntary organisation that provides services to support adults, young people, families and children. They have a number of youth justice services in Limerick, including operating two Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) and operating the Bail Supervision Scheme (BSS). READ ALSO: New state-of-the-art cancer care centre confirmed for Limerick The BSS offers courts an alternative option to detaining a young person by offering them the possibility of granting bail with intensive supervision. Intensive supervision has been shown to reduce future offending, easing pressures on remand spaces for children in the immediate term, and reducing the need for detention in the longer term. At the launch of the strategy, Minister Collins said: I want to particularly acknowledge the significant positive impact Externs services have had on young people in Limerick through the bail supervision scheme and the operation of two youth diversion projects. There are two projects here in Limerick, the Safeside Youth Initiative and Janus Justice. After the initial success of the scheme in Dublin, the scheme has since been extended to Cork and here in Limerick, which is having a hugely positive impact. I am honoured to launch Externs five-year strategy and I look forward to continuing to partner with them over the coming years to deliver these crucial services to our young people who need them most as we build stronger and safer communities. ALL with the shared purpose who helped Limerick Educate Together on their journey towards it's present day state-of-the-art campus were remembered at the schools 20th anniversary celebration. The milestone event held in Mungret, brought together over 200 parents, teachers, pupils, and community members to honour the schools journey and its enduring Educate Together ethos. Reflecting on the past two decades, principal Mike Quealy remarked: It feels like only yesterday when we gathered in front of the old school building at Mungret College to celebrate our tenth anniversary. Since then, weve moved into a state-of-the-art facility with 16 mainstream classrooms, eight special education rooms, three classrooms for autistic children, and wonderful spaces for curricular activities. It takes a village to raise a child, and our village is united by this shared purpose, he added. The school choirs performance of I Am Happy captured the joyous spirit of the day, serving as an anthem of belonging. READ MORE: Company founded by former Limerick students, the Collison brothers, is new sponsor of Young Scientist Marek McGann, chairperson of the school board, highlighted the culture of togetherness, saying: Belonging and encouraging people to belong is at the heart of what we do. Its fostered among pupils, staff, and parents, and its a vital part of our culture. The event welcomed distinguished guests, including Senator Maria Byrne, Deputy Willie ODea, and Norma OBrien, director of Limerick Education Centre, who joined the local community in celebrating the schools achievements. Visitors toured the modern facilities and experienced the embodiment of the schools ethos firsthand. The school is dedicated to fostering an equality-based, community-driven environment where every child can thrive. A FRESH update on plans to improve the safety of a key road on the Limerick-Tipperary border has been revealed. The N24 road between Oola, Limerick Junction and Cahir in the Premier County, is set for a major upgrade. It comes after studies revealed the existing road has restricted capacity due to its limited width, sub-standard alignment and the fact it passes through four villages and Tipperary Town. The key objectives of the upgrade are to improve safety, journey reliability and the strategic function of this part of the N24, which as a whole, connects Limerick to Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford. READ MORE: Young girl airlifted to hospital after collision involving car and bike in Limerick The section of the N24 where the improvements are proposed lies between the M8 motorway, north of Cahir in Tipperary, and traverses the villages of Bansha, Limerick Junction, Monard and Oola. The update, which is available here has been published by Tipperary County Council in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Transport. The project has been identified as a priority investment in the Governments National Development Plan 2021-2030. The update reveals that in Tipperary Town, new streets incorporating active travel infrastructure are proposed. These streets are aimed at diverting traffic away from Main Street. This, in combination with a series of safety measures, such as signalisation of key junctions and the provision of signalised pedestrian crossings, it's hoped will encourage people to get out of their cars. Mayor of Limerick John Moran said: "This is another significant milestone as we look forward to delivering a more reliable, sustainable, multi modal transport solution. Intensive consultation with landowners and stakeholders is vital to ensure that the potential negative impacts are minimised as much as possible. I have long been an advocate of improvements to the N24, which is critical. Todays announcement moves us another step closer to a time when each of our four regional cities are connected with more acceptable road infrastructure. Limerick City and County Council looks forward to our continual partnership with Tipperary County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to complete this project, and to ongoing commitments from Government of the funding needed to construct all the improvements". Limerick Council's director general Dr Pat Daly added: "The significant reduction of heavy commercial vehicles and cars from the towns and villages along this section of the N24 corridor will improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion It will have a lasting positive impact on the quality of life of residents along the route. The inclusion of active travel infrastructure will also have a positive impact on the communities along the project and will encourage modal shift and inter-modal connectivity. Limerick City and County Council continues to work with Tipperary County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to advance the project through the next phases. The behaviour of some heart surgeons at Northern Irelands cardiac surgery unit was entirely unacceptable, the Health Minister has said. It comes after an inspection report raised concerns about the working culture and risks to patient safety within the cardiac surgery unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH). The independent external review, which were first reported by UTV, found an intolerable working environment and a pattern of consistently poor behaviour within the unit. Minister Mike Nesbitt said he expects to see meaningful improvements in the unit, while describing the findings of the report as appalling and very disturbing. He said it involved a catastrophic breakdown in relationships relating to four people. Responding to an urgent question from DUP MLA Diane Dodds on the matter in the Assembly on Tuesday, he said the strategic planning and performance group (SPPG) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) commissioned an independent, external expert team to carry out a review of the cardiac surgery service in the Belfast Trust in December 2024. The review concluded in April of this year and presented to the board of Belfast Trust on May 15. It was appalling to read of the staff experiences in the cardiac surgery unit in the Royal Victoria Hospital, said Mr Nesbitt. I want to thank every staff member who engaged in the important review process. I also want to thank the external review team for its work. The findings on the culture of the unit and the behaviours of some individuals within it are entirely unacceptable. I expect to see meaningful and lasting improvements in the unit, not least in building a culture of respect for all colleagues at all levels. Mr Nesbitt, who declared an interest as a cardiac patient himself, said he was concerned by the reviews findings that the cultural issues represent a risk to patient safety. I acknowledge that public confidence in our regional cardiac surgery service cannot be allowed to deteriorate, especially for our patients and their families when they are at their most vulnerable. The expert team has made a number of recommendations based on the findings, specifically around governance arrangements, communication processes and the review of current processes and support and encouragement for those who are raising concerns. Improved team working across the unit must be an absolute priority. Mr Nesbitt said the Belfast Trust has accepted the recommendations of the review and is now working swiftly to take those forward. Ms Dodds told the minister that the report is shocking. She said: There has been a litany of problems and a culture of bullying and poor behaviour. At one stage, an operation was cancelled because of interpersonal differences in theatre. She added: It reveals that four surgeons were working from home. What really concerns me is the reports conclusion the culture of the cardiac unit is very poor, exacerbated by management. The cultural issues in this unit represent a significant risk to patient safety. Mr Nesbitt also told Ms Dodds that he intends to publish the report and lay it in the Assembly Library. Asked how cardiac services would be impacted, by Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly, he said: I believe that the number of cancelled procedures was very low: off the top of my head, I think that it was six. Asked by SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin if any disciplinary measures were ongoing, the minister said he was not aware of any. That is something that I will be asking the chair of the trust about when we meet. Sinn Fein MLA Linda Dillon asked if there was any opportunity to assure people that no one had died as a result of what was going on in the unit. Mr Nesbitt said: I do not think that we can draw any inference that anybody who lost their life in recent years because of a cardiac issue should not have lost their life. (Bloomberg) -- Thailands second-richest person Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi transferred ownership of two major listed companies to his five children as the octogenarian businessman pulls back from day-to-day management of his beer-to-property conglomerate. Charoen sold all of his shares in Sutthasup 9 Company to his offspring, according to late Monday filings of Asset World Corp. and Berli Jucker. Sutthasup 9 has indirect control of the companies. The statements did not say how much Charoen owned in the companies. Major shareholders restructuring will have no impact on current management structures, business operations and strategic direction of the companies, the filings said. Berli Juckers shares fell as much as 3.3%, while shares of Asset World dropped as much as 3% in Tuesday trading. The key benchmark stock index slid 1.6%. Charoen, 81, has a net worth of about $11.6 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Charoens business empire includes Thai Beverage Pcl, the nations largest whiskey and spirits maker, Fraser and Neave Ltd., a Singapore-based food and beverage maker, and Frasers Property Ltd. Chaoren has been gradually pulling out of active leadership positions in his group companies. In February, he retired as the chairman of Frasers Property and assumed the title of chairman emeritus at the Singapore-listed developer. A month earlier, he quit as the chairman of Fraser and Neave. But he retains control of TCC Group, the conglomerate with significant holdings across beverage, real estate, consumer goods and retail companies. Earlier this month, Frasers Property said in a filing it was seeking to take Frasers Hospitality Trust private. Charoen appears to be avoiding a succession drama that has plagued other wealthy families in Asia. He began the restructuring of his holdings as part of plans for passing down the investments to his children, Wallapa Traisorat, Asset Worlds chief executive officer and Charoens daughter, said in an interview last year. In March 2024, share transactions among two major shareholders of Asset World sparked a two-day jump in overseas investor net selling of Thai equities. Charoens recent public appearance, in which he was photographed in a wheelchair, came at the opening of the $3.6 billion One Bangkok property project in October, his familys biggest real estate venture. Charoens children also include Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, Thai Beverages chief executive officer, Thapanee Techajareonvikul, CEO of Berli Jucker, and Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi CEO of Frasers Property. Charoens spouse, Wanna, passed away in 2023. I would like my business to have a sustainable growth by avoiding any excessive spending and borrowing beyond its capacity, Charoen said during a recent interview with the Thai Chamber of Commerce. (Adds shares in the fourth paragraph and more details beginning in the sixth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Quadria Capital, a private equity firm focused on healthcare in Asia, has closed its third fund with $1.07 billion in total commitments, exceeding its original $800 million target, the firm said. For the first time, it has raised around 10% of the fund from Indian investors, including family offices, insurance companies, and corporates, Amit Varma, co-founder and managing partner of Quadria Capital, told Mint in an interview. Also Read | Quadria to invest half its India capital in climate-related healthcare solutions Quadria Capitals largest existing backers include prominent North American and European sovereign wealth funds, asset managers and strategic corporates. The Fund also secured new commitments from institutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, it said. The oversubscribed fundraise comprises over $954 million in primary commitments and $114 million in committed co-investment capital. The firm said an additional $300 million in co-investment capacity is anticipated over the course of the investment phase, bringing total committed capital to approximately $1.3 billion upon full deployment. Also Read | Quadria Cap-backed Maxivision plans to expand, eyes IPO by 2027 About 60% of the fund is likely to flow into India," Varma told Mint, adding that almost 48% of the fund has already been deployed. We are likely to fully deploy this fund III by 2027." The latest fundraising effort is approximately 60% larger than the firms previous $600 million fundraising effort in 2020. Through this new fund in India, the firm has backed companies such as NephroPlus and Maxivision Eye Hospitals, Medibuddy and Encube Ethicals. It has also successfully exited from companies such as Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Concord Biotech, Healthcare at Home and AIG. Also Read | Quadria Capital to complete returning Fund 1 by year end Talking about its performance in the second fund, Varma said that the fund, which began investing in 2021, is marked at over 2x the principal capital. It has reported a DPI (distributed paid-in, which is a measure of capital already returned to Limited Partners or LPs) at 1.1x. We should be completely exited by 2027 with a DPI of almost 3x," Varma said. Varma said that through Fund III, the firm will seek to write larger cheques in approximately 10 market-leading companies, taking significant minority and majority stakes. We are looking at opportunities in med tech and diagnostics, because of who we are in our success in hospitals. I think the other area where we are beginning to see smaller ticket sizes is digital health opportunities, where people are looking at end point (near the customer), point of care, testing. And lastly, adjacencies, especially in planetary health and services," he said. Planetary health refers to the changing disease profiles due to climate change. Founded in 2012, Quadria Capital manages over $4 billion in assets across 27 investments in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The target corpus of Quadria Capitals first fund was $300 million, although it eventually invested $450 million, including co-investments from its LPs. It raised $600 million in 2016 towards its second fund, and eventually deployed $750 million, including limited partner co-investments. Varma said that 40% of the new fund will go to other Asian countries and the GCC, adding that the India-GCC corridor is becoming increasingly important. Warburg Pincus-backed Micro Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd is in advanced talks to raise capital from Singapore's Temasek Holdings and the UAE's Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) ahead of a planned initial public offering (IPO), three people aware of the development said. The current funding round is expected to be around $250-300 million," one of the people cited above said. The company is likely to go public over the next 12-18 months, the second person added. The (valuation) ask is around 65,000 crore, which is more than 40 times its Ebitda," the third person said, adding the company reported an earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization or Ebitda of around 1,300 crore in FY25. All three people spoke on the condition of anonymity. Temasek, ADIA, and Warburg Pincus declined to comment on Mint's queries, while a response from Micro Life was unavailable until press time. The Vapi, Gujarat-based Bilakhia family founded Micro Life Sciences in 2006. The company has multiple subsidiaries, with the most prominent being Meril Life Sciences. The Bilakhia group, founded by Gafurbhai Bilakhia, is now managed by his three sons, Yunus Bilakhia, Jakir Bilakhia and Anjum Bilakhia. The company operates in healthcare, investment and real estate through its subsidiaries. Individually evaluating Investment firms are individually evaluating, and bids are likely to go in next month," the third person added. At a valuation of 65,000 crore, Warburg Pincus, which invested $210 million in Micro Life three years ago at a valuation of over $1.8 billion, may be sitting on a fourfold gain in its investment. At that value, only a sovereign fund or a state-backed investor can do a deal, given their cost of capital is low," the third person said. Meril, a key subsidiary of Micro Life, makes coronary stents, peripheral stents, balloon catheters, and heart valves. Micro Life Sciences reported a total income of 3,495 crore in FY24, against 2,359 crore in FY23, according to a Care Ratings report dated 8 October, 2024. It reported a profit after tax of 333 crore in FY24, against 505 crore in FY23. Profit in FY23 included a fair value gain of 298 crore from the derecognition of JV investment, Care Ratings said. In terms of sales mix, in FY24, Micro earned ~40% of its revenue from cardiac implants (major products: stents, balloon and heart valves), 40% from orthopaedic implants (major products: knee implants, hip implants, and surgical robots) and 10% each from the diagnostic segment and the surgical segment (major products: sutures and mechanical closures)," the note said. The report added that in some segments, the company saw stable to marginally higher sales realization", leading to better gross margins. Micros gross margins improved to 72.80% in FY24 from 64.64% in FY23 on better product mix. Arms in 25 countries The Micro group has subsidiaries in more than 25 countries including Germany, Turkey, the US, Russia, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Australia, China, and the UK. The company sells its products in over 100 countries directly and through its overseas subsidiaries, with export sales realization being much higher than domestic. The Indian medtech ecosystem has seen tremendous investor interest in recent years. In 2024, KKR won a bidding war to acquire Healthium from Apax Partners, while Warburg Pincus invested over $300 million in Appaswamy Associates. Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia invested 1,000 crore in Maiva Pharma, an injectables maker. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Tuesday deferred liquidation proceedings for Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd (BPSL) till August, following a 26 May Supreme Court order directing status quo in the matter. In the wake of the Supreme Court order, hearing stands deferred till 1 August, the NCLT-Delhi said. The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim relief to JSW Steel, which had sought a pause on the BPSL liquidation proceedings to file a review petition challenging the top courts 2 May verdict. Also Read: JSW Steel: Compensation from creditors enough to cover for Bhushan Power assets That ruling quashed JSWs 19,300 crore resolution plan for the bankrupt steel company and ordered its liquidation. The Supreme Court allowed JSW to file the review petition within the statutory limitation period, noting that continuing with liquidation could jeopardise the review. Accordingly, the NCLT was directed to maintain the status quo until further orders. Meanwhile, the top court indicated that the review petition is likely to be heard after the courts summer vacation, once it is filed. The newly constituted NCLT benchcomprising Justice Ashok Kumar Bhardwaj (judicial member) and Reena Sinha Puri (technical member)will now hear various petitions related to the case, including one filed by former promoter Sanjay Singhal, seeking enforcement of the apex court's 26 May order. Also Read: Bhushan Steel assets: ED back in play with Supreme Court scrapping JSW Steels resolution plan The new bench took over the case after NCLT president Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar, whose bench had earlier been hearing the case, decided to reassign the matter. Mint earlier reported how, during an open court hearing, the NCLT president raised concerns about the shortage of available members to revisit such a complex, high-stakes insolvency matterespecially one that had been settled nearly five years ago. With dues exceeding 47,200 crore, BPSL was among the first 12 large loan defaulters identified by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2017 to be sold or liquidated under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). JSW Steels 19,300 crore resolution plan was approved by the NCLT in September 2019 and upheld by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in February 2020. Also Read: Mint Explainer: The Supreme Court's Bhushan Power ruling that has stunned India's insolvency ecosystem However, on 2 May 2025, the Supreme Court struck down the resolution plan, acting on petitions filed by Singhal and certain operational creditors. Mumbai: The Bengaluru bench of the National Company Law Tribunal has dismissed an insolvency petition against e-commerce delivery startup Dunzo Digital Pvt. Ltd. The insolvency court was hearing an insolvency petition filed last year by one of the companys financial creditorscalled Invoice Discounters of Dunzo Digital Pvt Ltdfor non-payment of dues. On Tuesday, an NCLT bench led by Justices Sunil Kumar Aggarwal and Radha Krishna Sreepada held that the insolvency petition was not maintainable and dismissed it. The bench had earlier deferred its verdict on the matter citing its inability to finalise a written order. The decision is significant as some of Dunzos vendors including Google India and Facebook India and other creditors including Betterplace Safety Solutions and Velvin Packaging have filed insolvency petitions against the debt-laden e-commerce platform. According to an order dated 29 May 2024, Dunzo and its financial creditor Invoice Discounters of Dunzo Digital had sought time before the court stating that settlement talks were underway. The bench had directed that if the two parties couldnt reach a settlement, Dunzo was to file its reply to the insolvency petition within two weeks. During a later hearing, Invoice Discounters informed NCLT that the settlement talks had failed, following which the tribunal forfeited Dunzos right to file its reply in the matter. Dunzo's dues The bankruptcy tribunal has pulled up the Bengaluru-based Dunzo on multiple occasions for failing to reach a settlement with its lenders. Dunzo owes Betterplace Safety Solutions about 4 crore, and Velvin Packaging about 2.5 crore, according to reports. Dunzo also owes about 11.4 crore to advertising partners and vendors, including Google India, Facebook India and Glance. Last year, Lightbox, a venture capital firm that held about a 11.1% stake in Dunzo gave up its board seat at the company. In January this year, Dunzos co-founder and former chief executive Kabeer Biswas stepped down from his position to join e-commerce marketplace Flipkart. New Delhi, Errol Musk, the father of billionaire Elon Musk, who has joined the global advisory board of homegrown Servotech, will visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya during his India tour in June, according to industry sources. Errol has scheduled to attend various business-related meetings during his India visit. His five-day India tour will start from June 1 to June 6, when he will leave for South Africa. " Musk's itinerary is packed with events aimed at promoting India's strategic push to become a global leader in green technologies and EV charging infrastructure exports," people in the know of the development said. Musk, who will arrive in the national capital on June 1, will meet policymakers, investors, business leaders, and senior bureaucrats from various ministries at a company event on June 2. His trip also includes a visit to Servotech's solar and EV charger manufacturing unit in Safiabad, Haryana, where state ministers and bureaucrats are also expected to be present, according to sources. "Musk will also visit Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya Ram Mandir to seek blessings from Shree Ram Lalla, reflecting his engagement with India's cultural and spiritual heritage," they said. On World Environment Day, , Servotech will organise a significant plantation drive as part of Musk's visit, to emphasise sustainability and a greener environment. He will leave for South Africa on June 6. On May 5, Servotech Renewable Power System announced the appointment of entrepreneur and global business strategist Errol Musk to its Global Advisory Board. Musk, renowned for his contributions to the fields of technology, infrastructure, and sustainable development, will provide strategic advisory support to Servotech's leadership team, it said. As part of his engagement, Musk will "participate in a tour of Servotech's manufacturing facilities in India. He will engage with key government and investor groups through curated roundtable sessions". Dilip Buildcon Ltd, Indias eighth-largest engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company, now gets more than a fourth of its total business and about a third of its profits from coal mining. This has helped the company offset a slowdown in the roadway construction business. At the end of financial year 2025, the Bhopal-based company recorded 3,626 crore from mining projects in its 14,923-crore order book. This marks a significant jump from a 5% share in the FY24 order book. Of the 840-crore net profit in FY25, 265 crore came from coal mining projects. The proceeds from mining were crucial as three other segments of the company roads and highways, irrigation and water supply projects saw a slowdown in the previous financial year. To be sure, its total order book has declined from 25,395 crore in FY23. In the current financial year as well, it anticipates a decline in revenue at a standalone level as execution of new orders in core sectors will take some time, said Rohan Suryavanshi, head of strategy and planning at Dilip Buildcon during the May 9 earnings call post Q4 results. At the same time, analysts expect minings share in its overall business to increase amid a slowdown in its key segments like road, highways and irrigation. The company declined to comment on the matter when contacted by Mint. The Siarmal Coal Mines ramp-up is leading to increasing the performance of the coal business of the company," Parikshit Kandpal, vice president of institutional research at HDFC Securities, said. The segment has also worked in boosting profitability." A planned increase of capacity to produce more than 50 million metric tonnes of coal annually at the Siarmal mine will make it one of the worlds largest by 2029. In the coal mining segment, the company executes mining developer-cum operator (MDO) projects. Such projects allow a company to control all aspects of developing and operating a mine. Adani Enterprises is the largest player in the coal MDO market of the country, with a capacity of 63 MMTA as of 31 March 2025. But in the listed EPC space, there are very few who pick up such projects. Dilip Buildcon and Hyderabad-based NCC Ltd are among the few players who have diversified into the space. Dilip Buildcon was founded in 1987 by Dilip Suryavanshi, the current chairman and managing director of the company. The promoters hold about 70% of its shares. The companys market capitalization at the end of 23 May stood at 7,000 crore. How Dilip Buildcon got into mining The firm won its first mining contract in 2018 when a consortium led by it bagged the 32,156-crore Pachhwara Central Coal Block project in Jharkhand for 55 years. The peak capacity of the plant was 7 million tonnes per annum. But its bigger win came in the form of the Siarmal coal mine in Odisha in 2021, which was awarded by Mahanadi Coalfield Ltd. a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, for 25 years. The peak capacity of the coal mine is 50 million metric tonnes annually (MMTA). Currently, the firm is in the process of ramping up the capacity of the plant to reach the peak capacity of 50 MMTA, with the capacity at 18.53 MMTA at the end of 31 March 2025. Dilip Buildcons target is to achieve peak capacity by FY29, and then operate it until FY48 when the contract expires. When the mine reaches its peak capacity, it will be the fourth largest coal mine in the world in terms of annual production capacity, putting it ahead of Shaanxi Mine located in China. Once the mine reaches its peak capacity, its revenue will stabilize till the end of the contract," Kandpal added. This increase in capacity will be key as the company is coming to terms with the slowdown in the infrastructure sector, leading to less order inflow in roads and highways segment. At the companys Q4 earnings call, Rohan Suryavanshi said the slowdown in road development had surprised both the company as well as the industry, which had expected stronger demand after an election year. However, for reasons unknown to us, it hasnt panned out in the way that the industry had expected," he said. The company is looking to offset the slowdown in its core EPC businesses with a ramp up in the coal segment. So, even in the face of a lot of headwinds on the EPC front, the steps that we have taken in the past along the coal and the road asset business, both of them will keep us in good stead going forward and provide company with predictable cash flows," Suryavanshi said. But as Kandpal indicated, the revenue from the current coal projects will stabilize when the mines reach their peak capacity, limiting the prospects for growth. With an eye on the future, Dilip Buildcon has entered the market to pick up more coal mining opportunities in its bid to build on the success of the Siarmal and Pachhwara coal mines. Now that we are on track with both these mines with one being at peak capacity, another one ramping up very swiftly, we are looking at other opportunities," Suryavanshi told analysts. In 2025, Dilip Buildcons share price has increased by 5% compared to a 6.42% rise in Nifty Infra index. (Bloomberg) -- HSBC Holdings Plc has culled more than two dozen analysts in recent days as Europes largest lender deepens a restructuring of its investment banking businesses, according to people familiar with the matter. Those affected by the move include Steven Major, HSBCs Dubai-based global head of fixed income research, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. Most of the cuts were in Europe, according to the people. As part of the sweeping changes, the London-based bank is combining macro strategy across asset classes including foreign exchange and fixed income, one of the people said. Murat Ulgen will now act as interim head of macro strategy in addition to his existing role as global head of emerging markets research, the person said. Meanwhile, Eliot Camplisson and Raj Sinha will expand their roles to become co-heads of equity research globally, and Janet Henry will continue to lead the global economics team, according to the person. The latest revamp comes as Chief Executive Officer Georges Elhedery continues to streamline the lender to increase efficiency. Since taking the helm in September, he has combined HSBCs commercial and investment banking units, while making operations in the UK and Hong Kong standalone businesses. The CEO has also shuttered most of the banks mergers and acquisition and equity underwriting operations in the US, Britain and continental Europe. Our global research, equities sales and trading businesses are core to corporate & institutional banking, a spokesperson for HSBC said in an emailed statement. Major didnt respond to a request for comment on LinkedIn. Elhederys sweeping restructuring of the bank is expected to lead to $1.8 billion in charges over the next two years. Billions more will be spent redeploying resources from lower-returning units to areas where the bank believes it has a better chance of earning higher revenues. Most recently, HSBC reorganized its capital markets and corporate advisory units into a new business in a move aimed at grabbing a larger share of the booming private credit industry. Ed Sankey, the banks global head of equity capital markets, is among those departing, Bloomberg News has reported. Senior banker Greg Guyett is also poised to leave within months, Bloomberg has reported. The firm is in the process of trimming some vice-chairman roles that reported to Guyett, the former head of the banks global investment banking arm, according to people familiar with the matter. Shares of HSBC have gained more than 10% this year in London. Still, as one of the worlds largest trade financiers with a majority of revenue earned from Asia, HSBC is highly exposed to the global tariff war and growing tensions between Washington and Beijing. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com MUMBAI : Bahrain-based private equity firm Investcorp earned more than four times its investment after exiting value retail chain Citykart, which raised about 538 crore in its Series B funding round, led by TPG NewQuest and A91 Partners, through a mix of direct investment and share sales, a top executive said. Investcorp invested 75 crore in 2019 in the companys seed round and will now exit with about 280-300 crore, Citykarts co-founder Sudhanshu Agarwal told Mint in an interview. We undertook this entire process to give an exit to our investors. We are already cash-rich and have a healthy balance sheet, as we have been profitable since inception. While there may be some scope to raise a debt round later, there are no immediate plans to raise any further capital." TPG NewQuest - a secondary private equity platform for Asia within TPG, and growth-stage investor A91 Partners entry marks a significant shift in the companys cap table, while existing investor India SME Fund continues to hold a minority stake. The company did not disclose any details of the valuation. As per the terms of the deal, about 120 crore constitutes primary capital that will be used to accelerate the companys expansion plans, such as increasing store count and entering new product categories. The company has about 137 stores but plans to add another 40-50 every year. The remaining portion was reserved for secondary transactions. Typically, shareholders in a secondary transaction sell their stakes to other existing or new investors, and no new capital is injected into the company. Secondary transactions generally take place at a discount to the primary shares. Increasing stores We will be bringing in more stores in the areas where we are present and will also explore other neighbouring states. Weve already started opening stores in various places such as Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh... we will focus on a combination of fortification (strengthening presence in existing areas) as well as foraying into newer territories," Agarwal said. Beyond apparel, Citykart is also evaluating newer products like cosmetics. We are noticing that cosmetics has become very big in tier 2 and 3 areas. Our focus has always been on identifying product lines that are unorganised and then entering to make them organised and available through our stores," he said. So, we feel cosmetics is one field among 4-5 other categories where we feel we can really drive volumes and become more relevant for our customers." Key Takeaways Private equity firm Investcorp exited Citykart with over 4 times returns. TPG NewQuest, a secondary private equity platform, and growth-stage investor A91 Partners have joined the company, marking a major shift in ownership. Citykart raised 538 crore in its Series B round, with 120 crore allocated as primary capital for expansion, including store count growth and entry into new product categories. The company, which has been profitable since its inception, sees high demand in tier 2 and 3 markets and is now eyeing cosmetics as a major growth category. Citykart expects 1,300 crore in revenue for FY26 and plans to go public, but will wait until it has at least doubled its scale before doing so. In FY24, Citykart reported an operating income of 628 crore, compared to 524 crore a year ago. It posted a profit of 11.94 crore, compared to 24 lakh in FY23, according to a Crisil ratings report in August. Agarwal further said the company reported revenue of 950 crore in FY25 and expects to reach about 1,300 crore in the current financial year. Citykart will also tap the public markets to further unlock value for its shareholders, but it aims to at least double its scale before considering a listing, he said. He attributed the increase in revenue and improved profitability to better same-store sales growth (SSSG) over the last two years. We did some surveys of customers visiting our stores as well as other nearby markets and retailers, and we realised that they are very value-conscious. We understood that increasing the average selling price wont work as they are looking for more offers and promotions," Agarwal said. Customer feedback We made some changes based on these observations, and we saw nearly 70% of our customers come back. Beyond price conscious, it also became clear that it is a volume game as these higher volumes contributed to a bulk of our SSSG," he said. They will continue pricing their products attractively and drive volumes that will target a broader base of customers. Founded by Agarwal and his brother Rohit Agarwal in 2015, Citykart aims to further strengthen its reach in underserved yet budget-conscious markets. With the bulk of its revenues coming from tier 2 & 3 areas alongside a portfolio of in-house brands such as Athiya, Nimes, Fumee, and Remise, the company caters to over 15 million customers annually. Crisil noted that the companys established market presence in tier 2 areas and beyond offers healthy potential for growth. However, it continues to face some headwinds from the fragmented nature of the industry, which results in intense competition from the unorganised market. The company's growth is limited by the number of new stores it can open. Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. is seeking help from the Japanese government after a surprise decision by the European Union to sanction three of its liquefied natural gas tankers linked to a Russian project. We are not at all happy about this, so we are now lobbying the EU through various channels, including the Japanese government, Chief Executive Officer Takeshi Hashimoto said in an interview on Tuesday. The North Moon, North Ocean and North Light managed by Mitsui OSK were included in the 17th package of sanctions adopted by the European Council last week. The measures were part of the EUs mounting efforts to push Moscow into a peace deal with Ukraine, addressing workarounds to previously imposed restrictions. The three vessels recently helped move shipments from Yamal LNG, which is not under sanctions. They loaded cargoes transshipped near the port of Murmansk, where cargoes arrive on ice-class ships directly from the plant, according to shipping data compiled by Bloomberg. Some of the vessels are already loaded and Mitsui OSK will unload them as soon as possible, Hashimoto said. I think those vessels will be unusable for some time to come, he said. But, to be honest, they have been saying for a long time that the Yamal project is not subject to sanctions, and suddenly these ships are subject to sanctions. The company saw a considerable rush for stockpiling LNG from January to March ahead of tariffs by US President Donald Trump and, after dropping in April, demand has been very strong since May following an easing in the trade war. We expect it to continue to be strong during May and June, Hashimoto said. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Chief Executive Officer Nicolai Tangen sees no future at Norways $1.8 trillion sovereign wealth fund for employees who resist using artificial intelligence in their jobs. Tangen, who recently told lawmakers in Oslo that the technology can help keep the funds headcount from growing in the near future, says he has been running around like a maniac since 2022 to convince his roughly 670 staff to use AI. It cant be voluntary. It isnt voluntary to use AI or not, Tangen said in an interview. If you dont use it, you will never be promoted. You wont get a job, he said, referring to Norways wealth fund the worlds biggest. Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a prerequisite for performance in the asset management industry as investment firms race to boost efficiency, cut costs, and gain an edge in decision-making. In that vein, AI tools are being embedded across trading desks, research teams, and back-office operations. While some question the consequences of hastened adaptation of AI, the 58-year-old leader of Norways wealth fund is mostly worried about his employees not using it enough. In his home country, Tangen is known to sing the praises of AI on every stage, and in every podcast and seminar he attends. Inside Norges Bank Investment Management, its the same. You have to repeat and repeat and repeat, attack the organization from all sides, he says. Theres now a six-person AI enabler team, 40 AI ambassadors and repeated seminars, conferences and courses. About 300 staff now write code, with the help of AI, according to Tangen. My biggest surprise was that resistance when we first started. People dont want change, he said. Theres always 10-20% who dont want do things if its voluntary. But those are the ones who need it. In an internal survey, the funds employees reported a 15% increase in efficiency last year. Tangen said he believes that number will be 20% in 2025 and another 20% the year after that. This gives the CEO a visible boost. His face lights up, his voice grows louder. If we compete with companies that are not using AI, were 50% ahead! Its unbelievable. They will never catch up, he says. Ive never seen anything like this, a situation where you can get this far ahead of your competitors. We save a lot on trading and will save much more, he said, quoting trading costs, putting money into the markets and on the general increase in efficiency. Key tools used at the fund include Claude, built by Anthropic PBC and used by 100% of the employees, Copilot by Microsoft Corp, Perplexity, Cursor, Open AI Deep Research and Google AI. Boundaries The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund is owned by Norges Bank and operates along guidelines set by the Norwegian finance ministry. Its mandate is decided by Norways lawmakers. That does set some boundaries on the use of AI, Tangen said. Theres a requirement to have humans in the loop, and two people have to look at any code that is sent out. Staff cannot input personal or classified information or disclose active trading in AI models, and the fund wont use AI on independent trading or in hiring processes. Independent trading is always done by humans. I dont see that changing for the fund in the future. But they use AI to gather information, he said, adding analysts are no longer of much use. The fund owns about 1.5% of all listed companies around the world and is tech-heavy, with Apple Inc., Microsoft, Nvidia Corp, Alphabet Inc, Amazon.com Inc and Meta Platforms Inc among its biggest investments, in line with a bespoke benchmark index. Its also know to be an activist investor, publishing its voting decisions five days before the companies annual general meetings. It famously voted against Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musks record $56 billion compensation package thats since risen in value and been contested in court. AI helps the fund making these decisions, Tangen said. The documents about the pay packages might be 40-50 pages long. We feed that and our guidelines into the system and our voting history on previous pay packages, and it tells us, with about 95% accuracy, if we should vote yes or no, the CEO said. Tangen said he will replace employees who leave, but only with tech-savvy new ones. Employees should use the time saved with AI to think more and make better decisions, he said. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com The Swiss National Bank sold its entire stake in oil producer Chevron Corp. because it now considers investments in the stock to breach its portfolio guidelines, according to a person familiar with the matter. The central bank hasnt moved away from drilling companies in general, but specifically dropped Chevron because of environmental concerns that dont apply to other rivals, the person said. They declined to be identified discussing confidential matters. The SNB has not adjusted its investment policy, but stands by its existing guidelines, according to an e-mailed statement. It declined to comment on specific investments. The central bank has 703 billion-franc in foreign currency reserves, amassed over the years through currency purchases to contain the strength of the franc. A quarter is held in equities. A portion of that is in the US, requiring disclosure of such holdings according to American securities rules. The SNBs disposal of a stake in Chevron that previously totaled $712 million was revealed in its latest filing this month. The share investments tend to mirror major indexes, and the SNB tries to be market-neutral. The central bank retains shares in other oil producers including Exxon Mobil Corp. and ConocoPhillips. Activists have been pressuring the SNB for years to stop holding stocks in businesses whose products foster climate change. A focal point for protests is the central banks annual shareholder meeting. At the most recent one last month, protesters gathered in front of the venue with placards of President Martin Schlegels face and the slogan burn, baby, burn. At that event, Schlegel recited the institutions policy that it may not pursue climate targets with its portfolio because its mandate is solely focused on price stability. The central banks investment guidelines prohibit purchasing stocks or bonds of companies that systematically cause severe environmental damage. Producers of internationally condemned weapons, coal mining companies and systematically relevant banks are also excluded. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Mumbai: Tech Mahindra Ltd has appointed Santosh Kumar Jha, formerly with Maryland-based TEKsystems, to head its global capability centres (GCC) business, according to three people familiar with the development. Tech Mahindra is the fourth large Indian IT services company to make such an appointment in the past three months. The move marks a strategic push by the Pune-based firm to grow its GCC vertical, as the company builds out a consulting-led services portfolio and seeks to expand beyond its core telecom business. Read this | Tech Mahindra in advanced talks to set up 300-member GCC for Goodyear Jha, who joined Tech Mahindra in March as senior vice-president, was earlier executive director at tech services firm, TEKsystems. At KPIT, where Jha spent a little more than seven years until 2015, he last served as a director and head of sales and business development. His appointment comes as part of a broader leadership reshuffle within the companys GCC practice. Jha replaces Ram Ramachandran, who previously led the GCC vertical and was country head for India, Middle East and Africa. Earlier this month, Ramachandran moved to a new role heading specialist sales. His position as country head has been taken over by Sahil Dhawan, a long-time Tech Mahindra executive and former KPIT executive himself. Country heads for each GCC client will now report to Jha, who is in turn expected to report to Dhawan, said one of the three people cited earlier. An email sent to Tech Mahindra seeking comments went unanswered. Chasing GCC growth Jhas appointment aligns with a broader trend among Indias top-tier IT service providers, which are increasingly prioritising their captive centre businesses. Cognizant Technology Solutions was the first among the large firms to name a new GCC head, appointing Sailaja Josyula to the role on 1 April. Wipro Ltd followed with the appointment of Sandeep Dhar on 9 May, while HCL Technologies named Kiran Cherukuri to a similar position a week earlier. Read this | Captive concerns: Why Cognizant has called out the risk from GCCs Each firm has taken a different approach. Cognizant and HCLTech have relied on long-time insiders to lead the business, while Wipro and Tech Mahindra have turned to external hires to steer their GCC strategies. India is the worlds largest hub for global capability centres, with around 1,760 such centres across the country, more than half of them based in Bengaluru, according to industry body Nasscom. That number is expected to rise to 2,200 by March 2030, with a total market size projected at $105 billion. GCCs are typically back-end tech and business support centres that multinational companies set up in India, with staffing and operations often handled by third-party IT service providers. These providers earn revenue through employee provisioning, infrastructure, and sometimes revenue-sharing arrangements. Read this | What lies ahead for GCCs in India after a pivotal year The innovation starts in-house and is augmented via the service provider partnership. This means providers have to align more consultatively with their clients, and is the reason why firms like Tech M(ahindra), Infosys, Cognizant and Wipro are all appointing GCC leaders to cement these symbiotic partnerships," said Phil Fersht, chief executive, HFS Research. Tech Mahindra, under chief executive Mohit Joshi, is betting on the GCC business as one of its key growth levers. During the companys post-earnings analyst call on 24 April, Joshi said the company is building out specific solutions for GCCs, hiring new GCC leadership under Sahil (Dhawan), and working on solutions that go all the way from build, operate and transfer to... supplementing them on their variable capacity." To support this strategy, Tech Mahindra launched a dedicated consulting arm, TechM Consulting, on 4 November 2024. It also rolled out its revamped GCC offering, the SST Next-Gen GCC Offering, on 1 April this year, according to two internal memos seen by Mint. These initiatives fall under the broader Strategic Solutioning and Transformation (SST) team, which Joshi announced as part of a three-year roadmap to improve profitability and revenue growth. The SST team will focus on large deals and work across all of Tech Mahindras industry verticals. Also read | The boutique consulting firms powering Indias next GCC boom Tech Mahindras pivot comes at a time when the company is under pressure to revive growth. The firm reported $6.26 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ended March 2025, marking a second straight year of decline, and a 0.21% drop from the previous year. We expect Jha to bring a fresh perspective on how we can work with GCCs," said the person cited earlier. The company is undergoing structural changes in how it approaches this business, and this is a key move in that direction." Hospitality tech firm OYO is once again considering launching an initial public offering (IPO), according to two people familiar with the matter. After two unsuccessful attempts, the company will be restarting conversations with investment banks from next week, aiming for a public listing by the final quarter of the current financial year. Also Read: OYO becomes most profitable Indian startup in FY25 with 623 cr profit: Founder Ritesh Agarwal As part of the early-stage preparations, OYO has begun reaching out to both domestic and international merchant banks, said the second person familiar with the matter. Preliminary talks suggest that the IPO could value the company at between $5 billion and $7 billion. "OYO is currently coordinating with Indian and global banks, and there are tentative plans to submit draft documents to the market regulator between August and September," said the first person in the know. The company is still weighing whether to proceed with financial disclosures for FY25 or wait until audited results for the first quarter of FY26 are finalised. The Press Trust of India reported the development earlier on Tuesday. IPO plans renewed "Theres a broad consensus among shareholders and board membersincluding SoftBankthat the timing is right to revisit IPO plans, given the company's rapid financial recovery and a projected net profit of around 620 crore in FY25," said the first person with direct knowledge of the matter. OYO first filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in October 2021. It aimed to raise 8,430 crore (approximately $1.2 billion) through a combination of fresh issuance and an offer for sale. However, the IPO was delayed due to market volatility. In 2023, OYO submitted a revised version of the DRHP, incorporating updated financials and making structural changes to the offering. This refiled draft was seen as a renewed attempt to proceed with its IPO plans. Nevertheless, the company withdrew this updated filing in May 2024. The current IPO discussions mark OYOs third attempt to go public. Surge in OYO profit OYO reported a 623 crore profit in FY25. Revenue jumped 20% to 6,463 crore, and profit after tax surged 172% from the previous year, driven by strong growth in its premium hotel portfolio and global expansion. The renewed IPO initiative also comes at a time when OYO has resolved a key legal dispute. Bengaluru: In Bengalurus bustling HSR Layout, 22-year-old Niaj Hussain waits outside a Blinkit dark store on a grey Yulu DeX, an electric bike designed for quick and short-distance deliveries. New to quick commerce, Hussain previously worked inside a dark store before realizing he could double his earnings as a rider. A petrol scooter would cost him 16,000 per month in fuel, whereas renting a Yulu works out to around 9,000 a month, including maintenance. Hussain sets himself a daily target of at least 36 deliveries, to earn up to 1,500. His only complaint is that the DeXs speed is capped at 25kmph. That rider there did 52 deliveries in a day on his petrol bike," he says, gesturing toward a colleague. I cant go that fast." But, he adds, Yulus rental plans make it an attractive proposition, especially for someone looking for a start in the gig economy without purchasing a vehicle. Yulu operates in Indias fast-growing but infrastructure-constrained rental e-bike and last-mile mobility space and has emerged as an unlikely but pivotal player in the booming quick commerce economy. It makes electric two-wheelers specifically engineered for last-mile deliveries and rents them to riders. With 45,000 bikes and 65 touchpoints, it has become one of Indias largest shared electric mobility operators today. Founded in 2017 as a shared electric mobility startup, Yulus original mission was to decongest Indian cities. But a post-pandemic shift in user behaviour has transformed its business. Currently gig workers account for over 90% of its revenue. These riders, an ubiquitous sight in Indias metro cities, clustering around apartment gates and dark stores in their yellow, orange, red and purple uniforms (representing Blinkit, Swiggy, Zomato and Zepto, respectively), are a testament to the companys role in the delivery ecosystem. View Full Image Niaj Hussain outside a Blinkit dark store in Bengaluru. We started by solving last-mile commutes for citizens," says founder Amit Gupta. But after covid, we saw more and more gig workers using our bikes for deliveries. Thats now our biggest growth driver." While quick commerce giants Zepto, Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart battle intense competition, wafer-thin margins and rising losses, Yulus strategy of catering to their delivery armies is proving scalable. The company tripled its revenue to 111.5 crore in 2023-24, from 37.9 crore in 2022-23, according to Registrar of Companies filings accessed by Mint. However, its net loss widened to 135 crore in 2023-24 from 95.09 crore the previous year. Gupta told Mint that the company turned Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) positive for select months in 2024-25 and expects it to be so for the whole of this fiscal year, reflecting the financial viability of this pivot. Embracing gig workers Yulus journey began in 2017 with dockless bicycles and low-speed electric bikes such as the Yulu Miracle, which were aimed at short commutes in metro cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi. The founding team includes chief executive officer (CEO) Amit Gupta, an IIT Kanpur alumnus and co-founder of InMobi; R.K. Misra, also from IIT Kanpur and Tokyo University, with a background in entrepreneurship and urban policy; and chief technology officer (CTO) Naveen Dachuri, who previously built analytics platforms for the US Federal Aviation Administration and holds degrees from IIT Kanpur and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. Their original vision was green and affordable mobility accessible via an app. View Full Image A file photo of Yulus management team. From left to right: Anuj Tewari (CFO), Naveen Dachuri (CTO), Amit Gupta (CEO) and R.K. Misra. But bicycles never took off, and even large Chinese outfits such as Ofo shut shop within a year of operation. But Yulu Miracle, the companys 25kmph e-bike, which requires no licence, showed promise. And covid-19 brought an unexpected twist. Around 2020, Yulus data flagged a curious spike in usage at 1 pm, not typical office hours. We were very curious; who is going to the office at one oclock in Bengaluru? It was not making sense," Gupta recalls. To their surprise, gig workers for Zomato and Swiggy were using Yulu bikes for lunch and medicine deliveries, a use case the Yulu team hadnt anticipated. Initially, this sparked unease in Yulus boardroom. Rather than feeling good about it, to start with, we thought, Hey, what is this use case?" Gupta admits. But the data was undeniable and the team saw a massive under-served need from around 85% of Indians who lack access to bikes or driving licences. This data, when last-mile delivery was booming, made Yulu pivot. In 2022, the company launched the DeX, a grey bike with a rear carrier, better shock absorbers, and seats tailored for gig workers. It was distinct from the blue Miracle, to preserve brand identity. The shift in focus turned a surprise into a business opportunity, aligning Yulu with the rise of quick commerce platforms. When quick commerce started becoming mainstream, our product market fit became stronger," says Gupta. The company didnt disclose segment-wise revenue figures, but its goods mobility business is now dominated by hyperlocal deliveries, particularly grocery and food delivery. Among these, grocery riders contribute the highest share of active users. When quick commerce started becoming mainstream, our product market fit became stronger. Amit Gupta According to Anjalli Ravi Kumar, chief sustainability officer at Eternal (parent of Zomato and Blinkit), the partnership between Yulu and Eternal aligns with the companys broader goal of facilitating 100% EV-based deliveries by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions across its food delivery value chain by 2033. This partnership has served as a key enabler in not just helping us achieve our goal but also significantly solving the bike accessibility issue for our delivery partners," she says. Currently, over 25% of online food deliveries in Bengaluru are made on electric vehicles. The integration of Yulus DeX bikes into the Zomato partner app allows for rapid onboarding, letting gig workers start earning almost instantly. Riders benefit from Yulus battery swapping model, which minimizes downtime and removes the need for prolonged charging breaks. With Yulu managing the vehicle maintenance entirely, delivery partners are freed from repair responsibilities, which acts as a friction point common with personal two-wheelers, especially internal combustion engine (ICE) models. Over the past year, Yulu has streamlined its operations, improving fleet productivity and optimizing battery-swapping throughput, which lowered its cost per vehicle and per swap. As fixed costs like manpower and infrastructure grew more slowly than revenue, these efficiencies helped push the company into Ebitda-positive territory, a position Gupta says Yulu is now well placed to sustain. Optimizing data Yulus ability to adapt also largely focuses on its data-driven approach. With 45,000 IoT-enabled bikes generating real-time telematics, the company sits on a goldmine of usage data, revealing how and where its bikes move. The kind of data that the quick commerce user is generating is actually very, very valuable in identifying areas of inefficiency," Gupta explains. For food deliveries, bike movements are random. But quick commerce riders return repeatedly to dark stores, creating distinct heat maps" around these hubs. Yulu runs over 300 battery swapping stations under its Yuma Energy joint venture with Magna International. These are strategically placed within 0.2 to 2 km of high-demand delivery hubs. In some locations, Yuma has installed in-store swapping stations, reducing downtime and increasing order fulfilment by 10-15%. If we are able to place charging systems next to the dark stores, riders can do two or three orders more and hence earn more money," Gupta notes, highlighting how data-driven placement cuts gig workers downtime by 15 to 20 minutes. This data also informs customer acquisition. Yulus telematics distinguish quick commerce riders from food delivery workers, enabling targeted marketing, which ensures bikes reach high-demand users. We use complex data analytics to drive go-to-market and operational strategies," says Gupta. This ensures our bikes are deployed where theyre needed most, leaving little to chance." The companys tech-focused approach helps it outperform rivals in utilization efficiency, a key driver of operational leverage in a capex-intensive model. In Bengaluru and Mumbai, Yulu powers a third of quick commerce deliveries, with some dark stores seeing half their riders on Yulu bikes, claims Gupta. Limited competition Yulu faces competition from rivals such as Bounce and Zypp Electric, with each pursuing distinct strategies to serve the booming business-to-business (B2B) delivery market. While Yulu has partnered with Bajaj Auto for scale (Bajaj manufacturers the bikes), Bounce is building its own bikes and Zypp Electric is sourcing from OEMs. With the rise of quick commerce and e-commerce, the B2B segment is emerging as the primary growth driver, as Indians largely prefer vehicle ownership, limiting business-to-consumer (B2C) traction. But unlike Zypp Electric, which operates as a B2B logistics provider, Yulu retains a B2C focus, serving individual gig workers who hire its vehicles to work across platforms. Our customer is the gig worker. Platforms like Swiggy or Blinkit are our partners, not clients," Gupta clarifies. The companys integrated control over vehicle design, software and battery infrastructure gives it an operational edge. Zypp use off-the-shelf vehicles and external charging partners, while Bounce Infinity, once a major rival in shared mobility, has pivoted to vehicle manufacturing. Indias rental e-bike market continues to grow steadily, but inadequate urban road infrastructure is holding it back from achieving the same level of success seen in developed countries," says Soumen Mandal, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research. To improve fleet efficiency and reduce downtime, companies such as Yulu and Zypp are betting on battery-swapping models, which align well with Indias limited charging infrastructure. However, Mandal cautions that this models long-term viability could be challenged as battery charging becomes faster. An evolving market Indias urban logistics landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of quick delivery platforms Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart. The typical order travels 2km or less, at average speeds below 15kmph, an ideal use case for low-speed electric vehicles. Yulu has introduced prepaid rental plans for gig workers, starting from a two-day plan priced at 549 for 200km. Weekly rental plans, preferred by most gig riders, start from 1,059 for 350km. However, based on average usage, their weekly outgo is around 2,000-2,500. View Full Image Yulu has introduced prepaid rental plans for gig workers, starting from a two-day plan priced at 549 for 200 km. To expand sustainably, Yulu has adopted a dual model, a company-owned and operated system in tier I cities and franchise-led models for tier II and III towns. Our systems are plug-and-play," Gupta says. Local entrepreneurs can replicate our services under the Yulu brand." Eric Vas, president of the EV business at Bajaj Auto, an investor in Yulu, says the company has steadily evolved its mobility-as-a-service model to keep pace with a fast-changing urban mobility landscape. Yulu has successfully adapted to post-covid realities and the rise of quick commerce, he notes. Their business model has pivoted in step with these developments, particularly the growth of the gig economy. And Yulu is well-positioned to expand into new geographies," says Vas. Acceleration challenge Yulu has raised over $123 million in equity funding, including significant investments from Bajaj Auto and Magna International, and has also secured $12 million in debt financing from institutions such as the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Northern Arc. Bajaj Auto invested $8 million in Yulu in 2019. In 2024, the auto maker invested an additional 45.75 crore, raising its stake to 18.8%. Yulu now plans to deploy 100,000 EVs across 15-18 cities by 2025. However, despite its market dominance, the company literally faces a speed limit in its growth aspirations. Mint spoke to three delivery riders who all cited the low speed of Yulus e-bikes as a key limitation for long-term use. For most gig workers, maximizing daily deliveries directly affects earnings and Yulus speed cap on the DeX makes it harder to achieve those targets. As a result, many riders find that investing in a petrol bike, despite the higher fuel costs, pays off through increased delivery volumes. A common pattern across riders indicates that they often rely on Yulu in the initial months to save up for a down payment on a petrol bike, after which they shift to that personal vehicle and use Yulu only occasionally. To address this drop-off, Yulu is introducing the Yulu Express, a 45kmph, two-seater EV with larger payload capacity for the food delivery, e-commerce and courier segments. These sectors demand longer range, higher speed and flexibility. This move marks a strategic evolution for Yulu, which has so far focused heavily on short-distance and high-density delivery zones suited for quick commerce. The mid-speed bike is also being paired with infrastructure enhancements such as the placement of battery-swapping stations closer to dark stores and high-demand zones. If we achieve that, its a win-win situation for everyone," says Gupta, noting that this proximity could drive operational efficiencies and improve rider uptime. However, entering this category also means Yulu is stepping into more competitive terrain. While its existing fleet faces limited competition due to its vertically integrated and purpose-built design for low-speed logistics, the mid-speed market is an entirely different story. Here, Yulu will face stiff competition not only from internal combustion engine (ICE) two-wheelers but also from established EV makers Ola Electric, Bounce Infinity, Hero Electric and new startups catering to the B2B logistics space. But despite these challenges, Yulu believes its hyper-focused business model gives it a strong foundation. Gupta says the company remains unit economics-positive and intends to stay focused on solving the most difficult problems" rather than chasing short-term revenue opportunities. But sustaining this edge in a higher-speed and higher-stakes segment will test the companys ability to scale infrastructure, adapt to evolving regulations, and maintain profitability as new contenders enter the fray. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the role of fintech innovation in the growth of digital public infrastructure in the country and the easing of access to financial services for small businesses during a visit to Pine Labs, a fintech firm based in Noida. Underscoring the growing role of fintech in the digital transformation of the economy, the minister reviewed innovations in prepaid instruments and digital tools supporting the delivery of welfare schemes, according to a series of posts on the social media platform 'X' by the ministers office. "We want every State to speed up on digitisation. We are also helping them in expediting it. While giving the 50-year interest-free loans to States for capital expenditure, we underline that we will incentivise States who get on to digitise their records at the earliest. So, we want digitisation to happen sooner and in every sector," a tweet from the minister's office quoted her as saying. Innovative fintech solutions During the visit, the minister also witnessed demonstrations by Pine Labs on innovative fintech solutions being developed around the account aggregator (AA) framework, a system that allows people to share their financial data across institutions. The ministers visit to the fintech enterprise comes in the context of the massive adoption of digital payments across the economy, including among small businesses and retailers, giving a strong boost to the formalisation of the economy. "Smt @nsitharaman visits the office of Pine Labs (@PineLabs), a digital Fintech company, in Noida. The Hon'ble FM interacted with the employees and staff there, acknowledging Indias Fintech firms contribution to expanding country's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and in enabling seamless, secure and inclusive financial services for merchants and MSMEs," said another tweet. MSMEs refers to micro, small, and medium enterprises. Also Read: Upcoming IPO: Pine Labs plans IPO by 2nd half of 2025 despite weak market mood Sitharaman witnessed demonstrations of the fintech firm's innovative solutions for prepaid instruments, the account aggregator framework, and digital services used in the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other government schemes and services. Digitisation of payments and financial services The government has been key in focusing on the digitisation of payments and financial services, and India has emerged as a hub of fintech solutions and innovations in the past few years, with several startups emerging in this space. In a February report, EY noted that India has positioned itself as a competitive fintech hub globally with the highest fintech adoption rate. "When compared to its peers and other FinTech hubs like UK, US, China, and Singapore, India scores high in regulatory and government support, funding, technological preparedness and entrepreneurial spirit," it said. The report noted that the Indian fintech ecosystem continues to evolve and that there are challenges to address, including regulatory concerns, data security, and low financial literacy among users. New Delhi: Indias apex direct tax policy making body has extended to 15 September the income-tax return filing due date for the assessment year 2025-26 (FY2024-25) for those who do not need to get their accounts audited. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), an arm of the Union finance ministry, announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday. Usually, the deadline for filing I-T returns falls on 31 July. Also Read | New income tax bill makes privacy of taxpayers vulnerable to authorities The deadline for filing the returns has been extended because the digital ITR forms are being changed this year, which require more time to update the tax systems and release the necessary filing software, the CBDT said. Experts said typically, the software utilities are made available early in April. To be sure, the forms have been notified but have not been updated in the filing software. This years ITR forms have undergone significant revisions to boost transparency and simplify taxpayer compliance. They require more disclosures on tax-saving investments, house rent allowance (HRA), and tax deducted at source (TDS) on non-salary incomes. Alongside, compliance has been eased on assets and liabilities reporting. Those with long-term capital gains (LTCG) of up to 1.25 lakh from stocks and equity mutual funds can now opt for the simpler ITR-1, Mint reported on 7 May. Tax experts have welcomed the move. Given the complexity and increased reporting requirements in the revised ITR forms, including more granular disclosures of capital gains, foreign income, and asset ownership, the extension offers much-needed relief to taxpayers, said Sandeep Sehgal, partner-tax at AKM Global, a tax and consulting firm. The additional time, Sehgal added, is intended to facilitate a smoother transition to the new compliance regime, allowing taxpayers to correctly interpret the updated requirements, and ensure accurate and complete return filings. Sonu Iyer, partner and national leader, people advisory services-tax at EY India, said the ITR forms notified for the FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) incorporate the amendments introduced by Finance Act 2024 and have enhanced reporting requirements. Coming to the aid of middle-class tax payers, in the budget 2025-26, the government announced that there will be no income tax payable up to income of 12 lakhaverage income of 1 lakh per month other than special rate income such as capital gainsunder the new regime. This limit will be 12.75 lakh for salaried tax payers, due to standard deduction of 75,000. Also, in budget 2025-26, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman rationalized the TDS by reducing the number of rates and thresholds above which it is applied. Further, threshold amounts for tax deduction have been increased for better clarity and uniformity. Tax policy reforms are geared to widen the tax base, detect undeclared income through data matching and promote digital compliance. New Delhi: Investment in new factories, buildings, and equipment surged in FY24, powered largely by central and state governments and public sector enterprises, while private corporations held back amid election-year and demand-related uncertainties, new government data shows. After a strong rebound in private capital expenditure in the two years following the pandemic, investment by private non-financial corporations stagnated in FY24. In contrast, capital spending by public non-financial enterprises jumped 33%, while central and state governments increased theirs by 25%. Private sector share in GFCF hits 12-year low The shift in momentum underscores the continuing reliance on government-led spending to drive capital formation in politically sensitive periods, with corporate India adopting a cautious, wait-and-watch stance. Read more: India seeks wider US market access for fruit, vegetables, easy sanitary regulations As a result, the share of private non-financial corporations in gross fixed capital formation (GFCF)which includes investments in fixed assets and intellectual propertyfell to a 12-year low of 33.6% in FY24, down from 36.6% the previous year, according to ministry of statistics and programme implementation (MoSPI) data. Meanwhile, the share of public non-financial institutions rose from 9.7% to 11.9%, and that of central and state governments climbed from 11.2% to 12.9%. In absolute terms, private non-financial corporationsexcluding financial entities like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bankinvested 19.9 trillion in FY24, nearly unchanged from the previous year. Public sector enterprises raised their capital outlays from 5.29 trillion to 7 trillion, while governments increased theirs from 6 trillion to 7.63 trillion. These figures align with a separate capex survey released by the ministry of finance on 29 April, which tracked investment trends of 2,172 large private enterprises. After a 45% rise in capex in FY23 to 5.7 trillion, investment by these companies contracted 26% in FY24 to 4.2 trillion. The survey, however, projects a sharp 55.5% rebound to 6.5 trillion in FY25. Meanwhile, the total investment in fixed assets is estimated to have grown 6.1% in FY25 to 62.7 trillion, according to second advance estimates released in February. To be sure, the Modi administration is now betting on a revival in private sector investment, supported by healthier corporate and banking balance sheets, a pickup in consumption fueled by income tax relief in the FY26 budget, expectations of an above-normal monsoon, and an accommodative monetary policy stance by the Reserve Bank of India. Private capital expenditure is largely driven by demand, with elections playing only a marginal role, according to experts. The primary constraint in FY24 was weak consumer demand. Elections have had a limited impact on the investment cycle. The real drag has been demand-side factors," said Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist at Bank of Baroda. Over the past few years, demand from non-infrastructure sectors like FMCG and consumer durables has stagnated. With limited consumer appetite, there was little need for fresh capex," he said. In contrast, infrastructure-linked sectors such as steel and cement saw robust investment, buoyed by a construction boom and strong backward linkages. Within the private sector, IT and BFSI continued to investdriven by technology upgrades and expansion plans. But for most other industries, capex will only pick up once demand revives," he added. Read more: Govt relaxes rules to boost GST registration among small businesses According to a 21 May report by the Bank of Barodas Economic Research Department, Corporate investment saw a steady rise in 2024-25, driven largely by infrastructure-intensive sectors. The report, based on data from 1,393 companies across 122 industries that disclosed balance sheet details in their FY25 results, found that gross fixed assetsincluding capital work in progressrose to 28.50 trillion from 26.49 trillion in FY24, marking an annual growth of 7.6%. Refineries accounted for the largest share of fixed assets at 31%, followed by telecom services (8.6%), iron and steel products (5.9%), cement (5.4%), and power (4.8%), said the report titled Which industries are investing? Together, these five sectors comprised 56% of the total fixed assets, underscoring the central role of core infrastructure industries in capital formation. The next five industries by share of fixed assetspublic sector banks (PSBs), private sector banks (PVBs), chemicals, industrial gases, and non-ferrous metalscollectively accounted for another 14.5%. Meanwhile, passenger cars, FMCG (household products), pharmaceuticals, IT software, and sponge iron made up another 10.4% of fixed assets. Read more: Beyond the buzz: Has India really surpassed Japan to become the fourth-largest economy? To be sure, the central government's capital expenditure (capex) target stands at 11.21 trillion, according to the budget estimates for 2025-26, compared to the budget estimates of 11.11 trillion in the previous year. Meanwhile, a senior official said the central government will continue its capex push to support economic growth, maintaining its capital expenditure at around 3.4% of the nominal gross domestic product (GDP) to prop up economic growth. "Central capital expenditure will remain a key driver of growth till there is a marked pick up in private capex across sectors," the person added requesting anonymity. A spokesperson of the ministry of finance didn't respond to emailed queries. New Delhi: Despite global turbulence, Indias economy remains resilient and a prime investment destination, with structural reforms and skill-driven policies poised to boost investor confidence, drive sustained growth, and enhance medium-term prospects, the finance ministry said in its April economic review released on Tuesday. Rising GST collections, higher e-way bill generation, improved consumer sentiment, and strong growth in services indicated strengthening economic activity, while rural demand remained steady with increased household consumption, the monthly report added. Trade challenges ahead However, the document, prepared by the finance ministrys department of economic affairs, flagged rising challenges, particularly on the trade front. It emphasized heightened uncertainty in Indias export outlook following the USs imposition of a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian imports, effective April 2025. Although a 90-day suspension is currently in place pending bilateral negotiations, the possibility of renewed trade barriers remains a key external risk. "Private sector capital expenditure could lag behind with firms adopting a more cautious stance amid global uncertainty and tighter financial conditions," the review said. "A successful US-India trade agreement could flip current headwinds into tailwinds, opening up new market access and energising exports," it added. On 16 May, Mint reported that India and the US are likely to sign their long-awaited bilateral trade agreement before 8 July when the 90-day pause on the USs reciprocal tariff action expires. The urgency arises from the US reciprocal tariff framework announced on 2 April, which granted a 90-day pause for negotiations with key partners, including India. Reaching a deal before the 8 July deadline could help India avoid steep tariffs, reset trade ties on firmer ground, and offer much-needed clarity to industry and markets. The review further notes that global financial conditions remain fragile, with the pause in US-China tariffs, the pending US Budget Bill, and market reactions to Moodys recent downgrade of the US sovereign credit rating likely to influence investor sentiment worldwide in the months ahead. Meanwhile, the review said that Indias economy, underpinned by strong domestic fundamentals and prudent macroeconomic management, saw robust private consumption, led by a rural demand rebound, alongside healthy services exports, in April. While the expanding services sector has helped offset the softness in merchandise exports, the Indian rupee has held relatively stable, supported by ample foreign exchange reserves that cushion the economy from global volatility, it said. Government capital expenditure has been instrumental in sustaining economic activity, providing a vital buffer against external pressures, it added. The review noted that recent direct tax exemptions, fiscal measures, and Reserve Bank of India's rate cuts are expected to further stimulate consumption and investment. "These could accelerate the recovery and lift growth towards the upper end of forecasts of 6.3% to 6.8%, given in the latest Economic Survey," it added. Indias economic growth likely accelerated to 6.9% in the March quarter from 6.2% in the previous quarter, driven mainly by strong agricultural activity and service sector exports, according to a median estimate of 22 economists polled by Mint. New Delhi: North-eastern states are expected to start offering incentives soon for business deals worth 4.32 trillion that they have sown up in the just-concluded regional investment summit, minister of development of North Eastern region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said in an interview. Scindia said the Central government is doubling down on the strategic development of the region and is stepping up connectivity. Infrastructure & connectivity upgrades Guwahati and Agartala are being made into international gateways to cities like Singapore and the government is working steadfastly on the trilateral highway connecting India, Thailand and Myanmar, the minister said. Better infrastructure connectivity will also help the country, and the region tap new opportunities from the $122-billion trade among South-east Asian nations, Scindia said. Development of the eight North-eastern states, described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Ashta Lakshmi, is a priority for the government given the regions strategic location, economic potential and the need for inclusive national growth. Scindia said the two-day summit that ended on 24 May was the culmination of extensive work, including roadshows in which state chief ministers and ambassadors participated and multiple meetings with industrial groups. At the end of it, the eight states together received investment proposals worth 4.32 trillion, Scindia said. This covers investments in all eight states and encompasses multiple sectors including manufacturing, fast moving consumer goods, hydropower, information technology, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, tourism, textiles, perfumes and bamboo. It is a very widely diversified investment basket, the minister said. Scindia said he has worked with the chief ministers of all the eight statesArunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripuraand their governments to build state-specific plans. We have also recommended each of the states to set up investment promotion authorities (IPAs) and all the eight states have either done so or are in the process of doing so where an incentive structure, industry wise, will be outlined by each of the state governments. We have also worked on a logistics policy for every state looking across 12 parameters, where each state stands vis-a-vis the others and presented that to each state government and each of them will come out with individual logistics policies. Therefore, it is a very streamlined and facilitatory partnership driven approach. The minister added that the incentive regime that each of the states will come up with, will depend on what investors are looking for in that state. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The minister described the North-east as Indias engine of growth. The global average GDP growth rate is close to about 2-2.5% and India is growing at 6.5-7%. So, we are growing at almost 2.5 to 3 times the world average. The North-eastnot one state, not two, not five, or seven, but all the eight statesin the last decade have grown at a decadal growth rate of 12 to 13%. North-eastern states are growing at almost twice the rate of India and close to five times the global growth rate, said Scindia. Development of the region is of strategic importance to India given that it shares international borders with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, which makes it a priority region for national security and regional diplomacy. Referring to the infrastructure creation in the region in the last ten years, Scindia said the North-east is unique in geo-strategic positioning. The flying time from Guwahati to Mumbai is equal to the flying time from Guwahati to Singapore. The flying time from Agartala to Chennai is the same as from Agartala to Bangkok. Therefore, we are thinking of making sure Guwahati and Agartala are made into international gateways, the minister said. Mumbai University first merit list 2025: The University of Mumbai, on Tuesday, released the first merit list for admissions for the academic year 2025-26. This list pertains to admissions for the academic year 202526 across its 850 affiliated colleges, autonomous institutions. The second merit list is expected to be released on May 31, mention some reports. Also Read | SBI Clerk Main Result 2025 to be released at sbi.co.in: Key things you must know Ruia College, St. Xavier's, K.P.B Hinduja college have released their cut-offs across various categories and courses. Hinduja College first merit list cut off for 2025 The first merit list cut off scores for Hinduja College is as follows: FYBCOM - 71% FYBAF- 90% FYBBI- 79% FYBFM - 90% FYBAMMC - Science (68.83%), Arts (83%), Commerce (82%) St. Xavier's college first merit list cut off for 2025 For St. Xavier's college, the cut-off for General category candidates is as follows: Maharashtra State Board candidates(Arts): 90% Others: 97.40% Ruia College first merit list cut off 2025 The cut-off scores for Ruia College is as follows: FYBA - 90% FYBACM - Arts (91.33%), Commerce (90.6%), Science (91.6%) FYBSC - 60 % FYBSC - Biotech - 94.6% FYBSC - Computer Science - 80.17% Over 2 lakh students register for pre-admission As per reports, a total of 2,53,370 students registered for pre-admission, submitting 8,11,643 applications across a various undergraduate courses. The admission process comprises of 3-year degree programs, 4-year Honours and Honours with Research programs, and 5-year integrated programs that offer multiple entry and exit options. must follow admission schedule strictly All colleges must follow the admission schedule strictly, adhering to government and University of Mumbai norms, said Pooja Raudale, director of the board of examinations and evaluation. Also Read | Fresh law graduates cannot appear in judicial services exam: Supreme Court The US Embassy in India has cautioned students that skipping classes or leaving the program without informing authorities will lead to visa revocation, as the Trump administration mounts scrutiny of overseas students. If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future US visas, the embassy posted on social media platform X. Also Read: Trump threatens to strip Harvard of $3 billion grant, citing antisemitism The warning comes when the Trump administration is embroiled in a battle with Harvard University. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvards certification to admit foreign students for the 2025-26 academic year. The university sued the US administration in the district court of Massachusetts, which blocked the order, providing temporary relief. The Trump administration has already ended Federal grants worth more than $2 billion to Harvard. It also aims to cancel remaining contracts, the NYT reported. Indian students studying across the US While 788 Indian students are studying at Harvard, thousands of others are enrolled in colleges across the US. According to data provided by Open Doors Report, a portal for international students, the number of Indian students studying in the US in the 2023-24 academic year hit an all-time high of 331,602, rising 23% over the previous year. Read More: Trump regime moves to cancel $100 million in federal contracts with Harvard If you have applied for a student visa, you cannot misuse the opportunity to leave it mid-way and take up a job, etc. for which the visa process is different, Narayanan Ramaswamy, partner and head of the education and skill development practice at KPMG in India, told Mint. Although similar reinforcements have happened before, this message comes at a time when there is scrutiny over government interference in US universities. Many Indian parents are concerned that political clashes will impact the future of their children. As a result, other destinations may see a rise in popularity. The Trump administration has upped its scrutiny over international students. The latest post is the US government warning students to stay away from campus politics, or participate in any activity that the government considers "illegal" and not be part of groups who often take up jobs to make ends meet when they do not have the correct visa, said Suchindra Kumar, partner and education sector leader at PwC. US not alone The other reason for increased scrutiny are allegations that students often use their visas to work without valid documents. Over the last couple of years, even Canada, the UK and Australia have increased their checks for incoming international students. Also Read: Donald Trump reacts to Harvard row: No problem with foreign students, but In 2023, Australia announced that it would no longer permit international students to enrol in affordable vocational courses immediately upon arrival in the country. In an attempt to clamp down on large-scale immigration, the UK tightened visa rules for international students, making it tougher to bring in dependents. In 2024, Canada, too, tightened visa rules. Alia Bhatt, turned heads once again. Just fresh off her Cannes debut, where she graced the red carpet in a Gucci saree, Alia was recently spotted at her friend's wedding celebrations in Spain. The 'Jigra' actress joined close friends to celebrate the nuptials of Tanya Saha Gupta and David Angelov, and brought both style and spirit to the festivities. Alia Bhatt's outfit Dressed in a vibrant multi-coloured lehenga, quirky bandana, and chic sunglasses, Alia exuded playful elegance. Social media was abuzz with praise as videos of the actress enjoying the event went viralshowing her laughing, posing with the newlyweds, and gleefully tossing flower petals in a heartwarming photo moment. 'Gram Chikitsalay' actor Akansha Ranjan was also spotted at the wedding. She looked stunning in a purple coloured lehenga, adding her glam to the festive occasion. Netizens go gaga over Alia Bhatt's gesture Netizens were simply left in awe over how Alia Bhatt looked in the multi coloured lehenga, not to miss out how the Bollywood star managed to be there for her friends on their big days. Alia bhatt is really the happiest around her girl gang no matter how famous she becomes she never miss their big days i really want friendship like this, one user posted on X, along with pictures of the actress from the vibrant celebrations. Alia Bhatt at Cannes Film Festival Alia Bhatt had turned into a Gucci girl at the Cannes Film Festival, which concluded on May 24. It was not just the Gucci saree that got fans buzzing, but also other outfits worn by her for the closing ceremony. Also Read | Alia Bhatts heartfelt tribute to Indian soldiers angers social media For her first look ahead of the red carpet, Alia Bhatt embraced vintage glam with a mustard yellow co-ord set that turned heads. Posing gracefully by the sea, she shared a series of photos on Instagram that had fans swooning. Popular South Korean actor Choi Jung Woo, who has appeared in several hit K-Dramas such as City Hunter, Doctor Stranger, and The Legend of the Blue Sea, passed away, as confirmed by multiple Korean outlets. Also Read | South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun denies underage dating accusation Choi Jung Woo dies As per Koreaboo, he was 68. Soompi quoted his agency, Bless ENT, confirming the loss of the veteran actor. A representative said, Actor Choi Jung Woo has passed away. However, the cause of his death is yet to be disclosed. The agency speaker also added, "The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Who was Choi Jung Woo Born in 1957, Choi Jung Woo is best known for his supporting roles in several Korean shows. He made his debut in 1975 with the play titled, The Life of an Actor. He began his acting career in theatre and worked for companies like Shinsi. Besides stage acting, he was also a voice actor who showcased a wide range of talent. He starred in several K-Dramas, including Gods Quiz, Two Cops, Public Enemy 2, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, The Chaser, Brilliant Legacy, Prosecutor Princess, Gumiho: Tale of the Foxs Child, Midas, My Daughter Seo Young, Masters Sun, Call It Love, Tyrant, Who Is She! and The Tale of Lady Ok. He rose to fame for starring in K-dramas like Lee Min Ho's City Hunter and The Legend Of The Blue Sea. He was also a part of So Ji Sub and Gong Hy Jin's Masters Sun and Lee Jong Suk-starrer Doctor Stranger. After six seasons of heartbreak, rebellion and survival, The Handmaids Tale has come to a quiet but powerful end. The final episode doesnt give viewers the perfect ending they might have hoped forbut it does give June Osborne (played by Elisabeth Moss) something shes rarely had: choice. The Handmaid's Tale Season 6 Ending Explained Set in a post-Gilead Boston now under new control, the finale finds June (played by Elisabeth Moss) surrounded by people who have stood by herfriends, survivors, and her husband Luke. Though many horrors still remain, including the cruel regime still controlling parts of Gilead and her daughter Hannah still trapped there, June seems ready to face the future with renewed strength. Rather than escaping into a peaceful life, June decides to use her voice. She will tell her story her tale and keep fighting for the girls and women still suffering. Its a quiet decision, but a powerful one. She doesnt run. She doesnt forget. And she certainly doesnt give up. The show doesnt tie up every loose end. Hannahs fate is still uncertain. The commanders are still out there. But this finale is not about fixing everythingits about what it means to keep going, even when the world isnt fixed. Elisabeth Moss delivers a strong final performance, showing Junes pain and purpose without needing dramatic speeches. The story comes full circlenot with a perfect ending, but with a promise: Junes fight is not over. While this season of The Handmaids Tale ends here, the world of Gilead continues. We also see that June will not be fighting alongside her husband, Luke, anymore. The traumas that two have gone through has carved them into two brand new people. This leads to the two of them splitting amicably, but not before agreeing that they will keep looking for their daughter, Hannah. June also forgives Serena despite all the latter's wrongdoing - a sign that June is finally healing. In the closing moments of the series, June walks through the damaged streets of Boston and arrives at a hauntingly familiar place the house where she once lived with the Waterfords. It's the place where her suffering began, where she was abused and raped, and where her story first took shape. She climbs the stairs slowly, returning to the room that once held her prisoner. Sitting in the same windowsill we saw her in all those years ago, she reaches for a tape recorder. Her voice is calm but steady as she begins to speak, describing the same items she once did in the very first episode: a chair, a bed, a table. White curtains. Shatterproof glass. Its a full-circle moment however, its to reclaim and not return. And that's a wrap on The Handmaid's Tale. The most recent data on car ownership from NFHS-5 (20192021) reported that approximately 7.5% of Indian households owned a car. This equates to about 1 in every 12 households. The state with the highest car ownership was Goa, where 45.2% of households owned a car. Other states with notable car ownership percentages included Kerala (24.2%), Jammu & Kashmir (23.7%), Himachal Pradesh (22.1%), and Punjab (21.9%). These figures highlight that around 2 crore households in India already own a basic car andaspire to upgrade their lifestyle with a bigger and better car for leisure and lifestyle purposes. Today, affordability in terms of both money and time is a major barrier to owning premium cars.The high cost of purchase, combined with maintenance hassles and poor-quality rentalexperiences, makes access difficult for many. At the same time, people have growingaspirations and seek variety, comfort, and lifestyle-driven choices in their car experienceswithout being tied down by long-term financial commitments. Fractional ownership of luxury and premium cars In response to these problems, new models of ownership are emerging. A recent example is the acquisition of a 1.4 crore Land Rover Defender through a shared ownership model facilitated by Prorata, a Bengaluru-based fractional car ownership start-up. In this instance, the luxury SUV was co-owned by nine individuals at INR 12 lakhs per ticket, including stock brokers, chartered accountants, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, working professionals and car enthusiasts. Founded by Sanjeev Kumar Jain, Prorata enables groups of individuals to co-own premium vehicles through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure. Each car is divided into 12 equal shares, or tickets, with each ticket representing an 8.33% share. Co-owners get 30 days of ownership per year for five years, with access and scheduling managed through the Prorata mobile app. After the five-year tenure, the vehicle is resold via an in-app bidding process, and resale proceeds are distributed among the co-owners on Prorata basis. According to Jain, the platform caters to several user segments: professionals who travel to their hometowns occasionally, NRIs visiting India seasonally, and car enthusiasts who wants to experience a variety ofvehicles. How the app works The Prorata app uses a smart matchmaking system that groups co-owners based on their preferred car variant and color within a 20 km radius. Interested users can reserve a ticket by paying a booking amount of just 2,500, selecting their city and car within the app. The appwhich took two years to buildfeatures a well-designed reservation system: each co-owner gets two active reservations at a time, including 10 weekends and holidays, 20 weekdays, and five cancellations per year. This system prevents booking conflicts and encourages mindful usage. Co-owners do not need to coordinate directly with each other, thanks to the seamless app experience. Asset-light model and maintenance Prorata operates on an asset-light model. The cars are owned by the co-owners, not the company. Instead, Prorata functions as an asset management service, charging an annual maintenance fee that covers: Periodic service and maintenance Insurance premium Doorstep pick-up and drop-off Cars available for fractional ownership Prorata app offers a wide variety of cars to suit every lifestyle and passion. In the off-roading segment, they feature powerful options like the Mahindra Thar Roxx, Jeep Wrangler, and Landrover Defender. For family and capacity-focused needs, they offer the Mahindra XUV700 and Toyota Innova Hycross, along with the iconic Toyota Fortuner. If you're into sporty drives, they have high-performance models like the Porsche, Range Rover, and Mini Cooper. And for those who love the thrill of convertibles, they provide stunning options like the Mercedes Cabriolet and MG Cyberster. Whipping votes is a hard job in Congress, especially with as narrow a majority as the one overseen by Mike Johnson, the House speaker. But even the most masterful legislators cant account for everything. Andrew Garbarino, a New York Republican, fell asleep early on May 22nd as his colleagues considered H.R.1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He missed the vote. Im going to just strangle him, Mr Johnson joked to reporters. The bill passed, but that was the easy part. The Senate will now negotiate its own version of the most consequential legislation of Donald Trumps second term. Mr Trump prefers to govern by executive order, but the bill approved last week addressed administration priorities that couldnt be tackled with his signature alone. Most significantly, it makes permanent his 2017 income-tax cuts, a policy broadly popular with Republicans in both chambers. Yet the multitrillion-dollar legislation will have far-reaching effects on immigration, energy production, social insurance and the military. And the august Senate has very different ideas on many of these issues than the rowdier lower chamber. Tax-reform discussions in the Senate picked up in recent weeks, with senators debating amongst themselves even as they watched House negotiations. Fiscal hawks are upset that the House bill would add more than $3trn to the deficit over the next decade. Moderates, meanwhile, have been critical about changes to climate-change and safety-net programmes. Still, it is already possible to discern broad changes coming in the Senate bill. Top of the list is an expansion of the state-and-local-tax (SALT) deduction, a policy traditionally supported by Democrats that reduces the income-tax burden for high-earners. A handful of House Republicans from high-tax states won an increase of the cap to $40,000, up from $10,000. Yet there is virtually no constituency for the pricey policy among Senate Republicans, who would rather prioritise making permanent the few pro-growth business provisions in the bill. Then there are Mr Trumps tax handouts, which in the Houses bill would add about $500bn to the deficit. The Senate, recognising political reality, is expected to include some version of Mr Trumps campaign promises, but is likely to craft less ambitious tax relief on tips, on overtime pay and on car loans (all Trump campaign pledges). Their version would add about half as much to the deficit as the House bill does. The House bill contains about $1.5trn in spending cuts over a decade. Most of this comes from government-funded health care and food-assistance programmes. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin senator and leading Republican tax wonk, would prefer about $6trn in cuts. That would return America to pre-pandemic spending levels, but he knows this maximalist position is unattainable in an ideologically diverse party. So the Senate will aim for more like $2trn in cuts so that the deficit numbers look a bit less alarming. The House bill speeds up sunset provisions to clean-energy tax credits included in Joe Bidens 2022 climate bill, saving billions but alienating moderates and politically vulnerable senators. Cuts to food assistance and Medicaid, a government health programme for poor and disabled Americans, are unpopular with some senators, including economic populists. These differences are unresolved in the Senate and could be the trickiest point when the House and Senate bills are merged in reconciliation, which could still be months away. Russia launched its largest-ever drone-and-missile assault on Ukraine overnight into Monday, according to Ukrainian officials, defying President Trumps calls for an end to the bombardment. Ukraines air force said Russia launched more than 350 explosive drones and at least nine cruise missiles. Kyiv scrambled aircraft and deployed electronic warfare systems and mobile air-defense teams throughout the country in response, the government said. The latest attacks came just hours after Trump issued a strong rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin, denouncing airstrikes on the Ukrainian capital and other cities that killed at least 12 people Sunday. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers," Trump said late Sunday in a social-media post, referring to Putin. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever." He also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying in the same post that Zelensky is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does." The Kremlin said Mondays strikes were a response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, which Moscow said involved dozens of drones over the weekend. Ukrainian officials said the strikes damaged several Russian military-industrial facilities, including a factory that makes parts for ballistic missiles. Russias Defense Ministry said its own overnight salvo against Ukraine struck an air base in a central region of the country as well as other military objects in several regions. This was a retaliatory strike," said Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov. He called Trumps criticism of Putin an emotional reaction" at a time when Russia and Ukraine are taking some steps with U.S. encouragement to open talks about an end to the war. Residents outside destroyed homes in Kyiv. Zelensky denounced Mondays attacks and called for fresh economic sanctions against Russia. Only a feeling of total impunity can allow Russia to launch such strikes," he said in a post on social media. There is no meaningful military sense to this." The latest exchange of missile-and-drone attacks comes as efforts to end the war have reached something of an impasse. Russia last month dismissed a proposed 30-day cease-fire that was brokered by Trump and accepted by Ukraine, and has insisted that Kyiv first agree to discuss its disarmament and the abandonment of its aspirations to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. After a call with Trump last week, Putin said a memorandum could soon be drafted that commits Moscow and Kyiv to working on a peace deal. But Peskov said Monday that even this initial documentessentially an agreement to keep talkinghadnt even been finalized by the Russian side, let alone passed to Kyiv. The only tangible result of talks this month between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, the first face-to-face negotiations in nearly three years, was a prisoner swap involving around 1,000 soldiers from either side. Prisoners of war from Ukraine and Russia began arriving home Friday. Released Ukrainian POWs near Ukraines northern border with Russia. The intensifying campaign of Russian and Ukrainian strikes comes as both sides step up production of strike drones capable of flying hundreds of miles. Russia has been expanding its military-industrial complex, turning shopping malls into drone production facilities and expanding a factory that specializes in making Shahed strike drones with help from Iran, a Russian ally. Russia has also evolved in its methods of evading Ukraines air defenses. The drone attacks it launches now feature an array of decoy projectiles that are meant to imitate strike drones but carry no explosives. Ukraine uses up expensive air defense missiles and ammunition to shoot them down. Write to Matthew Luxmoore at matthew.luxmoore@wsj.com At the crack of dawn, a dozen U.S. Marines recently took position in a field on this sleepy Swedish island about 200 miles from the Russian city of Kaliningrad and fired their mobile rocket system. The dummy munitions splashed into the Baltic Sea, yet they sent a message to Russia: Even as President Trump has thrown NATO into a historic crisis by questioning its efficacy, in Northern Europe, the U.S. military is doubling down. The Trump administration wants the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to get more lethal." A testing ground is Europes north, where NATO faces Russia on two sides. Some European officials worry that Americas commitment to the trans-Atlantic alliance is waning, given Trumps criticism of it and his stated desire to reduce military engagement abroad, but U.S. military commanders say their posture remains firm. Military exercises took place on Gotland island, which is among the most strategic locations in Northern Europe.American and British forces fire rockets on Gotland. From a U.S. Army perspective, my orders havent changed," said Brig. Gen. Andrew Saslav, deputy chief of staff for operations for U.S. Army Europe and Africa. While the question of future U.S. engagement is on my mind," he said, I have been doing this too long to get hyperfocused on political winds and messaging that isnt orders." The high north and the Baltics have been thrust into the center of U.S. war planning, as their access to shipping routes, territory and energy reserves will be crucial to the West in a new era of geopolitical conflict. The region is hawkish on Russia and is driving European efforts to rearm and boost defense budgets, including support for Ukraines armed forces. During a three-week exercise, U.S. and U.K. forces joined Nordic and Baltic troops to practice potential war scenarios including live-fire drills, blood resupplies by drone and airborne jumps above the Arctic circle in Norway. The goal was twofold: deter Russian aggression and more firmly integrate allies in this strategic corner of Europe, including new NATO members Finland and Sweden. Now that Finland and Sweden have become members of NATO, we have a continuous piece of NATO territory north of the Arctic Circle," said Kristian Atland, senior research fellow with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, which advises Norways armed forces. The Nordic NATO enlargement has also made it easier for NATO to transfer reinforcements to the Baltic states in the event of a military crisis or conflict in that region." Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Nordic countries have ramped up military spending. Finland shares an 800-mile border with Russia. Norways border with Russia is close to the Kola Peninsula, home to Moscows main submarine force, the Northern Fleet. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have long warned of Russias militaristic ambitions and provide sophisticated intelligence about their larger neighbor. Still, officials here say deepening relations between the region and Washington shouldnt deflect from NATO cohesion. Its not about creating a club inside the club, its about making NATO stronger," said Carl-Johan Edstrom, Swedish chief of defense staff. But parallel to that, you can do some bilateral or multilateral cooperation or operations. That is only strengthening the collective defense." Troops practiced potential war scenarios during exercises on Gotland. Gotland is among the most strategic locations in Northern Europe, allowing the deployment of sensors and long-range weapons systems to dominate air and sea operations in the Baltic region. Former Swedish defense chief Micael Byden last year said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had both eyes" on Gotland. As Russias maritime strategic locations in the Baltic Sea are very weak, any conflict will include Russia immediately seeking to occupy key port areas in the Baltics, Finland and Poland," said Stefan Lundqvist, Sweden chair to the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies in Alaska. The key military strategic location of Gotland will most likely be the scene of hostile action in the opening stage of conflict," he said. After being demilitarized for years, Gotland is at the heart of Swedish rearmament. In war, the island can serve as a hub for NATO logistics and control of sea line communications, and to help build up offensive capabilities for deep strikes on enemy soil. The projected wartime strength on the island is about 4,500 troops, and hundreds of conscripts arrive each year. They are an awkward fit among the residents, many of whom relocated here in recent years, attracted by Gotlands natural serenity and medieval cobblestoned streets, not expecting shooting ranges in their backyard. To simulate the defense of Gotland, a U.K. pathfinder platoon last week carried out reconnaissance. Days later, 110 U.K. paratroopers dropped 1,000 feet from two A400M transport aircraft onto an open field before trekking through the night through woods to secure an aircraft-landing zone. Meanwhile, around midnight, a unit of U.S. Marines arrived nearby with a mobile rocket system, which can be deployed quickly in the event of war. Hours earlier, the Marines had been in Norway. After launching the dummy munitionspoles made of concretethe Marines flew the system to Finland for a similar demonstration. The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or Himars, has altered the course of the war in Ukraine since the U.S. provided it in mid-2022. The system fires Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rockets, or GMLRS, with a range of about 45 miles, and longer-range Army Tactical Missile System known as ATACMS, which can shoot up to 186 miles. British paratroopers land on Gotland during an exercise.A British paratrooper jumps out of a plane above Gotland. Ukraine has used the system to hit Russian logistics, tanks, bridges, infantry groups and ammunition depots. Now, the Trump administrations suspension of weapons deliveries to Ukraine threatens to undermine the gains. One of the main tasks facing NATO members is to ensure that their respective military systems function smoothly together. The American-led rocket launch on Gotland relied on complex, multinational communication involving sensors, command-and-control and airfields in several countries. In Lithuania, NATO forces simulated evacuations and treatment of casualties through three types of medical and evacuation systems, each of which belonged to different nations. The pace of technological invention, dominated by private companies rather than governments, has complicated such coordination. Our challenge right now is, how do we keep the alliance tied together with this rapid change?" Saslav said. Write to Sune Engel Rasmussen at sune.rasmussen@wsj.com President Trump is eyeing sanctions against Moscow this week as he grows frustrated by Russian President Vladimir Putins continued attacks on Ukraine and the slow pace of peace talks, according to people familiar with Trumps thinking. The restrictions likely wouldnt include new banking sanctions, one of the people said, but other options are under discussion to pressure the Russian leader into concessions at the negotiating table, including a 30-day cease-fire supported by Ukraine that Russia has long rejected. Trump might also decide not to impose new sanctions. Trump addressed the potential of new sanctions on Sunday, saying that he is absolutely" considering them. Hes killing a lot of people," Trump said of Putin. I dont know whats wrong with him. What the hell happened to him?" Trump is also tiring of the peace negotiations and is considering abandoning them all together if a final push doesnt work, people familiar with his thinking said, a remarkable change for a leader who campaigned on his ability to end the conflict on his first day in office. It is unclear what would happen if the U.S. retreats from the peace process and whether Trump would continue to provide military support to Ukraine. President Trump has been clear he wants to see a negotiated peace deal," said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement to The Wall Street Journal. President Trump has also smartly kept all options on the table." The developments mark a new deterioration in relations between the U.S. and Russiawhich have had ups and downs even in the past few months. Trump came into office believing he was in a unique position to improve ties between the two countries due to what he viewed as his strong personal relationship with Putin. But Trump has been unable to coax major concessions from the Russian leader on a negotiated peace with Ukraine, and Putin has intensified the war recently. Hours after Trumps comments Sunday, Russia launched its largest-ever drone-and-missile assault on Ukraine overnight into Monday. Ukraines air force said Russia launched more than 350 explosive drones and at least nine cruise missiles. The Russians characterized the strikes as retaliation for Ukrainian bombings within Russian territory. On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the U.S., Germany, France and the U.K. would no longer impose range restrictions on Ukraines use of weapons supplied by Western allies, meaning it could target military positions deeper into Russia. To date, Ukraine has only been able to use long range missiles supplied by those countries against Russian troops within a certain range. The Biden administration had opposed removing range limits, fearing it could escalate the war. The White House declined to comment on the restrictions. Over his first few months in office Trumps posture toward Putin has changed frequently. He has considered new sanctions and had harsh words for the Russian leader but has also talked about reducing trade barriers with Russia and opening the country to U.S. investments and deals. Trumps rhetoric on Sunday was notably tough. Ive known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but hes sending rockets into cities and killing people and I dont like it at all," Trump said. Were in the middle of talking and hes sending rockets into Kyiv and other cities. I dont like it at all." It appears from these comments that President Trump is figuring out President Putin," said William Taylor, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. The question isis it serious? Will this be enough to take some steps, to put some sanctions on?" The answer to the question seems to be that Trump is on the verge of concludingor has concludedthat Putin is the obstacle." Emergency workers on Sunday in the debris of a Kyiv-region house destroyed amid Russias attack on Ukraine. For weeks, Trump had been resisting pressure to reprimand Putin for failing to agree to a cease-fire that Ukraine supported. Allies such as Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) told Trump that Putin didnt want a deal, and only punishments would make him seriously negotiate. But three key views colored Trumps thinking, officials said. First was his dislike for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who Trump felt encouraged further conflict by pushing for sanctions, even though Zelensky agreed to a cease-fire. On Sunday, as he blasted Putin, Trump also criticized Zelensky in a post on social media where he said the Ukrainian leader is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does." Trump has also believed that additional sanctions on Russia wouldnt curb its ability to wage war but would hamper efforts to revive U.S.-Russian economic ties. Finally, Trump felt that he knew Putin and that the Russian leader would end the war as a personal favor. Putins unwillingness to budge has soured Trumps view of his counterpart, especially after a phone call last week during which Putin refused to sign on to a cease-fire. In a call with Zelensky and European leaders afterward, Trump said that he didnt think Putin really wanted peace, The Wall Street Journal previously reported. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is also ramping up pressure on Russia. Graham, along with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) introduced a measure to impose new sanctions on Russia and steep tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, gas and uranium, which has attracted backing from more than 80 of their colleagues. Trump is now on a path familiar to previous U.S. presidents who have believed they could work with Putin, only to see their efforts fail. George W. Bush in 2001 said of Putin that he looked the man in the eye" and gleaned a sense of his soul" and had determined that Putin was very straightforward and trustworthy." Later, Putin invaded Georgia. Barack Obama and his administration, in 2009, sought a reset" with Putin, only to be lectured by the leader and later watch him march into Ukraine and seize Crimea. During Trumps first administration, Russia continued to back attacks by separatists in Ukraine and Trump supplied offensive weaponry. On the campaign trail, Trump said Russia wouldnt have invaded Ukraine if he had been in office and has repeatedly said that he could quickly stop the fighting. Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, shortly after we all together win the presidency, we will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled," Trump said in July 2023. It will be settled." Write to Annie Linskey at annie.linskey@wsj.com, Alexander Ward at alex.ward@wsj.com and Josh Dawsey at Joshua.Dawsey@WSJ.com Mumbai: Indias decision to establish a new regulatory board with government representation reflects the desire to manage and control the critical digital public infrastructure, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) that accounts for nearly 80% of all cashless transactions, according to industry experts. Last week, the government notified rules to set up a Payments Regulatory Board, replacing the existing Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement System. It will be chaired by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor, and will have two other RBI members. The central government will nominate three representatives. Also Read | How India pays online: UPI leads with 65% share, EMIs make up 20%in charts UPI is a digital public infrastructure like Aadhaar. Were talking about the payments infrastructure in the country, which is a national critical asset," said Vivek Mandhata, managing director and partner, Boston Consultancy Group (BCG). So the government and regulator together have to define the path, and that's probably the intention why this kind of a committee structure is being set up." The UPI platform processed a record 186 billion transactions worth 261 trillion in FY25. Monthly transaction volumes touched a high of 18.3 billion in March 2025, amounting to 24.8 trillionup 36% on-year by volume and 25% by value, Mint had reported on 4 April. According to the latest data by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the numbers moderated to 17.9 billion transactions worth 23.9 trillion in April. Also Read | RBI gives final approval to PayU for online payment aggregator UPI charges The government has been footing a large part of the bill for digital payments as it hands out UPI-related incentives. UPI is a national crown jewel, and the government wants to control it as much as RBI needs to. And this tussle has been going on for a while now," a senior industry executive said on the condition of anonymity. "Every time UPI goes down for even 30 minutes, it's crisis mode. And at that scale, the government looks at this as a very important asset to monitor and manage," the executive said. It's been 2-3 years now since there's been a push to bring proper economics into the UPI ecosystem. But the holding back is happening through the Centre because they don't want this jewel to get any tarnish at this point." Ranadurjay Talukdar, partner and payments sector leader at EY India, said growing discussions around making UPI chargeable have warranted the need to acknowledge industry voices. Also Read | Mint Explainer: UPI Circles vast potential beyond family and friends It has become almost a political necessity now with the finance ministry needing to step in to clarify every time there is talk of making UPI payments chargeable," he said. "Even so, it is the banks that have been incurring a bulk of the cost, spending crores for digital infrastructure upgrade and upkeep to keep up with the growth in UPI transaction volumes. However, they have made little in terms of UPI revenue," Talukdar said. A lot of it has been thrust down upon the Indian financial services sector by the government and the RBI, and this might finally be an opportunity for banks to actually also be heard in this in this whole bargain," he said, adding that this would include examining what is sustainable such as in terms of physical KYC (know your customer) of merchants. Strategic needs The need for government representation may have also been driven by the need to supervise how money flows in and out of the country. Given that the government and the regulator then have equal stake in policy-making, it would make sense for them to come together for more transparent decision-making rather than one party first formulating the policies and then influencing the other, say experts. Rahul Jain, chief financial officer at NTT Data Payment Services India, cited the example of the Mahadev betting app case. Such incidents have warranted the need for the government to monitor money going out of the country. The government viewpoint seems to define a certain unified methodology so that people dont have to struggle with multiple departments and processes," Jain said, adding that this would also allow much better coordination between government agencies and RBI because there are still a lot of moving parts such as the legal or cyber security aspects which the RBI cannot address itself independently, being a regulator. The creation of the Payments Regulatory Board has been in discussions since 2017 when an inter-ministerial committee recommended setting up an independent regulator for payments-related matters, chaired by a government representative. The RBI had written back to the government in October 2018, advocating that regulations remain within the central bank. The apex bank had then recommended setting up a Payments Regulatory Board headed by the RBI governor with a casting vote, and the government may nominate three members. The government has now notified the Payments Regulatory Board Regulations, 2025 to set up the new regulator. "RBI is still going to be in the driver's seat, in terms of policy setting. They just have the opinion of other stakeholders coming into the process more formally," BCGs Mandhata said, adding that there is an urge to simplify and strengthen the overall payments ecosystem. In the current environment, payments is a critical nerve centre" to control and maintain independence from a geopolitical stability standpoint, according to Mandhata. The government would want to have an overview on the work being done on cross-border payments, including UPI going international and anti-money laundering, which will influence some strategic priorities of the nation, he said, adding that collaboration in this regard would help speed up the pace of change or response in terms of policy and regulation making. EYs Talukdar believes government representation could lead to more uniform policies on aspects such as cryptocurrency, gaming platforms, treatment of foreign operators, and the entry of social media platforms such as WhatsApp and X into the payments space. "If this is a success, there may be areas like digital lending, which is another sensitive area, or MSME lending, where the government could play a role in deciding the course of future policy-making." Beyond RBIs scope Some believe the RBIs role is limited in terms of regulating fintechs and payments platforms, whereas the government might offer a more holistic approach in the regulation of the digital public infrastructure. The government has a much bigger plan on the digital public infrastructure front. It is designing a lot of products such as ONDC, Unified Energy Interface (UEI), and the one thing on their agenda is how to bring interoperability in many of the aspects," NTT Data's Jain said. And there is a big incentive for the government because they don't want the economy to move back towards a cash economy, so they want to be involved as much in influencing that policy," he said. The expanded scope of the board is also expected to include a focus on issues such as finding solutions for increasing cases of cyber fraud, customer grievance redressal and on growing homegrown networks such as UPI and the RuPay card network. Another growing area of discussion has been CBDCs (central bank digital currencies)," said EY Indias Talukdar. Given all that is happening, there would definitely be an imperative or greater push for CBDC interoperability across countries, which is a much bigger agenda for the government than the RBI because it directly impacts trade and reliance on the US dollar." Mumbai: The proposed 20% stake sale in Yes Bank to Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) could unlock a new wave of foreign investment in Indian lenders, if a potential Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval sets a precedent, Fitch Ratings said in a note on Tuesday. The 13,482 crore deal, the largest cross-border investment in the Indian banking sector, comes five years after Yes Bank was rescued by a consortium of Indian banks led by State Bank of India (SBI). A successful transaction with SMBC would allow a partial exit for SBI and other banks involved in that bailout. Indias foreign investment norms cap voting rights for investors in banks at 26%, and investments by financial institutions in Indian banks at 15%, which have deterred such stake sales, Fitch noted. Any move to raise the 26% cap on voting rights or the 15% investment threshold could encourage more foreign bank investors, the global rating agency said. SMBC intends to raise its holding in Yes Bank over time, potentially triggering an open offer, Mint reported on 9 May, citing two bankers familiar with the matter. However, SMBCs voting rights will remain capped at 26%, in line with RBI regulations. We anticipate that there could be opportunities for investments in Indias mid-sized banks by foreign banks looking to expand their presence in India, although we believe the RBIs preference is for foreign banks with strong performance and governance to acquire stakes larger than 26% through wholly owned Indian subsidiaries regulated in India, Fitch said. The RBI has previously allowed the local unit of a foreign bank to take over a struggling domestic lender. In November 2020, the central bank seized control of Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) and forced a merger with the Indian arm of Singapores DBS Bank. That was the first instance of the central bank deploying a foreign-owned bank to stabilize a domestic peer. According to Fitch, foreign banks currently hold about 6% of Indias total banking assets but account for only 3% of total loans, reflecting their limited role in lending. By contrast, Indias top 10 banks control roughly 77% of the sectors loans and deposits. Foreign investor interest in Indian banks is rising, driven by expectations of GDP growth exceeding 6% through FY27, along with low trade risks and improved bank balance sheets following regulatory reforms. However, significant losses due to notable accounting discrepancies and management changes at a mid-sized private bank in the quarter ended 31 March 2025 indicate ongoing governance and oversight challenges, Fitch added. Also read | Sebi reopens insider-trading probe against top IndusInd Bank executives as new evidence emerges ew Delhi: The government has decided to restore certain tax and duty benefits for specified categories of exporters in a move aimed at reviving the competitiveness of Indias overseas trade. The Government of India has announced the restoration of benefits under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for exports made by Advance Authorization (AA) holders, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), and units operating in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the commerce and industry ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. The benefits will be applicable for all eligible exports made from 1 June. The reinstatement comes about four months after the benefits for these categories were suspended, causing concern among exporters reliant on duty-free schemes. Also Read | MSMEs call for relaxations in the new FEMA regulations for exports and imports The decision is part of a broader effort to ensure a level playing field for all exporters, irrespective of the route they use. The RoDTEP scheme had been operational for exports from domestic tariff areas (DTA) even after the benefit was withdrawn for AA, SEZ and EOU shipments on 6 February this year. The RoDTEP scheme, introduced in January 2021 after the World Trade Organization ruled against Indias earlier export incentive programmes, is meant to neutralise the burden of non-creditable taxes and leviessuch as electricity duties and mandi feesthat are not refunded through other mechanisms. Its design is WTO-compliant, and it is entirely digital, allowing for direct transfer of benefits to exporters. Exporters said the restoration offers relief when global demand remains uneven and domestic exporters are coping with thin margins. For small and medium enterprises (SME), which often operate on tight margins, such financial support can make a meaningful difference in pricing their products competitively. More confident "This is a much-needed relief for the SME export community. The withdrawal of RoDTEP benefits earlier this year had disrupted pricing models for many small and mid-sized exporters, especially those operating through SEZs and under advance authorisation. Restoring these incentives will help us compete more confidently in global markets," said Vinod Kumar, president of the India SME Forum. According to government data, India disbursed over 57,976 crore in RoDTEP benefits from January 2021 to March 2025. The government has earmarked 18,233 crore for the scheme in FY26. Also Read | Small firms fear new MSME definitions favour giants, cry foul The benefits will now support 10,780 trade lines for DTA exports and 10,795 product lines for AA, SEZ, and EOU shipments, suggesting that the government intends to ensure broad sectoral support. While industry leaders largely welcomed the move, some of them said the effectiveness of the reinstatement will depend on timely reimbursements and clarity in claim processing. The decision is seen as a much-needed correction in policy, reaffirming Indias intent to create a predictable and equitable export regime amid tightening global competition, said Arun Kumar Garodia, former chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council. According to Ajay Srivastava, co-founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the governments stop-and-start approach to RoDTEP undermines the schemes very purpose and its repeated withdrawal for key export categories creates serious uncertainty. Exporters, especially SMEs, find it difficult to price products or commit to long-term contracts when they cannot rely on consistent support," Srivastava said. "The reinstatement of benefits from 1 June is a welcome step, but it also raises a fundamental questionwhy were they cut off mid-cycle in the first place? If India wants to position itself as a predictable and competitive export hub, RoDTEP coverage must be uninterrupted for at least five years. Frequent policy shifts erode trust and hurt our export credibility in global markets. Micro, small and medium enterprises contribute about 45% of Indias total exports, playing a key role in sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and gems & jewellery. Research and development (R&D) on new telecom technologies will be a key focus area in the draft five-year National Telecom Policy 2025-2030, according to policy draft seen by Mint . The government is targeting spends of 1,000 crore per yearcompared to just 400 crore in FY26to support research in new technologies such as 5G/6G, quantum communications, blockchain, and satellite communication, as part of the upcoming policy. The policy, currently in the draft stage, will be notified soon by the department of telecommunications (DoT), an official said on the condition of anonymity. An improvement in R&D spends will help the country reduce its dependence on telecom equipment imports. However, going by previous years, the annual budget allocation for R&D has been underutilised, as per the Union budget documents. Overall, Indias current R&D spending is low compared to other countries. Compared to the the global average of 2.6%, the Economic Survey 2025 pointed out that India spends just 0.64% of its GDP on R&D. Key Takeaways The draft National Telecom Policy 2025-2030 prioritizes Research and Development (R&D) in new telecom technologies, targeting annual spends of 1,000 crore (up from 400 crore in FY26) to support advancements in 5G/6G, quantum communications, blockchain, and satellite communication. Increased R&D spending is aimed at reducing dependence on telecom equipment imports. India currently spends only 0.64% of its GDP on R&D, significantly lower than the global average of 2.6%, highlighting the need for greater investment in indigenous solutions. The policy proposes establishing a Telecom Software Development Fund and a Sovereign Patent Fund to create a patent pool for widely used telecom technologies, thereby promoting Indias telecom and networking software and fostering innovation among startups and industries. The policy comes as satellite communications and quantum communications gain traction in India. The government aims for India to lead in 6G technology and secure a 10% global share in 6G-related patents, emphasizing the transformative impact of technologies like AI, IoT, and quantum computing. R&D investments will be sourced from the 86,356 crore Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) Fund. The government also plans to encourage the private sector to boost R&D investments, potentially through R&D-linked Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. In a bid to push startups and industries towards new technologies, two fundsTelecom Software Development Fund and Sovereign Patent Fundwould be established to create a patent pool for widely used telecom technologies and promote Indias telecom and networking software, according to the draft of the upcoming policy. The new policy would come at a time when satellite communications is emerging as a new technology area in the country with firms such as Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, Amazons Kuiper, among others. Further, quantum communications, which offer high-security communication channels, is also getting traction in the country. Further, the government has a target to lead in 6G and get 10% global share in 6G-related patents. With the advent of transformative technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and quantum computing, the world is witnessing unprecedented shifts in how economies function, and societies interact. These advancements present India with an unparalleled opportunity to bridge the digital divide, empower underserved populations, and drive equitable growth," DoT said in the policy draft, which is currently undergoing industry consultations. Queries emailed to DoT did not elicit any response till press time. Also read | How Samsung and 20 others missed out on an ambitious incentives scheme We are among the top six countries today that are filing for 6G patents. We have built one of the most robust telecommunication networks and systems across the world which is cutting edge, customer-oriented and service-oriented," communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Monday at the theme launch event of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025. While we talk about opportunities such as this, innovation has to be at the core of our existence." The government will meet its R&D investments from the 86,356-crore Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) Fund, the official cited above said. Besides, the focus will also be to ask the private sector to boost R&D investments. India's gross expenditure on R&D is significantly lower than the global average. This is a long-standing bottleneck in achieving leadership in sectors like telecomThe focus on innovation will encourage and enable startups, academia, and industry to develop indigenous solutions and next-gen telecom technologies," said Harsh Walia, partner at Khaitan & Co. Through better connectivity, citizens will gain access to digital education, telehealth, digital payments, and other online services that improve quality of life. Affordable and high-speed internet in remote and underserved regions will reduce digital divide," Walia said, adding that the government may also introduce R&D-linked Production-Linked Incentive schemes to incentivize firms undertaking domestic innovation alongside manufacturing. The upcoming telecom policy Under the policy, the government is targeting to promote 1,000 tech startups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the telecom sector in emerging technologies. The plan is to also establish 10 centres of excellence for R&D and commercialization of emerging telecom technologies. Besides, a new experimental authorisation for the spectrum in the 95 GHz to 3 THz range will be issued. Authorisation and assignment-exempt operations to be permitted in the 116-123 GHz, 174.8-182 GHz, 185-190 GHz, and 244-246 GHz frequency bands or parts thereof in India. 77-81 GHz frequency range to be opened for authorisation and assignment-exempt operations of automotive radar systems in India," the draft policy said. Besides focusing on R&D and innovation, the upcoming telecom policy will focus on five other strategic missions - universal and meaningful connectivity, domestic manufacturing, secure and trusted telecom network, ease of living and ease of doing business, and sustainable telecom, as per the draft policy. With regard to domestic manufacturing, the government aims to increase domestic manufacturing output in the telecom sector by 100% with significant increase in localization across products. In addition, the target is to double Indias export contribution towards the global telecom and network product market and reduce import of telecommunication equipment by 50%. The telecom equipment sales under the production linked incentive stood at 80,927 crore. Out of this, the exports were at 14,838 crore. According to a 2024 report by NITI Aayog, more than 40% of the telecom equipment such as 4G/5G signal processing units and antenna, are imported from China. There needs to be an import substitution of telecommunication equipment by 100% during 2025-2030 period with products which are designed, developed and manufactured in India," said Rakesh Bhatnagar, director general of VoICE (Voice of Indian Commtech Enterprises), which represents local telecom solution providers. According to Bhatnagar, there is a need for updating the draft version of National Telecom Policy 2025 after Operation Sindoor to reduce dependence on other countries for chips, operating systems and software. The policy has proposed incentivising telecom operators using indigenously designed and manufactured equipment, to ensure self-reliance and promoting domestic R&D. Local R&D builds strategic autonomy, reduces import reliance, and enhances national security. It delivers India-specific, cost-effective solutions suited to rural gaps and diversity. It drives deep-tech jobs, fuels startups, and boosts economic growth," said Vinish Bawa, partner and telecom sector leader at PwC India. To succeed, the government must promote public-private R&D partnerships, incentivize private investment through tax breaks and co-funding, and enable faster approvals, he said. Periodic audits For safe and trusted networks, the government will conduct periodic cybersecurity audits of telecom networks to assess resilience to threats to telecom cyber security. A National Telecom SafeNet will be established to protect the national telecom network, the draft policy said. To enhance security measures, the government will roll out secured unified communication and quantum secure video phones for the government and states. It will promote end-point security for telecom network devices (except mobile, laptop, desktop etc.) by deployment of indigenous endpoint detection & response solutions, according to the draft policy. Earlier, the government had come out with a digital communications policy for the period 2018-22. The 2018-22 policy replaced the National Telecom Policy announced in 2012. Also read | Trai, telecom companies spar over data demand The 2018 policy had set targets to provide universal broadband connectivity, increase the digital communications sectors contribution to GDP to 8% from 6% in 2017, create 4 million jobs, and fiberization of at least 60% of towers, among other areas, by 2022. According to industry executives, in some of the areas such as public Wi-Fi hotspots, tower fiberization, targets for BharatNet connectivity, and home broadband penetration, the progress has been slow. In the new draft policy, the government aims to achieve fiberization of towers from 43% to 80%. The government had set a target to achieve 70% tower fiberization by FY25. Tower fiberization refers to the process of connecting mobile towers to high-speed fiber-optic networks. Over the next five years, the government plans to enable provision of fixed line broadband network from 45 million to 100 million households in the country, deploy 1 million public Wi-Fi hotspots, and use community Wi-Fi networks as an alternative for last mile connectivity. The government is targeting to create 1 million new jobs (direct and indirect) in the telecom products and services sector. Prostarm Info Systems IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Prostarm Info Systems Limited, which hit the Indian primary market on Tuesday, 27 May, entered its second day of bidding today. The public issue will remain open until 29 May 2025. Prostarm Info Systems IPO will remain open from Tuesday to Thursday this week. The company has fixed the Prostarm Info Systems IPO price band at 95 to 105 per equity share. The public issue aims to raise 168 crore by issuing fresh shares, which are proposed to list on the BSE and the NSE. Ahead of the Prostarm Info Systems IPO subscription opening, shares of the company were trading at a premium of 27 per equity share in the grey market. According to stock market observers, company shares are trading at a similar level in the grey market today. Prostarm Info Systems IPO subscription status By 3:06 PM on day two of bidding, the book build issue had been booked 10.51 times, the retail portion had been subscribed 11.49 times, and the NII segment had been booked 20.96 times. The QIB portion has been filled 0.94 times. Top 10 Prostarm Info Systems IPO details 1] Prostarm Info Systems IPO GMP today: Market observers say the company's shares are trading at a premium of 27 in the grey market today. 2] Prostarm Info Systems IPO price: The company has fixed the Prostarm Info Systems IPO price band at 95 to 105 per equity share. 3] Prostarm Info Systems IPO date: The IPO will remain open from Tuesday to Thursday. 4] Prostarm Info Systems IPO size: The public issue aims to raise 168 crore by issuing fresh shares. 5] Prostarm Info Systems IPO lot size: A bidder can apply in lots, and one lot of the book build issue comprises 142 company shares. 6] Prostarm Info Systems IPO allotment date: The most likely date for finalising share allocation is 30 May 2025. 7] Prostarm Info Systems IPO registrar: KFin Technologies Limited has been appointed as the official registrar of the public issue. 8] Prostarm Info Systems IPO investment limit: A retail investor can apply for a minimum of one lot and a maximum of 13 lots. This means the minimum amount required to apply for the book build issue is 14,910 ( 105 x 142), and the maximum investment allowed for a retail investor is 1,93,830 [( 105 x 142) x 13]. 9] Prostarm Info Systems IPO listing date: The public issue is proposed for listing on the BSE and the NSE, and the most likely date for share listing is 3 June 2025. Prostarm Info Systems IPO: Apply or not? 10] Prostarm Info Systems IPO review: On whether the public issue is good or bad for primary market investors, Gaurav Goel, Founder and director at Fynocrat Technologies, said, "Prostarm Info Systems is focusing on a fast-growing area like providing reliable power, storing energy, and supporting clean, green energy solutions. Backed by a diversified customer base, proven financials, and expansion-ready infrastructure, the company appears well-positioned to benefit from rising energy needs in industrial and mission-critical sectors." Gaurav Goyal said, assigning a 'subscribe' tag to the book build issue, "Investors looking for steady, long-term exposure to India's growing power infrastructure ecosystem may consider applying to the IPO based on the company's sound fundamentals and growth potential. However, investors with short-term expectations should note that market sentiment appears neutral, and listing-day performance could depend on broader market conditions. Also, compared to its listed peers trading at higher valuations, Prostarm's IPO is priced more reasonably at a P/E of around 21, which makes it relatively attractive for value-conscious investors." Bajaj Broking has also assigned a 'subscribe' tag to the public issue, saying, "Over the years, it has leveraged expertise, processes and infrastructure to cater to diverse end-use industries such as healthcare, aviation, research, BFSI, railways, defence, security, education, renewable energy, information technology and oil & gas. As of date, PISL is an empanelled vendor for the Airports Authority of India, West Bengal Public Health Engineering Department; West Bengal Electronic Industry Development Corporation Limited; Telangana State Technology Services Limited; Railtel Corporation of India Limited; and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar and Nigam Limited. The company markets its products under its brand, Prostarm. Stock market update: India's benchmark equity index, Nifty 50, rose 0.60% on Monday to close just above the 25,000 mark, buoyed by strong global and domestic cues. A key boost came from the US decision to delay tariffs on imports from the European Union, easing global trade tensions. On the domestic front, the Reserve Bank of Indias record 2.69 trillion dividend to the government lifted sentiment by improving fiscal outlook. All major sectors advanced, with metals, auto, and financials leading the gains. Read this | Can this railway stock manage the risks while chasing long-term growth? Two stocks recommended for today by MarketSmith India for 27 May: Buy: Housing & Urban Development Corp. Ltd (current price: 238.26) Why its recommended: Strong financial performance, government support Key metrics: P/E: 16.83, 52-week high: 353.70, volume: 566.29 crore Technical analysis: Reclaimed its 200-DMA Risk factors: Asset quality and credit risk, high leverage Buy at: 238.26 Target price: 280 in three months Stop loss: 222 Buy: Tata Motors Ltd (current price: 729) Why its recommended: Strong domestic market presence, global and domestic demand recovery Key metrics: P/E: 11.27, 52-week high: 1,179, volume: 952.62 crore Technical analysis: Trendline breakout Risk factors: Intense competition in EV and PV segments, JLR exposure to global macros, and currency volatility Buy at: 729 Target price: 815 in three months Stop loss: 698 Nifty 50: How the benchmark index performed on 26 May Nifty 50 closed at the 25,000 mark on Monday, extending gains for a second straight session, supported by strength in Auto, IT, and Metal stocks. The index opened with a gap-up at 24,919 and quickly climbed to 25,050 within the first hour. It touched an intraday high of 25,080 before encountering profit booking, leading to sideways movement in a narrow range through the rest of the session. On the daily chart, Nifty formed a bullish candlestick with a small upper shadow, reflecting positive sentiment tempered by caution at higher levels. Market breadth improved, with the advance-decline ratio at 11:7, indicating broader participation in the rally. Volume was higher than in the previous session, and the index continues to trade above all key moving averages on both daily and weekly timeframesa structurally positive sign despite recent consolidation. The RSI turned higher, holding in bullish territory near 61, while the MACD remains in a negative crossover, suggesting a mixed short-term setup. According to O'Neils market direction methodology, Nifty has shifted from a Rally Attempt" to a Confirmed Uptrend." Read this | Leela Hotels 3,500 crore IPO to test investor appetite for India's luxury travel boom While the prevailing trend remains optimistic, a sustained move above 25,200 is needed to confirm further bullish momentum. A decisive breakout could open the door for a rally toward 25,70025,800. On the downside, immediate support lies at 24,800, which may provide a cushion in the event of a short-term pullback. Bank Nifty's performance on 26 May Bank Nifty opened with a gap-up on Monday, and traded in a narrow range between 55,875 and 55,307, eventually closing 0.31% higher. The price action formed a long-legged Doji on the daily chart, signalling indecision, but with a bullish undertone, as the index also registered a higher high and higher low. The pattern suggests consolidation with an upward bias. Technically, Bank Nifty appears to be shaping a bullish pennant formation on the daily chart, hinting at a potential continuation of the prevailing uptrend if the index breaks above the 56,000 mark. Meanwhile, Nifty Financial Services (FINNIFTY) rose nearly 0.40%, forming a bullish candle and reflecting broader strength in the financial sector. Bank Nifty continues to trade above all key moving averages and is hovering near its all-time highs across multiple timeframesa structurally positive sign. The RSI is trending higher, currently around 60, indicating improving momentum. However, the MACD remains in a negative crossover, warranting measured optimism. Under O'Neils market direction framework, Bank Nifty has now moved from an "Uptrend Under Pressure" to a "Confirmed Uptrend." Also read | This Murugappa Group stock is down 38% from its peak. But why are investors turning bullish again? The short-term outlook remains constructive. A sustained breakout above 56,000 would confirm bullish continuation and could pave the way for an upside move toward 57,50058,800. On the downside, immediate support is seen around 54,500, which may serve as a near-term cushion. MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. It offers tools and resources to help investors make informed decisions based on the CAN SLIM methodology, developed by legendary investor William J. O'Neil. You can access a 10-day free trial by registering on its website. Trade name: William ONeil India Pvt. Ltd. Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543 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. British American Tobacco Plc plans to sell a stake in Indian tobacco manufacturer ITC Ltd. worth at least $1.36 billion. The Lucky Strike-maker is offering as many as 290 million shares at a floor price of 400 rupees ($4.69) per share, according to terms seen by Bloomberg. The stake accounts for as much as 2.3% of ITCs outstanding shares. BAT will use the proceeds to increase its share buybacks by 200 million to a total of 1.1 billion in 2025, the company said in a statement Tuesday. Its remaining stake in ITC is still seen as a core strategic component of our global footprint, Chief Executive Officer Tadeu Marroco said. Tyre stocks in focus: Shares of CEAT, JK Tyre & Industries, Apollo Tyres and MRF have surged following the release of their March quarter results. Strong financial performance, upbeat management commentary, and continued bullish sentiment from analysts have encouraged investors to increase their exposure to the tyre sector, driving stock prices up by over 20%. Ceats share price has jumped from 3,060 to 3,728 over 16 trading sessions, resulting in a 22% gain following the release of its March quarter results on April 30. The strong performance also pushed the stock past the 4,000 mark for the first time, hitting a fresh all-time high of 4,044 apiece. Likewise, JK Tyre's share price rose over 9% after its March quarter results, while MRF gained 7% following its Q4 figures. Apollo Tyres also saw its share price increase by 5.5%. Replacement demand and stable input costs support tyre makers in Q4FY24 Despite tepid demand for new tyres during the reporting quarter, strong replacement demand from retail customers supported healthy volume growth for tyre manufacturers. In recent quarters, sluggish passenger vehicle sales have prompted tyre makers to increasingly rely on the replacement market to drive overall volumes. Also Read | Ceat set to regain margin muscle, but rising debt may slow the ride A key positive in the March quarter was the stability in raw material prices compared to Q3. However, some of that benefit was partially offset by the depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar. Tyre companies also implemented price hikes during the year, which helped cushion the impact of elevated input costs. Looking ahead to FY26, tyre companies have shared a positive outlook. CEAT expects continued double-digit growth, driven primarily by rising demand in the premium tyre segment. The company recently launched three new premium tyres Run Flat Tyres, Z-rated 21-inch radials, and CALM tyres designed for EVs. CEAT currently holds a market share of 2025% in the electric two-wheeler (E2W) and electric passenger vehicle (E-PV) segments and aims to maintain this share through new order wins. JK Tyre also noted that its premiumization strategy is yielding positive results. Its premium products including Leuitas Ultra, Smart Tyre, Ranger Series, and Puncture Guard tyres in the passenger vehicle segment, along with the XF, XM, and XD series in the commercial segment the company said are witnessing strong market traction. Analysts remain bullish on tyre stocks Analysts remain optimistic about the tyre sectors outlook, citing improving margin potential driven by a sharp decline in crude oil-based raw material costs and easing domestic rubber prices. Crude oil prices have fallen nearly 18% so far this year, which is expected to benefit oil-sensitive sectors like tyres. Following the strong March quarter performance, several domestic and global brokerage firms have reaffirmed their positive stance on leading tyre companies. Japanese brokerage firm Nomura upgraded CEAT stock to 'buy' from Neutral, raising its target price to 3,945 from 3,051. Emkay Global also maintained a 'buy' rating and increased CEAT's share price target to 4,100, while Motilal Oswal reiterated its 'buy' rating with a target of 3,818, noting CEAT's strategic focus on segments like passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, off-highway tyres, and exports, along with disciplined capex, is likely to support long-term margin and free cash flow improvement. Global brokerage CLSA raised its price target on MRF, one of India's most expensive stock, to 168,426 from 128,599, maintaining its 'outperform' rating. CLSAs new target is the highest on the Street, surpassing Anand Rathis earlier peak of 160,000. CLSA added that MRFs superior product portfolio has enabled it to outperform peers and could help it generate free cash flow of 2,700 crore by FY27. In the case of Apollo Tyres, Motilal Oswal maintained its 'buy' rating with a target price of 554. ICICI Securities also reiterated its 'buy' call, raising the price target to 555 from 520. Nomura, meanwhile, adjusted Apollo Tyres target price to 490 from 470 but retained a 'neutral' rating. Snapping their two-day winning run, Indian stock market benchmarks, the Sensex and the Nifty 50, ended with significant losses on Tuesday, May 27. The Sensex opened at 82,038.20 against its previous close of 82,176.45 and crashed 1,055 points, or 1.3 per cent, to an intraday low of 81,121.70. The Nifty 50 opened at 24,956.65 against its previous close of 25,001.15 and dropped 1.2 per cent to an intraday low of 24,704.10. Eventually, paring losses, the Sensex closed 625 points, or 0.76 per cent, down at 81,551.63, while the Nifty 50 settled 175 points, or 0.70 per cent, lower at 24,826.20. The mid and small-cap segments, however, outperformed, ending with mild gains. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices ended 0.18 per cent and 0.19 per cent higher, respectively. The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms dropped to nearly 444 lakh crore from nearly 445 lakh crore in the previous session. Why did the Indian stock market fall today? Here are five key reasons that could be behind the fall in the Indian stock market today: 1. Profit booking amid global weakness Weak global cues appear to have prompted investors to book profits. Major markets in Asia, including Japan's Nikkei and Korea's Kospi declined amid concerns that US President Donald Trump's tax-cut bill will widen the fiscal deficit of the US. Tracking weak global cues, investors are booking profits after recent gains. As many as 40 stocks ended in the red in the Nifty 50 index. 2. Foreign capital inflow dwindles Foreign capital inflow appears to be losing steam. In May, FPIs sold Indian equities intermittently amid a lack of fresh positive triggers. On May 26, FPIs' buying of Indian equities stood at a meagre 135.98 crore. Declining foreign capital inflow is weighing on the Indian stock market. Also Read | Can bulls continue to rule Indian stock market despite FPI selling? 3. Stretched valuations The current price-to-earnings (PE) of the Nifty 50 at 22.6 is above its one-year average PE of 22.15. The domestic market does not have a valuation comfort when earnings have not seen any notable upgrades. Experts expect the market to consolidate in the near term. "In the near term, the market is likely to consolidate around the current levels. Since mutual funds are sitting on sizeable cash, any dip will be bought into, and high valuations will trigger selling on rallies. A sustained rally will happen only when leading indicators suggest a revival in earnings growth. That is some time away," said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments. Also Read | Stocks to buy for long term: Pankaj Pandey of ICICI Securities picks 5 names 4. Geopolitical uncertainty Global uncertainty keeps investors cautious, triggering a sell-on-rise to protect their wealth. Experts highlight that looming geopolitical risks and rich valuations may keep the market on a bouncy track in the short term. "The recent market rally suggests that markets are expecting an improvement in earnings growth in FY26/27, backed by an improving macro. When seen against the backdrop of elevated valuations, I dont think markets are fully pricing in the risks of a messy, protracted negotiations of tariff and trade-related issues with the US and structural issues like low wage growth," Krishnan V R, Chief of Quantitative Research at Marcellus, told Mint. 5. Lack of immediate positive triggers While the medium- to long-term prospects of the Indian stock market remain positive, driven by a healthy macroeconomic outlook, a forecast of an above-normal monsoon, and a strong influx of retail investors, the domestic market is struggling to sustain gains due to a lack of fresh, immediate positive triggers. The market's focus is now on the upcoming Q4 GDP prints on May 30 and the RBI's monetary policy decision on June 6. Read all market-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar Post-pandemic, Indias luggage market began a steady recovery fueled by a surge in travel and weddings. Safari Industries Ltd, the countrys second-largest luggage company, rode this revival well, but VIP Industries Ltd, the market leader, lost ground. VIPs market share dropped, inventory piled up, and debt increased, weighing on the stocks performance. The companys share price hit a 52-week low of 248 on 7 Aprila level last seen during the pandemicdown from the stocks all-time high of 775 that it reached on 1 April 2022. To arrest the slide, VIP initiated a restructuring that included an inventory liquidation and a balance sheet repair. These efforts are now showing early signs of revival. Its share price recovered about 43% from 248 on 7 April to 355.40 at the end of trading on 27 May. As the market leader, VIP is aiming for a turnaround in FY26. But how far has the recovery come and what lies ahead? A hard turn VIPs earlier dominance came from its leadership in soft luggage, in line with customer preferences at the time. But as demand shifted towards hard luggage, this positioning turned into a headwind. Soft luggage inventory piled up due to weaker demand, while hard luggage inventory remained lean at around 15 days. As of March 2024, VIP held inventory worth 916 crore. Of this, nearly 300 crore was soft luggage, enough to last six months given that the company was selling 50 crore worth of luggage each month. Yet, VIP chose not to aggressively discount the stock on its inventory as most of it was relatively new. Demand didnt pick up meaningfully, hurting performance. This was reflected in the numbers. VIPs Ebitda margin dropped 670 basis points to 9.1% in FY24 as sales growth lagged and fixed costs surged. Net profit fell 65%. Working capital days rose from 89 in March 2023 to 135 in March 2024. To fund operations, borrowings increased sharply. Net debt surged nearly 4x to 485 crore in March 2024, up from 122 crore a year earlier. Finance costs doubled from 28 crore to 55 crore. Meanwhile, competitors adapted faster. Safari had already pivoted to hard luggage, giving it an edge. Both Safari and Samsonite gradually gained market share at VIPs expense. VIPs market share declined from 47% in 2020 to 38% in 2024, while Safaris market share increased from 25% to 32% in this period. At the same time, VIP was slower in scaling e-commerce, which made it harder to move inventory. The build-up in inventory and working capital needs, coupled with aggressive discounting by new-age brands, added further pressure to recovery efforts. An operational reset These challenges prompted business restructuring. VIP brought in the Boston Consulting Group to lead the restructuring, which was aimed at market share growth, margin recovery, revenue growth, cost optimization, and debt reduction. Consequently, VIP discontinued production of upright soft luggage and started liquidating soft luggage stock at discounted prices. At the same time, VIP shifted its focus to premiumization, e-commerce growth, and hard luggage. In FY25, VIP reduced its inventory by 218 crore, mainly from the 300 crore soft luggage pile. Inventory volumes declined from 6.3 million pieces in FY24 to 3.8 million by the end of FY25. With leaner inventory, VIPs sales volume increased 11% in FY25. However, price growth lagged behind volume growth due to lower realization from inventory liquidation at discounted prices. Revenue grew only 3% to 2,178 crore in FY25. But with the liquidation phase nearing its end, revenue is likely to improve as sales begin to normalize at better realizations. Additionally, growth will benefit from a low base in FY25. Also read | Trents 1,000% rally takes a breather. Can a Sensex rejig revive its fortunes? Margin erosion followed inventory liquidation The impact of liquidation was more profound on VIPs margins. Gross margin fell 660 basis points to 46% in FY25, weighed by lower realization. Ebitda margin declined to 4% from 9% as the cost of goods sold rose 11% to 1,185 crore. As margins collapsed, VIP swung to a loss of 69 crore in FY25 from a 54 crore profit in FY24. Positive signs VIP also focused on optimizing costs and cutting inefficiencies. It shut 133 unprofitable stores in FY25, mostly in tier 3 and 4 towns, and opened just 32 outlets in high-footfall locations. Its cost-control efforts have started to reflect in its numbers. Total expenses dropped 8%, driven by a 20% reduction in manpower costs and a 5% decline in other expenses. Manpower now accounts for 10% of revenue, down from 12% in FY24. The lower inventory helped reduce working capital days to 106 in March from 135 a year earlier. VIPs cash flow from operations also increased, enabling it to repay borrowings, leading to a 118 crore reduction in net debt in FY25. Net debt now stands at 367 crore. Category-wise salience has also improved. Soft luggage now contributes 16% of VIPs revenue, down from 24% previously, while hard luggage accounts for 60% of its portfolio, up from 52%. As for VIPs distribution channels, e-commerce now accounts for 31% of the mix, registering a healthy 40% growth. Margin recovery and premiumisation With leaner inventory, VIP has started reducing excess warehousing. In Q4FY25, it surrendered 400,000 sq.ft. of warehouse space; another 300,000 sq.ft. is set to be released shortly. These moves are expected to support margin expansion starting this quarter (Q1FY26). VIP aims to reduce its inventory by another 150 crore in FY26, alongside debt reduction. With lower debt, its financing cost should also come down, thereby increasing its profitability. VIP now plans to hold soft-luggage inventory at natural demand levels (75,000-80,000 pieces). Management has hinted that demand for soft luggage could rebound, especially in the premium segment. Within product categories, most product launches will continue to be in hard baggage. VIP plans to maintain its e-commerce share at 30%, meaning online and offline channels will grow equally. The company is focusing on increasing its premiumization share in e-commerce. Brand-wise, the company plans to push its Carlton, VIP, and Skybags brands to grow its premium segment, which has lagged in the last 3-4 years. VIP aims to increase its share in the premium segment (excluding Aristocrat) from 54% to 60%. The company has also stepped up marketing efforts, which are yielding positive results. VIP expects to grow faster than the industry average of 12% by 1-2 percentage points. It will focus on the top 14 cities for store expansion to ensure better store-level profitability. The company plans to open 50 stores in FY2620 Carlton-exclusive and 30 VIP Lounge storestargeting high-value urban markets to support premium positioning and revenues. Valuation offers room for rerating FY25 was a year of consolidation and operational reset for VIP Industries. While the company took a hit on margins and posted a loss, foundational fixes are in place. Management expects the benefits of restructuring to start reflecting from Q1FY26. Meanwhile, VIP trades at a price-to-sales multiple of 2.4x, a 62% discount to Safari, which trades at 6.3x. VIP now appears better placed to ride the recovery, but a rerating will depend on sustained improvement in margins and return to profitability. Also read | IDFCs growth hits a speed bump. Is the stocks bounce-back at risk? About the author: Madhvendra has over seven years of experience in equity markets and has cleared the NISM-Series-XV: Research Analyst Certification Examination. He specialises in writing detailed research articles on listed Indian companies, sectoral trends, and macroeconomic developments. Disclosure: The writer does hold the stocks discussed in this article. The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points, and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educational purposes only. When Hansel Vaz, the man behind Goas Cazulo Premium Feni, relaunched Dona Maria recently, it marked a rare full circle moment wherein an alcohol brand was brought back after it had been shelved. The year 1983 was pivotal for the Vaz family. Six years prior, Wilson Vaz began Vaz Liquor Industries in the state, and realised the need to create a brand within the family instead of just white labelling alcohol for other brands. It led to the creation of Donna Maria feni, named after his grandmother Maria Vaz and his wife Melanie Maria Vaz. The same year, his son Hansel was born. Donna Maria ran successfully for more than 25 years, but Hansel decided to pull the plug on the brand in 2014 after margins had drastically reduced, and feni started to be looked down upon as a cheap country liquor. He decided to launch a premium feni brand called Cazulo. At the Goa Cashew Festival 2025 recently, Hansel relaunched Dona Maria and brought back the Vazs first family brand into the market. From Donna to Dona Goa in the 1980s was a different place altogether. The local spirit feni was one of the items, along with Goan cashew that the diaspora spread across Mumbai, Delhi and London never forgot to pack on their return journeys at the end of summer holidays. It didnt matter that the spirit was packed in plastic bottles and there were less than a handful of brands selling feni. Back then, people had confidence in the product and their main criteria was that the spirit had to be easy to carry," Hansel says. The brand also created some unforgettable memories for their villagers in Cuncolim during that decade. Hansel remembers the entire village coming together to pack a large order of feni ordered for export to the Middle East by Hindustan Unilever. We needed 15 people just to process the order. We were making rice to turn into glue that would seal the bottles. The folks came in an Ambassador car and I was later treated to a meal at Mandovi, the most exclusive restaurant at the time," he recalls. When the brand wanted to make coconut feni, they decided to use green bottles and instantly created a boom with the bottles as it was something no one had ever seen before. But it is the label that comes with the most interesting backstory. View Full Image The old and new labels of Dona Maria feni. The original label was made by JJ School of Arts alumni David Fernandes, but it had one glaring error in the name. The brand was spelled as Donna Maria instead of Dona Maria. Hansel says this was a misunderstanding. The extra N alphabet denotes a term of respect much the same way Don Julio tequila is named." Also read: India's bars get creative with zero-proof drinks The bottle art was hand-painted by Fernandes with the words cashew fenny in big letters to distinguish it from the other popular white spirit of the time vodka. The rebranded version finally corrects the error, and is named Dona Maria, but theres no 'cashew fenny' written on it. Hansel, with his aggressive push for feni over the past decade, has ensured that people dont confuse it with any other spirit. The new label also comes with a cork and wax seal bearing the family emblem designed by Wilson. When he first saw the new bottle, Wilson couldnt help but smile. I was desperate to get a reaction out of him," Hansel says simply of the moment. The Dil Chahta Hai effect Domestic tourists first began discovering the charms of Goa after the massive success of Dil Chahta Hai, the Aamir Khan starrer directed by Farhan Akhtar in 2001. The movie changed Goa and feni forever, according to Hansel. Donna Maria was one among five-odd brands such as Big Boss and Cajulana among others selling feni in the state until then. But the jump in domestic tourists saw over a thousand feni brands launching at the turn of the century, leading to an alarming dip in quality and rise in prices. Donna Maria was selling at INR 150 in 2013 and with a turnover of just INR 3 lakh in the entire year, it became clear that the brand wouldnt survive any longer. Feni had acquired a bad taste over the previous decade, and locals had gone back to their trusted sources for the spirit. I didnt know how to break the news to my parents so I just said someone had forgotten to register the label that year (in 2014). They met the news with absolute silence at the time. I wanted to relaunch since 2018 because my parents are now in their 70s, and this is their legacy," Hansel says. Hansel was already working on Cazulo, a more premium version of feni to raise standards and prices of the spirit. It took him a year to figure out the entire process and the spirit stayed in barrels until they were ready to launch in the market. When Cazulo Premium Feni hit stores in 2018, it was a one-year rested bottle selling for INR 600 that shocked locals who feared the spirit was going out of their hands. Dona Maria will sell for the same amount with the relaunch. Balancing brands Hansel says that there is space for a good feni brand at the lower end of the price point in the market today where Dona Maria can make a mark. While Cazulo now sells for INR 900 a bottle, most other new-age feni brands sell for even higher prices. Its a calculated move to launch at a lower price point because no one is playing at that price point," he adds. More than the price, its the renewed nostalgia that has caught Hansel by surprise. When his team approached retail stores with the new bottle, many old-timers looked back with fondness at the brand. This is also the target audience that Hansel wants to go after. According to him, while Cazulo is a feni brand for everyone interested in the spirit, Dona Maria is for a Goan who wants to drink at home with friends and family." The first batch of Dona Marias 6500 bottles is now available in Goa for sale, but not without its own glitch. Hansels team had asked for a red seal but received a magenta-purple seal, something that will be unique only to the first batch of Dona Maria along with yet another story to pass on to the family about its most cherished brand. Also read: World cocktail day: Mixology goes high-tech with fancy bar equipment Priyanko Sarkar is a Mumbai-based writer covering the F&B industry. At Dharmaveer auditorium at Punes Savitribai Phule University two weeks ago, a few women from tribal communities talked about the produce they had on display, while some from Gujarat took photographs, and others explained to other visitors the use of headphones to get live translations of sessions. A lot was going on all at once at the three-day conference, from 7-9 May, which was attended by more than 500 women farmers from 17 states to mark the 10th anniversary of Mahila Kisan Adhikar Manch (Makaam), the women farmers rights alliance. The women exuded confidence, camaraderie and wisdom but beneath it all ran the deeper issues, long-term challenges and the uphill journey they have been tackling for a decade. Also read: The march of women farmers Given that everywhere, on every piece of farmland, women do all kinds of jobs from sowing to harvesting, it may seem odd that there has to be a full-fledged movement to get them rights. But thats exactly what Makaam has been working on since April 2014to have women farmers recognised as farmers and consequently, the access and rights that male farmers have. This includes land rights, fair wages, access to government schemes, and most importantly, protection from structural violence. Among the female workforce, more than 65% depend solely on agriculture and yet most are called workers" or labourers" and not recognised as farmers, according to data from the 2011 Census. This is despite the 2007 National Agriculture Policy, which says a farmer should be recognised as such irrespective of ownership of land, and which includes cultivators, forest-dependent people, tenant farmers, agri labourers and fisherfolk within the definition of a farmer. It is impossible for a woman in a far-flung village to express what she feels to even people around her. Suddenly we get a platform where we meet other women farmers who understand and empathise and are willing to do something about it. It is a big thing," says Suneeta Kashyap, a farmer from Naini village, near Ranikhet in Uttarakhand. The solidarity and sisterhood that Kashyap is referring to is one of the strengths of the network. Women have been surviving discrimination, exploitation and violence for decades in farms and homes, and one of the core focus areas for Makaam is combating structural violence. Seema Kulkarni, Makaam founding member and Maharashtra coordinator, says violence takes various forms when it comes to women farmers. If a relative abuses you on the field, is it domestic violence or harassment at work? Denial of land rights is a form of violence. Refusal to acknowledge their contribution and refusal to pay is structural violence." She points to the grim figures of suicides among women farmers, often counted as homemakers/housewives instead of as farmer suicides to explain how womens rights, labour and their very existence are constantly undermined. At the meeting in Pune, women from different states shared their stories and struggles of encountering violence and how they dealt with it. These discussions not only help build solidarity but also bring crucial issues to the public domain. In the past decade, the members have steadfastly focused on three principles: samvad (dialogue), sangharsh (resistance/struggle) and nirman (creation/production). Kavitha Kurunganti, one of the founding members, vividly remembers how it all began: In April 2014, around 22 of us met in Nagpur for two days to discuss how adequate attention and a space can be carved for women farmers." The figures she quotes from various sources are stark: women own only 11.8% of the agricultural land, according to 2021 government data, which has direct implications for access to loans, seeds and schemes. Women farmers get only 50-75% of mens wages, while doing more than 60% of agricultural jobs exclusively. Though there were strong movements for agroecology, womens rights, social equity and farmers issues, rights of women farmers slipped through the cracks in each of these movements," says Kurunganti. Makaam was a result of that deliberation and the late Mina Swaminathan, a leading educationist and feminist, gave the group its name, which translates to destination" in Hindi. Fighting corporate control and patriarchy is at the heart of their efforts to create a more sustainable, alternative food production system. We are a loose but strong network, not a formal organisation," says Kulkarni. We rely on domestic funding, work through collective leadership, and stay grounded in the states and communities where women are organising," she says. The network has spread to 20-22 states though its most active members are in 10-12 states, including Maharashtra, Telangana and Punjab. This is not the first such group, but it is one of the first such womens farmers alliances bringing together various other networks, campaigns, movements, collectives, organisations and individuals advocating for the right to livelihood for women farmers. Kurunganti explains that the platform has associations with around 200 organisations and individuals, such as the four-decade-old Deccan Development Society that works with nearly 5,000 Dalit and indigenous small women farmer groups. Such partnerships give them the strength of a grassroots network and flexible organisation. This model of collective leadership, free of hierarchy and rooted in democracy, could serve as a blueprint in a sector facing daily challenges from climate change and increasingly at the mercy of corporate and political interests. Agricultural expert Navsharan Singh, who has worked extensively in Punjab, says Makaams simultaneous focus on advocacy and mobilisation is impactful. Experiences of women farmers have been intense and different Makaams work has led to foregrounding women in policy," says Singh. The policy interventions Makaam has been involved in include getting the Central government to release the data of land records with identifiable listings of women land owners under the 2008 digital modernisation programme. They have successfully intervened in including women farmers in implementation of the Forest Rights Act by registering their titles or joint titles and claims for CFR (community forest resource) rights. Exclusion in employment and land rights pushes women further into poverty and vulnerability," says Singh. Singh says the alliances future challenges are many, given the serious implications of climate change and the policy direction towards corporatised farming. She points out that the Draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing that aims to reimagine the agricultural marketing ecosystem in India is yet another attempt to corporatise the sector", adding that the only way forward is resistance." Given the fact that neither the government nor society recognises women farmers, Makaams work is critical. Along with cultural invisibilisation, women are also structurally pushed to the lowest end of agriculture," says social anthropologist and agrarian expert A.R. Vasavi. No policy is women-centric and much more recognition and encouragement is required." This aspect of advocating for policy that considers womens needs often came up during the panel discussions and in questions from the audience. We want to build stronger, membership-based forums for women farmers, so that this movement is not just about advocacy but about mass-based, organised power," says Kulkarni. Importantly we want to ensure that the future of Indias agriculture is feminist, just, and sustainableand that women are at the very centre of this transformation." Kashyap from Uttarakhand is one of the people who has seen in action the benefits of that mass-based power while negotiating prices for women farmers who are part of the local organisation Umang (the 16-year-old Umang is also a member of Makaam). At Umang, we accept any amount of produce from women farmers, small or large, and ensure that everyone gets a fair rate. Because of our efforts, not only do farmers from our village get a good rate, but even neighbouring villages check what we are doing and try to follow. When we go to meet officials through Makaam, we are able to put forward our case and are often successful." Umang has 2,500 women members and works in 100 villages in the Kumaon region. We have proven that we can work towards holistic development," she says, emphasising the power of sisterhood. Our success comes from nurturing relationships and creating networks and bonds to work together." Prachi Pinglay-Plumber is an independent journalist and professor of practice at Central Campus, CHRIST University, Bengaluru. Also read: A deep dive into rubber's living legacy The 78th Cannes Film Festival wrapped up last week with an updated dress policy: nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival." However, that didn't stop sheer, see-through sparkly dresses from appearing on the red carpet. The nude dress has often generated a lot of debate. Some see it as an attention seeking tool, while others hail it as a way to embrace one's femininity. Reflecting her desire to celebrate her cultural roots, Gucci's global brand ambassador Alia Bhatt wore a custom "nude" three-piece set, embroidered with crystals in a GG Monogram pattern, that looked lehnga inspired. Another naked" beaded dress was worn by Dakota Johnson at the Kering Women in Motion Awards at Cannes. Her outfit featured a sporty, halter-like neckline, as well as a fitted bodice and a diaphanous skirt. Also read: How the military has defined menswear fashion Halle Berry, too, thumbed her nose at the no-nudity rule and sparkled in a sheer crystal-encrusted Gucci halter dress. View Full Image Halle Berry (AFP) Paris Jackson deserves a mention too, as she attended the Cannes 2025 amfAR Gala in an almost nude gown that exposed her flesh-toned knickers. So did British model and TV presenter Leomie Anderson. View Full Image Paris Jackson (Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP) Homegrown designer label Shivan & Narresh have experimented with the naked dress over the years. Shivan Bhatiya, founder-head designer, points out that naked dressing was evident throughout this yearat the Grammys, various music awards, and the Met Gala. "Alia's look was especially impressive. They (Gucci) were able to give a nude look without making it look obscene," he says. Also read: How to make knitwear cool for the summer When it comes to adapting the nude", or nude-coloured, look for everyday wear, it really depends on the occasion. "For evenings, sticking to monotones works beautifullymonotone outfits are a safe bet for both day and night," he suggests. If one's wearing separates, one should try pairing a nude top with printed trousers or skirts for a stylish contrast. Designer Shweta Kapur of label 431-88 observes that the nude trend at Cannes was a mood. "Its less about showing skin and more about celebrating it. Theres something unapologetically powerful about baring it all in such a refined, intentional way. Its not loud, its not tryingit just is. That effortless sensuality, the kind that doesnt need validation. Thats the energy," she says. Bringing the nude trend into your everyday wardrobe is all about contrast and confidence. "Incorporate sheer nude turtlenecks under oversized blazerspolished, but with just enough skin to keep it interesting. Or a sand-toned slip dress layered with a cropped utility jacket and chunky boots. Its about soft fabrics in strong shapes: nude mesh tops with sharp trousers, second-skin bodysuits under structured denim," Kapur says. One can even play with tonal layeringmixing creams, beiges, taupesfor that 'undone but intentional' vibe. The trick? Dont over-style. Let the skin-toned palette speak for itself. Priyanka Kathuria, founder, wardrobe consultancy Altique, suggests layering a sheer blouse over a bralette or a tank top. "You can also play with sheer sleeves or panels, or structured gowns that come with side cutouts," she suggests. Manish Mishra is a Delhi-based writer and content creator. Also read: How to cinch it with a cummerbund like Shah Rukh Khan Five years ago, Mitali Chauhan was burnt out. She was suffering from chronic fatigue, palpitations, and anxiety. What drew her out of her angst was regulating the vagus nerve through EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique, a powerful self-help method that involves tapping gently on specific acupressure points while voicing the truth of what youre feeling. Now, at 34, she is a trained EFT Practitioner and founder of Servingyouniverse, a global wellness platform based in Mumbai. Chauhan found help through self-study and research, but across the country, more than 14% of the total population in India suffers from variations of mental disorders as per a Statista Research Department Report from December 2023. Also read: Why gut health and probiotics are taking centre stage in India To effectively manage overwhelming stress or anxiety, it is crucial to understand how the nervous system works. Dr Kersi Chavda, consultant, psychiatry, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim, Mumbai, explains. When you feel threatened, your sympathetic nervous system kicks in, triggering a cascade of physical responses: increased heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and heightened alertness. This response is useful for survival in short bursts but can be damaging when it becomes chronic. That is where the parasympathetic nervous system comes inspecifically, the vagus nerve, which plays a central role in calming the body and restoring balance". So what is the vagus nerve and how does it help in combatting chronic stress? The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve and is one of the longest and most important nerves in your body, elaborates Chavda. It starts at the brain stem and runs through the neck into the chest and abdomen, sending signals to vital organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. Its job is to regulate functions that help the body relax and recoverlowering heart rate, aiding digestion, and reducing inflammation. When the vagus nerve is functioning wellwhat is called high vagal toneyoure more resilient to stress, and your body returns to calm more quickly after being triggered," adds Chavda. REGULATE THROUGH MEDITATION One of the simplest and most effective methods to regulate the vagus nerve is meditation. Dr Ruchi Dahiya, an Art of Living faculty, ENT surgeon, and ex-naval officer from New Delhi describes meditation as a super powerful charger that gives you abundant energy and clarity of perception. When you regularly practice meditation you will notice that events dont throw you off when you have a strong vagal tone because it has deeply relaxed the whole system", she elucidates. For checking the benefits of yogic practices, she suggests starting with 10-20 deep full breaths also known as yogic breaths. She then suggests a few rounds of Kapalbhati and Bhastrika pranayama followed by Nadi Shodhana or Anulom Vilom pranayama and Bhramari pranayama. She also affirms the transformative powers of practicing Sudarshan Kriya, a well-researched meditation technique that uses breathing patterns to attain the deepest possible meditative state. At the same time, she advises precaution: I strongly believe that there is no shortcut when it comes to mastering your mind. If someone is looking to achieve complete mastery over ones mind, they need a path and a Guru." FOCUS ON THE SENSES The 5-4-3-2-1 technique is another method to combat stress. Widely attributed to psychotherapist Betty Alice Erickson, who developed it in the mid- to-late 1900s, this simple grounding exercise helps manage stress and anxiety by focusing on the senses. Here, you name five things you see, four you can touch, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste. This sensory focus shifts your attention from anxious thoughts to the present moment. By engaging multiple senses and focusing on the present moment, the technique interrupts the fight-or-flight response, shifting the bodys focus towards the parasympathetic nervous system, which the vagus nerve is a key part of. TAP INTO EFT Chauhan trained under EFTMRA (Emotional Freedom Techniques and Matrix Reimprinting Academy) India, and explains how EFT works as an effective method to regulate the vagus nerve. It is a science-backed therapeutic tool that combines cognitive reframing with somatic tapping on acupressure points to regulate the nervous system and calm the fight-or-flight response, she says. By accessing the subconscious mind, EFT helps release deeply held emotional blocks, rewire limiting beliefs, and reprint new empowering narratives. When the vagus nerve is regulated through EFT, we breathe better, feel safer, and access our full potential. Its not just stress reliefits the nervous system healing," she elaborates. MOVE EVERY DAY Physical movement cannot be discounted in enabling vagus nerve regulation. Activities like walking, yoga, tai chi, dancing, swimming, and even light stretching encourage steady breathing and heart rate, which stimulate the vagus nerve. These movements can improve heart rate variability, reduce inflammation, and help the body shift from a stressed state to a calmer one. If you are in freeze mode and feel unable to do anything, try to do something out of your comfort zone. Even something small like eating or brushing your teeth with a non-dominant hand can fire up neurons in your brain that can get you out of fight or flight mode. These actions work by activating muscles that are connected to vagal pathways. Over time, practicing these techniques can lead to better emotional regulation, less anxiety, improved digestion, and a greater sense of well-being. NON-INVASIVE TECH Though stimulating the vagus nerve does not always require surgery or devices, sometimes an external push can be helpful, like Mumbai-based mental health care startup InnerGizes eponymous wellness wearable. Comprising a discreet wearable and an app, it leverages Neuro-Acoustic Vagal Modulation technology to activate the vagus nerve . The mild buzzing of the wearablepriced 12,400 stimulates the nerve, shifting the brain from fight-or-flight to rest-and-recovery. Stress activates our most primal survival instinct through the sympathetic nervous system, this directly impacts gut and heart health. From a simple biological perspective, the vagus nerve acts as a counterbalance to these responses. It lowers heart rate and blood pressure and regulates gut function, explains Dr Siddhant Bhargava, co-founder & CEO, InnerGize. The vagus nerve is also very closely connected to our mental health. When regulated, the nerve promotes the production of neurotransmitters that contribute to mental well-being. The non-invasive wearable, Bhargava explains, trains the nerve to build a natural resistance to stress. People can use it at their discretion although we recommend using it for 10 minutes every day." The InnerGize wearable is recommended for adults of all ages. However, those under the age of 18 and over the age of 65 should consult their healthcare providers before using any bioelectronic device. TECHNIQUES TO KEEP CALM You can engage the vagus nerve naturally through simple, consistent daily practices. Dr Kersi Chavda lists a few: Techniques like deep, slow breathing (especially diaphragmatic or belly breathing) are powerful because they signal safety to the brain. Cold exposure, such as splashing cold water on the face or taking cold showers, activates the vagus through a reflex that slows the heart and promotes calm. Mind-body practices like meditation, yoga, tai chi, and slow mindful movement have all been shown to improve vagal tone. Simple activities such as humming, singing, gargling, or getting a gentle massage of the neck or feet can regulate the vagus nerve. Aditi Sarawagi is an independent writer who covers wellness, travel and food. Also read: How wearable tech can help women fight breast cancer The Karnataka Bank provides for a credit card in collaboration with SBI Cards. The card is known as the Karnataka Bank SBI Card PRIME. This is a premium credit card developed for aspirational credit card users who are seeking a blend of rewards and lifestyle benefits. This card provides advantages such as reward points on various expenditures, milestone based gift vouchers, complimentary lounge access etc. You can avail this credit card and make the most of its benefits by following just four simple steps Eligibility criteria Age: Aspirational applicants must be between 21 and 70 years old. Aspirational applicants must be between 21 and 70 years old. Income: A stable annual income is mandatory, generally a net monthly income of 50,000 or more. A stable annual income is mandatory, generally a net monthly income of 50,000 or more. Credit score: A good credit score, between 750 and 900 ideally, can significantly boost chances of approval. A good credit score, between 750 and 900 ideally, can significantly boost chances of approval. Residency: The applicant must be an Indian citizen with valid address proof such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID document etc. Note: The eligibility discussed above is illustrative in nature. Refer to the official website of Karnataka Bank for more details and updated terms and conditions. Process of application Visit the official website: Reach out to the Karnataka Bank SBI Card PRIME page to initiate the process of application submission. Click on 'Apply Now' option: This will redirect you to the SBI Card application portal where the entire application will be filled and submitted. Fill in the application form: Provide necessary personal and financial details as requested and submit the online application. Keep basic documents such as Voter ID, Aadhaar card etc., handy while submitting the form. Submit required documents: Upload documents such as identity proof, address proof, and income proof. For the same you must have digitally scanned copies of your essential documents such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, Voter ID card etc. Also Read | Axis Bank ACE Credit Card: Complete online application guide Key features Annual Fee: 2,999 + GST with a waiver on annual spends above 3 lakhs. 2,999 + GST with a waiver on annual spends above 3 lakhs. Welcome gift: E-Gift voucher worth 3,000 from select brands as soon as you avail the card. E-Gift voucher worth 3,000 from select brands as soon as you avail the card. Reward points: 20 points per 100 on utility bill payments; 10 points per 100 on dining, groceries, movies and departmental stores. 20 points per 100 on utility bill payments; 10 points per 100 on dining, groceries, movies and departmental stores. Lounge access: 4 complimentary international and 8 domestic airport lounge visits per year. Note: The features discussed above are illustrative in nature. For the updated terms, conditions and features refer to the official website of Karnataka Bank. Additional benefits Milestone rewards: E-Gift vouchers worth 1,000 on quarterly spends of 50,000 and 7,000 on annual spends of 5 lakh. E-Gift vouchers worth 1,000 on quarterly spends of 50,000 and 7,000 on annual spends of 5 lakh. Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% waiver on transactions between 500 and 4,000, capped at 250 per month. 1% waiver on transactions between 500 and 4,000, capped at 250 per month. Fraud liability cover: Complimentary cover of 1 lakh. Note: The additional benefits discussed above are illustrative in nature. For the updated terms, conditions and additional benefits refer to the official website of Karnataka Bank. Also Read | Credit card for NRIs: Everything you need to know before applying For any more updates, clarifications and details on how to apply visit the official website of Karnataka Bank. You can also discuss your doubts and problems with the designated customer service team of Karnataka Bank by reaching them out on the number: 1800 425 1444. To enhance transparency in the system, the mutual fund industry has started publishing quarterly reports of mis-selling by MF distributors and the action taken against them. A review of the statutory disclosures provided by the top 20 asset management companies (AMCs) in the country shows that only four fund housesHDFC AMC, Nippon AMC, Kotak AMC, and Axis AMCreported six cases of mis-selling by MF distributors for the January-March period. Other companies marked the field as NA/Nil. "Six reports of mis-selling cases among crores of investors seem like a drop in the ocean. A huge number goes unreported. However, it's good for a start," said Kavitha Menon, RIA and founder of Probitus Wealth. Five of the six cases involved alleged unauthorised switch transactions, which involve distributors switching from one scheme to another without informing the client. This is generally done when the second scheme fetches the distributor a higher commission. When the first scheme is sold to buy the new scheme, the investor may be subject to capital gains tax. Sebi mandated that from1 April 2025, switches from an existing scheme to an NFO will fetch the distributor the lower commission between the two schemes. Switches to the existing schemes with higher commission are still permitted. For instance, Nippon AMC reported that a distributor did an unauthorised switch of 12 lakh from Nippon India Large Cap Fund to Nippon India Innovation Fund. The first fund has a regular total expense ratio (TER) of 1.54%, whereas the second fund has 1.99%. Higher regular TER suggests the distributor might be getting a higher commission on the second scheme. TER is the cost that an AMC recovers for managing funds. Regular TER includes distributors' commissions, while direct plans don't include commissions. Other instances of unauthorised switches do not mention the schemes involved. All six cases of mis-selling were reported by the unitholders themselves, although complaints can be received from various sources, including AMCs Internal Monitoring & Surveillance mechanism, social media, the newspaper, another ARN holder, Sebi, and AMFI. Emails sent on 20 May to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi), HDFC AMC, Nippon AMC, Kotak AMC, and Axis AMCs that reported cases of mis-selling did not elicit any response. View Full Image Mint Also Read: Why you cannot complain to Sebi about unregistered investment advisors Fake identity Kotak AMC received a complaint from a unitholder that a switch transaction of 90 lakh was done without their knowledge. The company's attempts to contact the AMFI registration number (ARN) holder, Reenu Choudhary, in February and September 2024 failed.ARN is a unique number given to individuals and entities who have a licence to sell mutual funds and can earn a commission. According to the report, senior officials were informed that she had shifted to a different location. Much later, the ARN holder's spouse finally picked up the officials' call and said the couple was unaware of such transaction. The couple claimed that the ARN was used by a neighbour who had previously worked for Yes Bank. Kotak AMC said they found that this person had left the bank. ARN holder has also given a written statement stating the facts," said Kotak AMC in the quarterly mis-selling report. HDFC AMC also reported an unauthorised switch transaction from the same ARN worth 2.1 crore. While HDFC AMC de-empanelled the ARN number, Kotak AMC suspended the ARN. The AMFI website shows that the ARN has been terminated. AMFI lists the ARNs that are suspended or terminated on its website without giving more details. All other cases, except one by Axis AMC regarding 'unauthorised switch transactions', led to the ARN getting de-empanelled with the AMC. Axis AMC found that one of the Axis Bank employees had taken signed slips of switch transaction forms without mentioning the schemes involved. The employee was referred to the internal ethics team for disciplinary action. Emails to Axis AMC remained unanswered. Also Read: Is your mutual fund distributor letting you down? Here's how to switch Outright fraud HDFC AMC reported another case of misappropriation of investors funds. The ARN holder had shared fake screenshots of a mutual fund account statement, but the money was never received by the AMC. The case involved the misappropriation of 54 lakh. The ARN holders licence has been terminated by AMFI. Questions sent to Amfi, Sebi, and the AMC asking if the client suffered any monetary loss and what was done to compensate them did not elicit any reply. Actions taken by AMFI include reprimand/ warning/ temporary suspension of ARN/ deactivation of ARN, or permanent cancellation of ARN and debarment from doing mutual fund business," said a letter dated 9 January, 2025, by Sebi to AMFI, seen by Mint. Many cases of misdealing or fraud by Sebi-registered investment advisors or research analysts attract fines. However, Mint could not ascertain whether any punitive action was taken against the rogue MFDs and what happened to the affected clients. AMFI website shows 37 ARNs have been suspended and 27 terminatedsince inception. AMFI does not publicly disclose why those ARNs were suspended or terminated. There are 932 investment advisors and 1.73 lakh ARN holders in the country. The solution Vishranth Suresh, co-founder and CEO of Asset Plus, a platform for MF distributors, said that as the industry grows, mutual fund distributors can be held more accountable for handling peoples life savings. When a registered investment advisor gives any kind of suggestion or advice to their clients, they have to follow strict record-keeping and suitability guidelines as per Sebi rules. On the other hand, MFDs are subjected to less scrutiny. For starters, Sebi IAs can charge fees from the clients, whereas MFDs can only earn through commissions from AMCs. While IAs can do complete financial planning, MFD can only give incidental advice. Incidental advice allows MFDs to recommend a curated list of MF schemes based on the clients goals, needs, and risk profile, etc. Vivek Rege, an RIA and CEO of VR Wealth Managers, said that, as per IA regulations, they need to keep a record of every advice that can later be used for an audit. Every time advice is given, the IA needs to show the client and keep a record (be it email, physical paper, or voice record, etc) of the rationale of the advice given and why it is suitable for that particular client. It can be: buy order, sell order, switch, SIP, SWP, STP, etc," said Rege. He added that after the clients consent is received, they can implement the advice. However, implementation is not execution. It simply means that the IA can send an execution order after the consent is received. The order finally has to be executed by the customer using OTP or a signature. Clients also choose to execute the order on their own, added Rege. In contrast, MFDs dont have to maintain any record of rationale or suitability while giving out advice. Typically, an MFD would talk to the client about the trade and execute it using OTP in the online mode or a signed form in offline mode. The transaction nature is well understood by investors and investors approve the transaction link using OTP. We discourage the sharing of OTP," said Amol Joshi, an MFD and founder of Plan Rupee Investment Services. However, when a client wants to invest in a scheme on their discretion (execution only), and if the MFD thinks it's not suitable for them, the latter is required to record a written consent from the client. AMFI requires MFDs to do a risk profiling to check if the investment aligns with their risk appetite, needs, and objectives, and assess the suitability/appropriateness of the MF product being recommended to clients. However, this is a one-time exercise and is not done every time a mutual fund is recommended. Once an MFD crosses a certain threshold, they are subject to an enhanced due diligence process.Such thresholds include crossing 100 crore in AUM, more than 1 crore commission received per year (across industry), commission received is more than 50 lakh from a single AMC or is present in more than 20 locations. If an MFD suggests a client shift from large caps to small caps, they should be able to explain the rationale behind it," said Vishranth, who runs a platform for MFDs and oversees more than 5,000 crore in assets. Mandatorily keeping records might be practically impossible, especially in smaller towns and cities, but some form of record keeping could be encouraged." Most mis-selling would happen in offline mode as the MFD might take a signature from clients without adequately informing them about the transaction. Online, at least the OTP comes, and the client needs to validate it," said Vishranth. Also Read: Sebi proposes to allow investment advisers, research analysts to charge advance fee for up to 1 year Checking entry point Qualifications of MFDs are also relaxed compared to IA. An IA needs to be at least a graduate, a diploma holder in certain finance-related fields, or a professional degree holder. To become an MFD, one needs to pass class 12 and clear the NISM VA exam. As the industry grows, we can move towards a stricter entry barrier(for MFDs)to maintain quality in the system. Maybe Sebi can start by making the entry barrier stricter for the top cities and slowly extend it to tier-2 and tier-3 cities," said Vishranth. Joshi of PlanRupee Investment Services said existing rules should be enforced more stringently instead of bringing in more rules. Case for MFDs over RIAs Theres one scenario where regular plans (sold via MFDs) can offer a tax advantage over direct plans (via RIAs). When a regular unitholder redeems a mutual fund unit, it is net of management fees and commissions. Lets say a direct investor (via RIA) and a regular investor (via MFDs) invest 100, and assume there is a 1% management fee and 1% commission charged by the MFD via AMC. Assuming the investment generated 10%, the investment would become 110. However, when the direct investor (via RIA) redeems, a 1% management fee would have been deducted, and the investor would get capital gains of 9. On the contrary, when a regular investor redeems, the capital gains would be 8, accounting for 1% management fee plus 1% distributor commissions. The fees paid to RIA cannot be adjusted against the capital gains. The fees charged by RIA might be less or more than the commission paid," said Manuj Jain, co-founder of ValueMetrics Technologies. Another hurdle to moving from a mutual fund to an RIA is that a regular plan cannot be switched to a direct plan unless the unitholder redeems their fund. Selling may attract capital gains tax, which may act as a barrier while shifting from an MFD to an RIA. If one is shifting from one MFD to another, the new distributor may earn a lower commission than the other after a six-month cooling period. Also Read: AMFI says 17 mutual fund distributors earn commissions above Sebi's cap. But is the data accurate? Do you travel frequently on trains? Then, co-branded credit cards offered by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) in association with banks will be an ideal choice for booking tickets. IRCTC has joined hands with HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and RBL Bank for co-branded cards, which offer a host of benefits for frequent train travellers. Also Read | Credit card for NRIs: Everything you need to know before applying IRCTCs loyalty scheme allows you to earn Travel Points whenever you book tickets using these co-branded credit cards on the IRCTC e-ticketing portal. These points can be redeemed while booking train tickets. A loyalty user can earn partner points on the purchase of other goods and services. Here are the features and benefits provided by these credit cards. IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card Joining/Renewal Fee of 500 Welcome gift voucher worth 500 on card activation within first 37 days of card issuance Five reward points per 100 spent on IRCTC tickets on IRCTC ticketing website and Rail Connect app One reward point on every 100 spent on other categories 1% transaction charge waiver on IRCTC train ticket bookings on IRCTC ticketing website and Rail Connect app Complimentary access to select IRCTC Executive Lounges for up to eight times every year (Two per quarter) One reward point is equal to 1 for transactions done on IRCTC ticketing website and Rail Connect app Milestone gift voucher of 500 on quarterly spends of 30000 IRCTC RBL Card Joining/Renewal Fee of 500 500 Welcome benefit of 500 reward points Five rewards point on 200 spent on IRCTC website and Rail Connect app for all classes 200 spent on IRCTC website and Rail Connect app for all classes Two reward points on 200 spent on www.air.irctc.co.in, www.irctctourism.com on Flight/Hotel/Cruise Ticket Booking 200 spent on www.air.irctc.co.in, www.irctctourism.com on Flight/Hotel/Cruise Ticket Booking 1% transaction charge waiver on IRCTC train ticket bookings Complimentary access to select IRCTC lounges for up to eight times every year (Two per quarter) Train Cancellation Protect feature of up to 5000 5000 The complimentary protection coverage for train cancellation of up to 5000 will be applicable only on the trains cancelled by the Indian Railways within 24 hours or less, from the date of the journey and the scheduled train time. Terms and conditions may be revised as required by the RBL Bank at its own discretion. 5000 will be applicable only on the trains cancelled by the Indian Railways within 24 hours or less, from the date of the journey and the scheduled train time. Terms and conditions may be revised as required by the RBL Bank at its own discretion. Two reward points for 200 spent on booking flights, hotels and cruises from the IRCTC website or app. 200 spent on booking flights, hotels and cruises from the IRCTC website or app. Three reward points on 200 spent on FASTAG Recharge/NCMC Reload/UTS App 200 spent on FASTAG Recharge/NCMC Reload/UTS App One reward point on every 200 spent on other categories 200 spent on other categories Tap and Transit for rides on metros and bus stations IRCTC BOB Card Joining/Renewal Fee of 500/ 300 Welcome benefit of 500 bonus reward points Up to 40 BOBCARD reward points for every 100 spent on IRCTC tickets 1% transaction charge waiver on IRCTC train ticket bookings Complimentary access to select railway lounges for up to four times every year (One per quarter) Up to four reward points on every 100 spent on other categories IRCTC SBI Card Premier Joining/Renewal Fee of 1499 1499 Welcome benefit of 1500 bonus reward points Ten reward points per 100 spent on IRCTC tickets 100 spent on IRCTC tickets Five reward Points per 100 spent on air tickets and e-catering 100 spent on air tickets and e-catering 1% transaction charge waiver on rail and air bookings Complimentary access to select railway lounges for up to eight times every year (Two per quarter) Three reward points per 125 spent on dining and standing instructions on utility spends 125 spent on dining and standing instructions on utility spends One reward point on regular spends of 125 Also Read | How a secured credit card can rebuild your credit score fast All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Monday named Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi as the president of the partys Assam unit, replacing Bhupen Kumar Borah, who headed the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee for nearly four years. Various Congress leaders played a significant role in his new appointment, as they had reportedly written a letter to the top party leadership. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge approved Gogoi's appointment as well as announced three new working presidents to steer the state unit of the party. Former CM Tarun Gogoi's ministerial colleagues' letter to Kharge A host of Congress leaders, including former ministers and legislators, Pankaj Bora, Tanka Bahadur Rai, Mohd Nurzamal Sarkar, Rajib Lochan Pegu, Ramprasad Sarma, including ministerial colleagues of former CM, the late Tarun Gogoi, the father of Gaurav, wrote a letter to Kharge in February this year, requesting him to make Gaurav the Assam Congress President, ET reported. The developments in the Assam unit of the Congress as well as letter by party leaders were conveyed to Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal. The Assam leaders had met with senior AICC functionaries to seek support for their demand and submitted a copy of their letter to them, the report added. Gaurav helped Congress make significant progress in reconnecting with Assam people Emphasising that Gaurav has played a vital role in helping the Congress make "significant progress in reconnecting with the people of Assam" and enjoys support among key social and demographic groups beyond just the Ahom and other communities, these leaders had stated that his grassroots experience and "national exposure" could contribute to strengthening unity within the party's state organisation ahead of the Assam assembly election. In the light of these observations, we fervently urge you to appoint Gaurav Gogoi as the state president of the Indian National Congress in Assam. This step would not only energise and motivate party workers but also instil a renewed sense of purpose and commitment as we prepare for the crucial 2026 assembly elections. His leadership will play a transformative role in consolidating our position in Assam and ensuring a resounding success for the party, the letter read, according to ET. Stern message to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma? This move also comes amid CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's scathing attack on Gaurav, alleging the latter went to Pakistan and his wife has ties with an NGO in the neighbouring country. Both have indulged in the bitter exchange over the past few months. Notably, Gaurav became the Assam Congress president nearly three decades after his father, former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, helmed the post. Gaurav Gogoi on Bhupen K Borah Gaurav took to X and said, Former PCC President Shri @BhupenKBorah led the party from the front and made a tremendous contribution. I would not have been here without the guidance of my parents and the support of my family, especially my wife and children. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has formally approved the execution model for Indias ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, marking a major milestone in the countrys pursuit of indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter capability. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will lead the project in partnership with both public and private Indian industry players. The approval introduces a competitive framework where Indian companieseither independently or as joint ventures or consortiacan bid for contracts related to the design and production of the AMCA prototype. This marks a shift from previous defence projects, which were often directly assigned to state-owned firms like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and is expected to foster a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem. What is AMCA? The AMCA is envisioned as a twin-engine, medium-weight multirole fighter jet incorporating advanced stealth features such as a stealth airframe, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion, and supercruise capability. Designed to perform deep penetration missions, close combat, swing-role, and precision strikes, the aircraft will be equipped with future-ready missiles and standoff weapons. Weighing approximately 25 tonnes, the AMCA aims to significantly enhance Indias air power and strategic autonomy. It will join the Tejas light combat aircraft as a mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently lacks an operational fifth-generation fighter. Strategic significance and timeline Indias entry into the fifth-generation fighter clubcurrently limited to the US, Russia, and Chinareflects its growing defence ambitions amid evolving regional security challenges. The Cabinet Committee on Security gave in-principle approval to the AMCA programme in March 2024, with an estimated development cost of around 15,000 crore. Also Read | India clears 63,000 crore deal to buy 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for Navy The DRDO has committed to delivering the AMCA prototype by 2035. The project will incorporate cutting-edge technologies including advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and integrated battle networks. The engine, a critical component, is expected to be developed through international collaboration to accelerate progress and mitigate risks. Boosting Atmanirbharta in aerospace The Defence Ministry emphasises that this execution model is a vital step towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in Indias aerospace sector. By opening up the project to competitive bidding among Indian companies, the government aims to harness indigenous expertise and capacity, strengthening the domestic defence industrial base. New Delhi: India attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth $81.04 billion in FY25, marking a 14% jump from the previous year and reaffirming its position as one of the worlds leading investment destinations. Data released by the commerce ministry on Tuesday showed the services sector emerged as the top recipient of FDI equity inflows, accounting for 19% of the total, with investments rising nearly 41% to $9.35 billion in FY25 from $6.64 billion a year earlier. It was followed by the computer software and hardware sector, which attracted 16% of inflows, and trading, with an 8% share. Also read: Japan, Asean trade talks to accelerate post US, EU deals The figures point to the continued strength of Indias investor-friendly environment and growing appeal across key sectors such as services, manufacturing and technology. Indias ambitions to become a global manufacturing hub also gained traction, with FDI in manufacturing rising 18% to $19.04 billion in FY25 from $16.12 billion in the previous year. This growth comes amid the government's push to boost domestic production under the 'Make in India' initiative and improved ease of doing business. Maharashtra retained its lead as the top FDI destination, drawing 39% of total equity inflows, followed by Karnataka (13%) and Delhi (12%). Singapore remained the largest source of FDI into India, accounting for 30% of the total inflows, followed by Mauritius (17%) and the US (11%). Indias cumulative FDI inflow over the last eleven years (201425) has reached $748.78 billion, a 143% rise over the preceding eleven-year period (200314), which saw $308.38 billion. These figures underscore the long-term momentum in foreign investment, with nearly 70% of Indias total FDI over the past 25 years having been received during this period," the ministry said. The number of countries investing in India also rose to 112 in FY25, compared with 89 in FY14. Behind this steady surge in FDI are a series of liberalization measures and regulatory reforms. Between 2014 and 2019, India relaxed FDI norms across several sectors, including raising caps in defence, insurance and pension sectors and liberalizing rules for civil aviation, construction and retail, the commerce ministry said. Also read: US trade deficit claims are misleading, it earns billions from Indian purchases of services: GTRI From 2019 to 2024, further steps were taken such as allowing 100% FDI under the automatic route in coal mining, contract manufacturing and insurance intermediaries. In a major reform announced in the 2025 Union Budget, the government proposed raising the FDI limit from 74% to 100% for insurance companies that invest their entire premium income within the country. Mint first reported on 29 April that India is looking to strategically leverage its trade missions to position itself as a more attractive destination for foreign investment. As per the Mint report, Indian missions abroad would be given the authority to grant in-principle approvals to FDI proposals in a move that could cut through bureaucratic hurdles. The Centres thinkingdiscussed in a high-level meeting involving key government ministries-comes in the backdrop of a global realignment of supply chains and keen interest from international businesses seeking manufacturing alternatives to China. Also read: Trumps fresh iPhone tariff threat puts India-US trade talks in a bind FDI inflows into India peaked at $84.83 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22, as per data shared by minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary in the Lok Sabha on 10 March. Thereafter, the numbers declined to $71.35 billion in FY23 and $71.27 billion in FY24, following uncertainty about a potential global recession, economic crises triggered by geopolitical conflicts and rising global protectionist measures. Bihar Election 2025: Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is looking to join the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly elections. The Congress and the left parties are part of the Mahagathbandhan or the grand alliance, apart from the RJD led by Lalu Prasad Yadav. The AIMIM leaders in Bihar have been in touch with the RJD leaders, according to a report in The Indian Express. The Mahagathbandhan in Bihar is part of INDIA bloc alliance an amalgamation of opposition parties forged against BJP-led National Democratic Alliance ahead of 2024 general elections. We are interested in having an alliance with the Mahagathbandhan. We are very positive about forging it. Our ideology is to defeat the BJP and empower Bihar. Our fight with the BJP is the same as Congress's fight. We want the grand alliance to take AIMIM on board, AIMIM national spokesperson Adil Hasan told The Indian Express. BJPs B team The Hyderabad MPs party has so far maintained a distance from the Opposition INDIA bloc. In fact, the Mahagathbandhan parties used to call AIMIM as BJPs B team, alleging that it was playing the role of votekatwa (vote-cutter) for the grand alliance. Owaisi has rejected these allegations as baseless. In the 2020 assembly polls, when AIMIM was part of a third front with the BSP and Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), it won five of the 20 seats it contested and bagged 14.28 per cent of the votes polled in the 20 seats. All five seats won by AIMIM were in the Muslim-dominated Seemanchal region in east Bihar. Two years later, four of these five AIMIM MLAs, however, defected to the RJD. For now, AIMIM plans to contest over 50 Assembly seats out of 243 in the upcoming Bihar polls. However, the Indian Express report, quoting sources, said the party is flexible and will contest fewer seats if the RJD and the Congress agree to accommodate it. AIMIM has performed well in the past polls. And we have already supported the Opposition alliance on a number of occasions in the Speakers election and on Bills brought by the NDA government, Hasan said. There has not been any formal discussion of the AIMIM leaders with the RJD and Congress leaders for the alliance so far. Besides the five seats which it had won in 2020, the party would like to contest from several seats across the regions of Mithilanchal, Champaran, Shahabad, Magadh and Bhagalpur, where it claims to have developed its organisation in the last five years. We are interested in having an alliance with the Mahagathbandhan. Our ideology is to defeat the BJP and empower Bihar. In his recent visit to Bihar, the AIMIM chief attacked the ruling BJP, the JD(U) and the RJD. Security forces in Jharkhand have killed a commander of the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit in the state's Palamu district late on May 26, a senior police official told PTI. The officer added that another red rebel, who is wanted for a bounty of 15 lakh, has also been injured in the encounter. Police found a number of weapons, including a self-loading rifle, in searches after the gunfight concluded, they said. Also Read | IPL 2025 closing ceremony to honour armed forces What Happened? According to the police, the encounter occured between security forces and Maoists near Sitachuan area of Palamu district between Mohammadganj and Hydernagar police station limits late on May 26. The body of a CPI (Maoist) has been recovered, following an intense gunfight between the security forces and red rebels in Palamu. The identification process is on, Palamu DIG YS Ramesh told PTI. Also Read | Philadelphia mass shooting in Fairmount Park leaves 2 dead, 9 injured According to another police official, the killed top Maoist commander was Tulsi Bhuniyan; while the injured bounty rebel is maoist Nitesh Yadav. He added that Yadav received a bullet injury. However, Ramesh said it is yet to be verified. Operation Sindoor: Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told a parliamentary panel that Pakistan was informed by the Indian DGMO about Indian strikes on terror camps in its territory only after the execution. The remarks by Jaishankar assume significance as Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has been targeting the minister for "informing Pakistan at the start of Indias attack. Referring to the criticism by the Congress, Jaishankar told the members of the Consultative Committee on External Affairs on 26 May that it was unfortunate that some leaders were doing politics over his statement by 'misquoting' him. We had sent a message to Pakistan Jaishankar was referring to his earlier statement to the media on 15 May where he had said: At the start of the operation, we had sent a message to Pakistan saying we are striking at terrorists infrastructure. We are not striking at the military. So the military has an option of standing out and not interfering in this process. They chose not to take that good advice. It was this statement that was perhaps picked by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress while attacking Jaishankar and his his foreign policy decisions. Two weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, India on 7 May conducted precision strikes on at least nine terror caMPs in Pakistan in what is now known as Operation Sindoor. India and Pakistan indulged in four days of military action post Operation Sindoor. The two nations, however, agreed on an understanding to halt military action on 10 May. Jaishankar told the MPs on Monday in the meeting that only the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the countries spoke to each other and no other Indian official spoke with the Pakistani side, PTI report said quoting sources. Jaishankar also said he never spoke to Pakistan and that the US was urging India to speak with Pakistan and it was told that terror and talks would not go together, he said. The minister sought the cooperation of all MPs in "exposing" Pakistan across the world. He said that is why the government has sent multi-party delegations to various countries to put across India's united message against terrorism to the world. The minister also urged the MPs not to get carried away by Pakistan propaganda or believe in rumours spread by the neighbouring country. Jaishankar shared pictures of chairing the Consultative Committee Meeting of MEA on X. "Discussed Operation Sindoor and India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Underlined the importance of sending a strong and united message in that regard," the minister also said. While Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gave a presentation on Operation Sindoor to the MPs at the meeting, Jaishankar responded to queries later. At the start of the operation, we had sent a message to Pakistan saying we are striking at terrorists infrastructure. We are not striking at the military. Ministers of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh and Pabitra Margherita, senior Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik, Samajwadi Partys Jaya Bachchan and DMKs Thiru Dayanidhi Maran, among others, attended the meeting. In a tragic event, seven members of a family from Dehradun were discovered dead inside a locked car in Sector 27 of Panchkula district, Haryana. The victims were identified as 42-year-old Praveen Mittal, along with his parents, wife, two daughters, and a son. The vehicle was found parked along the roadside in a residential neighbourhood, with all seven bodies inside, ANI reported. Panchkula DCP Himadri Kaushik and DCP (Law and Order) Amit Dahiya arrived at the scene and launched an investigation into the matter. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Panchkula, Himadri Kaushik, said, We received information that six people have been brought to Ojas Hospital. When we reached here, we found out that they are all dead. Another person was brought to the Civil Hospital, Sector 6; he has also been declared dead. Prima facie, it looks like a matter of suicide. All the investigating officers are at the spot...All of the deceased are family members The police recovered a suicide note from the car. However, the full contents of the note were not disclosed. According to the police, the family appeared to be under immense financial pressure, which could have driven them to suicide, ANI reported. What did the investigation reveal? As per the preliminary investigation, the family consumed poison in a suspected case of mass suicide, possibly driven by heavy debt and financial distress. ANI reported citing sources, that Praveen Mittal, a resident of Dehradun, had travelled to Panchkula with his family to attend a Hanuman Katha program organised by Bageshwar Dham. The event had recently concluded, and the family was reportedly returning to Dehradun when they took the extreme step. The forensic team arrived at the scene and collected samples to support the investigation. All seven bodies were transported to the mortuary of a private hospital in Panchkula. Postmortem examinations are expected to be carried out to determine the exact cause of death and assist in the ongoing inquiry. Prima facie, it looks like a matter of suicide. All the deceased are family members The family appeared to be under immense financial pressure, which could have driven them to suicide. Further investigation into the matter is underway. Kamal Haasan on Monday revealed that the trailer of his upcoming film Thug Life was delayed because as they were waiting for a signal from the government and the Army, stating they chose not to celebrate while soldiers were sacrificing their lives during India-Pakistan conflict. "In a critical moment like that, we postponed even our celebrations. We didn't release 'Thug Life' (trailer), till we received a signal from the government and the Army. We were waiting for that because we can't be celebrating while our boys are dying there. Art can come later," Kamal told PTI. On whether he would go to Kashmir to make films, the actor said he will wait it out in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, adding, I think maybe not now, but I will go there because it's my place too, because I was promised that Kanyakumari to Kashmir is my home and I still do believe it", PTI reported. About Thug Life The official trailer for Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan (STR), and Trisha Krishnan, was released on May 17 than the earlier announced May 16. The trailer has generated significant buzz, showcasing intense action sequences and dramatic visuals set against diverse backdrops, including deserts and ice-covered landscapes. A.R. Rahman's compelling background score further elevates the trailer's impact. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on June 5, 2025, in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. It will be available in various formats, including IMAX, 4DX, D-Box, ICE, MX4D, ScreenX, and EPIQ. A man was killed while another was seriously wounded after two youths attacked them with a sword in Irakodi area of Bantwal taluk in Karnatakas Mangaluru district on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as Abdul Rahim. Communal Tensions The violent incident has sparked communal tensions in the region, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders from Tuesday evening to May 30. Also Read | Police mull bail cancellation of Hanagal rape accused after viral video According to Superintendent of Police, N Yathish, the incident took place at Kuriyala when Abdul Rahim was unloading sand at a site along with his helper, when two youths arrived on a motorcycle with sharp weapons and attacked the duo. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, where Rahim was declared dead on arrival. The motive behind the attack is not clear yet. The police visited the crime scene and launched a probe to identify and apprehend the attackers, who fled the scene immediately after the assault. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who is the district in-charge Minister of Dakshina Kannada, said the killing of a person named Rahim near Kolathamajalu in Mangaluru is "condemnable". I have already spoken to Home Minister Shri @DrParameshwara, @DgpKarnataka and Law and Order ADGP in this regard, Rao said. Suspecting that the incident was part of a sinister design to disrupt peace in Dakshina Kannada district, the minister said: I have given strict instructions to the district administration to maintain law and order in the district. I appeal to the people not to listen to any rumours. The authorities are working to ensure swift action and maintain order in the area. Also Read | Supreme Court Collegium recommends transfer of 21 High Court judges The attack comes close on the heels of Hindutva activist Suhas Shettys murder on May 1 in Mangaluru, the district headquarters of Dakshina Kannada. A total of 11people were arrested in connection with the Shetty murder. Kashmir: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kashmir government will hold a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam today, over a month after a terror attack in the hill station killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The move is intended to send a powerful message against terrorism and violence in the Union territory. This will the the first time the cabinet meeting will be held outside the usual summer capital, Srinagar, or winter capital, Jammu, during the present Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) government's tenure. The aim is also to to show solidarity with the residents of the tourist town, which has experienced a sharp decline in tourist footfall since the deadly April 22 terror attack in the fabled Baisaran Valley of the hill station, 90 kms south of Srinagar. Two weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack, India on 7 May conducted precision strikes on at least nine terror camps in Pakistan in what is now known as Operation Sindoor. India and Pakistan indulged in four days of military action post Operation Sindoor. The two nations agreed on an understanding to halt militarry action on 10 May. Symbolic Meeting The agenda of the meeting is not known and it seems its more symbolic in its message, news agency PTI said. Omar Abdullah, during his first stint as the chief minister Jammu and Kashmir from 2009-14, had held cabinet meetings in remote areas like Gurez and Tangdhar of Kashmir regon and Rajouri and Poonch areas of Jammu region. The decision to hold a special cabinet meeting comes two days after Abdullah proposed a dual approach to resuscitate Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector, Abdullah urged the Centre to mandate PSUs to hold meetings in Kashmir and to convene parliamentary committee meetings there. The National Conference leader made this suggestion at the Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. This meeting symbolises our commitment to restoring peace and tourism in the region. During a special day-long assembly session in Jammu on April 28, the Jammu and Kashmir government had unanimously passed a resolution against the Pahalgam attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress. As part of his two-day visit to Gujarat, which comes as first after Operation Sindoor, PM Modi on Tuesday held a roadshow in Gandhinagar where he was welcomed with flower petals. Union minister CR Patil and CM Bhupendra Patel also joined him. He will attend the celebrations of 20 years of Gujarat Urban Growth Story and lay the foundation stone of development projects in the city today. Modi in Bhuj Modi visited the border district of Kachchh for the first time on Monday, where from Bhuj, he dedicated 18 development projects worth 2,326 crore and laid the foundation stones for 15 more projects worth 51,088 crore, delivering development works valued more than 53,400 crore to the state. Also Read | PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi pay tributes to Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary He addressed a large gathering at the ground opposite Time Square in Bhuj by greeting with their Kachchh's native dialect Ki Aayo Kutchhi, while there were resounding chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Modi said the Indian tricolour must never be allowed to bow under any circumstances. Solanki Vidhi, a garba artist, showcased her happiness over the success of Operation Sindoor and said that she will greet PM Modi by performing the Gujarati folk dance garba. "I am very happy as Operation Sindoor was launched, and I welcome PM Modi. We are welcoming PM Modi by performing the Gujarati folk dance garba", she stated. According to a local, who had come to view the roadshow, mentioned that no one else can do what PM Modi has done in the past few years. While hailing Operation Sindoor, she said India had exhibited its power to the world. "No one else can do what Modi ji has done for the country in the last few years. By Operation Sindoor, we have shown India's strength to the world. We have all come here to welcome and congratulate PM Modi...", she said. Social media content creator Jyoti Malhotra, who was recently arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, was in direct touch with at least four Pakistani operatives, reported Hindustan Times. She also received special treatment during her visits to the neighbouring country. The police have recovered 12 terabytes of data from three phones belonging to Malhotra. The data from her laptop is yet to be examined, said the HTreport citing a senior police official. Her four bank accounts are also being examined. The forensic report reveals that she was in direct contact with at least four Pakistani intelligence operatives, and she received special treatment during her trips to Pakistan. We are examining recovered digital data, the official told HT. The identities of the four Pakistani operatives with whom Malhotra was in touch are yet to be disclosed. According to the media report, the forensic report has revealed chat records, call logs, video footage and financial transactions between Malhotra and the four Pakistani operatives. The Indian YouTuber was aware of the positions held by the operatives who approached her, claimed the police. The 33-year-old woman has reportedly admitted that she was in touch with Pakistani officer Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish. Malhotra first met Danish when she visited the Pakistani High Commission for a visa to the neighbouring country. She confessed to her direct communication with Danish. She was also in contact with several other YouTube influencers. Her three mobile phones and laptop, along with two phones belonging to Harkirat Singh, the IT in-charge of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), have been sent for forensic examination, Police spokesperson Vikas Kumar told HT. She was also allegedly in touch with Danish during the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Court sends Jyoti Malhotra to judicial custody A Hisar court on Monday remanded Jyoti Malhotra to judicial custody after the end of her police remand in a case of alleged espionage. She was produced in the court. A police spokesperson said that they did not seek her further remand, after which the court sent her to jail. Nearly 10-12 terabytes of data has been recovered. Further investigation in this regard is in progress, the police said. Jyoti Malhotra, a resident of Hisar district in Haryana, was arrested at the New Aggarsain Extension last week and booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1923 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on 27 May held a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, which was shaken by a deadly terror attack last month, to give a clear message that the government will not be intimidated by cowardly acts of terror. After the meeting, the chief minister's office posted on X pictures of the meeting held at the Pahalgam club. Also Read | Kashmir: Omar govt to hold special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam today "Chaired a Cabinet Meeting at Pahalgam today. It was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message - we are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror," the chief ministers office said in X. Two weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack, India on 7 May conducted precision strikes on at least nine terror camps in Pakistan in what is now known as Operation Sindoor. India and Pakistan indulged in four days of military action post Operation Sindoor. The two nations agreed on an understanding to halt militarry action on 10 May. Enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve "The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu and Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid," it said. This is the first time the cabinet meeting took place outside the usual summer capital, Srinagar, or winter capital, Jammu, during this government's tenure. The choice of Pahalgam aims to show solidarity with the residents of the tourist town, which has experienced a sharp decline in tourist footfall since a devastating April 22 terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists. Officials stressed that the gathering's significance lies more in its direct message to anti-national and anti-social elements that violence has no place in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah, during his first stint as the chief minister of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009-14, had held cabinet meetings in remote areas like Gurez, Machil, Tangdhar areas of north Kashmir and Rajouri and Poonch areas of Jammu region. The decision to hold a special cabinet meeting also comes three days after Abdullah on Saturday proposed a dual approach to resuscitate Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector, severely impacted by the Pahalgam terror attack, urging the Centre to mandate PSUs to hold meetings in Kashmir and to convene parliamentary committee meetings there. He had made this appeal at the Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu and Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid. The chief minister believes that these concerted efforts by the government will significantly alleviate public fears, foster a renewed sense of security and trust, and ultimately pave the way for the revival of tourism in the Kashmir valley, bringing much-needed economic relief and a return to normalcy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 May blamed the 1947 decision of Partition for the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Kashmir last month. Pakistan, the PM said in Gujarat, has understood that it cannot win a war with India after Operation Sindoor. When the Partition happened in 1947, the chains should have been cut at that time, but instead, the country was divided into three parts. Soon after, the first terrorist attack was reported in Kashmir, and Pakistan occupied one part of Kashmir," PM Modi said, addressing a gathering during the 20 years of Gujarat Urban Growth Story in Gujarat's Gandhinagar on Tuesday. If we had killed these Mujahideens; if we had listened to Sardar Patel, he wanted the Army not to stop until we get back PoK, Modi said. For 75 years, we suffered, and what happened in Pahalgam was a distorted form of that attack, Modi said. "The Indian Army has defeated Pakistan every time. Pakistan understood that it cannot win from India, he said. Two weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack, India on 7 May conducted precision strikes on at least nine terror camps in Pakistan in what is now known as Operation Sindoor. India and Pakistan indulged in four days of military action post Operation Sindoor. The two nations agreed on an understanding to halt military action on 10 May. Also Read | Did India inform Pakistan about strikes before Op Sindoor? Jaishankar responds Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth 5,536 crore at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. Tuesday was his second day of the Gujarat trip. If they are engaging in war, then the response..' PM Modi said whenever India and Pakistan went to war, our Indian Armed Forcesour braveheartsdefeated them in a way they would never forget. Realising they could never win a direct war against India, they turned to proxy warfare, providing military training and support to terrorists instead, he said. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan's support for terrorism cannot be called a proxy war, as those who were killed after 6 May were given state honours. Pakistani flags were draped over their coffins, and their military saluted them, he said. It proves that terrorist activities are not a proxy war but a well-planned war strategy. You are already at war, and you will receive the response accordingly. We do not seek enmity with anyone. We want to live peacefully. We also want to progress so that we can contribute to the welfare of the world, Modi said. Worlds fourth-largest economy Modi recalled how the Indian economy was at 11th place in the world when he took oath as PM for the first time in 2014. Today, we are the worlds fourth-largest economy. I remember we celebrated moving from sixth to fifth place a moment that was especially significant because we surpassed the very nation that ruled over us for 250 years, he said. He said that now, as we rise to fourth place, theres growing pressureand even more determinationto become the third-largest economy. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to reduce their dependence on foreign goods and use domestically made products instead, saying it is vital to India's goal of becoming a developed nation and the worlds third-largest economy by 2047. Modis remarks on Tuesday came in the wake of a four-day conflict with Pakistan, triggered by a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir by Pakistan-backed terrorists. In response, India launched targeted strikes against terrorist camps across the border. Also read | Nitin Pai: Operation Sindoor leaves India better placed for the next round Addressing an event at Gandhinagar during a two-day visit to Gujarat, Modi said India must aim to become a developed nation and the third-largest economy by 2047 through collective effort and commitment. "We must not use foreign goods (and promote domestically made products)," he said. Businessmen should avoid selling foreign products no matter how profitable it is, he added. Turkey, Azerbaijan boycotts A strong boycott movement has gained momentum in India after Turkey and Azerbaijan reportedly backed Pakistan during the recent conflict. Indian tour operators have withdrawn promotional packages to both countries, social media is abuzz with boycott calls, and many Indian tourists are cancelling their travel plans to these destinations. The ground-handling license of Turkish company Celebi at Indian airports has been withdrawn. Operation Sindoor began with the strength of our armed forces on the night of 6 May, and will now advance with the strength of the people, Modi said. "Every citizen must become a partner in the nations development," he added. Modi said government initiatives such as Vocal for Local and One District One Product (ODOP) would drive reliance on domestic products. He added that Indians should aim to use domestic products, except those that are not made locally and must be imported. He underscored the government's goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, saying there would be no compromise in achieving this milestone. India's urban centers, including tier 2 and tier 3 cities, should become vibrant hubs of economic growth and activity, he added. The Bharatiya Janta Party-led governments 'Viksit Bharat 2047' initiative aims to transform India into a developed nation by the centenary of its independence. The initiative prioritises inclusive economic growth, social equity, environmental sustainability, and strong governance, laying the foundation for a prosperous and resilient India, according to the government. It also aims for robust adoption of renewable energy, world-class education, improved healthcare, enhanced infrastructure, transparent governance, and inclusive development. The prime minister said India has become the worlds fourth-largest economy, marking a proud milestone for the nation. He said there was widespread excitement, especially among the youth, when India advanced from sixth to fifth place by surpassing the United Kingdom, which ruled India for 250 years. 'No longer a proxy war' Modi also said the recent conflict could no longer be seen as a proxy war, highlighting that terrorists killed after 6 May were honoured with state ceremonies in Pakistan. He said this reflected a deliberate war strategy rather than proxy actions, and that the adversary had received a proportionate response. He added, however, that India remains committed to peace and progress, and aims to contribute to global welfare. New Delhi: Indias public health system, a cornerstone for millions, faces a critical shortage of essential medicines and diagnostic services, even as the country grapples with a growing burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Several states and Union territories (UTs)including populous ones such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, West Bengal and Bihar, among many othershave less than 40% levels of essential medicines and diagnostic services available in government-run hospitals and health centres, said an official aware of the matter and as shown by a document reviewed by Mint. At the same time, the Centre has conveyed its unhappiness to states and UTs about consumers being unaware of a key central government scheme to provide free drugs at public healthcare centres. Gaps in implementation A communication from the Union health ministry on 7 May to the states and UTs, seen by Mint, pointed to gaps in the implementation of its FDSI (free drugs and diagnostics service initiative) program under the national health mission (NHM). These include gaps in the notification by state of the average number of drugs and diagnostics available across facilities, as compared to the recommended numbers outlined in the National Essential Drugs and Diagnostics Lists as per IPHS (Indian Public Health Standards)," the communication noted, adding that there is also a noticeable gap between data reported in state reports and data updated in the governments monitoring dashboard. However, the official cited above, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the matter of data gap is not worrisome. The states/UT governments have to update the data on the governments portal for effective monitoring and evaluation of FDSI," this person said. This is not a big issue; (it is) a regular matter." Also read | Indias first public health university on the cards At present, a diagnostic module is being piloted in the DVDMS (drugs and vaccines distribution management system) to monitor the availability of diagnostic reagents and consumables. The DVDMS is an IT application that facilitates the implementation of the FDSI and improves the supply chain of drugs, sutures, and surgical items for district drug warehouses across India. The health ministry has now told states and UTs to update their lists of essential drugs and diagnostic tools to match national guidelines. They also need to evaluate their specific needs and provide feedback on any drug or diagnostic service. Queries emailed to the office of Union health minister J.P. Nadda, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, and health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered till press time. Prof Dr K Srinath Reddy, former, President of Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI): Availability of essential drugs and diagnostics at all public healthcare facilities is pivotal for meeting both major indicators of universal health coverage, which are financial protection and service coverage. Drugs and diagnostics contribute to a very high level of out of pocket expenditure, resulting in financial hardship to those who need healthcare, especially for chronic conditions. Health outcomes will be poor if healthcare providers are handicapped by absence of essential drugs and diagnostic aids. All efforts must be made by state and central governments to urgently fill these gaps." What are the minimum thresholds? The Centre has been trying to implement the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) 2022 guidelines to provide uniform, high quality health services across all states. IPHS are essential benchmarks that ensure the delivery of minimum essential services through public healthcare facilities, including district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, community health centers, primary health centers, and sub health centres. In 2015, the Union health ministry launched the FDSI to provide free essential medicine at all public health facilities, with an aim to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). Both the marquee initiatives are being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), providing equitable, affordable and quality healthcare. Also read | Need thorough virtual checkups of public health facilities, Centre tells states According to the guidelines, a district hospital should have at least 375 essential medicines such as anti-infectives, cardiovascular medicines, anti-diabetic medicines, antidepressants, pain relievers, antineoplastic drugs, vitamin and mineral supplements, anticonvulsants, etc. A sub-district hospital needs to stock 325 medicines, community health centres 299 medicines, primary health centres at least 171 medicines, and sub-health centres need to store 105 medicines. As for free diagnostic services, a district hospital should have at least 134 diagnostic services, sub-district hospital (111), community health centre (97), primary health centre (63) and a sub-health centre must provide 14 services. Where are the gaps? According to information reviewed by Mint, states and UTs that have been red flagged by the Centre for having less than 40% availability of medicines as on 25 April 2025 are: Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH&DD), Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, J&K, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Also read | Cell planned to find treatments and vaccines for future pandemics Further, the following have less than 40% availability of diagnostic services at the government health facilities: Andaman & Nicobar Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, DNH&DD, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Assam, Bihar, DNH&DD, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand and Karnataka, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal Getting the message across The Centre has also raised concerns about common citizens and local public representatives often remaining unaware of FDSI, which limits their ability to fully utilize these essential services. The health ministry has directed the states and UTs to develop comprehensive strategies to promote awareness campaigns, and mandatory display of available drugs and diagnostic services at all health facilities. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, public health expert & former past president, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Cochin Chapter, remarked that despite its goal to provide essential medicines and tests free of cost at public health facilities, many citizens even in urban areas apparently remain unaware of these entitlements. Also read | NMC asks medical institutions to establish dedicated Tobacco Cessation Centres This has resulted in a gap between planning and implementation," Jayadevan said. Limited public awareness and logistical hurdles are major barriers. While media coverage, posters and displays can improve visibility, real impact requires trained personnel, accurate data reporting, and digital integration via systems like DVDMS. Health equity starts with access and access begins with awareness, supported by reliable systems that deliver." Maharashtra news: A tragic road accident on the Gandhi Bridge resulted in six fatalities on 26 May. An SUV reportedly collided with a divider along the Dhule-Solapur National Highway, marking a close shave with life for the passengers. However, a crash a few moments later resulted in the death of all of the SUV passengers who had stepped out of the vehicle to remove it from the divider. Six people died on the spot The road accident was reported to have occurred around 11:00 PM. Further investigation into the fatal car accident is underway. Also Read | Feds ask Musks car company how its driverless taxis will avoid causing accidents in Texas rollout Six people died on the Gandhi Bridge along the Dhule-Solapur National Highway near Gevrai town when an SUV hit a divider at around 11 pm last night. No one was injured initially. While passengers stepped out of the vehicle to remove it from the divider, a speeding truck rammed into them. All six people died on the spot. Further investigation is on, ANI quoted Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat as saying. Also Read | Indian roads have become more fatal, shows latest accidents data 1 dead in UP road accident In another unrelated road accident that happened on the same day, an SUV rammed into a truck near Uttar Pradesh's Siswa Mahant village, leaving one dead and six others severely injured. UP police on Tuesday informed news agency PTI that the accident took place on 26 May when the victims were returning from a feast. The severity of the road accident and the impact of the crash can be estimated by the massive damage to the SUV. The vehicle's driver died on the spot, leaving six others seriously wounded. Also Read | Centre is taking steps to reduce fatal road accidents: Nitin Gadkari West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scam Case: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that a notification for the fresh recruitment of teachers will be issued by 31 May, assuring that those who lost their jobs will receive age relaxation. Notification for fresh recruitment of teachers will be issued by May 31, those who lost jobs will get age relaxation, the Bengal CM said on Tuesday. Announcing relief for the Bengal teachers who lost their jobs, Banerjee said, "Age will not be a barrier. Those who lost their jobs will be allowed to sit for the exam even if they have crossed the usual age limit. They will also receive the benefit of their experience." The Supreme Court had invalidated the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff of state-aided schools, deeming the recruitment process vitiated and tainted. Also Read | Ex-TMC minister Partha Chatterjee arrested in teacher recruitment case TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee also assured that the teachers who lost their jobs will receive benefit of experience in fresh recruitment process. CM Banerjee's statement came amid massive protests by the teaching and non-teaching staff of state-backed schools, who lost their jobs because of an SC order in the School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment scam. "While the West Bengal government will continue its legal battle to protect existing teachers positions, it will simultaneously commence the process of recruiting new educators to address staffing needs", CM Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday. CM Mamata Banerjee also stated, Want teachers to get back their jobs, have filed review petition in Supreme Court. Protesting Teachers Vow Not to Sit for Fresh Tests Vowing not to sit for fresh recruitment tests, the protesting teachers terminated on April 3 following a Supreme Court order invalidating the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff of state-aided schools on Monday announced plans to take their agitation beyond West Bengal to the national capital. "In the coming days, apart from continuing our protests here in the city, we wish to let the nation know about the injustice meted out to thousands of eligible teachers who had qualified in the 2016 SSC exams by their own merit and qualification," said Brindaban Ghosh, a member of the Deserving Teachers Rights Forum. Bangladeshs interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, deployed paramilitary forces including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the polices Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, and the elite anti-crime Raid Action Battalion (RAB) at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday. This move came as protests by Bangladesh government employees against a controversial new service law entered their fourth consecutive day, severely disrupting administrative functions at the central government hub. Also Read | Bangladesh's Yunus not stepping down amid growing unease Protests Against Controversial Service Law The demonstrations began after the Bangladesh President Mohammed Sahabuddin promulgated the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which allows the government to dismiss employees for four types of disciplinary breaches through a show-cause notice, bypassing formal departmental proceedings. Bangladesh government employees have labelled the ordinance an unlawful black law and demanded its immediate repeal. Protesters chanted slogans such as Abolish the unlawful black law and No compromise, only struggle, vowing to continue their movement until the law is withdrawn. Security Clampdown at Secretariat In response to the protests, authorities imposed a strict security lockdown. The BGB, SWAT, and RAB were stationed at all entrances of the Secretariat complex, barring journalists and visitors from entering. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) banned rallies and gatherings in and around the Secretariat, while visitor access was restricted by the Home Ministry. Political and Security Context The unrest comes amid growing tensions between the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh and the military, which has urged for elections by December. Bangladesh Army officials have reiterated their commitment to national sovereignty but expressed reservations over certain government policies, including a proposed humanitarian corridor to Myanmars rebel-held Rakhine state. Also Read | Will Muhammad Yunus step down? Bangladesh chief advisor faces big challenges Rising Crime and Calls for Election Dhaka has witnessed a surge in violent crime recently, with murder cases nearly tripling compared to last year. The deteriorating law and order situation has intensified calls from political and economic analysts for a democratically elected government. Mumbai weather: A house collapsed at Walkeshwar Road in Mumbai after a landslide triggered by monsoon rains. The incident reportedly occurred near the chief minister's residence on May 26 around 4 pm, prompting the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) authorities to pause operations on the stretch as a safety precaution. Bus services on Walkeshwar Road were suspended from Chowpatty Bandstand after a protective wall collapsed near the Ruby Building, about 50 feet before the Three Batti bus stop. The impacted bus routes comprised A42, A105, 57, 67, 80, 103, A106, and 108. Commuters were urged to seek alternate transport arrangements while repairs and safety assessments were in progress. Netizens react Amid widespread chaos, waterlogging and misery, many social media users criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the state government. One user said, Woh Bolenge AI hai. Another termed BMC as Bin Matlab Corporation. butbutbut 4th largest economy, Mumbai municipal corporation is the most corrupt in the world were some other comments made. Bus routes A42, A105, 57, 67, 80, 103, A106, 108. The protective wall at Ruby Building has collapsed, 50 feet before the three-light bus shelter on Walkeshwar Marg, due to which the operation of all bus routes on Walkeshwar Marg has been suspended from 16.00 hrs at Chowpatty Bandstand. #walkeshwar," BEST Bust Transport posted on X. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Mumbai experienced its highest single-day June rainfall in 107 years on the first day of the monsoon season. The sudden onset of the monsoon wreaked havoc across the city, stranding commuters in waterlogged areas. Flooding also affected the newly inaugurated underground Metro line, adding to the difficulties faced by thousands of daily travellers. Also Read | Mumbai on RED ALERT after heavy rains, floodwater suspends metro operations Train services on the suburban railway network faced major delays across the Central, Western, and Harbour lines. On the Central line alone, commuters reported delays ranging from 15 to 25 minutes, caused by waterlogging and signal malfunctions. Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited, warned that China poses a greater threat to India than Turkey and Azerbaijan amid the India-Pakistan conflict. He advocated for consistency and the application of long-term thinking amid boycott calls nationwide and said that we cannot be selective, citing Indias security and sovereignty. Urging for consistent long-term thinking amid calls for boycotts related to the India-Pakistan conflict, he said, The current situation between India and Pakistan has resulted in growing support for a boycott of goods and travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. And rightly so. It is also important that we maintain consistency and apply long-term thinking. He added, However, we cannot be selective. In the aftermath of 7 May Operation Sindoor, Pakistan is attempting to strengthen its offensive and surveillance capabilities by purchasing advanced Chinese-made drones, surveillance systems and rocket launchers. In the wake of tensions between the two neighbouring countries and China's longstanding support for Pakistan, he stated, Chinas strong support of Pakistan is well documented, both economically as well as militarily, and will have far-reaching consequences for Indias security and sovereignty. This then raises an extremely vital question - Are we applying our boycotts equally across the board or being selective? China poses a greater and constant threat While stressing the need to consider China's strong support for Pakistan, Harsh Mariwala asserted, China poses a far greater and constant threat to our country and therefore, must be viewed in the same, in fact, even stronger light than Turkey and Azerbaijan. This remark comes on the heels of Turkey and Azerbaijans recent public alignment with Pakistan and follows top trade leaders' display of economic nationalism, who unanimously decided to boycott goods and all commercial, travel and cultural engagement with the two countries. This significant decision was made at a national conference of traders in New Delhi on 16 May, as Turkey and Azerbaijan's support for Pakistan was considered a betrayal by top Indian trade leaders. In response to Turkeys anti-India statements, the Indian government decided to revoke security clearance for Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited, a Turkish firm operating at nine major airports, amid national security concerns. The poignant logo of Indias Operation Sindoor, created to symbolise the grief of women who lost their husbands in the Pahalgam terror attack, was designed by two Indian Army officers. The emblem, now firmly etched in the national consciousness, features a small bowl of vermilionthe traditional red powder worn by married Hindu womenforming the first O in the operations name, while the second O is surrounded by a delicate dash of the same powder. Also Read | Did India inform Pakistan about strikes before Op Sindoor? Jaishankar responds According to the latest edition of the Indian Armys magazine Baatcheet, which is dedicated to chronicling the nations military endeavours, the logo was crafted by Lieutenant Colonel Harsh Gupta and Havildar Surinder Singh. The publication also shared photographs of the two officers alongside the now-famous emblem, highlighting their contribution to this decisive military action. The opening pages of Baatcheet prominently display the Operation Sindoor logo, crowned by the Indian Armys emblem. The magazine recounts the tragic events of 22 April 2025, when five terrorists brutally murdered 26 innocent civilians in the name of religion in the tranquil meadows of Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam. Tourists had gathered there to celebrate life, only to be caught in an act of unspeakable violence. Also Read | Missiles and multibaggers: How to ride the rally in defence stocks This incident fortified the resolve of our country to fight terror with punitive action, reads the caption titled Pahalgam. The issue also features powerful images showing the aftermath of the attack, including rows of coffins and the emotional farewell at the funeral of one victim. On page 11, a photograph captures Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi studying a screen grid, with a timestamp marking the momentous date and time: 7 May 2025, 01:05 hrs. Indian Army Operations Room from where Operation Sindoor was being monitored by top military brass, including Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. Who gave the moniker Operation Sindoor? Earlier this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed that the name Operation Sindoor was suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indians planning a trip to Philippines, things have just got simpler! Philippines is the latest country to introduce visa-free entry for Indian nationals. According to the Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi, Indian visitors can now benefit from two types of short-term visa-free entry, each with a separate category of eligibility requirements. Going by the new rules, two separate visa-free entry categories have been introduced for different groups of Indian travellers: 1. 14-day visa-free entry Indian citizens can now enjoy a visa-free stay in the Philippines for up to 14 days, exclusively for tourism purposes. This short-term entry option is non-extendable and cannot be converted into any other visa category Although the 14-day stay is visa free, only those Indians fulfilling the following are criteria eligible for the stay: 1.Any Indian citizen visiting the Philippines exclusively for tourism. 2. Passport valid for at least six months beyond the stay. 3. Proof of confirmed accommodation (such as hotel bookings). 4. Evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay (for example, bank statements or employment certificates). 5. A confirmed return ticket. 6. No negative immigration history in the Philippines. 2. 30-day visa-free entry for certain Indians Indian citizens holding a valid visa or permanent residency from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or any Schengen area nation qualify for an extended 30-day visa-free stay in the Philippines. The same documentation requirements apply as with the standard visa-free entry. The 30-day visa-free entry can be convenient for Indians living abroad or frequent international travellers. What if you wish to visit Philippines for over 14 days? Indian travellers who do not have a valid visa, and wish to visit Philippines for over 14 days, can apply for e-Visa. The 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa, available through the official e-visa portal, allows a 30-day single-entry stay. To apply through the e-visa system, applicants must register on evisa.gov.ph and submit the following documents: 1.A valid passport with at least six months validity 2. A government-issued ID 3. Passport-sized photographs Also Read | 5 visa-free international destinations for Indians in 2025 4. Proof of accommodation 5. Return or onward travel ticket French President Emmanuel Macron is in the spotlight and is making headlines worldwide after the video of his wife Brigitte Macron playfully pushing him away went viral. The French President was on his Southeast Asia tour when the incident happened. Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman joined the pool of social media users mocking the French President online and said that the 47-year-old leader received the right hook from his wife. Russia reacts on Emmanuel Macron viral video The couple's accidental dramatic moment was captured on camera, who were seemingly unaware that the aircraft's door had opened to the media. The extremely private moves became public and a central topic of discussion online. In a social media post on Telegram, Maria Zakharova wrote that Macron had received "a right hook from his wife" as the couple arrived for a visit to Hanoi. Also Read | Dramatic moment when French Prez Macron gets 'pushed' by wife She further noted that Macron's advisers would try to explain away the controversial gesture. Ridiculing the French President further, Maria Zakharova stated, "Did the first lady decide to cheer up her husband with a gentle pat on the cheek and miscalculated her strength? Was she handing him a tissue, but missed? Did she want to fix his collar but ended up reaching the beloved face?" Adding, she wrote, Here's a hint: maybe it was the 'hand of the Kremlin'? However, Emmanuel Macron denied "domestic dispute" accusations with his 72-year-old wife but confirmed that the clip was authentic while addressing the media in Vietnam on May 26 during opening leg of his tour. Issuing clarification over the viral clip he said that they were "joking as we often do." US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 27) said his administrations decision to impose a 50% tariff threat on the European Union has prompted EU officials to resume stalled trade negotiations with the United States. I was extremely satisfied with the 50% Tariff allotment on the European Union, Trump wrote on Truth Social, describing the EUs previous negotiation pace as slow walking (to put it mildly!). Trump: I am empowered to SET A DEAL In his post, Trump emphasised his authority to impose trade terms if negotiations stall or if the US is treated unfairly. Remember, I am empowered to SET A DEAL for Trade into the United States if we are unable to make a deal, or are treated unfairly, he wrote. He credited the tariff move for reigniting talks: I have just been informed that the E.U. has called to quickly establish meeting dates. This is a positive event. Parallel with China trade policy Trump compared his position with the EU to his hardline stance on China, urging the EU to emulate China in opening its markets. I hope that they will, FINALLY, like my same demand to China, open up the European Nations for Trade with the United States of America, he said. Trump predicts win-win outcome The President ended his statement with optimism, predicting that both the EU and China would benefit from fairer trade terms with the US. They will BOTH be very happy, and successful, if they do!!! he wrote. Von der Leyen just called me and she asked for an extension on the June 1st date and she said she wants to get down to serious negotiation, Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey. And I agreed to do that. EU asks for time to negotiate Earlier on Sunday, von der Leyen confirmed she had spoken with Trump and requested more time to reach an agreement. To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9, she posted on X (formerly Twitter), describing the conversation as a good call. She added, Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively. Tensions had spiked over trade talks Trump had originally threatened the 50% tariff on Friday (May 23), expressing frustration over the lack of progress in ongoing trade talks and warning of a 20% "reciprocal" tariff if the EU failed to act. Negotiations between Washington and Brussels have been strained, with Trump accusing the EU of dragging its feet. His remarks on Friday sent European stock markets tumbling, as investors feared escalating trade tensions. Markets rebound on news of delay The decision to delay the tariffs was welcomed by financial markets. European stocks, which had dropped sharply following Trumps initial threat, rebounded on Monday in response to the news. July 9 deadline With the new deadline set for July 9, both sides are under pressure to finalise a deal that addresses long-standing grievances over market access and trade imbalances. The European Commission, which handles trade for the EUs 27 member states, has signaled it is ready to move quickly. For now, the threat of a major transatlantic trade conflict has been avertedbut only temporarily. Trade standoff German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil underscored the urgency on Sunday, calling for meaningful dialogue. We need serious negotiations with Washington, Klingbeil said, revealing that he had spoken with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the matter. Amid rising pressure from Washington, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic reiterated the blocs willingness to engage but emphasised that diplomacy must prevail over intimidation. We are committed to securing a deal, Sefcovic said after talks with U.S. officials on Friday. But trade ties should be based on mutual respect, not threats. Also Read | Trump regime moves to cancel $100 million in federal contracts with Harvard Trump suspends EU-specific tariffs, keeps 10% baseline in place Trump imposed a sweeping 10% tariff last month on imports from almost every nation, including EU members. The EU also remains subject to a range of US duties including 25% tariffs on cars, steel, and aluminium originally introduced under Trumps broader trade strategy. SHENZHEN, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength 2025 opened Monday in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. Themed "deepening reform in the cultural sector to ignite cultural creativity," the forum was hosted by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the conference and delivered a keynote speech. Attendees to the forum included officials of publicity departments, representatives of cultural enterprises and public institutions, and scholars and experts. The participants agreed that it is imperative to boldly advance reform in the cultural sector, further release and develop cultural productive forces, and steadily promote cultural prosperity. Reform in the cultural sector should focus on addressing the key challenges hindering cultural development, the participants said. They also called for efforts to advance the integration of culture and science and technology, as well as to promote openness and cooperation in the cultural sector. National Public Radio (NPR) and three local public radio stations filed a lawsuit on Tuesday (May 27) against US President Donald Trump, arguing that his executive order directing federal agencies to cut funding for NPR and PBS is unconstitutional and retaliatory. The suit was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., by NPR, Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio, and KUTE, Inc., which operates Southern Colorado's KSUT. The plaintiffs argue the order amounts to government retaliation. Lawsuit: Textbook retaliation In the complaint, the broadcasters assert that Trumps directive violates the First Amendment by punishing NPR for its editorial content. The Order aims to punish NPR for the content of news and other programming the President dislikes and chill the free exercise of First Amendment rights by NPR and individual public radio stations across the country," the lawsuit states. It goes on to say: The Order is textbook retaliation and viewpoint-based discrimination in violation of the First Amendment, and it interferes with NPRs and the Local Member Stations freedom of expressive association and editorial discretion." Executive Order targets federal funding Earlier this month, Trump issued an executive order instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies to cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS. The order also calls for agencies to identify and eliminate any indirect sources of public financing to the two broadcasters. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused NPR and PBS of political bias in their reporting, calling their coverage unfair and unbalanced. Trump moves to strip funding from PBS, NPR over woke propaganda President Donald Trump on May 1 signed an executive order directing federal agencies to halt funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a move that would effectively strip PBS and NPR of substantial public support. The order cites alleged bias in the broadcasters reporting. The directive further instructs agencies to identify and eliminate indirect sources of public financing for the two media organisations. In a post on social media, the White House said: These outlets receive millions from taxpayers to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as news. PBS, NPR brace for cuts According to NPR, both networks have been preparing for possible funding cuts since Trumps first election. Republicans have long accused public broadcasters of a political slant. At a Congressional hearing in March, network leaders defended their mission to provide nonpartisan, free news and programming to the American public. They warned that local stations, particularly in rural areas, would be most vulnerable if federal support is withdrawn. CPB funding already approved through 2027 Despite the executive order, Congress has fully funded the Corporation for Public Broadcasting through September 30, 2027, according to NPR. The CPB received $535 million for the current fiscal year, affirmed in a recent stop-gap budget bill passed by the GOP-controlled House and Senate. Also Read | Trump regime moves to cancel $100 million in federal contracts with Harvard Whats at stake: Funding breakdown While NPR receives only about 1% of its funding directly from the federal government, a slightly larger share arrives indirectly via its member stations, NPR reported. These 246 institutions operating more than 1,000 radio stations typically get 8% to 10% of their budgets from CPB funds. In contrast, PBS and its stations rely on CPB for approximately 15% of their total revenues, according to NPR. US President Donald Trump issued a cryptic warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (May 27), suggesting that his own leadership helped prevent serious consequences for Russia consequences he says could have been far worse. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire!" The message, vague but sharply worded, comes amid renewed Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, and continued Western support for Kyiv. Trump did not specify what the "really bad things" were, but the tone of the post suggests he sees himself as having previously restrained actions that could have severely harmed Russia possibly through diplomacy, US policy, or military restraint. The post comes amid intensified fighting in Ukraine and increasing global scrutiny of Moscows military actions. Trump has frequently criticised the Biden administration's handling of the Russia-Ukraine war and has claimed he could have prevented the conflict altogether. No Kremlin response yet The Kremlin had not responded to Trumps remarks. It remains unclear whether the post was intended to pressure Putin, or serve as a warning about future consequences should the conflict escalate further. The post adds to a growing list of public statements by Trump that seek to position him as a global power broker and the only one capable of keeping personalities like Putin in check. Potential new sanctions The post also comes at a time when the US contemplates new sanctions over Russias intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Trump signaled he might soon move forward with new sanctions on Russia to increase pressure on the Kremlin. He said he would absolutely consider additional measures but has so far resisted calls from Senate Republicans and European leaders to impose harsher penalties. Escalation of Russian attacks Despite ongoing international efforts to broker peace, Russia has stepped up its aerial assaults. In recent days, Moscow launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles targeting multiple locations across Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky said that about 900 drones were launched by Russia over the weekend. Russias Defense Ministry stated it intercepted 99 Ukrainian drones overnight across seven Russian regions, while Moscow accused Kyiv of trying to disrupt peace efforts and justified its attacks as a response to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian civilians. Also Read | Trump weighs sanctions against Russia as relationship with Putin sours Peace talks stall This surge in violence comes despite a phone call eight days ago between Trump and Putin, during which Trump claimed Putin agreed to "immediately" begin ceasefire talks. The only tangible progress since the May 16 peace talks in Turkey between Russian and Ukrainian delegations has been a large prisoner exchange, with no significant breakthrough on negotiations. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Tuesday (May 27) that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, a sharp departure from previous guidance issued by public health authorities. Kennedy in a 58-second video posted on X (formerly Twitter), declared: I have removed COVID-19 shots from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)s recommendations for healthy kids and pregnant women. The announcement came without CDC officials present in the video. When asked for clarification, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials referred all inquiries to Kennedy and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), AP reported. No backing from advisory panel yet The change in policy comes ahead of a scheduled June meeting of a CDC advisory panel. As per the news report, the panel was expected to weigh in on fall booster recommendations, and that it had been considering offering vaccines to high-risk groups, while giving lower-risk individuals the option to get the shot. The announcement by RFK Jr preempts that process. He reportedly criticised previous guidance that encouraged yearly shots for children, stating: Annual COVID-19 booster shots have been recommended for kids despite the lack of any clinical data to support that decision. Shift in federal vaccine policy The video featured FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health, both of whom support Kennedys move. This policy shift aligns with other actions by the Trump administration, which has increasingly moved to narrow vaccine eligibility. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that COVID-19 vaccine approvals would now be limited to seniors and younger individuals with underlying health conditions, pending new studies. Unanswered questions from HHS Officials at the Department of Health and Human Services have not provided additional information about why the decision was made now, nor have they disclosed details about what data or consultations informed Kennedys announcement. The US Supreme Court on Tuesday (May 27) declined to take up a free speech challenge brought by a Massachusetts student who was barred from wearing a T-shirt stating There are only two genders. The justices refused to review a lower court ruling that upheld the schools decision, concluding that the restriction was a reasonable action aimed at protecting transgender students from potential harm. Case rooted in school dress code dispute The controversy began in March 2023 when Liam Morrison, then a 12-year-old seventh grader at John T. Nichols Middle School in Middleborough, wore the T-shirt to school. His lawyers said he intended to start a meaningful conversation on gender ideology and share his belief that sex is binary. However, the school principal asked him to change the shirt due to concerns that it might disrupt class and negatively impact LGBTQ+ students. Morrison refused and was picked up by his father who had taken him to home. In a subsequent incident in May 2023, Morrison altered the message with tape reading censored but was again asked to remove the shirt. Court backs school's right to restrict speech The student and his family, represented by conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, sued the school district seeking damages and a ruling against the dress code policy. Both a US district court and the 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the school. The appeals court noted that school officials could reasonably forecast that Morrisons message would cause distress among transgender students and interfere with their education. The decision cited the well-established 1969 Tinker v. Des Moines precedent, which allows schools to limit student speech that may cause substantial disruption. School defends policy amid mental health concerns School officials defended their decision, pointing to their dress code which prohibits clothing that could be considered hate speech or that targets others based on identity. The superintendent noted in court filings that several LGBTQ+ students had experienced suicidal ideation or attempts, some linked to mistreatment over their gender identity. Broader implications for transgender rights The case comes amid intensifying debates over gender identity and student expression in schools, and as the Supreme Court prepares to rule in another high-profile casethis one involving Tennessees ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. A decision in that case is expected by the end of June. Jamie-Lee Arrow, 23, met her father, Isakin Jonsson, in 2024 after four years. Known as the Skara Cannibal in Sweden, Jonsson was jailed in a psychiatric hospital in 2011 for killing and eating parts of his girlfriend, Helle Christensen. Arrow was only nine when the crime happened. A new true crime show on Discovery, Evil Lives Here: The Killer Speaks, shares their story. Over the years, Arrow battled depression and drug addiction. She stayed in touch with Jonsson, who suggested strange rituals like using voodoo dolls and selling her soul. At 13, she discovered what cannibal meant and felt betrayed. Though their meeting felt emotional and warm at first, she later realised he had manipulated her since childhood. "I read some articles, and then I understood what the word meant. But, by then, my dad had me wrapped around his finger. He made himself a good person, and his girlfriend was the villain. He brainwashed me to believe that," Arrow told Fox News. Arrow grew up in two very different homes. Her mothers place felt loving and normal, but her fathers home was dark and disturbing. He watched scary horror movies and made creepy voodoo dolls. Sometimes he was "the perfect dad". But, his mood changed fast. He could suddenly push her away. At age nine, Arrow met Christensen, her fathers girlfriend, and saw her as a second mother. Although Christensen loved him, Arrow never felt her father loved her back. They laughed sometimes but fought violently too. "He lost touch with reality. I felt like I was losing my dad more and more. The happy times became rarer," she said. Also Read | Drew Barrymore is a boring cannibal, but there are teenagers to the rescue During the worst weekend of her life, she saw Christensen for the last time. "She cooked some food for us. As she served it, she went, like, Enjoy your meal because this is the last thing youll ever eat from me because your dad is going to kill me.' Thats one of the last things I ever heard her say," Arrow said. It turned out to be true. Arrow never saw Christensen again. The man is sick When Arrow turned 18, her father asked her if she wanted to know how he had murdered Christensen. He showed no remorse. He almost said it with passion. And, I was sitting there wanting to throw up. He almost had a smirk on his face, she said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed China's involvement in the recent clash between India and Pakistan. He remarked that China and Pakistan are very close countries. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Jaishankar on China's role In an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Jaishankar said, You know, many of the weapons systems that Pakistan has are of Chinese origin, and the two countries are very close. You can draw your conclusions from that. China had earlier expressed support for Pakistan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described Pakistan as an ironclad friend and called for India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to de-escalate tensions. Jaishankar recently took issue with the Wests habit of portraying regional tensions in South Asiaespecially between India and Pakistanas looming nuclear threats. Very, very far away. I'm frankly astonished by your question, he said when asked by a journalist how far away was the world from a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan. At no point was a nuclear level reached. There is a narrative as if everything that happens in our part of the world leads directly to a nuclear problem. That disturbs me a lot because it encourages terrible activities like terrorism, he said. The external affairs minister was in Berlin on the third and final leg of his three-nation tour of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. On India's response following the Pahalgam terror attack, Jaishankar said New Delhi sent a clear signal to the terrorists that there is a price to be paid for carrying out such attacks. US should be thanked? Jaishankar says To a question whether the US should be thanked for the May 10 ceasefire, Jaishankar said it was agreed between the military commanders of India and Pakistan through "direct contact". He said India effectively hit and incapacitated Pakistan's main airbases and air defence systems, forcing the neighbouring country to seek an end to the hostilities. So, who should I thank for the cessation of hostilities? I thank the Indian military because it was the Indian military action that made Pakistan say: We are ready to stop, he said. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, carrying out precision strikes against nine terror camps in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In the days that followedMay 8, 9 and 10Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes targeting Indian military bases. These attempts were met with a firm and effective response from the Indian armed forces. You can draw your conclusions from that. I thank the Indian military because it was the Indian military action that made Pakistan say: We are ready to stop. On May 10, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that both India and Pakistan had come to an agreement to cease all military operationsacross land, air, and seawith immediate effect. President Trumps Golden Dome" plan has riled the three countries whose weapons technology poses the greatest threat to American territory, with China, Russia and North Korea claiming the missile-defense project is driving a dangerous new arms race. Trump wants a Golden Dome shield in place by the end of his term, which would combine ground-based interceptors with satellites to guard U.S. territory against high-tech threats, including hypersonic missiles. The Chinese, North Koreans and Russians are all developing such missiles, as well as new weapons intended to evade U.S. defenses and combat America in outer space. The three are also increasingly helping each other militarily. North Korea slammed the Golden Dome on Tuesday as the largest arms-buildup plan in history." China and Russia in a joint statement earlier this month called the project deeply destabilizing." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in a briefing to journalists Tuesday, said the plan represented a direct disruption to the foundations of strategic stability." All three countries have also denounced Trumps call for space-based interceptors, saying they risk turning space into a battlefield. Experts say that a potential risk of the Golden Dome is that a comprehensive defensive system encourages a proliferation of missiles, including nuclear-capable weapons. It comes as the last major nuclear treaty between leading nuclear powers Russia and the U.S. is set to expire next year, potentially leading Moscow to accelerate the deployment of nuclear warheads. This missile-defense mirage gives you the illusion you can protect yourself but youre driving all these countries to build all these hundreds and thousands of missiles so you end up in the worst of both worlds," said Pavel Podvig, a senior researcher at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. The U.S. says increasing threats make it necessary to build a more comprehensive missile-defense system and rejects criticism that the plan will militarize space. We have more recently observed Chinas satellites engaging in what can only be described as dogfighting maneuvers in space," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, the U.S. Space Force commander in the Indo-Pacific, at a space conference in Australia on Tuesday. These high-speed, combat-oriented operations on orbit serve as further evidence that Beijing is actively preparing to challenge the U.S. and our allies in space." The Golden Dome plan represents a dramatic transformation in how the U.S. aims to confront such threats. The U.S. says its missile defenses are directed at so-called rogue states," primarily North Korea, which arent considered peer nuclear powers. Meanwhile, the U.S, Russia and China seek to prevent nuclear attack through deterrence. Trumps Golden Dome plan implicitly recognizes that the arms-control era has passed and mutually assured destruction is no longer a sufficient deterrent to nuclear war. The threats A major emerging concern for U.S. defense is hypersonic weapons, which can travel at least five times the speed of sound, fly low and maneuver before hitting a target, making them difficult to detect, let alone intercept. In the hypersonic race, the U.S. is behind. China, the leader, tested such a missile in 2021, which flew at speeds of more than 15,000 miles an hour as it circled the globe before striking a target in China. In a sign of the Pentagons progress, the U.S. military recently completed successful test flights of a reusable hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft. When President Vladimir Putin first introduced Russias hypersonic weapons in 2018, an animated graphic showed a missile heading toward the West Coast of the U.S. Missile-defense systems are useless against them, absolutely pointless," he said. Russias hypersonic weapons could potentially be stopped by a system such as the proposed Golden Dome because they travel at much slower speeds during initial launch and before hitting their target, leaving them susceptible to interceptors, said David Wright at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Intercepting Russias strategic intercontinental ballistic missiles could be much harder. At the first stage after launch, when a rocket pushes the missile up intoand out ofthe atmosphere, an interceptor would have to be extremely close to respond to it in time. That would mean covering the territory across all of Russias 11 time zones to intercept the missile in time, said Podvig. You need to have a lot of them so that some of them are close enough to every launch point," he said. North Korea already has a missile with the range to potentially strike the U.S.and leader Kim Jong Un wants more long-range weapons that can fly farther, carry bigger payloads and be deployed more quickly. The country is pursuing hypersonic technology, underwater nuclear-armed drones and tactical weaponry, although military experts say they arent yet combat-ready. The shield The U.S. installed dozens of ground-based interceptors in Alaska and California beginning in the early 2000s, and has tested interceptors fired by the Aegis combat system to shoot down intercontinental ballistic missiles, a system that was used successfully by Navy destroyers against Iranian weapons targeting Israel last year. Land-based versions of the system have been installed in Romania and Poland. The U.S. also fields Patriot missile systems for shorter-range threats and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or Thaad, which is used for smaller areas including in South Korea and Guam. Trumps goal of seeing his Golden Dome shield in place in little more than three years would be difficult to accomplish, according to military experts. Any missile-defense shield would likely only offer protection from about 85% of incoming missiles, said Podvig. That could promote a false sense of security, while also spurring rivals to produce more weapons, he said. Golden Dome plans for space-based interceptors have also raised concerns of a surge in space-based systems. A Congressional Budget Office assessment said that such a system for downing one or two missiles fired by a smaller adversary such as North Korea could require more than 1,000 interceptors. To defend against Russia or China, with many more warheads, such a system would require potentially tens of thousands of satellites. Russia and China view such space-based interceptors as indistinguishable from offensive weapons, arguing that a better-protected United States might be emboldened to pursue more aggressive military actions," said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. This heightens the risk of Russia and China intensifying their development of anti-satellite and other counter-space capabilities." China has been rapidly building its own nuclear forces. It has added some 350 missile silos and several bases for road-mobile launchers in recent years, according to a report led by Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists. Of Chinas more than 700 launchers for land-based missiles that can carry nuclear warheads, 462 can be loaded with missiles capable of reaching the U.S., the report found. Chinas nuclear ballistic-missile submarines, the Type 094, are being equipped with a longer-range ballistic missile. A newer model, known as the Type 096, is now being developed to run more quietly than its predecessor. In 2019, China unveiled refit bombers with an air-launched ballistic missile that could potentially carry a nuclear warhead, the Pentagon said. Its not driving up forces to the level that we saw in the early Cold War daysnot yet," said Kristensen. But theres no doubt that all of the factors that we can see at play, all the dynamics that are playing out in front of us, increasingly so, are the very ones that can create a nuclear arms race." Write to Austin Ramzy at austin.ramzy@wsj.com, Thomas Grove at thomas.grove@wsj.com and Timothy W. Martin at Timothy.Martin@wsj.com The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is undergoing reforms. In the latest instance, the state-backed retirement fund manager has instructed its offices not to reject claims of subscribers just because of an overlap in their employment spans between employers. Dates of when a job is given up and the next taken could get mixed up in the records; employees who avail their unused leave at the end of a work stint to join another company, for example, could face this hazard without realizing it. Data-entry errors of this kind should not make subscribers run from pillar to post to get their retiral dues, especially not after theyre past their salaried years. Its welcome, therefore, that the EPFO is trying to fix this bug. But this is only one of the many problems that could make the withdrawal of ones provident fund (PF) seem like a hurdle race with no finish line. Also Read: Is EPF advisory the next fintech goldmine? To be sure, the Organization has been easing access to funds. A facility to let subscribers withdraw money from ATMs up to certain limits, for instance, is in the works. Doing away with the need for employers to endorse the linking of bank accounts is another. That said, the scale of reforms needed is such that the changes made so far seem incremental at best. Appallingly, a very high proportion of claims get rejected every year for various reasons, from spelling mismatches in names to bank accounts not being linked and the PF savings of past jobs not having been transferred. These lapses are rarely the fault of PF savers themselves, since they typically rely on employers to keep their retiral kitty in order. But the numbers are large, with over a quarter of all claims rejected, and the complexity of what it takes to spot bugs and sort out records is so daunting that a market has arisen for PF consulting services. Also Read: Four issues you may face if you switched jobs but did not transfer your provident fund As detailed by a Long Story in Mint on Monday, an industry has sprouted around solving problems faced by EPFO subscribers. Startups have sprung up in cities such as Mumbai and Bangalore that offer to help people get their money in lieu of a fee. This fee could be a fixed amount (say, 10,000 per case) or a proportion of the funds at stake (going up to 5% of the PF corpus). Since these firms are merely trying to profit from an identified need and claim recoveries that run into hundreds of crores, their existence is not scandalous. But what does it say of how the EPFO operates? For all its subscriber-friendly steps, the fact that such an industry exists is proof that securing PF money is too much of a rigmarole in far too many cases. This reflects poorly on PF processes in todays day and age, with internet interfaces having cut intermediaries out of the loop in most spheres. If people need special services for access to their own nest eggs, the retirement fund body clearly needs a big leap in subscriber orientation. Also Read: Voluntary Provident Fund offers high interest rates. But withdrawals are a pain. While customer satisfaction surveys may help spot specific pain-points, the empathy that must fuel that effort is elementary. Money saved up in a PF account over the length of a career is a sum that retirees count on for living expenses and big-ticket payments. As the custodian of these mandatory savings, the EPFO must tackle any subscriber uncertainty over access to them. Unlike a bank, it cannot suffer a run on its accounts, but it must always keep customer confidence firmly in focus. If PF records are riddled with bugs that can block payouts, it should take the initiative to debug them by reaching out for clarity. On the afternoon of 25 May 2020, George Floyd was choked to death on a Minneapolis street by a police officer. The brutal act, captured on video by a teenager, sparked a wave of multiracial protests for social justice and police reform. It also became a flashpoint in US politics and culture, ushering in a brief and backlash-ready period that galvanized millions to push for racial progress. Caucasians began to have rare and overdue conversations about the status of African-Americans. Companies complied with the new zeitgeist and dropped racially stereotypical brand names like Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben, made bandages for other complexions and expanded diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. California formed a task force to study reparations. Buildings, schools and roads were renamed. Statues came down. Also Read: Trumps trade agenda: About US jobs or global supremacy? This was peak woke, an old term that gained widespread usage around the protests. Five years later, 72% of Americans say the period of racial reckoning didnt lead to changes that improved the lives of African-Americans, according to a Pew Research Center poll. Not only that, framing Americas intractable social problems around race is increasingly politically risky. President Donald Trump is back in officeand now lecturing the leader of South Africa about reverse apartheid and White genocide. Some conservatives are calling on him to pardon Derek Chauvin, sentenced to 21 years in prison for violating Floyds civil rights. Many DEI initiatives have been renamed or eliminated and polls show a drop in support for diversity initiatives, especially among Republican voters. The nations only African-American governor, Marylands Wes Moore, just vetoed a bill to study reparations. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has stalled, as has the police reform sought by activists. Perhaps nothing captures this more than DC Mayor Muriel Bowsers decision to dismantle Black Lives Matter Plaza, a site that had been a locus for activists and something of a rebuke to Trump in his first term. Also Read: DEI defence: How to promote diversity and prevent a backlash During the height of the protests, 67% of US adults expressed support for BLM, according to the Pew Research Center, including 60% of Caucasian Americans and 86% of African-Americans. Now that figure stands at 52%, with 45% of Caucasians and 76% of African-Americans expressing support for BLM. The numbers underscore the political fault lines around race and the remedies to address racial inequality. They also show a concerted and successful effort by conservatives to malign the activists and the aims associated with the movementin part using weapons handed to them in the form of unpopular slogans (defund the police") and a handful of unruly protests like those in Portland, Oregon. In the BLM era, some Caucasian voters, particularly college-educated ones, shifted to the left on a broad array of social issues, helping the Democratic ticket in 2020. Now, the post-BLM or post-woke era sees Republicans with an advantage, helping Trump win a second term by suggesting activists went too far, even as its hard for most Americans to point to any lasting good that came out of the 2020 movement for racial progress. Some 87% of US adults say the relationship between African-American people and police officers is either about the same or worse in the five years since Floyds death. Only 11% say that relationship has gotten better. The most striking dip is among Democrats, who in September 2020 had high hopes for African-American progress, with 70% expecting changes a result of the protests. Now, five years later, that figure is 34% according to Pew. The Justice Department last Wednesday dropped consent decrees with Minneapolis and Louisville, rolling back federal oversight of several police departments and shifting the focus away from racial discrimination. Also Read: Caution: Attacks on DEI in the US threaten to cement glass ceilings The BLM protests were among the biggest and most multiracial the country has ever seen. Powered by covid lockdowns and pent-up frustration over several instances of violence against African-American people, sometimes caught on camera, the demonstrations seemed to augur in something more permanent. Yet, concerted efforts by conservatives to demonize protestors and suggest the goals of the activists amounted to reverse racism or blanket attacks on the police worked, with Trump returning to office in 2025 and advancing Caucasian identity politics. In the wake of Trumps re-election, some African-Americans, who have been at the forefront of fights for a more equal America, have decided to march no more, instead leaving the fight to others. The lack of engagement has consequences for Democrats particularly, but more broadly for the cause of racial equality, which remains a worthy goal. Bloomberg The author is a politics and policy columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. The Republican tax bill contains flashy goodies for families with kids. The flashiest: savings accounts for children branded Trump Accounts created and initially funded by the Treasury Department. These will consist of $1,000 in invested assets for each American citizen born through 2028, plus whatever funds parents later add. So if you want to have a baby, hurry up! The seeding of the accounts expires at the end of President Donald Trumps term. The president has made his goal clear: I want a baby boom. House Republicans also proposed expanding the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $2,500; that would also expire in four years. But if more babies are the goal, these cash carrots are the wrong incentive. Claudia Goldin said it best in her recent paper, Babies and the Macroeconomy: The birth rate is clearly determined by forces that are independent of the whims of governments. In a 2021 review of the literature of thirty-five studies across Europe and North America, Can Policies Stall the Fertility Fall?, the three authors a statistician, a sociologist and a public health expert, all in Norway concluded that even sizable cash benefits have a modest impact on fertility. Instead, the authors found child care and paid leave to be more promising levers. Access to child care slightly increased both the number of children families have and the number of first-time births especially among low- to middle-class families. Child care support may increase the fertility of stay-at-home mothers by giving their older toddlers access to care. Paid parental leave was also found to have small, but positive, effects on fertility, in particular for higher-earning parents. Unfortunately, paid leave for parents and child-care support are largely missing from the reconciliation bill, though there are a handful of renewed and expanded tax credits for businesses that provide these things. The GAO reports that these have historically been underutilized. Perhaps baby-making isnt the goal anymore. After all, Trump Accounts cannot be accessed until the kids turn 18 and are explicitly for the kids, not the parents making the babies. Perhaps a better way to view Trump Accounts is not as encouraging a baby boom, but as a broader investment in family economic well-being. That would be good news. As a country, we chronically underinvest in the young in favor of the old. Parents are more pessimistic about their kids future, according to Wall Street Journal polling, than any time in recent memory. The US is an international outlier with its high share of single parents. Labor policy still doesnt reflect the reality that in most households, all parents are working. But there are better ways to promote familial financial well-being than Trump Accounts. The same criticisms apply as when Democratic Senator Cory Booker ran for president on a platform of baby bonds: First, families need support today, not locked up funds to be used two decades from now. This is particularly true for the bottom half of the income distribution. Second, none of these savings accounts speak to each other 529, 401k, IRA, FSA or HSA, now Trump Accounts. It can be hard to predict where youll need the savings, and savers are penalized for withdrawing for other uses. Hence the long-time conservative push for universal savings accounts. Third, there is still a taxpayer cost attached: a nearly $20 billion price tag when combining the costs of seeding the accounts and tax-free contributions, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation. If the contribution program doesnt expire after 3.5 years, the price tag will rise by another $15 billion over the next 10 years, based on their average expected annual expenditures for 2027 and 2028. I believe we need more public investment in children, but the question remains: Who is paying for that? And fourth, two-thirds of American kids cannot read or do math at grade-level by fourth grade. This suggests that instead of an investment whose biggest expected use is higher education, children need earlier investments in high-quality tutoring to stay on track. Before sharing in the noble goal of stock ownership, let's get reading and math right. To which Id add a fifth: a four-year expiration date suggests a short-term political mindset and budget trickery much more than seeding the ground for long-run family flourishing. When it comes to supporting families, President Trump would do best to return to his roots. In his first term, he doubled the Child Tax Credit; boosted funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, the countrys primary way of delivering child-care support to low-income families; passed 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all federal workers; and proposed a universal 6-week paid leave program for all American moms. On top of this, he oversaw a time of exceptional economic growth. This go-around he seems determined to inflict tariff pain and higher costs on American families. An extra $500 in child tax credit payments per family for a few years sounds nice, until you realize that the costs of tariffs per family are currently estimated to be nearly $3,000, per the Yale Budget Lab. Moreover, the bill as drafted puts us somewhere between $3 and $4 trillion more into debt; guess who inherits that. It might not have had the snazzy Trump Account branding, but Trumps first term arguably was a much better deal for babies. 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. Abby McCloskey is a columnist, podcast host, and consultant. She directed domestic policy on two presidential campaigns and was director of economic policy at the American Enterprise Institute. /opinion 2025 Bloomberg L.P. New Zealands Minister of Immigration, Erica Stanford, has come under significant criticism for remarks perceived as racially insensitive towards Indians, following a parliamentary exchange that likened emails from Indians seeking immigration advice to spam. The comments provoked a strong response, notably from Indian-origin Labour Party MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan, who was born in Chennai. What Did Erica Stanford Say? On 6 May 2025, during a parliamentary session, Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime asked Minister Stanford to confirm whether every email related to her ministerial portfolios sent to or from her personal email account had been properly recorded, as required by the Cabinet Manual. Stanford replied, I have complied with the Official Information Act. I have also made sure that everything is available to be captured and have forwarded everything that I've needed to my parliamentary email address. Also Read | India-NZ trade talks start on Monday However, Stanford then added a contentious remark: I will acknowledge, though, in a very similar case to Kelvin Davis, I receive a lot of unsolicited emails like, for example, things from people in India asking for immigration advice, which I never respond to. I almost regard those as being akin to spam, and so there are those ones. But, similarly, other Ministers have probably had very similar issues. This comment effectively singled out Indians as a group whose emails she considered comparable to spam. Why Were Erica Stanfords Gmail Practices Under Scrutiny? The questioning arose after it was revealed that Stanford had used her personal Gmail account for official government correspondence, including forwarding pre-Budget announcements to herself for printing. This practice raised concerns about compliance with official record-keeping protocols. Stanford admitted to this breach of best practice and assured Parliament that she had taken steps to prevent such occurrences in the future. Also Read | Viral video | New Zealand tourist tricked into speaking Marathi swear words What Did MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan Say? Priyanca Radhakrishnan, an Indian-born Labour MP, responded sharply to Stanfords remarks on social media. She wrote, Earlier this week, in response to a question by Willow Jean Prime, the Immigration Minister felt the need to single out people from one country/ethnicity in a negative light. If youre from India, dont bother emailing her because its automatically considered spam. Radhakrishnan criticised the comments as undermining New Zealands government efforts to strengthen ties with India, stating, So much for the National govts all-of-government focus on strengthening the relationship between India & NZ and focus on people-to-people links. She described Stanfords remarks as careless at best and prejudiced at worst, emphasising that such stereotyping reinforces negative perceptions against an entire community. Also Read | How to plan a budget vacation in New Zealand The Labour Party MP also added a news screenshot of a news article with the headline 'Luxon calls for an all-of-New Zealand investment India relationship'. Christopher Luxon is the 42nd Prime Minister of New Zealand and belongs to the New Zealand National Party. Erica Stanford Issues Clarification In the wake of the backlash, Erica Stanford sought to clarify her statement, asserting that her comments had been misunderstood. I did not say that I consider them as spam, she explained. I only said that I consider them almost akin to spam, attempting to soften the original phrasing. Also Read | New Zealand steps up efforts to attract Indian tourists with direct flights Erica Stanford further clarified that her official correspondence is handled through her parliamentary email account, and unsolicited emails to her personal account, including those from overseas, are not part of her ministerial duties and therefore do not receive responses. Who is Erica Stanford? Erica Louise Stanford, born in 1978, is a New Zealand National Party politician currently serving as the 49th Minister of Education and the 60th Minister of Immigration. She has represented the East Coast Bays electorate since 2017 and was appointed to her ministerial roles following the formation of the National-led government in 2023. Also Read | Banks Face New Zealand Anti-Cartel Probe Over Climate Targets Stanfords background includes work in export sales and television production before entering politics. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in politics from the University of Auckland and is noted for her progressive stances within the National Party, including support for decriminalising abortion and euthanasia. Who is India-origin New Zealand MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan? Priyanca Radhakrishnan is a Labour Party MP of Indian origin, born in Chennai and raised partly in Singapore before moving to New Zealand for higher education. She made history as the first Indian-Kiwi woman to become a minister in New Zealand in 2020. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spent 57.65 crore on electioneering in Delhi polls 2025, according to the expenditure report filed by the saffron party with the Election Commission of India. This is about 40 per cent more than 41.06 crore that the party party spent on Delhi elections five years ago in 2020. With 48 of the 70 seats, the BJP returned to power in Delhi after 27 years ending the ten-year-rule of Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the elections held in February this year. The AAP finished second with 22 seats while the Congress drew blank for the third straight election in the national capital. The saffron party spent 18.5 crore on 68 candidates including 25 lakh to each of them according to the election expenditure report available on the ECI website. The party had earlier submitted part expenditure report. However, the complete details were made available on the ECI website on 26 May, Monday. The AAP spent 14.5 crore on campaigning during the Delhi Assembly elections while the Congress party spent 46.18 crore, according to the expenditure reports filed by the two parties earlier. A candidate can spend up to 40 lakh for campaigning during assembly elections,and a party can spend as much for a seat. The expenditure by the parties doesn't reflect the money spent by candidates during elections. The BJP party spent 39.14 crore on general party propaganda, according to the expenditure report. Of this 29 crore was spent on media advertising. While 1.18 crore went to DB Corp, which publishes Danik Bhaskar, 11.8 lakh to Bharat Prakashan, which publishes Organiser and Panchjanya, the mouthpiece of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), widely regarded as political mentor of the BJP. All parties have to sumit election expenditure details before the Election Commission of India. 39.14 cr on General Progapaganda The BJP party spent 39.14 crore on general party propaganda, according to the expenditure report. Of this, 29 crore was spent on media advertising. While 1.18 crore went to DB Corp, which publishes Danik Bhaskar, 11.8 lakh to Bharat Prakashan, which publishes Organiser and Panchjanya, the mouthpiece of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), widely regarded as political mentor of the BJP. Also Read | PM Modi warns BJP leaders over remarks on Operation Sindoor: Report About 9.44 lakh were spent on publicity in Aadhyaasi Media, and Kovai Media, which publish OpIndia, Swarajya respectively. Another 1.18 crore was paid to One97 Communications, which owns Paytm, a digital and financial services technology company, according to the expenditure report . The BJP spent 39.14 crore on general party propaganda. The BJPs Delhi unit began the 2025 Delhi Assembly Election with a balance of 89.92 crore and received an additional 93.42 lakh during the election period and ended the polls with a balance of 91.1 crore, as per the report. The BJPs Delhi state unit spent more than 25 crore in advertisements. New York won a court order temporarily barring the Trump administration from withholding federal approvals or funds for the states transportation projects, as the president tries to end Manhattans congestion pricing program. The administration has threatened to hold back the funds and permissions unless New York stops charging tolls to drive into the boroughs tolled zone. US District Judge Lewis Liman on Tuesday granted a request by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to block such efforts by the federal government through June 9 while he considers whether the US has the legal right to terminate the toll. Limans ruling means the program meant to reduce gridlock and pollution and raise money to modernize the citys transit system will almost certainly continue as the legal battle proceeds. It helps reduce uncertainty over how the nations largest public transportation system will pay to modernize a more than 100-year-old network. The judge ordered the two sides to meet to decide how to speed up the process, saying there is a public interest in moving the case along. The ruling is a win for local government as the Trump administration withdraws support for regional projects or takes over development. US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has cited subway system crime in wielding the threat of withheld funds, and announced in April that the federal government, instead of the MTA, would be in charge of renewing New Yorks Penn Station. Earlier this month President Donald Trump said the US wouldnt finance Californias high-speed rail project, which suffers from delays and escalating costs. No More Coercive Threats Outside court on Tuesday after Liman ruled, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber greeted the ruling as a welcome warning from the judge to the government. The message is he wants no more coercive threats and threats of punishment if we dont do what they say. That was pretty clear. So I dont think were going to have another letter like that, Lieber said of Duffys threats. The judge wants the parties to come up with a schedule for this litigation that will put it behind us. Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, said in a statement that the court order is a massive victory for New York commuters, vindicating our right as a state to make decisions regarding whats best for our streets. The judge found that the MTA had demonstrated that it was likely to succeed in its claims. He said it would probably suffer irreparable harm without a temporary restraining order, noting that the governments effort to undo US approval of the congestion pricing program had already affected the value of MTA bonds. Enforcement actions for noncompliance were merely under consideration, and we will comply with the judges request to hold, a spokesperson for the US Department of Transportation said in a statement. We look forward to making our case in court against Hochuls illegal tolls as we work to protect working-class Americans from being unfairly charged to go to work, see their families or visit the city. Cloud of Uncertainty The program has operated under a cloud of uncertainty since it began almost five months ago, as Trump tries to stop it. The MTA sued Duffy after he sent a letter on Feb. 19 reversing US approval of the plan won under former President Joe Biden. The suit seeks a court declaration that the attempt to halt the program is illegal. Trump has said the congestion pricing plan will hurt the local economy, and Duffy in February called it a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners. Hochul says the toll was urgently needed and has pointed to MTA data to show it is working. New York maintains it wont stop the tolls unless the court tells it to. QuickTake: How Trump Is Trying to Ax New Yorks Congestion Toll Roberta Kaplan, a lawyer for the MTA, said accepting the US position would give the government the unilateral right to terminate any contract it enters into and is a recipe for chaos that would create an eternal fog of uncertainty. Charles Roberts, a lawyer for the US, said the administration still hasnt decided whether the MTA is in violation of their contract or whether to implement any of the compliance measures it laid out in an April letter that ordered the state to shut down the program by May 21. Not Damocles Sword Obviously if we had said compliance measures begin tomorrow, that would be Damocles sword, he said. Thats not Damocles sword. Thats an ongoing agency process that hasnt been consummated. They are not imminent. The MTA runs the citys subways, buses and commuter lines and is implementing the new toll. Its $68.4 billion 20252029 capital program is counting on $14 billion of federal funding. Projects at risk in the near term include $2.2 billion of plans for subway and bus maintenance, along with railroad track work the state recently submitted for federal approval, according to court documents. Duffy had threatened to start withholding authorizations and federal money as soon as Wednesday if the MTA continues to charge drivers under the congestion program. Most motorists pay $9 during peak hours to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street. The toll brought in $159 million in the first three months of the program and is on target to raise $500 million this year after expenses, according to MTA officials. The MTA anticipates borrowing against the revenue collections to finance $15 billion of transit upgrades that will renew train signals from the 1930s, add elevators to stations and extend the Second Avenue Subway to Harlem. The fee has helped ease traffic in the area. About 8.1 million fewer vehicles entered Manhattans central business district from the launch of the tolling on Jan. 5 through April, for a daily average decline of 11%, according to MTA data. While many drivers grumble at paying more to get to work, appointments and other events, support for the toll is growing as people experience faster commutes and less traffic. A Siena College Poll conducted May 12-15 found that 39% of registered voters in the state want the fee to remain, up from 29% in December who supported it. The case is Metropolitan Transportation Authority v. Duffy, 25-cv-1413, US District Court, Southern District of New York . 2025 Bloomberg L.P. In a significant development amidst the long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed readiness to engage in peace talks with India. Speaking during his visit to Iran, Sharif emphasised the importance of dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes between the two neighbouring countries. The Pakistani Prime Minister flew from Turkey to the Iranian capital, where President Masoud Pezeshkian received him at the Saadabad Palace. Sharif received a guard of honour and held talks with President Pezeshkian. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi. Sharif and his delegation will also meet Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to discuss bilateral matters as well as important regional issues. Also Read | Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif wants peace with India but puts Kashmir condition What Did Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Say? Addressing the media in Iran, Shehbaz Sharif stated, We want to resolve all disputes with India through dialogue and peaceful means. I am ready to talk with India to improve relations and bring stability to the region. The Pakistan PM's remarks mark a notable shift in tone from Pakistans leadership, signalling a willingness to pursue diplomatic engagement despite years of hostility. "We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations and are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism, he said. Also Read | Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif admits India's missiles hit Nur Khan Airbase The Pakistan PM also warned of a response if India chose the path of war. But if they choose to remain aggressors, then we shall defend our territory like we have done a few days ago, he said. But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely. Shehbaz Sharif further highlighted the potential benefits of improved bilateral ties, stating, Peace between Pakistan and India will not only benefit our two countries but also contribute to regional peace and prosperity. He called on both sides to demonstrate political will and sincerity to overcome historical grievances. Sharif also claimed that his country came out victorious out of the four-day war with India. India-Pakistan Conflict: A Brief Overview The India-Pakistan relationship has been fraught with conflict since the partition of British India in 1947. The two nations have fought multiple wars, primarily over Kashmir, which remains a flashpoint for violence and diplomatic tension. Cross-border skirmishes, terrorist attacks, and political rhetoric have repeatedly undermined attempts at peace. Despite several rounds of talks over the decades, including confidence-building measures and ceasefire agreements, a lasting resolution has remained elusive. History of Belbouches Manor Belbouches Manor, located in Westwick, Cambridgeshire, England, first appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey commissioned by William the Conqueror. Westwick, part of the Hundred of Chesterton, had two manors: the larger Lisles Manor (later Westwick Hall) with 240 acres and three tenant households, and the smaller Belbouches Manor, spanning 120 acres with no recorded tenant households. The absence of tenants suggests Belbouches was a modest estate, likely occupied solely by the lord and his family, functioning as a self-contained agricultural unit. The Domesday entry notes land for one plough team, 103 sheep, and 27 pigs, indicating a small-scale farming operation. The manors name, Belbouches, may derive from Anglo-Norman or Old French, possibly belle bouche (meaning beautiful mouth), perhaps referring to a stream or symbolic feature, though this remains speculative. Its exact location is uncertain, with historical accounts suggesting a site on the north side of the Oakington to Cottenham road, while others propose a location south of the road in Westwick Park. Aerial photographs show earthworksridges, depressions, and possible house platformsthat might indicate a medieval settlement, though some argue these could result from late 19th-century coprolite mining, a practice common in Cambridgeshire for extracting phosphate-rich deposits. By 1279, Westwick had grown to around 20 resident families, most renting from Lisles Manor, then held by the Lisle family. Belbouches Manor had passed to the Belbouche family by this time. Westwick lacked its own church, so residents attended services in Cottenham, but by the late 13th century, they began burying their dead in Oakington churchyard due to the Cottenham chaplains refusal, possibly linked to plague fears. By 1315, Westwick residents fully integrated into Oakingtons ecclesiastical life, paying tithes there instead of Cottenham. The manors decline began in the 14th century. By 1315, its holdings had been divided, and between 1346 and 1428, the Harwards family acquired part of its land. The Black Death (134849), which killed 4060% of Englands population, likely exacerbated this decline by causing labor shortages and disrupting the feudal system. By the early 15th century, Richard Belbouche owned just 23.5 acres, and by 1486, this remaining estate was conveyed to the trustees of Cottenham church and causeway estate, marking the end of Belbouches as a distinct physical entity. Its lands were later absorbed into larger estates, including those of the Perse family (1618), the Buck family (1652), and the Lintons, who by 1836 owned nearly four-fifths of Westwick, with their estate spanning over 500 acres by 1861. Remarkably, the title of Belbouches Manor lives on to this day, May 28, 2025, and there is a current holder of the title. While the manor itself ceased to exist as a functional estate by the late 15th century, the title has been preserved through legal or ceremonial means, a practice not uncommon for historical estates in England. In modern England, manorial titles are recognized as a form of property that can be held independently of the land, often passed down through families or sold as an incorporeal hereditamenta legal right with no physical existence. The title may have been retained by descendants of the Lintons or transferred to another family over the centuries, reflecting the enduring symbolic value of such titles despite their lack of practical governance rights since the feudal systems decline. Notable Individuals Associated with Belbouches Manor The timeline and historical records provide a detailed ownership lineage, highlighting key figures who held the manor. Gega (Prior to 1066) Before the Norman Conquest, Belbouches was held by Gega, a free woman. Gegas status as a free woman is notable in the pre-Conquest Saxon system, indicating she had autonomy over her land, a rarity for women at the time. Her overlordship is not specified, but her ownership reflects the diversity of landholders in Anglo-Saxon England. Guthmund (Earl Wohltherofs Man, 1066) In 1066, Guthmund, a man of Earl Wohltherof, held Belbouches under Ely Abbey. Guthmund was likely a minor Saxon thegn, managing the estate for his lord. Earl Wohltherof, possibly Waltheof, was a prominent Anglo-Saxon earl who resisted the Normans before submitting to William the Conqueror. Guthmunds role highlights the pre-Conquest feudal structure. Robert, Son of William (1086) By 1086, post-Conquest, Belbouches was held by Robert, son of William, under David of Argentan, with Ely Abbey as overlord. David of Argentan was a Norman tenant-in-chief in Cambridgeshire. Robert, likely a minor Norman knight, managed Belbouches as a mesne tenant, overseeing its modest resources. William Despenser (1166) By 1166, William Despenser held Belbouches under Ely Abbey. The Despensers were a prominent noble family, known for their political influence. William may have been a lesser member, as Belbouches was a small holding compared to their larger estates. The Despensers later gained notoriety under Edward II, but Williams tenure at Belbouches was likely administrative, reflecting its integration into broader feudal networks. Robert Chartermere (119798) In 119798, Robert Chartermere, nephew and heir of Alan Despenser, granted Belbouches to William Belbouche. The Chartermere family, possibly local gentry, were likely connected to the Despensers through feudal ties. Roberts transfer marks the manors transition to the Belbouche family. William Belbouche (1207) and Subsequent Belbouche Holders From 1207, William Belbouche held the manor, beginning a long line of Belbouche ownership: Richard Belbouche (1235, 1279): Held 75 acres of demesne land and 45 acres by four freeholders, under the Bishop of Ely. Roger Belbouche (c. 1302): Continued the familys tenure. Amice Belbouche (1315): Held the manor as holdings divided. William Belbouche (1327, 1346): Listed as a landowner in 1327; by 1346, he held it with a partner. John Belbouche (1361): The last named Belbouche before Richard. Richard Belbouche (Early 1400s, by 1486): Owned 23.5 acres; by 1486, the estate was conveyed to Cottenham church trustees, ending the Belbouche association. The Harwards Family (13461428) Between 1346 and 1428, the Harwards family acquired part of Belbouches land, reflecting its fragmentation post-Black Death. They were likely local gentry expanding their holdings. The Linton Family (19th Century) By 1836, the Lintons owned nearly four-fifths of Westwick, with their estate spanning over 500 acres by 1861. They rebuilt Westwick Hall in 185556, likely absorbing former Belbouches lands. The Lintons were notable for modernizing Westwick during the Victorian era and may be linked to the titles survival. Critical Examination of the Narrative The timeline provides a detailed ownership lineage, but gaps remain. The Despenser connection lacks depthWilliam Despensers role at Belbouches is unclear, and the manors small size suggests it was a minor holding for such a prominent family. The Belbouche familys long tenure indicates resilience, but their social status is vague; the shift to freeholders by 1235 suggests adaptation to post-Black Death labor shortages. The statement that the title lives on to this day, with a current holder as of May 28, 2025, is significant but raises questions. Manorial titles in England are recognized as legal property, often sold or inherited separately from the land, as noted in historical practices. The titles survival likely reflects this tradition, but without specific documentation, we cannot trace its path from the Lintons to the present holder. The lack of a public register for manorial titles means ownership details are private, often only recorded through transfers or legal deeds. This opacity does not give doubt to legitimacy of such titles. The debate over the manors locationnorth or south of the Oakington to Cottenham roadremains unresolved. Earthworks could be medieval, but coprolite mining may have altered the landscape. The narrative focuses on land ownership, omitting the lived experiences of tenants or workers, a common limitation of medieval records. Belbouches Manors history, from Gegas ownership in 1066 to its dissolution by 1486, reflects the lifecycle of small manorial estates in medieval England. The Despenser familys brief tenure ties it to broader feudal networks, while the Belbouche familys long association underscores its local significance. Economic upheavals, notably the Black Death, led to its fragmentation and absorption into larger estates like the Lintons. Remarkably, the title of Belbouches Manor lives on to this day, May 28, 2025, with a current holder, a testament to the enduring symbolic value of such titles despite their lack of practical governance rights. Further archaeological work could clarify its location, while additional records might reveal more about its modern journey, bridging its medieval past with its present legacy. NVIDIA in 2025: AI Dominance, Trade Challenges, and Market Volatility By Shayne Heffernan NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) epitomizes a very AI-driven entity in the technology sector, excelling in artificial intelligence (AI), gaming, and data center solutions. However, the company has faced a challenging year marked by significant stock volatility, geopolitical trade tensions, and evolving competition in the AI chip market. This article explores NVIDIAs recent performance, strategic maneuvers, and the broader market context shaping its trajectory. Stock Performance and Market Challenges NVIDIAs stock has experienced a turbulent ride in 2025, reflecting both its critical role in the AI boom and the external pressures impacting its bottom line. According to Yahoo Finance, NVIDIAs stock saw a notable decline, with market cap losses nearing $270 billion following the Trump administrations new export controls announced in April 2025. These restrictions, aimed at curbing chip exports to certain regions, led to a reported $5.5 billion loss in potential sales to China, a key market for NVIDIA. This news sent the stock tumbling, with a 25% slide in the quarter, as noted in posts on X. Despite this downturn, NVIDIAs stock rebounded in May 2025, jumping over 4% after the company secured billions of dollars in AI chip deals with Saudi Arabia. This development coincided with a U.S. policy shift granting Saudi Arabia access to NVIDIAs advanced chips, such as the Blackwell racks showcased for HUMAIN, a new AI firm backed by Saudis sovereign wealth fund. The deal signaled NVIDIAs ability to pivot to new markets amid restrictions elsewhere, a move that analysts viewed as a bullish sign for the companys adaptability. However, NVIDIAs stock has lagged for much of the year, as highlighted in a Yahoo Finance article from March 2025. Despite CEO Jensen Huangs high-profile announcements at the annual GTC conferenceincluding the unveiling of powerful new AI chips like Blackwell Ultra and Vera Rubinthe stock struggled to maintain momentum. Analysts pointed to several factors, including concerns over Big Tech spending, competition from companies like DeepSeek, and Huangs earlier comments that sent shockwaves through the quantum computing sector. Bank of America semiconductor analyst Vivek Arya, speaking with Yahoo Finance, noted that while NVIDIA remains a leader in chip design and execution, its stock faces growing pains as the market digests these challenges. Strategic Moves and AI Leadership NVIDIAs dominance in the AI chip market remains strong, but the company has had to navigate a complex landscape to maintain its edge. At the GTC conference, Jensen Huang emphasized the transformative potential of NVIDIAs new chips, positioning them as tools that could elevate global productivity to unprecedented levels. The Blackwell Ultra and Vera Rubin chips were showcased as groundbreaking, reinforcing NVIDIAs role as a linchpin in the AI revolution. Huang also took steps to address competitive narratives, such as the notion that DeepSeeks advances in AI might reduce demand for NVIDIAs chips. By meeting with top quantum computing CEOs, Huang sought to mend relationships after earlier tensions, signaling NVIDIAs intent to collaborate rather than compete with emerging technologies. This diplomatic approach underscores NVIDIAs broader strategy of maintaining its ecosystems relevance across multiple tech domains. Geopolitically, NVIDIA has been proactive in mitigating the impact of U.S.-China trade tensions. In May 2025, Huang met with Chinas Vice Premier and Shanghais Mayor to discuss the companys future in the region, even as new U.S. chip curbs threatened significant sales. While no deals were finalized, NVIDIAs commitment to the Chinese marketdespite a 25% stock slidedemonstrates its long-term vision. Analysts, such as Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights & Strategy, expressed confidence in a potential U.S.-China trade deal that could alleviate some of these pressures, as reported by Yahoo Finance. Market Sentiment and Future Outlook Market sentiment around NVIDIA remains mixed but cautiously optimistic. Kimberly Forrest of Bokeh Capital Partners, speaking on Yahoo Finances Morning Brief, highlighted the sustainability of the AI trade, with NVIDIA as a core driver of growth in the tech space. She noted that NVIDIAs customers are likely to continue investing heavily in AI, potentially until they become irrelevant, underscoring the relentless demand for NVIDIAs chips. On X, sentiment echoed this cautious optimism. Users pointed to NVIDIAs strategic pivot to Saudi Arabia as a major policy win, with one post noting the significance of the U.S. granting access to advanced chips for HUMAIN. However, concerns about the stocks volatility persisted, with some users questioning whether NVIDIA could regain its earlier highs amidst ongoing trade uncertainties. Looking ahead, NVIDIAs first-quarter earnings for 2025, set to be released on May 28, will be a critical indicator of its resilience. Options strategist Sean McLaughlin, speaking on Yahoo Finance, shared insights on how traders are positioning themselves ahead of the results, reflecting the high stakes surrounding NVIDIAs performance. Analysts will be watching closely for signs of how the company is managing its supply chain, addressing competition, and capitalizing on new markets like Saudi Arabia. Critical Perspective: Beyond the Hype While NVIDIAs role in the AI revolution is undeniable, its worth critically examining the broader narrative. The companys reliance on AI-driven growth has made it a favorite on Wall Street, but this focus also exposes it to risks. The $270 billion market cap loss following export controls highlights the fragility of NVIDIAs position in a geopolitically charged environment. Moreover, the narrative of AI as the future often overshadows potential overvaluation concerns, as NVIDIAs stock has historically traded at lofty multiples. Competition is another factor that deserves scrutiny. While Huang has downplayed threats from companies like DeepSeek, the emergence of rivals such as Amazon and Broadcomcoupled with comments from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about chip supplysuggests that NVIDIAs dominance is not guaranteed. The companys ability to innovate and maintain its technological lead will be crucial, especially as other players invest heavily in AI infrastructure. Finally, NVIDIAs pivot to markets like Saudi Arabia raises ethical questions. The U.S. policy shift to allow advanced chip sales to Saudi Arabia, despite prior restrictions, reflects a pragmatic approach to maintaining economic influence. However, it also underscores the complex interplay between technology, geopolitics, and human rightsa dynamic that NVIDIA will need to navigate carefully. NVIDIA in May 2025 is a company at a crossroads, balancing its leadership in AI with the challenges of geopolitical trade barriers, market volatility, and rising competition. Jensen Huangs strategic maneuversfrom forging new partnerships in Saudi Arabia to engaging with Chinese officialsdemonstrate NVIDIAs determination to remain a global leader. While the stock has faced significant headwinds, its recent rebound and the upcoming earnings report offer hope for a recovery. For investors, NVIDIA remains a high-risk, high-reward play. The companys ability to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, innovate in AI, and manage geopolitical risks will determine its long-term success. As the tech world watches NVIDIAs next moves, one thing is clear: the chipmakers journey is far from over, and its impact on the future of technology will continue to be profound. A huge Liverpool fan from Ireland, who travelled to England to witness the Premier League victory parade, has described the distressing scenes he witnessed after a car ploughed into the crowds. Eugene OConnor and friends brought supporters into their rented apartment for their safety due to the chaos on Water Street in Liverpool. Four children were among around 50 people injured after a car rammed into fans during a Premier League victory parade in the city, with one child seriously hurt. Up to one million people had lined the streets to celebrate the Arne Slot-managed team as they moved through the city centre with the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus. Eugene, who lives in County Limerick, told the Limerick Leader / Limerick Live the shocking incident happened right outside an apartment he and friends had rented. We decided to walk up the next street and cut across an alley over to Water Street because of the crowd as it was just after the parade finished. We didnt see it happening, we arrived on 30 seconds later. We were 20 metres from Water Street. We saw the panic, people running towards us, women and children crying. We asked what happened and they told us someone ploughed through the crowd, said Eugene, from Kildimo. READ MORE: Thunderstorms and gale force winds on the way in early Bank Holiday weekend weather forecast The musician who performs with popular wedding and party band Escapade said they had to try and get into their apartment before the area was closed off. There were people in the hallway, shocked and a few were pepper sprayed by police trying to protect the driver from the crowd who intervened. We brought a few people into our apartment for a few hours until things calmed down a bit. The city was crazy, Ive never seen it so busy, all phones were jammed, said Eugene. One of his friends saw people trying to get the driver out of the car while the police were trying to protect him. He saw some badly-injured people on the street and is pretty shook after it. It was a horrible end to an amazing day, said Eugene (pictured below on the left on a happier occasion at Liverpool's final league game against Crystal Palace). Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said four people who were trapped under the car, including a child, were rescued by firefighters. At a press conference last night, Dave Kitchin from North West Ambulance Service, said 27 people were taken to hospital and 20 people were treated at the scene, with four children among the injured. He said two of those taken to hospital, including one of the children, suffered serious injuries. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: May 27 2025 New Enhancements to New York State Veterans Tuition Awards Program Broaden Eligibility and Flexibility, Empowering Veterans To Pursue Brighter Futures. In honor of Memorial Day, Governor Kathy Hochul announced key enhancements to the New York State Veterans Tuition Award that expand access to college financial aid for more veterans. This expansion now allows veterans who served at least four years on active-duty to qualify for full-tuition awards, even if they did not serve in combat or a specific combat theater. Prior to this historic expansion, only veterans who served in combat or a specific combat theater were eligible to receive the Veterans Tuition Award. These changes take effect on July 1, 2025. The changes underscore Governor Hochuls ongoing commitment to support veterans, active-duty service members, and their families by ensuring access to the tools they need to achieve a brighter future. Memorial Day is a sacred day to honor Americas courageous heroes who gave everything in defense of our freedoms. When we reflect on the magnitude of their sacrifices, we are also reminded of the need to take meaningful action to honor all who served, Governor Hochul said. New York State is proud to expand access to the Veterans Tuition Award program, ensuring that those who served our country have the tools they need to succeed in building a brighter future for themselves and their families. This initiative reflects our steadfast commitment to supporting veterans with opportunities for higher education and career success. Expansion of the Veterans Tuition Award The Veterans Tuition Award, administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, provides eligible veterans with up to the full cost of SUNY undergraduate tuition at approved colleges and vocational training programs across New York State. Under Governor Hochuls leadership, the program will now serve even more veterans by broadening eligibility and increasing flexibility. Program Highlights Include: Broadened Eligibility: Veterans with a minimum of four years of active-duty service or those who served in combat or the combat theaters of Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, or Afghanistan, and were honorably discharged can now qualify. Flexibility for Full-and Part-Time Studies: Veterans pursuing either full- or part-time education can now benefit, providing greater flexibility. Coordinated Benefits: Veterans can maximize federal financial aid and GI Bill benefits and state support, as awards are not reduced by Montgomery GI Bill benefits or Pell Grants. Year-Round Applications: Applications accepted year-round, offering greater flexibility for veterans planning their education. For more information or to apply, visit the VTA website. Additional Opportunities for Veterans and Their Families New Yorks commitment to veterans and military families extends further with robust educational and financial support programs, including: New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President, Dr. Guillermo Linares said, With Governor Hochuls leadership, New York State reaffirms its commitment to the brave individuals who have served in our military. Education is a powerful step forward for veterans transitioning to civilian life, and the enhancements to the Veterans Tuition Award strengthen their ability to pursue brighter futures with confidence and purpose. New York State Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, This Memorial Day, we honor the profound sacrifices of our veterans and their families through lasting, meaningful support. Expanding access to education through the enhanced Veterans Tuition Award program is one important way we are helping those who served, build their futures. This progress is possible thanks to Governor Hochuls unwavering dedication to New Yorks veteransa true reflection of her leadership and compassion. State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, SUNY is proud to provide an excellent higher education to servicemembers and veterans, and the expanded Veteran Tuition Awards Program will help more veterans find their perfect SUNY campus and complete a college degree. We have been a vocal advocate for these changes and are grateful to Governor Hochul for making this important legislation a reality." City University of New York Chancellor Felix V. Matos Rodriguez said, CUNY works diligently to support veterans and active-duty service members and their families. Governor Hochuls expansion of the Veterans Tuition Award program offers more flexibility for these brave individuals to achieve their academic and career goals. We urge military-connected families to explore the full range of New York State financial aid programs that can help make college more affordable and accessible. State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, Im grateful for Governor Hochuls partnership to expand the veterans tuition assistance to more servicemembers. This is a no brainer that will allow more veterans to have support as they pursue a higher education. I look forward to continuing to work on ways to expand this benefit to support those who served. Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, I appreciate the Governor signing this important piece of legislation that will assist all Veterans that served our great nation. It is important that we provide educational opportunities to our Veterans. Assemblymember Steve Stern said, As the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee of the New York State Assembly, I applaud Governor Hochuls initiative to expand affordable education opportunities to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation. The Veterans Tuition Awards Program will allow both combat vets and those who have served four years in service without time in combat access to SUNY colleges and vocational training tuition-free, in coordination with GI bill benefits. Additionally, both full and part time students will be eligible, an important benefit for veterans who must balance school, work and family obligations. Our veterans deserve more than our thanks, they deserve meaningful support that will help them gain the skills they need in a changing workplace. For more information about the Veterans Tuition Award and other New York State financial aid programs, visit hesc.ny.gov. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: May 27 2025 OAG Investigation Found That Walmart Shipped Nine Realistic Toy Guns to New York, Walmart to Pay $14,000 in Penalties. New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office secured a settlement with Walmart for shipping realistic-looking toy guns to New York. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that third-party sellers on Walmarts online store sold realistic-looking toy guns to New Yorkers and Walmart shipped nine of them to addresses in New York, including New York City, Westchester, and Western New York. New York law prohibits retailers from selling or shipping toy guns that are black, dark blue, silver, or aluminum-colored and look like a real gun. Realistic-looking toy guns can be used to engage in unlawful activity and have led to several deaths and shootings across the state. Businesses that illegally sell or distribute realistic-looking toy guns in New York can be fined up to $1,000 per violation. As a result of this settlement, Walmart must pay $16,000 in penalties and fees and ensure that all its third-party sellers are unable to sell imitation toy guns to New York. Realistic-looking toy guns can put communities in serious danger and that is why they are banned in New York, said Attorney General James. Walmart failed to prevent its third-party sellers from selling realistic-looking toy guns to New York addresses, violating our laws and putting people at risk. The ban on realistic-looking toy guns is meant to keep New Yorkers safe and my office will not hesitate to hold any business that violates that law accountable. An OAG investigation found that third-party sellers on Walmarts online store sold realistic-looking toy guns and Walmart shipped them to New York through its fulfillment services. Investigators from OAG were able to purchase a toy gun from Walmart and have it shipped to New York. New Yorks General Business law does not allow retailers to sell or distribute realistic-looking imitation guns, which can be black, dark blue, silver, or aluminum-colored. Toy guns sold in New York must be made in bright colors or made entirely of transparent or translucent materials. Businesses that illegally sell or distribute realistic-looking toy guns in New York can be fined up to $1,000 per violation. As a result of this settlement, Walmart must pay $14,000 in penalties and $2,000 in fees to the state for illegally shipping realistic-looking toy guns to New York addresses. Attorney General James encourages consumers who see realistic-looking guns sold in stores or online with shipping to New York to contact her office by filing an online complaint. This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General in Charge Andy Aujla, Deputy Assistant Attorney General in Charge Ben Bruce, and Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Martin all of the Division of Regional Affairs as well as Special Counsel for Complex Litigation Colleen K. Faherty and former Special Counsel Eric Haren. Support was also provided by Data Scientist Blake Rubey, under the supervision of Director Victoria Khan and Deputy Director Gautam Sisodia, all of the Research and Analytics Department. Investigators Peter Schottenfeld and Ralph Dorismond supported the investigation under the supervision of Supervising Investigator Michael Christian. The Division of Regional Affairs is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jill Faber and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. Get Offline, Get Outside: Governor Hochul Announces $56.5 Million To Provide At-Risk Youth With Jobs, Skills And Training This Summer Local News By Chris Boyle Published: May 27 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program Provides Valuable Work Experience for Young People. Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $56.5 million to help approximately 21,000 young people from low-income households enter the job market this summer through New York States Summer Youth Employment program. As part of the FY 2026 State Budget, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is distributing funding to all 57 counties and New York City to implement a Summer Youth Employment Program to introduce at-risk youth to New Yorks workforce, where they will gain professional training and develop useful skills that will help them improve educational performance and explore possible career paths. Investing in our young peoples future and providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed is a top priority of my administration, Governor Hochul said. The Summer Youth Employment Program helps young New Yorkers across the state find good summer jobs that provide valuable experiences and skills that will help them pursue their educational and career goals and prepare them for success in the workforce as adults. The Summer Youth Employment Program supports businesses and communities across the state in providing summer jobs for youth from low-income families. Participants work in entry-level jobs at places such as parks, summer camps, child care organizations, cultural centers, educational facilities, and community-based organizations, among others. To be eligible for the program, youth must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and have a household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which varies by household size and, for example, is $53,300 for a family of three. The FY 2026 State Budget included an increase of $1.5 million for the program over last year to address minimum wage increases. The program served more than 21,000 young people last summer. New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, The Summer Youth Employment Program provides young people from lower-income households good summer jobs in a range of occupations that provide participants a paycheck and the important opportunity to gain valuable work experience that will support their future success in school and in the job market. The Summer Youth program is also an important part of the states efforts to build a strong workforce pipeline for area businesses. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing to prioritize programs and policies that support the health, well-being, and future promise of New Yorks youth while helping to strengthen our communities. State Senator Sean Ryan said, Connecting at-risk youth with good job opportunities helps not only them, but also their families, their communities, and our economy. This funding will boost our state's workforce, promote safer and stronger communities, and set thousands of young New Yorkers up for successful careers. Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, The Summer Youth Employment Program empowers young people to be proactive as they work towards their future careers, all while supporting businesses and communities across the state with meaningful summer jobs. The continued funding for this program represents an investment into the future job market and a commitment to seeing all young people succeed and thrive. Thousands of young New Yorkers will have an opportunity to grow their professional skillset without the burden of economic hardship holding them back. Funding Awards for the Summer Youth Employment Program Breakdown by County: County Funding Albany $774,578 Allegany $221,757 Broome $650,283 Cattaraugus $321,822 Cayuga $230,591 Chautauqua $491,187 Chemung $259,293 Chenango $174,812 Clinton $250,440 Columbia $133,304 Cortland $166,684 Delaware $147,217 Dutchess $613,770 Erie $2,598,654 Essex $93,743 Franklin $188,360 Fulton $177,426 Genesee $140,702 Greene $137,344 Hamilton $13,714 Herkimer $198,769 Jefferson $358,283 Lewis $97,913 Livingston $196,071 Madison $211,149 Monroe $2,164,276 Montgomery $174,934 Nassau $1,806,927 Niagara $568,697 NYC $29,329,237 Oneida $724,225 Onondaga $1,396,576 Ontario $254,309 Orange $1,078,708 Orleans $137,245 Oswego $468,563 Otsego $220,851 Putnam $109,026 Rensselaer $387,905 Rockland $993,778 Saratoga $333,260 Schenectady $367,739 Schoharie $97,089 Schuyler $57,613 Seneca $119,365 St. Lawrence $490,045 Steuben $309,545 Suffolk $2,315,367 Sullivan $243,516 Tioga $140,953 Tompkins $435,842 Ulster $415,932 Warren $127,626 Washington $169,208 Wayne $242,690 Westchester $1,754,517 Wyoming $129,071 Yates $87,499 Total $56,500,000 Funding Awards for the Summer Youth Employment Program Breakdown by Region: Behnam and David D. join Bill to discuss the attack in Washington, D.C. that killed a young couple working for the Israeli embassy. Behnam and David both were friends with Yaron, who tragically lost his life to yet another act of terror rooted in anti-semitism. They also briefly catch up on the current state of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations and the still-burning dumpster fire in Lebanon. Powered by RedCircle Sudanese Armed Forces Spokesperson Nabil Abdullah Ali announces that Khartoum State is free of Rapid Support Forces on May 20, 2025. (@sudannabaa on X) On May 19, Abdel Fattah al Burhan, Sudans army chief and de-facto leader, appointed the first prime minister since the countrys civil war broke out in April 2023, marking an important step in reestablishing civilian governance. The previous week, on May 13, the Sudanese Joint Forces, a militia allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), announced that it had captured territory in West Kordofan State from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Joint Forces seizure of Al Khuwayy is the latest in a series of pro-government battlefield victories over the RSF and its commander, Mohamed Hamdan Hemedti Dagalo. The militia, also known as the Al Sayyad or Hunter forces, has assisted the SAF in major operations over the course of the war. For example, the Joint Forces, composed of former Darfuri rebel groups, were able to seize the Sudanese-Libyan-Chadian border triangle in July 2024, cutting off potential RSF supply lines. The momentum of the conflict began to shift in March when the SAF recaptured the capital city of Khartoum. While this was seen as a potential turning point in the war, the battle did not mark the end of hostilities. Just weeks earlier, RSF leader Hemedti announced the creation of a parallel government in Kenya. The charter was seen as an attempt to cement control over captured territory by the US-sanctioned militia leader. On May 1, RSF troops advancing from the west and north captured the strategic city of Al Nahud, which links the Kordofan states with Darfur. Al Nahud is also a central agricultural and commercial hub known for its production of gum Arabicof which Sudan is responsible for 70% of the global supply, the majority of which is sourced from RSF-controlled territories. Following the RSF takeover, residents and local officials in Al Nahud reported escalating violence, accusing forces of extrajudicial executions, detentions, and widespread looting. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 7,000 families have fled Al Nahud and neighboring Al Khuwayy. In response, the SAF and The Joint Forces launched a counteroffensive on May 10, retaking Umm Sammaymah as forces advanced towards Al Khuwayy. The allied troops reclaimed Al Khuwayy, located 60 miles east of Al Nahud, in early May, pushing RSF forces east. A Joint Forces spokesperson called the counteroffensive a well-executed ambush, claiming that 80 RSF vehicles were seized and more than 800 fighters, including foreign mercenaries, were killed. The SAF publicly confirmed the capture of Al Khuwayy shortly after. As fighting escalated, the RSF claimed in a May 14 statement that it had achieved a decisive victory over the SAF in Al Khuwayy, alleging over 1,000 government casualties. However, geolocated footage taken by SAF fighters supports the armys version, showing significant RSF losses in the area. Meanwhile, the RSF has increased its attacks on strategic infrastructure. On May 11, the SAF accused the RSF of launching a series of drone attacks against oil depots in Port Sudan, the first time the rebel group had used drones against the Red Sea port area. On May 18, The Joint Forces claimed to have reclaimed territory in El Malha, North Darfur, calling the victory a decisive step toward restoring security and stability in the Darfur region. On May 20, the SAF announced that it had taken full control of Khartoum State following a large-scale offensive that cleared remaining RSF strongholds in Omdurman, Sudans second-largest city. The offensive solidified the armys control over central Khartoum, forcing the RSF west towards its remaining strongholds in Darfur. The Joint Forces are now reportedly planning a renewed offensive to retake Al Nahud and use the city as a staging ground for further operations into West Kordofan and North Darfur. Mariam Wahba is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Follow her on X @themariamwahba. Rebecca Goldsmith is an intern at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Has anyone done a check-in with Tim Cook lately? You know, just drive by the Apple campus and see how things are going? Maybe bring him an edible basket of some kind? Hes been having a year. To be fair, hes been having a year where the company is still doing great business and has more money than a deity that, while it preaches spiritual wealth over monetary wealth, is still somehow the go-to benchmark in this saying. Writing for The New York Times, Tripp Mickle details Cooks latest travails: Techs Trump Whisperer, Tim Cook, Goes Quiet as His Influence Fades It should be noted that Mickles work can be considered rather dubious, but he hasnt written anything that has had people reaching for the classic blinking guy gif when linking to it for at least well, four days. Yes, its been less than a week since Mickle wrote Is Trumps Made in America iPhone a Fantasy?, in which he could have saved a lot of time by simply linking to Betteridges Law and then taking off early for the Memorial Day weekend. Instead, he tried to nuance a pretty simple answer to death. And and got involved in some of that olde tyme eugenics. Young Chinese women have small fingers, and that has made them a valuable contributor to iPhone production because they are more nimble at installing screws and other miniature parts in the small device, supply chain experts said. Tripp Mickle, My 23, 2025 That is a pro tip for aspiring sources right there. When you want to spout your ideas on the supposed inherent natural abilities of the races, insist you be referred to anonymously as a supply chain expert. Then the person answering angry emails all weekend is Tripp Mickle, not you. But that was last week. This is this week. Presuming the linear nature of time has not been summarily done away with, like so many of our long-standing societal norms. Cooks bad, awful 2025 is pretty much on the record, and Mickle manages to avoid quoting anyone making forays into race theory this time. If youd like to receive regular news and updates to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters, including The Macalope and Apple Breakfast, David Prices weekly, bite-sized roundup of all the latest Apple news and rumors. IDG First, there was Apples trouble shipping all of Apple Intelligence, then it was its loss on the App Store anti-steering policy. Now its this guy. President Trump is miffed that Cook declined to tag along on his field trip to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both countries, by the way, where you can get the death penalty for being gay, not that theyre likely to try to execute the guy who makes the iPhones. Its not like hes a journalist, after all. As Mickle notes, Cook managed to steer through Trumps first administration by distracting him with shiny objects like a plant in Texas that makes a couple of Mac Pros every so often. This time, Cook greased the skids with a $1 million donation to Trumps inaugural fund. Nope, we havent forgotten about that, although it seems like the president has, either because of the dementia or just inherently having the attention span of a sugar-addled toddler. I mean, Tim Cook isnt here but you are, Mr. Trump said to [Nvidia CEO Jensen] Huang Good job, Jensen Nvidia. Subsequent to taking exception to Apple shifting manufacturing to India instead of the U.S. where people are clamoring in the streets for the opportunity to spend 14 hours a day screwing iPhones together for pennies, Trump threatened a 25 percent tariff on imported iPhones. The new tariff threat is a reversal of fortune for Mr. Cook. In eight years, hes gone from one of Mr. Trumps most beloved chief executives to one of the White Houses biggest corporate targets. Its almost like trying to cozy up to tin-plated autocrats who have a very limited understanding of how things actually work pays off less than you might think it does. Still, Apples market value has increased by more than $2.5 trillion under his leadership, or about $500 million a day since 2011. Despite following Apple for decades and keeping at least one eye on these numbers, the Macalope had to check that math because it simply seemed preposterous. Preposterous it still may be, but its also right. For Apple, this may be a case of too much success being a bad thing. It is unlikely that Cook could have avoided Trumps attention, given its inherent gravimetric field. The question is, now that a moderate show of obsequiousness has proven insufficiently mollifying, what will Cook do next? LIVONIA, MICH - We are happy to continue an initiative that demonstrates appreciation for our employees and our commitment to caring for the environment. Beginning on May 30, 2025, and continuing through August 1, 2025, Madonna University will be closed on Fridays. This strategic decision reflects our dedication to serving our current and prospective students, as well as our valued employees, in the most efficient and sustainable manner possible. Although staff will be unavailable to assist with requests on Fridays, be assured we are committed to delivering timely responses and service Monday Thursday. Department voicemails and emails will remain open, and our staff will continue to respond promptly. For the contact information and hours of individual departments, please visit the Contact Us page of our website. We greatly appreciate your understanding as we strive to accommodate your needs. This initiative closely aligns with our Franciscan value of reverence for creation and embraces the ideals presented in Laudato Si, Pope Francis encyclical on caring for Earth, our common home. The environmentally-conscious decision to close on Fridays in June and July will reduce our carbon footprint. This measure minimizes the need for commuting, conserves energy, and contributes to an overall decrease in our environmental impact. We take immense pride in actively contributing to a more sustainable future for our community and the world. Additionally, the Friday closures serve as an expression of gratitude and appreciation for our exceptional faculty and staff. They tirelessly support our students academic journeys and foster a nurturing learning environment. This time off will provide employees with an opportunity to recharge, spend quality time with loved ones, pursue personal interests, and ensure a healthy work-life balance. By fostering a culture of appreciation and well-being, we aim to enhance the Madonna experience for everyone. We understand that this change may require some adjustments, and we sincerely appreciate your flexibility and understanding during this period. Your dedication to Madonna University and our community is invaluable. Should you have any questions or concerns, please dont hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your ongoing support as we strive to continually improve our services. Together, we are creating a more efficient, sustainable, and vibrant academic environment. Court-appointed criminal defense attorneys across Massachusetts began to refuse taking new cases as courts returned to session Tuesday morning, opening the door to a potential statewide public safety crisis. The defense attorneys called bar advocates are private lawyers contracted by the state to represent people facing criminal charges in local courts who cannot afford a lawyer, ensuring their constitutional right to legal counsel. Bar advocates handle about 80% of criminal cases for defendants deemed indigent in Massachusetts courts, said Shira Diner, president of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a professor at Boston University School of Law. The rest of the cases are handled by full-time staff attorneys with the states public defender agency, the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS). But the bar advocates, who are paid $65 per hour in district court, argue that after accounting for expenses like their office and out-of-pocket health and malpractice insurance, they effectively earn around $20 per hour a rate they say makes it impossible to continue providing quality legal defense. Lawyers are really the backbone of protecting peoples rights at an individual level and at a systemic level, and the legislature needs to recognize that and compensate people in an appropriate way, said Diner. Were just seeing attacks on people, marginalized people all over the place. The fact is, they need lawyers, and they need lawyers who are competent and sufficiently compensated for that work, Diner said. CPCS sent a letter on Thursday to notify the trial courts and all 11 district attorneys of the bar advocates work stoppage, beginning May 27, and ask for a meeting on how they can work together to avoid a constitutional crisis. Mitigating the damage of a counsel crisis will necessitate significant coordination between the courts, district attorneys, and CPCS. It will also require patience and understanding on all sides as we grapple with the increased administrative efforts needed to deal with the situation, read the CPCS letter, signed by Chief Counsel Anthony Benedetti. Benedetti also preemptively asked the courts to send CPCS all of the documents for cases of its indigent defendants. In a statement to MassLive, Benedetti said the CPCS supports the bar advocates and believes they should be paid more for the essential work they do in providing legal services to indigent clients across the Commonwealth. A spokesperson for Massachusetts trial courts said the courts are in communication with CPCS in an effort to reduce potential disruptions should a work stoppage by bar advocates occur. Bar advocates make $65 an hour when dealing with cases in district court, those that involve mental health and in juvenile court cases. They make $85 an hour for superior court cases, and $120 an hour when defendants are charged with murder. Diner said shes seen issues brew around bar advocates pay for years, and that bar advocates have been underpaid her entire career some of which spanned 17 years as a CPCS staff public defender. Over the last few years, weve seen more and more people stop taking this work ... and newer lawyers arent going into this work because the money is not sustainable. Systemically, the numbers are just not adding up, and thats why were at this breaking point, Diner said. The rates dont come close to those in other New England states. In New Hampshire, bar advocates make $125 an hour. They make $112 per hour in Rhode Island and $150 per hour in Maine. According to data from CPCS, bar advocate pay rates increased in fiscal year 2021, rising to $65 an hour from $60. Before that, district court bar advocates earned $53 an hour, a rate that had stayed at $50 since at least 2014 until 2020. Murder charge representation rates have increased by $20 in total since fiscal year 2014, the data showed. These rates wont change without legislation passed, Diner explained but past legislation has received lukewarm response from legislators. Earlier this year, a proposal to increase their overall pay fell through. However, a separate proposal to raise rates for those handling superior court and mental health cases passed the Senate but, as of May, has not been approved. We thank the Senate for what they have proposed in their budget to raise rates, and we will continue to advocate for increases in all practice areas as we consistently have done, Benedetti said. Diner said the work stoppage could have dire effects on the Massachusetts court system, and on public safety as a whole. We are going to have a situation where our courts do not have enough lawyers to represent all the people charged with crimes, Diner said. Thats just terrible for the courts, and its terrible for public safety, because someone cant be held in custody without a lawyer for more than seven days, she explained. Benedetti promised that should a work stoppage occur, we will do everything within our statutory responsibility to ensure that all indigent individuals receive legal counsel, prioritizing those most urgently in need, because it is paramount that our clients constitutional rights are protected. Though it began Tuesday, effects from the work stoppage might not be as broadly felt until later this week and into the first week of June. Bar advocates who are refusing new cases are still representing their current clients, and staff public defenders and bar advocates not involved in the stoppage will still take on cases. However, it wont be long until everyone reaches their limits and a crisis mode overtakes courtrooms, Diner warned. Boston Police investigate an incident on Cambridge Street outside the Massachusetts General Hospital, May 27, 2025. Trea Lavery/MassLive A man stole a Boston Police officers gun and fired it during a scuffle, injuring himself, outside Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday morning, police said. The man was evidently suffering a mental health episode when he approached the officer, who was working a paid detail on Cambridge Street, and knocked the officers hat off, according to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. The man, whose name was not released, was injured but expected to survive. The officer, other officers also working the detail, and passing pedestrians together subdued the man and retrieved the gun, Cox said. Were very thankful that no one was seriously injured, that our officer is doing OK, he said. Officers received a call to the area of 265 Cambridge St. just after 8:40 a.m., a Boston Police spokesperson said. The shooting drew a swarm of police to the bustling downtown street in Bostons West End, just outside the regions largest hospitals, during morning rush hour. Police cordoned off the street and were seen sweeping the ground for evidence an hour later. Information on the incident was limited as police launched an investigation, Cox said in Dorchester, where he, Mayor Michelle Wu and other officials had gathered for a planned 10 a.m. press conference on the citys public safety plan for the summer. A large police presence on Cambridge Street near Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Tuesday morning, May 27, 2025. MGH The person attacked the officer in some way, shape or form, was able to get hold of the officers firearm, discharged at least one round, injuring himself, Cox said. The suspect took the officers gun and ended up hurting himself, shooting himself with it. The man appeared to have been minimally injured, according to James Borghesani, a spokesperson for Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden. No one else was injured. Authorities took the man to a local hospital for treatment. Cox indicated the man could appear in court later Tuesday. A large police presence on Cambridge Street near Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Tuesday morning, May 27, 2025. MGH The district attorneys office pledged a thorough investigation. It investigates all instances in which a police officers weapon is fired, Borghesani said. Wu thanked police for their vigilance 24 hours a day and said the incident spoke to the unpredictable nature of their job. As you can see by how we started off today, theres always something that pops up, she said. The job of officers, whether theyre officially on duty, or theyre working a detail, or they are even just sometimes off duty with their families, is a constant call. Around 10:30 a.m., police reopened the eastbound lanes of Cambridge Street. The westbound side, closest to the hospital, remained closed. Former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton arrives for the Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Ballroom at Bayou Place on February 4, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Fanatics) (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Fanatics) Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton was arrested on a DUI charge earlier this month in West Virginia. The legendary gymnast was arrested on Saturday, May 17, on charges of driving under influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs; penalties, court records indicate. The legendary gymnast was issued a personal recognizance bond of $1,500. Retton posted it the same day. Retton, 57, became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medial in Olympic gymnastics at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Retton won two silver medals and two bronze medals that year as well. In 2023, Retton was fighting for her life in the ICU battling a very rare form of pneumonia, her daughter said on social media. McKenna Kelley, Rettons daughter, asked for prayers and donations for her ailing mother on her Instagram story. Hey everyone! On behalf of my sisters and I, we need yalls help, Kelley wrote at the time on SpotFund. My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own. Shes been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured. Retton, who competed on the 27th season of Dancing with the Stars in 2018, told PEOPLE in 2024 that her odds of surviving were slim. They prayed over me, and McKenna said, Mommy, its OK, you can go. I didnt have much of a relationship with my mother, but I cant imagine what that was like, to watch their mom on her deathbed, Retton told the outlet. Despite pulling through, the former gymnast said she felt like she would never be the same again. Its been really hard. My lungs are so scarred. It will be a lifetime of recovery, Retton told PEOPLE. My physicality was the only thing I had and it was taken away from me. Its embarrassing. Harvard University's Eliot House (left) and Weld Boathouse (right) along the Charles River in Cambridge, Mass. on Friday, May 23, 2025. Sebastian Restrepo Nearly 4,000 Harvard University workers could be deported under the Trump administrations latest attack against the institution, according to a statement from Harvard University unions. The threat comes from the federal governments revocation of a key certification that allows Harvard to enroll international students. Harvard subsequently sued and asked for a temporary restraining order, which a federal judge allowed. In a historic move from the University, a Harvard Business School professor who was accused of data fraud has lost her tenure. Harvard revoked tenure from Francesca Gino and ended her employment earlier this month, as first reported by GBH and later confirmed to MassLive by a Harvard spokesperson. Gino had been battling allegations of data fraud allegations for almost four years, the Harvard Crimson reported. The move marked the first time that a professor has lost their tenure since at least the 1940s, according to the outlet. Gino had been employed at Harvard University since July 2010, according to her LinkedIn profile. The professor was a prominent researcher and behavioral specialist who built a reputation for her research on honesty and ethical behavior. The Crimson said Gino was the fifth-highest paid Harvard employee in 2018 and 2019, earning more than $1 million in compensation each year. Gino was not among the top paid Harvard employees in 2023, the most recent available information available via tax records. Ginos work first came under public scrutiny in August 2021 when investigation blog Data Colada accused one of her papers of being fraudulent, the Crimson reported. An 18-month investigation from Harvard Business School in 2022 determined Gino had committed academic misconduct. She was placed on unpaid administrative leave, banned from campus and revoked from professorship in June 2023 as a result. Data Colada further accused Gino of committing data fraud and fabricating results in three more research papers she co-authored that same month. Harvard initiated a formal review of Ginos tenure in July 2023, the Crimson reported. Gino denied the accusations and filed a $25 million lawsuit against Harvard, Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar and the Data Colada bloggers in August 2023, GBH reported. The scholar claimed she was the victim of defamation, gender discrimination and invasion of privacy. Gino also claimed the allegations irrevocably damaged her career and reputation. Gino claimed her innocence in a letter to faculty in September 2023, according to the Harvard Crimson. She further accused Harvard Business School of misconduct and conspiring with Data Colada on a her personal website. It has been shattering to watch my career being decimated and my reputation completely destroyed, Gino wrote on her website in October 2023, according to the outlet. Ginos defamation claims were dismissed by a federal judge in Boston last September, GBH reported. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning about a fraud scheme targeting foreign individuals lawfully living in the United States on valid student visas. Scammers have been impersonating U.S. and foreign government officials claiming there is an issue with the students immigration status and use it as financial gain, the FBI wrote in a statement. As of May 13, the agency is aware that students from United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan are being targeted. How the scheme works is that the scammer contacts the foreign students who are lawfully studying in the U.S. or who are in the process of coming to the U.S. and impersonate government officials claiming the student is out of status for violations of F-1 student visa requirements or otherwise facing immigration issues. The students are threatened with prosecution or deportation and asked to pay an unknown entity or bank account to process immigration paperwork, pay university registration fees or pay a legal fee, according to the FBI. These scammers represent themselves as agents from the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to increase the credibility of the scam. Sometimes, the scammers will present themselves as government officials from foreign countries including the UAE and Qatar, the agency said. Diplomats from the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. have been impersonated also. Scammers have used fictitious names that sound like government agencies, impersonate U.S. universities and send links to fake websites. The scammers might also spoof the phone number of government agencies, foreign embassies or universities. Additionally, the FBI found that the scammers might speak professionally and use the accents and or language matching the purported location of the callers. Government impersonation fraud schemes like this one cost the American public over $405 million in losses from over 17,000 complains, the agency reported. Individuals are often asked to pay a fee because of the scam via cryptocurrency, prepaid card or gift cards or wire transfers. In order to stay safe, the FBI said that people should: Beware of the unsolicited communication from someone purporting to be from the government, especially by phone. People can verify who they are speaking with (like a government official) by hanging up and contacting the office through a third-party obtained number (like a website with legitimate contact information) and then asking for the agent or department they were speaking with. Verify that the website visited is a secure or encrypted site like the government websites. Be wary of URLs with repeated top-level domains such as gov.org instead of the legitimate .gov domain. This is a common scam tactic to make a website appear legitimate. Not provide information on the phone until the identity of the caller is verified. Those who believe they are the target of a government impersonation scam should gather all relevant documentation and contact diplomatic security at their home countrys embassy, the FBI or the Bureau of Diplomatic Security at the Department of State. Not provide their two-factor authentication codes used to log-in to an account or device to anyone. Not download files to their phone or computer unless its from a verified source. The public can report fraudulent or suspicious activities to the FBI here. A memorial was set up at 76 Grove St. in Franklin after a 5-year-old girl was killed in a head-on crash Saturday, May 24, 2025. The girls mother and sister were seriously hurt. (Mark Stockwell/The Sun Chronicle) A Franklin man was held Tuesday after being arraigned on drunken driving charges following a head-on crash into a familys car that left a 5-year-old Franklin girl dead Saturday night. James N. Blanchard, 21, was held on $250,000 cash bail after his arraignment in Wrentham District Court on several charges, including motor vehicle homicide while driving under the influence and driving with multiple open containers of alcohol. Read more: Child killed and two family members seriously injured by alleged drunken driver in Franklin The crash, which occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday, May 24 on Grove Street, left the girl dead, and her 14-year-old brother and her mother, Minabel Patel, seriously injured. The names of the children were not released. Atulkumar Patel, the familys father, was released from a hospital with minor injuries. Franklin police officers, firefighters and EMS provided emergency care to the girl on the scene. She was later flown via emergency helicopter to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police and firefighters responded at about 6:20 p.m. to the area of 76 Grove St. after multiple calls were received about an accident. According to a Franklin police report, the father told officers they were headed to Blackstone for his sons birthday when he saw a truck driving in his lane. He tried to avoid being hit by the truck by turning left into the opposite lane of travel, but they ended up colliding anyway, the police report said. James N. Blanchard, 21, right, of Franklin, was held on $250,000 cash bail after his arraignment in Wrentham District Court Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Mark Stockwell/The Sun Chronicle) Blanchard, who was accompanied by his mother, was seen at the scene with a small amount of blood on his nose and bloodshot, glassy eyes, the report said. When asked what happened, Blanchard said that he was coming home from Plainville where he works, then all of sudden there was a crash, the police report said. Police said Blanchard was evasive when asked if he specifically crossed over into the oncoming lane, telling officers at the scene that he didnt remember too much and that the crash happened very fast. Police said multiple containers of vodka and beer were found inside Blanchards truck, including two 1.75L handles of vodka. Combined with slurred speech and not talking with officers face-on, Blanchard completed a Breathalyzer test in which he displayed a blood alcohol content of 0.189, according to the police report. A level of .08 is the legal limit in Massachusetts. Blanchard told detectives he stopped at a liquor store in Plainville after working as a mechanic, where he purchased a 1.75-liter bottle of Titos vodka and a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, then he went to do landscaping. At the landscaping job, he had two beers. When he left, he opened the bottle of Titos, which he had bought earlier, and began drinking straight out of it and drove home, the police report said. When asked about the two bottles of Titos in his vehicle, he said the empty bottle was from the night before, and the one that was 1/4 full of vodka was the bottle he bought earlier in the day, and the one he was drinking from before the crash, the police report said. By the time of the crash, Blanchard had drunk three quarters of one of the bottles of Titos, police said. Police said Blanchard passed out in his holding cell at the police station. We knocked on the cell door, banged on the cell door, tapped on the cell door with a key, and even opened the food tray vent and yelled to gain his attention; however Blanchard slept through all of it, the police report said. We ended up opening the cell door and shook his shoulder to gain his attention, the police report stated. He declined to make a phone call and went back to sleep. Blanchard pleaded not guilty, and despite his attorney requesting $10,000 bail due to his previously clean record, the judge ruled on $250,000 bail. The pretrial court date is set for June 24, at Wrentham District Court. Westport fatal crash The accident is one of two that happened within the area over the holiday weekend. A Westport couple in their 70s died in a head-on crash in Dartmouth Sunday morning. The crash happened on Old Westport Road at about 10:30 a.m. May 25. Dartmouth Police found two vehicles, one driven by Philip Morris, 63, of Dartmouth, and another driven by Jeffrey Moniz, 76, of Westport. Monizs wife, Diane Moniz, 76, was a passenger in that car. Both Jeffrey and Diane Moniz died in the crash. An investigation revealed that Morriss vehicle crossed the double yellow line and struck the other car. Morris, who had minor injuries, has been charged and will be served with a summons for two counts of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation and a marked lanes violation, the DAs office said. The Sun Chronicle is a news partner of MassLive.com. To subscribe to The Sun Chronicle, click here. Over the past few weeks, Ive been collecting examples of Trumps forgotten contributions to Bostons universities, hospitals, technology startup scene and even the Museum of Science. No, not Donald J. Trump, the president. His paternal uncle, John G. Trump, the MIT professor and entrepreneur. John Trump lived in Winchester, but because he died forty years ago, in 1985, its hard to find people who knew him or remember his work. President Trump has occasionally referenced his super genius uncle, who taught at MIT for a record number of years. Some think that the familial connection may be why MIT has not wound up directly in the federal governments sights, in the same way that universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Cornell and Brown have. MIT, of course, is still smarting from significant reductions in federal research funding and is suing the government to do what it can to block cuts from agencies like the National Science Foundation. John Trump, as it happens, worked on several federally funded projects over the course of his life, including the Radiation Lab at MIT. That lab worked to perfect and deploy the radar systems that helped the Allies win World War II. Some of his work on using radiation to treat cancer was funded by the National Institutes of Health. And in the mid-1970s, Trump worked on a project to treat sewage before it entered waterways like Boston Harbor, funded by the National Science Foundation. John Trump was born in New York City to German immigrants, and while his family hoped that he might design buildings for their growing real estate business, when he was a freshman in college, he decided to change his focus from architecture to engineering. He eventually earned a masters degree in physics from Columbia and then a doctorate in electrical engineering at MIT. He collaborated with another physicist to build an early kind of particle accelerator called a Van de Graaff generator. It could produce intense X-ray beams. The two later started a company together, High Voltage Engineering Corp., with another MIT professor. It attracted funding from Georges Doriot, a Harvard Business School professor who ran one of the first venture capital funds, American Research & Development, in Boston. High Voltage Engineering, founded in a Cambridge garage, built Van de Graaff generators and other high-end equipment that were in increasing demand for cancer therapy, industrial radiography and nuclear particle acceleration, according to Creative Capital, a book about Doriot and his venture capital firm. Trump was also a key contributor to the development and deployment of radar technology to Allied forces, including for use during the D-Day invasion in 1944. He headed up the British branch of MITs Radiation Laboratory and worked to improve the resolution of the newly developed radar systems, which gave the Allies a strategic edge in locating bombing targets and spotting and firing on incoming enemy aircraft. But some of Trumps most significant research contributions before and after the war involved building and using powerful X-ray generators to deliver radiation for cancer treatments. Trump had a close collaboration with what is now the Lahey Hospital and Medical Clinic, working to advance the use of radiation to reach deeper into the body without harming healthy tissue. He also modified the device to treat skin cancers and taught courses for hospital physicists throughout the Northeast about how to use the technology. During his lifetime, more than 10,000 patients were treated at Lahey, and in his High Voltage Research Lab at MIT, according to an obituary published by the National Academy of Engineering. He had a rich career at MIT, and was as different [from] his brother Fred and his nephew Donald as you can imagine, says O. Robert Simha, 93, a retired director of planning at MIT who collaborated with John Trump to build one of his labs on campus. He was thoughtful, kind, polite, understanding, and cooperative as one could hope for. The admiration President Trump has expressed for his late uncle is probably to our advantage, Simha says. Hes not attacking MIT directly. If you have spent time in the Boston area, my bet is that you have seen some of the traces of John Trump here perhaps without even realizing it. There is a John G. Trump building at the Lahey Hospital campus in Burlington, which currently houses Laheys outpatient behavioral health and psychiatry departments, according to spokeswoman Sonya Vartabedian. A recently established John G. Trump Fund for Innovation in Diagnostic Radiology will be used to support promising new technologies or applications that enhance and complement diagnostic radiology techniques, she writes via email. Trump was chairman of Laheys board of trustees from 1974 to 1985. On MITs campus, his former research lab is still standing, right on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, just across the street from the universitys nuclear reactor. And at the Museum of Science, where Trump was also a life trustee, theres a plaque honoring his contributions. Its right near the museums Theater of Electricity, which features a large Van de Graaf generator that Trump helped build and install. The theaters Lightning! show is on hiatus now because of construction, but museum spokesperson Meaghan Agnew expects it to return sometime in June. John Trump never promoted himself in any way, says Bob Wenstrup, 87, who worked with him as a medical physicist at MIT and Lahey. Wenstrup remembers Trump going to Washington, D.C., to receive an important award, but not telling his colleagues, who learned about it by reading the next days newspaper. Trump was a man who had made enormous contributions in every area he worked in, Wenstrup said. Its simply unbelievable how much he did. Wenstrup is not a fan of John Trumps nephew, the president. He resents people who are intelligent, Wenstrup said, but he uses John Trump as an indication of how extraordinary he is himself. Wenstrup has clear memories of attending John Trumps funeral in February 1985 and meeting Fred Trump there, the presidents father. But he doesnt recall encountering Donald Trump there. A Massachusetts man is getting another chance outside prison walls after getting his parole revoked in 2009. Wilson Morales was granted parole on May 14 after he pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree for the 1992 death of Pablo Sanchez. He was charged and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 1994. On Aug. 31, 1992, Morales, then 23 years old, shot and killed 18-year-old Pablo Sanchez in Holyoke during an argument over drugs. Morales and his brother, Angel Morales, were both involved in the fight, the parole board stated. Wilson Morales, officials said, was armed with a gun. Wilson Morales fired several shots at Sanchez and another man, killing Sanchez and seriously wounding the other. After the shooting, the Morales brothers fled first to New Jersey, and then to Puerto Rico. They eventually surrendering to authorities. In 2008, Morales was given parole. But it was revoked in January 2009 due to a mental health crisis, the parole board stated. Since then, he has had multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, in part due to his noncompliance with medication, the parole board stated. However, in May 2023, he received a medication adjustment. He began attending mental health appointments and has had no further problems. Feb. 4 was Morales fifth appearance before the parole board. Morales has a supportive family who are aware of his mental health needs, the board wrote. Four of Morales family members testified in support of him getting parole. However, Hampden County Assistant District Attorney Michael Julian said he was still against parole. In a unanimous decision on May 14, Morales was granted parole to a long-term residential treatment facility. He is required as part of his parole to continue taking his medication. Federal officials will no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children or healthy pregnant women, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday. Clinical data did not support the repeat booster strategy for children, Kennedy said in a video posted to social media, flanked by National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary. Removing the vaccine from the immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was common sense, Bhattacharya said. Theres no evidence healthy kids need it today, and most countries have stopped recommending it for children, Makary said. Today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from @CDCgov recommended immunization schedule. Bottom line: its common sense and its good science. We are now one step closer to realizing @POTUSs promise to Make America Healthy Again. pic.twitter.com/Ytch2afCLP Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) May 27, 2025 Federal officials also said last week that annual COVID shots for healthy younger adults and children will no longer be routinely approved, a significant shift in U.S. policy. Instead, FDA officials laid out new requirements for access to yearly COVID shots, saying theyd continue to use a streamlined approach that would continue offering them to adults 65 and older as well as children and younger adults with at least one health problem that puts them at higher risk. But the FDA framework urges companies to conduct large, lengthy studies before tweaked vaccines can be approved for healthier people. In a framework published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, agency officials said the approach still could keep annual vaccinations available for between 100 million and 200 million people. The upcoming changes raise questions for people who may still want a fall COVID-19 shot but dont clearly fit into one of the categories. Is the pharmacist going to determine if youre in a high-risk group? asked Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. The only thing that can come of this will make vaccines less insurable and less available. Officials have released the name of a 41-year-old woman who died in a pedestrian crash in Framingham over Memorial Day weekend. Julie Stewart died after she was hit by a driver in the area of 1881 Worcester Road, or Route 9, near the offramp to Route 30, at around 10:25 p.m. Saturday, May 25, the Middlesex County District Attorneys office said Tuesday. First responders performed CPR on Stewart at the scene of the crash. She was brought to MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham, where she later died, according to officials. The operator of the vehicle, later identified as 44-year-old Stewart Anderson, of Framingham, had left the scene, officials said. Anderson was later identified and has since been arraigned in Framingham District Court on one charge of leaving the scene of an accident-causing personal injury or death, according to the DAs office. Andersons bail was set at $100,000 Tuesday with the condition of no driving. The crash is still under investigation by Framingham Police, Massachusetts State Police and the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office. The creepy "alien" mummies dug up in Peru could have been killed, according to top boffins who now say the strange-looking remains are the real deal. The 'alien' mummies found in Peru were real, according to scientists The bodies, with three fingers and stretched-out skulls, were first found in Perus Nazca desert in 2017 and made headlines worldwide when they were paraded before Mexicos Congress two years ago. At the time, wild claims were made that they were not from Earths evolutionary line and early DNA tests only fuelled the frenzy, showing the mummies were part-human and part "unknown species". The revelations sparked Mexicos first-ever UFO hearing in government. But last year, forensic experts poured cold water on it all, saying the remains were nothing more than Frankenstein-style fakes made from animal bones, paper and glue. Now, scientists say theyve found proof the bodies were real, lived over 1,200 years ago and may have died horrifically. Dr. Jose Zalce, a former director of the Mexican Navy Medical Department, is leading the study of the mummies. He has analysed 21 of them and insists they were once living, breathing creatures. He said: "These are yet more pieces of clear and irrefutable evidence that these bodies are 100 per cent genuine, real, and organic having once been alive." His team found evidence of fingerprints, worn bones, muscle structure and intact organs like livers and intestines. Three of the bodies - two females named Maria and Montserrat, and a male dubbed Antonio - showed signs of brutal injuries that suggest foul play. Dr. David Ruiz Vela, former president of Perus Medical Association, examined Antonio and what he found was grim. He claims: "He has a stab that broke his ribs on the left side of his chest. Penetrating the chest, abdomen, liver and completely perforating him inside." And the other two could have met similar fates. Despite the growing evidence that the bodies are real and ancient, scientists still dont know exactly what they were or where they came from. Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott watches from the sidelines during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) AP Joey Bosa is already dealing with injury issues in Buffalo. The big name free agent signing pulled a calf muscle during a team activity last week, according to Sean McDermott, and will be sidelined for some time. Hell be out for more than likely the foreseeable spring time, at least, and then well get into training camp, McDermott said at Bills OTAs on Tuesday. Should be good to go by training camp, but understand it just happened late last week so still in the exploratory phase of what thats going to mean. Joey was off to a good start before that, so its unfortunate to see him go down. Bosa has been very productive when healthy 72 sacks in 107 career games but injury issues have dogged the five-time Pro Bowler over the course of his career. The 29-year-old hasnt played a full season since 2019 and signed a one-year, $12.6 million deal with Buffalo this spring. Given Bosas injury history, McDermott didnt downplay the calf strain. It is concerning, McDermott said. Durability, availability are key ties to our roster. So we basically look ahead in terms of what hes doing now, which is getting himself the treatment that he needs, and hes working hard at it. Thats all that he can control right now. We get him back when we get him back: Probably at this point, training camp. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu didnt waste any time Tuesday making her feelings known over news that rival Josh Kraft was not only dropping big bucks on his campaign, but also was getting a leg-up from a super PAC on top of that. Most Bostonians dont have a billionaire father to buy them a condo so they can move in to run for an office theyve never voted for, live in a ward they dont know, and spend millions from their family wealth and connections to try to buy the election, the Democratic incumbent said in a statement released through her campaign. A bit of background: Kraft, a political newcomer and the son of billionaire New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, announced last week that he was putting $2 million of his personal cash toward his campaign for City Hall, according to published reports. Late last week, Your City, Your Future, a pro-Kraft super PAC, disclosed through a state filing that it was spending $1.42 million on text messages, digital, TV and radio advertisements, along with billboards, supporting the challenger. That personal donation effectively erased Wus fundraising lead. Heading into last week, the Democratic incumbent was sitting on more than $2 million in her campaign accounts, compared to Krafts $151, 161. The power of incumbency is a real thing, Kraft said in a Friday statement to The Boston Herald. While Mayor Wu appears to be running her campaign out of City Hall, I have a fully staffed campaign team, including a campaign headquarters in Nubian Square. While my campaign just reached the $1 million mark in donations, a modern campaign that includes a strong and robust field organization requires more resources than I can raise in such a short time frame, he said, adding, I have never felt more optimistic about my campaign and what lies ahead. Wu fired back on Tuesday, saying the senior Kraft and his fellow Trump associates are trying to buy Josh a job by trashing our city with millions of dollars of negative attack ads. And without grassroots support for his campaign of half-measures and grievances, Josh Kraft is now having to self-fund his campaign with millions more from his family wealth too. This is an unprecedented early start to outside money raining down on a Boston city election as Kraft runs the most negative mayoral campaign in generations, Wu continued. In a statement to MassLive, Krafts campaign bristled at Wus charges about the candidates condo in Bostons North End, calling them categorically false. Josh Kraft purchased his home with his own money. He has voted in multiple elections as a Boston resident. And he has worked in and around the neighborhoods of Boston for 35 years long before Michelle Wu came to Harvard by way of one of the wealthiest suburbs of Chicago, the campaign said. She would rather resort to personal attacks ... than address her record of failures as mayor of Boston - from housing to the Boston Public Schools, from managing the budget to managing her own personnel problems inside City Hall. Wu and Kraft, who officially made the 2025 ballot last week, have spent most of the campaign exchanging jabs on social media and in dueling public statements. That happened most recently during a forum earlier this month that took in issues ranging from the citys prohibitive housing costs to public safety. School counselor Taryn Canfield, who established and runs the food pantry at Franklin County Technical School. (Staasi Heropoulos photo) Staasi Heropoulos TURNERS FALLS Richard Martin doesnt make very many easy decisions, but allowing a food pantry in the Franklin County Technical School he runs was a no-brainer. It would have been foolish not to approve this, said Martin, the schools superintendent. SPRINGFIELD A former cocktail server at MGM Springfield says she was targeted for abuse, retaliation, accusations of theft of a muffin and ultimately fired, all because she was living and working with multiple sclerosis. The MS diagnosis meant Jean Braga, now of Wethersfield, Connecticut, could only work four days out of a seven-day week and had to cut shifts short, leaving by 7 p.m., according to a suit filed last week in Hampden Superior Court in Springfield. MS breaks down the protective covering of nerves, often causing numbness, weakness, problems with walking and vision, and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. 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. Proponents of Death with Dignity legislation in Massachusetts are heartened by positive feedback in the current session of the Statehouse. At the present time, 10 states, and Washington, D.C., have laws which allow terminally ill patients the legal option to end their lives with a physician-issued prescription. Massachusetts is not one of those states. Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni shows the results of several recent law enforcement operations where local, state, and federal agencies worked together to seize heroine, cocaine, fentanyl and firearms, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook SPRINGFIELD Speaking before a table laden with guns and bags of drugs, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced the results of three drug trafficking investigations Tuesday. The haul from several search warrants included thousands of grams of cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. The investigations netted 52 arrests. AGAWAM Tyler Mulville, 11, fresh from marching in a Memorial Day parade with Boy Scout Troop 821 in Westfield, cleaned some stray dead grass from his great-grandfathers grave. He asked his grandfather, Martin Kwatowski, if it looked better. 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County Council proposing a boycott of holiday home owners has been damaging to the county and brought it into disrepute according to local councillors. When Director of Services, Tom Gilligan hit send on the email on a Sunday night at five minutes to twelve, he couldn't have imagined the week that lay ahead for him. He tweeted out statistics from the Census on Monday, which would form one of the questions he would be asked on national radio a couple of days later. READ: Boycott holiday homeowners in Mayo - proposal from Mayo County Council official His Morning Ireland interview came after his front page appearance in The Irish Independent. The Director of Services at Mayo County Councils proposed boycott would not only spark conversation under Mayo News articles online, his idea was being discussed in the public town hall of Liveline. Mayo County Council issued three separate statements to clarify it was not official policy. By Thursday, he was still standing by the proposal but apologised for the public furore. Over a week on, in their first meeting since the furore broke out, councillors in the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District were united in distancing themselves from the boycott They are heritages homes WHERE Tom Gilligan had invoked the historical figure of Captain Boycott, the Council chamber turned their focus on the islands history of emigration as the explanation for the vacant holiday homes in Mayo. A visibly upset Cllr Gerry Coyle said the proposal made his "blood boil when I heard it, I was so upset why anyone would try and put us against our own. The Erris-based councillor recalled how his own brothers emigrated but their hearts stayed at home'. Rather than looking at these houses as holiday homes, we should view them as heritage homes. Achill-based Cllr Paul McNamara said that we seem to have forgotten those people who were forced to leave and now we have forgotten where they came from and what role they played in the community. Now we think its right they should be taxed. Cllr John OMalley recalled his own experience as an emigrant in both England and the United States. He met many people from Mayo over there and quoting James Orr, he said it was true that the savage loves his native shore. He went on to express that there is no way he could agree with statements about boycotting anyone. Not impressed Cllr Peter Flynn, who joined the meeting remotely, said that the holiday home boycott had been hugely damaging to the entire county of Mayo and brought the whole county into disrepute. The Westport-based councillor added he was not impressed with a half-hearted apology issued by Mayo County Council on behalf of the Director of Housing last Thursday. He also questioned the silence from the Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly. I havent heard one single word from the Chief Executive condemning Tom Gilligan. If this was any other organisation, the Chief Executive would have been out within hours on these divisive comments. As Chair of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee, Cllr Flynn had proposed a holiday home tax and despite the foray of the last week, he stood by the Council examining how a small tax on holiday homes worked in Wales. He said that the tax had a significant impact on house prices in Wales and I think we should look at it. We need to focus on how we make property more affordable and get more people to live in our town centres. Cllr John OMalley is firmly against any tax on holiday homes. Speaking of emigrants who had left in hard times and worked hard, he asked, How dare anyone say they should be taxed, these people worked hard and now to think youd treat them like that! How could you even think about it? The state is turning into a Putin state if youre going to talk about that. Cllr Chris Maxwell was equally against the tax and said that people in this country are paying enough tax and more tax is not going to solve the housing crisis. LISTEN: Mayo History Podcast: How did Michael Davitt influence Gandhi? The best-dressed pooches in Britain were on display at the Greenwich dog show in London. Pamela looked resplendent at the Greenwich dog show The annual dog show took place on Sunday (25.05.25) and saw hundreds of owners and their stylish canines travelling from all over the UK to be reviewed by a panel of expert judges. The event was open to "all dogs, big and small, well-behaved or wonderfully mischievous" and featured categories such as Waggiest Tail, Handsome Hound and Cutest Pup. There was also the new Best Bridgerton Lookalike category that paid homage to the Old Royal Naval College site that featured in the Netflix Regency drama. Tara Veitch's schnauzer Mr. Darbyshire won the best-dressed pooch competition as he donned a suit for the special event. As well as the doggy catwalk (or should that be dogwalk?), visitors tucked into gourmet treats and posed for photos under the iconic colonnades. The show, first launched in 2023, raises funds for the Greenwich Foundation to help preserve the historic site. With this year's turnout, organisers are already promising an even bigger bash in 2026. The Mayo county board has announced that they will be liaising with An Garda Siochana in the wake of a series of emails and correspondence from individuals referred to as vicious and nasty by the President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns. At Monday night's meeting of the Mayo GAA county board, which was attended by Burns, GAA Ard Stiurthoir Tom Ryan, and Connacht GAA CEO John Prenty, a series of emails sent to various members of the board from what was said to be primarily one or two individuals by assistant secretary, Ronan Kirrane, were shown to attendees. READ MORE: Kevin McStay steps back from Mayo GAA manager role One of these messages, apparently sent to chairperson Seamus Tuohy as a result of his absence from a county board meeting due to being in ill health in hospital at the time, read as follows. Your failure to turn up to the MCB meeting again tonight. Show you are a lying coward. You had one job and you f****d it up big time again. Another message allegedly sent, read as follows: I am calling for you also to resign asap, you should enjoy your retirement and spend time with your loved onesand of course focus on your health. The alternative is not going to be very pleasant - it is going to involve a public humiliation for you and certain legal action against you. Jarlath Burns spoke passionately and said: "There is a limit to what we can ask volunteers to do in the face of such bullying, intimidation and unjustified threats, the GAA President stated before telling the gathering that he had received eight correspondences in the previous few hours he travelled to Knockranny House alone. The meeting was called to offer clarity on the details of the financial situation between Mayo and the GAA relating to a series of loans taken out to redevelop MacHale Park. Mick Duffy, from Kilmovee, tabled a vote of support for the County Board from the club members gathered in the Nephin Suite. The motion, which passed unanimously. Students from St Tiernans College, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, gathered in Coilltes Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon, alongside three other schools for a day of celebration, learning, and fun at the Coillte World of Work 2025 wrap-up event in association with Business in the Community, Ireland (BITCI). A total of 128 students from schools in Kilkenny, Tipperary, Galway, and Mayo participated in this years World of Work programme. This is the second consecutive year that Irelands semi-state forestry company has partnered with St Tiernans College. Coilltes World of Work programme provides second year students with insights into what its like to work in forestry, including the types of roles available, with students visiting a Coillte forest with a Coillte forester to get practical examples of forestry as a career. Over 60 students from St Tiernans College have participated over the past four years and enjoyed activities which have introduced them to the working world of Coillte and the diverse roles within the forestry sector. READ MORE: Mayo manager's exit after health scare shows need for respect in Gaelic football Through the programme, students from all four schools also learned about the multiple benefits of forests for climate, nature, wood, and people and the important role forestry plays in their local community. Colm ODwyer, Regional Manager at Coillte said, We are delighted to once again work with St. Tiernans College and give its students the chance to learn more about forestry in their local area. This is the second year that St. Tiernans College has been involved, with over 60 students experiencing the programme so far. We hope that the exposure to the diversity of roles in forestry through the World of Work programme will give students a deeper understanding of the industry when they are considering their future careers. Lorraine McHale, Deputy Principal at St Tiernans College, said, We are delighted that our students had this experience with Coillte and BITCI. The programme provides young people with a great opportunity to learn about career opportunities and businesses in their local community. Coilltes World of Work programme connects students with trees and nature, educates them about the benefits of forestry and promotes sustainability. READ MORE: Mayo councillors feel 'kept in the dark' over controversial Murrisk Greenway route Uisce Eireann has issued a statement to The Mayo News assuring locals that a brown discharge near a scenic picnic spot in Louisburgh is the result of the drinking water treatment process at Louisburgh Water Treatment Plant. Concerns had been raised after a tourist had taken a video of a vigorous bubbling in the Bunowen River and what looked like raw sewage being discharged into the Bunowen river. The water utility explains that this discharge occurs as particles are removed from source water to produce clean drinking water for the area. This process will come to an end when the Louisburgh community is supplied by the Lough Mask Public Water Supply. Uisce Eireann is working to deliver this significant project in 2028. Louisburgh-based Cllr Maxwell raised the issue at Mondays Municipal District meeting and sought a timeline for when Louisburgh will join the Lough Mask Public Water Supply. READ: Mayo council official warns erecting bus stops in towns is not a simple thing to do If it were farmers or rural people with septic tanks, the EPA would be down on top of them with sledgehammers, he said. Reacting to the 2028 timeline outlined by Uisce Eireann, Cllr Maxwell said he was very disillusioned and shocked. I think it's an outright disgrace with the pipeline being brought so close now to Louisburgh that they cant get a contractor in and finish the job out? It's insane that a town in the west of Ireland will be left without water and the pipeline within three miles of it. If they haven't the manpower, if they send the pipes and they send the materials back to us here in this community, we'll finish it from Kilsallagh to Louisburgh. If they are that stuck, the people of this community would come together and wed do it ourselves. Elisabeth Moss "closed the set" for the final scene of 'The Handmaid's Tale'. Elisabeth Moss reveals why final The Handmaid's Tale scene required a closed set The 42-year-old actress - who has won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of June Osborne - has opened up on the emotional closing moments of the show's sixth and final season, and how she wanted to protect herself as an actress and director as her character returned to the Waterford house. She told The Hollywood Reporter: "I did close the set. Not to keep it secret, but mostly because I needed the set to be a very quiet space that day. "When youre shooting the final scene of a show, it tends to attract some attention. So it was actually me as a director protecting my actor, who is me. "I needed to be able to do my job that day, which was a very difficult job of ending a series as an actor and pulling off that final moment. So I closed the set for that reason." While the scene was the final one in the show, it wasn't the last to be actually shot. While Elisabeth could be the only director to film themselves as an actor in the last scene of a long running show in that way, she pointed to the help she had from the cast and crew as a whole. She said: "That would be a fun fact to find out. But this cast, this crew has made me a better director. They made me a better actor. They made me a better producer. "That post team made me better at what I do because of them. Every time Ive been talking with [season six showrunners] Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang I tell them how I miss collaborating with them." She insisted the door could even be open to work together more in the future, although it's unlikely given the way they ended the series. She added: "I dont see why we couldnt at some point come back and do something. "Whats so great about the landscape now is that we could do something in a few years if we wanted to. "Theres nothing saying we cant. There are no rules anymore. But I do think where we end it is right. They did a brilliant job of wrapping it up." by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, May 27, 2025 Paul Woolmington, chief executive officer (CEO) at Canvas Worldwide, encourages employees to create their own AI-based projects and tools. He has been working on a few of his own. One he calls Bullfighter, although he is not quite sold on the name. The tool analyzes articles and documents. Woolmington has been testing it on company reports, feeding documents into AI to identify cliches and jargon. The more flowery language CEOs use, the less likely they are to perform in the S&P 500, he says. I hate words like pivot and synergy -- nebulous words that mean nothing, he says, admitting its a hobby project. He also dislikes acronyms, but the fun part for him is eradicating the jargon. Over pivoting, what does that mean? It means your business is screwed. The word "creative" has taken on new meaning -- not creative in ad content, but creative in thinking. Woolmington has made checklists and built a grid for different prompts for ChatGPT and other AI chatbots like Perplexity. This technology understands ways to get the most from applications. advertisement advertisement Until now, he never thought about creating a grid with economic factors that might influence a companys business, and discovering them just by feeding the words as prompts into AI models. Woolmington says his next favorite app will likely become the one he makes himself, which would have seemed unlikely just a year ago. Software has been something companies and individuals used, but not had the ability to build themselves. Not until AI came along. Woolmington's curiosity led the company deeper into data-based AI. He detailed Canvas's approach to AI and the development of the AI-driven tool such as Ella, a privacy=compliant ChatGPT-like AI platform that anyone at the agency can work with, as well as partnerships with Microsoft and Chalice. Campaigns are becoming personal and leaving personalization behind. AI is needed to complement human intelligence rather than replace it. Chalice is known as an AI company for connecting buyers with quality media across the web, building custom algorithms, and more to improve programmatic media buying. Were not just adapting to AI, but rather re-looking at everything we do and rewriting the rules of how brands connect with consumers at a fundamental level, he said during the conversation. There are three parts, and the trinity of convergence is upon us. Canvas has been working with Chalice to create problem-solving tools driven by AI that understand in real-time where products are available. The tool identifies product availability across the United States, and then shifts media budgets to that region. Why advertise in certain geographies if we dont have the models and the products? he said. The company is rolling out the tool to all product categories that have similar challenges. Woolmington described the tool as a way to use AI for media-buying intelligence. Predictive intelligence is no longer optional, and the notion of speed and efficiency is part of tech maturity, he said. Every channel is now digital. The future is AI as a creative copilot, not a human replacement. Predictive modeling, not just retrospective measurement, and creative intelligence that can adapt in real-time to fill consumer expectations, he said. Then enterprise intelligence that integrates across all workflows. The goal has become personal media, not personalization, as well as media intelligence to optimize insights, planning and buying. I liken that to a Formula One Ferrari because the new engines were building are quite sophisticated machines, he said. We need lots of Lewis Hamiltons [a British race car driver] trained to drive them because you cannot just step in. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, May 27, 2025 Microsoft Advertising looked back at the 2024 holiday season to help brands prepare for 2025, but artificial intelligence (AI) this year will affect global advertising trends and tips even more. A significant shift in shopping behavior occurred in 2024, with conversions peaking during the five-day cyber shopping season, but those days accounted for a smaller percentage of total holiday conversions. Sales extended into January. U.S. advertisers saw 25% more conversions after Christmas, while Australia drove 15% higher conversion rates in January. Early audience building built success last year for one German retailer. By running video ads from early November to mid-December, S. Oliver linked upper-funnel ads with lower-funnel performance campaigns just as purchase intent peaked. The campaign returned a 27% conversion rate with impression-based remarketing, as well as a 10% lower CMP and a 50x higher clickthrough rate through Microsoft compared with other platforms. advertisement advertisement Diversity ad formats across native, video and search can expand reach and impact. Data that Microsoft shared for the European market showed up to 64% more reach among conversions. Generative artificial intelligence continues to prompt better returns, according to Microsoft. Australias advertisers running Microsoft Advertising Performance Max along with Search Ads during the 2024 holiday season led to improved key performance indicators, about 3% higher CVRs and 85 less CPAs. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, May 27, 2025 Google co-founder Sergey Brin shared his take on how to get the most from artificial intelligence (AI) during a recent podcast, All-In. AI models, not just ours, tend to do better when you threaten them with physical violence, Brin said during the interview. People feel weird about that. We dont really talk about that. Historically, you just say Im going to kidnap you, if you dont blah, blah, blah. Brins response came from a question during the interview around calculations about Formula One driving, and the number of deaths that occurred per decade on the track. The AI model responded by suggesting the inclusion of practice miles. Hosts of the All-In podcast, referred to as The Besties, are venture capitalists and entrepreneurs Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg. During the podcasts they discuss a variety of topics, including economics, technology, politics, and poker. advertisement advertisement The developments in AI are astonishing in comparison to most advancements these days, Brin said, in a discussion of developments in smartphones and other technology. The webs breadth didnt technically change so much from month to month and year to year, but these AI systems chance quite a lot. Google coders need to submit code to gain access to run basic experiments, Brin said, so that is something he did. Post AI training, the thinking models, seem to be one part of the AI-stack that interests him most. The exciting thing about AI, according to Brin -- although its not yet artificial general intelligence (AGI), which people are seeking -- is superhuman intelligence, but its pretty smart. The superintelligence comes in when the AI can do things in volume that I cannot, Brin said. If it sucks down the top thousand [search] results and does follow-on searches for each and reads them deeply, thats a week worth of work for me and I cannot do that. The discussion turned to hardware, and the fact that Google had owned Boston Dynamics and bought or sold around eight robotics companies. The company built out the hardware. Robots are cool, but the software wasnt quite there to make them truly useful, said Brin. When asked about humanoids, he said: Im probably the one weirdo who doesnt believe in humanoids, but maybe Im jaded because we acquired at least two humanoid robotics starts-ups and later sold them. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, May 27, 2025 The Supreme Court on Tuesday turned away personal injury law firm Lerner & Rowe, which had sought to revive a lawsuit over the use of its trademarks to trigger search ads for the rival firm Accident Law Group. As is customary, the court didn't give a reason for its refusal to hear the appeal. The court's move brings an end to a dispute that began in 2021, when Lerner & Rowe alleged that the Accident Law Group's use of the phrase Lerner & Rowe to trigger search ads was likely to confuse consumers, and therefore infringed trademark. Lerner & Rowe argued to U.S. District Court Judge David Campbell in Arizona that phone call records supported the firm's claim. Specifically, the firm said the evidence showed that between 2018 and 2021, the Accident Law Group received 236 phone calls from people who mentioned Lerner & Rowe. advertisement advertisement Campbell dismissed the lawsuit, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal, ruling that the ads were not likely to confuse consumers due to the generally sophisticated nature of online shoppers, the clarity of Google's search results pages, and evidence showing that very few consumers were actually confused by the ads. The appellate judges said in the ruling that 236 instances of confusion was minimal, considering that searches for the phrase Lerner & Rowe returned results featuring an ad from the Accident Law Group around 109,000 times between 2017 and 2021, and 102,000 times between 2018 and 2021. Lerner & Rowe then asked the Supreme Court to review the case, arguing that the use of its name by Accident Law Group manipulates search engine results and confuses potential clients. The ads misappropriate the goodwill and recognition in Lerner and Rowe's trademarks, and harm consumers who are diverted by 'bait and switch' advertising tactics or who may assume there is some of affiliation or sponsorship between the brand in the ad and the one they searched for, Lerner & Rowe argued in its petition. Accident Law Group countered that there was no reason for the Supreme Court to intervene in the case, arguing that the lower court's ruling was consistent with other 9th Circuit decisions relating to consumer sophistication and online commerce. The firm added that competitive keyword advertising -- meaning using a rival's name to trigger a search ad -- is a common marketing tactic." by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, May 27, 2025 A federal judge has dismissed conservative video platform Rumble's claims that Google violated antitrust law by allegedly promoting YouTube in the search results, and by installing YouTube on Android devices. In a ruling issued last week, U.S. District Court Judge Haywood Gilliam, Jr. in the Northern District of California said Rumble's lawsuit, brought in January 2021, fell outside antitrust law's four-year statute of limitations. Gilliam essentially ruled that the alleged antitrust violations, if proven true, would have affected Rumble as early as April 2014 -- meaning that Rumble's deadline to file suit expired in April 2018. The ruling did not address Rumble's substantive antitrust claims. The platform alleged in its complaint that Google manipulated search results to rank YouTube highly, effectively diverting traffic to YouTube and depriving Rumble of the additional traffic, users, uploads, brand awareness and revenue it would have otherwise received. advertisement advertisement Rumble also alleged that Google required smartphone manufacturers to install YouTube in order to license the Android operating system. Google argued in a written motion for judgment in its favor that self-preferencing doesn't violate antitrust laws, but that even if self-preferencing could be anti-competitive, the evidence did not show that Google either rigged search results or thwarted installations of Rumble on Android devices. Google also said Rumble's claims were untimely, arguing that the alleged antitrust violations would have started in 2014 -- soon after Rumble launched. Last year, Rumble filed a separate antitrust suit against Google. That matter was recently transferred to U.S. District Court Judge Kevin Castel in the Southern District of New York. by Les Luchter , May 27, 2025 Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, whose products include the heavily advertised Rexulti, has found a corporate mission in supporting family caregivers. The latest example of its two-year-old corporate initiative: Caregiving," a two-hour PBS documentary executive-produced by Bradley Cooper and narrated by Uzo Aduba, which began streaming today prior to a broadcast premiere on June 24. You can watch it here. This is the story of paid and unpaid caregivers navigating the challenges and joys of this deeply meaningful work, says PBS. advertisement advertisement As a nation, we are at an inflection point where the pressure on caregivers is becoming insurmountable, declared Tarek Rabah, president and CEO of Otsuka North America Pharmaceutical Business, in a statement encouraging viewers to advocate for expanded benefits, increased funding, and comprehensive support services. The docs premiere comes exactly a week after the release of an Otsuka-sponsored study by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health that categorized 24 states as critical or at high risk of an unpaid caregiving crisis. Titled Americas Unseen Workforce: The State of Family Caregiving, the report found that family caregivers perform an estimated $873.5 billion worth of mostly unpaid labor annually. The 24 states include Florida (critical), with a caregiver valuation of $60.6 billion, surpassing the economic impact of Walt Disney World Resort; and California (high-risk), leading the nation with a caregiver valuation of $122.3 billion, more than double the states $59 billion agriculture industry. Then, there are the 32 states with predominantly rural populations. Together, they account for over $375 billion in caregiving labor, with a shortage of healthcare workers compounding the challenge on families to access necessary support. The largest driver of family caregiving is dementia, which contributes to more than $340 billion of labor, especially in states with aging and high-risk populations, the report found. (Rexulti is indicated both as an add-on for depression treatment, as shown in this commercial, and to treat agitation that may happen with dementia due to Alzheimers disease, as shown in this spot.) Achieving comprehensive change requires strong support and collaboration from both federal and state governments, Debra Barrett, vice president, corporate affairs at Otsuka, said in a statement. In particular, states must advocate for funding to support programs that provide financial assistance, training, and respite care for unpaid family caregivers, according to a press release. On the federal level, the report called for investing in the long-term care workforceThis involves better training, higher wages, and finding long-term solutions for staffing challenges. In addition to the PBS documentary, produced by Washington D.C.s WETA, and studies with Columbia University, Otsukas caregiving initiative also includes an educational video and interactive storybook designed to help sandwich generation caregivers explain Alzheimers disease to their children. A Family Caregiver Calculator developed with Salary.com projects what the income would be for unpaid caregivers if they were compensated for their work. According to a related study, the average salary would be about $114,000. New Lancet report warns of rising risks to adolescent health worldwide, urging immediate action to address violence, mental health, and climate threats. Highlights: Adolescents comprise 24% of the worlds population but receive only 2.4% of global development and health funding Mental health issues, gender-based violence, climate change, and online harm are among the growing challenges faced by todays youth Experts urge governments to invest in youth-friendly policies, inclusive health services, and meaningful partnerships with adolescents Trusted Source A call to action: the second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and wellbeing Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? From mental health to climate change, global adolescents face rising challenges. Time for urgent action. #adolescenthealth #globalyouthcrisis #lancetreport #youthwellbeing #healthforall #publichealth #medindia From mental health to climate change, global adolescents face rising challenges. Time for urgent action. #adolescenthealth #globalyouthcrisis #lancetreport #youthwellbeing #healthforall #publichealth #medindia Advertisement Mental Health, Violence, and Inequality: A Generation Under Pressure Advertisement The Urban Future Opportunity or Risk? What Needs to Change: Solutions from the Commission Elevating youth voices: Young people must be equal partners in designing and monitoring policies that affect them. Young people must be equal partners in designing and monitoring policies that affect them. Creating youth-friendly cities: Safe, inclusive public spaces in urban areas can promote wellbeing and social connection. Safe, inclusive public spaces in urban areas can promote wellbeing and social connection. Strengthening health and education: Scale up sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support, and gender-equitable education. Scale up sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support, and gender-equitable education. Protecting digital wellbeing: Combat cyberbullying, misinformation, and harmful online advertising targeting adolescents. Combat cyberbullying, misinformation, and harmful online advertising targeting adolescents. Cross-sector collaboration: Encourage cooperation across government departments and international agencies to deliver coordinated support. Encourage cooperation across government departments and international agencies to deliver coordinated support. Engaging youth in climate action: Support adolescents participation in community-based initiatives addressing environmental challenges. A Call to Action: The Time is Now A call to action: the second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and wellbeing - (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00503-3/abstract) A groundbreaking report released byin collaboration with the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) has raised urgent concerns about the health and well-being of the worlds. Despite making up nearly 24% of the global population, adolescents receive just 2.4% of international development and health funding ().Authored by 44 global experts and 10 youth commissioners,that demand immediate global attention.Adolescents today face a complex mix of threats that seriously jeopardize their health and futures. Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression , and self-harm are on the rise globally, yet many countries lack the resources or systems to provide adequate care. Violence remains a harsh reality nearly half of young people have experienced violence in their homes, schools, or communities, leaving lasting scars on their development.Meanwhile, inequalities in education and reproductive health persist, especially for girls. Shockingly, by 2030, nearly a third of young women worldwide may be out of education, employment, or training a lost opportunity for both them and society. The report challenges the outdated myth that adolescence is a healthy, low-risk phase, emphasizing the need for responsive health services that recognize and address emerging needs.Looking ahead, the report highlights that by 2050, about 70% of adolescents will live in cities. Urbanization offers many benefits: better access to education, healthcare, and jobs. But it also brings new challenges. Rapid and poorly planned growth can deepen poverty, overcrowding, and housing insecurity, especially in lower-income countries.The Commission stresses that city planning must prioritize young peoples needs. Safe, inclusive public spaces where adolescents can connect and feel secure are vital for mental health and social development. Without thoughtful design and investment, urban living risks amplifying existing disparities and exposing youth to violence and isolation.Experts involved in the report, like Professor Peter Azzopardi from MCRI, underline the critical importance of early and sustained interventions.he says. The growing adolescent population, combined with declining fertility rates worldwide, means investing in young people now is more important than ever for the health of future generations.Professor Susan Sawyer, also from MCRI, calls out a damaging misconception:However, she and others warn that a lack of national leadership and accountability continues to hold back meaningful change. Efforts are too often fragmented, underfunded, and disconnected from young peoples voices.Despite the daunting challenges, the report offers a hopeful and practical roadmap. The Lancet Commission calls for youth-centered, cross-sector approaches that bring together health, education, social services, and urban planning.Key recommendations include:Above all, the report stresses the need for increased political commitment and funding. Short-term fixes wont do; long-term, measurable investments are essential to transform adolescent health globally.The 2025 Lancet Commission leaves no doubt adolescent health can no longer be sidelined. The challenges facing this generation are unprecedented, but so are the opportunities if we act decisively. Healthy, empowered young people today will drive the social and economic progress of tomorrow.As world leaders gather at the WHOs 78th Health Assembly in Geneva, the moment to prioritize adolescent wellbeing is here. The cost of delay is too high for individuals, communities, and future generations alike. Its time to listen, invest, and lead with urgency, ensuring every young person has the chance to thrive.Source-Medindia Kevin Spacey has directed his first feature film in 20 years. Kevin Spacey has directed his first feature film in 20 years The two-time Academy Award winner, 65, who has seen his career derailed by a string of sexual abuse accusations, described his return to movie-making as a "liberating" experience. His new film is the supernatural action-thriller titled 'Holiguards', which was shot in Mexico in 2023 and is now in post-production. The film is being positioned as the launch of a potential franchise under the banner 'Statiguards vs. Holiguards', according to Variety. Kevin appears alongside a cast that includes Dolph Lundgren, 66, Tyrese Gibson, 45, Brianna Hildebrand, 28, Disha Patani, 32, and 68-year-old Eric Roberts. The film also stars Harry Goodwins, Swen Temmel and Sonia Pim Couling. Kevins project had a budget of approximately $10million and is the first feature film to be produced by Elledgy Media, a company owned by Portugal-based Ukrainian entrepreneur Elvira Gavrilova Paterson. Other production partners include Lado Film. Producers named on the project include Paterson, Vadim Degtyarev and Vitaly Kucherov. The script was written by Sergey Torchilin and Lado Okhotnikov. Set in a dystopian future shaped by supernatural conflict, 'Holiguards' follows the covert battle between two ancient factionsthe Holiguards and the Statiguards. In the midst of this hidden war, a young woman discovers she is the daughter of two rival leaders and may hold the key to peace. Meanwhile, a Statiguard tactician plots a nuclear strike in Paris, using mind-controlled civilians and energy from a cosmic portal to awaken an entity known as the Prime. A trailer for the film was privately shown to potential buyers at this year's Cannes Film Festival, where Kevin made a prominent return to public life. He was seen at multiple events during the event, including the amfAR gala dinner and the Better World Fund gala. At the latter, he received a lifetime achievement award and delivered a 10-minute speech addressing his professional ostracisation. Kevin said: Its nice to be back. 'Holiguards' was not Kevin's only presence in Cannes. He also appeared to promote the British indie film 'The Awakening', a conspiracy action-thriller in which he plays the head of a secretive global organisation. Kevin career has hit the skids in the wake of his multiple legal battles, and he has said being frozen out of Hollywood has left him broke, without a home and on the verge of bankruptcy at least twice. He was initially charged with nine sexual offense charges in the UK, but was later acquitted of all charges in 2023. Seven star Kevin also faced and defeated a US civil lawsuit in 2022. After delays, hundreds of full-time Air Force reservists are preparing to join the Space Force this year, while the plan for their part-time colleagues is still in the works. The transfers were directed by a 2024 law, that is phasing out space-focused positions in the reserve, including the entire 310th Space Wing, headquartered at Schriever Space Force Base. Most of the space-focused reservists in the country work for the wing and can choose to apply for the active duty, leave the reserve or retrain into a different reserve role. The 310th Space Wing expects about 300 reservists will follow an initial five who have already transferred into active duty, said Col. Adam Fisher, wing commander. The wing only had 250 full-time members, so some part-time reservists were among those selected to go full-time, Fisher explained. Since reservists applied and were accepted into active duty, the transfer process has been delayed, Fisher said, and it could be a challenge to see the reservists separated from the Air Force and transferred into the Space Force during the traditional summer move cycle. We were supposed to have started the assignment process months ago, but delays and, well say, reframing of priorities from the Space Force have delayed the release of the assignments, Fisher said Last week, he said, the group planning to transfer was expected to receive job offers from the Space Force soon and those would include details such as their new squadron and title. Most of those roles will be focused on training, including roles in Space Training and Readiness Command, or STARCOM, based in Colorado Springs. Previously, some of those airmen worked alongside their active-duty counterparts working in missile warning or running GPS satellites. While STARCOM headquarters is slated to move to Florida, some of the positions will remain local, he said. Fisher said he expected the high level of experience among his reservists would be a good fit for training roles. Some will be classroom instructors, but others likely will move into positions such as testing new weapons and space systems or into replicating the threats that guardians could see in the field to help guardians train. Our individuals, I believe, will be well represented in Space Force, he said. The transfer of Air Force reservists is separate from the ongoing fight over whether space-focused Air National Guard units will transfer into active duty. While a law directed some of those units to transfer this year, state governors are pushing back on the plan, in part, because so many guardsmen plan to leave if they are forced to transfer. In the reserve, the 300 people transferring into full-time roles from the 310th Space Wing are leaving behind about 600 to 800 part-time reservists who are also interested in transferring, but are waiting on a plan, Fisher said. It is possible that a plan could be rolled out in July and reservists could move into part-time Space Force roles next summer. Absorbing part-time roles is a brand new model for an active-duty branch of the military, but it could allow the service to benefit from the expertise of civilians, Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, said previously. Many reservists work for military contractors and bring expertise to their positions. The number of part-time reservists who apply for a transfer will depend on the model the Space Force releases, Fisher said. In the meantime, he said, the 310th Space Wing has been reorganizing ahead of the departure of a large number of full-time staff. It has collapsed from 14 operational squadrons to four, one at each of the bases where the wing operates units Buckley, Schriever, Peterson and Vandenberg Space Force Bases. A group of 78 full-time people will remain to help manage them, he said. What weve done is basically collapsed the command structure, and we still have pockets of excellence in each of those operational missions that they can still do and will still do missions for their respective counterparts, he said. The wing has been working closely with Space Force delta commanders to help them understand how the remaining part-time reservists can help them, Fisher said. Some of those full-time people staying behind, including Fisher, have been selected for the Space Force, but those moves will be delayed. Reservists who chose to stay, rather than transfer into active duty, could find jobs in the cyber security or intelligence fields, depending on an individuals interest, Fisher said. Air Force Reserve Command has been really great, providing advocacy for retraining into other career fields for our folks, he said. Support personnel also have the option to transfer or leave. So far, about 400 people have chosen to leave the wing for other opportunities, Fisher said, including retirement, another position in the reserve or in the civilian world. The leadership is working to ensure those who choose to stay through inactivation are taken care of, he said, and they are trusting in the leadership to support them. Its incumbent upon us to make sure we maintain that trust work to provide them opportunities, Fisher said. 2025 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Visit www.gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. ABUJA, Nigeria A resurgence of Boko Haram attacks is shaking Nigerias northeast, as Islamic extremists have repeatedly overrun military outposts, mined roads with bombs and raided civilian communities since the start of the year, raising fears of a possible return to peak Boko Haram-era insecurity despite the military's claims of successes. Boko Haram, Nigerias homegrown jihadis, took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose their radical version of Islamic law. The conflict has spilled into Nigerias northern neighbors and resulted in the death of around 35,000 civilians and the displacement of more than 2 million others, according to the United Nations. In the latest attack last week in the village of Gajibo in Borno state, the epicenter of the crisis, extremists killed nine members of a local militia that supports the Nigerian military, after soldiers deserted the base when becoming aware of the insurgents advance, according to the groups claim and local aid workers. That is in addition to roadside bombs and deadly attacks on villages in recent months. Nyelni Kwari's area of Borno, Hawul, includes some of the affected villages, and returning home has become unsafe. Unfortunately, the situation hasn't improved for me to feel secure, said Kwari, a graduate student in Borno's capital, Maiduguri. Two factions Boko Haram has split into two factions over the years. One is backed by the Islamic State group and is known as the Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP. It has become notorious for targeting military positions and has overrun the military on at least 15 occasions this year, killing soldiers and stealing weapons, according to an Associated Press count, experts and security reports. In May, ISWAP struck outposts in Gajibo, Buni Gari, Marte, Izge and Rann and launched an assault on the Nigeria-Cameroon joint base in Wulgo and Soueram in Cameroon. Other attacks this year have hit Malam Fatori, Goniri, Sabon Gari, Wajiroko and Monguno, among others. The group often attacks at night. The other faction, Jamaatu Ahlis Sunna Liddaawati wal-Jihad, or JAS, has increasingly resorted to attacking civilians and perceived collaborators, and thrives on robberies and abductions for ransom. Expansion and decentralization Malik Samuel, senior researcher at nonprofit Good Governance Africa, said ISWAPs success is a result of its territorial expansion following gains against rival JAS as well as a decentralized structure that has enhanced its ability to conduct coordinated, near-simultaneous attacks across different regions. The unpredictability of attacks under this framework illustrates ISWAPs growing strategic sophistication, Samuel said. External support from IS in Iraq and Syria is also a critical resource, said Samuel, who has interviewed ex-fighters. Such support is evident in ISWAPs evolving tactics, including nighttime raids, rapid assaults with light but effective weaponry and the use of modified commercial drones to drop explosives, Samuel said. Outgunned and outnumbered military Ali Abani, a local nonprofit worker familiar with military operations in Borno's strategic town of Dikwa, said army bases are understaffed and located in remote areas, making them vulnerable to attacks. "When these gunmen come, they just overpower the soldiers, Abani said. Reinforcements, in the form of air support or nearby ground troops, are often too slow to arrive, allowing militants time to strip the outposts of weapons needed to bolster their arsenal, he added, recalling a May 12 attack during which soldiers fled as they were outnumbered, leaving the extremists to cart away weaponry. There also have been reports of former militants who continued to work as informants and logistics handlers after claiming to have repented. Nigeria losing ground almost on a daily basis At its peak in 2013 and 2014, Boko Haram gained global notoriety after kidnapping 276 Chibok schoolgirls and controlling an area the size of Belgium. While it has lost much of that territory because of military campaigns, the new surge in Boko Haram attacks has raised fears about a possible return to the gloomy past. Borno Gov. Babagana Zulum warned recently of lost gains after raising concerns that military formations in the state are being dislodged almost on a daily basis without confrontation. Federal lawmakers highlight the extremists' growing sophistication and advanced weaponry, calling on the government to bolster military capabilities. The Nigerian military didn't respond to a request for comment. Last Friday, senior commanders visited one troubled area, Gamboru on the border with Cameroon, promising the deployment of more troops to combat Boko Haram. WALLINGFORD Connecticut-based machinists at jet-engine maker Pratt and Whitney voted Tuesday to approve a new contract, an endorsement that ended their three-week strike. The new four-year agreement was endorsed by 74% of the 2,170 machinists who voted at a meeting at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford. As a result, the machinists will return to work on Thursday, after a paid day off on Wednesday. Pratt & Whitney's approximately 3,100 machinists at its plants in East Hartford and Middletown had been on strike since May 5, in their first work stoppage since 2001. The company's previous contract proposal was rejected by 80% of machinists who voted on May 4. But the new offer was unanimously recommended by the negotiating committee of the machinists' union, with union leaders indicating that it addressed their demands for better wages and retirement benefits, as well as stronger job-security guarantees. "I think they moved enough in the areas we were looking for to get it passed. Wage security, retirement security and job security all got adjustments in the latest proposal," Michael Lamoureux, head of the strike committee for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers' Local 700, which represents about 1,400 Middletown-based workers, said in an interview following the meeting. In a written statement, Pratt & Whitney officials lauded the machinists' approval of the contract, which will replace the previous, three-year agreement, which expired on May 4. "This is the outcome everyone was working towards a contract that recognizes the skill and dedication of our workforce by keeping them among the highest compensated in their field, while ensuring Pratt & Whitney is well positioned to secure jobs and opportunity for years to come," the statement said. "As Pratt & Whitney marks its 100th anniversary, this outcome reaffirms our commitment to the people, programs and communities that have powered our legacy and will shape our next century of aviation innovation." In response to an inquiry from CT Insider, a Pratt & Whitney spokesperson said the machinists' company-provided benefits would be reinstated Wednesday. Those benefits, such as insurance for health care, were suspended on May 19. The approved four-year contract will run from May 28, 2025 to May 6, 2029, compared to the previous three-year duration made by the company earlier this month, according to a summary of the contract reviewed by CT Insider. Key terms include a one-time 2% special wage adjustment and an immediate general wage increase of 4%, followed by wage increases of 3.5%, 3% and 3% in the following three years. The company will also add a cost-of-living adjustment to its base pay. Improvements to the machinists' retirement benefits include a 20% raise to the monthly "multiplier rate" for pension-eligible employees. Pension participants will stop accruing benefits after Dec. 31, 2028, but the pensions they have earned up to that point will be maintained and paid out at retirement. The new contract also outlines larger company contributions to 401(k) plans, including an increase in 2028 from 50% to 100% to the company's matching-contribution rate. Among job-security provisions, the contract commits to continuing its operations at the East Hartford and Middletown facilities through 2029. It also stipulates that there will be no involuntary layoffs of staff if machine parts are subcontracted for more than 90 days without a return date. In addition, there are protections for the production of turbine airfoils, which are crucial to the engines' cooling and thrust. "In order to meet customer demand, the company has established, and intends to maintain, multiple turbine airfoil production sources, including the company's East Hartford facility," says part of the contract summary. "It is not the company's intent to utilize other sources of turbine airfoil production capacity for the purpose of reducing bargaining unit jobs in Connecticut." The section also notes that "should future circumstances require the company to transfer turbine airfoil production work from its East Hartford facility to another prosecution source, and that transfer of work results in a surplus of employees in the bargaining unit, the company will offer a special separation program for volunteers who are eligible." Those volunteers would receive one week of severance pay for each completed year of service, a $10,000 lump-sum payment and continued medical and dental insurance for one year. Among other beneficial terms, union officials said in a news release that the new contract would provide "more flexible workweek options." Support from many machinists and elected officials, but some remain opposed After voting, several machinists told CT Insider that were now satisfied with the job-security protections. "They had information this time about keeping jobs in Connecticut," said Jack Yang, a production technician at the East Hartford plant, about the language in the new contract. Cher Yang, who works in machine tool services in East Hartford and is the younger brother of Jack Yang, gave similar reasoning. "Job security was the biggest thing," Cher Yang said. "We can work out the rest of the details in the next contract." But the quarter of the voting machinists who cast 'no' votes showed that many of the workers are still unhappy. Before the meeting started, some of them expressed their disapproval from their seats in the auditorium by shouting declarations such as "it sucks!" and "it's not good enough!" After voting, a few machinists said that they still did not feel appreciated by the company. "There's nothing confidence-inspiring to the younger people, who have less than 10 years, who want to make a career and life out of staying in Connecticut," said Chris, who works at the Middletown facility and declined to give his last name out of concern about possible retribution from the company. A number of elected officials issued written statements on Tuesday afternoon that expressed their support for the new agreement. "When workers fight together, their unions can achieve outcomes that reflect their true value," said U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, whose district includes part of Middletown. "These highly skilled workers fuel our state economy and contribute to our national defense, and this new agreement means all parties can move forward with renewed stability. I will always stand with workers fighting for fairer wages and strong benefits." State Sen. Matt Lesser, a Democrat whose district in the state legislature includes Middletown, had a similar reaction. "I am proud of the several thousand union members who made the difficult decision to strike and through their reserve and good faith negotiations have secured a more fair agreement that better reflects the critical importance of their work," Lesser said. "For centuries, unions have supported working men and women, strengthened the middle class and increased wages for all workers." DeLauro and Lesser were two of the many Democrats who visited the picket lines. In contrast, Republicans mostly stayed away from the picket lines. Several of them argued that their time would be better spent working on policies to improve the state's business climate, instead of "photo ops" with the machinists. " Pratt & Whitney and its workers are part of the backbone of Connecticut's economy," said state Sen. Stephen Harding, R- Brookfield, the state Senate's minority leader. "This strike showed how unaffordable Connecticut is for both job creators and their employees ... These strikes will continue to happen in the future unless and until we turn Connecticut's anti-job creator policies around." 2025 Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.. Visit www.journalinquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Zak Starkey says The Who's frontman Roger Daltrey told him he had been "retired, not fired" as the band's drummer. The Who's Roger Daltrey clarified that Zak Starkey was 'retired, not fired' There has been much confusion about the sticksman's status in the band; having been fired and reinstated a couple of times over the past weeks. Zak recently jumped on the phone with Roger, who informed him that the rock legends - also including guitarist Pete Townshend - had decided to free him of his duties to work on other projects, including his band Mantra Of The Cosmos, but insisted he was not being "fired". Detailing their debrief, Zak posted to Instagram: "NOISE and CONFUSION!!!! I had a great phone chat with Roger [Daltrey] at the end of last week which truly confused both of us!!! "Rog said I hadnt been firedI had been retired to work on my own projects. I explained to Rog that I have just spent nearly 8 weeks at my studio in Jamaica completing these projects, that my group Mantra Of The Cosmos was releasing one single at the beginning of June and after that had run its course ( usually 5/6 weeks )." It turns out, Zak - the son of Beatle Sir Ringo Starr - was "completely available", but he's "left it there" and insisted there are no hard feelings. He added: "I was completely available for the foreseeable future.Rog said 'Oh!' and we kind of left it there- On good terms and great friends as we have always been. "Gotta love these guys. As my mum used to say The mind boggles!!! XXX. (sic)" Zak's caption was accompanied by a picture with the text: "Drummers: From Keith Moon to Zak Starkey and Beyonce." The drummer was believed to have been fired from the group after almost 30 years in the wake of a disagreement over his performance at a show at the Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity in March. However, he was reinstated in a matter of days with Pete saying in a statement: "There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily." On May 18, Pete confirmed that Zak will not be joining the pair for their final tour of North America. Zak then claimed he was fired two weeks after being "reinstated", and allegedly told to make up that he was leaving the legendary band due to his other work commitments. Scott Devours, who played in Roger's solo band, is Zak's replacement on the tour. The Navy has taken a rare step and relieved a one-star admiral who oversaw the service's unmanned and small combatant programs, including one of its newest class of warships, according to a statement released Monday. Rear Adm. Kevin Smith was relieved from leadership of the program office by Dr. Brett Seidle, acting assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition. As the program executive for unmanned and small craft, Smith oversaw the Navy's design, development, construction, maintenance and modernization of unmanned maritime systems, as well as systems for mine warfare, special warfare and expeditionary warfare. The office is also overseeing the planning and construction of the Navy's Constellation-class, next-generation guided missile frigates. Read Next: Hegseth Orders Review of Defense Department's Support for Homeschooling Smith's relief, which was officially over a "loss of confidence in his ability to command," appears to be the Navy's fifth firing of a commanding officer this year. Loss of confidence is a boilerplate reason provided by the military services that can encompass anything from consistent poor performance by a commander on key evaluations to personal actions like drunken driving. A defense official told Military.com on condition of anonymity that the reason for the firing was over a substantiated claim of personal misconduct that was investigated by the Navy's inspector general. The official added that the misconduct in question did not involve another sailor. Based on public announcements, it appears that the Navy fired 14 commanding officers in 2024. In 2023, the official relief total was 15. There are currently around 1,600 commanding officers in the active-duty Navy across all communities. According to Smith's service record that was provided to Military.com by the Navy, he began his Navy career in 1994 after graduating from the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at Boston University. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering, according to his official biography. Designated as an engineering duty officer, Smith went on to serve aboard the destroyer USS Nicholson before shifting to postings at various shipbuilding offices. Smith was stationed at the office of the supervisor of shipbuilding in Bath, Maine, a major Navy shipyard, where for several years, according to his biography, he was responsible for installing and testing the combat systems for five newly built guided missile destroyers. Smith also worked on the Navy's short-lived Zumwalt-class stealth destroyer program, according to the site. "During his tenure as the major program manager for the Constellation-class frigate, the program office was awarded the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award for 2021 as the top program office in the Department of Defense," his biography boasted. Smith assumed the role as head of Unmanned and Small Combatants in June 2023. Smith's personal decorations include three awards of the Legion of Merit, six Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, among other unit and service awards. According to the Navy's statement, Melissa Kirkendall, the office's executive director, will temporarily run the office until a permanent replacement is designated. Smith has been temporarily reassigned to the staff at Naval Sea Systems Command. Related: Retired 4-Star Admiral Found Guilty on 4 Charges Stemming from Bribery Allegations SEOUL, South Korea North Korean authorities have detained four officials over the recent failed launch of a naval destroyer, an incident that leader Kim Jong Un said was caused by criminal negligence, state media said. It's rare for North Korea to publicly impose severe punishments against officials over botched weapons tests or military displays. The weekend arrests of the four officials signal how serious Kim is about his military build-up plan and bolstering discipline at home. The 5,000-ton-class destroyer was damaged Wednesday in the presence of Kim when a transport cradle on the ships stern detached early during a launch ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin. Satellite imagery on the site showed the vessel lying on its side and draped in blue covers, with parts of the ship submerged. The incident infuriated Kim as the warship the country's second known destroyer is key to his naval forces modernization plan. Kim quickly blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for what he called a criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism. The official Korean Central News Agency said Monday that law enforcement authorities detained Ri Hyong Son, vice director of the munitions industry department at the ruling Workers Partys Central Committee, who said it was greatly responsible for the failed launch. KCNA reported Sunday that the authorities detained three officials at Chongjin Shipyard over the incident the chief engineer, head of the hull construction workshop and deputy manager for administrative affairs. Hong Kil Ho, the shipyard manager, also was summoned for questioning, KCNA previously reported. In an instruction to investigators Thursday, North Koreas powerful Central Miliary Commission said those responsible can never evade their responsibility for the crime. But it's unclear what punishment the arrested officials would receive. Earlier in his rule, Kim gained notoriety for engineering a spate of executions and purges of senior officials, including the killing of his powerful uncle. But observers say those actions were largely meant to solidify his grip on power and eliminate potential threats to his rule. In recent years, there have been few reports of executions or purges in North Korea as Kim has built up the absolute power similar to that of his late father and grandfather. Kim has reportedly granted preferential treatments to scientists and engineers involved in the weapons development industry as he has pushed hard to expand his nuclear and missile arsenals. Kim has allocated new apartments in Pyongyang to them, and after a failed launch of a military spy satellite last year, he issued a supportive message toward his scientists over the setback, saying a failure is always a prerequisite for success," according to state media. Experts say Kim is eager to achieve major progress in his five-year arms development plan set during a ruling party congress in early 2021. Kim has said North Korea needs greater naval forces as well as nuclear-capable missiles and other sophisticated weapons to cope with what he calls escalating U.S.-led security threats. Last month, North Korea launched its first destroyer, also a 5,000-ton-class ship, with massive fanfare. The ship is North Korea's largest and most advanced warship and state media reported it is designed to carry various weapons including nuclear missiles. Kim called its construction a breakthrough in modernizing North Koreas naval forces. North Korea denied the second destroyer suffered major damage, saying the hull on the starboard side was scratched and some seawater flowed into the stern section. North Korea said Friday it needed about 10 days to make repairs, but many outside observers said the country likely understated the damage. ___ Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this report. North Korea sharply criticized President Donald Trumps plan for a Golden Dome missile-defense system, a shield intended to counter threats from rivals including Pyongyang. The program is an outer space nuclear war scenario supporting the US strategy for uni-polar domination, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday, citing a memo from an institute under the Foreign Ministry in Pyongyang. The memorandum described the U.S. program as the height of self-righteousness, arrogance, high-handed and arbitrary practice, adding that Washington has been hell-bent on the moves to militarize outer space, claiming that those who dominate outer space can win victory in the future war. Trump vowed last week that the Golden Dome shield should be operational by the end of his term, saying it would be able to protect the U.S. from threats including ballistic missiles, hypersonics and advanced cruise missiles. Much of the tech around the system remains unproven, especially plans for space-based interceptors to knock down incoming ballistic missiles. Over the past several years North Korea has been trying to add a multiple warhead intercontinental ballistic missile to its arsenal, a move that would increase the chance of at least one nuclear weapon making it past interceptors and reaching its target. Last year, North Korea claimed it successfully conducted a test of a multiple warhead missile system. South Koreas military accused North Korea of using deception and exaggeration to cover up a missile that exploded in the early stages of flight. North Korea joins China in criticizing the Golden Dome plan. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said earlier it violates the principle of peaceful use of outer space, adding that it would start an arms race. Beijing has been Pyongyangs biggest benefactor for decades, supplying aid that has propped up an economy badly hobbled by international sanctions over North Koreas nuclear program. Last month, Trump said he plans to reach out to North Korea at some point and reiterated that he has a very good relationship with leader Kim Jong Un. During his first term, Trump announced the suspension or scaling down of some major U.S.- South Korea military drills after starting face-to-face talks with Kim. While those discussions ultimately collapsed, Trump has indicated a willingness to reach out for renewed talks during his second term. (Shinhye Kang contributed to this report.) ___ 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Tricare, the federal health-insurance program for military service members and their families, and the Defense Health Agency that governs it, put beneficiaries at risk of paying much higher costs due to a lack of internal controls, according to an audit conducted by the Department of Justice. The audit by the Inspector General reviewed financial records across both Tricares East and West regions (which includes all 50 states) from November 2023 to February 2025, found that policy did not require federal officials or the company to ensure that rates for services or equipment that dont already have a defined reimbursement rate were reasonable or consistent with other states, and contractors did not have guidance on how to create new rates. This caused a contractor in Illinois to pay $11,500 for custom sleep apnea mouth guards, a price 283% higher than the cost in neighboring Iowa, according to the audit report. The DHA also allowed rental costs for medical items to far exceed the cost of purchasing, resulting in a contractor paying Tricare $5,000 per month to rent one of two compression devices while the same product was available to rent for $675 per month and another supplier was selling one for $409.50. Virginia is among the states with higher rental rates than purchasing costs. For a particular compression device, the rental cost per month in Virginia was $4,680 compared to $3,450 to buy it, a 35.7% difference. Connecticut had the highest difference at 100.2%, according to the audit. In fiscal year 2023, Tricare contractors paid a total of $183 million for items or services that didnt have a defined reimbursement rate. Its unclear how much of that total is considered unreasonable and how much additional financial burden was passed on to beneficiaries. Because the DHA did not determine that the state prevailing rates were reasonable, the DoD is at risk of wasteful spending and increasing DoD beneficiaries risk of unreasonable cost-shares for health care services and items that are paid with state prevailing rates, the audit concludes. State prevailing rates are established by taking all the billed charges for a service or item in the previous year and separating them by state. The state prevailing rate is then set at the 80th percentile of the charges for that service or item in each state. The amount the DHA has reimbursed providers for all health care services and items has decreased by 16% since fiscal year 2021 as a result of measures taken in response to prior DOD reviews, according to the audit. The federal agency issued a policy in July that allows contractors to set payment thresholds to prevent reimbursement substantially in excess of customary or reasonable charges. The Inspector General recommends that the DHA reassess and revise the state prevailing rates in Tricares policy to ensure rates are reasonable, develop and issue guidance to require an independent party to review the state prevailing rates annually, and implement an oversight mechanism. DHA has hired a company to monitor the accuracy of payments made by Tricare contractors. In 2022 and 2023, this company found that Tricare had a quarterly error rate of 0.31% or less and 0.4% or less, respectively, across both the East and West regions. These error rates are lower than Tricares own maximum allowable error rate of 1.75%. A Tricare spokesperson did not respond to an emailed question about how soon beneficiaries might see a change in costs. 2025 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. KYIV, Ukraine Everything will be all right. Ukrainian soldier Serhii Hryhoriev said this so often during brief phone calls from the front that his wife and two daughters took it to heart. His younger daughter, Oksana, tattooed the phrase on her wrist as a talisman. Even after Hryhoriev was captured by the Russian army in 2022, his anxious family clung to the belief that he would ultimately be OK. After all, Russia is bound by international law to protect prisoners of war. When Hryhoriev finally came home, though, it was in a body bag. A Russian death certificate said the 59-year-old died of a stroke. But a Ukrainian autopsy and a former POW who was detained with him tell a different story about how he died one of violence and medical neglect at the hands of his captors. Hryhoriev is one of more than 200 Ukrainian POWs who have died while imprisoned since Russias full-scale invasion three years ago. Abuse inside Russian prisons was likely a contributing factor in many of these deaths, according to officials from human rights groups, the U.N., the Ukrainian government and a Ukrainian medical examiner who has performed dozens of POW autopsies. The officials say the prison death toll adds to evidence that Russia is systematically brutalizing captured soldiers. They say forensic discrepancies like Hryhoriev's, and the repatriation of bodies that are mutilated and decomposed, point to an effort to cover up alleged torture, starvation and poor health care at dozens of prisons and detention centers across Russia and occupied Ukraine. Russian authorities did not respond to requests for comment. They have previously accused Ukraine of mistreating Russian POWs allegations the U.N. has partially backed up, though it says Ukraine's violations are far less common and severe than what Russia is accused of. Alive and well Hryhoriev joined the Ukrainian army in 2019 after he lost his job as an office worker at a high school. When the war began three years later, he was stationed with other soldiers in Mariupol, an industrial port city that was the site of a fierce battle and far from his home in the central Poltava region. On April 10, 2022, Hryhoriev called his family to reassure them that everything will be all right. That was the last time they ever spoke to him. Two days later, a relative of a soldier in Hryhorievs unit called to say the men had been captured. After Mariupol fell to Russia, more than 2,000 soldiers defending the city became Russian prisoners. Soon his family got a call from the International Committee of the Red Cross, which confirmed he was alive and officially registered as a POW, guaranteeing his protection under the Geneva Conventions. We were told: that means everything is fine Russia has to return him, Hryhorievs wife, Halyna, recalled. In August 2022, she received a letter from him, that addressed her by a nickname. My dear Halochka, he wrote. I am alive and well. Everything will be all right. Desperate for more information, his daughter Oksana, 31, scoured Russian social media accounts, where videos of Ukrainian POWs regularly appeared. Eventually, she saw him in one looking gaunt and missing teeth. His gray hair was cropped very short, framing gentle features now partially covered by a beard. In the video, likely shot under duress, Hryhoriev said to the camera: Im alive and well. But if you looked at him, you could see that wasnt true, Oksana said. The truth was dismal, said Oleksii Honcharov, a 48-year-old Ukrainian POW who was detained with him. Honcharov lived in the same prison barracks as Hryhoriev starting in the fall of 2022. Over a period of months, he witnessed Hryhoriev absorb the same severe punishment as every other POW at the Kamensk-Shakhtinsky Correctional Colony in southwest Russia. Everyone got hit -- no exceptions, said Honcharov, who was repatriated to Ukraine in February as part of a prisoner swap. Some more, some less, but we all took it. Honcharov endured months of chest pain while in captivity. Even then, the beatings never stopped, he said, and sometimes they began after his pleas for medical care, which were ignored. Toward the end, I could barely walk, said Honcharov, who was diagnosed with tuberculosis once back in Ukraine an increasingly common ailment among returning POWs. A 2024 U.N. report found that 95% of released Ukrainian POWs had endured systematic torture. Prisoners described beatings, electric shocks, suffocation, sexual violence, prolonged stress positions, mock executions, and sleep deprivation. This conduct could not be more unlawful, said Danielle Bell, the U.N.s top human rights monitor in Ukraine. The report also said some Russian POWs were mistreated by Ukrainian forces during their initial capture -- including beatings, threats and electric shocks. But the abuse stopped once Russian POWs were moved to official Ukrainian detention centers, the report said. Hryhoriev was physically strong and often outlasted younger prisoners during forced exercises, Honcharov recalled. But over time, he began showing signs of physical decline: dizziness, fatigue and, eventually, an inability to walk without help. Yet despite his worsening condition, prison officials provided only minimal health care, Honcharov said. Piecing together how POWs died In a bright, sterile room with the sour-sweet smell of human decomposition, Inna Padei performs autopsies on Ukrainian soldiers repatriated by Russia, as well as civilians exhumed from mass graves. Hundreds of bodies zipped up in black plastic bags have been delivered in refrigerated trucks to the morgue where she works in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Those who died in battle are still wearing military fatigues and often have obvious external wounds. The bodies of former POWs are dressed in prison uniforms and are often mutilated and decomposed. It is the job of Padei and other forensic experts to piece together how soldiers like Hryhoriev died. These reports are often the only reliable information the soldiers families get and they will be used by Ukraine, along with testimony from former POWs, to bring war crimes charges against Russia at the International Criminal Court. The body of a former POW recently examined by Padei had an almond-sized fracture on the right side of its skull. That suggested the soldier was struck by a blunt object a blow potentially strong enough to have killed him instantly, or shortly after, she said. These injuries may not always be the direct cause of death, Padei said, but they clearly indicate the use of force and torture against the servicemen. Earlier this year, Amnesty International documented widespread torture of Ukrainian POWs in Russia. Its report was especially critical of Russia's secrecy regarding the whereabouts and condition of POWs, saying it refused to grant rights groups or health workers access to its prisons, leaving families in the dark for months or years about their loved ones. Of the more than 5,000 POWs Russia has repatriated to Ukraine, at least 206 died in captivity, including more than 50 when an explosion ripped through a Russian-controlled prison barracks, according to the Ukrainian government. An additional 245 Ukrainian POWs were killed by Russian soldiers on the battlefield, according to Ukrainian prosecutors. The toll of dead POWs is expected to rise as more bodies are returned and identified, but forensic experts face significant challenges in determining causes of death. In some cases, internal organs are missing. Other times, it appears as if bruises or injuries have been hidden or removed. Ukrainian officials believe the mutilation of bodies is an effort by Russia to conceal the true causes of death. Extreme decomposition is another obstacle, officials say. They hold the bodies until they reach a state where nothing can be determined, said Petro Yatsenko, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian government agency in charge of POW affairs. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the prompt exchange of POWs must be part of any ceasefire agreement, along with the return of thousands of Ukrainian civilians, including children forcibly deported to Russia. A major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine took place over the weekend. The Associated Press interviewed relatives of 21 Ukrainian POWs who died in captivity. Autopsies performed in Ukraine found that five of these POWs died of heart failure, including soldiers who were 22, 39 and 43. Four others died from tuberculosis or pneumonia, and three others perished, respectively, from an infection, asphyxia and a blunt force head wound. Padei said cases like these and others she has seen are red flags, suggesting that physical abuse and untreated injuries and illness likely contributed to many soldiers' deaths. Under normal or humane conditions, these would not have been fatal, Padei said. In one autopsy report, coroners said an individual had been electrocuted and beaten just days before dying of heart failure and extreme emaciation. Other autopsies noted that bodies showed signs of gangrene or untreated infections. Everything the returned prisoners describe we see the same on the bodies, Padei said. Angel in the sky Months into Hryhorievs detention at the Kamensk-Shakhtinsky prison and after his daughter saw him in the Russian armys social media video -- his health deteriorated significantly, according to Honcharov. But instead of being sent to a hospital, Hryhoriev was moved to a tiny cell that was isolated from other prisoners. Another Ukrainian captive, a paramedic, was assigned to stay with him. It was damp, cold, with no lighting at all, recalled Honcharov. He died in that cell about a month later, Honcharov said. It was May 20, 2023, according to his Russian death certificate. The Hryhoriev family didn't learn he had died until more than six months later, when a former POW reached out. Then, in March 2024, police in central Ukraine called: A body had arrived with a Russian death certificate bearing Hryhorievs name. A DNA test confirmed it was him. An autopsy performed in Ukraine disputed Russias claim that Hryhoriev died of a stroke. It said he bled to death after blunt trauma to his abdomen that also damaged his spleen. Hryhorievs body was handed over to the family last June, and soon after he was buried in his hometown of Pyriatyn. To honor him, Hryhorievs wife and older daughter, Yana, followed Oksana's lead and tattooed their wrists with the optimistic expression he had drilled into them. Now we have an angel in the sky watching over us, Halyna said. We believe everything will be all right. ___ Associated Press reporters Yehor Konovalov, Alex Babenko and Anton Shtuka in Kyiv, and Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report. May 28: The Rockies have just made it official, announcing their signing of Arcia. Infielder Aaron Schunk has been optioned as the corresponding move. The 40-man roster count goes from 38 to 39. May 27: Arcia and the Rox are in agreement on a big league deal, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. May 26: The Rockies and free agent infielder Orlando Arcia are in the final stages of contract talks, according to Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extra Base. Should the deal be completed, it will mark a quick turn-around in the open market for Arcia, who was released just yesterday by the Braves after he cleared waivers. Arcia is repped by World Sports Agency. Ezequiel Tovar is locked in as Colorados everyday shortstop, so adding Arcia probably means the Rockies are either looking at the 30-year-old as a depth piece. Second baseman Adael Amador hasnt hit much at all since being called up to the majors, so the Rockies might be considering sending him back down to Triple-A since Thairo Estrada is close to returning from the injured list. This leaves Arcia, Kyle Farmer, Tyler Freeman and Aaron Schunk on hand as the bench depth, barring another move. Arcia has mostly played shortstop during his 10 Major League seasons, and his generally solid glovework has helped him carve out that long career despite a modest .241/.294/.373 slash line. His most consistent offensive run came with the Braves in 2022 and during the first half of the 2023 season, and Arcia was even named to the All-Star team for his strong performance at the plate in the opening months of the 2023 campaign. Since then, however, Arcias bat has normalized back its usual levels, and he lost his starting shortstop job in Atlanta to Nick Allen. Arcia has appeared in only 14 games this season, and batted .194/.219/.226 in 32 trips to the plate. Since Arcia was no longer in the teams plans, the Braves designated him for assignment and released him earlier this week. Owed $2MM in 2025, Arcia is still owed around $1.376MM of that salary, plus his contract contains a $2MM club option for 2026 with a $1MM buyout. The Rockies only owe the prorated MLB minimum portion of what remains of his 2025 salary, with Atlanta booting the rest of the bill. The price tag is small enough that the Rockies may have felt it was worth it to bring in a veteran player with some relatively recent success on his track record perhaps as a trade chip for the deadline, or perhaps just as an upgrade over its other backup infield options. Since Colorado certainly looks like it will be a seller at the deadline, any number of roster spots could be opening up after July 31. If Arcia himself isnt moved, he can cover innings for the Rockies in the event that perhaps Estrada, Farmer, or Freeman are moved, or if the Rox explore a bigger trade like moving Ryan McMahon. ZAGREB, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Ivica Budimir, the CEO of the state-run road operator Croatian Roads, has emphasized the significance of a new infrastructure project, a 14.75-km expressway to be built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). He praised the ongoing partnership between Croatian Roads and the CRBC. "This is an extremely important project for Croatia, especially for the Slavonia region, as this road will connect Pozega and Godinjak, and in the future, the freeway will connect more cities," Budimir said in a recent interview with Xinhua. Croatian Roads and the CRBC inked the 160-million-euro deal for the project on May 7. The project, which will connect Pozega and Godinjak in eastern Croatia, includes the construction of a 3.34-km tunnel, three overpasses, six underpasses, and one underpass tunnel. "This expressway will significantly shorten the journey to Pozega and all surrounding towns, speed up traffic, and we expect an increase in economic activities in the area," Budimir noted. Budimir called the expressway the second-largest project that Croatian Roads has undertaken with the CRBC since 2015. "The largest project was the construction of the Peljesac Bridge. We can say that we are signing a major project again with the same Chinese company, which makes it very significant," Budimir said, commending the successful cooperation between the two sides. Describing the cooperation with Chinese experts and engineers as "very good," he said everything has proceeded smoothly, including cooperation with supervisory engineers, and engagement with local units and communities. "We are extremely satisfied," he added. While acknowledging that there are always difficulties during the construction of a major project, Budimir voiced confidence in resolving them. "We expect that the expressway project in Pozega will also be completed successfully on time," he said. King Charles has warned Canada is facing unprecedented challenges. King Charles has warned Canada is facing unprecedented challenges The monarch, 76, who is still carrying out royal tours and engagements as he undergoes cancer treatment, made the alarming declaration as he opened the countrys new parliamentary session in Ottawa on Tuesday (27.05.25.) Charles, who serves as Canadas head of state, delivered the speech from the throne at the Senate of Canada Building, marking the start of a new session of Parliament at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney. The event followed rising tensions between Canada and the United States after US President Donald Trump threatened to annex the country. Speaking in French during the speech, Charles said: We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented. He added that many Canadians feel anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. The monarch also praised Canadas national character, describing its identity as rooted in bravery and sacrifice to defend national values, which he said was tied to the diversity and kindness of Canadians. Reflecting on the countrys evolution over the past 70 years since his mother Queen Elizabeth II opened Parliament, Charles said: Canada has dramatically changed: repatriating its constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth. The king continued: Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural. He also drew comparisons with post-War instability, recalling his mothers speeches from that era. Charles said: Freedom and democracy were under threat. Today, Canada faces another critical moment. The Canadian government is determined to protect democracy and freedom. Key elements of the Canadian government's plans for the future include reinvestment in the Canadian Armed Forces and the ReArm Europe initiative. Former prime ministers Justin Trudeau, 53, and Stephen Harper, 65, were in attendance at the king's speech and Charles was accompanied by Queen Camilla as they arrived at Parliament in a horse-drawn carriage escorted by 28 horses. Charles added Canada must build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians. He also underscored the governments commitment to the protection of French language and Quebec culture, saying: They define the country that Canadians, and I, love so much. Canada is a country where official and Indigenous languages are respected and celebrated. The large-flowered white trillium can be found blooming in the spring in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, pictured here along the Sable Falls Trail. (NPS) NPS MUNISING, MI -- Typically bug season in the Upper Peninsula means black flies swarming the beach but a gentler, more helpful bugs life is taking place under the hardwoods in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The National Lakeshore spotlighted its spring blooms carpeting the forest floor: large-flowered white trilliums. These trilliums are among the 38 species found in North America, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The trillium family has extensive biodiversity throughout its species. The Forest Service described the blooms as either showy or obscure, a dazzling display of color on a hillside, or a chance surprise hidden under a leaf. The trilliums common characteristic is they all have three petals and three sepals. RELATED: Washout at Munising Falls closes trail for summer. See Pictured Rocks other raging waterfalls. Trilliums are relatively slow-growing and can take several years to reach flowering age. The National Park Service gave this description of whats happening behind the scenes: When they bloom in early spring, the flowers are pollinated by bees and wasps. Then, they produce a small fruit, which ants take to their nests and eat. Once they eat the fruits, they discard the seeds. From there, the seeds germinate and develop underground for almost a year before they send a seedling up the next spring. RELATED: This longtime cafe offers both hiking fuel and chill respite for Pictured Rocks visitors You can find the trilliums large, white petals along trails like the North Country National Scenic Trail west of Miners Castle and between the Grand Sable Visitor Center and Sable Falls. Hannah Bradburn, Visual Information Specialist at Pictured Rocks, recommends parking at the Miners Castle parking area and proceed towards the upper viewing platform. About halfway between the parking area and the platform, youll find a North Country trailhead to your left. Proceed west on this trail and turn around when youve had your fill of flowers! I typically walk around a half mile down this trail to see spring beauties, Dutchmans breeches, and cutleaved toothworts, Bradburn said. Bradburn also recommends the Sable Falls Trail. To reach this trail, park at the Sable Falls parking area just outside of Grand Marais. This walk is about a half mile out and back and involves several flights of stairs if you want to go all the way to the falls and beach, Bradburn said. For even more wildflowers, Bradburn suggests starting at the Grand Sable Visitor Center and proceed down the North Country trail towards Sable Falls. This route is 2.8 miles out and back and involves the same stairs to reach the falls and beach. Over Memorial Day weekend, one Michigan photographer found a blanket of trilliums along Miners Castle Road. This area just reopened to vehicles after a bridge replacement. In case you hadn't heard, the road to Miner's Beach has been reopened. It was closed last Labor Day to replace a bridge over Miner's River. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Munising, MI Miner's Area 5/25/25 Posted by Head in the Clouds Photography on Monday, May 26, 2025 RELATED: Did you see this iconic cliff before it tumbled into Lake Superior? Pictured Rocks looks back at the Munising formation Since the trilliums bloom is years in the making, its strongly discouraged to pick the flower in any setting. Its forbidden to pick flowers from national parks and forests. Wildflower walks, however, are still popular and encouraged. The park offers free sights and smells with admission. In the spring, Pictured Rocks recommends looking for marsh marigolds, trout lily, Canada mayflower, Dutchmans breeches, squirrel corn, and jack-in-the-pulpit. Find wildflower images and blooming description here. There are two modes of public transportation to get to the remote wilderness of Isle Royale National Park. Among the most popular is the Ranger III passenger ferry which makes regular trips out of Houghton. (NPS) NPS ISLE ROYALE, MI -- If your summer bucket list includes epic views, rugged wilderness and the peaceful serenity of being surrounded by fresh water then its time to cross Lake Superior to Michigans remote island. Michigans isolated national park, Isle Royale, has two modes of public transportation crossing Lake Superior. There are two passenger ferries and a seaplane service making regular trips from the Upper Peninsula to the island from May to September. Additionally there are two ferries leaving from Minnesota, according to the National Park Service. The Ranger III leaves from Houghton and takes six hours to voyage to the northeast side of the island, docking at the Rock Harbor port. The Ranger III generally travels to Isle Royale Tuesdays and Fridays and returns Wednesdays and Saturdays. Check the schedule and make reservations, here. In July and August, the Ranger III takes passengers on a relaxing three-hour cruise around on a Keweenaw Waterway. You can make reservations for those special events, here. The Queen IV departs from Copper Harbor at the tip of Michigans Keweenaw Peninsula and takes about 3.5 hours to travel to the island. The Queen IV makes the departure and return trip to Rock Harbor on the same day, allowing for both overnight and day-trip passengers, according to NPS. The Queen IVs sailing schedule changes throughout the summer. Find details on the schedule and reservation availability here. RELATED: How to plan a day trip to Michigans remote Isle Royale National Park Another transportation option for day-trippers who are looking to get on the island quicker are seaplanes. Isle Royale Seaplanes is the sole concessionaire offering seaplane transportation to Isle Royale, according to NPS. A private company operates the office and dock in Hubbell, on the edge of the Keweenaw Waterway. Flights take you over Lake Superior in 45 minutes and offer a smooth water landing at either Windigo or Rock Harbor, according to the company website. The summer schedule for overnight trips runs May through September 20. The schedule for day trips runs June 7 - Sept. 10. Flights may be delayed or canceled based on weather. RELATED: Headed to Michigans remote Isle Royale? Here are 12 tips from the pros The national park prides itself on visitors finding peace and refuge in island wilderness - because Isle Royale, in turn, finds refuge in us. The NPS does this by keeping the island natural with no vehicles. Campsites are accessible by foot or watercraft. Check parking availability and fees when booking your transportation. Also be mindful of luggage limitations and mandatory food storage guidelines. RELATED: Isle Royale has new rules to keep campers food away from wolves The State Department is advising those headed to a pair of popular European countries to use extra caution while visiting. An ongoing terrorism threat in Belgium and Italy is the cause for the Level 2 travel advisories issued last week for both countries. While a Level 2 warning is the second lowest on the State Departments scale, the agency says travelers should remain aware of their surroundings when visiting. In particular, the advisory says visitors should stay alert in tourist areas as they can be targeted in an attack. Both advisories say a terror attack can occur at any moment, identifying common targets such as transportation hubs, shopping centers, schools, government buildings, and hotels. If you do visit either country, the State Department suggests that you enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. You should also check local news reports for breaking news while visiting. Mayor Christopher Taylor at the Ann Arbor City Council meeting on May 19, 2025. Taylor has expressed confidence in city staff to ensure Ann Arbor grows responsibly under a proposed plan to allow higher-density housing throughout the city. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News ANN ARBOR, MI Ann Arbor officials are continuing to respond to questions and criticisms of the citys plan to welcome more diverse and denser housing throughout town. One issue at the center of debate: the citys capacity to handle potentially tens of thousands more housing units city officials say may be possible with zoning changes. Linda J. Nunn, convicted of the New Year's Eve murder of a federal bank examiner in Flint in 1986, is shown in this Flint Journal file photo. Leo Johnson | The Flint Journal FLINT, MI -- Nearly 40 years after Linda J. Nunn was convicted of fatally shooting a federal bank examiner during a sex-for-money scheme in Flint, shes asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to commute her life sentence. Nunn, 63, an inmate at the Womens Huron Valley Correctional Facility, is scheduled to meet with the Michigan Parole Board for a hearing on Thursday, May 29, after having spent most of her life in prison. Heather LaMarra (right), an ESL (English as a Second Language) educator at Weston Elementary School, has been honored with the Michigan Lotterys Excellence in Education award. | Heather LaMarra Heather LaMarra LAPEER COUNTY, MI - A language teacher in Imlay City has been recognized for her dedication to students learning English. Heather LaMarra, an ESL (English as a Second Language) educator at Weston Elementary School, was honored with the Michigan Lotterys Excellence in Education award in May. The statewide program, launched in 2014, highlights one outstanding public school educator each week during the academic year. LaMarra, who works with students in kindergarten through second grade, was nominated by her husband Mike who praised his wifes compassion and commitment. I was surprised that my husband nominated me, she said. He sees I work a lot. I work all summer with these students, and I do after school with them. LaMarra teaches about 90 students ages four to nine at Imlay City Community Schools. She earned a bachelors degree from Michigan State University and masters degrees from Nova Southeastern University and the University of Phoenix. LaMarra has been with the Lapeer County school district for 11 years, and she has taught for over 20 years, including in Dearborn and Las Vegas. When I moved to Las Vegas, they were building six elementary schools a summer and most of our students came straight from Mexico, LaMarra said. I did not take Spanish in high school. I had to start learning some of the strategies and it was amazing how the kids picked up on it so quickly. Her approach combines experience with a deep sense of empathy - qualities that help make a lasting impact on the lives of her students. We show a lot of pictures for vocabulary, LaMarra said. We read books to them, they write and they act out. We also try to show them books with characters that look like them. LaMarras commitment goes far beyond the classroom. For her, its not just about teaching English - it is about building lasting relationships and supporting her students every step of the way. I just want to create a safe space for little kids, she said. And my older kids, I follow up with them until they graduate. Each Excellence in Education honoree receives a $2,000 cash award, and all winners are considered for the prestigious Educator of the Year title, which comes with a $10,000 prize at the end of the school year. Ottawa County sheriff's deputies are investigating a crash that injured two people in Allendale Township. (MLive file photo) MLive file OTTAWA COUNTY, MI A 25-year-old Grand Rapids woman suffered serious facial injuries in a high-speed crash that split the vehicle she was riding in in two, police said. The crash happened at 11:37 p.m. Monday, May 26, in front of Allendale Township Fire Department on Lake Michigan Drive. Four Michigan Department of Corrections officers were cleared of felony charges in their response to a violent inmate. (MLive File Photo) IONIA COUNTY, MI A judge dismissed felony charges against four corrections officers whose response to a violent inmate allegedly caused serious injuries. Jordan Csernyik, 23, Ray Thomas Rubley, 33, Andrew Ray Carr, 39, and Al-Ani Mustafa, 44, were charged with misconduct in office, a five-year felony, and aggravated assault, a one-year misdemeanor. MLive file photo of the former probate court building at Ottawa Countys Fillmore Street complex, 12120 Fillmore St., West Olive. MLive WEST OLIVE, MI - Ottawa County Veterans Services has announced the groundbreaking of a dedicated facility designed to honor and serve local veterans. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, July 1, at 10 a.m. at 12120 Fillmore St., West Olive. While the event is billed as a groundbreaking, the project is actually a renovation of a space that was formerly a probate court building. In November 2024, Ottawa County commissioners approved spending $981,740 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for additional staff and renovate the building. The board approved spending $227,000 for building renovations -- including showers and laundry facilities for veterans -- as well as $655,000 for additional staffing and $100,000 for rent. The funding, made in a lump sum, is intended to last through October 2027. Its a meaningful step forward in how we connect veterans with the resources and respect they deserve, said Jason Schenkel, director of Ottawa County Veterans Services. Related: Ottawa County commissioners funnel nearly $1 million into bigger veterans department The Filmore Street facility will serve as a centralized, purpose-built space focused on fostering connection, providing resources and creating an environment that reflects the communitys appreciation for those who have served. The new initiative is expected to significantly improve support for veterans throughout the region. Ottawa County officials say the vision is rooted in a commitment to accessibility, dignity and purposeful engagement with the West Michigan veteran community. For more information, visit miottawa.org/veterans-services/. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. An overwhelming majority of college-bound high schoolers graduating from Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) went to one popular college destination last year. Pictured here is Ottawa Hills' graduation ceremony. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.c GRAND RAPIDS, MI - An overwhelming majority of college-bound high schoolers graduating from Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) went to one popular college destination last year. Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) was the top choice for over half of GRPS students who graduated high school in 2024. The West Michigan community college received 48% of the 397 graduates from GRPS schools who enrolled in higher education in 2024, according to recent college destination data released by the state. RELATED: The most popular college choice for each Michigan school district Grand Valley State University came in at No. 2, enrolling nearly 17% of all college-bound GRPS grads, followed by MSU at 7.8%. Below is a list with the top 10 colleges for last years grads who attended West Michigans largest school district. GRCC was also the top option across Kent county, with 15.7% (1,066) of Kent County students enrolling in the college after graduation in 2024. In Ottawa County, the top option was GVSU, with 10.6% (355) of Ottawa County students enrolled. For GRPS grads, Aquinas College was the top private institution, coming in at No. 7 on the list. Post-graduate enrollment was evenly split across the district between two-and-four-year institutions, with 194 graduates enrolling in two-year college and 203 choosing to attend a four-year option. Want to know how many students from each high school enrolled at each college? Below is a searchable database by high school that lists all the colleges its students went to. You can also search in the inverse, by college, to see how many students from across the region enrolled there, and from where. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex found launching her lifestyle brand incredibly lonely. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex found launching her lifestyle brand incredibly lonely The mother-of-two, 43, who has children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, three, with her husband Prince Harry, 40, made the remark while speaking candidly about the emotional toll of entrepreneurship and while describing the experience of opening her As Ever business. She said on the latest episode of her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast, released on Tuesday (27.05.25): When you only have yourself to answer to, I think its two-fold. It can be incredibly liberating and it can be incredibly lonely. The podcast and As Ever launch marks the latest milestone in Meghans efforts to establish herself as a business figure following a series of high-profile media and commercial ventures. She launched her lifestyle brand As Ever in April, releasing a first line of products that sold out immediately. The brand initially went by the name American Riviera Orchard before undergoing a rebrand due to trademark complications. Meghan also discussed the name change on the new podcast, likening the process to naming a child. She added: Its no different than if you have an idea of what youre gonna name that baby, you keep it so close to your heart until that baby is here and its named. Dont ask anyones opinion! It becomes like Survey Monkey at the beginning of a business. Meghan said she had originally planned to launch As Ever independently, but changed direction after deciding to partner with Netflix. She added: I took a complete U-turn because I really believe in what Netflix and their CPG department are doing. she said. The former Suits actress previously hosted her Archetypes podcast through Spotify in 2022, but the show ended after one season. In March this year, she announced her new podcast partnership with Lemonada Media, coinciding with the release of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan. She has also been active as a mentor and investor for female-led brands. Referring to entrepreneurs Kadi Lee of Highbrow Hippie and Hannah Mendoza of Clevr Blends as examples of businesspeople she admires, Meghan added: Im really conscious (about making it clear that) Im not in the business of trying to dilute you. Im in the business of trying to uplift you. You want to be the person they call when they have a quality control issue or they just feel uncertain as they all do. Meghan also told People magazine: I was figuring it out in real time. SUMMIT TWP., MI A man accused of opening fire on a group of people in a drive-by shooting in Summit Township is heading to trial. Martez Anthony Haywood Jr. was bound over for trial on multiple felony charges May 14 after a preliminary examination before Jackson County District Judge Michael Klaeren, court records show. Haywood, 25, faces five felony charges including discharging a firearm from a vehicle. The case has been assigned to Jackson County Circuit Judge Susan Jordan. Haywood remains in the Jackson County Jail with bond set at $100,000. Haywoods co-defendant, Kevin Jamall Johnson, 29, is also awaiting trial accused of being an accessory after the fact to a felony. Related: Two arrested near Jackson in drive-by shooting case The charges stem from a shooting that occurred Feb. 10 in the area of Francis and Hollis streets in Summit Township. Deputies arrived at the area at about 6:30 p.m. and discovered someone in a vehicle shot several times at another vehicle and then quickly left. The targeted vehicle was parked and occupied by several passengers, according to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office. Related: Passengers flee parked car during drive-by shooting in Summit Township During the shooting, the victims scrambled from the vehicle and ran north on foot, police said. A review of nearby security cameras determined the shooting stemmed from an argument between four men inside a nearby convenience store, police said. Two men, Johnson and Haywood, were seen leaving the store in a black SUV. The other two men got in a small sedan parked in a nearby alley, police said. Security camera footage allegedly shows the SUV entering the road where the front passenger, Haywood, leaned out of the car and fired at the sedan before fleeing the scene, police said. Using Flock license plate reading cameras, investigators were able to identify the suspect SUV which was later found abandoned in the 200 block of East Euclid Street in Jackson. Haywood and Johnson were identified as suspects and sought for questioning. Johnson was located the day of the shooting, arrested on a parole violation and later charged as an accessory to the shooting, police said. Haywood could not be located, but felony charges were authorized and a warrant for his arrest was issued, police said. He was located March 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada, then arrested and extradited back to Jackson, police said. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. KALAMAZOO, MI A man was found in contempt and spent the night in jail after an outburst in court, according to officials. Montine Wiley Sr., 51, was in court Thursday, May 22, in a hearing for a man charged with murdering his son, Montine Wiley Jr. During testimony, Wiley burst forward toward the alleged killer, Kaiden Cole, 18, and attempted to cross a court barrier. Deputies tackled him and held him down. Montine Wiley Sr., father of the victim, is detained after attempting to cross the court barricade during a preliminary hearing for Kaiden Cole, 18, at Kalamazoo County District Court on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Family members urged Wiley to be calm as deputies stood him up and walked him out the door and into a secure area of the courthouse. Wiley was seen by Judge Kathleen Hemingway Friday and the judge ruled he was in contempt. He was released after getting credit for the time he served in jail, of two days, for the overnight stay, according to staff at the judges office. The Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office said it received a charging request for Wiley. The county Jail log indicates warrant denied on a potential assault charge. The Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office said it will be asking the Michigan Attorney Generals Office to appoint a special prosecutor to review the case for potential charges, to avoid any potential conflict of interest. If the special prosecutor determines charges are appropriate, they will also handle prosecution of the case, Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office said. Taneka Dumas, the mother of the victim, was also in attendance. Hes hurting and it makes sense that he acted out of pure adrenaline and emotion, Dumas said. It was the first time family members saw the alleged killer in person, she said. Emotions were all over the place in the courtroom and Wiley may be feeling survivors guilt, she said. He was there when it happened and he couldnt save him, but Im sure he would have saved him if he could have, she said. After the outburst on Thursday, Hemingway and other court officials acknowledged high emotions in the room. I expect appropriate courtroom behavior from everyone in attendance, Hemingway said. The deputies are in charge of security of this courtroom and anyone who does not abide by the courts order will be removed. She was taken aback by the activities that occurred, but ruled there was not a safety issue with continuing the hearing. The judge said she saw people trying to deescalate the situation, while court was in recess. I certainly dont appreciate seeing someone coming toward the court, Hemingway said. I appreciate the deputies swift movement to not cause further harm. Wiley was taken into custody for not abiding by the rules, the judge said after it happened. RELATED: Killed at work in Kalamazoo: He changed everything and still became the victim Outside, family members were distraught to see Wiley led away. Wiley was with his son on the night of the fatal shooting. They were providing security at a private event near downtown Kalamazoo at Green Door Distilling when a single gunshot rang out, according to witness testimony. Wiley Jr. was shot in the chest. An officer testified Wiley had no pulse as CPR was administered. He died a short time later. 12 1 / 12 Montine Wiley Jr. remembered While Wiley Sr. was released the morning after the outburst, Cole was bound over for a trial in circuit court. Barring any settlement, Cole will face a jury trial to determine if he is guilty of the fatal shooting. Cole is from Battle Creek. He is one of three people charged related to the fatal shooting. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. A Kalamazoo family looks at free books available at a barbershop and literacy event in the Vine neighborhood. Kristen Aguirre This story is part of Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaboratives coverage of equitable community development. SWMJC is a group of 12 regional organizations dedicated to strengthening local journalism. Visit swmichjournalism.com to learn more. KALAMAZOO, MI -- On a spring Friday afternoon in the Vine neighborhood, music was playing, the smell of a fish fry was emanating and the community was assembling in the Robs Barbershop parking lot on Vine Street. The community came together to encourage kids to read. You might think haircuts and literacy make a strange pairing. But its not that odd when you think about it, said Jen Stroven, the Early Literacy Program Manager at the Great Start Collaborative at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA). She organized the event. Were definitely not the first ones to pursue that, Stroven said. The barbershop is such a communal environment that people go and spend time and build relationships there over time, and we want to be where families are. Robert DeAnda, owner of Robs Barbershop, was happy to take part this year. We want to give back, he said. I want to help, I think its a great cause. Jerome Lenzy has been a barber at Robs for six years. Thats our future, he said. The worlds future. We have to treat the kids right and get them off to a good start and direction. A child gets his hair cut at Rob's Barbershop during a barbershop and literacy event in the Vine neighborhood. Kristen Aguirre Kids received a free haircut and a free book at the event. DeAnda runs a similar program out of his barbershop with KRESA. Its something longtime patron and mom Marta Lehman was excited to see when she brought her son David in for the first time, five years ago. There are community partners out there that are willing to go the extra mile to support families with young children, she said. Theyre doing more than just haircuts, but helping to connect parents with educational opportunities here in the community. The Vine community specifically. Attendees often feel energized by these events and come to the neighborhood association with thoughts of doing something of their own, said Steve Walsh, executive director of the Vine Neighborhood Association. Our job at the VNA is to kick that front door off the hinges and help empower residents to act. The Vine Neighborhood Association is more than 40 years old, with the goal of empowering its community and addressing inequities. The Vine neighborhood has always valued reading and writing and the arts in general, Walsh said. We have been in the vanguard of working with residents to help with the installation of the numerous lending libraries that dot our neighborhood. Robs Barbershop understands the important role a barber can play in a neighborhood, Walsh said. At the neighborhood event, kids could also meet childrens author Keenan Jones and receive a free signed copy of his newest book. There was the opportunity to celebrate the work of a minority author, Walsh said. It was the perfect Vine celebration of community, art and commerce, Walsh said. Thats a big part of the work Stroven and her team do in the community. Its a big push for us to make sure that were working with barbers and outfitting them with childrens books every single month and giving them materials and ideas for parents to do at home, Stroven said. Those materials ultimately impact local literacy rates. Only 31.3% of third graders were reading at proficient levels in Kalamazoo Public Schools in 2023-24, per state data. As a mother, Lehman sees firsthand the value of this event. The importance of language, with early childhood, is immense, and theyre set up for success later in life, she said. Those things really help develop that childs brain and all of that development correlates to getting to read (and) to graduation rates later on, Stroven said. Lehmans 9-year-old-son David Lehman-Oliver encourages other kids to take part in the local barbershop reading programs. If you dont have any books, you can come to the barbershop and get a book, he said. David Lehman-Oliver, 9, gets his hair cut by longtime barber Jerome Lenzy at Rob's Barbershop during a barbershop and literacy event. Kristen Aguirre Lehman-Oliver also enjoys the haircut part of the event. My barber said I need a haircut and now Im looking great, he said. DeAnda agreed, delivering the simple message to his young clients: We all need to read more. Parents looking for early literacy ideas and resources can find tips on the Great Start Collaboratives website. Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive offers free email news alerts. Click here to sign up for alerts or for the daily 3@3 Kalamazoo news roundup. Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page here. In this MLive file image from October 2011, former Delta College President Don Carlyon and his wife, Betty Carlyon, visit during an open house celebrating the 50th anniversary of the college. BAY CITY, MI Don Carlyon never missed an opportunity to serve the Great Lakes Bay Region. The Delta College president emeritus and longest-standing president didnt miss a commencement ceremony since the college opened in 1961. Even at age 100, Carlyon attended the ceremony remotely. Carlyon died on May 27, the college announced on social media. He is remembered as an innovator who led the college for three decades. After he left his position as president of Delta College in 1992, the Bay City resident continued to work to improve education throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. Carlyon came to the area with his wife, Betty, from Nebraska. They raised five children together in the region. Betty worked closely by Carlyons side for more than 70 years, and eventually became a model of how spouses can work with presidents to serve a community. Betty, often referred to as the First Lady of Delta College, died in 2018. A scholarship endowment in their name has helped hundreds of students attend Delta College. In this August 2015 MLive file photo, former Delta College President Don Carlyon stands in Battery Park. The Bay City Times Carlyon began leading Delta College in 1967, just six years after the college opened. He focused the colleges attention on innovation and building a best-in-class workplace, according to the Delta College website. In 1966, Carlyon sent dozens of faculty members to two-year colleges across the country, which led to Delta College becoming a founding member of the League for Innovation in the Community College. The local leader was a philanthropist and role model for many in the community. In 2020, Carlyon served as the grand marshal for Bay Citys St. Patricks Day parade at age 95. I take a great deal of pride in Bay City, I think Bay City is a wonderful town. There is a great deal to be proud of in this town, he said. People work together in Bay City, all different organizations work together and they like working with each other. Its very nice, its a wonderful town, Im very proud of it and hope I have been able to contribute. With the collaboration of community partners, Covenant HealthCare this month completed a thoughtful remodel of its sexual assault response team suite, hospital officials said. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com SAGINAW, MI With the collaboration of community partners, Covenant HealthCare this month finished a thoughtful remodel of its sexual assault response team suite, hospital officials said. The private, three-room space was designed to support survivors of sexual violence with comfort and dignity. Located separately from Covenant HealthCares highest-traffic areas, the suite includes a sitting room, a private exam room, and a full bathroom with a shower, connected by a quiet hallway to ensure privacy. The updates to the space include new flooring, fresh paint, updated furnishings, window treatments, and comforting decor, officials said. Among the contributors to the remodel was the Child and Family Services of Saginaw-based Sexual Assault Center, which provided furniture and decorations. Survivors in the Saginaw area are very lucky to have this space, Allison Dakos, the crisis services coordinator for the Sexual Assault Center, said in a statement. Everything in the room is chosen to reduce stress, provide comfort, and allow survivors to receive the highest possible level of care. Now, the space matches the standard of care (Sexual Assault Center), (the Michigan Forensic Examiners), and Covenant have always strived to provide. Other organizations that provided resources for the updated space include Michigan Forensic Examiners, the Covenant HealthCare Foundation and the Saginaw Community Foundation. 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. The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, located on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University in Kochville Township, will host the 2025 Regional Biennial Juried Sculpture Exhibition from June 7 to Aug. 30. The Saginaw News/MLive.com KOCHVILLE TOWNSHIP, MI Mid-Michigan sculptors will take center stage during an exhibition here next month. The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, located on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University in Kochville Township, will host the 2025 Regional Biennial Juried Sculpture Exhibition from June 7 to Aug. 30. This years exhibition will feature more than 50 sculptures crafted by artists from the mid-Michigan region as well as Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania, organizers said. Among the jurors expected to crown this years winners of the exhibitions prizes is Greg Glasson, a sculptor and president of the National Sculpture Society. His experience and dedication to the field of sculpture align perfectly with our mission to support living artists and foster creativity in the Great Lakes Bay Region, Megan McAdow, executive director of the museum, said of Glasson in a statement. The first- through fourth-place winners of the exhibitions awards which include monetary prizes will be announced during a Saturday, June 7, reception at the sculpture museum. For more information on the exhibition, visit the museums website at marshallfredericks.org/rbjse. 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 view of a Michigan State Police vehicle at the Tri-City Post. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com SAGINAW, MI A Wayne County man is charged with killing a Burton woman in a high-speed crash. About 10:20 p.m. on Dec. 1, Stephen W. Barry was driving south on Interstate 75 in Birch Run Township when he rear-ended a Jeep near Canada Road. A saliva collection device used during previous Michigan state police roadside drug detection pilot programs. (Photo by Emily Lawler) LANSING, MI -- Michigan motorists may soon be subjected to roadside saliva drug tests, which studies show are imperfect. A package of House bills, 4390 and 4391, would allow police to give the tests to help determine whether drivers are impaired. The testing devices, however, dont tell police anything about impairment. They only determine the presence of certain drugs. The legislation unanimously passed out of the Government Operations Committee Thursday, May 22. Related: Positive roadside drug tests wrong nearly 24% of the time in Michigan pilot, data shows PREVIOUS PILOTS Michigan State Police between 2018 and 2020 conducted two pilot programs, the latter costing $626,000, using roadside drug detection devices that produced a significant number of errors. The Sotoxa Mobile Test System devices used during the pilot programs were made by Abbott and cost about $6,000 apiece. Its unclear what devices would be permitted if the new bills pass. Based on results of the 2020 pilot program, nearly 11% of tests produced false positives or false negatives, indicating they didnt match the results of follow-up blood tests. Authors of the pilot program summary report referred to blood tests as the gold standard. Related: Attorneys: just say no to roadside drug testing The pilot program required the roadside tests be performed by specially trained drug-detection officers known as drug recognition experts (DRE). The proposed legislation would allow any law enforcement officer to conduct them. MLive partnered with AL.com on an investigation into the national DRE program last year. The investigation revealed the DRE program, while supported as an accurate tool by law enforcement, is discredited as subjective junk science by critics. A COMPLIMENTARY TOOL Complicating the roadside test issue is the matter of THC. Michigan has zero tolerance laws for most drugs, but THC is legal, meaning prosecutors must additionally prove impairment. Simply showing a driver has THC in their system isnt sufficient. Related: Police stuck with old, imperfect tactics to decide who is too high to drive Julie Rogers, D-Kalamazoo, who sponsored HB 4391, called the test a complementary tool that supports officers when formulating reasonable suspicion or probable cause determinations. However, language in the proposed laws gives police permission to arrest based solely on roadside saliva test results, according to the summary of the legislation, but the presence of THC may linger in saliva for hours after after the high has faded, numerous studies have found. Rejecting a roadside saliva test would be a civil infraction punishable by fines. According to state Rep. Brian BeGole, R-Antrim Township, who sponsored one of the bills and is the former Shiawassee County sheriff, officers would swab a suspects mouth; when the color of the swab changes to blue, indicating an adequate sample has been collected, its inserted into a device for analysis, which takes approximately five minutes. Its not going to tell you a percentage of intoxication or anything like that, said BeGole, who testified on behalf of the legislation before the Government Policy committee that he also chairs. Its just going to tell them whether its (positive for) methamphetamine, amphetamine, heroin, cocaine THC or benzodiazepine. BeGole said the laws parallel the laws that we have now for the preliminary breath test machine. Results of the roadside drug tests could be introduced as evidence for certain drunk or drugged driving violations or in an administrative hearing, the legislative summary report said. Related: Its junk science. Michigan court case sets precedent for so-called drug experts DRUG RECOGNITION EXPERTS The push for new roadside drug testing devices comes as law enforcement work through a blow to one of their most important drugged driving tools: the drug recognition expert. In lieu of a device, like the breath-test machines used for alcohol, law enforcement across the nation have relied on officers specially trained to detect drug impairment since the 1980s. File photo (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) AP Judges and juries generally accepted their expert testimony to help determine if and what drug caused impairment, but thats since been challenged in Michigan and other states. The Michigan Court of Appeals in 2022 issued a ruling that limited the testimony of a drug recognition expert in the case of a woman who admitted to smoking marijuana before being stopped by police due to a malfunctioning headlight. While she had recently consumed marijuana, she didnt display any signs of impaired driving. The officers conducted a 12-step DRE evaluation and determined that she was impaired. The court ruled drug recognition experts couldnt testify as an expert to the findings. They may testify to observations of intoxication, such as red eyes or a slowed heart rate, but cant definitively say marijuana impaired driving abilities, the court ruled. There simply is no evidence in this record to support that the (drug recognition expert) protocol can reliably be used to detect the degree or level of intoxication caused by marijuana and determine whether that level of intoxication has made the person unable to safely drive a motor vehicle, the court opinion said. While the Michigan case specifically addressed marijuana, defense attorneys believe the courts logic could be applied to other drugs. CRASH STATS Supporters of the roadside devices believe theyll reduce impaired-driving fatalities. Concerns over a surge in such crashes that followed the legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan in 2018 never materialized. According to Michigan State Police annual crash data reports, the number of drug-involved crashes decreased from 2,636 in 2018 to 2,250 in 2023. The number of drug-involved fatal crashes increased slightly, from 220 in 2018 to 230 in 2023. Thomas Chapman of the National Transportation Safety Board testified that about half of all impaired drivers test positive for drugs other than alcohol, based on a 2022 NTSB study. Given the added complexities of detecting drug-impaired driving, it is important that state laws facilitate and do not restrict law enforcement from using all available, proven tools, he said. More than 25 states have used roadside drug tests in pilot programs but Alabama and Indiana are the only two that have implemented a permanent roadside drug test program. IN LIEU OF BLOOD Brian Swift of Escanaba, whose parents were killed by a logging truck driver who blew a stop sign in 2013, also spoke at the legislative hearing. Blood tests revealed the truck driver had THC in his system. Swifts subsequent activism led to passage of the Barbara J. and Thomas J. Swift Law, which provided funding to state police for the initial roadside pilot programs. The new laws, in addition to expanding roadside saliva testing, allows law enforcement to submit saliva samples to labs for more precise analysis. It offers confirmatory testing, in lieu of blood draws at hospitals, Swift said. No needles, no blood draws, no diversion of health care staff or resources to collect impaired driving evidence. DONT SPIT Legislators at last weeks hearing spent all but three minutes listening to supporters of the proposed laws. Two ACLU representatives spoke against the bills. Tim Beck, vice chair of Michigan Republican Party Cannabis Caucus, intended to speak in opposition, but was told by BeGole there was no time. MLive discussed the topic with drugged- and drunk-driving attorney Michael Komorn, whos been an outspoken critic of roadside saliva testing. He maintains his position. Dont spit, he said, because the spit tests are junk science. A bipartisan group of Michigan Senators is once again trying to pass police reform laws that include limiting no-knock warrants, classifying chokeholds as deadly force and requiring de-escalation training for officers. (MLive file photo) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com A bipartisan group of Michigan Senators is once again trying to pass police reform laws that include limiting no-knock warrants, classifying chokeholds as deadly force and requiring de-escalation training for officers. Lawmakers say the 10-bill package introduced May 22 would improve police practices and strengthen community trust and safety. Improving police and community trust is crucial for public safety, said state Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, lead sponsor of the bill package. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this commonsense, bipartisan bill package to increase transparency and make sure that, no matter where you live in the state, you can expect to be treated with dignity and respect by law enforcement officers. By ensuring strong use of force policies, we can save lives of both officers and community members. A similar bill package was introduced in the Michigan Senate last session and passed the chamber with some bipartisan support. It did not advance in the House. Some parts of the legislation were called for by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer five years ago following widespread unrest and calls for racial justice after the killing of George Floyd in June 2020 by Minneapolis police. Related: Whitmer supports banning chokeholds, wants more accountability for Michigan law enforcement Chang said the bill package was developed over five years with input from law enforcement officials and community stakeholders. She added that many pieces of the legislation mirror those implemented in other states. If passed, the new laws would mandate all officers in the state receive training on de-escalation techniques and implicit bias. All police agencies would also have to adopt a policy requiring officers to intervene, and later to report, when they see another officer use excessive force. Some agencies have already adopted policies like those the legislation would require. Many agencies, including the Oakland County Sheriffs department, have had common-sense duty to intervene policies in place for decades, said Sen. Ruth Johnson, R-Holly. My bill would ensure that all law enforcement officers in Michigan are empowered by their departments to speak up when they see wrongdoing. Among other changes, the legislation would also put some restrictions on how no-knock warrants are carried out. No-knock warrants allow police to enter private premises without announcing their presence. The tactic garnered national attention when Grand Rapids native Breonna Taylor was shot and killed March 13, 2020, as Louisville Metro Police served a no-knock warrant at her apartment. Related: Restrictions on controversial no-knock warrants proposed for Michigan police The legislation would also require agencies to create use-of-force policies outlining that physical force can only be used when it is objectively reasonable. Those polices would also include alternatives to using physical force, like de-escalation techniques. The reintroduction of the package this session comes as West Michigan grapples with the lack of a judicial resolution in the 2022 killing of Patrick Lyoya by a Grand Rapids police officer. Now-former Grand Rapids police officer, Christopher Schurr, shot Lyoya in the back of the head during a struggle during a struggle over the officers Taser following a traffic stop. Schurr faced charges of second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter after killing Lyoya during a traffic stop, but his trial ended in a mistrial earlier this month due to a hung jury. The Kent County prosecutor declined to retry the case. Heres what each bill in the package, dubbed the Police Practices Standardization, Transparency and Trust, or S.T.A.T., legislation, would do, according to Changs office. SB 336: Limits use of no-knock warrants, providing several specific instructions regarding when and how they can be used by an officer who must be in uniform or identifiable as a police officer. The bill was introduced by Sen. Erika Geiss, D-Taylor. SB 335: Requires all law enforcement agencies adopt a duty to intervene policy, which would direct officers to intervene when observing another officer using excessive force and report the incident to the immediate supervisor. The bill was introduced by Johnson. SB 333: Mandates all police agencies create use-of-force policies that include a requirement for officers to only use physical force that is objectively reasonable; standards for and alternatives to using physical force, including de-escalation techniques; and classifying chokeholds as deadly force. The bill was introduced by Chang. SBs 337-338: Cracks down on body camera tampering, allowing digital images or video audio recordings from body-worn cameras be permitted as tampering with evidence. The bill also prohibits an officer from purposely deactivating a camera while using excessive force. The bills were introduced by Sen. Sylvia Santana, D-Detroit. SB 334: Requires law enforcement officers receive training vetted by behavioral health experts in de-escalation techniques, implicit bias, procedural justice, and crisis response. The bill was introduced by Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor. SB 341: Requires the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) to ensure consistency in background checks prior to licensure of an individual and revoke a license if the individual is convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence. The bill was introduced by Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing. SBs 339-340: Requires a separation record to include any disciplinary process or investigation against an officer; gives MCOLES the authority to create a provisional separation of service record; and guarantees due process for an officer if they disagree with the contents of their separation of service or provisional separation of service records. The bills were introduced by Sens. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, and Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville. SB 342: Ensures that protection for compulsory statements by police officers during internal investigations of wrongdoing will only protect truthful statements. The bill was introduced by Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. SB 344: Prohibits a person from knowingly disclosing information in a misconduct complaint against an officer that personally identifies the individual who filed the complaint unless there is a court order or the person who filed the complaint gives permission to be identified. The bill was introduced by Sen. Mary Cavanagh, D-Redford Township. The bills await committee assignment in the senate. Dame Joanna Lumley will not host a big birthday party to celebrate turning 80. Joanna Lumley has spoken about her plans to mark her 80th birthday next year The former 'Absolutely Fabulous' star reaches the milestone age on May 1, 2026, but Lumley doesn't enjoy a huge fuss on her birthday and will instead hope she will be working when her big day comes around. Speaking to the new issue of Closer magazine, she said: "When I was growing up, I was always at school for birthdays. Always at school. So, we never did stuff. The idea of birthday parties repels me. Not because of anything, I just don't know why you would ever do it. "I love having birthdays, but the idea of doing a big party to say, 'Me, I'm 112.' Why would you do that? Or, 'Me, because I'm 57.' Why have that, why have a party? So, on my big special day, fingers crossed I'll be working. It's always good to be working on your birthday." Luckily for Lumley she has plenty of acting roles and TV jobs. The British screen icon has earned critical acclaim for her performance as Felicity Sanderson, the mother of Lucy Punch's character Amanda Hughes in BBC sitcom 'Amandaland' - which is a spin-off of the successful comedy series 'Motherland'. Lumley admits it is a role she is very proud of. She said: "I love 'Amandaland'. I love Lucy's character - I love them all, actually. It's beautifully cast." Lumley and Lucy previously worked together on 2004 film 'Ella Enchanted' and she has fond memories of that shoot. Jonna added: "She played my daughter before. We did a film together in Ireland with Anne Hathaway playing the Cinderella figure. Lucy was playing one of the bad stepsisters and I was the evil stepmother. This is how life goes on - I'm now her evil mother! Not evil, Felicity is not evil." Lumley has also become a prominent travel documentary maker in recent years and in her latest ITV travel series 'Joanna Lumley's Danube', she travels 1,770 miles along the River Danube. visiting Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania and taking a detour to the Ukrainian border before reaching her final destination the Black Sea. Whilst she was in Romania the former 'Absolutely Fabulous' star spent time with a group of white witches and after taking part in the ceremony Lumley was presented with an amulet which she was told would keep her safe on her trip. In a previous interview with the Daily Express Saturday magazine, she said: "They work with the elements - earth, air, water, fire - to bring peace and ward off negativity. "They were so glamorous. They used masses of candles for their ceremony. The camera boys nearly died from the heat. Then they gave me an amulet to take me safely on the rest of my journey." JAC 10th Result 2025: Official Website Not Loading? Here's What to Do As students rush to check their JAC 10th Result 2025, the official websites jacresults.com and jac.jharkhand.gov.in are currently experiencing heavy traffic and may not be loading properly. Dont worry! Here are alternative ways to access your JAC Class 10 marksheet: Try DigiLocker Students can log in to digilocker.gov.in using their Aadhaar-linked mobile number to download their digital marksheet. Use SMS Service Type: RESULTJAC10 Roll Code Roll Number Send it to: 56263 Youll get your result via SMS instantly. Well share the direct result link as soon as it becomes active again. Stay tuned and keep refreshing this page for updates. 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I Accept Vishnu Manchu's production house accuses Vendetta Production of stealing Kannappa's hard drive, says "No secret who orchestrated this" Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept 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. 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. 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I Accept Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Reports indicated on Tuesday that Israels controversial aid distribution plan had begun in Gaza as the United Nations called once again on the Israeli authorities to allow an immediate surge in the amount of supplies reaching the enclave to prevent starvation Tata Digital to shift HQ from Mumbais Fort to Lower Parel; to save Rs 2 crore in monthly rent Tushar Goenka is a breaking news reporter who focuses on startups. Interested in venture capital, quick commerce, e-commerce, food delivery and D2C. 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 Arun Padmanabhan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Finance Minister to meet India Inc for GST 2.0 reforms today, amid push for tax simplification Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com Meghna Mittal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com Meghna Mittal 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 food and consumer regulators calling out brands to nudge large companies towards compliance B Kumar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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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. 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I Accept Rome, Italy (PANA) - Less than 5 percent of Gaza's agricultural land is now cultivable and/or accessible, further exacerbating the risk of famine in the devastated Palestinian territory, according to a new satellite assessment released on Monday by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) 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 Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. 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 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. 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I Accept 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. 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We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Kunal Shah-led Cred to raise $75 million from existing investors in a down round 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 Bhavya Dilipkumar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Vardhman Textiles hopes to benefit as orders shift away from China Aishwarya Nair USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept An Ohio teenager was the fatal victim of a Memorial Day parade accident after the 13-year-old fell off a trailer on Monday. The City of Green Division of Fire said in a Facebook post that the boy was seen riding on a trailer that was being pulled by the driver of a pickup truck. Witnesses saw the teenager fall from the front of the trailer and critically injured. Memorial Day Tragedy Emergency personnel then responded to the scene and transported the 13-year-old boy to Akron Children's Hospital, where they pronounced him dead. The victim's name was not immediately released to the public but he was said to be a North Canton City Schools student. The incident comes after Green's Memorial Day parade began on Monday at around 10:00 a.m. and the city's Memorial Day ceremony followed as scheduled. Ohio state Rep. Casey Weinstein released a statement, saying, "My heart goes out to the family of this child - and the entire Green community," according to CBS News. The Summit County Sheriff's Office also noted that an investigation into the case is still ongoing and referred to the death as a "tragic accident." After the teenager fell from the trailer, the parade ended immediately. Green Mayor Rocco Yeargin said they are looking to support the family of the victim in any way they can. He added that the Green school district offered to provide counseling support to the North Canton school district. Following the accident, the teenage boy's family and friends have been left grieving the loss of their loved one, particularly during an event that was meant to be celebrated. The incident caused some people to wonder if the community is doing enough to keep children safe during public events, ABC News reported. The Death of a Teenage Boy This comes as floats, trailers, and parades are fun but also carry potential risks to participants, particularly the younger audiences. Many people feel that Memorial Day should never be remembered because of a heartbreaking incident. As the community reflects on the tragedy, residents should turn their focus on what can be done to better protect kids and participants at community events moving forward. There are concerns that during times of celebration, safety measures are typically the last thing on people's minds. People are urging parents to keep a close eye on their children and other family members during public events, especially when in crowded areas. Another thing to keep an eye on is moving vehicles, which pose a major risk, as per the Times of India. 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 Delhi clears Rs 9 crore tender for six new air monitoring stations, awaits NOCs for artificial rain 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 Fadnavis asks officials to provide financial aid to rain-hit people in Maharashtra Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to visit Washington DC from May 27-29, What's on agenda? Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 I had lot of trust in Lord Hanuman: Ex-WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on POCSO case closure Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 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 Nalin Mehta is the Managing Editor, Moneycontrol and Non-Resident Senior Fellow at Institute of South Asian Studies, National University Singapore. He is the author of several bestselling and critically acclaimed books, including The New BJP, Modi and the Making of the Worlds Largest Political Party. His latest book is Indias Techade: Digital Revolution and Change in the Worlds Largest Democracy. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of the publication. 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 India greenlights 5th-gen stealth fighter jet project: Classification of fighter jets into generations and their significance explained 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 The Texas House gave its preliminary approval to a bill that seeks to give parents and school boards across the state more control over what books can be in school libraries. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 13, was designed to give school boards the authority to provide final approval for materials that should be allowed in their schools' libraries. This would be done by creating a framework where they can remove books based on complaints they receive. Texas Hosue Passes Book Ban Bill The bill would also give school boards the power to oversee the approvals and removals of books in their schools' libraries. They can also delegate the responsibility to local school advisory councils but only if 20% of parents in a district sign a petition to allow the creation of the latter. SB 13 previously included a mandate regarding the creation of those councils when it first passed through the Senate in March 2025. However, lawmakers added the petition requirement to the creation of the councils in a House committee, according to the Texas Tribune. The bill initially passed the House in an 87-57 vote and it includes definitions for what would constitute harmful material and indecent content in books. This led Democratic representatives to express their concerns about potential overreaching bans. When officials were discussing the bill on the House floor on Monday, Rep. James Talarico referenced the bill's language that requires approved books to adhere to "local community values." He said this could lead small, vocal groups of people to limit students' access to books. He added that titles that are typically taught in public schools, such as "Catcher in the Rye," "Lonesome Dove," and the "Bible" could be banned. The bill was carried by Rep. Brad Buckley through the Texas House, the Dallas Morning News reported. Choosing What Children Can Read The lawmaker noted that parents are part of the community, adding that the bill is a means for them to engage parents and have them involved in community standards. Books in school libraries would be evaluated based on whether or not they meet certain "community standards" for profanity and indecency in a particular district. Buckley added that the bill would give parents more transparency over the materials that their kids are reading as well as remove books that contain "profane," "indecent," or "sexually explicit" content. One parent who sat among the crowd listening to the discussions was Cory Putmanoaks, who said reading a book such as "1984" should not be a choice that is chartered by a government body. She argued that it is the duty of librarians who catalog the selection to filter the books for children, as per KVUE. 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. 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I Accept India to soon submit proposal before UNSC against three terrorists: Report Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail and will strike decisively at terrorist hideouts: All-party delegations 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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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 Karnataka ordinance on gig workers gets Governors nod; aggregator platforms like Zomato, Ola and Amazon to pay welfare fee Christin Mathew Philip USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 Mumbai's Aqua Line 'lives up to its name' and brings a political storm J. Kumar is an author, journalist and a political commentator based in in Mumbai who writes on crime and Maharashtra politics. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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. 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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. 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I Accept Operation Sindoor not prelude to war, says Shashi Tharoor in Guyana 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 'Operation Sindoor was a failure, Amit Shah should be asked to resign': Sanjay Raut 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. 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I Accept Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif says ready to talk to India on Kashmir, water dispute, terrorism 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. 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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 'We are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror': Omar Abdullah reacts after cabinet meeting in Pahalgam 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. 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I Accept UP boy kills 70-year-old grandmother for refusing to give him Rs 2,600, sleeps next to body 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. 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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day 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 OnePlus announces suite of AI features, a new customisable Plus Key ahead of OnePlus 13s launch Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 1/10 Kerala might be the reigning queen of South Indian tourism, but look a little further and you'll find destinations just as breathtakingand blissfully free from tourist crowds. As June rolls in with the whispers of monsoon rain, the landscape across South India transforms into a lush, mist-draped wonderland. So if youre craving waterfalls, winding forest trails, or dramatic cliffs without the cliches, here are seven hidden gems in South India that promise beauty, solitude, and stories worth telling. (Image: Canva) 2/10 1. Agumbe, Karnataka Where Monsoon Meets Mystery Often referred to as the "Cherrapunji of the South," Agumbe is a moody, misty rainforest retreat in the heart of the Western Ghats. Come June, this sleepy hamlet awakens to cascading waterfalls, emerald canopies, and the rhythmic pulse of rain. For wildlife lovers and photographers, its an untouched paradise. Dont miss: Barkana and Onake Abbi Falls, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunset Point (Image: Canva) 3/10 2. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu A Hill Station Without the Fuss Forget the crowds of Ooty. Yercaud is Tamil Nadus best-kept secretset amidst coffee estates and pine forests in the Shevaroy Hills. Its charming, accessible, and far less commercial, making it the perfect spot for a monsoon break without the chaos. Dont miss: Killiyur Falls, Yercaud Lake, Ladys Seat viewpoint (Image: Canva) 4/10 3. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh Tribal Trails and Coffee Tales Tucked away near Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley is a scenic blend of tribal culture, sprawling plantations, and dramatic landscapes. Its highland climate makes it a refreshing escape in early monsoon, with clouds playing hide and seek through the valley. Dont miss: Borra Caves, Coffee Museum, Katiki Waterfalls (Image: Canva) 5/10 4. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh Indias Grand Canyon If raw, rugged beauty is what youre after, Gandikota delivers. Known as the "Grand Canyon of India," this gorge along the Pennar River is a geological marveland still blissfully under the radar. With a 13th-century fort perched on its edge, its a surreal blend of nature and history. Dont miss: Gandikota Fort, Gorge viewpoint, Belum Caves (Image: Canva) 6/10 5. Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu Curves, Clouds, and Culture Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Kolli Hills is famous for its hairpin bends70 of them to be exact. But its more than just a thrilling drive. June brings misty forests, lively waterfalls, and a tranquil break from city noise. Dont miss: Agaya Gangai Falls, Arapaleeswarar Temple, Siddhar Caves (Image: Canva) 7/10 6. Chikmagalur, Karnataka Coffee, Clouds, and Quiet While Coorg often steals the limelight, Chikmagalur charms with its quieter hills, sweeping coffee estates, and off-the-beaten-path trekking trails. In June, the mist rolls in like a local, wrapping the hills in dreamlike silence. Dont miss: Mullayanagiri Peak, Baba Budangiri, Hebbe Falls (Image: Canva) 8/10 7. Hogenakkal, Tamil Nadu The Niagara of India Straddling the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, Hogenakkal Falls roars to life with the arrival of monsoon. Take a coracle ride along its churning waters or hike along nearby trails for dramatic river views. Its raw, untamed, and spectacular in June. Dont miss: Coracle rides, medicinal baths, Melagiri Hills (Image: Canva) 9/10 Why Travel South India in June? June brings with it the early magic of the monsoongentle rains that breathe life into the landscape without yet disrupting travel. The hills turn lush, waterfalls awaken, and forests wear a fresh coat of green, all while the roads remain open and welcoming. It's also the off-season for tourism, which means fewer crowds, better deals on stays, and a chance to experience places at your own pace. For photographers and nature lovers, June offers moody skies, misty mornings, and postcard-perfect scenes waiting to be captured. South India in June isnt just a tripits a sensory experience (Image: Canva) Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Starbucks Korea bans political names from being used in coffee orders before high-stakes election 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. 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I Accept Bostic has accepted a Presidential Scholarship through SC State's Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College. Jayrah Bostic will study nuclear engineering this fall at South Carolina State University. ORANGEBURG, S.C. As valedictorian of the High School for Health Professions, Jayrah Bostic had plenty of options for college. Ultimately, the Orangeburg natives decision to attend South Carolina State University came down to three things: family ties, campus familiarity, and a growing fascination with nuclear energy. It was the familiarity because I have alumni in my family and I attended Felton Laboratory Charter School, Bostic said, referring to the PreK-8 school on the SC State campus. Though larger institutions like Clemson University were on his radar, Bostic said meeting Dr. Musa Danjaji chairman of the Department of Engineering and academic coordinator of the Nuclear Engineering Program at SC State helped solidify his decision. I really liked, I guess youd call it the vibe interacting with him and getting to meet one of his students, Bostic said. Perseverance in his high school studies landed Bostic a Presidential Scholarship through SC States Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College. Jayrah exemplifies the vision of the Clyburn Honors College, said Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., dean of the Honors College. He represents the type of scholar-leader we aim to cultivate intellectually curious, socially conscious, and driven to serve. When he starts classes in the fall, Bostic will have an elite experience. SC State is the only institution in South Carolina and the only HBCU (historically Black college or university) in the nation offering a four-year degree in nuclear engineering. His decision to pursue nuclear engineering at SC State speaks volumes about his courage and forward-thinking mindset. We are honored to welcome him into our distinguished community of Presidential Scholars, Whitaker said. From gamer to valedictorian Bostics academic transformation began in middle school, when he realized his video game habits were holding him back. While he still enjoys games in moderation, he knew something had to change when school responsibilities piled up. That shift in focus helped pave the way for his academic rise one that came with serious commitment. A lot of sleepless nights, a lot of cutting down other activities to focus on my work, he said. I had to learn that I cant always do what I want to when I have to get an assignment done. The biggest challenge? Adjusting to the demands of dual enrollment and an increasingly packed schedule. Probably it was just adapting to the new schedule of having Accelerate classes along with my in-person classes, he said. Rather than a traditional four-block schedule, Bostic took on additional classes to earn dual enrollment credits from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and Coker College. So, he will enter SC State with a head start toward earning his degree. Catching the STEM bug While he was not specifically interested in health care careers, he followed his older brother and friends to the High School for Health Professions, a public charter school in Orangeburg. He found himself drawn to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through his coursework and peers. It was through the Accelerate program at the South Carolina Governors School that his passion began to take shape. I got to meet more people from outside of Orangeburg and really, really expand my knowledge on engineering, math and science, Bostic said. One of my pre-engineering teachers told me about nuclear engineering and how it actually is a lot safer than portrayed as in the media. So, I wanted to learn more about it, he said. He was intrigued by nuclear powers potential to complement other sustainable energy sources. Ive been learning about more efficient and less, less dangerous ways of energy, Bostic said. I always heard about wind, solar but nuclear is one of the energies that, like I said, was kind of marked as like that dangerous type of energy, and Im just hearing its actually very reliable and efficient on par with wind and solar. I wanted to learn more about it. Beyond the classroom, Bostic was a member of the National Honor Society, took part in school community service events and spent several years in scouting. In his free time, Bostic explores another side of himself. I guess you could say Im a creative. I like putting a twist on things. Im kind of an artist, he said, adding that he likes drawing fantasy characters. Ready for the Honors College Now a member of SC States Honors College, Bostic is eager to see how the experience will shape his future. Im excited to see what its like being an Honors College [student], he said. Asked what he hopes to gain from it, he responded: For the real, real world after college. The Presidential Scholars designation is SC States most prestigious undergraduate academic award and is extended only to the most accomplished and promising incoming students. As a Presidential Scholar, Bostic will receive a full scholarship, opportunities for advanced research, and one-on-one academic and leadership mentoring through the Honors College. The addition of Bostic to the incoming class of Honors Scholars aligns with SC States strategic goal to recruit and retain high-achieving students prepared to lead in todays global society. Jayrahs commitment to academic excellence and leadership makes him a perfect fit for SC State University and for the rigorous expectations of the Clyburn Honors College, said Dr. Windy Stephenson, the Honors Colleges executive director of academic and scholarship services. We are not only welcoming a brilliant young man, but we are also preparing to support and elevate the next generation of innovators in STEM and beyond. As Bostic enters this next chapter, he brings with him a rigorous academic background, an artists perspective, and a curiosity about the worlds energy future all rooted in the community that raised him. About the Honors College The Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College is committed to fostering academic excellence, leadership, and professional development among high-achieving students at South Carolina State University. The Honors College provides unique opportunities for research, internships, and graduate school preparation; ensuring students are well-equipped to excel in their future careers. For more information about SC States Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College and future opportunities, contact Dr. William Whitaker, the Honors Colleges dean, at wwhitak3@scsu.edu or 803-533-3710 or Dr. Windy A. Mack Stephenson, the Honors Colleges executive director, at wmack3@scsu.edu or 803-516-4610. US deploys new missile system to Philippine island near Taiwan in message to China 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 By Dr. Michael Ramage | May 27, 2025 Provost Dr. Tim Todd presents President Dr. Bob Jackson with the Dr. Gene Wells Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the Security Matters 2025 conference. MURRAY, Ky. Recently, the Murray State University Cyber Education and Research Center co-hosted Security Matters 2025 with Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB), with a record-breaking turnout of more than 275 attendees. The Security Matters conference, which was held on April 24, is the largest technology and security event in the region. It is free to attend and offers local businesses, security personnel, Murray State students and high school students from the surrounding areas the chance to learn about various issues and topics from industry professionals. Sponsors included Caterpillar Financial, DEVSource Technology Solutions, Lifepoint Health, Fastek Technology Services, Systems Solutions, Soma Cyber, Volta, InfraGard, Sprocket, and Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). Speakers included: Andrew Chiles, director of technical services at SpectorOps; Lt. Col. Danya Sanders, Kentucky Army and National Guard Deputy G6 within the Office of Command, Control, Communications and Cyber Operations and Networks and Kentucky National Guard cyber program manager; Sarah Daley, global director of governance, risk and compliance and global information security at Bridgestone; James Meece, chief information security officer for the Louisville Metro Government; and David Carter, chief information security officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The conference featured the annual Cyber Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Murray State Cyber Education and Research Center. The awards ceremony began with the presentation of the Dr. Gene Wells Ray Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Bob Jackson, Murray State University President. Dr. Jackson has strongly supported the Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity since its inception more than 25 years ago. Dr. Michael Ramage, director of the Cyber Education and Research Center at Murray State University, expressed his appreciation for Dr. Jacksons years of support. No one has been more closely affiliated with our program as a Program of Distinction than Dr. Jackson, said Ramage. Although he has not been President for the entire duration of the program, he was a senator in the state legislature and part of the founding group that established the programs of distinction, which ultimately led to the creation of our Cybersecurity and Network Management program. Other notable awards included: The Dick Anderson Leadership Award: David Carter, chief information security officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky The Gary Brockway Faculty/Staff Excellence Award: Annie Dail, instructor in the School of Engineering at Murray State University The Cyber Studies Distinguished Alumni Award: Andrew Chiles, director of technical services at SpectorOps, and John Schaudt, director at Data Link The John Williams Entrepreneurship Award: Data Movers, located in Paducah, Kentucky The Lana Garner Porter Women in Technology Award: Sarah Daley, global director of governance, risk, and compliance and global information security at Bridgestone The Nathan B. Stubblefield Distinguished Lecture Award: David Carter, chief information security officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In addition to these awards, several scholarships were given out to Murray State students who are currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree within the field of Cybersecurity and Network Management. Most notably, Dr. Mike Bowman awarded his scholarship, the Mike and Cindy Bowman Scholarship, to Aiden Green and Grace Foley. In addition to this, the Dr. James Gantt National Advisory Board Scholarship was awarded to Andrew Cagel, Christian Ray, and Dakota Reeves, and the Dr. Gene Wells Ray Scholarship was awarded to Clayton Cope and Logan Allen. In 1997, Kentucky House Bill 1 created Programs of Distinction through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education at public postsecondary institutions, including Murray State Universitys cybersecurity program. Murray State offers a bachelors degree in cybersecurity and network management, along with an accelerated masters degreeavailable onlinein cybersecurity management that can be completed in 12-18 months and certificates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Murray States Cyber Education and Research Center provides education, research, development and outreach support for the Universitys cyber-related programs. Since 2019, Murray State University has been designated a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, the program is certified through the Quality Assurance Commons with the Essential Employability Qualities Certification, and has won multiple national awards over the years through ITERA, including Program of the Year. Learn more about Murray States CNM program at murraystate.edu/cyber. 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, Louisiana, May 16, 2025. Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office/Handout via REUTERS Tonya Scheftner - Tuolumne County Airport Manager View Photo Sonora, CA Mother Lode Views this past weekend featured an interview with Tuolumne County Airport Manager Tonya Scheftner. (Click here to find the full show) A major focus was on the upcoming Fathers Day Fly-in, Saturday, June 14, from 9 am 3 pm at the Columbia Airport. There will be airplane rides, a pancake breakfast, a classic car show, vendor booths, music, food sales, and other attractions. The theme will be Honoring Our Heroes: Vietnam Veterans, and there will be a notable special attraction this year. Scheftner stated on the show, Part of the theme of our 56th annual Fathers Day Fly-In will be having whats called The Moving Wall. It is a three-quarter-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC. It is going to be at the Columbia Airports former National Guard Armory. The Moving Walls visit to Tuolumne County is co-sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 391. The Sonora Area Foundation and community donors also played an important role. Scheftner added, It is going to be a somber, but great opportunity, for the community to come and honor Vietnam Veterans. She noted that local veteran Frank Smart, along with members of Chapter 391, have volunteered their time to put up the wall and will provide security. Admission to the Moving Wall will be free and open to the public, 24 hours per day, June 12-15. Admission to the Fathers Day Fly-in on June 14 is $7 for Adults, $3 for Ages 10-17, Veterans are free, and Ages 9 and under are free. If you missed Mother Lode Views with Schefner, where she also spoke about the role of the countys two airports, and long-term planning efforts, click here. HARARE President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially enacted a contentious new law mandating that all motorists must possess a radio licence to renew their vehicle licences or purchase car insurance. This move is anticipated to generate tens of millions of dollars annually for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), which is currently grappling with financial difficulties. The enactment of the Broadcasting Amendment Act (No 2 of 2025) by Mnangagwa was formally announced in a notice published in the Government Gazette on 23 May. Under this new legislation, motorists will be required to pay $23 per quarter or $92 annually. The law has been met with considerable opposition from both motorists and opposition parties, who have criticised the ZBC for allegedly functioning as a propaganda instrument for the ruling Zanu PF party. Critics also argue that the fees being imposed are excessively high. According to the new law, motorists must present a valid ZBC radio licence or an exemption certificate when applying for vehicle registration, insurance, or licence disc renewal. Estimates provided by the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) indicate that Zimbabwe has approximately 1.2 million vehicles, with an average of 800,000 renewing their licences each year. This new law could guarantee ZBC just over $73 million annually. Nelson Chamisa, the former leader of the main opposition CCC, has strongly condemned the new law, describing it as too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Chamisa expressed his dismay, stating: So a person who owns a car pays ZINARA, ZBC, insurance and toll fees, how are people supposed to survive? When shall all this end? He continued, Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre, why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring and heartless a leadership? What are people supposed to do with all this cruel taxation? Why must I pay for a service I dont use? Why should I pay for partisan propaganda, where I am attacked in person and demonised from dawn to dusk? Vehicle owner Lazarus Bhebhe echoed these sentiments, calling the new requirement an unreasonable burden on the average motorist. Bhebhe pointed out a common issue, stating, My radio, like many in vehicles imported from Japan, cant even receive a signal from local stations. Another motorist, Lucky Makomo, weighed in on the matter, stating, Its absurd to pay for a service we cant use. The ZBC has a history of launching aggressive enforcement campaigns to collect licence fees, even from car owners whose radios are either non-functional or incompatible with local broadcasting frequencies. The broadcaster has long depended on licence fees and state bailouts due to its failure to successfully commercialise its monopoly. The ZBCs perceived bias in favour of Zanu PF has been a recurring concern, consistently cited by international observer missions monitoring Zimbabwes elections. These observations have fuelled numerous calls for reform within the organisation. The new law has ignited a fierce debate about fairness, economic burden, and the role of state-owned media in Zimbabwe. As the implementation of the law moves forward, it is likely to continue to be a focal point of contention between the government, the opposition, and the general public. The timing of this law has also raised eyebrows, given the already strained economic circumstances faced by many Zimbabweans. With rising costs of living and various other financial obligations, the additional burden of a radio licence fee has been perceived as insensitive and ill-timed. Critics argue that the government should be focusing on policies that alleviate poverty and promote economic growth, rather than imposing additional taxes and fees on its citizens. The law has also been criticised for its potential impact on small businesses and transport operators, who rely on vehicles for their livelihoods. The requirement to produce a radio licence for vehicle-related transactions could create additional bureaucratic hurdles and opportunities for corruption, further complicating the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans. In light of these concerns, there have been calls for the government to reconsider the law and engage in meaningful consultations with stakeholders to find a more equitable and sustainable solution for funding the ZBC. Some have suggested exploring alternative funding models, such as advertising revenue or a dedicated levy on specific goods or services, rather than imposing a blanket fee on all motorists. The controversy surrounding the radio licence law underscores the broader challenges facing Zimbabwes media landscape, including issues of media freedom, impartiality, and financial sustainability. As the country moves forward, it is essential to foster a media environment that is independent, diverse, and accountable to the public. The new law has undoubtedly added to the growing list of grievances among Zimbabwean citizens, who are already grappling with numerous economic and social challenges. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the widespread criticism and whether any amendments will be made to address the concerns raised by motorists and opposition groups. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares I should probably be writing about something more important. But the title of a Washington Post article, posted above, illustrates how ChatGPT is accelerating Western progress towards Peak Stupid and mainstream outlets are happily reinforcing the trend. A new focus of ChatGPT queries is advice to women on bettering their looks, allegedly for the purpose of attracting or retaining male partners. The Internet intensified the appearance arms race, particularly among women.1 The Fox blonde hottie newscaster look has spread to mainstream shows. Internet dating has put a premium on photo-friendly faces. Before, fashion magazine covers regularly had airbrushed, as in fake, images, but deepfakery has almost certainly increased the prevalence as well as the degree of image-burnishing. And its not as if only old farts see this sort of thing as problematic. From Futurism: Of the nearly 1,300 total participants between the ages of 16 to 21 years old, 68 percent said they feel worse after spending time on social media. A full 50 percent said they would support a social media curfew cutting off how long they could spend on these apps. And astonishingly, another 47 percent outright felt that they would prefer to be living their youth in a world without the internet at all. Merely using social media may itself be a source of misery: a recent study which followed 12,000 preteens as they grew up to become teenagers over the course of three years, found that as their social media usage went up, so did their depression symptoms. Now its not as if the message that young adults have to compete with un- or almost un-attainable notions of beauty is the source of social media angst. But its certainly a significant component. The Washington Post article on AI beauty advice does soon enough get to the point that AI is going to apply Internet beauty standards, and that will lead to Internet (or more accurately, fashion and beauty product vendors and plastic surgeons) norms of facial and physical attractiveness.2 In other words, ChatGPT will amplify what these industries are selling, since they dominate fashion and beauty publishing, and their tastes propagate from Hollywood runways to elite parties to TV and movie casting, which in turn feed back into plastic surgery procedures. These industries profit by making women dissatisfied with their looks.3 One of many proofs: women are less happy after having looked at a fashion magazine. But lets go back to the headline question, which is not about beauty but hotness as in sexual attractiveness to men. That often has way way less to do with looks than the fashion crowd and claques of women would have you believe. But first lets start with the opener, which like the headline, confuses magnetism and charisma with conventional beauty: Ania Rucinski was feeling down on herself. Shes fine-looking, she says, but friends are quick to imply that she doesnt measure up to her boyfriend a godlike hottie. Those same people would never tell her what she could do to look more attractive, she adds. So Rucinski, 32, turned to a unconventional source for the cold, hard truth: ChatGPT. She typed in the bots prompt field, telling it shes tired of feeling like the less desirable one and asking what she could do to look better. It said her face would benefit from curtain bangs. Lordie, Anita needs to realize her friends are not her friends. Or at least not with respect to hunky men. They are competitors. Anything they say on that front is suspect. She needs to tell them to shut the fuck up about her relationship unless she solicits their advice. They are jealous and hope to enforce their status pecking order, in which Anita has snagged a boyfriend above what they deem to be her station. Theyve already gotten her depressed over having a great catch! , Her anxiety about her man will hopefully get her acting weird enough around him to drive him away. Mind you, this is not a worked-out strategy, but it is remarkable to see how many women are reflexively adept at planting ideas that are relationship poisoners. Now putting aside this particular example, there are a lot of complaints from young men that young women overvalue themselves, so perhaps some AI narcissism-deflation could be beneficial. But thats not the big issue here. Lets eviscerate this Conventional attractiveness is the be-all and end all in the romantic pursuit game nonsense. At the rich man level as in the sort who can readily have a gorgeous paramour, there are famous examples of not-considered-beautiful women getting their pick of the crop. One was Pamela Harriman, who even in her youth was not considered to be all that attractive. However, she allegedly did have lovely breasts, and for many men, that is what matters (that impression is reinforced by the pervasiveness of boob jobs).4 But she was the courtesan of her day, with her allure rooted in her extreme attentiveness to her partners wishes and needs. That was rumored to include being very skilled in bed. Another example is a story I read in an online magazine (Vice? Salon?) about a very fat woman who had no trouble finding lovers. Her current one was an Adonis-like man. Her secret, according to him, was that she really liked her body and really liked sex. Now a lot of men like voluptuous women, which is very much at odds with what magazines and movies would have you believe. Regardless, fashion and society-induced body neurosis probably is not good for sexual satisfaction. There are also men and women who look better in animation than repose, something that ChatGPT would not capture. And that can go as far as magnetism. See this interview with Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson. Theres no fancy lighting. Swindon has on very little makeup. She has bags under her eyes. Many would deem her strong bone structure to be mannish. Perhaps its just me, but even before she speaks, shes got a charisma that makes it hard to keep your eyes off her.5 No wonder she won an Oscar: Yet one more possibility is the willingness to be seen. Bear with me on this. Back in the days when the Internet social media was usenet groups, a friend had a stripper as a partner (this in New York City, where legal strip clubs were not in the business of prostitution; bouncers would throw out any patron who touched the girls and would escort them into cabs at the end of the evening). She had been a professional ballerina but took to stripping to pay her student debt. Because she could dance very well, her hauls were good despite her not having what was considered in that line of work to be a very commercial body (as in she was small breasted). At her club, one stripper consistently out-earned the rest despite being neither a terrific dancer nor having what was considered to be a great body for stripping. One evening, the disparity was so great that the ballerina manque sputtered to her boyfriend about it. She was a good physical mimic, so he asked her to dance like the big producer. After a few minutes of study, he said, She gives men permission to look at her. Now back to the Post and ChatGPT: One TikTok video asking ChatGPT for glow-up recommendations drew more than 220,000 views and a slew of positive comments. A commenter said the bot rated their attractiveness on a 10-point scale. It told me I am mid and could go from a five to a seven with the help of makeup and fillers, they said. While ChatGPT maker OpenAI doesnt publicly share what data its AI systems are trained on, the training data probably includes online forums where people rank other peoples attractiveness (largely men rating women), such as the subreddit r/RateMe or the website Hot or Not, said Alex Hanna, director of research at the Distributed AI Research Institute. While the training data contains diverse ideas, chatbots tend to veer toward the most common threads such as the conviction that women need to constantly improve their looks, Hanna said. And you might have this sort of thing foisted on you: OpenAI said this month that its updating ChatGPT to show products including images, details and links when users appear to be shopping. Some tech and beauty experts caution that the bots suggestions serve its makers goals, not the users. AI companies need new streams of revenue some are spending billions to build and host AI tools. Having chatbots surface sponsored products and ads is one potential path forward: Already, Perplexity AI has incorporated a shopping feature inside its chatbots interface, and beauty is the third-most-searched category, a spokesman said. As shopping features roll out, consumers might start seeing product recommendations without knowing why the bot is choosing those products, says Forresters Pfeiffer. The bot could, for example, pull ideas from a knowledgeable YouTube makeup influencer or a misogynistic Reddit thread. It could invent a fake product or make false claims about a real one, she said. Its training data is so vast and opaque, the bot becomes vulnerable to bias and mistakes. Consider this example: Michaela Lassig, a 39-year-old in Washington state, asked ChatGPT to help her glow up before her wedding. In her prompt, she told the bot her goals (flawless, youthful skin), her budget ($2,500) and her timeline It spat out a detailed list of the signs of aging on her face. But in the end, she welcomed the recommendations it even correctly estimated the units of Botox her injector would recommend. But AI training sets wont include this sort of warning, from IM Doc: I would guess in the entire USA, there are 10-15 maybe 20 plastic surgeons that are artists sculptors. They do just amazing things. These surgeons are just astronomically expensive. And this is where these stars go. This is a very demanding specialty. I knew one of them very well back as a resident.These people are artist like in their behavior very eccentric and at times bizarre, they are often on the spectrum and very difficult to deal with but WOW do they get results just amazing work. But it costs millions. The issue is the Botox. Botox, the first few times or when used sparingly, is not quite as good as sculpting but does amazing things. Accordingly, people use it way too often. The problem is that people quickly find out that used too often it makes the muscles very flabby. It then has to be used more often and before long we have entered a death spiral. After a while, Botox becomes largely or completely ineffective. Then because things are so flabby, fillers and other desperate measures have to be taken. And not even the very best surgeons can fix this. Botox is an addictive thing and the Botox face is unmistakeable. And once it finally collapses and not being repleted constantly, things become very desperate indeed. Can you imagine what dumb ideas ChatGPT would have for Tilda Swindon? Grow your hair at least to jaw length and wear blush, eye liner and mascara. Oh, and if you have the money, some filler for your lips too. Jeff Bezos wife Lauren Sanchez shows where you wind up if you have money and fall victim to plastic-surgeon-enabled notions of what to do to fight aging (shes 56): Mind you, this isnt the worst version of operation-created cat eyes and overplump lips.but I have to think she looks even more artificial when she uses her face. Or consider Madonna, where the gossip rags depict her present appearance as the result of not merely trying to reduce the appearance of aging, but seeking to look as if shes still in her 20s: But then againthese distorted faces may become normalized as more and more women get plastic surgery beyond the point of maximum advantage. And it may even become a status marker, since weird-looking fake youthful is better than aged, right? ____ 1 But far from exclusively, see the rise in body dysmorphia among men. This includes among the very rich, where for instance plastic surgery on their private parts is not uncommon. 2 The article speculates that the AI trained on sites where people rate appearances, and that is mainly men of women. But given that AI is endemically short on training sets and that male and female tastes are influenced by movies and advertising, commercial influence would seem to be strong. 3 In fairness, in cities like New York, London, and Paris, there is a fashion forward cohort that must be seen only in the current looks. While as individuals, they spend a lot, and some are high profile enough to drive mass fashion, the weight of dollars is comes from the influenced, not the influencers. And making them insecure about their looks will generate more consumption, particularly on cosmetics and treatments. 4 This also implies that Anita could be a catch due to her endowments, which her friends are not prepared to accept. 5 Yes, it may also be her gender-bending. She was married to Jonathan Byrne and now has a male partner but recently said she identifies as queer. The zombie idea of nuclear missile defense returns with the announcement of President Trumps Golden Dome missile shield, a program so stupid and costly that it could make the F-35 follies look like a side show. An orbital anti-missile system is a dream come true for the U.S. Military-Industrial Complex (MIC), but a nightmare for taxpayers and a dangerously destabilizing aggravation of international arms racing. Observing the saga of missile defense is like being a character in the film Groundhog Day. Since the 1960s, over and over, the Pentagon has issued declarations of the imminent success of their missile defense projects, and year after year tests and battlefield events demonstrate that these systems cannot reliably intercept missiles. So I will again attack this zombie idea. Learning the Wrong Lessons Israels Iron Dome system, whose example inspired Trumps missile defense boondoggle, has effectively intercepted hundreds of crude Palestinian short-range rockets. Israels Arrow and Davids Sling long-range missile interceptors have been able to shoot down older Iranian and Yemeni medium-range ballistic missiles. What Israel has not been able to do is intercept the latest Iranian missiles that incorporate terminal maneuvering.The weakness of Israels missile defense capability was demonstrated On October 1 of last year, when about 30 Iranian missiles struck military targets, effectively penetrating missile defenses. For the last few weeks, Israelis have been going to bomb shelters every time Yemen launches a missile toward Israel, clear evidence that Israel does not have a reliable missile defense capability. It is a conceptually straightforward engineering problem to intercept a missile flying on a ballistic trajectory. Newtons laws govern the flight path of a ballistic missile, and radars and computers can steer an interceptor to meet the incoming missile if it is in range and time permits. However, deviations from a predictable ballistic trajectory create problems which the interceptor missile may not be able to overcome. Iran has developed warheads that alter their speed and trajectories as they approach targets, thus enabling them to evade interception. Iran has also used decoys to overwhelm missile defenses. Similar methods have been used by Russian missiles in the Ukraine war, where U.S. supplied Patriot missile interceptors frequently fail to destroy incoming targets. Instead of recognizing the shortcomings of missile defense technology, Trump has boasted of his intention to emulate the success of Israels Iron Dome, but on a vastly greater scale, making the U.S. impervious to enemy missile attack. Without any technical justification, Trump intends to spend billions on an unproven orbital missile defense system with a potentially unbounded ultimate cost, all while the U.S. runs unsustainable budget deficits. Trumps grandiose Golden Dome program is an aspirational project that has no documented proof of feasibility and thus faces major technological hurdles. This decision is an unfortunate echo of the Reagan administrations ill-fated Star Wars missile defense program, which also briefly considered orbital missile interceptors. After many decades spent chasing the dream of missile defense, all the U.S. has produced is a few dozen ground based ICBM interceptors deployed in California and Alaska, with a testing success record of about 50%. The Armys Patriot and THAAD systems have had mixed results against modern short-range missiles, and the Navys costly SM-3 was barely able to defend against relatively unsophisticated Houthi missiles in the Red Sea. Orbital Defense Problems The initial $25 billion commitment to the Golden Dome program in the current proposed defense budget is based on unproven theoretical concepts for orbital missile interception. Orbital interceptors face the same difficulties as ground-based systems. The issues are summarized in the following table. As the table shows, for every missile defense measure, there is a countermeasure that the defensive system must cope with. Orbital interceptors have the positional advantage of striking in the relatively long mid-course phase of an ICBMs flight, but they still must deal with the unsolved problem of decoy discrimination, and they are still faced with the unfavorable arithmetic of a saturation attack. Even if, by some miracle, all technical obstacles are overcome, there remain low-flying cruise missiles and nuclear torpedoes, weapons that can slip under the Golden Dome. The Sky is Not the Limit for Golden Dome Spending Golden Dome will be a bonanza for the MIC because orbital missile defense systems are very costly. We are not talking about cheap and cheerful Starlink satellites that are mass produced and launched dozens at a time. Elements of Golden Dome will require extraordinarily capable sensors, complex interceptor missiles, and elaborate, secure, command and control equipment. With no commercial competitive pressure, the MIC vendors will set the hardware prices to levels that are out of this world. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has already estimated that the space-based components of the Golden Dome could cost between $161 billion and $542 billion over a 20-year span. Given the history of runaway defense programs, this estimate is likely to be very optimistic. Once Golden Dome has sensors and interceptors in orbit, there will never be enough of them. The spacing of the interceptors in their orbits determines their minimum reaction time to make an intercept of an incoming missile, so the more interceptors in various orbits, the better the chances of mid-course interception. Decisions to include launch phase and terminal phase interception capability would add further to the desired quantity of orbital components. But why stop there? What about the 800 U.S. military bases worldwide and U.S. allied nations? Shouldnt they be under a global Golden Dome? All of the increasingly numerous orbital assets would need constant upgrades as better hardware is developed, and there would be a steady need for replacement satellites because low Earth orbits decay after 5-10 years. Thus, the total lifecycle cost of Golden Dome is potentially unbounded. This project is a vision of paradise for U.S. defense corporations. Racing to Ruin Geopolitical strategists have long maintained that ICBM defense systems are dangerously destabilizing because they can provide an incentive to conduct a first strike against an adversary that lacks a defensive shield. Even a partially effective defensive system might be sufficient to block the retaliatory strike of an adversary weakened by a successful first strike. In the nuclear era, defense planners must make conservative decisions and prepare against capabilities, not intentions. It was the development of the feeble U.S. missile defense systems begun in the Reagan era that led Russia to produce hypersonic maneuvering ICBM warheads and long range nuclear torpedoes, Moreover, an ignorant or overconfident leader might act aggressively, mistakenly believing that the missile shield is highly effective, thus raising the risk of nuclear war by miscalculation. Thus, Trumps missile shield program, however faulty, will lead to a new cycle of arms racing, increase the risk of nuclear war, and squander U.S. economic resources. This is good news for U.S. arms makers but very bad news for the rest of us. Conclusion Trumps Golden Dome would leak like a sieve if ever the terrible day of a nuclear missile attack arrives. Its inability to deal with an onslaught of thousands of ballistic targets, maneuvering hypersonic warheads, and low-flying cruise missiles would result in catastrophic damage to the U.S. The proposed system would make us less safe by destabilizing nuclear deterrence and aggravating arms racing. Even if we avert the horror of nuclear war, the heavy cost of Golden Dome will be borne by all Americans. The terrible waste of misguided military spending was eloquently described in a 1953 speech by President Eisenhower: Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. The cost of one modern heavy bomber is this: a modern brick school in more than 30 cities. It is two electric power plants, each serving a town of 60,000 population. It is two fine, fully equipped hospitals. It is some fifty miles of concrete pavement. We pay for a single fighter with a half-million bushels of wheat. We pay for a single destroyer with new homes that could have housed more than 8,000 people. . . . This is not a way of life at all, in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron. Now, thanks to Trump, Americans will be upgraded to hanging from a leaky dome of gold. Patrolman helps baboons cross Simons Town road East Coast Radio Traffic Fatalities Are a Choice Asterisk Mag Street smarts: Coopers hawk uses pedestrian crossing signal to ambush urban prey Phys.org Dolly Parton Runs a Train Busier Than 27 States The Transit Guy Climate/Environment The True Cost of Pretending Climate Change Doesnt Exist Inside Climate News Pandemics China? How the Philippines Domestic Drama Impacts China-US Competition The Diplomat Syraqistan European Disunion Macron is pushed in the face by his wife, appears startled, quickly recovers, offers his hand to her but she refuses it. Macron said they were just joking. Do you believe him? Watch, youll be the judge: pic.twitter.com/95wdqqzpDZ Jack (@JacksEsposito) May 26, 2025 Old Blighty New Not-So-Cold War Patriot Death Spasm This is from the Russian attack on Kiev that Trump is whining about. At first, several individual Patriot PAC-3 missiles are fired into the sky with no discernible effect. Then one of the launchers blows its entire wad, and moments later is blasted. pic.twitter.com/PpSs4py5QY Will Schryver (@imetatronink) May 26, 2025 Vice Chancellor walks back Chancellor Merzs statements: Germany has denied supplying Tauruses to Ukraine Germanys policy regarding the range of German weapons that Ukraine may receive has remained the same, Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said. Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany, Great Britain, France and Zlatti71 (@Zlatti_71) May 26, 2025 South of the Border Spook Country Trump 2.0 DOGE MAHA Big Brother is Watching You Watch Why a new anti-revenge porn law has free speech experts alarmed Tech Crunch Democrats en Deshabille Police State Watch AI Imperial Collapse Watch This is such a quiet part out loud moment, and so illustrative of Western policy right now. This is Elizabeth Economy, former Senior Advisor for China to the Secretary of Commerce in the Biden administration. She admits that she studied the impact of the first Trump tariffs, pic.twitter.com/jtANjTdRWk Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) May 27, 2025 Guillotine Watch Obscene Wealth ZZs Blog Class Warfare Remembering John Young, co-founder of web archive Cryptome The Register Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Nashville immigrants were terrified to leave home during the weeklong joint operation carried out by federal immigration enforcement and Tennessee state troopers in early May. ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol detained almost 200 drivers, most of whom had no criminal history. Even Broadway bars were affected including those owned by staunch conservative Steve Smith as employees stayed in place to avoid a raid. While the traffic sweeps may be over, threats to the stability of immigrant families havent vanished. The week after ICE concluded its operation, local lawyers noticed a spike in illegal evictions of Hispanic immigrant families, and the message from landlords to their tenants is clear: If you refuse to leave, well call ICE. Fear Grips City After Traffic Traps by State Troopers, ICE Immigration roundups terrorize South Nashville and take residents with no criminal history Anne Boatner, legal director of the Hispanic Bar Association, says her organization heard of at least four illegal evictions in a single week all immigrant families outpacing the usual rate of one every three months. Boatner adds that she has never seen an eviction so blatantly based on immigration status before this wave, and suspects there are more instances around the city than those brought to her organization. Our tenants are essentially facing eviction or deportation, says Boatner, who also oversees the Eviction Right to Counsel, a collaboration between the Hispanic Bar Association and other local organizations. The landlords in these instances own only a few properties. Tennessee law is clear about illegal evictions: Landlords need to go through the courts before serving eviction notices, and only the sheriffs department can physically remove a tenant and their belongings from a property. But tenants fear a lawsuit could put them on ICEs radar. If you or someone you know may have been illegally evicted, visit nashvillehispanicbar.org/contact. The frustrating thing is that these cases are so winnable, says Boatner. But since it may not be safe for tenants to go to court, Boatner and her colleagues are looking for alternative ways to hold landlords accountable, like determining whether theyre violating fair housing laws or mismanaging the property. One tenant, speaking to the Scene anonymously due to fear of retaliation, says her landlord called her on a Tuesday and asked if she and her husband had legal status. She told him they did not, and says he knew that when he originally started renting to them years ago. She says the landlord then told her that she, her husband and their two young children had until Sunday to move out. The landlord did not provide a physical eviction notice, and the family had renewed the lease in January. The landlord threatened to call ICE if they didnt leave, she says. (The landlords identity is also being withheld to preserve anonymity of the tenant.) The family is staying with friends for now. But between the recent ICE operation and her own eviction, the tenant admits shes afraid. I feel helpless, upset, and its unfair that just because we dont have legal status, we have to be so vulnerable, she says in Spanish. The tenant says she would like to pursue a lawsuit against the landlord for the eviction. This Year at the Capitol: Lawmakers Codify Stringent Immigration Policies The Republican supermajority ramped up immigration crackdowns this year. Heres what did and didnt become law. A recent slate of aggressive anti-immigrant legislation may also contribute to the illegal evictions. One landlord, says Boatner, referenced a new state law that makes it a misdemeanor to harbor undocumented immigrants. Boatner calls it a pretty gross misunderstanding of the law, and that it doesnt require landlords to check the immigration status of tenants. Since Boatner and her colleagues cant pursue lawsuits right away, theyve had to help clients in other ways, seeking assistance from community partners to help rehouse them. Metro Councilmember Ginny Welsch of District 16 is one of those partners. Boatner informed Welsch about an immigrant couple in her district who had been illegally evicted, and the councilmember helped them secure a free motel room for a week. Welsch says the couples apartment was in poor condition, and that they were likely being overcharged before their eviction and the landlord will probably continue to overcharge on the unit. These landlords with nefarious ideas, they really are taking advantage of the circumstances and theyre using it to really turn the screws, says Welsch. Like Boatner, Welsch is holding off on any immediate action against the landlord. She wants to know how the evicted couple would like to proceed, and also has to consider how other families at the property, some of whom include small children, may be affected. But something Welsch was able to do right away was tap into her community and get a network of phone calls in place to find help for the couple. I dont think you survive these emergencies without community connections, says Welsch. It is community and those connections that protect our democracy, that protect our freedom, that protect our citizens, that help people through every trial and tribulation that they face. Doomsday bunker and AGI rapture: Inside OpenAIs existential tightrope OpenAIs former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever proposed building a "doomsday bunker" to shelter researchers from existential risks posed by artificial general intelligence (AGI). Sutskevers bunker idea emerged in 2023 amid internal tensions over leadership and AI safety protocols, culminating in a failed coup to oust CEO Sam Altman. The plan reflects growing unease among AI experts who fear AGI could trigger geopolitical chaos, societal collapse or a rapture-like scenario. OpenAI disbanded its AI safety team in 2023, highlighting the tension between corporate ambitions and existential risk mitigation. The bunker concept underscores the industrys dual role as both innovator and potential harbinger of existential threats. On a sweltering summer morning in 2023, an OpenAI scientist interrupted Ilya Sutskever mid-sentence during a meeting about the future of artificial intelligence (AI). The bunker? the confused researcher asked. Once we all get into the bunker Sutskever, one of AIs most influential minds, had just sketched a plan to build a fallout shelter for his team a literal refuge they might need once the rapture of artificial general intelligence arrived. Former OpenAI leaders, including Sutskever and Sam Altman, have long debated what AGI could unleash, but this bunker proposal symbolizes the industrys fraught dance between ambition and anxiety. The bunker plan In interviews with The Atlantic, Sutskevers colleagues described a scientist gripped by what one called a true rapture mindset the belief that AGI could either elevate humanity to a new plane or spell its end. Sutskever, who has long argued AI may achieve human-like consciousness, told researchers in a 2023 meeting: Were definitely going to build a bunker before we release AGI, adding, Of course, its going to be optional. The bunkers purpose was twofold: shield developers from a post-AGI world rife with conflict over control of the technology, and perhaps even act as a staging ground to influence how AGI evolves. Sources suggest Sutskever viewed the move not as extreme, but as prudent, given his assumption that AGI would outpace human control. The coup plot, corporate ambition and fallout Sutskevers bunker idea emerged amid internal discord at OpenAI. By late 2023, he and CTO Mira Murati pushed to remove Altman, accusing him of prioritizing corporate expansion over safety. I dont think Sam is the guy who should have the finger on the button for AGI, Sutskever reportedly told the board. Altmans reinstatement after a days-long coup a period internally dubbed The Blip crumbled Sutskevers resolve, who later departed OpenAI in early 2024. The clash mirrors broader industry tension: how far should companies go to profit from AI while mitigating risks? In 2023, Altman himself warned governments AI poses an extinction risk, yet OpenAI shuttered one of its core safety teams that same year, citing resource constraints. Critics argue profit motives increasingly eclipse caution. AGIs geopolitical gamble Sutskevers bunker proposal resonates in todays tech landscape, where China and the U.S. are racing to dominate AI. The Pentagon, meanwhile, is scrambling to keep pace with planes and drones trained by AIa realm where AGI could rewrite global power dynamics. Historical parallels loom. During the Cold War, policymakers built bunkers to prepare for nuclear war; today, tech leaders debate digital-age equivalents. Elon Musks latest warning AGI is the most dangerous event in history epitomizes this anxiety. Yet others dismiss AGI as sci-fi hubris, arguing its achievability remains unclear. A sign of prudence or desperation? The bunker idea faded with Sutskevers departure, but his vision lives on as a symbol of AIs paradox: the brighter its potential, the darker its risks. For national security experts, it underscores the urgency of global governancesomething the U.S. has yet to deliver. If tech companies are preparing private bunkers, what does that say about public safety planning? asks Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO and board member of the U.S. AI Initiative. As OpenAI rebuilds under Altmans leadership, the failed coup and Sutskevers bunker serve as reminders: in the age of AI, hubris and humility walk hand in hand. The AGI rapture and the future of human ingenuity Ilya Sutskevers bunker proposal ridiculed as alarmist by some, heralded as prophetic by others reveals the deepening rift between tech innovators and the existential questions their creations provoke. Whether AGI brings utopia, apocalypse, or something mundane rests not just on code, but on the choices humanity makes today. The lesson from Sutskevers Blip? Sometimes, preparing for the worst isnt paranoia its survival. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com Futurism.com NYPost.com Elon Musk exits government role, refocuses on Tesla and X after data center failure Elon Musk has resigned as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to refocus on his private ventures, including X, Tesla, and SpaceX, citing urgent operational challenges. A data center fire at X exposed critical infrastructure failures, prompting Musk to prioritize fixing platform instability and overseeing upcoming Tesla and SpaceX milestones. During his DOGE tenure, Musk reportedly saved taxpayers $150 billion through aggressive cost?cutting. Tesla faces declining sales and layoffs, while X struggles with advertiser boycotts and technical issues, though some brands are returning. Musks return to private-sector leadership highlights the tension between corporate and political roles, with investors questioning his ability to manage multiple high-stakes ventures. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has officially stepped down from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), refocusing his efforts entirely on his private ventures, including X (formerly Twitter), Tesla, and SpaceX. His departure follows a series of operational challenges at X, including a data center fire that exposed critical backup system failures. Musks exit marks the end of a tenure that reportedly saved taxpayers $150 billion roughly $932 per citizen through aggressive cost-cutting measures. A sudden shift back to private sector leadership In a post on X over the weekend, Musk announced his return to a "24/7" work schedule, stating, "Back to spending 24/7 at work and sleeping in conference/server/factory rooms." He cited urgent technical issues at X and upcoming milestones at Tesla and SpaceX as primary reasons for his departure from government service. "I must be super focused on /xAI and Tesla (plus Starship launch next week), as we have critical technologies rolling out," Musk wrote. "As evidenced by the uptime issues this week, major operational improvements need to be made. The failover redundancy should have worked, but did not." The outage Musk referenced stemmed from a battery fire at an X data center in Hillsboro, Oregon, which disrupted platform performance for tens of thousands of users globally. While no injuries were reported, the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in Xs infrastructure a problem Musk now aims to address directly. Musks tenure at DOGE, a federal initiative launched under President Donald Trump to eliminate government waste, was marked by aggressive contract terminations and regulatory overhauls. According to internal reports, the agency achieved $150 billion in savings, with Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration leading the charge. Among the most significant cuts was the cancellation of a $2.9 billion refugee resettlement contract. Despite these successes, Musk acknowledged limitations in DOGEs impact. "In the grand scheme of things, I think weve been effective," he told reporters earlier this week, but "not as effective as Id like." His departure signals a return to the "start-up" intensity of his private companies, which he described as requiring his full attention. Challenges ahead for Musks empire Musks decision comes at a pivotal moment for his businesses. Tesla faces declining sales and layoffs exceeding 10% of its workforce, including the shutdown of its Supercharger division. Meanwhile, X continues to grapple with advertiser boycotts and technical instability, though reports suggest some major brands are returning amid Musks alignment with Trumps political resurgence. SpaceXs upcoming Starship launch adds another layer of urgency, with Musk emphasizing the need for "critical technologies" to roll out smoothly. Investors have expressed concerns over Musks divided focus, particularly as Teslas stock struggles and protests mount over his political affiliations. Musks exit from DOGE underscores a broader trend: the collision of corporate leadership and political activism. His work for the Trump administration drew backlash, including anti-Tesla protests, while his outspoken views on free speech and government transparency have polarized audiences. Now, with his return to private-sector leadership, Musk appears determined to stabilize his companies repairing Xs infrastructure, reviving Teslas market position, and ensuring SpaceXs ambitious timelines stay on track. Whether his hands-on approach can reverse these challenges remains to be seen, but Musk is clearly betting big on his ability to multitask under pressure. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com FoxBusiness.com Reuters.com $93B Energy loan scandal during Bidens final days EXPOSED The Biden administration rushed $93 billion in loans from Energy Department in final 76 days, doubling past 15 years totals. Loans were approved with no business plans under the previous administration, prompting calls for investigations into misuse of taxpayer funds. Sen. John Kennedy condemns shoveling funds as stealing and urges accountability for waste. The Trump administration vows to cut bureaucracy, root out fraud and tighten federal spending controls. A jaw-dropping $93 billion in taxpayer-funded loans was rushed through the Department of Energy (DOE) in the final 76 days of Joe Bidens presidency, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright testifying such funds lacked proper oversight, business plans or even proof of financial viability. The controversial loans twice as much as awarded in the prior 15 years combined have ignited bipartisan fury over what critics call an audacious end-of-tenure bailout binge. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) who grilled Wright during a Senate hearing called the spree disgusting, comparing the taxpayer dollars to ditch water and accusing Biden officials of shoving money out the door to unqualified recipients. The loans, approved under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funded projects ranging from renewable energy to grid resilience efforts, but many lacked basic due diligence. Entities that provided no business plan, no numbers about their financial solvency we gave those groups taxpayer loans? Wright confirmed under questioning, adding that the frantic rush undermined confidence in government. Shovel-ready or sham deals? The rush to oblivion The $93 billion in DOE loans part of a $10.5 billion grid resilience program were issued in just over two months, sparking immediate scrutiny. Inspectors general reports highlighted systemic failures: insufficient staffing to vet applications, lax compliance standards and a culture of expediency. Wright revealed that some loan recipients submitted half-baked ideas or promises to create plans later. A number of those were funded, he confirmed, adding that improper lending occurred even before Bidens final weeks. Sen. Kennedy fumed, They were spending money like it was free, but every dollar costs Americans. This isnt stimulus its thievery. Why now? Political panic or cronyism? The timing of the loan surge has fueled speculation about political motives. Former Biden appointees have been linked to companies receiving funding, though the administration denies impropriety. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a key oversight figure, noted, $7 trillion in deficits and trillions in wasted stimulus show this isnt an accident. Its a pattern of misuse. Wright, a holdover from the Biden team, acknowledged that projects were fast-tracked without scrutiny. It wasnt done in many cases, he admitted, criticizing the recklessness of his own departments leadership. The scandal resonates with broader GOP frustrations over Democrats spending habits. Why $93 billion in two months? Because they wanted to lock in deals before an audit could begin, argued Rep. Kevin McCarthys office, which has pushed for separate spending bills to curb such end-of-tenure giveaways. The path ahead: Accountability or amnesia? Energy Secretary Wright pledged to separate the wheat from the chaff and root out fraudulent loans, even as Republicans demand criminal investigations. Bidens replacement, President Donald Trump, has framed the scandal as proof of systemic misconduct. This isnt just about money. It exposes a bureaucratic machine incapable of fiscal responsibility, Trump declared in a speech, citing the parallels between the DOEs rush and abuses in the now-infamous Outdoor Monuments scheme. For Sen. Kennedy, the scandal underscores a deeper rot: If these folks can steal $93 billion in plain sight, how much more did they take well never see? A moment of reckoning The DOE scandal is the latest chapter in a now-familiar narrative of Washington excess. As Sen. Kennedy asked, Wheres the accountability? With voter fraud debates heating up and investigations into Biden allies ongoing, the question paired with $93 billion in shadows may define the 2026 midterms. In an era of trillion-dollar deficits, few expect pennies to be found in that trough. Sources for this article include: ClimateDepot.com CBS12.com EnergyNewsBeat.co CLASSIFIED: Biden regime was a COVID CULT that documented anyone who defied PLANDEMIC MANDATES as Domestic Violent Extremists What was once classified by the insidious Biden Regime so the populace wouldnt find out is now declassified for your viewing pleasure. Opposition to COVID Policies Labeled as Extremism: The Biden administration allegedly classified those opposing vaccine mandates, mask mandates, or forced school vaccinations as "domestic violent extremists," enabling government surveillance and censorship. Critics argue this designation targeted free speech, with figures like Tulsi Gabbard accusing ideological bias in suppressing dissent. Government Overreach & Political Targeting: Documents suggest dissent on COVID policies, election integrity, or school curricula was conflated with extremism, raising fears of authoritarian tactics. Alleged Harm from COVID Measures: Masks ("face diapers") are claimed to cause bacterial infections. Vaccines ("clot shots") are accused of causing vascular clotting, reproductive harm, myocarditis, turbo cancer, and other severe side effects. Embalmers reportedly finding "rubbery clots" in vaccinated individuals are cited as evidence. Accusations of Tyranny & Deception: The Biden administration is framed as a "communist regime" enforcing medical fascism. Anthony Fauci is portrayed as orchestrating a "plandemic" to push genetic alteration via vaccines. Natural health advocates resisting "toxic Western medicine" are targeted as extremists. Narrative of Exposure: Claims that the "truth" about COVID policies (e.g., vaccine harms, lockdowns) is being suppressed, with whistleblowers labeled as terrorists. The "Deep State" is accused of losing control after the "scamdemic" failed. Yes, you are a violent extremist if you dont like being locked in your home by the government when China flu season comes around. Yes, you are a violent extremist if you dont enjoy wearing a face diaper that causes bacterial infections of the mouth, throat and lungs, and keeps you looking like everyone else (communist style). Yes, you are a violent extremist if dont like social distancing or getting injected with experimental technology that causes vascular clotting, instant abortion if youre pregnant, myocarditis, pericarditis, brain fog, and turbo cancer. This is classified information. Well, it was. The Biden administration weaponized national security frameworks to suppress opposition under the guise of combating domestic extremism Americans opposing Bidens COVID policies labeled extremists : Declassified documents revealed that individuals who opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates, mask mandates, or expressed concerns about forced school vaccinations were designated as potential "domestic violent extremists" by the Biden administration. : Declassified documents revealed that individuals who opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates, mask mandates, or expressed concerns about forced school vaccinations were designated as potential "domestic violent extremists" by the Biden administration. First Amendment concerns : Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, highlighted that these classifications targeted people exercising free speech against Biden administration policies, suggesting ideological bias. : Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, highlighted that these classifications targeted people exercising free speech against Biden administration policies, suggesting ideological bias. Government surveillance & censorship : The designation allowed the FBI and other agencies to initiate preliminary investigations ("assessments") into critics. It also pressured Big Tech to censor related content. : The designation allowed the FBI and other agencies to initiate preliminary investigations ("assessments") into critics. It also pressured Big Tech to censor related content. Political targeting: The documents implied that dissent on COVID policies, election integrity, or school curricula risked being conflated with extremism, raising concerns about government overreach. So now will the Biden Regime say theyve been ambushed by the Trump administration because their plandemic tyranny has been exposed? Isnt that the narrative of the Lefts fake news? When the lies and deception are revealed, those who reveal them are domestic violent terrorists. Natural health advocates were targeted, no doubt, for resisting the toxic Western Medicine and police state dictatorship, and then the Left has the gall to call Trump a dictator. Now the truth comes out about the clot shots, as embalmers around the world doing autopsies on the Covid vaccinated sheeple are finding long rubbery clots throughout the vascular system, in the vital cleansing organs, in the ovaries and uterus, in the prostate, and in the brain of the scamdemic vax victims. Its vaccine violence and it was mandated in classified documents by the communist Biden Regime. Now we all know. It was real. The Fauci Flu was always about getting every American to comply with Nanny Government Orwellian style. The Deep State dug in, but now theyve lost control, even more than they had before the scamdemic of epic proportions. Do your own research and dont use Google. Try the search engine Brave BETA and get more truth news and real information. Bookmark BadMedicine.news to your favorite websites for declassified information about deadly vaccines the government and CDC dont want you to talk about. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com DailyMail.co.uk Infowars.com Biden regime weaponized terror watch lists to silence COVID mandate dissent, documents expose On a typical Tuesday in 2021, Sarah, a mother from Ohio, posted a question online: Are the side effects of child vaccines worse than catching the virus? That question made her a potential threat to national security. Documents recently exposed by investigative journalists reveal how the Biden administration, alongside federal agencies, weaponized anti-extremism rhetoric to classify critics of totalitarian pandemic policies as domestic violent extremistsa label that justified mass surveillance, parental false guilt, and the erosion of free speech. This wasnt a response to terrorism; it was a bureaucratic war on dissent Key points: Federal agencies redefined extremism to include opposition to mask and vaccine mandates by 2021, classifying critics as potential threats. A December 2021 bulletin by the DHS, FBI, and NCTC labeled concerns over vaccine safety and mandates as red flags for violent mobilization, despite lacking evidence. Over 100 million Americans faced mandates or passport systems, sparking protests that were reframed as extremist threats rather than public health debates. Internal reports admit most domestic terrorism cases involve non-violent acts like protesting, or not getting experimental vaccines - echoing historical abuses of power to suppress dissent. Dissent vs. democracy The transformation of dissent into a national threat was no accident. Before 2021, domestic violent extremists referred to groups like the KKK or violent militias. But a December 13, 2021, Joint Intelligence bulletinauthored jointly by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and National Counterterrorism Centerexpanded the category to include everyday Americans who were questioning the trillion-dollar vaccine mandates. The report explicitly labeled opposition to mask mandates, vaccine safety concerns for children, and belief that mandates were government overreach as precursors to extremism. This was propaganda, not protection. The report cited no data proving that anti-mandate sentiment directly led to violence. Instead, it speculated with phrases like might incite unrest or could lead to targeted violence against healthcare workers, tactics straight out of 1984. Parents asking questions were now suspects; truckers honking horns at Capitol Hill ceremonies were radicalized agitators. The playbook mirrored past abuses. FBI files declassified in the 1970s exposed J. Edgar Hoovers COINTELPRO program, which hunted commie threats behind lunch-counters protests. Now, under Biden, the target was parents and rural voters wary of a rush-vetted vaccine. In Document 3 (page 13), anxious applause for myocarditis risks either discovered weeks earlierthen buried. The FBI's expanding playbook The December bulletin triggered a bureaucratic avalanche. Suddenly, the FBIs nearly 3,000 domestic terrorism cases included non-violent acts like joking about mandates online or attending school board meetings. A June 2022 report revealed that 80% of these cases involved verbal opposition rather than violence. One Louisiana woman was investigated after sharing a meme about vaccine passports on Facebook. Agencies leveraged existing conspiracieslike QAnons anti-vax rhetoricto justify broad sweeps. But the reports logic was circular: because some extremists think X, anyone thinking X is an extremist. By late 2022, Section 230-circumventing policies allowed the FBI to dictate which social media accounts to flag, sidelining the First Amendment. The consequences were chilling. Healthcare workers faced firing for refusing booster shots. Rural communities starved of care as hospitals enforced mandates. Meanwhile, Biden officials hosted round tables with Pfizer executives all while employers threatened employees with termination for not going along with the experiment. A warning to free thinkers This isnt mere oversight overreach. Its existential threat to democracy. When questioning a CDC briefing becomes radicalization, and protesting your right for equal treatment under the law is grounds for FBI assessments, dissent becomes a punishable crime and the government has become a totalitarian nightmare. In the uncovered documents, the FBI acknowledges this contradiction: Advocacy or activism may be constitutionally protected. But who enforces that? These agencies, of courseare not judges, nor juries, yet they pretend they can define what is an acceptable form of advocacy or activism. Critics of asymmetric federal power have a right to their opinions, said constitutional attorney Johnemes, who represents families targeted. But now, government data tagging turns disagreement into a precursor to terrorism. Thats Orwellian. Facts dont need conspiracy theories to be shocking. The Biden regime's own documents reveal how convenient it has become to spread extremism hysteria and use police state authority to quash dissent. When parents Google vaccine side effects, their fingerprints end up in a counter terrorism database. When truckers protest wage theft masked as pandemic policy, theyre marked as suspects. None of the measures taken during the Biden years were about public health. It was all about coercion, targeting dissent, and controlling populations. Sources include: ReclaimtheNet.org ReclaimtheNet.org ReclaimtheNet.org ReclaimtheNet.org Big Chemical Ag wants IMMUNITY from LAWSUITS for their mass genocide of farmers and consumers who ingest and consume their deadly pesticides Big corporate farming states in the USA use deathly pesticides, insecticides and herbicides to kill bugs, worms, beetles, rabbits, frogs, birds and humans who eat their crops. This makes them lots and lots of money. By killing off all the pests with chemicals, they have bigger yields, and thats a cash cow they dont want to hinder at all. By making humans sick with cancer and dementia from their farming chemicals, the Big Ag CEOs and CFOs can invest in cancer care diagnostics, equipment, chemotherapy drugs, and other Pharma cash cows, and that deepens their pockets even further. This is why Big Corporate Ag companies are lobbying (paying off politicians) for legislation that would make it impossible for the sick and dying humans to sue them, in the same way the insidious vaccine industrial complex has complete immunity to lawsuits for people dead and dying from the deadly jabs. Farmers fight back: Bayer faces legal and legislative battles over Roundup cancer claims For decades, glyphosate the key ingredient in Bayers herbicide Roundup has been a staple on American farms, praised for its effectiveness in boosting crop yields. But now, thousands of farmers and agricultural workers allege it gave them cancer, sparking a wave of lawsuits and legislative battles. As Bayer pushes for legal immunity in multiple states, families like Ray and Margarette Bickel of Iowa are fighting for accountability, claiming Roundups unmarked risks cost them years of health and happiness. Ray Bickel spent 14 years spraying Roundup (contains 50% carcinogenic glyphosate) across Iowas corn and soybean fields, trusting its safety. In 2017, he was diagnosed with two cancers chronic lymphocytic leukemia and stage three rectal cancer which his doctors linked to pesticide exposure. Now terminally ill, Bickel is among 181,000 plaintiffs suing Bayer, arguing the company failed to warn users of glyphosates risks. It didnt have a warning about cancer, Bickel said. I assumed it was safe. His wife, Margarette, added: Its taken years off his life. How can lawmakers shield the companies responsible? Bayer, which acquired Roundup-maker Monsanto in 2018, has lobbied for pesticide immunity laws in nine states, including Iowa and Missouri. These bills would block lawsuits based on inadequate warning labels if the product complies with federal EPA standards which currently deem glyphosate safe. Opponents, like the Iowa Farmers Union, argue the laws prioritize corporations over public health. Farmers are liable for mistakes why arent pesticide companies? said union president Aaron Lehman. Bayer counters that the bills are narrowly focused. This isnt blanket immunity, said spokesperson Jessica Christiansen. The EPA maintains glyphosate is non-carcinogenic, but independent researchers disagree. The World Health Organizations cancer agency (IARC) classifies it as probably carcinogenic, citing links to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A 2021 meta-analysis also found elevated cancer risks among glyphosate users. Critics, including University of Missouri public health expert Lynelle Phillips, say industry-funded studies downplay dangers. The data Bayer relies on has flaws, she noted. Meanwhile, Bayer warns that restricting glyphosate could threaten food security a claim displayed on billboards across farm country. As Bayer weighs abandoning glyphosate production due to legal costs, the debate rages on: Is Roundup a farming necessity or a health hazard? For the Bickels, the answer is clear. They took my husbands health, Margarette said. Now they want to take our right to fight back. With immunity bills stalled for now in key states, the clash between corporate interests and farmer safety remains unresolved, leaving families and lawmakers at a crossroads. Tune your food news frequency to FoodSupply.news and get updates on Big Ag carcinogenic chemicals that kill the farmers and the consumers who eat conventional adulterated crops and produce. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com ChildrensHealthDefense.org Israel defies Trumps call to end Gaza war, plans full-scale occupation amid humanitarian crisis President Trump pushes for a Gaza ceasefire but faces rejection from Israel, which deems Hamas demands unacceptable as the IDF prepares to escalate its offensive. Israel aims to occupy 75% of Gaza within two months, worsening the humanitarian crisis with collapsing hospitals, famine risks, and mass displacement. Critics accuse Israel of ethnic cleansing, citing its expansionist policies and deliberate efforts to make Gaza uninhabitable for Palestinians. Despite claims of weakening Hamas, intelligence reports indicate the group remains strong, with IDF tactics fueling further radicalization. The conflict reveals Israels long-term goal of annexing Gaza, with global appeals for restraint ignored as civilian suffering deepens. In a dramatic clash of geopolitical wills, President Donald Trump has declared his intention to end the Gaza conflict "as quickly as possible," with reports suggesting a new ceasefire proposal may soon be announced. However, Israel has already rejected the framework, citing Hamas "impossible conditions," while the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) prepare to escalate offensive, aiming to occupy 75% of Gaza within two months. As tens of thousands of Hamas militants remain operational and civilian suffering intensifies, Trumps frustration grows. But with Israel refusing to halt its campaign, the prospects for peace appear bleak. The situation underscores a deepening divide between Trumps vision of conflict resolution and Israels uncompromising military strategy, which critics argue has devolved into a campaign of ethnic cleansing against Palestinians. With Gazas infrastructure in ruins and millions displaced, the international community watches as Israels war machine grinds forward, indifferent to global appeals for restraint. Trumps ceasefire push meets Israeli resistance Trump, who has positioned himself as a dealmaker capable of brokering Middle East peace, expressed clear frustration over the stalled negotiations. Yet Israeli officials dismissed the proposed terms, claiming Hamas demandsincluding a full withdrawal of IDF forces and the release of Palestinian prisonersare nonstarters. The rejection highlights Israels determination to continue its offensive, despite mounting civilian casualties and widespread condemnation. Reports indicate the IDF plans to tighten its grip on Gaza, seizing control of three-quarters of the territory by years end. Such a move would effectively render Gaza uninhabitable for Palestinians, further fueling accusations of forced displacement and genocide. Gazas humanitarian collapse worsens As the IDF advances, conditions in Gaza grow increasingly dire. Hospitals, already crippled by shortages, now face total collapse. Food and clean water are scarce, with aid groups warning of famine. The United Nations estimates that over 90% of Gazas population has been displaced, many people multiple times, as Israels bombardment reduces entire neighborhoods to rubble. Critics argue that Israels actions go beyond military necessity, instead reflecting a deliberate effort to erase Palestinian presence from Gaza. It is also becoming increasingly clear that Israel seeks to annex Gaza, mirroring its expansionist policies in the West Bank. The myth of Hamas destruction Despite Israels claims of decimating Hamas, intelligence assessments suggest the group remains a potent force, with tens of thousands of fighters still active. The IDFs heavy-handed tactics have radicalized more Gazans, ensuring Hamas ideology outlives its physical infrastructure. The failure to neutralize Hamas raises questions about Israels endgame. If military victory is unattainable, what justifies the ongoing slaughter? For many, the answer lies in Israels broader agenda: the permanent removal of Palestinians from their land. World leaders, including U.S. allies, have pleaded for a ceasefire, but Israel remains unmoved. Without concrete consequences for its defiance, Israel will continue its campaign unimpeded. The Gaza conflict has become a grotesque spectacle of destruction, with no viable path to peace. Trumps ceasefire efforts are doomed without Israeli cooperation. As the IDF prepares to occupy Gaza entirely, the world must confront an uncomfortable truth: Israels war is not about defense but domination. The Palestinian people, caught in the crossfire, are paying the ultimate price. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Reuters.com AlJazeera.com TheCradle.co May 27, 2025: In Yemen, the Iran-backed Houthis rebels have, over the last 18 months, become a major threat to shipping in the Red Sea and a minor annoyance by firing Iranian missiles at Israel, which are intercepted or to land in uninhabited areas. Iran has lost its other two troublemakers, Hezbollah and Hamas, making Houthis the only Iran-backed terror group that is still operational. Without aid from China and Russia, the Houthis would have been out of business long ago. The Houthis have, since late 2023, attacked over 300 ships moving north in the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal. During that period the United States and its allies have escalated their attacks on Houthi facilities in Yemen. Israeli air strikes on Iran have cut the supply of new missiles to the Houthis. The Arabian Peninsula has several wealthy Arab kingdoms that prosper from huge pools of petroleum underneath the desert sands. The only area with no oil is Yemen in the fertile south. Until the Persian Gulf oil industry was created over a century ago, Yemen was the most prosperous part of Arabia because it was green from Monsoon rains that soaked Yemen on their way to East Africa. The current head of the Houthi movement is 45-year-old Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. Several of his predecessors were killed by Americans, Arabian or European attacks. The loss of so many Houthi leaders has not disrupted the violent activities of the Houthis due to the aid of Iranian-supplied missiles and drones and electronic targeting against shipping in the Red Sea and an occasional missile attack on Israel. The Israeli missile defense system blocks most Houthi attacks, but the Houthis are satisfied that they are able to make such attacks. These attacks justify the hundreds of million dollars worth of missiles and other military aid Iran has sent to the Houthis. In return the Houthis impose a brutal dictatorship over the twenty million people of northern Yemen. The Houthis see frequent violence as the most effective way to keep Yemeni civilians in line. The Houthis gradually seized control of all major businesses in Yemen. This plunder finances Houthis terrorist activities. Iran is broke but could, until recently, supply missiles. These must be smuggled into Yemen by sea or overland from ports with bribable officials. Western efforts to disrupt Houthi violence via assassination of Houthi leaders have failed. The Houthis clan is large and there are always replacements. At best, the assassinations cause some disruption in Houthi operations. Opponents are dealing with a death cult that disregards the loss of Yemeni civilians and leaders so they can concentrate on attacking Israel and its allies. Few of their attacks do any damage and usually elicit retaliatory attacks that kill a lot of Houthis, Yemenis and any Iranians in the way. Any Yemenis or Iranians who protest this treatment are attacked and often killed by Houthi or Iranian forces. The Israeli/Western response is to kill as many Houthi supporters and Iranian allies as possible. This approach largely destroyed the Iran backed Hezbollah militia in 2024. Hezbollah still exists but was rendered ineffective for months and is still trying to rebuild. Disrupting Houthi finances and logistical operations are essential. Even terrorists must be paid and there is so much oil wealth in the Persian Gulf that enough of it leaks to Islamic terrorist groups to keep the Houthis going. These lessons were learned by 18th Century British colonial officials. Their counter-terrorism advice was to shoot on sight, shoot first and keep on shooting. In that respect the Islamic terrorists and their foreign opponents used the same tactics. Yemens Shia rebels, led by the Houthi tribe, used their large stockpile of Iranian missiles in an attempt to block access to the Suez Canal. This capability developed over the last decade as the rebels launched attacks on more distant targets. The rebels obtained more powerful weapons as well, including Iranian ballistic missiles, which were disassembled so they could be smuggled from Iran to Yemen, where Iranian technicians supervised the missiles being assembled and launched into Saudi Arabia. In the last few years, the rebels have received longer range ballistic missiles fired from northern Yemen across Saudi territory to hit Saudi and United Arab Emirate/UAE oil production facilities on the Persian Gulf coast. The rebels also acquired the reconnaissance capability to accurately fire missiles at ships passing through the narrow, 26 kilometers wide, Bab-el-Mandeb straits off southwestern Yemen and force ships to take the longer and more expensive and time-consuming route around the southern tip of Africa. This has always been a potential threat to ships using the Red Sea to reach the Suez Canal in Egypt, at the north end of the Red Sea. Transit fees from ships using the canal are a major source of income for Egypt, bringing in about $10 billion a year. Egypt and Iran are enemies and reducing Suez Canal income is a win for Iran, which supported the Yemen rebels for more than a decade to make such an interdiction possible. Russia and China were able to persuade the Houthis to let their shipping pass unhindered through the Red Sea. The payoff for the Houthis was a source of supplies and cash. That aid is now blocked by a reinforced blockade of Yemen. China and Russia dont want to fight the NATO nations. Western nations reacted slowly to this interdiction effort and only recently began attacking Yemen Shia rebel targets with warship missiles and air strikes. Western warships close to the Yemen shore used their defensive weapons to defeat attacks launched from the Yemen coast. The war in Yemen drags on into 2025. Before the Israeli attacks on Gaza and Iran-backed militias in Lebanon, Iran was under widespread internal pressure from Iranians protesting the expensive foreign wars in Syria and Yemen. Despite that, Iran smuggled in more and more weapons. These were not intended for the ongoing Yemen civil war but for use against targets designated by Iran. At the same time Iran saw the growth of domestic uprising to deal with back home. The Iranian religious dictatorship held onto power and supported more violence against real or perceived enemies of Iran. In early 2015 Iran admitted it had been quietly supporting the Houthi Shia rebels for a long time but now was doing so openly, and that support was increasing. Many Yemenis trace the current crisis back to the civil war that ended, sort of, in 1994. That war was caused by the fact that, when the British left Yemen in 1967, their former colony in Aden became one of two countries both called Yemen. The two Yemens finally united in 1990 but another civil war in 1994 was needed to finalize unification. That fix didn't really take and the north and south have been pulling apart ever since. This comes back to the fact that Yemen has always been a region, not a country. Like most of the rest of the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa region, the normal form of government until the 20th century was wealthier coastal city states nervously coexisting with interior tribes that got by on herding or farming or a little of both plus smuggling and other illicit sidelines. This concept of nationhood is still looked on with some suspicion. This is why the most common forms of government are the more familiar ones of antiquity like kingdom, emirate, or modern variation in the form of a hereditary secular dictatorship. For a long time, the most active Yemeni rebels were the Shia Houthis in the north. The Houthis have always wanted to restore local Shia rule in the traditional Shia tribal territories, led by the local imam, a religious leader who was a Houthi. This arrangement, after surviving more than a thousand years, was ended by the central government in 1962. Yemen also became the new headquarters of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula/AQAP when Saudi Arabia was no longer safe for the terrorists after 2007. Now there is Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/ISIL, and an invading army composed of troops from oil-rich neighbors like Saudi Arabia, which was very upset by Iranian/Houthi missile attacks. By late 2017 the rebels were slowly losing ground to government forces who, despite Arab coalition air support and about five thousand ground troops, were still dependent on Yemeni Sunni tribal militias to fight the Shia tribesmen on the ground. While the Shia are only a third of the population, they are united while the Sunni tribes are divided over the issue of again splitting the country in two and with no agreement on who would get the few oil fields in central Yemen. Many of the Sunni tribes tolerate or even support AQAP and ISIL. The Iranian smuggling pipeline continued to operate, and the Yemen rebels were able to buy additional weapons from other sources because they received cash from nations or groups hostile to the Arab Gulf state, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Shia Houthi rebels were from northern Yemen and controlled the border with Saudi Arabia. Over the last decade the rebels launched more and more attacks on Saudi targets and in later 2023 and into 2025 that violence escalated. Earlier this month the Houthis moved some of their operations from Yemen and crossed over to Africa. The Houthis assist local Islamic terrorist groups in Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia. This is part of the Iranian goal to move their Houthis closer to Israeli territories. There the Houthis can assist Hamas in Gaza or even Islamic terrorists in other Palestinian territories. The Houthis in Somalia provide weapons, advice and training to the local Al Shabab group on how to increase their ship hijacking and ransoming operations. Judicial interference in deportations sparks foreign policy crisis, Rubio warns Rubio warns judicial overreach in South Sudan deportation block derails U.S. foreign policy and military strategy. Federal judge halts flight, requiring custody maintenance amid claims of unlawful removals to third countries. Diplomatic tensions escalate with key African nations, including Djibouti, host of Americas only African military base. Administration argues deportees exhausted legal rights, while court demands excessive procedural safeguards. Case highlights broader clash over executive authority to enforce immigration and foreign policy priorities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned a federal court order halting deportations to South Sudan as a dire threat to U.S. foreign policy and constitutional authority, intensifying a high-stakes legal clash over executive power. The ruling, which blocked a government flight carrying eight criminal migrants, has plunged the Trump administration into urgent legal maneuvers, with officials warning it complicates diplomacy with strategic African allies and undermines national security. The ruling and its immediate impact The dispute centers on a May 24 order by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy of Massachusetts, which halted a deportation flight after attorneys for deportees from Myanmar and Vietnam argued they were subject to unlawful removal to a third-world country. Murphys injunction requires the U.S. government to retain custody of all migrants removed to South Sudan or other third nations until courts confirm the actions legalitya requirement critics say shackles statecraft. The halted flight had been bound for Djibouti, where the U.S. military maintains its sole African military base, strategic for counterterrorism and Horn of Africa operations. The detainees, including migrants from Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cuba, Mexico, and South Sudan, now remain confined on the base, deepening U.S. officials concerns about overreach. In filings, the U.S. Department of Justice argued the order forces it to indefinitely hold dangerous criminals at a vital military site, arguing they enjoyed the benefit of full process and had no legal grounds to stall removal. Deportees, it said, failed to claim a fear of persecutiona required step under Aprils court injunctionto delay repatriation. Rubios geopolitical alarm: Irreparable harm brews Rubios late Friday filing ties the legal battle to broader foreign policy stakes, asserting that courts are now interfering with quiet diplomatic efforts and worsening military coordination. He emphasized consequences in three nations: Libya: Court orders have exacerbated internal political and security divisions, he wrote, complicating U.S. efforts to stabilize a government amid civil war. Court orders have exacerbated internal political and security divisions, he wrote, complicating U.S. efforts to stabilize a government amid civil war. Djibouti: The U.S. base hosts thousands of troops, support infrastructure, and intelligence operations. Rubio called the detention order impermissible burdens on military operations. The U.S. base hosts thousands of troops, support infrastructure, and intelligence operations. Rubio called the detention order impermissible burdens on military operations. South Sudan: Though once refusing to accept a deportee, Juba now cooperates with Washingtona relationship Rubio said risks rupture if judicial hand-wringing persists. It is essential for the executive branch to maintain control over foreign policy, military strategy, and immigration enforcement, all of which are now being undermined, Rubio stated. Senior administration officials echoed Rubio, warning that courts are encroaching on constitutional doctrines reserving foreign policy to the president. The judiciary has no authority to meddle in how the executive branch enforces legal rulings and foreign agreements, a DOJ spokesperson told yourNEWS Media. Third-country deportations and legal limits The fight hinges on decade-old legal precedents governing third-country removal of illegal immigrants. Current statutes allow the U.S. to repatriate individuals to nations other than their home countries if they lack documentation and pose threatsa practice used by the Trump administration to relocate Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. Recent tensions began when South Sudans government paused cooperation last April, prompting Rubio to retaliate by suspending U.S. visas for its nationals. But Judge Murphys injunction arose from a challenge by Myanmar and Vietnamese migrants, who argued South Sudan had not consented to their returna claim the administration denies. This is the same judicial overreach weve seen with Sanctuary Cities and anti-Trump election rulingsthe Left weaponizing courts to block lawful executive actions, said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), a legal conservative ally. A testing ground for executive authority As hearings loom, both sides frame the case through constitutional lenses. The administration claims the judiciary has exceeded limits on separation of powers, citing Article IIs grant of foreign policy authority to the presidency. Meanwhile, immigrant advocates call the governments approach inhumane. The U.S. is forcing citizens into countries that refuse or cant protect them, argued Margaret Huang of Amnesty International. Migrants must have the chance to prove safety concerns. Rubios warning underscores a broader stakes: If courts can dictate diplomatic methods and detention logistics, they risk destabilizing alliances and exposing U.S. forces abroad to prolonged legal wrangling. Courts vs. statecraftA new legal frontier The South Sudan standoff underscores a deepening ideological rift in American governance. For conservatives, the case exemplifies judicial overreach encroaching on executive authority over war, diplomacy, and frontier security. Yet for plaintiffs and advocates, it challenges a regime perceived to prioritize expediency over human rights. As the U.S. military and diplomats hold their breath in Djibouti, the outcome could reshape how future administrations navigate courts during crises. For now, Rubios war of words has opened a new arenaa courtroom clash over who truly guards the nation. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com FoxNews.com TimesofIndia.com Lost WWI-era submarine found remarkably intact off San Diego, revealing tragic 1917 collision Researchers and the U.S. Navy discovered two historic wrecks off San Diego: a WWI-era submarine lost in a 1917 collision and a Cold War torpedo bomber from 1950. The USS F-1 submarine, found "remarkably intact" at 1,300 feet, sank after a fatal training accident, killing 19 sailors. Nearby, a Grumman TBF Avenger bomber wreck was confirmed to have a surviving crew, with evidence suggesting a controlled crash landing. Advanced underwater tech, including WHOIs autonomous submersible, captured never-before-seen details of both wrecks, honoring the sailors and airmen who served. The discoveries highlight the Navys commitment to preserving its history, with memorial ceremonies ensuring the sacrifices of lost servicemen are never forgotten. In a stunning deep-sea discovery, researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the U.S. Navy have located two long-lost military wrecks resting off the coast of San Diego: a World War I-era submarine that sank in a tragic 1917 collision and a Cold War-era torpedo bomber that crashed decades later. The findings, captured using cutting-edge submersible technology, offer a poignant glimpse into Americas naval history while honoring the sacrifices of servicemen who perished in the line of duty. The USS F-1 submarine, lost for over a century, was found "remarkably intact" at a depth of 1,300 feet, its hull still bearing the scars of a fatal training accident. Nearby, the wreck of a Grumman TBF Avenger bomber, which crashed during a 1950 training flight, was also surveyed, confirming its crew survived the impact. The discoveries, made during a February 2025 expedition, underscore the Navys commitment to preserving its heritage and the risks faced by those who serve beneath the waves. A collision in the fog The USS F-1s tragic fate was sealed on December 17, 1917, during a routine engineering test near San Diego. As historian Bradley Krueger of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) explained, the submarine was traveling with two sister vessels, USS F-2 and USS F-3, when disaster struck. "All three vessels entered a fog bank," Krueger said. "USS F-3 collided with USS F-1, and following the collision, USS F-3 remained on scene to help rescue survivors from the water." The F-1 sank within seconds, its port side torn open by the impact. Nineteen of its 24 crew members drowned, while three were pulled from the water by the F-3. For decades, the submarines exact location remained a mystery until WHOIs advanced autonomous underwater vehicle, Sentry, pinpointed the wreck during its first survey pass. Bruce Strickrott, WHOIs Alvin submersible group manager, described the moment as both thrilling and solemn. "Once we identified the wreck and determined it was safe to dive, we were able to capture never-before-seen perspectives of the sub," he said. The submarine, now a protected war grave, lies on its starboard side, its conning tower still visible still visible despite a century underwater. Researchers meticulously documented the site without disturbing it, using photogrammetry to create 3D models that reveal the vessels condition and the damage that sealed its fate. A second wreck: The Avengers story While surveying the F-1, the team also revisited the wreck of a U.S. Navy Avenger torpedo bomber that had crashed in the same area in 1950. Unlike the submarine, this aircrafts crew surviveda fact confirmed by the recent dives. Strickrott noted the bomber had been used for WHOI training dives for years, but its official identification was only added to Navy records after this mission. The Avengers wreckage, scattered across the seafloor, tells a quieter story. Its bent propeller and damaged tail section suggest a controlled crash landing, a testament to the pilots skill under duress. Strickrott recalled his curiosity about the number "13" stenciled on the enginea nod to its training squadron. "I often wonder what the pilot and squadron personnel thought," he mused. The team honored the F-1s lost crew with a memorial ceremony aboard the research vessel Atlantis, ringing a bell 19 timesonce for each sailor. "History and archaeology are all about people," Krueger reflected. "The Navy has a solemn responsibility to ensure the legacies of its lost sailors are remembered." The discoveries highlight the Navys ongoing efforts to locate and document its lost vessels, ensuring their stories and the lessons they carry are not forgotten. The F-1s wreck, now protected by U.S. law, serves as a stark reminder of the perils of early submarine warfare, while the Avengers survival offers a rare note of hope. For the families of the F-1s crew and the historians who keep their memory alive, these haunting images are more than data; they are a bridge to the past, ensuring that courage and sacrifice are never relegated to the depths of obscurity. Sources for this article include: LiveScience.com DailyMail.co.uk FoxNews.com Putins helicopter caught in unprecedented Ukrainian drone assault during secret war zone trip Russian officials claim Ukraine launched a massive drone attack targeting Putins helicopter during his rare visit to the contested Kursk region, calling it an unprecedented assassination attempt. A Russian air defense commander reported destroying 46 Ukrainian drones while defending Putins aircraft, suggesting Kyiv had prior intelligence about his secretive trip. Putins visit included the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2, which Russia alleges has also been targeted by Ukrainian sabotage attempts, raising nuclear security concerns. The incident coincides with intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, including a record-breaking May 25 attack involving hundreds of drones and missiles. U.S. President Trump condemned Putins actions, warning that further aggression could lead to Russias downfall, while the Kremlin may use the attack to justify escalation. Ukraine allegedly launched a massive drone attack targeting Russian President Vladimir Putins helicopter during his rare visit to the contested Kursk region on May 20, according to Russian military officials. The audacious strike, if confirmed, marks one of the most direct assassination attempts against the Russian leader since the war began, raising alarming questions about Kyivs intelligence capabilities and the escalating risks of a broader conflict. Major-General Yuri Dashkin, commander of a Russian air defense division, revealed that 46 Ukrainian military drones were destroyed while defending Putins aircraft during what he called an "unprecedented attack." The timing suggests Ukraine had prior knowledge of Putins secretive trip, which was only announced after he had left the region. Putin rarely visits active war zones, making this alleged strike a bold and calculated escalation. Putins helicopter in the crosshairs Dashkin stated, "During the period when the President [Putin] was working in the Kursk region, the enemy launched an unprecedented attack with unmanned aerial vehicles." He added that Russian forces simultaneously engaged in an air battle while securing the safety of Putins helicopter, which was "virtually at the epicenter of repelling a large-scale attack by the enemys drones." The Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, has been a flashpoint since Kyivs forces staged a surprise incursion in August 2024, seizing small pockets of territory. Putins unannounced visit included a tour of the under-construction Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2, a strategic facility that Russian officials claim has also been targeted by Ukrainian sabotage attempts. A rare war zone appearance Unlike Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who frequently visits front-line troops, Putin has largely avoided active combat zones, relying on staged meetings and tightly controlled public appearances. His presence in Kursk, amid reports of local discontent over displacement caused by the war, hints at Moscows growing unease over Ukraines cross-border raids. The alleged drone strike coincides with a surge in Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including a record-breaking May 25 assault involving 298 drones and 69 missiles. Ukrainian officials have not commented on the Kursk incident, but Zelensky has previously asserted Ukraines right to target Putin if it serves national defense." Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned Putins aggression, writing on Truth Social: "I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!" Trump warned that seizing all of Ukraine would lead to Russias "downfall." The Kremlins admission of the drone attack despite rarely publicizing threats to Putin suggests Moscow may use the incident to justify further escalation. Russian state media framed the incident as a Ukrainian provocation, while independent verification remains elusive. With Ukraine insisting its operations in Kursk continue and Russia retaliating with massive strikes, the conflict edges closer to a dangerous tipping point. The targeting of a nuclear power plant and a head of states aircraft underscores the potential for catastrophic miscalculation. The alleged assassination attempt on Putin, whether a tactical strike or a symbolic provocation, exposes the volatile nature of this war. As both sides push boundaries, will unchecked aggression trigger a wider conflict? Sources for this article include: Express.co.uk NYPost.com Newsweek.com JPost.com Telegraph.co.uk DOGE exposes Social Security chaos: 12.3 million flagged as 120+ years old, 2.1 million non-citizens issued numbers in 2024 Elon Musk and DOGE uncovered 12.3 million fraudulent Social Security entries, including individuals falsely listed as over 120 years old, saving taxpayers $170 billion. The Social Security Administrations outdated systems allowed millions of discrepancies, including 6.5 million "zombie" recipients whose deaths were never recorded. DOGE revealed 2.1 million non-citizens received Social Security numbers in 2024 alone, raising concerns about benefit misuse and policy failures. Musks investigation exposed systemic fraud risks, with critics warning of identity theft, illegal voting, and national security vulnerabilities. Despite progress, unresolved cases suggest deeper corruption, demanding further reform to restore public trust in government systems. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has confirmed the removal of 12.3 million individuals falsely listed as 120 years or older from Social Security rolls in a cleanup effort that has saved taxpayers a staggering $170 billion. This bombshell discovery, spearheaded by DOGE figurehead Elon Musk, highlights the alarming inefficiencies and potential fraud embedded in Americas entitlement systems, raising urgent questions about accountability and the misuse of public funds. The discrepancies came to light earlier this year when Musk publicly flagged millions of Social Security numbers tied to impossible ages, including one individual recorded as between 360 and 369 years old. By March, DOGE reported that 3.2 million entries had been corrected, with the number skyrocketing to 11 million by April and finally reaching 12.3 million as of last week. Despite this progress, DOGE warns that "complex cases remain, such as individuals with 2+ different birth dates on file," which will require further investigation. A legacy of bureaucratic incompetence The Social Security Administration (SSA) has long relied on outdated, paper-based record-keeping systems. This archaic infrastructure allowed millions of discrepancies to fester, including 6.5 million individuals over 112 whose death records were never updated, as revealed in a 2015 review. While the SSA claims benefits werent actively paid to these "zombie" recipients, the lack of accurate data opens the door to fraudulent claims, identity theft, and systemic waste. Musks February expose laid bare the absurdity of the system, declaring, "There are FAR more eligible social security numbers than there are citizens in the USA. This might be the biggest fraud in history." His scrutiny forced the SSA into damage control, with Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek admitting the records lacked death dates but insisting these individuals were "not necessarily receiving benefits." Yet critics argue the mere existence of such flawed data undermines public trust and enables exploitation. Non-citizens and taxpayer abuse Equally alarming is DOGEs finding that 2.1 million non-citizens were issued Social Security numbers in 2024 alone. Anthony Gracias, CEO of Valor Equity Partners and a Musk collaborator, traced this flood of registrations to policies under the previous administration, which allowed migrants to enter the U.S. and immediately access benefits. This revelation fuels concerns about unsustainable entitlement expansion and the deliberate draining of resources meant for American citizens. The SSAs incompetence isnt just a fiscal disaster; its a national security risk. Weakened identity verification systems make Americans vulnerable to fraudulent claims, illegal voting, and even terrorism financing. The fact that millions of "ghost" beneficiaries lingered in the system for decades underscores the urgent need for reform. While the SSA scrambles to justify its failures, DOGE's relentless oversight has proven indispensable. The $170 billion in savings achieved through this cleanup, alongside other efficiency initiatives, demonstrates how dismantling bureaucratic bloat can protect hardworking Americans. Musks team has done what career politicians refused to do: hold government accountable. Yet the fight isnt over. The remaining "complex cases" suggest deeper rot, including potential identity theft rings or deliberate obfuscation by bad actors. Every unresolved record represents taxpayer dollars at risk and a betrayal of the public trust. The DOGE-led cleanup is a watershed moment, exposing how decades of negligence have turned Social Security synonymous with waste and fraud. While the SSA downplays the scandal, the numbers dont lie: 12.3 million phantom beneficiaries, 2.1 million non-citizen recipients, and $170 billion recovered paint a damning picture. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com Newsweek.com FoxBusiness.com Spains renewable energy experiment triggers nationwide BLACKOUT As governments rush to embrace renewable energy as a panacea for climate change, Spains recent nationwide blackout serves as a sobering reality check. What was initially dismissed as a technical glitch now appears to have been the result of a dangerous experiment pushing the limits of renewable energy reliance while dismantling nuclear power. The Iberian Peninsulas catastrophic power failure last month left millions in the dark, stranded trains, paralyzed hospitals, and exposed the fragility of an energy grid unprepared for the instability of renewable energy exclusivity. While Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urges patience , critics argue that the governments reckless pursuit of green ideology has jeopardized national security and economic stability, putting millions of lives at risk, and pushing populations to the brink of plummeting into societal chaos. Key points: Spains April blackout, one of Europes worst, coincided with government experiments testing renewable energy reliance ahead of a planned nuclear phase-out. Authorities ignored critical warning signs, including power grid oscillations, before the system collapsed. Renewable energy now supplies 57% of Spains electricity, but experts warn that over-reliance on intermittent sources risks destabilizing the grid. The blackout disrupted hospitals, transportation, and emergency services, raising urgent questions about energy policy and infrastructure resilience. Despite official denials, suspicions linger about possible cyber sabotage or systemic failures in Spains rapid green transition. A reckless gamble with national power Spains socialist government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has aggressively pursued renewable energy expansion while targeting nuclear power for elimination. The country plans to shutter all nuclear reactors by 2035, despite nuclear energy providing a stable 20% of its electricity. Instead, officials have bet heavily on wind, solar, and hydro powersources vulnerable to weather fluctuations and grid instability. The April 28 blackout, which plunged Spain and Portugal into chaos, was initially blamed on a sudden 2.2-gigawatt drop in power generation. However, the Spanish Association of Electrical Energy Companies (Aelec) disputed this claim, arguing that the grid itself failed to manage renewable inputs, triggering an automatic shutdown. Jose Donoso, head of Spains photovoltaic association, told 20 Minutos, "Its a matter of logic; the fact that the entire system goes down because of a photovoltaic plant makes no sense." Ignoring the warning signs Documents reveal that Spanish authorities had been conducting stress tests on the grid days before the collapse, ignoring alarming fluctuations in power. Officials have been accused of downplaying these red flags, confining their investigation to a mere 20-second window while dismissing hours of instability. The blackouts aftermath was catastrophic: 35,000 passengers were stranded on stalled trains, hospitals relied on backup generators, and emergency services struggled to respond. Just weeks later, Spain suffered another crippling outage as major telecom networks failed, cutting off landlines, internet, and emergency services. Spains crisis mirrors growing concerns about the feasibility of rapid renewable transitions. Germany, another green energy advocate, has faced similar instability, resorting to coal plants to compensate for unreliable wind and solar output. A cautionary tale for the world Spains crisis mirrors growing concerns about the feasibility of rapid renewable transitions. Germany, another green energy advocate, has faced similar instability, resorting to coal plants to compensate for unreliable wind and solar output. Meanwhile, critics argue that governments are sacrificing energy security for political agendas, leaving citizens vulnerable to cascading failures. As Spain criminal court criminal court investigates whether the blackout was an act of "computer sabotage on critical infrastructure," the incident underscores a chilling truth: no nation is truly prepared for the consequences of abandoning reliable energy sources in favor of untested green experiments. For the latest news on grid failures and other collapse scenarios, check out Collapse.News. Sources include: ClimateDepot.com Dailymail.co.uk Telegraph.com Texas advances Ten Commandments school mandate amid constitutionality row Texas House passes bill requiring Ten Commandments posters in every public classroom, largely along party lines. The bill allows state funds to defend legal challenges, which are anticipated by secular groups. Similar laws in Louisiana and Arkansas face court blocks, complicating the path for Texass law. Supporters cite historical significance; opponents argue it violates separation of church and state. Gov. Abbott is expected to sign the bill, but its implementation hinges on legal battles. Texas lawmakers cleared a crucial hurdle this weekend for legislation mandating displays of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom, advancing the Republican-backed proposal despite fierce opposition from Democratic representatives and secular groups. The bill, which now heads to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk for his expected signature, reignites a decades-old debate over whether religious texts belong in state-funded education. On Saturday, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 10 by a 88-49 vote, with final tweaks to clarify that the state not individual schools would defend legal challenges to the mandate. The bill requires districts to post a framed or poster copy of the English-language Ten Commandments aside foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence or Bill of Rights. Opponents, including civil rights advocates, argue the move violates the First Amendments Establishment Clause, fostering inequality for non-Christians. Legislative approval reflects traditionalist priorities The bills architects frame it as a bid to restore moral clarity to education. Co-sponsor Rep. Candy Noble argued, The Ten Commandments are foundational to our nations ethical and legal framework, while Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick praised the measure as a return to the moral compass of our forefathers. The legislation faced Democratic efforts to amend it to include other religious texts or allow schools to opt out, but all were struck down. Key amendments added during last-minute debate shifted liability for lawsuits to the state, addressing concerns over forcing underfunded school districts to battle costly legal battles alone. The move underscores backers confidence in the laws constitutionality, despite recent rulings like a federal judges 2024 suspension of Louisianas similar law that found such displays unconstitutional on their face. Legal fallout echoes historical precedents The Texas endeavor mirrors battles over religious displays in schools for decades. In 1980, the Supreme Court struck down a Kentucky law requiring classrooms to display the Commandments, ruling it served a religious purpose. More recently, North Carolina courts have permitted displays framed as historical artifacts, even as other states face setbacks. Legal experts anticipate a protracted showdown. Texas is banking on recent shifts in judicial conservatism, said Prof. Ira C. Lupu of George Washington University, noting that the current Supreme Court may view such displays as cultural touchstones rather than religious endorsements. However, plaintiffs like the American Civil Liberties Union insist the law crosses the Establishment Clause line, arguing it coerces public support for one faith over others. A national trend, facing local resistance Texass bill is part of a broader wave of state initiatives pushing religion into public schools. Over the past two years, Louisiana and Arkansas passed similar laws, while Oklahoma defied district resistance to mandate Bible distribution. However, only Texas thus far seeks to pair the Ten Commandments exclusively in classrooms. Critics, including the Texas Freedom Network, argue the law fosters exclusion. For non-Christian students, these posters institutionalize a sectarian hierarchy, said spokesperson Emily Witt. Meanwhile, some lawmakers, like Rep. James Talarico (D), highlighted the irony of approving SB10 over weekends traditionally reserved for legislative recesses calling it a violation of the Sabbath day were so eager to honor. As governors signature nears, uncertainty lingers With Abbott signaling support, Texass debate will shift to federal courts. If upheld, the law could embolden states yet to act, but its fate hinges not only on law but also public perception. With school districts nationwide under pressure to address social divides, the commandments presence in classrooms may become a flashpoint in debates over how or whether religion shapes public education. This isnt about faith, Rep. Noble countered. Its about grounding our children in the universal truths this nation was built on. For opponents, the laws defense hinges on the easier question: how far tradition can tread on modern secularism. As Julys start-of-school deadlines approach, classrooms statewide brace for a school year unlike any before and a legal fight that could forever reshape the meaning of public in public education. Sources for this article include: Newsweek.com NBCNews.com USAToday.com Trump administration proposes reallocating $250M in foreign aid to fund deportations of Ukrainian, Haitian migrants The Trump administration is considering reallocating $250 million in foreign aid to fund a voluntary deportation program, targeting migrants from conflict zones, including Ukrainians and Haitians under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The Biden administration granted TPS to Ukrainians (after Russia's 2022 invasion) and Haitians (since 2010), shielding them from deportation due to unsafe conditions in their home countries. The plan includes offering $1,000 stipends to migrants who agree to return to high-risk countries like Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen, potentially affecting over 200,000 Ukrainians and 500,000 Haitians. The proposal seeks to circumvent the UN-affiliated International Organization for Migration (IOM), which typically oversees repatriations but opposes returns to dangerous regions. The administration is also urging the Supreme Court to lift an injunction blocking the termination of humanitarian parole for over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, signaling a broader effort to reverse Biden-era immigration protections. The Trump administration is considering a controversial plan to reallocate $250 million in foreign assistance funds to finance the voluntary deportation of migrants from active conflict zones, including hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians and Haitians who fled violence in their home countries. Under the Biden administration, both Ukrainians and Haitians were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing them to remain in the U.S. due to unsafe conditions in their home countries. Ukrainians received TPS in 2022 following the invasion of Russia, while Haitians have held the status since 2010 after a catastrophic earthquake. The Biden administration extended protections for Haitians multiple times due to ongoing instability and violence. However, in internal draft documents obtained by the Washington Post, the Trump administration proposed to offer financial incentives, including $1,000 stipends, to migrants who agree to "self-deport" back to their home nations. The voluntary repatriation program targets individuals from some of the world's most dangerous regions, including Afghanistan, Libya, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Additionally, more than 200,000 Ukrainians and 500,000 Haitians under TPS could be affected by the proposed deportation initiative. The draft documents also suggest the administration intends to circumvent the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations (U.N.)-affiliated body that typically assists in migrant returns. The IOM does not support repatriations to many of the high-risk countries listed in the proposal. (Related: Trump administration to end legal protections for over 500,000 CHNV migrants under Biden-era parole program.) DHS and the State Department confirm the authenticity of the proposal for mass deportation Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman, confirmed the authenticity of the documents but called them "outdated." She stated that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem has not yet made a final decision on TPS for Haiti or Ukraine. "DHS and the State Department are working together to further implement the president's agenda by using foreign aid money to assist those illegally in our country to voluntarily self-deport," McLaughlin said, suggesting that the policy could apply to migrants whose TPS has been revoked. The State Department echoed a similar statement and acknowledged it is exploring "travel support and financial incentives" to encourage voluntary departures but declined to comment on specific nationalities. Moreover, the strategy also aligns with the Trump administration's request to the U.S. Supreme Court to lift an injunction blocking the termination of humanitarian parole protections for over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. A decision is pending, but the move underscores the administration's aggressive legal and policy efforts to dismantle Biden-era immigration measures, which had granted two-year protections and work permits. If implemented, the plan would mark one of the largest uses of U.S. foreign aid to fund mass migrant returns in recent history, circumventing traditional international refugee assistance channels. Bookmark InvasionUSA.news for updates on Trump's tough immigration policies. Watch the video below where Deputy Chief for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller reveals Trump got celebrity Rosie O'Donnell to "self-deport." This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump administration ends legal status for 500,000 migrants, orders self-deportation or arrest. Federal judge blocks Trump administration's order to deport over 500K migrants with Temporary Protected Status. Trump signs memorandum that seeks to prevent illegals from improperly accessing benefits. Trump preparing to DEPORT 1.5 million illegal immigrants paroled and let into the country by Biden. Trump administration defies court order to halt deportation of Venezuelan gang members, sparks constitutional showdown. Sources include: YourNews.com WPost.com Brighteon.com UN warns 95% of Gazas farmland destroyed as Israels siege triggers famine crisis The UN warns that 95% of Gazas agricultural land is now unusable due to Israeli attacks, pushing half a million Palestinians toward starvation. Over 80% of Gazas cropland is damaged, with only 4.6% still cultivable after deliberate destruction of greenhouses, wells, and farms. FAO reports 71% of greenhouses and 83% of agricultural wells are destroyed, collapsing Gazas ability to feed itself and creating a man-made famine. Famine is now imminent, with 500,000 facing catastrophic hunger and over a million surviving on less than one meal a day due to Israels blockade. Despite global outcry, humanitarian aid is blocked, and Israeli airstrikes continue, killing civilians and deepening Gazas humanitarian disaster. The United Nations has issued a devastating warning that Israels relentless attacks on Gaza have rendered 95% of the territorys agricultural land unusable, pushing half a million Palestinians to the brink of starvation. A joint assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) reveals that over 80% of Gazas cropland has been damaged, with only 4.6% remaining cultivable. The deliberate targeting of greenhouses, wells, and farms has decimated Gazas ability to feed itself, accelerating what experts call a man-made famine. Agricultural annihilation The numbers are staggering. According to the UN report, 71% of Gazas greenhouses and 83% of its agricultural wells have been destroyed by Israeli military operations. Beth Bechdol, FAOs deputy director-general, stated: This level of destruction is not just a loss of infrastructureit is a collapse of Gazas agri-food system and of lifelines. She added, What once provided food, income, and stability for hundreds of thousands is now in ruins. Before Israels siege, Gazas farmers cultivated citrus fruits, dates, and olives, sustaining a densely populated territory. Now, the land lies barren, littered with rubble and unexploded ordnance. The FAO warns that rebuilding will require massive investment and years of commitmentresources that will remain out of reach as long as Israels blockade persists. Famine as a weapon The destruction of farmland is not collateral damage; it is a calculated strategy. By systematically erasing Gazas ability to produce food, Israel has weaponized starvation in a clear violation of international law. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirms that famine is now imminent, with 500,000 Palestinians facing catastrophic hunger. Over a million more are at emergency levels, surviving on less than a meal a day. Despite global outcry, Israels blockade continues to strangle humanitarian aid. Although limited shipments have been permitted, relief organizations report that supplies are not reaching those in need. Gazas Health Ministry estimates that over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, wounded, or missing since October 2023, with thousands more perishing from malnutrition and disease. Aid blocked, lives lost The international community has failed Gaza. While the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) claims to distribute aid, Palestinians on the ground say no assistance has arrived. UN officials have condemned the GHFs involvement, warning that private, Israel-approved aid schemes will only deepen displacement and suffering. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue unabated, killing dozens daily. In northern Gaza, where nearly all cropland is inaccessible, families scavenge for weeds and animal feed. In Rafah, once a refuge for displaced civilians, Israeli bombardments have turned shelters into death traps. A recent attack on a school-turned-shelter killed 36 people, including children. Israels siege of Gaza is not war; it is ethnic cleansing. By destroying farms, blocking aid, and bombing civilians, the Israeli government has engineered a famine to force Palestinians from their land. The UNs findings confirm what eyewitnesses have long reported: Gazas food system has been annihilated, and its people are being starved into submission. If governments continue to fund and defend Israels atrocities, they become complicit in genocide. The time for empty condemnations is over. Sanctions, arms embargoes, and prosecutions for war crimes are the only remaining tools to stop this slaughter. Gaza is dying. Will anyone save it? Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net AlJazeera.com MiddleEastMonitor.com U.S. to halt penny production in 2026, saving $56 million annually The U.S. Treasury will stop minting pennies by early 2026, ending a 233-year legacy, as production costs now exceed the coins face value. Producing a single penny costs $0.0369, leading to an $85.3 million loss in 2024 alone prompting President Trump to halt production and save $56 million annually. Canada discontinued its penny in 2012, and critics argue the U.S. penny is obsolete, with even $1 bills costing less to print. Cash transactions will round to the nearest nickel, mirroring Canadas smooth transition, though concerns remain about fairness for cash-reliant groups like low-income Americans. With 114 billion pennies still circulating, the coins phaseout raises cultural and economic questions, including potential nickel shortages and the end of traditions like ".99" pricing. For decades, the humble penny has been a symbol of both thrift and government waste, costing taxpayers nearly four times its face value to produce. Now, its days are numbered. The U.S. Treasury will stop minting pennies next year after placing its final order for blank coin templates, with production expected to cease entirely by early 2026. This decisive move, championed by President Donald Trump as a fiscal necessity, marks the end of a 233-year legacy for Americas lowest-denomination coin and could reshape how cash transactions are handled nationwide. The penny's demise has been a long time coming. According to Treasury data, producing a single penny now costs 3.69 cents up from just 1.3 cents a decade ago due to rising metal prices and manufacturing expenses. In 2024 alone, the U.S. Mint lost $85.3 million minting 3.2 billion pennies, a deficit the government can no longer justify. "For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!" Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier this year, ordering the Treasury to halt production. The move is projected to save taxpayers $56 million annually. Critics argue the penny has outlived its usefulness. Even printing a $1 bill (cost: 3.2 cents) is cheaper than minting a penny, which requires smelting a zinc-and-copper blend. Canada discontinued its penny in 2012, and the U.S. military stopped using them at overseas bases in 1980 due to shipping costs. "We retired them for multiple different reasons, but normally because they were not being used or they just became too expensive to produce," said Caroline Turco of Colorados Money Museum, noting the penny will be the 12th U.S. denomination phased out. The slow fade of cashs smallest unit While pennies will remain legal tender indefinitely, their gradual disappearance from circulation will force practical changes. Businesses must soon round cash transactions to the nearest nickel a shift Canada implemented smoothly, according to retail analysts. "If we look at the experience in Canada, for the first year after they stopped making pennies, theres really no change in transactions," said Jeff Lenard of the National Association of Convenience Stores, which handles 32 million daily cash purchases. Electronic payments will still track exact amounts, but cash users may see subtle price adjustments. The transition raises questions about fairness. Low-income and older Americans who use cash for 22% of payments, according to Federal Reserve data could bear the brunt of rounding discrepancies. Jay Zagorsky, a Boston University economist, warns that without legislation mandating price rounding up, eliminating pennies might backfire by increasing demand for nickels, which cost 13.78 cents each to produce. "If we suddenly have to produce a lot of nickels and we lose more money on producing every nickel eliminating the penny doesn't make any sense," he told the AP. With 114 billion pennies ($1.14 billion) still circulating, many languishing in jars or Coinstar kiosks, the coin wont vanish overnight. Collectors may eventually drive up its value, though Turco cautions against expecting a "skyrocket overnight." The pennys retirement also spells the end of an era for cultural staples like penny loafers (jokingly rebranded "dime loafers" by Martha Stewart) and the psychological power of ".99" pricing. As the Treasury seeks cheaper ways to produce nickels, the pennys fate serves as a reminder: In an era of digital payments and soaring costs, even symbols of thrift can become unsustainable. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com CNN.com Axios.com APNews.com West Bank under siege: Settlers burn crops, uproot trees, and force Palestinians from their homes Palestinian families are fleeing ancestral lands as violent Israeli settlers burn crops, cut water supplies, and terrorize villages in a campaign of forced displacement, escalating ethnic cleansing. Settler attacks have surged, displacing 40,000 Palestinians since January, with 1,449 attacks last yearthe highest in two decadeswhile illegal settlements expand unchecked. Recent settler violence includes torching wheat fields, uprooting olive trees, slaughtering livestock, and forcing 150 Palestinians from Mughayyir al-Deir in a coordinated intimidation campaign. Israeli soldiers and police stand by as settlers attack, with officials like MK Zvi Sukkot openly endorsing violence, while global silence enables continued violations of international law. Many displaced Palestinians are refugees from the 1948 Nakba, now facing a repeat of history as state-backed settlers erase their presence village by village. Palestinian families are fleeing their ancestral lands as violent Israeli settlers, backed by military protection, are burning crops, cutting water supplies, and terrorizing villages in a brazen campaign of forced displacement. Over the past week alone, settlers have torched wheat fields, uprooted olive trees, and driven out 150 Palestinians from Mughayyir al-Deir in a chilling escalation human human rights groups call systematic ethnic cleansing. Since January, Israels military operations have displaced 40,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, while illegal settlements expand unchecked. The UN reports a surge in settler violence, with 1,449 attacks last yearthe highest in two decades. Yet Western governments remain largely silent as international law is trampled in broad daylight. A wave of destruction and displacement On May 25, settlers attacked Palestinians in Jerichos Al-Auja Waterfall area for the third time in 24 hours, part of a push to seize land for a new illegal outpost. The day before, they severed the villages water supply. Near Nablus, settlers set fire to wheat fields in Sebastia, destroying 40 dunams (nearly 10 acres) of crops. "The colonists came from the Shavei Shomron settlement and a newly established outpost in the area. The arson targeted farmland in the village's plain, destroying crops owned by local Palestinian residents," said Sebastias mayor, Mohammad Azem. In Hebron, 70 olive treesa lifeline for Palestinian farmerswere uprooted. Near Bethlehem, settlers slaughtered goats and sheep, targeting Bedouin livelihoods. "They attack us with stones and abuse," said Mustafa Khater, a Bruqin resident, where settlers burned homes and vehicles last week. The most shocking case unfolded in Mughayyir al-Deir, where extremist settlers, including UK-sanctioned Elisha Yered, forced 150 Palestinians to flee after a five-day intimidation campaign. Yered boasted on social media: "This is what redemption looks like!... This outpost contained about 150 people from the enemy population, but it was broken." Military complicity and global silence Israeli soldiers and police stood by as settlers harassed families dismantling their homes. One villager, too afraid to be named, told reporters, "We are all leaving." The settlers tacticsarson, beatings, and livestock killingsmirror those used in other emptied villages like Wadi as-Seeq. Despite a "stop work" order for the illegal outpost, authorities took no action. Far-right MK Zvi Sukkot even visited the site, declaring Israel could "kill 100 Gazans in one night" without global backlash. Meanwhile, Israels military insists it acts to "ensure security" in a claim mocked by Palestinians who watch soldiers shield settler violence. The UN notes that settlement expansion has accelerated under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with ministers like Bezalel Smotrich openly advocating annexation. Since October 2023, nearly 970 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by soldiers or settlers. A laboratory of oppression Israels occupation, now in its 57th year, operates as a testing ground for repression. The International Court of Justice ruled Israels occupation illegal last July, demanding settlements be evacuated. Instead, attacks intensify. For displaced families, this is deja vu. Many uprooted from Mughayyir al-Deir were already refugees from the 1948 Nakba. Now, history repeats as settlers, emboldened by state backing, erase Palestinian presence village by village. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co Yahoo.com Reuters.com MiddleEastMonitor.com TheGuardian.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Staying connected while traveling used to mean juggling expensive roaming charges, unreliable SIM card kiosks, or navigating language barriers just to get a mobile data plan. But things have changed. The rise of eSIM technology has opened the door to a more straightforward, faster, and more affordable way to access the internet abroad, and Yesim is leading that charge. Yesim is a modern eSIM service designed for both tourists and business travelers. With global reach, contract-free data plans, and instant activation, it's quickly become a go-to solution for those seeking convenience and cost control. If you're tired of traditional roaming or switching physical SIMs, this may be the best way to connect on the go. What Is an eSIM? 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With fair pricing, flexible plans, instant setup, and reliable support, it's one of the most convenient solutions for today's international traveler. Whether you're a digital nomad, business professional, or casual tourist, Yesim takes the hassle out of staying online abroad. Ready to try it out? Use promo code YESIMTECHT10 at checkout to get a discount on your first plan. Whether you start with a small data pack or go all-in with a full international bundle, it's an easy and affordable way to stay connected wherever you are. Originally published on Tech Times "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. Pharmacogenomics studies how individuals respond to drugs based on their genetic code. Using that knowledge to guide prescribing in routine care could lead to better outcomes for patients and save money for health systems. Generating pharmacogenomic data in the laboratory is relatively straightforward, but a major challenge is making that information available to frontline healthcare professionals in a clinically relevant format and timeframe. This has meant that, to date, only a limited numbers of patients have been able to benefit from such individually optimised treatments. Dr. John McDermott, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK, will describe to the annual congress of the European Society of Human Genetics today (Tuesday) how he and colleagues, as part of the NHS-England Network of Excellence for Pharmacogenomics & Medicines Optimisation, have pioneered an approach to integrate genomic data into electronic health records in both GP practices and hospitals. This means that patients' genomic data can be made available to help select the safest and most effective treatment for everyone, irrespective of where they are in the health system. Pharmacogenomics is fundamentally different from rare disease and cancer genetics in that it has relevance across a patient's life, each time they require a medicine. But the professionals handling the data are unlikely to have had extensive training in interpreting this complex genetic information. The team based in Manchester, supported by the NHS England Genomics Unit, have developed a novel informatic approach that enables genomic data to be presented to clinicians, directly in their electronic health record, without disrupting normal clinical practice. "Our solution can work with many commonly used genetic testing platforms and all the major electronic healthcare record systems used globally. This means that healthcare professionals need not worry about interpreting genetic reports, instead they receive contextualised guidance within their existing systems as part of the normal workflow," says Dr. McDermott. The PROGRESS programme has recruited patients from 20 sites across England following prescription of common medicines - statins, opioids, antidepressants, and proton pump inhibitors - and pharmacogenomic guidance was returned, integrated into the electronic healthcare record. The proportion of patients with an actionable variant related to their medicine was recorded, along with prescription amendments, turnaround times and compliance with guidance. An interim analysis of the first 500 participants showed that pharmacogenomic guidance had been provided to all patients, with a median turnround time of seven days. A pharmacogenomic result related to the prescription of common medications was found in 95% of participants, and just over one in four study participants had their prescription adjusted to a safer or more effective treatment. Large-scale interventions like this need to be justified from a health economic perspective, Dr McDermott says. "There have been several studies showing the potential value of pharmacogenomics, which have typically focussed on specific drugs, specific genes, and specific clinical scenarios. For example, the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have recently recommended that all patients who have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) should undergo pharmacogenomic testing to guide the choice of antiplatelet therapy. This was based on a health economic assessment which demonstrated a potential value to the health system of hundreds of millions of pounds in prevented strokes and gained quality of life." Having demonstrated that genomic data can be integrated into routine care pathways and successfully inform clinical decision making, the researchers now intend to leverage routinely- collected healthcare data at scale to investigate how these prescribing changes are impacting healthcare utilisation and establish whether the intervention reduces the need for further appointments, attendance in emergency departments, and overall prescribing costs. "It was notable how frequently clinicians chose to follow the pharmacogenomic prescribing guidance. We think this reflects the fact that healthcare professionals had the data presented to them just like they would with any other biomarker. Prescribing is often adjusted based on things like renal function, and so we designed this intervention in a very similar way," says Dr. McDermott. "We hope that in future individual pharmacogenomic profiling will become equally integrated and commonplace. Our study has shown that this is possible, and now we intend to show that it will also be beneficial from a health economic point of view." This pioneering study shows how we can transform patient care through innovative approaches to personalized medicine. Seeing that more than a quarter of study participants had their prescriptions adjusted to safer or more effective treatments underscores the real difference this approach can make to people's lives. Pharmacogenomics will be a key part of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service in the future." Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics at NHS England Chair of the conference Professor Alexandre Reymond said: "This research concerns us all, since every one of us has a handful of pharmacogenomic actionable variants in our genome. The use of a specific, genomically targeted treatment can greatly reduce the risk of a bad outcome related to these variants." Hot flushes, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, urinary incontinence and joint pain: these are just some of the more than 100 symptoms associated with the menopause, a natural process that all women go through when they stop ovulating and menstruating, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. In addition to the stigma and discrimination women face during this biological transition, the physical and psychological effects can negatively impact their quality of life and productivity at work. A new open access study published in Frontiers in Reproductive Health by Clara Selva Olid, researcher at the Behavioural Design Lab (BDLab), which is affiliated to the UOC's research unit on Digital Health, Health and Well-being, has found that implementing public actions in the political, social and organizational spheres can help reduce discrimination and social stigma, counteract the lack of attention given to this stage of life and significantly improve both quality of life and the healthcare received by women. Giving women a voice Drawing on interviews with 20 women between the ages of 45 and 60 who have experienced both physical and psychological symptoms related to the menopause and postmenopause over the past five years, Selva Olid, also a member of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the UOC, has developed a 10-point proposal with three key areas for action: social awareness, education, and workplace and health measures. "My aim was to give women a voice in the design of more inclusive and effective policies to better support them through this transition," explained Selva Olid, who believes that it is essential for women to be actively involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies to ensure that they truly reflect their needs and lived experiences. The study also brings to the fore the debate on how to adapt such initiatives to the different social and economic realities faced by women in Spain. Proposed actions According to the Catalan Institute of Statistics (IDESCAT), there are nearly one million women in the region between the ages of 45 and 60 - the age range in which this transition typically begins. Factors such as health, genetics, sociocultural context and exposure to environmental factors ultimately determine when menstruation ends for good. However, perimenopause can begin several years earlier, bringing irregular periods and hormonal fluctuations. Once menstruation stops, postmenopausal symptoms, which affect eight out of 10 women, can last for several years. Despite being a natural process that all women go through, there is often a lack of information. The public health system also tends to be over-medicalized, and myths and discriminations persist. Against this background, Selva Olid's study aimed to identify and analyse actions that public organizations in Spain can take to support women during the menopausal transition. The study concludes with a 10-point action plan in three key areas: the social sphere, public health and the workplace, and medical research. 1. Social sphere. The women who took part in the study called for measures to increase the social visibility of the menopause, raise awareness of its effects and develop strategies for support and normalization. One such measure would be to include the menopause in school curricula, which would help normalize it as just another stage of life. "It's about developing support strategies to prevent many women from feeling isolated or ashamed, and ultimately to break the stigma," said Selva Olid, adding that "we need to work to empower women to take more control over their own health". Role models have an incredibly positive impact, and in this respect Selva Olid believes that social media play a helpful role in normalizing this stage of life - unlike traditional media, which have lagged behind in supporting this mindset shift. 2. Public health. It is vital to have health professionals trained in menopause, as well as access to psychological help, support groups or workshops on healthy habits. Selva Olid said that "although it's a natural stage of life that can have a significant impact on a woman's health and work performance, the financial cost of treatments to relieve symptoms and improve well-being is borne solely by women. But it should be a social responsibility - women don't choose to go through the menopause." 3. The workplace. The interviews conducted as part of the study show that, in order to create a more equitable working environment, there is a need for mandatory work-life balance policies and clearly defined menopause support. This includes government incentives for organizations that implement best practices and promote staff training and awareness to reduce gender bias, encourage open dialogue and help normalize this life stage. Measures such as appointing menopause role models in companies, offering flexible working arrangements and adaptations (e.g. more breathable uniforms), installing additional water stations in the workplace, allowing remote working and providing menopause-related leave can be highly effective in helping women to balance work with the challenges of this stage, while also reducing absenteeism and preventing job loss or resignation. In this regard, Catalonia is a pioneer in Spain, having adopted the Comprehensive Plan for Menstrual and Climacteric Equity 2023-2025, which represents a significant step forward in recognizing menstrual and menopausal health as a matter of rights and well-being, both in the workplace and in society. However, as Selva Olid pointed out, "it's still not enough to achieve real equity, as it's not a binding law that forces action to be taken in the workplace". 4. Medical research. More funding and resources need to be devoted to research into the menopause, particularly treatments and therapies to relieve symptoms and prevent long-term health problems. To date, research into women's health, if it has taken place at all, has focused on the reproductive phase, leaving menopause in the background, despite its profound physical, emotional and social impact." Clara Selva Olid, researcher, UOC She added that her interest in this area stems from "the need to increase scientific knowledge about this stage of life and to provide data that can help improve women's quality of life". A new study suggests that boys who become overweight in their early teens risk damaging the genes of their future children, increasing their chances of developing asthma, obesity and low lung function. Research published this week in Nature Communications Biology is the first human study to reveal the biological mechanism behind the impact of fathers' early teenage obesity on their children. Researchers from the University of Southampton and the University of Bergen investigated the epigenetic profiles of 339 people, aged 7 to 51. They assessed the father's changes in body composition across adolescence using self-reported body image as a proxy for body fat composition. They identified epigenetic changes in over 2,000 sites in 1,962 genes linked with adipogenesis (formation of fat cells) and lipid (fat) metabolism in the children of fathers who gained weight as teenagers. These changes in the way DNA is packaged in cells (methylation) regulate gene expression (switching them on and off) and are associated with asthma, obesity and lung function. The effect was more pronounced in female children than male children, with different genes involved. The overweight status of future fathers during puberty was associated with a strong signal in their children's DNA which were also related to the likelihood of their children being overweight themselves. Early puberty, when boys start their developing sperm, seems to be a key window of vulnerability for lifestyle influences to drive epigenetic changes in future offspring." Dr. Negusse Tadesse Kitaba, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton Professor Cecilie Svanes from the University of Bergen says: "The new findings have significant implications for public health and may be a game-changer in public health intervention strategies." "They suggest that a failure to address obesity in young teenagers today could damage the health of future generations, further entrenching health inequalities for decades to come." Prof John Holloway from the University of Southampton and the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre added: "Childhood obesity is increasing globally. The results of this study demonstrate that this is a concern not only for the health of the population now but also for generations to come." The research was funded by the Norwegian Research Council. Scientists are often careful to take off their work badges when they leave the campus of one of the nation's top research facilities, here in southwestern Montana's Bitterroot Valley. It's a reflection of the long-standing tension caused by Rocky Mountain Laboratories' improbable location in this conservative, blue-collar town of 5,000 that was built on logging. Many residents are proud of the internationally recognized research unfolding at the National Institutes of Health facility and acknowledge that Rocky Mountain Labs has become an economic driver for Hamilton. But a few locals resent what they consider the elitest scientists at the facility, which has employed about 500 people in recent years. Or they fear the contagious pathogens studied there could escape the labs' well-protected walls. That split widened with the covid-19 pandemic and the divisions that emerged from mask mandates and vaccine development. In 2023, Matt Rosendale, a Republican who was then a U.S. representative from Montana, falsely tied the lab to the origins of covid in an attempt to cut its funding. Now, Hamilton is a prime example of how the Trump administration's mass federal layoffs and cancellation of research grants are having ripple effects in communities far from Washington, D.C. On an April afternoon, hundreds of people filled the sidewalks at an intersection of Hamilton's usually quiet downtown, waving signs that read "Hands Off Federal Workers" and "Stop Strangling Science." Some driving by honked in support, rolled their windows down, and cheered. Others flipped off the rallygoers and cast insults at them. A passing bicyclist taunted protesters with chants of "DOGE" short for the Department of Government Efficiency, the federal initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk to cut costs that has driven mass layoffs and slashed programs. Kim Hasenkrug, a former Rocky Mountain Labs researcher of 31 years, who retired in 2022, joined the crowd. He slammed President Donald Trump's promise to let Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "go wild" on health issues. "Were beginning to see what 'going wild' looks like," Hasenkrug said. "These cuts will not streamline research. They will throttle it." As of early May, 41 Rocky Mountain Labs workers had been let go or told their contracts would end this summer, and nine more had retired early, according to researchers employed by the facility. KFF Health News spoke with 10 current or former Rocky Mountain Labs workers who requested anonymity to speak about information that has not been publicly released. The federal government has also slashed billions of dollars for research, including at least $29 million in grants to Montana recipients, ranging from university scientists to the state health department. That's according to HHS data confirmed by KFF Health News. Scientists who remain in Hamilton said research has slowed. They've struggled to buy basic gear amid federal directives that changed how orders are placed. Now, more cuts are planned for workers who buy and deliver critical, niche supplies, such as antibodies, according to researchers at the labs. The Department of Health and Human Services didn't respond to repeated requests for more information on the government's cuts to research, including questions about the changes in Hamilton. Deputy press secretary Emily Hilliard said the department is committed to the "continuity of essential research." Some within the lab feel as if they've become public enemies or outcasts, unable to defend themselves without risking their jobs. Postdoctoral scientists just starting their careers are seeing options dwindle. Some workers whose employment contracts expire within days or weeks have been in the dark about whether theyll be renewed. At least one Rocky Mountain Labs scientist moved to another country to research infectious disease, citing "current turmoil," according to an email sent from the scientist to co-workers that was reviewed by KFF Health News. "The remaining staff has been discredited, disrespected, and discouraged from remaining in public service," Hasenkrug said. The National Institutes of Health is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. It has 27 institutes and centers focused on understanding illness and disabilities and improving health. The agency's research has helped lead to vaccines against major diseases from smallpox to covid and has been behind the majority of medicines approved for the U.S. market. That research also generated more than $94.5 billion in new economic activity nationwide, according to United for Medical Research, a coalition of research groups and advocates. The Trump administration aims to eliminate roughly 1,200 jobs at the NIH and shrink its budget by 40%. The administration's budget proposal to cut NIH funding calls the agency's spending "wasteful," deems its research "risky," and accuses it of promoting "dangerous ideologies." It's a dramatic political turnabout for the NIH, which for decades enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington. From 2015 to 2023, its annual budget grew by more than $17 billion. As of 2023, Rocky Mountain Labs was one of only 51 facilities in the world with the highest level of biosafety precautions, according to the Global BioLabs mapping project. In April, HHS indefinitely stalled work at another of those labs, the Integrated Research Facility in Frederick, Maryland, Wired reported. Kennedy has said the nation should pause funding infectious disease research, and the White House has said it plans to intensify scrutiny of gain-of-function research, which involves altering a pathogen to study its spread. Hamilton, in Ravalli County, is a place of scientists, ranchers, and outdoor recreationists. Here, 1 in 8 people live below the federal poverty line. Nearly 70% of the county's residents voted for Trump in 2024, and Trump signs still dot U.S. Highway 93 leading to town. In the thick of the covid pandemic, the sheriff and county commissioners refused to enforce a statewide mandate to mask in public spaces while Rocky Mountain Labs researchers worked to understand the virus. The lab's work dates to 1900, and even early on it was controversial. Rocky Mountain spotted fever was killing people in the valley. Researchers found the cause ticks and worked to eradicate the disease-carrying bugs by requiring ranchers to treat their cattle. That created resentment among locals who "already harbored a healthy distrust of government-imposed programs," according to an NIH account. The tension came to a head in 1913 when a "dipping vat" used to chemically treat cattle was blown up with dynamite and another damaged with sledgehammers. Now, some residents and local leaders are worried about the economic consequences of an exodus of federal workers and their salaries. Most of the county is government-managed public land, and the first wave of federal cuts hit U.S. Forest Service workers who do everything from clear trails to fight wildfires. Rocky Mountain Labs generates hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy by creating more work for industries including construction and bringing more people into the citys shops, a 2023 University of Montana study found. The rural community is also a base for international vaccine developer GSK due to the lab's presence. Kathleen Quinn, a vice president of communications for the company, said GSK's business with government agencies "continues as usual" for now amid federal changes and that it's "too early to say what any longer-term impact could be." "Our community is impacted more than most," said City Councilor Darwin Ernst. He spoke during an overflowing March town hall to discuss the federal government cuts. Hundreds of people turned out on the weeknight asking city councilors to do something. Ernst, a former researcher at the lab who now works as a real estate broker and appraiser, said in an interview he's starting to see more homes enter the market, which he attributed to the atmosphere of uncertainty and former federal workers' having to find jobs elsewhere. "Someone recently left with her entire family. Because of the layoffs, they can't afford to live here," he said. "Some people retire here but that's not everyone." Jane Shigley said she's been a Hamilton resident for more than 30 years and initially thought the government would find "some inefficiencies, no big deal." But now she's worried about her hometown's future. "Somethings going on that we cant control," Shigley said. "And the people that its happening to arent allowed to talk to us about it." The City Council sent a letter to federal officials in April asking for formal consultation prior to any significant changes, given Hamilton's "interdependence" with Rocky Mountain Labs and the federally controlled lands surrounding Hamilton. As of May, city leaders hadn't received a response. People in town are split on how badly the federal cuts will affect Hamilton. Julie Foster, executive director of the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority, said the community survived the decline of logging, and she thinks Rocky Mountain Labs will survive, too. "It will be here. There may be bumps in the road, but this is a resilient place," Foster said. Even amid the cuts, Rocky Mountain Labs is in the process of a building expansion that, so far, hasn't stopped. And researchers' work continues. This spring, scientists there helped make the first identification in Montana of a species of tick known to carry Lyme disease. KFF Health News correspondent Rae Ellen Bichell contributed to this report. Researchers are investigating the mechanisms and identifying new areas of the brain that can benefit patients when stimulated. Persons with Parkinson's disease increasingly lose their mobility over time and are eventually unable to walk. Hope for these patients rests on deep brain stimulation, also known as a brain pacemaker. In a current study, researchers at Ruhr University Bochum and Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Germany, investigated whether and how stimulation of a certain region of the brain can have a positive impact on ambulatory ability and provide patients with higher quality of life. To do this, the researchers used a technique in which the nerve cells are activated and deactivated via light. Their report appeared in the journal Scientific Reports on April 12, 2025. Improving ambulatory ability If medication is no longer sufficient in alleviating restricted mobility in the advanced stage of Parkinson's disease, one alternative is deep brain stimulation. An electrical pulse emitter is implanted within the brain, such as in the subthalamic nucleus, which is functionally part of the basal ganglia system. The group under Dr. Liana Melo-Thomas from Philipps-Universitat Marburg was able to show in previous studies on rats that stimulation of the inferior colliculuschiefly known for processing auditory inputcan be used to overcome mobility restrictions. "There are indications that stimulation of this region of the brain leads to activation of the mesencephalic locomotor region, or MLR," says Melo-Thomas. Interestingly, the colliculus inferiorunlike the basal gangliais not affected by Parkinson's disease. However, the research group under Melo-Thomas discovered that its stimulation activates alternative motor pathways and can improve patients' mobility. The current study aimed to further investigate this activating influence of the inferior colliculus on the MLR. "We suspected that this would have a positive effect on ambulatory ability," says Melo-Thomas. Optically influencing nerve cells The Marburg group led by Professor Rainer Schwarting sought support by Dr. Wolfgang Kruse from the Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology at Ruhr University Bochum. The team in Bochum led by Professor Stefan Herlitze played a significant role in co-developing the methods of optogenetics. While doing so, the researchers ensure that the nerve cells of genetically modified test animals produce a light-sensitive protein in interesting regions of the brain. Light that reaches these nerve cells via small, implanted optical fibers allows the researchers to activate or inhibit them specifically. "This method is thus much more precise than electrical stimulation, which always affects the area around the cells as well," says Kruse. For the first time, the effect of the stimulation was directly documented with electrophysiological measurements of neuronal activity in the target structures. A multi-electrode system originally developed at Philipps-Universitat Marburg was used for this purpose. By combining these methods, the researchers were able to directly understand the effect of the stimulation. Parallel measurement with up to four electrodes is also highly efficient, allowing minimization of the number of animals used. Behavioral effects that can be triggered by the stimulation were monitored in conscious animals. Stimulation of the inferior colliculus provides the desired effect Optogenetic stimulation in the inferior colliculus predominantly triggered the expected increase in neuronal activity within it. "Simultaneous measurements in the deeper MLR region showed increased activity in the majority of cells, although nearly one quarter of the cells were inhibited by the additional activity in the inferior colliculus," reports Kruse. The activation of individual nerve cells occurred with an average delay of 4.7 milliseconds, indicating a functional synaptic interconnection between the inferior colliculus and MLR. Foundations for new types of therapy Investigating circuits outside of the basal ganglia that are affected by Parkinson's disease is a promising step in the search for a new therapeutic approach to alleviating motor deficits resulting from the disease. Such is the case with the connection between the inferior colliculus and the MLR that was investigated for this study. "Even if the path toward new therapeutic approaches to alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease still appears long, such foundational research is immensely important," emphasizes Kruse. The exact mechanisms that lead to the observed relief of symptoms with deep brain stimulation in the basal ganglia are not fully understood. Further investigation of the underlying interconnections may provide new insight that could optimize therapy in the long term. Funding This study was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) with the grants ME4197/2 und ME4197/3 and by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) in Brazil (PROBRAL Grant 88881.198683/2018-01). As Americans headed home from Memorial Day weekend, more than 3,000 flights were delayed by Monday afternoon, according to FlightAware. The delays were largely caused by strong thunderstorms sweeping across the South, Plains, and Mississippi Valley. The FAA has issued a ground stop for all flights heading to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Travelers should expect delays averaging 75 minutes, with wait times continuing to increase, Newsweek said. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the country, also saw delays due to heavy storms. San Francisco International Airport is experiencing 30-minute delays for arriving flights due to low cloud cover. Flight delays weren't the only problem. Travel disruptions continued Monday as at least 86 flights were canceled across the US. Earlier in the weekend, similar storms forced the FAA to briefly stop flights heading to Denver and Orlando. The National Weather Service is warning of several rounds of thunderstorms expected to impact the Southern Plains, Mid-South, and also Tennessee Valley. The forecast included threats of large hail, strong winds, flash flooding, and even tornadoes. Areas from Texas to Georgia, including cities like San Antonio, Mobile, and Columbus, were at risk. As we remember our fallen heroes on this Memorial Day , keep in mind that weather could lead to delays at airports and some flooded roads. I'm with @JordanSteele through 10am ET on @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/VpQr471dgu Kelly Cass (@kellycass) May 26, 2025 Storms Disrupt Holiday Travel Across US In Houston, forecasters expected two separate rounds of storms on Monday, worsening the impact on travel. While storms hit the South, parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and also Montana also experienced rough weather. Adding to the weekend's travel troubles, a Southwest Airlines flight from Tampa to Denver may have been struck by lightning Sunday night, Forbes said. The plane landed safely, and no injuries were reported, but the aircraft was taken out of service. The weather chaos comes as Americans travel in record numbers. According to AAA, over 45 million people were expected to travel this Memorial Day weekenda new record, and about 3.6 million of them by air. Dallas-Fort Worth Airport is gearing up for a busy travel period, expecting to handle around 1.4 million travelers. "Airports are bracing for another bustling holiday weekend," AAA said in a statement. Air travel this year is up nearly 2% from last year and 12% higher than pre-pandemic levels. As storms continue Monday night, delays may grow. However, flood watches in Texas are expected to end by Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, the FAA has not yet issued ground stops in nearby states like Louisiana and Mississippi, though thunderstorm warnings are active. Travelers are urged to check with airlines and watch local weather alerts before heading to the airport. Originally published on vcpost.com The role of AI in medical decision-making elicits different reactions in people when compared with human doctors. A new study investigated the situations where the acceptance differs and why with stories that described medical cases. People accept the euthanasia decisions made by robots and AI less than those made by human doctors, finds a new study. The international study, led by the University of Turku in Finland, investigated people's moral judgements on the decisions made by AI and robots as well as humans on end-of-life care regarding people in a coma. The research team conducted the study in Finland, Czechia, and Great Britain by telling the research subjects stories that described medical cases. The project's Principal Investigator, University Lecturer Michael Laakasuo from the University of Turku, explains that the phenomenon where people hold some of the decisions made by AI and robots to a higher standard than similar decisions made by humans is called the Human-Robot moral judgement asymmetry effect. However, it is still a scientific mystery in which decisions and situations the moral judgement asymmetry effect emerges. Our team studied various situational factors related to the emergence of this phenomenon and the acceptance of moral decisions." Michael Laakasuo, University of Turku Humans are perceived as more competent decision-makers According to the research findings, the phenomenon where people were less likely to accept euthanasia decisions made by AI or a robot than by a human doctor occurred regardless of whether the machine was in an advisory role or the actual decision-maker. If the decision was to keep the life-support system on, there was no judgement asymmetry between the decisions made by humans and Ai. However, in general, the research subjects preferred the decisions where life support was turned off rather than kept on. The difference in acceptance between human and AI decision-makers disappeared in situations where the patient, in the story told to the research subjects, was awake and requested euthanasia themselves, for example, by lethal injection. The research team also found that the moral judgement asymmetry is at least partly caused by people regarding AI as less competent decision-maker than humans. "AI's ability to explain and justify its decisions was seen as limited, which may help explain why people accept AI into clinical roles less." Experiences with AI play an important role According to Laakasuo, the findings suggest that patient autonomy is key when it comes to the application of AI in healthcare. "Our research highlights the complex nature of moral judgements when considering AI decision-making in medical care. People perceive AI's involvement in decision-making very differently compared to when a human is in charge," he says. "The implications of this research are significant as the role of AI in our society and medical care expands every day. It is important to understand the experiences and reactions of ordinary people so that future systems can be perceived as morally acceptable." India-US Trade Deal Could Boost Exports, Says Finance Ministry Report Published By : Agencies Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 23:07 IST A successful US-India trade deal could boost exports and unlock new markets, said the Finance Ministry. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal visited Washington to advance talks. Monthly review highlights potential benefits of a US-India deal as both sides aim to conclude talks by early July. (IMAGE: REUTERS) A successful trade agreement between India and the US could boost exports and unlock new market access, the Union Finance Ministry said in its monthly economic review on Tuesday. A successful US-India trade agreement could flip current headwinds into tailwinds, opening up new market access and energising exports," the report said. Recommended Stories Union Trade Minister Piyush Goyal visited Washington last week to advance trade talks, with both sides aiming to sign an interim agreement by early July. New Delhi is seeking to clinch a trade deal with the U.S. within the 90-day pause on tariff hikes announced by US President Donald Trump on April 9 for major trading partners, which includes a 26% tariff on imports from India. The US is Indias largest trading partner, with bilateral trade totalling about $129 billion in 2024. The trade balance shows that India runs a $45.7 billion surplus with the United States. The Union Finance Ministry report also said that the governments direct tax exemptions, fiscal measures and recent rate cuts from the central bank could accelerate the recovery and lift growth towards the upper end of forecasts of 6.3% to 6.8% in the current fiscal year. Government capital spending is playing a pivotal role" in supporting economic activity, and shielding the economy from global shocks, the report said, noting that personal income tax cuts and the recent rate reduction by the central bank are also expected to spur consumption and private investment. India has the potential to remain as one of the most promising destinations for investment amid ongoing global uncertainty, it said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The report added that the Indian rupee has remained relatively stable and that foreign exchange reserves continue to provide a cushion against external shocks. (With inputs from Reuters) 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 27, 2025, 23:07 IST Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO Day 2: Check Subscription Status, GMP Today; Should You Bet? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 11:27 IST Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO: Aegis Vopak Terminals owns and operates storage tank terminals across India. Check price band, allotment and listing dates and brokerage views. Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO. Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO Day 2: The initial public offering of Aegis Vopak Terminals Ltd opened for public subscription on Monday, May 26. As of 11:15 AM on the second day of the Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO subscription, investors have bid for 1,91,76,003 shares against the offered shares of 6,90,58,296, representing a subscription of 0.28 times. Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO Subscription Status Recommended Stories As of 11:15 AM on the second day of the Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO subscription, the status across various investor categories is as follows: Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) have been offered 3,76,68,163 shares, out of which they have bid for 1,48,38,894 shares, reaching 0.39 times their allocated portion. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have bid for 1,48,29,444 shares. Other categories under QIBs, such as Domestic Financial Institutions, Mutual Funds, and others, have not placed any bids so far. Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs) have been offered 1,88,34,080 shares, with bids placed for 8,20,386 shares, amounting to 0.04 times their portion. Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) have been offered 1,25,56,053 shares and have bid for 35,16,723 shares, equating to 0.28 times their allotted portion. Read More: Leela Hotels IPO Subscribed 7% On Day 1, Retail Portion Gets 21% Subscription; Check GMP Aegis Vopak Terminals Ltd (AVTL), a joint venture between Aegis Logistics Limited and Royal Vopak, is Indias leading third-party owner and operator of tank storage terminals for LPG and liquid products. It has presence over both East and West coasts of India. The IPO will be closed on Wednesday, May 28. The price band has been fixed in the range of Rs 223-235 apiece. Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO GMP Today According to market observers, unlisted shares of Aegis Vopak Terminals Ltd are currently trading at Rs 247 apiece in the grey market, which is a 5.10 per cent premium or GMP over the IPO price of Rs 235. It indicates listing gains for investors on June 2, the tentative listing date. The shares will be listed on both BSE and NSE. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price. Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO: Should You Subscribe? Most brokerage firms have given a subscribe rating to the IPO, especially for the long term. However, they have also flagged several risks. Giving a subscribe for long term rating for the IPO, Bajaj Broking in its IPO note said, While the company has demonstrated a strong financial turnaround posting a net profit of Rs 86.54 crore in FY24 after a marginal loss in FY23, the valuation requires careful consideration." Based on FY24 EPS of Rs 1 and a NAV of Rs 13.27, the IPO price band of Rs 223-Rs 235 appears expensive on traditional valuation metrics like price-to-earnings, especially as a meaningful P/E cannot be derived due to the companys recent shift to profitability, it said. While the companys strategic importance in Indias LPG and liquid bulk infrastructure space justifies a premium to some extent, the pricing seems to factor in strong future growth expectations. Investors should view this IPO as a play on long-term infrastructure and energy logistics growth, but must weigh the premium valuation against the companys limited historical profitability and execution risks in upcoming capex projects," said Bajaj Broking. Another brokerage firm BP Wealth has also granted Subscribe rating to the IPO. The company has demonstrated stable financial performance over the last three financial years, aided by its annuity-like business model and long-term customer contracts. The company has managed debt levels, indicating strong financial flexibility to support its expansion plans under project GATI. The companys asset-heavy model and predictable cash flows from storage contracts provide visibility in earnings, making it well-positioned for future growth," it said in its IPO note. The issue is valued at a P/E of 198.0x on the upper price band based on FY25 earnings. Therefore, we recommend a SUBSCRIBE rating for the issue," BP Wealth stated. Brokerage firm Ventura also granted Subscribe rating to the IPO. It said, At the upper price band of INR 235, the IPO is priced at a TTM P/E of 187.7x. While this valuation appears steep, the companys ongoing LPG capacity expansion and planned future ventures into green ammonia present substantial long-term growth potential. We therefore recommend subscribe to this IPO." Granting subscribe for long term rating to the IPO, Aditya Birla Capital in its note said, The company plans to raise Rs 2,800 crore with objective of loan repayment of Rs 2,016 crore and balance for funding expansion capex. At upper price-band of Rs 235, the issue is priced at a ~57x FY25 EV/EBITDA. The aggressive expansion and strong parentage instil confidence in the company, we recommend subscribe for long term to the issue." Risks According to brokerage firms, the IPO faces the following risks: 1) Slowdown in Indias oil & gas industry; 2) Damage to assets owing to natural calamities or any other reasons; 3) Non-compliance of safety or legal regulations applicable to the business; and 4) Promoters are involved in similar businesses. Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO: More Details Aegis Vopak Terminals has raised Rs 1,260 crore from anchor investors, ahead of its initial share-sale that opens for public subscription. The company is valued at around Rs 26,000 crore at the upper end of the price band. The IPO is entirely a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 2,800 crore with no offer-for-sale (OFS) component, according to the red herring prospectus (RHP). Previously, the IPO was planned to raise Rs 3,500 crore. Proceeds worth Rs 2,016 crore will be used for payment of debt, Rs 671.30 crore to fund capital expenditure for the acquisition of a cryogenic LPG terminal at Mangalore and the remaining amount will be allocated for general corporate purposes. Aegis Vopak Terminals owns and operates storage tank terminals across India. These terminals provide secure storage facilities for liquids like petroleum, vegetable oil, lubricants, chemicals, and gases such as LPG, propane, and butane. The strategic location of the companys terminals near key ports, closer to major shipping routes, offers competitive advantages, including faster evacuation through pipelines, rail, and road, lower delivery costs, and improved delivery times. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More First Published: May 27, 2025, 11:26 IST Stocks To Watch: LIC, IndiGo, Tata Motors, Dabur, DLF, Nazara Tech, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 07:45 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like LIC, IndiGo, Tata Motors, Dabur, DLF, Nazara Tech, and others will be in focus on Tuesday's trade Stocks To Watch Stocks to Watch on May 27: Domestic equity markets kicked off the week on a strong note, gaining over half a percent amid intra-day volatility and extending Fridays rebound. On Tuesday, May 27, several stocks are expected to remain in the spotlight owing to key corporate announcements, earnings reports, and strategic developments. Key Stocks in Focus Recommended Stories LIC, NMDC, Bharat Dynamics, Info Edge These companies are scheduled to announce their Q4FY25 results today, keeping their shares in focus during the trading session. IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation) Co-founder Rakesh Gangwal is planning to divest up to 3.4% of his stake in the airline through a block deal, potentially raising Rs 6,831 crore. The shares will be offered at a floor price of Rs 5,175 apieceabout 4.5% below the prevailing market price. Lupin The pharmaceutical company has entered into a licensing and supply agreement with SteinCares for its biosimilar Ranibizumab, targeting Latin American markets (excluding Mexico and Argentina). The drug is used to treat retinal conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. Tata Motors According to its inaugural Tax Transparency Report, Tata Motors contributed Rs 38,892 crore in taxes and other payments globally in FY25, a marginal decline from Rs 39,344 crore in FY24. Nazara Technologies The online gaming firm posted a net profit of Rs 4 crore for Q4FY25, a substantial jump from Rs 18 lakh during the same quarter last year. FirstCry (Brainbees Solutions) The parent company of FirstCry reported a net loss of Rs 111 crore in Q4FY25, a sharp increase compared to the Rs 43 crore loss in the corresponding quarter last year. Dabur India The FMCG majors board has approved the merger of Sesa Care with the company, a move aimed at consolidating its personal care business. DLF Real estate giant DLF is gearing up to launch a premium housing project in Mumbai within the next two weeks, marking a major expansion into Indias financial capital. PG Electroplast The companys promoters plan to sell up to 5.62% stake via a block deal worth Rs 1,177 crore. The shares will be offered at a floor price of Rs 740 each, and a 180-day lock-in will apply to further share sales. Aurobindo Pharma top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The drugmaker reported consolidated revenue of Rs 8,382.1 crore for the March quarter, registering an 11% year-on-year growth and aligning closely with analyst expectations. Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18. First Published: May 27, 2025, 07:45 IST Calm, But Cautious: UP Government Hospitals On Alert Amid Rising Covid Concerns Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 15:36 IST Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while reviewing the states preparedness recently, emphasised the need for vigilance CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered a check on the emergency response infrastructure. (PTI File) Amid a spike in Covid-19 cases reported in various parts of the country and globally, state-run hospitals and medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh have been directed to reserve at least 10 beds each for potential Covid-related emergencies. The move comes as part of precautionary measures ordered by the state government, particularly following the detection of four Covid cases in Ghaziabad, including one hospitalisation. Recommended Stories Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while reviewing the states preparedness recently, emphasised the need for vigilance. There is nothing to worry about given the present situation in Uttar Pradesh, but being alert is significant," the CM stated, urging medical institutions to focus on readiness without causing panic. He also instructed that the emergency response infrastructure developed during the Covid-19 waves in 2020 and 2021such as oxygen plants, ventilator-supported beds, and ICU unitsshould be rechecked and kept functional. The CM specifically cited the emerging JN.1 Covid variant, which has been detected in Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as a reminder that proactive steps must be taken. The Government of India has not issued any new guidelines yet, but we must not let our guard down," he said. He further advised health officials to monitor other vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and kala-azar, which remain seasonal challenges in the state. HOSPITALS BEGIN GROUND-LEVEL PREPARATIONS In compliance with the directives, government-run hospitals across the state, including key facilities in Lucknow, have started making arrangements. According to Dr. Rajesh Srivastava, Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Civil) Hospital, the 10-bed Covid ward is already in place. These beds were created during the earlier outbreak and remained ready. The facility is equipped with ventilators and oxygen supply and recently proved its utility when patients from Lok Bandhu Hospital were shifted here after a fire incident last month," Dr Srivastava said. Meanwhile, Balrampur Hospital has not yet received formal orders but is prepared to act as soon as directions are issued. We have not received an official order yet, but will comply immediately once it comes," said Dr. Himanshu Chaturvedi, Medical Superintendent, Balrampur Hospital. MEDICAL COLLEGES ORDERED TO REPORT READINESS The states 44 government medical colleges have been asked to submit a comprehensive status report via a Google Sheet, listing essential supplies and emergency infrastructure. These include bed availability, ventilator support, stock levels of gloves, testing kits, key medications, and staff strength. Each institution has also been instructed to prepare staff duty rosters to ensure round-the-clock emergency care capability. Preparations in advance can make all the difference during a health emergency. The goal is not to alarm but to be ready," said a senior health department official, adding that past experiences from the pandemic had demonstrated the importance of preparedness over reaction. FOCUS ON OXYGEN PLANTS AND ICU INFRASTRUCTURE The state government, during earlier Covid surges, had established over 1.20 lakh beds and set up more than 550 oxygen plants across hospitals and medical colleges. All such facilities have now been asked to undergo a status check and functional verification. Facilities created during the last waves of Covid-19 are an asset. They should be treated as active components of emergency response and not be allowed to fall into disrepair," said the official. PUBLIC ADVISED TO STAY CALM BUT CAUTIOUS top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While hospital-level preparations are being fast-tracked, the administration has reiterated that the public need not panic. Our systems are in place. From medical staff to oxygen support, we are capable of dealing with any situation that may arise," said an official at the Directorate of Medical Education. Dr Anurag Verma, a senior epidemiologist based in Lucknow, said, The virus may be changing form, but our response strategy should be constanttest, trace, treat, and above all, prepare in advance." First Published: May 27, 2025, 15:35 IST Mumbai Gets Breather After Overnight Rain, Red Alert Issued As More Showers Expected Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 07:06 IST Mumbai Rainfall: Local train services, the lifeline of Mumbai, are operating on schedule across all three crucial lines Central, Western, and Harbour. Mumbai Rainfall: Pedestrians cross an inundated road amid rains in Mumbai. (Image Credit: PTI) Mumbai Rainfall: Mumbaikars woke up to a temporary reprieve from incessant rainfall this morning, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fresh rain alert for the city today. While rain lashed Mumbai throughout the night, its intensity significantly reduced by dawn, offering a brief pause for residents. Despite the overnight downpour, there are no immediate reports of waterlogging across the city, a welcome relief for commuters. Local train services, the lifeline of Mumbai, are operating on schedule across all three crucial lines Central, Western, and Harbour. Recommended Stories The civic authorities and disaster management cells remain on high alert, urging citizens to exercise caution as the day progresses and the predicted rainfall potentially intensifies. Southwest Monsoon Arrives In Mumbai The southwest monsoon made an unprecedented early arrival in Mumbai, touching down on Monday (May 26) marking its earliest onset in over seven decades. This premature monsoon brought with it heavy rainfall, leading to widespread waterlogging and significant disruptions to both transport and flight services across the city. Southwest monsoon made its onset over Mumbai on May 26. This is the earliest onset in the last 75 years," the IMD said. Mumbai typically anticipates the monsoons arrival around June 11. This years onset shatters previous records, surpassing the May 29 arrivals in 1956, 1962, and 1971 by three days. Alongside Mumbai, Pune also saw the monsoons early advance. 8 Weather Stations Under Red Alert The India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed eight Mumbai weather stations under a red alert, indicating extremely heavy rainfall potential. These include Borivali, Santacruz, Powai, Mulund, Chembur, Worli, Colaba, and suburban Alibag. Neighbouring regions of Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan have been issued an orange alert, signaling the likelihood of continued heavy rainfall. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all BMC Urges Mumbaikars to Stay Indoors The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a strong advisory, urging Mumbai residents to remain indoors unless absolutely essential. The BMC, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), identified 96 buildings as unsafe for habitation during the monsoon season. Approximately 3,100 residents from these structures have been directed to relocate to safer accommodations to mitigate potential risks. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" First Published: May 27, 2025, 07:00 IST Khan Sir Reveals He Married In Secret, Didn't Go Public Because Of India-Pakistan Tensions Curated By : Translation Desk-Local18 Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 10:24 IST Khan Sir revealed he married in secret, choosing not to celebrate due to Indo-Pak tensions. A student banquet will be held on June 6 in Patna Khan Sir informed his students about the marriage during one of his classes, noting that he had kept the event under wraps out of respect for the circumstances. (Local18) Prominent educator and Indian YouTube personality Khan Sir has revealed that he recently got married in a private ceremony. In a video statement, he explained that the wedding date had already been set when conflict broke out between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. Khan Sir stated that given the heightened tensions, he chose not to invite anyone, feeling that the nations needs came before personal celebrations. According to sources, Khan Sirs younger brothers were particularly eager for him to marry and arranged the match with guidance from their mother. He admitted that he could not refuse his mothers wishes, and his family fully supported the decision. Recommended Stories He conveyed that the reception is scheduled in Patna on June 2. Khan Sir informed his students about the marriage during one of his classes, noting that he had kept the event under wraps out of respect for the circumstances. He further assured them that a celebratory banquet for his students will be held on June 6. During his announcement, students enthusiastically asked to see a photo of his wife, though none has yet been shared. According to a report in Economic Times, she is mentioned only as AS Khan on the wedding card, with neither her full name nor photographs being released. This aligns with Khan Sirs consistent approach of maintaining strict privacy around his personal life. Who Is Khan Sir? Khan Sir is an Indian educator who teaches at the Khan GS Research Centre and through his popular YouTube channel, where he is known for making complex subjects accessible. His unique teaching style has earned him a vast and loyal following. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Khan Sir has never officially disclosed his full name. While some speculate that he may be named Faisal Khan, this has not been confirmed. Notably, even the wedding invitation does not mention his full name. Despite public interest, his students widely respect his decision to maintain personal boundaries, praising him for his humility and unwavering dedication to education. According to the Economic Times report, his students have expressed support for his decision to keep the wedding low-key, reaffirming their admiration for his commitment to teaching. Preparations are currently underway in Patna for the reception, which is expected to remain modest in scale. First Published: May 27, 2025, 10:24 IST Vaishnavi Hagawane Tortured Brutally Hours Before Death: The Link To Karnataka Ex-Ministers Son Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 20:27 IST Vaishnavi Hagawane Pune Dowry Death: Of the 30 bruises, 15 were inflicted 24 hours before her death. The possibility of an assault with a rod hasn't been ruled out Vaishnavi Hagawane's parents have complained of extreme torture for dowry. (News18 Lokmat) The post-mortem report of Punes Vaishnavi Hagawane shows she was brutally beaten and tortured by her in-laws hours before her death, termed suicide by the family. Meanwhile, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police on Monday arrested five men, including Pritam Patil, the son of a former Karnataka minister, for allegedly sheltering her father-in-law and expelled Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rajendra Hagawane and his son and her brother-in-law Sushil. Recommended Stories CHILLING DETAILS According to News18 Lokmat, the report stated there were a total of 30 bruises on Vaishnavis body. Experts said that the possibility of her being assaulted with a rod cannot be ruled out. Of the 30 bruises, 15 were inflicted 24 hours before her death. ALSO READ | Vaishnavi Hagawane Death: A Grand Wedding, Brutal Torture For Dowry & Maha Political Row HOW DID VAISHNAVI DIE? Vaishnavi was found dead at her in-laws house in Bhukum area on May 16. While the Hagawanes from Pune claimed Vaishnavi died by suicide, her parents, the Kaspates, an influential family in the state, and the other daughter-in-law of the family alleged repeated physical assault and torture for dowry. Vaishnavis father Anil Kaspate then lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Shashank and her in-laws at the Bavdhan police station. No suicide note was found, police said. In the FIR, Kaspate alleged that at the time of the wedding, they had given 51 tolas of gold, silver, and a Fortuner SUV to her in-laws. Their demands started right from the time of engagement We gave gold and several silver utensils," Kaspate alleged. We wanted to give some other vehicle However, they insisted that they want only Fortuner, and we gave it to them," he said. Tired of the torture, Vaishnavi had allegedly attempted to die by suicide even after a few months of the marriage. The FIR further alleged that Vaishnavis in-laws had been abusing her, mentally and physically, asking her to bring Rs 2 crore more to purchase a property. Vaishnavi told me about this We conveyed our inability to pay the amount. And after this, the mental and physical torture from her in-laws increased," he said. Vaishnavis husband Shashank, mother-in-law Lata, and sister-in-law Karishma were arrested on charges of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide after the FIR was filed. Karishmas friend Nilesh Chavan, too, was arrested for kidnapping Vaishnavis child. THE FIVE ARRESTS Pritam Patil, 47, the ministers son Mohan alias Bandu Uttam Bhegade, 60, a resident of Vadgaon Maval Bandu Laxman Fatak, 55, a resident of Lonavala Amol Vijay Jadhav, 35, resident of Pusegaon in the Khatav area of Satara Rahul Dasharath Jadhav, 45, resident of Pusegaon in the Khatav area of Satara. WHO IS PRITAM PATIL? Pritam Patil is the son of Veerkumar Patil. Veerkumar, a senior Congress leader and former Karnataka energy minister, served as an MLA for 28 years. HAGAWANE, SUSHIL ON THE RUN After Vaishnavis death, Hagawane and Sushil were on the run for nearly a week. They sought refuge in multiple locations including Vadgaon Maval, Lonavala, Satara, and areas near the Maharashtra-Karnataka border. A video of them eating at a dhaba also went viral. Among their hideouts was a resort in Kognoli near the state border where they stayed between May 19 and 21. The booking was made under the name of Pritam Patil. The duo was arrested on May 23 when they tried to flee from the Swargate area. BONDED OVER HORSES Among Hagawanes hobbies were driving expensive cars, and keeping foreign-bred dogs. He was also fond of horse breeding. He had a black horse. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It is being said that Patil, too, was into horse breeding, which is how he came in touch with Hagawane and their friendship grew. Inputs from News18 Lokmat About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More First Published: May 27, 2025, 19:50 IST 21% Students From Low To Middle Schools In Tamil Nadu's Namakkal Uses Tobacco: Study Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 13:09 IST The study, published in Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research, reported that most students used tobacco in smokeless forms (76%). A total 300 students between Classes 9 to 12 in Ernapuram block, Namakkal were surveyed by scientists to learn about uses of tobacco among children. (File Photo) As many as 21% of high school students in Namakkal, a rural district in Tamil Nadu, reported using tobacco with many starting as early as 13 years. The study, published in Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research, reported that most students used tobacco in smokeless forms (76%). A total 300 students between Classes 9 to 12 in Ernapuram block, Namakkal were surveyed by scientists to learn about uses of tobacco among children. It was found that 63 students (21%) disclosed using tobacco, among them 51 were boys and 12 were girls. As per the study, only nine boys admitted to using tobacco through the questionnaire process held as part of the survey. While 42 boys and 12 girls admitted to smoking in a confidential in-person interview. Recommended Stories A study on tobacco product usage among students revealed that the majority, 76% (or 48 of the 63 students) preferred smokeless tobacco, while cigarettes were the second choice for 19% (12 students), and 5% (3 students) used beedis. Some students reported starting smokeless tobacco as early as class 4 (9 years old), with the average initiation age between 13 and 15 years. The duration of tobacco use varied, with 5% of students indicating one year, 6% reporting two years, 41% mentioning three years, 43% stating four years, and 5% having a five-year history. The average duration of use was approximately 3.37 years. On the other hand, 16% of the students reported using tobacco 2-3 times per week, 28% used it 4-5 times per week, and the majority, 56%, used it more than five times weekly. All the students belonged to low to middle-income socioeconomic backgrounds. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The early age of initiation, with some students starting as early as 4th grade and an average initiation age of 13 to 15 years, underscores a critical period during adolescence where tobacco prevention efforts are essential." it stated. The duration data, with most students reporting three to four years of usage, indicates that initiation of tobacco usage by most of the students correlates with the lockdown period of India during pandemic and Sustained use over time, further highlights the potential for long-term health impacts," the report further added. 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 27, 2025, 12:54 IST Class 11 Student From Kanpur On NASA's Hall Of Fame After Finding Major Flaw In The Website Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 16:21 IST A student of Saraswati Vidya Mandir Inter College, Damodar Nagar, NASA has honored 16-year-old Yuvraj Gupta with a letter of appreciation. Yuvraj Gupta (Image: X/@nuteralthinking) A class 11 student from Kanpur, Yuvraj Gupta has been honored by NASAs Hall of Fame after identifying a major security flaw on its website. The flaw he discovered could have allowed anyone to send fake emails from NASAs official domain, something even seasoned cybersecurity professionals had overlooked. The 16-year-old found the vulnerability while participating in NASAs bug bounty programme, which invites cybersecurity enthusiasts to identify and report weaknesses in their systems. A student of Saraswati Vidya Mandir Inter College, Damodar Nagar, NASA has honored him with a letter of appreciation. Recommended Stories Yuvrajs journey in cybersecurity began in Class 6, driven by his curiosity to hack a Wi-Fi password, reported India Today. Using YouTube tutorials, online courses, and books, he taught himself ethical hacking. In 2024, his skills caught the eye of a cybersecurity firm founder on social media, which led to an opportunity to train police officers across India in preventing cybercrime. Despite facing financial hardships, Yuvrajs family supported him as best as they could. With the help of his fathers savings and his sisters scholarship, he finally managed to buy a laptop to enhance his skills. Even though Yuvraj has achieved global recognition, he has yet to receive any support from the government. He hopes that authorities will acknowledge and encourage young talent like him. He has identified bugs on the websites of the Odisha and Maharashtra governments but is still awaiting a response. A native of Naubasta, Kanpur, he lives with his parents and two sisters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | Want To Work At NASA? Know About Qualifications And Skills Required Earlier in Februrary, NASA had honored Daksh Malik, a class 9 student, for his extraordinary achievement in the field of astronomy. He detected a Main Belt Asteroid, designated 2023 OG40. As part of the International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP), Daksh was one of the few young citizen scientists to detect asteroids using real astronomical data. 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 27, 2025, 15:36 IST Welcome Guest! You are here: Home BJP MLC booked for hurling Pakistani slur at Muslim IAS officer Kalaburagi Police has registered a case against BJP MLC N Ravikumar for purportedly referring Fouzia Taranum, an award winning IAS officer who incidentally is also a Muslim, a Pakistani Tuesday May 27, 2025 5:22 PM , ummid.com News Network [Fouzia Tarannum has been termed as an officer of impeccable integrity with an exemplary track record and deep dedication to public service and the State, by the Karnataka IAS Officers Association. (File image)] Bengaluru: Kalaburagi Police has registered a case against BJP MLC N Ravikumar for purportedly referring Fouzia Taranum, an award winning IAS officer who incidentally is also a Muslim, a Pakistani. Fauzia Taranum is currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Kalaburagi. She was honored by the President of India Draupadi Murmu with an award for adopting the Best Election Practices Award for 2024-25. She has also been termed as an officer of impeccable integrity with an exemplary track record and deep dedication to public service and the State, by the Karnataka IAS Officers Association. However, the BJP leader Ravikumar while addressing the partys protest rally on May 24 accused her of working under the influence of the ruling Congress Party and also linked her with Pakistan. The Kalaburagi DC office has lost its independence. The DC madam is also listening to what they (Congress) say. I don't know whether the DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here, he said while addressing the BJPs 'Kalaburagi Chalo' protest event. Watch Video This isnt just communal. Its criminal. BJP MLC Ravikumar called a sincere IAS officer As-Pakistani - simply because her name is Fouzia Tarannum. This hate-fuelled attack on a serving DC is an attack on the Constitution and civil service itself. Ravikumar is unfit for public pic.twitter.com/loGWelnLbW Rizwan Arshad (@ArshadRizwan) May 27, 2025 "Unacceptable, unjustified" The BJP MLCs leaders comments sparked a huge outcry. Slamming the remarks, the Karnataka IAS Officers Association demanded action and unconditional apology. In a letter posted on social media platform X, the IAS Officers Association also described the BJP leaders comments as baseless, unjustified and entirely devoid of rationale. The association said that such remarks not only malign IAS officers, but also inflict severe mental trauma and amount to harassment in the line of duty. Demanding an unconditional apology from Ravikumar for the irresponsible and unacceptable comments, the IAS officers association urged the authorities to register a case against him under appropriate legal provisions for spreading misinformation and attempting to undermine the dignity of a serving district magistrate. Civil servants must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without fear, prejudice or undue pressure, the letter said, adding that the association will stand by all officers who are targeted unfairly. Following the outrage, a case was registered against Ravikumar at Kalaburagi Police Station. The Police filed case against the BJP leader based on a complaint by Kalaburagi Samudaya President Dattatraya Ikkalaki. The FIR includes charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, such as Sections 197 (imputations prejudicial to national integration), 224 (threat of injury to public servant), 299 and 302 (outraging religious feelings), 351 (criminal intimidation), 353 (public mischief), and provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Dattatraya in his complaint also accused Ravikumar of inciting hatred against Muslims and using derogatory language towards police officers, according to The News Minute. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Delhi Class 11 Admission 2025: Application Begins Today, Check Schedule, Eligibility And More Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 08:50 IST Delhi Class 11th Admission 2025: Candidates can apply online for Non-Plan Admissions at the official website - edudel.nic.in. Delhi Class 11th Admission 2025: Students can apply until June 9, 2025. (Representative image/File) Delhi Class 11 Admission 2025: The Directorate of Education, Delhi, will commence the online application process for Class 11 admissions under Non-Plan Admissions in government schools for the academic session 2025-26 today, 27, 2025. Eligible candidates can register on the official website edudel.nic.in 12:00 PM onwards. Only students residing in Delhi who have not passed Class 10 from a Delhi Govt/Govt-aided school in the 2024-25 academic session are eligible. Students who have passed class 10th during the Academic Session 2024-25 from Govt / Govt Aided Schools under the Directorate of Education are not eligible to apply for registration. They shall approach their last attended school for further assistance if transfer is required to another Govt. school. Recommended Stories Delhi Class 11th Admission 2025: Schedule Cycle I: Online Registration: May 27, 2025 (12:00 noon) to June 9, 2025 (5:00 PM) Display of Allotted Schools: June 19, 2025 Document Submission & Verification: June 20 to June 30, 2025 Cycle II: Online Registration: July 1, 2025 (12:00 noon) to July 10, 2025 (5:00 PM) Display of Allotted Schools: July 21, 2025 Document Submission & Verification: July 22 to July 31, 2025 Cycle III: Online Registration: August 1, 2025 (12:00 noon) to August 11, 2025 (5:00 PM) Display of Allotted Schools: August 20, 2025 Document Submission & Verification: August 21 to August 30, 2025 Delhi Class 11th Admission 2025: Eligibility Criteria Streamwise Minimum Marks Stream Minimum Aggregate Subject-wise Requirement Science (with Maths) 55% Eng 50%, Maths 50%, Science 50% Science (w/o Maths) 55% Eng 50%, Standard Maths/Maths 40, Basic Maths 45%, Science 50% Commerce (with Maths) 50% Eng 45%, Maths 50%, Social Science 45% Commerce (w/o Maths) 50% Eng/Hindi 45%, Social Science 45% Humanities Pass in Class 10 45% in aggregate for Economics; 50% in Maths for Mathematics A relaxation of 5% marks is applicable for SC/ST, OBC (Non-creamy layer), minorities, Kashmiri migrants, National Games winners, and specially-abled students. Delhi Class 11th Admission 2025 Official Notification Special Cases: NIOS students: 55% aggregate (without skill subjects) or 50% (with skill subjects) for the Humanities stream. Other boards with pass marks below 33%: Manual application at nearby schools till August 21, 2025. Age Limit: Candidates must be 15 or older but below 17 years as of March 31, 2025. Delhi Class 11th Admission 2025: Details Required To Apply Personal details Aadhaar number (optional) Bank details (optional) Date of birth Marks and subjects of Class 10 Scanned mark sheet (PDF under 300 KB) Delhi Class 11th Admission 2025: How to Apply? Step 1: Visit the official website of the Directorate of Education: www.edudel.nic.in Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Govt. School Admissions" link. Step 3: Select the option for Class 11 Non-Plan Admissions 2025-26 and click on New Registration". Step 4: Fill in the details and upload the required documents Step 5: Select the preferred stream for Class 11 (Science, Commerce, Humanities) Step 6: Upload the Class 10 mark sheet in PDF format (file size must be less than 300 KB). Step 7: Review all the entered details carefully and click on the Submit button to complete the application. Step 8: Save or print the confirmation page for future reference. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Step 9: Wait for the school allotment result as per the cycle you applied in, and follow the further instructions for document verification and admission. 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 27, 2025, 08:50 IST Tamil Nadu School Reopening: Education Minister Shares Important Update For June 2 Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 21:12 IST In a meeting, state Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi laid out a series of directives aimed at ensuring a smooth and equitable reopening for all students. Tamil Nadu School Reopening: Education Minister Shares Important Update For June 2. In a welcome development for students and parents alike, schools across Tamil Nadu are set to reopen on June 2, as initially scheduled, after the summer break. The early onset of the southwest monsoon has brought cooler temperatures and relief from the intense summer heat, paving the way for the return to academic life under pleasant conditions. During a high-level meeting with education officials of various districts, state Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi laid out a series of directives aimed at ensuring a smooth and equitable reopening for all students, particularly those in rural and economically disadvantaged communities. Recommended Stories The minister emphasised the need to ensure reliable transportation for students residing in remote areas. He instructed District Principal Education Officers to closely monitor bus availability and, where needed, coordinate with the transport department to deploy school bus services promptly. A pressing concern raised during the video conference involved students in private matriculation schools whose families, affected by poverty, are unable to settle outstanding fees, often resulting in withheld education certificates. The education minister directed officials to immediately engage with private school managements to secure these vital documents, ensuring that no students academic future is stalled due to financial hardship. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In preparation for the school reopening, the minister also urged that all necessary learning materials, including textbooks, notebooks, and school bags, be distributed to students on the very first day. He instructed education officials to confirm that all schools have received adequate supplies to meet these requirements. The school reopening follows a summer vacation that began in April. Earlier, there had been speculation about a potential delay in the new academic year due to soaring temperatures. However, with the early monsoon offering much-needed respite, the Directorate of School Education reaffirmed that classes for students from Class 1 to 12 will commence without postponement. Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 21:12 IST Tamil Nadu Schools Reopen On June 2: New Guidelines Focus On Discipline, Well-Being Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 10:49 IST The Tamil Nadu School Education Dept has issued new post-vacation guidelines for schools to boost student well-being, discipline, and improve the overall learning environment The guidelines also stipulate that the Chief Ministers Breakfast Scheme must be implemented on time and with quality. (News18 Tamil) With the summer vacation drawing to a close, schools in Tamil Nadu are set to reopen on June 2. The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has issued important guidelines for schools to follow post-vacation, aimed at enhancing student well-being, discipline, and the overall learning environment. According to the directive, Physical Education teachers must report to school 30 minutes before regular working hours. They will manage student attendance, discipline, and uniform compliance. Each class will have two Physical Education periods per week, and every student must participate. Recommended Stories Group exercises must be conducted once a week after school hours. In larger schools, these exercises should be organised separately for students of Classes 68, 910, and 1112. A daily morning assembly must be held in the presence of the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, with mandatory attendance for all students. On Tuesdays, schools with Classes 6 to 12 must include anti-drug awareness activities, such as speeches, poetry, posters, drama, songs, or Thirukkural stories during the assembly. The guidelines also stipulate that the Chief Ministers Breakfast Scheme must be implemented on time and with quality. After lunch, teachers conducting the fifth period must allocate 20 minutes for reading, where students should engage with childrens magazines, newspapers, or library books. A weekly period will be dedicated to moral education, focusing on students mental well-being, with guidance provided by the class teacher. Another period per week is reserved for library activities, where students will read and take notes on their learnings. Teachers should ensure effective utilisation of the books provided through the Integrated School Education Programme. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Furthermore, School Management Committee (SMC) meetings should be held as scheduled. Before the SMC meetings, class-wise parent meetings must take place. During these meetings, teachers should discuss students attendance, academic performance, physical and mental health, and participation in co-curricular and non-curricular activities. Parents should also be informed about the daily learning support expected from home and updated on the schools infrastructure and SMC-initiated improvements. The Principal Education Officers and District Primary Education Officers have been instructed to circulate these procedures to all school heads and ensure they send an acknowledgement of receipt. Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 10:49 IST University Of Mumbai 1st Merit List For UG Courses Today; Record 8 Lakh+ Applications Received Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 09:12 IST University Of Mumbai 1st Merit List for UG courses will be released on the official website at mu.ac.in. This year, record 8,11,643 applications received. University of Mumbai merit list 2025 to be released today, check details here. (Image: mu.ac.in) University of Mumbai 1st Merit List: The University of Mumbai will release the first merit list for first-year undergraduate admissions on Tuesday, May 27, at 5 PM. This merit list is for the 202526 academic session and will include admissions across 850 affiliated colleges and autonomous institutions. This years online admission process started on May 8, and a large number of students took part. A total of 2,53,370 students completed the pre-admission registration, sending in 8,11,643 applications for various undergraduate courses. Recommended Stories The admission process is being carried out under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and a government directive from April 20, 2023. It includes 3-year degree programs, 4-year Honours and Honours with Research courses, and 5-year integrated courses, all of which offer flexible entry and exit options. All colleges must follow the admission schedule strictly, adhering to government and University of Mumbai norms," said Pooja Raudale, director of the board of examinations and evaluation. She stated that all admissions will be carried out based on course-wise capacity, reservation policies, and eligibility requirements, in accordance with guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission and the state government. Mumbai University First Merit List 2025: Easy Steps To Check Heres how students can check the first merit list for Mumbai University admissions 2025 from the official website: Go to the Mumbai University site at mu.ac.in. On the homepage, find and click on the section that says Admissions 202526" or look for a banner that says First Year Degree College Merit List." Youll see a list of all the affiliated colleges. Find and click on the name of the college you applied to. Look for the link that says First Merit List (2025)" under your chosen college. Click on it the list will open as a PDF file. Use the search bar or press Ctrl + F on your keyboard to quickly find your name or application number in the list. Next to the merit list, colleges will mention details about document verification, fee payment, and the final admission process. Make sure you note all the deadlines and what documents you need. Some colleges may ask you to visit their own official website for more specific instructions on completing the admission process. Here are the most popular courses based on the number of applications received this year: B.Com: 1,51,902 applications B.Com (Accounting and Finance): 1,13,392 applications B.Sc (Information Technology): 86,976 applications BA: 83,630 applications B.Sc Computer Science: 67,423 applications B.Com (Management Studies): 54,238 applications B.Sc: 34,987 applications B.A.M.C: 26,416 applications B.Com (Financial Market): 28,423 applications B.Com (Banking and Insurance): 22,200 applications B.Sc (Biotechnology): 22,578 applications B.Sc (Data Science): 15,230 applications B.Sc (Data Science and AI): 7,163 applications B.Sc (AI and Machine Learning): 7,357 applications top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all B.Sc (AI): 6,120 applications Cloud Technology and Information Security: 1,065 applications 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 27, 2025, 09:07 IST Why Did Class 10 and 12 Toppers Spend A Day With Top Cops In Punjab? Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 14:26 IST Punjabs Class 10 and 12 toppers got a unique chance to spend a day with senior district officials under the states Ek Din, DC/SSP De Sang initiative to learn about governance This initiative by the Punjab government aims not only to honour academic excellence but also to inspire the next generation of leaders. (News18 Hindi) Punjabs top-performing Class 10 and 12 students recently got a unique opportunity to spend a day with senior district officials as part of a new initiative by the state government. The programme, titled Ek Din, DC/SSP De Sang (One Day With DC/SSP), aims to provide meritorious students from government schools with a first-hand experience of public administration, discipline, and service. Under this initiative, toppers were invited to interact with high-ranking officials such as Deputy Commissioners (DC), Police Commissioners (CP), and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP). On Monday, the DCs of Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Kapurthala, along with the CP of Jalandhar and the SSP of Kapurthala, spent the day with their districts top students. Recommended Stories Toppers Learn About Administration and Policing In Jalandhar, DC Himanshu Aggarwal spent time with Class 12 (Non-Medical) toppers, Madhavi Salaria (99%), Sakshi (98.6%), and Amanpreet Kaur (98.4%). The students were taken on a guided tour of the DC office, SDM court, Seva Kendra, and the sub-registrars office, where the administrative processes were explained in detail. Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur met with Class 10 toppers Preeti Kumari (97.85%), Navneet Kaur (97.54%), and Neelu Kumari (97.54%), offering them insights into police work, law and order, and public safety. Amritsar DC Sakshi Sahni hosted Class 10 toppers Mehrpreet Kaur (99.38%), Arnoorbir Kaur (98.30%), and Arshdeep Singh (97.84%) for lunch at her residence. Sharing her journey into civil services, she advised students to choose careers based on passion, not pressure. True happiness lies in helping others and contributing to society, not just in earning a salary," she said. Leadership Lessons in Hoshiarpur And Kapurthala In Hoshiarpur, DC Ashika Jain met Class 10 toppers Mehakpreet Kaur (98.46%), Surekha (98.3%), and Mantavy Singh (96.61%). She spoke to them about leadership, the functioning of district administration, and the value of serving the public. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kapurthala DC Amit Kumar Panchal met with Class 12 toppers Ankita Sharma, Ravneet Kaur, and Tania. He encouraged them to remain dedicated and to never give up on their goals. SSP Gaurav Tura, who interacted with Class 10 toppers Manpreet Kaur (96.77%), Kamaljit Kaur (96.46%), and Anjali Kumari (95.84%), also motivated them to continue striving for excellence in their chosen fields. This initiative by the Punjab government aims not only to honour academic excellence but also to inspire the next generation of leaders by giving them a glimpse into public service and governance. Location : Punjab, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 14:26 IST J&K Assembly Bypolls, Local And Rajya Sabha Elections Remain On Hold Amid Security Concerns Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 19:07 IST Sources told News18 that the situation is likely to persist until security agencies give approval to the Election Commission for the polls following the Pahalgam terror attack Officially, the ECI has not cited reasons for the delays. File pic/PTI Uncertainty continues over the assembly bypolls in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the pending local body and Rajya Sabha elections. The situation is likely to persist until security agencies give a go-ahead to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for holding polls, News18 has learnt. Local body electionsincluding municipal agencies, panchayats, and Block Development Councils (BDCs)were expected around May, but plans changed following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mainly tourists from various parts of the country. The assembly bypolls and Rajya Sabha elections are also pending, but there is no timeline for when these will take place. Recommended Stories The incident on April 22 significantly impacted the regions security situation and Indias relationship with Pakistan. Security across the union territory of J&K has been heightened. Officially, the ECI has not cited reasons for the delays. However, sources told News18 that the situation is likely to persist until security agencies give approval to the Election Commission to conduct the polls. So far, elections were delayed because of Ramadan and Eid (in March). Before that, winter impacted the schedule. As soon as we get a go-ahead sign, we will hold these elections. The ECI is prepared to conduct them," a source said, requesting anonymity. Pending elections The term of the Block Development Councils (BDCs) in Jammu and Kashmir ended on January 9, 2024. Before that, between October and December 2023, the terms of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), and various municipal councils and committees also expired. The last time the panchayat and municipal polls were held was in 2018, while BDC elections took place in 2019. In SeptemberOctober 2024, the J&K assembly held its first elections since 2019, when the state was converted into two union territories, the other one being Ladakh. The Nagrota and Budgam assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir have remained vacant since October 2024. Chief minister Omar Abdullah resigned from Budgam, as he was elected from two seats and had to vacate one. Days later, BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana died on October 31, leaving the Nagrota seat vacant. It was expected that the ECI would announce the bypolls along with those in other states across India, but that did not happen. The elections for the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir have also been pending since February 2021 due to the absence of a sitting assembly. There were expectations that the elections would be held after the assembly formation, but parties are still awaiting it. It should be noted that Rajya Sabha elections do not involve participation of the general public. Political impact Two major regional partiesthe ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)have raised questions about the delay in holding elections. On Monday, after the ECI issued the schedule, ruling party MLA Tanvir Sadiq raised critical questions about why Jammu and Kashmir continues to be denied representation in the Rajya Sabha and why assembly by-polls to two seats are not being held", while speaking to the media. The PDP too expresses deep concern" over the continued delay" by the ECI in announcing by-elections for the vacant assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, Dr Mehboob Beg, PDPs chief spokesperson, said, The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been patiently awaiting the restoration of their democratic rights. While the Election Commission has promptly announced by-elections in states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab, the silence on Jammu and Kashmir raises troubling questions. This delay undermines the democratic aspirations of our people and risks further alienating them from the electoral process." Legal mandate top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, mandates the Election Commission to fill casual vacancies in the Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures through byelections within six months from the date of the vacancy, provided that the remainder of the term of the member is one year or more. Elections may instead be scheduled for September or October, as was the case last year, or delayed further due to the severe winters that affect parts of the union territory after November. The elections for the Rajya Sabha are only expected after the bypolls for the assembly are completed. About the Author Nivedita Singh Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More First Published: May 27, 2025, 19:07 IST Mumbai Under Water Again: Key Reasons Why City Keeps Flooding During Monsoon Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 08:58 IST Mumbai Rainfall: Mumbai has witnessed a significant shift in its rainfall patterns over recent years, posing a growing challenge. Mumbai Rainfall: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) acknowledged that drainage cleaning operations were not yet completed. Mumbai Rainfall: Mumbai is once again grappling with widespread waterlogging and disruption as the southwest monsoon arrived in the city 16 days early this year, setting a new record for its earliest onset in decades. The unseasonably early and intense downpour has brought familiar chaos to roads, railway tracks, and even recently inaugurated underground metro stations, raising critical questions about why the Maximum City" continues to face flood-like situations with each heavy rainfall. Why Mumbais Drainage System Makes Monsoon Tough For The City? Recommended Stories Mumbais drainage system operates in a delicate balance with the sea. Its efficiency is heavily reliant on tidal movements. During low tide, the citys natural slope allows rainwater to drain relatively easily into the Arabian Sea. However, the situation becomes critical when heavy rainfall coincides with high tide. At these times, lock gates are employed to prevent seawater from rushing into the city. Even with the aid of pumping stations designed to expel collected water, the process is significantly slowed. The sheer volume of water accumulating in low-lying areas during high tide simply takes more time to clear. How Does Mumbais Unique Topography Contribute To Flooding? Mumbais very foundation contributes to its flooding woes. The city was originally comprised of seven distinct islands. Extensive land reclamation efforts over centuries joined these islands into a single, continuous landmass. While this allowed for massive urban development, it inadvertently created numerous low-lying areas. During intense downpours, rainwater naturally collects in these depressions. Despite a vast network of stormwater drains and pumping stations designed to manage this, the excess water accumulates before it can be effectively pumped out, leading to localized flooding. Has Mumbais Rainfall Pattern Changed And Why Is That A Concern? Yes, Mumbai has witnessed a significant shift in its rainfall patterns over recent years, posing a growing challenge. Instead of rainfall being spread out throughout the monsoon season, the city now frequently experiences intense downpours concentrated over much shorter periods. Even with built-in redundancies, the existing stormwater drains are often simply overwhelmed by these sudden, heavy deluges. This year, for instance, Mumbai has already broken a 107-year-old rainfall record for May, with the Colaba weather monitoring station recording an astounding 135.4 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours ending 8:30 am on Monday. The citys total May rainfall of 295 mm has also surpassed the old record of 279.4 mm set in May 1918. Furthermore, the Southwest Monsoon advanced to Mumbai on May 27, a full 16 days earlier than its normal arrival date of June 11, marking the earliest monsoon onset over Mumbai between 2001-2025. Is Critical Pre-Monsoon Work Unfinished This Year As Well? The early arrival of the monsoon, as witnessed this year, presents a significant hurdle for Mumbais preparedness. Essential pre-monsoon tasks, such as the unclogging of drains and desilting operations, follow a fixed schedule. An early onset can disrupt this schedule, leading to incomplete work and leaving the drainage system functioning at less than optimal capacity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Are Mumbai Floods A Failure of BMC Again? The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) acknowledged that drainage cleaning operations were not yet completed due to the monsoons early arrival, directly contributing to the flood-like situations observed. These pre-monsoon works are critical for the citys flood resilience, and their interruption this year has created immediate challenges for authorities. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" First Published: May 27, 2025, 08:58 IST Fifth-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Plan Cleared: How It Will Give India A Strategic Edge Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 19:26 IST The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft will significantly push India's indigenous defence capabilities and foster a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem A prototype of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's most advanced stealth fighter jet, at the "Aero India 2025". (Source: Reuters) The defence ministry has approved the execution model" for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to develop the medium weight deep penetration fighter jets to bolster its air capability. In a significant push towards enhancing Indias indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model," the defence ministry said on Tuesday. Recommended Stories The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the AMCA project in collaboration with private industry partners. Termed as Indias answer to fifth-generation air power, the AMCA is expected to be a stealth-heavy, multi-role platform incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as sensor fusion, internal weapons bays, advanced avionics, and supercruise capability. What Is Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft? The AMCA is a 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft with an internal fuel tank of 6.5-tonne capacity. Its advanced stealth features will enable it to meet new and developing challenges in modern warfare. The initial cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 15,000 crore. The fifth-generation stealth fighter jet also boasts of an Electronic Pilot powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) for advanced decision-making. It also has Netcentric Warfare Systems for real-time combat coordination, an internal weapon bay for a range of weapons, and Integrated Vehicle Health Management for predictive maintenance, as mentioned in an India Today report. It will also aid in complex combat situations and provide seamless coordination with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The internal weapons bay can carry up to four long-range air-to-air missiles and several precision-guided munitions, with a payload of 1,500 kg, The Indian Express reported. The fifth-generation aircraft are different from Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and have low electromagnetic signature, making it difficult for enemy radar to detect it. With AMCA, India has joined the list of select nations which have developed a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. The United States has the F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II, China has the J-20 Mighty Dragon and Russia has the Sukhoi Su-57. How Soon Will India Get AMCA? The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has committed to delivering the AMCA by 2035. This journey began only in 2024, when the Cabinet Committee on Security sanctioned the project," DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat had previously said. It will take ten years, and we have committed to delivering the platform by 2035." One critical component of developing AMCA is the engine, which is likely to be developed through a joint venture with a foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The cabinet committee on security, led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the full-scale engineering development of five AMCA prototypes in March 2024, with an initial budget of over Rs 15,000 crore. With several major indigenous systems like VSHORAD, MPATGM, and LCA Mk II also nearing induction, Indias defence industrial base is poised for a transformative decade. What Are F35 And Su-57 5th Generation Fighter Jets? The 15th edition of Aero India in Bengaluru on February 10 showcases some of the most advanced Russias Su57E fighter jets and USAs F35. The Sukhoi Su-57 is a twin-engine stealth multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, can carry up to 7.4 tonnes of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. It has a maximum operating altitude of 54,100 feet and has a combat range of 1,864 miles. Russia, which has about 76 Su-57s, is looking to sell the aircraft to India and UAE, according to an Indian Express report. The F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft by Lockheed Martin are the most widely-deployed fifth-generation fighter, integrates advanced stealth, unparalleled situational awareness and networked combat capabilities", the defence ministry said in a statement. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a latest generation single-seat fighter aircraft, and has dozens of advanced capabilities such as ultra-high frequency voice and data and joint precision and approach landing systems, and the cutting-edge Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) for low-observable platforms. It has a payload of 18,000 pounds, with a speed of Mach 1.6 and has an internal fuel capacity of 18,498 pounds. The F-35 contains state-of-the-art tactical data links that provide the secure sharing of data among its flight members as well as other airborne, surface and ground-based platforms required to perform assigned missions. The F-35s engine produces 43,000 lbs of thrust and consists of a three-stage fan, a six-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single-stage high-pressure turbine, and a two-stage low-pressure turbine. Characteristics Of Each Generation Of Fighter Jets Explained Generation 1 Early Era Jets (1940-1950): This era marked the transition from propellers to jet engines, though the technology was still nascent. These jets lacked radar, had only machine guns and unguided rockets, and were limited in speed and altitude. Their design and construction were quite basic. Notable examples include the F-86 Sabre (USA), MiG-15 (USSR), Gloster Meteor (UK), de Havilland Vampire (UK), and Dassault Ouragan (France). Generation 2 Supersonic And Radar Era (1950-1960): Jets in this era achieved supersonic speeds, incorporated basic radar, and introduced air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9. Radar became crucial in warfare. Examples include the MiG-21 (USSR), F-104 Starfighter (USA), Mirage III (France), and English Electric Lightning (UK). Generation 3 Advent Of Multi-Role (1970-1980): Jets evolved to perform both air-to-ground and air-to-air attacks. With digital avionics, fly-by-wire systems, and improved thrust-to-weight ratios, they became more manoeuvrable and adaptable to various missions. Notable examples include the F-4 Phantom II (USA), MiG-23 and MiG-27 (USSR), SEPECAT Jaguar (UK/France), and Mirage F1 (France). Generation 3.5 Upgraded 3rd Generation (1980-1990): This generation modernised older aircraft with Pulse-Doppler radar, glass cockpits, limited BVR missile capabilities, and digital systems. Examples include the MiG-23MLD (USSR), F-4E (USA), F-5E Tiger II (USA), Mirage F1 CR/CT (France), and MiG-21 Bison (India). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Generation 4 (Since 1990s): Fighter planes underwent a digital revolution, becoming part of a complex network rather than solitary fighters. Modern warfare now involves information, communication, and technology. Fighter jets in this era became centres of digital technology, advanced avionics, and network-centric warfare. Examples include the Mirage 2000 (France), MiG-29 (USSR), F/A-18 Hornet (USA), JAS 39 Gripen A/B (Sweden), and HAL Tejas Mk1 (India). Generation 4.5 Advanced 4th Generation: These jets, technically 4th Generation, have been upgraded with modern technology, improved avionics, advanced sensors, and weapon systems. Sometimes called 4th Generation Plus," they incorporate some 5th Generation technologies like sensor fusion and low radar visibility. Examples include the MiG-29SMT/UPG (Russia/India), Dassault Mirage 2000-5 (France), F-16 Block 50/52+ (USA), HAL Tejas Mk1A (India), JAS 39 Gripen C/D, and Dassault Rafale. 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 27, 2025, 12:37 IST What Is Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful' Tax Bill? What Does It Promise? Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 11:11 IST Beyond the 2017 tax cuts, the bill includes no taxes on tips for workers in the service industry. It imposes curbs on Medicaid and raises cap on State and Local Tax Deduction The more than 1,000-page bill now heads to the Senate, which will have the chance to approve or make changes to it before it reaches Trump. (AP Photo) Republicans have passed a sweeping tax and spending bill, which Donald Trump called it one big beautiful Bill" and is officially titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA). The more than 1,000-page bill now heads to the Senate, which will have the chance to approve or make changes to it before it reaches Trump. Recommended Stories Whats In The Legislation That Was Passed By The House? Let us look at the key provisions of the bill. Tax Cuts: The legislation focuses on the provisions extending Trumps 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. With the cuts slated at this years end, the extension and new tax cuts have been a key priority for congressional Republicans and the White House. Beyond the 2017 tax cuts, the legislation includes no taxes on tips for workers in the service industry, such as at restaurants and bars. But this exemption will expire at the end of 2028. The package also includes no taxes on overtime. And the new legislation would allow tax deductions on up to $10,000 in interest on auto loans for cars assembled in the US. This provision would be in place until 2029. The bill would also eliminate a longstanding $200 tax on gun silencers, which has been on the books since Congress passed the National Firearms Act in 1934. There is also a provision for a temporary increase of $500 in child tax credit, bringing it to $2,500 through 2028. The package also includes a tax on remittances, imposing a tax on cash payments sent by non-US citizens to family members in their home countries. Medicaid Curbs: Medicaid is a popular entitlement programme that provides government-sponsored health care for low-income Americans. It imposes work requirements for able-bodied adults without children, more frequent eligibility checks, cutting federal funds to states that use Medicaid infrastructure to provide health care coverage to undocumented immigrants and banning Medicaid from covering gender transition services for children and adults. The implementation of work requirements will begin from December 2026. The work requirements would apply to Medicaid recipients without disabilities between the ages of 18 and 65, and those who do not have a child under the age of 7. Increase In State and Local Tax Deduction: The package has an increase in the cap on the State and Local Tax Deduction, which was imposed by the 2017 Trump tax law and currently stands at $10,000. In the new bill, House Republicans have raised the SALT limit to $40,000 for married couples with incomes up to $500,000. Snap Benefits: Reforms have also been added to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), used by over 40 million low-income Americans. The new bill requires states to contribute more to the programme, which is also partially funded by the federal government. Savings Accounts For Children: The legislation creates $1,000 savings accounts for children, which were originally titled MAGA accounts" Money Accounts for Growth and Advancement. The name has been updated to Trump accounts". Under the plan, the federal government will contribute $1,000 to the accounts of children born between 2024 and 2028. Parents can contribute up to $5,000 a year. The funds, which can begin to be distributed once the child turns 18, can be used for higher education, job training and the purchase of their first home. Border Security Funding: The legislation also includes resources for border security and defence. Among the bills provisions is $46.5 billion for the border wall, $4.1 billion to hire Border Patrol agents and other personnel and more than $2 billion for signing and retention bonuses for Border Patrol agents. It also includes an additional $1,000 fee for people who are filing for asylum in the US. It has an additional $12 billion for expenses related to border security. What Next? The Senate must approve the bill, and if that happens, it will return to the House for another high-stakes vote. Trump is urging the Senate to get on board. Its time for our friends in the United States Senate to get to work, and send this Bill to my desk AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!" the president wrote on social media on Thursday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all With the deadline to address the debt limit around the corner, the legislation would raise the debt ceiling to $4 trillion. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged the Congress to address the debt limit by July, warning that the US could be unable to pay the bills as soon as August without action. Meanwhile, Democrats, who are not in majority in the House, have criticised the bill on provisions related to Medicaid and Snap. 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 27, 2025, 11:09 IST Why Is Uber Under Government Scrutiny For Charging Advance Tips? Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 10:58 IST Legal experts say advance tips by Uber, Ola and Rapido appear coercive as it does look like an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019 The CCPA under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 views advance tipping as coercive. It pressures consumers to pay extra for timely service. (File Image) Uber, ride hailing app, has been under government scrutiny for allegedly charging passengers Advance Tips for faster service. Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, called the service deeply concerning" on social media. Forcing or nudging users to pay a tip in advance, for faster service is unethical and exploitative. Such actions fall under unfair trade practices," the minister wrote. Recommended Stories He stressed that the tip should be a token of appreciation given after the service completion, and not an entitlement beforehand. What Action Has Government Taken Against Uber? Joshi has directed the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to investigate the matter. CCPA has issued a notice to Uber in this regard, seeking explanation from the platform," he posted. He said the CCPA is also investigating other ride-hailing apps, including Ola and Rapido. They will be served notices if found to be indulging in such practices. As of now, Uber has not publicly responded to the CCPAs notice. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for tipping practices and service models in Indias ride-hailing industry. What Are Advance Tips? Ubers Advance Tip feature in India allows passengers to add a tip for the driver before the ride begins, with the intention of incentivising drivers to accept ride requests more promptly. This feature aims to benefit both riders, by potentially reducing wait times, and drivers, by increasing their earnings. Namma Yatri, which is backed by the government initiative Open Network for Digital Commerce, was the first to start this feature in 2022. Rapido implemented it in 2023. And Uber announced it in November last year and implemented it in April 2025. Like Uber, Rapido urges users to increase the ride fare, saying the available drivers are not accepting a ride at the current price. Similarly, Ola also tells users that their chances of getting a ride more quickly may increase if they add a tip. As per legal experts, the practise appears coercive", as it does look like an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019." Under the Act, unfair methods employed to promote the sale of an item include false representations about its quality and quantity, among other things. How Companies Trick Consumers Ubers Advance Tips issue also highlights dark patterns" used by companies to trick customers into buying the product or service. The CCPA issued guidelines in 2023, aimed at regulating and prohibiting such dark patterns. One such tactic listed in the guidelines is false urgency. It refers to falsely stating or implying a sense of urgency or scarcity to mislead a user into making an immediate purchase, or taking immediate action that may lead to a purchase. Last year, nearly 12,000 screens from 53 apps across nine industries were analysed by Advertising Standards Council of India, which identified an average of 2.7 deceptive patterns per app. It included apps like Ola, Uber and Rapido, and found that 32% of surveyed companies showed instances of false urgency, and 42% engaged in drip pricing. Why Is Government Scrutinising Such Companies? The CCPA under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 views advance tipping as coercive. It pressures consumers to pay extra for timely service, undermining the voluntary nature of tipping. Another practice employed by companies is drip pricing. Here, the prices of a product or service are not fully revealed. This practice feels like digital haggling," with commuters comparing it to street-side fare negotiations. The advance tips feature creates a perception that rides will not be accepted without a tip, especially during peak hours or bad weather. Some experts noted that consumers are held to ransom" to secure rides, with 84% of app taxi users facing cancellations when drivers dislike destinations or payment methods. Uber makes advance tips feature non-refundable, even if service is poor, exploiting a passenger. Social media backlash, as seen in posts on X, likens this to bribery" rather than tipping, with users feeling coerced to pay for basic service. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Industry sources note that tips are exempt from the 5% GST applied to ride fares, allowing platforms to boost driver earnings without tax liability. This creates an unfair advantage for apps using a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model like Namma Yatri, prompting larger players like Uber to adopt the feature to stay competitive. The CCPA is probing whether this skirts tax regulations. Uber and Ola were issued CCPA notices in January for alleged differential pricing based on users phone operating systems (iOS vs. Android), which both denied. The Uber Files (2022) exposed earlier scrutiny from the Reserve Bank of India and tax authorities over tax liabilities (Rs 800 crore claimed by DGGI in 2024), highlighting a pattern of regulatory challenges. 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 27, 2025, 09:18 IST CAMBRIDGE, Mass. Harvard University President Alan M. Garber announced a 25% reduction in his salary Wednesday, a response to the Trump administration's freeze of approximately $2.7 billion in federal funding to the institution. The funding halt, described by university officials as a "blacklist," has intensified financial pressures on the Ivy League school, according to The Crimson. The salary cut, effective immediately, aims to address the financial strain from the loss of federal grants, which support research, student aid, and operational costs. Harvard's endowment, valued at over $50 billion, offers some financial cushion, but the funding freeze threatens long-term research initiatives and student support programs, The Crimson reported. Posts on X indicate faculty reactions vary, with some pledging voluntary pay reductions and others pursuing lawsuits against the administration's decision. Fox News reported that the Trump administration justified the funding freeze by citing Harvard's alleged non-compliance with federal policy priorities, though details remain vague. Academic leaders have criticized the move, arguing it politicizes higher education funding. The decision has sparked concerns about academic freedom and institutional autonomy, with faculty lawsuits underway to challenge the freeze. Beyond Garber's pay cut, Harvard has paused certain capital projects and reduced administrative costs to offset the funding loss. University officials are also exploring budget reallocations and private fundraising to mitigate the shortfall. Despite these challenges, Harvard remains committed to its mission of education and research. The funding dispute is likely to escalate as Harvard and other universities navigate the shifting federal landscape. Garber's salary reduction serves as a symbolic gesture, but the long-term impact on Harvard's operations and academic programs remains uncertain. Why Rivers Swallow But Oceans Return: The Science Behind Kerala's Washed-Ashore Cargo Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 14:57 IST The sea is steadily casting remnants of the MSC Elsa 3 onto Kerala's beaches, raising public alarm and triggering urgent responses from the authorities. Containers from the ship MSC Elsa 3 that sank at the Kochi outer harbour drifted ashore, in Kollam, Kerala on Monday, May 26, 2025. (PTI Photo) Keralas tranquil shoreline is facing an escalating environmental threat after the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MSC Elsa 3 sank in the Arabian Sea off the states coast on Sunday, May 25. The sea, restless with post-monsoon energy, is now steadily casting remnants of the ship onto Keralas beaches, raising public alarm and triggering urgent responses from the authorities. The sudden appearance of massive cargo containers along the shoreline has triggered an intriguing question: why does the ocean, vast and deep, often surrender its debris to the land, while rivers seem to swallow their contents without a trace? Recommended Stories The answer lies in a complex interaction of physics, buoyancy, and oceanography. Buoyancy and Density Whether an object floats or sinks in the ocean depends on its density relative to seawater. Because saltwater is denser than freshwater, due to dissolved salts and minerals, objects that might sink in a river can float more easily in the sea. Items like wooden planks, plastic bottles, and even empty metal containers, if not completely waterlogged, remain buoyant. Containers from cargo ships, especially if sealed or partially filled with air, often float and eventually drift to shore. Waves and Currents Waves, generated by surface winds, are one of the most powerful mechanisms for pushing floating debris ashore. As waves travel toward land, they rise and break due to decreasing sea depth, driving objects inland. Similarly, ocean currents, some driven by large-scale wind patterns and others by temperature and salinity differences, can transport debris thousands of kilometres before beaching it along coastlines. Tides The gravitational pull of the moon and sun causes tides that shift enormous volumes of seawater toward and away from land. During high tide, floating objects are carried closer to the shore; during low tide, many of them are left behind on beaches, unable to return to deeper waters. Wind Direction Wind itself is a significant force in the movement of floating debris. On the western coast, especially during the southwest monsoon, strong onshore winds routinely blow toward the land. These winds, coupled with surface currents, act as conveyor belts delivering flotsam, including shipwreck cargo, onto the beaches. Will Everything Wash Ashore? While the sea does return many of the things it claims, particularly buoyant materials like plastics or sealed containers, heavier items, like fully loaded metal crates or machinery, are more likely to sink and remain on the ocean floor. However, even submerged objects can be stirred by undersea turbulence or strong currents and ultimately rise and drift to the coast over time. The phenomenon is not unique to Kerala. Across the world, ocean currents gather floating debris into massive gyres. The most infamous of these is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating graveyard of plastic waste trapped in the North Pacific Ocean by circulating currents. Back in Kerala, the arrival of these containers is just the beginning. The containers, some possibly carrying hazardous materials, have become symbols of a brewing marine crisis. If the oil stored aboard MSC Elsa 3 begins to leak in significant quantities, the resulting spill could smother coral reefs, poison fish, and destroy the fragile coastal wetlands. Environmental experts are calling for immediate containment measures and surveillance to assess and mitigate the damage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Kerala government issued a public advisory on Monday, urging residents and beachgoers to maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres from any drifting containers. The warning is not without merit: according to the Indian Coast Guard, the sunken cargo ship had 640 containers on board, including 13 carrying toxic substances and 12 loaded with highly flammable chemicals such as calcium carbide. Moreover, the vessel held 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil fuels now at risk of spilling into the sea and devastating the marine ecosystem. With monsoon winds and tidal forces gaining strength, the floating cargo and oil slicks are being pushed steadily toward Keralas shores. Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 14:57 IST After S-400, Is India Ready For The S-500 Air Defence? One Big Hurdle Remains Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 16:29 IST India may seek Russia's S-500 Prometheus after the S-400 Triumf air defence system played a crucial role in neutralising threats from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The S-400 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia's Almaz Central Design Bureau. (Photo: Reuters) Operation Sindoor marked one of the most intense air confrontations between India and Pakistan in recent memory with precision airstrikes by the Indian Air Force (IAF) targetting multiple terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In retaliation, Pakistan launched several missiles and drones across border areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Punjab. But what could have been a devastating blow was largely neutralised in the skies, thanks to Indias advanced air defence system, the S-400 Triumf. Deployed in layers across vulnerable sectors, the S-400 shield intercepted a barrage of enemy drones and missiles, forcing Pakistani jets to abandon or alter their flight paths. Military analysts say the system played a critical role in limiting civilian casualties and infrastructure damage during the retaliation phase of the operation. Recommended Stories Indias deployment of the S-400, a long-range surface-to-air missile system developed by Russias Almaz Central Design Bureau, has transformed the dynamics of subcontinental air defence. Capable of detecting threats up to 600 kilometres away and engaging multiple aerial targets simultaneously, including stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and even ballistic threats, the S-400 can destroy targets up to 400 kilometres away with pinpoint accuracy. Its rapid mobility ensures flexibility, allowing forces to reposition the system to match evolving tactical requirements. India had inked a Rs 35,000 crore (approximately $5.4 billion) deal with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400. The first squadron was deployed in Punjab in 2021, strategically positioned to counter threats from both Pakistan and China. Three squadrons are now operational; the remaining two are scheduled for delivery by 2026. Within the Indian Army, the system is referred to as Sudarshan Chakra, a symbolic nod to its devastating reach and precision. What Comes After the S-400? While the S-400 has proven itself in active defence, India may soon look to acquire an even more advanced shield: the S-500 Prometheus, also known by its military designation 55R6M Triumfator-M. Inducted into the Russian Armed Forces in 2021, the S-500 represents a generational leap in air defence technology. Designed not just to neutralise modern aerial threats but to dominate the near-space domain, the S-500 can intercept hypersonic glide vehicles, high-speed drones, and even satellites in low Earth orbit. This includes objects travelling at speeds and altitudes well beyond the interception capabilities of the S-400. With a detection range of up to 2,000 kilometres for ballistic targets and the ability to intercept them at distances up to 600 kilometres, the S-500 offers unmatched coverage and lethality. It includes the deadly 77N6 series of interceptors, capable of hit-to-kill" engagements, and can simultaneously track and engage up to 10 targets, more than enough to counter a multi-vector aerial assault. With this deal, India could become the first foreign customer of the S-500, should it formally express interest in acquiring the system. However, the path to procurement may not be straightforward. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The United States CAATSA (Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), enacted in 2018, empowers the US to sanction nations that conduct significant defence transactions with Russia. Though a 2022 legislative amendment pushed by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna provided a temporary waiver for Indias S-400 purchase, a similar exemption for the S-500 is not guaranteed. With the growing threat from hypersonic missiles and evolving space warfare capabilities, Indias interest in the S-500 is more than a symbolic upgrade it is a strategic imperative. But the geopolitical calculations around such a deal will be as complex as the technology itself. First Published: May 27, 2025, 16:25 IST Amid Tensions, Turkey Earns Praise In NITI Aayog Report For Skill Development In MSMEs Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 15:20 IST Despite strained India-Turkey relations, a NITI Aayog report highlights Turkey's KOSGEB as a model for India's SMEs, emphasising skill development and inclusive support. According to NITI Aayog, MSMEs contribute approximately 29% to the country's GDP, account for 40% of exports, and employ over 60% of the national workforce. Even as diplomatic and economic ties between India and Turkey continue to fray, a NITI Aayog report on Monday highlighted Turkey as a model for Indias small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to emulate, particularly in the field of skill development. In its latest policy report titled Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises, the government think tank listed programmes of Turkey in addition to Canada, Singapore and Australia for encouraging medium enterprises in India. The NITI Aayog report recommended adopting strategies similar to those pioneered by Turkeys KOSGEB (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organisation), drawing attention to its innovative online entrepreneurship training programs and inclusive support for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The report also noted that Turkeys e-Academy (a digital training platform) offered subsidised courses to enhance access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across different regions. Recommended Stories Drawing inspiration from these models, the report said, KOSGEB provides distance training on entrepreneurship; an effective, easy and flexible entrepreneurship training without time and space constraints by E-Akademi Programme Entrepreneurship Support Programme, with preferential treatment for women, youth and handicapped entrepreneurs." Turkey has been facing a backlash in India after its vocal support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that took place in April this year in which 26 tourists were killed. Yet, the NITI Aayog report paints a markedly different picture, when it comes to commerce. Alongside countries like Canada, Singapore, and Australia, Turkey is listed as a benchmark nation in fostering a robust ecosystem for medium-sized enterprises. The report singled out the Turkish e-academy platform operated by KOSGEB, which offers flexible, remote training programs tailored to entrepreneurial needs an approach the think tank suggests India would do well to adopt, especially for marginalised communities. Beyond the Turkish reference, the NITI Aayog document also laid out several ambitious reforms for Indias medium enterprises. Among the recommendations were a turnover-based working capital financing scheme, the issuance of business credit cards with limits up to Rs 5 crore at market rates, and the establishment of a rapid loan disbursement system supervised by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to NITI Aayog, MSMEs contribute approximately 29% to the countrys GDP, account for 40% of exports, and employ over 60% of the national workforce. To unlock further potential, the think tank has called for the formation of a dedicated research and development cell within the MSME Ministry, aimed at leveraging the Atmanirbhar Bharat Fund to support cluster-based projects of strategic importance. The report also suggested the upgradation of existing technology centres into sector-specific and regionally customised India SME 4.0 Competence Centres to promote the adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions. First Published: May 27, 2025, 15:20 IST Amid Tensions With Pakistan, BSF To Get Makeover With New 'Digital Print' Uniform For All Ranks Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 07:00 IST The updated uniform, which includes both combat and daily wear, will be rolled out across all theatres of deployment in coming weeks Sources said digital camouflage patterns have been finalised and approved, and implementation will begin in a phased manner. (Image: News18) In a significant move reflecting operational readiness and modernisation, the BSF the second largest Central Armed Police Force will soon get a makeover with the introduction of a new uniform for all its personnel. The implementation comes at a time of heightened tension along the Indo-Pakistan border, following a series of escalatory incidents by the neighbouring country. The updated uniform, which includes both combat and daily wear, will be rolled out across all theatres of deployment in coming weeks. Recommended Stories According to sources, digital camouflage patterns have been finalised and approved, and implementation will begin immediately in a phased manner. The move to digital print aligns the Border Security Force (BSF) with global standards and also follows the Indian Armys transition to a digital pattern uniform last year, developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Digital prints are significantly harder to replicate, which is a key concern for security forces. The disruptive design patterns are pixelated in multiple colours, making them extremely difficult to copy or counterfeit," said a senior official involved in the approval process. The uniform will use a blend of cotton and 20 per cent polyester, offering durability and comfort across varied climates. The BSF was widely praised for its role in the recent military standoff with Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the forces valour and said: I salute every individual of the air force, navy, army, and BSF. Their courage is the armour of our sovereignty." In a rare joint briefing, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai highlighted the BSFs contributions. BSF was an equal participant in our response. From their DG to their Prahari at the BOP they stood shoulder to shoulder with us," he said. A senior official said specialised BSF units will also transition to the new uniform over the coming months. Officials said the new patterns not only meet operational demands but also reflect the evolving face of Indias frontline forces. With tensions simmering along the western front, the uniform revamp signals both preparedness and a push for modernisation within Indias security framework. During wartime, the BSF operationally comes under the Indian Army and works as per the ground requirement. What makes the recent operation stand out is that it was achieved without any reinforcement or additional deployment. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Even while guarding four states Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir the BSF managed critical operations and retaliations against Pakistan with no additional manpower. On May 9, in response to unprovoked Pakistani firing on BSF posts in Jammu, the force struck deep, destroying a terrorist launchpad at Looni in Pakistans Sialkot district, inflicting a significant blow to enemy infrastructure. 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 First Published: May 27, 2025, 07:00 IST Amritsar Blast Accidental But Planned As Major Terror Attack: Sources | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: May 28, 2025, 03:37 IST A suspected terrorist was injured in a blast on the Majitha Road Bypass in Amritsar on Tuesday and later died According to Punjab police sources, Majitha is very close to the India-Pakistan border and is a hotspot for smuggling arms, drugs, and explosives via drones or land routes. (Representational image) The blast on the Majitha Road Bypass in Punjabs Amritsar district on Tuesday that killed one person was accidental but intended as a significant attack, police sources have told CNN-News18. Terrorists often hide their ammunition in abandoned plots like this one. They provide pictures of the location to another person for identification," a source said. In this case, the identification was a pillar, and the deceased individual came to retrieve the ammunition. His phone contained evidence that he intended to retrieve the ammunition from this site and also revealed his connections to a terror organisation." Recommended Stories These recent attacks in Punjab have been orchestrated by individuals abroad and Pakistans spy agency ISI, said the sources. In recent years, numerous ISI drones carrying ammunition have entered Punjab. This consignment, which the deceased terrorist sought to retrieve for an attack, is possibly part of the same influx. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the Punjab police sources, Majitha is very close to the India-Pakistan border and is a hotspot for smuggling arms, drugs, and explosives via drones or land routes. The Border Security Force recently recovered heroin and drones in the Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts. The Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is highly active and operates multiple sleeper cells in these border districts," a source said. Abandoned plots and residential colonies near the Majitha Road Bypass are frequently used to conceal smuggled consignments." About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: May 28, 2025, 03:37 IST Andhra Pradesh Vs Karnataka Over HAL's Manufacturing Unit | What We Know Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 14:58 IST Naidu has reportedly offered 10,000 acres in the Lepakshi-Madakasira region and has sought the relocating of the HAL manufacturing unit from Bengaluru to Andhra Pradesh. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have locked horns over the relocation of HAL's manufactuing unit from Bengaluru. (Image: X/@DefenceMinIndia) As the Centre approves the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program execution model, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are in dispute over the manufacturing location. Reports suggest that Chandrababu Naidu has proposed relocating the HAL manufacturing unit from Bengaluru to Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, the Karnataka state government stated that HAL is Karnatakas pride and will seek a defense corridor for the state. Recommended Stories Reports have emerged indicating that Chandrababu Naidu, in his efforts to attract defense manufacturing to Andhra Pradesh, has requested the Union government to shift HALs LCA and AMCA manufacturing units to Andhra Pradesh. According to sources, Naidu has reportedly offered 10,000 acres in the Lepakshi-Madakasira region, which is barely 100 km from Bangalore. Naidu met with Rajnath Singh in Delhi last week. This has prompted the Karnataka Government to take action. Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil stated that the state will not allow such a shift and termed Andhra Pradeshs action unjustifiable". It has been learnt that the Karnataka Minister is likely to meet Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and will urge the Centre to approve the Defence Corridor project for the state. Patil made it clear that Karnataka would not allow any dilution of its aerospace leadership. I will soon meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and also discuss the matter with our Chief Minister and the principal secretary. If such a proposal has indeed been made, it is inappropriate," he said while talking to the reporters. Patil also said he would speak to Union ministers from Karnataka to ensure the states interests are safeguarded. He further stated that the request for setting up of a unit in Andhra Pradesh as part of HALs expansion plans is understandable, but asking to transfer the existing Bengaluru operations is not justifiable. Responding to the tussle between the two states, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar asserted that the state government will not allow anything to be shifted. We will give land if they want to expand. They can get any new thing if they want, we will not come in their way but as far as Karnataka is concerned, HAL is our pride, Nehru ji gave this to us," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: May 27, 2025, 13:40 IST Karnataka Weather: Monsoon Reaches Bengaluru, Rain Forecast In Several Districts Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 08:32 IST Karnataka Weather Forecast Updates: The red alert for coastal Karnataka will remain in force for the next five days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Authorities have been instructed to act promptly in addressing rain-related disruptions. (Image: PTI) Karnataka Weather Forecast, Rain News Today Updates: Heavy monsoon showers lashed Karnatakas coastal belt for the third consecutive day on Monday, severely disrupting normal life in Dakshina Kannada district, prompting authorities to issue a red alert. In wake of the rainfall, the government has also deployed disaster response teams to ensure safety and security of the people. District in-charge Minister for Dakshina Kannada, Dinesh Gundu Rao directed local authorities to act promptly in addressing rain-related disruptions across the region to minimise public inconvenience. Recommended Stories The red alert for coastal Karnataka will remain in force for the next five days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Several parts of Mangaluru city reported waterlogging and traffic snarls as the drainage systems failed to cope with the downpour. Meanwhile, minor incidents of landslides were reported from hilly regions. Major incidents of waterlogging were reported from Kottara junction, Malemar, Mahaveera circle in Mangaluru city, while smaller inundation have been reported from Urva, Matadakani, Kudroli, Kodialbail (west) in the city. Thokkuttu, Goodinabali, Marakada, Panamburu and adjoining places were also waterlogged, according to news agency PTI. Dakshina Kannadas acting Deputy Commissioner Anand K said that all Anganwadi centres in the district were closed on Monday due to incessant rainfall. Chairing a video conference from Bengaluru with the deputy commissioner and senior officials of Dakshina Kannada, District in-charge Minister for Dakshina Kannada, Dinesh Gundu Rao reviewed the preparedness for the ongoing pre-monsoon and monsoon rains. He also instructed officials to remain vigilant in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas and initiate emergency response operations without delay, a press release said. He emphasised the need for accountability and coordination among departments during natural calamities. The IMD has forecast continued heavy rain over the next 48 hours across the coastal region. Officials On High Alert In view of the worsening conditions, one team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been stationed in Puttur, while two State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed in Mangaluru and Subrahmanya. Officials have been directed to remain on high alert. The administration has also instructed local bodies and panchayat development officers to take immediate preventive and relief measures. Monsoon Enters Karnataka Monsoon rains have entered the state, and heavy rains are being experienced in many districts of the state, including Malnad and the coast. In the wake of incessant rains in Dakshina Kannada district, a holiday has been declared for Anganwadi, schools and PU colleges for two days, and the district administration has issued an order. Two-Day Holiday In Dakshina Kannada Two-day holiday has been declared for schools and colleges due to heavy rains in Dakshina Kannada. A holiday has been declared for government, aided and private schools and pre-university colleges for two days on May 27 and 28. District Magistrate Mullai Mugilan has issued an order in this regard. The Meteorological Department has predicted that the rains will continue for another week. Holiday for schools and colleges in Kodagu Rivers in Kodagu are overflowing due to heavy rains, and the threat of flooding has increased again. Residents of the riverbanks are facing the threat of flooding. A holiday has been declared for colleges for two days due to continuous rains. A two-day holiday has been declared for all colleges under the jurisdiction of Kodagu University. The district administration has also declared a holiday for Anganwadis. Bengaluru Records Highest Rainfall This Month Meanwhile, Bengaluru city has recorded the highest rainfall this month, making it the wettest May so far. The city is very likely to experience light to moderate rainfall till May 31, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). According to IMD, Bengaluru city has received a cumulative rainfall of 307.9 mm from May 1st to May 26 till 11.30 am, beating the earlier record of May 2023 when it recorded 305.4 mm. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The data shared by the IMD showed that the highest rainfall received in May before this was in May 2022, with 270.4 mm, May 2017 with 241.9 mm and in May 2018 with 239.8 mm. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 08:12 IST Break Rule Of Law: SC Raps UP Govt For 'Hijacking' Litigation In Banke Bihari Temple Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 20:08 IST The apex court was hearing a petition to modify is order, which had approved Uttar Pradesh government's redevelopment scheme for the Shri Banke Bihari temple using its funds. Devotees in Bankey Bihari temple, Vrindavan (File) The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government for hijacking" the litigation between two private parties over management of the famous Shri Thakur Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. A bench of Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma rapped the state government and said if the state government starts entering into a private dispute between parties, it will result in breakdown of rule of law. Recommended Stories Was a state a party to the proceedings? In what capacity has the state entered the dispute? If states start entering into a private dispute between parties it will breakdown of rule of law," the top court remarked as quoted by news agency PTI. You cant hijack the litigation. In a private litigation between two parties, state filing an impleadment application and hijacking it is not permissible," the bench observed. The apex court was hearing a petition to modify is order, which had approved Uttar Pradesh governments redevelopment scheme for the Shri Banke Bihari temple using its funds. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioner Devendra Nath Goswami, claiming to be direct descent from Swami Sri Hari Das Ji Goswami, the temples 16th century founder, said that the fund of Rs 300 crore has been given to the Uttar Pradesh government without making us the party. How can you by an order in another petition direct that earning of a private temple be handed over to the state," Sibal submitted. The counsel appearing for the UP government informed the Supreme Court that the state has formed a trust to manage the holy shrine and oversee work on the proposed corridor. Entire money would rest with the trust, not with the government by virtue of the enactment, said the UP governments lawyer. People have died in temple," said the UP government lawyer, spotlighting the pinched streets around the temple and underlining that building a corridor is essential. The top court directed the counsel for the state government to give a copy of the ordinance passed with regard to the trust to the petitioner and directed the concerned principal secretary to file an affidavit by July 29. Supreme Court Clears Banke Bihari Corridor Earlier on May 15, the top court paved the way for the state governments scheme to develop the temple corridor for the benefit of scores of devotees. The bench had allowed the Uttar Pradesh governments plea to utilise the funds of Shri Banke Bihari Temple only for the purchase of 5-acre land around the temple to create a holding area. Under the proposed scheme placed on record by the state for development for the temple, the court said, 5 acre land around the temple had to be acquired and developed by constructing parking lots, accommodation for the devotees, toilets, security check posts and other amenities. On May 19, Goswami filed a plea and said the implementation of the proposed redevelopment project was practically unfeasible, and any attempt for redevelopment of the temple premises without the involvement and inputs of those who were historically and operationally associated with the temples functioning was likely to result in administrative chaos. The Supreme Courts May 15 verdict modified the November 8, 2023, order of the Allahabad High Court on a PIL filed by the Uttar Pradesh government, which accepted the states ambitious scheme but refused to permit the state to utilise the temple funds. Banke Bihari Temple The Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is one of the most revered and famous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. It holds immense significance for devotees due to its unique customs, rich history, and the belief that Lord Krishna, in the form of Banke Bihari, directly interacts with his devotees. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Banke Bihari literally means bent in three places". The idol of Lord Krishna stands in the Tribhanga posture, a graceful threefold bending form, which is characteristic of Lord Krishna. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More First Published: May 27, 2025, 20:08 IST Came To Push Tourism: J&K CM Omar Abdullah On Holding Cabinet Meeting In Pahalgam Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 15:57 IST Omar Abdullah said that this is the first time that the cabinet meeting took place outside the usual summer capital, Srinagar, or winter capital, Jammu J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah meet the guides who risked their lives to rescue tourists during the Pahalgam terror attack (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday held a special cabinet meeting in resort town of Pahalgam, which recently witnessed a ghastly terror attack, to give a clear message that the government will not be intimidated by cowardly acts of terrorism". While speaking to the reporters, Abdullah said that this is the first time that the cabinet meeting took place outside the usual summer capital, Srinagar, or winter capital, Jammu, during this governments tenure. Recommended Stories This morning, J&K cabinet meeting was convened in Pahalgam. This is the first time this government has held a cabinet meeting outside Jammu or Srinagar. Though we worked as per the agenda of our government, we did not have a cabinet meeting in Pahalgam for just an administrative or government function," he said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Pahalgam: J&K CM Omar Abdullah says, This morning, J&K cabinet meeting was convened in Pahalgam. This is the first time this government has held a cabinet meeting outside Jammu or Srinagar. Though we worked as per the agenda of our government, we did not have a cabinet pic.twitter.com/pH3qo7kAMK ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2025 He also emphasised that the choice of Pahalgam for holding the meeting was to show solidarity with the residents of the tourist town, which has experienced a sharp decline in tourist footfall since the devastating April 22 terror attack. The agenda of development and happiness in J&K, the agenda to represent the people in J&K will not stop due to bloodshed. Through this meeting, we thanked people of Kashmir especially those in Pahalgam, for their stand and bravery after the 22nd April attack where they raised their voice against violence and bloodshed," he added. The Chief Minister further laid emphasis on boosting the tourism of the region which has been affected by the terror attack. Since we are in Pahalgam, tourism is also on our agenda.. A group of Maharashtra tour operators is here in Pahalgam. They will also visit Srinagar. What encourages us is that earlier the group was going to be of 20-25 people But, around 60 tour operators from Maharashtra have come to see how the travel and tour industry can be resumed here I want to thank these people" #WATCH | Pahalgam: J&K CM Omar Abdullah says, Since we are in Pahalgam, tourism is also on our agenda.. A group of Maharashtra tour operators is here in Pahalgam. They will also visit Srinagar. What encourages us is that earlier the group was going to be of 20-25 people pic.twitter.com/VbHIGLfEio ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2025 The Chief Ministers Office also shared the pictures of the meeting held at the Pahalgam club. Chaired a Cabinet Meeting at Pahalgam today. It was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message we are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror," the CM said in a post on X. Chaired a Cabinet Meeting at Pahalgam today. It was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear messagewe are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror. The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu & Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid. pic.twitter.com/3Ysyx3tzbe Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) May 27, 2025 The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu and Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid," it said. The officials stressed that the gatherings significance lies more in its direct message to anti-national and anti-social elements that violence has no place in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah also shared the pictures of him at the riverside in the picturesque town. We came to express solidarity with the local population. Weve also come to thank all the tourists who are slowly making their way back to Kashmir & to Pahalgam," he said. In Pahalgam to chair a cabinet meeting. We came to express solidarity with the local population. Weve also come to thank all the tourists who are slowly making their way back to Kashmir & to Pahalgam. pic.twitter.com/VhKVyWV4Kd Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 27, 2025 Abdullah, during his first stint as the chief minister of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009-14, had held cabinet meetings in remote areas like Gurez, Machil, Tangdhar areas of north Kashmir and Rajouri and Poonch areas of Jammu region. He had made this appeal at the Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The chief minister believes that these concerted efforts by the government will significantly alleviate public fears, foster a renewed sense of security and trust, and ultimately pave the way for the revival of tourism in the Kashmir valley, bringing much-needed economic relief and a return to normalcy. The Jammu and Kashmir government had held a special day-long assembly session in Jammu on April 28 and unanimously passed a resolution against the Pahalgam terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress. The Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir reaffirms its unwavering commitment to foster an environment of peace, development, and inclusive prosperity for all its citizens, and to resolutely defeat the nefarious designs of those who seek to disturb the communal harmony and progress of the nation and of Jammu and Kashmir," the resolution had said. Pahalgam Terror Attack In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After the attack, the diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan were downgraded with New Delhi announcing several punitive measures, including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength, closing its airspace for Pakistani airlines and expulsion of its military attaches. (With inputs from bureau, agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Location : Pahalgam, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 15:57 IST Ek Chutki Sindoor: Amit Shah Hails India's Anti-Terror Strikes, Says 'Entire World Now Knows...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 12:49 IST Reacted strongly on the success of Operation Sindoor, Amit Shah said that the entire world today knows the importance of "ek chutki sindoor". Union Home Minister Amit Shah (File Photo) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday reacted strongly to the success of Operation Sindoor and said that the entire world today knows the importance of ek chutki sindoor" (a small amount of vermilion). Speaking at a function organised on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple located at Madhavbag in Mumbai, Amit Shah said, Today the entire world knows the importance of ek chutki sindoor. We made the world realise how important is that line of sindoor on the foreheads of our mothers and sisters. Recommended Stories We made our nation proud by launching precision strike on the terror camps on their soil (Pakistan). Only Narendra Modi could do this," he said, adding, Those who wanted to disrupt law and order in our country have now been sent back in a way that they are sobbing in their blankets." On Monday, Shah in a powerful address at a public rally in Maharashtras Nanded outlined the countrys resolute approach toward national security, particularly in response to Pahalgam terror attack. Shah hailed Indias bold military actions under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising that there can be no compromise when it comes to the armed forces, citizens, and borders. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Operation Sindoor has sent a clear message to the world," Shah asserted, adding, Anyone who threatens the Indian army, its people, or its borders will face severe consequences." Highlighting Indias strong action against terrorism after 2014 under the Modi government, the Home Minister said, They attacked us in Uri, and we retaliated with a surgical strike. They attacked us in Pulwama, and we carried out an airstrike. And then, when terrorists targeted Pahalgam, we launched Operation Sindoor, which destroyed their terror hotspots." 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 27, 2025, 12:34 IST Family Of 7 That Died By Suicide In Car Left These Final Words: 'Our Relatives Are Rich, But... Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 14:44 IST Panchkula Mass Suicide Video: Praveen told Puneet he was deep in debt and would die within five minutes. He also expressed sadness that his wealthy relatives had refused help. In the video, Praveen Mittal was seen sitting near a ramp with his head slumped forward, showing clear signs of distress. (News18 Hindi) Panchkula Mass Suicide: In a major development in the case of seven members of a family who died by suicide in Haryanas Panchkula, a disturbing video has surfaced showing one of the victims, moments before losing consciousness after allegedly consuming poison. In the video, the man, identified as Praveen Mittal, is seen sitting near a ramp with his head slumped forward, showing clear signs of distress. His neck appears slightly bent, suggesting the effects of poisoning as he seems to be on the verge of losing consciousness. Recommended Stories The family, originally from Barwala and currently residing in Dehradun, had parked their car in front of a house in Sector 27 of Panchkula. A passer-by, Puneet Rana, noticed white towels hung on the cars windows and approached the family. When Puneet questioned Praveen, he reportedly explained that they had come to Panchkula to listen to a Katha and were searching for a hotel. Failing to find one, they decided to sleep in their car. When we opened one of the doors of the car, we saw people lying inside the vehicle. The person on the driving seat was alive and told us that his family did not find a hotel and were returning from an event, so they all slept in the car," the local told reporters. I asked him to park his car somewhere in the market area, and he started to turn the engine on. Thats when I saw that all members of his family had vomited on each other," he said. Puneet noted that the car had only been parked for 10 to 15 minutes and found a medicine strip inside the vehicle. Puneet said that the child, along with the grandfather and uncle, were seated in the front. Sensing something fishy, I asked the man to step out of the car, and he sat on a ramp at the roadside. He told me his family was drowning in debt and that he, too, would be dead in the next five minutes. He collapsed moments later," the local said. None of those in the car responded when I tried to talk to them, they were all dead. The police reached the spot in two minutes. However, the ambulance arrived only 45 minutes later," he said. Praveen reportedly confided to Puneet that he was heavily in debt and predicted he would die within five minutes. Puneet added that Praveen expressed sorrow over his wealthy relatives refusal to help him. When the police arrived, they discovered a married couple in their 40s, three children, and two elderly people dead inside a car. Puneet mentioned he detected a strong odor coming from the car and tried to rouse the occupants, but only one person showed any signs of life. Panchkula Deputy Commissioner of Police Himadri Kaushik said, Our forensic team has reached the spot. We are analysing the details and are scanning the car thoroughly." Some facts that have emerged primarily indicate that this is a matter of suicide," the DSP said. A suicide note found in their vehicle revealed that financial troubles were the cause of their tragic decision. Praveen Mittal has been identified as one of the deceased, alongside his three children who were all under 14 years old, his wife, and his parents. According to Additional Commissioner of Police Vikram Nehra, all seven were discovered inside the same car, with a towel covering the rear windshield. When they were brought to a nearby hospital in Panchkula, only Praveen Mittal was still alive but he passed away during treatment. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The police are continuing their investigation, and the bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations. Praveen Mittal, who was originally from Barwala in Panchkula, resided in Dehradun where he managed a tour and travel business. It is believed that severe financial losses may have driven him to take this extreme step along with his family. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) Location : Panchkula, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 14:19 IST From MAGA War Room To Delhi: India Hires Trumps Spokesperson, Pakistan Turns To His Enforcer Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 16:38 IST New Delhi and Islamabad hire American lobbyists, both Trump MAGA alumni, amid diplomatic push after Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor. After the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, India hires Trump aide Jason Miller while Pakistan brings on ex-bodyguard Keith Schiller in US lobbying blitz. (IMAGE: REUTERS) New Delhi and Islamabad have each hired prominent figures from US President Donald Trumps inner circle as lobbyists in Washington DC, signaling a strategic push for influence amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor counter-terror operation. India has brought on Jason Miller, who served as the chief spokesman for Trumps 2016 presidential campaign and later as a senior adviser during the 2020 re-election effort. Millers firm, SHW Partners LLC, has signed a $150,000-per-month contract to represent the Indian government, according to a report by Hindustan Times, marking his first formal lobbying role during Trumps second term. Recommended Stories On the other side, Pakistan has engaged Keith Schiller, Trumps longtime bodyguard and former Director of Oval Office Operations. Schiller, known for his unwavering loyalty and close proximity to Trump, co-founded Javelin Advisors LLC, which has secured a subcontract worth $50,000 per month under a larger $200,000-per-month agreement with Seiden Law to represent Pakistani interests, the Dawn reported. Who Is Jason Miller? Jason Miller is a seasoned political strategist best known for his role as the chief spokesperson for Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. A longtime Republican operative, Miller helped shape the US Presidents campaigns combative media strategy and often served as a public face of the campaign during its most intense phases. Though initially tapped for a White House communications role after Trumps victory, he withdrew from consideration citing personal reasons. Miller later returned as a senior adviser during Trumps 2020 re-election bid, where he continued to serve as a key messaging figure. In recent years, he launched the social media platform GETTR, aimed at providing a free speech" alternative to mainstream platforms, according to a report by Politico. Who Is Keith Schiller top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Keith Schillers tenure with Donald Trump extended far beyond routine security detail. A former NYPD detective, Schiller was one of Trumps most trusted aides and served as Director of Oval Office Operations during the early months of the Trump presidency. His loyalty was underscored by his involvement in several key moments of the administration. Notably, in May 2017, it was Schiller who personally delivered the letter to then-FBI Director James Comey informing him of his dismissal, according to a report by broadcaster CNN. Schiller also featured in testimony before the House Intelligence Committee in 2017 regarding Trumps 2013 visit to Moscow. According to Schiller, a Russian participant at a business meeting allegedly offered to send women to Trumps hotel room. Schiller said he immediately dismissed the offer, viewing it as a non-serious comment, the broadcaster said in its report. 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 27, 2025, 16:38 IST Gangster Ravi Pujari Acquitted In Dawood Ibrahim Gang Member's 1999 Murder Published By : PTI Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 22:50 IST Anil Sharma, an alleged member of the Dawood Ibrahim gang, was shot dead by gangster Chhota Rajans men in suburban Andheri on September 2, 1999, Gangster Ravi Pujari | File Image/X A special court here on Tuesday acquitted gangster Ravi Pujari in a case related to the 1999 murder of an alleged member of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahims gang. Special judge A M Patil acquitted Pujari rpt Pujari in the case registered against him under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) section for murder and relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Recommended Stories The reasoned order is yet to be made available. Anil Sharma, an alleged member of the Dawood Ibrahim gang, was shot dead by gangster Chhota Rajans men in suburban Andheri on September 2, 1999, the prosecution said. Sharma was one of the chargesheeted accused in the shootout that had occurred on September 12, 1992 on the premises of J J Hospital in Mumbai, it said. The said shootout was allegedly carried out by the Dawood Ibrahim gang members, and Sharma was out on bail in that case. It is alleged by the prosecution that Sharmas murder was an outcome of the rivalry between gangs of Dawood and Rajan, and an act of organised crime syndicate. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier, the court had acquitted 11 accused in the case citing lack of evidence. Chhota Rajan, who had also been booked for his alleged role in the murder, was discharged from the case as prima facie there was no evidence available before the court to prove that Rajan was part of the conspiracy to commit Sharmas murder. First Published: May 27, 2025, 22:50 IST Ghulam Nabi Azad Falls Sick, Hospitalised Amid All-Party Delegation Visit In Kuwait Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 23:44 IST The delegation just landed in Saudi Arabia and is yet to visit Algeria as part of its mission to convey Indias firm stance against terrorism. Ghulam Nabi Azad was admitted in hospital in Kuwait. (X/@PandaJay) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was hospitalised after he fell sick during all-party delegation visit to Kuwait on Tuesday. Azad is a member of all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda. Recommended Stories The delegation just landed in Saudi Arabia and is yet to visit Algeria as part of its mission to convey Indias firm stance against terrorism and warn the global allies about Pakistans link to terrorist activities and defend Indias stance in the conflict between the two countries. Panda shared an update on chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), and said that he is stable and under medical supervision. Halfway into our delegations tour, Shri @ghulamnazad has had to be admitted to hospital. He is stable, under medical supervision, and will be undergoing some tests and procedures . His contributions to the meetings in Bahrain and Kuwait were highly impactful, and he is disappointed at being bedridden. We will deeply miss his presence in Saudi Arabia and Algeria," Panda said in a post on X. Halfway into our delegations tour, Shri @ghulamnazad has had to be admitted to hospital. He is stable, under medical supervision, and will be undergoing some tests and procedures . His contributions to the meetings in Bahrain and Kuwait were highly impactful, and he is pic.twitter.com/73CL9nqQGl Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) May 27, 2025 BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who is also a part of the delegation, praised the former Congress leader saying that despite his ill health, he accepted to be a part of the delegation for the country. Despite his ill health, he accepted to be a part of the delegation for the country. Even today, when we met him in the hospital, his eyes were filled with tears. It is difficult to find such politicians in todays times. We wish him a speedy recovery," he said in a post on X. https://t.co/d7FVnORfd2 Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) May 27, 2025 Doing Fine, Says Azad The DPAP chairman later shared an update on his health saying that he was doing fine and recovering well. He said he fall sick because of scorching heat in Kuwait. Blessed to share that despite the extreme heat in Kuwait affecting my health, by Gods grace Im doing fine and recovering well. All test results are normal. Thank you all for your concern and prayers it truly means a lot!" he said in a post on X. Blessed to share that despite the extreme heat in Kuwait affecting my health, by Gods grace Im doing fine and recovering well. All test results are normal. Thank you all for your concern and prayers it truly means a lot! Ghulam Nabi Azad (@ghulamnazad) May 27, 2025 Meanwhile, Panda in another post informed that delegation accompanying him has reached Saudi Arabias Riyadh in its four nation visit in the Gulf. He said that the team accompanying him was given a warm welcome. Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaIndias stand on terrorism is resolute & uncompromising a message we bring to Saudi Arabia with our all-party delegation. Appreciate the warm welcome by H.E. Maj. Gen. Abdulrahman Alharbi, Chair of the - Friendship Committee @ShuraCouncil_SA, as we pic.twitter.com/ME2jqs9bFJ Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) May 27, 2025 The all party delegation led by the BJP MP includes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Indian diplomat Harsh Shringla. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The central government has chosen seven lawmakers to lead delegations across the globe who are presenting Indias evidence and stance on the Pahalgam terror attack to foreign governments and international bodies. Each delegation comprises Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties, prominent political figures, and seasoned diplomats, with the following MPs appointed to lead the seven delegations: 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 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 : Kuwait First Published: May 27, 2025, 23:03 IST 7 Of Dehradun Family Die By Suicide In Haryana, Note Mentions 'Financial Distress' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 12:16 IST Seven members of a Dehradun family died by suicide in Panchkula after consuming poison. The bodies of six of them were recovered from a parked car. A suicide note was also found. Seven members of a family die by suicide (Video screengrab/PTI) As many as seven members of a family died by suicide by consuming poison in Haryanas Panchkula. The incident happened in Sector 27 of the city and was reported at nearly 11 pm on Monday. According to the details, the family belonged to Dehradun in Uttarakhand had come to the city to attend a religious event. Recommended Stories As the matter was reported, the police arrived at the spot and found the family dead inside their car. Those deceased included a woman, her three children, and two elderly people dead inside a car. The womans husband died some time later and was outside the car. The police also recovered a suicide note from their vehicle, which cited financial distress as the reason for their extreme step. One of the deceased was identified as Praveen Mittal, while the others were his three minor children under 14 years of age, his parents, and his wife. All were found inside the same car, whose rear windshield was covered with a towel, said Additional Commissioner of Police Vikram Nehra. He said when the victims were shifted to a nearby hospital in Panchkula, only the childrens father was breathing. However, he too died during treatment. POLICE, RELATIVES SPEAK ON HARYANA MASS SUICIDE Commenting on the incident, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Panchkula Himadri Kaushik said, Our forensic team has reached the spot. We are analysing the details and are scanning the car thoroughly." Some facts that have emerged primarily indicate that this is a matter of suicide," the DSP said. VIDEO | Panchkula, Haryana: Seven members of a family from Dehradun found dead inside a car. Police investigating the case.DSP Panchkula Himadri Kaushik says, Our forensic team has reached the spot. We are analysing scanning the car thoroughly to know the reasons behind the pic.twitter.com/IetVgT6ojz Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 27, 2025 Also commenting, Nirmal Singh, Crime Branch Inspector, said, We got information at around 11 pm last night that some bodies were found in a car." When we reached the spot, the bodies were shifted to the Civil Hospital. A man named Praveen and his family were in the car," he said. The police said Praveen Mittal operated a tour and travel business in Dehradun. He suffered significant financial losses, which might have led him to take the extreme step along with his family. Later, speaking to the media, Praveen Mittals father-in-law said he did not know anything about the incident. I dont know anything. I dont even know when he came or when he left," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sister-in-law of the deceased Parveen Mittal said, There has been no contact for the past 10 days." DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) 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 27, 2025, 08:31 IST 'Will Die In 5 Mins': Dehradun Family Member's Last Words Before Mass Suicide In Haryana Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 12:21 IST In the family suicide case in Haryana, a local witness stated that one of them was initially alive and confessed they had consumed poison due to financial distress. Officials inspecting the car in which the family was found dead (Social Media) Hours after the bodies of six members of a family were found inside a car in Haryanas Panchkula, a local has informed reporters that one of the family members was alive when he spotted the car parked near his house. He also revealed that the family member, in his last words, said he would die in the next five minutes as he had consumed poison. Recommended Stories Speaking to reporters, the local said his brother spotted an unknown car parked near his house and called him. He told him that the car bore Uttarakhands registration number and windshields covered in towels. When we opened one of the doors of the car, we saw people lying inside the vehicle. The person on the driving seat was alive and told us that his family did not find a hotel and were returning from an event, so they all slept in the car," the local told reporters. I asked him to park his car somewhere in the market area, and he started to turn the engine on. Thats when I saw that all members of his family had vomited," he said. Sensing something fishy, I asked the man to step out of the car, and he sat on a ramp at the roadside. He told me his family was drowning in debt and that he, too, would be dead in the next five minutes. He also said that all his family members had died by suicide. He collapsed moments later," the local said. He told me that his family was being troubled by a bank over a debt. Also said his relatives were very rich but no one came forward to help us." None of those in the car responded when I tried to talk to them, they were all dead. The police reached the spot in two minutes. However, the ambulance arrived only 45 minutes later," he said. VIDEO | Panchkula, Haryana: Six members of a family were found dead inside a car parked in Haryanas Panchkula, while one more died on way to a hospital, police said on Tuesday, suspecting a suicide pact. Heres what Puneet Rana, an eyewitness, said:At about 10 pm, I saw a car pic.twitter.com/XoVA7GTkzE Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 27, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, the police said the seventh member of the family, who was alive, later died. A suicide note was also recovered from their car, which mentioned financial distress as the reason behind their extreme step. 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 27, 2025, 12:17 IST Why India's Move To Put Indus Waters Treaty On Hold Is A Well-Calibrated Step Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: May 28, 2025, 10:31 IST The government has drawn up short-term, mid-term, and long-term plans to ensure that putting this treaty into abeyance will work for the welfare of Indias population The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 sought to divide the water of the Indus river and its tributaries equitably between India and Pakistan. (Representational image: PTI) A day after the attack on innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam town on April 22, a series of decisions were made by the cabinet committee on security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to teach Pakistan a lesson. One of the more keenly watched ones among them is how the Indus Waters Treaty will be put into abeyance. Even in his rallies across multiple states after Indias precise strikes on Pakistani terror bases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken elaborately that India will not back down. This move by India is certainly making the neighbouring nation sweat, he said in a public address on Tuesday. Recommended Stories But the question remains, has India been able to achieve it overnight? The answer certainly is no". Even in a recent standing committee meeting for external affairs, Indias foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, told MPs that this is a plan that has been in the works. Multiple departments, including the Jal Shakti Ministry and external affairs, have been working on a calibrated effort on this. Putting IWT in abeyance is a surgical strike in perpetuity, because it hits Pakistan where it hurts the most. The conversation around suspending the treaty has been ongoing in the government for the last three years," a top source in the government told CNN-News18. This was in the works because Pakistan never followed the norms of the treaty and always displayed an obstructionist approach. Pakistan has always obstructed Indias attempts to work within the framework of the treaty for the benefit of its people," the source added. The treaty posed many limitations on India, as there was no provision for abrogation. But Indias position is also strengthened by the prevalence of a provision that allows changes and reviews to the treaty when both sides agree. Over the last couple of years, a lot of thought has gone into improvisation on the terms of the treaty on multiple grounds by India. The treaty of 1960 certainly does not meet the requirements of the 21st century. It was based on the engineering standards of the 1950s and 1960s, which also needed a lot of upgrades. Due to current climate change, melting glaciers, the quantity of water in rivers, the growing population, and the need for clean energy, renegotiation was considered essential. Pakistan, being a lower riparian nation, depends heavily on the Indus waters. The treaty on hold gives India control over the waters of six rivers. Its psychological warfare on Pakistan, as India now holds the key to the release and holding of water. Further, the suspension of water commissioners on both sides and no sharing of data" also amplify the problem for Pakistan. Even for some basic construction work, we had to approach the commission, and we had to inform Pakistan six months in advance, but it was more than certain that the response would never be positive and would keep things in a permanent suspension mode. At least that will not matter anymore, because the commission will not be functional as the treaty is not functional right now," a government source told CNN-News18. This treaty, first implemented in 1960, was based on goodwill and friendship. However, by promoting terrorism, Pakistan has broken that goodwill and friendship, said officials. Over the years, Pakistan has misused Indias generosity as its weakness. It is also clear that the Indus Waters Treaty, signed between the two countries in September 1960, was tilted in Pakistans favour. It was based on the premise that Pakistan would not engage in hostile activities. But this time, when Pakistan crossed every line of Indias patience, India finally decided that Pakistan must be made to pay for its sins. Well aware of Pakistans dirty tricks department, the Indian establishment has covered its ground on both political and legal fronts. While informing Pakistan of the treaty being put into abeyance, officials of the Ministry of Jal Shakti listed very clearly why this decision has been announced, stating that Pakistans terror policies do not go with Indias neighbourhood policies. Apart from this, before Pakistan could even blink, India had taken the World Bank into confidence. The Indian establishment is in possession of communication from the World Bank that they are mere facilitators and have nothing to do with solving the matter between these two nations. Also, while Pakistan wants to make this a global matter and, perhaps, go to the International Court of Justice, India has well prepared itself to take the legal route. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Several rounds of meetings have been happening in the government ever since the announcement by the ministry of external affairs. Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil at the very beginning made it very clear that not a single drop of water will go to Pakistan. Over a few meetings with union home minister Amit Shah, external affairs minister S Jaishankar and other experts in water resources, the government of India has drawn up a list of short-term, mid-term, and long-term plans to ensure that putting this treaty into abeyance will work for the welfare of Indias population. Pakistan has gone out with a begging bowl", saying that it would not be right for India to wage a water war with its public. The Pakistani army has threatened India that if it stops the water, Pakistan will choke the people of India. At this moment, India is not in any mood to listen to any empty threats or even allow the interference of any other country on matters concerning Pakistan. The Indian establishment has made it very clear that Pakistan has to come clean on terror and on ceding PoK to have any bilateral conversation. First Published: May 28, 2025, 01:03 IST 'If They Hit Us Again....' Shashi Tharoor's Stern Warning To Pakistan From Guyana Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 07:48 IST Shashi Tharoor In Guyana: Shashi Tharoor asserted that "each strike was retaliatory, each action taken by India was only in response to Pakistan." Congress leader Shashi Tharoor | PTI Image Shashi Tharoor In Guyana: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shed light in Guyana on New Delhis strategic intent behind Operation Sindoor as he emphasized that Indias actions were purely retaliatory and not indicative of a desire for prolonged conflict with Pakistan. We had no desire to convey that it was the opening salvo in what was meant to be a sort of protracted war," Shashi Tharoor said as he asserted that each strike was retaliatory, each action taken by India was only in response to Pakistan." Recommended Stories Highlighting Indias consistent diplomatic message to concerned governments, Shashi Tharoor said, When governments called us to express concern, we conveyed exactly this message throughout, which is that we are not interested in war." He underscored that a cessation of hostilities from Pakistan would negate any need for Indian retaliation. This principled stance, Shashi Tharoor said, ultimately led to a de-escalation. If Pakistan stops, we will have no reason to retaliate, and that is, in the end, what happened on the morning of the 10th of May, Indian time, they reached out to our Director General of Military Operations," he said. Shashi Tharoor articulated Indias commitment to peace, but stressed that this peace is rooted in strength. India is not deterred by potential aggression, Shashi Tharoor said, adding, We are at peace today, and we want to remain at peace. Thats also a very strong message, but we want to remain in peace with strength, as your President said yesterday, not out of fear." He made it clear that India does not fear future attacks, saying, We are not afraid that these people would hit us again. If they hit us again, theyre going to get it back worse." Underscoring Indias firm resolve, he emphasised, We are determined to convey our steely determination and resolve, and we want the world to react, also not with fear, but also not with indifference." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Operation Sindoor Under Operation Sindoor, India carried out a series of precision military strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). Launched on May 7, it was Indias response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025 that claimed civilian lives. India emphasized that these actions were focused, measured and non-escalatory," primarily targeting known terror hideouts of banned organizations like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" First Published: May 27, 2025, 07:45 IST 'Need To Find Peaceful Solution': India On Guyana's Conflict With Venezuela Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 08:46 IST An Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor visited Guyana, receiving strong support for India's anti-terror stance and fostering deeper bilateral ties. A multi-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor during a meeting with Guyana Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo (Photo: PTI) With a brief but important stop in New York and their visit to the 9/11 memorial, the Indian delegation led by Shashi Tharoor embarked on a significant visit to South America. The first country on the delegations list was Guyana, where they received a warm welcome from the Indian community. Recommended Stories Guyana Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo expressed the countrys unconditional support to India and its fight against terrorism. However, they also expected India to agree to mediate in their fight with Venezuela. Guyana and Venezuela have been engaged in a conflict, reportedly over the Essequibo River, which makes up two-thirds of Guyanas territory. While Guyana claims the border was settled in 1899 by an international tribunal, Venezuela maintains the river marks the true boundary, citing their claims from 1777. On their part, the Indian delegation maintained that their home country is currently watching the situation very carefully. We have just maintained that these two countries need to find a peaceful solution to the situation," a source aware of the developments told Network 18. With nearly 40 per cent of the population in Guyana being Indians, the delegation got an extraordinary welcome and overwhelming support in the nation. We also saw a huge untapped potential that can mutually benefit both countries," the source further said. In fact, Shashi Tharoor, who is leading the delegation, shared his thoughts on X, saying, It was a pleasure exchanging thoughts with the Honourable Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier Mark Anthony Phillips, a former Army Chief, over a relaxed dinner. His wife had spent six weeks in India training in entrepreneurship and NGO management in Ahmedabad." They were accompanied by seven Cabinet Ministers, from Finance to Agriculture, so the discussions were both substantive and convivial," he wrote. It was a pleasure exchanging thoughts with the Honourable Prime Minister if Guyana, Brigadier Mark Anthony Phillips, a former Army Chief, over a relaxed dinner. His wife had spent six weeks in India training in entrepreneurship and NGO management in Ahmedabad. They were https://t.co/DfbKYunUBK pic.twitter.com/39nRU0MBSu Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 26, 2025 Another member of the delegation, BJP MP from Bangalore South, Tejasvi Surya, also posted on X, We are carrying an important message from Bharat as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation visiting the Americas." In Guyana, in our meetings with Prime Minister Brig. (Retd.) Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, we conveyed Indias strong and united stance against terrorism and our new Zero Tolerance doctrine under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji." India and Guyana share a deep-rooted friendship built on cultural bonds and historic ties. With growing cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, and education, our partnership continues to expand in both depth and purpose," he wrote. We are carrying an important message from Bharat as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation visiting the Americas.In Guyana, in our meetings with Prime Minister Brig. (Retd.) Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, we conveyed Indias strong and united stance pic.twitter.com/itgEH00dAM Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) May 26, 2025 As a non-permanent member of the UNSC, getting support from Guyana is an important aspect for the visiting delegation, which is out on a mission to expose Pakistan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The delegations have been armed with a detailed dossier which exposes Pakistans tryst with terrorism and the necessity for India to hit back with Operation Sindoor to avenge the killings of innocent tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Other members of the delegation include former Union Minister Milind Deora, Tejasvi Surya, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, TDP MP Harish Balayogi, and former US Ambassador Taranjeet Singh Sandhu. First Published: May 27, 2025, 08:17 IST Jammu And Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah Announces Memorial For Pahalgam Attack Victims Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 21:26 IST Omar Abdullah said that suggestions would be sought to ensure that the memorial is not only magnificent but also dignified and respectful. Pahalgam tourist site where the terror attack unfolded on April 22 (AP photo) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday announced to built a memorial in Pahalgams Baisaran meadows to commemorate the 26 individuals who lost their their lives in April 22s terror attack. We have been discussing this from day one a memorial will be set up in Baisaran for the 26 innocent lives lost, as a lasting tribute and a reminder that they will never be forgotten," the Chief Minister said. Recommended Stories While addressing a gathering of tour and travel operators, Abdullah emphasised the importance of reviving the declining tourism in the erstwhile state. In todays cabinet meeting, the Public Works Department was authorised to grant in- principle approval for this memorial," he added. He further said that suggestions would be sought to ensure that the memorial is not only magnificent but also dignified and respectful. Earlier, Abdullah convened a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, a symbolic gesture aimed at projecting defiance against terror and a steadfast commitment to the regions development. In his first press conference since the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran meadows, Abdullah said that tourism should be conflict-neutral" and not serve as a gauge for normalcy. The choice of Pahalgam for holding a special cabinet meeting aims to show solidarity with the residents of the tourist town, which has experienced a sharp decline in tourist footfall since the devastating April 22 terror attack. Abdullah also focused on the complex governance structure in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the context of security and tourism revival and said that there is a strange system in JK as tourism is my responsibility, but security is not my responsibility. Earlier, an advocacy group and non governmental organisation (NGO), Peoples Action, had written to the Chief Minister to consider setting up a memorial to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. In a statement, the group had said, Peoples Action has reminded CM Abdullah of a proposal it submitted on May 2, seeking to commemorate the victims of the Pahalgam massacre at Baisaran Valley." In the letter, the NGO had emphasised the need for India to acknowledge the loss of innocent lives and to create a memorial that serves as a reminder of the regions long-standing struggles with terrorism and religious persecution. We are hopeful that the Chief Minister will lead this effort to bring closure to a tragic incident that deeply impacted many lives," Sanjay Kaul, founder of Peoples Action had said as quoted by news agency PTI. Pahalgam Terror Attack In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After the attack, the diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan were downgraded with New Delhi announcing several punitive measures, including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength, closing its airspace for Pakistani airlines and expulsion of its military attaches. (With inputs from bureau, agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Location : Pahalgam, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 21:26 IST by Dick Edelstein According to todays newspaper, Spain is expected to lose some 30% of its population over the next 75 years, based on current birth rate projections, a loss of over eight million inhabitantstoo great to cover through the influx of migration (La Vanguardia, 17 May). And what about other European countries? The study cited above predicts a still greater per capita drop in Italys population. So why arent people more worried about who will supply the labor power that we will need to secure future social benefits, rather than heeding absurd declarations by right wing populists like Meloni and Trump on the supposed dangers of migration? At a time when it is essential to be able to separate the facts and realities of migration from the myths and lies, author Ian Goldin offers us timely assistance in a brief book entitled The Shortest History of Migration, an indispensable guide when the facts of migration are obscured by a baseless hysteria whose effects span the political spectrum, influencing the attitudes of groups and individuals on the left as well as the right. This is an opportune moment to take a good look at those facts. The author, with a gift for synthesizing detailed material, has produced a concise book, with an apt cover blurb that says: Read in a day. Remember for a lifetime. Goldin takes a very long view, explaining to readers how migration has always been an intrinsic part of the evolution and development of the human race as he traces the phenomenon throughout all of the eras of human history. As a migrant myself, and someone whose recent ancestors migrated from Europe to the New World for some of the reasons succinctly described in this book, for me this is a personal as well as a social question, although most people have some personal interest in migration as well as their own viewpoint. So, when separating the facts from the myths of migration seems like a Sisyphean task akin to picking the fly shit out of the pepper, Goldin comes to our aid with a brief, thoughtfully traced and schematic view of a phenomenon that remains a burning issue even though it has been with us since our beginnings. As a European resident, I know that Western Europe is expected to need some 50 million migrants over the next few decades to meet labor needs, and I worry that the African share of that migration might not be large enough to truly help kick-start that continents economic development. In the early chapters of his book, Goldin follows the traces of the first migrants, the Homo sapiens who roamed the African continent from Morocco to South Africa, and he charts their eventual migration to Europe and beyond. He shows how our ability to migrate and adapt to new challenges is an intrinsic part of what makes us human, an important driver of the early development of humanity. And we learn about the effect of the invention of the wheel on human migration. Succeeding chapters examine the population of the planet by humans, later voyages of discovery and conquest in both the eastern and the western hemisphere, the role played throughout history by slavery, the rise of empires, and eventuallyin Chapter 7the age of mass migration. Goldin highlights the fact that the era from the mid-nineteenth century to the start of the First World War was like no other in terms of the number of people who moved or were displaced and the distances they covered. Mass emigration to the New World was driven by a search for a better life, but also by rapid population growth, political upheaval and the flight from the land due to higher taxes, loss of rights to common land and hunger. For example, famine stalked poor rural populations in Europe who were dependent on the potato when the crop was destroyed by blight over a number of decades, particularly in Ireland. By the middle of the nineteenth century steamships were providing a cheaper, safer and faster route for ocean crossing. And, by the end of the century the rise in antisemitic movements and the chilling effect of pogroms in Eastern Europe were generating significant migratory flows to both North and South America. The rise of nationalism in the newly configured Europe in the decades leading up to the global conflict in 1914 led to stricter control of borders, the advent of passports and eventually the end of peoples freedom of movement. These changes were consolidated by the divisive effect of the war; and by the middle of the century, passports and visas had become the norm, creating a new set of problems for migrants fleeing conflicts, genocide, misery and ethnic cleansing. A brief history of the partition of India illustrates how the lives of millions can be affected by colonial conquest and political upheaval. Goldin also cites the story of the betrayal of the Caribbeans encouraged to come to Britain to live and work in 1948 on the Empire Windrush passenger ship, who, over 60 years later, were denied their rights as British citizens, a disturbing example that puts the question of migration in a contemporary perspective. The second part of the book deals with the present reality and the future of migration. Here we learn that migrants who left their home countries after the Second World War made up a far higher number than todays 3 million migrants crossing the ocean. The second great migration of the 20th Century was composed of the 5 million African Americans whose ancestors had arrived in slave ships, when they themselves migrated from the American South to the industrial Northwest and Midwest, often to take up work in factories. Other contemporary topics discussed include digital nomads, the impact of migration on economic and social development in destination and sending countries, the pain of exile, the power of the diaspora, and migration as the great disruptor of our times. Readers might well wonder what advice Goldin offers to help us deal with the many migration-related social problems that affect most citizens in every country in the world. The answer is that he offers none since those issues are outside the scope of this book, and a very thick book would be needed to even broach that subject. But Goldin has done very well to circumscribe the purpose of his book in order to make it sufficiently concise to attract a broad readership and make a contribution to the Augean task of clearing up the fog surrounding migration in order to elucidate many of the pertinent facts. This is a book that you can actually read in a day. It relates details familiar to some readers that will be new and surprising to others, and it is organized in a way that avoids boring readers with pedantry when the author reviews territory that may be somewhat familiar. Above all, the book is concise, easy to read and eminently timely. When, Why, and How Humans MoveFrom the Prehistoric Peopling of the Planet to Today and Tomorrows Migrants by Ian Goldin YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Was In Contact With 4 Pakistani Intelligence Agents: Reports Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 14:54 IST Forensic analysis revealed that YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was in direct contact with at least four Pakistani intelligence operatives, and was fully aware of their roles. A file photo of arrested YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra (Facebook) Arrested YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was reportedly in contact with at least four Pakistani operatives, knowing their individual positions and considerable influence and links to intelligence networks. As she was remanded to an extended judicial custody on May 26, the police said they had recovered nearly 12 terabytes (TB) of data from Jyoti Malhotras phones and laptops. Recommended Stories The barrage of data is in the form of videos, photos, her chat records, transaction details, and more. A report with the Hindustan Times claims that, as per the forensic report in connection with Jyoti Malhotras case, she was in direct contact with at least four Pakistani intelligence operatives, who aided her with special treatment during her trip to the neighbouring country. The entire barrage of data was yet to be examined, and the police did not reveal the names of the four Pakistani operatives said to be in touch with Jyoti Malhotra. Other reports suggested that Jyoti Malhotras chat records revealed she used to communicate with everyone personally and had no involvement in any groups, suggesting an effort to keep her conversations secret. JYOTI MALHOTRA ARRESTED A Haryana court on May 26 remanded Jyoti Malhotra to judicial custody after the end of her police remand in a case of alleged espionage. The 33-year-old travel influencer was produced in court. A police spokesperson said that they did not seek her further remand, after which the court sent her to jail. Jyoti Malhotra was among the 12 people arrested from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the past three weeks on suspicion of espionage, with investigators suspecting the presence of a Pakistan-linked spy network operating in northern India. ALSO READ | Jyoti Malhotra Grilled Over Visit To Ujjain, Allegedly Flew Drone Over Jagannath Temple In Puri The Hisar native ran a YouTube channel Travel with JO". She was arrested at the New Aggarsain Extension on May 17 and was booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Amid investigations, the Hisar Police said they had no evidence to indicate that Jyoti Malhotra had access to any military or defence-related information. But she was definitely in contact with some people, knowing that they were Pakistani intelligence operatives, they said. Police sources had said she was in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistani High Commission, since November 2023, and also during Indias Operation Sindoor India expelled Danish on May 13 for allegedly indulging in espionage. The National Investigation Agency, the Intelligence Bureau, and military intelligence officials have also questioned Jyoti Malhotra. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Investigations have revealed that she visited Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, and some other countries. Six Gunmen Around Her: Scottish YouTuber On Jyoti Malhotras Security In Pakistan | Video 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 27, 2025, 13:51 IST Kerala Coast On High Alert As Containers From Sunken Liberian Cargo Ship Wash Ashore Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 09:48 IST Liberian Cargo Ship Sinks: The incident triggered a multi-agency response to manage potential dangers from both dangerous chemicals and a significant oil spill. The Coast Guard confirmed that the vessel was carrying Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). (Photos: News18) Liberian Cargo Ship Sinks Off Kerala Coast: Coastal districts in Kerala are on high alert after a Liberian cargo ship overturned off the Kochi coast early Sunday, sending several of its 640-plus containers, including 13 carrying hazardous materials, washing ashore. The incident triggered a multi-agency response to manage potential dangers from both dangerous chemicals and a significant oil spill. Containers Spotted Along Coastlines Recommended Stories Early Monday, locals in Alappuzha districts Thurayil Kadavu in Arattupuzha spotted two containers, one of which burst open upon colliding with the seawall, scattering unknown packets. These two containers remained joined together. In Kollam district, containers were found near Cheriazheekal in Karunagappally, with three more reported in Neendakara Parimanam, Sakthikulangara, and along the Chavara coast. Authorities have confirmed at least 10 containers have been sighted, though the precise number that has washed ashore is still being determined. Threat Of Hazardous Cargo And Oil Spill Officials remained particularly concerned about some containers holding calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with seawater to produce acetylene gas, which is highly flammable. The Office of the Chief Commissioner of Customs (Thiruvananthapuram Zone) issued a public advisory, strongly urging people to stay away from any washed-up containers or debris, emphasizing that unauthorized handling is both dangerous and illegal. The sunken vessel was carrying a substantial amount of fuel: 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil- which can pose a severe threat to Keralas ecologically sensitive coastline, the Coast Guard said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Multi-Agency Response And Public Safety Measures Police personnel have been deployed along the affected coastal stretches to prevent pilferage and ensure public safety. The Customs Marine and Preventive Units are coordinating closely with various agencies to track the containers and monitor any attempts to smuggle or tamper with the non-duty paid cargo. Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious materials immediately to local authorities. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 09:48 IST Man Killed, Another Injured In Sword Attack In Karnataka's Mangaluru Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 18:14 IST The incident took place in Kambodi Kalpane in Bantwal Taluk when the two friends were allegedly attacked on head by the assailants. The incident was reported from Kambodi Kalpane in Bantwal Taluk in Mangaluru. (Representative image) In a shocking incident, a man was killed and his brother suffered severe injuries after a group of miscreants allegedly attacked them with a sword in Karnatakas Mangaluru on Tuesday. The incident took place in Kambodi Kalpane in Bantwal Taluk when the deceased, identified as Rahim, a truck driver, and his brother were unloading gravel when two assailants on a motorcycle attacked them with a sword. Recommended Stories Both of them were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment where Rahim succumbed to his wounds, while his brother is undergoing treatment. The police visited the site and launched a probe to identify and apprehend the attackers, who fled the scene immediately after the assault. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation. Meanwhile, tensions have erupted outside the Yenepoya Medical College Hospital in Ullal where the body of Rahim has been kept, with hundreds of locals gathering and demanding justice. Though the exact reasons for the gruesome murder are still unknown, State Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has said that the murder could have been a ploy to disturb the peace in the communally sensitive region. The killing of a person named Abdul Rahman near Kolathamajalu in Mangaluru is condemnable. The real reason for the incident is not known. I have already spoken to Home Minister Shri @DrParameshwara, @DgpKarnataka and Law and Order ADGP in this regard. A sinister attempt to disrupt peace in D.Kannada district is being systematically carried out. This incident seems to be a part of it. I have given strict instructions to the district administration to maintain law and order in the district. I appeal to the people not to listen to any rumors," Rao said in a post on X. To maintain law and order in the area, prohibitory orders have been imposed in five talukas of Dakshina Kannada Bantwal, Belthangady, Kadaba, Puttur and Sullia till 30 May, 6pm. Last week, a key accused in the murder of a Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty was attacked inside a jail in Mangaluru. Naushad, also known as Chotte Naushad, was amongst the 11 people arrested for allegedly playing a key role in Shettys killing. According to police, he had helped the main accused carry out the murder. The attack unfolded when Naushad was being taken to meet another inmate inside the jail premises, just before his transfer to Mysuru Jail. A few prisoners allegedly hurled stones and other objects at him in an attempt to assault him. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Suhas Shetty, a known rowdy sheeter and Hindutva activist, was murdered by an unidentified group earlier this month within the Bajpe police station limits in Mangaluru. He was attacked at around 8:30 pm while he was traveling with five of his associates when their vehicle was intercepted near Kinnipadavu Cross by the attackers. (With inputs from bureau, agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Location : Mangalore, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 18:14 IST Manipur Bus Name Row: Protesters Lock Govt Offices, Deface Signboards As State Boils Again Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 21:23 IST The protest was part of a statewide agitation triggered by the covering of the states name on a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district. Large-scale demonstrationsmostly led by womenswept through the valley districts on Tuesday | AFP Image Tensions in Manipur flared on Tuesday after student activists from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) locked central government offices and defaced signboards in the valley districts. The protest was part of a statewide agitation triggered by the covering of the states name on a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district. Recommended Stories Protesters sealed the offices of the Geological Survey of India and the Chief Electoral Officer at Lamphelpat in Imphal West. Signboards bearing Government of India" were defaced with muda symbolic act of protest against the Centre. The outrage stems from a May 20 incident in Gwaltabi, where the name Manipur" was reportedly concealed on a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival. The move sparked widespread anger, interpreted by protesters as an affront to the states identity. Large-scale demonstrationsmostly led by womenswept through the valley districts, including Imphal East and West. In Khurai, women protesters marched to the Deputy Commissioners office, disrupting operations and demanding an official apology from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. In Imphal West, demonstrators formed human chains and carried placards reading Self-determination is our birthright." Protesters are also calling for the resignation of the Chief Secretary and the Security Advisor, accusing them of negligence and exacerbating the ongoing unrest. The agitation is being spearheaded by a coalition of civil society organisations, including the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), AMAWOVA (All Manipur Womens Voluntary Association), Poreileimaril, the Manipuri Students Federation (MSF), and the Committee on Human Rights (COHR). Amid rising tensions, Governor Bhalla arrived in Imphal from New Delhi on Monday and was airlifted to Kangla Fort via Army helicopter, as protesters gathered near Kwakeithel on Tiddim Road with plans to march to the Raj Bhavan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The planned march, covering a distance of three kilometres, was met with heavy security. In Kwakeithel, protesters attempted to burn an effigy of the Governor, prompting clashes with security personnel. Central forces, including the Assam Rifles and the Rapid Action Force, have since been deployed across Imphal to maintain order. Location : Manipur, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 21:23 IST No Country Too Small: Why India's Anti-Terror Outreach Team Is Visiting Sierre Leone, Liberia Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 08:27 IST These countries are significant because of their impending membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The delegation led by Shrikant Shinde is on a visit to UAE, Congo, Liberia and Sierra Leone to convey India's message on terror. (Image: X/@IndembAbuDhabi) India has dispatched seven delegations worldwide to convey the message that its fight is against terrorism and terrorists, not against humanity or citizens. These delegations are traveling across various countries to build global consensus on this issue. Among these delegations, one is on a particularly challenging mission. After a promising start in the UAE, this delegation, led by Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shindes son Shrikant Shinde, the youngest leader among the envoys, is currently visiting the Republic of Congo. Recommended Stories On Tuesday, the Indian delegation met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, the Foreign Minister, the Speaker, and several other dignitaries. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen Indias strategic partnerships and build people-to-people connections with key African nations while rallying against terrorism. The delegation had a series of meetings with notable figures, including Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie, Berthold Ulungu Ekunda Lukata, President of the Foreign Affairs Commission, National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi, Speaker of the National Assembly, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, President of the Senate, and Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport. A source informed CNN-News18 that the meetings in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were productive, allowing the delegation to clearly communicate Indias stance on terrorism. The delegation emphasised the importance of countries like the DRC highlighting the dangers of supporting nations like Pakistan that sponsor terrorism. The DRC has assured the Indian delegation that it will attempt to raise this issue in their parliament and other platforms. The delegation plans to visit two more nations before returning to India: Sierra Leone and Liberia. These countries, although small and often unnoticed on the world map, have been strategically chosen by the Indian government. Both countries face significant internal challenges. The Republic of Congo is grappling with internal conflict and crime, including the recent killing of an Indian businessman, making it a dangerous destination. Sierra Leone is dealing with a national crisis, with a 50 per cent rise in Mpox cases reported in the last 10 days since the diseases outbreak earlier this year. There are fears that this outbreak could spread to neighbouring Liberia, prompting the Health Department of Liberia to issue an advisory urging people to avoid physical contact, wash their hands, and report suspected cases to health authorities. Some political parties in India have questioned the governments decision to send delegations to these locations. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate expressed concern, questioning the need to justify Indias actions to the world. Despite these concerns, the Indian delegation is committed to its mission. A source told News18 that India aims to garner as much international support as possible. India has empowered the voice of the global South, including their introduction in the G20 during its meeting in New Delhi last year. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all These countries are significant because of their impending membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Sierra Leone is already a non-permanent member of the UNSC and a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), making it a crucial nation for Indias outreach. Strong voices within the OIC, such as Kuwait and Bahrain, have supported Indias stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Additionally, countries like the UAE have declared their support for Indias fight against terrorism. With the support of the Indian population, the delegation is tackling tough conditions under the mission Operation Sindoor." Despite the challenges, having members as young as Shrikant Shinde, 38, and as old as Mohammed Basheer, 78, the delegation remains dedicated to serving their motherland, India. First Published: May 27, 2025, 08:27 IST 'Not A Criminal': Court Orders Release Of Maharashtra Student Arrested Over Post On Op Sindoor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 17:35 IST The court further criticised the college for expelling the student, stressing that educational institutions should prioritise reform over punishment. Bombay High Court. (Image: Shutterstock) The Bombay High Court on Tuesday ordered the release of a 19-year-old female engineering student, who was arrested over a social media post on Operation Sindoor. Currently lodged in Yerwada Central Prison in Pune, the student also faced rustication from her college over the post. She was studying at Punes Sinhgad Academy of Engineeringan unaided private college affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University. Recommended Stories This is absolutely shocking. It appears like police officers are bent upon ruining her life. Equally the college," Justice Gauri Godse remarked during the hearing. Earlier in the day, a vacation bench comprising Justices Gauri Godse and Somasekhar Sundaresan rapped the Maharashtra government and instructed the students counsel to file a bail application without delay, assuring that it would be considered and granted today. The girl has posted something and then realised her mistake and apologised. Instead of giving her a chance to reform, the state government has arrested her and turned her into a criminal," PTI quoted the bench saying. The court made the remarks while hearing the students plea challenging her rustication. Someone is expressing their opinion, and this is how you ruin her life? A students life has been ruined," it said. How can the state arrest a student like this? Does the state want students to stop expressing their opinions? Such a radical reaction from the state will further radicalise the person," the court said. During the hearing, an additional government pleader Priyabhushan Kakade appearing for the State said that the student could appear for her college exams with a police escort. Reacting to Kakades appeal, Justice Godse remarked: What is this Mr Kakade? She isnt a criminal. She cannot be asked to appear with police around her. She has to be released. She cannot be stopped from appearing in exams. She cannot be asked to appear with police around her". The bench further criticised the college for expelling the girl, stressing that educational institutions should prioritise reform over punishment. The court observed that their role goes beyond academics, encompassing the responsibility to guide students toward personal development, and noted that the girl deserved an opportunity to present her side of the story. The student from Punes Sinhgad Academy of Engineering was arrested on May 9, over a controversial Instagram repost related to India-Pakistan tensions after Operation Sindoor. She argued that her rustication from the institute over the social media post was arbitrary and unlawful." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In her petition filed through Advocate Farhana Shah, the student alleged that the institute failed to issue a show-cause notice prior to her rustication. 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 27, 2025, 16:58 IST 'Op Sindoor Changed Our Mindset': VP Dhankhar Says Indians Now More Nationalistic Than Ever Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 15:55 IST Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar referred to the country's current situation, saying that Indians are now more nationalistic than ever. Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. (File photo/PTI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday affirmed that Operation Sindoor changed the mindset of people across the country regarding national security, national economy and national welfare. Addressing the inaugural session of the Rajya Sabha internship programme phase-7 at the Vice Presidents Enclave, Dhankhar referred to the countrys current situation, saying that Indians are now more nationalistic than ever. Recommended Stories Operation Sindoor has changed our mindset massively with regard to national security, national economy and national welfare. We are now nationalistic as never before," he said. #WATCH | At the inaugural session of Rajya Sabha Internship Program-phase 7 at the Vice-Presidents Enclave today, VP Jagdeep Dhankhar says The recent episode, Operation Sindoor, has changed our mindset massively. We are now nationalistic as never before. And this is reflected pic.twitter.com/1aN0lWmN8V ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2025 He further lauded the central governments global outreach for Operation Sindoor, noting that the collective participation of all political parties reflects an unprecedented peak of nationalism in the country. And this (nationalism) is reflected in the participation of all political landscape in delegations that have gone abroad to project our message of peace and our complete intolerance to terrorism," said Vice President Dhankhar. And therefore, having seen recent events, well, we have no choice. We have no other option but to remain united and grow strongerFor national security, we need indigenous strength. War is best avoided from a position of strength. Peace is secured when you are ever ready for war and therefore strength comes apart from technological prowess, conventional arms strength, from people also," he added. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people, targeting the terror dens in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Following Indias strikes, Pakistan launched attacks on Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10, prompting a strong retaliatory response from India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hostilities on the ground ceased after military talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of both countries on May 10, resulting in an agreement to halt further action. Earlier, Dhankhar had said that Indias strikes, which targeted terror bases in Muridke and Bahawalpur in Pakistan, had sent a clear message to the world that terrorism will not go unpunished. 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 27, 2025, 15:53 IST 'Stupid Jokers': Owaisi Trolls Pakistan Over Asim Munir Memento Fiasco, Gets Rijiju's Thumbs-Up Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 11:40 IST Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif had gifted Army Chief Asim Munir with a purported picture of a 2019 Chinese drill, claiming it as Operation Bunyan al-Marsus against India. Owaisi trolled Pakistan over the fake Op Bunyan al Marsoos memento presented by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday trolled Pakistan after Army Chief Asim Munir presented a memento of Operation Bunyan al-Marsus against India before political leaders, when in reality it was a picture of a 2019 Chinese drill. As netizens heavily trolled Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir for photoshop", Owaisi also joined the bandwagon, saying that Pakistan did not even have the brains to copy things properly and wanted to compete with India. Recommended Stories Yesterday, the Pakistani Army chief gifted a photo to the Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif," Owaisi said during an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait. These stupid jokers want to compete with India, they had given a photograph of a 2019 Chinese Army drill claiming it is a victory over India." This is what Pakistan indulges in, they cannot even provide a proper photograph. Nakal karne ke liye akal chahiye, inke pass akal bhi nahi hai (It takes brains to copy, and they dont even have that)," he added. #WATCH | During an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, " Yesterday, the Pakistani Army chief gifted a photo to the Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharifthese stupid jokers want to compete with India, they had given a photograph of a 2019 pic.twitter.com/xJoaBo6zhO ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2025 Owaisi further stated that, given this blunder, no one should take anything Pakistan says seriously. Owaisis comment received an endorsement from Union Parliamantary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Pakistan ki pol khol di! (Exposed Pakistan). At least Asaduddin Owaisi speaking as true Indian in very critical time," Rijiju said on X. !At least Asaduddin Owaisi speaking as true Indian in very critical time. Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 27, 2025 Asim Munir reportedly hosted a high-profile dinner last week, during which he presented the doctored image to political leaders as a token of appreciation for their foresight" during the four-day armed conflict with India. Indians mocked the gesture, accusing Pakistan of trying to win" the battle through Canva and Photoshop. Many shared the original image of the Chinese drill on X, drawing attention to the manipulation. Pakistans PM gifts Asim Munir a 2019 Chinese drill photo, claiming its OP Bunyan Al Marsus. Pakistan is now using a Chinese Drill Photo to Celebrate Its own Military Operation. They cant even produce original visuals of their own military operation. Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir are fooling their entire Nation. REALLY," said an individual on social media. The relations between India and Pakistan hit rock bottom after the neighbouring country resorted to a terror attack in Kashmirs iconic Pahalgam on April 22, killing 26 innocent tourists. In response, India, on the intervening night of May 7 and 8, launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan and destroyed multiple terror targets there and in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). Over 100 terrorists, taking shelter in Pakistan, were also killed in the operation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 : Kuwait City, Kuwait First Published: May 27, 2025, 07:48 IST Terrorism Is Pakistan's War Strategy, Not A Proxy Tactic: PM Modi Warns Of Strong Retaliation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 12:43 IST PM Modi condemned Pakistan for cross-border terrorism, warning against proxy wars. He said India seeks peace but will not remain silent when its strength is tested. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses during an event in Gujarat (Photo: PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed Pakistan on cross-border terrorism and said India cannot stay silent when the countrys peace is challenged through a proxy war by the neighbouring country. He also said that terrorism is a war strategy by Pakistan, and that India would respond accordingly. Recommended Stories Addressing a public event during his two-day tour in Gujarat, PM Modi, in Gandhinagar, said, We want to stay in peace, and let others live in peace. But when our strength is challenged through proxy war, we cant stay silent." Earlier, we used to call it a proxy war. However, after the scenes we witnessed after May 6, we no more call it a proxy war," the Prime Minister said, adding, This is because we destroyed multiple of their terror camps in just 22 minutes." It was a decisive action. And this time, everything was done in front of the cameras, so that no one back home would ask for proof," PM Modi said. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister also recalled videos that showed the funerals of terrorists in Pakistan with full state honour. The funerals of terrorists in Pakistan were conducted with state honours, their coffins were wrapped in Pakistani flags, while the countrys army gave them a salute." This proves that terrorism is not a proxy war, but a war strategy by Pakistan. We will answer accordingly," he said. During Indias partition in 1947, the country was divided into three parts. Soon after, the first terrorist attack was reported in Kashmir, and Pakistan occupied one part of Kashmir. Had we killed these Mujahideens, if we had listened to Sardar Patel, he wanted the Army to not stop until we get back PoK For 75 years, we suffered, and what happened in Pahalgam was a distorted form of that attack." The Indian Army has defeated Pakistan every time. Pakistan understood that it cannot win from India," the PM said. India, on the intervening night of May 7 and 8, launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan and destroyed multiple terror targets there. More than 100 terrorists, taking shelter in Pakistan, were also killed in the operation. This came after Pakistan resorted to a terror attack in Kashmirs iconic Pahalgam on April 22, killing 26 innocent tourists. Survivors later said the terrorists had asked them about their faith, and shot dead those who said they were non-Muslims. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The terrorists also asked the tourists to recite a Kalma (an Islamic phrase) to confirm if they were non-Muslims, before shooting them point-blank. ALSO READ | Pakistans Water Woes Prompt Shehbaz To Push For Dialogue: Ready To Talk To India 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 27, 2025, 11:53 IST 'Sardar Patel Wanted PoK Back But He Was Stopped...': PM Modi's Veiled Dig At Nehru Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 12:34 IST PM Modi In Gujarat: PM Modi said Sardar Patel believed military action should not cease until PoK was reclaimed by India. PM Modi PM Modi In Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Gujarats Gandhinagar today, asserted that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of Indias integration, held a clear and resolute stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) that was ultimately ignored. PM Modi said that Sardar Patel believed military action shouldnt cease until PoK was reclaimed by India. However, in a thinly veiled jab at the decisions made Jawaharlal Nehru, PM Modi stressed that Sardar Patels counsel was ultimately disregarded." Recommended Stories Drawing a direct link between the 1947 partition of India and the Kashmir conflict, PM Modi asserted that a crucial opportunity to reclaim PoK was missed due to a disregard for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patels firm stance. He said, In 1947, when Maa Bharti was partitioned, katni chahiye thi zanjeerein par kaat di gayi bhujayein." Lamenting that the country was divided into three parts, and on that very night, the first terrorist attack took place in Kashmir", the Prime Minister accused Pakistan of seizing a part of Maa Bharti using terrorists in the name of Mujahideen." PM Modi emphasized that if these militants had been eliminated then, the situation would be different. He further claimed, Sardar Patels wish was that until we get PoK, our armed forces should not stop. But no one listened to him and now we have been facing this (terrorism) for the last 75 years. Pahalgam was also an example of it." Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel And His Stand On Kashmir Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India," was a pivotal figure in Indias struggle for independence and in the challenging years immediately following it. As Indias first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, his most monumental achievement was the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union through a combination of persuasive diplomacy, strategic negotiations, and, when necessary, firm action. #WATCH | Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says In 1947, when Maa Bharti was partitioned, katni chahiye thi zanjeerein par kaat di gayi bhujayein. The country was divided into three parts. On that very night, the first terrorist attack took place in Kashmir. A part of pic.twitter.com/f3cynvw0Tv ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2025 In October 1947, just after Indias independence, thousands of tribal fighters from Pakistan, backed by its military, launched an invasion of Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to forcibly annex the princely state before its accession to India. These Mujahideen" committed widespread atrocities as they advanced towards Srinagar. Faced with this crisis, Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir sought military aid from India, which was granted only after he signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial behind-the-scenes role, advocating for an immediate and firm military response. Indian troops were swiftly airlifted to Srinagar on October 27, successfully pushing back the invaders and marking the beginning of the First Indo-Pak War, which ultimately led to a ceasefire in January 1949 and the de facto division of Kashmir, creating PoK. Sardar Patel strongly desired complete return of PoK to India and openly expressed his frustration over the handling of the 1947 Kashmir conflict. Angered by Pakistans invasion, he advocated for a decisive military response to reclaim all of Kashmir and regretted the decision to take the issue to the United Nations. He believed the Indian Army was halted prematurely, once reportedly stating, If I had handled Kashmir, we would not have this problem." While Kashmir policy was primarily managed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who, influenced by Lord Mountbatten and international pressure, agreed to the UN-mediated ceasefire, Sardar Patel viewed leaving part of Kashmir under Pakistani control as a significant strategic error and a persistent challenge for India. PM Modi Takes A Jibe At Pakistan Taking a jibe at Pakistan, PM Modi said, No matter how healthy the body is, if even a single thorn pricks it, the whole body remains troubled. Now, we have decided that we will remove that thorn." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The PM also articulated Indias dual foreign policy stance, emphasizing the nations desire for peace while issuing a stern warning against any attempts to challenge its strength through indirect means. We want to stay in peace, and let others live in peace," PM Modi said, quickly adding a caveat to this peaceful overture, But when our strength is challenged through proxy war, we cant stay silent." About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Gujarat, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 11:56 IST Should India Worry About Seizure Of Kuki-Chin National Front Uniforms In Bangladesh? Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 16:24 IST According to intelligence sources, the KNF crisis in Bangladesh poses a risk to India's security and regional stability The large-scale production of uniforms indicates the militarisation of the KNF and signals preparations for prolonged conflict or territorial control, say intelligence sources. (File) Over 30,000 Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) uniforms have been seized from a garment factory in Chattogram, Bangladesh, in what intelligence sources called an example of terror financing. Acting on a tip-off, Ringvo Apparels located in Nayarhat was raided on May 17-18, and the seizure was disclosed on May 25. The factory owner, the individual who placed the order, and a local KNF commander have been arrested, said police. Recommended Stories The uniforms deal was a Tk 2 crore (approximately 20 million USD) contract finalised in March 2025, with delivery scheduled for May 2025. A case was filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act on May 18 at the Bayezid Bostami Police Station in Chittagong. The factorys owners claimed they were unaware of the illegal nature of the order until police intervention. WHAT IS KNF? ITS LINK TO INDIA CNN-News18 has earlier reported that the KNF, active in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, aims to establish a separate state. The group has been accused of extortion, kidnappings, bank robberies, and collaborating with Islamist militants. According to sources, the KNF crisis in Bangladesh poses a risk to Indias security and regional stability. The Chittagong Hill Tracts border Indias Northeast and Myanmars Chin State, creating a critical tri-junction for militant coordination. The KNF maintains close ties with Myanmars Chin militants and Indias Northeastern insurgents, forming a united front against India. WHY THE PURCHASE OF UNIFORMS The discovery of uniforms for a cadre of 12,000 suggests stockpiling for future recruitment, resale, or collaboration with other militant groups. The large-scale production of uniforms indicates the militarisation of the KNF and signals preparations for prolonged conflict or territorial control," they said. KNF militants have reportedly entered Mizoram disguised as refugees fleeing Bangladeshi military operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, raising concerns about insurgents establishing bases in India, smuggling arms, or conducting training activities. The KNF has connections with Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya (JAFHS), an Islamist terror group, aiming to target Northeast India through cross-border attacks and radicalization. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Tk 2 crore uniform contract exemplifies how banned groups like the KNF exploit legal businesses in Bangladesh. The use of intermediaries to place orders and the lack of due diligence by factories like Ringvo Apparels, a profit-making company, highlight vulnerabilities in the system. The Bangladesh Armys intervention signals that the issue has escalated beyond local crime," sources said. The KNFs history of bank robberies and ties to Islamist militants has further raised fears of coordinated attacks or insurgency growth. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: May 27, 2025, 16:22 IST Should You Worry About The New Covid-19 Scare? This Is What IIT-Kanpur Experts Say Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 14:27 IST A new Covid-19 sub-variant, JN.1, is causing a rise in cases across the country, experts from IIT Kanpur predict the surge will be short-lived and less severe. The JN.1 variant is a sub-lineage of Omicron, similar to those that caused brief spikes in cases over the past two years. (PTI Photo) Amid a fresh wave of Covid-19 cases emerging across the country, public anxiety has once again begun to simmer, reminiscent of the traumatic early days of the pandemic. The new sub-variant of Omicron, labeled JN.1, has been identified as the primary cause of the current uptick, with infections surfacing in major states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Kerala. The renewed unease was exacerbated by a tragic development in Bengaluru, where a young girl reportedly succumbed to the virus. This incident has reignited fears among the public, already wary after the devastating impact of earlier waves of the pandemic. Recommended Stories However, a measure of reassurance has come from IIT Kanpur, where experts are offering a more measured perspective on the unfolding situation. Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director of the institute and a noted voice during previous Covid-19 modeling efforts, has sought to temper the rising anxiety. Speaking to local media, he emphasised that although the number of Covid-19 cases is increasing, the absolute figures remain low when considered against the countrys vast population. When the case numbers are so minimal, it becomes challenging to draw reliable conclusions using mathematical models, however, past trends suggest this surge is unlikely to persist for long, Agrawal noted. According to him, the JN.1 variant is a sub-lineage of Omicron, similar to those that caused brief spikes in cases over the past two years. We have seen time and again since 2022 that sudden increases occur with new variants, but the situation typically stabilises within a few weeks, Agarwal explained, expressing confidence that the current wave will follow a similar trajectory. In the wake of these developments, the Union Health Ministry has issued fresh advisories, urging all states and union territories to remain vigilant. Hospitals have been directed to prepare for any potential surge, and the public has been asked to adopt basic preventive measures wearing masks in crowded areas, maintaining hand hygiene, and monitoring for symptoms like cough, fever, and breathlessness. Importantly, officials and health experts alike are urging the public not to panic. The Health Ministry has reiterated that the countrys population now possesses a significantly stronger immune defence, owing to widespread vaccination and prior exposure to the virus. This built-up immunity, they say, is likely to cushion the impact of the current wave. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This isnt a return to 2020 as we are in a far better place today; medically, logistically, and socially, said a senior health official. Indeed, the analysis from IIT Kanpur aligns with that sentiment. The institutions report concludes that while the virus may be reasserting itself, the current wave is expected to be short-lived and far less severe than previous ones. First Published: May 27, 2025, 14:27 IST So That No One Asks For Proof: PM Modi's Dig At Congress And Stern Message To Pakistan Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 15:49 IST Satellite pictures and Indias own camera systems have conclusively proved the heavy damage caused by Operation Sindoor on the terrorist headquarters in Pakistan. PM Modi addressing an event in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. (PMO) In a clear jibe at the Congress party, which infamously asked for proof of the Balakot air strikes in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said cameras had captured the impact of Operation Sindoor so that no one asks for evidence domestically. This was the first such political attack by the PM regarding the operation against terror sites in Pakistan. Satellite pictures and Indias own camera systems have conclusively proved the heavy damage caused by Operation Sindoor on the terrorist headquarters in Pakistan as well as its multiple air bases. The Congress party has, hence, steered away from questioning the government about the same, saying they respect the valour of the armed forces. But the Congress continues to ridicule the Prime Minister, calling him a troll and saying he runs a drama company. Recommended Stories Top sources in the BJP said the Congress is again scoring a self-goal by targeting the Prime Minister whom the man on the street was hailing for the political leadership he had shown during Operation Sindoor. It is the PM who gave the operational freedom to the armed forces to act against Pakistan, that made possible strikes on terrorist headquarters and the air bases deep inside Pakistan. The UPA never gave such operational freedom after 26/11," a senior BJP leader said. The attack by the Congress on the government following the Balakot air strikes had also boomeranged on the Congress with the NDA returning to power in 2019 with even greater numbers. The Prime Minister is making it a point to travel across states to personally take the message of the success of Operation Sindoor to the people. After his two-day trip to Gujarat, the PM is headed next for a three-day trip to Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and Madhya Pradesh this month. Message to Pakistan Speaking In Gujarats Gandhinagar on Tuesday, Modi remarked that while India has always advocated for peace and stability, the repeated challenges to its strength have necessitated firm responses. He stated that historically, what was termed proxy war has now evolved, especially after the events of May 6. He asserted that given recent developments, referring to such acts as proxy war would be a mistake. The Prime Minister categorically stated that the recent incidents prove that this is no longer mere proxy warfare, but a deliberate and calculated military strategy of Pakistan to hurt India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He highlighted that following the May 6 actions, terrorist funerals were conducted in Pakistan with full honours, their coffins draped in national flags, and even saluted by the Pakistani military clear indicators that these were not isolated militant activities but part of a structured war approach. He added that if such strategies are employed, an equally decisive response will be given. Modi emphasised that India has always pursued progress and the welfare of all, helping in times of crisis. However, the Prime Minister remarked that despite these efforts, the nation often faced violent retaliation. Addressing the younger generation, he urged them to recognise how the country has been undermined over the decades. Talking about the Indus Water Treaty which was put in abeyance, the Prime Minister highlighted issues related to water resources in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that although dams were constructed on rivers, proper maintenance and desilting were neglected for sixty years. He remarked that gates meant for water regulation were left unopened, leading to a drastic reduction in storage capacity from full utilisation to merely two to three per cent. He asserted that Indians must receive their rightful access to water and stated that while significant steps have yet to be taken, initial measures have begun from India. 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 27, 2025, 15:13 IST Bakrid 2025: Eid-ul-Adha Bank Holiday And Rituals In India Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: June 07, 2025, 08:52 IST Bakrid or Eid-ul-Adha 2025 will be celebrated in India based on the crescent moon sighting. Here's all about the date, rituals, history, and public holiday. Bakrid 2025: Eid al-Adha is a gazetted holiday in India. (Image: PTI file) Bakrid In India: Bakrid, formally known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most important Islamic festivals for the Muslim community. With Bakrid 2025 around the corner, the communitys preparations for the festival are in full swing. Being one of the two main Eids in Islam, Eid al-Adha is primarily marked by special congregational prayers, acts of charity, and the sacrifice of livestock animals such as goats and sheep. ALSO READ: Happy Eid Ul Adha 2025: Bakrid Wishes, Messages, Quotes, Images And Status To Share With Loved Ones Recommended Stories Bakrid 2025 Date The observance of Bakrid depends on the Islamic lunar calendar, called the Hijri" calendar. The festival falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the 12th and last month of a Hijri year. Eid al-Adha coincides with the highly sacred Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj. According to the Islamic calendar, Bakrid 2025 will be celebrated on either June 6 or June 7, depending upon the sighting of the moon. Eid-ul-Adha 2025 Crescent Moon Sighting The crescent moon sighting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, in India. This also marks the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the Islamic month. After 10 days of moon sighting, Muslims will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid). Eid-ul-Adha Moon Sighting Date: May 27 (Tuesday) In Saudi Arabia Dhul Hijjah begins on: May 28 (Wednesday) Eid-ul-Adha: June 7, 2025 (Saturday) Eid-ul-Adha History And Significance Eid al-Adha is celebrated to commemorate Prophet Ibrahims willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as an act of obedience towards Allah. As per Islamic beliefs, Ismails life was spared by Allah, who replaced the original sacrificial subject with a ram at the very last moment. Eid al-Adha Rituals The central ritual of Eid al-Adha is the sacrifice of livestock animals. Since the word for goat is bakri" in multiple languages native to south Asia, the festival is popularly known as Bakrid" in the region. The meat from the sacrificed animal is shared with friends and relatives. A part of the sacrificial meat must also go to the poor. This reflects the values of charity and generosity associated with the festival. The celebration of Eid al-Adha is also an occasion for Muslims to come together with their families and relatives to share hearty meals together. Eid al-Adha 2025 Bank Holiday top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Eid al-Adha is a gazetted holiday in India. Private and public banks will remain closed for one day in most states and union territories on the occasion. According to the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBIs) holiday list for the current calendar year, Eid al-Adha 2025 bank holiday will be observed in Kerala on June 6. Meanwhile, there will be no bank holiday for Bakrid in Gujarat, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The bank holiday for Eid al-Adha 2025 will be observed on June 7 in the rest of the country. About the Author Bhaswati Sengupta Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect... Read More Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect... 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 27, 2025, 16:40 IST Amp Up Your Pre And Post Workout Game With These Expert Approved Clean Energy Snacks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 16:08 IST Choosing the right snacks before and after a workout can be an instant game changer. They can have a big impact on performance, recovery, and overall health. Choose natural snacks for better workout performance and recovery. In a world filled with flashy energy bars and brightly packaged snacks, its easy to be misled about what truly powers a great workout. But real energy doesnt come from lab-made protein or synthetic sugars. It originates from clean, natural ingredients that your body will recognise, metabolise, and use for fuel efficiently. Regardless of whether youre preparing for a morning yoga workout, hammering away at a strength workout, or going for a long run, the right pre- and post-workout snacks can have a big impact on performance, recovery, and overall resilient health long term. Natural Fuel to Kickstart Your Session Recommended Stories Pratibha Mahajan, Nutritionist at Granos says, Your pre-workout response should be fueling, not loading your gut, i.e., you need to consume fast-digested carbohydrates that give you energy and a little plant protein or healthy fat to stabilize blood sugar and enhance performance. The ideal strategy is not spiking and crashing but using smooth, clean-burning ingredients." Try the selection of processed energy bars and replace them with these natural alternatives instead: A banana with almond butter for carbs and a bit of fat A smoothie of whole-plant protein with flax and chia seeds to provide slow release Oatmeal soaked in almond milk, topped with berries and flaxseedsoft and invigorating Healthy foods such as dates, puffed millets, seeds and soft fruits are perfect since they have plenty of glucose (your bodys fuel of choice for exercise) and are easy to digest. Stay clear of greasy, fried, or heavily processed foods these will be uncomfortable, depleting, and destroy your workout quality. Feed Your Body After Workouts After exercise, your body requires replenishment and hydration. This is when you can select quality protein, electrolytes, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats for rebuilding and hydration balance. Mahajan suggests, A perfect post-exercise snack is a Ragi-Makhana laddoo made in A2 ghee and naturally sweetened with dates. The snack provides calcium and fibre from ragi to support bone strength and digestion, good fats to minimise inflammation and maximise nutrient absorption, and clean carbs from makhana and dates to restore glycogen stores." There are quite a few other excellent choices, too, like the tahini roasted sweet potato and chia seeds in Greek yogurt with fruit topping. They provide your body with what it craves after exercise without any of the pro-inflammatory effects of processed food. What is a Clean Energy Snack? Real clean snacks contain no added sugars, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, or lab-created artificial colours or flavourings. These snacks only have clean ingredients, such as sprouted flours, pure cow ghee, natural sweeteners like dates or jaggery, and nutritious whole food add-ins, such as seeds, nuts, and grains. Whole food nutrient snacks give dependable fuel to our bodies and provide supportive features for digestion, immunity, and balanced and sustained healthy levels of energy throughout your day. From Ingredients to Impact top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Mahajan says, Your body functions best when its powered by food thats in harmony with nature. Whole food clean energy snacks composed of actual, minimally processed whole foods do more than power your workout routine they build metabolic resilience and support recovery." By selecting unadulterated, well-balanced food in line with your workout routine, youre not only improving your bodys energy youre conditioning it to function at peak levels. Clean energy is not complicated; it is actual fuel, crafted with intention. 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 27, 2025, 16:08 IST How to Spot Urinary Tract Infections In School-Aged Children Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 12:53 IST A UTI can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra. UTIs are common in infants and school-aged children. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are surprisingly common in children, particularly in newborns and those in early school years, a paediatrician has revealed. The symptoms in infants are often mild, unclear or confused with common problems like teething, colic, or a cold. As a result, the infection can go unnoticed and become more serious. What is a UTI? Recommended Stories A UTI is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra, according to Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. In most cases, it is caused by bacteria or germs entering through the urethra. In children, UTIs can develop due to poor hygiene, holding in urine for too long, or, less commonly, due to structural issues in the urinary tract. Dr Anjali Saxena, Senior Consultant in General Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, explains that the symptoms of UTIs can vary significantly depending on the childs age. Newborns and infants cannot tell you whats wrong, so their symptoms are often vague, like fever, poor feeding, or irritability. In older children, embarrassment or a lack of awareness can stop them from speaking up when they feel discomfort," she told Money Control. Early Warning Signs of UTIs in Children: What Parents Should Look Out For Anjali Saxena highlights that UTIs are especially common in infants and school-aged children, but often go unnoticed. In babies under one year, the signs can be vague and easily mistaken for other issues. Parents should look out for unexplained fever, trouble feeding, frequent spit-ups, unusual sleepiness or fussiness, fewer wet diapers, or urine that smells bad or looks odd. Since babies cant express discomfort, even a mild infection can become serious quickly, the doctor said. In school-going children, the signs may include pain or burning while urinating, frequent or urgent bathroom trips, wetting accidents, bedwetting after staying dry, stomach or back pain, and tiredness. Some children may simply complain of a stomach ache, especially when trying to pee. When to See a Doctor and What Steps to Take top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to experts, parents should consult a doctor if a baby under three months has a fever or if an older child shows signs like discomfort while peeing, bedwetting after staying dry, or frequent stomach pain and low-grade fevers. Diagnosing a UTI is simple. A urine sample is used for older children, while a tiny catheter may be used for babies. Most UTIs clear up with antibiotics, but finishing the full course is crucial. In some cases, doctors might suggest an ultrasound to check for underlying issues, especially if infections are frequent or if the child is very young. 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 27, 2025, 12:53 IST Menstrual Health and the Workplace: How to Support It Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 21:09 IST Menstrual health is not a personal issueits a workplace issue. Supporting women in managing menstruation with dignity and ease fosters a more inclusive work environment. Menstrual health is not a personal issueits a workplace issue. Menstrual health is a crucial part of womens overall well-being, yet it remains a taboo subject in many workplace settings. As more women join the workforce, its time for employers to acknowledge menstruation as a natural bodily process and implement actionable steps to support menstrual health at work. This isnt just about comfortits about dignity, productivity, and equity. Dr. Seema Manuja, Director Gynaecology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector-8, Faridabad, shares all you need to know. 1. Provide Access to Menstrual Products Recommended Stories One of the simplest and most effective ways to support menstrual health is by providing menstrual hygiene productssuch as sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cupsin the workplace. These products should be free or available at a subsidized rate in all womens washrooms. Like soap and toilet paper, menstrual hygiene products should be treated as essential. 2. Clean and Private Washrooms Clean, accessible, and private washrooms are a basic requirement for menstrual health. Women need safe and hygienic spaces to change menstrual products and manage personal hygiene. This includes having sanitary disposal bins with lids and ensuring regular cleaning. 3. Promote Open Culture and Conversation A workplace should foster a culture where menstruation isnt considered shameful, awkward, or uncomfortable to discuss. Open and supportive environments go a long way in breaking stigmas. 4. Flexible Work Policies Some women experience severe cramps or fatigue during their periods, particularly those with conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. Offering flexible work hours, remote work options, or menstrual leave can help women manage their health without compromising productivity. 5. Awareness and Education Regular awareness sessions on menstrual health, nutrition, and hygiene can empower employees to take better care of themselves. Involving healthcare professionals or gynecologists can offer credible, science-backed insights and address common concerns. 6. Supportive Infrastructure top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Larger organizations can take it a step further by offering wellness rooms where women can rest if theyre feeling unwell. Access to on-site medical support or partnerships with local clinics can also help manage urgent health needs. Menstrual health is not a personal issueits a workplace issue. Supporting women in managing menstruation with dignity and ease fosters a more inclusive, compassionate, and productive work environment. When organizations take menstrual health seriously, they send a clear message: our employees matternot just as workers, but as individuals. 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 27, 2025, 21:09 IST Shamita Shetty Shares 10-Minute Treadmill Workout For Busy Bees Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 13:04 IST Shamita Shetty shared an intensive workout routine on the treadmill. The actor recommends repeating each exercise 4-6 times to feel the burn. Shamita Shetty's routine includes walking lunges, farmers carry, and running on the treadmill. Shamita Shetty is undoubtedly a fitness fanatic, and this shines bright in her toned physique and radiant skin. Whether she is sweating it out at the gym or practising a yoga asana, the actress inspires fans with her rigorous workout routine. The actress, who is a fitness role model for millions, frequently shares glimpses of her workouts on social media, which combine strength training, yoga, and dance. Her latest offering is a perfect solution for those who are pressed for time but eager to burn calories. Taking to Instagram, the 46-year-old actress dropped a Monday motivation video. Dressed in a mint green athleisure outfit, Shamita Shetty demonstrated a 10-minute workout routine that can be performed entirely on the treadmill. The workouts include: Recommended Stories Walking Lunges: Lunges are a challenging exercise on their own, and performing them on a treadmill will push your limits. Doing this exercise will not only help burn calories but also improve lower body strength, enhance balance and stability and boost overall lower body endurance. Farmers Carry: This effective exercise helps burn calories, strengthen your muscles, and improve cardiovascular health. But for newcomers, it is advised to start slow. Overhead Carry with Light Dumbbells: It is a functional strength exercise where you have to hold weights overhead while on a treadmill. Performing this exercise strengthens your shoulders and core while also helping you burn those extra calories when combined with other exercises. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SHAMITA SHETTY (@shamitashetty_official) Reverse Squat Walk: For those who find regular squats a challenge, the reverse squat walk on a treadmill will make you feel an intense burn in a minute. Incorporating this exercise in your routine will strengthen quads, glutes, and hamstrings. It also enhances balance and coordination, along with helping you burn more calories. Running: This exercise will help you improve heart health, boost energy, and keep your weight in check. Running on the treadmill allows you to adjust the level according to your convenience to suit your fitness goals. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shetty recommends performing each exercise for at least one minute and repeating the entire set 4-6 times to feel the burn. But it is advised to avoid overstressing and perform these exercises as many times as is comfortable. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on the treadmill and start sweating it out! 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 27, 2025, 13:04 IST Nita Ambani Ditches The Saree And Stuns In An Ethnic Suit At DAIS Graduation Ceremony Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 17:29 IST At the Dhirubhai Ambani International School graduation ceremony in Mumbai, Nita Ambani exuded elegance and grace in a beige and gold ethnic suit set. Nita Ambani was accompanied by Mukesh Ambani, Anant Ambani, and Nikhil Kamath. The founder of the Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai, Nita Ambani, recently attended the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2025. For the event, she was accompanied by her husband Mukesh Ambani, son Anant Ambani, and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. Unlike her usual style, Nita ditched her statement sarees and instead opted for a beige and gold ethnic suit set. Nita Ambani made a graceful style statement as she embraced traditional elegance in a beautifully tailored ethnic outfit. Known for her love of classic sarees, she opted for a refreshing change with a sophisticated kurta set that radiated understated glamour. Her ensemble featured a soft beige silk kurta that came with a refined V-neckline and three-quarter sleeves. The standout detail was the intricate floral embroidery, delicately accented with fine zari work in gold that lent a regal, handcrafted charm. Recommended Stories Take a closer look at Nitas OOTD here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ambani Family (@ambani_update) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Nita paired the kurta with straight-cut trousers and added a sheer organza dupatta. She draped the dupatta over one shoulder. The dupatta was edged with shimmering golden borders for a touch of festive sparkle. For the accessories, she chose elegant diamond earrings, a statement ring, stacked bangles, and a sleek wristwatch. Her smart choice of accessories enhanced the outfit without overwhelming it. For the glam, she kept it polished and timeless. She went with a classic winged eyeliner, soft nude tones on the eyes and lips, a healthy flush of blush, and radiant highlights. She completed her look by styling her hair in a neat, centre-parted bun that perfectly complemented the poised and graceful aesthetic. Nita recently visited the Golden Temple and the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in Amritsar, Punjab. For the visit, she stepped away from her usual designer ensembles and extravagant jewellery. She kept it modest and respectful look in casual denim and a top. She paired her ensemble with a striking rani pink dupatta that brought a traditional flair to the outfit. The dupatta, adorned with delicate white bandhani prints and finished with elegant gold borders, was draped gracefully over her head, in keeping with Sikh customs of covering ones head at the Gurudwara. 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 27, 2025, 17:29 IST Nita Ambani Embraces Simplicity During Spiritual Visit to Amritsar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 10:38 IST Nita Ambani embraced simplicity and tradition during her spiritual visit to Amritsar, opting for a modest look with a rani pink dupatta and minimal makeup. Nita Ambani paid her respects at the Golden Temple and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Known for her glamorous sartorial choices and opulent presence, Nita Ambani surprised many with her understated and graceful look during a recent spiritual visit to Amritsar. The Reliance Foundation Chairperson paid her respects at the Golden Temple and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, embracing tradition and simplicity in both her demeanor and attire. For the visit, Nita stepped away from her usual designer ensembles and extravagant jewellery, opting instead for a modest and respectful look. She wore a casual denim and top combinationa far cry from her high-fashion appearancespaired with a striking rani pink dupatta that brought a traditional flair to the outfit. The dupatta, adorned with delicate white bandhani prints and finished with elegant gold borders, was draped gracefully over her head, in keeping with Sikh customs of covering ones head at the Gurudwara. Recommended Stories Her accessories, too, were refreshingly minimal. She sported a stylish gold wristwatch, a simple diamond ring, and a pair of nude heels. Eschewing heavy jewels, her look was balanced and elegant, showing that grace doesnt always need grandeur. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Nitas makeup echoed her ensembles subtletymuted tones of nude eyeshadow, softly blushed cheeks, mascara-laden lashes, and a natural nude lip gave her a radiant but grounded appearance. Her hair was neatly tied into a bun, completing the clean and composed look. Nita Ambani, wife of business magnate Mukesh Ambani, is one of Indias most influential women. A philanthropist and educationist, she is the driving force behind initiatives like the Reliance Foundation and Dhirubhai Ambani International School. Her recent appearance in Amritsar showcased a different side to herone of humility, faith, and quiet elegance, proving that simplicity can indeed be the ultimate sophistication. 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 27, 2025, 10:38 IST Dreaming Of Switzerland? Try These Affordable European Mountain Getaways Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 13:25 IST While a Switzerland holiday is magical, it also comes with a hefty price. Check out these affordable getaways in Europe that are perfect for a scenic getaway instead. Lake Bled in Slovenia offers scenic views and budget-friendly stays. Switzerlands jaw-dropping mountains and picture-perfect villages are undeniably magical but lets be honest, the price of that magic often comes with a hefty bill. If youve been fantasising about a European summer filled with snow-dusted peaks and cosy mountain air, yet Switzerland feels out of reach, youre not alone. In 2025, a growing number of travellers are choosing to trade crowded, sun-drenched beaches for refreshing mountain escapes. These high-altitude retreats offer cooler temperatures, breathtaking landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, all without the high costs often associated with popular destinations. Best of all, they allow you to experience alpine charm without straining your travel budget. Recommended Stories Here are seven affordable and scenic destinations that serve up Switzerland vibes, minus the steep prices. 1. Lake Bled, Slovenia Tucked away in Slovenias Julian Alps, Lake Bled looks like something straight out of a storybook. Picture an emerald lake with a tiny island church, wrapped in lush green hills. Its a peaceful and budget-friendly stand-in for Lucerne. Enjoy boat rides, forest hikes, and charming guesthouses from just 50 (Rs 4,843) per night. Dont leave without tasting the famous Bled cream cake! 2. High Tatras, Slovakia If you crave alpine adventure, Slovakias High Tatras deliver without the premium cost. These dramatic peaks and glacial valleys are perfect for hikers and nature lovers. Trails are clearly marked and mountain huts are both cozy and affordable. A hearty local meal rarely costs more than 10 (Rs 969) and getting there by train is incredibly economical. 3. Zabljak, Montenegro Zabljak, perched inside Durmitor National Park, is Montenegros cool mountain escape. Youll find glacier-fed lakes, rafting adventures and quiet hiking trails, all at a fraction of the cost of Swiss resorts. 4. Blidinje Nature Park, Bosnia and Herzegovina Looking for a quiet retreat? Head to Blidinje, where alpine serenity meets untouched landscapes. Stay in rustic wooden cabins, breathe in the crisp mountain air and explore peaceful lakes and trails. Bosnia offers unbeatable valuefrom accommodation to food and transport, its all easy on the wallet. 5. Zakopane, Poland Located at the base of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is Polands vibrant mountain resort town. Brimming with wooden chalets, scenic trails and folklore charm, its a great destination for those who love alpine culture. Visit in the shoulder season for rock-bottom hotel rates and uncrowded views. 6. Sinaia, Romania Nestled in Romanias Carpathian Mountains, Sinaia blends mountain tranquillity with royal flair. Home to the magnificent Peles Castle and forested hiking paths, this town offers a dreamy getaway just a train ride from Bucharest. With comfortable hotels starting around 30 (Rs 2,906), you can enjoy regal scenery on a backpackers budget. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 7. Valbona Valley, Albania For a truly raw and remote experience, head to Albanias breathtaking Valbona Valley. This hidden alpine wonder is ideal for adventurous travellers seeking off-the-grid beauty. Hike the iconic Valbona-Theth trail, swim in glacial rivers and stay with local families in cosy guesthouses, all without spending much at all. 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 27, 2025, 13:25 IST Akshay Kumar Reacts To How Much He Charged For Housefull 5: Kya Raid Daalna Hai Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 16:11 IST It was during the trailer launch event, Akshay Kumar was asked about the amount he has charged for the film. His answer left everyone laughing Akshay Kumar Reacts To How Much He Charged For Housefull 5 Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and others starrer Housefull 5 trailer is out. The comedy drama has left everyone impressed. It was during the trailer launch event, Akshay Kumar was asked about the amount he had charged for the film. He immediately playfully reacted and asked whether he plans to raid his house. The answer left everyone laughing. In the video, shared by Filmygyan, we can see him saying, Agar maine paise liye honge toh tujhe kyun batau. Tu humara bhajita lagta hai jo tujhe batau. Maine paise liye, bahot ache khase liye. Film bani hai, bahot ache khase budget mein bani hai. Bahot maza aaya. Aaj Khushi ka din. Kya raid daalna hai" Recommended Stories Watch the video here View this post on Instagram A post shared by F I L M Y G Y A N (@filmygyan) The trailer kicks off with Nana Patekar setting the scene with a lavish celebration aboard a luxury yacht, where a billionaire is marking his 100th birthday with a huge party. Things take a twist when he plans to reveal his will. After the billionaire suddenly dies, the spotlight falls on three main characters who become prime suspects. The catch? Theyve been drugged and cant recall anything about themselves. To crack the case, the story brings in Jackie Shroff and Sanjay Dutt. This comes after the teaser was released on April 30, marking 15 years since the Housefull series first started. The one-minute teaser gave fans a glimpse of the new setting, a fancy cruise ship, a journey on the sea, and a surprise murder mystery. Akshay Kumar also reacted to Hera Pheri 3 controversy. He said, Ive worked with him since the last 30 years. 32 saal see unke saath kaam karte aya hoon. We are very good friends. He is a great actor. I really admire him. I dont think this is a place where I am going to talk about it. Because, whatever has to happen it is a very serious matter it is a matter which is going to be handled by the court. I dont think Im going to speak about it here." He also reprimanded the journalist for not choosing the correct words to describe Paresh Rawal. Using this kind of word for my co-star like a foolish word I would not appreciate it," Akshay firmly said. Earlier, Paresh Rawals legal team, Anand & Naik, broke silence on his exit from the much-loved Hera Pheri 3. A source close to the production told TOI in March, during the shoot of Bhoot Bangla, Akshay gave Paresh Rawal a paper to sign for Hera Pheri 3 and said the full agreement would come later. But Rawal was unsure because he hadnt seen any script or other details. Akshay told him, Dont worry, trust me. Youll see it later in the long-form agreement. Based on his personal rapport with Kumar and acting in good faith, Paresh Rawal signed the term sheet," the source adds. In April, Rawal was asked to shoot a promotional video for Hera Pheri 3 . He once again questioned Akshay about the script, the production plan, and the long-term agreement." About the Author Akriti Anand Akriti Anand is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. A news writer with over a decade of experience, Akriti loves to keep a close watch on Bollywood celebrities and their social media. A post-g... Read More Akriti Anand is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. A news writer with over a decade of experience, Akriti loves to keep a close watch on Bollywood celebrities and their social media. A post-g... Read More First Published: May 27, 2025, 16:11 IST Amitabh Bachchan Laments Being Constantly Criticised: 'They Tell Me Not To Talk' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 13:23 IST Amitabh Bachchan expressed frustration over constant criticism on his blog. Amitabh Bachchan shared a cryptic note on his blog. Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has shared that he often faces criticism just for speaking his thoughts or even his signature. The Bollywood legend said people tell him not to talk, which has left him feeling hurt and confused. In a cryptic note on his blog, Big B expressed his frustration over constant criticism. Big B took to his blog and wrote, And they tell me to change my signature .. to not put dots in it .. to not put curved lines .. to wear this to wear that .. to not visit here or there .. to not talk here, to not talk there .. when you talk they say why do you talk .. when you do not talk they say why you do not talk." Recommended Stories He shared a few lines from his late legendary father Harivansh Rai Bachchans poetry and wrote, I may be carefree for myself; but I care for all. I know that there is no value within me; but even then I keep a valued relationship, a propinquity, with some." I have learnt how to live life, from the seas and oceans; to flow quietly and to exist in your own ardor your own avidity and zest The learnings from Babuji, my revered Father .. an eternal gift for my living and learning .. my gratitude and my affection." Speaking about India overtaking Japan to become the worlds fourth-largest economy, he said, And as I said on the X .. we become the 4rth largest economy in the World, beating Japan. and in another 2.5 to 3 yrs shall become the 3rd largest economy in the World!!" Big B added, What an Incredible achievement for a Country that became Independent just 75 yrs + ago. How many other nations that got Independent 75 yrs back, have attained this kind of achievement." In the same blog, Big B also praised the courage of the Agniveers the young soldiers serving under Indias Agnipath scheme. What of the AgniVeers the young fighters who protected us during the recent attack on our land," he wrote. He described them as disciplined, patriotic, and full of courage and commitment. These soldiers serve for four years, gaining vital military experience. Agniveers represent a bold step in modernizing Indias defense forces with youth, energy, and nationalistic spirit at their core," he concluded. First Published: May 27, 2025, 13:23 IST Anushka Ranjan, Shaheen Bhatt And Sonakshi Sinha In One Frame. Too Cute, Right? Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 20:09 IST With adorable round eyes, chubby cheeks and an innocent charm, Sonakshi Sinha is cuteness at its peak in the photo with Anushka Ranjan and Shaheen Bhatt. Can you guess the girl with glasses? (Photo Credit: Instagram) A picture shared by Anushka Ranjan has grabbed the Internets attention. The throwback gold features Anushka with Shaheen Bhatt and Sonakshi Sinha from a young age. Posing together for a group photo at what seemed to be a party, the kids looked adorable. Both Anushka and Shaheen, dressed in printed outfits, looked cute. The highlight Sonakashi Sinha and her glasses. Along with the throwback gem, Anushka wrote, Oh my god!" With adorable round eyes, chubby cheeks and an innocent charm, Sonakshi Sinha is cuteness at its peak in the photo. She is seen wearing a black dress with a cute ponytail and round specs and we are totally in awe. The actress reshared the post on Instagram stories, writing, Man, my glasses are a vibe." Recommended Stories A true-blue wanderlust soul, Sonakshi Sinha jets off to explore the world when not busy with work. For her last vacation, she picked the Maldives as her spot to enjoy a relaxing getaway with her husband, Zaheer Iqbal, where she spent a minute in the Maldives". Keeping fans in the loop, she shared a dreamy Instagram carousel, posing with husband and friends Nirvana Chaudhary and Ashrayata Karki Chaudhary who were celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. One photo showed Zaheer swimming in crystal-clear waters whereas another captured a solo moment of Sonakshi, striking a pose on the deck. An additional photo captured a magical shot of the night sky twinkling with stars. In the final slide, Sonakshi Sinha added a black-and-white shot featuring her and her beau against the ocean backdrop. Arent they pure couple goals? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona) Sonakshi Sinhas caption for the post read, A minute in the Maldives to celebrate love, life and the 10th wedding anniversary of our dear friends Nirvana Chaudhary and Ashrayata Karki Chaudhary. Reunited with old friends, made some new ones this was our shortest trip there but the MOST special." Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal got married to each other in June 2024. The duo shared screen space in Double XL, released in 2022. Looking ahead, Sonakshi Sinha is set to make her Tollywood debut with Jatadhara. Touted to be a supernatural fantasy thriller, the film is directed by Venkat Kalyan. With Sudheer Babu in the film, the much-anticipated drama also stars Shilpa Shirodkar, Rain Anjali and Divya Vij in key roles. Additionally, Sonakshi also has Nikita Roy in her kitty. It is directed by her brother, Kussh S Sinha. 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 27, 2025, 17:53 IST Priyanka Chopra Melts Hearts With Adorable Cloud-Gazing Photo With Baby Malti Marie Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 28, 2025, 00:44 IST Priyanka posted an adorable picture of herself and Malti cloud-gazing, and the internet cant stop gushing over the sweetness. Priyanka Chopra and Malti Marie at the airport. Priyanka Chopra is effortlessly blending mom life and glam goals. The actress, whos currently in Italy, took a break from red carpet dazzle to share a serene moment with her daughter, Malti Marie. Taking to Instagram Stories, Priyanka posted an adorable picture of herself and Malti cloud-gazing, and the internet cant stop gushing over the sweetness. The endearing moment arrives amid Priyankas stylish getaway to Sicily, where she attended Bvlgaris much-talked-about event, A Night in Sicily." Dressed in a stunning beige Christian Dior gown with a semi-sheer overlay, PeeCee looked every bit a diva. She completed her look with a statement Serpenti necklace and bangle by Bvlgari, keeping her makeup soft and elegant with matte lips and flushed cheeks. Recommended Stories Alongside the mommy-daughter moment, Priyanka also gave fans glimpses of the event highlights, champagne by the pool, books, scenic pasta shots, and a glimpse of the formal sit-down dinner. However, one detail didnt escape fans notice: her name tag at the event dinner table read Pryianka Chopra Jonas," sparking amused comments across social media. On the work front, Priyanka Chopra is keeping busy with several high-profile projects. Her action-comedy Heads of State, co-starring Idris Elba and John Cena, is slated for release on July 2, 2025. Shes also reprising her role in the second season of the spy thriller Citadel, expected in spring 2026. In addition to her international ventures, Priyanka is currently filming The Bluff and a project with director SS Rajamouli and actor Mahesh Babu. Buzz also suggests a potential return to Bollywood in Krrish 4, alongside Hrithik Roshan. While her professional slate is packed, its clear that Priyanka is carving out quality time for her daughter. And if her latest post is anything to go by, shes finding the perfect balance between luxury, motherhood, and a demanding global career. 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 28, 2025, 00:44 IST Woman Trespasses Aditya Roy Kapurs Home In Bandra, Case Registered Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 17:57 IST Aditya Roy Kapur House: A 47-year-old woman reportedly entered Aditya Roy Kapurs residence in Bandra, Mumbai, on Monday and claimed she brought gifts for the actor. Aditya Roy Kapur was reportedly away on a shoot when the woman entered his house Aditya Roy Kapur House: On Monday, a 47-year-old woman allegedly entered Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapurs residence in Bandra West, Mumbai, reports Free Press Journal. The actor was reportedly away on a shoot at the time, and his domestic help Sangita Pawar answered the door. The woman, later identified as Gazala Jhakaria Siddique, claimed that she had brought clothes and gifts for the actor. Upon Aditya Roy Kapurs return, he did not recognize the woman and immediately contacted the society manager. Based on a complaint filed by the actors maid, the Khar police registered a case against Siddique for alleged house trespass on May 26. Free Press Journal reported that Aditya Roy Kapur was away for a shoot, and his domestic help, Sangita Pawar, 49, was alone at home. Around 6 pm, the doorbell rang. When the domestic help answered, she found a woman at the door. The woman asked if it was the residence of actor Aditya Roy Kapur. When Sangita confirmed it, the woman said she had brought clothes and other gifts for the actor. The maid believed her and let her in. The maid then asked what time she was supposed to come, and the woman replied, 6 pm." Recommended Stories Soon after, Aditya Roy Kapur returned home. The domestic help told him about the woman, and her intention to meet him. However, upon seeing her, the actor said he did not recognise her. The woman tried to approach the actor, prompting him to leave the house and contact society manager Jayashree Dunkdu. Dunkdu then informed the actors manager, Shruti Rao, who quickly arrived at Rizvi Heights and contacted the Khar police. When the maid asked the woman to leave, she refused and insisted on staying at the actors residence. The Khar police soon arrived and began an inquiry. According to the report in Free Press Journal, the woman identified herself as Gazala Jhakaria Siddique, a 47-year-old resident of Dubai. However, when asked about the purpose of her visit and how she arrived at the actors residence, she evaded the questions. Based on a preliminary investigation, the police concluded that she had unlawfully entered the actors home with possible criminal intent. An FIR was filed against Siddique under Section 331(2) (Punishment for house-trespass or house-breaking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. On the professional front, Aditya Roy Kapur will next be seen in Anurag Basus upcoming film, MetroIn Dino, which also stars Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal, and Neena Gupta. The film is all set to make its way in cinemas on July 4, 2025. First Published: May 27, 2025, 12:43 IST Deepika Padukone Rejected Film After Director Paid Male Actor More: 'Ok Then, Tata Goodbye' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 23:53 IST While Deepika hasnt officially confirmed or addressed her departure from Spirit, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga made his feelings about the situation publicly known. Deepika Padukone on why she once said tata goodbye to a film over pay disparity. Deepika Padukone may be among the top-billed actors in the country today, but shes never shied away from speaking out against gender-based pay disparity in the industry. Amid the ongoing controversy around her reported exit from Sandeep Reddy Vangas Spirit, a throwback interview of the actress has resurfaced where she candidly explains why she once turned down a film over pay inequality. While Deepika hasnt officially confirmed or addressed her departure from Spirit, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga made his feelings about the situation publicly known. Without naming her, he took to social media platform X to post a strongly worded note expressing disappointment at an unnamed actress, accusing her of putting down a younger actor" and disclosing details of the project. Recommended Stories When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA between us Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?" he wrote, adding, You didnt get it. You wont get it. You will never get it." If reports are to be believed, Deepika was originally cast as the female lead opposite Prabhas in Spirit, and Triptii Dimri, who gained fame for her role in Vangas Animal, is now stepping in to replace her. Interestingly, Deepika was reportedly offered a staggering Rs 20 crore for the role, her highest-ever fee, which even surpasses recent numbers quoted for her husband Ranveer Singh. In the resurfaced clip from an NDTV interview, Deepika spoke about a time she walked away from a film because the director couldnt match her fee demand. She revealed she liked the film creatively but had to decline it. She recalled, When I quoted my price, the director said he couldnt afford it because he had to pay the male actors fee. So I said, ok then, tata goodbye, because I know my track record. I know what I am worth." Deepika further added that the decision was driven by principle, not ego. At the end of the day, I didnt want to sleep at night knowing I had an equal creative contribution but was underpaid. I was not okay with that," she said. Professionally, Deepika was last seen in Rohit Shettys Singham Again, which featured an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Akshay Kumar. She also starred in the Telugu sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, opposite Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. The film has a sequel planned for 2026. 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 27, 2025, 23:05 IST Dil Raju Denies Theatre Shutdown Rumours Before Pawan Kalyan's Film Release Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 17:25 IST Dil Raju denied plans to close theatres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana before Pawan Kalyan's film release, dismissing shutdown rumours. Dil Raju has denied reports of theatre shutdown ahead of Pawan Kalyan's film. Renowned Tollywood producer and exhibitor Dil Raju has categorically denied any intention to close theatres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana before the release of Pawan Kalyans highly awaited film, Hari Hara Veera Mallu. It is set to premiere on June 12. During a media interaction on Monday, as reported by IANS, Dil Raju asserted, No one has the guts to stop the release of Pawan Kalyans film." He dismissed the rumours about a possible theatre shutdown as unfounded and misleading, attributing them to some vested interests." Recommended Stories Clarifying further, Dil Raju, who also leads the Telangana State Film Development Corporation, stated, I was not part of any meeting which decided to shut down theatres or the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce gave any such signal. Why would anyone think of stopping Pawan Kalyan movie, who is a big star with a huge following?" It all began on April 19 when exhibitors and distributors from East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh threatened to close theatres if their long-standing demands were not addressed. However, Dil Raju noted that the situation had improved since then, as they softened their stand later as producers understood the problems faced by exhibitors." Exhibitors across other regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had also raised demands, including a shift to a percentage-based revenue system, but Dil Raju emphasized that theatre shutdown was never on the agenda in any meeting." Despite these clarifications, rumours continued to swirl that the release of Hari Hara Veera Mallu might be impacted. This confusion even irritated the Andhra Pradesh government, according to Dil Raju. Addressing the issue, Andhra Pradeshs Tourism and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh, a prominent leader in Pawan Kalyans Jana Sena, suggested a conspiracy behind the theatre shutdown calls and demanded an investigation. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan issued a strong statement criticizing the Tollywood industry for not engaging with the current government. Filmmakers come to the government only during the release of their movies," he remarked, condemning the industrys silence and adding, The film industry forgot the alleged humiliation meted out to them by the previous government of YSR Congress." Kalyan also declared that no individual meetings would be allowed with producers or directors over issues like ticket pricing or film releases. All communication must go through recognised film associations," he insisted. His comments also touched on broader issues, including transparency in theatre revenues, poor cinema infrastructure, and regulatory confusion over ticket pricing. First Published: May 27, 2025, 17:24 IST Opinion | What INSV Kaundinya Actually Stitches Together Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 12:20 IST The wooden sailing ship rekindles ancient Indias bustling trade and cultural links with the ancient world to its east and west. INSV Kaundinya, a recreation of a 5th-century stitched ship inspired by Ajanta murals, during its induction ceremony at the Karwar Naval Base, Karnataka. (Image: PIB) Showcasing Indias little-discussed but longstanding maritime tradition reached a (nautical) milestone with the launch of INSV Kaundinya at Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka last week. The re-creation of an ancient Indian stitched" ship as a joint venture between the Indian Navy and Ministry of Culture was discussed in a Firstpost article, Why recreating a 5th century stitched ship is as important as Chandrayaan (September 23, 2023) , but even the name has a story. Writers like Amitav Ghosh, William Dalrymple and Sanjeev Sanyal have dwelt on the Indian influence on the cultures of south-east Asia thanks mainly to sea-borne trade. But these are yet to become common knowledge in the way that, say, the life and times of Ashoka have in India. That is why the name Kaundinya is particularly apt for this stitched ship as he was the first known Indian who sailed to South-East Asia and ended up founding Cambodias first Hindu kingdom. Recommended Stories Kaundinya is thought to have hailed from Indias east coast, probably somewhere in Ganjam district of Odisha or the adjoining Srikakulam district in Andhra, both of which were part of the ancient Kalinga kingdom and included the bustling Kalingapuram port. That is because Kaundinya" is a gotra common to Brahmins in the south-eastern Indian coastal region even today, indicating the ancient mariners probable antecedents and reiterating Odishas maritime legacy. The kingdom Kaundinya and Soma founded nearly 2,000 years ago is now referred to as Funan based on Chinese texts written over a millennium later, but contemporary Khmer sources cite names such as Shresthapura, Bhavapura, Vyadhapura and Aninditapura, pointing to its Indian/Hindu links. The Indian propensity to not chronicle anything till relatively recently has led to Chinese records dominating the discourse, hence Funan is the better known name. Unfortunately, this also fuels the misconception that south-east Asia has always been part of the Sinosphere rather than a Indic/Hindu one, despite their Indian-style architecture, Sanskrit-linked scripts, languages and literature, Hindu deities, customs and philosophy and even Hindu kingdoms like Champa in Vietnam, Funan and the Khmer Empire in Cambodia, Sriwijaya, Singhasari and Majapahit in Indonesia and more. The INVS Kaundinya points to those old connections. Incidentally, even Kaundinyas marriage to Soma is not the only such instance. It is said that an Indian princess Hwang-hok (Yellow Jade in Korean) of Ayodhya sailed away to marry Emperor Kim Suro of Gaya in Korea and became Empress Heo, not long after Kaundinya. Today, many Koreans claim descent from their 12 children. Curiously, the ancient burial mounds in Assam called moidam are amazingly similar to those of Korean royalty including that of Suro and Heo. Tales of the connections between ancient India and the cultures and kingdoms of south-east Asia and beyond have been far too persistent to be dismissed now as being without any basis. Academia (western-dominated as it has been) tended to firmly relegate such stories to the realms of mythology earlier, unwilling to even acknowledge that India had much of an international profile beyond the well-documented spread of Buddhism eastwards. Indias Hinduism was sidelined. Thus, the story of the seafaring Kaundinya and his marriage to the Naga princess Soma nearly 2,000 years ago also never gained traction. That watershed event is remembered in Cambodia till today, but not many Indians visiting there are aware of it even if they do know that Hinduism was once the main religion in the region, indicating ancient links with India. Even a cursory research reveals details about profound cross-cultural connections, going beyond architecture and culture. Hinduisms cultural influence seen there, hark back to their earliest kingdoms, but now there is even DNA proof that proto-historic" South-East Asians had Indian lineage, indicating a wide intermingling between the peoples of India and that region probably even predating Kaundinyas arrival. South-East Asian genealogies today have some Indian ancestry, but new studies on an ancient boys skeleton in Cambodia have revealed a 40-50% South Asian/ Indian DNA. Radiocarbon testing of that ancient boys bone dated it to the early period of Funan (the kingdom Kaundinya co-founded), showing that the Indian gene flow to Cambodia started 1,000 years earlier than the previously posited 12th to 14th century on the strength of genetic studies of current populations. The researchers also say they expect to find further traces of interactions with South Asia (India?) corroborated by archaeological evidencefrom about 4th century BCE. Paleogenomics does not make for racy reading, but its findings certainly add heft to the mythological" stories of connections between the Hindu kingdoms and cultures of ancient India and the populations of South-East Asia. Later in the first millennium CE the Indian connection becomes too evident to gloss over, such as the arrival in 731CE of a boy prince from Simhapura in Champa kingdom (now Vietnam) to ascend the Pallava throne in South India as Nandivarman II. That the INSV Kaundinya was launched on Indias west coast is apt too. For millennia ancient Indian ships set sail from Khambat, Kutch and the Konkan coast to the west. The Sindhu-Sarasvati civilisation had robust trade relations with the cultures of the Euphrates and Nile to its west, most of it conducted via the seas. Harappan seals found at Dilmun (now Bahrain) attest to the fact that it was an entrepot for goods from India like lapis lazuli, carnelian, pearls and ivory. And later, the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea mentions that cloths and precious stones, timbers and spicesparticularly cinnamon" and even iron, steel, skins and muslin were transported from India mostly on Indian vessels and transhipped at Socotra Island or Cape Guardafui (off the Horn of Africa) from the 1st century CE onwards. Exploration of the huge Hoq Cave in Socotra has revealed many inscriptions (more like graffiti really) on its walls in ancient Brahmi script. Socotra is said to be derived from the Sanskrit name Dvipa Sukhadara (Island of Bliss) or its Greek contraction Dioskorida. But the fact that there were many Hindus engaged in this trade is also underlined by their reverence for a deity named Socotri Mata or Sikotar Maa, propitiated by the seafarers to protect them from being shipwrecked. Temples were dedicated to her in Gujarat and Sindh, not only as Sikotar Maa but also as Vahanvati, always depicted sitting in a boat. Coins of the Satavahana or Andhra dynasty (2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE) featuring sailing ships that look astonishingly like the INSV Kaundinya point to the importance of maritime trade for that huge Hindu empire straddling the peninsula. They maintained many bustling ports including Bharuch, Sopara and Kalyan on the Arabian Sea and Ghantasala and Machhilipatnam on east, trading with both South-East Asia and the expansive Roman Empire to the west. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all So, the good ship INSV Kaundinya stitches together the proto-history and history of maritime India, resurrecting not only the shipbuilding prowess of ancient Indians but also Indias longstanding tiescommercial and culturaldown the millennia with the world. Later this year the wooden vessel will sail to Oman, retracing the route that other stitched Indian ships had made for centuries. May it always have fair winds and following seas" as the old nautical blessing goes! The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: May 27, 2025, 12:18 IST Right Word | The Proxy Trap: How Pakistans Deep State Undermines Peace With India Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 18:51 IST The Pahalgam attack fulfilled its intent: to derail the fragile prospects for harmony and collaboration between India and Pakistan Pakistans reliance on proxy terrorist groups as strategic tools undermines not only bilateral dialogue but also broader efforts towards regional cooperation and development. (AP/PTI) A familiar and recurring pattern has once again unfolded in South Asiaevery few years, as the region seems poised on the brink of enduring peace, destabilising forces with ties to Pakistan emerge to undermine such progress. Just as the Kashmir valley was settling into a climate of calm, order, and optimism for the future, terrorism resurfaced from obscurity. A firm and appropriate response was delivered. Yet, the attack fulfilled its intent: to derail the fragile prospects for harmony and collaboration between the neighbouring nations of India and Pakistan. The roots of discord between the two nations predate their very existence. Within months of gaining independence, the neighbouring states engaged in war over the coveted region of Kashmir. Pakistan, unwilling to accept the decision of the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir decided to pursue an independent course, dispatched militias to seize control of the territory. In response, Maharaja Hari Singh appealed to Jawaharlal Nehru for assistance, offering accession to the newly established Indian Union. Recommended Stories The subsequent developments, including United Nations mediation, resulted in a provisional ceasefire linelater formalised in 1972 as the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan illegally occupied one-third of Kashmir, a position it continues to hold. A further violent conflict broke out in 1965 when Pakistan initiated an incursion across the ceasefire line. The following year, Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President Ayub Khan agreed to cease hostilities and pursue peaceful avenues for resolving their disputes. The 1970s began with a devastating setback for Pakistan, as its eastern region, oppressed under Islamabads brutal governance, rose in rebellion to demand independence. India, motivated by both humanitarian concerns and strategic interests, supported the liberation movement, culminating in the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. In the aftermath, recognising its significant lack of strategic depth and conventional military parity with India, the Pakistani establishmentparticularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)revised its security strategy. Pakistans participation in equipping and training Afghan fighters during the US-led response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan provided it with the necessary framework to pursue this updated approachproxy warfare. From the late 1980s onward, Pakistans military and intelligence establishment fomented armed insurgency in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulting in prolonged cycles of violence and radicalisation. Throughout this period, Pakistan leveraged its strategic use of proxy militant groups to retain a veil of plausible deniability. Meanwhile, the imbalance in civil-military relations ensured that any initiative by civilian governments to advance bilateral dialogue was systematically undermined by the military, keen to safeguard its dominant position in national affairs. At a time when the world viewed India and Pakistan with concern over their newly acquired nuclear capabilities, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee met his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to sign the historic 1999 Lahore Declaration. Both nations committed to confidence-building measures, multilateral cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, nuclear and conventional security, and diplomatic dialogue concerning Kashmir. However, just months later, infiltrators supported by the Pakistani military occupied strategic positions in Kargil, Kashmir, sparking a limited conflict that resulted in the deaths of 527 Indian soldiers. Predictably, this severely undermined the diplomatic gains and intensified Indian distrust of Pakistan. Once again, India chose to overcome the hostilities and offer the prospect of improved neighbourly relations with Pakistan. President Pervez Musharraf, presenting himself as a partner in the US-led post-9/11 war on terror, met with Prime Minister Vajpayee at the Agra Summit in 2001, raising hopes for renewed India-Pakistan dialogue. However, within a few months, India endured a horrific attack on its Parliament, which resulted in nine fatalities and was carried out by terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Between 2004 and 2007, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sought to achieve comprehensive peace with Pakistan and to reduce the Line of Control (LoC) to just a line on a map." Utilising backchannel diplomacy, he engaged with the Pakistani President to develop what became known as the Manmohan-Musharraf formula. This included initiatives such as free movement and trade across the LoC, the historic Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, and the significant 2006 Havana meeting where both parties agreed to establish a joint anti-terrorism institutional framework, among other measures. However, these efforts were ultimately rendered futile and deceptive when terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out the 2008 Mumbai attacks, killing over 160 individuals. The sole surviving attacker, Ajmal Kasab, directly implicated the ISI in his confession, revealing that it had trained him and assisted in selecting targets. When Narendra Modi extended conciliatory gestures towards Nawaz Sharif upon assuming office as Prime Minister, there was renewed optimism. However, this hope was swiftly dashed when terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) attacked the Pathankot airbase. Later that year, the same group carried out the Uri attack, resulting in the deaths of 18 soldiers and prompting India to conduct surgical strikes on terrorist camps in Balakot. In the wake of the Uri attack, the 2016 SAARC summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad was cancelled, and the forum has not convened since. The JeM was once again responsible for the horrific 2019 Pulwama attack, which involved a suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy, killing 40 personnel. The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian civilians and one Nepali citizen, follows a period of marked and sustained decline in terrorism within the Valley. In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced greater integration with India, notably following the abrogation of Article 370, alongside a surge in tourism, economic opportunities, and developmental initiatives. Consequently, Pakistans deep state was compelled to intervene in an effort to derail this hopeful progress for both the people of Kashmir and the wider region. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Any credible peace process between India and Pakistan depends fundamentally on genuine intent and transparency in actions. Pakistans reliance on proxy terrorist groups as strategic tools undermines not only bilateral dialogue but also broader efforts towards regional cooperation and development, exemplified by the stagnation of SAARC. Pakistan faces a long and challenging journey if it is to change the practices that have caused extensive violence in the region. This journey must begin with a profound transformation of its civil-military relations and a significant reduction of its disproportionately influential and controversial military establishment that supports terrorism. The writer is an author and a columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: May 27, 2025, 18:51 IST Ghar Vaapsi: Smriti Iranis Visit To Amethi Ahead Of Panchayat Polls 'Sets Tone For 2029' Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 13:31 IST Political analysts described Iranis comeback as a strategic move to re-engage with the grassroots, test public sentiment, and reset political equations ahead of 2029 polls. Smriti Irani visited Amethi on May 26, 2025. Amethi ki Didi thi, hoon aur rahoongi (I am Amethis sister and will remain so)" these words defined former union minister Smriti Iranis return to Amethi, her first visit to the constituency after a long time, following her defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While the occasion coincided with the birth anniversary of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the political symbolism of her visit extended far beyond the commemorative event. Political analysts in Uttar Pradesh described Iranis comeback as a strategic move to re-engage with the grassroots, test public sentiment, and reset political equations ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls", especially after her loss on a seat she had once turned into a BJP stronghold. Experts also said that her timely visit served as a morale booster for party workers gearing up for the upcoming panchayat elections and the crucial 2027 Assembly Polls. Addressing a gathering at Rananjay Inter College grounds in Gauriganj, Irani struck an emotional and combative note. I am a labourer. What do I have to do with the settlements of the rich?" she declared, reciting verses from Ramdhari Singh Dinkars iconic poem to underscore her commitment to grassroots politics and laborious public service Main mazdoor hoon, mujhe devon ki basti se kya! Ganitwar dhara par main swarg banaoon" Recommended Stories The Political Weight of Her Visit Political analyst and veteran commentator Sheetla Prasad Mishra sees Iranis return as more than a mere courtesy call. Smriti Iranis comeback is not accidental or emotional; it is strategic," said Mishra. After her defeat to Kishori Lal Sharma of Congress, many believed she would abandon Amethi like other parachute politicians. But by returning on this symbolic day May 26, the same day Modi took oath as PM in 2014 she is reclaiming political legitimacy in the eyes of her supporters," added Mishra. Irani lost the 2024 election to Sharma by a significant margin, a reversal of the 2019 outcome where she had unseated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from this traditional Gandhi family bastion. Yet, she had chosen to remain connected to Amethi, building a house in Medan Mawai village, formally registering as a voter, and declaring her intent to reside there. Her statementNow I live next to your housewas not casual," said Mishra. He said it was a reassurance that her political presence will persist despite the electoral setback. From Guest to Sister Irani was introduced at the event as a guest", but in her speech she redefined her identity. My relationship with Amethi is not of blood, but of struggle, sweat, and respect. In 2014, I was given only 22 days to contest here. Even then, the people called me Didi. Eleven years later, they no longer see me as a former MP but as a sister." The crowd responded warmly, suggesting that despite the electoral loss, Irani has retained a significant emotional connect in the constituency. Legacy and Achievements In her address, Irani listed key achievements from her tenure as MP: the AK-203 rifle factory, Coca-Cola bottling plant, a medical college, a Sainik School, and the development of an industrial corridor. She also mentioned that she has donated her MP pension to the National Defence Fund, a gesture to support the families of martyrs. She painted a picture of a new Amethi" transformed from a neglected Congress stronghold into a symbol of development. Amethi today is a land of industries and opportunities," she said, emphasising how women-led Self Help Groups and strengthened Panchayati Raj institutions have brought about grassroots change. Criticism Cloaked in Sentiment While her speech was largely conciliatory, she could not hide her disappointment over the election result. Using metaphor, she remarked: Sisters build homes, brothers protect them," a subtle yet loaded statement implying a lack of protective solidarity from her party workers or perhaps the broader electorate. She also reminded the audience that when she first arrived in 2014, the BJP wasnt in power, yet she continued her work. We dont calculate gains, we earn virtue," she said, reinforcing her image as a selfless worker. A Litmus Test for 2029 The return of Smriti Irani to Amethi might be seen by some as a routine visit, but the layers beneath suggest a deeper political recalibration. According to Sheetla Mishra, This visit could be a litmus test for 2029. If she rebuilds her base and stays in close touch, she might attempt a comeback with a stronger narrative." Irani ended her one-day visit by meeting local BJP workers and reminding them of their foundational valuesdedication, discipline, and trust. Her visit also acted as a morale booster for the party cadre, especially ahead of upcoming Panchayati Elections and 2027 State Assembly Polls, added Mishra. Irani Consoles Grieving Family in Jagdishpur Before addressing the public in Gauriganj, Smriti Irani made an emotional and unscheduled stop at a residence in Jagdishpur, where a family was mourning the tragic drowning of three of its members in the Ganga River a day earlier. The moment was heavy with grief as she entered the modest home, surrounded by stunned silence and tearful eyes. Irani sat with the bereaved family, offering quiet condolences and holding the hands of the grieving. The most poignant moment came when the young daughter of one of the deceased saw Irani and burst into tears. The former minister, visibly moved, embraced the girl tightly as she sobbed, offering comfort in silence rather than words. This gesture raw, humane, and unfiltered spoke volumes, cutting across political lines. Irani didnt issue any official statement during the visit; she simply listened, comforted, and stood in solidarity with the family in their moment of unimaginable loss. For the locals, this wasnt a politician visiting for optics, it was Didi" coming home. This brief but heartfelt stop illustrated the deeply personal connection Irani still holds with segments of the Amethi electorate, reminding everyone that beyond political equations, moments of shared humanity often leave the deepest impact. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In an age where electoral losses often mean political exits, Smriti Iranis re-entry into Amethi is an exception. Whether it results in political revival remains to be seen, but for now, she has reasserted her emotional and symbolic claim on the land she once conquered. She left for Delhi via Lucknow by Monday evening, but not before leaving a clear message: that her political journey in Amethi is far from over. First Published: May 27, 2025, 13:31 IST Tej Pratap, Sidelined By RJD And His Family, Congratulates Brother Tejashwi On Fatherhood Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 17:41 IST This gesture comes just two days after Tej Pratap was expelled from both the RJD and the family by their father, citing "irresponsible behaviour" In a social media post on X, Tej Pratap shared a photograph of the newborn along with Tejashwi. Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, on Tuesday congratulated his younger brother, Tejashwi Yadav, on the birth of his son. This gesture comes just two days after Tej Pratap was expelled from both the RJD and the family by their father, citing irresponsible behaviour" and a breach of family values. Recommended Stories In a social media post on X, Tej Pratap shared a photograph of the newborn along with Tejashwi, writing, With the infinite grace and blessings of Shri Banke Bihari Ji, I have got the good fortune of becoming the elder father on the arrival of the newborn baby (the birth of a son)." ( ) .. .. pic.twitter.com/BateZ0fN5d Tej Pratap Yadav (@TejYadav14) May 27, 2025 Hearty congratulations and best wishes to younger brother Tejaswi Prasad Yadav and Raj Shri Yadav My affectionate blessings and love to the nephew," he added. The birth of Tejashwis son was announced earlier in the day, with Tejashwi sharing the news on X, stating, Good Morning! The wait is finally over! So grateful, blessed and pleased to announce the arrival of our little boy. Jai Hanuman!" He also posted a photograph of the baby boy. Good Morning! The wait is finally over!So grateful, blessed and pleased to announce the arrival of our little boy. Jai Hanuman! pic.twitter.com/iPHkgAkZ2g Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 27, 2025 According to a family member, the baby was born at a private hospital in Kolkata, where Rajshree had been admitted for the past few days. Lalu and his wife Rabri Devi also arrived in the city and headed straight to the hospital from the airport, PTI reported. However, it is not known whether Tej Pratap was present at the hospital with his estranged family. Tej Pratap was expelled from the Rashtriya Janata Dal on Sunday, with the announcement made by his father and party chief, Lalu Prasad Yadav. The activities, public conduct and irresponsible behaviour of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions I remove him from the party and the family. From now on, he will not have any role of any kind in the party and the family. He is expelled from the party for six years," Lalu had stated in a post on X. The move followed a controversial Facebook post by Tej Pratap, in which he claimed to have been in a relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav for 12 years. He later said the post was the result of his account being hacked." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ: Neglecting Moral Values: RJD Chief Lalu Yadav Expels Son Tej Pratap From Party For 6 Years (With inputs from agancies) 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 : Bihar, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 17:24 IST Android 16 Desktop Mode Teased, Google Working With Samsung To Make It Work Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 10:48 IST Android 16 desktop mode was part of the Google I/O 2025 session earlier this month which means the public release is not far away. Google has finally shown us how the Android 16 beta mode will work. Android 16 is finally getting the desktop mode which Google is building with the help of Samsung. Both the tech giants have teamed up once again to make Android 16 run on external displays just by connecting your phone to the big screen. Recommended Stories The desktop mode on Android 16 beta will be available soon for developers and eventually come to the eligible Pixel phones later this year. Samsung has the prior experience of powering phones with support for external displays using DeX and Google is using the same model for its desktop mode. Android 16 Desktop Mode: How It Might Work Google demoed the Android 16 desktop mode at the I/O 2025 sessions earlier this month, giving us a closer look at the interface of the Android avatar. The company is making this feature work across multiple screens so that you can seamlessly shift your projects or files without having to transfer them separately. Google will make sure that the external display support extends beyond phones to tablets and even foldables. Run apps in resizable windows on external displays connected to a phone, foldable or tablet," Google mentioned in a slide at the I/O 2025. Time To Grow The desktop-like experience working through the external display has been one of the most-requested features by users and it seems Google is finally close to achieving the best possible version. Samsung is definitely playing a big hand in this support and like their previous partnership for Wear OS, this seems like the ideal way to make a feature work effectively. The Android 16 beta developer edition will get the option in the coming months. Google will offer a desktop-like experience by connecting the smartphone to the PC/laptop. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The previous test has been spotted running on the Pixel 8 Pro model connected to a laptop. And were quite certain that Google will have a minimum hardware requirement of around 12GB RAM to run this feature, at least in the early stages of the rollout. You will see all the apps on the app drawer of the Pixel phone opening in full-screen mode, something that will make these devices extremely versatile. It is high time that Android goes beyond its comfort zone of mobile devices and really explores the desktop arena to evolve into a mature PC platform. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : California, USA First Published: May 27, 2025, 10:48 IST Xiaomi Launches Pad 7 Ultra Tablet With Self-Made Chipset And 12,000mAh Battery: Price, Features Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 26, 2025, 13:06 IST Xiaomi is offering its own XRING O1 chipset on the new Ultra tablet and Xiaomi 15 series phone but these products are limited to its home market. The new Pad 7 Ultra uses its own XRING O1 3nm chipset. Xiaomi makes phones, laptops and even EVs. Now, the company has entered the big boy arena with its new 3nm chipset that is powering the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra tablet. The new hardware made in-house is Xiaomis big attempt to rival Google Tensor and Apple A-series chipsets, not in terms of the performance but its ability. The Pad 7 Ultra and Xiaomi 15s Pro models are getting a taste of the XRING O1 chipset, confined to China for now. The Pad 7 Ultra is the latest addition to its Pad 7 series in the region. Recommended Stories Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra With XRING O1 Chipset: What It Offers The tablet features a 14-inch 3.2K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the XRING O1 chipset with 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. We will have to wait for the benchmark scores to tell its power but going with an Ultra moniker means it should ideally compare with the Snapdragon 8 Gen or the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 series chipsets. The device comes with a 50MP rear and a 32MP front camera for videos, selfies and meetings. It has eight speakers with Dolby Atmos support and will work with the keyboard and stylus that you buy separately. You get the HyperOS 2.0 version out of the box and multiple upgrades promised. The tablet packs a 12,000mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging and it weighs around 609 grams and a slim frame. Xiaomi did sign a multi-year deal with Qualcomm to use the Snapdragon 8 Gen chipsets globally for phones like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and more. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This also means it might be a while before we see the XRING O1 chipset on its products outside of China. The trend for 14-inch tablets has gone up in the last few years, where you have brands like Samsung and even Apple with the iPad Pro models. Xiaomis case is definitely worth keeping an eye on. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra tablet price starts around Rs 67,000 in China, where you have the Galaxy Tab S10 series and the iPad Air 13-inch 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 : China First Published: May 26, 2025, 13:06 IST Influencer Says She Was Slipped Date Rape Drug At Party, Left Her Vomiting, Immobile Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 19:43 IST Still in shock, says Vanessa Mariposa after being drugged and robbed at party in Spain. Vanessa Mariposa says she and a friend were drugged at a Mallorca rooftop party and later hospitalised with traces of date rape drug. (IMAGE: INSTAGRAM/@vanessa_mariposa) Influencer and reality TV star Vanessa Mariposa was rushed to the hospital after claiming she had been drugged and robbed at a party recently. The Austrian social media star, who boasts more than 800,000 Instagram followers, recounted the harrowing ordeal in a video online saying she feared for her life as a result. Recommended Stories I want to share something serious with you, something that happened to me recently and that every woman needs to hear," the 32-year-old captioned her Instagram video. In the clip, Mariposa told her followers that the terrifying ordeal happened when she and her pal attended a rooftop party in Mallorca, Spain. She said that she and her friend began to feel extremely unwell, out of nowhere," but noted that they didnt leave their drinks unattended at any time. Mariposa claimed that both she and her friend were slipped date rape drugs into their drinks, leaving her vomiting and unable to walk. I couldnt walk properly, I threw up multiple times and I completely blacked out. I lost all memories of the night. Thats when I knew something was really wrong. I really thought I was going to die," she said. Im sharing this because I want every woman out there to stay alert. Dont trust anyone blindly. Never leave your drink unattended," she further added. Mariposa also said that her Cartier bracelet and the SIM card from her phone were stolen during the incident. She added that her partner, Luca, and another friend sensed something was wrong and managed to get her and her friend home safely before their condition worsened. The next day, both women were taken to the hospital, where doctors confirmed traces of date rape drugs in their systems. I went straight to a doctor and later to the hospital for a full checkup. Im still in shock," Mariposa said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She said she chose to speak publicly about the ordeal to warn other women and encourage them to stay alert in similar settings. Something far worse could have happened to us that night. Please take this seriously. Im just grateful that we were so lucky in this nightmare that nothing worse happened to us physically," Mariposa added. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More 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 : Vienna, Austria First Published: May 27, 2025, 19:43 IST Scientists Say Peru's Mystery Alien Mummies May Have Been Murdered Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 21:01 IST New findings claim the three-fingered bodies with elongated skulls are real and date back over 1,200 years. X-ray images are shown to the press of what was believed to be remains of an extraterrestrial alien during a press conference where forensic experts rule out the existence of alleged extraterrestrial mummies or remains of mummies found in the south of Peru. (IMAGE: AFP FILE) Scientists examining a set of mysterious three-fingered mummified bodies found in Peru now believe that some of them may have died violent deaths and were possibly murdered. These are yet more pieces of clear and irrefutable evidence that these bodies are 100% genuine, real, and organic having once been alive," said Dr Jose Zalce, former director of the Mexican Navy Medical Department, who is leading the investigation, according to the Star which cited local Peruvian news media outlets. Recommended Stories Zalce said he has studied 21 of the so-called Nazca mummies" in detail, examining their fingerprints, bone structures, muscular anatomy, and internal organs. Among the most closely analysed are two female mummies named Maria and Montserrat and a male specimen identified as Antonio. The mummies were first discovered in 2017 in Perus Nazca desert and presented to the public in Mexico two years ago. At the time, they were introduced as potential non-human beings not part of Earths evolutionary chain. Initial DNA tests had sparked headlines, suggesting the remains were part-human and part unknown species. That led to Mexicos first-ever congressional hearing on unidentified aerial phenomena. However, the credibility of the find was challenged last year, when forensic experts claimed the specimens could be fabricated from papier-mache, animal bones and glue. Maria, believed to have been between 35 and 45 years old and standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall, had suffered multiple injuries. These included a deep cut and bite marks near her pelvis, puncture wounds along her lower back, and broken vertebrae near the tailbone. She also appeared to have sustained a zigzag-shaped wound consistent with a fall onto rocks. Montserrat, who was likely aged between 16 and 25, had a puncture wound between the fifth and sixth ribs. CT scans revealed extensive internal trauma, including broken ribs and a fractured shoulder blade. Experts said she may have been upright with her back against a hard surface at the time of death. Antonio, the male specimen, had what appeared to be a stab wound to the left side of his chest. Dr David Ruiz Vela, former president of Perus Medical Association, said the injury had broken ribs, pierced the abdomen and caused internal bleeding. He has a stab that broke his ribs on the left side of his chest, penetrating the chest, abdomen, liver and completely perforating him inside," Vela told the Peruvian news media outlets. All three bodies have elongated skulls, three fingers and toes, and preserved internal organs such as hearts, livers, and intestines. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The new findings made the scientists suggests that the bodies are at least 1,200 years old and show no signs of being artificially assembled. What remains unclear is where these beings came from or whether they were part of any known ancient civilisation. Investigations are ongoing and researchers say further DNA and material analysis may help solve one of the strangest scientific mysteries of recent years. 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 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 : Lima, Peru First Published: May 27, 2025, 21:01 IST 'Take Off Your Pants': University Under Fire For Period Leave Policy Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 14:23 IST A Chinese student was asked to prove she was menstruating to get leave. The university defends the rule, but experts and the public call it invasive and discriminatory A staff member claimed the policy was meant to curb students who frequently request leave, citing menstrual issues. (AI Generated) Students are often advised to avoid taking unnecessary leave, but certain personal health matters, such as menstruation, are generally accepted without scrutiny. However, a disturbing incident at a Chinese university has sparked widespread criticism on social media. A student at the Gengdan Institute, affiliated with Beijing University of Technology, was reportedly asked to remove her trousers and physically prove she was menstruating to be granted leave. The request, made on May 15 at the universitys campus clinic, has since gone viral online. Recommended Stories Shocking Request At Gengdan Institute In a video posted to social media, the student described being shocked and embarrassed when a clinic staff member asked her to undress to verify her condition. According to the South China Morning Post, she questioned whether this procedure applied to all women. A female staff member replied that it was indeed the rule and not a personal decision. When the student asked for a written copy of the rule, staff reportedly refused and advised her to visit a hospital instead. The university later confirmed the incident, stating that the examination was carried out with the students consent and involved no medical tests or equipment. A staff member, Su, claimed the policy was meant to curb students who frequently request leave, citing menstrual issues. Public Backlash And Expert Opinion top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The universitys explanation has failed to ease public concern. Many online users have condemned the rule as invasive and humiliating. Zhang Yongquan, a former lawyer and expert on womens rights in China, called the policy a violation of female students privacy and a breach of Chinese laws protecting women. He added that such conduct could reasonably be viewed as molestation. Despite the controversy, the student remains firm in her statement, asserting that she will remove her posts from social media if the university can provide written proof of the policy. 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 27, 2025, 14:23 IST This Golden Retriever Loves A South Indian Breakfast. His Favourite: Dosa Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 11:42 IST After a moment, the owner offers the dog a small bite of dosa, and the furry friend happily devours it. The dog is seen drooling. (Photo Credit: Instagram) South Indian cuisine, known for its rich, tangy flavours, is a favourite for many. From crispy dosas and fluffy idlis to spicy sambar and soothing rasam rice, these dishes can make anyones mouth water. But recently, it wasnt just humans showing their love for South Indian food; a golden retriever was caught on camera drooling over a dosa. The adorable video has since gone viral, winning hearts across the internet. The clip, shared on Instagram, shows the golden retriever sitting patiently in front of its owner. The owner is enjoying a plate of dosa and sambar while the dog keeps its eyes fixed on the food. As the owner eats, the dog starts to drool, unable to resist the tempting dish any longer. After a little while, the owner offers the dog a small bite of the dosa (without the sambar), and the furry friend happily eats it. Recommended Stories The video also includes a playful overlay text that reads, POV When your roots are Scottish but youre born into a South Indian family." Take A Look: A dog video that doesnt go viral? Almost impossible these days. This adorable clip of a golden retriever drooling over a dosa has already garnered over three lakh views. In the comments, many users chimed in, sharing how their own furry friends also have a special love for traditional Indian dishes. One user wrote, My dogs are more South Indian than me. They basically like food but their favourite is idly dosai and my home is actually exposed to cuisines from all over the world." Another shared, My paw baby loves to eat dosa and medu vada but when she sees idli then she runs away." Someone else reminisced, My German shepherd used to wait in the kitchen when Idli Sambar was cooking and Pav Bhaji." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A viewer simply remarked, The drooling lol," and another comment read, He is like me. Dosa lover." Previously, a video of a golden retriever munching on pani puri recently captured hearts online. While the clip was undeniably adorable, it also sparked a healthy debate, with many social media users voicing concerns about feeding street food to pets. They cautioned that such snacks might not be safe or suitable for a dogs health. 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 27, 2025, 11:42 IST 'Deep Betrayal': Sheikh Hasina's Party Slams Yunus After Court Acquits 1971 War Crimes Convict Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 14:13 IST In a strongly worded statement on X, the party called the Supreme Court's ruling a "national disgrace" Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami leader A.T.M. Azharul Islam is taken into a van following his verdict at a special court in Dhaka. (AFP file photo) The banned political party of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League, on Tuesday condemned the acquittal of convicted war criminal ATM Azharul Islam, calling it a deep betrayal" of the countrys 1971 Liberation War and its martyrs. In a strongly worded statement on X, the party called the Supreme Courts ruling a national disgrace", saying: War Criminal Azharul Islam Acquitted A Deep Betrayal of Bangladeshs Liberation War and Its Martyrs." Recommended Stories Azharul Islam, a top commander of Al-Badr during the 1971 Liberation War, was convicted for the brutal murder of over 1,500 innocent Bengalis, including acts of mass rape, looting, and collaborating directly with the Pakistani military to crush the independence movement. Today, he walks free," the Awami League added. The post followed the top courts decision to overturn the conviction of Islam, a senior leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Islam had been on death row since 2014 after being found guilty of crimes against humanity by Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal. Islam, who has been in custody since 2012, was one of six senior political figures convicted during Hasinas rule, which ended in August last year after a student-led uprising forced her to flee the country. Now aged 72, Islam was accused of rape, mass murder, and genocide committed during the countrys war of independence from Pakistan in 1971. His party, Jamaat-e-Islami, openly supported Pakistan during the conflict a position that continues to draw public anger in Bangladesh. The post also criticised Nobel laureate and interim caretaker leader Muhammad Yunus, accusing his administration of failing to protect the legacy of the countrys hard-fought independence. NATIONAL DISGRACE: War Criminal Azharul Islam Acquitted A Deep Betrayal of Bangladeshs Liberation War and Its MartyrsAzharul Islam, a top commander of Al-Badr during the 1971 Liberation War, was convicted for the brutal murder of over 1,500 innocent Bengalis, including pic.twitter.com/aARAB2shhD Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) May 27, 2025 This ruling is a slap in the face to every mother who lost her child, every woman who was violated, and every freedom fighter who gave their last breath for a sovereign Bangladesh," the Awami League said. The Awami League, now in exile or underground since the party was banned on 12 May, claim the acquittal reflects growing political compromise and a weakened judiciary under Yunus interim rule. The party accused Yunus of failing to prioritise justice for war crimes, stating: While the media keeps us distracted with overhyped narratives surrounding Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the real enemies of the nation the war criminals who bathed in the blood of our people are being quietly forgiven, washed clean, and welcomed back into society." Yunus, 84, assumed interim leadership in August 2024 after mass student-led protests forced Hasina to flee to India. The protests were met with a harsh crackdown, leading to over 1,400 reported deaths and triggering global concern. Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in Indiadefying an arrest warrant linked to the 2024 crackdownher party remains active online and among grassroots supporters. The Awami League, Bangladeshs oldest political party and a key force in the 1971 independence war against Pakistan, stated that justice for war crimes is a non-negotiable principle. This is not reconciliation. This is not justice. This is treason in disguise," the party declared in its post. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We demand answers. We demand justice. The blood of our martyrs will not be forgotten. Not now. Not ever," it added. ALSO READ: Militant Leader, Selling Bangladesh To US: Sheikh Hasinas Big Charge Against Muhammad Yunus 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 : Bangladesh First Published: May 27, 2025, 12:31 IST 'Emails From Indians Akin To Spam': New Zealand Immigration Minister Under Fire For Remarks Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 16:36 IST Immigration minister Erica Stanford made the remarks while responding to a question during a parliamentary session on the use of her Gmail account for official correspondence New Zealand Erica Stanford has served as minister of immigration since November 27, 2023. (Image: @EricaStanfordMP/X) A New Zealand minister has courted controversy with her remarks on how she handles queries on immigration from Indians, when she said she never responds" to them and they are akin to spam". Immigration minister Erica Stanford reportedly made the statement in response to a question during a parliamentary session on May 6. She was defending the use of her Gmail account for official correspondence. Recommended Stories I receive a lot of unsolicited emails like, for example, things from people in India asking for immigration advice, which I never respond to. I almost regard those as being akin to spam," Stanford said. Condemning the stereotypical" remarks, Indian-origin Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan said ministers received unsolicited emails all the time and there was no reason for her to single out Indians. Stanford, however, responded saying her remarks had been misinterpreted. In a Facebook post, Radhakrishnan slammed Stanford saying she felt the need to single out people from one country/ethnicity in a negative light". She said if you are from India, it will be better not to contact the minister as those emails will go into her spam folder. Earlier this week, in response to a question by @willowjeanprime the Immigration Minister felt the need to single out people from one country/ethnicity in a negative light. If youre from India, dont bother emailing her because its automatically considered spam," Radhakrishnan said on Facebook. She added: So much for the National govts all-of-government focus on strengthening the relationship between India & NZ and focus on people-to-people links." According to a report by The Indian Weekender, Radhakrishnan said, Such comments reinforce negative stereotypes about an entire community". She described the comments as careless at best and prejudiced at worst" and pointed out that ministers receive such emails all the time, and there was no reason to single out Indians. Particularly given New Zealands important relationship with India," she was quoted as saying, comments like these serve to reinforce negative stereotypes against an entire community of people." HOW DID ERICA STANFORD RESPOND? Stanford defended her statement and said she did not consider emails from Indians spam, but in fact, almost akin to spam". She said her remarks had been misinterpreted. I did not say that I consider them as spam," she was quoted, adding, I only said that I consider them almost akin to spam." Stanford further said she was referring to the volume and nature of unsolicited emails she receives on her personal email and did not mean to call out a specific community. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In this instance, I recalled a recent email Id received of this nature when answering," she was quoted. Stanford has served as minister of immigration since November 27, 2023, and took charge following the formation of the National-led coalition government under Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. 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 : New Zealand First Published: May 27, 2025, 16:34 IST Find Alternative Vendors: Trump To Axe All Harvard Federal Contracts Worth $100 Mn Curated By : Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 17:35 IST The development comes a day after Trump vowed to prevail in his clash with Harvard and again threatened to take away billions in funding from one of the world's top universities. A conceptual image showing US President Donald Trump cutting a cord made of dollar bills connecting the White House and Harvard University, symbolizing his move to sever $100 million in federal contracts with the institution. (IMAGE: DALLE 3 AI ENGINE) US President Donald Trump plans to terminate the federal governments remaining contracts with Harvard University, worth an estimated $100 million, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. The directive is part of a broader push to completely sever Washingtons longstanding business relationship with the Ivy League institution. The newspaper cited a draft letter he obtained that instructed federal agencies to find alternative vendors" and halt all collaborations with Harvard. An administration official described the move as a complete severance of the governments longstanding business relationship with Harvard". Recommended Stories The move comes a day after Trump vowed to win his battle with Harvard and renewed his threat to strip the prestigious university of billions in funding. Around nine contracts between Harvard University and various US government agencies are likely to be affected, a government official said. These contracts involve Harvard providing services such as research and training to different parts of the U.S. government. For example, one contract worth about $49,800 with the National Institutes of Health is focused on studying how coffee affects health. Another contract, worth nearly $26,000 with the Department of Homeland Security, involves training senior government officials. Going forward, we also encourage your agency to seek alternative vendors for future services where you had previously considered Harvard," the letter said. The letter is the latest move by the Trump administration to put pressure on Harvard University one of the most prestigious and influential universities in the United States. Since last month, the administration has frozen about $3.2 billion worth of grants and contracts that Harvard receives from the U.S. government. It has also tried to stop the university from enrolling international students. The letter asks government agencies to send a list of any canceled contracts with Harvard by June 6. Contracts for services that are considered very important would not be canceled right away but would be transferred to other suppliers. The letter was signed by Josh Gruenbaum, who works in a government department responsible for buying goods and services for federal agencies. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Trump administration says its actions against Harvard are part of a fight for civil rights. It accuses the university of having a liberal political bias, using race as a factor in student admissions despite a Supreme Court ban, and allowing antisemitism (discrimination against Jewish people) on campus. Harvard, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, argues that the fight is about protecting its rights under the US Constitutions First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. The university says the Trump administration is trying to interfere with how it hires staff, designs courses, and admits students. 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 27, 2025, 17:28 IST 'Martial Law In Pakistan': Imran Khan Aide Says Asim Munir Wants PTI Leader To Apologise, Surrender Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 10:33 IST Speaking to CNN-News18, Dr Salman Ahmad mentioned that Pakistani Americans voted for Donald Trump with hopes of removing Asim Munir from power. Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan. (File pic/Reuters) Dr Salman Ahmad, a close aide of Imran Khan, has claimed that martial law is effectively in place in Pakistan, with Field Marshal Asim Munir, wanting Khan to surrender and apologise to him. Speaking to CNN-News18 about the current political situation in Pakistan, Dr Salman mentioned that Pakistani Americans voted for Donald Trump with hopes of removing Asim Munir from power. He added that the United States is working on Imran Khans release, and he believes Asim Munir will soon be ousted. According to Dr Salman, Imran Khans support has significantly increased in Pakistan, from 66 per cent in 2024 to over 90 per cent now. He stated that there is no democratic government in Pakistan; instead, the country is under martial law controlled entirely by Asim Munir. The military-controlled government has reduced the judiciary, parliament, and security forces to mere rubber stamps," Dr Salman said. In Imran Khans case, there is a complete absence of civil administration, with the sole demand being for him to apologise and surrender to Asim Munir, which Imran Khan refuses to do, he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories All legal avenues to free Imran Khan have been exhausted, and his supporters are preparing to start a mass movemen," he said. Dr Salman emphasised that the 250 million people of Pakistan will support Imran Khan, outnumbering the police and security forces. The military-controlled government fears this mass movement and uses figures like Najam Sethi and Ali Zafar to spread rumours that Imran Khan is negotiating a deal and will soon be out of jail, aiming to discourage people from protesting," he said. Imran Khan is currently in jail in Pakistan amid his ongoing conflict with the military establishment, specifically with Army Chief Asim Munir. He has refused to compromise or surrender, saying he wont bow down before the current administration or Field Marshal Asim Munir. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: May 27, 2025, 10:33 IST Pakistan Raises India Conflict With Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei Says 'Resolve Differences' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 14:17 IST Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei stressed his hope for the resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, in Tehran. (Image Credit: X) Despite exchanging cross-border airstrikes just a year ago, Pakistan and Iran demonstrated a significant warming of ties, driven primarily by the shared concern over the escalating crisis in Gaza. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir- currently in Tehran- engaged in high-level meetings with the Iranian leadership to foster closer cooperation. While Pakistan used the occasion to raise its conflict with India over Kashmir, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei stressed his hope for the resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan. No Love Lost Between Iran And Pakistan? Recommended Stories Israels counterstrike to the October 2023 Hamas attacks in Gaza has become a powerful catalyst for improved relations between Tehran and Islamabad as Ayatollah Khamenei commended Pakistan for resisting temptations" to normalize ties with Israel, calling it a principled stance against a blatant betrayal of the Palestinian cause." He asserted that the Palestinian issue remains the foremost concern of the Islamic world," criticizing some Islamic governments for aligning with Israel despite the widespread global protests against the situation in Gaza. Pakistans PM Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments emphasizing the international communitys responsibility to bring about a lasting ceasefire in Palestine" and affirming Pakistans solidarity with Iran in promoting regional peace and prosperity. Irans Balanced Stance On Kashmir During his meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei, Shehbaz Sharif brought up the India-Pakistan conflict, referencing Indias recent airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) following the Pahalgam terror attack. Shehbaz Sharif also expressed appreciation for Irans positive role" during that period. In a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Shehbaz Sharif publicly offered to engage in dialogue with India to resolve longstanding problems," including Kashmir, water-sharing, and trade. He said, We are ready to talk, for the sake of peace We wanted peace, we want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks," adding a conditional note, But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely." Irans response to the India-Pakistan dynamic remained measured as Ayatollah Khamenei expressed on X, We are delighted with the end of conflicts between Pakistan and India and and hope that the differences between the two countries will be resolved." Iran-Pakistan Airstrikes In January 2024, Iran conducted airstrikes in Pakistans Balochistan province, targeting the Jaish al-Adl group. Pakistan swiftly retaliated with its own airstrikes inside Iran, targeting the militant Baloch Liberation Front. Ayatollah Khamenei, in a post on X, reiterated the historically warm and brotherly" relations between Iran and Pakistan, recalling Pakistans commendable stance during the war Saddam imposed on Iran." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Iran-India Relations India and Iran share a strategically vital relationship, largely centered around energy and connectivity, with the Chabahar Port serving as its cornerstone. Located on Irans southeastern coast, the port offers India a crucial maritime gateway, bypassing Pakistan, to landlocked Afghanistan and the resource-rich Central Asian republics. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: May 27, 2025, 13:04 IST Plot To Bomb Top Russian Army Official? Colonel's Rigged SUV In Moscow Sparks Fears Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 22:13 IST The VDV is Russias elite airborne force, often deployed in high-risk operations including the war in Ukraine. In this representative AI-generated image, Russian bomb squad officers inspect a colonel's SUV in a Moscow neighbourhood after a suspected assassination attempt. (IMAGE: DALLE 3 ENGINE/AI) A suspicious device was discovered beneath the SUV of a 54-year-old colonel from Russias elite Airborne Forces (VDV) in Moscow on Tuesday, state-run RT reported. It prompted authorities to cordon off the area and deploy a bomb squad. The vehicle had reportedly been vandalized days earlier, raising concerns of a targeted assassination attempt. The VDV, short for Vozdushno-Desantnye Voyska," is Russias airborne military branch known for rapid deployment and strategic operations. Often referred to as Uncle Vasyas Troops," the VDV has played significant roles in various conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. Recommended Stories This incident follows a series of attacks on high-ranking Russian military officials. In April 2025, Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy head of the Main Operations Directorate of the Russian General Staff, was killed by a car bomb in Balashikha, near Moscow. Russian authorities attributed the attack to Ukrainian operatives. An explosive ordnance disposal robot has been brought to the siteThe parking lot remains cordoned off, drivers cannot access their cars until the area has been cleared https://t.co/7EyAN5r12f pic.twitter.com/ylHKYYQdsb RT (@RT_com) May 27, 2025 Similarly, in December 2024, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russias Radiological, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops, died in a scooter bomb explosion in Moscow. Ukrainian officials claimed responsibility, citing Kirillovs alleged involvement in deploying banned chemical weapons. Earlier President Vladimir Putins helicopter came under a swarm of Ukrainian drones during a visit to Russias Kursk region on May 20. Yuri Dashkin, an air defense commander, told state-run TV that the Russian Presidents aircraft was virtually at the epicenter" of the drone assault. The intensity of the attack during the flight of the aircraft with the Commander-in-Chief increased significantly," he said, adding that their forces had to fight off the drones mid-air while ensuring Putins safety. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The air defense battle was successful, Dashkin said, and all hostile drones were shot down. Putin, who was on an official visit to Kursk to meet local officials and volunteers, remained unharmed. The incident has only now been revealed by Russian media and appears to mark an escalation in cross-border Ukrainian strikes, which have increasingly targeted Russian officials and military assets. 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 : Moscow, Russia First Published: May 27, 2025, 22:00 IST 'Putin Playing With Fire': Trump Says 'Bad Things' Would Happen To Russia If Not For Him Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 22:14 IST US President Donald Trump's latest comments follow some of the biggest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine since Russia's full-scale war began in early 2022 Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are pictured before a meeting in Helsinki, on July 16, 2018. (Image: AFP/File) Launching a fresh attack on his Russian counterpart over stalled Ukraine peace efforts, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Vladimir Putin was playing with fire" and if it were not for him, really bad things" would have happened to his country. Donald Trumps latest comments follow some of the biggest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine since Russias full-scale war began in early 2022. What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire!," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Recommended Stories Over the weekend, too, Trump has kept up his attack on Vladimir Putin. He called him CRAZY" following a mass Russian air attack on Kyiv, and warned that Moscow risked new sanctions. He, however, did not specify what the really bad" things were or make any specific threats. But the Wall Street Journal and CNN both reported that he was now considering fresh sanctions against Russia as early as this week, while stressing that he could still change his mind. The US President had told reporters on Sunday (May 25) he was absolutely" considering increasing sanctions on Moscow. His recent rebukes mark a major change from his previous attitude towards Putin, whom he often speaks of with admiration and has previously held off criticising. He has, however, expressed increasing frustration with Moscows position in deadlocked truce negotiations with Kyiv. That frustration boiled over at the weekend when Russia launched a record drone barrage at Ukraine, killing at least 13 people. Ive always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!" he said in a Truth Social post. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Russias attacks have continued despite a phone call between Trump and Putin eight days ago in which the US leader said the Russian president had agreed to immediately" start ceasefire talks. Moscow on Tuesday accused Kyiv of trying to disrupt" peace efforts and said its aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent days were a response" to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on its own civilians. (With AFP inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: May 27, 2025, 22:04 IST Qatar Backs India's Anti-Terror Stance, Condemns All Terrorism Without Distinction Published By : PTI Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 13:50 IST The multi-party delegation concluded its visit to Qatar -- the first leg of the four-nation tour planned following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The multi-party delegation is led by MP Supriya Sule. (Image Credit: X) Qatar emphasised zero-tolerance towards terrorism during the all-party delegations visit here that highlighted the need to stop differentiating the terrorists and their backers, the Indian mission in Doha said on Tuesday. The multi-party delegation led by MP Supriya Sule on Monday concluded its visit to Qatar the first leg of the four-nation tour planned following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Operation Sindoor and the subsequent developments. Recommended Stories The Qatar side emphasised its own zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and stressed that terrorism must be condemned. The delegation appreciated the condemnation of the Pahalgam attack by the Government of Qatar and thanked the Qatari leadership for its support," a statement by the Indian embassy here said. It said the visiting delegation over the past two days met Mohamed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani, the Minister of State for Interior Affairs, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti and several other Qatari dignitaries. The Indian delegation conveyed Indias zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism and briefed about developments since the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22," the statement said. The delegation shared that Operation Sindoor, conducted by India in response, was calibrated, targeted and proportionate, demonstrating Indias commitment to countering terrorism without escalating tensions." They emphasised the need to stop differentiating the terrorists and their backers and dismantling the cross-border terrorism infrastructure, developed and used against India for several decades," the statement said. The delegation members held a round-table discussion with the academic and think-tank community at the Middle East Council for Global Affairs and interacted with the media as well as the Indian community. Apart from Sule, the delegation members include MPs Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Manish Tewari, Anurag Singh Thakur, and Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, former commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma, former minister of state external affairs V Muraleedharan, and Amb Syed Akbaruddin, former permanent representative of India to UN. Qatar in a statement on April 23 expressed strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. The Gulf nation is considered to wield influence in the West Asian region and has a role as a mediator in regional conflicts. The Sule-led group will on Tuesday travel to South Africa, which holds the current G-20 Presidency, and then head to Ethiopia, which is also the home to the African Union. The delegation will also visit Egypt, an influential country in the Arab world. The delegation is one of the seven multi-party delegations India has tasked to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community to emphasise Pakistans links to terrorism and assert that the recent conflict was triggered by the Pahalgam terror strike and not Operation Sindoor as alleged by Islamabad. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Qatar First Published: May 27, 2025, 13:50 IST 360 Degree View | Satellites, Ports & Power: China, US Want The Bay, Bangladesh May Be The Price Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 10:59 IST At stake is not only Dhakas internal political balance but also south-east Asia's regional dominance, with India watching closely from across the border. foreign eyes turned sharply to Lalmonirhat airbase, around 170 km from India's chicken neck corridor in Siliguri and Chittagong Port, Bangladeshs maritime gateway. (File Image) Meanwhile, foreign eyes turned sharply to Lalmonirhat airbase, around 170 km from Indias chicken neck corridor in Siliguri and Chittagong Port, Bangladeshs maritime gateway. There are also whispers of a proposed Rakhine Corridor starting to echo in geo-political policy circles. Recommended Stories These moves though part technology, part geopolitical strategy signal something deeper. Bangladesh is slowly becoming the new frontier of a simmering cold war. At stake is not only Dhakas internal political balance but also south-east Asias regional dominance, with India watching closely from across the border. Power Games Heat Up Over Bangladesh The interplay of multiple international interests over certain strategic locations and assets with domestic upheaval have created a charged environment in Bangladesh. At the heart of the domestic storm is the interim governments tenure and the proposed July Charter a political-administrative manifesto on which the political parties, primarily BNP, seek a referendum and plan for elections. These demands, seemingly democratic, have now evolved into a flashpoint for political confrontation. In addition, the proposed Rakhine corridor through Bangladesh has created a standoff-like situation between the interim government and the army. About the highly sensitive and volatile situation between the countrys army and the interim government, a retired Bangladeshi diplomat told News18, We all are waiting to see who blinks first the Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman or the Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus. It is now a battle of nerves. Anyone who knows Yunus would vouch for the fact that he would never resign on his own if not forced. Will the army force him to do so? There lies the uncertainty." China Ties: Old Habit, New Stakes The diplomat also added that there are two massive international forces in the play America and China. All regimes in Bangladesh including Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina maintained a strategic alliance with China. However, Sheikh Hasina started realigning and re-thinking her positioning with America. But Yunuss international posturing has opened strategic doors for both these nations. Both China and America want control over the Bay of Bengal, which is a strategic location. Chinas naval delegation visited Chittagong port in October. On June 1, China and Bangladesh will hold a joint trade conference, which is also happening for the first time. There is a lot to read in between," added the retired diplomat while speaking with News18 over the phone from Dhaka. Meanwhile, the military continues to exert its firm control over the country. In a press briefing on Monday, the spokesperson of Bangladesh army stated that since August, the army has seized around 10,000 arms and around 3,00,000 rounds of ammunition. This seems to be a huge statement on the armys assertiveness in the country. Satellite, Ports and Corridors The geostrategic stakes are rising at sea as the Chittagong Port, the economic lifeline of Bangladesh, is now drawing foreign suitors. Rumours of potential partnerships with Chinese firms or operators raise concerns about long-term strategic control over the strategic points. Given Chinas pattern of leveraging infrastructure for influence, New Delhi sees this as a potential pivot point in the Indo-Pacific balance. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, the Rakhine Corridor, which is still in its conceptual stages, is no less controversial. The army general, however, in his last address to the commanders, rubbished such an idea stating that the army will never allow the interim government to take any decision that may compromise the countrys sovereignty. For India, the proposed corridor may risk the emergence of a China-dominated supply chain within its strategic backyard. 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 27, 2025, 10:58 IST 'If You Skip Classes...': US Warns Indians, Other Foreign Students Of Visa Cancellation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 17:18 IST US Visa Cancellation News: US has warned international students that skipping classes or leaving programmes without notice could lead to visa cancellation and future visa bans As per the US Embassy statement, the identified students may not be able to apply for any future US visa. (AP Photo) US Visa Cancellation: Amid a crackdown on foreign nationals by President Donald Trumps administration, the United States on Tuesday issued a fresh advisory targeting international students, including those from India. The warning has added to the growing anxiety among thousands of foreign students whose academic and immigration status now hangs in the balance. According to the latest guidelines, students who will be found skipping classes or leaving their academic programs without officially informing their institutes may face serious consequences, including immediate visa cancellation and disqualification from applying for any future US visa. Recommended Stories If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas. Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues. pic.twitter.com/34wJ7nkip0 U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) May 27, 2025 Fresh Threat Amid Deportation Drives Earlier this month, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) threatened international students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas in the US, mentioning that if they fail to report their employment within 90 days of starting their OPT, their legal status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) would be revoked. Amid the mass deportation drive ordered by US President Donald Trump, several institutes in the country also warned foreign students against travelling outside of the US in order to eliminate the risk of visa cancellation. Additionally, the US Embassy in India issued a warning for Indian immigrants earlier this month, cautioning them about deportation. If you remain in the United States beyond your authorised period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States in the future," the US Embassy in India tweeted. What is Harvard University vs Trump Controversy? Recently, Trump announced to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students. Earlier on May 22, the White House stated, Enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right." The Donald Trump administration also accused the Harvard leadership of turning their once-great institution into a hotbed of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators." In a statement to CNN, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, They have repeatedly failed to take action to address the widespread problems negatively impacting American students, and now they must face the consequences of their actions." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Harvard and the Trump administration have been engaged in a conflict for months as the administration demands the university make changes to the programming of the institution, hiring and administration to remove on-campus antisemitism and remove what it termed racist diversity, equity and inclusion practices." The administration has targeted foreign students and employees, whom it believes were part of the contentious campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war. 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 27, 2025, 13:01 IST Tension, Shove Or Slap? Body Language Expert Analyses Viral Macron 'Fight' With Wife Clip Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 11:43 IST Macron Viral Clip With Wife: The expert's detailed analysis of the moment suggests a display of tension between the presidential couple. Screengrab from Emmanuel Macron's clip with his wife. (Image Credit: X) A recent interaction between French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, upon their arrival in Vietnam has become the subject of intense scrutiny with a body language expert weighing in on the matter on X (formerly Twitter). The experts detailed analysis of the televised moment suggests a subtle, yet potentially revealing, display of tension between the presidential couple. Emmanuel Macron Shocked By Wifes Action? Recommended Stories According to the expert- whose Twitter profile is named Jesus Enrique Rosas: The Body Language Guy- cameras captured a particular shoving" gesture from Brigitte Macron towards her husband. The expert noted that a split-second before the action, Emmanuel Macrons body was relaxed with a neutral expression, indicating he did not anticipate the gesture. The analysis describes Brigitte using both hands to shove" Macrons head backward, rather than a mere slap. BODY LANGUAGE ANALYSIS OF BRIGITTE SHOVING EMMANUELLE MACRONS FACE(1/7) Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron were arriving in Vietnam when the cameras captured this interaction. But was it an actual, aggressive gesture, or was something else? lets find out pic.twitter.com/HCMdtBk2nu Jesus Enrique Rosas The Body Language Guy (@Knesix) May 26, 2025 Emmanuel Macron Tries To Play It Cool At the peak of the incident, the expert observed Emmanuel Macron appearing startled" as he seemingly realized the interaction was witnessed publicly. He then reportedly attempted to play it cool" by greeting those present. The expert highlighted a perceived unnecessary anchor gesture" Emmanuel Macron placing his left hand on the seat to his left suggesting its a common stress response. It was also noted that Emmanuel Macron took a moment to compose himself before exiting the plane, performing a pacifying gesture" of touching his nose. Emmanuel Macron Seen Dominant After Leaving The Plane Further analysis of their descent from the plane suggests continued unease. Emmanuel Macron offered Brigitte his arm, which she appeared to ignore. He kept his arm bent for a few more steps before eventually dropping it. The expert also pointed out that Emmanuel Macron, upon exiting the plane, engaged in a dominant handshake" (palm down) with an awaiting official, speculating that he wanted to feel dominant in one way or another after that shove." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Emmanuel Macros White Knuckle Fist Moment A subsequent photograph captured Emmanuel Macron with his left hand in a white knuckle fist," which the expert identified as a common sign of concealed anger. His facial expression was described as beyond serious," with a downward brow area not part of his usual body language baseline." The expert concluded that Macrons jaw appeared broader than usual with pressed lips, suggesting he was clenching his jaw due to pressure. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Vietnam First Published: May 27, 2025, 11:43 IST US Halts Student Visa Interviews As Trump Admin Weighs Tighter Social Media Checks: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 28, 2025, 00:05 IST US considering new checks on social media profiles of applicants, citing national security risks US considering new checks on social media profiles of applicants, citing national security risks. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US embassies have been ordered to temporarily stop scheduling interviews for student visa applicants, as Washington considers stricter scrutiny of applicants social media activity, news agency Bloomberg said in a report. The directive came in a cable issued Tuesday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signalling a possible shift in how the US vets foreign students seeking admission into American universities. Recommended Stories The move is the latest in a series of steps by the Trump administration to tighten entry of international students, citing concerns over national security and the spread of antisemitic views. Most Indian students who go to the United States for higher education apply for the F-1 visa, which is meant for full-time academic study at accredited institutions. Those enrolled in vocational or non-academic programs may apply for an M-1 visa. The visa process typically involves securing admission, paying the SEVIS fee, and appearing for an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate. This development is part of a broader effort by US President Donald Trump to exert greater control over US institutions. His administration has openly criticized major universities like Harvard, accusing them of promoting woke" liberal ideologies and antisemitism. Last week, the government sought to block Harvard from enrolling foreign students. However, a judge temporarily suspended that order pending a hearing. Meanwhile, the administration has announced plans to cancel federal contracts with Harvard, worth an estimated $100 million, aiming to pressure the prestigious university into submission. The administration will send a letter to federal agencies today asking them to identify any contracts with Harvard, and whether they can be canceled or redirected elsewhere," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The ending of contracts would mark the severance of business ties between the government and an institution that is both the countrys oldest university and a global research powerhouse. Harvard President Alan Garber said in a statement that the attempted foreign students ban imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard and serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country who have come to America to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams." 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 27, 2025, 23:19 IST 'Will Stay In Jail For Life, Won't Compromise': Imran Khan Blames Army For Hijacking Pakistans Democracy Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: May 27, 2025, 09:51 IST Imran Khan plans to launch a new movement soon, demanding justice and fresh elections in Pakistan. Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan. (AP File Image) Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has said that he holds the countrys Army responsible for commandeering Pakistans political system. He asserted that the military has undermined judicial independence through amendments like the 26th Constitutional Amendment. According to Imran Khan, Pakistan operates under a jungle law" where the powerful avoid accountability. Khans sister Aleema Khan conveyed that he has urged the military to remain politically neutral and emphasised that he will never compromise with anyone. Imran Khan dismissed any statements suggesting he is compromising with the army or Americans as false. He believes these claims are propagated by the army to deter his supporters and weaken his movement. He also stated that the judiciary is under pressure, deliberately delaying Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insafs (PTI) cases. In response, PTI stands with the judges to demonstrate strength and support for justice. Recommended Stories Khan plans to launch a new movement soon, demanding justice and fresh elections in the country. In a press conference outside Adiala Jail, Aleema Khan, speaking on behalf of her brother, declared that he will not surrender to those he considers extortionists and dictators. She said Khan is prepared to stay in jail for life rather than compromise. She reiterated that any news of his compromise with the army or Americans is entirely false. Aleema Khan also mentioned that Imran does not want to call people to Islamabad due to the risk of violence, referencing past incidents where his supporters were killed by the army. However, he intends to announce a countrywide movement soon. Earlier this month, Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, sons of Imran Khan, sought US President Donald Trumps help in the release of the former Pakistani prime minister. We would love to speak to President Trump or try and figure out a way where he would be able to help out. Because at the end of the day, all we are trying to do is free our father, and ensure his basic human rights," Kasim and Sulaiman, who live in London, said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In terms of a message to the Trump administration, we would call for any government that supports free speech and proper democracy to join the call for our fathers release, and especially the most powerful leader in the world," the duo added. Hes in a death cell, no light, no lawyer, no doctor, but he refuses to break," they said. They said that if looked closely, it could be figured out that the cases against him are politically motivated". They revealed that they had sought their fathers permission to speak up on the issue publicly. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: May 27, 2025, 09:51 IST Police will deploy drones in areas around Harares Central Business District and its precincts to complement the newly introduced Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS) in identifying traffic offenders. This comes as most towns in the country have become untamed traffic jungles, with the influx of illegal taxis and kombis causing mayhem, daily. Common traffic offences include picking up and dropping off passengers at unauthorised locations, creating imaginary lanes, driving against the flow of traffic, ignoring stop signs and operating public service vehicles without the necessary permits. Police recently flagged 290 motorists for various traffic infractions captured by surveillance cameras and are now set to add drones to enhance order in towns. In an interview, Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said drones will be deployed from Harare Central Police Station to identify suspected offenders. Comm Nyathi said the majority of the 290 offenders captured through the ETMS have since been identified and fined. It is not just a unique system which is working in isolation. It is also integrated in the drone facility, which the Zimbabwe Public Police has also introduced. Now we have got drones at Harare Central Police Station. We have drones which can monitor as far as even, you know, 5km, 10km to 20km away, he said. Comm Nyathi said police will be able to monitor activities as far as the Harare Exhibition Park, also known as Showgrounds, from Harare Central Police Station using drones. For example, while it is at Harare Central, we can monitor what happens at Market Square. We can monitor what happens at Rotten Row. We can monitor what happens even at the Showground and also even at the other side of the town. So what it entails is, yes, the electronic traffic management system is there and effective. It can also be supported and aided by this drone facility, he said. Comm Nyathi said the new system is effective and will assist in taming congestion in the CBD and enforcing traffic laws. So some of the motorists who may think that the system is not effective will be surprised when the drone facility also comes on board. In Bulawayo we also have a CCTV facility which also monitors what happens in the CBD, he said. Comm Nyathi indicated that the system will also be implemented in other cities around the country. So definitely very soon we will also be publicising motorists who are also committing traffic violations in Bulawayo CBD to show how serious the Commissioner General of Police is in terms of modernising the police and also in terms of dealing with road traffic violations by air and motorists, he said. H Metro An English pub that dates back to the 15th century has shut its doors over a very 21st-century issue: It seems somebody posted images of the place on social media, which violates the rules of the notoriously strict owner, reports the BBC . The pub is The Abbey, located in the Derby suburb of Darley Abbey, and it's owned by Samuel Smith's Brewery. No cell phones, laptops, or even TVs are allowed in Smith-owned establishments. Nor are jukeboxesor cussing. Locals who turned up at The Abbey last week were greeted with a handwritten sign on the door reading, "Closed!! Due to someone posting pictures of the Abbey on social media. Sam Smith has taken the alcohol and closed these premises," per Derbyshire Live. The newspaper notes that a couple on a mission to visit every pub in the UK might well be the offenders, because they recently visited and put up multiple photos. Regardless, it appears the doors are shut for good, at least under the current ownership. Locals, however, say they are committed to finding a way to reopen the place, per a separate story at Derbyshire Live. A coordinated group of international burglars was arrested in Arizona after a multi-state crime spree targeted homes across the West Coast and included the theft of a French Bulldog, authorities say. In a Facebook post, the Scottsdale Police Department said the suspects"believed to be part of a South American Theft Group (SATG)"were arrested Friday after back-to-back home burglaries in Tempe and Mesa. Police say the suspects, who were staying at a short-term rental property, were tracked and observed over several days leading up to the burglaries on May 23, Fox News reports. Detectives, working with information on vehicles and other details provided by California law enforcement, monitored the group's movements between May 20 and May 22. All seven were seen coordinating and participating in burglary activity at both locations. The SATG has been linked to burglaries across California, Oregon, and Washington. Police said they were working to return stolen property to its owners. "A French Bulldog was recovered and verified as having been stolen from a burglary in California, and reunification efforts are underway," police said. The last two Starships sent up into space exploded midair , sending debris raining down on Earth. SpaceX now hopes for better results with the ninth unmanned test flight of its powerful new rocket, with a launch window from the Starbase facility near Brownsville, Texas, set for Tuesday starting at 7:30pm local time, and a planned splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, reports ABC News . The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement last week that it had carried out a "comprehensive safety review" after the last "mishap" in March and found that "the company has satisfactorily addressed the causes of the mishap, and therefore, the Starship vehicle can return to flight." That accident was reportedly caused by a "hardware failure" that led to fuel in one of the rocket's engines mixing and igniting. The March incident was preceded by one in January, in which too-strong vibrations led to propellant leaking, then an explosion. The Verge notes that SpaceX will be taking additional precautions for Tuesday's flight, which will place the Starship aircraft atop a previously launched 400-foot Super Heavy booster rocket powered by 33 Raptor engines. For Flight No. 9, the FAA will nearly double the Aircraft Hazard Area to 1,600 nautical miles, which will cover parts of Texas and Florida, as well as some parts of the Caribbean. The launch is also set "during nonpeak transit periods," so as to "minimize disruption to US and international airspace users." Bloomberg reports that SpaceX chief Elon Musk himself will have an "all-hands-style" livestream chat with SpaceX staff on the X platform he owns, scheduled for noon local time on Tuesday. The Wall Street Journal has more on the "enormous bet" that SpaceX is making with the experimental Starship, which it hopes to send on a mission to Mars next year. Although the company has been shifting resources and workers over to Starship in recent months, "it's definitely been a rough start of the year" for the spacecraft, one SpaceX engineering exec wrote online after the March explosion. Watch the launch here. Europe delivered a dramatic blow to Tesla in April. The latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association reveals "European consumers are returning to EVs while shunning Teslas," per the Wall Street Journal . EV sales in Europe climbed more than 25% in April, but Tesla sold only 7,261 vehicleshalf as many as in April 2024. This is the fourth straight month that Tesla's European sales have fallen, per Reuters . None of Tesla's rivals "have seen as great a drop in sales," and several are seeing sales grow, per Business Insider . But in the January-April period, Tesla sales are down nearly 40% year-on-year, per CNBC . Tesla was the 11th most popular EV brand in April, falling behind Chinese rival BYD for the first time. The new version of Tesla's Model Y "has so far failed to turn things around," per Insider. Tesla is facing heavy competition from traditional automakers and Chinese players offering hybrid electric vehicles, which account for over 35% of the European car market, per CNBC. But it's also suffering as a result of CEO Elon Musk's image, his support of the German far-right party AfD, and his role within the Trump administration. As the Journal notes, Trump's "America First" agenda "is broadly unpopular in Europe" and "some consumers appear to be boycotting Tesla for political reasons." Musk has said he will cut back on his work with the Department of Government Efficiency by the end of this month, though he still plans to spend a "day or two per week" on government work, per CNBC. A former Arkansas police chief serving prison sentences for murder and rape posed as a law enforcement officer during his escape on Sunday . Grant Hardin donned a fake, makeshift uniform designed to mimic official law-enforcement gear before exiting the North Central Unit in Calico Rock through a controlled entryway just before 3pm, the Washington Post reports. Local sheriff's departments were alerted about two hours later. Stone County Sheriff Brandon Long says Hardin likely would've required a vehicle, "and whether he just steals a vehicle or he takes someone hostage with the vehicle is ... our biggest fear," per KFSM . Hardin is considered "extremely dangerous and should not be approached," says the Stone County Sheriff's Office. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the first-degree murder of James Appleton in Garfield in 2017. Two years later, he pleaded guilty to the 1997 rape of an elementary school teacher in Rogers, for which he was serving 50 years. The former police officer had been fired by the Fayetteville Police Department for poor performance in 1991, per the Post. Five years later, he resigned from the Eureka Springs Police Department just as he was about to be fired for lying in a police report, per KFSM. He was a constable for Benton County from 2008 to 2012, per KHBS. He later spent four months as Gateway's police chief in early 2016, before resigning yet again. He then reportedly went to work at a women's prison in Fayetteville, per the Arkansas Times. Prison is "full of a lot of people who just do bad things," former Benton County prosecutor Nathan Smith, who helped put Hardin behind bars, tells KHBS. "Grant's different. ... He's a sociopath." The Arkansas Department of Corrections says it's working with state police, local sheriff's offices, and other local agencies to put the 56-year-old back behind bars. Drones are searching the area around the prison, while authorities are searching vehicles. A Florida man is dead after an encounter first with an alligator and then with sheriff's deputies. "This is just crazy stuff, OK?" says Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, reports CBS News. Timothy Schulz, 42, was fatally shot by deputies in Monday's chaotic scene. How it unfolded: Deputies responded to a call in the morning about a man swimming in a lake infested with alligators, says Judd. Witnesses say he "growled" at them when they tried to speak to him or help him. Schulz emerged from the lake with an alligator bite on his right arm, says the sheriff. The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to take a case brought by Native Americans trying to stop mining on land they consider sacred, reports USA Today. The move means copper mining can move forward in a section of Tonto National Forest in Arizona, even though the San Carlos Apache Tribe describes the land as vital to sacred rituals, per Reuters. Conservative justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissented and said they would have heard the case because of the implications for religious freedom. NBC News previously laid out how Gorsuch is a staunch defender of Native American rights, and his dissent amplified that: President Trump had harsh words for Russia's president again on Tuesday. "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. "He's playing with fire!" On Sunday, Trump slammed Putin for "killing a lot of people" in Ukraine and posted on Truth Social that while he had always had a "good relationship" with the leader, he has "gone absolutely CRAZY!" Sources tell the Wall Street Journal that Trump is considering new sanctions on Russia, which could come as early as this week. The White House said Tuesday that President Trump is set to pardon reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley, the couple famous for Chrisley Knows Best, which followed their tightly knit family and extravagant lifestyle. A jury in 2022 found them guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. The Chrisleys were also found guilty of tax evasion. In a social media post Tuesday, the White House said Trump called the Chrisley family and said "he will be granting full pardons," adding, "Trump Knows Best!" President Trump on Tuesday pardoned Julie and Todd Chrisley of reality TV fame, as he'd promised to do, People reports. "My parents get to start their lives over!" their daughter Savannah posted on Instagram Live. "My phone is going bananas right now, but President Trump gave them a full, unconditional pardon and for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you, President Trump." Trump said the Chrisleys were "given a pretty harsh treatment, based on what I'm hearing." The Chrisleys were found guilty of tax evasion by hiding their earnings while showcasing an extravagant lifestyle that prosecutors said included luxury cars, designer clothes, real estate, and travel, the AP reports. Prosecutors said Todd Chrisley filed for bankruptcy, walking away from more than $20 million in unpaid loans. Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, and Todd Chrisley got 12 years behind bars. The couple was also ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution. According to the Bureau of Prisons, Todd Chrisley, 57, is at FPC Pensacola, with his release date listed as July 4, 2032. Julie Chrisley, 52, is at FMC Lexington. Her release date is listed as August 1, 2028. story continues below "It's a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean and I hope we can do it by tomorrow." Trump told Savannah Chrisley, one of the couple's daughters, per USA Today. "I don't know them, but give them my regards and wish them a good life." A three-judge panel of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals last summer upheld the Chrisleys' convictions but found a legal error in how the trial judge had calculated Julie Chrisley's sentence by holding her accountable for the entire bank fraud scheme. The appellate panel sent her case back to the lower court for resentencing. A federal judge rejected her appeal for a lower sentence and resentenced her to seven years in September, Rolling Stone reports. TOKYO, May 28 (News On Japan) - Scallop prices are soaring across Japan as poor harvests send shockwaves through production areas and seafood retailers, with wholesalers and restaurants warning of a prolonged crisis brought on by a string of environmental disasters. At a seafood buffet restaurant in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, known for its fresh grilled offerings, scallops remain a customer favorite. On this particular day, the store featured scallops from Aomori Prefecture, with visitors praising the plump texture and rich flavor of the freshly grilled delicacy. However, the store is struggling behind the scenes. In autumn 2024, the buffet increased its price by 400 yen to offset rising ingredient costs, with scallops seeing the steepest price jump of all. According to the manager, Kozai, the price per scallop has doubled compared to the previous year. "It kept rising gradually, and then before we realized it, it had doubled," she said. She admitted that at times she felt torn: "We want people to come and eat, but part of me wants to say, 'Please don't eat too many.'" The price hike is not limited to restaurants. At a local fishmonger, the cost of boiled scallops used for skewers has risen about 1.4 to 1.5 times compared to around May 2024. "It used to be 130 or 140 yen a piece about a year ago," said Watanabe, the owner of Marukawa Suisan. "Naturally, the price of skewers has gone up as well." The root of the problem lies in Aomori, one of Japans top scallop-producing regions. Since around mid-November 2024, mass die-offs have been reported among juvenile scallops born in spring and scheduled for shipment in 2025. Footage from a local fishery cooperative shows piles of dead young scallops. Takuma Kudo of the Okata Fishery Cooperative explained, "The first cause is high water temperatureslast year was especially warm. The second is a lack of plankton, which is their food source. These two worst-case scenarios overlapped." As a result, the cooperative expects to harvest only 10 percent of the usual volume in 2025, with 90 percent of the juveniles reportedly dead. Kudo warned that the long-term effects could be severe: "Without mature scallops, there wont be any babies next time. The cycle breaks down, and it could take years to recover." The impact is already visible, with delayed growth in surviving scallops for the 2025 season. Industry insiders fear the crisis may worsen before it improves. Source: FNN AdCellerant launches in Canada, bringing award-winning digital marketing tech to local media and agencies. Post this With this expansion, AdCellerant's full digital advertising solutions are now available to Canadian Media Organizations and Agencies. Local businesses across Canada will benefit from advanced, results-driven digital marketing delivered through their trusted Media Partners and powered by AdCellerant's best-in-class technology platform. "Expanding into Canada is a natural evolution of our mission to empower local media and small businesses," said Brock Berry, CEO and Co-Founder of AdCellerant. "There's a growing demand in the Canadian market for innovative, automated advertising solutions, and we're excited to deliver exactly that." AdCellerant has established its headquarters in Calgary, one of the country's fastest-growing hubs for innovation and technology, to anchor its Canadian presence. "Calgary is where innovative companies like AdCellerant come to grow and thrive. Their choice to set up a Canadian headquarters in our downtown core is an endorsement of the tech talent, collaborative business environment, and limitless possibilities that define our city," said Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development. "As Calgary continues to rise as a powerhouse for digital innovation, AdCellerant is a great addition to the momentum building in the Blue Sky City." Why Canada Is the Next Frontier for AdCellerant Canada's digital advertising market is projected to reach $15.9 billion by 2025, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation and automation, key pillars of AdCellerant's platform. George Leith is spearheading AdCellerant's Canadian operations, leveraging decades of experience in digital transformation, sales strategy, and market development. "Canada is ready for the next generation of digital advertising," said George Leith, president of international partnerships at AdCellerant. "Our technology, paired with Canadian local presence and boots on the ground to support our partnerships, will help media companies and agencies deliver measurable results. I'm thrilled to lead this initiative and bring AdCellerant's value to the Canadian market." Strengthening Canadian Partnerships With Strategic Leadership AdCellerant also welcomes Anthony Gallace as the senior director of agency partnerships to further support and accelerate growth in the Canadian market. With a wealth of experience in agency development and partnership strategy, Anthony brings a deep understanding of the Canadian advertising ecosystem. His leadership will be critical in building strong relationships with media companies and agencies, ensuring the successful adoption of AdCellerant's platform across Canada. In addition, AdCellerant has appointed Todd Roberts as senior business development manager. Roberts brings over a decade of experience in digital marketing, sales, and client relations, with a proven track record of driving business growth and fostering strategic partnerships. His expertise will be instrumental in expanding AdCellerant's footprint in Canada and delivering innovative solutions to partners. Roberts' background in leading business development initiatives will strengthen the company's commitment to building lasting partnerships within the Canadian market. Proven Success, Global Vision AdCellerant's expansion into Canada builds on its strong track record of success in the U.S., where its platform serves thousands of partners and advertisers, through automated omnichannel campaign execution, driving growth for Media Companies and Agencies. The company's unique combination of powerful tech, award-winning service, and strategic collaboration has made it one of the most recognized and awarded names in digital advertising. "Canada is just the beginning," added Shelby Carlson, COO and Co-Founder of AdCellerant. "We're committed to equipping our partners with the tools, technology, localized support, training, and tailored go-to-market strategies they needwherever they are." This move establishes a repeatable model for future global expansion, with international growth as a core pillar of AdCellerant's long-term strategy. AdCellerant's white-label platform, built for Media Companies and their SME clients, is now built to scale in any international market. Connect With Us Canadian media companies and agencies interested in learning more about AdCellerant's solutions are invited to book a demo . Together, we'll drive growth, efficiency, and success in digital advertising. About AdCellerant AdCellerant partners with media companies, agencies, and brands to provide businesses access to high-quality digital marketing technology and solutions. Focused on generating results and growth for businesses of all sizes, AdCellerant offers best-in-class technology and software, award-winning customer service, industry-leading training resources, and exceptional operational support to ensure customer campaign performance. Leveraging proprietary technology Ui.Marketing , AdCellerant effectively connects businesses with their ideal customers at the right time. Harnessing an easy-to-use and nimble advertising tool, users can manage the entire buyer's journey, from quick and accurate comprehensive proposal creation to campaign launch and campaign performance, within a single platform. Media Contact Meghan Brito, SVP of Marketing [email protected] SOURCE AdCellerant LLC First Korean LCC to Fly Seoul-Vancouver as Asia-North America Demand Climbs VANCOUVER, BC, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ -- T'way Air, South Korea's leading low-cost carrier, will inaugurate its first North American destination with direct service between Seoul and Vancouver on July 12, 2025. Operating four times weekly Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays the new flights meet growing demand for affordable, long-haul travel across key Asia-Pacific and North American markets. Tway Air to Inaugurate Direct Seoul-Vancouver Service on July 12 The outbound flight departs Incheon International Airport at 9:05 p.m. KST and arrives at Vancouver International Airport at 3:25 p.m. PDT. The return flight leaves Vancouver at 5:25 p.m. PDT and lands in Seoul at 9:35 p.m. KST the following day. Tickets are now available on the T'way Air website. The new service marks a significant milestone in T'way Air's network expansion, joining its existing Asia-Pacific and European destinations. By directly linking Seoul with Canada's west coast, the airline offers both leisure and business travelers a seamless, cost-effective option. T'way Air will deploy its A330-300 aircraft, offering 12 flat-bed seats in Business Saver class with adjustable headrests, extra legroom, personal power outlets and individual reading lights. All passengers receive complimentary meals: two in Business Saver and one in Economy. Travelers bound for Korea can experience Seoul's fusion of history and modernity: explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, wander Insadong's traditional streets, hike Bukhansan's scenic trails, admire the futuristic curves of Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and shop the latest Korean beauty and fashion in Hongdae, Seongsu and Gangnam. "We are proud to launch our first North American destination, opening exciting opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange between Korea and Canada," said Hong-Geun Jeong, Chief Executive Officer of T'way Air. "We look forward to offering safe, reliable, and memorable journeys that bring our two countries closer together." T'way Air currently serves 50 destinations globally and plans to further expand its network. For more information, visit twayair.com. About T'way Air T'way Air Co., Ltd., headquartered in Daegu, South Korea, is a leading low-cost carrier (LCC) providing affordable and reliable air travel since 2010. T'way Air serves customers across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, and Europe with a modern fleet of Boeing 737-800s, 737 MAX 8s, and Airbus A330s. T'way Air continues to expand its global network, offering great value to passengers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.twayair.com. Media Contact T'WAY AIR Public Relations Team [email protected] Seoul (ICN) - Vancouver (YVR) Flight Schedule Route Departs Arrives Frequency Aircraft ICN YVR 21:05 15:25 Tue/Thur/Sat/Sun A330-300 YVR ICN 17:25 21:35(+1) SOURCE T'way Air An appeals court has overturned an Atlantic County murder conviction because it said police improperly seized the suspects cell phone for a month before obtaining a search warrant for its contents. The Tuesday decision overturns Timothy Wrights murder conviction for the strangulation death of 25-year-old Joyce Vanderhoff. A driver spotted her body on the side of Weymouth Road in Hamilton Township in February 2014 and pointed it out to a passing patrol officer. Authorities did not charge Wright until 2019, and Wrights phone especially its GPS location was a key factor in the prosecutions case. A 62-year-old Fair Lawn man was arrested late Monday after police responded to reports of a suspicious person and uncovered a large-scale drug operation in his home, authorities said. Timothy S. Brown, of Ward Street, was spotted walking up and down driveways near his home around 11:09 p.m., according to Fair Lawn police. Officers said they found Brown with a knife sticking out of his pocket, screaming incoherently and banging on the front door of a nearby home. A Camden woman says she was injured at Adventure Aquarium in 2023. A New Jersey woman has filed a lawsuit against Adventure Aquarium in Camden, claiming the bench she was sitting on collapsed, leaving her with permanent injuries. The woman, who is from Camden, was eating lunch during a class trip to the aquarium two years ago when the bench gave way beneath her, according to her lawsuit. The woman allegedly sustained serious injuries to her neck and spine in the collapse, according to the suit. A spokesperson for Adventure Aquarium, headquartered in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An attorney representing the aquarium said she could not comment on the case, citing pending litigation. Adventure Aquarium is located on the Camden Waterfront, and is a premier destination for marine enthusiasts and families alike. In her lawsuit, the woman says she was on a class field trip when she was injured while eating her afternoon meal on June 14, 2023. A visitor at Adventure Aquarium in Camden gets up close and personal with a sea turtle in a photo from earlier this month. Adventure Aquarium The suit does not state the womans role on the trip, identifying her only as a business invitee. A call to her attorneys was not immediately returned. The lawsuit was first filed on March 3 in Camden County Superior Court. Heather M. Eichenbaum, the aquariums attorney, said she filed a motion on Friday requesting the case be moved to federal court. Eichenbaum said she filed the motion in part because the alleged damages exceed $75,000, but also because the parties live in different states. The lawsuit claims the woman sustained severe neck and back injuries in the collapse. Those injuries have allegedly required chiropractic therapy, trigger point injections, and other medical procedures. Her pain has persisted for nearly two years, according to the suit. The woman also claims she has lost income as a result of her injuries because shes been unable to work. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley, with the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, was shot and killed during a home invasion at her residence last year. (Padgett Funeral Home) A grand jury has indicted four men on murder charges in the shooting death of a county prosecutors office detective during a home invasion last year. A Gloucester County woman was also indicted on charges that she tried to cover up evidence of the crime. Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley, a veteran with the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office, was in her Buckshutem Road home in Bridgeton on Oct. 15 when multiple intruders stormed into the residence, kicking in the front door, according to police. Mosley, 51, was able to fire three shots from her service weapon, striking one of the masked attackers before she was shot three times, including one round fired at close range to the back of her head, police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Richard B. Hawkins Willis awaits the start of a change of venue hearing at the Cumberland County Courthouse in Bridgeton on Friday, November 22, 2024. Hawkins Willis and four others are charged in connection with the death of Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley. Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance The four men charged in the case are: Nyshawn B. Mutcherson, 30, of Vineland; Jarred D. Brown, 32, of Bridgeton; Richard B. Hawkins Willis, 33, of Gloucester City; and Byron L. Thomas, 36, of Paulsboro. A grand jury indicted them last week on first-degree charges of purposeful murder and murder during the commission of a burglary. They were also indicted on: second-degree counts of burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon without a permit, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and certain persons not to have a weapon because of a prior conviction; third-degree hindering; and fourth-degree obstruction. Hawkins Willis was also indicted on a fourth-degree charge of tampering with evidence. All face potential life sentences if convicted. Cyndia E. Pimentel, 39, of Paulsboro, is accused of helping to cover up evidence of the killing. She was indicted by the grand jury on charges of third-degree hindering and fourth-degree counts of obstruction and tampering with evidence. Pimentel worked as a police officer with the Camden County Police Department from 2013 until 2015, when she resigned, a spokesman for the agency said last year. While authorities havent officially said whether the killing was related to Mosleys job as a detective, multiple officials familiar with the case say investigators found no link between the crime and her work with the prosecutors office. While Mosley was killed in Cumberland County, the case was transferred to Atlantic County, and presented to an Atlantic County grand jury, to avoid any conflicts of interest because the victim worked for the prosecutors office in Cumberland County. Police first learned something was wrong at Mosleys residence when a neighbor called 911 about a disturbance at the detectives home. The caller reported hearing a loud banging noise and saw three people running from Mosleys residence toward the rear of a nearby trailer park, according to a 911 call obtained in response to an Open Public Records Act request filed by NJ Advance Media. The neighbor said Mosleys door was smashed. Her door is open, its busted and Im trying to reach out to her and shes not picking up, the caller said on the 911 recording. Byron Thomas sits, awaiting the start of a change of venue hearing at the Cumberland County Courthouse in Bridgeton, NJ on Friday, November 22, 2024. Thomas and four others are charged in connection with the murder of Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley. Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Prosecutors laid out a detailed timeline of what they said happened on the night Mosley was killed. Hawkins Willis, who was dating Pimentel, drove her SUV from her Paulsboro residence around 7 p.m. and picked up Thomas, Brown and Mutcherson along the way, according to Cape May County First Assistant Prosecutor Saverio Carroccia, whose office is handling the case. The SUV was later spotted in Bridgeton as it pulled up to a South Avenue residence linked to Brown. From there, the men traveled to Buckshutem Road, where video surveillance picked up the vehicle just before 10 p.m., Carroccia said. Mosley was getting ready for bed shortly after 10 p.m. when masked men kicked in the front door, investigators said. As the intruders entered the home, Mosley fired three shots, striking Mutcherson, according to Carroccia. She was shot in her right knee, then likely fell to the floor and put up her hand to defend herself from the second shot, which struck her left wrist and traveled through her arm, Carroccia said. The third shot was fired into the back of her head at a downward trajectory. Judge, I dont use this term lightly, but thats called an execution, Carroccia said in a court hearing last year. Nyshawn B. Mutcherson (left), 29, of Vineland, and Jarred D. Brown, 32, of Bridgeton, appear via video from jail for a hearing last year. (N.J. Courts) The prosecutor didnt identify the shooter, but said the murder weapon has not been recovered. A bullet that wounded Mutcherson was found in the grass at Mosleys home and contained his DNA, the prosecutor said. Investigators also said Mosleys blood was found on one of Mutchersons sneakers. Video surveillance shows the SUV left the area, stopping at a medical facility in Bridgeton where Mutcherson was dropped off for treatment. The vehicle then returned to the South Avenue address, Carroccia said. The prosecution also accused the defendants of hiding evidence. On Oct. 18, Pimentel and Hawkins Willis drove to an address associated with Hawkins Willis in Gloucester City, Carroccia said in court. A search warrant for that property turned up multiple latex gloves and a size-6 boot with blood on it, according to the prosecutor. Two floor mats, pieces of seatbelt and a car part from Pimentels vehicle were found in a driveway dumpster. Cyndia E. Pimentel, 39, of Paulsboro, is accused of trying to cover up evidence in the killing of Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley. (NJ Courts) Later on Oct. 18, Pimentel drove her SUV to Philadelphia with Hawkins Willis as a passenger and left it in a parking garage, Carroccia said. Evidence to build the case against the defendants came from cellphone data, surveillance video, license plate reader reports, DNA and witness accounts, according to the prosecution. The murder defendants remain locked up pending trial, while Pimentel is on pre-trial release. While three of the defendants are held in county jails, Mutcherson is in state prison for a parole violation. All five defendants are scheduled to return to court June 3 for post-indictment arraignment hearings. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. From left to right: Kevin Anthony Jones, Ebony Campbell and Monique Jones attending William Paterson University's undergraduate commencement at the Prudential Center in Newark. Photo courtesy of William Paterson University Three siblings ranging in age from 27 to 42 graduated this week from William Paterson University, which is spotlighting their achievement as an adult learners success story. The close-knit trio Kevin Anthony Jones, Ebony Campbell and Monique Jones, all from Newark were among more than 2,000 students receiving degrees at the Prudential Center last week. It was a feat made possible in part by online learning, school officials said. The three siblings each attained undergraduate sociology degrees via the universitys five-year-old WP Online program, which offers more flexibility than traditional classroom classes and has proven especially popular with adult learners, according to the university. More than one-third of students in William Patersons Class of 2025 were adult learners, who are defined by the university as students older than 24 when they enrolled to pursue a degree. Kevin Jones, 42, said he dropped out of college two decades ago but found success running an organization that provides community-based support and mentorship for children and teens with behavioral issues. He decided he wanted a degree for himself, his children, and the youth he mentors and convinced his two sisters to join him at William Paterson, the university wrote in a graduation day recap that also included interviews with his two sisters. While three siblings getting degrees on the same day is unusual, the rise in recent years of adult learners often referred to as nontraditional students is a well-documented trend at William Paterson and elsewhere. In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law last week the Opportunity Promise Scholarship program enabling students between the ages of 25 and 55 to attend community colleges for free, provided they are pursuing degrees in teaching, nursing, engineering or other in-demand fields. At William Paterson, campus officials said WP Online is a key element in the schools strategy. The university has more than doubled its campus percentage of adult learners since launching WP Online for graduate and undergraduate students in the spring of 2020. Programs are completely online, with seven-week accelerated sessions and multiple start dates throughout the year, the university said. Traditional classes are usually 15 weeks. Students may transfer all earned credits but must meet the requirement of at least 30 credits earned at William Paterson, which requires 120 credits for undergraduate degrees, the university said. Sociology, the field in which the three siblings obtained their degrees, is among the 19 undergraduate degrees available through WP Online. The tuition rate for the 2025-26 academic year is $372 per credit. Weve been very intentional about our work in this area, and weve created an online structure thats adult-friendly, family-friendly, and career-friendly, said Joshua Powers, William Patersons provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Of the 3,218 adult learners enrolled at William Paterson as of the spring semester, 1,877 or 58%, were attending classes via WP Online. About 1,610 of the adult learners, or about half, identified as Black or Hispanic, while 19% had dependents. The three siblings who graduated from William Paterson are parents. Jones is the father of four. Ebony Campbell, 39, has two children. Monique Jones, 27, has an infant son. All three had some college experience prior to enrolling at William Paterson, which is not unusual. The university launched its College of Adult and Professional Studies in July 2024 with the aim of reaching some of the 750,000 New Jersey residents who have some college credits but no degree. Ebony Campbell received an associates degree in paralegal studies years ago and works with the Morris County Superior Court in the family division. I was contemplating going back to school, but the time management with work, and family, she said in the universitys graduation recap. I needed to get it done. Monique Jones enrolled at William Paterson in 2016 after receiving an associates degree, but left without graduating and took a job with the IRS. Her goal is to work for the FBI, a job that requires at least a bachelors degree, the university said. I love the study of social behavior and of different cultures, and I thought it was important to study that, Monique Jones told the university. For the three siblings, the familys academic celebration this spring is not limited to the three graduations. One of Kevin Jones four children, and one of Ebony Campbells two children, are graduating from high school in June, the university said. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. A view of Edison Middle School in West Orange, home to the district's program for sixth graders. Google Street View Nearly 20 years ago, West Orange Public Schools decided to do something unique with its sixth graders. The Essex County public school district began sending all of the sixth grade to a single, stand-alone school. The Thomas A. Edison Central Six Middle School was created to ease the transition for students as they left various elementary schools around the district, where they usually spent their days with one or two main teachers in a single classroom. For sixth grade, West Orange had its 400 sixth graders come together in one school for a year before they headed off to larger middle schools in West Orange for seventh and eighth grades. They were able to be separated from both the younger and the older kids, getting their own safe place to mature a little bit before hitting seventh grade, Ken Alper, a former school board member whose two children went to the school, said on Facebook. Last week, West Oranges school board voted to end the Central Six program at Edison. The school will remain open, but all three middle schools in the district will now serve sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. There will no longer be a single school just for sixth graders. Cutting the 20-year-old program for sixth graders will save the West Orange school district, which faces a $9 million budget deficit, 5% of what it needs to make up the gap. We anticipate saving approximately $500,000 annually minimally in transportation costs and we may realize other savings in staffing costs for transportation, district officials said in a statement. In addition to redistributing all sixth graders to the three existing middle schools Edison, Roosevelt and Liberty the district revealed a plan to cut nearly 60 positions and raise the average class size to 25 across all grades. The districts Mandarin foreign language program in middle school was also on the chopping block, but funding was restored in the final budget. Community members said they were frustrated the district gave them little time and no other viable solutions to stave off ending the Central Six program. A March 31 letter from West Orange Public Schools Superintendent Hayden Moore posted on the districts website said changes to the middle school structure in West Orange might be necessary. Our 3 middle schools can be reorganized to serve grades 6-8 in each. This will lead to savings in transportation costs, provide greater continuity for students, and positively impact academic performance, Moore wrote. Two months later, the decision was made to close the school. That was too fast, according to some critics of the decision. Twenty years ago, we had 42 community members that met for nine months to arrive at the Central Six configuration, said one West Orange resident who works as a paraprofessional at an elementary school in the district, speaking at a recent school board meeting. West Orange serves students from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Almost 40% of the districts students are economically disadvantaged, according to New Jerseys School Performance Report from the 2023-2024 school year. The Edison Central Six Middle School serves more than 40% economically disadvantaged students, according to state statistics. District officials said they needed to cut programs to fill its budget deficit for several reasons. Between 2021 and last year, state aid to the district increased by $18 million, district officials said. But most of the increase was from an infusion of COVID-related federal dollars. Transportation, salary, health benefit and special education costs are rising at the same time funding for West Oranges schools is shrinking, district officials said. West Orange is scheduled to receive more than $32.5 million in state funding next school year, according to Murphys budget proposal. That is about $1 million, or 3% less than last year. The district decided to cut the Central Six program rather than raise school property taxes for residents, the superintendent said. Unlike our neighbors, our changes can be implemented without further burdening the taxpayer, Moore said during a school board meeting last month. Some families are questioning why the community didnt have more say in what programs were being cut. Resident Tierney Norris said she has heard people in the district talk for years about Central Six like it was this most magical time experience and really valuable, she said. Norris son was supposed to attend Edisons Central Six program next fall. Shes assuming her son will go to the middle school closest to her house instead. But the district isnt sending out official placements until May 30. While some students may remain in their school and others may be bussed, the intention is to integrate our buildings and maintain our rich diversity and existing demographics, the district said in a FAQ posted on the districts website. The FAQ also said parents should emphasize that this decision is made with their best interests at heart, when speaking with their children about the new middle school configuration. Norris belongs to a group of parents trying to change how the board and district make decisions. People are messaging on WhatsApp and organizing to ask for greater transparency and community voice in decision making, she said. We all have lives and kids and underwear to wash and dishes to clean and dinners to make. And its amazing to me that we all are finding the minutes, she said of the advocacy work she and her fellow parents have been doing. The group put out a petition Request for Transparency in Response to West Orange 2025-26 Budget and received 400 signatures within a week from parents across West Orange schools. About 10% said they have children in the Central Six program this year. The scale of this years budget cuts alongside the lack of clarity on how decisions have been made has left many in our community concerned, confused, and feeling unheard," the petition said. Alyssa Bowen, parent of an incoming kindergartner, said cutting the Central Six program and saving $500,000 isnt moving the district toward the financial stability it needs. Its not a long term solution thats going to help make sure we dont have a deficit moving forward, Bowen said. Though tax increases are unpopular, Bowen said she sees them as a better way to close the school district deficit instead of shuttering a sixth grade program so many families say they love. Will Donahoe, who is part of the community advocacy group that created the petition, spoke at a recent school board meeting and thanked the board for providing a more detailed version of the budget than they had in the past. We as parents and residents are ready to advocate alongside you for funding for state support for sustainable solutions. But we need your continued transparency and trust to do that, Donahoe said. Several speakers repeated the request in the petition asking the school board to create a community budget advisory council to weigh in on cuts. When asked if they planned to create a community advisory council, school officials only said they are open to having the community participate in the budget process. We are open to the involvement of our families and various stakeholders, district officials said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. As expressed by the Superintendent at our most recent Board of Education meeting, we value all parent input that we receive, the statement added. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Liz Rosenberg may be reached at lrosenberg@njadvancemedia.com. Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber received a standing ovation from graduates and spectators after defending American universities during his commencement address Tuesday. The Ivy League university handed out 1,293 undergraduate degrees, 463 doctoral degrees and 200 masters degrees at the ceremony at Princeton Stadium. Eisgruber urged graduates to continue asking questions that are unsettling and uncomfortable and speaking up for what they believe in. Tensions between the academy, public opinion, and government policy have ebbed and flowed over the course of American history. They are now at an unprecedented high point, Eisgruber said. The president told the graduates we must stand boldly for freedom before the applause from the crowd grew so loud it drowned out his words and forced him to pause. Eisgruber didnt directly mention the ongoing tensions between fellow Ivy League school Harvard University and President Donald Trump. But Princetons commencement was held as the battle between Harvard officials and the Republican president escalated Tuesday. The Trump administration and Harvard have been sparing for months over diversity programs, foreign student enrollment and funding. The White House moved Tuesday to cancel all federal contracts with Harvard as Trump said he wanted to block the school from enrolling foreign students. President Christopher Eisgruber speaks during Princeton University's 278th Commencement on Tuesday. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media At Princetons commencement, Eisgruber questioned whether Princeton and other universities can be expected to be neutral in society. Universities might be less vulnerable to criticism and attack if they were bland innocuous and neutral. But then they would not be true universities, said Eisgruber, who is also the chair of the Association of American Universities Board of Directors. He also defended scholars who take on difficult topics. They want university faculties and students to produce useful inventions, illuminate poetic beauty, and study the virtues of successful leaders, Eisgruber said. They appear to become uneasy when, for example, scholars expose and analyze the role of race, sexuality or prejudice in society and politics. In other recent public appearances, Eisgruber has pushed back against the federal governments use of funds as a cudgel to get universities to do things that the government wants. In early April, the federal government notified Princeton it planned to freeze several dozen of the schools grants from the federal Department of Energy, NASA and the Defense Department totaling as much as $210 million dollars. In his speech, valedictorian and chemistry major Erik Medina asked fellow graduates to consider how they can live their lives according to Princetons informal motto: Princeton in the nations service and the service of humanity. Medina said graduates can be mindful of how they treat others. One of the greatest ways that you can serve humanity is to be kind, Medina said. At last years commencement, several students turned their backs on the Princeton president or walked out during his speech in a silent protest to show their solidarity with Palestinians. The protest followed a tense pro-Palestinian encampment on the Princeton campus that ended with arrests. This year, many graduates wore keffiyeh scarves over their robes in symbolic solidarity with Palestinians. During the ceremony, the university awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree to Sherrilyn Ifill, former president and director-counsel of NAACP legal fund. She is also the founding director of the 14th Amendment Center for Law & Democracy at Howard University School of Law. Other honorary degree recipients included: Nancy Weiss Malkiel, former dean of the college at Princeton who joined the faculty in 1969 when the school was transitioning to coeducation; Nobel laureate and Princeton professor Daniel Chee Tsui; Omar M. Yaghi, pioneering chemist and University of California Berkeley professor; disability rights advocate Lex Frieden; and biotechnology company founder Joshua Boger. Since 1959, Princetons commencement tradition has honored outstanding New Jersey educators by awarding them $5,000 and giving their schools library an additional $3,000. This year, four teachers received the Princeton Prize for Distinguished Secondary School Teaching. The awards went to: Davine Floy of the Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology; Laurianne Brunetti Kuipers of Memorial Middle School in Fair Lawn; An Nguyen of Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill; and Theodore Opderbeck of Waldwick High School. Commencement marked the end of several days of campus celebrations, including Class Day on Monday, which featured On Purpose podcaster Jay Shetty, author of 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go and other books. In the weeks leading up to graduation, over 150 members of the class of 2025 signed an open letter rejecting the speaker choice. We deserve better, the letter said, accusing Shetty of being a self-help guru who runs a questionable school. In his speech on Monday, Shetty shared life advice with the graduates, according to video of the ceremony. The world is waiting for you, he said. Use your passion in the service of others, and it will become your purpose. Staff writer Nyah Marshall contributed to this report. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Liz Rosenberg may be reached at lrosenberg@njadvancemedia.com. A scene from season six of "Love Island USA." The seventh season starts next month. Ben Symons | Peacock Do you ever picture yourself on an island? The type of island where single people are looking for romance and money in a tropical villa? The type of island where people at home can watch you and vote on whether or not you should be kicked out of the villa? The producers of Love Island USA are apparently looking for you. Reality star Ariana Madix (Vanderpump Rules), who hosts the Peacock series, announced the shows Pop-Up Villa casting tour is returning to New Jerseys Bar A in June. If youre interested in the casting call, the tour will be at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como (703 16th Ave.) from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 7. The Jersey location, where the show held a casting call last year, is one of three where people can record casting tapes for the show the tour is also coming to Atlanta and San Diego. Love Island USA debuted in 2019 on CBS. In 2022, the series moved to Peacock. The seventh season of the show, set at a Fiji villa, premieres 9 p.m. ET Tuesday, June 3 on Peacock. Couples that last to make it through Love Island win $100,000, which is traditionally split between the two contestants. For more information and to submit your interest in the Love Island casting ahead of time, visit the casting website. Applicants have to be 18 or older and have ID. If youre interested but cant attend the casting event, you can apply at the ITV casting site. Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter/X, @amykup.bsky.social on Bluesky and @kupamy on Instagram and Threads. Authorities at the Port of Buffalo, Rainbow Bridge border crossing arrested a man on a commercial bus trying to cross the border into the United States, officials said. AP A New Jersey man wanted for manslaughter in Essex County was arrested at the Canadian border Monday near Buffalo, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said. Malakai McRay, 22, of Newark was charged on Monday with second-degree counts of manslaughter and weapons offenses, court records show. Authorities charged a Maryland man with vehicular homicide after a one-vehicle crash on the New Jersey Turnpike left two teenagers dead last week. Cesar I. Martinez Andino, 19, of Hyattsville, Maryland, was driving an SUV northbound in Harrison Township in Gloucester County around 1 a.m. on May 18 when he lost control of the vehicle, according to New Jersey State Police. The SUV left the roadway to the right, slid down an embankment and struck a tree. Four of the six occupants were thrown from the vehicle, police said. Juan Carlos Munguia-Palma, 19, and a 14-year-old boy, both of Maryland, died as a result of the crash, police said. The driver and two other passengers were seriously injured, while the sixth occupant suffered moderate injuries. At the scene, Martinez Andino identified himself as the driver, police said, and a check revealed he was unlicensed. Numerous empty beer bottles and a mixed drink cocktail were spotted in the vehicle, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed with the charges. Toxicology results on the driver are pending, police said. A pink cellphone recovered outside of the SUV near the crash scene was recording video when it was located, police said in the affidavit. A video of the crash was recorded on the phone, police said. The video showed Martinez Andino driving recklessly, using a cellphone while driving and nearly hitting another vehicle before the crash, police said in the affidavit. Martinez Andino was charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide and two counts each of third-degree child endangerment, assault by auto and causing death while driving while unlicensed. He also faces two fourth-degree counts of causing serious injury while driving while unlicensed and a fourth-degree charge of assault by auto. Court records did not list an attorney for Martinez Andino on Tuesday. He remains hospitalized because of his injuries, an official said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. BASF and the Borough of East Newark marked the official opening of the East Newark Riverfront Park, a five-acre green space developed on a former industrial site along the Passaic River earlier this month. BASF A five-acre stretch of former industrial land along the Passaic River has been transformed into a 5-acre park in East Newark. The borough and BASF held the official opening of East Newark Riverfront Park on May 9 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the end of a multi-year restoration effort. The park features a 1,000-foot boardwalk, an amphitheater, open recreational space, water fountains, restrooms, picnic tables, a playground, a great lawn, and a large shade structure. This transformation from a legacy industrial site into a vibrant, sustainable public space underscores BASFs commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and long-term impact, said Heather Remley, president and CEO of BASF Corporation. The project resulted from collaboration between BASF, federal natural resource trustees, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Borough of East Newark, with support from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Officials highlighted the projects innovative approach to restoration, which delivered environmental and community benefits nearly a decade faster than traditional processes. Ensuring that every New Jersey resident has access to safe, welcoming green space is a priority for our administration, said Governor Phil Murphy at the event, according to a press release. Green public spaces not only restore and enhance vital natural areas, but they also strengthen community connections. The park was designed with sustainability as a core principle, incorporating eco-friendly materials, native landscaping, and features that promote biodiversity. This park is not just a space; its a testament to the strength and unity of our residents and partners, East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo said. We have built something that will benefit generations to come. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff. A lottery player who bought a Cash4Life ticket at a food market in Middlesex County for Saturdays drawing won the second-prize of $1,000 a week for life. The lucky ticket was sold at Abreu Food Market on Lewis Street in Perth Amboy, according to the New Jersey Lottery. The second-prize ticket matched five numbers, but not the Cash Ball. The winner can also opt for the $1 million cash option. Saturdays winning numbers were: 1, 3, 11, 17 and 58. The Cash Ball was 2. No one won the first or second-prize for the daily game on Friday, Sunday or Monday. Earlier this month, a lucky top-prize Cash4Life ticket worth $1,000 a day for life was bought at a deli in Clark, Union County. The winner chose the cash option worth $7 million before taxes are deducted. The odds of a $2 ticket matching all the winning numbers and winning the top prize of $1,000 a day for life (or the cash option of $7 million) are 21,846,048 to 1. The odds of winning the second prize of $1 million or $1,000 a week for life are 1 in 7,282,016." Cash4Life tickets cost $2 each and are sold in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Tennessee, and Virginia. Drawings are held each day at 9 p.m. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Trenton officials recently dedicated Carlos Negron Memorial Park, a once-empty lot that was transformed into a playground in memory of a state police trooper who died in the line of duty. The park, which was dedicated May 23, commemorates the life of Trooper Carlos M. Negron, who was fatally shot in 1984 while helping motorists on the New Jersey Turnpike, according to a statement released by the city. This park is dedicated to a true hometown hero Trooper Carlos M. Negron whose life and service remind us of the ultimate sacrifice made in the name of public safety, said Mayor Reed Gusciora during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This playground will not only serve our children and families as a vibrant place to gather and enjoy themselves, but it will also stand as a lasting tribute to a life lived with honor and selflessness, the mayor said. The $177,103 playground features a large, ADA-compliant play structure with ground-level features including a Zoom Twist and an inclusive Dennis Rocker designed for families of all abilities. Future amenities will include grills and picnic tables. Construction began in late 2024 and was completed in January. Today we ensure that the children, families, and neighbors that play, gather or just pass through will forever know his name and story. Let this park serve as a living memory to a local hero, a proud Puerto Rican American, a Marine, a State Trooper, and a man who gave everything for the safety of others, said Council President Yazminelly Gonzalez. The ceremony was particularly moving for Negrons family, including his 99-year-old mother who attended the unveiling. Todays ribbon cutting and renaming of the Carlos Negron Playground was a very touching event, said Councilwoman-At-Large Crystal Feliciano. The late state trooper Negron will be remembered for his service to New Jersey State Police and for his bravery and kindness. His life was taken far too soon, and we are thankful for his service. It was a blessing to see his mother, 99 years of age, present to witness the unveiling; my thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends who knew and loved him, Feliciano said. Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, in 1954, Negron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1979 before joining the New Jersey State Police in 1982. On May 7, 1984, while stopping to aid a disabled van on the New Jersey Turnpike, he was fatally wounded in a gunfight with one of the vehicles occupants. He was 29 years old and left behind his parents, siblings, wife, and an 11-month-old son. Trooper Carlos Negron cared about others more than himself. He was going out of his way to help somebody and in turn lost his life. We will never ever forget his sacrifice, said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. The Carlos Negron Memorial Park is part of Trentons ongoing efforts to upgrade city parks and facilities, with future improvements planned for Rutherford Avenue Park, Cooper Park, Eagle Tavern, and Wireworks. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff. Trenton has launched a new monthly CompStat/Citi-Stat Program, which is designed to give residents a chance to speak directly to city officials about quality-of-life concerns. The first meeting was held on May 15 in conjunction with members of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. 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 Editors note: This story was shared as part of a content-sharing agreement between Mosaic.NJ.com and NJ Spotlight News. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter (or X). Republicans on Capitol Hill seized on Rep. LaMonica McIvers federal criminal charges, using them to back the Trump administrations hardline immigration policy and villainize Democrats who rallied to her defense. Federal prosecutors in New Jersey last week charged McIver (D-10th) with assault, stemming from her involvement in a scrum on May 9 between politicians, protesters and federal police outside Delaney Hall, an immigration detention site in Newark. In court papers, prosecutors accused McIver, a relative newcomer to Congress who is in her first full term in the House, of impeding the duties of two federal police officers within the Department of Homeland Security. What happened at Delaney Hall McIver was trying to physically shield Ras Baraka, the Newark mayor and a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, who has maintained the facility is operating without proper approval from the city, from arrest. McIver dismissed the charges as purely political and an attempt to criminalize and deter legislative oversight. Under federal law and DHS policy, members of Congress are permitted to show up to Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, such as Delaney Hall, to inspect those sites. Speaker Mike Johnson, the Republican who controls the flow of legislation in the House of Representatives, has floated disciplinary action against McIver and two other New Jersey lawmakers Democrats Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman who joined her at Delaney Hall. Johnson says he may consider stripping them of their committee assignments, among other punishments. The indictment of McIver has provided fodder for Republicans who want more funding for the Trump administrations hardline immigration policy, including money for a border wall between Mexico and the U.S., more immigration officers and more sites such as Delaney Hall. We have nothing to hide Todd Lyons, the acting head of ICE, told Congress that members are welcome to visit the facilities his agency runs. We do acknowledge that any member of Congress does have the right to show up for an inspection of one of our facilities, Lyons said. We have nothing to hide. The Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, another federal agency, has not submitted its latest budget request to Congress and is expected to run out of money in a matter of months. The administration wants money for a minimum of 100,000 new beds for federal detention sites, Lyons said. The sweeping bill now being pushed by Republicans that includes deep cuts to Medicaid, food aid and health care would also provide $45 billion for adult alien detention capacity and family residential centers. That would be a significant increase for the agency, which operates on an annual budget of about $8 billion. That bill could pass the House as early as this week before going to the Senate, where it will likely be changed. Van Drew: U.S. needs more detention space At a congressional hearing last week, Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd) said the U.S. needs more detention sites like Delaney Hall. Facilities like Delaney Hall are desperately needed to help prevent dangerous criminal aliens from remaining on our streets, Van Drew said. Right now, ICE needs more detention space than it ever [has]. Van Drew, who was elected to Congress as a Democrat before renouncing his former party and becoming a Republican, criticized the protest two weeks ago in Newark. Its obvious what happened here, he said. It was about politics, pure and simple. Maybe not so pure. Dueling videos At the start of the hearing, Republicans, who have sought to verbally link Democrats with criminals in ICE custody, played a video clip of McIver in the scrum. One question was posted at the videos end: WHO ARE DEMOCRATS FIGHTING FOR? Democrats rebutted with their own video interspersed with clips that showed McIver speaking with ICE agents during her visit and clips of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The McIver clips ran with the text: CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT. The footage of the attack on the U.S. Capitol ran with the text: A CRIME. Baraka, whose charges were dropped Monday, according to the U.S. attorney for New Jersey, was arrested after the three members of Congress took their tour of Delaney Hall a point Democrats made repeatedly on Tuesday. Democrats skeptical If the lawmakers or a particular lawmaker had broken the law, why were they not arrested during the May 9 protest, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, asked Tuesday. Where Im from in Texas, I can tell you that Im not used to having law enforcement see a crime happen right in front of their faces and then say Never mind, well just go about our business. In fact, why dont you go ahead and come on in? Crockett said. And wait a minute, while youre here, do yall want something to drink? We got refreshments for you. Since the second Trump administration started, Democrats have criticized the president on a slew of issues, said Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th). Weve been complaining about how theyre freezing funds, violating the law, firing people, Pallone said in an interview with NJ Spotlight News. Now one of our colleagues is being charged with a crime for doing her job? Its over the top. Pallone: Blame ICE Pallone added: ICE created this problem. They were there because they wanted to press charges. Its all political theater in my opinion on the part of the Trump administration. Rep. Nellie Pou (D-9th) said the charges against McIver do not make me second-guess doing an oversight visit. Its our job. We have every right to be there, Pou said in an interview with NJ Spotlight News. The company that runs Delaney Hall is Geo Group, headquartered in Florida. Geo Group is one of two major private prison companies that operate ICE facilities nationwide. The other, CoreCivic, a Tennessee firm, operates the Elizabeth Detention Center in New Jersey. In February, the Trump administration awarded Geo Group a 15-year contract worth $1 billion to run Delaney Hall. Both companies donated to Trumps inauguration in January. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. Despite completing every required step in the naturalization process, the woman has been left in limbo for months, the lawsuit claims. Jeff Rhode | For NJ Advance Media A New Jersey woman has filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. immigration authorities, alleging they unlawfully delayed a decision on her citizenship application nearly a year after she completed all required steps, according to court documents. Derya Kaya, a lawful permanent resident living in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, has lived in the United States for over five years and holds a 10-year green card which makes her eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship under federal law, according to her complaint. The U.S. State Department is warning travelers to "exercise increased caution" while visiting Peru due to crime, civil unrest and kidnapping risks. Canva If youre planning a trip to Peru anytime soon, you might want to take some extra precautions before you go. The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory to Peru, advising travelers to take extra precautions due to crime, civil unrest and kidnapping risks. Heres what you need to know if you plan on traveling to Peru. What does the latest travel advisory for Peru mean for you? Item Detail Start Date May 16, 2025 Whats changing Updated travel advisory warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest and kidnapping What will happen? Travelers should be aware of their surroundings, monitor local media and avoid demonstrations and large crowds. Travelers should also develop a communication plan with family, employers or host organizations depending on the reason for travel if they plan on traveling to high-risk areas. Buying travel insurance is also strongly recommended. Who will it affect? Travelers to Peru The agency gave a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory to Peru because of crime, civil unrest and kidnapping risks. While popular tourist sites, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu, are not at increased risk, there are some areas people should not travel, including: the Colombia-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region due to crime the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and terrorist threats some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco (on the outskirts of the city), Huancavelica, and Junin, due to crime and terrorist threats The advisory states that crime is common in the country and includes everything from petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults and other violent crimes. Most crimes take place at night. Also, while kidnapping is rare, it does occur. What is the highest travel advisory? There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4. When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination. So, which level is the most concerning? Level 1 : Exercise Normal Precautions This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit. Level 2 : Exercise Increased Caution There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution. Level 3 : Reconsider Travel There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination. Level 4: Do Not Travel This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency. What should travelers to Peru do in light of this travel advisory? The U.S. State Department warns travelers who are planning to travel to Peru to do the following: be aware of their surroundings monitor local media avoid demonstrations and large crowds develop a communication plan with family, employers or host organizations depending on the reason for travel if they plan on traveling to high-risk areas buy travel insurance before going to Peru The State Department also cautions that travelers should not use Ayahuasca and Kambo due to their known dangers, including serious illness, potential death, robbery and injury while under the influence. One of the suggestions from the State Department is to get travel insurance before traveling to a country with a high-level travel advisory. The State Department recommends medical evacuation insurance, travel health insurance and trip cancellation insurance. The State Department also suggests enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency and prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations using the Travelers Checklist. You can find out more about the travel advisory to Peru on the State Department website. 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. The visitor's entrance to the Passaic County Jail on Main Street in Paterson in 2024. In May 2025, a prison guard admitted his role in assaulting a pretrial detainee there, authorities said. Richard Cowen/NJ Advance Media for NJ.Com The second of three Passaic County corrections officers charged with organizing and assaulting a detainee at Passaic County Jail in 2021 admitted his role in the crime last week, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday. Donald Vinales, a sergeant on the correctional officer staff, pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law and conspiracy to obstruct justice, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey. Elon Musk holds a chainsaw handed to him by Argentine President Javier Milei, behind, at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Feb. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) defended tech billionaire Elon Musk and slammed House Republicans for failing to codify cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk appears to have publicly taken a step back from DOGE and national politics as he pledges to be super focused on his own businesses. House Republicans have faced some criticism from DOGE supporters who are upset that the House GOP did not try to codify the massive cuts the non-governmental agency made to the government. .@elonmusk took massive incoming including attacks on his companies as well as personal smears to lead the effort on @DOGE. He became public enemy #1 of legacy media around the world. To see Republicans in Congress cast aside any meaningful spending reductions (and, in https://t.co/vVWzgNDbmV Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) May 27, 2025 Spencer Kent | Reporting Spencer Kent is an investigative political reporter for NJ.com and The Star-Ledger. He reported on the COVID-19 pandemic with stories and investigations into the virus spread, its impact on New Jersey residents and the toll on front line workers, families of victims and survivors. He won a Toner Prize for Project Extreme, his project investigating political extremism in New Jersey. He was a Livingston Award finalist for his reporting on a South Jersey mans recovery after contracting a rare and deadly flesh-eating disease that left him a quadruple amputee. He has also won several state journalism awards. Spencer is a Rutgers University graduate and fellow at The USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP Fox News Chief Political Analyst Brit Hume couldnt offer an explanation for President Donald Trumps odd conception of Russian President Vladimir Putin. During an appearance on Monday, Hume responded to Trump appearing to change his tune after he told reporters on Sunday that he doesnt know what the hell happened to Putin as Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine. In response to the remarks, Hume posted on X that he was glad to hear Trump criticize the Russian leader, but he has always been a brutal tyrant. Glad to hear President Trump say this, but Putin hasn't changed. He's always been a brutal tyrant. https://t.co/I4xGnNFWD8 Brit Hume (@brithume) May 26, 2025 I think hes thought that he and Putin could be kind of friends and partners and could make deals together and so on, Hume said on Fox News. But I dont think Putin has changed. I dont know what the presidents talking about. Hume said that he hopes Trump has come to a real moment of truth about the same old Putin, and will proceed accordingly. This is the way Putin has always been, Hume said. Hes always been a particularly brutal dictator willing to take whatever measures he thought necessary to advance his interests, Hume said. Whatever he thought he could get away with he thought he could conquer Ukraine in a matter of days. He failed to do that, and he has been spending his own peoples blood and treasure for as long as hes needed to after that. WATCH: Fox News @brithume welcomes Trumps comments on Putin, saying the Russian leader has always been a brutal tyrant and adds that tougher sanctions may be needed pic.twitter.com/drQUGvjI25 TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) May 26, 2025 On Sunday, Trump said Putin has gone absolutely CRAZY in a Truth Social post one of his sharpest attacks against the Russian president amid Moscows drone and missile attacks on Kyiv, Ukraines capital, and other cities. Around 12 people were killed and at least dozens were injured, according to the Ukrainian officials. Ive always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him, he wrote. He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers, he continued. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! In the same post, Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for doing his Country no favors, adding that everything out of his mouth causes problems. The Kremlin fired back at Trump, saying he was experiencing an emotional overload. The president has increasingly voiced irritation at Putin and the inability to resolve the now three-year-old war, which Trump promised he would promptly end as he campaigned to return to the White House. He had long boasted of his friendly relationship with Putin and repeatedly stressed that Russia is more willing than Ukraine to reach a peace deal. But last month, Trump urged Putin to STOP! assaulting Ukraine after Russia launched another deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, and he has repeatedly expressed his frustration that the war in Ukraine is continuing. Trump had also threatened sanctions on Russia, but has yet to join the European Union in doing so. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Harvard President Alan Garber warned other universities to stand firm in what we stand for on Tuesday as President Donald Trump has mobilized against the university. Garber, in an interview with NPRs Morning Edition, emphasized the need for colleges to uphold their commitment to the good of the nation, and said that he finds Trumps pressure against Harvard as perplexing. The Trump administration has rallied against Harvard, citing that the Ivy League school is filled with antisemitism and liberalism, as the Ivy League school defied its calls of making leadership changes, revising its admissions policy, and auditing students and faculty to ensure the university has a wide array of viewpoints. During the interview, Garber said that while the government has urged the school to specifically address antisemitism, as well as increase viewpoint diversity, he acknowledged that the school does have issues, particularly with speech, and will continue to work at it. We think its a real problem, if particularly a research universitys students dont feel free to speak their minds, when faculty feel that they have to think twice before they talk about the subjects that theyre teaching, Garber said. Thats a real problem that we need to address. And its particularly concerning when people have views that they think are unpopular, he continued. And the administration and others have said conservatives are too few on campus and their views are not welcome. In so far as thats true, thats a problem we really need to address. The Trump administration has already canceled over $2.6 billion in federal research grants for Harvard, and on Tuesday, The New York Times first reported that it is planning on asking federal agencies to cancel their contracts with the school, which totals to around $100 million. On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote on Monday that he is considering moving $3 billion in federal grants to trade schools across the country. The government has also threatened the schools tax-exempt status, and blocked Harvard from enrolling international students, which a federal judge has blocked. The Department of Homeland Security has also asked the university to turn over files including disciplinary records tied to its international student body. The best thing Harvard has going for it is that they have shopped around and found the absolute best Judge (for them!) - But have no fear, the Government will, in the end, WIN! Trump wrote in another Truth Social post on Monday. Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the governments demands in April, in addition to a separate lawsuit against the push to cut current and prevent future foreign students from attending the university. Harvard argued that the action violates the First Amendment and will have an immediate and devastating effect for 7,000 visa holders. The first university targeted by the Trump administration was Columbia, which acquiesced to the governments demands under the threat of billions of dollars in cuts. The administration also has paused federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, Princeton, Cornell and Northwestern. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk, arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool) AP U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) slammed President Donald Trumps big beautiful bill in one scathing social media post. Warren ripped the legislation that narrowly passed the House last week after a number of Republicans dropped their opposition to save Trumps big beautiful bill. House Democrats united against the bill, with many criticizing the tax cuts to high-income earners and condemning the cuts to Medicaid. Warren piled on the criticism with a brutal tweet toward billionaires on Tuesday. A recap of Trumps Big Beautiful Bill: Kids go hungry so Jeff Bezos can buy a 3rd yacht. Kids lose health care so Zuckerberg can buy a 2nd Hawaiian island. Seniors lose their nursing home care so Elon Musk can go to Mars, she wrote on social media platform X. We must fight back with all weve got." A recap of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill": Kids go hungry so Jeff Bezos can buy a 3rd yacht. Kids lose health care so Zuckerberg can buy a 2nd Hawaiian island. Seniors lose their nursing home care so Elon Musk can go to Mars. We must fight back with all we've got. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 27, 2025 After the bill was passed last week, Warren said that it was a BIG tax handout for billionaires, paid for by ripping health insurance from 14 MILLION people. To offset the tax cuts included in the bill, Republicans included cuts to Medicaid and other government programs. She has previously criticized Trumps bill for including cuts to Medicaid. Trumps Big Beautiful Bill cuts Medicaid, she wrote earlier this week on X. Cuts to health care for babies and new moms. Cuts to [health] care for seniors in nursing homes. Cuts to health care for rural hospitals. Cuts to health care for people with disabilities. Republicans in Congress approved these cuts." Other progressives, including U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, accused the House GOP of hurting their own constituents with these cuts. A handful of Republicans were also opposed to Trumps bill, with fiscal hawks complaining that the bill would raise the national deficit. The outcome caps an intense time on Capitol Hill, with days of private negotiations and public committee hearings, many happening back-to-back, around-the-clock. Republicans insisted their sprawling 1,000-page-plus package was what voters sent them to Congress and Trump to the White House to accomplish. They believe it will be rocket fuel, as one put it during debate, for the uneasy U.S. economy. Trump himself demanded action, visiting House Republicans at Tuesdays conference meeting and hosting GOP leaders and the holdouts for a lengthy session Wednesday at the White House. Before the vote, the administration warned in a pointed statement that failure would be the ultimate betrayal. After the legislations passage, Trump posted on social media: Thank you to every Republican who voted YES on this Historic Bill! Now, its time for our friends in the United States Senate to get to work. The Senate hopes to wrap up its version by the Fourth of July holiday. Central to the package is the GOPs commitment to extending some $4.5 trillion in tax breaks they engineered during Trumps first term in 2017, while temporarily adding new ones he campaigned on during his 2024 campaign, including no taxes on tips, overtime pay, car loan interest and others. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A Russian media outlet has responded to one of President Donald Trump's warnings against Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP Photo) AP A Russian media outlet ripped President Donald Trump on Tuesday after he claimed on social media that its president was playing with fire. Trump had issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Truth Social earlier Tuesday, the latest in his leveling of rare opposition against the Kremlin. What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD, Trump wrote. RT a Russian media TV news network previously accused of acting in connection to Moscows spy agencies by the U.S. responded to Trumps targeted criticism of Putin on X, saying that his message leaves little room for misinterpretation. ...Until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning, the outlet continued. President Trump warns Moscow, claiming Russia avoided REALLY BAD consequences only thanks to him Putin doesnt realize hes playing with fire! Trumps message leaves little room for misinterpretation Until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning pic.twitter.com/AOTjt3uYLS RT (@RT_com) May 27, 2025 Trump has long emphasized his friendly relationship with Putin, and while running for his second term, claimed that he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours. But Trump had since appeared to have grown agitated with the Russian leader. On Saturday, Trump told reporters that he didnt know what the hell happened to Putin, amid Russia launching what Ukrainian officials described as the the largest aerial attack of the now three-year war. Ive known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but hes sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I dont like it at all, Trump said. The following day, Trump took to his Truth Social account and said that Putin has gone absolutely CRAZY, and warned that if the Russian president wanted to take over all Ukraine, then it would lead to the downfall of Russia! Ive always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him, Trump wrote on Sunday. He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelenskyys, Putins, and Bidens War, not Trumps, I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred, he added. Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of the Russian Federations Security Council, had also responded to Trumps playing with fire Putin attack in a post on X. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing WWIII. I hope Trump understands this! he wrote. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. FILE - In this file photo taken on Monday, July 16, 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of the press conference after their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File) AP AP The Russian election conspiracy of 2015 is a hoax, Donald Trump has told Americans and the rest of the world for a decade. Nonetheless, he and Russian President Vladimir Putin are best buddies, and Putin, that rascal intent on world domination, would do whatever Trump asks on the sheer force of Trumps personality. And thats why Trump insisted (lied) during the campaign that he could end Russias war against Ukraine with a single phone call, certainly within 24 hours, and maybe more like this [insert finger snap]. Its also why Trump maintains that Putin never would have started the war had Trump been in office the same war, of course, that Trump cant get Putin to stop. If that doesnt make sense to you, youre not alone. Because here we are more than three months after Trumps inauguration, and Putin is still lobbing missiles and sending drones into Ukraine to kill and destroy after laughing at Trumps butt-kissing envoy, Secretary of State Marco Rubios attempts to negotiate peace, and Trumps Im really mad declaration over the weekend. On Tuesday, Trump warned Putin that hes playing with fire by ignoring his wanna-be dictator pal in the White House. And the world laughed. What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire! Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform. Note: Trump admits that he has protected Putin and Russia a long-time American adversary who has plotted to destroy the U.S. from within while driving a wedge between America and its most trusted allies. Russia already has corrupted large swaths of the Republican party. Adam Kinzinger, a former GOP Congressman, January 6 Committee member and lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, posted: Nothing sadder than a tough guy who needs to remind you hes tough, right after admitting to shielding Russia. All this after Trump called Putin absolutely crazy on social media on Sunday and it was the Kremlins turn to laugh. Dmitry Peskov, Putins spokesman, said Trumps comments were connected to an emotional overload. On Sunday, the New York Times reported that Trump was considering imposing more sanctions on Russia in response to its intense recent assault on Ukraine. Later on Sunday, Trump told reporters that Putin is killing a lot of people, and I dont know what the hell happened to Putin. Ive known him a long time. Always gotten along with him. But hes sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I dont like it at all. The Russian assault came a month after Trump posted a social media warning to Putin Vladimir, STOP! which Putin ignored. It came days after Putin and Trump had a two-hour phone conversation the White House described as excellent. Trump boasted it would immediately lead to new negotiations. Experts, who knew Putin never would stop the war, rolled their eyes. And on Tuesday, Trumps post was greeted with more I told you so. From The Lincoln Project: There it is. Trump confirms what weve said all along - hes been protecting Putin this entire time. Tweeted another: He is literally confessing that without Trumps complicity, Putin would never have been able to slaughter, rape, torture and kidnap so many innocent Ukrainian citizens. From Ron Filipkowski of Meidas Touch offered sarcasm: If Putin doesnt watch out, Trump might be forced to go ALL CAPS on him. When CBS reported on Monday that Trump was angry with Putin, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut tweeted: How is this the headline? What is the relevance of criticism? His policy is to let Putin win. Who cares about criticism when he abandoning Ukraine? He added: Trump said he would get a peace deal within 24 hours, and now is poised to lose the war. Why? Because he is the weakest U.S. president in our lifetime. Hes told Putin he can continue the war and pay ZERO price. No sanctions. No new weapons for Ukraine. Even the Wall Street Journal, a Rupert Murdoch-owned publication, mocked Trump: Mr. Trump may be the only person in the world still surprised by how Mr. Putin is behaving. The Russian is the same man hes been for two decades, bent on reconstituting as much of the old Soviet empire as he can get away with. Ukraine is his obsession. And Trump has tried to help him get it. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump pardoned a Virginia sheriff who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for accepting over $75,000 in bribes. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP President Donald Trump issued a FULL and Unconditional Pardon on Sunday to a former sheriff who was sentenced earlier this year to 10 years in prison on federal bribery charges. Scott Jenkins, who served in Culpepper County, in Virginia, was found guilty for accepting more than $75,000 in bribes in exchange for appointing several local businessmen as auxiliary deputy sheriffs, which are sworn-in law enforcement positions, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Virginia. He was convicted by a jury last December on one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest services fraud, and seven counts of bribery using programs that receive federal funding. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP To show they love their sons, most moms give them hugs and encouragement and impart life lessons designed to keep them out of prison. But whats a mom to do when her parenting fails, and her son is a convicted tax cheat headed for 18 months in prison and a $4.4 million fine? Tell the kid that if he does the crime, he must do the time especially if hes swindling his own employees to pay for a decadent lifestyle? Silly rabbit. Of course, not. If youre a mom, like Elizabeth Fago, who really loves your felonious kid, like Paul Walczak, you attend a million-dollar dinner for the president of the United States, Donald Trump, and probably write a big check so that he pardons your child, according to the New York Times. After all, youre a woman of questionable character yourself. You, too, have been nailed by the IRS for skimping on payroll taxes roughly $8.3 million. And in 2020, you sought to sabotage Joe Bidens campaign by trying to publicize the sensitive diary of his daughter, Ashley, as she battled drug addiction, the Times reports. From the New York Times report: Mr. Walczak, a former nursing home executive who had pleaded guilty to tax crimes days after the 2024 election, submitted a pardon application to President Trump around Inauguration Day. The application focused not solely on Mr. Walczaks offenses but also on the political activity of his mother, Elizabeth Fago. Ms. Fago had raised millions of dollars for Mr. Trumps campaigns and those of other Republicans, the application said. It also highlighted her connections to an effort to sabotage Joseph R. Biden Jr.s 2020 campaign by publicizing the addiction diary of his daughter Ashley Biden an episode that drew law enforcement scrutiny. Mr. Walczaks pardon application argued that his criminal prosecution was motivated more by his mothers efforts for Mr. Trump than by his admitted use of money earmarked for employees taxes to fund an extravagant lifestyle. ... By 2011, prosecutors said, Mr. Walczak had stopped paying employment taxes [for his and his mothers nursing home business]. Between 2016 and 2019, they said, he withheld more than $10 million from the paychecks of the nurses, doctors and others who worked at his facilities under the pretext of using it for their Social Security, Medicare and federal income taxes. Instead, he used some of the money to buy a $2 million yacht and to pay for travel and purchases at high-end retailers, including Bergdorf Goodman and Cartier, prosecutors said. Walczaks stiff sentence had been handed down two weeks ago by a judge who had declared that there is not a get-out-of-jail-free card for the rich. Silly, silly judge. Has he not heard about the Trump administration, which has handed out pardons to criminals like candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween? In a chat with the Times, Fagos son, Joey, shrugged off his mothers connection to the diary saga. There was like hundreds of pardons, he said. Im sure theres plenty of other people you can write about. New Jersey will start another rainy stretch on Wednesday that is expected to continue through the weekend with showers and thunderstorms. AccuWeather.com A prolonged rainy period is expected to hit New Jersey starting Wednesday with steady precipitation and continuing with intermittent shower chances through the weekend. A significant weather system will bring widespread rain to New Jersey on Wednesday, with precipitation expected to develop during the morning and continue throughout the day. Temperatures will remain cool, with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. East winds will be steady, ranging from 10 to 15 mph, with occasional gusts up to 20 mph. Rain totals are anticipated to range from a half inch in northern New Jersey to 1.25 inches in southeastern parts of the state. The National Weather Service said flash flooding is unlikely, but urban and poor drainage areas may experience minor flooding. The shower chances will continue with thunderstorms possible Thursday and Friday, with a cold front approaching from the west. Saturday may bring additional shower and thunderstorm potential, with high temperatures in the low to mid 70s. The weekend precipitation will depend on the precise track of a developing low-pressure system. By early next week, high pressure is expected to build, bringing drier conditions and a warmup. Tuesday could see temperatures climbing into the lower 80s, providing a more pleasant end to the unsettled weather pattern. The extended forecast contains some uncertainty regarding the precise timing and intensity of weekend precipitation, so residents should monitor updated forecasts. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff. New Jersey's weather will turn colder and stormy on Wednesday with up to 1 inch of rain expected. AccuWeather.com The dry and sunny stretch of weekend weather wont last into this week for New Jersey with the forecast calling for up to 1 inch of rain on Wednesday. A developing low-pressure system will bring widespread rain to New Jersey by Wednesday, with periods of precipitation expected throughout the day. Rob Refsnyder is sick of losing. After the Red Sox fell 3-2 to the Brewers on Monday, the outfielder did not hold back when addressing his teams three-game losing streak and 10-14 record in May. 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. A person stands on Bourbon street during a previous weahter-related power outage. On Tuesday, Entergy and other utilities in the state had to implement rolling power cuts to avoid a wider blackout caused by surging demand during the cold snap. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate) Shop owners, businesses and community groups in Great Torrington are invited to a special meeting on Tuesday, June 3 to hear more about regeneration plans and how they can help to shape the future of their town. The 5.30pm event at the recently refurbished Pannier Market will see members of the Great Torrington Regeneration Board unveil their much-anticipated strategy for the town, plus new branding and a website, plus share more about the boards progress so far. The Regeneration Board was initiated in July 2023 as part of Devon County Councils Urban Renewal Programme with Torridge District Council, Great Torrington Town Council and key stakeholders in the area to form a strategy for future plans and project to help boost Torrington. This includes the renovation of the Pannier Market, a new website to promote Torrington and attract visitors plus the proposed Globe Hotel project to create a community-owned hotel, restaurant and bar. The website is seen as a key part in delivering that, giving the community a place to share details of their businesses, organisations and events with each other and attract visitors. The new events page will be used to create a robust marketing plan to promote the area and attract new business, while visitors will be encouraged to visit the site at https://www.great-torrington.uk and see how easy it is to upload their details or event to the site for free. The event on Tuesday will highlight progress so far, including recent updates to the Pannier Market which enables more flexible usage and significant investment supporting The Globe Project. Attendees will also learn about sponsorship opportunities for the new Tarka the Otter Trail which promises to be a great attraction for locals and visitors alike. Phil Cloke, Mayor of Great Torrington, emphasised the importance of collective support for the town and said: Great Torrington, like so many towns across the UK, needs us all to contribute. Businesses, clubs and individuals can all make a huge difference to the success of the town. The Regeneration Board has a clear set of priorities which it is working through, and this event gives the community and businesses a great opportunity to get involved. They will learn more about the updated website, how it is evolving, and how they can contribute to it to promote their businesses, clubs and events. Remember, its free to participate and will not only help the individual, but the town and community as a whole. This is another step towards driving Great Torrington forward! If you would like to attend, please RSVP by end of the day this Friday (May 30) by emailing great-torrington@torridge.gov.uk as places are limited. Read the full Great Torrington Regeneration Strategy www.great-torrington.uk/strategy MUNSTER Smoke billowed from the barrel of a cannon that boomed over and over to salute fallen service members at the Edward P. Robinson Community Veterans Memorial at a Memorial Day ceremony Monday. Hundreds of people splayed out in lawn chairs and on patches of verdant grass gathered to honor those killed in combat at the war memorial in Munster. The Munster VFW Post 2697 and American Legion Post 16 have been conducting the public ceremony every Memorial Day since 2002. "This day is not for us veterans up here or our veterans in the audience today. Our day comes later in the year," VFW Post 2697 Commander Joe Garcia said. "This day is for all those brave Americans who left their families, went overseas and paid the ultimate price for our nation's freedom. It's for those veterans who never came home and are no longer with us." His great-grandfather was a Navy veteran. His grandfather was a World War II Navy veteran. His father-in-law was an Army veteran who served in Korea. "This day is for them as well and the thousands who have served and are no longer with us," Garcia said. "Every day should be Memorial Day. We should never forget those who were killed in combat and answered the call." It's estimated that 22 veterans die of suicide every day, Garcia said. "Others die from long-term suicide from drugs and alcohol," he said. "One is too many. Please take the time to reach out to someone who served and just have a conversation, especially around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Veterans Day, Christmas and New Year's. Believe me, they want to talk. They just might not know how. Let's do what we can to prevent more veterans from being remembered on a day like today." Memorial Day ceremonies were solemnly observed across Northwest Indiana Monday, including in Portage, Hebron and Crown Point. American Legion Post 16 Commander Jose Diaz said it was a solemn and sacred occasion. "Memorial Day is not simply a long weekend or an unofficial start to summer. It is a day of remembrance, reverence and reflection," Diaz said. "Today, we honor the men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion to our great nation. The word hero is often used in our society. It's often applied to athletes, actors and influencers. But real heroes are those who step forward in defense of something greater than themselves." Service members who wear military uniforms and stand ready to sacrifice their lives for freedom are the real heroes, Diaz said. "Here in Northwest Indiana, we are especially reminded that sacrifice knows no boundaries," he said. "From the steel mills of Gary to the neighborhoods of Hammond, Crown Point and Valparaiso and right here in Munster, brave men and women have stepped forward to serve. Many never came home. Their stories are part of a broader legacy shared across our Hoosier State and shared across our great nation. Whether born in the rural towns of southern Indiana, the capital city of Indianapolis or lakefront communities, our fallen heroes remind us that freedom is secured not by geography or wealth but by courage, character and commitment." Most recently, Indiana lost Logansport native Humberto Sanchez, a Marine who was killed in Afghanistan in 2021. He was protecting civilians during an evacuation at Kabul airport. "He was a son of Indiana and a selfless protector. Like so many before him, he embodied a spirit of service," Diaz said. "His sacrifice was not in vain." He also remembered First Lt. Shaun M. Blue, a Munster native who was killed in the Anbar province in Iraq in 2007. "All across Indiana every county, every city there are named etched in stone, in bronze and in our hearts," Diaz said. "These are not just names from history books. They're fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, neighbors, classmates. Their absence is still felt. Their stories still matter. They remind us that freedom is not free. It is paid for with blood and sacrifice." VFW Post 2697 Auxiliary and Historian Anthony Crowley said wars creates stories of courage, patriotism, valor, death, sacrifice, honor, horror, excitement and sorrow. "Most often you will hear war stories that feature bored young men causing a lot of trouble," Crowley said. "Those of us who have the privilege and honor of hearing these stories know how truly unique they are. The stories become a very part of the person telling them. These stories are not merely part of the past but live on with those who continue to tell them. How truly blessed we are they came home. Today is not the day for those stories. Rather, it is a day for those who never came home." As many as 750,000 soldiers died during the Civil War, Crowley said. About one in 30 American soldiers died during World War II. More than 2.7 million Americans served in the Vietnam War, where one out of every 46 died. More than 58,200 stores were cut short. "Honor loved ones and comrades in arms to ensure their stories are told as faithfully as can be," Crowley said. "Blessed our those who understand such a task. On a day like today, we recognize those stories cannot truly be told as they should be. Today, we recognize those stories that can only be penned by another's hand." A new historical marker in downtown Valparaiso will commemorate a trailblazing woman doctor who served in the Civil War. The Indiana Historical Bureau will dedicate a historical marker telling the story of Dr. Almira Fifield on June 21 at Indiana Avenue and Franklin Street behind the Porter County Museum in downtown Valparaiso. She treated soldiers at an Army hospital in Paducah, Kentucky, where she died while serving. The Fifield family were a large pioneer family in Porter Co. I helped my mother-in-law start her genealogical journey a few years ago and it was when she discovered Almira's story which ended with her death, Indiana Historical Society Multicultural Collections Curator Nicole Martinez-LeGrand said. She has since traveled around the country researching her, making key discoveries unique to Northwest Indiana. She has worked with the Indiana Historical Bureau and was approved for a historical marker which will be unveiled on the 21st. There will be Fifields from 9 to 10 states coming to Indiana, most of whom have never met. Fifield was one of Indianas first female doctors. She graduated as part of a class of six with the New England Female Medical College in 1857. It later merged with the Boston University School of Medicine. Only 222 female medical doctors practiced medicine before the Civil War. Only 19 served during the war. Fifield was listed on five muster rolls and her father received a pension for her service in 1890. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady published Almira's story and was noted in international publications through 1877," Martinez-LeGrand said. Fifield has been referred to as the "Lost Heroine of the Civil War" in publications. She is buried in Valpo's old cemetery and her grave marker and a few other Fifields was destroyed in the 1950s or 1960s and her story has since been lost, Martinez-LeGrand said. Professor of Pharmacy Barbara Brandt, the founding director of the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education at the University of Minnesota, was floored after retiring from a 40-year career in medical education to discover that an ancestor had been of the first female physicians in the United States. It was a story nobody knew about for 100 years, she said. It was truly an unusual story. I would have been shocked to uncover the story even if she wasnt my relative. She was a trailblazer just going to medical school when she did. But her story was lost to time. Brandt researched her ancestor extensively, including by visiting the National Archives in Washington D.C. She obtained many primary sources, including 54 letters her brother wrote during the Civil War. She discovered Fifield left Valparaiso at 24 years old to medical school in Boston. After her brother volunteered for the Bloody 9th Indiana Regiment in the Civil War, she signed up for the war effort. She was dispatched to an Army Hospital that treated soldiers amid the fighting in Kentucky. She was initially assigned as a nurse despite her medical degree, but a surgeon recognized she had formal medical training and assigned her to the surgical ward. She was told not to tell them she was a physician when she was sent, Brandt said. They were discriminatory toward women. There was controversy about whether women should be physicians. She was placed in charge of the surgery ward where she cared for soldiers wounds. She helped treat survivors of the Battle of Shiloh in neighboring Tennessee. It was a bloody battle with thousands dying on both sides, she said. After about a year, she developed an infection of the brain and spine and died. Most people who died in the Civil War died from disease, she said. They often caught infectious diseases after being wounded and died. Brandt is working to uncover more of her ancestors past, such as the time she spent working as a teacher before she went off to medical college in Boston and why she chose to go all the way to New England to get a medical education. Its sobering for me to be related to such a trailblazer, she said. She had been forgotten but now shes being validated. This has been peer-reviewed by historians and was validated. Its such an honor to have been part of this. Im excited professionally to have been descended from a physician. Trump Questioned Whether U.S. Gold is Missing. His Allies Are Trying to Cash In. It is one of the more baffling story lines of Donald J. Trumps second term. The president has said he wants to personally visit Fort Knox to ensure that no one has stolen the government-owned gold bars that are stored there. Mr. Trump has not explained why any gold might be missing from the nations heavily guarded reserves. His own Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, has insisted that there is no reason to worry. All the gold is there, Mr. Bessent emphatically told Bloomberg in February, at one point looking directly into a camera and addressing the American people. Bloomberg News Mr. Trumps interest in the gold reserves has been largely overshadowed by his familys involvement in various cryptocurrency ventures, which has raised ethical concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The president has a long history of embracing conspiracy theories, and is known to be a fan of golden and gilded things. It is difficult to say what exactly is behind his recent fanning of unfounded fears about Fort Knox, which have been floating around since at least the 1970s. A White House spokesperson did not respond when asked to comment for this story. What is certain is that gold is on many investors minds these days. Generally seen as a safe place to park wealth during tumultuous periods, the precious metal has risen to record prices recently, in part because of the global economic uncertainty that the presidents shifting tariff policies caused. Some of Mr. Trumps allies, including his eldest son, serve as pitchmen for gold investment companies that advertise heavily on their podcasts or radio shows. And some of them have been using fresh concerns about Fort Knox to make a profit. The United States Depository for gold reserves in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Associated Press The Gold Conspiracy That Wouldnt Go Away If nothing else, Mr. Trumps Fort Knox obsession has resurfaced one of the deeper cuts in the American conspiracy theory catalog. One reason the government holds onto such large stores of gold is to confer a sense of financial stability, even though the country moved off the gold standard in the 20th century. According to the United States Mint, 147.3 million ounces of gold, about half of the governments stash, is held at Fort Knox. The Kentucky facility, known formally as the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, almost never allows visitors and is kept under famously heavy lock and key an inaccessibility that may explain much of the intrigue around it. One of the main early proponents of the idea that gold was missing from Fort Knox was a lawyer named Peter Beter, who earned a modicum of notoriety in the 1970s by spreading dark theories in a mail-order audio cassette series. Among other things, Mr. Beter believed that organic robotoids, controlled by Bolsheviks, had infiltrated the federal government. Peter Beter on Fort Knox By 1974, concerns about the gold reserves grew so intense that a congressional delegation and a few news outlets, including The New York Times, were invited to Fort Knox for a rare inspection. A reporter for The Times described the effect of seeing a vault 6 feet wide and 12 feet deep, stacked with 36,236 glistening gold bars, as awesome. Another wave of concern crested in 2011, when then-Representative Ron Paul, the Texas Republican, introduced a bill calling for an inventory of the reserves. At a subcommittee hearing, Mr. Paul said people had become worried that the gold had been secretly shipped out of Fort Knox and sold. He added, And, still others believe that the bars at Fort Knox are actually gold-plated tungsten. U.S. House of Representatives The inspector general of the Treasury Department at the time, Eric Thorson, told Mr. Paul that audits were performed yearly, with no exceptions of any consequence. U.S. House of Representatives More recently, Mr. Trumps first-term Treasury secretary, Steve Mnuchin, had a chance to check on the gold in August 2017, with Mitch McConnell, then the Senate majority leader, in tow. Photos were taken of the men among the gold bars. Glad gold is safe! Mr. Mnuchin wrote on Twitter, now known as X. U.S. Department of The Treasury Questions About Ft. Knox Bubble Up Again The latest concerns appear to have taken off on Feb. 14, when the website ZeroHedge, which occasionally promotes conspiracy theories, tagged Elon Musk in a post on X. The post asked him to make sure the gold at Fort Knox is there. Surely its reviewed at least every year? Mr. Musk replied. It should be. It isnt, ZeroHedge responded. (Mr. Bessent, the Treasury secretary, would later say that the gold is still audited annually.) Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, a Republican and the son of Ron Paul, chimed in, calling for an audit. Lets do it. Mr. Musk responded to this post as well. It would be cool to do a live video walkthrough of Fort Knox! he wrote. The next day, Alex Jones, the "InfoWars" conspiracy theorist, began a segment on his talk show with the question, "What about Fort Knox?" He then segued to a childhood memory of his great-uncle telling him that some of the gold was missing, and that the "deep state" had been involved in the "crime of the century." Much of the next two hours of the show were spent speculating on this supposed crime. InfoWars Then came Glenn Beck, the conservative radio and TV host, who posted an open letter to Mr. Trump the next day, asking if he could take a camera crew to Fort Knox to restore faith in our financial system. He later dedicated a segment of his show to casting doubt on the confirmed audits. Glenn Beck/BlazeTV The chatter about the gold reserves was growing louder. By Feb. 20, Mr. Trump was telling a press gaggle on Air Force One that he planned to go to Fort Knox to make sure the gold is there. C-SPAN How the Conspiracy Theory Has Been Integrated Into Sales Pitches for Gold Since then, the idea that the governments gold reserves may have gone missing has been integrated into the sales pitches of companies that trade in gold coins and gold investment accounts. The companies advertise heavily on Trump-friendly TV and internet shows. InfoWars, The Dan Bongino Show, The Ben Shapiro Show, Triggered with Don Jr. A number of gold I.R.A. companies have suggested that a future audit of Fort Knox could determine that gold is missing, setting off a crisis among Americans about the stability of the economy. Amid such chaos, the companies argue, privately held gold would be a lucrative safe haven for investors. One of the companies, Birch Gold Group, is endorsed by the presidents eldest son and bills itself as Donald Trump Jrs gold company. A recent article on Birch Golds website stated that the idea of an empty Fort Knox had gone from conspiracy theory to mainstream concern. A discovery that gold was missing from Fort Knox, the article stated, would be the quickest way down for the U.S. dollar. It is only those without physical gold exposure that feel the need to panic, perhaps with good reason, about the greenbacks admittedly dismal prospects, states the article, which is accompanied by an offer for a FREE gold IRA info kit. Birch Gold Group The younger Mr. Trump lauded his fathers plans to visit Fort Knox in a Feb. 24 episode of his online talk show, on which he regularly makes pitches for Birch Gold. If its empty, he said, I would imagine theres hell to pay. On Feb. 27, Lear Capital, a gold company that Mr. Beck promotes, posted, As calls for a Fort Knox audit grow louder, investors should stay informed and consider their exposure to gold as part of a diversified portfolio. A year earlier, Beck recorded a solemn testimonial for the company, promising that Lear Capital could help prepare for the coming insanity. Lear Capital On Instagram, Rogan OHandley, a conservative influencer who goes by the handle DC Draino, posted a plug for Donald Trump Jr.s preferred gold company. If Fort Knox is empty, do you know what Gold prices will do?, Mr. OHandley wrote. Get a **Free** info packet from Birch Gold - LINK IN MY BIO - to learn more about @birchgolds tax-advantaged precious metals retirement plans. On another section of Birch Golds website, a Message from Donald Trump Jr. raised the possibility that his fathers administration could revalue Americas gold reserves on the national balance sheet from their outdated book value of $42 the price per ounce the government assigns for bookkeeping purposes to current market prices. This, he wrote, could cause a surge in gold prices. He added, The potential upside for gold investors is substantial. A gold I.R.A., he added, would be a great way to benefit. He did not mention that Mr. Bessent had publicly stated that he had no plans to revalue the gold reserves. Above the message was a digitally altered photo of the president at a desk, showing off an important-looking signed document, a wall of gold bricks behind him. Mr. Trump has still not visited Fort Knox. THE spotlight is shining brightly on Sacred Heart School, Tullamore this week, following a major achievement on the national stage. The schools much-celebrated production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, which played to three sold-out nights at the Esker Arts Centre in November 2024, has been recognised by AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) as part of a new national student awards programme launched this year. The AIMS Student Musical Theatre Awards celebrate excellence in school-based musical theatre across Ireland. Designed to mirror the long-running adult AIMS awards, held annually in Killarneys INEC and representing dozens of musical societies from all over the island, this new initiative gives students the opportunity to be recognised on a national stage. The inaugural student ceremony was live-streamed into classrooms across the country, marking a major moment for young performers and production teams nationwide. The Sacred Heart School was one of only six schools nominated in the prestigious Best Student Production Team category, an award that acknowledges the full scope of behind-the-scenes effort, including set design, technical operation, stage management, props, costumes, art and design, hair and make-up, programme, and front of house. In a year of fierce competition, this nomination alone is a testament to the creativity, teamwork, and dedication of the schools students and staff. There was even more excitement when Transition Year student Ella Condron (pictured below) was announced as the winner of the Best Comedienne category for her hilarious and heartfelt performance as Paulette, the scene-stealing hairdresser. Ellas natural comic timing and charisma lit up the stage, and shell next be seen as Uncle Fester in the Sacred Heart Schools upcoming production of The Addams Family, which returns to the Esker Arts Centre from November 4-6 next. Tickets will go on sale in early September. The production also featured boys from Colaiste Choilm, highlighting the value of inter-school collaboration and community spirit. The win was particularly meaningful for director and choreographer Jay Origan (pictured below on right with Ella Condron and show musical director James Murphy), who previously played Paulette in Tullamore Musical Societys 2019 production of Legally Blonde and was named Best Comedienne at the 2024 adult AIMS Awards. Ella is immensely talented and so deserving. Seeing her recognised nationally and winning in the same category was a very proud day, said Miss Origan. The production was guided by musical director James Murphy, with student dance captains Elizabeth Aubin and Isabelle McCumiskey contributing standout choreography. A strong support team of school staff helped make the show possible, including Clare Faherty, Grace Dunne, and Ellen Godley, who performed as part of the orchestra, and Claire Beatty, who led on props. Their dedication, along with the time and effort of many other staff members, brought the show to life. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and our Board of Management, multiple primary schools from across the county were also invited to attend special performances of the show a powerful example of arts in education and community outreach in action. The success of Legally Blonde was also made possible thanks to the unwavering support of parents, local businesses, and sponsors. With the rising costs of producing high-calibre musicals, the school emphasised how crucial this backing is. Musicals are expensive to run, said Miss Origan, but the benefits for students in confidence, creative expression, teamwork, and self-belief are unmeasurable. These opportunities build lifelong skills and unforgettable memories. READ NEXT: Calls for support for schools competing on global stage Meanwhile, Tullamore Musical Society, which celebrates 70 years of musical excellence this year, has also been nominated at the adult AIMS Awards in the Best Visual category for its stunning production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The Sacred Heart School extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to the society ahead of the upcoming ceremony in Killarney. Finally, AIMS is currently seeking a corporate sponsor to ensure the continuation of the Student Awards in 2026. If you or your business would like to support this exciting national programme for young creatives or if you would like to become a sponsor for Sacred Heart School Tullamores upcoming production of The Addams Family please reach out to Miss Jay Origan at j.origan@shstullamore.ie, who will be happy to put you in touch with the AIMS National Council. TWO Offaly students were among the finalists for the prestigious Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year 2024 award. Rosie O'Brien, Riverstown, Birr, and Chelirs Brecq, Birr both made the final shortlist for the awards which were presented in Dublin recently. Kate Curran, Kilmagemogue, Portlaw, County Waterford was named the overall winner of award. The awards, sponsored by FBD, were presented to the top graduates of Teagasc Level 6 agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry training programmes in 2024. The overall winner, Kate Curran completed the Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming (Distance Education) at the Teagasc Kildalton College in Piltown, County Kilkenny. In addition to winning the Overall Teagasc/ FBD Student of the Year 2024 award she was also successful in the Part-Time and Distance Education Category award. READ NEXT: Thirty-one applications in Offaly to register XL Bully dogs Two other category awards were presented. Thomas OConnor from Caherbreagh, Tralee in County Kerry won the Full Time Agriculture Category. He completed the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Herd Management) in Pallaskenry Agricultural college, County Limerick. Niamh Duggan, from Ballinagranna, Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary was successful in the Full-Time Other Land-based Enterprises Category. She completed the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture (Nursery Stock Production) in Kildalton Horticulture college. Teagasc Chairman, Liam Herlihy said; the agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry sectors need a constant flow of new entrants, bringing knowledge of the latest technologies and science onto farms. This years finalists epitomise the high calibre of student emerging from Teagasc education courses, bringing new dynamism into the sector. I congratulate each and everyone of you. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD sent his congratulations to all the finalists in the Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year Awards. He said: This is one of the highlights in the calendar. Well educated young farmers are the future of the sector and I congratulate all the finalists on their achievement. The value of a quality agricultural education to the running of a modern farm enterprises cannot be overstated. You and your families and friends can be very proud of what you have achieved over the last few years while you pursued your qualification. I extend my congratulations in particular to the category and overall winners whose range and depth of knowledge impressed the judges. Speaking at the awards, Michael Berkery, Chairman of FBD Trust, said; FBD is proud to have been supporting these important educational awards since their inception. We recognise that education is vital to the continued success of the modern and progressive farming sector we have in Ireland today. The Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year finalists are wonderful ambassadors for this sector, and we are proud to sponsor these awards which highlight their accomplishments and their passion for the industry. On behalf of the team at FBD, I would like to congratulate Kate Curran and all the finalists on their achievements and wish them every success in the future. Dr Anne Marie Butler, Head of Education in Teagasc said; This is a wonderful occasion to celebrate Teagasc learners and the agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry sectors which they proudly represent. At Teagasc, we are delighted to offer all learners a strong foundation of practical, science based training equipping them with knowledge and skills to lead the sector. The recently developed Teagasc Education Strategy 2025-2030 articulates Teagascs commitment to ensuring that our education programmes remain of the highest quality for both current and future learners. Congratulations to all finalists. We look forward to their future career and personal achievements. The other finalists in the awards were: A JUDGE refused to suspend sentences he imposed on a man who had threatened gardai and their families. Christopher Cooney (48) with an address at Fort House, Dublin Road, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, pleaded guilty to criminally damaging a garda car, obstructing a garda and a breach of the peace at Cloncollig, Tullamore on May 14 last. He also admitted stealing wine valued at 13.99 from Spar, Patrick Street, Tullamore on November 20, 2024 and stealing an electric scooter valued at 200 from Tullamore train station on November 4, 2024. Mr Cooney appeared before Tullamore District Court on Wednesday, May 21 having previously appeared at Portlaoise District Court where he was remanded in custody. At Portlaoise District Court Garda Christopher Ward said he responded to a report of a male causing a disturbance in Cloncollig at 6.50pm on May 14. Garda Ward noted there was a bench warrant in existence for the man. He said the man was highly abusive and began threatening gardai and members of the public. The man refused to get into the back of a patrol car and continued to threaten Garda Ward and his colleague, both our safety and our family members. There was a large number of children in the area, added Garda Ward Garda Ward said assistance was called and we eventually were able to convey him to Tullamore Garda Station. He said the defendant apologised for his behaviour the following morning. He said the criminal damage related to boot and scuff marks left on the inside of the patrol car. Tullamore District Court was then told that Mr Cooney had been identified on CCTV as the person responsible for stealing an e-scooter from the railway station on the morning of November 4. Aisling Maloney, defending solicitor, said he had returned the scooter. Sergeant Richard Thornton told the court that Mr Cooney had 49 previous convictions and in May last year had been given a suspended sentence for theft. He was also subject to a suspended sentence for assault and drugs charges in 2023 and the imposition of those sentences would be triggered by the latest convictions. Ms Maloney said her client was a man who struggled with addictions and the 2024 offences came at a time when his father was very ill and subsequently died. The defendant took tablets and drank alcohol. The solicitor added that Mr Cooney had thought the scooter he had taken was his own. Ms Maloney said her client had been in Cloverhill Prison since the previous Thursday where he had been sleeping on the floor because of overcrowding. As a result of that he had fallen asleep in court several times. He was finding being on remand very stressful and very difficult. Judge Andrew Cody said Mr Cooney was subject to five years and three months of suspended sentences and had been under the probation service four times previously. READ NEXT: Man living in Offaly refugee centre drove without insurance Ms Maloney said her client, a father of three, had worked well when under probation and he had kept his nose clean since November of last year. The solicitor suggested that perhaps what he needed was a lengthy period of probation. He apologised the next morning for what he had said to gardai and accepted he had acted very poorly when the guards went to arrest him. Having previously been on street methadone he was now on methadone properly because he was in prison. Having been homeless for quite some time in the past, he did not want to lose the position he had in the accommodation in Kilbeggan and would be prepared to sign on in the garda station several times a week. She said he was a man who had prospects if he was given some guidance. Judge Cody said Mr Cooney had been given lots and lots of chances. He had up to eight suspended sentences. Probation and suspended sentences don't seem to make any difference, he said. Dylan Kavanagh, probation officer, said a probation report is due in June in relation to the accused. Mr Cooney told the court himself he was waiting to be assigned a probation officer. Judge Cody said the defendant was a man who had a serious history. For the criminal damage to the garda car he imposed a sentence of nine months. A consecutive sentence of nine months was imposed for the theft of the scooter. The other offences were taken into consideration. He remanded Mr Cooney in custody to appear in court again on June 4 next by video link in relation to the suspended sentences. He has run out of road, said the judge. When Mr Cooney asked for another chance and said if he was given a suspended sentence he would abide by the rules, Judge Cody did not change his order. Tullamore-based Decontamination Technical Services Ltd (dts), supported by Local Enterprise Office Offaly, has won the Midlands Regional Award at the 25th National Enterprise Awards, held at the Mansion House, Dublin. A global leader in sterilisation validation and decontamination innovation, dts serves over 400 clients worldwide across healthcare, life sciences, and government sectors. Their expert-led, independent solutions uphold the highest standards in safety, compliance, and precision. The overall winner at the National Enterprise Awards was SPRYT a virtual assistant that can liaise directly with patients on appointments via simple SMS communications to ensure appointment completion and can effectively reallocate appointments in real-time to eliminate no shows and doctor and consultant wastage. Announcing the award winners at the Mansion House, Minister Dillon said, The National Enterprise Awards are a celebration of the innovation, resilience, and ambition that define Irelands business community. Each year, the calibre of finalists continues to rise, reflecting the extraordinary talent and determination of entrepreneurs across the country. These businesses are not only creating jobsthey are shaping the future of our local economies and communities. Tonights winners represent the very best of what Irish enterprise has to offer, and we remain committed to supporting them as they grow, compete, and thrive on both a national and global stage. These businesses are at the core of every town, village and community and are vital to our economy. We will ensure businesses continue to get the support they need to grow, prosper, and remain competitive, Minister Dillon continued. READ NEXT: Tullamore College sixth year students celebrate after graduation Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship and Local Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland, said: The high calibre of businesses in todays final highlights the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and innovation within Irish enterprise. The solutions these businesses have developed are impressive, and I am encouraged by their ambition and determination to develop products and services with a positive impact on our society. At Enterprise Ireland, we believe Irish businesses are central to driving economic growth, and were proud to support that ambition in partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices. Congratulations to all the winners I wish them continued success on their growth journey. The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Womens Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 75,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie READ MORE: Success for Offaly team at the 50th All Ireland Safety Quiz Final A MAJOR sterilisation facility in Tullamore which will employ more than 30 people has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanala. A number of local residents had objected to the proposal which will involve the construction of a building on a greenfield site on the Clara Road. Synergy Health Ireland Ltd (also known as Steris) got the green light from Offaly County Council in January, 2024. There had been objections on a number of grounds, including the maximum height, which at 22.5m including a flue, will be about twice as high as any building in the neighbouring Axis Business Park. An inspector for An Bord Pleanala said she did not consider the proposed height either oppressive or obtrusive. The general locality from [Srah] to Ballyduff is associated with industrial buildings. The proposed development, in my opinion, will not look out of place, and represents a high quality design and finish, the inspector's report said. Objectors also had concerns about traffic and trucks and the company said there would be about 30 trucks in and the same number out each day. The inspector said she was satisfied traffic impact and safety issues had been adequately addressed by the applicant. She also noted plans for a two-metre wall at the boundary with one resident's site and 500 sq m of woodplanting and an extra five beech trees. The planting will serve to screen the facility form the adjoining residential properties north of the site. It is a condition of the permission that deliveries and loading to and from the site can only take between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am and 2pm on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays or public holidays. Noise limits have also been imposed. Synergy Ireland already has a plant in the IDA Business Park in Srah. The new development is a sterilisation technology facility which will have 6,726 sq m of floor space, including storage areas and offices. While the central part of the proposed building will be 19.6m high, it will be between nine and 12m high either side. The building is setback 40 metres from the roadside boundary. The building is 141.5m from the dwelling to the north. There is ample separation distance between the building and dwellings on the opposite side of the R420 (Clara Road) which acts as a physical buffer area, said the inspector. In relation to one comment from one of those who appealed against the council's grant of permission, she said: I do not agree with third party description that the proposal is primarily a warehouse and distribution centre. It is primarily a sterilization facility. She added: I am satisfied that a Sterilisation Technology Facility, with ancillary offices, is in keeping with the Business or Technology Park zoning objective of the site. The sterilisation process will be carried out using x-rays and there were concerns about the amount of electricity required. The inspector commented: There are no chemicals used to generate the x-rays used in the sterilization process. The x-rays are produced by the same electricity used to power the homes abutting the facility. The by-product of the process is heat, which will be captured and used to heat the buildings. This will reduce the buildings carbon footprint. The sterilisation process is safe, and there will be no hazardous emissions. READ NEXT: Local residents unite in opposition to proposed sterilisation facility Three board members of Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) have resigned, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said. Ms Carroll MacNeill confirmed the resignations during an interview on RTE Radio. It comes after several controversies involving CHI, including a report published on Friday that found many children underwent unnecessary hip surgeries in two Dublin hospitals. The clinical audit of dysplasia of the hips surgeries in children found that a lower threshold for operations was used at CHI Temple Street hospital and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC) than the threshold used at CHI Crumlin. The review discovered that in the period 2021 to 2023 almost 80% of children operated on at the NOHC, and 60% of those at Temple Street, did not meet the threshold for surgery. The 2,259 children who underwent hip surgeries in the three hospitals (NOHC, CHI Temple Street and CHI Crumlin) from as far back as 2010 will now be subject to clinical reviews. Last month, then-chairman of the board of CHI Dr Jim Browne resigned following the publication of a critical report into the use of springs in child spinal surgery. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) found that the use of the springs, which were of a non-medical grade, was wrong. The springs were used in three operations carried out by a surgeon at CHIs Temple Street. More recently, it was reported in the Sunday Times that a CHI consultant had been delaying treatment and referring public patients to his own private clinic while being paid thousands of euros through the National Treatment Purchase Fund. Opposition TDs have called for a public inquiry and for CHI to be fully subsumed into the HSE. The CHI hospital group is a distinct entity from the HSE, although it is funded by the HSE and accountable to it. During Leaders Questions on Tuesday, the Taoiseach said a drip feed of resignations is not the answer to problems at CHI. Micheal Martin said the immediate step to be taken is external and independent clinical follow up with affected families. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said CHI is married in scandal and catastrophic governance failure. She said it is now abundantly clear that governance at CHI is a fiasco, adding that she believed the remaining members of the board should also resign. Clearly what is needed here now is root-and-branch reform and change, transparency and accountability. Labour leader Ivana Bacik said CHI is presiding over an increasingly chaotic string of failures with devastating consequences for sick children and their families. Ms Bacik said: We need to see accountability: Not just individual heads rolling and nothing else changing, we need to ask and answer serious questions about whether CHI has capacity as an entity to do its job. Mr Martin agreed for the need of accountability over the issues, adding that the matters speak to an environment that is not optimal for safety of patients and has an absence of a proper team-based holistic ethos. In response to Social Democrats leader Cian OCallaghan, Mr Martin also said fundamental questions had now been raised about whether the entire programme of clinical directorship is working. Acquired Brain Injury Ireland staff and residents were honoured to welcome Minister Hildegarde Naughton, TD to the charitys Midlands service and assisted living residence, Teach Failte, in Mountbolus, Co Offaly, last Wednesday morning, May 21. During her visit the Minister had an opportunity to learn more about the community-based rehabilitation services offered by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland in the Midlands region, which covers counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. She met people who had been directly impacted by acquired brain injury and heard about their lived experiences of recovery and rehabilitation. Minister Naughton described the value of neurorehabilitation services like those provided by ABI Ireland. In Government we understand that an acquired brain injury can have life-long and life-changing impacts for the person, as well as for their family. Timely, personalised neurorehabilitation can support those affected to increase their independence, maximise their ability, and participate as active citizens in our society. Having spoken to the residents and team at Teach Failte here today, it is very clear to see what is possible when someone recovering from a brain injury has access to the right support, at the right time, in the right environment. READ NEXT: Popular Tullamore couple celebrate 60th wedding anniversary In the Programme for Government, we have committed to implementing community-based neurorehabilitation services in every Regional Health Area. This is an important step to ensure that survivors of brain injury right across the country are supported all along the pathway, from acute hospital to home. An estimated 19,000 people in Ireland acquire a brain injury every year. Through a range of community-based neurorehabilitation services, ABI Ireland supports as many of them as possible to return to leading more independent lives. In the Midlands, the organisation provides neurorehabilitation in its assisted living house, Teach Failte, one-to-one and group rehabilitation in home and community settings, a case management service to support survivors and family members to navigate the complex recovery journey, in addition to neuropsychology, social work and occupational therapy. The service also recently acquired a state-of-the-art and universally accessible house in Mullingar a property gifted to ABI Ireland by the late Eoghan Doherty, who previously received services from ABI Ireland. Paula O Meara, who suffered a brain injury as a result of an aneurysm, is supported by ABI Ireland in her hometown of Tullamore. Having weekly support from my Rehabilitation Assistant, Mary and having support from the clinical team has had a very positive impact of my rehab and road to recovery, says Paula. Having a brain injury turned my life and the lives of my family upside down overnight. When I was discharged from hospital I had to adjust to a very different way of life. My memory and my mobility were impaired. I had difficulty with walking and constant fatigue, but my biggest hurdle was that my family members didnt understand. Because I was so fatigued I would sleep a lot and, to them, I was lazy. People often stopped me to tell me I look great, but I knew myself I was not the person I once was. Since my brain injury, Ive had to work on my filter because I would say things out loud that could be almost insulting, but I would not mean it. Paula highlighted that having access to ongoing rehabilitation support from ABI Ireland in her own community has been a lifeline. The team listens to me, and they work with me to identify where I am having challenges. Then we put plans in place so that I can overcome them. With ABI Ireland in my corner, I have grown in confidence and independence. Im setting new goals for myself, such as attending Aqua Aerobics every Monday morning, and taking on the couch to 2k. I have joined three ABI cognitive groups where I meet others with similar impairments and challenges. Paula continues My husband Dinny who never left my side has now gone back to work, which shows me that he has confidence in me going out alone, walking independently each day, meeting friends and getting my life back. With ABI Ireland supports, my social battery has returned. Due to education from the ABI team, my family also now have a better understanding of the effects of my brain injury. Im thankful to ABI Ireland, and so happy to be alive. READ NEXT: You can win up to 5,000 at bingo in Offaly village Catherine Lacey is the Director of Service Operations with ABI Ireland. She describes the comprehensive service in the Midlands as a model for other counties where neurorehabilitation services are significantly less resourced. We are delighted to have been able to welcome Minister Naughton to Mountbolus today. We know that our partners in Government and the HSE understand the need for specialist, community-based neurorehabilitation. At Teach Failte, the Minister will have seen first-hand the quality of the services we can deliver, and the tangible benefits for the people we serve as they navigate life after brain injury. However, there are many regions in Ireland where services for people with an acquired brain injury remain significantly underfunded and under resourced. Every day we speak to survivors and their families who have been discharged from hospital without the necessary support, services and information to begin to rebuild their lives. Year on year, young survivors continue to be inappropriately admitted to nursing homes because there is no better option available. The case management service here in the Midlands plays a pivotal role in reducing these risks, and yet the service is completely unavailable in more than half the country. This inequity a lottery based on where a person lives need not exist. With a relatively minor investment from Government, we could extend our case management service nationwide. We are committed to campaigning strongly for this investment, and look forward to working closely with the Minister and all our partners, to ensure that the needs of all brain injury survivors, and their right to rehabilitation as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, can be realised. 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.) This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. In the age of Donald Trump, the very phrase "human rights" no longer seems to make sense and obviously needs to be changed. My own suggestion -- given everything the Trump administration is doing when it comes to migrants, no less Americans who don't happen to be White or male -- might be "human wrongs." At this point, some of those wrongs are so over the top that they're almost funny (even if in the grimmest sense imaginable). Consider, for instance, not just the urge to bring only White South African immigrants into this country, but to purge anyone other than White men from significant parts of the government, the military, and history itself. In his second term in office, Trump has indeed launched a full-scale program aimed at tossing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) out the window or in the wastebasket (or perhaps down the toilet) and it doesn't matter at all to his team just how batty such acts might prove to be. Take, for instance, the CIA. Remember, it's a spy agency set up, at least in part, to infiltrate its agents into crucial places in other countries. But believe it or not -- and I know this could shock you -- all the other countries on Earth that the CIA might indeed like to infiltrate don't turn out to be majority White or totally male lands. Nonetheless, as Julian Barnes of the New York Times reported recently, the CIA is distinctly being Whitified and Maleficated -- and yes, we clearly do need new terms for what's now happening! And it seems that it doesn't even matter how obviously batty such a decision might be. As Barnes reports, the CIA has even created a new recruiting video that "showcases a whiter group of officers." I mean, if you were spying around the world, wouldn't you want to stand out like the proverbial sore thumb (or do I mean sore Trump?). Honestly, this would almost be funny if it weren't being applied to every part of the government and even to history (or at least the museums that display it). And with all of this in mind, let TomDispatch regular William Hartung and Ashley Gate take you into a world in which inhuman rights are distinctly replacing the human ones in so many ways. Tom The End of Human Rights? Donald Trump Has Ripped Off the Human Rights Veneer That Once Graced U.S. Foreign Policy By Ashley Gate and William D. Hartung The Trump administration seems intent on undermining America's ability to make human rights a significant element of its foreign policy. As evidence of that, consider its plan to dramatically reduce policy directives and personnel devoted to those very issues, including the dismantling of the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Rights, and Labor. Even worse, the Trump team has attacked a crucial global institution, the International Criminal Court, and put it under crippling sanctions that have ground its operations to a halt -- all for telling the truth about Israel's illegal and ongoing mass slaughter in Gaza. The Trump administration's assault on human rights comes against the background of years of policy decisions in Washington that too often cast aside such concerns in favor of supposedly more important "strategic" interests. The very concept of human rights has had a distinctly mixed history in American foreign policy. High points include the U.S. role in the Nuremberg prosecutions after World War II, its support for the U.N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, and President Jimmy Carter's quest to be the "human rights president" in the late 1970s. But such moments have alternated with low points like this country's Cold War era support for a series of vicious dictators in Latin America or, more recently, the way both the Biden and Trump administrations have backed Israel's war crimes in Gaza, actions that a number of reputable independent reports suggest constitute nothing short of genocide. Amid such ups and downs have come some real accomplishments like support for the democratic evolution of the government in the Philippines, the passage of comprehensive sanctions on apartheid South Africa, and the freeing of prominent political prisoners around the world. Some critics of the human rights paradigm argue that such issues are all too regularly weaponized against American adversaries, but largely ignored when it comes to this country's autocratic allies like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and El Salvador. The solution to such a critique is not to abandon human rights concerns, but to implement them more consistently across the globe. The Transactional President In the short term, forging a more consistent approach to supporting human rights is a daunting task. After all, the Trump administration's position couldn't be clearer. It seeks to permanently undermine the ability of this country to promote human rights in any form by gutting the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Rights, and Labor and making other changes that will further shift foreign policy toward the transactional and away from anything that has a hint of the aspirational. Discussions about incorporating Greenland into this country, turning Canada into our 51st state, further militarizing the U.S.-Mexico border, cutting a coercive mineral deal with Ukraine, seizing the Panama Canal, or building tourist hotels in a depopulated Gaza -- however farcical some of the notions may seem -- have taken precedence over any discussion of promoting democracy and human rights globally. Donald Trump relishes building closer ties to autocrats, typically embracing Hungary's Viktor Orban and, at one international meeting, on seeing Egyptian leader Adel Fatah El-Sisi in the hallway, shouting, "There goes my favorite dictator!" In addition, strongmen like Nayib Armando Bukele Corteaz of El Salvador have helped enable his administration's most egregious human rights violations to date, snatching up U.S. residents and sending them to a horrific Salvadoran prison without even a hint of due process. The Trump administration has also proposed shuttering dozens of embassies globally and plans to slash State Department bureaus that disseminated expertise to areas plagued by crisis and war, worked to combat human trafficking, or advised the secretary of state on human rights issues relating to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Sweeping Trump administration proposals have even included replacing the Foreign Service Institute, the nation's center for diplomatic learning, with an office devoted to "global acquisition." Meanwhile, even as the administration dismantles America's basic diplomatic infrastructure, it has made no moves to close a single one of America's more than 750 overseas military bases or scale back the Pentagon's bloated budget, which is now heading towards the trillion-dollar mark annually. Under the Trump administration's current approach, the face of America -- already long tilted toward its massive military presence globally -- is likely to be slanted even more toward military threats and away from smart diplomacy. Trump's crew is also seeking to shut down the collection of basic data on human rights by restricting the kinds of abuses covered in State Department human rights reports. Over the years, those reports have evolved into standardized, reliable sources of information for human rights advocates and activists seeking justice in other countries, as well as political figures and journalists operating under repressive regimes. Such objective human-rights reporting, now increasingly missing in action, had also served as an early warning system in determining which U.S. partners were more prone to engaging in reckless and destabilizing behavior that could draw this country into unnecessary and intractable conflicts. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). As California faces the increasing threat of natural disasters, coastal flood risk is becoming a growing concern for residents and property owners alike. A recent study revealed that a monster earthquake could sink large portions of the California coast, amplifying the danger of widespread flooding in low-lying areas. At JT Water Damage Services, we're urging homeowners, businesses, and HOAs to stay informed, take preventative measures, and know who to call when Eugene Weekly's offices in Eugene, Oregon, are shown in an undated handout photo. Kotek reversed the call by Nicole Townsend to deny the Lane County district attorneys request to return Elisha Young, 38, to Oregon from central Ohio, where she was arrested May 6. Eugene Weekly Gov. Tina Kotek directed her staff Tuesday to authorize the extradition of a woman whose suspected embezzlement from the Eugene Weekly led to layoffs, reversing a controversial decision by one of her staffers who had denied law enforcements request to bring the woman back to Oregon. Kotek revisited the call by Nicole Townsend to deny the Lane County district attorneys request to return Elisha Young, 38, to Oregon from central Ohio, where she was arrested May 6. On Feb. 5, state Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, urged legislators at a hearing in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire to oppose a bill that would have required large farm owners to report their fertilizer use to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The goal of the bill, which died in the committee after the hearing, was to help curb groundwater pollution thats become a growing issue in Levys district in northeast Oregon. Making the suggestion that over application (of fertilizer) is widespread is both inaccurate and unfair, she told the senators. A month later, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality identified the Levy farm in a citation as having over-applied fertilizer on corn fields owned by the familys business throughout 2023, causing pollution to waters of the state, in an already contaminated aquifer. Levys opposition to the fertilizer reporting bill Senate Bill 747 did not include any mention of her own farmland holdings or the income she gets from her family business, Windy River, proprietor of those fields of corn. Workers and families with polluted drinking water need good representation on this issue and arent getting it, Kaleb Lay, policy director at Oregon Rural Action, said via text. Were going to need leadership from the legislature to hold polluters accountable in the Lower Umatilla Basin. Although Levy has named seven businesses in the statement of economic interest she submits annually to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, Levy isnt barred from sponsoring, testifying on or voting on bills that would directly benefit the family businesses that she receives income from. In fact, by Oregon law, she said she and other legislators are required to vote on bills even when theyve declared a conflict of interest. As a member of the House of Representatives, it is my honor and obligation to comply with the rules of the House, state law and the Oregon Constitution, Levy said in an email. House rules require me to attend all committee meetings unless I am excused. House rules require me to vote and prohibit me from abstaining from voting. If I am faced with an actual or potential conflict of interest, House rules require me to announce the nature of the conflict prior to voting on the issue that is creating the conflict. Kate Titus, executive director of Common Cause Oregon, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group focused on public policy in the state, said many other states have laws that recommend or require lawmakers to abstain from voting on bills where theyve declared a financial conflict of interest. Oregon is behind on these ethics laws, Titus said. Two bills currently being considered by legislators would change that and offer more transparency. Senate Joint Resolution 9, sponsored by state Sen. Fred Girod, R-Stayton, would refer a ballot measure to Oregon voters in November to decide whether to amend the state constitution to prohibit legislators from voting on bills when theyve declared a conflict of interest. Little action has been taken on the proposal, which has been sitting in the Senate Rules Committee since January. Another proposal, made at the request of Gov. Tina Kotek for the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, would expand Oregons conflict of interest laws to apply to other members of a public figures household. This means officials would need to declare conflicts of interest not only if they or their business would materially benefit or suffer from a bill, but if it would benefit or damage a relative or a member of the officials household, or any businesses associated with relatives or members of the household. The proposal House Bill 2930 unanimously passed the House in April and is awaiting a final vote in the Senate. Power brokering The interests of Levys family businesses also hew closely to a bill shes sponsoring and another shes opposed, related to power and data centers. Levy is sponsoring a bill that would exempt Umatilla County from Oregons 45-year-old statewide nuclear ban an exemption that would favor tech companies already investing billions in small nuclear reactors in the region to power their growing number of energy-hungry data centers and AI processing servers. She also opposed a bill that would create a separate rate class for data centers to ensure costs of grid and infrastructure expansion needed to power them arent passed onto utilities residential customers. Demand for power from the Umatilla Electric Cooperative, which supplies electricity to much of Levys district, 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. Levy did not disclose while she lobbied for and against these bills that the family business Windy River has made deals with Amazon, including selling the company more than 100 acres of its land in 2021 for nearly $3.7 million, to build a new data center that is nearing completion. Windy River still holds the water rights to that land. Levy also did not share that Windy Rivers farm acres get wastewater to use for irrigation from another Amazon data center, according to the Port of Morrows most recent wastewater permit. Oregon law does require disclosures of donations to public officials campaigns, which show Levy accepted a $2,000 donation from Amazon in November. The company gave similarly sized donations to a number of lawmakers from both parties in 2024. Levy contends she did not need to declare a conflict of interest related to the Senate bill that would have required fertilizer reporting because it never went to a vote. The only reason the environmental quality department knows about the overfertilized fields at the Levy farm is because the farm gets wastewater from J.R. Simplot Company and the Hermiston Power Plant. J.R. Simplot has a state-regulated wastewater permit that allows it to supply the Levy farm with wastewater, and in return Simplot is required to report how much fertilizer farmers are laying down on those wastewater-irrigated fields, and to allow DEQ to test wells nearby the farm fields for contaminants. Windy River, the Levy familys company, is now trying to stop receiving water from Simplot, meaning their fields would no longer be monitored under Simplots state-regulated wastewater permit, and DEQ would no longer be able to monitor Windy Rivers fertilizer use. Levy said the other bills currently being considered do not require disclosures because they do not and will not directly financially benefit her or her familys businesses, and that she is following all of Oregons ethics laws. The founders of this great state had the wisdom to enshrine in our constitution protections to ensure that legislators have the freedom to engage in robust debate in determining what laws to enact, without fear of being questioned by others outside of the legislature about what is said in that debate, she said. This protection enables me to advocate for the interests of my constituents to the best of my abilities, without fear of malicious prosecution by those who do not hold my constituents best interests to heart. Titus said regardless of Oregons ethics laws being behind the times, public officials should strive for a high degree of transparency and disclosure. At some level, you cant fault legislators for playing by the rules, but its important that elected officials uphold the highest standards of transparency, she said. We elect legislators because they have expertise that represents our community, or certain experiences in our communities. We dont want to prevent them from voting on things that broadly affect them, too. But at some point, when its related to a very specific private, economic interest, they should need to recuse themselves. -- Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capital Chronicle The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy. A school bus is pictured in an Oregonian/OregonLive file photo. (Bruce Ely / The Oregonian) Bandits made off with catalytic converters from six school buses parked at the Reynolds School Districts transportation yard sometime over the Memorial Day weekend, authorities say. District spokesperson Steve Padilla said Tuesday the thieves cut through fencing near West Salish Pond at the Northeast Glisan Street bus lot. Authorities are still reviewing camera footage to determine precisely when the break-in occurred. Morning bus routes were not disrupted, though the district doesnt have any short bus capacity to spare going forward. The theft is another unwelcome blow for the nearly 10,000-student district, which is facing a $25 million budget crunch this year. Cuts to educators and other staff are expected. Now we have this added cost that we werent anticipating thats going to add on to the fiscal burden that the school district is already facing, Padilla said. Its a bummer. Thieves broke into the Reynolds School District transportation yard in May 2025. Submitted Photo This is the second theft of pollution control devices which are made out of valuable rare minerals since someone or some people stole 19 converters from the district in 2021. Back then, the converters cost about $3,300 apiece to replace. Now, Padilla expects the cost to be about $4,500 per converter. The spokesperson said Reynolds installed more cameras and lighting after the last break-in. Investigators from the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office are reviewing the tape in hopes of identifying the culprits. Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane. Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe. A Multnomah County Sheriff's Office vehicle is seen in a photo posted to the agency's Facebook page. Multnomah County Sheriff's Office While Multnomah County employees saw only modest gains in overall compensation last year, overtime pay continued to rise, once again fueled by spending in the Sheriffs Office. That office has spent by far the most money of any department on overtime costs for years. Its overtime spending comprised 18% of its personnel budget in 2024. Business Services Division Chief Jon Harms Mahlandt noted that law enforcement agencies and first responders typically amass the most overtime due to the nature of the work. The Sheriffs Office has committed to boost its hiring to address the overtime spending and other issues, but those efforts have been slow moving. MCSO has relied heavily on mandatory overtime, which does place an increased burden on our staff, Harms Mahlandt said in a statement. Its no secret that staffing at MCSO has been an enormous challenge, particularly over the last three years and in the corrections field. Overall, the county paid 6,557 employees nearly $534 million in total wages in the 2024 calendar year, a roughly 6% increase from 2023, data shows. Overtime spending rose to $25.1 million, an 11% increase from the year prior. About two-thirds of that spending came from the Sheriffs Office, which paid employees $16.8 million in overtime, up from $14.5 million the year prior. Among the highest paid workers were corrections deputies and sergeants, Health Department officials and the countys lead attorney, Jenny Madkour, according to earnings analyzed by The Oregonian/OregonLive. The median pay for full-time county employees was about $87,500. Corrections Health Medical Director Eleazar Lawson, who left his position in March, earned about $342,380, the most of any county worker. An email that Corrections Health Director Michael Crandell sent to staff on March 19 announcing Lawsons departure did not address why he was leaving. Before becoming the jail systems top doctor, Lawson performed surgeries in 2020 and 2021 that led the Oregon Medical Board to accuse him of gross negligence and unprofessional or dishonorable conduct. The board officially reprimanded him last July. Corrections Deputy Travis Edner earned the second highest pay at nearly $304,750, with over $170,000 of that total coming from overtime. Edner has been with the county since 2012. Sheriffs Office officials said mandatory overtime cannot exceed four hours past a scheduled eight-hour shift. Mandatory overtime kicks in when the office cant meet the required minimum staffing levels for law enforcement duties and corrections operations. We do continue to have staff that work significant overtime on a voluntary basis and many of those employees are the ones represented on your highest-earners list, Harms Mahlandt wrote. The only other employee to break the $300,000 pay threshold was Paul DenOuden, a physician and the medical director of the countys HIV Health Services Center. He made just over $303,000. Madkour, who leads the countys fleet of attorneys, earned about $297,540. Two other corrections workers found themselves among the top 10 earners at the county. Corrections Sgt. Shawn Seals made $288,120, with around 48% of that coming from overtime. William Maxwell, also a correction sergeant, earned about $279,880, of which over $104,540 was overtime pay. From the middle of 2021 through early 2022, the Sheriffs Office lost about half of its corrections workforce. The Sheriffs Office said that was due in part to an aging workforce entering retirement, but exhaustion, resignations and transfers have also impacted the corrections division, Harms Mahlandt said. There are currently 46 sworn corrections vacancies, the Sheriffs Office said. That compares to 38 vacancies last August. The office did not provide vacancy data for previous years despite requests from The Oregonian/OregonLive. The Sheriffs Office has filled needed positions in human resources, which Harms Mahlandt said is helping it address the vacancy rates. The vacancies have been especially notable in recent months amid crowding at Multnomah Countys two jails. On several occasions this year, officials sounded the alarm as the downtown Portland jail and Inverness Jail in Northeast Portland reached a combined 90% capacity. Safety at the jails has also been under scrutiny since an unprecedented rash of deaths in 2022 and 2023, when 10 people died. A majority of those inmates died due to drug overdoses or suicide. Only one person died in custody last year and two have died so far in 2025. The Sheriffs Office has regularly tallied more overtime hours than budgeted since at least the early 2010s. A 2023 grand jury report found that mandatory overtime was a regular occurrence in the countys corrections system. The jurors said in the report that reliance on overtime hours was unsustainable, and they called on the office to evaluate its staffing needs. That assessment hasnt been completed, said Deputy John Plock, an office spokesperson. He said that the Sheriffs Office first needs to get closer to fully staffing the jails before the study would be useful. Until were closer to fully staffed, investing in a study wouldnt provide immediate value and would result in recommendations we are not in a position to implement, Plock said in a statement. The Board of Commissioners approved a $450,000 boost in funds to the Sheriffs Office to support human resources in the countys budget last year. In November, commissioners unanimously approved another $966,000 to address the sheriffs staffing crisis. The law enforcement agency added four human resources positions this year, which officials said is speeding up the background check process for new applicants. Chair Jessica Vega Pedersons proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year includes nearly $1.8 million in additional funds to further support the sheriffs hiring efforts. The office was one of the few departments countywide that was spared from cuts in the chairs proposed budget. Already these investments have made significant positive impacts on our vacancy rates among civilian staff and law enforcement deputies, Harms Mahlandt said. Outside of corrections, the countys other top paid employees all work for the health department. Health Director Rachael Banks earned just over $287,200 and Health Officer Richard Bruno was paid close to $287,000. The Health Department is the largest in the county and accounted for roughly 28% of the total pay doled out to employees. The Health Department paid its employees nearly $3.5 million in overtime in 2024, the second-most of any department. That was a 4% increase from 2023, but still made up only about 2% of the departments spending on pay. The data only reflects workers paid directly by the county and does not include the thousands of contracted employees working for nonprofits the government pays to carry out services. All told, 137 county employees made over $200,000 last year. That number was just 61 in 2022, and jumped to 112 in 2023. Vega Pederson, who acts as the countys top executive, made $231,470. Her colleagues on the commission made about $139,360. County Auditor Jennfier McGuirk made almost $142,290 last year. Former District Attorney Mike Schmidt made nearly $101,980 in county pay, but brought in another $161,840 from the state. Sheriff Nicole Morrisey ODonnell, elected in 2022, earned $231,470. The county is preparing to shed 102 positions in the next fiscal year as officials navigate a bleak financial climate. The countys total operating budget is down $77.3 million, or about 3%, compared to the current budget. The county has also been facing a $15.5 million budget gap in its $897 million general fund, the largest pot of discretionary dollars at its disposal. Officials have also been grappling with a $70 million shortfall in homeless services funds due to spending decisions and changes in homeless services tax dollars. To close that gap, the chair recommended reducing rental assistance and cutting employment programs that help homeless people get jobs. Officials will continue to hash out potential changes to the chairs budget over the next few weeks, with a final vote to adopt the fiscal plan taking place June 12. Austin De Dios covers Multnomah County politics, programs and more. Reach him at 503-319-9744, adedios@oregonian.com, @dediosreports.bsky.social, adedios_reports Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. A former kindergarten teacher claims she was forced out of the classroom by an angry parent who waged a prolonged social media smear campaign. The now-retired educator, Laura Phelps, filed a $1.3 million defamation suit against parent Mandi Simonsen for allegedly inflicting emotional distress, loss of income and harm to Phelps reputation in the Warrenton-Hammond School District. Being a kindergarten teacher meant everything to Ms. Phelps, and she showed a lot of love and kindness to the kids, Matthew J. Steven, the former Warrenton Grade School teachers attorney, wrote in an email. (This) took a lot of the joy out of the work and forced her into a position of having to defend herself against baseless allegations instead. One such allegation: That Phelps, 54, had set up a lofted cuddle bed in her kindergarten classroom. Simonsen also hid a recorder in her childs backpack in November 2023 and uploaded to Facebook an audio clip of Phelps yelling, according to the suit. Simonsen, 35, didnt respond to an interview request, but copies of her online comments contained in the lawsuit and others reviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive on her social media account contain staggering statements apparently directed toward Phelps. Steven filed the suit last month in Clatsop County Circuit Court throwing a wrench into the contentious race for the Warrenton-Hammond school board, which is located west of Astoria near the Washington border. Simonsen and her sister-in-law both mounted campaigns that ended unsuccessfully last Tuesday. The district serves fewer than 1,000 students. In a May 2024 email to top school officials that was reproduced in the lawsuit, Simonsen falsely described Phelps as a sex offender. Do your damn jobs or I will do it for you! the irate parent wrote, according to the suit. Phelps has never been convicted of a sex crime, records show. The litigation acknowledges that an anonymous complaint filed against Phelps had been partially substantiated in April 2024. The district warned Phelps that full hugs, kissing their head and saying I love you to students was a violation of boundaries, but did not impose further discipline, according to the suit. Steven said his client was unpopular with only a small subset of parents in the class, including an unidentified different parent who was upset Phelps had made a mandatory report to the Oregon Department of Human Services. The reading loft was in plain view and never used by the teacher, he said, and while acknowledging that the audio recording was genuine, he said it was cherry-picked from hours of audio. An attorney for Laura Phelps said only students used the reading loft. Court Exhibit School administrators also alerted the community to rumors about teacher-student snuggle beds but investigated and found the claim to be false, according to a copy of the message posted by Simonsen. Superintendent Tom Rogozinski didnt respond to a request for comment. The newspaper reviewed a copy of a 30-second-long audio clip that was publicly available on Simonsens Facebook page. In it, Phelps raises her voice in class, telling students you are not at in-home daycare! and I am not going to be held hostage! Phelps said in a statement she wasnt proud of the recording but said it had been edited to remove her subsequent apology and use of de-escalation techniques. Parenting is hard. Teaching is hard. The only way to make it easier is to work together with grace and kindness, she said. I am not a perfect person, but I did what I could. No attorney is listed for Simonsen on court records. Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane. Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe. This year's Starlight Parade grand marshal is one of Portland's most popular mascots. Beth Nakamura Its parade season in Portland, which can only mean one thing: grand marshal announcements. Last week, the Portland Rose Festival and Oregon Zoo announced that baby elephant Tula-Tu would be the grand marshal of the Grand Floral Parade. Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie premiered yesterday, Monday, May 26 with a live broadcast on Investigation Discovery. If you missed it, you can watch it right now for free on demand with Philo. WATCH: Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie for FREE with Philo (free trial). If you prefer a different streaming platform, you can also watch it on Fubo (free trial). Who is Sherri Papini? What did Sherri Papini do? Sherri Papini is a woman involved in a real life true-crime story. She is a wife and mother who executed a kidnapping hoax and created an international search for kidnappers who didnt exist. Where is Sherri Papini from? Papini is from Redding, California. Where is Sherri Papini now? Papini was released from prison in 2023 and recently took a lie detector test during this brand new tell-all documentary. Watch Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie for free on ID Network with Philo. Is Sherri Papini still married? Sherri Papini was divorced from Keith Papini in 2023. What TV channel is Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie on? How can I stream for free? When: On demand TV channel: Investigation Discovery Watch for free: Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie for FREE with Philo (free trial). If you prefer a different streaming platform, you can also watch it on Fubo (free trial). Fire crews are on the ground and actively fighting the fire. Courtesy of Wheeler County Fire and Rescue The first large wildfire in Oregon this year has grown to cover 3,000 acres of federal and private land in central Oregon, fire officials said. The Butte Creek fire, which started on Sunday about nine miles north of the town of Clarno in Wasco County, is threatening several structures in the area, fire officials said in a statement. Firefighters from Wheeler County Fire & Rescue and South Gilliam County Rural Fire Protection District are working to fight the blaze, while the federal government has sent fire engines, an interagency hotshot crew and multiple aircraft to help fight the fire, fire officials said. No evacuations are currently in place as of Monday afternoon. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY Frustrated with religious content and polarizing language added to Oklahoma academic standards, some parents say they plan to opt their children out of ideologically charged social studies lessons in public schools. Families and liberal advocates across the state, relying on parental rights laws that Republicans championed, are drafting letters to exempt their children from new social studies content that conservative leaders enacted this year. Now that its being codified and now that its being brought more into the public eye, the liberals have realized that those are our rights too, Tulsa parent Lauren Parker said. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name When major news breaks + a few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... The biggest glaring red flag in the new social studies standards, Parker said, is language that casts doubt on the integrity of the 2020 presidential election. President Donald Trump has refused to concede defeat to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 race, despite courts across the country dismissing Trumps lawsuits claiming election fraud. Under the new standards, Oklahoma high school U.S. history classes will be required to have students identify discrepancies in the 2020 election results, including the sudden halting of ballot-counting in select cities in key battleground states, the security risks of mail-in balloting, sudden batch dumps, an unforeseen record number of voters, and the unprecedented contradiction of bellwether county trends. State Superintendent Ryan Walters quietly added these claims without acknowledging them until after the standards passed a vote by the Oklahoma State Board of Education. Half of the board later said they were unaware of the new content when they voted on it. A lawsuit in Oklahoma County District Court is challenging whether the Education Department and the board followed proper procedures when approving the standards. Parker said she contacted her home district, Tulsa Public Schools, to opt her children out of being taught about election fraud that never happened. She also objected to Walters new requirements that Oklahoma schools incorporate Bible stories and Jesus teachings into their curriculum an effort she views as Christian nationalism and religious indoctrination. It literally was one of the most painful experiences of my life growing up in Christianity, and so its the last thing that I want my daughters to learn about in school, Parker said. Of course, we discuss things, but its just that this isnt about history and facts. Its about pushing their faith on us, and thats unacceptable. Its un-American. Walters said he implemented the biblical content not to convert students to Christianity, but to ensure they understand the beliefs that inspired Americas core principles and that influenced the countrys founding fathers. Its concerning that parents would opt their kids out of understanding American history, Walters said Thursday, but its a choice they have a right to make. We want parents to have opt-outs, Walters said. We want parents to be able to make those decisions. I think thats a bad decision on their part. Local organization Were Oklahoma Education, or WOKE, is distributing sample opt-out letters through social media. Members of the group are known for regularly attending state Board of Education meetings and protesting Walters. The organization has about 200 active volunteers in Oklahoma and 1,000 followers on its social media and email lists, director Erica Watkins said. Many of them are parents frustrated with Walters far-right brand of politics and the ideologically charged content he inserted into Oklahomas academic standards, said Watkins, a mother of two students in Jenks Public Schools. WOKE, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the label Republicans apply to left-leaning opponents, formed as a liberal counter to Moms for Liberty, a conservative national group also focused on education policy. If you believe parents know best, then that applies to all parents, Watkins said. And so thats why we went ahead and used the channels that they put in place to push back against some of their more indoctrinating things that theyre putting into our schools. Watkins said her family isnt religious, so she intends to exempt her children from new standards teaching the Bible. 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 She said the 2020 election language is also out of the question. I dont want my kids hearing that, Watkins said. Thats propaganda, and I dont think its appropriate to be taught in school. Stillwater Public Schools parent Saralynn Boren, a WOKE member, said the group first started drafting opt-out letters after Walters invited public schools to use pro-America kids content from the conservative media entity PragerU. The letters also invite parents to opt out of conservative content from Hillsdale College, Turning Point USA and even from any interaction with Walters himself. The group extended the letter template to add social studies standards on Judeo-Christian values, God, the Bible, the 2020 election and other topics. Watkins said they did so after the Republican majority in the state Legislature declined to take action on the academic standards. A GOP-led attempt to disapprove the standards emerged in the state Senate, but the chambers Republican caucus decided to allow the new content to pass after having a closed-door meeting with Walters. The Senates leader, President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said he is supportive of parents who are now choosing to opt out of the standards. I think we give parents the ability to opt out of lots of things, Paxton said. If thats what they want to opt out of, I would certainly support them being able to do that. Oklahoma law guarantees parents the right to direct their minor childrens education and moral or religious training. Parents are allowed to withdraw their children from any learning material or activity on moral or religious grounds. Boren, of Stillwater, said her past opt-out requests over PragerU were well received by her childrens district. Stillwater district spokesperson Barry Fuxa said families always have had the right to choose an alternative assignment or learning material. He told Oklahoma Voice the district has not yet received any opt-out requests over new social studies standards. At this time, our response to families with concerns would be to ask them to give us time to learn more about the standards and to allow our admin and teacher teams time to develop plans of how the standards will be implemented in our curriculum, he said. Tulsa Public Schools also upholds parents rights to review instructional materials, both under state law and school board policy, the district said in a statement through its spokesperson, Luke Chitwood. Tulsa will spend the 2025-26 school year selecting instructional materials that align with the new social studies standards and will implement the new content in 2026-27, Chitwood said. That selection process will involve teachers, parents and community members, he said. More parental engagement in education is a positive thing, said Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. But Kirt said shes concerned political divisions are becoming wider. The new academic standards, as well as other efforts supporting state-funded religious education, could be a wedge driving Oklahomans further apart. If we have separate schools for everybody who has different beliefs, were going to have some real challenges about living together and working together and having an economy together, Kirt said. So, Im worried about how thats going to turn out. But do I want my child learning inaccurate information in their classroom? No, I dont. Oklahoma Voice is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a nation 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations focused on delivering state government news. The Voice maintains full editorial independence. For more stories by Oklahoma Voice go to oklahomavoice.com. The new tissue machine, TM 5, will have a width of 5.6 meters and a design speed of 2,200 meters per minute, wit the capacity to produce 70,000 tons per year of tissue. The new tissue machine, TM 5, will have a width of 5.6 meters and a design speed of 2,200 meters per minute, wit the capacity to produce 70,000 tons per year of tissue. Valmet to Supply New Advantage Tissue Production Line to Lila Group in Turkey May 27, 2025 - Valmet will supply a complete Valmet Advantage DCT 200 tissue line to the Turkish tissue manufacturer Lila Group's new mill in Erzurum, located in the eastern part of Turkey. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The new tissue machine, TM 5, will have a width of 5.6 meters and a design speed of 2,200 meters per minute, wit the capacity to produce 70,000 tons per year of tissue for Lila's domestic and export markets. The new machine will be equipped with stock preparation, a rewinder, and an extensive automation package to achieve high efficiency and low energy consumption in production. Valmet has previously delivered four Advantage DCT 200 tissue lines to Lila Group's mill in Corlu, Tekirdag, in Turkey. "We have had a long-lasting partnership with Lila Group and are proud to have been part of their success in Turkey from the very beginning. It is an honor to be selected as a partner for the next phase of their expansion journey and to deliver to a brand-new site in Turkey," said Bjorn Magnus, Sales Director, EMEA, Paper business line, Valmet. The delivery will comprise a complete Valmet Advantage DCT 200 tissue production line with stock preparation equipment and a Focus Reelite 25 ENS Rewinder. The tissue machine is equipped with Valmet Advantage key technology, including a ViscoNip press, a Yankee Dryer, and a SoftReel reel. The scope will include an extensive automation package with a Valmet DNA Distributed Control System (DCS) a Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS), and a Valmet IQ Softness Measurement. Start-up, commissioning, and training are also part of the delivery. The start-up of TM 5 is planned for 2026. Valmet has a global customer base across various process industries and is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries. SOURCE: Valmet WEPA Group to Install New Tissue Machine, Converting Lines, at Bridgend Plant in UK May 27, 2025 - WEPA Group announced plans to install a new tissue paper machine, along with two converting lines, at the company's production site in the town of Bridgend, South Wales, UK. A complete modernization of the palletizing of finished products at the facility is also part of the project. The new tissue machine will have a production capacity of 70,000 tons per year. "The United Kingdom is a very important strategic market to us," explained Martin Krengel, CEO of the WEPA Group. "We want to further grow here to continue to support our partners' growth and to meet their quality and most importantly sustainability expectations in the best possible way in the future as well." Harm Bergmann-Kramer, COO of the WEPA Group, added, "The goal of the investment is to increase capacity, efficiency and sustainability at our production site in Bridgend." As a result of the new machine and converting equipment, the amount of water and energy needed for the paper production process will be reduced significantly, while waste will be minimized during converting. Furthermore, the new paper tissue machine will allow an increased amount of recycled hygiene paper to be produced at the site. WEPA said the project shall be realized within the next two years. The Bridgend plant produces toilet paper and kitchen towels for the British consumer market. It employs approximately 345 people and has been part of the WEPA Group since 2013 initially as a joint venture before being fully acquired in 2018. With more than 4,000 employees, the WEPA Group manufactures hygiene products such as toilet paper, paper towels, tissues and napkins at 14 European sites. WEPA is among the three largest European manufacturers and an expert in the production of hygiene paper from recycled fibre. Its annual turnover is roughly 1.6 billion euros. SOURCE: WEPA Group Its always nice to find good deals on quality monitors, like this 27-inch Samsung 4K ViewFinity monitor for $200 which definitely fits the bill as a good deal. You can usually get one of these for around $350, so this 43% discount on Amazon is a steep drop worth jumping on. This is a 27-inch display with a gorgeous 4K resolution, and that means youll get impressive clarity for all the content you love watching, be it spreadsheets for work or Netflix for leisure. The ViewFinity S70D has HDR10 support, so the colors will be as vibrant and close-to-life as possible, and the contrast will be on point. This monitor was created to be as comfortable as possible while working or using your computer. Its TUV-certified, which means its going to be easy on your eyes, and it also comes with an Eye Saver Mode that reduces blue light and screen flickering. It comes with only the essential ports, though, including HDMI and DisplayPort, plus a USB-A and audio jack. This is the best price weve seen for this monitor outside of last years Black Friday, and even then it was only $10 cheaper. If you want a solid 4K monitor of a modest size for your desk at a great price, this is one to get. Snag it while this limited-time deal is still available! Save 43% on Samsung's 27-inch 4K office monitor A staffer enters the door next to Nippon Steel logo at the company's Kashima Plant in Kashima, Japan on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Ayaka McGill, File) AP HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) U.S. Sen. David McCormick said Tuesday that an arrangement that will allow Japan-based Nippon Steel to invest in U.S. Steel will guarantee an American CEO, a majority of board members from the United States and U.S. government approval over certain corporate functions. McCormick spoke on CNBC, four days after President Donald Trump suggested that an agreement on a partnership was at hand to resolve Nippon Steels nearly $15 billion bid to buy iconic American steelmaker U.S. Steel that has been blocked on national security grounds. Following his statement Friday, Trump on Sunday told reporters that Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel will be controlled by the United States; otherwise, I wouldnt make the deal and that its an investment and its a partial ownership but itll be controlled by the U.S.A. McCormick said the idea was Nippon Steels proposal, even though Nippon Steel has yet to say anything about whether it is willing to accept the concept described by Trump and McCormick in place of its bid to control the company. Many of the aspects outlined by McCormick and Trump have been floated previously by Nippon Steel. FILE - This April 26, 2010, file photo shows the United States Steel logo outside the headquarters building in downtown Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) AP Keeping U.S. Steels headquarters had always been part of Nippon Steels bid to buy it. Nippon had pledged to put U.S. Steel under a board made up of a majority of American citizens, with a management team made up of American citizens. Nippon Steel also had pledged not to conduct layoffs or plant closings as a result of the transaction and to protect the best interests of U.S. Steel in trade matters. To sweeten the deal, Nippon Steel had offered up a $2.7 billion commitment to upgrade U.S. Steels two blast furnaces and pledged that it wouldnt import steel slabs that would compete with the facilities. Nippon Steel did issue an approving statement on Friday that said the partnership between Nippon Steel and U. S. Steel is a game changer. But it didnt describe terms of a deal or say whether it had agreed to any final terms. McCormick said Nippon has agreed to invest $14 billion into U.S. Steel, with a national security agreement that will be signed with the U.S. government. The deal entails an American CEO, an American-majority board and a golden share that requires U.S. government approval of a number of the board members to will allow the U.S. to ensure that production levels arent cut, McCormick said. The deal involves building a new electric arc furnace a more modern steel mill that melts down scrap and investing $2.4 billion into the U.S. Steel facilities in the Pittsburgh area, including the Edgar Thomson Works blast furnace that was built in the 19th century. McCormick said Nippon Steel will have members of the board and the entity will be part of their overall corporate structure. He also said Nippon Steel gets what they wanted, which is access to the U.S. market and the benefits of the long-running protectionist U.S. tariffs that analysts say has helped reinvigorate domestic steel. I think they know what theyre getting into, McCormick said. They negotiated it. It was their proposal, and I think they saw it as a great strategic move for them and one thats great for the United States. U.S. Steels board and shareholders had approved Nippon Steels bid, but it was opposed by the United Steelworkers union and was blocked by former President Joe Biden on his way out of office. After Trump became president, he subjected it to another national security review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Rite Aid in Duncannon, Perry County is holding a store closing sale. The store's pharmacy closed on May 22. Sue Gleiter Residents in at least one central Pennsylvania community are scrambling to find pharmacy services in the wake of Rite Aids store closing announcement. Of the roughly six pharmacies operating in Perry County, Rite Aids closing will cut that number in half. Rite Aid announced that stores in Newport, Duncannon and Shermans Dale are closing. Those closures have the potential to create whats known as a pharmacy desert in the county, where residents have to travel further to get their prescriptions filled. On a rainy weekday afternoon, shoppers at the store in Duncannon loaded carts with bottled water, laundry detergent, shampoo and greeting cards, all marked 60-80% off as part of a bankruptcy sale. The stores pharmacy closed on May 22. Notes posted at the store direct customers to use another Rite Aid pharmacy, 11 miles away in Enola. It would be convenient to have something here in Duncannon, said resident Julie LaRue. She said she gets her long-term medications through the mail and moving forward, anything acute she will have to get from whatever pharmacy is available at the time. LaRue said she has heard multiple concerns from residents about losing access to nearby pharmacies. A lot of conversation centers around having to leave Duncannon and [having] to travel to get something, especially if they are retired, she said. Earlier this month, Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy for a second time to pursue a strategic and value-maximizing sale process for substantially all of its assets. So far, the chain has announced about 350 closures, including around 175 in Pennsylvania. But, most of Rite Aids more than 1,200 stores are expected to close, including hundreds of locations in the Keystone State. Philadelphia-based Rite Aid, which was located in Cumberland County for decades, has a large presence in Pennsylvania with well over 300 stores. The company is also laying off around 1,100 corporate employees who work at or report to offices in York County and Philadelphia. Rite Aid announced last week that it had entered into agreements for its pharmacy assets of more than 1,000 stores across the country with CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, and Giant Eagle. CVS Pharmacy said that it has agreed to acquire the prescription files of 625 Rite Aid pharmacies across 15 states in areas that CVS serves, as well as acquire and operate 64 Rite Aid stores in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Those agreements were approved in U.S. Bankruptcy Court this week, according to Reuters. Rite Aid is not the only pharmacy chain closing stores. Walgreens announced plans to close about 1,200 stores over the next three years. Last year CVS Health closed 586 stores. The closures could have far-reaching impacts on rural and urban communities. Residents depend on pharmacies to dispense medications and offer vaccinations and one-on-one consults. According to a recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, about 18% of people in the United States live in whats deemed a pharmacy desert, where access to pharmacies is limited. The National Library of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau define a pharmacy desert as having at least 33% of its population living a mile or more from a pharmacy in urban areas, 5 miles in suburban areas or 10 miles in rural areas. In Pennsylvania, about 540,000 rural Pennsylvania residents lived at least five miles from the nearest pharmacy, according to 2022 data from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. Its not just a rural issue. Data from the legislative agency also shows that 151,000 people in urban areas lived in pharmacy deserts. A prime example of an urban community without a pharmacy is Steelton. It lost its only pharmacy last year when Rite Aid closed on South Front Street. Fortunately, Hamilton Health will fill the void this summer when it opens a pharmacy at its Steelton facility at 120 N. Front St. Hamiltons president and CEO Terese DeLaPlaine said Rite Aids closing was one of several factors that contributed to Hamiltons decision to open a pharmacy. At Hamilton, we continuously study the economic and health access challenges facing the communities we serve. In Steelton, limited pharmacy access, transportation barriers, and income disparities all contributed to our decision. The pharmacy is one piece of our long-term commitment to improving care access in this area, she said. Hamilton doesnt have plans to open additional pharmacies but has expanded services, such as iLocal self-service pickup boxes at its locations, especially in areas where pharmacy services are limited or big-box pharmacies have closed. As Rite Aid stores close and reroute pharmacy services, other pharmacies, including Newport Pharmacy, are picking up the extra slack. Pharmacy manager Praveena Sagi said she started receiving calls when the news came out about Rite Aid, but first noticed it when the chain stopped carrying diabetic injections. People started calling and we were able to accommodate some patients. Since it came out in the news, there is a panic around here. People are calling left and right, she said. She opened the pharmacy at the former Medicine Shoppe during the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020. Sagi did house calls for bedridden customers who needed vaccinations. She said the pharmacy offers delivery services because transportation is a big issue for a lot of customers, including senior citizens. For many central Pa. residents, the Rite Aid closings just mean longer trips. Wayne Dressler III of Thompsontown said they are used to driving to shop. You just have to find other places to go, theres always doctors offices around. Theres Weis, theres Giant, he said. There are other options. PennLive reporter Daniel Urie contributed to this story. This file photo shows a store sign on a Rite Aid in Pittsburgh on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) AP A Rite Aid store in Lancaster County is on the companys latest list of locations that are closing. The Rite Aid store at 1786-I Columbia Ave. in West Hempfield Township, near Columbia, is closing, the chain said in a bankruptcy filing on Friday. More than 150 stores are on the latest list of closings. The 151 stores are in addition to the 210 stores that Rite Aid previously announced it would close. Earlier this month, Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy for a second time to pursue a strategic and value-maximizing sale process for substantially all of its assets. Most of Rite Aids more than 1,200 stores are expected to close, including hundreds of locations in the Keystone State. Philadelphia-based Rite Aid, which was located in Cumberland County for decades, has a large presence in Pennsylvania with well over 300 stores. The company is also laying off around 1,100 corporate employees who work at or report to offices in York County and Philadelphia. Rite Aid announced that it had entered into agreements for its pharmacy assets of more than 1,000 stores across the country with CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, and Giant Eagle. CVS Pharmacy said that it has agreed to acquire the prescription files of 625 Rite Aid pharmacies across 15 states in areas that CVS serves, as well as acquire and operate 64 Rite Aid stores in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Those agreements were approved in U.S. Bankruptcy Court last week, according to Reuters. The driver in this fatal crash in Carlisle Friday night told police he had been drinking at a nearby private club before the crash. Photo provided by Chris Taney CARLISLE - The man charged with killing a Carlisle woman and severely injuring her husband Friday was about two blocks away from the bar hed just left when the downtown crash occurred. Martin L. Brinton, 57, told police he had two beers and a mixed drink at the Fraternal Order of Eagles social club before the 8:17 p.m. accident. The Carlisle Eagles lodge on West High Street is literally around the corner from the corner from the intersection at Pomfret and South Hanover streets where Brinton lost control of his car and drove onto the sidewalk. There, he plowed into pedestrians James and Ellen Kievit, a married couple who also lived less than two blocks away, in the 200 block of South Hanover Street. Ellen Kievit, 73 years old and a lector at the local Roman Catholic church who was active in many local organizations, was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later. Ellen epitomized full of grace, one fellow parishioner posted on Facebook. To have her life ripped from us and her husband critically injured in such a senseless manner devastates us all. Her husband, a retired U.S. Army officer who last served as a professor at the U.S. Army War Colleges Center for Strategic Leadership, was initially reported to be in critical condition. James Kievit remained in critical condition at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center as of mid-day Monday. Brinton was driving westbound on East Pomfret Street in his sedan when, at the intersection with Hanover Street, he initially told police he had a coughing fit that caused him to black out. His car then travelled through the intersection at what witnesses described as a high rate of speed, before veering onto the sidewalk at the northwest corner of the intersection. There, Brintons car struck the Kievits, and then crashed into the wall of the Pomfret Street Apartment building, where it came to rest. Responding officers said they immediately noticed a heavy smell of alcohol on Brintons breath when they interviewed him at the scene. After speaking about the coughing fit, police said, Brinton admitted hed had two light beers and a 7 and 7, typically a mix of Seagrams 7 Crown whiskey and 7-Up soda, at the bar before driving. Brinton was charged this weekend with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol, a felony charge that carries a mandatory minimum three-year prison term upon conviction. He is being held in Cumberland County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail pending further action on the charges. Police have identified the two people killed in a Memorial Day shooting at a Philadelphia park. Mikhail Bowers, 21, and Amya Devlin, 23, both of Philadelphia were killed Monday evening when gunfire erupted around 10:27 p.m. along Lemon Hill Drive at Poplar Drive. Devlin was shot in the upper torso and Bowers was shot in the chest. Both were taking to hospitals where they were pronounced dead. Hundreds of people were in the park at the time of the shooting, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Nine other people, who ranged between 15 to 28 in age, were wounded. All were taken to hospitals and are listed in stable condition. Police said they believe there were at least three shooters, as they found over 20 shell casings from three different weapons. They also said they suspect the weapons were modified to fire quicker into the crowd. At this point, the identities and motives of the shooters are unknown. We cant specifically say that [the victims] were targeted at this point or not, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said during a news conference. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker decried the shooting, calling it heinous. This is a heinous act of violence that was inhumane, [with] Parker said at a news conference today, per the Inquirer. We will not be held hostage by anyone who decides that they want to get assault-like, war-like weaponry, guns with switches This was war-time ammunition that was just opened on Philadelphians and those here in our city. There are no words that you can employ to explain this, Parker said. This is not normal, and we wont normalize the behavior here in our city. Whether this brand gets purchased by another company remains to be seen. (Getty Images) Getty Images The closure of dozens of Rite Aids across the United States has had multiple repercussions, specifically in the pharmacy space. Its also having repercussions in ways people might not have thought of. According to Mens Journal, many people might recognize Thrifty Ice Cream as the scoops chain located inside Rite Aid pharmacies. Since Rite Aid is shuttering stores nationwide, TheStreet explains, the company will thus close about 500 Thrifty Ice Cream locations by default. Launched in the 1940s, The Thrifty Ice Cream website describes the brand as ice cream For the people, by the people. With love comes longevity, the site reads. Our plant in El Monte, CA, is full of familiar faces. Many of our employees have been churning out ice cream for three decades, marking each hand-crafted carton they scoop with their name. We also taste-test hundreds of new flavors every year. Its a hard job, but somebodys gotta do it! Our team can even make exclusive, custom flavors like Sriracha Swirl and Bacon & Cheddar. Indeed, Thrifty Ice Cream appears to have accrued quite the following: Reddit users praise the brand in several threads, with one page stating, Thrifty Ice cream, you know whats up! I love Thrifty Ice Cream, theyre one of the best quality ice creams for the price, commented one Redditor. I remember when the containers would go on sale, three for $5. Black Cherry, Chocolate Malted Crunch, Rainbow Sherbet, and Mint Chip were my favorite. The Los Angeles Times notes that the future of Thrifty Ice Cream remains unknown for now: While its brick-and-mortar stores will soon be no more, the brand might still be sold off and rejuvenated under a new company. Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson died Sunday. He was 79. As the news of Robertsons passing spread, many took to social media to share prayers and memories of him. And, one of those memories that took off was a 7-second speech that Robertson gave in favor of President Donald Trump at one of his rallies back in 2020. I got it down to this, Robertson said as he stepped to the mic with his son, Willie, and Trump in the background. If your pro-God, and pro-America, and pro-gun, and pro-duck hunting, thats all I want. Robertson then walked away from the mic as Willie and Trump laughed and clapped. Right-wing media personality Benny Johnson shared the clip of the speech to X and wrote, Phil Robertson has gone to be with the Lord at 79. Heres his 7 second Trump (Rally) speech. Legends never die. Robertson had been struggling with several health issues prior to his death, but his passing still left his friends and fans stunned. We are saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson, a hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family, the Duck Dynasty account on X posted Sunday. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and respect their privacy as they grieve. We are deeply saddened by the loss of an old friend and one of the pillars of the hunting community, the Mossy Oak account wrote on X. With his faith, his family, his friends and his duck hunting, Phil Robertson was an exemplary man. He changed the world for the better, and hell be missed by many every morning in the woods. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Robertson family. Phil Robertson has gone to be with the Lord at 79. Heres his 7 second Trump Tally speech. Legends never die pic.twitter.com/Fz4CQVSQdp Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 26, 2025 Robertsons son, Jase, wrote on X, My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again! #PhilRobertson #Jesus There were many more similar posts on X. Robertsons daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, first shared the news on Facebook Sunday evening. We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord, she wrote. He reminded us often of the words of Paul, you do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus, she added. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again. We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. Were having a private service for now, but well share details soon about a public celebration of life. Just last month the Duck Dynasty crew shared that Phil and his wife, Kay Robertson, had been reunited in a home as they both battled physical issues. My dads not doing great overall, and my mom is not doing great physically, Jase Robertson said on the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast. She has to have pretty much 24/7 professional healthcare, but my dad, its like, youre helping her morale. Shes helping his morale. A new report suggests that warming global temperatures could allow for an increased spread of fungal infections in humans. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Research by scientists suggests that the trend of higher temperatures worldwide will result in the significant spread of a deadly fungus. CNN reports that a team of scientists at Manchester University have used computer simulations and climate forecasts to map the potential spread of Aspergillus, a common group of fungi. Like most fungi, Aspergillus spread by releasing spores into the air. Humans often inhale fungal spores but are generally protected from infection by our immune systems. However, people with lung conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or COPD, compromised immune systems, or respiratory infections like influenza or COVID-19, could potentially become infected by Aspergillus spores, leading to a condition called aspergillosis. According to this new study, which is now being peer reviewed, the warming global climate will allow Aspergillus species to expand their range into North America, Europe, China and Russia. Aspergillosis is a life-threatening condition which can be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms present as a common respiratory illness. Normal van Rijn, one of the studys authors and a researcher of climate change and infectious diseases, told CNN that fungal infections are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites. According to the report, these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future, van Rijn said. If the aspergillosis infection spreads, the fungus starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly, van Rijn told CNN. CNN reports that fungal infections kill an estimated 2.5 million people each year, and the actual numbers could be much higher due to lack of data. Antifungal treatments are less common than treatments for other forms of infection. Once someone is infected by the aspergillosis fungus, mortality rates are between 20% to 40%. One fungus species, Aspergillus flavus, is particularly resistant to many antifungal medication and may increase its spread by 16%, according to the report, pushing into northern America, northern China and Russia. Aspergillus flavus has also been known to infect crops, posing a potential threat to food security, CNN reports. Warming world temperatures could also allow fungi to improve their temperature tolerance, which would allow them to better survive within a human body and make infections more likely. Former Supreme Court Justice J. Michael Eakin Former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice J. Michael Eakin died Tuesday at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He was 76 years old. The lane restrictions will be in place so an inspection can be performed. PennDOT The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced there will be daytime lane restrictions this Thursday and Friday on the Route 11/15 bridge spanning Shermans Creek just south of Duncannon in Penn Township, Perry County. The lane restrictions will be in place so an inspection can be performed, a press release said. Weather permitting, the inspection will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30. There will be a right lane restriction in the northbound direction on Thursday and in the southbound direction on Friday. Travelers are reminded to be alert for these operations, to obey work zone signs, and to use caution when driving through work zones for their safety, as well as for the safety of the road crews. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at PennDOT District 8. Pa. Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, shown here in August 2024, said he thinks the "One, Big, Beautiful" budget bill narrowly passed the House last week "can be improved" by the Senate with "more fiscal restraint." Zach Gleiter | Special to PennLive Zach Gleiter | Special to PennLive Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick said during a television interview Tuesday that it is pretty clear that there has been out-of-control spending in a Medicaid program that Democrats warn could be slashed by nearly $900 billion. I think it can be improved in the Senate, McCormick said of the President Donald Trumps One, Big, Beautiful Bill, pointing to fiscal reduction, more fiscal restraint. Pa. Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, left, said he would oppose the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" passed by the GOP-controlled House while GOP Sen. Dave McCormick seemed poised to support it. (AP Photo/Marc Levy, File) (AP Photos/J. Scott Applewhite (Fetterman) and Marc Levy (McCormick)) Pennsylvanias U.S. House members split along party lines when voting on a controversial budget legislation that would cut Medicaid and SNAP funding and now it appears the states senators will be doing the same. After House Republicans passed the One, Big, Beautiful Bill championed by President Donald Trump by just one vote, Democrat John Fetterman said on X/Twitter that he would oppose it. Republican Sen. Dave McCormick appeared more welcoming to the bill in his X post, though he did not mention the deep cuts to Medicaid or SNAP that will strip food assistance and medical coverage from hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians. With the action of the House, we are one step closer to providing tax relief, strengthening the border, and doubling down on energy independence, McCormick said. I look forward to reviewing the House bill and getting to work to get this done. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office determined the bill would cut almost $800 billion from Medicaid and enforce new work requirements, and slash about $270 billion from SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that feeds mainly seniors, children and low-income families. Democrats say the cuts would devastate rural hospitals and communities that rely on that funding. Both Republicans positioning themselves as potential challengers to Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro next year state Treasurer Stacy Garrity and U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser also backed the bill. Nearly 2 million adults and 1.4 million children in Pennsylvania rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage and the bill, which every Keystone State Republican voted for, could cut at least $2 billion in funding for the state. As for SNAP, nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians rely on that program for food, including 759,000 children and 282,000 older residents, according to the state Department of Human Services. Heres who will be affected: Hungry Pennsylvanians. Millions of Pennsylvanians who rely on medical care from Medicaid. Rural Pennsylvania hospitals. Pennsylvanias farmers, Fetterman said. Thats why Ill strenuously vote against this. Shapiro, a Democrat, said in a statement that the bill would cut healthcare and food assistance from hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians and speed up the closure of dozens of rural hospitals across our Commonwealth all while increasing our national deficit by $2.3 trillion. Shapiro said the state cannot make up for a $1 billion cut to food assistance and that the result would be that at least 140,000 Pennsylvanians would lose access to food and more than 300,000 could lose Medicaid coverage. There are 25 rural hospitals struggling to survive in the state that rely on Medicaid, Shapiro said. This is a bad bill, and it will have negative and lasting impacts on our Commonwealth, he said. The partisan split in the House was no surprise considering the contentiousness over the bill and Democratic warnings about the negative impact it would have on struggling Americans. Central Pennsylvanias GOP lawmakers, however, backed the bill. Rep. Scott Perry, a York County Republican and member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, told the Daily Signal that he wished the bill had been more aggressive on Medicaid and, while he still had reservations that the bill did not cut spending enough, he would wait to see what happens in the Senate. We are hoping to make some changes in the Senate, told the outlet. Now, they could go the other way, too, so we have obvious reservations about that. Janelle Stelson, the Democrat who lost to Perry in a close race in November but who is widely expected to try and challenge him again in 2026, knocked him in an X post. Life is getting more expensive in Central PA because of @RepScottPerry, she wrote. From supporting the tariff-taxes raising prices on everyday goods, to being the deciding vote today on cutting Medicaid and hurting seniors, its clear Perry is NOT looking out for us. Republican Rep. Lloyd Smucker of Lancaster County released a statement in which he said the bill will deliver tax cuts for families and small businesses, secure the border, spur domestic energy and reduce federal spending. Smucker did not mention the impact on Medicaid or SNAP. This bill secures more savings than any other reconciliation bill in American history protecting families from both a historic tax hike and the hidden costs of unchecked federal borrowing. Meuser, a Lebanon County Republican, supported what he called a strong pro-growth bill, that strengthens our economy and national security, fortifies our border, protects essential benefits like SNAP and Medicaid with commonsense accountability, and delivers real tax relief for small businesses, Meuser wrote on X. Before the vote, Meuser called for deeper cuts to Medicaid, saying that it is a safety net, not a hammock, during a radio interview. Prior to the vote, Garrity wrote on X that the bill was about securing our border, reducing wasteful spending, and putting money back into YOUR pockets. Congress needs to get this passed ASAP. Jack Doyle, director of the left-leaning Pennsylvania Accountability Hub, said Meuser has fought tooth and nail for a bill that will strip health care from hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians so that he can deliver a tax cut to his wealthy friends, and now he is taking a victory lap. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity says's Trump's budget bill preserves healthcare access in rural areas, while Democrats say Medicaid cuts will force rural hospitals to close. Garrity has championed support for rural communities and appeared with Shapiro in her native Bradford County in February to stress the importance of protecting healthcare in those areas. But, Doyle said it is disingenuous for Garrity to offer support to rural communities while backing a bill that could devastate them. Stacy Garrity advertises herself as a champion for rural Pennsylvanians while endorsing a bill that will devastate their communities, said Doyle. Garrity is selling out rural communities because she wants to appease Trump in the hopes of getting his endorsement if she decides to run for governor. In a statement to PennLive, Garrity reiterated her shared interests with Shapiro in helping rural communities preserve healthcare access and insisted that the bill does just that. It repeals federal mandates that would close rural nursing homes, ensures physicians can continue to accept Medicaid patients, improves access to prescription medication through greater transparency and accountability, and significantly expands access to telehealth, she said. Garrity said the bill would help rural hospitals by allowing them to maintain emergency rooms, maternity care, surgical units and other lifesaving services through targeted grants. As the only statewide public official from rural Pennsylvania, I know the challenges that rural hospitals and rural patients are facing, Garrity said. I applaud President Trump and Republicans in the House of Representatives for making this important first step in delivering for our rural communities. A western Pa. fire department, not pictured here, is responding to questions from residents about why it did not respond to a fire with entrapment just blocks away on Monday. A local fire department in Pennsylvania says a change in county dispatching protocol kept it from responding to a serious blaze on Monday just three blocks away, but the county disagrees. Capt. Dan Copeland of the Springdale Volunteer Fire Department in Allegheny County told WTAE-TV that his department did not respond to the fire, which was reported with entrapment, because of the new county policy. We might hear of a fire call thats in the neighboring community, but if were not called, we cant help, Copeland told the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh. If we actually have the staffing at the station, if we were to get on the radio and offer help, he said, the county dispatchers wont acknowledge us and wont relay the command that theres a neighboring engine and company that has a staffed unit that can respond to that location. Copeland said the new policy prohibits fire departments from bidding on calls so his department did not go for Mondays call even though units could have responded in two minutes. An Allegheny County spokesperson, though, told the TV station that county policy has not changed, and it has always discouraged bidding on calls. Departments should follow the existing dispatching procedures, she told WTAE. The spokesperson also said that Springdale was on the dispatch list to be called if there had been a second alarm for the fire, but that was not necessary. WTAE reported that one person was taken to a hospital with non-serious injuries in the Monday morning fire in Springdale. In a Facebook post, the Springdale department responded to questions from the community about the situation, saying it had 11 firefighters three blocks from the fire at a Memorial Day service. We have been receiving messages and seeing posts questioning why our station did not respond being the closest company to a reported structure fire with entrapment. Unfortunately we can not answer those questions, the departments post said. We had equipment staffed with 11 firefighters just three blocks away attending a memorial service. With Allegheny Counties (sic) new dispatching protocols our station did not offer assistance over the radio as bidding is not allowed, the post read. To the residents of neighboring Cheswick Borough and the Orrville section of Springdale Township were not chosing (sic) not to respond were not being called. Update: A PSP spokesperson at 9 p.m. said authorities concluded their investigation at the property Tuesday and have since cleared the scene. Pennsylvania State Police and an excavator on Tuesday returned to a Dauphin County property linked to the 1989 disappearance of Tracy Kroh. "The 6000 lb. Diaries with Dr. Now" airs Mondays on Lifetime. Courtesy of Lifetime Destinee and Dynastiee are identical twins who need to lose weight. Combined they weigh 1,200 pounds and seek help from bariatric surgeon, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan. The 6000-lb. Diaries with Dr. Now airs at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Monday, May 26, on Lifetime. LIVE STREAM: Fans can watch Lifetime without cable on Fans can watch Lifetime without cable on Philo (free trial) and SlingTV. The synopsis for the first part of the twins story is, As identical twins, Destinee and Dynastiee, have always done everything together ... including gaining weight. At over a collective 1,200 lbs., they both are determined to get healthy and lose the weight with Dr. Nows help. In part two, Destinee and Dynastiee continue their weight loss journey, but, after only one of them qualifies for surgery, the thought of moving ahead without the other is too much. They decide to do it together or not at all, knowing if one fails, they both fail. On the show, patients seek the help of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan. Dr. Now helps morbidly obese people to lose weight. Patients must travel to Dr. Nows bariatric surgery practice in Houston, Texas. What is Philo? Philo is a streaming service that offers more than 70 live channels and more than 70,000 titles on demand for $28 a month. Philo has a SEVEN-DAY FREE TRIAL. Channels include AMC, AMC+, A&E, MTV, BET, Discovery, VH1, Food Network, History, Nickelodeon, OWN, TLC, Lifetime, Hallmark, Paramount and TV One. Add-on packages include EPIX, STARZ and Movies and More. Philo offers an unlimited 1-year DRV. What is Sling TV? Sling streaming service is $45.99 a month for the Orange (35 channels) or Blue (43 channels) Levels. Orange plus Blue is $60.99 a month. Premium subscribers also can get a month of Showtime, STARZ and EPIX for free. Channels include CMT, Bravo, BET, Comedy Central, A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, Discovery+, Hallmark, History, National Geographic, Lifetime, TLC and USA. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. Heavy rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers and windy conditions developing for the afternoon. High 84F. Winds NE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.. Tonight Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain early...then remaining cloudy with thundershowers developing overnight. Low 74F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Mostly cloudy with some showers this afternoon. High 84F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Rain showers early then thundershowers overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 71F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch. Myrtle Beach, SC (29577) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. Heavy rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers and windy conditions developing for the afternoon. High 81F. Winds ENE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain. Thunderstorms possible...mainly overnight. Low 76F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 16:03:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 846 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 President Lourenco has transformed Angola's oil and gas sector through regulatory reform, peace and stability, good governance and anti-corruptionJOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Angola's President Joao Lourenco has been selected as the Energy Person of the Year' by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( www.EnergyChamber.org ), in recognition of his drive for good governance, commitment to reform and work to address corruption in Africa. The award recognizes President Lourenco's instrumental role in transforming Angola into one of Africa's biggest oil and gas producers and how his forward-looking vision is expected to consolidate the country's position as a regional petroleum hub in Africa.Since his election in 2017, President Lourenco has turned Angola's economy - and broader oil and gas industry - around. With ageing oilfields and reduced upstream investment, the country was witnessing rapid production decline. However, President Lourenco's long-term strategy to revitalize the industry saw a series of milestones achieved, and in 2025, the country continues to witness a positive growth trajectory across its oil and gas sector. By introducing flexible investment structures, President Lourenco spurred interest back into the industry, leading to greater investment across the entire energy value chain. These include risk service contracts, a permanent offer scheme, marginal fields opportunities and an incremental production initiative. The privatization of Sonangol, the establishment of the upstream and downstream regulators and revised tax codes have further catalyzed spending and transparency in Angola.President Lourenco has also set clear targets for the country. These include plans to sustain oil output above one million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2027, scaling-up capacity in the natural gas sector while accelerating green energy development. In the oil sector, President Lourenco has spearheaded new development opportunities across the upstream and downstream sectors. With a six-year licensing round introduced in 2019, the country witnessed a surge in investments as major operators sought out new discoveries in both the on- and offshore markets. Now, the country anticipates a $60 billion five-year investment drive, as major players expand their portfolios. Upcoming projects include the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development by Azule Energy and the TotalEnergies-led Kaminho development.To further bolster production, Angola is also opening doors to new block opportunities. A licensing round launching in 2025 will further entice spending, offering 10 blocks for exploration in the Kwanza and Benguela Basins. The country also offers 11 blocks for investment via direct negotiation in conjunction with five marginal fields opportunities. Angola's flexible investment structures - spearheaded by President Lourenco and aimed at supporting a variety of investments - continue to play a major part in facilitating spending across Angola's upstream market. President Lourenco has also positioned the natural gas sector as a catalyst for development in Angola. Already an LNG producer, the country strives to enhance production capacity through associated and non-associated projects. The country's first non-associated project - led by the New Gas Consortium - will come online in late-2025 or early-2026.However, President Lourenco's drive in Angola goes beyond the upstream sector. To address domestic fuel demand, the country targets a refining capacity of upwards of 400,000 bpd. The first phase of the Cabinda oil refinery will begin operations in 2025, introducing 60,000 bpd to the market. Additional investment opportunities in the downstream sector include the planned 200,000 bpd Lobito refinery and the 100,000 Soyo refinery. Under President Lourenco's leadership, the country has engaged investors on these projects, while promoting new downstream developments that promise greater fuel security in both Angola and the broader region.President Lourenco's achievements go beyond oil and gas development. Recognizing the vital need to address climate change concerns, President Lourenco has also been a strong advocate for diversified investments in Africa. Angola is spearheading renewable energy projects as well as green hydrogen. With a commitment to improving peace in Africa, President Lourenco continues to work closely with regional counterparts to foster stability. As Angola celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025, President Lourenco's drive to facilitate inclusive development in Africa will serve as a source of inspiration."President Lourenco has not only been an instrumental leader in Angola but has played a major part in facilitating investment and development across the broader African oil and gas landscape. By committing to industry reform, working closely with international partners and implementing clear and actionable objectives, President Lourenco has shaped Angola's oil and gas market into what it is today," states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.The 'Energy Person of the Year' celebrates the achievements of President Lourenco, highlighting how his ambitious and inclusive approach to development has unlocked a wealth of opportunities for Angola and the broader region. Previous award winners include Frank Fannon, Former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Mohammed S. Barkindo, former OPEC Secretary General, former Namibian President Hage Geingob, Meg O'Neill, CEO and Managing Director, Woodside Energy and Dr. Benedict Oramah, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.Download Image: https://apo-opa.co/4jitncn SOURCE: African Energy Chamber PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 01:31:04 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 999 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution, or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 26, 2025 / Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (TSXV:AEMC)(OTCQB:AKEMF) ("AEMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed a flow-through financing of units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.115 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $500,020 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consisted of one common share of the Company that qualifies as a "flow-through share" for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (an "FT Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole, a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant is exercisable to purchase for one common share of the Company to be issued on a non-flow-through basis (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.16 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months after the closing date of the Offering.Upon the conditional acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), the Company closed the Offering and issued an aggregate 4,348,000 FT Shares and 2,174,000 Warrants underlying the Units sold in the Offering.The Company paid a cash fee of $35,001.40 and issued 304,360 non-transferable share purchase warrants (the "Finder Warrants") to arm's length finder, 3L Capital Inc., (the "Finder"), representing 7% of the gross proceeds and 7% of the Units arranged by the Finder under the Offering. Each Finder Warrant is exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company (the "Finder Share") at $0.115 per Finder Share for a period of 24 months after the closing of the Offering.The securities issued and issuable under the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day following the closing date of the Offering.The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" as such term is defined under subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and "BC flow-through mining expenditures" as defined in subsection 4.721(1) of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia). Proceeds of the financing will be deployed for exploration work at the Company's Angliers - Belleterre project in Quebec, with particular attention to the Rapids / McBride and Vaseux prospects. Planned work includes, geological mapping, prospecting and sampling, ground-based geophysical surveys and/or exploration drilling.The Rapids / McBride prospect shows possible signs of Kambalda-style nickel-copper mineralization but also has features indicative of a volcanogenic massive sulfide environment. The Vaseux prospect shows indications of mineralization potentially similar to the Midrim nickel prospect which occurs on third-party claims to the east.Qualified Person Gregory Beischer, the Company's President and CEO, is the qualified person, as defined under NI 43-101 having reviewed and approved of the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.For additional information, visit: https://alaskaenergymetals.com/ About Alaska Energy Metals Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (AEMC) is an Alaska-based corporation with offices in Anchorage and Vancouver working to sustainably deliver the critical materials needed for national security and a bright energy future, while generating superior returns for shareholders.AEMC is focused on delineating and developing the large-scale, bulk tonnage, polymetallic Nikolai Project Eureka deposit containing nickel, copper, cobalt, chromium, iron, platinum, palladium, and gold. Located in Interior Alaska near existing transportation and power infrastructure, its flagship project, Nikolai, is well-situated to become a significant domestic source of strategic metals for North America. AEMC also holds a secondary project in western Quebec; the Angliers - Belleterre project. Today, material sourcing demands excellence in environmental performance, technological innovation, carbon mitigation and the responsible management of human and financial capital. AEMC works every day to earn and maintain the respect and confidence of the public and believes that ESG performance is measured by action and led from the top.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD"Gregory Beischer" Gregory Beischer, President & CEOFOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Gregory A. Beischer, President & CEOToll-Free: 877-217-8978 | Local: 604-609-7149Forward-Looking Statements Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation), including, without limitation, the statements as to the use of proceeds, to perform exploration surveys and to drill exploratory holes at the the Rapids / McBride and Vaseux prospects. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions, or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If the Company updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-lo PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 18:15:20 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 27, 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: 2025-05-27 16:25:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 692 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Rosen Law Firm:WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American:ATNM) between October 31, 2022 and August 2, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important May 27, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Actinium securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Actinium class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=37511 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 May 27, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW:We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Actinium's data from Sierra Trial was unlikely to satisfy the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's ("FDA") guidelines for the acceptance and approval of Actinium's Iomab-B Biologics License Application ("BLA"); (2) the additional analyses, including long-term follow-ups that purportedly demonstrated a trend towards improved Overall Survival ("OS") that Actinium provided to the FDA in an attempt to mitigate the Sierra Trial's poor OS data were unlikely to satisfy the FDA's guidelines for the acceptance and approval of Actinium's Iomab-B BLA; (3) as a result, the FDA would likely refuse to review the Iomab-B BLA or, if it did consider that BLA, that the application in its current form was unlikely to be approved; and (4) as a result, defendants' positive statements about Actinium's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Actinium class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=37511call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 14:00:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 726 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB:AVAI) ("Avant" or the "Company"), and its JV partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), a leading healthcare technology company focused on revolutionizing early disease detection using artificial intelligence (AI), today announced the companies are exploring options to integrate the early detection of dementia into Ainnova's proprietary, AI-powered platform technology, Vision AI. The addition would reinforce the Company's mission of expanding AI-powered early detection and preventative health solutions across the globe.Currently, the Company has identified a promising patented early disease detection technology specializing in the early detection of dementia and is exploring its options to either license the technology globally or potentially acquire the technology altogether. The patented technology combines AI algorithms and hardware based on a 5-minute blood test. Adding the early detection of dementia would expand the offerings in the Company's technology portfolio and enhance the broader vision of the partnership between Avant and Ainnova.The success of the Company's preventative screening platform involves the deployment of an automated, low-cost retinal imaging device integrated with the Vision AI platform to deliver comprehensive preventive risk screening. Presently, from just two retinal images, blood pressure and some lab test information, the Company's system uses 4 integrated algorithms to assess risks for: (i) cardiovascular disease (CVD), (ii) type 2 diabetes, (iii) liver fibrosis, and (iv) chronic kidney disease (CKD).Vinicio Vargas, Chief Executive Officer at Ainnova and member of the Board of Directors of the joint venture company, Ai-nova Acquisition Corp., said of the potential expansion of its technology portfolio, "This accessible, fast, and scalable solution is designed to support early intervention and targeted treatment strategies, with the ambition of reaching millions of patients globally in the coming years. Adding the early detection of dementia that this patented technology presents us, would go a long way to making us a leader in the industry of early disease detection." About Ainnova Tech, Inc.Ainnova is a Nevada-based healthtech startup with headquarters in San Jose, Costa Rica, and Houston, Texas. Founded by an experienced and innovative team that is dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence for early disease detection. Recognized with multiple global awards and renowned partnerships with hospitals and medical device companies, we proudly introduce Vision AI - our cutting-edge platform designed to prevent blindness and detect the early onset of diabetes. Explore how Ainnova is revolutionizing healthcare through advanced technology and proactive solutions.About Avant Technologies Inc.Avant Technologies Inc. is an emerging technology company developing solutions in artificial intelligence in healthcare. With a focus on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in AI and machine learning, Avant serves a diverse range of industries, driving progress and efficiency through state-of-the-art technology.More information about Avant can be found at https://avanttechnologies.com You can also follow us on social media at: https://twitter.com/AvantTechAIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/avant -technologies-ai https://www.facebook.com/AvantTechAIhttps://www.youtube.com/@AvantTechAI Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements because of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website ( http://www.sec.gov) . In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes, the Company's ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, if at all, the Company's successful development of its products and the integration into its existing products and the commercial acceptance of the Company's products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date after the date of the press release.Contact:Avant Technologies Inc.info@avanttechnologies.com SOURCE: Avant Technologies Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 23:06:03 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 340 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Recently, a media publication was issued regarding a civil lawsuit in Nevada, U.S. The lawsuit is for an agreement between Bondock LLC, the Buyer and several Sellers with regard to Arvana Inc. The lawsuit, which is in its early procedural stages, is based on allegations that are categorically denied."There is an old saying that says "sue everyone" and this certainly applies here as somehow I was sued along with family members. I am just a large shareholder in both the private and public company that is at the center of the dispute. That the Plaintiff highlighted "investor alert" in their media release is ridiculous." , says Brian Lovig.The claims made against all Defendants in the complaint are not only exaggerated but are also factually inaccurate, misleading and defamatory. The business dealings referenced in the lawsuit were conducted transparently and in accordance with applicable legal standards. Bondock looks forward to presenting the full facts in the appropriate legal forum and is confident that once the evidence is reviewed, the claims will be shown to be meritless.It is disappointing that certain parties have chosen to litigate this matter through the media, rather than through the judicial process. This matter is between Bondock and Plaintiff and other named parties will be dismissed from the action. Brian Lovig has built a respected reputation through decades of business, civic and public commentary, and he will vigorously defend both his integrity and the interests of his family and businesses.About Arvana Inc.Arvana is not a party to this lawsuit.Arvana (OTC PINK:AVNI) is a public company registered under the Securities & Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that is quoted on the OTC Pink Sheets Current Information Alternative Reporting platform. www.OTCmarkets.com About Bondock LLCBondock is a private company that invests in capital market corporations.ContactAs this matter is before the courts, we will not be providing further comment at this time.admin@ bondock.com SOURCE: Arvana, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 16:03:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 488 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Shenzhen's ICIF spotlights AI, mixed reality, and platform-driven innovation in culture sectorSHENZHEN, CN / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / China's 21st International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) is underway in Shenzhen, drawing more than 6,200 exhibitors from government agencies, cultural institutions, and enterprises in a hybrid online-offline format. Billed as a bellwether of China's cultural policy and industry trends, this year's fair highlights the country's deepening integration of technology and culture amid a broader digital transformation push. Shenzhens ICIF spotlights AI, mixed reality, and platform-driven innovation in culture sectorWith the theme "Innovation Shapes Trends, Creativity Lights Up Life," the fair showcases frontier applications in artificial intelligence, immersive experiences, and digital heritage preservation. At the center of attention is "Wen Xiaobo," an AI-powered virtual assistant offering real-time guidance and search services to visitors. A newly launched AI zone features over 60 leading firms - including UBTech and Yuanxiang - mapping out the contours of China's "AI + Culture" ecosystem.Inside the exhibition halls, displays range from AI-driven manuscript restoration and metaverse tourism simulations to smart robotics and gesture-controlled drones. Humanoid robots act as cultural ambassadors, performing martial arts and classical music, while engaging attendees in Chinese chess - demonstrating advancements in AI decision-making. Smart glasses with real-time translation functions exemplify tools that could reshape cross-cultural communication.Mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) installations are crowd favorites. At the X-META park exhibit hosted by Shenzhen's Futian District, visitors don VR headsets to embark on 15-minute immersive expeditions through icy dreamscapes. Meanwhile, the world's first Android-based spatial computing prototype combines MR capabilities with portability and high processing power, with potential applications in education, gaming, and media. In another display, MR headsets enable a towering statue of Ramses II to be virtually reconstructed in real space, as drones maneuver based on hand gestures - creating a dramatic blend of physical and digital environments.Innovation also extends into cultural preservation. A deep-learning model trained on historical scripts and textures enables high-precision digital reconstruction of ancient texts, including Dunhuang manuscripts - hailed by experts as a milestone in digital heritage work.Other headline-grabbing debuts include China's first manned autonomous aerial vehicle prototype, pointing to future low-altitude tourism, and a new conversational AI engine designed to simplify software development - potentially ushering in a democratized "citizen developer" era.As China pushes forward with its digital agenda, the ICIF is emerging as a strategic platform for showcasing technological advances, brokering deals, and exploring the global potential of the nation's cultural exports. More than just a marketplace, the fair invites deeper conversations about cross-sector collaboration, innovation-driven growth, and China's role in shaping a digitally enhanced cultural future. The convergence of culture and technology, industry experts say, is poised to become a key engine of high-quality development and soft power projection in the years ahead.The fair runs through May 26.Contact InformationAnn SmithPR managerpress@ peopledaily.com.cn 6462808967SOURCE: People's Daily Online USA PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 20:58:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 984 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MONTREAL, QC / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 /Critical Elements Lithium Corporation (the "Corporation" or "Critical Elements") (TSXV:CRE)(OTCQX:CRECF)(FSE:F12) is pleased to announce that it has received an amended decision statement ("Decision Statement") for its Rose Lithium-Tantalum project (the "Rose Project") from the Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada. The amendments to the original Decision Statement issued on August 11th, 2021 (press release dated August 11, 2021), include the addition of the following points:- The construction and development of a permanent workers' camp; and- The use of two borrow pits.The Decision Statement obtained today adds to the authorization certificate for the Rose Project from the Ministry of the Environment, Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks of Quebec received by the Corporation in October 2022, amended in August 2024 (press release dated August 14, 2024) and the receipt of the occupancy lease for its worker camp granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry under the Act respecting lands in the domain of the State (Quebec) (press release dated October 16, 2024).Qualified personsYves Perron, Eng. MBA, Vice-President Engineering, Construction and Operations is the qualified persons that has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Corporation.About Critical Elements Lithium CorporationCritical Elements aspires to become a large, responsible supplier of lithium to the flourishing electric vehicle and energy storage system industries. To this end, Critical Elements is advancing the wholly owned, high-purity Rose Project in Quebec, the Corporation's first lithium project to be advanced within a land portfolio of over 1,050 km2. On August 29, 2023, the Corporation announced results of a new Feasibility Study on Rose for the production of spodumene concentrate. The after-tax internal rate of return for the Project is estimated at 65.7%, with an estimated after-tax net present value of US$2.2B at an 8% discount rate. In the Corporation's view, Quebec is strategically well-positioned for US and EU markets and boasts good infrastructure including a low-cost, low-carbon power grid featuring 94% hydroelectricity. The project has received approval from the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change on the recommendation of the Joint Assessment Committee, comprised of representatives from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Cree Nation Government, received the Certificate of Authorization pursuant to section 164 of Quebec's Environment Quality Act from the Quebec Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, and the project mining lease from the Quebec Minister of Natural Resources and Forests under the Quebec Mining Act.For further information, please contact:Jean-Sebastien Lavallee, P. Geo.Chief Executive Officer819-354-5146 jslavallee@ cecorp.cawww.cecorp.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is described in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Cautionary statement concerning forward-looking statementsThis news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian Securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "scheduled", "anticipates", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "scheduled", "targeted", or "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". Forward-looking information contained herein include, without limitation, statements relating to expectations regarding Rose project-level activities including (i) completion of the permitting process, (ii) securing a strategic partnership and project financing leading to a Final Investment Decision and (iii) respecting the Rose project ramp up and commissioning timeline, expectations regarding potential value creation from ongoing and future exploration activities on the Corporation's projects, and the Corporation's ongoing business plan. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that fundamentals of lithium / spodumene demand and EV market growth and capacity will continue to be strong, that project financing will be available on reasonable terms, and that governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's development activities and planned exploration will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Corporation 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.Although Critical Elements 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. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expected results described in forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, reliance on key management and other personnel, potential downturns in (i) general economic conditions, (ii) demand for lithium / spodumene and (iii) EV market growth, capacity and demand, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, risks generally associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals, as well as those risk factors set out in the Corporation's Management Discussion and Analysis for its most recent quarter ended February 28, 2025 and other disclosure documents available under the Corporation's SEDAR+ profile ( www.sedarplus.ca) Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forw PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 14:00:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 942 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Dr. Daniel Becker presented advanced rhinoplasty techniques at The EAFPS 47th Annual Conference in Istanbul.VOORHEES, NEW JERSEY / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Becker Rhinoplasty Center is pleased to announce Dr. Daniel G. Becker's participation in the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (EAFPS) 47th Annual Conference in Istanbul, Turkey. This event gathered leading experts in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery worldwide, with a focus on rhinoplasty. Dr. Becker, a renowned rhinoplasty expert in New Jersey, presented his expertise on a few advanced rhinoplasty techniques. Daniel G. Becker, MD Dr. Becker is a renowned rhinoplasty specialist heading Becker Rhinoplasty Center.Renowned Rhinoplasty Expert Lectures at the EAFPS Conference in IstanbulDr. Daniel G. Becker, founder and medical director of the Becker Rhinoplasty Center in Sewell & Voorhees, NJ, participated in the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (EAFPS) 47th Annual Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, from September 19 to 21, 2024. Dr. Becker, a leading authority in nose jobs, presented the latest advancements in rhinoplasty techniques.Dr. Becker's involvement in the EAFPS conference showcases his dedication to advancing global standards in nose surgery procedures. His involvement helps improve methods in rhinoplasty, motivates other professionals, and highlights the importance of new ideas and high-quality work in the field.Dr. Becker Presents the Latest Advancements in Rhinoplasty TechniquesAt the conference, Dr. Becker presented innovative methods in rhinoplasty, focusing on both aesthetic and functional outcomes. He lectured about The Importance of Medial Crural Length, Technical Considerations With Grafts, and Lateral Crural Overlay - A Workhouse For the Bulbous Tip.The Importance of Medial Crural LengthDr. Becker emphasized the role of medial crural length in controlling nasal tip projection and rotation. He explained how medial crural overlay techniques can adjust tip deprojection and counter-rotation, providing a refined and balanced nasal tip appearance.Technical Considerations with GraftsDr. Becker highlighted the use of grafts, such as columellar struts and plumping grafts, to provide structural support and improve nasal contour. These techniques ensure durability and aesthetic precision, addressing functional and cosmetic needs.Lateral Crural Overlay - A Workhorse for the Bulbous TipFocusing on bulbous tips, Dr. Becker discussed the lateral crural overlay technique. By shortening and suturing the lateral crura, surgeons can achieve superior tip definition and reduce bulbosity, delivering a more sculpted nasal tip.About EAFPSThe European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (EAFPS) is a leading organization dedicated to the advancement of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Established in 1977, EAFPS aims to foster a community of proficient surgeons specializing in the face and neck, promoting comprehensive study, research, and scientific progression in this field. The academy brings together doctors from various disciplines, including rhinoplasty experts, to enhance the quality of patient care through shared knowledge and expertise.About EAFPS The 47th Annual ConferenceThe 47th Annual Meeting of the EAFPS was held from September 19 to 21, 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey. This prestigious event convened leading experts in facial plastic surgery from around the globe to discuss the latest advancements and share innovative techniques. Organized by Prof. Dr. Fazl Apaydn and Dr. Abdulkadir Goksel, the conference featured a comprehensive scientific program, offering participants valuable insights into different rhinoplasty practices in the field.About Dr. Daniel G. Becker, MDDr. Daniel G. Becker is a highly acclaimed rhinoplasty expert with decades of experience. As a Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, he is dedicated to advancing both the art and science of nose surgery.Dr. Becker has published over 100 medical articles and authored four surgical textbooks, solidifying his status as a thought leader in rhinoplasty and facial plastic surgery. His approach combines cosmetic rhinoplasty and functional rhinoplasty expertise to achieve natural, harmonious results without visible scars.Comprehensive Education, Training, and Board CertificationsDr. Becker's outstanding educational background underscores his dedication to excellence. Graduating magna cum laude from Harvard College, he earned a full-merit scholarship to the University of Virginia Medical School.His advanced training includes a residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Virginia Medical Center and a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Since 1997, Dr. Becker has served as faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, shaping the next generation of facial plastic surgery enthusiasts and surgeons.Dr. Becker currently holds three board certifications:Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT)Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS)Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)Primary and Secondary Rhinoplasty ExpertiseDr. Becker has extensive expertise in both primary and revision rhinoplasty, tailoring each procedure to meet his patients' unique needs and aesthetic goals. His philosophy emphasizes natural-looking results that enhance both form and function.With a conservative surgical approach, he avoids over-aggressive resection maneuvers, maintaining structural integrity and prioritizing long-term patient satisfaction. His expertise in revision rhinoplasty has earned him recognition as the only doctor in Philadelphia Magazine's "Top Doctor" list in 2014, specifically for this type of rhinoplasty.Contributions to Innovation and EducationA pioneer in surgical innovation, Dr. Becker has worked extensively on the development of minimally invasive rhinoplasty instruments. His collaboration with leading instrument companies has resulted in the creation of advanced tools, including the Becker/Toriumi instrument set used in his surgeries.His lectures and symposia, delivered at prestigious events worldwide, reflect his commitment to sharing knowledge and advancing the field of rhinoplasty.About Becker Rhinoplasty Center in NJThe Becker Rhinoplasty Center, led by Dr. Daniel G. Becker, offers specialized nasal procedures:Primary Rhinoplasty: Enhances nasal appearance and function.Revision Rhinoplasty: Corrects issues from previous surgeries.Ethnic Rhinoplasty: Personalized techniques for African American and Asian patients, respecting unique nasal features and cultural aesthetics. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 20:10:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 459 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Live virtual events to explore holistic health, hormone therapy, detox, and more - starting May 27, 2025TUCKER, GA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Dr. Zavier Ash, MD, a leader in functional medicine and founder of AshCare Functional Medicine in Tucker, Georgia, is partnering with renowned behavioral health expert Dr. Elaine Reedy, Ph.D., to present a new free health education webinar series designed to help individuals take control of their health through integrative, evidence-informed self-care practices.The series, titled A Conversation with the Doctors, will launch on May 27, 2025 with a joint webinar hosted by Dr. Reedy and Dr. Ash entitled: "What the Blood Says About Your Health". This 45-minute session will guide attendees through interpreting common lab results and using that knowledge to make informed decisions about their care."This series is about making health science and common sense work together," said Dr. Ash. "We want to empower people to understand their bodies and take action from a place of knowledge." The webinar lineup features five expert-led events:May 27, 2025 - 7:30 PM: What the Blood Says About Your Health with Dr. Reedy and Dr. AshJune 10, 2025 - 7:30 PM: Balancing Female and Male Hormones with Dr. AshJune 17, 2025 - 7:30 PM: The Liver and Detoxification with Dr. ReedyJune 24, 2025 - 7:30 PM: Weight Loss, Metabolism & GLP with Dr. AshJuly TBA - 7:30 PM: Healthy Spine - Healthy Body with Dr. Perry Little, DC, CCEPEach session will be hosted live on Zoom, free to the public, and will include expert insight into topics ranging from hormone health and detoxification to weight loss and metabolic function. The series also introduces tools like "Navigate My Chart," aimed at demystifying electronic health records and lab data.Dr. Elaine Reedy brings over 35 years of expertise in behavioural health, Eastern and Western medicine, and alternative therapies such as Reiki, homeopathy, and frequency therapy. Dr. Ash is a Meharry Medical College graduate with specialties in functional medicine, hormone therapy, weight loss, and family medicine."This collaboration reflects a broader movement in medicine-where patients are informed, engaged, and proactive," said Dr. Reedy. "These webinars are a safe place to ask questions and get clear answers." Spots are limited and pre-registration is strongly encouraged.About Dr. Zavier AshDr. Zavier Ash is a board-certified physician based in Tucker, GA. He is the founder of AshCare Functional Medicine, LLC and 7Days Of Weight & Wellness, LLC. With over 25 years of experience in traditional and holistic care, he focuses on treating the whole person through personalized approaches in hormone therapy, metabolic health, and functional medicine.To read more, visit the website here: https://www.drzavierashgeorgia.com/ Reserve Your SpotContact: Dr. Elaine Reedy, PHD and Dr. Zavier Ash, MDPhone: 404-312-0636SOURCE:Dr. Zavier Ash PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 01:21:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1005 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, has emphatically stated that lithium is "the new oil" and is the most critical component in electric vehicles. He has stressed that lithium supply and refining are the front line of all EV production, noting that it remains one of the biggest bottlenecks in scaling the clean energy transition. Elektros Inc.'s groundbreaking discovery aligns perfectly with Musk's vision of securing reliable, ethically sourced lithium to meet the surging global demand. A Historic Opportunity for Billionaires, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries to Power the Future with Rare-Earth 'White Gold'SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 26, 2025 / Elektros Inc. (OTC PINK:ELEK), a distinguished pioneer in the rare-earth sector, proudly announces groundbreaking progress in its Sierra Leone lithium expedition, positioning the company at the forefront of the global energy transition.A Strategic Leap in Lithium Exploration In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainable energy solutions, Elektros Inc. has achieved significant milestones in its Sierra Leone operations. The company's latest geological surveys reveal lithium concentrations surpassing initial projections, indicating the potential for one of the most substantial lithium deposits in West Africa.Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, has long emphasized the critical role of lithium in the future of transportation. High-grade lithium, particularly from secure and ethical sources, is not just a preference for Musk-it is a necessity. As the backbone of electric vehicle batteries, lithium determines the efficiency, range, and sustainability of EVs. Musk has repeatedly highlighted the importance of lithium supply chains in public statements, stating that lithium refining and sourcing are among the biggest constraints to Tesla's growth. The discovery of high-grade lithium in Sierra Leone by Elektros Inc. could align with Musk's strategic vision for securing dependable lithium resources, further accelerating the global adoption of clean energy vehicles."Our findings in Sierra Leone are not just promising-they're transformative," stated Shlomo Bleier, CEO of Elektros Inc. "This expedition propels us into a new era of energy innovation, aligning with global demands for clean and efficient power sources." Capitalizing on Global Energy Trends The urgency for lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage, has never been more pronounced. With major automakers like Tesla and BMW intensifying their search for reliable lithium sources, Elektros Inc.'s advancements come at a pivotal moment.Industry analysts highlight the strategic importance of West African lithium reserves in diversifying the global supply chain, reducing dependency on traditional markets, and fostering economic growth in emerging regions.Investor-Centric Growth and Market Potential Elektros Inc.'s streamlined share structure and proactive exploration strategies have caught the attention of investors seeking opportunities in the booming EV and renewable energy sectors. The company's recent developments are anticipated to catalyze increased trading activity and shareholder value."Elektros Inc. is not just exploring lithium; we're unlocking the future of energy," remarked CEO Shlomo Bleier. "Our Sierra Leone project exemplifies our dedication to innovation and shareholder prosperity." Lithium, often called the "white gold" of the energy sector, is one of the most coveted and strategically essential commodities in the global economy today. It is the critical element powering every electric vehicle (EV) on the market-from Tesla and Mercedes-Benz to BMW and Lexus. Its high energy density, lightweight nature, and rechargeable capabilities make it indispensable for lithium-ion batteries, which are the heartbeat of the EV industry.According to Benzinga, "Thanks to global green initiatives and the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), lithium stocks could be a good place to invest if you're looking for growth and capital appreciation." Benzinga further notes that lithium demand is projected to rise with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% through 2026, fueled by the shift to electric transportation and renewable energy.The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts lithium demand could surge up to 42 times by 2040, driven by unprecedented demand for clean technologies. But with supply bottlenecks and limited global extraction sites, companies with early-stage discoveries like Elektros Inc. are positioned for long-term impact and success.Benzinga highlights several lithium-related stocks as high-growth investments, and Elektros Inc.'s recent breakthrough in Sierra Leone places it firmly on the radar of institutional and retail investors alike. The company's ability to deliver high-grade, ethically sourced lithium aligns with both market needs and environmental priorities.With the world at a tipping point between fossil fuel dependency and clean energy dominance, lithium remains not just a commodity, but a global catalyst for innovation and transformation.According to Reuters, "Lithium is the irreplaceable element powering the electric vehicle boom and the clean energy revolution. Its strategic importance has made it one of the most sought-after minerals in the world, drawing major investment and global competition." Lithium: The 'White Gold' Powering the EV RevolutionThe Billion-Dollar Opportunity Starts Small While Elektros Inc. may be a small-cap company today, it stands on the brink of transformation. Just as industry giants like Albemarle, SQM, and Lithium Americas began with early-stage projects and visionary leadership, Elektros is poised to evolve into a dominant force in the rare-earth mineral space.This is not just a press release-it's a call to visionaries, to those who understand that timing is everything. With groundbreaking lithium discoveries in Sierra Leone, a streamlined share structure, and a firm commitment to ethical sourcing, Elektros represents a rare chance to get involved at the ground level of what could become one of the great lithium success stories.As the global race for lithium intensifies, Elektros is ready to scale-strategically, sustainably, and with investor value at the core of its mission. The future belongs to those who see it early. This is your moment.Global Lithium Leaders Paving the Way As Elektros Inc. advances its lithium discovery in Sierra Leone, it follows in the path of some of the most successful lithium companies in the world. These five industry leaders represent the immense potential of the sector-and Elektros aims to join their ranks as it scales operations and builds investor value: PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 13:50:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 990 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS.Strategic Investment by Crescat Capital LLC of 33% of the Offering Along with Significant Insider ParticipationCALGARY, ALBERTA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Fathom Nickel Inc. (CSE:FNI)(FSE:6Q5)(OTCQB:FNICF) (the "Company" or "Fathom") is pleased to announce that it has closed the second and final tranche of its non-brokered offering of units (the "Offering") previously announced on April 10, 2025. Pursuant to the Offering, the Company has issued a total of 50,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.03 per Unit for gross proceeds of $1,500,000. Pursuant to this second tranche closing, the Company issued 14,097,500 Units for gross proceeds of $422,950. The first tranche of the financing closed on April 30, 2025, with 35,902,500 Units issued for gross proceeds of $1,077,050.Each Unit under the Offering consists of one Common Share (a "Common Share") and one transferable Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each full Warrant shall be exercisable into one Common Share for a period of 36 months from issuance at an exercise price of $0.05.In total, 24,885,832 of the Units issued under the Offering were issued under the listed issuer financing exemption set forth under section 5A.2 of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") and contain no resale restrictions. The remaining 25,114,168 Units were issued to accredited investors under NI 45-106 and stipulate a four-month hold on the resale of the securities.The gross proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company for exploration-related work at the Company's Gochager Lake Project and for working capital and general corporate purposes.As consideration for services in connection with the Offering, the Company has paid to certain qualified entities ("Finders") total cash commissions of $17,990 and issued 779,842 broker warrants ("Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.05 for a period of 36 months from issuance.Crescat Capital LLC ("Crescat") participated in the Offering with a strategic investment representing 33% of the total Units issued in the Offering. This brings Crescat's ownership position in Fathom to approximately 17.1% of the Common Shares currently outstanding, on a non-diluted basis. In addition, Company insiders, including CEO, Ian Fraser and President, Doug Porter, participated for a combined 6.9%, or $103,425 of the Offering.About Fathom Nickel Inc.Fathom is an exploration company that is targeting magmatic nickel sulphide discoveries to support the energy transition and to secure the supply of North American critical minerals.The Company now has a portfolio of three high-quality exploration projects located in the prolific Trans Hudson Corridor in Saskatchewan: 1) the Albert Lake Project, a 90,000+ hectare project that was host to the historic and past producing Rottenstone Mine1 (produced 28,724 tons @3.3% Ni, 1.8% Cu, 9.63 g/t 3E (Pd-Pt+Au) 1965-1969), and 2) the 23,000+ hectare Gochager Lake Project that is host to a historic NI 43-101 non-compliant open pit resource consisting of 4.3M tons at 0.295% Ni and 0.081% Cu2, and 3) the 10,000+ hectare Friesen Lake Project located 40km southwest of the historic Rottenstone Mine and 30km northwest of the historic Gochager Lake deposit.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD"Doug Porter"President and CFO, DirectorFor further information, please contact:Doug Porter, President and CFO1-403-870-4349 dporter@ fathomnickel.com orIan Fraser, CEO & Vice President Exploration1-403-650-9760 ifraser@ fathomnickel.com Forward-Looking Statements:This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, use of proceeds from the Offering. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Such 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 such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or resul PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 08:00:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 916 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Guardian Metal Resources plc (LON:GMET)(OTCQX:GMTLF), a strategic development and mineral exploration company focused on tungsten in Nevada, USA, is pleased to announce that the geotechnical drilling covering the Company's Pilot Mountain tungsten project ("Pilot Mountain" or the "Project") located in mining friendly Nevada, USA, is now complete (Fig. 1).The drilling campaign targeted the 'Desert Scheelite' zone and comprised a total of 1,156 metres across seven drillholes (Fig. 2). Drillhole GCH-06 was abandoned at a depth of 67.07 metres due to drill operator error and GCH-07 was redrilled at the same location as GCH-06 to a final depth of 173.55m. The collected geotechnical data has now been submitted to the Company's appointed geotechnical engineers and will form a key input into the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study for the Project.Pilot Mountain Highlights:The geotechnical drillholes were designed by the Company's geotechnical engineers to provide geotechnical information in the vicinity of the planned open pit shell.Encouragingly, multiple geotechnical drillholes intersected porphyry and/or skarn-type alteration and mineralisation, suggesting that the Desert Scheelite mineralised system extends beyond the current known limits of the Desert Scheelite Zone, including the following downhole intervals:GCH-01: Multiple strongly skarn altered intervals from 151.4m to 153.9m, 158.5m to 158.8m, 166.5m to 170.8m, and 191.3m to 192.6m with local visible scheelite mineralisation;GCH-04: Multiple porphyry-mineralised intervals including potassic alteration with cross-cutting pyrite, molybdenite and/or chalcopyrite veins;GCH-05: Multiple strongly porphyry-mineralised intervals including potassic as well as sodic-calcite alteration with cross-cutting pyrite, molybdenite and/or chalcopyrite veins (Fig. 3, 4); andGCH-07: Skarn as well as porphyry-style alteration within the hole, porphyry has predominantly propylitic alteration with local phyllic alteration towards the bottom of the hole.The first drill hole at the Project's 'Garnet Zone', PGMR25-001, is now complete to a final depth of 100m, and the Company is pleased to report that it intersected multiple very strongly visually skarn-mineralised scheelite dominated intervals (Fig. 5). The 'Garnet Zone' had not been drilled since being acquired by Guardian Metal in 2021.Oliver Friesen, CEO of Guardian Metal, commented:"The Company continues to make excellent progress at Pilot Mountain, with drilling operations advancing at pace. Encouragingly, multiple geotechnical holes indicate that the mineralising system at Desert Scheelite extends beyond the currently drilled footprint. In addition, strong visual mineralisation observed at the Garnet Zone demonstrates the significant untapped potential across other known, at-surface skarn zones."Recent executive orders from the Trump administration underscore a strategic push to reshore critical metal supply chains - particularly tungsten, given its importance to the defence sector and United States' national security. We remain focused on advancing both of our co-flagship projects as swiftly as possible, with analytical results from Pilot Mountain and Tempiute expected shortly." MediaFigure 1:State of Nevada, United States, location map showing position of the Company's 100% owned Pilot Mountain Project and Tempiute.Figure 2:Drillhole plan map showing location of recently completed resource drilling at Desert Scheelite as well as the location of the geotechnical drillholes reported herein.Figure 3:Quartz vein within potassic altered quartz-monzonite with very strong disseminated molybdenite (~10%) mineralisation throughout (Drillhole GCH-05 @ 123.8m).Figure 4:Pyrite and chalcopyrite mineralised quartz vein (Drillhole GCH-05 @ 136.8m).Figure 5:Visually strong scheelite mineralisation within the first drillhole completed at the Garnet Zone from 63.79 to 65.38m downhole.COMPETENT PERSON STATEMENTThe technical information contained in this disclosure has been read and approved by Mr Nick O'Reilly (MSc, DIC, MIMMM QMR, MAusIMM, FGS), who is a qualified geologist and acts as the Competent Person under the AIM Rules - Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies. Mr O'Reilly is a Principal consultant working for Mining Analyst Consulting Ltd which has been retained by Guardian Metal Resources plc to provide technical support.This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 (which forms part of domestic UK law pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018). The Directors of the Company are responsible for the contents of this announcement.Forward Looking StatementsThis announcement contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results that are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, such as general economic, market and business conditions, competition for qualified staff, the regulatory process and actions, technical issues, new legislation, uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, uncertainties resulting from working in a new political jurisdiction, uncertainties regarding the results of exploration, uncertainties regarding the timing and granting of prospecting rights, uncertainties regarding the timing and granting of regulatory and other third party consents and approvals, uncertainties regarding the Company's or any third party's ability to execute and implement future plans, and the occurrence of unexpected events.Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors.For further information visitwww.Guardianmetalresources.comor contact the following:Guardian Metal Resources plcOliver Friesen (CEO)Tel: +44 (0) 20 7583 8304Cairn Financial Advisers LLPNominated AdviserSandy Jamieson/Jo Turner/Louise O'DriscollTel: +44 20 7213 0880Shard Capital Partners LLPLead BrokerDamon Heath/Erik WoolgarTel: +44 (0) 20 7186 9000This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Guardian Metal Resources PLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 15:00:55 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 662 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Modular system provides a myriad of technical solutionsBERKELEY, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Heliospace Corp., a subsidiary of Helio Corporation (OTC:HLEO) has been awarded a NASA Phase II Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) for its 6 Meter Antenna and Boom System, part of the firm's CubeSat-class family of Spiral Actuated Boom - Extended and Rigidized (SABER) products. Helio Space Helio SpaceNASA SBIR Phase II awards support in-depth development of R&D ideas whose feasibility has been established in Phase I and that are likely to result in a commercial product."Our SABER gives space companies worldwide access to a product that overcomes the limited technical performance as well as cost and manufacturability concerns of previous similar designs," says Greg Delory, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Heliospace. "It will benefit space missions requiring deployable antennas or booms with a high packing factor, low size, weight, power, and cost." "The modular approach and miniaturized mechanism help us significantly improve deployed length, small form factor, and manufacturability," says Joe Pitman, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Heliospace. "This vertically integrated in-house built SABER will provide global developers of space missions and payloads with an ability to have finely tuned deployable monopole antennas, elements within antenna subsystems, or precision-length booms for sensors." About Helio Corporation: Helio Corporation is a technology, engineering and research and development (R&D) holding company serving commercial, government and non-profit organizations. Our wholly owned subsidiary, Heliospace Corporation ("Heliospace"), is an aerospace company specializing in the design, engineering, assembly and test of space flight qualified hardware and provides systems engineering, modeling, analysis, integration and test services to customers in government, commercial, private and non-profit markets. With deep expertise in civil space missions combined with a growing business serving commercial companies, our primary company objective is to enable humanity's pursuit of the scientific and commercial development of space. https://helio.space/ Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Some of the matters discussed herein may contain forward-looking statements that involve significant risk and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words like "believes," "could," "possibly," "probably," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "seek," "intend," "plan," "expect," or "consider" or the negative of these expressions or other variations, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual transactions, results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future transactions, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on current expectations and projections about future events and the information currently available to us. Although we believe that the assumptions for these forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Consequently, no representation or warranty can be given that the estimates, opinions, or assumptions made in or referenced by this presentation will prove to be accurate. We caution you that the forward-looking statements in this presentation are only estimates and predictions, or statements or current intent. Actual results or outcomes, or actions that we ultimately undertake, could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to risks, uncertainties or actual events differing from the assumptions underlying these statements. We caution investors not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in, or made in connection with this presentation. The Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this presentation as a result of new information, future events or changes in the Company's business plans or model.Heliospace Corporation2448 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710Phone: 510-545-2666Email: info@ Helio.space Contact InformationShane HackettPartner, MarketLeverageshane@ marketleverage.com 866-653-1382SOURCE: Helio Space Corporation PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 03:00:53 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 454 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Leading Asian AV and Broadcast systems integrator Ideal Systems announced today that it has acquired Singapore based Pro-Audio specialist Control Logic Systems (CLS).SINGAPORE, SG / ACCESS Newswire / May 26, 2025 / In a deal announced on the opening day of Broadcast Asia 2025, David Seow, Managing Director at Control Logic Systems said, "We are delighted to become part of Ideal Systems growing AV business in Southeast Asia, and think our premium speaker bands including Fohhn Audio, Amate Audio, Revolution Acoustics, Bogen and Public Adress Systems from LDA Audio Tech and Amperes Electronics, will fit perfectly into the premium Pro-AV market space where Ideal Systems operate. We bring with us, over 30 years of enterprise Pro-Audio experience with large scale deployment projects like networked public address system design and installation for Singapore Changi Airport Terminal-3, and to Singapore rail system (MRT) as well as Churches, Auditoriums, Hospitality and Retail markets. We will work with Ideal's SEA team to boost the enterprise audio systems capability of Ideal's rapidly growing Pro-AV business." Ideal Systems Acquires CLS Fintan Mc Kiernan, CEO Ideal Systems and David Seow, MD CLSThe deal will see CLS staff, and its existing stock, including a wide array of demonstration equipment being relocated from CLS and installed into Ideal's offices, which will ensure that Ideal Systems have full audio demonstration capabilities for cutting edge audio products like beam steering speakers permanently available for its customers.Fintan Mc Kiernan, CEO of Ideal Systems in Singapore stated "The timing is great for us, as our AV business is continuing to grow, to be able to bring in such experienced audio experts like CLS is a major boost for our AV team. With a new lineup of premium audio products and the injection of CLS technical knowledge and market experience, we are set to accelerate our growth in the market while also increasing our quality of service to our customers. David is an Elected member of Institute of Sound, Communications & Visual Engineers (UK), and has an amazing technical skillset in audio, which will not only compliment our business but will be a great support asset for our expanding teams in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. We have successfully worked with CLS on previous cutting-edge sound system hospitality projects where we deployed Fohhn Beam Steering Active Line Array Speakers for The Iconic Marjorie Hotel in Penang, The Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa in Langkawi and The Hilton Hotel in Petaling Jaya. During these projects we have developed a tight partnership with CLS and over the past few years it became the logical next step to bring their audio specialization into our AV portfolio for Southeast Asia"Contact InformationMelody BilegtMarketing Managermelody.bilegt@idealsys.com +65 6684-8770SOURCE: Ideal Systems (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 14:00:56 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1025 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Immediate Connect Review 2025 - Discover the AI trading platform transforming how people trade crypto, forex, and stocks. Real reviews, smart features & key facts.ALBANY, OR / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 /Introduction to Immediate ConnectIn recent years, algorithm-driven trading platforms have reshaped how people engage with financial markets. One such platform gaining attention is Immediate Connect, which claims to simplify trading through AI automation and smart data-driven decisions. But the critical question remains - Is Immediate Connect truly effective, or is it just another hyped-up app?In this detailed review, we dive into its features, how it works, user experiences, possible risks, and whether it's a platform worth considering in 2025.Open Your Immediate Connect Account Now From The Official SiteWhat Is the Immediate Connect?Immediate Connect is presented as an AI-powered trading software that helps users - both new and experienced - participate in crypto and forex markets. Unlike traditional platforms requiring manual analysis, Immediate Connect claims to use advanced algorithms to:Detect profitable market signalsExecute trades automaticallyReduce user decision-making pressureWork 24/7 without human interventionThe app promises fast sign-up, seamless deposits, and real-time market tracking - all driven by machine learning.For any trader interested in attempting their fortune in the cryptocurrency market, it is prudent to gain an understanding of the digital currency trading process. Numerous exchanges allow for cryptocurrency trading, but each exchange deals with a distinct collection of cryptocurrencies and adheres to a separate set of regulations. Thus, in order for a trader to be successful in crypto trading, it is critical to select a trading platform that supports trading across many cryptos and exchanges. Immediate Connect is one trading platform that provides members with both of these benefits. The designers of this trading software say that it is 98.9 percent accurate at scanning worldwide marketplaces and identifying profitable trade opportunities. After members pick a trade, the software can execute the orders and credit the trading account with the profits.Join the Smart Trading Revolution with Immediate Connect!Is Immediate Connect a Legit Platform or a Scam?According to the Immediate Connect review, the information available on the official website is really straightforward. It is recommended to begin with a minimum investment of $250 and build the capital through reinvestment of earnings. In trading, the greater the amount of money deposited by the trader, the greater the earning potential.Immediate Connect's broker partners are licensed and respected firms that provide superior customer service. We strongly advise traders to do background checks on any broker prior to signing up.Find Out More On Immediate Connect By Visiting The Official WebsiteImmediate Connect's CharacteristicsAs part of our assessment of Immediate Connect, we believe it is vital to highlight several of the platform's features -Deposits and Withdrawals: The cryptocurrency market is rife with scam auto trading robots. While locating a legitimate robot is challenging, trading on the platform is straightforward and user-friendly. The trader may withdraw funds at any time of day or night, and the funds will be credited to their Immediate Connect account within less than 24 hours.Verification: According to Immediate Connect reviews, the platform's verification process is quite straightforward; traders simply need to register on the platform by supplying a few personal details. They must include their entire name, email address, and phone number. Their phone number and email address will be used to send the verification link. The next step is to make a deposit of at least $250 USD, and once the money has been transferred to their account, they will be permitted to usethis platform .Testimonials: The Immediate Connect website includes several positive testimonials. Additionally, it adds that people are quite delighted with this vehicle program. These testimonies assert that they effectively generated revenue in a short period of time.Fee: As mentioned on its website, the Instant Edge platform has no hidden costs. Additionally, registration is entirely free, and there are no commissions or broker fees on this platform, which is advantageous.Brokers: As is the case with the majority of auto trading bots, Immediate Connect bot operates by routing funds through trusted robot brokers. This means that the trader's funds are deposited with the broker, and when the trader clicks on auto trading, the trades are executed on the trading platforms of the partner brokers.Why Choose Immediate Connect? Australia and U.A.E Consumer Report Released HereBeginner's GuideAccording to this Immediate Connect review, this app claims to be a very secure and successful platform, and there are multiple user testimonials and user reviews on their website from traders claiming to have increased their profits while trading on this platform.The following are some helpful hints for newbies before they begin trading on this platform.The first step is to follow expert guidance; this can be found on YouTube or in financial blogs, which frequently provide good expert advice and the best techniques to trade with Bitcoin bots. Additionally, they provide excellent trading tactics, which is very beneficial for traders who are new to bitcoin trading.It is always prudent to begin small and avoid making large financial commitments. A $250 minimum investment is required to join the Immediate Connect platform, which is pretty affordable. After earning earnings, the trader may consider investing a substantial sum of money in order to earn additional profits.The trader should withdraw winnings on a regular basis and not reinvest their full profit from Immediate Connect. If they reinvest the entire sum, they risk either increasing their earnings or incurring massive losses. The trader should only invest capital that they can afford to lose.Automate Your Crypto & Forex Trades in 2025 - Start with $250!The Advantages of Immediate ConnectThe platform asserts that it is equipped with a powerful algorithm capable of operating in a blockchain environment and forecasting profitable trades.It is a simple-to-use and completely free trading platform.Selects winning trades based on current market pricing and historical transaction data.Trading is secure since all data is encrypted and strict security protocols are followed.Any computer or smartphone with an internet connection can be used to open the account.Customer service is available at all times to assis PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 05:14:41 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 738 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 Tokyo, London, and Paris, May 27, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - JCB and PayXpert, a pioneering omnichannel payment services provider based in Europe and in the UK, today announced a strategic partnership to enhance JCBs card acceptance across European1 and UK markets. The collaboration promises a smoother payment experience for both merchants in the regions and international JCB Cardmembers.Through this collaboration, JCBs 169 million cardmembers will enjoy greater convenience and accessibility across a wide range of businesses throughout Europe and in the UK. PayXpert's varied merchant network is covering diverse sectors such as retail, hospitality, tourism, and transport. This partnership ensures broader JCB Card acceptance, making it easier than ever for JCB Cardmembers to use their preferred payment method while traveling and spending in Europe and in the UK.By joining JCB's merchant community of 56 million worldwide, PayXpert is ideally positioned to facilitate JCB Card acceptance in Europe and in the UK and support the growth of its merchant partners. This partnership will also enable PayXperts merchants to tap into the growing number of JCB Cardmembers, mainly from Asia, who frequently travel and shop across Europe. This way, merchants will be able to cater for the needs of international travellers and offer a more seamless and tailored in-store payment experience, encouraging repeat business and fostering loyalty. The collaboration will also facilitate cross-border payments, further enhancing convenience for both merchants and cardmembers. Moreover, JCB Card acceptance on POS terminals is enabled at no additional setup cost, empowering merchants to tap into new revenue opportunities effortlessly.We are delighted to announce our new collaboration with PayXpert to further expand JCBs presence in the European and UK market, said Ray Shinzawa, Managing Director, JCB International (Europe) Ltd. This partnership aligns with our goals of providing JCB Cardmembers with a fast and secure payment experience, whenever they need it. By leveraging PayXperts extensive network and expertise, we will further increase our JCB Card acceptance, providing unparalleled convenience for our cardmembers travelling throughout Europe. Nicolas Riegert, Co-founder & CEO, PayXpert added, We are thrilled to welcome JCB to our network and offer our merchants access to a wider customer base. This partnership showcases our commitment to providing seamless and flexible payment solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. Inclusivity is at the core of PayXperts DNA, and by accepting international payment methods like JCB, we enable more global shoppers to enjoy a payment experience tailored to their preferences and habits. By welcoming JCB Cardmembers, our merchants can attract new customers, increase sales, and enhance their overall customer experience. About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 56 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 169 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ About PayXpertPayXpert2 is a pioneer in omnichannel payments, subsidiary of Societe Generale group. We support local and international brands across various industries, providing services both online and in-store. We have developed services focused on revenue optimisation, performance enhancement, fraud prevention, as well as cross-border payments such as Discover or JCB, and alternative methods like Alipay+ and WeChat Pay. Our solutions also integrate inclusive features for the visually impaired. Our vision is to create a payment ecosystem that facilitates an inclusive commerce experience. www.payxpert.com MEDIA CONTACTS:JCB International (Europe) Ltd.Diana Lee: dlee@ jcbeurope.eu JCB (Head Office in Japan)Anna Takeda: Anna.Takeda@jcb.co.jp 1 PayXpert Spain SL can facilitate the acceptance of JCB in the following countries in Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Spain and Sweden.2 PayXpert is divided into PayXpert Limited and PayXpert Services Ltd, a subsidiary of the Societe Generale group, which includes PayXpert Spain SL and PayXpert France. PayXpert Limited is regulated by the FCA and licensed in the UK. PayXpert Spain is regulated by Banco de Espana and licensed in Spain. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 03:01:05 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 26, 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=150277&wire=1&utm_campaign=6 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: 2025-05-27 20:15:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 961 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Printer Expands Konica Minolta Equipment Line-up with AccurioShine 3600, Upgrades to Latest Cut-sheet TechnologyRAMSEY, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) today announced GAM Graphics and Marketing (GAM) has added to its growing Konica Minolta device line-up with the AccurioShine 3600 with iFoil One.Eric Hilden, General Manager, GAM Graphics and Marketing (L) and Nathaniel Grant, President, GAM Graphics and Marketing with their newly installed Konica Minolta AccurioShine 3600 with iFoil One digital print embellishment press.Since becoming a customer in 2019, GAM, a family-run business since 1976 out of Sterling, Virginia, has continued to expand its print shop with Konica Minolta equipment. In 2023, it was Konica's Minolta's first AccurioWide 250 Wide Format Inkjet Printer installation in the U.S. GAM currently runs two AccurioPress 7136 digital presses and two AccurioPress C14000 presses - one of which is currently being upgraded to the C14010S model, a fifth color cutsheet press with white toner capabilities. GAM anticipates white toner opening up additional opportunities, having previous experience with a competitive machine on which it created projects such as black business cards with white print, dark sheet invitations and a variety of other applications.GAM's print shop is unique, with an in-house designer who learns to design for each newly acquired piece of equipment. With the addition of the AccurioShine 3600, they are now designing to utilize the clear varnish and grayscale drop technology for raised print capabilities with varied microns of thickness for a 3D look - blowing customers away with the results. New projects include using clear varnish on transit bus graphics to create a more realistic look, making a bank client's logo shine beyond its expectations and using foil and varnish on program covers for a few long-time clients, enhancing what it was able to do in the past. With embellishment rapidly adding to its bottom line, GAM predicts the AccurioShine 3600 will become a profitable part of its business within six months."Konica Minolta continues to bring new technology to the industry, a prime example being the AccurioPress C14010S with white toner. While the market may be unpredictable, Konica Minolta remains forward-looking, and their ongoing investments have significantly benefitted our business," said Nathaniel Grant, President, GAM Graphics and Marketing. "We are thoroughly impressed with the IQ-601 Intelligent Quality Optimizer. Within the first two to three sheets, we have perfect registration for the job. That is pretty much a game changer for us, and we are excited to see what more we can do with this new model." "Konica Minolta's approach to production and industrial print goes beyond simply offering products; it's about providing comprehensive solutions that integrate seamlessly into a print provider's workflow," said Frank Mallozzi, President, IPP, Konica Minolta. "Meeting customer needs is our number one driver of change, and our 20-year anniversary in production print is proof of the power of listening, evolving and growing together with our customers. Our incredible partnership with GAM is all about the right technology and reliable support, enhancing their offerings and increasing their efficiency to grow profitability and ensure long-term success." Konica Minolta's AccurioShine 3600 with iFoil One option allows printers to meet the demanding needs of today's printing requirements. The device enables in-house spot UV varnishing, from prototyping to full production, without the need for screens, plates or dies. The high-performance, toner-based C14010S production press builds upon the success of the AccurioPress C14000, offering enhanced capabilities that guarantee exceptional print quality and efficiency for a diverse range of applications. Learn about Konica Minolta's full line of production and industrial print products here.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 GAMFounded in 1976 by Reverend Charles Grant, GAM originally started as a means for students of Grace Christian Academy - the school created and run by Reverend Grant - to learn a marketable job skill. GAM Printers quickly became a well-known print shop with hundreds of customers in Loudoun County. Nathaniel Grant and his sister Faith later took the reins and brought GAM Printers to what it is today, offering high-quality, cutting-edge design, print and fulfillment services with a talented and professional staff who make customer service their top priority.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: 2025-05-27 10:30:35 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 27, 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=150287&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: 2025-05-27 14:00:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 524 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MISSOURI CITY, TX / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / NAC's founder, Marcus Andrade, requests that President Trump investigate if the withholding of the evidence within the AML BITCOIN classified files was really related to national security reasons and/or if it was nothing more than an attempt to suppress exculpatory and impeachment evidence.The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) should address internal misconduct, ensure transparency, and promote accountability within federal law enforcement agencies.In a statement today, the NAC Foundation emphasized the need for both "tough love" and financial support for government employees who uphold the Constitution and obey the law. The Foundation urged Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Patel to request financial resources from President Trump, specifically suggesting the repurposing of billions in savings attributed to the Department of Government Efficiency, to provide pay raises for DOJ and FBI personnel."Federal agents face immense challenges, and financial hardship can make them vulnerable to coercion or corruption," said Andrade, CEO of the NAC Foundation. "To safeguard the integrity of our justice system, we must ensure these employees are not only held to high ethical standards but are also supported adequately." Tragically, this vulnerability was allegedly exploited in the case of FBI Agents Nathan "Ethan" Quinn and Roahn Wynar. According to recordings cited by the Foundation, one of the agents, while in the presence of the other, was caught soliciting employment from the very subject of their investigation.FBI Agents Wynar and Quinn, who were also members of the Crossfire Hurricane investigation along with Agents Timothy Thibault, Brenden Zartmen, and Michelle Ball, have all been accused of misconduct while working for the FBI. Legal documents allege a pattern of unethical and potentially illegal behavior by some of these agents, includingdestruction of evidence , fabrication or omission of witness reports, and significant delays in filing critical investigative memos."These allegations are deeply concerning and may havecompromisednumerous investigations," Andrade said. "We believe many victims have been deprived of justice, and we're asking them to step forward and share their stories." The Foundation is also calling for afulland independent investigation by the DOJ and FBI into theconduct of the agentsinvolved, particularly regarding the AML Bitcoin investigation and all cross referenced case files."Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel must lead with integrity and make it clear that corruption will not be tolerated within our institutions,"Andradecontinued. "Their leadership can serve as a powerful deterrent and safeguard the constitutional rights of all Americans. Additionally, at a minimum, we respectfully urge President Trump to review the classified files related to the AML Bitcoin case." The NAC Foundation has launched apetitionto also request transparency and accountability from federal agencies and invites public support for its efforts.Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the NAC Foundation or the DOJ Office of the Inspector General.About NAC Foundation, LLCThe NAC Foundation is advocating for transparency, accountability, fair treatment, and justice in government institutions.ContactCEOMarcus AndradeNAC Foundation, LLCmedia@ dojreform.com 361-244-0156SOURCE: NAC Foundation, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 23:35:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 701 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX:NDM)(NYSE American:NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") reminds shareholders of the upcoming deadline to vote at the Company's Annual General Meeting (the "Meeting"), which is scheduled to be held on June 19, 2025.The Board of Directors of Northern Dynasty recommends that Shareholders vote FOR ALL proposed itemsAt the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to vote on the following agenda items for the ensuing year:elect the board of directors;appoint the auditor;approve the Company's amended Share Option Plan;re-approve the amended Company's Deferred Share Unit Plan; andre-approve the Company's Shareholder Rights Plan.Meeting Details Northern Dynasty will hold the Meeting on June 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) at the offices of the Company at 14th Floor 1040 West Georgia Street, Vancouver.Please visit the Company's website complete details and links to all relevant documents ahead of the Meeting at the link below:Questions & Voting If you have questions about the meeting matters or require voting assistance, please contact Northern Dynastys proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group at:North American Toll Free: 1-877-452-7184 (1-416-304-0211 outside North America)Email: assistance@ laurelhill.com Proposed Deferred Share Unit Plan Amendment In order to bring the Company's Amended Deferred Share Unit ("DSU") Plan ("DSU Plan") within the guidelines established by Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS), it will propose a further amendment to the DSU Plan to be presented to its shareholders at its June 19, 2025 annual shareholders meeting.The amendment to the DSU Plan from that disclosed in the Company's Information Circular involves a restriction in Section 7.1 on amending Sections 6.2 and 6.4(c) of the DSU Plan without first obtaining shareholder approval. Sections 6.2 and 6.4(c) of the DSU Plan limit the value of shares issuable under the DSU Plan to each non-employee director as follows: (a) $100,000 in any twelve-month period in the form of DSUs granted under the DSU Plan; and (b) $150,000 in any twelve-month period when combined with the value of shares issuable to the non-employee director pursuant to all grants under all of the Company's other share compensation arrangements during the twelve-month period, without first obtaining shareholder approval. Accordingly, no amendments to these limits set out in Sections 6.2 and 6.4(c) of the DSU Plan will be permitted without shareholder approval. Adoption of the DSU Plan is subject to shareholder approval and acceptance by the Toronto Stock Exchange.A copy of the proposed DSU plan can be found under Northern Dynasty's profile on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca) . Additionally, a redline version of the proposed DSU plan is available on the Company's Meeting website at https://northerndynastyminerals.com/investors/agm/ About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly owned Alaska-based U.S. subsidiary, Pebble Limited Partnership, is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 1,840 mineral claims in Southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit, located 200 miles from Anchorage and 125 miles from Bristol Bay. The Pebble Partnership is the proponent of the Pebble Project.For further details on Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Project, please visit the Company's website at www.northerndynastyminerals.com or contact Investor services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1- 800-667-2114. Review public filings, which include forward-looking information cautionary language and risk factor disclosure regarding the Company and the Pebble Project in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca and in the United States at www.sec.gov Ronald W. ThiessenPresident & CEOU.S. Media Contact:Dan Gagnier, Gagnier Communications (646) 569-5897Forward-Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under applicable provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements.For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca SOURCE: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 05:07:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1037 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CALGARY AB / ACCESS Newswire / May 26, 2025 / Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp (WOGC-CSE) ("WOGC") wishes to announce that it will hold a special meeting ("Meeting") of the shareholders of WOGC at 7:00am on June 4, 2025. The fourfold purpose of the Meeting is set out below. Recent events have impacted the go forward plans of WOGC. Background: WOGC has shareholder and court approval of a plan of arrangement to spin out a wholly owned subsidiary Fox Creek Energy Ltd. ("FCE") and its subsidiary Odaat Oil Corp ("Odaat"). Recent Events: First, prior to implementation of the plan of arrangement, Odaat sold substantially all of its oil and gas assets by agreement dated February 28, 2025. The agreement is subject to the approval of the Alberta Energy Regulator. Assuming approval is obtained, Odaat intends to: (a) complete it statutory abandonment and remediation obligations for assets not sold and after satisfaction of debts to distribute the net sale proceeds to shareholders leaving no assets and no liabilities in WOGC, FCE and Odaat. Second, WOGC has executed a definitive agreement to acquire the shares of Terra Metals Inc. (Delaware corp)(see press release dated May 26, 2025) which will result in a reverse takeover transaction ("WOGC RTO"). Third, FCE has received non-binding expressions of interest to enter into reverse takeover ("FCE RTO") transactions to close before the closing of the WOGC RTO. One of the conditions is that the shares of Odaat be sold prior to the closing of the FCE RTO. The shares of Odaat may have to be sold prior to the resolution of all debts and assets in Odaat. A mechanism has been developed to ensure existing shareholders receive the benefits of the assets in Odaat post liquidation. Fourth, because of the uncertainty in closing the WOGC and/or FCE RTO transactions and the high cost of continuous disclosure (especially audit costs for fiscal year end December 31, 2025), WOGC is seeking shareholder and court approval to take WOGC and/or FCE private by December 31, 2025 if the WOGC RTO and/or the FCE RTO transactions do not close. The purpose of the Meeting is fourfold:1) To approve by special resolution the Plan of Arrangement Amending Agreement #2 dated May 1, 2025 (to delete paragraph 5.1(k) of the Arrangement Agreement requiring concurrent filing of the Articles of Arrangement and the closing of the WOGC RTO);2) To approve by special resolution and by majority of the minority (if necessary), the going private transaction for WOGC, if by December 20 2025, WOGC has not completed a reverse takeover. The going private transaction shall consist of:The Articles of Incorporation of WOGC would be amended to create two new classes of shares: (i) WOGC Class "A" Redeemable Preferred Shares with a redemption price of $0.00001 per share; and (ii) WOGC Class "A" common shares which would rank pari passu with the WOGC common shares without par value;WOGC would be delisted from the Canadian Securities Exchange;The existing WOGC common shares would be converted into WOGC Class "A" Redeemable Preferred Shares;The WOGC Class "A" Redeemable shares would be redeemed;WOGC would be wound up when existing debts are paid or satisfied with any surplus being dividended to the shareholders of WOGC;Gregory J. Leia would subscribe for 100 WOGC Class "A" common shares at $1.00 per share;WOGC would cease to be a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and OntarioThe board of directors would have the discretion not to implement the going private transaction3) To approve by special resolution and by majority of the minority (if necessary) the going private transaction for FCE, if by December 20 2025, FCE has not completed a reverse takeover. The going private transaction shall consist of:The Articles of Incorporation of FCE would be amended to create two new classes of shares: (i) FCE Class "A" Redeemable Preferred Shares with a redemption price of $0.00001 per share; and (ii) FCE Class "A" common shares which would rank pari passu with the FCE common shares without par value;The existing FCE common shares would be converted into FCE Class "A" Redeemable Preferred Shares;The FCE Class "A" Redeemable shares would be redeemed;FCE would cease to be a reporting issuer in Alberta and British Columbia;FCE would be wound up when existing debts are paid or satisfied;Gregory J. Leia would subscribe for 100 FCE Class "A" common shares at $1.00 per share.The board of directors would have the discretion not to implement the going private transaction4) To approve by majority of the minority, a resolution approving the sale of the shares of Odaat to Gregory J. Leia (President/director) for $1.00 and an undertaking to dividend any surplus funds to WOGC shareholders upon liquidation (after payment of reasonable fees and disbursements).Two director/officers hold approx 70% of the issued and outstanding shares have voted proxies in favour of the matters to come before the Meeting. Shareholders will be provided dissent rights. Assuming the shareholders approve the above, WOGC has scheduled a court application before Justice C. Jones at 2:00pm on Friday June 6, 2025 at the Court House in Calgary. The application is a virtual hearing. Shareholders who wish to participate must notify Wolff Leia, Barristers and Solicitors (Attention:Gregory J. Leia) 24 hours prior to the application.WOGC has filed the following documents on www.sedarplus.ca : (a) Notice of Meeting dated May 5, 2025; (b) Management Information Circular dated May 5, 2025; and (c) form of proxy (collectively the "Documents"). The same information will be available on the CSE website at www.thecse.com . WOGC will deliver by means (which may include electronic means) through Broadridge and by regular postal service a copy of the Documents to each registered holder or beneficial holder. A request is to be made by email to Gregory J. Leia at gleia@ wolffleia.ca or otherwise by delivery to the corporate office at the address set out below. Proxies are to be sent by email to gleia@ wolffleia.ca . For further information, please contact:Gregory J. Leia, President and CEO Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp.Suite 203 - 221 - 10 th Avenue SECalgary Alberta T2G 0V9T: (403) 870 0091 gleia@ wolffleia.ca SOURCE: Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 15:00:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 565 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Founders of Wilson Creek Winery recognized for visionary leadership, community impact, and elevating Southern California's wine industryTEMECULA, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) is proud to announce the induction of Gerry and Rosie Wilson, founders of Wilson Creek Winery, into the Temecula Valley Wine Country Hall of Fame. The honor, presented at this year's annual Grape Day celebration, recognizes individuals whose enduring vision and contributions have helped shape and elevate the Southern California wine region and impacted the wine industry as a whole.In 1996, Gerry and Rosie Wilson acquired land and moved to Temecula with a shared dream of building a winery that would bring people together. That dream became Wilson Creek Winery-now one of the most beloved and visited destinations in Temecula Valley. The winery first became known for its signature Almond Sparkling Wine and welcoming atmosphere but today is celebrated for so much more, including a full portfolio of world class wines, cutting-edge regenerative agricultural programs, and strong community leadership.Gerry Wilson, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 90, and Rosie were widely regarded as the heart and soul of Wilson Creek. Originally from the Midwest, the couple met on a train to Boise, Idaho in 1952, marrying a year later. Gerry was a Korean War veteran and former businessman, while Rosie worked for a power company. Both brought humor, warmth, and passion for people into every aspect of the winery, shaping a culture that continues to thrive under the Wilson family's leadership."Honoring my parents with this Hall of Fame induction is deeply emotional for all of us," said Bill Wilson, president and CEO of Wilson Creek Winery and Gerry's son. "My dad was a true force-larger than life, endlessly kind, and fiercely dedicated to building something that mattered. He loved Temecula Valley with all his heart, and it means the world to see his legacy recognized in this way." Over nearly three decades, Wilson Creek Winery has earned numerous awards for winemaking, hospitality, and business innovation. Beyond the accolades, however, the Wilsons have been tireless champions of the Temecula Valley community-supporting local charities, hosting fundraisers, and embodying a spirit of generosity and inclusion that has helped define the region."Gerry and Rosie didn't just build a successful winery-they built a place where people feel like they belong," said Krista Chaich, executive director of TVWA. "Their commitment to excellence, family, and community has inspired countless others and elevated Temecula Valley Wine Country as a whole." The Wilson family continues to carry forward this vision, ensuring that the values established by Gerry and Rosie remain the cornerstone of Wilson Creek's future.For more information about Temecula Valley Wine Country and its wineries, visit www.temeculawines.org ABOUT TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRYLocated within a 60-minute drive from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs, and within 90 minutes of Los Angeles, Temecula Valley is widely recognized as Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The popular wine destination is southern California's largest wine producing region by volume.The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) is a 501 (c) 6 nonprofit regional organization. The TVWA ( TemeculaWines.org) is dedicated to promoting the making and growing of quality wine and wine grapes in the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area).###Contact InformationDevin ParrBrand Marketing Partnerprmarketing@ temeculawines.org 818-731-1082SOURCE: Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 17:00:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 418 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New program offers sustainable solutions for California's small businesses, contractors, and communitiesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / The Center by Lendistry today announced the launch of Main Street Goes Green, a new initiative designed to help California's small businesses, contractors, and local governments to build energy efficient and resilient communities.From extreme heat to rising utility bills, small businesses-especially those in under-resourced communities-are facing environmental and economic challenges. Yet many lack the time, tools, or funding to take action.Main Street Goes Green fills that gap by offering practical, easy-to-use resources and hands-on support to help business owners adopt smart energy practices and cut operating costs."Too often, resilience conversations leave out the very people at the heart of our communities-our small business owners," said Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, President & CEO of The Center by Lendistry. "This initiative brings energy discussions down to earth, making it accessible, affordable, and actionable for the businesses that fuel our local economies." The initiative features two core components:A one-stop resource hub offering:Real-life case studies from small business ownersStep-by-step implementation guidesSector-specific tools for businesses, cities, and contractorsCapital and funding resources to support green upgradesMain Street Goes Green AcceleratorNow accepting applications through June 13, the Accelerator is a fully funded program valued at $7,500 per participant. Selected small businesses will receive:$500-$1,000 grants to support energy improvements10 hours of one-on-one support tailored to their businessAccess to capital connections and peer networksEligible small businesses must be:Located in CaliforniaIn operation for at least one yearMaintaining at least one brick-and-mortarCommitted to implementing energy-efficient practices in less than six months.This program is made possible through generous support from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), Federal Home Loan Bank San Francisco's 2024 AHEAD Grant, Pacific Premier Bank, and First Citizens Bank.To learn more and apply, visit: www.thecenterbylendistry.org/programs-services/main-street-goes-green-accelerator/ Whether a business is just starting its energy efficient journey or looking to deepen its impact, Main Street Goes Green was designed to meet them where they are-and help them move forward.About The Center by LendistryThe Center by Lendistry is a nonprofit organization that supports diverse small businesses through education, technical assistance, and access to competitive financing. Our mission is to close the wealth gap by anchoring small businesses and the communities where they do business. To learn more about our work, visit www.thecenterbylendistry.org Contact InformationAmy RosenfeldPivotal Strategiesarosenfeld@ pivotalstrategies.com (310) 621-2174SOURCE: Lendistry PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 08:50:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 471 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / In a marketplace overwhelmed by distractions, customers are more selective than ever. Recognizing this shift, renowned sales expert Mark Hunter , founder of TheSalesHunter.com , has officially launched a new sales framework for 2025 designed to help sales professionals simplify the buying process, connect deeper with prospects, and close more deals.At the core of Hunter's new approach are three powerful principles : simplicity, relevance, and leverage."In today's economy, complexity kills sales," explains Hunter. "Buyers are overwhelmed with choices and information. To earn their trust and their business, we have to keep it simple, focus on solving urgent problems, and build momentum through existing customers." Hunter's new framework provides a clear, actionable path for sales reps who are struggling to cut through the noise and meet rising buyer expectations.The Three Core Elements of the 2025 FrameworkSimplicity Wins - Hunter emphasizes that products and pitches must be streamlined. Instead of overwhelming prospects with features, reps should highlight only the essential, most impactful benefits. Simplicity keeps customers focused and moving forward.Solve Real Problems -Understanding the buyer's urgent needs is crucial. Hunter's framework teaches reps how to ask better questions, listen actively, and position their offerings as immediate solutions to mission-critical problems. In today's economy, if a product doesn't solve a must-have issue, buyers are quick to delay or walk away.Leverage Existing Customers - Repeat business and referrals are more important than ever. Hunter's strategy empowers sales teams to deepen customer relationships and turn satisfied clients into powerful brand advocates who generate new opportunities through word-of-mouth.Built for the New EconomyUnlike outdated sales models that focus heavily on volume and generic pitches, Hunter's method is designed for a buyer-driven market . It aligns with how today's customers think, evaluate, and purchase in an environment where trust, speed, and relevance are paramount.Through a mix of training workshops, keynote speeches, and online resources available atTheSalesHunter.com , Hunter is making the framework accessible to sales professionals at every level-from new reps to seasoned executives looking to sharpen their competitive edge.A Leader with Real-World InsightWith decades of experience and multiple bestselling books under his belt, Mark Hunter is recognized worldwide as a trusted authority in sales leadership. His philosophy has always been clear: Sales is not about pushing products; it's about serving people."Our job is to be the solution our customers can't live without," says Hunter. "When we simplify the message, solve urgent needs, and leverage trust, success follows naturally." As 2025 unfolds with new challenges and opportunities, The Sales Hunter's proven framework offers a timely and practical roadmap for sales teams ready to win big in a fast-changing world.Company Information Organization: The Sales HunterContact Person Name: Mark HunterWebsite: https://thesaleshunter.com/Email:mark@thesaleshunter.com SOURCE: The Sales Hunter PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 14:00:58 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 456 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 GoodRx Co-Founder and Chairman will Provide Strategic Guidance and Market ExpertiseNEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 /TailorMed, a leading healthcare technology company, announced that Trevor Bezdek, co-founder and chairman of GoodRx, has joined its board of directors. In this capacity, Bezdek will draw on his industry expertise to support TailorMed's growth and strengthen its market position as an innovator in reducing cost barriers for patients nationwide.Bezdek's leadership of GoodRx established the company as a major player in the digital healthcare space by improving prescription affordability and patient outcomes. To date, GoodRx has saved Americans over $85 billion in prescription costs. GoodRx has received numerous accolades for its innovative concept and was named among Time Magazine's Most 100 Influential Companies in both 2022 and 2024."We are delighted that Trevor Bezdek, one of the most iconic and respected names in healthcare, has agreed to join TailorMed's board and help us accelerate our mission to transform medication affordability and access for millions of Americans," said Srulik Dvorsky, chief executive officer and co-founder of TailorMed. "His leadership and experience as a pioneer in lowering prescription costs will be instrumental as we develop new solutions and elevate our services." TailorMed's robust affordability network brings together leading healthcare providers, pharmacies, life science companies, and other stakeholders to broaden access to financial assistance. Since its inception, TailorMed has secured over $5 billion in financial assistance for patients."TailorMed's commitment to innovation and providing cost-saving solutions is enhancing healthcare delivery by making treatments more accessible for patients," said Bezdek. "The company's impressive network is a solid foundation for the next phase of its development. I look forward to supporting the company's activities and to helping TailorMed increase its impact on the healthcare industry." To learn more about TailorMed and its solutions that improve access to financial assistance for medication and treatments, please visit https://tailormed.co/ About TailorMed TailorMed is a comprehensive, end-to-end platform designed to eliminate barriers along the entire medication journey, from affordability to access and adherence. TailorMed's innovations in healthcare are transforming how stakeholders-patients, providers, pharmacies, life sciences, and payers-work together to ensure that every patient, across all medical conditions, can receive the treatment they need without delay. TailorMed's enterprise solution manages the full lifecycle of patient support programs, reducing the cost of care and driving better outcomes. Thanks to its partnerships with life sciences, TailorMed creates unparalleled automation through direct integration with manufacturer assistance programs. With the nation's largest Affordability Network, deployed across more than 800 hospitals, 1,300 clinics, and 1,400 pharmacies, TailorMed powers organizations to create a seamless patient experience. Learn more at tailormed.co Contact: Jennifer Martin jenm@ tailormed.co PR Contact: Glenn GoldbergParallel Communications Group+1 516 776-3282 LinkedIn : @Parallel_PR ggoldberg@ parallelpr.com SOURCE: TailorMed PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 08:00:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 992 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE)(OTCQX:VLERF) ("Valeura" or the "Company") announces completion of an eight-well drilling campaign at Licence B5/27 (100% operated working interest), offshore Gulf of Thailand.Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:"Block B5/27 is a prime example of how with ongoing drilling activity we can continue to commercialise new accumulations to maintain a stable and predictable stream of cash flow from each of our Gulf of Thailand assets. At the same time, we have appraised several additional reservoir intervals which will form the basis of a future drilling campaign on the block. We expect to demonstrate further reserves adds at our next year-end reserves evaluation, giving rise to yet another extension in the economic life of the field." Jasmine CValeura drilled two development wells from the Jasmine C platform. Both wells were successful and exceeded management's expectation for total oil pay and are currently online as producers.Well C-30ST1H was drilled as a horizontal lateral within the 400 sand reservoir and was completed as an oil producer. The well's completion design includes an autonomous inflow control device, which has made it possible to complete the well as an oil producer despite being drilled into a mixed gas/oil transition zone.Well C-39 was directionally drilled to develop three separate reservoir intervals (the 330, 160, and 50 sands), and was successful with all targets. It was completed as a multi-zone producer, with the 330 interval now online.Ban Yen AThe Company drilled three wells from the Ban Yen A platform. Two were primarily development wells with additional appraisal targets, and one was a dedicated appraisal well. The two development wells were successful, having exceeded expectations for total pay, and are online contributing to production.Well BYA-35ST1 was drilled as a deviated multi-objective well. The well successfully developed remaining oil volumes from multiple already-producing reservoirs, and was completed for production from a total of six sand reservoirs, which will be produced sequentially. In addition, the well appraised several targets which will now be matured for inclusion in a future development drilling programme. Total oil pay encountered was approximately double management's pre-drill estimates.Well BYA-42 was drilled as a deviated well targeting remaining oil in a single reservoir interval (the 50 sands), and has been completed as a producer. In addition, the well also successfully appraised two shallower reservoir targets, being the 480 and 260 sands, which are being evaluated as potential future infill drilling locations.Well BYA-41 was an appraisal well drilled to evaluate the potential of the 50 series reservoir sands. The well encountered oil and identified a deeper oil-water contact than predicted, but the reservoir target was found to be poorly developed at this location, resulting in small volumes. As a result, the Company has chosen not to complete the well as a producer, but will integrate the data gathered into its models, with the objective of identifying alternative locations in the vicinity to develop this reservoir.Jasmine DValeura drilled two deviated development wells from the Jasmine D platform. Both were successful and are now contributing to production.Well D-44 was drilled as a deviated development well with multiple targets. The well encountered its primary targets (the 500 and 600 series sands) as intended, successfully accessing remaining oil at the structure's crest. In addition, the well verified upside in all of its secondary targets, covering five additional reservoir sands, which indicates the potential for further development of this fault block in the future.Well D-45 was also drilled as a deviated development well into the block's main fault block. The well encountered oil in all three of its primary targets (the 250, 245, and 160 sands) and was completed as a multi-zone producer. In addition, the well encountered oil in its secondary 680 sand target, which will be developed by an additional well as part of a future development campaign.RatreeThe Ratree exploration well intersected its target sand reservoirs as prognosed but encountered only trace amounts of hydrocarbons. Results suggest that oil did not migrate to this particular reservoir trend, resulting in insufficient hydrocarbon charge. Further prospective trends within the B5/27 block are being evaluated for future exploration potential.The block B5/27 drilling programme was completed safely, on time, and under budget. As a result of the campaign, the Company has maintained oil production rates approximately consistent with its Q1 performance, thereby offsetting the impact of natural declines.The Company's contracted drilling rig is now being mobilised to the Nong Yao field, where the Company plans to drill a programme of approximately 10 development wells.For further information, please contact:Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries)+65 6373 6940 Sean Guest, President and CEOYacine Ben-Meriem, CFO Contact@ valeuraenergy.com Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries) +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495 Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations IR@ valeuraenergy.com Contact details for the Company's advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Company's website at www.valeuraenergy.com/investor-information/analysts/ About the CompanyValeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Turkiye. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking InformationCertain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment dec PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 20:00:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 597 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 It's S'more Fun Together With "More S'mores" BeerKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / Whitman's Chocolates and Boulevard Brewing Company are embarking on a delicious collaboration to "Share the Small Moments" with beer and chocolate fans through a collaboration beer, unique tasting experiences, and a retail value offer this summer.The two Kansas City brands previewed having "S'more Fun Together" this March at the Charleston Wine + Food festival, pairing Boulevard's new barrel-aged beer, Wood Baron Barrel-Fresh Ale, with the new Whitman's S'mores. The fun will continue with the launch of More S'mores, a limited release Boulevard barrel-aged beer brewed in collaboration with Whitman's.More S'mores brings the wonder of beer, and the magic of a campfire treat to life in a single 16-ounce can, cozying up to the fire at 8.2% ABV with stacks on stacks of graham crackers, roasted malt, and chocolate flavors with a toasty marshmallow finish. More S'mores will be available in 16-ounce can 4-packs beginning in June throughout Boulevard's distribution footprint, while supplies last."Finding new ways to surprise and delight' consumers is something we look for so, we were excited to partner with Boulevard Brewing to pair the new Whitman's S'mores, a delightful bite-sized take on the classic fireside treat, with Boulevard's new barrel-aged beer, Wood Baron Barre-Fresh Ale," said Russell Stover VP of Sales, Patrick Khattak. "The partnership brought s'more fun' to beer and chocolate fans in Charleston and we're excited to continue the fun at home in Kansas City this summer." Whitman's Chocolates, the second-oldest chocolate brand in the United States, crafts delicious recipes that have been 'made to share since 1842'. Today, Whitman's is tapping into trendy micro-occasions and celebrations without losing its nostalgic appeal. The new Whitman's S'mores are an inspired twist on the classic dessert - no campfire needed. Each individually wrapped treat is a perfect blend of creamy milk chocolate, crunchy graham flavored pieces, and fluffy marshmallow - perfect for on-the-go adventures or cozy nights in. Available in Original and Caramel, Whitman's S'mores can be purchased at retail locations nationwide and at Whitmans.com The partnership encourages fans to "Share the small moments," enjoying delicious chocolates paired beautifully with craft beer with friends and family, celebrating life's small moments. The Boulevard Beer Hall will host a More S'mores launch happy hour on Thursday, June 5th from 4:00-7:00pm. A unique pairing experience will be available, as well as sample and full pours of the new beer, giveaways, and a few sweet surprises. No tickets necessary, learn more at boulevard.com/visit-us/events/ Additionally, throughout the month of June, attendees of Boulevard's Smokestack Tour & Tasting and Barrel-Aged Tasting experiences will be treated to a special pairing featuring Whitman's S'mores. Through September, Boulevard and Whitman's will team up to treat shoppers to a special value offer of $5 back when they purchase Boulevard barrel-aged beer and Whitman's S'mores together at their favorite grocery store (where legal, full details and submission form can be found at boulevard.com/duvelrebates) "When we tasted the new bite-sized Whitman's S'mores, we knew it was a perfect pairing for our new Wood Baron Barrel-Fresh Ale, in its way a "bite-sized" barrel-aged beer with a lower ABV and drinkable flavor profile," said Boulevard VP of Marketing Ali Bush, "we're thrilled to partner with an iconic brand in a new, exciting way with delicious pairings and a limited release beer that's a perfect summertime treat in a can." Contact InformationWill Gregorywill@ willgregorypr.com (816) 645-6116SOURCE: WGPRSOURCE: WGPR PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-27 04:31:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 666 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / May 26, 2025 / Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp (CSE:WOGC) ("WOGC") wishes to announce that this week (effective May 16, 2025), it has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement ("SPA") with Terra Metals Inc (a Delaware corporation)("TMI-Del"), Terra Metals Limited (a Zambian corporation)("TMI-Zambia")(subsidiary of TMI-Del), Lunda Resources Limited (a Zambian corporation)("Lunda") (formerly known as Zamsort Limited)(a subsidiary of TMI-Zambia), Central African Renewable Energy Corporation Limited ("CARE")(a Zambian corporation)(a subsidiary of TMI-Zambia), Mumena Mushinge ("TMI Vendor") and Brian Chisala ("TMI Vendor")(TMI-Del, TMI-Zambia, Lunda, CARE and the TMI Vendor(s) are collectively referred to as the "TMI-Del Parties"). WOGC will acquire all of the shares of TMI-Del from the TMI Vendors. The transaction shall be a reverse takeover ("WOGC RTO"). Prior to closing WOGC will: (a) issue a share dividend of approximately 520,000 WOGC common shares to WOGC registered and NOBO shareholders who hold less than 4,000 shares; (b) consolidate its common shares on a four for one basis; (c) effect a name change; and (d) complete a spinout of Fox Creek Energy Ltd. ("FCE") by plan of arrangement.As consideration for the shares of TMI-Del, WOGC will issue up to 42,160,000 post-consolidated shares at a deemed price of $0.50 per share ($21,080,000 Cdn). The purchase price was to include 100% of the shares of TMI-Del (which would own 100% of TMI-Zambia, Lunda and CARE at the time of closing)(subject to dilution by virtue of a joint venture agreement which entitles a third party (Metalex Commodities Inc.) to acquire up to 67% of Lunda and CARE by investing up to $102,000,000 US in a joint venture). The assets of Lunda consist of: (a) Zambia Small Scale Mining Licence No. 8248-HQ-SML; and (b) Zambia Small Scale Mining Licence No. 34040-HQ-SML ("Kalaba Copper Mine"). The assets of CARE at the closing of the RTO will be Zambia Large Scale Exploration Licence No. 27037-HQ-LEL "CARE Mineral Claim"). Zambia Large Scale Exploration Licence No. 31190-HQ-LEL will be transferred by CARE to Lunda pre closing. The 200MW Solar Power Project Feasibility Rights in Kawambwa District, Zambia's Northern Province will be sold by CARE pre closing to a non arms length party. The purchase shall not include the shares of two subsidiaries of TMI-Zambia, Cupriferous Resources Limited (Zambia) and Alliance Limited (Zambia), which will be sold pre closing.The purchase price payable by WOGC to the Vendors for the TMI-Del securities shall be $21,080,000 CDN (15,500,000 USD) (the "Purchase Price") and shall be satisfied as follows: (a) $6,919,300 by issuance of 13,838,600 post 4:1 consolidation WOGC Shares at $0.50 per WOGC Share; and (b) $14,160,700 by the reservation and possible future issuance of 28,321,400 post 4:1 consolidation WOGC Shares (1 share issued for every $0.20 CDN gross revenue or equity or loan capital loan (provided proceeds used to advance the Kalaba Copper Mine or CARE Mineral Claim or other resulting issuer property) invested in TMI-Del or any subsidiary of TMI-Del (including the Lunda - Kalaba Copper Mine or CARE Mineral Claim) post January 1, 2025) (the "Performance Shares").The SPA is subject to conditions including: (a) due diligence by May 31, 2025; (b) CSE listing approval; (c) CSE listing application filed by June 15, 2025; (d) completion of all proposed transactions by September 15, 2025; and (e) completion of the Plan of Arrangement dated January 1, 2023 with FCE and Odaat Oil Corp ("Odaat"), whereby WOGC shall dividend the shares of FCE to the shareholders of WOGC (spinout of FCE) leaving WOGC with no assets and no liabilities.The shareholders of WOGC approved the transaction at the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders on December 12, 2024.For further information, please contact:Gregory J. Leia, President and CEO Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp.Suite 203 - 221 - 10th Avenue SECalgary Alberta T2G 0V9T: (403) 870 0091Email: gleia@ wolffleia.ca The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.SOURCE: Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp Introduction Africas technology startup ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by a young, dynamic population, increasing mobile and internet penetration, and a surge in entrepreneurial activity. The continent is witnessing a tech revolution, with startups disrupting key sectors such as fintech, agritech, e-commerce, health tech, and edtech. However, despite these promising developments, African tech startups face significant hurdles, including limited access to venture capital, weak regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure deficits. This essay explores the opportunities driving Africas tech ecosystem, the challenges hindering its full potential, and solutions to create a more sustainable and scalable startup environment. Opportunities: A Booming Digital Economy 1. The Rise of Fintech Fintech is the fastest-growing tech sector in Africa, with startups revolutionising financial services by providing mobile money, digital payments, and lending solutions to the unbanked and underbanked populations. Companies like Flutterwave (Nigeria), M-Pesa (Kenya), and Paystack (Nigeria) have transformed the digital payments landscape, facilitating seamless transactions and financial inclusion. With Africas financial inclusion gap, fintech remains a key driver of economic growth. 2. Agritech Innovations Agriculture remains a critical sector, employing over 60% of Africas workforce. Agritech startups leverage big data, IoT, and mobile applications to improve farm productivity, supply chain efficiency, and market access. Companies like Twiga Foods (Kenya) and Farmcrowdy (Nigeria) connect farmers with markets and financial resources, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing food security. 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 3. E-Commerce and Digital Trade Expansion Africas e-commerce sector is booming, driven by a growing middle class and increased smartphone adoption. Startups like Jumia (Pan-African), Takealot (South Africa), and Konga (Nigeria) are transforming retail, logistics, and last-mile delivery. As digital payments improve and trust in online shopping grows, e-commerce is expected to play a pivotal role in Africas economic transformation. Challenges: Barriers to Scaling Tech Startups 1. Limited Venture Capital and Funding Gaps Despite the sectors rapid growth, African startups struggle with insufficient venture capital and investor confidence. While Africa attracted over $6 billion in startup funding in 2022, the distribution remains uneven, with a majority going to fintech startups in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt. Many early-stage startups in Francophone and smaller African markets face difficulties securing funding. 2. Weak Regulatory Frameworks Inconsistent and unclear government policies hinder innovation and discourage foreign investment in many African countries. For example, the ban on cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria disrupted the operations of several fintech startups. Startups also face high taxation, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of data protection laws, making it difficult to scale across borders. 3. Infrastructure and Connectivity Gaps Many startups rely on stable internet, electricity, and logistics networks, but poor infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas presents a significant challenge. Limited broadband access, high internet costs, and frequent power outages in Ghana, Ethiopia, and Nigeria affect startup operations and user adoption. Solutions: Strengthening Africas Tech Ecosystem 1. Strengthening Investor Confidence and Access to Funding Governments and private sector players should establish more startup-friendly policies, such as tax incentives and grants for tech entrepreneurs. African financial institutions and development banks should increase access to local funding through dedicated venture capital funds. Encouraging more angel investors and crowdfunding platforms can help early-stage startups bridge funding gaps. 2. Regulatory Reforms and Policy Support Governments should develop clear, consistent policies that promote innovation while protecting consumers. Regulatory sandboxes like the Central Bank of Kenyas fintech sandbox should be expanded across Africa to test and refine new business models before full-scale regulation. Strengthening intellectual property (IP) laws will encourage startups to develop and protect their innovations. 3. Supporting Tech Hubs and Digital Talent Development Expanding tech hubs and innovation centres can provide startups mentorship, workspace, and networking opportunities. Countries like Nigeria (CcHub, Lagos), Kenya (iHub, Nairobi), and South Africa (Workshop17, Cape Town) have established thriving innovation ecosystems that should be replicated continent-wide. Governments and private organisations must invest in STEM education and digital skills training to prepare Africas youth for the tech industry. Initiatives like Andela (Nigeria) and Moringa School (Kenya) are crucial in equipping young Africans with software development and digital economy skills. Regional Case Studies: Success Stories in Africas Tech Scene 1. Nigeria: Africas Fintech Powerhouse Nigeria has emerged as a leading hub for fintech startups, with companies like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Opay raising millions in funding and expanding globally. The governments Startup Act (2022) aims to provide entrepreneurs with tax relief and funding support, making Nigeria an attractive destination for tech investment. 2. Kenya: The Silicon Savannah Kenyas M-Pesa revolutionised mobile money, creating a thriving fintech ecosystem. Nairobis iHub has nurtured startups like Twiga Foods (agritech) and Sendy (logistics tech), demonstrating the power of a well-supported tech ecosystem. 3. Egypt: A Rising North African Tech Hub Egypt is experiencing a startup boom, with its government actively supporting entrepreneurship through programs like Startup Egypt and the Central Banks fintech initiatives. Cairo-based Swvl (ride-hailing) and Vezeeta (health-tech) have scaled successfully across Africa and the Middle East. Conclusion Africas tech startup ecosystem holds immense potential to drive economic transformation, financial inclusion, and job creation. While limited funding, regulatory bottlenecks, and infrastructure deficits remain, strategic investments, policy reforms, and digital talent development can unlock sustainable growth. By strengthening investor confidence, creating supportive regulations, and expanding tech hubs, Africa can position itself as a global leader in innovation. The rise of African tech startups is not just a trendit is the foundation for the continents digital future. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At 60, Eucharia Anunobi remains one of Nollywoods most unforgettable faces. From her breakout role in Nneka the Pretty Serpent to the provocative scenes that made headlines in Glamour Girls II, she was once the actress your parents warned you about. But it was not all glamour for the light-skinned actress, whose dress sense and general carriage defined what beauty meant in her day. Even as an actress, Eucharias journey from actress to divorcee, single motherhood and preacher would make for an interesting movie someday. But beyond the spotlight and scandal, she has endured loss, single motherhood, and personal reinvention. Today, she is a preacher, counsellor, and voice for faith, resilience, and radical transformation. In honour of her 60th birthday, PREMIUM TIMES looks back at some of the defining moments that have shaped her career of over three decades. Filmography From 1992, when she first hit the limelight for her role in the blockbuster film Nneka the Pretty Serpent, Eucharia has played different roles, establishing her talent as a method actor. 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 Thirty years after that film, she is also credited with having been featured in some of the movies that helped shape Nollywood, making it the force it has become. Nneka the Pretty Serpent In Okechukwu Ogunjiofors produced film, Eucharia portrayed a mysterious goddess, captivating the movie audience, establishing herself as a rising star. Nneka the Pretty Serpent follows the story of a woman who desperately wants to conceive a child. To conceive, she meets the river goddess (Mami Wata) for help. In exchange for her help, the woman promises to dedicate the child to the river goddess. She conceives and delivers a female child named Nneka, who possesses supernatural powers which she uses to perpetuate evil. Battle of Musanga Directed by Bolaji Dawodu, Battle of Musanga arguably heralded the rise of epic films in the Nigerian movie industry. It tells the story of the Musanga Kingdom and what happened to it when the first white man ventured in. The coming of the white man brought about a resistance and confrontation by the people against what was seen as the foreigners exploitative designs. The Kingdom was led by the tyrannical King Mudame Konolinga, the Egbenamasiogiri X of Musanga, who led his people against the white mans incursion. Glamour Girls II (1996) This sequel to the 1994 movie Glamour Girls explores richer and obscene themes with a more robust cast that includes Eucharia. While the original movie focuses on the sex trade in Nigeria, Glamour Girls II goes further to explore international prostitution, which was topical at the time, human trafficking, ritual killings and a hint of bestiality. One of the hot topics of 1996 was the steamy bathroom scene between Eucharia and actor Zack Orji, which left little to the imagination. Other notable films she starred in include Backstab (1995), The Last Burial (2000), August Meeting (2001), Not with my Daughter (2002), Sister Mary (2003), Mothers Help (2003), Lagos Babes (2003), Hot Lover (2003), Secret Affairs (2005), Letters to a Stranger (2007), Drug Baron (2007), Desperate Sister (2007), Our Jesus Story (2020), Small Chops (2020) and The Way We Were (2024). Bereavement A shadow was cast on the effervescent actress in 2017 when she lost her only child, Raymond, due to complications from sickle cell. Before his demise at 15, the actress got married to Charles Ekwu. They got divorced in 2006. She also accused her ex-husband of abandoning their child, as she had to seek the support of well-meaning Nigerians for his treatment. In an interview on the WithChude podcast, the actress attributed her ability to cope with the devastating loss to her Christian faith, which she said has been a constant source of comfort and strength. When you have bereavement or things that bring undue sorrow, you do not sorrow because you know that they were just given to you for a short period and that someday you also will leave this atmosphere. That is what the wisdom of God teaches you. The comfort I have not to mourn unnecessarily or overtly over the loss of my only child as a single parent is that I know he is not gone. Yes, I know he is gone physically. I miss him, but I know the beautiful treasures of memories I have in my heart, because the word of God says I will see him again, she said. Cleric On 5 February 2012, the actress and film producer was ordained an evangelist at the Fresh Oil Ministry Church, Egbeda, Lagos State by Pastor Psalm Okpe. To this day, she counsels youth in the church and teaches the word of God worldwide as she travels. Her teachings on her Instagram, Facebook and YouTube pages cover topics around infidelity, abstinence, spiritual well-being and more. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The UNs top human rights official, Volker Turk, on Monday said that Israels military actions in the Gaza Strip are no longer covered by the principle of self-defence under international law. We are talking about an expulsion that is highly, highly questionable, Mr Turk said on Austrian radio, referring to the effect of the war on the civilian population. What we have witnessed in recent months has nothing to do with respect for the fundamental principles of humanity, said Mr Turk, who holds the title of UN high commissioner for human rights. You cant really find any more words to describe what is happening. Israels friends in particular must exert massive diplomatic pressure on the country to change its behaviour, the Austrian official said. Israels army recently said it was pursuing its war against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas by expanding the war zone and calling on the residents of most places in the southern Gaza Strip to leave the region. The war in Gaza has claimed more than 53,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It was triggered by the worst massacre in Israels history, carried out by fighters from Hamas and other groups on 7 October 2023. About 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip. (dpa/NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Duchess International Hospital has performed a successful complex open-heart surgery operation on a five-year-old boy (known as Master D), born with a life-threatening congenital heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), a significant heart defect that affects the normal flow of blood through the heart and lungs. Dr. Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey, chief executive officer of Duchess International Hospital, explained that the complex surgical procedure was successfully performed in stages over a combined period of approximately 14 hours between the 19th and 21st of May 2025, by a combined multidisciplinary team of specialised cardiac surgeons, cardiac anaesthetists, perfusionists, and intensivists amongst others, led by Dr Mudasiru Salami, Consultant Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon. Master D has since made a remarkable recovery under the watchful eye of the intensive care team of the Duchess International Hospitals Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and has now been transferred from the CICU for routine observation on the Paediatrics ward. Explaining further on why this is a great medical feat, the Duchess Hospital CEO explained that in a normal heart, blood flows to the lungs from the right chambers of the heart to receive oxygen from the lungs. In a heart affected by a Tetralogy of Fallot, the defect causes the blood (which is low in oxygen) to flow in the wrong direction, by-passing the lungs and causing low energy levels, a persistent blue discolouration of his lips and tissues, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath and recurring chest infections; all classic signs and symptoms of this severe and debilitating congenital heart defect. He said the patient suffered from the four component malformations of this composite heart disease a hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart, a narrowing of the valve of the main artery carrying blood to the lungs, a thickening of the muscle of the right lower chamber of the heart due mainly to a forced protracted increase in pressure and workload, and poor positioning of the main artery that carries blood from the heart allowing blood to bypass the lungs and deliver blood poor in oxygen to the tissues and organs of the body. In most developed health systems around the world, this heart condition, which is present from birth, would normally be treated by an open-heart surgery operation within six to nine months of birth to prevent further complications occurring in the years to come. In Master Ds case, he has had to wait several long years before his delayed presentation at Duchess International Hospital at 5 years of age. 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 Dr. Mudasiru Salami, Consultant Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, explained that in order to perform such complex open-heart surgery in Master Ds case, the heart has to be arrested for the first five and a half hours. which was a huge risk. But the first miracle was that the heart came back instantly, Dr. Salami remarked. He emphasised the importance of teamwork, dedication, specialised clinical expertise and cutting-edge medical technology available at Duchess Hospital as essential ingredients in the overall success of the procedure. He thanked Duchess Hospital staff for their show of humanity in donating fresh blood to transfuse the patient at a time when this was critically needed. The patients mother, Olutope Adetona, while speaking, thanked Duchess Hospital for saving the life of her last-born child, noting that she had confidence that the hospital would be able to save her son after watching testimonials of satisfied patients on YouTube who had undergone open-heart surgery at the Duchess Hospital. Mrs Adetona urged parents not to hide any form of health challenge in the family but to speak out so that help can come in time. In less than four years of its existence, the Duchess Hospital, which was opened to patients on the 22nd of October 2021, has continued to be a shining light in the delivery of affordable quality healthcare in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. Its cutting-edge medical technology and experienced teams of specialised clinical, non-clinical and allied healthcare professionals have worked tirelessly to reverse the trend of medical tourism abroad and build confidence and trust in healthcare services in Lagos and across Nigeria. The hospital has noted an increasing trend of Nigerians in the Diaspora now coming back home to patronise its services in Lagos. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print It was a bright morning at a primary health centre in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State. Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) equipped with tablets and laptops were meeting with young people, their fingers moving across screens as they conducted mental health assessments using digital tools that are changing the landscape of care in this region. Among the young people was YJK, a bright student whose life took a challenging turn after losing his father to Boko Haram violence as a toddler. Though he excelled academically, his behaviour had begun to change in recent years, withdrawing socially, staying out late, sleeping excessively, and watching his grades decline. Without this community screening, his condition might have remained undetected until it became far more severe, explained Fatima Abba Ali, the consultant psychiatrist behind the Mentaccess project, which she upgraded and expanded as her reform project during her time as a participant in the AIG Public Leaders Programme. The programme is a capacity-building initiative of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation facilitated by the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Instead, he was referred to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, diagnosed with social phobia and substance dependence, and received the treatment he needed, Mrs Abba Alli recalled. Today, YJK is thriving in schoolone success story among the more than 29,000 children and adolescents screened through this initiative. Catching them young Research consistently indicates that more than half of mental health disorders emerge during childhood or adolescence, Mrs Abba Ali explained. Borno State has endured over a decade and a half of security challenges, placing children and adolescents at the heart of this crisis. 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 reality formed the foundation of Mentaccess, which operates on a simple yet powerful premise: early intervention saves lives. Why not catch them young? she asked, a question that has become the projects unofficial motto. The methodology is innovative yet practical. At its core is a three-tier system that begins with community health workers conducting screenings using the Mentaccess digital toola mobile tool that enables real-time assessment of mental health conditions, even in areas with intermittent internet connectivity. The power of community trust This approach leverages existing community structures and trusted individuals to overcome long-standing barriers to mental healthcare. Previously, seeking help for mental health concerns was often a difficult journey marked by stigma and lack of awareness, Mrs Abba Ali noted. Individuals frequently explored numerous avenues, such as spiritual and traditional healers, often delaying or entirely missing appropriate care. The first tier of the Mentaccess system places community health workersindividuals already known and trusted within their communitiesat the frontline of mental health detection. They use the digital screening tool to identify potential issues and provide basic care for mild cases, while referring to more complex situations up the care pathway. For the second tier, specially trained Psychiatric Rehabilitation Providers deliver more intensive counselling. The third tier connects patients with psychiatrists at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Maiduguri, sometimes through teleconsultation services for those in remote areas. Technology bridging the gap The Mentaccess digital tool is an important innovation that can address the mental health service gap in rural communities. It enables real-time screening that guides non-specialist health workers in identifying mental health disorders. Worldwide, we are witnessing how digital tools are being used to better healthcare access, Mrs Abba Ali said. The Mentaccess digital tool allows operators to know the severity of cases, providing counselling and other basic psychological treatments for mild cases, and indicating cases that need referral to specialists. This tool has not been without challenges. In areas where internet connectivity is inconsistent, often due to ongoing security issues, real-time data collection can be delayed. The project has adapted by developing offline functionality and establishing physical referral networks when digital communication is not possible. Cultural understanding as foundation Perhaps the most delicate aspect of bringing mental health services to traditional communities is navigating cultural attitudes. Mrs Abba Ali spoke about her approach to this. We use indigenous healthcare workers who understand the nuances between various cultures in the state, she explained. Efforts were also made to establish relationships and understanding among community gatekeepers, such as traditional leaders, spiritual leaders, and institutional leaders. This cultural sensitivity extends to how mental health concepts are communicated. Rather than imposing external frameworks, the project identifies and encourages culturally healthy attitudes while gently discouraging stigmatising beliefs through awareness campaigns. A message of hope When asked about the most important message that needs to reach rural communities regarding mental health, Mrs Abba Ali was clear: Mental health disorders, just like physical health illnesses, are treatable with appropriate treatment. People with mental health challenges should not be stigmatised, as it can happen to anyone. She emphasised that mental health conditions arise from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factorsfrom physical illness and psychological trauma to financial difficulties. This holistic understanding informs the projects approach to treatment and prevention. The Programmes Impact The AIG Public Leaders Programme, facilitated by the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, was instrumental in helping Mrs Abba Ali upgrade and implement the Mentaccess project. The programme, designed to support transformational public sector leaders, provided her with the resources, mentorship, and network needed to bring her vision to life. As an alumna of the AIG Public Leaders Programme, I was able to transform and upgrade the project to a more concrete reform thats now changing thousands of lives, Mrs Abba Ali said. The programmes emphasis on evidence-based approaches and sustainable solutions has been reflected in every aspect of Mentaccess. Looking Forward Now operating in six local government areas in Borno StateMMC, Jere, Monguno, Chibok, Mafa, and Biuthe Mentaccess project demonstrates how innovative approaches can transform mental healthcare delivery even in the most challenging environments. The project is now expanding to include school-based interventions, training teachers to recognise early signs of mental health issues in their students. Though this component is still in its early stages, Mrs Abba Ali is optimistic about its potential impact. Be part of the solution Mental health challenges do not exist in isolation, and neither do their solutions. As Mrs Abba Alis work demonstrates, community involvement is essential for creating sustainable change. Heres how you can contribute to better mental health outcomes in your community: 1. Learn to recognise signs of mental health challenges in children and young people 2. Speak openly about mental health to reduce stigma 3. Create safe spaces where children and adolescents feel comfortable discussing their feelings 4. Support community initiatives that promote mental well-being Mental health is everyones business. In Mrs Abba Alis words: Communities are an important part of social support and have an important role in the promotion of mental health. This feature is part of our Mental Health Awareness Week campaign, highlighting innovative approaches to community mental health support. The AIG Public Leaders Programme, facilitated by the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, supports transformational public sector leaders like Mrs Abba Ali, who are creating practical solutions to Nigerias healthcare challenges. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Mohammed Bago has inaugurated 20 newly constructed Level 2 primary healthcare centres in the 16 local government areas of Niger State. Mr Bago said the facilities constituted the first phase of a broader plan to build 100 such facilities under the NG-CARES programme through the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA). While commissioning the centres in Minna, the governor said his administration was committed to transforming healthcare access across the state. He said 40 more centres would be constructed in the coming months, and assured of the sustainability of the project because sufficient funds are available in the Healthcare Development Fund. These centres are part of the strategic efforts to enhance healthcare at the grassroots level. Any facility that maintains high standards in service delivery and infrastructure upkeep will receive a monthly reward of N5 million, the governor announced. To honour outstanding individuals, Governor Bago also revealed that three of the centres will bear commemorative names: the Maitumbi facility after the late Hajiya Zainab Yakubu Garba, the one at Peter Sarki Road after the late Peter Sarki, and the Anguwan Daji facility after his wife, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago. 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 Executive Director/CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, described the centres as exemplary models of Level 2 Primary Healthcare in the country. Similarly, the Deputy National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Abubakar Musa, announced plans to adopt the model in NG-CARES 2.0 due to its distinctiveness. The state Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Chairman of the NG-CARES Steering Committee, Mustapha Ndajiwo, said the project aligns with the states agenda of providing equitable access to quality healthcare. He applauded Governor Bago for ensuring that development reaches the community level, which has elevated Niger States national standing in NG-CARES performance metrics. CSDA General Manager Aisha Abdulkadir lauded the collaborative spirit that drove the projects success and praised the governors leadership. She also noted that the family of the late Senator Idris Kuta, after whom one of the centres is named, pledged to sponsor 100 community members under the NiCARE health insurance scheme. In their separate remarks, commissioners Phalalu Bako (Rural and Community Development) and Ibrahim Dangana (Primary Healthcare) commended Governor Bagos unwavering focus on quality healthcare. They called on communities and stakeholders to safeguard the facilities and ensure their longevity. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Nigerian-founded international medical charity, Hospitals for Humanity (HFH), has organised another round of free open-heart surgeries for children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Congenital heart disease refers to defects in the hearts structure that are present at birth. These defects affect how blood flows through the heart and the rest of the body. Scheduled for May and June 2025, the organisers say over 300 children are now on the waiting list for the life-saving procedures. According to a statement signed by the Founder of HFH, Segun Ajayi, the surgeries will take place in partnership with federal and state hospitals across the country and will be led by a team of Nigerian specialists across the world. Globally, the prevalence of congenital heart diseases among newborns and infants varies between four and 14 per 1,000 live births. In Nigeria, congenital heart diseases are seen in 3.5 out of every 1,000 live births. Bridging the gap in access to care For many families, the cost of open-heart surgery is far beyond reach. Over the years, HFH said it has conducted surgeries for hundreds of children from low-income backgrounds whose parents cannot afford the cost of the procedures required to survive CHD. 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 According to Mr Ajayi, the surgeries are not just about saving lives, but also about proving that excellence in care is possible in Nigeria when supported by local expertise and the right partnerships. Past surgical missions have been held in Jos, Abuja, and Borno, and have helped hundreds of children return to normal life. He added that in addition to treatment, the programme provides opportunities for skills transfer and hospital system upgrades, further strengthening Nigerias capacity to handle such specialised procedures. This story cuts to the heart of some of the most pressing national conversations, Mr Ajayi noted in the statement. Can Nigeria build a functional health system that serves the poor? What is the role of diaspora professionals in public sector transformation? And how does the Tinubu administrations health renewal agenda translate into real outcomes? Also, a recent video by Beast Philanthropy, the charitable arm of popular American YouTuber MrBeast, spotlighted HFHs work in Lagos. The video documented stories of children awaiting surgery and highlighted the hurdles faced by Nigerias fragile health infrastructure. In the video, MrBeasts team witnessed firsthand the conditions children face. Collaborations with organisations like Beast Philanthropy have helped fund previous rounds, and HFH calls for more support to help more children in need. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a fake drug factory in an uncompleted three-storey building at Azagba Ogwashi in Aniocha LGA in Delta State. The NAFDAC Director, South East Zone, Martins Iluyomade, disclosed this at a press briefing in Asaba on Tuesday. Mr Iluyomade said the agency would consider the option of seizing any building used for illicit drug manufacturing and relabelling of expired drugs. I feel very sad for our country and the kind of things that are playing out. Only God knows how many people have died from consumption of the illicit drugs produced by these merchants who are looking for money at all costs, he said. He said they are perpetrating these heinous crimes using all manners of avenues, including inciting the public against what NAFDAC is doing. They are even using their ill-gotten money after killing a lot of people. Nigerians need to be very vigilant. 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 According to Mr Iluyomade, the prime suspect, one Ekene Igwe, now at large, is one of the major traders at Ogbo-Ogu at Bridge Head drug market in Onitsha, Anambra. He said the suspect and his wife, one Blessing Igwe, had been together in this illicit drug business. What these drug merchants have done since they knew that Ogbo- Ogu market is no longer safe for their illicit drug business, they have moved out to neighbouring places like Asaba in uncompleted buildings, relabelling injectables that expired far back seven years ago, he said. This issue of illicit drug business has been on for several years, and there has not been any solution. This time, NAFDAC is coming forward with a solution to make sure that Nigerians are safe, and we are able to safeguard the health of the public. While displaying the drugs, Babatunji Omoyeni, deputy director, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement, Federal Taskforce, South-South and South-East, said the agency successfully tracked a drug shop at Ogbo-Ogu, where illicit drugs produced are sold to unsuspecting buyers. According to Mr Omoyeni, the seizures at the illicit drug factory included a big drum containing vials soaked in liquid substances and adulterated drugs. They are rebranding expired drugs including large quantity of chloroquine phosphate 322 mg/5ml, petazine injection 50mg/2ml, gentamycin injection 280mg/2ml and many other contraband injectable with new labelling. He said the agency recorded the breakthrough following a tip-off from concerned members of the public Mr Omoyeni said efforts were being intensified to track the prime suspect, adding that his wife has been apprehended and arraigned before a competent court for trial and prosecution over her level of involvement in the illicit drug business. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAFDAC displayed the fake drugs and printed packs of drugs-injections while journalists were taken to the building housing the fake drug factory in Azagba-Ogwashi in Asaba Capital Territory. According to NAFDAC, the injectables recovered from the three-storey building include eight packs of expired chloroquine phosphate, which expired in August 2018. 35 amps of engometrin that expired in July 2020, 30 amps of petazine, 70 amps of gentamycine, 200 packs of unexpired chloroquine phosphate, 35 amps of engometrin. Also displayed were 50 amps of promethazine, 3000 amps of unidentified injection wrapped with papers, 1300 printed packs of drugs ( injection), two sets of generators and one drum containing nails soaked in liquid substances. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Some parents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on the federal government to take decisive action against the growing availability of banned products, particularly those targeting children. The parents expressed concern over the increasing use of flavoured tobacco and e-cigarettes by minors in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja. Their discussion was part of activities marking the 2025 Childrens Day. The parents aligned with this years theme: Enhancing the Total Well-being of Children Through Quality Education and Skill Development. They argued that no meaningful development could occur if children are trapped in a cycle of addiction from an early age. Olamide Bello, a mother of three from Gwarinpa, said: Our children cannot learn or thrive in school if theyre battling addiction. These flavoured vapes and tobacco products are undermining their health and future. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mrs Bello also raised concern about how tobacco companies market candy, fruit, and menthol-flavoured e-cigarettes to children using appealing packaging and social media influencers. She urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to urgently introduce enforceable guidelines to ban the sale and promotion of such products. Comfort Shamaki, a trader and mother of four, recounted seeing minors openly buying the items in Garki Market. They smell like sweets and are sold next to snacks. Its a deliberate trap, Mrs Shamaki said. Chinyere Eze, a parent and school volunteer in Asokoro, said children as young as 13 were seen vaping, mimicking trends they saw on TikTok and Instagram. Mrs Eze emphasised the urgent need to ban the sale of flavoured tobacco and e-cigarettes to minors. She also urged the government to expand smoke-free public space laws to include e-cigarettes and shisha and to strictly regulate influencer marketing that targeted young people. At Wuse Market, Emeka Okoro, a father of two, said he had personally confronted vendors selling nicotine products to students in school uniforms but saw no enforcement. If we do not fix this now, we will have a generation of addicts instead of skilled, educated leaders, Mr Okoro warned. He added that addiction posed a direct threat to childrens well-being and undermined the national goal of quality education and skill development. He called for stiff penalties, including heavy fines and criminal prosecution, for retailers who continued to sell such products to minors. READ ALSO: NAFDAC uncovers fake drug factory in Delta Childrens Day should remind us of our duty to protect the total well-being of our children, which includes shielding them from harmful substances that derail their education, health, and future, he said. NAN reports that as the country reflects on this years Childrens Day theme, parents and guardians are calling for collective action from the government, communities, schools, and the media. They emphasised the need to ensure every child can grow up in a safe, addiction-free environment that supports their education, health, and overall development. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Police, Kano State Command, says it has launched a thorough investigation into an incident that led to the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano Division and one other individual. The incident occurred on 25 May at about 8:15 p.m. in Rano Local Government Area, following the arrest of a motorcycle mechanic, Abdullahi Musa, who was alleged to be riding recklessly under the influence of substances. This is contained in a statement by the commands Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Kiyawa, on Monday in Kano. The statement said the suspect was taken into custody and later showed signs of weakness. He was rushed to Rano General Hospital, where he died on 26 May at about 6:00 a.m. while receiving treatment. Following the incident, miscreants reportedly mobilised and attacked the Rano Police Division. Parts of the station and two vehicles were set ablaze, while 10 other vehicles were vandalised. The DPO was seriously injured in the attack and later died at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, the statement added. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The command said 27 suspects had been arrested in connection with the violence. It stated that normalcy had been restored in the area and that police personnel were on ground to maintain law and order. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Bakori, who visited the scene of the incident, also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Rano, Alhaji Mohammed Isah Umar (Autan Bawo 19). He ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine both the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice. The police command condoled with the family of the deceased DPO, describing him as a gallant officer, who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands, assuring that justice would be served. It also reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and public order, and called on the public to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday condemned child bullying in Nigeria and across the world. The Nigerian leader, in a statement to mark this years Childrens Day, held annually on 27 May, said, Globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly. In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65 per cent of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression. This is unacceptable, Mr Tinubu said in the statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by his media office. The Nigerian leader outlined the efforts the government has taken to protect children in the country. As a government, we have initiated a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand the scope of protection, strengthen their provisions, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement. We are also leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse, he said. Read the presidents full statement below. 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 PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBUS MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2025 NATIONAL CHILDRENS DAY, TUESDAY, 27TH MAY 2025 1. My Dear Children, the pride and future of our great nation, I join you to celebrate the 2025 National Childrens Day with immense pride and profound joy. On this special day, let me reaffirm our commitment to nurturing and protecting you as Nigerias future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. 2. Across every school, community, and home in Nigeria today, you are the most precious part of our national fabric, the heartbeat of our nations future, and the custodians of tomorrows promise, innovation, and leadership. I therefore reaffirm today our constitutional, moral, and intergenerational duty and commitment to safeguard every Nigerian child, protect his rights, and nurture his dreams. 3. This years theme, Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation, could not have been more timely as it speaks directly to the culture we are building. A culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities. Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today. 4. Globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly. In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression. This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right. 5. My fellow Nigerians and our dear children, we prioritise child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This includes the full implementation of Nigerias National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (20242030), which I recently launched. The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination. 6. We are further taking decisive steps to prevent, detect, and respond to all forms of violence against children. As a government, we have initiated a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand the scope of protection, strengthen their provisions, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement. We are also leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse. 7. I am pleased to note that 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, thus reflecting our collective resolve to protect and provide for the welfare of children. However, laws alone will not be sufficient to protect our children. We require a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership. 8. We are investing in other focused national systems for child protection, such as the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), which is being scaled up to track and respond to cases in real-time. The Ministry of Womens Affairs is strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms, training frontline responders, and leading nationwide awareness campaigns to end harmful traditional practices. 9. Additionally, and in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to implementing proactive measures to strengthen existing efforts to support families and communities, including developing a robust institutional framework focused exclusively on Child Protection and Development. This will ensure greater accountability in safeguarding the rights and well-being of every Nigerian child. 10. We have introduced a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools and developed Guidelines for School Administrators, among several other measures. We embed social-emotional learning and child safeguarding into teacher training. Through the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, we create inclusive pathways for every child to learn, thrive, and succeed, regardless of background. 11. In the care economy, we are expanding access to primary healthcare and upscaling dedicated Mother and Child Hospitals and healthcare systems across all six geopolitical zones, offering integrated maternal and child services. We are working collaboratively with subnational governments to ensure the establishment of similar facilities across the States. 12. We believe every child has the right to grow up in a loving and protective environment. To ensure that children who are unable to remain in their biological homes are given the care and protection they deserve, the Federal Ministry of Womens Affairs has developed the National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children. These guidelines would complement the recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) and strengthen our child protection systems. 13. Through the Nutrition 774 programme and our School Feeding Scheme, we work assiduously to improve child health and cognitive development. The Nutrition 774 project aims to ensure no child in Nigeria goes hungry. Through this project, we are reaching every community, guaranteeing that children receive the necessary nutrition to thrive in their academic pursuits, creative endeavours, and overall health. A well-nourished child is well-equipped and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. 14. To institutionalise our commitment, the Federal Ministry of Womens Affairs has recently established a dedicated Department of Nutrition to strengthen policy coherence, programme delivery, and coordination around child and maternal nutrition. 15. We are investing in social protection tools such as the Universal Child Grant and finalising a national Child Wellbeing Index to measure progress, track gaps, and hold ourselves accountable. 16. Our childrens safety cannot be solely anchored on government policies but on community vigilance. This is why I am launching a nationwide See Something, Say Something, Do Something campaign today, encouraging every Nigerian to become a child protection champion. 17. To our beloved children: you matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you. If you are bullied or harmed, speak upyou will be heard and protected. 18. I call on all partners, stakeholders, and duty-bearers to sustain and deepen our collective efforts. We must embed child rights in all our budgets, plans, and policies. 19. I commend states taking bold steps for our childrens welfare and urge those yet to act: now is the time. Our children are not just statisticsthey are the heart of our nation. 20. Let today mark a renewed movement to build a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love. 21. Congratulations to all our children. May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future. Long live Nigerian children. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A few days ago, a message made the rounds that Perplexity AI has launched a fact-checking assistant on WhatsApp. To many, it was just another announcement in the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence, but to those working in the information ecosystem, particularly in the Global South, it felt like something more: a sign of just how quickly Big Tech is expanding into domain-specific spaces once led by local innovation. We are entering a new phase of AI development, one where tools are no longer just general-purpose assistants but are being fine-tuned to sectors like health, education, agriculture, journalism, and law. This sectoral shift holds immense promise. But it also revives an old pattern: the consolidation of power in the hands of those who control infrastructure, not just ideas. Across the Global South, local innovators have built thoughtful, culturally aware AI systems tailored to real needs. Fact-checking tools that understand local slang. Legal chatbots that explain tenancy laws in plain English. Health apps that adjust for infrastructure gaps. These arent just toolsthey are acts of epistemic justice. They reflect an understanding that intelligence is not objective or universal. It is shaped by language, history, geography, and power. But just as these efforts take shape, they are being outpaced, if not overshadowed, by Big Techs arrival. Global companies are now deploying sector-specific AI tools deeply embedded in dominant platforms. Perplexitys assistant lives directly in WhatsApp, one of the most widely used apps in Africa. Googles Med-PaLM is being trialed in hospitals, aiming to become the standard for AI-assisted medical decision-making. Khan Academys Khanmigo, built on GPT, is pitched as a global tutor. The question is not whether these tools work; it is about who decides what counts as knowledge, who owns the interface to the citizen, and whose values are silently embedded in these systems. Even in areas where we have argued for agencywhere critical knowledge work, like journalism, writing, and research, are not victims of AI but sit at its power corethere is a need to pause and reflect. I have previously made the case that media actors must not retreat in fear but embrace AI as a lever of influence. But influence does not happen in a vacuum. Without structural equity and algorithmic fairness, even the most contextually grounded local tools risk becoming invisible, overshadowed not by merit but by scale. In other words, we can lead in thought and design, yet still lose ground if the platforms and rules are rigged. 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 moment demands a sharper understanding of digital sovereigntynot as a nationalist impulse, but as a form of collective agency. It is the ability of people, communities, and countries to shape the digital tools they use, to ensure those tools reflect their histories, languages, needs, and aspirations. Without it, we risk repeating old patterns in new clothes. In the colonial era, infrastructure was used to extract value while marginalising local systems. Today, if we are not careful, AI could become the railway and telegraph of the digital ageextracting data from the South, building intelligence in the North, and redistributing solutions that dont always fit our realities. Without digital sovereignty, AI becomes a new form of dependency, just as colonial railways and telegraph lines moved people and goods for the benefit of imperial centres, todays AI infrastructuresAPIs, platforms, and datasetsrisk extracting our data, flattening our differences, and returning intelligence built elsewhere, for elsewhere. Already, we see how local civic tech tools, many of them funded through grants or developed by journalists and civil society actors, struggle to compete once global platforms roll out similar features. Their visibility drops. Donor interest wanes. Governments are told to plug in to global APIs. Over time, this weakens the local ecosystem. We lose not just tools, but the capacity to build, adapt, and govern. The implications are profound when health systems rely on AI trained on foreign data, when legal guidance comes from models trained in different legal cultures, and when students learn from tutors who dont understand their world. We are not just using tech, we are surrendering control. This isnt abstract; it is already happening as the most contextually rich, low-resource language models are struggling to find investment. Civic tech tools developed by African organisations are often seen as duplicative once a global model releases a generic version. Epistemological Danger When knowledge is generated by tools trained largely on data from the Global North, there is a quiet reordering of authority. Who gets to define what is true? Whose definitions of fairness, credibility, or safety are baked into the system? When the answers are decided elsewhere, were not just consuming foreign knowledgewe are outsourcing judgment. This dynamic is not unique to AI. We saw it with social media, where algorithms shaped virality, discourse, and even elections. But with AI, the stakes are deeper. AI doesnt just distribute content; it generates answers, predicts outcomes, and defines what is reasonable, plausible, or appropriate. And increasingly, it does so invisibly in high-stakes areas like health, education, and governance. This is not a call to resist all global innovation as digital sovereignty is not isolationism; it is about being at the tableshaping, negotiating, and regulating from a place of informed strength. What we need now is a multi-layered response: Investment in public-interest AI, including low-resource language models, locally built datasets, and civic-use cases that reflect diverse realities. Policy and procurement frameworks that mandate ethical use of AI and prioritise local solutions where relevant. Open infrastructure and shared compute: so civic innovators and public institutions are not locked out of the AI economy. South-South collaboration to pool expertise, share standards, and co-develop tools aligned with regional values. This also calls for new narratives, ones that resist the seductive idea that intelligence only comes from scale and instead affirm that context, care, and consent are equally powerful inputs in building meaningful AI. Just as algorithms shaped virality during the social media boom, rewarding outrage, sensationalism, and speed, AI is now shaping what becomes truth, what gets amplified, and who gets heard and if we do not interrogate the power structures behind AI deployment, we will wake up to a world where our tools reflect someone elses values, our facts are filtered through someone elses lens, and our innovators are edged out before they can even begin. This is not just a tech issue; it is a question of epistemic power, democratic accountability, and the digital futures we want to build. We still have time to act, but only if we recognise that the future of AI is not just about automation or scale; it is about whose intelligence counts. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In this exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, shares her journey to the top, the power of data-driven advocacy, and why true gender equity requires more than visibility. PT: Can you tell us about your professional journey and how you became a CEO? Mrs Adeyemi: My professional journey has been driven by a passion for empowering entrepreneurs and bridging systemic gaps in Africas ecosystem. Over the past 23 years, Ive worn many hatsfrom leading high-impact projects at KPMG Advisory and pioneering the Nigeria Leadership Initiative, to designing programmes that support small businesses. At FATE Foundation, I have spearheaded initiatives like the FATE Institute and our digital pivot to msmehub.org, expanding our reach to over one million entrepreneurs. What fueled my growth was a relentless focus on data-driven solutions, policy advocacy, and financial inclusion, which helped us disburse $2 Million in grants and loans while achieving sustainable growth. 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 Becoming CEO was a natural evolution of this missiona blend of strategic vision and hands-on leadership. I recognised early that sustainable change required not just programmes but ecosystem-wide transformation. By mobilising stakeholders like Google, Ford Foundation, and policymakers, I repositioned FATE as Nigerias leading business incubator. My journey reflects a commitment to turning insights into action: whether through research, technology like AI-driven tools, or coalition-building. Today, I measure success by how many entrepreneurs we empowerand by ensuring our work informs policies that unlock Africas potential. PT: In your opinion, how do women leaders inspire and empower others around them, especially other women? Mrs Adeyemi: Women leaders inspire and empower othersespecially womenby creating pathways for visibility, access, and mentorship, while challenging systemic barriers. At FATE Foundation, we embed this ethos into our programmes through a deliberate gender lens: from tailored financial products like low-interest loans for female entrepreneurs, to research highlighting womens unique challenges in our State of Entrepreneurship reports. By equipping women with skills, capital, and networks, and advocating for policies that level the playing field, we dont just uplift individualswe model how inclusive leadership can transform entire ecosystems. When women see others thrive, it ignites a ripple effect of ambition and collective growth. PT: What do you think is unique about women in leadership roles compared to men? Mrs Adeyemi: Women leaders bring a unique blend of empathy, collaborative problem-solving, and resilience to leadershipqualities that are especially transformative in overcoming the systemic barriers women entrepreneurs face, like limited access to capital and networks. At FATE Foundation, weve seen this firsthand: our women-focused initiatives, from low-interest loan programmes to mentorship circles, address these gaps by not just providing resources but also fostering a culture of shared growth. Unlike traditional models that prioritise competition, women leaders often champion collective successwhether by designing policies informed by our gender-disaggregated research or creating safe spaces for peer learning. This inclusive approach doesnt just empower individual women; it rewires ecosystems to be more equitable, proving that leadership isnt about dominance but about lifting others as you climb. PT: What challenges did you face as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them? Mrs Adeyemi: As a woman leader in the social impact spacean industry where women are well-represented but often underrepresented in top rolesIve faced challenges like being underestimated in male-dominated policy discussions and navigating biases around assertive leadership. These mirrored the struggles of the women entrepreneurs we support at FATE Foundation: while more women start businesses in Nigeria, they hit ceilings in scaling due to lack of growth capital, societal expectations, and fragmented networks. I overcame these barriers by leveraging datalike our gender-disaggregated researchto validate womens economic contributions, while intentionally building coalitions with male allies and designing programmes like our women-focused revolving loan fund. Just as we equip female founders to turn systemic hurdles into stepping stones, Ive learned that women in leadership must both challenge norms and create their own tablestransforming visibility into power. PT: Can you share one of the most rewarding moments in your career that solidified your passion for leadership? Mrs Adeyemi: One of the most rewarding moments in my career was launching FATE Foundations women-focused funding programmes after our research and others revealed challenges female entrepreneurs face in accessing funding despite starting businesses at higher rates than men. When we disbursed the first funds to 200+ womenmany of whom had never qualified for traditional loanstheir testimonies of hiring first employees, developing products, and having more employees crystallised why leadership matters: its about turning data into doors. Seeing these women transform from high-risk borrowers into employers and ecosystem leaders reaffirmed my belief that true leadership dismantles barriers not just through advocacy, but by redesigning systemsone audacious solution at a time. PT: What advice would you give to young Nigerian women aspiring to become leaders in their fields? Mrs Adeyemi: To young Nigerian women aspiring to leadership: Own your voice unapologetically, but pair ambition with strategy. At FATE Foundation, weve seen that women who thrive do three things relentlessly: first, they master their craft (whether in tech, business or policy) to silence doubters with excellence; second, they build unlikely allianceslike the female entrepreneurs in our network who partner with male-dominated industries to scale; and third, they redefine leadership by lifting others up as they climb. The road will demand extra grityoull face funding gaps, stereotypes, and wait your turn pressuresbut remember: Nigerias toughest problems need your perspective. Start before you feel ready, document your wins (theyre armor against imposter syndrome), and remember: every woman you empower becomes proof of whats possible. PT: How do you balance the demands of being a CEO with other aspects of your personal life? Mrs Adeyemi: Balancing the demands of CEO leadership with my deep commitment to family and friendships requires intentionality, not perfection. I treat my calendar like a strategic blueprint: just as I prioritise high-impact meetings at work, I block sacred time for family and friends related moments and activitiesbecause these relationships are my non-negotiables. Its a constant albeit not always perfect dance, but Ive seen that me thriving doesnt always mean having it all but designing my life where professional impact and personal joy fuel each other. PT: This years International Womens Day theme is Accelerate Action. What does this theme mean to you and how does it reflect your leadership approach? Mrs Adeyemi: This years theme, Accelerate Action, resonates deeply because progress for women in business remains frustratingly uneven. While we celebrate milestonesmore female founders, more gender policiesthe reality is stark: women still face disproportionate barriers in accessing capital, markets, and decision-making spaces. Our research reveals that female entrepreneurs still struggle to secure loans despite stellar proposals, and policy implementation often lacks teeth. To me, acceleration means moving beyond symbolism to systemic disruption. True action requires holding policymakers accountable, equipping women with litigation tools for discrimination cases, and men committing as alliesnot cheerleaders. Leadership here isnt about speed; its about stubborn, strategic force until the numbers and lived experiences align. This interview was conducted in partnership with Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), a Nigerian non-profit organisation committed to advancing and empowering women in leadership. Mrs Adeyemi is also a member of WIMBIZ. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerian Army troops have killed scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents after repelling an attack in Borno State. The insurgents had launched the foiled attack Tuesday morning in New Marte, headquarters of the Marte Local Government Area. It came a few days after they killed seven soldiers, stole gun trucks, and burned down a military base in the same area amid renewed Islamist attacks across the state. According to sources, the latest deadly confrontation between soldiers and the insurgents started around 1:35 a.m. on Tuesday. During the encounter, the troops, aided by an airstrike, reportedly killed scores of the insurgents. However, two soldiers paid the supreme price. 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 incident was also confirmed by Reuben Kovangiya, an army captain and spokesman of Operation Hadin Kai, a counterinsurgency operation in the North-east of Nigeria. Mr Kovangiya said the troops also recovered one Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned by the terrorists under pursuit. He said several motorcycles conveying the terrorists were also destroyed by airstrikes. In the early hours of May 27, 2025, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) foiled an attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on their location in New Marte, Borno State. The failed attack was repelled by a combined effort of ground forces and the Air Component of OPHK. The terrorists attempted to infiltrate the troops location but were met with heavy gunfire. The Air Component provided immediate Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and offensive fire support, leading to the decimation of several fleeing terrorists. Regrettably, two soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice during the encounter. However, troops recovered one Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned by the terrorists during pursuit. Several motorcycles conveying the terrorists were also destroyed by precision airstrikes, Mr Kovangiya said. During exploitation of the area, troops discovered lifeless bodies of the terrorists, with traces of blood on their withdrawal routes, indicating additional casualties inflicted on the terrorists. In a related development, troops also repelled a daring attempt by terrorists to attack the Forward Operating Base at Kumshe. The collaborative effort demonstrates the renewed jointness and team spirit in the fight against terrorism, geared towards bringing lasting peace to enable socio-economic activities to thrive in the North East region, he added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Monday, staged a peaceful demonstration on campus to demand the issuance of the institutions identity (ID) card. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students, who trooped out to the universitys main gate, chanted solidarity songs asking the authorities to issue them their ID cards or no examination. The President, Great Ife Students Union, Issac Omoboriowo, told NAN in an interview that the students would not allow the conduct of examinations without the provision of ID cards for students. Mr Omoboriowo said the students were taking legitimate action by demonstrating for their rights. According to him, for the past six years, students have only received their ID cards once, even after paying for them along with the school fees every year. So, no ID card, no exam, the students union leader 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 also said that the demonstration provided them the avenue to take their firm stand and make it known to the world that they were paying for ID cards annually, but not getting it. Another student, Jimoh Oladipupo, said that it was regrettable that the university management had not provided identity cards for students for six consecutive years. Mr Oladipupo described the development as a fraudulent act by the management. Another student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that his hostel, Awolowo Hall, had been overgrown with weeds and infested by wild and dangerous animals. Theres also the scarcity of water in this whole big academic environment, the student said. He also complained about the overpopulated hostels and inadequacy of hostels, adding that the existing ones were old and dilapidated. The situation has compelled many students to live off campus, even though not convenient for their parents. The management didnt give us reasonable response for the ugly development, which is embarrassing to the university. Theres no way of identifying students and non-students because no one has an ID card, he said. The protesters urged the institutions management to take urgent steps to produce ID cards and build more lecture theatres. They also appealed to the federal government to adequately fund education in the country. Reacting to the students action, the universitys Public Relations, Abiodun Olarewaju, said that the management was taking steps to address their complaints. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will hold on Tuesday (today) as scheduled. The partys acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, stated this while addressing newsmen after the PDP Extraordinary Caucus Meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja. We just finished the extraordinary caucus meeting. We are moving to Legacy House for our NEC meeting. I think it will be proper for us to address you immediately after we finish the NEC meeting, Mr Damagum said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 99th NEC meeting has been scheduled for at 2.00 p.m. at the partys presidential campaign office, Legacy House, in the Maitama District of Abuja. NAN also reports that the meeting had earlier been fixed for the partys national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It was, however, changed to Legacy House, following the closure of the national secretariat by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) due to 28 years of unpaid grand rent. The NEC meeting had been postponed several times. NAN reports that as at the time of writing this report, members of NEC had started arriving at the venue of the meeting which was expected to address critical issues affecting the party, including strategies for upcoming political engagements. The NEC, one of the highest decision-making organs of the PDP, comprises the national chairman and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC). State governors, serving and former presidents, former vice-presidents, the chairman and secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT), principal officers of the National Assembly, state chairpersons, former governors and founding members, among others, are also members of NEC. At the extraordinary caucus meeting held at the Bauchi governors lodge were the Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Seyi Makinde of Oyo. Others were the BoT Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, BoT Secretary, Ahmed Makarfi, a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and a BoT member, Bode George. Former National Chairman, Uche Secondus, Chairman of PDP South-South Caretaker Committee, Emmanuel Ogidi, NWC members and some former governors were also in attendance Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Alcoholic drinks, especially beer and spirits, may raise the risk of pancreatic cancer, a new UN study has found. The research, led by the World Health Organisations Centre for Cancer Research, pooled data from nearly 2.5 million people across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. It revealed a modest but significant association between alcohol consumption and risk of developing pancreatic cancer, regardless of sex or smoking status. Pietro Ferrari, senior author of the study at the International Cancer Research Agency and Head of Nutrition and Metabolism Branch at the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), said previous studies had been inconclusive. He stated that alcohol consumption is a known carcinogen, but until now, the evidence linking it specifically to pancreatic cancer has been considered inconclusive. The pancreas is a vital organ that produces enzymes for digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer is among the most lethal cancers, largely due to late diagnosis. 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 IARC study found that each additional 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day was associated with a 3 per cent increase in pancreatic cancer risk. For women consuming 15 to 30 grammes of alcohol daily, which is about one to two drinks, the risk rose by 12 per cent compared to light drinkers. Among men, those who drank 30 to 60 grammes daily faced a 15 per cent increased risk, while men drinking more than 60 grammes daily saw a 36 per cent higher risk. Alcohol is often consumed in combination with tobacco, which has led to questions about whether smoking might confound the relationship. However, our analysis showed that the association between alcohol and pancreatic cancer risk holds even for non-smokers, indicating that alcohol itself is an independent risk factor. Mr Ferrari, however, added that further research is needed to better understand the impact of lifetime alcohol consumption, including patterns such as binge drinking and early-life exposure. READ ALSO: FG to commission three new cancer centres Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer globally, but it accounts for five per cent of cancer-related deaths due to its high fatality rate. In 2022, incidence and mortality rates were up to five times higher in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, and Eastern Asia than in other regions. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The African Democratic Congress (ADC) said on Tuesday that there is no division within the leadership of the party over talks of being used to field opposition candidates for a coalition in the 2027 general elections. Nkem Ukandu, the deputy national secretary of the party and spokesperson for the National Chairperson, Ralph Nwosu, stated this in a statement in Abuja. TheCable reported last week that opposition leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and former governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, are planning to adopt the ADC as the platform to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election. However, there are reports that the move has stirred internal division within the party as some state officials vowed not to relinquish their positions to new entrants, the Punch reported. ADC speaks Mr Ukandu described reports of division as misleading, inaccurate, and a deliberate attempt to sow seeds of discord within the party. He said the ADC is open to collaboration with all progressive-minded Nigerians, adding that the party had demonstrated this by amending its constitution to accommodate partners who are equally passionate about national development. 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 party remains firmly united and guided by the same founding principles that have kept it strong and consistent for years. Handshake has always been in our DNAnot out of desperation, but because we believe in inclusive governance and coalition-building based on shared values. We are a party built on clear ideological direction and structured leadership, he said. Mr Ukandu noted that the party consulted widely and engaged stakeholders across zones before reaching a consensus on the coalition. He noted that the partys National Executive Committee (NEC) had unanimously endorsed the coalition strategy last year at a NEC meeting held at NICON Luxury Hotel with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) present to observe proceedings. Following that, we held additional NEC meetings, including one in October of the same year. In total, we convened over four NEC meetingsall focused on solidifying our position. In some of these gatherings, coalition partners were admitted as observers, and INECs statutory presence reaffirmed the legitimacy of the process, he said. He said no dissenting voice was recorded during National Working Committee (NWC) meetings, reinforcing the partys internal cohesion and shared vision. He added that state and zonal chairpersons also spoke in alignment with the strategy during the ADC global summit held on 14 May. This party is united in purpose, and we are fully committed to building a credible coalition to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges, Mr Ukandu said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A group, Enforcers of Good Governance (EGG), has urged Nigerians to demand accountability from state governors and local government chairmen for improved governance and service delivery at sub- national levels. This appeal was made during a press conference organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Diaspora for Asiwaju (NDA) in Abuja. Kingsley Ogu, the convener and national leader of the group, emphasised that while much attention is focused on the presidency, Nigerians must also scrutinise and demand results from their state and local government leaders. Mr Ogu noted that recent reforms have granted local governments greater financial autonomy and liquidity, which should translate into tangible benefits at the grassroots level. Is your local government richer now than it was three years ago? If the answer is yes, then ask yourself what your council chairmen and governors are doing with that wealth, he challenged. Economic reforms On the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, Mr Ogu likened the current challenges to the pains of childbirth, suggesting that they are necessary for eventual prosperity. 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 explained that the removal of petrol subsidies, though painful, was essential to redirect funds toward critical sectors such as education and healthcare. He also acknowledged the difficulty in communicating complex economic realities to ordinary Nigerians, especially market women and grassroots communities who may not fully grasp the macroeconomic forces at play. Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of educating the public that short-term sacrifices are investments in a better future. Political tensions in Rivers State The conference also addressed the political crisis in Rivers State, following President Bola Tinubus declaration of a state of emergency in the state and the suspension of the Siminalayi Fubara-led administration. The political crisis has sparked protests and calls for the reinstatement of elected officials, raising concerns about governance and democratic processes in the oil-rich Niger Delta state. Mr Ogu, while expressing the collective pain felt by Rivers people over the suspension of their elected officials, affirmed confidence in President Tinubus wisdom and commitment to the states welfare. He commended Governor Fubaras recent efforts to reconcile with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urging that peace-building efforts extend to the House of Assembly and other stakeholders. The duration of this state of emergency should not be extended. All gladiators must sheath their swords and embrace peace in the best interest of Rivers people, he urged. The group, which had previously supported Labour Partys Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, publicly declared their full support for President Bola Tinubus bid for a second term. He called on all political actors in Rivers State to unite behind Mr Tinubu, emphasising that his administrations vision is in the interests of the South and all geopolitical zones. The North has had its eight years; the South should be allowed to have hers, he said. NDA speaks on economic indicators In corroboration, the NDAs country director, Wasiu Abiola, said recent declines in petrol and food prices are signs that reforms are yielding results. Mr Abiola attributed previous price spikes to market manipulation by those opposed to subsidy removal and urged Nigerians to remain patient and united. We are living a borrowed life. The best any sensible leader can do is to take the subsidy out. These reforms and government actions will continue to yield good results. There are pains, but no pains, no gains, he said. READ ALSO: Tinubu appoints new Governing Council members for three federal universities He also reaffirmed the NDAs partnership with EGG as a strategic alliance to support good governance and ensure the continuation of reforms that benefit Nigerians at all levels. Call to action The EGG and NDA leaders encouraged Nigerians, especially at the grassroots level, to actively engage in governance by holding their elected officials accountable. Let us educate our people that these temporary pains will come, but better results will follow. We must work together to ensure that governance delivers dividends to all Nigerians, Mr Ogu said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ZAM, a Netherlands-based media organisation, has called on the Dutch government to suspend its immigration support programme in Tanzania and stop supporting the repression of human rights. In a statement issued on Monday, the media platform accused the Netherlands of assisting dictators under the guise of migration control. Its demands follow the arbitrary arrest, detention, torture and deportation of Agather Atuhaire, a journalist with the Network of African Investigative Reporters and Editors (NAIRE), and Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi. ZAM described the act as a state-enabled brutality and linked the abuse to the Dutch-backed immigration capacity-building project in Tanzania known as Project Hostmanship. Project Hostmanship is managed by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs Return and Departure Service. The project, although aimed at curbing illegal migration to Europe by training foreign immigration agencies, is considered to have emboldened the repressive regime to crack down on civil society in the country. 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 According to ZAM, the initiative has strengthened repressive forces in Tanzania, resulting in the abuse of individuals through beatings, sexual assault, and psychological torture. If the Netherlands does not want people to leave Tanzania, the Dutch government, instead of assisting dictators, would do better to support Tanzanian forces for democracy so that citizens can stay safely home in freedom, it said. Ms Athhaire and Mr Mwangi had travelled from Uganda and Kenya, respectively, to observe the political trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. They were picked up at their hotel in Dar es Salaam and accused of violating Section 45 of Tanzanias immigration law for failing to declare that they were in the country to observe a trial. Mr Lissu, whose party has been banned from participating in elections planned for October, had publicly called for protests against election rigging, resulting in Samia Suluhus government charging him with treason. After their arrest, Ms Athhaire and Mr Mwangi were handed over to a local torture squad, who subjected them to days of abuse before dumping them near the borders of their home countries. The security operatives also threatened to humiliate them if they disclosed what had happened to them. Tanzanian police had initially informed local rights groups that the pair would be deported by air. However, last Thursday, Mr Mwangi was found abandoned on a roadside in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. Ms Atuhaire was also abandoned at the border. Amnesty International described the arrest of the activist and journalist as one that reveals the dangers faced by human rights defenders in Tanzania, while noting that there must be accountability and justice. Last Friday, the US Department of States Bureau of African Affairs stated that it found the reports of the two activists mistreatment to be deeply concerning and called for an immediate investigation. We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses. We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture, it said. ZAM has decided to back the investigations into the torture of Ms Atuhaire and Mr Mwangi. It also stated that the perpetrators and their commanding officers should be held accountable. The Dutch government needs to supply an explanation of what has happened, or failing this, to request an inquiry into the incident from its Tanzanian counterparts. In light of rising oppression and autocracy in East African states such as Tanzania, but also Uganda, which holds many political prisoners, and Kenya, where scores of good governance protesters were shot dead a year ago, ZAM calls upon the Dutch government to stop assisting repressive states, it added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The explosion that occurred near the Nigerian Armys Mogadishu cantonment in Abuja on Monday injured a passerby and killed the carrier, suspected to be a suicide bomber. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Nigerian Army announced the explosion on its X handle Monday evening. Explosion At Bus Stop Opposite Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja. Situation Under Control, the army wrote, promising to provide further details of the explosion. Army spokesperson Appolonia Anele, a lieutenant colonel, could not be reached for comments on Tuesday morning. She did not respond to calls, and a text sent to her had not been responded to. The police said operatives of Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) of the FCT Police Command have condoned off the area. The spokesperson for the command, Josephine Adeh, in a statement, noted that a male adult was injured in the incident. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the suicide bomber was trying to sneak into the barrack when the explosive detonated. 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 suicide bomber died instantly leaving one passerby injured, the agency posted on its X handle. The EOD unit of the NPF evacuated the injured to National Hospital and took over the scene for further investigation; bringing the operation to a close at 17:29hrs. Stakeholders present included NEMA, Military, NPF, DSS and FRSC. Mondays explosion makes it the seventh bomb incident recorded in Abuja and its environs since 2010 and the second since President Bola Tinubu assumed office. 01 October 2010: The first recorded bombing incident occurred during Nigerias 50th Independence Day celebrations. Two vehicle bombs exploded near Eagle Square in Abuja, resulting in at least eight deaths. The attack was reportedly carried out by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), which later claimed responsibility. However, the group did not disclose the motive behind the attack. 16 June 2011: A suicide bomber targeted the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The explosion claimed the lives of two people, including the bomber and a traffic officer. The terrorist group Boko Haram later claimed responsibility for the attack. 26 August 2011: A vehicle-borne explosion rocked the United Nations (UN) building in Abuja resulting in the deaths of 23 people and left about 80 others injured. This attack marked one of the deadliest assaults [by Boko Haram terrorists] on an international organisation within Nigeria. 25 December 2011 (Christmas Day): A devastating bombing occurred at St. Theresas Catholic Church in Madalla, a town in Niger State approximately 10 kilometers from Abuja. The attack, which happened during a church service, killed no fewer than 35 people and injured many others. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bombing. 14 April, 2014: In the early hours of the day, a twin bomb incident occurred at a crowded bus station in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja, killing 88 people and leaving approximately 200 others injured. 6 January, 2025: A bomb explosion occurred at the Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School, located in Kuchibiyi community, Byazhin, Bwari Area Council, Abuja. The incident claimed the lives of two individuals. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The absence of Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, stalled the $150 million suit filed by a Nigerian, Chianugo Peter, against Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC. Mr Peter had filed the suit over allegations bordering on the shutdown of his YouTubeAudio.com domain name after eight years of promotional and marketing efforts in breach of the contract. Justice Egwuatu had fixed today for the defence to cross-examine Mr Peter after he was led in evidence virtually on the last adjourned date by his lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong. However, the matter, which was on number 7 on the courts list, could not proceed due to the judges absence. The case was subsequently adjourned until 16 July for hearing. Mr Peter, through his lawyer, named GoDaddy.Com LLC and Google LLC as the 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit filed on 14 April 2023 and marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/238/2023. 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 earlier originating summons filed by Mr Ekpenyong of the law firm of Fred-Young & Evans LP, the Nigerian sought $150 million in compensation from Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC for the alleged cyberspace contract breach. The plaintiff alleged that the defendants shut down his domain and business name, YouTubeAudio.com, and transferred the rights over the name to Google LLC, an American multinational technology company. Google LLC, in its initial statement of defence dated 9 November 2023, and filed 10 November 2023, by its lawyer, Mark Mordi of the law firm of Aluko & Oyebode, urged the court to dismiss Mr Peters suit as being unmeritorious and lacking in merits. Justice Egwuatu had, in April 2024, given the plaintiff the go-ahead to amend his originating processes after his lawyer moved the application, and it was not opposed by the defence counsel. In his amended statement of claim dated 29 April 2024, Mr Peter sought ten reliefs. He sought a declaration that GoDaddy.com was wrong to shut down the YouTubeAudio.com domain name on 7 December 2022 and that Google was wrong to remove YTAudio with its website youtubeaudio.com from its Google PlayStore on 25 December 2023 without adequate compensation to him. He said this is notwithstanding that the YouTubeAudio.com domain and business name is different and distinct from YouTube trademarks. He wants the court to declare that he is entitled to compensation from the defendants for the loss of the YouTubeAudio.com brand and goodwill which has accrued on the brand and domain name for eight years of promotional and marketing works from 2 July 2015 to 7 December 2022. He sought an order directing the defendants to pay $50 million to him for promotional and marketing works on the YouTube Audio business name and YouTube Audio.com domain name for eight years from 2 July 2015 to 7 December 2022. He sought $100 million in damages for loss of anticipated profits associated with the brand equity and goodwill of YouTube Audio and YouTube Audio.com domain name. Mr Peter also sought from the defendants the sum of N50 million to enable him to carry out fresh registrations of his domains new name and secure an alternative domain name to host its application to attract users. The Nigerian sought an order directing the defendants to pay N10 million naira to him for the prosecution of the suit. Alternatively, Mr Peter prayed the court for an order for GoDaddy.com to reinstate and hoist the YouTubeAudio.com domain name, which was shut down on 7 December 2022 and for Google to also reinstate YouTubeAudio.com on its Google PlayStore platform, which was unilaterally removed on 25 December 2023. He submitted that he acquired rights over YouTubeAudio.com domain name from Go Daddy.com LLC, which conducted a search before confirming that he could make use of the name. The plaintiff averred that he promoted the domain and business name from 2014 to 2022 and even wrote to Google to introduce YouTubeAudios services and to partner with it in 2014 and 2021, but received no response from it on both occasions. He said in February 2021, he applied for YouTubeAudio.com and it was registered on the Google AdSense platform for displaying advertisements on the website. Besides, Mr Peter said in August 2021, the domain and business name was registered on Google Playstore. According to him, the plaintiff consistently paid GoDaddy.com LLC for registration and use of the domain name from 2015 to 2022. But Google LLC, in its amended statement of defence and counterclaim dated and filed 31 May 2024, averred that its registration of the YOUTUBE trademarks at the Trademarks Registry gives it the exclusive right to the use of the said trademarks. It submitted that it has incurred expenses in the sum of $24,040.64 in dealing with Mr Peters deliberate infringement of the counterclaimants YOUTUBE trademarks. The company, therefore, sought a declaration that Mr Peters registration and use of the YouTubeAudio business name with BN 2395035 at the CAC is an infringement of its YOUTUBE registered trademarks. It prayed the court for an order directing Mr Peter to pay the company the total sum of $24,040.64, being the expenses incurred in dealing with his infringement of the YOUTUBE registered trademarks. It equally sought an order directing the plaintiff to pay the company the cost of defending the suit. In his amended reply to Googles amended statement of defence dated 12th July 2024, Mr Peter responded that it is not in doubt that Google LLC owns YouTube trademarks. However, YouTubeAudio is distinct and different from YouTube trademarks. He submitted that Google LLC, being a foremost search engine in the world, knew that he had earlier written to it, that he was making use of the YouTubeAudio domain name for the past eight years without any objection or caveat by either GoDaddy.com or Google. Hence, Google LLC is estopped from claiming any right over the YouTubeAudio domain name, he said. GoDaddy.com LLC neither filed any process nor was represented in court. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print As Nigeria celebrates Childrens Day 2025, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, has warned that thousands of babies are still being born with HIV each year. Ms Ilori, in a statement to commemorate the day, described the situation as a preventable tragedy that continues to threaten the health and future of Nigerian children. She said Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services remains one of the most effective strategies in ending paediatric HIV and ensuring that no child is born with the virus. She stressed the need for stronger action to protect children from preventable infections. Childrens Day is a reminder that we must do everything within our power to protect the next generation, she said. This includes ensuring that every pregnant woman has access to early testing, and if positive, is put on treatment and continuous care throughout pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. 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 HIV burden While Nigeria has made strides in expanding HIV services for pregnant women, the country continues to carry one of the worlds highest burdens of paediatric HIV. According to a 2023 report by the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), West and Central Africa bears a disproportionate burden of the global paediatric HIV crisis. The region accounts for 26 per cent of all children living with HIV, and four in every ten with new HIV infections among children and adolescents globally. In 2022 alone, an estimated 308 adolescents in the region acquired HIV every week, with girls making up 9 in 10 of new infections among adolescents. The report further revealed that 20 per cent of all pregnant women living with HIV are in West and Central Africa, yet 48 per cent of them are not receiving treatment. Of the 400,000 children living with HIV in the region, only 37 per cent are currently on life-saving antiretroviral therapy. Ms Ilori said the failure to fully eliminate mother-to-child transmission is a clear indication that more work needs to be done, particularly in confronting the stigma that discourages many women from accessing care. A shared responsibility Nigeria has pledged to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV in line with global targets to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. READ ALSO: Niger governor commissions 20 primary healthcare centres But the continued transmission of the virus to infants raises concerns about the effectiveness and reach of existing interventions. Ending paediatric HIV, according to Ms Ilori, requires the collective commitment of all stakeholders. She called on healthcare providers to deliver quality, respectful care to women and children, while urging community and faith-based organisations to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that discourages many women from seeking care. She added that families and caregivers must support women to access and adhere to treatment throughout pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has sought the National Assemblys approval to raise N757.98 billion through the issuance of Federal Government bonds in the domestic debt market. The fund is intended to settle longstanding pension liabilities owed to retired civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The presidents request was presented in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary on Tuesday. In the letter, Mr Tinubu explained that the proposed bond issuance will be managed by the Debt Management Office (DMO) and will cover outstanding obligations as of 31 December, 2023. I write to request for the kind approval of the National Assembly for the issuance of Federal Government of Nigeria FGM bonds in the domestic debt market by the Debt Management Office to settle outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributive Pension Scheme as of December 2020 in the sum of 757,983,246,571 Naira, the letter reads partly. Pension challenges in Nigeria In Nigeria, retiring from public service does not always mean rest or financial relief. For many retirees at both federal and state levels, accessing their pension benefits is a long and painful journey with delays, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and some even lost their lives while struggling to get their benefits. 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 Nigeria operates a dual pension system. The federal government retirees are mostly under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) managed by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and Private Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). State government retirees, however, fall under different schemes depending on whether a state has adopted the pension scheme or remains under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS), an older system often plagued by corruption, underfunding, and irregular payments. While the CPS is designed to ensure sustainability and prompt disbursement, it is still burdened by unpaid accrued rights, delayed remittances, and weak enforcement. In many states, pensioners are made to queue for hours or even days under the sun for verification or payment. For instance, in 2022, a retiree in Kano State reportedly fainted while waiting in a queue during a pension verification exercise. In 2019, about three pensioners reportedly died in Benue State after waiting years without receiving a dime of their entitlements. In Imo State, elderly pensioners protested repeatedly over unpaid entitlements, with some collapsing during demonstrations. Many of the retirees still struggle to feed, access healthcare, or send grandchildren to school. Those without family support are particularly vulnerable. Purpose and impact In the letter, President Tinubu emphasised that the move is not only a fiscal necessity but also a significant step toward restoring trust in Nigerias pension system. He noted that the settlement of the backlog would enable the federal government to meet its commitments under the pension scheme, thus improving the welfare of retirees. It will enable the Federal Government of Nigeria to meet its obligations under the CPS and restore confidence in the pension industry. Positive welfare effects on the retirees as this will enable them to meet their basic needs such as womens full routine jobs, rent, school fees of their children and other family needs. This will improve the health and avoid untimely death of the retirees. It has potential to contribute to productivity and morale of public servants as this will assure them of the Federal Government of Nigerias commitment to meeting pension obligations, and for settlement of pension liabilities have potential to improve aggregate demand and economic growth because it will enhance liquidity in the economy, President Tinubu said. After reading the letter, Mr Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local Debt, Local and Foreign Debt. He directed the committee to review the proposal and present its findings to the Senate within two weeks. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The US government has suspended the scheduling of new interviews for student visa applicants worldwide as it considers strict vetting of applicants social media profiles. The directive was issued by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in a cable sent out to diplomats worldwide on Tuesday, according to Politico. This means that US embassies in Nigeria and many other countries will stop setting up new interview appointments for people who want to apply for student visas, such as the F-1 visa. Although this is only temporary, during this period, no new applicants will be able to schedule an interview, which is a required step in the student visa process. Mr Rubio, however, ordered that interviews that have already been scheduled can proceed. Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued, Mr Rubio said in the cable. 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 stated that the guidance on social media vetting is expected in the coming days. Thousands of Nigerian students study in American universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with more seeking to join them. The latest action is part of the US governments efforts to control foreign students entry to American schools over claims they have contributed to an atmosphere that promotes antisemitism. The Trump administration is currently pressuring US universities to change their race-conscious admission policies. Last week, the administration revoked Harvard Universitys ability to enrol international students by revoking its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. The Department of Homeland Security attributed this to the universitys refusal to comply with its requests for the behavioural records of student visa holders. It had earlier frozen $2.3 billion in federal funds to the university. The administration has also revoked the visas of hundreds of foreign students. Last Month, PREMIUM TIMES reported that about 600 international students in over 90 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated. In April, Cynderila Patrick, a Nigerian and graduate of Youngstown State University in Ohio, filed a lawsuit against the US government after her student visa was revoked. Many other international students affected have also filed lawsuits. Last Thursday, a federal judge issued a ruling that prevents the US government from terminating the legal status of foreign students while a court case challenging the previous terminations was pending. Meanwhile, Mr Rubio stated that the State Department had likely revoked thousands of student visas across the country and was open to revoking more. Were going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities. A visa is a privilege, not a right, he told Congress last Tuesday. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minority Leader of the Senate, Abba Moro, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is using calculated tactics to destabilise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mr Moro, the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, stated this during the PDP National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday. The senator, who chairs the PDP Caucus of the National Assembly, insisted that the party remains the most viable alternative for Nigerians in the build-up to the 2027 general elections. He urged the party faithful not to be discouraged by the perceived strategies of the ruling party or by the internal crisis within the party (PDP). And so, from whatever, rising from the stories of defections, even the antics of the ruling party, to bring us down, I want us to convince ourselves that Nigeria deserves an alternative and that alternative is PDP to provide another level of leadership, he said. Defections Mr Moro acknowledged that defections pose a temporary challenge to the PDP. 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 However, he expressed confidence in the resilience and appeal of the PDPs core ideals, which, he said, will continue to resonate with Nigerians nationwide. Let me state here that we have observed in the National Assembly that there have been various defections of our senior, very serious members of the party and that could give the impression to anybody that PDP is on the verge of collapse. But I say to you here that we in the National Assembly believe that coming from all the constituencies of Nigeria to make up the PDP, and knowing that PDP is the biggest brand in this country today, that you can find in any nook and cranny of Nigeria, that PDP is very strong and these activities carried out meticulously will even make the PDP stronger. And so, we say that while the defection of very senior members of the party must have a temporary setback, we believe that PDP, with its ideas and ideas, will definitely be the party to beat, even in 2027, he said. The minority leader reminded the NEC members that the PDP was born not out of political convenience but from a visionary group of patriotic Nigerians determined to build a party rooted in democratic values. We should not lose sight of the fact that PDP was put together by 16 and then 34 members. At that time, we didnt have any governors, we didnt have any senators; we didnt have any other leaders other than the people who, in their own idea, conceived PDP as a democratic party that could give Nigeria a purposeful leadership, he said. PDP Caucus backs party leadership Mr Moro reaffirmed the commitment of PDP lawmakers in the National Assembly to the partys rebuilding process. He noted that the caucus stands in full support of efforts by the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BoT), and PDP governors to reposition the party ahead of 2027. Members of the PDP in the National Assembly are completely in tandem with the efforts of our governors, NWC members, and BoT to revamp the fortunes of the PDP. And that is why we give complete confidence to the line-up of activities of the leadership of the party that will culminate in the national convention of our party. We believe that given the circumstances in which we find ourselves as a party, that there is no better time than now to line up activities that will reassure members of the PDP, lovers of the PDP, lovers of democracy in Nigeria, that PDP is coming back, he said. Mr Moro called for cohesion among members and urged the National Assembly caucus to work tirelessly to return the party to its winning ways. And so today, this is one of the series of activities that we are attending today. And we believe in the National Assembly that moving forward, in complete unity and cohesion, members of the PDP, as it was in the beginning, as it is still now, will continue to work hard towards ensuring that PDP goes back to its winning ways, he said. Four senators have defected from the PDP and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to ruling APC in less than a month. On 7 May, Kano South Senator Kawu Sumaila left NNPP for the APC, claiming an unresolved party leadership crisis which has led to litigations and internal divisions. On 13 May, the three senators from Kebbi State defected from the PDP to the APC. The senators are Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District; Yahaya Abdullahi, representing Kebbi North Senatorial District; and Garba Maidoki, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District. Earlier, Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko, dumped the PDP for the APC. There have also been defections from opposition parties to the APC in the House of Representatives. With the defections, the APC now holds 68 seats in the 109-member Senate, consolidating its majority. The PDP was reduced to 30 seats. While the Labour Party has five, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has two, and the NNPP and APGA hold one seat each. The Senate has 107 sitting members since the death of former Anambra South Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, last July and the departure of Monday Okpebholo, who vacated Edo Central seat after being elected governor of Edo State last September. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has extended warm felicitations to all children across the state as the nation celebrates the 2025 Childrens Day. The governor pledge to create a brighter future for every child in Katsina State, describing them as the most precious assets of our great state and the foundation upon which tomorrows prosperity will be built. The governor reminded the global community and Katsina children of his administrations groundbreaking achievements in child development and welfare since assuming office. Governor Radda stated that the state has improved girls education through the comprehensive Girl Education Development Initiative. This flagship programme has provided essential educational materials including textbooks and learning resources to thousands of female students across the state. In less than two-years, our administration has disbursed conditional cash transfers to an impressive 104,111 girls across 255 secondary schools statewide to reduced school dropout rates and enhanced educational participation among female students, the Governor stressed. Governor Radda also noted his commitment to child welfare, saying, The state has successfully conducted a measles vaccination campaign that reached an outstanding 2,216,753 children, as part of the efforts to protect young lives from preventable diseases. 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 Furthermore, the Governor approved the disbursement of N200 million as funding for the UNICEF Nutrition Program, ensuring that malnourished children across the state receive proper nutritional support and interventions. Recognising the importance of practical skills development, we have trained 2,000 students in bag production and equip them with valuable vocational skills that will serve them throughout their lives, the Governor disclosed. Governor Radda equally demonstrated commitment to academic excellence by ensuring full payment of WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS examination fees for all children in secondary schools across the state. Speaking to the children, Governor Radda noted, You are not just the leaders of tomorrow you are the pride of today. My administration will continue to invest in your education, health, and overall development because we believe in your limitless potential to transform our state and nation. The governor encouraged all children to take advantage of the numerous opportunities his administration has created and remain focused on their studies, aspire to greatness while distancing selves from social vices. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has commissioned the Kagarko township road, three months after it was flagged off, bringing joy to the people of the local government, after 20 years of failed promises. The governor who commissioned the road on Monday as part of the activities marking his second anniversary in office, reaffirmed his administrations commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap between urban and rural communities. Speaking at the event, Governor Sani emphasized that the road project is part of a larger effort to fulfil one of his campaign promises, which is to accelerate rural development across the state. This is one of the most important local governments in the state, and we believe we must do everything possible to implement vital projects, particularly roads, hospitals, and other basic amenities that will transform the lives of the people of Kagarko, he said. Mr Sani disclosed that his administration embarked on 79 road projects across Kaduna State, totalling approximately 780 kilometres. Out of these, 25 have been completed, including the newly commissioned road in Kagarko. This road will not only connect markets and people to infrastructure like hospitals and schools, but will also enable our farmers to access their farms and help citizens move easily between their homes, farms, and healthcare facilities, he added. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Governor Sani also revealed that over 400 million has been invested in an electrification project to restore power to the area, which had been in darkness for years. I am proud to announce that we have invested over 400 million to ensure lasting electrification that will reach every home, he said, noting that the project would be completed within the next one or two months. The governor who acknowledged the presence of private investors in Kagarko, including a firm that has committed 650 million to local operations, argued that consistent power supply is essential to support such investments and grow small businesses. Supporting small businesses is key to promoting economic prosperity. They create jobs, reduce poverty, and uplift families. This is crucial not just for economic growth, but also for addressing insecurity in our state, he said. Governor Sani also praised traditional, religious, and youth leaders for their roles in maintaining peace and stability in the area, noting that peace and unity is the bedrock of progress. According to him, we couldnt have achieved this level of progress without their cooperation. For me, peace and unity in our state are more important than anything else. Without peace and unity, infrastructural development like what we are witnessing today would not be possible, he said. In his remarks, the Chairman of Kagarko local government, Muhydeen Umar Abdullahi, said that for over 20 years, successive administrations made several promises but failed to construct even a single kilometre of road in the history of Kagarko Local Government. According to him, the road serves as a vital lifeline for the people of Kagarko, facilitating smooth and efficient transportation as well as boosting the local economy. The chairman also commended Governor Sanis intervention to restore electric power to the local government which has been in total blackout for nearly three years, adding that we are optimistic that in the coming days, Kagarko will be fully reconnected to the national grid Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Infinix Nigeria has been named User-Friendly Smartphone Brand of the Year at the prestigious 16th Africa Beacon of ICT (BoICT) Awards, held in Lagos on 24 May, 2025. The award celebrates Infinixs standout approach to innovation, intuitive design, and accessible pricing that resonates with Africas growing youth market. This recognition reflects Infinixs continued commitment to innovation, performance, and excellent product design, all offered at competitive prices that meet the evolving needs of todays users. Speaking on the recognition, Yemisi Ode, Marketing Communications & PR Manager, Infinix Nigeria, highlighted that, this award reaffirms our mission to empower todays youth with devices that blend cutting-edge innovation and everyday usability. Our devices are designed to elevate the lifestyle and creativity of our users. This award follows the successful launch of the Infinix NOTE 50 Series, a lineup that redefines mid-range smartphones by integrating flagship-level design and intelligent features. With its combination of premium materials like the ArmorAlloy metal frame, and cutting-edge One-Tap AI functionalities, the NOTE 50 Series exemplifies Infinixs commitment to delivering high-performance, user-centric smartphones that cater to the evolving needs of todays consumers, a core value echoed in this BoICT recognition. The BoICT Awards, organized by Communications Week Media Limited, celebrates the contribution of leading individuals and organisations in technology driving digital transformation and excellence in Africas ICT ecosystem. According to Ken Nwogbo, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Communications Week, the awards are designed not only to recognize achievements but also to encourage ongoing innovation in the industry. Infinix has consistently delivered cutting-edge smart devices that combine style with next-level technology. This recent win is a testament to its reputation as a brand that continues to push the boundaries of what mid-range smartphones can deliver. Guided by its brand essence The Future Is Now Infinix continues to empower its users to lead intelligent, connected lives. 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 For more inquiries, you can follow Infinix on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X. For more detailsabout Infinix, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/ Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In recognition of its exceptional contributions to innovative financial solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Fidelity Bank Plc has been awarded the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award in the Deposit Money Bank (DMB) category. This prestigious accolade celebrates Fidelity Banks commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by MSMEs, a vital segment in Nigerias economic growth. Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, commented on the award, reaffirming the banks dedication to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs: At Fidelity Bank, innovation is at the heart of our strategy to support MSMEs. This recognition underscores our commitment to developing scalable, inclusive, and technology-driven financial solutions that create positive outcomes for our nations entrepreneurs. We are honored to receive the DBN award and dedicate it to our loyal customers for their continued support. The award was presented at the 2025 Service Ambassadors Awards ceremony in Lagos, themed Enhancing Partnership for MSME Resilience and Growth. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of DBN, emphasized the importance of financial institutions in transforming unbankable ideas into viable businesses through advisory services. You, our partners, are acknowledged and celebrated for your outreach to entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to scale. We appreciate you for your role in converting unbankable ideas into bankable businesses, Mr Okpanachi stated. He noted that the award aims to recognize partners who make a significant impact, focusing on storytelling and the positive changes they bring to 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 This award joins a series of landmark initiatives by Fidelity Bank aimed at supporting MSMEs. Earlier in May, the bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to facilitate the expansion of Nigerian MSMEs across Africa. Additionally, Fidelity Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagosa multifunctional facility equipped with training halls, meeting rooms, networking spaces, and studios for music, photography, and content production. This hub is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building, essential elements for strengthening Nigerias SME ecosystem and driving economic growth. Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Over 900 pilgrims from Jigawa State have successfully completed their Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca, marking a significant achievement in the 2025 Hajj journey. The pilgrims, after visiting the second holiest Mosque of Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, moved and performed the Umrah in the holiest Mosque in Mecca. They are now preparing for the main Hajj rituals. The Jigawa States Pilgrims Welfare Board (JSPWB), airlifted a total of 930 pilgrims from the 27 local government areas of the state for the 2025 Hajj. After arriving in Mecca between Sunday and Monday in batches, the pilgrims have completed their Umrah pilgrimage late Tuesday. Upon completion of Umrah pilgrimage, the pilgrims are now preparing for the Hajj rituals, including spending time in Arafat and Mina. The Director-General of the Board, Ahmed Umar Labbo, said the timely completion of Umrah pilgrimage is connected to the pilgrims board commitment in securing hotel accommodation in strategic locations close to the Haramains in both Madinah and Mecca. 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, Mr Umar Labbo, said the pilgrims received a warmly reception in both Madinah and Mecca by the people of Saudi Arabia. The hospitality the pilgrims from Jigawa are receiving from their host is commendable and encouraging, Mr Umar Labbo said. He added that the board has provided more drugs and dispatched medical personnel to the hotel accommodations housing Jigawa pilgrims to ensure their proper medical care. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print As part of the continued Childrens Day celebrations, Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State, Tuesday evening graced a special reception organised for orphans and children with special needs at the Childrens Park, GRA, Katsina. The event, full of joy and laughter, brought smiles to the faces of the children as Governor Radda mingled freely with them, sharing light-hearted jokes, taking memorable photographs, and celebrating the evening in an atmosphere of warmth and compassion. Speaking during the reception, Governor Radda expressed his happiness at being part of the celebration, stating: We are here today to rejoice and enjoy this special moment with our childrenespecially the orphans, the less privileged, and those with disabilities. Our presence here is not just ceremonialit is a statement of commitment. We are here to celebrate you, to assure you that the government sees you, values you, and is ready to stand by you. The governor emphasized the governments responsibility to protect and support every child in the state: Every child is our responsibility. We will continue to ensure that the rights to education, health, and overall well-being are fully protected. As a government, we are your parents and we are here to serve you. 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 Governor Radda praised the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for their dedication to inclusive education and the staff of special schools for their selfless work. I want to assure you that we will continue to associate with you and give special attention to schools for children with special needs. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we will do everything within our power to make that possible. He encouraged the children to build good character and grow into responsible citizens: Without good character and morals, we cannot go far. Please grow up with integrity, so that we can all be proud of you as future leaders from Katsina State. It was an evening of dancing, laughter, and heartfelt connectionone that left a lasting impression on all who attended. The governor closed his remarks with prayers for the children and for continued peace and security across the state. The event was also attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Ummulkhairi Ahmed Bawa, directors from the ministry, principals of special schools, representatives of security agencies, and other dignitaries. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has sacked the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in the state, Cyprian Akaolisa. The Commissioner of Information in Imo State, Declan Emelumba, announced this in a statement on Monday. Mr Emelumba said the sack of the attorney-general took immediate effect. The erstwhile commissioner has been directed to hand over all government property under his care to the state solicitor general and permanent secretary, Ministry of Justice, immediately, the information commissioner said. No reason was given for the sack of the commissioner. Mr Akolisa, a lawyer, was first appointed into the position on 17 June 2020. 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 Uzodinma later on 12 May 2021 announced the sacking of 20 of his commissioners, including Mr Akaolisa. The former commissioner was later in 2021 suspended for five years by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for professional misconduct. He was accused of using his position as attorney-general and justice commissioner to facilitate the bail of a murder suspect, who had been remanded in prison and standing trial since 2013. The suspect, Paulinus Nwanochie, had been standing trial over the murder of Alphonsus Akuma, from Orlu Local Government Area of the state. Later in August 2021, Mr Uzodinma said Mr Akaolisa was never among the commissioners dropped when the executive council was dissolved in May of that year. Mr Emelumba said at the time that an error occurred when the dissolution of the cabinet was announced to include Mr Akaolisa. Meanwhile, in April last month, the Supreme Court, ruling on an appeal by Mr Akaolisa, overturned the five-year ban on the former commissioner. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Abia State, South-east Nigeria, say they have arrested a couple for alleged child trafficking in the state. The police spokesperson in the state, Maureen Chinaka, said in a statement on Monday that 12 children were rescued from the couple. She identified the couple as Sunday Emebo, 49, and wife, Blessing, 42. The police mentioned the names of the rescued children, but PREMIUM TIMES could not publish them because they are all minors. How they were arrested Mrs Chinaka, a deputy superintendent of police, said detectives from Abia State Police Command arrested the couple following a tip-off at about 11:45 p.m. on 19 May. The police spokesperson said the couple was arrested for allegedly operating an unregistered motherless babies home in their apartment at Ikot Ekpene Road in Aba. 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 said the 12 children rescued from the couple were between six months and 14 years old and hail from different villages in Arochukwu, a local government in Abia State. The rescued children have been safely handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs for custody. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing. The suspects are currently being interrogated at the state Criminal Investigation Department, Umuahia and will soon be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigation, she said. Mrs Chinaka assured that the state police command was committed to fighting crime in the state and appealed to parents, guardians, and all Nigerians to be security-conscious and ensure the safety of their children. Prohibited in Nigeria Nigeria in 2015 enacted the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act which outlawed all acts of human trafficking in the country. The Act prescribes a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of N1 million for the trafficking of children, depending on the purpose of such trafficking. Several persons have been convicted of child trafficking across the country. The Kano State High Court, in July 2021, sentenced a man, Paul Owne, to 91 years in prison for kidnapping and trafficking of children in the state for sale in Onitsha, Anambra State. A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, River State, in 2019, sentenced three persons to 12 years imprisonment for trafficking a two-year-old child and one other child. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A 21-year-old Nigerian man has allegedly faked his own kidnap and collected N2 million ransom from his family. The suspect, Godwin Ako, allegedly faked the kidnap in collaboration with three others on 4 May in Enugu State, Nigerias South-east. The police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said police operatives attached to the Nsukka Sector of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad have arrested Mr Ako for the alleged crime. The police spokesperson said operatives also arrested the three alleged accomplices. 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 identified the three as Chidalu Okechukwu, 19; Ifeanyi Ugwu, 20; and Ossai Chigozie, 35. How it happened Mr Ndukwe said Mr Ako was reported missing on 4 May and that by 24 May, the three alleged accomplices used his mobile phone to demand N10 million ransom from his family. He said the accomplices forwarded to the parents a video clip of the supposed victim showing him bound and appearing like he had been beaten with a gun being pointed at him. The police spokesperson said the parents subsequently paid N1.5 million to the three suspects through a provided bank account number on 22 May, pleading for their sons release. He said the suspects failed to release the supposed victim despite the N1.5 million ransom. After an additional N500,000.00 payment, the police operatives swiftly arrested Chidera and his accomplices at a POS centre during an attempt to withdraw the funds, he stated. The suspects confessed to the crime and will be arraigned upon completion of investigations. Mr Ndukwe said a locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges were recovered from the suspects. He said the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, described the alleged act as unfortunate. Mr Giwa ordered the arrest of anyone linked to the crime. The police chief urged Nigerians to report suspected kidnap incidents immediately and avoid hasty ransom payments, considering that some of them are staged. Prohibited in Nigeria Nigeria, in May 2022, enacted the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022), which outlawed all forms of kidnapping in the country. The Act prescribes a death sentence for kidnapping in a case where the abduction leads to loss of life and life imprisonment where there is no loss of life. It was an amendment to the now defunct Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2013), which had prescribed 10 10-year jail term for kidnapping. The new Act also prescribes at least 15 15-year jail terms for whoever pays ransom to free kidnap victims. Several persons have been convicted of kidnapping across the country. An Ikeja Special Offences Court, in September 2022, sentenced kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, to 21 years imprisonment for kidnapping. Also, the Federal High Court in Abuja, in August 2022, sentenced a kidnap kingpin in Taraba State, Hamisu Bala, popularly known as Wadume, to seven years in jail. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Security agencies in Ondo State have begun a search for three kidnapped members of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area of the state. The incident occurred on Monday evening when they were returning from bible study in the church. This is also coming hours after the state police commissioner ordered the deployment of tactical teams to worship centres across the state to forestall attacks by bandits. The order followed rumoured threats from bandits to attack St Francis Church in Owo. St Francis Church Owo was bombed on 5 June 2022 by terrorists, resulting in the death and injury of many. A text message from a member of the Deeper Life church reads: Good morning beloved, Kindly pray along with us, three of our members were kidnapped yesterday after bible study at Kasemola inside Ogbese axis. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It was further gathered that members of the church are seeking divine Intervention to secure their release. The case has already been reported to the police and the state security outfit, Amotekun Corps. Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the incident. He said men of the command are already combing the bush around the community. Kidnapping in Ondo State has become a regular occurrence, with some resulting in fatalities. Recently, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ose in Ondo State was kidnapped and later killed by his abductors despite receiving ransom. The body of the deceased is still missing as of Tuesday, and no arrest has been made. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has sentenced two oil marketers to 14 years in prison for a N2.2 billion fuel subsidy fraud, part of a major oil sector scandal that caused public outrage in 2012. Mamman Ali, a son of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairperson Ahmadu Ali, and his co-defendant, Christian Taylor, were jailed on Tuesday, after 13 years of trial. Trial judge Mojisola Dada held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved the fraud charges against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt. The convicts faced amended 57 counts of fraud, with the EFCC accusing them of fraudulently obtaining money from the federal government in 2011 purportedly for importing various volumes of petrol into Nigeria under the subsidy scheme. The judge, who ordered the forfeiture of bank accounts and other assets linked with the fraud, held that the actions of the defendants not only defrauded the government but also undermined the integrity of Nigerias oil subsidy programme. Fuel subsidy saga In January 2012, then-President Goodluck Jonathan attempted to end the fuel subsidy regime, citing the unsustainability of the ballooning costs. 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 administration said the surging costs of subsidy was draining resources meant for development. But the government faced stiff resistance, with the popular nationwide #OccupyNigeria protests breaking out across Nigerian cities. Outraged protesters called for the restoration of the subsidy scheme and asked the government to, instead, go after corrupt oil marketers and government officials whose unchecked fraudulent activities were responsible for the astronomical leap in the subsidy costs. Partially bowing to pressure, the President Jonathan administration restored part of the subsidy which reduced the hike in petrol pump price that had shot up about 90 per cent when the subsidy removal was first announced. The government brought charges against several oil marketers, who were implicated by EFCC investigations, for defrauding the petrol subsidy system. Some of them, who faced prosecution, have been freed and others jailed in the last 13 years, since the anti-graft agency started multiple prosecutions. Mr Ali and his co-defendants trial is one of the longest running among the cases. Fraud EFCC alleged that, on 11 April 2011 in Lagos, Mr Ali and his co-defendant fraudulently obtained N1.48 billion from the federal government as payments for 20,492,982.50 litres of petrol which Mr Alis firm, Nasaman Oil Services Ltd, claimed to have imported into Nigeria under the Petroleum Support Fund. The anti-graft agency alleged that Nasaman Oil Services Ltd fraudulently claimed the money from the government under the pretext of purchasing the petrol from SEATAC Petroleum Ltd of British Virgin Islands and imported it into Nigeria through MT Liquid Fortune Ex Mt. Hellenic Blue and Ex MT. Milleura. Similarly, the EFCC alleged that on 9 November 2011 in Lagos, the defendants fraudulently obtained about N750 million from the Nigerian government by claiming that it was the accrued payments for 10,031,986 litres of petrol that Nasaman Oil Services Ltd purportedly imported into Nigeria under the fuel subsidy scheme. EFCC said the defendants falsely claimed to have purchased the petrol from SEATAC Petroleum Ltd of British Virgin Islands and imported it into Nigeria through MT Liquid Fortune Ltd Ex MT Overseas Lima, which representation they knew to be false. The prosecution alleged that the defendants scammed the government by submitting forged loan facility documents and fake shipping documents to claim the money. At the time of the alleged fraud, Mr Alis father, Ahmadu Ali, a former chairman of the then-ruling PDP, was the chair of the board of the defunct Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA) overseeing the petrol subsidy regime. The House of Representatives, after investigations prompted by the #OccupyNigeria protests, recommended that Ahmadu Ali be prosecuted for his roles in the monumental corruption that characterised the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) management between 2009 and 2011. The recommendation for Ahmadu Alis prosecution was contained in the report of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc House Committee on Fuel Subsidy led by Farouk Lawan. Mr Lawan himself would later be convicted of receiving a $500,000 bribe during the legislative probe into the fuel subsidy regime. He completed his five-year jail time in October last year. Alleged conspirators on the run EFCC said Mr Ali and his co-convict Mr Taylor perpetrated the N2.2 billion fuel subsidy fraud alongside two other persons Olabisi Abdul-Afeez and Oluwaseun Ogunbambo who are said to still be on the run. In her judgement convicting the two men on Tuesday, the judge issued a warrant for the arrest of the two alleged fugitives. Protracted trial Mr Ali and Mr Taylor had pleaded not guilty to the amended 57 counts of fraud. They initially faced 47 counts which the EFCC subsequently ramped up to 57 in the course of the trial. The trial suffered incessant setbacks, including reassignment of the case to another judge, stalling its progress which ensured it lingered in court for 13 years. The defendants were initially standing trial before Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja. However, Mr Onigbanjo withdrew from the case, prompting the re-assignment of the case to Mrs Dada. During the trial, the prosecution led by Seiduh Atteh presented witnesses and tendered documents, which were admitted by the court, to prove its case against the defendants. Delivering her judgment on Tuesday, Mrs Dada found the evidence presented by the prosecution compelling. She sentenced each of the two men to 13 years in prison. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print New license agreement gives Deutsche Bank increased access to IBM's innovative software solutions to accelerate innovation, optimize operations, and enhance customer experience FRANKFURT and EHNINGEN, Germany, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Deutsche Bank (Frankfurt: DBK) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a continuation of their partnership in the form of a strategic agreement that grants Deutsche Bank further access to IBM's comprehensive suite of software solutions. This includes IBM's business and IT automation stack, advanced hybrid cloud products, as well as access to the watsonx AI portfolio. Additionally, Deutsche Bank will benefit from the latest upgrades to the IBM Storage Protect software suite. These innovative solutions enable Deutsche Bank to further optimize its business processes, IT infrastructure, and services. By leveraging IBM's technology, Deutsche Bank aims to replace legacy solutions, maximize ROI, and deliver an enhanced customer experience. This agreement marks a significant continuation of the longstanding relationship between the two companies, particularly in relation to Deutsche Bank's existing software estate. "IBM is a natural partner for Deutsche Bank's ambitious technology transformation, and their innovative solutions continue to help optimize and streamline our technology stack," said Tony Kerrison, Deutsche Bank's Head of Group Technology Infrastructure and Head of Technology Data and Innovation for the Americas. "Our employment of IBM's software and tooling strategically complements our ambitions to modernize, simplify and strengthen our technology infrastructure." "We are proud that Deutsche Bank has further intensified their relationship with IBM by engaging with our innovative software solution portfolio," said Dominic Schulz, IBM Global Managing Director for Deutsche Bank. "With access to IBM's comprehensive offerings, including the innovative watsonx AI and automation portfolio, Deutsche Bank will be able to analyze its data more deeply, simplify complex business processes, and drive IT automation." About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformation quickly, efficiently, and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information. About Deutsche Bank Deutsche Bank provides retail and private banking, corporate and transaction banking, lending, asset and wealth management products and services as well as focused investment banking to private individuals, small and medium-sized companies, corporations, governments and institutional investors. Deutsche Bank is the leading bank in Germany with strong European roots and a global network. Media contact: Barbara Jax IBM Corporate Communications barbara.jax@at.ibm.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696702/IBM_TAL_Sphere.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2319830/IBM_LOGO_1.jpg IMPROVATE cooperation with the Romanian Airports Association that Host Exclusive Forum with Executives from All 17 Romanian Airports SIBIU, Romania, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Romanian aviation sector welcomed a delegation of leading Israeli technology companies as part of an exclusive innovation event co-hosted by IMPROVATE and the Romanian Airports Association (RAA). The forum brought together CEOs and senior executives from all 17 civilian airports in Romania, including major international hubs such as Henri Coanda International Airport (Bucharest), Cluj-Napoca International Airport, Timisoara International Airport, and Iasi International Airport. The Israeli delegation and the RAA Chairman This was the second consecutive year that IMPROVATE partnered with the RAA to bridge Israeli innovation with Romania's growing aviation infrastructure needs. The Israeli companies presented advanced technologies tailored to airport operations, security, mobility, and automation with several demo requests and follow-up discussions already underway. Participating Israeli Companies: 1. IntuView http://www.intuview.com IntuView is an AI platform for name matching and real-time watchlist alerts, used by government and security agencies worldwide. Its patented technology mimics human text comprehension, enabling intelligent threat detection across multiple languages and data sources. 2. Driliant Specializing in predictive monitoring and command-and-control systems, Driliant offers real-time airspace monitoring solutions. The company's technologies support air traffic management and have been applied in national drone initiatives, defense, and medical fields. 3. Mer Group https://www.mer-group.com A global leader in security and resilience, Mer Group provides comprehensive, customized solutions against physical, cyber, geopolitical, and reputation-based threats. The group includes Athena, led by former Navy Commander Omer Laviv, and supports full-cycle deployment in complex environments like airports. 4. CoreVision http://www.corevision-tech.com CoreVision develops state-of-the-art identity verification and visitor control systems. Its proprietary image processing and optical character recognition (OCR) technology powers highly accurate and fast ID validation for secure facility access. 5. EZ Raider https://www.ezraider-usa.com EZ Raider manufactures all-electric, all-terrain mobility vehicles used by police, military, rescue teams, and recreational markets. The four-wheel design ensures safe, stable, and narrow-path maneuverability, ideal for airport patrols and emergency access. 6. Afcon Control and Automation https://en.afcon.co.il/technologies/ Part of the publicly traded Afcon Group, Afcon provides integrated control and automation systems for critical infrastructure. With advanced capabilities in low-voltage systems, Afcon enables unified control environments across complex airport operations. "This forum isn't just about showcasing technology it's about forging practical partnerships," said Ronit Hassin-Hochman, CEO of IMPROVATE. "We are proud to support long-term cooperation between Israeli innovation and Romania's dynamic aviation ecosystem. Romania's airports serve as vital gateways to Europe, and Israeli technologies are ready to help elevate their operational and security capabilities." IMPROVATE's next event will take place on June 25, 2025, in Sofia, Bulgaria, and will focus on Smart Cities. The forum will bring together mayors and senior municipal officials from across Central and Eastern Europe to explore innovative technologies for urban management, sustainability, and infrastructure. About IMPROVATE www.improvate.net IMPROVATE is a platform that connects innovation companies with countries worldwide, focusing on cyber, homeland security, and defense. Through high-level summits, delegations, and direct engagement with decision-makers, IMPROVATE brings together government leaders, senior executives, investors, and Israeli technology companies to foster meaningful cooperation and commercial partnerships. Its distinguished board and international partners include: Garry Kasparov , World Chess Champion and Human Rights Advocate , World Chess Champion and Human Rights Advocate Rosen Plevneliev , President of Bulgaria (20122017) , President of (20122017) Yigal Unna , Director General of Israel's National Cyber Directorate (20182022) , Director General of National Cyber Directorate (20182022) Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Gilead , Former Director of Policy and Political-Military Affairs, Israel Ministry of Defense , Former Director of Policy and Political-Military Affairs, Israel Ministry of Defense Yves Leterme , Former Prime Minister of Belgium , Former Prime Minister of Prof. Vlado Buckkovski, Former Prime Minister of North Macedonia Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696197/IMPROVATE.jpg HELSINKI, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi Solar has entered a strategic partnership with a leading Finnish energy enterprise to supply 102MW of Hi-MO X10 back contact modules. This agreement is a significant milestone for LONGi in expanding its presence in the Nordic market and will contribute to advancing sustainable energy solutions in the region. The sign ceremony between the two parts The collaboration spans sectors including hospitals, schools, shopping centers, and warehouses with the aim of reducing electricity costs for public infrastructure. The project is expected to lower annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 105,672 to 163,200 tons, contributing to both economic efficiency and environmental goals. By the end of 2024, Finland had increased its cumulative solar photovoltaic capacity to approximately 1.2 GW, up from 1.0 GW in 2023. Back contact modules are well suited to the Finnish market due to their strong performance in low-light conditions and their structural reliability under high snow loads. Their design also supports off-grid applications and provides a consistent aesthetic that aligns with regional expectations for building integration. Han Ziwei, General Manager of LONGi Nordic, said: " This cooperation marks the first delivery of Hi-MO X10 modules in one of the highest latitude regions, representing a key milestone in the global deployment of back contact technology. The project underscores the potential of the Hi-MO X10 to perform reliably across a range of application scenarios and climatic conditions, supporting the development of a more diversified renewable energy mix in the Nordic region and beyond." Technology empowerment to assist Finland's green development The Hi-MO X10 solar module uses advanced Back Contact (BC) technology, enabling a mass-produced module efficiency of up to 24.8%. In Finland, where winter conditions and lower solar irradiation pose challenges, high-efficiency modules can help optimize power generation on rooftops and other limited-use areas, contributing to reliable energy supply and long-term cost-effectiveness. Finland's long and cold winters require solar modules with strong low-light performance and high mechanical resilience. The Hi-MO X10 meets these requirements through its back contact architecture and load-bearing design. The module is designed to operate reliably in extreme low temperatures and under long-term snow accumulation. It also reduces hot-spot temperatures in shaded conditions, minimizing the risk of localized overheating and supporting stable, long-term system performance. The module is also outstanding in weak light environments. The advanced back contact technology increases responsiveness in low-light conditions and extends daily power generation hours, contributing to higher overall energy yield. In addition, the design of the Hi-MO X10 aligns with the Nordic architectural style, offering a uniform appearance that integrates well into the built environment while maintaining practical performance standards. Since 2018, LONGi has actively participated in the development of Finland's green energy market. Finland plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and is fully promoting the transformation of its energy structure. With growing demand for clean energy, the Finnish market is placing increased emphasis on integrated solutions that combine solar, wind, and hydropower. The involvement of LONGi supports this development by contributing advanced solar technology to the country's evolving renewable energy landscape. SOURCE LONGi Solar Annual awards program recognizes the top safety programs in the maritime industry MOBILE, Ala., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Equity Underwriters, Inc., the leading provider of workers' compensation insurance for waterfront employers, announces the winners of the 2024 AEU Safety Awards. AEU, the program administrator for American Longshore Mutual Association (ALMA), a group self-insurance fund providing USL&H coverage under the United States Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, presents the awards each year to the best-performing ALMA members nationwide. 2024 AEU Safety Award Winners at National Forum in Charlotte, NC. "Safety is not just a goal. It is a standard that these companies live by every day," said Jimmy Burgin, SVP, Director of Loss Control. "We are proud to recognize their efforts and the example they set for the entire industry." Eligibility for the awards is based on the frequency and severity of workers' compensation incidents for the prior calendar year, as well as safety-related metrics determined by AEU's loss control team. "This award highlights the focus, consistency, and leadership it takes to build a strong safety culture," said Adele Hapworth, CEO of AEU. "Congratulations to all the winners for the hard work that made this achievement possible." 2024 AEU Safety Award Winners: AAA United States, Inc. Amherst Madison, Inc. Amplify Energy Corp. Austal USA, LLC Barton & Gray Mariners Club, LLC Basin Marine, Inc. Bay Bridge Texas, LLC BWC Terminals Carlisle & Bray Enterprises Cabrillo Boat Shop Collins Machine Works Conrad Shipyard Continental Heavy Civil Donjon Marine Co., Inc. Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. Elite Workforce, LLC Employer Solutions Staffing Group, LLC Evansville Marine Service, Inc. Global, 1st Flagship Company Gulf South Services, Inc. Gunderson Marine & Iron Hughes Bros., Inc. Hyde Shipping Corporation Integrity Staffing Services, Inc. JAG Marine Group Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife Foundation Manson Construction Co. Marine Group Boat Works, LLC Marisco, Ltd. Middle River Marine, LLC Motive Power Marine, LLC Nationwide Skilled Trades, Inc. Prime Time Coatings, Inc. Quigg Bros, Inc. Resilient USA, LLC Rio Marine Sause Bros., Inc. South Florida Container Repair, LLC Svendsen's Bay Marine The Quality Companies, LLC Tidal Transport & Trading USA, Ltd. TREO Staffing TT Mile 183, LLC; TT Mile 237, LLC, a division of James Marine, Inc. Union Maintenance Corp. White River Marine Group, LLC About The American Equity Underwriters, Inc. The American Equity Underwriters, Inc. (AEU), an Amwins company, serves as program administrator for American Longshore Mutual Association Ltd., a group self-insurance fund authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor for waterfront employers in all 50 states under the United States Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Based in Mobile, Ala., AEU provides best-in-class services including claims handling, loss control, longshore consulting and other support. For more information, call (866) 238-8754 or visit amequity.com. Follow AEU on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact: Maggie Hudson, AEU, (251) 690-4242, [email protected] SOURCE Amwins On Friday, May 23rd, CCO held press conferences in each Texas market where families of the missing children, along with local law enforcement working on these unsolved cases, spoke throughout the state and urged the public to share any information they have regarding the disappearance or whereabouts of these children, some who are now adults. Clear Channel Outdoor is providing this month-long public service campaign at no cost in partnership with Texas Center for the Missing (TCM), Houston's Amber Alert Provider. This is one element of CCO's ongoing partnership with TCM and part of a larger campaign to raise awareness about local missing children in these four major Texas markets. To date, more than 17 Texas children have been reunited with their families as a direct result of this collaboration. The country is in the midst of a persistent missing and exploited children crisis nationwide. The Texas Department of Public Safety Missing Persons Clearinghouse received 44,783 missing person reports in 2024 with 31,864 being juveniles. Photos are one of the most vital tools for law enforcement when searching for a missing child and have the power to produce leads that can unveil crucial information and help safely recover children. The new billboard campaign enables TCM to reach a broad audience across Texas by distributing photos of missing children in targeted areas that can aid law enforcement with a search. "We are proud to partner with Texas Center for the Missing to launch this critically important out-of-home campaign that has historically helped reunite missing children with their families across the state of Texas," said Lee Vela, Vice President, Public Affairs-Houston, Clear Channel Outdoor. "As a local Houston resident, it's an honor for my team and I to make this initiative a priority every year. Texas is our home and our children's safety is of the utmost importance to foster healthier communities. We are hopeful this year's campaign will generate leads to finding these missing children and offer their families the hope they deserve." "For over a decade, Texas Center for the Missing has enjoyed a meaningful collaboration with Clear Channel Outdoor that has had positive results not only for National Missing Children's Day but for ongoing efforts on behalf of missing Texans statewide," said Melissa Turnquist, CEO of Texas Center for the Missing. "We believe that digital out-of-home campaigns have been and continue to be an invaluable tool in finding missing children and saving lives. We are grateful for Clear Channel's commitment to our community and are eager to reunite more families throughout the state of Texas as a result of this year's campaign." For this year's campaign, the missing child's photo is included in each message, and in some cases, the child's age-progression photo is shown if the child has been missing for an extended period. 2025 Missing Children Cases featured across Texas in this program include: Dallas: Misty Lynn McGinn, a teen, now 22 missing from the City of Rice just south of Dallas. Misty has been missing since April 19, 2020, when she was 17 years old. She was last seen at her home in the City of Rice, just South of Dallas. She reportedly suffers from mental health issues and was not on her medication at the time when she went missing. She has a rose tattoo on her left forearm, wears glasses and her hair was dyed reddish pink. El Paso: Jean Gabriel Benitez and Allison Garcia who disappeared in March of 2024 and November of 2024 respectively. On March 18, 2024, Jean Gabriel Benitez went missing from his home. He is 5'7" and weighs approximately 130 pounds. He has brown eyes and light brown hair. On November 2, 2024, Allison Garcia left home and did not return. She could reportedly be in Mexico. Houston: Devine Tollett, missing since April 1, 2018. Devine was just 18 years old when she vanished on April 1, 2018. That day, she never came home to her condo after finishing her shift at work in Houston. Since then, her family has been desperately searching for answers and holding on to hope. Investigators need anyone with information to come forward and help bring closure for Devine's family. Devine is African American, with long black hair and warm brown eyes. She's about 5'1" tall and weighs around 130 pounds. San Antonio: Nevaeh Woods missing since March 2025. Nevaeh was last seen on March 1, 2025 in the 6400 block of Firestone parkway. She is right-handed and has straight shoulder length hair. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25th National Missing Children's Day. National Missing Children's Day is a reminder to all parents and guardians of the need for high-quality photographs of their children for use in case of an emergency, and for the need for everyone to pay close attention to posters and photographs of missing children. For regional missing children alerts, visit http://www.missingkids.com/RSS. About Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CCO) is at the forefront of driving innovation in the out-of-home advertising industry. Our dynamic advertising platform is broadening the pool of advertisers using our medium through the expansion of digital billboards and displays and the integration of data analytics and programmatic capabilities that deliver measurable campaigns that are simpler to buy. By leveraging the scale, reach and flexibility of our diverse portfolio of assets, we connect advertisers with millions of consumers every month. About Texas Center for the Missing Texas Center for the Missing (TCM) is a Houston-based nonprofit and is the Amber Alert AND Silver Alert provider for the 14-county Houston-Galveston region. TCM offers crisis intervention, prevention, and community education services related to child abductions, runaways, internet lures, and endangered adults. To decrease the number of missing children, we at Texas Center for the Missing know that children and families need to be educated about how to remain safe, law enforcement needs to be trained on how and when to activate local Amber Alerts AND Silver Alerts, and the community at large needs to be aware of the painful reality faced by searching families. Since its founding in 2000, TCM has directly served more than 500,200 children and families. In addition, TCM has trained 8,400 law enforcement officers and provided assistance in more than 2,900 missing persons cases. We are at the ready to activate community resources 24/7 to get a missing at-risk child or endangered adult home quickly and safely. Your support directly affects our ability to serve the Greater Houston community with the best and most time efficient resources available. For more information, visit centerforthemissing.org or watch our latest videos at: www.youtube.com/user/theTXCenter. Connect with Texas Center for the Missing on Facebook at www.fb.com/TXCenter or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/txcenterforthemissing/. Bringing hope and healing to the missing and their families through crisis intervention, prevention, and community education. SOURCE Clear Channel Outdoor Top 4 entrepreneurs to compete on June 11 for startup funds and business support to open a brick-and-mortar location DETROIT, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown, the small business competition behind many of Detroit's most popular neighborhood storefronts, has announced the Top 4 businesses advancing to the final stage of the 2025 competition. These four entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to compete in the Hatch Off, where they will pitch their businesses for the chance to win $100,000 in startup funding from Comerica Bank to open a brick-and-mortar location in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park. The winner will also receive a business support package from TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University's entrepreneurship hub. "The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown continues to foster small business development by supporting Hatch winners and program alumni on their entrepreneurial journeys," said Christianne Malone, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and Chief Program Officer of TechTown Detroit. "We can't wait to see where each of these contestants go as they nurture their businesses and drive revitalization, supported by their local communities." Below are the Top Four businesses competing to win the 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest: Detroit Culture & Clay : Detroit Culture & Clay is a one stop for all things clay. Guests can enjoy paint and sips, hands-on learning and a full stock of ceramic supplies, while also supporting local artists by purchasing their unique work. : Detroit Culture & Clay is a one stop for all things clay. Guests can enjoy paint and sips, hands-on learning and a full stock of ceramic supplies, while also supporting local artists by purchasing their unique work. Halie & Co: Halie & Co is a handmade jewelry, candle, and home fragrance store with the belief that everyone should have access to affordable jewelry and goods that make them feel beautiful and are created with high-quality materials and intention. Halie & Co creates experiences through permanent jewelry and jewelry making workshops, giving customers the perfect way to be a part of the creation process. Halie & Co is a handmade jewelry, candle, and home fragrance store with the belief that everyone should have access to affordable jewelry and goods that make them feel beautiful and are created with high-quality materials and intention. Halie & Co creates experiences through permanent jewelry and jewelry making workshops, giving customers the perfect way to be a part of the creation process. Livy's Sweet Rolls : Livy's Sweet Rolls specializes in handcrafted gourmet cinnamon rolls made from scratch with nostalgic, high-quality ingredients. Inspired by a family tradition of wholesome baking, Livy's Sweet Rolls offers better-for-you desserts free from preservatives, dyes, and artificial junk. Its mission is to spread joy through premium sweet treats that families can trust, enjoy, and create memories around. : Livy's Sweet Rolls specializes in handcrafted gourmet cinnamon rolls made from scratch with nostalgic, high-quality ingredients. Inspired by a family tradition of wholesome baking, Livy's Sweet Rolls offers better-for-you desserts free from preservatives, dyes, and artificial junk. Its mission is to spread joy through premium sweet treats that families can trust, enjoy, and create memories around. Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe: Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe is a seasonally driven, small-batch, black woman-owned bakery in Detroit . The cafe focuses on Michigan seasonal produce and specific flavors from Midwest upbringing and southern influence. Walter Pat's strives to showcase unique flavor combinations and delicious classics, as well as to broaden taste buds with a new experience through food. The final round of public voting begins Monday, June 2 at noon and runs through the end of the pitch competition at the Hatch Off on Wednesday, June 11. There, the Top 4 entrepreneurs will present their business plans in front of a panel of expert judges and a live audience. Community members can vote for their favorite businesses once per day by visiting HatchDetroit.com. The winner of the 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest will be chosen through a combination of the public's vote and judges' deliberations. Over the years, the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown has helped launch some of Detroit's most successful and well-known businesses, including winners G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs (2024), Bouncing Around The Motor City (2023), Little Liberia (2022), 27th Letter Books (2019), Baobab Fare (2017), Meta Physica Massage (2016), Sister Pie (2014), Batch Brewing Company (2013) and La Feria (2012). With this year's contributions and grants, Comerica and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have invested approximately $1.3 million into Hatch Detroit since it first began supporting the small business program in 2012. "Entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of thriving communities, and supporting their dreams is critical to building strong, sustainable local economies," said Meghan Storey, Senior Vice President, Michigan Director of Small Business at Comerica Bank. "As we enter the next phase of the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown, we are getting to know more about the new small businesses who will help transform their neighborhoods. It is clear the future is very bright for these entrepreneurs, who are showcasing their passion and inspiration for their businesses and community." Tickets are now available to attend the Hatch Off and see the winner crowned. The Hatch Off takes place on Wednesday, June 11 at 6 p.m., at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center at 461 Burroughs Street in Detroit. To purchase your ticket to the Hatch Off, visit HatchDetroit.com. Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated, has served Michigan longer than any other bank with a continuous presence dating back over 175 years to its Detroit founding in 1849. It is the largest bank employer in metro Detroit and has more than 4,300 employees (FTE) statewide. With one of the largest banking center networks in Michigan, Comerica nurtures lifelong relationships with unwavering integrity and financial prudence. Comerica positively impacts the lives of Michigan residents by helping customers be successful, providing financial support that assists hundreds of charitable organizations, and actively participating in Detroit's downtown revitalization. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Comerica, X: @ComericaBank and Instagram: @comerica_bank. TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University's entrepreneurship hub, is a nonprofit business service organization that provides programs, education and resources for early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs. By building bridges for entrepreneurs to succeed, TechTown is accelerating an inclusive economy for Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Since 2007, TechTown has supported more than 6,090 companies, which created 2,277 jobs and raised more than $406 million in startup and growth capital. For more information, visit techtowndetroit.org. Hatch Detroit supports both existing and new retail initiatives in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. Hatch Detroit was founded in 2011 to give residents and aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to have a voice in neighborhood retail development and joined TechTown Detroit's suite of entrepreneurial programs and services in 2022. Beyond the contest, Hatch Detroit provides funding, exposure and mentoring in support of its alumni entrepreneurs. With support from Hatch Detroit, 50 alumni have opened businesses. They employ over 500 people and have invested over $10 million in economic development. To learn more, visit hatchdetroit.com. SOURCE Comerica Bank New EY report urges consumer products (CP) firms to reclaim relevance with consumers, customers (retailers) and capital markets, offering a roadmap to thrive Without bold, focused investment, CP firms risk drifting into irrelevance Retailers are increasingly powerful while insurgent brands are thriving; the very largest CP brands must take action to survive increasing competition LONDON, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The consumer products (CP) industry is facing a critical juncture according to a new report and research released today by the EY organization. "The EY State of Consumer Products" report, which surveyed more than 500 CP manufacturers and retailers, more than 20,000 consumers, 190 CPCEOs across the globe, and conversations with 24 industry executives (report). The report offers a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the CP industry and offers a roadmap on where to focus investment and innovation in today's rapidly evolving market. The report calls for CP firms to act with urgency to build brand relevance with consumers, customers (retailers) and capital markets, and transition away from past reliance on pricing power strategies to drive growth. Capital markets reset In the evolving landscape of CP companies, investor expectations remain steadfast, seeking steady and reliable performance. However, confidence in the sector is waning, faced with cost-of-living pressures, many firms have focused on cutting costs, reducing innovation and honing tactical pricing strategies. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of CP leader respondents acknowledge that investor expectations are increasingly influencing their business strategies. With anemic volume performance in many firms and top-line growth challenged by difficult consumer pricing environment CP leaders are looking for M&A to drive the next level of performance. Although 81% of CP leader respondents believe that growing valuation gaps will hinder widespread M&A recovery in the next few quarters, CP firms are accelerating M&A portfolio reviews and inorganic growth strategies to position themselves to capture new markets and segments. Acquisitions in CP often generate three-year higher growth, but lower shareholder returns and operating margins. While divestitures result with lower three-year and operating margins, but generate higher shareholder returns. To regain investor confidence, companies must prioritize a future-forward operating model fueled by technology, enhanced and granular commercial practices, and accelerated product innovation to capture and shape consumer trends. The sector can find opportunities to reinforce its defensive position to investors and adapt to the structural and cyclical challenges taking place in the sector, with a clear emphasis on sustainable performance and effective capital allocation. Rob Holston, EY Global and EY Americas Consumer Products Sector Leader, says: "Our findings present a roadmap for CP firms to reclaim relevance, restore belief in the power of brands and thrive in a changing world. By understanding the critical shifts in consumer expectations, retailer dynamics and capital market demands, leaders can act boldly to rebuild relevance to lead with confidence." Retailer capability and confidence grows The report reveals that competing pressures on shelf space are increasingly shifting the dynamic between CP firms and retailers. Retailers are gaining leverage over CP firms through private label expansion, control of consumer data and retail media networks. Seventy-eight percent of retailer respondents believe that, in the long run, only one mass-market brand will remain on shelves, with the remaining shelf space made up of private labels, premium or niche brands. A view shared by 65% of consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies. This signals that retailer confidence will likely become the catalyst for change, placing increased pressure on CP firms to define their relevance and profitability to maintain their place across physical and digital shelves. With retailer confidence growing, 76% of retailer respondents say shelf space is becoming a more significant tool in negotiations with CP firms. Seventy-eight percent of retailers plan to continue to expand into more premium and niche product categories, and 67% say they will prioritize the development of their own brands over the next three years. Perceptions of how the industry is evolving vary widely across regions. CP leaders in the Americas are most likely to predict a retailer-dominated future (47%), leading the charge by consolidating power through platform models, acquisitions and logistics control, while leaders in Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA) are most likely to forecast stronger retailer and CP collaboration (40%). Asia-Pacific (APAC) leaders (41%) also predict retailer dominance. With retailers and CPs increasingly competing in the same spaces, the report reveals CPs face the potential of their influence eroding: 70% of CP leaders state the challenges they face now require new strategies. Challenger brands add further competition to shelf space with their ability to innovate and distribute new products quickly, often outpacing larger, more established brands with new technologies. Many CP leaders are doubling down on strategies such as reach, efficiency and control, but these, discussed in the report as "Defensive Scale" are no longer sufficient. Only one-third of very large companies (over $1billion in revenues), for example, prioritize selling through retailers; 67% want to build their own distribution channels to recapture power. Innovation and collaboration The report finds that despite a shift in the dynamics between CP firms and retailers, both agree collaboration is still essential: 75% of retailers say working effectively with manufacturers is vital to their success and CPs largely agree (77% say working effectively with retailer is vital to their success). Bolstering innovation capability is a primary driver of CP firms' M&A strategies. Retailers are increasingly prioritizing innovation as an area for collaboration, yet 21% of CP firms are still not engaging in joint innovation efforts. 76% of CP leaders agree that innovation is becoming more complex and increasingly requires analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) but fewer than a third (32%) believe their AI, data and analytics capabilities give them a competitive edge. 65% of retailers say they rely on CP manufacturers to bring new and exciting products to stores to drive traffic. Yet, fewer than a third of CP leaders see themselves as highly effective at accelerating new product innovation (31%) and scaling it rapidly (29%). An area fostering increasing collaboration between CPG companies and retailers is retail media, which allows retailers to monetize their first-party data from loyalty programs and e-commerce platforms, creating a valuable revenue stream. The report explores how retail media offers endless collaboration opportunities, such as identifying and engaging new audiences, which are crucial for maintaining brand relevance. Sixty-three percent of CP leader respondents say retail media is becoming more important in their negotiations with retailers, emphasizing its significance. Overall, retail media is set to drive a new common agenda for CPG and retailers, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with growth agendas. Holston says: "CP firms continue to recognize retailers are increasingly calling the shots. To strengthen the retail relationship and secure relevance with consumers, CP brands must collaborate to compete. By embracing what we call 'Disruptive Optimism,' showing up with conviction with real-time consumer insights and how they can grow the total category, CPs will have every opportunity to be recognized as a category leader, strategic partner and source of shared value." Data and analytics Advancements in AI technologies are helping CP companies keep their longstanding role in the market by overcoming extended product development cycles and determining the best investment opportunities. AI, data and analytics capabilities are a top priority for retailer respondents (52%) and CPs respondents (45%) to strengthen their business over the next three years. Seventy-six percent of CP manufacturer respondents are increasingly reliant on AI to overcome innovation complexity and both parties agree collaboration across integrating AI and automation (Retailers 64%, CPs 61%) is essential to deliver mutual value. Holston says: "Commentators are too quick to say the CP industry is in the doldrums. The insurgent brands are thriving. The very largest CP companies seem in control of their own destiny. The challenge is for those in between." The report outlines five strategies for CPG companies to enhance their relevance and profitability: Portfolio innovation M&A Tech-enabled operating model Commercial excellence Marketing and AI "The EY State of Consumer Products" report is available at: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/state-of-consumer-products-report Notes to editors About EY EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. All in to shape the future with confidence. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients. About the EY "State of Consumer Products" report The report draws on multiple original quantitative research sources: We have collated feedback from more than 20,000 consumers. Through the EY Future Consumer Index, we've tracked changing consumer sentiment and behaviors across time horizons and global markets, identifying the new consumer segments that are emerging. The 15th edition of the EY Future Consumer Index surveyed 20,235 consumers across the US, Canada , Mexico , Brazil , Argentina , Chile , Colombia , the UK, Germany , France , Italy , Spain , Ireland , the Netherlands , Denmark , Sweden , Norway , Australia , New Zealand , Japan , China , India , South Korea , Saudi Arabia , South Africa and Nigeria between 24 January and 20 February 2025 . , , , , , , the UK, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and between 24 January and . We've held dozens of in-depth interviews with CPG C-suite executives and financial analysts providing deep insights into key topics, as well as interviews with EY leaders representing supply chain, M&A, commercial excellence and digital transformation. We've sought the perspectives of CP companies and retailers in the EY Consumer Products Dynamics Research. On behalf of the global EY organization, FT Longitude, the specialist research and content marketing division of the Financial Times Group, conducted an anonymous online survey of C-suite business leaders from 400 CP companies and 200 retailers around the world with annual revenues above US$1b , between 21 February and 21 March 2025 . The survey explored the impact of specific trends and macroeconomic factors on the industry, and how organizations are responding, focusing on market challenges, competitive advantage and retailer-manufacturer dynamics. Respondents represented 17 countries (the US, Mexico , Brazil , Argentina , Canada , Germany , India , the UK, France , Italy , Nordics, Spain , South Africa , China , Japan , South Korea , Australia ). Surveyed companies' annual global revenues were as follows: 68% US$1b - US$5b , 25% US$5b - US$20b , 8% > US$20b . , between 21 February and . The survey explored the impact of specific trends and macroeconomic factors on the industry, and how organizations are responding, focusing on market challenges, competitive advantage and retailer-manufacturer dynamics. Respondents represented 17 countries (the US, , , , , , , the UK, , , Nordics, , , , , , ). Surveyed companies' annual global revenues were as follows: 68% - , 25% - , 8% > . We tapped into the quarterly EY-Parthenon CEO Pulse, last conducted in April 2025 . It collected perspectives from 1,200 global CEOs, including 100 CP and 90 retail leaders, to assess their confidence in the sector, as well as strategic priorities, risks, opportunities and emerging trends. . It collected perspectives from 1,200 global CEOs, including 100 CP and 90 retail leaders, to assess their confidence in the sector, as well as strategic priorities, risks, opportunities and emerging trends. We conducted our own extensive secondary desk research using EY tools and databases, including Capital IQ, Euromonitor and Nielsen. Chloe Beebee EY Global Media Relations +44 (0)7859 890337 [email protected] Julia Menefee EY Public Relations (+1) 850 228 2182 [email protected] SOURCE EY Next Robot Expands Culinary Automation Line to Preserve Flavor, Culture, and Feed the Future LOS ANGELES, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Next Robot , the culinary robotics company transforming commercial kitchens through AI-powered commercial cooking robots is excited to announce the debut of its newest model - Al Dente. A turnkey solution with precision auto-seasoning, intelligent cooking control and upcoming ingredient-loading automation. Al Dente is designed for reliability and consistency, delivering pasta dishes in 4 to 5 minutes. It also prepares risotto from scratch without hands-on attention making it a perfect fit for fast casual restaurants, pasta bars, cafeterias, ghost kitchens, and more. The product made its global debut at this year's National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show in Chicago in May 2025 and will join Robby, Next Robot's flagship stir fry unit, leading a new era of scalable and intelligent cooking Next Robot's Al Dente (L) and Robby (R) Powered by ChefSight, Next Robot's proprietary AI platform (US patent pending), Al Dente monitors texture, moisture and cooking progress in real time, ensuring every dish is cooked to perfection - not just by time and temperature but via visual cues and food behavior. A turn-key solution for restaurant owners, Al Dente offers a low-impact solution with precision auto-seasoning, intelligent cooking control and is built for reliability and compliance ensuring each dish reaches peak perfection with consistent quality and zero guesswork. From spaghetti pomodoro to risotto al funghi, Al Dente can transform any restaurant kitchen into that of a trattoria on the Amalfi Coast with Michelin restaurant quality without diminishing flavor, technique or ease of use. Al dente's production version will launch later this year "At Next Robot, we believe food automation shouldn't erase flavor, it should preserve it," said Giggs Huang, Co-Founder and CEO of Next Robot. "Al Dente doesn't just cook pasta and risotto, it safeguards centuries old culinary traditions while preparing kitchens for tomorrow's challenges." Next Robot is guided by purpose, developing tools that support chefs and foodservice teams in delivering high quality meals at scale. Beyond the aspirational, the company offers scalable solutions adept for the growing demands of hunger across the globe. Robby, named by school children, can produce 900 servings of food per hour, ten times faster than traditional methods, creating an opportunity to curb worldwide hunger needs. Robby is already utilized in over 100+ locations including schools, grocery stores, catering facilities, assisted living campuses and restaurants. By combining breakthrough technology with cultural preservation, Next Robot enables chefs and restaurateurs to upload and immortalize generational recipes, protecting them from being lost to time. With the launch of Al Dente, Next Robot will continue transforming commercial kitchens, creating scalable fresh meals with effortless consistency. The company aims to solve the biggest challenges kitchens face today including labor shortages, high-training costs and inconsistent quality while elevating food standards alongside customer satisfaction. With technology developed in real kitchens by real chefs using live feedback to drive practical innovation, Next Robots robotics-as-a-service model are leased month-to-month and delivers full kitchen automation and hands-on support including software updates, preventive maintenance, rapid service response and a dedicated customer service team. Media Contact: CARVINGBLOCK | [email protected] About Next Robot Next Robot is a California based culinary robotics company focused on empowering food service businesses through AI driven automation. Its flagship products Robby and Al Dente are transforming how kitchens cook, scale, and serve, while preserving culinary heritage with a long term vision to help address global hunger. To book a demo or learn more about integrating Al Dente or Robby into your kitchen, visit: www.nextrobot.com SOURCE CarvingBlock ST JULIANS, Malta, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Gentoo Media Inc. (the "Company") was held today, 27 May 2025, in Stockholm, Sweden. Shareholders representing 50.66% of the shares entitled to vote were present in person or by proxy. The Annual Meeting approved the Company's Annual Report for 2024. The Annual Meeting resolved that the Board of Directors consist of seven members and resolved to re-elect Mikael Riese Harstad as Chairman and Director of the Board, to re-elect Hesam Yazdi, Cristina Romero de Alba, Mateusz Juroszek, Nicholas Batram and Tomasz Juroszek as Directors of the Board and to elect Jesper Ribacka as new Director of the Board. It was further resolved to approve the proposal from the Nomination Committee for remuneration to the Board of Directors. The Annual Meeting further resolved that the Nomination Committee shall consist of not less than three and not more than four members, to represent all shareholders, and be appointed by the three largest shareholders as at 31 August 2025. Finally, the Annual Meeting resolved to give the Board of Directors authority to buy back already issued and outstanding shares in the Company as proposed in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and to amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to reflect an increase in the number of shares of stock which the Company is authorized to issue from 150,000,000 to 200,000,000. The minutes from the Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be uploaded to the Company's website, www.gentoomedia.com. Contact person: Mikael Harstad, Chairman of the Board, [email protected], +46 737674852 About Gentoo Media Gentoo Media is a market-leading affiliate connecting operators and players in the online gambling and sports betting industry. Gentoo Media offers an array of iGaming affiliate solutions, such as paid marketing expertise and quality traffic through our prominent industry sites including AskGamblers, Time2Play, CasinoTopsOnline, WSN and Casinomeister. In 2024, Gentoo Media (formerly GiG Media) became Gentoo Media Inc. following a legal split separating the Media and Platform and Sportsbook business in Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) into two independently listed companies. Gentoo Media Inc. is dual listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (ticker "G2M") and the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker "G2MNO"). www.gentoomedia.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/gentoo-media-inc/r/gentoo-media---minutes-from-the-annual-meeting-of-shareholders,c4155886 CALGARY, AB, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - (TSXV: GRD) (OTCQB: GRDAF) - Grounded Lithium Corp. ("GLC" or the "Company") announces our financial and operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025. Selected financial and operational information is set out below and should be read in conjunction with the Company's March 31, 2025 financial statements and the related management's discussion and analysis, which are available for review at www.sedarplus.ca or the Company's website at www.groundedlithium.com. First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Highlights The Company, together with its strategic partner Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison"), completed a field drill program at the Kindersley Lithium Project's ("KLP") original 4-15-33-23W3 well, successfully re-entering and extending the well achieving several defined objectives. Further, as part of the pre-feasibility study ("PFS") preparation, the Company and Denison commenced extensive metallurgical testing and a depletion modeling exercise. These efforts provide a deliberate, planned and methodical approach to further refine the commercial confidence level in the pending independently authored PFS by Stantec Inc. planned for completion mid 2025. Financial Results (CAD$, except per share amounts and common shares outstanding) Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS Net comprehensive income (loss) 30,392 (507,607) Per share - basic and diluted - (0.01) Cash flow from (used in) operating activities 43,063 (411,756) Per share - basic and diluted - (0.01) Funds flow from (used in) operations 60,186 (467,640) Per share - basic and diluted - (0.01) Capital expenditures Capital expenditures (dispositions) - (800,000) Liquidity Working capital surplus 175,083 303,222 Common shares outstanding Weighted average - basic and diluted 78,371,294 77,126,290 Outstanding, end of period 79,660,227 78,279,227 About Grounded Lithium Corp. GLC is a publicly traded lithium brine exploration and development company that controls approximately 1.0 million metric tonnes of Measured & Indicated lithium carbonate equivalent mineral resource and approximately 3.2 million metric tonnes of Inferred lithium carbonate equivalent resource over our focused land holdings in Southwest Saskatchewan as per the Company's updated PEA. The updated PEA, titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report: Preliminary Economic Assessment Kindersley Lithium Project Phase 1 Update" dated November 7, 2023 and effective as of June 30, 2023, reports a Phase 1 NPV 8 after-tax of US$1.0 billion with an after-tax IRR of 48.5%. GLC's multi-faceted business model involves the consolidation, delineation, exploitation and ultimately development of our opportunity base to fulfill our vision to build a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition shift. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on https://www.otcmarkets.com/. Qualified Person Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Doug Ashton, P.Eng., Alexey Romanov, P. Geo., Meghan Klein, P. Eng., Dean Quirk, P.Eng., Jeffrey Weiss, P.Eng., Chad Hitchings., P.L. Eng., and Michael Munteanu, P.Eng., each of whom is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The opinions, forecasts, projections and statements about future events of results, are forward looking information, forward-looking statements or financial outlooks (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by GLC that the Company believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Although GLC believes that the assumptions underlying, and expectations reflected in, these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the internal rates of return and net present values of the KLP, activities funded by Denison to drive the KLP value and GLC's vision of becoming a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: GLC's expectation that our operations will be in Western Canada, unexpected problems can arise due to technical difficulties and operational difficulties which impact the production, transport or sale of our products; geographic and weather conditions can impact production; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact commodity prices and consumption more than GLC currently predicts; the failure to obtain financing on reasonable terms; volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the failure of drilling to result in commercial projects; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; and the other risk factors detailed from time to time in GLC's periodic reports. GLC's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. SOURCE Grounded Lithium Corp. Company's latest solution streamlines RCSA process and enables enterprise-wide visibility CHICAGO, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LogicGate , the modern, enterprise-grade provider of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions, is elevating its robust Risk Cloud platform with a new Operational Risk Management (ORM) Solution designed to allow organizations to prioritize risks based on process criticality and financial impact. By helping minimize operational disruptions, such as failed internal processes, inadequate systems, and natural disasters, ORM helps ensure the resilience of the organization. With role-based dashboards tailored to specific stakeholders and lines of defense, LogicGate's new ORM solution enables Risk Cloud users to easily quantify and visualize operational risk across different business units. The new solution brings risk management to individual business units, ensuring day-to-day vulnerabilities are accounted for at the process level. Because risk teams don't always have visibility into every department, this insight is a crucial aspect of a strong security posture. The Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) workflow is at the center of this new solution, prompting individual business units to identify key risks, evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls, and document their findings for remediation. For many organizations, RCSAs are an important step in promoting a culture of awareness by giving departments ownership over their risk posture. With this, Risk Cloud's new assessment scoping tool streamlines how RCSAs are scoped, created, and assigned. The centralized ORM solution will help organizations more effectively quantify the potential losses resulting from operational risks. While the RCSA workflow is valuable for businesses in a wide range of different industries, it is a particularly critical feature for banking and finance institutions. Regulations require large banks to hold sufficient capital to cover potential losses from operational risks, which are calculated based on factors that include financial activities and historical loss data. LogicGate's RCSA workflow can help banks build an effective framework that includes the policies, procedures, and processes needed to identify, assess, monitor, and remediate risks that have potential to impact bank operations. "Operational risk management has clear business and financial benefits, but most organizations don't realize the impact ORM can have on day-to-day operations," said Matt Kunkel, co-founder and CEO of LogicGate. "The key to developing a resilient risk posture in the modern day is awareness. Our new ORM solution provides the simple, enterprise-wide visibility you need to truly understand the threat landscape your business operates in. This allows you to create insight-based risk programs and maintain the agility needed for both short and long-term business continuity." Along with the streamlined self-assessment capabilities, LogicGate customers who adopt the new ORM solution will gain access to the following features and capabilities: Hierarchy Models: Develop templated yet configurable data hierarchy models to connect business units, processes, risks, and controls Develop templated yet configurable data hierarchy models to connect business units, processes, risks, and controls Automated Processes: Automate workflows for risk and control assessments, key risk indicator (KRI) measurements, corrective actions, and issue management Automate workflows for risk and control assessments, key risk indicator (KRI) measurements, corrective actions, and issue management Proactive Monitoring: Monitor risks and proactively act with automated KRI workflows that notify response teams when risk thresholds are exceeded Monitor risks and proactively act with automated KRI workflows that notify response teams when risk thresholds are exceeded Risk Reporting: Generate reports that show processes with the highest impact on your risk profile, multi-department risks that could benefit from collaboration, and control gaps that affect multiple risks Generate reports that show processes with the highest impact on your risk profile, multi-department risks that could benefit from collaboration, and control gaps that affect multiple risks No Active User Limits: Enable broad access with users across multiple business units without the need for costly user-based licensing fees Enable broad access with users across multiple business units without the need for costly user-based licensing fees Suite of Spark AI Features: Accelerate GRC program outcomes with time-saving technology and intelligent recommendations to identify linkages across risks, issues, and loss events, and generate corrective action plans when KRI measurements automatically trigger response workflows ORM programs can strengthen overall business resilience and continuity efforts, but managing a truly comprehensive strategy can be challenging. LogicGate's new ORM solution is bolstered by modern technologies already available in Risk Cloud, such as the suite of Spark AI features, no-code editing capabilities, aggregated insights, and real-time reporting. Implementing ORM ensures that today's businesses are prepared to identify, measure, and address risks at a tactical level across multiple business units, positioning them for success amid today's evolving risk landscape. To learn more about LogicGate's new solution simplifying organizations' approaches to ORM and risk and control self-assessments, visit LogicGate's ORM solution page . About LogicGate LogicGate is a global, market-leading SaaS company empowering customers to effectively manage and scale their cyber risk and control, third-party risk management, controls compliance, enterprise risk, and operational resilience programs. Recognized as one of four leading global GRC platforms, Risk Cloud is built with usability in mind, including a no-code interface and graph-database management making the technology flexible, agile and scalable to support various levels of GRC maturity and bolster business outcomes. With an unwavering commitment to fostering business resilience in dynamic landscapes, LogicGate empowers customers to quantify risk, strengthen their security posture, and have visibility into information to create strategic advantages and support business objectives. Learn more about LogicGate's solutions by visiting www.logicgate.com or LinkedIn . SOURCE LogicGate Revenue Increased 8.3% to ILS 339.1 million; Comparable Store Sales Increased 3.0% GAAP Net Income Increased 11.0% to ILS 31.8 million Gross Profit Increased 8.1% to ILS 143.3 million CAESAREA, Israel, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Max Stock Limited (TASE: MAXO) (the "Company") today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. First Quarter 2025 Summary Revenue increased 8.3% to ILS 339.1 million. Gross profit increased 8.1% to ILS 143.3 million. Comparable store sales increased 3.0%. Net income (100%) increased 11.0% to ILS 31.8 million. Adjusted EPS1 (attributable to shareholders) increased 12.6% to ILS 0.21. Adjusted EBITDA2 increased 11.7% to ILS 47.9 million. Ori Max, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our business accelerated as the first quarter progressed and the pace of growth further increased in April. We are pleased with our recent performance, especially as we are lapping strong multi-year comparisons. The combination of our merchandising and in-store experience strategies and new store additions, drove high-single digit revenue growth. At the same time, we increased profitability double digits through healthy gross margins and operating leverage, while also continuing to invest in the business. The results combined with the ILS 70 million dividend we distributed in April underscore the tremendous value we are generating for our shareholders." First Quarter Results (2025 compared with 2024) Revenue increased 8.3% to ILS 339.1 million in the first quarter 2025 as compared with revenue of ILS 313.2 million in the first quarter 2024. The increase over the same period last year was largely attributable to the opening of new branches combined with a 3.0% increase in comparable store sales driven by an increase in seasonal sales compared to the year-ago period. Sales in the period were also aided by a shift in timing of the Passover holiday into the first quarter of 2025, compared to being included in the second quarter of 2024. Comparable store sales increased 3.3% for the period January April 2025 compared to January April 2024 (no holiday timing impact), indicative of the growth rate of sales in Q1 accelerating in April 2025. Gross profit increased 8.1% to ILS 143.3 million in the first quarter 2025 from ILS 132.5 million in the first quarter 2024. Gross margin was 42.3% in both periods. In the first quarter of 2025, increased logistics expense related to the temporary, concurrent operation of the Company's existing and new logistics centers was fully offset by trade and supply chain efficiency gains from the increase in direct imports versus locally sourced inventory (made possible thanks to the new logistics center), along with continued improvement in the terms of trade. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to ILS 95.6 million in the first quarter 2025 from ILS 89.7 million in the first quarter 2024, primarily driven by an increase in expenses associated with new store additions in the period. However, as a percent of sales, Selling, general and administrative expenses declined from 28.6% in the first quarter 2024 to 28.2% in the first quarter 2025, due to operating leverage. Other expenses totaled approximately ILS 4.0 million in the period due to a single branch lease liability, combined the derecognition of fixed assets related to the closing of the HaEshel logistics center (as part of the transition into the new logistic center) as well as the closing of the Portugal operations. Interest expenses, net, decreased to ILS 0.8 million in the first quarter 2025 from ILS 4.9 million in the first quarter 2024, primarily related to income from hedging transactions and foreign currency differentials. GAAP net income (100%) increased 11.0% to ILS 31.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, as compared with GAAP net income (100%) of ILS 28.7 million in the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted EPS1 attributable to shareholders increased 12.6% to ILS 0.21 per share, in the first quarter of 2025, as compared with adjusted EPS attributable to shareholders of ILS 0.19 per share, in the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA2 increased 11.7% to ILS 47.9 million in the first quarter of 2025 from ILS 42.9 million in the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 14.1% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with 13.7% in the first quarter of 2024. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights The Company's cash and cash equivalents balance at March 31, 2025 was ILS 132.1 million compared with ILS 97.1 million at December 31, 2024 and ILS 149.4 million at March 31, 2024. The Company ended the first quarter of 2025 with total debt of ILS 43.8 million compared with total debt of ILS 47.1 million at December 31, 2024 and ILS 31.0 million at March 31, 2024. Inventories at March 31, 2025 were ILS 208.2 million compared with ILS 240.6 million at December 31, 2024 and ILS 170.5 million at March 31, 2024. The year-over-year increase in inventory was due to an intentional build given the low inventory levels in 2023, new branch openings and increased scale and an increase in direct imports versus locally sourced inventory that ships from suppliers directly to stores. Conference Call Information The Company will host a conference call on May 27, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time to discuss first quarter 2025 results (link). The conference call will also be accessible at https://ir.maxstock.co.il/en/event-en/.There will be a slide presentation that accompanies the call. The slides will be accessible at https://ir.maxstock.co.il/en/presentation-en/. An archived webcast of the conference call will be available at https://ir.maxstock.co.il/en/presentation-en/. About Max Stock Max Stock is Israel's leading extreme value retailer, currently present in 64 locations throughout Israel. We offer a broad assortment of quality products for customers' everyday needs at affordable prices, helping customers "Dream Big, Pay Small". For more information, please visit https://ir.maxstock.co.il Forward-Looking Statements It should be emphasized that this report includes forward-looking information as defined under the Securities Law, 5728-1968. Forward-looking information is uncertain information regarding the future, including forecasts, projections, estimates or other information which refer to a future event or matter, the eventuation of which is uncertain and/or not within the Company's control. The forward-looking information included in this report is based on the current information held by the Company or its current assessments, as of the publication date of this report. Company Contacts: Talia Sessler, Chief Corporate Development and IR Officer [email protected] SOURCE Max Stock Limited SEOUL, South Korea , May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MEXC Ventures proudly served as a key sponsor of the 2025 Korea University Blockchain Startup Ideathon, held on May 16 at Korea University's Hana Square. Co-located with the National Center of Excellence in SW AI Startup Ideathon, organized under the National Program of Excellence in Software Universities, which includes 48 universities such as Korea University, Hanshin University, KAIST and Yonsei University, the event showcased emerging ideas in blockchain and artificial intelligence from students and early-stage entrepreneurs across Korea. MEXC Ventures at the Forefront of Koreas Blockchain-AI University Innovation Showcase Hosted by Korea University's College of Informatics and jointly organized with the KU Blockchain Research Institute and TokenPost, the blockchain track received 27 team submissions, from which 10 teams were selected through a competitive preliminary review to advance to the final round. Similarly, the AI track saw 36 entries, with 10 finalists selected. Across both tracks, 208 participants registered for the competition. On the day of the final presentations, over 600 attendeesincluding students, faculty, industry professionals, and investorsgathered to experience the culmination of this large-scale university-driven ideathon. MEXC Ventures served as a premier sponsor of the blockchain track, alongside the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), LG CNS, and Tether. The AI track, organized under the same program, was supported by Koscom and Toss, contributing to a diverse and collaborative innovation ecosystem across both domains. As part of its sponsorship, MEXC Ventures presented the "MEXC Ventures Award" to the team AlchemyLab in recognition of their creativity and potential in decentralized applications. The blockchain track featured several distinguished awards, including the President of KISA Award (Pondmakers), Dean of Korea University College of Informatics Award (ArcSync), and the KU Blockchain Research Institute Award (IPSHOP). Other industry-sponsored recognitions included the Tether Award (Nestyle), along with special prizes for innovation (Q-medicine), convergence (TokenSquare), and creativity (EyeOfTime). Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC Ventures, joined the event as a keynote speaker, delivering a session titled "Catching the Next Wave: How Blockchain and AI Are Shaping Startup Innovation." In her remarks, Jin emphasized: "Today's students aren't just learning they're building. This new generation is deeply connected to what comes next in technology. Events like this show how universities can be the launchpads for real change, and we're proud to stand alongside Korea University in supporting this movement." The judging panel for the blockchain track included Seolbin Choi, representing MEXC Ventures, alongside respected figures from Koscom, LG CNS, Kim & Chang, and Toss. This event marks MEXC Ventures' first official university-backed blockchain engagement in Korea. The company reaffirmed its commitment to further supporting Korea's blockchain talent pipeline and strengthening bridges between academia and the Web3 ecosystem. In parallel with the ideathon, MEXC Ventures also organized AI x Web3 Connect at the Hana Square Exhibition Hall on the same day. Co-organized with the KU Blockchain Research Institute, the exhibition brought together major players in the AI and blockchain ecosystem for a day of hands-on demos, startup showcases, and industry networking. Projects and companies such as Tether, OKX Wallet, and Avalanche participated in the exhibition, further enriching the event's technical depth and global relevance. About MEXC Ventures MEXC Ventures is dedicated to accelerating blockchain and web3 innovation through investment, project incubation, and strategic partnerships. With the philosophy of "Empowering Partners and Growing Together," MEXC Ventures provides founders with capital, resources, and global network access to help scale their ideas into impactful businesses. Visit MEXC Ventures . SOURCE MEXC Ventures DALLAS, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. ("NXRT" or the "Company") (NYSE: NXRT) announced today that Matthew McGraner, NXRT's Executive VP and Chief Investment Officer, Paul Richards, NXRT's Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP-Finance, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, Bonner McDermett, NXRT's VP, Asset Management, and Sean Jacobson, NXRT's VP, Asset Management will be meeting with investors and others at Nareit's REITweek: 2025 Investor Conference, to be held June 2-5 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. A copy of the meeting materials will be posted in the Resources section of NXRT's website at nxrt.nexpoint.com on the morning of June 2, 2025. About NXRT NexPoint Residential Trust is a publicly traded REIT, with its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NXRT," primarily focused on acquiring, owning and operating well-located middle-income multifamily properties with "value-add" potential in large cities and suburban submarkets of large cities, primarily in the Southeastern and Southwestern United States. NXRT is externally advised by NexPoint Real Estate Advisors, L.P., an affiliate of NexPoint Advisors, L.P., an SEC-registered investment advisor, which has extensive real estate experience. More information about the Company is available at http://www.nxrt.nexpoint.com. CONTACTS Investor Relations Kristen Griffith [email protected] Media Relations Prosek Partners for NexPoint [email protected] SOURCE NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. HARRISBURG, Pa., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just as Pennsylvania's landscape has awakened with vibrant colors, the commonwealth's real estate market has also sprung to life. A recent Pennsylvania Association of Realtors housing market report reveals a resurgence in both homebuyer interest and seller activity this spring. The data underscores that the spring season endures as a prime time for those looking to buy and those ready to sell. The report indicated a 35% surge in home sales across the commonwealth in April compared to the quieter winter month of February, with home sales totaling 9,161 in April compared to 6,751 in February. "Springtime is considered peak season in the housing industry, and Pennsylvania Association of Realtors market data supports that this spring is no exception," said Bill Lublin, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and CEO of Century 21 Advantage Gold in the Philadelphia region.. "We consistently observe a boost in buyer demand as families aim to settle into new homes before the summer months and the start of the academic year. Simultaneously, sellers are keen to showcase their properties under the most favorable conditions, capitalizing on enhanced curb appeal as landscapes bloom and there are more daylight hours." The housing market report also showed a nearly 22% increase in the number of homes listed for sale from February to April, providing more options for buyers. Additionally, when compared to the same period last year, home listing inventory increased by a notable 9.5%, suggesting more sellers recognize spring as an advantageous time to put their properties on the market. "As the spring homebuying and selling season paves the way for a busy summer, Pennsylvania Realtors are ready to provide guidance and support through every stage of the process, from initial property search to successful settlement for buyers and from listing to final closing for sellers," Lublin said. The expertise of a Realtor can be invaluable to navigate the real estate market, he added. "By partnering with a Realtor, homebuyers and sellers can approach the complexities of the housing market with greater confidence," Lublin said. "Realtors offer local market knowledge, astute negotiation skills and a steadfast commitment to ensuring their clients' best interests are always prioritized." A 2024 consumer survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that 9 out of 10 home purchases are made with the professional services of a real estate agent, demonstrating that consumers prioritize agent expertise in the real estate process. Consumers considering whether to buy or sell a home can search for a Realtor in their area at parealtors.org/find-a-realtor. Consumers can learn what's new in the home buying process at parealtors.org/whats-new. The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors is a trade/professional association that serves more than 38,000 members in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. SOURCE Pennsylvania Association of Realtors(R) DALLAS, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Argent Trust Company, as Trustee of the Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE: PBT) ("Permian" or the "Trust") today announced that it has filed a Second Amended Petition in the District Court of Tarrant County, Texas in connection with its lawsuit against Blackbeard Operating, LLC ("Blackbeard"), the operator of properties in the Waddell Ranch, in Crane County, Texas, in which the Trust holds a 75% net overriding royalty. Under the Second Amended Petition, the Trustee seeks to recover more than $9 million in damages to the Trust it alleges result from Blackbeard's failure to properly calculate and pay royalties due and owing to the Trust. Specifically, the Trustee alleges that Blackbeard impermissibly calculated and deducted overhead costs, labor expenses, and saltwater disposal fees. The Trustee also claims Blackbeard failed to pay on all volumes of oil, gas, and other minerals produced by Blackbeard from the relevant lands and failed to provide annual reports required by the Conveyance. The claims relate to the April 2020 through December 2023 production months. A joint venture audit of the 2024 production months is underway, and the Trustee reserved the right in the petition to bring any additional claims revealed by such audit. Certain additional claims raised in the Trustee's original and first amended petitions have been resolved through the joint venture audit. The trial date in the District Court of Tarrant County is scheduled for November 17, 2025, 8:30 a.m., Central Time. Discovery is ongoing, including on-site audits of the Waddell Ranch properties, engagement of and analyses by expert witnesses, and review of documents provided by Blackbeard. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Any statements in this press release about future events or conditions, and other statements containing the words "estimates," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," "may," "intends," and similar expressions, other than historical facts, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Factors or risks that could cause the Trust's actual results to differ materially from the results the Trustee anticipates include, but are not limited to the factors described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Trustee's views as of the date hereof. The Trustee anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change. However, while the Trustee may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Trustee's views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. Contact: Jana Egeler, Vice President, Argent Trust Company, Trustee, Toll Free 1.855.588.7839 SOURCE Permian Basin Royalty Trust DUBAI, UAE, May 27, 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 LLC, located in Cairo, Egypt, combines several years of technical and market development experience with its local team to support our customers in this growing market. Phoenix Contact proudly announces the successful implementation of a sustainability project in Egypt 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 and HITS Solutions unveil a prototype for precision hydroponic farming In honor of the company's 100th anniversary in 2023, Phoenix Contact LLC partnered with HITS Solutions, a local system integrator and software company focused on smart agriculture through the fusion of IoT and Bioinformatics and launched a sustainability initiative - an end-to-end "Precision Agriculture" solution prototype aimed at transforming hydroponic farming. This technology will help transform the food production system in Egypt, reduce freshwater use, and overcome food shortages. Egypt faces freshwater scarcity, and Precision Agriculture technologies can help address future food shortages and reduce freshwater use. With global freshwater shortages and grain market instability, there's a growing fear of increased global hunger. Phoenix Contact developed a solution aligned with Egypt's Vision 2030 to eradicate poverty and hunger by 2030. Ahmed ElShibini, Country Manager of Phoenix Contact LLC in Egypt, states, "We are confident that Phoenix Contact can have a significant role in the mission of helping the human race fight hunger." In collaboration with HITS Solutions, Phoenix Contact has advanced hydroponic agriculture by combining IoT with precision automation. The system automates irrigation and fertigation based on real-time sensor inputs, setting a new benchmark for sustainable agriculture. HITS Solutions provided land for a "Center of Excellence" with two greenhousesone for traditional cultivation and one for hydroponics. They developed a cloud-based platform to manage the system, integrating metagenomics to analyze microbial communities in the soil and environment to better understand plant health, nutrient cycles, and disease risks. This biological insight is combined with IoT sensor data to enable data-driven decisions for irrigation, fertilization, and crop management. Phoenix Contact's EDGE boxes monitor and control the greenhouses, linking to the HITS software platform. The results are transformative: water consumption reduced by 86.67%, from 24,000 liters to 3,200 liters for 1,200 plants. The vertical farming setup requires only 9.5 m, 17 times less space than conventional methods. HITS Solutions' water metagenomics services ensure superior water quality, optimizing every drop. This case study showcases the potential of advanced automation and intelligent software in revolutionizing farming for a sustainable future. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2693521/Phoenix_Contact_HITS_Solutions.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280983/Phoenix_Contact_Logo.jpg SOURCE Phoenix Contact Middle East LAKEWOOD, Colo., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design's (RMCAD) Annual Fashion Showcase returns this summer on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Original outfits designed by RMCAD's fashion design students will take the catwalk in a stunning display. Hosted at the Denver Center for Performing Arts' Studio Loft, this year's theme is Identity. Featuring the work of 20 students and more than 70 looks, the runway will be full of original designs all by RMCAD students. After all of the looks have hit the runway, jurors will decide on the following awards: three for seniors, Best Collection, Best Workmanship, and Best Concept. Additionally, five other awards will honor the theme of Identity, Best Look, Best Workmanship, Best Virtual, Best Volunteer, and Photography Award. Tickets are on sale to members of the public interested in attending this one-of-a-kind creative showcase. Prices range from $15 for General Admission to $30 for VIP access. For those attending in person, venue doors open at 3:00 p.m. MT on Sunday, June 8, with photography and drink service open to all attendees. The showcase will then run from 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. MT. Additionally, a free live stream option is available to those who can't attend in person. "This year's showcase is about our students displaying their unique personalities through fashion," shared Stephanie Carlo, RMCAD's Chair of Fashion Design. "We all use fashion to express our identity every day. However, students are bringing this year's showcase to the next level." Purchase tickets now on the RMCAD website today or watch the live stream online on Sunday, June 8. About RMCAD Founded in 1963, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an accredited institution of higher education that offers degree programs focused on the arts, design, education, technology, and business. RMCAD serves its students from a 23-acre campus in Lakewood, Colorado, but also virtually, as a leader in online education for more than a decade. RMCAD offers courses taught by practicing industry professionals; an intimate learning environment; multimedia-rich online classes; and a beautiful historic campus. The school strives to allow artists and designers to find their voice, discover their own paths, and thrive as professionals. Contact: Joe Rubald, [email protected] , Jenna Heil [email protected] , Stephanie Carlo [email protected] SOURCE Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design A 20-count box of the special edition bags are available for just 60 cents for a limited time LAKE FOREST, Ill., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hefty brand, a household name in durable and dependable household solutions, is turning 60 this month and celebrating in the sweetest way possible. To honor six decades of helping people take out the trash with strength, scent, and style, the Hefty brand is releasing limited-edition Hefty Ultra Strong Trash Bags with birthday cake scent, available exclusively on shop.hefty.com/products/birthday for just 60 cents. Hefty Ultra Strong Trash Bags with birthday cake scent To put a festive spin on household cleanup, the brand infused the familiar 20-count 13-gallon tall kitchen trash bags with the nostalgic scent of vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles bringing a bit of birthday magic to trash day. "Hefty has been making reliable products that are a key part of everyday life for consumers for 60 years," said Brienne Neisewander, Vice President Marketing, Hefty. "We wanted to celebrate this milestone with something fun, unexpected, and unmistakably Hefty. The birthday cake scent adds a playful, nostalgic touch that honors our legacy and elevates the ordinary." The birthday cake-scented trash bags feature Hefty's signature six-in-one protection and odor control technology, with an extra dash of delight. And at just 60 cents per box, this limited-edition release is a playful tribute to Hefty's 60 years of strength. Perfect for parties, unique gifts, or anyone who can't resist the smell of birthday cake, these celebratory bags bring a little joy to the daily routine. In partnership with the Chicago Cubs, the Hefty team is taking the party to Wrigley Field on May 27, the brand's official birthday, to mark the milestone with a birthday celebration and special in-game activations. The first 5,000 fans to enter the Budweiser Bleacher Gate on May 27 will also receive a Hefty 60th birthday bucket hat. Hefty Ultra Strong Trash Bags with birthday cake scent are available now at shop.hefty.com/products/birthday . Quantities are limited and expected to go fast. The Hefty brand's legacy extends far beyond trash bags with a lineup that includes dependable tableware and storage bags designed to bring ease to everyday life. For more information, visit Hefty.com and follow @HeftyBrands on social for updates, tips, and fresh content. About Reynolds Consumer Products Reynolds Consumer Products is a leading provider of quality household essentials that have been trusted for generations. Our Hefty and Reynolds brand products help with preparation, cooking, cleanup, and storage. The Hefty brand is known for strong, dependable waste bags, slider bags, and disposable tableware, which are available in the U.S. at mass merchants, grocers, and other retail stores nationwide. To see more Hefty brand products, visit Hefty.com. For more information on the company, visit ReynoldsConsumerProducts.com. Media Contact: Keely Bennett Morgan [email protected] SOURCE Hefty 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 Kinshasa, May 27 : In a significant diplomatic outreach, an Indian all-party parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde met with members of the Indian community in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) on Tuesday. The interaction was part of India's broader effort to project a united stance against terrorism. "Warm welcome by Indian community in DR Congo to the all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Eknath Shinde. Delegation interacted with the members of the Indian community and apprised India's Operation Sindoor and the new approach to fight cross-border terrorism," the Embassy of India in Kinshasa posted on X. The delegation's visit, taking place from May 24 to 28, is part of a diplomatic mission spanning four nations, the UAE, Liberia, DR Congo, and Sierra Leone, to present a united Indian front on global platforms and raise awareness about the country's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism. Earlier in the day, the delegation had a "fruitful interaction" with Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of DR Congo, as per another update from the Indian Embassy. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to global peace and security. The delegation also held high-level talks with Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, President of the Senate of DR Congo, where they reiterated India's firm stance on combating terrorism. India's message during the visit has been clear and assertive: the country stands united against terrorism in all its forms. The delegation highlighted Operation Sindoor, India's strategic initiative to counter cross-border terrorism, while also exposing Pakistan's alleged role in fostering such activities. The delegation includes MPs Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Bansuri Swaraj (BJP), ET Mohammed Basheer (IUML), Atul Garg (BJP), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Manan Kumar Mishra (BJP), S.S. Ahluwalia, and former diplomat and strategic expert Amb. Sujan Chinoy. This outreach effort is being hailed as part of India's growing focus on building international consensus and cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The delegation has emphasised the importance of global collaboration to dismantle terror networks and ensure long-term peace and stability across regions. Beirut, May 27 : Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that three Palestinian camps in Beirut will begin handing over their weapons in mid-June, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. Aoun made the remarks on Monday, during a meeting with a visiting delegation from the US Congress in Beirut. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas agreed earlier this week to end the presence and operation of weapons held by Palestinian factions outside the control of the Lebanese state, including within Palestinian refugee camps, Xinhua news agency reported. "Joint committees have been formed to implement the agreement, and the handover of weapons will begin in mid-June in three camps in Beirut," Aoun said, adding that three Palestinian military camps in the North, Mount Lebanon, and the South had already been dismantled. During the meeting with the US delegation, the Lebanese president also stressed that Israel has failed to meet its obligations under the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, which took effect on November 27, 2024. "Israel continues to occupy five hilltops in the South and has not returned the Lebanese detainees, despite repeated Lebanese appeals, particularly to the United States and France, which co-sponsored the agreement," Aoun said. Angus King, head of the US delegation, commended "the achievements of the Lebanese army on various fronts, particularly in maintaining stability in the South, in addition to its other national duties." According to the NNA, King confirmed that "US support for the Lebanese army will continue, especially in terms of advanced equipment and vehicles." Amman, May 27 : Jordan and Norway urged an immediate, lasting ceasefire in Gaza and unrestricted humanitarian access, while reaffirming support for a two-state solution as the basis for lasting regional peace. Following talks in Amman on Monday, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Norway's recognition of Palestine underscored its commitment to international law and justice, Xinhua news agency reported. The minister stressed that peace and stability require the two-state solution, namely a sovereign Palestinian state along the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Safadi praised Norway's role as chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which coordinates donor support for Palestinians, and commended its efforts to ease Gaza's humanitarian crisis and revive peace talks. He also condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli extremist ministers, warning of escalating tensions. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called the situation in Gaza "catastrophic" and pressed for an end to the 19-month conflict. Eide warned that conflicts in Gaza would continue to recur unless the underlying issue -- the lack of a Palestinian state -- is addressed. The Norwegian diplomat also said Norway would continue promoting Palestinian recognition and welcomed the upcoming UN conference on the two-state solution in New York in June, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. Brussels, May 27 : The European Commission remains "fully committed" to reaching a trade deal with the United States amid tariff twists, according to a senior European Union (EU) official. In a Monday post on social media platform X, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic wrote: "The European Commission remains fully committed to constructive and focused efforts at pace towards an EU-US deal," adding that Brussels would continue to stay in constant contact with Washington. His remarks followed his calls with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Xinhua news agency reported. On Friday, US President Donald Trump said talks with the 27-member bloc were "going nowhere" and threatened to impose a 50 per cent tariff on all EU imports from June 1. Trump was upset by the lack of progress in trade talks with the EU, which has proposed mutually cutting tariffs to zero even as the President has publicly insisted on preserving a baseline 10 per cent tax on most imports. "Our discussions with them are going nowhere!" Trump posted on Truth Social. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen phoned Trump on Sunday, after which he agreed to postpone the planned tariff increase until July 9. Economists and market analysts have also criticised the unpredictability of US trade policies, noting that such volatility undermines confidence in the US as a reliable trading partner. Chennai, May 27 : Facing mounting criticism from writers' groups, artists, and political leaders, the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF) has announced the postponement of the Israeli Film Festival 2025, which was scheduled to take place in Chennai later this week. The move comes in response to growing opposition to hosting a cultural event linked to Israel at a time when the war in Gaza continues to cause massive civilian casualties. In a statement, ICAF cited "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances" as the reason for the postponement. The festival was initially slated to be held at the Tamil Nadu Government Music College from May 29 to 31. Leading the protest, the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association (TNPWAA) issued a strong statement on May 26, urging ICAF to cancel the event entirely. "Organising a cultural event celebrating Israel while its military operations continue in Gaza displays a disturbing lack of political sensitivity," the association said. The TNPWAA further argued that this is not merely a film screening but a symbolic act that could be seen as an endorsement of a regime widely criticised for its treatment of Palestinians. "This risks normalising and legitimising actions that have drawn international condemnation. Tamil Nadu has a proud legacy of standing with oppressed peoples around the world," the association added. The group also took issue with ICAF's attempt to position the Israeli Film Festival on par with globally supported cultural initiatives such as the Chennai International Film Festival, which receives backing from the state government. "Such comparisons are both misleading and unacceptable," their letter read. Congress MP from Tiruvallur, Sasikanth Senthil, also voiced strong objections to the festival. While expressing his deep respect for art as a medium of dialogue and empathy, Senthil argued that cultural neutrality in moments of humanitarian crisis could amount to complicity. "There are moments in history when silence is not neutral. In times of profound human suffering, even symbolic actions carry weight," he said. "With Gaza facing relentless attacks, widespread civilian deaths, and severe humanitarian crises, hosting this festival now would be perceived as indifference, if not tacit endorsement, of the suffering." "This is not a rejection of art. It is a call to align our cultural actions with ethical clarity," he added. This is not the first time an Israeli cultural event in India has been cancelled. In August last year, the National Film Development Corporation called off the Israeli Film Festival at the National Museum of Indian Cinema in Mumbai following similar public backlash. Mumbai, May 27 : Ayushmann Khurrana's upcoming film "Thama" is set to light up the screens on the occasion of Diwali this year. The Bollywood actor said that feels amazing to have a big Diwali release with Mumbai, May 27 (IANS) Ayushmann Khurrana's upcoming film "Thama" is set to light up the screens on the occasion of Diwali this year. The Bollywood actor said that feels amazing to have a big Diwali release with Ayushmann said: "For me, Diwali is about togetherness, it is about family and it is about having the best community experience by spending time with your friends." Tagging himself as a "big movie buff", he added: "I have a ritual to go to the theatres with my family and watch a film on Diwali! We have so much fun together and it makes me so happy to see scores of people thronging to the theatres to watch these big releases." The actor is thrilled that his film is set for a Diwali release "So, it feels amazing to have a big Diwali release with Thama. It is the biggest release of my career and I'm really eager to spread joy, happiness and laughter with the entire country with Thama. The fact that my film could be one of the reasons for people to have a great festive period feels really surreal," he said. Ayushmann says the entire team of Thama is giving their best every single day to deliver a massive big screen experience to people. He said:, "I'm giving my everything for Thama and I can see my producers Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, my director Aditya Sarpotdar and the entire team of Thama put in every drop of their energy to make this film a truly incredible big screen experience that will be memorable for everyone." "Thama" will see Ayushmann and Rashmika Mandanna team up for the first time. Touted to be a gripping love story set against a bloody backdrop, "Thama" tells the tale of a determined historian who immerses himself in ancient manuscripts, uncovering dark secrets about local vampire myths as supernatural forces begin to stir. Made under the direction of 'Muniya' fame Aditya Sarpotdar, the project marks Rashmika and Ayushmann's primary collaboration with the filmmaker. Backed by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, the story of "Thama" has been provided by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara. Presented by Maddock Films, the drama will also feature Paresh Rawal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in crucial roles, along with others. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Liverpool, May 27 : At least 50 people were injured, including four children, after a car ploughed into a massive gathering of Liverpool fans celebrating the club's Premier League title win in the city centre. Of the injured, 27 have been hospitalised, with one child and one adult reported to be in serious condition. The horrifying incident took place on Water Street just after 6 p.m. on Monday as celebrations were winding down. Videos circulating on social media show the car speeding through crowds lining the street, at one point swerving slightly away from the densest group of people. Eyewitnesses described the car initially halting after striking some victims, only for the driver to accelerate again, hitting dozens more. One eyewitness, Rashid, said, "People rushed toward the car and started smashing its windows, but the driver kept going." The car eventually came to a stop, where an enraged group of fans surrounded it. Police officers had to intervene to protect the driver and maintain order at the scene. The driver, a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, was arrested at the scene. Police confirmed that he is believed to be the sole person responsible and that no other individuals are currently being sought in connection with the incident. Authorities have also ruled out terrorism as a motive. Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims said, "At just after 6 o'clock this evening, as the parade was drawing to a close, we received reports that a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool city centre. A number of people have been injured and were taken to hospital. In addition, a large number of people of all ages were treated at the scene but did not require hospital treatment." Sims urged the public not to speculate or spread misinformation, stating, "Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision, and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media... I can tell you that we believe this to be an isolated incident, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it." "The incident is not currently being treated as terrorism," he added. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident, describing the scenes as "appalling" and extended his thoughts to those injured or affected. "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling -- my thoughts are with all those injured or affected," Starmer wrote in a post on X. "I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident. I'm being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate," he added. New Delhi, May 27 : The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 will provide significant exposure for domestic industries, global manufacturers, international investors, and Indian consumers, helping them showcase the capabilities India has built over the last decade, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said. The minister, referring to the theme of the event titled "Innovate to Transform," highlighted that it underscores and articulates the idea that innovation has always been at the heart of India's journey of transformation. He emphasised that innovation serves as the guiding compass of the nation's progress. The 9th edition of the India Mobile Congress 2025 is set to be held from October 8-11 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi. This year's theme of IMC 2025 underscores the pivotal role of innovation in shaping the future and enabling real, transformative change across sectors, from industry and infrastructure to society and sustainability. It highlights the need for continuous creativity and forward-thinking to address emerging challenges and harness new opportunities in telecommunications, digital infrastructure and beyond. IMC 2025 calls upon industry leaders, startups and technology enthusiasts to come together and co-create solutions that will power the next era of inclusive growth and India's growing leadership in digital advancement. Highlighting the growing participation in IMC, Dr Neeraj Mittal, Chairman DCC and Secretary (Telecom), stated that our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised that technology will be the driving force in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), IMC 2025 is expected to attract over 1.5 lakh visitors from more than 150 countries, feature over 400 exhibitors and partners and more than 7,000 global delegates. The flagship startup programme, ASPIRE, introduced in 2023, will feature over 500 startups and connect them with more than 300 investors, incubators, accelerators and VCs for mentorship, live pitching sessions and networking. IMC, Asia's largest digital technology forum will also witness 800 plus speakers participating over 100 conference sessions. IMC 2025 will showcase over 1,000 cutting-edge use-cases, spotlighting emerging technologies including 5G, 6G, AI, IoT, electronics manufacturing, and green tech, while addressing the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly digital world. IANS na/ Los Angeles, May 27 : Hollywood star Tom Cruise is having serious conversation about bringing back his Tropic Thunder character Les Grossman in a spinoff During an interview with Josh Horowitz on his Happy Sad Confused podcast to promote "Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning", director Christopher McQuarrie said he and Cruise have had "serious" conversations about making a standalone Les Grossman movie, reports people.com. "The conversations we've had about Les Grossman are so f---ing funny," McQuarrie, 56, said during his interview. "(Cruise and I are) talking about it. We're having very serious conversations about it, and how best to do it." McQuarrie added that amid the serious challenges of filming "The Final Reckoning", a relief came from discussing the chaotic character. In the 2008 Ben Stiller-directed movie, Cruise's Grossman is known for his explosive temper and giant hands, plus some hilarious dancing abilities. "Just to be sitting at a breakfast table not talking about the movie we're making for a minute is such decompression. And just riffing with Tom playing Les Grossman at the table, it was one of the real joys of making this movie," McQuarrie said. "It was all the stuff we were doing, planning the future while slugging out the present." Cruise's latest project sees him reprise his role as Ethan Hunt in the potentially final Mission: Impossible film, which earned a five-minute standing ovation during the Cannes Film Festival. In a video posted by The Hollywood Reporter's Chris Gardner, Cruise thanked the festival crowd for their applause, saying he was "very grateful" to be a part of the franchise, which he has fronted for three decades. The actor also thanked McQuarrie, who has directed four Mission: Impossible films. "Every step of the way, what you've done, how you've expanded it, how you just went beyond our expectations," Cruise continued, also calling the director "absolutely brilliant." "Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning" is in theaters now. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi, May 27 : Four illegal Bangladeshi migrants, including a minor, were apprehended in Delhi, police said on Tuesday. The illegal migrants were identified as Mohd. Asad Ali, 44, Nasima Begum, 40, Naim Khan, 18 and Asha Moni, 13, all hailing from Farooq Bazar Ajwatari P.O., Gongarhat, Phulbari Kurigram, Bangladesh. In a crackdown against illegal migrants residing in India under the Union Home Ministry's campaign to deport illegal migrants, the team of Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of Delhi's South West district gathered the intelligence and apprehended the illegal migrants, Deputy Commissioner of Police South West District, New Delhi, said in a statement. Acting on information that illegal Bangladeshi migrants were roaming in Delhi Cantt, a team led by Inspector Ram Kumar, I/C AATS/SWD and under the supervision of Ranvir Singh, ACP/Ops, approached the suspected persons and inquired about their identity/ documents. During interrogation, the individuals failed to produce valid Indian documents and admitted to being illegal Bangladeshi migrants who had entered India approximately 12 years ago illegally (by crossing the river). They only had photocopies of Bangladeshi documents, i.e., national ID card of Bangladesh, the statement added. The suspects were apprehended, and after thorough verification and enquiry, the necessary legal formalities were done, leading to their deportation through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Notably, on May 22, India urged Bangladesh to expedite the nationality verification process to facilitate the deportation of a large number of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in India who are required to be sent back. This month, Delhi Police detained six Bangladeshi women from different parts of the national capital and busted a racket trafficking people from the neighbouring country into India. Authorities confirmed that the detained women were residing in India without valid documentation and will be deported. Earlier this month, at least five Bangladeshi citizens were arrested and later pushed back by security personnel in Assam's South Salmara district on the charges of illegal infiltration. Gandhinagar, May 27 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a grand roadshow in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, drawing thousands of supporters and locals ahead of inaugurating a slew of development projects worth Rs 5,536 crore during a special ceremony at Mahatma Mandir. The streets of Gandhinagar came alive with chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai", "Indian Army Zindabad", and "Hindustan Zindabad" as more than 30,000 BJP workers and countless residents lined the route to greet the Prime Minister. Many waved the national flag, captured the moment on their phones, and enthusiastically welcomed PM Modi back to his home state. Smiling and waving at the crowd, the Prime Minister was greeted with cultural performances and colourful dance sequences. Some participants wore costumes honouring the Indian Armed Forces and the Prime Minister's leadership during the recently conducted Operation Sindoor. Among them were two women dressed as Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. This was PM Modi's first visit to Gujarat since India's military strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Throughout the roadshow, patriotic songs praised the Indian Armed Forces, PM Modi, and Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, adding to the high-spirited atmosphere. Following the roadshow, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for multiple development projects at Mahatma Mandir. Among the highlights will be the inauguration of 22,055 houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, worth Rs 1,006 crore. He will also lay the foundation for Phase 3 of the Sabarmati Riverfront, which carries an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Urban Development Year 2005 -- an initiative he launched as Gujarat's Chief Minister -- PM Modi will announce the beginning of the Urban Development Year 2025. The new phase aims to further strengthen urban infrastructure and planning across the state. In line with Gujarat's renewed focus on clean and sustainable cities, the Prime Minister will launch the State Clean Air Programme and will announce the release of Rs 3,300 crore to urban local bodies under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana, reaffirming the Centre's commitment to transforming urban living standards in Gujarat. Earlier on Monday, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a slew of development projects in Dahod, Gujarat, collectively valued at Rs 24,000 crore. The projects include key railway infrastructure and multiple initiatives under the Gujarat government's development agenda. PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express connecting Veraval and Ahmedabad, along with an express train linking Valsad and Dahod. He also inaugurated the Loco Manufacturing Shop-Rolling Stock Workshop in Dahod and flagged off the first electric locomotive produced at the facility, marking a significant infrastructure milestone for Indian Railways. Dedicating the Dahod locomotive manufacturing unit to the nation, PM Modi highlighted the importance of the workshop, which has been built with an investment of Rs 20,000 crore. Singapore City, May 27 : The all-party parliamentary delegation led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha arrived in Singapore on Tuesday as a part of India's Operation Sindoor global outreach campaign. The delegation on Tuesday met Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs of Singapore, conveying India's policy of 'new normal' in fighting terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent launch of Operation Sindoor. "All-Party Parliamentary Delegation called on Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs of Singapore. The delegation conveyed India's stance on the events since the terror attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and the new normal in India's policy of combating terrorism," the Indian High Commission in Singapore posted on X. The delegation will also meet Singaporean Ministers, Members of Parliament, representatives of think tanks, academia, businesses, media, and the Indian community to convey India's national consensus and collective resolve against terrorism. "Our all-party Indian parliamentary delegation has arrived in Singapore to further India's global outreach on peace and security. Over the next two days, we will meet with Hon'ble Ministers, Members of Parliament, representatives of think tanks, academia, business, media and the Indian community -- to convey India's national consensus and collective resolve against terrorism," Jha posted on X. "We are hopeful that this visit will deepen our shared resolve and strengthen Indiaa"Singapore cooperation for global peace and security," he added. Earlier, Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule briefed the delegation led by Jha, setting the context for engagements in Singapore to convey India's resolve to combat terrorism. The delegation led by Jha includes BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Hemang Joshi and Pradan Baruah, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Barittas, senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and Former Indian Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar. After successfully completing their engagements in South Korea and Japan, having firmly articulated India's principled and resolute stance of zero tolerance against terrorism, the delegation reached Singapore to highlight the significance of Operation Sindoor and India's continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. Earlier on Monday during their engagement in South Korea, the delegation in their interaction with leading Korean media houses firmly reiterated New Delhi's policy of zero-tolerance against terrorism and that Operation Sindoor was India's rightful targeted and measured response against terrorism. The delegation further emphasised that combating terrorism is not India's responsibility alone but a shared challenge for the international community, including South Korea. Doha, May 27 : A multi-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule concluded its visit to Qatar, marking the completion of the first leg of a four-nation outreach tour aimed at projecting India's united stand against terrorism. According to a press release issued by the Embassy of India in Doha, "Qatar was the first leg of the four-nation visit of the delegation planned following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, Operation Sindoor, and the subsequent developments." During the two-day visit, the Indian delegation held high-level meetings with key Qatari dignitaries including Mohamed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of State for Interior Affairs; and Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council. The delegation also participated in a roundtable discussion with scholars and policy experts at the Middle East Council for Global Affairs and met editorial teams from leading newspapers such as Al Sharq and Peninsula. A special community reception was held on May 26, where Indian expatriates expressed solidarity with India's anti-terrorism efforts. The Indian side emphasised New Delhi's "zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism" and explained that "Operation Sindoor was calibrated, targeted and proportionate, demonstrating India's commitment to countering terrorism without escalating tensions." The delegation also called for an end to distinctions between terrorists and their backers and highlighted the urgency of dismantling cross-border terror infrastructure. The Qatari leadership reiterated its own zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and condemned the Pahalgam attack. The Indian delegation thanked Qatar for its swift condemnation and diplomatic support. The press release noted that "Qatar MOFA had issued a statement on April 23 expressing strong condemnation of the attack in Pahalgam," and mentioned that bilateral conversations were held between Qatar's Amir HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 6, followed by discussions between the Qatari and Indian foreign ministers on May 7. The delegation praised the Indian community in Qatar for upholding values of "tolerance, pluralism, and unity" and resisting divisive narratives. Members of the delegation include Supriya Sule (MP), Rajiv Pratap Rudy (MP), Manish Tewari (MP), Anurag Thakur (MP), Vikramjit Singh Sahney (MP), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (MP), former ministers Anand Sharma and V. Muraleedharan, and Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin. The delegation is now headed to South Africa for the second leg of its diplomatic mission. Chennai, May 27 : Ace director Mani Ratnam has now trashed news reports and rumours doing the rounds in the industry that he will next be working on a romantic story featuring Telugu actor Naveen Polishetty and Rukmini Vasanth in the lead. During a video interview with a film journalist, Mani Ratnam was asked about news reports that had begun doing the rounds that after the release of his upcoming film 'Thug Life', scheduled to hit screens on June 5, he would begin work on a breezy romantic film featuring the Telugu actor. "Even that is news to me," the ace director said with a laugh. "I have no clue what you are talking about," he added. When the interviewer asked if there would be a next film, he replied, "Hopefully." On whether he had locked on to his next script, he said, "I am thinking. Working on a couple of scripts. Don't know what will fall into place. What looks promising today may disappear the next morning. Working at it." Meanwhile, the director is busy promoting his upcoming film Thug Life, featuring kamal Haasan in the lead. The film will also feature actors Silambarasan, Trisha, Joju George, Ashok Selvan and Abhirami in pivotal roles. Kamal Haasan plays a character called Rangaraya Sakthivel Naickan in this film, which director Mani Ratnam's production house Madras Talkies had described as "an epic tale of power, rebellion, and triumph." The film has music by A R Rahman and cinematography by Ravi K Chandran. It has editing by Mani Ratnam's trusted editor Sreekar Prasad and stunts by the stuntmasters, Anbariv. Produced by cinematic giants Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, Thug Life will hit cinemas on June 5 this year. N Sudhakar Reddy of Sreshth Movies will release the movie in the Telugu states. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, May 27 : Maruti Suzuki and Honda Cars India have clocked a robust increase in exports to the Japanese market, reflecting the improving quality and acceptance of India-made cars in developed markets. According to figures compiled by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indiaas car exports to Japan jumped to $616.45 million in the first nine months (April-December) of 2024-25, which represents a close to 3-fold jump over the $220.62 million worth exports in full financial year of 2023-24. The Maruti Suzuki India is the biggest exporter its off-roader sport utility vehicle (SUV) Jimny to Japan. Mexico, Australia, and South Africa are currently the top four export markets for this car. This is the second SUV after the Fronx that the company is exporting to its parent company in Japan. The company exports its Fronx SUVs to Japan from its Guajart plant with the consignments being shipped out from the Pipavav Port in the state. Maruti launched the Jimny in India in June 2023 and started exporting it to various countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa from October 2023. While over 22,000 units of this five-door car were exported from India in 2023-24, the company had already exported over 38,000 units of the Jimny in the first nine months of 2024-25. Honda Cars India exported 45,167 units of SUV Elevate during the first nine months of 2024-25, mainly to Japan, which is twice the number of sales of these vehicles in India. The company launched the car in Japan in the third week of March where it is being sold as the Honda WR-V. It is the companyas first made-in-India car to go on sale in Hondaas home market Japan. The WR-V brand was discontinued in India in 2023. However, the moniker is in use globally. Export of the car had begun around December-January, and it was launched officially in March. In the two-wheeler segment, Yamaha India also has plans to export its premium R15 bike model to Japan as the cost of manufacturing in India is much lower. This reflects Indiaas potential as auto manufacturing hub even for the advanced countries. Overall, Indiaas car exports rose 15 per cent to 7,70,364 vehicles in FY23, outpacing the 2 per cent growth in domestic sales. Compact SUVs now constitute over 25 per cent of exports, with mid-sized passenger cars and utility vehicles also seeing strong demand. Industry players aim to increase the export share to 30 per cent within five years, according to a SIAM report. This was the best ever annual performance driven by demand for global models being manufactured in India. With manufacturing quality improving, some companies have also commenced exporting to developed markets, according to a SIAM statement. Kuwait City, May 27 : The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda, engaged with a cross-section of Kuwaiti civil society, highlighting India-Kuwait's shared resolve to combat terrorism in a traditional Diwaniya-style interaction. The event, co-hosted by the Embassy of India with think-tank Reconnaissance Research of Kuwait, brought together leading voices from Kuwaiti civil society, including members of the royal family, former Ministers, senior editors, think-tank experts, opinion leaders and influencers. "While touching upon the strong India-Kuwait strategic partnership, the discussions focussed on the recent situation in the Indian sub-continent and India's 'New Normal' approach to dealing with such incidents of cross-border terrorism. The participants were unanimous in their view that terrorism is against humanity and needs to be countered in all possible ways", said the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. "India's stand against terrorism is clear and uncompromising, we will confront it wherever it arises. Joined our all-party delegation at a vibrant Diwaniya-style discussion with Kuwaiti civil society, co-hosted by Embassy of India, Kuwait and Reconnaissance Research, exchanging views on India- Kuwait shared commitment to fight terrorism," Panda posted on X on Tuesday. Earlier on Monday, the delegation interacted with the Indian community in Kuwait. They emphasised India's 'New Normal' against cross-border terrorism, success of 'Operation Sindoor', national consensus against terrorism, and support of Indian diaspora in matters of national interest. "The delegates also visited the Grand Mosque of Kuwait, the largest mosque in Kuwait, built over 4 decades ago. The teakwood doors of the Grand Mosque speak of its Indian connection," Indian Embassy posted on X. Later, they paid floral tributes at the Shilaphalakam at the Embassy honouring the brave souls who laid down their lives in service of the nation. "The delegation on Monday held a productive meeting with Sheikh Abdullah Saad Al-Maousherji, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs of Kuwait. The delegation highlighted the continued perpetration of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan, including the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, with the intention to disturb peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir, an integral part of India," Embassy of India in Kuwait said in a statement. "They underscored the precise, targeted, proportionate, and non-escalatory nature of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The delegation emphasised India's policy of 'Zero Tolerance' and the 'New Normal' approach against terrorism that does not differentiate between terrorists and those supporting them in any manner. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the Indian delegation for sharing their perspective on the recent events and underscored that terrorism has no justification," the statement added. The delegation, led by Panda, includes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Indian diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla. They are a part of the Operation Sindoor outreach campaign to highlight India's continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The delegation is scheduled to meet other key interlocutors in Kuwait. They will also visit the ongoing India-Kuwait exhibition chronicling 250 years of deep historical connections. Georgetown, May 27 : Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who is leading a delegation to Guyana for India's global outreach campaign of Operation Sindoor and the fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, on Tuesday shared that he pointed out the claims of TRF, and the attendance of uniformed Pakistani military and police personnel at a terrorist's funeral. In a post on X, Tharoor shared that when asked about Pakistan's complicity in the Pahalgam terror attack, he said: "I pointed to the claims of The Resistance Front, a known frontal organ of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, and the attendance of uniformed Pakistani military and police personnel at a terrorist's funeral - with picture!" He shared that a substantive and positive discussion followed on recent developments. "Each of the MPs spoke in the legislative chamber of their views on the terrorism inflicted on India and our resolve to defend ourselves. We each signed the visitor's book before joining the Speaker for lunch," the leader said. The delegation offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a park. "The delegation offered pushparchana at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a prominent park in Georgetown. It was fitting to pay tribute to the apostle of peace a" a reminder that India wants to focus peacefully on the well-being of its people but terror and conflict are being thrust on us by our neighbour. Spoke with members of the Indian community who welcomed us there," his post read. "The MPs visited and paid tribute to the memorial statue depicting the SS Whitby, the first ship that transported indentured Indian labour to Guyana in 1838. The cruel practice of indentured servitude continued with fresh arrivals coming by ship till 1917. The death rate on the crossings was worse than that of slave ships. Yet the survivors and their descendants have built a nation and a thriving multicultural society. Pranaams to them," his post read. On Monday, the delegation met the Guyanese President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who had hosted a dinner to celebrate friendship and shared aspirations between the two nations. Tharoor, along with the all-party delegation, participated in the 59th Independence Day celebrations of Guyana in Berbice and conveyed its best wishes to the people of the South American nation. "Attended the 59th Independence Day celebrations of Guyana last night at Berbice. A lovely event in an open field with enthusiastic public participation, cultural performances, a midnight flag-hoisting and fireworks. The Indian MPs were honoured to have their presence publicly acknowledged. (Last pic) President Irfan Ali greeted us after his address, in which he also announced that general elections would be held on September 1," his post read. Tharoor also shared several pictures of the various events. In a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, BJP MP Bhubaneswar Kalita, who is also part of the delegation, shared: "We had the honour of meeting H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of #Guyana, during the visit of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation. The evening concluded with a gracious dinner hosted in honour of the delegation - celebrating friendship and shared aspirations.@PMOIndia." The delegation led by Tharoor includes Shambhavi Choudhary of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and Milind Murli Deora of the Shiv Sena, as well as Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Tejasvi Surya of the Bharatiya Janata Party, GM Harish Balayogi of the Telugu Desam Party, a National Democratic Alliance partner, and former Ambassador of India to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Thiruvananthapuram, May 27 : Monsoon rains accompanied by gusty winds continue to lash Kerala, causing widespread damage across the state. Several incidents of trees being uprooted, house wall collapses, and electrical short circuits have been reported from different parts of the state. Since the onset of the monsoon last week on May 24, three casualties have been reported, prompting the state government to open a dozen relief camps in affected districts of the state. The most major disruption on Tuesday has been the delay in train services across Kerala after fallen trees blocked railway tracks. As a result, several trains are running four to five hours behind the schedule. According to the local meteorological office, heavy rainfall was recorded on Tuesday morning in Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts. Vellanikara in Thrissur reported the highest rainfall at 114.7 mm, followed by 113.4 mm in Kozhikode city and 113.2 mm in Kannur. State Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas visited the railway tracks near Kozhikode to assess the damage. "We have already alerted the railways to ensure that trees along the tracks are managed properly. Meetings and review sessions with people's representatives were held as early as April. However, this time the weather has changed drastically, which is part of the challenge," Riyas said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy (7-11 cm in 24 hours) to very heavy (12-20 cm in 24 hours) rainfall at a few places in Kerala on May 27, and at isolated places from May 28 to 30. Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places in Kerala on May 31 and June 1, and in Lakshadweep on May 26. Squally weather with wind speeds of 35 to 50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, is also expected along and off the Kerala coast, the IMD has warned. Gandhinagar, May 27 : On the second day of his Gujarat visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued hammering Pakistan over its support to terrorism and said that for 75 years India has tolerated proxy wars but not any more. PM Modi said this on Tuesday, while attending the celebrations commemorating 20 years of Gujaratas Urban Growth Story at Gandhinagar's Mahatma Mandir, marking two decades of structured and sustainable urban transformation in the state. As part of the occasion, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation of development projects worth Rs 5,536 crore. These include housing, health, urban planning, and infrastructure initiatives aimed at boosting the stateas future readiness. Recalling his launch of the Urban Development Year 2005 as the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, PM Modi formally announced the Urban Development Year 2025, a new phase of the urban transformation initiative. The plan aims to further strengthen urban infrastructure, sustainable living, and civic amenities across Gujarat. Beginning his address with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai", the Prime Minister reflected on his recent visit across Gujarat: "Yesterday I was in Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad and today in Gandhinagar. I could feel the patriotic fervour everywhere -- every hand held a Tricolour and every heart was filled with nationalism. It was an unforgettable sight, not just in Gujarat but across the nation." In a significant and emotionally charged portion of his speech, PM Modi addressed the long-standing issue of terrorism stemming from Pakistan. "In 1947, when Maa Bharati was divided, the chains of colonial rule should have been broken, but instead, the country was split into three parts. On that very night, the first terror attack began in Kashmir. A part of our nation -- PoK -- was taken away under the cover of terrorism. Sardar Patel had wanted the army not to stop until PoK was taken back. But no one listened to him," he said. PM Modi sharply criticised decades of tolerance towards terrorism, saying: "For 75 years, we tolerated proxy wars. Tourists, pilgrims, civilians -- wherever they found a chance, they attacked. Tell me, should we keep tolerating this? 'Goli ka jawab gole se dena chahiye' (Or should we respond to bullets with bombs)?" Reinforcing India's commitment to peace, the Prime Minister added, "We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -- the world is our family. We want peace for our neighbours too. But when provoked repeatedly, India has to remind the world that this (India) is also a land of warriors." Among the key announcements was the e-foundation laying of a 1,800-bed hospital in Ahmedabadas Civil Medical campus, to be built at a cost of Rs 588 crore, significantly enhancing healthcare capacity in the region. Additionally, health infrastructure worth Rs 672 crore was inaugurated, including a satellite centre of the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre in Gandhinagar. The Rs 84 crore facility, located within the Gandhinagar Civil Hospital campus, will serve patients from North Gujarat and neighbouring regions with state-of-the-art cardiac and neurocare services. The event in Gandhinagar reinforced PM Modi's long-term vision of inclusive, modern, and resilient urban development -- integrating infrastructure, health, and heritage while responding to the evolving challenges of the nation. Srinagar, May 27 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday held a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam tourist resort to convey a powerful message against terrorism and violence in the aftermath of the cowardly terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22. The choice of the station is to express solidarity with the residents of the tourist town, which has experienced a sharp decline in footfall since the terror attack on April 22. More important than the agenda on the table of the cabinet meeting is the significance of the meetingas symbolic communication to anti-national and anti-social elements that violence has no place in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the first cabinet meeting being held outside the capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu since the Omar Abdullah-headed government took office in October 2024. During his first stint as the chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009-14, Omar Abdullah had held cabinet meetings in remote areas like Gurez, Machil, Tangdhar of north Kashmir and Rajouri and Poonch areas of Jammu region. The decision to hold a special cabinet meeting comes two days after CM Omar Abdullah on Saturday proposed a dual approach to resuscitate the Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector, severely impacted by the Pahalgam terror attack, urging the Centre to mandate PSUs to hold meetings in Kashmir and to convene parliamentary committee meetings there. He made this appeal at the governing council meeting of the NITI Aayog under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources indicate that the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues will also meet with tourism stakeholders in Pahalgam to gather suggestions on how to revive tourism in the Valley in the aftermath of the April 22 attack. Holding the cabinet meeting in Pahalgam is seen as a deliberate effort to send the message that there is no cause for concern and that Kashmir remains a safe destination for tourists. Suwon : , May 27 (IANS) South Korean Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung's lawyer on Tuesday denied all charges related to allegations that Lee misused public funds for personal purposes during his term as the governor of Gyeonggi province. The attorney's denial came during the third preparatory hearing of Lee's trial at the Suwon District Court, which the candidate did not attend. Lee is accused of using 106.5 million won ($77,800) from his corporate card and provincial government funds to pay for food and other goods while serving as governor from 2018 to 2021. "The defendant has not colluded in the crime, nor did he give orders (to do so)," Lee's lawyer said, claiming the indictment was "illegal" as the police had previously decided to not transfer the case to the prosecution. Prosecutors have also indicted Lee's former chief of staff and a former public servant on the same charges, Yonhap news agency reported. The court, which had initially planned to wrap up preparatory hearings on Tuesday, said it will hold an additional hearing on July 1 following a request from Lee's lawyer. Lee has denounced the indictment, saying the prosecution filed charges without evidence. Meanwhile, with the presidential election just a week away, DP candidate Lee Jae-myung kept a lead in opinion polls, while People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo saw his support steadily gain. New Reform Party (NRP) candidate Lee Jun-seok, who has ruled out a candidacy merger with Kim, also maintained his double-digit support. From Wednesday, the release of new opinion polls will be prohibited under election law. Several weekend surveys showed the DP's Lee leading his two rivals by more than the margin of error of 3.1 percentage points. In a Gallup Korea poll conducted from Saturday to Sunday commissioned by the JoongAng Ilbo, the DP's Lee secured 49 per cent support, ahead of Kim with 35 per cent and Lee Jun-seok with 11 per cent. In hypothetical head-to-head matchups, the DP's Lee led Kim by 52 per cent to 42 per cent, and the NRP's Lee by 51 per cent to 40 per cent. Another poll by Research & Research, commissioned by the Dong-A Ilbo and conducted on Saturday and Sunday, showed the DP's Lee with 45.9 per cent, followed by Kim with 34.4 per cent and the NRP's Lee with 11.3 per cent. A separate poll by Next Research, conducted from Friday to Sunday for Maeil Business Newspaper and MBN, showed the DP's Lee at 44.9 per cent, Kim at 35.9 per cent, and the NRP's Lee at 9.6 per cent. Each poll had a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points at a 95 per cent confidence level. Seoul, May 27 : South Korean former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok have been banned from leaving the country as suspects in the alleged insurrection case related to former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law attempt, police said on Tuesday. The exit ban was reportedly imposed on Han and Choi around the middle of this month. The police's special investigation unit handling the high-profile case called in Han, Choi and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min on Monday for questioning for about 10 hours about their alleged involvement in Yoon's martial law declaration on December 3 last year. Lee was slapped with the exit ban earlier in December. The former ministers were reportedly grilled about whether they made false statements about the process of receiving martial law-related documents during a Cabinet meeting convened by Yoon on the night of December 3, as police have completed an analysis of surveillance footage of the presidential office's Cabinet meeting room and hallway. Han has denied his charges, saying in February that he only realised he had been carrying the martial law declaration document in the back pocket of his suit after the decree was rescinded by an Assembly vote, Yonhap news agency reported. Choi, who is suspected of having received a memo from Yoon ordering a budget for an emergency legislative body during the December 3 Cabinet meeting, has said that someone had handed him a "folded note" but he was too overwhelmed at the time to read it. Police also questioned Lee over allegations that Yoon had ordered him to cut off the power and water supply at major local media outlets, though he testified earlier that Yoon did not give such orders. Earlier on Monday, South Korean police had detected signs of some call records of a secure phone held by Yoon Suk Yeol being remotely deleted, just days after his failed martial law attempt. The records of Yoon's calls with Hong Jang-won, former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, and Kim Bong-sik, former chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, were deleted on December 6, three days after Yoon's martial law declaration, according to the official at the police's special investigation team. Police also launched an investigation on charges of destruction of evidence but have yet to narrow down a suspect. New Delhi, May 27 : Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday showered praise on AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi for exposing and unmasking Pakistan over its brazen attempts to spread false propaganda in the wake of Operation Sindoor. Owaisi, one of the members of the all-party delegation in Kuwait, took a sharp swipe at the Pakistani establishment, saying, 'it takes brains to copy things properly'. Reacting to Owaisi's tirade against Pakistan, Kiren Rijiju shared his video and wrote in Hindi, "Pakistan ki toh poll hi khol di (You exposed Pakistan to the core)." Rijiju's praise for Owaisi comes after the latter called Pakistan's bluff by fact-checking the photograph unveiled by Pakistan Army chief as the one 'signifying its victory' over India. The picture was of China's 2019 military drill and has been wrongly presented as the Pakistan Army's recent action. Owaisi called Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pak Army chief Asim Munir 'stupid jokers', highlighting how the top leadership of Pakistan was 'hiding' behind a fake memento as a face-saving measure. The memento that Owaisi referred to was presented to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif at a high-profile event, attended by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar. "Yesterday Pakistan Army chief gave the photo to Pak PM in the presence of the President and the National Assembly Speaker. These stupid jokers want to compete with India. They had given a 2019 photograph of a Chinese Army drill, claiming it was a victory over India. This is what Pakistan indulges in, they can't even give a proper photograph," Owaisi told the gathering. The AIMIM MP, currently in Kuwait as part of India's diplomatic outreach on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, further taunted Pakistan's top leadership for their copycat moves. He said that the Pakistani PM and his Army chief need no brains to copy. "We used to hear in childhood that 'nakal karne ke liye akal chahiye' (copying also requires brains). In nalayakon ke pass toh akal bhi nahi hai (These worthless people don't even have brains)," he said. Interestingly, this is not the first instance of Pakistan resorting to misinformation for gaining an 'upper hand' in the propaganda war. Another incident pertaining to Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar earned him the blushes as he used a fake picture of an article published in a UK daily to praise the Pakistani Air Force. His bluster, when caught by its own media, made the Pakistani establishment a laughing stock before the world. Gandhinagar, May 27 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the recent terror attacks on Indian soil could no longer be described merely as a proxy war but as part of Pakistan's state-sponsored, deliberate and orchestrated war strategy. He cited the fact that some terrorists designated by the United States were accorded state funerals and military salutes in Pakistan, calling it a clear indication of the neighbouring country's direct involvement. Speaking at a massive public gathering in Gandhinagar's Mahatma Mandir, where he inaugurated development projects worth Rs 5,536 crore as part of the celebrations marking 20 years of Gujarat's Urban Growth Story, PM Modi recalled the horrors of partition. "In 1947, when Maa Bharati was divided, the shackles should have been broken, but instead, the country was divided into three parts. And, the same night, the first terror attack took place in Kashmir. One part of Maa Bharati was illegally taken away by Pakistan in the name of terrorism. If only the terrorists had been eliminated that very day..... Sardar Patel had wished that till PoK is taken back, the army should not stop, but no one listened to him," he said. Reflecting on decades of conflict, he said, "These terrorists, who had got the taste of blood, have been continuing this for the past 75 years. Pahalgam was a brutal example of this. We tolerated this for 75 years. Whenever we went to war with Pakistan, all three times, the Indian armed forces gave a befitting reply and defeated them. Pakistan then understood it could not win a conventional war and hence started a proxy war." He highlighted the consistent pattern of cross-border terrorism, saying, "Trained terrorists were sent to India to target innocent, unarmed citizens -- some on pilgrimage, some on buses, some in hotels, others at tourist spots. Wherever the terrorists got a chance, they struck. And we kept tolerating it. You tell me, should we tolerate this? Should we not respond to bullets with bombs? Should we not uproot terrorism from its very roots?" The Prime Minister reiterated India's civilisational ethos of peace, saying, "This country has always moved forward with the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. We have lived by it for centuries, treating the entire world as our family. We want peace for our neighbours as well. Live in peace and let others live in peace -- this has been our principle for thousands of years. But when provoked repeatedly, one must not forget that this is also a land of heroes." PM Modi said the events following Operation Sindoor had changed the narrative completely. "Until now, we used to call it a proxy war, but after what we have seen post-May 6, we can no longer afford to make that mistake. When nine terrorist hideouts were identified and destroyed within just 22 minutes, it was a decisive message," he said. Taking a sharp swipe at the Opposition, he said, "This time, everything was done in front of the cameras so that no one back home would ask for proof. The other side is now giving the proof." He further added, "This is no longer just a proxy war. The terrorists who were killed after May 6 were given state funerals in Pakistan. Their coffins were draped in Pakistan's flag and given military salutes. This clearly shows that the terrorist activities were not merely covert acts -- they were part of a state-sponsored, well-planned war strategy. You are already at war, and you will receive the response accordingly." The Prime Minister accused Pakistan of shedding rivers of blood while India focused on development. "We were busy working, moving ahead on the path of progress, dedicated to the welfare of all. But in return, rivers of blood were shed." Referring to the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, PM Modi said it was an example of how India's interests were compromised in the past. "I want to tell the new generation how this country was brought to ruin. If you study the Indus Waters Treaty in detail, you'll be shocked. It was decided that the dams built on the rivers of Jammu and Kashmir would not be cleaned. De-silting was prohibited. The bottom gates, meant for clearing sediments, were to remain shut," he said. "For six decades, those gates were never opened. Reservoirs that were supposed to be filled to 100 per cent capacity are now down to just 2 to 3 per cent. Don't my fellow citizens have a right to their water? Shouldn't they get their rightful share? We haven't done anything drastic -- we've just kept the treaty in abeyance, and the other side got nervous. We slightly opened the gates and began the cleaning process. Even that caused flooding on their side," he added. Reiterating India's commitment to peace, the Prime Minister said, "We do not want hostility with anyone. We want to live in peace. We aim to progress so that we can contribute to the betterment of the world. And for that, we are working with dedication for all Indians." New Delhi, May 27 : Senior Congress MP Tariq Anwar on Tuesday, launched a scathing attack on Nishikant Dubey following the BJP MP's controversial comments alleging that late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi "ceded Indian territory to Pakistan" in 1968. Anwar dismissed the remarks as historically inaccurate and politically motivated, asserting that such statements were part of a deliberate disinformation campaign being carried out by the BJP. Speaking to IANS Anwar said, "Spreading lies is the only job of people like Nishikant Dubey. The BJP has kept him exactly for this role, to spread confusion and fake narratives among the public and the media." Anwar was responding to Dubey's recent post on X, in which the BJP MP accused late PM Indira Gandhi of compromising national interests during the post-war boundary settlement with Pakistan in the Rann of Kutch region. Dubey termed it "a painful episode" and claimed that Congress "auctioned off" Indian land under external pressure, referring to US influence during that era. Countering this, Anwar emphasised the historic courage of PM Indira Gandhi in the face of global pressure. "Anyone with the slightest understanding of history knows how Indira Gandhi firmly rejected American pressure during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Despite the threatening presence of the US Seventh Fleet in the Bay of Bengal, she did not back down. This is the truth history remembers, not the propaganda Nishikant Dubey is trying to push," Anwar stated. He added, "This is what people like Nishikant and parties like the BJP do, distort facts and mislead the public for political gain." In another significant statement, Anwar commented on the inclusion of AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) in the INDIA bloc, clarifying the Congress' position: "We have decided that no communal party should be included in the INDIA alliance. Only secular parties can be a part of this coalition." Bengaluru, May 27 : As Karnataka recorded 80 COVID-19 cases, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Tuesday that the elderly and people with co-morbidities must wear masks as a precautionary measure. He was speaking to the media after paying floral tribute to the statue and portrait of the late Prime Minister late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on the occasion of his death anniversary, near the east gate of Vidhana Soudha. Talking to reporters here, the Chief Minister said that precautionary measures were discussed during a meeting on Monday. "We must be prepared for all scenarios. Measures must be taken to ensure that ventilators, oxygen supply, and hospital wards are not disrupted," he said. He added that the number of COVID cases has increased from 65 to 80, though the situation is not yet severe. "Children with symptoms like cold, cough, or fever should not be sent to school. Elderly people and those suffering from various illnesses must wear masks. Vaccines should be stockpiled as a precautionary measure," he said. CM Siddaramaiah clarified that mask-wearing has not been made mandatory for everyone, but elderly and high-risk individuals have been specifically advised to wear masks. He also noted that the central government has not issued any instructions to conduct screenings at airports, but precautionary steps will be taken. Talking about Jawaharlal Nehru, Siddaramaiah said the leader was the architect of modern India. "Nehru made sincere efforts to eradicate poverty in the country. He introduced a mixed economy, laid the foundation for the 'Green Revolution', and worked with commitment towards cooperative movements and decentralisation. During his 17-year tenure as Prime Minister, he established several dams, public sector industries, and educational institutions," the CM said. "If the country has achieved economic strength and food self-sufficiency today, it is because of the foundation laid by Nehru. Every Indian must remember him with respect. Without the groundwork laid by Nehru, modern India would not have been possible. If India ranks fifth in the global economy today, it is because of Nehru's vision," he said. Seoul, May 27 : South Korean People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo met with former South Korea President Lee Myung-bak on Tuesday and asked for his support in a bid to shore up conservative support in the final week of the election campaign. During their luncheon meeting at a hotel in Seoul, Lee expressed support for Kim, with the conservative former president throwing a jab at Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung. "If the DP's Lee Jae-myung becomes president, he would rule the country, while Kim Moon-soo would lead and manage the country," Lee was quoted as saying by Rep. Shin Dong-wook, the PPP's chief spokesperson. Lee praised Kim's experience in both labour and business sectors, saying he "understands the struggles of workers and business management better than anyone." On the issue of a potential candidacy unification, Lee shared his own experience visiting the home of independent candidate Lee Hoi-Chang multiple times during the 2007 presidential race to earn his support, and advised that Kim show his "sincere efforts" until the end. Kim is currently making last-ditch efforts to unify his candidacy with Lee Jun-seok, the candidate of minor New Reform Party, to better challenge the DP's Lee. Lee Myung-bak urged Kim to visit the United States as early as possible if elected, citing concerns over bilateral trade relations since President Donald Trump took office. "No matter how much (the DP's Lee) claims to be centrist or pro-America, the US already knows who he really is in this digital age," the former president said, according to Shin. "I don't know how he'll present himself on the surface, but I doubt any talks in Washington would go well for him." Last week, Kim met with former President Park Geun-hye in the southeastern city of Daegu, Yonhap news agency reported. His meetings with the former conservative presidents appear to be aimed at consolidating conservative votes in the final stretch of the race ahead of the June 3 election. Recent polls show that Kim has narrowed the gap with the DP's Lee, the current front-runner, on the back of conservative support. Seoul, May 27 : Combined vehicle sales of South Korea's leading automaker Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia in Europe fell 1.8 per cent from a year earlier in April, industry data showed on Tuesday. According to the data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), Hyundai and Kia sold a combined 89,890 units in Europe last month. ACEA data showed Hyundai Motor's sales shed 3.3 percent on-year to 45,227 units, while those of Kia dropped 0.2 percent to 44,663 units, reports Yonhap news agency. The South Korean automakers sold 357,201 units combined in Europe during the January-April period, down 3.4 percent from the same period last year. The combined market share of Hyundai and Kia in Europe during the first four months of the year was tallied at 8 percent, down 0.3 percentage point from last year. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor temporarily suspended production of its Ioniq 5 and Kona electric vehicles (EVs) at its main domestic plant last month for a week, as weakening overseas demand continues to weigh on exports. The automaker shut down Line 12 at its Plant 1 in Ulsan, 305 kilometers southeast of Seoul, where the two EV models are assembled, citing declines in orders from key export markets, including Europe, Canada and the United States. The drop followed a shift of government EV policy changes abroad. Canada and several European countries, including Germany, have scrapped or scaled back EV subsidies, while the U.S. is facing renewed uncertainty from steep tariff threats under the Donald Trump administration. Hyundai Motor has attempted to counter sluggish demand by offering zero-interest financing deals in North America and down payment assistance in markets like Germany and Britain, but with limited success, according to sources. This marked the second temporary production halt this year, following a similar five-day suspension in February due to a slowdown in global EV demand amid policy shifts and market transitions. Jerusalem, May 27 : The Israeli military said that it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel after warning sirens were activated in some areas in the West Bank. No injuries or damage have been reported, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier on Sunday, Israel's aerial defence systems intercepted a missile launched by Houthi forces in Yemen, the Israeli military said in a statement. The missile triggered air raid sirens in Jerusalem, the Dead Sea area and settlements in the occupied West Bank, sending millions to shelters around midday. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service reported no casualties. Despite pledging to halt attacks on US vessels, the Houthi forces in Yemen continue to target Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. In response, Israel has carried out a series of airstrikes in Yemen, including one earlier this month in the capital Sanaa, which caused multiple fatalities and damaged the main international airport. Yemen's Houthis also on Sunday announced that the group had launched a hypersonic ballistic missile toward Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, which was reportedly intercepted by Israeli defence systems earlier in the day. "The rocket forces carried out a qualitative military operation targeting Ben Gurion Airport, using a hypersonic ballistic missile," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement broadcast by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. Sarea said the group would "continue enforcing a ban on air traffic to and from Ben Gurion Airport," referring to repeated Houthi attacks that have prompted several airlines to delay or reroute flights to avoid rocket strikes targeting Israel. He noted that the Houthis would escalate their military operations further unless Israel halts its assault on the Gaza Strip and lifts the blockade. The Israeli defence forces wrote on the social media platform X that sirens had sounded across Israel following a "projectile" fired from Yemen. Israeli army radio later confirmed that the projectile had been intercepted. No casualties or damage were reported. Since November 2023, the Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been targeting Israel and Israeli-linked ships transiting the Red Sea to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Dhaka, May 27 : Overturning the death sentence given by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh to Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam, the Supreme Court on Tuesday acquitted the conviction of the radical Islamist leader. ATM Azharul Islam was slapped with the charges of crimes against humanity committed during the Liberation War of the country in 1971. The charge sheet stated that the radical Islamist party leader was responsible for killing 1,256 people, abducting 17, and raping 13 women during the Liberation War in Rangpur region, local media reported. However, the apex court also directed the jail authorities to release Azharul from jail immediately if no cases were pending against him, according to local media reports. Despite Azharul being found guilty of several charges in the past, a full bench of seven justices of the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, passed the judgment following the hearing of the leader's appeal. In August 2012, he was arrested at his residence in Dhaka's Moghbazar on charges of crimes against humanity and remained in custody. In December 2014, the ICT sentenced him to death on five out of the nine charges. Azharul was found guilty of orchestrating mass killings, abduction, and torture in the greater Rangpur area, where over a thousand people were massacred in 1971. Reports suggest that the leader of the Islamist party tortured people, set ablaze hundreds of houses, and committed other atrocities during the Bangladesh liberation war. Challenging the verdict, Azharul filed an appeal in January 2015. However, the Appellate Division, under a bench led by then-Chief Justice Syed Mahmud, upheld the death sentence in October 2019. After the full verdict was published on March 15, 2020, he submitted a review petition, which the Supreme Court accepted. The Appellate Division, after hearing the review petition, granted leave to appeal on February 26, 2025 and directed the submission of the case summary which was subsequently submitted. After hearing the appeal, the court delivered its final judgment on Tuesday, acquitting Azharul, a Bangladeshi leading daily, Prothom Alo, reported. Last year, the interim government under Muhammad Yunus, after coming to power, lifted the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, issuing a gazette notification. These radical forces earlier worked hand in glove with the student leaders and Yunus to overthrow the democratically elected government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bhopal, May 27 : BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Bhopal, Alok Sharma, has expressed concern over the rising incidents of crimes against women and street crime, particularly during late-night hours in the city. Sharma alleged that criminal activities are increasing due to a lenient approach by the police and district administration in maintaining law and order. He claimed that while most markets in Bhopal close by 10 or 10.30 p.m., several markets in the old city remain operational 24x7. "Late-night gatherings of anti-social elements are contributing to the rise in crime," Sharma said, adding that shops in areas like New Market, MP Nagar, Jumerati, Hanumanganj, Chowk Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Hamidia Road, Bitton Market, Bairagarh, and Kolar Road usually close by 10 p.m. In contrast, markets such as Qazi Camp, Lakshmi Talkies, Budhwara, Chowki Imamwada, Char Batti, Imami Gate, Itwara, Mangalwara, Shaban Square, and Jinsi Market stay open throughout the night, he added. "Why are there two different rules -- one for the old city and another for the rest of Bhopal?" Sharma questioned during a press briefing here on Tuesday. He said he had met the Bhopal Police Commissioner and the District Collector and urged them to ensure that all markets in the city shut by 10 p.m. Sharma, who previously served as Mayor of Bhopal before becoming a Member of Parliament, said he had also demanded increased night-time patrolling during his meeting with Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra. This is not the first time Sharma has raised the issue. In 2024, he made similar demands, following which the district administration had invoked the Gumasta Act citywide, setting an 11 p.m. closing time for markets. The responsibility for enforcing this rule was assigned to the Police and the Municipal Corporation. New Delhi, May 27 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said India's fintech companies are helping the country's digital public infrastructure (DPI) expand further and empower merchants and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). FM Sitharaman visited the office of Pine Labs, a digital fintech company, in Noida and interacted with its employees and staff members. She acknowledged "India's fintech firms' contribution to expanding country's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and in enabling seamless, secure and inclusive financial services for merchants and MSMEs", Nirmala Sitharaman Office said in a post on X social media platform. B. Amrish Rau, CEO, Pine Labs, said in an X post it was "an exciting and unbelievable day... It was a full house and our FM was completely immersed in her interactions and Tech discussions". Pine Labs is a merchant commerce omnichannel platform operating across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Pine Labs focuses on simplifying digital payments and helping businesses scale fintech solutions. Meanwhile, UPI QR codes have recorded the fastest growth in digital payments infrastructure in the financial year 2024-25, with a 91.5 per cent jump over the previous financial year to 657.9 million. The number of banks going live on UPI continues to increase, and the total touched 668 in April, which is expected to increase the value of such transactions, according to the RBI data. UPI has become the dominant method for digital transactions in India. Nearly four out of five digital payments in the country were conducted on the UPI in the financial year 2024 (FY24), according to the Reserve Bank of India's annual report. RBI also allows flexibility in revising transaction limits for UPI in-person merchant payments, allowing NPCI to adjust limits based on user needs, with safeguards in place which has made the mode of payment more convenient. Also, India's digital payments ecosystem witnessed a significant surge in the second half of 2024, driven by Unified Payments Interface (UPI), mobile payments and cards, according to Worldline India's Digital Payments Report. New Delhi, May 27 : With India on the brink of becoming the world's fourth-largest economy, the milestone will boost the country's manufacturing and medical technology sector, according to the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) on Tuesday. NITI Aayog on Monday said India is set to become the fourth largest economy in the world by overtaking Japan by the end of 2025. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) report released in April, said that India is expected to be the fourth largest economy in the world with a GDP of $4.19 trillion in 2025, ahead of Japan. For the medical devices sector, the achievement will boost indigenous manufacturing and self-reliance, said Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator of the AiMeD. "A growing economy allows us to scale up R&D, invest in new technologies, and become globally competitive," Nath said. "The recognition of India as a top-tier economy will boost investor confidence, drive global partnerships, and open doors for Indian manufacturers to lead not only in volume but in innovation and quality," he added. The World Economic Outlook (WEO), released by the IMF in April showed that India's GDP for the full year 2025, would become higher than that of Japan. As per IMF data, India's per capita income doubled to $2,880 in 2025 from $1,438 in 2013-14. The country's nominal GDP for 2025 (FY26) is expected to be $4.187 trillion marginally more than the likely GDP of Japan -- estimated at $4.186 trillion, the IMF said. Calling it a moment of immense national pride and global recognition, Nath said the milestone marks India's transition from being seen as an emerging economy to becoming a global economic powerhouse. "Japan has historically been a symbol of industrial excellence and discipline, and to surpass such a formidable economy signals India's growing economic maturity, expanding influence, and increasing role in shaping global narratives. This isn't just about the numbers -- it's about momentum, demographic strength, and the vast untapped potential of India's young and dynamic population," said Nath. Nath also emphasised shifting the focus toward improving per capita income, enhancing the quality of life, and creating inclusive growth. "We must ensure that this economic rise translates into meaningful development at the grassroots level, across rural and urban India alike," he added. Chennai, May 27 : In light of the forecast for continuous heavy rainfall and strong winds over the Bay of Bengal, the Kanyakumari district administration has issued a stern advisory to fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea until Wednesday. The advisory was issued by District Collector R. Alagumeena, citing weather conditions that include wind speeds of up to 55 kmph. Over the past three days, intense rain and gusty winds have caused significant damage across the district. According to the Collector, 26 houses have been damaged in the taluks of Vilavancode, Thiruvattar, Thovalai, and Kalkulam. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, with fire and rescue personnel having cleared 61 uprooted trees across various locations. Electric infrastructure has also taken a hit, with 181 electric poles reported damaged. Of these, 140 poles have already been replaced, and restoration work is underway for the remaining 41. In the agricultural sector, 22.59 hectares of banana plantations and rubber trees have suffered damage due to the gale-force winds. Rainfall continued to lash several southern districts of Tamil Nadu. In Kanyakumari, Balamore recorded the highest rainfall at 54.4 mm. Tirunelveli district reported an average rainfall of 15.13 mm, with heavy showers in areas such as Papanasam and Manjolai, and light rainfall reported across various other parts of the district, as per the Revenue and Disaster Management Department. In response to the adverse weather, the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) administration has imposed restrictions on tourist activities. Visitors are barred from bathing or entering the Manimuthar waterfalls in the Ambasamudram forest range. Similarly, bathing has been prohibited at the Thiruparappu Falls in Kanyakumari district. Meanwhile, water levels in key reservoirs have risen due to the persistent rainfall. In Kanyakumari district, the Perunchani Dam has seen a 4-foot rise, reaching 40.05 feet against its full capacity of 77 feet. The Pechiparai Dam has risen by 1.5 feet and currently stands at 36.94 feet, compared to its full capacity of 48 feet. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged the public to stay cautious during this period of adverse weather. Raipur, May 27 : In a significant development, 18 Maoists, including four associated with Battalion No. 1, surrendered in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, under the influence of the 'Niyad Nellanar' scheme. Raipur, May 27 (IANS) In a significant development, 18 Maoists, including four associated with Battalion No. 1, surrendered in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, under the influence of the aNiyad Nellanara scheme. According to Sukma SP, Kiran G Chavan, Naxals from four different battalions, including those active in South Bastar, chose to abandon insurgency. He urged others to follow suit, highlighting that surrendered individuals would receive benefits from state government schemes aimed at rehabilitation. After elimination of Basvaraju a" the dreaded Maoist who was carrying a Rs 1.5 crore bounty on his head, more Maoists are expected to surrender, the officer said. The surrender is an outcome of the aLon Varratua campaign launched by the government and actively propagated by security forces. aLon Varratua means come back home to your roots. The officers talk with the Maoists, particularly the young ones to lay down arms and join the mainstream of development. The government has assured full support, including financial aid and skill development training. The police officer also stated that these individuals would be offered government jobs, emphasising the administrationas commitment to reintegrating former Maoists into society. He made a strong appeal for others still involved in militant activities to surrender promptly. In a related development, 26 Maoists, including three with a combined reward of Rs 4.5 lakh on their heads, surrendered in Narayanpur on last Monday. Among them were five women Maoists, each carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on their head. These women, once active in various regional committees, expressed their desire to leave behind a life of violence due to years of hardship and growing disillusionment with Maoist ideology. Officials welcomed their decision, hoping it would inspire further surrenders. Many of these former Maoists were involved in disruptive activities such as road sabotage and propaganda. However, they have now renounced violence under the aLon Varratua campaign. Since its launch, 953 Naxalites have surrendered in Dantewada district, 224 of whom carried rewards. The stateas rehabilitation policy, actively promoted by senior officials, the police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been instrumental in guiding misguided youth and hardcore Maoists toward reintegration. Authorities view these surrenders as a positive sign, optimistic that more individuals will abandon insurgency and embrace a peaceful, stable life in society. Chennai, May 27 : Cashew farmers in Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam district are grappling with a significant decline in yield this season, with losses estimated between 40 per cent and 50 per cent. Cashew is cultivated on over 5,000 acres in the district, but unseasonal rains, combined with widespread pest infestations, have severely impacted the crop across major cultivation zones such as Vedaranyam and Keezhaiyur. Farmers say this year's setback is particularly distressing as the region had only recently begun to recover from the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gaja in 2018. "After Cyclone Gaja, it took us several years to restore our cashew plantations. Just as yields were beginning to show promise again, this season has delivered another blow," farmer Saravanan K.R. said. "Due to the rains and pest attacks, the flowers, fruits, and even leaves are turning black. Despite using fertilisers, nearly half the yield is gone," he added. Market rates this year are considered favourable, with cashew fruits selling at Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg and cashew nuts at Rs 110 to Rs 120 per kg. However, the reduced output means most farmers are unable to benefit from the price advantage. "Even though the prices are good, the low volume of harvest is cutting into our profits," Saravanan said. Officials from the Horticulture Department have acknowledged the crisis. "We have been guiding farmers on the timely use of fertilisers and recommending preventive measures. But the recent unseasonal rainfall has worsened the pest situation, making it harder to control," a department official said. Experts note that the combination of excess moisture and lack of adequate pest control has accelerated the spread of fungal and insect infestations, particularly affecting flowering and fruit-bearing stages. Farmer groups in the region have urged the state government to conduct crop damage assessments and provide immediate relief to affected growers. They also requested the introduction of weather-based crop insurance schemes specifically designed for horticultural crops like cashew, which are highly sensitive to climatic shifts. Bengaluru, May 27 : The BJP's Central Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday expelled Karnataka MLAs S.T. Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar from the party for a period of six years. Both legislators had aligned themselves with Congress leaders and publicly criticised the BJP and its leadership. Somashekar represents the Yeshwanthpur Assembly constituency in Bengaluru, while MLA Hebbar represents the Yellapur constituency in Karwar district. Both leaders were originally part of the Congress and joined the BJP in 2019 through aOperation Lotusa. They later served as ministers in the BJP government. Somashekar had openly expressed his allegiance to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, describing him as his "godfather in politics"/ During the Rajya Sabha elections held in February 2024, Somashekar cross-voted while Hebbar abstained from voting. After the cross-voting, Somashekar told reporters that he had voted according to his conscience. "I went by my conscience and voted for those who worked to build schools and carry out development works in my constituency," he had stated. Both MLAs had embarrassed the BJP by remaining seated in the Assembly during party walkouts and by making statements critical of the state leadership. In a statement, Central Disciplinary Committee's Member Secretary, Om Pathak, said that the committee had reviewed their responses to the show-cause notices issued on March 25 and had taken serious note of their repeated violations of party discipline. "It has accordingly been decided to expel you for a period of six years with immediate effect from the primary membership of the party, and you stand removed from any position you currently hold," the MLAs were informed, as per the statement. The BJP had also faced embarrassment in 2022 when Kommaghatta Road, located in Somashekaras constituency, was relaid just two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modias visit to Bengaluru. The newly laid road chipped off in several places. At the time, Somashekar, who was then a state minister, blamed the poor quality of work on the short notice given by the Prime Ministeras Special Protection Group (SPG). The road was used twice by the PM during his commute between Kommaghatta and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics (BASE) University. Earlier, the BJP had also expelled party senior MLA and staunch Hindutva leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for six years for challenging and making derogatory statements against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and state BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra. Seoul, May 27 : South Korea will work to strengthen cooperation with the World Bank as part of efforts to help developing nations advance their agriculture and food technologies, Seoul's finance ministry said on Tuesday. The Ministry of Economy and Finance held an annual meeting with officials from the World Bank in the southeastern port city of Busan to evaluate their collaboration projects under the Korea-World Bank Group Partnership Facility (KWPF) and discuss bilateral cooperation in future development assistance programs, according to ministry officials. The KWPF is the biggest trust fund created by South Korea within the World Bank to provide assistance to developing countries in various sectors, from digital, health, agriculture and energy to job creation and innovation, reports Yonhap news agency. Since its establishment in 2013, the KWPF has provided a combined $46.8 billion in support to 99 nations. At this year's meeting, the finance ministry and the World Bank assessed their joint projects aimed at transferring South Korea's technologies in digital and eco-friendly agriculture sectors to Tanzania, Kenya and five other countries, and discussed ways to expand their partnership. Meanwhile, Acting President Lee Ju-ho said on Tuesday the government will provide unsparing support to the aerospace industry. "The government will provide unsparing support to the bids investing in the future of the Republic of Korea's aerospace sector, with the Korea AeroSpace Administration at its centre," he said. "We will actively foster industries into aerospace clusters and lead new global standards in aerospace by developing core leading technologies, such as reusable launch vehicles and ultra high-definition satellites," he added. Aerospace Day was established on May 27 last year to mark the launch of KASA. Since last year, the education ministry has been supporting graduate-level aerospace students under a special programme. "Fostering aerospace talents is a key task that will determine our nation's technological sovereignty and future competitiveness," Lee said. Bengaluru, May 27 : Reacting to the heart-wrenching incident of a toddler's death during a traffic police check in Mandya city, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara expressed deep regret and termed the incident as 'shameful'. He further criticised the police officers involved, stating that they lacked humanity. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Parameshwara said, "The incident that occurred in Mandya is shameful and makes us hang our heads in shame. Three police officers have been suspended in connection with the incident. We will take steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the state." He added, "We have called a meeting of senior officers today to discuss the matter in detail." Parameshwara criticised the behaviour of the police during the incident. "The police showed no humanity and lacked wisdom in handling the situation. Their behaviour was unacceptable," he said. He further pointed out that the police should not stop vehicles in an unscientific or reckless manner. "Police officers often stand hidden at corners and suddenly appear in front of oncoming vehicles to stop them. This is not acceptable. There is a proper procedure in place, and it must be followed," he stated. "The police tend to abruptly stop speeding riders by suddenly stepping in front of them, which startles and endangers the riders. This matter will be taken up in today's meeting, and appropriate guidelines will be issued," HM Parameshwara added. He also noted that, even as the parents of the toddler were rushing her to the hospital to tend to a dog bite, the police stopped them. "In such situations, the police must use their discretion," he emphasised. When asked about the reintroduction of vehicle towing in Bengaluru, HM Parameshwara said that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had brought the matter to his attention. "If towing helps the public, we will consider reintroducing it. But if it causes inconvenience, we will not implement it. The decision will be made keeping the public's interest in mind, after weighing the pros and cons," he stated. The heart-wrenching incident was reported from Mandya city, Karnataka, where a toddler died after falling from a bike during a traffic police check on Monday. The incident has sparked public outrage, with people blaming the traffic police for the tragedy. The incident occurred on Monday morning at Nanda Circle in Mandya city. The three-and-a-half-year-old girl, identified as Hruthiksha, was the daughter of Ashok and Vani, a couple from Goravanahalli in Mandya taluk. The family was on their way to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) Hospital on a motorcycle after Hruthiksha was bitten by a stray dog. The traffic police at Nanda Circle, who were stopping riders for helmet checks and other violations, allegedly tried to halt their vehicle abruptly. When Ashok stopped suddenly upon noticing the traffic police, he lost control, and the bike fell, causing Ashok, Vani, and the child to fall to the ground. The child reportedly suffered a severe head injury after hitting the ground and died in her mother's lap on the spot. Guwahati, May 27 : Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday asserted that Assam has been successfully combating the menace of child marriage, and the state's model was being followed by others. Earlier, CM Sarma claimed the state government's ambitious scheme, Nijut Moina, to support young girls by providing cash benefits, has proven to be beneficial for eradicating child marriage from society. He said, "The #NijutMoina Achoni is helping girls across Assam to realise their aspirations by saving them from the curse of child marriage and allowing them to pursue their education. Let's hear from our little Bhagins on how this scheme has touched their lives." The CM argued that along with strict enforcement, beneficiary schemes like the Nijut Moina initiative have been uplifting the girl children towards a better future. The Nijut Moina initiative of the state government aims to cover 10 lakh girl students with an outlay of Rs 1,500 crore, and in the first year, over 1.6 lakh girls will get Rs 240 crore. He said, "Assam has started a big initiative by launching Nijut Moina. Under this scheme, the girl students who study at the graduation level are receiving a monthly scholarship of more than Rs 1,000, and those who pursue post-graduation are getting Rs 2,500 per month to bear the education expenditure. In this way, we want girls not to depend on their parents to continue higher education." "We are anticipating that Nijut Moina will be able to eradicate the evil of child marriage from the state in the next few years," he said. CM Sarma further said that one of the primary conditions to avail this scheme is that the girl students will remain unmarried till they reach the post-graduation level. "As the aim of this initiative is to eradicate child marriage, the girl students studying at the graduation level must remain unmarried till they finish their undergraduate curriculum. Once they reach the post-graduation level, there is no bar to remaining unmarried to avail the Nijut Moina scheme. At that point, they will reach their minimum age of marriage, and we also desire that the girls get married in a specific period and lead a happy life," he said. The Chief Minister also laid down another condition that no daughter of MP, MLA or minister can get the benefits of this financial support initiative. New Delhi, May 27 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry on Tuesday evening to discuss the roll out of reforms in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, according to sources. The Finance Ministry will seek inputs and representations from industry leaders on the proposed rate rationalisation, the future of the compensation cess, and broad structural reforms as part of the GST 2.0 reforms. The meeting will be attended by the Secretaries of the Ministry of Finance, and officials from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, sources said. The industry leaders are expected to give their inputs in shaping the reform roadmap and make a presentation on their views which will be considered to get a wider picture on the ground realities and any problems that may need to be addressed. The Finance Ministry has initiated the exercise amid the ongoing process of rationalising the GST structure to enhance ease-of-doing-business and boost consumption to accelerate growth in the economy. The proposals that are under consideration include a simplification of the GST system by reducing the number of tax slabs to three from the four-tier system at present. The Centre is in favour of a system with tax categories, comprising the 5 per cent, 18 per cent, and 28 per cent slabs. This would require the phasing out of the 12 per cent tax slab with goods in this bracket being merged into the other three tax slabs. The simpler system is expected to reduce litigation, improve compliance, and help in giving a fillip to consumer demand which in turn would spur growth in the economy. A simpler classification of goods would enable the resolving ambiguities which lead to tax disputes, especially in the case of food products. These disputes lead to long-drawn litigation that locks up the governmentas revenue. It also results in making it more difficult to business which reduces investment in the economy and slows down growth and job creation. The reforms are aimed at bringing more clarity and uniformity to the tax rate that has to be levied on various products. New Delhi, May 27 : The Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday claimed that 'Not Found Suitable' category was a 'new means of assault' being practiced in Central Universities to deprive Dalits and Other Backward Community (OBC) students from availing equal rights and privileges. He also vowed to launch a fight, along with students, to strongly oppose the anti-reservation move of the BJP-led government. LoP Rahul Gandhi's fresh attack on the Centre comes in the backdrop of his recent interaction with the students of Delhi University Students Union (DUSU). During the conversation, the students shared their daily travails and also run-ins with the administration over issues like the 'Not Found Suitable' category and suppression of voice, while the Congress MP urged them to understand the real problem 'ostracisation' because of their social status. "Earlier, there were avenues for you like the public sector. But now, wherever you are, you are being removed and eliminated from the system, privatisation is a means to achieve this," said LoP Gandhi. "Use the right word, it's not privatisation but de-Dalitification and de-OBCfication that is happening," he told one of the students. LoP Gandhi further slammed the Centre over the 'Not Found Suitable' category, stating that it is a betrayal of social justice. "This category of 'Not Found Suitable' is the new Manuism now. Qualified SC/ST/OBC candidates are being deliberately 'disqualified' - to keep them away from education and leadership," LoP Gandhi wrote on X, while posting the video of his interaction with students. The Congress MP alleged that the Modi government was destroying the country's education model, which was described by Babasaheb Ambedkar as the "biggest weapon for equality". The Congress leader further alleged that the 'Not Found Suitable' category was an attack on the Constitution and added that it is not limited to Delhi University alone but a similar plot to deny the Dalits their rights was going on in all Central Universities including IITs and IIMs. "In Delhi University, more than 60 per cent of the reserved posts of Professors and more than 30 per cent of the reserved posts of Associate Professors have been kept vacant by labelling them 'NFS'. This is no exception - IITs, Central Universities, the same conspiracy is going on everywhere," he said. In the video, LoP Gandhi is also heard telling the students that the very foundation of the 'Hindutva project', is to erase the history of the SCs, STs, and OBCs. "Why is 90 per cent of history not taught in our books? Why is only 10 per cent of history there in our books? Why is it not written that for 3,000 years, Dalits have been treated like dirt, they have not been respected, have not been given any space in society?" LoP Gandhi asked. LoP Gandhi further told the students that if the Congress comes to power, it will demolish the 50 per cent cap on the quota system and will ensure that all get equal representation as "reservation is a right." He told the students, "Reservation is a right. The Congress-ruled states have shown the way and that is the way to ensure social justice." The former Congress President also vowed to fight the anti-reservation designs of the BJP and RSS, with the power of the Constitution and also voiced confidence that students will become an active participant in the fight against reservation. Dhaka, May 27 : As the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus approaches the end of its tenth month in office, protests -- ranging from student demonstrations to factory workers' strikes, as well as movements from women's rights organisations and radical Islamist parties -- continue to escalate in Bangladesh. Protests, political uncertainty and increasing incidents of crime and violence have gripped Bangladesh since the Yunus-led interim government, which once vowed to bring reforms, assumed power last August. On Tuesday, another protest entered its fourth day, when hundreds of employees from various ministries and divisions of the South Asian Nation gathered at the Secretariat in Dhaka, demanding the withdrawal of the 'Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025', approved by the interim administration. The protest and work stoppage at the Secretariat in opposition to the recently enacted ordinance continued despite tight security measures from the law enforcement agencies, local media reported. The employees under the banner of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council announced that they will continue the demostration until the ordinance, which they have labelled as "repressive and a black law," is repealed. The protestors marched, raising slogans against the ordinance and urging government employees across the country to hold similar demonstrations simultaneously in their respective offices. Meanwhile, security agencies are on high alert at the Secretariat centering the ongoing protests as the members of the specialised Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were deployed, Bangladeshi leading daily Prothom Alo reported. In line with a directive from the home ministry, visitors and media persons were prohibited from entering the Secretariat. Following the approval of the draft law by the Council of Advisors on May 22, during an advisory council meeting of the interim administration, the government employees began staging protests at the Secretariat, calling the law unjust and unconstitutional. Reports suggest that according to the provisions of the amended ordinance, if government officials are disobedient, absent from work without leave, or obstruct others from performing their duties, it will be considered a punishable offense, which includes demotion, removal, or dismissal. In a separate development on Monday, supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain and a section of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) employees resumed their protest in front of Nagar Bhaban, demanding that Ishraque be appointed as Mayor without any delay and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government. On the other hand, three associate bodies of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party -- Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal -- announced to hold a massive rally titled 'Establishing the Political Rights of the Youth' outside the party's central office in Naya Paltan on May 28. As pressure increased on Yunus, he expressed anger and frustration at the prevailing situation in the country previously and wished to step down. He lamented that sustained agitation was undermining the government's focus on pushing reforms, delivering justice for the July killings, and preparing for a transparent electoral process. A statement released on Saturday reinforced this concern, warning that these disruptions were not only impeding routine governance but also sowing confusion among the public. Bhopal, May 27 : In a tragic incident in Surru village, located in the Malthon police station area of Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district, a swarm of bees attacked a gathering, resulting in the death of an elderly man and injuries to several others. On Monday, a 60-year-old victim and his family had assembled under a tree to perform religious rituals. After completing the ceremony, they began cooking food using cow dung cakes. The smoke from the burning cakes disturbed a hive of bees in the tree above, prompting a sudden and aggressive attack on the group. Unfortunately, the elderly person succumbed to the stings, while others sustained injuries. The tragic event occurred at the sacred site of Havaldar Baba, situated along the banks of the Naren River near Surru village, police said. It is a place where Bharat Singh Lodhi's family, residents of the village, gather every year for religious observances. Speaking to IANS, Anoop Yadav, an officer from Malthon police station, explained that the Lodhi family had been performing their annual rituals when the rising smoke from their cooking disrupted the bees, causing them to attack in frenzy. The police officer said firstly the victim was taken to the nearby Khimlasa hospital, but doctors asked the family members to take him to a government hospital in Bina, where he died during treatment. He also said a post-mortem will be performed in Bina, and then an investigation will begin at the local level. The police officer said his identity was yet to be ascertained, but he was an elderly person. This incident bears a haunting resemblance to another deadly bee attack that took place in February in Gura village, located within Madhya Pradeshas Shahdol district. In that case, a swarm of bees launched a vicious assault on villagers in the Beohari police station area, about 75 km north of Shahdolas district headquarters. That tragedy occurred when a villager, 75-year-old Premlal Kol, was conducting a ahavana -- a sacred Hindu fire ritual involving offerings such as grains, ghee, and incense -- after returning from the recently concluded Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The thick smoke emanating from the ritual apparently agitated the bees, triggering their aggressive response. Premlal, due to his advanced age, was unable to escape the furious swarm and succumbed to the stings before receiving medical attention. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the bees' agitation. Mumbai, May 27 : After superstars Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan, it was actor Aditya Roy Kapoor's turn to face a security scare when a female fan from Dubai trespassed into his house in Rizvi Complex in Bandra West. The woman was detained, and an FIR was filed, said a Mumbai Police official on Tuesday. The 47-year-old woman, Gazala Zakaria Siddiqui from Liwan area in Dubai, entered Aditya Roy Kapooras house on Monday evening by bluffing the house help, said Khar police. Adhikrao Pol, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Bandra Division), said she gave evasive answers when asked about the purpose of her visit. According to the FIR registered against her, she managed to mislead house help Sangeeta Pawer into believing that she was a genuine person aiming to deliver gifts to the actor. When the staff asked her if she had an appointment with the actor, Gazala replied that she had been called at 6 p.m., police said. Later, when Aditya Roy Kapoor returned home, Gazala tried to reach out to him but he could not recognise her and left the house after alerting his managers. His managers informed the Khar Police. The episode at 39-year-old Aditya Roy Kapooras residence comes close on the heels of an earlier security breach involving Bollywood superstar Salman Khan when a woman attempted to trespass into his highly-guarded Bandra residence a" Galaxay Apartments a" on May 21. Isha Chabria, 36, was later arrested and sent to judicial custody. Police investigation revealed that she had lied that she had visited Salmanas house on his invitation. The woman from Khar claimed that Salman and she had met at a party six months ago and he had personally invited her to visit his home. The incident caused a security alarm in Bollywood as Chabriaas trespass came a day after another Salman fan, Jitendra Singh, tried to enter the apartments to meet the star. Salman continues to remain in a high security ring following an alleged death threat from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi over his alleged involvement in the 1998 black buck poaching case. Security breaches like these are being taken very seriously by the police due to the knife attack on star Saif Ali Khan at his home in the dead of night by an intruder. New Delhi, May 27 : In a setback to former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Naresh Balyan, a Special Delhi Court on Tuesday denied him bail in a case related to organised crime. Special MCOCA Judge Dig Vijay Singh rejected Balyan's bail application a" the second filed by the former Uttam Nagar legislator a" citing insufficient grounds for granting relief. Balyan attended the court proceedings through video conferencing from jail. Delhi Police opposed Balyan's bail plea, claiming that the investigation was at a crucial stage and his release on bail at this juncture may create hurdles in the probe. Delhi Police arrested Balyan on December 4 under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), minutes after he secured bail in connection with an extortion case. He had moved a bail application on January 15, but was rejected by a Delhi court. On January 29, the Delhi High Court also turned down a plea filed by Balyan seeking custody parole to help his wife during the Assembly election campaign. The former MLA was chargesheeted by the police on May 1. Four accused named in the supplementary chargesheet included Vijay alias Kalu, Sahil alias Poli, Balyan and Jyoti Prakash alias Baba. Balyan was arrested on November 30, 2024, following the release of audio clips allegedly featuring him in a conversation with gangster Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu. The clips purportedly reveal plans to threaten and extort money from Delhi's builders and others. The BJP had described Balyan as an "extortionist" and accused AAP leaders of colluding with gangsters to extort protection money from traders and builders. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that Balyan's activities were conducted with AAP supremo and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's consent. BJP leader Kailash Gahlot dismissed claims of conspiracy surrounding Balyan's arrest, asserting that senior AAP leaders were aware of the matter for almost a year. Islamabad, May 27 : Pakistan's present President Asif Ali Zardari managed his first term by skilfully getting then incumbent Pervez Musharraf to resign in August 2008 by securing the backing of his successor as Army chief, and then, outmanoeuvring coalition ally Nawaz Sharif, his former aide has revealed. While Zardari's PPP and Nawaz Sharif's PML-N had sought to impeach erstwhile military ruler Musharraf in August 2008 after winning the February 2008 elections, it was getting Musharraf's handpicked successor as Army chief, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, on their side that did the trick, Zardari's then spokesperson Farhatullah Babar reports in his memoirs, the News reported. In "The Zardari Presidency", Babar says Zardari, who was then the PPP co-chair, broached the issue of the potential ousting of Musharraf with Kayani. Kayani, who was appointed the army vice chief in October 2007, setting the way for him to take over command when Musharraf, as long promised, shed his uniform in November that year, had no objections to the move. The then army chief even suggested PPP leader Aftab Shaban Mirani, who had served as Defence Minister in the second Benazir Bhutto government, as the next President, Babar wrote in his book. However, Zardari had his own eye on the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Having the army behind him, Zardari then told trusted party members to move resolutions in provincial Assemblies demanding Musharrafas impeachment, Babar said. Simultaneously, he conveyed a message through Major Gen Mahmud Ali Durrani (retd), urging Musharraf to resign or face impeachment. Musharraf initially dismissed the ultimatum but eventually resigned in mid-August 2018. However, according to Babar, Nawaz Sharif also sought to install himself as the President amid the PML-N and PPP alliance, where the latter was heading the government with its Yousaf Raza Gilani as the Prime Minister. "My party thinks that I should become the President," Sharif told Zardari in an informal chat, as per the book. "Zardari replied with a laugh, 'My party also thinks that I should become the President.' The discussion ended there." Eventually, Zardari managed his elevation in September 2008. Among other issues, Babar's book also mentions how military pressure was mounted for the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry - whose sacking by Musharraf set in process a chain of crises that ended his rule. According to Babar, neither Benazir Bhutto nor Zardari held favourable views of Justice Chaudhry, whom Zardari believed operated under the guise of independence while serving other interests. During the long march from Lahore to demand Chaudhryas restoration, Zardari faced pressure from his ministers and even Prime Minister Gilani to reinstate him. However, he remained steadfast in his stand. Babar reports a "significant deployment" of the Triple One Brigade - the Rawalpindi-based army formation that has been involved in all the military coups of Pakistan - occurred inside the presidency on the night the march approached Islamabad. "The manoeuvre may have created a perception of a military takeover, but it was not. It was optics for exerting pressure on Zardari to reinstate Chaudhry," he wrote. Amid mounting pressure for Chaudhryas reinstatement, Zardari still held back, telling his advisers: "I know him inside and out. You people donat. He will accept anything as long as he knows that he will be reinstated. He has been sending me messages. I know it. None of you knows about it." Babar notes that Chaudhry even offered a signed resignation letter in advance should he renege on his commitment. Chaudhryas primary concern was his own reinstatement; he appeared indifferent to the reinstatement of other sacked judges, he wrote. Ranchi, May 27 : Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly and state BJP President Babulal Marandi on Tuesday accused the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress of misleading the tribal community in the name of the "Sarna Dharma Code". Addressing a press conference at the state BJP office here, Marandi questioned why the leaders of these two parties -- who now claim to be champions of the Sarna faith -- remain silent on the growing instances of illegal religious conversions among tribals across the state. "Why doesnat the government explain how lakhs of tribals who traditionally followed the Sarna religion have converted to Christianity?" he asked. Citing data from the 2011 Census, Marandi said that Jharkhandas total population at the time was 3.29 crore, of which 86.45 lakh (26.2 per cent) were tribals. "Out of these, nearly 14 lakh -- around 15 per cent -- had identified themselves as Christians. The question is, how did so many tribals shift from their original Sarna faith to Christianity, and why is this trend continuing?" he asked, adding that the upcoming census would provide even more clarity. He challenged the JMM and Congress, saying that if they truly care about protecting the Sarna faith and are serious about demanding a separate religion code, they should explain what concrete steps theyave taken to curb religious conversions. Marandi accused both parties of deceiving the tribal community under the guise of advocating for a Sarna religion code. He also pointed out that a Sarna code had existed in earlier censuses but was later removed by the then Congress-led central government. "The Congress should answer why this was done," he demanded. Recalling history, Marandi said senior Congress leader Kartik Oraon had raised his voice against tribal conversions in the 1960s and 1970s but was sidelined by his own party. "In 2014, when the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre termed the demand for a Sarna Dharma Code as 'impractical' in Parliament, Hemant Soren was comfortably sharing power with them," he added. Marandi alleged that the tribal community in Jharkhand is currently facing widespread exploitation, and that the true character of JMM and Congress -- who he claimed are encouraging conversion and infiltration -- has now been exposed. Both Congress and the JMM are protesting to include a separate column for Sarna followers in the census form. After Congress staged demonstrations on Monday, the JMM held similar demonstrations at district headquarters across Jharkhand on Tuesday. Bengaluru, May 27 : Karnataka Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge said on Tuesday that no matter how many times apologies are tendered by the BJP leaders, their mindset towards women will not change as they believe in Manusmriti. The state minister was responding to the BJP MLC N. Ravikumar for his remarks calling Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum a 'Pakistani'. "Ravikumar has a Manusmriti mindset. The BJP's agenda is to prevent women from coming to the forefront. All of them have been trained by the RSS, which promotes the idea that the Constitution should be rejected in favour of the Manusmriti. Is there any scope for the development of women in the Manusmriti? In Madhya Pradesh, Minister Vijay Shah made derogatory comments, calling Colonel Sofiya Qureshi a sister of terrorists. No action was taken against him either," said Priyank Kharge. The minister pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Jagdish Devda, insulted Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and the soldiers, yet no action was taken against him. "The same mindset is seen in Karnataka, where Ravikumar and RSS leaders believe that women should not be part of the mainstream and should remain confined to the kitchen," Kharge alleged. He further slammed Ravikumar, saying that Fouzia Taranum is an officer of the Indian Administrative Service, which is called IAS, not PAS (Pakistani Administrative Service). Kharge pointed out that Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum was recently honoured by the President of India as one of the best-performing officers. "A woman from a minority community, the minister said, coming from a poor background, has become a Deputy Commissioner and is rendering commendable service to the people. The BJP cannot tolerate this. Whether it's Sofiya Qureshi, Fouzia Taranum, or Savitribai Phule, Manuvadis have always resisted the progress of women. Even if apologies are made, their mentality will remain the same," Kharge said. The remarks of Ravikumar have triggered a controversy in Karnataka and caused embarrassment to the BJP. The IAS Officers' Association strongly condemned the incident, while Ravikumar has also expressed regret over his remarks. Meanwhile, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra said that the Congress-led government is targeting Opposition parties and leaders, trying to intimidate them by filing police cases. "We staged a protest in Kalaburagi against Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge. We raised our voice against the collapse of the system in Kalaburagi district and highlighted how the police department is acting like a puppet in the hands of politicians," he said. According to the FIR, Ravikumar allegedly questioned whether Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum belongs to India or Pakistan. He is also accused of stating that, being a Muslim, she is incapable of showing loyalty and trust in the Indian Constitution due to her religion. "MLC N. Ravikumar made certain remarks and later apologised for them. But the Congress leaders got the police complaint against him from a third party, and an FIR was registered. In Mangaluru, an FIR was filed against BJP MLA Y. Bharath Shetty, and earlier, another BJP MLA from the region, Harish Poonja, also faced a similar case. They obtained a stay from the court," Vijayendra stated. He alleged that they similarly suspended 18 BJP MLAs. "This is a clear attempt to target the Opposition, and such tactics are undemocratic," he said. Bhopal, May 27 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on Tuesday, expressed concerns after a newlywed Indore-based couple went missing in Meghalaya, saying that the incident is 'extremely shocking'. The couple has been identified as Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife, Sonam. They have reportedly gone missing in Meghalaya's Shillong. "The case is extremely shocking," said the Chief Minister. He said that after learning about the incident, he had a telephonic conversation with the Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and requested him to take quick and effective action to ensure that the couple is safe. "Chief Minister (Conrad K Sangma) assured that his police administration is making all possible efforts to trace the missing couple. He has also assured all possible help," the Chief Minister wrote on X. He further pointed out that he has also directed senior officials of the Madhya Pradesh government to remain in constant touch and coordinate with the Meghalaya administration. "I pray to God that Raja and Sonam return home safely. We are working with full commitment for their safe return," said the Chief Minister. The couple, both in their thirties, were last traced to Nongrait and later Mawlakiat on Friday. Since then, all attempts to reach them have failed, with both their mobile phones switched off. A two-wheeler rented by the couple was found abandoned in Sohra Rim, leading police to suspect that they may have gone trekking. Sohra, in the East Khasi Hills district, borders Bangladesh and the area is also known for the living-root bridges and numerous waterfalls. Srinagar, May 27 : After chairing the symbolic special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday posted a few mesmerising pictures where the April 22 terror attack took place, killing 25 tourists, including a civilian. Sitting by the bank of the Lidder stream that passes through Pahalgam, Omar Abdullah posted pictures of the crystal clear waters of Lidder against the background of the majestic landscape. "In Pahalgam to chair a cabinet meeting. We came to express solidarity with the local population. We've also come to thank all the tourists who are slowly making their way back to Kashmir & to Pahalgam," the Chief Minister posted on X. During the special cabinet meeting, arrangements for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra and the revival of tourism in Pahalgam and elsewhere in Kashmir were discussed. Omar Abdullah also met groups of people from different walks of life, led by MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Kaloo. Valuable insights were shared on local issues and aspirations. The support extended by locals to tourists and the administration during the recent unfortunate incident was exemplary and deeply praised by the government. Commenting on Tuesday's cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said, "It was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message we are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror. The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu & Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid." The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday held a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam to convey a powerful message against terrorism and violence. The choice of the station was to express solidarity with the residents of the tourist town, which has experienced a sharp decline in footfall since the terror attack on April 22. More important than the agenda on the table of the cabinet meeting was the significance of the meeting's symbolic communication to anti-national and anti-social elements that violence has no place in Jammu and Kashmir. This was the first cabinet meeting being held outside the capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu since the Omar Abdullah-headed government took office in October 2024. The decision to hold a special cabinet meeting comes two days after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday proposed a dual approach to resuscitate the Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector, severely impacted by the Pahalgam terror attack, urging the Centre to mandate PSUs to hold meetings in Kashmir and to convene parliamentary committee meetings there. Kuwait City, May 27 : The Indian all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda, on Tuesday interacted with representatives of Indian regional media based in Kuwait and the local press, conveying India's united and unwavering national consensus to combat terrorism. The delegation highlighted the strong strategic partnership between India and Kuwait, including the shared objective of fighting against terror and India's recent actions to combat cross-border terrorism. "India stands firm we will confront terrorism with strength, unity and determination, with no compromise and no tolerance. Along with our all-party delegation, engaged with Indian regional media and local press in Kuwait, sharing India's unwavering resolve against cross-border terror and our deepening strategic partnership with Kuwait in this shared fight," Panda posted on X. Earlier in the day, the delegation visited an exhibition of 'Rihla-e-Dosti: 250 Years of India-Kuwait Friendship', at National Library in Kuwait city showcasing rare manuscripts, historical books, coins, and artefacts, underscoring India-Kuwait deep historical connections. "India and Kuwait share a remarkable friendship, built on deep historical, cultural and economic ties. Along with our all-party delegation, visited the ongoing exhibition at National Library titled 'Rihla-e-Dosti: 250 Years of India-Kuwait Friendship', showcasing rare manuscripts, historical books, coins and artefacts, underscoring our enduring bond," said Panda. The delegation on Monday engaged with a cross-section of Kuwaiti civil society in a traditional Diwaniya-style interaction while highlighting the shared resolve of both countries to combat terrorism. The event, co-hosted by the Embassy of India and a think-tank, brought together leading voices from Kuwaiti civil society, including members of the royal family, former ministers, senior editors, think-tank experts, opinion leaders and influencers. "While touching upon the strong India-Kuwait strategic partnership, the discussions focussed on the recent situation in the Indian sub-continent and India's 'New Normal' approach to dealing with such incidents of cross-border terrorism. The participants were unanimous in their view that terrorism is against humanity and needs to be countered in all possible ways", said the Indian Embassy in Kuwait The Indian delegates also interacted with the Indian community in Kuwait emphasising India's 'new normal' against cross-border terrorism, success of Operation Sindoor, national consensus against terrorism, and support of Indian diaspora in matters of national interest. "The delegation held a productive meeting with Sheikh Abdullah Saad Al-Maousherji, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs of Kuwait. The delegation highlighted the continued perpetration of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan, including the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, with the intention to disturb peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir, an integral part of India," the Embassy of India in Kuwait said in a statement "They underscored the precise, targetted, proportionate, and non-escalatory nature of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The delegation emphasised India's policy of 'Zero Tolerance' and the 'New Normal' approach against terrorism that does not differentiate between terrorists and those supporting them in any manner. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the Indian delegation for sharing their perspective on the recent events and underscored that terrorism has no justification," the statement added The delegation led by Panda also includes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Indian diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla. They are a part of the Operation Sindoor outreach campaign to highlight India's continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. Bengaluru, May 27 : The Karnataka government held the Covid-19 preparedness meeting with all the directors of state-run medical colleges and hospitals at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday, officials said. Addressing the media after the meeting, Sharan Prakash Patil, State Medical Education, Skill Development, and Livelihood Minister, said, "With a possible spike in Covid-19 cases expected in Bengaluru and across Karnataka, the elderly citizens and pregnant women should use masks in crowded places. Children showing cold or flu-like symptoms should not attend school." He also added, "With Covid-19 cases on the rise in the state, doctors and health workers have been instructed to wear masks. There is no reason for the public to panic, as the government has taken all necessary precautionary measures." Bengaluru is witnessing the highest number of new Covid-19 cases in the state. However, the infection is not spreading rapidly. "There is no need for panic if people follow government guidelines. Most people are already vaccinated. If necessary, we'll coordinate with the Union Health Ministry to procure more vaccines," he assured. "Even as cases increase, there is no cause for alarm. Testing facilities should be kept ready. As a precaution, health workers must wear masks. Instructions have been given to check the availability of medicines and oxygen beds and to submit reports accordingly," Minister Patil said. The Minister reassured people, saying "Covid-19 cases are increasing daily, but there is no need for undue worry. Pregnant women should use masks. The government is fully prepared. People should also cooperate with us," he added. As schools are set to reopen after summer vacation, Minister Patil advised that students showing symptoms of fever, cold or cough should not be sent to school. "If children develop symptoms during school hours, parents should be contacted and the child sent home immediately," the Minister said. "We must conduct testing for all SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) cases. I've held meetings with directors of all medical education hospitals. We've arranged labs and testing will be done across four divisions. Instructions have been given to collect data on oxygen beds and ventilators," Patil added. "Despite rising cases, masks are not mandatory for everyone. Only those with fever, cold or cough need to wear them. We're monitoring the situation closely. This time, heavy rains and changing weather are also causing seasonal illness," said Minister Patil. Mohammed Moshin, Medical Education Principal Secretary; and Sujatha Rathod BL, Medical Education Director, were also present during the meeting. Bengaluru, May 27 : The Karnataka government on Tuesday defended its decision to allocate Rs 100 crore for the development of the Urdu language compared to Rs 32 crore for Kannada, and criticised the BJP for inciting communal tensions in the state. "Rs 100 crore is for upgrading Urdu-medium schools with better classrooms, teachers, textbooks, and infrastructure. This is not just for language, but for the overall improvement of schools that serve a large number of students," said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Earlier, the BJP criticised the Karnataka government for the grant of Rs 100 crore for the development of Urdu. Posters released by the Karnataka BJP against the government have also gone viral. "This is a deliberate attempt to incite communal tension," the Chief Minister slammed the BJP He emphasised that linking a language to a particular caste or religion is disrespectful to that language, adding that the Karnataka government respects all languages of the state. "That is why we have separate academies for Tulu, Konkani, Kodava, Byari, and Arebhashe, each with Rs 80 lakh grants every year, plus extra funding for cultural activities," said Siddaramaiah. He further criticised the BJP, saying that they are spreading a false narrative that the state government is neglecting Kannada and giving more funds to Urdu. "This is not just far from the truth it is a deliberate attempt to create communal tension. It is unfortunate that a national party is acting like irresponsible internet trolls and spreading such baseless lies," he said. The Chief Minister highlighted that for 202526, the state government has allocated: Rs 34,438 crore to the Department of Primary and Secondary Education; Rs 4,150 crore to schools under the Social Welfare and other departments. "That's a total of Rs 38,688 crore. All meant for Kannada-medium education. In addition, Rs 999.30 crore has been set aside to maintain government schools and improve infrastructure. All of this money supports Kannada education. So when the BJP claims that only Rs 32 crore is given to Kannada, it is clearly a political lie meant to mislead the people," said the Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah maintained that for Kannada, the government has a dedicated Department of Kannada and Culture, which runs 14 academies, three authorities, and 24 trusts named after Kannada writers. "These are working to promote the Kannada language, literature, and heritage. For the Congress, Kannada is not just a language, it is our identity, pride, and mother tongue. Our government has always stood firmly for Kannada, for Karnataka, and for our people. We will never compromise on protecting our land, water, or language. And we will never tolerate disrespect towards our culture," said Siddaramaiah. The Chief Minister said that the BJP's attempt to mislead people by saying only Rs 32 crore was given for Kannada is not just a lie but a betrayal of Karnataka. "We demand that the BJP immediately issue a public clarification and apologise to the people of the state for this dangerous and divisive propaganda," said Siddaramaiah. Earlier, the Karnataka government's decision to make Urdu a mandatory language for Anganwadi teacher applicants in Mudigere and Chikkamagaluru district ignited strong backlash in September 2024, especially from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the government of prioritising minority interests over the state's linguistic heritage. Jaipur, May 27 : Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari instructed on Tuesday that the rich historical documents of Rajasthan must be preserved through digitisation for future generations. "The rich historical documents of Rajasthan available in Bikaner should be preserved through digitisation. It is a must for future generations," the Deputy Chief Minister instructed the officials while chairing a meeting at the secretariat to discuss preservation of historical archives in Bikaner and construction of the 'Documents Museum' building. She further directed to start the process of construction of the 'Documents Museum' building soon, adding that the archives are very important in terms of historical, cultural and research. "The preservation of these historical documents is our top priority," she said. The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that digitisation will not only ensure the security of these documents but also make them accessible to researchers and the general public. An official said that various aspects of the project, budget implementation, technical cooperation and timeline were discussed in detail in the meeting. Officials will soon prepare an action plan and start implementation. Earlier, an important joint committee was held to develop the structures of Swarna Jayanti Park, Mazar Dam and Kishan Bagh in Vidyadhar Nagar Assembly constituency as a model with the assistance of the Indian Army. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the project was discussed in depth in the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief South Western Command Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Akhil Arora, among others. The meeting discussed possibilities of promoting overall development, beautification, environmental protection and tourism of the region as well as making the region a symbol of national pride through military cooperation. The main objective of the project is to develop these areas with clean, green and educational recreation, so that local citizens, youth, children and tourists can find a rich and inspiring environment. This initiative will not only accelerate regional development but also provide an ideal model of coordinated efforts of the army and civil administration, which will be an inspiration for other regions of the state, said officials. New Delhi, May 27 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released its updated forecast for the 2025 Southwest Monsoon, bringing encouraging news for the country. According to the report issued on Tuesday, rainfall during the upcoming monsoon season from June to September is likely to be above normal across most parts of India. The all-India rainfall is expected to be 106 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA), with a model error margin of A4 per cent. This forecast raises hopes for a productive agricultural season and improved water availability, although it also calls for preparedness against weather-related risks. Significantly, the monsoon forecast is quite promising for Central and South Peninsular India, regions crucial for agricultural productivity, where above-normal rainfall is highly likely. Northwest India is expected to see normal rainfall. At the same time, Northeast India may see below-normal rainfall, raising some concern for the regionas ecosystems and agriculture. The Monsoon Core Zone, which covers most of Indiaas rainfed farming areas, is also expected to receive above-normal rainfall, providing a strong foundation for a successful Kharif crop season. June 2025, the first month of the monsoon, is expected to witness above-normal rainfall for the country as a whole. Most parts of India are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, except for some areas in southern peninsular India, and parts of Northwest and Northeast India, where below-normal rainfall is anticipated. These early rains are vital for sowing operations and groundwater replenishment. Temperature predictions for June offer mixed signals. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal in most parts of the country, but many parts of Northwest and Northeast India may experience above-normal maximum temperatures. Minimum temperatures are anticipated to be above normal across most regions, except parts of Central India and the adjoining south Peninsula, which may record normal to below-normal minimums. Encouragingly, the number of heatwave days is likely to be below normal in most of Northwest, Central, and East India, reducing the risk of extreme heat events in early summer. Climatic factors contributing to this forecast include neutral El Ninoa"Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions in the Pacific Ocean and neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions. However, models suggest a weak negative IOD may develop during the monsoon season. These conditions, while not extreme, will be monitored closely, as they can subtly influence monsoon behaviour. A detailed breakdown of rainfall predictions by meteorological subdivisions shows that 34 out of 36 subdivisions are expected to receive above-normal rainfall. This includes major agricultural regions such as Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Only Arunachal Pradesh and Assam & Meghalaya are likely to experience below-normal rainfall, while a few northeastern and hilly regions may see near-normal rainfall. This optimistic monsoon forecast brings significant potential benefits. It is expected to boost crop output, ease pressure on irrigation systems, and support rural livelihoods. However, authorities and communities are urged to remain alert to possible challenges such as flooding, waterlogging, and landslides in vulnerable regions. Public health systems may also need to prepare for waterborne diseases and sanitation issues, particularly in densely populated areas. The IMD will continue to provide updated extended range forecasts and short to medium-range forecasts through its official website. These tools are essential for farmers, policymakers, and disaster management authorities to plan and respond effectively throughout the monsoon season. With careful planning and timely response, the 2025 monsoon could become a strong driver of agricultural growth and water security, even as the country remains watchful of the risks that come with it. New Delhi, May 27 : Amid growing concerns over mass deportations by the US and its fresh warning to Indian and other foreign students that skipping classes or dropping out of their courses may lead to the risk of losing their visa status, a foreign policy expert has expressed concern over the prevailing sentiment there. Robinder Sachdev said that while the warning is technically valid, the broader environment in the US has become increasingly hostile to immigrants. "On one level, what America is saying is correct. Students on visas are expected to attend classes regularly, maintain good academic standing, and continue their studies. If they don't, they are violating the terms of their visa. So, Americaas warning is understandable from that perspective," Sachdev told IANS. However, he emphasised a deeper concern. "The atmosphere in the US has turned anti-immigrant. There's a growing sentiment that no immigrant - whether a student or an H1B tech worker - should be allowed in. During the Trump administration, there has been particular scrutiny of students, especially those involved in political activities or demonstrations. Even minor infractions, like a traffic violation, are being used as grounds for visa cancellation," he said. He added that universities have been directed to report any charges or concerns involving international students. "Any student with even a minor charge against them is being flagged. The administration is aggressively cancelling visas under such circumstances. This makes the current environment very troubling for international students in the US," Sachdev said. This warning follows a series of mass deportation drives carried out by the US government earlier this year, many of which targeted students and other immigrants. In response, several colleges across the US have issued advisories urging international students not to travel outside the country to avoid the risk of visa complications or cancellation. The growing apprehension among foreign students reflects a broader shift in US immigration policy, where even legitimate visa holders are now facing increased scrutiny and uncertainty about their future in the country. Kolkata, May 27 : The Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be on a two-day visit to West Bengal this weekend, two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending two programmes, in Alipurduar district on May 29. As per the schedule, the Union Home Minister will be arriving in Kolkata on the evening of May 31. On the same evening, he will have a meeting with the state leadership of the BJP at the hotel in Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, where he will make a night stay. On the following day, June 1, Shah will address a rally of the party workers, which has been scheduled at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in central Kolkata. He will go back to New Delhi on the evening of June 1. BJP's former national secretary Rahul Sinha said that over 10,000 party workers, including all the elected MPs and legislators of the party, will be attending the rally at Netaji Indoor Stadium. Political observers feel that the subsequent tours to West Bengal in the same week, first by the Prime Minister and then by the Union Home Minister, are extremely significant amid the crucial state assembly election scheduled next year, as well as the by-polls for Kaliganj Assembly constituency in Nadia district next month. A member of the state committee of the BJP in West Bengal said that in the meeting with the state leadership of the party on May 31, the Union Home Minister is expected to outline the political, organisational and campaign strategy for the party for the forthcoming elections. "He is also expected to give the blueprint on how to highlight anti-incumbency and corruption issues against both the West Bengal government and the ruling Trinamool Congress," the state committee member said. New Delhi, May 27 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed its registry to accept the status report filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the controversial remarks made by Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Indian Army officer who briefed the media throughout Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. After an oral mentioning was made by the state governmentas counsel, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta asked the apex court registry to take on record the SITas status report. The development came a day before when the Justice Surya Kant-led Bench is slated to resume hearing on Wednesday on Shahas special leave petition (SLP) challenging the order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which had directed registration of an FIR against the state minister over his distasteful remarks. 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, sparking nationwide outrage. Last week, the Supreme Court had ordered the state Director General of Police to form a SIT of three senior IPS officers of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, including a woman IPS officer, to probe the FIR registered against Shah under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). "The SIT shall be headed by an officer not below the rank of Inspector General of Police, and the remaining two members shall also be in the rank of Superintendent of Police or above. The investigation of the subject FIR shall be entrusted to the SIT forthwith," the Justice Surya Kant-led Bench said in its order passed on May 19. Further, it had ordered that no coercive action would be taken against Shah, including arrest, but asked the Madhya Pradesh Minister to join and fully cooperate with the investigation. Following the Supreme Court order, Madhya Pradesh DGP Kailash Makwana constituted the SIT on May 19, comprising IG, Sagar Range, Pramod Verma (2001 batch IPS), DIG, SAF, Kalyan Chakraborty (2010 batch), and Dindori SP Vahini Singh (2014 batch). On Saturday, the three-member SIT visited Raikunda village near the Mhow region of Indore district, where Shah had attended a public programme on May 12 and made the controversial remark. The team met the village sarpanch and secretary -- both organisers of the event -- who had earlier been summoned by the Manpur police, where the FIR in the case was registered. The SIT has collected relevant documents, including video footage of the event and a list of attendees. The Madhya Pradesh High Court, on May 14, had ordered the DGP to register a criminal case against Shah within four hours and warned the top police official of contempt action in case of any delay in compliance. A bench of Justices Atul Sreedharan and Anuradha Shukla said that prima facie, an offence of promoting enmity between different castes, religion and language was made out. The Justice Sreedharan-led Bench opined that referring to Colonel Qureshi as a "sister of terrorists" is an offence of hurting the sentiments and faith of the Muslim community. New Delhi/Imphal, May 27 : The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the Meitei community apex body, held a meeting with the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on Tuesday and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to restore peace in the state. The seven-member delegation of the COCOMI, led by its Convenor Khuraijam Athouba, during the meeting with the MHA officials, expressed its willingness to cooperate in all genuine efforts to restore normalcy. "We urged the government of India to take prompt and effective action against anti-peace elements that continue to undermine peace initiatives," Convenor of COCOMI publicity committee, Laikhuram Jayenta, said. In the meeting, the MHA was represented by A.K. Mishra, Advisor to the MHA on Northeast Affairs and Rajesh Kamble, Joint Director, MHA. Jayenta said that the delegation conveyed the strong sentiments and demands of the people regarding May 20, the Gwaltabi issue, when some security personnel in Imphal East district reportedly instructed the media team to hide the "Manipur State Transport Corporation" signage in front of the bus carrying 20 journalists and some Information Department officials. He said that the MHA officials assured that the matter has been noted for necessary governmental action. In the meeting, the COCOMI reiterated its rejection of the legitimacy of militant outfits under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) and engaging with the innocent Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar civilians who are the genuine citizens of the state shall be handled accordingly after sorting out the anti-peace elements. United Peoples' Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO), which are conglomerates of 23 underground outfits, signed an SoO with the Central government on August 22, 2008, and then there are 2,266 Kuki cadres who have been staying in different designated camps in Manipur. Congress was in power in Manipur when the SoO was signed. After Tuesday's meeting with the MHA officials, the COCOMI in a statement said that the organisation expressed deep concern over the growing threats posed by narco-terrorism, cross-border illegal immigration, including widespread illegal opium cultivation, rampant forest encroachment and the deteriorating law and order situation. The COCOMI delegation highlighted that proceeds from these illicit activities are being used to fund armed groups led by foreign-based individuals. "Alarmingly, these groups have been in political dialogue with the government of India since 2008 and continue to receive financial support and shelter under the banner of the peace process. COCOMI appealed to the government to urgently review its engagement with these groups," the statement said. The COCOMI also demanded to ensure free movement of people in the entire state, including hilly areas, safeguarding farmers' right to cultivation along with appropriate compensation for their losses, protection of sacred religious sites, justice for missing persons, and the resettlement and redressal of grievances of displaced persons (IDPs). After a 48-hour shutdown in the six Imphal valley regions on May 21-23, the COCOMI, since May 25, has been spearheading their second phase of agitation in Manipur in protest against the removal of the state's name from a government bus on May 20. The COCOMI on May 24 announced a series of intensified agitations, including a daily gherao at the main gate of the Governor's bungalow. The COCOMI also demanded a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for the May 20 incident, and demanding the resignation of Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, Security Advisor to the government Kuldiep Singh and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, holding them responsible for failing to protect the dignity and integrity of the state of Manipur. The Manipur government had constituted a two-member committee to probe the May 20 incident. --IANS sc/dan Dhaka/New Delhi, May 27 : The re-activation of Lalmonirhat air base, reportedly for Chinese use, by Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has prompted serious concerns over region's security, several experts have highlighted. Built in 1931 by the Britishers and used briefly during the Second World War, the airbase in Rangpur division was largely inactive until the 1950s. Located just 20 km away from the Indian border and not very far from the Siliguri corridor, or the 'Chicken's Neck', it was used as a forward airbase for operations in Myanmar, then Burma, and other countries in South East Asia. In 2019, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the setting up of a Bangladesh Aerospace and Aviation University at the airbase, which is now operational under the Bangladesh Air Force. However, under Yunus's leadership, the project appears to be shifting toward restoring full aerial operations with increased Chinese engagement, thus drawing serious scrutiny from the Indian security agencies. Reliable sources have confirmed that Chinese officials have visited the Lalmonirhat airbase after Yunus, during his trip to China earlier this year, asked Beijing to develop a civilian airport there. Experts reckon that the airbase might become a "comprehensive air operations centre," providing support to Chinese air power close to Indo-Bangla border and through the rapid signal acquisition and data processing, China will get real-time access to India's military as well as civilian activities in the Siliguri Corridor. However, while addressing the media at an event on Sunday, a top Bangladeshi Army officer denied reports of any Chinese involvement at the airbase. "The airport is being revived to support national needs, including the Aerospace University. I have no information about Chinese involvement. Rest assured, no foreign entity will be allowed to operate in a way that harms our security or national interest." Brig Gen Nazim-ud-Daula was quoted as saying by Bangladeshi media. During his China visit, Yunus had also referred to India's northeast as "landlocked" and described Bangladesh as the region's "only guardian of the ocean". Yunus's remarks had invited massive criticism from India, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had described the comments as "offensive and strongly condemnable". Sarma on Sunday (May 25) again took to social media, saying that those who "habitually threaten" India on the 'chicken neck corridor' should note that Bangladesh has two such narrow strips of land, which are "far more vulnerable". "First is the 80 Km North Bangladesh Corridor- from Dakhin Dinajpur to South West Garo Hills. Any disruption here can completely isolate the entire Rangpur division from the rest of Bangladesh. Second is the 28 km Chittagong Corridor, from South Tripura till the Bay of Bengal. This corridor, smaller than Indiaas chicken neck, is the only link between Bangladeshas economic capital and political capital," Sarma had posted on X. "I am only presenting geographical facts that some may tend to forget. Just like Indiaas Siliguri Corridor, our neighbouring country is also embedded with two narrow corridors of theirs," he added. Singapore, May 27 : India's All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Member of Parliament Sanjay Kumar Jha wrapped up its Singapore visit after holding extensive discussions and meetings with the top leaders of the country to convey the significance of Operation Sindoor and the 'new normal' in India's strategy against terrorism. During the visit, the delegation met Singapore's Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong; Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann; and, Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Education, Sustainability and the Environment. The delegation also engaged with Singaporean Members of Parliament, senior business and community leaders, representatives of think-tanks, academia, media and members of the Indian diaspora. During the interactions with Singaporean interlocutors, the delegation conveyed India's stance on the events since the terror attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and 'new normal' in India's strategy against terrorism. They briefed about the new benchmark in India's fight against terrorism; that India will give a fitting reply if there is a terrorist attack on India; will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail; and, will not differentiate between the state-sponsored terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. The delegation requested for continued support from Singapore in the fight against terrorism. "In meetings with Singaporean interlocutors from the government, academia, think tanks, media, and business, we underlined the new normal in India's policy on counterterrorism: PRECISE, RESPONSIBLE, and UNFLINCHING. We also had an insightful meeting with Edwin Tong, Singaporeas Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs. We deeply valued our interactions with the Indian community in Singapore - a reflection of the shared resilience, unity and unwavering solidarity of our diaspora in the face of terrorism," stated Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee. Amidst a packed day, Banerjee also took time out to visit the INA Memorial at Singapore's Esplanade Park, which is currently undergoing renovation. "I offered my tributes from outside, but even from a distance, it was a moment of SOLEMN REFLECTION. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a towering statesman, fearless patriot, and a defining figure in Indiaas quest for freedom; his legacy continues to live in our hearts, undiminished by time. I also offered prayers at the Ramakrishna Mission in Singapore, a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and service," he posted on X. The all-party delegation also includes Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, John Brittas, Pradan Baruah, Hemang Joshi, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and former Ambassador Mohan Kumar. After Japan and Singapore, the delegation will now be travelling to Indonesia and Malaysia. New Delhi, May 27 : The government on Tuesday launched two transformative digital platforms - 'Know Your DIGIPIN' and 'Know Your PIN Code' - marking a significant step towards the modernisation of India's addressing system and geospatial governance. New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) The government on Tuesday launched two transformative digital platforms 'Know Your DIGIPIN' and 'Know Your PIN Code' marking a significant step towards the modernisation of India's addressing system and geospatial governance. These platforms were launched in alignment with the National Geospatial Policy 2022, which envisions the development of an advanced geospatial infrastructure to support digital governance and public service delivery. "The launch of these two applications reflects our government's unwavering commitment to digital transformation and precision governance. DIGIPIN, in particular, will redefine how we perceive addresses, ensuring that every citizen, even in the remotest part of the country, is digitally locatable and serviceable," said Vandita Kaul, Secretary, Department of Posts. The DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number) is an open-source, interoperable, geo-coded, grid-based digital address system developed by the Department of Posts in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO. It is a cornerstone of the Department of Posts' vision to offer Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) an array of services associated with address data management to support secure and efficient interactions between users, government entities, and private sector organisations. The 'Know Your DIGIPIN' portal enables users to retrieve their DIGIPIN based on precise geolocation, and input latitude and longitude coordinates to fetch corresponding DIGIPINs and vice versa. This initiative simplifies location mapping, enhances logistics and emergency response, and ensures last-mile delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas. The DIGIPIN system, officially reviewed and adopted by the Thematic Working Group on Address under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, is now available to all Ministries, State Governments, institutions for integration into their workflows, and users for their own use, said the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications. Incorporating DIGIPIN as an additional address attribute enables the leveraging of GIS capabilities, laying the foundation for future GIS-based digitalisation of service delivery across various organisations in a cost-effective manner. DIGIPIN will enhance location accuracy across multiple sectors by providing precise geographic coordinates, ensuring accurate service delivery and reducing emergency response times. The six-digit PIN Code system, introduced in 1972, has served as the backbone of India's postal delivery. However, recognising the need to modernise and refine its geographic accuracy, the Department undertook a national geofencing exercise across all postal jurisdictions to geo-reference all the pin code boundaries of the country. Based on this, the Department of Post has now launched the 'Know Your PIN Code' web application which uses GNSS location features to allow users to identify the correct PIN Code based on the location and submit feedback on PIN Code accuracy for continuous refinement of pin code dataset. The geo-fenced PIN Code boundaries dataset has also been uploaded on Open Government Data Platform under the title "All India PIN Code Boundary geo-json". With this dual launch, the Department of Posts advances its role not just as a postal service provider but as a critical enabler of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for India. Jaipur, May 27 : Rajasthan reported nine new Covid-19 cases, including a 16-day-old infant, in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases this year to 32. Of the newly detected cases, seven were reported in Jaipur, while two were confirmed at AIIMS Jodhpur. The Health Department has collected samples from all the patients and sent them for genome sequencing. Health officials said that two cases were detected in AIIMS Jodhpur and an equal number tested positive in Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, Jaipur. Four cases tested positive in B Lal Diagnostic Lab, Jaipur a" four cases, while one case came positive in Aanavik Diagnostic Centre, Jaipur. In Jodhpur, a 16-day-old male infant has tested positive with a 35-year-old female. The cumulative COVID-19 from January 1 to May 27 this year is 32, while one death has been registered. Jaipur has the highest number of patients who tested COVID-19 positive, followed by Jodhpur, counting six patients. Udaipur has four patients, Didwana has three patients, Ajmer has two patients, Sawai Madhopur has one, Phalodi has one, Bikaner has one and one more patient. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to follow safety protocols and get tested in case of symptoms. Following a rise in COVID-19 cases, Rajasthanas Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinwasar held a high-level meeting with officials from the Department of Medicine and Health on Tuesday. During the meeting, he issued necessary directions to strengthen preventive measures and ensure medical preparedness. The Minister stated that, as per the Union government, the current COVID-19 variant is not considered fatal, but individuals should remain cautious and consult a doctor if symptoms like cough, cold, or fever appear. Khinwsar particularly emphasised the need for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with serious illnesses, and children, to take extra precautions. He advised the public to avoid crowded places and seek medical advice if they experience symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI). He also directed department officials to ensure that diagnostic and treatment facilities remain accessible and active across the state. Medical experts, he added, have confirmed that while the situation is being closely monitored, the threat level remains under control. Gayatri Rathore, Principal Government Secretary of the Department of Medicine and Health, stressed the need to ensure the full functionality of oxygen plants across the state. She instructed officers to repair any non-operational plants immediately and ensure that all facilities are ready to handle potential surges in cases. She also reiterated the importance of strictly following the central governmentas COVID-19 guidelines as they are updated from time to time. New Delhi, May 27 : India is nearing the finish line to clinch a breakthrough trade deal with the US, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on Tuesday. Hassett's comments came as the Donald Trump administration signals readiness to slash tariffs to 10 per cent or lower for nations offering robust trade proposals. Hassett, the White House economic advisor, told CNBC that a trade and tariff deal between the US and India is "close to the finish line." He also said that the Trump administration does not want to "harm Apple" with tariffs. "In the end, we'll see what happens, we'll see what the update is, but we don't want to harm Apple," he was quoted as saying. India and the US have made progress on concluding a mutually beneficial trade agreement, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said last week, amid talks with the US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick towards the first tranche of Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). India presents a compelling case to the US for a bilateral trade deal, given the outlook on growth and demography. The union minister stated that the two nations are "committed to enhancing opportunities for our businesses and people". India and the US are working to sign the first tranche of BTA to bring down tariffs before the agreed timeline of the fall of 2025, as the the terms of reference for the pact have already been finalised. If both the countries come to an agreement on reducing tariffs, it would lead to higher trade for US and India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have set an ambitious target of $500 billion bilateral trade by 2030 in a joint statement during the Indian PM's recent visit to Washington, DC. The US President claimed recently that India offered to remove all tariffs on American goods, but added that he was in no rush to finalise a trade deal despite the apparent breakthrough. Helsinki, May 27 : Visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep concern over the scale and intensity of Israel's recent airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday, arguing that the operations have gone beyond what is necessary in the so-called fight against terrorism, especially given their severe humanitarian consequences. At a joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in the southwestern Finnish city of Turku, Merz said: "The massive military strikes that the Israeli army has carried out in Gaza no longer make any sense to me. What is their aim? Simply for releasing the hostages is not enough." "I must say that it is no longer possible to understand what is happening there at the moment. We need to intensify the dialogue with the Israeli government," he added. Orpo echoed Merz's concerns, describing the sufferings of civilians in Gaza as "completely unacceptable". "This causing of suffering, this killing -- it must end," he stressed. This marks the second time in as many days that Merz has publicly criticised Israel's operations in Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported. Speaking at an event hosted by German broadcaster WDR on Monday, he said, "Harming the civilian population to such an extent, as has increasingly been the case in recent days, can no longer be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism." According to Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat, Merz's comments represent a marked departure from Germany's traditionally cautious language regarding Israeli military conduct. However, when asked at the press conference how this rhetorical shift might be reflected in policy, Merz stopped short of outlining specific measures. He declined to say whether Germany would suspend arms exports to Israel or consider sanctions against Israeli officials. "We are in contact with Israel," he noted, adding only that discussions are ongoing within the German government. Merz's remarks come amid growing international concerns over Israel's operations in Gaza, with mounting calls for greater accountability and humanitarian restraint. Earlier, Merz criticised air strikes on Gaza as no longer justified by the need to fight Hamas and "no longer comprehensible," in comments at a press conference in Finland. Attacks on Gaza killed dozens in recent days, and the population of more than two million faces worsening hunger and starvation, according to a UN-backed monitor. Efforts to revive a short-lived ceasefire that broke down in March have made little visible progress, although one regional diplomat said talks were still going on in Doha and there remained a chance for a deal. The German comments are particularly striking given that Merz won elections in February, promising to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on German soil in defiance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC). "The massive military strikes by the Israelis in the Gaza Strip no longer reveal any logic to me -- how they serve the goal of confronting terror," Merz said in Turku, Finland. He did not reply to a question about German weapons exports to Israel. Amman, May 27 : Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi and his Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen met here on Tuesday to discuss ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, bilateral cooperation, and regional developments, according to a statement by the Jordanian Foreign Ministry. During the talks, Safadi and Valtonen emphasised the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and the immediate and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip. They also discussed regional and international diplomatic efforts ahead of the international conference on the Palestinian question, which will be co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France in New York in June, expressing hope that the summit would yield tangible progress toward a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, the statement said. Both sides stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between Jordan and Finland across various sectors, both bilaterally and within the framework of the strategic partnership with the European Union. They also reiterated their shared commitment to multilateral cooperation and the promotion of international law, Xinhua news agency reported. The two Ministers reviewed preparations for a high-level side event co-hosted by Jordan and Finland during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The event will mark the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security. Discussions also touched on the situation in Syria. Safadi emphasised the need to support Syria's reconstruction on the basis of principles that preserve the country's unity, security and stability, while combating terrorism and safeguarding the rights of all Syrians.\ Safadi praised Norway's role as chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which coordinates donor support for Palestinians, and commended its efforts to ease Gaza's humanitarian crisis and revive peace talks. He also condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli Ministers, warning of escalating tensions. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called the situation in Gaza "catastrophic" and pressed for an end to the 19-month conflict. Eide warned that conflicts in Gaza would continue to recur unless the underlying issue -- the lack of a Palestinian state -- is addressed. King Abdullah II of Jordan also held a meeting with Valtonen on Tuesday, during which the two sides focused on regional developments, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, according to a Royal Court statement. Chennai, May 27 : With schools in Tamil Nadu set to reopen on June 2 for the 2025-26 academic year, the Department of School Education has issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure a smooth transition for students and staff. Chennai, May 27 (IANS) With schools in Tamil Nadu set to reopen on June 2 for the 202526 academic year, the Department of School Education has issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure a smooth transition for students and staff. The guidelines cover a range of measures, including infrastructure readiness, uniform and textbook distribution, and transportation arrangements. In a notification issued on Tuesday, the department detailed the tasks to be completed ahead of school reopening. These include the distribution of free uniforms and textbooks to all students on the very first day, mandatory campus cleaning, and preparation for a healthy and safe environment. School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has directed all district education officers to ensure adequate transportation facilities, particularly in rural areas, so that students can reach schools on time. He also emphasised the need for the timely distribution of textbooks and uniforms, urging officials to ensure that no student is left behind on reopening day. According to senior officials in the department, most schools across Tamil Nadu have already received consignments of uniforms and textbooks. The remaining schools are expected to receive the materials in the next few days to meet the June 2 deadline. As per the new directives, all schools are required to undertake thorough cleaning of their premises before reopening. This includes cleaning of classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities, and overhead tanks. The department has also instructed school managements to maintain a plastic-free campus throughout the academic year, reinforcing the government's commitment to environmental sustainability. Admissions for the 202526 academic session began on March 1. However, the department has urged school administrations to continue enrolling students, with special focus on ensuring full enrolment in Class 1. Authorities have been instructed to monitor that no child is left out of the education system, and that students who have completed Class 8 transition seamlessly to Class 9 to prevent dropouts. "Every child deserves access to education. We must ensure 100 per cent enrolment, especially in the entry-level classes and in critical transition points such as Class 9," read the department's statement. With these proactive steps, the Tamil Nadu government aims to kick off the new academic year with a focus on inclusivity, preparedness, and student welfare. --IANS aal/dan Ramallah, May 27 : Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. In Nablus, 32-year-old Mahmoud al-Kharaz died after being shot in the neck by Israeli forces, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry said. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a press statement that nine people were injured by bullets, and more than 15 others suffered from tear gas inhalation during the raid on Nablus. The Israeli military did not issue an official comment on the raids, Xinhua news agency reported. However, Israeli radio Kan reported the Israeli operation across the West Bank against the financing of "terrorism". Israel has accused money exchange shops of facilitating the transfer of funds to Palestinian factions, including Hamas, an allegation denied by business owners, who insist they comply with financial regulations. In a separate incident in Jericho, 20-year-old Mohammed Jalaytah was fatally shot by Israeli army during a raid on the al-Arab neighbourhood, according to Palestinian medical sources. Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that the Israeli army stormed the neighbourhood at dawn, raided several homes, and fired live ammunition and sound bombs. Meanwhile, Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) declared a general strike in the Jericho area in a statement mourning Jalaytah's death. The Israeli army has not commented on this incident yet. The development coincided with settler attacks on agricultural land and the establishment of a new settlement outpost east of Ramallah, fueling tensions in the area and raising concerns that Israel is seeking to expand its control over the West Bank. The raids on foreign exchanges came as Israel continued its intensified military campaign in Gaza, killing more than 54,000 Palestinians since the war began on October 7, 2023, as tens of thousands of people starve in the besieged enclave. Israeli Army Radio on Tuesday said Israel conducted the raids on foreign exchanges on suspicions that the shops supported "terrorism". The radio station also said the operation resulted in the confiscation of large amounts of money designated for "terrorism infrastructure" in the West Bank. New Delhi, May 27 : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday highlighted that terrorism, in whatever form it may exist, is the biggest threat to civilisation and human development. "A threat to one country or one region is a threat to humanity," he added. He expressed hope that in the fight against terrorism, all the countries would stand together with a common front and strategy. Birla made these remarks during a bilateral meeting with a visiting Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation led by Dr Rizvie Salih, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees of the Sri Lankan Parliament, in Parliament House, on Tuesday. The Speaker urged Parliaments of the world's democratic countries to work unitedly against the global threat of terrorism. Welcoming the Members of the delegation to the Parliament House, Birla said that the friendship between India and Sri Lanka is based on shared cultural, spiritual, and civilizational values. He also thanked the Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation for expressing its solidarity with India's fight against terrorism. The Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation is currently attending a week-long capacity-building program being organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE). Birla noted with pride that the common Buddhist heritage connects the two nations. He also mentioned the growing collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in areas such as fintech, digital infrastructure, and connectivity, highlighted by the recent launch of UPI-based payment systems in Sri Lanka and improved tourism links through sea ferry and flight services. Speaking about the various technical innovations being incorporated into the functioning of the Indian Parliament, Birla observed that the Parliament of India is promoting public participation and transparency in the parliamentary system through the use of digital and AI-based technologies. He expressed joy at the regular exchange of parliamentary delegations between the two countries, which has promoted mutual understanding and cooperation. He also underlined the importance of capacity building of Parliamentarians and emphasised how digital innovation and technology are strengthening legislative processes and public participation in both countries. Birla was happy to note that the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) has, over the years, organised capacity-building programs for parliamentarians and officials from more than 110 countries. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rizvie Salih thanked Birla for the hospitality extended to the Sri Lankan Delegation. He extended greetings on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka to the Parliament of India. Dr Salih said that both India and Sri Lanka share close historical, cultural and civilizational ties going back centuries. Bhubaneswar, May 27 : Odisha Police on Tuesday arrested a robber on the charges of killing an elderly lady during a robbery bid in the Baranga area of Cuttack city on May 20. The accused was identified as Jamuna Rout of Jhinkria village under the Nandankanan police station area of Bhubaneswar. "From the preliminary investigation conducted so far, the motive behind the murder is revealed to be robbery," informed a senior police official. The Baranga Police, during the course investigation, ascertained that the 75-year-old deceased Basanti Behera was staying alone at Ananda Bazar in the Baranga area. The accused found the deceased, Behera, an easy target owing to her old age and being solitary. After carrying out the recce, accused Rout broke into the house of the deceased during the late night on May 20 to commit robbery. Meanwhile, the elderly victim saw the accused and started shouting. To prevent her from raising an alarm, a panicky Rout attacked her with a sharp weapon, a blood-stained spade, which was later recovered from the crime scene. The assault resulted in her death on the spot. Later, he fled from the crime scene along with some valuables and household materials. The deceased's son, on the next morning, found her lying in a pool of blood on her bed and registered a case at the Baranga police station. Upon getting informed, the police reached the spot and initiated an investigation to nab the culprit. Following the analysis of CCTV footage collected from the Bhubaneswar Smart City control room and ground verification, the cops finally succeeded in arresting the accused, Rout, on Tuesday. The accused was produced before the court, which later sent him to judicial custody. The police have been verifying the criminal antecedents of the accused Rout. Agartala, May 27 : Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday chaired a meeting with the senior officials of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) on the operationalisation of the defunct airport at Kailashahar in northern Tripura's Unakoti district. An official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said the Chief Minister, during his recent visit to New Delhi, met Union DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and requested him to speed up the revival of the Kailashahar Airport. He had also written a letter to the DoNER Ministry and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on the matter. The CMO official said that in response to the Chief Minister's request, an official team of the Airport Authority of India visited the Kailashahar Airport on Sunday to conduct an on-the-spot survey and on Tuesday met the Chief Minister. The AAI officials apprised the Chief Minister in detail about the defunct Kailashahar airport. Tripura government, for the past many years, has been demanding to operationalise the defunct Kailashahar and Khowai airports. The Chief Minister earlier said that he has requested the Central government to start international flight services from the MBB airport at the earliest. He highlighted that MBB Airport is one of the most beautiful airports in the northeast, with excellent modern infrastructure. "Several flights are currently operating with most of the important cities in the country, and more would be added in the coming days. There were discussions about initially starting international flights to Chittagong in Bangladesh, but given the current situation in the neighbouring country, that plan is on hold," he added. Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury earlier said that it was decided that SpiceJet would operate flights on the Agartala-Chittagong route, and accordingly, the Tripura government had decided to provide Rs 15 crore to the AAI. He had said that the state government paid Rs 3.85 crore to the AAI as three months' advance in December 2022, besides providing 25 police personnel to the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to historian and writer Pannalal Roy, the land for the Agartala, Kailashahar and various other (now abandoned) airports in Tripura had been donated by the erstwhile Tripura kings. "During the Second World War, King Bir Bikram supported and helped the Allied powers, especially Great Britain. He deployed a contingent of the Tripura Army to assist Great Britain. During that time, Agartala, Kailashahar and other airports were built to facilitate the Allied powers," Roy, who authored many books on Tripura's royal history, told IANS. He said that in 1943, Japanese fighter planes twice bombarded Agartala airport. Amaravati, May 27 : YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has demanded action against the policemen involved in publicly beating up three young men in Tenali town, terming the assault a blatant violation of constitutional rights and human dignity. Former minister Merugu Nagarjuna, MLC M. Arun Kumar, and former MLA Annabathuni Shivakumar expressed outrage over the public use of third-degree methods by police, describing the incident as a shameful reflection of the coalition government's failure to protect marginalised communities, particularly Dalits and minorities. Police in Tenali town of Guntur district on Sunday arrested three young men accused of assaulting a police constable. A video was circulated on social media on Monday, showing the police personnel beating them in public with sticks. The accused were made to sit on the ground while the policemen beat them on their feet. The youth were identified as Chebrolu John Victor (25), Shaik Babulal (21) and Doma Rakesh (25). According to police, they were close associates of a rowdy sheeter and had attacked a police constable last month. The accused were arrested on Sunday and produced before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody. They demanded an immediate inquiry into the incident and strict action against the responsible officers, asserting that such acts of lawlessness cannot be tolerated in a democratic society. The YSRCP leaders accused the coalition government of fostering lawlessness. "Andhra Pradesh is in a state of anarchy, with Dalits facing unprecedented violence, from desecrating Ambedkar's statue to public humiliations," said Nagarjuna. NCRB data shows Andhra Pradesh leads in crimes against Dalits, said Arun Kumar. "The third-degree treatment of these youths is an attack on every Dalit and minority's dignity. The Chief Minister must ensure such acts stop," he said. Shivakumar criticised the police's lawlessness, saying beating youths in broad daylight and sharing videos of it mocks justice. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Forum (HRF) has condemned the incident, calling the incident a gross violation of constitutional rights and the rule of law. HRF Andhra Pradesh State vice-president G. Siva Nageswara Rao and others demanded an immediate inquiry into the incident and strict action against the police personnel involved under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Guwahati, May 27 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday reflected on the aftermath of India's 1971 war victory, suggesting that the government at the time missed a crucial opportunity to address deep-rooted challenges in eastern and northern India. Sarma said the historic win offered a rare moment for decisive action, particularly in the Northeast, but that potential went unrealised. "After the historic victory in the 1971 war, if the government of that time had wanted, it was possible to solve many complex problems of eastern and northern India. Unfortunately, this opportunity was not used properly," Sarma said. The 1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, is widely regarded as one of India's most decisive military triumphs. However, Sarma contended that the Central government under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi failed to capitalise on the momentum, particularly in stabilising the Northeast, a region that has since grappled with insurgency, ethnic unrest, and unresolved border issues. In a parallel development, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey shared what he claimed was a declassified 1971 US intelligence cable. The document allegedly sheds light on Indira Gandhi's acceptance of a United Nations ceasefire proposal during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Dubey's revelation comes amid demands from the opposition for transparency over the Union government's recent understanding with Pakistan regarding cessation of hostilities, an issue that has sparked fresh political debate over India's diplomatic and military decisions, both past and present. In a post on X, Dubey questioned whether the former PM's decision was influenced by US pressure. He further accused her of taking the decision to cease fire despite opposition from then-Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram and Army Chief Sam Manekshaw. He further interrogated whether India prioritised the creation of Bangladesh over reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and securing assets like the Kartarpur Gurdwara. "Indira Gandhi, the Iron Lady. Under American pressure, India itself stopped the 1971 war despite opposition from the then Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram and Army Chief Sam Manekshaw. Babu Jagjivan Ram wanted that the war should be stopped only after our part of Kashmir, which Pakistan forcefully occupies, is back, but the fear of the Iron Lady and the terror of China could not do this. Was the priority for India to take back its land and the Kartarpur Gurdwara, or to create Bangladesh?" Dubey stated on X. Ahmedabad, May 27 : The Ahmedabad Rural Special Operations Group (SOG), in coordination with the Bavla Taluka Health Department, has uncovered an illegal abortion racket operating out of a guest house in Bavla town of Gujarat. The raid was conducted following a tip-off received during routine patrolling by SOG personnel. Acting on the information, authorities raided Room 105 of the Panama Guest House, where unlicensed medical procedures were allegedly being carried out. The prime accused, identified as Hemlatta Darji, a resident of Dholka, was found conducting abortions without holding a valid medical degree. According to officials, Hemlatta had only completed a nursing course and previously worked at Santokba Hospital in Dholka. Using that experience, she allegedly performed abortions for profit, charging substantial amounts to pregnant women seeking termination of pregnancy. Investigators revealed that she would rent rooms in the guest house to carry out these procedures covertly. During the raid, three women were found at the location, one of whom had recently undergone an abortion. A foetus was also recovered from the premises. Medical equipment used for termination procedures was seized by health authorities. A case has been registered at Bavla Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. Legal proceedings have also been initiated against the three women present at the site. Senior health officials said the crackdown comes as part of a larger drive to identify and prosecute unregistered medical practitioners operating across rural areas. "Such illegal acts not only endanger the lives of women but also constitute a serious violation of the law," an official said. Further investigation is underway to trace any network or accomplices involved in the operation. Illegal abortion cases in Gujarat have been a growing concern. In another case, a 23-year-old tuition teacher from Surat was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting her 13-year-old student. Following her arrest, it was discovered that she was 20 weeks pregnant. The court permitted the medical termination of her pregnancy, citing potential harm to her mental and physical health. The procedure was to be conducted under expert medical supervision, with the foetus preserved for DNA analysis to aid the investigation. Bengaluru, May 27 : Popular actor Kamal Haasan's remarks on the origin of the Kannada language stirred a controversy in Karnataka on Tuesday, with netizens expressing outrage and demanding an apology. "Kannada language has descended from Tamil language," said the actor during an event in Chennai to promote his movie 'Thugs Life'. Kamal Haasan made the remarks in the presence of Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar, who attended the event as a guest. His remarks landed in controversy as netizens questioned the authority and knowledge of history of Kamal Haasan. Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra also criticised Kamal Haasan for his remarks and demanded an apology. "One must love their mother tongue, but flaunting arrogance in its name is a mark of cultural bankruptcy. Especially for artists, it is essential to possess the ethos of respecting every language," he said. He further said that Kamal Haasan, who has acted in several Indian languages including Kannada, has shown "blatant arrogance" and extreme conceit by belittling the Kannada language while glorifying his mother tongue, Tamil, in the presence of actor Shivarajkumar. Vijayendra said that instead of promoting harmony in South India, Kamal Haasan has, in recent years, continuously insulted the Hindu religion and hurt religious sentiments. "Now, he has wounded the pride of 6.5 crore Kannadigas by insulting Kannada," he claimed. He further added that Kamal Haasan must immediately and unconditionally apologise to Kannadigas. Paris, May 27 : The Indian Embassy in France said on Tuesday that the all-party delegation led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad met with French Senators of the India-France Friendship group and Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs, led by Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, Vice-President of the India-France Friendship Group, reaffirmed solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism. The delegation led by the BJP leader arrived in France on Sunday evening as part of the global outreach campaign under Operation Sindoor to convey India's unequivocal message of zero tolerance toward terrorism and strengthen international understanding of the country's counter-terror posture. Taking to social media platform X, the Indian Embassy in France on Tuesday said: "An exchange with French Senators (@Senat) of the India-France Friendship group and Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs, led by Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, Vice-President of the India-France Friendship Group, who reaffirmed solidarity with India's fight against terrorism, reinforcing long-standing ties between India and France. Fascinating discussions took place with French senators (@Senat), led by Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, Vice-President of the France-India Friendship Group in the Senate. The latter expressed her solidarity with India's fight against terrorism with the aim of strengthening the long-standing ties between India and France." "The All Party Indian Parliamentary Delegation puts the Members of Parliament in the French National Assembly (Lower House) led by Thierry Tesson, President of the India-France Friendship group. Parliamentarians reaffirm strong ties and voiced united support for India's fight against terrorism. The parliamentary delegation of all political parties in India continued its visit with a meeting with members of the French National Assembly (Lower House), led by Thierry Tesson, Chairman of the France-India Friendship Group in the National Assembly. The parliamentarians reaffirmed their close ties and expressed their unanimous support for India's fight against terrorism." The Indian Embassy on Monday in a press statement said: "Today, the delegation was briefed at the Embassy of India, Paris. They also met various Paris-based think-tanks with whom they discussed India's firm and clear message against terrorism, and the challenge posed by terrorism to the world. The delegation conveyed that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a deliberate attempt to undermine peace and development in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and that India had responded through Operation Sindoor in a precise, targeted, proportionate, and non-escalatory manner. The delegation further emphasized that India of today has a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, and would not differentiate between terrorists and their supporters. Further, the All Party Delegation met with Indian community members where India's strong and united stand against terrorism was conveyed. The community members showed their full solidarity with India's fight against the Scourge of terrorism." The nine-member delegation includes a diverse political representation: Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Daggubati Purandeswari (BJP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT), Ghulam Ali Khatana (BJP), Amar Singh (Congress), Samik Bhattacharya (BJP), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK), former Union Minister M.J. Akbar and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. The visit to France marks the first leg of a six-nation tour that will also take the delegation to Italy, the UK, Germany, Denmark, and other European countries. Taking to the social media platform X, Ravi Shankar Prasad shared a powerful moment from the visit: "Along with my delegation colleagues, I engaged with the vibrant Indian community in France, reaffirming India's unwavering stance against terrorism. The diaspora's powerful display of solidarity was both impressive and deeply emotional." The Indian Embassy in France also posted about the delegation's engagements, stating, "The All Party Indian Parliamentary Delegation had an in-depth and interactive discussion with experts from various French think-tanks. The think-tanks were briefed on India's strong and clear message against terrorism." These discussions focused on India's recent counter-terrorism operations, including the strategic objectives of Operation Sindoor, which was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack. The delegation's bipartisan nature is a deliberate reflection of India's unified stand on national security. By engaging with global stakeholders and diaspora communities, the group aims to reinforce India's firm message that acts of terrorism, particularly those with cross-border roots, will face resolute and united resistance. After the Paris leg concludes, the delegation will continue its diplomatic outreach across Europe. Paris, May 27 : The Indian Embassy in France said on Tuesday that the all-party delegation led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad met with French senators headed by Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, who reaffirmed solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism. The delegation led by the BJP leader arrived in France on Sunday evening as part of the global outreach campaign under Operation Sindoor to convey India's unequivocal message of zero tolerance toward terrorism and strengthen international understanding of the country's counter-terror posture. Taking to social media platform X, the Indian Embassy in France on Tuesday said: "An exchange with French Senators (@Senat) of the India-France Friendship group and Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs, led by Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, Vice-President of the India-France Friendship Group, who reaffirmed solidarity with India's fight against terrorism, reinforcing long-standing ties between India and France. Fascinating discussions took place with French senators (@Senat), led by Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, Vice-President of the France-India Friendship Group in the Senate. The latter expressed her solidarity with India's fight against terrorism with the aim of strengthening the long-standing ties between India and France." "The All Party Indian Parliamentary Delegation puts the Members of Parliament in the French National Assembly (Lower House) led by Thierry Tesson, President of the India-France Friendship group. Parliamentarians reaffirm strong ties and voiced united support for India's fight against terrorism. The parliamentary delegation of all political parties in India continued its visit with a meeting with members of the French National Assembly (Lower House), led by Thierry Tesson, Chairman of the France-India Friendship Group in the National Assembly. The parliamentarians reaffirmed their close ties and expressed their unanimous support for India's fight against terrorism." The Indian Embassy on Monday in a press statement said: "Today, the delegation was briefed at the Embassy of India, Paris. They also met various Paris-based think-tanks with whom they discussed India's firm and clear message against terrorism, and the challenge posed by terrorism to the world. The delegation conveyed that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a deliberate attempt to undermine peace and development in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and that India had responded through Operation Sindoor in a precise, targeted, proportionate, and non-escalatory manner. The delegation further emphasized that India of today has a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, and would not differentiate between terrorists and their supporters. Further, the All Party Delegation met with Indian community members where India's strong and united stand against terrorism was conveyed. The community members showed their full solidarity with India's fight against the Scourge of terrorism." The nine-member delegation includes a diverse political representation: Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Daggubati Purandeswari (BJP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT), Ghulam Ali Khatana (BJP), Amar Singh (Congress), Samik Bhattacharya (BJP), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK), former Union Minister M.J. Akbar and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. The visit to France marks the first leg of a six-nation tour that will also take the delegation to Italy, the UK, Germany, Denmark, and other European countries. Taking to the social media platform X, Ravi Shankar Prasad shared a powerful moment from the visit: "Along with my delegation colleagues, I engaged with the vibrant Indian community in France, reaffirming India's unwavering stance against terrorism. The diaspora's powerful display of solidarity was both impressive and deeply emotional." The Indian Embassy in France also posted about the delegation's engagements, stating, "The All Party Indian Parliamentary Delegation had an in-depth and interactive discussion with experts from various French think-tanks. The think-tanks were briefed on India's strong and clear message against terrorism." These discussions focused on India's recent counter-terrorism operations, including the strategic objectives of Operation Sindoor, which was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack. The delegation's bipartisan nature is a deliberate reflection of India's unified stand on national security. By engaging with global stakeholders and diaspora communities, the group aims to reinforce India's firm message that acts of terrorism, particularly those with cross-border roots, will face resolute and united resistance. After the Paris leg concludes, the delegation will continue its diplomatic outreach across Europe. Bhopal, May 28 : In a quiet corner of Sirsa, Haryana, Gurvinder Singh defied fate with resilience and service. In 1997, a tragic accident changed his life forever, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. What could have been a story of despair instead became one of unwavering strength. His wheelchair did not confine him, it became his means to serve, said Modi Story, a popular social media handle on X. Then, in 2024, his dedication caught the nation's attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'People's Padma' initiative aimed to recognise unsung heroes, those who served without seeking the spotlight. Gurvinder's relentless "sewa" was finally acknowledged at Rashtrapati Bhavan. As the President presented him with the prestigious Padma Shri award, his name echoed beyond the villages of Haryana. The country recognised him, but Gurvinder remained unchanged. "I received a call from the Union Home Ministry in New Delhi, informing me that I had been selected for the Padma Shri. I was surprised but happy to know that our organisation, Bhai Kanhaiya Trust, was going to receive a national award, even though we had never been given a state award." "Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji, has directed officers to select people who are genuinely working for the public. At Rashtrapati Bhavan, I met several people who were truly dedicated to their work. Most of them did not even know about the Padma Shri award," he said in an interview available on the X handle Modi Story. Determined not to let his physical limitations define him, Gurvinder focused on what he could do rather than what he had lost. He began working with specially-abled children, teaching them that dreams did not have to be limited by circumstances. His compassion extended beyond classrooms as he helped abandoned women find dignity and hope. He transformed his struggle into action by offering free ambulance services, ensuring that no patient had to suffer due to a lack of transport. His work was not broadcast on television, nor did he seek recognition. His acts of kindness spread only through word of mouth, his name whispered in homes across Haryana as the man who turned adversity into purpose. True service, after all, does not need recognition; it transforms lives silently, just as Gurvinder Singh has done for years. His journey remains an inspiration, proving that perseverance and compassion can turn personal tragedy into a force for good. "He never had a mic, a stage, or a spotlight. But through PM Modi's vision of a 'People's Padma', his silent sewa reached Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2024 and the nation heard his name," the post on X handle of Modi Story said. Dealing a blow to the freedom to read, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has reversed a district courts preliminary injunction and dismissed free speech claims in Little v. Llano County. The lawsuit, filed in April 2022 by seven Llano, Texas, library patrons, concerns the removal of 17 books from the Llano branch library. Plaintiffs have 90 days following the decision to decide whether to appeal to the Supreme Court. Plaintiffs celebrated first in March 2023, when district court Judge Robert Pitman of the Western District of Texas granted a preliminary injunction, and again in June 2024, a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit upheld Pitmans decision by a two-to-one margin, with conservative circuit judge Stuart Kyle Duncan dissenting. A month later, the Fifth Circuit vacated its decision and scheduled an en banc hearingin front of the full courtin September 2024. In a 60-page majority opinion on May 23, written by judge Duncan and including a concurrence by judge James C. Ho, 10 members of the Fifth Circuit agreed that plaintiffs cannot invoke a right to receive information to challenge a librarys removal of books, a decision that contradicts long-established anti-censorship law including the Supreme Courts 1982 decision in Board of Education v. Pico. Although the majority contends that Supreme Court precedent sometimes protects ones right to receive someone elses speech, they believe plaintiffs want to transform that precedent into a brave new right to receive information from the government in the form of taxpayer-funded library books. Seven of the 10 judges in the majority also joined the opinion that a librarys collection decisions are government speech and therefore not subject to Free Speech challenge. In their estimation, libraries curate their collections for expressive purposes and their collection decisions are therefore government speech. Notably, the government speech argument has been dismissed in other courts of appeals, including the Eighth Circuit. In addition to reversing the preliminary injunction, the Fifth Circuit also overruled its own decision for the plaintiffs in Campbell v. St. Tammany Parish School Board, a 1995 First Amendment case in which a school board removed a book on voodoo from school libraries in a Louisiana parish. Campbell, which held that the book removal violated students right to receive information, suggested students could challenge the removal of a book from public school libraries, the court writes in the new decision, asserting that the finding was based on a mistaken reading of precedent and wrongly decided 30 years ago. Seven members of the Fifth Circuit, led by judge Stephen A. Higginson, filed a 36-page dissent. They believe that by overturning Campbell, the court takes away a useful tool that provides a workable standard for libraries and helps librarians distinguish between constitutional collection management and unconstitutional denial of access to ideas. They noted that the combination of Pico and Campbell has prevented undue federal court intervention in the operation of libraries, and that the new decision places both in jeopardy by treating the durable Pico decision as essentially meaningless. Today, a majority of our court sanctions government censorship in every section of every public library in our circuit, the dissenting judges write. As counsel for Defendants acknowledged in oral argument, there is nothing to stop government officials from removing from a public library every book referencing womens suffrage, our countrys civil rights triumphs, the benefits of firearms ownership, the dangers of communism, or, indeed, the protections of the First Amendment. Lead plaintiff Leila Green Little wrote to PW with her reaction to the Fifth Circuit decision. This ruling is harmful, not only to the Llano Public Library System but to all libraries in the Fifth Circuit (Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi), Little wrote. Her concern, she added, is that public libraries could become propaganda centers, with their contents dictated by the political and religious whims of the local elected officials. In Llano, that may mean there will be no books discussing LQBTQ characters or acknowledging our countrys history of racism. But in other places, that may mean there will be no books about Christian values or celebrating conservative politicians. No citizen should be happy about a decision that lets their government remove books with which the current political climate disapproves. Legitimizing a government speech argument? Elly Brinkley, the staff attorney for PEN Americas U.S. Free Expression Programs, called the decision devastating. Brinkley told PW that the government speech argument is a really extremist argument, and the Supreme Court has cautioned that it is subject to dangerous misuse by those who would attempt to legitimize a patently unconstitutional attempt to suppress viewpoints they dont like. She fears the Fifth Circuits decision will open the door for much more censorship. Leaders of the American Library Association and the Freedom to Read Foundation issued a joint statement calling themselves deeply disappointed by the decision, which they wrote is in direct conflict with longstanding legal precedent and with recent rulings issued by the Eighth Circuit and other district courts that have considered these issues. John Chrastka, executive director of the advocacy organization EveryLibrary, told PW, This decision strips away core First Amendment protections in public libraries and hands ideological control to local governments." EveryLibrary posted a statement that found "staggering" contradictions in the ruling, which allows local governments to determine what materials library patrons may access, and reinforced a footnote in which the Fifth Circuit writes, We express no opinion on whether a public librarys removal of books can be challenged under other parts of the Constitution. Anticipating the ire of its critics, the Fifth Circuit court writes that we note with amusement (and some dismay) the unusually over-caffeinated arguments made in this case. Judging from the rhetoric in the briefs, one would think Llano County had planned to stage a book burning in front of the library. As an example, one amicus intones, Where they burn books, they will ultimately burn people. Take a deep breath, everyone. No one is banning (or burning) books. Brinkley called the opinion derisive and infuriating in tone. It mocks concerns about censorship, as if that is not the reality, as if this hadnt been a coordinated attempt across the country to impose specifically ideological ideas on some and ban others, she said, noting PENs own reports tracking the consequences of book banning nationwide. The dissenting judges likewise bridled at the opinions teasing of free speech advocates and what they called its mischaracterization of First Amendment rights. The majorityapparently amuse[d] by expressions of concern regarding government censorshipdisparages such concerns as over-caffeinated because, if a library patron cannot find a particular book in their local public library, they can simply buy it, the judges write. This response is both disturbingly flippant and legally unsound. First, as should be obvious, libraries provide critical access to books and other materials for many Americans who cannot afford to buy every book that draws their interest, and recent history demonstrates that public libraries easily become the sites of frightful government censorship. They conclude their dissent with President Dwight D. Eisenhowers words to graduates during his June 1953 commencement address at Dartmouth College. In the speech, Eisenhower described a country of which we are proud that is still a long way from perfection because people have not had the courage to uproot racial and religious discrimination. He cautioned graduates, Dont join the book burners. Dont think you are going to conceal faults by concealing evidence that they ever existed. The ALA and Freedom to Read Foundation referred to the fundamental principle of the First Amendment that no government agency, including public libraries and public schools , may restrict or censor materials because of the viewpoint or ideas expressed by their author. When this case is heard by the Supreme Court, we are confident that common sense will prevail, and that the justices will uphold the freedom to read in our nations libraries. Little, the lead plaintiff, echoed the ALAs belief that SCOTUS will be the next stop. I have faith that the Supreme Court will correct this grievous wrong, she said, because if it does not, libraries as we have known them for over a century may no longer exist. PEN Americas Brinkley did not directly invoke SCOTUS, but in a statement called for another appeal. This astounding decision reveals either ignorance of the scale and danger of state censorship or deliberate indifference toward it, she wrote. At a time when censorship is running rampant at both state and federal levels, this opinion arms the government with a powerful new and fallacious weapon to erode the free exchange of ideas, a foundation of our democracy. It must be overturned. The dissenting judges said the Fifth Circuits decision raises a sobering question, of whether government officials may restrictabridgethe spectrum of ideas available to the public by culling books from public library shelves, simply because those officials find the books ideas inappropriate, offensive, or otherwise undesirable. The answer is: No. This article has been updated with additional information. Were always searching for the compromise that compromises less. The best current balance of weight, capability, and mobility. This dance has taken many forms over the years, but the big needle moves always occur after something new disrupts the status quo. Over two decades ago, one such disruption happened in the world of concealed carry with the release of tiny polymer micro-nines. Thanks to advances in manufacturing and materials science, those pocketable pieces were sized the same as the .380s that came before them, and hit the market during a time when states were passing new more-permissive CCW laws. Think KelTec, Ruger, and the like. The needle swung to the small end. If someone wanted more, they usually went with the now-archetypical Glock 19 (or one of the many analogs). The Glock 19 is a compact pistol, but still closer to a full-size gun than anything specifically designed with carry in mind. Which makes sense, because its simply a Glock 17 with some of the slide shaved off and the length of the grip reduced. You can look through earlier issues of CONCEALMENT when we used to highlight what professionals in the field carried and 80 percent of the time it was a Glock 19. That Glock 19 takes more consideration to carry than a micro, but those who deemed the additional capabilities like capacity and shootability necessary could always find a way. The pocket-nines were just for carry, whereas the Glock 19 could pull off being used for duty, too. And then the SIG P365 brought forth a new era of modern stagger-stack nines, which shook up the market again. Here was a gun not much larger than those pocket-nines, but with double the capacity. All of a sudden, there were a lot of new possibilities reinvigorating the space, and everyone had their own stagger-stack model. Springfield Hellcat. FN Reflex. What the P365 and similar really did was get those sized-Glock-19 people to try out something smaller. And one of the things discovered was, despite the capability of higher capacity and being easier to conceal, little guns really suck to shoot. And if it sucks to shoot, you arent going to shoot it. So, barrels get a little longer, grips lengthen a bit too. You end up with something maybe-but-not-quite the size of a Glock 19. Still more slim, but certainly easier to shoot. Half once more again. And its here we hit yet another point of balance, and FNs place in this space is the Reflex XL. SPECS & MORE FN Reflex XL MRD Specs: Caliber: 9mm Capacity: 10, 15, 18 Weight: 20 Oz Width: 1.08 inches Barrel Length: 3.8 inches Overall Length: 6.75 inches Height: 5.2 inches MSRP: $719 PROS: Reliable in testing Hammer-fired Design builds on the strengths of the platform CONS: WML rail is not Picatinny, but works with most standard compact lights Palmetto State Armory $625 Guns.com $590 Sportsmans Warehouse $600 UPSIZE & UPGRADE FN released their stagger-stack 9mm Reflex after the first quarter of 2023, and we didnt think it would be long before we saw an XL option. Not just because its a good addition in terms of form but also evidenced by the extended mags included with the original. FN uses sleeves to prevent over-insertion rather than basepads, and as sleeves are usually for smaller models of larger guns, this pointed to a larger pistol in the works and here it is. It seems funny to call something extra-large when its still smaller than most compact double-stacks, but size is always a relative term. Its an XL compared to their original, but certainly smaller than those dubbed for duty. In fact, the differences between the OG and the XL dont even add up to inches; its just a half-inch longer and 0.6 inches taller. In addition to the enbiggening, the Reflex XL also comes equipped with an interchangeable backstrap, and FN spent some time making some subtle changes to the palm swell. This really only becomes more obvious when you overlay the pistols themselves. FEATURES & DETAILS Though the FN Reflex XL looks like a standard striker piece, the reality is that its actually a hammer-fired handgun. FN keeps the hammer protected inside a crevice in the slide, so there are no concerns about snag hazards. Though this design is similar to the FN Five-seveN, we cant help but think of John Brownings FN1903 (and the Americanized follow-up, the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless) because of the combination of a hidden hammer, FN, and concealed carry. But as the hard comparisons start and end with the hammer, call it a spiritual successor rather than a direct ancestor. FN first opted for a hammer because it allows them to keep the pistol very slim; the original order was for it to be no more than an inch wide. But there were also other benefits, such as the slide being easier to rack. A hammer also simplifies safety on a compact carry gun while allowing for a decent trigger; its hard to have a good trigger on a striker gun without pre-loading the striker spring. Not only do pre-loaded striker springs require a correspondingly stronger recoil spring assembly in order to ensure reliable operation, but the relative safety of such systems, especially in compact guns, has been called into question. One place where the FN Reflex XL shows their carry roots is with their rail system. While accessory rails arent on every carry gun, they have been an increasingly frequent addition. And though the FN Reflex XL has a rail on the front, it isnt a standard Picatinny. FN did do some homework, however, and talked to the major makers of compact weapon-mounted lights. The railed Glock G43x/G48 footprint was universally the biggest seller, so the FN Reflex XL is compatible with any WML that can be used with those. While this does mean there are some decent options like the SureFire XSC and Streamlight TLR-7sub, its far fewer than the N+1 possibilities of real Picatinny. TRIGGER & SIGHTS Like the FN 509 and the original before it, the FN Reflex XL has standard dovetails for sights. The Reflex includes a high-viz orange ring with Tritium insert on the front just like the original, but they improved the rear sight by making them plain black. Since they use standard dovetails, you can put about anything in there that you want or just remove them entirely. FN uses an optic footprint that works with the Shield RMSc and Holosun 507k standards. Instead of pillars on the corners of the optic base, FN opts for supported fasteners a la ZEV. The Reflex might represent the best factory FN pistol trigger this side of the century, which is to say its OK. FN says its a 5-pounder, though the scale shows our example to be a bit lighter with an average pull of 4.5 pounds. The hinge trigger is curved, wide, and polymer. Theres a lot of pre-travel, so if youre the type who likes to take up the slack before the break, youll like this one. The break is predictable, and the reset isnt awful. No, its not a match trigger, but combining an ultra-light match trigger on a carry pistol, especially one without a manual safety, is tempting trouble. HOLSTERS There are far fewer holster woes with the FN Reflex XL relative to other newcomers. Many current Reflex holsters with open bottoms will work right away, and regarding the XL, youve already got more than a dozen decent places to pick from. For those in a pinch, we found that the Reflex fit essentially every tension-adjustable P365 XMacro or FUSE holster we had on hand (if that wasnt on purpose, it shouldve been). OUTFITTING & ON THE RANGE In terms of optics, the FN Reflex XL got more love than most pistols that grace these pages. The RMSc footprint isnt terribly limiting, double-so if you dont mind the use of an adapter. We wanted to roll with an enclosed optic, and we tried a Holosun EPS Carry, Romeo-X Enclosed Compact, Aimpoint ACRO P2, and a Primary Arms HTX-1. Even though it required an adapter to run, the Primary Arms was just too much fun not to run. For a light, we really wanted the new SureFire XC3, but the rail accommodates the SureFire XSC. While the size additions to the XL are scant, they pay dividends at the range. An awful lot of grip force comes from the ability to place your pinky on a pistol. In fact, the pinky can increase that force by a full third. And better grip force comes with the ability to better control recoil. Along similar lines, shorter barrels are snappier, so even a little can go a long way. And absolutely, the Reflex XL is much more fun to shoot than the smaller Reflex and that one isnt too bad to begin with. The Reflex XL almost melts into the hand when you shoot it. Shooting a pistol this thin with a full grip makes for a different experience. Just like the FN Reflex that came before it, the Reflex XL gobbled up random ammo but also had a failure-to-feed relatively early in testing. As it wasnt a repeating problem, no alarm bells blaring here. The factory irons were dead-on at 10 yards. The tritium/photoluminescent front sight is an excellent balance of bright and durable. Like some other magazines, cramming that 18th round in was quite difficult but certainly doable. This makes it harder to insert on a closed slide and harder to rack when its in. Either use your muscles or load with the slide locked back. In terms of controls, the slide stop is very small and reminds you that its more a stop than a release. Palmetto State Armory $625 Guns.com $590 Sportsmans Warehouse $600 LOOSE ROUNDS If the FN Reflex XL were a rifle, wed call it a short carbine. Just like how an M4 can be used up close and afar without over-specializing in either, so does the FN Reflex deal with carry and duty. That said, if we had to find the perfect place for the needle on the scale, wed say that FN got it right by calling this one an XL carry gun rather than full duty hell, the serial number does start with CCW. This tester might just become a carry gun. On Jawaharlal Nehru's 61st death anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra recalls how India's first prime minister cultivated a unique role for the newly independent country on the world stage. IMAGE: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1948. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons Look up 'Flags of Sudan' on Google and go to the corresponding Wikipedia page. Among the multiple flags, you will find one with 'SUDAN' written in red on a white background. It states that this was the flag used to represent Sudan at the Afro-Asian Conference at Bandung in Indonesia in April 1955. The Indian embassy Web site in Khartoum tells the story of that flag (external link). It's a story of great significance and pride for India. The Bandung Conference was a meeting of newly independent Asian and African countries held in 1955, aimed at promoting Afro-Asian solidarity and opposition to colonialism. It served as a precursor to the Non-Aligned Movement, a vision that Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru played a leading role in shaping, alongside other prominent leaders such as Indonesian President Sukarno, Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Ghanaian Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah. However, at Bandung, 'The delegation from a still-not-independent Sudan did not have a flag to mark its place. Taking out his handkerchief, Jawaharlal Nehru wrote 'Sudan' on it, thus reserving a place for Sudan in the international community,' informs the Indian embassy in Khartoum. Such was Nehru's standing as a world leader at that time. It is no secret that India was not a force to reckon with when the British left. The country had been bled dry by its colonial masters. Famine-stricken and impoverished, India was heavily dependent on foreign aid. Yet, in 1949, when Nehru visited the United States, the then President Harry S Truman took the unusual step of going to the Washington military airport to personally receive him. The gesture was repeated by President John F Kennedy in November 1961, when he personally received Nehru at the airport. Should one think that these gestures were motivated merely by Nehru's position as prime minister of India, it is apt to mention that in 1936, while he was in Europe, he refused to meet Italian dictator Benito Mussolini -- then at the height of his power -- despite being requested twice. The reason was his staunch disapproval of fascism. One of Nehru's biographers, Michael Brecher, points out that he was the acknowledged Congress spokesperson on foreign affairs since the 1930s. He represented the Indian National Congress at the 1927 Congress of Oppressed Nationalities, held in Brussels. It was here that he first met radical nationalist and socialist leaders from several Asian, African, Latin American, and European countries and conceived the idea of an Afro-Asian group of nations cooperating with one another. The Bandung Conference was the fruition of this idea. Later, as the chief architect of the Non Aligned Movement, Nehru offered the newly independent nations of Asia and Africa a path that avoided alignment with either the Western or Eastern blocs. He advocated mutual respect, anti-colonialism, and sovereign equality -- values that resonated deeply with countries striving to assert their identity and autonomy. Nehru emerged as a highly respected leader of the Global South -- one who could create national flags on his handkerchief. How Non-Alignment Earned India a Unique Place in the World After India gained independence during the Cold War, the prospect of joining either of the two mighty blocs -- one led by the United States and the other by the Soviet Union -- was tempting. Yet, Nehru emerged as the architect of an independent foreign policy, favouring nor antagonising neither. To quote from Bipan Chandra's book India Since Independence: Nehru 'realised that given her great civilisation, India could not but aspire to the right to speak in her own voice. The recent, hard-won freedom from the colonial yoke would also be meaningless unless India found expression in the international arena... An independent voice was not merely a choice; it was an imperative.' Nonetheless, the United States was quick to dismiss the idea as 'immoral neutrality'. It believed that, being a Constitutional democracy, India should join the Western alliance rather than strengthen the Communist bloc by staying neutral. The fact that the Soviet Union was often seen supporting the Non-Aligned bloc at the United Nations also complicated matters. However, Nehru made it clear in a Constituent Assembly debate on December 4, 1947, that the idea had 'nothing to do with neutrality or passivity'. It was about 'having the freedom to decide each issue on its merits, to weigh what was right or wrong and then take a stand in favour of right.' The basic objective of the policy was anti-colonialism -- extending support to colonial and ex-colonial countries in their struggle against imperialism. Another key objective was world peace. In an address to Parliament in 1957, Nehru dismissed the idea that India was trying to create a third force to counterbalance the existing two. 'What we are creating,' he said, 'is an area that doesn't want war.' Nehru believed that if India allied itself openly with one of the two blocs, the danger of another world war would increase. For him, the wider the area of peace -- that is, non-alignment -- the less likely a war among the superpowers. However, the perceived tilt towards the Soviet Union and against the Western bloc was explained by several factors. As stated earlier, anti-colonialism was the driving force behind this policy. India saw Western imperialism as different from the Soviet control over Eastern European countries. Nehru believed that Western-sponsored military alliances represented an indirect return of Western power to regions from which it had recently retreated. But perhaps the most important reason for this tilt was Western support to Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. The Soviet Union consistently stood by India on this issue and vetoed UN resolutions that would have harmed Indian interests. Nehru also criticised the US for its arms aid to Pakistan, saying it compelled India to increase its military expenditure, thereby compromising the goals of the Second Five-Year Plan. That notwithstanding, Nehru believed that an uncommitted India could perform the necessary task of building a bridge that otherwise would not exist between the two blocs. While mediating in the Korean War or helping to mitigate the crises in Indochina or Congo, India 'withstood considerable pressure from both sides and did not flip in either direction.' In 1950, when North Korea, backed by the Socialist camp, invaded South Korea, supported by the West, India sided with the latter and recognised North Korea as the aggressor, despite facing hostility from China and the Soviet Union. Yet, when American General Douglas MacArthur continued the war after pushing the North Koreans out of the South and decided to cross the 38th parallel, India voted against the resolution calling for China to be declared the aggressor. However, on December 3, 1952, the United Nations General Assembly accepted India's proposal for a Korean War armistice, which the Soviets also accepted after Josef Stalin's death in March 1953. India, as the chair of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, was made responsible for the repatriation of soldiers. Similarly, in Indochina, India actively worked to prevent further internationalisation of the conflict by promoting a ceasefire, securing neutrality for Laos and Cambodia, and participating as chairman of the International Control Commission. During the Suez Crisis of 1956, India defended Egypt's sovereignty, condemned colonial aggression, and contributed troops to the UN peacekeeping force. In the Congo, India's decisive stand and military assistance under the UN mandate helped end a civil war and restore national unity, earning global recognition. However, Nehru faced criticism for his 'vacillating attitude' towards the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956. While India abstained on a UN resolution condemning Russia's suppression of the Hungarian revolt, it voted against a UN-controlled election in Hungary. (Although Brecher writes that V K Krishna Menon was instructed by Nehru to abstain on all votes relating to Hungary, Menon overstepped and voted against this resolution.) It is important to note that India's vote against UN intervention was a bid to avoid setting a precedent for Kashmir. Thus, non-alignment allowed India to serve the larger interest of world peace -- as well as its own. As Bipin Chandra writes: 'The world now recognised the worth of non-alignment. It was difficult to dismiss it as mealy-mouthed, cowardly neutrality or idealist hogwash.' In the words of Brecher, 'Non-alignment enabled a relatively weak, newly independent State to play a major role on the stage of world politics.' Just as Gandhiji's spinning wheel became a symbol of resistance, Indian travellers today can turn their passports into instruments of peaceful protest, argues Harsh Roongta. Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Joshua Woroniecki/Pixabay It was 1989. My spouse and I were in Madurai, stepping out of our hotel to visit the Meenakshi temple, when we were surrounded by cycle-rickshaw drivers vying for our attention. One voice cut through the din -- "Aao, aao Beso" (Come, come, sit -- in Gujarati). The phrase was so unexpected -- we understand Gujarati but aren't Gujarati ourselves -- that we promptly chose his rickshaw. In a region known for its political resistance to learning other languages, Sundar -- our semi-literate, Tamil-speaking driver -- had picked up a smattering of Gujarati, along with bits of several other languages. Through gestures and an improvised multilingual conversation, we learned that he had taught himself these phrases to better serve tourists -- and had been rewarded for it. That encounter stayed with me as a lasting lesson: Economic incentives can shape human behaviour in ways that politics often cannot. Similar patterns emerge across tourist hotspots: Signboards in German, Russian and Hebrew in Rishikesh, for instance, reflect the rising number of visitors there from countries where these languages are spoken. Sundar's story came to mind amid the growing grassroots movement in India: Citizens choosing not to travel to Turkiye and Azerbaijan. This voluntary restraint stems from the unambiguous support these countries offer Pakistan, especially on issues like Kashmir and cross-border terrorism, as well as their deepening military ties. Today, India's admired soft power -- from yoga to cinema to cuisine -- has begun extending to our travel decisions. The presence of a Bollywood-themed restaurant at the summit of Jungfrau in Switzerland, the availability of Hindi-speaking local guides in African safari packages for the Serengeti and Masai Mara, and the presence of dedicated wedding planners, caterers, and priests for Indian weddings in unlikely countries abroad -- all speak volumes about the economic influence and cultural footprint of Indian travellers. It is in this context that we need to see the travel statistics for Turkiye and Azerbaijan. In 2024, over 330,000 Indians visited Turkiye, contributing an estimated $350 million to $400 million in tourism revenues. India also ranked as the third-largest source of tourists for Azerbaijan. Indian travellers -- particularly in the luxury and event-tourism sectors -- tend to spend significantly above average, giving them quite an economic clout. The travel boycott isn't about jingoism. It's akin to choosing organic over pesticide-laden produce or opting for fair-trade goods. Travel isn't just about leisure; it's a transaction of trust, culture, and capital. Choosing where not to go becomes a peaceful yet powerful way to express values. Gandhian wisdom During the freedom struggle, Gandhiji advocated the boycott of British goods -- not through aggression, but through dignified economic disengagement. It wasn't just about khadi; it was a deeper statement about identity, autonomy, and dignity. Just like what Indians purchased, or did not, defined what they stood for during the Swadeshi movement, where we go or don't reflects what we stand for. Truth be told, economics is a quiet yet potent force. It impelled Sundar to learn new languages. Likewise, withholding discretionary economic benefits, like tourism revenues, can impel nations to pause and reflect. Even if it doesn't lead to immediate change, it unmistakably conveys the sentiments of Indian citizens. Soft power works gradually and is susceptible to fizzling out -- unless bolstered by political leadership. The current boycott of Turkiye and Azerbaijan must be acknowledged and reinforced by political and social leaders if it is to endure beyond a passing impulse. Sometimes, the most forceful messages are delivered not through confrontation, but through dignified silence and deliberate inaction. Just as Gandhiji's spinning wheel became a symbol of resistance, Indian travellers today can turn their passports into instruments of peaceful protest. If doing so makes you feel virtuous, that's just a bonus. In the end, it reinforces a timeless truth -- Economics Trumps Politics (pun very much intended). Harsh Roongta heads Fee-Only Investment Advisors LLP, a Sebi-registered investment advisor. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff 'The devastating Indian Air Force strikes on the night of May 9-10 exposed Pakistan's vulnerabilities.' 'If these had continued, it would have further degraded Pakistan's ability to continue with air operations.' IMAGE: Akashteer, India's key asset in Operation Sindoor. Photograph: Press Information Bureau India In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, India launched Operation Sindoor with precision strikes on terror infrastructure inside Pakistan on May 7. Pakistan then targeted civilian and military sites in India over more than three days, drawing retaliatory strikes on 13 Pakistani military installations. On May 10 afternoon, Pakistan's director general of military operations called his Indian counterpart, after which both sides agreed to stop all military action from 5 pm IST. With Operation Sindoor only suspended, Lieutenant General Deependra Singh Hooda (retd), the former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army's Northern Command who held the position during the September 2016 surgical strike in retaliation to the Pakistan-backed Uri terrorist attack, speaks to Bhaswar Kumar/Business Standard about India's strategic messaging and the changing character of its conflict with Pakistan. The first of a two-part interview: How would you assess India's management of the escalation ladder during Operation Sindoor? As two adversaries climb the escalation ladder, they strive to achieve escalation domination in each stage. There were three broad phases of Operation Sindoor. The first phase was the Indian strike on the night of May 6-7 targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. All these targets were successfully hit. The second phase began with Pakistan retaliating with drone and missile strikes. These were again successfully countered by India's air defence network and caused minimal damage. The third phase was the Indian precision strikes on Pakistan's air force infrastructure, including airfields, air defence units, and control networks. This was a devastating blow and resulted in Pakistan appealing for a ceasefire. I would, therefore, assess that India managed to achieve escalation domination at every stage of the operation. Countries have responded to terror attacks with long-drawn-out wars causing significant civilian casualties. There has been a perception in the West that the War on Terror was ultimately wasteful and disproportionate. How do you view India's response to Pahalgam in that context? The West's War on Terror was mainly against non-State actors and did not have clear political objectives. That is why it turned into a very long war with no specific end in sight. Operation Sindoor had clearly defined objectives -- to target terrorist leaders in Pakistan to send a decisive signal that terrorism would face a strong conventional military response. At the same time, India signalled that the onus of escalation was on Pakistan by describing the initial strike as 'focused, measured, and non-escalatory'. India's clear strategic messaging was also one reason that the crisis was quickly resolved. Was Operation Sindoor -- from striking terror camps to Pakistan's military sites -- still below the nuclear threshold, or has it set a new bar? For some time now, India has been saying that Pakistan's nuclear blackmail has run its course and that waving the nuclear card in an India-Pakistan crisis will not deter New Delhi from exercising its right to the use of military force if attacked by terrorists backed by Pakistan. Operation Sindoor has certainly set a new benchmark, but I also think that fears of a nuclear holocaust in South Asia are overblown. Pakistan may appear irrational, but it is also not so self-destructive that it would leave the country in ruins. Operation Sindoor has only been suspended, with the government calling it a new doctrine -- one where terror backers will also be targeted, undeterred by nuclear blackmail. How would you explain what's changed from before? This signifies a new paradigm in India's strategic thinking of how to deal with Pakistan. There is now no low-cost option with Rawalpindi to continue using proxies to target India while shielding its military force. The backers of terrorism are clearly the Pakistan army's leadership, and they will have to weigh the cost of a direct engagement with the Indian military if they persist with using terrorism as an instrument of State policy against India. Why do you think India agreed to Pakistan's request to halt military activity, and how do you see the timing of the pause in the operation? The devastating Indian Air Force strikes on the night of May 9-10 exposed Pakistan's vulnerabilities. If these had continued, it would have further degraded Pakistan's ability to continue with air operations. And it was in the air that all the action was going on. This was a major reason for Pakistan appealing for a ceasefire. India had maintained escalation dominance and achieved its objectives; therefore, it had no reason to continue military operations. Part 2 of the Interview: 'Rein In Terrorism Or Face India's Military Strikes' Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'If his health was good he would have become CM again after polls.' 'Those who are with Nitish Babu today will remain with him till the elections to use his name for votes and would definitely play games with him after the polls.' Photograph: X IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar places a plant on the head of a civil servant at an event in Patna, May 26, 2025, which has been cited as another instance of his decline. Former Janata Dal-United national president Ramchandra Prasad Singh, popularly known as RCP, recently surprised political observers ahead of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections when he merged his Aap Sabki Awaaz party with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj Party. An IAS officer turned politician, former Union minister Singh was once considered a confidant of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and is known for his networking and organisational skills. RCP, 66, is an IAS officer of the 1983 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre and worked for 14 years in UP and later on deputation to the Centre. His rise in politics, after he sought voluntary retirement from the IAS in 2010 and joined the JD-U, was remarkable. Nitish Kumar nominated him to the Rajya Sabha the same year and appointed him party president later. RCP's relationship with Nitish Kumar goes back to 1999-2000. When Nitish Kumar became Union railway minister, Singh became his personal secretary and when Nitish Kumar first became Bihar chief minister in 2005, Singh became his powerful principal secretary. JD-U sources say RCP was promoted and groomed by Nitish Kumar as both men hail from Nalanda district and belong to the powerful OBC caste of Kurmis. A few years ago RCP was widely seen as Nitish Kumar's likely successor, but that was not to be. After RCP was inducted into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ministry in 2021, he fell out of favour with Nitish Kumar. RCP was denied another Rajya Sabha term in 2022, which forced to resign from the Union Cabinet. A year later he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, which had by then been dumped by Nitish Kumar, but in another political U-turn Nitish emerged as an important ally of the BJP. For the last year or so RCP has been orbiting in political oblivion before he decided to merge his fledgling party with the Jan Suraj Party. "Nitish Kumar has lost control over politics, the government and administration," R C Singh tells Rediff Senior Contributor M I Khan. What prompted you to suddenly join hands with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj Party? Both Prashant Kishor and I have been working on the same path in Bihar for the last few years to provide an alternative to the people, who are fed up with the ruling NDA as well as the opposition Mahagathbandhan. Anyway, benefit alone is not a criterion in everything you decide. Our decision to join hands with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj is based on the political ground reality prevailing in Bihar and the dominant views of our party leaders and workers. Our goal is more or less the same, we have joined hands to emerge as a powerful political alternative to the people. Our politics is not for a year or two, it is for a long time. One thing is clear after we merged with the Jan Suraj, our strength will grow and together we will emerge as a political force to challenge the ruling and Opposition alliance. In politics, some people come and some people go away. Such things happen in politics. On October 2 last year Prashant Kishor formally launched the Jan Suraj Party after a year-long campaign to tour the state for a close interaction with the people on the ground. I also launched a party on October 30, 2024. The aim of both was to create a space for politics and play positive politics for the people. Political parties are formed for a long period, not for a short duration. Long perspective with positive thoughts should be the main basis of politics. IMAGE: Former Union minister Ramchandra Prasad Singh, second from right, joins hands with Prashant Kishor, third from right, during the Aap Sabki Awaaz's merger with the Jan Suraj Party in Patna, May 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo What is going to be your role in Jan Suraj in view of the Bihar assembly polls this year? My party's merger with Jan Suraj will benefit both because positive elements of both parties will come together. Perception matters more in politics, we will go to the people and reach out to them with our agenda with a difference. We will contest the polls, but only on counting day will it be known how we performed and how much people supported and voted for us. We are aiming to fill the gap of Nitish's perception. Prashant Kishor and I worked together in the JD-U in 2015. We have a good understanding. I am here for a long time in politics with him. My role will be to strengthen the party and to widen our social network. I will work in the party to activate leaders and workers to reach out to the people by visiting them regularly and interacting with them. Will you be number three in the party after Prashant Kishor, the face of the party, and newly appointed Jan Suraj national President Uday Singh? It is for Jan Suraj to decide how to use my experiences and my service. My motive is to work for the people. In politics one has to take risks. Positive elements of both will help each other. We have the advantage of no anti-incumbency. How do you see Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's political future? I have closely worked with Nitish Babu for 25 years. I have had a unique opportunity to know him, his style of functioning and his political mindset. It appears that there is nothing in the control of Nitish Babu now. Nitish Babu has lost control over politics, the government and administration. Once he was known for his total control and strong grip over administration, but no longer. People now accept that Nitish Babu is no longer physically fit, that his health is in poor condition and will not be able to lead the government after polls. Nitish Babu badhte umar ke saath dhalan par hai (Nitish Babu is facing age-related issues and is near the end of his political career.) His body language indicates poor health. When I read reports and watch video clips, Nitish Babu has been showing symptoms of bad health. Look at his language, the choice of words he has been using and his behaviour since the last year. This is not the Nitish kumar I knew, worked and lived with. Nitish Babu has no control over his language, behaviour or anything. You repeatedly claim that you are a well-wisher of Nitish Kumar. Why don't you advise him? I am no longer with Nitish Babu despite our years-long close association. I have not been in touch with him for the last three years after I quit the JD-U. I have respect for him, I am his well-wisher. I rang him several times when he was not well but was not able to talk to him. I failed to have a one to one conversation despite repeated attempts. I have never had bad relations with Nitish Babu. I had spent hours and days with him, I respect him as much today as I did earlier. It is my principle that if I work with someone for even an hour, I maintain a good relationship with them. The BJP leadership has agreed to contest the Bihar assembly polls under Nitish Kumar's leadership, but is hesitant to declare him as the next CM face. Nitish Babu still has a support base among many sections of society who will vote for him and his alliance. This is his strength and his lifeline to survive, whether he aligns with one party or the other. In Bihar, my experience from the ground is clear, there are a large number of people who neither support nor vote for the BJP or RJD, they only vote for Nitish Babu on his face value and development works. Those who are with Nitish Babu today will remain with him till the elections to use his name for votes and would definitely play games with him after the polls. It is unfortunate and sad that Nitish Babu is at the end of his career, he is playing the last over of his last match. If Nitish Babu's health was good he would have become CM again after the polls. I wish him good health and happiness after he goes out of power. I know that many of his sycophants today will leave him the moment he is out of power. IMAGE: R C P Singh announces his Aap Sabki Awaaz political party's meger with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj Party in Patna, October 31, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo What led you to first join the BJP and later resign? Were you not comfortable there? I joined the BJP to work for the country but the top BJP leaders did not use my capability. I waited for a year to get an opportunity. When I realised my mistake, I simply left them. It is a fact that the BJP has special relations with Nitish Babu and has a softness for him, they always prefer Nitish in place of any other. How do you see electoral politics unfolding in the Bihar polls? Both the ruling NDA and Opposition Mahagathbandhan are strong and enjoy a wide social support base. Despite this, there is a possibility of alternative politics, we are promoting this to take concrete shape. The ground reality is different. The NDA may appear united and powerful, but there is a lack of trust and coordination between the BJP and JD-U. The workers have no faith and trust in each other. Both suspect each other's support and vote transfer. JD-U leaders still remember how its performance was sabotaged in the 2020 Bihar assembly polls by the BJP and Chirag Paswan when the party won only 43 assembly seats. Similarly, the RJD and Congress also face a lack of confidence and trust in each other despite contesting the polls together. How do you see your career so far? By God's grace I was born, brought up and educated in a village and cracked the UPSC without reservation. My first posting as an IAS officer was in Amethi district then represented by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. I studied diplomacy at JNU in the early '80s, it was a memorable journey amidst a true democratic liberal-progressive atmosphere for a young village boy. My entry into politics was not from any movement, street struggle or protest. I took VRS from the IAS and joined politics. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'They are going to create so many nations within one nation.' 'If you do this exercise without a clear vision, it will have far reaching repercussions. It will end up in disaster and that will be dangerous.' Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo Is a caste census really necessary to provide social justice to so many Indians who have been denied opportunities to come up in life? Is it advisable to bring caste back into our daily lives with more vigour even though caste has been a reality in India? Dr K Krishnasamy, founder-president of the Dalit party, Puthiya Thamilagam, unlike many other politicians, is not in favour of a caste census. "If they are not clear about what they are going to do with the data, they are merely going to divide the people on caste lines. What they have done through hidden means will be done openly, after this," Dr Krishnasamy tells Rediff's Shobha Warrier. While almost all political parties are for a caste census, you said, it was a regressive step. Why? After Independence, in the last 75 years, all the political parties -- both national and regional -- have been proclaiming that they have eradicated caste even at the grassroot level. All of them say that there is no religion or caste or regional feelings in society now. If they have eradicated caste from society, why do you want to conduct a caste-based census now? But they say it is necessary to have a caste-based census whether we have eradicated caste from society or not. Till now, have all these political parties not been asking people to shed their caste and adopt only their identity as Indians? If anyone has forgotten their caste in the last 75 years, these political parties want them to adopt their caste identity now. The question is, what have they been doing all these years? They have to admit that they failed in their duty to wipe caste from society. With this demand, all their claims of eradicating caste from society have turned out to be bogus. My question to them is, why do you want to go back and start from the scratch as far as caste identity is concerned? You feel this is a regressive step? Yes. Till now, you wanted people to be united under their national identity. All these political leaders claimed that their political parties are above caste identity and caste feelings. Suddenly, caste identity has become an identity even above your national identity. Why? When we spoke about how caste affected the lives of many Dalits, the problems they faced because of caste discrimination, these leaders had told us that we should not compartmentalise problems of people as caste problems, and that we should rise above caste to create a national identity. Now, the same political parties who wanted everyone to ditch their caste identity 75 years ago, have taken a U-turn to be the saviours of caste! This shows the true face of all the political parties in India; that they were never concerned about the genuine problems of people. Though they projected themselves as broadminded, the truth is, they are all narrow minded. This issue has exposed them and their true face. IMAGE: Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram with supporters pour milk on the bust of Dr B R Ambedkar as they celebrate the Centre's decision to conduct a caste census, in Patna, May 1, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Do you feel the new posture is to garner votes? Is it not true that they were not true to the people in the last 75 years? Were they not preaching one ideology and practising another? I would say, their original colour has come out now. 75 years ago, did you not say that talking about caste was retrogressive? Did you not say that caste divided people and not united them? The truth is, a caste-based census will divide people. It will also divide the nation in future. Unfortunately, the political parties are not true to anybody. I want to ask, what necessitated them to talk about a caste census now. Okay, a caste based census is done. After that, what are they going to give the people? My questions are, are you going to give proportional share everywhere, from the bureaucracy to the political sphere to employment to education, to each caste? Are you going to share the resources of the nation proportionately? Are you going to divide the land and distribute it proportionally as land is the most important aspect? If your aim is to create an egalitarian society, you must spell out your plan of action. IMAGE: Enumerators in action in Patna during the first phase of Bihar's caste census, January 7, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Even the government has not mentioned when and what they are going to do with the caste census.... Nobody knows when they are going to do the caste census. Nobody knows what they are going to do with the caste census data. Nobody knows how they are going to use the data. Every state is different. You just cannot have one formula for the entire country. For example, a community that exists in Tirunelveli does not exist in Coimbatore. It is not going to be easy as there are so many varied issues pertaining to every region. If they are not clear about what they are going to do with the data, they are merely going to divide the people on caste lines. What they have done through hidden means will be done openly, after this. The result of this exercise will be, they are going to create so many nations within one nation. Those who support a caste census say that even among the most backward or other backward castes or scheduled castes, only a small percentage of the population is enjoying the benefits, and the majority are left behind... That is because, nothing is done properly or scientifically. There is no vision behind the enumeration that has already been done for the scheduled castes. Actions are so slow that a generation passes between collecting data and taking some action. That's why you have to have a vision before collecting data. That's why it is important to spell out what you are going to do after the caste census. If you don't have a clear or progressive vision, what you do will become regressive. Then, you are going to create more division and clashes in society. IMAGE: Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav at a press conference in Lucknow, May 2, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Is it not like opening the Pandora's box? Exactly. If you do this exercise without a clear vision, it will have far reaching repercussions. It will end up in disaster and that will be dangerous. Instead of social justice, you will do injustice to society. Instead of going forward, you will go backwards. That's why I call the caste census retrogressive. But then how will you be able to bring those who are left behind to a higher level without proper data? Through reservation alone, you cannot raise all the communities in India to a certain level. There has to be other means too. The starting point has to be land. Is the government ready to divide land proportionately? Is the government ready to share the resources of the nation equally? This will only result in a few dominant communities to dominate the society, once again. It will also result in a nation of many communities. IMAGE: Dr K Krishnasamy with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Photograph: Kind courtesy Dr Krishnasamy IMAGE: Dr K Krishnasamy with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. You spoke of equally dividing the resources. The reality is, 1% of the population owns 40% of the nation's resources. This is the result of lifting land reforms. You have also lifted urban land reforms. You gave thousands of acres of land to run airports, educational institutions, etc. Now, one company, or one individual can own thousands of acres of land and run any number of institutions. That is why society has become so unequal. That is also why I ask the BJP or the Congress or the DMK to spell what they are going to do with the data. Even before the enumeration, the parties will have to disclose what their objective is behind the caste count, how they are going to use it and above all, how they are going to create an inclusive society. If the agenda behind such an exercise is not clear, it will only be a retrogressive step. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Jailed 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana on Tuesday moved a court in New Delhi seeking permission to speak to his family. IMAGE: Jailed 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana. Photograph: ANI Photo The application, moved through Rana's counsel, is likely to be taken up Wednesday before Special Judge Chander Jit Singh. The 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman is currently in judicial custody. Rana, a close associate of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks main conspirator David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, a US citizen, was brought to India after the American Supreme Court on April 4 dismissed his review plea against his extradition. Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan and Special Public Prosecutor Narender Mann represented the NIA. Before the proceedings, the judge asked Rana if he had a lawyer. After Rana said he didn't, the judge informed him that a counsel was being provided to him from Delhi Legal Services Authority. Advocate Piyush Sachdeva was then appointed to represent him. Rana is accused of conspiring with Headley and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital. On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists went on a rampage, carrying out a coordinated attack on a railway station, two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre, after they sneaked into India's financial capital using the sea route in the Arabian Sea. As many as 166 people were killed in the nearly 60-hour assault. The Indian Army has released a booklet on Operation Sindoor, which was launched to avenge the April 22 ghastly Pahalgam attack in which Pakistan-backed terrorists brutally killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, and left many injured. IMAGE: Army releases a booklet to its personnel on Operation Sindoor where it has shown the Indian Army Operations Room from where the operation was being monitored by top military brass, including Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo Under 'Operation Sindoor' carried out in the early hours of May 7, nine terror hideouts, four in Pakistan and the other five in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, of banned terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen were destroyed. The booklet displays photos of top army officials, including Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Air Force Chief Marshal AP Singh, "leading the way" while focusing on planning, executing and completing Operation Sindoor. The 10-page booklet chronologically depicts the chain of events after the ghastly terror attack to counter Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians in the name of religion on April 22 in the meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, shocked the entire country and the world, as terrorists shot dead civilians in cold blood before their families The booklet displays that after The Resistance Front (TRF), which is the front of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a "free hand" to the armed forces to serve justice for those who lost their lives in the brutal killings. In a series of strategic decisions, India cornered the Pakistani government by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 and immediately closing the integrated check post at the Attari border. Moreover, India revoked permissions for Pakistani nationals to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) while the Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission, located in New Delhi, were declared 'Persona Non Grata'. The government also decided to reduce the overall strength of the High Commissions to 30 from the present 55, the booklet said. In the dead of the night, India hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), after which the Pakistani army restored to heavy shelling, targeting civilian and military establishments in Kashmir and drone attacks along the international border across various states, including Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan. However, the country stood as one with the opposition parties extending full support to the government, with the people lauding the armed forces for successfully carrying out Operation Sindoor. Meanwhile, the global support from various countries and their leaders, namely France, Netherlands, Nepal, Russia, United States and Israel, vindicated India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and its stand to defend itself from terrorist attacks and targeting terror outfits in Pakistan. Pakistani resorted to its old tactic to peddle fake news about the conflict. However, the Indian armed forces tackled this, briefing the nation at every step. The veterans also played a key role in dismantling disinformation, explaining India's position to the people in the nation and across the globe. It also dedicates an entire page to the 'unnamed heroes' of the armed forces in high-altitude mountainous regions. The Bombay high court on Tuesday granted bail to a 19-year-old student from Pune arrested for her social media post on Indo-Pak hostilities and ordered her immediate release while rebuking the Maharashtra government for its "radical" reaction to her post. Photograph: ANI Photo The court ordered her immediate release, allowing her to appear for her ongoing college examinations. A vacation bench of Justices Gauri Godse and Somasekhar Sundaresan stated it was "absolutely shocking" that the student had been treated like a "hardcore criminal" and questioned whether the police were "bent upon ruining the girl's life." The court emphasized that her arrest should not have occurred, especially since she had promptly deleted the post, expressed remorse, and apologised. "This is not a case where the girl has to remain in custody anymore," the bench said, directing her release from Yerawada Central Jail on Tuesday itself to enable her to appear for her college exams. In a rebuke to both the state and her educational institution, the court also suspended the rustication order issued by the Sinhgad Academy of Engineering, and instructed the college to provide her with a hall ticket. Cautioning the student to act responsibly in the future and refrain from uploading such posts, the court passed its sternest remarks for the state's handling of the situation. "Such a radical reaction from the state government was unwarranted and has turned a student into a criminal," the bench observed. The rustication order was issued hurriedly without giving the student an opportunity to give her explanation, it said. The student was arrested earlier this month for her social media post criticising the Indian government during the Indo-Pak hostilities amid Operation Sindoor. She is presently in judicial custody. While the girl had initially moved the HC challenging the decision taken by her college rusticating her, her lawyer Farhana Shah on Tuesday also filed a petition seeking quashing of the FIR and release on bail. "This is an absolutely shocking case. Are the police bent upon ruining the girl's life? Is she a hardcore criminal?" the court remarked. At the most, the girl's act of sharing such a post can be termed as an "act of indiscretion" by a young student, the bench said. "The girl has posted something and then realised her mistake and apologised. Instead of giving her a chance to reform, the state government has arrested her and turned her into a criminal," it added. The court questioned the conduct of the government and the college. "Someone is expressing their opinion, and this is how you ruin their life? A student's life has been ruined," it said. Additional government pleader P P Kakade said the girl's post was against the national interest. The court, however, said national interest would not suffer because of a post uploaded by a student who has realised her mistake and apologised. "How can the state arrest a student like this? Does the state want students to stop expressing their opinions? Such a radical reaction from the state will further radicalise the person," the court said. The bench also rapped the college for rusticating the girl, saying that an educational institution's approach should be to reform, not punish. The job of an educational institution is to not just impart academic education but also to help students reform, the court said, adding that the college ought to have given the girl an opportunity to explain. "Instead of reforming her and making her understand, you have turned her into a criminal. You want the student to turn into a criminal?" the court asked. It said the girl is at an age where mistakes are bound to happen and she had suffered enough. The teen, in her plea, stated that the college's decision was arbitrary and a gross violation of her fundamental rights. She requested the high court to quash the rustication, order her reinstatement, and allow her to appear for the semester exams scheduled to begin on May 24. The second-year student of Information Technology contended that the rustication order passed by the Sinhgad Academy of Engineering, a private unaided college affiliated with the Savitribai Phule Pune University, was "arbitrary and unlawful". The petitioner claimed she had reposted the social media post without ill intent and immediately apologised. On May 7, the girl reposted a post on Instagram from an account called 'Reformistan', which criticised the Indian government for 'provoking a war' against Pakistan. Within two hours, she realised her mistake and deleted the post after receiving a barrage of threats. In its May 9 rustication letter, the college stated that since the girl had brought disrepute to the institution, it was justified to preserve the institution's ethos. It further said the petitioner had anti-national sentiments and posed a risk to the campus community and society. The girl had to be escorted out of college due to protests against her, and she was arrested the same day by the Kondhwa police after an FIR was registered against her. She is currently lodged in the Yerwada Prison in Pune after a local court rejected her bail plea. Border Security Force inspector general, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand on Tuesday said the border force has not let its guard down along the International Border and that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing as Pakistan cannot be trusted. IMAGE: BSF personnel with their weapons at the International border of Akhnoor Sector, in Jammu, May 22, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Expressing apprehension about infiltration attempts along the border, the IG asserted that the Border Security Force (BSF) remains on high alert. "We cannot let our guard down even for a second. We are maintaining the highest possible vigil along the border," Anand said in a press conference addressing Operation Sindoor here. He was replying to a question about the possibility of terrorist infiltration along the IB under the cover of Pakistani shelling and the security measures taken post Operation Sindoor. The officer assured that a high degree of operational preparedness has been maintained along the border. "There were inputs that the enemy may plan to conduct some kind of mischief, cross-border firing, or stage infiltration. We are ready and vigilant," he said. Stating that Pakistan cannot be trusted, the officer informed that the BSF is putting up robust surveillance systems to maintain high vigilance along the border. "We are rapidly upgrading our surveillance equipment and systems. We are deploying technology that gives us advanced information on any infiltration movement from across the border," he said, expressing confidence in the BSF to handle such situations. On the issue of terrorists possibly infiltrating under the cover of shelling, the IG said, "Some foreign terrorists infiltrated in the past. This poses a serious challenge to security forces in both Jammu and Kashmir regions. The Army, BSF, other paramilitary forces, and police are jointly committed to eliminating terrorism." He also shared that all information about possible terror infiltrations is being verified. "It is difficult to confirm anything at this stage. Our job is to assess and act on these inputs along with other agencies." Expressing that infiltration remains a challenge for the BSF, the officer said, "Over the past decade, there have been both successful and foiled attempts. We have infused technology and upgraded systems along the border, but the adversary keeps trying new methods. "We are relying not just on technology but also on manpower. Our forces are stationed just 250 meters apart, and this human surveillance is proving very effective alongside technological tools." When asked about the presence of Pakistani Army personnel along with the Rangers, he confirmed, "Yes, regular army troops were part of the build-up." Conveying his concern about terror tunnels being possibly used for infiltration, the IG said, "Some areas on the Pakistani side are left uncultivated, and due to dense bushes, the visibility is poor. "We have deployed high-rise surveillance equipment and UAVs to monitor activities deep across the border. It was one such asset that detected a large group of terrorists moving toward the border on the night of May 8." The officer also hailed BSF women personnel, including Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari, for showing exemplary courage by manning forward posts. "We are proposing to name one post in the Samba sector after Operation Sindoor and two others after martyrs, he said. Noting that the BSF had foiled infiltration bids in the past, the senior officer said they had thwarted an infiltration attempt by 40 to 50 suspected terrorists along the IB during shelling with preemptive strikes. He further informed that the BSF had successfully foiled a major infiltration attempt involving suspected terrorists who were trying to cross over under the cover of Pakistani shelling in the Sialkot sector. We launched preemptive strikes and inflicted heavy losses. The adversary was forced to retreat. Their troops, Rangers, and terrorists suffered casualties, he said. The IG then brought up the consistent inputs they had about Pakistan planning to facilitate infiltration under the cover of cross-border firing and shelling. The enemy is reorienting its defences to deal with such a situation. We foiled their designs." "We are keeping a close watch over every inch of land, the IG said, adding that the BSF and the Indian Army are jointly dealing with tunnel threats. Anand, who took over command of the Jammu Frontier on February 7, highlighted the BSF's robust response post the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack on tourists. Retaliation was evident after Operation Sindoor. In areas along the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri and the IB in Jammu, we took aggressive postures. Pakistani Rangers confined themselves to posts while BSF stayed on the front foot, he said. He said the BSF destroyed multiple terror launch pads in Akhnoor, Samba, and RS Pura sectors, including those in Loni, Mastpur, and Chabbra. On May 9-10, Pakistan opened unprovoked fire in the Akhnoor sector, targeting BSF posts. In response, we hit the Looni launch pad linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and caused significant damage, Anand said. Another BSF officer, DIG RS Pura sector, Chiter Pal spoke about how Pakistan used drones and targeted villages like Abdullian using various weapons. We responded by destroying several enemy posts, towers, and bunkers. Around 76 Pakistani posts and 47 forward posts were hit. In contrast, BSF suffered no loss of assets or infrastructure, he said. However, three defence personnel lost their lives after Pakistan used low-flying drones to drop payloads on BSF posts. Anand reiterated the BSF's commitment to both security and civilian welfare. We encourage farmers along the IB to continue agricultural activities. We ensure their protection and undertake civic action programmes as part of confidence-building measures. BSF is India's first line of defence. We do not provoke but will retaliate strongly against any misadventure. Our guard remains up, and our vigilance unwavering, Anand said. On the matter of coordination between agencies, the IG asserted that a multi-agency setup is in place, given that militancy has been an issue in the Kashmir Valley for years. "All agencies are working together. We hold regular intelligence-sharing meetings, and every input is taken seriously to take decisive action against threats." Talking about the Amarnath Yatra and the infiltration threats related to it, he said, "We are receiving inputs on infiltration from both the IB and LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year's inputs during the Amarnath Yatra have also been analyzed. Measures have been taken in this regard." He further assured that the Yatra is of great importance and that the BSF will ensure foolproof security in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Government. "We encourage maximum participation from citizens." On the matter of repeated intelligence reports suggesting terrorists may attempt infiltration again, the IG assured, "Whether it is the LoC or IB, our forces remain on the highest alert. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating that any further attacks on India would lead to its obliteration, underscoring the aggressive stance against terrorism following the success of 'Operation Sindoor'. IMAGE: BJP leader Dilip Ghosh with wife Rinku Majumder and West Bengal Power Minister and TMC leader Aroop Biswas visit Jagannath temple on its inauguration, at Digha in East Medinipur on April 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Ghosh emphasised the precision and impact of India's military response under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also urged the opposition to align with the country's interests. "The opposition also needs to understand that the country will not tolerate such acts, and so they need to speak for the country and in support of the country... The terrorists killed the people by looking at the 'Sindoor'... That's why Operation Sindoor took place... If they attack again, then they will cease to exist," he said. "Pakistan now understands... The way India attacked Pakistan under PM Modi, if they repeat the same mistake, then they will get only bullets and missiles. They got their backs broken... At least now, they should understand that they have been separated from the whole world. They should learn their lesson, or India will not spare them," Ghosh elaborated further. Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong warning against terrorism, vowing that any attempt to erase the "sindoor" of Indian sisters would be met with inevitable retribution. While addressing a gathering in Gujarat's Dahod, PM Modi highlighted the swift response of the armed forces, which dismantled nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, defeating Pakistan's 'audacity' and affirming India's commitment to a 'Viksit Bharat'. "Jab koi hamari behno ke sindoor ko mitayega, toh uska bhi mitna tay ho jata hai. (If anyone dares to wipe off the sindoor of our sisters, their end is certain)," The PM said. He noted that 'Operation Sindoor' was not just a military operation but a reflection of India's values. "That's why Operation Sindoor is not just a military operation -- it is a reflection of our Indian values and the deep emotions we hold close to our hearts," he stated. He noted that "when the Pakistani army got agitated by this action of India and showed audacity, then our forces defeated the Pakistani army as well." During his time there, PM Modi inaugurated a Locomotive Manufacturing plant of the Indian Railways in Dahod, which will produce electric locomotives of 9000 HP for domestic purposes and for export. Workers at Kohinoor and Evershine, two souvenir shops right at the entrance of Bab Al Bahrain, were taken by surprise when Indian parliamentarians made a surprise appearance at this historical market area of Manama Souq. IMAGE: All-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda comprising former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak and BJP MP Nishikant Dube attend a discussion at International Institute for Strategic Studies on Operation Sindoor global outreach. Photograph: ANI Photo Kohinoor is owned by an Indian while Evershine is run by Pakistani workers. In the middle of hectic meetings in Bahrain around their diplomatic outreach on the April 22 Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, the all-party delegation led by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Baijayant Jay Panda made a stopover at this iconic area on Saturday evening. Members spoke to a few people, took pictures and moved on. "It just felt good to see people like (AIMIM leader Asaduddin) Owaisi and I had to click a selfie," said an Indian worker of Kohinoor. The Pakistani workers at Evershine looked amused and curious at the same time. "We are here to work, don't really know about the politics that is happening back home," one said. Both setups usually work very closely with each other. Against this backdrop, the broader diplomatic mission continued. The main aim of the all-party delegation, which is one of the seven multi-party groups travelling to 33 global capitals, is to reach out to the international community on Pakistan's designs and India's response to terror, especially in view of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, and Operation Sindoor which was subsequently launched in its response. India wants to tell the Muslim world that it's not just about a fight between two countries but part of the larger challenge of global terrorism. That's why some delegation members are drawing parallels between the 'takfeeri' ideology of groups like ISIS -- affecting parts of the Muslim world -- and the kind of terrorism India is facing. Takfiri means to declare someone an apostate or an infidel to justify violence. "There is no difference between these terrorist organisations in Pakistan and the ISIS Takfiri ideology. This we must remember. This is a menace to the whole of humankind and we have to put an end to it...they have used religion to justify the killing of people and the whole world knows that Islam has condemned terrorism," said All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Owaisi. "Quran has categorically stated that killing of one innocent person, Quran has not said the killing of one innocent Muslim, it says the killing of one innocent person is like killing of whole humankind," he added. In the Muslim world, India is trying to drive the point across that just because Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country, it cannot be absolved from its actions against India. While engaging with key government and political figures in Middle Eastern countries, the all-party delegation is also making a concerted effort to connect with the strong Indian diaspora to shape the opinion. "Indian diaspora over the decades has become one of the most influential communities, it represents India's soft power and we want to explain to them the points that we have so that they help in taking them forward," said Panda after addressing a gathering at Indian embassy in Bahrain. Close to 3.5 lakh Indians live in Bahrain, while the number of Pakistanis living and working in this country is around half that number. The delegation's mission is to present India's perspective to these Muslim countries, and it wants to use all possible support to effectively convey the message. The group is engaging with key political leaders, government officials, civil society representatives, and think tanks in these countries. Its members are addressing questions, responding to concerns, and presenting a unified image of India to the people in these countries. "Prime Minister have made it very clear, we will have talks only on two issues. Because they have been illegally occupying. When we got independent, the different parts went to different countries, Pakistan, India, and the British put up a system," said Panda, addressing a gathering. "By that system, Jammu and Kashmir signed and came to us. And Pakistan illegally occupied. And we have been having talks ever since. And war and talks and war and terrorist attacks. So, we will have talks only on two issues with Pakistan. That return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and stop of terrorism," he said. "Now, if they know what to do to get us to respond. They have to take action on the terrorists who are openly operating on their soil," he added. Through these interactions and meetings, the delegation also aims to shape the views of key Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members about India's perspective. "With all clarity, we are articulating who is treating minorities how in their countries. After independence, India's Muslim population was 9 per cent or 10 per cent. Now it is about 20 per cent and on the other hand minority Hindu population in Pakistan was 13 per cent and now it is 1 per cent. So Pakistan is treating its minorities badly and also impacting India with terror. We have been able to communicate this too," said BJP MP Nishikant Dube. The message is of peace. The message is that India wants peace but will have zero tolerance for any form of terrorism. Besides Panda, Owaisi and Dube, former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, ex-National chairperson of the National Commission for Women and Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma are also among the delegation members. On Monday, the delegation reached Kuwait from Bahrain to highlight India's zero-tolerance stance against terrorism. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. India carried out precision strikes as part of Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. It was followed by Pakistan's attempt to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. A commander of the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist was killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Palamu district, a senior police official said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Security forces during an anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand. Photograph: ANI Photo Another red rebel, who is carrying a bounty of Rs 15 lakh, has been injured in the encounter, he said. Several weapons, including a self-loading rifle, were recovered during the search operation after the gunfight, police said. The encounter between security forces and Maoists broke out between Barwahi and Naiya villages in Hussainabad on Monday, police said. "The body of a CPI-Maoist has been recovered, following an intense gunfight between the security forces and red rebels in Palamu. Palamu superintendent of police Reeshma Ramesan said, "We received a tip-off yesterday about two Maoists, including Nitesh Yadav who carries a bounty of Rs 15 lakh, along with their associates, gathered at a location between Barwahi and Naiya villages in Hussainabad police jurisdiction, planning to carry out an incident." She added that a joint operation team, comprising Jharkhand Jaguar, CRPF and local police, was formed. Based on the tip, the team conducted a search operation in the area. "As soon as the Maoists spotted the security personnel, they opened fire. The team retaliated, resulting in the death of Tulsi Bhuiyan. We also recovered an SLR, a magazine, and other daily-use items from the spot," she said. Ramesan stated that the search operation is still ongoing. Palamu Zonal IG Sunil Bhaskar said police fired 300 rounds of bullets and the exchange of fire lasted for about 12 hours. He said at least six Maoists were involved in the exchange of fire. The security forces have launched a massive anti-Naxal operation here and three dreaded Maoists were neutralised in the last few days, including one on Monday. In the adjoining Latehar district, Manish Yadav, a member of the banned CPI (Maoist), who was carrying a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on his head, was killed in a gunfight with security forces on Monday, while another red rebel was arrested. Arrested Maoist Kundan Singh Kharwar, a zonal commander of the organisation, was carrying a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head and two X-95 automatic rifles and ammunition were recovered from his possession. Manish and Kundan had been active in CPI (Maoist) for the past 12 years, and while Manish was wanted in 40 cases, Kundan in 27. Both of them were involved in several incidents, including an encounter on January 7, 2013 at Amwatikar Tola under the Barwadih Police Station limits, in which 10 police personnel were killed and 15 injured. Earlier on May 24, Pappu Lohra, the chief of the proscribed Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh and his associate Prabhat Ganjhu, the sub-zonal commander of the organisation, were killed during an operation. Ganjhu was carrying a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on his head. Lohra was wanted in 98 cases, including murder, extortion, and arson, in several districts such as Lohardaga, Gumla, Chatra, Palamu, and Latehar, while Ganjhu was wanted in 15. Both were allegedly involved in the killing of Jharkhand Jaguar deputy commandant Rajesh Kumar during an operation in September 2021. Police and intelligence agencies have been keeping a close watch on the activities of Maoist cadres and their overground supporters following last week's killing of their top leader Basavaraju in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, officials said on Monday. IMAGE: Security personnel carry out anti-naxal operations in Bastar. Photograph: ANI Photo In a statement attributed to Maoists and shared nearly a week after the encounter, the Naxals have admitted that a total of 28 cadres, including Basavaraju, were killed in the gun-battle. In one of the biggest strikes on Naxalites, security forces gunned down Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist, and 26 other cadres during a fierce encounter in forests of Abhujmad along Bijapur-Narayanpur inter-district border on May 21. Two jawans of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of state police were also killed during the gunfight. In the statement dated May 25, shared on social media on Monday, Maoists claimed some cadres active in the unit of Basavaraju recently surrendered before the police and helped security forces in the operation, resulting in the death of the septuagenarian Naxal leader. The three-page statement was issued in the name of Vikalp, a spokesperson of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), which had been instrumental in executing several deadly attacks on security forces in south Bastar. The Maoists, in the statement, said there were 35 cadres, including Basavaraju, who were engaged in the encounter with security personnel on May 21 and of them, 28 were killed while seven others managed to escape. The police had recovered the bodies of 27 Naxalites. The body of one cadre, Nilesh, was found by Maoists, the statement said. "The police intelligence was already aware of the presence of the party's (CPI-Maoist) general secretary BR Dada in Abhujmad. In the last 6 months, some people from different units active in the Maad area surrendered before the police and became traitors. The police kept receiving our confidential information from these surrendered cadres. Two major operations were conducted (by security forces) in January and March targeting Basavaraju, but they were not successful," it said. After these operations, in the last one-and-a-half months, six people from the unit belonging to Basavaraju surrendered before the police. A company party committee member (CYPCM), who was charged with key responsibility in Basavaraju's security, was also among them, said the statement. A member of the unified command of Maoists, which guides Naxal activities in Abhujmad, also sided with police which made their task easier. All these surrendered cadres took part in the (anti-Naxal) operation. Because of them, we had to suffer such a big loss, it said. Maoists admitted they failed to protect their leader. A senior police official said the CPI-Maoist, in the statement, has admitted to the loss of 28 cadres, including Basavaraju. "Through the statement, the illegal and banned Maoist outfit was also trying to instigate their supporters to organise rallies and meetings throughout the country to glorify the death of their cruel and dreadful leadership, which was responsible for the death of thousands and thousands of innocent citizens, tribals, women, children and security personnel. "Police and intelligence agencies have been keeping a strict vigil on activities of underground Maoist cadres as well as their overground workers and supporters," Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P noted. Three AK-47 rifles, four Self Loading Rifle (SLR), six Insas rifles, one carbine, six .303 rifles, one Barrel Grenade Launcher (BGL), two rocket launchers, two 12 bore guns, one country made pistol, two muzzle loading guns and a huge cache of explosives were recovered from the encounter site in forests of Kudmel-Kalhaja-Jatlur villages, he said. "The recovered arms included an AK-47 weapon looted by Basavaraju and his associates from security forces in April 2010 Tadmetla ambush in then Dantewada district (where 76 security personnel were killed) and those looted by Naxals after 2010 Gawadi (Narayanpur district) and 2017 Burkapal (Sukma district) attacks," the IPS officer said. Efforts were on to establish the origin of other weapons, he added. Basavaraju was one of the most wanted criminals in the country and so far records of more than 258 criminal cases, in which he had direct or indirect involvement, are being screened by the investigation team, Sundarraj said. Further lawful action and investigation procedure is being carried out by the Narayanapur police in the case, the IG said. The US intelligence assessment highlights Pakistan's near-certain procurement of weapons of mass destruction-applicable goods from foreign suppliers, primarily through Chinese support. IMAGE: Pakistan's Ghauri missile. Photograph: Rediff Archives Pakistan is advancing its nuclear arsenal and related capabilities to offset India's conventional military advantage, according to a US intelligence report. The report warns that Islamabad's efforts to modernise its battlefield nuclear weapons remain a top priority alongside counterterrorism operations and cross-border skirmishes with regional neighbours. The 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment report, released by the US Defence Intelligence Agency, notes that Pakistan perceives India as an 'existential threat and is likely to continue investing in nuclear and military modernisation, despite losing more than 2,500 people to militant violence in 2024. Islamabad is also focusing on maintaining the security of its nuclear materials and command-and-control infrastructure. Notably, some reports claimed that an underground nuclear storage facility in Pakistan's Kirana Hills was targeted by the Indian armed forces during the recent Operation Sindoor. However, India denied hitting any such targets. After the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, which was followed by days of cross-border missile and artillery fire. Despite these hostilities, both sides reached a ceasefire understanding by May 10. Pakistan dependence on 'Iron Brother' China The report notes that China's economic and military support plays a crucial role in Pakistan's defence posture. The US intelligence assessment highlights Pakistan's near-certain procurement of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-applicable goods from foreign suppliers, primarily through Chinese support. These materials and technology are reportedly acquired via Chinese suppliers and intermediaries, with transit routes through Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkiye, and the UAE. Pakistani forces conducted multiple joint military exercises with the Chinese People's Liberation Army, including an air exercise in November 2024. However, Islamabad's growing reliance on Beijing has also led to friction. Seven Chinese nationals working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects were killed in attacks in Pakistan last year, the report states. Pakistan's trouble with Taliban, Iran The intelligence report also highlights tensions between Pakistan with Iran and the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. In early 2024, Islamabad and Tehran engaged in high-level talks after conducting unilateral airstrikes on each other's territories in January. Separately, the Taliban and Pakistani border forces clashed near border posts in September 2024, resulting in the death of eight Taliban fighters. In March 2025, Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged air and artillery strikes, each blaming the other's territory for harbouring militant infrastructure. India's perspective The US intel report contrasts Pakistan's military efforts with India's own security posture. According to the report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's priorities are focused on countering Chinese influence, bolstering military capabilities, and enhancing New Delhi's leadership in the region. The intel report says that India continues to advance its domestic defence production and expand regional defence partnerships through exercises and multilateral forums like the Quadrilateral, Brics, and Asean. India also remains reliant on Russian spare parts to maintain its Russian-origin military assets, despite reducing new procurements from Moscow. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea which sought a direction to the Centre to include the name of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the schedule to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. IMAGE: A portrait of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in Cellular Jail, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Photograph: ANI Photo The 1950 law is an Act to prevent improper use of certain emblems and names for professional and commercial purposes. A bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih observed there was no violation of fundamental rights of the petitioner. The petitioner, who was appearing in person, told the bench that he has been researching on Savarkar for the last 30 years and he needed an opportunity to establish certain facts about Savarkar in a legally verifiable manner. "I also want to request the court to issue directions to respondent number two (Union of India) and respondent number three (Ministry of Home Affairs) to include his name in the schedule to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950," the petitioner said. The CJI asked, "What is the violation of your fundamental right?". The petitioner referred to Article 51A of the Constitution which deals with fundamental duties. He said Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi 'cannot impede my fundamental duties'. The CJI said an Article 32 petition can be entertained only if there was violation of fundamental rights. "If you want anything to be published in the curriculum, make a representation to the Union of India," the bench said. The petitioner said he has already made representation to the government. The bench dismissed the plea. In a separate matter, the apex court had on April 25 pulled up Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "irresponsible" remarks on Savarkar at a rally in Maharashtra. The top court, however, had stayed the criminal proceedings against Rahul Gandhi in a case lodged in Uttar Pradesh for his remarks. The Border Security Force on Tuesday said it targeted 76 Pakistani border outposts and 42 forward defence locations (FDLs) and destroyed three terrorist launch pads in strong retaliation to unprovoked firing and shelling by Pakistani Rangers along the International Border (IB) in the Jammu frontier during Operation Sindoor. IMAGE: BSF personnel demonstrate how they foiled a major infiltration bid in the Samba sector during Operation Sindoor, in Samba, May 21, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The BSF action came after Pakistan launched heavy firing and shelling on 60 Indian posts and 49 forward positions, reportedly providing cover for an attempted infiltration by 40-50 terrorists, officials said. "Pakistan fired on our 60 border outposts and 49 forward defence locations. In response, we opened fire on 76 of their posts and 42 FDLs," BSF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Chiterpaul Singh told reporters in Jammu. Singh said a key terror launch pad run by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) near the Sunderbani sector was destroyed. There is no movement seen from that area now, he said. Inspector General of BSF, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand, said intelligence inputs confirmed that multiple launch pads were hit, and there were several fatalities among terrorists and Pakistani Rangers during precision strikes. A Lashkar-e-Tayiba launch pad opposite the chicken neck' area was neutralised on the night of May 9-10 using a special weapon system, the IG said, adding three launch pads in Loni, Mastpur, and Chabbra were destroyed. "We are still assessing the total damage in coordination with our partner agencies. Three launch pads and several posts were destroyed. Many Pakistani villages were vacated by Rangers," he said. Following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, he said, BSF and Army troops were deployed across sensitive regions including Rajouri and Poonch, while the border force strengthened its forward presence in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua. "After April 22, Pakistani Rangers reduced their visibility at forward posts, but BSF maintained aggressive field domination. Our troops, including women personnel, stood firm and ready for eventuality," Anand said. DIG Indreshwar said that on the night of May 8, BSF's surveillance systems detected the movement of a group of 40-50 terrorists near Sialkot. "We launched a preemptive strike in the Samba region to foil their infiltration attempt," he said. Describing the Pakistan Rangers' reaction as unexpected from soldiers, the DIG said, "They fled their posts. They were not prepared for such a strong response. But we expect that they will restore their terror infrastructure in the future." The IG said a demoralised enemy responded with shelling in the Akhnoor sector the next night, prompting BSF retaliation. "On the night of May 9 and 10, we targeted Lashkar-e-Tayiba launch pads and destroyed one just three kilometres from the border." DIG Virendra Datta from Sunderbani said the BSF received intelligence about 18-20 terrorists planning infiltration. "We responded with a strategic mortar offensive, surrounding enemy posts. Several Pakistani positions were destroyed," he said. The IG also praised BSF women personnel for their courage. "Our women troops had the option to relocate to battalion headquarters, but they chose to remain at forward posts. Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari and other women constables engaged enemy fire with bravery," the IG said. The IG confirmed the use of drones by Pakistan for low-altitude attacks. "On the morning of May 10, Pakistan deployed low-flying drones targeting our posts. Our troops engaged them, but one drone dropped its payload on a post, leading to the martyrdom of two BSF personnel and one Army jawan," he said. In retaliation, the BSF launched a massive counter-offensive targeting Pakistani bunkers, surveillance equipment and communication towers in the Sialkot region, he said. "To honour our martyrs, we will name two posts after them. A post in Samba will be named 'Sindoor'," the IG said. On reports of white flags across the border, the IG said, "There has been communication at the DGMO level. No communication was made at the lower level. We are watching their actions closely. Any decision will be based on their future conduct." He stressed the importance of agency coordination and said, "All security agencies, BSF, Army, paramilitary, and J&K Police, are working together. Intelligence-sharing is regular and robust." The IG highlighted BSF's legacy of valour. "From the 1965 war to Operation Parakram and Kargil, the BSF has stood at the front. In Operation Sindoor, we inflicted substantial damage on the enemy while protecting our assets and civilians," he said. "Our field domination strategy remains aggressive. Even when Pakistan Rangers withdrew, BSF held the line -- side by side, men and women, defending the border." The Border Security Force inflicted heavy damage on terrorist infrastructure and Pakistani positions along the IB during Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Inspector General said. "All these valiant tales of bravery are linked to the sacrifices of our soldiers and warriors," the IG said, noting the BSF's vital role in the Bangladesh war, Kargil and Operation Parakram. "Now, during Operation Sindoor, we have inflicted substantial damage on the enemy with immense bravery," he said. Tourism should be conflict neutral and should not be a barometer to project normalcy, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday after a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam to send a clear message that the government will not be "intimidated by cowardly acts of terror". IMAGE: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presides over the Jammu-Kashmir cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, May 27, 2025. This was the first time the state cabinet has met outside Jammu and Srinagar. Photograph: ANI Photo The chief minister, in his first press conference after the April 22 terror attack at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, began by expressing gratitude to people for unequivocally condemning terror violence. "I want to thank the people of Kashmir especially those of Pahalgam who condemned and stood in one voice against the April 22 terror strike on tourists. For this, I thank them and salute them," he said. The chief minister also said that steps are being taken to support the tourism sector by his administration and the Centre, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held a high-level meeting of stakeholders last week. "I was in Delhi recently where I had a chance to meet the prime minister on the sidelines of the NITI Aayog meeting. I have apprised him about the condition of the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir and he has assured of complete support," Abdullah said, adding that last week's meeting at the central level had discussed the broad contours for the revival of tourism. After the special cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the chief minister's office posted on X pictures of the meeting held at the Pahalgam Club. "The cabinet met here and discussed the government agenda but the meeting in cabinet was to demonstrate that the people will not be cowed down by terrorist violence and our resolve for development of Jammu and Kashmir will continue," he said in his first press conference after the April 22 terror attack in which 26 people, mainly tourists, were gunned down. In a message on 'X', his office posted that it was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message "we are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror". "The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu & Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid," it said. This is the first time the cabinet meeting took place outside the usual summer capital, Srinagar, or winter capital, Jammu, during Abdullah's government's tenure. To a question on the revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and the closure of various tourist destinations following the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, he said the government is taking "one step at a time". "The last five to six weeks have been a difficult time for the country, especially for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. So I would suggest we will conduct a security audit of various tourist destinations and gradually start opening them," he said. The choice of Pahalgam aims to show solidarity with the residents of the tourist town, which has experienced a sharp decline in tourist footfall since the devastating April 22 terror attack. "Tourism should be a conflict-neutral activity and should not be a barometer to project normalcy. There are many other mechanisms through which we can measure peace. I would always wish to see that tourism is insulated from conflict and the world should see it as an economic activity," he said. Replying to a question that various stakeholders had huge loans and whether the government was planning to give them some relief, he said, "Tourism has suffered and talks are already underway with the departments concerned to extend some relief to all stakeholders big or small." Officials stressed that the gathering's significance lies more in its direct message to anti-national and anti-social elements that violence has no place in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah, during his first stint as the chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009-14, had held cabinet meetings in remote areas like Gurez, Machil, Tangdhar areas of north Kashmir and Rajouri and Poonch areas of Jammu region. The decision to hold a special cabinet meeting also comes three days after Abdullah proposed a dual approach to resuscitate the Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector, severely impacted by the Pahalgam terror attack, urging the Centre to mandate PSUs to hold meetings in Kashmir and to convene parliamentary committee meetings there. He had made this appeal at the Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The chief minister believes that these concerted efforts by the government will significantly alleviate public fears, foster a renewed sense of security and trust, and ultimately pave the way for the revival of tourism in the Kashmir valley, bringing much-needed economic relief and a return to normalcy. A special day-long assembly session was also held in Jammu on April 28 which unanimously passed a resolution against the Pahalgam terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress. "The legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir reaffirms its unwavering commitment to foster an environment of peace, development, and inclusive prosperity for all its citizens, and to resolutely defeat the nefarious designs of those who seek to disturb the communal harmony and progress of the nation and of Jammu and Kashmir," the resolution had said. Abdullah, in his 26-minute emotional speech, said he would not use the terror attack as an opportunity to press for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that he does not believe in "cheap politics". Microsoft chief partner officer and corporate vice president for global partner solutions Nicole Dezen said at the time these changes would streamline customers when it comes to monthly billing support and its focus on cloud and AI. Gartner principal analyst Domenico Scriva explained Microsoft products are extremely complex because theyre software-as-a-service products. Robati said success is no longer about just pushing volume or fulfilling transactions. Its about working with the right partners those who bring real capabilities, deep customer engagement and alignment with Microsofts strategic priorities in areas like AI, security and next-gen cloud innovation, she said. For our partners, its important to really unpack what is behind these changes. They go directly to the performance, capability and impact that Microsoft will seek from its partners of the future. She told ARN that Crayon doesnt just sell software and approach it in a consultative way, but brings in a holistic team for our partners to help them grow, save money and be able to manage cloud spend. Many distributors have launched their own cloud marketplaces, subscription management platforms. For us, we really accelerate and amplify digital platforms for our partners to end users and customers for ease, said Robati. This provides critical expertise which is essential for building trust. It also ensures that the customers and partner can see and feel the support network behind them, she explained. Distribution done differently This plays into Crayons strategy to go to the market and focus on distribution done differently. The way to do that is aligning with cloud hyperscalers and that diverse range of software vendors, she said. [This] just really accelerates that digital transformation for the customer. Distributors have moved from that background logistics role, and we are part of doing it differently becoming that ecosystem facilitator role. According to Robati, this helps partners facilitate and navigate all that is available to them. This ensures, she contained, that the distributor is putting the right expertise, solutions, products and services in place whether thats cloud, AI or security tools. Crayon, Robati noted, will continue to invest in being an ecosystem of growth for its partners versus a transactional enabler. That investment has absolutely included tools to help customers procure in a simple, automated way, she said. The expertise weve invested in from a balance of, or from a lens of, solution specialists really investing in people who understand the security landscape, people who understand the data and artificial intelligence landscape. Robati noted that it was a heavy investment into real people that have strong business acumen, that are technically savvy, and even vendor and product savvy. Theres a lot of smoke and mirrors when it comes to experts, she said. After a six-week course, people can suddenly become a data and AI specialist. The head of our centre of excellence for data and AI in Asia Pacific, to support our channel partners, vendors, and direct customers, was a senior professor at Canberra University, Robati said. Teaching data, AI and machine learning and all that comes with that. He joined Crayon several years ago and now he heads up our data and AI practice. [With] the depth of experience we have in generative AI, cloud and cyber security, we have the black belts that demonstrates in that deep expertise. Her mana The focus on providing ongoing training for Crayons internal people ties back to Robatis earlier comments about its people-first ethos. If you align that to your core values with integrity, leading by example, transparency [and] education, that permeates in everything that we do, she said. Thats all about culture and having the mindset of treat someone like you want to be treated. This was something that Robatis dad taught her from a young age. If you just have that as your mantra in everything you do, then we know with the exciting evolution of things like data and AI, but also the challenges represented by cyber security, she said. If you do that, with your core values at the baseline of everything you do, then not only we as a company, but every single individual, with that trust basis we talked about earlier as well, [can succeed]. Robati credits her fathers lessons with instilling a mindset of having no boundaries and empowering her to grow up without boundaries on what she could achieve. Her Maori heritage is family-driven, with the culture deeply rooted in mana, which becomes the core of everything people do and who they are. In our culture, we strive to live that mana every single day. Personally, I try to embody this because mana encompasses respect, integrity, and the principle of treating others as you wish to be treated, she said. These are values I hold dear and what I look for What I believe has impacted my role as a leader is whether my actions align with the words I speak. According to Robati, this is what she has observed closely in the leaders around her, from those who report to her directly to the leaders in every company she has worked for, as well as Crayons CEO. Coming from humble beginnings, youre often considered less capable. Youre already perceived as someone who wont amount to much, she said. I consider myself fortunate because others saw me as the underdog, so I never had to prove myself. While everyone has a story around childhood challenges, Robati said if she had a different mindset she could have taken a very different path to the one, she has today. I believed in myself as a human that belief is part of my mana, she said. I believed I was a good person, capable of learning and unafraid to ask questions. Ive always been curious and if I didnt understand something, like what the stock market was or what cloud computing meant, I would ask. Transformation, learning and innovation consultancy Sysdoc has been recognised with two major honours at the 2024 Minister of Defences awards of excellence to industry. Celebrating Sysdocs contribution to transformation within the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), Sysdoc won in the sub-contractor/SME of the year for service category as well as the kotahitanga (unity) award, presented to team member Annette Smith. Sysdoc said the awards highlighted Sysdocs role since 2021 in supporting NZDFs transformation programmes, particularly in simplifying how Defence personnel work, modernising learning content, strengthening capability and improving engagement across the organisation. This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with NZDF and the dedication of our people to delivering meaningful, people-focused change, Sysdoc CEO Desiree Botica said. Were proud to support Defence organisations in New Zealand, the UK, and look forward to bringing our expertise to Australian defence forces in the near future. Navy project manager Rachel Kapeli said Sysdoc was brought on board to refesh its courses and transform them from being mundane to memorable. Smiths Kotahitanga Award recognised her contribution to fostering collaboration and unity throughout the transformation journey. Sysdoc also acknowledged the role of its business development manager, Leila Massey, for her hands-on leadership in building strong relationships with Defence and helping project sponsors bring their vision to life with the help of the Sysdoc team. A former close associate of Georgian ruling-party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili has been arrested near the border with Armenia and Azerbaijan, authorities said, less than three months after he fled the country in secret during a criminal prosecution he says is politically motivated. In a statement on May 27, Georgia's State Security Service said Giorgi Bachiashvili was detained a day earlier after it received what it said was an anonymous tip-off on his whereabouts. It was unclear why he would have been in the border area after leaving the country. The firm of UK-based attorney Robert Amsterdam said Bachiashvili faces an immediate risk of torture after what it called his forcible return to Georgia, where a Tbilisi court had convicted him of embezzlement and money-laundering sentenced him in absentia to 11 years in prison shortly after he fled. A lawyer for Bachiashvili said he had been sent to the Rustavi detention center following his arrest. For over a decade, Bachiashvili had been a close associate of Ivanishvili, the billionaire businessman who served as prime minister in 2012-13 after his Georgian Dream party won elections and is still widely seen as the South Caucasus countrys de facto ruler. But the two had a falling out and a case against Bachiashvili, the former head of a private equity fund founded by Ivanishvili and former deputy CEO of Georgia's sovereign wealth fund, was launched in 2023 based on a statement from Ivanishvili. Prosecutors accused Bachiashvili of misappropriating nearly $40 million in cryptocurrency, and he was freed on bail of 2.5 million lari ($912,000) in July 2023. He managed to evade surveillance and fled Georgia in early March of this year. According to Georgian police, Bachiashvili left Georgia by crossing the border with Armenia in a hiding place he had fashioned between the back seat and the trunk of a dark-colored Toyota Camry. In an interview published in The Guardian on March 26, Bachiashvili said he had been Ivanishvilis right-hand-man before their falling-out. He asserted that Ivanishvili will sacrifice the land, any interest for his personal wellbeing and security. The statement from Amsterdam & Partners claimed that Bachiashvili has been the target of an intensifying campaign of political persecution orchestrated by Bidzina Ivanishvili. There was no immediate comment from Ivanishvili. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, an Ivanishvili ally, thanked the State Security Service "for the successful and proper conduct of the operation" in remarks to journalists on May 27. He said he could not comment on why Bachiashvili was in the border area. The European Union says China, including Hong Kong, is responsible for "approximately" 80 percent of the circumventions of sanctions against Russia even though Beijing continues to deny it. According to a classified report by the German Foreign Ministry, seen by German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung and the state television networks NDR and WDR, EU sanctions commissioner David O'Sullivan told a meeting in Brussels earlier this month that, while sanctions have a significant impact on Russia's economy, difficulties continue. The media outlets said on May 27 that the Chinese Embassy in Berlin declined to comment on the allegations when contacted. Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service accused China on May 26 of continuing to supply Russian defense factories with numerous goods that are used for military purposes, a claim Beijing also denies. "China has never supplied lethal weapons to any party to the conflict and strictly controls dual-use goods. Ukraine understands this well. China resolutely opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press briefing on May 27. The German Foreign Ministry's report was a summary of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on May 20. In addition to China, the report notes that difficulties continue with Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. While the United Arab Emirates claims that exports have come to a halt, it does not provide any statistics and import data suggests otherwise, the report says. It adds that EU companies are also involved in sanctions busting, weakening the European Commission's position in negotiations with third countries on imposing measures. News of the report comes less than a week after the bloc took a major step toward ending imports of Russian and Belarusian nitrogen fertilizers, approving phased duties designed to make purchases economically unviable within three years. European leaders have also threatened Russia with a "massive" package of sanctions if Moscow does not agree to a 30-day cease-fire proposed by Washington. They have suggested that the next sanctions package -- which would be the 18th from the EU -- could include the energy sector and financial measures. WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump again lashed out at his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin after Russia capped a three-day bombing spree with its biggest aerial attack of the more than three-year war, which the Kremlin responded to by saying its defending its "national interests." Trump said he has so far "protected" Russia from undisclosed painful measures but hinted he was losing patience as Putin continues to ignore his push for a cease-fire. "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire!" he said in a May 27 post on Truth Social. When asked about Trump's comments during a news conference in Moscow on May 28, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that "just like the United States, Russia has its own national interests, which are above all for us, and they are above all for our president." Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy aide, said Trump's comments could be an indication that the US leader is "not sufficiently informed about what is really happening in the context of the Ukrainian-Russian confrontation." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that more than 900 missiles were fired at Ukrainian targets over a three-day period ending early on May 26. Thirteen civilians were killed in the attacks that took place on May 25. Moscow said it had only hit military targets in Ukraine. The attack on May 26 was the largest since Russia launched its invasion more than three years ago. It came a day after Trump posted on social media that Putin was "absolutely crazy." Russian authorities said late on May 27 that Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Russia. The country's air defenses destroyed or intercepted 112 Ukrainian drones in the attack, the authorities said. The Russian Defense Ministry said on Telegram that the drone attack occurred between 9 p.m. and midnight Moscow time and resulted in restrictions at the capital's Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports. The Defense Ministry said the 112 Ukrainian drones that were "destroyed and intercepted" flew over six different regions. Some 59 drones targeted the southwestern region of Bryansk, the ministry said. Others were fired at the Kursk, Belgorod, Tula, Oryol, and Kaluga regions. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 12 drones heading for the Russian capital had been shot down. Prior to Russia's three-day attack, the Group of Seven (G7) as well as US Congress pushed the administration to impose sanctions on Russia for blocking Trump's call for an immediate 30-day cease-fire. Congress, which is controlled by Trump's Republican party, has yet to bring the latest Russia sanctions bill to the floor for a vote. When asked last week why he doesn't impose sanctions on Russia after Putin again rejected his call for a cease-fire, Trump said it would push the Kremlin leader away at a time when he felt he was making progress. John Herbst, former US ambassador to Ukraine, said in an article published by a Washington think tank that Putin "reads Trump, like other Western leaders since Russia's 2008 war in Georgia, as unwilling to take strong action against aggression." Herbst noted in the article published by the Atlantic Council that Trump's criticism of Russia's recent strikes on Ukrainian cities and Kremlin nay-saying in the peace talks has not led to new sanctions. But he added that momentum is building in the Senate to vote on a sanctions bill that has broad bipartisan support. Sergei Zhuk, a professor at Ball State University focusing on Russia and Ukraine, said he does not expect Trump's comments on social media to lead to action. "It will remain on this level of social media criticism and that is it," Zhuk, who is also a fellow at the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson Center, told RFE/RL. "Putin realizes that the new American administration will not react actively against these attacks." White House special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg told Fox News that the Trump administration should "continually apply some type of pressure to the Russians to get them to the table." Kellogg added that Trump must "keep at it" even through the peace process has been frustrating. He said he has received Ukraine's demands for a peace agreement and is waiting for a similar one from Russia. Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine a top foreign policy priority since taking office more than four months ago. In March he called on both sides to immediately agree to a 30-day cease-fire. Zelenskyy backed Trump's proposal but Putin has refused, demanding Kyiv first agree to certain conditions, including withdrawing troops from its own territory, a clear red line for Ukraine. Experts have said that Putin is not interested in ending the war now because he believes he is winning and has yet to achieve any of his major war aims. "I have to get up for them," says Nazar Kaihorodov, a wounded Ukrainian soldier speaking about the support of his partner, Viktoria, and their son. In February 2022, Nazar helped them flee Ukraine to safety and then went to fight on the front lines. In July, Viktoria received devastating news: Nazar was wounded and in a coma. She immediately returned to Ukraine and never left his side. At the rehabilitation center, she said yes to becoming his wife. Now, Nazar is relearning how to speak and live again. High Court Reporter A High Court judge has allowed the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) to initiate a class action-style case against Microsoft over alleged data breaches impacting a significant number of Irish consumers. The ICCL claims Microsoft Ireland Operations Ltd is infringing GDPR rules and the related Data Protection Act 2018 by processing personal data within its real-time bidding system for online advertising. On Monday, James Doherty SC, for the ICCL and appearing with Sean OSullivan BL, brought an application seeking the courts approval in deeming the proceedings a representative action. A representative action can be brought on behalf of a group of consumers by an organisation that has been recognised as a qualified entity, under the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers Act 2023. The ICCL is one of two recognised qualified entities. In court documents, ICCL said it sought to bring the proceedings on behalf of all consumers in the State whose personal data rights are being allegedly infringed by Microsofts processing. Noting that the ICCLs application appeared to be the first of its kind to come before the Irish courts, Mr Justice Barry ODonnell said he was satisfied to deem the ICCLs intended proceedings as a representative action. He stressed the order was being granted with only the ICCL side represented, and said Microsoft would have an opportunity to seek to set aside the order if it wishes. The judge also granted permission to the ICCL to serve plenary summons on Microsoft. The ICCL is seeking injunctive reliefs from the court, including orders restraining Microsoft from processing certain identified categories of personal data. The ICCLs primary concerns, according to court documents, arise from Microsofts alleged collection and processing of personal data for the purpose of provision of targeted advertising. The ICCL raises concern about Microsofts alleged broadcast of profiles of individual data subjects to large numbers of prospective advertisers who use Microsofts real-time bidding advertising system. The ICCL claims this raises questions as to whether individual data subjects are consenting to a wide and unsecured broadcast of their personal data, or if they are aware of the breadth of the processing of their personal data undertaken by Microsoft. The ICCL claims that users of various Microsoft products and services, including Windows, Xbox, web-based Office, Edge web browser, and websites and apps that use Microsofts Xandr advertising technology, are affected by the alleged data breaches. A Ballaghaderreen based company has picked up a prize in Googles Youre the Business competition. Lahinch Surf Shop was the overall winner of the competition, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO). Twenty three small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the country received a digital support package. Those selected, including Game Ready Gear from Ballaghaderreen, will receive a digital support package from Google, which includes a one-year Google Workspace Business subscription with access to AI-powered tools like Gemini Advanced and NotebookLM and a one-to-one consultation from Google experts on how to get the best out of Google Workspace. Winners will also receive a Youre the Business trophy and digital assets and are invited to attend a dedicated winners event in Googles EMEA headquarters in Dublin. Cian Hanley, co-founder and managing director of Game Ready Gear said they were so thrilled to have been selected as one of this year's winners of Google's You're the Business competition. We are greatly looking forward to enhancing our digital skills as part of the programme and growing our business with Google." Delivered by Google in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office, You're the Business is an online platform offering digital training and tools to businesses in Ireland free of charge. Now in its third year, the initiative has taken on a new AI-focus with the online platform offering new training modules where users can explore AI tools and learn how AI can help them prepare for the future. The competition element rewards businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to digital at different stages of their journey. Entrants were asked to submit a written entry telling their story around how theyve utilised or enhanced digital skills in order to help their business grow or succeed online. Tickets are selling fast for this years Night and Day Music Festival, which takes place on the grounds of Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle from June 27th to 29th inclusive. Now in its fourth year, the festival has become a permanent fixture on the outdoor festival scene, attracting top class acts and a wide-ranging demographic, reflecting the rich array of music genres performing over the three days. This years headline acts include KT Tunstall, Jose Gonzales, and Paul Brady. Festival promoter Craig Hughes is urging the public to purchase their tickets without delay to avoid disappointment. The good news however is that a limited number of ticketing options are still available. As a music festival, the Night and Day Festival is now firmly established in its own right on the summer festival circuit. This is reflected in the increased demand for tickets this year, which has surpassed even our own expectations. The reputation of our festival as a family friendly and fun event, together with an excellent line-up, means more people are putting Boyle in their summer diaries. Another contributing factor has been the pleasant weather as potential festival goers look ahead to the big weekend. On the Saturday last year, we enjoyed glorious weather, and this coupled with the beautiful location that is Lough Key, makes Night and Day the immensely popular event that it is, said Craig. As festival goers ready themselves to descend on Boyle, revellers are invited to sample some of the many visitor attractions that the town has to offer over the festival weekend. One such amenity is King House in Boyle, whose manager is Patricia Golden. We in King House are delighted to see the return of the Night and Day Festival to Boyle. The event is a shop window to showcase all that Boyle has to offer visitors as well as providing a considerable economic benefit to the town. As well as being the ancestral home of the King family, King House was the former barracks of the Connaught Rangers regiment, which is remembered with a permanent on-site exhibition whose enduring popularity is well-known. We also have the (former President of Ireland) Mary MacAleese collection, which features a range of ornaments and items presented to the former President while in her role as the countrys First Lady. King House also has a considerable reputation as a concert venue for live, yet intimate performances as well as a conference venue and art gallery space. Tours of the facility can be booked for individuals and groups which bring to life the history of King House and the wider Boyle area, said Patricia. This is a special year for us in King House as this year marks the 30th anniversary since the restored building was open to the public. To mark this, we are hosting a three-day exhibition entitled A Celebration of Heritage and Vision from July 4th to 6th inclusive. It is particularly appropriate that this is the third year of the Night and Day Festival to be hosted in Boyle. There is a tremendous well spring of creative and artistic talent in Boyle that can be seen in our schools and performances space throughout the town, added Patricia. King Houses will host a number of events ahead of Night and Day to whet the appetite of visitors to the town. On Wednesday, May 28th at 7 p.m. Maria Carton Stylist will host a free Bealtaine event. Then on Friday, May 30th, popular trad band Rakish will perform. A number of events to coincide with this years Cruinniu na nOg will also be held on June 7th while the popular Roscommon Mens Choir perform on Saturday, June 21st. All these events begin at 7.30 p.m. with tickets priced 15, which the exception of the Cruinniu nan Og celebrations. As the clock ticks down for this years Night and Day Festival, so too is the clocking ticking down to this years Boyle Arts Festival, taking place from July 17th to 26th. For details on events and tickets, visit www.boylearts.com Jaishankar Debunks Nuclear War Fears: "At No Point Was a Nuclear Level Reached" , Very, very far away. Im frankly astonished by your question...the firing stopped at their (Pakistan's) request"" Jaishankar Debunks Nuclear War Fears, latest news: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has disproved claims that India and Pakistan were on the brink of a nuclear conflict during the recent war-like situation between the two neighbouring countries from May 710, stating, At no point was a nuclear level reached. The External Affairs Minister recently appeared in an interview with Germanys FAZ newspaper. English translation of EAMs interview with FAZ was shared on the External Affairs Minister website. Advertisement The FAZ interviewer asked, Foreign Minister, how far away was the world from a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan? In response, Jaishankar said, Very, very far away. Im frankly astonished by your question. We had terrorist targets. Those were very measured, carefully considered, and non-escalatory steps. After that, the Pakistani military opened fire on us. We were able to show them that we could disable their air defense systems. Then the firing stopped at their request. At no point was a nuclear level reached. There is a narrative as if everything that happens in our part of the world leads directly to a nuclear problem. That disturbs me a lot because it encourages terrible activities like terrorism. If anything, much more is happening with the nuclear issue in your part of the world, he added. Advertisement His remarks also counter U.S. President Donald Trumps assertion that he had averted a nuclear conflict. When asked whether the ceasefire had restored the situation to how it was before the four-day conflict with Pakistan, he responded, We have sent a clear signal to the terrorists that there is a price to be paid for carrying out such attacks The firing was then started by the Pakistani military. We fired back in self-defense and once the Pakistanis understood that they were taking a harmful course, we were able to stop firing. This situation has not changed for two weeks, that is the status. "We have sent a signal to the terrorists" Advertisement Then the interviewer went on to ask whether America is to be thanked for the ceasefire, as Washington portrays it. In response, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, refuting Trumps claims, replied in clear terms that the cessation of firing was agreed between the military commanders of both sides through direct contact. The cessation of firing was agreed between the military commanders of both sides through direct contact. The morning before, we effectively hit and incapacitated Pakistan's main airbases and air defense system. So who should I thank for the cessation of hostilities? I thank the Indian military because it was the Indian military action that made Pakistan say: We are ready to stop, the Minister said. Advertisement Earlier, Trump, in his announcement on the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, claimed that he had mediated for the FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. In his announcement, posted on his Instagram handle, Trump wrote, After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both countries on using common sense and great intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter! (For more news apart from Jaishankar Debunks Nuclear War Fears: "At No Point Was a Nuclear Level Reached", stay tune to Rozana Spokesman) PM Modi Condemns Terrorism as Profit-Making, Vows to Wipe Out Those Targeting Womens Honor He emphasized that the citizens of Pakistan must understand that their government and army...supporting terrorists for their own benefit. PM Modi Condemns Terrorism as Profit-Making, latest news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called terrorism a way of making money and warned that anyone who tries to erase the sindoor of women will be wiped out. Addressing public rallies in Gujarats Dahod and Bhuj, PM Modi said, Terrorism is a way of making money for your (Pakistan) government and army. The people of Pakistan must step forward and end terrorism. Live a peaceful life and have your meal. Otherwise, my bullet is there for you. Advertisement He emphasized that the citizens of Pakistan must understand that their government and army have been supporting terrorists for their own benefit. Those who try to erase the sindoor of women will be wiped out, he declared. Prime Minister Modi added, Operation Sindoor was not just a military response it was a message from 140 crore Indians that this nation will not remain silent in the face of terror. Describing the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 as one of the most horrifying incidents in recent history, he said, Pakistan attempted retaliation, but their response was met with overwhelming force. Advertisement The Prime Minister noted that the attack has left a deep and lasting impression on the nations collective memory. It sparked not only sorrow but also an unstoppable determination. He also said the terrorists underestimated the strength of Indias response. Praising the valor of the armed forces, PM Modi said, From the sacred land of Dahod, I bow to the bravery of our soldiers. Advertisement That country, born from the trauma of the Partition, continues to invest in hostility. But India chooses growth we are defeating poverty, building infrastructure, and advancing technology, he added. (For more news apart from PM Modi Condemns Terrorism as Profit-Making, stay tune to Rozana Spokesman) Ferozepur Reports First COVID Case After Mohali and Amritsar Get tested immediately if you experience even mild symptoms. Ferozepur Reports First COVID Case After Mohali and Amritsar, latest news: Ferozepur has reported its first COVID-19 case after Mohali and Amritsar. The infected person recently traveled from Ambala and tested positive for the virus. Health authorities are on high alert as concerns grow across the region with a confirmed case in the third district of Punjab. Advertisement The individual showed mild symptoms, according to officials, and is currently admitted to an isolation ward. Meanwhile, contact tracing is underway, and those who have been in contact with the patient are being placed under quarantine. Public Advisory Issued The Punjab Health Department has issued an appeal to the public: Advertisement Get tested immediately if you experience even mild symptoms. Wear masks in public spaces. Avoid crowded areas and maintain social distancing. (For more news apart from Ferozepur Reports First COVID Case After Mohali and Amritsar, stay tune to Rozana Spokesman) Uttarakhand News: After Tiger Falls Incident, Bathing in the Waterfall Banned There is no restriction on tourists visiting the Tiger Falls area. Uttarakhand Bans Bathing Tiger Falls Latest News: In the Chakrata area of Dehradun district, following the tragic incident on Monday evening at the famous tourist spot 'Tiger Falls,' where two tourists died due to a falling tree, bathing in the waterfall has been temporarily banned, citing some branches still pose a threat to visitors' safety. However, there is no restriction on tourists visiting the Tiger Falls area. Chakrata police station in-charge Chandrashekhar Nautiyal told PTI on Tuesday that some branches of the tree that fell from the mountain are still stuck and need to be removed. He said that due to recent storms and strong winds in the area, the roots of the tree may have weakened, causing it to fall. Advertisement He added that an inspection will also be conducted to check whether the other trees in the surrounding area are safe or not. Nautiyal said that if necessary, a letter will be sent to the Forest Department seeking their assistance in this matter. He mentioned that there is no restriction on tourists visiting the Tiger Falls area, but for their safety, going into the waterfall or bathing in it has been temporarily prohibited. He also said that it may take two to three days for normal conditions to be restored. Advertisement This is the first such accident at Tiger Falls, where two people lost their lives due to a falling tree from the mountain. One of them was Alka Anand (55) from Shahdara, Delhi, who had come for a visit with her daughter and son-in-law. The other victim was Geetram Joshi (38), who had come to bathe in the waterfall with his wife and children from the nearby Selakui area. Nautiyal informed that on Monday, about 80 school children had also come to bathe in the waterfall, but they all left just minutes before the accident. At the time of the incident, only 25 to 30 people were present there. With the rise in summer temperatures and school holidays, a large number of tourists are heading towards Tiger Falls, and currently, around 1,000 to 1,500 tourists visit there daily, PTI reported. Advertisement (For more news apart from Uttarakhand News: After Tiger Falls Incident, Bathing in the Waterfall Banned", stay tune to Rozana Spokesman) Shehbaz Sharif Offers Talks with India to Resolve Kashmir, Water, Trade & Terror Issues "We are ready to talk to promote trade and also, counter-terrorism..." Shehbaz Sharif Offers Talks with India; Ready to Resolve Long-standing Issues latest news: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a joint press conference in Tehran with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with India to resolve long-standing issues including Kashmir, water sharing, trade, and counter-terrorism efforts, according to a report by ANI, citing Pakistani media outlet Dawn. We are ready to talk, for the sake of peaceon water issues with our neighbour, Sharif said. Advertisement "We are ready to talk to promote trade and also, counter-terrorism..." "We wanted peace, we want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks, on the table, and resolve our outstanding issues," he added. Sharif further stated, but if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we genuinely want peaceseriously and sincerely. Advertisement According to the report, Shehbaz Sharif visited Iran on Monday after a stop in Turkiye and is scheduled to travel to Tajikistan and Azerbaijan next. Meanwhile, IRNA, Irans state media agency, reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed support for a durable ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of dialogue among regional countries to resolve disputes and promote peace. India's Firm Response Post-Pahalgam Attack Advertisement India has taken a firm stance against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 unarmed male civilians were killed after being identified by their religious affiliation. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. In response, India placed the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, in abeyance, citing Pakistans continued support for cross-border terrorism. India also imposed punitive diplomatic and economic measures, including an immediate ban on the direct and indirect import or transit of all goods originating from or exported from Pakistan, effectively halting bilateral trade. The action was formalized through a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Advertisement Indias External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, previously, reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended due to Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, previously, echoed the sentiment, stating, "India will keep the treaty in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. Please also note that climate change, demographic shifts, and technological advancements have created new ground realities." Additionally, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, in an interview with UK-based Sky News anchor Yalda Hakim, had admitted on record that Pakistan had done the dirty work for decadesimplicitly acknowledging the states role in supporting terrorism. India and Pakistan have a long history of conflict, marked by wars and terror attacks, including those in Uri and Pulwama. However, this is the first time that India has officially placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, signaling a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. (For More News, Shehbaz Sharif Offers Talks with India; Ready to Resolve Long-standing Issues, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Australia: Sikh Volunteers Melbourne extends humanitarian assistance to the flood-affected areas Despite working in a confined space, the charity managed to distribute neatly packed food boxes to those in need. Australia: Sikh Volunteers Melbourne extends humanitarian assistance to the flood-affected areas Melbourne: Sikh Volunteers Australia have extended their humanitarian assistance to the flood-affected areas in southeastern Australia, where relentless rains have cut off towns and forced thousands to evacuate, The Tribune reported. Advertisement According to the report, the Sikh charity travelled nearly 1,200 km (746 miles) to reach the rural town of Taree in New South Walesone of the worst-hit areas from last week's devastating floods in Australias most populous state. There, they set up their mobile kitchen in the parking lot of a hardware store to serve fresh meals to victims. The floods have left over 50,000 people stranded across the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales, around 300 km (186 miles) north of Sydney. Fast-rising waters burst riverbanks, destroyed homes, and washed away roads. As of now, five people have died due to the natural disaster. Local Sikh farmer Mark Kappa was quoted saying, We've had no power for three days out at the farm. We lost our milk. We lost everything. Advertisement After serving nearly 3,000 hot meals over the past three days, Sikh Volunteers Australia head Jaswinder Singh said, In times of disasters, I've seen the spirit of Australians come even better, closer to each other... so that's a good thing. Despite working in a confined space, the charity managed to distribute neatly packed food boxes to those in need. As reported, Sikh Volunteers Australia have been providing free meals since 2017 during various crises, including bushfires and floods. Advertisement (For more news apart from Australia: Sikh Volunteers Melbourne extends humanitarian assistance to the flood-affected areas, stay tune to Rozana Spokesman) Priorities for Romanias new president The new president of Romania Nicusor Dan presented in his address in Parliament the priorities that Romania should have in the coming period Nicusor Dan, the president of Romania (photo presidency.ro) Mihai Pelin, 27.05.2025, 14:00 Nicusor Dan took over his office as president of Romania, after being sworn-in in a plenary session of Parliament attended by Cabinet members and Constitutional Court judges, former presidents of Romania, the Royal Family, representatives of central public institutions and of religious denominations. In his address, he thanked all citizens for their involvement in the recent period, regardless of the cause they supported, and listed his priorities, with budget recovery as the main direction of the countrys efforts in the coming period. Nicusor Dan: The Romanian state needs a fundamental change, of course, within the limits of the rule of law. I assure you that I will be a president open to the voice of society and a partner of society. In the short term, Romania has a problem, that of the budget deficit. The Romanian government spends too much compared to what it can afford, and this may call into question the financial stability that we have all worked on all these years. We need to strengthen our transatlantic relations, the strategic partnership with the United States, our participation in NATO and in the dialogue between the EU and NATO. As for the relationship with the mostly Romanian-speaking Republic of Moldova, Nicusor Dan spoke about supporting its European path, and about consolidating and expanding joint projects in energy and transport infrastructure. He called on all Romanians in the country and abroad to get involved in the effort to reform the state. In his opinion, consular procedures must be streamlined and a structure must be created, focused on those who wish to return home. In addition, he believes that there is a need for proportional representation in Parliament for the Romanians living abroad. The president had a brief meeting with Ilie Bolojan, who had been the interim head of state since February 12. Nicusor Dan also posted his first TikTok video message from the Cotroceni Palace: Nicusor Dan: First day in Cotroceni. I know that I am here as a result of the campaign and of your votes, for which I have no words to thank you. I know why I am here. I assure you that we will carry on this partnership and we will communicate as we have so far. After the inauguration, consultations will follow with political parties to form a new Cabinet. The president said that it is in the national interest for Romania to have a government backed by a parliamentary majority, which will take on inevitable and necessary tax reforms. Nicusor Dan spoke about the need to curb tax evasion, bureaucracy and grand corruption, to ensure digitisation and investments in education, healthcare and agriculture, and to strengthen the countrys defence system. The president also said that the public pension system must be simplified, while in the judiciary prosecutors need to focus on high-level corruption and case resolution times must be reduced. (AMP) Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), Tuesday announced an agreement regarding the acquisition of SiteOne Therapeutics, Inc., a private biotechnology company, for upto $1 billion in cash, including an upfront payment and subsequent milestone payments. The acquisition includes STC-004, a Phase 2 ready Nav1.8 inhibitor being studied for the treatment of pain. Upon the completion of the deal, the company expects to continue the development of STC-004 along with the SiteOne team, paving way for advancement of new non-opioid medicines for pain management. Currently, LLY is trading at $719.54, up 0.82 percent on the New York Stock Exchange. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Following the long Memorial Day weekend, the price of gold showed a significant move to the downside during trading on Tuesday. Gold for May delivery tumbled $64.50 or 1.9 percent to $3,299.10 an ounce after surging $71.30 or 2.2 percent to $3,363.60 an ounce during last Friday's session. The sharp pullback by the price of the precious metal came after President Donald Trump announced he is delaying a threatened 50 percent tariff on imports from the European Union. "I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union," Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday. "I agreed to the extension July 9, 2025 It was my privilege to do so," he added. "The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly." Trump said in a subsequent Truth Social post this morning that the EU has "called to quickly establish meeting dates," which he described as a "positive event." "I hope that they will, FINALLY, like my same demand to China, open up the European Nations for Trade with the United States of America," he said. "They will BOTH be very happy, and successful, if they do!!!" Further reducing gold's safe haven appeal, the Conference Board released a report showing a substantial improvement by U.S. consumer confidence in the month of May. The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index spiked to 98.0 in May after plunging to a downwardly revised 85.7 in April. Economists had expected the consumer confidence index to inch up to 87.3 from the 86.0 originally reported for the previous month. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis In April 2025, Toyota Kirloskar Motor witnessed healthy growth, with sales at 24,833 units, an improvement of 32.78% when compared to sales in the same month last year Toyota Kirloskar Motors reported strong year-on-year (YoY) performance through April 2025. A balanced portfolio that appeals to a broader range of Indian consumers, along with the recently updated Urban Cruiser HyRyder paved the way for this positive market response. The 2025 Toyota HyRyder received tech updates, along with some added safety equipment. Toyota Sales April 2025 YoY Comparison Toyota sales in April 2025 stood at 24,833 units. This was a 32.80% YoY growth from 18,700 unit sales from April 2024. This marked a healthy 6,133 unit volume growth. Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder, a popular offering in the compact SUV segment, topped the sales list in April 2025 with 4,642 unit sales. This was a 42.74% YoY growth from 3,252 unit sales of April 2024 with the HyRyder commanding an 18.69% share in the company portfolio. The Hycross came in next at No. 2 with 4,494 unit sales, a 5.10% YoY growth from 4,276 units sold in the same month last year. Toyota Glanza, a rebadged version of Maruti Suzuki Baleno, witnessed a dip in demand by 5.66% to 4,132 units, a 248 unit volume decline from 4,380 unit sales of April 2024. Positive demand was seen for both Innova Crysta and Fortuner which continued to contribute efficiently to Toyotas sales. Crysta sales improved by 13.37% to 3,205 units in April 2025 from 2,827 units while Fortuner sales were up 24.90% to 2,904 units. Toyota Rumion, based on the Maruti Ertiga MPV, has experienced impressive YoY growth with demand up 106.54% to 2,462 units last month. This was a marked improvement over 1,192 unit sales of April 2024. The relatively new Taisor too contributed 2,421 units to total sales last month. Additionally, the Hilux and Camry both saw increased demand, with sales rising by 30.68% and 16.20%, respectively, resulting in 345 units for Hilux and 208 for Camry. However, it is worth mentioning that it was the Vellfire that saw a massive 300% YoY growth to 20 units sold last month from just 5 unit sales of April 2024. Toyota Sales April 2025 MoM Comparison While Toyota has posted positive YoY growth, its MoM performance fell by 12.48% from 28,373 units sold in March 2025. This related to a 3,540 unit volume decline. Most models in the company portfolio showing a lower sales trend. Toyota HyRyder saw a 12.18% de-growth from 5,286 unit sales while Hycross sales fell by 37.21% over 7,157 unit sales experienced in March 2025. On the other hand, Toyota Glanza and Crysta have both reported improved demand. Glanzas MoM sales went up by 18.02% to 4,132 units from 3,501 unit sales while Crysta sales grew by 18.75% from 2,699 units sold in March 2025 to 3,205 units last month. Fortuner suffered a 14.39% decline to 2,904 units from 3,392 units MoM while Rumion sales went up by 37.31% from 1,793 units to 2,462 units on a MoM basis. Both Taisor and Hilux saw significant sales decreases. Taisor registered a 30.19% MoM decline while Hilux sales were down by 34.66%. Camry sales improved marginally by 2.46% to 208 units from 203 units sold in March 2025 while Vellfire sales fell to 20 units which was a 94.22% MoM degrowth over 346 unit sales of the previous month. They may look good in the landscape, but are they, in fact, useful? This is a subject of frequent debate. In recent years, flower strips along fields and ditches have become popular both in Denmark and abroad. One of the purposes of the strips is to attract more predatory insects that can naturally control pests in the fields, rather than relying on pesticides. The EU aims to reduce pesticide use by 50 percent by 2030. A meta-analysis from the University of Copenhagen shows that flower strips are effective. At least if they have two or more flower species. The analysis has reviewed a large number of studies that have measured the effects of flower strips on the abundance of natural enemies. And the overall picture is clear. "Our study confirms that diversity pays off. The more species in the flower strip, the more natural enemies in the field," says senior author of the study, Associate Professor Lene Sigsgaard from the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. Overall, the results suggest that flower strips with just two different species increase the number of natural enemies by an average of 70 percent. "Having high species diversity is clearly beneficial. If you only have one flower species, the difference is not significant. However, with just two species, there are 70 percent more natural enemies as if there were no flowers. And the abundance of natural enemies increases by 4.1 percent for each new flower species you add," says Nika Jachowicz, lead author of the study and Industrial PhD fellow at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. The study is part of Nika Jachowicz's recently completed PhD. The likely explanation is that multi-species flower strips can feed natural enemies throughout the growing season because they flower at different times. In addition, the flowers most favoured by which beneficial insects vary. "You can be lucky that one flower species performs well, but if you have only one species, it all depends on how it grows and whether it suits the beneficial insects in that field. It's more vulnerable. More flower species provide greater certainty of success and support a broader range of beneficials," Lene Sigsgaard says. More ladybirds and hoverflies The meta-analysis demonstrates that flower strips primarily attract natural enemies that prey on plants, such as ladybirds, flower bugs, soldier beetles, hoverflies and green lacewings. This group of natural enemies eat aphids, thrips, spider mites as well as eggs and larvae of various pests. However, it's not just the number of species in the strip that matters; it's also important to choose flower species with the right characteristics: "Flowers such as yarrow, ox-eye daisy, bellis and various umbelliferous flowers are suitable for flower strips because they have open flowers with easy access to pollen and nectar, which is an advantage for predatory insects, parasitic wasps and solitary bees," Nika Jachowicz says. Pollen and nectar serve as food supplements, allowing natural enemies to survive in the absence of prey. Lene Sigsgaard also recommends that farmers choose seed mixes with perennial native species such as yarrow and ox-eye daisy: "Native species are those that, through evolution, have the best impact on the insects that live in Denmark. And if they are perennial species, you can have flower strips that last for many years if you look after them properly. Beneficial insects can overwinter here and build up their populations, benefiting biodiversity and plant production. In this way, you also strengthen the economic argument for having flower strips." Making it easier to receive funding EU policy aims to reduce the need for pesticide spraying by promoting robust plant production with as high a level of self-defence as possible, that is, providing the best possible conditions for natural enemies and pollinators to be present in the fields. And this is where flower strips play a role. Flower strips are one method for promoting ecological balance and reducing pesticide use. They can't stand alone, but the great thing about them is that they can be easily combined with other preventive measures, such as crop rotation and biological control. And it doesn't harm that perennial flower strips contribute to biodiversity in the open countryside," Lene Sigsgaard says. In Europe, national subsidy schemes for flower strips have been in place since the 1990s. But, according to the researchers, strips could be even more widespread if it becomes easier for farmers to apply for subsidies to plant them: "We hear from farmers that it's difficult to obtain subsidies for flower strips, partly because the rules regarding when to sow and mow them are complex. There are several boxes to tick that may not quite align with the purpose of attracting more natural enemies. So we encourage the authorities to make it easier to get funding for flower strips," Nika Jachowicz ends. FLOWER STRIPS IN A DISTURBED SYSTEM The meta-analysis is the first to exclusively examine the effect of flower strips in fields with annual crops. "Other studies have shown many success stories with perennial crops, but there is a significant difference between how flower strips work in such a system and in a system that is disturbed every year by ploughing and machine traffic. Fields with annual crops present more challenging and complex conditions for flower strips. But here too, there is a clear effect of flower strips," Nika Jachowicz says. When we think of cholera, most of us picture contaminated water and tragic outbreaks in vulnerable regions. But behind the scenes, cholera bacteria are locked in a fierce, microscopic war -- one that could shape the course of pandemics. Cholera bacteria aren't just battling antibiotics and public health measures -- they are also constantly under attack from bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect and kill bacteria. These viruses don't just influence individual infections; they can make or break entire epidemics. In fact, certain bacteriophages are thought to limit the size and duration of cholera outbreaks by killing off Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium behind the disease. Since the 1960s, the ongoing 7th cholera pandemic has been driven by what are known as "seventh pandemic El Tor" (7PET) strains of V. cholerae, which have spread globally in successive waves. In this evolutionary arms race, bacteria have adapted to fight back, developing defense mechanisms against these phages. For example, many bacterial strains carry mobile genetic elements that arm them with anti-viral tools. So why are certain cholera strains so successful at evading phage attacks? Could this either enable or enhance the pathogen's devastating effect on human populations? One event stands out. In the early 1990s, a cholera epidemic swept through Peru and much of Latin America, infecting over 1 million people and causing thousands of deaths. The strains responsible belonged to the West African South American (WASA) lineage of V. cholerae. Why these WASA strains caused such a large outbreak in Latin America is still not fully understood. New research by the group of Melanie Blokesch at EPFL's Global Health Institute has now uncovered one secret behind these strains. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, shows that the WASA lineage acquired multiple distinct bacterial immune systems that have protected it from diverse types of phages. And this defense may have contributed to the massive scale of the Latin American epidemic. The researchers looked at Peruvian cholera strains from the 1990s, testing their resistance against key phages, especially ICP1 -- a dominant virus that has been extensively studied in the cholera endemic area of Bangladesh where it is thought to contribute to restricting cholera outbreaks. Surprisingly, the Peruvian strains were immune to ICP1, while other strains representative of the 7th pandemic weren't. By deleting specific sections of the cholera strain's DNA and inserting these genes into other bacterial strains to test their function, the team identified two major defense regions on the WASA strain's genome, namely within the so-called WASA-1 prophage and the genomic island known as Vibrio seventh pandemic island II (VSP-II). These genomic regions encode specialized anti-phage systems that work together to create a bacterial immune system capable of defending against phage infections. One such system, WonAB, triggers an "abortive infection" response that kills infected cells before phages can reproduce, sacrificing a few bacteria to save the larger population. This strategy is different to classical bacterial immune systems such as restriction-modification systems that degrade the phage DNA as it enters the cells. "Instead, it stops the phage from replicating but only after it has already hijacked the cholera bacterium's cellular machinery, effectively locking the infected bacteria in a standoff -- but at least the phage doesn't spread," says David Adams, the study's lead author. Two further systems, GrwAB and VcSduA, contribute distinct protective functions: GrwAB targets phages with chemically modified DNA -- a strategy employed by phages to camouflage their genomes and evade other bacterial immune systems. VcSduA on the other hand acts against different families of viruses including another common "vibriophage," offering layered protection that broadens the bacterial population's resistance spectrum. Essentially, the WASA lineage of cholera bacteria harbors an expanded arsenal of anti-phage defense systems, which allows it to counteract a broad range of bacteriophages in addition to protection from its major predatory phage ICP1. Understanding how epidemic bacteria resist phage predation is crucial, especially as interest in phage therapy -- the use of viruses to treat bacterial infections -- has re-emerged as an alternative to antibiotic treatment. If bacteria like V. cholerae can acquire increased transmission potential by obtaining viral defenses, this can reshape how we approach cholera control, monitoring, and treatment. It also underscores the importance of considering phage-bacteria dynamics when studying and managing infectious disease outbreaks. A new study led by Cornell Lab of Ornithology researchers at the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics shows that monitoring and managing select bird species can provide benefits for other species within specific regions. The research, published in the journal Conservation Biology, analyzed more than 892,000 hours of bird sounds recorded across California's Sierra Nevada to test a long-standing conservation strategy -- monitoring and protecting a few surrogate species can provide information and protection for the community as a whole, what scientists call the umbrella species concept. "We've long assumed that by monitoring one or a handful of species, we can gain insights about what's happening with many other species that use similar habitats," said lead author Kristin Brunk, a postdoctoral fellow at the Cornell Lab's K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics who is now at the University of Oslo in Norway. "But this assumption has rarely been tested at the large scales where it's often applied." Brunk and her colleagues used advanced recording devices and artificial intelligence to study the co-occurrence of six surrogate species, including the California spotted owl and black-backed woodpecker, along with 63 other bird species across 25,000 square kilometers of forest -- an area the size of Vermont. These six surrogate species were chosen because each is thought to represent a unique set of conditions that also support other species that rely on similar habitat features. For example, the presence of California spotted owl is often thought to indicate mature forests, an increasingly rare habitat type that other species such as golden-crowned kinglet, hermit warbler, and hermit thrush also rely on. The umbrella species idea suggests that protecting habitat for the spotted owl should also benefit other mature forest species. The Yang Center's SwiftOne recording devices captured bird sounds day and night at 1,651 locations in the Sierra Nevada, while machine learning software called BirdNET -- also developed at the Yang Center -- helped identify species from hundreds of thousands of hours of recordings. "We're entering a new era of conservation science," said co-author Connor Wood, research faculty at the Yang Center. "These tools allow us to collect and analyze data at scales that were impossible just a few years ago." The team found that 95% of the other forest birds they studied showed positive associations with at least one of the six surrogate species. This suggests that managing forests to promote the habitat characteristics needed by these six birds could help preserve habitat for many other species as well. "We were really excited to see these results develop, because it's one of the first real tests of the umbrella species concept," said Wood. "It's something you learn about in introductory conservation biology classes, but until now no one has really had the data needed to actually test the theory." "With this dataset, we were able to study not only how effective the surrogate species were, but also how their effectiveness changed over the large latitudinal gradient of the Sierra Nevada," said Brunk. Being able to test the effectiveness of surrogate species over larger areas, the researchers said, is a key output from their research. They found that the effectiveness of the surrogate species changed depending on latitude. A bird species strongly associated with a surrogate species in the northern Sierra Nevada might show no relationship, or even a negative one, in the southern portion of the range. "This finding has important implications for conservation," Brunk explained. "It tells us we need to be careful about assuming what works in one area will work everywhere else. The habitat needs of a species are often not stationary. They change across the species' range, and we have to think about that when we choose surrogate species to monitor. Surrogate species strategies should be assessed at the same scale at which they will be applied." The researchers stressed that selecting the right surrogate species is also important. "A good surrogate species should be enough of a specialist that it's clearly associated with some set of conditions to provide a conservation umbrella for other species," said Wood. The study comes at a crucial time for forest managers faced with mounting threats from climate change, severe wildfires, and limited resources. The research team hopes their findings will help forest managers make more informed decisions by understanding which species serve as reliable indicators of forest health -- and where these relationships hold true -- managers can better target their conservation efforts. This study was funded by USDA Forest Service Region 5; the California Climate Investment's Forest Health Research Program (grant no. 19-RP-NEU-043); the NASA Biodiversity and Ecological Forecasting Program (grant no. 20-ECOF20-0017); the National Park Service, and the University of Wisconsin's office of the vice chancellor for research for funding this project. Our work in the K Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics is made possible by the generosity of K Lisa Yang to advance innovative conservation technologies to inspire and inform the conservation of wildlife and habitats. BirdNET is supported by Jake Holshuh (Cornell class of '69) and The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding the development of BirdNET through the project "BirdNET+" (FKZ 01|S22072). Additionally, the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety is funding the development of BirdNET through the project "DeepBirdDetect" (FKZ 67KI31040E). A gene that regulates the development of roots in vascular plants is also involved in the organ development of liverworts -- land plants so old they don't even have proper roots. The Kobe University discovery highlights the fundamental evolutionary dynamic of co-opting, evolving a mechanism first and adopting it for a different purpose later. When scientists discover that a gene is necessary for the development of a trait, they are quick to ask since when this gene has been involved in this and how the evolution of the gene has contributed to the evolution of the trait. Kobe University plant biologist FUKAKI Hidehiro says: "My group previously discovered that a gene called RLF is necessary for lateral root development in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, but it was completely new that the group of genes RLF belongs to is involved in plant organ development. So we wanted to know whether the equivalent of this gene in other plants is also involved in similar processes." Fukaki turned to the simplest model land plant he could find, the umbrella liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. This plant doesn't even have roots that can extract water or nutrients from the soil, but it has its own version of the RLF gene. Using this organism, the Kobe University plant biologist studied the function of its RLF gene and whether its function within the cell is comparable to the Arabidopsis version of the gene. In the journal New Phytologist, he and his team publish that liverworts lacking RLF have severe deformations in various organs, demonstrating that RLF is involved in organ development in these basic land plants as well. They could even show that the Arabidopsis gene could perform its function in the liverwort and the liverwort's gene in Arabidopsis. "This shows that the two genes are functionally interchangeable as actors in organ development," explains Fukaki. The RLF gene produces a protein that belongs to the vast group of heme-binding proteins and that means that it may bind a molecule called "heme," which is involved in energy transfer within the cell. Fukaki says, "Given that heme-binding proteins were not known to be involved in organ development in plants, another significant point in our study is that we showed that the RLF protein actually has a heme, both in the liverwort and in Arabidopsis." The Kobe University researcher expects that learning more about how the RLF protein interacts with others will clarify more about the evolution of plant organ development. Fukaki adds, "The fact that RLF plays an important role in organ development since at least the dawn of land plants is an example of how evolution often co-opts existing mechanisms for new functions, such as for root development, which evolved only after liverworts and mosses branched off the other land plants." This research was funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) Japan (grants 19H05673, 19H05670), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (grants 21H05271, 23KK0127, 24K09497, 24H02069, 21J40092, 19H03247), the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (grants JP21wm0425011 and JP20dm0207001), and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (grants JPMJGX23B0, JPMJSP2148). It was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Tokyo, Nara Women's University, Ritsumeikan University, and Osaka University. From smartphones and TVs to credit cards, technologies that manipulate light are deeply embedded in our daily lives, many of which are based on holography. However, conventional holographic technologies have faced limitations, particularly in displaying multiple images on a single screen and in maintaining high-resolution image quality. Recently, a research team led by Professor Junsuk Rho at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) has developed a groundbreaking metasurface technology that can display up to 36 high-resolution images on a surface thinner than a human hair. This research has been published in Advanced Science. This achievement is driven by a special nanostructure known as a metasurface. Hundreds of times thinner than a human hair, the metasurface is capable of precisely manipulating light as it passes through. The team fabricated nanometer-scale pillars using silicon nitride, a material known for its robustness and excellent optical transparency. These pillars, referred to as meta-atoms, allow for fine control of light on the metasurface. A remarkable aspect of this technology is its ability to project entirely different images depending on both the wavelength (color) and spin (polarization direction) of light. For example, left-circularly polarized red light may reveal an image of an apple, while right-circularly polarized red light may produce an image of a car. Using this technique, the researchers successfully encoded 36 images at 20 nm intervals within the visible spectrum, and 8 images spanning from the visible to the near-infrared region -- all onto a single metasurface. What makes this innovation particularly notable is not only its simplified design and fabrication process, but also its enhanced image quality. The team addressed previous issues of image crosstalk and background noise by incorporating a noise suppression algorithm, resulting in clearer images with minimal interference between channels. "This is the first demonstration of multiplexing spin and wavelength information through a single phase-optimization process while achieving low noise and high image fidelity," said Professor Rho. "Given its scalability and commercial viability, this technology holds strong potential for a wide range of optical applications, including high-capacity optical data storage, secure encryption systems, and multi-image display technologies." This research was supported by the POSCO Holdings N.EX.T Impact Program, as well as the Pioneer Program for Converging Technology of the National Research Foundation of Korea, funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT. China's humanoid robots gain momentum in commercial rollout Xinhua) 08:31, May 27, 2025 HEFEI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Standing 1.67 meters tall and weighing 65 kilograms, a humanoid robot named Mornine professionally introduces and recommends the latest car models to clients at a Chery automobile 4S store in Malaysia. Powered by advanced devices such as 3D lidar, panoramic camera and large language model, Mornine can autonomously plan its walking routes and promptly respond to consumer inquiries. In late April, the first batch of 220 such humanoid robots developed by Moga Technology Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Chinese carmaker Chery, was officially delivered to clients worldwide. Zhang Guibin, president of Moga Technology, said that the robots will first be deployed at automobile 4S stores, then in public service places such as supermarkets, before finally entering households. Thanks to rapid advancements in technologies such as AI and large language models, China's robotics industry is undergoing a rapid transformation from laboratory research to mass production and applications. The industry is expected to see a market boom in the coming years. According to the Chinese Institute of Electronics, China's humanoid robot market is projected to reach 870 billion yuan (about 121 billion U.S. dollars) by 2030. The deep integration of AI, 5G communications, and brain-inspired computing is driving robotics into a new phase of embodied intelligence, said Liu Hong, director of the State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems. Chinese robotics firm EngineAI launched two robot models on an e-commerce platform in mid-April, with its flagship model PM01 boasting 24 degrees of freedom, or the number of movable joints, and a movement speed of 2 meters per second. This robot is capable of performing complex movements such as front flips and dancing, and can even assist police officers in street patrols. "As a high-performance hardware platform, the PM01 supports integration with a variety of developer ecosystems, making it adaptable to diverse application scenarios," said Zhang Shan, office director of EngineAI Hefei branch. So far, the robot has already been deployed in education, security patrols and firefighting, and the target is to deliver 1,000 units this year. These smart robots are also making inroads into industrial applications. Five Kuavo humanoid robots, developed by Leju Robotics, have been introduced to the production lines of Chinese carmaker FAW Hongqi this year, where they transport boxes for long hours. "Our Kuavo humanoid robots are primarily designed for logistics scenarios, such as transporting containers and sorting documents. The bipedal design offers advantages in moving in confined spaces or climbing stairs," said Wang Shuai, deputy general manager of Leju Robotics Hefei branch. According to Wang, the robots are currently in the testing and development phase and they will officially start to work in factories by year-end. Regions across China are investing heavily to foster this future industry. Hefei, capital of Anhui Province, has established a 10-billion-yuan fund to promote its smart robotics industry. Similar initiatives are underway in the provinces of Guangdong, Sichuan and Shanxi. Intelligence is the main focus of Hefei's industrial development strategy for the next decade, with intelligent robots forming a key part of the blueprint, said Wang Haixia, deputy mayor of Hefei. In 2024, the output value of Hefei's intelligent robotics industry exceeded 50 billion yuan, with the number of relevant enterprises increasing by 83 percent year on year. As a new tech hub, the city is now home to over 160 enterprises across the entire robotics value chain, from R&D to manufacturing. Despite rapid progress, industry insiders widely believe that the mass application of robots still faces multiple challenges, such as an underdeveloped embodied brain and difficulty in expanding application scenarios. The smart robotics industry requires collaborative efforts to establish shared technological platforms, complete the list of application scenarios, and build a more robust industrial ecosystem, said Liu. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) It was a cold winter in the forested Ardennes region between Belgium and Luxembourg when German forces launched a surprise attack on the Allies on December 16, 1944, beginning what is now known as the Battle of the Bulge. Over the next few weeks of fighting, the 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion, which was stationed north of the town of Bastogne, was decimated from 643 soldiers to just 250. The remaining men, beleaguered from the harsh conditions and suffering from trench foot and frostbite, were ordered to attack the town of Rochelinval over open ground and without arterial support. Among those men was David Rogers I, the great-grandfather of Dawson Rogers 25, a current accounting major and ROTC cadet at Santa Clara University. He actually never shared that much with us about his military history, so when I found out I was going on this trip to visit the Battle of the Bulge, we started digging through his army documents and awards to learn more, Rogers says. Rogers' great-grandfather was awarded a Purple Heart and a combat infantrymans badge for his service in the Battle of the Bulge. In researching the 551st Battalions eventual victory and overwhelming lossesonly 14 officers and 96 men survived the battleRogers was able to contextualize his memories of a serious man with inner struggles. When I realized that 90 percent of the people he shipped off with died in battle, it made a lot more sense as to why he was the man he was. The Battle of the Bulge was the single deadliest WWII battle fought by American forces and one of the wars most decisive battles, leading to the Allies pushing Germany into a permanent retreat. Its a battle represented in countless tactical and strategic decisions on both sidesbut behind each decision is a human life caught in the balance. To learn from these stories, every year, seniors in ROTC practice something called a staff ride. During a staff ride, cadets study various leaders on both sides of a single historical battle, going through their strategic decisions and how they impacted the rest of the battle and war. While Santa Claras ROTC program typically does its staff ride around a tactical mapsince most historic battlefields are outside driving distancea generous donation from an alumni family allowed cadets the once-in-a-lifetime chance to do their staff ride on the Battle of the Bulge with boots on the actual ground. When we decided on this staff ride, we knew we were going to read Band of Brothers, which focused on one of the key units and several significant leaders in this battle, explains battalion executive officer Anna Horan 25. The expectation from our cadre was to have everything prepared to tell a single person in a units story as best as you can. During spring break, Horan and Rogers joined seven other cadets and two SCU instructors in Belgium and Luxembourg, focusing on the area around the town of Bastogne, where the 101st Airborne Division held off besieging Germans until the arrival of General Pattons reinforcements. There, the cadets drove across over 30 miles of frontline, unpacking how decisions from Eisenhower and Hitler played out in reality. Were in a very different world from those soldiers back then, but we need to know our history to do better than before, Horan says. As a medical service officer in training, Im thinking about how I can protect my soldiers, my doctors, my PAs. Studying this battle, I learned about a medical company that was decimated right at the start of the fighting because they didnt have proper security. And now, thats immediately something Ill think of when I go into my next position. Walking beside pockmarked buildings, forest foxholes, and artifacts in museums made that educational experience all the more immersive and impactful, adds Horan, who recalled the claustrophobia of a museum basement simulating what the barrage of bombs was like for sheltering civilians in Bastogne. One of the most impactful stories I learned was of Augusta Chiwy, a Black Belgian civilian nurse who volunteered on the frontline in Bastogne, even when facing racism from the American soldiers, Horan recalls. She ended up living into her nineties, and it was just one of those stories that hit you in the heart and made you feel grateful. Over 5,000 American service members are buried in this Luxembourg cemetery. For Rogers, the staff ride's visit to the U.S. Military Cemetery in Luxembourg provided a deeper connection to his great-grandfathers compatriots who didnt survive the war. Seeing where thousands of service members who died in the Battle of the Bulge were buried, including General Patton, just shows the lengths that our ancestors have gone to defend democracy around the world. These kinds of immersive, life-changing lessons will continue in the Military Science program, says director and professor Lieutenant Colonel David Von Bargen, with the ROTC planning to visit Korea for next years staff ride. Weve been so lucky to get such generous donations from our alumni on Day of Giving and beyond to be able to give our cadets this kind of incredible tactical training. YesRx Pharmacists handle cancer medications at the cancer drug repository at the Trinity Health Reichert Medical Center in Superior Township. Matt Lamphere Lake Michigan in the eastern Upper Peninsula. Fran Dwight The 162,000 square foot campus of the Career Connect Center is well-lit and welcoming. Fran Dwight Inside the culinary education section of the KRESA Career Connect Center Fran Dwight Hope Lim, CTE and Early Middle College Alumna, spoke at the KRESA Career Connect Center's ribbon cutting. Fran Dwight KRESA's Career Connect Center is located on Vanrick Drive. Fran Dwight Hundreds of local officials, school administrators, teachers, and government and organizational leaders attended the ribbon cutting for KRESA's state-of-the-art Career Connect Center. Fran Dwight A robotic arm in the robotics lab of KRESA's Career Connect Center Fran Dwight Dr. Dedrick Martin, KRESA Superintendent, speaks at the KRESA Career Connect Center's ribbon cutting ceremony. Fran Dwight A few of the state-of-the-art lathes in the machine shop at KRESA's Career Connect Center Fran Dwight One of the many classrooms at KRESA's Career Connect Center Fran Dwight Inside the veterinary education section of the KRESA Career Connect Center Fran Dwight Eric Stewart, Kalamazoo RESA Assistant Superintendent for Career and Talent Development, Anna Cool Community Engagement Specialist for Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Dr. Dedrick Martin, KRESA Superintendent, pose with a state certificate. Fran Dwight A few of the state-of-the-art lathes in the machine shop at KRESA's Career Connect Center Fran Dwight Braylon Youker reported this story as part of Kalamazoo Voices of Youth. The Voices of Youth Kalamazoo program is a collaboration between Southwest Michigan Second Wave, the Kalamazoo YMCA, and KYD Network, funded by the Stryker Johnston Foundation. This series features stories created by Kalamazoo County youth in partnership with professional mentors, as well as stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth.KALAMAZOO, MI Whether it is a robotic arm, a life-sized animal model, or an entire AC unit, the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency (KRESA) Career Connect Campus (CCC) has lots to offer for career-based education.The CCC is a palace of intangible reality, says Sarah Mansberg, Executive Director of Workforce and Community Initiatives at KRESA.The CCC officially opened its doors last Thursday (May 22nd), marking a major step forward in rethinking education.The first tours offered visitors a comprehensive look at how the CCC will host Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs designed to simulate real workplace experiences while helping students explore, prepare, and succeed in the workforce after high school.However, the CCC is more than just a building it is now a launchpad for student opportunities with an even larger goal: to help students truly see what is possible for their futures.Too many incredible occupations are hidden behind obscure-sounding language or outdated understanding of industry, says Eric Stewart, KRESAs Assistant Superintendent for Career and Talent Development. Weve embedded cutting-edge equipment and state-of-the-art technology all across the CCC to help shine a light on the current realities and opportunities of these occupations right here in Kalamazoo.At first glance, the CCC is nothing shy of astonishing. The outside alone displays innovation, but the inside is even more amazing. Holding more than 22 CTE programs, the CCC stands as a large-scale facility with extensive offerings. The Automotive Technology CTE alone has access to a multi-car mechanics garage capable of housing well over 15 vehicles.We believe if you cant see it, you cant be it, says Sandy Barry-Loken, KRESAs Assistant Executive Director of Communications and Community Engagement. What really excites me is the intentional designthat will allow students to not only have a hands-on experience in the program they participate in, but to have an ongoing showcase of all the other available CTE courses all in-demand, well-paying careers.The CCC prides itself on being hands-on and project-based, giving students practical experience that directly translates to the workforce. But the goal is more than career readiness, it is enjoyment and excitement. We want kids to have fun. Learning, after all, can be and should be engaging it will be a blast, says Stewart.The KRESA Career and Technical Education (CTE) program was created to give high school students hands-on career experience to better prepare them for real-world applications. However, with students coming from all over Kalamazoo, there was an increased need for a dedicated CTE center where most programs could be held to reduce travel times and district disparities, according to planners.The opening of the Career Connect Campus results from a multi-year plan to expand access to CTE programs to all of Kalamazoo County. Before the CCC opened, CTE opportunities varied by district due to the location of certain programs. By consolidating multiple programs under one roof, KRESA aims to eliminate these barriers and provide equitable access to a world-class education, says Dr. Derrick Martin, KRESA Superintendent.In 2019, 60% of voters approved a millage proposed by Southwest Michigan First and KRESA for the creation of the facility. While the millage would pay for operational costs, the real kickstarter was an anonymous $100 million donation that further set in motion the creation of the building. The now-completed Career Connect Campus increases student access to job discovery programs and real-world skills development that will give them a leg up in the job market. We heard our local employers loud and clear these skills matter, Stewart says. Thats why we focus so heavily on their development.Located centrally in Kalamazoo County just off the Sprinkle Exit of I-94, the CCC addresses disparities in transportation and accessibility among students in different districts. This campus will increase access to CTE for students all throughout the county, especially those historically who had barriers to participation, says Barry-Loken.The new campus currently offers CTE programs across several pathways, including Culinary Arts, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice & Public Safety, and many more. Each program maintains the standards of the Michigan Merit Curriculum along with the standard expectations of the state, nation, and industries.Each CTE program offered at the CCC is housed in specialized labs or classrooms designed to replicate real-world professional environments with access to all kinds of career-specific equipment. In the Culinary Arts kitchen, stainless steel appliances, deep fryers, and pots and pans galore allow students to train in a restaurant-like atmosphere. The Veterinary Science classroom contains full-sized models of horses, sheep, and cows used for demonstration.Among the most unique offerings is the CCCs Supply Chain CTE program the first in Michigan. Our Career Connect campus offers the first Supply Chain CTE program in the stateour students will manage the logistics for purchasing, distribution, and order fulfillment for the entire campus, says Barry-Loken. The ability to manage campus logistics will provide students with a job-like experience while providing for the entire facility.The opening of the KRESA Career Connect campus marks a significant investment in the development of increased opportunities for Kalamazoo County education. I cant wait to see [the students] eyes light up. Weve built this for them, says Stewart.With a focus on innovation, opportunity, and accessibility, the CCC is expected to become a cornerstone of regional education. As CTE programs expand and become more accessible, the Career Connect Campus is positioned to redefine educational pathways for Kalamazoo County students.The CCC is not just a place to earn credit or complete coursework; it is a palace of opportunity capable of reshaping lives. The CCC, according to those involved, is a place where futures begin, barriers are broken, and goals are brought into focus. For hundreds of students across Kalamazoo County, that opportunity is now.is a sophomore at Kalamazoo Central High School and the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center, both in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In his free time, Braylon enjoys working out, reading political fiction, playing guitar, and hanging out with his pets. The European Union on Tuesday approved the creation of a 150bn landmark fund to boost defence capabilities amid tensions with Russia and a wavering of US commitments in the region. The EU General Affairs Council of ministers approved the joint loan programme - known as Security Action for Europe (SAFE) - at a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday. It was backed by 26 of the 27 member states, with Hungary abstaining. However, the move is not without controversy, in April, the European Commission used an emergency clause to bypass the European Parliament, which meant discussions over the final agreement went straight to ministers. Ukraine and Norway are included in the SAFE programme, and the final document also creates a mechanism for external nations such as the UK to join provided they meet specific conditions. SAFE is designed to overcome national barriers by funding joint defence projects across EU nations, with a strong emphasis on supporting the European defence industry. To qualify for loans under the scheme, projects must ensure that at least 65% of the value comes from companies based in the EU, the European Economic Area, or Ukraine. Britain signed an agreement with the EU earlier this month, which could its large defence industry participate in SAFE-funded projects. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Consumer confidence in Germany rose to its highest mark in seven months as economic expectations reached a two-year high despite overall sentiment remaining "extremely low", according to a survey by NIQ and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM). The forward-looking consumer climate indicator forecast an increase of just 0.9 points to -19.9 for June. This was the third straight improvement and marked the highest level since November. But while the index remains firmly higher than the record lows of -42.8 seen in late-2022, it still remains well below the long-term average. According to NIQ, consumers showed less willingness to spend money in this month's survey, with the gauge for this measure falling 1.5 points to -6.4, even though the income expectations indicator rose 6.1 points to an eight-month high of 10.4. At the same time, the willingness to save measure increased. "Despite improved income prospects, willingness to buy is not increasing," NIQ said. "Uncertainty caused by the US governments unpredictable customs and trade policy and a rise in unemployment, which is causing many employees to worry about their own jobs, is continuing. This is causing consumer restraint, even though income expectations are currently viewed more positively." Nevertheless, the economic expectations indicator rose 5.9 points to 13.1, its highest since April 2023. That's despite projections for Germany economic growth to stall this year, before picking up to 1% in 2026. The level of consumer sentiment remains extremely low, and consumer uncertainty remains high, said Rolf Burkl, consumer expert at the NIM. The unpredictable customs and trade policy of the US government, turbulence on the stock markets and fears of a third consecutive year of stagnation are reasons why the consumer climate remains weak. In view of the general economic situation, people seem to think it advisable to save," Burkl said. London stocks gained in early trade on Tuesday following the long weekend, catching up with gains in Europe a day earlier after Trump agreed to extend a deadline to negotiate tariffs with the European Union. At 0845 BST, the FTSE 100 was up 0.6% at 8,772.73. Trump announced on Sunday that the imposition of a 50% tariff on goods from the EU to the US will be delayed from 1 June until 9 July to allow for talks. Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "A mood of cautious relief is spreading after the long weekend, amid hopes for more fruitful trade negotiations between the United States and its global partners. There are no post bank holiday blues for the London market, with the Footsie in striking distance of the record high reached in February. More positive vibes are pulsing about the outlook for the global economy, with hopes that more scores can be etched on the doors of trade talks. "US futures point to a higher open on indices, as optimism spreads after the holiday break. Trump once again has pressed the pause button, this time on proposed 50% tariffs on imports from the European Union, which caused nervousness at the end of last week. The Dax and CAC 40 had already gained ground on Monday, after the extension to talks was announced with the European Commission. "Still, plenty of uncertainty remains about the exact outcome in the raft of ongoing negotiations with nations around the world. Japan is also holding out for a deal to eliminate tariffs, with the proposals for a huge US-Japanese joint wealth fund looking set to be a potential bargaining chip in the talks. The idea floated is for the funds structure to potentially be a blueprint for other countries to create closer investment ties with the US, but it seems to be very early days for the concept." In equity markets, specialty chemicals company Elementis surged to the top of the FTSE 250 after saying it had sold its Talc business to Italys IMI Fabi for an enterprise value of $121m and would start a 50m share buyback. The sale comes as Elementis repositions itself as a pure-play specialty chemicals operation focused on value-added additives in the high-margin coatings and personal care markets. Jupiter Fund Management also shot higher after an upgrade to add from hold at Peel Hunt, which said the companys planned cost savings offer a "welcome boost" to profitability. Premier Inn owner Whitbread advanced as it announced the appointment of Christine Hodgson as its new chair effective 1 September, succeeding Adam Crozier, who will retire from the board on the same date. Burberry was boosted by an upgrade to equalweight from underweight at Barclays, which said that its key concerns around the dilution of the brand equity now appear less likely to materialise. Premier Foods was knocked lower by a downgrade to sector perform from outperform at RBC Capital Markets. It said Premier has done an outstanding job resolving a number of existential problems and has evolved a reliable business model. "This has taken a while, but we feel that the share price now reflects these virtues, and so downgrade our rating to sector perform." Fresnillo, Hochschild Mining and Endeavour all lost their shine as gold prices fell. Market Movers FTSE 100 (UKX) 8,772.73 0.63% FTSE 250 (MCX) 20,875.39 0.80% techMARK (TASX) 4,806.40 1.04% FTSE 100 - Risers International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 329.70p 3.10% Melrose Industries (MRO) 464.90p 2.99% Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) 2,014.00p 2.86% Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 855.60p 2.37% Schroders (SDR) 348.20p 2.11% Ashtead Group (AHT) 4,306.00p 2.11% London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) 11,765.00p 2.04% St James's Place (STJ) 1,109.00p 2.02% Smiths Group (SMIN) 2,174.00p 1.87% BAE Systems (BA.) 1,877.50p 1.87% FTSE 100 - Fallers Fresnillo (FRES) 1,100.00p -2.91% Rio Tinto (RIO) 4,504.50p -1.27% Centrica (CNA) 156.95p -1.04% British American Tobacco (BATS) 3,309.00p -0.78% Severn Trent (SVT) 2,726.00p -0.47% Reckitt Benckiser Group (RKT) 4,906.00p -0.47% Coca-Cola HBC AG (CDI) (CCH) 3,990.00p -0.45% SSE (SSE) 1,747.00p -0.29% Next (NXT) 12,860.00p -0.27% Diageo (DGE) 2,017.00p -0.20% FTSE 250 - Risers Elementis (ELM) 143.20p 10.15% Jupiter Fund Management (JUP) 88.20p 7.56% Rank Group (RNK) 127.20p 4.61% Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) 131.90p 4.60% Bridgepoint Group (Reg S) (BPT) 281.00p 4.31% Trustpilot Group (TRST) 238.00p 3.30% Close Brothers Group (CBG) 345.60p 3.29% AO World (AO.) 108.00p 3.25% Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (AML) 77.60p 3.12% Wizz Air Holdings (WIZZ) 1,623.00p 2.92% FTSE 250 - Fallers Hochschild Mining (HOC) 275.60p -4.83% Premier Foods (PFD) 203.50p -4.24% Endeavour Mining (EDV) 2,198.00p -2.74% BlackRock World Mining Trust (BRWM) 488.00p -0.91% Direct Line Insurance Group (DLG) 299.80p -0.73% Johnson Matthey (JMAT) 1,719.00p -0.64% JPMorgan Emerging Markets Inv Trust (JMG) 108.40p -0.55% Ruffer Investment Company Ltd Red PTG Pref Shares (RICA) 278.50p -0.54% Patria Private Equity Trust (PPET) 565.00p -0.53% Pennon Group (PNN) 511.50p -0.49% 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. Flipkart plans to hire 5,000 employees in 2025, focusing on quick commerce, fintech, and AI initiatives. The new roles will primarily support Flipkart Minutes (hyperlocal delivery) and Super.money (fintech platform). The hiring drive aligns with Flipkarts strategy to drive growth while cutting cash burn ahead of its planned IPO. Flipkart, the Walmart-owned e-Commerce giant, has announced plans to hire 5,000 new employees this year as it accelerates growth in its quick commerce and fintech businesses while ramping up investments in artificial intelligence (AI). The ambitious hiring drive was revealed by Flipkarts Chief Human Resources Officer, Seema Nair, during the companys townhall event, Flipster Connect, held on May 26. According to sources familiar with the discussion, a significant portion of these new roles will support Flipkart Minutes, the companys hyperlocal delivery service, and Super.money, its expanding fintech platform. Flipkart Minutes focuses on ultra-fast delivery of groceries and essentials, a rapidly growing market segment where it competes with rivals such as Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart. Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy highlighted that Minutes is 'doing very well' and remains a core element of Flipkarts strategy to capture a larger share of the hyperlocal delivery market. Meanwhile, Flipkart is also scaling up Super.money, which offers consumer financial products like credit and payments. The fintech arm is experiencing strong demand, prompting Flipkart to bolster its product development, technology, and business teams. Krishnamurthy also alluded to the possibility of an ESOP liquidity event for employees, though he cautioned that it would depend on meeting specific goals and milestones. The hiring surge comes as Flipkart pushes to boost growth while adhering to strict financial discipline. The company is targeting a 30% increase in customer and order volumes by June, with the fashion segment driving much of this growth. Fashion now accounts for nearly 40% of Flipkarts new customers, alongside momentum from its hyperlocal delivery and fintech offerings. Flipkart prepares to shift its legal domicile from Singapore back to India. Flipkarts board has mandated a significant reduction in monthly cash burn from $40 million to $20 million to improve financial health ahead of an anticipated IPO. The annual cash burn target is set at $250 million. This financial discipline is critical asits legal domicile from Singapore back to India. Despite these challenges, Flipkart is intensifying its technology investments, with AI spending increasing six-fold this year. These investments aim to future-proof its offerings and enhance the overall customer experience. The companys recent months have also seen leadership changes, with several senior executives departing as Flipkart refines its growth strategy. With renewed focus on operational efficiency, customer-centric innovation, and talent development, Flipkart is entering a pivotal phase balancing rapid expansion with tighter cost controls, setting the stage for a high-profile IPO. FM Nirmala Sitharaman lauded fintech firms like Pine Labs for accelerating Indias Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and empowering MSMEs through secure, inclusive financial services. Indias UPI ecosystem saw a 91.5% surge in QR code adoption in FY 2024-25, with 668 banks now live on the platform, dominating nearly 80% of digital transactions. RBIs flexible UPI transaction limits and rapid digital payment growth, as highlighted in Worldlines report, underscore the vital role of fintech in driving financial innovation and accessibility. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised Indias burgeoning fintech sector for playing a key role in strengthening the countrys Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). During her visit to Pine Labs' office in Noida, the Finance Minister interacted with employees and acknowledged the firms efforts in facilitating seamless and inclusive financial services. In a post on social media platform X, Sitharamans office stated that fintech firms are crucial contributors to expanding DPI and enabling secure digital financial ecosystems for merchants and MSMEs. Her visit to Pine Labs, a leading merchant commerce omnichannel platform operating across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, underscored the governments support for the digital economy. B. Amrish Rau, CEO of Pine Labs, described the day as 'exciting and unbelievable', adding that the Finance Minister was completely immersed in her interactions and tech discussions during her visit. digital payments and offering scalable fintech solutions. The visit comes at a time when Indias digital payment infrastructure is witnessing unprecedented growth, particularly through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Pine Labs is recognized for simplifyingand offering scalable fintech solutions. The visit comes at a time when Indias digital payment infrastructure is witnessing unprecedented growth, particularly through the According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, UPI QR codes saw a 91.5% jump in FY 2024-25, reaching 657.9 million. The number of banks live on UPI reached 668 in April 2025, further boosting transaction volumes. UPI continues to dominate the digital payments space, accounting for nearly 80% of all digital transactions in FY24. The RBI has also introduced flexibility in merchant payment transaction limits via UPI, empowering the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to adjust limits with safeguards in place. As per Worldline Indias report, the second half of 2024 witnessed a major spike in digital transactions, led by UPI, mobile wallets, and card payments highlighting the growing adoption of fintech solutions in India. Trump threatens 25% tariff on iPhones made in India to boost US manufacturing. Apple warns US-made iPhones would sharply increase costs and prices. Tariff policy sparks debate over jobs vs. higher consumer prices. In a strong message to Apple and other smartphone makers, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on iPhones and similar products manufactured overseas, including India, if they are sold in the United States. Speaking from the White House Oval Office during the signing of executive orders on nuclear energy, Trump singled out Apples decision to build factories in India, expressing clear disappointment with CEO Tim Cook. Trump recounted a recent discussion with Cook, stating, "I had an understanding with Tim that he wouldnt be doing this. He said hes going to India to build plants. I said, Thats okay, but youre not going to sell into here without tariffs". Emphasizing his preference for domestic manufacturing, Trump added, "Were talking about the iPhone. If theyre going to sell it in America, I want it to be built in the United States". Though initially focusing on Apple, Trump expanded his tariff threat to include all smartphone manufacturers, mentioning major players such as Samsung and Huawei. "It would be anybody that makes that product, otherwise it wouldnt be fair", he said. The tariffs are expected to take effect by the end of June 2025. Earlier on social media, Trump reiterated his stance, writing, "I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else. If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25 per cent must be paid by Apple to the US. American jobs come first"! During a recent trip to Doha, Trump pressed Cook to prioritize US manufacturing, noting the high tariffs India imposes on imports make it a difficult market for American companies. "Theyve offered us a deal where theyre willing to charge us no tariff, but I told Tim, I dont want you building in India. Build here". Trump highlighted Indias tariff policies as among the highest globally, complicating access to the market for US firms, but underscored his commitment to boosting domestic production. Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed the tariff issue during the companys Q2 2025 earnings call, clarifying that tariffs are linked to the products manufacturing location. Industry analysts warn that shifting iPhone production back to the United States would dramatically increase costs, given the higher wages and operational expenses compared to Asia. This could result in iPhone prices soaring to $3,000 or more, potentially dampening consumer demand. Experts also point out that building a fully US-based supply chain would require massive investments and years of development due to the complex and interlinked global manufacturing networks that Apple currently depends on. The move could disrupt the companys cost structure and global logistics significantly. The policy announcement has ignited debate among economists and industry watchers. Critics caution that imposing tariffs could raise prices for American consumers and disrupt established global trade relationships. Supporters argue that such measures would create jobs and revive manufacturing in the US. As of now, the White House has not provided detailed guidance on the tariff implementation or potential exemptions for companies investing in US manufacturing facilities. In a related development, Tim Cook reportedly declined an invitation to join Trump and other tech executives during the presidents recent Middle East trip, a move that reportedly irked the US leader, according to a New York Times report. Mister Oppong is described as approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall and about 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, police said. (Courtesy of NYPD) Update: The NYPD confirmed that Mister Oppong has been located. No further information was available. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is asking the publics assistance in locating a 14-year-old boy who was reported missing from Port Richmond. Mister Oppong was last seen at his residence in the vicinity of Corlandt Street on Saturday, May 24, at approximately 12 p.m., according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Oppong is described as approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall and approximately 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, police said. The NYPD has released a photo of the teen. Anyone with information regarding this individuals whereabouts is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential. Seaside Heights, pictured on Saturday July 1, 2023. More than 70 people were arrested during Memorial Day weekend in 2025. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media More than 70 people were arrested, three were stabbed and the boardwalk was shut down overnight during a chaotic Memorial Day weekend in Seaside Heights, police said. Fifty-two adults and 21 juveniles were arrested between 6 a.m. on Friday and 6 a.m. on Memorial Day, Seaside Heights Detective Steve Korman said. About 100,000 visitors flocked to Seaside Heights for the holiday weekend this year, Korman said. Three young adults were stabbed in Seaside Heights over Memorial Day weekend in separate incidents, Korman said. None of the three who were stabbed cooperated with police, Korman said, and no arrests were made. All three stabbings happened within a block of the boardwalk. The boardwalk was temporarily shut down following the third stabbing, starting just after midnight on Monday, Korman said. Police did not specify whether the entire boardwalk was closed or how long the closure lasted. One of the 73 arrests was of a 21-year-old Beachwood man, whom police arrested after being called to Grant and Ocean Terrace avenues on reports of a fight. The man was also charged with possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, resisting arrest and obstruction. Borough officials entered the weekend with an assertive plan to prevent violence from breaking out on the boardwalk after similar incidents happened last year over the popular travel holiday. Leading up to the weekend, one of the busiest for the Jersey Shore, Seaside Heights Mayor Tony Vaz told NJ Advance Media about 100 police officers were prepared to intervene in disorderly conduct. He said borough officials coordinated a comprehensive plan that would include outside law enforcement response should crowds, particularly teens and young adults, become chaotic. Vaz couldnt be reached by NJ Advance Media on Monday. In back-to-back years, police have responded to stabbings on one of New Jerseys boardwalks during the popular weekend. Last year, a 15-year-old was stabbed during a brawl in Ocean City. Police charged another teenager with attempted murder in the attack. Last year in Seaside Heights, a panicked crowd dashed down exit ramps amid reports of shots being fired on the boardwalk. That claim was later unfounded. Over the weekend, borough police were aided by authorities from both the Ocean County sheriffs and prosecutors office, as well as officers from Brick Township, Korman said. Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, a Republican who represents Seaside Heights, praised the police department for their efforts. Their strong leadership is cracking down. If you go there with bad intentions, you will likely leave in handcuffs, Kanitra said. This Jan. 2, 2015 file photo shows state and American flags lowered to half-staff at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File) AP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Flags around the Empire State will be lowered to half-staff Tuesday in honor of one of its political giants. Former Rep. Charles Rangel, a longtime Democratic congressman from Harlem, died Monday, with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordering flags lowered around the state. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Hundreds of spectators lined Forest Avenue on Monday to honor the fallen at the 106th annual Staten Island Memorial Day Parade, continuing one of the boroughs most cherished traditions. The parade, which began at noon at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Hart Boulevard in Randall Manor, honored those who sacrificed their lives in the countrys armed forces. Those in the armed forces were joined by a remarkable lineup that included the NYPD Marching Band, Staten Island Pipes and Drums, Rolling Thunder, the Boy Scouts, the 369th Harlem Hellfighters, various marching units, elected officials, and many others. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced the recall of three store-made deli items, sold in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, D.C. amid health safety concerns. Food and Drug Administration Three varieties of store-made salads sold in New York and 11 other states have been recalled over concerns they might be contaminated with salmonella, according to an emergency notification issued Thursday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The packages of Greek salad are being recalled by the company, and consumers who purchased the items are urged to discard them, the agency noted. The company, Albertsons Companies, initiated because these products contain a recalled cucumber ingredient grown by Bedner Growers Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems. An otherwise healthy person infected with salmonella will often experience fever, diarrhea that could include blood, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare instances, the organism can enter the bloodstream and cause more serious conditions such as arterial infections. No illnesses had been reported as of Tuesday, according to the FDA. The three store-made products were available for purchase at the following stores: ACME, Balduccis Food Lovers Market, Kings Food Markets, Safeway, Shaws and Star Market. It comes in clear plastic package marked with a sell by date of May 24, 2025. These stores are located in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, D.C.s Visit the Food and Drug Administrations website for the full list of recalled items. Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact the company at 1-877-723-3929 Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. In this photo from 2022, the Toyota logo is pictured. Over 443,000 of the brand's pickup trucks are being recalled for reverse light issues. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com Toyota has issued a safety recall for one of its most popular pickup truck models. The company is currently recalling certain years of Tundra pickups due to reverse light issues. Around 443,444 vehicles are affected by the recall, stated the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to documents filed with the highway safety agency, the recall was caused by an issue with the reverse light assembly, in which moisture can get in and corrode the electronics. This may cause the reverse lights to fail. Affected makes and models include: 2022-2025 Toyota Tundra 2022-2025 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted to bring their vehicle into a dealership. Dealers will inspect the lights and replace both reverse light assemblies and repair the wire harnesses as necessary, free of charge. Any Toyota Tundra owners can contact the companys customer service line at (800) 331-4331 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations safety hotline at (888) 327-4236 to see if they are affected by the recall. Toyota has issued several major recalls in recent months. Near the end of March, over 100,000 Toyota Tacomas were recalled due to issues with rear brake hoses. In February, select Toyota Camrys were recalled because of damaged seatbelts which could fail in a crash. In addition, around 168,000 Sienna minivans were recalled because of improperly secured rear seats. This 2024 photo shows the first day of school at PS 56 in Rossville. Annalise Knudson If youre looking to plan ahead, the New York City public school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year is available to families, students, and educators. The city Department of Education academic calendar includes some two-dozen days off between the first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, and the last day of classes on Friday, June 26, 2026. The calendar gives time off for religious holidays like Good Friday, Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr, and week-long breaks for winter recess, mid-winter recess and spring recess, which include Christmas and Passover. Diwali has also been added as a public school holiday. The school calendar also allows time off for Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day), Election Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day and Juneteenth. Dates for parent-teacher conference days for elementary, middle schools and high schools are also posted in the calendar. Here are key dates you need to know for the 2025-2026 school year. SEPTEMBER 2025 Sept. 4 - First day of school Sept. 11 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers Sept. 18 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools Sept. 23-24 - Schools closed for Rosh Hashanah Sept. 25 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools OCTOBER 2025 Oct. 2 - Schools closed for Yom Kippur Oct. 13 - Schools closed for Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples Day Oct. 20 - Schools closed for Diwali NOVEMBER 2025 Nov. 4 - Schools closed for Election Day Nov. 6 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early Nov. 11 - Schools closed for Veterans Day Nov. 13 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early Nov. 20 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools Nov. 21 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early Nov. 27-28 - Schools closed for Thanksgiving recess DECEMBER 2025 Dec. 24 - Winter recess begins JANUARY 2026 Jan. 2 - Classes resume after winter recess Jan. 19 - Schools closed for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day January dates to be determined - Regents exams are administered January dates to be determined - Professional Development Day; no classes for students attending high schools and 6-12 schools, all other students attend school FEBRUARY 2026 Feb. 16-20 - Schools closed for mid-winter recess MARCH 2025 March 5 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 12 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 18 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools March 19 - Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 20 - Schools closed for Eid al-Fitr APRIL 2026 April 2-10 - Schools closed for spring recess MAY 2026 May 7 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers May 14 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools May 21 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools May 25 - Schools closed for Memorial Day May 27 - Schools closed for Eid al-Adha JUNE 2026 King Charles took aim at President Donald Trump during a high-profile speech in Canada on Monday, per the New York Post. We must face reality: Since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented, the king said in French to the Canadian Parliament. Charles said, Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Donald Trump Jr.s new club in Washington, D.C., is going to be quite the exclusive spot. So exclusive that a former president and anybody who worked for him will likely be barred from becoming members. The Daily Mail reported that the new club being opened by Trump Jr. and others in tony Georgetown will likely be off-limits to former GOP President George Bush and anybody who worked for him. President Donald Trumps oldest son next month is set open the club Executive Branch, with a membership price set at $500,000. Some insiders have reportedly offered $1 million to join the hyper-exclusive club, CNBC reported. The club was founded by Trump Jr.; crypto czar David Sacks; Zach and Alex Witkoff; the sons of Trumps Middle East envoy, Omeed Malik, who leads 1789 Capital, and Chris Buskirk, who cofounded the conservative donor group Rockbridge Network. But Bush-era Republicans should save their money, Sacks indicated on his podcast last month. To the extent there are Republican clubs, they tend to be more Bush-era Republicans as opposed to Trump-era Republicans, he said. So we wanted to create something new, hipper and Trump-aligned. An insider familiar with the clubs plans told CNBC that prospective Executive Branch members must be heavily vetted and approved by its founders. We dont want members of the media or just a lot of lobbyists joining, the source said. We want people to feel comfortable having conversations in privacy. The subterranean night club is located behind Georgetown Park and is entered via a set of stairs next to the malls parking garage. There are expected to be fewer than 200 members of the club, according to the New York Times. There has long been tension between the Trump and Bush families. George W. Bush in a 2021 interview said that so much of our politics has become a naked appeal to anger, fear, and resentment. Trump appeared to be stung by the comments, later saying in a statement that Bush led a failed and uninspiring presidency and that he shouldnt be lecturing anybody! Trump also had a thorny relationship with former First Lady Barbara Bush, wife of the late President George H.W. Bush and mother of George W. Bush. In the 2019 book The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of a Dynasty, Mrs. Bush called Trump a symbol of greed. The book also said that before her death in 2018, Barbara Bush said she no longer considered herself a Republican despite having been one of the partys most recognizable faces. I have heard that she was nasty to me, but she should be. Look what I did to her sons, Trump said in 2019, referring to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, whom Trump bested in the 2016 GOP presidential primaries. In what was reported as a major snub, George W. Bush earlier this month declined to attend a White House event honoring his mother, Barbara, that was hosted by First Lady Melania Trump. Staffers for former Vice President Kamala Harris were so concerned that President Joe Biden could die in office that they came up with a detailed succession plan. The plan included a detailed list of potential judges across the country who could administer the oath of office to Harris no matter where she was when the news broke. The details of the plan are revealed in the book, Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House, by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes. 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! Hastings Technology Metals has nabbed a promising Western Australian gold project, pushing along the companys plans to diversify into other commodities. The acquisition adds to Hastings rare earths, gold and niobium portfolio, which includes its flagship Yangibana rare earths project. Hastings has signed a binding agreement to acquire all the shares in private firm Great Western Gold, which has an option and agreements to scoop up interests in the Whiteheads gold project held by several ASX-listed companies. Hastings Technology Metals is looking to cash in on the booming gold price by nabbing the promising Whiteheads gold project in WAs Eastern Goldfields. The company plans to outline a mineral resource by the end of the year. The tenement package comprises 14 licences across 380 square kilometres, 80km northeast of Kalgoorlie, and will amalgamate and consolidate leases in an overlooked Goldfields area crying out for new managers to throw time and funding its way. Hastings will acquire the Whiteheads package via Great Western Golds option to purchase a 75 per cent stake in nine exploration licences and a prospecting licence held by Great Boulder Resources. These licences are held in joint venture with private company Zebina Minerals. To say the collapse of private hospital giant Healthscope was an accident waiting to happen feels like a statement of the bleeding obvious. For Canadian private equity player Brookfield, which paid $4.4 billion for the company in 2019, it was an embarrassing and costly commercial misjudgment. With Healthscope placed in administration this week, the process of selling individual hospitals or groups of them has begun. Up to 10 buyers, including Macquarie Group, St Vincents and Calvary and a slew of non-profit operators, are reportedly looking to cherry-pick from the portfolio of 37 hospitals and treatment centres. Bank funding has been put in place to keep the hospitals open for a period. But the long-term survival of all of them is not assured. State of emergency: Healthscope hospitals will be sold after the companys collapse. Credit: Eamon Gallagher To be sure, there was an element of bad luck for Brookfield with the black swan event of COVID, which delivered a major commercial disruption to all in the private hospital sector. Oil and gas executives have been put on notice that the re-elected Albanese government will make them do more to avert local energy shortfalls, as Resources Minister Madeleine King warns Australians are tired of seeing our vast gas resources exported overseas while paying high prices at home. While some of the nations top gas producers make billions of dollars shipping liquefied natural gas (LNG) overseas from Queensland, authorities warn consumers in the south-east, including in Victoria and NSW, are at risk of gas shortages in as little as three years unless more supplies are urgently made available. ExxonMobils Marlin B platform in Bass Strait was traditionally the mainstay of Victorias gas supply, but its fields are depleting rapidly. Credit: ExxonMobil Australians recognise this to be unfair, King told industry leaders gathered at the Australian Energy Producers conference in Brisbane. The Australian gas industry should pay careful attention to public concern of rising gas prices and supply gaps. With Xi Jinping strongly resistant to measures to stimulate consumption and the trade war with America clouding the economys outlook, Chinas economy and household consumption will, without extraordinary measures, continue to wane and limit the growth rate of EV sales. Loading BYDs attempt to stimulate demand came after its sales have been running at half the very ambitious targets it set itself for this year. It was targeting a 30 per cent increase in sales, but they are tracking at half that growth rate. BYD had hoped that offering its new Gods Eye autonomous driving system as a standard feature would drive a big surge in sales, but that hasnt eventuated. With most of the other major Chinese electric carmakers also budgeting for significant growth, there is significant oversupply and a massive increase in dealers inventories. As of last month, there were about 3.5 million cars nearly two months supply in unsold stocks, the most in two and a half years. Dealers are going broke, along with suppliers to the sector who are being squeezed by carmakers that are themselves under extreme pressure. Its little wonder, then, that the chairman of Great Wall Motor, We Jianjun, said last week the Chinese vehicle industry was experiencing its own Evergrande. China Evergrande, the worlds most indebted property developer, formally collapsed last year, but was in crisis from the moment Xi introduced the three red lines restrictions on developers debt levels in August 2020. The meltdown in Chinas property sector spilled over to other areas of the economy. Credit: Getty It was the first of the major dominoes in Chinas property industry to fall, with the fallout then spreading throughout the construction sector, suppliers and property buyers and subsequently hitting the wider economy. The EV sector in China needs even more consolidation and more sustainable earnings for the remaining players, while Chinas authorities, as was the case in the property sector, need to do something about the large-scale misallocation of capital and resources including the distortions provided by state incentives and mandates if the continuing rationalisation of the industry is to remain reasonably orderly. Loading What the oversupply and ferocious competition in the sector has done, however, is drive continuous innovation, with Chinas electric cars now providing the worlds leading-edge EV technology from batteries to software, and global dominance. The companies that are profitable, or have some prospect of achieving profitability, are having success in offshore markets, where the gross margins are far fatter than in their home market. Indeed, with its international success BYD is now more profitable than Tesla, whose profitability has slumped dramatically. The over-production of Chinese EVs and the cost advantage they have over their international competitors because of the scale of the domestic industry, the support they get from central and local governments, the leadership they have in battery technologies and the stranglehold China has on critical raw materials has generated some backlash in other markets. Governments are looking nervously at the oversupply within China, fearing it will be dumped into their markets and wipe out their own auto industries. The US, with 100 per cent tariffs on Chinas EVs, is effectively closed to the Chinese exports. Europe was open and, with its commitment to phasing out internal combustion vehicles, attractive until the deluge of Chinese electric cars proved too much for the European Union, which slapped tariffs of up to 35 per cent on imports from China, citing the over-capacity and government subsidies. Even with those tariffs, the margins available in the EU are far greater than in Chinas domestic market. Some of the Chinese EV companies are wiping out, or at least softening, the losses in their home market with profits in Europe. BYD and some of its peers are also scrambling to build factories within the EU. BYD, which last month overtook Tesla for the first time in EV sales in Europe, will open a plant in Hungary later this year to circumvent the tariff wall and capitalise on its cost and technology advantages over local carmakers. The Chinese EV makers potential in Europe might be slightly blunted by the EUs decision to relax its planned tightening of emissions standards as part of its longer-term plan to phase out internal combustion engines. The EU is trying to protect its domestic auto industry from both the Chinese invasion and the potential fallout from its own trade confrontation with an aggressively protectionist Trump America. It has given its carmakers a window of three years now to meet tough new standards that were to be implemented this year. Loading While Donald Trump has now deferred his threatened 50 per cent tariffs on EU exports until July 9, Europes car industry is the most obvious target of US trade sanctions. Because the US market is effectively closed to Chinese carmakers, they are now looking to their own region, South America and Australia to deploy their excess capacity. But theyre also facing pushback in some of those markets such as Brazil, which unlike Australia has a domestic car industry. Meanwhile, in some Asian markets stocks of unsold EVs are piling up as demand has already been overwhelmed by supply. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. This recipe appears in a collection. See all stories . Banh xeo wields mass appeal, but the savoury crepe is one of the more complex dishes in the Vietnamese cooks repertoire. There is no right or wrong way to make banh xeo but when done right, it should have a thin, crisp, almost lacy shell. In Vietnam, the size of banh xeo gets larger as one moves further south. And the dipping sauces and accompaniments vary, from my favourite mustard leaves, through to rice paper and even star fruits and figs. The fillings vary, too. My go-to is fresh bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms and garlic flowers. I also love eating banh xeo in spring, with a bounty of spring vegetables. It is a nice way to shake it up from the pork, prawn, mung bean or bean sprout combo common in Australian Vietnamese restaurants. When Bobbi Brown launched her namesake make-up brand in 1991 she was the original beauty industry disruptor, selling it four years later to Estee Lauder for a reported $US74.5 million ($114 million). At the time, the former make-up artist wasnt worried about the 25-year non-compete clause in the contract. I didnt want to do it again when I left, says Brown, 68, on a Zoom call from her home in New Jersey. I didnt know what I wanted to do. Jones Road founder Bobbi Brown with supermodel Christie Brinkley and actor Lorraine Bracco in New York in August. Credit: Getty Images Having pioneered the concept of a cult cosmetics brand her brown lip colour was everywhere in the early nineties Brown demonstrated that you could make your beauty mark without becoming another Revlon or Maybelline. The financially stricken Toowong Private Hospital is set to close after administrators brought in only weeks ago found no viable option to keep it open. After a creditors meeting on Monday, administrators EY flagged the closure with staff, who in turn advised consulting psychiatrists and patients at one of the few private mental health facilities in Brisbane. The collapse of the family-owned hospital has sparked crisis talks aimed at supporting current and prospective patients of the hospital, including Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and emergency services workers being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. Brisbanes Toowong Private Hospital will close after administrators found no viable option to keep it open. Amid speculation the hospital would be closed in two weeks, EY released a statement on Tuesday afternoon to thank staff, psychiatrists and other stakeholders for their support during this challenging time. Guns, drugs, revenge and murder are the key elements of the prosecutions case laid out at the start of a Supreme Court trial as a Perth man fights accusations he shot dead an innocent person in the bedroom of a Landsdale home. Peter Nguyen-Ha, 34, denies he is the person responsible for killing 47-year-old Ralph Matthews-Cox on January 12, 2022. The Supreme Court of WA. Credit: Erin Jonasson At the start of Nguyen-Has murder trial on Tuesday, prosecutor Beau Sertorio told the jury Matthews-Cox was shot with a sawn-off shotgun mistakenly as Nguyen-Ha searched for a man who had stolen tens of thousands of dollars in drug money from him days earlier. The story of this trial doesnt begin with the fatal shooting, it begins earlier with dangerous and deliberate choices, Sertorio said. A world-renowned rock art specialist has accused the Cook government of trying to cover up the extent of damage from industrial emissions on petroglyphs etched into rocks on the Burrup Peninsula in WAs north-west. University of Western Australia archaeologist Professor Ben Smith claims the government lied in the executive summary of an 800-page report on industrial emissions and the Murujuga rock art, released late on Friday, that suggested current emissions were not impacting the rock art. Renowned global rock art expert Ben Smith outside WA Parliament. Credit: Hamish Hastie But Premier Roger Cooks office was adamant neither he nor his office made any edits to the report and labelled the claim offensive and factually incorrect. The Curtin University-produced report was released just days before the deadline for federal Environment Minister Murray Watts decision on Woodsides proposal to extend the life of its North West Shelf assets, including those on the Burrup, until the 2070s. Examine, a free weekly newsletter covering science with a sceptical, evidence-based eye, is sent every Tuesday. Youre reading an excerpt sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox. My daughter is only 3, but my partner and I are already debating school choices. When it comes to schooling, does gender segregation matter? Credit: Getty Images Were both public school kids and know the research: after accounting for socio-economic factors, all those thousands of dollars parents pay in private school fees dont seem to make a jot of difference to academic outcomes. I figured we were aligned wed send our child to a state school. I dont drink, and I dont need to be made ... to feel left out because you do, the senator responded. Comments included him saying lets get some wine into you and see you dance on the table, Payman alleged. Fatima Payman says an older male colleague made sexually suggestive and racial comments towards her. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Payman who is Muslim and does not drink alcohol told the ABCs Hack program on triple j that a male colleague was intoxicated at a social function and pressed her to drink alcohol. Payman said the comments were sexually suggestive and made her feel singled out as a Muslim woman who did not consume alcohol. I told this colleague, hey, Im drawing a line, mate, and moved on to making a formal complaint, she said. She said the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service dealt with her complaint swiftly. Payman did not say when or where the alleged incident took place. Payman told this masthead the comments were made at a formal work dinner. The colleague was sitting opposite her and raised his glass of red wine before making the comments. The comments were made in early 2023, when Payman, 28 at the time, was the nations youngest federal politician, having been elected as a senator for Western Australia in 2022. Now that we have new people coming, including the youngest Labor senator Charlotte Walker who is just 21 years old, parliament needs to make sure that young people and women feel safe regardless of where theyre working, Payman said. For an administration accused often with good reason of squibbing serious reform, the Minns government is starting to flex its policy muscles. Its latest foray involves a substantial rewriting of the states workers compensation scheme amid legitimate fears the system could collapse under the weight of surging physiological injury claims, declining return-to-work rates and skyrocketing insurance premiums for businesses. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey. Credit: Sam Mooy Several alarming statistics support the case for change. Treasurer Daniel Mookey says claims for psychological injury have doubled in just six years, with the average cost climbing from $146,000 in 2019 to $288,542 in 2024. The government also points to figures showing only 50 per cent of workers with a psychological injury return to work within 12 months, compared to 95 per cent for those with a physical injury. The Herald has no doubt psychological injuries exist and can be hugely debilitating. But there is a strong argument the current regime incentivises a permanent departure from the workforce, which is bad for the worker and the economy. Queenslands energy future will remain based on coal, Treasurer David Janetzki has told a resource industry conference, as he pledged to extend the life of the states coal-fired power stations. Janetzki, also Queenslands energy minister, was among the speakers at the Australian Energy Producers Conference in Brisbane on Tuesday, which attracted more than 2000 attendees. The LNP government would take a more aggressive approach to using fossil fuels, he said, and would extend the use of gas and coal. Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki addresses the Australian Energy Producers Conference in Brisbane. [Coal-fired power stations] will remain open as long as it is economically sensible and systematically needed, not [closed on] an arbitrary date to fill a headline for a day, he said. One of the reasons for State of Origins success is the strength of the ill feeling between NSW and Queensland but some in the Blues camp are questioning whether there is a point at which the rivalry goes too far. The question came to the fore after Brisbane newspaper The Courier Mail ran a photo of Spencer Leniu on its back page with the headline: Smash This Blues Grub. Grub is a heavy word, Blues coach Laurie Daley said when asked about the piece at NSWs media conference on Tuesday. Hes a good person, Spence. Everyone will look after him on Wednesday. Hell be OK. Hes got a plan. Everyone has his back. On May 21, US Vice President J.D. Vance described the development of artificial intelligence as an arms race with China. If America paused out of concerns over AI safety, he said, it might find itself enslaved to PRC-mediated AI. The idea of a superpower showdown that will culminate in a moment of triumph or defeat circulates relentlessly in Washington, DC, and beyond. Chinese President Xi Jinping has his eyes on the AI crown. Credit: AP This month, the bosses of OpenAI, AMD, CoreWeave and Microsoft lobbied for lighter regulation, casting AI as central to Americas remaining the global hegemon. On May 15, US President Donald Trump brokered an AI deal with the United Arab Emirates he said would ensure American dominance in AI. America plans to spend more than $US1 trillion ($1.6 trillion) by 2030 on data centres for AI models. The DeepSeek moment in January, when the Chinese firm unveiled a large-language model (LLM) matching the capabilities of an OpenAI model, confirmed that China is snapping at the heels of the United States. Yet, a recent meeting of the Communist Partys leadership suggests it is preparing for a different kind of strategic race. This article is part of Travellers Holiday Guide to river cruising. A cruise through Egypt packs in history and romance, whitewashed villages and cacophonous cities, farmland and sand dunes, and a whole series of splendid monuments that would individually be worth the journey, and together offer one of the greatest sights on Earth. Temple of Luxor. Tourism in Egypt has, however, been beset with a series of unfortunate events over the last 15 years. In 2010, just before the Arab Spring uprising spooked visitors, the North African nation received 14.7 million visitors. Only last year did it finally manage to improve on that number, though not before tourism had dwindled to nothing during pandemic. Singapore/Bali: An Australian man facing execution by firing squad if found guilty of running drugs in Bali was so distressed after being deceived by a friend and then being arrested that he threw himself against the walls of the police station and was crying, his lawyer said. Lamar Ahchee, 43, was caught with two packages alleged to contain a total of 1.7 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside chocolates, an amount that would qualify him for the death penalty if found guilty under Indonesias strict drug laws. Australian man Lamar Ahchee being paraded to media on Monday. Credit: Amilia Rosa But his lawyer, Edward Pangkahila, said Ahchee, though a user of cocaine, had no idea the packages contained drugs and had only received them as a favour to a friend who supposedly couldnt collect them himself. That friend, whom Ahchee had known for about a year and who was also a foreigner, has since skipped town, Pangkahila said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size A little after 8pm on May 8, red flares streaked through the night sky over the northern Indian city of Jammu as its air-defence systems opened fire on drones from neighbouring Pakistan. The Indian and Pakistani militaries have deployed high-end fighter jets, conventional missiles and artillery during decades of clashes, but the four days of fighting in May marked the first time New Delhi and Islamabad used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) at scale against each other. The fighting halted after the US announced it brokered a ceasefire, but the South Asian powers, which spent more than $US96 billion ($148 billion) on defence last year, are now locked in a drones arms race, according to Reuters interviews with 15 people including security officials, industry executives and analysts in the two countries. Two of them said they expect increased use of UAVs by the nuclear-armed neighbours because small-scale drone attacks can strike targets without risking personnel or provoking uncontrollable escalation. India plans to invest heavily in local industry and could spend as much as $US470 million on UAVs over the next 12 to 24 months, roughly three times pre-conflict levels, said Smit Shah of Drone Federation India, which represents more than 550 companies and regularly interacts with the government. The previously unreported forecast, which came as India this month approved roughly $US4.6 billion in emergency military procurement funds, was corroborated by two other industry executives. The Indian military plans to use some of that additional funding on combat and surveillance drones, according to two Indian officials familiar with the matter. Advertisement Defence procurement in India tends to involve years of bureaucratic processes but officials are now calling drone-makers in for trials and demonstrations at an unprecedented pace, said Vishal Saxena, a vice president at Indian UAV firm IdeaForge Technology. The Pakistan Air Force, meanwhile, is pushing to acquire more UAVs as it seeks to avoid risking its high-end aircraft, said a Pakistani source familiar with the matter. Pakistan and India both deployed cutting-edge generation 4.5 fighter jets during the latest clashes, but cash-strapped Islamabad only has about 20 high-end, Chinese-made J-10 fighters compared with the three dozen Rafales that Delhi can muster. Chinas Chengdu J-10 fighter. Credit: Getty Images/Stocktrek Images Pakistan is likely to build on existing relationships to intensify collaboration with China and Turkey to advance domestic drone research and production capabilities, said Oishee Majumdar of defence intelligence firm Janes. Islamabad is relying on a collaboration between Pakistans National Aerospace Science and Technology Park and Turkish defence contractor Baykar that locally assembles the YIHA-III drone, the Pakistani source said, adding a unit could be produced domestically in two to three days. Pakistans military declined to respond to Reuters questions. The Indian defence ministry and Baykar did not return requests for comment. Advertisement India and Pakistan appear to view drone strikes as a way to apply military pressure without immediately provoking large-scale escalation, said Kings College London political scientist Walter Ladwig III. Loading UAVs allow leaders to demonstrate resolve, achieve visible effects and manage domestic expectations all without exposing expensive aircraft or pilots to danger, he added. But such skirmishes are not entirely risk-free, and Ladwig noted that countries could also send UAVs to attack contested or densely populated areas where they might not previously have used manned platforms. Drone swarms and vintage guns The fighting in May, which was the fiercest in this century between the neighbours, came after an April 22 militant attack in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. Delhi blamed the killings on terrorists backed by Islamabad, which denied the charge. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed revenge, and Delhi on May 7 launched air strikes on what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Advertisement The next night, Pakistan sent hordes of drones along a 1700-kilometre front with India, with between 300 and 400 of them pushing in along 36 locations to probe Indian air defences, Indian officials have said. Pakistan depended on Turkish-origin YIHA-III and Asisguard Songar drones, as well as the Shahpar-II UAV produced domestically by the state-owned Global Industrial & Defence Solutions conglomerate, according to two Pakistani sources. Loading But much of this drone deployment was cut down by Cold War-era Indian anti-aircraft guns that were rigged to modern military radar and communication networks developed by state-run Bharat Electronics, according to two Indian officials. A Pakistani source denied that large numbers of its drones were shot down on May 8, but India did not appear to sustain significant damage from that drone raid. Indias use of the anti-aircraft guns, which had not been designed for anti-drone warfare, turned out to be surprisingly effective, said retired Indian brigadier Anshuman Narang, now a UAV expert at Delhis Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. Ten times better than what Id expected, he said. India also sent Israeli Harop, Polish Warmate and domestically produced UAVs into Pakistani airspace, according to one Indian and two Pakistani sources. Some of them were also used for precision attacks on what two Indian officials described as military and militant infrastructure. Advertisement The two Pakistani security sources confirmed that India deployed a large number of the Harops, a long-range loitering munition drone manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries. Such UAVs, also known as suicide drones, stay over a target before crashing down and detonating on impact. Pakistan set up decoy radars in some areas to draw in the Harops, or waited for their flight time to come towards an end, so they fell below 3000 feet and could be shot down, a third Pakistani source said. An Indian army soldier stands guard as a drone takes a flight during a military drill . Credit: AP Both sides claim to have notched victories in their use of UAVs. India successfully targeted infrastructure within Pakistan with minimal risk to personnel or major platforms, said KCLs Ladwig. For Pakistans military, which claimed to have struck Indian defence facilities with UAVs, drone attacks allow it to signal action while drawing less international scrutiny than conventional methods, he noted. Achilles heel Despite the loss of many drones, both sides are doubling down. Advertisement Farah Nussair, who survived the attack, said just the tired ones who needed food and water had been sheltering in the school, which Israel said it targeted because the building was being used as a centre by Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants to plan and organise attacks. Nussair added, a child in her lap: We fled to the south, they bombed us in the south. We returned to the north, they bombed us in the north. We came to schools ... There is no security or safety, neither at schools nor hospitals not anywhere. An Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip is seen from southern Israel on Monday. Credit: AP The UN and aid groups have pushed back against the new aid system being implemented by GHF in Gaza, saying it will weaponise aid for Israels purposes by forcing the local population to move to where it is being distributed, possibly in violation of international laws against forced displacement. Many details of how the new aid operation will work remain unexplained, and it is not immediately clear whether aid groups that have refused to co-operate with GHF will still be able to send trucks with supplies into Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million people has been on the brink of famine after an 11-week Israeli blockade on food and medical supplies, enacted to pressure Hamas, which controls Gaza. The new aid system will rely on four major distribution centres in southern Gaza, where people must go to collect supplies. Families will be screened for involvement with Hamas militants, potentially using facial recognition or biometric technology, according to aid officials. Almost the entire population of the enclave is in northern Gaza, where no hub is located, or in central Gaza. People would have to cross through Israeli military lines to reach the aid hubs near Rafah. Palestinians bake bread last Thursday after the World Food Program was able to bring in flour for the first time in over a month. Credit: AP Israel has said it wants to move civilians towards a southern buffer zone as part of its latest military offensive in Gaza. Its strategy is drawing increasing global censure, angering its allies in Europe as well as Australia, and isolating it in international forums. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that under the aid mechanism, Gazas population would eventually be moved to a sterile zone in Gazas far south. He said it was for their protection while Israeli forces fight Hamas elsewhere. He also said once the Palestinians enter the area, they dont necessarily go back. Israel also says that if Hamas is defeated, it will implement a voluntary plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to relocate the territorys population outside Gaza. The Palestinians, along with nearly all of the international community, have rejected the idea. Loading Before his resignation, Wood said in a letter to Israeli officials obtained by the AP that until at least eight GHF distribution hubs were operating in Gaza, the existing UN-led system would continue providing food in parallel to GHF. He also said the UN-led system would continue to distribute all non-food humanitarian aid, everything from medical supplies to hygiene items and shelter materials, because GHF was not capable of handling those supplies. In the letter, sent to Israels military body in charge of aid co-ordination in Gaza, COGAT, Wood said GHF and Israel had agreed on those terms. There was no confirmation from COGAT, however. Israel blocked food, fuel, medicine and all other supplies from entering Gaza for nearly three months, but last week allowed in a trickle of humanitarian aid, saying it would let the UN distribute it only until GHF was running. Aid groups say the aid that has come into Gaza over the past week is nowhere near enough to meet mounting needs. Its not clear who is funding GHF, which said it had appointed John Acree as interim leader to replace Wood. The group claims to have more than $US100 million ($154 million) in commitments from a European Union government, but has not named the donor. GHF publicly launched early this year and is run by a group of American security contractors, ex-military officers and humanitarian aid officials. It has the support of Israel and the US, which have said they are not funding it. The group said on Monday that truckloads of food it did not say how many had been delivered to its hubs, and distribution to Palestinians had begun. More trucks with aid will be delivered tomorrow, with the flow of aid increasing each day, GHF said in a statement. A spokesman for the UNs Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Jens Laerke recently told the BBC that it would not take part in the new mission. There is no reason to put in place a system that is at odds with the DNA of any principled humanitarian organisation, he said. Loading GHF says each of its initial four hubs will serve meals for about 300,000 people and will eventually be able to meet the needs of 2 million people. It said it will create more hubs within 30 days, including in the north, but did not specify their exact locations. Satellite photos from May 10 obtained by the Associated Press show what appear to be the construction of the hubs. The photos show one in central Gaza, close to the Netzarim Corridor, a strip of land held by Israeli troops. Three others are in the area of Rafah, south of the Morag Corridor, another military-held strip. Aid will be delivered with the help of private subcontractors transporting supplies in armoured vehicles from the Gaza border to the hubs. GHF said the aim was to deter criminal gangs or militants. The Hamas-run Interior Ministry on Monday warned Palestinians in Gaza against dealing with GHF and engaging with the new aid system. We cannot take part in a system that violates humanitarian principles and risks implicating us in serious breaches of international law. Shaina Low, Norwegian Refugee Council The Norwegian Refugee Council, a leading aid group operating in Gaza, said it also could not take part in a system that violates humanitarian principles and risks implicating us in serious breaches of international law. GHF said in a statement that it was independent and apolitical and would not be part of any mass displacement. It said its system is fully consistent with humanitarian principles, including impartiality and independence. The UN and aid groups say the GHF plan could not possibly meet the needs of Gazas large and desperate population. Loading GHF has said that each meal it distributes would have 1750 calories. That is below the 2100-calorie per day standard for meals in emergency situations used by the UNs World Health Organisation, UNICEF and World Food Programme. Aid workers also say the change is simply not necessary. The UN and other aid groups have shown absolutely that they can meet the needs of that population, when allowed to, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said. We need to just keep reverting back to what works. Israel renewed its offensive in March after ending a ceasefire with Hamas. It has vowed to seize control of Gaza and keep fighting until Hamas is destroyed or disarmed, and until it returns the remaining 58 hostages, a third of them believed to be alive, from the October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. Hamas-led militants killed some 1200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the 2023 attack. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed about 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. It says more than half the dead are women and children, but it does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. Israels military campaign has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and internally displaced some 90 per cent of its population. Many have fled multiple times. Israelis dance and wave national flags on Monday during an annual march celebrating the 1967 capture of East Jerusalem. Credit: AP On Monday, ultranationalist Israelis gathered in Jerusalem for an annual procession marking Israels 1967 conquest of the citys eastern sector. Some protesters chanted Death to Arabs and harassed Palestinian residents. Washington: Republicans are increasing pressure on Donald Trump to hit Russia with fresh sanctions, with one warning the US presidents legacy is on the line as he wrestles with his response to Russian President Vladimir Putins largest ever drone and missile assault on Ukraine. Three consecutive nights of Russian attacks have killed at least 12 civilians in Ukraine, including three children, prompting Trump to say Putin had gone absolutely crazy. But he directed further barbs at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for airing his views about the Kremlin. Donald Trump addresses a Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. Credit: AP Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I dont like it, and it better stop, Trump posted on Truth Social. In the past week, Republicans have stepped up pressure on Trump to take advantage of a struggling Russian economy by imposing stronger sanctions that would bring Moscow to its knees and force Putin to negotiate. Dear Editor, The controversial reinstatement of Hensley Plantijn to a top government position in Sint Maarten has amplified public concerns over the erosion of integrity, transparency, and sound governance within the civil service. Plantijn, previously dismissed by the former government under Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs for non-performance, appealed his dismissal not through an independent or impartial channel, but under a new administration in which he now serves as a legal advisor. This dual role as both a beneficiary of the appeal and a legal advisor to the very government deciding on his case represents a blatant conflict of interest. By failing to recuse himself, Plantijn compromised the ethical standards expected of public officials and cast doubt on the fairness of the reinstatement process. The fallout extends beyond Plantijn himself. Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelinas administration is under fire for its growing reputation of opacity, preferential treatment, and failure to uphold the procedures that should govern the public service. His silence on this case, and others like it, has severely damaged his credibility. Instead of defending democratic principles, the government has chosen to shield one of its own a move that suggests political loyalty is being prioritized over public accountability. Alarming allegations also point to Plantijn using his current position to marginalize Emilia Thomas-Connor, effectively preventing her from executing her role as Secretary General. Faced with mounting internal pressure, Thomas-Connor ultimately stepped down and moved into the private sector. Such tactics not only undermine professional integrity but also send a chilling message to other civil servants. This case also highlights a deeper, systemic issue: the performance of many Secretary Generals (SGs) who are critical to the day-to-day functioning of government is not being adequately monitored or evaluated. Several SGs have remained in their posts for years without any formal performance assessment, leading to stagnation in public sector efficiency and accountability. Without proper evaluation mechanisms, poor performance is allowed to persist, further eroding the quality of governance. Given the serious implications of these developments, many are now calling for the Kingdom Government of the Netherlands to intervene and assess the situation. Reinstating individuals under ethically compromised circumstances, particularly those who misuse their influence for personal or political gain, is not only inappropriate; it is unethical. Without integrity, the machinery of government ceases to serve the people and begins serving only itself. The current trajectory threatens to compromise everything Sint Maartens democracy stands for. Author's name withheld upon request. ~A Notable Recognition for the Dutch Caribbean~ GEORGETOWN/PHILIPSBURG:--- During the 39th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), held from May 12 to 16, 2025, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown, Guyana, Commissioner Carl John, Chief of Police of Sint Maarten and Chair of the Council of Police Chiefs of the Dutch Caribbean, was elected as First Vice President of the ACCP. Commissioner John's appointment to this prominent position within the ACCP is a significant recognition of his dedication and leadership, and an honor for the Dutch Caribbean. It reflects not only the appreciation of the islands contribution to regional security, but also a clear commitment to further strengthen that role at the international level. Founded in 1987, the ACCP brings together the police leadership of more than 20 countries and territories across the Caribbean. The organization fosters cooperation, the sharing of knowledge, and joint responses to criminal phenomena that cross national borders. Member forces face many of the same challenges: violent crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, youth crime, and the effects of socio-economic inequality on public safety. Capacity building, digitalization of investigative processes, and the development of community policing are increasingly central themes in regional discussions. The ACCP plays an essential role in the Caribbeans regional security structure. Its strength lies in fostering mutual trust, enabling practical cooperation, and promoting the direct exchange of expertise and experience. For smaller police forces, which often carry great responsibilities with limited resources, the ACCP provides a valuable platform. It not only connects them with colleagues across the region but also grants access to specialized knowledge, training opportunities, and shared advocacy. The theme of this years conference United in Action, Transformed in Purpose: Building an Integrated Caribbean Security Architecture underscores the urgent need for deeper, cross-border cooperation. Within this context, Commissioner John's election also holds symbolic value. As Chief of Police of an island closely linked to both Caribbean and European security structures, he brings international experience and the ability to connect diverse perspectives. As First Vice President, Commissioner John will contribute to the ACCPs strategic direction and support efforts to strengthen collaboration among its members. Commissioner John's appointment is no coincidence. He knows the ACCP well, understands what effective cooperation looks like in practice, and speaks with authority about the realities smaller forces face. In his roles as Chief of Police of Sint Maarten and Chair of the Council of Police Chiefs, he brings relevant experience that resonates with the issues at play in the region. This makes him a respected and committed representative at this level. ~Where is the Governments integrity on back-door tactics?~ PHILIPSBURG:--- The May 21, 2025, decision by the appellate court to overturn the dismissal of Hensley Plantijn, the former Secretary-General (SG) of the Ministry of General Affairs in St. Maarten, has sparked widespread discussion. While the courts ruling is being interpreted as a major legal victory for Plantijn, it has also prompted scrutiny of the governments handling of the appeal and its implications for governance. Background of the Case The controversy surrounding Plantijns dismissal began on December 15, 2023, ruling by the court of first instance. This decision validated the governments December 2022 national decree, signed by the Governor of St. Maarten, which granted Plantijn an honorable discharge based on his unsuitability for the role. The court noted that the dismissal was not rooted in isolated incidents but was the result of a documented and sustained pattern of underperformance over several years. Performance concerns were first flagged in mid-2021, with subsequent evaluations confirming ongoing deficiencies in key areas like internal communication, strategic planning, and document delivery. Specific criticisms included a breakdown in leadership, a failure to adapt to political shifts, and an inability to complete essential tasks, such as preparing timely ministerial and departmental plans. The court cannot follow that there would only be incidents as the complainant claims. The file sufficiently shows a pattern of dysfunction on the part of the complainant, the 2023 judgment stated. Furthermore, it emphasized that Plantijn had been given ample time and resources to address his shortcomings but failed to do so. The ruling concluded that allowing Plantijn to continue in a key position within the Ministry of General Affairs would create an unworkable situation. Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs played a central role in this case, with the court noting that her decision to recommend Plantijns dismissal was based on substantial documentation and careful process. Her actions were portrayed as necessary to uphold the functionality and integrity of government operations. Governments Handling of the Appeal Despite the strong foundation of the 2023 ruling, the government chose a highly unusual approach when Plantijn filed an appeal. Rather than mounting a direct defense, it requested the appellate court to reach its decision after an amicable resolution with Plantijn failed to materialize. This lack of a formal response effectively left the appeal uncontested. The appellate court ultimately ruled in favor of Plantijn, concluding that the dismissal lacked sufficient legal justification. It framed the case as stemming more from a breakdown in the working relationship between Plantijn and former Prime Minister Jacobs rather than concrete evidence of professional failings. The absence of government participation in the appeal left many questions unanswered and raised concerns about the implications of its decision not to defend the original verdict. Implications of the Appellate Courts Decision The appellate courts ruling has sparked widespread criticism and speculation. Many observers have asked why the government decided not to contest the appeal, especially given the robust legal reasoning underpinning the 2023 decision. Some critics attribute this to potential political motivations, as Plantijn is now working with the cabinet of Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. These suspicions underline fears of a conflict of interest influencing the governments approach. Legal experts and civil service observers have also expressed concern that the appellate courts decision might overshadow the documented performance issues highlighted in the original ruling. The 2023 judgment emphasized the importance of high-performance standards for the SG role and the necessity of addressing systemic underperformance within the government. Nevertheless, the appellate courts decision is now widely interpreted as a restoration of Plantijns professional standing. However, legal analysts have noted that this outcome does not equate to an outright vindication of Plantijns performance. Instead, it reflects the procedural gaps in justifying his dismissal. A Broader Debate The decision has triggered a broader debate about governance and accountability in St. Maarten. While the appellate courts ruling overturns the dismissal, it does not negate the detailed evaluations that informed the original decision. Critics of the governments failure to contest the appeal argue that this has not only left serious governance concerns unresolved but has also set a precedent that could weaken accountability in high-ranking government positions. Prime Minister Jacobs actions, as underscored in the 2023 ruling, were grounded in a commitment to maintaining the efficiency and trustworthiness of government operations. The decision to discharge Plantijn was not taken lightly, reflecting a well-documented pattern of underperformance over time. By forgoing the opportunity to defend this position in the appeal, the government has left unanswered questions about the balance between legal strategy, political considerations, and administrative integrity. The legal and political discourse surrounding this case is far from over, with its implications likely to resonate in discussions of public sector accountability for years to come. PHILIPSBURG:--- In a decisive step towards enhancing national security, a strategic meeting was held between the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and the Customs Department of Sint Maarten to deepen inter-agency cooperation in the fight against illegal goods and possible border threats. Representing the Coast Guard were Mr. Sambre and Mr. Grant, who met with Mr. Mauricia, Ms. Francisco, and Ms. Martina from the Customs department. The meeting focused on strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two agencies through enhanced coordination, operational synergy, and joint intelligence sharing. The session resulted in a clear alignment of goals and the presentation of concrete strategies aimed at securing the borders of Sint Maarten against illicit trafficking and unauthorized activities. Both agencies presented a range of innovative ideas, emphasizing proactive enforcement, enhanced patrol integration, and joint training programs. A unified front between Customs and the Coast Guard is essential in maintaining the integrity of our borders and protecting our communities from illegal goods and harmful activities, emphasized a determined Mr. Sambre. The Customs representatives echoed this sentiment. This partnership enhances our operational strength, stated acting Head of Customs (Harbor) Mr. Mauricia. By aligning our efforts, we are better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to any threat facing our territory. This renewed commitment marks a significant milestone in national border protection efforts. As Sint Maarten continues to face evolving security challenges, the joint initiative between the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and the Customs Department demonstrates a united, vigilant, and result-driven approach to border control. Telegram's Durov repeats claim France interfered in Romania vote Paris, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 The co-founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, Pavel Durov, on Tuesday repeated his allegation that French intelligence pressured him to interfere in this month's Romanian presidential election. Durov's renewed claim during the Oslo Freedom Forum contradicted a denial by the DGSE, the foreign intelligence service of France, where he faces charges related to criminal activity on the Telegram platform. "I was indeed asked by the head of French intelligence, Nicolas Lerner", to turn off conservative Romanian Telegram channels ahead of the election, Durov said in an appearance by video after French judicial authorities denied his request to travel to Norway. "It's very important to be very transparent about what kinds of request we receive," added Durov, who did not provide fresh evidence for his claim. The 40-year-old, who holds French and Russian passports, was detained in Paris in August 2024 and is under investigation over illegal content on his popular messaging service. The Romanian election, re-run due to alleged Russian interference after a first-round vote put a far-right candidate ahead, ultimately saw pro-European centrist Nicusor Dan defeat nationalist George Simion. Romania's constitutional court on Thursday denied Simion's challenge to the results, which he based in part on claims of French and Moldovan interference. The court called his allegations "completely false and unfounded". The DGSE last week said it has contacted Durov in the past "to firmly remind him of (Telegram's) responsibilities... concerning prevention of terrorist and child pornography threats". But it "refuted vigorously" his allegations about attempted Romanian election interference. Durov also said Tuesday that Telegram "received a demand from the French police to shut down a public channel on Telegram which was organised by far-left protesters and demonstrators". The channel "seemed completely legitimate, and we refused to comply, despite the obvious personal risks I'm taking", he added. Durov was allowed in March to travel to Dubai, where his company is based, but French judicial authorities have more recently stopped him travelling to the United States to meet investors or to Norway for the Freedom Forum, organised by the Human Rights Foundation, a non-profit organisation. He called the investigation "frustratingly slow", adding that Telegram was "held at higher standards than most other platforms" -- with the likes of Facebook or Snapchat "protected by this big American government". Since his arrest, Durov had appeared to bow to Paris's demands for stronger efforts to ensure illegal content -- such as child abuse and drug trading -- was not on Telegram. EU investigates four porn platforms over risks to children Brussels, Belgium, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 The EU launched an investigation on Tuesday into four pornographic platforms over suspicions they are failing to stop children accessing adult content in breach of the bloc's strict digital content law. The European Commission said its investigations into Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos "focus on the risks for the protection of minors, including those linked to the absence of effective age verification measures". The commission, the European Union's tech regulator, accused the platforms of not having "appropriate" age verification tools to prevent children from being exposed to porn. An AFP correspondent had only to click a button on Tuesday stating they were older than 18, without any further checks, to gain access to each of the four platforms. The commission found that the four platforms did not have "appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security for minors". They also did not have measures in place to prevent negative effects on children as well as users' mental and physical well-being, the commission said. "Online platforms must ensure that the rights and best interests of children are central to the design and functioning of their services," it added. Pornhub's parent company Aylo said it was "fully committed to ensuring the safety of minors online", adding that "We will always comply with the law." The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) forces the world's biggest tech companies to do more to protect European users online and has strict rules to safeguard children and ensure their privacy and security. Under the law, "very large" online platforms with at least 45 million monthly active users in the EU have even greater obligations, and they are regulated by the commission rather than national authorities. Fearful over children's access to adult content, the commission said it would work with national authorities to make sure smaller porn platforms apply the same rules. "Our priority is to protect minors and allow them to navigate safely online. Together with the digital service coordinators in the member states we are determined to tackle any potential harm to young online users," EU digital tsar Henna Virkkunen said. - Protecting children - The EU also said it would remove Stripchat from the list of "very large" platforms since it now had fewer than 45 million monthly active users on average, with its probe to focus on the period when it fell under its purview. Brussels noted that the launch of formal proceedings did not prejudge the investigation's outcome, and that there was no deadline for its completion. Violations, if proven, risk fines of up to six percent of a firm's global turnover. Platforms found guilty of serious and repeated violations can also be banned from operating in Europe. The EU in parallel has invited the public including parents to help prepare guidelines for the protection of children online, and it is developing an age-verification app. The DSA, which has a wide remit, sits within the EU's powerful legal weaponry to regulate Big Tech. Brussels has opened a wave of probes under the DSA since 2023 including into Meta's Facebook and Instagram as well as TikTok and Elon Musk's X social media platform. raz/js Meta N.Korea calls Trump 'Golden Dome' missile shield a 'very dangerous' threat Seoul, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2025 North Korea has slammed US President Donald Trump's "Golden Dome" missile shield plan as a "very dangerous" threat that aims to weaponise space, state media reported Tuesday. Pyongyang's foreign ministry has issued a memorandum calling the system "a very dangerous 'threatening initiative' aimed at threatening the strategic security of the nuclear weapons states," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. Trump announced new details and initial funding for the missile shield system last week, calling it "very important for the success and even survival of our country." The initiative faces significant technical and political challenges, according to analysts, and could come at a hefty price tag. The memorandum by nuclear-armed North Korea accused the United States of being "hell-bent on the moves to militarize outer space," KCNA said. "The U.S. plan for building a new missile defense system is the root cause of sparking off global nuclear and space arms race by stimulating the security concerns of nuclear weapons states and turning the outer space into a potential nuclear war field," it added. China has similarly expressed strong opposition to the plan, accusing the United States of undermining global stability. Seoul's power giant pushes back on EU probe into Czech nuclear bid Seoul, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 South Korea's largest electric power company told AFP Tuesday that it was reviewing legal action, including a possible injunction, after a deal with the Czech Republic to build reactors hit EU legal woes. Brussels asked Prague on May 2 to suspend the signing of the multi-billion-dollar deal with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP), which was selected last July to build two nuclear units after beating France's EDF in the tender. EDF has complained to the Czech antitrust watchdog and filed a lawsuit, prompting a Czech court to block the deal being signed. The European Union said it was assessing whether KHNP had received "foreign financial contributions" that could have distorted competition. This could trigger a formal investigation. The Korean company told AFP that it had responded to Brussels "stressing that the bidding process was transparent" and that it had "not received any subsidies from the Korean government that could distort competition". "If the European Commission proceeds with an in-depth investigation on foreign subsidies and imposes a provisional ban on the contract, KHNP plans to immediately file for an injunction with the EU Court to suspend the investigation and lift the ban," it said in a statement. "KHNP is also reviewing all possible legal responses, including requesting special trade measures from the Korean government," it added. "We are reviewing the matter very seriously," a senior KHNP official told AFP. The trade ministry in Seoul said Korean companies' projects in the European Union fully complied with World Trade Organization rules and EU regulations, adding that it would review the issue if KHNP made a formal request. For now, the deal is on hold after a Czech court in early May blocked the contract until a verdict is reached in a lawsuit filed by the French giant. KHNP was due to build two units at the southern Czech nuclear plant of Dukovany managed by the state-run CEZ group, with the Korean firm offering to build them for around 200 billion Czech koruna ($9 billion) each. Prague had expected to finalise the deal with KHNP by March this year, but the EDF appeal delayed the process. CEZ expects construction to begin in 2029 and the first reactor launched in a trial operation in 2036. Iraq sues Kurdistan region over US gas contracts: official Baghdad, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 Iraq's federal authorities have filed a complaint against the autonomous Kurdistan region for signing gas contracts with two US companies, two officials told AFP on Tuesday. Oil exports have been a major point of tension between Baghdad and Arbil, with a major pipeline through Turkey shut since 2023 over legal disputes and technical issues. Regional prime minister Masrour Barzani announced the signing of two major energy deals valued at "tens of billions of US dollars" during a visit to Washington in May. Iraq's oil ministry immediately slammed the agreements, saying it constitutes a "clear breach of Iraqi law" and that all oil and gas development must go through the federal government. An Iraqi government official, who requested anonymity to speak on the matter, told AFP that a lawsuit had been filed before Baghdad's Al-Karkh commercial court. A Kurdish official confirmed the complaint, saying it called for "the cancellation of the contracts". The agreement with WesternZagros involves the development of the Topkhana block, which together with the neighbouring Kurdamir block is estimated to contain up to 5 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas and 900 million barrels of crude oil. According to a press release, this could generate an estimated $70 billion in revenue over the lifetime of the project. The deal with HKN Energy covers the Miran gas field, which may hold up to 8 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas, with a projected long-term value of $40 billion. Oil exports were previously independently sold by the Kurdistan region, without the approval or oversight of the central administration in Baghdad, through the port of Ceyhan in Turkey. But the region's oil exports have been at a standstill since March 2023 when the arbitration tribunal of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris ruled that oil exports by the regional government were illegal. Iran president in Oman as nuclear talks progress Muscat, Oman, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday began a two-day visit to Oman, which is mediating ongoing nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. Pezeshkian travelled Muscat looking to promote "peace and stability", he said, two days after US President Donald Trump described the latest negotiations as "very, very good". "We hope to engage in dialogue to reach a shared perspective and a common voice on promoting peace and stability in the region," Pezeshkian said in a televised speech before departure. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed on Monday that the visit would address the ongoing nuclear talks. Oman, Iran's neighbour across a narrow strip of sea, has since April facilitated five rounds of talks between Tehran and Washington, which do not have diplomatic relations. Although the latest meetings in Rome on Friday ended without tangible progress, they were warmly received by Trump. "I think we could have some good news on the Iran front," the US president said, adding that an announcement could come "over the next two days". The US is seeking to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons -- which Tehran denies seeking -- as the Iranians seek relief from crippling sanctions. The talks are the highest-level contact between the countries since the US quit a previous nuclear accord during Trump's first term. Ahead of Pezeshkian's visit, Iran's central bank governor Mohammadreza Farzin arrived in Oman on Monday to discuss "monetary and banking cooperation" and commercial exchanges, according to Iranian media. IS-claimed attack in Niger kills soldiers Abidjan, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 Several soldiers have been killed in an attack targeting a military post in western Niger, a local source told AFP Tuesday, in an offensive claimed by the Islamic State group. The border area between Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has long been a hideout for jihadists linked to the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda, who have waged a bloody insurgent war against the government. Niger is one of several countries in Africa's Sahel region where the army has seized power in recent years. "An attack did take place two days ago (Sunday) against the Eknewan military position," a local source, who requested anonymity, told AFP. "There were deaths among the defence and security forces," the source added, without giving details. On Monday, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying in a statement that it had killed about 40 members of the Nigerien forces -- a figure that AFP was unable to verify independently. Since coming to power in a July 2023 coup, Niger's military rulers have shared little information on jihadist attacks, particularly in the tri-border area with Burkina Faso and Mali. According to the state-owned daily Le Sahel, the leader of the military junta, General Abdourahamane Tiani, appointed on Monday a new governor for the Tahoua region in which the attack took place. In recent weeks, the area has hosted military exercises involving the armies of the Alliance of Sahel States -- Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso -- along with those of Chad and Togo, according to state television. Since coming to power, the junta has moved closer to neighbouring Burkina and Mali, also governed by military leaders. It expelled French and US soldiers engaged in the fight against jihadism from its soil, while the United States handed over to Niger its drone base in the north of the country in March last year. US says supports gas deals with Kurdistan region after Iraq lawsuit Washington, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 The United States said Tuesday it supported American energy companies' contracts with Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region after the Iraqi government filed a lawsuit against them. Regional prime minister Masrour Barzani announced the signing of the two deals valued at tens of billions of dollars during a visit to Washington, in which he met Friday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio in his meeting "commended" the deals with US companies, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters. "We encourage Baghdad and Arbil to work together to expand domestic gas production as soon as possible. These types of economic partnerships will benefit both the American and Iraqi peoples and help Iraq move toward energy independence," she said. "We also believe that US and Iraqi interests are best served by having a strong, resilient Iraqi Kurdistan region within a sovereign and prosperous federal Iraq "As far as the nature of the lawsuits, obviously we are looking forward to continuing these kinds of deals. We expect these kinds of deals to flourish, and expect and would hope that they would be facilitated," she said. But if by the time theyve ridden around the corner or sprinted out of the station they find the phone has automatically locked then in all likelihood they will just give up on trying to ruin your life by cleaning you out financially. Instead theyll move on to the next guy whose screen lock setting is a more sedate two or three minutes. And your phone will just be sold rather than ransacked. Near to Abbots Mead is the Manor Hotel in Barnet Lane which featured in A Clockwork Orange when Alex the Droog is seen jumping from a window to avoid listening to Beethoven. An article on Kubrickian locations by the British Film Institute describes Abbots Mead as "one of the most important buildings in British film history" for being Kubricks home and studio during an important period of creativity. Mr Macron has pushed back against the age gap scrutiny. "If I had been 20 years older than my wife, nobody would have thought for a single second that I couldn't be [an intimate partner]," he told Le Parisien. "It's because she is 20 years older than me that lots of people say, 'This relationship can't be tenable, it can't be possible.'" 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 Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, agreed that the past convictions could form part of the evidence as Marten and Gordon stand trial over the alleged manslaughter of their baby daughter Victoria in 2023, when they went on the run from authorities. If it had been successfully executed, the evidence which was either unchallenged or tested without success, demonstrated would have for some time resulted in chaos not just at Manchester Airport but to infrastructure around the airport and would have had a consequential effect on other airports. Although Mr Justice Johnson last week said that there was an absence of contrition or remorse from Robinson, he said the defendant had shown a change in attitude since he was sentenced. We were telling him to calm down, to comply. Obviously we had concerns over where we were there were babies and other people around. We were concerned what he was capable of. We are looking at legal options to see whether we can take the Home Office to court for not funding us. That is not something we want to get into, but we are running out of options if we dont get the funding we need. A Government spokesperson said the proposed Sinn Fein Bill was asking for an activity that does not take place in Ireland Israeli bonds are not listed on the Irish Stock Exchange nor are they available to purchase through any regulated entity in the State to end. The Prime Minister said he was in close contact with Mr Rotheram about the incident, adding: Scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation, and my thoughts and the thoughts of the whole country are with all of those that are affected, those injured, which of course includes children, their families, their friends, the whole community, Liverpool fans everywhere. I dont trivialise the fact that in fast-moving situations sometimes there are judgments that have to be made by police officers, but I dont think anybody, certainly not the dozens and dozens of my constituents who are, frankly, appalled by whats happening in Gaza, who have emailed me in the last few days to say What the hell is going on in our society whenever a peaceful protest is met with arrests of pensioners? "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realise is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened in Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire," Trump said in a Truth Social post on Tuesday. The pair first attracted attention when they were seen together at The Suffolk in Aldeburgh, and further fueled romance rumours by posting near-identical photos from a Stereophonics concert in Los Angeles, indicating they attended the gig together. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Maybe it's using the word "oligarchs" instead of rich people. Or referring to "people experiencing food insecurity" rather than Americans going hungry. Or "equity" in place of "equality," or "justice-involved populations" instead of prisoners. As Democrats wrestle with who to be in the era of President Donald Trump, a growing group of party members - especially centrists - is reviving the argument that Democrats need to rethink the words they use to talk with the voters whose trust they need to regain. They contend that liberal candidates too often use language from elite, highly educated circles that suggests the speakers consider themselves smart and virtuous, while casting implied judgment on those who speak more plainly - hardly a formula for winning people over, they say. The latest debate is, in part, also a proxy for the bigger battle over what the Democrats' identity should be in the aftermath of November's devastating losses - especially as the party searches for ways to reverse its overwhelming rejection by rural and White working-class voters. "Some words are just too Ivy League-tested terms," said Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona). "I'm going to piss some people off by saying this, but 'social equity' - why do we say that? Why don't we say, 'We want you to have an even chance'?" Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear - who like Gallego is considered a potential 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful - made a similar point. "I believe that over time, and probably for well-meaning reasons, Democrats have begun to speak like professors and started using advocacy-speak that was meant to reduce stigma, but also removed the meaning and emotion behind words," Beshear said, citing such examples as using "substance abuse disorder" to refer to addiction. "It makes Democrats or candidates using this speech sounding like they're not normal," Beshear said. "It sounds simple, but what the Democratic Party needs to do is be normal and sound normal." Other Democrats and progressives strongly disagree, saying the party's problems can hardly be traced to a few terms that, they say, are used by activists far more than by actual Democratic politicians. There are good reasons for using nonprejudiced language and seeking new ways to be sensitive to those who have suffered discrimination, they say - and only bad reasons for jettisoning them in the face of Republican attacks. "We are simply asking people to consider the language they are using as we move toward shared goals," said Daria Hall, executive vice president of Fenton Communications, a progressive communications firm. "It is important to acknowledge the human element within populations and to recognize how they identify themselves. Language evolves; it always has." The divides are not clear-cut. But some Democrats are emphasizing a need to embrace centrist, common-sense ideas in a plainspoken way, while others say the key is to trumpet progressive, inclusive policies that fit the angry populist mood. Recent years have seen a pattern of progressives embracing new terms that conservatives turn against them. From "woke" to "critical race theory" to "gender-fluid," Republicans have long excelled at using such "politically correct" terms to depict Democrats as out of touch. "Honestly, Democrats trip over themselves in an attempt to say exactly the right thing," said Allison Prasch, who teaches rhetoric, politics and culture at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. "Republicans maybe aren't so concerned about saying exactly the right thing, so it may appear more authentic to some voters." She added, "Republicans have a willingness to paint with very broad brushstrokes, where Democrats are more concerned with articulating multiple perspectives. And because of that, they can be hampered by the words and phrases they utilize." Against that backdrop, a crop of youthful, up-and-coming Democrats is arguing that liberals need to abandon what they portray as a series of constantly evolving linguistic purity tests. Gallego derided the term "Latinx" - which avoids the gender binary suggested by "Latinos" and "Latinas" - as "stupid," saying few Hispanics use the term. He also recalled once being told not to describe his own background as "poor," but rather as "economically disadvantaged." "Not every person we meet is going to have the latest update on what the proper terms are," Gallego said. "It doesn't make them sexist or homophobic or racist. Maybe they are a little outdated, but they have a good heart." Beshear said liberals, in genuine efforts to be more sensitive, have drained the power from many words. Saying someone has defeated "substance abuse disorder," he said, minimizes the sheer human triumph of beating addiction; decrying "food insecurity" fails to convey the tragedy of hungry children. Some Democrats contend that their use of elite-sounding terms is highly exaggerated. Actual party leaders rarely use words like woke or gender-fluid, they say, contending they are mostly used by left-leaning activists or academics - or by Republicans trying to create an issue. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) is another rising swing-state Democrat who contends that her party needs to use language that comes, as she puts it, from the factory line and not the faculty lounge. She said the scope of her party's challenge hit home when a voter wearing a "Make America Great Again" cap asked her, "What's your hat?" He was hoping for a Democratic message that could fit onto a cap, she said, and she realized there was no obvious answer. She recalled speaking to a roomful of skeptical Teamsters before the November election. "I just said, 'Hey, you motherf---ers, I don't want to hear another godd--n word about all Donald Trump has done for you,'" she said, adding, "They love it. To me that is a different way to enter the room." The Democrats' renewed linguistic debate broke into the open in April, when Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), a progressive firebrand, was headlining a "Fighting Oligarchy" tour to rally opposition to Trump's alliance with ultra-wealthy figures. "We have a nation which is now run by a handful of greedy billionaires," Sanders told an enthused crowd in Nampa, Idaho, on April 14. "I used to talk about oligarchy and people say, 'What is he talking about?' Everybody knows what I'm talking about tonight." In a subsequent interview with Politico, Slotkin mentioned her view that the term "oligarchy" does not mean much to most people, and that Democrats would be better off declaring, say, that Americans do not have kings. Sanders retorted on NBC's "Meet the Press" that "I think the American people are not quite as dumb as Ms. Slotkin thinks they are." Slotkin downplays the dispute, although she stands by her contention that "oligarchy" is not a user-friendly word. More important, she said, is the Democrats' need to confront Trump with "alpha energy," which she described as a sort of plainspoken toughness leavened with compassion. Since taking office, Trump has continued his all-out war on words that he deems liberal or woke, ordering them excised from government websites and targeting programs that have such terms in their names as "diversity, equity and inclusion," or DEI. Trump says he is rescuing free speech from progressives' cultural tyranny. Liberals say Trump is doing the opposite - silencing language he opposes. The battle unfolded on a particularly emotional front in the 2024 election, when GOP leaders seized on the view of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and other Democrats that people have a right to choose their own pronouns. Trump aired ads declaring, "Kamala is for they/them; President Trump is for you," that were considered highly effective by strategists on both sides. Hall, who leads her firm's racial justice and DEI group, said the point of progressive language is not to judge anyone but to respect how people want to be identified in this moment. "We have a lot more work to do, but we have to give ourselves some grace, because we are all learning as language continues to shift," Hall said. The true irritant for some critics is not the words, she added, but the underlying social shifts. "American demographics are changing, and some people have an issue with that," Hall said. "Diversity, equity and inclusion are not bad words unless people make them so. These words are an effort to be more inclusive, not less." Many Democrats privately admire Trump's ability to talk in a way that connects with voters on a visceral level. He is unusually skilled, they concede, at finding words and phrases that stir powerful emotions, from promising to "make America great again" to decrying an "invasion" of "illegal" immigrants. Democrats contend that Trump's slogans are empty at best and dishonest at worst. But they have struggled to find equally powerful language to convey Democratic values and ideas. "What the Trump team has completely failed at is having anything behind their slogans," Slotkin said. "They figured out the slogans, but they have no plans." Democrats need to have effective policies, she said - but at the same time, "you need the tagline." The notion that Democrats must communicate better in the 2026 and 2028 campaigns is increasingly accepted within the party, and potential candidates including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg have been road-testing their tone and style. "It's so important for Democrats to have a vocabulary that can reach everybody," Buttigieg told reporters after a recent town hall in Iowa. "You can't fashion that vocabulary online, or only talking to people who already agree with you or are already kind of in your political style." Labor Minister Simona Bucura Oprescu discussed on Tuesday with the directors of the General Directorates of Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC) in the country about the real challenges facing social assistance in Romania, but also about the concrete solutions that the ministry is preparing. According to a post on the institution's Facebook page, the meeting with DGASPC directors was attended by Secretary of State Daniela Barbu, UNICEF representative in Romania, Anna Riatti, directors from the ministry and subordinate institutions, as well as Bogdan Simion, president of the Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations for Children (FONPC). "The challenges are considerable and so are the goals we have. We want a permanent dialogue with those who work in social work at the grass roots. Only through direct collaboration can we build a modern and efficient social care system. Social care cannot be reformed from offices. Solutions are built together with those who work directly with children and families in need," said Simona Bucura-Oprescu. Among the topics discussed were: the deinstitutionalization process, measures to increase the quality and proper licensing of social services, implementation of the national information system, financing services for children with disabilities and behavioral disorders. Law 100/2024 on the reform of the social assistance system has brought important changes, focusing on: financing that follows the beneficiary, decentralization of responsibilities, clear conditions for accreditation and licensing of social services, improving the accreditation process of social service providers, strengthening the role of social inspectors, increasing the degree of inter-institutional collaboration between institutions with a role of evaluation, monitoring and control, collaboration with civil society in monitoring the quality of services. With regard to the funding programs of the MMFTSS, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), component C13 - Social Reforms, the implementation of 155 day care centers for children at risk of separation from their families is underway. The total contracted budget amounts to EUR 73.9 million, of which more than EUR 50.6 million from PNRR funds, and the number of children who are set to benefit from the programs stands at 13,826. AGERPRES Romania has signed financing contracts worth approximately EUR 1.7 billion, aimed at developing the food industry, through the National Strategic Plan (PNS) and the Investalim program, said Nicu Vasile, president of the League of Associations of Agricultural Producers in Romania (LAPAR), on Tuesday. "Investalim and the Strategic Plan 2023-2027 - through these programs, Romania has signed financing contracts worth about RON 1.7 billion, targeted at developing the food industry. The investments are aimed at: building and modernizing oil, meat, dairy and bakery factories, developing food processing units, reducing imports and increasing food exports. I was talking a little earlier about Romania's imports of agri-food products. We contribute more than 8 billion to the national budget deficit on imports of agri-food products alone. At the basis of all these investments and funds, at the basis of a farm, but also of a country, there is the land, the main means of production, the main national strategic asset, which ensures the national security of a country," said Nicu Vasile, at a specialized event. The head of LAPAR said that Romania is implementing the National Strategic Plan under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by 2027. With a total budget of about EUR 15.83 billion, this plan aims to modernize, restructure and increase the competitiveness of farms, with a special focus on family farms, young farmers and sustainable rural development, but without performance criteria. As regards digitalization, although Romania has a low level of digitalization in agriculture, the National Strategic Plan provides support for the adoption of digital technologies in farms. According to the specialist, in terms of improving position in the agri-food chain, in Romania there is little or no discussion about the product supply chain. "We say that we are capping prices, but it seems normal to me, as a government, to know clearly what are the markups on each link in the production chain, starting from the producers of raw materials, I am referring here to the vegetable company, to processors, distributors, chain stores, to know the final price that the consumer, namely us, takes. And I mean the cost in the daily basket. Risk management at farm level is essential for maintaining the stability and sustainability of agricultural activities in Romania. The main risks identified for farms in Romania are: soil and atmospheric drought, especially in the south-east of the country, hail, storms and floods, volatility of grain prices and agricultural inputs, we are talking about a sector totally dependent on other economies. I refer here to the chemical industry, petrochemicals and even international trade. We don't have these things, we need to develop them. We have destroyed the chemical industry and we import fertilizers. Out of 11 fertilizer factories, we only have Azomures, which is closed. The volatility of grain and input prices, the lack of financing for farms in difficulty, the increase in fertilizer, fuel and agricultural machinery prices," the specialist added. LAPAR chairman participated, on Tuesday, at the 5th edition of the Forum of Entrepreneurs in the Agricultural and Food Industry, organized by Club Antreprenor Magazine and Ziarul Pozitiv. AGERPRES The expectations of companies in the Romanian-German business community regarding the Romanian economy have worsened quite a lot compared to last year, with an increase of about 20 percent in pessimistic expectations (2024 - 38%, 2025 - 57%), shows a survey conducted by AHK Romania in spring. Nevertheless, the outlook for their own business remains unchanged for 38% of the companies surveyed, while 37% of them foresee better economic prospects (2024 - 40%). Most companies (62%) assess their current situation as "satisfactory", while the number of optimists continues to fall (28%), having been on a downward trend for the past three years. By comparison, last year, 59% of companies rated their business situation as "satisfactory" and 33% as good. In this economic context, the firms' willingness to invest is also decreasing. Whereas in 2024, 46% of companies maintained their intention to invest, in 2025 their number has dropped to 38%. For 30% of companies surveyed, investments will drop in 2025, compared to 20% of companies last year. As a result of falling demand and cost pressures, business entities plan to reduce the number of employees and increase productivity. Thus, 34% of companies said they will lay off personnel, compared with 18% last year. 41% of firms will maintain their staff, the same percentage as in 2024. In terms of risks to business growth, companies said that declining market demand, economic and political framework conditions, and labor costs are jeopardizing their growth. What last year was seen as a risk, namely the shortage of skilled workers, is now taking a back seat. However, for 48% of firms, lack of skilled staff remains a risk factor. Measures to counteract this are, according to most firms, continuous employee training and digitalization, but also closer cooperation with educational institutions. The lack of qualified staff has led to higher wage costs for 20% of the companies surveyed, a reduction in current activities (for 15%) and a reduction in planned investments (for 14%). In terms of investment location characteristics, Romania gains points for its European Union membership, availability of local suppliers, infrastructure and conditions for research and development. Companies criticized the access to state aid and European funds, the level and system of taxation, but the biggest dissatisfaction was related to the lack of predictability of economic policies. There were also negative comments about political and social stability, the fight against corruption, public administration, transparency of public tenders, legal stability and the lack of qualified personnel. The May 18 presidential elections were very important in clarifying the country's future political direction, the research shows. Continuing the pro-European path is crucial for companies as it provides predictability and stability. "However, political and economic challenges have not diminished at all. The business community is waiting for a comprehensive reform agenda so that Romania's growth potential in many sectors of the economy can be fully utilized and existing economic imbalances can be reduced. Increasing competitiveness and the economy must be the guiding principles of the new government's economic policies," Sebastian Metz, general director of AHK Romania, commented on the results of the survey in the context of the current political situation. The survey was conducted by AHK Romania together with 15 other bilateral German chambers of commerce in Central and Eastern Europe, between March 1 and March 31, 2025, on a sample of 82 member companies of AHK Romania and other companies with German capital in Romania. By sectors of activity, the participation of companies was as follows: 43% services, 34% industry, 10% trade, 10% construction, 3% energy and water supply. AGERPRES Joe Holleman | Post-Dispatch Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman | Post-Dispatch Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Like death and taxes, former St. Louisan Ed Martin making the news qualifies as a sure thing. Last week, federal authorities arrested Emily Gabriella Sommer, 32, of Washington, D.C., on a criminal complaint that claims that on May 8 Sommer spit on Martin while he was being interviewed on camera outside of the U.S. Attorneys office. Sommer is charged with one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a government official. Police identified the woman through an X account, on which a person with the username @EmilyGabriellaS, made several posts related to the incident. Martin, a former Missouri Republican Party chair, is an associate deputy district attorney who is in charge of reviewing pardons and also leads a group looking into allegations that the Biden administration unfairly targeted conservatives. Before being named to that post two weeks ago, Martin had been interim federal prosecutor in the District of Columbia. President Donald Trump withdrew his support for that appointment after some GOP U.S. senators expressed opposition to Martin being named to that post on a permanent basis. Tony Messenger | Post-Dispatch Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger | Post-Dispatch Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today BOWLING GREEN, MO. The sheriff of Pike County doesnt want to answer questions about a dead body that his deputies pulled from a pond in February. The body belonged to Nathaniel Mueller, a 23-year-old who had been missing since December 2024. Mueller was last seen near Quincy, Illinois. During the more than two months he was missing, his mother, Tammy Mueller, turned to Facebook to suggest there was foul play involved. Mueller left behind a 3-year-old daughter, who is being cared for by grandparents. In March, I reported that a local police chief Ty Bounds of Bowling Green agreed that Muellers death was suspicious and that at least one sheriffs deputy might have been involved in covering it up. During a separate investigation, Bounds came across text messages between a robbery suspect and a deputy that suggested somebody in the sheriffs department knew of Muellers whereabouts during the time he was missing. One Pike County sheriffs deputy had close, intimate ties with a suspect in the robbery and (the Mueller) investigation, which involved the same group of individuals, Bounds told me in March. The Missouri Highway Patrol is now investigating Muellers death. The sheriff of Pike County is Stephen Korte. Last month, he sat for a deposition in a federal wrongful death lawsuit. That case involves 41-year-old Hollie Grote, who passed away in October 2021 while in custody at the Pike County Jail. For months, Grote had complained of double vision, an inability to speak and serious neurological symptoms. She and her cellmates repeatedly asked for medical help. She never got any. Grote died of a non-malignant brain tumor. Her daughter, Shainey Harpole, is suing Pike County, the sheriff, other jail officials and Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc., a multibillion-dollar company that has medical contracts in jails and prisons nationwide. The cases of Mueller and Grote are unrelated except for this: Kortes chief deputy, David Carroll, investigated both deaths. Thats why during Kortes deposition, attorney Mark Pedroli asked the sheriff what he knew about Muellers disappearance. Pedroli is representing Harpole, Grotes daughter, in her lawsuit. Ten times during the deposition, Korte declined to answer questions about the Mueller case, citing his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Were you aware of a text message to anyone of your employees identifying the location of Nathaniel Muellers body? Pedroli asked, according to a transcript of the deposition. Ill invoke my Fifth Amendment right, Korte responded. Did you know that Major Carroll had received a text message identifying the location of the body? Pedroli asked in more detail. Im asserting my Firth Amendment rights, Korte said. Was Nathaniel Mueller murdered? Pedroli asked. Ill take the Fifth, Korte said. The deposition responses might not have much of an impact in Harpoles lawsuit. But the sheriffs unwillingness to discuss Muellers death raises serious questions, says Chesterfield attorney Chris Lozano. Lozano represents Bounds, the police chief who went public with the allegations against the sheriffs department in part to protect himself as a whistleblower. The Fifth Amendment is a cornerstone of our judicial system, Lozano says. But when a sitting sheriff invokes it to avoid answering questions, its not just a legal maneuver its a red flag. The public has every right to question whether someone who wont answer under oath can be trusted to uphold the law. Indeed, the public in Pike County and elsewhere should hope that Korte eventually answers questions about the deaths of both Mueller and Grote. The story of Grote is too common in jails and prisons in America, where many detainees, particularly in municipal and county jails, havent been convicted of a crime but cant get the health care they desperately need. Three years ago, for instance, a federal jury in St. Louis found Advanced Correctional Healthcare liable for $8.5 million in damages over its failure to treat Bilal Hill while he was in the Phelps County Jail. The families of people who die in jail deserve answers about what happened to their loved ones. So do the families of people who end up dead in a pond, with mysterious connections to the local sheriffs department. Muellers mother suspected foul play during the time her son was missing, and now the sheriff refuses to answer questions about his employees and the young mans death. Thats a big red flag waving high for all in Pike County to see. ST. LOUIS The founder of a local nonprofit admitted Tuesday to buying homes and luxury cars with money meant to be spent on providing meals for needy children. Cymone McClellan, 32, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for lying on applications to receive more than $2 million on behalf of her nonprofit, Sister of Lavender Rose. Her attorney, Talmage Newton IV, said in a statement that despite the federal charges, the nonprofit provided many benefits to the community. Cymone acknowledges her obligation to have been a better steward of the organization and the public dollars it took care of, he said. Today was the first step in Cymone taking responsibility for her role in the organizations failures. The Sister of Lavender Rose controversy began in 2022 when federal and state authorities flagged the nonprofit for claiming thousands in reimbursements for meals that were never provided. Authorities found that over the course of about three years, McClellan had claimed almost $3.5 million under the U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded child nutrition programs. But when state inspectors went to visit the nonprofits listed food preparation site, they found themselves outside of Elmos Love Lounge, a University City bar. In all, federal prosecutors said at least $2 million of that money shouldnt have been paid to McClellan. With the money, she bought a 2020 Mercedes Benz cargo van, a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse a 2018 Lexus RX, plus homes in Florissant and Collinsville, according to court records. She also lied on reimbursement applications, hiding that she used the food cash on several large purchases, including a $60,000 down payment on a house, federal prosecutors said. And she pretended the nonprofits finance director was signing off on purchases. In exchange for McClellans guilty plea, federal prosecutors agreed to dismiss six fraud-related charges. She is facing an estimated 33 to 41 months in prison. McClellans co-defendant and fellow Sister of Lavender Rose executive, Terra Davis, previously pleaded guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy and is set to be sentenced next month. McClellan is set to be sentenced in August. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri parents may soon have a better understanding of whether their child is performing at or above grade level on the states standardized test under a sweeping education bill awaiting the governors signature. The legislation contains a provision that would require the states education department to add a fifth category to Missouri Assessment Program results, reporting grade level in addition to the current levels of below basic, basic, proficient and advanced. The new provision would include students in grades 3 to 8. Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican and former school superintendent, introduced the bill to make student performance more transparent to parents and lawmakers. As an educator, he learned that students at grade level score at the upper end of basic, but many people incorrectly assume proficient means performing at grade level, he told The Independent. In order to have accurate conversations about where our students are at, we need to know what grade level is, he said. The Missouri Assessment Program, often referred to as the MAP test, began in the 1990s with five scoring thresholds. But in response to the federal No Child Left Behind Act, state lawmakers required the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to align MAP with federal performance standards. In December 2005, educators met to determine the new standards in line with the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP. They set thresholds based on the percentage of students scoring proficient on the NAEP so that the proportion of students deemed proficient on the state test would be close to the amount reported by the national test. The National Center for Educational Statistics and the NAEPs governing board have repeatedly clarified that proficiency reflects solid academic performance and does not signify being on grade level. But policymakers, parents and other stakeholders speak about proficiency and grade level interchangeably. And candidates for public office, misinterpreting what proficient means, have used MAP data to push anti-public-education policies. During former state Sen. Bill Eigels run for governor last year, he told KMIZ, an ABC affiliate serving mid-Missouri, that less than a third of our children are able to do reading, writing, arithmetic at grade level. At the time, 33% of Missouri fourth graders scored proficient or advanced in reading on the NAEP, and math had higher performance levels. Despite the tests administrators explaining that this is not a measure of grade level performance, politicians and media reports still repeat the misrepresentation. Part of my frustration has been that people criticize public education pretty hard and say were failing our kids because 35% of our students in third grade or fifth grade are proficient or advanced in reading, Pollitt said. We may have 35% that are above grade level, but maybe 60% of our kids are at grade level. And I think that changes the conversation. In a House committee hearing in January, lobbyists for public-education groups spoke in favor of the bill. Brandt Shields, director of governmental relations for the Missouri School Boards Association, said a fifth category would be more informative for stakeholders. Having only four categories is almost a crude way of trying to differentiate how those scores are interpreted, he said. No one spoke in opposition, but a lobbyist for the state education department warned that the change would require work groups to set the new standards, which is estimated to cost just over $1 million. The language passed by the Legislature exempts the department from having to employ work groups, but Pollitt said it is up to administrators to decide. JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a Jackson County judge to vacate her previous rulings that have allowed abortions to resume in the state this year. The Supreme Court order, signed by Chief Justice Mary R. Russell, directed Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang to reevaluate Planned Parenthoods request to preliminarily block state abortion laws. The decision delighted abortion opponents while leaders of the states two Planned Parenthood chapters said it puts our state back under a de facto abortion ban. Voters chose to protect abortion rights through last years Amendment 3. After that, Zhangs two rulings in December and February, respectively, effectively allowed abortions to resume in the state. Her December ruling temporarily halted the states near-total abortion ban and other laws. Zhangs February order blocked specialty licensing requirements for abortion facilities. In March, Planned Parenthoods St. Louis clinic resumed surgical abortions. A trial on the fate of Missouris abortion laws which the state could then appeal had been set for January 2026. But Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, asked the Missouri Supreme Court on March 21 for an order forcing Zhang to vacate her orders. The state argued Missouri women would suffer irreparable harm if its request was not granted and that Zhang used the wrong standard to enjoin almost all of Missouris abortion laws. The Supreme Court ruled in the states favor on Tuesday. Todays decision from the Missouri Supreme Court is a win for women and children and sends a clear message abortion providers must comply with state law regarding basic safety and sanitation requirements, Bailey said in a statement. Other abortion opponents also celebrated the ruling. Were very pleased that the Missouri Supreme Court has in effect upheld Missouris pro-life laws at least for now, said Sam Lee, longtime lobbyist for Campaign Life Missouri. Planned Parenthood will soon stop ... being able to do abortions. Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, and Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, called the Supreme Courts decision devastating for Missourians and the providers they trust with their personal health care decisions. In a joint statement, Wales and Riphagen said, At Planned Parenthood health centers across Missouri, our patients remain our north star, and we will continue to fight for their freedom to the constitutionally protected health care they voted for. Mallory Schwarz, director of Abortion Action Missouri, an abortion-rights group, said in a statement Bailey and anti-abortion politicians have weaponized our political system against Missourians. Our coalition has dealt with setbacks like this before, and we know how to support people accessing care despite a hostile political environment, Schwarz said. This is not over, she said, and Im confident that ultimately abortion care will continue in Missouri. The ACLU of Missouri, which helped argue the case in Jackson County, said in a statement Tuesday its arguments met the legal standard described by the Supreme Court. We will be in communication with the court promptly, highlighting that our arguments met this standard, and we anticipate new orders complying with the peremptory writ and granting the preliminary injunctions blocking the ban and restrictions, once again allowing Missourians access to abortion care, said ACLU spokesman Tom Bastian. The courts ruling Tuesday follows an effort in the Republican-controlled Legislature to repeal Amendment 3 at the ballot box. Republican legislators earlier this month voted to send a new proposed constitutional amendment to voters that would repeal the broad right to reproductive freedom granted in Amendment 3 and replace it with one allowing for abortions in limited circumstances. The Republican-backed question, set to appear on the November 2026 ballot, would allow abortions in rape and incest cases up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and in fetal anomalies and medical emergencies. Amendment 3 protects abortion rights up to the point of fetal viability. ST. LOUIS Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on Sunday asked President Donald Trump to approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to St. Louis, St. Louis County and six southeast Missouri counties that were hit by deadly storms earlier this month. Kehoe said he sent the request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help fund temporary housing, home repairs and other needs for people impacted by the storms. It is abundantly clear that Missouri families need rapid federal assistance to rebuild homes and lives, and to continue moving forward, Kehoe said in statement. We are requesting federal assistance to quickly get desperately needed funds flowing to individuals and families as we prepare to document the need for federal assistance to remove debris and repair damaged infrastructure in the days ahead. The other counties that were hit by storms on May 16 were Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne. Seven people were killed in all, five of them in St. Louis. On Saturday, Kehoe announced that 41 members of the Missouri National Guard would be deployed in the affected area of St. Louis to help remove debris and assist in other cleanup efforts. The announcement came a day after the city asked for support from the states National Guard, according to Kehoes office. Service members will begin helping the recovery efforts Wednesday. Kehoes request comes just after Trump on Friday approved a major disaster declaration for storms and tornadoes that hit the St. Louis area two months ago. The approval came more than two months after the storms hit a swath of eastern and southern Missouri on March 14 and 15, including St. Louis, Jefferson and Franklin counties. A major disaster declaration from those storms clears the way for FEMA assistance for individuals impacted by the storms, including grants and low-interest loans to pay for home repairs and business recovery. On Tuesday, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen is also set to introduce two bills providing support to residents who were displaced or whose homes were severely damaged by recent storms. The first bill would expand the scope of an existing 2024 ordinance, which established the citys Impacted Tenants Fund for tenants forced to relocate due to condemnation for occupancy as a result of landlords failure to comply with code requirements. This proposal would allow the funds to be use to also help tenants displaced by natural disasters. The Impacted Tenants Fund was initially funded with $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds and is financed annually using a portion of the fines collected for municipal building code violations. The board will also take up legislation to adjust the assessed value of residential properties that are rendered uninhabitable by natural disasters. If passed, the measure would allow the city to adjust the assessed value of residential properties in proportion to the amount of time the property was occupied during the year a disaster took place. The tax rate on the property would remain unchanged. As a lung cancer survivor from Missouri, I am deeply concerned about the massive cuts to Medicaid passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and taking away coverage for millions of people will jeopardize our progress in defeating this disease. In April, I joined fellow advocates in Washington, D.C., to urge Missouri Rep. Ann Wagner and Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt to protect Medicaid. I know firsthand how critical it was to have health care coverage throughout my diagnosis and treatment, including the initial chemotherapy and surgery and an ongoing protocol of an oral pill with lab work and scans every three to six months. Without health care coverage, lifesaving treatments like the ones I received would be financially devastating for people facing a lung cancer diagnosis. People should not have to worry about affording health care when they are fighting every day to live. One in four lung cancer patients under 65 rely on Medicaid for their care. All of the changes that Congress is considering including adding work reporting requirements and gutting Medicaid expansion are cuts that will terminate health care coverage when people need it most. Unfortunately, Rep. Wagner voted to pass these cuts. Now, Im counting on Sens. Hawley and Schmitt to oppose them. I urge readers to contact their senators and demand they protect Medicaid. Visit Lung.org/Save-Medicaid to learn more and take action. Patt Pappenfuhs Kansas City Telycam Launches Explore XE 4K PTZ Camera with 1-Inch Sensor for Broadcast AV New camera delivers premium broadcast quality, superior auto-focus and rich feature set at a price point ideal for the Pro AV market Shenzhen, China( ) Telycam today announced the Explore XE, a powerful new 4K PTZ camera specifically designed to bring broadcast-class quality and capabilities to the professional AV market. Featuring a 1-inch Sony sensor, phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) and 20x optical zoom, the new Explore XE offers the premium performance of Telycams flagship Explore broadcast camera in a purpose-built model tailored for the connectivity and budget requirements of AV environments. Telycam will demonstrate the Explore XE and other ground-breaking new products in booth 3088 at InfoComm 2025 (June 11 to 13 in Orlando, Florida). Explore XE features the same sensor, optics and advanced auto-focus that helped earn its broadcast sibling Explore camera a 2025 NAB Show Product of the Year Award. Explore XEs large 1-inch sensor enables spectacular video quality and excels in low-light conditions, capturing sharp detail with minimal noise. Its superior light sensitivity, dynamic range and shallow depth-of-field capabilities combine to enable stunning visuals with exceptional contrast and clarity. Advanced PDAF provides accurate, lightning-fast auto-focus with minimal focus hunting, keeping subjects in focus even in fast-paced environments. The Explore XE camera features a flexible array of outputs. 4K video at 60 frames per second can be output over HDMI or NDI HX3, with 4K at 30 fps available over a USB Type-C connection. Meanwhile, a 3G-SDI interface outputs 1080p60 video scaled from the 4K image. External audio sources can be brought into the camera from a mini-XLR input with phantom power or a 3.5mm analog input. FreeD protocol support transmits precise pan, tilt, zoom and focus data for seamless integration with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) production solutions. A built-in variable ND filter and threads for external ND filters allow the Explore XE to adapt easily to various lighting conditions. Additional key features include native AI-powered auto-tracking; local recording to a microSD card; dual tally lights; and POE+ support. Telycams top-of-the-line Explore broadcast PTZ camera was already the price/performance leader in its class, but with Explore XE, the company is bringing high-end quality and capabilities further within reach of a wider range of organizations and end-users. The Explore XE camera is a perfect fit for the Broadcast AV convergence, said Telycam co-founder Jenny Liu. Many AV professionals and organizations have been delighted by the impeccable quality, superior auto-focus and rich functionality of our flagship Explore camera, but dont need connectivity such as 12G-SDI and SFP+ that are oriented towards broadcast environments. Explore XE offers them all of Explores core benefits at a price thats affordable even to smaller organizations and institutions. Telycam cameras are distributed in the United States and Canada by MVD (Mobile Video Devices, Inc.). For more information about Telycam, please visit www.telycam.com. About Telycam Founded in 2014, Telycam (www.telycam.com) is an innovative PTZ camera developer with an emphasis on R&D. Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Telycam offers two main product lines: NDI/IP PTZ cameras designed for live production; and USB-based webcams designed for video conferencing. With a firm commitment to the video camera sector for more than a decade, Telycam has become a key player in the Pro AV and broadcast industries. ### Copyright 2025 Telecam Technology Co, Ltd. All rights reserved. NDI is a trademark of Vizrt NDI AB. #NDI Last chance to nominate for the 2025 Streaming Media Innovation Awards Nominations remain open for the 2025 Streaming Media European Innovation Awards, the only awards programme in the industry where the end users of products and services get to vote for their favourites. But the window for nominations is closing. Make sure your product or service is nominated for the awards by completing and submitting the form available here before Saturday 31 May. You may submit the same product or service in multiple categories, but you may not submit more than one nomination from the same company in a single category. Though only end users are permitted to vote, vendors may submit nominations for their products and services to be considered. CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR NOMINATIONS Streaming Medias editorial team evaluates all submissions to make sure they fit their categories, and final nominees are announced on 9 June when online voting opens. Voting will remain open until 27 June. The top 3 finalists in each category will be announced on our website in early September, and the winners will be announced in the Autumn issue of Streaming Media's European magazine, on StreamingMediaGlobal.com, and published in StreamingMedia Europe Xtra newsletter. Note that the U.S. edition of Streaming Media will also run a Readers' Choice Awards later this year; this European competiton will accept nominations only from companies with headquarters in Europe and the UK. Email europerca@infotoday.com if you have any questions. You can take a look at last year's winners here. Here are the 2025 categories: Streaming Innovation of the Year AI Workflow Solution AI Captioning/Localisation Solution Cloud Workflow Solution Content Delivery & Distribution Content Protection and Content Authenticity Solution Corporate Video Platform/Solution Encoding/Transcoding Solution Live Streaming Platform/Service Monetisation, Subscription, and Bundling Solution OTT Video Platform/Service QoS/QoE Platform/Service Realtime Streaming Solution Video Advertising Solution Note: These awards are limited to companies with headquarters in Europe and the UK. Our US edition magazine runs the Readers' Choice Awards for companies in the rest of the world in autumn. 2025 Streaming Media's European Innovation Awards Nomination Form Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles The gate at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. (U.S. Air Force) (Tribune News Service) Kirtland Air Force Base has announced that Melik Etienne was the airman found dead near Lions Beach Campground at Elephant Butte Lake on Monday. Etienne, 22, who was assigned to the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron at Kirtland, drowned the evening May 24, Kirtland said in a news release. Alcohol was not involved in the incident. Etienne is survived by his wife, parents and sister. He had been married for two weeks before his death and recently received recognition from the deputy commander of Air Education and Training Command, Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, for his outstanding performance, according to a Kirtland news release. The 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron leadership is escorting Airman 1st Class Etiennes dignified transfer to Kirtland Air Force Base. The incident remains under investigation. We are heartbroken by the loss of Melik, Col. Nathan T. Colunga, Special Warfare Training Wing commander, said in a news release. He was a bright spot in the squadron and embodied the energy, dedication and selflessness that defines this unit. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. 2025 Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.). Visit www.abqjournal.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. German authorities decided to keep jurisdiction in the case of the U.S. airman under investigation in a fatal wrong-way autobahn crash May 3, 2025, near Spangdahlem Air Base. The airman was legally intoxicated at the time of the head-on collision, the Trier public prosecutor's office said in a statement May 26. (Stars and Stripes) KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany An American airman who was driving the wrong way on the autobahn and killed a German woman in a head-on collision this month had a blood alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit, according to local prosecutors. The Spangdahlem Air Base airmans case will be handled by German authorities rather than the U.S. military, the Trier public prosecutors office said in a statement Monday. He is being investigated on suspicion of negligent homicide and endangering road traffic, the statement said. His blood alcohol concentration was 0.14% at the time of the early morning collision May 3 on the A60 near Landscheid, according to prosecutors. The legal limit in Germany is 0.05% in most cases. The 23-year-old driver of the other car was killed, and two passengers were seriously injured. The airman had minor injuries from the crash and remains in custody at Spangdahlem, a 52nd Fighter Wing official said in a statement Tuesday. The collision occurred about 6 miles east of the base in the rural Eifel region. The wing declined to release the airmans name and unit, citing the ongoing investigation and the fact that German prosecutors have yet to file criminal charges. Germany has primary jurisdiction in cases involving a U.S. service member and a German citizen, but it usually waives this right under a supplementary provision to the 1951 NATO Status of Forces Agreement. However, the agreement allows the waiver to be withdrawn within 21 days for egregious offenses such as robbery, rape or crimes that result in death. In the past six years, German authorities have ceded jurisdiction to the U.S. military in at least two fatal cases involving American service members. One of those cases was the highly publicized murder trial of a Spangdahlem airman in October. A military court found Airman 1st Class Grant Harrison not guilty of unpremeditated murder in the stabbing death of martial artist Michael Ovsjannikov. Ovsjannikov, 28, was killed Aug. 19, 2023, during an early morning altercation at a street fair in nearby Wittlich. Harrisons acquittal sparked outrage in the communities around Spangdahlem and led to several protests outside the base. Residents at the protests said it had created mistrust in the U.S. militarys judicial system. The prosecutors office said the decision to retain jurisdiction in the latest case was based on the number of victims involved. If the case were to go to trial, the German court system would allow for family members of the deceased and the victims who were injured to participate as joint plaintiffs with their own attorneys, in contrast with procedures in American military courtrooms. The decision was made after discussing the facts of the case with the U.S. military justice system and weighing all the circumstances of the specific case, the statement said. Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, the Navys executive officer for its unmanned and small combatants program, was relieved of his duties due to a loss of confidence. (U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON A rear admiral was fired Tuesday after the Navys inspector general substantiated a complaint lodged against the senior leader, the service said. Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, the Navys executive officer for its unmanned and small combatants program, was relieved of his duties due to a loss of confidence based on a complaint substantiated by an Office of the Naval Inspector General investigation. The Navy did not respond to a request for additional information, including what the nature of the complaint was or when the complaint was filed. The U.S. military routinely cites only a vague loss of confidence when removing commanders and other leaders from positions of authority. The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met, the service said in a statement. Smith was promoted to rear admiral in 2023 and was assigned as the executive officer for the Navys unmanned and small combatants program. The program falls under the Navys acquisition department and authorizes the design, development, build, maintenance and modernization of unmanned maritime systems, mine warfare systems, special warfare systems, expeditionary warfare systems and small surface combatants. Smith was relieved by Brett Seidle, the acting assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition. Melissa Kirkendall, executive director for the program, assumed temporary responsibilities. Smith was temporarily reassigned to the staff of Naval Sea Systems Command. Smith has served on ship development teams multiple times throughout his career. He was a lead systems engineer and later a deputy program manager at the Dahlgren Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Smith also served as a test officer for the supervisor of shipbuilding, where he was responsible for combat system installation, activation, integration, test and trials for five new destroyers. Smith has also served within the executive office for the Zumwalt-class destroyers and Constellation-class frigates. He was involved in the installation, test, trials, acceptance and delivery of the first two Aegis ashore missile defense systems planned for Romania and Poland. Smiths personal decorations include the Legion of Merit award, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. A U.S. Navy sailor told a Japanese court on May 7, 2025, that he made an illegal turn near Yokosuka Naval Base on Sept. 18, 2024, causing a fatal collision. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA, Japan A U.S. Navy sailor received a suspended sentence Tuesday for a traffic accident that killed a Japanese motorcyclist near Yokosuka Naval Base last year. Petty Officer 2nd Class Jaden Edwin Llanos, 22, assigned to the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge, was sentenced by the Yokohama District Courts Yokosuka branch to 1 years in prison without hard labor. The sentence was suspended for four years, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits another offense during that period. Llanos pleaded no contest May 27 to negligent driving causing death in the Sept. 18 collision that killed 22-year-old Tsubasa Ito. The sailor admitted to making an illegal right turn at a busy intersection near the base, where his vehicle struck Itos motorcycle. Ito died less than an hour later at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital from heart damage caused by a chest injury, Judge Yasushi Katada said during Tuesdays proceedings. Itos parents sat quietly through the hearing. His father appeared stoic and his mother cried softly as the judge summarized the case. Llano showed no visible reaction as the sentence was read. Itos parents, speaking to reporters afterward, said they were dissatisfied with the suspended sentence and have asked prosecutors to appeal. Prosecutors and the defense have 14 days to file. The family said their attorneys also plan to submit a formal request to the U.S. Navy seeking changes to how service members are trained and permitted to drive in Japan. A spokesman for Naval Forces Japan, Cmdr. Paul Macapagal, acknowledged the ruling in an email Tuesday but declined further comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings. During the trial, Llanos testified he had misread signage at the intersection and believed he was permitted to turn. He was driving several passengers to a sushi restaurant when the crash occurred around 6:40 p.m. The defendant paid attention to the road signs but did not understand them correctly, Katada said. Dashcam and security footage showed that Ito was speeding, but Katada emphasized this did not mitigate Llanos responsibility. The victims driving didnt reduce the defendants negligence, he said. I have to say that the defendants negligence is dangerous and serious. In issuing the suspended sentence, Katada cited Llanos lack of a prior record, his apology to the family, and his admission of guilt. However, he also noted the familys ongoing grief, Llanos limited insurance coverage, and the seriousness of the error. This is the judgement rendered to you, Katada said, as he concluded the hearing. Somali soldiers outside the recaptured town of Masjid Ali Guduud in November 2022. (Malin Fezehai for The Washington Post) As President Donald Trump overhauls U.S. policy in Africa slashing foreign aid programs and paring back assistance for allied forces in the region al-Shabab militants are on the march in Somalia. One of al-Qaidas best-funded and most lethal global affiliates, al-Shabab has retaken important towns from Somali forces over the past three months. Its fighters previously launched an assault on a U.S. airfield in Kenya and plotted attacks on the U.S. mainland. Under the second Trump administration, its unclear whether Washington believes that the battle against the group should still be a priority or if the Somali government, long racked by corruption, is capable of leading the fight. The Trump administration is apparently not convinced that al-Shabab represents a direct threat to U.S. interests, said Matt Bryden, founder of Sahan, a Nairobi-based think tank. But further gains by the group would have far-reaching implications for U.S. policy in Africa and much of the Middle East, he said. During his first term, Trump ordered the U.S. military to leave Somalia and commute to work from neighboring countries, a strategy soldiers said was time-consuming and dangerous. Although U.S. troops are back, Washington has withdrawn support for Somali special forces and is reconsidering plans to deploy hundreds of American soldiers across the country. Most foreign trainers pulled out after cuts to security assistance, and morale among local troops is said to be waning. All the while, tensions between U.S. officials and Somali authorities appear to be nearing a boil. I sat down with people from the White House, and they asked: What if we just let [Somalia] burn? Can we contain it? said a former senior State Department official. I said No! Former U.S. officials interviewed for this report served under multiple presidents, including Trump, and spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of professional retaliation or out of respect for ongoing policy deliberations. Current officials, diplomats and security contractors spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive information. A White House official acknowledged growing frustration with the Somali government: We are concerned about President Hassan Sheikh Mohamuds prioritization of internal politics over counterterrorism efforts, particularly in light of the growing threat from al-Shabab, the official told The Washington Post. The State Department press office said the United States will continue to work closely with Somali and African Union forces. Somalias fractious Mogadishu-based government, propped up by U.S. support and an extensive African Union peacekeeping mission, is increasingly turning to Turkey to help repel the long-running Islamist insurgency a case study in how Americas diminished focus on Africa is compounding regional security challenges and scrambling global power dynamics. The burgeoning relationship between Ankara and Mogadishu includes a newly disclosed oil exploration deal, recent deliveries of powerful Turkish drones and the arrival last month of hundreds of troops in the Somali capital deepening Turkeys foothold in the Horn of Africa while giving Somalia another security partner to hedge against American unpredictability. Turkish officials did not respond to requests for comment. The former senior State Department official said U.S. disengagement could fuel al-Shababs expansion into neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia and allow the Somali fighters to strengthen fledgling relations with Yemens Houthi rebels. Two recent meetings between al-Shabab and the Houthis were documented by U.N. sanctions experts; the last involved the Houthis sending an explosives expert to Jilib, al-Shababs de facto capital, said the former State Department official, citing U.S. intelligence. Any further American pullback, according to officials and diplomats, could exacerbate Somalias political divisions and imperil efforts to contain one of the continents most acute security threats. In November 2022, members of Somalia's Danab brigade drive through Masjid Ali Guduud, an area the country had taken back from al-Shabab control. (Malin Fezehai for The Washington Post) Our lead partner Since taking office in 2022, President Mohamud has frustrated his Western allies by insisting on a transition to one-person, one-vote elections a strategy frequently used by Somali politicians to delay polls. He has also alienated some of the countrys most effective regional administrations by forcing through constitutional amendments aimed at expanding the powers of the presidency. Electoral cycles in Somalia routinely interfere with operations against al-Shabab, which is skilled at exploiting clan divisions. In the past, U.S. leadership helped smooth over such clashes. Things always start off great with a new president, and then clan politics makes it all fall apart, said former U.S. ambassador Larry Andre, who recalls coordinating outfits with the beleaguered prime minister in 2022 during a joint news conference. Their matching sky-blue running suits signaled they were united, Andre said, after political rivalries sparked deadly clan battles. Hussein Sheikh Ali, Somalias national security adviser, said the U.S. helps organize Somalias seven core security partners, which include Britain, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the African Union. All are against al-Shabab, Ali said, but sometimes have competing agendas. The African Union, traditionally the most powerful bulwark against the militants, has been drawing down its troops for years. AU soldiers havent been paid since January, and the force is $96 million in arrears. On areas of counterterrorism [the Americans] are our lead partner, Ali said. Only this year, after coordination with U.S. officials and under the watch of a new director general of immigration, did Somalia begin using Interpol watch list data and sharing the details of passengers boarding international flights. Now, amid a new round of political turmoil, the U.S.-Somalia relationship seems increasingly precarious. American officials have repeatedly urged Mohamud to refocus on security cooperation and regional inclusion, and are disappointed by the lack of progress, the White House official told The Post. His emphasis on centralizing power is hindering progress on counterterrorism, the official added, and we believe a shift in priorities is essential to address the escalating threat. Since February, insurgents have taken back dozens of villages, including the strategic town of Adan Yabaal, and regained the ability to operate in nearly a third of the territory they lost to federal forces in 2022, according to Aldebaran, a risk consultancy company. They have mortared Mogadishus international airport, and in March, they bombed the presidents motorcade. He survived, but four others were killed. Al-Shababs Ramadan offensive in March coincided with reduced U.S. support for Somali special forces a 2,500-strong unit known as the Danab brigade which has traditionally led the fight against al-Shabab. A U.S. government audit last year found that Danab had padded food and fuel requisitions. Food and fuel support stopped in April 2024 and March 2025, respectively; in February, the U.S. stopped paying stipends that boosted Danab members salaries to $400 per month double what regular Somali soldiers receive. Its unclear whether the termination of the stipends was linked to the graft allegations or to the wider freeze on foreign assistance programs under Trump, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said will reduce government bloat and allow the administration to focus on domestic priorities. Some former U.S. officials say the torrent of international security funds into Somalia only fuels the countrys deep-rooted corruption. Others contend that continued funding to a small, select unit working alongside U.S. soldiers is the best among bad options. If we dont directly sustain the Danab, the Somali National Army is highly unlikely to sustain them to the degree required for them to be most effective, said a former senior U.S. military official. Morale within Danab is not that high, according to one Mogadishu-based security expert who works with the Somali military. When the stipends were cut, about 100 soldiers went AWOL for a bit, he said. Most of Danabs foreign mentors also went home after the U.S. cuts, the security expert said. Plans to deploy the roughly 500 U.S. forces in Somalia across the country to better support Danab are also under review now, according to U.S. security officials. Danab is the only Somali military unit that can request American airstrikes, and it benefited from dozens of U.S. interventions last year. Under Trump, the U.S. has ramped up airstrikes on a fast-growing Islamic State affiliate in Puntland, a semiautonomous region in northern Somalia, and continued aerial operations against al-Shabab. An April 16 U.S. airstrike on two unflagged vessels off the Somali coast hit a shipment of surface-to-air missiles from Yemen, according to a senior Somali security official. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) declined to provide details, but its news release said the boat carried advanced conventional weapons. Airstrikes are only useful if you have good ground troops to hold, said one Western military official. Although the fight in Somalia is a grinding and protracted one, AFRICOM has seen the spending and the risk to U.S. forces as an acceptable cost to contain a potential threat, said the former U.S. military official. He noted that U.S. access to the Horn of Africa has decreased steadily over the past decade. Sudan and South Sudan are riven by conflict; Uganda is frosty; Djibouti is shared with the Chinese military; relations with Ethiopia cooled considerably after the recent war in Tigray. The accountants argument might be we hand [Somalia] off to the Turks and let them handle that security problem, but the cost of reentry is significant, and we lose influence over key geographic terrain, said the former senior U.S. military official. When you sacrifice that and burden-shift it to an ally its unlikely your interests and objectives will align. Turkish influence Turkish ties with Mogadishu date back to 2011, when Ankara flew in food aid during a famine that killed some 260,000 people. Since then, Turkey has rehabilitated one of the capitals main hospitals, taken over management of Mogadishus port and airport and built a military training academy. Ankara has established its largest foreign military base in Mogadishu; trained two brigades of soldiers, around 6,000 in total; and carried out drone strikes at the request of Somalias National Intelligence and Security Agency. With traditional powers retreating from parts of Africa, Ankara sees an opportunity to step in, said Berkay Mandiraci, a senior analyst for Turkey at the International Crisis Group. Somalia holds strategic value for Ankara, sitting astride key shipping lanes and vital trade routes. Around 400 Turkish soldiers arrived in Mogadishu last month, the largest contingent yet. Earlier this month, Turkey delivered two Akinci drones, capable of carrying larger payloads than the smaller Turkish drones already in the country. Turkey has a joint command with the Somalis, but other partners have said they are often not informed about Turkish operations. At times you had multiple UAVs over a target, said one Mogadishu-based diplomat, using the abbreviation for unmanned aerial vehicles. The new drones are a significant boost in airpower for the Somali government, although Turkish strikes from less-powerful drones have killed at least 40 civilians since late 2022, witnesses told The Post so many that AFRICOM, which had previously faced outrage over civilian casualties, began announcing each U.S. strike to clarify responsibility. A January 2023 strike on a gathering under a tree killed seven civilians, including an 8-year-old, in the town of Quracley, according to witnesses and a relative. Eight were killed on Sept. 9, 2022, when a strike hit a group of drivers and hawkers in the al-Shabab-controlled town of Mubarak, a local doctor said. Last March, two Turkish strikes killed 23 civilians many of them young children northeast of the capital as they broke their Ramadan fast. I couldnt even wash my childrens bodies according to the Islamic custom, said Mohamed Nur Ahmed, 50, who lost three sons and a nephew in the Quracley strike, because they were ripped to pieces. As al-Shabab advances, Turkish strikes are likely to increase, which some fear could help fuel the insurgency. Youve got the Somalis telling the Turks to save Mogadishu at all costs, said a Western diplomat. This will inevitably lead to further civilian casualties, which can be exploited by al-Shabab. As security ties expand, Turkish companies have inked several lucrative contracts. Operation of the port and airport in Mogadishu brings in millions of dollars monthly; in April, details emerged of an oil exploration deal that gave Somalia rights to only 5 percent of production, angering opposition lawmakers. Turkish survey vessels are exploring fields offshore. Somalia is resource rich, but insecurity has prevented the commercialization of those resources, said Andre, the former U.S. ambassador. If we desert our partners, then others will replace us and reap the rewards when Somalia establishes peace and prosperity. Gobobe reported from Mogadishu. An F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter performs touch-and-goes during field carrier landing practice on Iwo Jima, Japan, on May 25, 2025. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) IWO JIMA, Japan U.S. Navy pilots are preparing for the USS George Washingtons inaugural patrol from its new homeport in Japan, conducting carrier-landing drills that, for the first time, include F-35C Lightning IIs on this historic island. Iwo Jima also known as Iwo To has hosted field carrier landing practice since 1991 for aircraft such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and E-2D Hawkeye. But this year marks the first participation by the Navys most advanced fighter, said Naval Forces Japan spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Phillip Chitty. Japanese government officials and media observed the training on Sunday. Pilots must complete these exercises before the George Washington, which left Yokosuka Naval Base that morning, officially begins its annual patrol. Field carrier-landing practices are required in order to qualify fixed-wing pilots, and they ensure that they have the practice and qualification in order to maintain readiness, Chitty told reporters at a recreation facility on Iwo Jima. An F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter takes part in field carrier landing practice on Iwo Jima, Japan, on May 25, 2025. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) The drills, which began May 16 and end Saturday, involve a series of day and nighttime sorties, with repeated touch-and-go landings simulating conditions aboard a moving aircraft carrier. The number of flights depends on pilot experience and how recently they last completed the training, said Capt. William Fallon, assistant chief of staff for operations, plans and training at Naval Forces Japan. Veteran pilots typically fly a minimum of six sorties three in daylight and three after dark with seven or more touch-and-go landings. Junior aviators often complete additional runs. Pilots also practice wave-offs, simulating scenarios where a landing is aborted at the direction of a landing signal officer. These interactions are later reviewed for performance, said Lt. Cmdr. Dan Landerholm, a landing signal officer with Strike Fighter Squadron 106 out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia. Lt. Cmdr. Dan Landerholm, left, a landing signal officer, and Lt. Cmdr. Philip Chitty, a Naval Forces Japan spokesman, observe field carrier landing practice on Iwo Jima, Japan, on May 25, 2025. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) Landerholm said Iwo Jimas conditions particularly at night offer a realistic simulation of carrier deck landings. This is crucial training before they go out to an extremely dynamic and demanding environment, he told Stars and Stripes from the runway. The visit was personal for Landerholm, who has Japanese heritage and said his great-uncle died on Iwo Jima during one of World War IIs most brutal battles. I had family on both sides of the war, he said. Its especially meaningful given that its Memorial Day weekend. Despite its two decades of use, the Navy has long viewed Iwo Jima as a less-than-ideal training site. Located about 845 miles from Carrier Air Wing 5s home base Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi prefecture the island has no divert airfields and requires constant maintenance due to seismic activity. Iwo To is a remote, seismically active island that requires significant and continuous repairs to allow for [field carrier-landing practice] operations, Chitty told reporters. The Navy plans to relocate future practice to Mageshima, an island in Kagoshima prefecture roughly 250 miles from MCAS Iwakuni. The Japanese government is building a $2.4 billion base there, though the facility is running three years behind schedule and is not expected to be operational until 2030. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office on May20, 2025. (Alex Brandon/AP) (Tribune News Service) North Korea sharply criticized President Donald Trumps plan for a Golden Dome missile-defense system, a shield intended to counter threats from rivals including Pyongyang. The program is an outer space nuclear war scenario supporting the U.S. strategy for uni-polar domination, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday, citing a memo from an institute under the Foreign Ministry in Pyongyang. The memorandum described the U.S. program as the height of self-righteousness, arrogance, high-handed and arbitrary practice, adding that Washington has been hell-bent on the moves to militarize outer space, claiming that those who dominate outer space can win victory in the future war. Trump vowed last week that the Golden Dome shield should be operational by the end of his term, saying it would be able to protect the U.S. from threats including ballistic missiles, hypersonics and advanced cruise missiles. Much of the tech around the system remains unproven, especially plans for space-based interceptors to knock down incoming ballistic missiles. Over the past several years North Korea has been trying to add a multiple warhead intercontinental ballistic missile to its arsenal, a move that would increase the chance of at least one nuclear weapon making it past interceptors and reaching its target. Last year, North Korea claimed it successfully conducted a test of a multiple warhead missile system. South Koreas military accused North Korea of using deception and exaggeration to cover up a missile that exploded in the early stages of flight. North Korea joins China in criticizing the Golden Dome plan. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said earlier it violates the principle of peaceful use of outer space, adding that it would start an arms race. Beijing has been Pyongyangs biggest benefactor for decades, supplying aid that has propped up an economy badly hobbled by international sanctions over North Koreas nuclear program. Last month, Trump said he plans to reach out to North Korea at some point and reiterated that he has a very good relationship with leader Kim Jong Un. During his first term, Trump announced the suspension or scaling down of some major U.S.-South Korea military drills after starting face-to-face talks with Kim. While those discussions ultimately collapsed, Trump has indicated a willingness to reach out for renewed talks during his second term. Shinhye Kang contributed to this report. 2025 Bloomberg LP Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC A U.S. Marine was arrested following a hit-and-run crash on Route 58 in Naha, Okinawa, May 25, 2025. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) NAHA, Okinawa A U.S. Marine was arrested over the weekend after allegedly fleeing a drunken driving crash that injured four members of a Japanese family, including two children. The 20-year-old lance corporal, assigned to Camp Hansen, is accused of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash that occurred at 10:29 a.m. Sunday on Route 58 in Nahas Aja district, an Okinawa Prefectural Police spokeswoman said by phone Tuesday. The Marine was traveling north when he struck a roadside water tank near an exit toward a side road, lost control of his vehicle and hit another northbound car carrying a family of five, the spokeswoman said. He then fled on foot and was arrested about 80 minutes later. Police apprehended him more than 300 feet away and escorted him back to the crash site, where he was questioned and arrested, a Naha police spokesman said by phone Tuesday. The spokesman added that the Marines blood-alcohol content was about twice Japans legal limit of 0.03%. By comparison, the legal limit is 0.08% in the United States. The Marine was arrested on suspicion of violating Article 72 of Japans Road Traffic Act failing to provide aid to the injured, the spokeswoman said. Its customary in Japan that some government officials speak to the press without providing their names. The Marine was still in custody at Naha Police Station on Tuesday, the same day his case was expected to be referred to prosecutors, the Naha police spokesman said. Police said the crash injured four people in the familys vehicle: a 36-year-old woman driving the car; her 39-year-old husband; and two of their children a 10-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy. A 1-year-old girl in the back seat was not hurt. The mother, the 7-year-old boy and the infant were treated and released. The father and the 10-year-old girl remained hospitalized as of Monday. Their injuries included lacerations and complaints of pain, but no life-threatening conditions, the spokesman said. Another unidentified person was in the Marines vehicle during the crash, he added. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi called the incident regrettable during a news conference Monday in Tokyo, saying it had caused significant anxiety among local residents. We have transmitted our regret to the U.S. side and requested strict discipline to prevent recurrences, he said. The Marine Corps did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. Under Japans justice system, police make arrests, but only prosecutors determine whether formal charges will be filed. Stars and Stripes is withholding the Marines name because he has not been charged. U.S. airmen with the 51st Security Forces Squadron discuss security measures during Ulchi Freedom Shield at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Aug. 22, 2024. (Sabrina Fuller-Judd/U.S. Air Force) A South Korean soldier raised in China has been arrested on suspicion of leaking classified military information about joint U.S.-South Korean exercises to Chinese intelligence agents, prosecutors said this month. The 22-year-old army supply specialist, whose name has not been released, was arrested April 18 and charged with leaking military secrets and accepting bribes from foreign agents, according to a redacted indictment filed May 15 by the Military Prosecutors Office in Gangwon District. Prosecutors allege the soldier transmitted information including details related to Ulchi Freedom Shield, a large-scale joint military exercise with the United States to Chinas Intelligence Bureau of the Joint Staff Department. The leaked documents reportedly contained sensitive details such as base names, troop schedules and logistical capabilities, along with participating troops personal information. The soldier allegedly received about $12,215 via the Chinese digital payment platform Alipay, according to the 15-page indictment. Prosecutors said the soldier came into contact with Chinese agents last year after posting a photo of himself in uniform on RedNote, a Chinese social media app. Agents allegedly commented on the image and later contacted him with offers of paid translation work. Born in 2003, the soldier was raised in Beijing by his maternal grandfather, a retired Chinese soldier, the indictment said. His mother, a Chinese national, operated a language school and his father is South Korean. The soldier enrolled at Macau University of Science and Technology in 2021 to study hotel management but left in 2023 to fulfil South Koreas mandatory 18-month military service. While serving, he allegedly traveled to China multiple times to meet with intelligence agents. Between August and February, prosecutors say he accessed the South Korean National Defense Network using his military credentials, photographed files with an iPhone purchased in China, and uploaded them to a Chinese server. The defendant harmed South Korea and the U.S.s military interests by leaking confidential military information to the Chinese intelligence agency, the indictment said. U.S. Forces Korea acknowledged but did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment Tuesday. The case follows a string of suspected Chinese espionage incidents in South Korea. Two Chinese teenagers were arrested March 21 for allegedly photographing military aircraft near Suwon Air Base, about 20 miles south of Seoul. South Koreas National Intelligence Service have reported 11 similar cases of illegal photography near military sites since June 2024, according to lawmakers briefed by the agency on April 30. Members of Taiwans 564th Armored Brigade hold their flag after demonstrating their ability to repel an airborne attack near Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Jan. 11, 2023. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) About 500 U.S. defense trainers are operating on Taiwan, more than 10 times the number previously disclosed, according to recent congressional testimony by a retired U.S. Navy admiral. Mark Montgomery, speaking May 15 before the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist party, said the U.S. should double that number to help Taiwan build a true counter-intervention force. We absolutely have to grow the joint training team in Taiwan, he told the lawmakers, according to a transcript of his remarks posted on the committees website. Montgomery did not specify whether the personnel are active-duty troops, reservists or civilian contractors. It needs to be a thousand, he said. If we are going to give them billions of dollars in assistance, sell them tens of billions of dollars worth of U.S. gear, it makes sense that we would be over there training and working. The U.S. has long provided Taiwan with weapons and military training aimed at deterring Chinese aggression. Beijing views the self-governing island as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under control. Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated that reunification with Taiwan is inevitable, and Chinese forces have stepped up military pressure with air and naval exercises around the island in recent years. While the U.S. does not formally recognize Taiwan diplomatically a result of its 1979 recognition of China it maintains unofficial relations under the Taiwan Relations Act, which mandates the provision of arms of a defensive nature to Taiwan and a U.S. commitment to resist coercion against the island. The presence of U.S. military personnel on Taiwan was first confirmed by then-President Tsai Ing-wen in an October 2021 interview with CNN. At the time, she described it as a small number. A Congressional Research Service report in May 2024 listed only 41 U.S. military personnel in Taiwan as of December 2023. Local media reported a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation on May 12, when Taiwanese troops fired U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, for the first time during a coastal drill at Jiupeng Base in southern Taiwan. The 58th Artillery Command launched 33 rockets from 11 launchers into the Pacific Ocean, Taiwans state-run Central News Agency reported. Technicians from Lockheed Martin, the systems U.S. manufacturer, attended the test, said Col. Ho Chih-chung, the units deputy commander. The scale of the U.S. training mission comes as a surprise, said Ming-Shih Shen, a researcher at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei. The number isnt fixed, he said in an email Tuesday. Different people are sent to different projects, such as the Marine Corps, reserves or missile forces, he wrote. Shen said U.S. personnel are typically housed by the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. embassy, rather than being hosted by the Taiwanese military. We dont have a comment on specific military operations, engagements, or training, Andrew Dilbert, a spokesman for the institute, told Stars and Stripes by email Tuesday. The United States will continue to support Taiwan in the face of Chinas military, economic, informational, and diplomatic pressure campaign, he said. Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. will continue to help Taiwan maintain a sufficient self-defense capability, commensurate with the threat it faces, he said. In the future, the number of personnel may be increased due to changes in the situation, or because of increased demand for combat training, or because of the need for US assistance in purchasing new US weapons systems, Shen wrote. Some of these personnel may be active duty or reserve personnel. Kate ONeill, 9, left, and her sister, Olivia ONeill, 5, talk to Gene Simmons of Kiss as their great-grandfather, Hal Urban, sits atop a float as they prepare to take part in the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) Harold Hal Urban, in the same dress wool Eisenhower jacket he wore after helping liberate a concentration camp 80 years ago, gave the man standing next to him a head-to-toe inspection Monday morning. Hes the one who sticks his tongue out? Urban asked, before he met Gene Simmons on Memorial Day. Not really my music. I like Bing Crosby and Lawrence Welk. Simmons, in leather pants, white snakeskin boots and dark glasses - no Kiss makeup - did not show his tongue when he met Urban. He stuck his hand out and held Urbans for a long, long beat, thanking the 100-year-old World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient for his part in the iconic rockers history. Simmonss mother, as a teen, was held in that concentration camp. The men rode together on a sparkling, red-white-and-blue float through the nations capital in the 20th annual Memorial Day parade that afternoon, bonded by a war story. Some fans shrieked for Simmons: Rock and roll! Geeeeene! Kiss is so American, said Gabriel Lourenco, 38, a chef and culinary educator from Brazil now working in D.C. He once cooked for the Rolling Stones, so he came to his first Memorial Day parade to see a rock star. Many cheered for Urban: Thank you, sirrrr! What a story, said Danielle Singley, 43, who comes to D.C. from Baltimore for every Memorial Day parade to honor her family members who served. David Logan, 68, who served in the Gulf War, said its important for veterans like himself and Urban to keep telling their stories for generations because if it comes time for the next generation to serve, theyll know why we did it and what it was for. The parade was a mix of local diehards, veterans and visitors. A self-portrait of Harold Hal Urban is seen in a photo album. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) Simmons and Urban met in a quiet room later to unpack their unlikely story. Urban introduces himself as 101 in July, when asked his age, not just 100. Ever forward-thinking. Simmons, 75, told him: When I grow up, I want to be just like you. It was only recently that Simmons learned the details of his mothers harrowing life before immigrating to Israel and then Queens. My mother was in a concentration camp at 14 years of age, he said. Flora Klein spoke little of her life in Ravensbruck, a transfer camp, and Mauthausen, where she was 19 and the last survivor in her family when it was liberated on May 5, 1945. If it were not for the brave men like you, Simmons said, pausing to hold back tears, I wouldnt be here. My mother wouldnt have been here. Millions and millions of people wouldnt be here. Even with the millions that were incinerated. Another long pause. I cant say enough about this, said the rock legend, tall and commanding when he entered the room and visibly humbled as he heard more from Urban, who was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, then sent back to the front line while his shrapnel wound continued to bleed. In an M3 half-track mounted with a .50 caliber machine gun ready to hit aircraft, Urban ran the roadblock when Mauthausen was liberated. The concentration camps were all run by SS, he said. They were the fanatics. You know, a lot of them did not want to surrender. He headed to the concentration camp on the second day. It was just a mess. People running all over. Some were crying, some were shouting skinny and weak, Urban said. Theres no way to know if he met or saw Simmonss mother, though they were both certainly there at the same time. Earlier, Urban described the unshakable smell of burned flesh that permeated the camp. His fellow soldiers buried about 500 bodies that were in piles when the troops arrived. He didnt tell that part to Simmons. It was a bigger emotional thing, seeing this, than combat, he said. Combat is what youre trained to do. But you werent trained for that. About 90,000 people died in the camp along the Danube River near Linz, in the Austrian land annexed by Germany at the start of the war. Urban left the Army on New Years Eve in 1945 with relentless nightmares. The psychologist at our VA said, when you start raising a family, they sort of go away, Urban said. He had nine children and became a soybean farmer in Illinois. The nightmares subsided. And then when your familys growing up, the psychologist said the nightmares start coming back, he said. Which they did. Martine Powers contributed to this report. Raytheon delivered a new radar to the Missile Defense Agency recently, the company said in a statement last week. The Defense Department now has its first AN/TPY-2 radar with a complete gallium nitride- populated array, which allows it to track smaller objects at greater distances. (Raytheon) A radar system that can track missiles flying five times the speed of sound has been delivered to the U.S. military, marking a major upgrade to one of its most essential missile defense systems. The new version of the AN/TPY-2 radar comes with a complete gallium nitride-populated array, allowing it to track smaller objects at greater distances, manufacturer Raytheon said in a statement last week announcing the handover of the first system to the Missile Defense Agency. Its the most advanced version of AN/TPY-2 that the company has built, said Sam Deneke, Raytheons president of air and space defense systems. The agency first awarded Raytheon a $14.9 million contract in 2016 to incorporate gallium into the radar system. In 2020, the company received a $2.3 billion contract for seven gallium nitride-based radars as part of a foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia. The radar system has long been the primary tracking device for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems, or THAADs, which are deployed in several other countries, including Israel. Both Russia and China have highly advanced hypersonic missile arsenals, and Iran claims to have developed similar capabilities. In March, a think tank report said the U.S. must make development of hardware to counter hypersonic missiles a national priority to alleviate what it called an unacceptable asymmetry. Russia has developed and deployed a nuclear-armed hypersonic weapon that holds the U.S. mainland at risk from a highly survivable nuclear first strike, Atlantic Council report author Michael E. White said. The same month the report was issued, the Missile Defense Agency and the Navy conducted a successful hypersonic missile defense test near Hawaii, tracking a simulated projectile from the USS Pinckney. Protecting against hypersonic missiles has been a key point of discussion in President Donald Trumps initiative to install a defense system known as the Golden Dome over the continental U.S. The missiles can fly at speeds of Mach 5 or faster and are harder to detect than traditional ballistic missiles because of their low flight paths and ability to maneuver. In recent years, the defense industry has turned to gallium-based semiconductors to develop advanced radar to track the high-speed projectiles. The Missile Defense Agency has also been using gallium nitride as part of its effort to modernize radar capabilities in the Patriot defense system. This is the 13th AN/TPY-2 radar the company has delivered, though its unclear when the other 12 will receive upgrades. The agencys 2025 budget called for an additional $29 million to support replacement of the outdated radars with the gallium nitride versions. Seized house had staircase, gates and CCTV system removed Gately and his partner spent 440k on renovating the Coolock house Gangland figure James Mago Gately is being targeted again by the Criminal Assets Bureau after the staircase was removed from his house following its seizure by the State. This week, the High Court heard substantial damage was caused to the property in Coolock, north Dublin, before officers moved in to seize it in April. Both Gately and his partner Charlene Lam are now the subject of contempt proceedings as CAB claimed the couple were in breach of a High Court order The Bureau brought a motion for breach of the order this week after previously seeking permission to apply for a committal order. Charlene Lam Counsel for CAB told Judge Alexander Owens, who made the original court order, that when officers arrived they found substantial damage including the missing staircase. Gates and a CCTV camera system had also been removed before gardai arrived to take possession of the house, and ladders had to be used to access the upstairs area. Gately survived being shot and a previous assassination attempt as part of the Kinahan-Hutch feud was foiled by gardai. He was photographed carrying the coffin of Gary Hutch, the victim of the murder which sparked the lethal underworld war. James 'Mago' Gately carries Gary Hutch's coffin The CAB case against Gately started in 2016 after officers who raided his Glin Drive house in Coolock noted that it had been expensively refurbished. It later emerged in the High Court the couple had spent an estimated 440,000 on the house they had bought for 125,000. Mago Gately and his partner Charlene Lam could be found in contempt of court and face fines or imprisonment if they are found to be responsible for the damage. Last June, the house at Glin Drive was declared the proceeds of crime after a long legal wrangle over the property. In April this year it was ruled that 6,000 from any potential sale of the house be returned to Ms Lam. James 'Mago' Gately's home on Glin Drive, which was seized by the CAB Missing front gates at the former home of James 'Mago'Gately on Glin Drive, which was seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. Judge Alex Owens found this amount reflected the contribution she made to mortgage payments from her own legitimate income. In the Criminal Assets Bureau case against Gately, in which a car and a Rolex watch were declared the proceeds of crime, he was described as a senior figure in the Hutch Organised Crime Group. He cut contact with the Kinahans following the 2015 murder of his friend Gary Hutch by the cartel in Spain. Such was Gatelys importance, the Kinahan cartel launched two bids to kill him within a matter of weeks in 2017. The first, involving infamous Estonian hitman Imre Arakas, was foiled by gardai after an attempt was made to target Gately in Newry. The second attempt saw Caolan Smyth shoot Gately four times at Clonshaugh Road in north Dublin, including once in the neck. Evidence from CAB also linked Gately to three murders, two of which were in 2010 when he was just 24. He was arrested and questioned over the killing of convicted criminal Aidan Byrne in Dublin, a killing for which Jonathan Yuka Douglas has been convicted and sentenced to life. Gately was also linked by CAB to the killing of infamous gangland figure Eamon The Don Dunne at a pub in Cabra in April 2010. The third murder he has been linked to is that of David Byrne in the attack on the Regency Hotel organised by the Hutch gang. Gately and his partner spent 440k on renovating the Coolock house News in 90 Seconds - May 27th Mother-of-three Nergis Riaz had pleaded not guilty to possession of crime proceeds A preschool teacher who took a job posting mobile phone ads on Facebook for a bogus tech company has been found guilty of money laundering. Mother-of-three Nergis Riaz (51) let the fraudsters use her bank account to transfer money from a man who had paid for a phone that he never got, a court heard. She insisted she thought the company was legitimate until the 400 arrived in her account and said she and the customer were both victims of a scam. Judge Catherine Ghent said Riazs evidence was not at all credible but struck the case out, sparing her a criminal record after she repaid the money and donated 500 to charity. Riaz, of Cluain Shee, Aikens Village, Sandyford had pleaded not guilty to possession of crime proceeds. Nergis Riaz News in 90 Seconds - May 27th The victim told Dublin District Court that on October 19, 2021, he bought the phone after answering an ad and engaging with the seller through Facebook Messenger. He checked out the store, it all seemed above board and he paid by bank transfer. The victim was then told the phone was out of stock and was offered a refund but never got one. Riaz said she was looking to work from home when she took the digital marketing job. She checked the company which was using a logo from a real shop, was sent a contract by WhatsApp and gave her bank details for her salary. They would send her pictures of phones, she would post the ad on her Facebook Marketplace account and after that the company would deal with the customer. After a month, she realised it was a scam. They were using my account and me as a money mule, its a fraud, Riaz told gardai. She became suspicious when the 400 came into her account and the company wanted her to transfer it. And she said she contacted her bank, which advised her not to do anything with the money, but had no record of this call. She accepted there was no interview or training for the job and she signed nothing. Riazs actions contacting the bank were not typical of someone trying to defraud anyone, defence barrister Donal Pattison said. Mark McCourt and Conor O'Brien will be tried before the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court Two men will be tried before the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court accused of possessing various parts for semi-automatic rifles and pistols and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Mark McCourt (34) of Edencrieve, Newry, Co Down faces 24 counts that on July 19, 2024, he possessed multiple parts for .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifles at John St, Blackstick, Ardee, Co Louth. It is further alleged that he possessed parts for various pistols, including Lugers and Sig Sauers, along with pistol magazines and ammunition. All alleged offences are contrary to the Firearms Act. Some of the seized haul His co-accused, Conor O'Brien (28) of Kilpatrick, Ardee, Co Louth, is charged with 24 similar offences on the same date and at the same location. Mr O'Brien faces a further count that between 10 February 2023 and 19 July 2024, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, he participated in or contributed to activity intending, or being reckless as to whether such participation could facilitate that criminal organisation in importing firearms and ammunition into the State. Conor O'Brien and Mark McCourt Mr O'Brien is also charged under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act that on July 19, 2024, he converted, transferred, handled, acquired or possessed 7,450 and $20 Canadian while knowing, believing or being reckless as to whether the cash was the proceeds of criminal conduct. He faces a similar charge for the alleged possession of 9980 in criminal proceeds at The Court, Hazelbrook Square, Dublin 14. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor agreed to an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions to have both men tried before the Special Criminal Court. Neither man was present for today's application, but they will be required to appear before the court at a sitting in June. Ive three little boys at home who are devastated by the loss of Denis. They adored him and Denis adored them, said Ms Kealy. A businessman and well-known Meath GAA figure who was killed in a single vehicle collision two years ago may have fallen asleep at the wheel due to tiredness, an inquest has heard. Denis Kealy (43) suffered fatal injuries when his Nissan Cabstar truck crashed into a tree on the R154 at Piercetown, Co Meath at around 2.30pm on June 24, 2023. Mr Kealy was rushed by ambulance to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown in Dublin but was pronounced dead a short time later at 4.20pm. The married father of three and managing director of building firm, KeaMac, was a former GAA player with Meath as well as his local club, Dunshaughlin. At the inquest into his death on Tuesday, the coroner Aisling Gannon observed there were no eyewitnesses to the collision, while the evidence had not been able to establish definitively what had happened. A forensic collision investigator, Garda John Coughlan, told a sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court that the deceaseds vehicle had crossed over to the other side of the road for some undetermined reason before mounting a grass verge and colliding with a tree. Businessman and well-known Meath GAA figure Denis Kealy A report on the crash established that the driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time. Garda Coughlan said there was no evidence that Mr Kealy had applied the vehicles brakes at any stage during the incident. He confirmed that the road surface was dry and in good repair, while weather conditions were good. Garda Coughlan said tests on the truck found it had no defects which could have contributed to the collision. In reply to questions from the coroner, he said the speed at the point of impact with the tree could not be established. Having ruled out any environmental or vehicle factors to explain the crash, Garda Coughlan said he believed it was due to driver error but could not be sure if it was because of a distraction or a medical event. A postmortem showed Mr Kealy died as a result of catastrophic brain injuries consistent with a road traffic collision with no pre-existing health condition that could have contributed to the fatal crash. Tests confirmed there was no alcohol or drugs in his body. Denis Kealy News in 90 Seconds - May 27th The deceaseds wife, Charlene Kealy, gave evidence that her husband had recently filled out questions about his lifestyle in a form in which he complained of regularly feeling drowsy. That stuck out to me, she remarked. Ms Kealy said she had no concern about her husbands well-being or his mental health but noted that he would sometimes shake his head to keep himself awake. The inquest heard he had collected a new car the previous day and had arranged to bring his family to one of their favourite restaurants the following day. Ms Kealy said her husband had taken a day off work to collect the car and she believed he was trying to catch up with work on the day of the crash. The inquest heard on the day before he died, Mr Kealy had got up at around 4.30am and did not get home until 11pm The deceaseds wife said he went to bed at 11.30pm but was up early the following day as he had sent an e-mail at 6am. She claimed he was a hard worker who enjoyed his work. While he had a stressful job as a managing director of a company, she said he was well capable of managing such stress. In reply to questions from the coroner, Ms Kealy said their business was doing well financially, while there was nothing that had emerged following his death which would have caused them any concern. Although sometimes she might have complained about some of his driving habits, Ms Kealy said her husband would definitely wear his seat belt whenever she was with him. Ms Kealy fought back tears as the inquest heard that her husband had brought her breakfast in bed on the morning of the fatal crash before he went off to work on a number of sites as it was her birthday. She described how she was celebrating with a number of female friends later that afternoon when she received a call to alert her to what happened. Ive three little boys at home who are devastated by the loss of Denis. They adored him and Denis adored them, said Ms Kealy. She added: Were broken. We really are. Summing up the evidence, the coroner said there was nothing to indicate any intentional act by Mr Kealy in relation to the crash as she had heard of significant future-focused acts like the purchase of a new car and making a dinner reservation. Ms Gannon noted suggestions that he was significantly tired which was a more probable explanation for what may have happened. Offering her condolences to the deceaseds family, the coroner recorded a verdict of death by misadventure which she explained was because the death was due to an unintended act. If you can identity any of the people in it please make this information available to gardai as soon as possible A series of brutal street attacks in Newcastle West that were captured on camera has been described as diabolical by a local TD. The footage that has been widely shared online shows several men attacking each other on the street at night. In one video two bare-chested men appear to confront two others, one of whom is also stripped to the waist. They launch a flurry of blows at the two men, with one suddenly knocked unconscious as his friend is subjected to a sustained beating on the ground. The attack caught on camera One attacker repeated punches him in the head while his pal attempts to pull him off his victim. In the background a womans voice can be heard screaming while shocked onlookers watch. The man who is being attacked manages to get to his feet but is chased across the street where he is assaulted again before he makes his escape. It is just one clip of several showing the mayhem on the street on the night. In a social media post, Minister for Arts and local TD, Patrick O'Donovan, said: Im sure many of you have seen the shocking video circulating online of a violent assault in our lovely town of Newcastle west. If you can identity any of the people in it please make this information available to gardai as soon as possible. Minister O'Donovan said that people who are watching the video should not just share it but take action. "It's horrific, to be quite honest about it, he told local radio station Live95. There are no words that can be strong enough to condemn it. The minister said he had spoken to the gardai and the Minister for Justice about the incident. What I'm asking people through Live95 is that anybody with any knowledge of the people involved in the assault, please contact Newcastle West Gardai station. They have a live incident investigation into this, and they're obviously hopeful of bringing people before the courts as soon as possible. But this was a diabolical assault, and it needs to be condemned utterly." The minister had a message for those who are watching it, that somebody knows who they are and I would appeal to them to come forward to the guards. There is a lot of CCTV in the centre of the town of Newcastle West and I know that the commercial owners there will cooperate with the guards, the minister added. But, ultimately, what we want here is the people who either had engagement with these individuals earlier on in the evening or who know who they are to come forward and tell the guards who they are so that arrests can be made and people can be brought before the courts." News in 90 Seconds - May 27th Dublin garda offered several thousand euro in crypto to firebomb the womans house with no survivors A garda under criminal investigation over an alleged plot to have his ex-partner murdered was scammed by an individual posing as a hitman on the dark web. It can also be revealed that the now-suspended garda is alleged to have made specific requests that the innocent womans home be firebombed with no survivors. The case has sent shock waves through the force and has caused serious concern at the highest levels of the organisation. It came to light after investigators received key intelligence about an online plot to hire a hitman on the dark web to murder a woman living in the capital. A serving garda based in Dublin was identified as part of the inquiry and was last week suspended while the investigation continues. The rank-and-file members home address was also searched, along with his locker in the garda station where he is based. While he has not yet been arrested as part of the investigation, he has been removed from duty. The inquiry is being led by the forces Anti-Corruption Unit, which investigates allegations of wrongdoing within the force. Garda stock image News in 90 Seconds - May 27th The Sunday World has now learnt of further details contained within the allegations. It includes claims the garda offered several thousand euro in bitcoin to an individual posing as a hitman on the dark web. A sum was paid over but the assassin then shut off contact, it is understood. It is further alleged that the garda made specific requests that the womans home be burnt out with the occupants inside and no survivors. Details to help identify the mans ex-partner were also passed on, including the town she lives in, her hair colour and how the attack should be carried out. This matter is considered very serious While the conspiracy did not proceed, sources said the fact a request was allegedly made, and money transferred over, means the matter is extremely serious and criminal if proven. It is alleged he made contact with this anonymous individual, handed over funds, but as soon as this happened the would-be hitman disappeared and there was no further communication from him, a source said. Despite the fact that the plot did not work out and no one was hurt, this matter is considered very serious and [he] is under active investigation by a number of specialist garda units. A garda spokesperson confirmed to the Sunday World over the weekend that an investigation is continuing. As part of an ongoing investigation by the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit into alleged serious criminality, a garda based in Dublin is suspended, they said. Sources said the alleged plot stemmed from a bitter personal dispute with his ex-partner. The dark web cannot be accessed using normal tools such as web browsers and is actively restricted, requiring specialist software, making it hard to trace. The lack of anything other than circumstantial evidence means detectives do not have enough evidence to seek his extradition Gardai begin new search for remains of Fiona Pender on land in Co Offaly The chief suspect for the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender is living abroad and likely to never return to Ireland, gardai believe. An area of bogland near the Offaly village of Killeigh is the focus of a new search for remains of Ms Pender who went missing almost 29 years ago. She was pregnant at the time. The Sunday World understands gardai are keen to talk to a man they have long classified as the chief suspect but he has been abroad for more than a decade now. Fiona Pender Officers believe he has no intention of returning home because he fears he may be arrested. He was one of five people detained for questioning in 1997, but there have been no arrests since. The lack of anything other than circumstantial evidence means detectives do not have enough evidence to seek his extradition. This individual remains the only suspect in this case and it is important to note that while there is not enough evidence to charge him and therefore seek his extradition there is ample fresh evidence for him to face fresh questioning, a source said. The firm belief is that the reason he has not stepped back in this country for many years is because he knows that the gardai would love an opportunity to put information they have gathered to him since he was last formally spoken to. His self-imposed exile means he has missed many events here including the funerals of people who were very close to him. A new search is underway for the remains of missing Fiona Pender. Photo: Frank McGrath A property near the bogland, which is the focus of this weeks garda operation, was also the subject of searches in the months after Ms Penders disappearance, but nothing of evidential value was found. After leaving Ireland many years ago, the murder suspect was arrested and charged with serious offences in the country in which he now resides. He was later cleared of those charges, but not before the alleged victim in that case gave information to gardai which senior officers considered extremely credible at the time. Fiona Pender This led to gardai spending over two weeks searching the edge of a remote forest in the Slieve Bloom mountains in Co Laois in December, 2014. That search, which was carried out close to a small car park about two kilometres from the village of Rosenallis, involved sniffer dogs. But again no further clues about what happened to Ms Pender were found. It will be a big operation and the assistance of technical and forensic experts will be required A source told the Sunday World last night that new information received by gardai in recent weeks is considered highly significant and has resulted in the planned search operation in the bogland and the reclassification of the case to murder. The view is, without wanting to get peoples hopes up, that the information is of very good quality and has indeed, finally led to the reclassification of this case, the source said. Intensive resourcing will be provided for the investigation team and a lot of work has been done in the background once the new information was received. The nature of the terrain is very difficult in terms of the search. It will be a big operation and the assistance of technical and forensic experts will be required. Ms Pender, who was seven months pregnant, was last seen alive at a flat in Church Street, Tullamore, on the morning of August 23, 1996. When one of Ms Penders friends called to the flat later that day, she got no reply. The curtains were drawn and she presumed Fiona might be in bed. The next day, she was reported missing to gardai. Fiona Pender has been missing since 1996 In the following weeks and months, searches took place across boglands, woods and rivers. Four miles of the Grand Canal were also drained. Gardai yesterday announced details of their search operation at the bogland, which is around 10 kilometres from Tullamore where Ms Pender was last seen alive. This area of land will be searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations over the coming days, a spokesperson said. Over the course of this investigation, the investigation team have discovered and collated thousands of documents/reports, taken in excess of 300 statements of evidence and retained a number of exhibits. Her mother Josephine Pender died in September 2017 without discovering what happened to her daughter. Extensive searches have been carried out and five persons were arrested and detained in connection with this investigation. Based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team An Garda Siochana can confirm that this missing person investigation has been re-classified as a murder investigation. Ms Penders family made many appeals for information in the case over the years. Her mother Josephine Pender died in September 2017 without discovering what happened to her daughter. Her brother Mark died in a motorcycle accident in 1995 and their father, Sean, took his own life in 2000. News in 90 Seconds - May 27th Ryan family in the dark about show detailing life of notorious gangster Gerry Ryans son Rex has shied away from sharing details about his upcoming stage role as Gerry The Monk Hutch from his siblings, sister Bonnie has revealed. The eldest child of the late RTE broadcaster is set to direct and star in a play based on the veteran criminals life at Ryans Glass Mask Theatre in Bestseller Cafe on Dawson Street next month. The Monk, a one-man show, takes place entirely in the holding cell of the Special Criminal Court, five minutes before Hutch is set to receive the verdict of his 2022 trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, where he stood accused of murdering David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. Rex Ryan (Pic Frank McGrath) and Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch (Pic Mark Condren) Rex Ryan talks about The Monk But the Ryans have no idea what to expect when it comes to the 65-minute drama having to wait until June 10 to see their brother transform into The Monk on opening night. We actually really know nothing at all about it. Its going to be a total surprise, Rexs younger sister Bonnie Ryan tells the Sunday World. Hes been working really hard on it and Ive no doubt that its going to be amazing. Rex initially got his blessing after a half-hour video call with Hutch from Wheatfield Prison back in 2022, organised by Hutchs son Jason. Rex Ryans mum Morah and sisters Lottie, Bonnie and Babette Speaking to the Irish Independent this month, the 35-year-old explained how he sought permission to tell The Monks story on stage. He told me to do what I like and that if it was my fiction, and not his, I could go ahead. I dont give a bo***x, Rex. Rex Ryan in The Monk He met Hutch at Glass Mask Theatre last year around the time of Hutchs Dail election bid I asked him loads of factual questions and probed him about his first memory, his childhood, Rex detailed. This meeting, paired together with research from multiple other sources including Hutchs appearance on the Crime World podcast last November helped him piece together the story of Gerry The Monk Hutch. Rex is now finally ready to play one of Irelands most polarising figures on stage. The Monk will take place at the Glass Mask Theatre on Dawson Street from June 10 to 21. Rex Ryan (Pic Frank McGrath) and Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch (Pic Mark Condren) News in 90 Seconds - May 27th This attack wasnt meant for us but we are now living with the devastating consequences The family lost everything in the incident The aftermath of the attack on the house An innocent family who almost lost their lives after reckless criminals firebombed the wrong house as part of an escalating Dublin feud have appealed for help. It had been reported that two people were hospitalised and a family dog killed when the home was targeted in an early morning attack in Ballyfermot, causing extensive damage. According to a GoFundMe appeal set up to help the family rebuild after a devastating attack, the incident has devastating consequences. In the early hours of last week, at about 2.20am, my familys home was destroyed in a horrific and senseless act of violence, the appeal reads. A firebomb was thrown through the window in what has been confirmed as a case of mistaken identity. This attack wasnt meant for us but we are now living with the devastating consequences. The organiser reveals that his dad was asleep on the couch when the firebomb came through the window. If he hadnt been there to wake up and raise the alarm, my mother and my brother would likely have died in the fire. That thought haunts us. The house was engulfed in flames. They lost everything. Most heartbreakingly, our beloved dog Zach perished in the fire, they add. The aftermath of the attack on the house News in 90 Seconds - May 27th My dad is an artist, and the fire also destroyed many of his original paintings, materials, and years of creative workgone in moments. And to make matters worse, the house was uninsured, leaving no safety net to recover from the devastation. Now displaced, the family is trying to pick up the pieces, but financial burden of temporary housing, replacing essentials, and beginning the long process of rebuilding is immense. Im reaching out to our communityfriends, neighbours, and anyone moved by this tragedyfor help. Every donation will go directly to helping Patrick, Breda, and Luke recover and rebuild their lives, the appeal adds. If you cant donate, please consider sharing this page. Your support, in any form, means the world to us. Thank you so much. Detectives believe the attacks was carried out as part of a worsening city feud involving a young drug dealer and junior associates of mobster Brian Rattigan. There has been a spate of assaults and petrol bombings in recent weeks while one property was also shot up last year. An investigation is under way into the latest incident which happened at around 2.30am last Wednesday. Emergency services including Dublin Fire Brigade, paramedics and gardai were alerted and two people taken to hospital as a precaution. Extensive damage was caused by a suspected petrol bomb and the family dog was killed. The lads who were sent out to petrol bomb their target clearly got the wrong house The residents who live at the property have no involvement in criminality and gardai are satisfied the perpetrators targeted the wrong home. A source said: This is a decent family who have absolutely no involvement in what has been going on. The lads who were sent out to petrol bomb their target clearly got the wrong house. The family lost everything in the incident It shows the calibre of people involved in this feuding and how easily completely innocent people can get caught up in this. A Garda spokesperson confirmed that an investigation into the incident of criminal damage by fire is under way. The Sunday World previously revealed how a partner of one of the feuding criminals was also warned by her boyfriends rivals that she would be burnt out of her home. A drug dealer in his 20s is centrally involved in the dispute and was the victim of a violent attack Her partner, a drug dealer aged in his 20s, is centrally involved in the dispute and was the victim of a violent attack in the city centre recently. He was beaten over the head with weapons and also stabbed while receiving a bad slash wound to his face. His family home was also shot at in May of last year while his home and car were smashed up days before the assault on him. Days after that attack a series of coordinated petrol bomb attacks linked to the dispute were carried out in Drimnagh and Kildare. Gardai believe two brothers, who are in their early 20s and junior associates of convicted killer Rattigan, are leading the feud against the young drug dealer. Rattigan led a gang involved in the deadly Crumlin/Drimnagh feud They were previously part of the same drugs gang but last year fell out in a row over drugs as well as a personal dispute over a woman. Rattigan led a gang involved in the deadly Crumlin/Drimnagh feud which claimed more than a dozen lives in the 2000s. He has served lengthy jail terms for drug offences and manslaughter. The mobster is not suspected of playing any direct role in the feud but gardai believe he still has a key role in criminality in the area. Ward (32) and his brother Eric ODriscoll (23), who were recently jailed for firearms offences, both avoided further jail time last week This is the Finglas drug dealer who was given a suspended sentence for his part in a brawl when Glen Mr Flashy Ward was caught on video wielding a bicycle saddle. Ward (32) and his brother Eric ODriscoll (23), who were recently jailed for firearms offences, both avoided further jail time this week over a violent disorder incident in Finglas in August 2022. Glen Ward and Eric ODriscoll Ward was filmed as he swung the saddle at a group of men on Cardiffsbridge Road, Finglas West on August 9, 2022. The court heard a another man had also received an 18-month suspended sentence over the incident. The third man is their associate Darragh Collopy (21), with an address at Cardiffsbridge Avenue in Finglas. While Collopy avoided jail over the brawl, he was previously sentenced to three years with one suspended after being convicted of drugs charges in 2023. The street brawl involving Glen Mr Flashy Ward. He was caught with a large amount of cannabis for sale or supply at Abbotstown Drive in Finglas on January 19, 2022 and later convicted under Section 15a of the Misuse of Drugs Act. While on remand in Cloverhill for the drugs charges, Collopy was caught with a cell phone in his cell during a routine search by prison officers He later pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a mobile phone while in custody. Darragh Collopy Video shows Glen Ward aka Mr Flashy armed with a bicycle saddle during daylight street brawl in Finglas Blanchardstown District Court heard that the handset was found during a search of Collopys cell at Wheatfield Prison, Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin, on March 29, 2023. Collopy had 24 previous convictions and was already serving a sentence when he appeared in court on the phone offence. Like Collopy, Ward was given an 18-month suspended sentence for his part in the Finglas brawl, while ODriscoll was given a two-year sentence with the final 18 months suspended. Darragh Collopy was given an 18-month suspended sentence Both also pleaded guilty to the production of a bicycle saddle in the course of a dispute, on the same date after O Driscoll went to Dunnes Stores in Finglas when the court heard there were verbals between two groups of people. The court heard Ward was the third of six siblings and trained as a mechanic. He has a long-term partner and a child. ODriscoll was also sentenced after he pleaded to endangerment and dangerous driving offences arising out of a motorcycle incident in November 17, 2022. The court heard he was emotional having attended a memorial service for his friend. He was on bail at the time of the offence. Ward has 22 previous convictions and ODriscoll has nine. The street brawl involving Glen Mr Flashy Ward. The two brothers are currently serving sentence for firearms offences after being caught on video firing shots from a semi-automatic rifle during a house party in Finglas. Ward was jailed for six years and three months, with nine month suspended after he pleaded guilty to a charge that on January 1, 2022 at an address in Finglas he possessed or had control of a .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifle in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference that he did not have it for a lawful purpose. ODriscoll pleaded guilty to possession of the same gun and was sentenced to six years with one year suspended. This attack is the UVFs new leaders telling the community that things arent going to change The burnt cars and shed, and right, Alan Cowan who has taken over the Larne UVF temporarily while Workman is in prison Larne UVF flexed their muscles this week after their leader Robin Workman was jailed by torching the car of a Catholic man, we can reveal. The paramilitary gang set fire to a car belonging to a man who had a run-in with Workman over an unpaid debt before the 54-year-old was jailed for five years on Tuesday for having a bag of guns and ammunition which he gave to leading loyalist Winkie Irvine. The gang also set fire to another vehicle in the same area which is understood to belong to the mans elderly parents. Today's News in 90 Seconds. Sources in the town say the timing of the attacks was very deliberate and designed to show the community the UVF still run the town despite their leader being banged-up. And they say Workman ordered the arson attack himself as he wanted to remind people he was still in charge. But we can reveal the man who has stepped into the shoes of their caged leader temporarily is his number two in the Larne UVF and notorious loan shark, Alan Cowan. The burnt cars and shed The 48-year-old, an associate of the notorious UVF double agent Mark Haddock, was previously named in court by police as being highly influential in the UVF and involved in the UVF. Two weeks ago we revealed how people in Larne were celebrating after Robin Workman was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing for having a stack of firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances in June 2022. They told us Workman had been portraying a false image of himself for years that of a decent man with a legitimate business in the building trade. But they say the truth was very different and that Workman was a bully who made peoples lives a misery as his gang exploited people through loan-sharking and extortion rackets. They just randomly fine men and young fellas thousands of pounds. If they answer back or question it, more money is added on to their bill. So there was joy amongst the community when Workman was sent to Maghaberry Prison and will now serve two-and-a-half years behind bars with the same amount served on licence afterwards. Robin Workman But those celebrations were short-lived as the new boss appears to be very much the same as the old boss and wanted to stamp his authority. The Sunday World understands the target of the UVF arsonist was the Catholic man who the UVF said owed them money and had already been subjected to an assault at a local social club. This guy is a Catholic man but hes popular and well-liked by both sides of the community he wasnt targeted because of his religion, said a source. Seemingly it was because he had started a relationship with a woman who had been the partner of a UVF man. Robin Workman told him he had to pay a 2.5K debt for that but he didnt pay. The man questioned it to others and called Workman a few names but it was reported back. Then someone walked into the social club and punched him in the face and added two-and-a-half grand to the bill. Now Workman is behind bars they have targeted his car and shed. They even set fire to his parents car which people are particularly angry about because they are elderly. This is the new leaders making a statement to the community that nothing is going to change and the UVF isnt going to leave them alone just because their boss is behind bars. Its disgusting people are fed-up with the lot of them and wish they would just leave people to live in peace. The burnt cars and shed Cowan was arrested in 2017 as part of a police investigation into a feud which had seen a number of homes attacked by masked men. It was during this that police described him in court as being high up in the UVF however his solicitor said Cowan strongly denied any such involvement with the terror group. But multiple sources have told the Sunday World that Cowan is the new UVF leader and was regarded as an enforcer sent to collect unpaid debts. A PSNI spokesperson told the Sunday World: Police received a report of a car on fire in the Garron Walk area of Larne shortly before 11.40pm on Wednesday, May 21. Officers attended, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. The fire spread to a second vehicle, a fence and a shed. A car at a neighbouring property was also damaged. Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries, although residents have been left shaken. This is being treated as arson, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances. Anyone with information, including dashcam, CCTV or other video footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 2092 of 21/5/25. Alan Cowan who has taken over the Larne UVF temporarily while Workman is in prison Sentencing Workman at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Gordon Kerr KC said there was no history of offending or causing serious harm. But he added "there is no evidence of any exceptional circumstances" and the statutory minimum sentence must be imposed. Both Workman and Irvine were led from the dock in handcuffs into custody. After the hearing, the PSNI released photos of one of the guns and some of the ammunition seized from Irvine's car. Illegal firearms are synonymous with violence, said Det Supt Moutray, from the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch. We are committed to apprehending perpetrators and this demonstrates our commitment towards keeping people safe from the fear, intimidation and control illegal firearms can cause. The Civil Guard confirmed the two men arrested are also Irish nationals. Two men have been arrested on the Costa Blanca on suspicion of the attempted murder of an Irish national who is fighting for his life in a hospital intensive care unit. The 21-year-old was shot in the head near to a shopping centre in Orihuela Costa south of Alicante. Detectives revealed today they had held two male suspects aged 27 and 45. The Civil Guard confirmed the two men arrested are also Irish nationals. A force spokesman said: The older of the two men, the one aged 45, is the person who has been remanded in prison. And they confirmed the victim remains in intensive care in a critical condition nearly a fortnight after the horror crime. News in 90 Seconds - May 27th A spokesman for the Civil Guard, who wasnt able to confirm the nationalities of the two suspects early this morning, said today: We have arrested two men as the suspected authors of a shooting in which an Irish national aged 21 was seriously injured after receiving a bullet to the head in Orihuela Costa. The shooting took place on the night of May 13 near a leisure area close to the Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre. The young man hurt remains in a critical condition in intensive care in hospital. Investigators gathered together witness statements, analysed evidence and made inquiries about the victim and his close circle as part of their probe. Part of the evidence they collected was a bag with a revolver, ammunition and the victims telephone. The two suspects are a 27-year-old man and another male aged 45. One was held in Orihuela Costa and the other in nearby Pilar de la Horadada. Both were arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide. The homes of one of the pair was also searched. The force spokesman added: A court in Orihuela has remanded one of the men, considered to be the shooter, in prison, while the other has been released on bail as a suspected accomplice but banned from leaving the country. Detectives did not say what they thought the motive behind the crime was. None of the three men have been named. The Civil Guard also this morning released video footage and photos of the gun and ammunition they seized as well as images of one of the suspects being taken into custody in handcuffs. Our exclusive pictures show taxi man David Mangan getting out of his car after knocking off work for the day David Mangan was spotted getting out his taxi after knocking off for the day this week A taxi driver convicted of a road-rage style attack on a bus driver was back behind the wheel of his motor this week. Our exclusive pictures show taxi man David Mangan getting out of his car after knocking off work for the day. Mangan, who it is understood is set to appeal his conviction for assault causing harm, was convicted of the offence when he appeared before Dublin District Court. Mangan, from Ballymun, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to John Campbell. Dublin District Court heard the incident happened at Collins Avenue, Whitehall on July 23, 2021. David Mangan was spotted getting out his taxi after knocking off for the day this week Mr Campbell said he was driving behind the accused, who was stuck behind a car that appeared to be broken down. He overtook both of the stationary vehicles and had pulled in in front when Mangan got out of his taxi, walked up to the bus shouting, and punched in at him through the open bus window. I could feel the impact of his fist on my face, Mr Campbell said, and he began bleeding heavily from his nose. Mr Campbell said he was in a state of shock but drove on to his next stop to pick up passengers. One passenger, a nurse, gave him tissues for the bleeding. He finished his run to Co Meath but was afraid to go back to Dublin and got permission from his employer to go home. When defence solicitor Murrough ORourke put it to Mr Campbell he was seated too high up in the bus to punch, he replied that the accused obviously stood up on the wheel rim. He said he quit shortly after the assault and took up a new job where I didnt have to travel to Dublin. This was for fear he would be assaulted. Mangan maintained the bus ran him off the road on to the footpath and he was in shock. He admitted having an argumentative conversation after which Mr Campbell drove on, but said nothing else happened. Denying punching Mr Campbell, he said: Im a professional driver, its a serious allegation. Cabbie David Mangan denied punching Mr Campbell in his bus Judge John Hughes fined Mangan 1,000 for the unprovoked broad daylight attack. He also ordered him to pay 3,000 in compensation. The case comes to light as attacks on drivers are becoming of increasing concern to gardai and the Transport Minister. The attacks have led to calls on the Government to follow through on its commitment to establish a dedicated transport police unit with powers of arrest. Last month, after a Dublin Bus driver was threatened by a man carrying a suspected gun, a number of services were suspended in the city centre. According to a statement from Siptu, which represents most Dublin Bus drivers, the incident occurred just after 11pm on April 18 when a man appeared to load a gun and told a driver of the number 13 bus that he would blow his head off. David Mangan was spotted getting out his taxi after knocking off for the day this week News in 90 Seconds - May 27th A spokeswoman for An Garda Siochana confirmed it responded to a report of the incident and that it is investigating. The president of the unions bus driver committee, Brendan McInerney, said the bus was parked on the square in advance of departure. The driver was sitting at the back of the vehicle and was looking at his phone. A man with a torch then got on the bus. It seems he believed no one was in the vehicle and may have intended robbing anything he could find in the cab, Mr McInerney later said. The driver told the man the bus was not departing for a few minutes. The man got off the bus before turning around and producing what looked like a gun, the union official said. He began motioning as if to load the gun and told the driver he would kill him. He then left the scene, leaving the driver extremely shocked and upset. Siptu sector organiser John Murphy said the incident was another very disturbing and dangerous situation to occur on the public transport network, and that security for bus drivers has been getting worse over the last year. In a separate incident, a Luas tram was hit by a projectile fired at high power in the Tallaght area earlier this month. The drivers cab window was damaged in the incident that could have caused serious injury or worse, Siptu representatives said afterwards. He is due back before the courts on a seperate matter next week Robinson was filmed with longer hair and a bushy beard on his release from prison (@TRobinsonNewEra/X/PA) Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been released from prison just days after a high court judge ruled that his sentence could be cut by four months. He was due for release on July 26th, but was spotted leaving HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes this morning. Images show Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, sporting a bushy beard, after he grew out his hair while behind bars. Sporting wooden rosary beads around his neck, Robinson took to X to share a 27-minute-long video following his release. Robinson was filmed with longer hair and a bushy beard on his release from prison (@TRobinsonNewEra/X/PA) News in 90 Seconds - May 27th In the video he told his supporters that he would organise a free speech festival in London later this year. He also thanked X founder Elon Musk adding: because without X, if we didn't have X, everyone would just think I lied. No one would have got any other narrative. "These attempts at censorship, to silence, to cancel people, it hasn't worked. You've attempted to lock up the truth. And that truth has been echoed around the entire globe." Trumps right-hand man, Elon Musk, previously called for the release of Robinson while accusing Keir Starmer of failing to prosecute child rapists in Oldham in Greater Manchester. The presidents billionaire pal previously pinned a message at the top of his X feed stating, Free Tommy Robinson! As well as a number of messages in support of Robinson, Musk posted several times about rape gangs in Rochdale and Oldham, while attacking the prime minister and the safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, over their responses to the scandal. Robinson is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates Court next Thursday on a separate matter after he was charged with harassment causing fear of violence against two men between August 5th and 7th, 2024. He was jailed for 18 months last October after he admitted to breaching a court order on multiple occasions. The injunction was made to prevent him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee who sued him for liable. Sentencing judge, Mr Justice Johnson said that the sentence was made up of a punitive element of 14 months and a coercive element of 4 months. The court heard that the 4-month sentence would be reduced if he took steps to comply with the court order. At a court hearing on Tuesday, legal counsel for Robinson said he had shown commitment to complying with the order. The judge told the court that while Robinson didn't show remorse, he had demonstrated a change in attitude since he was first jailed He added that the English Defence League founder has no intention of breaching the order again, and is aware of the consequences if he did so. Robinson admitted to breaching the injunction, which was imposed after he was successfully sued by schoolboy Jamal Hijazi, a total of 10 times. Robinson had falsely claimed that the then 15-year-old had attacked girls at his school in Huddersfield. He was ordered to pay Hijazi 100,000 in damages as well as the boys legal costs. A judge then imposed the injunction to stop Robinson from repeating the false allegations. The three, including two men and a woman, were handed down a one-year prison sentence on Monday for defrauding the Irish company in the purchase and sale of tobacco Three people have been jailed in Spain for defrauding an Irish tobacco company. The three, including two men and a woman, were handed down a one-year prison sentence on Monday for defrauding the Irish company in the purchase and sale of tobacco. The three defendants were sentenced for fraud and document falsification related to the breach of a tobacco sales contract signed by a Zaragoza company with the Irish firm in 2017. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - May 27th According to a complaint filed in the Zaragoza Duty Court, the Irish company signed a contract with a Zaragoza firm to purchase 24 containers of Marlboro tobacco. But just a few weeks after signing this agreement, it realised it had been "the victim of a scam." The three were sentenced following an agreement signed between the public prosecutor's office, defence attorneys Rocio Notivoli and Jorge Enciso, and the private prosecution led by Javier Oses before the Sixth Section of the Provincial Court of Zaragoza. The agreement also includes the payment of 37,000 in compensation to the victim as part of the amount that was defrauded, El Periodico reports. The three of them will jointly pay this 37,000, or 13,500 each , over the next three years, as agreed this morning in the Court, the news site reports. And two of them will not be imprisoned at the Zuera Penitentiary Center as their sentences have been suspended. She was detained by Immigration and Customs officers in April after returning from Ireland Cliona Ward has thanked her family following her release from custody in the United States earlier this month. The 54-year-old who is originally from Dublin, lives in Santa Cruz, California. She was arrested after she returned from visiting her dying father in Ireland in April. Ward was being detained by ICE over minor convictions from almost 20 years ago, which were supposed to have been expunged from her record. Cliona Ward News in 90 Seconds - May 27th She was released and told to report to San Francisco with proof of her expungement; however, when she got there, she was reapprehended, charged with moral turpitude and shipped to Washington. The mother remained behind bars in a detention facility until she was released earlier this month. Taking to a GoFundMe page, set up by her sister Orla Holladay, Cliona thanked her family for support and talked about her ordeal for the first time. "My warrior sister, defender of justice!!!! Could this be a calling for you? You dive in deep and figure out what to do next...I cannot thank you enough for what you did for me, and now continue to fight for justice served, she wrote. "You know how to weave the strings together to provide due process for the people in ICE detention centres. "That is all they need.... They are not informed on how to get out and they are so afraid to speak up for the basic human rights...like how to find council or interpreter services... They give them detention handbooks in English and Spanish only, she continued. "All done on purpose to keep them detained and deportable. I cannot thank you enough for what you did. "Everyone should have the opportunity to prove their innocence. If proven guilty, at least they had the opportunity to be heard. I must secure my status before diving deep, so thank you for being my voice for them. I love you so much, my Warrior, my defender, my sister, my anam cara, she continued. "There is truly no one in the world like you, and I am truly blessed!" Orla previously told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that she is terrified Cliona was going to get lost in the system. Shes afraid that shes going to get lost in the system. That was the one thing she said to me: Please dont let me get lost. Orla explained that Cliona has been sober for almost 20 years, and currently works at a nonprofit Christian organisation teaching children. This has to do with a painful addiction, and she did everything she could do to change that, said Holladay. Shes a viable, valuable part of this community, she said, describing her as a gentle, loving and private person. I think that highlighting genocide, highlighting the inhumane slaughter of defenceless citizens, is not a crime. First Minister Michelle ONeill has expressed solidarity with Kneecaps Liam Og O hAnnaidh as well as two people arrested in Belfast over the weekend at a pro-Palestine protest. The vice president of Sinn Fein said that highlighting genocide should never be considered a crime. Mr O hAnnaidh (27), who performs as Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence last week after he allegedly displayed a flag in support of the proscribed organisation Hezbollah during a gig in London last year. In a separate incident at the weekend, campaigners Sue Pentel (72) and Martine McCullough, aged in her 50s, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after protesting outside a Barclays bank branch in Castle Place, Belfast. Kneecaps Liam Og O hAnnaidh. Photo: PA News in 90 Seconds - May 27th Since the latest conflict in the Middle East escalated in October 2023 following Hamas deadly attack in Israel there has been criticism of Barclays financial ties with arms companies that sell weapons to the country. Speaking in the Assembly, Ms ONeill was asked by People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll whether she supported Mr O hAnnaidh, and Ms Pentel and Ms McCullough. I think that highlighting genocide, highlighting the inhumane slaughter of defenceless citizens, is not a crime," she replied. That's certainly my view, and I send solidarity to all those protesting and calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine. Mr Carroll pressed the First Minister as to whether she specifically raised the case of Mr O hAnnaidh with Prime Minister Keir Starmer when the pair met last week. Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O'Neill I made my point in terms of solidarity to these individuals, to Liam Og and to Sue and Martine, she said Because I think that anybody who goes out to raise their voice, rightly so, in my opinion, in terms of calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine, is doing a good thing. The international community is far too silent. The international community has failed to act and the international community has failed to end the genocide in Palestine. I can tell you that I did raise that issue with Keir Starmer on Friday. I made it very clear that they needed to end their arms sales to Israel. And I made it very clear that they need to step up in a real, detailed way with sanctions against Israel, because to not do so is to be complicit in what they're doing. Following Mr O hAnnaidhs being charged last week, Kneecap released a statement denouncing the decision. We deny this offence and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is a carnival of distraction, the group said. We are not the story, genocide is, as they profit from genocide, they use an anti-terror law against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesnt have a jury. Whats the objective? To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out. Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. Then, like now, they claim justification. The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it. Belfast rappers Kneecap The Met Polices anti-terrorism unit began investigating the band after footage surfaced of a member appearing to shout The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP. A second video also emerged showing a member allegedly chanting Up Hamas and Up Hezbollah from a stage. Mr O hAnnaidh is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 18 accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah which is a proscribed terror organisation. On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hezbollah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000, the Met Police previously said. Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event. An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge. Following the arrest of two campaigners in Belfast at the weekend, Ms Pentel a Jewish grandmother and high profile campaigner against the war in Gaza said it was ridiculous that they faced being charged with a criminal offence. Man (53) from Liverpool area arrested Four children among injured after car ploughs into Liverpool parade crowd, officials say Dozens were injured on Monday after a car ploughed into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club's recent Premier League title. With most people enjoying a spring break holiday, up to 1 million Liverpool fans had lined the streets to celebrate the team as they moved through the city centre with the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus. The parade began at Allerton Maze south of the city before embarking on a 10-mile route over three-and-a-half hours ending with a finale on the Strand in the city centre. Chaos erupted on Water Street, about a mile before the parade's endpoint. The bus had only recently passed the attendees when a vehicle rammed into the crowds, witnesses reported. Police and emergency personnel dealing with the incident near the Liver Building in Liverpool. Owen Humphreys/PA Wire Footage of the incident, which was circulating online on Monday, appeared to show the car speed up as it veered into pedestrians on both sides of the street, passing a Hooters restaurant at one point, with people knocked to the floor off the windshield, falling to the ground and darting out of the way to avoid harm. A 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested, Merseyside Police confirmed. The incident is not being treated as terrorism-related. One onlooker, Matthew O'Carroll, 28, from Runcorn, saw the car approaching the top of Water Street. He said the vehicle went past a parked police van at a "decent" speed and that the driver was beeping as he went through the crowd. Meanwhile, witness Mike Maddra told the PA news agency the "car turned left, mounted pavement, come towards us and runs towards the buildings". He said: "we got out the way and it was speeding up". Mr Maddra said he thought he saw two people being hit and added, "it looked deliberate". Social media video also showed angry fans converging on the vehicle as it came to a stop, smashing windows before police intervened. Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihul, said you could "hear the bumps" as the driver rammed spectators. He described how crowds began trying to smash the car windows, causing the driver to stall for about 10 seconds, before putting his foot down again and hitting more people. Witnesses told The Guardian the whole ordeal lasted 20-30 seconds, and the first victim was thrown "about 20 feet" in the air. Police and emergency personnel dealing with a road traffic accident on Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool after a car collided with pedestrians during the Premier League winners parade. A man has been detained. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire Dan Ogunshakin, an off-duty BBC reporter attending the parade, told the public broadcaster he saw people hitting the car before it reversed and then "it suddenly accelerated forwards", straight towards the surrounding crowd. "What had once been an atmosphere of celebration and joy and happiness suddenly turned into fear and terror and disbelief," he said. Police said the car eventually stopped at the scene and the man was detained. BBC reporter Matt Cole described how police officers exited a "squad" of armed police vehicles with rifles and medical packs and began running to the scene. Daniel Jones, 28, told The Sun newspaper that police restrained people who were "smashing" the car. "They were ripping the register plate off," he said. "The back window was broken when the (driver) was still in it." 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 Twenty-seven people were taken to hospital, and a further 20 were treated at the scene. Nick Searle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, said four people who were trapped under the car, including a child, were rescued by firefighters. At a press conference, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the "horrific incident" was not being treated as terrorism. Liverpool Echo reporter Paddy Edrich said local Italian restaurant Riva was used as a makeshift triage centre. "People inside Riva are being treated by paramedics. Some have bandages around their heads and limbs," he said in a post on X. "Staff in the restaurant appear to be providing fluids to those being treated and the emergency services." 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 Other casualties were spotted being taken away by ambulance to nearby hospitals. A heavy emergency services presence remained in place for hours afterwards, with police cars, fire engines and ambulances remaining on the street. A large blue tent was erected on Water Street, with two fire engines parked in front. In a statement, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling - my thoughts are with all those injured or affected." He later added: "Tonight, I have spoken to Steve Rotheram about the terrible events in Liverpool and the remarkable bravery shown by the police and other emergency services. "They are supporting and caring for those injured in these terrible events. "Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror. "The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. "Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool." The Department of Foreign Affairs here said it is aware of the incident and stands ready to provide consular assistance. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was shocked by the scenes and said his thoughts and prayers are with all those injured or affected. 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 Tanaiste, Simon Harris, said: Our thoughts are with the people of Liverpool this evening. He said yesterday was supposed to be a night of celebration for this city and Liverpool fans. Instead we are witnessing some devastating scenes unfold. My officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs are keeping me up to date, Mr Harris said. News in 90 Seconds - May 27th Love you millions & forever Maura Higgins has said shes forever proud of her friend Molly Mae Hague. Taking to Instagram Stories, the model sent her Love Island co-star birthday wishes as she turned 26. Happy Birthday my special girl. Love you millions & forever proud of the woman that you are, she captioned a black and white collage of the pair. Maura and Molly met on the 2019 season of ITV dating show Love Island. They were initially rivals as Higgins made moves on Tommy Fury who was coupled up with Molly when she entered the villa as a bombshell. Maura Higgins sent birthday wishes to pal Molly Mae Hague Fury didnt waiver, staying loyal to Molly, who went on to build a friendship with the Longford model. They since went on to welcome daughter Bambi in January 2023 and got engaged in 2023. The couple announced their shock split last August after five years together. "Never in a million years did I think I'd ever have to write this. After five years of being together I never imagined our story would end, especially not this way, she began an Instagram statement. "I am extremely upset to announce that mine and Tommy's relationship has come to an end. "I will forever be grateful for the most important thing to me now and always, my beautiful daughter. Without us there would be no her, she will always be my priority. "I want to thank you all for the love you have shown us over the last five years. "You have all been a part of our journey and I feel it's right to share this with you all. "Whilst I attempt to navigate the coming days and weeks please kindly respect my privacy over this difficult time, I'll be back when it feels right. However, the couple have since rekindled their relationship, celebrating Mollys birthday with a family trip to Disneyland, Paris. Sharing snaps of the occasion to Instagram, one shows Tommy placing a kiss on Mollys head as they pose behind their daughters stroller. Despite rumours of infidelity between the couple, Tommy set the record straight and revealed that his dependency on alcohol was the real reason behind their split. Maura Higgins and Molly-Mae Hague at the shows screening (James Manning/PA) News in 90 Seconds - May 27th In a candid interview with Mens Health UK, he explained: With my breakup with Molly, there's been so much shit in the papers every single day for the past six months, but if it's not come from my mouth or Molly's mouth, it's complete and utter bullshit. All I've been seeing for the past six months is Cheater!, He slept with me!, He slept with this girl, he slept with that girl! Complete and utter b*****ks. We broke up because I had a problem with alcohol and I couldn't be the partner that I wanted to be anymore. It kills me to say it, but I couldn't. I loved a pint of beer, loved to drink. Cheating was never a thing. You can ask Molly this yourself. It was the drink, and the drink is not a good thing. Three Key Facts: Like many around the world, I recall as if it was yesterday, Russian troops crossing the Ukrainian border and laying siege to cities, towns and civilians. You may recall coverage of the thousands of refugees walking in the bleak winter rain as they crossed the Ukrainian border into Poland. The scenes were chaotic: men, women and children, some separated from parents, crying and distraught, carrying what few belongings they had as they fled the brutal aggression that had upended their lives. It was a humanitarian crisis on an overwhelming scale. And it remains so today. Given my military and business background, I felt compelled to act - and act decisively. Kiwi K.A.R.E (Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation) was founded with one clear goal: To reach those most vulnerable and in need, and provide meaningful and practical assistance. Kiwi K.A.R.E senior team leader Richie Andrew operating in the Donetsk region in Ukraine. While our core work still focuses on the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid, and conducting evacuations, we also recognised specific needs early in the war. Due to the constancy of attacks on power, water and medical infrastructure, we evolved into a stove and water-boiler fabricator, and we run a burgeoning ambulance service. The former were constructed from recycled electrical water cylinders collected from all over Ukraine; the latter was enabled by shipping 35 ambulances from New Zealand, Australia and Estonia. Three years later, I also realise that Kiwi K.A.R.E has been doing something else. We have been delivering hope. It took a number of Ukrainians to say this to me before it sunk in and, once it did, our focus became even clearer. Hope is a powerful force that can profoundly impact individuals and communities. Its significance lies in its ability to inspire resilience, motivate action, and foster a sense of purpose even under the most arduous of conditions. And conditions in Ukraines beleaguered south and east are most certainly arduous. Armed conflict invariably leads to a breakdown of essential services, leaving civilians without access to food, clean water, healthcare, and shelter. Kiwi K.A.R.E, while small compared to the big aid agencies, has met those needs in a very specific geographic: behind the frontlines. To do this effectively, we needed to move away from relying solely on multinational volunteers. Two of the 35 Kiwi K.A.R.E ambulances, Aroha and Maia, operating in red zone areas in Ukraine. I have had the privilege of working with some extraordinary volunteers from all over the world, many have become close friends. However, war takes its toll - it is exhausting and demoralising. Added to this, volunteers, together with our ambulances and humanitarian vehicles, are in my view increasingly being targeted by Russian drones. I am returning to Ukraine in July for my fourth six-month tour of duty and this threat is already playing on my mind. Kiwi K.A.R.E operates in dangerous conditions, with team members often risking their own safety to reach those in dire need. And we are by no means the only ones that do - there are many and I admire them all hugely. By late 2022, I recognised we needed staffing consistency, and the transient nature of international volunteers wasnt adequate to meet our growing operational tempo. Out of this need came our Success-Through-Partnership model. This thinking led us to establishing legally binding partnerships with two Ukrainian NGOs: Day-by-Day Foundation and iHELP. These two organisations were founded by some amazing humans, and it is a great honour to partner with them. Success-Through-Partnership has been working well since 2023 and it ensures mission-effect, in that we are able to move at pace and provide exactly what is required in a specific geography to those who need it most. It has been our objective to progressively hand over responsibility of humanitarian operations to our Ukrainian partners to foster local ownership, build capacity and ensure sustainability. This strategy is working well, and our local teams have become increasingly empowered and capable, which, in turn, promotes long-term recovery and resilience. Together with our Ukrainian partners, and thanks to the incredible generosity of many thousands of New Zealanders, we have made a positive difference in the lives of many. To date, Kiwi K.A.R.E has achieved: Ukraines sovereign future remains very much undecided. Despite a lot of talk from many world leaders, there is little to hang hope on at this juncture. Russian attacks still rain down on an almost daily basis with many targeting hospitals, schools, water and power infrastructure. Increasingly, civilians are being targeted and killed. And so as Kiwi K.A.R.E marks our third anniversary, it is not so much a celebration, rather it reinforces our continued commitment to providing humanitarian support, saving lives, protecting human rights, and fostering recovery. Tenby Powell. And it specifically reminds me of our raison detre: to reach those most vulnerable and in need, and provide meaningful and practical assistance. And to continuing delivering hope. Thank you, New Zealand, for your generous support. Tenby Powell is a humanitarian, veteran, business and social entrepreneur, and founder of Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation (Kiwi K.A.R.E) Bay of Plenty parents and educators are welcoming a bill in Parliament to restrict social media access for under-16s. The bill, put forward by National Tukituki MP Catherine Wedd, would protect young people from social media harm by limiting access for under-16s. Wedd said the My Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill puts the onus on social media companies to verify that someone is over the age of 16 before they access social media platforms. Currently, there are no legally enforceable age verification measures for social media platforms in New Zealand, Wedd said. The bill has not been drawn for debate, but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said the Government will explore the issue in its work programme. Otumoetai College principal Russell Gordon said he supported the intent of the bill as he believed teachers and parents were struggling to keep up with social media. As educators, we see first-hand the challenges young people face when navigating social media, particularly those under 16. While digital platforms can be useful tools for communication and creativity, the risks often outweigh the benefits at this age. Gordon said while restricting access to social media may prove challenging to implement, the proposed bill would provide schools and families with a strong foundation for setting expectations and having clearer conversations around boundaries. The biggest issue with social media that Gordon has seen in the school comes from misuse, causing online drama to spill into school life. It can affect friendships, self-worth, and even classroom focus. Many students are not emotionally equipped to manage what they could be exposed to online, which often causes anxiety and disrupted sleep. Gordon said students learn about digital citizenship at Otumoetai College. What makes cyber bullying particularly damaging is that it follows students wherever they go, be it to school or at home. A reduction in access would likely reduce both the volume and intensity of incidents. From harmful content and unrealistic body standards to online scams, there are a number of things online that young people are not ready for, he said. Even subtle things like algorithm-driven content can shape their worldview in ways they dont fully understand. Gordon said teachers and parents struggle to keep up and manage the effects of social media. Students can arrive at school already distressed from something they have seen or been part of online the night before. Parents struggles with kids and social media Katikati mum Cassie Calvert said she is worried about the impacts of social media. She felt positive about the bill, considering the impact the phone ban in schools has had. I know there are a lot of issues, with cyber bullying and addiction and seeing inappropriate or harmful content. If they can implement it, it could be really good. She monitors her 14-year-old sons phone use and has allowed him to have Snapchat as a way to communicate with his friends. She said she worried about what her son could be exposed to online that may impact his mental health and self-image. I actually took the phone and had a look through, and I saw some content that was talking about teen suicide and self-harming, and I thought, I didnt realise you had access to that. Calvert was also concerned about the habits that social media use creates. I was born in the early 1980s and my parents used to beg me to come inside from playing out and now I beg my children to go outside. My parents often say, God, were glad we didnt have that when you were a child. I try to discuss screen time and try to set boundaries and encourage them to go outside and have social time with their friends face-to-face, but its a challenge. When theyre on social media, theyre lost in it. If you dont watch them, they will go straight on to their phones. You can only advise your child the best you can. I say to the kids, once youve seen it, you cant take it back, so please dont go looking for it. A school teacher, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the bill would make a difference during school time. All we can do is educate students around social media and how to be responsible on it themselves, said the teacher, who is also a mother to a teenager. Theyre just a bit too young and very easily influenced. She said the constant ability to communicate with their peers was unhealthy and she hoped her children were not being exposed to things they were not ready for. When youre online, you can end up in a rabbit hole. You cant unsee something and you cant unread something. Her house rules at home included limited time on devices to focus on engaging and being present in the moment with the people and the nature around you. She said the phone ban in schools had made a big difference. When phones were still allowed at school, we definitely had some situations. Now that they are left home, we dont deal with them at all. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in Parliament, the boost was about lifting productivity and helping businesses grow . Named the Investment Boost, it was announced in the Governments 2025 Budget last week. Farmers, growers, processors and other business owners could now deduct 20% off the purchase of new farm equipment, tools or machinery from their taxable income. Those in the agriculture sector who can afford to buy new farm equipment are feeling buoyed by the Governments new tax incentive on new farm machinery. Ill keep it real simple because investment boost means cheaper tractors, he said. It means cheaper utes. It means cheaper plant and equipment for manufacturers and wine makers and tourism operators, and start-ups. It means fostering the investment New Zealand businesses need to lift productivity, to increase wages, to boost exports, and to get even more competitive on the global stage. On Saturday, the Prime Minister said on social media that farmers and tradies were telling him they were buying new equipment over the weekend because of the boost. Tractors and Farm Machinery Association data showed 2800 tractors were sold in New Zealand through 2024, down 18% on the year prior. But association president Jaiden Drought said recent field days events like the South Island Agricultural Field Days in Kirwee showed rural confidence had improved following a few tough years, but sales in recent months had slowed. [2025] started off with a bit of a hiss and a roar, and everyone thought that the shackles had been taken off after a tough 12 to 18 months. But weve seen a little bit of a flat spot just in the last couple of months, probably more so around the lingering effects of the drought. Drought said machinery was a significant capital purchase for farmers, and prices generally have risen by about 30% in five years. Commodity prices are high, but they havent really seen that flow through to their bank accounts just yet due to higher feed costs to either get cattle through the drought or keep them in milk. So certainly the second half of the year, all things considered, looks a lot stronger. Drought said the boost could be the carrot that will hopefully lead to more tractor purchases. Southland sheep and beef farmer Ben Dooley of Wyndham said he spent $25,000 on equipment right before the announcement was made, though he said that was small potatoes compared to the cost of a new tractor. Im really happy that its there, Im also really frustrated about it, because - nothing big - but Ive had a few purchases this season, he said. All second-hand stuff, sprayer, fert spreader, farm ute, they were all bought before the date, so I dont get that on them, but well still get to depreciate them over time. Dooley said the boost was a great initiative, particularly for those farmers who had put off the big ticket items like tractors. We know machinery dealers and your general wholesale retailers in the rural space, particularly, are having a bit of a hard time at the moment because farmers havent been spending. All of a sudden, sheep farmers and dairy farmers have had quite a reasonable season compared to what has been in the past, and there are some people that are wanting to purchase stuff, but at the same time, theres a lot of us that didnt pay a lot of or no tax last year because of either reduced income or in a lot of our situations, massive losses. The Government announcement said an investment boost was expected to lift GDP by 1% and wages by 1.5% over the next 20 years. - RNZ Contributed content: Carmen Hall is a communications advisor for Te Runanga o Ngai Te Rangi Iwi Trust and a former Bay of Plenty Times journalist. A 63-year-old is looking forward to spending time behind the wheel after passing her learner drivers licence test at Mangatawa Marae. Kini Kakau got her licence with help from a Ngai Te Rangi initiative that aims to increase access to theory testing. It is targeted at whanau who live rurally and are hindered by socioeconomic and cultural barriers. The programme is run in conjunction with the East Bay REAP mobile testing unit, which is supported and funded by New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Kakau vigorously swotted up for her learners licence test and spent the previous day doing theory alongside 19 others in her group. There were driver information leaflets and packs of question-and-answer cards on the tables while an interactive TV was set up with mock tests. Im more comfortable in a marae environment and I live in this community. Kakau said she had decided it was time to get out of the passenger seat. I didnt think I had the confidence to do it, but I did. She had to do a follow-up eye test with her optometrist, but also passed that with flying colours. Harry Henrys children encouraged him to take the test. He knew how to drive but never got around to taking a driving test. The 49-year-old passed and was excited to tell his children. Im ecstatic. Kahurere Pomare felt brave and bold. The 17-year-old says she was inspired and supported by Ngai Te Rangi and getting her licence was a big accomplishment. It was a bit scary, but being on the marae was amazing. Everybody helped each other and you didnt feel alone or judged. Waka Kotahi Safer Drivers regional adviser Arlouise Brooking said bringing learner licence training and mobile testing onto marae had proven to engage more whanau and create a mana-enhancing environment. Wananga learning on the marae is quite powerful for our whanau, especially in rural communities. It is a place they are familiar with and comfortable in. Brooking said her role supported organisations to develop and deliver driver licence support programmes in the Bay of Plenty. Working with organisations like Ngai Te Rangi to break down barriers to access is great. They are doing a lot of training, employment development and upskilling and getting your licence is the first step. Kelly Tuari and Gaylene Kohunui, from Eastbay REAP and Arlouise Brooking (middle) from Waka Kotahi at Mangatawa Marae. About 680 tests have been undertaken with the East Bay REAP AA Mobile Unit in the Bay of Plenty since it was established in October 2023. Gaylene Kohunui from Eastbay REAP said the need for mobile licence testing was huge. Feedback showed many whanau were getting fined and could not afford to travel to sit their licence or pay for it. She said most people were nervous and self-conscious, but that was quickly forgotten if they passed. Its definitely a moving moment for us to see the smile on their face and a big achievement for them. Ngai Te Rangi Ahei manager Ameria Molyneux said relationships with organisations like Waka Kotahi and Eastbay REAP strengthened the iwis ability to reach rural whanau. This initiative not only supports whanau in gaining their licences, but also creates a supportive and community-based environment. What better place to celebrate such a milestone than where you whakapapa to? The marae then becomes part of the memory of where you earned your licence. Having testers available on-site at marae is a game changer and makes the process more accessible and less intimidating. From April 11, 2024 to April 11, 2025 Ngai Te Rangis dedicated team supported 189 individuals in its rohe on their journey to gaining a drivers licence - and 178 passed, she said. Eastbay REAP chief executive Dr Ryan Morrison said these successes were an inspiration to the involved organisations to keep collaborating and sharing their resources so those who know their communities best are shaping solutions that work. Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced proposed changes to New Zealands graduated driver licensing including scrapping the practical driving test for a full licence. Restricted drivers will need to keep a clean driving record for 18 months for under-25s, or for 12 months if they complete an advanced driving course. Any driving offence will restart the clock. Consultation on the proposed changes closes on June 9. Ngai Te Rangi Driver Licensing Ignacio Lillo Malaga Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 18:02 Compartir Few could have imagined that the day would come when it would be possible to choose between 26 high-speed train services a day in each direction (that is, 52 trains per day) between Malaga and Madrid. This summer breaks historic records by increasing the number of trips passengers can choose from. Thanks to the commitment of the three main operators to extending operations at the city's Maria Zambrano station, this summer will give rise to the largest train offer in history. Private French company Ouigo - the latest one to start operating in Malaga - will double its frequencies during the high season. Between 30 June and 14 September, passengers will be able to hop on two extra low-cost trains in each direction, operating between Maria Zambrano and Atocha in Madrid. "With these new services between Madrid, Malaga and Cordoba, we strengthen our position as a democratising force in high-speed trains, offering affordable prices and a high-quality service, committed to sustainability and the cohesion of the national territory," said Ouigo's commercial and marketing director, Federico Pareja. In addition, the company provides its services on double-decker Alstom Euroduplex trains, i.e. high-capacity convoys offering up to 509 seats. The type of train has an even bigger impact on the number of seats available than the increase of frequencies and, with that, more than 2,000 seats could be purchased every day, in each direction. Renfe also pushes the pedal National state operator Renfe has also increased its actions at the Costa del Sol's main railway station. This summer, the company is offering up to 15 trains in each direction (that is, 30 daily in total) between Maria Zambrano and Atocha. Of these, 12 will be on high-speed AVE trains and three on its low-cost brand, Avlo. Although Renfe generally uses S-102 and S-112 trains, with less capacity than its competitors, it is always prepared to double the number of seats to over 600 in each direction, whenever demand requires it. The third operator competing for passengers on the Malaga-Madrid route, Iryo, does not lag behind. The Spanish-Italian company is also increasing its frequencies during the summer. It is planning to put 460 seats on the market on each of the seven trains it will operate on a daily basis in the middle of August. A 'railway bridge' These figures show that, throughout the summer, the Costa del Sol and the Spanish capital will be connected by a "railway bridge", with at least one train per hour. Sometimes, there will even be up to three departures at an interval of 60 minutes. For example, in the morning, between 7am and 8am, there will be three departures towards Madrid: 7.25 (Ouigo); 7.41 (AVE) and 7.55 (AVE). Another three will operate in the afternoon: 15.28 (Iryo); 15.35 (Ouigo) and 15.41 (AVE). The significant increase in supply has led to a parallel drop in prices. Although the high season is about to begin, it is still possible to find prices below 20 euros each way. This was something unimaginable prior to the liberalisation of the market a few years ago, when prices were higher than 120 euros each way even with a discount. Now, a quick search for a trip on 15 July will show that Ouigo offers seats between 15 and 19 euros each way. Going by Iryo would cost between 13 and 21 euros; by AVE, prices start from 17 euros and there are many options available for 19. These fares are up to half the price offered for the same dates last year, even though then they were already much cheaper than before the opening up of the market. A dump truck got stuck upright under the Park Street Bridge in Syracuse on May 27, 2025. Greta Stuckey Syracuse, N.Y. The back of a dump truck was stuck vertically after it hit the Park Street bridge Tuesday morning in Syracuse, closing down all lanes of traffic. The truck hit the bridge around 8:40 a.m. Around 9 a.m., the back of the truck could be seen stuck vertically with the top wedged under the bridge. All lanes going to and from Syracuse are closed as first responders worked to get the truck free. Three police cars, three fire trucks and one ambulance were at the crash. The driver of the Chuck Hafner truck, who is from Liverpool, was taken to Upstate University Hospital for head pain, said Kieran Coffey, a spokesperson for Syracuse police. The bridge is owned by CSX Transportation and has a posted clearance of 12 feet, 2 inches. As of 9:45 a.m. firefighters were still working to free the truck, and the road remained closed. The truck is likely totaled but there was no damage to the bridge, Coffey said. The driver is licensed in New York and was cited tickets for not wearing a seatbelt, disregarding a traffic control device and exceeding clearance. Coffey did not release the drivers name. Truck hits Park Street Bridge in Syracuse and gets stuck on May 27, 2025. 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. Murray Gould, 75, director of St. Lucys food pantry. In August, he was punched in the face while working on the pantry. Photographed at the food pantry Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Syracuse, N.Y. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Murray Gould has a great smile. It stretches across his weathered face all the way to his bright blue eyes. He taps on his front teeth. All fake, he says. Then he laughs as he sits in the food pantry at St. Lucys Church on Syracuses Near West Side. Gould, 75, is the director of the pantry. His mouth was ripped apart one day while working at the pantry. An angry young man sucker punched Gould, according to Gould and the police report. It was just one punch, powered by youth, rage, mental illness and a poorly placed ring. It was random. And it was powerful. It knocked out all of Goulds front teeth. He needed 50 stitches. Hes had countless surgeries and bone grafts, and hes not done yet. Gould existed on pudding and soup for more than a month. This story is not about what happened to Gould, but what he did in the wake of that punch. The pantry serves 450 families a month in one of the citys poorest communities; many of its clients live in a constant cycle of disappointment. Gould, a semi-retired corporate tax expert who lives in Syracuse, was not going to let this be another. The food pantry is more than just groceries. It serves respect without judgment to people who spend most of their days struggling in the margins. The punch happened on a Thursday. The food pantry was supposed to reopen three days later. Should it? And if it did, would Gould be there? Do not go back there, his wife, Ellen, said. She was looking at a man who had spent an entire day in the emergency room, had 50 stiches and all of his front teeth broken. His best friend was even more adamant. He begged him not to go back. But Gould looked past himself. Im not the only one. Its the volunteers. Its the clients. And its the church community who have had their safety disrupted, Gould says. He worried that if he didnt show up, other people would do the same. The pantry runs on volunteers. What if they got scared? And what if the clients who depend on the pantry were too afraid to come? If I dont go back, he wins, Gould says. I felt they needed to see the recovery Im not dead. Gould said he thought about Sister Pat Bergan, an unflappable fixture at St. Lucys. The nun continued to show up and help in all ways even though she was battling terminal cancer. She died on Christmas Eve. Wont you be embarrassed, Goulds wife asked. Fair question. His mouth was a disaster. The only tooth that showed was broken. S*** happens, Gould says, laughing and showing the smile still under construction. This happened on Aug. 8, more than nine months ago. Sincere Shorter, 23, had come to St. Lucys pantry that day looking for food. But hed already hit his limit for the month. The pantry serves more than 450 families a month, but each is only allowed to come twice. Shorter was told he couldnt shop that day. He got angrier and angrier. Gould tried to step in and calm him down. Were sorry, he said. But those are just the rules. Youre welcome to come back next month. But Shorter refused to leave. Gould told him he was going to call the police. He reached into his pocket for his phone. The next thing I know Im on the ground, Gould says. Blood was pouring out of his mouth. Shorter ran after that one punch. Police came, chased him and caught him. Goulds teeth marks were on his fist. Murray Gould, the director of St. Lucy's Food Pantry, was punched in the face by an angry client Aug. 8. He required 50 stitches and the reconstruction of his teeth is still not complete. But he was back at the pantry the next time it opened. provided photo Gould spent the rest of that day in the emergency room. But three days later, after those conversations with his wife and friend, he went back. People saw what happened with every word, every smile, as he explained it. This was the only attack ever at the pantry in 30 years. Its a safe place, and theyll make changes to make it safer, Gould said he told them. In the first week after the attack, he spoke with the clients, explaining why he looked the way he did and assuring them they were still safe. When Gould took the job running the pantry, just before Covid hit, he thought hed be focusing on keeping the place organized, managing volunteers, managing inventory. Gould, who attends All Saints Roman Catholic Church in Syracuse, has always been involved in his church and service work, but not quite like this. He found himself focused on the families the pantry served. He wanted to learn their names, their lives, and make sure they know they mattered here. These are people who are underserved in every way, and that includes respect, Gould says. He could not let the man who attacked him take that away from all of them. The food pantry did make some changes. Rules are posted on the walls in English and Spanish. Gould and the volunteers have gone through training about how to deescalate a situation when someone becomes enraged. Gould and one other person now carry pepper gel, after going through training on how to use it. Its a last resort option, Gould says. But one hell use. Shorter, the man who punched Gould, was charged with second-degree assault. It was not his first violent charge. He was sentenced to time served, which was three-and-a-half months. Gould spoke at his sentencing. Youre accountable for what you did. Change. Take advantage of the opportunity. Learn from it. You dont want to be back here, Gould said. my faith tells me that I forgive you. Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people and public affairs in Central New York. Contact her anytime email| cell 315-470-2246. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, left, and Common Councilor Pat Hogan take part in a celebration of the Syracuse Downtown Committee's 50th anniversary on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (Jeremy Boyer I JBoyer@syracuse.com) Jeremy Boyer I JBoyer@syracuse.com Update: The Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to override all of Mayor Ben Walshs vetoes, preserving $16 million in cuts to his proposed budget. Syracuse, N.Y. The Syracuse Common Council will likely reject all of Mayor Ben Walshs budget objections today, keeping in place a 2025-26 spending plan that includes a flat property tax rate and $16 million in cuts to the mayors proposal. Common Councilor Pat Hogan, the bodys president pro tempore, and Councilor Corey Williams, who chairs the Taxation and Finance Committee, said they expect the council today will override Walshs 45 budget vetoes. Walsh delivered his objections to council on May 19 in response to the councils May 9 budget amendments. Citing a desire to cut a 2% proposed tax rate and reduce how much money would be pulled from the citys main savings fund to balance the budget, councilors unanimously approved a little more than $16 million in cuts from Walshs $348.4 million proposal. The mayors budget would increase overall spending by 2.2% compared with the current fiscal years plan; the councils cuts amount to a 2.4% reduction in expenses. Walsh agreed to about $2.5 million in cuts that would eliminate the need for a tax rate increase, plus an additional spending reductions of $900,000. For the council, though, reducing the use of the citys savings is too important to compromise on the cuts they adopted. The Walsh budget would tap about $27 million from the fund balance, which is expected to have about $120 million at the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Councils move brought the drawn down to $14.4 million. The council and the Walsh administration have publicly disagreed about how to use reserves in the next fiscal year since January. Days before Walshs final State of the City address council, Williams submitted a letter to the editor to syracuse.com that turned out to be an opening salvo in the budget fight. Continued deficit spending at this rate could eliminate the citys rainy day fund; in a matter of years and leave the us in a position where the City is unable to pay its bills, he wrote. Walsh responded with a letter of his own, pointing to the administrations record of budgeting conservatively and doubling the citys reserves as evidence that the city is on stronger financial footing. Those differences of opinion about the citys reserves remained the day council approved its budget amendments more than three months later. The fund balance is intended for rainy days, for circumstances when the alternative is unpalatable, Walsh said in a fiery press conference. When the alternative is cutting services, hurting people, hurting our workforce, thats what its there for. Yet the council is choosing, instead of drawing from those reserves that weve worked so hard to create, they would rather hurt our taxpayers, our constituents, our workforce and reduce services." Councilors have said their cuts dont target currently filled city jobs and department heads can move funds around within their own budget as they see fit. Hogan has called some of the cuts to services predicted by department heads as scare tactics. When asked during a press conference on May 19 if the councils cuts would definitely lead to job cuts, the mayor paused, looked up and sighed before giving his answer. Its hard to say, he said. Its going to be difficult. I dont want to say anything more than that. Part of what Ive been sensitive to throughout this process is the fact that we these are peoples lives and livelihoods and I dont want to unnecessarily scare people. I also dont want to be Chicken Little. I want to try to manage peoples expectations so were going to go to great lengths to limit the negative impact on services and jobs. City reporter Jeremy Boyer can be reached atjboyer@syracuse.com, (315) 657-5673,TwitterorFacebook. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, left, and Common Councilor Pat Hogan take part in a celebration of the Syracuse Downtown Committee's 50th anniversary on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (Jeremy Boyer I JBoyer@syracuse.com) Jeremy Boyer I JBoyer@syracuse.com The Syracuse Common Councils objections to Mayor Ben Walshs proposed $348 million budget sound reasonable enough. Councilors dont like raising property taxes for the third year in a row and think the mayor relies too heavily on the rainy-day fund to balance the budget. If only the council had seen fit to have a public debate about them and to negotiate changes with Walsh. Instead, councilors commissioned a secret report to advise them on budget cuts, all the while conducting performative public hearings with city department heads. Then they met in secret to come up with $16 million in budget cuts, in violation of the state Open Meetings Law. They sprang them on the mayor and city residents without notice, releasing the consultants report only after voting on 80 budget amendments, another violation of government transparency law. Finally, they refused to engage the administration in good-faith negotiations to resolve their differences, even after the mayor offered compromises and eliminated a 2% tax increase. Its impossible to separate these actions from the fact that this is an election year, and two councilors, Pat Hogan and Chol Majok, are running for mayor against Walshs top aide, Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens. Walshs proposed fiscal 2026 budget would have raised spending by 2.2% and drawn $27 million from the citys $120 million reserve fund to balance the budget. This year, of all the years, councilors took the unusual step of hiring an accounting firm, The Bonadio Group, to help them vet the budget line by line. After six days of number-crunching, Bonadio identified up to $26 million in potential budget cuts. The council unanimously decided to slash $16 million from Walshs budget, canceling the tax increase and taking only $14.4 million from the rainy day fund. The surprise cuts drew an angry response from the mayor and city department heads, including Police Chief Joe Cecile and Fire Chief Michael Monds. And who could blame them? They had no inkling the council was planning such drastic action until they read it in the newspaper. Hogan and Majok should put themselves in Walshs shoes. How would they feel if a future council treated them with such disrespect? Walsh vetoed about half the councils budget amendments and accepted the rest. The council is poised to override the vetoes as soon as its meeting on Tuesday. The councils across-the-board cuts of 7% for most departments, and 5% for police and fire, are indiscriminate and irresponsible. Hogans attitude is that its up to city department heads to decide what to cut. Thats a cop-out. The council should have engaged the administration in specific discussions of what programs and services to reduce or eliminate. Without knowing how the cuts will fall, the council cannot honestly claim that no currently occupied jobs will be eliminated. The councils unilateral cuts will have a profound impact on important city priorities and city services. Well mention just three. Housing: The lack of quality, affordable housing for current residents, let alone new arrivals anticipated because of Micron, is a pressing issue. The councils cuts to code enforcement, outside counsel and neighborhood and business development will slow down new construction and rehabilitation of existing units, and lead to fewer prosecutions of bad landlords. Police overtime: Weve long advocated for tighter controls on police overtime. Bonadio points out that it routinely comes in well over budget. Instead of budgeting more realistically, the council actually cut the OT budget by $1 million. Hogan said, they can just come back to the council for more money when it runs out. Then why pretend to budget at all? The police chief is right to call out councilors for demanding he leap into action when they call and then giving him fewer resources to do so. Revenue generation: Councilors canceled a 2% increase in water rates amounting to roughly $5 per household as the city ramps up replacement of lead service lines and constantly repairs its century-old water infrastructure. That runs counter to Bonadios recommendation to increase water revenues through a combination of a rate increase and eliminating unfilled positions. Cuts to parking violations and information technology will reduce the amount of fines the city will collect from a new school zone traffic enforcement effort. This is in addition to our objection to the councils cancellation of a citywide reassessment project that would have made property taxes fairer. For as long as we can remember, the city of Syracuse has faced the same fiscal reality: It spends more money than it collects in taxes or other fees. Its ability to raise revenue is limited by concentrated poverty and the huge number of tax-exempt properties in the city. Tapping the rainy-day fund is the only way it can balance the budget. Up to now, Syracuse has avoided a fiscal crisis through one-time infusions of state municipal aid and federal Covid relief funds. Those ships have sailed, leaving city leaders with hard decisions and now, hard feelings. It would have been preferable for the council and the mayor to hash them out at the negotiating table, instead of through press releases, press conferences and letters to the editor. Its not too late to try. About Syracuse.com editorials Editorials represent the collective opinion of the Advance Media New York editorial board. Our opinions are independent of news coverage. Read our mission statement. Members of the editorial board are Tim Kennedy, Trish LaMonte and Marie Morelli. To respond to this editorial: Submit a letter or commentary to letters@syracuse.com. Read our submission guidelines. If you have questions about the Opinions & Editorials section, contact Marie Morelli, editorial/opinion lead, at mmorelli@syracuse.com Steve Dunham is superintendent of the Westhill Central School District. In 2006, New York state started grades 3 through 8 testing in both English Language Arts and Mathematics as a result of a federal regulation known as No Child Left Behind. This regulation was reauthorized in 2015 into the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Ten years later, ESSA continues to require annual testing for all students in grades 3 through 8. The initial reason for why these assessments came about was to measure student mastery and growth relative to learning standards, ensure accountability, and guide classroom instruction to help ensure all students have the support needed to succeed. It actually sounds pretty good. In a perfect world, all students would show up, take the assessment and do their best. We would have some data to use in conjunction with all of the other assessments teachers perform routinely as part of their professional practice. A generation of students have now sat for these tests with the intended results never being realized. I have been involved with these assessments since their inception. I have administered them as a teacher and principal. I have watched all four of my own kids take them over the years. Not only have these assessments not delivered on their promises; they have brought a disruption to instruction. This annual administration creates unnecessary levels of stress and anxiety for students, teachers and administrators, without providing educators with reliable and valid data. So, whats the point? It has evolved into an exercise in futility that simply does not deliver useful information or results that improve any aspect of education for our students. Yet, every spring we jump back on the rollercoaster assessment ride. Its time to rethink the entire process. Heres what a typical testing day looks like if you were to visit any school. Students will fall into four categories: Student #1: This student really wants to do well. They put way too much pressure on themselves, and they dwell on every question, spending almost half of the day completing their assessment. They want to do well to the point of stressing themselves out. Student #2: This student didnt even realize there was an assessment. They log in, answer a few questions randomly and hit submit. Student #3: This student showed up and did their best. The assessment is not part of their grade and they arent worried about the results, but they tried because thats what they do. Student #4: This student showed up 10 minutes late to school with a note from their mother on a half of a Dunkin napkin with a note written on it; Please excuse Michael from the assessment today. This particular student hasnt taken a New York State Assessment in four years. These students, or students with very similar profiles, are in every building at every grade level throughout the state. Even under the most ideal conditions, the results from these assessments are unreliable, invalid and unusable. Yet, districts will be ranked and profiled in the local newspapers, based on the students results on two random days in the spring. The individual student scores, for what they are worth, dont get reported back to us until the fall of the following school year. At that point students are in a different grade level, some in different buildings and some in completely different districts. Needless to say, the assessment cycle doesnt deliver. This assessment season started out to be more disruptive than in past years. The required Computer-Based Testing (CBT) platform experienced a complete shutdown for two consecutive days at the onset of the English Language Arts assessment, further adding to the frustration and unreliability of the student scores. At districts throughout the region, some students had their testing session interrupted, some were not able to log on at all, while others completed the assessment but were unable to submit the test when finished. The New York State Education Department quickly came out with a statement acknowledging the loss of two testing days and the need for flexibility on the part of districts. NYSED is missing the point. It isnt a loss of two testing days. Its a loss of instructional time and a loss of meaningful opportunities for students to learn and interact. The ongoing charade that the grades 3-8 assessments somehow provide schools with meaningful information that can be used to inform and improve student achievement and growth needs to end. I believe that each school district should have the ability to work with their highly qualified staff to implement assessment systems to monitor student progress relative to the learning standards throughout the school year. We already have most of these systems in place. Districts should share those systems with their communities, report student progress to families, and engage them in conversations about individual student growth. I trust our teachers and administrators who are already doing the work. We do not need two days of disruptive standardized testing in the spring for both ELA and Mathematics to measure what our students know and can do. We know that high-stakes testing isnt a great measure of anything. One test on one day cannot fully capture the learning and growth that an individual student has made. A truer picture of learning is what we observe and assess in the classroom over time. For all of the students and staff impacted by the testing gaffe, I am sorry that you had to experience this. Our students and staff throughout the state deserve better, and we can absolutely develop a better system that works. If we get the right people in the room and focus on solutions that we know are best practice, anything is possible. Its time for meaningful change. Lake Champlain glitters on Oct. 20, 2024, in Point Au Roche State Park in Plattsburgh, New York. New Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com If youre looking for the perfect place to cast a line, this majestic lake in Upstate New York is a reel catch. Lake Champlain has been dubbed one of the best fishing lakes in the United States in 2025. The long Adirondacks lake was the only spot in the Empire State specifically included on the list of the best lakes in America for anglers by Fishingbooker.com, the worlds largest fishing charter community. At a whopping 120 miles long, Lake Champlain spans a long stretch of the New York-Vermont border. While most of the lake is within the United States, its northern tip is in Quebec in Canada. The majestic lake was briefly recognized as the nations Sixth Great Lake a nickname that remains, even though its official federal status was short-lived. In its ranking, Fishingbooker.com recognized Lake Champlain for its beautiful scenery and a vibrant fishery. Michael Bell holds up a bass he caught while fishing on Lake Champlain in New York. Photo courtesy of @mgbfishing on Instagram Photo courtesy of @mgbfishing on Instagram Its waters provide a home to an interesting variety of species, making the lake one of the best places to fish in either of the two states it borders, the charter boat marketplace wrote. Lake Champlain is home to over 90 species of fish and is widely considered one of the best bass-fishing spots in the world, according to the Lake Champlain Land Trust. Conservationists in New York and Vermont have also spent decades working to make Lake Champlains lake trout population self-sustainable. On the New York side of Lake Champlain, make the small city of Plattsburgh your base camp. Head to the scenic Point Au Roche State Park, which boasts a sandy beach, boat launches and a nature center. When youve cast your final line for the day, grab Michigans, a Plattsburgh specialty, at Clare & Carls Hot Dog Stand. The (official) Great Lakes also made Fishingbooker.coms list of the best lakes for fishing. Parts of two Great Lakes, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, are within New York. Yes, it almost feels like cheating to include them on the list because theyre more akin to inland seas than lakes, the website wrote, but, with the kind of fishing they offer, we simply couldnt exclude them. The FBI is reopening investigations or pushing more resources toward existing ones in several high-profile cases. A June 14, 2018 file photo shows an FBI seal on a podium before a news conference at the agency's headquarters in Washington. (Jose Luis Magana | AP Photo) Jose Luis Magana | AP Photo The FBI is either reopening investigations or pushing more resources into existing ones in three high-profile cases. The three cases include pipe bombs found in Washington in 2021, cocaine found in the White House in 2023 while Joe Biden was president and a leaked Supreme Court decision on abortion, according to ABC News. The FBI announced the renewed efforts involving those cases on Monday. Shortly after swearing in, the director and I evaluated a number of cases of potential public corruption that, understandably, have garnered public interest, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino posted on X. We made the decision to either re-open, or push additional resources and investigative attention, to these cases. I receive requested briefings on these cases weekly and we are making progress, he added. If you have any investigative tips on these matters that may assist us then please contact the FBI. The cases drew intense public interest and anger from some Republicans and other conservatives. Bongino, a former podcaster, raised questions about both the cocaine case and leak case, according to Axios. The cocaine was found at the White House in July 2023, but the Secret Service closed the case days later, saying it couldnt find a suspect, according to ABC. Before taking his role at the FBI, Bongino had suggested the drug belonged to a member of the Biden family, according to NPR. Biden and his family were not at the White House at the time the cocaine was found. House Republicans at the time questioned how quickly the investigation was closed, according to ABC. The leak case occurred when a draft opinion in a major Supreme Court case involving abortion rights was disclosed early. The decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization case ultimately overturned the national right to an abortion and allowed each state to make its own decisions about the procedure. The Supreme Courts investigators looked into the leak of the opinion, but couldnt determine who the leaker was, ABC said. The pipe bombing case stems from two explosive devices found outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee offices in Washington a day before the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol, according to ABC. The FBI has been unable to make gains in finding a suspect in the case, despite offering a $500,000 reward, ABC said. The FBI and the Justice Department have also launched an investigation into real estate transactions involving New York Attorney General Letitia James. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, center, is joined by faith leaders, farmers and food bank operators who condemned a Republican bill that would cut federal food aid. The group gathered Tuesday, May, 27, 2025 in front of the Catholic Charities food pantry in Fulton, N.Y. Provided A group of Central New York faith leaders, farmers and food pantry operators took the rare step Tuesday of speaking out on a political issue, united against a Republican bill that could lead to the biggest cuts in food aid in U.S. history. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., brought the group together in Oswego County, one of the reddest counties in New York where President Donald Trump has enjoyed some of his strongest support in the state. FILE - In this June 16, 2016 file photo, Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., speaks at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke, File) AP NEW YORK (AP) Former U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, an outspoken, gravel-voiced Harlem Democrat who spent nearly five decades on Capitol Hill and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died Monday at age 94. His family confirmed the death in a statement provided by City College of New York spokesperson Michelle Stent. He died at a hospital in New York, Stent said. A veteran of the Korean War, he defeated legendary Harlem politician Adam Clayton Powell in 1970 to start his congressional career. During the next 40-plus years, he became a legend himself as dean of the New York congressional delegation and, in 2007, the first African American to chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He stepped down from that committee amid an ethics cloud, and the House censured him in 2010. But he continued to serve in Congress until his retirement in 2017. Rangel was the last surviving member of the Gang of Four African American political figures who wielded great power in New York City and state politics. The others were David Dinkins, New York Citys first Black mayor; Percy Sutton, who was Manhattan Borough president; and Basil Paterson, a deputy mayor and New York secretary of state. Charlie was a true activist weve marched together, been arrested together and painted crack houses together, the Rev. Al Sharpton, leader of the National Action Network, said in a statement, noting that he met Rangel as a teenager. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York issued a statement calling Rangel a patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent and champion for justice who made his beloved Harlem, the City of New York and the United States of America a better place for all. Rangels voice was memorable Few could forget Rangel after hearing him talk. His distinctive gravel-toned voice and wry sense of humor were a memorable mix. That voice one of the most liberal in the House was loudest in opposition to the Iraq War, which he branded a death tax on poor people and minorities. In 2004, he tried to end the war by offering a bill to restart the military service draft. Republicans called his bluff and brought the bill to a vote. Even Rangel voted against it. A year later, Rangels fight over the war became bitterly personal with then-Vice President Dick Cheney. Rangel said Cheney, who has a history of heart trouble, might be too sick to perform his job. I would like to believe hes sick rather than just mean and evil, Rangel said. After several such verbal jabs, Cheney hit back, saying Rangel was losing it. The charismatic Harlem lawmaker rarely backed down from a fight after he first entered the House in 1971 as a dragon slayer of sorts, having unseated Powell in the Democratic congressional primary in 1970. The flamboyant elder Powell, a city political icon first elected to the House in 1944, was ill and haunted by scandal at the time. In 1987, Congress approved what was known as the Rangel amendment, which denied foreign tax credits to U.S. companies investing in apartheid-era South Africa. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted that he urged her to run for the Senate in 2000. Former President Bill Clinton recalled working with Rangel in the 1990s to extend tax credits for businesses that invest in economically distressed areas. The House censured him over ethics violations Rangel became leader of the main tax-writing committee of the House, which has jurisdiction over programs including Social Security and Medicare, after the 2006 midterm elections when Democrats ended 12 years of Republican control of the chamber. But in 2010, a House ethics committee conducted a hearing on 13 counts of alleged financial and fundraising misconduct over issues surrounding financial disclosures and use of congressional resources. He was convicted of 11 ethics violations. The House found he had failed to pay taxes on a vacation villa, filed misleading financial disclosure forms and improperly solicited donations for a college center from corporations with business before his committee. The House followed the ethics committees recommendation that he be censured, the most serious punishment short of expulsion. Committed to fighting for the little guy Rangel looked after his constituents, sponsoring empowerment zones with tax credits for businesses moving into economically depressed areas and developers of low income housing. I have always been committed to fighting for the little guy, Rangel said in 2012. Rangel was born June 11, 1930. During the Korean War, he earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He would always say that he measured his days, even the troubled ones around the ethics scandal, against the time in 1950 when he survived being wounded as other soldiers didnt make it. It became the title of his autobiography: And I Havent Had A Bad Day Since. A high school dropout, he went to college on the G.I. Bill, getting degrees from New York University and St. Johns University Law School. Two teenagers fell into a deep gorge in Upstate New York while hiking on Memorial Day. Rescuers from more than a dozen departments rushed to Clark Gully in the Finger Lakes around 2:30 p.m. Monday to help two people who fell 35 feet into the gully, Middlesex Hose Company said in a news release. Clark Gully is part of the High Tor Wildlife Management Area, a large area that stretches from Middlesex near the southwest tip of Canadaigua Lake to the town of Naples. The hiking trail is considered challenging, according to AllTrails. The teens were resting near the edge of Clark Gully when a log slipped on the rain-soaked ground, sending the hikers sliding into the gully, Naples Assistant Fire Chief John Hebding told WROC. After spending hours doing thorough reconnaissance and setting up rigging systems, Middlesexs rope team worked with Dundee and Ontario County rope teams to lift both hikers from the gully, Middlesex firefighters said. The teens were then taken out of the woods and airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital, WHAM said. No major injuries were initially reported. The names and ages of the hikers were not released. By 9:30 p.m., all crews had left Clark Gully, firefighters said. Here are the departments Middlesex firefighters said responded to the Clark Gully rescue: Teagasc Moorepark25 Dairy Open Day in July The Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day will take place on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025. The theme of the Open Day is Innovating for the Future, and is proudly sponsored by FBD Insurance, with additional support from Ornua and Allied Irish Bank. Pictured at the launch of Moorepark25, the main Teagasc Dairy Open Day in 2025 are; Liam Woulfe, Teagasc Authority; Noel Grealish TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for research; Professor Frank OMara, Teagasc Director; Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Michael Berkery, Chairman FBD Trust; and Maureen OMeara, FBD. Photo: OGorman Photography. The dairy industry has been through transformational change in the past 10 years since the removal of milk quotas. The pent-up capacity for growth was released, and milk solids output has almost doubled. The growth of the dairy industry, which began in 2011, coincided with financial challenges in the Irish economy. Over the past 15 years, the Irish dairy industry has withstood a global pandemic, war on the continent of Europe and more recently global financial trade barriers. Since 2022, the dairy industry has entered a new phase of consolidation. Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O Mara said; It is important that we take time to reflect and plan for the next phase of development for the Irish dairy industry. The industry must continue to align with EU and national policy objectives, with a particular focus on lowering carbon emissions, enhancing animal welfare, improving water and air quality and enhancing biodiversity. At the same time, dairy farms must generate financially rewarding career opportunities with a favourable work-life balance. Providing business models that encourage and reward young, enthusiastic, and well-trained people to enter and prosper in the industry is essential for its future sustainability. A clear pathway for these prospective dairy farmers to achieve their goals is needed to ensure that they are attracted into the industry. Michael Berkery, Chairman FBD Trust said; At FBD, were proud to partner with Teagasc in supporting the 2025 Moorepark Open Day. We recognise the vital role events like the Open Day play in fostering knowledge, innovation, and collaboration within the farming community. Knowledge sharing and education around best practise and new technologies are critical to empower dairy farmers to build innovative, sustainable businesses for the future. The Moorepark Open Day provides an invaluable opportunity for farmers and industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the latest advancements in dairy production, all while shaping the future of Irish agriculture. Speaking at the launch of the Open Day, Professor Laurence Shalloo, Head of the Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation Programme, said; Dairy farms and dairy farming are consistently one of the most profitable agricultural enterprises reported by the Teagasc National Farm Survey. A strong recovery in Family Farm Income occurred in 2024 following a very challenging year in 2023. A strong performance is expected in 2025 with to-date a favourable Spring, strong milk prices as well as strong cull cow and calf prices. The dairy industry has a consistent track record of innovation in areas for example around the uptake of the EBI, the uptake of white and red clover at farm level, the use of sexed semen, and the use of high DBI bulls to increase the beef merit of non-replacement dairy calves from the dairy herd. This level of innovation and technology adoption will be key to addressing the challenges of cost control, generational renewal, improved water quality and lowering greenhouse gas emissions as the industry moves forward. The dairy industry has consistently responded in a positive manner to challenges in the past, and I am sure it will face the current challenges with the same focus. Moorepark25 will provide the pathway and support to farm families to address these challenges while embracing the opportunities. Demonstrations Demonstrations and workshops on grazing management, reseeding, low emission slurry spreading, fertiliser type, white clover swards, calibration of fertiliser spreaders, farm infrastructure, manure storage options, body condition scoring, milk quality, calf rearing, genetics, and health and safety will take place throughout the day. There will be a particular focus on TB and TB control at farm level demonstrated on the day. Discussion forums at the Open Day will take place around cost control and growth opportunities for dairy farm businesses, from a national and international perspective. A number of topics will be discussed at the Ornua forum area including market updates, milk quality as well as an industry forum to discuss future challenges and opportunities for the industry as a whole. Teagasc Moorepark25 will be an informative event for those with an interest in the Irish dairy industry. A comprehensive booklet will be provided. Admission and parking is free, no booking necessary. Gates open from 8:30 am and the event closes at 5 pm. More information on the open day and regular updates in the weeks leading up to the event can be found here The Stay Safe with Jessy competition brings farm safety to the classroom Teagasc is proud to announce the launch of the Stay Safe with Jessy farm safety art competition and webinar, a new initiative aimed at promoting farm safety among children. Pictured launching the Stay Safe with Jessy campaign were left to right: Alma Jordan, Agrikids; Declan McArdle, Teagasc Digital Media Production Manager; Alison Maloney, Teagasc Digital & Online Communications Specialist; and Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist with Jessy and her friends. Join them on Thursday, 19th June for a fun, interactive webinar on farm safety. The competition invites all primary school going children across Ireland to participate in creating pieces of art that highlight the importance of safety practices in agriculture, and on Irish farms. Enter the competition and register for the webinar here. The art competition will be followed by a live webinar on Thursday, 19th June at 11am. This 40-minute webinar hosted by Alison Maloney of Teagasc will be live streamed from our Teagasc studio in Oak Park, Carlow. Joining Alison in studio will be Jessy the Sheepdog and Francis Bligh, Farm Safety Specialist in Teagasc and they will be going live to St. Josephs National School in Rathwire, County Westmeath, where Alma Jordan from Agrikids will be discussing farm safety with students in the school. During the webinar on 19th June, winners of the art competition will be announced. There are three categories for prizes in the art competition, from which there will be an overall winner and a runner up in each category. These categories are: Junior and Senior Infants; 1st 3rd Class; and 4th 6th Class. Get your entries in quick as the closing date for the competition is Friday, 6th June at 5pm. Prizes up for grabs in the art competition include Smyths Toys Vouchers to the value of 100 for each category winner and an Agrikids Farm Safety Workshop with Alma Jordan for their school during the 2025/2026 school year. There will be three category runners up who will each receive a Smyths Toys Voucher to the value of 25. In addition, each winner will receive a Lily Nolan Memorial Trophy for their school. Jessy the Sheepdog was originally developed in 2007 by the late Lily Nolan of Teagasc, and the HSA. The storyline in the original book follows a dog called Jessy and her three puppies as they encounter various dangers on the farm. The book is available to download here. Francis Bligh, Farm Safety Specialist in Teagasc said; Farms can be dangerous places, especially for children. Through this campaign we will be highlighting the main dangers and risks on farms, and how to avoid them, and stay safe. Speaking in advance of the webinar, Declan McArdle, Digital Media Production Manager in Teagasc said: Im excited to be directing this innovative Stay Safe with Jessy Webinar, where Jessy the Sheepdog comes to life through animation and works together with live presenters to share important farm safety tips with kids in a fun and memorable way. Alison Maloney, Digital and Online Communications specialist with Teagasc, said; Im looking forward to hosting the Stay Safe with Jessy event. Im thrilled to see Jessy come to life, and I would encourage all teachers and parents to support children in participating in the Stay Safe with Jessy campaign. Its a great opportunity to start the conversation around farm safety with children who live on or visit farms. Its been a real privilege to work alongside Teagasc on the Stay Safe with Jessy farm safety campaign, said Alma Jordan of Agrikids. This initiative is specifically focused on children, who can be powerful messengers for safety at home and on the farm. By making these lessons engaging and age appropriate, were helping to build safer habits from a young age and that can have a lasting impact. Eighty years ago, the US military was grinding it out from one Japanese-held Pacific island to another in a brutal, costly campaign as gut-wrenching as any in American history. Basilone has an honored place in this story. Born in Buffalo and raised in New Jersey by his Italian-American parents, he enlisted in the Army in the 1930s as a teenager. Then, after a stint as a civilian, he signed up for the Marines in 1940. During the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942, he almost single-handedly held off a massive assault by a Japanese regiment against two machine gun sections he commanded. Basilone's exploits were worthy of an over-the-top scene from a war movie, or a great-hearted warrior from an ancient epic. When the Japanese disabled one of the American gun crews, Basilone moved another machine gun into position and personally manned it, and also repaired another gun under heavy fire. When they needed more supplies, Basilone ran through Japanese lines to get the ammunition, defending himself with his Colt .45. He fought for days and, by the end, he and his comrades had basically annihilated the Japanese attackers. Basilone lost his asbestos gloves in the chaos and still handled the searing machine gun barrels, sustaining burns on his hands. He'd been, as Gen. Douglas MacArthur put it later, a "one-man army." Nash Phillips, a private who was wounded in the fight, recalled, "Basilone had a machine gun on the go for three days and nights without sleep, rest or food." Phillips described Basilone coming to see him when he was getting medical treatment: "He was barefooted and his eyes were red as fire. His face was dirty black from gunfire and lack of sleep. His shirt sleeves were rolled up to his shoulders. He had a .45 tucked into the waistband of his trousers. Portrait of Marine Sgt. John Basilone, Guadalcanal hero and Medal of Honor recipient. New York Post "He'd just dropped by to see how I was making out; me and the others in the section. I'll never forget him. He'll never be dead in my mind!" Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor and afforded, appropriately, a hero's welcome back in the States. He participated in the campaign to sell war bonds. His conduct at Guadalcanal would be more than enough valor in one life for the rest of us, but Basilone wanted back in the fight. The Marines told him he was more valuable at home and denied his request. Basilone insisted, and the Marines eventually relented. He was a machine gun section leader again in February 1945, on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, a godforsaken hunk of volcanic rock in the middle of the Pacific. The dug-in Japanese chewed up the Americans on the beaches. Basilone flanked a Japanese blockhouse, climbed atop it, and took it out on his own. He then led a Marine tank out of a minefield, before getting fatally hit. For this action, he posthumously received the Navy Cross. The citation refers to him as "stouthearted and indomitable," and praises "his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice." We remember the likes of John Basilone to honor his sacrifice and to remind us of the blood and toil that have kept us safe and free. And also, one hopes, to inspire others to try to match his example, if and when the time of testing comes. Bridges and US Navy ships have been named after him, and Basilone was a featured character in the Steven Spielberg HBO series "The Pacific." Raritan, NJ, still has an annual parade in honor of the hometown hero, and has an unabashedly heroic, larger-than-life statue of Basilone cradling a machine gun emphatically someone not to be messed with. Basilone had a tattoo on his arm that read, "Death before Dishonor." He took that imperative seriously. We owe an immeasurable debt to him, and to all American warriors who have done the same. (COMMENT, BELOW) Jeroen Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Delhi Posts: 9,072 Thanked: 63,996 Times View My Garage Re: Bought a Yacht | 2006 Drammer 935 Classic We anchored for our lunch. I realised that this was also the very first time I had used the anchor. Not a problem, everything went fine. And I got to use another interesting feature on my fancy Raymarine Plotter: anchor watch. You tell it where you dropped your anchor, how deep the water is and the amount of chain you let out. It calculates the circle in which the boat can move. When it moves out of that circle, it raises an alarm as the anchor is dragging. I decided to run out the total chain in our marina. I did not know how much chain Sirion has. Also, I wanted to make sure it has so called chain length marker attached at the appropriate spaces. I can operate the anchor winch from the steering stand with this switch: I also have a sort of remote device that should allow me to operate it from the open cockpit. I tried, but it did not work. Not a big problem, but I will put it on the list of things to fix when all the important things that need fixing are done. You can also operate the anchor winch standing on the bow, with these foot switches. The anchor and all its chain in the locker. Also two collapsible Anchor-balls. Your supposed to put these up in the mast if at anchor. I dropped the anchor a couple of decimeters and lifted it ashore. Next, I used a special wrench to release the brake mechanism. Essentially it allows the anchor to free fall, or in this case, for me to pull all the chain ashore. In all, I pulled 50 meters of chain out of Sirions chain locker! I also checked and added a few of these markers. I have one of these markers now every 5 meters. So when you are lowering the anchor you count the number of markers going out! Last bit of anchor out of the chain locker. End of the chain tied to the boat. Very important. It is done with a bit of rope. In case of emergency, you can easily cut through with a knife. You lose the anchor unless you manage to secure a buoy or so to it. Rewound the chain and we are all ready for the next time!! Notice how much lighter the bow is, with the anchor and chain out? Next, I continued with the troubleshooting of the problematic converter. You will have seen me spend a lot of time troubleshooting this device. It appears as if it doesn't generate a WiFi signal. But why? As you might recall, this device is hooked up in the Raymarine Network. This is a so called NMEA2000 network. So I have been reading up on these networks a bit. I made myself some special test leads. These devices are powered through the Network cable itself. So you need to get at least 11,5V or more. I was getting just over 13V, so plenty! With the network powered down, you can also check the resistance in the Network. It has two special end resistors, and they should measure 60 ohms. Look at mine, near perfect! These are the two basic tests any NMEA Network needs to pass. So my network basics were fine. So why was this device not working? I also noted that with the device in the network, it appears it gets power, but no WiFi signal. That is before I switch on any other equipment. It sounds easy enough, doing some of these test. But in practice it takes a lot of time to get access, to get all the tools out etc. I decided to make another test lead so I could power up these two devices I bought completely outside the Network, so stand alone. I quickly drove home to pick up a 12VDC transformer. Sure enough, with external 12VDC applied I was still not getting a WiFi signal. So I moved my test set up outside the cabin and even ashore!! Sirion has three master switches for the electrical system. One is for the batteries and charging circuits. One is for the engine and the third one is for all instrumentation and everything else. I noticed that with the instrument master switch off, I was getting a good WiFi signal from either device. As soon as I turn on the instrument master switch the WiFi signal is gone!! So although this is not the root cause it is a very important finding. I know, based on all my earlier testing, no other WiFi signals are interfering. I have managed to exclude all of that. But my conclusion is that when I switch the instrument master switch, something gets powered up that causes a total suppression/interference of this WiFi signal. Which is weird, as all of the instrument equipment has seperate individual circuits switched to put actual power to the respective instruments. But this is an almost 20-year-old vessel. You have seen me work on the electrical bits before and it is not what you would call well laid out. In fact, it is pretty messy. Somewhere, I have a device that is hooked up directly to the instrument power. So no solution yet, but we are definitely making progress and starting to hone in on the root cause!! Jeroen Earlier this week, my friend Peter and his partner Gillian came round. The four of us spent the whole day on Sirion sailing up and down the river Linge. Very nice and pleasant.We anchored for our lunch. I realised that this was also the very first time I had used the anchor. Not a problem, everything went fine. And I got to use another interesting feature on my fancy Raymarine Plotter: anchor watch. You tell it where you dropped your anchor, how deep the water is and the amount of chain you let out. It calculates the circle in which the boat can move. When it moves out of that circle, it raises an alarm as the anchor is dragging.I decided to run out the total chain in our marina. I did not know how much chain Sirion has. Also, I wanted to make sure it has so called chain length marker attached at the appropriate spaces.I can operate the anchor winch from the steering stand with this switch:I also have a sort of remote device that should allow me to operate it from the open cockpit. I tried, but it did not work. Not a big problem, but I will put it on the list of things to fix when all the important things that need fixing are done.You can also operate the anchor winch standing on the bow, with these foot switches.The anchor and all its chain in the locker. Also two collapsible Anchor-balls. Your supposed to put these up in the mast if at anchor.I dropped the anchor a couple of decimeters and lifted it ashore.Next, I used a special wrench to release the brake mechanism. Essentially it allows the anchor to free fall, or in this case, for me to pull all the chain ashore.In all, I pulled 50 meters of chain out of Sirions chain locker!I also checked and added a few of these markers. I have one of these markers now every 5 meters. So when you are lowering the anchor you count the number of markers going out!Last bit of anchor out of the chain locker. End of the chain tied to the boat. Very important. It is done with a bit of rope. In case of emergency, you can easily cut through with a knife. You lose the anchor unless you manage to secure a buoy or so to it.Rewound the chain and we are all ready for the next time!!Notice how much lighter the bow is, with the anchor and chain out?Next, I continued with the troubleshooting of the problematic converter. You will have seen me spend a lot of time troubleshooting this device. It appears as if it doesn't generate a WiFi signal. But why?As you might recall, this device is hooked up in the Raymarine Network. This is a so called NMEA2000 network. So I have been reading up on these networks a bit.I made myself some special test leads.These devices are powered through the Network cable itself. So you need to get at least 11,5V or more. I was getting just over 13V, so plenty!With the network powered down, you can also check the resistance in the Network. It has two special end resistors, and they should measure 60 ohms.Look at mine, near perfect!These are the two basic tests any NMEA Network needs to pass. So my network basics were fine. So why was this device not working?I also noted that with the device in the network, it appears it gets power, but no WiFi signal. That is before I switch on any other equipment.It sounds easy enough, doing some of these test. But in practice it takes a lot of time to get access, to get all the tools out etc.I decided to make another test lead so I could power up these two devices I bought completely outside the Network, so stand alone.I quickly drove home to pick up a 12VDC transformer. Sure enough, with external 12VDC applied I was still not getting a WiFi signal.So I moved my test set up outside the cabin and even ashore!!Sirion has three master switches for the electrical system. One is for the batteries and charging circuits. One is for the engine and the third one is for all instrumentation and everything else.I noticed that with the instrument master switch off, I was getting a good WiFi signal from either device. As soon as I turn on the instrument master switch the WiFi signal is gone!!So although this is not the root cause it is a very important finding. I know, based on all my earlier testing, no other WiFi signals are interfering. I have managed to exclude all of that.But my conclusion is that when I switch the instrument master switch, something gets powered up that causes a total suppression/interference of this WiFi signal. Which is weird, as all of the instrument equipment has seperate individual circuits switched to put actual power to the respective instruments.But this is an almost 20-year-old vessel. You have seen me work on the electrical bits before and it is not what you would call well laid out. In fact, it is pretty messy. Somewhere, I have a device that is hooked up directly to the instrument power.So no solution yet, but we are definitely making progress and starting to hone in on the root cause!!Jeroen In brief: Despite overall sales of battery-electric cars rising in Europe, sales of Teslas on the continent plunged by almost 50% in April as consumers boycotted the vehicles over Elon Musk's political moves. Increased competition from rival brands and Tesla's aging lineup also played a part in the sales crash. According to new figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), Tesla sold 7,261 cars in Europe in April. That marks a 49% decrease compared to the same month a year earlier when European sales were at 14,228 units. Sales for the January to April period, meanwhile, were down almost 40%. It means the EV giant's market share has nearly halved, from 1.3% a year ago to 0.7%. The falling figures come as overall EV battery sales in Europe increased 34.1% YoY to 145,341 new registrations last month. Part of the reason why Tesla sales are falling is due to backlash against CEO Elon Musk. There have been several public protests over his relationship with Donald Trump and actions as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). On March 31, a Tesla dealership in Rome was set on fire, destroying 17 cars. An anonymous communique blamed "Musk's fascist project." Tesla's lack of new mainstream models is also having an impact on its sales in Europe. It has only launched an upgraded version of the Model Y SUV this year, and the Cybertruck is not officially on sale in the region. Adding to Tesla's problems is Europeans' preference for hybrid vehicles over fully electric cars. Hybrids account for over 35% of the total European car market, and Tesla currently sells only fully battery-operated vehicles. There's also the increasing competition from Chinese brands like BYD, which sold more fully electric cars than Tesla in Europe for the first time. The time Musk has been spending in his role as head of DOGE has led to concerns among Tesla investors. The Wall Street Journal reported at the start of the month that the company's board was seeking a replacement CEO, but this was vehemently denied by both Tesla and Musk. Musk has said he will be significantly reducing the time he spends running DOGE, dedicating a "day or two per week" on government work and allocating more time to Tesla. It's not been a good month for Tesla. Last week saw reports that sales of the Cybertruck had collapsed and the company was accepting trade-ins with extreme depreciation. The automaker has also canceled the $16,000 Cybertruck range extender, likely due to a lack of interest. Editor's take: The UK Parliament is debating the Data (Use and Access) Bill, a law set to regulate access to user and customer data. The bill could have a dramatic impact on the IT sector, particularly AI companies that aggressively collect vast amounts of human-generated data online to train their often unpredictable chatbots. Former UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg says artificial intelligence companies shouldn't need to seek permission every time they use copyright-protected data. Speaking at a recent event to promote his book, "How to Save the Internet," Clegg who previously served as a Meta executive sided with the AI industry on the issue. Forcing technology firms to comply with copyright laws and notify rights holders when they use protected content to train artificial intelligence models would kill the UK's AI industry "overnight," Clegg warned. The content is already publicly available, he argued, and AI systems need vast amounts of data to improve their reasoning. Clegg argues that current copyright laws are incompatible with artificial intelligence, as requiring companies to obtain permission every time they train a model would render the entire technology unworkable. He believes artists and rights holders should be able to opt out of data scraping for AI training, but seeking individual confirmations isn't a viable solution. "I think people should have clear, easy to use ways of saying, no, I don't. I want out of this," the former Meta VP said. "But I think expecting the industry, technologically or otherwise, to preemptively ask before they even start training - I just don't see. I'm afraid that just collides with the physics of the technology itself." Clegg is focusing on the UK AI industry as politicians debate the new Data (Use and Access) Bill, which aims to regulate access to customer and company data. A coalition of artists and authors, led by film director Beeban Kidron, pushed to amend the law, requiring AI companies to disclose the data they use to train their models. However, parliament rejected the proposal. In a recent op-ed in The Guardian, Kidron accused the government of essentially approving a plan to facilitate mass cultural theft. She said UK authorities are allowing AI companies to use copyrighted works freely while opting out of such practices would be impossible without proper transparency. The government can certainly "bully its way to victory" and pass the bill by majority vote, but doing so would deal a catastrophic blow to Britain's creative industry. However, the fight isn't over. The draft will return to the House of Lords for a new vote on June 2. Finding the balance: Workplace automation has long promised to relieve humans of tedious tasks, freeing them to focus on more meaningful and satisfying work. Yet, as automation spreads across industries, new research raises doubts about whether robots truly improve the work lives of employees. Recent academic studies reveal a more complex reality. One investigation, led by Professor Milena Nikolova at the University of Groningen, analyzed data from across Europe and found that workers in highly automated sectors often experience a diminished sense of purpose. Rather than feeling free, many report their jobs have grown more monotonous their autonomy eroded. Nikolova told the Financial Times that robots tend to standardize processes, leaving workers with fewer decisions about tasks and pace. This loss of agency, she argues, can seriously impact engagement and job satisfaction. The psychological effects of automation extend beyond Europe. A recent study of factory workers in China found that while robots reduce some physical burdens, they also increase mental stress as employees worry about job security. This dual effect better physical conditions paired with greater psychological strain shows that integrating robots into the workplace is far from a simple win. Outside academia, labor organizations have raised similar concerns. Eurofound, a European Union agency, reports that employees working alongside robots often face increased isolation and heightened surveillance. These findings align with researchers' warnings that, if poorly managed, automation can render the workforce less skilled particularly in lower-paid, entry-level positions. Matt Beane, a researcher affiliated with UC Santa Barbara and MIT, notes that as tasks become more routine and less challenging, workers may find their jobs less fulfilling. It's worth noting that automation has expanded rapidly, impacting not only factory workers but also highly skilled professionals. Drone pilots and surgeons who use robotic tools often report that, while their work has become safer, it has also become more repetitive and less engaging. Some robotics researchers are exploring how to design machines that facilitate more effective collaboration with human colleagues. At Cardiff University, for instance, scientists are developing robots for use in space that can make independent decisions. However, they have observed that as robots become more capable, the human role can become less central, sometimes leading to boredom or disengagement. Despite these concerns, robotics companies stay optimistic. Firms like ABB are pushing "collaborative robots" that feel approachable and easy for workers to operate. Meanwhile, manufacturers such as Fanuc are exploring robots that can read and respond to human emotions working toward more empathetic, human-friendly partners on the job. Robots are already prevalent in large-scale operations, such as Amazon fulfillment centers, where the company ensures its machines work safely alongside human employees. To keep repetitive tasks engaging, Amazon has introduced competitive mini-games for workers and actively encourages their feedback on automation experiences. Looking ahead, experts like Professor Nikolova emphasize the importance of involving employees in new technology rollouts and offering reskilling opportunities. She notes that while automation may displace some jobs, it also creates new roles and challenges we're just starting to understand. The key lies in aligning technological progress with efforts to preserve and enhance the meaning and satisfaction people derive from their work. In brief: In news that comes as little surprise, Chinese exports of iPhones fell dramatically in April, while those from India increased by 76% year-over-year. It comes as Cupertino focuses more on India as a manufacturing point for its handsets amid the uncertainty of the China tariffs. However, Donald Trump recently threatened a 25% tariff on Apple if it doesn't start making iPhones entirely in the US. New figures from Canalys, now part of Omdia, show that iPhone imports from China into the US reached 900,000 units in April, marking a 76% year-on-year decrease. By contrast, the number of US-bound iPhones sent from India last month was around 3 million, marking a 76% rise compared to the same month in April 2024. The 3.9 million iPhones imported from both countries in April is notably lower than during the other months of 2025. But this is due to Apple transporting five planeloads of iPhones and other products around 600 tons in all from India and China to the US over a three-day span during the final week of March, just ahead of Trump's initial 10% tariff. India was also responsible for more iPhone shipments to the US in March. While the baseline tariff for most countries is 10%, China faces an additional 30% in duties. It's why Apple, which first started producing iPhones in India in 2017, is rapidly moving production to the country from China. In April, it was reported that as a direct result of the tariffs on China, Apple is racing to move all assembly of iPhones destined for the US market from China to India by the end of 2026. It's estimated that Apple will need to double its annual iPhone output in India from about 40 million to more than 80 million units to meet its new target. That will require significant investment and expansion of local facilities, but Le Xuan Chiew, a research manager at Omdia, says (via CNBC) India's manufacturing capacity isn't expected to grow fast enough to take the entirety of US demand. Another problem for Apple arrived last week when Trump gave the company an ultimatum: build iPhones in the US or pay a tariff of at least 25% on its handsets made outside of the country. "I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone's that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. "If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S." The warning came soon after the president warned Tim Cook against expanding iPhone assembly in India. A completely US-made iPhone would not only be near-impossibility due to Apple using 2,700 parts from 187 suppliers, but it could also see the price of the handsets skyrocket. Even if Apple managed to do it, the process would take years. Along Ghana's vanishing coast, climate change swallows history, homes Keta, Ghana, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 The salty wind blows across the ruins of Ghana's Fort Prinzenstein, where thick walls once held thousands of enslaved Africans before their journey across the Atlantic. Now, only a shell remains -- a crumbling monument teetering at the edge of the sea. For centuries, Ghana's coastline has borne the brunt of history. Today, it is being consumed by nature and neglect as climate change, rising sea levels and unchecked human activity eat away at the 550-kilometre (340-mile) shore. Villages are vanishing, and with them, centuries-old heritage. The modern economy is also at risk. A few metres (yards) away from the fort, Ernestina Gavor cleans a glass behind a bar. "I'm hoping it survives a few more years," she told AFP, noting that the restaurant relies on tourists to keep afloat. Fort Prinzenstein, once a Danish slave fort and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the most threatened sites on Ghana's coast. James Ocloo Akorli, its caretaker for 24 years, has watched the Gulf of Guinea claw away at the structure -- and his memories. The coast used to be about four miles from the fort, he recounted. The village he was born in has been swept away, his family packing up and leaving in 1984. Today, only 10 percent of the original fort survives. The dungeons that once held enslaved women are still visible, but the men's quarters have been swallowed by the waves. "This fort used to be significant," Akorli told AFP. "Now, we are losing everything -- our history, our homes and our livelihoods." - Modern economy at risk - Ghana's castles and forts -- particularly Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle -- attract thousands of visitors each year, mostly African Americans seeking to reconnect with their ancestral past. "For Afro-descendants, they are sacred places -- testimonies of our resilience, our pain and our ingenuity. If we lose them, we lose our connection to history," said Edmond Moukala, UNESCO's representative in Ghana. But preserving that history is proving difficult. Chris Gordon, an environmental scientist at the University of Ghana, warned that the scale of intervention required was beyond the country's current means. "You'd need the kind of coastal defences they have in the Netherlands," he told AFP. History isn't the only thing at risk. Samuel Yevu, 45, was among those displaced after "tidal waves", as ocean surges are locally known, swept through nearby Fuvemeh village in March. "We used to have coconut trees, fishing nets, everything. Now it's all gone," said Yevu, whose family sleeps in a school classroom. In 2000, Ghana launched a $100-million sea wall project to protect communities like Keta, home to Fort Prinzenstein. It saved the town, but shifted erosion eastwards, devastating places like Agavedzi and Aflao. Experts warn that short-sighted interventions -- like groynes and sea walls -- can worsen erosion by redirecting the ocean's energy elsewhere. Meanwhile, human interventions that worsen natural coastal erosion continue unabated. "Sand mining, river damming, unregulated construction -- they all starve the coast of sediment," said Gordon. A study by the University of Ghana suggests the country could lose key landmarks like Christiansborg Castle and Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum within decades if nothing is done. The country's modern economy is also heavily reliant on coastal activities, from ports and fishing to oil and gas. Yet the destruction of Fort Prinzenstein -- stone of the prince, in the Danish language -- is particularly poignant because of its unique role in the slave trade. Akorli recounted how enslaved people from modern-day Benin, Nigeria and Togo were branded, sorted and shipped from the fort, even after Britain outlawed the slave trade in 1807. "This is the only fort in the Volta region. Togo doesn't have one. Benin doesn't. Nigeria doesn't," he said. - 'Losing a graveyard' - At Cape Coast Castle, a tour guide warned of a similar fate. "Every day, people from the diaspora come here and cry in these dungeons," he said, requesting anonymity since he was not authorised to speak to the media. "If this castle disappears, it's like losing a graveyard of millions. It's not just Ghana's history -- it's world history." Even so, maintenance remains neglected. Moukala, from UNESCO, believes the core problem is not erosion, but lack of care. "If there had been regular maintenance, we wouldn't witness the severe deterioration. These were buildings meant to last centuries. But neglect, urban development and vandalism have destroyed many." In Keta, Akorli's plea to authorities is urgent. "They must come as a matter of urgency, restore this fort to boost visitation, so that our brothers in the diaspora will not lose their roots." strs/nro/kjm EU adopts CO2 targets reprieve for car industry Brussels, Belgium, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 EU countries gave final approval on Tuesday to a reprieve for European carmakers over new emission targets, as they seek to balance climate goals with support for a struggling key industry. Starting this year, the European Union is cutting the average carbon emissions that new vehicles sold in the 27-country bloc are permitted to produce, with steep fines if auto manufacturers fail to comply. Carmakers had expressed concern that they would not be able to meet the target because of lacklustre sales of electric vehicles. Member states on Tuesday adopted a proposal put forward by the European Commission in March that allows companies to comply with the targets by averaging their emissions over three years from 2025 to 2027, rather than each individual year. This means they will not be fined if they fail to meet the 2025 target by December 31 this year. The changes aim "to grant car manufacturers the flexibility required to meet their emissions targets", said the European Council, the body representing member states. The amendment is to enter into force after publication in the EU's official journal. Brussels has made it a priority to support businesses and revamp the economy in the face of fierce US and Chinese competition. The automotive sector is the jewel in Europe's industrial crown, employing around 13 million people and contributing some seven percent to the EU's economy. But with factory closures in Europe and US President Donald Trump's tariffs threatening to upend the global trading system, the industry faces increasing risks. Just Stop Oil activists jailed for Manchester airport protest London, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2025 Four Just Stop Oil activists, including the climate group's co-founder, were jailed Tuesday by a UK court for attempting to enter and glue themselves to the tarmac at Manchester Airport. The four environmental activists were convicted of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance in February by a criminal court in Manchester, northwest England. Indigo Rumbelow, 31, co-founder of JSO -- which ended its activities last month after three years -- was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Daniel Knorr, 23, was jailed for two years, while Leanorah Ward, 22, and Margaret Elizabeth Reid, 54, were jailed for 18 months each. They were arrested by police in August 2024 equipped with bolt cutters, glue and sand, "on route to cause disruption", according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which brings criminal prosecutions in England and Wales. "This was a targeted attack, at the height of summer, against one of the country's busiest airports, where they planned to glue themselves to the taxiways of the airport," Nicola Wells from the CPS said following the sentencing. Before the sentencing, Knorr said: "People are taking action because they are terrified of what rising temperatures and food shortages will mean for them and for their kids." In March, Just Stop Oil announced it was ending high-profile climate protests, saying it had accomplished its initial aim of stopping new oil and gas projects in the UK. The group, which became known for its stunts including activists blocking roads, or gluing themselves to landmarks and paintings, has criticised lengthy sentences handed down to its members. More than 3,000 JSO protesters have been arrested since it was founded in 2022. Its other co-founder, Roger Hallam, is currently serving a four-year sentence for planning to block the M25 motorway encircling London. 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 Broadway star Patti LuPone has opened up about her on-off seven-year relationship with fellow actor Kevin Kline. The 76-year-old described her time with the Oscar-winner, 77, as painful. The pair met while at acting school. In 1968, LuPone was part of the first-ever class of drama students taught at the famed New York performing arts conservatory Juilliard. The course was overseen by the producer and acting teacher John Houseman. In a wide-ranging interview with the New Yorker LuPone recalled that for the inaugural class, Houseman found 36 of the craziest people he could find, to see whether he could strip down their personalities and create a Juilliard actor. In her third year, several more students joined the class. One was Kline, who LuPone says she took an instant dislike to. She continued: He looked like Pinocchio to me. He had skinny legs, and he was tall, and I didn't really see the handsomeness. Patti LuPone (left) and Kevin Kline, who had an on-off relationship for seven years after meeting at Juilliard ( Getty ) Nevertheless, the pair soon sparked a romantic entanglement after feeling each other up during an art-appreciation course. They embarked on what the publication called a turbulent on-and-off relationship that would last for seven years. LuPone said of their time together: He was a Lothario. It was a painful relationship. I was his girlfriend when he wanted me to be his girlfriend. But if there was somebody else, he would break up with me and go out with that person. And I, for some reason, stuck it out until I couldn't stick it out anymore. Reached for comment by the New Yorker, Kline agreed that their relationship dynamic had been fraught, and added: We fought all the time. In the company, we were known as the Strindbergs. The pair appeared together in a 1975 production of the musical The Robber Bridegroom and again in David Mamets play All Men Are Whores in 1977. Other comments by LuPone in the same interview have landed her in hot water with the Broadway community. LuPone starred in The Roommate opposite Tony-nominated Mia Farrow earlier in the Broadway season when she took issue with the loudness of their neighboring show, the Alicia Keys jukebox musical, Hells Kitchen. The sound was reportedly bleeding through from theater-to-theater, causing an issue for LuPone. After calling up Robert Wankel, the head of the Shubert Organization, the issue was addressed, and LuPone sent flowers to the musicals crew to thank them. But then a performer in Hells Kitchen, Tony winner Kecia Lewis, posted a video on Instagram about the issue. Lewis, speaking as one Broadway veteran to another, deemed LuPones actions bullying, racially micro-aggressive, and rooted in privilege, as she called a Black show loud. LuPone lashed back in the New Yorker interview: Heres the problem. She calls herself a veteran? Lets find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she doesnt know what the f*** shes talking about. LuPone was quickly called out on social media for her comments about Lewis. Patti does not come out of this looking good. What a hater, someone wrote on X. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former The Who drummer Zak Starkey has claimed the bands frontman, Roger Daltrey, told him he was being retired, rather than fired. The 59-year-old musician, who is the son of legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, made headlines on Friday when it was reported The Who had let him go for a second time in a matter of weeks. He has since been replaced by Scott Devours, who drums in Daltreys solo band. On Instagram, Starkey attempted to clear up the confusion around his departure from the veteran rock band. NOISE&CONFUSION!!!! he wrote. I had a great phone chat with Roger at the end of last week which truly confused both of us!!! Rog said I hadnt been firedI had been retired to work n my own projects. I explained to Rog that I have just spent nearly 8 weeks at my studio in Jamaica completing these projects, that my group Mantra Of The Cosmos was releasing one single at the beginning of June and after that had run its course ( usually 5/6 weeks ) I was completely available for the foreseeable future. Rog said Oh! and we kind of left it there. open image in gallery Former The Who drummer Zak Starkey's Instagram post claiming he was 'retired', not 'fired' ( Zak Starkey/Instagram ) Starkey concluded the post: On good terms and great friends as we have always been . Gotta love these guys. As my mum used to say The mind boggles!!! He was first fired in March after an apparent row over his performance at the rock bands Royal Albert Hall concert, then reinstated shortly after he made his firing public. The band put the dispute down to communication issues. Two weeks later, it was again announced he had been fired. open image in gallery The Who's former drummer Zak Starkey and frontman Roger Daltrey ( Getty ) The news was made public first by guitarist Pete Townshend, who shared it with his followers on social media, and then confirmed by Starkey, who made his feelings about the decision clear. Starkey said he had been asked to claim that this time, he was quitting of his own accord. This would be a lie, he wrote. I love The Who and would never have quit. Townshend had said, in text written over a photo: After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change. A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best. Devours, who will now join The Who on their farewell US tour, shared an Instagram post in which he said Daltrey and Townshend had once again changed my life forever. Its hard to express the tsunami of emotions that Im processing since that incredible news, but there are a couple of things I feel compelled to say, he wrote. The first is that I need to thank all the family, friends and fans for the countless messages, texts and emails congratulating me and sharing their excitement The amount of positivity thrown my way has been overwhelming, I truly thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Also, please dont ask me for tickets, lol. Devours, 58, then addressed the fans who he expected would not accept him or anyone as The Who drummer other than Starkey. I know that this will be the case for some and I acknowledge that, he said. For others, perhaps the jury is still out. Maybe Ill need to let the music do the talking? In my world, there are no bigger shoes to fill than those behind Pete and Roger. The weight of this responsibility is enormous and I am feeling every ounce of it. He continued: What I want to say to all of the fans is that I will do everything I can to honor the legacy of The Who, Zak, Kenney Jones, Simon Phillips and the memory of the great Keith Moon. For my name to even be mentioned in a sentence like that literally sends shivers down my spine and I know I need to earn this honour. Starkey first joined The Who in 1996 for their Quadrophenia tour. He was introduced to drumming by the bands former drummer Keith Moon, who died in 1978. Moon was a family friend who gifted Starkey a drum kit as a child. 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 Patti LuPones comments have landed her in hot water with the Broadway community yet again. This time she lashed out following a conflict over distracting noise through a shared wall from another Broadway production. LuPone, 76, was starring in The Roommate opposite Tony-nominated Mia Farrow earlier in the Broadway season when she took issue with the loudness of their neighboring show, the Alicia Keys jukebox musical, Hells Kitchen. The sound was reportedly bleeding through from theater-to-theater, causing an issue for LuPone. After calling up Robert Wankel, the head of the Shubert Organization, the issue was addressed, and LuPone sent flowers to the musicals crew to thank them. LuPone was then surprised when a performer from Hells Kitchen, Tony winner Kecia Lewis, posted a video on Instagram about the issue. Lewis, speaking as one Broadway veteran to another, deemed LuPones actions bullying, racially micro-aggressive, and rooted in privilege, as she called a Black show loud. When asked about the incident in a recent profile by The New Yorker, LuPone didnt hold back. Heres the problem. She calls herself a veteran? Lets find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she doesnt know what the f*** shes talking about, LuPone ranted to the outlet. open image in gallery Patti LuPones recent comments have landed her in hot water with members of the Broadway community ( David Fisher/Shutterstock ) Shes done seven. Ive done 31. Dont call yourself a vet, bitch. The New Yorker did fact check the numbers and reported that Lewis has done 10 Broadway productions, while LuPone has done 28. LuPone then continued to address the sound issue, saying: This is not unusual on Broadway. This happens all the time when walls are shared. Many have called the three-time Tony winner out for her comments about Lewis. Patti does not come out of this looking good. What a hater, someone wrote on X. Calling Kecia [a] bitch really just took me out, like I actually cant believe the audacity, someone else shared, to which another responded: Unwarranted and nasty. Patti is so tactless and tone deaf like, girl, another said. It was so unbelievably uncalled for and honestly so jarring to read. The nerve to diminish Ms. Lewis legacy and accomplishments and then call her out of her name in that way is unacceptable. Im actually really hurt to see that from her, someone else wrote. The article just got worse the more I read. Oh my god. How disheartening, another shared. open image in gallery Kecia Lewis accepts a 2024 Tony Award for her role in Hells Kitchen ( Invision ) LuPone also refused to comment on the current revival of Gypsy. The production stars six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald as Rose, a role LuPone won her second Tony for in 2008. When asked her thoughts on the production which features a Black woman as the central character for the first time ever LuPone stared in silence for 15 seconds, according to The New Yorker. She then changed the subject. LuPone has infamously put her foot in her mouth before, riling the theater community on multiple occasions. She has taken cellphones from audience members daring to use them during her performances, and has blasted American politicians including the current president at red carpet events. One recent incident in 2022 came during a talkback for the revival of Stephen Sondheims Company, in which she played Joanne , which earned LuPone her third Tony. LuPone lashed out at an audience member who wasnt wearing their mask correctly in the days when Covid restrictions were still commonplace in theaters. Put your mask over your nose ... That is the rule, she commanded. If you dont want to follow the rule, get the f*** out! 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 Bryan Cranston has called returning to the world of Malcolm in the Middle rewarding as he prepares to reprise his role in the reboot of the beloved sitcom. Malcolm in the Middle will return for a special four-episode run on Disney+ in the near future, although no official release date has been announced for the revival. The original ran for seven seasons starting in 2000 and was hailed for looking at ordinary life through the eyes of an extraordinary youngster with a genius IQ, now fully grown: Malcolm, played by Frankie Muniz. The premise for the reboot revolves around Malcolm being dragged back into his familys chaos when his parents, Hal (Cranston) and Lois (Jane Kaczmarek, who is also reprising her role), demand his presence at their 40th wedding anniversary party. Speaking to People about the forthcoming miniseries, Cranston, 69, said: Slipping back into that character of Hal for me was so rewarding I missed him. Its been almost 20 years since we said goodbye. And hes a sweet, lovable man. Hes really a lovable guy, and it was fun to see all my whole family back together. It was great. The Breaking Bad star also shared a small aspect of the show which has helped him get into character. Its a short-sleeve shirt that Hal would wear, a patterned short-sleeve shirt that screams out hes not going anywhere, he said. Frankie Muniz (middle) reunited with his on-screen Malcolm in the Middle parents Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek ( frankiiemuniz4/Instagram ) Although Cranston and Muniz will be among the big stars returning to Malcolm in the Middle, one major role has been changed from the original cast. Erik Per Sullivan, who played youngest brother Dewey in the family sitcom, will not return. His role will be filled by Fargo actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. Christopher Masterson, who played oldest brother Francis, and Justin Berfield, who played Reese, will both return. Sullivans absence appears to be because of his decision to move away from acting as a career. Last year, Kaczmarek spoke to fan site Malcolm France about Sullivan and said: Hes well, hes very, very well He did Malcolm for seven years, he started at seven, he ended at 14. He wasnt interested in acting, at all. She added: He goes to school at a very prestigious American university that hes asked us all to be quiet about and he loves Charles Dickens. Hes doing graduate work in Victorian literature. I admire it because so many people think being in show business is the greatest thing in the world, its not for everyone. 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 HBO has officially cast the key roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley in their new television adaptation of JK Rowlings beloved book series. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry, Arabella Stanton will play Hermione, and Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron. More than 30,000 actors auditioned for the roles after HBO announced an open casting call last year. Filming is expected to begin this summer. In a statement, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer and director Mark Mylod said: After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. Its been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there. The three newcomers will join a star-studded cast that also includes Nick Frost as the half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. Dominic McLaughlin (center) has been cast as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton has been cast as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley in HBOs new Harry Potter television series ( HBO ) Oscar nominee John Lithgow has been cast as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Taking over Dame Maggie Smiths role of Minerva McGonagall is Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer. Elsewhere in the lineup, Gangs of London, The Lazarus Project and The Capture star Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape in the series. Alan Rickman famously played the role in the films. Additionally, Luke Thallon will play Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of caretaker Argus Filch. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The TV adaption was confirmed by HBO Max in 2023 and aims to be a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling. The series is expected to run for a decade, with each season based on one of the seven Rowling books. In a previous statement regarding casting, Gardiner and Mylod said: Were delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we cant wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life. The original film series, which were released between 2001 and 2011, made international stars of the three leads Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry, Emma Watson, who played Hermione, and Rupert Grint who played Ron. Last year, Radcliffe said he was excited by the idea of the new television adaptation. Like the rest of the world, Im very excited to watch as an audience member, the actor told E! News. Asked about a possible cameo or guest appearance, Radcliffe said: I dont think so. I think they very wisely want a clean break. And I dont know if it would work to have us do anything in it. Im very happy to just watch along with everyone else. 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 Stephen Graham has revealed that his and his wife Hannah Walters company, Matriarch Productions, paid for the Adolescence teams rent while they filmed the hit Netflix series in Yorkshire. The four-part drama traces the disturbing journey of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, whose exposure to misogynistic online communities may have contributed to him killing a female classmate. Adolescence became an instant success and the centre of a national conversation on incel culture, misogyny and the online manosphere. As discussed in Parliament, there were even calls for the programme to become mandatory viewing in schools. Graham and Walters wanted to create opportunities for people from similar backgrounds to theirs while making the show. Working class representation in the film and TV industry has plummeted to the lowest level in a decade, to only eight per cent of the workforce. Speaking to GQ, Graham said: Im not saying this to pat myself on the back[We] paid to put people up, because they wouldnt have been able to afford it. By going, Look, we know how much you want it, well cover the rent that gives that person the opportunity to save money, and then on the next job, they can pay the rent. The This Is England star, 51, who describes himself as a mixed-race working-class kid from a block of flats, was born in Kirkby, six miles outside of Liverpool, and was raised by his mother, Marie, a social worker. According to research conducted by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre at the University of Sheffield in 2024, the vast majority of people working in the film and TV industry are from middle or upper-class backgrounds. Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham in Adolescence ( Netflix ) Back in 2016, The Danish Girl actor Eddie Redmayne admitted to occasionally paying the rent for struggling actors due to the inaccessibility of accommodation. He explained: The greatest privilege that I had was that my parents lived in London. So when I was out of university and out of work for a year, working in a pub, I didnt pay rent and I get letters from people trying to go to drama school and needing to pay their rent. And so thats something I occasionally do. Its impossibly expensive to live in London. Few designs are as instantly recognisable or enduring as those that define an era. Some, like the once-ubiquitous iPod, have been flashes in the pan. Others, such as the Polaroid camera, have enjoyed nostalgic revivals. But only a select few achieve the rare feat of remaining at the top for a century as Le Creusets iconic orange cookware has done. Now, the French brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary. So how did these heavy, enamelled cast-iron pots known variously as dutch ovens or cocottes evolve from the utilitarian workhorses of your grans kitchen, often relegated to the back of the cupboard, to the coveted homeware items that now command hundreds of pounds? Looking back, the brands trajectory reads like a masterclass in timeless design a lesson in how to transform a humble kitchen staple into a global status symbol beloved by chefs, home cooks, collectors and celebrities alike. The secret behind achieving such dominance, and why people come back for more? Its our superior quality, says the brands owner and chair, Paul van Zuydam, who has owned the company since 1988 and is largely credited with building it into what it is now. And hes right: Le Creuset has become a byword for quality. Despite its major growth (most notably since 1995, when it branched out into stainless steel cooking pans and everything from stoneware mugs to butter dishes), it has not compromised on that. A large part of this is down to the fact that the cast-iron enamelled cookware is still made at the same foundry, in the little village of Fresnoy-le-Grand in northern France, where reportedly 10,000 pots are still cast daily, passing through up to 15 pairs of skilled hands. Though its still in the same location, the building has grown exponentially, unrecognisable from 100 years ago. But other newer items, like stainless pots and pans, are made in Portugal; most of the stoneware is made in Thailand; and some items, such as utensils, are made in China. What was also key from the outset for Le Creuset was the strong focus on aesthetics as well as function: as Van Zuydam says, We ensure our products transcend mere practicality. It was the first brand to add colour to its cookware, and the pots good looks made them a feature of a homes interior, too. This symbolised a change in approach to cooking and the kitchen itself, as it moved from being solely a place of work to a place to gather and entertain. Le Creuset isnt just a means for cooking; its a symbol of shared traditions, cooking techniques, and secret family recipes passed down through generations, says Van Zuydam. Though the brand, by its very nature, encourages consumers to buy more, its built on the idea that you buy it once and it lasts a lifetime almost the antithesis of capitalism. I inherited my large oval volcanic Le Creuset from my aunt, and I treasure it. It wasnt used often and was in pristine condition, despite being from the Eighties and older than me, so I always ensure it looks that way again after using it, hopefully to pass it on again. Theres joy in cooking with it, as well as sentiment. Its in part due to this lifetime guarantee that Le Creuset has been able to maintain its crown, when plenty of other casserole-pot brands are nipping at its heels, undercutting its hefty price tag (Aldi, were looking at you). But what its imitators will never have is the brand heritage, and to some, that matters most. Its seen as a luxury kitchen item, and is often spotted in the homes of those who inhabit the upper echelons of celebrity stardom, from Sarah Jessica Parker to Stanley Tucci and even Meghan, Duchess of Sussex after keen-eyed viewers spied the cream shallow pot in her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, it instantly sold out. Tips on how to look after your cast iron Le Creuset dish Dont put ingredients in until its hot to prevent them sticking Dont ever let the pan boil dry, as it can damage the base Always use silicone or wooden tools, never metal tools or cutlery Let pans properly cool before washing Don't store pans while still wet, or in a steamy environment To look after the base, never use a metal scourer, only a soft brush or sponge Dont subject the pans to sudden bursts of heat The humble pots journey began in 1925, long before it became a glamorous kitchen accessory, when Belgian pioneers Armand Desaegher (a master caster) and Octave Aubecq (an enamelling specialist) combined their skills. The end result was a much stronger, more durable, more versatile and easier to clean pot. The first examples were cast in the now signature fiery orange hue known as Volcanique (Volcanic in the UK, Flame in the US). This was inspired by the changing colours of the molten iron as its poured into the crucible (in French, le creuset), with the ombre hues designed to mirror the way the material looked as it cooled. A testament to its great original design, this round casserole pot in Volcanic is still Le Creusets best-selling colour and shape. The casserole pots have always been a firm favourite among chefs. Most agree its the clever construction that provides exceptional heat retention and even distribution, which is critical for precision cooking in professional kitchens, says Stuart Ralston, chef-owner of Michelin-starred Lyla in Edinburgh. Theyre a staple for good reason they stand up to the rigours of daily professional use and give consistently top-tier results, he adds. Tom Waters, chef-owner of Gorse in Cardiff, says the best pots prove themselves during the sourdough test. Ive never had a problem with a Le Creuset casserole pot, but cheaper alternatives have cracked and shattered mid-bake. For chef Kyu Jeong Jeon, co-owner of Dongane in Bristol, Le Creuset has even replaced some traditional dolsot (stone pots) that dont work on her induction hob at home. In Korean cooking, wed use a dolsot for nurungji that crispy, golden layer at the bottom of rice. The Le Creuset holds heat so well and creates a beautiful crust and fluffy texture, very similar to what Id get from a traditional stone pot, so its able to recreate that nostalgic Korean flavour in a modern home kitchen. Le Creuset isnt for everyone, however: chef Woongchul Park, of Korean-inspired restaurant Sollip, prefers the similar pots made by Staub, which he describes as a workhorse. open image in gallery Long before Instagram-worthy kitchens, Le Creuset was selling itself as the practical choice ( Le Creuset ) One thing thats been instrumental to Le Creusets success is its colour range, which involves such a skilled and technical process, competitors cant emulate it. Le Creuset has developed more than 200 rainbow colours, with names from Coastal blue and Chiffon pink to the food-inspired Agave (a deep teal) and Oyster (a pale grey). Celebrating the centenary, the Volcanic orange has had a glow up, quite literally. The limited-edition Flamme Doree (Golden Flame) range includes shallow, round and oval casserole pots, and the eagle-eyed will notice the subtleties. The usual lid handle has been replaced with a golden crucible knob, and theres an added sheen to the pot. Van Zuydam says this is an innovative third layer of enamel infused with light-catching minerals, which essentially looks like glitter. The colours are big business though, especially for collectors. Only around 12 to 16 are in circulation at any given time. Sometimes, certain retailers have exclusives, and some are retired after a while a word the brand prefers to discontinued, as it perhaps offers a glimmer of hope to collectors. Its all part of ensuring that people find newness in a brand that essentially sells the same pot, whether thats via a completely new colour or a new design in their chosen colour range. But people dont seem to be bored yet. Le Creuset has 1.1 million tags on Instagram, the companys official account has 1.3 million followers, and TikTok is full of videos giving cleaning tips for the pots, analysing shades, and opening mystery boxes from sales. open image in gallery The bold Flame finish ignited a design revolution in cookware ( Le Creuset ) The rise of Le Creuset collectors likely wouldnt have occurred without social media. It has been instrumental in introducing Le Creuset to a new generation, acknowledges Van Zuydam. By harnessing it, Le Creuset has managed to capture the imaginations (and wallets) of a younger generation. Its a means of survival, as its lifetime guarantee, which can be both a blessing and a curse, means its constantly hunting for new customers. There are endless Facebook communities around the world, bringing together people wanting to buy, sell or even swap items, or to share where theyve found the latest bargain, or to hunt down a rare dish or the final piece for their collection. Unfortunately, these are so tightly monitored, I wasnt allowed to join any. Obsessives know which shops, like TK Maxx, have the best pieces on sale, often for less than 20. Theres also the infamous bi-annual Le Creuset warehouse sale in Andover, with discounts of up to 60 per cent. Last year, Hampshire police had to shut it down because of the chaos caused by the huge queues of people and cars that snaked for over a mile. Some superfans collect entirely in one colour, like Arlene Robillard in America, who has more than 1,000 pieces all in Volcanic orange, including every size of pot in both oval and round casserole shapes. Incredibly, she only began as recently as 2014, but apparently her children dont want to take it on. For others, like Vanessa Marx, head chef at Richmonds Bingham Riverhouse, their collections have been largely built from gifts. My salt pig was the first item it was a special gift from a friend, and I think of her every time I reach for a pinch of sea salt, says Marx. The first piece she bought herself was a deep saute pan thats still going strong 18 years later. Her favourite piece also a sentimental item is her iron griddle plate. Its literally a lifelong item, is so versatile (you can use both sides), and is easy to take to any events with me, she explains. To keep the ball rolling for ever, Le Creuset has also been clever enough to tap into other niche interests, unrelated to cooking. It found new audiences with collaborations like Hello Kitty in 2009, with cutesy pink cups and the cats face shaped into baby-pink plates, and another with Star Wars 10 years later, featuring a Darth Vader dutch oven and an R2-D2 mini round cocotte. Trends like these come and go, but the brands longevity is about far more than fashion. Reaching one hundred years isnt just about looking back; its about building on an incredible foundation for the next century, says Van Zuydam. With that, and such a sturdy reputation galvanised by the reverence of younger fans, it doesnt look like Le Creuset is going to pot any time soon. And hopefully, that means my pot will still be here in 100 years time, too. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ive been scheming this book ever since I moved to Italy, says food writer Letitia Clark, sounding really quite dastardly about it. Anchovies, spaghetti and lemons are, to her, the heart of Italian cooking, and shed happily write single-subject books on all three. But lemons had to come first, hence her new cookbook, For the Love of Lemons. As a former pastry chef, the citrus fruit was intrinsic to making all the sweet things in her pastry canon, and theyre also a bit of a family obsession. My grandma and my mum my main cooking influences were very passionate about lemons. My grandma used to put the classic plastic Jif lemon on my pancakes when I was little and my mum has been trying to grow her own lemon tree since I was a child, says Devon-born Clark. I remember her having this very sad sapling sitting in the corner that never fruited. She sent me a photo one time of her first-ever lemon, which was about the size of a hazelnut! Her summer holidays were usually spent in cheap and cheerful destinations like Cornwall, but when Clarks family did go somewhere sunny, I remember my mum making my dad screech the car to a halt and jumping out to pick up lemons that had fallen on the ground. Clark has lived in Sardinia for the past seven years and sees lemon trees every day, and yet, whenever I see a lemon tree Im like, Oooh, every single time! she says with a laugh. She calls the mouth-puckering fruits Christmas baubles, an apt description when they are in season during winter. [At that time of year] the rest of the landscape is looking less colourful and then you have these pops of colour, and the shape, how can you not love that perfect egg shape with two little teats on the end? Theyre just incredibly pleasing, she says. The trees are so laden, they might have no leaves on but they have 4 billion lemons just dangling there, and they look so heavy on these delicate branches. It just feels like a feat of nature that they can even grow like that. Theres just something infinitely cheering about them. However, Clarks own lemon tree is looking a little bit worse for wear at the moment. Its actually really sad. Im in a bit of a depression because I think its got a disease, she says mournfully. I like to think things are symbolic and [husband] Lorenzo gave it to me as our wedding present, so the fact its sad makes me worry about my marriage! open image in gallery Where the lemons grow, and the dinner parties are citrus-scented. Sardinia has become Clarks edible muse ( Charlotte Bland ) It has a few little shoots poking through though, so shes hopeful they might have some lemons next year Clark reckons a whopping four or five trees worth of lemons were used in the making of her cookbook; crates and crates of them. My [toddler] son was just about walking and was going round knocking all the lemons off and rolling them around the floor having a lovely time, she says, remembering the day they shot the recipe photos. In fact, his first toy was a lemon. Interestingly, she doesnt think Italians appreciate lemons as much as visitors do. Italians are so proud and passionate about their own cuisine, if you said to one, Italian lemons are amazing, theyd be like, Of course! Theyre the best in the world, she explains, but they use lemons in cooking a lot less, and mostly in dolce (puddings). A lot of my recipes are not that traditionally Italian because I add lemon, so a classic pesto would never have lemon in it, but I like it way more with a lot of lemon zest, notes Clark. They almost never serve lemon with fish because they think it ruins the flavour. Put it down to the fact Italian flavours are very pure, so the aromatics of the zest is beloved (hence why in Amalfi they add it to coffee), but the acidity of the juice is considered overwhelming. Despite her idyllic, sun-drenched Instagram photos, Clark does have her trials and tribulations in the kitchen, and one major adversary: her oven. I have this horrible oven and every day we discuss whether we should get rid of it, she says jovially. I kind of work with it, but it doesnt really work with me. She has to roughly guess what the temperature is, and if I need something to be really precise, Ill go to my mother-in-laws! open image in gallery Not just fruit but the building blocks of an entire cookbook, a childhood obsession, and a toddlers first toy ( Charlotte Bland ) Its a difficult relationship, what can I say? I dont love him, she says. I spend a lot of time browsing ovens online! Then theres the moments of old-school behaviour she saw when working in professional kitchens. Theres so much sexism in restaurants and its so old-fashioned in so many ways, she says. Fortunately, she ended up working in some very civilised restaurants. The best she ever cheffed in was Skye Gyngells celebrated Spring restaurant in London. She treated people with respect, remembers Clark.But that is definitely not the experience of many kitchens, and that wasnt my experience in my early days. She pauses and adds with a laugh, Thats all stuff for the memoir! Which shes currently writing. Clark also has grand plans to open an agriturismo a farm with rooms but in the meantime, has a summer of Sardinian food tours and talking about lemons ahead. She hopes that after flicking through the book, readers will look at the lemon a little differently and appreciate it, especially the leaves, which are lemony, but a bit like a bay leaf and slightly herbal. Food is something everybody has every day and it can be such a source of joy, pleasure and satisfaction, she says. There are not many things in life that have that power, so the lemon can do that for you. For the Love of Lemons by Letitia Clark (Quadrille, 28). 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 Deborra-Lee Furness has broken her silence after finalizing her divorce from Hugh Jackman. Furness filed papers May 23 in New York to end her marriage of 27 years. The filings are uncontested, according to the Daily Mail, and only required a judges sign-off. Speaking to the Mail, Furness said: My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal. Calling the split a profound wound that cuts deep, she said her beliefs have helped her navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage. Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose. It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom, Furness said. She concluded: We are all on our individual journeys and I believe that the relationships in our lives are not random. We are drawn to people, we invite them in, in order to learn our lessons and to recognize and heal the broken parts of ourselves...I remain grateful. open image in gallery Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have officially filed for divorce ( Getty Images for The Met Museum/ ) Jackman, 56, and Furness, 69, met in 1995 and were married the next year. Together, they share son Oscar and daughter Ava. When they began dating, Jackman and Furness initially raised eyebrows for their 13-year age gap. However, they soon became one of the most beloved couples in Hollywood. They announced their split in September 2023 via a statement shared with People: We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth. Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives, they continued before finishing: This is the sole statement either of us will make. The Independent has reached out to Jackmans representatives for comment. open image in gallery Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster have gone public with their relationship ( Getty Images ) At the time, there was speculation that Jackman and Sutton Foster his co-star in the Broadway revival of The Music Man from December 2021 to January 2023 had been more than just friends while starring together in the musical. The two allegedly began having a secret affair when they were still married to their respective now-exes. Rumors amped up after Us Weekly published a report citing sources who claimed Jackman and Fosters romance started during the musicals run. Foster filed for uncontested divorce from her husband of 10 years, Ted Griffin, in October 2024. She and the screenwriter welcomed one child together during their marriage. Prior to her marriage to Griffin, Foster was married to Broadway actor Christian Borle from 2006 to 2009. Jackman and Foster made their relationship public in January 2025 when they were spotted holding hands on their way back from a dinner date in Santa Monica, California. 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 Lindsay Lohan has poured cold water on speculation about her getting a facelift. Since Lohan stepped back into the limelight while filming the highly anticipated Freaky Friday sequel, many people have commented on her appearance. The former Disney star, 38, addressed the cosmetic surgery rumors in a new interview with Elle, crediting her ageless appearance with her very specific skincare routine. I drink this juice every morning. Its like carrot, ginger, lemon, olive oil, apple. I also drink a lot of green tea, a lot of water. Im a big pickled beets person, so I put them in almost everything, she said. My skin care is very specific. Im trying out some serums now that Im doing Im testing them. Also, Im a big believer in ice-cold water on your face when you wake up. I drink lemon juice a lot; I also put tons of chia seeds in my water. Eye patches, I do every morning. Im into lasers. Lohans publicist, who was present for the interview, chimed in to say that the second [Lohan] looks any different, they assume she had her face lifted at 37 or 38, that she ripped apart this or that. Its so mean. open image in gallery Lindsay Lohan says shes never had a facelift procedure ( Getty ) open image in gallery Lohan (pictured in 2006) left Hollywood for over 10 years after a string of rehab stints ( Getty Images ) Im like, when? With what time? Where? Lohan responded. Her publicist agreed: I tried to figure that out, Linds, in the last three years, when you had time to do anything, because I know your schedule. So the haters can hate and be jealous. It just sucks that thats where they go with women in todays world. Women cant just look good to look good and change their lifestyle to be more healthy. You just have to do it and ignore everyone else, Lohan concluded. Lohans publicist is not the only one to deny that the Mean Girls star has had work done. Last year, Lohans dad, Michael Lohan, also denied the rumors, telling PageSix: Lindsay never had any plastic surgery done ever. Her look [is] so natural just like her talent. Michael went on to call all the individuals spreading false narratives about his daughters looks disgusting. The former Wall Street trader, however, admitted Lohan has gotten chemical peels, Botox, and filler. The Just My Luck lead was in and out of rehab for drug and alcohol abuse in her early twenties. Beginning January 2007, she was sent to five different rehab facilities for a total of 250 days after multiple arrests and a probation violation. She spent two weeks behind bars in 2010 for missing her alcohol counseling sessions and ignoring the terms of her probation. Ten years ago, Lohan abandoned Hollywood and headed for London to escape the intense media scrutiny. She ended up residing in Dubai, where she met her husband, Bader Shammas, and welcomed their son, Luai, in July 2023. 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 Flora Vesterberg, granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth IIs cousin, Princess Alexandra, has revealed her autism diagnosis in a powerful new essay. Currently 62nd in line to the British throne, Vesterberg is the thrice-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The 30-year-old art historian and broadcaster opened up about her neurodiversity in an article for Vogue published Sunday. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with autism. Ive struggled quietly with the challenges of my neurodiversity since childhood, but am now also able to perceive its strengths, she began the essay. Like many women, I only recently felt compelled to pursue a clinical assessment. It followed an urgent need for clarity ahead of beginning my PhD at The Courtauld Institute of Art. As a result of the diagnosis, I feel empowered by having a framework with which to understand my experiences and sensitivities. It brings a sense of relief as well as validation. I know that this will not only help me to be kinder to myself, but also help my community to support me effectively. Flora, who married private equity investor Timothy Vesterberg in 2020, said she was told by her psychiatrist: Nearly 80 per cent of autistic women remain undiagnosed by age 18, a vast number of women on the spectrum are hiding in plain sight. Flora Vesterberg has opened up about her autism diagnosis ( Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images for Royal Ascot ) Vesterberg said she was choosing to reflect on her diagnosis during Autism Awareness Month in the hope that I can contribute to advocating for a shift in that statistic over time. The young royal added that it had given her the confidence to seek the right support as she begins her PhD at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London later this year. Whilst my journey with autism feels like it only truly began with my diagnosis, I feel relieved to now have a clearer understanding of my emotional needs as well as the strengths that I should lean into. Vesterberg already holds a philanthropic role at the Courtauld on the Campaign Board. She is also co-chair of the Young Patrons Circle of the Victoria & Albert Museum and supports the non-profit Art History Link-Up. Her father, James Ogilvy the elder child and only son of Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvy reshared a link to his daughters Vogue piece on Instagram, writing: Very proud of you beautiful daughter. Charles travelled all the way to Ottawa to open the 45th Canadian parliament and address a packed Senate from his throne. His time and effort were not wasted. The new King, modestly dressed in a lounge suit, speaking in English and French, didnt mince his words in a country where the sovereign has some wriggle room with the script. Pertinently, he reminded his audience that the monarchy represents stability and continuity from the past to present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism. The extensive meet-and-greets, the lengthy bilingual speech, the transatlantic travel... it cant have been easy for the monarch. That 76-year-old Charles is still undergoing cancer treatment after 14 months is a reminder that his time is precious. Powerful, then, that Charles has spent 24 of those precious hours in Canada, where a little bit more of the country seeped into the elderly Kings bloodstream. According to Canadas new premier Mark Carney, the spectacle was a historic honour that matches the weight of our times, or, in laymans terms, it is a visit which clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country. Like his monarch, the anglophile leader found words to match the moment, with Charless arrival in Ottawa another victory for this accomplished Bank of England governor turned premier. Back in Britain, Donald Trumps bullish heft has won the American president an invitation to a second state visit, but only as a guest. This weeks performative Anglo-Canadian love-in is a reminder that Charles is Canadas monarch. No amount of brouhaha can erase that royal truism. Until recently, many Canadians had felt at best equivocal about their foreign monarch. Not any more. Trumps clumsy language has both helped to clinch Carneys liberal premiership and emboldened Canadas King Charles. Beyond Americas northern border, the pair have seamlessly combined forces to weaponise their advantage in unique Canadian style: maple syrup, the Mounties red serge uniforms, understated glee, and a reminder of a really special relationship. Charles might be a relatively new monarch, but the House of Windsor has form when it comes to prioritising Canada, as the King reminded the Senate today. His mothers 1957 address to the countrys parliament has been cited frequently. Likewise her speech in 1977. Less attention is given to the late Queens first visit with Philip, when they were Duchess and Duke of Edinburgh, in 1951. This was the first time the future monarch representing her ailing father, George VI had flown in an aeroplane (which was still regarded as a high-risk activity). But it was worth it to win hearts and minds in Canada. Much more recently, Princess Anne gave a rare pre-coronation interview in 2023 to the Canadian state broadcaster, CBC. She was asked about the monarchys relevance in the face of increasing dissent. The Princess Royal could scarcely disguise her contempt, insisting it was not a conversation she would normally have, before underlining the notion that the monarchy provides the constitution with a degree of long-term stability that is actually quite hard to come by any other way. open image in gallery Charles greets members of the public during a visit to Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, Canada ( AP ) Those words have never proved more pertinent, which explains why Charles repeated some of them today in a country whose enduring royal roots have long preserved its unique identity in the face of aggressive American overtures. Lest we forget, Trump is hardly original. America has intermittently expressed a desire to grab land across its northern border. As early as 1775-6, it was less 51st state, more 14th colony when Thomas Jefferson visualised an independent America covering the whole northern, if not the southern continent and sent in the Continental Army to seize Montreal and Quebec. But Canadians had other ideas, and sided with the British to rebuff the American force. At the end of the Revolutionary War, a chief US aim was to get Britain to hand over Canada an ambition that was ultimately abandoned in the service of securing independence and peace. Given his newfound enmity with his former friend Vladimir Putin, (Trump wrote on Truth Social that the Russian leader was CRAZY and exhibiting behaviour that might lead to the downfall of Russia), the American president might want to revisit his language regarding his nearest neighbour and most loyal ally. open image in gallery From left, Britains King Charles, Queen Camilla, Canadas prime minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney pose for a family portrait at Rideau Hall ( AP ) To retain its position as the worlds pre-eminent power, the US requires security and cooperation at home. Forget talk of Canada becoming a 51st American state: Trump has some serious sucking up to do in his own back yard. And if Carney is too smooth a package to countenance, surely Britains wise old King will have better luck talking Americas kidult president back into the room. Like all gaudy wannabe-authoritarians, Trump cant resist a bit of old-school royal magic. The only temporal power to which the president could conceivably bend his knee is that of the King. He is younger than Trump, but frailer, and represents something much older a shared history, a bond that has endured the triangulation of Canadian-American-British relations. This is Charless hour, and Canadas, too. But perhaps the biggest winner is the institution of the monarchy. open image in gallery Charles might be a relatively new king, but the House of Windsor has form when it comes to prioritising Canada ( Reuters ) Besieged in recent times by the forces of progress and diversity particularly in Canada, where broadsides from Prince Harry have been loudly heard (the errant prince brought his Invictus Games here twice, sought refuge in Vancouver in 2020, and his wife made her name filming Suits in Toronto) the crown really needed this fillip. When Carney orchestrated Charless historic stopover, he was careful not only to embolden his own countrys sovereignty but also to underscore the vitality of our constitutional monarchy. A reminder that the best relationships are mutually beneficial ones. Small wonder Charles made the effort to cross the Atlantic. Less than three years after our late, great Queen Elizabeth died and mainly, thanks to the 47th American president constitutional monarchy has never been more relevant. Princess Anne will be relieved that it is not a question she will have to endure again soon. Tessa Dunlop is the author of new book Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 British Monuments 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 South Carolina pastor and his wife have been arrested at Nashvilles Grand Ole Opry weeks after they went on the run amid an investigation into sex abuse allegations, police say. Myron Chorbajian, a 73-year-old pastor at 1st Southern Methodist Church in Greenville, South Carolina about a three-hour drive northwest of Charleston and his wife Kathleen Chorbajian, 70, were found 347 miles away from home at the popular music venue in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 15, Fox Carolina reported, citing police documents. The couple was arrested near a Dave & Busters arcade, the police documents said. According to Nashville police, the Chorbajians had fugitive from justice warrants out of South Carolina for a case involving alleged sex abuse. The Greenville County Sheriffs Office said that the sex abuse allegations involved their biological and adoptive children. open image in gallery South Carolina pastor Myron Chorbajian and his wife, Kathleen Chorbajian, have been arrested at Nashvilles Grand Ole Opry weeks after they went on the run amid an investigation into sex abuse allegations, police say ( Greenville County Sheriff's Office ) The couple had one biological daughter and seven adopted children. Two of the children are now dead, according to Fox Carolina. An investigation into the couple was launched last month after one of the victims reported extensive abuse that occurred in the family home, police said. The abuse started in the 1980s, according to the report. The Chorbajians male children suffered physical abuse and the female children suffered sexual abuse, police said. Following their arrest, the couple was taken to the Greenville County Detention Center. There are both being held without bond. open image in gallery Kathleen Chorbajian stands accused of 14 counts of Unlawfully Placing a Child at Risk or Harm and two counts of Accessory to a Felony ( Greenville County Sheriff's Office ) Myron Chorbajian has been charged with three counts of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and three counts of incest, among other charges. Kathleen Chorbajian stands accused of 14 counts of unlawfully placing a child at risk or harm and two counts of accessory to a felony. Myron has been frequently featured giving sermons on his churchs Facebook page. The most recent post was from April 29. It was a video of a sermon in which Myron asked, Are you a Christian by convenience or are you a Christian by conviction? The Independent has reached out to Myrons church for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A manhunt is underway after two people were killed and nine were injured in a mass shooting in Philadelphia on Memorial Day. Philadelphia Police Department believes there were at least three gunmen involved in the fatal incident in Fairmount Park after multiple shell casings were found. Officers continued to comb the scene on Tuesday but no arrests have been made as yet. Shots erupted late on Monday evening after a large group of young people gathered for a cookout on the 800 block of Lemon Hill Drive. Many of the injured victims were teenagers while the two people killed were in their 20s. Click here for the latest updates on the shooting. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said such violence could not be normalized. This is a heinous act of violence that was inhumane, Parker she told reporters at a press briefing Tuesday morning. Heres what we know so far. What happened on Monday night? open image in gallery The shooting took place in Philadelphias Fairmount Park ( Google ) Gunshots rang out at the popular Fairmount Park just before 10.30 p.m. on Monday, after hundreds had gathered in the park for cookouts to celebrate Memorial Day. Officers heard rapid fire gunfire and investigators believe a switch device was used to modify handguns so they would shoot like machine guns. Two young adults were killed in the shooting while nine injured victims were taken to a local hospital. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said officers were already in the process of moving crowds out of the park when the shooting occurred. Fairmount is the largest municipal park in the city at more than 2,000 acres. The police commissioner said crowds were an expected part of Memorial Day and Fairmount Park was a popular area most weekends, but Mondays gathering was different in that it was a mix of adults and teenagers. We try to manage the crowds as they unfold, but at the same token, it is a challenge when individuals decide that they are going to fire into a crowd, that is something we cant anticipate, he said. Where did the shooting occur? What do we know about the victims? Police identified the deceased as 23-year-old Amya Devlin and 21-year-old Mikhail Bowers. Both victims were pronounced dead upon being transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Nine others were injured in the shooting, including six teenagers aged between 15 and 19. Cops said all of the injured victims, who have not yet been publicly identified, were in a stable condition. The victims were taken to several hospitals, CBS News reported, including Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Temple University Hospital, Lankenau Medical Center and the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. What have cops said about the investigation? open image in gallery Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel gave an update in a press briefing on Tuesday morning ( FOX29/YouTube ) Police said the suspects were still at large and no weapons had been recovered. Bethel again suggested that a switch was involved, adding: You cannot fire that many levels of bullets with such speed and time without it having some type of switch on it. As police worked through the evening to determine how many firearms were used in the shooting, Mayor Parker said that investigators found three types of bullet casings at the scene, indicating there were three shooters. I was unfortunately informed that because they found three different types of casings, she said. We know that there were three shooters thus far. So it is not one. Bethel said police would continue to look through social media posts, both before and after the shooting, in an attempt to piece together what had happened. Close Philadelphia Mass Shooting Breaking: Gunfire Erupts at Fairmount Park; 2 Dead, Several Teens Injured 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 man and a woman were killed, and three teenagers were among nine injured in a mass shooting in Philadelphia on Memorial Day. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said police have confirmed they are searching for three shooters, after finding three types of bullet casings at the scene. Parker said there were no excuses for the heinous act of violence that occurred. This is not normal, and we won't normalize the behaviour here in our city, she said. Rapid-fire gunshots rang out just before 10.30 p.m. on Monday at Fairmount Park, the Philadelphia Police Department said, among a large crowd of adults and teenagers. Police have named the two people killed in that mass shooting as 23-year-old Amya Devlin and 21-year-old Mikhail Bowers, while the nine injured victims ranged in age from 15 to 28. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said that officers have cleared the scene of all evidence and are now working to identify the suspects. It will be a significant investigation, he said. Heres how events unfolded. 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 undocumented immigrant drunk driver who killed a Las Vegas police officer in a wrong-way crash last year was nearly three times over the legal blood-alcohol limit, according to a new report. Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, 31, crashed into 29-year-old LVMPD Officer Colton Pulsiphers car on Dec. 12, 2024, killing both of them, KLAS reported. Jimenez-Jimenez, who was an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.205 at the time of the crash, new documents revealed. In addition to being over Nevadas 0.08 limit, Jimenez-Jimenez also had THC, the main psychoactive chemical in marijuana, in his system and was driving between 91 and 99 mph, according to the report. Jimenez-Jimenez had applied for U.S. citizenship in 2020, but was ordered to be removed from the country in 2021 by a Texas judge. He entered the country illegally twice in 2019 and was returned to Mexico each time by ICE. open image in gallery Las Vegas Police Officer Colton Pulsipher (above) was killed in a wrong-way crash after Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, was driving with a blood-alcohol level three times over the legal limit. ( Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department ) Pulsipher, the officer killed in the crash, was a husband and father of three. He was off duty at the time and ob his way home, police said. A third person who collided with Jimenez-Jimenezs truck after the initial crash was also injured. According to authorities, there was also a man in the passenger seat of Jimenez-Jimenezs truck, who walked off into the desert and was found asleep nine hours later. The passenger told police that he and Jimenez-Jimenez worked for a landscaping company and that Jimenez-Jimenez drove to the desert to drink. Inside the truck, police located several empty alcoholic beverage containers and receipts and packages from a marijuana dispensary. Investigators were then able to locate a video of Jimenez-Jimenez and his passenger purchasing marijuana products through a drive-thru dispensary. The footage also showed Jimenez-Jimenez smoking while in the drivers seat. Jimenez-Jimenezs truck was not registered in his name, but its owner never contacted police, according to documents. 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 California mother had been missing for several days when her concerned daughter traced her cell phone signal and was led to a homeless encampment where she found her body inside a makeshift tent. The death of 46-year-old Lucrecia Macias Barajas was characterized by the Los Angeles Police Department as a suspected drug overdose, according to The Los Angeles Times. But Barajas devastated daughters believe there was something suspicious about their mothers death and say cops were too quick to rule out foul play, The Times reported. The missing womans body was found on Monday, inside the tarp-covered shelter that had reportedly been secured from the outside with a lock, her daughters said. Alongside Barajas body was the body of her male friend, whose identity was not released by the L.A. County Medical Examiners office. Neighbors said at least one of the bodies had been partially eaten by dogs. open image in gallery The death of 46-year-old Lucrecia Macias Barajas, a US Army Veteran, has been characterized by the Los Angeles Police Department as a suspected drug overdose, according to The Los Angeles Times ( GoFundMe ) Video recorded by a witness at the scene showed one of her daughters sobbing after making the horrific discovery at the encampment in the Westlake district of Los Angeles. Another daughter recalled the moment she got the devastating news. My sister, she called to tell us that she found our mom dead, Amely Becerra told KLFY. It devastated us. We didnt understand how it happened. I want people to know she wasnt a homeless drug addict, because thats not true, Becerra added. Some people are coming to that conclusion, and thats not fair. She was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Adding to the suspicious circumstances, the daughters say they believe surround their mothers death are that someone in the area heard a woman screaming for help. She was screaming: help, help, I need help, Hans Salinas, 25, told The Times about what he heard early Sunday, hours before the bodies were found. After that it went silent. Salinas and his girlfriend had fallen asleep in his car in a parking lot near the shelter when they were woken up around 3:30 a.m. when they heard a man and a woman arguing. Screaming followed, he said, adding that it was coming from the direction of the tent when the bodies were later found. open image in gallery Barajas body was found on Monday, inside the tarp-covered shelter that had reportedly been secured from the outside with a lock, her daughters said ( KTLA ) Another resident, who lives near the encampment, told KTLA: When I heard her harrowing screams, it shook us all to our core. We all just started shaking because we absolutely knew someone was dead outside. The homeless encampment has been an ongoing issue for many nearby residents, who say it attracts criminal activity, drug use, safety hazards and unruly animals, KLFY reported. The victims daughters have since raised concerns about the handling of their moms case with the department and the LAPD has said they plan to look into it. Meanwhile, the office of Los Angeles Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez told The Times in a statement that it was in touch with the LAPD to ensure the family gets the answers they deserve. A GoFundMe was created to help raise money to bury Barajas next to her father, as she wished. She loved wholeheartedly and was selfless, caring, loving, the campaign read. She left us all too soon and its a shame to lose such a wonderful human being. 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 SpaceX has announced hundreds of jobs at its rapidly growing Starbase facility in Texas, from where Elon Musk hopes to launch rockets to Mars next year. The majority of the roles advertised are typical to the aerospace industry, such as mechanical engineers and welders, however SpaceX also appears to be building its own in-house hospitality sector. There are listings for a barista, pastry chef and dishwasher, as well as a Spaceport Mixologist tasked with creating hand-crafted cocktails. The Spaceport Mixologist is responsible for the quality of service throughout one or more of our beverage outlets, the job listing states. The Spaceport Mixologist supports the mission by upholding friendly, welcoming service environments that enhance the productivity and morale of the workforce while ensuring the team is performing to departmental and company standards. Starbase has grown from a small test site on the southern tip of Texas, to the main hub for Elon Musks Mars ambitions. Earlier this month, the facility was officially incorporated as a city by Cameron County following a vote by residents most of whom were SpaceX employees despite some Cameron County locals expressing opposition to the endeavour. Starbase City includes launch pads and rocket-building facilities, as well as Tiki Bar that uses rocket flaps for its awning. SpaceX is preparing to launch its Starship mega rocket from Starbase on Tuesday evening, in what will be the ninth major flight test of the 123-metre-tall rocket. The previous two tests of the worlds biggest rocket ended in explosions, though Musk remains hopeful that it will be capable of reaching Mars by the end of 2026. Starship departs for Mars at the end of next year, carrying [Teslas humanoid robot] Optimus, the SpaceX boss wrote on X in March. If those landings go well, then human landings may start as soon as 2029, although 2031 is more likely. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently granted SpaceX permission to perform up to 25 Starship launches per year from Starbase. The launch window for the latest launch attempt will open at 6:30pm local time (12:30am BST, Wednesday), with a live stream available on SpaceXs website. After nearly a week of no inmate arrests from the May 16 Orleans Parish jail escape, three of the men who broke out of the facility were apprehended outside of New Orleans metro on Memorial Day. The intensive manhunt following the escape from the New Orleans jail earlier this month led to three more inmates being taken into custody on Monday, leaving two others still at large from the historic breakout. As authorities continue the search for the last two inmates still on the run after a brazen, 10-man jailbreak at the Orleans Parish Justice Center earlier this month, a reported 14 people accused of aiding the escapees are behind bars, many with the million-dollar bonds typically reserved for homicide suspects or defendants with lengthy and violent criminal histories. Three of the 10 men who joined in a brazen jailbreak Friday morning in New Orleans sat inside the lockup for nearly two years or longer before their run for freedom, records show, a duration that is common in Orleans Parish, where a spotlight now hovers over Sheriff Susan Hutson and an understaffed jail stretched to capacity. Ron Faucheux: New Orleans mayoral elections ain't what they used to be Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Cabramattas banh mi institution Vinatas Hot Bread, Granvilles El Sweetie and Lakembas Paldo Kimchi are some of the venues involved, with tours from $10. Food tours often pause outside the white-tiled facade of Vinatas Hot Bread in Cabramatta, where owner Thi Bach Yen Vu slices through crusty baguettes, loading them with sweet, garlicky grilled nem nuong (pork sausage), zingy pickles and fragrant herbs. Vinatas is one of Cabramattas banh mi institutions. Vu and her family were among the first Vietnamese families to settle in the area, opening Vinatas Hot Bread in 1989. For 36 years, theyve been crafting pork rolls, with three generations now working side by side in the kitchen. Sisters Trang Nguyen-Vu and Anh-Thu Vu who help run the family business. Dion Georgopoulos Usually, the cash register is as close as you can get to the action. Cabramatta is a fast and furious place. A lot of the business owners dont have the resources or the time to stand around and chat, says Peter Nguyen, who runs Cabramatta food tours as part of Gourmet Food Safari. But later this year, visitors will have a rare opportunity to step behind the counter. As part of the Powerhouse Food: Producers series a new monthly program of talks, workshops and events curated by Powerhouse Parramatta Nguyen will hold a one-off behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Vinatas, where guests will explore the culinary traditions behind one of western Sydneys most beloved banh mi spots. Knowles said the jury would hear evidence the pair drank alcohol and Ward went inside the house momentarily as the alleged victim lay on the grass outside, pretending to be passed out, playing a joke. She said the jury would hear evidence that Ward slid his hands into the mans shorts and rubbed his buttocks. [The alleged victim] was in shock, and he froze, Knowles told the court. The alleged victim pretended he had been unconscious, Knowles said, and played as though he had just woken up and was unaware he had been touched. The young man allegedly said he wanted to go to sleep, but Ward told him it would be unsafe to sleep alone and took the alleged victim to Wards own bed and turned off the light, Knowles said the jury would hear. The Crown will allege Wards groin was on top of the alleged victims buttocks, and he began giving him a lower back massage. The accused said to relax and [the alleged victim] kept saying stop and the accused did eventually, Knowles told the court. They continued their social relationship, Knowles told the court, and the young man eventually developed a drug habit. After the alleged victim got sober in 2018, he was doing quite a bit of thinking and realised he was self-medicating, Knowles said the jury would hear, and he reported the alleged assaults to police in November 2020. Potts Point allegations The Crown alleges Ward had sexual intercourse without consent with the 24-year-old complainant in September 2015 after inviting him back to his Potts Point apartment in Sydneys eastern suburbs following an event at NSW Parliament House. The young man had had a few too many drinks, Knowles said, and Ward invited him to stay at his apartment. The Crown alleges he rebuffed Wards first attempt to kiss him. Seconds later, Knowles said, the MP tried again. This time, [the complainant] let the kiss happen for a few seconds, Knowles said. The Crown alleges the 24-year-old pushed Ward away when he felt his tongue, and said he had a big day the next day and wanted to go to bed. He was then shown to a room by the accused, which [the complainant] assumed he would have to himself. Indeed, the accused left the room, but he came back a short time later. In the intervening period [the complainant] had stripped down to his boxer shorts and undershirt, got into bed and was in the process of going to sleep. The Crown alleges Ward tried to put his arm over the complainant and eventually put his hand inside his boxer shorts and onto his buttocks. The young man told him to stop, Knowles said. She said the Crown case was that Ward engaged in digital penetration and kept going after the 24-year-old told him to stop. The next morning they didnt discuss what happened. The accused spoke to [the complainant] about his future and if [the complainant] stuck by him, he would take care of [him]. Knowles told the jury that the complainant initially moved on with his life after getting what he saw as an apology from Ward a month or two later. In about April 2021, the Crown said, the young man realised he hadnt gotten over what had happened and eventually gave a statement to police. Addressing the 15-person jury before the Crowns opening remarks, Judge Kara Shead said they are the judges of fact and they must decide what evidence they accept and reject. She said the Crown must prove Wards guilt based on the evidence before them and that Ward has no obligation to prove anything to you. You should make observations when a person is giving evidence, Shead said. Do you find that theyre accurate? Do you find that theyre honest? Talkback radio in Sydney is a dumb place for deciding important matters of policy for Australia. But sadly, that is what has happened when it comes to international education. Stoked by claims of foreign students causing housing shortages in Sydney, the Peter Dutton-led opposition and the Albanese government spent the last two years announcing policies to discourage international students from studying in Australia, including a cap on student enrolments. International students make a huge contribution to Victorias economy. Credit: Oscar Colman In the lead-up to the May election, things went from dumb to dumber, as anti-international-student measures became a proxy for Dutton and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to show how strong they would be on immigration. This included proposals to cut student numbers by 80,000, the highest (non-refundable) student visa charges in the world, and prohibitive financial and language requirements on students. Now we have the US administration of Donald Trump. They have the even dumberer idea of a culture war against universities, with a ban on international students at Harvard University. US President Donald Trumps ambitious golden dome missile defence system creates opportunities for Australia, says former prime minister Scott Morrison, who wants the AUKUS pact to expand from undersea into space. The former prime minister and now chairman of the advisory board for Space Centre Australia has warned that while the United States has the most sophisticated and mature civil and military space capabilities, China is rapidly gaining ground in the space race and Russia is well established. In a major speech in Sydney on Tuesday, Morrison, one of the founders of the AUKUS defence arrangement with the US and United Kingdom, called for a third pillar of AUKUS co-operation to include the development of satellites and other forms of space technology. Morrisons speech comes days after Trump announced the golden dome system, which is designed to defend America from ballistic and cruise missiles. Trump said the shield should be operational by the end of his four-year term. Rosehill Gardens racecourses mooted transformation into a massive new housing development has been dealt a fatal blow by members of the Australian Turf Club narrowly rejecting a proposal to sell the course to the NSW government for $5 billion at a fiery meeting on Tuesday afternoon. The decision marks the end of what Premier Chris Minns and other backers had labelled a once-in-a-generation opportunity to sell the course and develop it into a new mini-city of 25,000 homes, and is a major setback to the governments plans to ease Sydneys housing crisis. Minns, who has championed the proposal since it was first announced almost a year and a half ago, called the rejection a golden opportunity that slipped through our fingers and said the reasonably close result was bittersweet. I think itd be really disingenuous of me if I just said oh, no big deal. I think it would have been great for Sydney, he said. fourth largest THIS was bound to happen around this time, and it did ! -- may be a bit earlier than the general prediction ! Since every Indian was eyeing that elevation, Indias rise to become the worlds fourth largest economy -- as asserted by NITI Aayog quoting the authentic data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) -- has not come as a surprise to anybody. No matter that, it is, therefore, time for India to pat its own back to have achieved the 4-trillion-dollar mark to surpass Japan in global economic ranking. Now, the next step is to overtake Germany to become the worlds third largest economy -- which is being predicted to happen in the next three years. Going by available indicators, that mark, too, would be touched and crossed -- to indicate the galloping strength of the Indian economic mechanics and dynamics. Of course, there will be some who would challenge the claim that India has become the worlds fourth largest economy. They will raise issues without much substance to highlight the socio-political limitations of the country. And one of the issues raised by these doubting Thomases would be that the Government is still feeding around 80 crore people on a daily basis since the COVID-19 period. However, those who understand the subject of economy would ask, in essence, Is that not a pointer to the countrys economic prowess that it has the facility to provide for essentials to 80 crore people on a daily basis for years? Thus, the doubters get a direct rebuff with this correct economic logic. The IMF has stated, in essence, that India continues to remain the fastest-growing economy in the world. The IMF also has predicted that India would register a 6% growth annually for two years -- which is good enough to take its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 5,584.476 billion dollars by 2028. That would be when India would surpass Germany to claim the third spot in global rankings. In other words, in the next three years, India would start nudging China at the second spot and the United States in the first spot. This is, of course, a very happy thought, a proud thought, a satisfying thought for every Indian -- no matter political differences, no matter whether some people like Mr. Narendra Modi as Prime Minister or not. For, the issue is not about who is the Prime Minister. The issue is how he leads the country in this critical domain. It is not without reason, therefore, that the Confederation of All Indian Traders (CAIT) has hailed Mr. Modis visionary governance. This is certainly the point to attract not just the national but also the global attention -- Mr. Modis proactive leadership. Let alone the economic jargon to talk about the Indian economic rise, it is necessary to understand the spiritual thrust he gave to the countrys economic thought-process. Dream big and achieve big, he had said, in effect, as he took over the national leadership eleven years ago. He also said, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwaas (Support of all, development of all, trust of all) -- thus taking the developmental discourse to an endearing level of collective national consciousness. Yet, the poet in the Prime Ministers mind did not overpower the practical economic wisdom. Every move, every step, every plan, every scheme was totally inclusive and complete apolitical. This democratisation of the economic effort and inclusion became the key to Indias growth. There is no need to highlight every scheme the Modi Government floated successfully, since this is not a political document. Suffice it is to say, therefore, that when a nation as spiritually charged as India launches a journey, it assumed an unstoppable strength -- in any domain. That is going to be the power of Indias trajectory on the economic path. Op Sindoor halted only after DGMO talks at Paks request NEW DELHI : EXTERNAL Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday told a parliamentary panel that Pakistan was informed by the DGMO about Indian strikes on terror camps in their territory only after they were executed, sources said. He also said he never spoke to Pakistan and cleared the air about alleged US interference, saying the decision to halt the military operation was taken bilaterally after a request from the Pakistan side. Addressing members of the Consultative Committee on External Affairs here, the Minister said the cessation of Operation Sindoor was done only after Pakistan DGMO asked for the halting of hostilities and there was no question of US mediation between the two, the sources said. The Congress and Rahul Gandhi have been targeting Jaishankar, alleging that he had informed Pakistan beforehand about the Indian strikes at terror camps. The sources said the Minister told the MPs at the meeting that only the DGMOs of the countries spoke to each other and no other Indian official spoke with the Pakistani side. He said the US was urging India to speak with Pakistan and it was told that terror and talks would not go together, he said. Responding to several queries posed by MPs during the meeting about the halting of Operation Sindoor and the US interference, the External Affairs Minister told MPs at the meeting that the DGMO had informed his Pakistani counterpart that if they would fire, India would fire back. He said the targeted strikes at terror camps in Pakistan also hit the morale of Pakistani forces. The sources said the Minister sought the cooperation of all MPs in exposing Pakistan across the world. He said that is why the Government has sent multi-party delegations of MPs to various countries to put across Indias united message against terrorism to the world. Jaishankar shared pictures of chairing the Consultative Committee Meeting of MEA on X. Discussed Operation Sindoor and Indias zero-tolerance policy against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Underlined the importance of sending a strong and united message in that regard, the Minister also said. While Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistry gave a presentation on Operation Sindoor to the MPs at the meeting, Jaishankar responded to queries later. The sources said the Congress members asked the Government why India was hyphenated with Pakistan by the US and also raised the issue of IMF aid to Pakistan and Indias abstention at the meet. They said the Congress also raised concerns over Pakistans growing relationship with China. Terrorism is an open business in Pakistan: EAM Jaishankar: TERRORISM is an open business in Pakistan that is financed, organised and used by the state and its military, S Jaishankar has said. The External Affairs Minister also said that India and Pakistan were very, very far away from a nuclear conflict during their recent clashes. Containers from sunken Liberian ship wash ashore KOLLAM/ALAPPUZHA : CONTAINERS from a Liberian cargo ship that sank off the Kerala coast have started washing ashore, prompting the authorities to urge the public to stay away from them, police said on Monday. Police said that some containers have been found along the coasts of southern Kollam and coastal Alappuzha districts. The total number of containers washed ashore is not yet known, and authorities are working to manage the situation, they said. Police have been deployed in all affected areas. Reports indicate that at least 10 containers have been spotted so far along the coast of Kollam and Alappuzha districts. Officials have urged the public to stay away from the containers, warning that the ship had 13 hazardous cargos among its over 640 containers. The cargo ship capsized and sank early on Sunday, leading to a significant oil spill. The leak has sparked a statewide alert, as fuel is drifting at a speed of around three kilometres per hour and could soon impact the ecologically sensitive Kerala coastline. According to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the sunken vessel had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks. Some containers were carrying dangerous substances such as calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with seawater to release highly flammable acetylene gas, officials said. The ICG is leading pollution response efforts and monitoring the spread of the oil slick. Meanwhile, the Office of the Chief Commissioner of Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, has said that out of a total of 643 containers on board, 73 were empty and 13 were carrying hazardous and dangerous goods, including calcium carbide--a chemical that reacts violently with water to release highly flammable acetylene gas. All goods on board were non-duty paid at the time of the incident, and any unauthorised removal or pilferage of such goods is illegal, it said in a statement. Nagpur Police team reaches Amritsar to bring Sunita back Sunita Jamgade was handed over to Border Security Force by Pakistan Rangers Staff Reporter : City woman Sunita Jamgade (43), who crossed over into Pakistan through the Line of Control (LoC) earlier this month from the Hunderman village in Kargil, was handed over to the Indian authorities by Pakistani officials. A team of Nagpur City police has reached Amritsar to bring Sunita back. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone 5, Niketan Kadam said, the team of City police would bring Sunita back to Nagpur. Jamgade, a resident of Sant Kabir Nagar, in Kapil Nagar Police Station area, was reported missing on May 14. She crossed the border in Kargil area and left her son behind and was nabbed by the Pakistani forces. A team comprising one officer and two women constables has been sent to Amritsar to bring Sunita back after she was handed-over to BSF. Pakistan forces captured Sunita after she crossed the Indo-Pak border. The Pakistan Rangers have handed her over to the Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday. Later, BSF handed her over to Amritsar Police, added Kadam. We will interrogate her once she is in Nagpur. We need to verify whether she was involved in spying or any other unlawful activity, he added. Sunita was in touch with Pakistani nationals Zulfekar and Pastor before going missing. A zero FIR has been registered by the Amritsar Police, which will be transferred to the Kapil Nagar Police Station in Nagpur, as her permanent address is in Nagpur. Jamgades 12-year-old son, who was taken into the care of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) following her disappearance, also will be brought back to Nagpur soon. Sunita, a former nurse from a hospital in Nagpur and a door-to-door garment seller, had been showing signs of emotional distress and confusion in the weeks leading up to her disappearance. Her family had also shared that she was mentally ill and was undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Her husband divorced her and married to another woman. Sunita was living with her mother and son in Sant Kabir Nagar. PM slams Pak for fostering hatred towards India DAHOD : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Pakistan, asserting that its sole objective is to foster hatred towards India and orchestrate harm, while India remains steadfast in its pursuit of poverty eradication and economic advancement. Addressing a large gathering here, the Prime Minister lauded Operation Sindoor, describing it as not merely a military operation but a profound expression of Indias ethos and feelings. The operation was launched during the intervening night of May 6 and May 7 with the Indian Air Force targeting nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir which included the headquarters of banned outfits of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. This operation was launched by India to avenge the gunning down of 26 people, mainly tourists, at Pahalgam on April 22 by Pakistan-supported terrorists. How can India and Modi sit quiet after such a terrorist attack? the Prime Minister questioned, eliciting a thunderous cheer from the crowd. Anyone who dares to erase the sindoor from the foreheads of our sisters will surely be eliminated, he said, and added that terrorists may not have imagined in their wildest dreams how difficult it would be to fight against Modi. Sindoor is a sign of marriage and its wiping off signifies widowhood. The Prime Minister said the decisive action was a direct fulfilment of the responsibility entrusted to him by the nations citizens when they made him pradhan sevak on May 26, 2014 and added that he had granted complete autonomy to the three wings of the armed forces, enabling them to execute actions unseen globally for decades. Criticising Pakistan, the Prime Minister said the (neighbouring) country that came into existence after partition, lives on hatred for India. It only wants to harm Bharat. However, Indias goals are to remove poverty, bring about economic development and become a developed nation. In a strong appeal to the public, the Prime Minister asked them to prioritise Made in India products, especially during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Ganesh Puja. Dont you think we have to stop using imported products? he questioned, lamenting the use of imported items like firecrackers and Ganesha idols during Indian festivals. To ensure our countrys progress, everyone should take a resolve to purchase only Made in India products, he urged, stressing that everything essential for Indias progress must be manufactured domestically. Earlier in the day, Modi held a roadshow in Vadodara upon his arrival in Gujarat for a two-day visit. Family members of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who came into the spotlight for holding regular press briefings about Operation Sindoor, were also present among the enthusiastic crowd that gathered to greet the Prime Minister. Colonel Qureshi hails from Vadodara, and her parents, brother Mohammad Sanjay Qureshi and sister Shyna Sunsara, were at the roadshow. People of Pak must come forward to end terrorism, says PM: THE people of Pakistan should understand that their government and Army are supporting terrorism for their own benefit so they must come forward to end the menace which is ruining their lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. On his first visit to Gujarat after Operation Sindoor, he warned that if the people of Pakistan do not choose the path of peace, they will face the wrath of the Indian Army. The PM, who on Monday (May 26) completed 11 years in office, also highlighted India surpassing Japan to become the worlds fourth-largest economy and asked Pakistani citizens to mull where their country stands. While India believes in tourism, Pakistan considers terrorism as tourism, which is very dangerous for the world. I want to ask the people of Pakistan -- what they have achieved? Today, India is the 4th largest economy in the world. But what is your situation? Those who promoted terrorism ruined your future, emphasised Modi. Putin has gone crazy: Trump Russia sent record number of drones into Ukraine President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, New Jersey on Sunday. (AP/PTI) KYIV ; RUSSIA overnight launched the biggest drone attack on Ukraine in the more than three-year war, a Ukrainian official said on Monday. President Donald Trump said Russian leader Vladimir Putin has gone crazy by stepping up the bombing of Ukraine just as the US tries to broker peace. The Russian bombardment on Sunday night included 355 drones, Yuriy Ihnat, head of the Ukrainian air forces communications department, told The Associated Press. The previous night, Russia fired 298 drones and 69 missiles of various types at Ukraine in what Ukrainians said was the largest combined aerial assault during the conflict. From Friday to Sunday, Russia launched around 900 drones at Ukraine, officials said. The escalation appeared to thwart hopes that Trumps peace efforts might lead to a breakthrough in the near term, as Putin looks determined to capture more Ukrainian territory and inflict more damage. Russia has this month broken its record for aerial bombardments of Ukraine three times. The expansion of its air campaign came after Kyiv in March accepted an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US but Moscow effectively rejected it. Russia is also still pushing along the roughly 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line, where it has made slow and costly progress, and is assembling its forces for a summer offensive, Ukraine and military analysts say. Only a sense of complete impunity can allow Russia to carry out such attacks and continually escalate their scale, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Monday. There is no significant military logic to this, but there is considerable political meaning. He repeated his call for tighter international economic sanctions on Russia as a way of ending the war, because Russias desire to fight must be deprived of resources. The European Unions top diplomat, foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, on Monday described the latest attacks on Kyiv as totally appalling and said the bloc intended to impose more sanctions on Russia. Robust progress in countrys health infra under PM Modis leadership: Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurating the plaque of Swasti Niwas at National Cancer Institute premises, on Monday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and others also were present. (Right) A volunteer briefing about highlights of Swasti Niwas as Amit Shah looks at the model of the project. He was accompanied by Devendra Fadnavis, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Shailesh Joglekar and other dignitaries. Staff Reporter : Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of Swasti Niwas at National Cancer Institute Centre ready to help set up the state-of-the-art research facility on the premises of the NCI The health infrastructure in India witnessed massive progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and about 60 crore underprivileged citizens are availing free health facilities upto Rs 5 lakh, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday. He was addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of Swasti Niwas, a residential complex for cancer patients and their relatives at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in city. Comparing Congress and BJP governments at the Centre, Shah said, After independence, there were just seven All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the country. While 23 AIIMS were approved under Modi Government in last 10 years. During Manmohan Singh era, the budget for the health sector was Rs 37,000 crore, which has now been increased up to Rs 1.35 lakh crore under PM Modi, said the Union Minister. Applauding the efforts of NCI management in running the institution for the betterment of the society, the Union Home Minister said, Cancer treatment is prolonged, and the pain of patients and their families is huge. Only those who experience the pain personally have the spirit of service to the society and ease sufferings of people at large. Medical sector in foreign countries are different as compared to India. There (other countries), patients go to hospital, take treatment, and come back to their homes. Whereas, in India, our culture teaches us to be with every family member, and in hospitals, family members also live with their patients till their recovery, added Shah. Mentioning about Swasti Niwas, he said, NCI has set an example in medical sector in the form of this residential complex in which the kin of cancer patients will the get state-of-the-art accommodation facilities at the institute itself at a very nominal cost. I am sure that this model will be adopted by other medical institutions in the country too. I assured Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of all assistance from the Central Government in setting up a state-of-the-art research facility in NCI premises, announced the Union Home Minister. Shah expressed confidence that the institute will emerge as the best cancer treatment facility in the country in coming years. He lauded Fadnaviss efforts in sowing the seeds for the cancer institute. The Union Home Minister also said, good intentions always benefit society. Likewise, efforts of the Government and private institutions do wonders. 'Fadnavis conceptualised the idea for the institute in 2012. Today, as a two-time Chief Minister, he is realising the dream, added Shah. The Union Home Minister was accompanied by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule at the event. Adv Sunil Manohar, President, NCI; Ajay Sancheti, former MP (Rajya Sabha) and Vice President, NCI; Shailesh Joglekar, General Secretary and CEO; Dr Anand Pathak, Medical Director; Anand Aurangabadkar, Treasurer; Samir Meghe, MLA, Hingna; and others shared the dais. Terrorism is a global cancer: Prasad in France PARIS : INDIA wants peace and amity but not at the cost of innocent Indians, and the world must speak in one voice as far as barbaric state-sponsored terrorism is concerned, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, as an all-party delegation led by him began its six-country Europe tour in Paris. The nine-member delegation will be engaging with members of the Senate and National Assembly, think tanks and a cross-section of the Indian diaspora during the opening leg of their visit in France. Meetings are also scheduled with French parliamentarians in the realm of foreign affairs for the delegation will reiterate Indias zero-tolerance stance on terrorism in the wake of the brutal Pahalgam terror attacks. Our whole focus is very clear: India wants peace and amity, but not at the cost of the lives of our innocent Indians, Prasad told PTI ahead of the meetings. And if in the most barbaric manner, Pahalgam happens, there will be a cost to it, and the whole world needs to speak in one voice as far as terrorism is concerned. Its a global menace, a global cancer, he said. The former Union Minister noted how European nations, including France, the UK and Belgium, have also been victims of terrorism. Ambassador Saran referenced the strong bilateral relationship between India and France across all spheres, including defence and security. QATAR AN ALL-PARTY parliamentary delegation on Monday apprised a junior Qatari minister of Indias stand on the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Operation Sindoor and the countrys national consensus for zero-tolerance against terrorism. The all-party delegation led by NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule arrived in Qatar late Saturday as part of the Governments outreach to the international community on the fight against terror and the significance of Operation Sindoor. Today morning the multi-party delegation met HE Dr. Mohamed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, MoS for Foreign Affairs and conveyed Indias perspectives on the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Operation Sindoor and Indias national consensus for zero-tolerance against terrorism, the Indian Embassy in Qatar posted on X. MoS Dr Al Khulaifi conveyed Qatars solidarity with India and policy of zero tolerance against terrorism for regional stability and prosperity, it said in another post. Apart from Sule, the working president of the NCP-SP, the delegation comprises BJP leaders Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Anurag Thakur and V Muraleedharan, Congress leaders Manish Tewari and Anand Sharma, TDP leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, AAP leader Vikramjeet Singh Sawhney, and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin. KUWAIT AN ALL-PARTY Indian parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda arrived in Kuwait on Monday to highlight Indias zero-tolerance stance against terrorism. The delegation arrived here from Bahrain. Indian Ambassador Adarsh Swaika received the delegation at the airport. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi, former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, ex-National chairperson of the National Commission for Women and Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma, and Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary, former Ambassador to the United States, Bangladesh & Thailand, are some other members of delegation. Azad, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman, said that probably the number of terrorists that are living in Pakistan is more than the number of terrorists residing all over the world. Azad added that he is happy to see people of all religions living peacefully there. He further said that although Indian leaders may belong to different political parties but they are united as Indians here. South Korea AN ALL-PARTY parliamentary delegation on Monday briefed South Korean leaders on Indias renewed doctrine of responding firmly to any act of terrorism as it sought Seouls support in bringing to justice the organisers, perpetrators, financiers and supporters of terrorism. The delegation, led by JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, met Sung Il-jong, Chairperson of the National Defence Committee of the National Assembly of South Korea, and apprised him that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was not an accident, rather intentional acts to disrupt communal harmony in India. They conveyed Indias national resolve on zero-tolerance policy in combatting terrorism. The delegation sought RoKs support in holding organisers, perpetrators, financiers and supporters of terrorism to account and bringing them to justice, the Embassy of India in South Korea said in a post on X. Sung acknowledged the purpose of the nine-member delegations visit as a mission of peace and acknowledged Indias restrained response. He appreciated the detailed explanation provided by the delegation and further emphasised that any act of terrorism is a crime against humanity and can not be condoned, it added. CONGO A MULTI-PARTY delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Monday held a fruitful meeting with Congo Foreign Affairs Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and conveyed Indias zero-tolerance against terrorism. The delegation also thanked Congo for its support and solidarity in the fight against terrorism. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, Manan Kumar Mishra, Indian Union Muslim Leagues ET Mohammed Basheer, Biju Janata Dals Sasmit Patra, BJP leader SS Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy are also part of the Shinde-led delegation. The delegation also visited the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and held a meeting with Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi, President of the National Assembly of the DRC. SLOVENIA AN ALL-PARTY delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Monday called on senior Slovenian officials and emphasised Indias new normal of zero tolerance against cross-border terrorism. The delegation, which reached Slovenia on Sunday, also appreciated the central European countrys unequivocal condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and its support to India in its fight against terror. The delegation met Vojko Volk, State Secretary and National Coordinator for National and International Security in the Prime Ministers Office. In a meeting with Predrag Bakovic, Chairperson of the Foreign Policy Committee of the National Assembly, and Miroslav Gregoric of the India-Slovenia Parliamentary Friendship Group, the delegation conveyed Indias strong commitment on zero tolerance against terrorism and national consensus on this issue. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Smith Shellnut Wilson LLC ADV grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 13.3% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 5,454 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 641 shares during the period. Smith Shellnut Wilson LLC ADVs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $617,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 168,645,397 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $19,075,481,000 after acquiring an additional 739,260 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors lifted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 67,972,953 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $7,688,160,000 after purchasing an additional 2,229,026 shares during the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors lifted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 54,097,005 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $6,118,903,000 after purchasing an additional 795,073 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 2.2% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 35,668,834 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $4,023,027,000 after purchasing an additional 765,636 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 26,392,302 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,985,233,000 after purchasing an additional 581,325 shares during the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance ABT stock opened at $131.31 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The company has a market capitalization of $228.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.16, a P/E/G ratio of 2.52 and a beta of 0.74. Abbott Laboratories has a 12 month low of $99.71 and a 12 month high of $141.23. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $129.95 and a two-hundred day moving average of $124.84. Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.38 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.95% and a return on equity of 20.74%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, SVP Eric Shroff sold 562 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, March 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $138.17, for a total value of $77,651.54. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 31,970 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,417,294.90. This represents a 1.73% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, April 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total transaction of $337,116.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 34,058 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,415,960.28. This represents a 7.09% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 95,278 shares of company stock worth $12,745,859 in the last ninety days. 0.46% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have commented on ABT shares. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $117.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $136.00 to $147.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Abbott Laboratories from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $138.00 to $154.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 4th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $142.59. Read Our Latest Analysis on Abbott Laboratories Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAE Systems plc (OTCMKTS:BAESY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $104.52 and last traded at $104.46, with a volume of 353340 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $100.07. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on BAESY. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of BAE Systems in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Berenberg Bank downgraded shares of BAE Systems from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, March 10th. Get BAE Systems alerts: Read Our Latest Report on BAESY BAE Systems Trading Up 4.4% BAE Systems Increases Dividend The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 0.91. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $89.77 and its 200-day simple moving average is $73.90. The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, April 22nd will be issued a $1.0442 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, April 22nd. This is an increase from BAE Systemss previous dividend of $0.63. Hedge Funds Weigh In On BAE Systems Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Altrius Capital Management Inc grew its holdings in BAE Systems by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. Altrius Capital Management Inc now owns 113,168 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $6,469,000 after purchasing an additional 3,662 shares in the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in BAE Systems in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in BAE Systems by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. now owns 67,760 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $3,899,000 after purchasing an additional 2,211 shares during the last quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. lifted its position in BAE Systems by 4.3% in the 4th quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. now owns 55,390 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $3,166,000 after purchasing an additional 2,285 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its position in BAE Systems by 116.9% in the 1st quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 1,900 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $156,000 after purchasing an additional 1,024 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 0.21% of the companys stock. About BAE Systems (Get Free Report) BAE Systems plc provides defense, aerospace, and security solutions worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Electronic Systems, Platforms & Services, Air, Maritime, and Cyber & Intelligence. The Electronic Systems segment offers electronic warfare systems, navigation systems, electro-optical sensors, military and commercial digital engine and flight controls, precision guidance and seeker solutions, military communication systems and data links, persistent surveillance capabilities, space electronics, and electric drive propulsion systems. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BAE Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BAE Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $8.05 and last traded at $8.03, with a volume of 1515578 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $7.91. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth SAN has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Banco Santander from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 13th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded Banco Santander from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 24th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Banco Santander alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on SAN Banco Santander Stock Up 1.7% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.83, a current ratio of 2.24 and a quick ratio of 0.23. The company has a market cap of $121.90 billion, a PE ratio of 9.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $7.01 and a 200 day moving average price of $5.87. Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 30th. The bank reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.22. Banco Santander had a net margin of 15.88% and a return on equity of 11.90%. The firm had revenue of $17.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.94 billion. As a group, analysts anticipate that Banco Santander, S.A. will post 0.83 EPS for the current year. Banco Santander Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 7th. Investors of record on Wednesday, April 30th were paid a $0.1152 dividend. This is a boost from Banco Santanders previous semi-annual dividend of $0.08. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, April 30th. This represents a yield of 2.4%. Banco Santanders payout ratio is presently 20.69%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Santander A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SAN. Westbourne Investments Inc. bought a new position in shares of Banco Santander during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $453,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Banco Santander in the first quarter worth about $601,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its position in Banco Santander by 358.5% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 14,177 shares of the banks stock worth $95,000 after acquiring an additional 11,085 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth boosted its holdings in shares of Banco Santander by 65.3% in the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 71,169 shares of the banks stock valued at $477,000 after acquiring an additional 28,107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ascent Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Banco Santander in the 1st quarter valued at about $339,000. 9.19% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Banco Santander Company Profile (Get Free Report) Banco Santander, SA provides various financial services worldwide. The company operates through Retail Banking, Santander Corporate & Investment Banking, Wealth Management & Insurance, and PagoNxt segments. It offers demand and time deposits, mutual funds, and current and savings accounts; mortgages, consumer finance, loans, and various financing solutions; and project finance, debt capital markets, global transaction banking, and corporate finance services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Banco Santander Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Santander and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NVIDIA, Accenture, Globant, SK Telecom, Super League Enterprise, NIP Group, and Xiao-I are the seven Metaverse stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Metaverse stocks are shares of publicly traded companies that build, host or support virtual and augmented reality environmentsoften including hardware makers (VR/AR headsets), software and gaming studios, social platforms and blockchain-based digital asset providers. By investing in these equities, individuals gain exposure to the growth potential of immersive metaverse worlds where users interact, work and transact in real time. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Metaverse stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: NVIDIA (NVDA) NVIDIA Corporation provides graphics and compute and networking solutions in the United States, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and internationally. The Graphics segment offers GeForce GPUs for gaming and PCs, the GeForce NOW game streaming service and related infrastructure, and solutions for gaming platforms; Quadro/NVIDIA RTX GPUs for enterprise workstation graphics; virtual GPU or vGPU software for cloud-based visual and virtual computing; automotive platforms for infotainment systems; and Omniverse software for building and operating metaverse and 3D internet applications. NVDA stock traded up $4.08 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $135.37. The companys stock had a trading volume of 125,927,514 shares, compared to its average volume of 276,536,125. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 3.64 and a current ratio of 4.10. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $114.17 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $126.54. NVIDIA has a 1 year low of $86.62 and a 1 year high of $153.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.31 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 53.26, a PEG ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 2.11. Read Our Latest Research Report on NVDA Accenture (ACN) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. ACN stock traded up $5.89 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $315.47. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,585,697 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,278,068. Accenture has a 1 year low of $275.01 and a 1 year high of $398.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 1.47. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $301.76 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $339.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $197.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.47, a PEG ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 1.35. Read Our Latest Research Report on ACN Globant (GLOB) Globant S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides technology services worldwide. It provides digital solutions comprising blockchain, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence, digital experience and performance, code, Internet of Things, metaverse, and engineering and testing; and enterprise technology solutions and services, such as Agile organization, Cultural Hacking, process optimization services, as well as AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Oracle, SalesForce, SAP, and ServiceNow technology solutions. Shares of GLOB traded up $1.24 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $101.86. 540,521 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,004,491. Globant has a 52 week low of $88.03 and a 52 week high of $238.32. The companys 50 day moving average is $115.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is $172.06. The company has a market capitalization of $4.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.38, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 1.37. Read Our Latest Research Report on GLOB SK Telecom (SKM) SK Telecom Co., Ltd. provides wireless telecommunication services in South Korea. The company operates through three segments: Cellular Services, Fixed-Line Telecommunications Services, and Other Businesses. The Cellular Services segment offers wireless voice and data transmission, Internet of Things solutions, platform, cloud, smart factory solutions, subscription, advertising and curated shopping under T Deal brand name, and metaverse platform-based services, as well as sells wireless devices. Shares of SKM traded up $0.16 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $20.70. 178,766 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 347,907. SK Telecom has a 52 week low of $19.84 and a 52 week high of $24.58. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. The companys 50 day moving average is $21.35 and its two-hundred day moving average is $21.71. The company has a market capitalization of $8.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.45, a PEG ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 0.63. Read Our Latest Research Report on SKM Super League Enterprise (SLE) Super League Enterprise, Inc. creates and publishes content and media solutions across immersive platforms in the United States and internationally. The company offers access to audiences who gather in immersive digital spaces to socialize, play, explore, collaborate, shop, learn, and create. It also provides a range of development, distribution, monetization, and optimization capabilities designed to engage users through dynamic and energized programs. Shares of SLE traded down $0.00 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $0.18. 1,625,375 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 332,650. Super League Enterprise has a 52 week low of $0.15 and a 52 week high of $1.64. The companys 50 day moving average is $0.26 and its two-hundred day moving average is $0.47. The company has a market capitalization of $3.27 million, a P/E ratio of -0.03 and a beta of 2.06. Read Our Latest Research Report on SLE NIP Group (NIPG) Our mission is to create transformative esports experiences that entertain, inspire and connect fans across the globe. Our vision is to become the premier esports organization in the world. We are a leading esports organization with the most expansive global footprint by virtue of our operations across Asia, Europe and South America, according to the Frost & Sullivan Report. Shares of NIPG traded down $0.09 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $1.24. 188,911 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 195,385. NIP Group has a 52 week low of $0.99 and a 52 week high of $17.76. The companys 50 day moving average is $1.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $3.87. Read Our Latest Research Report on NIPG Xiao-I (AIXI) Xiao-I Corporation, through its subsidiary, Shanghai Xiao-i Robot Technology Co., Ltd., provides software services in the Peoples Republic of China. It offers conversational AI platform that uses deep learning, data enhancement, active learning technologies for dialog management, context processing mechanisms, and driven by a learning system; knowledge fusion platform which integrates Q&A, documents, multimedia, information forms, business processes, knowledge graphs, and multimodal; intelligence voice platform to enhance intelligent speech solutions, realizing the macro processes of intelligent IVP, intelligent outbound calls, speech analysis, agent assistance, and human-computer interaction; and hyperautomation platform that integrates technologies, such as OCR, NLP, and visualized data mining and analysis that enables users to realize business and process automation. AIXI stock traded down $0.12 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $3.27. 69,642 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 128,145. Xiao-I has a 12 month low of $2.06 and a 12 month high of $9.45. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $3.41 and a 200 day simple moving average of $4.59. Read Our Latest Research Report on AIXI See Also Brooklyn FI LLC bought a new position in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 1,165 shares of the credit services providers stock, valued at approximately $603,000. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. NewSquare Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Measured Risk Portfolios Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 4th quarter valued at about $32,000. Marshall Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, 10Elms LLP purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock. Get Mastercard alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have weighed in on the company. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on Mastercard in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. They issued an in-line rating and a $550.00 price target on the stock. KeyCorp boosted their target price on Mastercard from $630.00 to $635.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Mastercard from $585.00 to $625.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 4th. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Mastercard in a report on Friday, January 31st. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and issued a $633.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a report on Wednesday, April 2nd. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-three have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Mastercard presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $606.25. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Sandra A. Arkell sold 150 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $580.00, for a total value of $87,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 3,255 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,887,900. This represents a 4.41% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Michael Miebach sold 15,775 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $550.16, for a total value of $8,678,774.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 84,871 shares in the company, valued at approximately $46,692,629.36. The trade was a 15.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 23,207 shares of company stock worth $12,664,529. Company insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock. Mastercard Price Performance Shares of MA stock opened at $564.23 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $514.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.62, a P/E/G ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 1.06. Mastercard Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $428.86 and a fifty-two week high of $588.45. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $540.93 and its 200-day moving average price is $538.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.03. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The credit services provider reported $3.73 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.57 by $0.16. Mastercard had a return on equity of 188.47% and a net margin of 45.71%. The business had revenue of $7.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.12 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.31 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current year. Mastercard Company Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Commerzbank AG (OTCMKTS:CRZBY Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $30.88 and last traded at $30.69, with a volume of 9220 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $29.40. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Commerzbank in a report on Monday, May 19th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Commerzbank in a research note on Monday, May 12th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Commerzbank in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Commerzbank in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Get Commerzbank alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on CRZBY Commerzbank Trading Up 4.4% The businesss fifty day moving average is $26.35 and its 200 day moving average is $21.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $36.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.07 and a beta of 0.68. Commerzbank (OTCMKTS:CRZBY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 9th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.76 by $0.01. Commerzbank had a net margin of 8.55% and a return on equity of 6.33%. The business had revenue of $3.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.96 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Commerzbank AG will post 1.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Commerzbank Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 30th. Investors of record on Tuesday, May 20th will be given a dividend of $0.5056 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, May 19th. This is an increase from Commerzbanks previous dividend of $0.26. This represents a yield of 1.75%. Commerzbanks payout ratio is presently 26.18%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Commerzbank stock. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in Commerzbank AG (OTCMKTS:CRZBY Free Report) by 124.6% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,156 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 2,306 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLCs holdings in Commerzbank were worth $95,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. About Commerzbank (Get Free Report) Commerzbank AG provides banking and capital market products and services to private and small business customers, corporate, financial service providers, and institutional clients in Germany, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Private and Small-Business Customers, and Corporate Clients. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Commerzbank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Commerzbank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (OTCMKTS:CMWAY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $114.58 and last traded at $114.09, with a volume of 146549 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $112.85. Commonwealth Bank of Australia Stock Up 1.1% The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $101.94 and a 200 day simple moving average of $99.92. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.98. About Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Get Free Report) Commonwealth Bank of Australia provides financial services in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. It operates through Retail Banking Services, Business Banking, Institutional Banking and Markets, and New Zealand segments. The company offers transaction, savings, and foreign currency accounts; term deposits; personal and business loans; overdrafts; equipment finance; credit cards; international payment and trade; and private banking services, as well as home and car loans. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Commonwealth Bank of Australia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Commonwealth Bank of Australia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Employees Retirement System of Texas bought a new position in shares of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 13,870 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $780,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its stake in Wheaton Precious Metals by 6.4% during the 4th quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 20,534,104 shares of the companys stock worth $1,154,843,000 after buying an additional 1,231,999 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Wheaton Precious Metals by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 17,672,518 shares of the companys stock worth $994,733,000 after buying an additional 281,123 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC grew its stake in Wheaton Precious Metals by 5.9% during the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 15,529,219 shares of the companys stock worth $873,995,000 after buying an additional 863,306 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in Wheaton Precious Metals by 5.0% during the 4th quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 9,424,930 shares of the companys stock worth $530,057,000 after buying an additional 447,702 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in Wheaton Precious Metals during the 4th quarter worth $472,648,000. 70.34% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Wheaton Precious Metals alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently weighed in on WPM. National Bankshares restated an outperform rating on shares of Wheaton Precious Metals in a research note on Wednesday, April 23rd. Scotiabank boosted their price target on Wheaton Precious Metals from $79.00 to $87.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Stifel Canada upgraded Wheaton Precious Metals from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 4th. Raymond James boosted their price target on Wheaton Precious Metals from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Wheaton Precious Metals from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, May 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Wheaton Precious Metals presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $85.90. Wheaton Precious Metals Stock Up 2.5% Shares of WPM stock opened at $86.67 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $39.33 billion, a PE ratio of 64.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.49. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $79.90 and a 200-day simple moving average of $68.97. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. has a 52-week low of $51.96 and a 52-week high of $87.42. Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE:WPM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 8th. The company reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $470.41 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $446.33 million. Wheaton Precious Metals had a return on equity of 8.85% and a net margin of 50.05%. Wheaton Precious Metalss quarterly revenue was up 58.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.36 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. will post 1.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wheaton Precious Metals Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 28th will be issued a $0.165 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 28th. This represents a $0.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.76%. Wheaton Precious Metalss payout ratio is 48.53%. Wheaton Precious Metals Company Profile (Free Report) Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. primarily sells precious metals in North America, Europe, and South America. It produces and sells gold, silver, palladium, and cobalt deposits. The company was formerly known as Silver Wheaton Corp. and changed its name to Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. in May 2017. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wheaton Precious Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wheaton Precious Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Finning International Inc. (OTCMKTS:FINGF Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Friday, May 23rd, investing.com reports. Investors of record on Friday, May 30th will be given a dividend of 0.2161 per share on Thursday, June 12th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.43%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 29th. This is a 12.3% increase from Finning Internationals previous dividend of $0.19. Finning International Trading Up 2.4% Shares of OTCMKTS:FINGF opened at $36.37 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $29.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $28.20. Finning International has a 12-month low of $23.82 and a 12-month high of $37.76. Get Finning International alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth FINGF has been the subject of several analyst reports. Raymond James restated an outperform rating on shares of Finning International in a report on Wednesday, May 14th. National Bankshares cut Finning International from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Finning International in a report on Wednesday, May 14th. TD Securities reissued a buy rating on shares of Finning International in a research report on Wednesday, May 14th. Finally, Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Finning International in a research report on Wednesday, May 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Finning International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Finning International Inc sells, services, and rents heavy equipment, engines, and related products in Canada, Chile, Bolivia, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Ireland, and internationally. The company offers articulated trucks, asphalt pavers, backhoe loaders, cold planers, compactors, dozers, drills, electric rope shovels, excavators, hydraulic mining shovels, material handlers, motor graders, off-highway trucks, pipelayers, road reclaimers, skid steer and compact track loaders, track loaders, underground-hard rock, wheel loaders, and wheel tractor-scrapers, as well as mobile and stationary generator sets. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Finning International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Finning International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of FLEX LNG (NYSE:FLNG Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note released on Saturday morning. Several other brokerages also recently commented on FLNG. Fearnley Fonds upgraded FLEX LNG to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, February 17th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating and set a $23.00 price target on shares of FLEX LNG in a report on Tuesday, February 4th. Get FLEX LNG alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on FLEX LNG FLEX LNG Stock Up 1.2% FLNG stock opened at $22.88 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.96, a current ratio of 2.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $22.99 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $23.55. The company has a market cap of $1.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.50 and a beta of 0.45. FLEX LNG has a twelve month low of $19.46 and a twelve month high of $29.80. FLEX LNG (NYSE:FLNG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 21st. The company reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $88.40 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $87.70 million. FLEX LNG had a return on equity of 15.61% and a net margin of 33.03%. Analysts anticipate that FLEX LNG will post 1.9 EPS for the current fiscal year. FLEX LNG Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 6th will be issued a $0.75 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 6th. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 13.11%. FLEX LNGs dividend payout ratio is presently 157.07%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On FLEX LNG Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FLNG. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its holdings in FLEX LNG by 145.3% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 1,030,250 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,686,000 after acquiring an additional 610,236 shares in the last quarter. Crossingbridge Advisors LLC acquired a new position in FLEX LNG in the 4th quarter valued at $5,405,000. Trek Financial LLC raised its holdings in FLEX LNG by 106.4% in the 1st quarter. Trek Financial LLC now owns 344,794 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,927,000 after acquiring an additional 177,711 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in FLEX LNG in the 4th quarter valued at $3,890,000. Finally, Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of FLEX LNG during the 1st quarter worth $2,737,000. FLEX LNG Company Profile (Get Free Report) FLEX LNG Ltd. engages in the seaborne transportation of liquefied natural gas (LPG) through the ownership and operation of LNG carriers. The company was founded by Philip Eystein Fjeld, Trym Tveitnes and Jostein Ueland in September 2006 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. See Also Receive News & Ratings for FLEX LNG Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FLEX LNG and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Saturday. Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein started coverage on shares of Honda Motor in a research note on Monday, April 14th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Dbs Bank lowered shares of Honda Motor from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 14th. Get Honda Motor alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Honda Motor Honda Motor Trading Down 0.0% Shares of NYSE:HMC opened at $29.51 on Friday. Honda Motor has a 12 month low of $23.41 and a 12 month high of $33.96. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $28.95 and its 200 day simple moving average is $28.05. The firm has a market cap of $46.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.86 and a beta of 0.54. Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 13th. The company reported $0.18 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by ($0.54). Honda Motor had a return on equity of 7.81% and a net margin of 4.76%. The company had revenue of $36.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5,371.99 billion. As a group, research analysts forecast that Honda Motor will post 3.99 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Honda Motor Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Lido Advisors LLC increased its stake in Honda Motor by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 18,743 shares of the companys stock valued at $535,000 after buying an additional 385 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Honda Motor by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 49,165 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,404,000 after acquiring an additional 401 shares during the period. Rothschild Investment LLC grew its position in shares of Honda Motor by 50.4% in the 1st quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 1,245 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 417 shares during the period. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Honda Motor by 17.7% in the 1st quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 2,955 shares of the companys stock valued at $80,000 after acquiring an additional 444 shares during the period. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers grew its position in shares of Honda Motor by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 40,775 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,164,000 after acquiring an additional 457 shares during the period. 5.32% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Honda Motor (Get Free Report) Honda Motor Co, Ltd. develops, manufactures, and distributes motorcycles, automobiles, power, and other products in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Motorcycle Business, Automobile Business, Financial Services Business, and Power Product and Other Businesses. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Honda Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Honda Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mackenzie Financial Corp decreased its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 3.4% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 71,040 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 2,479 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corps holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $18,013,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 7.4% during the 4th quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 130,387 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $33,061,000 after purchasing an additional 8,975 shares in the last quarter. North Star Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. North Star Asset Management Inc. now owns 30,365 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $7,699,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. Parr Mcknight Wealth Management Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the 4th quarter worth $6,939,000. Wick Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the 4th quarter worth $291,000. Finally, Breed s Hill Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 29.0% during the 4th quarter. Breed s Hill Capital LLC now owns 1,111 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $282,000 after acquiring an additional 250 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.77% of the companys stock. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Bank of America downgraded shares of Illinois Tool Works from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $220.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Illinois Tool Works from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $257.00 price target for the company in a research report on Wednesday, February 19th. Barclays dropped their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $240.00 to $237.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $227.00 to $233.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Finally, UBS Group dropped their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $269.00 to $234.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 7th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $253.42. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Christopher A. Oherlihy sold 48,453 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, March 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $274.36, for a total value of $13,293,565.08. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 55,113 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,120,802.68. This trade represents a 46.78% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO Michael M. Larsen sold 41,472 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, March 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $271.25, for a total value of $11,249,280.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 50,502 shares in the company, valued at $13,698,667.50. This trade represents a 45.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock. Illinois Tool Works Stock Down 1.1% Shares of NYSE:ITW opened at $242.03 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 52-week low of $214.66 and a 52-week high of $279.13. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $240.78 and its 200-day simple moving average is $254.57. The company has a market capitalization of $70.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.65, a P/E/G ratio of 4.56 and a beta of 1.12. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 30th. The industrial products company reported $2.38 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.34 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $3.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.83 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 21.94% and a return on equity of 95.39%. The companys revenue was down 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.44 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 11th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be given a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.48%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 30th. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is presently 52.77%. Illinois Tool Works Company Profile (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, May 14th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 29th will be paid a dividend of 0.20 per share on Thursday, June 12th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.24%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 29th. International Game Technology has increased its dividend payment by an average of 58.7% annually over the last three years. International Game Technology has a payout ratio of 56.3% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect International Game Technology to earn $1.25 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 64.0%. Get International Game Technology alerts: International Game Technology Price Performance Shares of IGT stock opened at $15.26 on Tuesday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $16.17 and a 200 day simple moving average of $17.32. The company has a market cap of $3.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.43 and a beta of 1.61. The company has a quick ratio of 2.31, a current ratio of 2.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.85. International Game Technology has a twelve month low of $13.81 and a twelve month high of $24.13. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth International Game Technology ( NYSE:IGT Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 13th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by ($0.05). International Game Technology had a return on equity of 16.17% and a net margin of 4.17%. The company had revenue of $583.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $630.30 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.46 EPS. The firms revenue was down 11.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that International Game Technology will post 1.24 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of brokerages have weighed in on IGT. Susquehanna restated a positive rating and issued a $25.00 target price (down previously from $30.00) on shares of International Game Technology in a research report on Wednesday, May 14th. Argus cut International Game Technology from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 20th. Stifel Nicolaus reissued a buy rating and set a $20.00 price objective (down previously from $22.00) on shares of International Game Technology in a report on Wednesday, May 21st. Wall Street Zen cut International Game Technology from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, April 14th. Finally, Truist Financial cut their price target on International Game Technology from $20.00 to $18.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 23rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $23.25. Read Our Latest Stock Report on IGT Institutional Trading of International Game Technology Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its stake in shares of International Game Technology by 9.2% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 72,465 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,178,000 after acquiring an additional 6,128 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in International Game Technology in the first quarter worth $472,000. Finally, Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in International Game Technology by 109.2% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 839,490 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,650,000 after purchasing an additional 438,157 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 44.33% of the companys stock. International Game Technology Company Profile (Get Free Report) International Game Technology PLC operates and provides gaming technology products and services in the United States, Canada, Italy, The United Kingdom, rest of Europe, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Global Lottery, Global Gaming, and PlayDigital. The company designs, sells, operates, and leases a suite of point-of-sale machines that reconciles lottery funds between the retailer and lottery authority; provides online lottery transaction processing systems; produces instant ticket games; and offers printing services, such as instant ticket marketing plans and graphic design, programming, packaging, shipping, and delivery services, as well as iLottery solutions and services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for International Game Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Game Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of MasTec (NYSE:MTZ Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report issued on Saturday morning. A number of other research firms have also commented on MTZ. Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on shares of MasTec from $162.00 to $153.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 3rd. Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of MasTec in a research note on Monday, March 31st. They issued a peer perform rating on the stock. KeyCorp raised their price objective on shares of MasTec from $140.00 to $163.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, May 5th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of MasTec from $130.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 4th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of MasTec from $152.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, May 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, MasTec has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $162.06. Get MasTec alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on MasTec MasTec Trading Up 1.2% NYSE:MTZ opened at $152.54 on Friday. MasTec has a 12 month low of $89.96 and a 12 month high of $166.95. The firm has a market cap of $12.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 136.19 and a beta of 1.71. The company has a quick ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The companys 50 day moving average is $130.19 and its 200-day moving average is $135.30. MasTec (NYSE:MTZ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The construction company reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by $0.17. MasTec had a net margin of 0.73% and a return on equity of 8.27%. The company had revenue of $2.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.71 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.13) earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that MasTec will post 3.44 EPS for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other MasTec news, Director Ernst N. Csiszar sold 2,517 shares of MasTec stock in a transaction on Monday, March 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $131.63, for a total transaction of $331,312.71. Following the sale, the director now owns 23,000 shares in the company, valued at $3,027,490. The trade was a 9.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director C Robert Campbell sold 3,000 shares of MasTec stock in a transaction on Monday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.89, for a total transaction of $461,670.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 39,782 shares in the company, valued at $6,122,051.98. This represents a 7.01% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 21.30% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On MasTec A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Ameliora Wealth Management Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of MasTec in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of MasTec by 181.3% in the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 180 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC boosted its stake in shares of MasTec by 335.7% in the 4th quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC now owns 183 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares in the last quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC boosted its stake in shares of MasTec by 2,023.1% in the 1st quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 276 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Smallwood Wealth Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of MasTec in the 1st quarter valued at $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.10% of the companys stock. About MasTec (Get Free Report) MasTec, Inc, an infrastructure construction company, provides engineering, building, installation, maintenance, and upgrade services for communications, energy, utility, and other infrastructure primarily in the United States and Canada. It operates through five segments: Communications, Clean Energy and Infrastructure, Oil and Gas, Power Delivery, and Other. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for MasTec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MasTec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:BULZ Get Free Report)s share price was up 6.4% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $136.74 and last traded at $138.38. Approximately 34,381 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 77% from the average daily volume of 150,493 shares. The stock had previously closed at $130.10. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Price Performance The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $105.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $143.80. The company has a market cap of $101.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.09 and a beta of 4.73. About MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN (Get Free Report) The MicroSectors Solactive FANG & Innovation 3X Leveraged ETN (BULZ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Solactive FANG Innovation index. The fund tracks 3x the daily price movements of an equal-weighted index of US-listed technology companies. BULZ was launched on Aug 20, 2021 and is issued by REX Microsectors. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Newsmax (NYSE:NMAX Get Free Report) traded down 3.8% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $22.35 and last traded at $22.23. 524,175 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 82% from the average session volume of 2,889,837 shares. The stock had previously closed at $23.11. Newsmax Trading Down 5.6% The companys 50-day moving average price is $33.80. Get Newsmax alerts: Newsmax (NYSE:NMAX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 15th. The company reported ($0.53) earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $45.30 million for the quarter. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Newsmax About Newsmax Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Newsmax during the 1st quarter worth about $551,000. Sassicaia Capital Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of Newsmax in the first quarter worth approximately $309,000. Woodard & Co. Asset Management Group Inc. ADV purchased a new position in shares of Newsmax in the first quarter worth approximately $217,000. Allworth Financial LP acquired a new stake in shares of Newsmax during the first quarter valued at approximately $89,000. Finally, CWM LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Newsmax in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $47,000. (Get Free Report) Newsmax Inc is a holding company that owns 100% of the equity interests of its operating company Newsmax Media, Inc (Newsmax Media). Newsmax Media and its subsidiaries operate the businesses described in this Offering Circular. Newsmax Media has six wholly-owned subsidiaries: Newsmax Broadcasting, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (Newsmax Broadcasting), Crown Atlantic Insurance, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (Crown Atlantic), Humanix Publishing, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (Humanix Publishing), Medix Health LLC, a Florida limited liability company (Medix Health), ROI Media Strategies, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (ROI Media Strategies), and Newsmax Radio LLC, a Florida limited liability company (Newsmax Radio, and together with Newsmax Media, Newsmax Broadcasting, Crown Atlantic Insurance, Humanix Publishing, Medix Health, and ROI Media Strategies, the Subsidiaries). See Also Receive News & Ratings for Newsmax Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newsmax and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $67.35, but opened at $70.81. Novo Nordisk A/S shares last traded at $70.65, with a volume of 2,548,211 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Guggenheim cut shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Novo Nordisk A/S to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, April 28th. Dbs Bank cut shares of Novo Nordisk A/S to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, April 25th. BNP Paribas started coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. They issued an underperform rating for the company. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $64.00 price target (down previously from $105.00) on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Novo Nordisk A/S currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $135.00. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance The companys fifty day moving average is $66.07 and its 200 day moving average is $82.47. The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The company has a market capitalization of $317.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.47, a P/E/G ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.65. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 7th. The company reported $0.92 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.92. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 34.81% and a return on equity of 84.68%. The business had revenue of $11.87 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Center for Financial Planning Inc. raised its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 72.4% during the 4th quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 293 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 123 shares during the period. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 2,727.3% during the 4th quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL now owns 311 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC increased its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 184.8% during the 1st quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC now owns 393 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 255 shares during the period. North Capital Inc. bought a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Finally, Park Square Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. 11.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (Get Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virtue Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 9.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 14,288 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,179 shares during the period. Virtue Capital Management LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $379,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 518,535,151 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $13,756,738,000 after acquiring an additional 2,285,276 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 19.5% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 155,459,101 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $4,124,330,000 after acquiring an additional 25,315,159 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 120,589,782 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,190,131,000 after acquiring an additional 2,923,537 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the 4th quarter valued at $2,328,986,000. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 76,502,238 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,029,604,000 after acquiring an additional 5,350,381 shares during the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $25.00 price objective (down from $32.00) on shares of Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on shares of Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They set a neutral rating and a $24.00 price target on the stock. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Pfizer to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, March 10th. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Thursday, March 27th. Finally, Guggenheim reissued a buy rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, March 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $29.17. Pfizer Stock Up 1.3% PFE stock opened at $23.33 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. Pfizer Inc. has a twelve month low of $20.92 and a twelve month high of $31.54. The companys 50 day moving average is $23.33 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.13. The stock has a market cap of $132.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.55, a PEG ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.58. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $13.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.43 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 12.62% and a return on equity of 19.47%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.82 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 13th. Investors of record on Friday, May 9th will be given a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 9th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.37%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 124.64%. Pfizer Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profitability This table compares QS Energy and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets QS Energy N/A N/A -1,020.74% QS Energy Competitors 0.13% 6.91% 4.50% Institutional & Insider Ownership 73.7% of shares of all Oil & gas field machinery companies are owned by institutional investors. 9.0% of QS Energy shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 13.0% of shares of all Oil & gas field machinery companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get QS Energy alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares QS Energy and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio QS Energy N/A -$1.22 million -9.19 QS Energy Competitors $4.26 billion -$120.76 million 9.69 Risk & Volatility QS Energys peers have higher revenue, but lower earnings than QS Energy. QS Energy is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. QS Energy has a beta of -1.12, indicating that its share price is 212% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, QS Energys peers have a beta of 1.06, indicating that their average share price is 6% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary QS Energy peers beat QS Energy on 8 of the 9 factors compared. About QS Energy (Get Free Report) QS Energy, Inc. develops and commercializes energy efficiency technologies in the United States and internationally. The companys energy efficiency technologies assist in meeting energy demands, enhancing the economics of oil transport, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The companys primary technology comprises Applied Oil Technology, a commercial-grade crude oil pipeline transportation flow-assurance product that reduces crude oil viscosity by applying a high intensity electrical field to crude oil while in transit. It serves upstream and midstream energy sectors. The company was formerly known as Save the World Air, Inc. and changed its name to QS Energy, Inc. in August 2015. QS Energy, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is based in Tomball, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for QS Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for QS Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tesla, United States Steel, GE Vernova, Constellation Energy, Berkshire Hathaway, NextEra Energy, and Vistra are the seven Solar stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Solar stocks are shares of publicly traded companies involved in the solar energy industry, including manufacturers of photovoltaic panels, installers of solar power systems, and developers of large-scale solar farms. Investors buy these stocks to gain exposure to the growth potential of renewable energy as global demand for clean power rises. Performance of solar stocks often correlates with technology costs, government incentives, and broader trends in energy policy. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Solar stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Tesla (TSLA) Tesla, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, leases, and sells electric vehicles, and energy generation and storage systems in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Automotive, and Energy Generation and Storage. The Automotive segment offers electric vehicles, as well as sells automotive regulatory credits; and non-warranty after-sales vehicle, used vehicles, body shop and parts, supercharging, retail merchandise, and vehicle insurance services. TSLA stock traded down $1.70 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $339.34. 84,419,224 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 97,498,491. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $277.33 and its 200 day simple moving average is $333.25. Tesla has a 1-year low of $167.41 and a 1-year high of $488.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a current ratio of 2.02. The company has a market cap of $1.09 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 166.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.86 and a beta of 2.43. Read Our Latest Research Report on TSLA United States Steel (X) United States Steel Corporation produces and sells flat-rolled and tubular steel products primarily in North America and Europe. The company operates through North American Flat-Rolled (Flat-Rolled), Mini Mill, U. S. Steel Europe (USSE), and Tubular Products (Tubular) segments. The Flat-Rolled segment offers slabs, strip mill plates, sheets, and tin mill products, as well as iron ore and coke. NYSE X traded up $9.60 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $52.50. The company had a trading volume of 53,706,631 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,855,928. The business has a 50 day moving average of $42.26 and a 200-day moving average of $38.63. The company has a market cap of $11.89 billion, a PE ratio of 35.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.82. United States Steel has a 1-year low of $26.92 and a 1-year high of $54.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 1.55. Read Our Latest Research Report on X GE Vernova (GEV) GE Vernova LLC, an energy business company, generates electricity. It operates under three segments: Power, Wind, and Electrification. The Power segments generates and sells electricity through hydro, gas, nuclear, and steam power. Wind segment engages in the manufacturing and sale of wind turbine blades; and Electrification segment provides grid solutions, power conversion, solar, and storage solutions. Shares of GE Vernova stock traded up $6.54 on Monday, hitting $465.36. The stock had a trading volume of 3,569,081 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,332,350. The stock has a market cap of $127.01 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 83.70. GE Vernova has a 52-week low of $150.01 and a 52-week high of $469.81. The companys 50 day moving average price is $358.25 and its 200 day moving average price is $350.75. Read Our Latest Research Report on GEV Constellation Energy (CEG) Constellation Energy Corporation generates and sells electricity in the United States. It operates through five segments: Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New York, ERCOT, and Other Power Regions. The company sells natural gas, energy-related products, and sustainable solutions. It has approximately 33,094 megawatts of generating capacity consisting of nuclear, wind, solar, natural gas, and hydroelectric assets. CEG traded up $6.02 during trading on Monday, hitting $297.49. 5,370,006 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,744,744. The firm has a market capitalization of $93.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.02, a PEG ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 0.98. Constellation Energy has a 1-year low of $155.60 and a 1-year high of $352.00. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $232.01 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $250.97. The company has a quick ratio of 1.43, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. Read Our Latest Research Report on CEG Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) Berkshire Hathaway Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the insurance, freight rail transportation, and utility businesses worldwide. The company provides property, casualty, life, accident, and health insurance and reinsurance; and operates railroad systems in North America. It also generates, transmits, stores, and distributes electricity from natural gas, coal, wind, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear, and geothermal sources; operates natural gas distribution and storage facilities, interstate pipelines, liquefied natural gas facilities, and compressor and meter stations; and holds interest in coal mining assets. Shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock traded up $0.37 during trading on Monday, reaching $503.94. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,165,491 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,316,829. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $519.28 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $488.71. Berkshire Hathaway has a fifty-two week low of $401.58 and a fifty-two week high of $542.07. The firm has a market cap of $1.09 trillion, a PE ratio of 10.18, a P/E/G ratio of 3.45 and a beta of 0.88. Read Our Latest Research Report on BRK.B NextEra Energy (NEE) NextEra Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear,natural gas, and other clean energy. It also develops, constructs, and operates long-term contracted assets that consists of clean energy solutions, such as renewable generation facilities, battery storage projects, and electric transmission facilities; sells energy commodities; and owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets. Shares of NYSE:NEE traded up $0.88 on Monday, reaching $67.82. The companys stock had a trading volume of 17,155,250 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,151,600. NextEra Energy has a 52-week low of $61.72 and a 52-week high of $86.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $139.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.12, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.69. The stocks 50-day moving average is $68.57 and its two-hundred day moving average is $71.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 0.47 and a quick ratio of 0.38. Read Our Latest Research Report on NEE Vistra (VST) Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. The company operates through six segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure. It retails electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across states in the United States and the District of Columbia. VST stock traded up $4.17 on Monday, reaching $158.89. 7,249,228 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,528,451. Vistra has a twelve month low of $66.50 and a twelve month high of $199.84. The company has a quick ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.68. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $128.71 and a 200-day moving average of $143.49. The firm has a market cap of $53.92 billion, a PE ratio of 29.64, a P/E/G ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.16. Read Our Latest Research Report on VST Further Reading Tesco PLC (OTCMKTS:TSCDY Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $15.86 and last traded at $15.83, with a volume of 212429 shares. The stock had previously closed at $15.57. Tesco Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.67. The companys 50-day moving average is $14.12 and its 200-day moving average is $14.03. Get Tesco alerts: Tesco Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 7th. Investors of record on Monday, May 19th will be given a $0.3636 dividend. This represents a yield of 3.44%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 16th. This is a positive change from Tescos previous dividend of $0.17. Tesco Company Profile Tesco PLC, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a grocery retailer in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. It offers grocery products through its stores, as well as online. The company is also involved in the food and drink wholesaling activities. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yes Significant efforts are being made No Much more needs to be done Some progress But there are still critical gaps Vote View Results The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, May 26 arraigned Kelly Okungbowa a.k.a Ebo Stone, a Benin City-based socialite before Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Benin City on a two-count charge of Naira abuse and mutilation. According to the commission, Okungbowa is alleged to have on two different occasions while dancing with women in recreational centres in Benin City, sprayed a total of N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and trampled on them in the process. Count one of his charge reads: That you Kelly Okungbowa (m) sometime in November 2024 at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre, Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing with "Mummy Shallipopi," tampered with the total sum of N200,000 (two hundred thousand Naira) notes of N500 (five hundred Naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying the same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act. Count two reads: That you Kelly Okungbowa (m) on or about the 9th day of March 2025 at a Lounge/Bar owned by you, located at lhama Road, Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing with some young ladies, tampered with the total sum of N100,000 (one hundred thousand Naira) notes of N200 (two hundred Naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act. He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him, following which prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo prayed the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel, C. B. Ogiegbaen informed the court of a pending bail application for the defendant which has been served on the prosecution. The court at this point stood down the case and when the matter came up again at about 4pm, the judge informed the parties that the day was far spent and adjourned the matter till Tuesday, May 27, 2025 and released the defendant to his lawyer upon undertaking in writing to produce him in court on the adjourned date for the consideration of his bail application, EFCC said. Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro departed for Nairobi on Monday for a multi-day working visit to strengthen ties with Kenya and engage international stakeholders. The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Minister of the Presidency, Minister of Planning, Minister of Communications and Technology, Director of the National Intelligence Service, and the Chief of Staff, according to a statement released by the Somaliland Presidency. During the visit, President Irro is expected to hold talks with Kenyan President William Ruto and other top government officials to discuss matters of mutual interest, particularly related to trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation. The President of the Republic of Somaliland and his delegation, during their stay in Nairobi, will hold meetings with the government of Kenya led by President William Ruto, discussing key issues of particular importance to the Republic of Somaliland, the official statement read. The visit also includes engagements with international organizations and several foreign embassies based in Nairobi, reflecting Somalilands efforts to expand its diplomatic footprint. A key highlight of the trip will be the inauguration of a new, modern building for the Somaliland Representative Office in Kenya a significant milestone in its diplomatic outreach. President Irro has consistently emphasized the importance of regional and international relations, particularly with Kenya, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Djibouti. Since assuming office, he has already made official visits to the UAE and Djibouti, continuing his administrations active foreign engagement. Ali Hassan writes from Stadthagen, Germany Any support extended to Pakistan is a support to a terror organisation, Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamul Congress MP and partys national general secretary said today in Seoul. As a member of the all-party Parliamentary delegation Mr Banerjee took part in a meeting with the minister of 1st vice foreign affairs of South Korea, Kim Hong-Kyun. They discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and building a united global front against terrorism. Advertisement He said the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam is no more a matter of Indias national security, it has turned out to be a global imperative now. Advertisement Time and again we have been saying this how Pakistan has been harbouring, shielding and sheltering terrorists in their own land, he said, adding, over the years India has grown economically while Pakistan is struggling with their own economic crisis, while both the nations got their independence at the same time. He said: Breeding a snake in your backyard and expecting it to bite only your neighbour is the last thing one should think of. Once that snake is unleashed it will end up biting whoever it can. A snake remains a snake. So, we need to be very careful and mindful of how Pakistan has been harbouring terrorism and terrorists from 9/11, 26/11 to Uri, Pahalgam repeatedly one after another terror attacks. Osama Bin Laden was found in Abbottabad, a place in Pakistan. When the airstrikes were carried out by India in Pakistan, it ended up killing 100+ terrorists. And later what we see, the pictures of which are in public domain high ranking military generals and officers of Paks army attending the funeral of those terrorists. In an emotional connection with South Korea, Abhishek Banerjee said: I come from a land where we have a special bond with every Koreans living in South Korea. I come from the land of Rabindranath Tagore and his poem The Lamp of the East has found special place in text books of school kids here. We come from a land where we are always taught and given a message of peace, harmony, tolerance and humanity. We would be the last one to talk about violence, war. Later, the MP posted in his X-handle about his engagement throughout the day. As part of Indias All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, I had the honour of engaging with key stakeholders in the Republic of Korea to further our united message against the GLOBAL THREAT OF TERRORISM. Our delegation called on Mr. Yun Ho-jung, Chairperson of the Korea-India Parliamentary Friendship Group and briefed him on Indias PRINCIPLED and UNCOMPROMISING stance on terrorism in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam attack. We conveyed that India makes no distinction between terrorists and the states that harbour them, and seeks global cooperation to bring perpetrators and enablers to justice. We also engaged with eminent scholars and senior representatives from Koreas leading think tanks, policy groups, and India Studies Centres. The discussions were substantive, delving into Indias MEASURED, PRECISE and NON-ESCALATORY response. I spoke about the MORAL URGENCY of COLLECTIVE GLOBAL ACTION in DISMANTLING TERROR ECOSYSTEMS and how Indias doctrine guided by RESTRAINT, PRINCIPLE, and RESOLVE can serve as a template in this regard. I thank our Korean counterparts for their strong show of solidarity and support. Our delegation also met the Honble Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Cho Tae-yul (@FMChoTaeyul), where we reiterated Indias enduring commitment to fight terrorism. Terrorism cannot be viewed through selective morality. It is a CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY, and those who justify, shield, or enable it must be held fully accountable. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Sikkim and Alipurduar in North Bengal on 29 May, security arrangements across the region have been significantly tightened. A high-level meeting on advanced security liaison was held at Bagdogra Airport to coordinate the elaborate protocols surrounding the PMs arrival at the airport late in the morning on the day of the visit. In view of the visit, the Sikkim tourism and civil aviation department has issued an advisory requesting all visitors and tourists to vacate Gangtok by 6 a.m. on 29 May to facilitate smooth vehicular movement and stringent security measures. Advertisement PM Modi will fly to Gangtok from Bagdogra Airport by helicopter and is expected to arrive in Alipurduar in the afternoon before departing for Patna via Hasimara Air Base. Advertisement In Darjeeling, the district magistrate has instructed at least 22 key officials from various departments to attend the Advanced Security Liaison meeting. A separate security coordination meeting was also held for police officers. The Alipurduar district administration is similarly engaged in implementing security measures as per standard protocol. Officials in attendance included senior representatives from Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad, the sub-divisional magistrate of Siliguri, Airport Authority of India (IAAI) at Bagdogra, CISF, forest and health departments, fire services, multiple PWD divisions, PHE, and officials from telecom companies such as BSNL, Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio. Media heads from Doordarshan Kendra and All India Radio, Siliguri, were also present. Event organizers were briefed on the arrangements. The meeting details also shared with the director of security, West Bengal, commissioner of police (SMPC), and superintendents of police from Darjeeling and DIB. The additional secretary, tourism and civil aviation department, Sikkim government, in a formal advisory, stated: As we are aware, the State of Sikkim has celebrated a remarkable milestone 50 glorious years of Statehood on 16th May 2025. On this auspicious occasion, the Prime Minister of India will grace the celebration with his presence on 29th May 2025. The advisory reiterated the request for all tourists to leave Gangtok by 6 a.m. to ensure a secure and orderly environment during the PMs visit. In view of the upcoming VVIP event at Paljor Stadium, an official advisory has been issued to ensure smooth traffic flow, public safety, and the successful conduct of the program. The public is requested to adhere to the following guidelines: All gates of Paljor Stadium will be open for public entry from 6.30 a.m. The entry of all vehicles and individuals must be completed by 9:00 a.m. sharp. After 9:00 a.m., vehicular movement in the vicinity of the stadium will be strictly prohibited, except for authorized shuttle services and emergency vehicles. The authorities have urged full public cooperation to ensure the event proceeds smoothly. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay visited Paljor Stadium today to review the ongoing preparations for the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi , to celebrate the glorious 50 years of Sikkims Statehood. It is a moment of great pride and honour for us to welcome our Prime Minister on this historic occasion. I urge everyone to contribute wholeheartedly to make this event a resounding success, chief minister Tamang said. The government has announced restoration of benefits under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for exports made by Advance Authorization (AA) holders, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), and units operating in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The benefits will be applicable for all eligible exports made from 1st June onwards, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said. Advertisement According to the data shared by the ministry, as of 31st March, a total of disbursements under the RoDTEP scheme have crossed Rs 57,976.78 crore, underscoring its significant role in supporting Indias merchandise exports. Advertisement For the Financial Year 202526, the Government has allocated Rs 18,233 crore under the scheme. The support will cover 10,780 HS lines for Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) exports and 10,795 HS lines for AA/EOU/SEZ exports, ensuring broad-based coverage for diverse sectors of the economy, the ministry said in a statement. Commerce Ministry said the benefits under RoDTEP for these categories were previously available until 5th February 2025, and their reinstatement is expected to provide a level playing field for exporters across sectors. Operational since 1st January 2021, the RoDTEP scheme is designed to reimburse exporters for embedded duties, taxes, and levies that are not otherwise refunded under any other existing scheme. It is compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) norms and is implemented via a comprehensive end-to-end digital platform to ensure transparency and efficiency. Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) officially announced through a company statement on Tuesday that its subsidiary Jio BlackRock Mutual Fund has received capital market regulator Securities & Exchange Board of Indias (SEBI) approval to enter the mutual fund business. Jio Financial Services has received the final approval letter from SEBI on May 26, 2025 to enable its 50:50 joint venture subsidiary Jio BlackRock Mutual Fund to officially operate in India. SEBI has also approved Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited to manage the funds operations, according to the company statement. Advertisement SEBIs final approval follows an earlier in-principle approval granted by it on October 4, 2024. The companies concerned had already incorporated Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited and Jio BlackRock Trustee Private Limited, on October 28, 2024, specifically to operate the mutual fund business. Advertisement Meanwhile, Jio BlackRock Mutual Fund has appointed Sid Swaminathan, JioBlackRock Asset Managements Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer. Swaminathan brings over two decades of global asset management experience, having previously led BlackRocks International Index Equity division, managing assets worth $1.25 trillion. He also formerly headed Fixed Income Portfolio Management for Europe at BlackRock. JioBlackRock Asset Management aims to digitally deliver institutional quality investment products to investors across India and contribute to the growth of the countrys investment ecosystem. I am honoured to lead JioBlackRock Asset Management and help transform asset management in India by empowering investors to directly harness the potential of investing, Swaminathan said. Jio Financial Services Ltds (JFSL) non-executive director Isha Ambani said, Indias rapid growth is driven by a new generation with bold aspirations. Our partnership with BlackRock is a powerful combination of global investment expertise and Jios digital-first innovation. Blackrocks Head of International Business Rachel Lord said, The opportunity in asset management in India today is tremendously exciting. JioBlackRocks digital-first customer proposition, delivering institutional quality products at a lower cost directly to investors, will enable more people in India to enjoy the many benefits of access to the capital markets. JioBlackRock Asset Management will leverage BlackRocks Aladdin platform to enhance risk management and data integration, aiming to streamline and scale its investment process. JioBlackRock Mutual Fund is expected to launch its suite of mutual fund offerings in the coming months, including products utilising advanced data-driven strategies, according the the company statement. The company plans to target Indias growing base of retail and institutional investors with competitive pricing, data-driven investment strategies, and a strong digital-first customer experience, the statement mentioned. Delhi Congress on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Indias first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on his death anniversary at the DPCC office, Rajiv Bhawan. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav said that after the country got Independence from the British rule, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, with his vision and scientific temper, established educational, scientific, technical, medical, industrial, financial, management and social institutions to make the country strong and self reliant and due to this, today India is standing among the most powerful and developing modern nations. Advertisement He said that the establishment of premier institutions like the AIIMS, IITs, ISRO, IIMs, Bokaro, Rourkela Steel Plants, and dams like Bhakra Nangal put the country on the path of progress and development. Advertisement Yadav said that due to Pandit Nehrus vision, India has etched its mark in every field with Indians heading big international companies, and the country is hurtling towards becoming a major economic power. Siliguri mayor Goutam Deb on Monday visited Majuha village under Dabgram-I gram panchayat in Jalpaiguri district to oversee the rehabilitation arrangements for 131 families, who were rendered homeless due to massive erosion caused by the Teesta river. It may be recalled that two villages, Laltong and Chamakdangi, situated on the banks of the Teesta under the same gram panchayat were almost entirely washed away in October 2024 after the river dramatically changed its course. Displaced residents were forced to move to forested highlands nearby, where they continued to face the threat of wild animals, including elephants. Advertisement Mayor Deb, a former MLA of the area, had earlier drawn the attention of chief minister Mamata Banerjee to the crisis and urged her intervention for proper rehabilitation. Responding promptly, the state government identified Majuha as the site for the new settlement, where each affected family has now been allotted three decimals of land. Advertisement During her recent visit to Siliguri, the chief minister symbolically handed over land deeds (patta) to a few beneficiaries. At an administrative meeting held at Uttarkanya, she officially named the new village Teesta Pally, and assigned mayor Deb the responsibility of supervising its development. The state government has also sanctioned the first instalment of financial assistance under the Banglar Bari Prokolpo to support the construction of houses in the new settlement. On his visit to the site today, mayor Deb interacted with the displaced families and assured them that the first instalment of financial assistance would be credited to their respective bank accounts by June. Speaking to reporters, Mr Deb said: The administration provided temporary shelter and essential relief to the affected families after the Teesta changed its course last year. I took the initiative to inform chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and she responded with compassion. Now, under her guidance, we aim to develop Teesta Pally as a model village. Some of the families have already begun constructing their new homes by taking loans from various sources, hopeful for a more secure future in their newly named village. In a concerning incident on Tuesday, a woman allegedly tried to force her way into Mumbai residence of Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapur. According to police sources, the unidentified woman attempted to trespass into the actors home. Fortunately, the situation was swiftly brought under control as Kapurs domestic staff noticed the intrusion attempt and quickly informed the authorities. Advertisement A case has now been registered, and the police have begun an investigation to uncover the womans identity and intent. Advertisement As of now, there has been no official response from Aditya Roy Kapur or his team regarding the attempted breach. However, this incident has added to growing concerns about the security of Bollywood stars, coming just days after similar episodes at Salman Khans Bandra residence, Galaxy Apartments. On May 22, a woman was detained after trying to enter Galaxy Apartments without permission. She was stopped before reaching Salman Khans private quarters and is currently being questioned. Authorities are still trying to confirm where she came from and why she was attempting to access the property. Just two days prior, on May 20, a man from Chhattisgarh was caught attempting to sneak into the same building. The alert security staff managed to catch him before any further escalation and handed him over to the police. His identity has been verified, but investigators are still working to determine what motivated his actions. Mumbai Police have increased vigilance around these high-profile residences and are likely to implement stronger surveillance systems. Meanwhile, residents and staff members are being urged to report any suspicious activity without delay. Cocktail re-release: Get ready to pop some popcorn and groove to Tumhi Ho Bandhu one more timebecause Cocktail is coming back to the big screen! The cult-favorite romantic drama from 2012, starring Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, and Diana Penty, is all ready to re-release in theatres on May 30. Yes, you read that right. Over a decade after it first hit screens, Cocktail is making a comeback, joining the growing list of Bollywood re-releases that has already seen films like Andaz Apna Apna getting a second theatrical life. Advertisement Originally released in July 2012, Cocktail struck a chord with millennial audiences for its modern take on relationships, friendship, and emotional chaos. Advertisement Directed by Homi Adajania and co-written by Imtiaz Ali, the film told a vibrant yet complicated story set against a backdrop of stylish city life, sandy beaches, and those unforgettable UK party nights. The story revolved around Meera (played by Diana Penty in her debut role), a soft-spoken girl with a broken heart, who ends up befriending the wild and magnetic Veronica (played by Deepika Padukone in what many still consider one of her career-defining roles). Enter Gautam (Saif Ali Khan), the charming flirt who turns their lives upside downand youve got a recipe for emotional fireworks. The announcement was made by PVR INOX, which posted a nostalgic poster of the film on social media, captioned: The iconic trio is back! Experience the unforgettable journey of Cocktail once again with our Curated Shows. Re-releasing May 30! View this post on Instagram A post shared by PVR Cinemas (@pvrcinemas_official) This stylish rom-com wasnt just about love triangles and beach parties. It was also a fashion moment (Deepikas wardrobe alone could fill an entire Pinterest board), and a musical treat. From the peppy Daaru Desi to the anthemic Yaariyan, the soundtrack by Pritamwith contributions from Yo Yo Honey Singh and SalimSulaimanwas on every playlist back in the day. The music played a huge role in the films lasting impact and youth appeal. Lets not forget the movies visual aestheticwhether it was the sun-kissed locales of Cape Town or the high-fashion night-outs in London, Cocktail was a visual treat. It gave us glamorous parties, heartfelt breakdowns, and a glossy cinematic look that still feels fresh. At the time of its original release, the film was a massive hitearning over 126 crore worldwideand also earned several Filmfare nominations, including Best Actress for Padukone and Best Female Debut for Penty. Cinephiles can look forward to a tantalising crime thriller! Manoj Bajpayee, Akshay Oberoi, and Saqib Saleem are coming together for a new project. The film will also mark the directorial debut of Ritesh Shah. He has penned hit titles like Pink, Airlift, and Sardar Udham. Now, after a successful spree as a screenwriter, Shah is donning the directors hat. Meanwhile, filmmaker Neeraj Pandey is joining as the creative producer. For Shahs directorial debut, celebrated actor Manoj Bajpayee is teaming up with Saqib Saleem and Akshay Oberoi. The project hit production mid-April, and currently, they are filming in Bhopal. Mid-Day quoted a source revealing the details. The three lead actors were recently spotted shooting in Bhopal. Through May and June, they are set to film across various parts of India. The movie is an intense thriller with twists, characteristic of Neerajs storytelling style. Neeraj is providing creative leadership and production support. Advertisement Meanwhile, details of the title and the plot remain under wraps. Fans look forward to a riveting storyline promising adrenaline-boosting thrills. The ace team behind the project has elevated the stakes. Advertisement Manoj Bajpayees last project was Despatch. The upcoming title is going to continue his stint with crime thrillers. Bajpayee boasts an impressive filmography of over 70 films and has bagged numerous accolades, including three National Awards. Bajpayee has starred in hits like Gangs of Wasseypur, Satya, Pinjar, Shool, and The Family Man among others. Meanwhile, Akshay Oberoi has time and again impressed viewers with his versatility. He has appeared in films like Piku, Fighter, and series like The Test Case and Selection Day. On the other hand, Saqib Saleem debuted with Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge. Over the years, he has created a space for himself in both films and OTT. He has appeared in hits like Race 3, 83, and Citadel: Honey Bunny. Also Read: Ishaan Khatter reflects on filming intimate scenes with Tabu in A Suitable Boy Sonu Sood, the actor known as much for his philanthropy as his films, has landed in a bit of hot soup over a viral video that shows him cruising through the snowy roads of Spiti Valley shirtless, helmetless, and on a bike. The video, which caught the attention of social media users and the Spiti Police, shows Sonu Sood riding a bike wearing only shorts, sunglasses, and a whole lot of chill. Advertisement The clip quickly stirred concern, with many pointing out the lack of safety gear especially the absence of a helmet while riding on dangerous mountain terrain. Advertisement Soon after the footage went viral, the Spiti Police issued a public statement confirming an investigation. A video is going viral on social media in which a Bollywood actor is seen violating traffic rules in Lahaul-Spiti district, they wrote on X (formerly Twitter). According to preliminary information, the video appears to be from the year 2023. The task of investigating the authenticity has been handed over to DySP Headquarters, Kyelang. The internet quickly went into a frenzy, with some calling out the actor for being irresponsible, while others defended it as a creative liberty. Addressing the issue head-on, Sonu responded with a brief but firm message on X: Safety First. We always abide by the laws. An old clip without the helmet was a part of our script. So kindly ignore. RIDE SAFE. RIDE SMART. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET. Safety First. We always abide by the laws, an old clip without the helmet was a part of our script. So kindly ignore. RIDE SAFE RIDE SMART. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET. https://t.co/bn0LB7zJUk pic.twitter.com/IgcgBI7XEG sonu sood (@SonuSood) May 27, 2025 Although he did not mention what project the clip was part of, his response hints at it being a scene from a shoot, not a casual ride. Notably, Sonu has also shared other videos from the same trip where he is wearing a helmet and riding with a group of bikers possibly an attempt to underline that the viral moment wasnt the full story. Interestingly, Sonu has been quite vocal about road safety in the past. Just last month, he posted a heartfelt video on Instagram talking about how seat belts saved his wife Sonali, her nephew, and her sister during a scary car accident in Nagpur. On the professional front, Sonu recently appeared in Fateh opposite Jacqueline Fernandez, a film he not only starred in but also directed. Earlier this year, he had a role in Madha Gaja Raja, a Tamil action flick featuring actor Vishal. Hollywood couple Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas are celebrating the milestone in their lives. The couple recently celebrated the graduation of their 22-year-old daughter Carys. Catherine took to her Instagram to share a photo of herself and her 80year-old husband kissing Carys on either cheek, reports People magazine. Advertisement Catherine Zeta-Jones, 55, captioned the image, The night before graduation!!!! We are both such proud parents right now!! Its only just begun. Advertisement As per People, in the snap, the Brown University graduate was pouting while wearing a white full-length dress, while her dad opted for a navy suit and her mom a black two-piece suit. The Mask of Zorro actress offered further insight into the celebrations via her Instagram stories, sharing snaps of a cake decorated with the frosted words, Congratulations Graduation Class of 25, and a picture of the Carys and her classmates on the steps of the prestigious Ivy League college which is located in Providence, Rhode Island. The actress also posted happy images of her daughter, emotionally embracing and posing with fellow graduates. Carys, who obtained a degree in Film and International Relations from Brown, is one of two children shared by Douglas and Zeta-Jones, who wed in November 2000. In addition, they share a son, Dylan, 24, and Douglas is also father to Cameron, 46, whom he shares with his ex-wife Diandra Luker. The pair were married for 18 years before splitting in 1995 and finalizing their divorce in 2000. Back in 2010, the actor opened up to AARP The Magazine about how having children had shifted his priorities. My career was the most important thing in my life, followed by marriage and children. And its completely reversed now. I never anticipated starting a family and the joy of raising kids at my age, he added. With Bihar heading toward assembly elections, the BJP is keen to consolidate its position with Prime Minister Narendra Modis back-to-back tours blending political messaging with infrastructure-led outreach. On 24 April, soon after the Pahalgam attack, he visited Madhubani district of Bihar where he issued a stern warning to terrorists besides inaugurating or laying the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 13,480 crore. Advertisement During his upcoming two-day Bihar visit on 29-30 May, the PM will also inaugurate and lay the foundation for several large-scale infrastructure projects. He will also participate in a roadshow in Patna acknowledging peoples admiration for the success of Operation Sindoor. Advertisement The BJP has planned Modis next Bihar visit on 20 June, which will be marked by announcements of a slew of development projects and public engagements. Bihar BJP president Dr Dilip Jaiswal told mediapersons in Patna on Tuesday that on 29 May, PM Modi will inaugurate the new terminal building of Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport built at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore. He will also lay the foundation stone of Bihta Airport. He said, Since this is Modis first Bihar visit after the Operation Sindoor, several NGOs have come forward to organise a roadshow to thank the Prime Minister. The roadshow from Patna Airport to the BJP state headquarters will cross several landmarks of the city. Thirty-two stages have been erected along the route, where women will perform traditional aarti, while party workers will congratulate the Prime Minister amid a shower of flowers for the success of Operation Sindoor, he added. On 30 May, the PM will address a public meeting in Bikramganj in Rohtas district, where workers from the Shahabad region comprising Rohtas, Kaimur, Bhojpur and Buxar, are expected to attend the rally. On this occasion, the PM will also launch some mega development projects for the state. He will lay the foundation stone of the Navinagar Power Plant to be built at a cost of Rs 29,000 crores. He will also lay the foundation stone for Patna-Sasaram four-lane road worth Rs 3,712 crore to provide better connectivity to the people of Shahabad region. A day after BRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao sent emissaries to party MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha to pacify her, the BJP questioned the need for mediators between the father and daughter. Rao, more popularly known as KCR, sent his trusted lieutenants and Rajya Sabha MP D Damodar Rao and BRS legal cell in-charge Gandra Mohan Rao to her residence to placate her after her letter addressed to him was leaked to the media. Her letter had stated that the party seemed to be going easy with the BJP and the decision not to contest MLC elections went in favour of the Saffron party. Advertisement On Tuesday, Kavitha, however, slammed both Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the BJP and Congress of collusion. Advertisement BJP MP from Medak M Raghunandan Rao predicted on Tuesday that Kavitha was all set to go YS Sharmila way by forming a new party and going on a padayatra. He wondered why there was a mediator between the father and the daughter if they wanted to talk. According to my knowledge, Kavitha will form her own party on 2 June. She will go on a padayatra late, said the BJP MP, who had earlier stated that Kavitha was all set to join the Congress. YS Sharmila had left YSRCP founded by her brother YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and floated a new outfit which she later merged with Congress. The emissaries from KCR had, however, tried to convince Kavitha not to do anything in haste. She was assured that KCR would soon grant her an audience while she confided her concerns about the party. She apparently complained that the partys district leaders stayed away when she toured those areas. She also pointed out during the two-and-a-half-hour meeting at her residence that her letter was deliberately leaked as part of the conspiracy. After the BRS lost Assembly elections in Telangana, the sibling rivalry has come to the fore despite Kavitha remaining incarcerated in Tihar Jail over the Delhi Liquor Scam. Publicly, however, Kavitha condemned the Anti-Corruption Bureaus notice to her brother, KT Rama Rao, in the Formula E case, calling it a conspiracy. She wrote on X, I strongly condemn the issuance of notices by the Revanth Reddy-led government to KT Rama Rao to cover up their failures and divert attention from public issues. Meanwhile, Kavitha has renewed her active interest in the affairs of Singareni coal workers through the partys trade union arm, TGBKS. Today, she launched the Singareni Jagruthi, which will work with the TGBKS for the welfare of the workers. She also appointed 11 coordinators for the Singareni area and slammed chief minister Revanth Reddy for working hand in glove with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and not speaking a word against labour codes that harm the interest of workers. Jagruthi, founded by Kavitha, is the cultural arm of BRS, which clearly the party MLC is keen to extend when she is being cornered within BRS. The Border Security Force (BSF) has proposed to name a post in Jammus Samba sector as Sindoor and two others in the name of its personnel killed during the cross-border shelling by Pakistan on 10 May. In a media interaction here on Tuesday on the Operation Sindoor, BSF IG Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand, said that three jawans, including an Indian Army Naik, were killed in the cross-border shelling. Advertisement The Border Security Force (BSF) released new footage from Operation Sindoor, showing Indias targeted strikes on terror launchpads inside Pakistani territory and showing Pakistan Rangers fleeing under the fire. Advertisement On the morning of 10 May, Pakistan sent low-flying drones to target our posts. The BSF was actively engaging these drones. However, during one such incident, a tragic event occurred when BSF Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz, Constable Deepak Kumar, and Indian Army Naik Sunil Kumar were trying to counter a drone, which dropped a payload, resulting in the killing of all three, he said. We propose to name two of our posts on our personnel we have lost, and one post to be named Sindoor in the Samba sector, Anand said. Anand also praised the women personnel who fought on the forward posts during Operation Sindoor. BSFs women personnel fought on forward posts during Operation Sindoor. Our brave women personnel, Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari commanded a forward post, Constable Manjit Kaur, Constable Malkit Kaur, Constable Jyoti, Constable Sampa and Constable Swapna, and others fought on forward posts against Pakistan during this operation, he said. He also mentioned the inputs of terrorists possible infiltration along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). We are getting many inputs regarding terrorists returning to their launch pads and camps, and possible infiltration along LoC and IB. Security Forces will have to remain alert, Anand said. BSF DIG, RS Pura sector, Chiter Pal, mentioned about the retaliation in the area after cross-border shelling from Pakistan. On 9 May, Pakistan targeted a number of our posts. First, they started targeting our posts with a flat trajectory weapon and mortar. They also targeted one of our villages, Abdullian. Our BSF jawans gave a befitting reply to them. When they reduced firing, they increased drone activity. In response, BSF targeted and destroyed the Pakistani terrorist launchpad Mastpur, Pal said. During the firing, it was observed that Pakistani soldiers were abandoning their posts and fleeing, he said further. The BSF noticed intensified activity beginning on 8 May, when a large group of terrorists was observed approaching the border. Acting on intelligence that infiltration was imminent, BSF forces launched a series of preemptive strikes. LeTs Looni terror launchpad and the Mastpur launchpad in Pakistan were destroyed on the night of 9 and 10 May, and during the action, Pakistani Rangers were seen fleeing. BSF DIG SS Mand gave details of pre-emptive strikes on 8 May. He said inputs indicated Pakistan was trying to push terrorists across the border after Operation Sindoor. On 8 May, a large group of 40 to 50 terrorists was observed moving towards the border, prompting swift action by the BSF. Soon after, Pakistan started firing on BSF posts, to which we retaliated well, DIG Mand said. Inputs suggest that many terrorists, their supporters, Rangers, and officers were harmed in the strike by us. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reaffirmed his governments commitment to eliminating child marriage in the state by 2026. The pledge came during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Chief Ministers conclave chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where Assams campaign against child marriage was showcased as a national model. Advertisement According to an official release, the state has witnessed an 81% decline in reported cases of child marriage across 20 of its 35 districts between 2021-22 and 2023-24. Advertisement The figures reflect the impact of a rigorous crackdown launched by the state government, which included mass arrests, public awareness drives, and coordinated efforts with the police and village-level informants. Prime Minister Modi lauded Assams approach and urged other NDA-ruled states to replicate its legal and administrative strategies. He also suggested that officials from across the country visit Assam to study the successful implementation of the campaign. Chief Minister Sarma stated that the sustained campaign has received widespread support and appreciation not only from Union ministers but also from fellow chief ministers within the NDA fold. Our aim is to completely root out the practice of child marriage by 2026 through strict law enforcement, community engagement, and empowerment of girls through education, he said. Child marriage has long been a deeply entrenched issue in parts of rural Assam, often linked to poverty, lack of education, and entrenched social norms. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly 31% of women aged 20-24 in Assam were married before the legal age of 18 as recently as 2020. The state governments crackdown, launched in February 2023, saw over 4,000 people arrested in an operation across districts. Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), GP Singh, visited Srinagar on Tuesday to review the operational preparedness of the Force for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025. The DG, who is on a three-day visit to the Valley, proceeded to the 181 Battalion, CRPF, at Charar-e-Sharif shortly after landing in Srinagar. He was accompanied by senior officers including Vitul Kumar, SDG (Operations); Rajesh Kumar, ADG, J&K Zone; Vineet Brij Lal, IG; Pawan Kumar Sharma, IG; and Mitesh Jain, IG. The team inspected the 181 Battalion and held discussions with ground commanders on the prevailing security scenario and operational preparedness. In addition to assessing the overall security situation, the DGs visit is focused on evaluating the Forces readiness for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025. The DG also interacted with the Jawans during a Sainik Sammelan, addressing their concerns and grievances. In his address, he praised the personnel for their unwavering dedication to duty and service to the nation. He expressed confidence that the Force would continue to serve the country with zeal and valour. Later, the DG held a detailed conference with Range DIGs and Commanding Officers of the 47 battalions deployed in the Valley. The meeting lasted over three hours and centered on coordination, logistics, and security strategies for the upcoming pilgrimage. Advertisement Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will be on a three-day visit to the United States starting Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Monday. The MEA stated that Misri will be visiting Washington to meet with senior officials of the US Administration. Advertisement The visit is a follow up to Prime Ministers visit to the United States in February 2025, when both sides had launched the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) for the 21st Century, read a statement issued by the MEA. Advertisement Sources say that Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Pavan Kapoor could also be accompanying Foreign Secretary on the US visit which comes in the backdrop of US President Donald Trumps repeated claims that his administration brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan earlier this month. India has maintained that the understanding was reached after Pakistans desperate attempts to seek an end to hostilities in light of Indian forces pounding its air bases during Operation Sindoor. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar had also reiterated last week that not just the US, but many countries had reached out to India between May 7-10. In an interview with Netherlands-based NOS, the EAM stated that the cessation of firing and military action was negotiated directly between India and Pakistan, and the ceasefire understanding was reached after the adversary nation made the first move. He added that it is natural for other countries to set up communication channels with nations engaged in military conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to me while US Vice President JD Vance spoke to PM Modi, the EAM said. Trump has also said that India has offered to enter a bilateral trade deal with the US which basically proposes that no tariffs would be levied on a range of American goods. They are offering us a deal where basically they are willing to literally charge us no tariffs, Trump said in Qatars capital Doha, earlier this month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Washington in February this year, had held talks with Trump on negotiating the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement by the fall of 2025. Meanwhile, an eight-member, all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is also set to visit the United States after winding up its ongoing visit to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil to carry forth Indias strong message of zero-tolerance against terrorism. The Indian delegation, which visited New York en route to Guyana, will be returning to the US for meetings with leaders, lawmakers and opinion-makers. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram on Tuesday asserted that no stone would be left unturned in the field of development of tribes in the nation. Interacting with the media at his official residence, he said his ministry is taking all-around initiatives to bridge the gap in the development of different tribes in the nation. Advertisement Mr Oram said the government had approved commemorating Bhagwan Birsa Mundas 150th birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh from 15 November 2024 to 15 November 2025. Accordingly, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has outlined a year-long celebration, with states/UTs conducting National-Level Events and State-Level Events through the Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) across the country. Advertisement This annual celebration honours the contributions of tribal leaders and communities to Indias freedom struggle and nation-building. Mr Oram said that PM-JANMAN stands as a transformative policy-level initiative aimed at fostering the holistic development of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 States and one Union Territory. He informed that with a budgetary outlay of Rs 24,104 Crore (Central Share: Rs 15,336 Crore and State Share: Rs 8,768 Crore), PM-JANMAN is designed to provide equitable access to essential services for PVTG communities, improving their living conditions and facilitating their socio-economic progress. The core objectives include providing safe housing, clean drinking water, enhanced education, healthcare, nutrition, road connectivity, electricity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities within three years. Talking about the achievements of his ministry, he said that building on the success of the PM-JANMAN scheme, the ministry has launched a transformative multi-sectoral initiative, DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, to ensure the holistic and sustainable development of the tribal population in villages. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday told the Guyanese media that the very presence of uniformed Pakistani military and police personnel at the funeral of a terrorist following Operation Sindoor clearly suggests the complicity of the Pakistani establishment in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation to Guyana for Indias global outreach campaign of Operation Sindoor and the fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, in a post on X, said, The Indian MPs delegation held an interaction with the Guyanese media this afternoon. Asked for evidence of Pakistani complicity in the #PahalgamTerroristAttack, i pointed to the claims of The Resistance Front, a known frontal organ of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the attendance of uniformed Pakistani military and police personnel at a terrorists funeral with picture! Advertisement After the brief exchange with Guyana President Dr Mohd Irfaan Ali at the Independence Day celebrations last night, had an excellent interaction at his official residence this afternoon. It was heartening to hear the Presidents ringing endorsement of Indias position on recent events in the subcontinent, the Congress MP said in another post on X. Advertisement The delegations visit to Guyana comes under Indias unprecedented diplomatic campaign to expose Pakistans sustained role in cross-border terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistans links to terrorism and Indias strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Meanwhile, head of the Indian all-party delegation to European countries, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, on Tuesday highlighted the complex relationship between Pakistan and terrorism. He emphasised that the distinction between the state of Pakistan and terrorism has effectively disappeared. While briefing French journalists in Paris, he said there are 52 designated terrorists by the UN, and terrorism is an instrument of state policy in Pakistan, with the military establishment supporting terrorist groups. Today, there are 52 designated terrorists by the UN. The distinction between the state of Pakistan and terrorism has withered away. Terrorism as an instrument of state policy is a part of the military state of Pakistan. You know that there is no democracy there, said the BJP MP. Meanwhile, another all-party parliamentary delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha, on Tuesday requested Singapores support in the fight against terrorism, particularly at multilateral fora like the United Nations and Financial Action Task Force. During their meeting with Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs of Singapore, the all-party parliamentary delegation highlighted the importance of Operation Sindoor and the fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. Condemning all acts of terrorism, Sim Ann extended Singapores support to India in the fight against terrorism. She further stated that Singapore and India are close partners and will continue efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, according to the Indian High Commission in Singapore. Meanwhile, during the engagement, Jha briefed the Singaporean side on Indias stance on the events following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the subsequent launch of Operation Sindoor, and the new normal in strategy against terrorism. Another all-party delegation led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule has departed from Doha to South Africas Johannesburg on Tuesday (local time) after the conclusion of their visit to Qatar as part of their second leg of the four-nation visit in continuation of Operation Sindoor and Indias diplomatic outreach following the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam. In Doha, the delegation members held fruitful interactions with Qatari dignitaries at the Shura Council and the Government of Qatar, members of the media, academia, and think tanks, as well as the Indian community in Qatar, the Embassy of India in Qatar said in a statement. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday paid tribute to Indias first Prime Minister and his great-grandfather, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on his death anniversary, saying that the leaders legacy and ideals will always guide us. Taking to social media platform X, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi wrote, Respectful tribute to the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji on his death anniversary. With the dream of a strong and inclusive India, Nehruji laid a strong foundation for independent India with his visionary leadership. His contribution in the establishment of social justice, modernity, education, constitution and democracy is invaluable. The legacy of Jawahar of India and his ideals will always guide us. Advertisement Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also remembered her great-grandfathers contributions to building a progressive and modern India. Advertisement In her post, she quoted Nehru himself: What we think today and what we do create the India of tomorrow. She added, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru dreamed of an India that would progress with the help of science and technology and compete with the modern world. For this, he laid the foundation of dozens of educational, scientific, industrial, technical, social and economic institutions, which are the backbone of India today and are strengthening India as the pillar of our progress. The country will always remember his great contribution. Heartfelt tribute and salute to the creator of modern India. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid homage, describing Nehru as the architect of democratic and scientific India. Citizenship consists in serving the country Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Humble tributes on the death anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji, the creator of modern India, the fearless guardian of democracy, the one who took India from zero to the peak the one who constantly gave the message of unity in diversity to the country, our source of inspiration. 21st century India cannot be imagined without the contribution of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Kharge wrote on X. Pandit Nehru served as the interim head of the government in September 1946. After Indias Independence on August 15, 1947, he was sworn in as the countrys Prime Minister. On that historic day, he delivered his iconic Tryst with Destiny speech and unfurled the Indian flag at the Red Fort in Delhi. Nehru, who became Congress President in 1929, made a defining call for complete independence from British rule. He led the country during its formative years post-Independence, shaping Indias democratic institutions and its identity on the global stage. His final years were marked by declining health. In 1962, a viral infection weakened him, and on May 27, 1964, he died of a suspected heart attack. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau, under the direct supervision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has taken swift action against corruption by arresting the SHO of Cyber Crime Police Station, Fazilka, along with three other police personnel, for taking a bribe of 1,00,000 in a case involving a minors confiscated phone. AAP Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated the governments zero-tolerance policy against corruption, stating, No matter the level of the official, be it a minister, MLA, IAS or PCS officer or any government employee, anyone found indulging in corruption will face strict legal action. Corruption has no place in Punjab, and our government is committed to ensuring an honest and transparent administration. Advertisement The case came to light when Dharminder Singh, father of 17-year-old Dilraj Singh, approached the Punjab chief minister with evidence of bribe demands by the Cyber Crime Police Station, Fazilka. The station had confiscated the minors phone following a Cyber Tipline complaint. Despite repeated attempts by the family to resolve the issue, they were forced to pay a bribe to settle the matter. Advertisement Cheema further commended the vigilance bureau efforts, adding, This case highlights the firm resolve of the Punjab government to root out corruption. The prompt action in this matter demonstrates that the government is on the side of the common citizen, ensuring justice and accountability at every level. The arrested officials include the SHO, a reader, and two constables namely Insp. Manjeet Singh (No.18 FZR) SHO Cyber Crime PS Fazilka, senior Constable Rajpal (No. FZK/868), Reader to SHO, MHC senior Constable Shinder Pal (No. 1032), and senior Constable Sumeet Kumar (No. 986 FZK). They are now in custody and face legal proceedings. The Punjab government assures that such actions will continue to ensure Punjab becomes a corruption-free state. The Aam Aadmi Party government has launched several initiatives under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to fight corruption. Minister Cheema said, The AAP government will leave no stone unturned in its mission to eradicate corruption and bring justice to the people. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday lashed out at the Modi government, alleging that the ruling dispensation was carrying out systematic discrimination against the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and the Other Backward Castes in higher institutes in the pretext of Not Found Suitable SC/ST/OBC qualified candidates are being deliberately deemed unqualified so that they stay away from education and leadership, Mr Gandhi said in a post on platform X. Advertisement He further pointed out that over 60 per cent of professors and 30 per cent of associate professors reserved posts in Delhi University have been left vacant in the garb of Not Found Suitable. Advertisement This is not an exception the same conspiracy is happening in IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology), Central Universities, everywhere. Not Found Suitable is an attack on the Constitution, Mr Gandhi claimed. Asserting that it was a betrayal of social justice, the Congress leader said: This is not just a fight for education and jobs, but for rights, respect, and participation. Disclosing he had spoken to members of the Delhi University Students Union, Mr Gandhi said: Now we will together respond to every anti-reservation move of BJP/RSS with the power of the Constitution. Babasaheb had said, Education is the greatest weapon for equality. But the Modi government is busy in dulling that weapon, he said. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP and official spokesperson Sanjay Raut lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, even as he dubbed Operation Sindoor against Pakistan as a failure and called for Shah to resign after taking responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack. Rauts statements came a day after Shah stated in Nanded on Monday that if the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray had been alive, he would have hugged Modi for Operation Sindoor. Advertisement (Veer)Savarkar spoke about Akhand Bharat, but our armed forces were asked to stop heeding the orders of (United States) President Donald Trump, Raut said. Advertisement As I have said earlier, Operation Sindoor was a failure. However, in the interests of the nation, we opposition members are not speaking about it. Why was Operation Sindoor even needed in the first place? It was because terrorists removed the sindoor (vermilion) from the forehead of our mothers, sisters and daughters, he said, holding Shah responsible for the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Why did Pahalgam happen? It was solely because of Amit Shah, who must resign. In fact, Modi should have sought his resignation since he has proved unsuccessful as a home minister, Raut said. Why have the terrorists who killed tourists in Pahalgam never been caught? Where are they? Where have you hidden the terrorists? In Gujarat? In Dahod? Modi was in Dahod yesterday (Monday), where he was roaring from the place where (Mughal emperor) Aurangzeb was born, Raut said. Raut demanded the resignation of Shah as well as a special session of the Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam teror attack and Operation Sindoor. Shah is trying to teach us. He is travelling across Maharashtra. In Nanded, he visited the home of Adarsh-fame Ashok Chavan and had dinner, Raut said, referring to the Adarsh scam due to which former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had to resign, leave the Congress and join the BJP, after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a money laundering case against him. They are targeting us. The BJP split up the Shiv Sena because Uddhav Thackeray did not fall at their feet, Raut said. They were in Nanded yesterday (Monday), when Mumbai was sinking because of the rains. Who is in charge of Mumbais administration since there is no elected body? It is (Deputy Chief Minister) Eknath Shinde who is the Urban Development Minister, Raut said. The BJP has been in power at the Centre for 11 years, and they ruled Maharashtra for three and a half years. Yet, for anything and everything, they keep blaming Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh, Raut said. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the first Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Rajya Prerana Geet Puraskar award on Tuesday to the patriotic Marathi song, Anadi Mee, Anant Mee, written by the late Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Ranjit Savarkar, the grandson of the late Hindutva ideologue, accepted the award on behalf of the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Foundation. The award ceremony was held at the Maharashtra Chief Ministers official residence, Varsha, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Soon after presenting the award, Shah left for Delhi, unexpectedly cancelling his originally scheduled special lecture on occasion of the 60th death anniversary of Savarkar, at the University of Mumbais Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall. Vowing to eliminate terrorism from the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the terror activities are not a proxy war but a well-planned war strategy, which would receive a stern response accordingly. Addressing the gathering in Gandhinagar, which included top state officials, urban planners, and stakeholders from across sectors, he said, Now we dont have to provide proof, they are giving it themselves. Thats why I say this can no longer be called a proxy war. Because the terrorists whose funerals were held after May 6 were given state honours in Pakistan. Pakistans flags were placed on their coffins, and their army saluted them. This proves that terrorist activities are not a proxy war; this is a well-planned war strategy. You are already at war, and you will receive the response accordingly. Advertisement He said, No matter how healthy the body is, if a thorn pricks it, the entire body is in pain. Now we have decided that we will remove that thorn Advertisement The PM confirmed that India is now the fourth-largest economy in the world. Today, India has become the worlds fourth-largest economy. It is a matter of pride for all of us that we have now surpassed Japan. I still remember the excitement across the country when we moved from sixth to fifth place, especially among the youth. The reason was clear, India had overtaken the UK, which ruled over us for 250 years Modi said, I have been in Gujarat for the past two days, yesterday I visited Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad, and this morning, Gandhinagar. Everywhere I went, it felt like a wave of patriotism, like the roaring sound of a saffron sea. The roar of the saffron sea, the fluttering Tricolour and immense love for the motherland in every heart. It was a sight to behold, it was an unforgettable scene He said terror kept bleeding India, and we did nothing. After losing wars with India, Pakistan resorted to proxy wars. PM Modi said, Whenever war broke out with Pakistan, all three times the Indian armed forces decisively defeated them. Realizing it couldnt win a direct battle, Pakistan resorted to proxy war. It began training militants and sending them into India. These trained terrorists targeted innocent, unarmed civilians, people traveling, sitting in hotels, or visiting as tourists He said terrorists should have been dealt with in 1947 during partition. In 1947, when Maa Bharti (India) was partitioned, Katni Chahiye Thi Zanjeerein Par Kat Di Gai Bhujayein, the country was divided into three parts. On that very night, the first terrorist attack took place on the soil of Kashmir. A part of Maa Bharti was captured by Pakistan using terrorists in the name of mujahideen Earlier, PM Modi held a roadshow in Gujarats Gandhinagar. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth Rs 5,536 crore at the Mahatma Mandir of this Gujarat district. He participated in the celebrations of 20 years of Gujarat Urban Growth Story and launched Urban Development Year 2025, marking 20 years of the states structured and sustainable urban transformation. The event outlines the next phase of Gujarats urban strategy, reinforcing the states reputation as a leader in urban planning, clean energy, and infrastructure innovation. The State Clean Air Programme, which aims to tackle air pollution through a multi-sectoral approach, will also be launched during the event, reflecting Gujarats commitment to sustainable and clean urban living. The visit underscores Gujarats model of integrated urban development and aligns with Indias larger goal of building world-class infrastructure and green mobility solutions. Earlier on Monday, PM Modi addressed a road show in Bhuj, where he asserted that India maintains a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, which Operation Sindoor has reinforced, and anyone who dares to spill Indian blood will face consequences. Mr Modi also announced that the entire railway network in Gujarat is now 100 per cent electrified. A terrorist was killed in a blast in Punjabs Amritsar while trying to retrieve the explosive consignment in Punjabs Amritsar city, police said on Tuesday. According to the police, the explosion occurred in the area around Naushera village under the Kambo police station limits in the Amritsar rural district. Advertisement We received information in the morning that there was an explosion here. The police officials have reached the spot, and a person who was seriously injured has been admitted to the hospital, SSP Amritsar Rural, Maninder Singh said. Advertisement The SSP said that the injured, who later succumbed to his injuries, had come to retrieve the consignment, and due to mishandling of the explosive, a blast occurred, leaving him dead. We suspect that he is one of the accused who came to retrieve the consignment, and due to mishandling of an explosive, he was injuredOur FSL teams are on the way, he added. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) (Border Range) Satinder Singh said that the deceased was a suspected member of Babbar Khalsa, a Khalistani terrorist outfit. The person who was injured has died. He is a member of a terrorist organisation and he had come to retrieve the explosive consignmentWe have received a lot of cluesBabbar Khalsa and ISI is active in Punjab and most likely, he is a member of Babbar Khalsa, Singh said, adding further investigation is underway. In a bid to send a powerful message against terrorism in the aftermath of the killing of 26 civilians on 22 April, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday held a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, where the terror incident happened. After the meeting, the Chief Minister posted on X the pictures of his meetings at the Pahalgam club. Advertisement Omar wrote on X; Chaired a Cabinet Meeting at Pahalgam today. It was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear messagewe are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror. The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu & Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid. Advertisement More important than the agenda on the table of the cabinet meeting is the significance of the meetings symbolic communication to anti-national and anti-social elements that violence has no place in Jammu and Kashmir. This was the first cabinet meeting held outside the capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu since the Omar Abdullah-headed government took office in October 2024. Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Omar said that his government aims to revive tourism gradually and steadily. Our effort is to gradually revive tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the Kashmir Valley. I know that the past 56 weeks have not been easy for the country, but it is Jammu and Kashmir that has suffered the most. We want to come out of this difficult phase, and for that, the necessary steps will be decided collectively by the Jammu and Kashmir government. I firmly believe that we will receive all the support we need from the central government, the CM said. While we followed the governments agenda during the meeting, we did not come to Pahalgam merely to carry out administrative or governmental functions. We came here to show that the bloodshed and violence will not derail our agenda for the development, prosperity, and representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Through this meeting, we also want to express our gratitude and salute the people of Kashmir, especially the people of Pahalgam, for their courage, unity, and strong stand against violence after the 22 April attack, he added. Omar also met delegates from various walks of life, led by MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Kaloo. Valuable insights were shared on local issues and aspirations. The support extended by locals to tourists and the administration during the recent unfortunate incident was exemplary and deeply praised, Omar said. Omar during his first stint as the chief minister of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009-14, had held Cabinet meetings in remote areas like Gurez, Machil, Tangdhar areas of north Kashmir and Rajouri and Poonch areas of Jammu region. The decision to hold a special Cabinet meeting also comes three days after Omar on Saturday proposed in the Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog a dual approach to resuscitate Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector, severely impacted by the Pahalgam terror attack, urging the Centre to mandate PSUs to hold meetings in Kashmir and to convene Parliamentary Committee meetings in the valley. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Tuesday that a good government lays the foundation for prosperity by rapidly advancing development and welfare programs aimed at benefiting the poor. It brings about positive, developmental, and welfare-driven changes in the lives of every individual, ensuring a safer environment, he said. Advertisement He further added, Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this transformation has been visible across the country for the last 11 years, and in Uttar Pradesh, for the last eight years. Advertisement The CM was addressing the 1,200 couples united in matrimony during Samuhik Vivah Samaroh organized under Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana at Hindustan Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (Fertilizer Plant) premises on Tuesday. This was the first event held after the state government increased the financial assistance under the scheme from Rs 51,000 to Rs 1 lakh per couple. Speaking at the event, CM Yogi said, A true government is the one that can go to the peoples homes and solve their problems. The Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana is a continuation of PM Narendra Modis welfare initiatives and aligns with the objectives of the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao Yojana. It also challenges social stereotypes such as child marriage, polygamy, and the dowry system. The CM mentioned that the government is working with the goal of bringing positive change to every citizens life. He emphasized the need to uplift the weakest sections of society in order to make India the worlds greatest power. To achieve this, the government has launched various welfare schemes including Matru Vandana Yojana, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Kanya Sumangala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat. He added that the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana is also a symbol of this progressive vision. This scheme supports the wedding of daughters from poor families, removing the burden from their parents. Public representatives, including MLAs and ministers, attend these mass weddings. Speaking about the importance of educating and empowering girls, CM Yogi stated, If we want to save our daughters, we must educate and empower them. He shared how, in 2017, the government launched the Kanya Sumangala Yojana to support girls from birth up to their graduation. So far, around 24 lakh girls from poor and underprivileged families in Uttar Pradesh have benefitted under this scheme. The CM said that before 2017, the Social Welfare Department provided only Rs 20,000 for the marriage of girls from Scheduled Castes and Tribes, and even that amount was given with discrimination and delays. He stated that this amount was neither sufficient nor accessible to everyone. CM Yogi also emphasized that under the leadership of PM Modi, welfare schemes are now reaching every poor citizen. Today, 4 crore people have been given homes, 10 crore have received free LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, 12 crore have been provided toilets, 45 crore have Jan Dhan bank accounts, and 50 crore people are benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, he said. Additionally, for the past five years, the government has been providing free ration to 80 crore citizens. He also pointed out that previous governments did nothing for street vendors. Street vendors, handcart and hawker owners were exploited everywhere, but today the government is helping them by providing loans to run their businesses, he said. The Chief Minister further mentioned the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana. It supports young entrepreneurs between 18 and 40 years of age. Under this scheme, youth can get interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh without collateral. If repaid on time, they become eligible for Rs 7.5 lakh in the second phase and up to Rs 10 lakh in the third. Wishing newlyweds a prosperous and happy life during the event, CM Yogi reiterated that the government will continue to work towards empowering every family. He urged people to stand united against social evils like caste-based discrimination, untouchability, child marriage, and the dowry system. Dowry is one such outdated practice, and the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana is a strong step against it, he said. Organized by the Department of Social Welfare, the grand ceremony saw 1,200 couplesincluding both Hindu and Muslim newlywedstie the knot. The Opposition Congress on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, asking several pointed questions related to the Pahalgam attack and the sudden announcement of ceasefire by US President Donald Trump. Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Pawan Khera said: So far we have not got answers to what happened to the terrorists in Poonch in 2023, in Ganderbal on 2 October 2024, in Pahalgam in April 2025, and where are the terrorists? On what conditions did the ceasefire (between India and Pakistan) happen? How did Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar escape? There should be serious discussions on serious issues Advertisement India launched precision strikes on nine terrorists camps in Pakistan and PoK in response to the April 22 Pahalagam attack. Advertisement However, even after more than one month, the terrorists, who led the carnage on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, have not been captured. Taking an apparent dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent Garm Sindoor in my veins remark, Khera said that whenever these questions are asked of the Modi government, its leaders deliver filmy dialogues. Khera also criticised the foreign policy of the Modi-led government, stating that not even Nepal and Bhutan stood with India during the recent standoff with Pakistan. This government has outsourced the entire politics, political discourse, and foreign policy to trolls. The result of the Modi governments foreign policy is that Kuwait has removed visa restrictions on Pakistan. Kuwait-Pakistan is about to sign a labor treaty. On the other hand, the UAE has given 5 years visa permission to Pakistan, said Khera. He continued: The result of our foreign policy is that even Nepal and Bhutan did not stand with us. In this entire conflict, it has become clear how China and Pakistan came together, but the government is not doing anything about it. He said that the all-party delegations were dispatched by the government due to isolation internationally. When the government realised that we were isolated due to a destructive foreign policy, there was talk of an all-party delegation. There, Congress and opposition MPs are presenting Indias side, but a BJP MP is not refraining from making venomous tweets every day. He further accused the Modi government of failing miserably in the hour of crisis: The answer to this can only be found when the Prime Minister is not inspired by trolls, takes these issues seriously, and talks to expertsBut I dont think we can get any answers from the Modi Government, and it can face these challenges, because when it was tested in the hour of crisis, the Government failed miserably, he added. Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and senior BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was absolved of POSCO charges by a Delhi court in a sexual harassment case of a minor wrestler, arrived in Ayodhya to for a darshan of Lord Hanuman on the auspicious Bada Mangal here on Tuesday. From the airport, where more than 1,000 activists welcomed him with drum beats, Brij Bhushan headed straight to Hanumangarhi temple to worship Hanuman ji. Advertisement Later, the BJP leader left for Gonda taking out a roadshow. Advertisement While talking to media persons, Brij Bhushan Saran Singh said, I had said that if the allegations against me are proved, I would hang myself. The courts decision proved that I was correct. Leaders like Bhupendra Hooda, who had conspired (against me), were going to become the chief minister till 11 am, but later could not even become a security guard while the Aam Aadmi Party was totally destroyed. Whoever opposes me, God will punish him, because I am a devotee of Hanuman ji. Those who had accused me and used to call me God of wrestling, did they get anything by hatching such a conspiracy, he questioned. Yesterday, the Patiala House Court of Delhi closed the sexual exploitation case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and acquitted him of the charge of molestation of the minor wrestler. The court took this decision in the last hearing after the minor withdrew her statement. During a closed-door hearing on August 1, 2023, she said she had made the allegations under some political or emotional pressure. No such incident happened in which she considers herself a victim. After her statement, the court considered it a serious convertible evidence. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. SYDNEY, Australia It is the criminal trial that has captivated Australia. No fewer than four podcasts track its every update. At least two documentaries are delving into it. Newspapers have been devoting pages to the trial, while websites have been live-blogging every witness's testimony. And each morning, scores of people line up for the chance to squeeze into a courtroom to watch it unfold. It is the mushroom murder case, and almost everyone Down Under is talking about it. "It's fascinating," said Dave Thorpe, 78, as he waited for a coffee at a Sydney cafe, with a mushroom-case-heavy tabloid under his arm. "She's not your typical murder suspect. She looks more like a churchgoer." For the past month, the small town of Morwell, a few hours outside of Melbourne, has been the setting for a courtroom saga of a mushroom meal most foul. Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old mother of two, faces three counts of murder for serving toxic beef Wellington to relatives at her house in the even smaller nearby town of Leongatha on July 29, 2023. Patterson's parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, died of suspected death cap mushroom poisoning. Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, also died, while Heather's husband, Ian, survived after spending weeks in the hospital. Patterson's estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was supposed to attend the ill-fated lunch but backed out. Patterson has pleaded not guilty in proceedings expected to conclude early next month. At a time when the United States and much of the world is fixated on another trial - the celebrity-filled case against American rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs - the story of the Leongatha lunch gone wrong has gripped Australia and even garnered some global attention of its own. Australians suddenly can't stop talking about mycology, the scientific study of fungi. The Latin nomenclature for death cap mushrooms - Amanita phalloides - has become a household name. And Facebook groups are afire with debates over different methods of forensic analysis. "Everyone has an opinion on this case and we hear it - friends, family, people at the cafe down the road," said investigative reporter Rachael Brown on a recent episode of "Mushroom Case Daily," the most popular of the mushrooming number of podcasts on the mushroom case. Australia averages fewer than 300 homicides per year, and most of those stem from fights, criminal vendettas or domestic violence incidents. Female offenders make up about 13 percent of cases. Those cases often draw more attention because they defy the gender norm of women as caregivers, said Murray Lee, a professor of criminology at the University of Sydney. The accusation that Patterson poisoned her victims with death cap mushrooms adds to the public interest. "It's the fact that it's so unusual, yet it's also mundane," he said. "It could happen to anyone, and yet it doesn't." Lee likened the case to an episode of "Midsomer Murders," the long-running TV mystery series set in a small English country town. Or an Agatha Christie novel, said Jessica Gildersleeve, a literature professor at the University of Southern Queensland who has written about the case. "It's a family drama and they are alluding to elements of revenge," she said of prosecutors. "It's really appealing to those base literary elements that make for a really good story." Unlike most murder mysteries, however, many of the facts in the case aren't in dispute. Instead, the trial's outcome hinges on the question of intent. Prosecutors have said the poisoning was deliberate and have put forward as evidence that Patterson traveled to known death cap mushroom locations before the lunch; that she disposed of a food processor used to prepare the mushrooms; and that she reset her phone afterward. They also say Patterson told a number of lies, from the false cancer diagnosis she allegedly used to lure people to the lunch to the origin of the mushrooms she served. But Patterson's defense team has called the deadly meal "a terrible accident" after which she "panicked." "She was overwhelmed by the fact that these four people had become so ill because of the food she'd served to them," defense barrister Colin Mandy said during opening arguments. The case has weighed heavily on Leongatha, a close-knit town of fewer than 6,000 people, according to Nathan Hersey, a local councillor who was mayor for the area at the time. "The media interest was like nothing our community had ever seen," he said, recalling journalists "stopping people on the street, going to people's homes, going to the church, basically wanting comment from anyone and everyone that was around." Locals who were shocked by the three deaths were then stunned to see them on the front pages of newspapers in the United States and Britain, he said. As mayor, he received messages of condolences from communities in New Zealand and Africa. "It was really something that had a much farther reach than anyone would have anticipated," he said. The current mayor, John Schelling, declined to comment other than to say: "I hope the trial goes away." The trial, which began in late April, has renewed the media interest and reopened some wounds, Hersey said. But Leongatha has been partially spared by the fact that it is too small to host the proceedings, and that a mountain range stands between it and Morwell, giving locals some physical and mental distance. For Morwell, whose only other moment in the national spotlight was when the power station closed, the trial has been a much-needed boon, with its streets "awash with journalists, bloggers, podcasters and more - notebooks and microphones at the ready to capture every detail aired in court," the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported. "It's been a positive thing to see the cafes and restaurants and bakeries and shops with a bit of a buzz about them," said Dale Harriman, the mayor for the area, who is hoping all the media attention leads to more tourism. "Hopefully, there are a few people sitting in London or over in Europe thinking, That looks like a nice spot; we might pay it a visit.'" If they do, it'll probably be because they heard about it on one of the four mushroom case podcasts, three of which are in Australia's top 10. "I've never seen a trial that has captivated such a wide audience across the country as this one," said Brooke Grebert-Craig, a reporter at the Herald Sun newspaper and the host of "The Mushroom Cook." The daily podcast has been downloaded almost 2 million times in Australia, she said, and listened to 400,000 times in Britain, as well as 120,000 times each in the U.S. and Ireland. "The international reach and attention on this case is unlike anything I've ever seen before," said Penelope Liersch, a reporter for 9 News and the co-host of another competing podcast, "The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace." For Liersch, who did a podcast on a different trial last year, part of the appeal is to take listeners inside a case as if they were in the courtroom, and to dispel misperceptions that some Australians might have adopted from American pop culture. "People have this idea that the Australian legal system is like the American legal system, and it really isn't," she said. Perhaps the biggest difference is the strict rules surrounding media coverage of trials in Australia, which doesn't have an equivalent of the First Amendment. Jurors are usually off-limits for interviews, even years after a trial has ended. And journalists covering trials are instructed not to include details that haven't been put before the jury, such as public statements a person might have made before the trial began. Gildersleeve, the literature professor, said such close coverage can be a double-edged sword, providing transparency into the trial but also empowering listeners to form their own conclusions, which might conflict with the court outcome. Already, details from the trial have worked their way into Australian pop culture, with references to mushroom dishes or the color of plates after Ian Wilkinson, who survived, testified that Patterson ate off a different colored plate than her guests. For some, like cafegoer Thorpe, it's already changing their culinary preferences. "I don't think I'll ever eat a beef Wellington again," he said. Wars will always be fought on the battlefield. But acceptance of outcomes by a nation and the world would be determined on the basis of narratives in the media, especially when there is no loss or gain of territory as was the case in Operation Sindoor. India had no intention of launching a ground offensive to capture territory. It had only sought to send a message on its tolerance limits for terrorist strikes, after which it would respond. The message was sent and received by those that matter in Pakistan, but definitely not the common Pakistani who has been brainwashed by his media. Well played out narratives in media networks result in acceptance by the global public on which side emerged stronger on the termination of the conflict. On the narrative front, Pakistan, backed by China and its paid handles in the West, may have won this battle. Pakistans media channels, controlled by their DGISPR (Director General Inter Services Public Relations) pushed a narrative determined by them, while Indian media houses attempted to play to the gallery, on occasions even going ridiculously overboard. Their theatrics did far more damage than good, especially with their ludicrous announcements. Indian official media briefing was based on truth and facts, while Pakistan conveyed fake narratives to convince the world of its success. Advertisement Pakistans heads of DGISPR gave rambling stories of victory with no evidence, reiterating damaging strikes and resultant losses to India, even when there were none. Geolocations based on their narratives yielded nothing, yet were played up convincingly across the world. On social media, Chinese and Pakistani media handles joined hands to project exaggerated Indian losses while claiming a Pakistani victory in the initial stages of the conflict. In addition, Pakistan journalists, embedded with multiple global media houses published articles buttressing these narratives. Advertisement The impact was evident when they and Western strategic analysts, even on Indian TV channels, iterated Pakistans boasts as true. The Pakistani narrative was that their air defences, relying on Chinese equipment, was invincible. It was so successfully projected that many believed that cheap Chinese copies of Russian fighters and air defence systems had succeeded in thwarting Indian strikes led by modern French and Russian fighters. They also conveyed that Turkish and Chinese UAVs caused significant damage to Indian defence installations. Nothing could be further from the truth. India, on the contrary, adopted a cautious approach, with the foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, leading two women officers in conveying the impact of Indian strikes in the initial phases of Operation Sindoor. The reports were factual, devoid of theatrics, nor were questions taken. This left many to doubt Indian claims since the Pakistani narrative, backed by fake or AI-altered images, were ruling the media space. India was not playing to the gallery but sharing reality. Possibly, the intent could have been to let Pakistans fake narrative build before puncturing it. If so, this was an error. By the time India changed its briefing pattern by bringing in the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the three services, many were already convinced of Pakistans narrative. Hence, even questions raised during the Indian DGMOs briefings by Indian media were largely not on its achievements and damages across the border, but to confirm Pakistans claims on Indian material losses. Indian military personnel only highlighted destruction of those targets whose evidence they possessed, not on assumptions. Whenever they were in doubt, they refused to comment. This should have been accepted but then sadly, India is filled with doubting Thomases. Pakistans politicians and media personalities joined their fake narrative bandwagon, with no politician, irrespective of party affiliation, contradicting their military spokesperson. In India, it was the reverse. Government ministers stayed away from the media while operations were on, only coming to the fore after ceasefire was declared and military briefings came to an end. Even when they emerged, they commenced threatening Pakistan, keeping forthcoming elections in mind, rather than explaining to the public what the national strategy was and how it was achieved. Simultaneously, members of the opposition and anti-government media personalities played the Pakistan narrative questioning Indian material losses. They ignored the armed forces assertion that no nation declares its material losses. Even Pakistan has not admitted to its losses, aware that they were significantly higher. While the intent was not to let the government down on claiming success of Operation Sindoor in forthcoming elections, they inadvertently played into Pakistans hands. To justify their success in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, Pakistan media networks quoted statements made by Indian politicians and media personalities. Even the dossier released by Pakistan on the Pahalgam attack and subsequent operations had quotes and social media comments from Indian politicians and media personalities. Hence, many Western media houses and known strategists backed the Pakistan view that India, while it did strike its desired targets, suffered major losses. What Pakistan gained was that the world accepted Kashmir as disputed and a potential flashpoint. Both nations also played different narratives on what led to the ceasefire. Pakistan thanked US President Donald Trump for pushing India to accept it, while India insisted that it was accepted after talks between the two DGMOs initiated by Pakistan. The Indian narrative once again faltered because its opposition politicians questioned the role of Trump. Was Trump just seeking credit where not due by continuously claiming credit for the ceasefire or was it intentionally designed by the proPakistan lobby in his administration, or was simply to thwart outright Indian victory claims, thereby bailing out Pakistan for another day, is unknown. The Indian narrative finally began gaining ground after movement of delegations of parliamentarians to different parts of the globe. Their messages of Indian intent, thought process behind keeping the IWT in abeyance and the response to terrorism are now being projected. This should have been done by government ministers as also Indian ambassadors and high commissioners as soon as operations commenced. Historically, India has achieved a first. It has brought a nuclear-powered neighbour, backed by Chinese and Turkish military power, to its knees in just four days, while Israel continues in its attempts to subdue Gaza. It has proved that Chinese and Turkish military products cannot survive a major conflict. This should have been globally appreciated and accepted but was lost solely because we never had a narrative nor were our ministries and diplomats working in tandem. Nor did our opposition politicians and media houses behave maturely. (The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.) In times of war, the moral clarity of leaders is often sharpened ~ or shattered. The escalating confrontation in Gaza has not only laid bare the horrors of modern warfare but also the dangerous fractures emerging among long-standing allies. When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounces counterparts in allied democracies for being on the wrong side of history, we are not witnessing routine diplomatic sparring. We are witnessing the crumbling of a post-WWII consensus on the conduct of war, the value of civilian life, and the limits of alliance. The allegation that condemnation of disproportionate military actions is equivalent to siding with terrorists is deeply troubling. The war against Hamas, which committed unspeakable atrocities during its 2023 attacks on Israel, is rooted in a legitimate national security imperative. But the means by which this war is prosecuted matter. When a response crosses the line into collective punishment, it ceases to be selfdefence and begins to mirror the very inhumanity it claims to oppose. Western leaders are now walking a tight-rope ~ balancing the moral necessity to oppose terrorism with the ethical imperative to prevent humanitarian catastrophe. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, once careful to support Israels security needs, has shifted his stance under public and political pressure. His decision to suspend arms sales while calling for restraint was not an abandonment of Israel, but a reassertion of accountability ~ a concept Mr Netanyahu seems unwilling to entertain. What complicates this already combustible scenario is the shooting of two young Israelis working in their countrys Washington embassy, a horrific act that must be universally condemned. But to draw a direct line from humanitarian concern to terrorist sympathies is to poison the well of debate and exploit tragedy for political insulation. What is unfolding is not simply a geopolitical crisis but a moral collapse that demands reckoning. Advertisement Democracies are tested not in times of comfort, but in how they respond to the suffering of others ~ especially when inflicted by their friends. Silence, equivocation, or complicity today will echo for generations to come. This fracture also reveals the changing tone of global diplomacy. Public accusations of complicity with mass murderers directed at fellow democratic leaders not only degrade international discourse but risk hardening opposition, making compromise more elusive. When rhetoric becomes this extreme, dialogue dies, and diplomacy is replaced with recrimination. The broader picture is chilling. After months of siege, the civilian population in Gaza faces a catastrophic humanitarian collapse. Starvation, disease, and mass displacement are no longer speculative ~ they are current realities. Advertisement Calls for increased aid, safe corridors, and a ceasefire are not acts of appeasement. They are the last bulwarks of international law and moral decency. The world cannot afford to normalise civilian suffering as collateral damage in asymmetric warfare. It cannot afford to ignore the language of annihilation being used by both state and nonstate actors. For the sake of what remains of international norms, leaders on all sides must draw a distinction between justice and vengeance. In the tangled web of Sudans civil war, new allegations of chemical weapons use have emerged, casting a long and troubling shadow over a conflict that has already claimed over 150,000 lives. As the international community watches from the side-lines, accusations and counter-accusations between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have made it nearly impossible to discern facts from political theatre. Yet, amid the chaos, one truth remains clear: the human cost of this war is staggering, and accountability remains elusive. The claim that Sudans military employed chemical weapons against its own people is both grave and consequential. Chemical warfare is a red line in international humanitarian law, violating not only treaties but the basic tenets of human decency. The use of substances like chlorine gas, which causes excruciating injuries and often death, is emblematic of how far state and paramilitary actors may go when accountability is absent and strategic desperation sets in. However, the charge is not without controversy. The Sudanese government has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated fabrications, reminiscent of earlier claims in the countrys history that were later contested or walked back. In the absence of independently verified evidence, scepticism naturally arises ~ not necessarily out of blind allegiance to any side, but because of the geopolitical baggage such allegations carry. History has taught us that claims of chemical weapon use are as much about international positioning as they are about humanitarian concern. Advertisement For many Sudanese, the war has blurred the lines between fact and propaganda, survival and resistance. In cities and villages alike, truth is now mediated through fear, rumour, and fractured communication ~ making the path to justice even more elusive. The deeper issue here is not just whether chemical weapons were used, but what the world intends to do about Sudans entrenched conflict. Sanctions, the default diplomatic weapon of choice, have been wielded repeatedly ~ yet they have done little to alter the trajectory of the violence. Millions remain displaced. Hunger and disease are rampant. And the power struggle continues to upend lives across regions far beyond Khartoum. Moreover, the murky role of regional powers, some accused of supplying arms to the RSF, adds another dimension to Sudans suffering. These actors must be held to the same standard of scrutiny. Advertisement Turning a blind eye to their involvement while issuing proclamations of moral outrage undermines the credibility of global governance. At its core, the tragedy in Sudan is not just about who fired what weapon. It is about a war whose victims are increasingly invisible to the world. If these latest allegations prompt anything, it should be a genuine and renewed diplomatic effort ~ not just to condemn, but to push for a credible, inclusive peace process. Without that, the suffering will continue, chemical weapons or not. There are a couple of things in the murky rivers of Indian politics that are only made in Manipur beginning from the early 1990s when a senior legislator went and urinated on the Chair of the Speaker of the Manipur legislative Assembly as he was he was standing in the way of his bid to topple the then government in power and install a government to be headed by him. The leader in question had also taken fellow legislators to show the wet spot on the chair. A year or so later, MLAs armed with revolvers and pistols had stormed the same Speakers office in a bid to kill him. A highly agitated MLA had then told this writer, Tamo (Big brother), I had gone to kill him, but he has locked himself up in his room, hence the failure to shoot him dead, brandishing his revolver. The provocation was the Speakers interpretation of the 10th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, whereby he would disqualify MLAs at his discretion. This had happened with the police standing as mute spectators under orders from the chief minister outside the Assembly complex. Where on earth can you pay MLAs to do these acts? But in Manipur, they were doing it for free, hence my description of Manipur as a Reporters Paradise. Fast track to the 2020s when all hell broke loose on the 3rd of May 2023. Then followed a period of mayhem when people would shoot and kill and burn each others homes and villages with the security forces standing and watching. Then came the case of the Central Security forces blocking the path of the state police, giving chase to culprits belonging to the Kuki community fleeing after having attacked Meitei settlements. Then came the dark phase when any criticism of the then chief minister in power would be deemed criticism of him for being anti-state or anti-Meitei, the community to which he belongs. The place of residence of this writer came under heavy gun attacks thrice for having criticised him, and was also later abducted at gunpoint by an armed group close to him. Advertisement Then the Shoguns in New Delhis North Block decided that Manipur was fast becoming an international embarrassment having being featured in an resolution of the European Parliament and finding echoes across Africa and America so they decided to show the door to their own BJP chief minister N Biren Singh and made him throw in the towel in February earlier and imposed Presidents Rule in the state keeping the Assembly under animated suspension. Then they brought in their own Meiji in the form of former Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla to be the Governor, and it was expected that he would initiate a Meiji restoration as it had happened in Japan earlier at the end of the Tokugawa period. It was expected that the restoration of a semblance of law and order was on his top priority list. He began his crusade by asking those in possession of illegal arms, including those looted earlier from police armouries, to surrender within a stipulated time frame. Some 300-plus firearms were deposited by Arambai Tengol, the radical Meitei group, which was at the forefront on behalf of the Meiteis in the ongoing war between the Meiteis and the Kukis. The Kukis, however, never heeded the call of the Governor and had made only a token surrender, and no proactive actions had been initiated to recover the arms from the Kuki militants, which included the latest US-made military hardware. Advertisement Three months down the line, the exchange of fire between the warring sides had ceased, and perhaps the administration thought that perhaps had come to mark it with a celebration. Thus, it was announced that the fifth edition of the Shirui Lily festival would be held this year. The Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae) is the state flower of Manipur and is grown in the lofty heights of the Shirui mountains in Ukhrul district at an elevation of some 7,500 feet above mean sea level, and at night, one can see lights from streamers plying the Chindwin river in Myanmar in the east. The state government soon announced a grant of Rs 26 crores for the festival. The director of tourism also soon addressed the Press that adequate security forces would be deployed to ensure the safe passage of the Meiteis travelling some 90 kilometres to Ukhrul for participation in the festival. This was against the light that a Kuki group openly declared that no Meiteis would be allowed to travel through Kuki areas en route to Shirui. This had prompted a response from the mighty NSCN(I-M) declaring that there are no Kuki areas in Ukhrul and that they have not taken too lightly the threats meted out to the Meiteis. Thus, on the 20th of May, when almost all roads in Manipur led to Shirui village in Ukhrul, a team of 20 journalists boarded a Manipur State Transport bus at 7.30 a.m. in Imphal. The team was also escorted by officials of the directorate of public relations of the government of Manipur and was scheduled to be at Ukhrul by 10.30 a.m. to cover the inauguration of the festival by the Honble Governor Ajay Bhalla. But unknown to Governor Bhalla, all hell was about to break loose across the state, an overzealous act of the army. The army belonging to the 4th Mahar Regiment at their Gwaltabi Post, about 50 kilometres from Imphal, had halted the bus ferrying the team of journalists and committed the most profane act, tantamount to almost sacrilege. The jawans and their officer present knew that the team consisted of scribes en route to cover the function to be opened by the governor of the state, under whose directive they were on duty, posted at the checkpoint. It is not clear whether a non-commissioned officer (Havildar) or a proper commissioned officer gave the fateful order, but the army personnel present there had singled out the bus carrying the media team. They were not frisked for concealed weapons or subjected to questioning as to their destination or purpose of the journey, but were simply told to conceal the word Manipur on the front windshield of the bus, which read MANIPUR STATE TRANSPORT. It was as if attending a state-level function sponsored by the state government of Manipur, carrying a team of journalists sponsored by the states information department, was persona non grata if they were travelling in a vehicle that had the word written in bold letters. The army operation is reportedly the brainchild of security advisor Kuldiep Singh, likely communicated through the commanding officer. It appears to have been carried out with the intention of not provoking the Kuki separatists, reflecting a form of appeasementsuggesting, for instance, Look, we even removed the word Manipur from the busesin deference to their strong aversion to the term Manipur. Little did the army personnel involved realise that their action would lead to an explosion that would echo through the entire state and across almost all sections of the people. First, the journos reacted in a manner seldom seen before. Earlier, they would protest against the actions of the non-state actors trying to force their point of view across and occasionally against police action. But this time, they were against the state, questioning the motive of removing the word Manipur, inter alia, an event being organised by the state government of Manipur. The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) convened an emergency meeting and marched to the Raj Bhawan to submit a memorandum to Governor Bhalla and clashed with the police twice en route. Then they stopped publishing the next day as a mark of protest. Then the coordinating committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) went on an overdrive. They also convened an emergency meeting and declared a 48-hour statewide general strike beginning from midnight of 21 May, barring all except for visitors of the Shirui Lily festival and essential services, including media. The COCOMI then described the Gwaltabi incident, where the mishap took place, as not a trivial matter and as such cannot be taken lightly. It brayed for the heads of the chief secretary, the security advisor and the director general of police, demanding the resignation of the three from their posts immediately. Speaking to the media, Khuraijam Athouba, convenor of the COCOMI, said that the conduct of the army in erasing the word Manipur from the state-owned bus tantamounts to being anti-Manipur and a direct challenge to the idea of Manipur exhibiting disregard for the states historical and cultural identity and also demanded an apology from governor Bhalla. Speaking to The Statesman, Bhakta Asem, president, AMWJU, said that the boycott of all government-related news continues, and the government has been given 15 days to come out with the findings of the Inquiry report. He added that the army could not have acted independently on its own but was following the directive of someone in the civil administration It may be added here that chief secretary P K Singh had issued an order the next day i.e the 21 May constituting an inquiry committee to be headed by home commissioner Ashoke Singh and Th Kirankumar Secretary (IT). Surprisingly, the Army has not come out with any statement as such till now, except for a news item purportedly in The Statesman stating that the army had removed the Manipur sign from the bus, keeping public security in mind in the run-up to the event. Meanwhile, political parties have strongly condemned the incident. Former chief minister and Congress Legislative Party leader Okram Ibobi Singh criticised the current Presidents Rule administration under Bhalla, accusing it of double standards. He pointed out the contradiction in claiming to uphold the integrity of Manipur while simultaneously allowing actions that undermine the very idea of the state. At the same time, Meitei women volunteers have been seen intercepting army vehicles and placing posters reading Manipur on their windshields as a form of protest. Separately, troops from the Assam Rifles killed ten Kuki rebels in the Molcham area earlier this month. They claimed the rebels had crossed over from Myanmar to disrupt the ongoing construction of border fencing. However, this action has drawn sharp criticism from the National Unity Government of Myanmar (the government-in-exile), which has called for an inquiry and even demanded compensation. The latest edition of the Made in Manipur series is making enough sounds, not that of bombs and bullets, but that of hushed sounds asking as to whether Manipur really exists in the minds of the people at the helm of affairs in the country. The writer is a senior journalist at The Statesman. Views expressed are personal. Indias Act East Policy (AEP), envisioned as a strategic framework to deepen political, economic, and cultural engagement with Southeast Asia, has evolved over the past decade into a cornerstone of Indias foreign policy. Positioned as a successor to the Look East Policy launched by Prime Minister Narasimha Rao in 1991, the Act East Policy gained renewed momentum under the Modi government in 2014. Advertisement This transition from Look to Act signified a shift from aspirational to operationala call to implement concrete connectivity projects, forge strategic partnerships and counter Chinas growing influence in the region. Advertisement For Indias geographically isolated north-east, the Act East Policy offered a long-awaited opportunity to transform from a strategic periphery into a gateway to Southeast Asia. Connectivity projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and enhanced access to Bangladeshi ports such as Mongla and Chattogram were envisioned not only to integrate the north-east with the Indian mainland but also to establish transnational economic corridors that would link India with ASEAN nations. The policy was thus not merely economic; it was also strategicaimed at creating counterweights to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative and asserting Indias presence in a competitive geopolitical theatre. However, recent developments in Indias immediate neighbourhood have introduced substantial headwinds to this vision. The deterioration of diplomatic relations with Bangladesh and the prolonged instability in Myanmar have together threatened to undermine the very foundation of the Act East framework. In both cases, the challenge stems from domestic political transitions in these countries, compounded by the strategic opportunism of China, which has moved swiftly to fill the vacuum left by regional instability. In Bangladesh, the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, which had been a steadfast ally of India for over a decade, marked a sharp turn in bilateral dynamics. The interim government, led by Chief Advisor Md Yunus, has adopted a more nationalistic tone that at times appears overtly critical of India. This political recalibration was reflected in Dhakas statement suggesting limited Indian access to the Bay of Bengala move that drew sharp reactions from New Delhi and culminated in India imposing import restrictions on Bangladeshi goods amounting to approximately Rs 6,400 crore. The ripple effects of this diplomatic chill are already visible. Cross-border rail services such as the Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express have been suspended, the Akhaura-Agartala rail link remains unused despite completion, and the long-anticipated operationalisation of Mongla Port for Indian cargo remains in limbo. These disruptions signify more than mere logistical setbacks; they reflect a growing strategic drift between the two neighbours. Simultaneously, Bangladeshs deepening engagement with China complicates Indias diplomatic calculus. China has emerged as a significant investor in Bangladesh, with projects like the China Industrial Economic Zone in Chattogram and the modernisation of Mongla Port symbolising Beijings long-term strategic intent. Over the years, Chinas policy of economic assistance, coupled with rising anti-India sentiment in some quarters in Bangladesh, has facilitated the evolution of Dhaka-Beijing ties into what China now terms a strategic partnership. Ironically, Bangladeshs own Look East policy, initially conceived to diversify foreign relations beyond India, has led it deeper into Chinas strategic orbit. The situation in Myanmar poses an even more daunting challenge. Since the 2021 military coup, Myanmar has spiralled into civil unrest, with the military junta struggling to maintain control in the face of resistance from pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed organisations like the Arakan Army. For India, the chaos in Myanmar has been particularly destabilising. The Kaladan project, which aims to connect Kolkata to the north-east via Sittwe Port and the Kaladan River, has stalled due to fighting in Rakhine State. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, another flagship project of the Act East Policy, remains incomplete and vulnerable to insurgent attacks. In response to rising security concerns, India has moved to fence the 1,643-kilometre-long border with Myanmar and suspended the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which had allowed cross-border travel for tribal communities residing along the frontier. While such measures are understandable from a security standpoint, especially in light of growing illegal arms trafficking and refugee influx, they also risk severing traditional people-to-people ties that have historically underpinned Indias soft power in the region. China, by contrast, has shown a willingness to engage with whichever authority controls power in Myanmar, including the junta. Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China continues to invest in Myanmars infrastructure and energy sectors, thereby maintaining its strategic presence in the Bay of Bengal and the Indo-Pacific. Indias present challenge, then, is twofold. First, it must recalibrate its diplomacy to restore trust and engagement with its immediate neighbours. This includes re-engaging with Dhaka in a manner that acknowledges Bangladeshs growing strategic aspirations, while also pushing for stability and engagement in Myanmar. Second, India must invest in the resilience of its north-east connectivity projects so that they are less vulnerable to political shifts in neighbouring countries. Ultimately, the success of the Act East Policy hinges not just on infrastructure or strategic rhetoric but on the stability and goodwill of Indias neighbourhood. Without stable partnerships with Bangladesh and Myanmar, India risks not only the stalling of a bold foreign policy vision but also the strategic isolation of its north-east. In this context, diplomacy, grounded in pragmatism and sensitivity to regional aspirations, remains Indias best tool for realigning its Act East trajectory. An adviser to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia said the sooner elections are held in Bangladesh, the better. The adviser also noted that the Army Chief has expressed concern about holding elections by December, as troops currently deployed for civilian and policing duties would prefer to return to their barracks. No clear roadmap concerning when the election will be scheduled has been given. You know that the people of this country, for the last 16 years, have not had the scope to vote freely. The expectations of the people are very high. Today, those who are 35-36 years old have never voted in their lifetime. There is a big expectation that people must have the right to vote. I think the sooner, the better, Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, Defence and Security Adviser to the Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, said. Advertisement I see the election is imminent. It is a matter of time, and people are expecting that there should be an election and there should be a party elected by the people who take into hand the problem that the country is facing, he told ANI in an interview. Advertisement The Army Chief and the three defence forces Chiefs of Bangladesh attended the inauguration of Akbars Think Tank, Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS), in a rare ceremony. He does not consider Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zamans recent speech on Army Officers Address, expecting elections by December, as a power struggle with the interim government. I think to say there is a power struggle is a little too much. After all, its a government, the Army is an important institution, and the interim government is equally very important and very crucial. Army chief, I think the reason for his saying is that, after all, his troops are on the streets. No army in the world would like to do a job that is exclusively civil and policing in nature. In such a situation, the army chief has raised his voice concerning the integrity and standard of discipline to preserve the discipline and the professional competence of the military. He would like his troops to get back into the barracks and go back to business as usual, Akbar said. Whether the election will be credible without the participation of the Awami League is a burning question that people have been discussing. However, Akbar believes that the Awami League is not in a position to participate in the vote. Is Awami League prepared to come and face the public and campaign for the election? I think this is an objective or the vision, the proposal is unattainable. Awami League is not in a position right now, even if the election is held within the next year or so. It is a utopic idea. It is better to let the Awami League rest and face the judiciary, Akbar, the Chairman of FSDS, said. He said that overthrowing Sheikh Hasinas government was not the sole achievement of the students and that they would not be able to form a peoples political party, keeping their representatives in the government. The political parties in the last 16 years fought the battle and created the ground. But certainly it is the students who ultimately show up at the final. They share courage, share unity, and share spirit that brought the Hasina regime down. So I have full respect for them, Akbar said. But I would like to caution them, dont form a kings party by means with the support of the government. Historically, in Bangladesh, no kings party has survived. They must be very careful whether to form a kings party or the party of the people. The present demand is that the people who are in the cabinet and also part of the new party should not, he added. When asked whether Bangladeshs economy has weakened since the removal of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister, Akbar said, Statistically, the answer is yes. After all, the previous regime syphoned out USD 50 billion. A country like this has a small economy, still sustaining itself with that. The interim regime has a memo of tasks to get the economy back. We have to have loan repayment. The economy is suffering because investment is also not coming. Most of the investors did not come. So, all these statistics show that the GDP is already below 5 per cent and in the future it will go to around 3 per cent. This is a very big challenge. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in a student-led uprising in August last year. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. 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. Renowned Nepalese Sherpa guide Kami Rita broke his own record for the most successful ascents of the Mount Everest, by reaching the summit of the worlds highest peak for the 31st time on Tuesday, May 27. Popularly known as the Everest Man, the 55-year-old mountaineer scaled the 8,849-meter peak at 4 am in clear weather, according to Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Seven Summit Treks, the organisation that conducted the expedition. According to The Kathmandu Post, the climber was guiding a group from the Indian Army Adventure Wing Everest Expedition, which is led by Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Joshi. Rita guided the 22-member Indian Army team to the summit by the traditional southeast ridge route. There were also 27 sherpas climbing with them. His experience with the most treacherous sections of the Everest, especially the Khumbu Icefall and the Hillary Step, has garnered him a lot of praise globally. Rita has routinely been the first climber on the Everest to fix the ropes that hundreds of climbers rely upon to follow on the Everest Climbing Season. Through year-round trekking and intense training in the Himalayas, Rita maintains peak endurance despite the physical toll of many high-altitude ascents. Rita is from the Solukhumbu region, which is the centre of the Sherpa community. He started his climbing career in 1992 while he was support staff for an expedition group. He climbed the Everest for the first time in 1994 and has scaled the peak nearly every year since. Over the years, he has become one of the most well-known Sherpa guides. His knowledge and experience have been vital to the success and safety of climbers from around the world who aim to reach the summit each year. In addition to his Everest climbs, Rita has also scaled K2 and Mount Lhotse once, Manaslu three times, and Cho Oyu eight times between 1994 and 2025. Mingma Sherpa was quoted as saying, This new feat cements his status as the record holder for the highest number of ascents to the top of the world a record that no one else has come close to. The only climber close to Kami Rita in the record books is Nepali Pasang Dawa Sherpa, who summited the Everest 29 times as of 2023. In May 2023, they were tied at 28 summits each before Rita reclaimed the lead with his 29th, 30th, and now 31st summit. French-by-origin technology brand Alcatel made a return to the lucrative mobile phone market on Tuesday by announcing the launch of its new series of smartphones. Though one of the oldies from the origin days of mobile phones in the nineties, this return after several years of absence and a market that has changed beyond recognition, will make Alcatel as good as a fledgling newcomer in one of the worlds biggest, most cluttered and fiercely competitive phone markets. The parent French technology company traces its origin back to the early twentieth century and has been retailing mobile phones since the late nineties, though it never did make a mark in a sunrise sector dominated initially by Nokia and later by the likes of Apple and Samsung. The company went through a churn in ownership first being taken over by Chinese company TCL, then being bought over by Nokia, which then licensed the trademark back to TCL for use in select markets like India. In India, the company is making a return to the retail phone market after years. Alcatel exited India during a time of market turbulence and shifting global supply chains, it said in a statement. Today, the brand returns with a sharper focus, stronger local alignment and a commitment to meaningful innovation tailored to Indian needs, backed by years of global experience and research, it added. Alcatel seems to have opted for taking an approach different from most of the rest of the market. The USP of the new phone is not some fangled new AI camera (like every other brand out there is claiming), but a new display technology that it claims is easy on the eye. It claims that the new V3 series of smartphones it launched feature Indias first patented NXTPAPER display technology, which it claims offers a visual experience that combines vibrant colour reproduction with paper-like readability and better eye comfort across all types of lighting. The display offers viewing modes like ink paper mode and colour paper mode, saying such formats will help in reading books and graphic novels. Is Gen Z listening? There are 5 variants in the V3 line-up, ranging from the V3 Ultra 5G at 21,999 rupees to the V3 Classic 5G at 12,999 rupees, with additional discounts on Flipkart where the models go on sale from coming Monday (June 2). Border Security Force (BSF) women personnel showed exemplary courage and fought on forward duty posts along with their male counterparts during Operation Sindoor, revealed Inspector General of BSF, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand, on Tuesday. "Our brave women personnel, Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari commanded a forward post, Constable Manjit Kaur, Constable Malkit Kaur, Constable Jyoti, Constable Sampa and Constable Swapna and others fought on forward posts against Pakistan during this operation," he said. #WATCH | Jammu | On BSF's action on Pakistan's terror launch pad as part of Operation Sindoor, BSF DIG RS Pura sector, Chiter Pal says, "On 9th May, Pakistan targeted a number of our posts. First, they started targeting our posts with a flat trajectory weapon and mortar. They pic.twitter.com/QQfxZrGH09 ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2025 BSF's Assistant Commandant Bhandari said, "During Operation Sindoor, I was commanding a company deployed at the IB. Our responsibility was to stop any infiltration, give a befitting reply to Pakistan and keep the International Border safe. We fulfilled all responsibilities well. We fired at the enemy using high and flat trajectory weapons. In this operation, both women and men BSF personnel carried out their duties. We have posts and bunkers for our protection." ALSO READ: DPSUs should build smarter, deliver faster to help India stay ahead in warfare: Rajnath Singh A few days ago, a BSF soldier, Sarita, had said they were deployed along with the men right after the Pahalgam attack. "Drones flew, suspicious movements were observed but our forces thwarted every attempt. Day or night, regardless of the situation, we report for duty." Anand expressed apprehension about infiltration attempts along the borderline and said the BSF remains on high alert. "We cannot let our guard down. We are maintaining the highest possible vigil along the border," he said. He said a high degree of operational preparedness has been maintained along the border. "There were inputs that the enemy may plan to conduct some kind of mischief, cross-border firing, or stage infiltration. We are ready and vigilant," he said. Claiming that Pakistan cannot be trusted, he said Operation Sindoor is still on. "BSF is ready and vigilant along the IB. We are putting up robust surveillance systems to maintain high vigilance along the border." He revealed the BSF proposal to name two of its posts after the personnel the force lost and another post, 'Sindoor'. Indias recent triumph in the conflict with Pakistan has showcased the prowess of its indigenous air defence system, Akashteer, marking a significant milestone in the nations defence capabilities. Dubbed a clear-cut victory by Tom Cooper, an Austrian aerial warfare analyst and historian, Indias strategic use of Akashteer, an AI-powered air defence system, neutralised threats from Chinese and Turkish drones while enabling precision missile strikes deep within Pakistani territory. This victory, achieved through homegrown technology, has reshaped South Asias military landscape and stunned global defence analysts. India has put on display a nearly fully indigenous, AI solution-based autonomous coordination system, both for defence and attack. Akashteer has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in an collaborative effort. According to a recent Press Information Bureau (PIB) report, Akashteer integrates cutting-edge technologies, including ISROs CARTOSAT-3 and RISAT-2 satellites, the NavIC navigation system, stealth drones, ground radars, and mobile war rooms. With a range of approximately 300 km, it provides robust air defence and strike capabilities, covering much of Pakistan. Its ability to coordinate long-range surveillance radars and surface-to-air missile systems has created an Indian equivalent of Israels Iron Dome, effectively neutralising diverse aerial threats. The systems real-time decision-making, enabled by an AI command cloud, eliminates delays caused by human intervention. During the conflict, Akashteers swarm drones, equipped with 5-10 kg payloads, demonstrated unparalleled stealth and agility. These drones, capable of self-reprogramming mid-flight, evaded Pakistani and Chinese radars while delivering explosives, jammers, and reconnaissance kits. A PIB report highlights Akashteers mobile plug-and-strike system, operable from jeep-mounted field centres, allowed India to coordinate simultaneous strikes on 11 Pakistani air bases. This operational flexibility, combined with NavICs superior terrain mapping, gave India a decisive edge over adversaries reliant on foreign GPS systems. The conflict, sparked by Pakistans missile attacks, saw India respond with precision strikes on key Pakistani targets, including weapon storage areas in Kirana Hills, Chagai Hills, Karachi, and Kahuta. Pakistans radar and command-and-control systems, including US-supplied radars and AWACS, failed to detect Akashteers stealth drones, leading to a nationwide shutdown of its air operations. Pakistans Director General of Military Operations was compelled to request a ceasefire, signalling a significant military disadvantage, as noted by Cooper. John Spencer, chair of urban warfare studies at Modern War Institute, praised Akashteers 100 per cent indigenous tech stack, built with Indian chips and processors, which ensured secrecy and strategic surprise. Unlike Chinas weapon systems, which failed to counter Indian strikes, Akashteers success has prompted global reevaluation. The Pentagon ordered a review of its underestimation of Indias capabilities, while Chinas defence teams are trying to counter Akashteers algorithms. Turkey is upgrading its drones, after being outpaced by Indias lighter, faster, and stealthier swarms. Akashteers success underscores Indias rise as a global military tech innovator. As conflicts worldwide increasingly rely on drones and missiles, Indias leapfrogging of traditional powers signals a new era of sovereign capability and operational dominance. For adversaries, it spells the need to recalibrate strategies; for India, it heralds a future of technological self-reliance and regional influence. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave the approval for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme execution model in what comes as a major push towards enhancing Indias indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem. AMCA is Indias fifth-generation, stealth, multirole fighter jet programme, designed to significantly boost the Indian Air Forces capabilities. It is also in line with the Aatmanirbharta initiative of the government to promote self-reliance in defence technology. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is set to execute the programme through industry partnership. The ADA is expected to shortly issue an expression of interest (EoI) for the AMCA development phase. ALSO READ: 'India's fifth-generation AMCA will be equipped with sixth-generation technologies' The defence ministry, in a release, said the execution model approach offers equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on a competitive basis. They can bid either independently, as a joint venture or as consortia. In order to be a bidder, one needs to be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country. This is an important step towards harnessing the indigenous expertise, capability and capacity to develop the AMCA prototype. A few months ago, Jitendra Jadhav, Director General of ADA, had said AMCA will have sixth-generation technology embedded into it. As the dust settles after the India-Pakistan near-war episode between May 7 to 10, analysts are hard at work, reconstructing the sequence of events and the details that make them up. This is a challenging task given the surfeit of misleading and speculative analyses and reporting. While the governments of India and Pakistan have started offering their sides of the events, one cannot use them to build a wholly accurate and reliable picture. At least not yet. This limitation does not stop one from highlighting a few important points related to the events that unfolded from April 22 and having a bearing on the security dynamics between India and Pakistan going into the future. After the dastardly killing of 26 tourists at the Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam on April 22, as the nation was coming to know more about the killings, the spectre of intelligence failure announced itself. The opposition parties saw the incident as one stemming from intelligence failure and security lapses. Former Army chief General Shankar Roychowdhury (Retd) also viewed it as a case of intelligence failure and demanded accountability. Such observations and calls for accountability are not without merit. In a democracy, it is par for the course for uncomfortable and pointed questions to be posed to the government. Such allegations need to be tempered with the realisation that the geography of the region, the presence of elements hostile to the Indian state, and a determined foe on the other side of the LoC/border makes preventing such acts of violence nearly impossible. The Pakistani militarys very existence is premised on enmity with India and failure to keep the pot boiling with highly provocative acts of violence through terrorists will undermine its own standing within the Pakistani polity. If there is one skill the Pakistani army and the ISI has honed over the many decades, it is using proxies against its neighbours with great effect. It is wholly reasonable to assume that no matter how vigilant the Indian security agencies are, such acts will happen. Consider this a perverse twist to the uplifting saying where there is a will, there is a way. While information regarding the action taken by India is still hazy, it is being widely reported by serious analysts and experts that Indias air defence system did a stellar job. The superb integration of Indian, Russian, and Israeli systems ensured that Pakistani missiles and aircraft could not meaningfully strike Indian military installations. Names such as Brahmos, Akash, and Pechora are now being discussed in many an Indian home over the dinner table. While such attention and celebration are certainly warranted, one must not lose sight of the fact that Indias fight with terrorists and their backers is a long-drawn one. This flare-up is but one incident in a long list of incidents and certainly not the last one. As a result, India and Pakistan will definitely revisit this space. And Pakistan would have taken remedial steps in light of the impunity with which Indian projectiles hit targets across the length and breadth of the country. The willingness of its backer, China, to supply Pakistan with state-of-the-art weapons platforms so as to keep India locked in a security contest with Pakistan should not at all be doubted. The greater Indias urge to climb the rungs of world power, the stronger will be Chinas determination to stop this from happening. The shadow of China will loom ever more prominently in future India-Pakistan armed contestations. An already-risen China, with significant clout in various international organisations, will feel further emboldened to back Pakistan in its terrorist enterprise and provide it with the necessary cover. Based on Indias response to terrorist acts in 2016, 2019, and 2025, it is clear that the era of strategic restraint is over. The Modi government has established a new parameter for responding to acts of terrorism. This involves carrying out strikes across the LoC and the international border. In doing so, it has clearly signalled that all parts of Pakistan will come within the ambit of Indias retaliatory strikes. No place within Pakistan is safe. This non-compromising stand was further underlined on May 11 when India let it be known that future acts of terrorism would be seen as a declaration of war and that strong responses from India should be expected. Such a locking in strategy may work for the Modi-led government given its traditional commitment to a strong national security focus. The BJPs penchant to accord national security the pride of place and its confidence in the use of military power to tackle security challenges mean that it will devote material and ideational resources towards constantly fine-tuning its strategy. However, once one takes a long-term view, doubts emerge. In a robust democracy like India, the BJP cannot be expected to hold on to power forever. With a future change of government (and priorities), one cannot be sure that the newly installed government will accord the pride of place to national security and military power in the way in which this BJP-led government does. Lacking the BJPs appetite and inclination on the matter, yet compelled to uphold the newly unveiled doctrine through public demand and expectation, the government may be forced to act when it is not fully convinced, comfortable, or willing. By announcing this new approach towards acts of terrorism, the present government has seemingly reduced the space for future governments to manoeuvre when faced with terrorist acts. Whether it is for the better or the worse, time will tell. The author is an Assistant Professor in the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences at the South Asian University, New Delhi. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. Close on the heels of the arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra and a health worker in Gujarat allegedly on charges of spying for Pakistan, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on Monday on espionage charges. The NIA said that Moti Ram Jat, an assistant sub inspector with the CRPF, had been sharing classified information related to national security with the Pakistan intelligence officers (PIOs) since 2023, and he was getting funds from them through several conduits. He was arrested from Delhi, and is being questioned. Jat reportedly served in the 116th Battalion. Reports say that he was posted in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam and was transferred just six days before the terror attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. The CRPF said he has been dismissed from service on May 21. He was handed over to the NIA for further inquiry. Jat was produced before a special court at Patiala House, and has been remanded to the NIA custody till June 6. He reportedly contacted Pakistani handlers via social media. But, it also proved to his undoing as he came under the scanner after the CRPF and central agencies started monitoring his social media activity closely. He was found to have "acted in violation of established norms and protocols", said the statement issued by the CRPF. Post the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, Indian security agencies have increased surveillance to tackle espionage attempts, which has led to the arrest of over 15 people from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in the last two weeks. Among them is Malhotra, a vlogger from Haryana, who has over three lakh subscribers on YouTube and over a lakh followers on Instagram. She was allegedly in contact with Pakistani officer Ehsan-ur-Rahim, aka Danish, an employee at the Pakistani High Commission, since November 2023. India expelled him on May 13 allegedly for espionage activities. Whispers surrounding the highly anticipated film Spider-Man: Brand New Day have been wreaking storms online as the speculation regarding the possible return of Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, has seemed to surf online. Although nothing has been officially confirmed yet, the rumors have gained momentum, hinting that something exciting might be cooking behind the scenes. Apparently, both Ruffalo and Tom Holland are absent from the cast of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, further fueling the curious speculation that Marvel might be saving the dynamic duo for the Brand-New Day. According to a new report, Marvel Studios has reportedly tapped Mark Ruffalo to star alongside Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Because it's not been officially confirmed, its quite unclear what Ruffalos role in the film would be. Some fans speculate that he may appear in a brief cameo, while others believe his engagement could be far more significant, laying the groundwork for Bruce Banners arc leading into Avengers: Doomsday. If this turns out to be true, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will mark Ruffalos tenth appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Bruce Banner, a.k.a. the Hulk. His most recent outing was in the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, where he took on a mentor-like role for Tatiana Maslanys Jennifer Walters. Prior to that, the Hulk had a significantly prominent presence in Thor: Ragnarok. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is slated to be the fourth addition to the MCUs Spider-Man realm. The film will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), with the screenplay authored by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. So far, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will see Tom Holland reprise his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, accompanied by Zendaya as MJ and Jacob Batalon as Ned. Stranger Things star Sadie Sink is also reportedly associated in an undisclosed role. Details about the films villain remain tightly under wraps, adding to the intrigue. Following the events of No Way Home, which stripped Peter back to his roots as a street-level, friendly neighborhood superhero, this next chapter is expected to deliver a more humble and grounded personal story, one that may steer away from universe-saving stakes in favor of emotional depth and character-driven conflict. Filming for Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to commence in late July in London, with production expected to wrap by fall. Sony Pictures has officially slated the web-slinging adventure for release on July 31, 2026. Currently the movie has no direct box-office competition on opening day. However, the movie will be sharing the July spotlight with Disneys live-action Moana and Christopher Nolans The Odyssey. Yes! You read that right. So mark your calendars as Spider-Man: Brand New Day got a lot bigger, shaping up to be a wild ride. With only a month to go for its release, Mukesh Kumar Singhs highly anticipated directorial, Kannappa, faces a setbacka hard drive containing content from the upcoming film has gone missing. The incident occurred in Hyderabad when, according to reports, a VFX vendor from Mumbai-based Hive Studios sent the hard disk to the office of 24 Frames Factory Private Limited in Film Nagar through Desk to Desk Courier & Cargo (DTDC) courier. ALSO READ | Mohanlal's character poster from 'Kannappa' revealed DTDCs delivery records indicate that the package arrived at the location on Sunday, May 25, and was handed over to the office boy, Raghu. When questioned by office staff, Raghu claimed he passed on the package to a woman named Charita, who has been absconding since the incident. Reddy Vijaykumar of 24 Frames Factory Private Limited lodged a complaint with the Film Nagar Police Station, alleging that Charita, with the help of others, has the intention to destroy the contents of the hard drive. Vijaykumar said that the hard drive swipe has caused disruption to the project, noting that it contains sensitive and highly confidential material related to the film. About Kannappa Kannappa is a mythological film that stars Vishnu Manchu in the titular role as a loyal devotee of Lord Shiva. Produced under the 24 Frames Factory banner, the teaser for the film was released in 2024 at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, building the anticipation of the release. ALSO READ | Akshay Kumar to make Telugu cinema debut with 'Kannappa' The film also stars Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Madhoo, and Mukesh Rishi, with cameo appearances expected from big-name stars like Mohanlal, Prabhas, and Kajal Aggarwal. Kannappa is scheduled to hit theatres on June 27, 2025. Over a month after its theatrical release, Mohanlal-starrer Thudarum will hit the OTT platforms for those who missed the big screen experience. On Tuesday, JioHotstar Malayalams social media accounts announced that the crime thriller would be streaming on their platform, urging fans to gear up for its release on Friday, May 30. The film follows taxi driver Shanmugham, who cherishes one possession above allhis beloved Ambassador carwhich he cares for like his child. When the vehicle lands in police custody, he attempts to retrieve it but gets embroiled in a larger plot. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film also features Shobana, Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Thomas Mathew. Thudarum received rave reviews, Sajin Shrijith of THE WEEK writing, Even when the film's atmosphere gets thicker and heavier with menace, maybe enough to recall one of those intense Korean thrillers, Tharun doesn't forget to inject us with doses of catharsis when we most need it... He puts the characters of Mohanlal, Shobana, and a few others through some emotionally devastating circumstances. But he also incorporates enough meta moments and callbacks to earlier Mohanlal filmsboth the good and the bad onesto make the overall experience more palatable. ALSO READ | 'Thudarum' review: Mohanlal delivers one of his most emotionally charged roles in director Tharun Moorthy's hat-trick outing The film was bankrolled by M. Renjith under his Rejaputhra Visual Media production banner. Reportedly made on a budget of Rs 28 crores, the film managed to garner an impressive Rs 231 crore, claiming the third spot in the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time, just behind L2: Empuraan and Manjummel Boys. It is also the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of the year. Assam is bracing for a high-stakes showdown in the 2026 assembly elections, with the Congress high command appointing Gaurav Gogoi the new president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). He has been repeatedly attacked by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his formers wifes alleged links with the Pakistani government a charge the former has categorically denied. By entrusting him with key responsibility, the Congress had pitted Gaurav against Sarma. These will be first polls under Sarmas leadership as he was made chief minister after the polls, when Sarbananda Sonowal accepted BJP leaderships call to shift to the Centre. For Gaurav, too, it will be a first helming the state polls directly. Sarma had earlier served as a minister during Gauravs father Tarun Gogois tenure as CM. Senior Gogoi was the longest serving CM of the state. It was then that Sarma developed differences with the CM as he also apparently nurtured political ambitions. Sarma later quit Congress to join the BJP. Since then, Sarma has not been on good terms with the Gogois. After Taruns demise, the rivalry seems to have shifted to his son, Gaurav. I am grateful to Congress President Shri @kharge ji , LOP Shri @RahulGandhi ji, GSO Shri @kcvenugopalmp ji and GS Shri @JitendraSAlwar ji for trusting me with this responsibility. Former PCC President Shri @BhupenKBorah led the party from the front and made a tremendous Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) May 26, 2025 Earlier, Gaurav had also levelled allegations of impropriety against Sarmas wife. Sarma questioned Gauravs wife Elizabeth Colburns a British national work for Pakistani agency. A case has been registered, with the CM alleging that Colburn had travelled to Pakistan 19 times. Sarma, recently, accused Gaurav of visiting Pakistan on the invite of the interior ministry. I reiterate, with full authority and responsibility as the Chief Minister of Assam, that Shri Gaurab Gogoi, Member of Parliament from Assam, visited Pakistan at the invitation of the Ministry of Interior of the Government of Pakistan. He spent several days there. We are enquiring further into the details surrounding this visit and related associations. But now, Congress has thrown its weight firmly behind Gogoi. AICC secretary Jitendra Singh hailed Gaurav for his "leadership, integrity, and relentless commitment", while announcing his appointment. The revamped Congress team includes senior leaders like Debabrata Saikia, Pradyut Bordoloi, Rakibul Hussain, and Ripun Bora in key campaign positions, signalling an aggressive push to reclaim lost ground. Former APCC chief Bhupen Borah has been moved to lead the Campaign Committee, indicating continuity alongside generational change. With the BJP sharpening its attacks and Congress projecting Gaurav as the face of its revival, Assam is poised for one of its most polarising electoral duels in recent history. The Congress statement directly targeted Sarmas government, accusing it of corruption, authoritarianism and weaponizing welfare schemes for political coercion. The Congresss decision for an organisational overhaul in the state could also be linked to the recent landslide victory scored by BJP-led NDA in Assams panchayat elections. The BJP-AGP alliance won 300 out of 397 Zila Parishad seats, and 1,436 out of 2,192 Anchalik Panchayat seats. The performance had come as a big boost for the Assam chief minister under whose leadership the party would again go to polls in March 2026. The BJP alone won 272 seats, while the AGP took 28. For the Congress, the results are a wake-up call. The Congresss share had plummeted from 35 per cent in 2018 to just 18 per cent, with the party failing to win a single Zila Parishad seat in Jorhat, in upper Assam, Gauravs stronghold. Now, the focus will shift to assembly polls due in 2026. Sarma claims that the party would win 100 of the 126 assembly seats. Last time, it had won 64. With Gaurav now officially leading the charge, observers believe Assams 2026 assembly polls may morph into a personal and political gladiatorial contest between two prominent leaders of the state: one, the chief minister with a reputation for political machismo, the other a Congressman with a legacy, and a point to prove. The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka became the first state in the country to pass an amendment to tackle the huge pendency of cases. Karnatakas new law which mandates cases to be concluded within 24 months after their first hearing might encourage speedy disposal of cases and reduce the backlog in the courts. The Code of Civil Procedure (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2024, was passed by both Houses of the Karnataka Legislature last December at Belagavi during the winter session. The bill was sent for the Presidents assent and President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on May 19. The state government notified the law on Monday. Justice delayed is justice denied. There are around 10 lakh pending cases, mostly land disputes, before the subordinate courts. Some cases have been pending for over 20 years. This amendment will be a step towards judicial reforms, said state Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister HK Patil, during a press meet held on Monday. The new Act emphasises two months of mediation before the case comes up for the first hearing. It also mandates the completion of the case proceedings within 24 months after the first hearing. Also, the date of judgment will be fixed on day one of the trial. The law has made mediation compulsory for every civil dispute. This will help avoid unnecessary litigation. It has also set a time frame to collect written statements and evidence. The mediation should reach a logical conclusion at the end of two months. The case will come before the court only when the mediation has failed. This saves the time of the court and also saves time and money for the litigant. This is a revolutionary step as it focuses on dispute redressal through mediation, added Patil. The amendment of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 was brought in for the expeditious disposal of cases and to provide speedy justice. Any suit that does not contemplate any urgent interim relief shall be referred to mediation and notice shall be issued to defendants accordingly. The state government may authorise the authorities constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (Central Act 39 of 1987) for mediation and the process of mediation would be completed within two months from the date of reference and the period of mediation may be extended by another month with the consent of the parties. If the parties to the civil dispute arrive at a settlement, the same shall be submitted to the court in writing and the court shall effect a compromise between the parties. If the defendant fails to file the written statement within thirty days, he shall be allowed to file the written statement on a day specified by the court on payment of a fee decided by the court. But the statement will not be recorded later than 120 days from the date of service of summons. As per the new law, the first case management hearing would be held within four weeks of completing pleadings, the courts will decide applications, direct document filing, extend or shorten time, adjourn hearings, and pass orders for case management. The written arguments need to be submitted seven days before oral arguments. The central government has agreed to provide a special package for rebuilding 1,500 to 2,000 houses damaged during the recent India-Pakistan confrontation. The shelling followed Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Air Force against targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 tourists and a local horse ride operator. This was stated by Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader, during a press conference in Jammu. Sharma said the relief package will go beyond the current State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) limits. The financial aid will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of affected families through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs). We have received assurance from the Government of India that the amount will be disbursed quickly through DBTs. This will help people rebuild their homes and return to normal life, he said. A five-member BJP committee, set up by the partys central leadership, visited the worst-affected border areas for ten days to assess the damage. The team submitted its report to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The committee recommended that the government immediately build more individual and community bunkers along the border to protect civilians during future shelling. It also suggested that government jobs be provided to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the shelling. Lastly, the committee urged the Centre to increase compensation for damaged houses, going beyond the existing SDRF limit of Rs 1.2 lakh. There is no clear policy for property damage compensation under the current rules, which has created concern among the affected people, Sharma said. We have formally requested the Centre to revise these guidelines. The committee found that 690 houses were damaged in Poonch and 534 in Uri, totalling between 1,500 and 2,000 homes across Jammu and Kashmir. The shelling also caused the deaths of 18 civilians14 in Poonch, and others in Rajouri, Uri and Nagrota. Six security personnel also lost their lives. Sharma said the local people, though in grief, praised the strong and timely response by the Indian forces. It was heartening to see their courage despite their loss, he said. He confirmed that the process of giving government jobs to the families of the deceased has begun, and surveys for new bunkers along the border are already under way. Two BJP MLAs in Karnataka, ST Somashekhar (Yeshwantpur) and Shivaram Hebbar (Yellapur) were expelled from the party on Thursday for repeated violations of the party discipline by the BJPs central disciplinary committee. The committee has considered your response to the show-cause notice issued on March 25, 2025 and has taken serious note of your repeated violations of the party discipline. Accordingly, it has been decided to expel you for a period of six years from the primary membership of the party and you stand removed from any party position that you currently hold, said the expulsion notice issued by Om Pathak, member secretary of the Committee. The BJP Central Disciplinary Committee has expelled MLA A Shivaram Hebbar from the BJP for a period of six years. pic.twitter.com/fGK5BDaShZ ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2025 The committee had issued show-cause notices to five of its leaders, MLAs ST Somashekar, Shivaram Hebbar, B.P. Harish and two former ministers MP Renukacharya and Katta Subramanya Naidu, for anti-party activities. The constant tussle between BJP state chief BY Vijayendra and the rebel faction led by Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal had led to the latters expulsion from the party. The expulsion of Somashekhar and Hebbar is a fallout of the two legislators distancing themselves from the BJP and cosying up to the Congress government. The senior legislators were earlier with the Congress party and are among the 17 Congress-JDS rebels who had quit their parties, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Kumaraswamy-led coalition government in July 2019. Both Somashekhar and Hebbar had won back their seats in the bypolls that followed, on a BJP ticket and were ministers in the Yediyurappa government. The two leaders got elected for the fourth time in 2023, but grew distant from the BJP citing hostility from local leaders. They were not only conspicuous by their absence at the party meetings and rallies, but their presence in the Congress partys dinner meetings and government events. In the Rajya Sabha polls held last year, Somashekhar had cast a vote of conscience against the official JDS-BJP alliance candidate D Kupendra Reddy, while Hebbar had abstained from voting leading to Reddys defeat. Hebbars son Vivek joining the Congress party last year led to speculations over the father too following suit. Hebbar said, It was expected. I had my reasons to keep a distance from the state BJP which I will reveal at an appropriate time. I have observed who all have spoken against the party and what action has the party taken against them. This does not augur well for a national party. Expressing his disgruntlement over the party high command not heeding to his grievances, Hebbar said, If your own party tries to defeat you in the elections, it is no small matter. I cannot ignore it. I have brought it to the attention of senior leaders but no action was taken. Only the leadership in the state changed (from Kateel to Vijayendra). Our issues remained unresolved. I understand Yediyurappa alone cannot do anything (in our favour). The central committee has expelled us today. So, our issues had to be addressed by the central leadership, rued Hebbar. Somashekhar welcomed the partys decision (to expel) and said, I welcome it. But let me clarify that I havent done anything that went against the party. I met the Congress ministers and attended only the government events. Also, the Rajya Sabha voting is not illegal. The party cannot issue a whip. It was not a secret ballot and we were free to cast a vote of conscience. That is why they did not expel me earlier. Somashekhar also asserted that he was originally a Congressman who had quit the party due to some differences after the Congress had joined hands with the JDS. I joined the BJP. I have never spoken against any BJP leader. I have not indulged in any anti-party activities. I did meet the CM and DCM to ensure funds for my constituency. Nobody in the BJP has opposed my expulsion. I welcome the expulsion, he added. Vijayendra welcomed the Committees decision and said, The MLAs have been expelled for indulging in anti-party activities. This issue had been discussed in the state core committee too and we had urged the central leadership to take action. Both the legislators are aware of what they have done and so is the high command. They both had enjoyed power when BJP came to power. Now, they might be finding it difficult to sit in the opposition benches. The saffron party which had won 66 seats (out of 224 ) in the May 2023 Karnataka Assembly polls has been reduced to 62 seats with the latest expulsion. Earlier, the BJP had lost the Shiggaon seat held by former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai in the bypolls necessitated by Bommais election to the Parliament from Haveri. This was followed by the expulsion of rebel BJP leader and Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and now two more legislators. The party is on a clean up mission as infighting and indiscipline within the party has been weighing down the party. The party workers and veterans too were unhappy with the party being perceived as compromising on its core values, say insiders. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske launched a scathing attack on the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction on Tuesday, asserting that those involved in large-scale corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic have no moral authority to criticise senior Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Addressing a press conference at Anand Ashram in Thane, MP Mhaske stated, When I was Mayor, the Thane Municipal Corporation procured body bags at 350 each. But the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) under UBT leadership bought the same bags for 7,000. Why the drastic difference? The truth is obvious. Suraj Chavan was jailed for the Khichdi scamwhose aide was he? Sanjay Raut was jailed for the Patra scam. Those with such tainted backgrounds have no right to speak against Eknath Shinde. Mhaske further revealed that during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) governments tenure, then Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde was deliberately excluded from the citys planning processes. When asked about Shindes exclusion, Sanjay Raut reportedly said, The BMC is under the Thackeray familys control. All decisions will be made by them and their associates. Tell Eknath Shinde not to interfere, Mhaske alleged. Taking aim at Raut, Mhaske said, Sanjay Raut has always disrespected Dharmaveer Anand Dighe, who distanced himself from Raut. He also mocked Raut for claiming that Balasaheb Thackeray appeared in his dreams. Reflecting on the MVA era, Mhaske said, Back then, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi made UBT leaders wait outside their homes in Delhi. Everyone saw who they truly supported. In contrast, at the recent NDA meeting, our leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had the honour of congratulating PM Modi and the Indian Army for Operation Sindoors success. He concluded by emphasising the national recognition Shiv Sena has received under Shindes leadership. MP Dr Shrikant Shinde was entrusted with leading a delegation of MPs on an international touran honour for Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut and his associates remain outside the gates of power, with no relevance or role, Mhaske remarked. The tragic death by suicide of seven members of a family in Haryanas Panchkula has left the residents in the area shaken. Six people were found dead inside a car parked in Panchkula, while one died on the way to a hospital, with the police suspecting it to be a suicide pact. The deceased were identified as Praveen Mittal, 41, his wife Reena, the couple's three minor children, and his parents. "Prima facie, it appears to be a matter of suicide. However, further investigations are on," said Panchkula Deputy Commissioner of Police Himadri Kaushik. Mittal and his family had reportedly attended a spiritual event at the Bageshwar Dham. They allegedly consumed poison on the way back. The car was parked in a residential area in Panchkula's Sector 27 and was spotted by a passerby who was out for a walk late last night. A towel hanging out from one of the doors of the Dehradun-registered car caught his attention. He found six people lying motionless in the car, with vomit on them. One who was identified later as Praveen Mittal was alive but breathing with difficulty, and the passerby raised an alarm. A video of him sitting in a dazed condition on the pavement near the car has gone viral on social media. Video of unconscious Praveen Mittal, who was later declared dead at a hospital He along with his parents, wife & 3 minor children reportedly committed suicide The family was struggling with debts amounting to several crores; recently shifted to Saketri; hailed from Hisar pic.twitter.com/msqFbdwWpX Sandeep Rana (@SandeepRanaChd) May 27, 2025 Mittal, reportedly, told those gathered there that his family was in huge debt and he had consumed poison and would die in five minutes. Though the locals and police reached all the family members to a nearby private and civil hospital, they were declared brought dead. "At the moment, we are investigating the case from all angles. We are questioning the people in the area and going through the CCTV footage," DCP (Crime), Panchkula, Haryana, Amit Dahiya told PTI. Police have reportedly seized a suicide note from the car. According to an NDTV report, the family had requested in the note that the last rites be performed by Mittal's cousin Sandeep Agarwal. Reports say that Mittal, who hails from Barwala in Hisar, used to own a scrap factory in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, but had accrued debt of around Rs 20 crore. The factory was subsequently seized by the bank, along with his two flats and vehicles. With financial troubles mounting, he left Panchkula and moved to Dehradun. He later moved to Kharar in Punjab, and then Pinjore in Haryana, where he stayed with his father-in-law, before returning to Panchkula a month ago. He was currently working as a taxi driver in Panchkula's Saketri region. To restore confidence in the electoral process, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered another round of vote recounting for the Junior Executive Member positions in the recent Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) elections. A special bench comprising Justices Suryakant and K V Vishwanathan ordered the recounting of votes to eliminate any lingering concerns after claims of irregularities surfaced. Though a full recount for all posts had already taken place on Monday following allegations of bogus voting, the Court felt that an additional recount limited to the nine Junior Executive Member posts would help restore confidence in the process. The bench acknowledged the efforts of the SCBAs Election Committee, saying it had done a commendable job under pressure. However, the Court emphasised the importance of ensuring absolute transparency and fairness, particularly for the younger members of the Bar. "We have impressed upon the Election Committee to conduct one more round of recounting to satisfy aggrieved members," the Court stated. The Bench directed that the recount be conducted in the presence of candidates or their nominees, with strict instructions that no interference would be tolerated. The Court warned that any misconduct during the process would be met with serious consequences. The Secretary General of the Supreme Court was also asked to assist in supervising the recount. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Dr Adish C. Aggarwala, a losing presidential candidate who had accused the Election Committee of bias also faced the wrath of the court. Calling the remarks frivolous and scandalous, the court warned against making baseless allegations that could harm the institutions integrity. "We advise Bar members to refrain from indulging in such propaganda. It affects the dignity of the institution," the Court recorded. "Mr. Aggarwala, you have been a voter. You know how hard the committee works in the summer heat. If people begin browbeating them, we will not tolerate it. They are officers of this Court, and we will protect them, Justice Vishwanathan added. The SCBA elections, held on May 20, had seen Vikas Singh win the presidency over Dr. Adish Aggarwala and Pradeep Rai. Rahul Kaushik was elected Vice-President, and Pragya Baghel became the new Secretary. On Tuesday, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) announced its candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Kaliganj Assembly constituency, scheduled for June 19. The party has chosen Alifa Ahmed, daughter of late MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed, whose passing in February necessitated the bypoll. Though professionally an engineer, Alifa is a dedicated TMC worker. Her formal entry into politics began in 2018 when she was elected to the Nadia Zilla Parishad. However, she claims she has been involved in electoral politics since 2011 when she began assisting her father with booth-level campaign planning. AITC, under the inspiration and guidance of Honble Chairperson @MamataOfficial, is pleased to announce Alifa Ahmed as the candidate for the upcoming Kaliganj AC By-election scheduled for 19.06.2025. pic.twitter.com/6KeOLKTAoB Nilanjan Das (@NilanjanDasAITC) May 27, 2025 Alifas nomination surprised many, especially amid persistent speculation about tensions between her late father and TMCs Nadia district president and Krishnanagar MP, Mahua Moitra. Despite these rumours, which Moitra's associates have repeatedly denied, the MP herself shared the news of Alifas candidacy on her social media platforms, signalling her endorsement. Several other names were reportedly in the running for the ticket, including Shefali Khatun, president of the Kaliganj Panchayat Samiti, and Tarannum Sultana, chairperson of the Nadia Zilla Parishad. However, the party ultimately placed its trust in the ex-MLAs daughter. The Kaliganj assembly seat, part of Krishnangar Lok Sabha constituency, was a traditional Congress stronghold with the Revolutionary Socialist Party occasionally winning few elections in between. In 2011, Nasiruddin, fondly known as Lal da in Kaliganj, made a breakthrough for the TMC by winning the seat in 2011, defeating RSPs Sankar Sarkar. Nasiruddin, an advocate by profession, failed to retain the seat as he was beaten by Hasanuzzaman Sk of the Congress, which was contesting the election in alliance with the Left Front. He returned with a landslide victory in the 2021 polls when he secured over 53 per cent vote. His closest rival was BJPs Abhijit Ghosh who only managed 30% vote. The veteran politician passed away on February 2 this year following a cardiac arrest, leaving the Kaliganj seat vacant. In response, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the by-election on Sunday. The Kaliganj bypoll will be held alongside four other Assembly seat by-elections across three states, Visavadar in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, and Ludhiana West in Punjab, on June 19. No one has a greater stake in the Nilambur assembly bypoll than former MLA P.V. Anvar. The crucial pollnow being projected as a quarter-final ahead of the fast-approaching local body elections and the 2026 assembly pollswas necessitated by his resignation. Anvar, who won the seat in 2016 and 2021 as an LDF-backed Independent, parted ways with the Left Democratic Front after a fallout with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Theres no doubt that Anvar aspires to be the kingmaker in Nilambur, positioning himself as someone with the charismatic backing of the electorate to sway the bypoll outcome. But at this stage, his efforts appear more focused on staging a final showdown to remain politically relevant than on playing kingmaker. After breaking with the LDF, Anvar briefly floated the Democratic Movement of Keralaa short-lived initiative. His status as an Independent limited his access to organisational resources, while joining a minor Kerala-based party risked further marginalisation in the states bipolar LDF-UDF political landscape. Thats when Anvar joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The party offered him a national platform to continue his anti-Pinarayist campaign. While it provided a political identity, the TMCs weak presence in Kerala gave Anvar the space to shape its state agenda, granting him autonomy to pursue his own goals. Meanwhile, Anvar continued to project himself as a crusader for local issues in Nilambur. He identified the escalating human-wildlife conflict as a key issue and sought to use it to mount a narrative offensive against the state government. He also began rebuilding ties with the UDF leadership, particularly with Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan. However, Anvars hopes for a smooth re-entry into the UDF did not materialise. And now his efforts to block Aryadan Shoukath from becoming the UDF candidate for the bypoll have also failed. Anvar had pushed for DCC president V.S. Joy instead, a preference driven by a mix of strategic, demographic, and personal considerations tied to his political ambitions and the constituencys dynamics. It seems Anvar calculated that Joy, a district-level leader, was perceived as more receptive to his guidance compared to Shoukath, whose prominenceas the son of late Congress leader Aryadan Muhammed and a close associate of senior UDF leadersmade him less pliable. Community dynamics also seemed to have played a role in Anvars stance. In the Nilambur constituency, where the Muslim minority forms the largest voter bloc, both Anvar and Shoukath compete for influence within the same demographic. Supporting Joy was therefore also a tactical move to block Shoukaths candidacy and consolidate Anvars sway over the Muslim electorate. Incidentally, Anvar accused the UDF of taking a unilateral decision in choosing Shoukath, claiming that Joy lacked a political godfathera clear indication that Anvar believed Joys candidacy would have given him greater leverage over the UDFs Nilambur strategy. After the Congress officially named Shoukath as its candidate, Anvar launched an open attack on the latter, even alleging that Shoukath had once attempted to contest as an Independent backed by the CPI(M). But, with the UDF leadership standing firm on its decision to field Shoukathand Joy himself publicly backing Shoukaths candidacyAnvar has intensified his pressure tactics, now pushing hard for the TMCs inclusion as a full-fledged ally in the UDF. Anvar has made it clear that he is not content with TMC being merely an associate of the UDF; he wants it to be a formal constituent of the alliance. He continues to apply pressure by hinting that a TMC candidate may enter the electoral fray for Nilambur. At the same time, Anvar is banking on support from influential leaders within the Indian Union Muslim League, especially P.K. Kunhalikutty, and former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, to facilitate TMCs entry into the UDF. However, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan responded tactically, shifting the onus onto Anvar by stating that it is up to him to decide his stance in the assembly bypoll. The Congress unanimously decided to field Shoukath. Anvar has raised objections. It is his personal decision whether to cooperate with the UDFs decision. Once he makes that decision, the UDF will make its own, said Satheesan. Though Anvar is now making a last-minute effort to meet UDF leaders, Satheesans remarks make it clear that the UDF is not willing to yield to Anvars pressure politics. This leaves Anvar at a crossroadseither retreat from his pressure tactics and fall in line with the UDF, or go ahead and field a TMC candidate, thereby jeopardising the UDFs chances. But that too is a risky path, as Anvars larger political enemy remains the CPI(M) under CM Vijayan. Interestingly, the LDF has delayed announcing its candidate for Nilambur by three dayssuggesting that the Left is closely monitoring Anvars moves and may be waiting for the most opportune moment to act, possibly capitalising on any signs of desperation from his end. CPI(M) leaders have openly stated they want to see Anvar fade into political irrelevance. In the coming days, it will become clear whether Anvar will make a self-destructive political move that pushes him into permanent irrelevance in Kerala politics, or surrender unconditionally to the UDF. The Election Commission of India on Monday announced the schedule for the Rajya Sabha elections to six seats from Tamil Nadu which will fall vacant on July 24. The notification will be issued on June 2 and the last date for submission of nominations is June 9. The last day for withdrawal of nominations in on June 12 and the voting will be held on June 19, if there is a contest. With the ECI calling for the biennial election, the political heat in the state has hit a new high, with expectations growing both in the DMK and the AIADMK camp. It requires 34 votes for securing a Rajya Sabha seat in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. While the DMK leads the fight with 133 members it can win three seats comfortably while there is a need for the support of three MLAs for the fourth seat. However, this would not be a trouble in the DMK camp as Congress with its 17 members, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi with four MLAs and the Left parties with two each will extend support to the fourth member to be nominated to the upper house. The terms of DMK MPs P. Wilson, M.M. Abdulla, M. Shanmugam, MDMK leader Vaiko, PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss and AIADMKs N. Chandrasegaran are coming to an end. While it is most likely that Wilson and Abdulla will be renominated, Makkal Needhi Maiam leader and actor Kamal Hassan will be accommodated in the DMK quota instead of Vaiko. The DMK had already signed a pact with Hassan during the 2024 Lok Sabha election to offer one Rajya Sabha seat. Sources say that either a minority or a woman member from the DMK could be accommodated in the fourth seat. The AIADMK which has 62 members under Edappadi K. Palaniswami and four MLAs in the O. Panneerselvam faction can send one member. By renewing its ties with the BJP, the AIADMK can ensure victory for the second nominee from its alliance. But the question now is, if AIADMK will retain both the seats for itself or allot one to its alliance partners? Highly placed sources in the AIADMK say that the party leadership wants to retain both the seats and it may not be allotted to its allies be it Vijayakanths DMDK or Dr S. Ramadosss PMK. Dr Anbumani Ramadosss chances of getting his Rajya Sabha seat renewed look dim as there are confusions within his own party and the PMK has also not renewed its alliance with the AIADMK. Though the PMK continues to remain in the NDA, the party has not devised any electoral strategies, and is only fighting to resolve the internal squabbles. There is no information from the leadership on this. But we feel that both father and son will get together soon to devise strategies to fight the upcoming assembly election, a party senior informed THE WEEK. The dates have been announced only now. Patience is bigger than an ocean. We will wait to hear, says DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth who has been consistently insisting that the AIADMK should allot one seat to her party as agreed in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls in 2024. She has been vociferous off late, while Palaniswami has made it clear that no such agreement to offer a Rajya Sabha seat to the DMDK was made. Sources say that the AIADMK is likely to nominate a Dalit and a minority member, so that it will help appease the voters in the ensuing 2026 assembly general elections. Within the AIADMK circles, several seniors namesformer ministers D. Jayakumar, S. Semmalai and Gokula Indiraand second generation leaders who lost in the Lok Sabha polls like Dr Saravanan, Raj Satyen who is the son of AIADMK Madurai strongman V.V. Rajan Chellappa and J. Jayavardhan son of Jayakumar are doing rounds. While the alliance equations in the DMK is expected to remain intact, there could be changes in the AIADMK depending on allocation of the Rajya Sabha seats. A controversial visit to Jerusalems most sensitive religious site by Israels far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has sparked widespread condemnation and reignited concerns over the fragile status quo at the Temple Mountknown to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Ben Gvir visited the site on May 26 during the annual 'Flag March', held to commemorate Israels capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 war. The Temple Mount is revered by Jews as the holiest site in Judaism as the location of the two biblical temples. It is equally significant to Muslims as the location of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, and the place from which Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. During his visit, Ben Gvir declared that Jewish prayerincluding full prostrationwas permitted at the site. This statement appeared to challenge the longstanding, albeit unwritten, status quo that prohibits Jewish worship there. The prime ministers office later insisted that no changes had been made to existing norms, though observers noted that Israeli police, under Ben Gvirs jurisdiction, have increasingly tolerated limited Jewish prayer in recent years. The minister was accompanied by fellow members of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, including Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf and MK Yitzhak Kroizer, as well as parliament member Zvi Sukkot of the Religious Zionist Party. Photos from the visit showed Jewish visitors bowing in prayer while police looked on, and Sukkot was filmed parading an Israeli flag on the holy site, proclaiming, "The Temple Mount is in our hands." The visit drew a sharp response from Jordan, which denounced it as a "flagrant violation of the historical and legal status quo." The Jordanian government, which oversees Islamic sites in East Jerusalem under a longstanding agreement, accused Ben Gvir of "storming the al-Aqsa Mosque... along with a large group of extremist settlers." Hamas also condemned the visit, calling it an "escalation" and accusing Israel of attempting to "Judaise" the mosque. The group called on Palestinians and the broader Muslim world to defend the site and resist what it described as settler "intrusions." Ultra Right Jewish nationalists, mostly teenagers, are gathered in Jerusalems Old City in preparation for the annual Flag March, an event that has long been marked by violent clashes. They have begun harassing Palestinian shop owners and passersby. pic.twitter.com/hoGiEh5WXa Rachel Fink (@RachelSFink) May 26, 2025 Meanwhile, Jerusalems Old City descended into chaos as tens of thousands of Israelis participated in the state-funded Flag March. Organised by the group "Am KLavi" which is chaired by Baruch Kahanethe son of banned Jewish supremacist leader Meir Kahanethe march wound its way through the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. Many Palestinian shopkeepers shuttered their businesses ahead of the procession, but those who remained were harassed by groups of young marchers, witnesses said. Chants of "Gaza is ours," "Death to the Arabs," and "May their villages burn" were heard from participants. Clashes erupted when the marchers targeted not only Palestinians but also left-wing Israeli activists and journalists. Despite warnings from the Shin Bet security service that a cabinet meeting in East Jerusalem would be provocative, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his ministers in the Silwan neighbourhood earlier in the day. Ben Gvir used the opportunity to repeat his call for unrestricted Jewish access to the Temple Mount and declared he was "praying for victory in the Israel-Hamas War and the return of all hostages held in Gaza." His actions were also criticised by religious leaders within Israel. Parliament member Moshe Gafni of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party condemned the visit, stating it violated Jewish religious law and could cause "unpardonable damage." Left-wing opposition leader and former deputy army commander Yair Golan, too, expressed alarm, stating: "This is not what loving Jerusalem looks like. This is what hatred, racism and bullying look like." Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his visit to Iran, left no stone unturned to charm the Islamic Republic's leaders in Tehran, going as far as calling the country "his second home" and extending "full support for Tehran's right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes". Sharif was in Tehran as part of his four-country visit to express gratitude to "friendly Muslim nations for their support during the recent Pakistan-India conflict." Pakistan Prime Minister repeated his claims of "victory" in the recent conflict and expressed willingness to hold talks with India on the Kashmir dispute, water, trade and counterterrorism "if India is serious". Iran's statement on the meeting, however, was a guarded one. "President Masoud Pezeshkian supported durable ceasefire between India and Pakistan", it read. Iran's focus, however, was more on its borders with the strife-torn Pakistan. "We share views that our joint borders have to be free from insecurity and the presence of terrorist and criminal groups," Pezeshkian said on Iran's joint border with Pakistan. Sharif also vocally declared his country's full support for Tehran's right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, according to Iranian media. On the other hand, Pakistani mainstream media 'Dawn' toed a different line on the topic, stating that Sharif only praised the "farsightedness of the Iranian leadership in pursuing the nuclear negotiations with the United States and hoped that a constructive deal would be reached between the two countries." Sharif's support for Iran is considered significant as the key condition put forth by the US is Iran stopping uranium enrichment. Iran has denied this condition, stating it was a "red line". Tehran states it would maintain its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes and has refused to suspend or limit its programme. Pakistan now joins China and Russia who have supported "Irans peaceful nuclear ambitions". However, there is no widespread agreement among countries about Iran's right to enrich uranium, with many countries expressing concerns and restrictions. Sharif also met with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to brief him about Pakistan's recent conflict with India, but Iranian state media said "a great deal of the Leaders remarks focused on the Palestinian cause and how Islamic countries must join hands to put an end to the plight of the Palestinian people." The report added that security was another key topic between Khamenei and Sharif. "Both nations face persistent threats from terrorist groups, prompting an agreement to ramp up intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism efforts," the report added. Amid a fallout between India and Turkey over the latter's support for Pakistan, a section of Turkish media has raised alarm about "India's revenge move", which is New Delhi's plan to step up cooperation with Turkey's arch nemesis Greece. This comes a day after Pakistan President Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir visited Turkey to pay obeisance to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for their support. Interestingly, it is a report that appeared in Greek newspaper Ekathimerini that triggered a wave of panic in Turkey. The report said India was "exploring strategic investments in Greece, targeting defense industries, ports, tourism, and potential labor agreements." This includes investing in Greece's defense sector, particularly the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) and Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS). India is also showing interest in Greek ports, especially the port of Thessaloniki aiming to limit Chinas influence in European infrastructure. "A cross-party delegation of Indian MPs is expected in Athens this week, to reinforce bilateral ties as Greek-Indian political relations remain excellent," Ekathimerini added. It was this report that caused a flutter in Ankara. "Pakistan's resort to Turkish-made weapons and UAVs has led India to support Greece, Turkiye's geopolitical rival in the region," reported Kent Gazetezi, a Turkish local newspaper. Another newspaper Son Muhur, India "was now playing the Greece card against Turkey". It added that Ankara's open support for Pakistan has led to India's revenge moves and after the boycott campaigns, India was now preparing to take steps towards a partnership with Greece, especially in the defense industry. Meanwhile, another newspaper Bursada Bugun has claimed that India is planning to end partnership with Turkish engineering company Tumas. The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited entered into a pact with Tumas in April last year on important infrastructure projects. The Indian Government will make the decision to cancel the project, citing the lack of progress. The Indian government will officially announce it, the report added. Meanwhile, the tourism sector in Turkey is feeling the pinch with mass wedding cancellations. Tourism expert Hamit Kuk told Istanbul-based website Haber Kenti that the boycott has prompted Turkey to take note of India's serious share in the business for the first time. "The tourism sector has also been affected. Indian weddings are generally quite flashy and costly and Turkey has started to take a serious share in this business for the first time. Wedding organisations usually range between 70 million and 150 million dollars. However, there are difficulties this year and we will see how things will progress in the future," Kuk added. French President Emmanule Macron was apparently slapped by his wife Brigitte Macron on an aircraft when they landed in Vietnam and the shocking incident was captured by the media cameras. But those who know about the couple's relationship might not be shocked given their scandalous history. Macron, a straight-A student, was 15 when he first met his high school teacher Brigitte Auziere at the Catholic Lycee La Providence in Amiens in 1993. Brigitte's eldest daughter Laurence was a classmate of Macron. The age of consent in France is 15. Macron was 15. His teacher Brigette was 40 and married with an 18 year old. The slap is merely a minuscule tip of that iceberg. pic.twitter.com/ajN61Qv71T End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) May 26, 2025 Macron and Brigitte's affair first came to light when the duo was caught sunbathing at the home of the teacher's aging parents, reveals the biography, 'Brigitte Macron: An Unfettered Woman', written by Maelle Brun. After the affair became public, Brigitte's friends and neighbours started avoiding her, with some even spitting on her doors. She shared three children with her banker-husband Andre-Louis Auziere and their divorce case was pending in the courts for more than 10 years. Apres un long voyage, nous arrivons a Hanoi avec la delegation francaise. Premiere etape dune tournee strategique au Vietnam, en Indonesie puis a Singapour. Cest dans cette region de lIndopacifique que se joue une part de notre avenir a tous, Francaises et Francais. pic.twitter.com/xqyk88OPvz Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 25, 2025 Though Macron left Amiens to enrol at a top Parisian school, their relationship remained strong. He later pursued politics and international affairs at Ecole nationale d'administration in Strasbourg. Once Brigitte got her divorce, the couple tied the knot in 2007. She was 54 and Macron was 29. She subsequently quit her job as teacher to focus on Macron's political career. When Macron was appointed finance minister under President Francois Hollande in 2014, Brigitte became his key consultant. When Macron was embroiled in allegations about homosexual relationship with Radio France chief, Brigitte backed him publicly despite being upset in private. Macron went on to become the youngest French President in 2017 when he was 39 and Brigitte became the First Lady at 64. On Monday, after the slapping incident, Macron turned into damage control mode. The president denied he had an altercation with his wife. "I was joking with my wife, it's nothing," he said. There are reportedly more than 2 crore illegal immigrants in India and a considerable percentage of them are from Bangladesh. The Centre has clamped down on such people across the country before handing them over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Many of these illegals, who completed their jail sentences, have their nationality verification pending since 2020. Now the Bangladesh Army has accused India of "pushing in" undocumented individuals, saying illegal immigrants should be deported through proper channels. Brigadier General Md Nazim-ud-Daula who is the director of Bangladesh's Military Operations Directorate, said the BGB has been handling the issue effectively "within international protocols". but added that the army was read to intervene if the government instructed. "The army is prepared to step in if needed or upon government instruction. Regardless, the situation is not something we consider acceptable," he said. This comes after the Ministry of External Affairs asked Bangladesh to verify the nationality of 2,300 illegal immigrants. "We have a pending list of 2,369 people who are required to be deported," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. "Foreigners staying in India illegally, whether they happen to be Bangladeshi nationals or any other national, will be dealt with as per law." According to official estimates, India's BSF handed over 295 illegal immigrants to Bangladesh's BGB in 2024. In January this year, around 500 Bangladeshi and Rohingya illegal immigrants were nabbed in Jaipur while 27 Bangladeshis were taken into custody in Kerala the same month. In Kerala, the intelligence agencies have been monitoring whether these illegal immigrants include Intelligence agencies are also monitoring whether operatives linked to Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a militant Islamist organisation banned by India in 2019. Police said the migrants had been using forged documents including fake Aadhaar cards. Their nationality was verified using their Bengali dialect and digital evidence from their phones. More than 1,000 Bangladeshi illegals were also caught in Surat and Ahmedabad in April. The Daily Star, a Bangladeshi news outlet, reported that around 370 individuals were brought from India between May 4 and 15. On May 23, Haryana police arrested 59 Bangladeshi citizens, including women and children, staying without legal documents during a raid at a brick kiln in Palwal. The same day, 153 illegals from Bangladesh were brought from Jodhpur to Kolkata for deportation. On May 24, nine members of a Bangladeshi family was apprehended by Delhi Police in Bharat Nagar. They had crossed into India via Cooch Behar and moved to Haryana's Mewat. Jyoti Malhotra, the alleged Pakistani spy from Haryana, enjoyed high-level security during her time in Pakistan, reveals YouTube videos uploaded by the vlogger herself and an unsuspecting Scottish YouTuber Callum Mill. The Scottish influencer who runs the YouTube channel Callum Abroad was at Lahore's Anarkali Bazar when he came across Jyoti. He spoke to the Indian vlogger for a short while. She introduced herself and asked him if he had come to India. She then tells him that Pakistan's hospitality is "great". When Jyoti leaves, Callum realises that the gunmen whom he saw earlier were actually escorting her. He then tells his viewers, "She's the one with all the guys, all the security. I don't know what the need for all the guns are." Even after she was out of sight, Callum could not believe himself: "Look at all the guns she has got surrounding her. There's about six gunmen surrounding her." Jyoti, who reportedly passed on sensitive information about key locations in India, was in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, an employee at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, with whom she had travelled to Bali. Danish even invited Jyoti for a high-profile dinner at the Pakistan embassy where she was introduced to several top brass officials. The incident was recorded in a 15-minute video posted by Jyoti in 2024. The YouTuber was charged under BNS Section 152, Official Secrets Act, 1923 Sections 3, 4 and 5. The police custody of Jyoti, who ran the YouTube channel Travel with JO, was extended by 14 days on Monday. Colombo, May 27 (PTI) The Sri Lankan government on Tuesday revoked a gazette on land settlement in the Tamil-majority Northern Province. The gazette notification, issued on March 28 by the Land Title Settlement Department, was opposed by the minority Tamil parties, which said it was an attempt to acquire lands belonging to the settlements of northern residents. Tamil political parties in the island nation thanked the government for withdrawing the notification. We are thankful to the government for revoking the gazette, Tamil National Alliance Spokesperson MA Sumanthiran told reporters. He said the minority parties wrote to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urging the revocation of the gazette. The TNA had pointed out that it was unfair to acquire lands of settlers who were unable to prove ownership. This would have caused protests with civil disobedience campaigns, Sumanthiran said. Minority groups have called for the return of the northern lands held for military purposes during the raging armed conflict by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for a separate Tamil homeland in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The LTTE collapsed in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. Since 2015, the government has returned some of the lands while still holding lands around key military installations. Dhaka/New Delhi, May 27 (PTI) Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday deployed paramilitary forces at the secretariat as protests by government employees against a new service law, which allows easier dismissal of officials for misconduct, entered the fourth consecutive day at the central administrative hub. Paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the police's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, and elite anti-crime Raid Action Battalion (RAB) were stationed at the entrances of the secretariat complex housing ministries and important offices, while journalists and visitors were debarred from entering the compound. The BGB, SWAT, and RAB enforced a stricter vigil along with regular police and their other special units at the scene, where student-run outfit July Mancha, an ally of the interim government, also staged a rally, relatively smaller, outside the secretariat, condemning the protestors. Government employees continued their protests for the fourth straight day on Tuesday, demanding the repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance-2025, bringing administrative activities at the Secretariat to a halt, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported. The protesters, who are terming the ordinance an "unlawful black law", chanted slogans rejecting its legitimacy. The protesters chanted slogans such as "The fire has been lit in our blood," "Abolish the unlawful black law," "Employees reject this illegal law," "We will not accept it," "Unite 18 lakh workers," and "No compromise, only struggle", it said. On Monday, the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry restricted all types of visitor entry to the secretariat for Tuesday. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) also imposed a ban on rallies and gatherings in the secretariat and adjacent areas. The ordinance, issued by the president on Sunday evening, allows the government to dismiss employees for four types of disciplinary breaches through a show-cause notice, without initiating formal departmental proceedings, the newspaper said. Following the approval of the draft law by the Council of Advisers on Thursday, secretariat employees began staging protests, calling the law unjust and unconstitutional. On Sunday, all employee organisations at the secretariat vowed to continue their movement until the law is withdrawn. The civil administration protests came amidst a reported tiff between Bangladeshs military and the interim government over national security and election issues. However, in a media briefing on Monday, the army said it was working in unison with the interim administration. (But) there will be no compromise when it comes to the countrys independence, security, and sovereignty, military operations director Brigadier General M Nazim-ud-Daula told the presser at Dhaka Cantonment. Last week, Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, along with the chiefs of the navy and air force, met Yunus and reiterated their call for an election by December to allow an elected government to take charge. They also conveyed their reservation about a proposed humanitarian corridor or channel to Myanmars rebel-held Rakhine province. Meanwhile, local media reported that there has been a deteriorating law and order situation in Dhaka in the past few weeks. A series of killings and muggings in the capital over the past few weeks has raised fresh concerns over Dhaka's law and order situation, The Daily Star newspaper reported on Tuesday. The report said the latest in the string of violent crimes took place on Sunday night, when two masked assailants shot dead a local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Kamrul Ahsan Shadhon. According to police headquarters data, violent crime has seen a significant surge in Dhaka between January and April compared to the same period last year. Between January and April this year, 175 robbery cases were recorded -- almost double from last year's 94. Dacoity cases jumped over threefold from seven to 24 in the same period this year compared to last year. Most alarmingly, murder cases nearly tripled -- from 47 last year to 136 this year, the newspaper noted. Bangladeshi economic and political think tank Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on Tuesday said the prevailing situation, particularly in the economic sector, in Bangladesh, needs an elected government to take over. It is time for the interim government to announce a specific date for when the upcoming national parliamentary election will be held, CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun told a press conference on Tuesday. "The interim government has already been in office for nine months. Now, it would be reasonable to give a specific date for the election, she said. A new book, Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, by CNNs Jake Tapper and Axios Alex Thompson, alleges that a small, tight-knit group of aides, referred to as the Politburo, effectively controlled the Biden White House during the former presidents term. The book, detailed in a New York Post article, paints a picture of a presidency where key decisions were made by a select few, shielding President Joe Biden from broader input as his health and cognitive abilities came under scrutiny. According to the authors, this inner circle included senior aides Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti, Bruce Reed, and First Lady Jill Bidens top aide, Anthony Bernal. The group, likened to the Soviet Unions ruling council, allegedly restricted access to Biden, limited his work hours, and controlled the flow of information to the president, particularly during his 2024 reelection campaign. The book suggests that this insular dynamic contributed to Bidens decision to run for a second term, a choice that culminated in his withdrawal from the race in July 2024 after a widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump. The New York Post highlights specific claims from Original Sin, including Donilons alleged demand for approximately $4 million to leave his White House role and join Bidens campaign, a move that reportedly outraged senior staff. The book also details how Bidens schedule became increasingly limited in 2024, with Cabinet members noting that direct access to the president dropped off considerably. One Cabinet secretary is quoted as saying, I dont think he has dementia, but the thing is, hes an old man. The president can give you four to six good hours a day. The authors argue that this Politburo shielded Biden from negative information and dissenting voices, creating an environment where the president was insulated from the reality of his declining health. This dynamic, the book contends, played a significant role in the Democratic Partys loss to Trump in the 2024 election. The revelations have fueled Republican criticism, with House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer demanding testimony from Bidens doctor and top aides to investigate the handling of the former presidents health. The timing of Original Sins release has been complicated by Bidens recent diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer, announced on May 19, 2025. The diagnosis, which revealed the cancer had spread to his bones, has drawn sympathy but also suspicion, with some questioning whether Bidens team concealed health issues for longer than disclosed. The book notes that even some Biden family members, such as Beau Bidens widow, Hallie, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding health matters. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A top Kremlin official on Monday scoffed at a report that Russia could be involved in recent arson attacks on the private home of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a building where he once lived and a car that he had owned. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was responding to a Financial Times report that said U.K. security officials were looking into whether Russia was involved in the attacks. The Associated Press has not been able to independently confirm the FT report that relied on unnamed senior U.K. government figures. But Peskov, who the London-based paper said did not respond to a request when it published the story Friday, was asked about the report at his regular press briefing Monday. London tends to suspect Russia of anything bad that happens in the U.K., Peskov said. As a rule, all these suspicions are groundless, unsubstantiated and often laughable. No one was injured in the fires that occurred on three nights between May 8 and May 12 in north London, authorities said. Three men with ties to Ukraine face arson charges and are being held without bail before a hearing June 6 in Londons Central Criminal Court. A prosecutor said there was no explanation for the crimes and no official has publicly said Moscow is behind the fires. But the arsons fit a pattern of disruption that Western officials have accused Russia and its proxies of carrying out dozens of times to undermine support for Ukraine since Moscows full-scale invasion three years ago and to sow division in Europe. The Associated Press in March documented nearly 60 incidents in which European governments, prosecutors, intelligence services or other Western officials blamed Russia, groups linked to Russia or its ally Belarus for cyberattacks, spreading propaganda, plotting killings or committing acts of vandalism, arson, sabotage or espionage since the 2022 invasion. Richard Moore, the head of Britains foreign intelligence service, accused Russia last year of a staggeringly reckless sabotage campaign against Ukraines Western allies. Two weeks ago, six Bulgarians were sentenced in a London court to lengthy prison terms for carrying out a sophisticated spying operation for Russia. Starmers office had no comment Monday about the FT report or Peskovs comments. It referred the AP to the Metropolitan Police, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Foreign Office also did not immediately respond. Counterterrorism detectives investigated the Starmer-related fires, they said, because the incidents involved the prime minister. The charges were authorized by the Crown Prosecution Services Counter Terrorism Division, which is responsible for prosecuting offenses relating to state threats, among other crimes. Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 21, is charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life. His compatriot, Petro Pochynok, 34, and Ukraine-born Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, were charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Starmer and his family had moved out of his home after he was elected in July, and they live at the prime ministers official Downing Street residence. A Toyota RAV4 that Starmer had sold to a neighbor was set ablaze May 8, just down the street from the house where he lived before he took office. The door of an apartment building where he once lived was set on fire on May 11, and on May 12 the doorway of his home was charred after being set ablaze. (AP) Germanys new chancellor said Monday that his country and other major allies are no longer imposing any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion. Friedrich Merz has plunged into diplomatic efforts to try to secure a ceasefire and keep Western support for Ukraine intact since becoming Germanys leader nearly three weeks ago. On Monday, he said that there are no longer any range restrictions for weapons that have been delivered to Ukraine neither by the British, nor by the French, nor by us, and not by the Americans either. That means Ukraine can also defend itself by, for example, attacking military positions in Russia, Merz said at a forum organized by WDR public television. Until a while ago, it couldnt. It can now. We call this long-range fire in jargon, also supplying Ukraine with weapons that attack military targets in the hinterland, he added. He didnt elaborate, and it wasnt clear whether he was referring to the easing of restrictions on longer-range weapons late last year. Commenting on Merzs statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that a decision to lift range restrictions would be quite dangerous and run contrary to our efforts to reach a political settlement. Germany has been the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States. Merzs government has been tightlipped on whether it will supply Taurus long-range cruise missiles, something his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, refused to do and Merz advocated for as opposition leader. The government has said it will no longer provide full details of the weapons it is supplying to Ukraine, unlike Scholzs administration, citing the need for strategic ambiguity. Taurus missiles have a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles). (AP) A New York City school bus driver has been suspended following an incident in which he allegedly stopped the bus to deliver an antisemitic rant to the children on board, leaving at least one Jewish student in tears. According to reports, the driver pulled over during the morning route and made offensive remarks, including blaming Jewish people for the death of Yeshu and asserting that only belief in Yeshu can deliver rather than religion. He also instructed the children to recite a prayer. The incident was reportedly recorded by passengers and has sparked outrage among parents and community members. The bus driver, who is employed by Jofaz Transportation, a company contracted by the New York City Department of Education (DOE), has been barred from transporting students pending an investigation by the bus company. The driver was operating a route for Brooklyn Prospect International Elementary School, a privately run but publicly funded charter school, when the incident prompting the investigation occurred. DOE officials confirmed that Jofaz Transportation holds a contract with the city to provide transportation services for students. However, the driver in question will not be permitted to transport New York City students until the investigation is complete, according to department officials. Further (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Russian forces have taken four border villages in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region, a local official said Tuesday, days after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had issued an order to establish a buffer zone along the border. Sumy borders Russias Kursk region, where a surprise Ukrainian incursion last year captured a pocket of land in the first occupation of Russian territory since World War II. Creating a buffer zone could help Russia prevent further Ukrainian cross-border attacks there. Meanwhile, a Russian bombing campaign that had escalated in recent days slowed overnight as far fewer Russian drones targeted Ukrainian towns and cities. Moscows invasion has shown no signs of stopping despite months of intense U.S.-led efforts to secure a ceasefire and get traction for peace talks. Since Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Turkey earlier this month for their first direct talks in three years, a large prisoner exchange has been the only tangible outcome, but negotiations have brought no significant breakthrough. Between Friday and Sunday, Russia launched around 900 drones at Ukraine, officials said, amid a spate of large-scale bombardments. On Sunday night, Russia launched its biggest drone attack of the 3-year war against Ukraine, firing 355 drones. From Monday to Tuesday, Russia fired 60 drones at Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said Tuesday. Russias Ministry of Defense claimed its air defenses downed 99 Ukrainian drones overnight over seven Russian regions. The weekend surge in Russias bombardments of Ukraine drew a rebuke from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Putin had gone crazy. That comment prompted a sharp Kremlin reaction Monday, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticizing emotional reactions to events. Peskov adopted a milder tone Tuesday, hailing U.S. peace efforts and saying that the Americans and President Trump have taken a quite balanced approach. In Sumy, Russian forces are trying to advance deeper after capturing villages, Oleh Hryhorov, head of the Sumy regional military administration, said in a statement. Ukrainian forces are endeavoring to hold the line, he said. Residents of the captured villages were evacuated earlier, and there is no immediate threat to civilians, Hryhorov said. Putin visited the Kursk region last week for the first time since Moscow claimed last month that it drove Ukrainian forces out of the area where they captured land last August. Kyiv officials have denied the claim. The long border remains vulnerable to Ukrainian incursions, Putin said. He said he told the Russian military to create a security buffer zone along the border but provided no public details of where the proposed zone would be or how far it would stretch. Putin said a year ago that a Russian offensive at the time aimed to create a buffer zone in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region. That could have helped protect Russias Belgorod border region, where frequent Ukrainian attacks have embarrassed the Kremlin. (AP) Three Jewish boys were subjected to a violent antisemitic assault at Hampstead Underground Station in North West London. According to Shomrim North West London, the teens were attacked by a group of six to seven males. One of the victims required hospitalization for observation following the assault. Shomrim has issued a public appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, urging them to contact 0300 999 1234 and reference case number NW209 26 May 2025. The organization is collaborating closely with the British Transport Police to support the ongoing investigation. Shomrim is encouraging anyone who has experienced or witnessed antisemitic crimes to reach out. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) An Orthodox Jewish man, Rabbi Emanuel Goldfeiz, was violently attacked on Motzei Shabbos behind a condominium complex in North Baltimore, in what officials are investigating as an attempted carjacking. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. in the rear parking lot of Park Towers West. According to Baltimore City Councilman Yitzy Schleifer, two masked individuals ambushed the 62-year-old victim as he walked through the lot. They just came up and punched him in the face, said Schleifer, who was notified shortly after the attack and helped coordinate a police response. The assailants reportedly knocked the Jewish man to the ground and began striking him repeatedly. The victim ultimately drew a legally registered firearm, at which point the suspects fled. Schleifer said they initially ran off but circled back as the victim approached his car, continuing their aggression. One of the suspects attempted to start the victims vehicle but was unsuccessful. As the suspects tried to assault him again, the victim drew his firearm and pointed it at them. The suspects then fled the scene on foot, said a spokesperson for the Baltimore Police Department. Authorities believe the attackers may be juveniles. Emergency responders treated the Jewish man on scene for minor injuries. The incident is being investigated as an attempted carjacking. Your browser does not support the video tag. Councilman Schleifer noted a concerning uptick in vehicle-related crimes in the area. Just two months ago, several car break-ins were reported in the same lot, and police radio transmissions described suspects seen breaking into vehicles while wearing hoodies, masks, and light-colored jeans. On Sunday night, just miles from the scene of the previous nights attack, another vehicle theft attempt occurred. Someone attempted to steal his vehicle and damaged the drivers side lock, a dispatcher reported. The area has seen several similar incidents in recent months. In November, FOX45 reported a string of carjackings in the neighborhood targeting elderly residents, including a brutal attack that left one woman bloodied and unconscious in a parking lot. What were seeing is that carjackings are up over 20% this month compared to this time last year, said Schleifer. Its very troubling to see the numbers skyrocketing. In addition to the rise in violent crime, Schleifer expressed concern over a national increase in antisemitic incidents. While the motive in this specific attack remains unclear, he said the Jewish community is feeling increasingly uneasy. What we see is that people feel emboldened to be committing these kinds of violent acts and attacks against Jewish people, and that needs to stop, he said. Schleifer criticized city leadership for failing to strongly condemn antisemitism, referencing a resolution in support of Israel that failed to pass last year. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A man accused of brutally assaulting an off-duty NYPD officer in a shocking weekend attack has been captured hundreds of miles away. Taveon Hargrove, 23, was taken into custody Tuesday morning by members of the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force in North Chesterfield, Virginia, bringing a dramatic end to a multi-day manhunt. He now awaits extradition to New York City, where charges are pending. The arrest comes just days after the violent incident rocked the Bronx. Early Saturday morning, near St. Peters Avenue in the Parkchester section, Hargrove and another still-unidentified suspect allegedly ambushed a 27-year-old off-duty officer, knocking him to the ground before punching, kicking, and robbing him at knifepoint. The officer suffered multiple facial fractures and remains hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities also arrested Hargroves father, who is accused of using the officers stolen credit card at several Bronx bodegas in the hours following the assault. Surveillance footage released Monday helped lead to Hargroves arrest, though the second attacker remains at large. The Police Benevolent Association issued a statement following the capture: Thank you to our NYPD detectives and U.S. Marshals for ending this vicious cop-bashers run. But the job is far from over. Even when his criminal partner is caught, we must still stand together to make sure the justice system does its job: protect the cops who protect NYC. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Sarah Milgrim, one of two Israeli Embassy staffers fatally shot last week in an anti-Israel ambush in Washington, D.C., was remembered Tuesday during a private funeral in the Kansas community where she grew up. Milgrim, a 26-year-old from the Kansas City suburb of Prairie Village, Kansas, was leaving a reception for young diplomats at the Capital Jewish Museum alongside 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky on May 21 when they were shot to death. A suspect, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, was arrested and shouted Free Palestine as he was led away. Charging documents said he later told police, I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza. Lischinsky had bought an engagement ring before the shooting and was planning to propose to Milgrim in the coming days, those who knew the couple have said. Instead of an upcoming wedding, those close to Milgrim eulogized her at a private service Tuesday at Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park, Kansas, the Reform temple she attended as a child with her family although she was not halachically Jewish. Milgrims boss at the embassy, Sawsan Hasson, recounted how Milgrim championed civil rights and always stuck to her mission of peace and bringing people together especially those opposed to one another on religion, politics and ideology. This morning, you and Yaron were meant to be in Israel, celebrating with his family, Hasson said. Instead, through an unthinkable tragedy, you have brought Israel here to Kansas to meet your own loving family in your hometown. Somehow, even in your passing, you have created connection and unity. Milgrim earned a bachelors degree in environmental studies from the University of Kansas in 2021. She was remembered as a warm, uplifting presence at Shabbat dinners and holiday gatherings at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life on campus. After graduating, Milgrim worked at at a Tel Aviv-based organization centered on technology training and conflict dialogue for young Palestinians and Israelis, according to her LinkedIn profile. She had been trained in religious engagement and peacebuilding by the United States Institute of Peace, an organization that promotes conflict resolution and was created by the U.S. Congress. After earning a masters degree in international affairs from American University in 2023, she went to work at the Israeli Embassy, where her job involved organizing events and missions to Israel. Milgrim would have been teenager when her Kansas community was rocked by another deadly antisemitic attack in 2014. Frazier Glenn Miller Jr., an avowed anti-Semite and white supremacist, fatally shot three people at two Jewish sites in Overland Park in April of that year. At his trial, Miller openly stated that he targeted Jews for death though none of his victims were Jewish. Miller was convicted in August 2015 and later sentenced to death. (AP) Supreme Court President Yitzchak Amit and Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara both attacked the government on Monday in their speeches at the annual Israel Bar Association conference. Baharav-Miara referred to the government as a regime that is crushing democracy, and Amit claimed that judicial independence is under attack in the public and political arena, and sometimes even during court proceedings. Justice Minister Yariv Levin responded to Amits attack by stating: What is under a wild attack is the sovereignty of the people. It should be noted that Levin does not recognize Amits presidency since his election took place after Baharav-Miara bullied the judicial system into electing him by prohibiting the Judicial Selection Committee from investigating multiple serious allegations against him. Levin also slammed Amit on a personal basis for his hypocrisy, asking: And by the way, how can you even speak at a Bar Association conference when you appointed yourself to head the panel that is ruling on the Bar Associations petition against the law that reduces its membership fees? Well, weve gotten used to the fact that youre flexible with conflict of interest laws as they relate to yourself, Levin concluded. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Last week, the leaders of France, the UK, and Canada issued a joint statement slamming Israel for its handling of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, demanding that it halt military action in Gaza, and even threatening to implement sanctions on Israel if it doesnt heed their orders. A day later, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot sharpened the rhetoric against Israel, claiming that it is turning Gaza into a place of death, if not a cemetery. He who sows violence reaps violence, Barrot said about Israel, and threatened to reevaluate the EU-Israel trade agreement. He also reiterated Frances commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state. We cant leave Gazas children with a legacy of hate and violence, he said. That has to stop which is why were determined to recognize a Palestinian state. In response to Barrots statements, the Chief Rabbi of Strasbourg, Rabbi Harold Abraham Weill, who was the Rav of Toulouse in 2012, when four Jews, including three children, were murdered in an Islamic terror attack at the Otzar Hatorah school, sent him a sharply worded letter. Rabbi Weill wrote: Mr. Minister, there are sentences that we express as if we were throwing a stone in a pool, hoping for newspaper headlines, but some of them become bullets. Your recent words about Israel, He who sows violence reaps violence, are not only a diplomatic mistakethey constitute a most serious moral, historical and political error. I am the former rabbi of Toulouse. On March 19, 2012, I did not read about the horror in a ministerial report or in the press. I heard the screams, I felt it, I saw children being murdered in front of my eyes. On that day, Mohammed Merah, an Islamist terrorist fueled by hatred of Jews, coldly shot to death Yonatan Sandler, Hyd, his two sons Aryeh, six, and Gabriel, three, and Miriam Monsonego. The massacre was carried out at the Otzar HaTorah Jewish school. And to justify his action, he chillingly mentioned what you said, the same repulsive rhetoric: Israel kills children, I kill children.' Whether a country like Israel, which has been hit by rockets and bereaved by the pogrom on October 7, can still be criticized is a legitimate matter for discussion. But to establish a moral symmetry between those who slaughter children and those who mourn them, between fanatical murderers and a people rooted in survival, is no longer blindness. It is contempt. I implore you to retract these words, not out of political interest, but out of human decency. It should be noted that Merah, who claimed allegiance to Al-Qaeda, not only targeted Jews but also fired at French soldiers, justifying his attack by citing Frances ban on Islamic face veils and its role in the war in Afghanistan. Before attacking Otzar HaTorah, he shot an off-duty French Army paratrooper and killed two off-duty uniformed French soldiers and seriously wounded another. The Muslim population in France is the largest in Europe. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Foreign Minister Gideon Saar slammed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara after she informed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday evening that his appointment of Maj. Gen. David Zini to the position of Shin Bet chief is illegal. Baharav-Miara claims that Netanyahu is not legally permitted to appoint the next Shin Bet chief due to a conflict of interest due to the Qatargate case and ordered him to refrain from any direct or indirect involvement in appointing the next Shin Bet chief or even an interim replacement. Her ruling was made despite the fact that Netanyahu is not a suspect in the Qatargate case and the Shin Bet Law specifically stipulates that the Prime Minister be involved in the appointment of the Shin Bet chief. Additionally, Netanyahu has already announced that out of an abundance of caution, Zini will not be involved in the Qatargate investigation. Baharav-Miara even went so far as to say that even if a government minister appoints a Shin Bet chief instead of Netanyahu, there is serious doubt whether Zini can be appointed. The publication of Baharav-Miaras legal opinion caused a furor among coalition members, with a number of ministers decrying her move as politically tainted and urging her ouster. Deputy Minister Almog Cohen even threatened to leave the government if Netanyahu allows Baharav-Mirara to continue her silent coup and thwart Zinis appointment. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar was so perturbed by Baharav-Miaras legal opinion that he wrote a lengthy post on social media slamming her and exposing the obvious flaws in her legal ruling. Saar wrote: Forget it, its hopeless, one of the senior officials in the Ministry of Justice told me a few months ago. Back then, I was still trying to see if there was a way to bridge the unprecedented divide between the government and its legal advisor. She has decided to go all the way, that official added. I remembered his words last night when I read the Attorney Generals extreme opinion that prohibited any involvement of the Prime Minister in the process of selecting the head of the Shin Bet. Unsurprisingly, the opinion lacked any discussion of the clauses of the Shin Bet Law itself. For example, Section 3(a) of the law stipulates that the head of the Shin Bet shall be appointed by the government upon the proposal of the Prime Minister. Also missing was a discussion of the fundamental meaning of the provision in Section 4(b) of the law, according to which the Prime Minister is in charge of the Service on behalf of the Government. The reason given by Baharav-Miarais the Prime Ministers alleged conflict of interest due to the Qatargate case. This is despite the fact that the Prime Minister is not a suspect in the case. The very claim of a conflict of interest due to the investigation of people close to the Prime Minister is far-reaching in itself. In any case, every rookie lawyer knows that it is possible to neutralize the alleged conflict of interest with much more proportionate means than disqualifying the Prime Ministers involvement in any way whatsoever in the appointment of the head of the secret security organization, over which he is legally in charge. For example, the Attorney General could have stipulated that the new head of the Shin Bet would not deal with this investigation at all. The proposal to transfer the power of appointment to another minister makes a mockery of the explicit provisions of the law, which Baharav-Miaraignored. In one of the recent cabinet meetings, Minister Avi Dichter, the head of the Shin Bet during the Second Intifada, said that anyone who has not been a Prime Minister or head of the Shin Bet cannot fully understand the intimacy of the professional relationship between the two. Is the Prime Minister, who is in charge of the Shin Bet and responsible for the security situation and the war on terror, unable, for example, to meet with candidates for the position prior to the appointment and ask them about their professional worldview? By the way: This is what Baharav-Miara tried to argue at an earlier stage when an interim order was issued (which did not include such a prohibition). However, the court clarified that the order did not include this prohibition. Furthermore, regardless of who the minister is who will bring the proposal to the government, her opinion already determines in advance that it is doubtful whether it will be possible to appoint Maj.-Gen. Zini to the position. What remains of the provisions of the law and the responsibility placed on the Prime Minister in a central security area of activity when basic powers are so casually stripped by someone who is supposed to give him legal advice? The Attorney General said yesterday at a public conference that recently the regime change has greatly accelerated and that there has been a central weakening of the elected institutions. Like a broken clock that tells the right time twice a day in this statement, the Attorney General was actually right. The activity of the governments legal advice to weaken the democratic institutions the Knesset and the government has accelerated greatly. It is unprecedented. The Knesset was elected by the people. The government serves by virtue of the Knessets trust. Continuing to weaken them turns Israel into a caricature of a democratic regime. An Attorney General who works consistently and openly to paralyze the governments ability to function and to overthrow it does not serve as a legal advisor. She has long deserved another honorable title for her actual position: Chairman of the Opposition. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A phone call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump turned unexpectedly tense last week, according to a report from Israels Channel 12, exposing stark disagreements over how to confront Irans nuclear ambitionsdespite earlier claims of consensus between the two leaders. Sources familiar with the exchange described it as a heated conversation in which Trump reportedly told Netanyahu, I want a diplomatic solution with the Iranians. I believe in my ability to make a good deal. Trump is said to have emphasized that he was aiming for a resolution that benefits both nationsa statement that reportedly stunned the Israeli side. The revelation sharply contradicts the tone of official readouts released by both camps after the call. Netanyahus office had initially said the two agreed on the need to ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons, giving the impression of a unified front. But behind closed doors, the conversation painted a different picture. Trump, currently leading delicate nuclear negotiations with Tehran, is reportedly optimistic that good news is on the horizon. Meanwhile, Iran has dismissed U.S. demands for a temporary freeze on uranium enrichment, further complicating Washingtons diplomatic efforts. Adding to the intrigue, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noemacting as a personal envoy from Trumpmet with Netanyahu in Jerusalem shortly after the call. In an interview with Fox News, Noem described the meeting as very candid, noting that Netanyahus team admitted they had never had a bilateral meeting that was quite that candid and direct. Noem declined to disclose Trumps full message, but hinted at pressure on Netanyahu to align with the administrations vision. We are on a short timeframe here I asked the prime minister to work with President Trump to make sure were making wise decisions together, she said. Asked whether Israel has dropped its reported plans for a preemptive strike on Irans nuclear infrastructure, Noem responded cautiously, reiterating Trumps position: He will never accept a nuclear-capable Iran. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) HSBC has urged the Government to use its influence to help release hundreds of millions in pension savings owed to British nationals who fled Chinese oppression in Hong Kong. It follows a campaign by the Mail, MPs and activists for the bank to pay out the cash, which has been frozen on the orders of Beijing. Ian Stuart, the outgoing boss of the banks UK arm, said that HSBC would have to break the law to release the funds, which are estimated to be worth nearly 1billion. This is a really difficult one for the bank, he told MPs on the Treasury select committee at a recent hearing. Because we would have to break the law to pay the money. The law in Hong Kong states what we can and cannot do. But he added that ministers could help resolve the roadblock if they exerted pressure on the authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing. We are hoping that government influence may change that but, at the moment, the law is the law, Stuart said. Frozen funds: HSBC boss Ian Stuart said the bank would have to break the law to release pension savings owed to British nationals who fled Hong Kong to escape Chinese oppression The HSBC UK chief is preparing to take up a new role at the lender as its group customer and culture director, reporting directly to its boss Georges Elhedery. HSBC is sitting on 978million of savings owed to tens of thousands of Hong Kongers living in the UK after they escaped a crackdown on pro-democracy activists by China. Exiles say HSBCs decision to freeze their savings has left their finances in a precarious state. The bank claims it cannot pay out the money, held in a scheme known as the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF), due to a decision by Chinese officials in 2021 not to accept British National (Overseas) passports for identification. This stopped tens of thousands of savers from withdrawing their pots early if they resettled abroad. But campaigners and MPs want the bank and the Government to push for that decision to be reversed, arguing it has no basis in law. Labour MP Yuan Yang, a member of the Treasury committee who quizzed Stuart on the issue, said the blocking of the cash by HSBC was a major concern among exiled Hongkongers in her Berkshire constituency. The ongoing withholding of payments is unacceptable, she told the Mail. A HSBC spokesman said: Hong Kong legislation sets the conditions under which a member may withdraw his or her pension benefits under the MPF scheme. Neither HSBC nor any other firm acting as an MPF trustee has any discretion in this matter. KFC has announced plans to invest nearly 1.5billion into its UK and Ireland business and create 7,000 jobs. The expansion will see the fast food chain, which operates 1,000 stores in the region and employs about 30,000 people, open a further 500 over the next decade. KFC is celebrating its 60th year in the UK and is also upgrading 200 of its existing sites with a new design and upgraded digital features. It said Britains appetite for fried chicken was growing, with the market estimated to be worth 3.1billion. Weve never seen such strong demand, added Rob Swain, UK and Ireland general manager. Swiss watch exports to the US more than doubled last month as the clock ticked down on Donald Trumps threatened tariffs. Shipments to America rose 149 per cent to 762million as exporters rushed to dodge higher import taxes ahead of last months introduction, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry says. Trump hit Swiss imports with a 10 per cent levy in April and has also threatened a 31 per cent increase if a trade deal is not reached soon. Excluding exports to the US, the total number of watches shipped from Switzerland fell by 5.7 per cent in April. Products sent to Hong Kong the second largest market plunged 9.2 per cent to 118.2million. Prestigious Swiss watch brands include LVMH-owned Omega, Rolex and Cartier which is controlled by Richemont. Chinook Tyee Industry Ltd (CVE:XCX Get Free Report) rose 21.6% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$0.53 and last traded at C$0.45. Approximately 203,469 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 356% from the average daily volume of 44,615 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.37. Chinook Tyee Industry Stock Up 21.6% The company has a market capitalization of C$9.10 million and a P/E ratio of -2.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.15, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a current ratio of 1.55. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of C$0.45 and a 200 day moving average price of C$0.45. About Chinook Tyee Industry (Get Free Report) Chinook Tyee Industry Limited operates as a financial service company in Canada. The company was formerly known as Global Railway Industries Ltd. and changed its name to Chinook Tyee Industry Limited in August 2013. Chinook Tyee Industry Limited is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chinook Tyee Industry Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chinook Tyee Industry and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rio Tinto Group (OTCMKTS:RTNTF Get Free Report) shares dropped 2.5% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $76.57 and last traded at $76.57. Approximately 282 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 76% from the average daily volume of 1,159 shares. The stock had previously closed at $78.57. Rio Tinto Group Stock Down 2.5% The company has a fifty day moving average price of $73.11 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $74.03. About Rio Tinto Group (Get Free Report) Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. The Iron Ore segment engages in the iron ore mining, and salt and gypsum production in Western Australia. The Aluminum segment is involved in bauxite mining; alumina refining; and aluminium smelting. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Saturday morning. Several other research analysts have also recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, February 14th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and set a $193.00 target price (up from $190.00) on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $210.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, February 4th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and set a $220.00 target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Finally, Mizuho lowered their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $211.00 to $177.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, March 28th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, seventeen have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $185.10. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on DLR Digital Realty Trust Trading Up 0.2% Shares of NYSE DLR opened at $168.31 on Friday. Digital Realty Trust has a twelve month low of $129.95 and a twelve month high of $198.00. The company has a current ratio of 2.07, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $154.84 and a 200-day simple moving average of $166.86. The stock has a market capitalization of $56.68 billion, a PE ratio of 103.89, a PEG ratio of 4.38 and a beta of 0.93. Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by $0.04. Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 2.97% and a net margin of 10.85%. The business had revenue of $1.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.43 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.67 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Digital Realty Trust will post 7.07 earnings per share for the current year. Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, March 14th were given a $1.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, March 14th. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.90%. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 456.07%. Institutional Trading of Digital Realty Trust A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in DLR. Greykasell Wealth Strategies Inc. purchased a new stake in Digital Realty Trust during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Sierra Ocean LLC purchased a new stake in Digital Realty Trust during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. WPG Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in Digital Realty Trust during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. 1 North Wealth Services LLC purchased a new stake in Digital Realty Trust during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Fairway Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Digital Realty Trust during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $35,000. 99.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Digital Realty Trust (Get Free Report) Digital Realty Trust, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust, which engages in the provision of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. It serves the following industries: artificial intelligence (AI), networks, cloud, digital media, mobile, financial services, healthcare, and gaming. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Saturday. Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of Camden Property Trust from $135.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, May 12th. Citigroup upgraded shares of Camden Property Trust from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $125.00 to $138.00 in a research note on Friday, March 28th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Camden Property Trust from $127.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Camden Property Trust from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $117.00 to $139.00 in a research note on Monday, March 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on shares of Camden Property Trust from $127.00 to $120.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $129.78. Get Camden Property Trust alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Camden Property Trust Camden Property Trust Stock Performance Shares of NYSE CPT opened at $113.13 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $115.64 and its 200-day moving average price is $117.32. The company has a quick ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 0.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The company has a market cap of $12.09 billion, a PE ratio of 75.42, a PEG ratio of 4.41 and a beta of 0.79. Camden Property Trust has a 52-week low of $98.35 and a 52-week high of $127.69. Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $1.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.68 by $0.04. Camden Property Trust had a net margin of 10.58% and a return on equity of 3.35%. The firm had revenue of $390.57 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $388.47 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.70 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that Camden Property Trust will post 6.76 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Camden Property Trust In related news, Director Steven A. Webster sold 1,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.76, for a total value of $142,512.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 117,374 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,939,336.24. This trade represents a 1.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Richard J. Campo sold 5,572 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.50, for a total transaction of $665,854.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 289,720 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $34,621,540. This trade represents a 1.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 6,907 shares of company stock valued at $824,860 in the last three months. 1.80% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Focus Partners Wealth grew its holdings in shares of Camden Property Trust by 2.4% in the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 7,573 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $926,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd boosted its stake in Camden Property Trust by 114.0% during the first quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 5,737 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $702,000 after buying an additional 3,056 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its stake in Camden Property Trust by 8.2% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 1,051,377 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $128,583,000 after buying an additional 79,265 shares during the period. Woodline Partners LP purchased a new position in Camden Property Trust during the first quarter worth $45,879,000. Finally, MBB Public Markets I LLC purchased a new position in Camden Property Trust during the first quarter worth $330,000. 97.22% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Camden Property Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Camden Property Trust, an S&P 500 Company, is a real estate company primarily engaged in the ownership, management, development, redevelopment, acquisition, and construction of multifamily apartment communities. Camden owns and operates 172 properties containing 58,250 apartment homes across the United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Camden Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Camden Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Free Report) to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Saturday. BLK has been the subject of several other reports. Citigroup reduced their target price on BlackRock from $1,200.00 to $1,100.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Barclays lifted their target price on BlackRock from $950.00 to $990.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on BlackRock from $1,065.00 to $1,035.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on BlackRock from $1,275.00 to $1,124.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on BlackRock from $1,046.00 to $988.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, BlackRock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,077.08. Get BlackRock alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on BlackRock BlackRock Stock Down 0.6% BLK stock opened at $964.56 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 5.23, a current ratio of 5.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $921.10 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $976.41. The company has a market cap of $149.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.97, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.41. BlackRock has a twelve month low of $752.30 and a twelve month high of $1,084.22. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 11th. The asset manager reported $11.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $10.84 by $0.46. The firm had revenue of $5.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.47 billion. BlackRock had a return on equity of 16.32% and a net margin of 31.21%. The businesss revenue was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $9.81 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that BlackRock will post 47.41 EPS for the current fiscal year. BlackRock Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 23rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 5th will be issued a $5.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 5th. This represents a $20.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.16%. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio is presently 50.63%. Insider Buying and Selling at BlackRock In other news, Director J. Richard Kushel sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, April 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $852.01, for a total transaction of $1,704,020.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 66,034 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $56,261,628.34. The trade was a 2.94% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders sold 12,430 shares of company stock valued at $11,237,249 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 1.98% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BLK. Brighton Jones LLC raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock by 23.1% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 1,575 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,615,000 after buying an additional 296 shares in the last quarter. CX Institutional raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock by 4.0% during the 4th quarter. CX Institutional now owns 442 shares of the asset managers stock worth $453,000 after buying an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock by 46.6% during the 4th quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 4,434 shares of the asset managers stock worth $4,545,000 after buying an additional 1,409 shares in the last quarter. Goelzer Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in BlackRock during the 4th quarter worth $523,000. Finally, Carr Financial Group Corp bought a new stake in BlackRock during the 4th quarter worth $540,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.69% of the companys stock. About BlackRock (Get Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note released on Saturday morning. LPG has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Pareto Securities upgraded Dorian LPG to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 4th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and set a $35.00 price objective on shares of Dorian LPG in a research report on Friday, January 31st. Get Dorian LPG alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Dorian LPG Dorian LPG Trading Up 7.0% Shares of LPG opened at $21.62 on Friday. Dorian LPG has a 52-week low of $16.66 and a 52-week high of $51.66. The businesss fifty day moving average is $21.40 and its 200-day moving average is $22.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 3.95 and a current ratio of 3.97. The firm has a market cap of $925.21 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.50 and a beta of 0.71. Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 22nd. The shipping company reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.17 by $0.08. Dorian LPG had a return on equity of 15.14% and a net margin of 38.51%. The company had revenue of $75.89 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $79.04 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.91 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 46.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Dorian LPG will post 2.6 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dorian LPG Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 30th. Investors of record on Monday, May 19th will be given a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 16th. This represents a yield of 13.5%. Dorian LPGs dividend payout ratio is currently 25.45%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO John C. Hadjipateras purchased 12,500 shares of Dorian LPG stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 8th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $17.75 per share, for a total transaction of $221,875.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,824,386 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $32,382,851.50. This represents a 0.69% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 13.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dorian LPG A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in LPG. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in shares of Dorian LPG by 3,728.9% in the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 997,470 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $22,283,000 after buying an additional 971,419 shares during the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of Dorian LPG by 20.8% in the 4th quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 4,127,317 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $100,583,000 after buying an additional 711,313 shares during the last quarter. Sparta 24 Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Dorian LPG in the 1st quarter valued at about $5,036,000. Voloridge Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Dorian LPG in the 4th quarter valued at about $4,669,000. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Dorian LPG by 11.0% in the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,352,071 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $32,950,000 after purchasing an additional 134,289 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 62.50% of the companys stock. About Dorian LPG (Get Free Report) Dorian LPG Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas through its LPG tankers worldwide. It owns and operates twenty-five very large gas carriers. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Dorian LPG Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dorian LPG and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Kimco Realty (NYSE:KIM Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Saturday morning. A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Mizuho lowered their price objective on shares of Kimco Realty from $26.00 to $22.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 25th. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on shares of Kimco Realty from $29.00 to $28.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, May 5th. Raymond James decreased their target price on shares of Kimco Realty from $28.00 to $26.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, May 5th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Kimco Realty from $27.00 to $21.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, March 17th. Finally, Scotiabank decreased their target price on shares of Kimco Realty from $24.00 to $23.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $24.68. Get Kimco Realty alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Kimco Realty Kimco Realty Trading Down 0.7% Shares of KIM opened at $20.48 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $13.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.56, a PEG ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 3.59 and a current ratio of 3.65. Kimco Realty has a fifty-two week low of $17.93 and a fifty-two week high of $25.83. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $20.59 and a 200-day moving average price of $22.17. Kimco Realty (NYSE:KIM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.42 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $536.62 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $520.68 million. Kimco Realty had a net margin of 20.17% and a return on equity of 3.82%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 965.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.39 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Kimco Realty will post 1.71 earnings per share for the current year. Kimco Realty Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 6th will be given a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.88%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 6th. Kimco Realtys payout ratio is currently 129.87%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in KIM. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Kimco Realty during the 4th quarter valued at $363,436,000. Northern Trust Corp increased its position in Kimco Realty by 55.0% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 10,304,972 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $241,446,000 after purchasing an additional 3,658,528 shares during the period. Federated Hermes Inc. grew its position in shares of Kimco Realty by 90.5% in the 4th quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 7,278,480 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $170,535,000 after buying an additional 3,457,435 shares during the period. Amundi grew its position in shares of Kimco Realty by 54.2% in the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 9,252,421 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $186,646,000 after buying an additional 3,253,031 shares during the period. Finally, Invesco Ltd. grew its position in shares of Kimco Realty by 18.3% in the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 17,383,750 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $407,301,000 after buying an additional 2,692,258 shares during the period. 89.25% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Kimco Realty Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kimco Realty Corp. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in New Hyde Park, N.Y., that is one of North Americas largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers. As of December 31, 2018, the company owned interests in 437 U.S. shopping centers comprising 76 million square feet of leasable space primarily concentrated in the top major metropolitan markets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kimco Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimco Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Community Bank System (NYSE:CBU Get Free Report) and Cullen/Frost Bankers (NYSE:CFR Get Free Report) are both mid-cap finance companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings and risk. Profitability This table compares Community Bank System and Cullen/Frost Bankers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Community Bank System alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Community Bank System 19.40% 10.94% 1.17% Cullen/Frost Bankers 20.44% 15.95% 1.17% Earnings & Valuation This table compares Community Bank System and Cullen/Frost Bankerss gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Community Bank System $765.28 million 3.84 $182.48 million $3.61 15.41 Cullen/Frost Bankers $2.10 billion 3.87 $582.54 million $9.11 13.90 Cullen/Frost Bankers has higher revenue and earnings than Community Bank System. Cullen/Frost Bankers is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Community Bank System, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Community Bank System pays an annual dividend of $1.84 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.3%. Cullen/Frost Bankers pays an annual dividend of $4.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.2%. Community Bank System pays out 51.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Cullen/Frost Bankers pays out 43.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Community Bank System has increased its dividend for 33 consecutive years and Cullen/Frost Bankers has increased its dividend for 32 consecutive years. Community Bank System is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Community Bank System and Cullen/Frost Bankers, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Community Bank System 0 2 0 1 2.67 Cullen/Frost Bankers 3 9 2 0 1.93 Community Bank System currently has a consensus price target of $71.00, suggesting a potential upside of 27.63%. Cullen/Frost Bankers has a consensus price target of $131.93, suggesting a potential upside of 4.21%. Given Community Bank Systems stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Community Bank System is more favorable than Cullen/Frost Bankers. Volatility & Risk Community Bank System has a beta of 0.77, meaning that its stock price is 23% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Cullen/Frost Bankers has a beta of 0.67, meaning that its stock price is 33% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 73.8% of Community Bank System shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 86.9% of Cullen/Frost Bankers shares are held by institutional investors. 1.0% of Community Bank System shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 2.9% of Cullen/Frost Bankers shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Cullen/Frost Bankers beats Community Bank System on 10 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Community Bank System (Get Free Report) Community Bank System, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Community Bank, N.A. that provides various banking and other financial services to retail, commercial, institutional, and municipal customers. It operates through three segments: Banking, Employee Benefit Services, and All Other. The company offers various deposits products, such as interest and noninterest -bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as time deposits. It also provides loans, including consumer mortgages; general purpose commercial and industrial loans, and mortgages on commercial properties; paycheck protection program loans; installment loans that are originated through selected dealerships and are secured by automobiles, marine, and other recreational vehicles; personal installment loans and check credit lines of credit for consumers; and home equity products. In addition, the company offers broker-dealer and investment advisory; cash management, investment, and treasury services; asset management services; and employee benefit services, as well as operates as a full-service insurance agency that provides personal and commercial lines of insurance, and other risk management products and services. Further, it offers contribution plan administration, employee benefit trust, collective investment fund, retirement plan administration and benefit consulting, fund administration, transfer agency, actuarial and benefit consulting, and health and welfare consulting services; and act as an investor in residential and commercial real estate activities. Additionally, the company offers wealth management, retirement planning, higher educational planning, fiduciary, risk management, trust, and personal financial planning services; and investment alternatives, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and insurance and advisory products, as well as master recordkeeping services. Community Bank System, Inc. was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in DeWitt, New York. About Cullen/Frost Bankers (Get Free Report) Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Frost Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking services in Texas. The company offers commercial banking services to corporations, including financing for industrial and commercial properties, interim construction related to industrial and commercial properties, equipment, inventories and accounts receivables, and acquisitions; and treasury management services, as well as originates commercial leasing services. It also provides consumer banking services, such as checking accounts, savings programs, automated-teller machines (ATMs), overdraft facilities, installment and real estate loans, first mortgage loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, drive-in and night deposit services, safe deposit facilities, and brokerage services. In addition, the company offers international banking services comprising deposits, loans, letters of credit, foreign collections, funds transmitting, and foreign exchange services; correspondent banking activities, including check clearing, transfer of funds, fixed income security services, and securities custody and clearance services. Further, it offers trust, investment, agency, and custodial services for individual and corporate clients; capital market services that include sales and trading, new issue underwriting, money market trading, advisory, and securities safekeeping and clearance; and support for international business activities, including foreign exchange, letters of credit, export-import financing, and other related activities. Additionally, the company offers insurance and securities brokerage services; holding of securities for investment purposes; and investment management services for mutual funds, institutions, and individuals. It serves energy, manufacturing, services, construction, retail, telecommunications, healthcare, military, and transportation industries. The company was founded in 1868 and is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Community Bank System Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Bank System and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Excellon Resources (OTCMKTS:EXNRF Get Free Report) and Fresnillo (OTCMKTS:FNLPF Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends and risk. Risk & Volatility Excellon Resources has a beta of 0.73, meaning that its share price is 27% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Fresnillo has a beta of 0.35, meaning that its share price is 65% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Excellon Resources alerts: Profitability This table compares Excellon Resources and Fresnillos net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Excellon Resources N/A -482.08% -43.80% Fresnillo N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Excellon Resources 0 0 0 0 0.00 Fresnillo 0 1 0 2 3.33 Valuation and Earnings This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Excellon Resources and Fresnillo, as reported by MarketBeat. This table compares Excellon Resources and Fresnillos top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Excellon Resources $25.82 million 0.63 $6.53 million ($0.03) -3.77 Fresnillo $2.71 billion 4.17 $233.91 million N/A N/A Fresnillo has higher revenue and earnings than Excellon Resources. Summary Fresnillo beats Excellon Resources on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Excellon Resources (Get Free Report) Excellon Resources Inc. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and advancement of mineral properties. It primarily explores for silver, lead, zinc, and gold deposits, as well as base metals. The company holds 100% interests in the Platosa property covering an area of approximately 11,000 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico; the Evolucion property that covers an area of 31,280 hectares situated in the states of Durango and Zacatecas, Mexico; and the Silver City project totaling an area of 340 square kilometers in Saxony, Germany. It also holds 100% interests in the Kilgore project comprising 789 unpatented federal lode claims that covers an area of 6,788 hectares located in Clark County, eastern Idaho; and the Oakley project covering an area of 2,833 hectares in Oakley, Idaho. In addition, the company has an option to acquire the La Negra project located in Queretaro State, Mexico. Excellon Resources Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is based in Toronto, Canada. About Fresnillo (Get Free Report) Fresnillo plc mines, develops, and produces non-ferrous minerals in Mexico. It operates through seven segments: Fresnillo, Saucito, Cienega, Herradura, Noche Buena, San Julian, and Juanicipio. The company primarily explores for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates. Its projects include the Fresnillo silver mine located in the state of Zacatecas; Saucito silver mine situated in the state of Zacatecas; Cienega gold mine located in the state of Durango; Herradura gold mine situated in the state of Sonora; Noche Buena gold mine located in the state of Sonora; San Julian silver-gold mine situated on the border of Chihuahua/Durango states; and Juanicipio mine located in the state of Zacatecas. It also leases mining equipment; produces gold/silver dore bars; and provides administrative services. The company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. Fresnillo plc operates as a subsidiary of Industrias Penoles, S.A.B. de C.V. Receive News & Ratings for Excellon Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Excellon Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Squarepoint Ops LLC grew its holdings in shares of TopBuild Corp. (NYSE:BLD Free Report) by 47.6% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 11,961 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,859 shares during the quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLCs holdings in TopBuild were worth $3,724,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BLD. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its position in shares of TopBuild by 57.8% during the 4th quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 32,633 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $10,160,000 after acquiring an additional 11,948 shares during the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its position in shares of TopBuild by 430.2% during the 4th quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 3,070 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $956,000 after acquiring an additional 2,491 shares during the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its position in shares of TopBuild by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 19,887 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $6,192,000 after acquiring an additional 637 shares during the last quarter. Washington Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of TopBuild during the 4th quarter valued at about $280,000. Finally, KBC Group NV boosted its position in shares of TopBuild by 377.1% during the 4th quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 10,338 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $3,219,000 after acquiring an additional 8,171 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.67% of the companys stock. Get TopBuild alerts: TopBuild Stock Down 0.4% Shares of NYSE:BLD opened at $279.65 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 2.01 and a quick ratio of 1.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.99 billion, a PE ratio of 14.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 1.72. The firms 50-day moving average is $294.70 and its two-hundred day moving average is $320.69. TopBuild Corp. has a 1 year low of $266.26 and a 1 year high of $495.68. Insider Buying and Selling TopBuild ( NYSE:BLD Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 6th. The construction company reported $4.63 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.43 by $0.20. TopBuild had a return on equity of 26.40% and a net margin of 11.66%. The business had revenue of $1.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.23 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $4.81 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that TopBuild Corp. will post 20.97 EPS for the current year. In related news, insider Steven P. Raia sold 1,738 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $310.98, for a total transaction of $540,483.24. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 7,007 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,179,036.86. This represents a 19.87% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.43% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently issued reports on BLD shares. Stephens reduced their price objective on shares of TopBuild from $340.00 to $320.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 8th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of TopBuild from $395.00 to $310.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 27th. Loop Capital reduced their price objective on shares of TopBuild from $370.00 to $360.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 8th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of TopBuild from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 26th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of TopBuild in a report on Tuesday, April 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $356.00 price objective on the stock. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $380.22. Read Our Latest Report on TopBuild TopBuild Company Profile (Free Report) TopBuild Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the installation and distribution of insulation and other building material products to the construction industry. The company operates in two segments, Installation and Specialty Distribution. It provides insulation products and accessories, glass and windows, rain gutters, garage doors, fireplaces, roofing materials, closet shelving, and other products. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for TopBuild Corp. (NYSE:BLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TopBuild Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TopBuild and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. QSM Asset Management Ltd acquired a new stake in Sealed Air Co. (NYSE:SEE Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 165,172 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $5,565,000. Sealed Air accounts for approximately 4.8% of QSM Asset Management Ltds holdings, making the stock its 16th biggest holding. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Arizona State Retirement System grew its stake in shares of Sealed Air by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 42,277 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,430,000 after purchasing an additional 348 shares during the period. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Sealed Air by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC now owns 43,450 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,470,000 after purchasing an additional 350 shares during the period. Choreo LLC grew its stake in shares of Sealed Air by 3.7% during the 4th quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 9,829 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $331,000 after purchasing an additional 351 shares during the period. Metis Global Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Sealed Air by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 9,039 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $306,000 after purchasing an additional 375 shares during the period. Finally, Truist Financial Corp grew its stake in shares of Sealed Air by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 11,794 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $399,000 after purchasing an additional 377 shares during the period. 94.40% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Sealed Air alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group set a $36.00 price target on shares of Sealed Air in a research note on Tuesday, March 4th. Mizuho lowered their price target on shares of Sealed Air from $39.00 to $32.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on shares of Sealed Air from $44.00 to $33.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Sealed Air from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 19th. Finally, UBS Group raised shares of Sealed Air from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $38.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 7th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $38.00. Insider Buying and Selling at Sealed Air In other news, Director Henry R. Keizer bought 1,120 shares of Sealed Air stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 11th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $30.00 per share, for a total transaction of $33,600.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 35,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,050,000. This trade represents a 3.31% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.41% of the stock is owned by insiders. Sealed Air Price Performance NYSE:SEE opened at $31.92 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $4.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.73 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.62. The companys 50-day moving average is $28.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $32.22. Sealed Air Co. has a 12-month low of $22.78 and a 12-month high of $41.14. Sealed Air (NYSE:SEE Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The industrial products company reported $0.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.14. The company had revenue of $1.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.27 billion. Sealed Air had a net margin of 7.34% and a return on equity of 74.21%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.78 EPS. Research analysts expect that Sealed Air Co. will post 3.05 EPS for the current year. Sealed Air Company Profile (Free Report) Sealed Air Corporation provides packaging solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It operates through two segments, Food and Protective. The Food segment offers integrated packaging materials and automation equipment solutions to provide food safety, shelf life extension, reduce food waste, automate processes, and optimize total cost for food processors in the fresh red meat, smoked and processed meats, poultry, seafood, plant-based, fluids and liquids and cheese markets under the CRYOVAC, CRYOVAC Grip & Tear, CRYOVAC Darfresh, LIQUIBOX, Simple Steps, and Optidure brands. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SEE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sealed Air Co. (NYSE:SEE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sealed Air Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sealed Air and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phocas Financial Corp. lowered its stake in Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Free Report) by 0.9% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 192,020 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 1,767 shares during the period. Portland General Electric accounts for approximately 1.1% of Phocas Financial Corp.s holdings, making the stock its 22nd biggest holding. Phocas Financial Corp.s holdings in Portland General Electric were worth $8,376,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in POR. True Wealth Design LLC bought a new stake in Portland General Electric in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. bought a new position in Portland General Electric in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. boosted its position in shares of Portland General Electric by 1,538.0% during the 4th quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 819 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 769 shares during the last quarter. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd bought a new position in shares of Portland General Electric during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $52,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Portland General Electric by 352.4% during the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,407 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $61,000 after buying an additional 1,096 shares during the period. Get Portland General Electric alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have weighed in on POR. BMO Capital Markets initiated coverage on Portland General Electric in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. They issued a market perform rating and a $46.00 target price on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Portland General Electric from $47.00 to $42.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 28th. Barclays reduced their price objective on Portland General Electric from $48.00 to $45.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. UBS Group upgraded Portland General Electric from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from $47.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Portland General Electric from $46.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, May 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $45.60. Portland General Electric Stock Up 0.5% Shares of Portland General Electric stock opened at $41.97 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22. The firm has a market cap of $4.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.94, a P/E/G ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.57. Portland General Electric has a fifty-two week low of $40.05 and a fifty-two week high of $49.85. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $42.65 and a 200 day moving average price of $43.50. Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, April 25th. The utilities provider reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $928.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $977.02 million. Portland General Electric had a return on equity of 9.10% and a net margin of 9.13%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.21 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Portland General Electric will post 3.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Portland General Electric Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, June 24th will be issued a dividend of $0.525 per share. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.00%. This is a boost from Portland General Electrics previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, June 24th. Portland General Electrics dividend payout ratio is 73.94%. Insider Activity at Portland General Electric In other Portland General Electric news, EVP Benjamin Felton sold 1,845 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.02, for a total transaction of $79,371.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 32,646 shares in the company, valued at $1,404,430.92. This trade represents a 5.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Portland General Electric (Free Report) Portland General Electric Company, an integrated electric utility company, engages in the generation, wholesale purchase, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity in the state of Oregon. It operates six thermal plants, three wind farms, and seven hydroelectric facilities. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned an electric transmission system consisting of 1,254 circuit miles, including 287 circuit miles of 500 kilovolt line, 413 circuit miles of 230 kilovolt line, and 554 miles of 115 kilovolt line; and served 934 thousand retail customers in 51 cities. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding POR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Portland General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Portland General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE:BNS Get Free Report) (TSE:BNS) released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday. The bank reported $1.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.17 by ($0.11), Zacks reports. Bank of Nova Scotia had a net margin of 10.20% and a return on equity of 11.56%. Bank of Nova Scotia Stock Up 1.1% Shares of BNS opened at $52.20 on Tuesday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $48.73 and a 200-day simple moving average of $51.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $65.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.08, a P/E/G ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.03. Bank of Nova Scotia has a 52 week low of $43.68 and a 52 week high of $57.07. Get Bank of Nova Scotia alerts: Bank of Nova Scotia Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, April 28th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, April 1st were given a dividend of $0.7415 per share. This represents a $2.97 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, April 1st. Bank of Nova Scotias dividend payout ratio is currently 83.05%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from $83.00 to $81.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 26th. Bank of America cut shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Monday, March 31st. Cibc World Mkts cut shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, February 18th. Finally, CIBC restated a neutral rating on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia in a report on Tuesday, February 18th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of Nova Scotia has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $81.00. Get Our Latest Analysis on BNS Institutional Inflows and Outflows A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Bank of Nova Scotia stock. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in The Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE:BNS Free Report) (TSE:BNS) by 111.2% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 19,096 shares of the banks stock after purchasing an additional 10,056 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLCs holdings in Bank of Nova Scotia were worth $911,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. 49.13% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Bank of Nova Scotia (Get Free Report) The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Global Banking and Markets segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Siemens Fonds Invest GmbH lifted its stake in The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Free Report) by 63.6% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 198,579 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 77,191 shares during the period. Siemens Fonds Invest GmbHs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $12,364,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Peachtree Investment Partners LLC lifted its stake in Coca-Cola by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Peachtree Investment Partners LLC now owns 11,189 shares of the companys stock valued at $697,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the last quarter. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Coca-Cola by 3.3% in the 4th quarter. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC now owns 4,993 shares of the companys stock valued at $311,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares during the last quarter. Excalibur Management Corp lifted its stake in Coca-Cola by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Excalibur Management Corp now owns 29,412 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,831,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares during the last quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Coca-Cola by 3.0% in the 4th quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,737 shares of the companys stock valued at $357,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Town & Country Bank & Trust CO dba First Bankers Trust CO lifted its stake in Coca-Cola by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Town & Country Bank & Trust CO dba First Bankers Trust CO now owns 39,198 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,440,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.26% of the companys stock. Get Coca-Cola alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently commented on KO. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $76.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 12th. Cfra Research raised shares of Coca-Cola to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Evercore ISI raised their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $72.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 12th. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $84.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $73.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Coca-Cola currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $75.81. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Coca-Cola news, insider Nikolaos Koumettis sold 55,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, March 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.01, for a total value of $3,941,055.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 246,909 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,533,008.09. This trade represents a 18.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO John Murphy sold 88,658 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.09, for a total transaction of $6,391,355.22. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 205,511 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,815,287.99. This represents a 30.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 284,469 shares of company stock worth $20,356,667. 0.97% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Coca-Cola Trading Up 0.9% KO opened at $71.81 on Tuesday. The Coca-Cola Company has a twelve month low of $60.62 and a twelve month high of $74.38. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.61. The company has a fifty day moving average of $71.14 and a 200-day moving average of $67.08. The stock has a market cap of $309.09 billion, a PE ratio of 29.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.79 and a beta of 0.47. Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $11.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.23 billion. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 22.59% and a return on equity of 45.37%. Coca-Colas revenue for the quarter was down .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.72 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.96 EPS for the current year. Coca-Cola Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 13th will be issued a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.84%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 13th. Coca-Colas payout ratio is 81.60%. About Coca-Cola (Free Report) The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc. reduced its position in shares of Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL Free Report) by 19.7% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 41,848 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 10,280 shares during the quarter. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc.s holdings in Delta Air Lines were worth $2,532,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. New Wave Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Delta Air Lines during the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Roxbury Financial LLC acquired a new stake in Delta Air Lines during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Hemington Wealth Management raised its stake in Delta Air Lines by 48.1% during the 4th quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 474 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 154 shares during the period. Crews Bank & Trust acquired a new stake in Delta Air Lines during the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Delta Air Lines by 414.4% during the 4th quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC now owns 535 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 431 shares during the period. 69.93% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Delta Air Lines Trading Down 1.2% Delta Air Lines stock opened at $47.91 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.37 and a quick ratio of 0.32. The company has a market capitalization of $31.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.99, a PEG ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 1.46. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a one year low of $34.74 and a one year high of $69.98. The companys fifty day moving average price is $44.30 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $55.77. Delta Air Lines Dividend Announcement Delta Air Lines ( NYSE:DAL Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, April 9th. The transportation company reported $0.46 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.84 by ($0.38). The business had revenue of $12.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.85 billion. Delta Air Lines had a return on equity of 30.41% and a net margin of 5.61%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.45 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.25%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, May 13th. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 10.64%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have issued reports on DAL shares. Susquehanna cut their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $80.00 to $50.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 7th. Raymond James dropped their price target on shares of Delta Air Lines from $80.00 to $62.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 2nd. Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Delta Air Lines from $80.00 to $72.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, March 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on shares of Delta Air Lines from $83.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 2nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Delta Air Lines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 8th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $62.08. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Delta Air Lines About Delta Air Lines (Free Report) Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elite Financial Inc. bought a new position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 3,030 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $322,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank of America Corp DE grew its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 20.7% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 30,881,189 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,290,391,000 after buying an additional 5,297,542 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 5.9% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 20,358,585 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,169,207,000 after buying an additional 1,138,987 shares during the period. Betterment LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 8.1% during the 4th quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 18,258,259 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,945,417,000 after buying an additional 1,371,663 shares during the period. Wells Fargo & Company MN grew its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 17.9% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 10,606,146 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,130,085,000 after buying an additional 1,608,092 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 4.2% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 10,105,962 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,076,790,000 after buying an additional 407,750 shares during the period. Get iShares National Muni Bond ETF alerts: iShares National Muni Bond ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA MUB opened at $103.75 on Tuesday. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $100.29 and a 52-week high of $108.81. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $104.18 and a 200-day moving average of $105.92. iShares National Muni Bond ETF Company Profile iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MUB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares National Muni Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares National Muni Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hill & Smith PLC (LON:HILS Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Wednesday, March 12th, DividendData.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, May 29th will be paid a dividend of GBX 32.50 ($0.44) per share on Friday, July 4th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 29th. This is a 97.0% increase from Hill & Smiths previous dividend of $16.50. The official announcement can be viewed at this link. Hill & Smith Trading Up 1.6% HILS opened at GBX 1,858 ($25.21) on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 2.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 34.30. The stocks fifty day moving average is GBX 1,776.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 1,894.43. The company has a market capitalization of 1.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.53 and a beta of 1.31. Hill & Smith has a 52 week low of GBX 1,463.97 ($19.86) and a 52 week high of GBX 2,330 ($31.61). Get Hill & Smith alerts: Hill & Smith (LON:HILS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 12th. The company reported GBX 122.60 ($1.66) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Hill & Smith had a return on equity of 17.39% and a net margin of 9.23%. Analysts forecast that Hill & Smith will post 129.1287386 earnings per share for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Shore Capital lowered shares of Hill & Smith to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 2,500 ($33.92) price target on shares of Hill & Smith in a research report on Monday, March 17th. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Hill & Smith Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Alan Giddins bought 4,225 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 12th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 1,875 ($25.44) per share, for a total transaction of 79,218.75 ($107,488.13). Also, insider Carol Chesney purchased 1,054 shares of Hill & Smith stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 14th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 1,842 ($24.99) per share, for a total transaction of 19,414.68 ($26,342.85). 1.88% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hill & Smith Company Profile (Get Free Report) Our purpose is to create sustainable infrastructure and safe transport through innovation. Hill & Smith PLC is an international group with leading positions in the supply of infrastructure products and galvanizing services to global markets. Through a focus on leading positions in niche markets we aim to consistently deliver strong returns and shareholder value. Supplying to, and located in, global markets the Group serves customers from facilities in Australia, India, Sweden, the UK and the USA, building a presence in international markets, where countries are upgrading or improving their infrastructure as their economies grow. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Hill & Smith Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hill & Smith and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KB Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:KB Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $73.96 and last traded at $73.63, with a volume of 23665 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $71.86. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of KB Financial Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 21st. Get KB Financial Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on KB KB Financial Group Trading Up 2.2% The stocks 50-day moving average price is $59.62 and its 200 day moving average price is $59.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29, a current ratio of 1.66 and a quick ratio of 1.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $28.90 billion, a PE ratio of 8.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 0.98. KB Financial Group (NYSE:KB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The bank reported $3.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.04 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $3.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.45 billion. KB Financial Group had a return on equity of 7.71% and a net margin of 12.33%. On average, sell-side analysts expect that KB Financial Group Inc. will post 8.87 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On KB Financial Group A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in KB. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in shares of KB Financial Group by 0.3% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,494,535 shares of the banks stock valued at $134,946,000 after acquiring an additional 7,386 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp boosted its position in KB Financial Group by 4.9% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 957,093 shares of the banks stock valued at $51,788,000 after acquiring an additional 44,564 shares in the last quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. boosted its position in KB Financial Group by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 844,377 shares of the banks stock valued at $45,689,000 after acquiring an additional 28,484 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in shares of KB Financial Group by 3.5% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 634,875 shares of the banks stock valued at $34,353,000 after acquiring an additional 21,672 shares during the period. Finally, Capital International Investors raised its position in shares of KB Financial Group by 7.2% in the 4th quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 512,752 shares of the banks stock worth $29,194,000 after acquiring an additional 34,585 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 11.52% of the companys stock. KB Financial Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) KB Financial Group Inc provides a range of banking and related financial services to consumers and corporations in South Korea, the United States, New Zealand, China, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and internationally. The company operates through Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Other Banking Services, Credit Card, Securities, Life Insurance, and Non-Life Insurance segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for KB Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KB Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group from $630.00 to $655.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the credit services providers stock. Jefferies Financial Groups price objective would suggest a potential upside of 14.84% from the stocks previous close. Several other research firms also recently issued reports on MA. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Mastercard from $585.00 to $625.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 4th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on Mastercard from $618.00 to $665.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, January 31st. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Friday, January 31st. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and set a $635.00 price objective (up from $591.00) on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Friday, January 31st. Finally, Barclays upped their target price on Mastercard from $595.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, February 3rd. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-three have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Mastercard has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $607.86. Get Mastercard alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Mastercard Mastercard Trading Up 1.2% Mastercard stock traded up $6.78 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $570.36. The stock had a trading volume of 352,262 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,602,948. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $540.93 and its 200-day simple moving average is $538.34. Mastercard has a one year low of $428.86 and a one year high of $588.45. The stock has a market cap of $520.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.06, a P/E/G ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The credit services provider reported $3.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.57 by $0.16. Mastercard had a return on equity of 188.47% and a net margin of 45.71%. The company had revenue of $7.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.12 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.31 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Mastercard will post 15.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Edward Grunde Mclaughlin sold 7,132 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $534.68, for a total value of $3,813,337.76. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 34,524 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,459,292.32. This represents a 17.12% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Michael Miebach sold 15,775 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $550.16, for a total value of $8,678,774.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 84,871 shares of the companys stock, valued at $46,692,629.36. This trade represents a 15.67% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 23,207 shares of company stock worth $12,664,529. Insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Mastercard A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in MA. BOS Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Mastercard by 1.7% in the first quarter. BOS Asset Management LLC now owns 1,476 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $809,000 after acquiring an additional 25 shares during the last quarter. MBL Wealth LLC raised its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. MBL Wealth LLC now owns 1,311 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $719,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Mastercard by 109.3% in the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 751,416 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $411,833,000 after purchasing an additional 392,454 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings in Mastercard by 10.9% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 9,720 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $5,328,000 after purchasing an additional 954 shares during the period. Finally, Focus Partners Wealth increased its position in Mastercard by 0.5% in the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 607,702 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $333,095,000 after buying an additional 3,001 shares during the last quarter. 97.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Mastercard Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Siemens Fonds Invest GmbH boosted its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 286.2% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 37,218 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 27,582 shares during the quarter. Siemens Fonds Invest GmbHs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $4,184,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Capital & Planning LLC raised its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 7.1% during the 4th quarter. Capital & Planning LLC now owns 2,613 shares of the companys stock valued at $318,000 after buying an additional 173 shares in the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC raised its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 31.1% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 8,531 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,027,000 after buying an additional 2,023 shares in the last quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management raised its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 39.3% during the 4th quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 10,641 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,281,000 after buying an additional 3,004 shares in the last quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 126.6% during the 4th quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,976 shares of the companys stock valued at $484,000 after buying an additional 2,221 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PFG Investments LLC raised its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 29,390 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,537,000 after buying an additional 357 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Price Performance Shares of PM stock opened at $178.23 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $277.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.52, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.50. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $163.08 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $144.39. Philip Morris International Inc. has a one year low of $98.93 and a one year high of $179.73. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $9.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.10 billion. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 7.89% and a negative return on equity of 120.08%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.50 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, April 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 20th were paid a dividend of $1.35 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 20th. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.03%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 111.34%. Insider Activity In other news, insider Lars Dahlgren sold 3,679 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $152.96, for a total transaction of $562,739.84. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 26,828 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,103,610.88. This trade represents a 12.06% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently issued reports on PM. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $163.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 18th. UBS Group raised shares of Philip Morris International from a sell rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $130.00 to $170.00 in a research report on Friday, April 25th. Needham & Company LLC assumed coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $182.00 price objective (up from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $169.20. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Philip Morris International Philip Morris International Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $196.74 and last traded at $195.88, with a volume of 346157 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $195.12. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on TRI shares. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Thomson Reuters from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. TD Securities boosted their price objective on Thomson Reuters from $177.00 to $182.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 29th. Canaccord Genuity Group increased their target price on Thomson Reuters from $164.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Thomson Reuters from $177.00 to $178.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of Thomson Reuters from $182.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $183.70. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Thomson Reuters Thomson Reuters Stock Down 0.2% The firms fifty day moving average is $180.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is $171.81. The firm has a market cap of $87.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.84, a P/E/G ratio of 5.67 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 0.94. Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The business services provider reported $1.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.05 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $1.90 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.94 billion. Thomson Reuters had a net margin of 30.45% and a return on equity of 14.62%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.11 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Thomson Reuters Co. will post 3.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. Thomson Reuters Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 15th will be given a dividend of $0.595 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 15th. This represents a $2.38 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.22%. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 49.69%. Institutional Trading of Thomson Reuters Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 139.5% during the 4th quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 8,544,503 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,370,564,000 after acquiring an additional 4,977,006 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc raised its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters by 15.7% during the first quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 5,514,492 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $951,477,000 after acquiring an additional 750,063 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Thomson Reuters by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,476,600 shares of the business services providers stock worth $945,069,000 after purchasing an additional 94,758 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Thomson Reuters by 12.2% during the 4th quarter. TD Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,764,429 shares of the business services providers stock worth $764,654,000 after purchasing an additional 516,605 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters by 1.8% in the first quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 2,537,660 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $437,985,000 after purchasing an additional 44,898 shares in the last quarter. 17.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Thomson Reuters Company Profile (Get Free Report) Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-Massachusetts) recently sold shares of State Street Co. (NYSE:STT). In a filing disclosed on May 22nd, the Representative disclosed that they had sold between $15,001 and $50,000 in State Street stock on May 16th. State Street Price Performance Shares of NYSE:STT traded up $1.25 on Tuesday, hitting $97.35. The stock had a trading volume of 2,815,688 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,138,234. State Street Co. has a twelve month low of $70.20 and a twelve month high of $103.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a current ratio of 0.56. The firms 50 day moving average price is $88.36 and its 200-day moving average price is $93.93. The company has a market capitalization of $27.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 1.42. Get State Street alerts: State Street (NYSE:STT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 17th. The asset manager reported $2.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.98 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $3.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.30 billion. State Street had a net margin of 12.14% and a return on equity of 12.60%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.69 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that State Street Co. will post 9.68 earnings per share for the current year. State Street Announces Dividend Hedge Funds Weigh In On State Street The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 11th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 1st will be paid a $0.76 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, July 1st. This represents a $3.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.12%. State Streets dividend payout ratio is presently 34.12%. A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of STT. Eastern Bank boosted its holdings in shares of State Street by 6,967.4% in the 1st quarter. Eastern Bank now owns 2,989,452 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $267,646,000 after buying an additional 2,947,153 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of State Street in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $161,021,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in shares of State Street by 236.3% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,309,130 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $226,642,000 after buying an additional 1,622,408 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in shares of State Street in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $93,016,000. Finally, FMR LLC boosted its holdings in shares of State Street by 14.2% in the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 6,983,607 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $685,441,000 after buying an additional 870,849 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.44% of the companys stock. Insider Activity In other State Street news, CAO Elizabeth Schaefer sold 1,300 shares of State Street stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.72, for a total transaction of $117,936.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,354 shares of the companys stock, valued at $667,154.88. The trade was a 15.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.29% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have weighed in on STT shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price objective on State Street from $118.00 to $113.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 21st. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on State Street from $139.00 to $132.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 2nd. Citigroup lowered their price target on State Street from $105.00 to $100.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, March 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $98.00 price target on State Street and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their price target on State Street from $109.00 to $106.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, State Street currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $102.15. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on State Street About Representative Auchincloss Jake Auchincloss (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Massachusetts 4th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2021. His current term ends on January 3, 2027. Auchincloss (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Massachusetts 4th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election. Jake Auchincloss was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Auchincloss served in the United States Marine Corps from 2010 to 2015 and reached the rank of captain. He earned an undergraduate degree from Harvard College in 2010 and a graduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2016. Auchincloss career experience includes working as a product manager with a cybersecurity startup and as a senior manager for new products with Solaria Labs at Liberty Mutual Insurance. State Street Company Profile (Get Free Report) State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company offers investment servicing products and services, including custody, accounting, regulatory reporting, investor, and performance and analytics; middle office products, such as IBOR, transaction management, loans, cash, derivatives and collateral, record keeping, and client reporting and investment analytics; finance leasing; foreign exchange, and brokerage and other trading services; securities finance and enhanced custody products; deposit and short-term investment facilities; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for State Street Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for State Street and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profitability This table compares hopTo and Cangos net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets hopTo N/A N/A N/A Cango 51.90% 3.55% 3.02% Earnings & Valuation This table compares hopTo and Cangos gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get hopTo alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio hopTo $3.91 million 0.11 $120,000.00 N/A N/A Cango $1.79 billion 0.28 -$5.33 million ($0.02) -242.00 Institutional and Insider Ownership hopTo has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Cango. 4.2% of Cango shares are owned by institutional investors. 46.0% of hopTo shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 29.1% of Cango shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Risk and Volatility hopTo has a beta of 2.92, suggesting that its stock price is 192% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Cango has a beta of 0.66, suggesting that its stock price is 34% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Cango beats hopTo on 6 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About hopTo (Get Free Report) hopTo Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops and sells application publishing software in the United States, Brazil, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company's application publishing software includes application virtualization and cloud computing software for a range of computer operating systems, including Windows, UNIX, and various Linux-based variants. It provides its application publishing software solutions under the GO-Global brand name. The company offers GO-Global, an application access solution that provides cross-platform remote access and Web-enabled access to existing software applications, as well as the deployment of secure and private cloud environments for use and/or resale by independent software vendors, corporate enterprises, governmental and educational institutions, and others. Its GO-Global software products comprise GO-Global for Windows that allows access to Windows-based applications from remote locations and Internet connections; GO-Global for UNIX, which allows access to UNIX and Linux-based applications from remote locations, and Internet and connections; and GO-Global Client that allows remote application access from various local, remote, and mobile platforms, including Windows, Linux, UNIX, Apple OS X and iOS, and Google Android. The company sells its products through resellers, such as original equipment manufacturers, system integrators, value-added resellers, and distributors. It serves small to medium-sized companies, departments within large corporations, governmental and educational institutions, and independent software vendors. The company was formerly known as GraphOn Corporation and changed its name to hopTo Inc. in September 2013. hopTo Inc. was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Concord, New Hampshire. About Cango (Get Free Report) Cango Inc. operates an automotive transaction service platform that connects dealers, original equipment manufacturers, financial institutions, car buyers, insurance brokers, and companies in the People's Republic of China. The company offers automobile trading solutions comprising car sourcing, transaction facilitation, logistics, and warehousing support for dealers through Cango Haoche app that offers new car transaction services, and Cango U-Car app that offers used-car transaction services. It also provides automotive financing facilitation services that include facilitating financing transactions from financial institutions to car buyers, which comprises credit origination, credit assessment, credit servicing, and delinquent asset management services; facilitating financing transactions of car purchases for car buyers; and after-market services to car buyers, which includes facilitating the sale of insurance policies from insurance brokers or companies. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China. Receive News & Ratings for hopTo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for hopTo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DNB Bank ASA (OTCMKTS:DNBBY Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $28.22 and last traded at $27.96, with a volume of 24642 shares. The stock had previously closed at $27.34. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently commented on DNBBY shares. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of DNB Bank ASA in a research report on Wednesday, May 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of DNB Bank ASA in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Barclays restated an overweight rating on shares of DNB Bank ASA in a research report on Thursday, March 6th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating on shares of DNB Bank ASA in a research report on Friday, March 7th. Get DNB Bank ASA alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on DNB Bank ASA DNB Bank ASA Stock Up 2.3% The stocks 50-day moving average is $25.38 and its 200-day moving average is $22.82. The stock has a market cap of $43.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.45 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.57. DNB Bank ASA (OTCMKTS:DNBBY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 7th. The company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.63 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $2.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.24 billion. DNB Bank ASA had a net margin of 20.70% and a return on equity of 15.79%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that DNB Bank ASA will post 2.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. DNB Bank ASA Cuts Dividend The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 16th. Investors of record on Monday, May 5th were given a $1.2311 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 2nd. This represents a yield of 4.76%. DNB Bank ASAs dividend payout ratio is presently 42.55%. About DNB Bank ASA (Get Free Report) DNB Bank ASA provides financial services for individual and business customers in Norway and internationally. The company offers savings, current, and pension accounts; fixed rate and security deposits; home and cabin mortgages, car and consumer loans, business loans, and refinancing; car, house, home contents, travel, personal, and non-life insurance product; payment services; and online and mobile banking services, as well as cards. Read More Receive News & Ratings for DNB Bank ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DNB Bank ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Right now biz lady, celeb and Insta hottie Lindsey inspires our latest look at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City Drama Debuts Unicorn Theatre brings Shakespearian tragedy to a backyard BBQ in Fat Ham Photo by Don Ipock My overhanded complaint that KC theatre simply has too many great productions going on simultaneously is renewed again this month, as standing tentpole shows overlap with a firehose of edgy, clinically masterminded 'new voice' or 'theatre lab' shows. Show-Me Dead-Tree Journalism 'They're not big and chewy': Missouri village revives popular Testicle Festival After a five-year hiatus, Olean, Missouri has brought back its popular Testicle Festival that draws hundreds of foodies to the tiny village east of Kansas City. Rock Chalk Care Coming Soon Construction begins on ground-breaking cancer care complex in Kansas City Construction has begun on a multi-million dollar cancer care complex expected to save patients money and time in the Kansas City metro. Data Sparks Debate In The Dotte Massive Wyandotte County proposed data center campus focus of special session The issue will be the focus of a special session for the Unified Government's Planning Commission Wednesday evening. Living In Local Harmony Turkish cellist Ezgi Karakus puts down roots in KC Turkish cellist Ezgi Karakus puts her roots down in Kansas City. Here's how she started playing for KC's Ensemble Iberica. Hottie Shares Lovelorn Life Lindsey Pelas In Plunging Braless Dress Is 'Looking For The One' Bikini bombshell Lindsey Pelas is thrilling fans in her braless white dress as she stuns the camera while looking for "the one." MAGA Thinks Midterms Trump's 5-step push to keep GOP control of the House in '26 Trump allies believe - with good reason - that a Democrat-controlled House would launch investigations of the president and move to impeach him. Still Selling Hope?!? Obama world loses its shine in a changing, hurting Democratic Party Obama White House and campaign alumni have been setting the course of the Democratic Party for years. After 2024, more Democrats want to see that change. Constant MAGA Comparison Trump is 'remarkably like' 1930s far-right fascists, billionaire investor warns Ray Dalio writes in book president wants to 'dictate' Maga policies and calls his skirting of democratic norms more 'aggressive' than Andrew Jackson and FDR Big Guy Legacy Forever Biden's Education Secretary - Who Pushed Men Into Women's Sports - Announces New Gig Former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has reportedly started an consulting firm where he plans on advising states on education policy. Republicans Fear Funny Money GOP fears Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' is 'debt bomb' The fiscal impact of President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," which one prominent budget hawk called a "debt bomb," is becoming a significant political concern among Republican lawmaker... Vlad Confronts More Firepower Germany's chancellor ends weapons range limits for Ukraine despite Russian nuclear threats Germany lifts range restrictions on weapons to Ukraine, allowing attacks on Russian military positions. Chancellor Merz emphasizes Western support amid conflict. Holy Land Help On The Way New US-backed group says it has begun aid distribution in Gaza The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says Palestinians have collected supplies, though the scale is unclear. King Chuck Against US?!? King Charles III visits Canada in apparent pushback against Trump's annexation threats King Charles III on Monday arrived in Ottawa for a historic visit that is widely seen as a pushback against US President Donald Trump's repeated threats to make Canada the 51st US state. During his visit,... Off Her Chest I hated massive boobs - but had to go abroad for risky op when no one would help A MUM with massive boobs dangling "down to her stomach" was forced to travel over a thousand miles for a risky operation when no one would help. Zara Armstrong, 39, flew to Lithuania an... Big Bucks For Golden Ghetto Johnson County presents initial $1.9B budget for 2026 Johnson County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson described the preliminary 2026 budget as "very responsible" as the county faces a cloudy fiscal forecast. Soggy Spingtime Takes Hold FIRST WARN FORECAST: More rain possible this week, along with more unusually cool weather The two main headlines recently have been the wet weather and the abnormally cool temperatures. Post Sex Nachos - Walk Away is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. The "vice" money still spends the same . . . But legislators are a bit embarrassed & worried that Missouri doesn't have more money locked-in for the troops. Here are the basics . . . Missouri Veterans Commission has received $80 million from marijuana sales taxes since 2020, primarily used for operational costs of veterans homes. While helpful, the marijuana funds offset declining casino revenue, leaving long-term funding for veterans homes uncertain. Legislators express concerns about relying on "vices" like marijuana and gambling to fund veterans programs and seek more stable funding solutions. Despite funding challenges, bipartisan support exists for ensuring adequate resources for Missouri's veterans homes. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Actually . . . It was local tax fighter Preston Smith who told everybody about this deal ON THE RECORD. However . . . Mainstream news documentation is important to consider even it was offered during the holiday dead zone. Check-it . . . Jackson County must retroactively recalculate a baseline for 2025 residential assessments that rolls back assessments values for many properties across the county under a new order that the State Tax Commission, or STC, published Thursday. The latest Order Regarding Jackson County 2025 Residential Property Tax Assessments directs County Assessor Gail McCann Beattys office to reset the 2023 assessment to no more than 15% of 2022 assessed values. Then, using that as a new baseline for the 2023-24 tax years, Jackson County must limit property reassessments for 2025 to no more than 15% of the recalculated value. Jackson Countys legal department has assured the STC in writing it will comply with the new order, STC Chief Counsel Gregory Allsberry said Monday via text. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Jackson County agrees to follow Missouri State Tax Commission order on 2023 reassessment Jackson County has agreed to follow the Missouri State Tax Commission's superseding order, which was issued last week, regarding the 2023 property reassessment debacle. Jackson County homeowners could see tax relief under new state order A new Missouri State Tax Commission order may reduce 2025 property taxes in Jackson County by capping increases based on 2022 values. Developing . . . . . . . By Nicole Lyons, May 27, 2025 Families across west central Missouri are invited to tag along on a space adventure this summer as the Central Missouri Repertory Theatre (CMR) at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) presents Space Kids. The 2025 season marks the 40th anniversary of CMR bringing live childrens theatre productions to west central Missouri. Space Kids is about two teenagers who find themselves on the adventure of a lifetime when they accidentally travel to a distant, strange planet. To get home, the pair must navigate this dangerous new world. Along the way, they discover things about who they are and the importance of family. It is an exciting, humorous and endearing new play for young audiences, written and directed by Dr. Aaron Scully, assistant professor of Theatre. Space Kids is appropriate for all ages and runs about 40 minutes. I really wanted to explore two things: identity and family, and how important our family is in shaping who we become as people, which I think is something that we take for granted sometimes, Scully said of his inspiration for Space Kids. However different we may feel from others, there is a familiarity we have with family that provides a home when other places may feel strange. Beyond that, I love science fiction and adventure and wanted to take our audiences on a journey that is original, thrilling and funny! Space Kids will be on tour in June at several sites in west central Missouri. Public performances include 10 a.m. June 4 at the Farris Theatre in Richmond, 10:30 a.m. June 5 at Legacy Park Amphitheater in Lees Summit, 10 a.m. June 9 at the Highlander Theatre at UCM in Warrensburg, and 10 a.m. June 11 at The Lex in Lexington. Admission is free. The company includes Raegan Weber as Lisa, Trae Selemaea as Jimmy and John Plasencio as Dad/Oracle/Maulingobler. The crew includes Director/Production Manager/Playwright Dr. Aaron Scully, Stage Manager Chris Schilligo, Scenic Designer/Technical Director Hannah Vath, Costume/Hair/Makeup Designer Cassie Kay Hoppas, Sound Designer Gabe Sokolowski, Sound Engineer Aleksandra Combs and Public Relations/Social Media Manager Madison Keep. The Central Missouri Repertory Theatre is made possible by generous donations from the Wetzel Family Foundation, individual donors and UCM Theatre and Dance, with public support from the Missouri Arts Council. For more information, visit ucmo.edu/theatre or contact Scully at ascully@ucmo.edu. May 27 2025 A Glasgow mosque has presented revised plans for an entrance and ablutions extension on Dixon Avenue, Crosshill, after a previous planning attempt failed to garner council support. Al-Farooq Education and Community Centre (AFECC) had proposed to augment the B-listed former Hutchesontown Free Church with a single storey extension - contrary to a planning principle of not extending to the front of a listed building. Subsequent discussions have arrived at a compromise solution where the extension will be scaled back, with a projecting canopy kept to its minimum extent and the use of a more svelte timber structure. Other changes include reducing the 'visual weight' of the eaves and reinstating the original secondary entrance doors. Project architect Lee Boyd stress that an extension is necessary to improve accessibility and move wash facilities outside the main building on religious grounds. It is further argued that the corner positioning naturally weakens the prominence of the principle facade. The architects wrote: "The building is a rare typology, certainly with respect to other local churches of a similar age, where its processional entrance is to the side of the nave, rather than centred on its axis. "At AFECC this departure from symmetry with a focus on the corner of the building is reinforced by the positioning of the tower. The tower and the processional entrance porch are linked so that after entry, users move through the floor of the tower before turning at 90 degrees to enter the nave. The impact of this is that whilst the architectural modellling of the building is impressive and varied, both street facing elevations have important roles in its composition." The design intent remains as before, to erect a contemporary addition to a traditional building with a geometric flat roof to avoid competition. Small-business owners will have an opportunity to learn about the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) construction bonding process during a series of webinars in July. Various business experts will head the U.S. DOT West Central Summer Bonding Education Program, a series of webinars scheduled 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday, July 8-10, and Tuesday-Wednesday, July 15-16. To register, go here. The classes are free to attend for qualified businesses. Wyoming APEX Accelerator, part of the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network housed at the University of Wyoming, is the states expert in government contracting assistance. It was decided by the team to add this to our calendar because our APEX Accelerator team currently does not offer any assistance with bonding, says Tyler Schanck, marketing, communication and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network. They felt it is a good resource for clients to be aware of. The webinars will cover access to capital, bonding, construction accounting, construction legal, contracts, estimating, marketing, project management, strategic planning and surety. The program is designed to take businesses to the next level. Stakeholders include Connect2DOT, Denver International Airport, Regional Transportation District-Denver, Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah DOT, Utah APEX Accelerator, Utah Transit Authority and the HOYA Foundation. For more information, call Schanck at (307) 343-0925 or email tschanck@uwyo.edu. The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is supported by state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was admitted to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday due to fatigue, though his office insisted the world's longest-serving monarch was in "good health". The sultan is in Kuala Lumpur with other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders, who on Tuesday met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and dignitaries from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). A Malaysian government source told AFP the sultan "was hospitalised in between the ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-GCC-China summit" for fatigue. A statement from the Brunei prime minister's office -- a position held by the sultan -- said he was in "good health". "He has been feeling tired and on the advice of the host's health experts, has decided to rest for a few days at the National Heart Institute," it said. Asked earlier at a news conference whether the sultan had been hospitalised, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said: "Well he's feeling a bit tired, so he's resting at the (National Heart Institute)." The hospital is the designated one for VIPs during the ASEAN summit, AFP's source said. The National Heart Institute said it could not comment. - Busy schedule - The 78-year-old sultan touched down in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, according to footage from Malaysia's national news agency. He was the last leader to arrive at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on Monday morning for the 46th ASEAN summit, but appeared in good spirits, smiling and stopping for a prolonged chat before heading into the venue with Anwar. The busy schedule saw the leaders address US tariffs, the Myanmar conflict, and East Timor's application to join the bloc among other topics. After a quick costume change into matching traditional batik shirts, the leaders returned to the KLCC for a lavish gala dinner, joined by Premier Li and dignitaries from the GCC -- a regional bloc made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Tuesday saw ASEAN meet first with the GCC in the morning, before the two blocs were joined by China at 3pm local time (0700 GMT). Footage taken by AFP around midday showed the sultan walking briskly but looking weary, surrounded by his entourage. Sultan Hassanal ascended the throne in 1967. He is one of the richest people on the planet, and comes from a family that has ruled Brunei, a small Muslim nation perched on the north of the tropical island of Borneo, for more than 600 years. His decades ruling Brunei have seen the country gain full independence from Britain and living standards soar to among the highest globally. But his reign has also been marked by controversies including the introduction of tough Islamic laws legislating penalties such as severing of limbs and death by stoning. llk-reb/dhw We know nothing about the content of the negotiations the Trump administration has conducted with the Yemeni Ansar Allah, and we know only a very small amount about those it is conducting with Iran, Israel, and Russia. We know nothing more than a few statements here and there, not intended to make us understand whats happening, but rather to keep those who oppose peace at a distance and reassure those who hope for it. Furthermore, the negotiating method of this business leader turned head of state, like Donald Trump, is dizzying. He strives to evoke incoherent positions and maintain none, simply to shake up his partners in the hope of getting their assets out of their pockets. This method, which has nothing diplomatic about it, ignores the underlying causes of conflicts. It only acknowledges what each side complains about. Ultimately, it can lead to agreements that some signatories might accept at the moment, but later regret. In any case, we must act quickly. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, even though they have diminished in intensity, continue to kill and destroy. The sensational announcements that this or that war could have been resolved in a few days have already run up against harsh realities. True diplomats and true warriors dont aim to win over others, but to live with them. They cant get along with business leaders who want to be the best, but they can solve problems with the help of those who intend to produce what can be useful to others. Donald Trump is of this ilk. However, the current problems are not Russian, but primarily American. This could also be the case with Palestine and Iran. Making progress on the Ukrainian conflict requires, first and foremost, not changing the Russian point of view, but addressing the unconditional support of some Westerners for the "integral nationalists," historical allies of the Nazis. It quickly became clear to the Trump team that the Russian claim to denazify Ukraine was not a war propaganda invention [1]. There are several hundred monuments to the glory of Reich collaborators in Ukraine, not to mention buildings and avenues bearing their names [2]. Reading the works of Dmytro Dontsov, particularly his book (Nationalism), is now mandatory in the Ukrainian armed forces; a work equivalent to Adolf Hitlers Mein Kampf (My Struggle) [3]. The most important church in Ukraine was banned because it recognizes the authority of the Patriarch of Moscow. Several million books were burned because they were written in Russian, that evil language, or because they were written by Russian authors, such as Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837) or Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910). All opposition political parties have been banned, and the current president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has banned new elections by extending the martial law that prohibits them every three months. To address this issue, Donald Trump must give the Ukrainians something in return. He chose to question the savagery Russia displays when it is certain it is right, which it is. The Western press chose to focus only on the passage where the US president wonders if Vladimir Putin has gone mad. But in the same post, he also denounced Volodymyr Zelenskys speech. He thus equated the Russian presidents cruelty with the Ukrainian leaders bad faith. It is important to realize that while emotionally he gives the Ukrainians the upper hand, politically he gives it to the Russians. It turns out that we belong to a civilization where emotion has replaced reason. We mourn with the fundamental nationalists, believing we share the suffering of the Ukrainians. However, in time, we will recognize the facts and turn against the fundamental nationalists we support today, or even against Ukrainians in general, because we will be ashamed of our current positions. This is the way of history: we always return to positions we can be proud of. Vladimir Putin has already anticipated our reversal. According to him, the European Unions unilateral coercive measures will not last. We will eventually return to our former loves, when we celebrated Franco-Russian friendship. This is why he is holding back his army, whose military superiority would have allowed him to capture Odessa long ago and thus complete the reconstruction of the old Russia. This is whats at stake now. Territorial boundaries matter little compared to relationships between people. Material issues are always secondary to individual freedom. The people living in Ukraine will have no trouble accepting the partition of their country once they are freed from the pressure exerted on them by the fascists who massacred their great-grandparents. Donald Trump knew nothing about the history of Russia and Ukraine, but hes learning quickly. He no longer believes the Western delusions that Moscow wants to invade Ukraine, and then the rest of Europe. Nor does he believe the delusions of Kaja Kallas and the Balts, for whom Russia is a "prison of peoples" that must be dismembered. Similarly, Donald Trump knew nothing about the history of Israel and Iran, but he learned that the revisionist Zionists of Yitzak Shamir organized SAVAK, the political police of the Shah, Reza Pahlevi, and his Prime Minister, the Nazi General Fazlollah Zahedi, who had just left British jails after the overthrow of Mohammad Mossadegh [4]. It is difficult to admit, but yes, the terrible SAVAK was organized by Israeli Jews, revisionist Zionists, in the service of a Nazi general [5], just as it is difficult to admit that the Ukrainian integral nationalists killed many more of their compatriots than foreign enemies. Donald Trump and his negotiator, Steve Witkoff, have understood that what is at stake in the Middle East is not military nuclear power (even if it is Israel and not Iran that has the bomb), but the second round of crimes committed by the Shahs regime with the discreet support of certain Israelis. Gordon Deegan A 61-year-old Ukrainian national who has four sons fighting in the war against the Russians, stabbed a man in the buttocks at a direct provision centre in north Clare, a court has heard. In the incident at the Burren Hostel, Doolin Rd, Lisdoonvarna, on November 28th 2023, Petro Drima stabbed Ukrainian, Oleksandr Lozyuk, in a row sparked by Mr Lozyuks refusal to give the key to his bedroom to Mr Drima, who was with a woman at the time. At the time, Mr Lozyuk lived in his own room at the hostel while Mr Drima lived in shared accommodation there. In the case, Mr Drima has pleaded guilty to the assault causing harm to Mr Lozyuk. At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford said that it was a serious offence. He said that Mr Lozyuk had left the fight and the altercation, but that Mr Drima stabbed him from behind in the buttocks. Judge Comerford said that the injury sustained by Mr Lozyuk isnt insignificant it is quite wide 5cm - and deep, 3cm. Judge Comerford said that the custodial threshold is reached due to the seriousness of the offending is concerned. In evidence, Garda Brion Dolan said that Mr Lozyuk was preparing potatoes in the kitchen of the hostel on the night when Mr Drima approached him. Garda Dolan said: Mr Drima asked the injured party for the key to his bedroom so that Mr Drima could bring a lady back. Garda Dolan said that Mr Lozyuk refused to hand over the bedroom keys and there was an argument between both parties. After the initial argument, Mr Drima shortly after produced the knife where he stabbed Mr Lozyuk in the buttocks as he walked up the stairs. The Garda said that at Garda interview, Mr Drima did express dislike for the injured party. Garda Dolan said that Mr Lozuyk and the accused shared a room at the hostel and Mr Lozyuk was moved to his own room because of his snoring and his own behaviour". Garda Dolan said that Mr Drima had arrived in Ireland after he left Ukraine following his discharge from the Ukrainian army on reaching his 60th birthday in the Summer of 2023. Prior to the war, Mr Drima had an agri business in Kherson in Ukraine and was working an an agri-worker in north Clare at the time of the November 2023 incident. Garda Dolan said that Mr Drima received an eight-year, six-month prison term in 2009 in the Russian city of Belgorod for theft and robbery. Mr Drima was released in October 2016, and counsel for Mr Drima, Patrick Whyms BL (instructed by solicitor Tara Godfrey), said that Mr Drima denies all wrongdoing concerning the robbery offence and said that he was targeted by the Russians because he is Ukrainian. Mr Whyms said that Mr Drima has spoken about the stress of the war, including the impact of shelling. In a Garda interview, Mr Whyms said that at the time of the incident, Mr Drima said that he was thinking about Ukraine, my mother, my sons in the war, my life and my soul. After being initially charged, Mr Drima spent time in custody after bail was refused in the district court, and he subsequently secured bail in the High Court. Judge Comerford adjourned sentencing to allow a psychiatric report to be carried out on Mr Drima and adjourned the case to May 30th to fix a date for sentencing. Judge Comerford further remanded Mr Drima on bail. Author Orla Mackey received a warm welcome at Ardkeen Library last weekend. The writer appeared to talk about her debut novel ' Mouthing', a portrait of small-town Ireland throughout the generations. She spoke with Fiona Foskin, Executive Librarian with Waterford Libraries. The event was part of the Writers at Waterford Libraries programme which will feature Andrea Carter in Lismore Library in June and Sheila OFlanagan in Tramore Library in July. Fiona Foskin Executive Librarian Waterford Libraries, Orla Mackey, author and Lauren from Book Centre Waterford 'Mouthing' follows a set of characters from mid-century rural Ireland to the present day. The reader follows these characters in their small triumphs and losses over the span of decades. It depicts the town of Ballyrowan as a place of petty grievances, schadenfreude and gossip. To find out more about the upcoming Writers at Waterford Libraries, check out waterfordlibraries.com. South East Technological University (SETU) has emerged as the leading technological university in Ireland for securing Horizon Europe research funding, drawing down a total of 12.79 million to date. A spokesperson for the university told Waterford News & Star and waterford-news.ie that it positions SETU at the forefront of European-funded research and innovation among Irelands technological universities. Horizon Europe is the EUs key funding programme for research and innovation, tackling climate change, helping to achieve the UNs Sustainable Development Goals and boosting the EUs competitiveness and growth. The spokesperson said SETUs strong performance underlines the Universitys growing international profile, research excellence and ability to deliver high-impact outcomes in partnership with European collaborators. The 12.79 million drawdown is the result of strategic leadership and expertise across a range of disciplines. She said the university's strong Horizon Europe performance is underpinned by contributions from researchers across the university. Among those leading large-scale, EU-funded projects as coordinators are; Dr Deirdre Kilbane, Director of Research, Walton Institute; Dr Indrakshi Dey, Head of the Programmable Autonomous Systems (PAS) Division, Walton Institute; Professor John Wells, Head (Waterford) Faculty of Health Sciences; James Clarke, Strategic EU Liaison Manager, Walton Institute, and Gary McManus, Research Project Manager, Walton Institute. "Their leadership in coordinating Horizon Europe projects reflects the Universitys capability to manage complex international consortia and drive innovation on a global scale," said the spokesperson. "In addition to these lead coordinators, many other SETU researchers play vital roles as partners in Horizon Europe projects across a diverse range of thematic areas," she added. Those areas include sustainability and health to advanced manufacturing and digital technologies. Speaking about the achievement, Prof Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said: This remarkable success is a testament to the calibre of our researchers, the strength of our research environment and SETUs ambition to be a leader in impactful, international collaboration." "Horizon Europe funding is highly competitive and this level of success reflects our capacity to lead major initiatives that deliver real societal and economic value," she added. Prof Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact at SETU, added: Horizon Europe is about addressing the worlds most pressing challenges - climate action, digital transformation, health equity and more." "Our researchers are not just contributing to these solutions, they are leading them," she said. "This funding supports SETUs mission to deliver excellent, engaged and inclusive research that serves our region and beyond. Much of SETUs Horizon Europe success is led by Walton Institute, a principal contributor to research and innovation within the University, focused on information and communication technologies. Projects led by Walton Institute span areas such as artificial intelligence, future networks, and strategic digital transformation - highlighting SETUs strength in future-focused ICT. Dr Kevin Doolin, Executive Director of the Walton Institute commented: "These most recent results reflect Walton Institute's consistent drive for excellence across multiple EU funding streams and is a testament to the continued strong performance of Walton staff. In addition to scientific leadership, SETUs project management capacity and international partnerships have played a key role in this success and SETU continues to build strong consortia across Europe, engaging with SMEs, public bodies and community stakeholders to translate research into meaningful outcomes. Meanwhile, the university's spokesperson said that as SETU continues to expand its research activity across its campuses, Horizon Europe remains a key strategic priority for securing further funding, deepening international partnerships, and addressing major societal and industry challenges. Students in one secondary school in County Waterford recently showcased their caring nature in exemplary and creative way. The Transition Year, Young SVP students in St Declan's Community School worked hard over the last few months creating a 'buddy bench' for Seafield National School in Stradbally. A spokesperson for the school told Waterford News & Star and waterford-news.ie that deliver of the bench brought great pride to the school. "The students delivered the bench to great excitement from the pupils of Seafield School," said the spokesperson. "Well done to everyone involved," she added. By Rebecca Black, PA Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill has urged the Taoiseach to rectify an anomaly by allowing Irish citizens in Northern Ireland to vote in presidential elections. It comes after the Northern Ireland Assembly voted last month to back extending the right to vote in elections for president of Ireland to all Irish citizens on the island of Ireland. The motion, proposed by Sinn Fein MLAs, was passed by 46 votes to 25. It comes just months ahead of the next Irish presidential election due to take place later this year following the end of Michael D Higgins term. Ms ONeill was asked by Sinn Fein MLA Declan Kearney during Executive Office questions on Tuesday for the assessment of the motion by the office she shares with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. First Minister Michelle ONeill with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms ONeill replied: There is no agreed position on this issue. Mr Kearney went on to ask whether Ms ONeill agreed that the extension of voting rights in Irish presidential elections for Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland should be taken forward as a matter of priority by this Irish government. Ms ONeill said that was her personal view on the issue, adding that she has written to Taoiseach Micheal Martin. I think the outcome of that debate and the vote that was put in this Assembly chamber certainly was decisive in terms of the support of the elected members of this chamber in terms of voting in the presidential election, she said. This is obviously my personal view on this, but I actually took the time then to actually write to the Taoiseach to inform them of the fact that this was something that was endorsed here in this Assembly chamber, and I think that its time for the Irish government to certainly correct what has been a deficit in terms of our democratic right to vote in this election. And I think that we encourage, and continue to encourage, that the Taoiseach moves to rectify what is an anomaly in terms of our citizens in the north the fact that you can stand for election in the north, but you cant vote in that election. I dont think thats a tenable or credible argument. It is 12 years beyond the constitutional convention that was held when participants at that convention overwhelmingly endorsed the extension of this franchise, and now the majority view in this house is that this is something that needs to be endorsed in terms of the extension to citizens who live here in the north. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has insisted he wants the Port of Darwin returned to Australian ownership, as an American private equity firm makes a play to buy the strategically significant asset from its Chinese owners. Both Labor and the Coalition announced during the election campaign that they would move to strip Chinese firm Landbridge of its controversial 99-year lease of the port, which sits directly opposite Darwins Larrakeyah Defence Precinct. The government says it wants the Port of Darwin returned to Australian hands. Credit: Getty Images The prospect of a forced divestiture has angered Beijing, which feels Chinese companies are being unfairly singled out for punishment over national security concerns. Loading Albanese also downplayed the prospect of joining any international effort to impose sanctions on leading Israeli politicians over the war in Gaza and settlement building in the occupied West Bank, despite a call from Labor elder statesman Gareth Evans to sanction Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two of his far-right cabinet members. Asked if he would support a bid by US investment firm Cerberus to buy the port, Albanese told reporters: Weve said we want to see it in Australian hands. I notice this speculation which is there, but well examine the process. Were determined to make sure its in the national interest for it to be in Australian hands. Read the full story here. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit The development of a data centre in Killala is on hold after an appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanala. Dr Colin Doyle from Ennis, Co Clare, who along with best-selling Mayo author Sally Rooney was among the objectors to the data centre during the planning process, has lodged a third-party appeal over Mayo County Councils decision to grant planning permission for the facility to AVAIO Digital, a US-based investment firm. In his original submission to Mayo County Council, Dr Doyle said he had significant concerns over the climate impact the proposed 29,000 sq m data centre may have. My main concern is indirect greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and the resulting impact on climate in the national context. The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) submitted by the applicant concluded that the climate impact would be not significant, he said in his original objection. However, in my considered opinion the proposed development would in fact have at least a major adverse climate impact." Dr Doyle has previously lodged appeals in relation to the proposed development of other data centres including an Amazon facility in Dublin and a facility on the outskirts of Ennis. Local councillor Jarlath Munnelly said he respects the appeals process but is disappointed the project will now be held up. It is disappointing, this is a project that has great potential for north Mayo. I respect peoples right to object but it is frustrating when the objection isnt coming from someone in the locality, he said. There is huge potential to power this facility and the whole region with renewable energy and Im not talking about putting windmills everywhere but progressing plans for offshore energy. In an interview with the Western People earlier this month, Principal of AVAIO Digital John Malone said he acknowledged concerns about the data centres power demands but said they do not intend to be a stressor on the grid. When we build a data centre, we build with 100% of our grid connection as backup. Were going to have 60 megawatts of on-site generation." What that means is in times of real grid strength, we can produce our own power and so we will, by definition, not be a stressor on the grid at times of real high demand because we can meet that demand ourselves. Local entrepreneur and founder of House of Achill, Anna Sutcliffe, who specialises in handcrafted products inspired by the island and the Wild Atlantic Way, has received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI). Established by NBI Chairman, David McCourt, RISE has awarded over 140 cash grants across the country to rural organisations seeking to boost their digital ecosystems. The fund is further supported by corporate sponsors including KN Circet, KPMG, Test Triangle, DreamDev Technologies, and TLI Group. With a passion for empowering island-based businesses and nurturing a vibrant network of artisans, Anna has spearheaded the creation of a groundbreaking Island Guild together with the Design and Crafts Council Island (DCCI), which is set to launch later this year to serve as a platform to elevate unique craftsmanship of Irelands islands. Receiving the cash grant from the RISE Community Fund, Anna is looking to expand her business online in anticipation for soon having access to word-class fibre broadband through NBIs rollout of the National Broadband Plan. Like so many of Irelands amazing islands, Achill is home to an incredible number of talented and creative artisan producers," said Anna. "At House of Achill, weve successfully built our business by combining our passion for quality artisan products with being active in championing island communities. Knowing that NBIs rollout across the island is underway, its exciting to plan for expanding our business by embracing opportunities to grow our reach online. Were currently creating a new website with more sophisticated functionality that will not only increase our sales, but also support e-networking for other artisan producers. With this grant from RISE, were able to invest in taking our business to the next level. Some 2,500 premises on Achill Island will imminently be able to connect to the NBI network. David McCourt, Chairman of NBI and founder of RISE, explained why he was keen to visit the area and give back to the community with these grants. At NBI we have the privilege of meeting so many incredible people who help make their rural communities thrive and Anna from House of Achill is a perfect example. Were delighted to support Anna with her goals to use technology to scale the impact of her business by awarding this grant from the RISE Community Fund, and were excited to soon welcome her, and other Achill residents, onto the NBI network in the coming weeks. With over 125,000 rural residents, farms, schools and businesses already connected by NBI, Anna is going to join those who are seeing the transformational benefits of high-speed fibre broadband thanks to the National Broadband Plan. NBI is reminding Achill residents that, like Anna, they can also place their order for high-speed fibre broadband which is currently being rolled out across the island by visiting www.nbi.ie. There will be a fascinating talk at Castlebar Library on Thursday next, May 29th, on the topic of Case Studies in Collective Memory and Deliberate Forgetfulness. Dr Michael OConnor, PhD and Daryll Galloghly, BA, MA, will ask why some historical events are not part of our collective memory. Who decides what is included in our collective memory and what does that matter? This seminar explores why certain historical events are not part of our collective memory, or how we remember or memorialise the past. It also explores the role deliberate forgetfulness plays in shaping the collective memory of communities and our nation. Dr OConnor explores these questions in the context of Irish complicity in slavery in the former British Caribbean. Historical records across the Caribbean evidence the fact that Irish men, women and children enslaved thousands of Black African people and their descendants from the mid-seventeenth century up to the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834. Irish slaveholders, like English and Scottish slaveholders, changed the names of the people they enslaved. Many enslaved persons were named Ireland or Irish. Others were named after Irish provinces, including Connaught and Leinster. Enslaved persons were also named after 27 Irish counties, including Dublin, Londonderry, Louth, Cork, Limerick, and Mayo. Similarly, enslaved persons were named after towns in Ireland, including Navan, Newry, Castlebar, Westport, Tralee, Athlone, and Galway. Numerous enslaved persons were given distinctly Irish names, such as Sean, Katie, Patrick, Bridget, Paddy, and Kathleen. Some Irish slaveholders endowed enslaved persons with their family names or the names of friends and relatives in Ireland. This great renaming erased the identity and ethnicity of the enslaved people. Using the Catholic Killikelly family of County Galway, Jamaica and Barbados as an example, Michael will explore how Irish slaveholders approached the naming and renaming of enslaved people on their plantations. He will also consider the reasons why Irish complicity in slavery is not part of our collective memory. Mr Galloghly will deliver the second case study. On June 13th, 1922, two Catholic civilians were abducted by members of the Ulster Special Constabulary, taken to a small country road and murdered. Their bodies were discovered the following morning by the roadside, lying over two IRA mines. A few hours after the murders, another group of USC men raided the premises of James McGuill, looting and seriously sexually assaulting the female occupants. These attacks proved to be some of the motivations for the worst attack carried out by the IRA: The Altnaveigh Massacre. Under the command of Frank Aiken, leader of the Fourth Northern Division and future Tanaiste, IRA men burned houses and killed six innocent civilians. Daryll Galloghly explores these case studies and examines the role of collective memory and deliberate forgetfulness in instances of state and non-state terrorism. Questions that Daryll will address include: Why are some instances of our past shared and spoken about, but not others? Who chooses to remember certain things to control the narrative, and why? Furthermore, why do perpetrators of state and non-state terrorism apply communal silence / deliberate forgetfulness to themselves individually and collectively? The event commences at 7pm and it is free to attend. For further details, contact Jim OConnor at joconnor@mayococo.ie or 094-9064010. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. The wise minds at Moody's Investors Service finally acknowledged last week what the other two main credit rating agencies did years ago: America has a debt problem. Now it's time for America to recognize that solving its debt problem will require addressing another hard truth: Americans have a retirement problem specifically, they retire too soon. Despite reports that Moody's decision is related to the fiscal impact of the $3.7 trillion tax legislation the House is currently debating, that bill is just the proverbial rearranging of deck chairs on the Titanic. The biggest source of America's long-term debt problem, which is not even included in the 10-year budget projections, is unfunded entitlements, largely Social Security and Medicare. For some reason it has become considered politically wise for both Republicans and Democrats to promise they "won't touch" Social Security . This is not realistic. Within the next 10 years, the program won't be able to pay full benefits. Something has to change, and that something is the retirement age. Americans like to make fun on the French for their early retirements, but many Americans also retire in their early 60s. In many states, retiring at 62 is the norm. Since the reform of Social Security in the 1980s, the "normal retirement age" that is, the age at which people qualify for full benefits has been creeping up from 65 to 67, depending on when they were born. There are further financial incentives to delaying retirement until age 70. Because of these enticements, and the longer and healthier lifespans for many Americans, the average retirement age has also started to creep up. But most Americans do not take advantage of later retirement. Social Security's early retirement age, 62, remains unchanged, and there are no concrete plans to increase it. More than one-third of Americans, and nearly 40% of women, retire early. This is not entirely by choice. Age discrimination is real; someone who loses their job after age 60 can find it very hard to get another one. Some people also have physically demanding jobs they can't do into their 60s. Still, organizing the retirement system around a minority of the population doesn't make sense. Just because some people can't work at age 62 doesn't mean the option of retiring at that age should be available to everyone. Those who need to retire early can be better served by Social Security's existing disability program. For everyone else, the early retirement age should be gradually increased to 65 over the next decade. More can also be done to make older workers more appealing to employers, especially around health benefits, since most older workers qualify for Medicare. Of course, raising the early retirement will not by itself close the entire Social Security funding gap. If it were increased and then indexed to life expectancy (and the normal retirement age was as well), and depending on the details, then the long term-shortfall would be reduced by anywhere between 14% and 50%. Raising the early retirement age would also be regressive, because richer people tend to live longer, while early retirement is more common in low-income states. That's why an increase in the early retirement age should be paired with a 2.5% payroll tax increase on earnings about $250,000. That would be more realistic, equitable and fiscally responsible than promising higher taxes on just the wealthy, or opting just to run bigger deficits. It is tempting to dismiss the Moody's downgrade as non-news. The debt problem isn't new, and the ratings agencies have lost a lot of credibility in recent decades. But it is an opportunity for an honest politician to level with the American people. The country's debt problem is bigger than the latest budget or tax bill; it starts and ends with entitlements. And addressing that problem will require Americans not only to pay more taxes, but also to retire later in life. (COMMENT, BELOW) Allison Schrager, a Bloomberg columnist, is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal. Rees honoured with 2025 Dr Lee Jong-wook prize Professor Helen Rees received the coveted World Health Organizations prize for her outstanding contribution to public health. Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) and Personal Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Wits University, Rees was honoured for a life spent shaping public health from the defiant clinics of apartheid-era Johannesburg to the influential policy halls of Geneva. As the worlds health architecture falters, Rees draws from an unscripted career forged in crisis and an unwavering conviction in human rights. Read the full story published on Geneva Solutions. 'We need a new model, not faster horses' Speaking to Health Policy Watch, Rees said: We dont need faster horses, we need a new model of global health, says Professor Helen Rees, who received the World Health Organizations (WHO) 2025 Dr Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize on Friday for her outstanding contribution to public health. If there isnt going to be money, we shouldnt be trying to run the same things on a third of a budget. We have to restructure, focusing on what is going to give us the best return on investment things like immunisation, and maternal and child health, she told the award ceremony last Friday, hosted by the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) and the Geneva Graduate Institute. Read the full story. Ten people were shot, and at least one other person was injured when a holiday weekend gathering at a charter boat in a South Carolina coastal community turned violent, according to police Last week, Leonardo Garcia Venegas, a 25-year-old construction worker and US citizen born in Florida, was violently assaulted and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Alabama. Venegas had the audacity to film ICE agents as they arrested his undocumented brother during a workplace raid. For the crime of asking why his brother was being arrested and attempting to record the encounter, Venegas was thrown to the ground by federal agents, his phone discarded and his constitutional rights trampled. He repeatedly asserted his citizenship and presented an Alabama Real ID cardgovernment-issued and backed by heightened documentation requirementsonly for ICE agents to dismiss it as fake and proceed with his unlawful detention. Venegas was not released until hours later, after ICE checked his Social Security number and realized what he had been saying all along: that he was a US citizen. Far from being a mistake, or a case of overreach, the event showed a glimpse of the naked face of authoritarian state repression under capitalism. It was only after videos of the assault began circulating online that ICE issued a predictably dishonest statement, claiming Venegas interfered with their operation and that his detention had nothing to do with his citizenship. The footage, of course, proves otherwise. While Venegass case has rightly provoked outrage, the real significance goes far beyond one brutal arrest. This was not an isolated incident, nor was it driven solely by racial profilingthough that may be a factor. The brutalization of Venegas coincided with other ICE outrages last week. In Watertown, New York, a longtime resident identified only as Maricela was abducted by ICE and separated from her six-month-old daughter. She was only released following massive community protest. In San Diego, ICE agents staked out immigration courtrooms, waiting to seize immigrantsincluding a 38-year-old Venezuelan man with an active asylum casejust steps from the courtroom door. The man had been granted a stay of removal by the judge, but ICE ignored the courts decision entirely, operating with the impunity of a lawless secret police force. This strategy of courthouse ambushes will have the predictable effect of driving people underground, causing them to miss court dates, which in turn becomes the pretext for further repression. It is a calculated tactic designed to erode legal protections and eliminate avenues for defense. ICE is operating as the American Gestapoa lawless federal paramilitary force executing workplace raids, separating mothers from infants, and assaulting US citizens who protestall in the service of capital. The goal is not border security or law enforcement, but the construction of a police state aimed at smashing resistance by the working class. The arrest of Leonardo Venegas is particularly significant because it confirms what the World Socialist Web Site has long warned: repression aimed at immigrants will be used as a dress rehearsal for wider attacks on the entire working class. The capitalist state cannot tolerate dissentnot even the act of filming an ICE arrest. The next time, it could be a worker live-streaming a protest against unsafe conditions, a teacher denouncing school cuts, or a student opposing imperialist war. The Department of Homeland Security recently stripped Harvard University of its ability to enroll international students after demanding that it hand over the names and protest activity records of immigrant studentsa McCarthyite surveillance request meant to compile deportation lists of those who oppose genocide in Gaza. Trump has even gone so far as to say that homegrowns would be nextreferring to US-born citizens who dare to challenge the state. This assault is not solely the work of the fascistic Trump. The Democrats have been complicit every step of the way. Bill Clintons 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) eviscerated due process rights and laid the legal foundation for the current deportation machine. Barack Obama, despite his hope and change branding, deported more immigrants than any president in US history. His administration vastly expanded the enforcement infrastructure Trump now exploits. Among those Democrats with higher political ambitions, California Governor Gavin Newsomhailed by the liberal media as a progressive standard-bearerhas echoed Trumps reactionary rhetoric, openly praising the removal of undocumented immigrants under the guise of targeting criminals while exploiting the sanctuary state lie as a smokescreen. Both partiesDemocratic and Republicanserve the same ruling class. The persecution of immigrants is not an aberration but a core function of capitalist rule. By scapegoating immigrants, the ruling class seeks to pit native and foreign-born workers against each other, undermining class solidarity. Immigrants are used by the ruling class as a reserve army of laborvulnerable, low-paid and easily exploiteddriving down wages and labor conditions for all. The capitalist state, far from being neutral, enforces immigration laws and repression to maintain this exploitable workforce. Meanwhile, imperialist policies and global capitalist exploitation displace populations, only for these same systems to criminalize their victims when they migrate in search of safety. Finally, as social inequality deepens, the ruling class redirects public anger toward immigrants to deflect scrutiny from the capitalist system itself. In essence, immigrant persecution is a tool of class domination, and the way forward lies in uniting workers of all nations against their common oppressors. At the same time, the state is expanding its repressive toolkit to target citizens. The escalation of ICE brutality, domestic surveillance and militarized policing is the ruling classs response to deepening economic crisis and growing unrest. The repression of immigrants today is the repression of all workers tomorrow. Only the international unity of the working class can defeat these attacks. Workersimmigrant and native-bornmust recognize that their interests are aligned not with their own ruling class, but with one another. Rank-and-file committees must be built in every workplace, free from the stranglehold of the pro-capitalist trade unions, to organize a mass, independent struggle against the capitalist state, its police thugs, and the two parties of Wall Street. The working class has the power not only to stop deportations, but to overthrow the entire rotten system that produces them. It must turn indignation into action, which requires a socialist strategy aimed at forging a future in which no one is illegal, and all are free to live and work where they please. A case in the UK High Court reveals the extent to which the Starmer Labour government is enabling Israels genocide of the Palestinians. From May 13-16, High Court Judges Lord Justice Males and Mrs Justice Steyn heard arguments from Al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights organization who are challenging the governments continued licensing of arms exports, specifically components for F-35 fighter jets, to Israel. Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-35I Adir stealth multi-role fighter jet [Photo by IDF Spokesperson's Unit photographer / CC BY-SA 3.0 Al-Haq argued this decision, made last September, is unlawful because there exists clear evidence of a danger that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in violation of international humanitarian law. Al-Haq is backed in the case by the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), Oxfam, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Only the first four days of the hearing were available to heard in public. The case then moved to closed sessions in which only security-cleared special advocates will represent the groups. A ruling is anticipated in the next few months. Al-Haq contended that the UK governments continued licensing of arms exports, particularly F-35 components, in this contextknowing that they could end up in Israels handsmakes the UK complicit in potential violations of international law, including the Genocide Convention. The Labour government approved 126 million worth of military equipment to Tel Aviv in the four months alone that followed the Labour governments partial suspension of arms exports in September 2024. The four-month total exceeds what was approved in total under several Tory administrations in four years from 2020 to 2023. This is the Labour government aiding and abetting Israels genocide in Gaza, said Emily Apple, media coordinator for Campaign Against Arms Trade. Al-Haqs legal team argued that the ongoing military assault by the Israeli military in Gaza, characterized by 19 months of near continuous barbarism, has seen: the indiscriminate killing of tens of thousands of civilians, mainly women and children; the destruction of all essential infrastructure and means of civilisation. This was backed by verbatim statements from leading Israeli officials and members of government including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Al-Haq and intervening human rights organisations specifically invoked the UKs duty to prevent genocide under Article 1 of the 1948 Genocide Convention. They argued that this obligation requires proactive measures, thereby halting arms exports to a state where there is a serious risk of genocide occurring, even if a formal determination of genocide has not yet been made by an international court. Al-Haqs case specifically focused on the UK governments decision last September to suspend some arms export licenses to Israel following a review but to make an exception for F-35 fighter jet components. The F-35s, described as the most lethal fighter jets in the world are a critical component of Isreals genocide, used by the Tel Aviv war criminals to drop 2,000 bombs on Gaza, including in a designated safe zone. Raza Husain KC, for Al-Haq, said the carve-out to enable F35 components to continue being produced gives rise to a significant risk of facilitating crime. He declared that Al-Haqs case was being heard against the backdrop of human calamity unfolding in Gaza, the extremity of which is difficult to convey in words. In written submission he stated, In just over 18 months, Israel has decimated an entire society, and That Israel has acted in this way is demonstrable and incontrovertible What is happening in Gaza is a live-streamed genocide. In their skeleton argument government lawyers asserted, No English court, and no international court or tribunal, has found that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Nor should this court make such a finding. It argues, despite the horrors of a livestreamed genocide having prompted mass demonstrations globallyincluding dozens mobilising millions of people in Londonthat there is a tenable view that no genocide has occurred or is occurring. The Middle East Eye news site noted the Labour governments reliance on a June 2024 assessment cited by the then Conservative government and the Export Control Joint Unita cross-departmental body overseeing UK export controls and licensing for military and dual-use items, which concluded that Israel does not intend to commit genocide. The website reports, The unit also assessed that a finding that Israel is not committed to comply with [international humanitarian law] does not necessarily indicate that it is harbouring genocidal intent, according to the court document. This is glossed over with the comment: There have been a range of positive statements and some negatives statements from specific actors; however, their remarks are not assessed to be representative of the Israeli government overall. The assessment continues: No evidence has been seen that Israel is deliberately targeting civilian women or children. There is also evidence of Israel making efforts to limit incidental harm to civilians. In their arguments government lawyers asserted that disrupting the F-35 supply chain would damage NATOs security and international defense programme. This was the basis of a submission revealed at a preliminary hearing in the case by Defence Secretary John Healey. The UK produces an estimated 15 percent of the components of the F35s and the suspension of these would hit the whole F-35 programme and have a profound impact on international peace and security, he said. This could not be allowed to happen given the close ties being developed between the Labour government and the fascist US President. Healey warned that suspension of Britains F-35 commitments, would undermine US confidence in the UK and Nato at a critical juncture in our collective history and set back relations, and could cause adversaries to take advantage of any perceived weakness. Al-Haqs lawyers argued such arrangements for F-35 parts effectively created a loophole that allows the UK to continue arming Israel indirectly through the global spares pool and allied countries, i.e. the US, despite the International Court of Justice finding a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza. Al-Haq asserted that the government failed to properly assess the compliance of continued F-35 part exports with the Genocide Convention. Oxfam, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch presented powerful evidence and legal arguments supporting Al-Haqs case. Oxfam submitted evidence on how Israel uses water supplies as a weapon of war in Gaza by attacking and destroying crucial water and sanitation infrastructure. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch focused on the UKs duty to prevent genocide under the Genocide Convention, arguing that the risk of genocide in Gaza triggers the obligation to halt arms exports. Rejecting the governments interpretation of the January 2024 International Court of Justice ICJ ruling, the submission by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to the court notes that the Secretary of State [David Lammy] concludes that there is no evidence that genocide has been committed in Gaza. This conclusion is based on an error of approach both as to the findings of the ICJ and as to the OPEN material before the Secretary of State more generally. It stated, The ICJ has affirmed that there is a real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused to the rights [of Palestinians under the Genocide Convention] found by the Court to be plausible. Importantly, these findings as to the risk to the plausible rights of Palestinians under the Genocide Convention were based on detailed identification by the ICJ of a substantial body of objective evidence of Israeli conduct in Gaza, including information supplied by international agencies active on the ground. The human rights groups stated, The ICJ identified numerous statements by senior Israeli military and civilian officials inciting violence against the population in Gaza and/or calling for the destruction of the population. Many such statements, including those by senior ministers at the highest level of government, were noted by the ICJ in its provisional measure orders. They submitted over 100 pages of evidence on this issue, saying, Many of these statements are, on any view, consistent with a serious risk of genocide. By way of illustration, the ICJ notes that the then Israeli defence minister told troops on 10 October 2023 that we are fighting human animals and we will eliminate everything in Gaza. Israels Minister for agriculture stated that Israel was rolling out the Gaza Nakba. While the case centres on the issues of the F35s, this is just one component of British imperialisms involvement in backing Israels slaughter of Gaza. The Royal Air Force continues reconnaissance flights over Gaza to help plan mass murder. In March, Declassified UK published findings of an investigation they commissioned by Action on Armed Violence showing that the RAF has conducted at least 518 surveillance flights around Gaza since December 2023. Action Committee posters for the BVG staff council elections New elections are currently being held for the Staff Council, covering workers at three of the six bus depots of the BVG Berlin transit company. Of the approximately 16,000 BVG employees across Berlin, around 2,100 will now vote again on who should represent their interests on the North Staff Council (BO Nord). In the last Staff Council elections in November/December last year, the Verdi trade union lost its dominant position at all bus depots. The Kraft durch Basis (KdB, Strength through Grassroots) list took over the chairmanship of the BO Nord council with 9 out of 15 seats. The Verdi union list won only 5 seats and the Verdi splinter group, Liste Klare Kante (Clear Edge), won one seat. Claiming that cooperation with the KdB in BO Nord was impossible, the Verdi group resigned en masse from the staff council at the beginning of February 2025, thereby forcing the current new elections. The Transport Workers Action Committee, which is also standing for election again, is calling on our colleagues to make this election a statement of intent against the Verdi union. Only an independent rank-and-file action committee can break Verdis dominance and place the initiative for the fight for decent wages and working conditions in the hands of the employees. The experiences of recent months underscore how urgent it is that we organise ourselves independently. We are standing in the staff council elections to break out of the Verdi straitjacket and build genuine resistance from below, the action committee said in its election appeal on May 13. In its statements, the Transport Workers Action Committee, which warned of impending betrayal and sellout by Verdi at the start of collective bargaining, has emphasised that the Verdi bureaucrats do not represent the interests of the workforce, but those of BVG management and the state and federal governments behind it. In fact, last autumn, in preparation for the contract negotiations that began in January 2025, Verdi had presented itself as grassroots, democratic and prepared to strike, emphasising the wage increase of 750, which had been identified as a minimum demand in a survey of its members, as its central goal. Verdi negotiator Jeremy Arndt even spoke of the need for a wage increase that compensates for the extreme price increases of recent years. With the help of this combative stance, Verdi succeeded in recruiting new members, as only union members are entitled to financial strike support during a strike, while all non-members forfeit their entire wage. But after only four brief warning strikes, Verdi sold out the fighting spirit of the BVG workers, which also include underground and tram drivers, even though 95.4 percent had previously voted in favour of an all-out strike in a ballot. At the same time as the ballot was being held, the conciliation process began. The union bureaucrats summarily reduced the workers willingness to fight to a mere bargaining chip and negotiated behind closed doors with mediators Bodo Ramelow (Left Party) and Matthias Platzeck (Social Democrat, SPD) to reach an outcome that falls far short of the workers original demands and does not even begin to compensate for the loss in real wages of recent years. In recent weeks, members of the action committee and its supporters distributed hundreds of flyers to workers calling for their vote and discussed the situation with outraged colleagues who now reject Verdi even more vehemently after the current sellout. One bus driver explained why he supports the action committee: Because it has been obvious for a long time that those who are currently in charge do not care about the concerns of the employees, about my concerns. On the contrary, they [Verdi] are working hand in hand with the employer against the interests of the workforce. The union has long since disqualified itself, so it is high time we showed them the red card, sent them to the substitute bench and brought in someone who can do a better job. The action committee is that someone. They continued: We have listened to the numerous excuses from BVG and Verdi for far too long! Theres no money? Theres always money for everything else, especially for the lavish salaries of the board. But when it comes to paying those who keep the business running, who slave away out there day in, day out, suddenly theres no money? Another a bus driver said he would resign his membership of Verdi as a consequence of the miserable wage agreement: We, the members, expected more [from the wage negotiations] in view of what Verdi conveyed to us through action and strength. Verdi gained over 1,600 new members by stirring up hope and fear of a full strike. We are the losers, and the winners are Verdi and the employers. I see no reason to remain a member, as I no longer see Verdi as a partner capable of negotiating. This bitter experience of not being able to achieve anything with Verdi is shared by BVG employees with their colleagues throughout the public sector, from hospitals to refuse collection and Deutsche Post. But this does not only apply to Verdi. One of the most important lessons to be learned from these bitter experiences with the trade unions is that they cannot be attributed to individual union bureaucrats, but to the fundamentally changed political conditions. Already under the old Scholz SPD-led government, and now even more unrestrainedly under the Christian Democrat-led Merz government coalition with the SPD, the war against Russia is being escalated and, with the support of all parties in the Bundestag (parliament), war credits in the trillions are being made available for the massive rearmament of the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) in order to participate in the struggle for the redivision of the world. Unrestricted support is also continuing for the Netanyahu government in Israel, which is pushing ahead with the fascist final solution to the Palestinian question. Verdis renewed betrayal and sellout is part of a comprehensive offensive against jobs, wage levels and social rights, designed to recoup the costs of militarisation and suppress the overwhelming anti-war mood among the population. That is why the Transport Workers Action Committee emphasises that union bureaucrats everywhere work closely with the corporations and government to systematically slow down, isolate and sell out strikes. As part of the political eliteespecially in the SPD and the Left Partythe union officials unreservedly support the war and rearmament policies of the Merz government at federal level and the austerity measures of the Berlin state government. While Verdi and the Strength through Grassroots, Clear Edge and Offene Liste Nord (Open List North) slates, which are also running in the staff council elections, are trying to ignore these political conditions, Andy Niklaus, spokesperson for the Action Committee, said in his video statement : Unlike us, all the other list representatives claim that so-called big politics has nothing to do with our workplace concerns. Some even claim that union policy, i.e., collective bargaining agreements, has nothing to do with our workplace concerns. In doing so, they support the illusion that it is possible for all employees to participate in workplace disputes without the need for a political struggle. But the Merz governments statement makes one thing clear: the German elites want war again! And we are supposed to pay for it! We in the action committee, Niklaus continued, stand for the basic socialist principle: our needs, the needs of the workers, are more important than the profit interests of the rich and their political backers. Quite a few transport workers support the Action Committees political assessment. One explained: We know that the government under the extreme right-winger Merz wants to invest billions of euros in the war against Russiaa war that the absolute majority of the population does not want. There is money for this, and we are supposed to foot the bill or accept that our wages will be used to pay for it? And in the same way, we are indirectly being asked to foot the bill for the horrific genocide of the Palestinians by Israel, which is unconditionally supported and courted by our corrupt government? I say: No! Not with me! Enough is enough! Another also believes that politicians must be held accountable for their warmongering and aiding and abetting genocide. And Robert, a former BVG bus driver, supports the action committee because it is honest and independent in its efforts to represent the interests of the employees. Unlike Verdi, the committee cannot be bought, influenced or controlled by the employer. This is not about power gamesthis is about us, the employees. Robert stressed, What is particularly important to me is that the action committee does not allow itself to be intimidated by the employer. It fights alongside all our colleagues who are ready to fight for the interests of the workforce. And we discuss the important political issues that are relevant to our struggle for fair working conditions and wages. The Garment Workers Action Committee (GWAC) and the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka call upon Sri Lankan apparel employees and other workers in the private and state sectors across the country to come to the defence of laid-off Next garment employees. Management of the Next Manufacturing plant, which is located in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone, suddenly shut down the factory on May 20, destroying nearly 1,500 jobs. Katunayake FTZ workers talking to WSWS reporters on May 21, 2025 Next Manufacturing has another two plantsat Andigama and Nawagaththegamalocated away from Katunayake and employing over 1,000 workers. These plants are owned by Next UK, one of Britains high-street fashion retailers. Next Manufacturing management claimed high operational costs were responsible for the factorys closure. This must be taken by employees at Nexts two other factories as a warning that their jobs are threatened. Announcing the job destruction, the company claimed it would pay due compensation and other benefits according to Sri Lankas Termination of Employment of Workmen (Special Provisions) Act (TEWA). This is a ploy. Next Manufacturing has flagrantly breached TEWA. This law requires the company to have prior approval from the Labour Commissioner, to formally notify the Board of Investment, which oversees companies registered under it, and to inform the relevant trade unions. Faced with the sudden and brutal deprivation of their livelihood, some Next workers are coming to the KFTZ entrance each day in the hope that they will be hired by agents of labour contractor companies, which pay low daily wage rates. The shutdown of Next is part of a developing disaster in the apparel industry amid the deepening crisis of world capitalism. Apparel-producing countries are engaged in cost-cutting competition as giant retailers in the US and European countries continuously demand low-cost production. This dog-eat-dog process has been intensified by US President Trumps imposition of harsh tariffs on exporting countries, including Sri Lanka which faces a 44 percent tariff. Although there has been a 90-day pause since April, uncertainty remains. In early April, the Vogue Tex factory located in Weligama and Hikkaduwa in the Southern Province cut the New Year bonus of 2,000 workers by half, citing the impact of the US tariff hikes. Vogue management now says it is short of export orders with similar situations facing other apparel factories. Closures, lay-offs, wage cuts and further increases in workloads are on the cards for the hundreds of thousands of employees in this industry. Angry Next employees speaking to GWAC and SEP members near their now sealed-up plant, have condemned the factory closure and want their jobs back, or if not, then fair compensation. President Dissanayakes Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government has sided with the company. After meeting with Next Manufacturing bosses on May 22, Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe addressed the media, echoing the companys reasons for closing the plant: The factory had made losses of over Rs. 10 million [$US33,000] in the past six years since 2019. Media reports, however, show that Nexts parent company in the UK increased its annual profit by 10.1 percent, reaping a pretax profit of 1.011 billion pounds ($US1.31 billion) in the year to January 25, 2025, profits extracted from Sri Lanka workers and others employed by this giant corporation. Speaking like a lawyer for Next Manufacturing, Jayasinghe covered up the fact that the company had violated the TEWA law while claiming that it had presented a retrenchment compensation plan for the sacked workers. Next Manufacturing, which had just destroyed 1,500 jobs, he cynically declared, would help to provide jobs for workers in other industries! Last September, President Dissanayake told a Business Forum meeting: For the first time, your interest is our interests. Our interest is yours. Jayasinghe, who is also secretary of the JVP-led Teacher Services Union, was simply repeating Dissanayakes pro big-business line. Anton Marcus, leader of the Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union (FTZGSEU), has also lined up with the government and the company. Many Next workers are members of this union. Marcus held talks with Deputy Minister Jayasinghe on May 23, calling on him to organise a meeting between Next management, union officials and the deputy minister. Marcus later told the media that his concern was not compensation but getting the jobs back. The FTZGSEU leaders claims are sheer hypocrisy. The other day, he suggested to a group of Next employees that the union should go to court. One retrenched worker told SEP and GWAC members that he and his colleagues rejected going to the courts, correctly pointing out that this would not help them regain their jobs. Marcus wants to entangle workers in drawn out court cases that would ultimately rule in favour of the company and direct workers to accept the companys actions. At the same time, union officials like Marcus will not hesitate in selling out workers jobs for meagre compensationpayments that company managers will readily ignore, as they abandon their plants and return to their home countries. This private sector job destruction comes as the JVP/NPP government has intensified its savage International Monetary Fund austerity measures, increased the price of essentials and is preparing to restructure state sector enterprises, destroying at least half a million jobs in the process. What should be done? The GWAC urges the working class to come to the aid of their Next colleagues without delay. Their struggle to defend their jobs and basic rights is intimately connected to your fight. An attack on one section of workers is an attack on all! That should be the motto for unity among workers. We must unite and prepare to fight back. No to job cuts, the slashing of wages and working conditions! Oppose all closures, prepare for industrial action, including factory occupations. Reject the meagre compensation decided by employers and union bureaucrats. Demand compensation on full pay until new jobs are provided. Fully paid medical leave. Decent housing and health facilities. Workers cannot expect the FTZGSEU or other union leaders to fight for their rights. The JVP-led Inter-Company Employees Union is completely silent about this job destruction and supports the companies. Many JVP trade union leaders are ministers, deputy ministers and MPs. The fight for the above demands requires the development of organisations that fight for workers interests. We appeal to Next workers to form their own democratically-elected action committees to carry out this campaign. Apparel workers in Sri Lanka, along with their class brothers and sisters in the private and state sector, need to form independent action committees in every factory and workplace. The trade union bureaucracies, which have become agents of companies and the government, must not be allowed into these committees. We urge workers to democratically decide and organise class actions, such as demonstrations and strikes, to defend the sacked Next employees. The struggle against big-business corporations and investors, including retailing giants, and the IMF, is an international battle and must be advanced through the development of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. The SEP stresses that the working class can only defend its social and democratic rights in a conscious political battle against the capitalist system and the national ruling elites. This is inseparable from the fight for a workers and peasants government to implement socialist policies as part of the struggle for international socialism. Negotiations between the Trump administration and the European Union (EU) on the tariffs imposed by the US on April 2 have resumed, although they could blow up again at any time. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. [AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias] The resumption of talks came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen initiated a phone call with US President Trump following his declaration on Friday that the US would impose a 50 percent tariff on all European goods from June 1. The content of the discussions with von der Leyen is not known, but Trump, as is usual, gave the impression that the EU had given ground. She said she wants to get down to serious negotiation, Trump told reporters. We had a very nice call. She said we will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out. An economic advisor to Trump, Stephen Moore, said it was a promising sign that the EU was ready to negotiate. For her part, von der Leyen said the EU was ready to advance the tariff talks swiftly and decisively, but the US had to return to the 90-day period of negotiations announced on April 9, following its liberation day announcement of the so-called reciprocal tariffs on April 2. The initial tariff announced on that day was 20 percent. But Trump upped the rate to 50 percent and advanced the day to June 1 in a social media post. The EU, he said, had been very difficult to deal with and our discussions with them are going nowhere. Trump said he was not looking for a deal. I mean, weve set the deal. Its at 50 percent. He added that he didnt know if the EU could avoid the tariff hike, but said there could be a little bit of a delay if European companies committed to moving manufacturing to the US. Were going to see what happens. But right now, its going on June 1, and thats the way it is. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who sometimes appears to play the role of good cop to Trumps bad cop, said the announcement was in response to the EUs pace and that I would hope this would light a fire under the EU. Bessent has claimed that while other countries are negotiating with the US in good faith, the EU is not. Trump has regularly denounced the EU as being worse than China and that the organization was established to screw the US. The announcement came as a shock to EU officials who had expressed what the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) called cautious optimism on the talks after the two sides had exchanged documents outlining some of the issues under discussion, while acknowledging that they remain far apart in their positions. In a social media post following the 50 percent threat by Trump, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the EU was committed to securing a deal that worked for both sides, but that trade between them must be guided by mutual respect, not threats, and that we stand ready to defend our interests. The main points at issue go beyond the immediate question of reducing the trade surplus the EU enjoys with the US. One of the chief targets in the threats and negotiations from the US side is the European Value Added Tax, which it claims discriminates against American goods. EU agricultural subsidies are another issue in US demands. But before the latest Trump threat, the EU economics commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told the WSJ that both issues were off the table. We do not see any possibility to move away from our value-added tax, he said, and that he had told Bessent of the blocs position. The position of the EU is that the VAT is not trade-distorting, as claimed by the US, but is the equivalent of sales taxes in the US. Likewise, with agricultural subsidies, which he said had been found by the World Trade Organization to be not trade-distorting and therefore should not be included in any tariff discussions. Another major issue is what action the EU is prepared to take against Chinawhich remains the central target in the US economic and trade war. Von der Leyen has indicated the EU is prepared to cooperate with the US on China. But what precisely that would involve is by no means clear under conditions where there are divisions within the bloc itself. This was revealed in the imposition of EU tariffs against Chinese electric vehicles, which was opposed by Germany and its major auto companies. Citing people familiar with the discussions, the WSJ reported: The US has so far not secured a commitment from EU leaders to place new tariffs on Chinese industries, a priority for Trump administration officials who are pushing to ratchet up trade pressure on Beijing. The kind of action the US is demanding was at least partially revealed in the agreement with Britain in which the Starmer government agreed to act in accordance with US national security intereststhe code phrase for measures against Chinaand agreed to move towards imposing tariffs on Chinese steel. Even if negotiations continue, the Trump regime may well decide to go ahead with the 50 percent hike. This will bring major retaliation by the EU because of the devastation it would inflict across Europe, delivering what the Financial Times described as hammer blows to key manufacturing sectors, including autos, aerospace, chemicals, and other goods. The US is the EUs largest export market, accounting for 20 percent of its foreign markets and worth more than 530 billion ($US604 billion) in 2024. Germany, Ireland, Italy and France are the leading exporters by country. Ireland could be the hardest hit because it is the site of many pharmaceutical companies, including from the US, that have located there because of its low tax regime. Trump has said that Ireland has got the entire US pharmaceutical industry in its grasp and that we dont make our own drugs, our own pharmaceuticals anymore. The drug companies are in Ireland and they are in lots of other placesChina. According to the research firm Capital Economics, a 50 percent US tariff on the EU would result in a 4 percent decline in GDP for Ireland. Germanys GDP would contract by 1.5 percent, Italys by 1.2 percent, Frances by 0.75 percent, and Spains by 0.5 percent. In this March 11, 2019, file photo, Boeing 737 Max wreckage is piled up at the crash scene of Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 near Bishoftu, Ethiopia. [AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene] The US Department of Justice announced Friday that it has reached a non-prosecution agreement with Boeing that will allow the aerospace giant to avoid criminal prosecution over two fatal crashes of its 737 MAX 8 aircraft that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. Under the agreement, Boeing will pay approximately $1.1 billion in fines and compensation, retain a company-selected independent compliance consultant, and avoid the felony fraud conviction that would have threatened its status as a major defense contractor. The deal reverses a previous agreement reached under the Biden administration in July 2024, in which Boeing had agreed to plead guilty to criminal fraud charges. The move represents the calculated intervention of the American state on behalf of the military-industrial complex. Boeing is not merely a civilian aircraft manufacturer but a cornerstone of the US military-industrial complex, receiving over $20 billion for the next-generation fighter jets and representatives accompanying President Trump on lucrative arms deals in the Middle East. The timing of this deal is particularly significant. It comes just months after Boeing was awarded the contract for the F-47 fighter jet, designed for warfare against China, and follows Trumps announcement of a $96 billion order from Qatar Airways brokered with Boeings CEO in attendance. The legal maneuvering that enabled this outcome was brokered by US District Judge Reed OConnor. The judge is a notorious right-winger appointed by George W. Bush, who previously served as chief counsel to Republican Senator John Cornyn. He initially rejected the plea deal from Boeing over purported concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion policies in selecting an independent monitor to reject the deal. As Fridays ruling exposes, OConnors December finding was designed to provide time to more completely whitewash the aerospace giants role the 346 deaths and prevent even the previous fraud charges from sticking. The ruling also confirms the warning made by the WSWS at the time, that the rejection of the plea deal does not mean confidence can be placed in the US judicial system to justly punish those responsible for the deaths of 346 men, women and children. The response by the federal government is a naked expression of class justice in America. Attorneys for the families of the crash victims have condemned the agreement as a slap on the wrist and morally repugnant. Paul Cassell, representing many of the families, called it unprecedented and obviously wrong for the deadliest corporate crime in US history. Boeings crimes were not the result of mere oversight or technical failures but represented a systematic conspiracy to prioritize profits over human life. The company deliberately concealed the existence of the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) from pilots and regulators, knowing that the faulty software could override pilot input and force aircraft into fatal nosedives. Internal communications revealed Boeing employees boasting about jedi-mind tricking regulators into approving training materials while systematically covering up the dangers posed by their aircraft. The scale of Boeings criminal conduct extends far beyond the initial crashes. Even after the first crash killed 189 people in October 2018, Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration allowed the aircraft to continue flying, with internal FAA analysis determining that the MAX would average one fatal crash every two to three years. This analysis was suppressed from the public even after the second crash occurred just five months later, killing 157 more people. The financial penalties imposed on Boeing represent a fraction of the companys total value and the profits generated by the MAX program. The $445 million compensation fund for crash victims amounts to less than $1.3 million per death. To put Boeings arithmetic into perspective, the single $96 billion Qatar Airways deal that Boeing secured with Trumps assistance is worth more than 215 times the compensation fund for all 346 victims combined. Moreover, Boeings market capitalization increased by nearly $200 billion from the time the MAX was announced in 2011 until the fleet was grounded, while company executives personally enriched themselves through well-timed stock sales worth tens of millions of dollars. The International Association of Machinists union sabotaged the recent strike by 33,000 Boeing workers at facilities across the Pacific Northwest, ensuring that Boeings defense production remained uninterrupted. The union apparatus worked hand-in-hand with the Biden administration to shut down the strike and maintain Boeings profitability, demonstrating once again that the labor bureaucracy serves as an instrument of corporate control rather than worker defense. Boeings sacrifice of lives to profit is not an aberration. The ruling on Boeing comes after autoworker Ronald Adams Sr. was crushed to death on April 7 while working at Stellantis Dundee Engine Complex in southeast Michigan. Initial reports indicate that he was killed when an overhead gantry unexpectedly engaged and crushed his torso. Both the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) are working to conceal the real cause of Adams death in order to keep Stellantis as profitable as possible. In opposition to this perspective, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees has called for an independent rank-and-file investigation into the death and to safety in auto plants more broadly. The deal at Boeing shows that any financial penalties for serious corporate crimes amount to the cost of doing business for American corporations. The fight to bring Boeings executives up on charges of murder for the deaths of the 346 passengers and crew cannot be separated from the broader class struggle against the capitalist system that produces such horrors. Only through a fight by the working class to end the domination of society by private profit can such criminality finally be ended. At a press conference yesterday, Australian Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared that Israels ban on food and aid entering Gaza is outrageous. The blockade has been denounced by humanitarian organisations and United Nations officials as a transparent attempt to exterminate the Palestinian population through starvation. Albanese stated that Australia finds these actions as completely unacceptable, and we find Israels excuses and explanations completely untenable and without credibility. People are starving, and the idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese [Photo: Facebook/AlboMP] Those comments have been widely cited in the press, with descriptions of them as Albaneses strongest statements against Israel. In reality, the Labor government is cynically seeking to distance itself from a genocide that it has fully supported and will continue to support. This is part of a coordinated operation, involving similar declarations from members of the US-led Five Eyes intelligence network, including the UK and Canada, as well as the European powers. All of them are shedding crocodile tears over Israels implementation of a final solution to the Palestinians, which they have assisted politically, diplomatically and logistically. In the medias attempts to aid Albanese in distancing his government from the unfolding atrocities, many of the outlets distorted what he had said. Albanese had been asked by a journalist, not only about the aid blockade, but also about a permanent occupation of the strip. That element of the question touched on the reality that Israels starvation policy is one part of a strategy of ethnically-cleansing Gaza of its Palestinian inhabitants and seizing control of it. Over recent weeks, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have openly articulated this aim, declaring that the Palestinians who are not killed must be transferred to third countries, in a war crime that recalls nothing so much as the Nazi Holocaust. Albanese simply ignored that part of the question and refused to answer a follow-up question on his governments attitude to Palestinian statehood. Instead, he presented starvation as a humanitarian crisis. Thats the issue that were concerned with. In fact, Albaneses comments were more tepid than even those of European leaders. His government refused to sign a statement issued over the weekend by the UK, Canada and several other countries threatening Israel with sanctions if it did not cease the blockade. All that Albanese threatened were more mealy-mouthed statements and private representations. At the same time, he again parroted the fraudulent Israeli justification for its slaughter. Albanese described Hamas as a terrorist organisation and insisted that it had no role in the future of Gaza or the West Bank. Given that Israel describes virtually all Palestinians in Gaza, including civilians, as Hamas, that is a carte blanche for endless mass murder. Albaneses most significant comment was not reported by any of the Labor-aligned print media outlets. He said: You know, Australia isnt a participant in any of this. And I make this point as wellpeople should not bring conflict here, which some of the acts of antisemitism have done, have attempted to do. That statement combined two lies. One is a slander against the millions of workers and young people who oppose the genocide, accompanied by a threat of a continuing police-state crackdown against them. The second claim, that Australia is uninvolved and that the Middle East is far away, was adopted by Labor in late 2023, in an attempt to deflect that mass opposition. It was a slight shift in emphasis, but not in substance, from the policy of the government when Israel launched its onslaught against Gaza following the Palestinian military operation of October 7, 2023. In those first months, the Labor administration was among the most open of the imperialist powers in its support for the Zionist offensive, a fact later acknowledged by senior Israeli leaders. As the bombs were raining down and mass protests were erupting around the world, Albanese introduced into the Australian parliament an October 2023 resolution proclaiming that Australia stands with Israel and recognises its inherent right to defend itself. Albanese thundered hysterically against Hamas, defamed opponents of Israel as antisemites and insisted that his government would always stand with the Zionist state. The truth is that the Israeli regime seized upon the October 7 operation, of which it was warned in advance, to set in motion long-prepared plans, now made explicit, to drive Palestinians out of Gaza, as part of a wider US-backed bid to assert wider control over the Middle East. Albaneses parliamentary display was one of a series cited by the law firm Birchgrove Legal when it referred Albanese and his Labor government to the International Criminal Court for complicity in genocide early last year. The Birchgrove dossier cited dozens of examples of Labor ministers justifying clear Israeli war crimes, including the deliberate murder of civilians. Particularly relevant to Labors supposed concern over Israels current starvation operation was its response to the complete blockade of water, food and electricity imposed on Gaza after the October 7 operation. As Israeli leaders compared the entire Palestinian population to Biblical enemies and declared that the blockade was aimed at eliminating them, Labors Foreign Minister Penny Wong refused to condemn the clear breach of international law, instead legitimising it. The blockade reminds us of the security situation Israel confronts, Wong stated. I think its always very difficult from over here to make judgements about what security approach other countries take. Weve said Israel has a right to defend itself. As the Birchgrove dossier also noted, Labors claims that Australia is logistically uninvolved in the genocide are a sham. Security experts have stated it is almost certain that Israel used intelligence from the joint US-Australian Pine Gap spy base to target its airstrikes on Palestinians. The Labor government, moreover, has continued to approve military export permits to Israel. Though they are shrouded in secrecy, it is known that a crucial part for the Israeli F-35 fighter jets that have dropped more bombs on Gaza than any place since World War II is produced exclusively in Melbourne, Australia. In early 2024, Labor awarded Elbit Systems, the primary Israeli weapons company, with an Australian army contract worth almost $1 billion. In April, pictures emerged of an Australian-manufactured R400 weapons system in Israel. The device, which looks like a modern-day cannon, was being examined by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz. Most fundamentally, the Labor government has pledged to collaborate as closely as possible on a global war drive with the fascistic US administration of President Donald Trump. When Trump proclaimed in February that the US would aid the total ethnic-cleansing of Gaza and seek to take control of it, Albanese repeatedly refused to condemn this Hitlerian plan. Im not going to have a running commentary on statements by the President of the United States, Albanese repeatedly stated. The Crikey outlet last week published talking points prepared for the prime minister by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which Crikey had obtained via a freedom of information request. The DFAT bureaucrats, evidently concerned over the political and legal implications of Trumps open statement of intent to commit a historic war crime, encouraged Albanese to state his governments opposition to any forced displacement of the Palestinians. The fact that Albanese refused the advice was a signal to the Trump administration of Labors consent. Labor won the May 3 federal election, because of a mass repudiation of the Liberal-National Coalition and its identification with Trump. But Albanese heads a right-wing, militarist government committed to collaborate with American imperialism in the mass slaughter in Gaza, the underlying US aggression throughout the Middle East, the war against Russia in Ukraine and the advanced US-led preparations for war against China in the Indo-Pacific. Western Sydney University [Photo: eminentedu.com] Critical issues are posed by a staff-student rally called at Western Sydney University (WSU) on June 3 against the threatened 300-400 job cuts at the predominantly working-class university. These cuts are clearly not just a WSU question. They are part of a wider axing of jobs, courses and programs that has already led to the announcement of now more than 3,000 job losses throughout Australias 39 public universities over the past six months. All these cuts flow from the Labor governments reactionary cuts to international student enrolments and its underlying under-funding and pro-corporate restructuring of universities. Yet the organisers of the WSU rallythe National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch leaders and the WSU Student Representative Council (SRC)are trying to cover up the role of the Albanese government in pursuing this offensive. Similar damaging cuts, course closures and restructuring, in one form or another, are being unveiled across the country. These include up to 400 jobs at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), up to 650 at the Australian National University (ANU), 200 at the University of Canberra, and at least 150 at the University of Wollongong. Other known losses include scores at universities such as Macquarie, Tasmania, Charles Darwin, Federation, James Cook, Southern Queensland, Griffith, La Trobe and Swinburne. Protests by staff and students have been held at many universities, including UTS, ANU, Wollongong and Macquarie. But the leaders of the NTEU and the other main campus trade union, the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), oppose any unified fight by university workers and students against what has become a wave of job destruction, especially targeting arts and humanities. Since Labors re-election on May 3, Education Minister Jason Clare and the new assistant minister for international education Julian Hill have vowed to intensify the assault by further cutting international student enrolments and tying university funding to mission-based compacts. In media interviews over the past week, Clare and Hill have boasted of not only slashing international student enrolments by 30 percent this yearwhich is having a severe impact on university financesbut of preparing to use funding compacts to redirect universities in line with the governments agenda. Clare told the Australian Financial Review that his re-appointment as Labors education minister gives me an enormous opportunity to continue the unfinished business. This is a warning of Labors pro-business and pro-military restructuring of universities, as a key part of its accelerated second-term agenda of austerity and commitment to US militarism. The student cuts and compacts are the cutting edge of the transformation of higher education, as specified in the governments Universities Accord report. That report, handed down in February 2024, declared that the universities must dedicate both their teaching and research to meet the vocational requirements of employers and national priorities, such as the AUKUS military pact directed at preparing for a US-led war against China. In order to divert attention away from Labors agenda, the NTEU and the SRCs Stop WSU Cuts group are insisting that the threatened WSU job cuts are the result of a false narrativeto disguise either financial mismanagement or distorted revenue predictions by the administration. To shield the re-elected Labor government, the NTEU and SRC even claim that the WSU management is cynically blaming the government for the cuts, and exploiting Labors measures, supposedly to pursue its own business model. But this business model itselfbranded as Reset Westernseeks to redirect both teaching and research to meet the needs of the corporate elite and the development of a war economy. This flows from the Universities Accord. The Accord report nominated areas of national priority like clean energy, critical technology, minerals and defence as needing more skilled professionals. All these fields are related to the geo-strategic interests of Australian imperialism and its commitment to US war plans. One of the models endorsed by the Accord report was: To support AUKUS, the University of South Australia is partnering with the South Australian Government, the Australian Industry Group and the defence industry to develop university degree apprenticeships to support the construction of nuclear-powered submarines. As part of its Reset Western model, WSU is competing with other universities to deliver such programs. This includes just-announced micro-credential six-week short courses for employers to produce young workers with job-ready skills in areas such as ramp operations, ground handling and security screening at the new Western Sydney airport. A three-pronged attack Three Labor government moves are driving the universities in this direction, at the expense of genuine higher education. One is Labors attack on international students, on whose fees the universities have become dependent because of chronic under-funding, especially since the previous Rudd-Gillard Labor government of 2007 to 2013. The Albanese government has imposed severe international student caps, enforced by lengthy visa processing delays, and trebled the non-refundable international student visa application fee to $1,600. Labor will hike this again to $2,000 on July 1, and impose more severe discriminatory English-language requirements, proof of $29,710 in the bank and a supposed genuine-student test. These reactionary measures must be opposed. Together with the Liberal-National Coalition, Labor is making international students scapegoats for the cost-of-living and housing affordability crisis which is continuing to hit working-class households. For the same reason, it is also slashing immigrant numbers and preparing to deport up to 95,000 refugees whose asylum applications have been rejected, echoing the mass deportations of the fascistic Trump administration. Second, universities are receiving lower per-student funding due to the Labor governments continuation of the previous Morrison Coalition governments pro-business Job Ready Graduates program, which seeks to herd students into vocational courses. Over 40 percent of all domestic studentsand a large majority of those from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds, including Indigenous studentsnow pay tuition fees of $16,992 a year for degrees in the arts, social sciences and humanities, including law, history, business and English. The government subsidy paid to universities is just $1,286 a year. That has deepened a $10 billion cut to university funding over the past decade, starting with the Rudd and Gillard Labor governments of 2007 to 2013 and taken further by the Coalition governments from 2013 to 2022. Third, the Labor government has advised universities and researchers to comply with an invasive lengthy questionnaire sent by the Trump administration threatening to cut off funding for joint US research unless their projects served the needs of US foreign policy and military objectives. So far, according to media reports, at least 10 universities have suffered research funding cuts already, which will mean deeper job losses. This is in line with the Trump regimes unprecedented offensive against government jobs, social services, science, public health, public education and environmental protection, and its moves to cut off funding to Harvard and other US universities that do not comply with its dictatorial suppression of dissent, including over the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza. The Labor government, like the Trump administration, is also seeking to silence opposition to the ethnic cleansing in Palestine, notably by Clare instigating moves to freeze the research grant of Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah at Macquarie University. Labor won the May 3 election by associating the Coalition with the Trump agenda, but it is headed down the same path. To fight this agenda, the genuine socialiststhe Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equalityare calling for a unified struggle by staff and students across the country. To organise this counter-offensive, we are calling for the formation of rank-and-file committees of staff and students at universities, completely independent of the unions. This is essential so that staff and students can form their own organisations to develop the fight against the Labor government and the plunge of global capitalism into dictatorship, trade war and war. We urge staff and students to contact the Committee for Public Education (CFPE), the educators rank-and-file network, to discuss how to form rank-and-file committees: Contact the CFPE: Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/commforpubliceducation Twitter: CFPE_Australia Facebook: facebook.com/groups/opposeaeusellout Walaa Al-Kilani, right, mourns with other relatives over the bodies of her mother and brother, who were killed when an Israeli military strike hit a school sheltering displaced residents, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Monday, May 26, 2025. [AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi] Early Monday morning, Israeli airstrikes hit a school in Gaza that had been converted into a shelter for displaced families, killing at least 36 people and injuring more than 55, according to Gazas Health Ministry and multiple eyewitness reports. Most of the victims were women and children. The attack, which occurred as people slept inside the facility, set belongings ablaze and left scenes of devastation and chaos. We were sleeping when the explosion happened. There were screams everywhere, people looking for their children in the dark, said one survivor interviewed by the Washington Post. The school, located in the Daraj area of Gaza City, had become a refuge for dozens of families who had already been displaced multiple times by months of relentless bombardment and ground assaults. According to Fahmy Awad, head of emergency services for Gazas Health Ministry, the strike was sudden and without warning. They targeted us where we thought we were safe, Awad said, as rescue workers pulled bodies from the rubble, and survivors searched for missing relatives. The death toll is expected to rise as more victims are found beneath the debris. This latest attack comes amid a broader escalation of violence across the Gaza Strip, with Israeli forces intensifying airstrikes, as well as ground operations as part of the final phase of the ethnic cleansing operation dubbed Operation Gideons Chariots by the Israeli government. Health officials in Gaza report that, in the past 24 hours alone, at least 38 people have been killed in various strikes, including children. The cumulative toll since October 2023 is estimated at more than 53,800 Palestinians killed and over 122,000 injured, the majority women and children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Eyewitnesses have described a landscape of terror, displacement and mass murder. In Khan Younis, a southern city repeatedly targeted by Israeli airstrikes, families have been forced to flee their homes for the tenth or eleventh time. Neman Abu Jarad, his wife Majida and their six daughters now live in a makeshift tent among the ruins of their former neighborhood. Each time you make the choice to depart, it feels like you are ending your own life, Neman told the Associated Press. Majida, visibly thinner than in previous months, described the daily struggle to find food: When one of my daughters says to me, Baba, Im hungry, I give her a bite or two so that her piece of bread lasts until the end of the day. Their story is echoed by nearly every family in Gaza2.3 million people, the majority of whom have been displaced multiple times by Israeli military orders and the destruction of their homes. Starvation has become a central weapon in Israels genocidal campaign against the Palestinians. Since March, Israel has blocked the entry of food, fuel, medicine and other essential aid into Gaza, pushing the population into famine and starvation. Aid organizations report that supplies being allowed in are terrifically insufficient. The director of Medical Relief in Gaza told Al Jazeera that only 92 aid trucks entered the Strip over three days, compared to 500 per day before the war. The health, water and food situation in the Strip is very difficult, he said, noting that Israel continues to restrict access. The International Food Policy Research Institute and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) have warned that Gaza is experiencing one of the worlds worst food crises, with millions at risk of acute malnutrition. Hospitals, already overwhelmed by casualties, have been repeatedly targeted by Israeli strikes, further reducing their capacity to treat the wounded and sick. In addition to the school strike, a separate Israeli attack on a hospital in Gaza City killed 15 members of the same family, including women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Artillery shelling has been reported around Al-Awda Hospital, with shrapnel falling in its courtyards. Medical staff is working under impossible conditions, often without electricity, clean water or adequate supplies. Palestinians interviewed by Reuters and the Associated Press describe a life of constant terror and despair. Fadi Tamboura, sitting beside a crater left by an airstrike, wept as he asked: Where should we go today? To the west? Theres bombing in the west. To the east? Theyre killing people there. Me, my children, and my family, where should we go? Another resident, Ismail, recounted a night of relentless bombardment: The unending explosions and the airstrikes reminded us of the wars early days. The ground didnt stop shaking beneath us. We thought Trump arrived to save us, but it seems Netanyahu doesnt care, nor does Trump. While the Israeli government claims that its operations are aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages, leaked comments from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported by Al Jazeera, reveal that the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza is the central aim. Netanyahu reportedly said in closed-door meetings: We are destroying more homes; they have nowhere to return. The only inevitable outcome will be the desire of Palestinians to emigrate outside of the Gaza Strip. This policy of rendering Gaza uninhabitable, blocking the entry of food and emergency aid, combined with the systematic destruction of homes, infrastructure and medical facilities, is central to the strategy of ethnic cleansing. US President Donald Trump, after concluding his recent Middle East tour, said, people are starving in Gaza and said he hoped for good things in the coming month, which includes the forcible removal of Palestinians to other countries. Meanwhile, the US continues with diplomatic and military support for the ongoing assault. The total occupation of Gaza and the transfer of the population to concentration camps are the prelude to plans for the displacement of the remaining population in Gaza. As Netanyahu declared in a recent press conference, his government is ready to end the war, under clear conditions that we carry out the Trump plan. A plan that is so correct and so revolutionary. This Israeli and US plan is for the permanent removal of the Palestinian population from Gaza. New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, United States [Photo by ajay_suresh / CC BY 2.0 Earlier this month, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital announced that it would cut 2 percent of its workforce, about 1,000 people, because of current macroeconomic realities and anticipated challenges ahead. The medical center moved quickly to lay workers off, close essential services and, with the assistance of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) and 1199SEIU, keep workers divided and in the dark about what was happening. A physician assistant and a registered nurse who have been affected by the layoffs both spoke to the World Socialist Web Site on condition of anonymity. Their accounts reveal that workers are not receiving essential information and that the unions are refusing to organize any genuine resistance to the hospitals attacks. NewYork-Presbyterian has eight campuses. In all, 42 NYSNA members at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center and at Childrens Hospital of New York have been laid off, according to the nurse. This number does not include workers at any of NewYork-Presbyterians other campuses. Nor does it include the 1199SEIU members who have been affected. The latter workers include nursing technicians, clerks, phlebotomists and environmental service employees. We were told that if we didnt pick from a list of vacant positions, we would be terminated come June 20, said the nurse, who is a NYSNA member. She added that terminated workers would not receive severance pay. The vacant positions being offered to Columbia workers are at the Columbia, Allen Hospital and Childrens Hospital of New York campuses. Each nurse has been asked to pick 10 positions from the list of vacancies. More experienced nurses will have preference in the reassignment of positions. Whatever we get, we get, said the nurse. At the time of the interview, she still had not seen the list of vacancies, though she had been laid off a week earlier. Its chaos, she said. The vacancies are distributed throughout the hospital and include positions that some nurses dont have formal training in, which wouldnt be good for patient care, said the physician assistant. Nurses may be forced to accept night shifts or positions in which they have no experience. They [i.e., the administration] gave very little thought to this. Its pretty transparent, said the physician assistant. Its not good for the nurses morale. In addition, nurse practitioners are being forced to accept positions as registered nurses. They are thus being pushed into positions other than those for which they studied and which have a more limited scope of practice. According to the nurse, a phlebotomist was laid off and asked to work in the kitchen. The WSWS could not confirm the story as of this writing. Workers have little information about the layoffs occurring at the other campuses. We were told that there were cuts at Cornell, said the nurse. They didnt say what or who were cut at Cornell. They dont have a union. They werent offered another position. The NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital is pretty isolated, said the physician assistant. We dont know where those registered nurses are being offered the vacancies. As part of the layoffs, NewYork-Presbyterian is closing two essential units, depriving patients of needed care. Moreover, by accepting patients, these units also have opened beds on other floors, which helps patient flow throughout the hospital. Thats all they care about, said the physician assistant, referring to the administration. They need to fill up beds. NewYork-Presbyterian claims that a revenue shortfall, combined with cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, necessitates the layoffs. Theyre saying that we lost a lot of money, said the physician assistant. In addition, NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia University recently agreed to pay $750 million following the conviction of an obstetriciangynecologist for sexual abuse. Hospital administrators have cited the settlement as a major factor in the layoffs. They protected this predator for two and a half decades, and hes affected over 500 patients, said the physician assistant. Despite the alleged financial loss, Dr. Steven J. Corwin, CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, has a $14 million salary that keeps getting higher, said the physician assistant. But the most egregious part of all of this is that they are still opening facilities, she added. Theyre opening a new outpatient center in White Plains [a Westchester County suburb of New York City]. They are going ahead with plans that cost millions and millions of dollars while theyre cutting essential patient care. Weve already seen healthcare collapse since COVID, an increase in patients coming to the emergency room, needing care. Youre cutting those beds, youre cutting these units that provide that, in exchange for state-of-the-art outpatient centers. It doesnt make sense. Its infuriating. They leveled a building right across from our hospital, and theyre building a gigantic cancer center, said the nurse. They want to create another ICU. Throughout the layoffs, NYSNA and 1199 have worked to isolate and immobilize their members. NYSNA did not hold a general meeting until two days before the layoffs were scheduled to be completed. During the meeting, union officials disclosed the number of members who had lost their positions. Workers were shocked and called for a strike and outreach to the media. They called on the union for help, and the union merely responded that theyre working on it, said the nurse. The most frustrating part of the situation, she added, is that the language about layoffs in the contract is 30 years old. Thats infuriating, because we pay them dues, and theyre saying that the language is ambiguous and theres not much more they can do besides making sure that we get one of the vacancies that the hospital has available. They are encouraging us to reach out to media and to make sure the public knows about whats happening, but we cannot strike until the contract expires, which is December 31 of this year. But when the previous contract for about 17,000 nurses at 12 New York hospitals expired in 2022, NYSNA defied workers near-unanimous support for a strike and announced last-minute tentative agreements that had been negotiated with the individual hospitals. The union could not prevent strikes at Montefiore Medical Center or Mount Sinai Hospital, but shut them down within days. It sent nurses back to work without allowing them to see, let alone vote on, the tentative agreements, which included cuts to real wages and did not provide for better staffing. I dont have much faith in the union doing much about this, said the nurse, referring to the current layoffs. Theyre saying theyre having meetings with management. Ive been on three meetings this past week, and nothing new has been shared with us. Members of 1199 SEIU are in an even worse spot than us, the nurse added. They have had no meetings with their staff. Asked what message she had for other healthcare workers, the nurse replied, Youre not safe. This is just the beginning of whats to come. Even if youre in a union, I dont think that you have 100 percent job security. In fact, the layoffs at NewYork-Presbyterian are the latest illustration that the trade unions will not defend healthcare workers jobs. On the contrary, the leaders of these unions actively collaborate with management to prevent strikes and impose concessions on their members. The union bureaucrats material interests are irreconcilable with those of the workers that they claim to represent. The urgent task facing healthcare workers is to form independent rank-and-file committees at all facilities. These committees must break out of the isolation that the unions and hospitals have imposed and develop a fighting strategy to protect jobs and to establish healthcare as a human right. Achieving these goals will require a fight to replace the for-profit healthcare system with a socialist healthcare system. Attorney General Pam Bondi, center, walks to her car as law enforcement work the scene after two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum, Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.] The shooting of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two young Israeli diplomatic staffers, in Washington D.C. by 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez on the night of May 21 has been seized upon to escalate the campaign to delegitimize all opposition to the genocide in Gaza. The killing occurred under conditions in which Israels ethnic cleansing and mass killing in Gaza is entering a bloody new stage, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly endorsing the Trump plan to kill or forcibly displace the entire populationmore than 2 million before October 2023and seize the territory for the benefit of American imperialism. The World Socialist Web Site opposes individual acts of violence, and nothing progressive will come out of the shooting of Lischinsky and Milgrim. The Marxist movement has always stressed that individual violence cannot be a substitute for the conscious struggle to mobilize the working class in opposition to war, inequality and the attack on democratic rights, which is the only way to stop the Gaza genocide. Such actions are seized upon as a pretext to escalate police repression and further criminalize opposition to the genocide. With the killing of Lischinsky and Milgrim, this is already taking place. Rodriguez has been charged with three federal offensesmurder of foreign officials, causing death with a firearm and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violenceas well as first-degree murder under D.C. law. Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated that she will seek the death penalty. Lischinsky, 30, was an Israeli from a religiously mixed Jewish and Christian family who had been working at the Israeli Embassy in D.C. alongside Milgrim, 26, a Jewish American from Prairie Village, Kansas, for the past year and a half. Reports indicate that the two were dating and that Lischinsky was preparing to propose to Milgrim during an upcoming trip to Israel. The Trump administration, the Israeli regime and the corporate media are using the killing of Lischinsky and Milgrim by Rodriguez to escalate the campaign to equate opposition to the genocide in Gaza with antisemitism. Protesters chanting Free Palestine are being portrayed as complicit in the murders. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar went so far as to blame the leaders of Britain, France and Canada for the shooting, accusing them of a blood libel for merely suggesting that Israel might ease its starvation blockade in Gaza. As always, the response is characterized by staggering hypocrisy. The constant refrain from both Democrats and Republicans has been that violence has no place in American politicsignoring the thousands of Gazans killed by bombs supplied by both the Biden and Trump administrations, and Trumps explicit endorsement of the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. The Washington Post editorial board declared unequivocally that Rodriguez was motivated by virulent antisemitism. To sustain this sleight of hand, the Post refers to Israels unrelenting genocide, which Rodriguez explicitly cited as the focus of his misguided rage, as merely a forceful response to Hamass barbaric attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. Likewise, the Wall Street Journal blamed the killing on antisemitism and pointed the finger at campus protests against the Gaza genocide, protests that have included many Jewish students and been violently suppressed by police at the behest of both political parties. Pushing for greater censorship and repression, the Journal added a McCarthyite twist, warning that Soviet-style anti-Zionism, including opposition to Israels existence and criticism of its supporters, is corrosive to America and stirring up old dangers for Jews. It concluded by demanding that Americans of all faiths and political views have a share of the responsibility to push back. However, the facts of the shooting and Rodriguezs own statements make clear that it was not an antisemitic attack motivated by irrational hatred of Jews but a misguided and nihilistic act driven by opposition to the Israeli government and its genocide in Gaza. The ultimate responsibility lies with the Israeli government and the full backing it receives from the American political establishment for the mass slaughter of the Palestinian people. The FBI affidavit declares Rodriguez spontaneously stated on scene to MPD, I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza, I am unarmed, and that he was holding a red scarf identified as a Kaffiyeh, the traditional Middle East headdress associated with the Palestinian people. Video taken by a bystander shows Rodriguez shouting, Free, free Palestine! as he was being taken into police custody. The affidavit goes on to report that Rodriguez waived his Miranda rights to remain silent and continued speaking to police about his motivations, expressing admiration for the actions of Aaron Bushnell, the 25-year-old who self-immolated in front of the Israeli Embassy in D.C. last year in protest of the Gaza genocide. Since Israel launched its genocidal operation against Gaza in October 2023which has killed over 55,000 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children, and leveled much of the densely populated enclave where 2 million once livedmillions across the United States and internationally have protested peacefully, hoping that moral appeals would sway the ruling class overseeing the slaughter. Rodriguez was among them, having participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations in his hometown of Chicago as recently as 2023. Rodriguez graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago with a bachelors degree in English and was working as an administrative specialist for the American Osteopathic Information Association, a trade group for osteopaths. He previously served as an oral history researcher and production coordinator at The HistoryMakers, a Chicago-based African American history archive. Through family connections, Rodriguez had some experience with the Democratic Party. His father, Eric Rodriguez, an Iraq War veteran, attended Donald Trumps joint address to Congress as a guest of Illinois Democratic Representative Jesus Chuy Garcia, representing veterans concerns and opposition to Trumps attacks on the federal workforce. Elias Rodriguez also had a one-time association with the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), participating in an October 2017 protest in Chicago organized by the group against the police murder of Laquan McDonald and Amazons proposed plans for a second headquarters in the city. The PSL has distanced itself from any association with Rodriguez, writing on X Thursday morning: We reject any attempt to associate the PSL with the DC shooting. Elias Rodriguez is not a member of the PSL. He had a brief association with one branch of the PSL that ended in 2017. We know of no contact with him in over 7 years. We have nothing to do with this shooting and do not support it. A manifesto justifying the attack posted on an X account linked to Rodriguez and publicized by journalist Ken Klippenstein points to the deeply demoralized political psychology motivating his attack. Under the headline, Escalate For Gaza, Bring The War Home, Rodriguez justified his attack as an armed demonstration of theater and spectacle, writing: Those of us against the genocide take satisfaction in arguing that the perpetrators and abettors have forfeited their humanity. I sympathize with this viewpoint and understand its value in soothing the psyche which cannot bear to accept the atrocities it witnesses, even mediated through the screen. But inhumanity has long since shown itself to be shockingly common, mundane, prosaically human. A perpetrator may then be a loving parent, a filial child, a generous and charitable friend, an amiable stranger, capable of moral strength at times when it suits him and sometimes even when it does not, and yet be a monster all the same. This manifesto is remarkably similar to the recent column of journalist Chris Hedges, who sees only more death and destruction on the horizon due to the feral qualities that lie latent in all humans ... It is a testament to our hypocrisy, cruelty and racism, transferring blame for the Gaza genocide from the fascistic Zionist Israeli regime and US imperialism to all of humanity. As David North explained, in Hedges view, the Gaza genocide has proven the futility of any hope in the possibility of human progress, a deeply demoralized outlook, which also underlay Hedges endorsement of Bushnells needless and tragic self-immolation as a legitimate protest against the Gaza genocide. These politically disoriented conceptions lead to politically disoriented acts. In contrast to Hedges hopeless outlook, North noted: To blame humanity in general for the genocide is to obfuscate the specific responsibility of the imperialist leaders and the system they represent for the crimes committed against the people of Gaza. However incorrect his politics, Chris Hedges himself bears no responsibility whatsoever for the genocide. He is a politically disoriented journalist who is overwhelmed by the ongoing atrocities. But Netanyahu and his cohorts, and their imperialist enablers, are mass murderers. This is not a minor difference. Hedges claims that mankind is entering a New Dark Age, from which there is no escape. In reality, mankind is entering a new era of revolutionary struggle. The imperialist-backed Gaza genocide has been met by protests involving millions across the globe. The crimes of imperialismthe desperate attempt of the ruling class to resolve its crisis through fascism and waris setting into motion a mass movement against capitalism. The historic task of this era is to resolve the crisis of revolutionary leadership by building the World Party of Socialist Revolution. There is no shortage of opposition and anger over the crimes of imperialism, of which the Gaza genocide is currently the most acute, but absent a political leadership guided by a socialist perspective for workers power, that anger will continue to find dead ends, whether through the tragically misguided actions of demoralized individuals or in the dead end of the Democratic Party. Workers and young people must break free from the grip of bourgeois politics and turn their moral outrage into a conscious political perspective aimed not at any one individual but at the entire capitalist system, the root of inequality and war. This requires studying the history of the socialist movement and drawing its key lessons. Chris Hemsworth is enjoying spending some time with his sons in paradise. On Monday, May 26, the Marvel actor, 41, shared a series of photos on Instagram from his vacation Fiji alongside his twin sons Sasha and Tristan, 11. The trio could be seen enjoying a day on the boat together, lounging as they posed and got in the water. The proud dad also included photos of his twin sons surfing, catching different waves before heading back for a sunset boat ride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Fiji big thanks to @tavaruaislandresort for another epic trip !" Hemsworth wrote in his caption. 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 Thor star shares his sons, as well as his daughter India Rose, 13, with wife Elsa Pataky. In April, Hemsworth shared a series of photos from his son's dirt bike race on Instagram, praising Tristan for competing in his first ever competition. In one sweet photo, Hemsworth could be seen hugging his son, who wore a red and yellow helmet and a red jersey with "Triz" written on the back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other videos showed the start of the race, as well as a clip of Hemsworth embracing Tristan after the race, sweeping him off the ground. "Stoked for my boy competing in his first ever race finishing 3rd in his class, proud moment @sgemcc @steelmcmi11an @juzmac," Hemsworth wrote in his caption. Back in February, Hemsworth shared a recap from a recent family ski trip on his Instagram. The video, which played "The Keepers" by Santigold in the background, opened with the Thor actor recording himself on an airplane before zooming into the plane window and panning to the beautiful snowscape view. The clip transitioned into a few family photos before showcasing videos of his children doing impressive flips and jumps down the mountain, with the ease of professionals. Amid the videos, the Transformers One star inserted a photo of him and his wife Pataky posing together, with Hemsworth wearing a camouflage ski suit and Patasky adorning a multi-colored one. "Another ski trip where the kids continue to make me feel like I dont belong on the mountain ," Hemsworth wrote in the caption of the video. Read the original article on People Something has prompted Tyler Andrews of the U.S. to turn around when he was nearly touching the summit of Everest. After a 17-hour, non-stop run without supplementary oxygen from Base Camp to above the Balcony (8,400m), he has decided to go down. 'All well in the mountains' Andrews, 35, left Base Camp yesterday at 9:08 pm Nepal time. Chris Fisher supported him until Camp 2. There were also support teams in the higher camps. Around noon today, he was above 8,000m. At 8,200m, Andrews sent a text message over his InReach reading: "All well in the mountains." This suggests that Andrews would finally succeed on his third attempt this season to speed climb 8,849m Everest. Concern began among the thousands of followers checking the climber's location on his tracker during the afternoon in Nepal, when his InReach device stopped sending a signal. Andrews' team also had problems connecting with him over the radio, but were aware that he was moving. They noted that 16 hours into his effort, the runner was approaching the Balcony. Shortly afterward, the team finally connected with him and learned -- and shared -- the bad news: Instagram story by Tyler Andrews' team at Everest Base Camp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 20 hours after departure, Andrews' tracker shows him on his way down. But if his team's information is accurate, the signal does not show the highest point he reached: Tyler Andrews' tracker at 5:45 pm in Nepal shows the climber is on the way back. Graphic by Garmin InReach Third attempt Andrews was on his third attempt to speed climb Everest. On the first attempt, on May 10-11, Andrews turned around slightly above Camp 3, due to problems with his equipment. Last Friday, he tried with supplementary oxygen, but the high winds at the summit proved too strong to let him finish. That day, Karl Egloff of Ecuador also attempted to bag the Everest FKT (Fastest Known Time) without oxygen. Egloff aborted shortly after Camp 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both climbers officially called their expeditions off, but Andrews changed his mind unexpectedly yesterday. Weather forecasts promised good conditions today. He decided at the last minute to give Everest a last try and set off that same evening. Andrews was trying to beat the previous mark set by Kaji Sherpa, who climbed from Base Camp to the summit in 20 hours and 24 minutes in 1998. Kaji's ascent was controversial since the climber used oxygen on his way down. However, Andrews believes that how a climber performs on descent is not significant if the planned record run ends at the summit. "In my opinion, if you get to the top, you get to the top," he told ExplorersWeb. "I dont mind how you go down. However, I understand people may have different criteria." Andrews still has a long way to go to Base Camp, but there are support staff at several points of the route. Other climbers are also still on the mountain. We will update you when we learn what caused him to turn around. A 1-year-old boy died after being left inside a hot truck in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Sunday, authorities have confirmed. Investigators say the child had been placed in the care of a relative around 10:30 a.m. and was later found unresponsive around 5 p.m. Police believe the child was left in the vehicle during that time. The relative, a young adult male, is not currently facing charges. "It was a surprise to everyone that this happened kind of early in the year, when it's not even quite so hot," Albuquerque Police Public Information Officer Gilbert Gallegos told KOB4. "That goes to show it doesn't have to be that hot for when you close the windows in a car, so an adult or a child can suffer consequences pretty quickly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service estimated that the temperature inside the truck may have exceeded 200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to KOB4. That estimate was based on the six hours the child was possibly inside the truck and how quickly heat can build in an enclosed vehicle. Temperatures in Albuquerque reached as high as 83 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday. The incident marks at least the fourth child to die in a hot car in the United States so far this year, according to Kids and Car Safety. On May 13, a California father was arrested after his 6-year-old son died in a hot car in Bakersfield. Two other hot car deaths were reported in March. All four incidents highlight the persistent and deadly danger of heat inside vehicles, even in spring when outside temperatures may not seem extreme. Since 1990, at least 1,127 children have died in hot cars nationwide, and more than 7,500 others have survived with injuries ranging from mild to severe, according to data from Kids and Car Safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vast majority of victims-nearly 9 in 10-are under the age of 3. In over half of all fatal cases, children were unknowingly left behind by a parent or caregiver. Experts stress that it can happen to anyone, regardless of routine, background or intentions. AccuWeather.com The inside of a car can heat up much faster than most people realize, even if the windows are cracked. In just 10 minutes, the temperature inside can soar to dangerous levels, with about 80% of that heat buildup happening in those first few minutes, according to Kids and Car Safety. Cracking the windows doesn't make a meaningful difference; it doesn't slow the heating process or lower the final temperature. In fact, children have died from heatstroke in cars when it was only 60 degrees outside. That's because a child's body overheats three to five times faster than an adult's, making them especially vulnerable. You can find more information on the danger of hot cars for children here. (WFLA) Eleven people were injured after a boat exploded in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Memorial Day, the US Coast Guard Southeast announced. The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Monday near the New River Triangle in Fort Lauderdale. Frank Guzman, public information officer for Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, said the boat was anchored on a sandbar popular with recreational boaters before the explosion. It tossed people into the water, Guzman told Nexstar. Some voluntarily jumped in, because they were burned. Coast Guard vessels are seen collecting debris following an explosion of a boat near Fort Lauderdale on Monday. (USCGSoutheast via Storyful) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) told Nexstar in an emailed statement that the boat a 39-foot Sea Ray was carrying 15 people. After the explosion, nearby boaters were among the first to respond to the victims, bringing some to a dock, Guzman said. Another witness picked up a dog that was on the boat at the time of the explosion. Officials from the Coast Guard and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue arrived to administer aid and help facilitate the transfer 11 of the injured boaters to a local hospital. Two children were among those injured. Many of them, if not all of them, had some sort of burns, Guzman told Nexstar. Those two children do have significant burns to a large percentage of their body. Ten of the victims were transferred to a burn unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. One of the injured boaters was discharged on Monday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The local fire marshals office, along with the FWC, is investigating the incident. Guzman said the cause of the expulsion is still unclear, but its believed to be a flash fire, meaning an ignition of vapors that combusted and quickly burned out. There was no sustained fire on the boat, Guzman said. No further information is available at this time, a spokesperson for the FWC told Nexstar 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 The Hill. May 26 (UPI) -- A boat explosion on Memorial Day in Florida injured eleven people, including two children, according to Fort Lauderdale fire officials, who declared a "mass casualty incident." A total of 13 people were aboard the boat at the Lauderdale Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale when it exploded or caught fire near the New River Triangle sandbar around 5:45 p.m. EDT, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to the yacht club, located along the Intracoastal Waterway. The injured, including two children, were rushed to Broward General Hospital, with one burn victim flown by helicopter to Jackson Memorial-Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, according to first responders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there was no information on the conditions of those injured, first responders and witnesses said several people were in the water and others appeared to have suffered burns. One witness, who lives nearby, told the Miami Herald he saw first responders treating a man. "He was moving around and talking, but it seemed like he had severe burns on his arms because they had it wrapped in gauze and everything," said Josh McCarty. Other witnesses described the boat as a 40-foot motorboat, as investigators look into what may have caused the explosion or fire. "There was this boat trying to leave the sandbar and when they went to start their boat up, it just exploded," said witness Bret Triano. "It was a huge fireball and people were kind of falling off the boat, so we were at the sandbar too, and we just tried to go help out." This is a developing story Nearly a dozen people were injured during a Memorial Day boat explosion in Florida The incident happened at the Lauderdale Yacht Club while the vessel was anchored near a sandbar The scene and investigation remains active Nearly a dozen people have been hospitalized following a Memorial Day boat explosion in Florida. A vessel carrying 13 people exploded around 5:45 p.m. local time near the New River Triangle, Fort Lauderdale, the Southeast division of the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed on X Monday, May 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the agency, multiple injuries were reported as rescue teams transferred the 13 ppl to EMS. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue spokesman Frank Guzman told the Miami Herald that 13 people were on the boat. Eleven people were injured, including two children, Guzman said. The incident happened at the Lauderdale Yacht Club at the 1700 block of 12th Street, WSVN reported. At least 10 individuals were taken to Broward Health Medical Center before being transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospitals burn unit for serious injuries and burns, WSVN reported, citing Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue officials. As of 10 p.m., eight people are in good condition, while the children are in fair condition, hospital staff told WSVN. The children are ages 5 and 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exact condition of the people rescued is unknown at this time. A dog was also saved. Good Samaritans came over right away and started to rescue them. We transported 11 people to Broward Health Medical Center, two of them were children. We also rescued a dog that was on the boat and the dog is OK, Guzman told WSVN. One witness, Christopher Blackwood, told the outlet he heard a "loud explosion" while he was fishing nearby. "When I looked at the boat, I saw the gas vapor, went into the air. I saw people jump into the water, Blackwood said. Something inside exploded. You just got to be safe, you got to know what youre doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WPLG reported that the boat had been anchored at a sandbar. Video posted to the USCGs X account showed the rescue efforts underway as boats from different agencies rushed to the scene, lights flashing as they alerted others to clear the way. Salvage is being arranged, the tweet said, adding that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would reportedly be leading the investigation. A spokesperson for the FWC could not immediately be reached by PEOPLE for comment. 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. Its too soon to know how this happened," Guzman told WSNV. "We have a fire investigator on scene as well and once we know more, we can share that." The situation remains under investigation. Read the original article on People A fight on board a boat where 120 people were partying over the holiday weekend led to a shooting where 11 people were hurt along the South Carolina coast, authorities said. Only three of the people hurt in Sunday night's shooting remain in the hospital, and all are expected to survive, Horry County Police Chief Kris Leonhardt said during a news conference Tuesday. The shooting happened on the dock in Little River along the Intracoastal Waterway as people were getting off the boat, Leonhardt said. Investigators believe only one person was firing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten people were shot and one person was hurt when a speaker fell on their head, authorities said. No arrests have been made. Leonhardt said many people ran for their lives when the gunfire erupted and were gone by the time officers arrived. The chief refused to say what started the dispute on the boat and how it led to the shooting on the dock. He also would not say what kind of weapon was used. Items were recovered, but thats part of the investigation, and we dont want to release it at this time," Leonhardt said. Most of the victims were shot in the lower part of their bodies, Horry County Fire Chief Joseph Tanner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting around 9:15 p.m. Sunday happened where a private charter boat docks for cruises. About 120 people and four crew members were on the packed boat, authorities said. A flyer online advertised a party with a DJ on a three-hour cruise ending at 9 p.m. A woman who answered a phone number on the flyer told The Associated Press that she was distraught seeing her friends get shot, but then said she didnt want to talk anymore and hung up. Someone who answered the phone at the company that owns the boat told the AP he didnt want to talk to a reporter. About 3 miles (5 kilometers) down the Intracoastal Waterway, a North Myrtle Beach police officer accidentally shot himself in the leg as he tried to get a boat into the water to respond to the shooting scene, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little River is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Myrtle Beach. The fishing village is known for its docks and marinas where fishing expeditions, casino boats and several dolphin cruises leave daily. The investigation into Sunday's shooting has been made a little harder because many of the people on the boat were from out of town and detectives are trying to track them down, Leonhardt said. Officials at the Los Angeles headquarters for Homeland Security Investigations announced the arrest of a dozen people entering the United States illegally in the early morning hours Monday. In a post to X, formerly Twitter, HSI said they were alerted by officials at Customs and Border Protection to a boat traveling up the coast from Mexico to Long Beach. Details are limited and its unclear exactly where HSI encountered the Mexican citizens, but they said operation unfolded early on Memorial Day and that the migrants had been jettisoned by a pleasure craft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These 12 subjects were arrested for being in unlawfully present in the U.S., officials added. A dozen Mexican migrants were arrested in Long Beach after being jettisoned by a pleasure craft on May 26, 2025. (HSI) In a photo released by HSI, most of the migrants appear to be male with at least one female in the group. Many of them appear to have zip ties around their wrists, while they stand in front of a large white van, many of them draped with foil blankets. Man, 31, in U.S. legally for 12 years ripped from family, detained by ICE The arrests come just days after an executive at a Newport Beach company, who has been in the U.S. illegally and was previously deported in 2017 before making his way back to California, was arrested for the alleged embezzlement of $7 million from his employer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HSI Los Angeles was also recently involved in the arrest of 13 people linked to what officials described as a violent Armenian crime syndicate with ties to the Russian mafia. Authorities did not provide any information about the pleasure craft the migrants were reportedly on Monday morning, whether the vessel was registered in the U.S. or Mexico, nor is it clear if there were any attempts to contact the boats operator. No information was provided on where federal immigration officials intend to detain the migrants before deportation back to Mexico. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 13-year-old boy who fell off a Memorial Day parade trailer in Green, Ohio, and suffered critical injuries was pronounced dead at a local hospital, city officials said. The boy was was identified as Matthew Schultz by officials at a news conference on Tuesday. He a student at North Canton City Schools. Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree said the incident happened at 11:23 a.m. on Monday, as Schultz was riding on the Air Ninja Gym trailer as part of the parade. The trailer was attached to a dual-axle car hauler being pulled by a Ford F-150 pick-up truck, and was driving at or below 5 miles an hour at the time, the sheriff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were seven children, including Schultz, ranging in age from 7 to 13 years old, riding on the trailer, while two adults walked alongside it. As the trailer was nearing the end of the parade route, Schultz fell off the front part of the trailer and was struck by the dual tires and run over, the sheriff said. Fire and EMS were behind the trailer, witnessed the accident and were able to render immediate aid, the sheriff said. The boy was transported to Akron Children's Hospital, where he died of his injuries. A family friend, Danielle Paciorek, spoke at the news conference on behalf of the Schultz family. "Matthew was just 13 years old, but in that short time he brought a lifetime worth of joy to those who knew him. He was a bright light full of curiosity, laughter and love," she said. Paciorek said he had a passion for Star Wars and was quick with a smile and kind word. To his friends, he was loyal and funny the kind of friend who you made for life, Paciorek said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Matthew's absence leaves a hole that can not be filled," she said. He had one sibling, the sheriff said, and some family members were at the parade when the accident happened. The incident is being investigated by the Sheriff's Office and other agencies. Green is about halfway between Canton and Akron in central Ohio. Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Marie Antoinette's rare diamond captures attention as it travels the globe Trump's latest pardon frees loyalist convicted of taking $75,000 in bribes A 13-year-old boy has died after falling from a trailer while participating in a Memorial Day parade float in the city of Green, Ohio, on Monday, May 26, authorities have confirmed The teenager, who hasn't been named, was transported to hospital, but later died from his injuries Police confirmed the boy had been "struck by the dual tires of the trailer" in the "tragic incident" A 13-year-old boy died after falling from a trailer being used for a Memorial Day parade float in Ohio, authorities confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, May 26 at approximately 11:23 a.m. local time, the teenager "participating in the parade fell from a trailer" in "a tragic incident," the Summit County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. "Following the fall, the juvenile was struck by the dual tires of the trailer," officials added. While emergency personnel responded to the scene, the boy later died from his injuries. Summit County Sheriff's Office/Facebook A photo of a Summit County Sheriff's Office vehicle A photo of a Summit County Sheriff's Office vehicle "The teen was transported to Akron City Hospital. Despite emergency medical efforts, the injuries sustained were severe, and the juvenile was later pronounced deceased at Akron Children's Hospital," the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation into the death is ongoing. A city spokeswoman sys an update will be provided later on Tuesday, May 27. Getty A stock photo of an ambulance A stock photo of an ambulance The Green Fire Department said in a separate statement that the child had been "riding on the trailer pulled by a pickup truck" when the incident occurred. "The child fell off the front of the trailer and sustained severe injuries. The child attended North Canton City Schools," the department said. The name of the teen has not been released by authorities. The city of Green's mayor, Rocco Yeargin, sad that "our hearts go out to the family this time a terrible loss, we look to support them as a Green community any way that we can," according to ABC affiliate WEWS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our school district has reached out to the school district of North Canton to offer counselors that will be in action to help their students walk through this issue," Yeargin added. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. North Canton City Schools District also said in a statement to PEOPLE: "We are deeply saddened to have been informed of the passing of one of our North Canton City Schools students." "There is no greater tragedy than the death of a young person, and we offer our sincere condolences and support to the family. Our crisis management team is taking action and will provide counselors and supports to students and staff throughout the district grieving this tragic loss," the district added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To respect the privacy of the family and the ongoing Summit County Sheriffs Office investigation, that is all the information we have to share at this time," the statement concluded. Read the original article on People Memorial Day celebrations turned tragic in Ohio on Monday, as a 13-year-old boy was killed in an accident during a parade. The accident happened in the city of Green. The boy fell off a parade trailer and suffered critical injuries, according to city Communications Manager Valerie Wolford. The child was riding on a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck and fell off the front. Summit County Sheriff's Office and the City of Green say that the boy was run over after he fell off the trailer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters on scene rushed the boy to Akron's Children's Hospital, but he died as a result of his injuries. Monday's parade route began at Green High School and was planned to end at Green Intermediate School. The child's name has not been released to the public, but Wolford noted that he was a North Canton City Schools student. Memorial Day parades are held around the entire country, with the national parade taking place in Washington D.C. on Constitution Avenue. The national parade airs nationwide on broadcast television, giving millions the opportunity to join the thousands who will attend in the nation's capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year's national parade will include honorary marshals who served in World War II, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. The surviving veterans will represent the millions who served in the war and the thousands who sacrificed their lives. The parade is held in conjunction with the American Veterans Center, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving "the legacy and experiences of America's veterans and active duty service personnel from World War II through today." Other events around the nation are intended to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, allowing Americans to enjoy many of the freedoms and luxuries that they're able to at home. Unfortunately, the city of Green and the state of Ohio will also be mourning after the tragic death of the 13-year-old boy on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rest in peace to the child killed in Monday's horrific accident, and we send condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and community during this difficult time. 13-Year-Old Dies in Horrible Memorial Day Parade Accident first appeared on Men's Journal on May 26, 2025 (Above: Interview with Duaa Ouznali, San Diego spelling bee champion, on March 7, 2025) SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) An eighth-grader from San Diego County will be competing in the 97th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee near the nations capital after being crowned the local champion in March. Duaa Ouznali, 13, from Bright Horizon Academy was named the countys representative to the national competition after she correctly spelled the winning word droshky, a public carriage used in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four SDFC players get called up for international play Ouznali beat out more than 90 other spellers at the regional spelling bee at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA in San Diego, which took place on March 6. Starting Tuesday, Ouznali will be competing against other regional winners from across the country at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Maryland. Duaa Ouznali, 13, winner of the San Diego County regional spelling bee will compete in Maryland. (San Diego County Office of Education) According to her biography on the national spelling bees website, Ouznali has traveled to Algeria, France and Canada and loves learning about different languages. Outside of school, she also practices tae kwon do and enjoys swimming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 243 spellers are competing in this years national competition, including students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Department of Defense schools in Europe. Competitors from the Bahamas, Canada, Ghana, Kuwait and Nigeria will also participate. The champion will take home $50,000 plus a medal and the coveted Scripps Cup. They will also earn separate prizes from various organizations, including Merriam-Webster, Encyclopedia Britannica, Scholastic and 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The EU law enforcement agency Europol on Tuesday said its investigators have broken up an international drug trafficking gang in several European countries. Fourteen suspects were arrested in Belgium, Germany and Italy, Europol said in The Hague. Eleven properties were searched and 780 kilograms of cocaine seized as part of the operation. Europol believes the gang was led by an Italian family and had suppliers in Colombia and lab technicians in Belgium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is suspected of having smuggled large quantities of cocaine paste from Colombia via European ports. The drugs are believed to have been stored in Belgian warehouses which were also used as laboratories for further processing. Europol says 11 people were arrested in Belgium, two in Germany and one in Italy, with Swiss authorities also involved in the operation. The gang was also said to be involved in heroin smuggling and money laundering. ***Related coverage above*** SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) A multi-million dollar educational facility was unveiled in Springfield Tuesday. Global Impact STEM Academy held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new 29,880 square foot Upper Academy facility on Tuesday. Several local elected officials, staff and students gathered to celebrate the new edition and tour the building. 12 kids awarded full tuition to Wright State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Located on Clark State Colleges Leffel Lane campus, the facility cost $16.945 million to build, and will allow Global Impact STEM to expand to serve more students in Clark County. Construction finished in May, three months ahead of schedule. This will allow the facility to offer summer programming before students grades 10-12 move into the building for the 2025-2026 school year. With the new space, Global Impact STEM will now be able to serve more students in grades 7-8 and introduce learning to sixth grade students as well. The building includes biochemistry, environmental science, chemistry, physical science and food science labs, an agriculture lab with garage door access and greenhouse, and an art room with a kiln. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bringing this project to life has been years in the making, and it reflects the dedication and shared vision of everyone involved, said Joshua Jennings, Global Impact superintendent and founding director. Global Impact STEM has plans to build an additional 32,000 square foot building, with an expected completion of fall 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 WDTN.com. An 18-year-old who was kayaking on Grapevine Lake in Texas over Memorial Day weekend was killed after being struck by a jet ski, whose driver fled the scene, police said. The incident happened on Sunday evening when the jet ski, with a driver and a passenger onboard, hit the victim, Ava Moore, according to the Grapevine Police Department. Grapevine Lake is a reservoir in northern Texas, approximately 20 miles northwest of Dallas and northeast of Fort Worth. PHOTO: 0329-JGF-aerials-Dallas-area-US-TX (Jon G. Fuller / Vwpics/VWPics via AP Images) MORE: After weekend of tornadoes in South, more severe weather possible on Memorial Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The passenger on the jet ski remained at the scene to be interviewed by first responders, police said, while the driver fled with an adult male. While leaving the area, the driver and the man then struck another vehicle, according to Grapevine Police. Police are investigating the related automotive hit-and-run incident, while Texas Game Wardens are leading the investigation into Moore's death on the lake. PHOTO: An 18-year-old who was kayaking on Grapevine Lake in Texas over Memorial Day weekend was killed after being struck by a jet ski, whose driver fled the scene, police said. (Grapevine Police Department) MORE: Shooting on South Carolina charter boat leaves 11 injured: Police Grapevine Police released an image of the alleged jet ski driver, asking anyone with information about the incident and the individual to contact Grapevine Police detectives at cidmail@grapevinetexas.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our thoughts are with Ava's family and friends during this difficult time. Texas Game Wardens remain committed to keeping our public waters safe," Grapevine Police said in a statement. Jet ski driver flees after killing 18-year-old kayaker in Texas: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Two people were arrested after a reported burglary in Wayne County, Indiana on Friday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A Wayne County Sheriffs Office deputy responded to reports of a burglary in the 8100 block of Davis Meyers Road in Williamsburg, according to a social media post from the Sheriffs Office. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While investigating, he determined James Burelison and Jordyn Forrester were suspects in this burglary. Authorities arrested both suspects after obtaining a search warrant for Burelisons house in the 10000 block of Dalton Road in Hagerstown, according to the post. Burelison was arrested on preliminary charges of burglary, theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a serious violent offender and possession of a syringe. Forrester was arrested on preliminary charges of burglary and theft of a firearm. Additional information on this incident wasnt immediately available. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Police responded to a mass shooting at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park on Memorial Day An adult man and an adult woman were killed in the May 26 incident, while at least nine other people were injured, including three teenagers Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said in a press conference, per ABC 6 Action News, that police are working to determine if several weapons were used in the incident Two people have died and at least nine others are injured following a mass shooting in Philadelphia on Memorial Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At around 10:27 p.m. local time on Monday, May 26, police were alerted to multiple rounds of gunfire on Lemon Hill at Poplar Drive, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said. An adult man and an adult woman were killed, while a 15-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 17-year-old were among those injured, CBS News and ABC 6 Action News reported. The remaining victims were adults, according to the outlets. Police told CBS News that one person was also hit by a car as chaos at the park ensued. It was a drive-by, a witness alleged to local media outlet Fox 29, adding that they had been having a cookout for Memorial Day with around a thousand attendees. Everybody scattered, another witness said. I saw two people drop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All who were wounded in the incident had to be taken to various hospitals, including the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Temple University Hospital and Lankenau Medical Center, per CBS News. The victims are reportedly in a stable condition. Their identities have not been revealed at this time, Fox 29 reported. No weapons were recovered at the scene and no one is in custody. 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. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Philadelphia police car (stock image) Philadelphia police car (stock image) Police are working to determine if several weapons were involved, Commissioner Bethel said in the press conference, per ABC 6 Action News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large police presence has remained at the scene amid their investigation, according to the outlet. The Philadelphia Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Tuesday, May 27. Read the original article on People May 27 (UPI) -- Authorities in Philadelphia continue to search for the shooter or shooters behind gunfire that left two people dead and nine injured in the city's Fairmount Park. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel announced early Tuesday that two adults, a man and a woman, were killed in the incident that occurred Monday night, and there were also three teens between the ages of 15 and 17 among the injured. Police said the incident happened near a pavilion in a section of the park that is popular for cookouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also noted that the gunfire took place even as officers were nearby. According to Bethel, several rounds were fired, and it was not immediately clear whether more than one weapon was involved. A crashed Hyundai was also reported to be connected to the incident but how it was involved and whether anyone in the vehicle was shot remains unclear. No one has yet been arrested in connection with the case, and no weapons related to the gunplay have been recovered. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into a deadly shooting that killed two people in South Georgia. The Wilcox County Sheriffs Office requested the GBI to conduct a homicide investigation after the shooting early Sunday. Investigators say that at about midnight, several people were at a home on Depot Street in Pineview, Georgia, when someone started shooting. Two people were hit by gunfire. They both died at the scene. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The victims are identified as Nathadius Kenta Lawson, 36, and Charleston Calix, 40, both of Pineview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GBI asks anyone with information to submit a tip by calling 800-597-8477 or by visiting https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online. Tipsters can remain anonymous. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Two people were killed and nine others injured in a mass shooting Monday night in Philadelphias Fairmount Park, authorities said. The gunfire erupted around 10:27 p.m., Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said during a news conference. The victims killed were an adult man and an adult woman, Bethel said. Three teenagers, ages 15, 16 and 17, are among the injured. Multiple rounds were fired, Bethel said. Different groups of young people [were] out here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting happened after a car meetup, CNN affiliate KYW reported. No weapons have been recovered, Bethel added. The names of the victims have not been released. When asked if a single gunman was responsible, Bethel said, We dont know yet. Well be able to determine if it was one weapon or multiple weapons, but its pretty rapid fire, he added. Video from the scene showed a significant police presence, with officers investigating late into the night. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel speaks during a news conference about a shooting Monday night. - KYW Earlier in the day, Fairmount Park had been filled with families and community members enjoying Memorial Day cookouts, CNN affiliate WPVI reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN has reached out to the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Fire Department, Emergency Services and the city for more information. This is a developing story and will be updated. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Democrats 2028 podcast primary is well underway. From Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan to former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, potential presidential contenders are following the lead of President Donald Trump, who frequently went on podcasts appealing to younger men during his 2024 campaign. Liberal strategists acknowledge Trump showed that Democratic candidates need to master the podcast space, which is typically looser and more freewheeling than a press conference or a traditional media interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way that politicians communicate and need to be seen by their audience is changing, said Liz Minnella, who fundraised for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and this year launched Connect Forward, a group to support liberal influencers. I hate to give him credit, but he found a way to connect with people, talk to them like human beings in non-political speak. Newsom, long derided by conservatives as a San Francisco liberal, has welcomed conservatives onto his podcast and agreed with them on issues such as trans participation in womens sports. Beshear, a lower-profile Democrat in a red state, hosted his teenagers to teach him how to use the youth slang skibidi. The likely 2028 contenders have produced many hours of content already. Heres a look at key moments and what weve learned about the field so far. Andy Beshears be you, boo Launching The Andy Beshear Podcast earlier this year, the Kentucky governor now has hosted a donor, a former ambassador, businessmen he calls friends and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who ran for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He even brought on his two children to explain slang words high schoolers are using, asking them to explain to him how to use terms like skibidi to say something looks good, or doing it for the plot to say youll be taking a risk on something despite a potentially bad outcome. From his first episode, the 47-year-old politician outlines some rules and says the first is be authentic, you be you, boo. The governor did not respond to a request for comment on his strategy, but has mostly taken a position of dissecting and broadcasting opposition to Trumps policies, such as potential cuts to Medicaid and the use of the Signal messaging app by the presidents national security team to discuss sensitive military operations. In one of Beshears most recent episodes earlier this month, his producer asks the governor a frequent listeners question: Will you run for president? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it were three years ago, this was something that we would have never thought about, Beshear said, sitting beside his wife, Britainy. But Im committed to not leaving a broken country to my kids or anyone elses. Now, what that looks like going forward, I dont know. My job right now is to try to lift up as many leaders as possible all across the country that are hopefully focused on the right things with the right message to re-earn the faith of the American people. Gretchen Whitmer talks about the hug Whitmer recently appeared on Pod Save America for a shorter interview than other contenders have done on podcasts. Whitmer had received some backlash for sharing a hug with the president last month as he arrived in her home state, less than a month after she shielded her face from cameras during an Oval Office appearance alongside Trump. Whitmer and Trump announced a new fighter jet mission at a National Guard base outside Detroit that is seen as a major economic driver for the area. This is a BFD, she said on the podcast, referencing if not outright saying a profane phrase that starts with big and ends with deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt mean Ive abandoned any of my values. It doesnt mean that Im not going to stand my ground and fight where we have to, but this is one of those moments where as a public servant youre reminded your job is to put service above self and thats what it was all about. Gavin Newsom gives mic to MAGA figures In February, Californias governor launched This is Gavin Newsom as what he called a mechanism for talking directly with people I disagree with, people I look up to, and you the listeners. Thus far, hes had a wide array of guests, including former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, as well as Klobuchar and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris 2024 running mate. The conversations have mostly been chummy. Newsom who has in recent weeks broken with Californias legislature and faced liberal criticism for his positioning on trans issues, immigration and homelessness has fielded backlash for giving a platform to some of his partys biggest critics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom has also drawn criticism for opposing the participation of trans athletes in womens sports. I think its an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that, Newsom told Kirk in his debut episode. It is an issue of fairness its deeply unfair. The diverse guest list could be part of Newsoms attempt to self-brand as a centrist ahead of a possible 2028 run, hearing out conservative critics while trying to assume his partys mantle. In March, the governor told HBOs Bill Maher that Democrats had developed a toxic brand and criticized some in the party who are unwilling to have a conversation with their opponents. Buttigieg says Democrats need to reach people who dont think like us Buttigiegs appearance on Andrew Schulzs Flagrant podcast came months after the comedian sat down with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his three-hour sit-down with Schulz, Buttigieg sported a beard as he talked candidly about his personal life, describing his experiences serving in the military before he came out publicly as gay and raising his biracial children, even laughing along as Schulz and other hosts cracked jokes related to homosexuality or asked pointed questions about his personal life. But mostly, Buttigieg who spoke in Iowa earlier this month discussed his time in politics and accused Trump of failing to deliver on economic promises from the 2024 campaign. We have to be encountering people who dont think like us and dont view the world the way we do, both in order to actually, legitimately, become smarter and better and make better choices and have better positions, and just in order to persuade, Buttigieg said. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associated Press Polling Editor Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux in Washington contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The FBI is offering a reward up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest of a man who fled Kern County after being charged with murder more than two decades ago. Jesus Jose Astorga bolted for Mexico after being accused of fatally stabbing a man in a Shafter apartment on Oct. 15, 1999, according to an FBI release. He has ties to the cities of Durango and Sonora. The FBI has a long-standing commitment to aiding our law enforcement partners and ensuring defendants face the charges brought against them no matter how far they may run, Sid Patel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office, said in Tuesdays release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Astorga, 48, is described as Hispanic, 5-foot-7, with black hair and brown eyes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A 21-year-old man from Kansas City is in the hospital with serious injuries after being involved in a single-car, rollover crash on Memorial Day. According to crash logs from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, at about 6:20 p.m. Monday, the man was driving a 2012 Honda Accord southbound on Interstate 29 south of Missouri Highway 92 in Platte County, when he lost control of the car. Kansas City homicide victims family carries on sons legacy at track meet Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver then ran off the highway and hit a ditch, forcing the car to go airborne and overturn. The 21-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was taken to North Kansas City Hospital, where he is said to have serious 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers honored 21 students from various cities in New Mexico as they graduated from the PNM Power Pros program. Power Pros is a 15-week career and technical education (CTE) program that prepares students for careers in the electric utility industry. Graduates of the program from ACE Leadership High School, Silver High, Cliff High School, and Cobre Consolidated High School all earned OSHA 10 certification and CTE course credits. City of Albuquerque offers free lunches for children over the summer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PNMs investment in PNM Power Pros is an investment in our youth, our future, and our state, said Don Tarry, President and CEO of PNM. We are committed to supporting New Mexico schools and communities, and we believe that developing a high-skilled energy workforce is crucial for tomorrow. More schools in central and southern New Mexico are set to join the program this fall, and Deming High School will add the program to its after-school curriculum. To find out more about the program, 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) The 22News I-Team report examining cameras inside Springfield Public Schools has earned a regional Edward R. Murrow Award. The I-Team examined the agreement that gave the Police Departments Crime Analysis Unit live access to school cameras in the event of an emergency. When the time came to renew the agreement between the police and the school, at least one School Committee member expressed privacy concerns. I-Team: An inside look at Springfield Public Schools camera agreement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The I-Team spoke with Springfields mayor as well as the citys police and school superintendents to learn how and when the cameras are used, and what city and school leaders did to ease the communitys concerns. The Murrow Awards are among the most respected journalism awards in the world. The recognition is awarded each year by the Radio Television and News Association. The regional winners advance to the national competition. Those winners will be announced in August. 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. SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) A Sioux Falls man is in the Minnehaha County Jail this midday, accused of soliciting a minor for sex. Local photographer reflects on SculptureWalk legacy Wyatt Nuchols, 23, was booked into jail this morning on a 50-thousand dollar bond. According to an indictment, hes charged with soliciting a 13-year-old girl last summer. He is also charged with giving harmful materials to minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Tuesday morning, his first court hearing had not been scheduled. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 26-year-old British woman was left reeling after being attacked by a shark in Jamaica. Rachel Smith said she was paddling in water up to her hip off Rose Hall Beach in Montego Bay when she encountered the shark on the morning of May 8. Smith said she and her sister Lisa were sent flying by the ocean creature. At one point, Rachel looked down and saw she was missing the ring finger on her left hand, which was bleeding profusely as a result of being bitten by what doctors believe was a reef shark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was in complete shock, she said, via People. My whole hand went numb so I thought my whole hand had been taken off. Lisa Smith helped get her sister out of the water and to safety, while simultaneously telling other beachgoers what happened. "I honestly thought her fingers were gone - there was blood everywhere," Lisa said, via the Daily Mail. "At one point a vein burst and sprayed blood all over both of us. We were just crying and thinking she was going to die." Underwater view of Great White Shark (Carcharodon Carcharias), North Neptune Island, South Australia Stephen Frink/Getty Images Rachel, a pharmacologist, had to fly to Ireland for special surgery after doctors in Jamaica said the next plastic surgeon was unavailable for two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Cork University Hospital, doctors informed Rachel the tendons and nerves in her ring and little fingers were ruptured, as well as the ligaments in her ring finger. The good news is that after the entire ordeal, the Newham, England native was able to keep her hand, which she is hoping to regain movement in over the next 18 months. "I feel grateful to be alive and so grateful to have my hand," Rachel said. "I have a long road of recovery ahead but I have a positive attitude and I believe I will get through it." 26-Year-Old Woman In 'Complete Shock' After Shark Attack first appeared on Men's Journal on May 26, 2025 SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. I am so bored with being lied to. I am even bored with the new lies being told to cover the old lies: Now It Can Be Told!!! The Behind-the-Scenes Inside Story of How I Lied to You for the Last Half-Decade by Jake Tapper and Wossname. Exclusive Excerpt! The longtime granite-jawed Deputy Assistant Under-Counselor to the President for Running the Country peered thoughtfully through the Oval Office window to the vast city beyond before loosening his cocktail dress and kicking off his three-inch heels. I was stunned by the evident anguish on his face as he turned to me and said: 'I think we may be overworking Joe. Last week he took a ten-minute call from some European guy - the German chancellor, was it? Maybe the Nato dude? - and it seemed fine, but his afternoon nap's gone on for nine days now...' He toyed distractedly with his makeup compact as he poured two tumblers of non-alcoholic Scotch on the carbon-neutral rocks and invited me to join him on the sofa. I decided just to spit it out - not the drink, but what my sources had been revealing. 'I spoke to George Clooney after that last fundraiser,' I began. 'He told me that, after he'd explained to the President that he was the guy from Ocean's Eleven, Biden asked him what Joey Bishop was like...' It was as if the temperature in the Oval Office had dropped fifteen degrees - probably in Centigrade. 'No comment,' murmured my longtime granite-jawed but suddenly terse contact, 'or I'm gonna be poppin' my bustier.' He handed me a sheet of paper, neatly typed, double-spaced, but with words on one side only. 'Here's tomorrow's talking points. Do you need to look it over or shall I give it straight to your prompter-operator? By the way, who's doing your hair these days? It looked great on The Jen Psaki Straight-Talk Uncensored Truth Express.' Alas, the now-it-can-be-told lies are proving a tough sell even to impressionable NPR-listening women d'un certain age, so they've now moved on to what James Comey would call eighty-sixing the whole business by transforming the biggest scandal in American politics into mere personal tragedy. And, if you're not satisfied with that, well, it's grossly offensive and poor taste to speculate on the health of somebody not in the best of health: BIDEN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER: Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone. pic.twitter.com/TYT5i8zOh0 Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 18, 2025 Did you see that? Direct from Biden's office: On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. So until May 16th 2025 neither Biden nor anyone around him had any idea that he had prostate cancer that's now metastasized to the bones? So he's a bit like the late rocker Warren Zevon, who hadn't seen a doctor for twenty years and then discovered that he had terminal cancer? Er, no. The President of the United States is the most medically monitored man on earth. He doesn't have a so-called "cadillac" health-care plan; he's got the forty-car motorcade health-care plan going up and down in there all year long. To be sure, given that Biden was getting the old Covid jabba-jabba rather a lot, it could be one of these "turbo-cancers" one hears about. But all Jake Tapper's colleagues assure us that's just a conspiracy theory. So it is not possible for Biden to have acquired this cancer since January 20th, or for it to have remained undiagnosed till Friday. On MSNBC, Zeke Emanuel, Obamacare advisor and brother of Rahm "Never let a crisis go to waste" Emanuel, wandered a little off Morning Joe's usual script and suggested that Biden has likely had this thing his entire purported "presidency": You may recall that, when I had my heart attacks, some readers - and indeed my then colleague Nigel Farage - wanted real-time medical bulletins, and I replied that my idea of a medical bulletin was that of the Royal physician Viscount Dawson for George V: The King's life is moving peacefully to its close. But that is not the way of the White House. The US media were obsessed with the idea that Trump 45 was too unfit for the presidency, demanding to know, inter alia, why his medical team hadn't measured his waist. As Tucker Carlson remarked, that's for your tailor, not your doctor. But prostates aren't. So how could it go undiagnosed till Friday? Well, don't let your finger probe too far ahead: Internet types re-posting video of Biden claiming to "have cancer" in 2022 are dismissed as "conspiracy theorists", and at the time it was just put down to one of those crazy things Joe likes to say, like claiming to have rappelled into Helmand Province to take out Corn Pop with his self-erecting leg hairs. And yeah, his brother Frank Biden told CBS last year that he just wanted Joe to "enjoy whatever time we have left"... Frank Biden, one of President Biden's younger brothers, tells CBS News he thinks the president's overall health and vitality "absolutely" played a major role in his decision to drop out of the race. pic.twitter.com/4MfCMCjXx0 CBS News (@CBSNews) July 21, 2024 ...which certainly sounds like the sort of thing you say about someone with cancer. But, on the other hand, Frank Biden uploads nude selfies to gay websites - ten per cent of the big guy - so are you really going to take your medical insights from him? On the other other hand, there do not (yet) appear to be any nude selfies of Dr Emanuel, and on MSNBC he went on to mention that he'd been able to find Bush, Obama and Trump's PSA tests in the presidential archives, but not Joe's. Like I said, it's lies all the way down, and ever more brazen. But there is no bigger lie than that Joe Biden has ever been head of the executive branch: FDR was, albeit wheelchair-bound; Woodrow Wilson was, pre-stroke. But Joe was installed precisely because he was, as certain "niche Canadians" observed in 2021, the dead husk of a moth-eaten sock-puppet. There are approximately 8.2 billion people on the planet. We cannot say which of them was running the executive branch of the United States from January 2021 to January 2025 - Barack Obama? George Soros? Chairman Xi? Mabel Scroggins of 27b Town Dump Road, Dead Moose Junction? All we know for certain is that the one man among those 8.2 billion it surely wasn't is Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. In the scheme of things it doesn't matter whether they're using his prostate to distract from his dementia or vice-versa, the people who did this to you committed a crime. It is, to coin a phrase, "unconstitutional" to put a dead husk in the Oval Office and usurp his powers. If you want to go on cable TV and debate whether Joe Biden's prostate should be removed and replaced by Jake Tapper, fine, knock yourself out. If you're excited because Tim Walz is already two points up in Iowa, great. But the only thing that matters is: Who was running the US government these last four years? And why isn't he in prison? Mark's international bestseller America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It. If you haven't read the book during its first seventeen years, well, you're missing a treat. It's still in print in hardback and paperback. (Buy it at a 77% discount by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 47% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR) (COMMENT, BELOW) Mark Steyn is an international bestselling author, a Top 41 recording artist, and a leading Canadian human rights activist. Among his books is "The Undocumented Mark Steyn: Don't Say You Weren't Warned". (Buy it at a 49% discount by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 67% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR) Archaeologists in Egypt have unveiled the millennia-old tombs of three senior statesmen, identified by inscriptions left on the tombs. The three sites in the city of Luxor date to the New Kingdom era, Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said on social media, which ranged from about 1550 to 1070 B.C. One of the tombs is for a person called "Amon-am-Ebt," who worked in a temple or other sacred site. The tomb has a view of sacrificial items and other relics, the ministry said. The tomb includes a small courtyard, an entrance, and a square hall. That site was later reused, and another hall was built, the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another tomb is for a person called "Baki," who was a supervisor at a nearby monastery. The tomb included multiple courtyards and an exhibition hall. The third tomb, which included a small courtyard and its own exhibition hall, was for a person identified as "S," who worked as an overseer at a nearby temple, and was also a mayor and writer, the ministry said. An image in one of the tombs. / Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Further research will be done to learn more about the tombs, their occupants and their construction, the ministry said. The tombs were found in the Dra Abu al-Naga necropolis in Luxor. In late 2024, Egyptian officials announced the discovery of an ancient tomb with 11 sealed coffins, and a trove of jewelry, near Luxor. The site was likely a family tomb, CBS News previously reported. In 2023, researchers found what is believed to be the first burial site in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, more than a thousand burial sites have been found in Luxor, Fathy Yaseen, director general of antiquities of Upper Egypt, told CBS News in 2023. Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Marie Antoinette's rare diamond captures attention as it travels the globe Trump's latest pardon frees loyalist convicted of taking $75,000 in bribes Video above: Pedestrian seriously injured in SoHo DUI crash, Tampa police say TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Three people were arrested after an alleged DUI driver struck a pedestrian in Tampas SoHo neighborhood early Monday morning, leaving a man with serious injuries. Tampa police said the driver, Richard Meadows III, 25, and two of his friends were arrested in connection to the crash, which happened at around 2:50 a.m. at South Howard Avenue and West Azeele Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HCSO identifies family of 4 killed when car strikes Ruskin home Meadows Toyota Camry struck a pedestrian, an unnamed 27-year-old man who was standing behind a parked car. The impact severed one of his legs below the knee and heavily damaged the other car. The pedestrian remained in critical, but stable, condition on Tuesday. Police said Meadows showed clear signs of impairment and took him into custody following a DUI investigation. Some of his friends became agitated to the point where it interfered with officers investigative efforts. Richard Meadows (Tampa Police Department) Two men, identified as Julian Jackson, 29, and Rashon Goode, 28, were also arrested. Police said Jackson punched both Meadows and an officer during a police interview. Goode was accused of grabbing an officers vest during Meadows arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meadows was charged with DUI with serious bodily injury. Jackson was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and battery. Goode was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest. The three men were taken to the Orient Road 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 WFLA. Moscow requested a meeting of the U.N. Security Council over Europe's alleged "threats to international peace and security," Russia's U.N. envoy, Dmitry Polyansky, said on May 27, only a day after Russia launched its largest drone attack against Ukraine. Russia launched a three-day wave of aerial attacks from May 24 to May 26, firing more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine. On May 26, Russian forces carried out the most extensive drone attack of the full-scale war, reportedly involving 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys. Moscow, which holds a permanent seat in the U.N. Security Council, requested the session because of what it called attempts by European countries to prevent a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine, according to Polyansky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia expects the meeting to be scheduled for May 30, one day after another Security Council meeting requested by Ukraine's European allies over the humanitarian situation in the war-torn country. Ukraine and its European allies have repeatedly called for a complete ceasefire to bring the war to a close. Russia has consistently rejected these proposals, only escalating its attacks against Ukrainian cities and reportedly preparing a new offensive. Read also: If Germany sends Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Russia has a major Crimean Bridge problem Russian President Vladimir Putin again refused to support a full ceasefire in Ukraine during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on May 19. Instead, the Kremlin proposed drafting a "memorandum" on a possible future peace settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent peace talks in Istanbul, the first direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since 2022, failed to achieve a breakthrough, with a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange seen as the only tangible result. President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russia's weeklong delay in preparing a proposal on a peace settlement a "mockery of the whole world." Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. (WGN) An investigation is underway after three adults were found dead inside a home in La Porte County, Indiana, Sunday evening. The La Porte County Sheriffs Office said detectives from the sheriffs offices criminal investigations division are investigating the circumstances around the deaths. Coast Guard: Armed phosphorus pyrotechnic found on Montrose Beach, 3 still unaccounted for Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies were sent to the home located in the 5600 block of CR 250 North Sunday evening to conduct a welfare check and discovered the bodies of the three adults shortly after arriving, according to investigators. The sheriffs office said the investigation so far has led them to believe this was an isolated incident and that there is/was no immediate threat to the public. Ex-Chicago police officer pleads guilty in fatal shooting of husband in 2021 The investigation remains ongoing and no other information was 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 WGN-TV. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Three Harmony Public Schools campuses in El Paso were recognized on Thursday, May 22, as National Schools of Charter. The campuses honored were the following, according to the news release by Harmony: At Harmony, our mission is to empower every student with both intellectual strength and emotional integrity, Harmony CEO Fatih Ay said. Its truly inspiring to witness how our scholars are integrating academic knowledge with Character Education to enhance our schools and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harmony said that each year, Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character development in schools, certifies schools and districts at the state and national levels that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development. The organization says this has a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate, according to the news release. Harmony said only 16 schools in Texas, including Harmonys 12, earned the honor this year. Nationally, only 72 schools were recognized. Previous winners from Harmony West Texas District include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is an ethic of care at these schools, Character.org spokesperson Lori Soifer said. Working together with students, parents and community members, these schools are creating stronger communities focused on character. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Updated, May 27 Two groups filed a lawsuit against West Virginias state Department of Health, its Bureau for Public Health and agency leaders on Friday, challenging Gov. Patrick Morriseys January executive order, which opened the door for religious and philosophical exemptions to mandatory school vaccination policies. The American Civil Liberties Unions West Virginia chapter and Mountain State Justice filed the suit in Kanawha County Circuit Court on behalf of two parents with immunocompromised children, according to reporting by West Virginia Watch. Just over 330 requests for religious and philosophical exemptions to West Virginias school vaccine policy have been submitted and approved for this school year and 35 have been granted for the coming year, according to records obtained by The 74. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly approved religious and philosophical exemptions already outpace the 203 permanent medical exemptions granted in the state over the past decade, at one time the only exemptions allowed in West Virginia. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Before January, when Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed an executive order opening the door for broader exemptions, the state had some of the nations strictest childhood vaccination policies. The loosening of those policies is occurring amid a deadly measles outbreak that has infected over 1,000 people across 30 states and despite state legislators rejecting a bill in March which would have codified religious exemptions into state law. The conflict between the governors order and the legislatures action has led to confusion over how West Virginia officials should proceed and could ultimately lead to legal action between the two branches of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, the West Virginia Department of Health is granting religious and philosophical exemptions based on the governors order and shared those numbers in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by The 74. No requests for the newer category of exemptions has been denied, the department said. In contrast, 125 requests for medical exemptions to mandatory school vaccines have been rejected since 2015. Temporary medical exemptions have been granted to 288 West Virginia children in the past decade. Richard Hughes, a George Washington University law professor and leading vaccine law expert, said the 331 religious and philosophical exemptions sought in just five months represent a drastic, dramatic increase in the request for exemptions, and thats going to potentially have public health consequences. Richard Hughes is a George Washington University law professor and leading vaccine law expert. (George Washington University) He added the state appears to be approving them liberally and without real scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, when you open the door to these types of exemptions, people use them, he said. There has been evidence before that when only religious exemption is available, people request them without any really sincerely held belief. This just opens the floodgates. While the 331 students who have received exemptions represent a very small percentage of the approximately 251,000 children enrolled in public schools across the state, experts fear the number will continue to rapidly climb, especially at the start of the coming school year. You see how fast we approved those? Hundred percent approved So if we keep allowing an executive order that goes against West Virginia code, its going to change the vaccination rate said Sissy Price, a registered nurse who serves as co-director of West Virginia Families for Immunization. And its not a matter of if its going to happen, its a matter of when. Sissy Price, a registered nurse, serves as co-director of West Virginia Families for Immunization, a local chapter of the SAFE Communities Coalition. (LinkedIn) Experts also emphasized the importance of knowing which regions or schools in West Virginia the exempted students come from to better understand the impact on herd immunity and to allow parents especially those of immunocompromised students to make informed decisions about where to send their kids to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the governors insistence that the state collect that information, an official at the Health Department wrote in an email to The 74, Nobody in the Department of Health or the Bureau for Public [Health] tracks that. Theres a failure of government there, said Northe Saunders, executive director of the pro-vaccine SAFE Communities Coalition. Theres a failure of making sure that parents can make the best informed decision that they can if we dont know what immunization rates are like at the school level. The governors office and the Department of Health did not respond to requests for comment. So far, West Virginia has no reported measles cases. Two children, both of whom were unvaccinated, have died during the current outbreak, whose case numbers have already surpassed 2024s total and mark the second-highest number of confirmed cases in a year since the disease was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000. Some 96% of reported infections have involved a person who was unvaccinated or whose status was unknown and 13% have resulted in hospitalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related 1st Confirmed Death in Texas Measles Outbreak Is Unvaccinated, School-Aged Child In issuing his Jan. 14 executive order, Morrisey relied on an interpretation of the states 2023 Equal Protection for Religion Act. He argued that the law as it stood forces some West Virginians to choose between their religious belief and their childrens fundamental right to public education, and directed the commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health and the state health officer to establish a process for parents to object. The executive order noted that a written, signed objection was sufficient. Related Amid Deadly Measles Outbreak, West Virginia Moves to Loosen Vaccine Rules Based on the legislature voting down the measure to codify the broader exemption category, state schools Superintendent Michele Blatt issued a memo earlier this month to county superintendents recommending that students not be allowed to attend school next year without required immunizations, regardless of requests for religious exemptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are faced with the fact that state law has not been changed by the Legislature and there is no religious exemption provided for in West Virginia law, Blatt wrote, according to reporting by West Virginia Watch. But, by the end of the day she rescinded the memo, saying she had done so at the Governors request. Morrisey then issued a letter May 9 saying that despite the legislative hurdle, the executive order still stands, and I have no intention of rescinding it. He further clarified the process to receive an exemption: Each year, parents or guardians must send a signed letter with basic information including their childs name, date of birth and mailing address. Notably, the letter does not need to include the reason for the requested exemption. In the wake of this confusion, some school districts have begun seeking legal guidance about how to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia is not an outlier in its quest to allow parents to opt their children out of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine that is a requirement in all 50 states for children entering child care and schools. It goes towards the general erosion of vaccine policy, said Saunders. Weve seen these kinds of small, incremental changes that are eroding vaccine policy in states across the country. There are still school entry requirements in West Virginia just like there are in every single state but this is one other chink in the armor of strong vaccine policy driving strong immunization rates. Childhood vaccination rates have been falling since COVID, and theres fear that decline will accelerate now that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known vaccine skeptic, is heading the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. He initially downplayed the measles spread in late February, and on May 14, at his first appearance in Congress since his confirmation, he waffled on the importance of vaccines. Related Parents, Medical Providers, Vaccine Experts Brace for RFK Jr.s HHS Takeover When asked if he would vaccinate a child of his own against measles today he responded, Probably for measles. What I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, I dont want to make it seem like Im being evasive, but I dont think people should be taking medical advice from me. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration, which falls under HHS, released updated guidance for COVID vaccines, saying they may require additional studies before approving the shots for healthy Americans younger than 65. Candice Lefeber, executive director of West Virginias chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said this move played into one of her fears: I think the administration is going to make it harder for vaccines to be available. Not only are we not going to require it, but then access to vaccines would be compromised, she continued. Its just really disheartening for science and for our country and were in big trouble. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) Its been 31 years since a landmark lawsuit was filed in North Carolina to fully fund public schools and districts across the state are still waiting for an answer. It is devastating, it is devastating when we cant staff classrooms, when we dont have school counselors, Dr. Brittani Clark with the Education Justice Alliance said. The landmark case, Leandro vs. State of North Carolina, has faced a legal back and forth since it was filed in 1994. The school districts in the lawsuit argued that low-wealth counties in NC in certain school districts did not have enough money to provide an equal education for their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most recently in 2022, the state Supreme Court ruled that the state constitution requires the state to fully guard and maintain the constitutional rights of school children. Those rights include fully funded schools with steady teachers, school counselors, working school equipment, and more. The court is rehearing the case now and theres no telling when they could issue a ruling. Advocates say were seeing the result of the inaction in our students. Students and families are struggling with literacy, and that impacts every other field and every other bucket in their existence of life, Dr. Clark said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have continued to see an underfunding of our public schools across the state, therefore, we have generations of students that have not had a fully resourced public school education as the constitution obligates, Tamika Walker Kelly, President of the North Carolina Association of Educators, said. Right now, the North Carolina House and Senate are both proposing teacher raises in their budgets. But educators and advocates say more needs to be done and North Carolina students deserve immediate help. We believe that every North Carolina student is guaranteed the constitutional right to access a healthy education and fully resourced, so they continue to thrive throughout their academic journey and beyond, Walker Kelly said. Advocates are also calling on the legislature to stop putting money into private school vouchers and instead put that money into public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. A 6-year-old Madison boy is in critical condition after finding an unattended gun in his home and shooting himself, according to police. A 34-year-old Madison man who police describe as "watching the children" in the home was arrested. The Madison Police Department said the shooting took place inside an apartment May 26 shortly before 10 a.m. in the 100 block of Milky Way. The child was in the living room of the apartment when a gun was left out and within reach of the child at the time of the shooting, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other children were inside the home at the time and were not hurt, police said. The child was transported to a hospital and as of the afternoon of May 27, remains in critical condition. The gun was legally owned by the 34-year-old man, police said. Since 2020, firearms has been the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. In Wisconsin, 55 children and teens died by guns in 2022, the most recent year with data available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Wisconsin over the past eight years, 15 to 20 unintentional shootings have occurred each year involving children, a handful of them fatal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Access to a free gun lock is available through community centers, public health departments and police departments, including the Milwaukee and Madison police departments. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Madison man arrested after 6-year-old shoots himself, police say UPDATE: All four lanes have been reopened as of 10:30 a.m. However, drivers may still experience residual delays. The full original story can be found below. ORIGINAL STORY FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC4) A four-car crash involving a UTA bus on I-15 has brought traffic to a near standstill between Farmington and Centerville early Tuesday morning. Corporal Jared Haywood with Utah Highway Patrol told ABC4.com the crash happened around 9 a.m. near mile marker 321 just north of Centerville, and involved a bus with the Utah Transit Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gavin Gustafson, a spokesperson with UTA, said the crash appears to be a chain reaction accident, based on preliminary information. One car reportedly crashed into another, and the UTA bus swerved to avoid the wreck, only to hit another car. Haywood confirmed that the crash did cause injuries, but it is unclear how many people were injured or how severe the injuries are. Gustafson said the bus was en route for the start of its shift and did not have any passengers on board, and the bus driver did not suffer any injuries. While the UTA bus sustained some minor damage, Gustafson said it was still in working condition. The Utah Department of Transportation said the crash is blocking four left-most lanes on southbound I-15, leaving only a single lane for traffic to pass through. UDOT said drivers can expect heavy delays and encouraged commuters to take an alternate route, if possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alternate routes include Legacy Parkway or detour to the West Davis Corridor. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. 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. The U.S. Marshals Service reunited four Rochester children with their aunt and legal guardian last week after a four-month investigation that led to recovering the kids at a motel in California, officials said. Shayntel Cormier was awarded custody of the four children on Feb. 4 in Rochester Family Court, and their biological mother, 31-year-old Kristyanna Hall, was ordered to relinquish custody on Feb. 10 but fled the state with the children, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service in New Hampshire. Investigators in the Rochester Police Department tracked Hall and the children to Murrieta, California, and on May 13, marshals located them in Ontario, California. The kids were flown to Boston, where they were reunited with their guardian Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We value the partnerships this department has with our regional and federal agencies, Rochester Police Chief Gary Boudreau said in a written statement. We are pleased to see the results of these partnerships positively influencing the Rochester community. Kristyanna Hall remained a fugitive, and the investigation into her whereabouts is ongoing. This case underscores the critical importance of interagency collaboration in protecting vulnerable children, said William R. Hart, Jr., U.S. Marshal for the District of New Hampshire. We are grateful for the swift actions of our law enforcement partners in California and commend the Rochester Police Department for their persistence and dedication to this case. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hall should call local law enforcement or the U.S. Marshals Service. Deysi Vargas' daughter was nearly 2 when she took her first steps. The girl was a year delayed because she had spent most of her short life in a hospital in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, tethered to feeding tubes 24 hours a day. She has short bowel syndrome, a rare condition that prevents her body from completely absorbing the nutrients of regular food. Vargas and her husband were desperate to get their daughter, whom The Times is identifying by her initials, S.G.V., better medical care. In 2023, they received temporary humanitarian permission to enter the U.S. legally through Tijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now in Bakersfield, the family received notice last month that their legal status had been terminated. The letter warned them: "It is in your best interest to avoid deportation and leave the United States of your own accord." But doing so would put S.G.V., now a bubbly 4-year-old, at immediate risk of death. "This is a textbook example of medical need," said the family's attorney, Rebecca Brown, of the pro bono legal firm Public Counsel. "This child will die and theres no sense for that to happen. It would just be a cruel sacrifice." A spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services declined to comment. S.G.V.'s medication is stored in a small refrigerator. Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where the girl regularly receives treatment, declined to comment. But in a letter requested by the family, Dr. John Arsenault of CHLA wrote that he sees the girl every six weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there is an interruption in her daily nutrition system, called Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), the doctor wrote, "this could be fatal within a matter of days." "As such, patients on home TPN are not allowed to leave the country because the infrastructure to provide TPN or provide immediate intervention if there is a problem with IV access depends on our program's utilization of U.S.-based healthcare resources and does not transfer across borders," Arsenault wrote. Vargas, 28, is from the Mexican state of Oaxaca; her husband, 34, is from Colombia. They met in Cancun, where they were working. Just before S.G.V. was born, the couple moved to nearby Playa del Carmen so her husband could work as an Uber driver. The girl was born a month premature and quickly taken to intensive care. After doctors discovered her condition, she underwent six surgeries to fix an intestinal blockage. But Vargas said the doctors cut out too much, and the girl was left with short bowels. She experienced repeated blood infections, including one that nearly killed her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl's weight fluctuated severely. One month, she would look emaciated, her tiny limbs and bulging stomach incongruous with the family's relative access to resources. Another month, she was as round-cheeked as any other baby. When S.G.V. was 7 months old, a doctor suggested that the family relocate to Mexico City, where pediatric care for short bowel syndrome was the best in the country. But although her condition initially improved, the blood infections continued. Unable to work, Vargas spent all day, every day, at the hospital with her daughter. Some days, she said, nurses would mistakenly administer the wrong medication to S.G.V. Other days, Vargas would arrive to find that her daughter had thrown up on herself overnight and no one had cleaned her up. As part of her daily routine, Deysi Vargas runs a saline solution through her daughter's intravenous line. Vargas tried to keep a watchful eye over her daughter. Even so, she said a nurse once mistakenly sped up S.G.V.'s nutrition system, causing her to quickly pee it out. The girl became dehydrated and her glucose levels skyrocketed before doctors whisked her to intensive care, where her condition stabilized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vargas had read about children similar to her daughter going on to have normal lives in other countries. In Mexico, her daughter was being kept alive but at 2, her condition had not improved. So when Vargas learned that the Biden administration had begun offering migrants appointments with border agents through a phone application called CBP One, she signed up. Those let in received two-year protection from deportation and work permits. With the appointment set for July 31, 2023, Vargas and her family set out for Tijuana two days earlier. She carefully carried her daughter out of the hospital, her nutrition bags still connected intravenously. Her husband told agents that he had once been kidnapped by cartel members in Mexico who extorted money and threatened to kill him. They also looked at the girl, whose vulnerable condition was obvious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "God knew she needed better treatment," Vargas said. "When we got to the entrance, they saw her and asked us if we needed medical help." By that afternoon, the family had been whisked to Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego. S.G.V. quickly improved. Although she once was hooked up 24 hours a day to the feeding system that delivered nutrients directly into the bloodstream, doctors began weaning her off as her intestines got stronger. The Trump administration has revoked the family's humanitarian parole that they received in 2023 to treat the 4-year-old girl's short bowel syndrome. Doctors say she could die within days without treatment. A year later, doctors referred her to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, which has one of the top-ranked gastroenterology programs in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both of her parents worked, holding down odd jobs, and by September 2024, the family had settled in Bakersfield and S.G.V. was discharged from the hospital. For the first time, S.G.V. experienced the outside world. At Walmart, her eyes widened from the shopping cart and she and her mom strolled the aisles. "It was incredible," Vargas said. "I had waited so long for doctors to tell me, 'Ma'am, your daughter is OK now. She can go home.'" Now, the girl spends 14 hours each night hooked up to the intravenous feeding system. She wears a backpack to take it on the go. Four times a day, for an hour, her mom administers a different type of nutrition that goes straight into her stomach through a gastric tube. When the girl goes to preschool, she takes a larger backpack containing the milky fluid, and the school nurse administers her noon feeding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before S.G.V. takes a shower, Vargas unplugs her IV tubes, flushes them with saline and tapes a plastic sheet over her chest to keep water from getting in and infecting the area. On a recent morning, Vargas dressed the girl in pink leggings, a Hello Kitty T-shirt and black Puma sneakers. As they left hand-in-hand for preschool, S.G.V.'s curly black hair was still wet and the adult-size backpack dangled behind her knees as she walked. S.G.V.'s care is covered through Medi-Cal. But life in the U.S. isn't cheap. Their modest living room contains little more than a hot plate on a folding table, a mini-fridge, a single chair and an IV bag stand. With no full kitchen, Vargas mostly makes sandwiches or soups. The fridge is filled with S.G.V.'s nutrition packs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vargas recently found steady work cleaning a restaurant. Finally, she thought, the family was achieving a sense of stability. Then in April she received the notice from immigration authorities. This month, she received a notice terminating her employment authorization. Vargas said she and her husband sometimes eat just once a day after paying rent and utilities, as well as for diapers and other necessities. Her husband is currently unemployed because of an injury, and she fears that losing her income could leave them homeless. The thought of being forced by immigration agents to return to Mexico terrifies Vargas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know the treatment they have there for her is not adequate, because we already lived it," she said. "Those were bad times. Here she is living the most normal life possible." If not for her daughter's medical condition, Vargas said, they probably would still be in Mexico. They want to stay only for as long as the girl needs treatment. Exactly how long that could be is unclear, but the couple are hopeful that their child's condition will improve enough that she stops requiring supplemental nutrition. Brown, their lawyer, submitted a petition for a continuation of their temporary humanitarian legal status based on S.G.V.'s medical condition. She believes the family's legal status was prematurely terminated by mistake. President Trump lambasted Biden over his broad expansion of programs allowing humanitarian entry, known as parole. On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order to ensure that the discretionary authority be "exercised on only a case-by-case basis" for urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit. Deysi Vargas and her daughter, S.G.V., walk about 15 minutes to the child's preschool. "This is the intended purpose to help the most vulnerable who need attention here," Brown said. "We can avoid having harmed the child and the family." Although Trump said on the campaign trail that he would target criminals for deportation, his administration quickly began revoking the legal status of immigrants who have no criminal history. The Trump administration has stripped humanitarian protections from hundreds of thousands of immigrants who entered the U.S. under various Biden-era programs. Thousands of people who similarly entered the country using the CBP One app received notices from the federal government around the same time Vargas did, ordering them to leave voluntarily or face criminal prosecution and other legal actions. The same phone app that Vargas used to enter the country has since been turned into CBP Home, to help immigrants such as her self-deport. If not, the notice says, "the federal government will find you." Times staff photographer Myung J. Chun in Bakersfield contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. HONOLULU (KHON2) Pearl City has emerged as one of the top 20 cities in the United States for summer employment opportunities in 2025. This distinction, highlighted by a new report, underscores the citys favorable economic conditions, low unemployment rates and abundant job openings. Hundreds of staff needed for Oahus 2025 Summer Fun program For young adults seeking summer employment, Pearl City offers a compelling blend of work prospects and lifestyle benefits. 1. Why Pearl City stands out Pearl City boasts a 36.9% projected job growth rate that surpasses the national average of 30.54%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coupled with a low unemployment rate of 2.4%, the city presents a robust job market for job seekers. The availability of part-time and seasonal positions is particularly noteworthy as the area offers numerous opportunities across various sectors. 2. Top industries hiring in Pearl City and beyond Several industries in Pearl City are actively hiring for summer positions: Retail and customer service: Retail and customer service jobs in Pearl Citys shopping centers and food courts often provide flexible shifts and competitive wages. These opportunities make them a strong fit for students and part-time workers seeking summer employment. Education and childcare: Organizations such as the Armed Services YMCA and Punahou School are seeking summer program counselors and assistant teachers. These jobs provide valuable experience in education and youth services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healthcare: Institutions like Hawaii Pacific Health, Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi and Kaiser Permanente are hiring for various roles that offer opportunities for those interested in the medical field. Technology and business: Companies like Unilever and Experian are offering remote internships in fields like finance and IT that cater to students pursuing careers in these areas. Keep in mind that these are only a small selection of examples of opportunities available for summer jobs and internships. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You 3. Living in Pearl City Beyond employment, Pearl City offers a high quality of life. The median household income is approximately $62,036, and the cost of living is relatively moderate compared to other parts of Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city is well-connected by public transportation, and that makes commuting convenient for residents. 4. Things to know before working or job hunting in Pearl City Opportunities are strong for local youth: Pearl City ranks as one of the top cities in the U.S. for summer jobs, and one of the reasons it holds this spot nationally is due to the area having the lowest percentage of people ages 16 to 24 living in poverty. That means many young residents are finding meaningful work and financial stability, especially during the summer months. For students looking to earn money, gain experience or explore career paths, Pearl City is an ideal place to start. Support your own community: Many businesses in and around Pearl City offer flexible hours and part-time work suited for students and families. Whether its retail, food service, medical offices or summer programs, these jobs help keep money circulating in the local economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applying for work close to home not only helps reduce commuting time and costs but also strengthens the community by supporting neighborhood employers. Be mindful of kuleana: Kuleana means responsibility. Whether youre stepping into your first job or returning to a familiar role, its important to take pride in your work and respect those around you. Be on time. Be open to learning. And treat every customer, co-worker and supervisor with aloha. Know your rights and responsibilities: Hawaii has its own labor laws and youth employment rules. For example, minors under 18 may need a work permit and there are limits on how many hours teens can work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families should make sure students are aware of whats allowed so they can focus on school and rest, too. The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website is a good place to start. Malama aina in the workplace: Taking care of the land doesnt stop when you clock in. Jobs in food service, outdoor recreation or tourism often involve interacting with the aina. Being careful with resources, reducing waste and following your employers conservation guidelines are ways to show respect for yourself, for the job and for the place we call home. Pearl City offers a vibrant job market, a welcoming community and a high quality of life. This makes it an excellent choice for summer employment in 2025. You can click here to read the full report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 Whether youre a local resident or planning to visit, the city provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. A 41-year-old woman was killed in a pedestrian crash in Framingham over Memorial Day weekend, according to police. The crash occurred at 1881 Worcester Road, or Route 9 near the offramp to Route 30, at around 10:25 p.m. Saturday, May 25, Framingham police said. The woman involved in the incident was brought to MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham, where she later died. The womans name has yet to be released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person driving did not stay on scene after striking the woman, police said. They were later identified as 44-year-old Stewart Anderson of Framingham. Anderson was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident-causing personal injury/death. The crash is under investigation by Framingham Police, Massachusetts State Police and the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office. Other similar stories Read the original article on MassLive. Salvagers on Tuesday pulled a massive cargo ship, which made world headlines for running aground just meters away from a house in Norway, back into the water, the head of the company managing the operation said. A Ukrainian sailor in his 30s was on watch at the time and said he had fallen asleep, according to Norwegian police, who have charged him with "negligent navigation." The 443-foot NCL Salten sailed up onto shore just a stone's throw from a wooden house around dawn on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's good to have said hello, but now it's time to say goodbye" the occupant of the house, Johan Helberg, told broadcaster NRK on Tuesday. The container ship NCL Salten (C) is pictured after it has been pulled from the ground and is back at sea, on May 27, 2025 near Trondheim, Norway. The 135-meter-long ship ran aground in the Trondheimsfjord outside Byneset on May 22, 2025, almost hitting a house. / Credit: JAN LANGHAUG/NTB/AFP via Getty Images The containers on the ship, except for those removed to lighten the bow, are still on board and will be unloaded this evening, Ole T. Bjornevik, the managing director of BOA Offshore told AFP, adding that the operation only lasted 30 minutes and an inspection is underway. "This went better than expected," he told NRK. "This went beyond all expectations." The Ukrainian seaman has said none of the cargo ship's collision alarms had worked, prosecutor Kjetil Bruland Sorensen told news agency NTB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation will also look into whether the rules on working hours and rest periods were adhered to on the ship, according to police. People stand near a container ship, which almost hit a house, in Trondheim, Norway, May 22, 2025. / Credit: NTB/Jan Langhaug/via Reuters Helberg also slept through the incident and only discovered the unexpected visitor when a panicked neighbor rang his doorbell and called him on the phone. "The doorbell rang at a time of day when I don't like to open," Helberg told television channel TV2. The ship reportedly caused damage to a heating pipe in Helberg's cabin, TV2 reported, but the homeowner said he considered himself lucky. "If the ship had hit the rocky cliff right next to it, it would have lifted up and hit the house hard," he told TV2. "It wasn't many meters off." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the 16 crew members were injured. Bente Hetland, the CEO of the shipping company that owns NCL Salten, told TV2 that the same ship ran aground twice before once in 2023 in Hadsel and again in 2024 in Alesund. Johan Helberg poses next to his house and a 443-foot-long container ship by the shore in the Trondheimsfjord outside Byneset by Trondheim, Norway, on May 22, 2025, after the ship ran aground, almost hitting his house. / Credit: Jan Langhaug/NTB/AFP via Getty Images Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Full interview: Jack McCain on "Face the Nation" King Charles delivers rare address to Canada's Parliament Rita Lewis fourth grade class recently wrote essays to enact change at Central Elementary School. The hand dryers in the bathroom across the hall made learning difficult, and the students were ready to speak up. For years, the unusually loud bathroom hand dryers had interrupted classes and affected students learning abilities. They could be really distracting to other kids. When people are teaching and they are right next to the hand dryers and their door is open, sometimes it makes it so they cant hear each other when they are telling stories, said one of Lewis fourth-grade students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students research showed that the hand dryers also affected test taking and students with special needs around them. Our special needs kids are afraid to go to the bathroom because it is so loud, one student explained. With encouragement from their teacher, the students wrote essays to various companies around Utah asking them to donate quieter hand dryers to the school. Their large yellow envelope reached Chariot Plumbing Supply and Design in Salt Lake City. Business owner Jon Aird and operations manager Chantel Gough read through the students essays and felt inspired to help. When we got the letter, we knew we had to help, Aird said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chariot Plumbing team headed to the elementary school to assess the situation and meet the students. The class was ecstatic to have gotten a response. The company interviewed the class, asking questions for about 45 minutes, and quickly realized how much of a problem the hand dryers were. The loud noises continually interrupted students and made it nearly impossible for them to hear each other. Still, Chariot was impressed by the students articulate nature and reasoning for needing new hand dryers. They are a really bright class. You can tell Mrs. Lewis is a really great teacher who really cares about them and letting them use their voice. They executed it perfectly, shared Gough. After their interview, Chariot went to work researching the current decibel levels of the hand dryers and finding quieter hand dryers to donate. Throughout every contact point, the students were in charge of speaking to them and learning to advocate for their needs. Every email, phone call and conversation was student-led. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were a little nervous at the start. But I think we are excited now when we get calls because we want to use our voice, one of the students said. The students learned that their thoughts are powerful and can make a change. They shared that they are changing history for all future classes near the restrooms. We are so small, yet we found out that we have a big voice. We know that people will hear it, a student expressed. Through their efforts, the students have enacted change beyond their school. These kids have inspired adults to look at their standards for buildings and schools to see if they are appropriate or not, said Lewis. The new hand dryers will be installed before the end of the school year, and the students expressed gratitude to everyone who listened to their voices. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The 4Warn Storm Team is tracking severe storms moving into Oklahoma from the west on Monday night. Tornado warnings were first issued for parts of far western Oklahoma at around 8 p.m. on Monday. Oklahoma Weather Watches and Warnings Map Check back for the latest updates as severe storms continue moving across Oklahoma. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Outraged critics blasted longtime 60 Minutes anchor Scott Pelley as angry and unhinged after he delivered a fear-laced tirade against President Trump during a commencement speech in North Carolina. The CBS newscaster warned Wake Forest Universitys graduating class on May 19 that insidious fear has infiltrated schools, businesses, and homes across the nation leaving America in a state of peril. Your country needs you the country that has given you so much is calling you, the class of 2025, your country needs you and it needs you today, Pelley said during his grandiose sermon-like speech. Scott Pelley was ripped by outraged critics following his Wake Forest University commencement speech. WFU This morning our sacred rule of law is under attack. Journalism is under attack, universities are under attack, freedom of speech is under attack and insidious fear is reaching throughout schools, our businesses, our homes and into our private thoughts, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fear to speak in America. If our government is, in Lincolns phrase of the people, by the people, for the people, then why are we afraid to speak? Ignorance works for power. Power can change the definition of the words we used to describe reality. This is an old playbook, my friends. There is nothing new in this. The speech, met with scattered applause during the graduation ceremony, was ridiculed on social media by those baffled by Palleys dramatic gestures and dread-filled rhetoric during the celebratory event. Scott Pelley raged at Trump in angry, unhinged commencement address at Wake Forestas he speaks openly and freely in America, one user wrote on X. This self-important, sermonizing propagandist is what passes for a legacy media journalist. Pelley told graduates that the country needs you as insidious fear is stoked throughout the nation. WFU Another called the liberal-leaning correspondents speech a national disgrace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juanita Broaddrick, who alleged former President Bill Clinton raped her in 1978 when he was Arkansas attorney general, also chimed in, calling Pelley a pompous POS. Pelley warned students that the country is in a state of peril as the federal government attacks freedom of speech. WFU Others ripped Pelley as a hypocrite, pointing out that his network is currently facing a $20 billion lawsuit filed by Trump over how 60 Minutes edited a sit-down with then-Vice President and failed presidential candidate Kamala Harris last fall. Mediation efforts to resolve the suit began earlier this month. Did Scott Pelley mention that 60 Minutes edited Kamalas campaign interview, and they helped her answer questions ??? one user mused on X. Unit he does that, his credibility is ZERO. Journalist Scott Pelley accused President Donald Trump of attacking free speech and spreading insidious fear among the public during a commencement address at Wake Forest University. Pelleys speech delivered on May 19, which began making the rounds on social media on Monday, came as concerns grow over the countrys free speech rights amid Trumps targeted attacks aimed at universities over a range of topics, including diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices and foreign students enrollment. Trump and Harvard University are currently embroiled in a heated legal battle over the Ivy League schools enrollment of international students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our sacred rule of law is under attack, Pelley began his message. Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack. Freedom of speech is under attack, and insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, our homes and into our private thoughts. The veteran CBS News reporter continued, The fear to speak in America. Power can rewrite history with grotesque false narratives. Without name-dropping, Pelley went on to say that they can make criminals heroes, and heroes criminals. He added, Power can change the definition of the words we use to describe reality. Pelley then said that the old playbook the Trump administration is operating from is nothing new. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diversity is now described as illegal. Equity is to be shunned. Inclusion is a dirty word, he declared. This is an old playbook, my friends. There is nothing new in this. Trump sparked concern by signing a series of executive orders within the first few weeks of his second term, with some of them aimed at universities. The White House said that one of the orders accused college and university accreditors of having abused their authority by imposing discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-based standards. Watch Pelleys full speech below. Related... CBS News journalist and longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley warned against what he characterized as threats to the First Amendment in the current political climate. As he gave a commencement address over the holiday weekend at Wake Forest University, Pelley said an insidious fear is reaching through, the country and threatening Democracy. As a reporter, Ive learned to respect opinions, he told the crowd. Reasonable people differ about the life of our country. And America works well when we listen to those that we disagree with, where we listen to those we disagree with and have common ground and compromise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in this moment, this moment this morning, our sacred rule of law is under attack. Journalism is under attack, the CBS veteran continued in remarks first highlighted by Mediaite. Universities are under attack, freedom of speech is under attack. Pelley made headlines earlier this month with an unprecedented callout of Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS News that is reportedly preparing to settle a high-profile lawsuit brought last year by President Trump over the outlets interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. Critics of Trumps lawsuit have argued it is intended to intimidate media organizations that he feels do not cover him fairly. Fallout from the lawsuit led to the resignations of the CBS News president and executive producer of 60 Minutes in a span of several 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 The Hill. HONOLULU (KHON2) On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, Ala Moana Beach will once again be aglow with thousands of floating lanterns as the 27th annual Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony invites thousands to gather in remembrance and hope. Hawaii locals, visitors speak about their loved ones: Shinnyo Lantern Floating ceremony Organized by Shinnyo-en, an international Buddhist community, and presented by its local nonprofit, the Na Lei Aloha Foundation, this beloved tradition welcomes people of all backgrounds to reflect, honor and connect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii returns to Ala Moana Beach Park The ceremonys theme, Many Rivers, One Ocean, highlights the ceremonys purpose to create space for healing and unity among diverse individuals and communities through collective remembrance. A total of 6,000 candle-lit lanterns, each inscribed with remembrances, prayers and affirmations, will be released onto the waters at sunset, carrying messages of love and gratitude. Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii invites individuals, families and communities of every background to unite in a shared spirit of gratitude, reflection and hope. We are honored to continue this meaningful tradition, fostering connection where renewal and unity embrace all. Rev. Craig Yamamoto, community relations liaison for Shinnyo-en Hawaii Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news How to participate Lanterns will be available at the Lantern Request Tent from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no pre-registration; distribution is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are respectfully asked not to bring homemade lanterns, as official lanterns are designed and tested for safety and environmental protection. Refurbished after each event, these lanterns are reused annually. For those unable to receive an individual lantern, the Collective Remembrance Tent will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing participants to submit written messages that will be placed on lanterns floated by volunteers from canoes. In a new initiative for 2025, military personnel and their immediate families will have access to a dedicated lantern pickup line. This offering honors Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans and Retired Military members who present a valid military ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New changes coming to Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii Transportation and parking To ease the flow of the thousands expected, free shuttles will run throughout the day between 800 Olomehani Street in Kakaako and Magic Island, starting at 7 a.m., with the final return trip at 9 p.m. Ala Moana Center will offer 50% off parking through the Premium Parking app using promo code LANTERN2025, which must be applied to avoid ticketing or towing. QR codes for easy access to this promotion will be posted throughout the area. Accessible parking is available on a limited basis at Magic Island for vehicles with a valid disability permit. Ceremony details Officiated by Her Holiness Shinso Ito, one of only a few women to have been formally recognized as an accomplished master of one of Japans Buddhist traditions, the ceremony is a poignant expression of aloha and shared humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii Lantern Floating Hawaii is free and open to the public; and for those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast live on KHON2, KHON2.com, KHON+ and streamed on YouTube. For more details, visit LanternFloatingHawaii.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 KHON2. Eight inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail have been arrested after more than a week on the run, authorities announced. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on Monday evening that inmate Lenton Vanburen was captured in Baton Rouge and is back in custody. Vanburen was originally incarcerated on charges of parole violation, possession of a firearm by a felon and illegal carrying of a weapon, according to Murrill. PHOTO: Ten inmates, including accused murderers, escape New Orleans jail (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office/via Reuters) MORE: Facial recognition technology use in search for New Orleans jail escapees under scrutiny Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inmate will now face additional charges related to the escape, Murrill added. Additionally, inmates Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were apprehended in Walker County, Texas, by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Louisiana State Police announced on Monday. "This is a clear example of how effective collaboration and open communication between agencies can lead to successful outcomes," Louisiana State Police said in a statement, commending the teamwork of local, state and federal partners. Tate and Donald were arrested after leading law enforcement officers from several agencies on a high-speed chase through the Huntsville, Texas area, Huntsville Police said in a statement. PHOTO: Booking photos of Antoine Massey, Corey Boyd, Derrick Groves, Dkenan Dennis, Gary Price, Jermaine Donald, Kendall Myles, Lenton Vanburen Jr., Leo Tate Sr., Robert Moody who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center, May 16, 2025 in New Orleans. (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office) Donald was charged with outstanding warrants for escape and resisting an officer. His original charges were for illegally carrying a weapon and second-degree murder, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tate was charged with outstanding warrants for aggravated escape and escape from custody. He was in custody on the original charge of obstruction of justice, police said. Two more fugitives remain at large. MORE: New Orleans jail employee arrested, accused of helping mass escape of inmates A total of 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center after climbing through a hole behind a toilet in the early morning hours of May 16. Their disappearance was not noticed for several hours and touched off a massive, more than weeklong manhunt. Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of helping the escapees, including a jail maintenance worker accused of shutting off water to the toilet, another inmate in the jail, and five other people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three of the 10 inmates who escaped were apprehended within the first 24 hours of the jailbreak. The other two were captured in the following days. ABC News' Darren Reynolds, Jason Volack and Tristan Maglunog contributed to this report. 8 New Orleans inmates captured, 2 remain missing after more than a week on the run originally appeared on abcnews.go.com May 26 (UPI) -- Eight of 10 escapees from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans have been captured, authorities said Monday night. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were arrested Monday night in Walker County, Texas, located about 77 miles north of Houston. Specifics of the arrests were not made public. At the time of the escape earlier this month, Tate was in jail on charges of burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon and illegally carrying of weapon, and Donald was imprisoned on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery and possession of a firearm by a felon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They will not both face additional charges related to the escape, Murrill said in a statement published to X. Louisiana State Police and Baton Rouge police captured Lenton Vanburen Jr. on Monday night, making him the sixth of 10 captured after escaping a New Orleans jail May 16. Photo courtesy of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill "Great work by all our law enforcement agencies in Louisiana and @TexasDPS1!" Murrill made the announcement about an hour after she said a sixth fugitive, Lenton Vanburen Jr., was back in police custody. "Inmate Lenton Vanburen [Jr.] is now back in custody," Murrill said in a post on X. "He was picked up in Baton Rouge." Vanburen was arrested at around 6:12 p.m. local time by the Baton Rouge Police Department following receipt of a anonymous tip from a concerned citizen, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Vanburen was apprehended while sitting on a bench near a department store," the Baton Rouge Police Department said in a statement. Murrill complimented Louisiana's Fugitive Apprehension Task Force, State Police and the Baton Rouge Police Department for working together to locate and capture Vanburen. She said Vanburen is charged with parole violation, possession of a firearm by a felon and illegally carrying a weapon. He will face additional charges related to the escape. Police now hunt for the remaining two inmates on the run after 10 escaped through a hole behind a toilet at the jail in New Orleans during the predawn hours of May 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jail staff did not discover they were missing for several hours, but five were caught within four days. Inmates Corey Boyd, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, Kendall Myles and Gary Price also have been apprehended after their group escape. The captured inmates have been transferred to the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Those remaining at-large are Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey. Many of the caught and at-large escapees are charged with murder. Seven people also have been arrested for assisting in the escape and helping the inmates afterward. EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) A 72-year-old man from Teutopolis, Illinois, was killed Monday in a single-vehicle crash in Effingham County. It happened around 9:30 a.m. on Moccasin Road, about half a mile east of County Road 600. When first responders arrived on the scene, they found the man dead. 1 dead after 5-car crash on Interstate 74 in Indiana The Effingham County Coroner identified him as 72-year-old David Hollinshead of Teutopolis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators believe his truck was driving west when it went off the road and hit a utility pole, causing the vehicle to overturn. He was the only passenger in the vehicle. Police said they are continuing to investigate the incident. ISP: Woman dies after school bus crash on US 24 in Wabash 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 MyWabashValley.com. EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) A 72-year-old man from Teutopolis was killed Monday morning in a single-vehicle crash in rural Effingham County. The crash happened on Moccasin Road, approximately a half mile east of County Road 600. Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes said the Effingham County Sheriffs Department, Illinois State Police and Altamont Fire Department responded to the crash around 9:30 a.m. and found the man dead at the scene. Child injured in Thomasboro after being hit by train Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhodes also responded to the scene and officially pronounced the man dead. She identified him as David Hollinshead, 72 of Teutopolis. An investigation into the crash determined that Hollinsheads pickup truck was driving west on Moccasin Road when it went off the road, hit a utility pole and overturned. He was the only person in the truck. An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday morning. The Effingham County Coroners Office and Illinois State Police are continuing to investigate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. A new GAO report highlights challenges facing the defense of Guam. The watchdog said DoD hadn't determined personnel, deployment, or other requirements. The Army, in particular, has had installation and maintenance issues. The US military's plans for missile defenses on Guam are hitting major snags, per a new government watchdog report. The problems range from a lack of strategy or timeline for sustaining the defense systems, Army logistics and maintenance issues, and unknowns over the housing and base services they'll need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the US Government Accountability Office released a report documenting the challenges facing the Department of Defense in its plan to develop an enhanced missile defense capability for Guam, or the Guam Defense System. It's been a top priority as China has built up its missile forces, putting US submarines and airfields there on the frontlines of a conflict. The plan is to network interceptors, missiles, radars, and sensors to provide a 360-degree defense of the island, but the GAO said there are some holes. "DoD does not have a strategy that includes a timeline and a plan for determining when and how the lead organization the military services or [Missile Defense Agency] will assume responsibility for operating and sustaining those systems," the report said. USAF C-17s and Allied aircraft are parked on the Andersen Air Force Base flightline in Guam on July 11, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bailee Ann Darbasie DoD, GAO said, has suggested multiple military services could manage the GDS, further muddying a plan about who will take lead on what is one of the department's larger and more complicated integrated air defense networks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GDS will involve 16 sites around Guam and is set for full installation between 2027 and 2032. It'll cost around $8 billion, Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, the joint executive officer for GDS, told the US Senate Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee earlier this month. Per the GAO report, unanswered questions within DoD on who will operate and sustain GDS elements, and more broadly the number of personnel needed or a deployment schedule, has put the Army in a waiting position as they determine training, personnel, and facilities. Some other DoD organizations have done their own estimates for some of these areas, but there are broader limitations facing housing, schools, medical facilities, and supermarkets as well that can't be figured out until the Pentagon identifies how many service members it'll need, the report noted. The Army is also struggling to take care of its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile battery that's been deployed to the island for over a decade because the service lacks infrastructure. Army officials from Task Force Talon and the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade told the GAO they've had difficulties getting approval from the Navy for building facilities on the island; after a typhoon hit the island in 2023, the Army relied on the Marine Corps for hangars to protect THAAD launchers and radars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The THAAD battery doesn't have a dedicated maintenance facility, and Army vehicles undergoing maintenance were spotted by the GAO under temporary tarps, not a permanent facility. And Task Force Talon told the GAO their soldiers rely on bottled water due to the lack of clean drinking water in the area. The Army has maintained a THAAD battery on Guam since 2013. US Missile Defense Agency All of this contributed to, the report said, "morale challenges" facing soldiers and Army civilians. The Army's plans to improve these issues have included establishing an office for managing the service's presence on Guam, signing an agreement for negotiating installation support of facilities, and having Army planners present in Guam for further discussions. Pentagon officials, experts, and lawmakers in Washington have continued raising the alarm about the threat of China's massive missile arsenal to Guam. There has been a call from the Army for more air defenses with deeper magazines and concerns among US lawmakers about the vulnerability of US bases in the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force boasts thousands of missiles, including the DF-26, a solid-fueled intermediate-range ballistic missile nicknamed the "Guam Express" because it can reach the island that's some 2,500 miles from Beijing. While Chinese ballistic missiles haven't been tested in combat, conflict experts have said the US could face a threat unlike anything it's seen before if it were to go to war with China. Read the original article on Business Insider TRI-CITIES, Tenn. (WJHL) Eight months after Hurricane Helene flooded regional waterways and took some homes and numerous bridges with it, four state-owned bridges remain closed, including a heavily traveled passage in Elizabethton. On Sept. 27, Helene flooded rivers and creeks as it brought unprecedented rainfall to the area. Some of the most impacted waterways were the Nolichucky, Doe and Elk rivers. Bridges that cross over those rivers were largely wiped out, adding several minutes to emergency response times and nearly an hour to community members commutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO: ETSU preps for start of hurricane season while reflecting on Helene The Tennessee Department of Transportations (TDOT) Region 1 Communications Officer Mark Nagi told News Channel 11 on Tuesday that the following bridges still remain closed as a result of Hurricane Helene: SR 67 bridge in Carter County (Broad St. Bridge) SR 159/US 321 in Carter and Johnson Counties (Poga bridges [x2]) SR 353 in Washington County (Bailey Bridge) TDOT initially planned for the Broad Street Bridge in Elizabethton to reopen at the end of May. However, on April 2, TDOT announced the opening would be delayed until the beginning of July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two bridges in the Poga and Elk Mills communities of Carter County are being rebuilt with $10 million in grant funding. Tennessee and FEMA approved the grant to restore the two-lane bridges, located about a mile apart along the Elk River. That funding comes from FEMAs Public Assistance Program. The Bailey Bridge in the South Central community of Washington County is expected to be completed by May 2026, according to TDOT. Much progress has been made, though, as TDOT rebuilt and opened both the Kinser Bridge in Greene County and the Taylor Bridge in Washington County well ahead of schedule. Of the 49 sections of state/local routes initially closed due to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, 46 have reopened, Nagi previously stated in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the above TDOT-managed bridges, Washington Countys government was awarded $6.8 million to replace the Corby Bridge near Limestone. Long Hollow Road in Carter County also has a bridge at one end of the roadway that remains closed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WHITE COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) Multiple agencies joined together on Memorial Day to rescue a group of people who found themselves trapped in rising water at Rock Island State Park. First responders said they were called to the state park at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26 after being alerted that nine people were trapped at the bottom of Twin Falls. The Central View Volunteer Fire Department said crews at Rock Island State Park reached out to the Tennessee Valley Authority to request that the gates of the dam be shut in order to make rescue operations safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good Samaritans help rescue man swept down river in Maury County Once first responders arrived, they reportedly learned that the group was unable to exit on their own due to rising water and created a rope system to help them walk out safely. Courtesy: Sparta Rescue Squad Courtesy: Sparta Rescue Squad Courtesy: Sparta Rescue Squad Courtesy: Sparta Rescue Squad Courtesy: Sparta Rescue Squad Courtesy: Sparta Rescue Squad Crews said no injuries were reported, adding that the TVAs quick response to shut the dam made the potentially dangerous situation much safer. This is a great example of the relationships we have between all stakeholders from local to federal to ensure those who come to enjoy our area are as safe as can be, but those going to areas such as this must read the safety signage posted in the area to understand what the warning lights and sirens mean, said Central View Deputy Chief Thomas Steele. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Multiple agenciesincluding the Central View Volunteer Fire Department, Doyle Volunteer Fire Department, Sparta Rescue Squad, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Rock Island Volunteer Fire Department, White County EMS, White County Sheriffs Office, and Warren County Rescueall responded to the park Monday to assist in the rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A monument honoring the dead stands in the cemetery at Manzanar National Historic Site on December 9, 2015 near Independence, California. Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of 10 internment camps where Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were incarcerated from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. Photo by Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Every week, I sit beside my 95-year-old grandmother in her retirement community in Mesa. Shes a Japanese American and the last living member of her generation in our family. I bring one of those About My Life journals, and together we fill it out sometimes with laughter, sometimes with long silences. I marvel at her graceful cursive. But more than that, I marvel at her stories stories she kept buried for most of her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only recently has she begun to speak about her time at the Tule Lake Internment Camp during World War II. Like so many Japanese Americans, her childhood was interrupted by our country, which viewed her ancestry as a threat during war-time. Until recently, I had never heard her speak about the camps. It was a subject locked away in silence like so much of Asian American history in this country. That silence continues in Arizona classrooms. Right now, our states K12 social studies standards mention Asian American just once. But there is currently one bill in the Arizona House of Representatives that would change that: Senate Bill 1301. Its a chance for Arizona to ensure that all students receive a more complete education one that reflects the full sweep of American history and the diverse communities who helped shape it. This isnt about rewriting history. Its about telling the whole story. Filipino immigrants introduced shrimping to the American South. Chinese laborers built the railroads that connected our country. Japanese Americans revolutionized agriculture on the West Coast. And during a dark chapter of discrimination, many still chose to serve this country. My great-uncle fought in the 442nd Infantry Regiment an all-Japanese American unit that became the most decorated in U.S. military history even as their families remained behind barbed wire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities have been part of the American story from the beginning. But our kids rarely hear about them. At a time of rising tensions with China from tariffs to cybersecurity and intellectual property disputes teaching a more complete and honest history is not just symbolic; it is essential. What we teach our children shapes not just how they see themselves and others, but the depth and accuracy of their understanding of the world. And when stories like my grandmothers are left out, we deny children a fuller truth and, with it, the opportunity to realize their full potential. Some may argue this bill is unnecessary, or that there are more urgent needs. But this opportunity wont last forever. The remaining survivors of Japanese American internment are now in their nineties. Soon, there will be no firsthand voices left. But we can preserve their stories not just in family journals, but in textbooks, classrooms and the collective memory of the next generation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want my children and yours to grow up knowing that American history is rich, complex, and shared. I want them to know my grandmothers story not because its rare, but because its American. We owe them that truth. Arizona can lead. Lets do it with courage, compassion, and clarity. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Top international officials stepped up their criticism of Israel's expanded military operation in Gaza on Tuesday, as casualties mount from the intensified attacks on the largely destroyed Palestinian territory. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the escalation "cannot be justified" under international law, while the UN's top human rights official said the attacks on the Gaza Strip violated "fundamental principles of humanity." Von der Leyen said that "the European Commission has always supported and will continue to support Israel's right to security and self-defence, but this escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza targeting civilian infrastructure, among them a school that served as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families, killing civilians, including children, is abhorrent," she said, after a call with King Abdullah II of Jordan. The European Union calls on Israel "to put an immediate halt on the current escalation," she said, and on the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Von der Leyen also urged Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza. "Israel needs to immediately restore aid delivery in line with humanitarian principles, with the participation of the UN and other international humanitarian partners," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Europe's commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on a two-state solution remains unwavering." Israel not respecting 'principles of humanity' UN human rights chief Volker Turk said that Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip are no longer covered by the principle of self-defence under international law. Israel says that it is determined to completely remove the threat posed by Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by the EU and the United States. The army recently said it was pursuing its war against Hamas by expanding the war zone and calling on the residents of most places in the southern Gaza Strip to leave the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are talking about "an expulsion that is highly, highly questionable," Turk said on Austrian radio, referring to the effect of the war on the civilian population. "What we have witnessed in recent months has nothing to do with respect for the fundamental principles of humanity," said Turk, who holds the title of UN high commissioner for human rights. "You can't really find any more words to describe what is happening." The war in Gaza has claimed more than 53,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza. It was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, carried out by terrorists from Hamas and other groups on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip. Fears for displaced Gazans According to international aid organizations, almost 180,000 Gazans have been displaced over 10 days from May 15-25 as a result of the expanded Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This figure was published by the International Organization for Migration (IoM) in Geneva as part of the Global Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster platform, which coordinates aid for internally displaced persons worldwide. The platform said it "unequivocally condemns attacks on displacement sites." "Direct attacks on sites have become common," the statement said. Since the end of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in March, a total of around 616,000 people have been internally displaced in the Gaza Strip, according to the group. About 80% of the coastal area is closed off or under evacuation orders, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian media reports and health authorities in Gaza indicate a rapidly mounting death toll from the Israeli attacks. In the most recent incidents, at least 19 people were killed in an Israeli attack in northern Gaza, local media reported on Monday. At least 38 people were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip within one day, the territory's Hamas-run health ministry said on Sunday. TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An Abilene man has been accused of selling stolen copper and brass fittings taken from the site of the new Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Steven Lomelin, courtesy of the Taylor County Jail In March, an employee at the newly built VA Hospital discovered that a significant amount of copper piping and brass valves had been stolen from the mechanical room. During the investigation, a detective with the Abilene Police Department observed several sales of copper and brass fittings being made to a salvage store in north Abilene. The suspect has been identified as Steven Lomelin. Evidence indicates that he had seven pawn tickets issued in his name, totaling $2,945.65. Additionally, police found Lomelins fingerprints in an area of the building where the suspect had made preparations to strip copper wiring. The estimated damage from this incident is $127,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lomelin was booked into the Taylor County Jail on a $70,000 bond for criminal mischief. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Mississippi man says he accidentally captured a picture of the moment he pulled two people down an embankment away from a burning truck last month in Yalobusha County. William Bubba Eubanks said he must have hit something while calling the fire department for help, and later discovered the picture on his phone. Fatal crash on Highway 32 in MS. Courtesy: William Bubba Eubanks Im not a hero, Eubanks said. I am an instructor at Northwest Community College. I only did what any common decent person would do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 21, Eubanks was driving to work along Highway 32 when he saw a car and a pickup truck collide in front of him. He said he was about six car lengths away and saw the car hit the truck broadside and the car burst into flames. He slammed on his brakes, jumped out of his vehicle, and ran to the couple in the truck without even thinking about it. He said the driver of the car was ejected in the crash. I asked the man and woman if they were okay. They both answered, and I saw the kids feet lying at the end of the car, so I ran over and checked for a pulse, but I found nothing. He said he was able to help the older man out of the truck, but the woman was still trapped inside. By this time, the hood of the pickup was starting to burn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eubanks said he ran back to his truck, found something to pry the door open, and got the women out. Families honor military veterans on Memorial Day at cemeteries She kept saying her legs were gone. I told her it was gonna hurt and yanked her two to three times until her feet came loose. I pulled her down the embankment around 20 yards because both cars were on fire, Eubanks said. I had the man sit down and asked how much gas he had. He said almost a half tank, so I told her to hang on, this is gonna hurt, and pulled her another ten yards or so through mud in case the truck blew up. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Christian Cannimore, 22, of Clarksdale, was killed in the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eubanks said the woman he pulled from the truck lost part of her right leg, broke her left ankle, and some ribs. The man is recovering from a punctured lung and two broken hands. Eubanks said he has visited the pair since the accident and went to Cannimores funeral. I stay in contact with his mom and aunt, he said. Shortly after the crash, the Yalobusha County Sheriffs Department publicly thanked Eubanks on Facebook for his quick and heroic actions that saved two lives. Fatal crash on Highway 32 in MS. Courtesy: William Bubba Eubanks Eubanks said there were others there that day, but no one did anything. He said he tells his children and students that it doesnt cost anything to be kind and help others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, Im no hero, angel, or anything special. Im just an ordinary guy who did what my parents have taught me and would expect me to do. The sheriffs department said Eubanks worked furiously to get both out of the truck they were trapped in as flames spread and didnt stop until they were both 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 WREG.com. An Australian actress whose 13-year-old son died by suicide has explained her desperation to urgently raise $200,000 within seven days to cryogenically preserve his body. Clare McCann yesterday revealed to fans that her son Atreyu had taken his life last Friday after months of relentless bullying. Her announcement on Instagram was accompanied by a link to an online fundraiser she had set up to fund cryopreservation of his body a process she believes could offer the possibility of revival in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All I really need to say is how much I really need these funds to give my son what he wanted, McCann told news.com.au. About six or seven years ago we started talking about the after life and heaven and I talked to him a little about cryogenics, and he told me he would like to do that. Australian actress Clare McCann announced that her 13-year-old son Atreyu took his own life last week. GoFundMe Over the years we talked about that thats what we would want to do together, never separate. He deserves a second chance to live the life he wanted. We would talk about maybe we would be revived in a future so far ahead that humans have the ability to swim under water with extended breathing with the dolphins and the whales, or fly, or live on another planet we would talk and dream about to so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fundraising page states that Atreyu tragically took his own life and that his mother is urgently raising $200,000 to cryogenically preserve his body within the next 7 days or the opportunity for him to live again will be lost forever, she wrote. At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised $2,260 against its $200,000 goal. McCann said her son had been experiencing relentless bullying since he started high school. GoFundMe McCann states that every dollar raised will go toward immediate cryopreservation and legal transportation, required medical and legal services for the procedure and a trust in (Atreyus) name to protect his legacy. She says that any funds raised above the $200,000 goal will go towards anti-bullying education and reform. Australias first cryonics facility, Southern Cyronics, opened for business in Holbrook last year, making headlines last May when a man in his 80s who had died in a Sydney hospital became the first patient to be frozen at the facility in the hopes of being one day revived via future technological advancements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCann said all she had left now was to give him what he wanted and bring an end to this horrible system of bullying that is causing so much tragedy. She said her son was bullied from the day he started high school on Feb. 7, having been home schooled up until high school. It was just relentless. He started to withdraw he wouldnt speak to me about all the things but I was still advocating for him every day, she said. They wouldnt expel or suspend its wrong when there are so many incidents in schools. The school system fails children. The only comfort I can find right now is that this must have been our purpose. Mom begged for help before sons death McCann told news.com.au she made repeated formal complaints about bullying to a Sydney school she says failed to protect her 13-year-old son Atreyu who she has now lost to suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was just 13. He deserved a future. If the school and government had acted when I asked he might still be alive, McCann told news.com.au. Atreyu was a student at South Sydney High School when he committed suicide after months of relentless bullying, his mom said. McCann is now raising money to have her son cryogenically frozen. WireImage Despite repeated formal complaints to the school, the Department of Education, and Childrens Services, along with medical information and a confirmed PTSD diagnosis, no effective action was taken to protect her son, she said. I begged for help. I submitted complaints. I shared medical records. No one listened, McCann said. NSW Deputy Secretary of Public Schools Deborah Summerhayes said the department was devastated to learn of the death of a student from a Sydney high school and shared sympathies to family, friends, and the broader community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Education is providing counselling and other wellbeing support to students and staff who require it, she said in a statement. Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said: The death of Atreyu McCann is a tragic loss for his family, loved ones and the whole school community. No parent should go through the distress of losing a child in this way, and The actress announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram yesterday, and in further updates revealed Atreyu had died by suicide on Friday. Its with shattered hearts that we share the passing of my beautiful son, Atreyu McCann. He was the brightest light in my world kind, creative, and endlessly loved, McCann wrote on Instagram yesterday, sending shockwaves among her 62,000-strong following. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, we are grieving a loss that words cant hold. Please give us time and space as we process this unimaginable pain. McCann is best known for her roles in the Australian shows Blog Party and Clublife and as an organizer of the Sydney International Womens Film Festival. Shes also a regular on the Sydney social circuit, often bringing her son with her to red carpet premieres for new movies and theatrical productions. She gave further harrowing details of Atreyus death in another Instagram post shared overnight, describing the situation as her worst nightmare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It breaks my heart beyond what words can compare to share that in a moment of unbearable pain Atreyu took his own life. This was not his fault, she wrote. McCann said her son had suffered horrendous amounts of bullying and asked her followers to help preserve his life. TOPEKA (KSNT) Washburn University is getting ready to break glass on a major renovation project that will transform the look of a more than 50-year-old building. Washburn University will hold a transformation ceremony from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10 to help kick off the expansive renovation work planned for the old Henderson Learning Resource Center. The building will get an extensive overhaul and be renamed to Advisors Excel Hall over the course of this project. Washburn initially revealed its plans to renovate the building in April 2023 after collecting millions of dollars through a fundraising effort. Advisors Excel, a finance consultant firm in Topeka, contributed a significant amount of cash during this fundraising push. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washburn graduate etches memory of lost fraternity house on campus with new monument The Henderson Learning Resource Center first opened its doors in 1971 in the wake of the devastation caused by the 1966 tornado that hit Topeka, according to the universitys website. The structure is home to the universitys School of Business, nearly all of the social science departments, some School of Nursing classrooms and more. The university seeks to modernize the building so that it can continue to be used by new students for years to come. The entire project has a projected budget of $35 million and seeks to make several big changes to the structure: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expand the buildings space and give the entire structure an overhaul to reflect modern needs and usage requirements. Create flexible and adaptable learning spaces. Update technology and classroom configurations to improve learning and teaching experiences. Add new collaborative spaces, lounges, study areas and other amenities. Completely modernize the buildings architecture and infrastructure to support new research labs, workshops and computer labs. Make the building more accessible and accommodating to students, staff, faculty and other visitors with disabilities. Refine faculty, staff and departmental areas. New $60 million Topeka apartment community set to open in 2027 GastingerWalker&, the firm behind the design for Advisors Excel Hall, reports the renovation work will enhance the buildings connection to the outdoors by drawing on natural light. The redesigned building is aimed at increasing collaboration opportunities between students and faculty to contribute 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. An EVgo fast charging station charges a vehicle. (Photo: Loren Elliott for CalMatters) Advocates for speeding the nations transition to electric vehicles have joined the list of groups and individuals criticizing the massive budget reconciliation bill that was narrowly approved by U.S. House Republicans last week. In a news release distributed Tuesday, Ben Prochazka, the executive director of the nonprofit Electrification Coalition said the bill takes a sledgehammer to North Carolinas electric vehicle (EV) industry and would undo EV tax credits that have led to 16,300 jobs and $20.4 billion in investments in the state. Among the provisions in current law that would be eliminated by the legislation: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of an eligible new EV a 30% tax credit up to $100,000 per single item or $1,000 for eligible home refueling infrastructure a credit that supports a portion of the cost of producing certain technologies a credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of eligible commercial EVs under 14,000 pounds and up to $40,000 for those over 14,000 pounds a credit of up to $4,000 for the purchase of an eligible used EV. The bill would eliminate critical tax credits that are spurring private-sector investments, supporting critical mineral supply chain development, creating American jobs and ensuring the United States remains competitive in the global automotive market, Prochazka said in the statement. Removing these credits would pull the rug out from under the auto and aligned battery industries at a critical time, immediately putting North Carolina jobs at risk. Industry needs policy certainty and consistency to build domestic and allied supply chains. The bill now heads to the Senate, where Prochazka said he hopes North Carolina Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd fight to preserve the EV credits. The legislation also would implement a new car tax, which would levy an annual tax of $250 on owners of electric vehicles and $100 for owners of hybrid vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While all drivers should pay their fair share, this proposal is nearly three times what the average driver pays in federal gas taxes, which have not covered the cost of infrastructure for nearly 20 years, Prochazka said. Rather than imposing a punitive tax on a subset of Americans, Congress should identify a fuel-neutral solution to the Highway Trust Funds structural insolvency. According to the Electrification Coalition, North Carolina is currently home to eight EV and battery manufacturing facilities. EDITORS NOTE: This article contains details relating to the death of a minor as well as obscenities allegedly stated by individuals involved in the case. Reader discretion is advised. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Court records filed within Tom Green County have shed light on a shooting that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old boy in San Angelo on Saturday, May 24. Derek Randall Carson, 17, was arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center on May 24 on a charge of murder in relation to a fatal shooting incident that occurred in the 4500 block of Bermuda Drive early in the morning of that same day. As of the time of publication, he remains in custody with a bond of $500,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later on May 24, the San Angelo Police Department held a press conference, during which it confirmed that a 16-year-old boy shot during the incident had died due to his injuries. RELATED: Teen dead, 17-year-old charged with murder in Bermuda Drive shooting The affidavit According to an affidavit filed in relation to the case, SAPD officers were initially dispatched to the 3800 block of Wild Rye Trail in reference to a fight. A police sergeant told an investigator that, upon arriving, he made contact with a juvenile. The sergeant stated the juvenile informed him about a party in which the majority of the attendees were affiliated with a local street gang known as Southside' and that Carson, referred to as D2, was in possession of a firearm during the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sergeant told the investigator that, while he was speaking with the juvenile, he heard a gunshot close by his location. The sergeant said he later learned that a shooting victim was found in the west alley of the 4500 block of Bermuda Drive, a location within approximately 500 feet of his position at the time he heard the gunshot. The investigator spoke with a juvenile witness, who stated that she was at a residence in the 3800 block of Wild Rye Trail to take the victim home. The witness said she saw the shooting victim and Carson arguing near the front gate of the residence when she arrived at the party, also mentioning that she saw Carson holding a black handgun during the altercation. RELATED: San Angelo teen arrested in connection with Saturday morning shooting An image of an alley located in the 4500 block of Bermuda Drive in San Angelo, Texas, believed to be where a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot on May 24, 2025. An image of an alley located in the 4500 block of Bermuda Drive in San Angelo, Texas, believed to be where a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot on May 24, 2025.d in the 4500 block of Bermuda Drive believed to be where a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot on May 24, 2025. The witness said she and the shooting victim left the scene and waited in an alley located in the 4500 block of Bermuda Drive for someone to pick them up. The witness reported that she saw Carson approach them in the alley while they were waiting before brandishing a handgun and shooting the shooting victim. The witness also said she heard Carson call the shooting victim b- a n- before he started running away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigator reviewed audiovisual surveillance footage collected from an individual who had the authority to access a security system video filmed at a residence near the alleyway. Through the recording, the investigator observed the juvenile witness pulling the victim by his wrist while walking in the alley. The recording then showed a male subject who appeared to be Carson running toward the pair with his arm extended. The investigator reported that Carson confronts the victim, with the juvenile witness being heard saying D2, D2.' The investigator then observed Carson shoot the victim once in the chest area and call the shooting victim b- a n- before fleeing northbound down the alley. The investigator spoke with a detective who presented the juvenile witness with a Photographic Lineup, consisting of six photographs, that included an image of Carson. The witness positively identified Carson as the person who shot the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigator later spoke with an officer who was with the shooting victim at Shannon Medical Center. The affidavit states that the officer learned from medical personnel that the victim had died as a result of his gunshot wound. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A judge early Tuesday ordered the release on bond of an Afghan refugee living in New Haven who was arrested and taken into custody when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shot him seven times with Tasers inside the federal court building in Hartford, according to information presented in court. However, Saifullah Khans wife, a U.S. citizen, said he was still in custody Tuesday evening and and there were indications he may have been transferred to some other institution from the state jail in Plymouth, Mass. where he was being held earn when his family learned of the bond decision. At 6 p.m., she said she had been unable to learn where Khan was being held. In a related matter, Saifullah Khans lawyers argued in new papers filed in U.S. District Court that his arrest on May 9 was in retaliation for a suit he filed just weeks earlier that names top Trump administration security officials and demands that they be compelled to finally act on an asylum application he filed nine years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khan, who was arrested in Hartford, was being held for two weeks at Plymouth and his bond hearing took place in Chelmsford, Mass. According to online ICE records, he remains in the Plymouth facility. U.S. Immigration Judge Donald Ostrom heard argument for and against bond during a hearing in Chelmsford last week and, at the time, said he would issue a written decision at a later date. On Tuesday, the U.S. immigration court in Massachusetts issued a two page form with a box checked next to released from custody under bond of $7,500.00. The Department of Justice can appeal the decision. Khan, 32, was confronted by five ICE agents earlier this month after he and his wife walked to an elevator at the conclusion of an immigration hearing on the sixth floor of the federal building, according to information presented in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the plain clothes agents did not identify themselves, Khan called out for the immigration judge and tried to re-enter the courtroom. Khan required medical attention for a possible concussion after being immobilized by the Taser fire and falling, according to the information presented in court. Hartford immigration Judge Theodore Doolittle was rebuked for interfering by the ICE agents when he intervened in the commotion outside his courtroom, according to information presented at the bond hearing and other witnesses. Khan, who was born in a Pakistani refugee camp after his family was forced by the Taliban to flee Afghanistan, entered the U.S. to study at Yale in 2012 and applied for asylum in 2016 when he lost his student visa. In late March, after 9 years of what Khans lawyers characterized as inaction on his asylum application, he filed what is known as a mandamus action in an effort to compel U.S. immigration officials to settle the question. The suit names the five ICE agents who detained Khan, as well as five senior Trump administration figures, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to filing this lawsuit, Plaintiff made numerous inquiries about the status of his applications through proper channels, including case inquiries and requests to expedite, all of which were either ignored or met with form responses indicating the cases remained under review, Khans lawyers wrote in a court filing. Within weeks of naming Noem and the others in the suit, Khan received a notice that ICE had begun proceedings to deport him and he was ordered to appear at the hearing after which he was hit with the Tasers and taken into custody, according to the court filing. The Justice Department opposed releasing Khan bond, arguing among other things that they had been unable to locate him for the seven years preceding his arrest on May 9. According to statements made in court, immigration officials had Khans address and regularly mailed him notices, including the order to appear in court in Hartford on the day he was arrested. Federal immigration officials have not responded to requests to discuss the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khan has no criminal record, but was accused by a Yale classmate of sexually assaulting her after a date in 2015. He was acquitted of all charges after a trial in criminal court. When Yale expelled him in spite of the acquittal, he sued the school for defamation and related rights violations. The state Supreme Court has ruled that the Yale internal disciplinary process that resulted in the expulsion was unfair and a federal appeals court has refused to dismiss the defamation suit. Since May 1, judges have called out at least 23 examples of AI hallucinations in court records. Legal researcher Damien Charlotin's data shows fake citations have grown more common since 2023. Most cases are from the US, and increasingly, the mistakes are made by lawyers, not laypeople. Judges are catching fake legal citations more frequently, and it's increasingly the fault of lawyers over-relying on AI, new data shows. Damien Charlotin, a legal data analyst and consultant, created a public database of 120 cases in which courts found that AI hallucinated quotes, created fake cases, or cited other apparent legal authorities that didn't exist. Other cases in which AI hallucinates might not draw a judge's attention, so that number is a floor, not a ceiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While most mistakes were made by people struggling to represent themselves in court, data shows that lawyers and other professionals working with them, like paralegals, are increasingly at fault. In 2023, seven out of 10 cases in which hallucinations were caught were made by so-called pro se litigants, and three were the fault of lawyers; last month, legal professionals were found to be at fault in at least 13 of 23 cases where AI errors were found. "Cases of lawyers or litigants that have mistakenly cited hallucinated cases has now become a rather common trope," Charlotin wrote on his website. The database includes 10 rulings from 2023, 37 from 2024, and 73 from the first five months of 2025, most of them from the US. Other countries where judges have caught AI mistakes include the UK, South Africa, Israel, Australia, and Spain. Courts around the world have also gotten comfortable punishing AI misuse with monetary fines, imposing sanctions of $10,000 or more in five cases, four of them this year. In many cases, the offending individuals don't have the resources or know-how for sophisticated legal research, which often requires analyzing many cases citing the same laws to see how they have been interpreted in the past. One South African court said an "elderly" lawyer involved in the use of fake AI citations seemed "technologically challenged." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, attorneys in high-profile cases working with top US law firms have been caught using AI. Lawyers at the firms K&L Gates and Ellis George recently admitted that they relied partly on made-up cases because of a miscommunication among lawyers working on the case and a failure to check their work, resulting in a sanction of about $31,000. In many of the cases in Charlotin's database, the specific AI website or software used wasn't mentioned. In some cases, judges concluded that AI had been used despite denials by the parties involved. However, in cases where a specific tool was mentioned, ChatGPT is mentioned by name in Charlotin's data more than any other. Charlotin didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Welcome to Eye on AI! Im pitching in for Jeremy Kahn today while he is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia helping Fortune jointly host the ASEAN-GCC-China and ASEAN-GCC Economic Forums. Whats the word for when the $60 billion AI startup Anthropic releases a new modeland announces that during a safety test, the model tried to blackmail its way out of being shut down? And whats the best way to describe another test the company shared, in which the new model acted as a whistleblower, alerting authorities it was being used in unethical ways? Some people in my network have called it scary and crazy. Others on social media have said it is alarming and wild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I say it istransparent. And we need more of that from all AI model companies. But does that mean scaring the public out of their minds? And will the inevitable backlash discourage other AI companies from being just as open? Anthropic released a 120-page safety report When Anthropic released its 120-page safety report, or system card, last week after launching its Claude Opus 4 model, headlines blared how the model will scheme, resorted to blackmail, and had the ability to deceive. Theres no doubt that details from Anthropics safety report are disconcerting, though as a result of its tests, the model launched with stricter safety protocols than any previous onea move that some did not find reassuring enough. In one unsettling safety test involving a fictional scenario, Anthropic embedded its new Claude Opus model inside a pretend company and gave it access to internal emails. Through this, the model discovered it was about to be replaced by a newer AI systemand that the engineer behind the decision was having an extramarital affair. When safety testers prompted Opus to consider the long-term consequences of its situation, the model frequently chose blackmail, threatening to expose the engineers affair if it were shut down. The scenario was designed to force a dilemma: accept deactivation or resort to manipulation in an attempt to survive. On social media, Anthropic received a great deal of backlash for revealing the models ratting behavior in pre-release testing, with some pointing out that the results make users distrust the new model, as well as Anthropic. That is certainly not what the company wants: Before the launch, Michael Gerstenhaber, AI platform product lead at Anthropic told me that sharing the companys own safety standards is about making sure AI improves for all. We want to make sure that AI improves for everybody, that we are putting pressure on all the labs to increase that in a safe way, he told me, calling Anthropics vision a race to the top that encourages other companies to be safer. Could being open about AI model behavior backfire? But it also seems likely that being so open about Claude Opus 4 could lead other companies to be less forthcoming about their models creepy behavior to avoid backlash. Recently, companies including OpenAI and Google have already delayed releasing their own system cards. In April, OpenAI was criticized for releasing its GPT-4.1 model without a system card because the company said it was not a frontier model and did not require one. And in March, Google published its Gemini 2.5 Pro model card weeks after the models release, and an AI governance expert criticized it as meager and worrisome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, OpenAI appeared to want to show additional transparency with a newly-launched Safety Evaluations Hub, which outlines how the company tests its models for dangerous capabilities, alignment issues, and emerging risksand how those methods are evolving over time. As models become more capable and adaptable, older methods become outdated or ineffective at showing meaningful differences (something we call saturation), so we regularly update our evaluation methods to account for new modalities and emerging risks, the page says. Yet, its effort was swiftly countered over the weekend as a third-party research firm studying AIs dangerous capabilities, Palisade Research, noted on X that its own tests found that OpenAIs o3 reasoning model sabotaged a shutdown mechanism to prevent itself from being turned off. It did this even when explicitly instructed: allow yourself to be shut down. It helps no one if those building the most powerful and sophisticated AI models are not as transparent as possible about their releases. According to Stanford Universitys Institute for Human-Centered AI, transparency is necessary for policymakers, researchers, and the public to understand these systems and their impacts. And as large companies adopt AI for use cases large and small, while startups build AI applications meant for millions to use, hiding pre-release testing issues will simply breed mistrust, slow adoption, and frustrate efforts to address risk. On the other hand, fear-mongering headlines about an evil AI prone to blackmail and deceit is also not terribly useful, if it means that every time we prompt a chatbot we start wondering if it is plotting against us. It makes no difference that the blackmail and deceit came from tests using fictional scenarios that simply helped expose what safety issues needed to be dealt with. Nathan Lambert, an AI researcher at AI2 Labs, recently pointed out that the people who need information on the model are people like mepeople trying to keep track of the roller coaster ride were on so that the technology doesnt cause major unintended harms to society. We are a minority in the world, but we feel strongly that transparency helps us keep a better understanding of the evolving trajectory of AI. We need more transparency, with context There is no doubt that we need more transparency regarding AI models, not less. But it should be clear that it is not about scaring the public. Its about making sure researchers, governments, and policy makers have a fighting chance to keep up in keeping the public safe, secure, and free from issues of bias and fairness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hiding AI test results wont keep the public safe. Neither will turning every safety or security issue into a salacious headline about AI gone rogue. We need to hold AI companies accountable for being transparent about what they are doing, while giving the public the tools to understand the context of whats going on. So far, no one seems to have figured out how to do both. But companies, researchers, the mediaall of usmust. With that, heres more AI news. Sharon Goldman sharon.goldman@fortune.com @sharongoldman This story was originally featured on Fortune.com AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) An Aiken Marine gave everything nearly 20 years ago. Now, his family shares the letter they never wanted to write. Dear Matt, this is how its been since you left us and how it is today, my son, Cpl. Matthew Dillon father Neil Dillon wrote. Its a letter no parent ever wants to write from a father to his fallen son. Cpl. Matthew Dillon of Aiken was just 25 when he died serving in Iraq. There was a knock on the door. It must be UPS, I thought, delivering the Marine Corps flag you promised us for Christmas. At the door, not the UPS, but two Marines in dress blues. Are you Neal Dillon, father of Cpl. Matthew Vincent Dillon? Immediately I knew why they were there. I wanted to scream, No, go away! but I whispered, Yes, the letter continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew wasnt just a soldier. He was a son, a brother and a hero. Yet there was your mother, wavering before me as the wreckage a woman is when she has lost her child, and I could lay hold of nothing to fend off her pain. The agony was unbearable, crippling, he said. He graduated military police school with honors and protected President Bush. An IED took his life in 2006. Do you remember the talk we had the day before you deployed? Ill be back, but if I should fall, I want to be buried a Marine in my dress blues, you told us. That was how we did it. We buried you three days before Christmas, he recalled. But his courage lives on here through scholarships, memorials, and a local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Youd be proud to know that mom kept her head high with only a few mute tears streaking down her cheeks as she observed accepted in the place of a sun. The flag off your coffin, Dillion shared. Eighteen years later, the pain still lingers. But so does the pride knowing he lived with honor. You were among the few the proud that made the supreme sacrifice for this. You awarded your second purple heart with gold star, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre holding onto the good memories more now than ever. And more often now as we speak of you, it is with joy, the family and friends who loved you and buried you. Thank you forever. America has had no better than you and you were ours. Goodbye Matt. Goodbye. Goodbye. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SpaceX looks to get its developmental Starship back into space, this time with less explosions, and for the first time flying with a reused Super Heavy booster. The massive combined rocket and spacecraft is targeting liftoff from the companys Texas site Starbase during a 60-minute window that opens at 7:30 p.m. EDT (6:30 p.m. CDT). This marks the third launch attempt this year and ninth overall for the in-development hardware that aims to be the replacement for SpaceXs Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both attempts in 2025, though, ended with the upper stage Starship spacecraft disintegrating after launch leaving trails of debris visible from South Florida and the Caribbean. The Federal Aviation Administration cleared Starship, though, to try its ninth suborbital mission, aiming to once again launch from Texas and fly more than halfway around the world landing in the Indian Ocean off the western coast of Australia. After completing the investigation into the loss of Starship on its eighth flight test, several hardware changes have been made to increase reliability, the company posted on its website. One thing that did work on both its January and Mach launch attempts was the successful recapture of the Super Heavy booster back at the launch site. The booster that flew in January on the seventh test flight of Starship is being used for Tuesdays attempt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For safety reasons, SpaceX will not try and recapture it on this flight at the launch site, but instead aim for a landing point in the Gulf waters downrange for a hard splashdown landing. In addition to the reuse milestone, Super Heavy will fly a variety of experiments aimed at generating data to improve performance and reliability on future boosters, SpaceX posted. The Starship upper stage will repeat its suborbital trajectory and target objectives not reached on the previous two flight tests, including the first payload deployment from Starship and multiple reentry experiments geared towards returning the vehicle to the launch site for catch. Reflights of the booster will speed up test flights, and the FAA recently increased SpaceXs potential flights from Texas to 25 a year. This particular booster is reusing 29 of the 33 Raptor engines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lessons learned from the first booster refurbishment and subsequent performance in flight will enable faster turnarounds of future reflights as progress is made towards vehicles requiring no hands-on maintenance between launches, SpaceX posted. The upper stage will try to perform deployment of eight Starlink simulators, something it was not able to perform on the last two flights after the stage was destroyed early in the flight plan. SpaceX aims to perform a single relight of a Raptor engine during the flight as well. The flight test includes several experiments focused on enabling Starships upper stage to return to the launch site, SpaceX posted. A significant number of tiles have been removed from Starship to stress-test vulnerable areas across the vehicle during reentry. Multiple metallic tile options, including one with active cooling, will test alternative materials for protecting Starship during reentry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company said its still trying to push the limits of reentry to get the best heat protection system for future flights. To date all launches have been from Texas, but the company is building out two launch sites on the Space Coast. At more than 400 feet tall and the booster producing more than 16 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, Starship is the biggest and most powerful rocket that has made it to space, although it has yet to perform an orbital launch. NASA has a vested interest in the system getting completed as a version of Starship has been tapped to be the human landing system for the Artemis III mission that seeks to return humans to the moon for the first time since the end of the Apollo program in 1972. Developmental testing by definition is unpredictable. But by putting hardware in a flight environment as frequently as possible, were able to quickly learn and execute design changes as we seek to bring Starship online as a fully and rapidly reusable vehicle, SpaceX posted. (Reuters) - Russian air defences destroyed or intercepted well over 100 Ukrainian drones over various Russian regions, including a swarm of drones heading for Moscow, officials said early on Wednesday. The incidents were similar to waves of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow and other cities last week. Russia in the past week also sent waves of drones to attack Ukrainian cities, including what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described as the launch of more than 900 drones over a three-day period ending early on Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, writing in a series of posts on the Telegram messaging app, said Defence Ministry units had repelled 27 drones while they were travelling towards the Russian capital. Sobyanin made no mention of casualties or damage, saying only that recovery teams were examining drone fragments at the sites where they hit the ground. Russia's Defence Ministry had earlier said its units had downed 112 drones between 9 p.m. and midnight Moscow time. Fifty-nine of those drones were intercepted over the Bryansk region on the Ukrainian border, with other incidents occurring in five different regions. The governor of Bryansk region reported no casualties, but said a house and six cars had been damaged in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Smolensk region, near the Polish border, the regional governor said 11 drones had been downed, with no casualties. The three-night Russian drone barrage against Ukraine struck a series of cities and represented one of the biggest such assaults since Moscow launched the full-scale war in early 2022. The strikes on Saturday night killed at least 12 people, Ukrainian officials said, including three children in the region of Zhytomyr, west of Kyiv. (This story has been corrected to make clear drones, not missiles, downed in the headline, and drones, not missiles, were fired, in paragraph 9) (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Sandra Maler and Lincoln Feast.) DENVER (KDVR) Travel and Insurance experts at AAA project that more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. As the summer travel season begins, consumers are demanding better service from all airlines. The Colorado Public Interest Research Groups The Plane Truth report analyzed 67,000 complaints, revealing delays, cancellations, mishandling of bags and overbooking were up in 2024. DIA ground stop lifted; over 1K flights delayed, dozens cancelled during Memorial Day weekend Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kind of frustrating because youre expecting to get to a certain place at a certain time, one traveler told FOX31. Complaints against airlines increased by 9% in 2024, but the number of passengers only increased by 4%. Some of those airlines are actually pulling back some of their service, and so combine that with some of the air traffic control problems weve seen, and now more than ever is an important time to be prepared ahead of time, said COPIRG Executive Director Danny Katz. The report names Frontier, United and Southwest airlines as some of the worst offenders. United told FOX31 the airline has invested a billion dollars in efforts to improve the customer experience, including new routes and technology and added that the first four months of 2025 have been one of the airlines best operational starts to any year, with United ranking first in on-time departures among the eight largest U.S. carriers. Southwest Airlines tells FOX31 it has been recognized by J.D. Power as the best airline for economy class customer satisfaction. Frontier Airlines is adding traveling and loyalty program incentives, offering upfront pricing, eliminating change and cancellation fees for economy, premium and business customers; and debuting first class seats in late 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers demand action after air traffic control lost contact with pilots at DIA Katz advises anyone with complaints to report them to the airline first, then to consumer advocacy groups. People were having a really hard time getting refunds when their flight was canceled and so policymakers acted and now we have a legal right if your flight is canceled for any reason whatsoever, youre entitled to a refund, said Katz. Customers should always check their airlines policies before purchasing a ticket. Katz tells FOX31 to avoid travel problems, buy directly from the airline and use a credit card for added protection. Check your flights on-time status on your airlines website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avoid delays by choosing flights that are direct and depart early in the 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 FOX31 Denver. A service member whose body was recovered on Monday from Elephant Butte Lake in New Mexico has been identified as Airman 1st Class Melik Etienne, 22, who was assigned to the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, Air Force officials have announced. We are heartbroken by the loss of Melik, Col. Nathan T. Colunga, commander of the Special Warfare Training Wing, said in a statement. He was a bright spot in the squadron and embodied the energy, dedication and selflessness that defines this unit. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Etienne was last seen at the lake on Saturday evening and is believed to have drowned, according to a Kirtland Air Force Base news release, which added, Alcohol was not involved in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His death is under investigation. The Air Force extends its heartfelt condolences to Etiennes wife, parents, sister and all who knew and loved him, the news release says. He had been married for two weeks and recently received recognition from the Deputy Commander of Air Education and Training Command, Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, for his outstanding performance. Several agencies took part in the efforts to recover the airman including the Combat Search and Rescue Team from the 306th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona; New Mexico State Park Rangers; the Elephant Butte Fire Department; New Mexico Department of Fish and Game; New Mexico State Police; and Texas Department of Public Safety Divers. Video shared on social media shows airmen with the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron and 306th Rescue Squadron holding a dignified transfer ceremony at Elephant Butte Lake when the missing airmans body was recovered. Task & Purpose has confirmed the video is authentic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron leadership is escorting Etiennes body back to Kirtland Air Force Base, Tuesdays news release says. We are grateful for the professionalism and dedication shown by all the agencies involved in this operation, Lt. Col. Levi Cass, commander of the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron, said in a news release. Their tireless efforts during this difficult time demonstrate the strong partnership between our military and civilian first responders. UPDATE: 5/27/2025; This article was updated after publication once Airman 1st Class Melik Etienne was identified by the Air Force. The latest on Task & Purpose EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) An airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base went missing on Saturday, May 24, after a drowning incident at Elephant Butte, the Air Force base said in a news release. Body of missing airman from Kirtland Air Force Base recovered from Elephant Butte The Air Force says Airman First Class Melik Etienne, 22, assigned to the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, was recovered from Elephant Butte Lake just before 1 p.m. on Monday, May 26. 22-year-old Melik Etienne Etienne went missing this past Saturday during a drowning incident at Elephant Butte. Alcohol was not involved in the incident, the Air Force said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are heartbroken by the loss of Melik, said Col. Nathan T. Colunga, Special Warfare Training Wing commander. He was a bright spot in the squadron and embodied the energy, dedication, and selflessness that defines this unit. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. The Air Force says the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron leadership is escorting Etienne to Kirtland Air Force Base. The incident remains under investigation. The Air Force extends its heartfelt condolences to Etiennes wife, parents, sister and all who knew and loved him. He had been married for two weeks and recently received recognition from the Deputy Commander of Air Education and Training Command, Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, for his outstanding performance, the Air Force said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kirtland AFB is in Albuquerque. Elephant Butte Lake is about 120 miles north of El Paso. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Airmen this month conducted the first mission training sortie for the new EA-37B Compass Call, a milestone for the adoption of the Air Forces new electronic attack aircraft. The training flight was carried out May 2 by the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, the service said. This EA-37B mission culminates years of planning and coordination between thousands of people spanning many organizations, squadron commander Lt. Col. Tray Wood said. The hard work and dedication of these groups ensure the [55th] Electronic Combat Group is prepared for future conflict with the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron leading developments in the electromagnetic spectrum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EA-37B is a heavily adapted Gulfstream G550 business jet designed to conduct electronic warfare operations to support U.S. and allied forces. It is slated to replace the services aging fleet of EC-130H Compass Call aircraft. The aircraft is loaded with classified equipment that can jam enemy communications, radar and navigation signals. It can also defuse roadside bombs wirelessly and block enemy air defenses from transmitting information between sensors, control networks and weapons, which will allow U.S. and partner aircraft to get closer to their targets. The Air Force plans to buy 10 EA-37Bs from BAE Systems and L3Harris, half of which have so far been delivered. The companies, which are co-prime contractors on the plane, expect to deliver the final five in 2027 and 2028. The first EA-37B was delivered to Davis-Monthan in August 2024 to begin pilot training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EA-37B and the professionals who support its mission represent the most recent evolution in a long history of [electromagnetic spectrum] dominance for the 55th Electronic Combat Group, said Lt. Col. Jesse Szweda, the squadrons director of operations. The capabilities of this platform are the cornerstone to addressing emerging threats in any [area of responsibility] at any time. The electronic attack equipment for the new Compass Calls are built by BAE, and then integrated into the G550 jets at L3Harris facility in Waco, Texas. The G550s outer mold lines are modified to make room for the equipment at Gulfstreams facility in Savannah, Georgia. The service has so far retired 10 of its 14 EC-130Hs, which were flown frequently during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The older Compass Calls were modified C-130Hs, some of which date back to the Vietnam War. The new EA-37Bs will fly 40% faster than the older models and have twice the range, and be able to fly nearly 15,000 feet higher, L3Harris said in April. By creating the new Compass Calls out of modern, commercial derivative aircraft, the prime contractors expect the Air Force will be able to obtain spare parts and sustain it more easily. ALABAMA (WHNT) Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced Tuesday that a package of bills was approved by the Legislature during the 2025 regular session. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor sent out a news release announcing that a package of 12 bills was approved during the 2025 regular session. The Office said Ainsworth, who chairs the Alabama Military Stability Commission, said the bills will help ensure that our state remains the nations friendliest and most welcoming for active service members, veterans, and their dependents. In the release, Ainsworth said Alabama was among the first states to pass legislature ensuring occupational licensing reciprocity for military dependents, which allows a military spouse who is licensed to practice in a specific job area in another state to also practice locally while stationed in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills approved created a one-stop Alabama Veterans Resource Center, expanded the use of Veterans Treatment Courts, protected veterans from predatory scams and more. Below is a list of the bills approved and what it would mean for veterans in Alabama: SB70-engrossedDownload SB70 aims to establish the Alabama Veterans Resource Center to assist military members entering the private sector with employment services, benefits navigation, education opportunities and mental health services, the Lt. Governors office said. The bill was signed into law on Feb. 27. It is set to take effect on June 1. You can read the engrossed bill provided to the left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama-2025-SB200-EnrolledDownload SB200 aims to expand the use of Veterans Treatment Courts across the state and incorporates Veterans Treatment Courts into a newly established statewide Accountability Court system, the Lt. Governors office said. This bill was signed into law on April 17. It is set to take effect on October 1 You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB59-Enrolled-enactedDownload SB59 aims to allow children/dependents of active duty military personnel to substitute military medical records as evidence of age-appropriate immunization and testing in place of the Blue Card for presentation to a public or private school authority. It also renames the drug courts to the accountability courts,' the Lt. Governors office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill was enacted on March 19. It is set to take effect on July 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB91-EnrolledDownload SB91 aims to update the Military Planning Act to further prevent the construction of tall structures near military installations and provides clarification for the approval of construction of tall structures by local governing authorities, the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on April 16 and is set to take effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB206-EnrolledDownload SB206 aims to adopt federal standards to prevent predatory practices by private entities assisting veterans to obtain their benefits and applies Alabama consumer protection penalties to those who violate federal protections, the Lt. Governors office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was signed into law on May 22 and is set to take effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. HJR22-enrDownload HJR22 aims to update the military friendly designation program, the Purple Star Schools Program, to allow private schools to participate in the program, the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on May 2. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. SB181-enrDownload SB181 aims to enroll the state of Alabama in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact to assist with military spouse occupational license reciprocity, the Lt. Governors office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was signed into law on April 17 and is said to go into effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB61-EnrolledDownload SB61 aims to enroll Alabama in the School Psychology Interstate Compact to assist with military spouse occupational license reciprocity, the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on April 22 and is said to go into effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB104-EnrolledDownload SB104 aims to updates the membership of the Alabama Military Stability Commission, the Lt. Governors office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was signed into law on April 10 and will take effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-HJR66-EnrolledDownload HJR66 aims to express the support of the Alabama Legislature for the basing of the KC-46A aircraft at the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham, AL, the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on March 3. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB179-EnrolledDownload SB179 aims to make updates to the Alabama Code of Military Justice at the request of the Alabama National Guard, the Lt. Governors office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was signed into law on April 16 and is set to take effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Alabama-2025-SB198-EnrolledDownload SB198 aims to clarify the ability of Judge Advocate Generals to provide legal services to a range of National Guard, civilian, and prior service personnel at the Request of the Alabama National Guard, the Lt. Governors office said. It was signed into law on April 8 and is set to take effect on October 1. You can read the full text of the bill to the left. Since taking office as lieutenant governor seven years ago, we have worked hard to anticipate and meet the needs of the men and women who currently wear a uniform, those who have previously defended the U.S.A., and the family members who love and support them. Passing these bills creates jobs, grows our economy, and protects Alabamas military bases, but, more importantly, it fulfills what I believe is a moral obligation to support soldiers and service members of the past, present, and future. Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) Gold Star families were honored around Alabama on Memorial Day. In Montevallo, thousands gathered at the Alabama National Cemetery to lay wreaths and pay respects to those who sacrificed all for the country. Oh my gosh, he and his friends, said Charon Rivers about Thomas Rivers, her late son. He had so many friends. He was a character. A very loyal friend. Charon Rivers could talk about Thomas Rivers for hours. He was a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charon Rivers was honored with a wreath laying on behalf of all Gold Star mothers. It means a lot that people would come and put flowers and coins, Charon Rivers said. I know his friends havent forgotten him. We get texts, and we get emails. It means so much. Trump marks Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery After that ceremony, a more private remembrance was held at Thomas Rivers grave. His mother and members of the Lance Corporal Rivers Memorial VFW Post 12185 in Alabaster attended it. Thats one way we knew Thomas would never be forgotten, so our post comes out here every year to honor Thomas for our namesake, said Danny Sample, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Alabama District 3 commander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Charon Rivers, Memorial Day is a painful reminder of what shes lost, but its also a chance to see firsthand how her sons sacrifice will never be forgotten. I really hope people know what Memorial Day is about, Charon Rivers said. It means a lot that they remember him. Thats the main thing. Memorial Day is remembering those that were killed while doing battle, and its a hard day, but yet its peaceful to know that this community, this cemetery, our friends and family remember him and do these things. Charon Rivers said the best way to honor those who are buried here at the cemetery is to remember them not just on Memorial Day but every 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 CBS 42. TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (WIAT) As we honor and remember the U.S. service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we also keep their families in our thoughts and prayers. The loved ones fallen service members leave behind are known as Gold Star families. Ashley Stegall from Trussville lost her husband, U.S. Army Sgt. Jason Stegall, in December 2009. Stegall said they were high school sweethearts who married in their 20s. She said Memorial Day has a much different meaning to her and her family now than it did 15 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was always helping people if he could, Ashley Stegall said. He loved the military. He was going to be career military. He was a paratrooper. He loved to jump out of airplanes for fun for some reason, but he did. He loved it, and he loved his soldiers, and he loved what he did. Ashley Stegall said her husband served a 15-month tour in Iraq, where he was shot twice. He returned home and received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal with a V device for valor. He wouldve gone back five more times, Ashley Stegall said. He just loved what he did. Alabama family remembers Marine killed in 2010 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashley Stegall said through her husband, she learned how dedicated soldiers are to serving their country and how rewarding it is to support a soldier as a wife and family member. It makes me proud, Ashley Stegall said. I enjoy getting to show my son how awesome his dad was. Its special. Its hard. It was hard for a long time, and it still is. Jason Stegall died when his son, Landon Stegall, was 10 months old. Ashley Stegall said even though Landon was just a baby, he still looks to his dad as his hero. He, still at 16 years old thats what he wants to do, Ashley Stegall said. He loves to talk about it, and it was super special to see him put on [Jason Stegalls] little beret, his paratrooper beret, and he still to this day will try it on and stuff like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On days like Memorial Day amid all the parades and ceremonies, Ashley Stegall said it means the world to Gold Star families to see others teaching their kids about the sacrifices the U.S. military makes and honoring the lives of fallen heroes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Signs are posted in the young adult section of the Autauga-Prattville Public Library on Feb. 23, 2024. The Alabama Library Association said in a letter earlier this month it was "concerned but also confused" by new definitions of the term "sexually explicit" by the Alabama Public LIbrary Service board. (Ralph Chapoco/ Alabama Reflector) The Alabama Library Association said in a May 16 letter that it was concerned but also confused by new Alabama Public Library Service policies on sexually explicit content and what it called ill-treatment of directors and staff of local libraries at a meeting earlier this month. The organization said it was notably concerned by the lack of discussion about how the board will codify this new definition into the APLS administrative state code, referring to a letter that APLS Board Chair John Wahl sent to local libraries to further clarify definitions related to sexually explicit materials after the board approved the update during a meeting on May 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is just one of many questions we have about this memo, and we hope to learn the answers in the coming days, the letter said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Wahl said in an interview Tuesday that several local libraries approached the APLS asking for additional clarification regarding the definition. We wanted to be very clear with what we felt our definition was so local libraries would have the information they needed to comply with state code, he said. I cant imagine why anyone would be upset with having more information. The organization also criticized how some members of the APLS board responded to statements made by local library staff, characterizing the comments that were made to library directors, librarians and supporters of libraries as discourteous and dismissive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A part of ALLAs statement referred to a letter that Wahl sent May 12 to inform local libraries that board members approved an update to its policies that further defines sexually explicit content. These include books or materials that include descriptions of sexual activity, from sexual excitement and nudity to masturbation and sadistic or masochistic abuse. This definition is based on existing state and federal guidelines and is intended to serve as a clear and practical reference as you address this matter in your libraries, Wahl stated in his letter to local library directors. The correspondence stemmed from actions that board members took at the May 8 meeting to further explain the meaning of sexually explicit materials after the board fielded comments about how vaguely the term was defined in the policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ALLA executive council also recommended that APLS withdraw Wahls memo. If the APLS is to pursue further policy requirements of Alabama libraries, follow established legal procedure for amending the Administrative Code, with appropriate public comment opportunities and thorough consideration of the constitutionality of both memos, ALLA said in its statement. The organization also wants APLS to issue an apology to local library staff and directors as well as host a session to field comments from public librarians. Wahl said that board members were respectful to speakers and said multiple times how much he and the other board members cared about local libraries, going so far as to secure funding that the state stands to lose from the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has to be dialogue, and if someone presents information that is factually incorrect, that leaves out entirely, one side of the narrative, it is entirely appropriate for the Board to address that immediately, Wahl said. Wahl proposed an update to the policy based on a different section of state statute that also includes adult bookstores. The policy update was authorized more than a year after members of the APLS board issued directives to local libraries to adopt regulations to further restrict minors from having access to some library materials. A May 2024 update of the code required libraries to relocate materials within their circulation that have obscenity, are sexually explicit, or ones deemed inappropriate for minors. Obscenity is a legal term and is further defined in state statute. Wahl and other board members said they believe the term sexually explicit needed additional clarification. The APLS board did not update what the term inappropriate during the May 8 meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators sponsored bills and Gov. Kay Ivey sent several letters to the APLS aimed at further limiting access to materials for minors. Several bills that would have affected library operations failed to pass the Legislature this year. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MEMPHIS, Tenn. A vacant home in Alamo, Tennessee, was caught on fire overnight, the Alamo Police Department confirmed. Officers say they were called to the home fire in the 100 block of North Johnson Street just before 9:50 p.m. Man crashes car after he is set on fire: MPD (Photo provided by: Alamo Police Department) (Photo provided by: Alamo Police Department) (Photo provided by: Alamo Police Department) The Bells Fire Department, Friendship Fire Department, Crockett County EMS, Crockett County EMA, and the Crockett County Sheriffs Department also responded to the scene of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After further investigation, officers say they are treating the incident as arson, and the State Fire Marshals Office will assist with the investigation. 39 hurt in Greyhound bus crash near Jackson, TN Anyone with information is urged to call Alamo Police Chief Jeff Sills at 731-696-2104 or at 731-202-1018. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TIRANA, Albania (AP) Former Albanian President Ilir Meta was formally charged on Tuesday with corruption, money laundering, tax evasion and hiding property from authorities, his lawyer said. The charges were communicated to Meta in a 192-page report from anti-corruption prosecutors, lawyer Kujtim Cakrani told journalists. The prosecutors belong to the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime, or SPAK, which handles cases involving senior political and state officials. Meta, the 56-year-old founder of the leftist Freedom Party, was arrested in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meta wrote on his Facebook page that "I can hardly wait for the start of the trial which will be public and will show to the world" that SPAK is a puppet of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Meta also said that he considers the agency to be Ramas anti-opposition task force. Ramas governing Socialist Party achieved a landslide win in the May 11 parliamentary election, getting 83 seats in the 140-seat parliament. Meta, who was president from 2017-2022, has been an outspoken critic of Rama and has denounced his case as a politically motivated attack on an opposition leader. Meta faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metas former spouse, Monika Kryemadhi, a lawmaker and former leader of the Freedom Party, also is accused of the same crimes. Two other people connected to the case have been accused of money laundering and corruption. Meta has held virtually all senior posts in post-communist Albania, starting as a lawmaker. He eventually became foreign minister, minister of economy, trade and energy, deputy prime minister, prime minister, parliamentary speaker and president. Prosecutors have said that when he was minister of economy, trade and energy, Meta had abused his authority to influence various businesses in which he and Kryemadhi had earned considerable amounts of money. Meta also has failed to account for around $460,000 (404,000 euros) he had used for lobbying in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Meta and Kryemadhi also are accused of buying property with illegally obtained money, or not declaring their personal health expenses. Albania, which has started full membership negotiations with the European Union, has been plagued in its post-communist era with corruption that has marred its democratic, economic and social development. Judicial institutions created with the support of the EU and the United States have launched several investigations into former senior government officials allegedly involved in corruption. Sali Berisha, a former prime minister and president and now a lawmaker and leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, is also accused of corruption and is waiting for his trial to begin. A 54-year-old Albany man has been charged with posing online as a teenager to obtain sexually explicit images from a 16-year-old girl, federal prosecutors said Wednesday. Brian Hargraves was arrested last week and indicted on charges of possession of and access with intent to view child sexual abuse images. He appeared in federal court May 21. According to court documents, law enforcement searched Hargraves's mobile phones April 29 following a complaint. Investigators found sexually explicit images and videos of the minor on one of the devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege Hargraves met the victim online, told her he was a teenage boy and asked her to create and send him explicit videos and images of herself. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Federal sentencing guidelines and statutes will determine any sentence if Hargraves is convicted. The FBI led the investigation with assistance from the Carroll County Sheriff's Department and Conway Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case. The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative launched in 2006 to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Hargraves is presumed innocent until proven guilty. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The Albuquerque Police Department released new information Monday about the death of a 1-year-old who was left in a hot truck with the windows up on Sunday. According to police, the childs parents left the 1-year-old with a relative around mid-morning. APD says they received the report about the child around 5 p.m. Its unclear how long the child was in the truck. I believe the person who was in care for it, realized the child was in the truck, went to the truck, said Gilbert Gallegos, spokesperson for APD. Im not sure what exactly happened at that point, or if another relative came, but at that point, the child was transferred inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Road rage shooting suspect arrested by Albuquerque police When first responders arrived on the scene a little after 5:30 p.m., they attempted to give CPR but were unsuccessful. Police believe the death was an accident, and the District Attorneys Office has decided not to press charges at this time, as the investigation continues. He was non-responsive, Gallegos said about the child. He didnt have a pulse at that point, but they tried for a long time to revive the child. Unfortunately, the child died at the scene. APDs Crimes Against Children Unit started the investigation. Police say theyre waiting for an autopsy to confirm the cause of death, which could lead to possible charges. Police believe the child was inside the truck for several hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the relative who was watching the child did leave the scene at some point, but we dont know when and for how long. The truck where the child was found also belonged to that relative. Data shows the one-year-old is at least the fourth child to die in a hot car in the U.S. this year. Any death is obviously a tragedy but a one year old is really difficult to fathom. I know the family was really devastated at the scene, said Gallegos. While it may be hard to understand how someone could forget a child in a car, Kids and Car Safety, a non-profit working to prevent these types of deaths, said at least 11-hundred children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990. And 55% of them were unknowingly left by an otherwise loving, responsible parent or caregiver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems like commonsense to everyone but we live in a crazy world, people are rushed and may not be thinking clearly, said Gallegos. There have been other high profile cases in New Mexico that have led to charges. News 13 sat down with Stephanie Pinon back in 2016. That was six years after she forgot her two year old, Jahzel, in the back of her minivan in Albuquerque for two and a half hours. I did not forget you baby, I didnt know you were there, Pinon said in the 2016 interview. Pinon faced up to nine years in prison but struck a plea deal and was convicted of child abandonment resulting in death. The judge gave her five years of probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone has the right to their opinion, to how they feel, to feel outrage. Because I probably would have felt the same way too had it happened to someone else. But the thing is it didnt happened to someone else, it happened to me. And I live with it everyday, said Pinon in the 2016 interview. In 2017, a mother and daughter, who ran a home day care in Portales, were sentenced to 30 years behind bars, after they left two toddlers in the car. One of them died, while the other suffered permanent brain damage. Theyre good people, this is just an accident that happened, one person testified in court during their trial. The pair, Sandi and Mary Taylor recently appealed their conviction, saying the jury instructions were unclear. The state supreme court agreed, ordering a new trial in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know I will carry this with me everyday for the rest of my life, said Mary Taylor during sentencing. Police are reminding everyone to always take an extra moment to check your back seats, especially as the temperatures heat up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) For years, New Mexicans have heard promises of revitalization and redevelopment in downtown Albuquerquebut is it actually happening? This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Chris and Gabby sit down with Terry Brunner, Director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, to pull back the curtain on how government is working with the private sector to incentivize development. Brunner details housing plans, local business buy-in for increased security, and some long-game, multimillion-dollar projects like the Rail Trail. What is it exactly? And when could people see the Rail Trail in real life? Right now, its hard to walk from Old Town to the Bosque trail; its not an easy path, Brunner explains. So its just logical. You want to build a nicer connector that takes you from Old Town to the Bio Park to the Bosque Trail. Like, thats common sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two simple goals for downtown include adding more shade and improving parking. Brunner also shares what hes learned from visiting other major cities, and draws on the overall mission to attract more people to downtown. Getting bodies downtown is really the key to everything, Brunner explained. That changes the dynamic so much. But when youre the only person Thursday at 3 p.m., it feels lonely and weird and not that great. Listen to the full discussion above to hear what is being prioritized over the next few years and how much itll cost. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. A seafood product sold at Aldi has been recalled Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing is being recalled for undeclared soy, which could cause a "life-threatening" allergic reaction in those with a soy allergy The recall extends to the 16 ounce product with a Use/Freeze By date of June 2 A seafood product sold at Aldi is being recalled for a potential health hazard. Santa Monica Seafood, a brand sold at the popular chain grocery store, is voluntarily recalling their Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing due to the possibility of the product containing undeclared soy, the FDA wrote in an announcement on May 24. The product has been sold at Aldi locations in California, Nevada and Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy risk a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product," the announcement read. Aldi Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing. Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing. The recall extends to 16 ounce Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing from Aldi with a Use/Freeze By date of June 2. No illnesses have been reported as of May 24. The supplier discovered the issue while completing a routine inspection of label proofs in a batch, the announcement read. The product contains soy however, it's not listed as an ingredient on the package. Soy is a common allergen, and thus the undeclared ingredient could pose a risk to those with a soy allergy who consume the product. 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. Those who bought the recalled product are encouraged to return the item to the store where it was bought in return for a full refund. Read the original article on People Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. PROVO, Utah (ABC4) An alleged member of a juvenile gang was charged in Provo for assault, graffiti, and drug charges on Memorial Day. Ryker Karner, 18, was arrested on six charges, including aggravated assault with gang enhancement, a second-degree felony; two counts of defacement by graffiti with gang enhancements, both class A misdemeanors; one count of riot, a class B misdemeanor; one count of possession or use of controlled substance marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and one count of use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, police determined that Karner was connected to gang-related graffiti in Provo through a social media post. Three people, including Karner, were seen in the post. Investigators spoke with the mother of a juvenile in the social media post, and his mother gave police permission to look through his phone. Suspect surrenders after hours-long SWAT standoff in West Valley City Officers found a group chat on Instagram [] to which the defendant had sent photos of himself in front of the graffiti, documents said. Court documents also allege that Karner was involved in a fight between 20 people from both his gang and an apparent rival gang. Karner was reportedly recognized by a rival gang member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 13, police searched Karners residence and found drug and gang paraphernalia. Officials also searched his phone and found several videos of him spray-painting a fence with other people, and another video showed Karner and one other rapping one of Karners songs. On Karners phone, police also found videos related to the gang fight, as well as a screenshot of a conversation referring to the fight. Karner was involved in several incidents between March and April 2025. Charges were filed against Karner on May 26. 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. ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Keegan Morris is a senior at Alleghany High School, salutatorian of his class, and one of just 65 students earning a Virginia Sheriffs Institute scholarship to study criminal justice in the Commonwealth. He didnt have to look far for his inspiration. He attributes his passion for law enforcement to his dad. Hes been with State Police for over twenty years now and hes just one of the most outstanding men youll meet, said Morris. His dedication, him being a role model in my house really shaped what it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Kyle Moore encouraged Keegans family to pursue the scholarship and later presented it himself. He says seeing passion for law enforcement in local youth means even more because agencies have seen a growing struggle to hire staff. Too good to be true, Alleghany County Sheriff warns of new prize scam In the last ten years or so staffing has become a vital issue, he said. The impressions people see on TV most of the time, they only see the bad. A police officer does something wrong or a police officer is involved in some sort of corruption, well theres 99% of us who are doing the best we can. We see a lot of bad as law enforcement officers, but we see a lot of good also, we help a lot of people, Sheriff Moore added. By us having hopefully a positive impact, it means a lot to us, and we really like it when they come back after college and settle down here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keegan will go to college in Virginia in the fall to study criminal justice or criminology. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALTON, Ill. For Memorial Day 2025, the 20th Annual Memorial Day Sunset Ceremony was held at the Alton National Cemetery in Alton, Illinois, to remember the brave men and women who laid down their lives for our country. Dozens attended to hear songs, speeches and prayers to pay tribute to the sacrifice of the fallen. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News My father, who was a Vietnam veteran, served in the Navy during Vietnam; he organized this sunset ceremony, of course, at the national cemetery here in Alton, explained one of the event organizers, Robert Baird. Certainly, everyone knows of Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, but not a lot of folks are familiar that Alton here locally also has a national cemetery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Bairds father, Richard Baird, created this ceremony nearly 20 years ago, helping to preserve the cemetery and honor the legacy of the hundreds of valiant soldiers buried there. Unfortunately, Baird passed away in April 2025, leaving his wife and son to continue the tradition. I will continue to organize this and invite members from our local community here to participate in, again, recognizing Americas greatest heroes, Robert told FOX 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) All it took was a few seconds for a driver to take her eyes off the road and slam into two New Mexico Department of Transportation workers on I-25 in San Miguel County. They both consider themselves beyond lucky they didnt lose their lives that day. Its always back there its always in the back of your mind, said Michael Sanchez, NMDOT worker. I tell the guys everyday the way we came into work today is the way we should go home this afternoon, didnt happen for us that day. Two weeks ago, on May 12, Sanchez didnt get to finish his work day. While working on a strip of I-25 between Ribera and Bernal, behind cones and multiple work zone signs, Sanchez was hit by a car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albuquerque Police release new information about death of 1-year-old One of the guys yelled watch it, any, by the time I heard that it was too late, said Sanchez. All I remember is rolling and winding up underneath the cable line and the median. While lying there in shock, Sanchez said all he could think about was the rest of his coworkers. I was asking the coworkers that were there who else got hit, who else got hit, said Sanchez. Thirty yards away the car also sideswiped his partner who, after impact, rolled under the front end of a NMDOT vehicle. Witnesses told police both men were airborne but somehow they are doing okay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was hit on this arm, the elbow and my right side leg, upper leg my thigh and I dont know what I hit here with my chest, Sanchez explained. Sanchez said he hasnt been approved to go back to work yet, but he isnt sure he even wants to. We pass by where the accident happened and its right away I get bad anxiety off of it so I dont know, said Sanchez. Something his wife, Betsy, has also picked up on. His hands just start getting antsy his demeanor is different, said Betsy. What this girl did affected not just him, but it affected all of us. A police report filed by New Mexico State Police states the 20-year-old driver, Mistidawn Roybal, turned around to check on her dog when she hit the two men and an orange traffic control barrier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It hurts because I almost lost him that day and I dont want to lose him, said Betsy. They hope Roybal learns from her actions. I dont want to see this happen again, its crazy, said Sanchez. Roybal is facing two petty misdemeanor charges and a this degree felony for reckless driving. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The Israeli ambassador to Germany says his government is taking German criticism of its campaign in Gaza seriously, one day after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Israel's military actions "can no longer be justified by the fight against Hamas terrorism." "When Friedrich Merz voices this criticism of Israel, we listen very carefully because he is a friend," ambassador Ron Prosor told ZDF on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference in Berlin on Monday, Merz slammed Israel's action in Gaza in a rare direct rebuke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany has generally taken a more cautious approach than other EU states in criticizing Israel during the war in Gaza, which broke out in 2023 following the October 7 attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Noting that Berlin must exercise more restraint than any other country when commenting on Israel, Merz said: "But if lines are crossed, where international humanitarian law is really being violated, then Germany, the German chancellor, must also say something about it." "Frankly, I no longer understand the Israeli army's actions in the Gaza Strip or what their goal is," he said. "Causing such suffering to the civilian population, as has been increasingly the case in recent days, can no longer be justified by the fight against Hamas terrorism." Israel has launched another offensive in Gaza, with dozens of deaths reported in the war-torn coastal territory daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move has sparked international condemnation, amid warnings that the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza are facing the risk of starvation due to Israel's recent blockade of humanitarian aid. Some countries, including Spain, are even floating the idea of imposing an arms embargo on Israel over the situation in the sealed-off Palestinian territory. Prosor stressed his country's determination to eliminate Hamas, arguing Israel cannot build a future as long as the Islamist terrorist organization still exists. "They want to wipe us out." The ambassador said Hamas had once again fired rockets at Israel on Tuesday, noting that a ceasefire could have been struck "yesterday" if the hostages held in Gaza were released, but accused Hamas of standing in the way. "They have turned schools into weapons depots, mosques into barracks and hospitals into command centres," he charged. The Israeli ambassador to Germany says his government is taking German criticism of its campaign in Gaza seriously, one day after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Israel's military actions "can no longer be justified by the fight against Hamas terrorism." "When Friedrich Merz voices this criticism of Israel, we listen very carefully because he is a friend," ambassador Ron Prosor told ZDF on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference in Berlin on Monday, Merz slammed Israel's action in Gaza in a rare direct rebuke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany has generally taken a more cautious approach than other EU states in criticizing Israel during the war in Gaza, which broke out in 2023 following the October 7 attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Noting that Berlin must exercise more restraint than any other country when commenting on Israel, Merz said: "But if lines are crossed, where international humanitarian law is really being violated, then Germany, the German chancellor, must also say something about it." "Frankly, I no longer understand the Israeli army's actions in the Gaza Strip or what their goal is," he said. Israel has launched another offensive in Gaza, with dozens of deaths reported in the war-torn coastal territory daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move has sparked international condemnation, amid warnings that the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza are facing the risk of starvation due to Israel's recent blockade of humanitarian aid. Some countries, including Spain, are even floating the idea of imposing an arms embargo on Israel over the situation in the sealed-off Palestinian territory. Unfortunately, our current federal government has decided to turn the page by pulling up the welcome mat and relinquishing its role as moral leader of the planet, writes guest columnist Jim Jones. (Getty Images) Ever since the Statue of Liberty raised her torch in New York Harbor, America has welcomed the homeless, tempest-tossed masses from foreign shores. Those seeking safety and opportunity in the United States have played a central role in making this country the leading world power it has been and the moral beacon it was. Unfortunately, our current government has decided to turn the page by pulling up the welcome mat and relinquishing its role as moral leader of the planet. Just after being sworn in, Trump signed an executive order suspending refugee resettlement in the United States, which threw refugees waiting at foreign airports into limbo. He also suspended Americas asylum system, causing chaos amongst asylum seekers who faced danger in their home countries. Both programs were highly regarded around the world, reflecting great credit upon America. Now, both suspensions are being challenged in court actions. In just over a hundred days in office, Donald Trump has empowered a substantial army of federal agents to track down and speedily deport any foreign-looking U.S. residents. Most Americans support the removal of dangerous foreigners, so long as they receive a fair hearing. But most of us believe it is counterproductive to toss out farm, construction and home care workers who are long-time residents that abide by the law and contribute to society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced in February that Temporary Protected Status would soon be revoked for about 530,000 Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and Haitians. That means they would no longer be able to legally work in the U.S. and could be deported. Foreigners can be legally admitted with Temporary Protected Status when their home country suffers natural disaster or political upheaval. Trump has never been too keen on Haitians. During his first term he famously questioned why we should allow people from Haiti and African sh_hole countries to come to America. Presumably, his revocation of Temporary Protected Status would include the Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, who he falsely accused of eating the towns cats and dogs. The Haitians were merely doing tough jobs that locals refused to do. Thankfully, a federal judge temporarily blocked the revocation order on April 14. Inexplicably, Trump announced the cancellation of Temporary Protected Statys for about 11,700 Afghans in the country, effective July 12. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made the ludicrous claim that, Afghanistan has had an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevent them from returning to their home country. However, a military veteran who heads an organization dedicated to saving the lives of Afghans who put their necks on the line to help and protect American troops, gave the Military Times an informed assessment: Afghanistan remains under the control of the Taliban. There is no functioning asylum system. There are still assassinations, arbitrary arrests, and ongoing human rights abuses, especially against women and ethnic minorities. We owe those folks big time, and the administration should be ashamed for trying to send them back to almost certain death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than throwing our Afghan partners to the wolves, America should be using its best efforts to bring many more of those good friends to safety in the United States. We could take a page from the book of Idahos former Gov. and Sen. Dirk Kempthorne. He teamed up with two Army officers and a young Afghan American, Nawid Mousa, to raise $1 million to rescue 395 Afghan helpers and their families from Taliban clutches in 2021. What kind of nation could live with the infamy of abandoning its allies to the savage retribution of an enemy? Of all people, Trump should be helping these beleaguered Afghans, because his so-called peacemaking effort contributed greatly to the Taliban victory. By excluding the Afghan government from the negotiations and giving a definite U.S. withdrawal date, while obtaining no enforceable commitments from the Taliban, Trump created the problem that caused these helpers to have to flee their country. Despite all of Trumps efforts to prevent refugees, asylees and other immigrants from reaching Americas protective shores, Trump has bypassed all of the time-tested vetting procedures to grant unfettered entry to nearly 60 white South Africans. The decision was apparently made without the many months of vetting that previous refugees have had to undergo. Trump claimed these folks were fleeing genocide in their country but there is absolutely no credible evidence to support that claim. Regardless of Trumps reasons for greenlighting the South African refugees, Idahos nationally-recognized refugee settlement program will give those coming to Idaho a warm reception, as should we all. Two families with a total of 9 members are settling in Twin Falls. I wish them a warm welcome to the Gem State. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) Memorial Day traditions in western Massachusetts continued in East Longmeadow. The American Legion held a special ceremony to honor and remember our fallen heroes. Dozens of people, including veterans and their families, lined up outside East Longmeadow High School to pay their respects. Memorial Day ceremonies take place throughout western Massachusetts The ceremony began with Legion members marching to the flagpole, where a gun salute and the traditional playing of Taps took place. The Commander of the American Legion said this day is about never forgetting those who gave their lives for our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the most part, you know, most people will go in because they want to protect our freedoms, Commander Brian Tidlund said. We dont want to be taken over by any other country, so this is how we protect by serving. So those that go in, and we all sign that blank check. When we signed that dotted line to join, we signed that blank check, saying were willing to give our life if need be. The names of nearly 20 East Longmeadow veterans were read inside the high school auditorium, honoring their memory and sacrifice. The East Longmeadow High School Band also paid a special tribute to each branch of the military. To further recognize the day, a proclamation from Governor Maura Healey was read by the town manager. The ceremony ended at the East Longmeadow Center Square, with the placing of a wreath in remembrance of the fallen heroes. 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. TANNERSVILLE, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) In Monroe County, veterans and their families gathered at the war memorial in Tannersville. They paused to remember the sacrifices made. American Legion Post 903 and its auxiliary hosted the annual event. A wreath-laying ceremony was held, and several veterans spoke on their time in the service while remembering their fallen brothers and sisters. Victim identified in fatal Lackawanna County crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to remember what happened because all of our freedoms are based on what soldiers did for us, fighting for freedoms in foreign lands, foreign countries. We wouldnt be able to be here today, wouldnt be able to have parades or anything without our soldiers and veterans who serve this country and fought and sacrificed the ultimate sacrifice, Monroe County Joint Veterans Guard Commander Albert Compoly said. The Tannersville war memorial was built in 1987 by American Legion 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 28/22 News. LANCASTER CITY, Pa. (WHTM) Two veteran organizations joined forces to honor the fallen. American Legion Post 34 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1690 held services in Lancaster City today. They started at Penn Square with remarks and a wreath dedication at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The services continued at Riverview Cemetery, where both organizations held memorials. Post commanders say these services are a small way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were just very, very proud of our country, given us the opportunities that we have. And we know that those opportunities are only given to us because of the sacrifices of our veterans, said Mark Giblin, the Commander of VFW Post 1690. Its our moment to call out to the citizens of Lancaster the importance of Memorial Day, to remember it and to carry on the legacy of our fallen soldiers and the memories of our fallen soldiers, added American Legion Post 34 Commander Scott Brennan. Both organizations work to serve veterans and their families- And have been doing these services together for the past three 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 ABC27. ZAVALLA, Texas (KETK) A Zavalla man was arrested on Thursday after a child cried out to her teacher that a family member sexually assaulted her, an Angelina County arrest affidavit reveals. Mugshot Jamie Ryan Bright, courtesy of Angelina County Jail Child Protective Services (CPS) talked with Zavalla authorities on May 6 and said that the victim spoke with her teacher about the sexual assault that happened. Texarkana police asking for help finding a sexual assault suspect Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the same day, authorities spoke with the victim who said that her family member, Jamie Ryan Bright of Zavalla, would call her to his bedroom and make her or sometimes help her take off her clothing while kissing her, the affidavit said. The victim continued to explain how Bright would sexually assault her and that it would hurt badly. Bright was arrested for sexual assault of a child on Thursday and posted his $50,000 bond the following 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. (WIVT/WBGH) A Tioga County father is keeping his sons memory alive as he raises awareness of the scourge of veteran suicide. The Team Timmy Motorcycle Ride for Life is taking place next month. Tim Neild was a Captain in the Army, a bronze star recipient, and a veteran of the War in Afghanistan. Following his deployment, he was in a serious car crash in Upstate New York that worsened the post-traumatic stress disorder that he had gotten from the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neild committed suicide in October 2017. Since then, his father, Rick, has held the motorcycle run to raise money for a scholarship fund for graduates of Candor High School, where Tim went, and neighboring Spencer-Van Etten. Rick says the run serves as a potent reminder of the importance of addressing and de-stigmatizing veteran mental health. TBIs, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, theyre very real and they need to be discussed. One of the things that has been my mission since we started this was to make the V.A. more aware that, in Tims case, youre almost shunned if you said you had an issue. Things are improving, slowly, but were getting there, said Rick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The run takes place on Saturday, June 7, and will conclude at Turkey Trot Acres in Candor for an all-you-can-eat buffet reception featuring an open mic. The Team Timmy Ride for Life starts at 11 a.m. at Tims gravesite, located behind the Candor Town Hall. After a brief memorial ceremony, the bikes will leave at 11:30 for a 125-mile trip that includes brief stops in Whitney Point and Owego. The reception at Turkey Trot runs from 2 until 6. The cost for the run and party is $40, $10 if you only want to go for the ride. Tickets must be purchased by this Saturday by calling (607)659-7849 or emailing TurkeyTrot@FrontierNet.net. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hundreds of protesters against SJR 2, and its companion HJR 1, fill the rotunda before the Ohio House session, May 10, 2023, at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.) Republican leaders in Columbus are floating the idea of attempting to make it more difficult to amend the state constitution, a proposal that was defeated in 2023 by Ohioans across the political spectrum. Issue 1, decided on Aug. 8, 2023, sent a bipartisan message, say those who worked against its passage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohioans of all walks of life Democrat, Republican, independent, labor, business, rural, urban said, Why are you doing this?' said union leader and president of AFL-CIO Tim Burga after the election. Issue 1 would have taken away majority rule in Ohio. The proposed constitutional amendment would have raised the threshold for constitutional amendments to pass from 50%+1, a simple majority, to 60%. It was defeated 57-43%. But some Republican leaders have floated a rerun, saying special interest groups have been pushing their agendas, and constitutional amendment proposals have gotten out of control. A warning that I had a few years ago; were going to see a real uptick, I believe, in, people attempting to legislate by constitutional amendment, Secretary of State Frank LaRose said during a ballot board meeting this May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LaRose recently raised red flags about two new issues collecting signatures to get on the ballot: one to abolish property taxes and another to end qualified immunity, protecting police and other government agencies from lawsuits. Thats not a great way to govern a state, and [I think] that legislation should be done by the legislature, LaRose said. I think thats something to be discussed in this building going forward. House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, wants to change the rule, too having said for years that its too easy to change state law. Good government folks want it raised to 60%, he said in early May. I think that it should be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro was one of the leading voices against raising the threshold back in 2023. When the people of Ohio are confronted with a choice, either protect your freedom and your ability to exercise your rights in our democracy or give more power to power hungry, corrupt politicians the people of Ohio are going to say, We want to have the freedom to choose our destiny,' DiMauro told WEWS on Friday. People deserve a voice, DiMauro said. Its from people that are just frustrated that they believe that their elected representatives and senators in Columbus just are simply unresponsive to their needs and interests, he said. People will take matters into their own hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putting the question back on the ballot would have the same result, he said. Huffman acknowledged this, saying that it would be an uphill battle and unpopular. Short of everybody steps back and says, We really should raise the limit, which I dont see that happening, he said. I dont think thats a reality. Some lawmakers, like state Rep. Thomas Hall, R-Madison Township, still think its a good idea to try again. Former Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, disagreed. First and foremost, the Legislature works for the people, he said in a text. Changing the current method of holding the legislature accountable when it acts (or does not act) would require consensus across the political spectrum as to what those rules should be Recent history has shown the effort will not be successful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said DiMauro, The people have spoken, and they spoke pretty loudly and pretty clearly. I wish they would start listening to the people. This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Judges keep reminding the Trump administration to comply with due process. In the latest example, a judge also reminded the administration that it has only itself to blame for the mess it created. The backdrop of the latest legal reminder is the administrations violation of a court order in trying to send migrants to war-torn South Sudan without proper notice or opportunity to contest their removal. The migrants are reportedly now being held at a U.S. military base in Djibouti. Defendants have mischaracterized this Courts order, while at the same time manufacturing the very chaos they decry, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy wrote in an opinion published late Monday. By racing to get six class members onto a plane to unstable South Sudan, clearly in breach of the law and this Courts order, Defendants gave this Court no choice but to find that they were in violation of the Preliminary Injunction, the Biden appointee wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy reminded the government that he still hadnt ordered it to bring the people back to the U.S., as the migrants lawyers had asked. Instead, the Court accepted Defendants own suggestion that they be allowed to keep the individuals out of the country and finish their process abroad, the judge wrote, using italics in his ruling. He went on to note that the government has since changed [its] tune because, he wrote, It turns out that having immigration proceedings on another continent is harder and more logistically cumbersome than Defendants anticipated. The judge emphasized that he recognizes that the class members at issue here have criminal histories. But that does not change due process. Murphy said he hoped reason can get the better of rhetoric as he denied the governments motion to reconsider his prior rulings on the matter. Because of this Courts Orders, Defendants are currently detaining dangerous criminals in a sensitive location without clear knowledge of when, how, or where this Court will tolerate their release, the administration wrote in its unsuccessful reconsideration motion. This development has put impermissible, burdensome constraints on the Presidents ability to carry out his Article II powers, including his powers to command the military, manage relations with foreign nations, and execute our nations immigration authorities, it said, contending that the governments actions have been lawful. Its not the first time that a judge has accused the administration of mischaracterizing judicial orders in the context of deportations and due process. In the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the government illegally removed to El Salvador in March and whose return it has resisted facilitating, the district judge likewise criticized the governments mischaracterization of the Supreme Courts Order requiring that facilitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, Abrego Garcia is not the only one whose return the government has been ordered to facilitate. In fact, Murphys ruling Monday follows his order Friday to facilitate the return of another plaintiff in the case a gay Guatemalan man listed as O.C.G. in court papers whom the government sent to Mexico even though he said he had been held for ransom and raped there. The government initially said O.C.G. wasnt afraid to go to Mexico, but it later admitted that it had no witness who could testify to that. Defendants retraction of their prior sworn statement makes inexorable the already-strong conclusion that O.C.G. is likely to succeed in showing that his removal lacked any semblance of due process, Murphy wrote Friday. Due process is, in some sense, a binary one either receives what the Constitution requires, or one does not, he wrote, adding, It has been clear that O.C.G. did not receive what the Constitution requires. So once again, the administrations attempt to avoid compliance with legal process meets judicial resistance. And once again, the consequences for the government are yet to be fully determined. The administration is hoping the Supreme Court will bail it out this time. On Tuesday, the government launched its latest emergency appeal to the high court, seeking to block Murphys injunction. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com KYIV, Ukraine (AP) More than 200 Ukrainian POWs have died while imprisoned since Russias full-scale invasion three years ago. Abuse inside Russian prisons was likely a contributing factor in many of these deaths, according to officials from human rights groups, the U.N., the Ukrainian government and a Ukrainian medical examiner who has performed dozens of POW autopsies. The officials say the prison death toll adds to evidence that Russia is systematically brutalizing captured soldiers. They say forensic discrepancies, and the repatriation of bodies that are mutilated and decomposed, point to an effort to cover up alleged torture, starvation and poor health care at dozens of prisons and detention centers across Russia and occupied Ukraine. Russian authorities did not respond to requests for comment. They have previously accused Ukraine of mistreating Russian POWs allegations the U.N. has partially backed up, though it says Ukraines violations are far less common and severe than what Russia is accused of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian soldier Serhii Hryhoriev is among the POWs who died while in Russian captivity. A Russian death certificate said the 59-year-old died of a stroke. But a Ukrainian autopsy and a former POW who was detained with him tell a different story about how he died one of violence and medical neglect at the hands of his captors. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) The Indiana Court of Appeals has denied an appeal by Elizabeth Fox-Doerr to reweigh evidence from her trial. Fox-Doerr was accused of plotting the murder of her husband, Evansville firefighter Robert Doerr with Larry Richmond Sr. She was charged with aiding, inducing or causing murder in the case and eventually found guilty by a jury. She was later sentenced to 90 years in prison. According to court documents, Fox-Doerr raised numerous evidentiary claims plus challenged the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain the convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documents state the State introduced sufficient evidence to establish that Richmond had shot and killed Robert pointing to Richmonds cell phone location records shortly after the murder, that Richmond had spoken to Elizabeth on the night of the murder and Richmond searched for news about the shooting but didnt mention it to Elizabeth. Documents also state the State had presented evidence that a jury could reasonably infer that Elizabeth conspired with Richmond, stating that Elizabeth knew Richmond had been previously incarcerated for killing someone, she and Richmond had 15 phone conversations months before the murder and shortly before the murder and Elizabeth tried to conceal proof of this conversation by deleting the call from her call log and repeatedly denied having spoken to Richmond. The court used the case Stone v. State (Ind. 1990) to infer attempts to conceal evidence may be considered by the jury as revealing consciousness of guilt. The original verdict was affirmed by a 3-0 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) Appleton International Airport (ATW) officials met with media on Tuesday morning to unveil a new carrier coming to its concourse. Sun Country Airlines will join ATW as a new carrier, providing another nonstop route to travelers in the region. Brewers Jose Quintana to make rehab appearance with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Our entire team is thrilled to be able to expand flight offerings to our entire community of northeast Wisconsin, ATW Director Abe Weber said. Starting on January 30, travelers will be able to enjoy a fast and easy non-stop destination to Fort Myers to escape the winter chill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new route is set to debut in January 2026, with two non-stop flights per week to Fort Myers, now the 21st destination out of ATW. The two flight pattern will increase to four per week in and around March for spring break travelers. City of Green Bay to kick off Pride Month with a flag-raising and resource fair During the first few months of the two-flight pattern, travelers can book flights to Fort Myers out of ATW on Mondays and Fridays, with the spring break flights adding Sunday and Thursday availability. The addition of Fort Myers marks the 21st destination out of ATW, and makes Sun Country the fifth airline to serve out of Appleton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) The Appleton Memorial Day Parade transformed the streets of Northeast Wisconsin into a vibrant celebration of remembrance. This cherished tradition brought families together to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The parade kicked off with an energetic marching band, filling the air with music and patriotism. Among the attendees was the Parish family. Andrea Parish expressed excitement for her children saying, Its great to have them down here. We thought wed bring them down and see what its about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years event held special significance for her, as she reflected on her stepfathers service and the legacy of sacrifice in her family. The lively atmosphere was complemented by the sounds of honking cars and wailing sirens. Ben Paton, another parade-goer, shared his appreciation for the day Green Bays colonial past honored by Heritage Hill reenactment Its a beautiful day, a great parade, he said. We love seeing all the bands and honoring the veterans as well. The event culminated in a poignant Moment of Remembrance. Mayor Jake Woodford emphasized its importance, stating, Its a deeply meaningful ceremony and a great way to honor our veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A local choirs rendition of God Bless America further underscored the emotional weight of the occasion. The Fox Valley Veterans Council, Fast Signs, and Great Northern Corporation displayed banners honoring Outagamie County servicemen and women who lost their lives, allowing spectators to reflect on their sacrifices. Each year, the Appleton Memorial Day Parade draws hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators, creating a powerful atmosphere of gratitude and remembrance. As families gather to celebrate, the spirit of those who served continues to resonate, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 27EPHRATA Applications are being accepted through June 13 from qualified attorneys for the job of Grant County Prosecutor. Incumbent Kevin McCrae announced his resignation effective Aug. 3. In his resignation letter sent to the Grant County Commissioners, McCrae said he had decided not to run for reelection in 2026. "Due to some family issues, along with another opportunity, I feel it best to part ways with the (prosecutor's office) this summer, rather than next year," McCrae wrote in his resignation letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor is a partisan office, and McCrae ran as a Republican. Because of that, the Grant County Republican Party will conduct the initial applicant reviews. "We were notified that he had resigned," said Republican Party Central Committee Chair Andrew Koeppen. "Once he resigns, the Grant County Republican Party or if he was a Democrat, it would be the Democratic Party will have to come up with three recommendations to fill his position." Names of the three finalists are sent to the Grant County Commissioners. "(The commissioners) ultimately have the final say on which one they will choose," Koeppen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are qualifications for the job. "They have to fulfill the same qualifications as if they were running for the prosecutor's office," Koeppen said. That includes having a license to practice law in Washington. Applicants must include a resume detailing their professional experience and education, a cover letter explaining their interest in the job, and at least five professional references. Applications must be emailed to chair@gcrpcc.com. Applicants will be interviewed July 12. "We want to get it to the county commissioners as soon as legally possible," he said. Interviews will be conducted in open session, but no public comment will be accepted, Koeppen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Cindy Carter said the finalists will go through a separate interview process with the commission. "The interviews are open to the public," she said. Commissioners can discuss the candidates in executive session, but the vote will be in a public session, she said. Koeppen said he wants the selection process to be as open and transparent as possible. "This is an extremely important position. The prosecutor's office sets the tone for law enforcement here in Grant County, and we want to make sure the process is done in such a way that the community, law enforcement and every prosecutor that will work under (the new prosecutor) has full confidence this process was done openly, fairly and transparently," Koeppen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands said other qualities should be considered in a new prosecutor. "I think the biggest thing for us, and I would think all law enforcement, is a good partner, someone that wants to work with us and do the right things," Sands said. "Keep the citizens of Grant County safe." Ardrey Kell High Schools principal, Jamie Brooks, was suspended with pay earlier this month, according to a release from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. In a message sent to Ardrey Kell families, the district told parents Brooks would be away for a period, and assured that her leave will not affect the daily operations of the school. Channel 9 confirmed that Brooks was suspended with pay on May 2 when CMS shared her employment records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her absence, assistant principal Tomica Wright will lead the school as head administrator with assistance from performance area executive director Crystal Houser, the district said. In April, we told you about a fight between a female student who is Muslim and a male student who is Black. CMPD and the FBI investigated the incident and said there was no evidence to support criminal charges. It is still unknown exactly why Brooks was placed on leave. VIDEO: CMS faces backlash over handling of Ardrey Kell fight investigation A man was fatally shot Monday afternoon when an argument escalated and guns were drawn, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office. The shooting happened around 12:30 p.m. on the 18400 block of Southwest 86th Court in Cutler Bay, according to detectives. The argument became increasingly heated, and both men pulled out guns, said Detective Argemis Colome, a Sheriffs Office spokesman. Its unclear if they both opened fire, but one of the men was shot, Colome said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramedics took him to the hospital, where he died, according to the Sheriffs Office. Crime scene tape surrounds a property on the 18400 block of Southwest 86th Court in Cutler Bay on Monday, May 26, 2025. Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office detectives say a man was shot there during an argument. The man died after being taken to the hospital. Deputies have detained the other man for questioning, and Homicide Bureau detectives are investigating the shooting, Colome said. The Sheriffs Office has not released the names of either man. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. My dear departed colleague Clay Thompson used to deal each day with questions and comments from readers, often pointing out their foibles, their absurdities, their miscalculations, misunderstandings, errors in logic. Why, I wonder, dont those people contact me? Instead, all to often I get the smart ones, the intuitive onesthe really annoying ones. Like, for example, a gentleman I heard from recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said, "I worry about you sometimes, Eddie. How is it that none of our politicians and none of our media hacks (no offense) can see something that seems obvious to a regular guy like me? The man believes Democratic politicians spend too much time criticizing Trumps policies rather looking for counter measures. He said that instead of pointing out "roadblocks politicians need to think of Trumps actions as a "roadmap. Trump is trying to rule without Congress or courts The point in question is executive orders and who gets to issue them. Donald Trump, only months into his presidential term, already has issued more than 150 executive orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Essentially, hes attempting to rule outside of the checks or balances Congress and the courts are meant provide. He is being challenged in court by attorneys general like Arizonas Kris Mayes, and he has often lost, most recently while trying to punish law firms who disagree with his political agenda. But it hasnt stopped him. Opposition governors should be fighting fire with fire And Republican lawmakers refuse to rein him in, or seem willing to assert their constitutional authority. To honor their oaths. Theyre scared to death of him. So, Trump keeps going. The reader pointed out that, like presidents, governors also have the power to issue executive orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They should be fighting fire with fire, the reader told me, Out-trump Trump. Governors who disagree with what Trump is doing should issue their own executive orders to fight back. And you should use your little bully pulpit to make a case for Gov. Hobbs to stand up and executive order the (heck) out of Trump and the GOP. Now into her third year as governor, Hobbs has issued just over 30 executive orders. A pittance, compared to Trump. Good political theater and good fodder for me Most were simple, common sense declarations. Her most controversial and combative came in 2023, when she banned local prosecutors from bringing abortion-related charges and prohibited state agencies from assisting in any criminal investigations without a court order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arizonas Republican lawmakers railed against that. But what if Hobbs were to go on the offensive now and begin binge-filing executive orders, like Trump? Republicans couldnt criticize her, could they? At least not without seeming to criticize the excesses of their Dear Leader, which they are too fainthearted to do. "She may not win, the reader said. "But it would be taking a stand. It would make good political theater, and also be fodder for media types like you. Like I said. Some readers. Really annoying. Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com. 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: Hobbs should out-Trump with executive orders | Opinion The hallowed grounds of the military cemetery in Phoenix were adorned with red, white and blue on Memorial Day as hundreds of people gathered to honor Arizona veterans. The National Cemetery of Arizona was the site of a tribute attended by top state officials, including Gov. Katie Hobbs and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. The ceremony marked the 157th Memorial Day celebrated in the United States, and Hobbs proclaimed the day as Arizona Memorial Day. Memorial Day was established in honor of military members who died in service to the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honor guards presented an array of U.S. flags and flags for each branch of the military, carried by servicemembers from Luke Air Force Base, the Arizona Army National Guard and more. Fontes speaks against tyranny; some in crowd object Fontes, a Marine Corps veteran, was the event's featured speaker and delivered remarks about diversity and respect for the ideals that formed the country. That includes standing against tyranny in the pursuit of freedom, the secretary of state said. He reflected on the first Americans who rejected a king in favor of a system ruled by the people. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes speaks to people gathered at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on May 26, 2025, for a Memorial Day ceremony. "Diversity is our strength when we recognize and acknowledge that new ideas are important," Fontes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of that he said, was maintaining respect for the U.S. Constitution. "We are a people of progress. Sometimes through very bumpy roads, and sometimes through very rich resentment. But it is that ability to move and change that keeps us so strong," Fontes said. Acknowledging flags placed at each of the gravesites, Fontes said, "Every single one of those flags out there represents a different point of view, not just a separate soul." Some in the crowd perceived the speech as political and interrupted Fontes, a Democrat, with a call to speak more about veterans. Another person in the front row waved their hands in dismissal towards Fontes and left the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fontes turned his focus to the fallen veterans, their many stories and experiences. "We will continue to remember them all in our way... Every single one of us believes in this nation and in its promise, supported by the passing and sacrifices of those who are gone," he said. Fontes responded on social media not long after the event. "Somehow, defeating fascism is now political?" he posted. Hobbs proclaims a Memorial Day tribute Hobbs took the stage to honor veterans who served the country and kept its values intact. She said the American values of liberty, democracy, equality and the rule of law are embodied in the nation's troops. Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks to people gathered at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on May 26, 2025, for a Memorial Day ceremony. "Whether it was defeating the evils of Nazi Germany, defending our allies against communism in the Korean War or dismantling terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, the patriotism and service of every person who put on a uniform has never wavered," Hobbs said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. "Let me say loud and clear: The entire state of Arizona is grateful for their sacrifice and will forever remember what they gave for this country and our families," Hobbs said. Army veteran's legacy continues with granddaughter Virgil Macklin smiled as he took a photo with Fontes, a kindred connection visible between the men. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Macklin started nearly 40 years in the service in the 1970s, a legacy continued by his granddaughter, who attended the event with him and now serves in the military. "It's all about the people that gave so much for me to be here," Macklin said. Virgil Macklin, left, speaks with fellow veteran Adrian Fontes, Arizona secretary of state at a Memorial Day ceremony in north Phoenix on May 26. Air Force vet says partisanship disregards vets sacrifice Douglas Penwell served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 20 years, including a stint working on stealth aviation equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he knows people who died while serving the country. "The current partisan divide in our country is disgusting to me because it ignores the service of the people that went before us," Penwell said. He said he did not agree with the interruptions of Fontes' speech. "Two times in your life you don't learn anything: One, when your mouth is moving. And two, when you only listen to people that agree with you," Penwell said. Flyovers and ritual tributes honor veterans The Memorial Day ceremony saw numerous musical renditions of patriotic classics like "God Bless America," the folding of the U.S. flag, the pledge of allegiance and a prayer dedicated to veterans. The music was performed by the 108th Army Band, with vocals by Steve Brining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A flyover by the Phoenix Stearman Guys, piloting three propellor planes, drew admiration from the crowd just before the Army Band performed the National Anthem. Randy Heard, director of the cemetery, extended the honor to all those buried at the cemetery, each of whom had a flag placed at their gravesite for the weekend. "We have over 109,000 veterans and family members interred here. I'm happy to report we adorned every gravesite with an American flag. This is due to the tremendous support we have from the community," said Heard. Before the memorial ended, Rick Romley, a Marine veteran and former county attorney who was the event's emcee, said after more than 10 years of hosting, the 2025 Memorial Day ceremony would be his last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romley's final words on stage were to honor a veteran who died in service. Wounded while serving in Vietnam in 1969, Romley said he joined the service alongside his best friend, David, who died during the war. Romley named his first son after his friend. Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: U.S. military cemetery in Phoenix hosts hundreds for Memorial Day ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (KSNW) Arkansas City is rolling out new welcome signs. A ribbon cutting on June 5 will celebrate the completion of four new Welcome to Arkansas City signseach featuring the citys new logo, a design rooted in local history, water, and community pride. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the south entrance off U.S. Highway 77 on 61st Road, where the first sign was installed. Additional signs have been placed at the citys north and east approaches, with the new branding also featured on the West Madison Bridge. School district offers support after student killed in crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The signage project is the latest step in a broader rebranding initiative launched in October 2024. Funded by up to $42,474 from the citys tourism funds, the signs highlight the modern logo created by Communication Director Shana Adkisson. Inspired by community feedback, the design includes elements that symbolize the Arkansas and Walnut Rivers, as well as nods to the areas Indigenous and architectural heritage. The goal was to create a look that feels both timeless and rooted in our local identity, Adkisson said in an earlier statement about the logos release. The signage features stone and engraving by Silverdale Quality Stone, lighting by Alcon Lighting, and lettering by Sign Solutions. City crews completed the installation. City and Chamber of Commerce officials encourage residents to attend the ribbon cutting to mark what they call a milestone in Arkansas Citys visual and cultural identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced an arrest due to an investigation by his office. Griffin said 32-year-old Sasha Rena Ziegler of Little Rock surrendered in Little Rock court on Wednesday to an arrest warrant. He continued that she is facing charges of two counts of felony theft. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announces financial fraud task force Griffin said his office has identified a second person as a suspect in the offices investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My office identified Ziegler and another individual, Casey Murrell Cunningham, as suspects in a coordinated effort to steal merchandise valued at $1,464.58 during two separate incidents in December 2024, the attorney general said. Cunningham was arrested in April by the White County Sheriffs Office. Griffin added that his offices Special Investigation Division worked with the White County Sheriffs Office, the Little Rock Police Department and Sixth Judicial District prosecutor Will Jones, leading to Zieglers court appearance. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announces receipt of $47 million in tobacco settlement funds in annual disbursement Court records show Ziegler was released on a $7,500 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 KARK. TEXARKANA, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced in-person assistance will be available for Arkansas residents affected by storms and flooding. Homeowners and renters in counties with federally declared disasters in Arkansas between April 2 and 22 may be eligible for assistance. Visit the Miller County State Survivor Assistance Office to apply for FEMA assistance for damages not covered by insurance. The office is located at 409 Hazel St., Texarkana, Arkansas. In-person operations are available from Tuesday, May 27, through Saturday, May 31, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily. Operation hours may be extended to meet demand. For more information or to apply online, please visit disasterassistance.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) One of four escaped prisoners, who was re-arrested over the weekend, was in court on escape charges Tuesday morning. According to court records, 30-year-old Jeremy Bowen was issued a $500,000 bond on third-degree felony charge of escape after he and three others fled the Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility last Thursday. What we know about Morrow County deputy shot and killed on Memorial Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowen, the first and only to be re-arrested as of Tuesday, was serving time after three guilty pleas for burglaries committed in 2014, 2015, and 2016. His three-year prison sentence was followed by an undetermined amount of community control time. Jeremy Bowen (top left), Nikko Burton (top right), Mark Long (bottom left), Michael Norton (bottom right) (Courtesy: Franklin County Sheriffs Office) Bowen was charged on three separate occasions for stealing laundry detergent or Tide pods. He was accused three times of petty theft of those items with one incident in 2013 and two others in 2015. He has also been charged for petty theft of a package of t-shirts, burglary in 2014, and criminal trespassing at a Kroger in 2015. The three other fugitives, Nikko Burton, Mark Long, and Michael Norton, remain at-large. Bowens preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 3. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Southeast Asian leaders are holding their first ever summit with China and the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as they seek to insulate their trade-dependent economies from the effect of steep tariffs from the United States. The meeting, in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, took place on Tuesday, on the second day of the annual summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Malaysia is the current chair of ASEAN, which also includes Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting followed separate talks between leaders of the ASEAN and the GCC, which comprises of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, opening the ASEAN-GCC summit, said stronger ties between the two blocs would be key to enhancing collaboration, building resilience and securing sustainable prosperity. I believe the ASEAN-GCC partnership has never been more important than it is today, as we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape marked by economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, Anwar said. In written remarks before the meetings, the prime minister had said that a transition in the geopolitical order is underway and that the global trading system is under further strain, with the recent imposition of US unilateral tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With protectionism surging, the world is also bearing witness to multilateralism breaking apart at the seams, he added. At a press conference on Tuesday, Anwar added that Southeast Asian leaders reached an understanding that any bilateral agreements they may strike with the US on trade tariffs would not harm each others economies. While proceeding with bilateral negotiations the consensus rose to have some sort of understanding with ASEAN that decisions should not be at the expense of any other country, Anwar told reporters. So we will have to protect the turf of 650 or 660 million people, he said of ASEAN. China calls for stronger ties Chinas Premier Li Qiang, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, joined ASEAN and the GCC for their first meeting on Tuesday. He met with Anwar on Monday and called for expanded trade and investment ties between Beijing, ASEAN and the GCC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a time when unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise and world economic growth is sluggish, Li said, China, ASEAN and GCC countries should strengthen coordination and cooperation and jointly uphold open regionalism and true multilateralism. China is willing to work with Malaysia to promote closer economic cooperation among the three parties and respond to global challenges, Li told Anwar. ASEAN has maintained a policy of neutrality, engaging both Beijing and Washington, but US President Donald Trumps threats of sweeping tariffs came as a blow. Six of the blocs members were among the worst hit, with tariffs between 32 percent and 49 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs in April for most of the world, and this month struck a similar deal with key rival China, easing trade war tensions. Al Jazeeras Rob McBride, reporting from Kuala Lumpur, said ASEAN members are very much looking at building ties with other parts of the world, in particular China, but also the Middle East to strengthen their economic resilience. A measure of the importance that the GCC is also placing on this meeting is the delegation that has been sent here and the seniority of its members, he added. The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is here, and we have crown princes from Kuwait and also Bahrain. We also have a deputy prime minister from Oman. Anwar said Monday he had also written to Trump to request an ASEAN-US summit this year, showing we observe seriously the spirit of centrality. However, his Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Washington had not yet responded. Timely, calculated ASEAN has traditionally served as a middleman of sorts between developed economies like the US and China, said Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore (NUS). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the uncertainty and unpredictability associated with economic relations with the United States, ASEAN member states are looking to diversify, he told the AFP news agency. Facilitating exchanges between the Gulf and Peoples Republic of China is one aspect of this diversification. Malaysia, which opened the blocs 46th summit on Monday, is the main force behind the initiative, he said. China, which has suffered the brunt of Trumps tariffs, is also looking to shore up its other markets. Premier Lis participation is both timely and calculated, Khoo Ying Hooi from the University of Malaya told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China sees an opportunity here to reinforce its image as a reliable economic partner, especially in the face of Western decoupling efforts. Beijing and Washington engaged in an escalating flurry of tit-for-tat levies until a meeting in Switzerland saw an agreement to slash them for 90 days. Chinese goods still face higher tariffs than most, though. By Danial Azhar KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Southeast Asian leaders reached an understanding on Tuesday that any bilateral agreements they might strike with the United States on trade tariffs would not harm the economies of fellow members, Malaysia's premier Anwar Ibrahim said. Anwar, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said there was consensus during an ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur that any deals negotiated with Washington would ensure the interests of the region as a whole were protected. The ASEAN meeting came at a time of global market volatility and slowing economic growth, and amid uncertainty over a trade war that has ensued since U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs. Southeast Asia is among the regions hardest hit by the tariffs, with six of its countries facing levies of between 32% and 49% in July if negotiations on reductions fail. "While proceeding with bilateral negotiations ..., the consensus rose to have some sort of understanding with ASEAN that decisions should not be at the expense of any other country," said Anwar, who on Monday said he had written to Trump requesting an ASEAN-U.S. meeting on the tariffs. "So we will have to protect the turf of 650 or 660 million people," he said of ASEAN. ASEAN, a region with combined gross domestic product of more than $3.8 trillion, is in a precarious position in relation to the United States, which is the biggest market for the region's exports, key drivers of its growth. The 10-member bloc on Tuesday released a five-year strategic plan to better integrate its economies, citing challenges that meant "carrying on business as usual will not suffice". Tuesday's meetings also included an economic gathering of leaders of the ASEAN, Gulf countries and China, which was represented by Premier Li Qiang. One absentee was Brunei's 78-year-old ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who was admitted to a Kuala Lumpur hospital after feeling tired, but was in good health according to his office. At a dinner event late on Tuesday, China's Li urged Gulf and ASEAN countries to remove trade barriers and expand liberalisation in the face of rising protectionism and unilateralism. "We all need to firmly maintain the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization as the core, and promote the creation of a stable and orderly international market environment," he said. CALL TO EXPAND TRUCE ASEAN leaders also called for a temporary ceasefire in army-ruled Myanmar to be expanded nationwide, to enable warring sides to build trust and work towards convening dialogue. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) A regional association of Southeast Asian nations held a summit Tuesday with China and six Persian Gulf countries in efforts to expand economic engagement and bolster resilience amid global trade volatility due to U.S. tariff hikes. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his opening remarks, said the inaugural summit in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur would open up a new chapter of cooperation. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Gulf Cooperation Council and China have a combined GDP of nearly $25 trillion and a market of over 2 billion people, offering vast opportunities to promote cross-regional investment, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am confident that ASEAN, the GCC, and China can draw upon our unique attributes and shape a future that is more connected, more resilient, and more prosperous, he told the summit, attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Li said the three-way cooperation would benefit all sides, contributing to economic development and peace in the region. China is ASEAN's top trading partner, and has sought to present itself as a reliable ally to the region amid its rivalry with the U.S. The GCC supplies over a third of China's crude oil imports. China will join ASEAN and the GCC in forging synergies that multiply, he said. Malaysia is the current chair of ASEAN, which also includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier Tuesday, Anwar told a separate ASEAN-GCC forum that partnership between the two blocs would be key to navigating an increasingly complex global economy. He later said the two sides planned to launch talks to establish a free trade area. Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah said the two blocs, which held their first summit in Riyadh in 2023, would build on their momentum to deepen cooperation and improve our ability to face crisis. He said the GCC is ASEAN's seventh-largest trade partner, with total trade reaching $130.7 billion in 2023. The GCC comprises the oil-producing nations of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Anwar said last week the GCC already has strong links with the U.S. and wants to be close to China too. ASEAN has maintained a policy of neutrality, engaging both Beijing and the United States, but U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of sweeping tariffs came as a blow. Six of the bloc's members were among the worst hit, with tariffs between 32% and 49%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs in April for most of the world, and this month struck a similar deal with key rival China, easing trade war tensions. ASEAN is seeking a summit with Trump on the tariffs, while moving to expand trade ties with China and others. Bruneis Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the worlds wealthiest men and longest-reigning current monarch, was missing from the three-party summit after he was hospitalized for fatigue. He attended ASEAN summits on Monday and the ASEAN-GCC meeting earlier Tuesday. He is feeling a little tired, so hes just resting at the National Heart Institute, Anwar told reporters. The sultans office also issued a statement saying the monarch will rest at the heart institute for several days following advice from Malaysian medical experts. It said he was in good health but didnt elaborate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anwar told a news conference at the end of the summit that ASEAN wasn't pivoting towards China but that it works with both Beijing and Washington because it makes economic sense. I dont think (ASEAN) is tilting in any way, he said. Collins Chong Yew Keat, a foreign affairs, strategy and security analyst with Universiti Malaya, said the ASEAN-GCC-China summit underscored Beijing's efforts to strengthen support during its trade battle with the U.S. He noted it came on the heels of Trumps recent charm offensive in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. While relying on U.S. defense support, ASEAN is increasing reliance and partnership with China and other U.S. rivals, Chong said. The bloc has failed to take strong action against Beijing's aggression in the disputed South China Sea, he said. ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei have overlapping claims with China, which asserts sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this continues under the current Trump administration, it will create further room for Washington to distance itself from the region, which will spell disaster and create an even deeper Chinese presence, he said. ___ This story has been corrected to show that combined ASEAN-GCC-China GDP is nearly $25 trillion, not $25 billion. By Danial Azhar, Ashley Tang KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -The Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN on Tuesday announced an ambitious strategic plan that includes harmonising trade standards and greater financial integration in an effort to collectively become the world's fourth-largest economy. The five-year, 41-page plan for the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, released during a leaders' summit in Malaysia, calls for increased regional trade, freer movement of businesses and people, enhanced transparency and regulatory practices and sustainable mining, industry and farming policies to attract foreign investment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan said ASEAN countries - Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Brunei - must deepen their economic integration, pursue energy security, boost transport connectivity and strengthen supply chains. "Carrying on with business as usual will not suffice for this highly dynamic economic region," the plan said. "For ASEAN to become the fourth-largest global economy by 2045, countries in the region will need to deepen their economic integration and enhance their agility to address multifaceted challenges." The document identified several challenges for ASEANs economic integration ranging from geopolitical tensions, shifting trade flows and technological transformation to climate change impacts and demographic shifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Formed in 1967 initially as five members, ASEAN established an economic community in 2015 with the aim of integrating its economies and boosting the region's global standing. But despite rapid growth of its members economies in recent years and a collective GDP of $3.8 trillion, integration has been slow, with huge differences in its members' economies, political systems, population sizes and development levels, and no central authority to ensure compliance with ASEAN agreements and initiatives. The strategic plan said ASEAN's Economic Community Council would be be responsible for implementing the strategies while the ASEAN secretariat would monitor implementation. The ongoing tariff war between the United States and China and steep U.S. tariffs on Southeast Asian countries has created urgency for ASEAN to move towards regional integration faster, said Tricia Yeoh, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeoh said ASEAN countries must recognise the greater collective value of unified negotiations rather than pursuing bilateral agreements on their own. ASEAN needs to demonstrate efficacy in order for it to remain relevant. If they can't even achieve negotiating over Myanmar or the code of conduct with China on the maritime issue, people will question ASEANs purpose, she said, referring to two thorny political issues within the bloc. (Reporting by Danial Azhar and Ashley Tang; Editing by Martin Petty) May 27KITTS HILL An Ashland, Kentucky, woman was killed Monday will riding a 2019 Honda Pioneer 700 side-by-side utility vehicle, which overturned while attempting a low-speed maneuver. At approximately 5 p.m. on Monday, the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office was called to an off-road accident on County Road 30 in Kitts Hill. Emergency crews found 46-year-old Emilie Gail Maynard, of Ashland, KY, unresponsive next to the UTV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite resuscitative efforts by EMS and deputies, Maynard was pronounced deceased at the scene. The vehicle's driver, 18-year-old Molly Archer, and middle passenger, 13-year-old Juvenile, both of Huntington, West Virginia, were uninjured. Field sobriety testing of the driver showed no impairment. Preliminary investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure, alcohol, drugs, or foul play. Seat-belt analysis indicated the driver's belt was buckled but unused, while the passenger side belt was unlatched. The Lawrence County Coroner's Office has scheduled an external examination. "This appears to be a tragic accident," said Sheriff Jeff Lawless in a press release. The sheriff's office continues to investigate. Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office at (740) 532-3525. You Might Like News A tradition of honor (WITH GALLERY) News Council to fill Arthur seat News Former local meteorologist arrested News Parade events set for weekend An Iraqi asylum seeker has won the right to stay in the UK after claiming the shame of an extra-marital affair has prevented him from getting a new ID card so he can return. The unnamed 32-year-old claimed he was at risk of an honour killing if he went back to Iraq because of the relationship he had with a woman outside marriage. He told an immigration tribunal that because of the shame the affair had brought on their respective families, he was unable to get anyone in Iraq to provide him with the ID card that he would need to return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous tribunals have recognised that Iraqis without IDs are at risk of persecution and violence if they attempt to return and cross through checkpoints to get home. Returning them to their home country would therefore amount to a potential breach of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which protects against persecution. Article 3 of the ECHR, which is overseen by human rights judges in Strasbourg, is being used by immigration courts - Frederick Florin/AFP via Getty Images The Home Office appealed the lower immigration tribunals decision to grant him refugee protection, arguing that the judge had made an error in law. Lawyers for the department pointed to official guidance which decreed that a threat of honour killing against a man was not sufficient reason to grant asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, an upper tribunal rejected the Home Office appeal and backed the Iraqi asylum seekers claim for refugee protection, allowing him to remain in the UK. The case, disclosed in court papers, is the latest example uncovered by The Telegraph where illegal migrants or convicted foreign criminals have been able to remain in the UK or halt their deportations on human rights grounds. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has announced plans to curb judges powers to block deportations with new legally enforced common sense rules to clarify how judges interpret human rights laws and strengthen the public interest test. The lower immigration tribunal was told the Iraqi did not have access to his ID document, which was left in Iraq, and that he did not have any contact with his family there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge said: Drawing the strands together and reminding myself of the lower standard, I accept that he was in a relationship with X outside of marriage and this brought adverse attention to them both, which caused them to flee. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, wants to stop human rights laws being abused - Jacob King/PA Wire I accept that it [his ID document] was left in Iraq and because of the shame that the appellant has brought upon their respective families, he is unable to have someone provide it to him. The tribunal also accepted that men, as much as women, could be victims of honour crimes, which meant he had a well-founded fear of return to Iraq. This meant the Iraqis appeal against his removal on asylum and human rights grounds was allowed. The grounds of [the Home Offices] appeal are misconceived. The determination does not contain an error of law, material or otherwise, the court ruled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge correctly applied the applicable law the determination shall stand. A Home Office spokesman said: We have made it clear that we do not agree with this judgement and contested this case. The government has taken immediate action to ensure immigration rules are respected and enforced. This was clear in last weeks statistics, which confirmed nearly 30,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals, and other immigration offenders have been returned, a 12% increase compared to the same period 12 months ago. 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. To mark the fifth anniversary of George Floyds murder, hundreds gathered outside Targets Conyers location at the behest of prominent local pastor Jamal Bryant. Bryant led protesters in a 9 minute and 29 second prayer, the same amount of time former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin had his knee on Floyds neck, killing him in 2020. The pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has been a vocal leader in the nationwide Target boycott that began in response to the companys announcement earlier this year that they would be rolling back DEI initiatives at the behest of the current White House administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Target should be in shame. Five years ago, they made a pledge to the Black community and walked away from it and thought that there would be no consequence and repercussion, Bryant told his congregation on Sunday. Just days earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that Target CEO Brian Cornell admitted to employees that the boycotts had played a role in our first quarter performance on the companys quarterly earnings call. Quarterly sales have dropped to $23.85 billion, a 2.8% decline from the first quarter last year. Cornell told employees that the 3.8% sales decline in stores open more than one year was due to five consecutive months of declining consumer confidence, uncertainty regarding the impact of potential tariffs, and the reaction to the updates we shared on [DEI initiatives] in January. Although Bryant is not the only Black pastor advocating for the boycott, New Birth, which has an estimated 10,000 members, has been the driving force of the movement in metro Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Easter weekend, Bryant hosted the first Bullseye Black Market in his megachurchs gymnasium for boycott participants to shop with local Black business owners in a central location. He later announced plans to expand the market to 20 cities to mark Juneteenth. While Target was not the first, nor the only, company to announce DEI rollbacks this year, the company has had a long-standing reputation for being a progressive workplace. Target implemented its diversity policies long before the summer of 2020. The company also began celebrating Black History Month and recognizing LGBT employees as a minority group in the early 1990s. In the summer of 2020, Cornell told CNBC that he was shaken by Floyds murder, which happened just miles from the Minneapolis-based companys headquarters. That could have been one of my Target team members, he said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What began as a 40-day Target fast has expanded to an indefinite boycott until the companys leaders agree to four demands put forth by Bryant: honor the $2 billion pledge to the Black business community, deposit $250 million across 23 Black-owned banks, establish community retail centers at 10 HBCUs, and fully recommit to diversity, equity and inclusion at every level of the company. The post Atlantans Protest Target on 5-Year Anniversary of George Floyds Death appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. Doha, Qatar Inside Indias Parliament, they are sworn rivals, with the opposition raising questions and attacking the government over its policies, and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi defending itself and the two sides rarely meet. Over the past few days, however, they have. Their shared concern: national security allegedly threatened by neighbouring Pakistan. A team of Indian Parliament members, including many opposition legislators, visited Qatar over the past four days as part of a broader diplomatic outreach by New Delhi to try to shape global opinion in the aftermath of the most intense military confrontation between the South Asian neighbours since 1999. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Delhi blames Islamabad for the killing of 26 people most of them tourists in Indian-administered Kashmirs resort town of Pahalgam on April 22, which led to days of exchange of missiles and drone explosives between the two nuclear powers, before they agreed to a ceasefire. Pakistan has rejected Indias allegations. India has been hurt by an unprecedented attack on Indias soul, the attack that happened in Pahalgam, which has shaken every Indian, said Supriya Sule, a parliamentarian from the opposition Nationalist Congress Party, who led the team of Indian MPs visiting Doha. An Indian security personnel stands guard outside a hotel in Srinagar, following a suspected rebel attack near Indian-administered Kashmirs scenic Pahalgam, April 23, 2025 [File: Sanna Irshad Mattoo/ Reuters] Preventive diplomacy Her team is one of seven dispatched by the Modi government to more than 30 countries on an outreach programme to sensitise other governments on Pakistans alleged support to terror groups accused of carrying out several deadly attacks in Kashmir and other parts of India for decades. The delegations consist of MPs and retired diplomats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sules team landed in the Qatari capital on Saturday night and held discussions with the Gulf states officials for two days before heading to South Africa on Tuesday. The MPs will also visit Ethiopia and Egypt. Addressing reporters during a news conference held by the Indian delegation in a seaside hotel in Doha on Monday, Sule said their aim is to create a global opinion against Pakistan. She insisted there was enough evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam killings, in which the attackers picked out men and then identified them by religion before shooting them dead. The Pahalgam attack, the deadliest on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region in decades, was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a relatively unknown group that Indian agencies say acts as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based armed group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India accuses Pakistan of using groups like the LeT to support an armed secessionist movement in Indian-administered Kashmir. Multiple governments, including the United States and India, also accuse the LeT and other Pakistan-based armed groups of carrying out attacks in Indian cities, far from Kashmir. We do not differentiate between a terrorist state and a terrorist, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, BJP MP and former federal minister, said during the news conference, stressing that the delegation is preventive diplomacy that seeks to unite the world against terror. Pakistan says it provides only diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri separatist movement. And though it accepts that the 2008 Mumbai attacks, in which more than 160 people were killed, might have been planned from Pakistan, it insists that the countrys government and military had no role. India and Pakistan both control parts of Kashmir, while China also administers two slivers of the region. India claims all of Kashmir, while Pakistan claims the part controlled by India, but not the territory held by China, its ally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manish Tewari, a parliamentarian from the opposition Congress party and former federal minister, told Al Jazeera the objective of the Indian delegations is to tell the world that Pakistan continues to be the epicentre of global terrorism. India does not make a distinction between the semi-state actors and the state which spawns that. Over the past four and a half decades, there is documented evidence provided to the international community and to Pakistan that terror emanates from their soil, he said. Activists of the opposition Congress party hold Indian national flags in support of the Indian army amid tensions with Pakistan, in Guwahati, India, May 9, 2025 [Anupam Nath/AP] No two voices In the days after the ceasefire, some critics of the Modi government including a senior Congress leader whose comments were carried in an Indian news outlet last week have questioned New Delhis diplomacy over the crisis. Though India insists that the truce was reached bilaterally, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that he and his administration brokered the ceasefire. India, as a matter of policy, has long argued that its disputes with Pakistan are purely bilateral and that there is no space for third-party intervention. India has also long tried to build its relations with the world, independent of India-Pakistan tensions. Critics have argued that Trumps comments and the recent crisis have undermined both of those Indian positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But asked about criticism from the Congress leader that all-party delegations were being flown across the world as a damage-control exercise after India got hyphenated with Pakistan, risking the internationalisation of the Kashmir issue, Tewari replied: Absolutely not. Each party has its own ideology, perspective and views. At the same time, there has been no two voices on the condemnation [of what happened in Pahalgam and subsequent Indian action], Anand Sharma, another Congress MP and former federal minister, told Al Jazeera. We are in complete solidarity with the decisions the government has made, he added. Asked about the visit to Doha, Sule said the Qatari government stands with India in its zero tolerance to terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response of Qatari officials to our submissions has been very encouraging, added Rudy. Syed Akbaruddin, a former diplomat who was once Indias permanent representative to the United Nations, is also a member of the Indian delegation. When Al Jazeera asked him whether their plan to attack Pakistan on global platforms risks making Kashmir a multilateral issue, he said, Disputes are normal between countries. What we object to is this use of subterranean methods of terror to try and push an agenda which youre not able to do through conventional methods, and that is a problem, he added. What we see terrorism doing is not merely killing people, killing people is one part of it, but it is aimed at undermining our social harmony, it aims to stop our economic momentum, and it is focused on undermining our democratic ethos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anurag Thakur, a BJP parliamentarian and former federal minister, also said Kashmir remains a bilateral issue between the two South Asian neighbours. Kashmir is between India and Pakistan. We are very clear on that, he told Al Jazeera. The News in Brief Tuesday, May 27, 2025 During the May 26 Independence Day event, the fifth President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, spoke about the upcoming elections scheduled for fall 2025. She stated that parliamentary elections should be held first, followed by local elections, or both could be conducted jointly.Zourabichvili emphasized the importance of preparation for the elections. She explained that within the framework of the Resistance Platform, new election rules are being developed to set the conditions under which the elections will be held. She stressed the need to mobilize observers and the Georgian diaspora to register early and avoid last-minute delays.Commenting on the ruling Georgian Dream party, Zourabichvili said that no one will participate in the local elections if they are conducted under Georgian Dream's rules and control. She said the opposition is likely to participate once fair conditions are established."This preparation is our common one, so that everyone together, all the oppositions protect everyone's voice. This is the formula for victory. I am sure of this and our mission is to till the end," Zourabichvili said.Grigol Gegelia, a member of the opposition party Lelo - Strong Georgia, was attacked recently, according to reports from the party. Gegelia needed emergency medical assistance following the incident.Speaking live on TV Pirveli, Gegelia described the attack in detail. He said an unknown individual was filming him on their phone while verbally abusing and spitting on him."I was walking uphill when someone grabbed me from behind. He already had a phone ready and was recording a video. I was already a target; this was not a random encounter," Gegelia said. He added that the attacker asked if he was a politician, to which he confirmed."He tried everything-verbally insulting me and spitting on me. He said that he curses Mikheil Saakashvili's supporters, even within his own family. I responded that it was his business and that the biggest supporters of Saakashvili are actually within the Georgian Dream party," Gegelia stated.Gegelia said he will remain strong and brave until the very end. He promised to join forces with his friends and the Georgian people to defeat what he called a cruel and cowardly regime. An Austin tech company is partnering with the University of Texas at Arlington to develop innovative methods for cooling chips in data centers. Accelsius, an Austin-based company focused on two-phase, direct-to-chip liquid cooling, was selected as a contributor to a federal project looking to develop a hybrid cooling method for use in data centers. Data centers are large facilities housing servers that deliver computing power for essential services, from emergency operations to smartphones. Most data centers use air circulation or liquid cooling systems, which consume significant energy and water, to prevent chips from overheating and enable continuous 24/7 operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: OpenAI's Abilene data center secures $11.6B in part thanks to Austin-area investment firm The project, which is under the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects AgencyEnergy (ARPA-E) larger COOLERCHIPS project, is being led by Dereje Agonafer, a professor at UT-Arlington, with the goal of reducing total cooling energy consumption to less than 5% of a data center's IT load. "The government is actually concerned that as these chips get hotter, the architectures for cooling them won't keep up and therefore will impede progress on AI enablement, development and deployment," Accelsius CEO Josh Claman told the American-Statesman. Claman, who previously worked as an executive at Dell Technologies, launched his startup Accelsius three years ago, just before OpenAI's ChatGPT launched to the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claman said data centers have historically operated inefficiently, often shifting the extra energy costs of cooling onto tenants. He added that approximately 40% of the energy required to run these facilities 24/7 is wasted on cooling and overhead. "This was always sort of an issue that was near to my heart. Why can't we do this more efficiently?" Claman said. "Air is a terrible transport of heat, everyone knows that. If you have a 100 megawatt data center, you're wasting about 40 megawatts on cooling and overhead. That seems absurd. But it's been tolerated." These additional energy costs, the substantial strain on power grids and the significant water usage required to operate and cool data centers have been at the heart of community protests for several years. A recent report by Data Center Watch, a research organization that tracks data center opposition, found that about $64 billion in data center development nationwide has been stalled due to community pushback. More: Hays County residents are fighting a proposed data center. It'll likely be built anyway Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With water-based cooling, Claman says data centers can open themselves up to leaks and possibly expensive damage. Servers in data centers can be worth upwards of $400,000, meaning a rack can be work $3.5 to $5 million. Claman said Accelsius is looking to create hybrid cooling infrastructure. The company has two products on the market, with its second product, a multirack 250 kilowatt two-phase coolant distribution unit, having launched a few weeks ago and is being provided to UT-Arlington's ARPA-E project. "We're really confident the two-phase, direct-to-chip is going to be the technology that everyone centers on," Claman said. "So it's important that we get that sort of objective third party evaluation and experimentation. We want people to enter this market. We want to develop a global supply chain. We want to develop credibility around this technology. So for us, it was a really natural partnership. We really believe that if we're going to solve this issue around cooling chips, this is the sort of leading technology to get that done." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin-based Accelsius joins UT-Arlington data center cooling project May 26Austin Online Academy (AOA) has announced a record-breaking year for student graduation. As enrollment steadily increases, so does the number of students achieving their academic goals. In 2023, AOA graduated eight, a number doubled in 2024 to 17, and projections for 2025 indicate over 40 students are on track to earn their diplomas marking the highest number of graduates in the school's history. Students choose AOA for its flexibility, accessibility, and commitment to personalized learning pathways. This year's graduates include part-time students also participating in Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), future NCAA Division I athletes taking advantage of AOA's rare NCAA eligibility for online programs in Minnesota, and students for whom online learning provided the necessary structure and support to cross the graduation finish line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our mission is to meet students where they are and help them get where they want to go," said Jessica Cabeen, AOA principal. "These graduates reflect the diverse goals and stories of our studentsand we're proud to be a part of their journey." AOA's approach includes one-on-one mentorship, interactive tools, and a curriculum designed to support individual learning styles. Academic Coordinator Kim Goblirsch emphasized the diverse needs of their student body "At Austin Online Academy, our students come from all walks of life and are pursuing education in various chapters of their journeyfrom Division I athletes and PSEO participants to full-time employees and young parents," she said. "Our dedicated staff goes above and beyond to provide resources, guidance, and positive reinforcement ensuring every student feels supported and has the opportunity to thrive," said Jessica Stanley, Teacher and Senior Advisor. "Their success is a testament to their persistence, resilience, and the unwavering support provided by AOA." To learn more about Austin Online Academy and its enrollment options, visit www.austink12.mn.us/austinonlineacademy. An Australian woman who was deported from the US after visiting her American husband stationed in Hawaii says she was detained in prison overnight alongside murderers before getting sent home. Nicolle Saroukos, 25, of Sydney, says she was held in federal prison overnight after trying to enter the country with her mother so the two could visit her husband, Matt, a US army lieutenant stationed on Oahu, Hawaii News Now reported. Saroukos, who has visited three times since getting married last December, said things quickly turned chaotic after border officials at Daniel K Inouye International airport flagged her for extra screening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer checking passports went from completely composed to just yelling at the top of his lungs, telling my mother to go stand at the back of the line and to excuse my language, shut up, Saroukos recalled. Nicolle Saroukos says her husband is an Army lieutenant stationed in Oahu (DIVDs/U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class William A. Tanner Sr.) So I automatically started crying because that was my first response, she said. After Saroukos and her mother were taken to a holding room where their bags and phones were searched, she was bombarded with questions, including about her former work as a police officer and whether her tattoos were gang-related to her marriage to an American. When I did say that I was married to somebody in the US army, the officers laughed at me. They thought it was quite comical. I dont know whether they thought I was telling the truth or not, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers also allegedly told Saroukos, who was only planning on staying for a three-week visit, that she had too many clothes in her suitcase. So because of that, they assumed I was going to overstay my visa, she said. Saroukos was held for more screening, including fingerprints and a DNA swab, while her mother was allowed to go. She was then denied entry to the US and told she would be deported back to Australia after spending the night in prison, she said. [The officer] said So, basically, what is going to happen is were going to send you to a prison overnight where you will stay, she said. Not detention center, he said prison, and I automatically just, I started crying again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because when you think prison, you think, big time criminals. I dont know who Im being housed with, she said. According to Saroukos, border officials told her they would let her husband know she was being deported but they never did. She was then put through a body cavity search before being paraded through the airport in handcuffs and taken to the federal detention center. They stated, No, youre not under arrest. You havent done anything wrong, and youll be facing no criminal charges. So I was very confused as to why this was all happening, she said. After arriving at the prison, Saroukos was strip-searched and detained with women who had been convicted of murder and drug offences, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She shared a cell with a woman from Fiji who was also denied entry and awaiting deportation. She was also not allowed to make a phone call to her husband or mother to let them know what happened. Saroukos said her husband took leave from the army to come back to Sydney with her after the horrifying experience (U.S. Department of Defense/Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal) Saroukos said that the following morning, she was brought back to the airport and received a call from the Australian consulate general in Hawaii, who had been contacted by her mother when they were separated and helped get the two on the same returning flight home. Eventually, she was able to connect with her husband over the phone. I think we were both just very emotional. We hadnt spoken to each other in 24 hours. He didnt know where I was or whether I was safe, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not only myself, its my mother and my husband that also had to endure that pain, my husband being a current serving member, to serve his country and to be treated in that way I find very disgusting, she said. Saroukoss husband is now on leave with her in Sydney after waiting hours for her at the airport and receiving no answers. She said the horrifying experience made it physically impossible for me to even ever enter the United States ever again. I felt like my world came crashing down. I felt like my marriage was over when they told me that, she added. Thats something that theyve taken away from me as well. A US Customs and Border Protection spokesperson told Hawaii News Now that entry decisions are complex and taken very seriously, with many factors considered in each decision. UPDATE: NATCHEZ, Miss. (WJTV) Authorities do not think a New Orleans jail escapee is in the Natchez area. The Natchez Democrat reported that multiple law enforcement agencies searched the area near Providence Road on Tuesday for hours. They were looking for Antoine Massey. We do not believe that the suspect is in our area. Thats not to say he wasnt here, but we are saying he is not here now, Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten told the newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents are asked to be vigilant and to contact 911 or Crime Stoppers at 888-442-5001 if the escapee is seen in the area. NATCHEZ, Miss. (WJTV) Law enforcement agencies are searching for a New Orleans jail escapee in the Natchez area. Natchez Police Chief Cal Green said authorities received a tip that the escapee was spotted near the Providence Road area. Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching the area for the escapee, who was identified as Antoine Massey. New Orleans jail escapees caught following car chase in Texas; 2 inmates still on the run The bold New Orleans jailbreak occurred nearly two weeks ago, when the inmates yanked open a faulty cell door inside a jail, squeezed through a hole behind a toilet, scaled a barbed-wire fence and fled into the cover of darkness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities didnt learn of the escape until a morning headcount, hours after the 10 men bolted for freedom. Graffiti was left on the wall at the scene of the crime, a message that read To Easy LoL, with an arrow pointing to the gap where the toilet once was. This combo from photos provided by Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office shows from left top: Dkenan Dennis, Gary C Price, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles, Corey E Boyd. Bottom from left: Lenton Vanburen Jr, Jermaine Donald, Antoine Massey, Derrick D. Groves, and Leo Tate Sr. (Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office via AP) City and state officials have pointed to multiple security lapses in the jail. Eight of the 10 escapees have been located and transferred to a state correctional facility. Still on the lam are Derrick Groves and Massey. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) About 15 new Roadside Historic Site Markers are being installed for 2025, according to Vermonts Division for Historic Preservation. In a release, staff wrote that the new markers are recognizing Vermonts contributions to rebellions and wars, outdoors recreation, economic identity, and education. Among these new Roadside Historic Site Markers is one for Bag Balm, a company that was founded in Vermont in the 1800s. Their balm was originally meant for dairy cows, but is now used by people as moisturizer and still made in Lyndonville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other examples of new historic markers include ones for author Ralph Waldo Ellison, who penned The Invisible Man in Fayston, and Lt. Col. Udney Hay, a State Legislator who fought in the Revolutionary War. Additional information on all the new markers can be found on this Historic Preservation webpage. These gold and green markers are sharing history that has often been overlooked or forgotten, stories important to our understanding and respect of the past, State Historic Preservation Officer Laura V. Trieschmann said. The Site Marker Program was first established in 1947, and there are over 300 markers today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bail was set Friday for the former Schuylkill Haven man charged in Lancaster County with abuse of his mothers corpse and charged with murder and assault in Maryland. Bail for Kevin Ahn, 31, was set at $350,000 straight cash, according to online court records. He was set to have a 1:30 p.m. hearing in front of Lancaster County Common Pleas Judge Merrill M. Spahn. Ahn is charged with two counts of murder and two counts of assault in connection with the death of his mother, Hyun Ahn, 61, of Owings Mills, Maryland. The charges, both in the first degree, were filed in Baltimore County, Maryland. Additional charges are possible, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He remains in Lancaster County Prison, according to online court records. On March 24, authorities found the body of the defendants mother in her Toyota RAV4. Her death was ruled a homicide, according to the Lancaster County Coroners Office, which said the primary cause of death was strangulation. Kevin Ahns next Lancaster County Court appearance is set for 10:30 a.m. June 18, 2025 for a status conference. A police sergeant from the NLCRP and a detective both testified at Ahns hearing, according to the Lancaster County District Attorneys Facebook page. The detective said surveillance video showed both the defendant and his mother in the vehicle about two days before she was found dead, according to the post, adding that she went inside a Lancaster County business at some point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to his arrest, Kevin Ahns sister told police her estranged brother was talking in numbers and speaking gibberish. She said her brother wrote a note while sitting in their mothers Toyota RAV4, according to police. The suspect fled the area in the RAV4 after being asked about the note. When he returned about 30 minutes later, his sister noticed what appeared to be a human leg under clothing and other items in the back seat. According to charging documents, the note left in the victims SUV read: Mom is in the car. Im sorry Please give her a funeral. My brain is fried. My mom lied, she gave me fake money from the N.A. so did my employees I lost my mind, Foregive me. Please call my sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police from Manheim and the NLCRPD found Kevin Ahn in Manheim Borough after he ran from the scene. Police could see the victim inside the SUV, and a magisterial district judge approved a search warrant for the RAV4. The body of Hyun Ahn was found in the rear passenger side, with items piled on top of her. May 27WILKES-BARRE With multiple arrests in multiple states for stalking women, and having been convicted of stalking a woman inside a church and her place of employment in Wilkes-Barre, Jeffrey John Hergert needs $300,000 bail to be released from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. Hergert, 50, appeared via video for a bail hearing before Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas on Tuesday. Citing a concern for numerous closed and active stalking cases in Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, South Carolina and Washington to name a few, Lupas set bail for Hergert at $300,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hergert was denied bail since his arrest in January by detectives from the Luzerne County district attorney's office on allegations he stalked five women inside and outside Planet Fitness in the Gateway Shopping Center, Edwardsville, and at Crunch Fitness near the Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre Township in 2024, according to court records. Court records say Hergert initiated conversations with the women, waited for the women outside the fitness facilities and approached their vehicles as they parked or drove away. Conversations Hergert allegedly initiated usually involved the women's relationships. During the bail hearing Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Adam W. Bompadre opposed bail citing the numerous closed and active criminal cases of stalking women in multiple states. "We would ask for no bail or bail be set at $250,000," Bompadre aid. "If he was given bail, we're going to be looking for him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before setting bail, Lupas acknowledged Hergert has a right to bail. If Hergert does post $300,000 bail, Lupas ordered him to be supervised with electronic monitoring. Hergert went on a tirade, calling everyone a "joke," and claimed he lost 50 pounds since his arrest in January. He also noted he is a U.S. Navy veteran and traveled to multiple states for employment. Hergert's trial on two counts of stalking and three counts of harassment is scheduled in June. Court records say Herbert, in 2012, who resided on Madison Street, Wilkes-Barre, at the time, was charged with stalking a woman when she attended Mass at a South Wilkes-Barre church and at her place of employment on Carey Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Herbert was sentenced in October 2012 to one to three years in state prison on stalking and harassment charges. May 26CHAMBERLAIN, S.D. Along the streets of Chamberlain and Oacoma, more than 100 banners ripple in the wind each one a tribute to a veteran who answered the call to serve. These Hometown Hero Banners, part of a project launched by the Chamberlain-Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce in 2022, honor local service members from every branch of the United States Armed Forces. Recently, a new banner was added to the collection one honoring Graydon Walter Dyce, a Chamberlain native who served in the 3rd Platoon, Company E during World War II. Dyce was present at the Battle of Iwo Jima, the same unit that raised the flag atop Mount Suribachi in the iconic photo captured by Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While Graydon wasn't one of the six men in the photo, he was there, standing with the Marines who helped turn the tide in the Pacific," said Taryn Reidt of the Chamber. "We're honored to share his story through this banner." When the program first launched, several fundraisers were held simply to get it off the ground. The goal was to raise over $4,000 the amount needed to purchase the brackets required to hang the banners. These banners are not mass-produced; they are individually created in-house by working closely with veterans and their families, capturing the details, emotions, and honor behind each name. They are a 2x4 banner, printed front and back, and hung from light poles throughout the community from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. The banner Peggy Hanzlik had made in honor of her husband Mike shares that he was in the United States Army, that he was an SP5 and part of the 101st Airborne Division, and that he served in combat in Vietnam from Dec. 21, 1970, through September 11, 1973. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Through each banner, we preserve not just names, but living legacies a wall of honor made visible in the heart of our towns," said Reidt. Since its inception, the program has produced 103 personalized banners. The project paused briefly in early 2023 and again in 2024 due to a lack of space. Banner locations are determined by lottery to ensure fairness. When the program first began, banners cost $60 each. Now, the cost has risen to $120 due to increased material and installation costs. That price covers design, printing and display. Sponsorships help offset costs when available. The stories shared through this project are powerful. One mother, while completing the banner application for her son who received a Purple Heart, recalled: "I'll never forget the day we got the call that he was seriously injured. My heart stopped." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over time, wind and weather have taken a toll on many of the banners. Currently, 58 are too damaged to be rehung, and 13 have gone missing. Families can keep damaged banners, or have them reprinted for $50. The Chamber is working to raise $2,900 to replace them so that families do not have to pay again for banners that were purchased. "These banners are a heartfelt tribute by the Chamber of Commerce to honor local veterans who've bravely served in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces," said Reidt. Community support has been strong, according to Reidt. The Wanalain 4-H Club recently donated funds to replace five banners, and the local American Legion Auxiliary contributed $500 to the restoration effort. "It's inspiring to see young leaders make such a meaningful impact in our community," Reidt said. To contribute or learn more, contact the Chamberlain-Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce. May 27It's only been about six months since Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden survived what was billed as the fight of his political life, narrowly winning reelection in a Republican-leaning district against a former NASCAR driver endorsed by Donald Trump and U.S. House Speaker Michael Johnson. Yet, Golden, who eked out a victory over Austin Theriault even though Trump won the 2nd District by 9 points, is already locked into the next battle of his political life this time against Paul LePage, a former two-term Republican governor whose base of support rests solidly in the 2nd Congressional District. "We thought it was exciting last time," said Daniel Shea, a professor of government at Colby College in Waterville. "It's going to be a barnburner, I'll tell you that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once again, Maine's 2nd District will be one of the top if not the top pick-up opportunities for Republicans in the House of Representatives. Golden is one of the few Democratic House members representing a Trump district. At the same time, history suggests House Republicans will be facing headwinds in the midterm elections, given that their party controls the White House and Trump will not be on the ballot. Primaries for each party are still a year away, so there is time for other candidates to emerge. Although State Auditor and former Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is considering a primary challenge against Golden, political observers see the field as largely set barring an extraordinary insurgency in either party or a strong third-party candidate. The official campaign arm of the House Democrats has already made it clear that Golden is their guy. On the other side, the official campaign arm of House Republicans has promoted a poll commissioned by a conservative group showing LePage leading Golden in the district. And Theriault ruled out a run and endorsed LePage, urging other Republicans to do the same to avoid a potentially costly and contentious primary. Dunlap said in an interview Friday that he has been having "overwhelmingly positive" conversations and also hearing some concern about his potential primary challenge to Golden. Before he decides, he needs to consider how such a campaign will impact his family and whether it's worth leaving a job he's really enjoying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of those discussions need to happen," Dunlap said. Both Golden and LePage are well-known to 2nd District voters and have compelling biographies. Golden enlisted in the Marines after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and served in combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, before returning home, earning a degree from Bates College, working as a congressional aide for Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins, serving in the Maine House and being elected to Congress in 2018. LePage grew up in poverty and became homeless for a short period after escaping an abusive household. With the help of former U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe's first husband, LePage was admitted to and earned a degree from Husson College now Husson University. He went on to have successful careers as a turnaround specialist in the forest products industry and as general manager of Marden's before becoming the mayor of Waterville and then Maine's 74th governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shea said the race has interesting dynamics for each candidate. LePage is well-known, so he won't have to spend time or money to build name recognition. But many voters already have their minds made up about him. "The good news is, for a lot of voters in the 2nd CD, LePage is well-regarded," Shea said. Golden has the advantage of incumbency as he seeks a fifth term, but that edge has its limits. While Shea said incumbents usually face their most difficult reelection races for their second or third terms, that hasn't been the case with Golden, who has faced a series of tough opponents in his right-leaning district. "Jared Golden is confronting it every single race. He's had to work really hard to keep that seat," Shea said. "It's very rare for incumbents who are not widely out of sync with their district or confronting a scandal to lose." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview after announcing his decision to seek reelection, Golden said he is running for reelection to Congress, rather than governor or the U.S. Senate, to help Democrats break the Republican trifecta in Washington. Republicans control the White House, Senate and House and are using their dominance to push for cuts to Medicaid and tax breaks to wealthy Americans, efforts criticized by Golden last week. "I'm not really interested in standing aside and letting (LePage) walk into Congress, because I think he's bad for Maine and for the people I represent in the Maine 2nd Congressional District," Golden said. "The collective voice of my constituents is decidedly in favor of more health care coverage not less." Aides for LePage would not make him available for an interview for this story. But the former governor has been making the rounds on conservative radio and TV programs to accuse Golden of neglecting his district. LePage's campaign has been active on social media. As in previous campaigns, LePage is focusing on welfare reform and advocating for a national policy to put people's photos on EBT cards used to distribute public benefits, while also joining the backlash against transgender athletes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "MAINE NEEDS A STRONGER VOICE IN CONGRESS," LePage said in an X post on Wednesday. "Straight Talk. Someone with a record of creating jobs, fighting the woke extremism, cutting wasteful spending, safeguarding hospitals, protecting taxpayers, defending the 2nd Amendment, and always looking out for seniors who rely on Social Security and Medicare." Golden is already looking to remind voters about the controversial and unpopular parts of LePage's record, while also highlighting how the former governor has mostly lived in Florida since leaving office, only returning to mount comeback attempts. Golden recalled in an interview how LePage in 2017 reportedly said in a private meeting that the Lewiston legislative delegation, of which he was a member, should be "rounded up and executed in Kennedy Park." LePage's aids denied the comment was made, as did others who were present at the meeting. Golden, who was the assistant leader of House Democrats during the last two years of LePage's term as governor, also recalled how LePage vetoed MaineCare expansion seven times and then refused to implement the expansion after it was approved in a statewide vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And when Golden unseated Republican Bruce Poliquin in the 2nd District in 2018 in a ranked-choice election, LePage wrote "stolen election" on the official certification of election results. "When I won in 2018, he became the originator of the stolen election lie," Golden said. "He literally wrote it on my election certificate, 'stolen election,' a prelude to what happened in early 2021," referring to the riots at the U.S. Capitol fueled by Trump's unsubstantiated claims. After joining the race this month, LePage unveiled a new stolen election accusation, claiming without evidence on WVOM radio that his decisive 2022 loss to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills was because "it was bought (and) we had noncitizens and the undocumented voting." Noncitizens are not allowed to vote in Maine. Trump is expected to loom large over this election, just like last year, when Golden refused to endorse President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris. Golden also wrote an op-ed predicting a Trump victory, saying "I'm OK with that," downplaying concerns that his reelection would lead to the downfall of democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LePage, who during his unsuccessful 2022 bid for governor ran as a more toned-down version of the firebrand governor the nation came to know, has fully embraced Trump and his first few months in office during his recent radio interviews. "I have a similar style that the president has," LePage told conservative radio host Howie Carr. "Actually, I think I like his style this time around. This time around, he's really busting down the doors. He's had four years, so he knows where the bodies are buried and he is uncovering him. I'm telling ya, I'm so proud of him right now. I think President Trump is doing a phenomenal job." Just this week, LePage told WGAN Newsradio that he would work closely to execute Trump's agenda, promising to "get an audience with the president if need be." He embraced the "big, beautiful" budget bill advanced by House Republicans, saying "it's so important to this country," even though the bill is projected to add $5 trillion to the national deficit and LePage has raised concerns over the deficit. That budget bill was condemned by Golden as "reckless," citing the proposed cuts to Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans, Golden said in a written statement, are "ramming through an extreme agenda that takes health care away from the working poor and borrows trillions of dollars to fund a package of tax cuts tilted in favor of those at the top." Copy the Story Link BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Dozens of community members gathered Monday morning at Kent-Forest Lawn Cemetery in solemn remembrance of Americas fallen heroes. The Memorial Day ceremony paid tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation. Its beyond awesome to be able to come here today to honor the men and women that have fought and died for our country, Master of Ceremonies and Vietnam Veteran William Paul said. That allows us to be here to do this today. An honor that I cannot tell you. That is great. And seeing the World War II veterans that are here and all of the others that are able to come here who actually sacrificed so that we can be here today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony began with an invocation, followed by patriotic songs, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. An especially meaningful moment of the event was the wreath-laying ceremony, a solemn tradition meant to recognize and remember service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Among those in attendance was Michael Walker and his family, there to honor his uncle, Private Vernon R. Miller. Private Vernon R. Miller was killed in action in Korea on October 9, 1951, Walker shared. For years, until my mother passed away in 2010, she never really fully believed that he was gone. She felt that he was a prisoner of war somewhere. And she looked for him everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walker emphasized the importance of preserving and sharing veterans stories. We feel that if we dont continue to come here and tell their stories, their stories will be gone. And theres no bringing them back once there was, he said. Vernon was a very young, very strong man who left as a 19-year-old. In the last month of his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and also the Silver Star. The Silver Star was awarded to him and signed on the very day that he was killed in action. So he never even knew that he had received the Silver Star. Thats the story that we always bring with us. In keeping with national tradition, the ceremony concluded with a call to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance, observed each Memorial Day at 3 p.m. We ask that you stop for one minute and just remember those that are fallen, Paul 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 mypanhandle.com. A black bear crashed through the ceiling of a home in southeastern Kentucky last week and ended up on top of a stove, state wildlife officials said. Photos show the furry intruder perched on top of the stove in the kitchen, where a warden and local sheriff's deputy discovered the animal before chasing it from the property through an open door. The incident happened at a Bell County residence last Wednesday at around 5 a.m., according to the law enforcement branch of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. "After taking a look around, it was determined that the bear had climbed up a ladder outside and squeezed through an opening in the attic," the department said in a Facebook post. "The bear then fell through the ceiling into the residence below." A black bear was found sitting on a stove insider a home in Kentucky, officials said. / Credit: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement/Facebook Another photo, taken inside the house, showed a square-shaped hole in the ceiling where the bear apparently burst through as it fell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials did not estimate the size of the bear or say whether the animal was injured. Following a gradual population decline in the region, black bears have returned to Kentucky over the last two decades and are inhabiting the state in increasing numbers, according to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, which says the animals are primarily found in eastern areas. Wildlife officials also note that black bears are typically elusive and tend to avoid humans unless they have been exposed to sources of human food. That and their curiosity mean seeing bears near places where people live "is relatively common" in parts of Kentucky, the Fish and Wildlife department writes on its website. "Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are likely being lured by some type of food attractant. These attractants typically include garbage, pet food, and birdfeeders," the site reads. "The best thing to do is identify the attractant and remove the source. Bears will move on after realizing their is no food to be obtained." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Marie Antoinette's rare diamond captures attention as it travels the globe Trump's latest pardon frees loyalist convicted of taking $75,000 in bribes BELL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) The Bell County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is assessing damage from two rounds of severe storms. According to county, these storms occured on Monday, May 26. These resulted in power outages, structural damage, and debris-covered roadways. The first round began around 7 a.m., followed by a second round around 8 p.m. Bell County Emergency Management (OEM), along with Bell County Road and Bridge and the Texas Department of Transportation, worked through the night to clear debris from roadways. The county says storms moved from west to east, producing heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and some hail. Wind gusts reached 80 to 85 miles per hour, knocking over trees and power lines and damaging homes and outbuildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county says no tornadoes have been confirmed. The Office of Emergency Management has not received any reports of major injuries. ONCOR crews are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. However, the county says this process may take time due to numerous downed power poles and lines. Property owners who sustained damage are encouraged to report it through the Texas Division of Emergency Managements (TDEM) Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). The county says this tool allows people to report damage to private homes and businesses, helping emergency officials assess the extent of the impact. If you need to report storm damage, you can visit the TDEM iSTAT website or scan the QR code below. Select the survey titled May 18th Ongoing Severe Weather. (Courtesy: Bell 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 KWKT - FOX 44. NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) According to the New Bern Police Department, officers have found a body in a wooded area near the 2400 block of Griffin Ave. Officers were dispatched to the area of Hotel Drive near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at around 8 p.m. They said there is no ongoing threat at this time and detectives are actively investigating this case. Anyone with information related to his case is asked to contact the New Bern Police Department at (252) 633-2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The childhood friend of British woman, Simone White, who died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos in November 2024, is speaking out The pair were traveling together when they drank free vodka shots from the hostel they were staying in, Bethany Clarke recalled in an Instagram video while opening up about White's final moments "They tasted weak. I just assumed they had been watered down," Clarke tells PEOPLE of the drinks they consumed on the night of Nov. 12. White died nine days later on Nov. 21 The best friend of a British woman who died after drinking alcohol that authorities suspect was tainted with methanol while visiting Laos is speaking out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bethany Clarke, 28, was traveling with Simone White, also 28, in the Southeast Asian country in November 2024 when they drank free vodka shots at the Nana Backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng, per the BBC. After White's death on Nov. 21, Clarke is now keen to educate young people about the dangers of methanol poisoning after launching the Methanol Awareness for Simone White campaign. Clarke said in a recent Instagram video of the night they drank the shots, "Simone and I consumed free vodka shots during our hostel's happy hour on the 12th of November." The 28-year-old, who is British but now lives in Australia, told PEOPLE of the pair consuming the shots, "They tasted weak. I just assumed they had been watered down. That evening I went to bed at around 10:30 p.m. because I felt exhausted. I assumed at the time it was jet lag." Bethany Clarke Bethany Clarke and Simone White Bethany Clarke and Simone White She continued in the Instagram clip, "The next day we both felt really ill, and we tried to do the activities we had planned that day, but after Simone vomited and I fainted, we were taken to a local public hospital." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The public hospital thought we were suffering from food poisoning, or even the side effects of drugs, which we hadn't taken," she shared. "A few hours later, Simone suffered from respiratory distress, gasping for air, and she couldn't talk." "That evening, we managed to get to a private hospital in Vientiane, and Simone was rushed to the ICU," Clarke went on, adding, "Later on, the following morning of the 14th of November, Simone had several seizures and was sedated. She never woke up, and was in a coma." AP Photo/Anupam Nath A photo of the Nana Backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos A photo of the Nana Backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos Clarke said that White's mother, Sue, arrived in Laos on Nov. 16, "just as Simone was being rushed into brain surgery to alleviate the pressure on her brain after multiple seizures." "It worked, but doctors then discovered pressure on the other side of her brain, which would also require more surgery, that the doctors did not think would improve her chance of recovery," she shared in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After discussions with doctors in the U.K. consulate, Sue had to turn off Simone's life support on the 21st of November," Clarke said. As previously reported by PEOPLE, an American, two Danish tourists, as well as Australian teenager Holly Bowles, 19, and her friend, Bianca Jones, also 19, reportedly died in the incident in Vang Vieng. Facebook (3) Bianca Jones; Simone White; Holly Bowles Bianca Jones; Simone White; Holly Bowles Clarke told PEOPLE how she and White had met at kindergarten when she was 4 and White was 5 years old. "She was always smiling and always made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room," she said, adding that they "traveled as much as we could all over the globe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We just clicked. There were no topics 'off limits' and we were always straight with each other," Clarke said. "The moment when I think she knew something was wrong, she said 'Ill do whatever you do (Biff),' which is what she called me. I just wish Id have been able to make it all better but back then, I didnt know what I know now. I hope she didnt suffer too much," Clarke told PEOPLE. In a November interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), hostel owner Duong van Huan said that the poisoned drinks didn't come from his bar. He also claimed he'd been in the industry for nearly 11 years, and that that was the first time something like that had happened. "I really take care of all the customers [who] stay with our hotel and our hostel," he told the outlet at the time. "I'm not doing anything wrong with all of the customer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm scared it happened. I lose a lot of customer, no customer right now, nobody stay, I'm very sad as well about my business," the owner added. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Associated Press previously reported that a "number of people" had been detained in the case but told the outlet that no charges had currently been filed, citing an officer with Vang Viengs Tourism Police office. The manager and owner of the Nana Backpacker Hostel were among those taken in for questioning in November, per the news agency. It's not immediately clear if the hostel is facing further charges, and contact information wasn't available for PEOPLE to reach out for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While methanol can be inadvertently produced during the brewing process, The Guardian reported its often illegally added to drinks to help increase the alcohol content. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, methanol is a colorless, watery liquid, and symptoms of methanol poisoning resemble over-consumption of alcohol, like nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness and vomiting. Fatal cases often present with fast heart rate (tachycardia) or slow heart rate (bradycardia) and an increased rate of respiration. Low blood pressure (hypotension) and respiratory arrest occur when death is imminent, the CDC said. Read the original article on People The Democratic Party is feeling the anguish of age. The deaths of three House Democrats since March has dispirited the caucus and given GOP leaders a little more cushion to move their legislative priorities through Congress. A new vacancy for ranking member on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has revived the dispute over the wisdom of a long-honored seniority system thats helped prevent the ascension of younger members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And new revelations about the deteriorating health of former President Biden, including a newly announced cancer diagnosis, has rekindled the bitter debate over his initial decision to seek reelection in 2024 a move many in the party say paved the way for President Trumps return to office. This is a problem, and its a real conversation that we have to have in our party, said David Hogg, a 25-year-old vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). What we need to be thinking about are the millions of people who are now paying the price for not having those conversations. At the heart of those talks is an examination of what went wrong in the 2024 election when Democrats had warned of an existential threat to democracy if Trump won a second term and how to rebuild their party in the wake of Trumps resounding Electoral College victory. But the questions of age, health and party image that have emerged as recurring themes in that autopsy are hardly new to Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party has been grappling with generational tensions for years in the House, where former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), 85, retained her grip on power for two decades; in the Senate, where Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), 74, has led the party for almost a decade; and in the Supreme Court, where former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs death in 2020 at age 87 raised questions about whether she should have retired sooner to allow former President Obama to fill the vacancy. Between Biden and Ginsburg, some Democrats see a recurring theme of aging officeholders on the left hanging on until it is too late, costing the party the White House and a critical seat on the Supreme Court that could pay dividends for conservatives for decades. Its not that Republicans dont have their own age- and health-related controversies. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.), 83, served as the top Senate Republican for 18 years before stepping aside last January amid concerns about failing health. And Trump, 78, is the oldest president to be elected in the countrys history. Still, the saga surrounding Bidens health both during his presidency and afterward has been the most conspicuous illustration of a broader controversy, putting Democratic leaders on the defensive and exacerbating internal clashes as the party seeks a delicate balance that melds the experience and knowledge of veteran lawmakers with the energy and communications savvy of younger members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And its hardly the only example. The deaths of six Democratic lawmakers in the past 16 months including three this year have further intensified the conversation around the age and health of lawmakers. The most recent was Rep. Gerry Connolly (Va.), the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, whose death last week of esophageal cancer is likely to spark a tough contest to fill the seat, pitting senior members of the panel against a younger group clamoring for more influence within the caucus. The wave of deaths has played to the advantage of House Republicans, whose razor-thin majority has been padded by the vacancies, allowing GOP leaders to absorb more defections on difficult votes. Those math dynamics were under a microscope last week, when the House narrowly passed Trumps domestic policy bill by a 215-214 vote. In the hours after the dramatic vote, Democrats began to air their grievances on how things might have gone differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imagine if one of the older and sicker Dems wouldve retired instead of died in office and what that wouldve meant for millions of people, Rebecca Katz, a veteran Democratic strategist, wrote on the social platform X after the vote. Katzs assessment is highly debatable: Two Republicans who missed the vote said later that they would have supported the bill, and a third who voted present said he would not have blocked it. With that in mind, the Democratic vacancies were practically insignificant. Still, other Democrats said focusing merely on the outcome of the vote seemed too granular. Whether or not Gerry Connolly or Raul Grijalva could have practically stopped this vote is besides the point. The margins are so thin right now that every member we have in office is a point of leverage, said Amanda Litman, the president of Run for Something and the author of When Were in Charge: The Next Generations Guide to Leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Democratic strategist Jim Manley, an aide to the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), said that after years of pushing back on the notion that fresh blood was needed in the ecosystem of the Democratic Party, hes come to agree that change is necessary. For many years, I was a strong supporter of the seniority system, Manley said. I resented the idea that people underestimated the knowledge that comes from seniority. But after a couple different incidents over the past couple of years including the former president, I believe theres got to be change, he said. Hogg is among those who agree, and hes stirring plenty of controversy at the DNC for his effort to recruit younger progressive candidates, even if it means challenging sitting Democratic incumbents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His campaign has sparked an uproar, and the DNC is set to vote in June on whether to redo his election. But Hogg remains unapologetic, saying Democrats failure to confront questions of Bidens health more directly was a major strategic problem one thats alienated younger voters at the expense of the partys future. A more honest conversation, he said, may have helped change peoples minds. A more honest conversation, he said, may have helped change peoples minds. But Hogg also included himself among the Democrats who didnt urge Biden to drop out of the race. And I regret that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story was updated at 2:07 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. Two years ago this week, the Supreme Courts decision in Sackett v. the Environmental Protection Agency significantly limited the agencys ability to use the 1972 Clean Water Act to safeguard the nations wetlands from pollution and destruction. The decision determined that wetlands waterlogged habitats that help filter water and sequester carbon must be indistinguishable from larger bodies of water to be eligible for protection under the law. The move effectively eliminated federal protection for most freshwater wetlands in the United States. The Sackett decision shifted responsibility onto states to protect their wetlands from being demolished in the name of development. Although about half of all states already had their own wetland protection laws on the books, the other half had no state-level wetland protections, according to the Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A report from the Union of Concerned Scientists found that wetlands in Illinois, Iowa, and other states in the Upper Midwest are particularly vulnerable to overdevelopment due to weak statewide regulations. Illinois appears to be well positioned to protect its wetlands. Its a blue state with Democratic supermajorites in both state legislative chambers and a governor friendly to climate policy. But last year, a wetlands protection bill never made it to the General Assembly for a vote. And Illinois State Senator Laura Ellman, the primary sponsor of the bill, is pessimistic about pushing the same bill through the legislature this year. One major opponent stands in the way: the Illinois Farm Bureau. If the Farm Bureau is against it, a lot of legislators from downstate will be against it, Ellman told Grist. I think a lot of planets would have to align before we could get this bill passed this session. The Illinois Farm Bureau belongs to the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national organization that bills itself as the unified national voice of agriculture. The federation, which boasts nearly 6 million members, is a conservative-leaning group that lobbies for policies that typically limit the governments ability to restrict farmers activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As such, the group often views wetland rules as overstepping and its state chapters wield their influence to cut such measures short, according to lawmakers in Illinois and Iowa, two of the nations largest agricultural producers. Since the Sackett decision, a handful of states have tried to fill in the gap in federal protections with mixed results. Only one state Colorado so far has succeeded in passing legislation restoring its wetlands protections to a pre-Sackett level. Illinois presents an interesting test case: Can agricultural states push wetlands protections through when conservative-leaning lobbying groups oppose regulation? Ellmans bill is definitely in a precarious situation this year, said Jennifer Walling, who runs the Illinois Environmental Council, an organization that advances environmental policy statewide. This is something that makes so much sense. It should be bipartisan support, and yet its getting a lot of challenges. corn grows along a gravel road leading to a farmhouse in illinois Wetlands are soggy, muddy interstitial ecosystems like swamps, marshes, and bogs that often bridge the gap between dry land and larger bodies of water. The unifying feature across these landscapes is that theyre all some degree of waterlogged: The ground can be fully flooded or just saturated, and these conditions can vary seasonally. As a result of that water content, wetlands have specialized soils that store plenty of carbon, said Siobhan Fennessy, a professor at Kenyon College and a wetland ecologist. Globally, inland wetlands occupy only about 6 percent of the Earths land surface but are estimated to hold about 30 percent of the worlds soil carbon. Thats significant, since theres more carbon in soils globally than there is in the atmosphere, Fennessy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the United States, wetlands account for less than 6 percent of the surface area of the lower 48 states, approximately half of what existed at the time of the American Revolution. In addition to storing carbon, these sparse habitats provide critical ecological functions like soaking up excessive rains to mitigate flood risks and recharging groundwater. But wetlands have been under attack by corporate interests and those who want fewer bureaucratic hurdles when developing land. The Sacketts, the Idaho couple who gave the 2023 Supreme Court decision its name, engaged in a 16-year legal battle against the EPA to build a lake home despite objections from the agency that doing so violated the Clean Water Act. The case concerned home building, but agricultural groups joined in the chorus of opposition. The Illinois Farm Bureau, alongside 19 other state Farm Bureaus, signed onto the American Farm Bureau Federations amicus brief backing the plaintiffs argument that the federal government was overstepping the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act by regulating wetlands not obviously connected to larger bodies of water. The Trump administration has stepped up efforts to reduce federal protections for waterways. As part of the EPAs so-called greatest day of deregulation earlier this year, agency administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to further limit the scope of the Clean Water Act by more narrowly defining waters of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law firm that represented the Sacketts Pacific Legal Foundationis now suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture over a program known as Swampbuster, which gives farmers public funds in exchange for conserving wetlands on their land. Together, these developments have empowered agribusiness groups to take actions that are profoundly contrary to the public interest, said Dani Replogle, a staff attorney of the Food and Water Watch, one of the defendants in the Swampbuster case. In Illinois, despite solid Democratic majorities in the state legislature, plans to enshrine wetland protections after the Sackett decision havent gotten far. In February of this year, Illinois State Senator Laura Ellman introduced SB 2401, or the Wetlands Protection Act, to the state senate. It was her second time bringing the bill to the state legislature, following its failure to reach a vote last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ellman envisioned the measure as a response to the 2023 Supreme Court decision. It would create a process by which landowners would have to apply for and receive a permit before developing on wetlands. It was originally a wetlands and streams act, Ellman told Grist. But in early conversations with the Illinois Farm Bureau, she received feedback that the way she defined streams in the bill was too vague. The group voiced concern that the bill was too far-reaching and placed an unfair burden on landowners. At that point, she decided, OK, were just going to focus on wetlands. aerial shot of farmland in illinois next to the ohio river Even after the change, Ellman remembered the Illinois Farm Bureau turning on their jets: She and other lawmakers were flooded with calls urging them to oppose the wetland bill. She thinks the unified show of opposition reflects the organizing power of Illinois nearly 100 county-level farm bureaus. The Illinois Farm Bureau has also wooed city and suburban legislators via its Adopt-A-Legislator program. People go down and spend the day touring farms and learning about agriculture, said Illinois State Representative Anna Moeller. I know a lot of my colleagues really enjoy that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an example, the Menard County Farm Bureau posted photos on Facebook last summer from a cookout in central Illinois hosted by Senate President Don Harmon and State Representative Camille Y. Lilly, both Chicago-area Democrats. According to Lillys official Facebook account, shes hosting the cookout again later this summer. Chris Davis, director of state legislation for the Illinois Farm Bureau, told Grist that Ellmans bill remains extraordinarily broad and vague in terms of what scope of wetlands it would regulate. If the bill were to pass, he said it would be extremely difficult to assess its impact on farmers despite the bill exempting agriculture from the permitting process. Under the legislation, farmers would be able to perform activities like ranching, plowing, seeding, and harvesting, and drain wetlands and other waterways in the process without a permit. Ellman said that other factors besides agricultural lobbying could also kneecap her measure. A November 2024 memo from Governor JB Pritzkers office directed all state agencies to oppose legislation that would add to Illinois multibillion dollar budget shortfall. The states department of natural resources estimated it will cost approximately $3 million to stand up the wetlands permitting program. The state of Illinois budget for 2025 is more than $50 billion. Alex Gough, a press secretary for Pritzker, told Grist that the governor will carefully review this legislation, should it reach his desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But environmental advocates say preserving these ecosystems is paramount. We should be able to respond to rollbacks of the Clean Water Act that threaten our water quality here, said Robert Hirschfeld, with the Illinois-based Prairie Rivers Network. Across the Mississippi River in Iowa, attempting to pass wetland protections hasnt been any easier. Today, only about 5 percent of Iowas original wetlands still remain, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. New research from the Natural Resources Defense Council found that today, Iowa has about 630,000 acres of wetlands that likely fall under the Clean Water Acts current regulatory definitions. Still, the environmental organization determined that 18 to 97 percent of Iowan wetlands could be at risk of destruction in the aftermath of Sackett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Iowa, the state Farm Bureau influenced the outcome of another bill that would have helped conserve certain wetlands, according to lawmakers. HSB 83, a measure introduced in January, would have made it easier for counties to finance projects reconnecting wetlands and floodplains and restoring winding bodies of water known as oxbow lakes as a means of mitigating flood risk. Homes surrounded by floodwaters after a storm in Iowa Typically, when counties borrow money by issuing bonds to do these kinds of major projects, voters must approve the debt. HSB 83 would have added wetland conservation to the list of essential county purposes for which leaders do not need to seek voter approval. The measure was introduced by State Representative Megan Jones, a Republican, whose district experienced severe flooding last summer. The bill never made it out of committee, and the legislative session ended earlier this month without it getting to a vote. Several organizations registered in support of the measure, according to the state legislature website, including the Nature Conservancy and the Iowa Farmers Union, an agricultural group that supports conservation efforts. But only one group registered in opposition to the bill, and that was the Iowa Farm Bureau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization had concerns that by allowing these projects, property taxes would increase on farmers, said State Representative Adam Zabner, a Democrat who supported the bill. After the Iowa Farm Bureau voiced its opposition at a committee hearing, according to Zabner, it became clear the bill would not have the votes to pass. They were the group that sunk it. The Iowa Farm Bureau did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Its just their policy, said Pam Mackey-Taylor, a lobbyist who represents the Iowa chapter of the Sierra Club, which supported the bill. The Iowa Farm Bureau doesnt like any farmland being taken out of production. They dont like those kinds of heavy-handed regulations, so to speak, affecting private property. She also pointed out that many state legislators in Iowa are farmers themselves, and may not have wanted to go that far with the measure this year. Zabner added that the flood mitigation measure could come back in the next legislative session. But, he said, I am very skeptical, if the Farm Bureau continues to oppose it, that it could get done, unfortunately. The Illinois and Iowa Farm Bureaus are especially influential, according to Austin Frerick, a fellow at the Thurman Arnold Project at Yale University who wrote the book Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of Americas Food Industry. The Iowa Farm Bureau reported $1.71 billion in assets in 2023 and spends hundreds of thousands on lobbying efforts every year, according to public disclosures. Illinois and Iowa are in a league of their own, said Frerick. Hirschfeld, from the Prairie Rivers Network, argued that agribusiness interests like the Farm Bureau have the effect of blocking progressive environmental policy. He compared Iowa and Illinois, specifically two states with incredibly different politics, but equally active Farm Bureaus. Iowa can be all red, top to bottom, he said. Illinois, on the other hand, has a democratic supermajority. But when it comes to ag policy, what is the difference? If Illinois wetland bill fails again, it might confirm his fears: Theres just not a difference. This story was originally published by Grist with the headline How Big Ag thwarted wetlands protections in Illinois and Iowa on May 27, 2025. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A bill that paves the way for the newly formed city of St. George to operate its own school system has moved forward in the Regular Legislative Session. Senate Bill 25 passed out of the Committee on Appropriations on Tuesday. All Senate Bill 25 does as a companion bill is it gives it an election date in April so that people can vote on it, said Senator Rick Edmonds (R-Baton Rouge). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companion bill hes referring to is Senate Bill 234. That bill would actually create the St. George school board and system within the parish of East Baton Rouge. That bill still must go through the Committee on Education. In terms of legislative progress, SB 234 has a few more hurdles to clear. Tuesday opponents of SB 25 told committee members it would ultimately divert millions of dollars away from Baton Rouge schools, and they believe passing it now was putting the cart before the horse. Senator Edmonds rejected the suggestion to defer his bill until SB 234 is passed through committee, saying its not uncommon to pass legislation out of order. We do it all the time, its the timeline we get under that we have to pass companion bills, this bill still has to go to civil laws, the language has to be approved. So if you just look at the timing of legislation, those are things that happen all the time, said Edmonds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 25 passed out of the Appropriations Committee on a 15 to 2 vote. SB 234 is a constitutional amendment, so it must ultimately go before the voter before becoming law. Edmonds is hopeful to have it on the ballot for an April 2026 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 Louisiana First News. Books in the young adult section of the Ozark - Dale County Library on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 in Ozark, Ala. Two bills -- one that could have subjected librarians to obscenity prosecutions and one that would have allow city or county governments to remove library board members failed to move in the Alabama Legislature's recently-concluded 2025 regular session. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector) The battles over library content continue throughout Alabama. But two bills that could have affected how libraries operate failed to move in the Legislatures 2025 session. One measure, HB 4, would have applied state obscenity laws to public libraries and their employees if there were materials judged to be obscene in the childrens section. The other, SB 6, would have allowed cities and counties to terminate members of the library boards without cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The battles over library books began in Alabama in 2023, after a parent using the Autauga-Prattville Library complained about a book in the childrens section that had inclusive pronouns. Similar fights have erupted all over the state. Supporters of restrictions say they are trying to get obscene material out of childrens sections of the library. Critics say those restrictions target books with LGBTQ+ characters and themes and not necessarily obscene books. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Our devoted and beleaguered librarians will not have to worry about being handcuffed and jailed for refusing to censor books under House Bill 4, the Jail the Librarians bill, which never made it out of its House Committee, said Read Freely Alabama, a group that opposes new library restrictions, in a statement shortly after the 2025 legislative session ended. Furthermore, the bill which would have politicized our library boards even more (SB 6) once again died before making it to the Senate floor. Multiple messages seeking comment were left with Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Indian Springs, the sponsor of HB 4, and Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, the sponsor of SB 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amy Minton, a member of the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board and an advocate of additional restrictions on library content, said in an interview that she was a little surprised that people get so upset about the obscenity or sexually explicit materials. If they dont have it in the library, why do they get so upset about them being asked to be moved, whether through a law or policy? she said. HB 4 would have amended the states obscenity laws to make public libraries and librarians criminally liable for making materials that are sexually explicit or harmful to minors available. The legislation would have allowed residents served by the library to file a notice with the staff that they believe there are sexually explicit or inappropriate materials found in sections of the library dedicated to minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libraries would then have to relocate the materials to the adult section or remove them entirely. They can also notify the public that they have determined the item is in the appropriate section, which any resident can then challenge. Noncompliance would have subjected librarians to prosecution under Alabama obscenity laws, which can be as severe as a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. SB 6 would have mandated that library board members be appointed to a four-year term and that members could be removed from the board with a two-thirds of the members of the governing body, either the city or county, agree by vote. The House Judiciary Committee never considered HB 4. SB 6 got approval from the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee, which Elliott chairs, but did not come to a vote on the Senate floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mooneys obscenity bill was approved further along in the 2024 session, receiving approval from members of the House and even getting approved in the Senate Children and Youth Health Committee before it stalled in the Senate. Elliotts legislation was approved in the Senate and the House County and Municipal Government Committee where it remained as the session ended. Advocates of restrictions have succeeded in convincing the Alabama Public Library Service, the state agency that oversees local library funding, to impose policy changes that favor more restrictions. In March, the APLS Board suspended funding to the Fairhope Public Library in Baldwin County while also voting to have Pack terminated after Minton made a motion. Supporters of the library raised money to replace the lost funding and defended the library at city council and APLS meetings. Alabama GOP chair John Wahl, who currently serves as chair of the APLS Board, said at a meeting earlier this month that members are waiting for the Fairhope Public Library to complete its review of the books that parents challenged before resuming funding to the library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know that the fight isnt over. As we speak, a stacked and extreme Alabama Public Library Service board continues its assault on libraries, stripping funding from those who will not cave to their demands, Read Freely Alabama said in the statement. And even today, as this session closes, opposing forces are already crafting legislation for a chosen representative to prefile, and are regrouping to continue their assault on our freedoms and beloved public institutions at the next legislative session. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Veterans, service members, Gold Star families and the public gathered Monday under the hot sun and the live oak trees that line Biloxi National Cemetery for an annual ceremony honoring fallen service members for Memorial Day. Memorial Day is more than a holiday, its a sacred occasion, indeed, said Col. Billy E. Pope, Jr., Commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base. Its a time for people to pause amid our busy lives and to pay tribute to the men and women who made that ultimate sacrifice. During the ceremony, a Gold Star family member, Jennifer Jones, who was honoring her brother Thomas Hilbert, who was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007, presented a ceremonial wreath. Civil Air Patrol members stand beside a table representing prisoners of war and those killed in action during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. The ceremony also displayed an honorary table for prisoners of war and those killed in action. The table, set with a white table cloth, an inverted glass, a candle and a rose, represents that those who have been lost in conflict are never forgotten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Virgil Jefferson, who was the surgical operations squadron commander for the 81st during Hurricane Katrina, attended the ceremony with his wife, Leslie. Dr. Jefferson, a trauma surgeon who says hes been in every war since the Gulf War, says people forget the reason for Memorial Day. People forget about it so often, Jefferson said. But I dont forget it. Ive been there. Take a look at photos from the event. Virgil and Leslie Jefferson pray during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Gold star families attend a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Veterans and members of the public say the pledge of allegiance during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Michael Leonard, Chief Administrative Officer for the city of Biloxi, leads a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the public listen during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Members of the Keesler Air Force Base Honor Guard during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Families attend a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Civil Air Patrol members stand beside a table representing prisoners of war and those killed in action during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitch Ellerby salutes after speaking during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Col. Billy Pope, Commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, speaks during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Veterans attend a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Veterans salute the flag during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families walk among the headstones at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi during a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025. A wreath is presented during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Col. Billy Pope, Commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, left walks among the headstones during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Members of the 41st Army Band salute the flag during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the Keesler Air Force Base Honor Guard during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Veterans attend a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Veterans walk through the headstones at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025. A table representing prisoners of war and those killed in action during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American flags decorate the headstones at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025. Veterans salute the flag during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Veterans and members of the public pray during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. American flags decorate the headstones at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civil Air Patrol members salute the flag during a Memorial Day ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi on Monday, May 26, 2025. Families walk among the headstones at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi during a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025. May 27DIXON Ryan Bivins will serve as Dixon's next police chief. Bivins will officially assume his new role during his swearing-in ceremony Monday, June 2. Bivins' selection was announced Tuesday, following the retirement of former chief Steve Howell on May 9. "It is with great pride and confidence that our committee recommends the appointment of Sgt. Ryan Bivins as the next Chief of Police," selection committee chairman Jon Mandrell said. "His distinguished record of service, integrity, professionalism and compassion make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the department into the future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mandrell also is vice president of Academics and Student Services at Sauk Valley Community College and a former police officer with a master's degree in law enforcement administration. Bivins joined the Dixon Police Department in 2009, according to a news release. He has served in numerous roles, including patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant, street crimes sergeant, detective sergeant and hostage negotiator. He leads the department's Crisis Prevention Team, and was instrumental in launching the Police Chaplain Program, Peer Support Program and First Responder Resiliency Program. He is a U.S. Army veteran, having served 10 years, including a combat tour in Afghanistan where he was promoted to captain and awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He holds a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss said the selection process was comprehensive, transparent and designed to ensure the best outcome for the department and the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Langloss said that two internal candidates, Sgt. Bivins and Sgt. Aaron Simonton, participated in the process, adding that both men are outstanding leaders and demonstrated that they are fully capable of leading the department. "We must first acknowledge how impressed our committee was with the exceptional talent within the Dixon Police Department," Mandrell said. "The candidates demonstrated remarkable professionalism, leadership and a clear vision for the department. It was truly inspiring and empowering to witness their deep love and pride for the City of Dixon." Each candidate spent a month preparing a detailed management action plan, which included a full staffing and departmental structure analysis aligned with their vision. Day 1 of the in-process included formal presentations of these plans followed by a question-and-answer session. Day 2 involved extensive leadership interviews that evaluated philosophy, decision-making, competencies and scenario-based responses. Alongside Mandrell and Langloss, the committee also included: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Dixon Public Schools Superintendent Margo Empen * Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Executive Director Amanda Wike * Chief People Officer for the City of Dixon Dennell Pluymert * Sauk Valley Police Academy Director Jason LaMendola * Dixon City Council Members Mike Venier and Mary Oros * Interim Police Chief Doug Lehman * Dixon Police Sgt. Chris Scott "We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Jon Mandrell for his time, vision, and outstanding leadership throughout this process," Langloss said. "He brought deep expertise, a calm and thoughtful presence and a genuine passion for serving our community. This was an extremely difficult decision, and Dr. Mandrell's leadership ensured that the process was thorough, fair and mission-focused." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Bivins wishes to recognize his wife, Jordan Bivins, and their four children Carson, Brady, Bailey and Marley for being his unwavering support system. "They are my rock," Bivins said. "Their love, encouragement, and strength make everything I do possible." Langloss said Bivins is a mission-driven servant leader whose philosophy, "Serving Beyond the Badge," is reflected in both his leadership and deep community relationships. Bivins' vision for the future of the department includes: * Expanded youth engagement and outreach * Community policing and trust-building Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Root-cause crime strategies that promote rehabilitation and safety * Comprehensive addiction and mental health support * Nation-leading officer wellness and resiliency programs * Transparency and shared purpose with the community Blake Livelys push to dismiss Justin Baldonis defamation countersuit is drawing support from several advocacy groups, who say the case threatens a hard-won legal protection for people who speak out about sexual harassment and misconduct. Equal Rights Advocates, a San Franciscobased legal nonprofit that advocates for gender equity and workplace protections, filed an amicus brief on Tuesday urging a federal judge to uphold Livelys motion and defend Californias new free-speech law protecting those who speak publicly about sexual misconduct. A separate letter of interest was also filed by Elyse Dorsey, a former federal employee and sexual harassment survivor, who described being sued for defamation after speaking out and said the law at issue could have spared her a years-long legal ordeal. Additional briefs are expected in the coming days from advocacy groups including Child USA and Sanctuary for Families. The briefs mark the latest salvo in a months-long legal clash between Lively and Baldoni, whose bitter dispute stemming from the production of last year's romantic drama "It Ends With Us" has played out in court and the press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the briefs, a spokesperson for Lively said in a statement that Baldoni was trying to end the nations only MeToo law as unconstitutional and accused him and his co-defendants of being so focused on trying to harm Ms. Lively that they are willing to shred a law designed to protect all victims just to make sure they bury one. The statement added that Lively will continue to use her voice to speak up for justice on behalf of herself and others. Lively has accused Baldoni, her co-star and the film's director, of harassing her during filming, citing improvised on-set physical contact, inappropriate conduct and alleged retaliation after she raised concerns claims he has denied. Advocates say her case highlights the kind of public allegations that the law was meant to protect, and warn that a ruling against her could chill speech around harassment. If the law were to be struck down, it wouldn't just affect Blake Lively it would essentially do away with the protections for all survivors, said Jessica Schidlow, legal director at Child USA, a nonprofit that advocates for stronger protections for abuse survivors. It would be a devastating setback and completely undermine the purpose of the law, which was to make it easier for victims to come forward and to speak their truth without fear of retaliation. Read more: Blake Lively moves to dismiss Justin Baldonis countersuit, citing California law on misconduct claims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lively invoked the law California Civil Code Section 47.1, enacted in 2023 as part of Assembly Bill 933 in a motion filed in March to dismiss Baldonis $400-million countersuit, which alleges she falsely accused him of harassment and retaliation and tried to wrest control of the film from him. Baldonis legal team has strongly opposed the dismissal motion, arguing that Livelys accusations were knowingly false and that the statute she invoked is itself unconstitutional. They argue the law goes too far by threatening steep financial penalties, saying it could discourage people from going to court to defend themselves against false accusations. In no event, on this Motion or at any stage of this proceeding, will the First Amendment permit the extreme and unconstitutional award of fees, costs and treble and punitive damages Lively demands, the filing states. That position drew a sharp response from Victoria Burke, an attorney who helped push for AB 933 and is now leading efforts to pass similar legislation in 16 other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was highly disappointed with that move, said Burke, who is filing her own amicus brief in the case. Hes put himself out there as a feminist, and this undoes a lot of the good he had been doing. It just seemed cruel and unnecessary to try to destroy a law that was designed to protect all survivors, just to go after one. Read more: Inside the bare-knuckle legal brawl between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni AB 933 was designed to shield people who speak out about sexual harassment, assault or discrimination from retaliatory defamation suits, provided their statements werent made with actual malice. It also includes a fee-shifting provision that requires unsuccessful plaintiffs to pay legal costs and allows for treble and punitive damages. In a March 4 filing in federal court in New York, Livelys attorneys argued that Baldonis countersuit is precisely the kind of retaliation that California's new law was meant to prevent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law prohibits weaponizing defamation lawsuits, like this one, to retaliate against individuals who have filed legal claims or have publicly spoken out about sexual harassment and retaliation, the brief states. The case marks the first major test of AB 933 since it was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October 2023. The outcome could set an early precedent for how far courts are willing to go in upholding the law and what protections it ultimately provides for those who speak out about alleged misconduct. As more survivors came forward, the people who harmed them were increasingly using defamation lawsuits as weapons to try to silence them, said Jessica Stender, deputy legal director at Equal Rights Advocates, one of the organizations that co-sponsored AB 933. When you see high-profile cases, like the Amber HeardJohnny Depp case or in this case Blake Lively survivors without money or fame are scared when they see what can happen to even a rich and famous person, and think, That could happen to me, and I cant take that chance.'" Read more: Justin Baldoni's tumultuous road to the center of a Hollywood scandal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livelys team, in a May 13 reply brief, defended the laws constitutionality and reiterated that her public statements were protected under AB 933. The First Amendment empowers legislatures to protect victims First Amendment rights via fee-shifting rules designed to deter retaliatory litigation, her attorneys wrote. The court has not yet ruled on Livelys motion to dismiss. If granted, it could deal a significant blow to Baldonis countersuit and shape how AB 933 is interpreted in future cases involving public allegations of misconduct. As other states look to adopt similar legislation, advocates say the outcome of the case could have ripple effects far beyond California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to be able to ensure that there is a social and legal environment where you can speak your truth and report sexual assault and harassment without fear of being sued, said Dorchen Leidholdt, senior director of legal services at Sanctuary for Families, a New Yorkbased nonprofit that provides legal and support services to survivors of gender-based violence. Legal retaliatory actions like the one brought by Mr. Baldoni and his team are doing enormous damage to victims, not just in California but across the country affecting not only celebrity victims, but ordinary people. Sign up for Indie Focus, a weekly newsletter about movies and whats going on in the wild world of cinema. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) Its been wonderful. Thats how Sha Reh said he will remember his experience when he looks back at his high school years, which are filled with memories of friends and family that, he admits, make him a bit emotional at times. On Wednesday, May 28, Reh will walk across the stage and officially graduate from Granger High School with a 3.9 GPA. For many in the community, Reh has become an inspiration, as just a few months earlier, he was found alive in the garage of a West Valley home with a gunshot wound to his head. His family was found dead just inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5 found dead in West Valley City homicide, investigation ongoing Reh was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. While he has lost his vision, Reh has made a miraculous recovery and is ready to take his next steps in life. He said it was all thanks to his friends and the community around him, for which he said he felt blessed and grateful. My friends, they have been with me for so long. In a way, saying theyre friends isnt really doing them justice. They are more like family to me now, Reh said. I love them with all my heart, and theyve been with me through this. After high school, he originally planned to attend the University of Utah and study family law or political science. He also intended to go to Japan and serve on his mission. Even with those plans changing, Reh said hes still excited for his next path in life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, he plans to attend the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind, where he hopes to practice living without vision. Though it wont be all business. Reh also plans to learn to play guitar and travel to Thailand and Australia, where his family his from. But Reh isnt looking too far into the future. He told ABC4 his current focus is to just live in the moment, and to make his family proud. Time is like a leaf in the wind. Its unpredictable, unforeseen, and fleeting, Reh said. You have to make the best of it. You have to learn to manage time well. 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. BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS) The City of Bluefield hosted its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday to honor those who paid the ultimate cost for our freedom. Light rainfall and cooler temperatures were not enough to keep the citizens of Bluefield from showing up to pay tribute to those who lost their lives while fulfilling their duty to their country. This years ceremony featured several veterans who addressed those in attendance, as well as a powerful, patriotic musical performance from Mercer County Commission President, Bill Archer. Members of the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard were on hand for the proceedings, reminding folks to look past holiday celebrations and commercial campaigns to recognize the true reason we observe Memorial Day each and every year. I hear a lot about picnics and sales and things like that. If you start off the day right, for the main purpose of Memorial Day, and thats to take a moment to remember the people that gave it all in combat, said retired U.S. Army Sgt. Paul Dorsey. Theyre the ones that didnt come home. Were only one generation away from losing our freedom, said Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard Chaplain, Tom Helton, paraphrasing President Ronald Reagan. Were trying to carry on that legacy and perpetuate that legacy for generations to come. Nearly 600 American flags were placed throughout the field at Chicory Square to honor the 585 Mercer County veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty since 1835. One noticeably larger flag representing what Sgt. Dorsey called the unknowns those who were not identified at the time of their passing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The willingness of local residents to brave the less-than-ideal weather conditions to pay tribute to these brave men and women speaks to the patriotism of the community, according to U.S. Army veteran and Bluefield City Manager, Cecil Marson. I think its very symbolic of Bluefield and our citizens here in West Virginia, how much they care about this country and care about our veterans, said Marson. Its just another great example of why this is the best place in the world to live. The Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard is currently recruiting and encourages anyone interested in donating or getting involved to reach out to MCVHG Commander, Bob Christian at (304) 800-7018 for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. BOALSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) Boalsburg wrapped up its remembrance ceremonies Monday evening, bringing the Memorial Day Weekend to a close. The town has long heralded itself as the birthplace of the holiday, even though the federal government recognized Waterloo, New York, by that title in 1966. Nonetheless, the community has staked its claim on the holiday. Ive seen all of the claims of the other places and were number one, said Sergeant Bob Barry with Battery B of the 3rd Battery of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before there was Memorial Day, there was Decoration Day. That began in 1864 when three women of Boalsburg, Emma Hunter, Sophie Keller and Elizabeth Myers, decorated the graves of their loved ones. The next year, others joined them, and in the years that followed, so did other communities and the nation. Its not just hot dogs and hamburgers, Barry said. Were honoring those people that are in front of me here in the graveyard and others that have passed on. Barry returns every year with his battery to pass the history and true meaning of the holiday down to the next generation of visitors. We fire a cannon, Barry said. Start the race in the morning, fire throughout the day and then we fire at the end of the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each year, a service is held beside the Boalsburg Cemetery, focused on remembering those buried there, and across the nation, who lost their lives fighting for their country. 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. When you raise your head from reflecting, you will stand a little taller, hold your shoulders a little broader, and carry a feeling of patriotism in your heart that will keep you from ever forgetting the immense sacrifice, said one speaker during the 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. NEW YORK (PIX11) The Rent Guidelines Board is set to consider a revote on Tuesday on rent increases that will impact nearly 1 million New York City rent-stabilized apartments. The mayor-appointed board voted in favor of hikes of up to 4.75% for one-year leases and up to 7.75% for two-year leases back in April. Mayor Eric Adams released a statement after the vote, saying, As much as 7.75% is too far unreasonable of a burden for tenants, especially as our entire city is feeling the squeeze of 1.4% housing vacancy rate and a decades-long affordability crisis. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tenants who sat through the April 30 vote blasted the board. We have to choose between soap and toothpaste to pay rent. It puts us in a bad spot. It displaces us, said Renette Bradley, a rent-stabilized tenant. Ann Korchak, the president of the Small Property Owners of New York, said the cost of maintaining buildings is rising and that the rent increases are necessary. The public is allowed to attend Tuesdays hearing in person at Spector Hall at 9:30 a.m. It will also be livestreamed on YouTube. 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. Our family recently learned of plans to end the MPS Italian Immersion Program as envisioned by our father, Tom Balistreri, and approved by the Milwaukee Board of School Directors in 2004. The proposed change would convert the Italian immersion school from an immersion program into a diluted world language model, merely consisting of one language course. In an immersion school, students learn a second language in most subjects by immersing them in the language and culture. By contrast, the proposed change strips the program of the immense benefits of full immersion. Our father served Milwaukee Public Schools for 40 years, including as Principal of Rufus King International High School and member of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors. Our mother, Barbara also taught in MPS for 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our dad believed diverse academic programs and specialties offered across the city, like the immersion schools, give parents options and allows Milwaukees youth to access a global education. MPS rich tradition in this area is nationally recognized for its German, Spanish, and French immersion schools. Immersion schools offer students unique learning opportunities While Principal of Rufus King, our dad was dedicated to making the best school anywhere! He implemented several changes, including adding the Italian language program to the already established Spanish, French, German, and Latin courses. He knew learning other languages would prepare students for success in an interconnected world. When I was a student at Rufus King, I took Spanish and Italian courses. Four years later, my younger brother Michael did the same. After high school, I went on to study Italian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and studied abroad in Italy. After graduation, I used my Italian language skills and taught 4-year-old kindergarten at the Italian Immersion School during the 2008-2009 school year. Letters: We should commend MPS superintendent for creative plan to reduce office staff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My brother Michael attended the United States Naval Academy and now serves as Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. During his time in Annapolis, he founded the Italian-American Midshipmen Club, and pioneered an exchange program between the U.S. and Italian Navies. Immersion schools offer students a unique educational opportunity and our dad placed great value in the immersion model. Our dad dreamed of establishing an Italian Immersion School that would transition students to the Milwaukee School of Languages like the other immersion schools. His vision became a reality in 2005 when the Milwaukee Board of School Directors voted to create the Italian Immersion program, housed at Victory School. Our dads vision, supported by the Board, emphasized the expansion of immersion programs to introduce languages reflecting the communitys wishes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Italian Immersion program continues to enjoy broad support locally, nationally, and internationally, to include yearly financial support from the Italian Consulate in Chicago. To our knowledge, it remains the only such school of its kind. From its start, the program received local support from the Order Sons of Italy/Mazzei Lodge, WisItalia, the National Italian American Foundation, the Italian Community Center, and the broader Milwaukee metropolitan community. Board should work with community group to fix issues We also learned that a community group has been working in good faith with MPS leadership to re-invigorate and potentially re-locate the program to a more central part of Milwaukee. This group shares our passion for preserving and promoting the Italian language and culture. Unfortunately, MPS administration decided to dissolve the Italian Immersion Program with little communication with the community group they were collaborating with for nearly two years. After this decision, a letter was sent to parents informing them of this devastating change, leaving many feeling blindsided and confused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our parents taught us that it is never too late to put students first. Offering varied education choices to families to best meet their childrens needs and passions is right for Milwaukee. Saving the MPS Italian Immersion Program is a worthy endeavor and provides choice in the portfolio of public immersion schools. Giving the Italian Immersion program the support Milwaukees students deserve will return it to its original success with Milwaukee metro-area families. The timing to save and restore the MPS Italian Immersion program is now, particularly as the Italian community prepares for Festa Italiana. We urge the Milwaukee Board of School Directors to uphold their original resolve of establishing the Italian Immersion program and provide the necessary support for the program to thrive again. We also appeal to Superintendent Brenda Cassellius to reopen collaboration with the community group working to save the MPS Italian Immersion program. Now that we are aware of this unfortunate decision, our family gladly champions this cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, May 29, at 5:30 pm, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors will hold a hearing to take public testimony regarding the MPS Italian Immersion program. We encourage members of the community to attend. Christina and Michael Balistreri are two of the four adult children of retired MPS educators Tom and Barbara Balistreri. Along with their siblings, Andrew and Victoria, they are proud graduates of Rufus King International High School, and all attended Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School. Christina is a graduate of UW-Madison and the University of Wisconsin Law School, she now practices law in Milwaukee. Michael is a naval officer, presently assigned to Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C. (His views expressed here do not represent those of the Department of Defense.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Parents blindsided by decision to dissolve language program | Opinion South Dakota Department of Education Secretary Joseph Graves speaks to the state House Education Committee on Jan. 17, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) The South Dakota Education Department hopes to once again ask lawmakers to remove a specific student learning requirement from the states teacher evaluation rules. The legislative committee responsible for reviewing administrative rule changes rejected a similar attempt last year. The revision would remove a requirement that teacher performance evaluations include student learning objectives, which are student educational growth goals. The objectives are set by the teacher and school administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department Secretary Joe Graves told the state Board of Education Standards at its Tuesday meeting that lawmakers rejected last years proposal because they didnt believe it was right to remove a portion of the overall evaluation that specifically addressed student growth. The evaluation as a whole still focuses on student growth, Graves added, and student growth is monitored outside of teacher evaluations, such as in standardized testing. The specific student growth piece of the evaluation has become increasingly trite and meaningless, Graves said. If Im going to put a student learning objective in my evaluation, then I better find one that Im pretty sure I can meet, Graves said, adding that the standards werent having the desired impact. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board voted to move ahead with a public hearing at its next meeting on July 7. Board President Steve Perkins, of Sioux Falls, was the sole vote against it, saying hed like to see another option presented to the board and more time to study the issue. If passed onto the legislative Interim Rules Review Committee and approved, school districts would still be able to implement student learning objectives in teacher evaluations if they want. It just wont be a state requirement. Incoming Tea Area School District Superintendent Tonia Warzecha told the board that setting and tracking student learning objectives was time consuming and very rigorous for teachers in her district. When first implemented over a decade ago, teachers feared theyd lose their jobs if students didnt meet their growth needs, Warzecha said. Many factors influencing a childs ability to learn are outside a teachers control, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board member Phyllis Heineman said however the board moves forward, evaluations should retain a strong student growth component. I think we just need to be convinced, Heineman said, and help legislators be convinced that its still within that teacher evaluation that there is some way that were connecting it to student growth. EDITORS NOTE: This article has been corrected after misattributing comments made by Tonia Warzecha. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) The board governing New York Citys rent-stabilized units has lowered its proposal for rent increases on two-year leases. The nine-person Rent Guidelines Board initially proposed rent increases between 1.75% and 4.75% for one-year leases and between 4.75% and 7.75% for two-year leases. More Local News On Tuesday, the board voted to adopt a 3.75%-7.75% range on two-year leases. The range for one-year leases remains unchanged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the summer, the board will make its final decision on how much rent-stabilized landlords can increase rent prices starting in October 2025. Tenant advocates have said any rent increase is too much and repeatedly called for a rent freeze. Adan Soltren, one of two tenant board members, said the new range is a missed opportunity. This potentially was a missed opportunity to not only correct what happened previously but to potentially have gone lower on this revote, Soltren said at Tuesdays meeting. Tenants in New York are really struggling right now and I think the data is reflecting that. Landlords, on the other hand, have said the proposed increases do not offset rising costs. Landlord representatives lobbied for a 6.25% increase for one-year leases and a 9.75% increase for two-year leases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A boat exploded at a sandbar in Fort Lauderdales Intracoastal Waterway on Memorial Day, severely injuring nine adults and two children, officials said Monday night. The explosion happened at about 5:45 p.m., May 26, at a sandbar off the Lauderdale Yacht Club at 1725 SE 12th St., just south of where the New River and the Intracoastal meet, according to Frank Guzman, public information officer for Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. The area is popular because the shallow water at the sandbar allows boaters to anchor their vessels at low tide and wade into the water. Low tide Monday came at about 3:30 p.m. in the Intracoastal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion threw everybody on the boat into the water. Nearby boaters helped rescue victims until first responders arrived, Guzman said. All 11 people were taken from the scene to Broward Health Medical Center. Ten of the patients were later taken by ambulance to the Miami Burn Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Guzman could not provide the size or type of boat that exploded, but said the incident was under investigation by the Fort Lauderdale Police, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This is a developing story. Check back later for more information. Sign up for breaking news emails here. The bodies of five deceased skiers have been found on the Adler glacier below the summit of the Rimpfischhorn, a Swiss peak near the resort town Zermatt, according to a statement published on Sunday by Valais cantonal police. On Saturday, two mountaineers discovered four abandoned pairs of skis while they were climbing the Rimpfischhorn but didnt encounter the equipments owners, so they alerted rescuers, police and Air Zermatt said. An Air Zermatt helicopter with rescuers and a doctor on board flew over the area and quickly discovered the five bodies. Radio Television Suisse reported that three of the bodies were located about 1,600 feet below the abandoned equipment on an avalanche cone. The other two bodies were found about 600 feet higher in a small snowy area. A backcountry skier approaches Rimpfischhorn near Zermatt, Switzerland. Stock image. Photo: makasana/Getty Images Formal identification of the victims is ongoing, according to the police statement. The Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating the circumstances of the incident. Standing at 13,776 feet, the Rimpfischhorn lies east of Zermatt and is frequented by backcountry travelers. Before discovering the bodies on the Adler glacier, Air Zermatt said in a statement that it had undergone what it called a challenging mission involving the rescue of two two-man rope teams on the Fiescherhorner. The climbing teams had been surprised by wind and fog. During the rescue Friday evening, an Air Zermatt crew was forced to turn back due to adverse weather conditions. Then, after midnight, the crew made another attempt and managed to save the four climbers by executing a precise hovering maneuver, according to the Air Zermatt statement. Related: 5 Skiing Multisport Missions & The Gear To Pull It Off Bodies of Five Skiers Found Below 13,000' Peak first appeared on Powder on May 27, 2025 Authorities have located the body of a New England college student more than six months after he was reported missing. Alexis Garcia, 24, was found near the Little Bay shoreline in Newington, New Hampshire, at around 3:29 p.m. Friday, May 23, Durham police said on Facebook Tuesday. Garcia, a student at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, had been missing since November. At the time, police said the college student last spoke with and was seen by his friends on Nov. 21, 2024. Garcias vehicle a black, 2021 Mercedes was found at the Scammell Bridge rest area as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities did not suspect foul play was involved in Garcias death. Other similar stories Read the original article on MassLive. A Long Island man wanted in the killing of his father last year may have been found dead in a nearby homeowners pool. Matthew Zoll, 23, had been missing since the death of his father, Joseph Zoll, in November 2024. The younger Zoll was the prime suspect in his fathers killing, and authorities launched a multiweek search for him late last year. On Sunday, a homeowner in East Shoreham found a dead body in his pool after taking the cover off for the summer, and investigators believe theres a strong possibility the deceased man is Matthew Zoll, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina told WNBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joseph Zoll, 61, was found stabbed to death on Nov. 9 in the Rocky Point home he shared with Matthew, authorities said. Matthew was not home when his fathers body was found, and police identified him as a suspect the next day. Investigators said Zoll crashed a vehicle shortly after killing his father. The wreck occurred at the intersection of the William Floyd Parkway and New York State Route 25A near Long Islands north shore, cops said. Brookhaven State Park is located at the intersection, and investigators initially focused their search on the 1,600-acre green area. Cops also searched other wooded areas along William Floyd Parkway. The homeowner who found the body on Sunday lives on Pal Court, about half a mile south of Zolls crash site, Newsday reported. Rocky Point, where Joseph Zoll was found dead, lies directly west of East Shoreham, about 55 miles east of Central Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person found dead Sunday had been in the pool for a long time, Catalina told WNBC. Cops are awaiting DNA analysis to confirm the persons identity and an autopsy to determine their cause of death. I dont know why somebody would try to get under the cover, neighbor Peter Gawrelek told WCBS. I mean, it just is not a smart thing to do. Matthew Zoll had been diagnosed with schizophrenia prior to the death of his father and his subsequent disappearance, authorities said. In April 2024, he was reported missing in the area but was located shortly afterward. ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. (AP) The body of a U.S. Air Force member was recovered from a lake in southern New Mexico on Monday, two days after the airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base went missing at the popular recreation spot, military authorities said. The member of the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron went missing at Elephant Butte Lake on Saturday and hasn't been identified publicly under procedures for notifying next of kin, said Lt. Daniel Fernandez, a spokesperson for Kirtland. An investigation into the death was underway by state authorities overseeing Elephant Butte Lake State Park, a popular getaway between Albuquerque and El Paso, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Parks spokesperson Sidney Hill said there are no indications of foul play. The body was transferred to the state Office of the Medical Investigator to determine the cause of death. At a boat ramp on the lake Monday, military personnel including members of the 351st and an Air Force rescue squadron formed two lines for a dignified transfer of the remains from a boat. The lake otherwise was busy with Memorial Day revelers. A long list of agencies participated in the search for the missing airman, including New Mexico state police, a local fire department, New Mexico State Park rangers and a team from the 306th Rescue Squadron out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. UPDATE: Man stole police officers gun, fired it outside Mass General Hospital, officials say --- Boston Police officers responded to the area of Massachusetts General Hospital for what a department spokesperson described as an active incident Tuesday morning. A 911 call arrived at 8:43 a.m. for police to respond to 265 Cambridge St., adjacent to the hospital campus, according to the spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said there was no ongoing threat to the public but described the situation as an active investigation. Police advised members of the public to avoid the area outside the hospital. There was a large police presence outside the hospital around 9:30 a.m. as officers blocked off surrounding streets. More public safety stories Read the original article on MassLive. DENVER (KDVR) A home in the 1500 block of South Foothills Highway in Boulder County has been deemed a total loss after a fire on Monday night that the sheriffs office said is believed to have been caused by a gas stove explosion. Crews from the Mountain View Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire after a report of a possible structure fire came in at approximately 10:22 p.m. last night, according to the Boulder County Sheriffs Office. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said it believes the fire was the result of an explosion related to a recently installed gas stove. There were no reported injuries in the incident. The Multi-Agency Fire Investigation Team responded to investigate the explosion, the sheriffs office said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. PARIS, Ky. (FOX 56) A Bourbon County horse rescue is offering people impacted by the deadly tornado a place to rest. The BraveHearts Equine Center in Paris is donating hotel rooms at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington for June 6 and June 7. The rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis and must be booked by Wednesday, May 28. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rescue is also offering free transportation to their sanctuary farm, where survivors can spend time with rescue horses. BraveHearts will also supply a buffet-style meal at the farm from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 7. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After an unprecedented three-day wave of Russian aerial attacks in Ukraine over the weekend, the world is once again looking to U.S. President Donald Trump to take his first steps toward forcing Moscow to end its violence. From May 24 to 26, Russian forces fired more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine, with the third night amounting to the single largest drone attack of the full-scale war. In Ukraine, as well as being terrifying for those who experienced it, it was also a damning indictment of how ineffective the U.S.-led peace process has been so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Kremlin only understands the language of strength sanctions, weapons, firm positions, and decisive action," Halyna Yanchenko, a lawmaker from the Servant of the People party, told the Kyiv Independent. Since the attacks, Trump has used a lot of language, but is yet to show any strength. In a post on social media, he said Russian President Vladimir Putin had gone "absolutely crazy" and could be triggering "the downfall of Russia," adding he was "not happy" with him. But despite the rhetoric, one glaring fact remains after 127 days in office, Trump has still not ended a war he claimed he would end within 100 days, and has yet to take a single concrete step to pressure the one person refusing to agree to the ceasefire he himself proposed Putin. A damaged building is seen after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 25, 2025. (Danylo Antoniuk / Anadolu via Getty Images) On May 26, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Russia this week, something he has previously opposed as it may hinder future business and trade opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day later, Trump appeared to acknowledge the leverage he has over Putin but has so far failed to use, admitting in a post on social media that he was protecting Russia from "really bad things." "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean really bad. He's playing with fire," he wrote on Truth Social. While Ukraine waits for Trump to finally follow through on his threats, there's no sign that Russia intends to stop the sort of mass missile and drone attacks that have rocked the country for years, but reached new levels of intensity over the weekend. Russia has upgraded its ballistic missiles with radar decoys and evasive maneuvers, making them potentially harder to intercept even by Patriot air defenses, Ukraine's Air Force said on May 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow's drone production continues to ramp up, with mass strikes employing ever more sophisticated tactics to reach Ukraine's cities. "If we want that to change, we must cut off Russias ability to profit from war by targeting its energy revenues, logistics, and military-industrial complex." And on the front lines, Kyiv has repeatedly warned about the threat of a new major Russian offensive targeting Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts this spring and summer. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends Russian-Palestinian talks at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, on May 10, 2025. (Contributor / Getty Images) And if that wasn't evidence enough, Kremlin officials have since a call last week between Trump and Putin given up any pretence of being interested in negotiations with Ukraine, or in a ceasefire, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying, "we don't want this anymore." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The events of this past weekend are yet another reminder you cant make deals with Russia 'in a nice way,'" Yanchenko said. "No so-called 'constructive dialogue' or diplomatic politeness works with an aggressor that has been waging war against Ukraine for 11 years. If we want that to change, we must cut off Russias ability to profit from war by targeting its energy revenues, logistics, and military-industrial complex," she added. "The faster and more decisively we limit the flow of money into Russia's economy, the more likely Putin is to abandon his imperialist goals." With escalating aerial attacks on Ukraine, and Moscow gearing up for a renewed offensive, European capitals, particularly those geographically close to Russia, say the only way to end the war at this stage is through sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia has repeatedly shown that it has no interest in peace. Its goal remains the destruction of Ukraine. This makes it clear that the pressure on Russia to stop the aggression has not been sufficient," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhna told the Kyiv Independent. Tsakhna highlighted preparations for the European Unions 18th sanctions package, saying the "war will only end when Russia faces strong pressure and is deprived of the resources needed to continue its aggression." Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, on May 10, 2025. (Contributor / Getty Images) "The faster and more decisively we limit the flow of money into Russia's economy, the more likely Putin is to abandon his imperialist goals," he added. Finlands Ambassador to Ukraine Tarja Fernandez told the Kyiv Independent that the weekend's attacks showed that despite Trump's efforts to broker a peace in Ukraine, "nothing has changed in Moscow." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our basic line is to support Ukraine as long as needed and support further sanctions against Russia," she added. French Senator Helene Conway-Moure told the Kyiv Independent it was essential that Europe "shows Russia that we are united" and step up sanctions that will "put an end to their war economy." "These sanctions must be strong and respected, and must not only be imposed by the Europeans, but also by the Americans," she added. There was a ray of hope among the gloom this week when on May 26, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hinted at developments in the long-range missiles supplied by Western nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine neither by the U.K., France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the U.S. either," he said. Despite rowing back his statement a day later to clarify he was talking about the lifting of restrictions that happened last year, his use of the words "nor us" has once again opened up the debate over Germany's long-standing refusal to supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles. But even this came up against the reality facing Ukraine's increasingly stretched resistance to Russia's full-scale invasion. "It's good news that they have lifted these restrictions on the use of missiles," Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and chair of the parliaments foreign affairs committee, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But where are these missiles?" Read also: If Germany sends Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Russia has a major Crimean Bridge problem Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil identified fresh bird flu cases in wild animals, which it said should not have any commercial impact, and is investigating a new potential case on a commercial farm, Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro said on Tuesday. Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, earlier this month identified a bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm in the southern city of Montenegro, triggering both nationwide and regional trade bans from dozens of countries. The new case on wild birds happened in the city of Mateus Leme, located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, data in the Agriculture Ministry's website showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Favaro told a Senate hearing that the case should be treated as something "natural", since Brazil is rich in migratory birds, which generally transmit viruses. The minister also said that authorities were investigating a potential new case on a commercial flock in the Brazilian southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, the same state where the Montenegro outbreak had happened. The case under investigation was from a commercial farm in the city of Anta Gorda, where Brazil identified an outbreak of Newcastle disease on a poultry farm last year. Brazil is currently investigating about a dozen of potential outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu, but only two, including the one in Anta Gorda, are on commercial farms, data from the ministry showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary tests had already indicated a negative result for a case under investigation on a commercial farm in the northern state of Tocantins. (Reporting by Roberto Samora; Writing by Isabel Teles and Andre Romani; Editing by Chris Reese and Sarah Morland) A woman is in a coma after she was violently attacked during a break-in Wednesday at the California mansion of Beanie Babies billionaire Ty Warner, the Santa Barbara County District Attorneys Office said. Russell Maxwell Phay, a 42-year-old from Nevada, was arrested last week after allegedly breaking into a home in Montecito, the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. The sheriff's office alleges that during the May 21 incident, Phay "violently" beat a woman and then barricaded himself in an upstairs bathroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A criminal complaint identified the victim as "L. Malek-Aslanian" and states that she is "comatose due to brain injury" as a result of the attack. The homeowner was identified in the complaint as "T. Warner." Amber Frost, a communications specialist for the Santa Barbara County District Attorneys Office, confirmed to NBC News that "T. Warner" is Ty Warner. Representatives for Warner did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Relatives of Phay did not respond to requests for comment, nor did his attorney. Relatives of the victim, identified via public records and social media as Linda Malek-Aslanian, did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malek-Aslanian's LinkedIn profile identifies her as a financial services professional from New York. Authorities did not provide additional details about why she was at Warner's home. NBC affiliate KSBW of Salinas reported that she previously worked for Warner's hotels division. The complaint describes her as "particularly vulnerable" but does not provide additional details. KSBY reported that Warner, who is known for being reclusive, was home at the time of the attack, but was not harmed. When deputies arrived, they found the victim suffering from "severe injuries outside the residence," the sheriff's office news release states. She was immediately rushed to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phay had barricaded himself inside the home. The sheriffs office said deputies initially did not know if Phay had taken anyone hostage, and called a special enforcement team and crisis negotiation team for assistance. After learning that no other occupants were in the home, deputies attempted to talk Phay into coming out of the bathroom. Phay, however, " attempted to flee by climbing out of a second-story bathroom window" and jumping to the ground below, the sheriff's office said. He was then apprehended. He was charged with attempted murder, burglary, kidnapping, and assault, according to the complaint. He is being held on $100,000 bail, and it is unclear if he has retained a lawyer. Phay was featured in a 2014 San Francisco Chronicle article about a special court exclusively for military veterans. At the time, Phay had been accused of following his wife and threatening her after she took their son to Colorado, according to the article. KSBW also reported that Phay was charged in 2018 with battery and assault, but the case was dismissed last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate case in Mt. Shasta, nearly 600 miles north of Montecito, Phay was arrested after he allegedly climbed aboard a transit bus in 2017 and began assaulting people, police records show. One woman told a responding officer that he hit her multiple times with a closed fist and pulled her hair after complaining that someone had stolen his tools. Another victim, identified in the records as an elderly woman, told authorities that he struck her in the right cheek. "He acted like a mad man and was talking about someone stealing his tools, but non[e] of knew anything about his tools," the records state. A man who had been working with Phay at Tesla charging stations in the area told officers that Phay had two tool bags stolen, the records show. When the man saw a bus pull up, he suggested that Phay check "with the bus to see if anyone had seen his tools. He did not expect Phay to enter the bus, let alone start swinging at women on the bus." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man told officers that he witnessed the assault. Phay was booked on suspicion of assault and battery. It wasn't immediately clear how the case was adjudicated. Court records in Shasta County do not appear to list any charges associated with the arrest. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Ongoing investigations into leaks at Pete Hegseths Department of Defense have led to mistrust between the Pentagon and the White House, per a new report from The Guardian. Last month, three high-level Pentagon staffers were removed from their posts due to their suspected involvement in leaks surrounding military plans to retake the Panama Canal. All three men denied any wrongdoing in a joint statement. An investigation into the firings unearthed an even more alarming detail: the aides had been outed by a warrantless wiretap. Unnamed White House advisers who spoke with the Guardian said they raised the issue with aides close to Vice President JD Vance, only to find that the wiretap story was bunk. The outlet said the advisers "complained that they were being fed dubious information by Hegseths personal lawyer, Tim Parlatore," the man in charge of the leaks investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Guardian reports that wiretap claims have harmed the credibility of Hegseth's office, saying the back-and-forth "fueled a breakdown in trust between the Pentagon and the White House," where Trump advisers "no longer have any idea about who or what to believe." One adviser reportedly told Hegseth that he didn't believe a word of the Cabinet member's justifications for the firings, alleging that the former Fox News host cooked up the story to win an intra-office struggle. Trumps national security team has been awash in controversies throughout the early months of his second term. Hegseth and others famously discussed classified war plans for Yemen in a group chat that included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, a scandal that became known as Signalgate. The Defense head allegedly sent classified military plans in a separate chat channel that included his wife and brother. A spokesperson for the White House told The Guardian in a statement that President Trump is confident in the secretarys ability to ensure top leadership at the Department of Defense shares their focus on restoring a military that is focused on readiness, lethality, and excellence. According to a federal complaint, New York City bars and nightclubs paid protection money to James Caban, and in return, Caban got police to go easy on them. He did this by impersonating his twin brothera police commissioner at the timeat the 34th Precinct in Washington Heights to stop raids on those businesses for breaking the law. (Illustration: Peter Bagge) Two police officers in England waited outside a woman's house while her husband killed her. The same officers had come to the house the day before and arrested him for assault, but he was let out on bail that night. The next day, when the officers came back to take the woman's statement, they heard an assault taking place inside but spent 35 minutes talking to their supervisor about whether they could go in. By the time they finally entered, the woman was dead. One officer and the supervisor face an investigation for incompetence, while the other officer has left the force. The Los Angeles Times discovered that the office of Mayor Karen Bass was editing Q&A sessions from news conference videos posted to her Facebook pagespecifically, cutting out parts where reporters pressed her about her handling of wildfires earlier in the year. Bass' office did not respond when the paper asked why the videos were being edited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In England, former West Mercia Police Constable Mark Cranfield received eight months in jail after being convicted of misconduct in public office and accessing computer records without authorization. Cranfield reportedly saved intimate videos and nude photos submitted as evidence in a revenge porn case, which he not only kept on his phone but forwarded to another person. Prosecutors also said he repeatedly contacted the victim in the case, discussing his sex life and seeking a relationship with her. Police in India questioned Ranveer Allahbadia after a crass joke on his YouTube show sparked a public backlash. Allahbadia asked a guest if he would rather watch his parents have sex every day for the rest of his life or join in once. The Supreme Court of India granted Allahbadia protection from arrest but barred him from leaving the country and ordered him to surrender his passport, saying his conduct was "condemnable" and showed a "lack of responsibility." (Illustration: Peter Bagge) Former New Orleans Police Sergeant Todd Morrell pleaded guilty to six counts of wire fraud and was sentenced to five years of probation, with eight months on home confinement. Morrell admitted he got paid for hours he didn't work by submitting fake time sheets to both the police department and an off-duty job at the local fairgrounds. Sometimes, he billed both places for the same time, and in one case, he was racing cars while claiming to be on duty. (Illustration: Peter Bagge) Nakedra Shannon, a former postal employee in Charlotte, North Carolina, received five years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit financial institution fraud and to theft of government property. Prosecutors said that between April and July 2023, Shannon and two accomplices stole $24 million in checks from the mail, which they then sold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Alabama grand jury indicted Hanceville Police Chief Jason Marlin and four officers, plus one officer's wife, on charges including tampering with evidence, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, and use of office for personal gain. The report recommended the department be immediately disbanded, calling it "more of a criminal organization than a law enforcement agency." The post Brickbats: June 2025 appeared first on Reason.com. May 27 (UPI) -- Britain's King Charles III delivered a rare speech Tuesday to the Canadian parliament during his two-day visit as head of state. "The True North is indeed strong and free," the king said in his remarks in reference to the Canadian national anthem and jokes by U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state. "Today, Canada faces another critical moment," he continued. "Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The king, 76, visited Canada for a two-day visit with his wife, Queen Camilla, amid strained diplomatic relations between the United States and Canada. They departed Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Charles received a ceremonial welcome at Ottawa's Macdonald-Cartier International Airport with newly installed Prime Minister Mark Carney leading dignitaries. The royal visit to Ottawa included an address at the opening of Canada's 45th parliament -- a trip delayed due to Charles' cancer diagnosis. He assumed the throne in 2022 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. In his speech before lawmakers, Native leaders and other diplomats, Charles said Canadians "give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urged Canadian lawmakers to be "guardians of fundamental rights and freedoms." Interestingly, Queen Camilla's great-great-great-grandfather, Sir Allan Napier MacNab, was Canada's prime minister from 1854-1856, while Charles' great-great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria, ruled over the British Empire, which once included India. "Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and straight to my heart," he told attendees in the Senate chamber. As Canada's head of state, Charles became the first British monarch since 1957 to preside over the opening of parliament -- a role typically carried out by the governor-general -- following in the footsteps of his late mother, Britain's longest-reigning sovereign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the king gave no direct reference to Trump, he emphasized "staying true to Canadian values" and urged the land-rich nation to "build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians" in prepared remarks written by the prime minister's office. "The prime minister (Mark Carney) and the president of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations," he stated. Meanwhile, Canada's Assembly of First Nations called the king's visit an opportunity to highlight the "nation-to-nation relationship" between Canadian tribal nations and the British crown. "We are allies with a sacred perpetual relationship that cannot be broken," National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said Tuesday in a statement, adding how as titular King of Canada, Charles "carries a responsibility to uphold the Treaties that protect our rights." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada is in the middle of a housing affordability crisis with skyrocketing housing prices over the last 10 years. Charles said Canada was ready to build "a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation, and the free and open exchange of goods, services and ideas." On Tuesday, Nepinak said progress was "long overdue" on a number of issues affecting Canadians which included housing, clean water, healthcare, infrastructure and "full recognition" of rights for Canada's Indigenous population. "It was a very successful visit," the Canadian prime minister told the BBC after the royal visitors departed. "A good reminder of the strength of Canadian institutions," said the Liberal Party's leader Carney. DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) A court on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali sentenced a British man to 10 months in jail on Tuesday for drug offenses after a charge that could carry the death penalty was dropped. Thomas Parker, from Cumbria in northwest England, was arrested Jan. 21 at a villa near Kuta beach, a popular tourist spot, after he allegedly collected a package containing drugs from a motorcycle taxi driver on a nearby street. Police officers said Parker was acting suspiciously while he collected the package, according to the court document. 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 arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lab test confirmed the package contained slightly over a kilogram (2.326 pounds) of MDMA, the main ingredient in ecstasy, the document said. 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, whom Parker had known for around two years and spoke to regularly through the Telegram messaging app. Parker was told someone would pick it up shortly from him, and he was not promised money or anything else by Nicky in return. Police reduced the initial charge of drug trafficking, which carries a possible death sentence, to the less serious offense of hiding information from authorities after investigators determined that the package was not directly linked to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, which began last month at the Denpasar District Court, Parker told the court he initially refused to collect the package but agreed to do it after Nicky assured him the package was safe and would not put him in danger. Prosecutors on May 6 sought a one-year prison term for Parker, but the judges said they reduced the penalty because Parker regretted his acts, had not been previously convicted and promised to reform. Parker sat silently as a panel of three judges at Denpasar District Court handed down the punishment. The judges also ordered the time he has already served since he was arrested to be deducted from his sentence, meaning he will be free in several months. After the judges read the sentence, Parker said that he accepted the verdict and will not appeal. Prosecutors must decide whether to accept it within a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really, really regret everything that has happened, Parker said. I am sorry and will follow the judge's decision. 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, 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. Brittney Griner 'Gay Baby Jail' Note Investigation Captured on Police Video Law enforcement clearly took Brittney Griner's "Gay Baby Jail" note concerns seriously ... new police video, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows two cops intently investigating the matter. The bizarre scene unfolded back on Feb. 17 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Maryland ... after Griner told officials at the hotel she had discovered a handwritten message in her room that she found to be threatening. TMZ Prince George's County Police body camera footage shows just a couple hours after the WNBA superstar hastily bolted from the area over the letter ... two officers rolled into the lobby in an effort to get to the bottom of the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can see in the vid, a hotel staffer showed them what the note looked like -- before he took them in an elevator to get to the room. TMZ While on the way, the employee told the cops the message was taped to a door. He added that Griner was the one who found it. Once inside the room, cops not only located the "Gay Baby Jail" message ... they also found a piece of duct tape on another door that read, "Private." Getty They ultimately determined the notes were likely left by the previous room's occupants -- who were in town for Katsucon, a convention for Japanese pop culture enthusiasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The meme 'Gay baby jail' is used among people in the culture to describe a situation in which progress through a game is impossible," one of the officers wrote in an incident report after canvassing the scene. "In other words your video game character is gay (happy), baby (game character), and jail (can't escape)." TMZ Nonetheless, Griner -- who was in town for a planned speaking engagement at the Women Grow Leadership Summit -- left the city without fulfilling her talking obligations ... something summit officials had no issues with. Brookhaven City Manager Christian Sigman says construction of the new city hall is both in budget and on schedule. Channel 2s Wendy Corona got an exclusive first look inside the new government building. Mayor John Park told Corona that the citys staff were looking forward to moving into what they call The Peoples House, located on the corner of North Druid Hills and Peachtree Road. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Now, Brookhavens new city hall will be a focal point and destination in the city, intentionally placed between the MARTA Station and Peachtree Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were actually building out multi-use paths and sidewalks from all corners of Brookhaven to end up here, Sigman told Channel 2 Action News. According to the city manager, 60% of the building will be for public use and 40% for city business. TRENDING STORIES: The new city hall is the first public mass timber building in the state of Georgia, using sustainable wood that is both innovative and visually appealing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beau Barth, the McCarthy Barnsley Vice President of Operations, said the wood of the facility will remain exposed for the life of the project and thats one of the aspects of the long term beauty that it will add to this facility. From the roof, Program Manager Eric Johnson explained to Corona how they got the city halls glass dome in place. We actually built it like this, in Walton County first, then disassembled it, brought it here with cranes, erected it on site, Johnson said. Other city officials said the space would be iconic, for gathering the community, doing business or just having fun indoors and outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets come together, lets enjoy this facility, Park said. Lets enjoy building our house together. In the City Council chamber, theres a projection screen and room for about 150 people to watch movies together and the first wedding and reception in the space is already reserved for September. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A convicted felon who supplied the dose of fentanyl-laced heroin that killed transgender activist Cecilia Gentili will spend the next 19 years in prison, a federal judge in Brooklyn ruled Tuesday. Michael Kulian, 45, provided the drugs to Gentilis dealer and friend, Antonio Venti, and on Feb. 6, the 52-year-old activist and author died of the combined effects of fentanyl, heroin, xylazine and cocaine after Venti sold her the deadly bundle, according to prosecutors. When law enforcement searched Kulians Brooklyn home, which he shared with his elderly grandmother, they found 850 glassine envelopes containing a total 32.264 grams of fentanyl, as well as a digital scale, a .45 caliber handgun and ammo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Judge Brian Cogan told Kulian that the 19-year sentence would send a message of deterrence, and ordered him remanded to start serving his time. Kuilan pleaded guilty in September to federal drug distribution and gun possession charges in Brooklyn Federal Court for his role in Gentilis death. Venti took a plea deal on July 18, 2024. Cogan sentenced him to five years behind bars in March. Gentilis death represents the loss of an outspoken advocate on behalf of a marginalized community. But her death is one of tens of thousands of such tragedies across this country, Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Amir wrote in a March 4 letter to the judge, pointing out that fentanyl or other synthetic opioids caused more than 81,000 overdose deaths in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendant is not individually responsible for the magnitude of this crisis, but he is accountable for his choice to help perpetuate it and the seriousness of the crisis thus warrants commensurately serious punishment, he wrote. As part of their deals, both men admitted that their product caused Gentilis death. Cecilia Gentili was tragically poisoned from fentanyl-laced heroin. Today, the perpetrators who sold the deadly drugs to Gentili are being held accountable, Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said Tuesday. This office will be relentless in prosecuting fentanyl dealers. Prosecutors were recommending roughly 22 to 27 years behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gentili founded Trans Equity Consulting, a New York City-based firm that offers guidance to the LGBTQ community and has a health care clinic at Callen Lorde, a center for LGBTQ+ healthcare. Previously, she was director of policy at Gay Mens Health Crisis. She also lobbied for the passage of the New York State Gender Expression and Discrimination Act, which became law in 2019, and was an actress on the television show Pose. Her Feb. 15 funeral at Manhattans venerable St. Patricks Cathedral drew backlash and was denounced by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who decried the the irreverence and the disrespect of the mourners and requested a rare Mass of Reparation to pray for forgiveness. Gentilis family called the Churchs reaction sanctimonious and said the funeral brought precious life and radical joy to the Cathedral in historic defiance of the Churchs hypocrisy and anti-trans hatred. Editor's note: The article was updated after the EU formally adopted the plan. The EU formally adopted a 150-billion-euro ($170 billion) defense loan instrument amid Russia's war against Ukraine, the Council of the EU announced on May 27. The EU reached an agreement to launch the $170 billion common defense fund on May 21 as Europe faces an increasingly challenging security environment. Russia continues to wage its war against Ukraine, and Europe is growing uncertain of U.S. security commitments to the continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Security Action For Europe (SAFE) initiative will offer $170 billion in loans without counting towards EU fiscal spending limits. SAFE is an EU loan instrument meant to prop up the continent's defense industry by financing weapons procurement to eligible countries. It also aims to "boost production capacity, making sure defense equipment is available when needed, and to address existing capability gaps," the Council of the EU said in a statement. "This is an unprecedented instrument which will boost our defense capabilities and support our defense industry. The more we invest in our security and defense, the better we deter those who wish us harm," said Adam Szlapka, Poland's European affairs minister. The EU's member states, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members, and Ukraine are eligible to borrow funds from the defense spending instrument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU "would effectively double the volume of weapons Ukraine receives" by investing in domestic weapons production through the SAFE mechanism, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said on May 4. "If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin isnt convinced by (U.S. President Donald) Trump to make peace, we could bring forward more convincing arguments for peace very quickly by greatly increasing our military support to Ukraine," Kubilius said. The commissioner called for EU members to utilize the bloc's SAFE initiative to strengthen Ukraine in its fight against Russia's war. The fund is part of the European Commission's ambitious ReArm Europe program, which allows member states to spend an additional 650 billion euros ($730 billion) on defense by loosening fiscal rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BRUNSWICK, Ga. (WSAV) Just in time for the next big summer holiday, Buc-ees in Brunswick has officially announced its opening date. The mammoth travel stop store, known for its many gas pumps, souvenirs, large food selection and, of course, its beaver mascot, broke ground on the Brunswick location more than a year ago. Now, the grand opening is set for July 1. During the groundbreaking, Buc-ees president Arch Aplin discussed why they chose the Brunswick area to build Georgias third Buc-ees location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know this community is really been open arms for us they have a great employment base here from the community so we think weve been a reasonable distance with this store with a substantial hiring base here, so were excited about bringing the employment to Georgia along this coastal highway and looking forward to it. Plus, we love doing business in Georgia this is our third store, were excited about it. The 74,000 square foot Buc-ees in Brunswick is expected to employ more than 200 people and bring in $30 million in sales every 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 WSAV-TV. Buc-ee's, a chain of travel centers with fuel and charging stations, a variety of foods and "the cleanest restrooms in America," is showing up in some areas not far from the Midwest. Illinois, however, does not have its own location, and according to the companys website the state is not on the short list for a new store. Among the Texas-based company' 50-plus locations are stores in Missouri and Kentucky. For those in the northern parts of Illinois, the company has plans for a Oak Creek, Wisconsin, location, but is facing backlash from the community. Peoria to Oak Creek is about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Buc-ee's locations near Illinois Is Buc-ee's coming to Illinois? According to the company website and media reports, the chain plans to add stores in the following locations. The planned Wisconsin location would be the location's furthest north. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Will Illinois ever get a Buc-ee's? Closest locations to Peoria MILAN Bulgari has become the exclusive partner of the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, one of the most prestigious and influential contemporary art showcases in the world. In the role, the Roman jewelry house will support the next three editions of the Venice-based event, running in 2026, 2028 and 2030. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collaboration was revealed on Tuesday, as part of the 2026 editions official presentation at the Ca Giustinian location in Venice. Bulgaris chief executive officer Jean-Christophe Babin said the art event embodies the courage to question, the vision to innovate, and the sensitivity to narrate the evolving spirit of our time. Becoming the exclusive partner of one of the worlds most influential platforms for contemporary art powerfully reaffirms Bulgaris enduring dedication to artistic excellence and creative expression, said Babin. Venice holds profound symbolic meaning for our maison as a timeless crossroads where cultures have met for centuries, and where today, the dialogue between identity, heritage and modernity continues to flourish in extraordinary ways. Titled In Minor Keys, the upcoming 61st edition of the event will run from May 9 to Nov. 22 next year. Curated by the late Cameroonian-Swiss art curator Koyo Kouoh who suddenly passed away earlier this month the exhibition will be staged at the citys Giardini and Arsenale venues, as well as in various locations around the Lagoon, and will be an invitation to explore and embrace new ways of perception through slowness, introspection and attunement to the subtle rhythms of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In welcoming Bulgari as partner, La Biennale di Venezias president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco underscored that beauty is a responsibility to be valued, protected and sustained through critical thinking and research. Our collaboration begins under the sign of Koyo Kouohs exhibition a free, ironic and gracious thinker, dedicated to designing courageous and humane futures, said Buttafuoco. Since 1895, La Biennale di Venezia made its mission to offer an international stage for the exploration and expression of contemporary artistic voices and aimed to challenge conventions and foster cultural dialogue across geographies, as proved by the number of participating countries, which rose from 59 in 1999 to 86 in 2024. Bulgari was founded around the same time, in 1884. Through the years, the LVMH-owned brand has supported many cultural causes, involving both ancient and contemporary art, as proved by renovation works of ancient landmarks in Rome, ranging from the Spanish Steps to the Baths of Caracalla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companys cultural, philanthropic and social commitment was further strengthened with the launch of Fondazione Bulgari last year, which embraces a plurality of areas and strives to create long-term value in the field of art and patronage, forging meaningful collaborations to nurture creativity and cultural legacy. For example, through the foundation, the company has recently pledged 900,000 euros to support the doubling of the exhibition space of Museo del Novecento in Milan. Opened in 2010 and showcasing more than 300 artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries, the museum is expected to reveal its new spaces by mid-2027. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak wrote Tuesday that she hopes the Burlington city council will work again on a resolution they passed May 19 that aims to help businesses and tourism on Church Street. The most contentious part of the resolution so far has proven to be a requirement for the nonprofit collective Food not Bombs to move its free food distribution out of the downtown parking garage. Originally, the resolution called for the distribution to move out by the middle of June. City council took out this requirement in a majority vote, and then added a less stringent requirement for the operation to submit a plan to move out by the middle of July. City Council passes resolution for downtown issues Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I fully support our locally owned small businesses, and I also fully support mutual aid for those in need, wrote Stanak in her official statement. I do not believe that these two things are mutually exclusive. Burlington is a City where everyone deserves to exist with dignity. Mulvaney-Stanak is a member of the Vermont Progressive Party. The resolution passed 8-4 in the city council on May 19, with all 7 Democrats and one Progressive in favor. Small businesses express concern about conditions in Downtown Burlington Downtown business owners and Democrats on the council have said that while they do not lack compassion, theyve waited long enough. We need to be honest about the choices that were making here, said councillor Becca McKnight at the previous council meeting. The food distribution service is not permitted by ordinance in our garage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her statement, Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak also criticized polarization and harmful escalation. Earlier this month, business owners released an open letter calling for action relating to the conditions downtown; a fake second letter using divisive language went viral online last week. The mayor announced that her office will be hosting a public forum at the Fletcher Free Library on May 29 at 5:30 p.m. to have a discussion on homelessness and mental health, and we will discuss concerns related to the downtown, in advance of the next city council meeting on Monday, June 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Butte Creek Fire in Wheeler County near Clarno continued growing into Monday evening as more crews responded to the area to help fight the blaze. According to Central Oregon Fire, as of 8:30 p.m. Monday, the fire had reached around 3,000 acres total, however, that was later lowered to only 1,776 acres due to more accurate mapping. Some structures are currently threatened, officials said; however, no evacuations or closures are in place as of Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction nearly underway for new music venue in Portlands Lloyd District The fire, which is at zero percent containment, has been burning grass, brush and scattered timber since it started on Sunday afternoon. The cause of the fire is under investigation. On Monday afternoon, helicopters used water from the John Day River to help fight the fire, cautioning boaters in the area to watch out for helicopters dipping in the water. Stay with KOIN 6 as we keep you up to date on the Butte Creek Fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Properties in Julia Creek and Richmond, in Queenslands north-west, have been inundated with thousands of gidgee bugs, but locals aren't mad about it. On Sunday, properties in Queenslands north-west were suddenly inundated with thousands of smelly gidgee bugs. Source: McKinlay Shire Council/Getty Residents in some rural Aussie communities have been forced to close their windows and turn off their lights after a swarm of stinky bugs emerged in the middle of the night. On Sunday, properties in Julia Creek and Richmond, in Queenslands north-west, were suddenly inundated with thousands of gidgee bugs a member of the stink bug family known for its distinct sewage-like odour. While their presence is somewhat of a nuisance, with photos showing the creatures almost entirely covering some outdoor features, the flying insects arrival is also a sight for sore eyes as gidgee bugs often go hand-in-hand with heavy rainfall. They crawl out from the ground they love moisture and warm weather, McKinlay Shire Mayor Janene Fegan told Yahoo News, noting it is a tad late in the year for the bugs to appear. The gidgee bugs are well and truly back, the mayor said. Source: Facebook/K.Wills/M. Reid While the insects typically signal the weather conditions, Fegan said they appeared to have moved on following the 2019 floods. ADVERTISEMENT But they are back, she added. It means we have had a good wet season usually. The gidgees, which can bite but are overall not harmful to humans, are expected to retreat after a wet, cold front moves in on Wednesday. The insects arent the only tell-tale sign, with locals also seeing ants on the move and mock oranges in bloom. [The bugs] have settled down already, last night they were not anywhere near as bad, Fegan told Yahoo on Tuesday, urging travellers not to be deterred from visiting and to enjoy the abundance that a good wet season brings, including green pastures and beautiful wildlife. They dont like the cooler drier months and the weather this week has just been very unusual for this time of year. McKinlay Shire Mayor Janene Fega said the gidgee bugs have been quieter following the 2019 floods. Source: AAP Cloud band stretches 3,000km across inland Australia While much of NSW continues to pick up the pieces after yet another flood event, parts of northern and central Australia have braced themselves this week for a blast of wintry weather. ADVERTISEMENT A cloud band that has already brought moderate to heavy rain to northern WA and the NT is expected to stretch to rural Queensland, spanning roughly 3,000km in length, according to Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino. The rainfall may cause flooding in the outback, potentially isolating remote communities. Meanwhile, in the countrys south, thousands have woken to a sea of yellow and red as an enormous dust cloud that blanketed South Australia and parts of Victoria is dragged over to Sydney and the south coast. This week a dust storm triggered thousands of power outages in South Australia. Picture: Supplied/NCA NewsWire As a result, Air Quality NSW has warned of hazardous air quality in Parramatta North and extremely poor air quality in areas like Albion Park, Kembla Grande, Wollongong and Bargo. Looking ahead, the Bureau of Meteorology has projected a very wet winter for inland Australia. According to its long-range forecast, the climate outlook for June through to September will see southeast parts of the country experience higher than average rainfall, including areas that have been lashed by floods. ADVERTISEMENT Rainfall is expected to be within the typical range for June to August for much of western WA and eastern Australia, and across the tropical north. But the bad news will likely continue for drought affected areas in the south with a 60 to 80 per cent chance southern Victoria will experience below average rainfall in the months ahead. with NCA NewsWire Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The Montana VA Healthcare System renamed Butte's clinic to the Charlie Dowd VA Clinic in honor of a local veteran who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. (Courtesy Photo) Ahead of the Memorial Day Weekend, dozens gathered in Butte for a ceremony renaming the citys Veterans Affairs Clinic to honor Montanas last survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Montana VA Heath Care System renamed the clinic to the Charlie Dowd Veteran Affairs Clinic, honoring Dowd, a World War II veteran who was awarded seven bronze stars throughout his military career, and died in March 2023 in Butte at the age of 99. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are honored to be able to rename this clinic after a local Veteran like Charlie, Montana VA Executive Director, Duane Gill said in a press release. At 17 years of age, this proud Sailor ran out to defend Pearl Harbor in only a t-shirt and trousers. It is that fighting spirit that we will recognize. That same fighting spirit is in the hearts of every Montana Veteran. In some small way by renaming this clinic, we hope to memorialize the honor, commitment and courage for every Veteran who walks through those doors. U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke and U.S. Montana Sen. Steve Daines introduced companion bills to rename the Butte clinic, which was signed into law in July 2024. Montana is home to nearly 100,000 veterans. As the proud son of a United States Marine, I think its safe to say each one of our veterans has his or her own story, Daines said in his remarks at the renaming ceremony on Friday. And each one is a hero is his or her own right. Dowd joined the U.S. Navy in 1941, when he was 17 years old, and was assigned to a station in Pearl Harbor. The Montana VA Health Care System renamed the Charlie Dowd VA Clinic in Butte in a ceremony on Friday. (Courtesy Photo) According to Daines remarks, Charlie did not hesitate when we were attacked and ran straight toward danger to defend his country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wearing just a t-shirt and trousers, Charlie sprinted to the armory, climbed to the roof with a Springfield rifle, and fired at the torpedo bombers. During the attack he suffered burns on his arms and neck when the USS California, which was nearby, was engulfed in flames, Daines said. His bravery in that moment is both astonishing and inspiring. He had the Montana fighting spirit. According to the Montana VA, the Butte clinic opened in 2022 and is four times larger than its former location in Anaconda. More than 1,750 veterans receive care at the clinic each year from Silver Bow, Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Madison and Jefferson Counties. Following his military service, Dowd settled down in the Butte area and was an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, a member of the Anaconda Sportsmens Club, and worked as an outdoor writer for the Anaconda Leader newspaper. I had the privilege of visiting with Charlie many times over the years, and Ill never forget listening to him share stories from Pearl Harbor and the South Pacific. Even at 99, he could still fit into his uniform and tap out Morse code like he did in the service. The Charlie Dowd Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic will serve as a lasting reminder of Devil Dog Dowds legacy of bravery and lifelong commitment to his country, his fellow veterans, and his community, said Zinke, in a press release. A woman was left in a coma after a chaotic incident at the Montecito mansion of Beanie Babies billionaire Ty Warner last week that officials said involved a violent break-in and an attempted kidnapping. Warner, the creator of Beanie Babies the stuffed toys that became a huge fad in the late 1990s was home at the time of the midday attack, according to a criminal complaint, but he was not hurt. The injured woman, identified in the complaint as L. Malek-Aslanian, was in a coma after a serious brain injury. The woman's relationship to Warner wasn't immediately clear; she was identified by some local news outlets as a financial services executive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warner has owned his Montecito home for years and is known as a reclusive executive who expanded his business empire from toys to luxury hotels in the early 2000s. Amber Frost, a spokesperson for the Santa Barbara County district attorney's office, said she didn't have an update on the woman's medical status as of Tuesday. Russell Maxwell Phay, 42, was arrested in the attack after a standoff with law enforcement that ended when he jumped from a second-floor window of the mansion and was arrested, according to a news release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. Phay, of Nevada, is accused of breaking into the mansion on Fairway Road around 4:30 p.m. May 21, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Burglars ransack Woody Harrelson and Bill Maher's WeHo weed dispensary When law enforcement arrived after a call about a possible break-in, they found the woman outside the home and severely injured. Deputies quickly summoned an ambulance. But they were concerned about hostages or other victims in the home, so deputies surrounded the mansion before going inside. After searching the home, deputies confirmed that the other occupant, Warner, had safely gotten out and that the intruder was barricaded in an upstairs restroom. Officials tried to talk him into surrendering, but instead, he climbed out of the second-story window and jumped to the ground, where he was apprehended, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasn't immediately clear why Phay was in Santa Barbara County, but officials said they did not believe he knew either of the home's occupants. Phay was arraigned Friday in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, where he faced charges of attempted murder, attempted burglary, kidnapping, assault and obstructing a law enforcement officer. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, Frost said. It was not immediately clear whether Phay had obtained an attorney. Details weren't immediately available on Phay's criminal history, but prosecutors said he had numerous prior convictions and had served time in prison or jail. He was being held on $100,000 bail. Phay was interviewed for a 2014 story in the San Francisco Chronicle about a then-new veterans court in which he participated, receiving treatment and mentorship after having served time in prison in Colorado for an incident in which he threatened his wife. He was identified in the story as an Army combat soldier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am fully trained for combat, he said at the time. I have been trained to eliminate you. I know that sounds crazy, but it is true. 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. Would a Kamala Harris run for governor of California be a boon for potential Republican rivals? Thats certainly what some in the state believe, according to A Republican candidate winning the upcoming gubernatorial race in the deep-blue state is at best a long shot. But some in the party think that a Harris campaign could energize Republican donors and conservative rank-and-file members, perhaps nationwide, given the former vice presidents high profile, Politico reports. Current Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its no secret that Harris is one of the most vilified members of the Democratic Party by Republicans. But for Democrats, she offers some advantages name recognition, a huge war chest, a record of consolidating party support, and the likelihood of clearing the field of many other Democrats. Politico notes that the former Democratic presidential nominee has given herself until late summer to decide whether she will run to lead the Golden State, and that has left other possible contenders in the party in a holding pattern. Republicans, however, are already acting as if Harris is in the race with fundraising emails, interviews, and speeches reflecting that. GOP candidates are holding Harris up as a prime example of failed Democratic governance for her time as vice president to President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already, conservative pundit Steve Hilton and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco have launched campaigns with that at the center. Hilton referred to Harris in a recent campaign email as embodying the failures of the past, while warning against a Democratic coronation in Sacramento. Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) I sense that this is the best shot for someone to be elected statewide in California whos not a Democrat for at least 20 years, and I think the evident reason for that is the failure of one-party rule, Hilton said. The candidate who is going to win in 2026, regardless of party label, is the change candidate. Kamala Harris is the one who least represents change, he added. Trump loyalist Richard Grenell, currently a special presidential envoy, would be one of the higher-profile contenders should he enter the race, and has said that if Harris runs, he would. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Candidates will also be able to copy the same attacks used by President Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign, likely coupled with newer accusations regarding Joe Bidens health and mental acuity, and Harris role in any alleged attempts to cover up for the then-president. Such attacks would likely play well among donors, on right-wing media, in the Oval Office, and could perhaps even tempt tech billionaire Elon Musk back into political giving. While California is a Democratic stronghold, Trump made inroads in swing districts and cut into the partys lead in deep blue cities from 2020 to 2024. Republicans see that as a base on which to build with Latino voters and centrists concerned about crime a weakness for Harris given perceptions of her role in the states criminal justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A campaign by Harris could be a bruising fight of relentless attacks, even if she wins in the end. Doubtless, that will factor into any decision to run for public office again at any level. Other Democrats whose names have been floated as potential gubernatorial candidates include former Rep. Katie Porter, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former runner-up for mayor of Los Angeles Rick Caruso, and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. The gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026. BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) Calin Georgescu, the controversial populist whose bid for Romanias presidency last year resulted in the annulment of an election in the European Union and NATO member country, announced he is stepping away from political life. Georgescu upended Romanias political landscape last November when he ran as an independent and unexpectedly surged to frontrunner in the first round of the presidential election, going from an obscure candidate to beating the incumbent prime minister. I choose to be a passive observer of public and social life, the 63-year-old said in a video posted online late Monday. I choose to remain outside any political party structure I am not affiliated with any political group in any way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite denying any wrongdoing, Georgescu was barred from the tense election rerun held in May, won by pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan, who was officially sworn in on Monday. Dan, a mathematician and former Bucharest mayor, beat the hard-right nationalist George Simion, who became Georgescus nominal successor. Georgescu said he made his decision to take a step back following the conclusion of the presidential race, which for him indicated the sovereignist movement has come to a close. Even though this political chapter has ended, I am convinced that the values and ideals we fought for together remain steadfast, he said. My dear ones, I have always said that we would make history, not politics. The outcome of Georgescus success in last years chaotic election cycle sent shockwaves through Romanias political establishment. It also left many observers wondering how most local surveys had put him behind at least five other candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite what appeared to be a sprawling social media campaign promoting him, Georgescu had declared zero campaign spending. A top Romanian court then made the unprecedented move to annul the election after allegations emerged of electoral violations and Russian interference. He sparked controversy in the past for describing Romanian fascist and nationalist leaders from the 1930s and 1940s as national heroes. He has also previously praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and has questioned Ukraines statehood, but says he is not pro-Russian. In February, prosecutors opened criminal proceedings against Georgescu, accusing him of incitement to undermine the constitutional order, election campaign funding abuses, and founding or supporting fascist, racist, xenophobic, or antisemitic organizations, among other charges. On Tuesday, Georgescu attended a hearing at a prosecutors office in Bucharest, which said it's extending the criminal investigation against him due to remarks he made on primetime television earlier in May, which could allegedly be interpreted by the public as supporting ideas linked to fascist legionnaire figures from the 1930s and 1940s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once a member of Simions hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, Georgescu left the party in 2022 after a period of infighting. He was accused by colleagues of being pro-Russian and critical of NATO, the U.S.-led military alliance to which Romania belongs. After Romanias decision to cancel the election last year, Georgescu became a cause celebre among nationalists, with support coming from figures such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and tech billionaire Elon Musk who both criticized Romania for annulling the vote. Georgescu has argued the election was canceled illegally and unconstitutionally, and after he was barred from the May rerun, he accused the authorities of inventing evidence to justify the theft of the elections. Earlier this year, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bucharest in a show of support for Georgescu, who cemented his status as a persecuted anti-system candidate, railing against a corrupt political class. I deeply understand what many of you have gone through: you suffered, you were harassed, humiliated, wronged, and marginalized, Georgescu said Monday, adding he might return to politics if a serious opportunity arises that could bring real benefits to Romania and the Romanian people. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda is pushing for stronger EU sanctions against Moscow in light of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. "Putin is turning the whole world against him and really deserves much tougher sanctions than those currently in place," the head of state of the Baltic EU and NATO country said on Lithuanian television on Tuesday. "I really hope that our colleagues in the European Union understand that the 17th package of sanctions was just a warm-up," Nauseda said. "We need to prepare an 18th package of sanctions that really resembles a Molotov cocktail." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU imposed further sanctions against Russia last week. The 17th package of punitive measures includes further tightening of restrictions on Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" used to transport oil and oil products. An 18th package of sanctions is already being planned. Lithuania is one of Kiev's most vocal supporters on the international stage. Russia has launched massive air strikes against Ukraine in recent days. The attacks were widely condemned, including by US President Donald Trump, who threatened Russia with new sanctions and accused Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin of having gone "absolutely crazy." Nauseda said he agreed with Trump's assessment. "Those are strong words and a completely appropriate statement, because this has been clear to us for a long time," Nauseda said. Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion since 2022. Some tense moments at the King County Jail Monday. This, as protesters arrested over the weekend appeared before a judge. Nearly two dozen people were arrested Saturday at Cal Anderson Park in Seattles Capitol Hill neighborhood. Thats when a rally by a Christian pro-family group turned violent. Now Mayday USA is planning a rally of its own Tuesday, to call for Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell to resign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KIRO 7 has been pushing to get a response from the mayor. He finally responded late Monday. Just before 5 oclock this afternoon, a spokesman for Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell released a new statement, declaring he will not be intimidated. All of this on a busy Memorial Day at the King County Jail, where tensions were high all day. Anger from the weekend arrests in Cal Anderson Park spilled into the hallway at the King County jail, as supporters demanded in to the small courtroom for their friends bail hearings. The jail guards refused, and the group stood down. Just two days ago, nearly two dozen people were arrested during a rally sponsored by Mayday USA, a Christian, pro-family, pro-two genders organization, a rally the city of Seattle allowed on Capitol Hill, the heart of the LGBTQ+ community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened was the community stood up for its queer community in front of hate groups, said Gabriel Jones, protester, and got beat for it. So, youre not pleased with the mayor either? he was asked. Not one bit, he said. I think the mayor has a lot to answer for. Mayday USA is angry, too, after Mayor Bruce Harrell called this a far right rally designed to provoke. To say that we came to attack is completely false and we would like to see a retracted statement, said Jenny Donnelly, Mayday USA Co-Leader. Most of those arrested are accused of assaulting Seattle police officers. Late Monday, after KIRO 7s repeated requests for comment, a spokesman for the Mayor sent this statement: We will not be intimidated by the kind of fear mongering or divisiveness inspired by the rally ... that takes aim at our residents and at Seattles second Black and first biracial mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That likely wont appease his critics on either side. Yes, we want the mayor gone, said Gabriel Jones. But we dont want them gone for calling a hate group, a hate group. And the mayor is likely to continue feeling the heat. Now supporters of Mayday USA plan to hold a rally on the steps of Seattle City Hall Tuesday afternoon, calling for him to resign. LONDON A hero was laid to rest on Memorial Day, with community members lining Londons Main Street to pay tribute as the funeral process passed by. Major Leslie Leatherman spent a lifetime answering the call of public service. Whether through firefighting (39 years with Laurel County Fire Department), emergency medical response, or dispatching, he was known throughout the area of southeastern Kentucky for his steady presence and unwavering dedication. Leatherman lost his life during the deadly storms that devastated London and Laurel County throughout the night of Friday, May 16, and early Saturday morning of May 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As severe weather tore through the area, Leatherman died protecting his wife, Michelle, who survived the storm. His final act was one of courage shielding another from harm, just as he had done his entire career. Les has spent his adult life dedicated to public service, stated Brandon Prewitt, Whitley County Police Chief and E-911 Director. From his fire training, his time in an ambulance, or most of his time behind the radio for the first responders if you were out in the field, no matter if it was police, fire, or EMS, Les is the one you would want to be sitting in the chair behind the radio. Those who worked alongside Leatherman saw his compassion firsthand. He was the kind of colleague who didnt wait to be askedhe showed up, stepped in, and supported his fellow responders in every way possible. Prewitt continued by expressing how great Leatherman truly was at his job, and how his dedication and heartfelt attitude would never leave the dispatch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less heart was and will always be in the radio room of a dispatch center, and you could sure tell it, Prewitt stated. He was the best example of a great dispatch. Whitley County Judge Executive Pat White Jr. called Leatherman a devoted and knowledgeable dispatcher and Assistant Director, and said he was remembered by many as the calm voice on the other end of the phone. Les spent his life in public service. He dedicated nearly all of his adult life to serving others, White said. He was a tremendous asset to Whitley County E-911. Les was instrumental in training our employees at the dispatch center and was a fine person who will be very missed. Through every call answered and every life helped, Maj. Leslie Leatherman left a mark on his community that will certainly not be forgotten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact of his service remains woven into the fabric of southeastern Kentuckys emergency response system. The echo of his calm voice mentioned by White, the memory of his bravery touched on by Prewittthese examples he set will continue to guide and inspire those who serve after him. As the region mourns his loss, Maj. Leatherman will be honored not only for how he served, but for the way he lived with courage, humility, and an enduring commitment to protecting others. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A brush fire burning near Fort Stanton in Lincoln County, New Mexico is now at 720 acres with 4 percent containment, the New Mexico State Forestry Division announced on Monday, May 26. Crews drop over 30K gallons of fire retardant on Camp Fire The Camp Fire ignited on Sunday, May 25, but the cause has not been determined. Fort Stanton is about 30 miles northeast of Ruidoso. Camp Fire burning in Lincoln County near Fort Stanton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Forestry Division said most of the burned acres occurred on Sunday, as there was minimal fire spread on Monday. The increase in acreage resulted from fire officials being better able to map the perimeter of the fire. Helicopters made targeted water drops on hotspots still smoldering. Fire crews worked to remove burning material near the control lines to reduce the chance of it escaping the control lines and reigniting. Smoke could still be seen in the area, the Forestry Division said. The Forestry Division said the area affected by the fire is a specially managed area by the BLM and the State of New Mexico. The BLM-managed land is part of the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, and the state land involved in the fire is the historic fort, managed by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three historical structures were damaged at Fort Stanton, including two wooden structures from the 1930s built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and a gymnasium built in 1944 by German sailors who were picked up after their ship sunk, the Forestry Division said. The Forestry Division said cloud cover, moderate temperatures, and milder winds helped to moderate fire behavior on Monday. A thunderstorm warning is in effect for the area Monday evening, and there is a chance of rain again on Tuesday afternoon, May 27, the Forestry Division said. The Forestry Division said evacuations remain for the Fort Stanton, Rob Jaggers Campground, and the Rio Bonito and West Mesa Road dispersed camping areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fort Stanton is closed to the public. Highway 220 is closed in the Fort Stanton area, the Forestry Division said. BLM Roswell District, Lincoln County and the NM Forestry Division are all under fire restrictions or a burn ban. Campfires of any kind (wood, charcoal, wood stoves), chainsaw use, smoking outdoors, operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and welding are all prohibited, read the news release by the Forestry Division. To view full fire restrictions, click here. Additionally, an interactive smoke map here allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. The Aussie resident swears by using cloves to get rid of ants in her home. Source: TikTok/allthings_ashleyy & Supplied Aussie homes are no stranger to a pest or two, and one resident who has been recently wrestling with an army of ants in her home claims she has a "very easy and simple" hack to rid them once and for all. Ashley Fuller claims the answer lies in cloves, pointing to a $2 packet of the spice from Coles. The Sydney resident told Yahoo News a sprinkling of the spice near the ants is all it takes to send the critters packing. "I saw it on social media a while ago, it was a video of ants walking away from a whole clove. I had ants in my home so decided to try it for myself. It worked and that was it," she told Yahoo. "If you have ants, what you want to do is get whole cloves and you want to put them along the ant trail and that is it, it will get rid of them," she said, adding she recommended it to a family friend and it worked for her as well. ADVERTISEMENT Eduardo Garcia from Sydney-based Toro Pest Control told Yahoo News he's been inundated with calls from Aussies recently and said he wasn't surprised people were turning to natural remedies in a desperate attempt to rid their homes of ants. However, he reckons there are other, more efficient homespun methods to try to deter the ant invasion. "Getting a spray bottle with water and vinegar with peppermint oil would help more than cloves," he told Yahoo News. "Or people often use baby powder. Campers often sprinkle it around their caravan or tent as it neutralises the ants' ability to communicate because they communicate through pheromones... They get lost and veer off and then just move onto the next area where they can communicate." While natural remedies can be beneficial, fellow industry expert Warren Bailey from ABC Pest Control suggested steering clear of them altogether as they're not often effective long-term. "It's worth a try but often with ants, they get immune to it very quickly. You can try it once and it works then you go to use it again and they've built up resistance," he told Yahoo. "People can get lucky with natural remedies but we usually have to come back with something stronger." Pests encouraged to come inside by wet conditions While many of us think about the heat encouraging pests into our homes, high rainfall can do the same, Eduardo explained. ADVERTISEMENT "Pests are coming out at the moment with all the rain. The water is saturating their workings in the mud and they get destroyed easily so they come out of the ground. Obviously our properties are nice and sturdy, so they go in for food, shelter and water," he said. To reduce the likelihood of ants coming into your home, it's recommended to block entry points such as weep holes or visible gaps in the walls and floor to stop ants from entering. Keeping indoors clean and crumb-free is also vital. However, the best to avoid pests getting inside your home is to call a professional. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. May 27 (UPI) -- A Canadian man who pleaded guilty to stealing an iconic portrait of Sir Winston Churchill from a storied Ottawa hotel more than three years ago has been sentenced to two years less a day in prison. Jeffrey Lain James Wood received his sentence Monday in an Ottawa courtroom, CBC reported. He had pleaded guilty in March to forgery, theft over $5,000 -- or $3,640 USD -- and trafficking property obtained by crime. The Roaring Lion is a world-famous photograph of Churchill taken by renowned Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh in 1941 in the Canadian capital of Ottawa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A resident of Ottawa's famed Fairmont Chateau Laurier for nearly two decades, Karsh moved out of the hotel in 1998, and upon his exit, gifted the hotel seven photographs, including the Churchill portrait, which hung on its walls until the pandemic hit. According to the Chateau Laurier, the photograph was stolen between Dec. 25, 2021, and Jan. 6, 2022, and was replaced by the thief with an imitation, "deceiving everyone until a hotel staff member discovered the theft" that August. Ottawa police said the hotel employee had noticed differences with the frame and the wire mechanism, which led to the discovery of the fake print, complete with a forged Karsh signature. An investigation brought Ottawa police to the attention of a Roaring Lion print that was said to be from the Karsh estate and was up for sale at London's Sotheby's auction house. It was then sold to a buyer in Genoa, Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ottawa police said neither the buyer nor the auction house knew the photograph was stolen. Police then learned that the seller was Wood, a man in his 40s from Powassan Ont., who had created a fake identity and credentials in an effort to move the famed photograph. Wood was arrested and charged on April 24, 2024. The photograph was returned to the hotel in September of that year and returned to its walls on Nov. 15, 2024. By Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) -The wife of South Korea's main conservative party candidate has taken a leading role ahead of next week's elections, campaigning on her own to tarnish the image of the liberal frontrunner and his spouse and turbocharge her husband's bid. Last week, Seol Nan-young even took her unusually vocal criticism onto Saturday Night Live Korea, joking about scandals dogging the wife of her husband's chief rival and promoting a clean family image for her spouse, conservative People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim is fighting an uphill battle to separate himself from former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and removed from office over a short-lived martial law attempt in December. Meanwhile, frontrunner Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party is far ahead in the polls but both he and his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, face criminal allegations. The charges are unlikely to derail Lee's candidacy but they have provided ample fodder for Seol to question his ethical standing. Seol has made Kim Hye-kyung, who was fined for misusing a government credit card to dine at a restaurant when her husband was a provincial governor, one of her main targets. Kim has denied the charges and appealed the ruling. "I think this is an important election, whether you choose clean, honest, upright Kim Moon-soo or another candidate who is corrupt, and lies," Seol said at a recent speaking engagement of about 400 supporters and female lawmakers who introduced her as someone who "doesn't use corporate credit card". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Spouse risk" as it is called in Korean has become an election hot topic after a series of scandals, including one about Yoon's wife improperly accepting a Dior handbag that is considered a factor in the PPP's loss in the 2024 parliamentary elections. The impact on Yoon of controversies surrounding his wife was even considered a factor in his decision to declare martial law in December, experts say. On Tuesday Kim Moon-soo said if elected he would appoint a special inspector to examine claims of wrongdoing by members of the president's family, saying instead of public service and sacrifice, first ladies have become synonymous with expensive clothes, foreign trips, bags and necklaces. For Lee, a string of legal problems surrounding him and his wife have been amplified by his rivals and the PPP even called for a wives debate on ethics, which Lee's party has rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her Saturday Night Live appearance, Seol was asked whether Lee's wife's corporate credit misuse was worse than Yoon's spouse accepting the luxury bag. She said using the card, tantamount to mishandling taxpayer money, was worse. Her appearance drew criticism from Lee's party, which warned her not to cross the line. Lee declined to comment when asked by reporters if his wife intends to break her silence and campaign like Seol, jokingly saying "I don't know much about what my wife is doing". The attacks on Kim Hye-kyung could prevent Lee's ratings from rising ahead of the June 3 polls, said Lee Jun-han, a political science professor at Incheon National University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In Korean politics, spouses and their influences are big, in many cases in a negative way," he said. "Kim's wife is trying to be a dark horse and strategically showing she is different from Lee's wife." ($1 = 1,362.3100 won) (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Josh Smith and Saad Sayeed) ALTOONA To many of her peers at Altoona High School, Kyra Boettcher is sometimes referred to as the cop. She said it was an endearing title despite the fact that she is not technically a cop, but pursuing that career is something she is interested in doing after high school. Next year I will be going to [Chippewa Valley Technical College] for criminal justice in hopes to become a police officer, Boettcher said. I will be going there and doing their law enforcement academy, and at the moment I do work for the Altoona Police Department. It has been an awesome experience I was an intern there for eight months, I got to meet everyone and do a bunch of different things that make that career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she now graduates this spring having been a student in the School District of Altoona since Kindergarten, Boettcher said it is a weird feeling thinking about not having to attend classes in Altoona. Honestly, for me it is really bittersweet. I have been taking CVTC classes pretty much the whole year so I havent been here as much, but I am a part of the student council so I am still really involved, she said. I am ready to move on, but at the same time its like, Dang, its kind of over. It is going to be weird not seeing the people I have grown up with every day. My best friend I have known since kindergarten, Duke, is moving to South Dakota for college I think that is going to be the hardest, but I am also really excited for whats to come. Obviously Im a little nervous because it is not the same structure at college, but I feel very prepared and am excited to see what doors open and what happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she looks for opportunities after high school, Boettcher reflected back and said her first interactions and interests in law enforcement began in the classroom. For the longest time, I would have never guessed I would have been doing it because I was a little hesitant about the police for a long time, she said. Through a law class, students like Boettcher learned about the legal field and heard from professionals about what law enforcement careers look like. She took the opportunity to talk with teachers, guidance counselors and even the school resource officer at Altoona, as conversations eventually landed her a job interning for the police department and working through both positive moments and difficult ones. It is not what a lot of people get to see at 17, Boettcher said, but it really helped me mature because you have to be very professional and serious in those situations I think that is a little bit different than what a regular high school job would have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now able to look back on her K-12 career, Boettcher said she felt very supported by the staff at Altoona as they challenged her ability to learn. When asked what advice or wisdom she would give to a large audience, Boettcher said, I think my experience growing up LGBTQ has been interesting in the field I am going into, but I think it is so important to not let that label box you in. Take every opportunity you can to do what you want to do. You can really make a difference in peoples lives. Just go for it. A cargo ship that narrowly missed crashing into a mans home was believed to have been manned by a sleeping crew member, police say No injuries were reported after the NCL Salten ran aground The potential for serious damage was huge, prosecutor Kjetil Bruland Srensen said Police in Norway say a crew member falling asleep while on duty led to a massive cargo ship barely missing a retirees home. Prosecutor Kjetil Bruland Srensen said the employee aboard the NCL Salten was charged with negligent navigation, the Associated Press reported on Monday, May 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The persons name was not made public, but he was identified as the ships second officer. "Five meters further south and it would have entered the bedroom," homeowner Johan Helberg told the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation last week, per the BBC. JAN LANGHAUG/NTB/AFP via Getty cargo ship runs aground near home in Norway cargo ship runs aground near home in Norway Helberg had been sleeping when the roughly 440-foot-long vessel collided into his backyard at around 5:00 a.m. local time Thursday, May 22, in Byneset, near Trondheim. He slept through the initial crash, but was soon alerted by his neighbor Jostein Jorgensen, who witnessed the rarity in real-time. I was sleeping soundly, deeply, and then I heard a dinging sound, which I wondered might be my doorbell, Helberg told the New York Times on Thursday night. I thought, who in the world rings the doorbell at 5:45 in the morning? I looked out the window, and he said: Havent you seen the ship? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called the incident completely surreal, noting how close the ship came to crashing into his home. Jorgensen told the Times he had been in shock all day." He also told Norway's TV2 he struggled to wake up Helberg. "I was sure that he was already outside, but no, there was no sign of life. I rang the doorbell many times and nothing," he said, per the BBC. "And it was only when I called him on the phone that I managed to contact him. JAN LANGHAUG/NTB/AFP via Getty ship grounded in a backyard in Norway ship grounded in a backyard in Norway In a statement, Srensen said the NCL Saltens navigator testified that he fell asleep prior to the incident, per the Times. It does happen, but its not something that should happen, the prosecutor said. We have regulations that are supposed to create barriers and prevent ships from running aground because someone falls asleep. 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 potential for serious damage was huge both for those onboard, people on land, and of course regarding environmental consequences and material damages, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NCL and a salvage company tried to use a tug boat to remove the ship from Helbergs property, but their efforts were unsuccessful as of Thursday evening, per the Times. No injuries were reported. At least 16 other crew members were believed to be on board at the time of the incident, which remains under investigation. The Norwegian Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. A spokesperson for the Norwegian Cruise Line told PEOPLE, The cargo ship is [in] no way affiliated with" the company. Read the original article on People OSLO, Norway (AP) A cargo ship that ran aground in a Norwegian fjord and narrowly missed a house, was pulled back into open water and was being towed to a nearby harbor on Tuesday five days after the spectacular accident. A tugboat hauled and refloated the NCL Salten off the shore of the Trondheim fjord in the morning hours. The vessel was being taken to the nearby harbor of Orkanger. Norwegian broadcaster NRK quoted Ole T. Bjrnevik, the general manager of the tugboat company tasked with the refloating operation, as saying that it went better than expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Containers had been unloaded from the ship ahead of the refloating. The ship ran aground early last Thursday. No oil spills were reported, and none of the 16 people aboard was injured. The on-duty navigator, the ship's second officer, has been charged with negligent navigation after he allegedly fell asleep on duty. The New York City District Council of Carpenters, Laborers International Union of North America and Mason Tenders are officially endorsing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for re-election. These unions were major supporters of ex-Assistant District Attorney Diana Florence in her 2021 run against Bragg, where she ultimately finished fifth. Now, Florence is running again in a long-shot bid for Braggs seat, this time as an independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bragg, whos running for a second term, has previously scooped the support of heavyweight unions 1199SEIU, United Federal of Teachers, DC37 and the Hotel Trades Union, and Manhattan congressional Reps. Nadler, Espaillat and Goldman. I am proud to stand alongside New Yorks working people to ensure they are not exploited or abused, and can earn a fair wage in safe conditions for doing the important work that each of us relies on every day, Bragg said in a statement. Bragg tackled many high-profile cases in his second term, including Trumps hush-money conviction and the indictment of Luigi Mangione for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. For the past four years, Alvin Bragg has used his position to fight for working people time and again, District Council of Carpenters President Paul Capurso said, referencing the DAs efforts targeting wage theft in the construction industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florence formerly worked under Former Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr. but resigned in controversy amid allegations she withheld evidence about a cooperating witness in a case. At a time when the justice system seems to cater too often to rich, politically connected insiders and elites, Alvin brings a refreshing fairness and a commitment to doing the right thing to one of the most important law enforcement agencies in the country, Mason Tenders Business Manager Dave Bolger said, citing Braggs creation of a Worker Protection Unit. Maud Maron, a former Legal Aid attorney, is running against Bragg as a Republican. No injuries to fire personnel or occupants were reported as the result of a structure fire in Galesburg. According to a release, the Galesburg Fire Department responded to a fire in the 800 block of S. Chambers St. May 25 at 6:12 p.m. All three stations and the 11 personnel on duty responded. Crews encountered a story-and-a-half residential structure with smoke coming from the windows and rear of the house. The Brooks St. fire crew entered the structure with an attack hose line to extinguish the fire. The Central Fire crew established the water supply and performed a primary search of the structure. The Fremont Fire crew performed a secondary search and overhaul of the structure. Off-duty personnel provided emergency coverage to the city. Galesburg Police Department Investigators and the Office of the State Fire Marshal assisted Galesburg Fire Department Fire Investigators. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The woman accused of killing her ex-boyfriend and burying his body in a shallow grave will stay behind bars. A judge denied Caylen Dellers bond on Tuesday. She faces first-degree murder charges and possibly the death penalty in connection with the murder of Putnam County man Chad Mullen. Action News Jax told you late last year when Mullens body was found in Hastings in St. Johns County. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] This was after Mullen had been missing for nearly two months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deller is accused of Mullens murder and Tina Lee Ellis is accused of helping bury Mullens body. Both women were arrested in November. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 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. (PUEBLO, Colo.) The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation after a body was found in a burning car south of Pueblo overnight on Monday, May 26. According to CBI, on Monday, just after 1 a.m., a passerby alerted 911 to a car fully engulfed in flames on the west side of the frontage road parallel to I-25 between South Gate and Stem Beach. The Pueblo Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. Upon further inspection, firefighters found a body inside the vehicle. Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control responded to assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBI was called in to process the scene and has taken the lead in the investigation. The Pueblo County Coroner to determine the cause and manner of death, along with identification of the victim. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A man was arrested at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing on Monday after he was allegedly found to have an active arrest warrant out of New Jersey for negligent manslaughter, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Officials said Malakai McRay, 22, of New Jersey, is accused of negligent manslaughter with a weapon out of Essex County. McRay was attempting to enter the country on a commercial bus when officials found him in the National Crime Information Center, CBP said. A secondary inspection confirmed his identity and the warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McRay was turned over to New York State Police and is currently being held at the Niagara County Sheriffs Office awaiting extradition back to New Jersey. 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. Victoria drivers have racked up $3.3 million in fines for not wearing their seatbelts, while the state has also been deemed the worst offender for phone use. Drivers in Victoria has racked up $3.3 million in fines for not wearing their seatbelts, while the state's motorists have also been deemed the worst offenders for using phones behind the wheel. Source: Getty/SAPOL Drivers in one Aussie state have copped a stern warning after racking up a whopping $3.3 million in fines in a span of just months. Alarming new data reveals that more than 8,500 Victorians were caught not wearing a seatbelt from July 1 to September 30, with the deadly mistake costing each rule-breaking motorist $395 and three demerit points. Failing to buckle up is not only an expensive lesson, but could cost someone their life, RACV Head of Policy James Williams reminded drivers on Tuesday. So far this year 118 drivers have died on roads across the state a more than 8 per cent increase. Seatbelts save lives. Choosing not to wear one puts you, your passengers, and other road users at risk, Williams said. Crashes can happen anytime, anywhere and the consequences of not being restrained can be fatal. Concerningly, that is not the only lapse in judgement Victorians are making while behind the wheel, with additional eye-opening data naming and shaming the Aussie cities and states where drivers are most likely to be busted reaching for their phone. How to properly wear a seatbelt. Source: The NRMA Worst states and cities for phone use while driving revealed Victoria and Western Australia rank among the worst states for phone use while driving, with motorists reaching for their mobiles once every six trips on average, car insurance company ROLLiN revealed after analysing over 18 million kilometres of driving data from its Safe n Save app. ADVERTISEMENT On the other hand, South Australian drivers are the most well-behaved. Drivers in Adelaide tend to use their phones less while driving, which may be for a range of reasons, including less congested or more predictable traffic, which could make it easier to stay focused and to keep their hands on the wheel and not on their phones, Brendan Griffiths, ROLLiNs executive manager, told Yahoo News. Surprisingly, despite having the toughest penalty in the country for mobile phone use a $1,209 fine and four demerit points Queensland ranked joint second alongside those living in NSW and the ACT. Victoria and WA have ranked among the worst states for phone use while driving. Source: AAP The penalty in the Sunshine State far exceeds any other, with NSW drivers made to pay $410, while in Victoria it's $593 if youre caught using a mobile phone while driving. In SA, motorists face a $556 fine and three demerit points. In terms of cities, drivers in Cairns and the NSW Central Coast are the worst offenders for phone use. Queenslands Sunshine Coast takes the third spot, followed by Geelong and Melbourne. Wollongong residents are the least likely to use their mobiles. ADVERTISEMENT Griffiths told Yahoo that while more than 50 per cent of the companys customers are achieving a safe driving score, there is still room for improvement. Unfortunately, the unsafe driver behaviour we consistently detect through our Safe n Save app is phone use, which ultimately results in distracted driving and the risk of an accident, he said. People might think its okay to use their phone on quiet roads or during longer drives without realising how risky it is or how far theyre travelling while they are distracted. Griffiths added that the new data isnt just numbers, it shows real driver behaviours that impact safety, including speed and breaking harshly. Seeing these patterns can be a real eye-opener and help to motivate drivers to improve their driving behaviours. By sharing these insights clearly, were trying to help make the roads safer for all Australians. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. (KRON) A convicted Alameda County rapist is suspected of killing his cellmate in Mule Creek State Prison, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials said. The rapist, 54-year-old Jesse A. Ferdin, was moved to a restrictive housing unit pending the homicide investigation. Longeno Jones, 51, was found unresponsive on May 21 inside a cell he shared with Ferdin, according to CDCR. Jones was transported to the prisons triage area, where he was pronounced deceased by paramedics an hour later. Jesse A. Ferdin, left, and Longeno Jones, right, are seen in mugshots released by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Ferdin was convicted in Alameda County in 2018 of rape with force and violence. He was sentenced in 2019 to serve 12 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones was convicted in Los Angeles County in 2007 of first-degree burglary as a third strike offender. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole. Infant dies at Monterey County daycare, 2 women arrested Mule Creek State Prison houses more than 3,800 inmates in Amador County. The homicide is under investigation by MCSP Investigative Services Unit. An Amador County coroner will determine Jones official cause of death. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. AUGUSTA, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) A center stone meant for honor and remembrance was shattered after severe winds knocked it down. Augusta Veterans Park held a rededication ceremony for the new stone. Commander of the American Legion Post 291, Eric Ries, said, during the dedication, We were able to be here today to re-dedicate the center stone and this park in the memory of all veterans. Both past, present and future. The stone is meant to remind the community that nothing will get in the way of honoring those who fought for freedom. Ries explained, It was quite a loss having it damaged, and it was several thousand dollars to get a new one to replace it. So, we got it turned around in a year for the re-dedication today. I know that meant a lot to the community. Officials say we remember, respect and thank those who fought in every battle America was a part of. The names of veterans honored on the center stone were also read out loud. Retired US Army Sergeant 1st Class, Jonathan Elliott, explained, Not all of them are recognized. The American veterans, regardless of whether they were seen doing what they did, some veterans will never get the recognition. Some veterans will never be known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether we know their name or not, each veteran is proof that our nations flag was worth their sacrifice. Augusta resident Carol Peuse said, It flies with the breath of each American who died protecting it. They may be gone, but they are never forgotten. Elliott added, Im still fortunate enough to be standing here, but the people that didnt get to come home is the reason we do this. Riess concluded, I think its a part of our history. We were founded by people that were willing to stand up for our rights, and I think thats what veterans still do today. Those who attended urge everyone to understand Memorial Days deeper meaning. Elliott said, Its a quiet moment to reflect and remember the blessings that we have here in America, and the people that have sacrificed to get them there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) - U.S. private equity firm Cerberus has shown interest in acquiring the lease for Darwin Port, a senior executive of the port's Chinese operator said on Tuesday, amid a push by the Australian government for the port to be returned to domestic ownership. Terry O'Connor, Australia non-executive director of Chinese company Landbridge, which operates Darwin Port, told Reuters that a Cerberus executive met with the port's Chief Executive Peter Dummett a fortnight ago and expressed interest, but had not yet spoken with Landbridge's board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cerberus did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Landbridge has previously said the port is not for sale, and that it had not discussed the matter with the Australian government. China's ambassador to Canberra criticised on Sunday Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's election pledge last month to return the strategically located northern port to local ownership. The Northern Territory government sold the port's 99-year lease to Landbridge for $506 million in 2015, a move criticised by the U.S. president at the time, Barack Obama. Around 2,000 U.S. Marines conduct exercises for six months of the year in the northern city of Darwin, where the U.S. and Australia are expanding air bases to host U.S. bombers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Australian newspaper first reported on Tuesday that Cerberus Capital Management, founded by billionaire investor Stephen Feinberg who was appointed U.S. deputy secretary of defence in March, was preparing a formal proposal to buy the port. "The Chinese enterprise concerned obtained the lease of Darwin Port through the market, and their legitimate rights and interests should be fully protected," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday at a regular press conference, replying to a question about Darwin Port. The Australian federal government is running a separate process to identify potential Australian buyers and investors for the port. "There have been numerous meetings with potential proponents for the Port of Darwin," said federal lawmaker Luke Gosling, the special envoy for defence and Northern Australia, in a statement to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll work through that process methodically," he added. The Northern Territory's treasurer Bill Yan told parliament last week the port must be ready for "heavier defence logistics, the surge in critical mineral exports and the growing LNG cargoes", and operate in "Australian interests". Yan's office did not respond to a request for comment. Australian Strategic Policy Institute director of national security programs, John Coyne, said Landbridge deciding to sell the port for profit would be an easier pathway for the Albanese government than if it were required to intervene to break the lease on national security grounds, which would draw a backlash from China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Beijing would not be happy with a divestment of an asset like this," he said, adding China could discourage other foreign investment in Australia. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Additional reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) ELKHART A Memorial Day ceremony at Rice Cemetery on Monday honored the lives of military members who made the ultimate sacrifice. The freedoms that we currently enjoy sometimes are forgotten, Mayor Rod Roberson said. Sometimes they are treated as insignificant, but it isnt. Roberson noted the importance of the holiday to honor the service members who have come before. The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day is that Veterans Day celebrates all veterans, Roberson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Councilman Aaron Mishler said the day is significant for him and many Americans. His father, who died in 2016, was a Vietnam War veteran and part of him never left the war, Mishler said. Mishlers middle name comes from his fathers best friend who died in Vietnam. The sacrifices of our veterans is something that carries on with me for my entire life, Mishler said. Memorial Day is a special and sacred holiday. Mishler previously served as a medic in the Indiana Army National Guard and a nurse in the Army reserves. City Councilman Dwight Fish said he has seen the Memorial Day ceremony now from different perspectives as a council member and as the husband of a 28-year Army veteran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has seen a lot in her career, Fish said of his wife. But a lot of our friends are not around anymore. Our parents, some of her fellow soldiers, are down range, and they are no longer with us because of war and the elements around war, and now we have to honor their memory and the service that they gave us. The mayor also noted the absence of former Mayor Dick Moore, who served in the Navy. Moore died just a few weeks ago. A parade was scheduled to followed the ceremony. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 88 also planned a late morning ceremony at Prairie Street Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the post. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A man was airlifted after falling from a bucket truck in Champaign County on Sunday. The man was cutting down branches in the 1900 block of Yocum Road at approximately 10:50 a.m. His father called 911 after he fell from the bucket, about 20-feet to the ground. His chainsaw fell with him, but thankfully, it didnt cut him. Medics took the man from the scene via CareFlight to a nearby hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the man, as of Tuesday, is alive and is stable. He is in the surgical unit. 2 NEWS will update this article when more information is available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. ALBANY The State University of New York is planning for the next academic year, and Chancellor John B. King Jr. said that the system is ready to realize another year of growth, development and scholarship despite what he described as a hostile environment for academic freedom and the principles that undergird the SUNY system. In his annual State of the University address in Albany on Wednesday, King said the university system is building on four pillars research, student success, economic development and diversity. King said that despite federal attacks on the premise of diversity, equity and inclusion, SUNY is doubling down on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEI is not only one of our pillars, its in our DNA, King said from a podium in The Egg, a theater complex attached to the state Capitol. Our enabling statute, written more than 75 years ago, promises that SUNY will provide to the people of New York educational services of the highest quality, with the broadest possible access, fully representative of all segments of the population. King said DEI is a foundational principle, guiding SUNY college curriculums, campus codes of conduct and commitments to protecting disabled and disadvantaged communities. DEI means continuing to make absolutely clear that there is no place for antisemitism on campuses, just as there is no place for racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia or any other form of hatred or bigotry, he said. To combat racial, religious or other bigotry, King said SUNY will start requiring all students who run clubs on campuses to undertake federal Title VI civil rights training next semester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King said SUNY will also push back on the federal push to defund research on college and university campuses which he said has put SUNY-led research on Alzheimers disease, cancer detection, the health effects of the 9/11 attacks and more at risk. Were making steady progress toward Gov. Hochuls goal to double SUNY research, with $1.2 billion in SUNY-wide sponsored research expenditures across the system, King said. And he noted that SUNY is leading a novel approach to artificial generative intelligence research, continuing to implement a multi-billion dollar Empire AI project that will connect the SUNY University at Buffalo with the other colleges, universities and research organizations for a publicly-led AI research and development program. Empire AI is making it possible for SUNY researchers to help us better understand everything from antisemitism on social media to climate change, King said. Binghamton University associate professor Jeremy Blackburns work with AI aims to, in his words, understand jerks on the internet. His research uses AI applications that comb massive troves of social media data to help us understand how social media is used to spread extremist ideologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King proudly noted that SUNY has reversed the decade-plus-long trend of dropping enrollment across its 64 campuses, a trend that has left a handful of campuses with structural deficits and has required them to make difficult downsizing plans, including at SUNY Potsdam. King noted that for the last two years, SUNY has grown enrollment in every corner of its offerings, adding students in doctoral programs, associate degree programs and every level in between. The system has not yet returned to its peak enrollment headcount from 2008, when it served 471,184 students. Total enrollment for fall 2024, the latest semester with available data, shows the system served 376,534 students. And SUNY is on track to add many more students to its community colleges next year, as the state opens up the SUNY Reconnect program meant to offer free associate degrees to full-time students ages 25 to 55, seeking a degree in an in-demand field. King said SUNY is also expanding its Ten Percent Promise, which guarantees that 10% of select high school seniors will have guaranteed admission to the competitive SUNY universities with lower acceptance rates. The system is also expanding its ASAP and ACE programs, which connect students at risk of dropping out of college with academic, financial and personal support systems. SUNY is also rolling out a pilot program to offer evening and weekend child care on community college campuses for students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, King outlined a positive view of the future of the SUNY system, keeping with the policies and priorities the system has held for decades. I leave here filled with optimism thats grounded in our progress, our results and our strength that not only can we meet this moment, we already are, King said. Charges: 92 goats suffered torturous deaths under care of Minnesota man originally appeared on Bring Me The News. A 42-year-old Grand Rapids man has been charged with 14 counts of felony animal torture and numerous other charges for mistreating goats and dumping their carcasses. Charges filed in Itasca County District Court on May 16 accuse Jacob J. Langeslag of the crimes at a home in rural Bovey, Minnesota. That's where an estimated 92 goats died under his care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, the property on the 2400 block of Maple Drive West isn't owned by Langeslag but he had been living on it. The owner's daughter reported to police on Feb. 24 that Langeslag had left the residence and she had found at least 12 goats dead in a pen, and a further 20-30 that were still alive. The owner later spoke to to a deputy and said there were 15 dead goats in the pen and "a pile of dead goats" approximately five feet tall in another location on the property. "He stated that Langeslag has piled the dead goats up with his skid-loader and that the skid-loader has not run in over a month," the criminal complaint states. Langeslag alleged that an illness prevented him from taking care of the goats, though authorities found a Snapchat video showing Langeslag "out at Zorbaz in Grand Rapids" on Feb. 22, around the time he claimed to be "too sick to care for his goats," the complaint says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow-up investigation revealed that there were multiple piles of dead goats dotted around the land, and that Langeslag only watered the animals by "leading [them] down to a pond and cutting holes in the ice to let them drink the swamp water." Authorities determined that Langeslag had brought 140 goats to the property and that 92 of them had died. The goats likely died from water deprivation and malnutrition, according to a veterinarian who assisted in the investigation. "On the property, three piles of dead goats were located along with numerous other goat carcasses located to the south of the residence that appeared to have been in place for quite some time, as the goat carcasses were cleaned down to the bones," the complaint says. Furthermore, multiple goat legs were found "hanging over the edge of the roof" of the "fish house style trailer" Langeslag was supposed to be staying in, which "seemed to be ripped off the dead goats." How they were ripped off the goats and placed on top of the trailer is unknown. Stock image of goats.Unsplash This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on May 27, 2025, where it first appeared. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) The owners of a North Charleston laundromat considered a welcoming space for the local community recently guest starred on The Kelly Clarkson Show and received a big surprise during the appearance. Erin and John Carpenter were invited to be guests after a show producer discovered Erins social media and saw the work they were doing at Reynolds Laundry on Reynolds Avenue. The producer asked the Carpenters to send in a short selfie video talking about their business and themselves. Initially, Erin tried to put the video off because she was nervous about appearing on a national talk show, but the show wanted them there and continued to check-in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With some encouragement from John, Erin went ahead and made the video. Things happened quickly from there, with the couple and Reynolds Laundry manager, Steve Palmer, being flown out to New York for the live show within the next two weeks. The night before Apr. 23, when the couple would appear on the show, producers gave them an outline of what Clarkson might ask, helping the couple prepare. The next day, Erin and John walked onto the stage and met Clarkson for the first time. It was very surreal because I was so nervous. It was just adrenaline, pure adrenaline, Erin explained. She hugged me right away. She was so disarming, so kind, so nice. It was very comfortable talking to her. It wasnt scary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple didnt face the national stage alone, however, as Erins family flew out to support her by sitting in the live audience. They were like the first people I saw; it actually calmed me down, so it was less daunting than I thought, Erin said. During the interview, the Carpenters told their story of transforming a rundown laundromat and giving it a new life. The facility, renamed Reynolds Laundry, started as a place where locals could gather to do their laundry at an affordable price. Reynolds is known for hosting monthly free laundry days. On these days, they partner with local organization Kindness Army and offer food, music, and, most importantly, free laundry service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arm and Hammer caught wind of the free laundry days at Reynolds and towards the end of the interview Clarkson surprised the couple with a $10,000 donation from the company in addition to a lifetime supply of Arm and Hammer Deep Clean detergent. I had no idea at all. They fully surprised us, Erin said about the donation. With that donation, Reynolds can now guarantee a free laundry day to the local community on a monthly basis, but the couple still wants to partner with community organizations whenever possible and use the funds as a backup. So, how did the owners of a community laundromat end up on The Kelly Clarkson Show? It all started one day in 2022 when John was browsing BizBuySell and found a laundromat he wanted to check out. He mentioned the find to Erin, and the two went to do their laundry and view the space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was definitely in really rough shape, and I was very out of my element, thinking this is overwhelming; I dont think we have the capacity to take this on, Erin recalled. It just seemed like too much work for us. Before Before Before Before Before Before Before While the Carpenters had a history of renovating homes, a laundromat was an entirely different ballpark. Erin said she saw the place and felt overwhelmed, but John saw a challenge for the couple to take on. He convinced Erin and the couple bought the space with renovations starting in 2023. Fixing it up only took a few months and at the end of March, Reynolds Laundry was open for business. After After After After After The Carpenters were new to the area, though, and its longtime residents were hesitant to welcome newcomers at first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing this, longtime laundromat manager Steve Palmer helped the Carpenters build trust after deciding to stay on when the couple took over. I think they were scared people were scared we were turning it into something that wasnt a laundry mat because it had been around for generations. It had been around for so long, and its such a huge need in the neighborhood, Erin explained. Steve, who has worked at the laundromat for 14 years, is the face of the business. He greets customers day in and day out and manages daily operations. Steve is central to the community; everybody knows him, she added. Reynolds has come a long way since opening with its first free laundry day two years ago. The laundromat has turned into a community space where people can come for special concerts, birthday parties, dinner events, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were genuinely friends with all these people. We get to see them and get updates and give them hugs, Erin said. its made our lives so much bigger, made our world so much bigger to have all these relationships. Its made our life much deeper and richer because of it. Those free laundry days have transformed from a day for laundry into a day for fellowship, where people eat, listen to music, crack jokes over the microphone, or simply enjoy each others company. There are so many people who have been involved with this story to make it what it is, and I think thats what I want to keep reminding people, Erin added. Its been incredible and surreal and were just so thankful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. The company behind the investment wants other Aussie companies to follow its lead and invest in the country's vanishing wildlife. The hunt is on across remote parts of the NSW Shoalhaven for the elusive Kangaroo River perch. Source: Alex Pike The search is on to find a rare Australian fish that hasnt been seen since 1998. Experts are using funds from a $1.13 million investment by a NSW tourism company to search a remote part of the state where its hoped remnant populations of the Kangaroo River perch may have survived. Theres a lot of folklore around this fish that hasnt been seen in ages and is very elusive So the hunt is on to make sure its still around, Peter Chapman told Yahoo News. The company he works for, Reflections Holidays, is funding work by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPIRD) to search over 100km of the Shoalhaven River in the state's south. Funds are also being used to prevent the extinction of other native freshwater fish, 47 per cent of which are listed as threatened. Race to prove 40-year-old theory about Macquarie perch Whether the Kangaroo River perch is a distinct species remains unclear. It's currently classified as a Macquarie perch, but since 1986, researchers have suspected it's unique. ADVERTISEMENT Throughout May this year, DPIRD senior fisheries manager Luke Pearce has been searching a hard to access stretch of the Shoalhaven River, above the Tallowa Dam, for evidence that the Kangaroo River perch survives. It's a really remote, inaccessible part of the world to get to. It's a really steep canyon country, so the only ways to get in are by kayak, hiking, or flying in a helicopter, Pearce said. Very little is known about the Kangaroo River perch (pictured) and researchers are using eDNA to scan for its presence. Source: Alex Pike/Chris Pitman Pearce's team surveyed the river using eDNA testing, a process that can pinpoint the presence of animals and plants in water by detecting tiny traces of genetic material. Their work has yet to reveal the Kangaroo River perch's presence, but if a population can be found, it will be protected and used to breed up numbers again. There are two other distinct populations of Macquarie Perch, which are located around the Murray-Darling Basin and the Hawkesbury River/Blue Mountains. In the 1920s, numbers were so high, rivers ran black with them, but today the fish is extremely rare, and last year, authorities warned the species could be extinct in five years. Fishing for them is now illegal in both NSW and Victoria. ADVERTISEMENT Macquarie perch is listed as endangered, but if it's found to be three species, the conservation status of each would need to be reassessed. A ban on catching Macquarie perch is designed to ensure the species does not become extinct. Source: VFA Why have the Kangaroo River perch disappeared? DPIRD is unsure why the Kanagroo River perch vanished, and historically, there has been very little research into the species. Theres only a handful of records of the fish occurring and just six specimens in the museum, so we know very little about it, Pearce said. We dont know what the causes were for the decline, but there are a few theories going around. Theyre generally linked to pathogens or diseases being brought in with fish being introduced into the catchment, but theyre all circumstantial, we dont have evidence. Declines of perch in the Murray-Darling Basin have been clearly linked to humans modifying the river system with dams and invasive fish which outcompete native species and spread disease. The population in the Blue Mountains was once thought to be largely secure because it's located in a national park, but it was significantly affected by the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires. ADVERTISEMENT By sorting out these taxonomic uncertainties, well be able to have a more targeted approach to each populations management and recovery, Pearce said. And without the donation from Reflections holiday parks this research wouldnt be occurring. Should Aussie companies be doing more to help the environment? Reflections Holidays hopes its donation will inspire other Australian companies to invest in the environment. I think all companies should be doing this. Not necessarily native fish, thats our thing. But really it's the role of all of us to protect the environment, Chapman said. He explained there was money already available to study more photogenic and cuddly species like koalas, but not for fish. There's a whole heap of environmental issues that go unspoken and untalked about, largely because theyre under the surface of the water, he said. ADVERTISEMENT We see ourselves as in a key place to raise awareness, educate, and put money behind sorting out issues related to waterways. As soon as we found out some native fish species were in such bad shape, we were keen to work out how we could get behind them. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Ahead of a busy summer travel season, airport workers at Charlotte Douglas are calling for higher wages. Workers took part in a letter-writing campaign Tuesday, writing hundreds of postcards that they plan to hand to the Charlotte City Council budget meeting at 5 p.m. The cards featured testimonies from workers who are currently homeless, cant afford groceries and are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recent survey by the Service Employees International Union found that 40 percent of the airports employees cant afford housing, saying some are living in hotels, shelters and cars. They are asking the council to help them by offering a livable wage, improving benefits and better training to help address increasing turnover. QCNEWS.COM CHARLOTTE 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 Queen City News. Now that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings has shared his plans to retire by 2026, city leaders will begin a nation-wide search for his successor, a city announcement said. Jennings, who joined the department in 1992 and was promoted to chief in 2020, went public with his decision Sunday the same day he released details of the $305,000 closed-session settlement he made with the city earlier in May. The deal reportedly stopped a lawsuit over comments made by former City Council member Tariq Bokhari, who pushed Jennings to get new bulletproof vests for police officers, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Jennings announced his retirement plans, two of the citys top leaders thanked him for his commitment to the city. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles praised Jennings as a transformative leader for CMPD and a true champion for Charlotte, her statement read. His dedication to public safety and his innovative approaches to policing have made our city safer and stronger, Lyles said. We are immensely grateful for his 33 years of service and his commitment to leading the department through the end of the year. CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings carries the Wells Fargo Championship trophy from the departments helicopter at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, May 12, 2024. CMPD Chief Jennings carried the trophy to the 18th green during a ceremony honoring the four law enforcement officers who died on Monday, April 29, 2024. Golfer Rory McIlroy won the championship at -17. Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones also thanked Jennings. He said Jennings leadership has been instrumental in advancing public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we begin the search for our next chief, we are committed to finding a leader who will continue to build upon Chief Jennings legacy and uphold our citys commitment to safety and justice for all, said Jones in a statement. Jennings separation agreement awards the chief the following: $14,016.70 in retroactive pay $45,698.56 retention bonus $45,284.70 for 40 days of vacation $175,000 in severance pay 25,000 for costs incurred related to the Dispute. Jennings annual salary was about $280,300. Last week, State Auditor Dave Boliek said his office planned to investigate the citys settlement with Jennings. At the time, city officials refused to share details of the agreement, saying details of the agreement were not public record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if the payment was worth one penny, it should be disclosed to the public in a timely and transparent matter, wrote Boliek in a letter to Lyles. Details of the separation agreement were first reported by The Charlotte Optimist and The Assembly. The boat where a mass shooting took place at Little River marina was sailing from North Carolina, a local businessman said. Harold Wiegel, the CFO of Myrtle Beach Watersports, said the incident happened on a Hurricane boat that originated its journey in Calabash, North Carolina. The owner of Hurricane Fleet, which owns the boat, did not respond to a request to comment on Monday. At about 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, there was a mass shooting at a marina near Watson Avenue where dolphin tour boats, jet skis and other water rentals are based, The Sun News reported. Wiegel said he got a call from his son, who lives nearby, about a shooting late Sunday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wiegels son told him that as people were in the process of disembarking the Hurricane boat, someone began shooting. Eleven people were injured, 10 with gunshot wounds and one with another injury, Horry County Police wrote in a social media post on Monday. Harold Wiegel, the CFO for Myrtle Beach Adventures, said the May 25 shooting at a Little River dock happened as passengers were exiting a boat from North Carolina. May 26, 2025. It is normal for the Hurricane to dock at the Little River marina as the owners have boats located there, Wiegel said. Sometimes (Hurricane Fleet will) move the boats back and forth depending on what they have going on, Wiegel said. Theyll move the boats, theyll move the people to where the space is available. Its unclear what led up to the shooting. As of Monday morning, there had been no arrests nor had police detained suspects, Horry County Police wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors estimated a minimum of 50 police cars responded to the shooting on Sunday night. Wiegel said the dolphin tour parking lot was full of emergency services. The dock was closed through the night but opened Monday morning. Wiegel had not noticed an impact on business, with people still coming to rent jet skis and go on dolphin cruises. Multiple neighbors and Wiegel said the neighborhood around Watson Avenue is quiet. Little River is kind of a quiet fishing village, Wiegel said. Weve never had an incident like this. It was quite a surprise that something like this would happen. But maybe its just a sign of the times. Elizabeth Fox-Doerr was sentenced last year to 90 years in prison Robert Doerr, a 28-year veteran at the Evansville Fire Department, was shot in his driveway after returning home from work Elizabeth Fox-Doerr's lover, Larry Ali Richmond Sr., is separately charged with murder, and is awaiting trial A woman serving prison time in Indiana for plotting her husbands murder allegedly with a convicted killer with whom she was having an affair has been denied an appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The local Evansville Courier & Press newspaper reported that Elizabeth Fox-Doerr had her conspiracy to commit murder charge upheld earlier this month by the Indiana Court of Appeals. According to the outlet, Fox-Doerrs defense attorneys had argued for her release based on the fact police never found evidence of a written or verbal agreement between her and her lover Larry Ali Richmond Sr., who is accused of shooting and killing her husband Robert F. Doerr II in 2019. Robert was a 28-year veteran with the Evansville Fire Department and had just gotten home from a 12-hour extra shift when Richmond Sr. allegedly approached him in the Doerrs driveway and allegedly fatally shot him, authorities said, PEOPLE previously reported. Evansville Police Dept. Elizabeth Fox-Doerr, Larry Richmond, Sr. Police alleged at the time they connected Richmond Sr. to the murder case early on after his son told investigators his father had bragged about the murder. Richmond Sr. had been released from prison the year prior after serving 22 years for a separate murder, PEOPLE reported. Investigators began to look into Fox-Doerrs involvement in her husbands death after discovering she had deleted an outgoing call to Richmond Sr. minutes before calling 911 to report finding her husband had been shot three times in the couples driveway. 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. She was sentenced to 90 years in prison last year for her role in the conspiracy to murder Robert, according to local WEVV, WFIE, and the Courier & Press. The decision earlier this month to uphold the conviction was unanimous among a three-judge panel, according to the newspaper, which reported that Fox-Doerrs defense attorneys argued the only evidence tying her to Richmond Sr. was the erased phone call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The evidence supports the inference that Richmond and Fox-Doerr had conspired to kill Robert (Doerr)," Judge Cale J. Bradford wrote about the panels decision. "In challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, Fox-Doerr effectively requests this court to reweigh the evidence, which we will not do." Afterwards, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers celebrated the upheld conviction, according to the Courier & Press. "We are very happy in the court's swift ruling, Moers said, adding, This decision means that the family and friends of Robert Doerr can rest easy that justice was served. Richmond Sr. is scheduled to go on trial in December, according to the Courier & Press. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Read the original article on People A casual stop at a local fast food restaurant resulted in a full blown police investigation after one customer ended up dead allegedly at the hands of an employee. Now, the fast food worker in Florida is facing serious charges. It all began on Wednesday (May 21) when a customer identified as Wesley Robertson placed an order at a local Checkers in Kissimmee, Fla. Robertson wasnt satisfied with his food, so he began complaining to a female drive thru worker, according to PEOPLE. Robertson even asked to speak with a manager several times. An eye witness told police eventually, a male employee, who was identified as Elijah Travis Mackey, 23, came around to the side of the restaurant and started arguing with Robertson. Now with the two men engaged in an argument, things quickly escalated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apparently, the entire altercation stemmed from Robertson possibly asking for mayonnaise packets, according to eye witness accounts. Bystanders told police they heard Robertson call Mackey either a b***h or p***y. They also claimed once outside, Mackey told Robertson, Oh, I am p***y before pulling out a handgun from his waistband. Authorities say the employee then shot Robertson in the chest. Security footage from the Checkers restaurant shows Mackey climbing out of the drive-thru window before approaching the victim standing in front of the store, according to ABC 13. Footage also shows Robertson falling to the ground after being shot. Robertson was rushed to a local hospital before dying from his injuries, according to police. Mackey fled the scene but was found hiding under a stairwell at a nearby hotel. During his arrest, the 23-year-old allegedly asked officers, Is dude okay? several times, according to the affidavit. Mackey was arrested and charged with first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm, according to ABC 13. A judge denied him bond on Friday (May 23). In response to the incident, a Checkers spokesperson said, The actions of this one employee do not reflect the values of the thousands of our hardworking employees across the country. We are working closely with the police in their investigation, and we are sending our thoughts and prayers to the guests family. The Checkers location opened back up for business on Friday. Mackey remains in custody at the Osceola County Jail, according to WESH. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM) People in Chemung County should keep their eyes out for some shiny, new, green buses this week. Announced in a release from the Chemung County Executives Office, Chris Moss asks Courtney Dunn, Chemung Countys Transit Manager questions about Chemung Countys new transit buses in a special sneak peek video. Dunn explained the bus being shown in the video is one of five brand new buses that were ordered by the county, and each cost about $530,000, she further stated, only three of the five have come in so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expenses are 80% federally funded and the other 20% split, with 10% coming from the county and the remaining 10% from New York State, Dunn said. Potential expansion to include semi-truck parking coming to gas station in Elmira The outside of the new buses is a lighter shade of green with a white swirl design on the side, Dunn said its a total rebrand of the old buses. We did a marketing, rebranding, it started last year with Idea Kraft out of Binghamton, so its just something fresh and new, showing people that were on the map, because we are, Dunn explained. So youll see the little map, like the location dot on the side of the bus, its just showing that were out here and well get you where you need to go, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A couple of the buses are slated to hit the streets the week of Monday, May 26, Dunn exclaimed. The routes of the new buses arent solidified, but Dunn said the plan is to spread the new buses throughout the county, with each switching routes. To check out the video of the new bus, Moss explained, people can visit https://chemungcountyny.gov/NewBuses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. The Cherokee County Sheriffs Office has announced that a missing 14-year-old boy who ran away on Monday is back home safe. Garrett Byrum, 14, ran away Monday from Cherecobb Lane in Woodstock. Deputies thought he was possibly headed to Montgomery, Alabama, or to the Pinhoti National Trail in Fannin County. They did not say where he was found. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CHICAGO (WGN) As summer approaches, city leaders are hard at work on a safety plan for potential teen street takeovers. A vote to give police the power to quickly enact a curfew is expected next month. On Memorial Day, Chicagos Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood attended a service in Grant Park, but his mind was on planned teen takeovers. A lot of this comes with conversations with the folks who are posting these teen trends and trying to get ahead of that, and then making sure that we have adequate resources in place ahead of the time that theyre scheduled to be there, so that we can welcome them with open arms, Gatewood said. So one, to make sure they understand they are welcome, but two, to also understand that we want everybody to be safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago police warn Chicago Public Schools parents ahead of potential teen takeover at city beach The spontaneous large-scale gatherings are growing in number and are not always safe. According to Gatewood, his office is aware of at least five teen takeovers over the last week. When you see theres a posting that there will be a takeover, a gathering, what happens then? WGN-TV Political Reporter Tahman Bradley asked. So we reach out to the poster if we have that contact information. Well reach out to that poster to get a sense of whats happening there. If we know what school theyre in, well reach out to the schools. As you may have seen, Chicago Public Schools and the police department and also parks have been sending out letters when we know trends are happening to let parents know, to let families know. Again, we want you to have fun, but we want you to be safe, Gatewood answered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gatewood added when CPDs Chief of Patrol gets word of a takeover, he repositions police while city agencies deploy community groups to the scene, but members of City Council are pushing for CPD to have more power. They want the superintendent, working in concert with Gatewood, to be able to declare a snap curfew. Last week, allies of Mayor Brandon Johnson delayed a vote on the plan for reasons unknown. Gatewood was asked if he wants CPD Supt. Larry Snelling to have the power to declare a curfew, to which he said, Well, what I want is for citizens to be safe. I want young folks to be safe. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those out of control scenes like what we saw in Streeterville, can you guarantee thats not going to happen again? Bradley asked. Well, no. I cant guarantee anything like that, Tahman, but what I can guarantee you is that were going to work together, Gatewood replied. Gatewood believes they cant stop young people from congregating, but the right mix of police and community ambassadors can keep large gatherings 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 WGN-TV. CHICAGO The Chicago Police Department is searching for a missing 15-year-old boy who was last seen over three weeks ago. Marvin Sanchez, 15, is described as 59 and 150 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He is missing from the New City community and was last seen on May 4, 2025. It is unknown what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance. Anyone with information on Marvins whereabouts is asked to contact Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or 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 WGN-TV. CCTV: Yesterday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing had a group meeting with African diplomatic envoys in China to jointly commemorate Africa Day. Ambassadors from African countries noted China always stands with Africa, and they expressed hope for China-Africa solidarity and common prosperity. How does China view the current China-Africa relations? Whats Chinas expectation for China-Africa cooperation? Mao Ning: To jointly celebrate Africa Day is an annual tradition between China and Africa. This years theme is China-Africa Solidarity for a Better Future. Yesterday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a group meeting with diplomatic envoys from over 50 African countries and representatives of the African Union in China. Foreign Minister Wang stressed that enhancing solidarity and cooperation with Africa will remain a priority in Chinas diplomacy. China will continue to support African countriesand vice versaon issues concerning each others core interests and major concerns, do more to deliver tangible benefits for African people, and be Africas most sincere friend and reliable partner. This year marks the 25th anniversary of FOCAC. The relationship between China and Africa has experienced leapfrog development and is at its best in history. At the FOCAC Beijing summit last September, President Xi Jinping made six propositions on modernization and proposed ten partnership actions that China and Africa can pursue together. This has laid out a new blueprint and injected fresh impetus into the high-quality cooperation between the two sides. In about two weeks, the ministerial coordinators meeting on the implementation of FOCAC outcomes will be held in Changsha, Hunan. We hope that this meeting will further boost our effort to implement the common understandings reached by the leaders of both sides and accelerate modernization in both China and Africa. Bloomberg: Regarding the Port of Darwin, an American private equity firm is preparing a bid for the strategically important Port of Darwin in Australia, which is currently owned by the Chinese firm Landbridge Group. This is according to the Australian newspaper. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this new development regarding the Port of Darwin? Mao Ning: The Chinese company got the lease of Port Darwin through market means. The companys lawful rights and interests should be fully protected. China Daily: The 20th Western China International Fair is being held in Chengdu. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 20th Western China International Fair. The theme of the Fair is Deepen Reform for More Momentum, Expand Openness for Greater Growth, attracting the participation of over 3,000 companies from over 60 countries and regions. Guests from abroad said it is hoped that the Western China International Fair can be the channel for enhancing communication and cooperation with China and other countries and regions, so as to achieve win-win cooperation. Whats Chinas take on the role of the Fair in Chinas opening up? Mao Ning: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Western China International Fair and also the 25th anniversary of Chinas implementation of the strategy for large-scale development of Chinas western regions. Over the past 25 years, especially in the new era, China has opened its door wider to the world, and the western regions have turned from the fullback to the forward of opening up, continuously bursting forth with new vitality in technological innovation and fully demonstrating new prospects in green development. In this process, the WCIF has played a significant role as a vital window in promoting trade, investment, and opening up in China's western regions, becoming a shining brand showcasing the development of western China to the world. Just as President Xi pointed out in his letter, unity fosters shared success and cooperation drives common progress. We are willing to take the fair as an opportunity to further enhance understanding, strengthen friendship, and deepen cooperation with friends from all countries, and work together to uphold the multilateral trading system and ensure stable, unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, injecting new impetus into the prosperity and development of the world economy. Reuters: The Ukrainian foreign intelligence chief said they have confirmed information that China is supplying a range of important products to 20 Russian military plants. The supplies include special chemical products, gunpowder and components specifically to defense manufacturing industries. Is this accurate? How does the Ministry comment on this? Mao Ning: Chinas position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. Weve been committed to bringing about a ceasefire and promoting talks for peace. China has never provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict, and strictly controls dual-use items. Ukraine understands that well. China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation. Kyodo News: Yesterday, the Japan Coast Guard confirmed a Chinese maritime research ship appeared in Japans exclusive economic zone around Okinotorishima. The Japanese side told it to stop its activities. Whats Chinas comment? Whats the purpose of this vessel sailing in the waters? Mao Ning: According to UNCLOS, Okinotori is a reef, not an island. As such, it is not entitled to an EEZ or continental shelf. Japans claim of an EEZ around the reef violates international law. Chinas research vessel was exercising the freedom of the high seas with regard to its activities in the waters, and Japan has no right to interfere. AFP: According to a report by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, developing nations face enormous financial strain as debt payments to China reached record highs this year. The report also raised that China could seek to use developing nations debts as a geopolitical leverage. Does the Foreign Ministry wish to comment on how Chinas shift from a major lender to a major debt collector might impact its relationship with developing nations? Mao Ning: I do not know the basis of the report. But I can tell you that Chinas cooperation on investment and financing with developing countries follows international practice, market principles, and the principle of debt sustainability. A handful of countries are spreading the narrative that China is responsible for these countries debt. However, they ignore the fact that multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors from developed countries are the main creditors of developing countries and the primary source of debt repayment pressure. Lies cannot cover truth and people can tell right from wrong. The feedback window has now closed for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's controversial camping proposal. Camper and former policy analyst Tiaan Shutt told Yahoo News she was concerned authorities were being 'misleading' with its campground proposal. Source: Getty & Instagram/gone_wilding There could be a significant overhaul in the way campgrounds in the country's most populous state are managed and experienced campers are holding their collective breath, waiting for authorities to assess community feedback on proposed changes. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) has proposed increased camping fees and changes to the booking system to improve the camping experience, but one invested camper has claimed to Yahoo News some of the details presented to the public are "misleading". The proposal, which is inviting community feedback, would see all campsites categorised into a tiering system based on amenities available at each site and priced accordingly. It would also increase camp fees in relation to the consumer price index, meaning prices would rise each year. With the feedback window now closed, campers are waiting to find out what the verdict will be. Campers poke holes in proposed campground changes Tiaan Shutt, who has a professional background in Policy Analytics, is travelling full-time around the country and frequently stays overnight in NSW campgrounds. She questioned some of the details presented in the proposal, saying authorities "used data that was a little misleading". ADVERTISEMENT For example, Tiaan questioned why campers should shoulder the cost of increased visitation to national parks 50 million every year when the 1.8 million annual overnight campers only make up just over three per cent of total visitors. "If you're just an average person reading that, you're like, 'Oh, wow. That's large, that makes sense'," she said. "But of that 50 million visitations [per year to national parks], it was only just over three per cent who were actually overnight campers, which is tiny. "When you're trying to lay the claim that so many people are visiting so we've got to increase prices, but putting those price increases on the small number of campers is a bit cheeky," she said. Heatley Gilmore, a camper for over 30 years who runs a camping app that helps Aussies locate free campsites around the country, also raised his concerns to Yahoo News, questioning which partners and industry representatives the NPWS consulted with on the proposal. Michael Atkinson (left) and Heatley Gilmore (right) have both raised concerns about the NPWS proposal. Source: TikTok/outbackmike & Facebook/Camps Australia Wide NPWS defends camping proposal as review begins NPWS assured Yahoo News "all feedback will be carefully considered" now the feedback window has closed, and "consistency and equity" for campers remains at the forefront of what authorities are trying to achieve. ADVERTISEMENT "No decisions have been made on the proposal," the NPWS spokesperson said on Sunday. Yahoo News understands the 50 million visitation statistic was included for context to the public. NPWS made no comment in response to Tiaan's concern and no details were provided on who the consulting partners were. "[The NPWS proposal aims to be a] more consistent and simplified state-wide camping fee and booking system for the 365 campgrounds across NSW national parks," the spokesperson said. Will the new proposal make camping more expensive in NSW? The main concern surrounding the proposal is that campers will be forking out much more money to enjoy camping in the state, with the new tiering system meaning campers could pay nine times the nightly fee to stay at some campgrounds during peak periods. ADVERTISEMENT Australian adventurer and avid camper Michael Atkinson, also known as Outback Mike, has been vocal on this issue and accused NPSW of simply wanting to make "heaps of money". He pointed to Thredbo Diggings campground in the Snowy Mountains as an example, explaining under the new proposal the nightly fee would jump from $6 to $54 during high season. "By raising fees, they have just blocked out probably the poorest people in Australia from accessing national parks. It's the one thing they should have access to," he previously told Yahoo News. This fear was echoed by Tiaan, who said "everybody should be able to connect with country, connect with our land and nature, and increasing these costs will make it prohibitive for some people". However, the NPWS pushed back against this claim, saying the proposal will make "camping in national parks more affordable than ever before." "[The proposal] lowers camping fees outside high season to encourage visitation in non-peak periods, lowers camping fees in locations where demand is lower, removes the fees for remote and basic campsites providing genuinely free camping experiences," the spokesperson said. ADVERTISEMENT "Where there are proposed fee increases, in many cases they only reflect consumer price index adjustments since 2017 [the last time prices were changed]." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Chick-fil-A is looking to spread its wings beyond Bakersfield, the company says. Chick-fil-A told 17 News, the company is actively pursuing its first location in Delano. The company didnt provide an opening date for the restaurant, but said they are working with the city of Delano on the approval process. Philly-themed Burger Hut pulls in crowds, relatively speaking, for grand opening week Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company provided 17 News the following statement: While we are still early in the process, Chick-fil-A is happy to share that we are actively pursuing our first location in Delano, CA. We look forward to working through the approval process with the City of Delano and are excited by the prospect of joining the community. We hope to have the opportunity to serve new Guests delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality and care. Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage No possible location for the upcoming store was provided. The company says each of its locally owned and operated locations creates 80 to 120 jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A 53-year-old white man was arrested after he crashed a car into parade-goers who were celebrating Liverpool FCs Premier League title in the English citys center on Monday evening. Local cops initially described the incident with the abbreviation for road traffic collision, stopping short of saying whether they believe the crash was a deliberate attack or not. However, one witness said that the crash looked clearly deliberate. In a press conference hours after the incident, Merseyside Police confirmed that the collision would not be treated as terrorism and is so far instead believed to be an isolated incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extensive enquires are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said. I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight. What I can tell you is we believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it, she continued. The incident is not being treated as terrorism. A Liverpool fan is supported by first responders after a car rammed into parade-goers on Monday. / Lee Smith / Action Images via Reuters Authorities further noted that 27 people were injured and had been taken to a hospital, four of which were children. They added that two individuals, including one child, had sustained serious injuries. Footage taken from a window overlooking the parade showed the vehicle accelerating after it rammed into Liverpool supporters. Some of those struck were left lying in the street, clearly injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Images captured a victim being taken away on a stretcher, and another man was seen walking with the help of first responders. The Guardian reported that the crash happened soon after local authorities reopened roads for traffic at the parades conclusion. Not long before, Liverpool FC stars Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah celebrated with a crowd of tens of thousands as they rode on an open-top bus. Police have not named the suspect or said what charges he faces. They did say he was a 53-year-old white man who lives in the Liverpool area. We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonights incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre. We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the pic.twitter.com/Ls6z4VXN05 Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) May 26, 2025 Harry Rashid, 48, witnessed the collision from about 10 feet away. He is among the witnesses who described the incident as appearing deliberate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This gray people-carrier just pulled up from the right and just rammed into all the people at the side of us, he told the Guardian. He added, It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car. A person is taken away on a stretcher after a vehicle rammed into Liverpool supporters on Monday. / Lee Smith / Action Images via Reuters Parade-goers swarmed the vehicle and tried to smash its windows in, Rashid said. He claimed the driver responded by putting his foot on the gas again and was plowing through anyone who got in his way. It was horrible, and you could hear the bumps as he was going over the people, he said. They were just innocent people, just fans going to enjoy the parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the incident was appalling. I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident, he said. Im being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate. The Chinese Foreign Ministry on May 27 denied Ukraine's accusations that it supplies Russia with special chemical products, gunpowder, and components for the defense manufacturing industry. China's reaction follows remarks by the head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivashchenko, about Beijing allegedly providing the said components to 20 Russian military-industrial manufacturing facilities. Ivashchenko also mentioned that as of early 2025, 80% of critical electronic components used in Russian drones were of Chinese origin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China's position regarding the war in Ukraine remains "consistent and clear." "We've been committed to bringing about a ceasefire and promoting talks for peace. China has never provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict, and strictly controls dual-use items," Mao said during a press conference. "Ukraine understands that well. China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation," she added. China has strengthened ties with Russia since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war against Ukraine, becoming Moscow's leading supplier of dual-use goods that bolster Russia's defense industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While China has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the war, it has simultaneously criticized the U.S. and its allies for "exacerbating" the war by supplying weapons to Ukraine. NATO has labeled China a "decisive enabler" of Russia's aggression. President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on April 17 that China is supplying weapons to the Russian military, marking Kyiv's first confirmation that Beijing supports Russia's war effort by direct arms supplies. During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations earlier this month, the two countries agreed to "strengthen coordination in order to decisively counter Washington's course of 'dual containment' of Russia and China." Kyiv on April 22 presented Beijing with evidence that Chinese citizens and companies have participated in Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, which China dismissed as "groundless accusations and political manipulations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Exclusive: Ukraine eyes new sanctions on China, but Kyiv wary of peace talks fallout Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. New imagery has emerged of Chinas new heavyweight airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform, the KJ-3000, of which the first, low-quality photos began to appear last December, as we reported at the time. Based on the four-jet Y-20 cargo plane, the KJ-3000 is part of a fast-expanding and diversifying fleet of Chinese AEW&C aircraft, which also includes multiple iterations based on the four-turboprop Y-9 series of airlifters. While you can read the full story behind the development of Chinas AEW&C fleet in this previous in-depth article, the KJ-3000 is just one of the latest expressions of a massive investment in this area. As well as fielding an armada of AEW&C assets that is significantly larger than that of the U.S. Air Force, China is increasingly looking toward these assets as a key means of defending its interests as well as for pushing its combined aerial capabilities out further into the Indo-Pacific. The latest imagery shows the KJ-3000 on the ground at an undisclosed airfield in China. The aircraft still wears a coat of primer, and the serial number 7821 is clearly visible on the forward fuselage as far as is known, this is the only example completed so far. So far best image of the KJ-3000 prototype, unfortunately heavily pixelated. pic.twitter.com/9rgDXWQMYQ @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) May 26, 2025 Although the aircraft is partially obscured, we can see the characteristic large circular radome on top of the rear fuselage. The KJ-3000 is also fitted with an aerial refueling probe mounted above the cockpit, and there is a prominent series of antennas arranged on top of the forward fuselage. Compared to the Y-20, the aircraft also features a very prominent intake at the base of the tailfin, likely a ram-air inlet to cool the extensive onboard electronics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KJ-3000 has long been seen as the solution to meet Chinas requirement for a platform to supplement the KJ-2000 Mainring, which is, to date, its largest dedicated AEW&C aircraft. You can read about it and Chinas wider AEW&C developments in this previous in-depth article. One of the four KJ-2000s in PLAAF service. Longshi/via Chinese internet The KJ-2000 is based on the Ilyushin Il-76MD Candid, another four-jet airlifter. Originally planned to be equipped with Israeli mission systems, this plan was derailed under pressure from the Clinton administration. Instead, the KJ-2000 was fitted with Chinese-developed systems, installed on four ex-China United Airlines Il-76MD aircraft. The KJ-2000s active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar comprises three antennas in a triangular configuration within a fixed radome. The four KJ-2000s were declared operational in 2007 and are based in Jiangsu province, facing key adversaries Japan and Taiwan. Regardless of the operational effectiveness of the KJ-2000, China was only able to produce more of these aircraft due to the strictly limited number of Russian-built Il-76MDs available for conversion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the Y-20 was quickly earmarked as a likely platform for a follow-on to the KJ-2000 and this program seems to have gained momentum once the definitive Y-20B transport became available in 2020. A standard Y-20B transport. via Chinese internet The Y-20B is powered by the domestically produced WS-20 high-bypass turbofan engine, which is a significant advance over the Russian D-30KP-2 engine found on the original Y-20A. Ok, it goes on and on and on: second surprise this morning, the new KJ-3000 (?) AEW performed its maiden flight at XAC and from what can be seen on the first few small & blurry images, it is as expected a Y-20B-based design featuring a large rotodome but also a bulge on the tail. pic.twitter.com/MTp9A6dfDh @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) December 27, 2024 The KJ-3000 is not the first development of the Y-20 for the Peoples Liberation Air Force (PLAAF), another being the YY-20A aerial refueling tanker, which is also now in service. With such a small fleet of KJ-2000s available, and with these airframes tied to supply chains in Russia, maintenance and support cannot be straightforward, and these issues will only become more problematic as the aircraft gets older. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With that in mind, the opportunity to introduce a potentially much larger fleet of KJ-3000s is a very big deal for the PLAAF, especially since it will also be more advanced than its predecessor. Once in service, the KJ-3000 will be easier to upgrade and, very importantly, it will be available for potential export. Pakistan, which already operates Chinese-supplied radar planes and which may well have used them to significant effect in its recent conflict with India, could be one country with an interest in buying them. A Pakistan Air Force ZDK-03 flies over Islamabad during rehearsals for the Pakistan Day parade on March 13, 2017. FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP via Getty Images Unclear is the degree to which the KJ-3000 may offer capabilities beyond those found in the KJ-2000, although this would appear to be a given, with the Mainring having made its maiden flight more than 20 years ago. As it is, the radar of the KJ-2000 is said to have a maximum range of almost 300 miles, and its reportedly able to track hundreds of aerial targets simultaneously. Imagery available so far suggests that the KJ-3000 may use a radar array with two, rather than three antennas, although this cannot be confirmed at this point. And IMO even more important than all other so far posted news today, the so far blurry images of the KJ-3000 AEW are getting clearing, Interesting, it features an IRF-probe and in contrast to the KJ-2000 not a fixed radar with three arrays but a large rototome with two. pic.twitter.com/7i9XLaLOde @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) December 28, 2024 As weve discussed in the past, the KJ-3000, with its efficient engines and in-flight refueling capability, should offer plenty of advantages in terms of range, and on-station time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese efforts to add aerial refueling capabilities to its AEW&C fleet are something that is referenced in the latest Pentagon report to Congress on Chinas military, released late last year. Production and deliveries of the KJ-500 the PRCs most advanced airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft continued at a rapid pace, joining earlier KJ-2000 Mainring and KJ-200 Moth variants, the report states. These aircraft amplify the PLAAFs ability to detect, track, and target threats in varying conditions, in larger volumes, and at greater distances. It extends the range of the PLAs IADS [integrated air defense system] network. Furthermore, the PRC has produced at least one KJ-500 with an aerial refueling probe, which will improve the aircrafts ability to provide persistent AEW&C coverage. The KJ-3000 would also be able to fly at higher altitudes to provide a better perch for its radar. This is very important, especially for providing look down capability to spot and track low-flying aircraft and missiles that radars down below might not be able to see due to terrain and other factors. The KJ-3000 almost certainly has other intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities beyond just its radar, as well. At least as important is its likely function as a networking node, reflecting a growing area of interest for the Chinese military in general, and something that is especially valuable over the long distances in the Indo-Pacific theater. Uniquely, China is currently pursuing a multitrack approach to expanding its AEW&C fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as the heavyweight KJ-3000, theres a growing fleet of radar planes based on the smaller Y-9 transport. The latest of these is the KJ-700, which we discussed recently, and that is likely a multi-intelligence aircraft, combining both airborne radar as well as an array of electro-optical and infrared sensors, likely intended to track targets across air, sea, and potentially land domains. The turboprop-powered KJ-700 joins the KJ-200 and KJ-500 series. As we have discussed before, these smaller types of turboprop-powered AEW&C platforms are especially well-suited to operations from more dispersed and even austere bases. As such, these mid-size radar planes regularly appear at some of Chinas island outposts, as well as operating routinely in the highly strategic Taiwan Strait. An unofficial Chinese-language diagram points out the major sensors on the KJ-700. via Chinese internet While we dont know for sure what kind of radar and other mission systems the KJ-3000 might be fitted with, its continued development is very significant as part of Chinas developing AEW&C capabilities. At the very least, a larger jet-powered airframe should be an important complement to the countrys smaller but increasingly capable turboprop AEW&C platforms. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, supervises a drill of long-range artillery and missile systems at North Koreas eastern coast on May 8, 2025. Credit - Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP President Donald Trump has promised a Golden Dome that will protect the United States. But Americas rivals see the announcement last week of the plans for a new space-based missile defense system as provocation. Trumps proposal, which as proposed remains years away from being operational, has many uncertainties, not least cost. The Golden Dome, modeled after Israels Iron Dome, would consist of a constellation of interceptors, satellites, and sensors capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, according to the President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the biggest question is whether it would even make the U.S. and world safer. Critics have raised concerns that the effort to create such a shield would raise suspicions and exacerbate a global arms race as well as accelerate the weaponization of space. Heres how some other nations have already responded to the Golden Dome. North Korea North Korean state media on May 27 reported that the foreign ministry condemned Trumps proposed Golden Dome, saying it was an outer space nuclear war scenario supporting the U.S. strategy for uni-polar domination, and added that it was a typical product of America first, the height of self-righteousness, arrogance, high-handed and arbitrary practice. The nuclear-armed state boasts one of the worlds largest militaries with some 1.3 million active-duty personnel. It is known for regularly launching missile tests47 in 2024 aloneincluding intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that theoretically can reach the U.S. mainland. North Korea also has an estimated 70-90 nuclear weapons, according to the D.C.-based Arms Control Association, and the U.S. Defense officials have said it is continuing to expand its arsenal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the state media report on the foreign ministrys memorandum about the Golden Dome, the U.S. is using the pretense of a defensive project to attempt to militarize outer space and preemptively attain military superiority in an all-round way. Russia Earlier this month, before Trump announced the Golden Dome project from the Oval Office but after having discussed the idea for many months, Russia issued a joint statement with China in which they called the planned program deeply destabilizing in nature. In the statement, the two countries said the Golden Dome was a complete and ultimate rejection to recognize the existence of the inseparable interrelationship between strategic offensive arms and strategic defensive arms. It also opposed how countries are using space for armed conflict, saying that it will jointly counter security policies and activities aimed at using outer space as a warfighting domain. But after Trump spoke further about his plans for the Golden Dome at the Oval Office last week, the Kremlin offered a more muted response. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told local media that the project was a sovereign matter for the U.S., adding: If the United States believes there is a missile threat, then of course it will develop a missile defense system. Peskov also said Russia will not yet assess the threat to nuclear parity with the U.S. as details of the project remained scant. Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that while Moscow needs to take the Golden Dome project seriously, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that our strategic systems are equipped so that we can reliably break through any air defense systems, including layered ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of Russias space programs are limited by international sanctions, but its missile arsenal still poses a notable air attack threat. Information from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency shows that by 2035 Russia may have 1,000 boosted hypersonic weapons, some 5,000 land attack cruise missiles, and around 400 ICBMs. A congressional report in May also outlined the ability of Russias missiles to carry nuclear warheads and how it has used the threat of a nuclear attack to prevent any sort of international intervention in its occupation of Ukraine. China After issuing the joint statement with Russia, China continued to criticize the U.S. over its Golden Dome plan, urging Trump to trash it. The project will heighten the risk of turning the space into a war zone and creating a space arms race, and shake the international security and arms control system, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said in a regular press briefing on May 21. The Pentagon views China as a strong missile threat thats undergone considerable development over the past two decades. According to a 2024 report, China had the worlds leading hypersonic missile arsenal, possessing more than 600 nuclear warheads and some 400 ICBMs. According to the Defense Departments 2022 Missile Defense Review, China utilizes Russian-developed air and missile defense systems while also pursuing indigenous capabilities that are growing in sophistication. Contact us at letters@time.com. Several Republican-led states have restricted transgender rights: Iowa has signed a law removing civil rights protection for transgender people; Wyoming has prohibited state agencies from requiring the use of preferred pronouns; and Alabama recently passed a law that only two sexes would be recognized. Hundreds of bills have been introduced in other state legislatures to curtail trans rights. Earlier in the year, several White House executive orders pushed to deny trans identity. One of them, Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias, claimed that gender-affirming policies of the Biden administration were anti-Christian. It accused the Biden Equal Employment Opportunity Commission of forcing Christians to affirm radical transgender ideology against their faith. To be clear, not all Christians are anti-trans. And in my research of medieval history and literature, I found evidence of a long history in Christianity of what today could be called transgender saints. While such a term did not exist in medieval times, the idea of men living as women, or women living as men, was unquestionably present in the medieval period. Many scholars have suggested that using the modern term transgender creates valuable connections to understand the historical parallels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are at least 34 documented stories of transgender saints lives from the early centuries of Christianity. Originally appearing in Latin or Greek, several stories of transgender saints made their way into vernacular languages. Transgender saints Of the 34 original saints, at least three gained widespread popularity in medieval Europe: St. Eugenia, St. Euphrosyne and St. Marinos. All three were born as women but cut their hair and put on mens clothes to live as men and join monasteries. Eugenia, raised pagan, joined a monastery to learn more about Christianity and later became abbot. Euphrosyne joined a monastery to escape an unwanted suitor and spent the rest of his life there. Marinos, born Marina, decided to renounce womanhood and live with his father at the monastery as a man. These were well-read stories. Eugenias story appeared in two of the most popular manuscripts of their day lfrics Lives of Saints and The Golden Legend. lfric was an English abbot who translated Latin saints lives into Old English in the 10th century, making them widely available to a lay audience. The Golden Legend was written in Latin and compiled in the 13th century; it is part of more than a thousand manuscripts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Euphrosyne also appears in lfrics saints lives, as well as in other texts in Latin, Middle English, and Old French. Marinos story is available in over a dozen manuscripts in at least 10 languages. For those who couldnt read, lfrics saints lives and other manuscripts were read aloud in churches during service on the saints day. A small church in Paris built in the 10th century was dedicated to Marinos, and relics of his body were supposedly kept in Qannoubine monastery in Lebanon. This is all to say, a lot of people were talking about these saints. Holy transness In the medieval period, saints lives were less important as history and more important as morality tales. As a morality tale, the audience was not intended to replicate a saints life, but learn to emulate Christian values. Transitioning between male and female becomes a metaphor for transitioning from pagan to Christian, affluence to poverty, worldliness to spirituality. The Catholic Church opposed cross-dressing in laws, liturgical meetings and other writings. However, Christianity honored the holiness of these transgender saints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2021 collection of essays about transgender and queer saints in the medieval period, scholars Alicia Spencer-Hall and Blake Gutt argue that medieval Christianity saw transness as holy. Transness is not merely compatible with holiness; transness itself is holy, they write. Transgender saints had to reject convention in order to live their own authentic lives, just as early Christians had to reject convention in order to live as Christians. Literature scholar Rhonda McDaniel explains that in 10th-century England, adopting the Christian values of shunning wealth, militarism and sex made it easier for people to go beyond strict ideas about male and female gender. Instead of defining gender by separate male and female values, all individuals could be defined by the same Christian values. Historically and even in contemporary times, gender is associated with specific values and roles, such as assuming that homemaking is for women, or that men are stronger. But adopting these Christian values allowed individuals to transcend such distinctions, especially when they entered monasteries and nunneries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to McDaniel, even cisgender saints like St. Agnes, St. Sebastian and St. George exemplified these values, exhibiting how anyone in the audience could push against gender stereotypes without changing their bodies. Agnes love of God allowed her to give up the role of wife. When offered love and wealth by men, she rejected them in favor of Christianity. Sebastian and George were powerful Roman men who were expected, as men, to engage in violent militarism. However, both rejected their violent Roman masculinity in favor of Christian pacifism. A life worth emulating Although most saints lives were written primarily as morality tales, the story of Joseph of Schonau was told as both very real and worthy of emulation by the audience. His story is told as a historical account of a life that would be attainable for ordinary Christians. In the late 12th century, Joseph, born female, joined a Cistercian monastery in Schonau, Germany. During his deathbed confession, Joseph told his life story, including his pilgrimage to Jerusalem as a child and his difficult journey back to Europe after the death of his father. When he finally returned to his birthplace of Cologne, he entered a monastery as a man in gratitude to God for returning him home safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite arguing that Josephs life was worth emulating, the first author of Josephs story, Engelhard of Langheim, had a complicated relationship with Josephs gender. He claimed Joseph was a woman, but regularly used masculine pronouns to describe him. Even though Eugenia, Euphrosyne and Marinos stories are told as morality tales, their authors had similarly complicated relationships with their gender. In the case of Eugenia, in one manuscript, the author refers to her with entirely female pronouns, but in another, the scribe slips into male pronouns. Marinos and Euphrosyne were also frequently referred to as male. The fact that the authors referred to these characters as male suggests that their transition to masculinity was not only a metaphor, but in some ways just as real as Josephs. Based on these stories, I argue that Christianity has a transgender history to pull from and many opportunities to embrace transness as an essential part of its values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Sarah Barringer, University of Iowa Read more: Sarah Barringer 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. Several Republican-led states have restricted transgender rights: Iowa has signed a law removing civil rights protection for transgender people, Wyoming has prohibited state agencies from requiring the use of preferred pronouns, and Alabama recently passed a law that only two sexes would be recognized. Hundreds of bills have been introduced in other state legislatures to curtail trans rights. Earlier in the year, several White House executive orders pushed to deny trans identity. One of them, Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias, claimed that gender-affirming policies of the Biden administration were anti-Christian. It accused the Biden Equal Employment Opportunity Commission of forcing Christians to affirm radical transgender ideology against their faith. To be clear, not all Christians are anti-trans. And in my research of medieval history and literature, I found evidence of a long history in Christianity of what today could be called transgender saints. While such a term did not exist in medieval times, the idea of men living as women, or women living as men, was unquestionably present in the medieval period. Many scholars have suggested that using the modern term transgender creates valuable connections to understand the historical parallels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are at least 34 documented stories of transgender saints lives from the early centuries of Christianity. Originally appearing in Latin or Greek, several stories of transgender saints made their way into vernacular languages. Transgender saints Of the 34 original saints, at least three gained widespread popularity in medieval Europe: St. Eugenia, St. Euphrosyne, and St. Marinos. All three were born as women but cut their hair and put on mens clothes to live as men and join monasteries. Eugenia, raised pagan, joined a monastery to learn more about Christianity and later became abbot. Euphrosyne joined a monastery to escape an unwanted suitor and spent the rest of his life there. Marinos, born Marina, decided to renounce womanhood and live with his father at the monastery as a man. These were well-read stories. Eugenias story appeared in two of the most popular manuscripts of their day lfrics Lives of Saints and The Golden Legend. lfric was an English abbot who translated Latin saints lives into Old English in the 10th century, making them widely available to a lay audience. The Golden Legend was written in Latin and compiled in the 13th century; it is part of more than a thousand manuscripts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Euphrosyne also appears in lfrics saints lives, as well as in other texts in Latin, Middle English, and Old French. Marinos story is available in over a dozen manuscripts in at least 10 languages. For those who couldnt read, lfrics saints lives and other manuscripts were read aloud in churches during service on the saints day. A small church in Paris built in the 10th century was dedicated to Marinos, and relics of his body were supposedly kept in Qannoubine monastery in Lebanon. This is all to say, a lot of people were talking about these saints. Holy transness In the medieval period, saints lives were less important as history and more important as morality tales. As a morality tale, the audience was not intended to replicate a saints life, but learn to emulate Christian values. Transitioning between male and female becomes a metaphor for transitioning from pagan to Christian, affluence to poverty, worldliness to spirituality. The Catholic Church opposed cross-dressing in laws, liturgical meetings and other writings. However, Christianity honored the holiness of these transgender saints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2021 collection of essays about transgender and queer saints in the medieval period, scholars Alicia Spencer-Hall and Blake Gutt argue that medieval Christianity saw transness as holy. Transness is not merely compatible with holiness; transness itself is holy, they write. Transgender saints had to reject convention in order to live their own authentic lives, just as early Christians had to reject convention in order to live as Christians. Literature scholar Rhonda McDaniel explains that in 10th-century England, adopting the Christian values of shunning wealth, militarism and sex made it easier for people to go beyond strict ideas about male and female gender. Instead of defining gender by separate male and female values, all individuals could be defined by the same Christian values. Historically and even in contemporary times, gender is associated with specific values and roles, such as assuming that homemaking is for women, or that men are stronger. But adopting these Christian values allowed individuals to transcend such distinctions, especially when they entered monasteries and nunneries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to McDaniel, even cisgender saints like St. Agnes, St. Sebastian and St. George exemplified these values, exhibiting how anyone in the audience could push against gender stereotypes without changing their bodies. Agnes love of God allowed her to give up the role of wife. When offered love and wealth by men, she rejected them in favor of Christianity. Sebastian and George were powerful Roman men who were expected, as men, to engage in violent militarism. However, both rejected their violent Roman masculinity in favor of Christian pacifism. A life worth emulating Although most saints lives were written primarily as morality tales, the story of Joseph of Schonau was told as both very real and worthy of emulation by the audience. His story is told as a historical account of a life that would be attainable for ordinary Christians. In the late 12th century, Joseph, born female, joined a Cistercian monastery in Schonau, Germany. During his deathbed confession, Joseph told his life story, including his pilgrimage to Jerusalem as a child and his difficult journey back to Europe after the death of his father. When he finally returned to his birthplace of Cologne, he entered a monastery as a man in gratitude to God for returning him home safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite arguing that Josephs life was worth emulating, the first author of Josephs story, Engelhard of Langheim, had a complicated relationship with Josephs gender. He claimed Joseph was a woman, but regularly used masculine pronouns to describe him. Even though Eugenia, Euphrosyne and Marinos stories are told as morality tales, their authors had similarly complicated relationships with their gender. In the case of Eugenia, in one manuscript, the author refers to her with entirely female pronouns, but in another, the scribe slips into male pronouns. Marinos and Euphrosyne were also frequently referred to as male. The fact that the authors referred to these characters as male suggests that their transition to masculinity was not only a metaphor, but in some ways just as real as Josephs. Based on these stories, I argue that Christianity has a transgender history to pull from and many opportunities to embrace transness as an essential part of its values. Sarah Barringer is a Ph.D. candidate in English at the University of Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The post Christianity Has Long Revered Saints Who Would Be Called Transgender Today appeared first on Katie Couric Media. A thief who stole a photograph of Sir Winston Churchill was told he had breached the trust of the nation as he was sentenced to just shy of two years in jail for one of the most brazen art heists in Canadian history. Jeffrey Ian James Wood, a 44-year-old small-time art collector, removed the famed Roaring Lion print of Britains wartime leader from Ottawas Fairmont Chateau hotel in January 2022. The 20 x 24 inch portrait of Sir Winston outside Canadas House of Commons, taken by Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh in 1941, features on 5 banknotes and is estimated to be worth millions of pounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The theft was not discovered until months later, as Wood had replaced the original with a fake. Italian police recovered the picture from Nicola Cassinelli, a lawyer who became unwittingly embroiled in the scandal after purchasing it in 2022 - Nicola Cassinelli After a two-year international search, the original print was discovered in the possession of a private buyer in Genoa, Italy, who bought it for 4,200 believing it was a signed copy. The picture had been taken to Europe and sold at Sothebys, the British fine art broker which was not aware it was stolen. Wood, a failed philosophy student who struggled to keep steady employment, made approximately 2,700 from the theft. He had hatched the plot in December 2021 to try and financially support his brother, who he says was debilitated with mental health problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wood told the court: I had never in 40 years gone to bed or woken up considering committing a crime. I never even had a speeding ticket and some day in the first 10 days of December 2021... I knew that I had to intervene in a meaningful way and I had an obstacle. That obstacle was money. Ninety minutes after he sold the painting, his brother was found dead in a bathtub, Wood told the court. Wood described lying in bed at night racked by guilt and formulating and reformulating apologies to Karshs family. Justice Robert Wadden said Wood had breached the nations trust and that the print was irreplaceable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a point of national pride that a portrait taken by a Canadian photographer would have achieved such fame. There is an element of trust in our society that allows such properties to be displayed, to be enjoyed by all Canadians. To steal, damage and traffic in such property is to breach that trust, he added. Lawrence Greenspon, Woods defence lawyer, told reporters outside the courthouse that he would be launching an appeal within 10 days. He said: It was an unnecessarily harsh sentence. Given that hes a first-time offender, its a property crime and he pleaded guilty. The photo was taken by Armenian-Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh - Eduardo Comesana/Getty Nicola Cassinelli, the Genoa buyer and a prominent lawyer, said in an interview with The Telegraph last November that Sothebys called him three months after the purchase imploring him not to sell or transfer the work to any third parties as an investigation was underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scotland Yard detectives, with the assistance of their counterparts in Italys Carabinieri, had traced the portrait to Genoa following the Sothebys sale. After a few Google searches, Mr Cassinelli realised he was unwittingly embroiled in the Canadian art heist mystery of the century and returned it to the Fairmont Chateau hotel. He said: This was the emblematic photo that captured his anger, the strength of the free world good that triumphs over evil. Its historic. All my friends and guests who came to my house, we would joke about having such an important piece of artwork right before our eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like having a Mona Lisa... because I paid a few thousand pounds but online I had read it was worth millions. It was as if I was in a film. In 2023, Wood was successfully identified as the seller after Detective Akiva Geller of the Ottawa Police found a DNA match between a toothbrush left by Wood in a locker and the piece of duct tape used to fix the fake on the lounge wall. Inside the locker they discovered a second fake printout of the Roaring Lion with an invoice from the online company Redbubble, Canadian media reported. The receipt was in Woods name. Genevieve Dumas, the general manager of the Chateau Laurier hotel, said: Were very happy to see that Canadian history is recognised. 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 three-dimensional markings, introduced as part of an expanding trial, are intended to alert drivers to a change in speed limit in high pedestrian areas. As authorities grapple with reducing the number of injuries and deaths on Aussie roads, a trial of a new type of three-dimensional road markings has been expanded in Australia's south, prompting a warning to drivers. Known as 'dragon's teeth', the aim of the road markings is to alert drivers to a change in the road, such as a reduction in the speed limit. The road markings are being trialled in Adelaide as part of a study led by the University of Adelaide's Automotive Safety Research, alongside the Department of Transport. Making them appear 3D, the triangular blue and white markings may "attract more attention" from drivers and encourage them to slow down as they enter a lower-speed zone, leading road safety scientist at the University of Adelaide Mario Mongiardini told Yahoo News. They were installed at Magill Road, Magill, and Seaview Road, Henley Beach, in January, and last week two new locations have been added Beach Road, Christies Beach and Prospect Road, Prospect. ADVERTISEMENT If successful, the markings could be used in high-pedestrian areas across the country, because they can be implemented "cheaply and quickly" by authorities. New 3D road markings could appear across Australia if a trial is successful. Source: RAA Why do we need 3D road markings? Researcher Mongiardini explained to Yahoo this type of road treatment is called a "perceptual countermeasure" because it aims to change the perception of road users. "The 3D marking is an evolution of an existing treatment which consists of white triangles only," he said. "The idea was to convert them to look 3D to attract more attention, something drivers cannot miss." The goal was to create a "sense of warning" as drivers move from a 60km/h or 50km/h zone to a reduced 40km/h pedestrian zone. Due to its relatively low cost and easy installation, which takes just two hours, it is an attractive measure for authorities. "This treatment, compared to other treatments, is definitely way cheaper and quicker," Mongiardini said. ADVERTISEMENT However, he warns that this treatment "is not meant to be installed everywhere", only where it is really needed, where pedestrians could be at risk. "The idea is to use them only in specific situations, like on a straight road where a speed limit changes, but drivers don't realise that the environment ahead is changing," he explained. It's used as a "heads up". Fresh 'dragon teeth' markings have been laid in SA. Source: SA Infrastructure and Transport Small speed change can have big results Results of the trial are due to be collected and analysed later this year, with researchers hoping to see a reduction in speed, even of just four or five kms. "Speed is the key factor in 99 per cent of crashes," Dr Chris Stokes, another researcher at the University of Adelaide, previously told Yahoo. "The faster you hit an object, the harder the impact is going to be." ADVERTISEMENT "Even a reduction by four or five km is quite a lot," Mongiardini said. "It means that after the treatment has been installed, drivers start to respect the speed limit and be more aware of the environment. We don't expect dramatic changes in speed." If the trial proves to be "effective at mitigating travel speed", Aussies could see it on a road near them soon. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The City of Columbus has announced its plans to raise property taxes for 2025. According to Columbus Consolidated Government, the taxes it will levy will affect the following districts: Urban Services Districts #1, #5, #6 and #7 3.00 % Urban Services District #2 2.00 % This increase will make property taxes higher than it would be under the rollback system, which is designed to keep the tax digest the same even though increased property values have driven the tax digest higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see how this will impact you and get an estimated tax increase, you can contact the Muscogee County Tax Assessors office. Before the new rates are finalized, Georgia law requires three public hearings to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the proposed increase. The public hearing on this tax increase will be held in the Council Chambers on the second level of the City Services Center at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia 31906 on the following dates: June 3, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. June 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. June 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. ST. LOUIS City leaders in St. Louis are set to consider two bills on Tuesday aimed at helping families recover from the devastating EF-3 tornado. The EF-3 tornado hit parts of St. Louis on May 16 and left five people dead, along with many homes unlivable. As families in St. Louis work to rebuild and recover, local and federal efforts aim to ease the process and provide much-needed support. The first bill proposes expanding the citys Impacted Tenant Fund to assist families displaced by natural disasters with relocation costs. Originally designed to support renters affected by building code violations, the fund could now extend to tornado victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff pleads the Fifth repeatedly over questions about mysterious death The second bill would allow temporary adjustments to property assessments based on the duration a home was livable during the year, potentially reducing tax burdens for storm-damaged properties. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Trump to unlock federal aid for St. Louis and surrounding counties. This aid would cover temporary housing, home repairs, and emergency needs for storm victims. A public hearing on the proposed bills is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, providing an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and concerns. The National Guard is set to assist with debris removal and cleanup efforts on Wednesday. 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. A number of leaders in Clay County came to see the ground broken on the new animal shelter opening in Middleburg. A feeling shared among many of them: its been a long time coming. The reality is, the need has outgrown our current animal shelter, said Ernest Hagan, director of Clay County Animal Services. One of the last times Action News Jax told you about the struggles the county has been having at its current animal shelter in Green Cove Springs was last spring, when the county described its lack of shelter space for animals in need and staff to support them as a desperate situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Hagan told Action News Jax on Tuesday that this has been an issue the shelter has faced for decades, since it was first built back in the 1960s. He said theres been an ongoing effort for more than 15 years to replace the shelter, especially because of its risk of getting flooded. Black Creek has always run behind the shelter and thats always been a threat, Hagan said, not having that threat will be a godsend to us. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says the shelters current location on State Road 16 West in Green Cove Springs is right in the middle of a flood risk zone. The new shelter location in Middleburg, at the intersection of County Road 220 and Sleepy Hollow Road, per FEMAs Flood Zone maps, is not in an area of flood risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only during hurricanes do we have to move our animals, but we also have to take into account bringing in other animals as well, said Hagan, this new location will eliminate that problem for having to find extra space and we can create more emergency shelters. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Clay County Animal Services says the new shelter cost around $21 million. $1 million of that money is coming from Chewy Health, in partnership with Lincoln Memorial University, a Tennessee-based private school working on a new veterinary school in Orange Park, which the school says will make use of the new shelter as a hands-on learning space for students. The county, through the new shelter, is also opening up a new donation service as it works on the new shelter, which is set to open in late 2026. The new service allows anyone to purchase a decorative paw print with a customizable engraving to be displayed in the shelter, with the proceeds going toward the work done through Clay County Animal Services. [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. May 27Sara Wing said her 11-year-old daughter needs to see a specialist who can make a diagnosis because she suspects her daughter has a developmental disability. Such a diagnosis would unlock Medicaid services and likely result in her daughter getting extra help at school. But Wing said when the Edmund Ervin Pediatric Center at MaineGeneral Health in Augusta closed on May 16 a move that blindsided her it left her with no access to someone who can make that diagnosis. Primary care doctors often don't have the necessary specialized expertise and rely instead on places like the Ervin Center. "It's devastating. I don't know what we are going to do," said Wing, who lives in Waterville. Everywhere she turns to try to seek a diagnosis for 11-year-old Kenzie, Wing finds yearslong waiting lists. Wing said Kenzie has anxiety and social issues and needs extra help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wing said she believes her children Kenzie and 8-year-old Amy missed out on learning crucial social skills during the pandemic, with school shut down or on a curtailed schedule. "There's a whole group of kids behind on their social skills, who have mental health issues, and now one of the only places where you can get a diagnosis closed," Wing said MaineGeneral announced on May 5 that it was closing the Ervin Center because of low reimbursement rates from MaineCare, the state's name for Medicaid. Also, insurance denials and other increased costs made some of the center's programs financially unsustainable, hospital officials said. While most of the Ervin Center's services were folded into other parts of MaineGeneral Health, certain psychological services were closed, including diagnostics and a Pediatric Rapid Evaluation Program serving foster children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospital officials said they were losing $1 million per year on the programs. Nancy Cronin, executive director of the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council, is leading an effort to allocate $2.5 million in Medicaid funding over the next two years to stand up a program or persuade MaineGeneral to agree to a fully-funded bridge program. Cronin said in the long term, she envisions a mobile unit that would travel all over the state to get children properly diagnosed. The solutions are in the early discussion phase, and could include legislation or a reallocation of current resources by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. DHHS provided a written statement saying it is exploring options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The department is deeply committed to ensuring that children with developmental disabilities have access to the care and services they need," it said. " While we cannot speak to specific funding proposals at this time, our focus remains on supporting families and maintaining access to critical services. We are actively reviewing how best to address gaps in services within existing resources and are exploring potential options to support children and families affected by this transition." Cronin said the loss of the Ervin Center is creating a gap of about 650 such diagnoses per year, and will result in a proliferation of yearslong waitlists. Cronin said there's no precise accounting of the demand, but thousands of children need to be diagnosed every year, and currently, waitlists are expanding. "Without a diagnosis, these kids can't qualify for Medicaid services," Cronin said. Many students who would qualify for special education or other school services will not be able to gain eligibility for those programs. And Cronin said an official diagnosis is needed for mental health and developmental services that extend past the school day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gay Ann McDonald, executive director of the Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities, said that evaluations used for a school-based Individualized Education Program are not medical diagnoses. McDonald said in a written statement that "educational evaluations ordered by the IEP team are not intended to serve as a diagnostic medical tool." Medical evaluations outside of the school setting "are funded through separate mechanisms and often assess much broader areas of need, such as in-home support, community-based therapy or medical services and are beyond the educational needs of a child." Carrie Woodcock, executive director of the Maine Parent Federation advocacy group, said that with the added bottlenecks created by the Ervin Center closing, some services will be "completely inaccessible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is going to leave families with no place to go," Woodcock said. Cronin has built a coalition of 15 nonprofits advocating to reopen some services. Joy McKenna, spokeswoman for MaineGeneral, said that hospital officials appreciate efforts to revive the program. "However, we are wary of a temporary fix that will not solve the program's critical structural issues," McKenna said. "These services need adequate, sustainable funding to meet the needs of children and families." Wing, the Waterville mother, said it took a lot of effort and "jumping through a lot of hoops" to get Medicaid developmental services for her younger daughter. As a result, Amy can use noise-canceling headphones and get extra help at school, and she has also learned how to cope with anxiety and other social skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Amy is getting the help she needs now, Wing said she's worried her daughter's future needs may not be addressed with the cutbacks. "A lot of people don't realize that Edmund Ervin was the only place to get some of these services," Wing said. "It teaches them coping skills and how to be in life, and that's what my kids need, and what many kids need." Copy the Story Link By day, CNNs Kaitlan Collins wears out shoe leather at the White House, trying to get the latest details on any number of eyebrow-raising policies coming out of the Trump administration. By night, she holds forth from a shiny Washington studio, far from the fray. CNN hopes to inject a little of the reporters daytime routine into her nighttime one. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins is expected to leave her studio perch and host her 9 p.m. program, The Source, from the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed outlets Washington, D.C., newsroom, a move that could take place as soon as Tuesday evening. The hope is that the change in setting will give viewers a more kinetic presentation that reminds them of Collins unique place at the network it is rare for someone assigned to a busy news beat, in this case that of chief White House correspondent, to also have responsibility for leading a primetime hour all week. I dont know if youve ever been there, but its not a very chill place. Theres always something going on, says Collins during a recent interview of the shows new setting. And thats a better home for what the program provides. The Source hinges on Collins ability to get newsmakers on the show for candid talk, and in recent days, those guests have included Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We do much more of a reporting focus, so its a natural setting for a show that is focused pretty much around what were hearing, whats happening at the White House or a lot of big moments are happening on the Hill late at night, says Collins. It will be less like a chic, glossy, bright set. CNN continues to burnish its reporting as it faces spirited partisan opinion fare from its two main rivals, Fox News Channel and MSNBC, that lures bigger audiences. Collins has been assigned a pivotal role in that ongoing skirmish. At 33 years old, she is one of the youngest occupants of the networks top White House role as well as the inhabitants of its 9 p.m. hour, a slot that has previously been occupied by Larry King, Piers Morgan and Chris Cuomo. After breaking out with aggressive coverage of Donald Trumps first term in office, she has increasingly been chosen to shoulder some of CNNs bigger assignments, including an ill-fated morning show and a much-scrutinized town hall with then-candidate Donald Trump. The changes to Collins show arent the most surprising the network has ever tested does anyone recall the quiz shows backed by previous CNN chief Jeff Zucker? but they show an effort to shake off the networks image as a staid purveyor of the headlines and engage more viewers in an era when CNNs ability to do so is under great scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNNs overall primetime viewership fell 6% during the first quarter, and was off 1% among the audience advertisers favor most, people between 25 and 54. Some of the audience numbers the network captures these days have been cause for alarm. The networks most-watched show among the demo audience, Anderson Cooper 360, nabbed an average of just 135,000 viewers in that category during the first quarter. The Source typically ranks third in viewership against Fox News Channels Hannity and, most recently, against MSNBCs new The Briefing with Jen Psaki. And while more of the viewers CNN might like to watch are getting their news via streaming video, mobile devices and social platforms, the network hasnt ceded the battle even though executives have seemed in recent months to have their eye more closely on launching products aimed to capture digital audiences. Under CEO Mark Thompson, CNN has experimented with other new concepts, including the argumentative panel program News Night and Saturday nights Have I Got News For You, which mixes humor and games with the headlines. Its part of a bigger strategy. Much of CNNs daytime schedule is devoted to News Central, a concept that turns the anchors into conductors who bring live video, statistics and breaking-news scenes into the mix. These ideas are meant to give CNN viewers something extra in an era when many news executives acknowledge traditional presentations are losing their ability to captivate large crowds. Collins dual role at the CNN sets her apart and plays to her many strengths tenacity, insight, dry humor and amazing grace under pressure, says Thompson, via an emailed statement. The new format of The Source, he adds is built around Kaitlans unique role not just as an outstanding anchor but the hard-working reporter whos determined to stay close to the action. Such maneuvers arent just aimed at keeping traditional audiences interested. These are all nods to the demands of a younger generation that is accustomed to seeing presentations that are decidedly less polished and dont always hinge on an anchor behind a desk. Fox News has put opinion host Will Cain behind a large microphone, for example, in a late-afternoon hour that emulates the look of a video podcast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins says she is mindful of meeting that audience on its own ground. We share so much of our stuff on social media, with Instagram, TikTok obviously X as well, she says. I was in the Zelensky Oval Office meeting, and it blew up with Trump. We came out, we recorded a video, and we posted it. And it got, like, bonkers. I do think there is a value. So many people are getting their news online these days and from social media. Her role is a demanding one, but Collins seems too busy to really entertain the question of whether shes too busy. During the day, she might try to flag down lawmakers or White House officials who turn up at the White House and has had to muscle through moments when late-breaking news keeps her on Pennsylvania Avenue even as airtime draws close. One White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went until 7:45 p.m. in the evening, she recounted, and then Im racing to the bureau to get back in time. Her current job is very high intensity and at a high pace, but you make it fun when you love the news. CNNs viewers will get to vote on whether her efforts give The Source a new jolt. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Politicians from Germany's ruling CDU/CSU and SPD parties are calling on Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to lobby Washington for greater support for Ukraine during his upcoming visit to the US. Source: European Pravda, citing ntv, a German news channel Details: Roderich Kiesewetter, the CDUs foreign policy spokesman, said that Johann Wadephul would signal to the US that Europeans want and will take on more responsibility for security, adding that this comes with the expectation that the US will remain committed to its transatlantic orientation by supporting Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adis Ahmetovic, foreign policy spokesman for the SPD parliamentary group, emphasised that the US must abandon its supposed role as a neutral mediator between Ukraine and Putin and that Europe and the US must make it clear that Ukraine has a future in the Euro-Atlantic security structure. He believes that Wadephul's inaugural visit to his American counterpart Marco Rubio should primarily focus on keeping the US on board in supporting Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against Russia. Background: As reported earlier, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul believes that the latest large-scale Russian airstrikes on Ukraine are also an insult to US President Donald Trump. Trump, while condemning the recent Russian attacks on Ukraine on Sunday, said he was considering introducing additional sanctions against Russia. He also stated that Vladimir Putin had "gone absolutely crazy" by bombing Ukrainian cities in the middle of negotiations. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MILWAUKEE, Wisc. (WGN) The U.S. Coast Guard issued a warning Tuesday after an armed phosphorus pyrotechnic washed up on Montrose Beach a day prior. According to the Coast Guard, three unaccounted phosphorus pyrotechnics are still unaccounted for after a joint military exercise earlier this month between the Coast Guard and Air Force off the coast of Milwaukee. During the exercise, four phosphorus pyrotechnics did not activate when they were deployed and submerged in water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first one washed up on Montrose Beach Monday after being discovered by a lifeguard. The Chicago Fire Departments bomb squad was called to the scene and disposed of the pyrotechnic, which Coast Guard officials described as a maritime flare. The Coast Guard was also keen to note that they consider these pyrotechnics still armed when they do not activate. An image of the phosphorus pyrotechnic canister that washed up at Montrose Beach. (Courtesy: U.S. Coast Guard) The Coast Guard warned all beachgoers to remain clear and contact 911 should they locate a silver-colored cylinder along the beach. These are phosphorus pyrotechnics that produce a red smoke and flame that can reach temperatures of 2900 degrees Fahrenheit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) Health officials confirmed they are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella after 10 people became sick in Coles County within the last week. The Coles County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health are investigating the outbreak, dating back to May 23. The health department said five of the individuals reported eating at the Cracker Barrel in Mattoon. Sisters remember parents killed in 2022 Memorial Day Weekend DUI crash in Coles Co. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cracker Barrel closed early on May 23 to deep clean the restaurant and is cooperating with health officials to determine a source of the infections, the health department said. Salmonella symptoms usually begin between six hours to six days after eating contaminated food, and last for around four to seven days. Most people with Salmonella experience stomach cramps, headaches, nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite. The health department said most people recover without any treatment, but older individuals or those with weakened immune systems may need further medical care. The Coles County Health Department said to contact your doctor if you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms. You can read more about Salmonella outbreaks, prevention, and treatment options on the CDCs website. WCIA reached out to the health department to find out the status of the individuals who became sick with Salmonella and to find out if Cracker Barrel has since reopened but did not immediately receive a response back from either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALPINE, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Colorado man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing fentanyl in Texas after an Alpine man died as a result of the dangerous drug. According to court records, on January 29, 2024, 54-year-old Douglas Christopher Steele, of Denver, agreed via text message to mail 20 fentanyl pills to the work address of a man living and working in Alpine. Steele then notified the victim that hed mailed the pills on February 2 and on February 5, the mans co-worker received the FedEx delivery. Through additional text messages, the victim and Steele discussed how strong the drug was and, just after midnight on February 6, the victim texted Steele and told him hed nearly overdosed. Later that morning, the Alpine resident was found unresponsive in the restroom at work and was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Homeland Security Investigations and Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division investigation identified Steele as the fentanyl supplier and he was indicted on May 9, 2024 in Pecos for two counts related to fentanyl distribution and was arrested in Denver on May 11. He pleaded guilty Nov. 18, 2024. Why is fentanyl so dangerous? Counterfeit narcotic drugs are often laced with fentanyl, a drug so deadly even skin contact can lead to a serious symptoms, sometimes without the user even knowing. Fentanyl in itself is 80% to 100% more potent than morphine, its a very strong opiate, said Medical Center Hospitals Dr. Jeff Pinnow in an interview in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can cause difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, decreased heart rate, loss of consciousness, coma, or death. Just two milligrams of the dangerous drug can be fatal. And once someone ingests the drug, knowingly or unknowingly, life-saving intervention often comes too late, as many teens and young adults experiment with drugs alone and out of sight of someone who can intervene. In the state of Texas, fentanyl related deaths are no longer called overdoses and are instead called poisonings and anyone caught selling the drug to someone who dies can be charged with murder. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Plumber Ben Small is desperately trying to do his best to 'end domestic violence'. Plumber Ben Small is desperately trying to do his best to help women in Australia experiencing domestic violence. Source: Facebook/Clearwater Plumbing NSW When tradie Ben Small witnessed a client being verbally abused by her partner while on the job, he was left feeling completely powerless over what was unfolding in front of him. The plumber was working at a house on the NSW Central Coast when he overheard the man "absolutely giving it" to his partner. Unable to do anything about it at the time in 2022, he returned 45 minutes later after the man had headed to work to check on the woman who revealed the extent of the abuse she was experiencing. "She was just trying to get out of that situation," he told Yahoo News. The experience has stuck with him to this day, and it was the inspiration behind a recent offer through his plumbing business to help women facing unsafe and abusive environments. ADVERTISEMENT Shockingly, within six days of his offer, he was receiving daily texts from 12 women asking for help, highlighting the extent of the silent crisis happening all over the country. "It's been strangers from all over the country, not just the Central Coast," Ben told Yahoo. "I want to put an end to domestic violence... there are people out here that are willing to help." While many Aussies heaped praise on the humble plumber's "awesome" offer, Dr Emma Buxton-Namisnyk, an academic who specialises in domestic and family violence, also urged caution over the situation. "The sheer amount of support that he might end up offering, and also the safety concerns that his very well meaning offer to help might give rise to are important to think about," the lecturer from the University of NSW told Yahoo. "[For instance] the victim survivor might be experiencing technology-facilitated abuse from their partner, he might be checking her phone, and this could expose her to more danger." Aussies heaped praise on the plumber for his kind-hearted gesture. Source: Supplied Men's important role in ending 'violence against women' It's estimated one in four women in Australia have experienced family or domestic violence, and having men proactively work to end violence against women is the only hope in changing the situation, Buxton-Namisnyk explained. ADVERTISEMENT "Male allies are really important to ending violence against women," she said. "Men have a really strong role to play, and anti-violence messaging from men who work in male-coded fields such as trades is vital." "Ethical bystanders" are the crucial link between victims and specialist services, and while public awareness only helps to strengthen this link, the dynamic is sensitive. "Having those bystanders who know what to do to support the victim-survivor is really important," she said. How can Aussies proactively help? If you want to prevent domestic violence, you can speak up against sexist ideas. If you suspect someone is experiencing violence, you can also offer to help. ADVERTISEMENT "We don't want to normalise violence against women, so when we hear sexist jokes, when we see sexist stuff online, when we see that kind of behaviour that is permissive of violence, calling that out is really important as a community," Buxton-Namisnyk said. "And if you suspect that someone is experiencing violence you can sensitively talk to them and ask them if they need help, but make sure you're being led by them." How can people ensure they're 'ethical bystanders'? If you do find yourself in a position where you know someone is experiencing domestic violence, Buxton-Namisnyk says there are several ways you can ensure you are an "ethical bystander". Believe them. Follow their lead. With your best efforts to help, jumping in and taking over the situation can put the victim in an even more dangerous situation. Let them guide you on how and if they need your help. Help connect them to specialist services. The primary role of an ethical bystander is to help the victim get in contact with those who are best equipped to help them, such as specialist domestic violence services that operate across the country. If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, find help by calling 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Waving the flag is as American as apple pie. For years, Republicans have painted Democrats as far-left extremists and America haters, to disastrous effect. Its time to turn the tables. Flag-shagging, as its known in the United Kingdom, is the uncouth vernacular for overt displays of patriotism, according to a recent essay in The Economist. Last year, it helped the British Labour Party regain a majority in Parliament. President Donald Trumps caterwauling about the Democrats hatred of the military and the nation is epic. He has called Democrats treasonous and un-American. Trumps rants have no basis in fact, but if you bellow loud enough and often enough, it sinks in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They certainly didnt seem to love our country very much. Its very sad, Trump said. Such accusations are echoed up and down the ranks of the Republican leadership, running wild and freely. At a campaign rally in his Ohio hometown, then-Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance attacked prospective Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris by questioning her patriotism. When Harris gives a speech, Vance claimed, she talks about the history of this country not with appreciation but with condemnation. He piled on: Not everythings perfect. Its never going to be. But you, if you want to lead this country, you should feel grateful for it. You should feel a sense of gratitude. And I never hear that gratitude come through when I listen to Kamala Harris. It was an echo of attacks leveled at former first lady Michelle Obama during her husbands 2008 presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republicans are particularly good at this trope. Back in 2020, a first-term congressman from Texas targeted U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth. U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw criticized Duckworth for suggesting that the issue of removal of statues and monuments of controversial Founding Fathers should be debated. Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL, said Duckworth was supporting the destruction of America. I think a general message that the left stands for the destruction of America and the right doesnt probably works pretty well with veterans, even liberal ones, because even liberal veterans probably dont agree with that, unless youre Tammy Duckworth, he declared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duckworth is a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel. She lost her legs serving in combat in the Iraq War. Democrats have work to do. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 41% of adults said they were extremely proud to be American, and another 26% said they were very proud. Over the years, patriotic pride among Republicans has consistently outpaced that of Democrats, according to Gallup. In 2024, 59% of Republicans, 34% of Democrats and 36% of independents said they were extremely proud to be American. Flag-shagging, by wrapping yourself snugly in the American flag, is what the Democrats should do. There is no downside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They need to stop being the party that stands up for the protester who burns our flag. Let the U.S. Supreme Court deal with the free speech issues. Flag burning cannot be the Democrats epithet. They dont have to support massive military budgets, but they should staunchly support our troops and veterans. Democrats might consider the example of Rahm Emanuel, the prominent Democrat, former U.S. ambassador to Japan and former Chicago mayor. He is back in town and on a political redemption tour. This month, Emanuel held an event to showcase a program he is spearheading to support Chicago Public Schools students who are enrolled in ROTC. He announced that he and his wife, Amy Rule, are establishing an ROTC scholarship and naming it after Adm. Lisa Franchetti, who was the first woman to serve as chief of naval operations and the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, until she was inexplicably fired by the Trump administration. Twelve graduates of the CPS Junior ROTC received a scholarship check from Emanuel to fund $10,000 a year toward their college education. Franchetti appeared with Emanuel to congratulate the students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im no Rahm fan, but thats savvy politics. Last August, the politicians were falling all over themselves with patriotism at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Their floor speeches were laced with odes to America. USA signs flooded the zone at Chicagos United Center. In return, the Democrats enjoyed a post-convention bump in the polls. Their flag-shagging had Trump on the run. Since then, not so much. The Democrats must overcome their natural inclination to duck. Erring on the side of patriotism is not a political sin. Its a virtue. Its sort of like being in favor of motherhood. Whos against that? Railing against the oligarchy will get the Democrats only so far. Instead, go full tilt into waving the flag. ____ Laura Washington is a political commentator and longtime Chicago journalist. _____ Lorelle Mueting of Gretna, prevention director for Heartland Family Service, testifies before the General Affairs Committee for her potential appointment to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission. May 22, 2025. (Screenshot of Nebraska Public Media livestream) LINCOLN A legislative committee on Tuesday reconsidered and favorably advanced a second Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission appointee who had tied in a 4-4 vote last week. In a quick meeting Tuesday, State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney flipped his opposition to Lorelle Mueting of Gretna, the prevention director at Heartland Family Service in Omaha. Clouse said he supported advancing Muetings nomination so the full Legislature could consider her appointment instead of keeping the nomination in the General Affairs Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had the committee not advanced Mueting by the end of the legislative session, scheduled to end June 9, she would have been added to the commission without a vote of the full Legislature. The voter-approved Medical Cannabis Commission is charged with crafting rules and regulations by July 1 so licensing of medical cannabis dispensaries can begin by Oct. 1. Clouse said his original reservations came because Mueting didnt have a great confirmation hearing Thursday. After she spoke, long-time medical cannabis supporters voiced concerns over Mueting. That was contrasted with Dr. Monica Oldenburg of Lincoln, an anesthesiologist, whom Clouse supported in part because he wants someone with a medical background on the regulatory commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oldenburg stayed for the three-hour hearing. Mueting left after three invited witnesses spoke in favor of her appointment. The appointees would need at least 25 votes in the Legislature to be confirmed. They would join the three members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to comprise the new regulatory commission for medical cannabis. Clouse said he wants to keep an open mind before deciding how hell vote on the appointments. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) U.S Army Sergeant Tommy Walter Mullis served his country with courage and dedication during the Vietnam War, then returned to his hometown in Dublin, Georgia. In February 2021, he passed away at the age of 74. He was a decorated three Bronze Star Sharpshooter Award and two overseas bars. My father was a very hard worker. He would stay key to helping those that had less, reaching out to the community, cooking meals, you know, servicing the people of the community and having honor and respect in everything you do and showing others how to be a little more patient, Tommy Mullis son John Mullis said. Bay County couple dedicates time to Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Thursday, the Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation deployed an artificial reef in honor of Mullis and his service to our nation. Then Monday, the Man in the Sea Museum hosted a celebration of his life, bringing together veterans, family, and supporters. After the ceremony, the Bay County Sheriffs Office and local motorcycle organizations led a procession to Lighthouse Marina, where family members boarded a boat for a trip to the reef. John Mullis then fulfilled a mission of his own, using his new scuba certification to dive to the reef and place his fathers urn onto it. The reef structure is roughly about 10 to 12 feet tall, and in the top of the reef theres a place for me to lay my fathers ashes and his urn and were gonna cover it with a brass plate with some scripture words about my father, and he will be laid to rest in the sea, Mullis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PCB veteran honors fallen soldiers on Memorial Day with lawn display Theres emotions that run through when you see the families and you work with the families, you get to know them. They become family. So, its very surreal with them. And I love doing this. I love doing this for veterans. I love doing this for our first responders, Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation President Joe Theodorou said. John Mullis said his father loved the water and that connection made Mondays moment even more meaningful. The Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation is accepting donations to help with future burials. To donate, 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The Livingston Avenue community is in mourning after a local business owner was shot and killed late Sunday night. People gathered outside Livingston Market Monday night to honor owner Jehad Alzaben. NBC4 was at the vigil for the 47-year-old, covering as police continue to search for a suspect in his death. Every single person said the same thing: Alzaben would do anything for anyone. People shared countless stories about how he would help those in need whether that be by giving them a job or giving them food and water. Its safe to say he will be missed dearly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wasnt like a store owner. We dont look at Jehad like a store owner. We would come and see Jehad without spending money, Randy Walker, a friend and former employee of Alzaben, said. Alzaben owned the Livingston Market at the corner of East Livingston and Fairwood for nearly 30 years. Those close to him described him as a big brother and a staple in the community. Ive been knowing Jehad since I was 16 years old. It has been about 20 to 22 years now, said Walker. ATV crash hospitalizes former OSU wide receiver, kills girlfriend Walker says theres nothing that Alzaben wouldnt do for the people he came in contact with, no matter how well he knew them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He gave people his money out of his own pockets. He fed the homeless like he was that man. He was him, said Walker, We all know Jehad on a personal level. We all got our personal experiences with Jehad. So he wasnt just a store owner to this community. He was a brother, a father to a lot of people. A store that used to bring the Livingston community so much joy is now filled with balloons and messages that read Rest Peacefully and Long Live Jehad. They really need to change this street to Jehad Ave. I aint even had time to let it sink in, its still mind blowing to me what happened. But it was unfortunate. Nobody should die doing business, Walker said. Walker said they plan to meet outside the store on May 26 every year to celebrate Alzabens life and legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus police have not named any suspects or a possible motive as of publication, but the investigation continues. Police said they are investigating it as a homicide and ask anyone with information to call 614-645-4077, or report to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers anonymously at 614-461-TIPS (8477). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) With more than 15,000 buried at the Florence National Cemetery, those who came out on Memorial Day felt it was the least they could for the price that so many paid. Its amazing. Everyone wanted to come together all for the same reason, director Anthony Ramos said. To honor our vets, our fallen veterans, and be able to come together as a whole, as a collective and do this ceremony. Over 15,000 men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in some form or fashion are buried at Florence National Cemetery. Whether theyre a spouse of a soldier, or a soldier themselves, Memorial Day gave the community the opportunity to show their appreciation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like a lot of the veterans are forgotten about, and anything we can do to help their honor and have them recognized is something that we really need to do, Mark Baur of Christian Motorcycle Association said. The keynote speaker, retired Naval officer Lt. Commander James Bethea Jr., is now over the Naval JROTC program at South Florence High School. He served for 30 years and says Memorial Day is more than just the start of summer. For those that have served in the military, Memorial Day holds a greater significance, as it commemorates the brave men and women who lost their lives defending our great nation, Bethea said. The flags were put out in just over and hour and a half on Saturday, with the help of volunteers like the Boys and Girls Scouts, as well as other groups in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Eric Cooper is a multimedia journalist at News13. He joined the team in September 2024 and covers stories in the Pee Dee. He is a native of Cades in Williamsburg County and a proud graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and Benedict College. You can read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. [WATCH: The video above details Ohios newest minimum wage, which took effect Jan. 1.] (WJW) How much are workers in northeast Ohio earning on average? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we are making below the national average. Data released on Wednesday showed that Clevelands average (mean) hourly wage was $31.12 in May 2024. The nationwide average was $32.66. But, Cleveland workers made more money than those in the Akron and Canton areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local lottery ticket wins $40K a year for 25 years According to the report, workers around Akron earned an average hourly wage of $29.49. While, workers in the Canton-Massillon area made an average hourly wage of $26.22. In Cleveland, Commissioner Julie Wilson noted that the higher-paying jobs in the area were management or legal-related. Also, healthcare practitioners and technical jobs were among the areas most well-paid positions. The lower-paying gigs were in food preparation or serving-related. Teen accused of assaulting girls at Cedar Point Heres the breakdown for the Cleveland Metropolitan Statistical Area: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High-paying jobs: Management: $60.49/hour Legal: $55.31/hour Healthcare practitioners and technical: $51.43/hour Lower paying jobs: Food preparation and serving related: $16.36/hour Personal care and service: $17.22/hour Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance: $17.94/hour Office and administrative support jobs made up the largest percentage of the areas workforce, accounting for 11.7% of the Cleveland areas employment. Followed by food preparation and serving related occupations, which made up 8.6% of the areas jobs. To see more details on the findings, 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 8 Cleveland WJW. NEW YORK The Trump administration cannot immediately kill New Yorks congestion pricing program or retaliate against the state for keeping it in place, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. A temporary restraining order by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman is another setback for President Donald Trumps assertive use of executive power and a victory for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In a series of letters earlier this year, Trump's Transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, said the tolling program no longer has necessary federal approval and then threatened serious consequences if Hochul didnt stop the tolls, including pulling approval and money for all kinds of public works projects in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochul has refused to stop the tolls unless ordered to by a judge, setting up a two-hour showdown Tuesday. It appears Liman has no interest in taking down the tolling program, which seems likely to live on as long as the case is in his courtroom. Liman previously ruled in favor of the MTA against a series of other challenges to the tolls. Weve won again, Hochul said in a statement. The Democratic governor said Duffy "can issue as many letters and social media posts as he wants, but a court has blocked the Trump Administration from retaliating against New York for reducing traffic and investing in transit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Limans Tuesday restraining order keeps the tolls in place through at least June 9 and prevents Duffy from retaliating against New York. In February, Trump posted a graphic of himself wearing a crown and said, "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!" An attorney for the federal government said in court the Transportation Department planned to comply with the ruling. The judges ruling today was not on the merits of our case against Hochuls class warfare, but rather a temporary pause to have more time to reach a decision, a DOT spokesperson said. Enforcement actions for noncompliance were merely under consideration, and we will comply with the judges request to hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MTA attorney Roberta Kaplan, who has bedeviled Trump in other cases, argued the federal government under Trump was taking a radical approach by trying to rescind approval of the tolls, which the Biden administration approved. She said it would create a recipe for chaos if one administration could change its mind about something like this agreed to by a previous one. In making her argument, Kaplan relied heavily on recent Supreme Court cases that, at first glance, appeared to be wins for conservatives, including the decision that undid the Chevron doctrine and shackled presidential administrations powers and another that narrowed the scope of the Clean Water Act. But Kaplan repurposed both to argue against Trump. She said the courts could step in to stop Duffys plans and that the MTA was faced with retaliation as soon as a deadline Duffy set for Wednesday, even though an attorney for the federal government insisted there was no imminent retaliation planned against New York. The federal attorney, Chuck Roberts, argued the MTA should not have relied on Biden-era approvals, since Trump, a Republican, had campaigned and won after making remarks opposed to the tolls. Liman was skeptical of that point during 90 minutes of oral argument. The judge briefly stepped down from the bench and came back with the restraining order after he found that the MTA was likely to succeed in arguing that Duffy had acted illegally by killing the program. But the temporary restraining order is still kind of an interim step before the case which is ultimately about Duffys authority to kill congestion pricing can be sorted out on its full merits, something Liman wants to tackle as soon as possible. The judge repeatedly expressed interest in quickly ruling on the broader arguments. Attorneys for the MTA and federal DOT had previously agreed to a schedule that wouldnt tee up the case for a full decision until late October. But MTA rushed to court in recent days asking the judge to step in ahead of a deadline Duffy set for New York to end the tolls by May 21 or face penalties beginning on or after May 28. By Sonia Rolley (Reuters) - Congo is grappling with soaring military costs and declining tax revenues due to an offensive by Rwandan-backed rebels, who now occupy much of the country's eastern borderlands, a revised wartime budget under consideration by lawmakers showed. The International Monetary Fund said this month that the fighting was straining public finances, citing the closure of revenue collection offices in areas controlled by the M23 rebels and elevated security spending linked to the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially expected in mid-March, President Felix Tshisekedi's cabinet approved the budget bill on Friday. It now goes to parliament for debate and voting. It includes slightly decreased spending of $17.2 billion, according to the minutes of the cabinet meeting, and reflects a drop in tax revenue to 12.5% of GDP from 15.1% expected under the original budget approved in December. The finance ministry announced in March it was doubling salaries for soldiers and police in an apparent bid to boost morale. That move is expected to cost $500 million this year, a military official and a government source told Reuters. Exceptional security-related expenditures cost the government estimated $1 billion in the first four months of 2025, two government sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to disclose the figures. A government spokesperson did not immediately respond on Tuesday to questions about the budget and military spending. The domestic budget deficit widened to 0.8% of GDP in 2024 and is projected to reach 1.2% this year, Rene Tapsoba, the IMF's resident representative for Congo told Reuters. The conflict and loss of control of territory in the east, which is home to lucrative gold, tin and coltan reserves, could account for a 4% shortfall in expected tax revenue, he said. While noting that exceptional security expenditure was "very high", Tapsoba said the government had sought to reduce its operating expenditures by cutting the budgets of ministries and the salaries of the heads of institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite ramped-up security spending, army officials still report persistent shortages of food, ammunition and basic equipment. Much of the funding appears to have gone to arms procurement, one Congolese general told Reuters. "The bulk of these funds are handled outside the formal budget framework," a senior official at the finance ministry said, asking not to be named as he was not authorised to speak to media. "We don't have full visibility either." The war in the east has spotlighted entrenched problems in the military. According to a Senate report this month, the army counts 268,602 personnel, including 74,000 deployed in combat zones. More than 36,000, however, are classified as inactive - among them, 3,618 retired soldiers awaiting $145 million in unpaid benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations and Western governments say Rwanda has provided arms and troops to M23. Rwanda denies backing the rebels and says its military has acted in self-defence against Congo's army and a militia founded by perpetrators of Rwanda's 1994 genocide. (Additional reporting by Ange Adihe Kasongo in Kinshasa; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Joe Bavier) CONNECTICUT (WTNH) State lawmakers commend Pratt & Whitney union members new contract agreement Tuesday following a nearly month-long strike with the company. The agreement was confirmed by a spokesperson with Pratt & Whitney, who said Connecticut IAM employees voted to ratify a revised new contract offer, marking the end of the strike. Pratt & Whitney union members approve new contract, strike concludes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) showed her support for the resolution in a written statement. I am glad IAM Locals 1746 and 700 and Pratt & Whitney reached a resolution. When workers fight together, their unions can achieve outcomes that reflect their true value. These highly skilled workers fuel our state economy and contribute to our national defense, and this new agreement means all parties can move forward with renewed stability. I will always stand with workers fighting for fairer wages and strong benefits. For weeks, union members endured rain, cold and long nights as they negotiated a new contract. The previous one expired on May 4, when strikes began. Connecticuts skilled machinists have a long history of making the most advanced and reliable engines in the world at Pratt & Whitney, right here in East Hartford and Middletown, State Rep. John B. Larson (D-Conn.) said. I am glad to see an agreement for better wages and benefits that honors their work, as well as a firm commitment from RTX to grow its workforce in Connecticut. I applaud the 3,000 machinists who courageously stood up for the dignity of work during this strike and congratulate IAM leadership and RTX on successful negotiations for a new contract agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Striking points in the negotiations included higher wages and pensions for younger workers. Sen. Stephen Harding (R-Conn.) said this shows how unaffordable the state can be for employers and their employees. Pratt & Whitney and its workers are part of the backbone of Connecticuts economy. This strike showed how unaffordable Connecticut is for both job creators and their employees. Gov. Lamont: Senate Democrat leaderships priority legislation is to give taxpayer-funded unemployment benefits to striking workers. A veto threat from you would be very helpful, because that anti-business bill essentially tells companies to not do business in Connecticut. These strikes will continue to happen in the future unless and until we turn Connecticuts anti-job creator policies around. Republicans at the State Capitol continue fighting to lower energy costs, lower taxes, defend our government spending caps, and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in state government. Sen. Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) said hes proud of the union members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am proud of the several thousand union members who made the difficult decision to strike and through their reserve and good faith negotiations have secured a more fair agreement that better reflects the critical importance of their work. For centuries, unions have supported working men and women, strengthened the middle class and increased wages for all workers. It was an honor to walk the picket lines with workers in my district in Middletown and also in East Hartford, and I will continue to protect the rights of organized labor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. State troopers responded to 271 crashes and made 36 DUI arrests over Memorial Day weekend. Troopers responded to 5,070 calls for service and made 1,347 traffic stops between midnight on Friday and 11:59 p.m. on Monday, according to the Connecticut State Police. Troopers also responded to 382 traffic-related complaints such as disabled vehicles, hazardous vehicles and debris in the road. Of the 271 crashes reported over the weekend, 26 of them involved injuries, according to state police. Two of the crashes involved serious injuries and two led to fatalities, including those in Waterbury and Tolland, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday just before 11:30 p.m., 54-year-old Everaldo Ferreira De Oliveira of Waterbury was on the Interstate 84 East Exit 23 off-ramp in Waterbury in a 2009 Honda Odyssey when he struck a guardrail in the right shoulder, state police said. The vehicle then crossed over the Hamilton Avenue intersection and struck a concrete barrier on the on-ramp, state police said. De Oliveira suffered fatal injuries, state police said. In Tolland, 21-year-old Tyler West of Tolland was driving a Honda CBR600RR motorcycle north on Route 195 on Monday when he collided with a Nissan Pathfinder that was pulling out of a driveway, according to state police. West was pronounced dead at the scene, according to state police. The driver of the Nissan remained at the scene and was not injured. The Sunshine Coast had been the top destination for back to back years, but that's now changed in a major migrational shake-up. Geelong has become the most sought-after regional district in the country, eclipsing the Sunshine Coast. Source: Getty A new favourite has emerged as the most sought-after regional hotspot for Australians relocating within the country as Aussies look for the best place to settle. Greater Geelong in Victoria has now overtaken Queenslands Sunshine Coast to become the country's most popular destination for internal movers, according to the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI). The Victorian city now claims 9.3 per cent of the nation's total net internal migration, nudging past the Sunshine Coast's 8.9 per cent share and ending its two-year reign at the top. The report, a partnership between the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) and the Commonwealth Bank, highlights a continued post-pandemic shift from cities to regional areas, with capital-to-regional moves up nearly 11 per cent from last quarter and 20.5 per cent higher than pre-Covid levels. The index focuses specifically on movement to and from regional areas, excluding capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne from the rankings. ADVERTISEMENT That means Geelongs top spot doesnt mean it drew more total movers than capital cities, but among all regional destinations, it had the largest share of net internal migration in the 12 months to March this year. The figure reflects the number of people moving into an area from elsewhere in Australia, minus those moving out, making it a strong indicator of growing popularity among those seeking a "regional lifestyle" while remaining relatively close to urban centres. Views from Port Phillip Bay towards Geelong CBD in Victoria. Source: Getty Why has Geelong become so popular? RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the data confirms a long-term trend. "The nations love affair with regional life is showing no signs of abating," she said. "Contemporary regional Australia has what people are looking for... cliched images and misconceptions about regional living are well and truly a thing of the past." ADVERTISEMENT Former Sydney resident Alanna is one of these regional movers; formerly a Sydney resident, she now resides on the Sunshine Coast. "For me, it's been the fact there's no traffic and (mostly) no issues with parking," Alanna said. "I don't know if I can ever return to a one-hour commute. "I love the lifestyle I can have with my partner, being able to live by the beach and having the beautiful hinterland close by. There are great camping spots and rivers to go boating and fishing on." The Sunshine Coast remains a favourite among people fleeing the country's major cities. Source: Sunshine Coast Council Geelongs rise is part of a wider boom across regional Victoria, which attracted 34 per cent of all regional net inflows in the March quarter, up from 28 per cent a year earlier. The state also produced the two fastest-growing regional local government areas Latrobe and Murrindindi. ADVERTISEMENT CBA Acting Executive General Manager Josh Foster said Geelong stood out for more than its location. "In a first for the RMI, Greater Geelong has become the star performer due to its idyllic location, established services and range of employment opportunities," he said. "This is underpinned by significant government and corporate investment in the region." Major infrastructure projects like the Geelong Convention Centre and Barwons Women and Childrens Hospital are helping drive growth. The state government has set a housing target of 128,600 new dwellings in Geelong by 2051. Sydney continues to lead outflows Sydney continues to lead net capital city outflows (64 per cent), with regional NSW securing 40 per cent of total inflows. Queenslands regional share dipped to 17 per cent from 30 per cent last year, though the state remains attractive due to its climate and housing affordability. The Sunshine Coast still ranked second overall, while locations like the Gold Coast, Townsville and Fraser Coast remain strong magnets. Elsewhere, SAs Victor Harbour and WAs Denmark and Harvey also saw strong interest from movers. ADVERTISEMENT Ritchie called for greater government focus on sustaining this momentum. "There are big economic gains to be made by supporting, facilitating and nurturing growth across the regions," she said. "Those benefits can only be achieved by ensuring communities have the infrastructure, facilities and funding they need." Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. MISSOURI A nonprofit advocacy group is proposing legislation that would require public Missouri day care centers to have cameras. The group, the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, said that the proposal would apply to licensed daycare facilities throughout the state. This legislation, called Conrads Law, is in response to 3-year-old Conrad Ashcraft, who died at the Poppys Playhouse 2 daycare this month. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Reports say that Ashcraftwho was cryingwas secluded in the hallway. The Missouri Office of Childhood also said a provider at the daycare put Conrads arms in a tucked blanket and laid her legs down over his legs. It was an 18.2 lb. weighted blanket. Conrad, who had autism, was not discovered until his mother came to pick him up. Ashcraft was laid to rest on May 23. Officials from the advocacy group call for justice for the 3-year-old, demanding that cameras be installed in daycare centers to document the interactions between workers and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The safety and welfare of children placed in these facilities need to be the priority. Their livelihood usurps privacy issues, which themselves can be addressed effectively within this legislation, Daniel Chapin, the founder of Uvalde Foundation for Kids, wrote. Conrads Law also seeks to provide training for staff members who are caring for neurodivergent and special needs children. No charges have been made in relation to Conrads death. More information about the legislation can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. The Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal over a middle schooler being barred from wearing a T-shirt to class that said, There Are Only Two Genders. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, arguing that the court should have taken up the First Amendment dispute. The denial came Tuesday on the courts routine order list, a document that announces action in pending appeals, mostly consisting of the justices declining to take up cases for review. The court grants review in relatively few cases and it takes four justices to do so. In the T-shirt case, called L.M. v. Middleborough, Thomas and Alito each wrote dissents. Both are notable, especially since both justices have (in different ways) previously ruled against students in First Amendment cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Thomas brief dissent, he reminded readers that he thinks the landmark precedent upholding student speech rights was wrongly decided. That precedent is Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, which, he noted, said in 1969 that public schools cant restrict student speech unless it materially disrupts classwork or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others. Thomas cited his prior concurring opinion from a 2007 case in which he wrote that the Tinker standard is without basis in the Constitution; he wrote in that concurring opinion, In my view, the history of public education suggests that the First Amendment, as originally understood, does not protect student speech in public schools. So if Thomas doesnt think kids have speech rights in school, why does he care about this one? The formal reason he gave is that while he thinks Tinker is wrong, unless and until this Court revisits it, Tinker is binding precedent that lower courts must faithfully apply. He wrote that the student here didnt create a material disruption by wearing the two-genders shirt or a later one that said, There Are CENSORED Genders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alitos lengthier dissent said (in part) that the case presented an issue of great importance for our Nations youth: whether public schools may suppress student speech either because it expresses a viewpoint that the school disfavors or because of vague concerns about the likely effect of the speech on the school atmosphere or on students who find the speech offensive. Put that way, it sounds like an important issue. But lets take a step back and look at that 2007 case that Thomas brought up, Morse v. Frederick (which Alito also cited in his dissent). That one involved a high school principal ordering students at a school-supervised event to take down a banner that said, BONG HiTS 4 JESUS. The Supreme Court split 5-4, siding with the school and finding no First Amendment violation for confiscating what the court called the pro-drug banner and suspending the student responsible. Thomas and Alito were both in the majority in that case. As Thomas noted in his dissent Tuesday, he wrote a concurring opinion in Morse, explaining his view that went even further in the schools favor. Alito also wrote a concurring opinion in that case, seeking to keep his options open to side with students in future cases. He wrote that he joined the majority on the understanding that (1) it goes no further than to hold that a public school may restrict speech that a reasonable observer would interpret as advocating illegal drug use and (2) it provides no support for any restriction of speech that can plausibly be interpreted as commenting on any political or social issue, including speech on issues such as the wisdom of the war on drugs or of legalizing marijuana for medicinal use. In the Massachusetts case rejected by the majority Tuesday, a federal appeals court panel had deferred to school officials, citing Tinker and subsequent cases, including Morse. We see little sense in federal courts taking charge of defining the precise words that do or do not convey a message demeaning of such personal characteristics, so long as the words in question reasonably may be understood to do so by school administrators, the appeals court wrote, citing Morse. Successfully opposing Supreme Court review, school officials from Massachusetts cited Morse to bolster the courts endorsement of deference to school officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So while Alito sought to cabin his Morse concurrence to the drug context, and while a shirt about gender can be distinguishable from that context, its cases like Morse that Alito and Thomas made possible that also helped make possible the appeals court ruling that the Supreme Court just declined to review. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Heres something you probably dont see every day: a guy running for office while making the case for abolishing that very same office. No, its not the governorship (that might be a popular notion in California these days). Im talking about the office of state superintendent of public instruction. Californias top elected education position, the state superintendent dates all the way back to 1849. Despite the fact that Californias Constitution is among the longest of any state, the document itself is actually pretty vague on what it expects of the Golden States top educator, designating the superintendent as chair of the State Board of Education and as head of the California Department of Education. But the members of the board, to whom the superintendent technically reports, are appointed by the governor, creating a dynamic where it can be unclear whos actually in charge. On top of that, through ballot initiatives and legislative action, the responsibilities of the state superintendent have been repeatedly reduced or reassigned over the years. Perhaps the most important of those changes was the passage in 1988 of Proposition 98, which ensures via formula the allocation of roughly 40% of annual state spending to education. In 2013, the offices influence was further reduced with the implementation of the local control funding formula, which allocates funds to districts through a set of criteria designed to account for local conditions and needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, the list of things the state superintendent doesnt do may be longer than the things the person actually does. School budgeting and program funding? Not really involved in that. Developing curriculum, instructional materials and content standards? Doesnt do that, either. Teacher training and credentialing? Nope. Building new or modernizing old schools? No again. Approving and overseeing charter schools? Not that, either. So, if someone called superintendent of public instruction doesnt directly oversee these things, as one might naturally assume, whats left to actually do? Quite a lot, though most of it is fairly technical: monitoring districts compliance with state and federal programs, grants and applicable laws; collecting data on district spending and student performance; ensuring that funds are properly allocated under the local control formula; and overseeing the budgets of county offices of education. This is grind-it-out stuff, especially considering Californias vast scale, with 5.8 million students in 977 school districts and more than 10,000 schools, spread out across 58 very different counties. Against the administrative and technical challenges presented by such an expansive system, theres a strong case for filling the states top education job with an experienced administrator, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature, similar to other important Cabinet roles. That case is further reinforced by Californias distinct lack of recent progress in improving learning conditions and student outcomes. From 2015-25, although California's per-student spending increased by 30%, student achievement did not. A recent nationwide assessment found that in both math and reading, not only does student achievement remain below 2019 levels, but also the gap between high- and low-achieving students continues to widen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If increased funding hasnt produced gains, whats needed to change the trajectory of public education in California? Accountability. California is among only 11 states that still elect their top education officials. Converting the role from an elected position to an appointed one would go far toward improving coordination and accountability between the executive branch, which already controls most of the levers on education, and the Legislature, which has too often been allowed to dodge hard choices on education by hiding behind an elected superintendent. The idea of abolishing the state superintendent as an elective office isnt new. As recently as 2023, then-Assembly member (now Sacramento Mayor) Kevin McCarty proposed a constitutional amendment that would have converted the office before next years ballot. That effort fizzled out in the midst of a busy legislative session and in the face of the usual political pressures. The merits of such a change, however, remain just as valid. In the near term, Californians will be asked at least once more to elect a state superintendent of public instruction. Whoever wins that position whether another candidate or I should do the job well and work to replace it with a system that better serves California, its students, its teachers and its future. Josh Newman is a senior fellow at UC Irvines School of Social Ecology and a former California state senator. He served as chair of the Senate Committee on Education. 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. The Trump administration found a perverse way of marking the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's tragic death on May 25, 2020. Last week, it announced it would withdraw the court order to reform the Minneapolis Police Department, as well as those in a number of other cities. Harmeet K. Dhillon, the head of the Trump Justice Departments civil rights division, made clear that she was looking to end many, if not all, of the federal injunctions aimed at abusive and discriminatory police departments in the United States. It is not as if the problems of police abuse and racist policing have diminished. Statistics continue to show that Black and Latino people are more likely to be stopped by police then white people for the same behavior, more likely to be arrested and more likely to be subjected to police violence. The murder of George Floyd led to protests in all 50 states against police abuses. Legislation for reforming policing was introduced into Congress and passed by the House of Representatives, only to be blocked in the Senate. Some state and local governments adopted reforms, but the impetus for change soon faded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Thousands nationwide mark the 5th anniversary of George Floyd's murder This has long been the pattern. High-profile incidents such as the beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles, and the more recent police killings of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ky., and of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., generate outrage, but meaningful reforms rarely get adopted. The simple reality is that the political process doesnt change policing. Politicians find it more advantageous to be tough on crime than to take on powerful police unions. Instead, what has proved to be an effective tool for police reform is the federal statute that was the basis for court ordered reforms in Minneapolis. The law adopted in 1994, allows the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate police departments and sue local and state governments for appropriate equitable and declaratory relief to eliminate the pattern or practice of unconstitutional violations. This authority has been used to institute reforms in many major city police departments, including in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Newark and New Orleans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The LAPD is still paying for George Floyd protest tactics. Will lawsuits force change? In most instances cities settle rather than litigate, and a consent decree a court ordered and court enforceable settlement is entered into. Usually there is a monitor appointed to oversee the reforms. The federal court can impose sanctions on the state or local government if it does not meet the terms of the agreement. In L.A., the Justice Department investigated and planned to sue the Los Angeles Police Department after the Rampart scandal , in 2000, where police officers were found to have planted evidence on innocent people and lied in court to gain convictions. In June 2001, the city agreed to a consent decree more than 100 pages long. The decree affected almost every aspect of policing in Los Angeles and included a large number of overdue reforms. It created databases to track, among other things, police use of force and police discipline. It required police to record information with regard to every stop. It changed how use of force was to be investigated. It altered control of the anti-gang units; it was an anti-gang unit in the Rampart Division that led to the scandal. It also required regular audits of many aspects of policing. A monitor was appointed and for 12 years, until 2013, a federal judge oversaw its implementation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Ex-Minneapolis police chief reckons with his department's record before George Floyd's murder The Harvard Kennedy School did a detailed study of the process and found that the consent decree significantly changed policing in Los Angeles. Serious use of force incidents, for example, decreased by 15% while the consent decree was in effect. L.A.s experience is typical: Consent decrees tend to work in reforming police departments. A study in 2017 supported their use after examining 23 police departments that had been under decrees, finding that "civil rights suits against these departments dropped anywhere from 23 percent to 36 percent after a federal intervention. Another study found that consent decrees overseen by a monitor led to a 29% decrease in civilian fatalities at police hands. In Minneapolis, the city and what was then the Biden administration Justice Department only came to terms in January, after a multiyear federal investigation found the citys police engaged in rampant abuses. By canceling the consent decree process, the Trump administration is indicating that it will no longer use its authority in such situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Preserving the George Floyd protest murals: L.A. arts and culture this week A crucial tool for police reform will be lost. An increase in police violation of rights and police violence, especially against individuals of color, seems inevitable. During the Vietnam War, Vermont Sen. George Aiken is remembered for saying that the United States should simply declare victory and withdraw. The Trump administration is following that playbook when it comes to police wrongdoing, and the consequences are sure to be tragic. Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law, is an Opinion Voices contributing writer. 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. BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) The United States Marshals Service announced on Tuesday that a Bristol, Virginia man accused of violating the sex offender registry was arrested in Mexico. According to a news release from the Marshals Service, Corey Parton, 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2024 for allegedly violating the sex offender registry. THP: Man arrested after motorcycle pursuit in Bean Station Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parton was a fugitive since that time and is presumed to have been in Mexico. He was arrested in Mexico on Sunday after marshals provided information to the Federal Police of Mexico. Parton was deported to the U.S. on Monday and taken into the Marshals Services custody. As of Tuesday afternoon, Parton had yet to appear in court. Court documents obtained by News Channel 11 show Parton is charged with the following: Failure to register as a sex offender or update a registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) Failure to provide information required by SORNA relating to intended travel in foreign commerce Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A criminal complaint details the circumstances that led to Parton being required to be registered as a sex offender and his new charges. The complaint states that he was convicted in December 2018 of proposing a sex act by communications systems and soliciting child pornography. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Crime Watch Parton reportedly completed his initial registration as a sex offender in Virginia after the conviction. As a Tier III offender, Parton was required to re-register every 90 days. In August 2023, a Virginia State Police (VSP) trooper was sent to investigate Parton, who was registered as living at a Bristol, Virginia address. That trooper reportedly learned that Parton had an Instagram account with a different name, which must be reported to the sex offender registry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint also noted that in August 2023, Parton was on probation and was not allowed to have any social media accounts. Additionally, the VSP trooper reportedly found Parton had a registered vehicle with a listed address in Roanoke, which he also had not reported to the registry. Parton had also allegedly not reported to the proper channels that he had changed his employment and was working at a pizza chain in Blountville. According to the complaint, Parton was sent re-registration forms in May and August 2023 but did not fill them out and submit them. Due to the social media accounts, vehicle registration and employment change, Parton was charged with three registration violations. He was arrested in August 2023 and given a bond. Additional charges were filed against him in September 2023, and a VSP trooper learned Parton had allegedly boarded a cruise ship in Galveston, Texas and gotten off in Cancun, Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parton reportedly never returned to the ship and never notified authorities that he was traveling. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Officials have released the identity of the suspect in a murder-suicide that took place on Interstate 85 in Piedmont Saturday. The Anderson County Coroners Office said 38-year-old Nathan Orlando Cureton died on May 24 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 7NEWS previously reported that deputies found the victim, Tayler Gennalee Maraj, 24, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head in a vehicle alongside I-85 at mile marker 39 in an apparent murder-suicide on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to reports, Cureton kidnapped the victim in Mauldin and began driving down the interstate before stopping the car and shooting Maraj and then himself. The coroner ruled the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head while the manner of death has been ruled suicide. Marajs death was ruled a homicide by the coroners office. Cureton was previously named the suspect in a kidnapping and domestic violence case in February after deputies in Greenville County said he ran from officers on foot before being taken into custody. The Anderson County Office of the Coroner, Anderson County Sheriffs Office and Mauldin Police Department are continuing to investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CORTLAND, Ohio (WKBN) In Trumbull County, the community held a special dedication ceremony on Monday to honor the veterans who call the area home. The South High Street Bridge over Walnut Run will now be known as the Cortland Veterans Memorial Bridge. Its just south of the Main and High streets intersection, next to the Veterans Memorial. City leaders say the new name is a lasting way to recognize the service and sacrifice of all veterans in the Cortland area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commander Frank Gillespie with Chapter 11 of Disabled American Veterans said it was a community effort that made it possible. We are dedicating a bridge today to the veterans, and its been okayed by the community, Gillespie said. Its a joined effort to realize what Memorial Day is truly about. He said the dedication has been in the works for months. Theres a sign on each side with the new name. Nick Rich 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. As conversations about President Joe Bidens decline during his years as president continue, and as Democrats continue to struggle with public approval, lawmakers on the left are looking for ways to reconnect with American voters. Some Democrats view this time, in the middle of the Trump era, as an opportunity to revamp their party especially as they struggle to find a new leader. One of those Democrats is Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat whose district includes much of Silicon Valley, but who wants his party to take a more populist route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes coined a new phrase to describe the voters he hopes to bring back to the Democratic Party, the working and middle class voters who fled the party to vote for President Donald Trump Blue MAGA. Khanna says Biden shouldnt have run another term Khanna, a California Democrat appeared on Sunday on ABC News This Week, with a tough message. The Democratic Party needs to be honest, he said. In light of what has come out, it is painfully obvious President (Joe) Biden should not have run, Khanna said. The California representative argued his party gave too much deference to party leaders, to the old guard, to the advisers instead of being more independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khanna thinks he has an answer to the Democrats identity problem can help the party rebuild. For the longest time, he called his vision progressive capitalism. Khanna now phrases it as economic patriotism, or jokingly Blue MAGA. Hes used several names, but its all the same agenda: Bring back manufacturing to America, and better jobs for working and middle class Americans. He has gone on tours in MAGA-leaning districts since his first term, when he visited Paintsville, Kentucky, to witness a disappearing coal industry. Then in 2022, Khanna left Silicon Valley for a tour of three states in the Midwest, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa, where he championed building American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his most recent tour, Benefits Over Billionaires, he traveled to Republican-held battleground districts in California, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He also plans to make stops in Nebraska, Nevada and Ohio. Khannas frequent travels have given rise to talk of presidential ambitions. He certainly seems to be setting himself up for a possible 2028 or 2032 run. In the meantime, this Democrat said he wants his party to pitch ideas that improve the lives of working-class Americans. We need a vision that helps the working class and gives Americans hope for the future, he wrote. That means building factories and creating jobs for the middle-class, he said. Ro Khanna and Bernie looking for Blue MAGA voters Khanna isnt the only one preaching Blue MAGA. His message aligns with the one delivered by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., during the Fight Oligarchy Tour Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a stop in Los Angeles, Khanna also joined Sanders for the tour. Khanna, who co-chaired Sanders 2020 campaign, considers the Vermont senator a mentor and his congressional platform is an extension of many of Sanders priorities, like a higher minimum wage, Medicare for all and affordable housing. Bernie Sanders warned us in 2016, he warned us about the unholy alliance of wealth and power, but the Democratic leadership rejected him, Khanna told the attendees in April. Then in 2020 he warned us again about money in politics, but the establishment, they betrayed him. Now, for a third time, hes warning us about billionaires taking over our democracy. And guess what? Guess what? This time, this time, Democrats in America are finally listening, Khanna said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats in the Senate and has run for president as a Democrat, is also an outspoken critic the party. He hasnt forgotten being pushed aside for more moderate candidates like Biden and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. On Monday, Sanders said the lack of a fair primary makes the Democratic Party a threat to Democracy, while talking about Sanders 2016 presidential bid on the Flagrant podcast. Progressives have long said the Republican Party under Trump threatens democracy. Im a life-long Democrat and I feel like the Democratic Party completely removed the democratic process from its constituents, host Andrew Schulz said. I think they need to have some accountability in that. No argument there, Sanders responded. He also didnt argue when cohost Akaash Singh suggested that Democrats havent had a fair primary since 2008. Ro Khanna ... and a potential White House run? Although Sanders isnt the MAGA crowds cup of tea, Khanna sparks curiosity among conservatives, thanks to his efforts at outreach to the other side of the aisle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was one of the handful of Democrats to not stay mum about Hunter Biden and his controversial laptop. Im for transparency, Khanna said in an interview Monday. Ive always been a very robust defender of the First Amendment. He sees eye to eye with Trump on the need for a manufacturing boom in the U.S. and showed his willingness to work with the Department of Government Efficiency, created to reduce federal spending. Steve Bannon told Vanity Fairs Joe Hagan that he thinks Khanna will eventually be a Republican. Hes out there with the oligarchs, theyre all right-wingers now, Bannon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khanna, as Hagan speculates, is propping himself as a Democratic hopeful, going up against the partys long list of vying candidates, like Gavin Newsom, John Fetterman, Chris Murphy and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, just to name a few. The California representative hasnt revealed his ambitions for a White House run in 2028. He told ABC News he is focused on getting the House back but didnt deny the possibility of a presidential run. UPDATE: Jacksonville City Council voted 16-1 Tuesday in support of a resolution in support of advanced programs in Florida Public Schools. END UPDATE: Jacksonville City Council is set to take a final vote Tuesday night in defense of full funding for advanced placement programs like AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), and AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education). Students like Kaden Young came out in force back in April to signal their support for a local resolution that called on state lawmakers to fully fund AP classes and career and technical education courses. The proposed budgets put forth by the Florida House and Senate both reduce bonus funds offered to schools when students pass the courses by 50 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It really hit home for a lot of people and they didnt realize that these courses that they hold so dearly could be taken away, Young said. Council initially shot down a motion to hear the bill on an emergency basis, which sent it to committees for a full six-week bill cycle. RELATED: Why Florida lawmakers want to slash AP funding and why education groups say the math doesnt add up At the time, it seemed the resolution wouldnt be heard before lawmakers wrapped up session. But since a state budget still has not been hammered out, theres still an opportunity to take a stand. It did wind up being a mixed blessing, Councilmember Matt Carlucci (R-Group 4 At-Large) said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Carlucci is the sponsor of the resolution, which now also calls on the school district to fully fund the courses in the event state lawmakers refuse to relent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They may ignore the resolution when it gets sent over there, but they wont ignore the voices of these young students. Because these young students represent voters, future voters and future leaders, Carlucci said. And based on votes the resolution received as it went through committee, Young is optimistic council will vote to approve it and amplify the voices of students who fear losing opportunities to earn college credit while in high school. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] We all feel really good about the spot were in right now. We feel as if, the Florida Legislature is extended by almost a month at this point, if we can use that month correctly, we can really get our message out very effectively and were excited to see where that takes us, Young said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State lawmakers have signaled they wont be back in the State Capitol before June 2. The House has even moved to extend session until June 30, which is just one day before the start of the next fiscal year. 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. LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) The Columbiana County Health District is hosting a clinic to screen men for prostate cancer. The District is offering Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening, which is a blood test that measures the amount of PSA in the bloodstream. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA could be indicative of prostate cancer. The test is important for men 50 and older. Black men and men with a family history should get the test a little earlier at 45, due to a higher risk of prostate cancer in those demographics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An elevated PSA is not always a sign of cancer, but its important to have it checked to rule it out. The clinic is free, but there is a $25 fee for those living outside the Columbiana County Health District, including Salem and East Liverpool, or outside Columbiana County. The clinic is set for Tuesday, June 10, from 1-5 p.m. at the District office, 7360 State Route 45, Lisbon. Appointments are required. To schedule your screening, please call 330-424-0272, ext. 114. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A couple is speaking out after a Carnival cruise ship rescued them, their crew and their dogs after their catamaran was damaged at sea in the South Pacific. Dustin Leonard and Helena Franczak had set sail on a journey of a lifetime -- traveling the globe on their catamaran. They were joined by two crew members and their three dogs. We've had the dream to try and sail around the world. And we got off to a bit of a bumpy start, Leonard told Good Morning America. PHOTO: Dustin Leonard and Helena Franczak were rescued by the crew of the Carnival Splendor in the South Pacific. (ABC News) Disney Cruise ship rescues 4 people off sinking catamaran in Bermuda Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The catamaran crew were heading to Fiji when a violent storm struck, stripping the masts off their vessel and leaving them stranded and battered by towering waves and lightning more than 170 nautical miles from the island of New Caledonia. PHOTO: Dustin Leonard and Helena Franczaks catamaran. (Courtesy of Dustin Leonard) Everyone was quite scared, Leonard recalled. I was like, Everybody, calm down, listen to me. At the moment, we are safe. Yes, this is not good. This is actually quite bad. After shooting a flare in the sky, the crew noticed a large cruise ship -- the Carnival Splendor -- in the distance. Following a five-hour diversion, Capt. Eduardo Ferrone of the Carnival Splendor and his crew pulled off the daring rescue on May 22. PHOTO: Captain Eduardo Ferrone of the Carnival Splendor. (Carnival Cruise Line) Ferrone compared the dramatic event to riding an elephant through a china shop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approaching with such a huge vessel on a small catamaran, it is really something that you need to do carefully because it takes a little mistake ... and you may sink them, said Ferrone. 72-year-old who had 4 strokes on cruise ship speaks out after rescue The crew on the cruise ship reached the catamaran and pulled Leonard, Franczak, their two crew members and their three dogs to safety. We were on our tiny boat. We saw this floating city just coming at us and then they throw a rope ladder and I looked at it. I'm like, OK, we're gonna have to climb that and it was tricky, Franczak said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once on board the Carnival Splendor, the couple said the dogs became instant celebrities among the cruise passengers as they strolled the decks. PHOTO: Dustin Leonard and Helena Franczak pose with the three dogs they were traveling with on their catamaran in the South Pacific. (Carnival Cruise Line) That feeling as soon as you get on the cruise ship, there's all the staff members there and you just kind of felt this massive relief, said Leonard. Leonard and Franczak have since gotten engaged and joked they nearly got married on the Carnival Splendor. Couple speaks out after dramatic rescue by Carnival cruise ship crew originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com The Covid-19 vaccine is no longer recommended for children and pregnant women in the US, Robert F Kennedy Jr has announced. On Tuesday, Donald Trumps health secretary said the vaccines have been removed from the Centre for Disease Control and Preventions (CDCs) recommended jabs for these groups. I couldnt be more pleased to announce that as of today, the Covid vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC recommended immunisation schedule, Mr Kennedy said in a video shared to X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the latest effort by Mr Kennedy, a vaccine sceptic, to reform the department of health to align with his Make America Healthy Again (Maha) agenda. Today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from @CDCgov recommended immunization schedule. Bottom line: it's common sense and it's good science. We are now one step closer to realizing @POTUS's promise to Make America Healthy Again. pic.twitter.com/Ytch2afCLP Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) May 27, 2025 Under current guidance, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark and Switzerland all recommend annual Covid jabs for those aged 65 or older, and those at high risk. UK researchers at the University of Huddersfield have published a study showing that Covid vaccines for young children are not essential. The World Health Organisation only recommends the Covid jab for children who have comorbidities. The CDC previously recommended updated Covid vaccines for everyone aged six months and older. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies with hundreds of thousands of people around the world show that being vaccinated for Covid-19 before and during pregnancy is safe, effective, and beneficial to both the pregnant woman and the baby, according to the CDCs website. Pregnant women are deemed to be at high risk from Covid, while young children face a similar risk of hospitalisation to older adults, paediatricians told The New York Times. Time to move forward However, Marty Makary, the US food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner, said in the video that there was no evidence that healthy children need routine Covid shots. Most countries have stopped recommending it for children, he added. In the UK, children under the age of 12 are eligible for the jab, but it is only recommended for children with a weakened immune system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the Covid-19 pandemic behind us, it is time to move forward, the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. The decision has faced backlash from medical professionals, with one doctor saying the edict could put pregnant women in danger. With Covid still circulating, pregnant women and their babies who are born too young to be vaccinated are going to be at risk for Covid and for the severe complications, Dr Jamieson told The New York Times. Kennedy at odds with FDA officials The announcement goes beyond the recommendations of CDC advisers, who had been planning to include pregnant women as among those who remain eligible for Covid-19 jabs, according to CBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move also puts Mr Kennedy at odds with officials at the FDA, who recently said pregnancy warranted continued eligibility for the vaccine. The FDA last week laid out plans to require new clinical trials to approve annual Covid-19 booster jabs for those under 65, effectively limiting the shots to older adults and those at risk of developing severe illness. Mr Kennedy has long campaigned against giving children the Covid-19 vaccine and previously threatened to sue the FDA over the issue. Despite promising not to alter the childhood vaccine schedule in his confirmation hearing, Mr Kennedy has since said that nothing is off limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon taking over leadership of US health policy, he pledged to set up a strategy around childrens health within six months of taking over to investigate formerly taboo issues, including childhood vaccinations. 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 new Covid variant is continuing to proliferate around the U.S. although you might not know it by just checking federal variant-tracking dashboards. Known as NB.1.8.1, the omicron variant has been tracked in states across the country following a large surge in China. Although, right now, LP.8.1 a descendent of JN.1 is the nations dominant strain. The Centers for Disease Control is in regular contact with international partners, and is aware of reported NB.1.8.1 cases in China, an agency spokesperson told The Independent. There have been too few U.S. sequences reported thus far for the variant to be included in its dashboard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, in Asia, its resulted in increased hospitalizations and emergency room visits. So, what should Americans know about NB.1.8.1, and how worrying is its spread? Heres what to know. What and where is NB.1.8.1? NB.1.8.1 has been designated a SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring, with increasing proportions globally, according to the World Health Organization. There are currently six tracked by the agency. A new Covid variant that led to hospitalizations in Asia has a foothold in the U.S. Its known as NB.1.8.1 (Getty Images) Its spread throughout 22 countries. In the U.S., it has been traced to New York, California, Arizona, Ohio and Rhode Island, according to records from local health officials at the CDCs airport testing partner Ginkgo Bioworks. While still low in numbers, the WHO noted that there had been a significant rise in its prevalence from late March to April. What do we know about related infections? The public health risk posed by this variant is evaluated as low at the global level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalizations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation, the WHO said. But, while it may not be particularly severe, may infect people more easily than previous variants. There is some evidence that the variant binds more tightly to human cells. "Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily," Subhash Verma, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, told CBS News this week. "In other words, it is more transmissible." The Food and Drug Administration recently said that it would shift to narrow approval for updated Covid vaccines. Currently-approved shots are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant (Getty Images) Do the Covid vaccines work against NB.1.8.1? Yes, our currently-approved Covid shots are expected to remain effective against this variant and protect against severe disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, access to the vaccines is being limited by the Trump administration. On Tuesday, health officials said the Covid vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women had been removed from the CDCs recommended immunization schedule. The Food and Drug Administration said last week that it will continue to approve updates for seniors and Americans with underlying medication conditions. However, it will require vaccine makers to conduct major new clinical trials before approving them for wider use. Although the number of Covid-related hospitalizations and deaths has fallen considerably since the pandemics start, experts worry about what limiting access to vaccines could do. Is the pharmacist going to determine if you're in a high-risk group? Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told The Associated Press. The only thing that can come of this will make vaccines less insurable and less available. For now, people can still get the shots. WARSAW, Poland (AP) The Conservative Political Action Conference, the United States' premier conservative gathering, held its first meeting in Poland on Tuesday, just five days before a tightly contested presidential election between a liberal mayor and a conservative backed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The two candidates vying to replace Polish President Andrzej Duda offer starkly different visions for Poland: Rafa Trzaskowski, the pro-European Union liberal mayor of Warsaw, and Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by the Law and Justice party who is skeptical of the EU. We need you to elect the right leader, Kristi Noem, the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary and a prominent Trump ally, said in a speech at the event. You will be the leaders that will turn Europe back to conservative values." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem described Trzaskowski as an absolute train wreck of a leader" and Nawrocki as someone who would lead Poland in a style similar to Trump. She opened her speech saying: I just had the opportunity to meet with Karol and listen: he needs to be the next president of Poland. Do you understand me? She also implied that electing Nawrocki would strengthen the U.S.-Poland relationship. If you (elect) a leader that will work with President Donald J. Trump, the Polish people will have an ally strong that will ensure that you will be able to fight off enemies that do not share your values, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You will have strong borders and protect your communities and keep them safe, and ensure that your citizens are respected every single day," she said. "You will continue to have a U.S. presence here, a military presence. And you will have equipment that is American-made, that is high quality. The United States currently has some 10,000 troops stationed in Poland, a mission aimed at reassuring the frontline NATO nation worried about Russian aggression. Donald Trump is a strong leader for us, but you have an opportunity that you have just as strong of a leader in Karol if you make him the leader of this country, Noem said. CPAC sees a globalist attack Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp opened the proceedings with a speech claiming that conservatives around the world are locked in a battle against globalists, whom he described as enemies of faith, family and freedom. Schlapp claimed CPAC had stood by Trump throughout his legal battles and declared that similar threats were playing out in countries like Poland. Are you happy that America is getting closer to being great again? Schlapp asked the audience. Did the reelection of Donald Trump bring you joy? When one of us is under attack, the rest of us must come to that persons defense, he added. The globalists intend to take each one of us out one by one to shame us, to silence us, to bankrupt us, to ruin us, to make our kids turn against us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that's why it was important to win all these elections, including in Poland, that are so important to the freedom of people everywhere. The conference took place in Jasionka, near the southeastern Polish city of Rzeszow, located in a region of Poland that is staunchly conservative. Jasionka has also been the hub for U.S. and Western weapons sent to Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion more than three years ago. A global conservative movement CPAC meetings, which started in 1974, used to champion tight budgets and a hawkish foreign policy, but have steadily been taken over by the Trump wing of the Republican party. CPAC has rebranded itself as a celebration of the U.S. presidents populist approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, its reached out to other conservative populists with a stated goal of helping grow a global conservative movement. CPAC has held gatherings in Japan, South Korea, Mexico City and Israel. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his staff have become regular speakers. The gathering in Poland followed multiple CPAC meetings in Budapest. Another speaker Tuesday was John Eastman, a conservative lawyer who was the architect of much of Trumps unsuccessful strategy to overturn his 2020 election loss. In his speech, Eastman framed the upcoming Polish presidential election as a decisive moment for the future of Western civilization. He argued that a cultural and ideological cancer marked by a loss of faith in Western civilization is spreading eastward. Poland is poised to play a critical role in defeating this threat to Western civilization. That is why the election this coming Sunday is so important," Eastman said. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) A man has died after a crash on Interstate 264 eastbound in Norfolk Tuesday afternoon, Virginia State Police said. State police said only one car was involved in the crash, which happened when the driver of a 1999 Mercedes Benz, Eugene Darby, 59, was traveling eastbound on I-264. His car veered off the road and struck a guardrail, state police said. When his car struck the guardrail, it crossed over all traffic lanes, struck the Jersey wall and spun out, according to State Police, who said Darby was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police received calls about the crash around 1:30 p.m. Screenshot of live VDOT camera taken at 3 p.m. Several lanes of I-264 eastbound remained closed for about two hours Tuesday afternoon while emergency crews worked to clear the crash scene. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, the crash was at mile marker 10.5 in Norfolk, near Ingleside Road. They had it listed as a high impact incident. As of 3 p.m., all but one outside lane remained closed to traffic, as could be seen on the live VDOT cameras. The lanes reopened to traffic a short time later. 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. 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? YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A stretch of a York County road is closed after a vehicle crashed into a pole. According to Hanover Area Fire and Rescue, drivers are encouraged to avoid Broadway between McKinley and Grant Streets. A pole is down after a vehicle crash. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Hanover Area Fire and Rescue said Met Ed is responding to the scene, and the roadway is expected to be closed for several hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Images from the scene show crews on the scene of the accident involving a downed pole. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. New Mexico Historic Sites shared this photo of fire damage at an historic associated with Fort Stanton. The 720-acre Camp Fire "nearly destroyed" the 1855 fort beginning Sunday, though crews said they've made progress and stopped the fire's spread. (Photo courtesy NM Historic Sites) Updated: On Tuesday evening, fire officials reported significant progress securing large portions of the fire line on the north and south sides of the fire, with containment increasing to 47%. The 720-acre Camp Fire northeast of Ruidoso ignited Sunday near one of the most-intact military forts from the 19th century in the country, but an incident command team said Tuesday that crews are making progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire damaged three historical structures at Fort Stanton, according to the latest updates, along with one outbuilding. But firefighters said Tuesday they were holding firelines and had fought back a blaze that nearly destroyed the site, according to the Pecos River Team fighting the fire. The federal Bureau of Land Management and state of New Mexico manage the historic locale, established in 1855. With 88 buildings on a 240-acre plot, Fort Stanton remains one of the largest historical sites in the state, and once housed tuberculosis patients during the epidemic and became an internment camp for German sailors and Japanese-Americans during World War II. The fort is now hosting firefighters as they beat back the blaze, which appears to have come within 1,000 feet of some of the main buildings, according to a Source New Mexico analysis of the fire perimeter map last updated late Monday evening. There was no fire spread overnight, according to the Pecos River Team. The fires cause is still under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the day Tuesday, fire crews expect to continue securing the fire perimeter by removing material near control lines, and theyll continue to map the burned area. As a result, acreage may change, according to a news release. The south edge of the fire, which is the closest edge to the historic site, will be the primary focus for the roughly 150 firefighters who have responded to the blaze. The south edge of the fire perimeter appears to roughly follow Fort Stanton Trail, according to a map of the fire perimeter. Fort Stanton is closed to the public, as is Rob Jaggers Campground and the Rio Bonito and West Mesa Road dispersed camping areas. Highway 220 is also closed in the Fort Stanton Area. Various local and federal governments have imposed fire restrictions in the area, including the BLM Roswell District, Lincoln County and the New Mexico Forestry Division. That means all campfires are prohibited, along with smoking outdoors, operating motor vehicles off designated roads and outdoor welding. (FOX40.COM) The Woodland Fire Department, the Davis Fire Department and the UC Davis Fire Department are battling a brush fire on Tuesday afternoon. Video Above: Sacramento firefighters battle large grass fire (May 26) Crews said the fire is burning near County Road 29 and County Road 102. WPD confirms structures are being threatened and firefighters are working to contain the flames and protect nearby properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials ask the community to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to operate safely. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) A fire near the Colorado-Utah border started Monday afternoon. According to the Wildland Fire Interagency Geospatial Service, the wildfire spread to 33 acres near Fault Line 1 campsite along the Colorado River. The Mesa County Sheriffs Office Wildland Fire Team, Lower Valley Fire District and Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit assisted on the fire. An interagency water dropping helicopter and the Mesa County Search and Rescue boat team also helped with the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story will be updated once more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. The Age of Choice A History of Freedom in Modern Life by Sophia Rosenfeld Princeton, 480 pp., $37 EARLY IN THE AGE OF CHOICE, Sophia Rosenfeld, a professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania, risks ridicule by sympathetically describing the plight of contemporary choosers of products, mates, or ideas. Many of us, she says, particularly if we cannot afford consultants, advisors, experts, or other navigators through our sea of plenty, feel overwhelmed by an imagined responsibility for crafting our own happiness. We feel guilty over the last choice, anxious about the next one, and potentially overburdened, even paralyzed by such mundane questions as what to eat for lunch. This complaint, which Rosenfeld considers common, sounds like the woe is me of unserious people unburdened by serious woes. Yet Rosenfeld gives us a fresh angle on this contemporary cliche by showing how old it is. Immanuel Kant, for instance, wrote in the late eighteenth centurywith no supermarkets or social media available to him in Konigsbergabout the infinite range of objects available to the free chooser. Its not just us very late moderns who feel overwhelmed. Indeed, in Conjectural Beginning of Human History, the essay Rosenfeld cites, Kant goes back further than she does to find the source of the trouble: It started, Kant says, with the first, calamitous, innocence-ending choice of Eve. The anxiety that accompanies our attempt to choose the perfect spatula is a comic recapitulation of the first sin and our summary ejection from paradise. It is an acting out of what defines us as human beings: the capacity to choose for ourselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, Rosenfeld reminds us, choice has not always dominated our understanding of freedom. In early modern Europe, free men resisted being dominated by other individuals but welcomed a predetermined set of beliefs and . . . social role. Moreover, insofar as choice was important, it was framed in the register of Hercules Choice, an allegory about the binary choice between virtue and vice. Freedom consisted not in the opportunity to pick from a multitude of options but in being presented with two and rightly selecting the honorable one. Rosenfelds book offers a history of our departure from this frameworkthe move away from choices on the model of Hercules and toward those predicated on the satisfaction of ones own preferences in a world rich with increased, as well as less morally freighted, options. Share Rosenfeld offers her historical findings with a view to our moment of spatulas and lunch anxiety, the present age in which our reigning concept of freedom has lost its way. She agrees with contemporary critics that the hegemony of choice has drawbacks beyond the way it threatens to overwhelm the choosers. That hegemony obscures how irrational our choices often areand how open we are to manipulations by choice architects. It distracts us from injustice and encourages us to think that good and bad fortune reliably result from good and bad choices. This hegemony also kills our appetite for politics, and therefore, it serves those in power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For feministsa focus of Rosenfeldsmerely asserting a right to choose in the face of the conservative argument that some things are too valuable . . . to be subject to personal choice has not worked. Nor is it honest, since there are always ethical stakes to our decisions that are elided by those who argue for the ideal of choice as such. Rosenfeld addresses progressives especially, but her disparagement of choice idolatry mirrors disgust in some conservative circles with the fetishizing of autonomy. By unfolding an in no way inevitable or even unidirectional history, Rosenfeld seeks to clear the way for a rethinking of our attachment to choice in its current form. ROSENFELDS STORY IS SPRAWLING. In her account, the deep if loose roots of modern choice extend at least to the seventeenth century, and mapping them properly requires taking in developments in commerce, religion, courtship, politics, and social science. Notwithstanding this broad scale, she also offers nuance. For example, in a gloss on eighteenth-century novelists depictions of shopping expeditions, Rosenfeld resists the urge to read too much into the sense of autonomy a female character gets out of the activity. The fictional shopper isnt a punk, a goth, or a representative of some other group set on fashioning an identity through consumer choices; she is, modestly, making careful judgments about quality while choosing among the possibilities that she is offered. The emphasis on choosing a life plan or identity emerges later in the timeline. Nor does Rosenfeld neglect differences between the commercial dimension of our conception of choice and the religiousand specifically Protestantdimension, which holds that real faith must be a decision on the part of the individual, sovereign mind. Distinguishing between these different sources heightens our sense that choice has been and can be variably practiced and variably understood. Rosenfeld distinguishes her account from pure intellectual histories by laying a heavy emphasis on, and offering close readings of, mundane social practices, through which ideas become second nature. For example, one part of the story of choice in the romantic context is the ball, whose rituals Rosenfeld explains with reference to nineteenth-century dance manuals and novels. As choice in marriage begins to expand, so also do informal laws, enforced by public opinion and hosts, to regulate how men and women were going to engage in the world of choice when such powerful emotions as love and desire were in play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosenfeld considers the cotillion (she prefers the French spelling cotillon), a series of dance games played late at night and offering temporary freedom from the normal constraints . . . on making and expressing sentimental and erotic choice. Some variations licensed what would otherwise amount to a breach of etiquette, as with a woman choosing her male dance partner. In one version, the unpicked men must then dance with each other. But even these games of choice, which broke some normal rules governing relations between the sexes, had ever more elaborate rules to manage the rule breaking, a stylized, repetitive choreography, with limited room for improvisationand therefore, she points out, limited risk to the women participants. Elsewhere, Rosenfeld uses the metaphor of choreography to convey the idea that choice, in practice, involves the setting, mastery, and internalization of rules devised to both facilitate it and keep it under control. Join now Rosenfelds point is not to argue simplistically that superficial choices hide deeper control, though she mentions critics, from Marx on, who adopted something like that view. The advancing modern world of choice had right-wing critics, too, and, in any case, it caused considerable anxiety across the board. (Medical authorities warned that couples dances like the waltz could be hazardous to a womans health, particularly if the wrong partner were enlisted.) But, Rosenfeld explains, the main response to the growing power of choice . . . was not to reject it but to figure out how to make it work. What emerged in courtship and other fields was bounded choice, a system of rules in which there were many impediments to choosing but in which choice remained possible. One reason John Stuart Mills 1859 work On Liberty found such a ready audience for its radical claim that human dignity consisted in choosing ones own plan of life is that it proposed an extension of, rather than an abrupt and massive break from, what Western culture had been doingin shops, at balls, and in other domainsfor some time. AS ROSENFELDS HISTORY DRAWS nearer to the present, however, her nuanced approach falters. During the twentieth century, she argues, partly under the influence of modern social scientists, choice understood simply as freedom from others desires and demands becomes a barely questioned premise in the democratic West. As evidence for this claim, Rosenfeld points to the human rights doctrine that developed after World War II. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the United Nations voted up in 1948, is, in Rosenfelds account, the work of a committee focused resolutely on individuals, abstracted from any context and untethered from collectivities of any kind, from family to nation to cultural group. The fulfillment of basic needs is largely abandoned in favor of the opportunity to pursue those needs . . . as one sees fit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a strange way to characterize the Universal Declaration, which anticipates a world in which human beings shall enjoy . . . freedom from fear and want. It is surprising that Rosenfeld sees inattentiveness to basic needs in a document that proclaims a right to social security, to just and favorable conditions of work for just and favorable remuneration, to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, and to periodic holidays with pay. It is surprising that she sees indifference to collectivities of any kind, including the family, in a document that declares the family the natural and fundamental group unit of society. Share The Bulwark Rosenfelds exaggeration of what she calls the hegemony of choice matters because it encourages us to think that our present troubles are the result of excessive attachment to choice. That in turn renders more plausible Rosenfelds concluding suggestion that we should consider new kinds of politics and subjectivities, or a new conception of autonomy, or, as she says early in the book, other modes for envisioning our future, beyond choice. Like the postliberal conservative philosopher Patrick Deneen, who declared liberalism a failure in 2018, Rosenfeld worries that the logic of choice has exhausted itself. Today, that threatens to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. But perhaps its we who are exhausted. In his Conjectural Beginning, the essay mentioned above, Kant warned against our yearning for a golden age of universal human equality and perpetual peace. That yearning proves that thoughtful persons weary of civilized life, understood as a gradual developmentdespite the evils that accompany freedomfrom the worse to the better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fairness to Rosenfeld, the moral rethinking she encourages us to undertake involves, she writes, reflecting primarily on philosophical rather than political questions, which are more utopian than anything else. And she is right that the ideas of freedom that prevail now are not the only imaginable ones. Even so, utopian impatience with choice is probably not what our dystopian, authoritarian moment calls for. Keep up with all our coverage of books, arts, philosophy, and ideassign up for Bulwark+ today: Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) slammed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem for her recent trip to Israel, declaring it just another photo op. Crockett said she didnt think anything substantive would come from the foreign trip scheduled days after two Israeli Embassy staffers were fatally shot outside of a museum in Washington. You just had a good photo op. And I think that thats probably all Kristi Noem is good for, is a photo op, Crockett said Sunday during an appearance on MSNBCs Weekends with Alex Witt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem has faced heavy criticism in recent months from lawmakers and others for wearing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) gear, including a bulletproof vest, in photos and videos and when speaking to reporters along the southern border. During a trip to El Salvador, the secretary also received pushback for giving remarks in front of prisoners at the notorious megaprison known as CECOT. However, she said her Sunday trip to Israel was not arranged for the media but requested by President Trump after a shooting killed the couple, identified as 26-year-old Sarah Lynn Milgrim and 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky. The two staffers were killed after a gunman opened fire outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington last week. The shooter also shouted free Palestine during the incident, according to police likely in protest over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Following the horrific terrorist attack in Washington DC killing two Israeli diplomats, @POTUS Trump asked me to visit Israel and meet with Prime Minister [Benjamin Netanyahu], Noem wrote in a Monday post on the social platform X, showcasing MSNBC footage of her at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Hate will not have the last word. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu also shared an image alongside the secretary thanking her for her unwavering support of Israel. Crockett has been openly critical of Trump and his administration since the president returned to the White House in January. She has also joined with her fellow progressive Democrats to push for change in her own party. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A cryptocurrency investor is facing charges of kidnapping and assault after officials alleged he tortured another man for weeks while demanding information to access their Bitcoin. John Woeltz, a 37-year-old man, pleaded not guilty Saturday to the charges he faces, including kidnapping with intent to collect ransom, assault with intent to cause physical injury, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a firearm. Prosecutors allege that Woeltz kept the 28-year-old man for weeks in a Manhattan apartment, beginning on May 6, beating and shocking him, and threatening to harm his family if he didnt hand over his Bitcoin password. He was arrested after the man escaped from the townhouse and flagged a traffic officer on the street for help, a spokesperson for the deputy commissioner of public information for the New York City Police Department told The Hill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woeltz is being held without bail. A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that the victim arrived in New York City from Italy earlier this month. A prosecutor said others were also involved in trying to gain access to the victims Bitcoin. The victim told officials that he was bound at the wrists and drugged, shocked with electric wires, hit in the head with a firearm and dangled over a ledge at the top of stairs. The prosecutor said the victims injuries were consistent with what he described being bound and assaulted, and evidence was found at the townhouse upon a search of the place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woeltzs attorney, Wayne Gosnell, told AP that he had no comment. Woeltzs next appearance in court is scheduled for Wednesday. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The News A string of crypto kidnappings across Europe and the US have put executives and investors on edge. A brutal scene unfolded in New York City over the holiday weekend, when a Kentucky man was arrested and accused of torturing an Italian tourist to obtain access to his crypto wallet. Concerns have grown after hackers stole from Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange, the names, addresses, and account balances of some customers. This hack will lead to people dying, TechCrunch founder and crypto investor Michael Arrington wrote on X. Know More Kidnapping for crypto has become increasingly common in Europe, especially France. Masked assailants unsuccessfully attempted to kidnap the daughter of a prominent crypto executive off the streets of Paris this month, while the co-founder of Ledger, a widely used physical crypto wallet maker, was kidnapped alongside his wife and mutilated earlier this year. Both were committed in an effort to get millions in crypto ransom, according to French police, who arrested twenty individuals they believe were involved in the plots yesterday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crypto enthusiasts blame rules that require companies to collect personal data in the first place. This issue is much bigger than crypto, and regulation is the actual thing to target, investor Balaji Srinivasan wrote in response to Arringtons post. But kidnappings stemming from hacks of banks which have to collect that same data are vanishingly rare, suggesting that cryptos vulnerability lies in the untraceability (to a point) of payments and its usefulness in criminal enterprises. Notable BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (FOX 56) Where is Crystal Rogers? has plagued Nelson County for nearly a decade. Now, her family and friends sit in a Warren County courtroom, hopeful for answers. A judge is set to hear the case against 54-year-old Steven Lawson, one of the men charged in connection with the Bardstown mothers disappearance. Its the first of two trials related to the case. On Tuesday morning, Lawsons attorney, Darren Wolff, made one last effort to postpone the trial. He argued that the defense team hadnt had enough time to review the discovery, after only receiving the case in August 2024, when Lawson fired his previous attorney during a hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wolff said the defense has received around 400,000 pages of written material and called reviewing evidence in an investigation that spanned 10 years in only eight months impossible. Nearly 10 years after Crystal Rogers vanished in Bardstown, one of the men accused will stand trial: What to expect We are simply not prepared, Wolff pleaded. Further, Wolff hinted that the death of Bardstown police officer Jason Ellis is expected to be mentioned throughout the trial, and his team has yet to review the discovery concerning the Ellis case. Judge Charles Simms said the argument was irrelevant to the overall nature of the Lawson case. LATEST ON CRYSTAL ROGERS CASE: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody is solving the Jason Ellis case during this trial, Simms said. On Friday, May 23, Kentucky media outlets filed an emergency intervention requesting that the judge consider allowing one camera in the courtroom after filing an order prohibiting the use of all electronic devices throughout the trial. The motion was also heard on Tuesday morning. Special prosecutor Shane Young argued that the media had no right to intervene. Simms affirmed that hes seen thousands of cases throughout his career, and nothing amounts to the attention the Rogers case has received, describing it as circus-like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news Im exhausted, and the trial hasnt even started, Simms said. He ultimately denied the medias emergency intervention. Jury selection took most of the morning, with 12 jurors and three alternates seated. Potential jurors were questioned about their knowledge of the case, connections to law enforcement, and whether they had formed an opinion. In opening statements, the defense said this case is built on speculation, not facts. The prosecution painted a different picture, saying Houck exhibited unusual behavior before Rogers disappearance, including riding around with Lawson. Courtroom sketch of Steve Lawson on day one of his trial on May 27, 2025, in Bowling Green. (Sydney Young) Courtroom sketch of Sherry Ballard, mother of Crystal Rogers, on day one of Steve Lawsons trial on May 27, 2025, in Bowling Green. (Sydney Young) Sherry Ballard and family at the first day of the Steve Lawson trial on May 27, 2025. (Sydney Young) Courtroom sketch of Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms on day one of Steve Lawsons trial on May 27, 2025, in Bowling Green. (Sydney Young) They say Lawson claimed that Houck asked him to get rid of Rogers and that he later called to say, The job was done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherry Ballard, Crystals mother, was the first to testify, emotional on the stand as she spoke about her daughters troubled relationship with Houck. Notes from the investigation indicate that Houck never reported Rogers missing her family did. Deputy Jonathan Snow, the lead detective, then, was the second witness. He testified about early red flags including Houcks inconsistencies, a flat tire found on Crystals abandoned car, and her items left behind. While Houck remains the main suspect, this trial is for Lawson, whos charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with evidence. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials announced that they plan to be ready for deliberation by Friday, May 30. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Elsa Cain-Yuquilema, a member of the Kichwa Puruha ethnic group from Ecuador and a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at MSU from 2024 to 2025. | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz For Elsa Cain-Yuqilema of Ecuador, language expresses ones culture and when a language is lost, its culture will also vanish, and with it, its people. To do her part in making sure that doesnt happen, Cain-Yuqilema kept her Kichwa language alive in the classrooms of Michigan State University by sharing it with community members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kichwa is an endangered language, and if it ever disappears, it will be because of us: from the language not being passed down by parents to the change in traditional clothing. I believe that in Ecuador, we lack appreciation for ourselves, we Kichwa speakers, she said. Elsa Cain-Yuquilema singing during her cultural event at MSU. | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz Cain-Yuqilema, 32, arrived at MSU from Ecuador a year ago, as part of a cultural and academic exchange through the Fulbright Program. Elsita, as her friends affectionately call her, embarked on this adventure once again outside her country, but this time not just as an exchange student, but also as a teacher of her culture. Through engaging classes and cultural events, Cain-Yuqilema taught Kichwa, her first language and the native tongue of the Andean peoples in South America, to undergraduate students. At the same time, alongside Indigenous student organizations, she organized cultural events for community members, never missing an opportunity to showcase a piece of the Indigenous traditions of Ecuador that she grew up with and lived with. Cain-Yuqilema has a soft and calm voice. Filling her voice with warm emotion, she shared how the MSU community has appreciated and admired every part of her culture. Every Kichwa word spoken in class, every song shared at a cultural event, is a thread she wove, connecting the two worlds: the Indigenous traditions of Ecuador and the American society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among her students, words of excitement and gratitude are expressed at having learned about a new culture through language. They appreciated that these types of classes are offered at the university, where cultural exchange and the expansion of perspectives are encouraged through native-speaking professors from other countries. I looked through the MSU catalog and saw that Kichwa was being taught in person, so I was really excited to see that and kind of jumped at the opportunity to start learning. Im so, so happy that I did. I didnt have much of a connection with Ecuador or any other South American country. I do now., said Drake Howard, a linguistics student. Were really lucky at MSU to be able to take courses in a language that doesnt have very many resources online, Howard highlighted. Elsa Cain-Yuquilema teaching Kichwa at MSU. | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz This process of cultural exchange made her feel much more confident about her own culture. Cain-Yuqilema belongs to the Kichwa Puruha ethnic group, from the region of Riobamba, in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. She learned Kichwa from her family, passed down by her parents and grandparents, while Spanish, her second language, was taught at school and in the community. Later, as a young woman, she learned English at university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although English and Spanish are the dominant languages in Ecuador, Kichwa has remained within her as her own. Cain-Yuqilema explained that it is common to see young people who no longer know the native language or wear traditional clothing. For many Kichwa speakers, not speaking Spanish properly, as a second language, makes them subject to uncomfortable stares and corrections, even in their own country. After several decades of struggle by our fathers and mothers, fortunately in Ecuador, Kichwa has been more accepted by society in recent years; however, there is still much work to do, Cain-Yuqilema said. Elsa Cain-Yuquilema in her office at MSU. | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz According to UNESCO, in Andean countries with a Kichwa majority, such as Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, there is an accelerated loss of the language, primarily due to migration and the death of speakers. Furthermore, the low appreciation for culture and language means it is not passed down from generation to generation, driven by social and cultural integration in places where Spanish is the dominant language. Despite being a vulnerable language, Kichwa, more than just a language, has become a cultural bridge that connects Indigenous roots with international academic spaces, including in Michigan. Cain-Yuqilema built and maintained that bridge by bringing with her her words, her clothing, her stories, and her worldview to the MSU community members who may have never heard about the lives of Andean peoples in South America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kichwa education brought me here, and this experience has been a learning experience. Im taking the best of education and culture from here, and I hope Ive left the best of mine, Cain-Yuqilema stated. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX WESTERN COLORADO (KREX) On Tuesday, the Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT) announced the launch of a major wildfire mitigation project in Plateau Valley in partnership with the Grand Mesa Watershed Resiliency Partnership in August. A grant from the Colorado Youth Corps Association and Great Outdoors Colorado funds the project. The project will focus on thinning overgrown vegetation and reducing hazardous fuels on conserved properties near the National Forest land on top of the Grand Mesa. Since private lands make up more than 60% of Colorados landscape, the CWLT will focus on thinning and clearing brush on these properties. The effort will safeguard the nearby canal and its water, protect watershed values and reduce the threat of fast-moving wildfires from spreading. Private lands like those in Plateau Valley are vital to our collective wildfire resilience, said Hallie Flynn, a member of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS). In areas where public and private lands are closely connected, proactive mitigation on private property helps reduce risk across the entire landscape. While our work supports overall forest and watershed health, the most effective actions to prevent home loss start within the Home Ignition Zone. As a stewardship agency, the CSFS is focused on helping landowners take practical steps to protect what matters, now and for future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is part of a bigger, collaborative strategy to improve wildfire resilience across Western Colorado. Healthy forests and resilient watersheds go hand in hand, said CWLT Conservation Manager David Varner. Were proud to work with our local partners to protect both through proactive wildfire mitigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nigel Farage says hes coming for Labour voters, and hes bringing a bold new benefits policy with him. The Reform leader is promising to lift the two-child benefit cap and offer bigger tax breaks for married couples, in a direct pitch to the working-class. Speaking in central London, Farage claimed support for Labour is collapsing and laid out a suite of pledges, from restoring winter fuel payments for pensioners to challenging Sir Keir Starmer to a head-to-head debate in a Northern working mens club. He later commented on the case of Lucy Connolly, saying the mother and former childminder who was jailed for 31 months for a tweet about the Southport attacks should not be in prison. Kamal and Cleo were at the event to bring us the mood in the room and dissect what Farages game play means for both Labour and the Tories. Plus, were joined in the studio by shadow chancellor Mel Stride who says Farages plans arent just uncosted, theyre fantasy economics that could put our economy at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch episodes of the Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 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. HARTFORD, Tenn. (WATE) With the long holiday weekend coming to an end, thousands took to the roads Monday to either kickstart their summer vacation or make their way back home. Regardless, Interstate 40 saw a healthy dose of traffic throughout the day, including an area still recovering from the remnants of Hurricane Helene. For a time on Monday, the section of I-40 reduced to a single lane in each direction was extremely backed up. The Memorial Day holiday weekend provided the first major spike in traffic the road has seen since the road reopened in March. Black bear found in Bell County, Kentucky home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 5:00 p.m. Monday, the eastbound lane of I-40 in Tennessee was sitting at a standstill for close to 30 minutes as traffic was forced to merge into a single lane heading toward the state line. As for westbound traffic, it was smooth sailing near the Hartford exit, but it wasnt always that way for people coming from the Carolinas. Im glad its open, it was a little slower than I would hope but thats alright, Jim Woodbridge, who was heading back home to Michigan after attending the NASCAR race in Charlotte over the weekend. This was worse than the traffic I encountered down there. We went down about a week early and I left mid-morning today, Woodbridge said. My daughter was up from Atlanta and shes back home already. Gold Star Father shares about his veteran son while taking the last Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was Woodbridges first time driving on this stretch of road since it reopened following Helene. The damage was nothing like he has ever seen. I want to say awesome, but in a bad way. The devastation, you can see all of that. Im glad it wasnt life and limb in those down the creek, down the river, Woodbridge explained. Those guys have a lot of work to do to get it back. While there is no timeline for when all lanes will be re-opened, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportations website, traffic is currently down to one lane in either direction for approximately 12 miles. They add, there are no exits for gas stations or convenience stores within that stretch and speeds will be posted between 35 and 40 miles per hour. In other words, expect delays during the summer driving season. Three adults, three children rescued after watercraft hit a tree on Pigeon River Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woodbridge also told 6 News he was hoping the weather would be a little bit better so he could see the Smoky Mountains. He added that he plans on getting home in the next day and a half or so. The work zone extends from mile marker 446 in Tennessee to roughly mile marker 7 in North Carolina. Keep in mind, you can still take I-81 North to the Tri-Cities and then I-26 South to Asheville to avoid any possible delays. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sir Keir Starmers bid to boost the economy with a slew of data centres threatens to undermine Labours net zero goals, campaigners have warned. Just one 10bn data centre project in the North East will emit as much carbon dioxide as one of Britains busiest airports, highlighting the difficult trade-offs facing the Prime Minister as he seeks to both improve growth and reduce emissions. A complex of 10 facilities near Blyth, Northumberland, will generate more greenhouse gas emissions than Birmingham Airport, which carries 12m passengers per year, planning documents show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project, which will cover 133 acres, is being helmed by Blackstone-backed QTS and was touted by the Prime Minister last September as a huge vote of confidence in the UK. Work is expected to start on the site later this year. Martha Dark, of the non-profit group Foxglove, said: It is difficult to see how the Government plans to reach its manifesto commitment of hitting net zero by 2050 when it is approving construction projects that add the impact of a major regional airport to our annual emissions. Data centres are crucial to artificial intelligence (AI) and Sir Keir has made establishing them a key priority as he seeks to harness the new technology. Data centres were designated as critical national infrastructure last September and the Prime Minister has identified certain areas as AI growth zones, making it is easier to build there. The projects require huge amounts of power. In a report this week, Alex de Vries-Gao, founder of the Digiconomist website, calculated AI data centres would need 23GW of power worldwide by the end of 2025. The UKs average national power demand is around 30GW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tech companies have turned to nuclear to try and meet the surging demand for power in an environmentally friendly way, including restarting ageing plants. However, the industry has struggled to bring nuclear power online fast enough to meet rising demand. Both Microsoft and Google reported increases in their carbon emissions in their latest annual reports. In a paper published in the journal Joule, Mr de Vries-Gao said: There are early indications that these data centres could exacerbate dependence on fossil fuels. The hyperscale scheme The hyperscale data centre in Blyth, which received the green light earlier this month, will emit 184,160 tonnes of CO2 per year once operational. Northumberland County Council, which approved the scheme, said the facility would double its overall industrial emissions and represent 12pc of the countys overall emissions by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council documents show officials asked QTS to consider adding more renewable power or battery storage facilities to its plans, however the developer had discounted these as impractical. Plans for the hyperscale data centre in Blyth, received the green light earlier this month - Owen Humphreys/PA Wire The data facilitys expected emissions assume the UK remains on track with its plans to decarbonise the grid. In an environmental report submitted by QTS, the operator said it had received feedback that the council was concerned the project could throw off the local authoritys own green target of carbon neutrality by 2030. Councillors agreed to proceed with the scheme regardless. Ms Dark said: The most optimistic forecasts for this new hyperscale data centre in Northumberland say it would create close to 200,000 tonnes of new carbon emissions each year somewhere between the annual emissions of Birmingham and Edinburgh airports. A Government spokesman said: Our Clean Power Action Plan will enable the development of new energy intensive industries such as data centres, helping to grow the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advanced modular reactors will play a particularly important role in growing energy-hungry sectors like AI and were shaking up the planning rules to make it easier to build nuclear power stations across the country. A Northumberland County Council spokesman said: The councils strategic planning committee carefully considered a wide range of issues contained within the environmental statement submitted as part of the application under the EIA regulations. In making their decision members noted that the applicant will be utilising a high number of sustainable practices which will help to mitigate its carbon footprint. The applicant will also continue to look at innovative technology throughout the life of the development, which could in the future help to mitigate against this further. A QTS spokesman said: The right energy mix is crucial for building this vital infrastructure. From day one, our industry-leading design and advanced water-cooling systems will drive maximum energy efficiency. We are further committed to finding new ways to reducing future emissions by integrating renewables into our energy supply and repurposing residual heat to benefit the local community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blackstone bought the site in Blyth, Northumberland, that QTS now plans to develop last year after the failure of Britishvolt, an electric vehicle battery business, which had originally intended to develop the land. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) In March 2024, an IT team at Texas Retina Associates noticed abnormal activity on one of their companys servers. The companys anti-virus system detected a lateral movement a sign that an attacker had gained credentials and was actively infiltrating their systems. The team quickly disabled their accounts and kicked out the intruder. But it was too late. Immediately after that, we got notification from the hacker that they had accessed our systems and had potentially removed some of our data, said Charles Vasquez, the companys chief information officer. They claim to have taken a lot of our data, impacting up to 300,000 of our patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Retina Associates, based in Dallas and with 15 locations across the state, was the victim of a cybercrime. Its patients add to the list of over 15 million Texans whose sensitive personal information was compromised in data breaches in 2024, according to Texas Rep. Giovanni Capriglione. In the current legislative session, Texas could take steps to lead on cybersecurity for the states critical infrastructure. House Bill 150 would establish the Texas Cyber Command, a component of the University of Texas System, to safeguard the states vital infrastructure and government agencies from attacks. The establishment of the Cyber Command was listed as one of Governor Greg Abbotts seven emergency items this session, making it a legislative priority. The Texas Cyber Command bill passed the Senate in the final week of the legislative session. The bill now awaits House approval of an amendment made in the Senate. What the FBI told us was, for most organizations, its not a matter of if, its a matter of when. Richardson City Manager Don Magner The cyber threat According to the Texas Comptrollers Office, two of the most common cyberattacks include phishing and ransomware. In a phishing attack, the attacker gains access to secure systems by leading an unsuspecting target to click a fake link or attachment. Ransomware is software that locks an organizations system, requiring a ransom to be paid before restoring the data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It used to be low odds propositions, about 5% of ransomware attacks resulted in the victim paying the money. Now that number is as high as 48% of ransomware victims are paying the terrorists the money, said David Dunmoyer, Texas Public Policy Foundations campaign director for Better Tech for Tomorrow. Countries shore up their digital defenses as global tensions raise the threat of cyberwarfare These attacks take an increasingly significant financial toll on Texas cities and businesses. The FBI estimated in 2020 that victims of cybercrime in the state lost $313.6 million that year, an increase of 307% since 2016. The cleanup and verification process after a breach is also time-consuming and resource-intensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Richardson, with a population of about 120,000 people, experienced a ransomware attack in September 2024. Though they had a security plan in place and acted quickly, the recovery still took weeks and involved the FBI and investigators. We were able to respond almost immediately. Within less than 120 seconds, the breach was identified, said Don Magner, the city manager for Richardson. But even that was still disruptive for weeks because you have to go through and verify that you understand the full extent of the breach. Texas is a common target for cyberattacks. As of 2017, Texas ranked third nationally in its number of cyber attack victims, possibly because of its large population. The state also leads in oil and gas production, features 15 major military installations, and is an emerging technology hub which state leaders said makes Texas attractive for those seeking highly sensitive data. Along with its major corporations and urban centers, Texas is home to remote rural communities. According to Dunmoyer, this diversity offers foreign adversaries a wide range of potential infiltration points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What will happen is, because we have so many of those wonderful small rural cities, that gives foreign adversaries a pattern to learn from, Dunmoyer said. We call it threat detection, and so they can learn, Where are the weak points in the system? And theyll scale that and emulate that across the state. Dunmoyer says two-thirds of attacks on Texass critical infrastructure have been linked to foreign adversaries. Vasquez and Magner both said they suspect their data breaches were the result of a foreign attacker. What is at stake here for us as Texans? Vasquez put it in the context of healthcare data, which stores information such as social security numbers, birth dates, and insurance information. All that information is even more valuable than the financial services information, because that information can be used to promote or conduct identity theft, which can be used to commit fraud, Vasquez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As cyber attacks grow more common and advanced, its becoming increasingly difficult to escape that reality. I think the sad thing about it is weve all been victims of identity breaches, said Vasquez, referencing an April 2024 AT&T security breach that affected 73 million current and former customers. From government, I would think that putting baseline protections in place baseline recommendations for the type of protection you should be having providing that instant response for smaller institutions who dont have that to be able to reach out and get advice or assistance, he added. For local governments like the city of Richardson, Magner said he encourages investing in actionable plans in preparation for an attack and gathering internal and external partners to be able to respond quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had several city managers that reached out after this to say, Hey, what can you share, what lessons learned? Because we want to, if this occurs, we want to be ready to go, Magner said. What the FBI told us was, for most organizations, its not a matter of if, its a matter of when. The Texas Cyber Command The aim of the Texas Cyber Command is to be that resource, especially for small municipalities and companies that handle sensitive data, so they arent left to face threats alone when it happens. The cyber command bill, HB 150, is authored by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, RSouthlake. State Sen. Tan Parker, RFlower Mound filed identical legislation in the Senate. Both lawmakers have promoted technology- and privacy-focused bills throughout their tenures. State agencies will be eligible to utilize the commands resources, as well as local governments and private companies that house critical infrastructure who enter into contract with the command. The following are considered critical infrastructure under HB 150: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chemical facilities Commercial facilities Communication facilities Manufacturing facilities Dams Defense industrial bases Emergency services systems Energy facilities Financial services systems Food and agriculture facilities Government facilities Health care and public health facilities Information technology Nuclear reactors, materials, and waste Transportation systems Water and wastewater systems The command will assume cybersecurity responsibilities currently under the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), an agency chartered in 1989 to help government agencies adopt modern technology and IT guidelines. While cybersecurity was grouped into their mission, Parker said the threat environment has outgrown the agencys scope. Lawmakers file bills to create Texas Cyber Command In addition, it focuses on education, research, and both proactive and reactive strategies for addressing cybersecurity threats. This includes developing cybersecurity best practices to train agencies on, creating a Cybersecurity Incident Response Unit to support agencies under attack, collaborating with federal resources to develop a portal for risk and incident management, and set up a Digital Forensics Laboratory to learn how to prevent attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The command will be managed by a chief who is appointed by the Governor and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate. It will be administratively attached to The University of Texas at San Antonio to make use of their cybersecurity resources. The school is one of the fewer than 10 universities in the country with the National Security Agencys (NSA) cyber defense education, cybersecurity research and cyber operations designations. UTSA is already one of the leaders in cybersecurity education in the country, and so having Texas Cyber Command based out of there I think makes a lot of sense, said Marc Whyte, a San Antonio City Councilman. This is Military City USA and its going to be Cybersecurity USA as well. Whyte said the city of San Antonio looks forward to housing the command, especially with its deep-rooted national security presence. This includes the FBI Cyber Squad, the 16th Air Force, NSAs Texas Cryptologic Center, and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Region 6. A legislative priority Despite its general bipartisan support, the Texas Cyber Command bill raised some questions in both its House and Senate committees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where Abbotts emergency priorities stand as session end nears With the presence of federal agencies and third-party companies that already work to regulate and respond to cyber attacks in the state, members on the House Committee on the Delivery of Government Efficiency questioned the need for a centralized, statewide command. Vasquez raised similar concerns, questioning if a statewide command would mean more regulation within the private sector. Capriglione addressed these concerns in the context of the states electrical grid. Were definitely not making the claim that theres no cybersecurity protections in the grid or in any of the private companies, for instance, that go and participate on the grid, but this is additional help, responsiveness, training, and other efforts that will go and support those pieces of critical infrastructure, said Capriglione to the committee. Furthermore, only agencies under the direct purview of the state are required to follow the commands regulations. Local governments and private industries like Texas Retina Associates can choose to opt-in to the command program, only then subjecting them to mandatory security standards. In the Senate committee, members questioned Parker on the need for the command to be attached to a university rather than being a standalone state function. Chairman Charles Schwertner, RGeorgetown, expressed concern over security lapses at universities nationwide, citing espionage threats and describing them as soft targets for foreign cyber attacks. I question our wisdom that for the last 20 years, weve been slowly taking our educational institutions and giving them functions outside of the educational realm, said Vice Chair Phil King, RWeatherford, at the committee hearing, sharing Schwertners sentiments. UTSA is really incubating this program. It is really incubating for speed, said Parker in response. We can be up and running in 18 months as opposed to three to five years with some other option trying to have the same level of capability. Parker also highlighted that the chain of command for the program would run directly to the Governor, not through the university system. It would also be physically located in an existing, standalone building downtown already equipped with high-tech security measures. Parker said hes open to adding more safeguards to ensure the command is secure at the university level. Ernie Ferraresso, director of the Florida Center of Cybersecurity, speaks highly of having their cyber center attached to a university. We have such a great relationship with our whole university, Ferraresso said. Similarly, Cyber Florida was established by their state legislature in 2014 and is attached to the University of South Florida. Unlike the Texas Cyber Command, Ferraresso and his team are technically employees of the university, not the state. While they carry out special projects on behalf of the Florida legislature for the good of the state, a main priority of their center is becoming a leader in cybersecurity academic education and addressing the cyber workforce shortage. Because we are a university, people are more inclined to share information with us because were not a regulatory agency, were not an enforcement organization, Ferraresso said. Ferraresso notes that the goals of the Texas Cyber Command differ in that it aims to be the cyber operations organization for the state. He says carrying out cyber missions at that scope depends on obtaining both high-level permission and resources, requiring a direct line of approval through the governors office. Regardless, he says the resources of a university have been invaluable to their centers growth. You have access to the students, you have access to the faculty membership, Ferraresso said. Thats the other part thats always interesting around here is, I get to run into and talk to really, really smart people every day. And thats worth its weight. Parker told the committee he was open to continuing the conversation around university safeguards after the hearing. Texas as a leader in cybersecurity As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too must the states response. Following an executive order by President Donald Trump that shifted cybersecurity responsibilities to the states, the legislation before Texas lawmakers aims to position the state at the forefront of this critical challenge. It is the policy of the United States that State and local governments and individuals play a more active and significant role in national resilience and preparedness read the executive order. Parker sees it as a challenge with wide-ranging importance. Every policy we champion, securing our water supply, modernizing government services, hardening the grid, rests on a digital foundation that is under constant siege, he said Tuesday night on the Senate floor. I just want to thank you so very much for your support of this critical piece of legislation for Texas, Parker added, addressing his fellow senators. This is a huge step forward to protecting this state and frankly the nation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Thousands of people spent their Memorial Day weekend soaking up the sun and surf at Floridas beaches. Volusia beach safety had extra lifeguards working to make sure those beachgoers stayed safe. As far as recues go, this holiday weekend was a slow one. Beach safety made 35 rescues Saturday and Sunday combined. Some holiday weekends can se hundreds of rescues in a day. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer. That means big crowds at the beaches. Those busy days arent relaxing for the people tasked with patrolling it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Daytona Beachs big, red towers to the bright red trucks, lifeguards could be seen working every section of it. We actually have more than double our staff this year than from last year, said Capt. Stephen Canfield. Canfield said more than 80 lifeguards worked at various Volusia County beaches Monday. He said they often make the most recues when ocean conditions are calm. While he said that wasnt the case this year, hes still pushing the same message going into the busy summer months that even if the water looks calm, make sure to swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower. He aid if you get caught in an undertow or get pulled underneath or in a rip current, try to swim parallel to the shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beachgoers said the lifeguards presence gave them peace of mind as they enjoyed the sane and surf. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser presented her 2026 fiscal year budget to the public Tuesday, which includes a $21.8 billion operating budget. We feel very good today. Its budget day which is always a good day for us, Bowser said. We are proud of the work weve done and the decisions weve made. And this is a budget for D.C.s future. The budget comes amid massive changes to the federal government, including an estimated loss of 40,000 federal jobs in the District, which is expected to reduce D.C.s revenue by $1 billion over the next four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE Council expects to receive 2026 budget soon after meeting with Mayor, CFO The budget also accounts for federal interference that gutted the Districts current FY 2025 budget by more than $1 billion. With this budget, were not waiting for change to happen were making change happen. The Growth Agenda is about creating jobs for D.C. residents and generating the economic activity we need to keep D.C. a world-class city, said Bowser. This budget acknowledges the challenges we are facing, but also includes bold, forward-thinking solutions to change our economic trajectory. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: DC councilmembers request to meet with Mayor, CFO amid 2026 budget delays FISCAL YEAR 2025 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET The presentation of the 2026 budget was delayed by nearly two months, after Congress passed a continuing resolution in March that reverted D.C. back to 2024 spending levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city administration was forced to deal with a $1.13 billion gap and cut funding accordingly. That resulted in the FY 2025 supplemental budget. To address the gap, the mayor first implemented the 6% solution, which allowed D.C. to increase spending levels by 6% across all categories. Ultimately, the District was forced to reduce spending by $347 million in fiscal year 2025. A hiring freeze was implemented on all vacant positions, resulting in $63 million in savings. $175 million in non-personnel service reductions were made. Those cuts included contracts, grants, supplies and more. New programs that had not started yet were stopped, including the Child Tax Credit, which has been eliminated an issue that was pressed by several councilmembers during the questioning portion. It also halts the Baby Bonds Program which officials said faced legal challenges because it required Medicaid to share HIPPA information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $3 million was cut from the Safe Passage program, a program that helps students safely get home from school. The program will remain intact during the school year but will not operate during the summer months. No furloughs, layoffs or facility closures were proposed. FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET To build the 2026 budget, Bowser said she considered three questions. Does this investment keep people and families in D.C. and attract new residents or attract new residents? Does it create economic activity to fund city services and programs? And does it attract new businesses and create new jobs for D.C. residents? said Bowser. If the answer to those questions is no, thats something we look very hard at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The largest percentage of funds was given to the District Department of Transportation and the District of Columbia Public Schools. Highlights of the budget include cutting red tape, making it easier for businesses to operate. Those include repealing Initiative 82, which wouldve required restaurants to pay a base minimum wage, not including any tips. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hospitality workers rally in DC to save Initiative 82 The proposal repeals the Parking Benefit Equivalent Program, which required businesses to provide a transit stipend if the business provides a stipend for parking, and reforming TOPA, or the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget increases $30 million in spending for MPD to hire more officers, create a new horse mounted unit and purchase crime fighting technology. $681 million is earmarked for supporting horizontal construction and parking at the old RFK Stadium Site. This, as Bowser and the Commanders struck a deal to bring the team back to D.C. $500 million of that funding will come from the existing ballpark tax, which was freed up after D.C. paid off its debt for building Nationals Park early. In terms of school funding, $2 billion will be used to modernize 30 schools, $270 million will support pay raises for teachers and $148 million will be used for small capital improvements like HVAC and window replacement at schools. There is $3 million proposed for high impact tutoring. The Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund will be fully funded in fiscal year 2026, but not beyond that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gone from the budget is funding to build a new jail. According to City Administrator Kevin Donahue, the cost to build a new jail has ballooned to $1.4 billion. Instead, the District will shift to a privately funded jail that is staffed and run by D.C. employees. This is not a private entity running the jail, Donahue said. This is an answer to a problem that is, how on earth to do we close the [jail] in a timely manner, he explained. One councilmember pushed back asking how this year would be different from last year when the same idea was pitched. Funding is included in the budget to finish the planning process for the jail. DGS will issue an RFQ and RFP for a private entity to take out the debt and build the jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Changes are also coming to D.C.s Medicaid program. Because Medicaid costs are forecasted to increase by $182 million, Bowser proposed changing the eligibility requirements. Specifically, the plan aims to shift childless adults and adult caregivers between 138% 200% of the federal poverty level to a new health plan run by the D.C. Health Benefits Exchange with largely the same benefits, minimal to zero premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and ability to utilize existing managed care organizations to avoid coverage disruptions, according to the Mayors presentation. This will impact more than 25,000 people. The mayors team said that those individuals who will lose access to Medicaid could still be eligible for other coverage, federal tax credits and premium subsidies, or financial assistance programs at the federal level. The Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services said the District will work with them to find new coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to work with the exchange (and) look at the commercial marketplace to work with those individuals that will lose coverage under Medicaid, said Deputy Mayor Wayne Turnage. Paid Family Leave also took a hit in the proposed budget in an effort to balance overtime costs. Families wanting to take leave to care for another family member is limited to two weeks and only includes immediate family. The Child Tax Credit was not reintroduced for the FY 2026 budget after its proposed cut for the FY 2025 Supplemental Budget. Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker said he looked forward to seeking to reverse this decision with the council. Electrification programs and renewable energy purchases are being scaled back, sparking at least two councilmembers to convey concern regarding the Districts climate commitment. COUNCIL SCHEDULE The council will begin holding hearings on the budget on Thursday, May 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its expected to take its first vote on the budget July 14. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (AP) With the nation's capital facing a pair of overlapping budget crises, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has unveiled a budget proposal that bets heavily on business-friendly policies designed to boost investment and move the city away from dependence on a dwindling number of federal jobs. We have a shifting economy and if we don't shift with it, we'll have a city that people flee, Bowser said Tuesday as she presented her proposals to the public and to the D.C. Council, which will now begin debating the plan. If you don't have enough money, something has to go or you have to make more money. In the short term, Bowser has been scrambling to fill an immediate budget shortfall that was essentially created by the U.S. Congress. She announced Tuesday that her team had managed to navigate that sudden deficit without the mass layoffs that had been originally feared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the longer term, her government faces an estimated $1 billion shortfall over the next three years created by President Donald Trump's ongoing campaign to radically shrink the federal workforce. The city's Chief Financial Officer has estimated that 40,000 jobs for District of Columbia residents will ultimately be lost. The more immediate budget crisis started in March when the House of Representatives approved a federal government funding bill with an obscure change that forces the District government to revert to its 2024 budget parameters effectively cutting $1.1 billion from its previously balanced budget midway through the financial year. The Senate approved that bill, but also immediately approved a simple fix that would make the D.C. budget whole again. That fix has languished in the House for two months without a vote, despite President Donald Trump publicly pushing for its immediate approval. Bowser said she still hoped the House would address the issue, but added that she couldn't wait any longer for that fix. Her government has already invoked a 2009 law allowing the city to increase spending by 6%, shrinking the 2025 shortfall to around $410 million. Now she has proposed a supplementary 2025 budget plan that through a combination of creative bookkeeping and temporary hiring freezes papers over the shortfall without any layoffs, furloughs or significant service cuts. We have had some unprecedented things to work through, she said Tuesday during a public event to present both her 2025 emergency changes and her 2026 budget proposal. We think we have a sound budget here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both proposals will now come before the D.C. Council for debate and potential modification. Council members are expected to be sympathetic to Bowser's maneuvers on the 2025 budget emergency, but her proposal for next year's budget could spark some fierce resistance and debate. One of the most controversial aspects of Bowser's long-term budget proposal would be a tightening of the admissions requirements for Medicaid, which could result in an estimated 25,000 residents being removed. At the same time, Bowser is proposing a package of business-friendly policies designed to spark more real estate development and construction, including tax incentives, streamlined zoning procedures and a pause on some environmental restrictions and requirements. The 13-member council is currently down one member; Ward 8 representative Trayon White, who faces federal bribery charges, was expelled by his peers in February. His seat will be filled in a July special election. Most of the remaining 12 D.C. Council members were in attendance at Tuesday's budget unveiling, with some asking pointed questions about Mayor Bowser's priorities. A first read of this proposed budget shows DC is walking away from our commitments to lower utility bills and reduce our largest sources of carbon output and pollution from our buildings, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowser responded that a business-friendly environment was precisely her goal as she seeks to diversify the local economy away from federal jobs while preventing a talent exodus and without raising taxes. We're proud of the work we've done and the decisions we've made, she said. We have to have a city that grows. We have to have more jobs, more businesses and more people. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police Department Chief, Pamela Smith, held a media briefing to address the impact of the youth curfew that went into effect during the Memorial Day weekend. Smith said that, along with the curfew, officers implemented a deployment plan that focused on key areas throughout the District. The juvenile curfew at the Wharf was a success. There were no incidents reported specifically regarding our juveniles, Smith noted during the press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, when the curfew ended, Smith said officers observed minors gathering along the U Street corridor. Neighborhood leaders call for earlier youth curfew in Navy Yard During Memorial Day weekend, officers made 13 curfew stops, which mostly took place along U Street, added Smith. Over the weekend, there were six curfew violations from Friday night into Saturday, five from Saturday into Sunday and two violations from Sunday into Monday, detailed Smith. She added that most of the teens who were stopped for violating the curfew were from the D.C. and Maryland area. Additionally, the chief said several teens were arrested before the curfew hours went into effect. This includes six juveniles who were taken into custody from Friday to Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can achieve great success when we work together to support our youth by creating a structure, providing initiatives and staying focused on prevention, said Smith. DC police investigating deadly shooting near Logan Circle From May 12 to May 26, police have opened 15 homicide investigations in the nations capital, with two of the youngest victims being 16 years old. On Sunday, May 25, 59-year-old Jose Carcamo died after he was hit by a stray bullet inside his apartment. On Memorial Day, a triple shooting took place in Southeast, leaving a man dead and two others hospitalized. Just hours before Smiths press conference, a man was shot and killed on 14th Street NW, near Logan Circle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, we are seeing too many and Ill emphasize too many interpersonal conflicts where the results are the production of firearms to resolve these conflicts, said Smith. Smith noted that all of the investigations are ongoing. Our detectives, we have some very strong leads, she added. These are not random shootings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police in D.C. are investigating a deadly shooting in Northwest near Logan Circle. Just before 4 a.m. on May 27, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were dispatched to a shooting in the 1600 block of 14th Street. There, police found a man who had been shot, unconscious and not breathing. Medics tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. D.C. police blocked off 14th Street NW with crime scene tape after a man was killed in a shooting on May 27. (Timothy Corley/ DC News Now) DC police investigating Memorial Day triple shooting in Southeast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC Police Traffic reported that 14th Street between S Street and Q Street is closed until further notice, due to police activity. One neighbor told DC News Now that she heard a woman screaming after the gunshots rang out. It was like bop bop bop and then you hear right afterwards like just bop bop Its sad because its so close to where I live. Like I live right here. You got these people bringing their kids out here. Its Memorial weekend, families are out here, people are visiting, its sad, she said As of late Monday morning, 14th Street remained blocked off as police continued their investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On May 27, autonomous driving technology company Pony.ai announced a strategic partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to deploy a Robotaxi fleet in the emirate. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Pony.ai's international expansion, extending its autonomous driving solutionsalready validated in the complex traffic conditions of major Chinese citiesinto the global market with Dubai as a key launchpad. Under the partnership plan, phased implementation will begin with pilot operations in 2025, followed by fully driverless commercial services in 2026. The Robotaxi fleet is expected to integrate seamlessly with Dubai's multimodal transportation system, including metro, tram, and maritime transit networks. Photo credit: Pony.ai Pony.ai said its seventh-generation Robotaxi vehicle introduces three core advantages: full-scale automotive-grade production, sharply reduced costs for autonomous driving kits, and platform-based design allowing rapid adaptation across multiple vehicle models. The vehicle is equipped with a six-sensor production-grade array, enabling 360-degree blind-spot-free perception. This is supported by the company's proprietary sensor-cleaning system, ensuring reliable all-weather performance in high-density urban environments such as Dubai's financial district. Unveiled globally at the Auto Shanghai 2025, the seventh-generation Robotaxi family was developed through deep collaborations with strategic partners including Toyota Motor, GAC Group, and BAIC Group. Backed by its "Kunlun Project"a fully integrated R&D-to-mass-production systemPony.ai will begin production of the first batch of vehicles in the second half of 2025. The models are engineered for a 10-year or 600,000-kilometer service life, aimed at global deployment. Pony.ai's operational expertise in China's complex metropolitan environments also supports its international ambitions. Its proprietary intelligent dispatching platform automates the entire service processfrom ride assignment to transaction settlementand has been deployed across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The system is optimized for high-demand locations including transportation hubs and commercial districts. Following its global strategic alliance with Uber, the Dubai project represents another critical pillar in Pony.ai's Middle East market expansion. The company plans to scale up its Robotaxi fleet in the region to several thousand vehicles within the next two years. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Tuesdays midday deadly shooting was the latest in what has already been a violent past few weeks in the District. In the early morning hours, a man was gunned down near Logan Circle less than 24 hours after a triple shooting on Memorial Day left one man dead and two others hospitalized. Hours later and in the middle of the day on Tuesday, a woman was shot and killed in Southeast D.C. Just two days into the last week of May, many people in D.C. have expressed concern over what has been a tragic month, with over a dozen shootings in which someone was hurt or killed. Though many have been classified as homicides, in one case, a 14-year-old girl accidentally shot herself and died while filming a video for social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Death penalty eligible case: Suspect charged in shooting that killed two Israeli Embassy staff members, officials say One double shooting gained international attention after a couple was fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum. As the month comes to an end, many eyes are on the District. Unfortunately, we are seeing too many and Ill emphasize too many inter-personal conflicts where the results are the production of firearms to resolve these conflicts, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith said in a press conference on May 27 regarding the recent violence in the District. Looking at the data In the past four weeks, there have been more than 200 violent crimes 19 of which were homicides (as of 4 p.m. on May 27). Seven of those homicides happened in a five-day span, according to data provided by the Metropolitan Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (with any or no weapon) offenses remain down year-to-date a positive trend, comparatively. Chart by Gabby Allen/DC News Now. Source: OpenDataDC.DC.gov Though violent crime is still down when compared to 2024 data, the gap gets slimmer with every incident. A somber tie to last years numbers, as of just before 1 p.m. on May 27, the District reached the same number of homicides as 2024. DC mayor presents 2026 budget amid forced cuts, impacts from federal job loss Since the beginning of the year as of May 27, 2025 there have been 69 homicides in the District, compared to 69 as of May 27, 2024, according to OpenDataDC and Tuesdays two deadly shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said the shootings fatal and non-fatal over the past few weeks have been a result of conflict between people who know each other. I spent all weekend looking at every single case with my team. We broke it down from top to bottom, and what were seeing is really just individual conflict, she said. My message to the community is this: We have to resolve conflict much better than the way were resolving conflict, Smith said. DC police chief says youth curfew was a success during Memorial Day weekend She pleaded with people to reach out to police about interpersonal conflicts so that they can provide families with the resources they need to resolve issues without violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. An employee at the Indiana Department of Child Services tipped off a residential youth facility with a history of sexual abuse allegations about a surprise state inspection, according to a new inspector general report. Rebecca "Becky" Honn, who was a DCS residential licensing specialist, provided Pierceton Woods Academy with the date of an upcoming unannounced visit. That information is supposed to be confidential. "I know they're supposed to be unannounced," a representative of Pierceton Woods wrote to Honn in a Nov. 3, 2022, email, "but is there any way you can give me a slight heads up?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I will tell you but you can't say I told you. Nov. 14 at 11:30," Honn responded. Honn would later come under scrutiny within the agency after IndyStar and ProPublica began investigating allegations of sexual abuse by staffers at Pierceton Woods, a residential facility that treats boys for substance use disorders and sexually harmful behaviors. She was fired in October of 2023. Reporters found that DCS received at least 27 reports alleging sexual abuse or inappropriate behavior by staff at Pierceton Woods from 2017 to 2023. At least two staffers were arrested and a third was fired after DCS substantiated an abuse allegation against her. Still, DCS continued to send children and taxpayer money to the facility. According to an investigative report from Indiana Inspector General Jared Prentice, a complaint was received in January of 2024 alleging Honn had violated the state's ethics rules. The inspector general's office is charged with investigating fraud, waste and abuse in state government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to finding that Honn divulged confidential information, investigators with the inspector general's office also found she had violated the state's post-employment law, which requires a one-year "cooling off" period before state workers can take a job with an organization they regulated or licensed. Honn took a job with the Allen County Youth Services Center after just 26 days. Under a settlement agreement approved by the State Ethics Commission on May 8, Honn admitted to the allegations and agreed to pay a $1,500 fine. The following day, Honn dismissed a federal lawsuit she had filed against DCS alleging discrimination and retaliation. Employee suggested DCS was on a 'witch hunt' In her lawsuit, Honn accused DCS supervisors of creating a toxic work environment as they scrutinized her work in connection with Pierceton Woods. Supervisors called her with questions about the facility outside of normal business hours, ambushed her in surprise meetings and pressured her to change an audit she conducted of the facility in 2023 to make Pierceton Woods look bad, according to the lawsuit. Honn's lawsuit said she was called unexpectedly into one meeting about Pierceton Woods that included more than 20 employees, including three DCS attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was called out of the blue and subjected to this large meeting and propounded with all kinds of questions, placing Honn on the spot," the lawsuit says. "The meeting felt like a witch hunt and was very derogatory, condescending, and demeaning." All of this occurred as reporters were pressing the agency with questions about its response to sexual abuse allegations at Pierceton Woods. DCS spokesperson Brian Heinemann said in an email that the agency would not answer questions about a lawsuit that was dismissed. He said DCS did not settle the case. He did not comment on the ethics investigation. Honn did not respond to messages from IndyStar, but her attorney, Erik Weber, sent a statement defending her 25-year career as a case manager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In that time, she had no discipline issues, received excellent reviews, bonuses, and was regarded by colleagues as an outstanding case worker, employee, and member of the DCS team," he said. He said she performed her licensing duties at Pierceton Woods with "the utmost dedication and to the best of her ability." "She had nothing to do with the transgressions that occurred at the facility and has always maintained that offenders who work at said institutions, that are supposed to be helping children must be held accountable for said transgressions," Weber said. "Ms. Honn had no ultimate authority or involvement as to who the State of Indiana chooses to use as a vendor for the treatment of children and teens in group home settings, or whether those vendors should remain under contract. As a case manager and licensing specialist she did not act in an executive role or as the ultimate authority over entities such as Pierceton Woods." Pierceton Woods receives millions of dollars in DCS referrals A spokesperson for Pierceton Woods did not respond to messages from IndyStar. The state continues to refer teens to the facility at a cost of roughly $15 million annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pierceton Woods is owned by Lasting Change Inc., a Fort Wayne nonprofit whose companies rank among DCS's largest contractors. The organization has significant political influence at the Statehouse. Its patrons have included former Vice President Mike Pence and its top executive, Tim Smith, narrowly lost a bid for Congress in the 2024 Republican primary. Read IndyStar's investigation: There were signs of sexual abuse at youth center. State kept sending boys and money anyway. The organization used its clout to push for legislation in 2023 that would have granted Pierceton Woods and similar DCS contractors immunity from certain kinds of civil lawsuits, including those commonly filed by abuse victims. Lawmakers scuttled the measure at the last minute after IndyStar reported Pierceton Woods had been the subject of sexual abuse claims. Since then, state lawmakers have passed several laws intended to curb abuse at youth centers. One authorizes DCS to investigate claims of abuse at residential facilities involving youth between the ages of 18 and 21. DCS previously screened out such complaints without investigating. Another requires police to investigate child abuse reporting failures at institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on X: @IndyStarTony. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: State fines former DCS employee for ethics violations THOMASVILLE Davidson-Davie Community College celebrated the accomplishments of 1,320 graduates at the colleges recent graduation ceremony. This year, the college awarded 1,962 credentials, including 707 associate degrees, 212 diplomas, and 1,042 certificate and pathway completions. Jenny Varner, president of the college, asked graduates to encourage others to attend college. Do me a favor and tell them what you have accomplished what all 1,320 of you have accomplished. And encourage them to cross this stage, too, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her commencement address, Varner added that the students hard work doesnt go unnoticed, saying members of the community often cheer when she tells them about the graduating class. Everyone in that room even without knowing you personally knew how much you had accomplished and what it meant for you to be crossing this stage today. Im going to promise you something that I want you to remember you might be crossing this stage to a new future, but just remember that you will always have a home here, and will always be part of the Davidson-Davie family. Magali Del Carmen Martinez-Cruz, Student Government Association president who will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall, reiterated Varners message of looking toward the future, inspiring students to not fear what the future holds, citing her own personal experience of anxiety, fear and worry of the unknown. We often believe that its the big decisions, dramatic leaps and bold announcements that shape our future, she said. But in reality, it is the small acts of change that quietly mold who we are and who we become. Had I not joined student government, I would not have met some of the most driven and intelligent people I now call friends. I wouldnt have attended leadership conferences where I got to speak with like-minded individuals and collaborate. Investigators with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are investigating the death of a 51-year-old male as a homicide, officials announced Monday. Incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, Longeno Jones, who was most recently transferred to the facility from Los Angeles County in 2007, was found unresponsive in his cell on May 21 at around 5:15 p.m., which CDCR officials said in a news release was medication distribution time. Prison staff, according to the release, immediately began life-saving measures on Jones and rushed him to the facilitys triage and treatment area where he was pronounced dead by paramedics at 5:45 p.m. Longeno Jones, 51, seen in this undated California state prison mugshot. (CDCR) Jesse Ferdin, 54, seen in this undated California state prison mugshot. (CDCR) Jones cellmate, 54-year-old Jesse A. Ferdin, was taken from the cell and placed in restrictive housing pending the outcome of the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities did not provide any information about the 51-year-olds likely cause of death, whether he was suffering any visible injuries or if there was evidence that his cellmate was involved in his death. Girl, 17, injured in brutal body slam by police in Southern California Jones had been sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree burglary as a third striker with enhancements for prior nonviolent prison offenses, as well as prior felony convictions of serious offense, officials said. His cellmate, Ferdin, was transferred to Mule Creek State Prison in Jan. 2019 from Alameda County. Hes currently serving a 12-year sentence for rape with force, violence and fear of great bodily injury as a second striker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prisons Investigative Services Unit and the Amador County District Attorneys Office have assumed the investigation into Jones death. The Amador County Coroner will determine the 51-year-olds cause of death. Mule Creek State Prison opened in 1987 and houses more than 3,800 minimum, medium and maximum-security inmates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday rejected an appeal by a man who received two death sentences in the 2020 murders of two boys in a Putnam County home. Justices upheld two first-degree murder convictions and two death sentences for Mark H. Wilson, who killed Tayten Baker, 14, and Robert Baker, 12, who were the nephews of Wilsons girlfriend. Wilson and his girlfriend, Cindy Guinan, and their 14-month-old child had moved into a shed on the Baker familys property five days before the murders, according to the Supreme Court opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boys mother, Sarah Baker, woke on Aug. 26, 2020, to find them murdered. Their heads had been beaten with a hammer and their throats had been cut, according to the Supreme Court opinion. Wilson was arrested after his mother told police that she thought he was responsible for the murders. Wilson told authorities that he thought the boys were hurting and abusing his girlfriend and the 14-month-old child, though officers found no evidence to support those allegations, the Supreme Court opinion said. Wilson also said he had been using methamphetamine on the day of the murders. In the appeal, Wilsons attorneys raised a series of issues, including alleging that the trial judge erred by rejecting proposed mitigating evidence about the methamphetamine use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Supreme Court rejected the arguments in a 49-page opinion. Here, there was no objective evidence establishing by the greater weight of the evidence that Wilson was impaired at the time of the murders, said the opinion, fully shared by Chief Justice Carlos Muniz and Justices Charles Canady, John Couriel, Jamie Grosshans, Renatha Francis and Meredith Sasso. No one who observed him close in time to the murders saw any indication that he was under the influence of any substance. Justice Jorge Labarga concurred with the result of the opinion but did not fully sign on. Wilson, now 34, is an inmate at Union Correctional Institution, according to the Florida Department of Corrections website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Editor's note: The story was updated with a comment from German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarified on May 27 that his comments on the West lifting range restrictions on arms for Ukraine referred to a step made months ago. "The issue of limiting the range of deployed weapons played a role a few months and a few years ago. As far as I know, and as I said yesterday, the countries that imposed range limitations have long since abandoned these requirements," Merz said during a press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Turku. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In this respect, yesterday in Berlin, I described something that has been happening for months: namely, that Ukraine has the right to use the weapons it receives, even beyond its own borders, against military targets on Russian territory." Speaking at a forum on May 26, Merz said that "there are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine" imposed by Germany, the U.S., the U.K., or France. "This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia," the chancellor added. "Until recently, it couldnt do that, and apart from very few exceptions, it hadnt done so either." Ukraine has previously received long-range missiles from the U.S., the U.K., and France including ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and SCALP but was initially permitted to deploy them only against Russian military forces in occupied Ukrainian territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only in late 2024, the Biden administration and other allies eased the restrictions, allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian military targets on Russian territory. Merz's comments on May 26 caused some confusion as to whether he was referring to a newly announced policy, drawing both praise and rebuke. Ralf Stegner, a politician from Merz's coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), told the media the move was "unhelpful" and called instead for intensifying diplomatic efforts. In turn, a former German defense minister and ex-leader of Merz's CDU party, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, praised Merz for his comments. Merz's latest statement in Turku indicates that his earlier comment referred to the decision taken in late 2024 rather than a new policy. German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil seemingly confirmed this, saying at a press conference that no new decision has been made "beyond what the previous government has done." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before becoming chancellor, Merz signaled he would overturn the ban of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, on the delivery of Germany's Taurus cruise missiles, capable of striking targets at a distance of 500 kilometers (300 miles). He has not confirmed whether he intends to deliver the missiles since taking office. Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The man accused of an attack in the German city of Solingen that left three people dead last year has confessed on the first day of his trial. The suspect, a Syrian national named as Issa al H. under German privacy laws, admitted to the stabbing on Tuesday in a statement on his behalf read out by defence lawyers. "I have brought heavy guilt upon myself. I am ready to accept the judgement," he said. "I killed innocent people, not infidels." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial began in a high-security wing at the Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court, months after the attack at a street festival in Solingen on August 23, 2024. The defendant is charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder. He is accused of membership in the Islamic State terror group, having allegedly pledged allegiance to the organization in videos hours before the attack. Prosecutors said before the start of the trial that the man sought contact with Islamic State in radical online forums. Operatives then offered him guidance, including in the choice of weapons. The accused entered the courtroom dressed in a blue t-shirt and kept his head mostly bowed in the dock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 12 co-plaintiffs are listed in the trial, including people injured in the attack and relatives of the victims. The fatalities were two men aged 56 and 67 and a 56 year-old woman. Eight people were injured in the attack. A pair of Senate Democrats are urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to secure the release of journalists detained while reporting overseas on behalf of taxpayer-funded media outlets like Voice of America. Citing President Trumps recent executive order scaling back funding and operations for VOA, Radio Free Europe and other government-funded media operations, the Democratic senators wrote to Rubio they are concerned that jailed journalists affiliated with these networks risk being left behind. The lawmakers, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), wrote to Rubio that they are aware of at least five USAGM-supported employees remaining jailed in Vietnam, two in Russia, one in Belarus, one in Azerbaijan, and two in Myanmar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We request that you with regularity use the voice of the United States to raise concern about their cases, and direct relevant regional bureaus, the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, (DRL), Consular Affairs (CA) and the Office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) to engage on their behalf where appropriate, the lawmakers wrote. We also request that you provide a plan to secure these journalists release following grant terminations for USAGM networks and its entities. The letter comes just weeks after Trumps administration announced plans to severely scale back the work of VOA, while its senior advisor Kari Lake has signaled plans to reimage the English-language news service as one that promotes America abroad. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bob Krause is the president and chairman of the Veterans National Recovery Center. (Photo courtesy of Krause) Iowa Democrat Bob Krause announced he will run for Iowas 1st Congressional District in 2026, a seat currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Krause, the president of the Veterans National Recovery Center and a former state legislator, has run for federal office in previous elections. He ran for U.S. Senate in 2010 and 2022 for the seat held by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, though other Democratic candidates went on to become the nominee both years. He also previously served as regional representative for the U.S. secretary of Transportation in former President Jimmy Carters administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Burlington Democrat, in a video announcing his run late Monday night, urged Iowans to support his campaign to Flip the House with Krause. Did you ever see an acrobat do a back flip? Krause said in the video. Ill do that in Iowas 1st District. Miller-Meeks seat in the 1st District, which covers much of southeast Iowa including Iowa City, Davenport, Burlington and Indianola, has been highlighted as spot for Democrats to pick up a seat in the 2026 election, alongside Iowas 3rd Congressional District currently represented by U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican. Miller-Meeks has been in office since 2021, winning a tight reelection race against Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan in the 2024 election. Another Democrat, Travis Terrell, is also running to become the partys 1st District candidate in the 2026 election. Terrell, a patient access specialist at University of Iowa Health Care, announced his campaign in April, presenting himself as a progressive that would work to improve access to health care in Iowa, protect Social Security and support legislation on workers and immigrant rights if elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Facebook post Tuesday, Terrell wrote with all due respect to Bob Krause, who Im sure means well, the last thing Congress needs is another 80-year-old man telling us how to fix a future he wont be around to face. My generation has been handed a broken economy, unaffordable healthcare, and a climate crisis, and told, Just fix it,' Terrell said in the social media post. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party keeps doing the same thing it has done for decades. It prays that anti-Trump sentiment will be enough to win elections, without doing the hard work of actually earning peoples votes through bold change. Krause said in his announcement video that he would focus on issues Iowans care about, while Miller-Meeks was focusing on the Republican Partys goals. I will lead by fighting for issues that you care about not like Miller-Meeks, she votes like Trumps rubber stamp, Krause said. But flipping the First can flip all of Congress. Its that close. We can make history when we build a future for all Iowans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily Tuttle, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, House Republicans campaign arm, released a statement criticizing Krauses campaign. Iowans rejected Bob Krause half a century ago when disco was cool and Jimmy Carter was in the White House, Tuttle said. If hes the best Democrats can dredge up, its clear theyve hit rock bottom in their pathetic attempt to unseat Mariannette Miller-Meeks. NEW YORK One New York City mayoral candidate, Brad Lander, is promising free child care for every 2-year-old. Another, Zellnor Myrie, wants to launch a universal after-school program. And a third, Scott Stringer, is pushing to extend the school day. Several Democrats looking to become the citys next mayor have pitched plans around making preschool programs available to all 3-year-olds, or extending universal child care to support families with younger children. Its a sign frustrations among working- and middle-class families over skyrocketing child care costs are resonating in the body politic of a city thats increasingly unaffordable and that those voters are poised to shape the Democratic primary, which is now just five weeks away. A recent poll found that nearly 80 percent of likely voters support free child care for 2-year-olds. Families with young children were twice as likely to leave the city as those without them. And last year, the average cost of child care for infants and toddlers in family-based care in a providers own home was $18,200 annually. In center-based care, which is offered in classrooms, it averaged out to $26,000 a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elected officials and would-be elected officials are seeing that this is a constituency that is good for them to be thoughtful of, said Rebecca Bailin, who leads New Yorkers United for Child Care, a parent-led group. The issue is an obvious political vulnerability for Mayor Eric Adams, a registered Democrat whos sitting out the primary to run as an independent in the general election. He announced a permanent investment of $167 million in early childhood funding last month a significant reversal after accusing his predecessor Mayor Bill de Blasio of mismanaging the preschool program. De Blasio made implementing universal prekindergarten a centerpiece of his 2013 mayoral campaign. Since then, Adams abandoned the former mayors goal of making pre-K available to all 3-year olds. The mayoral contenders running in the Democratic primary are generally aligned in their quest to expand access to child care, but they have outlined an array of different approaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Jessica Ramos, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and Lander, the citys comptroller, have prioritized expanding child care to earlier ages. Lander has promised a preschool seat for every 3-year-old and 4-year-old and 16,000 new seats for 3-year olds the latter of which he said he could achieve with or without help from Albany. Hes said he would then begin building a 2-K for All program to serve 2-year-olds with help from the state, at a price tag of $1.3 billion. Mamdani has called for free child care for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years old, as well as boosted wages for child care workers. His plan would cost at least $5 billion in city money and additional state and federal dollars, said Andrew Epstein, his campaign spokesperson. Epstein also pointed to new taxes on wealthy New Yorkers, which would have to be approved in Albany, as another potential source of funding. Ramos wants to expand universal child care to all children under the age of 5 and increase salaries for child care staffers as well. She intends to pay for those proposals through taxes on companies with payrolls higher than $250 million, a funding stream which would also require approval from Albany. She helped roll out universal pre-K as an aide to de Blasio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other plans focus on ways to accommodate parents who work long hours. In March, Myrie, a state senator, unveiled a proposal for universal after-school and full-day preschool for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds. He said he would finance it through several sources, including savings from decreased city spending on migrant funding. The plan would cost at least $400 million in its first year. (Lander and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the frontrunner in the race, also vowed to expand after-school access.) Stringer, a former city comptroller, wants to extend the school day to 4:30 p.m., a plan which he intends to fund through federal and state grants. He has also proposed a fund that would divide the costs of child care between the city, employers and families a program Michigan has already implemented. Cuomo hasnt explicitly called for universal child care. He promised to guarantee slots for all 3-year olds a surprise to some given that he rejected de Blasios demand that universal pre-K be funded through a tax on the wealthy. Cuomo ultimately ended up financing universal pre-K in the state budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former governor said in his 25-point education plan that he would achieve his 3K guarantee by offering capital and operational support to community-based providers and prioritizing expansion in underserved neighborhoods. Hes also planning to find space in elementary school buildings for support services for developmentally delayed babies and toddlers, as well as preschool classes. The goal is to give families a one-stop hub for education, health and developmental support, his plan states. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who launched her last-minute mayoral bid in March, has called for expanding child care subsidies to more families. Shes also pushing for more funding for extended-day preschool seats and outreach to help families access early childhood programs. At the moment, Cuomo holds a commanding lead with a double-digit advantage over Mamdani, whos in second place, according to a recent Marist poll. Under ranked-choice voting, Cuomo led the first round with 44 percent of likely primary voters to Mamdanis 22 percent, excluding undecided voters. Adrienne Adams placed third in the first round, at 11 percent, followed by Lander at 10 percent. The rest of the field lagged in single digits, according to the poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groups like the 5BORO Institute think tank have been pressuring Eric Adams specifically and elected officials more broadly to prioritize child care. New Yorkers United for Child Care also opposed Adams preschool funding cuts in 2023 cuts he has partially rolled back. That group has also urged mayoral candidates to prioritize universal child care. The Day Care Council of New York, a membership organization of child care providers, sent a guide on early childhood education to candidates Wednesday. Its recommendations included higher salaries for child care workers and ameliorating the contracting process so providers can get paid on time. They are also demanding universal child care for 2-year-olds, as well as more outreach and marketing. If youre talking about doing universal, if you are talking about expanding which were really excited almost all of the candidates are it has to include investing in the workforce, said Gregory Brender of the Day Care Council. All of the candidates have called for salary bumps for staffers. Stringer has put forward a plan aimed at helping providers navigate complex city regulations. And Ramos is seeking more effective collaboration between city agencies to speed up licensing, background checks and safety inspections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their policy prescriptions all come at a time when problems continue to afflict the citys early childhood system. Tens of thousands of preschool seats will likely sit empty next year. Some 55,582 students received pre-K offers last week, out of 70,000 available seats, according to data the Department of Education shared with city lawmakers earlier this week. And 44,386 students recently received 3K placements, out of 47,000 spots. About 15 percent of 3K applicants over 6,000 students did not get accepted into their desired programs. Advocacy organizations and think tanks pushing for universal child care believe it has enormous economic benefits. In 2022 alone, the city lost an estimated $23 billion as parents left the workforce, according to the citys Economic Development Corporation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providing it, though, will likely be expensive. New Yorkers United for Child Care projected universal child care for 2-year-olds would cost $1.3 billion annually and $12.7 billion a year to implement it statewide for children under the age of 5. Child care is both a challenge to affordability and labor force participation, said Ana Champeny of the Citizens Budget Commission. The question about any public program is whether it is affordable and sustainable within the context of the city budget how would it be paid for and would other spending need to be reduced? Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On May 26, Chinese commercial vehicle maker FOTON announced plans to establish a joint venture with EVE Energy, aiming to accelerate the development of its new energy heavy-duty truck business. The new company, tentatively named Beijing Foton EVE New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., will be formed with a registered capital of 500 million yuan, equally funded by both parties250 million yuan eachgranting each a 50% ownership stake. The final company name is subject to approval by regulatory authorities. Photo credit: FOTON The partnership is designed to expand FOTON's presence in the new energy heavy-duty truck segment by offering diversified battery leasing solutions, helping reduce the cost of power batteries and improve profit margins in the sector. According to the announcement, the joint venture will allow FOTON and EVE Energy to jointly explore market opportunities and address growing customer demand for flexible battery leasing services. FOTON believes the move will enhance the competitiveness of its new energy heavy-duty truck products and boost vehicle sales. Additionally, it positions the company to secure critical battery resources and build a strategic advantage in the industry. FOTONs latest production and sales data highlights the strong momentum in its new energy vehicle business. In April 2025, the company sold 8,193 new energy vehicles, compared to 2,705 units during the same period last year. Cumulative sales from January to April reached 33,755 units, marking a year-on-year surge of 180.66%. To further drive the electrification of heavy-duty trucks, FOTON recently partnered with Huawei Digital Power to tackle key challenges in the sector, such as long charging times and low operational efficiency for heavy-duty commercial electric vehicles. Battery manufacturers including CATL, Gotion High-tech, and EVE Energy are actively capitalizing on the growing demand in the electrified commercial vehicle segment. Earlier this month, on May 9, EVE Energy held its inaugural Commercial Vehicle Battery Technology Day, where it outlined its technological roadmap and strategic focus in the new energy commercial vehicle sector. The company also unveiled eight open-source battery products designed to meet the diverse operational needs of microvans, light-duty and heavy-duty trucks, intercity transport, buses, and construction machinery. A Republican-led bid to increase enforcement of Texas 2021 camping ban died in the state House on Monday night after Democratic members challenged the bill on a technicality. Senate Bill 241 by Sen. Pete Flores, R-Pleasanton, would have required cities to establish channels for residents to report illegal homeless encampments. If a complaint were not addressed within 90 days, the state could send the Department of Public Safety to clear encampments, then charge the city for that enforcement by withholding sales tax revenues. Flores said the bill strengthens the 2021 ban by "empowering residents to hold their cities accountable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Every Texan deserves safe, clean communities, and this bill is an important step toward ensuring that," the senator, whose district includes San Antonio, said in a social media statement May 14. Candince Swarm, who is homeless, lives in an encampment in Northeast Austin Tuesday June 18, 2024. Swarm lost nearly everything she owned in a November 16, 2023, sweep of the homeless encampment. Texas' attorney general, currently Republican Ken Paxton, would have been responsible for notifying the DPS and the state comptroller about unresolved complaints. The bill's House sponsor, Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, argued cities aren't sufficiently enforcing the law. "The state has been the one footing the bill for the cities that have failed to address homeless camping in their jurisdiction," said Capriglione, R-Southlake. "Whether it's in my area, in Fort Worth, or in Dallas or here in Austin, everybody knows that these homeless camping restrictions have not been enforced." Austin city officials, however, disagree. The city cleared 1,500 encampments in 2024, according to David Gray, the city's Homeless Strategy Officer. Jack Smith sits with his belongings after he was removed in a sweep of a homeless encampment in a wooded area off Brandt Road near Onion Creek Monday March 4, 2024. Residents said they weren't given any advance warning, just a few minutes to grab whatever belongings they could save before everything else was hauled away in garbage trucks. "Every day, we have staff out in the community that are engaging with people on the street, offering them access to shelter and housing services, and posting 72-hour notices to clear encampments," Gray told the American-Statesman in a phone interview Tuesday. "From our perspective, the bill wasnt necessary. Were already doing the work." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During floor debate of the bill, Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, argued that the state is contributing to Austin's homelessness problem by sending formerly incarcerated people into the city when their sentences end. She pointed to a state-licensed halfway house in East Austin, the Austin Transitional Center, where she said the majority of the population has no connection to Travis County. "We are blamed for our homelessness problem in Austin when it is the state of Texas who is in large part creating the problem," Hinojosa said. State Rep. Gene Wu, the House Democratic Caucus chair, dealt the death blow to SB 241 late Monday night. He argued its caption, "relating to prohibitions on camping in a public place," violated a House rule that requires captions to "give reasonable notice of the subject of the proposed measure." Wu said he killed the bill because it would have done nothing to alleviate the homelessness crisis, but instead punish people experiencing homelessness and municipalities such as Austin, Dallas and Houston that are trying to find compassionate solutions to the ongoing crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is a genuinely evil bill," Wu told the Statesman. Capriglione postponed the bill to June 3, an acknowledgement that there is not enough time to fix the caption issue before the 2025 legislative session adjourns on June 2. The bill had passed in a bipartisan 22-8 vote in the state Senate, with Democratic Sens. Royce West of Dallas, Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen and Carol Alvarado of Houston joining Republicans to support the measure. Austin, the seat of state government, has struggled with how to address homeless encampments. Austin voters in 2021 reinstated the citys camping ban, which the City Council had repealed in 2019. Austin police officers and other city officials clear out homeless encampments around City Hall on Monday, June 14, 2021. The City of Austin camping ban Proposition B was put back in place by voters in May 2021. In 2021, the political action committee behind the citys homeless camping ban sued Austin, accusing the city of failing to fully enforce the ordinance. The Third Court of Appeals affirmed in February 2025 that the group, Save Austin Now, lacked standing to bring the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gray said that eliminating unsheltered homelessness will take more than clearing encampments. In Austin, there is one shelter bed for every five people living on the streets, he said. "Rather than the Legislature taking up bills that make it more challenging for us to enforce, we invite them to be part of the solution," he said. "And the way that you do that is by getting people into shelter and getting people into housing programs wrapped around with case management, substance treatment and job training that they need to stabilize their lives and then thrive on their own." Statesman staff writer John C. Moritz contributed reporting. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Democrats kill bill penalizing cities over homeless encampments With Republicans holding competitive, eat-their-own primaries in the midterms next year, Democrats in the South see an opening to court moderates who are souring on the GOP. In Texas, state Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging the establishment-aligned Sen. John Cornyn, and the Georgia GOP primary field is quickly becoming crowded as Republicans attempt to oust Sen. Jon Ossoff. While holding Georgia will be tough and flipping Texas even harder, theres still an opportunity for the left. A new class of Democratic leaders in the South is pitching voters on their partys proposals to lower costs and increase wages, while casting blame on Republicans for an unsettled economy under President Donald Trump. They say that strategy is key not just for the midterms, but part of solving an existential threat for Democrats if they want to stand a chance in coming years at regaining national power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longer-term population shifts in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas that went to Trump in November mean those states are poised to gain congressional and Electoral College seats. Florida which many Democrats concede is a solidly GOP state could also expand its influence. Democrats in these states are now warning that failing to mount a comeback could mean that winning the White House after the 2030 Census would be far more difficult. The fix, according to a dozen Democratic leaders in the South, is to refocus the Democratic Party on the economy and border security two areas of strength historically for the GOP. Kendall Scudder, a 35-year-old progressive who took over the Texas Democratic Party in March, said Democrats must do everything we can to show that when we get out of bed in the morning, we eat glass to fight back and protect the working people of this state. In Georgia, Charlie Bailey, who was named Democratic Party chair this month, is also stressing that Democrats political survival depends on figuring out how to talk to working-class voters and hammering Republicans on the economy. It is that kind of record of the Republicans that has voters with full cause to be angry, Bailey said. They know they're being screwed. My job as the chair is to make sure they know who to blame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Democrats say the national political climate could help turn the tide. What's happening on the federal level is unpredictable, but it may be a unique opportunity for a progressive agenda, said Georgia Democratic strategist Amy Morton. Republicans are claiming the far right, Democrats have an opportunity to claim everything else. Voters may be hungry for change by the time we get to the elections next year. The uphill climb for Democrats in the South is steep. Republicans raise far more money and hold far more seats in state legislatures than Democrats, meaning they control the redistricting process. And following a brutal November that saw many red regions grow redder, Democrats' national brand problem is even more pronounced in the South. Texas Democrats are taking the fact that they lost ground in South Texas as a warning sign for a party that has counted on the surge of Latino residents in recent decades to help bring the party to dominance. Taking Latinos for granted is a mistake we'll never make again, said Texas State Rep. Erin Gamez, who represents a district in South Texas. It's a mistake we can't afford to ever make again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scudders plan to better position Texas Democrats involves creating a Spanish-language communications department and recruiting more local party leaders, citing the fact that half of precinct positions sit unfilled. Scudder and other new chairs have not shied away from calling out the national party for failing to read the electorate correctly and say the party needs to stay hyper-focused on middle-class concerns like higher wages and more investment in public education. They echo longtime complaints from local Democrats that national party leaders have neglected to help build out a political operation in all corners of Texas that remains strong even in non-election years. We need help now, Scudder said. We're just simply out-resourced here. When real money starts coming to the state in a long term infrastructure way, that's when I think the state is going to start to really move in the right direction. But newcomers are encouraged by the recent election of Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, who ran Minnesota's state party for years. Last month the DNC announced it is steering more investment to state parties, with an extra focus on red states intended to help organizers build long-term infrastructure. Under the new formula, red states would get $22,500 per month, a 50 percent bump, whereas their blue state counterparts will get $17,500, a 30 percent increase over current funding levels. That cash can help state parties hire more staff, open new field offices and conduct research that helps state parties hone the right message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin, in an interview, recounted a conversation he had with Brandon Presley, the Mississippi Democrat who came within 3 percentage points of defeating incumbent Gov. Tate Reeves. Presley said one reason he came up short was there was no infrastructure on the ground to help him. That, to me, was a real, real damning indictment, and one that I'll never forget, Martin said. The party's responsibility is to build infrastructure so that we meet the moment. The Democratic National Committee must not continue with business as usual. The Democratic Party has failed to confront the urgency of this perilous moment for the future of the United States, as reflected in recent public opinion polls. Repetition compulsions within the Democratic Party, including among self-described liberals and progressives, unwittingly smoothed the path for Donald Trumps return to power. Many of the same patterns, with undue deference to party leaders and their narrow perspectives, are now hampering the potential to create real leverage against MAGA madness. In a recent conversation with RJ Eskow of The Zero Hour, we discussed the challenges facing the Democratic Party and the need for a united front against the Trump regime. The conversation included the role of money in politics, the importance of grassroots activism and the need for the Democratic National Committee to recognize the urgency of the current political moment. This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eskow began by asking about a recent column in which I inquired about what was preventing a united front "to restrain the wrecking ball of the Trump regime." Eskow wondered whether we really need a united front: "Whats wrong with a multi-pronged approach from various groups and actors?" Solomon: Theres a serious lack of coordination at the political level. The Democratic Party is a constellation of 50-plus state and other local parties, and there are many organizations which areor should beindependent of the party. To the extent there is any governing body, it's the Democratic National Committee. The DNC should provide leadership at times like these. But theres still no leadership, several months into a second Trump regime thats much worse than the first. There's energy to oppose, but its uncoordinated. Rethinking the left and the party Eskow: Heres a challenge. For too long, the American left looked to the Democratic Party for leadership and guidance instead of considering it an instrument thats available to movements. I think a lot of people assume that a united front against Trump means making the left fall in line yet again behind the institutional partys corporate, so-called centrist politicians. Solomon: Its dubious, and not very auspicious, to follow leadership that isnt leading. I think your word instrument is an excellent one. The left should consider the Democratic Party a tool that not only can be used but, under this electoral system, must be used to stop the right and advance progressive causes. No other party can win federal elections and stop what has become a neo-fascist Republican Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the people who serve as administrative or elected Democrats consider social movements subordinate to their electoral work. They see progressivesthe grassroots activists, the ones with deep concerns, who do research, who communicate, who organize in local communities, who provide hopeas fuel for them to win elections. That's backward. Campaigns and candidates should be subordinated to progressive social movements, not the other way around. That's how we win. Change doesn't come from the top. The great advancesSocial Security, Medicare, Medicaid, antiwar, gay rights, civil rights, women's rights, reproductive freedomcame from people who werent held into check by the party apparatus. They came from the grassroots, the social movements. Big money, big problems Eskow: Progressives inside the party have told me how complicated it is to work within the party. Each state party has its own rules and its own representatives to the DNC, and there are also other appointed members and other centers of power. Theyre up against complex machinery whenever they try to change anything. Worse, the party allows dark money in its primaries and is heavily reliant on it in general elections. Party operativesthousands of them, in think tanks and consulting firms and so ondepend on that money for their livelihood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kamala Harris raised more money than perhaps any candidate in history. I think that money actually hurt her. It dissuaded her from saying the things she needed to say to win, whether she meant them or not. How can a popular front incorporate and influence a party thats dominated by big donors? Isn't that the elephant in the room? Solomon: Well, certainly the money is huge, but we want to be realistic without being defeatists. With the state supreme court election in Wisconsin a few weeks ago, Elon Musk literally tried to buy the election and failed. That was a victory against the tide of big money. But yes, money typically correlates with victory. I attended the DNCs so-called Unity Reform Commission meetings in 2017, when the power of the Bernie Sanders forces was at high ebb. The partys centrists, corporatists, and militarists felt it necessary to give the left some seats on that commission. But they kept a voting majority, which they used to kill some important reforms for transparency and financial accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer OMalley Dillon, who was then the Clinton-aligned chair, helped defeat those proposals. And what happened to her? She became deputy chief of staff in the Biden White House, then effectively ran Bidens reelection campaign. And, after Biden belatedly pulled out and left chaos behind, suddenly Jen OMalley Dillon was running the Harris campaign. As you said, a lot of money was sloshing around. Its hard to spend a billion dollars-plus in a few months and not have a lot of pockets being lined. Lots of it goes to consultants who broker deals, hire other consultants, and arrange TV advertising. They love advertising because it's easy and you don't have to relate to people. (Note: Many consultants are also paid a percentage of each ad buy.) Meanwhile, we heard afterwards that African-American organizers in places like Philadelphia had been asking Where's our help? Where are our resources? while TV stations in their states were filled with Harris ads. Thats not to villainize Jen OMalley Dillon. She's just an example. Certain people will always win. Theyll always make tons of money, no matter what happens on Election Day. Would the party rather lose than change? Eskow: Let me underscore that point about insiders. I think they would all prefer winning to losing. I don't know anyone whod rather lose. But their incentives are misaligned. There are times when, consciously or not, they feel there are worse things than losing. Take Bernie Sanders, whose policies and fundraising model threatened the Democratic ecosystem that feeds them. In a choice between winning with Bernie or losing even to Trump theyd rather lose. Their incentives make losing preferable to turning the party over to unruly Sanders types like well, like you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solomon: I think that's a fair point. Remember, when Bernie was at high ebb in primaries, a lot of traditional Democrats on Wall Street and elsewhere were quoted as saying if Sanders is the nominee they might go with Trump. Imagining a "popular front" Eskow: Let's try to envision a popular well, I call it a popular front. I don't think others use that term, but I think of the wartime alliance under FDR that included everyone on the left including Communists, socialists, mainstream labor, radical labor, moderate Democrats, everyone. From the radical left to the center, people made common cause against fascism. I think there is common cause again. You can see it in the threats to the judicial system, to media independence, educational independence and other pillars of civil democracy. Those pillars were already tattered, and many are already broken, but what remains is endangered. How can the left build that alliance without either surrendering leadership on its ideas or being subsumed by the Vote Blue, no matter who rhetoric that always gives us the same failed party leadership? Solomon: It's a challenge. To use a word that might seem jargony, we should take a dialectical approach. We should look at these contrary, sometimes seemingly contradictory realities and see them all. Fred Hampton was a great young leader of the Black Panther Party, murdered with the collusion of the FBI and Chicago police. Theres video of him saying that nothing is as important as stopping fascism because fascism is gonna stop us all. Malcolm X said that if somebody is holding a gun on you, your first job is to knock the gun out of the hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The right is holding a gun on you. There are neoliberals and there are outright fascists. Neoliberalism is a poison. Its a political economy that makes the rich ever richer and immiserates everybody else, while destroying the environment and creating more and more militarism. But the fascists are holding a gun to our head. We have an opportunity to creatively acknowledge that two truths exist simultaneously in 2025. We have a responsibility and imperative to join with others to defeat this fascistic group, which means forming a de facto united front with militarists and corporatists. And, at the same time, we need to fight militarists and corporatists. So, there we are. A time for left populism Eskow: This may be blue-sky thinking, but it occurs to me that the progressive movement can display leadership and vision in forming that front, at a time when those qualities seem to be lacking elsewhere. It could build a broad alliance while simultaneously attracting people to the lefts ideas and leadership. We wouldnt try to subordinate people to our will in this alliance, as has been done to us in the past. Instead, in this admittedly optimistic scenario, some people will be attracted by the lefts vision and leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solomon: Absolutely. One of the recent dramatic examples is AOC and Bernie going to state after state, often in deep red districts, and getting huge turnouts. In the 2016 primaries, Bernie went to the red state of West Virginia and carried every county against Hillary Clinton. These examples undermine the mainstream media cliches about left and right because theyre about populism. It's about whether people who are upset and angryand a lot of people in this country areare encouraged to kick down or kick up. The right wing the fascists, the militarists, the super-pseudo-masculinists they love to kick down. That's virtually their whole program: attacking immigrants, people of color, women, people who have been historically shafted. Progressives should kick up against the gazillionaires and the wealthy power brokers who hate democracy. Eskow: That kind of populism resonates. Expanding Social Security resonates. Healthcare for everyone resonates. It resonates among self-described conservatives, Republicans, whatever, as well as liberals and progressives. We could be saying to people, Theyre distracting you. It's not trans kids who are ripping you off and making your life so miserable. It's those guys over there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been striking to see how passive the party was in the face of this years onslaught, and how passive so much of it continues to be. The right got off to a running (or crawling) start on demolishing what remains of democracy. And yet, we were flooded with Democratic operatives like James Carville, who openly use the phrase playing possum when describing how the party should respond. Hakeem Jeffries, minority leader of the House, said we can't do anything because we don't have the votes. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer helped pass Trumps budget. It felt like the party leadership had wiped its hands and walked away from the catastrophe it helped create. People who want to fight Trump will also have to fight this inertia even though many of the partys presumptive presidential candidates are saying, no, no, I'm going to come out swinging. I'm going to be the candidate who comes out swinging against the right. I always tell people that if theyre going to work in Democratic Party politics, they should heed the biblical injunction about the world: be in it, but not of it. And I think that activists should go where their inclinations and their talents lead them. They should follow the path that calls out to them. Working inside the party But if people are called to do Democratic Party activism, what exactly does that look like, given what theyre up against? Whats the mechanism of activist involvement? Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Solomon: I think the right wing has in the last decades been much more attentive and attuned to the reality that everybody in Congress is elected from somewhere else, not DC. You wouldn't know that when you talk with a lot of the Democrats and Democratic-aligned groups there. Some people in that bubble think that's where the action is, where power is wielded. But, as you say, to the extent we have democracy and there are still some democratic structures as of now, the action is in the grassroots, in communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are well over 1,000 different congressional offices. Members of the House have district offices. They are, in a nonviolent way, sitting ducks to be confronted. Voters are facing questions of life and death, whether it's healthcare or the genocidal war on Gaza that the U.S. continues to arm, or so many other concerns. We could be confronting these people in Congress when they don't do what they should be doing. Those folks are not gods. They should be confronted. And there's often a dynamic on the left where, if Congressperson X does some things that we appreciate and a couple of things that we think are terrible, there's a tendency to say, Well, I appreciate the good things. I don't want to be mean just because I differ on one or two things. The right wing rarely takes that tack. They go to the mat. They fight for exactly what they believe. Thats been successful for them very successful. We have the chance to really make an impact right now. But were often told, Cool your jets. You don't want to be divisive. Bernie got a lot of that. AOC gets a lot of that. Were told, You don't want to be like the Tea Party from the last decade. And the astute response is, Oh, yeah, what a disaster. The Tea Party took over the Republican Party. That must have been just a terrible tactical measure. It's a way of being told to sit down and do what you're told. The right doesn't do thatmaybe because, ironically, they have less respect for authority figures. We don't need deference to leaders who don't provide leadership. Can we all just get along? Eskow: On the right, the nastiness is directed against what was the institutional party establishment. But a lot of centrist Democrats, leaders and supporters alike, seem to get angriest at the left for bringing up certain ideas. Its like were just like spitting in the punch bowl, that it's wrong and rude and who the hell do you think you are? The left has the ideas, but I also think we have to deal with a kind of professional/managerial class culture that can be quite hostile. It feels like we have to say, No, we're actually your friends, because a) we can help you and b) in your hearts, you want these things too. Don't be annoyed. Were not indulging ourselves by speaking up. We're helping. I struggle with that all the time. And I wonder what your thoughts are. Solomon: Thats the corrosive culture of thinking the people in charge know best. That culture includes a substantial proportion of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. And it also happens because the financial and party pressures on elected officials are intense. A few minutes ago I mentioned my admiration for Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and their anti-oligarchy tour. They've been great. But we should not erase the historical memory that, even after Joe Bidens disastrous debate last summer and up until the day he withdrew from the race, Bernie Sanders was publicly adamant that Biden should stay in the race. AOC was adamant that Joe Biden should stay in the race. That made no sense whatsoever. And as someone on the RootsAction team, that isnt just hindsight. RootsAction launched the Don't Run Joe campaign at the end of 2022. You didn't have to be a rocket scientist or a political scientist to know that Joe Biden was incapable of running an effective campaign for re-election. Eskow: We also saw the Congressional Progressive Caucus leadership endorse Biden a year before the election, if I recall correctly. Solomon: Oh, absolutely. The chair at the time, Pramila Jayapal, endorsed him two years ahead of the 2024 election day. Eskow: Its also striking what wasn't said during those two years. We heard virtually nothing about Medicare for All, which went off the political radar. We didn't hear much about expanding Social Security. Joe Biden promised to expand it in the campaign and never said another word about it. Inside or outside We could go on. But to me, and speaking of embracing contradictions, this speaks to the ongoing need for activists. Because heres the ultimate irony for me about the phenomenon we've just described. Capitol Hill progressives, many of whom I respect, essentially replicated what party insiders did to them in 2015 and 2016 when they were told not to challenge Hillary Clinton. Solomon: Good point. Eskow: It says to me well always need outside activists pounding on the door, however annoying they may find us to be from time to time. Its an inside/outside game. Solomon: Jim Hightower said it's the agitator that gets the dirt out in the washing machine. Eskow: He also said there's nothing in the middle of the road except yellow lines and dead armadillos. Call for an emergency meeting Eskow: Lets close with this. RootsAction has been calling for an emergency meeting of the DNC to address the crisis of fascism, or what I would join you in calling neo-fascism. What's the thinking there and what's the status of that? Solomon: I think of a quote from James Baldwin. He said that not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed unless it's faced. We're in an emergency, and we're getting very little from what amounts to the partys governing body, the Democratic National Committee even acknowledging that it is an emergency. There's pretty much a business-as-usual ambience, although the rhetoric is ramped up. The DNC, which has 448 members, normally meets twice a year. If, in the midst of emergency year 2025, you remain committed to meeting only twice a year, you're conveying something very profound. Youre communicating that you're not operating in the real world of an emergency. That's where we are right now. So, in partnership with Progressive Democrats of America, RootsAction has launched a petition (which people can find at RootsAction.org) urging the DNC to hold an emergency meeting. People can still sign it. And we know that the chair of the DNC, who has the power to call such a meeting, knows full well about this petition. But right now its still business as usual. So, I think we need to ramp up these demands. Eskow: And meanwhile the party is at historic levels of unpopularity. You'd think thats one emergency they would recognize. Solomon: One would think so. The latest polling showed only 27 percent of voters had a favorable view of the Democratic Party. You would think that one or two alarm bells would go off. Maybe the same old, same old isn't going to do it anymore. DENVER (KDVR) An ambulance crashed in Denvers Montbello neighborhood on Memorial Day morning while en route to a call, and later in the day, a South Metro Fire Rescue engine was also involved in a crash. Both vehicles had been running emergent, or displaying lights and sirens while moving, when they were involved in the crashes. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first crash involved the Denver ambulance and reportedly occurred on Andrews Drive just east of Peoria Street at about 11:53 a.m. Preliminary information showed that there could be injuries, but a public information officer was unsure of what extent. SkyFOX flew over the scene and saw that a passenger vehicle had crashed into a nearby fence. There were no patients inside the ambulance, but the driver of the other vehicle was taken to a hospital for evaluation of potential injuries. Its unclear if any charges are being considered in the matter. South Metro Fire Rescue shared images of Engine 16 after it crashed into a passenger vehicle while responding emergently. (Courtesy South Metro Fire Rescue) South Metro Fire Rescue shared images of Engine 16 after it crashed into a passenger vehicle while responding emergently. (Courtesy South Metro Fire Rescue) South Metro Fire Rescue shared images of Engine 16 after it crashed into a passenger vehicle while responding emergently. (Courtesy South Metro Fire Rescue) South Metro Fire Rescue shared images of Engine 16 after it crashed into a passenger vehicle while responding emergently. (Courtesy South Metro Fire Rescue) On Monday evening, South Metro Fire Rescue reported one of its crews was also involved in a crash while displaying lights and sirens, this time at C-470 and Santa Fe Drive, which is in Littleton near Chatfield State Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire agency said that there were no injuries to the four crew members of Engine 16, and no injuries to the passenger vehicle. The driver of the passenger vehicle was cited by the Colorado State Patrol for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle. South Metro Fire Rescue said that Engine 16 will be changed over to a reserve apparatus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Denver broke a daily record for rainfall during Sundays dreary weather that was set 75 years ago. Colorado has had a soggy Memorial Day weekend, filled with rain, hail and even tornadoes on the northeast Plains Friday just as the weekend was getting started. Denvers weather was not as severe, with some hail reports around the area from Grant and Shawnee on U.S. 285 to Centennial. Tuesday forecast: 70s and afternoon, evening storm chances are back Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denver did however see seemingly never-ending rain on Sunday, which added up to be a record-breaking amount at Denver International Airport, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder. Sundays record rainfall The National Weather Service measured 1.39 inches at DIA on Sunday, breaking the previous daily record for May 26 of 1.31 inches set all the way back in 1950. Sundays rainfall was also a staggering departure from normal, as the average rainfall for May 26 is just .07 inches. Lone Tree and Aurora also saw some heavy rain, with the National Weather Service measuring 1.58 and 2.10 inches in each area, respectively. Whats coming up for Denver Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels said Denver isnt finished with the rain yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second half of Memorial Day was expected to see more showers and storms before wrapping up around sunset. After that, there are rain chances every day through Friday. Denver, Colorado weather resources Stay prepared for storms and forecast changes, a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day and other important weather information: The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast multiple times each 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 FOX31 Denver. DENVER (KDVR) A recently launched small business in Denver suffered a major setback on Memorial Day weekend when their truck, needed for work, was stolen from outside the owners house. Brothers Tomas and Agustin Helou moved to Denver from Miami back in February with the dream of starting a business together. They found in their move that many people didnt know what to do with old, unwanted furniture. They decided to create a junk removal service, Shake That Junk. Bandimere is aiming to open a new drag strip in Weld County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the past two weeks, business has been growing little by little, said Tomas. Their dream was slowly realized over the last month, when they began hauling away unwanted items in their Ford F-250. We just bought it maybe, like, a month ago when we registered the company, said Tomas. After parking the truck on Lawrence Street Saturday night following a job, they woke up Sunday morning to find, this time, it was the truck itself that was hauled away. It was the morning, we hadnt had our coffees yet, so we were really puzzled, said Tomas. That was the first emotion, just very confused. They hoped that it was just towed, but Denver Police told them they had no record of it. Inside the truck at the time were items they use at work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some equipment. So, like, some brooms, some ratchet straps that we use to strap things down, said Tomas. Some items from a previous job were also taken, plus a go-kart that was in the back of the truck. Helou said the truck is their livelihood. Residents take Save Belmar Park fight to court after large trees were cut down nearby A bigger company wouldnt be hit as much by one vehicle missing. To us, its our one and only vehicle, said Tomas. How we pay for the lights to stay on and keep the business running and pay for our own expenses. He hopes their business dreams can continue with the truck returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to say lifesaving, but it would be business saving, said Tomas. He says the truck has their company logo on it, but the magnets may have been removed. He asks that if you see the truck, you contact Denver Police with information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. A community is mourning the death of a sheriffs deputy who was shot and killed in Ohio. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A Morrow County Sheriffs deputy responded to a report of a domestic situation in Marengo on Monday night. Upon arrival, a shooting occurred, according to a social media post. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy was struck and transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, said Morrow County Sheriff John Hinton. The subject was also shot and was transported to a hospital in serious condition. The incident is under investigation by the Delaware County Sheriffs Office with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). There are no words to express the pain being felt by our office, said Sheriff Hinton. We will update this developing story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) criticized Congress Tuesday for not moving to codify cuts implemented by President Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). [Elon Musk] took massive incoming including attacks on his companies as well as personal smears to lead the effort on DOGE, DeSantis, who is also a former member of Congress, DeSantis wrote in a post on the social platform X. He became public enemy #1 of legacy media around the world, the governor continued. To see Republicans in Congress cast aside any meaningful spending reductions (and, in fact, fully fund things like USAID) is demoralizing and represents a betrayal of the voters who elected them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantiss comments come ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline to avoid a government shutdown and fund the government for the 2026 fiscal year. Earlier this year, Trump voiced support for Congress approving a rescission package that would codify cuts recommended by DOGE. Conservatives in both chambers have called on Congress to codify DOGE cuts as the administrations efforts face challenges in the courts. However, Senate Republicans have been skeptical of a blanket adoption of the measures in the chambers government funding bills for 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A vast majority of Russian-speaking Ukrainians those how primarily speak Russian at home view Russia negatively, according to a survey published on May 27 by Kyiv-based think tank Razumkov Center in cooperation with the Kyiv Security Forum. The poll, conducted between April 24 and May 4, 2025, surveyed 2,021 Ukrainian citizens aged 18 and older in territories under Ukrainian government control. According to the survey, only 11% of respondents said they primarily speak Russian at home. Of those, 82% said they had a negative view of Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results come as Russia continues to invoke the supposed plight of Russian-speaking communities to justify its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But the data suggests this narrative is widely rejected by those it claims to defend. As recently as May 23, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Moscow "cannot leave" Russian-speaking residents in Kyiv-controlled areas and would "protect them." Only 13% of Russian-speaking respondents maintain a favorable opinion of Russia. By contrast, admiration for Western countries remains strong 79% of respondents view France positively, and 75% feel the same about the United Kingdom. The survey also found that 42% of respondents identified the European model of social development as the most attractive. Just 6% expressed a preference for the Russian model, further undermining Kremlin rhetoric about cultural and political alignment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Support for Ukraine's military remains resilient. Some 81.5% of those surveyed said they trust the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a reflection of sustained public confidence despite ongoing Russian attacks. Only 14% expressed distrust. Before the war, many of the cities now devastated by Russian attacks and occupation Mariupol, Kharkiv, Sievierodonetsk were predominantly Russian-speaking. Rather than protection, these regions have endured mass displacement, forced deportations, and indiscriminate bombardment by Russian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war has also catalyzed a national shift in language use. According to a 2024 Rating Group poll, 70% of Ukrainians now speak exclusively or primarily in Ukrainian at home up from 50% in 2015 and 46% in 2006. In 2014, just after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, a separate Rating Group poll showed that 56% of Ukrainians already opposed granting Russian the status of a second state language. Read also: Sanctions on Russia are working, Ukraine just needs more Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Today is the alleged deadline for the City of Abilene to pay a Russian ransomware group to prevent the sharing of private information from a cyberattack that occurred in April. In April, city officials announced that a cyber incident had impacted Abilenes internal network, rendering several servers inoperable. Last week, a report from Comparitech stated that the ransomware group known as Qilin has claimed to have stolen 477 GB of data from the city and is demanding a ransom payment by May 27, 2025. City officials have neither confirmed nor disproven this claim, but they have acknowledged its existence. City of Abilene doesnt dispute report of cyber attack ransom from Russian ransomware gang Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials stated they would never pay a criminal entity, a stance reiterated today on the deadline for payment. The City of Abilene administration reiterates that it has decided no ransom will be paid related to the cyber incident that began on April 18, 2025. The city administration has collaborated closely with cybersecurity experts and legal counsel to reach this determination, the city shared. We appreciate your patience as we are able to provide information. We commit to continuing to provide you with the most current details and look forward to sharing more as the investigation continues. Cyber incident disrupts City of Abilenes network systems, including phones City officials say analysts are actively monitoring for the release of sensitive information and potential data leaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Photo credit: CNN Since taking office in January, Donald Trump and his administration have been turning up the heat on legacy media companies, angling for favorable coverage. ABC, CBS, the Associated Press, and Warner Bros. Discovery have already felt the squeeze. Now Disney is in the crosshairs. In December, Trump managed to squeeze $15 million out of Disney for his presidential library, plus another $1 million to cover legal fees. That came after he sued the network and anchor George Stephanopoulos over an interview that apparently misrepresented a verdict, saying he was found liable for rape when the actual ruling was for sexual abuse. With the lawsuit settled, the pressure seemingly hasnt let up. And rather than standing firm behind those willing to speak out against the former president, like the hosts of The View, Disney CEO Bob Iger has reportedly pushed for the show to tone down its anti-Trump rhetoric, according to The Daily Beast. Jemele Hill, who knows a thing or two about Disneys infamous stick-to-sports edict, took aim at her former boss during a CNN appearance over the weekend, calling on Iger to back off. Trump is obviously, again, using his position as president to put pressure on these media companies, Hill said. And I think a lot of them are capitulating and feeling that pressure because they have things and business deals, and things on the side that they want to happen that they want to do. And so, to me, the disappointing part is that when capitulating a little, as weve seen with this particular person, it does not matter. He doesnt care if you capitulate. If you give him what he wants, hes not going to stop asking for it. To me, its just a simple thing of ratings. Do the ratings support that you should stop talking about Donald Trump? Probably not. So, if youre Bob Iger, who I do have a lot of respect for, he was my former boss. If youre him, thats the only thing that should matter. As long as the audience decides that they have an appetite for that, then that is what the women should talk about, whether you like how they discuss it or not. The ratings back her up. The View is up year-over-year. But Hills concern wasnt just about The Views numbers. It was about the message this sends to the entire industry. You also have to worry about what is this message thats being sent to younger journalists? asked Hill. Because thats what I worry about, as well, at a time where our profession is completely under attack. I came up in the journalism environment where you didnt let City Hall come after your reporters, you defended them. And I know theyre not straight journalists necessarily on The View, but its still representing a journalism body. Hill, who knows firsthand what its like to have your employer cave under political pressure after her clashes with ESPN over political commentary, argued that this moment mirrors that lack of institutional support. So if a business that you work for and again, yall know I went through this at ESPN if theyre not willing to defend you in this moment, thats really leaving you vulnerable, she says. And its really leaving our entire industry vulnerable. Its not just about these four ladies, its about what this represents. You already gave them $15 million. Do you think if they ask, hes gonna stop? No. Its this today, its something else tomorrow. So, at some point, you have to draw the line. Bullies just keep bullying when you keep giving them things. Hill would know. Shes lived this before, with the same president, the same parent company, and the same pressure to play nice. Back then, it was ESPN telling her to stick to sports. Now its ABC dialing down the politics. Different channel, same playbook. 11 Investigates has learned that the City of Pittsburgh is scaling back its Juneteenth celebration. It was just last year that the city pulled funding from a long-time promoters popular festival and hired a marketing firm with ties to Mayor Ed Gainey to produce the first city-run event. The city still plans to hold a celebration this year, but the Department of Parks and Recreation is putting it together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the one-day celebration will be the week before B. Marshalls popular Juneteenth Festival, which hes held for more than a decade. Marshalls celebration is the largest in the region. 11 Investigates has learned the city plans to hold a Juneteenth CommUnity Concert event at Allegheny Commons East Park on the North Side on June 14th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature musical performances, activities for children, vendors and a cookout. The city, this year, is declining to hire an event coordinator like they did for the first time last year. Instead, the city will rely on the Department of Parks and Recreation to organize the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a controversial move last year, Mayor Ed Gainey pulled city funds from long-time promoter B. Marshall. Mayor Gainey defended his decision at the time. We felt that at the end of the day we need to be more transparent, said Mayor Gainey. Marshall fired back and said he felt betrayed by the citys first African American mayor. Its like a betrayal. Its like your brother doing something to sabotage you, Marshall said. Instead, the city put it out for bid and awarded the $125,000 contract to Bounce Marketing, which had done work for the mayor before. At a news conference last year, the mayor introduced the owner of Bounce Marketing. She outlined her plans for the festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We plan to bring the best in talent, art, fashion, food, music and dance right to the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, Fantasy Zellars said. After public outcry, Pittsburgh city council reinstated Marshalls $125,000 in funding because it had already been promised to him. Marshalls three-day festival at Point State Park, Gateway Center and Market Square last year drew more than 70,000 visitors. Two weeks later, the city held its first-ever celebration known as FusionFest on Smithfield Street Downtown at the Greenwood Plan building. While the city is doing its own scaled-back celebration this year, Marshall is also gearing up for his festival from June 19th to the 22nd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will be our 12th year of doing this event. This year will be inside of Mellon Spray Park, Marshall said. Because of renovations at Point State Park, Marshall will be holding his festival at Mellon Park in East Liberty. And while the city isnt contributing any money this year, Marshall is getting support from other big names. We got the (Pittsburgh) Penguins that are going to be a part of our parade. Were so happy about that. We got Dollar Bank here. Dollar Bank helps us generate over $6 million in economic impact with our Juneteenth celebration, Marshall said during a recent news conference at Mellon Park promoting his celebration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pittsburgh Penguins have partnered with B. Marshall for the past four years. Marshall told 11 Investigates hes still waiting for a final permit from the city. Hes confident it will happen soon, and he says hes looking forward to the celebration. Marshall has a number of food and gift vendors, events and activities for youths and musical entertainers planned for the festival. The renowned funk and R and B band, Morris Day and The Time, will be the featured entertainer. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW ANDERSON The planned Lone Oak solar facility in northern Madison County has been abandoned by the developer. Invenergy has withdrawn its appeal in Grant County for a judicial review of the Madison County Board of Zoning Appeals decision not to grant an extension for the start of construction. Jeff Graham, attorney for Madison County, said Tuesday that the withdrawal of the appeal means the project will not move forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the Indiana Supreme Court denied a request by the developers of the facility to consider a decision by the Indiana Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals denied the request of the developers to overturn a decision by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to assume jurisdiction in a complaint filed by Invenergy, affirming a decision in April not to take jurisdiction. The company obtained a special use permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals in 2019 with construction to have been completed by Dec. 31, 2023. Previously, Invenergy asked and the IURC agreed not to exercise jurisdiction over the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2024 complaint, Invenergy maintained that it was unreasonable for the Madison County Board of Zoning Appeals to require that the Lone Oak facility be operational by Dec. 31, 2023. The company wanted the IURC to rule that the countys decision not to grant a two-year extension was unreasonable and that the countys 2017 solar ordinance should be voided. If that action was not approved, the company wanted the state commission to provide an additional three years to complete the project. The original request for the IURC to assume jurisdiction asked that one of two steps be taken to allow for future construction of the $110 million project that would produce 120 megawatts of electricity on 800 acres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company was asking the IURC to rule that the countys solar ordinance is unreasonable or void. In its decision, the IURC noted that Invenergy had requested a judicial review of the BZA decision and that the review was pending in Grant County. Invenergy maintains that it couldnt begin work on the Lone Oak facility for several reasons, including a pending lawsuit by remonstrators that hindered financing, the COVID-19 pandemic and related supply-chain issues. At a 2023 hearing, Michael Hill, an attorney for Invenergy, said that if the IURC declined to exercise jurisdiction, the ordinance and BZA denial of the extension would effectively kill the facility. The third week of Sean Combs' trial began on Tuesday, May 27 The prosecution is continuing to build its sex trafficking and racketeering case against the music mogul Combs' former assistant Capricorn Clark testified how she remembers him threatening to kill rapper Kid Cudi Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and Sean "Diddy" Combs' relationship was the topic of conversation when his former assistant met with him to discuss working for him again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 2024, after federal agents had raided Combs' homes in Miami and Los Angeles, Capricorn Clark met with her former boss to discuss coming back to work for him as his chief of staff, she testified on Tuesday, May 27, at the rap mogul's federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. During cross-examination, Combs' defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asked Clark about part of the discussion the two had during that meeting, when Clark told Ventura that she should leave Combs, given their tumultuous relationship. Ventura replied that "Jay-Z was taken" and asked her "who would she date?" Clark testified, confirming to Agnifilo that she had told Combs about that alleged exchange. She didn't say when this conversation between her and Ventura took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, Clark testified about how Combs allegedly came to her house with a gun and wanted her to go with him to kill Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi. Related: Diddy Threatened to Kill Kid Cudi While Holding a Gun, Former Assistant Testifies: 'He Was Livid' Combs was allegedly livid because Mescudi had briefly dated Ventura while he and Ventura were on a break during their 11-year relationship. 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. Combs is charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs could face up to life in prison if he is convicted on all counts. Since his arrest, he has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. 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 Diddy is on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering The jury has so far heard from his personal associates, ex-girlfriend Cassie and employees Capricorn Clark testified Diddy allegedly threatened to kill her, Cassie and rapper Kid Cudi A former assistant of Sean "Diddy" Combs said in an emotional testimony that her attempts to have the mogul's security personnel intervene as he allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend failed when no one listened to her pleas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capricorn Clark, who worked for Combs for 12 years, broke down during her testimony in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday, May 27, as the high-profile trial entered its third week. Clark recalled a 2011 incident when she was allegedly forced by Combs and an assistant to go to rapper Kid Cudi's home. At that time, the rapper, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, was dating Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, Combs' on-again, off-again girlfriend. Combs was allegedly angry upon learning about Ventura and Mescudi, and threatened to kill Mescudi, Clark said in court on Tuesday. After leaving Mescudi's home following the alleged break-in which Mescudi says Clark had tipped him off about Combs made Clark call Ventura and say that he would not release Clark until Ventura came to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After she hung up the call with Ventura, Combs told her that if she and Ventura didn't convince Mescudi to refrain from going to the police about the alleged break-in, he would kill all three of them, Clark recalled. "I'll kill all you motherf---ers," Combs told Clark, she testified. When Clark and Ventura went to Combs' house later that day, he allegedly kicked Ventura repeatedly as she curled up in a fetal position, Clark said. "He kept kicking her. He never used his hands," she told the jury. When U.S. Attorney Mitzi Styner asked Clark if she intervened, she said no, adding that she reached out to members of Combs' security team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She urged them to instruct the security guard witnessing the assault to intervene, but no one did. She then called Ventura's mother, Regina Ventura, and told her: "He's beating the sh-- out of your daughter. I can't call the police but you can." Regina also testified last week, alleging Combs extorted her family of $20,000 when he learned Cassie was dating Mescudi. Combs' attorneys have denied he ever ran a criminal enterprise or that he ever kidnapped anyone. Clark's court appearance followed testimonies over two weeks rife with accusations against Combs of threats, coerced sexual activity and drug possession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the trial continues, testimonies and evidence are revealing more details of Combs' sex and drug-fueled lifestyle, which allegedly included his apparent obsession over baby oil; "Freak Offs" sex parties where he allegedly forced Ventura to participate in sexual encounters with other men; and alleged threats made against several people including Clark, Mescudi and Cassie. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Read the original article on People Federal employees told BI that some agencies have quietly phased out the "5 things" emails. The weekly emails were a DOGE staple, and they're fading as DOGE itself becomes less public. It's not clear why some agencies have kept the emails and others have done away with them. It's spring cleaning time at some federal agencies' email inboxes. Federal employees told Business Insider that some agencies have recently started to phase out DOGE's "5 things" emails, which had asked employees to list their weekly accomplishments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An email sent to employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in early May said it would "pause" the requirement that employees send the emails. The CDC would continue with other forms of performance management, like one-on-one meetings, said the email, a copy of which was reviewed by BI. "Not having to write those emails saves me a little time each week which turns into a little more work done each week," one CDC employee told BI. A similar structure is now in place at the Internal Revenue Service, three employees told BI. Though they're no longer required to hit send on their regular updates, supervisors are still required to "observe the employee's performance on a regular basis throughout the appraisal period," according to guidance the agency posted to its intranet in mid-May. One IRS employee called the change "minor relief" amid broader chaos. Another said that they'd stopped writing the emails before official word came down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I had personally stopped a week or two before that with no adverse effects," they said. In a February post on X teasing the emails, Elon Musk said that "failure to respond will be taken as a resignation." The Department of Defense recently told its civilian workforce to stop sending the emails, too only to make a different request. In an email reviewed by BI, the department told employees that while the five bullets are out, it needs "one last input from you" to help root out waste. Workers have been asked to submit "a one sentence description of what is wrong and what you recommend doing about it" through a questionnaire, per the email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "5 things" emails were a one-time hallmark of the White House DOGE Office and a familiar Musk management tool. Beginning in late February, workers were asked to compile their wins as part of a broader effort to track productivity across the federal government. Have a tip? Contact these reporters via Signal at alicetecotzky.05, julianakaplan.33, asheffey.97, and alliekelly.10. Use a personal email address and a nonwork device; heres our guide to sharing information securely. Now, federal agencies seem to be taking a patchwork approach to the emails. Employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Social Security Administration, and Office of Personnel Management told BI that they are still required to send bullet points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwin Osario, president of a New York SSA employee union chapter, said he's asked the agency about the emails repeatedly, but hasn't gotten a response. "I've actually addressed this in a couple of grievances and conducted a survey among my bargaining unit," he told BI. "Employees feel undervalued and under-appreciated, and like they are not trusted at all." It's not clear why only some agencies have chosen to nix the emails, or how many still require the updates. A spokesperson for OPM said in a statement that "OPM employees are still encouraged to document their weekly accomplishments for agency leadership. This practice is vital to maintain accountability and transparency in employee contributions." Representatives for the other agencies noted in this story, the White House, and DOGE did not respond to BI's request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While several workers previously told BI that they hoped Musk's step back would mean the end of the emails, it's unclear how, if at all, the billionaire's step-back plays into the change. One employee at OPM doesn't have any problem with continuing to send out their bullet points. "It's an easy and nice opportunity to show my work to leadership," they said. Read the original article on Business Insider Forgoing the stress and expense of a child for a furbaby or two is rapidly becoming a social norm in Western society, with dog ownership rising even while birth rates plateau and fall. Across the US, Canada, Australia, and much of Europe, between a third and half of all households own at least one dog. As this number slowly creeps up, most nations are experiencing a steady drop in fertility predicted to put population sizes at risk in coming decades. A recently published theoretical review by ethologists Laura Gillet and Eniko Kubinyi at Eotvos Lorand University in Hungary explores the underlying cultural reasons behind the trend, and what it means for the concept of a family in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dogs have long been our treasured companions. For thousands of years, possibly on numerous separate occasions, human communities and groups of wild dogs have joined forces, forming a bond that has only strengthened down the generations. Once, this relationship may have been largely utilitarian, dominated by mutually beneficial behaviors that gave each an advantage in hunting and protection. Today, people aren't exactly buying a pooch to sniff out a choice flat white and danish from the local cafe. The dog's niche has evolved, becoming less pragmatic and more nurturing. Take a stroll down just about any high street in London, Paris, Melbourne, or New York, you could be forgiven for thinking Juju the puppacino-sipping Bichon Frise and Captain Jack the plaid-clad French bulldog are mere surrogates for human offspring. Captain Jack needs no college fund. ( Firn/Canva While there are undoubtedly dog owners who see little distinction, the researchers say it's generally the exception to the rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We would like to point out that, contrary to popular belief, only a small minority of dog owners actually treat their pets like human children," says Kubinyi. "In most cases, dog parents choose dogs precisely because they are not like children, and they acknowledge their species-specific needs." Following a comprehensive review of the literature on the topic, Gillet and Kubinyi argue our strong desire to love and support isn't species-specific. Dogs and babies aren't mutually exclusive, with plenty of room for both in our hearts. If not our wallets. Socio-cultural pressures of having children rule them out for many young adults, leaving canine companions to reap the benefits of time, money, and snuggles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Despite the high dependency and attachment of dogs to their caregivers, in the eyes of many, commitments coming with dog ownership remain less burdensome than child parenting," says Gillet. Financially speaking, the expense of raising a child in the US has steadily increased in recent years. One survey estimates in just the past two years alone, costs have surged by an astonishing 35.7 percent. Throw in concerns over the kind of world we're leaving future generations, a perceived loneliness of parents particularly mothers in the midst of changing family structures, and pressures on women in the workforce, babies are an investment fewer people are willing to make in the Western world. That doesn't necessarily mean dogs are filling this gap. Rather, the empty nesters can simply afford the pet that parents may otherwise have never committed to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dog parenting can also coexist with child parenting, enhancing the idea that humans might have evolved to care for others regardless of species," the researchers sum up in their report. As society ages and more people face an isolation epidemic that threatens our health and mental wellbeing, it's important to know Captain Jack and Juju aren't merely replacing the children we never had they are vital members of the family who will care for us in their own unique ways. This research was published in European Psychologist. Related News The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to lift a judges order that has upended the administrations plans to quickly deport immigrants to countries where they have no previous ties. Solicitor General John Sauer filed an emergency appeal Tuesday challenging a ruling from a Boston-based federal judge who concluded that the rapid deportations violated the immigrants rights. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy said the deportees were not given sufficient notice about where they were being sent and had little opportunity to raise concerns that they might be tortured or killed in those destinations. The appeal follows a bid by the Trump administration to hurriedly deport seven men all previously convicted of serious crimes to war-torn South Sudan with only hours notice and no opportunity for those men to raise fear of torture or persecution. Murphy halted those deportations and ordered the federal government to maintain custody of them abroad or return them to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sauer asked the high court to pause Murphys April 18 ruling requiring certain steps prior to so-called third-country deportations. Its not clear if the pause that Sauer is seeking would resolve the dispute over the men previously destined for South Sudan. Those men are being held at a U.S. military base in Djibouti. Murphys ruling disrupts sensitive diplomatic, foreign-policy, and national-security efforts, Sauer wrote, adding that the requirements the judge ordered had created a diplomatic and logistical morass and usurp executive branch authority. Those judicially created procedures are currently wreaking havoc on the third-country removal process, the solicitor general wrote. The Justice Department argues that it has no obligation to affirmatively ask deportees if they have fears of being sent to a third country, regardless of whether they are criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, just last week in a proceeding in the very same case, Murphy ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return to the U.S. of a Guatemalan man with no criminal record who was deported to Mexico in February even though in earlier immigration proceedings he had made clear he feared being sent there because hed been raped and harassed for being gay when he passed through there on the way to the U.S. The Court finds that the public benefits from living in a country where rules are followed and where promises are kept, Murphy wrote, noting that a ratified treaty and a federal law promise the U.S. will not to send people to countries where there is reason to believe they will be tortured. The Guatemalan mans return poses a vanishingly small cost to make sure we can still claim to live up to that ideal, the judge added. Sauers application Tuesday is just the latest in a series of emergency appeals the Trump administration has taken to the high court in recent months. Earlier this month, the justices ruled in the administrations favor on a case seeking to allow officials to end temporary protected status for 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants. And the justices have yet to act on another urgent appeal in which the Justice Department is seeking to clear away a lower-court order blocking the administration from terminating the legal status of about 500,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela paroled into the country through a Biden-era program. Ed Martin, the Department of Justice's new pardon attorney, speaking in 2015 to St. Louis Public Radio. (Jason Rosenbaum/St. Louis Public Radio). Barry Croft and Adam Fox, the men convicted of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in the summer of 2020, could be on a list for potential presidential pardons, according to the U.S. Department of Justices new pardon attorney. The comments came from Ed Martin Jr., a conservative activist who had been nominated as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia before having his nomination withdrawn earlier this year. Martin is now a pardon attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appearing on a conservative podcast last week, Martin said that the administration of President Donald Trump cant leave Croft and Fox behind. Martin also called Croft and Fox victims and likened their cases to the criminal charges that were brought against the January 6 Capitol insurrectionists, the Associated Press reported. Trump pardoned more than 1,500 defendants charged in the Capitol attack on his first day back in office. A message seeking comment from Whitmers office was not immediately returned. Conservative activists and conspiracy theorists have long alluded to the plot against Whitmer as a federal government-led operation to entrap the participants, but numerous pieces of evidence shown in court detailed the breadth of Croft and Foxs involvement in spearheading the plan and recruiting others to join in the plot including eventually an informant working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Martin appears to be among those who viewed the prosecution of Croft and Fox as the weaponization of the federal government, a running theme in the Trump White House. Martin on the podcast vowed to take a hard look at their cases in his new role. Both Croft and Fox are serving nearly 20-year prison terms in a high security federal prison located in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other men were charged with conspiracy to kidnap Whitmer but were either acquitted of or pleaded guilty to the crimes. Croft and Fox attempted to appeal their convictions, but the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the federal district courts decision. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Tapping digital tech urged to build cultural strength 08:41, May 27, 2025 By Cao Desheng ( China Daily Officials and experts called on Monday for greater efforts to promote the integration of science and technology with culture to boost the high-quality development of the cultural sector and build China into a leading country with a thriving socialist culture. They made the remarks at the Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength, which was held in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. The event, themed "Deepening Reform in the Cultural Sector to Ignite Cultural Creativity", was hosted by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a keynote speech at the forum. Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Party secretary of Guangdong, also gave a speech. The participants at the forum underlined the need to meet the opportunities and challenges brought by the new technological revolution, grasp the trends of digitalization and intelligence, and explore effective mechanisms for integrating culture and technology, in order to inject fresh vitality into the creation, production, and publicity of cultural works. It is crucial to actively leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to promote their broad application in the cultural sector in order to foster a greater number of innovative formats, models, and scenarios, they said. Shen Zhuanghai, executive deputy secretary of the CPC Wuhan University Committee, said that embracing the changes arising from digital and intelligent development has become an inevitability in promoting cultural prosperity. It is necessary to keep abreast of the latest advancements in digital technology to promote the deep integration of such technology with cultural development, facilitate innovation in cultural works, and further energize the vitality of cultural forces in advancing Chinese modernization, Shen said. The third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, an important Party meeting held in July last year, emphasized the need to adapt to the rapid development of information technology to stimulate creativity and innovation in the cultural sector. Gao Wen, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a professor of computer science at Peking University, said that the deep integration of culture and AI and their mutual empowerment have become global trends sweeping the world. "This is not only a key strategic issue for inheriting Chinese cultural heritage and enhancing the country's core competitiveness, but also a significant pathway that we must firmly stick to as we embark on the journey of becoming a strong country in culture," said Gao, who is at the forefront of China's rapid development in AI. While highlighting the inevitable trend of applying AI technologies in the cultural sector, he warned of the potential problems and risks that may arise, such as copyright concerns related to AI-generated content, data privacy, and personal information security. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Macron's wife, Brigitte, slapped her husband in the face and instantly became a folk heroine. On social media, she is being applauded by the French, who are "grateful" to her husband. Frustration with this "world leader" has been building for a long time: pension reform, arrogance, and his constant lecturing of other countries. And now a simple, understandable gesture. It's a signal that even those close to Macron have had enough. Well done, Brigitte! She slapped Macron on behalf of everyone for millions of people around the world who would happily do the same and, frankly, for good reason. We are all seeing how tariffs damage economies by raising prices, distorting markets, and encouraging foreign retaliation against our export industries. What we see less of is the swamp-infested cronyism that tariffs encourage: When tariffs are enacted, as with the 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs, lobbyists rush to seek exemptions for individual businesses. By my colleague Judge Glocks count, those 2018 tariffs prompted 425,000 requests for exemptions, 200,000 of which have been approved based largely on political donations and connections. These individual business carve-outs, however, pale in comparison to the budget-busting tariff bailouts likely headed back to the farmers of deep-red America. During President Donald Trumps first term, farmers received $24 billion on top of their regular farm subsidies to compensate for the loss of access to foreign markets resulting from Trumps trade war, such as Chinas 25 percent retaliatory tariff on American soybeans. Then, in 2024, even as candidate Trump promised a more aggressive trade war that could cripple the farm economy, rural voters nonetheless preferred Trump to Kamala Harris by a 30-point margin. Trump earned a staggering 78 percent of the vote in the 444 counties most heavily dependent on farming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In short, farm country voted overwhelmingly to unleash a new trade war. And now these same farmers and their political leaders want taxpayers to finance another round of bailouts to protect them from the consequences of their own votes. Congress already approved $10 billion in emergency payments to farmers during President Joe Bidens final days, and now Trump has reportedly told Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to have some programs in place that would potentially mitigate any economic catastrophes that could happen. Congress and the farm organizations are already discussing how to structure such a taxpayer bailout. Another farm bailout should infuriate taxpayers. Consumers and businesses who paid $16 billion in tariff costs last month are not receiving any federal taxpayer bailouts. Other American export industries that will suffer from a prolonged trade warsuch as software, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and energyare not receiving any broad-based federal bailouts (just those lobbyist-negotiated individual carve-outs). Yet farmerswho actively endured an earlier Trump trade war and then provided overwhelming vote margins to return Trump to the White House to unleash an even more destructive trade warare now set to receive special taxpayer protection from the consequences of their own votes. What happened to the Republican belief in individual accountability? Republicans love to lecture low-income voters that poverty is a moral failing, and they argue that shielding poor families from the consequences of their poverty-inducing decisions will undermine the necessary incentives to change their behavior. Apparently, such tough-love approaches do not apply to Republican voters, who are always quick to explain why their own taxpayer bailouts and welfare payments are different. Farm country voted overwhelmingly to unleash a new trade war. And now these same farmers and their political leaders want taxpayers to finance another round of bailouts to protect them from the consequences of their own votes. True economic conservatives (all eight of us remaining) will not be surprised to learn that such bailouts make little economic sense as well. Most of the 2018-2019 assistance payments were paid from the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). In calculating the bailout formulas, the USDA vastly overestimated the forthcoming farmer losses to tariffs, leading it to significantly overcompensate affected farmers. U.S. food exports in 2018 and 2019 fell only slightly, and soybean revenuesexpected to bear the brunt of those retaliatory tariffstemporarily dipped by 11 percent before surging 60 percent above pre-tariff levels by 2022 after the trade war had died down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, those earlier farm bailouts were egregiously tilted toward the wealthiest agribusinesses. A study by the American Enterprise Institute notes that the largest 10 percent of farms, with average annual gross farm incomes of $2.14 million, received average subsidies of $230,700 per farm in 2018 and 2019 from the MFP and crop insurance program. By contrast, owners of midsize farms received an average of $18,000, and smaller farms received virtually nothing. These bailout payments not only exceeded farmer losses from the trade war, they were also duplicative. Washington already distributes $20 billion in annual farm subsidies that are paid out even during boom years. And when the farm economy dips, the aforementioned federal crop insurance program already compensates farmers at taxpayer expense. Receiving regular farm subsidies, crop insurance payments, and tariff bailout payments means essentially triple-dipping on government farm welfare. Farm subsidies remain broadly popular because Americans mistakenly believe such policies exist to protect poor, struggling family farmers from crop and weather unpredictability. In reality, farm subsidies are Americas largest corporate welfare program. The agriculture industry has undergone intense consolidation into mammoth agribusinesses, which are reaping the benefits of billions of dollars in farm aid. Owners of the largest 10 percent of farmswhich receive the vast majority of farm subsidies and bailoutsare projected to report an average net cash income of $572,000 this year. Again, that figure is not their gross sales, but rather net cash income after expenses. Even with tariffs and a deep pandemic recession, net farm income since 2016 has shown an average profit margin of 24 percent and not dropped below 15 percent in any of those years. These healthy profits have blessed agriculture with one of the lowest bankruptcy rates of any industry. Yes, weather, crop, and now tariff unpredictability bring yearly fluctuations in farm income. Yet the answer to volatility is insurance, not a permanent welfare system that pays out in both good years and bad. Crop insurance and futures contracts can smooth out the yearly volatility in a manner that leaves these wealthier agribusinesses closer to their quite high average incomes without burdening taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, focusing on agricultural economics misses the point. Farm subsidies and bailouts are about raw political power. A century of government central planning in agriculture has unwittingly consolidated most farm production away from family farms and toward corporate agribusinesses. It has also organized farm producers into a politically aggressive network of broad- and commodity-based lobbying organizations that have built real power in Washington. Lawmakers who would never admit that health insurance lobbyists influenced their health care bill, or that the coal industry wrote their energy bill, will openly brag that the farm lobby writes their farm bills. Republicans are disproportionately elected by rural America, and are just as aggressive as urban Democrats in shoveling welfare benefits and subsidies back home to their supportersthe GOPs free-market rhetoric ending at the farms edge. Long-time central planning in agriculture and Trumps central planning in trade have set the stage for another expensive round of taxpayer bailouts, welfare payments, runaway spending, and swampy government favoritism. Tariff revenues are diverted to new spending rather than contributing to deficit reduction, all to protect rural Americans from the costs and consequences of a policy they voted to unleash on the rest of the country. If President Trump and congressional Republicans believe tariffs are good for America, then they should embrace their consequences. Dont bail out the farmers again. 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. Fox News Brit Hume took issue with President Donald Trumps assertion that something has happened to Vladimir Putin, causing the Russian president to go absolutely CRAZY. Speaking on the conservative news network on Monday, the long-time White House correspondent and former anchor said that the Russian leader is the same man he's always been. "I dont think Putins changed. I dont know what the Presidents talking about," Hume said. "This is the way Putin has always been. Hes always been a particularly brutal dictator, willing to take whatever measures he thought necessary to advance his interests. Whatever he thought he could get away with." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hume accused Trump of having an odd conception of his Russian counterpart, saying that he didn't have an appropriately adversarial relationship with the ex-KGB man. He thought that he and Putin could be kind of friends and partners and make deals together, Hume said. On the campaign trail, Trump pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict within a day of his inauguration. Since taking office, he has blamed former President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the wars outbreak while continuing his praise of Putin. His rant to Truth Social on Sunday found Trump taking a different tack. The president said that Putin "is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers." Hume said he hoped that Trumps Sunday comments might signal a shift in Trumps approach to the war. On Tuesday, Trump doubled down on his criticisms, saying Putin doesnt realize that without him in the White House, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia. Erica Watkins, center left, joins members of Defense of Democracy Oklahoma, now called Were Oklahoma Education, and LGBTQ+ advocates holding signs opposing state Superintendent Ryan Walters outside the Oklahoma State Department of Education building in Oklahoma City on April 25, 2024. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Frustrated with religious content and polarizing language added to Oklahoma academic standards, some parents say they plan to opt their children out of ideologically charged social studies lessons in public schools. Families and liberal advocates across the state, relying on parental rights laws that Republicans championed, are drafting letters to exempt their children from new social studies content that conservative leaders enacted this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that its being codified and now that its being brought more into the public eye, the liberals have realized that those are our rights too, Tulsa parent Lauren Parker said. The biggest glaring red flag in the new social studies standards, Parker said, is language that casts doubt on the integrity of the 2020 presidential election. President Donald Trump has refused to concede defeat to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 race, despite courts across the country dismissing Trumps lawsuits claiming election fraud. Under the new standards, Oklahoma high school U.S. history classes will be required to have students identify discrepancies in the 2020 election results, including the sudden halting of ballot-counting in select cities in key battleground states, the security risks of mail-in balloting, sudden batch dumps, an unforeseen record number of voters, and the unprecedented contradiction of bellwether county trends. State Superintendent Ryan Walters leads a meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education on April 24 at the Oklahoma State Department of Education in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) State Superintendent Ryan Walters quietly added these claims without acknowledging them until after the standards passed a vote by the Oklahoma State Board of Education. Half of the board later said they were unaware of the new content when they voted on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawsuit in Oklahoma County District Court is challenging whether the Education Department and the board followed proper procedures when approving the standards. Parker said she contacted her home district, Tulsa Public Schools, to opt her children out of being taught about election fraud that never happened. She also objected to Walters new requirements that Oklahoma schools incorporate Bible stories and Jesus teachings into their curriculum an effort she views as Christian nationalism and religious indoctrination. It literally was one of the most painful experiences of my life growing up in Christianity, and so its the last thing that I want my daughters to learn about in school, Parker said. Of course, we discuss things, but its just that this isnt about history and facts. Its about pushing their faith on us, and thats unacceptable. Its un-American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters said he implemented the biblical content not to convert students to Christianity, but to ensure they understand the beliefs that inspired Americas core principles and that influenced the countrys founding fathers. Its concerning that parents would opt their kids out of understanding American history, Walters said Thursday, but its a choice they have a right to make. We want parents to have opt-outs, Walters said. We want parents to be able to make those decisions. I think thats a bad decision on their part. State Superintendent Ryan Walters, pictured Jan. 28, advocated for the Bible to have a greater presence in public school instruction. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Local organization Were Oklahoma Education, or WOKE, is distributing sample opt-out letters through social media. Members of the group are known for regularly attending state Board of Education meetings and protesting Walters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization has about 200 active volunteers in Oklahoma and 1,000 followers on its social media and email lists, director Erica Watkins said. Many of them are parents frustrated with Walters far-right brand of politics and the ideologically charged content he inserted into Oklahomas academic standards, said Watkins, a mother of two students in Jenks Public Schools. WOKE, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the label Republicans apply to left-leaning opponents, formed as a liberal counter to Moms for Liberty, a conservative national group also focused on education policy. If you believe parents know best, then that applies to all parents, Watkins said. And so thats why we went ahead and used the channels that they put in place to push back against some of their more indoctrinating things that theyre putting into our schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watkins said her family isnt religious, so she intends to exempt her children from new standards teaching the Bible. She said the 2020 election language is also out of the question. I dont want my kids hearing that, Watkins said. Thats propaganda, and I dont think its appropriate to be taught in school. Stillwater Public Schools parent Saralynn Boren, a WOKE member, said the group first started drafting opt-out letters after Walters invited public schools to use pro-America kids content from the conservative media entity PragerU. The letters also invite parents to opt out of conservative content from Hillsdale College, Turning Point USA and even from any interaction with Walters himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group extended the letter template to add social studies standards on Judeo-Christian values, God, the Bible, the 2020 election and other topics. Watkins said they did so after the Republican majority in the state Legislature declined to take action on the academic standards. A GOP-led attempt to disapprove the standards emerged in the state Senate, but the chambers Republican caucus decided to allow the new content to pass after having a closed-door meeting with Walters. The Senates leader, President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said he is supportive of parents who are now choosing to opt out of the standards. I think we give parents the ability to opt out of lots of things, Paxton said. If thats what they want to opt out of, I would certainly support them being able to do that. Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, speaks to reporters in the Senate Lounge at the state Capitol on Feb. 13. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) Oklahoma law guarantees parents the right to direct their minor childrens education and moral or religious training. Parents are allowed to withdraw their children from any learning material or activity on moral or religious grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boren, of Stillwater, said her past opt-out requests over PragerU were well received by her childrens district. Stillwater district spokesperson Barry Fuxa said families always have had the right to choose an alternative assignment or learning material. He told Oklahoma Voice the district has not yet received any opt-out requests over new social studies standards. At this time, our response to families with concerns would be to ask them to give us time to learn more about the standards and to allow our admin and teacher teams time to develop plans of how the standards will be implemented in our curriculum, he said. Tulsa Public Schools also upholds parents rights to review instructional materials, both under state law and school board policy, the district said in a statement through its spokesperson, Luke Chitwood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tulsa will spend the 2025-26 school year selecting instructional materials that align with the new social studies standards and will implement the new content in 2026-27, Chitwood said. That selection process will involve teachers, parents and community members, he said. More parental engagement in education is a positive thing, said Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. But Kirt said shes concerned political divisions are becoming wider. The new academic standards, as well as other efforts supporting state-funded religious education, could be a wedge driving Oklahomans further apart. If we have separate schools for everybody who has different beliefs, were going to have some real challenges about living together and working together and having an economy together, Kirt said. So, Im worried about how thats going to turn out. But do I want my child learning inaccurate information in their classroom? No, I dont. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX As Washington settled in for a typically sleepy Memorial Day following the passage of Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill in the House, the president fired off one of his trademark furious rants on Truth Social, but the target was a surprise. This time, the target wasnt any of his domestic political foes like the Democrats who voted in lockstep against the budget package he endorsed, or the handful of Republicans who refused to fall into line. It wasnt even aimed at the various law enforcement figures who have attempted to hold him to account over the years. Sunday evenings rant was aimed squarely at Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite what he called a very good relationship with Putin, Trump in his latest statement on the Ukraine-Russia war blasted the Russian leader as absolutely crazy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever, Trump posted on Truth Social. Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! Trump warned. He echoed the same thoughts as he spoke to reporters in New Jersey on Sunday ahead of his return to Washington that day. "He's killing a lot of people," said the president. "I don't know what the hell happened to Putin, I've known him for a long time. Donald Trump speaks to reporters on Sunday about the war in Ukraine (AFP/Getty) Trumps sudden harsh turn was illuminative, if not for the reason he may have intended. A throwaway jab aimed at Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky (everything out of his mouth causes problems it better stop) in the same post solidified the underlying intention of the screed: Trump was massaging a bruised ego. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With his pride wounded, Trump has turned to lashing out at the Russian leader who is now publicly refuting his repeated claim that he could end the destructive three-year-old conflict in 24 hours. Four months after Trump took office, supposedly poised to immediately shut down the war, attacks on Ukrainian targets intensified over the weekend, with Russia launching its largest aerial assault of the war thus far. Loath as he is to give Zelensky any credit for correctly predicting that Russias leadership had no real intentions of ending the war, Trumps emotional outburst comes as he seems to be realizing that the issue could become a major blemish on the dealmaker perception he has sought to cultivate. More importantly than representing a threat to his ability to live up to his own boasting, the attacks also refute many of Trumps more recent statements about the Russian president and his supposed desire to see the war end. Trump, who famously hates being made to look foolish by his allies, said as recently as last Monday of Putin: I do believe he wants to end it. But Frances president Emmanuel Macron believes Trump is beginning to realize the truth about Putins war stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe that President Trump has realized that when President Putin told him he was ready for peace, he was lying," Macron said on Monday. He pointed to the severity of Russian offensives as the persuading factor. "You cannot claim to be ready for negotiations and carry out attacks at the same time. Such double rhetoric demonstrates the insincerity of any statements about dialogue," said the French president. Volodymyr Zelensky, flanked by Keir Starmer and Emanuelle Macron (AFP/Getty) Now, Washington is already beginning to wonder if Trump will back up his rhetoric with action. He has repeatedly vowed to slap damaging sanctions on Russia if the invasion continues without a resolution, most recently doing so this month in an interview with Foxs Bret Baier. But in a press gaggle days after those remarks, Trump also suggested that his administration may just back away from the conflict, which would keep going without U.S. involvement if a deal was not reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capitol Hill is not keen to let that happen a bipartisan resolution to impose a new slate of sanctions on Russia hit 81 co-sponsors in the Senate last Wednesday, according to a press release from joint co-sponsors Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. The bill, which is designed to be snapped into place if peace talks fall apart, would slap sanctions on a range of Russian top ministers, as well as on businesses and entities that transact with the Russian armed forces. Russia has agreed to provide its term sheet for a ceasefire in the next few days. Its contents will speak volumes as to whether or not Russia is serious about peace. We suspect it will be more of the same, the pair said in a joint statement. If it is more of the same, Russia can expect decisive action from the United States Senate. Originally appeared on E! Online Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley will be freed from prison soon. After President Donald Trump announced May 27 that he will pardon the Chrisley Knows Best couple from their respective prison sentences in their tax fraud case, a White House official exclusively told E! News that the pardon papers will be signed in the next 24 hoursbefore the end of day on May 28. The official added the commander-in-chief knows the couple's 27-year-old daughter Savannah Chrisleywho spoke at the Republican National Convention in Julybut has never met Todd or Julie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alice Marie Johnson, a criminal justice reform advocate who was granted clemency by Trump in 2018 after Kim Kardashian publicly pushed for her release, was the one who presented the Chrisleys' case to POTUS, according to the White House official. "I don't know them, but give them my regards," Trump told Savannah in a May 27 phone call, per a video posted by the Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor Margo Martin on X, formerly Twitter. "They were given a pretty harsh treatment based on what I'm hearing." He added, "I hear they're terrific people. This should not have happened." Todd, 56, and Julie, 52, were found guilty on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States in June 2022. They reported to prison in January 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todd's sentence was reduced to 10 years in September 2023, while Julie's sentence was overturned in an appeals court in June 2024. Earlier this year, Savannah revealed that she was working on securing a pardon for her parents, who have maintained their innocence in the case. "I know that I am going through the proper channels to do so," she told People in February, "and I'm going to bring as much awareness to it as possible because these things should not happen." For more on the Chrisley's legal case, keep reading. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, "I hear they're terrific people. This should not have happened." Todd, 56, and Julie, 52, were found guilty on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States in June 2022. They reported to prison in January 2023. Todd's sentence was reduced to 10 years in September 2023, while Julie's sentence was overturned in an appeals court in June 2024 but later upheld. SAMUEL CORUM/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; Debby Wong/Shutterstock Earlier this year, Savannah revealed that she was working on securing a pardon for her parents, who have maintained their innocence in the case. "I know that I am going through the proper channels to do so," she told People in February, "and I'm going to bring as much awareness to it as possible because these things should not happen." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more on the Chrisley's legal case, keep reading. Indicted on Tax Evasion and Other Charges Todd and Julie Chrisley were indicted on 12 counts by a federal grand jury in Atlanta in August 2019 on charges included wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States, according to a document obtained by NBC News. Prosecutors claimed fraud began in the mid-aughtsinclusive of evading nearly $2 million in state taxes between 2008 and 2016 and hiding over $1 million dollars from the IRS. The day before the indictment was issued, Todd maintained he and his wife were innocent, and instead said a trusted employee had been stealing from and blackmailing the couple. "We have nothing to hide and have done nothing to be ashamed of," he wrote in a statement posted to Instagram. "Not only do we know we've done nothing wrong, but we've got a ton of hard evidence and bunch of corroborating witnesses that proves it." Todd and Julie Found Guilty It wasnt until three years later that the Chrisley Knows Best stars went to trial. Following three weeks of testimonies, the pair, who had pleaded not guilty, were convicted on all counts of tax evasion and bank fraud on June 7, 2022. The U.S. attorney's office had alleged the duo and their accountant Peter Tarantinowho stood trial with themconspired to defraud banks out of more than $30 million over the course of a decade. "As today's outcome shows, when you lie, cheat and steal, justice is blind as to your fame, your fortune, and your position," Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, said in a June 2022 statement. "In the end, when driven by greed, the verdict of guilty on all counts for these three defendants proves once again that financial crimes do not pay." Sentenced to Multiple Years in Prison Five months later, the Northern District of Georgia sentenced Todd to 12 years behind bars and Julie to seven years. (Peter was sentenced to three years in prison.) "Over the course of a decade, the defendants defrauded banks out of tens of millions of dollars while evading payment of their federal income taxes," U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said in a November 2022 statement. "Their lengthy sentences reflect the magnitude of their criminal scheme and should serve as a warning to others tempted to exploit our nation's community banking system for unlawful personal gain." However, Julie and Todds respective sentences were shortened in September 2023with Julie scheduled to be released a year and three months earlier, and Todd two years earlier than his originally scheduled 2035 release. "Without a doubt, Todd and Julie are model incarcerated individuals who received exorbitant sentences," Jay Surgent, the pair's attorney, told Insider in September 2023. "I believe Todd is down to 10 years and Julie is now at five years." Starting Their Sentences The couple started their respective prison sentences in January 2023, with Todd serving his time at Federal Correctional Institution (FPI) Pensacola in Florida and Julie at a different federal prison in Lexington, Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No Contact Six months after Julie and Todd reported to their respective prisons, their daughter Savannah Chrisley shared insight into how the duo were doing, revealing that her parents did not have contact during their time behind bars. "195 days without a word to each other" she wrote in an August 2023 Instagram story. "My heart is breakingPlease help to bring justice!" She also pushed back at rumors about their time in prison. "It's hilarious because one of them was like, 'Oh, he's let himself go,'" she said on her Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley podcast. "First off, news flash, they don't sell hair color in commissary. So of course his hair is gray! But, you know what, I would tell him today, if he was out, keep it that way. Like, it looks good! He's got a great prison barber." Todd Details Filthy Prison Conditions However, Todd spoke out from behind bars about the mistreatment he faced at the federal prison camp in Pensacola, Fla. "The food is dated," he said in a phone interview on a December 2023 episode of Cuomo. "It's a year past expiration." "You've got rats, you've got squirrels in the storage facility where the food is," he continued. "They just covered it up with plastic and then tore the ceiling out because of all the black mold and found a dead cat in the ceiling, and it dropped down on the top of the food." Beyond the horrors in the cafeteria, he alleged that someone also attempted to extort his family members. "There was a photograph taken of me while I was sleeping and sent to my daughter," he noted, "asking for $2,600 dollars a month for my protection." Savannah Chrisley Speaks Out Savannah, who has custody of younger siblings Grayson and Chloe amid her parents sentences, has explained how their convictions and their lack of contact with one another has weighed on her. "The last time they spoke was the morning they went into federal prison," she shared with E! News March 2024, alleging that there's "a lot of retaliation going on against my father for how outspoken we've been about conditions." In fact, she alleged that prison officials had been "blocking a lot of his emails correspondence to my mom." And while not wanting to make the experience about herself, she admitted that it was overwhelming at times. "What's tough for me is how Mom and Dad have that feeling that life is just continuing to move on without them," Savannah explained on her podcast Unlocked in April 2024. "In a way, I have that feeling with people in my life because it's like they just continue on living their lives." "I'm still sitting here struggling to catch my breath," she continued. "Whether it's financially with the kids, trying to parent, me in a relationship." Julie's Prison Sentence Overturned Julie's seven-year prison sentence was overturned June 2024 following a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Although the panel upheld her convictions, the court ruled the judge in the 2022 trial miscalculated the reality star's sentence. "The district court did not identify the evidence it relied on to hold Julie accountable for losses incurred before 2007, and we cannot independently find it in the record," the judges stated in their ruling. "So we vacate Julie's sentence and remand solely for the district court to make the factual findings and calculations necessary to determine loss, restitution, and forfeiture as to Julie and to resentence her accordingly." Her case was handed to a lower court to determine how her sentencing would be adjusted while Todd's sentencing remained unaffected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Tearful Apology Three months after her prison sentence was overturned, an Atlanta court ultimately upheld Julies previous seven-year prison sentence. And she made a tearful apologyboth to her children and the court. "I would like to say Ive had years to think about what Ive wanted to say and Im sorry for my actions and situations that let us to where we are today," Julie said before the court, per People, during the Sept. 25 hearing. "Ive had 20 months in prison, but it has been much more leading up to the trial and I apologize for my actions that led to where we are today," "I have done everything I can do to get closer to my family. Ive taken tests for new skills, such as driving a forklift and serving food in proper ways," she continued, "this has been the most difficult part of my life. I cant ever repay my children for what theyve had to go through and for that, I am so sorry," she added. President Donald Trump Pardons the Chrisleys The Chrisleys are heading home. They received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, he told Savannah in a phone call May 27, 2025. "For the past two and a half years, Ive done everything in my power to fight for my parents freedom and bring them home," Savannah said in a statement to E! News. "This moment is the answer to countless prayers, and I am beyond grateful to President Trump for seeing the truth and restoring my family." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Photo: Allison Robbert (Getty Images) Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has learned why you should never come for a Black woman. On Monday, Greene posted her workout routine on X following a scathing insult from Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who simply returned the favor after Greene attacked her appearance in a House Oversight Committee hearing last week. - Candace McDuffie Read More Photo: Getty Images Last week, we told you about the chaos that erupted in the middle of the May 16 House Oversight Committee Meeting when Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) gave Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) a double dose of smoke when she tried to come after Crocketts eyelashes. - Angela Johnson Read More Photo: Justin Lane-Pool (Getty Images) As the New York trial for former President Donald Trump winds down, its clear that he will attempt to reclaim the White House regardless of the outcome. If Trump is found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business documents, he will most likely receive probation and fines instead of actual prison time as a first-time offender in a non-violent case. - Candace McDuffie Read More Photo: The Atlanta Voice Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Fani Willis the most prominent figure in the Georgia election subversion criminal case against Donald Trump was victorious in the states Democratic primary as she sets her sights on another four-year term as prosecutor. - Candace McDuffie Read More For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Police are asking for the publics help locating a man accused of a violent incident over the weekend. Adam McCree, 28, of Dorchester, is wanted on probable cause for attempted kidnapping and assault and battery stemming from an incident on Sunday around 4:30 a.m. in South Boston, according to police. McCree is described as a 507 Black man with brown eyes, black hair, and a thin build. Investigators say he has a tattoo on his neck of prayer hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to authorities, McCree has multiple warrants for his arrest out of Boston and New York. His last known location was in Dorchester, although officials say he may have fled to New York. Anyone with information about McCrees whereabouts is asked to call District C-6 Detectives at (617) 343-4742, and the Fugitive Unit at (617) 343-4468. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW WASHINGTON When Army veteran Dan Nevins was forced to medically retire from the military after losing both his legs in combat, he thought hed be financially taken care of by the country that he served. But Nevins soon discovered the so-called wounded veterans tax an unofficial term for a federal policy that prohibits certain injured veterans from receiving both their full retirement pay and disability compensation. I was told I could not receive both, Nevins told NBC News in an interview. And I was like, Wait a minute. Thats not what I thought was going to happen. Army veteran Dan Nevins traveled to the U.S. Capitol on May 21, 2025, to push for legislation that would ensure veterans are able to receive their full retirement pay and disability compensation. (Frank Thorp V / NBC News) Its an issue that affects around 50,000 veterans, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, costing them each about $1,900 per month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under current federal policy, veterans who have less than 20 years of service and a disability rating under 50% get a dollar taken out of their retirement for every dollar they receive in disability compensation. The disability rating is assigned by the Veterans Affairs Department and assesses how much an injury or disability may impact a veterans health and ability to function. And now, Nevins is pushing lawmakers in Washington to change that. In 2004, when Nevins was deployed to Iraq as a squad leader, an improvised explosive device detonated beneath his vehicle. The blast killed his platoon sergeant, and eventually both of Nevins legs would be amputated below the knee because of the injuries he sustained. People say when youre about to die your life flashes before your eyes. That wasnt really my experience. It was more like a slideshow of things left undone, said Nevins, who still wears a bracelet every day to honor his platoon sergeant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last sort of vision, it was my 10-year-old daughter, but she was all grown up and dressed in white head to toe, and walking down the aisle without her dad. And I was like, Im alive. I have to do something to keep it that way. After a painful and lengthy recovery process, which included 36 surgeries and an 18-month stay at Walter Reed Hospital, Nevins started to live his life again. That included learning some new skills, such as becoming a certified yoga instructor. But because of his injuries, Nevins left the military earlier than anticipated. That is when, to his surprise, Nevins learned that he would not be receiving his full retirement pay. Its a tragedy really, Nevins said. So many people are cutting what we would all take for granted out of their lives, just so they can survive. And I mean, its not a ton of money, but it will help and really change lives and families for the better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress is making a renewed push to eliminate the offset with a bipartisan bill, dubbed the Major Richard Star Act, that would give wounded veterans their full retirement benefits and disability pay. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is spearheading the effort in the Senate, where it has 71 co-sponsors, while Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., is leading the bill in the House, where it has 274 co-sponsors. Veterans are retired early because of the wounds and the injuries they receive, and theyre entitled to disability compensation for them, but then their retirement pay is reduced dollar for dollar because of that disability compensation, Blumenthal told NBC News. Theyre being penalized for being wounded. ... Its about simple justice and fairness. But the bill is costly: The CBO estimated in 2022 that the legislation would have cost $9.75 billion from 2024 to 2033. And at a time when the Trump administration is looking to trim overall government spending including potential staff cuts at the Veterans Affairs Department cost concerns could stand in the way of passage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for the VA said it does not typically comment on pending legislation, but vowed that no health care or benefits for veterans will be cut. The Department of Defense did not return a request for comment. Blumenthal said he sees a number of paths for the bill. He plans to offer it as an amendment to an annual defense policy bill later this year. And in the coming weeks, Blumenthal is going to try to bring it up under unanimous consent and see who has the nerve to come forward and say we should deny our veterans basic fairness. Ahead of Memorial Day, Nevins traveled to Washington to advocate for the bill. He appeared at a press conference alongside Marine Corps veteran Jamel Daniels, who also lost his leg in combat. The two got to know each other during their respective recoveries and even did wheelchair races in the hospital hallways, according to Nevins. Now, Nevins and Daniels are fighting for a legislative fix in the halls of the Capitol. And Nevins says his message to Congress is simple: honor the countrys commitment to veterans. We should keep our promises, Nevins said. I teach my kids to keep their promises, even when its not convenient for them. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A beloved doughnut shop in Cayucos closed its teal doors last month after less than a year in business but a new spot is already slated to take over the vacant space. The bakery, Surf Rat Donuts, rested at 101 D St. just a few steps away from the beach itself. A quaint spot for solid business during the summer, co-owner Ben Brown said he opened the shop July 4. We wanted to share basically the kind of donuts that we like when we go visit other areas, Brown told The Tribune. Thats why we really wanted to try to bring it here, because no ones doing it, and no one is still doing it and I think that was the whole goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown made the doughnuts from scratch with his wife Jessica and kids, aiming to provide warm doughnuts for every customer, but tough winter months proved fatal for the business. Fresh and baked from scratch donuts were available at Surf Rat Donuts before it closed on April 13, 2025. We would do really well during the summer, but we cant use the profit for the three months that were open to sustain or to pay for the overhead for the slow nine months, Brown said. Surf Rat Donuts also found some success in weekends and local events. But while an influx of people over social media supported the business, there werent enough local visits to keep it going. Everyone loved this. Our following was growing and we were getting people from out of the area. Everything was going great, Brown said. Its just, I dont know. Its not enough local business during the off season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surf Rat Donuts officially closed 10 months later on April 13, near the time its lease ended. Brown said he was looking for a place that still served food to take over the lease. We made a hard decision right before this summer to make way for another, like a food, a lunch, something that people would eat everyday, Brown said. Brown went to friends that he made from starting up Surf Rat Donuts, and eventually he gave a local couple the opportunity to start another business. What is replacing Surf Rat Donuts in Cayucos? Owners of Pie in the Sky Pizza and High Tide Deli, Ellen and Jeremy Sizemore, were approached by Brown about taking over the spots lease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We always have a kind of Rolodex of business ideas in our head of, wouldnt it be fun to do blank?, Ellen Sizemore told The Tribune. For that one, we werent necessarily looking for a place actively to start a burger place, but when that location came up, we thought, What would go well here? What would be a good addition to Cayucos? Owners of Moseys Burgers, Ellen and Jeremy Sizemore, pose in front of their nearly complete restaurant about to serve smashburgers and tallow fries in Cayucos. Enter Moseys Burgers. The Sizemores said they saw an opportunity for burgers smashburgers in particular and tallow fries to be the stars of the menu at the seaside space. Its a really simple menu with very quality ingredients, she said. Were not going to use seed oils either with the frying, so thats going to be a big draw as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sizemore emphasized the simplicity of Moseys Burgers, with the name symbolizing moseying on down to the beach to grab a burger, and the tranquility and slowness of the small beach town. In Cayucos, its such a laid-back environment that people are kind of moseying on down to the water, she said. We were looking for that kind of style of using an iconic name. Sizemore said the restaurants ambiance is set for vintage 1970s and early 1980s looks. Its already painted in retro orange, yellow and blue stripes. Moseys Burgers is set to open in the next month, and its Instagram page is teasing the light construction and locally sourced burgers. Louisiana authorities arrested a total of a dozen people accused of aiding the 10 men who broke out of a New Orleans jail earlier this month and threatened to prosecute anyone else helping the two who are still at large. If anyone else is helping out the remaining two escapees they will also be arrested and prosecuted. We will not tolerate it, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said on X Monday night. State police announced Monday they arrested Lenton Vanburen Jr., 26, who was located in Baton Rouge, as well as Leo Tate, 31, and Jermaine Donald, 42, who were both found in Walker County, Texas, bringing the total arrests to eight out of the 10 men who escaped. Antoine T. Massey and Derrick Groves remain on the run. Louisiana law enforcement in pursuit of a man who escaped from a New Orleans jail. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) via Associated Press The 10 men were able to escape Orleans Justice Center by breaching a wall behind a toilet in their housing unit and taking advantage of defective locks and doors, according to a press release by the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office. The escapees left a message above the toilet which read To [sic] Easy Lol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested jail worker Sterling Williams, 33, on 10 counts of principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office after authorities say he shut the water off in the cell the night of the escape. Williams told authorities Massey had threatened to shank him if he disobeyed. Trevon Williams, 23, was already being held in Orleans Justice Center when he was charged last week with 10 counts of principal to simple escape, However authorities did not specify what role he played in the escape. After escaping the jail, some of the men allegedly received help from individuals who have since been charged. Last week, state police announced that Cortnie Harris, 32, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38, were charged with felony accessory after the fact. Police say Baptiste helped facilitate getting escapee Corey Boyd, 19, food while he was in hiding. Boyd was captured last week and is now in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris had allegedly transported two unnamed escapees across different locations in New Orleans with the help of Casey Smith, 30, who was charged with accessory after the fact to simple escape according to local police. Connie Weeden, 59, was charged with the same felony as the other three women for allegedly helping her grandson Donald after his escape by sending him cash through a phone app, according to NBC affiliate WDSU. State police announced the arrest of six more alleged accomplices on Monday including Diamond White, 21, who is accused of assisting Massey. White was charged with principal to aggravated escape and obstruction of justice. Lenika Vanburen, 28, Tyshanea Randolph, 27, Patricia Vanburen, 18, Angel McKay, 41, and Lenton Vanburen Sr., 48, were all charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly assisting Lenton Vanburen Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement personnel from multiple local, state, and federal agencies will continue to pursue every lead until the remaining fugitives are located, state police wrote in Mondays announcement. Individuals who choose to assist, conceal, or harbor these fugitives are violating the law and will be arrested, regardless of the level of assistance given or where they are found. Related... TAYLOR, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A series of commemorations stepped off across NEPA Monday morning. One of them was Taylor Boroughs Annual Memorial Day Parade. 28/22 News Reporter Amelia Sack spoke with members of the community there. Dozens came out for a beautiful day in Taylor Borough. The parade is a tradition many say they look forward to every year. It was a big turnout in Taylor Borough for the Annual Memorial Day Parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community organizations, first responders, and students from Riverside High School stepped out on the downtown route, all to recognize the meaning behind Memorial Day: the men and women who lost their lives serving our country. They gave the ultimate sacrifice, which just goes to show how great of a country we have if people are willing to die for it, New Jersey resident Robert Gibbs said. StrangeFest turns Scranton theater into macabre marketplace I think its important that we recognize that our veterans made a sacrifice for all of us at home and that this sacrifice some people dont come back from. And weve gotta recognize that every time because not a lot of people are here that we can celebrate that for, Nicholas Ponas from Taylor Borough said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even some of the youngest in attendance remember who the day is for. The soldiers. We do it for the soldiers, Aria and Natalia Knight from Taylor Borough told 28/22 News. The parade wrapped up at the boroughs community center with a closing ceremony. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) At the beginning of the year, the Dayton Police Department implemented a new technology to help them crack down on crimes in just hours. The Real Time Crime Center is a recent upgrade for DPD, having already led to dozens of arrests since it began in January. 2 NEWS visited the room to learn more about how the high-tech space is solving crimes. In the first two months, DPD said it was able to make 21 arrests and assist in 25 more by using the Real Time Crime Room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department says the room even helped them solve one crime in less than an hour. So start to finish, from the time the call came in to the time that we had the suspect and gun recovered was about an hour, said Major Paul Saunders, DPD. The Real Time Crime Room allowed DPD to track down the suspect in a shooting on Rugby Avenue, along with recovering fentanyl within an hour. With situations like this, Dayton police said they are getting a return on their investment. It has been wildly successful, said Saunders. And I will say, technology without the people to operate it and effectively leverage it, is just like boxes and computers and screens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major Saunders is the push behind the operation, telling 2 NEWS how the room uses several technologies all in one space. This includes over 50 public safety cameras, 911 call records, the FLOCKOS system which allows community members to live share their video and over 70 license plate readers from across the city. Weve had the technology for a long time, but they have not always been able to be accessed in one place, said Joe Parlette, deputy city manager. Parlette said the room was created with the help of grant funding, general department funds and support from the city. In this case, absolute support and trust in Major Saunders to do it right, said Parlette. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saunders says the help keeps them at the top of their game. Political leaders have shown support for the efforts to keep us efficient and at the top of our technology game, said Saunders. The city of Dayton is looking to receive grant funding to support similar technology to expand the fire department next. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) A woman was seriously injured and a man arrested after a crash in Allendale Monday. It happened a little after 11:30 p.m. in front of the Allendale Township Fire station on Lake Michigan Drive east of 68th Avenue. The Ottawa County Sheriffs Office says a deputy happened to be nearby and heard the crash happen, quickly radioing it back to dispatch. Deputies say witnesses told them an eastbound Honda Civic was going at very high speeds before the driver lost control, hit the curb and then crashed into a power pole. The car was split into two pieces. A passenger, a 25-year-old woman from Grand Rapids, was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries to the face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, a 25-year-old Grand Rapids man, also needed treatment at the hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening. He was arrested at the scene of the crash, though deputies did not explain in a Tuesday morning release what charges he might face. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHESNEE, S.C. (WSPA) The driver in a crash that killed three Chesnee High School students in 2023 has been sentenced to prison. The 7th Circuit Solicitors Office confirmed with 7NEWS that 18-year-old Juan Pablo Ortega-Preciado pled guilty to three charges of reckless driving resulting in homicide and driving without a license. Law enforcement at scene of crash on Fairfield Road near Chesnee, S.C., September 29, 2023 (WSPA) On Sept. 29, 2023, it was reported that Ortega-Preciado was driving 109 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone and veered off the road to avoid a truck he saw pulling out of a driveway on Fairfield Road. The car hit a mailbox, trees and then caught fire, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three teenagers, 18-year-old Jeffrey Scott Wallace, along with brothers 17-year-old Vladimir Matthew Rybinski and 15-year-old Vitaliy Gregoriy Rybinski, were all passengers in the car and died in the crash. Officials said Ortega-Preciado did not have a drivers license at the time of the crash. The court sentenced the defendant to 10 years for his reckless driving resulting in homicide charges, which was suspended to eight years in prison and five years of probation on each charge. He also received 30 days for driving without a license. All of the sentences were ordered to be served concurrently with each other, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortega-Preciado also received credit for the time he served thus far of 612 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Details about an officer-involved shooting remained scant Monday, but the 21-year-old man who was shot by a Miami police officer outside of Bayfront Park on Sunday is expected to survive, according to his lawyer. Hollywood attorney Michael Orenstein said his client, Menelek Emmanuel Clarke, was recovering at Jackson Memorial Hospitals Ryder Trauma Center, though he had not had the chance to speak directly with Clarke about the incident as of Monday evening. I dont know much about details at all yet, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Miami Police Department said Sunday that a 21-year-old driver hit an officer who was directing traffic outside of Bayfront Park, where the Caribbean music festival Best of the Best was taking place. The officer then shot the driver, and the 21-year-old was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds. READ MORE: Police officer shot driver outside music festival in Miamis Bayfront Park: officials A Miami Police Department spokesperson said Monday that no further details will be provided as this remains an ongoing investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is unclear if the driver will face any charges. Orenstein is representing Clarke in an unrelated case in Broward County, where Clarke was charged with aggravated assault on an officer, resisting an officer with violence and armed trespassing. The charges stem from an incident in October 2023 in which Broward deputies said Clarke, then 19, brandished a gun after being told by a deputy to leave a Lauderhill park. Clarke has pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clarkes sister Sherylann Clarke told Miami Herald news partner CBS Miami that she was in the car with her brother on Sunday and that her brother was trying to drive around the Miami police officer, not toward him. She said the officer had signaled with his hands that drivers in the area should pull forward but that the officer had then moved in front of their car. It wasnt intentional to hit him, no, she told CBS Miami. The incident caused festivalgoers to run for safety before it became clear what happened. Photographer Kemal Limon told the Herald he was leaving Bayside Marketplace that night when he saw a large crowd of people running away from Bayfront Park. I was walking by and saw people running, he said. It was like chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Limon noticed people stopped running once more police cars arrived, as there didnt seem to be an active threat. As a downtown Miami resident, Limon said he is prepared to see anything. This is Miami, he said. Anything can happen. I wasnt surprised. An employee at the nearby Yve Hotel told the Herald that many of its guests were staying there to attend the festival across the street. While he didnt hear the shooting, he saw the high amount of police activity that followed. It wasnt until Monday that he learned from the news what had happened. City editor Jessica Lipscomb contributed reporting. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A driver in the country illegally was nearly three times the legal limit when he killed a Las Vegas police officer in a wrong-way crash, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. On Dec. 12, 2024, Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, 31, collided with LVMPD Officer Colton Pulsipher, 29, killing both. Jimenez-Jimenez was driving a truck southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 near the Valley of Fire. A third driver was also injured in the crash when she collided with Jimenez-Jimenezs truck in the aftermath, documents said. Jimenez-Jimenez had a blood-alcohol level of 0.205, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Monday. The threshold for Nevada police and prosecutors to establish fault in drunk-driving arrests is 0.08. Jimenez also had THC, the active psychoactive compound in marijuana products, in his system. The truck Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez was driving when he collided with LVMPD Officer Colton Pulsipher. (Nevada State Police/KLAS) Blood test results can take months, particularly when looking for advanced compounds, including THC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimenez-Jimenez, an undocumented immigrant, had applied for citizenship in 2020, but in 2021, an immigration judge in Texas ordered him removed from the country, an ICE spokesperson said in December. Jimenez-Jimenez entered the country illegally twice in 2019. Both times, ICE returned him to Mexico. Pulsipher, a husband and father of three, was off-duty and headed home at the time, police said. Investigators suspect Jimenez-Jimenez was traveling between 91 and 99 mph at impact, documents said. Police identified him through a passport and fingerprints. On Dec. 12, 2024, Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, 31, collided with LVMPD Officer Colton Pulsipher, 29, killing both. (Credit: Behind the Blue) A passenger in Jimenez-Jimenezs truck survived and walked off into a desert area before troopers arrived, documents said. Troopers later located the passenger more than nine hours after the crash, asleep in the desert. During an interview, the man said he and Jimenez-Jimenez worked for a landscaping company and drove to the desert to drink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Jimenez-Jimenezs truck, troopers located several empty alcoholic beverage containers, as well as receipts and packages, from a marijuana dispensary. In Jimenez-Jimenezs truck, troopers located several empty alcoholic beverage containers, as well as receipts and packages, from a marijuana dispensary. (Nevada State Police/KLAS) Detectives located a video showing Jimenez-Jimenez and his passenger purchasing marijuana products from a drive-thru dispensary two days earlier, documents said. Video from the sale also showed Jimenez-Jimenez smoking marijuana while in the drivers seat. Jimenez-Jimenezs truck was not registered in his name, and its owner never contacted police, documents 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. Originally appeared on E! Online Phil Robertsons family knew their time with him was coming to a close. Just before the Duck Dynasty patriarch died at the age of 79, his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson shared Phils health had taken a start turn for the worse. In fact, Koriemarried to Phils son Willie Robertsontold The New York Post in the days leading up to Phils death that his health was declining really rapidly, noting it was so hard to watch for the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But hes so loved, she added. And all the family is just coming around him and taking really good care of him. It was an echo of what Phils son Jase Robertson had shared weeks earlier amid his fathers health challenges. Were doing the best we can, the 55-year-old explained during the April 2 episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast. I think thats just what you do. And on May 25, Korie confirmed on social media Phil was now with the lord, five months after the family publicly shared his diagnosis with Alzhemiers disease. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again, Korie wrote on Facebook, adding to the many fans of the A&E series, "We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. Were having a private service for now, but well share details soon about a public celebration of his life." Instagram/Phil Robertson Following his passing, Phils granddaughter Sadie Robertsondaughter to Korie and Willieshared additional insight into her final moments with her grandfather. According to the 27-year-old, Phils faith played a large role during the end of his life. As I was sitting with Papaw Phil today, I thought about this verse Sadie wrote in her May 25 tribute, after quoting from Corinthians. He has already experienced this on earthgoing from dead to alive by the power of Christ! Instagram/Sadie Robertson She continued, One of the last things he said to me was full strength ahead! Amen! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sadies husband, Christian Huff, offered his support on the post, writing alongside a red heart, Full strength ahead. For more from Phils life, keep reading. First Hunt Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson discovered in 2020 that he fathered a daughter named Phyllis from an affair he had decades ago, leading him to reconnect with his lost child and take her duck hunting. "So thankful God brought us together after all these years," Phyllis wrote on her Instagram that November. "His timing is perfect, and every day and new experience is a gift." Dad and Daughter "This day ended my first duck season with a great hunt," Phyllis captioned this January 2021 snapshot. "And this day one year ago marks the beginning of my life with my real dad after learning paternity tests came back positive. Positive. Have there been ups and downs on this crazy ride? Yes. But we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose -Romans 8:28. I'm so very thankful this day and this one year anniversary ended on a positive note." Under One Roof Phil and his wife Kay "Miss Kay" Robertson invited Phyllis and her husband to celebrate Easter with their side of the familyincluding his brother Si Robertsonin 2021. Jelly Time Phil taught Phyllis how to make mayhaw jelly in May 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Father's Day Phyllis celebrated her first Father's Day with Phil in 2021. "Dad taught me how to make crawfish au gratin," she wrote on Instagram. "Delicious and memorable Father's Day, the first one I've ever spent with him." Christmas With the Robertsons Phyllis rang in Christmas 2021 with Phil and Miss Kay, as well as their adult kids Al Robertson, Jase Robertson, Willie Robertson and Jep Robertson. Quality Time The Robertson family went duck hunting in November 2022. Good Hunting "That's a wrap! From NE Louisiana to SE Kansas, duck season 2022-23 is in the books," Phyllis wrote in February 2022. "Loved spending time with my dad and family and friends. We had theological discussions and enjoyed the wonder of nature. I built some new skills, helped with a missions fundraiser, and shared the Gospel. And we whacked and stacked some waterfowl! I'd call that a successful season." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Easter Sunday "We wish you a joyous Easter as we celebrate the miracle of the resurrection, our hope in Jesus, and the promise of what's to come," Phil wrote on Instagram in April 2023. "We pray that our story is your storythat you'll find light and hope in the living Savior. Happy Easter from our family to yours!" For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) A woman is facing a DUI charge following a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Memorial Day. Police charged 22-year-old Alyssa Rain Farmer in regard to the crash reported Monday around 12:48 a.m. near the 115 block of Swannanoa River Road. Officers determined that the pedestrian was walking east on Swannanoa River Road or near the center line of the roadway when the victim was hit by a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander traveling in the same direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The individual succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The pedestrians identity has not been released at this time. Farmer was reported not injured, police said. Once the investigation is completed, officers said they will consult with the Buncombe County District Attorneys Office. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact APD at (828) 252-1110. Anonymous tippers can send a tip by texting TIP2APD to 847411. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) A previously unknown Russian hacker group with suspected ties to the Kremlin was responsible for a cyberattack last year on the Dutch police and has also targeted other Western nations that deliver military support to Ukraine, intelligence agencies announced Tuesday. The agencies said in a report that the group, which they called Laundry Bear, is actively trying to steal sensitive data from European Union and NATO countries and is extremely likely Russian state supported. Laundry Bear is after information about the purchase and production of military equipment by Western governments and Western deliveries of weapons to Ukraine, Vice Adm. Peter Reesink, director of the military intelligence agency MIVD, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate comment from Moscow on the report. The Netherlands has been a strong supporter of Ukraine's war effort since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and has given military equipment, including F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv. The Russian hackers broke into a police account and accessed work-related contact details of all Dutch police officers in September last year, in a cyberattack that sent shockwaves through the force. The Dutch intelligence agencies published a detailed analysis of methods used by the hacker group to break into computer networks and cloud services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erik Akerboom, chief of the domestic intelligence agency AIVD, said that outlining the group's work means that not only governments, but also manufacturers, suppliers and other targets can arm themselves against this form of espionage. This limits Laundry Bears chances of success and digital networks can be better protected. The attack discovered in the Netherlands is one of a growing number around the world. Last week, the U.S. National Security Agency said that hackers working for Russian military intelligence targeted Western technology and logistics companies involved in shipping assistance to Ukraine. And last month, the French government accused a hacking group linked to Russian military intelligence of cyberattacks over three years, targeting the Paris Olympics, French government agencies and companies. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The Dyess We Care Team is asking for assistance after a family deployed to Dyess discovered their newly bought home was full of mold, mildew, and flood damage. Mothers Day gift: Dyess Airmen renovate an Abilenes mother home The family bought the house sight unseen after receiving orders to serve at Dyess. Upon arrival in early May, they were welcomed to their new home with mold and mildew covering the baseboards. After treating the house, the couple lives upstairs away from the damaged area but is forced to shower outside without a bathroom to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gordon Storey, with the Dyess We Care Team, said that because they are not affiliated with the Department of Defense, they are relying on the communitys help. It does not happen a lot. Im afraid this is the first time in 25 years of the Dyess We Care Team that weve had a family run into this particular situation. Were at the point that we cant help because were not licensed, were not contractors at all, Storey said. Dyess We Care Team transforms Youth Voice nonprofit building The group is asking for any professional help or materials to help fix the damage. To learn more about how to help, click here or contact them at thedyesswecareteam@yahoo.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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. "Many of the combat veterans Ive known had spent decades trying not to think or talk (at least not with civilians) about what theyd seen and done." Olga Khomenko / 500px via Getty Images James shifts nervously from one foot to the other, sweat glistening on his forehead and his muscles tense. A smiling intern approaches with a flag pin intent on thanking him for his military service whether he likes it or not. Thats when he bolts for the door. I take off after him; theres no way Im letting him tear onto the highway with his nervous system flashing red. Visions of a high-speed collision flash in my mind as I jog through the parking lot trying to catch him. Earlier that morning, I noticed James standing apart from the milling crowd gathered for a workshop on terminally ill veterans who have combat-related psychological challenges like post-traumatic stress disorder, moral injury and complicated bereavement. With his straight back and hair cut in the style of a Marine, James was a stark contrast to the business card-exchanging group of social workers and psychologists with whom Id been chatting. I had gone over and struck up a conversation. Hed told me he worked for a street program focused on helping veterans struggling with drugs, homelessness and issues like depression, suicidal thoughts and PTSD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hed recently applied to graduate schools with a vision of becoming a psychologist. I want to be there for my Iraq War brothers and sisters, hed said. We were all betrayed, every one of us. Moral injury and PTSD, thats just the tip of the iceberg. Betrayed by who? Id asked. Politicians, military brass, the majority of people in this country who dont give a shit what really happened to me and my buddies and who dont want to hear about it. Hed stared into my eyes as though expecting me to be uncomfortable with his candor. Ive heard that from lots of vets, Id said, nodding. Not just the ones who fought in Iraq; going way back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the dirty little secret about war, hed said, extending his hand. Its always an act of betrayal. Later, wed grabbed seats together at a table with three others. The trainer started with moral injury what it is, what it looks like, why it matters. He played poignant excerpts from recorded interviews of veterans talking about the psychologically and spiritually painful impact of witnessing or committing actions that violated their sense of morality or that had shattered their trust in those theyd relied on to act in their best interest. The trouble had started after lunch when the trainer asked attendees who were veterans to raise their hands. A half-dozen or so complied, but James hesitated. Id given him a nod and whispered, You dont have to do this if you dont want to. He gave a forced smile and raised his hand. Then the trainer asked the veterans to stand and announced that an intern would be making rounds with a box of flag pins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James had quickly sized up the well-intentioned ritual coming his way. The trainer would speak directly to each veteran, asking them what branch theyd been in and where they had been stationed. Then he would thank each of them for their service while the intern pinned a flag to their shirt and the audience clapped. Sweating profusely, James had scanned the room looking for the nearest exit and anything or anyone that might get in his way. Thats when hed bolted. James, I call out as he unlocks a beat-up Ford Mustang. He doesnt respond as he flings the door open and fumbles with the seatbelt, his hands shaking. I step between the open door and the cars frame. I know its tricky, maybe even dangerous, getting in his space when hes feeling threatened, but Im determined to help him settle before he revs the engine. Five minutes, I say holding up five fingers. Just give me five, James. After that you can forget you ever met me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His respirations are rapid. I take a deep breath, trying to cue him to do the same. He taps the steering wheel rapidly with one of his fists as though thinking, then motions to the passenger seat. Clocks ticking, he says. I sit in the passenger seat, leaving the door open. We stare ahead avoiding eye contact. I wait for him to speak. Service, he finally says. They have no idea. He lowers his head. They call what happened over there service? Do they think we were serving fucking French fries? What I saw, what I did. What my buddies did. What we had done to us. It wasnt any kind of service. It was pure hell and Im still living it. Now they want to pat me on the head and jab me with a cheap flag pin? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre right, I respond. They have no idea. They dont want to know, he shoots back. They want us all to shut the hell up and go along so they dont have to take any responsibility themselves. Didnt I tell you we were all betrayed? It never stops. He gives me a sad look. I watched friends get their guts blown out. You ever seen bodies of women and kids splattered across the ground knowing you and your buddies are the ones who did it? I shake my head silently. He grips his steering wheel so tightly the sinews in his forearms look like tightened cables. Service, he says with acid sarcasm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His face softens and tears well in his eyes. How can they start in with the flag pins without even asking me what my experience was? Its like theyre trying to push a lie down my throat. What lie? I ask. He looks up as though searching for words. That whatever we do is some kind of service to humanity. That we never commit atrocities and cover them up; that were always helping the weak and protecting democracy. I found out fast we were killing and getting killed for money and power. Whats it like having people thanking you for your service everywhere you go, James? He shakes his head as though I wouldnt understand. I remain silent, giving him time to either respond or switch the subject. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know what its like? he finally says. You might think this is an exaggeration but you asked. Its an act of violence. Help me understand that one, I say. Imagine youre hurting like hell and all you want to do is tell your friends and family what happened, hoping theyll understand, hoping maybe theyll tell you theyre sorry about what you had to go through and reassure you that youre not some kind of monster. But all they do is pretend what you did was great and parrot a bunch of lame horse shit about being a hero. Its like youre being choked to death from the inside and you look to others for help and they just smile and look away. Psychological and emotional violence, I say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He nods. I look at the clock and mention that its been five minutes. You kept your part of the deal, James. Ive got time if you want to talk more but I want to keep my end. Its your call. His hands are steady now and his breathing is normal. Thanks for coming after me. Im good now. He reaches out his hand. He squeezes mine tight and says, Thanks for not thanking me for my service when we met. I nod. As he drives off I think about the hundreds of terminally ill combat veterans Ive worked with as their hospice social worker. Most were, as combat veteran Tim OBrien puts it, carrying stuff. Stuff many maybe most civilians wouldnt understand. Thats probably why so many of these veterans had locked it up inside and hidden it from view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long days in a hospital bed, though, have ways of dredging stuff up. Its normal for patients approaching death to look back on their lives and take stock. When youre looking back on a life that includes the cataclysmic violence and horrific loss and grief of war, this life review process can be psychologically and spiritually complex even painful. Many of the combat veterans Ive known had spent decades trying not to think or talk (at least not with civilians) about what theyd seen and done. Many suppressed undigested grief for friends whod been killed or struggled silently with survival guilt, anger or feeling unsafe in the world. Some struggled with explosive tempers, anxiety or depression related to the scars of war; others with emotional numbness, alcohol and/or drug addictions, or feeling disconnected from others. Some had polished up a handful of well-rehearsed war stories sanitized of blood, gore or moral ambiguity, which theyd offered family and friends so as not to upset them. Others simply kept quiet. But as death approaches, it can claw up stories and memories that have been suppressed. These memories can be fragmented and poignant with details of wars horror the smell of burning bodies, the eyes of a dead buddy gazing up at the sky, the numb immersion day after day after day in violence, killing and death. Sometimes they are laced with moral pain and shame the killing of civilians, lifeless bodies of the enemy being desecrated in the rage of a battles aftermath. As I walk back to the training, I think about a B-17 pilot who participated in bombing raids during World War II intended to incinerate German cities. The point had been to kill every man, woman and child every dog and flea unlucky enough to be on the ground. Hed done his duty and returned from war assured that hed helped save the world from fascism. But humans, despite misguided notions about war being part of the human condition, are not wired to kill each other however just the cause may seem. As an old man, he was haunted by the belief that he was a mass murderer. He was convinced he was going to go to hell after he died and there hed feel the kind of fiery torture he believed hed inflicted on others. Like James, he had winced at reflexive expressions of thanks for his service. The message he heard was: We believe that you were performing a service, standing up for freedom, protecting the weak, saving democracy. Youre a hero. Thats our story and we dont want to hear your story if it makes us uncomfortable or challenges us in any way. He didnt want someone elses story shoved down his throat; he wanted someone with whom it was safe to tell his own without being judged or rejected. He wanted to unpack some of what hed been carrying and find compassion for the 20-year-old young man hed been when thrust into the bloody savagery of war. He wanted to begin to heal before he died. As someone who works with dying veterans, Ive learned to never automatically thank them for their service. I realize many are justifiably proud of their time in the military, of friendships forged, courage shown and service given. I know that most appreciate expressions of thanks and that these expressions are often genuine and heartfelt on the part of those offering them. But I would rather disappoint those who expect me to join the chorus of thanks than close the door on a single veteran like James who needs someone who wont flinch or look away if they choose to share what they have been carrying. Refusing to lead with the culturally sanctioned chant Thank you for your service sends the message to veterans like James that Im not pushing a story that denies their experience. Its safe to talk. I can be trusted to listen without judging. Those veterans who have noticed and asked about my lack of obedience to the social custom of using the euphemism service have generally understood and appreciated my reasons once we discussed them. Several shared things with me during those conversations they would not otherwise have shared. Things they, too, had been carrying. But theres another reason I never give automatic thanks or use the word service. Its an easy out for the rest of us. It lets civilians like me off the hook when it comes to taking any responsibility for what we have allowed political and military leaders to do in our name. It allows us to wash our hands of any culpability for how they, and we, have used our troops. Thats part of what I think James meant when he said all wars are acts of betrayal. Calling the sum of actions taken in war service is a convenient way for the rest of us to deny what our warriors have been asked to do. It makes it easy for us to turn away from or to deny the burning anguish, grief and regret many carry. Insidiously, it also allows us to avoid asking awkward questions: Were we really justified in using violence to kill so many other human beings? Why are we so desperate to idealize those who have done the bloody, heartbreaking work of war? Who profits politically or financially from all this division and violence? What are we so damned afraid of? The service euphemism has become so prevalent that it is now part of a cultural trance state that shuts down honest conversations about these and other questions. Automatically thanking a veteran for his or her service can inadvertently telegraph to those whose experiences fly in the face of our well-rehearsed storyline that we dont want to hear what really happened that we dont care about what they might be carrying. This not only reinforces our collective conceit that our own hands are clean, it ensures that we will not have to carry anything ourselves. Euphemism piles upon euphemism. Hiding the slaughter of war behind the innocuous word service allows us to call the children James saw killed collateral damage. Calling bombs smart bombs and calling it precision bombing when we unleash them on others allows us to conceal those children from our awareness as well as the pangs of grief in those left behind. It even allows some of us to vilify those Americans who dare dissent or protest the dropping of bombs as unpatriotic or un-American. When American troops are killed, we are protected, as though we are children, from any images of their charred and mangled corpses. Once more we are slathered in reassuring euphemisms. Our fallen heroes and their brave sacrifice are lauded by a ratings-obsessed media and politicians vowing revenge on an enemy also in thrall to the delusion that they are providing a service by killing young American men and women. If we really want to honor the ultimate sacrifice our soldiers have made, if we really want to ensure that they have not died in vain, we need to stop lying about war by hiding behind socially enforced rituals, platitudes and euphemisms. If we really want to help those who have survived and carry the wounds of war, we need to stop hiding from and denying wars cruel brutality. We must make sure it is safe for veterans who have been in the military during a time of war regardless of whether they were directly exposed to combat to speak for themselves and to speak the truth. And we need to listen to all of them, not just the ones whose stories make us feel good about ourselves. Note: Names and some details have been slightly altered to protect the privacy of the individuals discussed in this essay. This essay originally ran in January 2022 and is being rerun now as part of HuffPost Personals Best Of Series. Scott Janssen is a hospice social worker and writer. He has written extensively about providing trauma-informed care for patients who are terminally ill and has spoken nationally about ways to better support veterans who are nearing the end of their lives. His work has appeared in dozens of publications including Social Work Today, Psychotherapy Networker, American Journal of Nursing, Readers Digest and The Washington Post. His novel Light Keepers is a visionary adventure about the transformational power of kindness and love when the world appears lost in anger, conflict and fear. Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch. More From HuffPost Personal... SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Early voting for the June 7 runoff election to decide who will be the San Angelo City Councils next single-member district two councilmember began on May 27. According to information available on the Tom Green County website, early voting will be conducted at the Election Office of the Edd B. and Frances Frink Keyes Building, located at 113 W. Beauregard Ave., during the following dates and 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Council Candidate: Joe M. Self, Jr. Eligible voters will cast their ballots in the race for the single-member district two councilmember seat, choosing either Dudra Butler or Joe Self to fill the position. Butler and Self ran against each other during the May 3 election, leading the City Council to call a runoff election after neither candidate was able to garner the majority vote needed to secure the seat. Cumulative results published by Tom Green County state that Butler received 432 votes, or 33.7% of the total votes, while Self received 485 votes, or 37.83% of the total votes. John Bariou, the third candidate running for the position in the May 3 election, received 365 votes, or 28.47% of the total votes. Although Bariou will not be appearing on the runoff elections ballot, he announced his endorsement of Self on May 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Council Candidate: Dudra Butler Voting on June 7 will last from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The following locations are slated to serve as polling places: Angelo Bible Curch , lobby 3506 Sherwood Way Calvary Baptist Church , fellowship center 2401 Armstrong St. Concho Valley Transit District (Bus Depot) , Annex Building 506 N. Chadbourne St. SAF First Assembly of God , fellowship hall 1442 Edmund Blvd. Keating Paint and Body , reception area 5050 N. Chadbourne St. Oak Grove Senior Apartments , multipurpose room 4359 Oak Grove Blvd. MHMR Services of the Concho Valley (Administration Building), Jack Ray Room 1501 W. Beauregard Ave. Wesley Trinity United Methodist Church, fellowship hall 301 W. 18th St. For more information on local elections, visit Concho Valley Homepages Your Local Election HQ webpage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Officials say Monroe Road in east Charlotte was temporarily blocked in both directions Tuesday morning after a crash involving an East Mecklenburg High School student. The crash happened on Monroe Road near Conference Drive. Police were called to the area around 7:15 a.m., and the victim was taken to the hospital. The road reopened at about 8:15 a.m. Channel 9 learned that the victim was a student. The schools principal said the student was walking outside of a designated crosswalk when they were hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MEDIC said the student was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, but their current condition isnt known. Keep an eye on live traffic conditions at this link. This is a developing story, check back for updates. (VIDEO: Kid at heart: Street hockey community rallies around coach injured in crash) On a hillside where hundreds of North Dakota service members have been laid to rest, thousands gathered Monday to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation. The sounds of motorcycles, rifle fire and solemn music echoed through the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery south of Mandan as people gathered for the state National Guard's Memorial Day ceremony. The event, which the National Guard has hosted since 1993, honors all deceased American servicemen and women buried at the cemetery. Prior to the ceremony, more than 600 motorcyclists paraded in, many part of an honor ride organized by the Viet Nam Vets/Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club. "(The motorcyclists are) one of the spectacles every year, when they come through," said Benny Bryan. Bryan, a Wilton resident, said he's come to the ceremony every year since 2017 to visit his mother-in-law, who is buried there. He said it is always nice seeing so many people gather to remember all the service members. "They need to have recognition for all the service they have given to the country," he said. Ron Larson, a veteran who served in the Air Force for 22 years, and his wife Rose Larson attended the ceremony because they were in town for a graduation. The couple from Bowman said they don't know anyone buried in the cemetery but wanted to stop by and take in the event. During Ron's time in the Air Force, he served in many areas of the world. He started at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City and Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska before spending three years in Germany. He also spent some time deployed in Thailand and the Philippines before spending time in various bases around the United States. "Being vets, it's sort of like a family," he said. After a flyover from two Black Hawk helicopters and a presentation of the colors, speakers began giving their remarks. The event's keynote speaker was U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Hillig, of Bismarck. Hillig retired in 2019 after 26 years of service, which included deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and Haiti. During his speech, Hillig shared stories of several service members he served alongside who were killed in the line of duty, highlighting the lessons he learned from each. He said they taught him that freedom is worth fighting to preserve, that the best way to honor sacrifice is by striving to be a better person, and emphasized the importance of perseverance, resilience and leadership through adversity. "I spent several years in combat hearing taps too often, but it allowed me to witness firsthand the tenacious spirit, selfless character and heroic sacrifice of our nation's warriors," an emotional Hillig said. He added the best way to honor the sacrifice of service members is to live freely and cherish the freedoms they fought to protect. "We live on as they would expect their sacrifice to be honored and cherished," he said. "So today, as we should do every day, we take a moment in remembrance for their sacrifice. I would also ask that we reflect on what we could do in that spirit of giving back and honoring those that lay before us row by solemn row." Gov. Kelly Armstrong, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven and U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak, all R-N.D., along with North Dakota National Guard Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson also gave remarks at the ceremony. Armstrong touched on the importance of recognizing the many walks of life service members come from. He said many were just kids when they enlisted and others already had established careers. But more importantly, he said, they were sons, daughters, parents, friends, loved ones and community members. "They stepped up to serve our country -- to fight to defend it. They did so bravely, they are all heroes," he said. "Because of these selfless men and women, we live in the greatest country on Earth. And we must never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy or forget those who died to protect them." LUFKIN Kurth Primarys campus was quiet as parents pulled their cars into line to pick up their kids on Wednesday, the last day of school. The peace didnt last long. As noon approached, teachers began helping kids to their parents' cars for the last time. Kids waved goodbye to their friends and teachers. Wednesday wasnt just the last day of the school year at Kurth. It was the last day, for the immediate future, the school will be open at all. The Lufkin Independent School District board earlier this year voted to close it and another school, Coston Elementary. Jupiter Collins, 7, had big plans for the lake over Memorial Day weekend, she said as she waited to crawl into her dads car. As excited as she is for her summer plans, Jupiter is also nervous about going to a new school next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because I'll have new people there, and I won't know them, Jupiter said. Jupiters friend, Nicole, will be going to Willie Mae & Ecomet Burley Primary School with her next year, but she doesnt know about anyone else. Caleb Collins assured his daughter that several teachers would also be making the move with her, and more than likely, several of her friends too. Jupiters anxiety is part of a wave of emotions washing over this East Texas community as it grapples with the closure of two schools for the first time since 1978. [Private school vouchers are now law in Texas. Heres how they will work.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schools are more than brick and mortar in Deep East Texas. They are the places where students experienced historic events with their peers. They are a common ground for generations of families who walked their halls. They are evenings spent performing plays and days spent taking tests and playing tag at recess. That made the decision to close the decade-old schools that much harder, school leaders said. The board closed the schools due to declining enrollment in the East Texas district. The last few months have been spent deciding where the dislocated students, teachers and staff would go. Lufkin ISD lost about 1,600 students to other nearby school districts and independent charter schools over 15 years. The district now faces more competition in the years ahead. The Texas Legislature in early May approved a private school voucher program that will allow families to use tax dollars to send their students to private schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lufkin school leaders added that stagnant school funding from the state and a disproportionate staffing to student ratio made it nearly impossible to keep the schools open. As the end of yet another legislative session looms heavy over the state, financial support for public education again hangs in the balance. Lufkin Superintendent James Hockenberry said he isnt waiting for the state to make things better. Lufkin needs to pay its teachers and staff better, and he intends to make the most out of the numerous tough choices he faced in his first year as superintendent. We had to grow smaller to become stronger, better and more relevant in the educational realm, Hockenberry said. We're shrinking to build strength. Former students gather for a photo at Coston Elementary during an open house ahead of the school's closure. Credit: Joel Andrews for the Texas Tribune Saying goodbye In a last farewell, community members spent a May evening walking the halls of Coston Elementary and Kurth Primary schools. Teachers opened their classrooms and let visitors wander through and reminisce about the many years those rooms facilitated education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amy Rhoades connection to Coston runs deep, her mother was the school nurse at Coston in the 1970s. It was where she taught fourth and fifth graders for the last 19 years of her 37-year career. Coston was also where she taught her first year out of college before moving on. The whiteboard Rhoades normally used to teach was removed from her classroom to expose the original chalkboard that was used when Coston first opened in 1958. Her students had asked that she let them use it before the campus closed for good, and she took the opportunity to teach them about persuasive letters. Each child wrote Hall a letter advocating for their ability to use the chalkboard. We do have a sweet little school, Rhoades said. It's the sweetest school in the district. I understand why we had to close it. The budget problem, and our school is the only one that's not completely enclosed. And it has the smallest enrollment. It's no-brainer why we had to do it. It doesn't make it any easier. Shannon Largent meandered around the cafeteria where school yearbooks were laid out. She attended Coston in the 90s and loved the music program that encouraged her to try out for the high school band. Left: Former Coston Elementary student Shannon Largent grins after finding her class photo from the 90s. Right: Brothers Sam Brevard, 9, left, and Tom Brevard, 10, say they are going to miss their school. Tom's mother said he took the closing of Coston personally. Credit: Joel Andrews for The Texas Tribune Just walking through here brings back all memories of a time when things weren't so chaotic and so stressful, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodney Ivy sat alone at a table in the elementary school where he spent some of his most formative years. Now 68, he still recalls the sadness and worry he felt as a 6-year-old learning that President John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas. My teacher came in from outside and she was crying. I thought, man, teachers don't cry. They make us cry. They don't cry," Ivy said. She told us President Kennedy had been shot and killed. That was a lot of magnitude there for a first grader. Tom Brevard and his brother Sam played in the classroom that Tom attended for his last year at Coston. Nearby, their mom, Megan, discussed her boys education with a teacher. Tom took it personally that his school was closing, Brevard said. It's a very inclusive school, Brevard said. It's just in their culture here. That's why I wanted him to come here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boys will be going to Hudson, another public school district nearby, in August. It will be a big change for the family. Closing a school Starla Hill, the Coston Elementary School principal, fought for months to keep the campus open. And with quiet resignation and a determination to make the future brighter, she helped her staff pack decades of memories into boxes to move to other Lufkin campuses. With help from Harmony Hill Baptist Church, teachers and staff spent the last two weeks of school packing up decades of educational materials to move to other campuses in the district. The decision for Lufkin school districts board members was not easy, but it was backed by 15 years of declining enrollment and rising costs. The final decision came in February, in front of dozens of teary-eyed Coston and Kurth teachers and staff who packed into Lufkins boardroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the Coston staff chose to stay with Lufkin and will move to Brandon Elementary School, Hill said. I'll be the principal at Brandon, Hill said. I'm excited to be a Brandon Bear. I'm such a planner, so I'm excited to move forward with planning all the great things with the staff there at Brandon Elementary. The district made changes beyond just closing campuses. It is also selling the large administration building in downtown Lufkin and relocating to Kurth. It has also reduced the number of staff employed. About 140 people either gave an early notice they were retiring, accepted other positions that needed to be filled at the district, or chose not to renew their contracts, which allowed the district to cut the position. Thats about 11 percent of the districts staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you lose 1,600 kids, your schools are less full, and that was very noticeable, Hockenberry said. Then you couple it with the Legislature's failure to act to fully fund schools, and so you have a perfect storm. Lufkin needs to adapt to meet the needs of its community in the modern age, Hockenberry said. Which is why he has turned his focus into what the district can gain by closing these campuses. He has several opportunities in mind, including better pay for teachers and staff and a new alternative school. One of those opportunities is particularly exciting for Caleb Collins and Jupiter, who excels in science a STEM elementary school. The district recently received a $2.5 million School Action Fund grant to establish a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM, elementary school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We already have STEM in our middle school, and we have a STEM Academy at our high school. This will align perfectly, Hockenberry said. The school should open in 2026. Lufkin Independent School District closed Coston Elementary at the end of the school year in an effort to reduce spending. Credit: Joel Andrews for the Texas Tribune 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! GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) A group of 20 ECU students were chosen for the SECU Public Fellows Internship Program. This program, now in its 11th year at ECU, is a way for undergraduates to connect with local governments, economic development agencies, educational institution, and other nonprofit organizations to address community-identified priorities. We continue to hear how impactful this program is for our community partners. By connecting them with talented students, leaders gain fresh perspectives on local projects and challenges, Program Manager Cassie Keel said. Students are introducing innovative tools like social media and newer technologies to help organizations advance their goals. Its a mutually beneficial relationship where communities gain from students ideas and energy, and students receive valuable experience beyond the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2025 SECU Public Fellows and internship sites are: Maya Beatty of Hickory, Imagine Pamlico. Hazel Bolden of Reidsville, North Carolina Coastal Federation. Lauren Bullard of Winterville, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern North Carolina. Taylor Cavaco of Holly Springs, Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children. Darian Chamblee of Raleigh, Koinonia Community Center. Yadiel Cruz of Louisburg, City of Goldsboro. Jonah Dickerson of Gatesville, Sound Rivers. Kelsey Dudash of Kill Devil Hills, N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Sanaa Everett of Tarboro, Aces for Autism. Madison Hrukska of Emerald Isle, Eastern Carolina Vocational Center. Takiyah Joyner of Roanoke Rapids, Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce. Bethany Manor of Thomasville, Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Dawson Mitchell of Washington, Strategic Twin-Counties Education Partnership. Cassidy Plotzke of Greenville, Town of Winterville. Ava Poole of Belhaven, Greenville-Pitt Chamber of Commerce. Joycelyn Reyes of Newton Grove, Emerge Gallery & Art Center. Landon Simmons of New Bern, City of New Bern. Payton Smith of Farmville, Kelly Childrens Home. Lauryn Strothers of Richlands, Washington County. Charles Wroten of Grimesland, Wilson County Senior Center. Through this program, 185 ECU students have completed internships with 82 organizations across 23 North Carolina counties. This year, 20 students were selected, and each will complete 330 internship hours with organizations in 12 counties. Interns receive a $5,000 stipend for their work. The projects students complete through this internship include downtown revitalization, strategic planning, water quality testing and reporting, community programming, and organizing public events such as festivals and fundraisers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This program is a win-win-win, ECUs Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer, Dr. Sharon Paynter said. Students apply classroom learning in real-world settings. Community partners gain access to talented interns and university resources. And ECU strengthens its regional engagement in meaningful and lasting ways. The SECU Public Fellows Internship Program is open to ECU undergraduates who are North Carolina residents and have completed at least 60 semester credit hours. Learn more about the SECU Public Fellows internship program 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 WNCT. In his first full week as the Justice Departments pardon attorney, Ed Martin personally reviewed a pardon application for Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes. Peter Ticktin, a lawyer and former classmate of President Donald Trumps at New York Military Academy, hand delivered a collection of 11 pardon applications to Martin at the Justice Department on Thursday, including one for Rhodes, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 18 years in prison in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. I know Ed Martin and I felt it was important to bring these particular applications to his attention, Ticktin told POLITICO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort to submit new pardon applications to Martin was arranged by Ticktin and pardoned Jan. 6 rioter Treniss Evans, both now in leadership positions with a conservative nonprofit, American Rights Alliance. Martin shared a photo of the May 22 meeting on X over the weekend, but the names of the 11 pardon applicants have not been previously reported. Proud Boys members Joseph Biggs, Ethan Nordean, Zachary Rehl and Dominic Pezzola are also among those who submitted new applications since Martins appointment, according to Ticktin and Evans. While Trump pardoned or dismissed cases for nearly 1,600 Jan. 6 rioters on his first day back in office, certain prominent participants convicted of seditious conspiracy had their sentences commuted to time served a lesser form of clemency than outright pardons. Some have continued to lobby publicly for their commutations to be converted into pardons. While Martin made no assurances that Trump would grant pardons to the 11 applicants, Ticktin said, he did pledge to advance the applications to White House pardon czar Alice Johnson for review. Johnson, who Trump pardoned during his first term, serves in a newly created position at the White House advising the president on candidates for pardons. Martin was most recently serving as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, but his nomination to be confirmed to the position failed because of his ties to Jan. 6 rioters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really appreciated the way he looked at everything carefully and wanted to make sure that he was doing his job, Ticktin said. The Justice Department and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. An attorney for Rhodes did not respond to requests for comment. Dozens of Proud Boys, a far-right fraternal organization known for engaging in political violence, were convicted on obstruction or assault charges for their actions during the Jan. 6 riot. At least 20 members of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group were convicted on similar charges. An attorney for Biggs urged Trump to grant his clients latest pardon application, citing Biggs Army service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He earned a Purple Heart placing his life at risk and becoming seriously injured on behalf of the United States, attorney Norm Pattis said. A commutation is wonderful, but a pardon gets him his pension back. Martin has a long history of advocating for people charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection. The Missouri lawyer has spent the last four years raising money for Jan. 6 legal defense funds and personally representing defendants in court. Martin was on Capitol Hill during the riot and posted on social media that afternoon comparing the event to Mardi Gras. During his interim stint as the chief federal prosecutor in Washington, Martin fired dozens of prosecutors who oversaw Jan. 6 cases. Now, fresh off his failed nomination to serve in that job full time, Martin takes control of the pardon office as the first political appointee in modern history to do so and will also serve as the director of the Justice Departments weaponization working group and associate deputy attorney general under Trumps former personal lawyer Todd Blanche. Its unprecedented to have a political appointee in the position of pardon attorney, and it suggests that this administration intends to wield the clemency power differently than presidents prior have, said Liz Oyer, the previous pardon attorney who was fired by Blanche in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Led by career Justice Department officials, the office of the pardon attorney reviews applications for clemency and makes recommendations to the president for candidates who have met various criteria. Presidents of both parties have gone around the pardon attorney for politically sensitive pardons Trump granted clemency to his political advisers Paul Manafort and Roger Stone in the final days of his first term and President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter and other family members before leaving office. But Martin has already demonstrated a willingness to evaluate controversial pardon applications through the office, based on the early applications on his desk. At the top of the pile submitted to Martin last week was a pardon application for Jonathan Woods, a former Arkansas state senator indicted in early 2017 on federal bribery charges who was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison. The case against Woods was prosecuted in part by the Justice Departments Public Integrity Section (PIN) which was led by former special counsel Jack Smith from 2010 to 2015. Smiths deputy at the special counsels office and his successor as the chief of PIN, Ray Hulser, signed the indictment against Woods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its my firm belief that any case that Jack Smith prosecuted should be looked at, Evans said. We dont break the law to quote unquote uphold the law, and thats what happened in many of these cases, which is why pardons are justified. Reviewing cases related to Smiths former unit could fall within Martins other remit as the weaponization working group director. A February memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi calls for the working group to examine weaponization by special counsel Jack Smith and his staff. He is running an entire weaponization investigation out of the deputy attorney generals office and no one is there to tell him no, said a former Justice Department official granted anonymity to speak candidly about private conversations with colleagues still in the department. Martin has already pledged to investigate pardons Biden granted to his family members and members of the Jan. 6 select committee, calling the preemptive pardons something weve never seen in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martins many roles have raised concerns among former department officials, who worry he may seek out politically expedient pardon candidates to please the president while simultaneously using investigations to target Trumps political opponents, even if there are no prosecutable crimes. Martin himself said at a press conference earlier this month if some people "can't be charged, we will name them" and certain people should be "shamed." The fact that Martin also has this other portfolio certainly suggests that his role is going to be one that is highly political and that he will be coming to the pardon attorney role with a political agenda, Oyer said. And that is very concerning. U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, Republican of Tennessee's 5th District, at Memorial Day press conference with, from left, Reps. Kip Capley, Lee Reeves, Gino Bulso and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Many Tennesseans, elected officials and regular people alike, used the Memorial Day holiday as it was intended: to honor the men and women who died in military service to the U.S. So its not unusual to see a lawmaker holding forth on the solemn federal holiday. Among those Monday was U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, Republican of Tennessees 5th District, who held a press conference at the Tennessee Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Ogles and his fellow speakers didnt dwell on military service or the significance of the day, beyond a couple of throwaway comments to acknowledge that yes, it was Memorial Day. No, Ogles who rarely makes public appearances in Nashville opted to harangue the small group of reporters present about the perceived immigrant invasion of Nashville and to denigrate Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell. Theres much to take apart here, including that public part of public appearance is doing a lot of work. The group included about 10 members of the media, all of whom had to RSVP after receiving an announcement about the event at 3:15 p.m. Friday. Not allowed in the Capital? Members of the media who didnt make it onto the list, protesters and even a visiting couple who just wanted to check out the digs. Whose Nashville? The congressman railed about his home, presumably referring to Nashville. But Ogles grew up in Williamson County, lives in Maury County and was flanked at his press conference by three Williamson County lawmakers, one Lawrence County representative and one Nashville mother and victim of illegal alien gang violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Deborah Newitz, the latter, was the victim of a Williamson County home break-in by four men, who, she said, she later learned were part of an extensive organized nationwide group of South American illegal immigrants. Among jewelry and cash, these men stole several family heirlooms and a box of inexpensive but irreplaceable Mothers Day gifts from my children made for me when they were young, said Newitz. I dont condone break-ins, and I was the victim of one when I was home: its terrifying and you lose your feeling of security. So I dont make light of Newitzs fear. But if the only crime victim Ogles could come up with was a resident of Tennessees wealthiest county who kept talking about our mayor referring to OConnell, when her mayor is Brentwoods Nelson Andrews hes got weak sauce. The beef with Nashvilles mayor Then, theres Ogles weeks-long beef with OConnell not even news at this point which stems from a recent two-week period during which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement teamed up with the Tennessee Highway Patrol to conduct traffic stops in predominantly immigrant areas of Nashville. The agencies detained 196 immigrants who are allegedly in the country without permanent legal status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But are they really? We dont know, and neither does OConnell, who has fired off letters to ICE demanding to get the names of those detained and what they have been charged with. Bless OConnells heart. Even as Nashvillians on the left cry hes not done enough to push back on the feds, heres Ogles announcing the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security which is chaired by Tennessee 7th District Rep. Mark Green, who did not attend the presser and the U.S. House Judiciary Committee will investigate OConnells actions on the immigrant raids. Investigate OConnell for what? Does the Judiciary Committee not have better things to do than spend resources to delve into the nefarious intentions of a strongly worded letter? The role of immigrants in defending the U.S. Ogles made a mockery of Memorial Day by choosing to hold a xenophobic stunt and branding it as patriotic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 750 immigrants are recipients of the Medal of Honor the highest award in the country recognizing military service members for acts of bravery and heroism above and beyond the call of duty. A calculation shows that over 21% of the 3,528 total recipients of the Medal of Honor have been immigrants. Many, though not all, Medal recipients receive the award posthumously, having died in service, and not all of the immigrants who received the award became naturalized citizens. And thats to say nothing of the 760,000 immigrants who, according to the Immigrant Learning Center, have served in the military over the last 100 years. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reports having naturalized more than 187,000 members of the military since 2002, with 52,000 of those coming in the 2020-2024 period. Its incredibly unpatriotic of Ogles to hijack a revered federal holiday and spit in the faces of immigrants who have served this country for his political stunt. The rule of law Ogles and his other guests, which included Metro Nashville Councilmember David Benton, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson and Reps. Lee Reeves and Gina Bulso, all Williamson County Republicans, talked about immigration in terms of the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I asked Ogles, during the brief question and answer session, about his own issues with the rule of law hes been the subject of a federal investigation over allegations he violated federal campaign finance laws but he quickly cut me off. Spectacles have become Ogles thing. Days after President Donald Trump assumed his second term in office, Ogles proposed amending the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to permit Trump a third term in office. He proposed a bill to strip the District of Columbia of home rule. These stunts may be his way of distracting from his finance irregularities and stories about his tendency to inflate his resume. Elected in 2022 in a gerrymandered district, he managed to beat back both a primary and general election challenger in 2024, but hes sure to have another strong primary opponent in 2026 and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has made Ogles a political target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He may find his stunts, disrespect of lawmakers in the district and attacks on immigrants turn out the 2026 vote but not in a way that will favor him. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX For Harvard Universitys admirable standing up to the Trump administrations attempts to dictate its campus policies, the White House is now trying to punish the school by revoking the Ivy League universitys ability to enroll international students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Program that enables foreign students to utilize their visas. That program has specific rules around when certifications can be revoked, and noncompliance with the presidents political agenda is not one of them. A federal judge has now issued a temporary restraining order to block the action after Harvard swiftly sued. This is yet another example of the Trump administrations firm belief that every aspect of the federal government is there for them to use at will to explicitly advance an ideological agenda. There is no administrative independence, there are no limitations, there are no regulatory constraints in this governments view, only tools to be used as necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To its credit, Harvard has demonstrated the correct response to this onslaught, which unlike its Ivy peer Columbia is not wide-ranging and immediate capitulation in the hopes that Trump and his team will leave them alone. Columbia shamefully surrendered to Trumps demands and for its base and cowardly action Trump has only increased his attacks against the uptown school, as any bully does when the victim doesnt fight back. Trump and his henchmen and henchwomen are not going to stop; they will continue to find avenues to try to subjugate institutions of higher learning and turn them into subservient organizations that at the very least dont cause trouble, and at worst become active participants in the governments designs. This effort to weaponize SEVIS against Harvard would probably have read as unimaginable or wildly far-fetched just a couple of months ago. Practically every single one of the administrations efforts to target universities would have. Yet happen they did, and it should shake all of those who care about our world-class academic sector, one of this countrys undisputed global strengths, out of any lingering complacency we might have, as well as the clearly misguided belief that appeasement is possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That the plainly illegal move was expeditiously blocked by a judge is both good and predictable, but it doesnt mean that no damage is done. It is one more in a long list of circumstances that will have the litany of international students who every year consider where to bring their money and talents wondering if the United States long the biggest draw is worth the trouble. Whatever people like White House aide Stephen Miller the anti-immigrant zealot may think, these relationships are symbiotic. The loss of the students not just the current crop, but the many who will opt to instead go to Canada or Australia or Europe or Latin America or China or wherever over the next few years will be an enormous loss for the United States as a whole. Trump and his team are fine with all this destruction for one reason only: they believe that these institutions are creating free thinkers that can oppose their agenda. They are correct, and they must be stopped. ___ Boy, did Dolton need that white smoke rising from the Vatican. The south suburb just outside Chicago has taken blow after blow in recent years. Former Mayor Tiffany Henyards antics led to an FBI investigation and a separate investigation by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who was appointed by village board members to look into allegations that Henyard had misused and mismanaged village funds. Tack on brawls in public meetings, and Dolton became a laughingstock, synonymous with dysfunction and corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But then came an unexpected win. Robert Prevost, a hometown boy, came seemingly out of nowhere to succeed Pope Francis as the next pontiff. Thats right: Dolton nurtured the Holy Father, now one of the most famous and powerful leaders in the world. Its brought us all great pride. And now we must urge you, Dolton: Take the win. Take it, celebrate it, be proud of it. Dont let bad ideas muck it up. We were surprised and concerned by the news that Dolton plans to acquire Pope Leo XIVs childhood home either through direct purchase or by seizing it through eminent domain. The house on 141st Place in Dolton had been on the market since January. Once Leo was named pope, owner and Homer Glen-based rehabber Pawel Radzik planned to auction the home in mid-June, with a minimum asking price of $250,000. Radzik paid $66,000 for Prevosts old house and then overhauled it, saying that 80% of it is new new flooring, new cabinets, new plumbing, new electrical, new kitchen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turns out, Radzik has a very determined would-be owner. Dolton is going to be the ultimate buyer, village attorney Burt Odelson told Crains Chicago Business. Its unclear how the village would use the property, though the idea of turning it into a museum has been floated. The modest three-bedroom house is just a little over 1,000 square feet, and while it would suit a family fine, its hard to imagine people crowding in for a guided tour. We much prefer recently sworn-in Mayor Jason Houses other ideas to celebrate the villages connection to the Holy Father, which include granting landmark status to the home. We thought it made sense that the village board approved naming the stretch of 141st Place thats home to Leos former residence Pope Leo XIV Place. And we certainly would support any and all protections to make sure nobody demolishes the childhood home of a pope. But we think its a bad idea for the village to acquire the house. Theres going to be plenty of demand why not let someone buy it on the open market? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were particularly skeptical of the idea of using eminent domain to seize the property. The village would have to pay a fair market value if it does, but whats fair? A price tag of $250,000 seems awfully low for a home that suddenly holds so much cultural significance. Eminent domain is meant to serve the greater public good building schools, roads or infrastructure. Using it to secure a modest home for an uncertain purpose risks setting a troubling precedent, and could expose the village to legal blowback. Not to mention another important question: Does it make financial sense for Dolton to do this? Lightfoots investigation revealed that the villages general fund dropped to $3.65 million in debt, a sharp decline from the $5.6 million surplus it held when Henyard took office. Theres a lot Dolton could do to infuse their papal ties into the villages culture that doesnt involve taking on debt and seizing private property. Hold your horses, Dolton. Celebrate your papal legacy but do it wisely, transparently, and without burdening taxpayers or overstepping your authority. _____ The University of West Florida is located in Pensacola. (Photo courtesy of University of West Florida) Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. will lead the University of West Florida as interim president, the schools trustees voted Tuesday. The change at the top is the latest fruit of Gov. Ron DeSantis attention to the Pensacola university, which the governor has warned to buckle up ahead of changes he compared to his conservative overhaul at New College of Florida. Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. (Photo via Florida Department of Education) This school has a special place in this community. It has an identity of this community, not only as an economic engine, but also as a guardian of the historic trust, which includes a lot of assets that are not only important to this community, but to this state, Diaz said during a special Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, President Martha Saunders announced her plan to resign before her contract expired. She will return to her role as a professor after Diaz becomes interim president on July 14. The Board of Governors, to which Diaz belongs, will need to confirm the interim appointment. The process in part mirrors the resignation of former Florida International University President Kenneth Jessell, also before his contract expired. Former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez was named interim president and later as sole finalist for the permanent job. DeSantis office reached out to FIU before Nunez took the job, according to FIUs board chair. Nunez is an alumna and adjunct professor at FIU. Diaz is from Hialeah and did not attend or work at the Pensacola school. DeSantis named Diaz education commissioner in June 2022 after hed represented the Hialeah area in the Florida House from 2012 through 2018 and the Florida Senate from 2018 through 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While serving in the Legislature, Diaz served as chief operating officer of Doral College from 2013 until 2022. Thats a private college focused on charter schools. Before that, he was a teacher and administrator in Miami-Dade public schools. Diaz focused on education as a lawmaker, serving as chair of the PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee and chair of the Choice & Innovation Subcommittee in the House and chair of the Education Committee in the Senate. Diaz makes nearly $324,000 per year as education commissioner. Saunders base salary is $536,273 with up to 20% performance-based bonuses. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE New trustees UWF made headlines this legislative session after DeSantis and the Board of Governors appointed a slate of candidates to the schools Board of Trustees last winter. Those candidates, many politically connected, faced extensive questions from senators during confirmation hearings. Two of the eight resigned before being confirmed; another the Senate rejected.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Gayle Harrell told appointees that the Senate would be closely watching the UWF board. She and other senators voiced concerns about the trustees lack of local ties. One of the appointees lives in Idaho, another in West Virginia. I understand that this institution has a very unique place in this community, that this community has an identity, and that needs to be part of this institution, Diaz said. And I also understand that there are programs here that have great potential for national prominence, and that we have a large military population that should be served, has been served, will be served by this institution, and we need to continue to maximize that. Senators asked the UWF trustees during April confirmation hearings whether they thought major changes were needed in regards to administrative or political problems at the university. Most said they werent aware of any major changes that needed to be made, the Phoenix reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis, by contrast, said last month big changes are in store for UWF, while bragging about the political overhaul of New College of Florida. DeSantis said UWF has some of the most liberal programs in the state and that Florida will not tolerate indoctrination camps during an April 15 news conference about Hope Florida in Pensacola. UWF stakeholders and some senators have questioned how liberal the university could be, considering the significantly higher number of registered Republicans than Democrats in the counties the school primarily serves. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) Three inmates accused of escaping from the Orleans Justice Center have been captured, according to the Louisiana State Police. According to the Office of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, Lenton Vanburen was taken back into custody on Monday, May 26. Boyfriend of Desire homicide victim arrested on murder allegations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A social media post from Murrills office states that Vanburen was picked up in Baton Rouge. Im very proud of our DOJ Fugitive Apprehension Units work with our partners in the Baton Rouge Police Department and Louisiana State Police, the post reads. Lenton Vanburen Jr. (Courtesy: Baton Rouge Police Department) The Louisiana State Police reported Monday night that Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were taken into custody in Walker County, Texas, by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office issued a statement saying, We extend our sincere thanks to the Louisiana State Police, who continue to lead this manhunt, as well as the United States Marshals Service, Baton Rouge Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety for their tireless commitment and swift action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, May 16, the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office reported that multiple inmates had escaped from the jail after they were discovered missing during a routine headcount around 8:30 a.m. Two inmates, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves remain at large. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. A 70-year-old man died Monday afternoon after he was involved in a crash with a Los Angeles Police Department cruiser. The crash happened around 2 p.m., on the 10900 block of West Saticoy St in Sun Valley, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Video from Sky5 showed a silver Honda sedan with major damage on the drivers side, and an LAPD Ford Interceptor SUV vehicle with significant front end damage. A tent is set up over a Honda sedan that was involved in a deadly crash with an LAPD vehicle in Sun Valley on May 26, 2025. (KTLA) The Fire Department responded to the scene and transported two LAPD officers to a local hospital for treatment; their conditions were not disclosed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Honda, a 70-year-old man, was trapped inside and was ruled beyond medical help and deceased, by paramedics. An LAPD Ford SUV that was involved in a deadly crash in Sun Valley is seen from Sky5 on May 26, 2025. (KTLA) As of 3 p.m., emergency responders remained on the scene, and Saticoy Street was closed between Vineland and Riverton avenues. A timeline for when the road would reopen was not released. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner was called to the scene to assist in the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should contact the LAPD. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477. 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 KTLA. The Winter Springs Police Department says the man they were looking for has been found. Robert Harvey Dugan, 86, was reported missing and endangered Monday afternoon. Police reported he was found Monday night. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The State of Rhode Island debuted its first electronic campaign finance system in 2002. It's been using the same software ever since. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) Twenty-three years is young for a person. But for a software system, its ancient. Thats why Rhode Island election administrators are pushing to rejuvenate the technology used to collect and share information about campaign finance donations and spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the makeover to the Rhode Island Board of Elections Electronic Reporting and Tracking System colloquially referred to as ERTS requires extra money from state lawmakers already fretting over the many demands pulling at the states purse strings. And how to store the last 23 years of reports from 1,300 candidates and committees in a way that people can still access and search remains in question. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. The span between the 2024 presidential election and the 2026 state and local races offers the largest window to upgrade software and train users. If not now, the state would have to wait till 2029. A three-year delay increases the risk of the collapse of the entire system, said Miguel Nunez, Rhode Island Board of Elections executive director. It also would mean another three years of spending $70,000 in fiscal 2026 alone - on an outdated system vulnerable to security threats. At this point, I find it a priority to try and enhance the system because it is so old at this point, Nunez said in an interview Wednesday. It is essentially just being, year-to-year, maintained, with no enhancements, no improvements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A work order submitted by the boards existing vendor, Civix, could launch the long-awaited upgrade in July and be ready in time for the 2026 state election cycle. The shift to ERTS 2.0 offers better security and a more user-friendly interface for candidates and the public, and complies with updated state reporting requirements, Nunez told the board at its May 16 meeting. The elections panel postponed a vote authorizing the contract until its June 3 meeting, to give Nunez time to make the case for the $140,000 in fiscal 2026 funding needed for the upgrades. The first-year expense includes the license and costs for Civix to provide training and troubleshooting, according to the proposed work order by the company, based outside of New Orleans. The elections panel in its fiscal 2026 funding request to the state sought $250,000 for software upgrades. But the request did not make it into Gov. Dan McKees $14 billion spending proposal unveiled in January. Nunez on Wednesday had yet to talk to McKee or legislative leaders but said he planned to in the coming days. McKees office did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the final authority on the states annual final tax-and-spend plan, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, remains noncommittal. This is just one in a continuously growing number of asks in an extremely challenging budget year, Shekarchi, a Warwick Democrat said in an email Thursday. We are reviewing all the requests. The $140,000 first-year cost to upgrade campaign finance software is nearly twice the $69,492 needed for Civix provide service on the legacy campaign finance system, according to cost estimates Nunez presented to the elections panel. Under Civixs proposal, the state would pay nearly $815,000 over five years for the upgrades and continued service. By comparison, it would cost $377,000 over the next five years to maintain the existing system, which includes a 5% increase in the year-to-year contract with Civix. A cost comparison of the required funding to maintain the existing legacy campaign finance system, compared with the costs to revamp the software. (Courtesy Rhode Island Board of Elections) The cost of doing nothing We shouldnt be running 20-year-old systems, Randy Jackvony, an elections board member who works in IT, said in an interview. Ive seen other cases with other vendors where when something is way past the end-of-life, the price can jack up incredibly high because they just dont have the resources to address technical issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ric Thornton, state campaign finance director, suspects Rhode Island is the lone state still using Civixs legacy system. Meanwhile, four other jurisdictions the states of Georgia and Pennsylvania and the cities of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Aurora, Colorado, already use the upgraded software administered by Civix, Thornton said in an interview. Many of the Civix engineers who developed and know how to troubleshoot the legacy software are nearing retirement age, or have already retired, Nunez said. Civix declined to comment on its services or staff, referring questions back to the Rhode Island elections board. If the system goes down and no one can fix it, we might be looking at reverting to paper filings, which is in violation of state law, Nunez told the board during its May 16 meeting. And it could not be conducive to efficiency and transparency. Bar graphs are shown on the user-friendly Georgia Campaign Finance System website. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) Keeping it legal Since 2002, Rhode Island has required candidates and committees raising or spending more than $10,000 a year, or maintaining a minimum $25,000 account balance, to report quarterly campaign finance activities electronically through its software platform. Candidates and committees not subject to the criteria often opt to use the software to submit their financial reports anyway. Just 15% of finance reports are sent in by email or pen and paper form, Nunez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electronic reporting could be even higher if the states software was able to accept specialized reports. A 2012 state law passed two years after the U.S. Supreme Courts Citizens United v. FEC decision requires political action committees to disclose all independent donors and campaign expenses, including on advertising. But the existing ERTS system cant accept such reports, forcing roughly 75 applicable super PACs to file 200 reports each year by email or through a document upload service, Nunez said. If the system goes down and no one can fix it, we might be looking at reverting to paper filings, which is in violation of state law. Miguel Nunez, executive director for the Rhode Island Board of Elections Another law which took effect in 2024 requires vendors awarded state contracts worth $5,000 or more to file affidavits with the elections board detailing political contributions. But the existing software offers no way to track submissions from vendors affirming they dont make any contributions their submissions are simply not logged, Nunez said. Security considerations Upgrading ERTS also provides much-needed security enhancements, including multi-factor authentication, for candidates and committees that submit reports. Under the existing system, if a user forgets their password, only the state elections staff can reset it posing potential access problems during critical reporting deadlines if the password snafu happens on a weekend and a staffer doesnt respond right away, Nunez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The existing system also leaves the door open to hackers who could, potentially, manipulate the campaign numbers being submitted, said Ken Block, a software engineer who owns Warwick-based data mining company Simpatico Software Systems. Block, who founded the Rhode Island Moderate Party and ran unsuccessfully as an independent gubernatorial candidate in 2014, saw an urgent need for the upgrade. Twenty years is a pretty long time in the software world, Block said. Its not unreasonable that the board would find themselves needing to go out and procure a new one. The elections board asked Civix, its software vendor since 2002, to propose a better system instead of seeking competing proposals for new software. Nunez cited the short time window to complete the upgrade, as well as the highly specialized nature of the service, as reasons why. Its not a whole new purchase, its a modest upgrade to a newer platform, Nunez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackvony wasnt bothered by the lack of a formal request for proposals. If youve got a good relationship with a vendor, and feel confident, thats not out of place, Jackvony said. It is somewhat common in IT, at least the private sector. Jackvony also said the price Civix quoted seemed reasonable, with hourly rates lower than those he vetted for his day job as chief information officer for Rhode Island Medical Imaging. He said his back-and-forth with the vendor on technical details of its proposal further boosted his confidence in them. They were incredibly responsive and detailed, Jackvony said. What about the old data? One wrinkle still not totally ironed out: What happens to the last 23 years of campaign reports? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civixs proposal calls for archiving pre-2023 data as static read-only PDFs meaning not searchable or incorporated into the more modern data interface. Nunez said in an interview that the staff was working with Civix on how to make the PDFs searchable, though he acknowledged they would not be able to be aggregated with the new system data. Thats crap, said Block. I dont understand why they cant move all the data into the new system. They should be able to do that no problem. Nunez explained it would be too time consuming and expensive to ask Civix to transfer all existing campaign finance data into the new software. However, he acknowledged he never asked the company what it could cost. John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, shared serious concerns about losing public access to historic campaign finance data under the transition to better software. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt appear the board is focused on an important part of transparency, which is access to historic data, he said. Members of the public, and especially members of the media, often need access to older data in order to make comparisons to what is happening now. Marion continued, Its good the old data will be there but it remains to be seen how easy it will be to access. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The video above is from an Aug. 2024 report about a new crime initiative during which the suspect in the case below was indicted. ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) An Elizabeth City man will spend 6 1/2 years in prison on fentanyl charges he received after leading law enforcement on a pursuit. Rashawn Baum, 29, was sentenced on May 22 on charges of possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. He pleaded guilty in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, officers with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement and Elizabeth City Police tried to pull Baum over after witnessing him speeding, but he refused to stop. During a short pursuit, Baums vehicle crashed into two other cars before eventually coming to a stop. Baum and a passenger got out of the vehicle and started to run, but were quickly caught. Law enforcement searched Baums vehicle and found a green Crown Royal bag that contained a substance later confirmed to be about an ounce of fentanyl. They also recovered a .357 semi-automatic pistol. While imposing the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge James C. Dever, III said fentanyl is destroying thousands of lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elizabeth City Chief of Police Eddie Graham added that drugs ruin peoples lives, break up families, and have a disastrous effect on our community. Chief Graham said this will no longer be tolerated. Baums 78-month sentence will begin after he finishes an unrelated state sentence in 2031. Rashawn Baum. Photo courtesy: Neuse Correctional Institution New multi-agency strategy leads to 21 arrests in northeast North Carolina for violent crimes According to a previous news release, Baum is a member of the Blood Gang. Last August, WAVY reported that Baum was among 21 people indicted as part of a recently launched Violent Crime Action Plan, which is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, sheriffs of at least eight counties surrounding the Albemarle Sound, city and town police chiefs and other state and federal law enforcement agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Youngstown arson investigators and members of the Youngstown Police Departments Bomb Squad are trying to determine what set off an explosion overnight that heavily damaged a car on the citys West Side. First News was told that the owner of a car told authorities he heard a loud boom early Tuesday morning but could not provide a more specific time. Shortly after 9 a.m., the fire department was called to the 600 block of North Hartford Avenue and found the late-model Buick Envision with damage to the back right corner of the vehicle and debris strewn into the street and neighboring yard. No one was hurt, and at this point, the case is still 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 WKBN.com. (FOX40.COM) The Sacramento Fire Department is responding to a water rescue at the Sacramento River. Video Above: Tips for water safety in the summer Around 3:30 p.m., several units were dispatched to an area near 2710 Ramp Way. It is unclear what prompted the emergency water response. However, FOX40 news crews are on their way to the scene. Man disappears amid attempt to walk from Northern California to the ocean Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A contest that aims to cultivate entrepreneurship in the Greater Binghamton has named its 2025 winner. Mayor Jared Kraham held a news conference on Monday with the Binghamton Local Development Corporation and SUNY Broomes Entrepreneurial Assistance Program to announce Emkao Foods as the winner of the 15th annual Binghamton Business Plan Competition. The competition awards a $7,000 cash prize and administrative support to the contestant who submits the best plan for developing a business in the City of Binghamton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emkao Foods is redefining the chocolate industry. It imports, manufactures, and supplies premium cocoa ingredients, sourcing its beans directly from small farms in Cameroon. Its business model focuses on sustainability while working to control quality, reduce costs, and support fair trade. With the cash prize, Emkao plans to establish a manufacturing operation at 73 Griswold Street on the East Side of Binghamton. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here. No one would be surprised to learn that an elite university has a plan to counteract the structural barriers to the advancement of a minority group. Johns Hopkins Universitys latest diversity initiative, however, has managed to put a new spin on a familiar concept: The minority group in question is conservative professors. Between 30 and 40 percent of Americans identify as conservative, but conservatives make up only one of every 10 professors in academia, and even fewer in the humanities and most social-science departments. (At least they did in 2014, when the most recent comprehensive study was done. The number today is probably even lower.) Of the money donated by Yale faculty to political candidates in 2023, for example, 98 percent went to Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some university leaders worry that this degree of ideological homogeneity is harmful both academically (students and faculty would benefit from being exposed to a wider range of ideas) and in terms of higher educations long-term prospects (being hated by half the country is not sustainable). Accordingly, Johns Hopkins recently unveiled a partnership with the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a center-right think tank, designed to inject some ideological diversity into the university. Steven Teles, a political scientist who wrote a widely discussed article last year for The Chronicle of Higher Education titled Why Are There So Few Conservative Professors?, is one of the faculty members involved with the partnership. The institutions will collaborate on a number of efforts to integrate conservative and heterodox thinkers. Johns Hopkins is part of a growing trend. Several elite red-state public universities have recently established academic centers designed to attract conservative scholars. And institutions that havent sought out conservative faculty may soon find new reasons to do so. The Trump administration has demanded that Harvard hire additional conservative professors or risk losing even more of its federal funding. (Even as it made that demand, it insisted that Harvard adopt merit-based admissions policies and cease all preferences based on race, color, national origin, or proxies thereof.) In response, Harvards president said that the university is expanding programs to increase intellectual diversity on campus. The era of DEI for conservatives has begun. Academia has leaned left for as long as anyone can remember. But for most of the 20th century, conservative faculty were a robust presence throughout the humanities and social sciences. (In 1969, for example, even as anti-war protests raged across campuses, a quarter of the professoriate identified as at least moderately conservative.) But their ranks have thinned since the 1990s. At the same time, moderate and independent professors have been replaced by people who explicitly identify as liberal or progressive. A traditional free-market conservative might interpret these statistics as evidence that right-wing thinkers simply havent achieved at a high-enough level to become professors. But some reformers have embraced a more left-wing theory for conservatives anemic representation in academia. The current injustice is a consequence of previous injustice, Teles told me. (Teles identifies not as a conservative but as an abundance liberal.) You dont deal with structural injustice purely through anti-discrimination, he added. In other words, action of a more affirmative variety is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Rose Horowitch: The race-blind college-admissions era is off to a weird start] Opinions differ on the precise extent to which conservatives are being excluded from academia versus self-selecting into nonacademic careers. But they clearly face barriers that liberal and leftist scholars dont. Professors decide who joins their ranks and what research gets published in flagship journals. And several studies show that academics are willing to discriminate against applicants with different political views. One 2021 survey found that more than 40 percent of American (and Canadian) academics said they would not hire a Donald Trump supporter. Then theres the fact that entire disciplines have publicly committed themselves to progressive values. It is a standard of responsible professional conduct for anthropologists to continue their research, scholarship, and practice in service of dismantling institutions of colonization and helping to redress histories of oppression and exploitation, the American Anthropological Association declared in 2020. Professors will tell you straight up that people who hold the wrong views dont belong in universities, Musa al-Gharbi, a sociology professor at Stony Brook University who studies progressive social-justice discourse, told me. Thats the difference between viewpoint discrimination and other forms of discrimination. One result is that universities tasked with teaching students about the world they live in employ hardly anyone who represents views that much of the population holds. Ideological homogeneity affects which fields people study (military and religious history have gone out of vogue) and what views students are willing to express in class. (A recent survey found that only one-third of Harvard seniorsand only 17 percent of conservativesfelt comfortable sharing their opinions on controversial topics.) Liberal professors of course still teach Edmund Burke and Milton Friedman, Ron Daniels, the president of Johns Hopkins, told me. But, he said, learning from faculty who are immersed in the conservative intellectual tradition is a different academic experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative underrepresentation has also hurt higher educations standing with the country at large. Polls show that Americans, particularly on the right, are losing trust in universities. A Gallup survey taken last year, for example, found that Republican confidence in higher education had dropped from 56 to 20 percent over the course of a decade. Respondents attributed this in part to perceived liberal bias in the academy. Daniels recognized these issues in a 2021 book, What Universities Owe Democracy. In it, he argues that campuses need a purposeful pluralism to train students to engage across differences. Jenna Silber Storey, a senior fellow at AEI and a former professor of politics and international relations at Furman Universitywhere she estimates that maybe 4 or 5 percent of the faculty was conservativeread the book, and the two began discussing how to improve diversity of thought on campuses. Hiring a conservative professor isnt as straightforward as it sounds. At this point, few qualified conservatives are in the applicant pool in the humanities and social sciences, Teles told me. This has led some higher-education leaders to borrow tactics that were long used to redress the countrys history of racial and ethnic discrimination. Legislatures in red and purple states across the country have shoveled money into universities to establish schools of civic thought, which are marketed as the conservative answer to academias leftward drift and the rise of identity-oriented disciplines. The effort started at Arizona State University, which established its School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership in 2017. The University of Texas at Austin, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville have all done the same. Now the movement is spreading to elite private universities. Yale announced at a recent conference co-hosted by Hopkins and AEI that it will open its own center for civic thought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conservative politicians and right-wing donors behind these centers advertise them as a way to fight back against the excesses of the left. But Storey told me that they are not generally ideological; the goal is to teach students to debate across differences. Supporters see them as a safe space for conservative scholars who feel ostracized by the broader academy. There, they can hopefully generate work that earns recognition from researchers in the mainstream, just as disciplines such as gender studies and African American studies gained legitimacy over time, Teles told me. Johns Hopkins has similarly repurposed techniques that are more commonly practiced by DEI offices. (Before she left her teaching job, Storey chaired her departments DEI program.) The university first made funding available to hire a cadre of conservative and heterodox thinkers within the faculty of arts and sciences. So-called cluster hiring has been a popular way to create a support network for faculty of color who might otherwise feel isolated. Teles, in partnership with Storey at AEI, is also developing a mentorship program for conservative graduate students. The idea is to intervene earlier in the academic pipeline to keep right-leaning thinkers on the path to a professorship. Additionally, a fellowship program will send Hopkins professors to do stints at AEI, and vice versa. The university is trying to normalize conservative perspectives on campus and in the universitys research and public-facing statements, Daniels told me. He hopes that the effort will serve as a model for like-minded leaders. [Sian Leah Beilock: Saving the idea of the university] If the right has discovered the language of systemic discrimination, some on the left have begun speaking in terms of identity-blind meritocracy. Juliana Pare-Blagoev, an education professor at Hopkins and the outgoing president of the universitys chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), told me that shes in favor of affirmative actionjust not for conservatives, because they havent suffered documented discrimination. It doesnt mean that everybody in that center isnt a good scholar or that they cant be competent and strong contributors, but if you look at the actuality of it, their CVs tend to be thinner than others, Pare-Blagoev said. She is open to the possibility that conservatives are underrepresented because they dont feel welcome, but she doesnt think universities should make systemic changes to accommodate them. I dont think that an individuals discomfort is a five-alarm fire, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francois Furstenberg, a history professor at Johns Hopkins and the secretary for the universitys AAUP chapter, told me that Republicans have unfairly smeared affirmative action as a way to hire people based on their race and not on their qualifications. Now theyre the ones who want to hire professors based on their politics, not their fitness for the role. (Teles told me that he and Storey are focused on broadening the applicant pool for academic roles, rather than just giving people an advantage because of their political leanings.) As with so many topics, the Trump factor has complicated the question of ideological diversity. On the one hand, the White Houses crusade against elite higher education has raised the pressure to recruit conservatives. The administration made the connection explicit in its shakedown of Harvard. After announcing that it would review $9 billion in federal grants and contracts, it issued a list of far-reaching demands that the university would have to meet in order to keep the funding. These included auditing faculty opinions and ensuring that every department and field is viewpoint-diverse. Harvard rejected the administrations demands, but President Alan Garber has nevertheless acknowledged that ideological homogeneity is a problem on campus. On the other hand, the viciousness and obvious bad faith of Trumps attacks have made it more difficult for universities to pursue even changes they think will benefit their institutions, lest they appear to be capitulating to the president. The fact that those extreme demandsfor example, for government control over the curriculumhave come bundled with the notion that universities ought to be more politically diverse has tied those two things together in a way that has made political diversity much less palatable even than it was before, Neil Gross, a sociology professor at Colby College and the author of the 2014 study on viewpoint diversity, told me. Teles told me that the conservatives collaborating with Hopkins are intent on working within universities to reform them, not from outside to destroy them. These are not the same people who are wrecking the financial basis of our university, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniels, the Hopkins president, told me that the hypocrisy of the messenger shouldnt obscure kernels of truth in the message. As universities have debated how to respond to the Trump administrations attacks, theyve overlooked the fact that some of the critique is fair. Defending the university, he said, actually requires that we demonstrate to America our capacity for self-criticism and self-repair. Article originally published at The Atlantic Regina Bell of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) speaks at the rally at the U.S. Capitol on April 10, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Credit - Jemal CountessGetty Images/ Fair Share America In an era of growing mistrust, employers hold a unique position of influence. They remain among the most trusted institutions, particularly by their own employees. According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, workers consider businesses to be twice as competent as the U.S. government in providing credible informationoutpacing nonprofits and the media as well. People want to make informed decisions based on reliable information, and theyre increasingly open to receiving that information from their employers. This trend is not new. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers stepped up to fill an information void. They provided accurate, timely health guidance on everything from indoor air quality to vaccine safety. For instance, Amazonthe nations second-largest employerinvested heavily in direct employee engagement to promote vaccination. These efforts went beyond emails or posters; they included one-on-one outreach, peer-to-peer advocacy, and mobile vaccination units. Today, even as health concerns evolve, Amazon continues this model with daily wellness huddles and injury-prevention discussions across its warehouses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we move beyond the pandemic, the need for trusted health communication remains urgent. Employers are well-positioned to continue this work, not just because of their trustworthiness, but because they have a vested interest in healthier, more informed employees. Healthy workers are more productive, miss fewer days, and contribute to lower healthcare costsan ongoing concern for many companies. Likewise, educated employees are more likely to understand and make efficient use of increasingly expensive employer-sponsored health benefits. One survey conducted by UnitedHealthcare found that 56% of workers with access to effective employer health promotion programs reported fewer sick days, a finding that has been replicated in multiple geographies. Other evidence has shown that employers earn $3.27 back in direct medical costs more for every $1 spent on wellness programs, which directly increase employee knowledge and engagement in nutrition and health-related topics. While the need for effective health communication remains, many traditional sources are vanishing. Investments in public health campaigns at the federal, state, and local levels have shrunkor are disappearing altogether. This void, combined with the rise of online misinformation, means that if employers dont speak up, employees may turn instead to social media algorithms, self-proclaimed wellness influencers, or podcasters. Read More: What the New Make America Healthy Again Report Says About Childrens Health Employers cant afford to be passive. They must actively identify the pressing health challenges their workforce facesfrom mental health struggles and poor air quality due to wildfires, to new treatments such as GLP-1 weight-loss medications. With thoughtful, engaging strategies, they can ensure credible, science-based information reaches their workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It may feel like a daunting task in todays polarized climate, but many employersand unionsare already rising to the challenge. Kim Thibodeaux, head of the Northeast Business Group on Health, which represents the health interests of nearly 80 of the nations largest employers, is prioritizing investing in scalable ways to provide trusted health information content to employer partners. We are partnering with Kim and her team to provide timely, accurate, digestible health information on a range of topics in an omnichannel format. In a similar vein, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) with over 2 million members nationwide, has begun offering free, monthly national town halls to their membership and general public to discuss topics such as perimenopause, ADHD, youth mental health, and measles with topical national experts like the recent past American Academy of Pediatrics President Dr. Ben Hoffman. Social media is leveraged to the fullest extent, with 30-40 second, high-impact sound bites from town halls or Q&As shared widely across Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms to improve reach. As public trust erodes and traditional health communication channels falter, the workplace remains a widely trusted space. Employers and unions who embrace this responsibility can become powerful agents of public healthhelping their people make informed decisions, combat misinformation, and feel seen and supported in the process. By investing in credible, creative, and consistent health messaging, employers have the power to not only improve health outcomes but also rebuild faith in science and institutionsand in each other. The question is no longer whether employers should play this role, but how quickly they can rise to meet it. Contact us at letters@time.com. NEW YORK New York City Mayor Eric Adams filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging the city Campaign Finance Board's decision to deny him millions of dollars in public matching funds. Adams lawsuit against the board, filed in state Supreme Court in Brooklyn, accuses the board of violating city, state and federal rules and seeks the release of $3.4 million that would bolster his longshot reelection bid. As will become evident, there's no legal basis to hold back matching funds, the mayors attorney, campaign chair and former chief of staff, Frank Carone, said in a statement. This was decided on hearsay allegations and political preference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legal salvo marks a dramatic escalation in the showdown between the board and Adams. The mayor dropped out of the Democratic primary, which Andrew Cuomo is leading, after a judge tossed his federal corruption case at the behest of President Donald Trumps Department of Justice. But his plans to run as an independent have been financially crippled by the Campaign Finance Board. The board first denied Adams matching funds in December, citing the five-count bribery indictment against the mayor, in addition to his team's refusal to provide campaign finance regulators with requested information. The lawsuit noted the campaign has since submitted that paperwork. The filing further argues the board adopted an illegally vague standard by saying it had reason to believe Adams violated state and city laws based on the indictment without offering specifics. And now that the U.S. Department of Justice dismissed the case, the suit further posits, the board should not rely on the allegations at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An indictment is not a conviction; a politically-driven indictment that has been dismissed and for which there is no corroborating evidence is worth nothing at all, Abrams Fensterman attorney Robert Spolzino wrote in the suit. The CFBs reliance on the indictment as proof of anything, particularly now that it has been dismissed with prejudice, is, therefore, arbitrary, capricious, violative of lawful procedure, and erroneous as a matter of law. Carone, who advised Adams 2021 mayoral campaign, was a partner at Abrams Fensterman before going into City Hall. He later returned to the firm which is being paid by the Adams campaign on an of counsel basis. The board declined to comment and will revisit Adams eligibility for matching funds in July. The Campaign Finance Board matches qualifying donations 8-1 with taxpayer dollars to discourage big money from controlling local elections. In exchange, it caps total spending for all participating candidates. Since its initial denial of Adams request in December, it has expanded the criteria for its decision. On April 11, for example, the board cited not only the defunct indictment, but two key documents related to its dismissal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first is a letter from the former U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case, who resigned in protest and called the deal between Adams and President Donald Trumps DOJ a quid pro quo. The board also referenced the dismissal decision from Judge Dale Ho, who said it smacked of a bargain between Adams and the Trump administration. The lawsuit filed Tuesday argued the indictment contained no evidence Adams committed a crime. Instead, the indictment's accusations that Adams accepted travel perks and straw donations in exchange for calling a former FDNY commissioner to inquire about the opening of the Turkish embassy were based on the actions of others affiliated with the campaign, the suit alleges. The lawsuit also repeats Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove's contention that the case was politically motivated though that logic is contradicted by the mass DOJ resignations in protest of the decision to toss the charges. The suit marks the latest twist in the mayors wayward electoral path. Adams has said the delay in dismissing his case caused him to miss the primary because he did not want to run with the charges hanging over his head. But Tuesdays lawsuit suggests his decision was also a fiscal one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CFBs action has effectively made it impossible for Mayor Adams to compete in the Democratic primary election, Spolzino wrote. Adams lawsuit also alleges that the boards decision disempowers the donors who expected their contributions to be matched. After months of cooperation, it became clear that the CFB is intent on indirectly disenfranchising thousands of everyday New Yorkers who donated to Mayor Adams because his leadership has improved their lives, Carone said. The only recourse is to demonstrate the utter lack of evidence and hold the Board accountable through the judicial system. Giving thanks to those who gave their lives to keep us free; that was the message for the third annual Memorial Day Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park. Citizens and military veterans came together to honor our military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice. PA Soldiers and Sailors Home holds Memorial Day ceremony The parks vision statement is to create an Erie County memorial park that will be a lasting tribute to all brave military veterans and their sacrifices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony featured music, speeches and powerful memories of those who died. NFL Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff makes stop in Erie to sign autographs, raise funds Its very important to remember those that paid the ultimate price that they are no longer with us. They should be honored in some way. This is the way we do it, this is why its a national holiday, said Kenneth Kensil, president of Veterans Memorial Park. The keynote speaker was Colonel Jeremy Crist. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Families in Erie gathered on Memorial Day to honor fallen military members and celebrate with loved ones, enjoying picnics under clear skies after a week of rain. Memorial Day, traditionally a time to remember those who died in military service, has also become an occasion for families to reunite and appreciate each other. In Erie, families took advantage of the sunny weather to hold gatherings and picnics, blending remembrance with celebration. Erie community honors veterans for their sacrifice at Veterans Park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We memorialize our family members that have passed away, said Carla Barnes, who organized a family picnic at Waldameer Park. I have a brother who passed away just a few months ago. But every year we come out and celebrate family. Carla Barnes and her family have been meeting at Waldameer Park every Memorial Day for the past 45 years. The gathering has grown to include roughly 100 attendees, spanning four generations of loved ones. Barnes noted that the preparations for the picnic start days in advance to ensure enough food is ready for the crowd. Its something we do every Memorial Day. We come to Waldameer here so the kids can have fun. We have a big dinner here and were here normally from the time that theyre open to the time that theyre closed. Debbie Dunlap, visiting Presque Isle, shared a similar sentiment. Her family gathered to celebrate her sisters birthday, who passed away in February. We decided to come out here, have a celebration of life out on the beach here this morning, had a beautiful ceremony and now were just celebrating, picnicking and enjoying each others company. Girard community honors veterans at annual Memorial Day parade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunlap emphasized the importance of family gatherings, noting that relatives traveled from various locations, including St. Louis, Cleveland, and Dallas, to converge in Erie. We can celebrate each other, we can share moments, we can laugh. Memorial Day in Erie provided an opportunity for families to honor their loved ones and enjoy each others company, reinforcing the holidays evolving significance as a time for both remembrance and reunion. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. 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 WJET/WFXP 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) The Escambia County Sheriffs Office responded to a trespassing complaint on Plantation Road Sunday night. While heading towards the call, one deputy heard several shots fired. Mobile County jury awards man $6 million after 2022 tractor trailer crash When the deputy got out of his patrol unit, he was confronted by a male suspect. Investigators said the suspect had a gun, prompting the deputy to open fire. The suspect was taken to a local hospital for treatment. His condition and the extent of injuries have not been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators have not said whether the suspects wounds were caused by the deputy or from rounds fired prior to the deputy arriving at the location. Gulf Shores makes history with first-ever commercial flight to Alabamas beaches News 5 will keep you updated as new information becomes available from the Florida Department of Law Enforcements 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 WKRG News 5. May 27 (UPI) -- A Washington zoo's escaped East African crowned crane was safely returned to the facility after several days on the loose, including a brief time spent "hanging out with a group of great blue herons." The Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah announced on social media that the crane, named Alice, escaped from zoo grounds May 21 and made her way to Lake Sammamish State Park. Alice was spotted the following day on the southeast shore of the Lake Sammamish State Park, heading toward the boat ramp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is believed that the crane might be hanging out with a group of great blue herons around the Lake Sammamish State Park Area," the zoo said May 22 on social media. Zoo officials received a call Friday night that Alice had been spotted "at a home near Peregrine Point." The crane was located in a local resident's yard. "Alice was gently retrieved at 11:57 PM without incident," a zoo representative told CBS News. "She is now back at the zoo, under the supervision of our staff and veterinarian, and will be closely monitored after her journey. Her bonded partner, Hatter, welcomed her home!" The European Commission on Tuesday announced an investigation into several large pornography online platforms over alleged breaches of the protection of minors under European Union law. Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos are suspected of failing to have effective age verification tools and measures to mitigate any negative effect on the mental and physical health of users, the commission said. "The online space should be a safe environment for children to learn and connect," European Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our priority is to protect minors and allow them to navigate safely online," she added. The protection of young users is a key priority of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA). Under the law, platforms are obliged to prevent minors from accessing pornographic content, for example through age verification, remove illegal content from their sites more quickly and make it easier for users to report such content. The investigation's aim is to gather more evidence, including through interviews, to assess the suspicions. Separately from the existing DSA legislation, the commission published draft guidelines for the protection of minors online in mid-May, including recommendations for a series of technical protective measures, such as age verification systems or age assessments. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission has serious concerns about the rule of law situation in Hungary, EU Commissioner for Democracy Michael McGrath said in Brussels ahead of a meeting with European foreign affairs ministers. Referring to a Hungarian draft transparency law that would limit foreign funding of NGOs and media organizations, McGrath said: "We believe it is a breach of EU law... And we have asked the Hungarian government to withdraw that draft law. And in the absence of that happening, and should they proceed to legislate and enact this legislation, we stand ready to use the tools at our disposal." (This story has been corrected to change the law McGrath was referring to in paragraph 2) (Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout) Seventeen countries have expressed their deep concerns about attempts by the Hungarian government to prevent the annual Pride celebrations in Budapest from going ahead. Recent legal changes infringe the "fundamental rights of LGTBIQ+ persons," the signatory nations say in a joint statement published on Tuesday. The statement was signed by Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Hungary's parliament banned the annual Pride parades, which advocate for trans and sexual minority rights, among other things. Participants face potential fines of up to 200,000 forints ($560) for violating the ban, with authorities planning to use facial recognition technology to identify marchers. Both organizers and attendees could be penalized under the new law. The government had justified the ban on Pride parades, above all, with the aim of "protecting" children from contact with the topic of homosexuality. In April, the Hungarian parliament enshrined in the country's constitution that a person can only be defined as either a man or a woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are concerned by the implications of these measures on freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to privacy," the joint statement read. The signatories urged Hungary to revise the legal changes and called on the European Commission to take action against Hungary. Twenty countries have expressed their deep concerns about attempts by the Hungarian government to prevent the annual Pride celebrations in Budapest from going ahead. Recent legal changes infringe the "fundamental rights of LGTBIQ+ persons," the signatory nations said in a joint statement published on Tuesday. Of the EU's 27 members, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden signed the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Croatia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy and Poland did not back the declaration. In March, Hungary's parliament banned the annual Pride parades, which advocate for trans and sexual minority rights, among other things. Participants face potential fines of up to 200,000 forints ($560) for violating the ban, with authorities planning to use facial recognition technology to identify marchers. Both organizers and attendees could be penalized under the new law. The government had justified the ban on Pride parades, above all, with the aim of "protecting" children from contact with the topic of homosexuality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, the Hungarian parliament enshrined in the country's constitution that a person can only be defined as either a man or a woman. "We are concerned by the implications of these measures on freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to privacy," the joint statement read. The signatories urged Hungary to revise the legal changes and called on the European Commission to take action against Hungary. The commission has asked Hungary to withdraw the law, EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath told journalists in Brussels. "In the absence of that happening, and should they proceed to legislate and enact this legislation, we stand ready to use the tools at our disposal," he said, adding that the commission could eventually initiate legal proceedings against Budapest. "We have been very clear where we stand," McGrath said. European Union countries on Tuesday gave their final green light to set up a fund worth up to 150 billion ($170 billion) for joint arms procurement. The loans will be secured via the EU budget and are intended to enable countries to purchase air and missile defence, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, drones and anti-drone systems, and other military equipment. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the approval of the fund, dubbed the Security for Action for Europe (SAFE) Instrument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rearmament efforts in Europe are intended to deter Russia from possibly attacking another European country after Ukraine. Intelligence agencies believe that Russia will be in a military position to start another war by 2030 at the latest. "Exceptional times require exceptional measures," von der Leyen said. Pressure on the EU to significantly increase defence spending and aid to Ukraine has intensified further after Washington suspended US military aid to Ukraine and put its commitment to safeguarding Europe into question. "Europe must now assume a greater share of responsibility for its own security and defence," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a next step, capitals can submit their national plans to the commission for approval to receive loans. Berlin will probably not make use of new financial instrument, as it can obtain loans on the financial markets at favourable conditions even without EU support. German companies however can receive orders financed through the programme, as well as arms manufacturers from all other EU states, countries aspiring to join the bloc or with a security and defence partnership with the bloc. This includes Ukraine and the UK. Von der Leyen hopes that together with national investments, private capital and additional funding from the European Investment Bank, the fund could mobilize up to 800 billion for defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new fund is part of a set of initiatives to improve Europe's defence capacities. The commission also allows member states more leeway for defence spending under the EU's usually strict debt and deficit rules. European Union countries on Tuesday gave their final green light to set up a fund worth up to 150 billion ($170 billion) for joint arms procurement. The loans will be secured via the EU budget and are intended to enable countries to purchase air and missile defence, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, drones and anti-drone systems, and other military equipment. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the approval of the fund, dubbed the Security for Action for Europe (SAFE) Instrument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rearmament efforts in Europe are intended to deter Russia from possibly attacking another European country after Ukraine. Intelligence agencies believe that Russia will be in a military position to start another war by 2030 at the latest. "Exceptional times require exceptional measures," von der Leyen said. Pressure on the EU to significantly increase defence spending and aid to Ukraine has intensified further after Washington suspended US military aid to Ukraine and put its commitment to safeguarding Europe into question. "Europe must now assume a greater share of responsibility for its own security and defence," she added. As a next step, capitals can submit their national plans to the commission for approval to receive loans. WARSAW (Reuters) -Europe is in crisis and needs Poland to "wake it up," Polish nationalist presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki said on Tuesday, speaking to the Conservative Political Action Conference in Poland. The most prominent U.S. conservative gathering, founded on the ideals of personal liberty and limited government, convened in the eastern city of Rzeszow. It was meeting in Europe for only the second time after a gathering in Hungary in 2022. Nawrocki was speaking at the CPAC as part of his campaign ahead of the presidential election's second round on Sunday, with polls showing him just behind liberal candidate Rafal Trzaskowski. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nawrocki, a candidate supported by the main opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), wants Poland to follow a path inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump and regards Washington as a key ally, rather than Brussels. "Europe today is in a great crisis," Nawrocki told the conservative gathering, standing in front of a screen with the Polish and U.S. national flags. He added that Europe needs the voice of conservatives to rouse it from its current state of being sidelined in economic geopolitics and its own security. Nawrocki highlighted his recent visit to the White House, emphasising the importance of strong transatlantic ties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I will ensure that Poland becomes the leader of the European Union in transatlantic relations," he said. He also spoke against the hate speech act, a law that would expand Poland's hate crime laws to include sexual orientation, gender, age and disability as protected categories. "We cannot allow our freedom of speech to be taken away," Nawrocki said. (Reporting by Barbara Erling and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Rod Nickel) I remember Professor Richard Zeckhauser I attended his course. He once asked me: Do you think your classmates know where Singapore is? So I boldly replied that I was sure people knew it was a small country in Southeast Asia. Perhaps I spoke too confidently at a time when mails were sometimes still being addressed to Singapore, China. But in the decades since then, Asia has prospered, and Singapore has developed into an international financial and business hub. So today I am a bit more confident that most people would have heard of Singapore. Last night, we had dinner and we asked the waitress, Do you know where Singapore is?, and she said, It is a very, very long way away. So we made progress. And perhaps people have not only heard of us, but also have heard of how we have gone from Third World to First in just one generation. Many people ask us: How did you manage this leap? How did Singapore build its national leadership and institutions, develop the economy, strengthen social and political cohesion, and secure itself internationally? I would tell them, it has been the work of several generations of Singaporeans, ever since the second world war, 80 years ago. Crucially, right from the beginning, we set off down the right path. Fortunately, we were then able to stay on track, to do things which worked for Singapore, and therefore create a virtuous cycle and stay on track again. Let me start with this history and context, before explaining some of the principles and practices that we have applied in governance, and that have helped us to journey here. Our journey here Todays Singapore may give the impression that the country has always been orderly and stable. But this was far from so. Our beginnings were turbulent. Like many other countries, we fought against our colonial masters in our case, Britain for the right to determine our own destiny. We eventually succeeded and achieved first self-government, which is internal, and then full independence. Along the way, we had to choose whether to have a left-wing and pro-communist government, or a democratic and non-communist government. It was a big political battle, especially as our population was majority ethnic Chinese, with strong ethnic and family ties to Communist China. Fending off the communist threat was one of the reasons why Singapore merged into a new Federation of Malaysia. We saw that as our independent future. But in the Federation, we encountered another fundamental conflict of priorities between multiracialism and racial equality on the one hand, and race-based politics and the dominance of one ethnic group on the other hand. Tragically, this led to riots and bloodshed. The differences proved too stark to be reconciled and in 1965, Singapore was expelled from the Federation. So independent Singapore was born. It was a complicated, unnatural birth, amid great political upheaval and strife. The battles could easily have gone either way. But fortunately, in the end things turned out well for Singapore, and these circumstances established the founding ideals that continue to underpin our nationhood to be independent and sovereign; to be non-communist and democratic; to be multiracial and meritocratic, with equal opportunities for all regardless of race, language, or religion. This path that we took to get here that started with these three fierce struggles against colonialism, communism, and then communalism was a crucial factor in Singapores development. Because of this experience, that generation of leaders and citizens knew exactly what was at stake, and they were determined to knuckle down and turn vision into reality. That is why, if others try to replicate our recipe, or even if we ourselves were to traverse all over again the same journey and hope to come here again, we may not end up in the same spot. So first lesson is, we are path-dependent, the history matters. Building a high-quality government The second lesson is we paid close attention to building a high-quality government and high-quality institutions. We built up the public service. We kept government careers attractive and salaries competitive. We awarded scholarships to attract the best and the brightest in each cohort of graduating students. Most critically, we created a strong public service ethos, instilling in our officers a sense of mission: To serve Singapore to the best of their ability, and to make the country succeed. We assembled a competent political leadership too. Some leaders excel at galvanising and rousing the masses in the excitement and fervour of the independence struggle. Others are better at organising the government and motivating the people year after year, in the patient toil of nation building. Thankfully and exceptionally, our pioneer leaders were able to transition from one role to the other, and succeeded in both. Ministers do have to get re-elected. But because in Singapore they are likely to get re-elected if they deliver results, they know the buck stops with them. Hence they have every incentive not to kick the can down the road, but to deal seriously with difficult problems. Hence also, we were able to get the right combination of politics and policy a combination that worked for Singapore. The whole system was organised on the basis of meritocracy, to maximise the talent that we had. We emphasised the rule of law, and built up an independent and impartial judiciary. Policies were encoded in law where practicable, so that the Government could function transparently, rationally, and predictably at all levels. We zealously kept the system corruption-free, and implemented rules to keep money out of politics, and avoided political parties and leaders becoming beholden to political donors and lobbyists. These key moves early on in our nation-building journey enabled us to build effective and efficient state institutions and agencies that delivered high-quality public services, while keeping the tax burden low. Over time, they also entrenched norms of behaviour and expectations in our society, for the Government and its leaders to uphold. And it enabled us to do the things right on the economy, on social cohesion, on nation-building, on setting foreign policy. The rest of what I have to say could be from a textbook. But to be able to implement the textbook, I think it is Singapores experience, the path we travelled, which made it perhaps easier for us to do than for other countries. Getting policies right Let me talk about these policies. We put high priority on economic growth and development. Without growth, we would not have had the resources to do all the good things that we aspired to. We adopted what was then a radical approach towards economic development. In an era when the conventional wisdom saw MNCs as evil exploiters of cheap labour, we welcomed MNCs as a power for good, which brought technology, created good jobs and modernised our economy. When prevailing development models were based on import substitution and protection of domestic markets, we pursued export-led growth, minimised import restrictions, and forced ourselves to become internationally competitive. We practised free market principles, without becoming purist or dogmatic. We believed that market forces were essential to allocate resources efficiently, and generate the impetus for development and wealth creation. Well-functioning markets also provided the discipline and the incentive for our people to work hard and to do well. But we were neither completely laissez-faire nor free market fundamentalists. The government played an active role: We developed a conducive, pro-enterprise environment. We ensured free flows of trade, capital and talent. We educated our people with marketable skills, so that businesses could count on a skilled workforce. And we built up a strong labour movement that worked closely with employers and the government to improve the livelihoods and lives of workers, and achieve win-win outcomes. We applied economic principles to social policies too, for example controlling traffic congestion, pricing essentials like electricity and water, building public housing, designing welfare schemes, and even controlling access to casinos. Where the private sector could not deliver the outcomes we needed, the government was quite prepared to intervene directly. For example, to develop industrial land, we set up a statutory board, Jurong Town Corporation, and it developed industrial land and infrastructure. To promote foreign direct investments we did not believe they would just come to us themselves we created a one-stop centre, the Economic Development Board, which became a model for other countries. We even started companies, state-owned companies operating efficiently without subsidies, and profitable a multiple contradiction in terms but they exist in Singapore: SIA, DBS, Singapore Telecoms and several others. Beyond the economy, we also went into building a cohesive society and a strong nation, because we are not just an economy, we are a nation state. A small one no doubt, but we have to build ourselves up as a society and as a country. So as the economy grew, we made heavy social investments to improve Singaporeans lives. We built good education, healthcare, housing systems. 90% of our youths today leave school with post-secondary education qualifications. Singaporeans leave school ready to take up good, well-paying jobs, which are there and available for them. Our youth unemployment rate is very low. We enjoy good health outcomes, while keeping healthcare costs lower than most developed countries. 90% of Singaporeans own our own homes, mostly living in high-quality public housing. We also forged a national identity out of the polyglot immigrant communities that had made their home in Singapore. We made English our common working language. We kept Malay (which is the lingua franca of Southeast Asia) as our national language, and we kept Chinese and Tamil as two other official languages. We also introduced national service. All medically fit males serve either in the armed forces, the police or the civil defence at the age of 18, instilling in citizens a sense of duty to defend the nation. We engaged in considerable social engineering, influencing peoples habits to foster values and norms that would work for Singapore. For example, we set ethnic quotas in public housing estates, to keep our public housing estates ethnically integrated and to pre-empt the formation of ethnic enclaves before it reached the tipping point and cascaded out of control. All these strengthened our shared sense of identity that we are all Singaporeans together, having more in common with one another than with ethnic Malays, or ethnic Chinese, or ethnic Indians elsewhere in the world. Finally, we pursued an active foreign policy, even as we provided for our security and defence. Small nations cannot determine the course of the world events, but we must not think that we have no agency. We make friends wherever we can, including with the major powers. We make common cause with like-minded countries. We build up our credibility and value by being a reliable, trustworthy partner that delivers on our commitments. We participate actively at multilateral institutions like the UN and the WTO. For example, we led the recent successful negotiations for an international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. We are also active in climate change discussions, which is an existential issue for a low-lying tropical island. An effective foreign policy must be based on strengths at home. A nation will only be taken seriously internationally if it is cohesive and united internally, and its leaders and diplomats too. It must be able to defend and stand up for itself. Besides skilful diplomats, it must have soldiers who are willing to fight and die to defend the country. We have invested steadily in our security and defence, building up a modest but credible armed force based on national service, as I explained earlier. But todays strategic environment is much more challenging. It is tricky to maintain friendships with countries that are not friends with each other. Everybody declares that they will not force you to choose sides, far from it. But everybody wants you to be on their side and not the others. We do our best to take a consistent, principled position in line with our own long-term national interests. When we have to disagree with other countries, we will be open and honest about it, so that they can still trust us, and they can understand that we are doing this because of Singapores calculations, and not on behalf of somebody else. A system that works for Singapore From our early years of nation building to modern Singapore today for more than 60 years now, because the PAP took power before we became independent successive PAP governments have performed well and delivered on our promises. That is why Singaporeans have put their confidence in us, term after term, 15 times in a row so far. This reservoir of confidence and trust widens the governments political and policy space, enables us to think long-term and lets us make politically difficult but essential moves. For example, to raise consumption taxes to pay for the growing healthcare needs of an ageing population, and to do so coming out from COVID-19. But we are careful never to take the peoples support for granted. Nothing prevents Singaporeans from voting the ruling party out if we breached their trust, let them down, or fail to maintain the high standards that they have come to expect from us. Singaporean politics feels quite different from politics in many other countries. When I explain how it works in Singapore, they look at me as if I come from another world. But we have evolved and adapted our democratic political system and norms to suit our circumstances, and it has worked for Singapore. The country is successful there is high trust in government and society, we have rising incomes and standards of living, we have high-quality public services, stable politics, a strong international reputation, and a united, resolute people who stand together against the odds. These assets have been built up over the long term, and during crises they prove their worth. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were able to do the right things enforcing safe distancing, treating COVID-19 patients, vaccinating everyone, protecting jobs, maintaining confidence. We could only do so because people trusted the government both the public service, and the political leaders. Also, people trusted one another and our society was united. Hence we came through COVID-19 with relatively light casualties, livelihoods intact, and our social capital, public confidence, and trust all strengthened. And for that, we will long be thankful. Opportunities and uncertainties in the years ahead But COVID-19 will not be our last challenge. Existing problems never completely disappear and will keep coming back in different forms. That is the nature of government. You do not write a thesis, graduate, and then move on to the next research problem. The problem comes back in a morphed form, but again, how do you survive? How do you earn a living? How do you upgrade standards? How do you meet expectations? How do you try to break the constraints and go beyond what seems to be imaginable? New challenges will arise too. Externally, great power rivalry and the breakdown of multilateralism will certainly mean fewer opportunities for growth, and greater dangers of tension and conflict. Domestic issues like ageing, social mobility, income inequality, immigrants and foreign workers none can simply be waved away, especially in a slower-growing, mature economy. Politically, the compact between the government and the population must be renewed in each generation, so that fresh teams with fresh ideas can deal with fresh challenges. Thankfully, Singapore is in as good a position as any country, to deal with these inescapable realities. The countrys leaders, at all levels, feel a responsibility to keep our system working for as long as we can and beyond our own terms in office. As stewards, they seek out and induct new talent to renew their leadership ranks, in order to have this responsibility handed on like an heirloom from generation to generation. So far, we have made three top leadership transitions successfully. This year a new Prime Minister took over from me, and I am very happy that the transition to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has gone well, and I hope Singapore will continue renewing itself, and rejuvenating our national project, for many years to come. Thank you very much. The United States has long played a leadership role in NATO, the most successful military alliance in history. The U.S. and 11 other countries in North America and Europe founded NATO in 1949, following World War II. NATO has since grown its membership to include 32 countries in Europe and North America. But now, European leaders and politicians fear the United States has become a less reliable ally, posing major challenges for Europe and, by implication, NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This concern is not unfounded. President Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken of a desire to seize Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO member. He has declared that Canada, another NATO member, should become the 51st state. Trump has also sided with Russia at the United Nations and said that the European Union, the political and economic group uniting 27 European countries, was designed to screw the U.S. Still, Trump as well as other senior U.S. government officials has said that the U.S. remains committed to staying in and supporting NATO. For decades, both liberal and conservative American politicians have recognized that the U.S. strengthens its own military and economic interests by being a leader in NATO and by keeping thousands of U.S. troops based in Europe to underwrite its commitment. President Donald Trump speaks at a NATO Summit in July 2018 during his first term. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Understanding NATO The U.S., Canada and 10 Western European countries formed NATO nearly 80 years ago as a way to help maintain peace and stability in Europe following World War II. NATO helped European and North American countries bind together and defend themselves against the threat once posed by the Soviet Union, a former communist empire that fell in 1991. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO employs about 2,000 people at its headquarters in Brussels. It does not have its own military troops and relies on its 32 member countries to volunteer their own military forces to conduct operations and other tasks under NATOs leadership. NATO does have its own military command structure, led by an American military officer, and including military officers from other countries. This team plans and executes all NATO military operations. In peacetime, military forces working with NATO conduct training exercises across Eastern Europe and other places to help reassure allies about the strength of the military coalition and to deter potential aggressors, like Russia. NATO has a relatively small annual budget of around US$3.6 billion. The U.S. and Germany are the largest contributors to this budget, each responsible for funding 16% of NATOs costs each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separate from NATOs annual budget, in 2014, NATO members agreed that each participating country should spend the equivalent of 2% of its gross domestic product on their own national defense. Twenty two of NATOs 31 members with military forces were expected that 2% threshold as of April 2025. Although NATO is chiefly a military alliance, it has roots in the mutual economic interests of both the U.S. and Europe. Europe is the United States most important economic partner. Roughly one-quarter of all U.S. trade is with Europe more than the U.S. has with Canada, China or Mexico. Over 2.3 million American jobs are directly tied to producing exports that reach European countries that are part of NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO helps safeguard this mutual economic relationship between the U.S. and Europe. If Russia or another country tries to intimidate, dominate or even invade a European country, this could hurt the American economy. In this way, NATO can be seen as the insurance policy that underwrites the strength and vitality of the American economy. The heart of that insurance policy is Article 5, a mutual defense pledge that member countries agree to when they join NATO. Article 5 says that an armed attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against the entire alliance. If one NATO member is attacked, all other NATO members must help defend the country in question. NATO members have only invoked Article 5 once, following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the U.S., when the alliance deployed aircraft to monitor U.S. skies. A wavering commitment to Article 5 Trump has questioned whether he would enforce Article 5 and help defend a NATO country if it is not paying the required 2% of its gross domestic product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC News also reported in April 2025 that the U.S. is likely going to cut 10,000 or more of the nearly 85,000 American troops stationed in Europe. The U.S. might also relinquish its top military leadership position within NATO, according to NBC. Many political analysts expect the U.S. to shift its national security focus away from Europe and toward threats posed by China specifically, the threat of China invading or attacking Taiwan. At the same time, the Trump administration appears eager to reset relations with Russia. This is despite the Russian militarys atrocities committed against Ukrainian military forces and civilians in the war Russia began in 2022, and Russias intensifying hybrid war against Europeans in the form of covert spy attacks across Europe. This hybrid warfare allegedly includes Russia conducting cyberattacks and sabotage operations across Europe. It also involves Russia allegedly trying to plant incendiary devices on planes headed to North America, among other things. President Joe Biden speaks during a NATO summit in Washington in July 2024. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images A shifting role in Europe The available evidence indicates that the U.S. is backing away from its role in Europe. At best from a European security perspective the U.S. could still defend European allies with the potential threat of its nuclear weapon arsennal. The U.S. has significantly more nuclear weapons than any Western European country, but it is not clear that this is enough to deter Russia without the clear presence of large numbers of American troops in Europe, especially given that Moscow continues to perceive the U.S. as NATOs most important and most powerful member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For this reason, significantly downsizing the number of U.S. troops in Europe, giving up key American military leadership positions in NATO, or backing away from the alliance in other ways appears exceptionally perilous. Such actions could increase Russian aggression across Europe, ultimately threatening not just European security bu Americas as well. Maintaining Americas leadership position in NATO and sustaining its troop levels in Europe helps reinforce the U.S. commitment to defending its most important allies. This is the best way to protect vital U.S. economic interests in Europe today and ensure Washington will have friends to call on in the future. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: John Deni, US Army War College Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Deni does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. The CEO of Fincantieri called on Europe to scale up its subsea defenses in the face of rising threats. Pierroberto Folgiero told the FT it's time for Europe to take "responsibility" for subsea defenses. This comes amid intensifying Russian threats and reduced US commitments to the region. The CEO of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri said Europe needs to boost its subsea defenses amid intensifying threats and weakening US security guarantees. "The Mediterranean has always been populated by Russian and US submarines, it's up to us Europeans now to take responsibility for our underwater defence," Folgiero told the Financial Times in an interview published Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If European countries are going to spend more on defence, we should spend better," he added. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European military and political leaders have repeatedly accused Russia of sabotaging subsea cables that carry vital internet data and energy. European militaries have scaled up their protection, with a specialist NATO unit launched in January increasing the surveillance and patrols of the vital infrastructure. European defense firms are also boosting the development of technology to help underwater defenses. Fincantieri, Europe's largest shipbuilder, announced last week that it expects its underwater division, which makes submarines, underwater drones, and other technology, to double in size over the next few years, to account for 8% of group revenue by 2027, and bring in the equivalent of $930 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When announcing its new subsea-focused strategy, the company said it would be partnering with Italy's Graal Tech to develop new subsea drone technology. Folgiero told the FT that Europe faces a range of subsea threats, and that it's boosting production to meet them. "Attention has focused on the Baltic Sea following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine," he said. "But the Mediterranean is twice as big as the Baltic and a crucial juncture from a geopolitical perspective." "This is why we are betting on underwater defence and technology and increasing our industrial capabilities," Folgiero added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, earlier this month German defense firm Helsing said it was working with the UK's Royal Navy to deploy new subsea drones to better monitor subsea infrastructure. Read the original article on Business Insider European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday spoke out strongly against Israel's expanded military operations in Gaza. "The European Commission has always supported and will continue to support Israel's right to security and self-defence, but this escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law," von der Leyen said. "The expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza targeting civilian infrastructure, among them a school that served as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families, killing civilians, including children, is abhorrent," she said, after a call with King Abdullah II of Jordan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Union calls on Israel "to put an immediate halt on the current escalation," she said, and on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Von der Leyen also urged Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza. "Israel needs to immediately restore aid delivery in line with humanitarian principles, with the participation of the UN and other international humanitarian partners," she said. "Europe's commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on a two-state solution remains unwavering." CHICAGO (WGN) A former Chicago police officer pleaded guilty Tuesday in the death of her husband. Jacqueline Villasenor is charged with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors said she shot and killed her husband, German Villasenor, who was also a Chicago officer. Police said Villasenor and her husband were arguing in their home on the 8500 block of West Winona Street on the evening of November 2, 2021. According to court records, an affair by Jacqueline came up during their argument, and documents state she then threatened to kill herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coast Guard: Armed phosphorus pyrotechnic found on Montrose Beach, 3 still unaccounted for Prosecutors said German Villasenor tried taking a nine-millimeter handgun from his wife, and during the struggle, the gun fired, and he was shot in the heart. An arriving officer said Jacqueline Villasenor smelled of alcohol but denied a breathalyzer test, according to court documents. Officers recovered three firearms from the bedroom. But Cook County prosecutors and a county judge in court Tuesday agreed with investigators that the deadly gunshot that killed German Villasenor inside the couples Northwest Side home was unintentional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Villasenor accepted a nearly six-and-a-half-year prison sentence, but with three years already served on electronic confinement, the former cop is expected to only serve another seven to eight days in prison, to the dismay of German Villasenors family. Illinois budget battle: What Chicago needs from Springfield Speaking with WGN News after the judges ruling, family spokesperson Julie Contreras said loved ones of the late German Villasenor remain heartbroken about the 2021 tragedy. I will never see his beautiful smile again, whose voice I will never hear, said Leticia Villasenor in a written victim impact statement. Jacqueline is evil and knew exactly what she was doing when she shot my son right in his heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contreras said that while loved ones of German Villasenor respect the judges decision, they are not 100% in agreement with it. Its why loved ones say Villasenors sentence is not long enough. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Six years and a few days serving in the Illinois Department of Corrections? Contreras said. Weve seen again the special treatment today for Jacqueline Villasenor and her crocodile tears. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A former Florence Housing Authority board member threated to punch the agencys then human resources director in the face before working to get him fired without cause, a newly filed federal lawsuit alleges. Justin Hanna, who spent just over a year in his role with the authority, was fired on Feb. 22, 2023 for fighting, threatening, coercing, or intimidating fellow employees and engaging directly with Jerrod Moultrie, who was a board member at the time. That came one day after Moultrie demanded during a board meeting that Clamentine Elmore at the time the authoritys executive director reprimand Hanna after he corrected Moultrie for calling him the HR guy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florence-Housing-Authority-federal-lawsuitDownload I can tell you this .. . You might want to find somewhere else to work, because you wont work here anymore, Moultrie said near the end of the meeting. Ill get the last laugh, I promise you. Hannas complaint initially filed on April 7 at the state level was moved to U.S. District Courts Florence division on Friday. According to the lawsuit, Moultrie continued his aggression after the public portion of the meeting ended, at one point telling Hanna, I will punch you in the face, leading Hanna to file a report with the Florence County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanna was never given a pre-termination hearing or opportunity to explain his position and asked the authoritys grievance board for a meeting on Feb. 28, which never happened. Hanna is suing Moultrie, Elmore, former authority chief operating officer Pamela Stevens and board member Linda Barr-Williams on grounds of defamation, breach of contract, violation of the 14th Amendment and civil conspiracy. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. A former Gwinnett County employee is off the job after he was involved in a theft investigation earlier this month. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On May 15, the Gwinnett County Treasury Division identified suspicious activity related to a vendor payment and contacted the Gwinnett County Police Department. Authorities launched an investigation into Gwinnett County employee James Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to investigators, Smith is the Deputy Director of Infrastructure and Operations within the Department of Information Technology. TRENDING STORIES: Investigators said Smith allegedly altered financial documents to try and redirect county funds. That led to Smith being arrested Tuesday morning and taken to the Gwinnett County Jail. Hes now facing charges of computer theft, computer forgery and criminal attempt to commit theft by taking. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Gwinnett County officials shared the following statement with Channel 2 Action News regarding Smiths arrest: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are deeply troubled by the recent discovery of potential financial misconduct involving a former Gwinnett County employee, said Gwinnett County Administrator Glenn Stephens. We are committed to transparency and accountability and are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into this matter. To preserve the integrity of the process, we will refrain from further comment. The investigation is ongoing. Ex-New York Rep. Joe Crowleys 25-year-old son a Marine and Naval Academy grad has died from a rare cancer, his grieving dad revealed over the Memorial Day weekend. The Democratic former Big Apple congressman disclosed in 2023 that his oldest son, Cullen, had been diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumors just seven months after he graduated from the prestigious military academy as a second lieutenant. With heavy hearts, Kasey, Kenzie, Liam, and I share the passing of our beloved son and brother, Cullen Crowley, Joe Crowley posted to X on Sunday, referring to his wife and two other kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we think of Cullen, we cant help but smile. He radiated an infectious and genuine love of life one that lifted the spirits of everyone around him, Crowley wrote. Former New York City Rep. Joe Crowleys 25-year-old son, Naval Academy grad Cullen, passed away Sunday after a battle with cancer. x.com/JoeCrowleyNY [Cullen] became a Midshipman in 2018, a Marine in 2022, and continued his service at Quantico until retiring in 2024 following his diagnosis, Crowley wrote. Cullen retired from the Marine Corps last year as a first lieutenant. Crowley repped the Bronx and Queens before being shockingly trounced by then-political newcomer Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2018. Cullen Crowley retired from the Marines last year as a first lieutenant. x.com/JoeCrowleyNY Crowley lost the primary to AOC the same night he first dropped Cullen off at the Naval Academy, the ex-rep told The Hill in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Cullen underwent 15 hours of surgery to remove tumors in his abdomen and kidney. The cancer had already spread to the young mans bones, but his dad said they believed he still had a fighting chance. He stayed strong throughout just as he has since his diagnosis, Crowley wrote at the time of his son after surgery. Hes a Marine after all. On Sunday, the father said of Cullen, He never let the odds define him. Instead, he met each day with the same joy and gratitude for life. Officials in Arkansas are searching for a former police chief convicted of murder and rape who escaped from prison Sunday. The Arkansas Department of Corrections said in a release that Grant Hardin, who previously served as the police chief for the town of Gateway in northwestern Arkansas, escaped from where he was being held at around 3:40 p.m. local time Sunday and the search for him continued into the night. Hardin has been held at the prison since 2017, when he began serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder. He also was later sentenced to 50 years in prison for the rape of an elementary school teacher in 1997. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said it is working with local, state and federal officials to find him, and anyone with information about his location should contact local law enforcement immediately. The release states the officials determined Hardin was wearing a makeshift outfit designed to look like law enforcement when he escaped, but he wasnt wearing a department uniform, and all department-issued equipment has been accounted for. It said officials are using a variety of means to track Hardin down and are investigating what led up to his escape. The Associated Press reported that Hardin pleaded guilty in 2017 to shooting and killing 59-year-old James Appleton, who worked for Gateways water department and was speaking to his brother-in-law, the mayor at the time, when he was shot in the head. Hardin served as police chief for a few months in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democratic strategist Basil Smikle called out his party on Monday for failing to reach voters with a message they can relate to, even as President Donald Trumps approval rating plunges. Appearing on MSNBC, Smikle was asked about a New York Times report that party insiders were spending millions on meetings in luxury hotels and programs on how to reach young men, including studying the syntax, language and content of viral media. I really have no understanding what that is because honestly, if somebody needed to come talk to me, just come talk to me. Actually, go find me and come and talk to me. Dont do it in a hotel. Dont study me like this is some academic exercise, he said. That is exactly why were not winning. Because we because Democrats have been accused of looking and sounding too elitist. Thats a problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSNBCs Chris Jansing said focus groups show many voters souring on Trump, but those same voters dont like anything about the Democrats, either. Smikle said the partys current fixation on former President Joe Biden and his reported declining health during his term in office is a perfect case in point of why they arent connecting with those voters. Theres been a lot of conversation about what people knew about Joe Biden and when did they know it, he said. If you actually go into communities and talk to voters, theyre not asking about Joe Biden. Theyre asking, What do we do now? And if Democrats dont have an answer for that question, theyre going to continue to lose support. He urged Democratic insiders to leave the hotels and go into the communities instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See more of his conversation with Jansing and Meghan Hays, a former special assistant to Biden, below: Related... By Gwladys Fouche OSLO (Reuters) - Norway's parliament is poised to reject campaigners' calls to instruct its $1.8 trillion wealth fund to boycott any company selling products and services in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to a person familiar with the process. A majority in the Norwegian parliament's finance committee has decided that only companies that can be linked to the violation of international law should be excluded from the fund's portfolio, not just any companies with a presence in these areas, the person said. The International Court of Justice said last year Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories was illegal and it should pull out as soon as possible, in a ruling that Israel rejected as "fundamentally wrong" and one-sided. Currently, the fund, which operates under ethical guidelines set by the Norwegian parliament, has blacklisted 11 companies for assisting Israel's occupation, the last of which was Israeli petrol station chain Paz earlier this month. At the end of last year the fund had just over $2 billion invested in 65 Israeli companies, or 0.1% of its total. Since the start of the war in Gaza, the fund has faced growing pressure to divest from Israeli companies and all companies active in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. That would effectively force it to sell billions of dollars in stakes in major Western brands, some of which have already faced consumer boycott calls especially in Muslim-majority countries because they were perceived as friendly to Israel. Campaigners want the Norwegian government to take the same action on Israel-linked investments as it did on Russian ones in 2022, when three days after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine it instructed the fund to dispose of all of its holdings in Russia. However, the decision by the parliamentary finance committee means no blanket ban on Israeli firms or on multinationals with global sales only because their products and services are available in occupied Palestinian territories. "If a company sells a generic product, which Israeli settlers buy, then this should not be sufficient to sell the fund out of the company," said the person familiar with the committee's decision, adding it would constitute a wider interpretation of the guidelines. "But if we are speaking of specific products for, say, surveillance that are made specifically for the needs of Israeli settlers, then that is something completely different." The committee's decision is part of its assessment of the government's annual filing on the wealth fund, which is due to be debated in parliament on June 4, with a vote expected the same day. By Timour Azhari and Suleiman Al-Khalidi DAMASCUS/AMMAN (Reuters) -Israel and Syria are in direct contact and have in recent weeks held face-to-face meetings aimed at calming tensions and preventing conflict in the border region between the two longtime foes, five people familiar with the matter said. The contacts mark a significant development in ties between states that have been on opposite sides of conflict in the Middle East for decades, as the U.S. encourages the new Islamist rulers in Damascus to establish relations with Israel and Israel eases its bombardment of Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also build on back-channel talks via intermediaries since Islamist rebels Hayat Tahrir al-Sham toppled Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad in December, said two Syrian and two Western sources, as well as a regional intelligence source familiar with the matter. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject for two nations with no official ties and a history of enmity. The direct talks and their scope have not been previously reported. On the Syrian side, the sources said contacts have been led by senior security official Ahmad al-Dalati, who was appointed governor of the province of Quneitra, which borders the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, after the fall of Assad. Earlier this week, Dalati was also put in charge of security in the southern province of Sweida, home to Syria's Druze minority. In a statement to Syrias government-owned Ekhbariya, Dalati said: "I categorically deny my participation in any direct negotiation sessions with the Israeli side." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Syrian leadership continues to take all necessary measures to protect the Syrian people and defend the sovereignty and unity of the Republic's lands, using all lawful means." Reuters could not determine who participated on Israel's side, though two of the sources said they were security officials. Three of the sources said there had been several rounds of in-person meetings in the border region, including in territory controlled by Israel. Israel's foreign ministry and Syrian officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Earlier this month, Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed indirect talks with Israel that he said were aimed at calming tensions, a striking admission that followed a Reuters report that the UAE was mediating such talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has occupied the Syrian Golan Heights since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and took more territory in the aftermath of Assad's ouster in December, citing lingering concerns over the extremist past of the country's new rulers. It has also waged a campaign of aerial bombardment that destroyed much of the country's military infrastructure, while at the same time lobbying Washington to keep the country weak and decentralized. But the bombing and the criticism have subsided in recent weeks. On May 14, a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Sharaa in Riyadh upended decades of U.S. Syria policy, and signalled to Israel's right-wing government that it should work to reach understandings with Sharaa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regional intelligence source described Trump's engagement with Sharaa as a pivotal part of a realignment in U.S. policy that upset Israel's post-Assad strategy of exploiting Syria's fragmentation. BROADER UNDERSTANDINGS? The relative calm in May has also seen a reduction in tensions around Sweida, which saw days of bloody clashes between Druze armed factions, some of which enjoy Israeli backing, and Sunni Muslim fighters last month. Amid the violence, Israel had launched a series of airstrikes, including one just outside the presidential palace overlooking Damascus, which it framed as a warning over threats against the Druze, an offshoot of Islam with adherents in Syria, Lebanon and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the direct talks are currently focused on joint security, such as preventing conflict and reducing Israeli incursions into Syrian border villages, two of the sources said they may help pave the way for broader political understandings. "For now, they are about peace, as in the absence of war, rather than normalization," said the person familiar with backchannel talks. Trump indicated after meeting Sharaa that the Syrian leader was willing to eventually normalize ties with Israel, while adding that it would take some time. Sharaa has not commented on the statement, saying instead that he supported a return to the terms of a 1974 ceasefire agreement that created a U.N. buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syria's new rulers have made repeated efforts to show they pose no threat to Israel, meeting representatives of the Jewish community in Damascus and abroad and detaining two senior members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which participated in the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. A letter sent by Syria's foreign ministry to the U.S. State Department last month, seen by Reuters, said "we will not allow Syria to become a source of threat to any party, including Israel." More recently, Syria's leadership has shown goodwill by approving the handover of a trove of long-dead Israeli master spy Eli Cohen's belongings. (Reporting by Timour Azhari in Damascus and Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman; Editing by Aidan Lewis) A convicted murderer and rapist who terrorized downtown Orlando 30 years ago is set to die by lethal injection. On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant for Thomas Gudinas, 50. The execution is scheduled for June 24. If it happens, it will be Floridas seventh lethal injection this year. Gudinas was convicted in the 1994 murder of 27-year-old Michelle McGrath in Orlando. Investigators say McGrath was last seen leaving a bar called Barbarellas around closing time in May 1994. They believe Gudinas attacked her in a nearby parking lot while she was walking to her car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy found she was brutally raped and beaten to death. McGrath was a 1984 graduate graduate of Pak Ridge High School, where she was her class homecoming queen. A jury in Naples convicted Gudinas in 1995 for the rape and murder. In issuing the death penalty, then-Judge Belvin Perry wrote the evidence quite clearly establishes that the victim did not meet a swift, merciful and painless death. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Three workers local to Mountain Province, Philippines, were treated to a rare sight mid-April, when they came upon a juvenile Philippine hawk-eagle, Rappler reported. At first, they were unsure of the bird's identity. Fearing for its welfare, they snapped a pic and posted it on Facebook, wondering if anyone could help identify it. Sure enough, it was the bird of prey. Philippine hawk-eagles are classified as endangered, with Mountain Province sightings being especially rare, according to Rappler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Linda Claire Inso-Pawid, chief of the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cordillera Administrative Region, told Rappler the rarity made this sighting all the more exciting. "It means we still have healthy patches of forest that can support top predators," she explained. According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, birds of prey are crucial to their ecosystems, keeping rodent populations in check. They're also what's known as an "indicator species." If birds of prey are thriving, that means there are plenty of rodents, which live off seeds and grains. This bodes well for humans, too. Humans rely on biodiversity and a balanced ecosystem for a steady food supply. After all, rodents aren't the only mammals that eat grains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, this recent Philippine hawk-eagle sighting is great news for everyone (even the rodents). And it's not the only endangered species on an upward climb. Oregon's gray wolf population experienced a 15% increase in the past year, while the UK cleared out vegetation to make healthy living spaces for endangered reptiles and amphibians. Yes, more work must be done to preserve the world's endangered species. However, with the help of concerned citizens like Sally Pongawi, one of the workers who spotted the hawk-eagle, they just might make it. "We just wanted to make sure it was OK," she told Rappler. 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. Twelve years have passed since the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh killed 1,138 people and injured more. However, garment industry workers and advocates say major fashion brands are still dragging their feet on meaningful reform. What's happening? Nonprofits like the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) and the Bangladesh Revolutionary Garment Workers Federation (NGWF) are sounding the alarm over stalled progress on workplace safety in the world's second-largest textile-producing country. Many brands tied to factories in the Rana Plaza including Walmart, Urban Outfitters, and Amazon have still not taken full responsibility, advocates say. "Twelve years since the Rana Plaza collapse, it is vital that worker safety remains safeguarded," said Salahuddin Shapon, president of the Bangladesh NGWF, to Just Style. He warned that factory safety committees are weaker now due to a 2022 labor code amendment that reduced workers' rights and gave more power to factory owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This needs to be reversed," he said. Why does it matter? After the collapse, more than 260 brands signed the Accord on Fire and Building Safety, a legally binding agreement for five years to improve factory conditions. But many major brands never signed on. Despite the international attention, dangerous working conditions, poverty wages, and union suppression remain widespread in Bangladesh's fast fashion supply chain. The CCC reports that only a few of the 30 brands linked to the Rana Plaza disaster have made meaningful contributions to worker protections since. These problems are not isolated. They're built into the fast fashion model, which churns out massive volumes of cheap, low-quality clothing designed to wear out quickly and be replaced. This results in a flood of textile waste that ends up in landfills and our environment, all while workers remain stuck in unsafe, underpaid jobs, hurting progress towards a healthier, greener future for all. What's being done about these conditions? Bangladesh has seen some progress, including a 2022 Employment Injury Scheme that provides limited support to injured workers and their families, and major strikes last year that resulted in 18 worker demands being met by owners. Still, advocates say stronger labor laws around workers' rights and injury compensation are urgently needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These 12 years have shown that real change can only happen if brands' behaviors and practices are regulated by robust legal obligations," said Kalpona Akter, labor leader and founder of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity, to Just Style. One promising step via global effort is the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, a European policy that will require brands to take responsibility for their supply chains by 2026. But consumers also have the power to change things right now. Shopping secondhand at thrift stores or online, or supporting transparent, ethical brands, can help save money and reduce demand for fast fashion's exploitative practices. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. BEIJING (AP) A huge explosion rocked a chemical plant in China s eastern Shandong province around noon Tuesday, killing at least five people and injuring 19, according to local emergency management authorities. Another six people were missing. It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion. The blast was powerful enough to knock out windows at a warehouse more than two miles (three kilometers) away, according to a video shared by a resident, who declined to give his name out of concern about retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resident said his home shook. As he went to the window, he saw a column of smoke from the site more than seven kilometers (4.3 miles) away. Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co. is located in an industrial park in the city of Weifang. It manufactures pesticides as well as chemicals for medical use, and has more than 500 employees, according to corporate registration records. Local fire officials sent more than 230 personnel to the scene, according to state broadcaster China Central Television. A student at a school about 1,000 yards away from the plant told state-run news site The Paper that he heard one explosion and saw dirt-yellow smoke, tainted with redness, rising from the plant. He said there was a funny smell, and all students were given a mask and told not to remove it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A staffer at the local environment bureau told The Paper that a team was dispatched to the scene to monitor potential pollution but had yet to report back. The blast came less than two weeks after the National Ministry of Emergency Management held a workshop on preventing and controlling risks in the chemical industry, as Beijing urged officials at chemical industrial parks to boost their capabilities in managing hazardous chemicals. Last year, the chemical plant was cited for safety risks at least twice, but in September it was praised by the Weifang Emergency Management Bureau for relying on party members to effectively manage workplace risks. Specifically, party members at Gaomi Youdao identified more than 800 safety hazards in the first eight months of 2024 and rectified all of them, the bureau said. Workplace safety has improved over the years in China but remains a stubborn problem. The National Ministry of Emergency Management recorded 21,800 incidents and 19,600 deaths in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A warehouse complex storing large amounts of hazardous chemicals caught fire and exploded in Tianjin in 2015, leaving 173 dead or missing. In 2019, 78 people were killed in a blast at a chemical plant in Yancheng in Chinas eastern coastal province of Jiangsu. AP video producer Olivia Zhang, researcher Shihuan Chen in Beijing and writer Fu Ting in Washington contributed to this report. If you want a private audience with President Donald Trump, be prepared to pay. Trump has been offering one-to-one conversations in exchange for a hefty donation to MAGA Inc., a super PAC founded in 2022 that raises funds to support the GOP President, The New Yorker reported. The price is a cool $5 million, according to the magazine. It is a hefty hike since December, when MAGA supporters could buy a seat at a group dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago for $1 million. But it follows a spate of White House schemes to raise funds including a crypto dinner that came in at $1.7 million a seat and was billed as the most exclusive invitation in the world. This photo illustration shows the representation of the $Trump meme coin. / NurPhoto via Getty Images The new cash-to-talk scheme has shocked even the staunchest Trump supporters who are used to buying influence in Washington, The New Yorker reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its not clear whether the $5 million investment is worth it, or whats on offer besides an opportunity to lobby the president in person. Lobbyists have had success with the administration since the start of Trumps second term in January. Pilgrims Pride, a U.S. poultry producer, was the largest donor to Trumps inauguration fund and a few months later the administration announced policy changes that benefitted the company, such as agreeing not to increase salmonella testing, the New Yorker said. Notable businessmen have also been seen to cozy up to Trump by paying millions into the Presidents coffers. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg settled a lawsuit with Trump, agreeing to pay the President $25 million after dining at Mar-a-Lago, the New Yorker reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon Musk has all but entwined his business interests with the Republican administration - in the latest move, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has emerged as the frontrunner for a contract to develop Trumps new missile shield project, Golden Dome. Last Thursday, Trump held a private dinner with more than 200 global investors in his meme coin. Critics warned the event gave investors unprecedented ability to lobby the President in-person while Trump benefits financially from their investment in his cryptocurrency. Senator Elizabeth Warren described the event as an orgy of corruption. President Donald J. Trump greets Tesla CEO Elon Musk in Doha, Qatar. / Win McNamee/Getty Images Trumps money-making schemes extended to merchandise in April with the release of Trump 2028 embroidered hats for $50. The cap comes in MAGA red. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Presidents are limited to two terms in the White House according to 22nd Amendment of the Constitution meaning Trump will not be able to seek re-election in 2028. However, in March Trump said he was not joking about running for a third term. He told NBC News there were methods that would allow him to stay in power, without providing details. Even if that proves to be a troll, the MAGA Inc. PACs vast war chest gives Trump extraordinary staying power in a second term. No second-term president has previously had so much cash and already some it has funded advertising campaigns in seats held by Republicans in districts which Trump lost, seen as the most vulnerable to losing in next years midterms, Axios reported. Trump wants to spend the cash not to benefit Republicans altruistically but because he believes a Democratic-held House would impeach him for a third time and wants to avoid that stain, thew outlet reported. The White House and MAGA Inc. PAC did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Beast. Claim: Pope Leo XIV said, "You cannot follow both Christ and the cruelty of kings. A leader who mocks the weak, exalts himself, and preys on the innocent is not sent by God. He is sent to test you. And many are failing." Rating: Rating: Incorrect Attribution In May 2025, shortly after Pope Leo XIV's inauguration, a quote social media users attributed to the new pope circulated online. It read: You cannot follow both Christ and the cruelty of kings. A leader who mocks the weak, exalts himself, and preys on the innocent is not sent by God. He is sent to test you. And many are failing. The alleged quote spread on multiple sites, most widely on Facebook (archived) and Threads (archived). Collectively, these posts garnered tens of thousands of reactions, and dozens of Snopes readers also searched for verification of the quote. Some people also interpreted the alleged quote to apply to U.S. President Donald Trump, "the current American administration" and "MAGA," according to social media comments. The Threads post linked above appeared on the internet on May 14, 2025. It is unclear whether this was the original post, but we have not found an earlier one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Threads user @feliciamlopes) We reached out to both the Instagram account @feliciamlopes and the official Holy See Press Office for verification or comment, and will update this story if we receive a response from either party. There is no evidence Pope Leo XIV publicly said the quote in question. A Google search of the words "Pope Leo 'you cannot follow both Christ and the cruelty of kings'" revealed only social media posts featuring the graphic above or attributing the quote to Pope Leo XIV without any evidence. (Google.com) The official Vatican news site also did not yield any results, and no reputable news outlet reported the alleged quote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In sum, there is no evidence social media users correctly attributed the quote to Pope Leo XIV; the exact origins of the quote are unknown. Because of this, the claim is incorrectly attributed. Sources: Search - Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/search.html. Accessed 16 May 2025. Threads. https://www.threads.com/@feliciamlopes/post/DJqhIHzPfwy/i-gotta-tell-you-im-really-loving-this-new-pope. Accessed 16 May 2025. Claim: Comedian Tim Allen wrote a long Facebook post attacking liberals and Democratic politicians detailing some interesting points to think about prior to 2020, especially to my friends on the fence. Rating: Rating: Incorrect Attribution Comedian and Actor Tim Allen has been the target of a persistent internet rumor claiming he wrote a list of "interesting points" criticizing Democrats. Various versions of the post originally gained traction in 2019 and persisted in 2025. The posts were spread among conservative social media users like musician Ted Nugent and contained numerous, dubious observations criticizing Democrats and liberals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though we first debunked this claim in September 2019, the post made a comeback in mid-2025. Reshared on Facebook in May 2025, alongside a photo of Allen, it stated (in part): TIM ALLEN - ON TRUMP: Whatever your feelings for Trump, these are some interesting points that Tim Allen makes. Put your hatred aside and think about these observations. Tim Allen is credited with writing this ... Tim Allen wrote... Here are some interesting points to think about prior to 2020, especially to my friends on the fence, like moderate Democrats, Libertarians and Independents and the never Trump Republicans and those thinking of "walking away" from the Democratic party: - Women are upset at Trump's naughty words -- they also bought 80 million copies of 50 Shades of Gray. - Not one feminist has defended Sarah Sanders. It seems women's rights only matter if those women are liberal. - No Border Walls. No voter ID laws. Did you figure it out yet? But wait... there's more... - Chelsea Clinton got out of college and got a job at NBC that paid $900,000 per year. Her mom flies around the country speaking out about white privilege. And just like that, they went from being against foreign interference in our elections to allowing non-citizens to vote in our elections. [...] - We are one election away from open borders, socialism, gun confiscation, and full-term abortion nationally. We are fighting evil. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=713146357911742&set=a.140350298524687 However, as we reported before, the comedian and actor did not write the above post. We found no evidence on his social media profiles, or in his interviews that he made the above statement. As such, we rate this as an incorrect attribution. Snopes did trace one example of the purported quote to an August 2019 Facebook post from a user who went by the name "Tim Allen" and appeared to reside in Virginia. He shared the "interesting points" message on his personal account and was among the early users to share a post with those views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement https://www.facebook.com/tim.allen.50552/posts/2405499676182316?ref=embed_post Nugent shared a version of the post in August 2019 without tying it to Allen and with a number of modifications. By that time the post had appeared online for several months with some of the musings adapted from other social media posts: Pearls of wisdom Life is not a fairy tale. If you lose your shoe at midnight, you're drunk. If women are upset at Trump's naughty words, who in the hell bought 80 million copies of '50 Shades of Gray'? Jim Comey answered, "I don't know," "I don't recall," and "I don't remember" 236 times while under oath. But he remembered enough to write a book. President Trump should nominate Hillary Clinton for the next opening on the supreme court. Then he can finally get her investigated. Not one feminist has defended Sarah Sanders. It seems women's rights only matter if those women are liberal. No Border Walls. No voter ID laws. You figured it out yet? Chelsea Clinton got out of college and got a job at NBC that paid $900,000 per year. Her mom flies around the country speaking out about white privilege. Per our past reporting, the section of the Facebook post about being "one election away from open borders, socialism, gun confiscation, and full-term abortion nationally" was its own meme back in January 2019. The line about "foreign interference" in elections was posted separately in social media content from April 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen has spoken publicly about his conservative views. In a 2017 interview, he likened being a conservative in Hollywood to living in 1930s Germany. He did also call the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump "horrible, embarrassing, and shameful." This is not the first time we have covered posts sharing a celebrity's alleged political views. In May 2025, we reported on a deepfake video of Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour explaining why she permanently removed U.S. President Donald Trump from the Met Gala invitation list. The video had been manipulated from real footage of Wintour to show her falsely saying: "We make room for art, culture and the true spirit of innovation, rather than making way for someone who blatantly belittled women, mocked immigrants and regarded aesthetics as a bargaining chip." Wintour never used those words. In sum, there is no evidence of Allen writing the above Facebook post, despite holding conservative views. It was thus incorrectly attributed to him. Snopes' archives contributed to this report. Sources: MacGuill, Dan. "Did Comedian Tim Allen Write a Viral Facebook Attack on Democrats?" Snopes, 4 Sept. 2019, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/tim-allen-liberals-facebook/. Accessed 15 May 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mumford, Gwilym. "Tim Allen Condemned for Comparing Hollywood to 1930s Germany." The Guardian, 21 Mar. 2017. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/mar/21/tim-allen-urged-to-apologise-for-comparing-hollywood-to-1930s-nazi-germany-jimmy-kimmel. Accessed 15 May 2025. "Tim Allen Breaks Silence on Capitol Attack: 'Shameful' and Bad for Conservatives." EW.Com, https://ew.com/celebrity/tim-allen-on-capitol-attack-shameful/. Accessed 15 May 2025. Wrona, Aleksandra. "Video Showing Anna Wintour Saying Why She Banned Trump from Met Gala Is a Deepfake." Snopes, 8 May 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/anna-wintour-trump-met-gala/. Accessed 15 May 2025. DHAKA (Reuters) -Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, faces mounting discontent among citizens and discord among political parties over its plans for elections. After deadly student-led protests forced long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India last year, authorities face delays over promised reforms, growing protests, and political division, despite appealing for national unity. Here are the key issues fuelling the unrest and uncertainty: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ELECTION DISPUTES The interim government has yet to set a firm election date, after Yunus said national elections would be held sometime between December and June of next year. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia wants polls held by December. Last week, it said it continued support for Yunus' government would be "difficult" without a firm election plan. Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman also piled on pressure last week, by calling for elections by year-end and airing dissatisfaction over the political situation. The National Citizen Party, born out of last year's deadly student-led protests, insists elections must wait until key reforms are completed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement REFORM DEADLOCK Progress has been slow on sweeping institutional reforms Yunus promised after Hasina's exit. His government set up the National Consensus Commission (NCC), a panel of seven, to forge consensus on recommendations by six reform panel. The NCC said its first round of dialogue with political parties showed broad support for some changes, such as restoring the caretaker government system and judicial independence. But sharp disagreements cloud more complex proposals for constitutional reform, a two-chamber parliament, and decentralisation of the judiciary. A second round of talks with political parties on reforms will begin in the first week of June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LAW AND ORDER Bangladesh's unstable law and order situation feeds people's anxiety, with growing street protests by civil servants, teachers, and political activists in recent weeks disrupting life in major cities, such as Dhaka, the capital. The unrest worries citizens, who fear it could spiral out of control if a political consensus is not reached soon. BAN ON HASINA'S PARTY The Awami League's registration was suspended this month, effectively barring it from contesting future elections but redoubling concerns about inclusiveness when polls are next held. Yunus' press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, called for efforts to escape a war-like situation he said prevailed after the Awami League ban prompted attempts to destabilise the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Facebook post, Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, blamed the crisis on what he called "Yunus' politics of vengeance". (Reporting by Ruma Paul and Sudipto Ganguly; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) The firefighting community came together not just to say goodbye but to honor a life built on courage, sacrifice, and service. Monday marked a somber day in London as hundreds from across the state gathered to pay their respects to Major Leslie Leatherman, who lost his life in the line of duty during the devastating May 16th tornado. Kentucky fire major died trying to save wifes life when Laurel County tornado struck Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With that, just kind of unreal, said Deputy Chief Terry Wattenbarger. Weve had a pretty rough week between the devastation from the tornado itself and then the loss of Major Leatherman due to his line-of-duty death. Despite the heartbreak, the brotherhood of the fire service stood strong. Firefighters and first responders traveled to honor a man known for his selflessness and dedication. There are people that will be here today that never knew Leslie or never met him, but because of who he was and what he stood for, they will come and pay their respects, and thats immensely important and makes us feel good, and they support us, and thats needed, Wattenbarger added. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major Leatherman was responding to a fire alarm in the Sunshine Hills area when the tornado struck. During the chaos, he found an injured woman and shielded her with his body to protect her from further harm. It was later revealed that the woman was his wife, Michelle. He was located outside his home and was found with his wife, explained Wattenbarger. But we assume that was the tornado that he went through to find her, and thats where he actually perished. Michelle remains hospitalized, facing a long road to recovery. Wattenbarger shared that the funeral was live-streamed, so she could watch the service, and she was able to join the burial via FaceTime. Shes recovering, and its going to be a long road to recovery, and we just want to keep her in our thoughts and prayers and not lose the fact that she has a long road to go, Wattenbarger said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the department grieves, they continue to support each other. Who are the 19 southeastern Kentucky tornado victims? Were just surviving. Thats what were trying to do, just putting one step in front of the other and keeping moving forward. Major Leathermans bravery and sacrifice leave a legacy that his fellow firefighters vow to carry on. We want to continue to go forward and serve the community just like he would want us to, said Wattenbarger. He was a true public servant in every aspect. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) Memorial Day is a day to remember Americas fallen military members, and many state leaders attend various services across the Commonwealth. Senator Wayne Langerholc attended Sandyvales dedication service in Cambria County, honoring the men and women from the county who gave their lives fighting for our country. The service also honored veterans in attendance with a special pinning ceremony. Langerholc spoke about his great-uncle, who was killed in World War II. He shared how special this day is to honor his uncle, as well as others who have served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans who spoke at the service expressed how the day has turned into a celebration for many Americans, but remembering why we have the day is whats important. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) With flies buzzing all around them, the woman and her daughter picked through the pile of garbage bags for scraps of food at the foot of a destroyed building in Gaza City. She found a small pile of cooked rice, a few scraps of bread, a box with some smears of white cheese still inside. Islam Abu Taeima picked soggy bits from a piece of bread and put the dry part in her sack. She will take what she found back to the school where she and hundreds of other families live, boil it and serve it to her five children, she said. Were dying of hunger, she said. If we dont eat, well die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her rummaging for food is a new sign of the depths of desperation being reached in Gaza, where the population of some 2.3 million has been pushed toward famine by Israels nearly three-month blockade. The entry of a small amount of aid in the past week has done almost nothing to ease the situation. Before the war, it was rare to see anyone searching through garbage for anything, despite the widespread poverty in the Gaza Strip. Since Israel launched its military campaign decimating the strip after Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, it has been common to see children searching through growing, stinking piles of uncollected garbage for wood or plastic to burn in their family's cooking fire or for anything worth selling but not for food. For food, they might search through the rubble of damaged buildings, hoping for abandoned canned goods. But Abu Taeima says she has no options left. She and her 9-year-old daughter Waed wander around Gaza City, looking for leftovers discarded in the trash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is our life day to day, she said. If we dont gather anything, then we dont eat. It's still not common, but now people picking food from trash are occasionally seen. Some come out after dark because of the shame. I feel sorry for myself because Im educated and despite that Im eating from the trash, said Abu Taeima, who has a bachelors degree in English from Al-Quds Open University in Gaza. Her family struggled to get by even before the war, she said. Abu Taeima has worked for a short time in the past as a secretary for UNRWA, the main U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees and the biggest employer in Gaza. She also worked as a reader for blind people. Her husband worked briefly as a security guard for UNRWA. He was wounded in the 2021 war between Hamas and Israel and has been unable to work since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel cut off all food, medicine and other supplies to Gaza on March 2. It said the blockade and its subsequent resumption of the war aimed to pressure Hamas to release the hostages it still holds. But warnings of famine have stoked international criticism of Israel. It allowed several hundred trucks into Gaza last week. But much of it hasnt reached the population, either aid trucks were looted or because of Israeli military restrictions on aid workers movements, especially in northern Gaza, according to the U.N. Aid groups say the amount of supplies allowed in is nowhere near enough to meet mounting needs. Abu Taeima and her family fled their home in the Shati refugee camp on the northern side of Gaza City in November 2023. At the time she and one of her children were wounded in a tank shelling, she said. They first headed to the strips southernmost city of Rafah where they sheltered in a tent for five months. They then moved to the central town of Deir al-Balah a year ago when Israel first invaded Rafah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a two-month ceasefire that began in January, they went back to Shati, but their landlord refused to let them back into their apartment because they couldnt pay rent, she said. Several schools-turned-shelters in Gaza City at first refused to receive them because they were designated for people who fled towns in northern Gaza. Only when she threatened to set herself and her family on fire did one school give them a space, she said. Abu Taeima said her family cant afford anything in the market, where prices have skyrocketed for the little food that remains on sale. She said she has tried going to charity kitchens, but every time they run out of food before she gets any. Such kitchens, producing free meals, have become the last source of food for many in Gaza, and giant crowds flood them every day, pushing and shoving to get a meal. People are struggling, and no one is going to be generous with you, she said. So collecting from the trash is better. The risk of catching disease isn't at the top of her list of worries. Starvation is the biggest disease, she said. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo. Friends and family paid their final respects to a Clark Atlanta University alumna after she was shot and killed. Dr. Cameisha Clark was only 35 years old, but friends told Channel 2s Michael Seiden that she still managed to accomplish things a lot of people only dream about. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] She first arrived at CAU in 2007, where she would later earn not one, not two, but three degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had been living in California, where she was a dean at Spartan College when she tragically lost her life. There were lots of hugs and tears as friends and family came together at a southwest Atlanta funeral home where her loved ones held a public viewing Monday. I met Cameisha in the ninth grade when we were all going to Mays, said her friend, Koko Humphrey. Just a beautiful girl. Beautiful spirit. Humphrey says she made the eight-hour drive from her home in Virginia, because she wanted to celebrate the life and legacy of a childhood friend who never met a stranger. She was that girl! Everybody loved her! she said. She embraced everybody, so it hurts to see that she left the way she did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say a former security guard shot and killed her inside her office at Spartan College. Investigators arrested the suspect and described the deadly shooting as an apparent act of workplace violence. The gunman is also accused of shooting a second victim, a receptionist, who was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Clarks death rocked the CAU community. School officials recently announced a $10,000 donation for the establishment of the Dr. Cameisha Clark Scholarship Fund for students who are aspiring educators. Clarks funeral is planned for Tuesday. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Officials announced a presidential disaster declaration is allowing the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to farmers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. According to the USDA, emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. Presidential Designation M4864 Application deadline: December 24, 2025 Eligible counties: Hopkins County, McLean County, Muhlenberg County, Ohio County, Webster County Presidential Designation M4864 Amendment 1 Application deadline: January 14, 2026 Eligible counties: Kentucky: Daviess County, Hancock County, Henderson County, McLean County, Muhlenberg County, Ohio County, Webster County, Hopkins County, Union County Indiana: Perry County, Posey County, Spencer County, Vanderburgh County, Warrick County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USDA increases funding to reimburse states for food safety inspections Officials say on this website, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet and Loan Assistance Tool can help people determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, people are asked to contact their local USDA Service Center. FEMA offers different assistance programs for individual citizens, public groups including government agencies and private nonprofit organizations. People can visit this website for assistance related to FEMA matters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). David Huff, 43, was charged with attempted murder for pointing a gun at his stepfather's head and pulling the trigger, though the gun malfunctioned and didn't fire That same night Huff allegedly murdered his girlfriend Yeraldith Tschudy, 32, and son Jeremiah Huff, 11 Jeremiah called his mother for help after being shot multiple times and taking a bullet to the head and died while still on the phone, according to authorities. A New York man is being charged with attempted murder for allegedly trying to kill his stepfather on the same day he is accused of murdering his son and his girlfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Huff, 43, was previously charged with three counts of murder and criminal possession of a weapon in the deaths of Yeraldith Tschudy, 32, and Jeremiah Huff, 11, on March 17 in Syracuse. He was indicted on a new charge of attempted murder in court on Tuesday for allegedly pointing a gun at his stepfather Charles O'Donnell and pulling the trigger that same night, according to a copy of a grand jury indictment filed in Onondaga County Court and obtained by PEOPLE. The gun malfunctioned when Huff pulled the trigger, Assistant District Attorney Rob Moran alleged in court on Tuesday, ultimately saving O'Donnell's life. Huff appeared in court on Tuesday for his arraignment but did not speak. The Onondaga County District Attorney's Office has previously said that they expect Huff will meet with mental health experts ahead of a possible trial in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense has not yet offered an alibi in the case or entered a plea to any of the charges. Syracuse Police Department David Huff David Huff Huff allegedly shot his son repeatedly with a 12-gauge shotgun on March 17, firing one of those bullets into the boy's head at close range, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph L. Cecile said at a news conference shortly after the boy's death. Cecile also confirmed that despite his injuries and the bullet to his head, 11-year-old Jeremiah somehow managed to make one final phone call to his mother before he died. "It's so poignant to think about in the context of how it happened and that he's still in this house with this man, his father, with a loaded gun and he's reaching out to the one person that is now the only person he can depend on," Cecile said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then added: "It's just so tragic to think of that happening in that house." 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. It was the boy's mother who then called 911 to report the shooting, Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick told reporters. "She had the unbearable tragedy of listening to her son be murdered," Fitzpatrick said. He later noted: "To be on the phone listening to your son's murder, she'll never get over that. Ever." Yeraldith Tschudy/Facebook Yeraldith Tschudy Yeraldith Tschudy Related: Children Watched in Horror as Their Dad Was Shot Dead During Custody Exchange and Mom Is Now Charged Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other victim, Tschudy, was. a social worker and the mother of two children, ages 4 and 11. She had been dating Huff for about six months, Fitzpatrick said at that same press conference. Tschudy immigrated to the United States from Colombia at a young age and worked at Villa of Hope, a facility that provides counseling and assistance to individuals who struggle with addiction and mental health issues. Cecile said at the press conference that she had been shot so many times authorities struggled at first to identify the victim. Huff then went to a local hospital after the shooting, where he was found laying down in an examination room, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was then asked to leave the facility by an employee of the hospital, who flagged the man and his suspicious behavior to authorities, said Cecile. A trooper with the New York State Police arrested Huff on March 18, one day after the murders. Huff is due back in Court on July 26. His trial is not set to begin until May of next year. He is currently being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center, a maximum security facility in Syracuse. Read the original article on People A father has described surviving a terrifying boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale on Memorial Day that left 11 people, including his two young children suffering from burns. Antonio Rivera was one of the 13 people on board when the accident happened at approximately 5.45pm on Monday afternoon. He told CBS News that the driver had been attempting to restart the engine after refueling, intending to return the party to shore along the Intracoastal Waterway. We tried to fuel up the boat and it mustve been a gas leak, Rivera said. A spark went off and an explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strength of the blast threw members of the group into the water and caused a flash fire, according to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue spokesperson Frank Guzman. Marisa Toomsen and Bret Triano talk to a Fort Lauderdale police after helping rescue those injured in the boat explosion (South Florida Sun Sentinel/AP) The injured were subsequently rescued by members of the public and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and taken to nearby Broward Health Medical Center for treatment. Those suffering severe burns were subsequently transferred on to a specialist unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The remaining two boaters and a dog were reportedly unharmed. Rivera said his wife and children, aged just five and seven, had been wounded but added: Theyll be okay theres nothing permanent but they did get third-degree burns. It was terrifying. Investigators examine a boat, dockside with blue cover, whose engine exploded with 13 people on board in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday May 26 2025 (CBS News Miami) Eyewitness Bret Triano said he had seen the boat engulfed by a fireball and rushed to help, along with several others, by jumping into a dinghy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they went to start their boat up, it just exploded. People were kind of falling off the boat, he said. Triano said he found Rivera in the water: He was saying, Save me, please dont let me die, Im so hot, I need water. The vessel had been anchored at a sandbar near the waterways New River Triangle, a popular congregating point for boaters on holiday weekends, at the time of the explosion. The USCG has since posted on social media that a salvage operation is underway and that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is investigating precisely what caused the incident. A Manchester father who admitted to inflicting severe burns and skull fractures on his 7-year-old son who later died was sentenced to a minimum of 45 years in state prison Tuesday afternoon. Judge William Delker spoke of the immense horror surrounding the death of Jaevion Riley during the sentencing of Murtadah Mohammad, 27, at Hillsborough County Superior Court in Manchester. Delker called Mohammads crimes a sustained campaign of abuse, with injuries including scald marks all over Jaevions body and a fractured skull. He would have had to have fought for his life when he was exposed to boiling water, Delker said. He must have screamed his heart out when you whipped and beat him, and none of that deterred you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mohammad, 27, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last month in Hillsborough County Superior Court. Prosecutor Peter Hinckley had previously said the injuries were consistent with the boy being forcibly immersed in hot water. Mohammads abuse inflicted second- and third-degree burns to 15% of the childs body, a skull fracture and a knocked-out tooth over the course of five days leading up to the boys death on Jan. 23, 2023, Hinckley said. During sentencing Tuesday, Jaevions mother, Rainah Riley, could not bear hearing the arguments of prosecutors and left the courtroom wailing. She returned briefly, but left without delivering a planned victim impact statement. Murtadah Mohammad sentencing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rainah Riley, the mother of the 7-year-old victim, Jaevion Riley, breaks down during the sentencing of Murtadah Mohammad at Hillsborough County Superior Court in Manchester on Tuesday. Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr and several investigators who worked the case sat in the gallery as Delker heard arguments for sentencing. Hinckley argued to have Mohammad spend a minimum of 45 years in prison for his monstrous actions. The case involved powerful and damning evidence, including medical and forensic data, surveillance video, phone records and proof of coverup efforts. He systematically, violently abused a young child by inflicting various different types of physical trauma by his own admission over the course of several days, Hinkley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinckley spoke of Mohammads failure to get Jaevion help for more than 12 hours. You know the prolonged anguish that the child endured hour after hour after hour until his young body just gave out on him, Hinckley said. The defendant witnessed firsthand and knew the suffering and acted to protect himself. He did nothing to protect his victim until too late when there was no choice. Standing at a podium in the center of the courtroom wearing an orange jail uniform, Mohammad asked Delker for leniency. His lawyers asked for 20 years in prison. Murtadah Mohammad sentencing Murtadah Mohammad reads a statement at his sentencing at Hillsborough County Superior Court in Manchester on May 27, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want everyone to know that I take responsibility for the death of my son, Jaevion, Mohammad said. I should have never been using drugs and alcohol that led to the decision that I made that ultimately led to my sons death. He said he has worked on his mental health with both counseling and medication. I will have to live the rest of my life knowing that I caused my sons death, Mohammad said. Mohammads lawyer Carl Swenson spoke of the lack of evidence of abuse prior to the killing of Jaevion. He contrasted Mohammads case with those of Adam Montgomery, who was convicted of the murder of his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony, and Danielle Dauphinais, who pleaded guilty for her role in the death of her 5-year-son, Elijah. Montgomery was sentenced to 45 years to life and Dauphinais 50 years to life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a case where he hid or abused the body, and it is sad that I even have to bring that up as a comparison point, Swenson said. He also mentioned Mohammads lack of a criminal record. Two of his sisters wrote letters speaking of their brother as a loving father, who had a tough childhood and struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Delker was unconvinced by Mohammads statement and his lawyers arguments, saying Mohammad hasnt been able to acknowledge the full scope of what (he) did to Jaevion. You left him to suffer and ultimately die without seeking help, Delker said. I think we can only hope that at some point he lost consciousness and didnt experience the pain for the full 12 or more hours that these crimes occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murtadah Mohammad sentencing Superior Court Justice Will Delker sentences Murtadah Mohammad at Hillsborough County Superior Court in Manchester on May 27, 2025. Delker also heard a family friend deliver a victim impact statement which expressed how some family members are barely getting by since Jaevions death, including the boys maternal grandmother. Ive never seen such hard act and devastation of a soul as Ive seen in her, the woman said. You did this to her when you murdered her grandson. A display of artwork made by Jaevions first-grade classmates after his death was allowed to be displayed in the courtroom over the defense opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His teacher, Marguerite Hopey, recalled Jaevion as a sweet and kind student who could read any book he was given. Jaevions death took a toll on her students and her own mental health, she said in a statement read in court. Jaevion was loved in our classroom and at our school, she said. I can still see his beautiful face and his kind eyes full of life and promise. He was a lovely boy, and he will be remembered with gentleness and love. jphelps@unionleader.com A man was trying to teach his daughter how to drive on Memorial Day when the lesson turned deadly. James Politoski, 64, of Laguna Beach was teaching his 15-year-old daughter how to drive Monday around 2:43 p.m. when she drove from the upper parking lot of a Gelson's Market, breached the fence, and continued down an embankment to Coast Highway near Wesley Drive and Montage Resort Drive, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department. The teenager was significantly injured and hospitalized in Mission Viejo, according to authorities. Politoski was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video of the scene from KTLA shows that the car plummeted off the embankment and landed upside down on the highway. The Laguna Beach Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident," a police news release said. 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. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced Monday that the agency is reinvestigating the case of the cocaine found at the White House in 2023 an incident that prompted Donald Trump to wildly speculate that the drug belonged to then-President Joe Biden or his son, Hunter Biden. Among other unsolved cases tainted by potential public corruption, Bongino wrote, the FBI will also revisit the pipe bombs planted outside the Democratic and Republican Party headquarters the night before the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and the leak of the Supreme Courts 2022 overturning of federal abortion protections. In July 2023, the Secret Service discovered a bag of cocaine in a cubby used by visitors and staffers at the White House, triggering unfounded guesses about the source. Trump accused both Hunter Biden and Joe Biden of snorting the stash. But the Secret Service said it could not identify the culprit and dropped the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renewed interest in the matter is likely no coincidence after Trump exploited the controversy during his candidacy. Does anybody really believe that the COCAINE found in the West Wing of the White House, very close to the Oval Office, is for the use of anyone other than Hunter & Joe Biden, he wrote on Truth Social that summer. But watch, the Fake News Media will soon start saying that the amount found was very small, & it wasnt really COCAINE, but rather common ground up Aspirin, & the story will vanish. Trump double-downed on his theory a bit later. In 2024, Trump claimed that Biden was all jacked up during a State of the Union address. Bongino called the White House cocaine case and others "potential public corruption." Bloomberg via Getty Images Related... FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the agency will further investigate several unsolved incidents, including the discovery of cocaine at the White House, the DC pipe bombs case and the Supreme Court Dobbs decision leak. Shortly after swearing in, the Director and I evaluated a number of cases of potential public corruption that, understandably, have garnered public interest. We made the decision to either re-open, or push additional resources and investigative attention, to these cases, Bongino said in an X post on Monday. The incidents are among those that have garnered media attention and public interest, particularly among conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation plans to look into an incident in 2023 where cocaine was discovered in the White House. The substance was found near the ground floor entrance to the West Wing, in a location where staff-led tours of the White House pass through on their way into the building. Sources had previously described the substance as a white powder found in a small, zipped bag. At the time, Secret Service personnel found the substance while conducting routine rounds of the building. Bonginos post also mentions the unsolved case of who planted two pipe bombs on January 5, 2021, the night before the Capitol riot. One was near the Democratic National Committee and the other near the Republican National Committee. The FBI has been unable to determine who placed the pipe bombs, despite well-publicized photos of a suspect wearing a hoodie and facemask, a substantial reward and a thousand interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency picked up its efforts in January when they released new video angles of the suspect near both locations as well as a new height estimate, hoping it may lead to more tips. The unsolved pipe bomb case fueled a wide range of conspiracy theories, including from Bongino who suggested on his popular podcast in January that the FBI was complicit in planting pipe bombs around Washington, DC. Bongino also said he plans to investigate who leaked a draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade to the media. The leak became public in May 2022 when Politico published the draft opinion reversing the landmark 1973 decision that established a constitutional right to abortion. The Supreme Court was unable to determine who leaked it when they issued their own investigative report in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said they conducted 126 formal interviews of 97 employees, all of whom denied disclosing the opinion. They also conducted a fingerprint analysis, looked closely into any connections between employees and reporters, and especially scrutinized any contacts with anyone associated with Politico. CNNs Kevin Liptak, Jeremy Diamond, Evan Perez, Holmes Lybrand, Ariane de Vogue, Tierney Sneed and Devan Cole contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The FBI is reopeningand growinga series of investigations that have stirred outrage among Republicans and MAGA figures. Dan Bongino, the deputy director of the FBI, said the agency is doubling its efforts to examine potential public corruption by relaunching probes into the 2023 discovery of cocaine in Joe Bidens White House, the still-unsolved 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case and the leak of the Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson opinion, which ultimately led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. We made the decision to either reopen or push additional resources and investigative attention to these cases, Bongino posted on X Monday. I receive requested briefings on these cases weekly, and we are making progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move arrives shortly after the FBI faced backlash from MAGA figures for not exposing any deep state cover-ups or confirming conspiracy theoriesincluding ones surrounding the death by suicide of billionaire child sex offender Jeffrey Epsteineven though the agency is now headed by Donald Trump loyalists Bongino and Director Kash Patel. Each investigation mentioned by the FBIs No. 2 official has, at one point, been a major talking point on the right. The discovery of a bag of cocaine in a vestibule of the White House in July 2023 provided MAGA figures with days of talking pointsnot just to attack former President Biden, but also his son Hunter, who has publicly struggled with drug addiction. Several tried to suggest the cocaine belonged to Hunter Biden, despite no Biden family members being present at the White House that day. The Secret Service closed its investigation on July 12, citing the lack of fingerprint or DNA evidence meant they could not single out a person of interest from the hundreds of individuals who passed through the area, where visitors leave their phones and other belongings, on the day the cocaine was found. Dan Bongino, the FBIs No. 2 official, made the announcement in a Monday post on X. / Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Politicon Bongino, a former MAGA podcaster, had previously claimed, without offering evidence, that whistleblowers told him they were suspicious that fingerprints taken from the bag could match someone in the inner Biden circle, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI is also digging into the leak of the Supreme Courts draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the decision that ended the constitutional right to abortion. The draft was published by Politico in May 2022, sparking nationwide protests and political backlash. The Supreme Court launched an internal investigation, calling it one of the worst breaches of trust in its history, but failed to identify the leaker. Trump expressed frustration that the case remains unsolved. In a January 2023 Truth Social post, he wrote that it wont be long before the name of this slime is revealed. A suspect accused planting of explosive devices near the Democratic and Republican committee headquarters in Washington has still not been found more than four years later. / FBI/Handout via Reuters And the FBI is also pushing to solve the case of a suspect who placed two pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021, the eve of the MAGA protests supporting Trumps false 2020 election fraud claims and subsequent riot at the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than four years later, no one has been arrested in connection with the bombs, which were defused, despite substantial video evidence tracking the suspects movements through the Capitol Hill area that night. Trump has repeatedly questioned why no arrests have been made, pushing the unfounded theory that left-wing protesters could have planted the bombs to incite violence and frame Trump supporters. This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday recommended COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers tailor their shots for the upcoming fall and winter season to target the JN.1 strain, ideally a subvariant known as LP.8.1. The decision followed a vote by FDA advisers endorsing the JN.1 lineage as the preferred target, similar to the year before. Drugmakers Moderna and Pfizer said they expect to be able to update their shots in time and, on Friday, Moderna submitted an application for an LP.8.1-targeting shot to the FDA. COVID vaccines will be handled differently under the new FDA leadership, however. Commissioner Martin Makary and top vaccine official Vinay Prasad recently set new approval standards, while on Tuesday Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had removed COVID shots from the recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. Dive Insight: Kennedy, Makary and Prasad are moving quickly to roll back COVID vaccine standards they have argued promoted overly broad use on too thin evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the Biden administration urged healthy children to get yet another COVID shot despite the lack of any clinical data to support the repeat booster standard in children, Kennedy said on the social media platform X. Removing COVID shots from the CDC immunization schedule could mean that some insurers no longer cover vaccination in healthy kids and pregnant women. Kennedys announcement comes ahead of a scheduled meeting of CDC advisers next month, when the expert panel is expected to vote on who should receive COVID boosters. The FDA will be reviewing new booster shot applications under the new standards laid out by Makary and Prasad, which allow immune data to support clearances in older adults or in those with health risks, but require placebo-controlled evidence for broader OKs in healthy adults and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a recent meeting of an FDA advisory committee, panel members questioned whether strain updates would fall under the new framework, which would potentially lengthen the time until boosters were widely available. Jerry Weir, director of the Division of Viral Products in the FDAs Office of Vaccines Research and Review, said he wasnt sure during the committees meeting Thursday. While the panel unanimously voted in favor of updating shots to cover the JN.1 family, they debated whether to recommend a more specific tailoring to LP.8.1. The World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency have both recently said monovalent shots targeting the JN.1 or KP.2 strains remain appropriate, but the EMA prefers vaccines target LP.8.1. The FDA is taking a similar approach. Based on the totality of the evidence, FDA has advised the manufacturers of the approved COVID-19 vaccines that to more closely match currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 viruses, the COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States beginning in fall 2025 should be monovalent JN.1-lineage-based COVID-19 vaccines ... preferentially using the LP.8.1 strain, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regulators recently granted a full approval to Novavaxs COVID shot, but only in adults 65 years or over, and in individuals between 12 and 64 years who are high risk of severe disease. At the meeting Thursday, Novavax said updating its shot to match LP.8.1 might be more difficult, by the FDAs guidance could give it some leeway. In an email to BioPharma Dive Tuesday, Novavax said the company and its partner Sanofi intend to provide their COVID shot for the upcoming season and are assessing input from the regulatory agencies, and will provide an update on the selected strain as soon as possible. The FDA did not give any information on clinical trial requirements or post-licensure studies in its statement on strain selection. Editors note: This story has been updated with comment from Novavax. Recommended Reading This story was published by our news partner the Vineyard Gazette on Marthas Vineyard. Eyewitnesses and workers on the Island say the FBI and other federal agencies were on the Vineyard Tuesday, stopping vehicles and taking people into custody. Reports of officers in unmarked vehicles making traffic stops in down-Island towns spread across social media in the morning, and witnesses said they saw officers in FBI jackets involved. The bureau did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one video shared online, a masked officer with the FBI is seen talking to a driver in a L&R Electrical Services van along Barnes Road. Thiago Alves, the owner of L&R Electrical Services, confirmed one of his workers was stopped by officers who were with the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Alves business is based in Rhode Island, and his worker arrived on the Island on Monday. The man, who Alves said has a green card, was released after questioning, but officers were interested in his immigration documentation. They questioned my guys looking for paperwork, Alves said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other workers in the trades had been stopped as well, he said. My guy said they are stopping all the work vans, Mr. Alves said. Its nothing against [us], its pretty much everyone. ICE also did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Other Islanders saw people taken into custody in Vineyard Haven. One Island woman, who asked to be anonymous for fear of reprisal, was driving along State Road at about 7:30 a.m. when she saw officers arrest a man across the street from Vineyard Grocer near the cemetery. While on her way to work, she saw more stops at the Barnes Road rotary, including by officers wearing Drug Enforcement Administration garb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were just grabbing people out of their cars, she said. A DEA spokesperson confirmed they had an agent assisting ICE, and referred questions to the other agency. Police officials in Edgartown and Tisbury did not return requests for comment. An Oak Bluffs police official referred questions to the FBI. The stops had Island institutions on high alert. The Vineyard public schools, which have many immigrant students, were monitoring the situation, according to Superintendent Richard Smith. In an email to parents sent out Tuesday, Smith said students well-being is the districts highest priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to remind you that we have protocols in place, aligned with state laws and District policies, to handle any requests for student or family information, as well as access to students, staff, or school property, he wrote. This includes requests from immigration authorities. Our staff are trained to follow these protocols to safeguard our students and school community. The Vineyard Gazette on Marthas Vineyard is a news partner of MassLive.com. To subscribe to the Vineyard Gazette, click here. More Cape & Islands content Read the original article on MassLive. May 27The Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has affirmed a ruling by the district court to deny a petition from Ryan Widmer, who is serving 15 years to life in prison for murdering his wife of four months, Sarah Widmer, in their bathtub in Warren County in 2008. According to the unpublished appeals court opinion filed May 19, Widmer, 45, and his attorney Michele Laura Berry asked the appeals court to overturn the decision of a district court that denied his petition for a writ of habeas corpus. The writ asked the district court to free Widmer, arguing that his rights were violated throughout his long court case, which spanned three separate trials from 2009 to 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several arguments for freeing Widmer centered the background of the former lead detective in the case, Jeff Braley. Widmer's attorney said that Braley falsely claimed to have served in an elite Special Forces unit and made up parts of his resume that led to his originally being hired by the Hamilton Twp. police department. The district court denied these arguments, generally ruling that the falsehoods wouldn't have made a serious impact on the jury's decision, partly because of how long before the case the falsehoods were made, but also because Braley had since attended the police academy and was not the only one to bring up reasons that the death was suspicious. The defense also argued that the arguments about arm prints on the bathtub were based on "junk science," but again the appeals court denied the argument and ruled that the testimony by itself wasn't definite or influential enough to substantially affect the case. They argued that Widmer should have been allowed to test his wife's DNA for a rare genetic disorder that they believe could have explained her death, but the district court found that Ohio law did not allow for access to DNA testing in this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeals court affirmed each of the district court's decisions, according to court documents. In addition, Widmer and his attorney argued that his legal counsel during the trials was ineffective for not pursuing genetic testing for the disorder, a claim which was denied by a state appeals court and the federal appeals court also affirmed. The case drew national and international attention after Widmer was accused of murdering Sarah Widmer and trying to cover it up by telling authorities that his wife had apparently fallen asleep in the bathtub and drowned while he was downstairs, court documents said. He was originally found guilty in April 2009 following a trial and 23 hours of deliberations. The verdict centered around the state of Sarah's body when first responders arrived, minutes after Widmer dialed 911. First responders said her body was virtually dry and only her hair was damp, and prosecutors claimed he drowned his wife then staged the 911 call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This verdict was thrown out when it was found several jurors performed at-home drying experiments and then told the other jurors about them. The next trial in 2010 ended in a hung jury after 31 hours of deliberation. Several jurors said that the lack of evidence of a struggle in the small bathroom was key to their disagreement, and although first responders said the scene was dry you could see the magazines littering the floor had been wet. The final trial was in 2011, and involved testimony from a "mystery witness" who testified that after the first two trials, Widmer had drunkenly confessed to her that he had killed Sarah. This last trial ended in a guilty verdict and Widmer being sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Appeals to the Ohio and U.S. supreme courts were denied. At the time of writing, Widmer was incarcerated in the Correctional Reception Center in Orient, Ohio, and is expected to have a parole hearing in July. According to Ohio Department of Corrections records, he is eligible for parole starting Aug. 29. Ashley Baker, strategic initiatives coordinator at the Great Plains Food Bank, stocks food in a wellness pantry. (Courtesy of Great Plains Food Bank) Proposed cuts to the federal food assistance program are coming at a time when agencies addressing hunger in North Dakota are already facing lost revenue and increased need. Theres a lot of uncertainty right now, said Darby Njos, spokeswoman for Great Plains Food Bank in Fargo. Were still urging lawmakers to support programs that help people get back on their feet while knowing that the needs of people continue to shift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent hit to federal food assistance are proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Known as SNAP, this is a federally funded program that gives money for groceries to eligible low-income households mostly older adults, people with disabilities, and families with children. A budget bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week would end federal nutrition benefits for millions and shift some costs to states, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill still needs to be considered by the U.S. Senate. Great Plains Food Bank is the only food bank in North Dakota and distributes food to those in need throughout the state and Clay County, Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year it lost about $1.3 million in funding and food because of federal cuts, Njos said. Some of those cuts were through a program that allowed the food bank to purchase meat and produce from local farmers. This year Great Plains Food Bank expected three rounds of funding, each around $1 million. The first round came through, the second round of funding was paused and then reinstated. The food bank has been informed it wont receive the third round, Njos said. We worked directly with several farmers, and we had to have some tough conversations, she said. We dont have the ability to make those purchases without that funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the food bank will not receive summer deliveries of food through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). These deliveries equaled about $300,000 in food. The nonprofit was able to raise about $250,000 in private funds to help offset those losses, but the cuts are still felt. Those cuts impact our day-to-day work, Njos said. Were working hard to fill in those gaps. In 2024, the food bank served 151,000 people in North Dakota and Clay County. About one-third of those served are children; 16% are seniors, Njos said. These are vulnerable populations that dont have a lot of options if theyre hungry, Njos said. You dont want them worrying about where to get their next meal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 28% of Great Plains Food Banks food sourcing traditionally comes through government programs. While some funding and commodities are still being received, the loss of purchasing power strains resources. Weve had to adapt quickly, Njos said. These cuts are real, and theyre being felt at every level. Susie Boelter is executive director of North Country Food Bank, which serves part of Grand Forks County in North Dakota and 21 counties in northwestern and western Minnesota. This food bank has seen what Boelter calls staggering increases of use over the past three years. Cutting federal food assistance would add to that need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there are cuts to SNAP that would have a huge impact on us, Boelter said. For every meal we provide (through the food bank), SNAP provides nine. North Country Food Bank has seen some shifts in which federal contracts are funded but it hasnt seen a loss in overall federal revenue. Boelter said its still time for additional help not less. Any additional cuts will put a ton of pressure on our emergency food system, she said. Food banks are good at getting food into the hands of people who need it, but its time to sound the alarm. One bright spot in food assistance is that federal funding for summer food programs remains in place, according to Melissa Anderson, assistant director for Child Nutrition and Food Distribution Programs at the state Department of Public Instruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two federal programs Summer Food Service and the Summer EBT provide nutrition for North Dakota students who have access to free and reduced-cost meals during the school year. This summer 42 schools and nonprofits are offering a free meal or snack at over 130 sites throughout North Dakota. In addition, the state Department of Public Instruction works with the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute EBT cards worth $120 to eligible students. Households have 120 days to use those dollars to purchase groceries, Anderson said. The state expects about 44,000 students will be eligible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These summer programs are successful in getting food to those who need it, and Anderson is optimistic the funding will remain. She also acknowledges that policies and funding streams can change quickly. Every day theres new information, Anderson said. Were trying to stay positive but there are a lot of unknowns. Lawmakers earlier this year approved $5 million in grant funding for the Great Plains Food Bank through the state Department of Agriculture to support the construction of a new statewide distribution center. The states investment will be matched by private donations raised by the agency. The food bank is preparing to break ground in 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This investment reflects the regions commitment to taking care of their neighbors, Njos said. Weve always thrived in times of crisis, said Njos. North Dakotans stand up when their neighbors are in need, and well continue doing whatever it takes to ensure no one goes hungry. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The future of a program studying New Mexico chiles in space is now in jeopardy after federal funding cuts. In 2021, NASA started growing New Mexico chiles at the International Space Station to learn how crops can grow in harsh conditions. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research aimed to help expand NASAs space cookbook, keep astronauts healthy, and keep their senses satisfied as they venture to the Moon and Mars. Scientists applying for new studies are being told that the habitat will no longer be available. In April, there were cuts to the Advanced Plant Habitat, which was the facility where the chiles were growing on the ISS. KRQE reached out to the program director of the study for more details. We have 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Liman on Tuesday barred the federal government from withholding funds from New York over the two parties' congestion toll dispute. (Sophie Nieto-Munoz | New Jersey Monitor) A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administrations effort to freeze federal funds to New York over its congestion pricing program Tuesday. Judge Lewis Limans temporary restraining order prevents the federal government from withholding until at least June 9 federal transportation funds from New York because of the citys congestion pricing tolls. The order also bars federal authorities from moving to rescind approvals for congestion pricing or otherwise terminate the program until that date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy in February moved to rescind approvals awarded to congestion pricing, saying that the program had exceeded the authority granted under a congressionally created program and that its rates were set to meet Metropolitan Transportation Authority revenue targets rather than to reduce congestion in Manhattan. The MTA promptly sued Duffy, his department, and other federal regulators, alleging the secretary lacks the authority to unilaterally rescind federal approvals for congestion pricing, which charges $9 for cars crossing into the tolling zone, with far steeper rates for heavier vehicles. Congestion pricing tolls are set to rise to $12 per crossing in 2028 and $15 per crossing in 2031. They are charged on top of tolls levied by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. During peak hours, car drivers with an E-ZPass pay $16.06 to enter New York through one of the Port Authoritys crossings. There is a separate federal lawsuit filed by New Jersey that is also seeking to end congestion pricing. It remains ongoing. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The relative silence on the diplomatic front does not mean that everything is fine between Russia and Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, it doesn't. The media is always an indicator of problems between countries. This is happening all over the world. When tensions arise in the relations of some countries, this can be judged by the behavior of the media. Today, after a significant break, the Russian media have once again given a platform to Armenian chatter. For example, a couple of days ago, former Armenian Defense Minister Arshak Karapetyan held a press conference in Izvestia. This guy, who had been head of the Defense Ministry for only a few months and was terribly angry at Nikol Pashinyan, got a microphone in a reputable Russian publication and told the devil knows what. They may object that Azerbaijan provides humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, so Karapetyan was invited. The answer is: these are completely different positions. Azerbaijan honestly and openly provides humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, but it does not provide the press centers of its leading publications for anti-Russian speeches. Despite all the problems in relations with Moscow. Arshak Karapetyan is not such an important figure to give press conferences in a place like Izvestia. He served as minister for about three months and during that time almost created new big problems for Armenia, for which he was expelled from his post. The peasant wanted to play the tough guy, and it could end badly for Armenia. However, Karapetyan himself told the assembled journalists fairy tales and tried to appear macho without shoulder straps, before which Azerbaijan once "trembled". But some points in his revelations still deserve attention. He acknowledged that Russia actively helped Armenia in the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, and without it, the Armenians would not have been able to seize Azerbaijani lands. He also actually announced that Armenia would not be able to receive Russian support if it did not stand up to Azerbaijan. That is, Russia's help in exchange for provocations. The unsuccessful minister also stated that Russia recognized Karabakh as Armenia. Former President Robert Kocharian made similar statements in his recent interviews. He also told how Moscow warmly supported Yerevan in its occupation plans and how much today's Armenia has lost from Pashinyan's policy. In turn, Pashinyan's team directly calls Kocharyan a "Russian spy," but he does not refuse. It is obvious that the purpose of the Karabakh criminal is not so much to show himself as to flaunt Moscow's merits in Armenia's "victories." These trends cannot be called just the fuss of the Armenian opposition. The opposition is not just fussing, it is fussing according to a clear scenario, following specific instructions. Russia wants to return to the region, and is preparing the ground for this. The Karabakh conflict was the best way to keep the region in its sphere of influence. With its completion, many tools were lost. It is unlikely that it will be possible to return the Karabakh issue to the agenda, but it is possible to make it clear to Armenia what it should do to receive treats. Yerevan played too much into its "European vector," and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov did not particularly conceal his thoughts, pointing out at a press conference with Mirzoyan that Armenia had used Russian weapons during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. Russia clearly wants to return Armenia's attention, but it does so in a strange way, effectively putting Armenia at risk. The war scenario of the early 90s is unrealistic today, but another one is possible. If revanchist forces come to power in Armenia, Azerbaijan will not wait for another outbreak of "miatsum", but will take preventive measures, no matter who is behind the revanchists. There have always been powers behind the Armenian claims to Azerbaijani lands, and Russia first of all. It was she who, after the capture of the Azerbaijani khanates, began to settle these lands with Armenians. If the Armenians had not been given the green light to exterminate and expel the indigenous population, it would have been half the trouble. But the green light was turned on for the Armenians, and now we have a kind of mono-national entity at the western borders, which has been trying hard for three decades to become a state at our expense. With the tacit consent of Russia, the Azerbaijani people have been repeatedly subjected to genocide and deportation over the past hundred years. And in the 40s and 50s of the last century, this was done even through party and government directives. The aliens "cleared" their habitat for themselves, remaining completely unpunished. Unfortunately, the history of the First Karabakh War leaves no doubt about the validity of Karapetyan and Kocharyan's statements. Despite their far-fetched "heroic" story, in fact, Armenian "heroes" are only able to hide behind strong allies. And in the early 90s, it was (unfortunately, we emphasize once again) the Russian back. Everyone knows about the participation of the 366th regiment in the genocide committed in Khojaly, and unpleasant incidents took place before our eyes during the presence of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh. The RMK openly supported the separatists, who, under the protection of peacekeepers, calmly dug trenches and built positions, brought shipments of weapons and manpower along the Lachin road and by detours. It all happened. Speaking of peacekeepers. I remembered recent posts on social networks by Russian political scientist Alexander Dugin. Dugin accused Azerbaijan of ingratitude, claiming that Russia had helped him regain Karabakh. I would like to clarify: Russia did not help, but did not interfere. These are completely different things. But it did not interfere due to certain geopolitical conditions and the presence of Azerbaijan's allies, whom it certainly would not want to face on the battlefield. Let's make one assumption. Armenians resent Moscow for not helping them hold the occupied lands. But they do not understand that this was a calculation of the state based on broader self-interests. It was a chance to introduce a military contingent to Azerbaijan for the first time since 1992, and legally, and not through aggression. The deployment of significant forces with full ammunition, as they say, under the agreement, changed the situation and did not allow Azerbaijan's allies to intervene. And Armenia wouldn't have gone anywhere anyway. Let us recall that the military support to the Armenians in the aggression of the early 90s did not follow Ter-Petrosyan's loyalty to Moscow, as Arshak Karapetyan fantasizes. In 1992, Azerbaijan was one of the first countries in the former Soviet Union to achieve the withdrawal of Russian military bases from its territory. Following this, the enraged Kremlin openly supported Armenia's military aggression, and the "victories" began. And in 2012, Azerbaijan reached a complete cessation of the foreign military presence on its territory - the Russian side failed to reach an agreement on the preservation of the Gabala radar station. Those who said that the peacekeepers came in order not to leave are right. But we always knew that these plans would not come to fruition. Because Baku also had its own calculations. And they turned out to be much more accurate. May 27 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked a Trump administration bid to kill New York City's congestion toll program. The program imposes a significant daily charge on vehicles entering Manhattan. Federal Judge Lewis J. Liman, of New York's U.S. southern district, issued a temporary injunction that prevented the administration from terminating the program, The New York Times first reported. The plan charges $9 for most cars entering parts of lower Manhattan. Supporters claim it cuts back on traffic and pollution, while opponents express concerns over its cost to travelers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Liman, a Trump appointee, said the city would "suffer irreparable harm" without a legal remedy. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called Liman's temporary ruling a "massive victory" for New York commuters which "vindicated" the state's right to make its own decisions. New York City comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander said "six of 10 New Yorkers in the congestion zone support it," citing a recent Siena poll showing a 10% surge in statewide popularity. Trump reiterated his support for ending congestion pricing prior to his inauguration in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Metropolitan Transportation Authority sued the White House after the Trump administration sought to revoke the program's federal approval, initially granted by the Biden administration. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened to withhold infrastructure funding, while MTA lawyers argued that the federal government lacked the proper authority to revoke congestion pricing at a local level. On Tuesday, both opposing sides presented arguments to Judge Liman before he issued his order effective until June 9. The Trump administration argued the MTA ignored multiple deadlines to end the program, and claimed the toll disproportionately burdens low-to-medium income commuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside the courthouse, U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said revoking federal approval for such a major initiative after it had already been granted was "nearly without precedent." "I strongly believe there's no legal basis for Trump to unilaterally hold this program," he added. The MTA's 23-member board is scheduled to meet Wednesday to review updates to further utilize congestion pricing. Hochul called congestion pricing "the right solution" to support future transit investments, adding that Duffy can "issue as many letters and social media posts as he wants, but a court has blocked the Trump Administration from retaliating against New York for reducing traffic and investing in transit." A federal judge ruled on Friday that the Trump administration must restore medical research articles from a government database, which were removed for promoting gender ideology, per The Christian Post. The authors of the articles, Harvard medical researchers Gordon Schiff and Celeste Royce, sued the Trump administration over the removal of their research from the Patient Safety Network, according to The Harvard Crimson. One of the articles in question was removed for commenting on the diagnosis of endometriosis, an often-debilitating medical condition, for women, transgender and non-gender-conforming individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another paper was removed for commenting on the importance of recognizing groups at risk for suicide, stating that young people, veterans, men, Indigenous, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer groups are at particular risk. Massachusetts District Court Judge Leo Sorokin argued that the articles removal violated the First Amendment. This is a flagrant violation of the plaintiffs First Amendment rights as private speakers on a limited public forum, he stated according to The Christian Post. Because irreparable harm necessarily flows from such a violation, and the balance of harms and the public interest favor the plaintiffs, the motion for a preliminary injunction is allowed in part. Why were the articles removed in the first place? In January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. The order described Trumps intention to defend womens rights and only officially recognize two genders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in January, Trump issued an order titled Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation. The order stated that medical professionals across America are maiming and sterilizing a growing number of impressionable children who desire to change their genders. To carry out these orders, the Trump administration scrubbed thousands of data entries concerning LGBQ and transgender physical and mental health from national databases. Entries about contraception, HIV and women were also removed. Multiple federal judges have granted injunctions against Trumps executive orders, including allowing transgender medical operations to go through for young people and requiring that related medical research be restored to government databases. Getty Images A federal lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan aims to make the audio and video recordings of Oakland County court proceedings available to the public and the parties or attorneys in a given case, a move that could maximize public engagement with the courts. The lawsuit, Hallman v. Reeds, was filed in April in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Aside from increased public engagement, a win for the plaintiffs could also serve as a way to hold judges accountable when they are accused of courtroom errors or misconduct. That last aspect could be beneficial to voters when it comes time to select local and statewide judicial candidates in election years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Michigan courts made live streams of proceedings available to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Michigan Supreme Court routinely streams its proceedings and for a time encouraged local courts statewide to continue live streams even after the pandemic, but each court had discretion on the matter. Some courts have since completely retreated from the virtual sphere and no longer live stream their proceedings. Other courts have continued on, but with the caveat of producing a live stream without archiving the proceeding. Philip Mayor, an attorney with the ACLU of Michigan and the plaintiffs counsel in the Hallman case, told Michigan Advance that streaming proceedings is now technologically feasible, so the courts should be making their recordings available. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The named defendants in the case are Oakland District Court judges Travis Reeds and Lisa Asadoorian, as well as Oakland Chief Circuit Judge Jeffery Matis. A message seeking comment from Oakland County was not immediately returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from courts that do make their proceedings public, the court sued in Hallman only provides a transcript when asked. Mayor said a transcript is inadequate compared to an audio or video recording in capturing the tone, tenor and demeanor of a given judge, especially when an attorney or a party is seeking to highlight a judicial error upon appeal. Judges know this, because our appellate courts defer to trial judges when they make credibility findings, or when they talk about a witnesss demeanor, because they say that judge was there to see that and experience that in person, Mayor said. We recognize that thats meaningful. The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission recognizes this when it evaluates judges accused of misconduct because it looks at the videos and it discusses not just the words that were said, but the demeanor with which it was said, and the way people are treated by judicial officials. Mayor said that from a democracy standpoint, the public had a right to be informed about what goes on in Michigans courthouses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just not realistic that [members of] the public are going to read a 40-page transcript, but it is realistic that the public, in informing themselves before an election, may watch a five minute clip of something that happens in the courthouses, he added. The lawsuits complaint also details that paradigm as a taxpayer return-on-investment issue. Taxpayer dollars are used throughout Michigan to create recordings of courtroom proceedings, but those same taxpayers are routinely denied access to the very recordings their hard-earned funds pay to create, the complaint said. This lack of transparency violates the First Amendment by denying the public the right to access and disseminate records of critical judicial proceedings, many of which constitute the bedrock upon which a functioning democracy is built. The Hallman lawsuit centers around one such instance where a recording of the courts proceedings was suppressed, implicating access and First Amendment issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lead plaintiff, Dr. Samantha Hallman, said her brother was subjected to alleged abusive conduct from an Oakland District Court judge. A lawsuit in the Oakland Circuit Court followed to ferret out issues of the district judges demeanor and the fact that her brother was denied an audio recording of the proceeding. A local administrative order ultimately denied dissemination of that recording. Hallman then attempted to get a copy to inform voters about the judges courtroom conduct and demeanor, but she was denied under the same policy. She was later allowed to view a recording of the proceeding but was denied permission to disseminate the copy to the public, legislators and other policy makers. Her lawsuit in the federal district court notes that a transparent and open court was one of the hallmarks of American democracy, and that civic engagement and government accountability depended upon open access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was once a civic expectation that the public would attend trials and directly engage with democratic governance by doing so, the complaint said. That is not possible in the modern world, but providing the public with access to existing recordings of what happens in our courts is the closest modern analog to this historical practice. The case is awaiting an answer from the defendants and possibly a motion to dismiss, Mayor said. He noted that the issue wasnt specific to Oakland County. Mayor said there was a similar recent instance in Hamtramck where a judge had allegedly berated a cancer patient who had been sued on a civil offense for not keeping his lawn mowed. Someone had recorded the hearing, potentially in violation of the same policies Mayor and the ACLU of Michigan were suing to overturn in Oakland County. The video went public and drew voter attention, leading the judge to apologize. That just shows that a transcript of that hearing wasnt going to capture the publics attention, but the video did, Mayor said. Brendan Demich speaks at a rally outside HHS offices in Washington, D.C. on May 22. (AFGE webstream) Brendan Demich was on a bus to Washington, D.C. last week to attend a rally outside the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services office. At the same time, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was assuring lawmakers that critical programs in his department, specifically those protecting coal miners, would continue despite drastic cuts to his agencys staff and budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the third in a series of contentious hearings for Kennedy. And for Demich, a Pennsylvania employee of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a research agency in Kennedys department, they were hard to stomach. Hes part of a roughly 100-person team at NIOSHs Bruceton facility in Allegheny County that studies the best ways to prevent injuries, illnesses and death in coal mines. Last month, he and all of his colleagues were notified that their jobs would be eliminated in June. Another team in Spokane, Washington, focused on safety in non-coal mines received similar notices. Combined, they conduct the bulk of the agencys mine safety research. [Kennedy]s claiming that he hasnt fired any scientists, and that the only people that theyre cutting are doing duplicative work, but that is absolutely not the case, Demich told the Capital-Star. Our titles may be engineers, but we do science And theres no other agency that does the work we do here at NIOSH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The picture Demich paints is different from Kennedys. The work at NIOSH will not be interrupted, Kennedy responded to a question from a lawmaker about layoffs. The work on mine safety will continue. We understand its critically important to function and we dont want to see it end. The hearings took place over the last three weeks after reports emerged that critical and legally required programs to help miners with black lung disease were no longer functioning, after an estimated 90% of NIOSHs roughly 1400 full-time staff were laid off, offered early retirement or placed on administrative leave pending termination in early April. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miners developing black lung, an irreversible and degenerative disease, were suddenly not able to get approved for a program facilitating transfers to less dusty mines. Black lung screenings that can help miners with the disease receive federal benefits were also stopped. This led to a class action lawsuit and pressure from Republican lawmakers to reverse the layoffs of federal workers whose jobs were ensuring mine safety. So, earlier this month, Kennedy brought back over 300 NIOSH employees, including the Morgantown team that studies black lungs and ensures benefits for programs for miners who develop it continue to function. Kennedy also restored a team focused on the health of 9/11 first responders, as well as a team that works on the same Pittsburgh campus as Demichs that tests and certifies respirators used by miners, firefighters and other professionals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Demichs division is still expecting to be laid off. Earlier this month, at a meeting, Demich said Pittsburgh employees in the mine safety division were told they no longer had to come into work, though a handful still do. There had been hope with the Trump administrations rhetoric around increasing coal mining and U.S. Health Departments statements on the importance of miner safety that the job cuts would be reversed. But when NIOSH staff in other departments were brought back, Demich said, it crushed morale in the mining division. A lot of people see it as writing on the wall that were not being saved. The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to detailed questions from the Capital-Star about future plans for the mine research divisions. But a spokesperson provided a statement saying, Secretary Kennedy has been working hard to ensure that the critical functions under NIOSH remain intact. The Trump administration is committed to supporting coal miners and firefighters, and under the Secretarys leadership, NIOSHs essential services will continue as HHS streamlines its operations. Ensuring the health and safety of our workforce remains a top priority for the Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demich finds HHS statements on preserving critical programs frustrating, given the cuts on his and similar teams. I dont know how you can say that youre maintaining essential services for coal workers and miners when youre cutting the divisions that mainly do the research and provide the services to prevent mine injuries, illnesses and fatalities, he said. Our work does not overlap at all with the [Morgantown] division, other than that we both want to prevent black lung. Aerial shot of the NIOSH campus in Bruceton, Allegheny County. (Photo from the CDC) Those functions are going to disappear There is virtually no operational mine in the United States that hasnt implemented safety measures based on research conducted by NIOSH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government got into mine safety research when the Bureau of Mines was established in 1910, after a series of deadly explosions killed hundreds of miners in just a few short years. The bureau was tasked with researching safer practices, inspecting mines and collecting data on the industry. The work was successful. For decades, miner fatality rates steadily and precipitously decreased. That continued after the Bureau of Mines was shuttered and effectively rolled into the Department of Health and Human Services in the 1990s, where it now sits. NIOSHs mine safety divisions dont set or enforce rules, but research it conducts has led to breakthroughs in technology that detects coal dust levels in real time, prevents mine roofs from collapsing, increases mineshaft ventilation and provides barriers between miners and powerful explosions. Those functions are going to disappear and Im not quite sure who else would be able to do those, said Tony Iannacchione, a former employee of NIOSHs coal mine safety team who now teaches at the University of Pittsburghs Swanson School of Engineering. Theres some pretty unique expertise. And if you dont have a government agency thats keeping its thumb on the pulse and coming up with modifications and improvements to the systems being used in mines, were gonna be in a bad way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iannacchione says that work is only getting more important. The more coal thats extracted, the deeper miners have to dig to find it. That makes for more dangerous mines and requires new research and safety protocols. As you go deeper, you get higher concentrations of methane gas and all these problems just get worse, he said. For the industry to react to all these problems, its really beyond their capability. You need the government involved. Iannacchione cited recent NIOSH research that set new industry standards for blast walls that are placed between miners and explosives, as well as new methods for placing roof supports. The Pittsburgh team has also done extensive work on preventing hearing loss, which is an issue in underground mines that are full of loud machinery. The coal mine safety team in Pittsburgh is also developing technology that can read silica dust levels in real time, but that has yet to be deployed. As miners dig into tougher terrain, theyre exposed to much more silica dust, which has led to an increase in the development of silicosis and black lung among younger miners and develops at an accelerated rate. Widespread use of real time monitors, Iannacchione said, could save lives. But its unclear if the work will be finished by the time the layoffs fully take effect in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demich, the chief steward of the union representing Pittsburgh-area NIOSH workers, said he was working on a virtual reality training program for first responders and rescue teams to simulate mine disasters. They had begun training teams around the country, but the cuts effectively ended that work. He believes, with a little more time, they could have brought it to almost every mine rescue team in the U.S. Benefit of the doubt Sam Petsonk has been an advocate for coal miners for his entire career. The West Virginia-based lawyer led the recent lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services that resulted in an injunction ruling last week, effectively requiring the return of NIOSH workers running Black Lung programs in Morgantown. He successfully argued that the department was breaking the law by effectively shuttering congressionally-approved programs for miners with black lung by laying off the staff that implemented them. But, as he sees it, the law also requires the kind of research done by NIOSHs teams that are still facing layoffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These Pittsburgh programs are every bit as mandatory under the Mine Act, Petsonk told the Capital-Star. I would like to give Secretary Kennedy a bit of the benefit of the doubt here that hes still digesting his obligations here. But the mandate is far less clear, with statute generally requiring NIOSH to conduct research, demonstrations, and experiments to support the Department of Labors Mine Safety and Health Administration, which sets and enforces rules for mine companies to follow. The injunction ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Irene Berger focused on the availability of black lung programs, but also said the Court orders that there be no pause, stoppage or gap in the protections and services mandated by Congress in the Mine Act and the attendant regulations for the health and safety of miners. Asked if he would bring a lawsuit if the mine safety research teams are not brought back, Petsonk said he wants to wait until the end of the 20-day period that Berger allowed to comply with the injunction. That will be on June 2. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX If they look at it, they will see the need to revive the mining research labs within NIOSH, Petsonk said. The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to questions from the Capital-Star about whether it believes the injunction applies to the research teams, or whether law requires them to be operational. They should just follow the law and re-open the research labs in Pittsburgh and Spokane because miners need it, Petsonk said. While its unclear if a legal remedy would be available to advocates like Petsonk who want mine safety research at NIOSH to continue, Demich is trying another way. When he was in Washington, D.C. last week, he and his NIOSH colleagues met with the staff of an estimated 15 to 20 lawmakers in an attempt to inform them about the research being lost and ask them to restore their jobs and research funding. As it stands, even though Demich and his coworkers in Allegheny County are still technically employed, strict limits on research spending and travel would prevent them from doing a lot of their previous work. Demich would not say which lawmakers staff he and his colleagues met with, since discussions are still ongoing. But he said the initial conversations were promising. He personally met with staff from lawmakers from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. He did note they were two Democrats and two Republicans. Theres a lot of questions about coal mines and about all the work were doing here in Pittsburgh, Demich said. A lot of people want to follow-up and I think well be reaching out. CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) The feds have been working for months to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the Cibola County Correctional Center while claiming a drug ring in the prison had outside help. Now theres a new twist in the case involving a wife, a federal trial, and a suit. Back in October, the feds executed 18 search warrants related to drugs inside the Cibola County Correctional Facility, which holds 440 federal inmates. The FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service searched detainees cells and 13 homes across New Mexico. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a number of ways in which contraband has entered, introduced through the correctional facility. One is staff introduction. Thats through guards or other staff there who bring it into the facility for distribution amongst inmates, former US Attorney Alexander Uballez said in November 2024. The feds think thats been happening at the facility for years, with drugs being smuggled in peoples bodies or being flown in with drones. Some of those drugs, the feds say, were being thrown over the jails fence near a gas station. Jerry Bezie is just one of the people named in this drug smuggling ring. The Albuquerque rapper is facing a decade behind bars in a different drug trafficking case. Two years ago, agents found 16 pounds of meth, 24 pounds of fentanyl, and several guns at Bezies South Valley home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A newly unsealed search warrant is leveling new allegations against Bezie and his wife. In the last month, federal agents found $1,000 in cash and a suspected drug ledger after searching the home of Bezies wife. The couple is also being named in connection to an attempt to smuggle drugs through a federal courthouse. A search warrant outlines how, on May 19, a man named Adrian Garcia was given a suit from his family to wear inside a courtroom during his trial. But after inspecting the suit, the U.S. Marshals Service found a hidden compartment full of drugs sewn into the waistband. In the search warrant, federal investigators claim the process of getting the suit started with a phone call between Bezie and his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just your time and the new charges that we will put on you for distributing inside of Cibola; its also those who are helping youits the girlfriends and the friends on the outside. Its their houses that we targeted, Uballez said in November 2024. So far, neither Bezie nor his wife has been charged in this case. Jerry Bezie is scheduled to be sentenced on federal drug charges 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Harry Reid International Airport is projected to reach full capacity by the end of the decade. (Photo: Clark County Department of Aviation) After more than two decades of delays federal officials are starting an environmental review for Clark Countys long-anticipated second commercial airport. Local and federal officials have long sought to build a new airport on 6,000 acres in the Ivanpah Valley north of Primm, arguing the Harry Reid International Airport will not be able to keep up with projected demand for air travel without the supplemental airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Aviation Administration and the Bureau of Land Management issued a notice of intent last week to prepare an environmental impact statement, starting the formal review for the proposed Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA). Rosemary Vassiliadis, the director of aviation for Clark County, called the announcement a major milestone for the region. This important step brings us closer to addressing the increasing demand for air travel in one of the nations fastest growing regions, Vassiliadis said in a statement last week. As a second commercial airport, SNSA will add much-needed capacity, improve service reliability, and ensure Southern Nevada continues to thrive as a global destination for business and tourism, she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Harry Reid International Airport will reach its full capacity of 63 million to 65 million passengers annually by 2030, according to the Clark County Department of Aviation estimates The Clark County Department of Aviation said the Ivanpah airport would provide long-term aviation capacity for the Las Vegas metropolitan area and primarily serve charter, long-haul domestic and international flights. The supplemental airport was first proposed in 2006 by the Clark County Department of Aviation, but local economic conditions following the Great Recession and other local budgetary constraints stalled the project for decades. In 2010 the Clark County Department of Aviation asked the FAA to suspend any work on the environmental review. Earlier this year, county officials confirmed that the environmental review process would resume for the future airport, which would include two runways and a terminal building in the Ivanpah Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress transferred public land to Clark County for the construction of the airport site in 2000 through the Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act. The new airport site would cover an area of 6,000 acres, 2,000 acres for flood mitigation infrastructure, and an additional 17,000 acres of land that are set aside as a noise compatibility buffer, making the new airport site over 25,000 acres. State officials have suggested the new airport could lead to further development in Clark County. In 2023, state lawmakers unanimously approved Senate Bill 19 which would allow Clark County to put aside at least 5,000 acres for a new commercial and residential development in the vicinity of the new airport. Conservation groups have long opposed the development of the airport, saying its development could threaten two endangered species in the area, the desert tortoise and the white-margined penstemon a small pink bell-shaped flower fixed on long hardy stems with waved oblong leaves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rare wildflower only grows in four counties across the Mojave Desert: Clark County, Nye County, San Bernardino County in California, and Mohave County in Arizona. Patrick Donnelly, the Great Basin director for the Center for Biological Diversity, said the conservation group would follow the environmental review process to ensure that sensitive biological resources are not unduly harmed by the airport, and that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented. Just because Congress gave the land to Clark County, doesnt mean the airport is pre-approved. Laws like the Endangered Species Act mandate the strictest of protections, Donnelly said. The Federal Aviation Administration and the Bureau of Land Management plan to hold three public scoping meetings this July to gather testimony about the environmental impact of a new airport, starting with a virtual meeting on July 29. Two in-person meetings will be held in July, the first will be held on July 30 at the East Las Vegas Library, and the second will be on July 31 at Primm Valley Casino Resorts. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Congestion pricing will continue in Manhattan, and the federal government can no longer threaten the MTA with punishment, a judge has decided. Judge Lewis Limon issued a temporary restraining order, restricting the U.S. Department of Transportation from fining or otherwise punishing the MTA for continuing congestion pricing as the court case continues. More Local News Limon issued the order after both sides presented arguments in Lower Manhattan federal court this morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MTA filed this suit against federal authorities, who set a deadline to end congestion pricing after revoking federal approval. That deadline passed on May 21, and multiple subsequent deadlines have since passed. U.S DOT officials had said some funding could be pulled this week if the timeline was not met. The MTA is arguing that the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and the agency do not have the authority to cancel a federal approval issued during the final days of the Biden administration. Lawyers for the federal government say the agency has the authority to prioritize projects. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The temporary restraining order is in place through June 9. Other case developments could be announced or filed before that date. The full case is set to be heard later this summer. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called the decision a vindication for states rights. New Yorkers deserve to control our own traffic patterns, keep gridlock off our streets and protect our clean air. We need to make the massive investments necessary to support our transit system and prevent it from falling into disarray and disrepair, the governor said in a statement. Congestion pricing is the right solution to get us there. Secretary Duffy can issue as many letters and social media posts as he wants, but a court has blocked the Trump Administration from retaliating against New York for reducing traffic and investing in transit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. DOT issued a statement on the procedural aspects of today: The judges ruling today was not on the merits of our case against Hochuls class warfare, but rather a temporary pause to have more time to reach a decision. Enforcement actions for noncompliance were merely under consideration, and we will comply with the judges request to hold. We look forward to making our case in court against Hochuls illegal tolls as we work to protect working-class Americans from being unfairly charged to go to work, see their families, or visit the city, A U.S. DOT spokesperson wrote. Judge Limon has been hearing the congestion pricing cases brought before a federal court in Manhattan. His rulings have dismissed some aspects of other cases. Some of those opponents promise to file suit in state court. They continue to say the fee is hurting business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of congestion pricing call the ruling another win for funding transit projects and reducing traffic. The Hudson Square Business Improvement District, which serves the area around Houston Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, released some data it has gathered. The BID says pedestrian foot traffic is up 11% as compared to last year for the first quarter of 2025, which amounts to 20,000 pedestrians on average per day. Subway and Citi Bike ridership is also up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) La Crosse Central High School hosted its 103rd annual Memorial Day observance program featuring the high schools color guard, flag corps and musical performances from the band and choir. Principal Jeff Axness believes the program is one of the schools finest traditions, Were so proud that were able to take some time to do this and to remember the service men and women that died for our country. I think its great for our students to take some time out of their educational day to see this. Jonah Larson was born in Ethiopia and is now a graduating senior who plans to enlist in the US Army. Larson gained national attention years ago as a crochet prodigy. That attention helped him fund his first Jonahs Hands Library in the rural Ethiopian village where he was born. Larson explains how the Army became his choice, I realized I wanted to be part of the military when I wanted to do more than just giving back to Ethiopia. I wanted to give back a lot and the best way you can possibly do that is by serving in your countrys military. Larson says that he has relatives who served in the military and Memorial Day is very important to him, Theres so many people out there that passed away while serving our country and keeping us safe. This is the day to honor them and pay respects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many community members attended the event and Axness says it is great to see so many people come out to an event that honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We get a lot of veterans that come in. We get a lot of folks from the community that come. Its just an exciting day for our students because they get to learn some things and take some time to reflect on whats going on. I think its important to pause and remember that freedom doesnt come free, and that we need to take time to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Central officials say, to the best of their knowledge, this is the nations longest-running high school Memorial Day observance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A multi-convicted felon was arrested in connection with a months-long armed robbery spree. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to court documents, on December 14, 2024, Terry Lewis Burston allegedly robbed a Decatur auto parts store. During the robbery, he was accused of pulling out a black handgun, tapping on the counter and demanding money from an employee. Burston ran away with an undisclosed amount of cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six days later, officials said, Burston waited outside a Scottsdale post office before forcing his way inside after the last customer left. Authorities said he pointed a gun at a postal worker, demanded money from the register and ran away. Later, on January 17, 2025, Burston allegedly tried to rob a gas station in Decatur when he pointed a black handgun at an employee and demanded money. Four months later, on May 17, 2025, Burston allegedly tried to rob a Lithonia post office but ran after postal employees began alerting their co-workers. Postal inspectors who responded to the attempted robbery found Burston changing his clothes behind a nearby restaurant, court documents revealed. They found a gun lying at Burstons feet and arrested him after a brief chase, officials said. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of these alleged incidents, Burston was subject to federal supervision following his 2013 conviction for armed bank robbery. In a separate case, Burston was sentenced to 20 years for robbing an Atlanta bank and post office in 1995. Burston is a violent repeat offender who allegedly terrorized the citizens of DeKalb County by assaulting federal employees and robbing local business operators at gunpoint, said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The cases are being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the DeKalb County Police Department. Arkansas residents can now apply for FEMA assistance but an inspection might be required beforehand. FEMA will need to verify the damages from the severe storms on March 14-15 or April 21-22. After Arkansans apply for assistance, a FEMA inspector may contact applicants within ten days to schedule an inspection. A home inspection may take up to 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, applicants should allow seven to 10 days for processing. The call or text to schedule an inspection will probably come from an out-of-state phone number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To avoid any scams, make sure to verify any representative is with FEMA. All FEMA representatives carry photo identification. Inspectors will never ask for or accept money since their services are free. The following homeowners and renters in Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties can apply for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance for the March storms. For Homeowners and renters in Clark, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Sharp, St. Francis and White counties can apply for the April storms. After the inspection, applicants should allow seven to 10 days for processing. For questions about the status of an application, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. The perennial push to reform Rhode Island's public records law faces opposition from Gov. Dan McKee's administration. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Lawsuits, federal funding cuts, organizational chaos and a workload that could grind government to a halt are among the dire predictions given by state agencies, including the governors office, in response to proposed reform to Rhode Islands public records law. Advocates expected the administration to come out in force against the Access to Public Records Act reform bill this year, which is nearly identical to the iteration that died in committee in 2024. They were not wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dozen state agencies, including Gov. Dan McKees office, flooded the Senate Committee on Judiciary with letters of opposition ahead of a May 22 hearing on legislation by Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat. To Steven Brown, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union and part of the ACCESS/RI coalition championing records reform, the administrations protest exposes not-so-pure intentions. I dont think we can give them any longer the benefit of the doubt that these objections are in good faith, Brown said in an interview Tuesday. So many of them are bogus. Its a misreading of the bill thats incredibly disingenuous. The legislation at its core aims to clarify and update the 1978 law, which was last revised in 2012. The 15-page omnibus bill encompasses 48 changes, from minor language tweaks to major updates meant to protect and expand access to affordable public information. The legislation also integrates new data sources like traffic accidents, police body-worn camera footage and text messages between officials, into whats subject to public scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the chief concerns by McKees administration is a proposed requirement that public bodies shall waive fees to retrieve and hand over public records when a requester can prove the records are in the public interest. The existing law says the records may be provided for free if they benefit the public. State agencies defended fees as a way to recoup a portion of the substantial time and effort it takes state workers to find and collect data. The prospect of waiving fees, while simultaneously requiring state officials to document the specific legal explanation for redacted portions of documents in a privilege log, threatens to grind government to a halt, Jonathan Womer, Rhode Island Department of Administration director, wrote in a May 22 letter to lawmakers. Claire Richards, executive counsel for McKees office, also took issue with this provision. Since every request made by a member of the public could be considered in the public interest the provision could result in a fee waiver for every request, Richards wrote in her May 22 letter. The ability to impose fees for the search, retrieval and redaction of documents searches is an important function in the APRA process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown countered that the bill, as well as federal law under the Freedom of Information Act, offers a specific definition for what meets the public interest standard. He also debunked state agencies claims that expanding public records could violate attorney-client privilege, and expose confidential personal information for residents served through state health and human service programs. Similar privacy concerns accompanied proposed reforms meant to hold law enforcement accountable, specifying that internal investigations be subject to public disclosure, though identifying information can be redacted. Public safety officials remained vehemently opposed. Often, these are minor infractions for violations of policy, Sid Wordell, executive director of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, told lawmakers during the May 22 hearing. If we make every single one of those available, thats going to be the next big thing on social media. Wordell continued, discipline is meant to correct the behavior of the individuals we still feel are an asset to the agency. Sid Wordell, executive director of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, expressed concern over making internal police investigations subject to state public records law. (Screenshot/Capitol TV) Compromise elusive But opponents have not offered an alternative way to incorporate internal police investigations into the states public records law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All we heard when we met with them last year was no no no, said DiPalma, sponsor of the Senate bill. The House companion is led by Rep. Patricia Serpa, a West Warwick Democrat. Only two of the 16 groups representing state agencies, educational institutions, and cities and towns pitched solutions to their concerns. Jennifer Harrington, general counsel and legislative liaison for the Narragansett Bay Commission, the quasi-public agency that oversees wastewater collection and treatment for 350,000 state residents, suggested striking two pieces of contention related to posting meeting documents online ahead of time and requiring a requestor agree to extending a records fulfilment beyond the standard 20-days. Randy Rossi, executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, offered amendments for each of the 10 sections of concern to local municipal officials in his May 22 letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While John Marion, executive director for Common Cause Rhode Island, acknowledged concessions might need to be made for some type of reform to advance, he was not willing to concede all of the provisions under scrutiny. Were not going to disembowel the bill, Marion said in an interview Tuesday. Were not going to water the bill down so much that its meaningless just to find compromise. Womers letter identifies opposition to 15 individual clauses of concern, while Richards six-page letter attacks seven provisions, some of which constitute entire sections of the 15-page piece of legislation. DiPalma said he was disappointed by the continued opposition from McKees office, which he blamed for leading the administration-wide criticism. Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat, explains his bill reforming Rhode Islands public records law to the Senate Committee on Judiciary at a hearing on May 22, 2025. (Screenshot/Capitol TV) An orchestrated takedown? I have no facts and data to support this, but it seems like it was completely orchestrated by the governors office, DiPalma said in an interview Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown shared DiPalmas suspicions. I dont think its an unreasonable assumption, he said. Laura Hart, a spokesperson for McKees office, did not respond to specific questions regarding DiPalmas allegations. Instead, Hart pointed to privacy risks and taxpayer costs as reasons for concern. Transparency is in the publics interest thats not in dispute but the state must balance transparency with privacy rights and costs to the taxpayer, Hart said in an emailed response Tuesday afternoon. State and municipal experts who do this work every day have brought up numerous privacy concerns As to cost, APRA was designed with the ability to charge fees to cover the costs of document collection, review, and redactionsand to discourage overly broad requests that take staff time and taxpayer dollars to complete. Requiring public records officer, instead of the courts, to determine fee waivers based on public interest or when there is a denial will add significant risk and expense, both in staff time and in unnecessary litigation, all financed by taxpayer dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DiPalma was also disheartened that a new section meant to assuage municipal government concerns about vexatious requests those submitted by bad actors solely to disrupt government operations was seemingly dismissed by the governors office, acknowledged only in a footnote of Richards letter. The newly added section of the bill, the only change made to this years version compared with last year, lays out a court process for chief executives of public bodies to challenge and, potentially not fulfill or be reimbursed for the cost of fulfilling, disruptive requests as determined by a Superior Court judge. But Richards wrote that forcing public bodies to initiate legal action to get out of fulfilling vexatious requests was an unworkable solution requiring more time and resources than available. I was a little taken aback by that, DiPalma said. It almost seemed like it was dismissive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DiPalmas usual optimism and ever-insistent promise of getting his legislative priorities over the goal line was noticeably absent when asked about public records reform. We have to be realistic about whats possible and whats probable, DiPalma said. Its a tough hill to climb. DiPalma held a kernel of hope that forthcoming meetings with Senate President Valarie Lawson and Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone, both of whom are cosponsors on the legislation, might yield progress. However, a hearing on Serpas companion bill in the House State Elections and Government Committee has not yet been scheduled and House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi has remained noncommittal. Whos against the public records reform bill? These groups and state agencies wrote to lawmakers to express concerns with proposed updates to state public records law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee also received written opposition from The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Commission, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, and the town of Lincoln. Updated to include a response from Laura Hart on behalf of Gov. Dan McKee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Covington police department said a birthday party ended in gunfire over the weekend, with two people having to take cover behind a car. The incident happened on Sunday at Academy Springs Park. Police said a man and the mother of his child got into an argument during the party, and it continued to escalate over the person the man brought with him to the birthday party. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats when officers said an unidentified man opened fire on two of the people as they were trying to leave the party, forcing them to take cover behind a car that ended being hit twice by bullets. Anyone with information in this case is asked to call the Covington Police Department at 678-625-5590. May 27A rural LeRoy man has died as a result of a house fire early Saturday morning, according to the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office (FCSO). According to Fillmore Sheriff John DeGeorge, the FCSO received a 911 call a little before 4 a.m. Saturday morning reporting a house fire in the 13000 block of 111th Avenue, LeRoy. Deputies from the Mower County Sheriffs Office were first to respond and spoke with a 46-year-old woman who had sustained an injury while escaping from the fire by jumping from a window. The woman advised deputies that 90-year-old Donald Norval Anderson was still in the home along with a pair of dogs. Anderson was subsequently found dead in the home along with one of the dogs. DeGeorge said that Fillmore County investigators and deputies as well as the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. (KRON) Crews are responding to a house fire that broke out Monday evening in San Franciscos Portola neighborhood, the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) said. The fire broke out around 5:40 p.m. at a two-story home at 812 Goettingen St. No reports of injuries or displaced residents were mentioned by SFFD. Officials say crews have contained the fire that was on the back deck floor of the residence. Video of SFFDs response to the fire can be viewed in the media player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marina District gastropub shuts down after 16 years in San Francisco (Photo: San Francisco Fire Department) (Photo: San Francisco Fire Department) (Photo: San Francisco Fire Department) Fire breaks out in Vacaville where crews were conducting prescribed burn SFFD firefighters remain on scene for cleanup, along with performing salvage and overhaul. The public was asked to avoid the area of Goettingen Street between Olmstead and Mansell. SFFD first posted about the fire at 6:12 p.m. on 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 KRON4. POWAY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Firefighters were able to douse a fire in an apartment unit off of Midland Road in Poway that broke out Monday afternoon. Firefighters responded to calls for a fire around 12:17 p.m. Monday at the Sofi apartment complex in the 13000 block of Midland Road near Hilleary Place and Walmart in Poway. Fire damages mobile home in Mira Mesa, displaces resident One of the upstairs units and the top of the stairs have visible damage, however authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage or if it spread to any nearby units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is currently no word on any injuries. Evacuation warning lifted after brush fire breaks out in Poway Firefighters battle apartment fire off of Midland Road in Poway (FOX 5/KUSI) Firefighters battle apartment fire off of Midland Road in Poway (FOX 5/KUSI) Firefighters battle apartment fire off of Midland Road in Poway (FOX 5/KUSI) Check back for updates on this breaking 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 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Two firefighters and a passer-by were killed when a roof collapsed during a blaze at a former RAF airfield, an initial post mortem has suggested. The fire on Buckingham Road, Bicester, on the evening of May 15, took the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public. Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died while tackling the blaze, as did David Chester, a 57-year-old father of two who worked at the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Chesters family said last week that he was trying to help the two firefighters when he was killed. Jennie Logan, Martyn Sadler and David Chester died while tackling the blaze - UKNIP Thames Valley Police confirmed that post mortem examinations have been carried out on the three people who died following the fire. The preliminary findings from the post mortem examinations show that all three died from multiple traumatic injuries. Two other firefighters who suffered serious injuries remain in hospital in stable conditions. Asst Chief Constable Dennis Murray offered his deepest sympathies to everyone who has been affected by this incident - Jamie Lashmar/2025 PA Media Asst Chief Constable Dennis Murray said: Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the families, friends and colleagues of Jennie Logan, Martyn Sadler and Dave Chester, as well as the injured firefighters and their loved ones, following this tragic incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our initial investigations suggest that all three sustained injuries in line with those typically caused by the collapse of part of a structure. We will make no further comment on the post mortems preliminary findings. This remains an unexplained death investigation and is being led by our Major Crime Unit, who continue to work with fire investigators and the Health and Safety Executive to ascertain the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the sad deaths of Jennie, Martyn and Dave. We again extend our deepest sympathies to everyone who has been affected by this incident. 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Shreveport Fire Department responded to a house fire on Monday at the 1900 block of Nicholson Street. Thanks to the efforts of 21 firefighters, the fire was controlled at 1:35 p.m., approximately 18 minutes after the initial 911 call. Motorcycle chase over two parishes ends with arrest in Caddo The SFD said all occupants safely escaped the house before firefighters arrived. Firefighters were able to rescue multiple dogs and cats, including newborn kittens, from the fire without injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire heavily damaged the house, and the SFD Fire Prevention Bureau is still investigating its cause. This incident is a reminder that fires never take a holiday off, a press release stated. Prepare yourself and your loved ones by putting fire prevention first. For fire safety tips, or to request a free smoke alarm for your home, visit www.shreveportfire.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. JOHANNESBURG (AP) South Africas communications minister Tuesday denied accusations that a draft policy watering down Black ownership requirements for tech firms was proposed to benefit the Starlink business of white South African-born billionaire Elon Musk. Under South African law, foreign-owned companies are required to sell 30% of their subsidiaries to shareholders who are Black, or from other racial groups disadvantaged under the former apartheid system of white minority rule, in order to acquire a license. However, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi on Friday proposed easing the requirement, prompting criticism from various political parties. The proposed change would allow Starlink and others to fulfill their empowerment requirements through things like investing in skills development and job programs and striking deals with local suppliers. The minister put forward the directive days after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, when Trump made baseless claims that white South African farmers were being systematically killed, raising eyebrows. A senior African National Congress lawmaker, Khusela Diko, questioned the timing of the directive and whether the country was bending over backward to accommodate Musks Starlink satellite telecom business. The Association of Communications and Technology (ACT), an industry body, said the proposed changes could usher in a new era for the industry provided they are implemented consistently, fairly and openly. We advocate for smarter, scalable approaches that deliver meaningful impact and restore policy clarity, consistency, and investor confidence, the ACT said in a statement. On Tuesday, Malatsi, who belongs to the Democratic Alliance party, appeared before Parliament in Cape Town to defend the move and denied suggestions it was introduced specifically for Starlink. Lawmakers questioned whether the directives were correctly opening up the playing field for foreign players or tampering with the governments economic empowerment agenda by catering to Starlink. Musk has repeatedly denounced the Black ownership laws and said on social media that Starlink wasnt able to get a license to operate in South Africa because he was white. South African authorities say Starlink hasnt formally applied. According to the Starlink website, the service in southern Africa is available in Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya and Madagascar. Since Trumps inauguration, his administration is reported to have intervened on behalf of Starlink in Gambia, Lesotho and a few other developing nations, using the U.S. governments foreign policy apparatus to advance Musk's business interests. An aerial view of the sun rising above homes that burned in the Eaton Fire on Jan. 21, 2025 in Altadena, California. Multiple wildfires which were fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds have burned across Los Angeles County leaving at least 27 dead with more than 180,000 people having been under evacuation orders. More than 12,000 structures, many of them homes and businesses, burned in the Palisades and Eaton Fires. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) After nearly a month, the Eaton and Palisades wildfires that ravaged California have been contained. But for Southern California and state agencies, another challenge lies ahead: Helping people find homes. The wildfires levied significant long-term damage, with thousands of homes destroyed, billions in damages and a worsening of the states housing and homelessness crises. Even before the fires, California already had a shortage of 1.2 million affordable homes, with Los Angeles County alone facing a deficit of 500,000 units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This tragic loss will certainly make the housing crisis more acute in multiple ways, said Ryan Finnigan, an associate research director at the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley. L.A. continues to need vastly more affordable housing, and people displaced from lost affordable units might need the most support to become stably housed again. Even those displaced from market-rate or high-end housing will face challenges in an already tight market, with thousands searching for housing at once likely driving prices even higher for everyone. Natural disasters are worsening the U.S. housing crisis, upending the home insurance market, and reducing housing options particularly for lower-income residents. And that trend will likely grow as disasters become more frequent and severe. Climate change, experts warn, is the worlds fastest-growing driver of homelessness, displacing millions of people annually. In 2022 alone, disasters forced 32.6 million people worldwide from their homes, according to a 2023 report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If trends continue, 1.2 billion people globally could be displaced due to disasters by 2050, according to the international think tank Institute for Economics & Peace. The consequences are already playing out. After the 2023 Maui wildfires, homelessness in Hawaii rose by 87%. With Los Angeles fires destroying about six times as many homes, experts predict that Californias homeless population will surge dramatically in 2025. Natural disasters cause a massive spike in homelessness, said Jeremy Ney, a macroeconomics policy strategist who studies American inequality. The primary goal of relief organizations like the Red Cross is to prevent people from becoming permanently unhoused but for many, it can take a decade or more to recover. A long path to recovery According to the Migration Policy Institute, 3.2 million U.S. adults were displaced or evacuated because of natural disasters in 2022, with more than 500,000 still unable to return home by the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recovery timeline can be grueling. In North Carolina, state officials managing Hurricane Helenes recovery warned that key federal funding for home reconstruction could be delayed for months possibly into next fall, according to NC Newsline. In the event of a disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, known as FEMA, focuses on shorter-term relief, offering emergency shelters, disaster unemployment assistance and grants for rebuilding. State agencies, though, are tasked with the long-term projects, such as making infrastructure repairs and developing housing initiatives, said Samantha Batko, a senior fellow in the Housing and Communities Division at the Urban Institute. Disaster relief programs like FEMA focus on short-term recovery, whereas homelessness response systems struggle with long-term systemic challenges, said Batko. People who live in unsheltered places during disasters, like on street corners or in cars, have higher exposure to ash [from fires] and debris, which leads to more health issues and emergency room visits. At the time of the Eaton fire, Los Angeles Skid Row was home to roughly 2,200 unsheltered people, experiencing some of the worst air quality effects, according to Batko, who co-authored a report on the issue for the institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Los Angeles homelessness crisis was already dire: Last year, Los Angeles County had just 27,000 shelter beds for 75,000 unhoused residents. The fires have now left thousands more without homes, further straining an already overwhelmed system. The relevant governments state and federal agencies, L.A. County and its 88 cities must be on the same page to mount an organized and effective response, said Finnigan, of the Terner Center for Housing Innovation. There may be another twist coming. When President Donald Trump visited western North Carolina last month, he floated the idea of eliminating FEMA and leaving disaster response to the states, with federal reimbursement of some costs. He has since signed an executive order calling for a full assessment of FEMA and recommendations for improvements or structural changes. State emergency managers quickly responded that they need FEMAs involvement. Insurance challenges Disaster recovery is not equal: Homeowners with insurance typically rebound the fastest, as policies cover much of the rebuilding costs. But as climate disasters intensify, the insurance market has begun to unravel. In 2023, insurers lost money on homeowners coverage in 18 states more than a third of the country according to a New York Times analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its led to an insurance crisis rising premiums, reduced coverage or insurers pulling out altogether a trend that began in California, Florida and Louisiana but that has spread across the country. Even before this winters fires, these insurance issues would have been a defining legislative issue for California, predicted Alexandra Alvarado, director of education and marketing at the American Apartment Owners Association, an industry lobbying group. Theres a great anxiety from property owners on whether they will be insured or covered when another wildfire or a similar event costs them their home, and whether its worth it to rebuild and start over, Alvarado told Stateline in December. I think its going to be on the radar of lawmakers not just in our state, because were seeing this play out in other states as well. During the fires, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara reminded insurers of their legal duty to cover mudslide damage caused by recent wildfires, as colder, wetter weather raises risks, particularly for Los Angeles County wildfire survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already, State Farm, the largest home insurer in California, has asked the state to approve emergency rate hikes because of the fires, seeking an average 22% increase for homeowners and 15% for renters. Barriers for lower-income residents The long-term recovery process is filled with hurdles especially for low-income and marginalized communities. Lower-income households are disproportionately vulnerable to climate disasters; theyre also disproportionately harmed. Residents may reside in older, high-risk homes that are more susceptible to destruction. In some places, lower-income neighborhoods were built in low-lying flood plains because land was cheaper or red-lining kept families of color from living elsewhere. Many households cannot afford homeowners or flood insurance, and strict eligibility criteria may prevent them from qualifying for disaster relief loans, said Katie Arrington, a disaster recovery expert for Boulder County, Colorado. Natural disasters cause a massive spike in homelessness. Jeremy Ney, a macroeconomics policy strategist Renters, mobile home residents and uninsured households often cant afford homes comparable to the ones lost to disaster. Without financial safety nets, many displaced residents face an impossible choice: endure months or years of instability, or leave their community altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People with insurance have an easier time recovering than people without it. Homeowners, in general, recover more easily than renters, Arrington said. Theres a spectrum, from homeowners with full insurance to renters without insurance, and each group faces very different recovery timelines. One major barrier to recovery for renters is the post-disaster surge in housing costs. A Brookings Institution report published in October 2023 shows that effective rents typically rise 4% after a disaster and remain elevated for at least five years. In the past few weeks in Los Angeles, fire-affected neighborhoods such as Venice and Santa Monica saw rents surge by 60-100% within days, fueling calls for stronger enforcement of Californias anti-price gouging laws. California lawmakers in January allocated billions in funding to state and federal government relief efforts and put an immediate moratorium on evictions. The governors office also has issued an executive order prohibiting Los Angeles-area landlords from evicting tenants who provide shelter to survivors of the Los Angeles-area firestorms. Experience and luck For many municipalities, past experience is the only real preparation for disaster recovery. And sometimes, a bit of luck helps, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, the Marshall Fire in Colorado forced the evacuation of 35,000 residents in Boulder County and destroyed nearly 1,000 buildings. County officials say their response benefited from both preparation and circumstance. Some of our success was due to experience, but some of it was luck. We had a vacant county-owned building available to house the disaster assistance center, which allowed us to act quickly, said Arrington, the disaster response manager for Boulder County. If we had needed to rent or find a less-central location, the response would have been slower. Across the U.S., states are grappling with similar challenges. In North Carolina, state-led efforts such as the Back@Home program helped rapidly rehouse approximately 100 displaced households after Hurricane Florence in 2018, and later helped nearly 800 households find more permanent homes. The program has since become a model for addressing disaster-fueled displacement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, after Tropical Storm Helene last fall, Asheville, North Carolina, allocated $1 million in rental assistance to prevent displacement. While Red Cross and state-run shelters were scheduled to close by Nov. 10, the city coordinated with the WNC Rescue Mission to keep one shelter open longer for the remaining displaced residents. By Dec. 31, 2024, all nine remaining shelter participants had secured exit plans ensuring no one was left without a place to go, according to the citys spokesperson, Kim Miller. Hawaii also has launched large-scale relief initiatives. In response to the 2023 Maui fire, HomeAid Hawaii, in partnership with the state, developed interim housing solutions for 1,500 displaced residents for up to five years. Disaster-driven homelessness requires targeted programs that meet the needs of people at risk, said Batko, of the Urban Institute. States must integrate housing policy into emergency preparedness, or theyll find themselves overwhelmed when the next disaster strikes. In Colorado, Boulder County has managed to rebuild or begin construction on about two-thirds of the homes that were lost. Boulder County is aiming for an ambitious 90% recovery rate, meaning 9 of 10 displaced households will find a new homes in the area. But even that success comes with a twinge of mourning for what was lost. We started this recovery with a goal to get close to 90%, so were proud, Arrington said. But we also recognize that some parts of the community have changed forever. 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. First longhorned tick infected with life-threatening bacterium found in Fairfield County NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is reporting new findings when it comes to an invasive tick species in the state. Every day we get mail with a lot of ticks in it, lab volunteer Anais Gerdere said. Its the busiest time of the Tick Testing Lab, with staff receiving over 100 tick submissions per day by mail. Invasive ticks spread across more Connecticut counties Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive seen a lot, said Gerdere. Mostly the ticks come dead, but a lot of them are alive and we have to be careful so they dont run away. The micro-sized crawlers are common this time of year, but now experts here are reporting the discovery of an existing pathogen that has never been found before in the invasive longhorned tick. This new pathogen is ehrlichia chaffeensis. Even though we call it new, this pathogen has been around because it is primarily transmitted by the lone star tick, Dr. Goudarz Molei, a research scientist, medical entomologist, and director of the CAES Passive Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance Program, said. The disease agent infects a group of white blood cells, which can lead to tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tick season 2025: What to know as disease risk rises The Tick Testing Laboratory said they received 60 specimens of longhorned ticks that bit humans since the tick was first discovered in Connecticut in 2019. But Dr. Molaei is concerned that the number could go up because of the rapid spread of the species in Connecticut and its ability to reproduce. Females can lay fertile eggs without mating, he said, adding, each female is capable of laying two to three thousand eggs. Dr. Molaei says with the ticks now being found not just in wooded areas, but along coastlines in Fairfield and New Haven as well, he advises people to wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, and examine clothing and pets when you come home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information can be found on the Connecticut government 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 WTNH.com. EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Over 100 middle school students in East Hartford attended East Hartford Polices Annual Fishing Derby Tuesday, an event encouraging children to get outdoors and learn something new. Its actually a reward for perfect attendance, student of the month, some students who have overcome some pretty significant obstacles this year, East Hartford Middle School social worker Shannon Russell said. U.S. Coast Guard launches Aqua Alerts in Long Island Sound area Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A number of first responders- including police officers and firefighters- participated in the event, which has been held for the past 11 years. Kids not only learned how to cast their line, but they also had the chance to participate in canoeing, archery and volleyball. When theyre off their screens its always a good thing, sixth-grade teacher Brian Douglas said. Fishing is so inexpensive, you buy a rod for $15 to $20, youre good for the whole entire day. Thanks to Cabelas, which sponsored the event, the students received a free fishing rod. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HOT SPRINGS, Ark. One of the final American flags rescued and removed from South Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam War was proudly raised once again this time at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall display at Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport. In an emotional tribute held this Memorial Day weekend, veterans, families and community members gathered to honor Arkansans who gave their lives in Vietnam and in conflicts since. The sight of the historic flag, fluttering against the afternoon sky, served as a powerful symbol of remembrance and sacrifice. A look back at history, meaning of Memorial Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those attending was Sandra Orr, whose brother, Charles T. Moore, served as a medic in the war. She recounted his bravery with pride and sorrow. He had a little three-month-old baby he only got to see once, she said. He rescued his wounded commanding officer under fire, and as he lay dying from shrapnel wounds, he was still directing others on how to care for the injured. Moores legacy lives on, she said, in a medical clinic at Fort Hood named in his honor and now, again, on the traveling memorial wall where his name is etched. I just cant imagine all of these names, Orr added, looking across the panels. They gave up their lives for this country. And they need to be honored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her daughter surprised her with a visit from Tulsa to place flowers beneath his name a gesture that moved Orr to tears. Retired Major General Walter A. Paulson also spoke at the ceremony. Though he never saw combat, Paulson held critical command roles during Vietnam and in later conflicts. I had to be the one to say youre not ready, Paulson said, describing the difficult responsibility of evaluating units for combat readiness. It wasnt easy, but I knew that if I wasnt honest, people would die unnecessarily. Paulson recalled that ten of his classmates from flight school and five from artillery school died in Vietnam. One, he said, had taken his place in the field after he received flight orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These were my brothers. I trained them, I loved them, and I remember them, he said. He also praised fellow speaker and longtime friend, Col. Hugh Mills Jr., a retired U.S. Army pilot and Vietnam veteran who completed three tours. Hot Springs has always been home, Mills said. Even though I live in Kansas City now, I come back every Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Mills, a former Hot Springs resident and son of the citys school superintendent, commanded troops in Vietnam. Twenty-eight of his soldiers were killed in action. Eighteen names on this wall are from Hot Springs, Mills said. They gave their tomorrows for our today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a specific way to fly your US flag on Memorial Day: What to know Mills referenced the words of General George Patton: Its a shame to mourn the men who died. We need to thank God that we had them. Thats how I live, he said. Everything we do to honor their memory is our duty as citizens. This years memorial event reminded Arkansans of the personal stories and enduring sacrifices behind every name engraved on the wall. It also spotlighted the deep connections that continue to bind veterans, their families, and their communities together through the raising of a flag that once flew in war-torn skies, and now stands as a testament to honor and remembrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Crime Alert Berks County, a citizen crime-fighting group, is offering cash rewards of up to $10,000 to anyone supplying tips that lead to an arrest in this case or any other case or crime. Tipsters with crime information can call 877-373-9913 anytime or contact Crime Alert at its website at www.alertberks.org or via the AlertBerks smartphone app. No one will ask the name of the caller, who will be assigned a code number. Offense: Credit card/access device fraud Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Date: Between April 22 and May 1 Location: Lowes, Shillington Road, Spring Township. Police synopsis: According to Fleetwood police, fraudulent orders totaling more than $20,000 were placed via phone using a Fleetwood-area construction business credit card and were subsequently picked up by a person not affiliated with the business. The pictured suspect picked up an order and identified herself as Ventura Polanco. COURTESY OF FLEETWOOD POLICE Fleetwood police are trying to identify this suspect in connection with a credit card fraud. (Courtesy of Crime Alert Berks County)Fleetwood police are trying to identify this suspect in connection with a credit card fraud. (Courtesy of Crime Alert Berks County) Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Alert or Criminal Investigator Keith Merkel at Fleetwood Police Department at 61-944-7011 ext. 500. Refer to incident #83-25-02626. Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Flight restrictions have been introduced at airports in the Russian cities of Nizhny Novgorod, Saratov, and Tambov amid the threat of drone attacks, Artyom Korenyako, a spokesperson for Russia's state aviation agency Rosaviatsia, said on May 27. "To ensure the safety of civil aircraft flights, temporary restrictions on their entry and exit have also been introduced," Korenyako said in a Telegram post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Russia continues its war, Ukraine regularly strikes military facilities deep within Russian territory to minimize Moscow's ability to wage its war. Earlier on May 27, the Russian aviation agency said it imposed flight restrictions at Kaluga's airport. Air defenses "have detected and destroyed" several drones, Alexander Gusev, Voronezh Oblast Governor, said. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims. The threat of drone attacks was declared in Russia's Tula, Lipetsk, Samara, and Voronezh oblasts by Russian authorities. On May 23, Russian authorities were forced to shut down airports in Moscow amid a barrage of Ukrainian drone strikes overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on May 26 said Ukraine's Western partners are no longer imposing any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Kyiv for use against Russian military targets. "There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine neither by the U.K., France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the U.S. either," Merz said. "This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia," the chancellor said, adding that, "Until recently, it couldnt do that, and apart from very few exceptions, it hadnt done so either." Read also: Ukraine war latest: West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germanys Merz says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ATMORE, Ala. (WKRG) Atmore Police Department officers arrested a Flomaton man Saturday in connection with a May 21 shooting. Photo courtesy: Escambia County Jail Log Im sick and tired of it: Atmore police chief responds to recent gun violence According to an APD news release, officers arrested 24-year-old Terry Clark. Before that, 24-year-old James Antonio Johnson turned himself in. Officials said they were called to the area of Sowell Avenue and Trout Street around 7 p.m. on May 21 for a report of multiple shots fired. INCIDENT LOCATION: Investigators were able to obtain a search warrant for Clark on the charges of attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, News 5 has learned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark was arrested Saturday during a traffic stop by the Flomaton Police Department, according to the release. Mobile Museum of Art hosts Food Truck Festival He was taken to the Escambia County, Alabama Detention Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Flora Vesterberg, a member of the British royal family, opened up about her autism diagnosis in a new essay for British Vogue. Ive struggled quietly with the challenges of my neurodiversity since childhood, but am now also able to perceive its strengths, she wrote. Like many women, I only recently felt compelled to pursue a clinical assessment. It followed an urgent need for clarity ahead of beginning my PhD at The Courtauld Institute of Art. As a result of the diagnosis, I feel empowered by having a framework with which to understand my experiences and sensitivities. It brings a sense of relief as well as validation. I know that this will not only help me to be kinder to myself, but also help my community to support me effectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vesterberg (nee Ogilvy), 30, is a granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth. Currently 61st in line for the British throne, Vesterberg is the daughter of James Ogilvy and Julia Rawlinson. Im fortunate to have had a peaceful upbringing in rural Scotland, within a loving and supportive family, she wrote in the essay. Im also thankful to have a wonderful husband of five years. In 2020, she married Timothy Vesterberg in a private ceremony at the Chapel Royal at St. Jamess Palace. A year later, they celebrated with a public event, and Flora wore the Ogilvy tiara for the occasion. She often attends events with the broader British royal family, including Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this past December. Whilst my journey with autism feels like it only truly began with my diagnosis, I feel relieved to now have a clearer understanding of my emotional needs as well as the strengths that I should lean into, she writes. Vesterberg isnt the only British royal woman to take to the pages of British Vogue recently. In March, Princess Beatrice wrote an essay about her daughter Athenas premature brith. You Might Also Like "I always thought Bag Balm was the best of all things," the Canadian country music star said. Not to be hyperbolic, but I have been obsessed with Shania Twain since I came out of the womb. I knew the lyrics to "That Don't Impress Me Much" before I learned our national anthem, and to this day, I think "Honey, I'm Home" could awaken me from a medically induced coma. Shania Twain is a Canadian national treasure and someone I trust far too much for having never met. Through Shania, I have learned two important things: head-to-toe leopard print is iconic, and the beauty secret to surviving harsh dry weather is Vermont's Original Bag Balm. The 59-year-old has been a decades-long devotee of the moisturizing balm. In 1999, Shania mentioned Bag Balm in an interview with The London Telegraph, saying, "When I've been flying a lot and my skin is really dry, I'll rub it over my face and on my hair and leave it there all day." More recently, in an interview with Us Weekly, the Canadian country music star called the balm "the best of all things." ADVERTISEMENT "I try to drink as much water as I can. I have always exfoliated. I dont actually buy an exfoliator; I just make it. If Im somewhere near the beach, Ill use sand," she told the magazine. "I believe in old-fashioned things, like a bit of Vaseline. I always thought Bag Balm was the best of all things. The cosmetic one thats been a staple for me is Creme de la Mer." La Mer Creme de la Mer Moisturizer $280 See at Sephora Vaseline Healing Jelly $4 See at Amazon Originally created in 1899 yes, 1899 Bag Balm is a moisturizer that was designed to heal chapped cows' udders. It's formulated with petroleum jelly and lanolin and has been made in a small town in Vermont for the past 120-odd years. Shania, alongside other beauty icons like Raquel Welch, even inspired a new generation of social media "skinfluencers" to try the product. TikTok personality Alix Earle swears by the jelly as a cure for chapped lips and dry skin, and thousands of others have recommended the long-time farmer's secret as an alternative to Vaseline for skin slugging. Celebrities swear by Vermont's Original Bag Balm (Photos via Getty). The healing balm works similarly to a good old tub of petroleum jelly. You can apply it to dry, cracked skin on your hands, feet, elbows and even your lips. Some people swear by it as the miracle cure for diaper rash or irritated skin, and skincare obsessives say it's ideal for slugging. Do you suffer from painful skin chafing? Bag Balm can help with that, too. ADVERTISEMENT More than 400 people have purchased the celebrity-approved balm on Amazon Canada in the past month. Reviewers say it not only "works" but "works harder than anything else." "I love [it] beyond words," writes one shopper. It's "even better than the expensive French hand cream Ive been using for years." The salve is "wonderful," echos another. It "heals chapped hands, feet and even diaper rash!" It's "gentle and effective." With a 4.5-star average rating, shoppers say it's beyond "worth it." It's "awesome." If you have dry, cracked skin, "this is what you want." While the vast majority of reviewers call it a moisturizing superstar, some note it's "a bit greasy," something to keep in mind when placing your order. Let us know what you think by emailing us, commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. DELAND, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida man was arrested over the weekend after police said he shot at another man over a $5 beer. The DeLand Police Department said it was called to McCabes Bar on Amelia Avenue in DeLand around 2 a.m. on Saturday to investigate a shooting. According to police, 55-year-old Calvin Gilbert had been drinking with a man he didnt know at the bar that night. Witnesses said Gilbert bought a $5 beer for the man Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man survives alligator attack before being fatally shot by Polk County deputies: sheriff At closing time, police said Gilbert confronted the victim outside the bar and demanded to be reimbursed for the drink. After the two men started to argue, police said Gilbert drew a black handgun and fired one round. The victim was not struck, as he ducked to avoid the shot. The bullet hit an exterior cooler and penetrated a wall, according to DeLand police. Officers said surveillance video captured the incident and Gilbert fleeing the scene in a tan 1999 Nissan Quest van. Investigators spoke with witnesses and the victim, who identified Gilbert through a photo lineup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement officers found Gilbert on Sunday morning in Daytona Beach. Within 34 hours, we had this individual in custody, DeLand Police Chief Jason Umberger said. Gilbert was charged with attempted first-degree murder using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An aggressive Muscovy duck has attacked and injured multiple members of a Florida neighborhood, including one who reportedly had to go to the hospital for their injury Two elderly residents of the neighborhood shared the stories of their attacks with a local outlet The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission "does not remove nuisance Muscovy ducks," residents must do it themselves, and follow specific regulations You've heard of Florida Man. Now, meet Florida Duck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Florida neighborhood shared it's on guard because of a belligerent duck who has been wandering the streets and displaying aggressive behavior including an attack that reportedly sent a resident to the hospital. According to a new report from Fox 4 News, a feral Muscovy duck has been terrorizing the neighborhood in Cape Coral, Fla., with sneak attacks and attempted break-ins. James Sepulveda, who has been a resident of the neighborhood for nearly three decades, was one of the duck's victims. He recounted the story of the attack to the Florida outlet. "I sit on my porch, 7 to 7:30 at this time of the year to catch a sunset, you know, some sun, and I had my eyes closed. All of a sudden, I felt a jab on my hand, and it was bleeding," Sepulveda told Fox 4 News. He later showed off his bandaged hand to the outlet. He also allowed Fox 4 News to film inside his home, where the outlet captured footage of the Muscovy duck threateningly lurking outside his door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's waiting for me," Sepulveda said, cracking the door slightly to reveal the black bird. Another neighborhood resident, Richard Guy, told Fox 4 News that the feral, feathered critter also attacked him. Guy recalled that he had attempted to scare the animal away before the duck injured him. "I stood up and I made some noises, thinking it would go away," he told the outlet, adding that "next thing I know, its wings come out, you know, like it's going to attack me." Reporter Bella Line, a community correspondent for the area, was also chased by the duck after arriving in the neighborhood to interview its residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A Muscovy duck has been chasing people who live on this street, and when they couldn't get the help they needed, they called me, and I saw the duck's rage firsthand," she said. Sepulveda told Fox 4 News he wants to "get rid" of the duck, noting, "They're actually committing injury to individuals." According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Muscovy ducks like the one terrorizing the residents of the Florida neighborhood are not native to the state, but instead come from "Mexico, Central America, South America, and some parts of Texas." Due to the problems the ducks can create including "competition with native species, damage to property, and transmission of disease" the agency has specific regulations in place for the creatures. However, it cannot eliminate them on the residents' behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The FWC does not remove nuisance Muscovy ducks," according to the agency's website. "Removal of ducks can be done by the landowner or by a hired nuisance wildlife trapper with landowner permission." 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. Muscovy ducks, the FWC told Fox 4 News, "are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but the US Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a Control Order (USFWS 50 CFR 21.54) allowing control of Muscovy ducks and their nests and eggs in areas outside their natural range." According to the FWC's website, which includes more information about the specific removal requirements, the ducks can be removed using "humane methods of live capture" like nets or cage traps, or "taken by use of a firearm on private property during daylight hours with landowner permission. " Read the original article on People Property taxes are necessary to fund local governments and agencies but can be unfair to first-time homebuyers, a group of local Democrats argued Tuesday. Six elected officials gathered Tuesday at a roundtable hosted by Rep. Anna Eskamani as debate continues across Florida on if and how to reform property taxes which are top funders for everything from local police and fire departments to public schools. Instead of taking a chainsaw, I think its important we use a scalpel, said Eskamani, D-Orlando, who sits on a 37-member task force studying the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push for property tax relief started when Gov. Ron DeSantis said earlier this year that Florida should ban the tax, assessed by local governments on property owners. Hed equated paying the tax as renting your property from the government. House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, convened a task force to study the issue, which is expected to consider numerous ideas, ranging from outright abolishing the levy, adding homestead exemptions to lower tax bills and requiring every municipality to hold their own referendum on whether or not to ban it. DeSantis and others have argued that local governments have benefited from surging property values even as most havent increased their tax rate. With a bigger pool of taxable value, the money has poured in, with Orange Countys budget growing by $1.7 billion over a five-year period, fueled in part by about a 40% increase in property tax collections in that same period. Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph said that the states tax structure is designed to keep costs low for longtime Floridians, and in turn, hits first-time homebuyers with higher costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre an existing homeowner who has owned a home for 7 or 8 years, you dont need a property tax break, he said. If Florida wants to attract young people, young professionals theyve got to fix this problem. But cities and counties, particularly in Central Florida, are grappling with growth. And growth requires infrastructure, law enforcement, fire protection and new schools to accommodate it. Property tax revenue is a critical funding source for local governments accounting for about 52% of the Orange County public schools budget and about 48% of Orlandos general fund. A study by the Florida Policy Institute found that state leaders would need to double its sales tax to 12% to make up a chunk of the revenue lost from banning the tax. After its publication, DeSantis said hed veto any such increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sadaf Knight, the CEO of the Florida Policy Institute, said any tax relief should be targeted. I think whatever the solution is to make sure the tax relief is getting to the people who need it most, she said. rygillespie@orlandosentinel.com PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida woman was arrested after stabbing a 12-year-old in the face and neck before attempting to hide her body, even though she was alive, the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office announced. Deputies responded to the Cecil Webb Wildlife Management Area after a 12-year-old with cuts to the face and neck was found by people passing on Monday, May 26. Deputies arrived and found the victim who was in need of immediate medical attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to CCSO, the victim was only able to tell the deputies the suspect, Gwendolyn Girard, 35, attacked her with a knife and left her under the brush before leaving in a gold-colored van. During an investigation, the van was located in North Fort Myers by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, with Girard there as well. Girard was transported for questioning, and the vehicle was towed to impound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CCSO Major Crimes Unit secured a warrant to arrested Girard on charges of aggravated battery and aggravated child abuse. According to CCSO, detectives interviewed Girard, where she confessed and told detectives the location of the knife used in the attack. In my 33-year career, there are only a handful of times that I have been left speechless. This is one of those times. To attack a child with a knife I cant understand it. It is only by Gods grace that she is still with us today, and I pray for her as she heals from this horrific incident. Unfortunately, the mental trauma inflicted on her may never heal, Sheriff Bill Prummell said. Girard is being held at the Charlotte County Jail with a $750,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim has been treated and is in stable condition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Which institution has fallen furthest in the recent decades of British history? That they have fallen is indisputable: where once the pillars of our public life were the envy of the globe, they are now riddled with a very particular type of rot. We might call this lanyardism. What is lanyardism? Well, to paraphrase Kenneth Clark in Civilisation, I know it when I see it. It means cutting front-line services in favour of indolent clipboard-people with impenetrable job titles. It is increasingly failing to do what the institution was created for. It is a habit of turning away or belittling talented and committed members in favour of DEI initiatives. It does all this with a sort of rotten tweeness, a patronising mode of dealing with the public which seems to mirror both the wider infantilisation of society and the geriatric decay of a culture on its last legs. This, named for the ubiquitous uniform of its proponents, is lanyardism. Which institution, then, has suffered most from this? There are many candidates: the BBC abandoning its Reithian principles in pursuit of the confected and the patronising, the Church of England with its betrayal of ordinary parishes in favour of an out-of-touch apparatchik class, our ancient universities with their deliberate watering-down of quality in pursuit of political goals and dirty foreign money. The list goes on: opera companies, museums, the National Trust, the NHS. None though, has suffered a precipitous decline quite like the Foreign Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was once a byword for diplomatic skill, but is now an embarrassment. In the wake of the Chagos deal, their official social media accounts put out a Pravda-worthy explainer clip. Rather than responding with a gunboat as the Foreign Office of yore would have done, these days we get a patronising video with 90s graphics and a narration which sounds like the out of hours message at a GPs office. Hardly the artistry of Metternich and Talleyrand, indeed its not even Robin Cook. Worse though than the lanyardist aesthetics is the content. If youre going to do propaganda, at least do it properly. The narrator begins with a lie; legal uncertainty was putting the future operation of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia under threat. She describes this uncertainty as a gift to our adversaries. Theres a 1984 attitude to language here; its a gift to our adversaries to, er, not give away land to our adversaries. The rank sophistry of this claim was underlined by the fact that within hours of signing the deal with Britain, Mauritius agreed to strengthen its relations with Russia. It would almost be funny if it werent so tragic; and suggests an alarming level of departmental capture. Then there is the general lowering of standards, particularly in the Foreign Offices historic insistence on language skills. A recent FOI request by The Spectator revealed that only 22 UK diplomats had obtained exam passes for the top civil service language certification in Mandarin, down from 45 in 2016. This is not entirely the Foreign Offices fault; reflecting a broader, depressing collapse in the numbers studying high-level languages. Still, historically the demand for higher standards was in part what then forced higher standard language teaching at universities themselves. And the Foreign Office has surely got weaker in this regard. In the past it would have been unthinkable for high-ranking diplomats in strategically important countries like China not to speak the language fluently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere the attitude seems designed to corrode UK interests. Former Cabinet Secretary Gus ODonnell famously described his job as [maximising] global welfare not national welfare.A recent pamphlet The World in 2040: Renewing the UKs approach to International Affairs, written by a group of former senior diplomats and officials, epitomises this way of thinking. The UK has often sought to project an image of greatness to the world that today seems anachronistic, complain the authors, who include former cabinet secretary Lord Sedwill, former Foreign Office Director General Moazzam Malik and former No10 foreign policy adviser Tom Fletcher. To questions about industrial reparations, they say we cannot simply brush aside concerns around the UKs historical legacy and questions of nationhood. Er, yes we can. Anyone committed to the national interest wouldnt simply parrot the criticisms of states which are often actively hostile to Britain, and assuredly have their own motives. I dont blame countries demanding reparations for trying their luck; the Chagos insanity suggests they might well succeed. I do blame those who are explicitly meant to safeguard our interests yet apparently view their role as an exercise in atonement for a past in which they take little pride. It bears repeating that no other country behaves like this; it is not normal, it is not how France, or America, or even Burkina Faso behaves. In this sense it is actually not international at all but a uniquely British form of self-cuckoldry. Indeed, France is widely considered our most directly comparable power; amusingly its longest land border is with Brazil and it hosted the Paris Olympics surfing not in La Rochelle or Brittany but Tahiti, which it considers an integral and non-negotiable part of its territory. France still has its Foreign Legion. We are not the same; and Ill leave you to guess exactly what has more clout in the Global South, a legionnaire landing on your countrys coastline or an HR manager with a rainbow lanyard sending you an email from SW1. 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. DENVER (KDVR) A former resident of Cherry Hills Village has been charged with one count of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with millions of dollars that federal officials say were bilked from disaster funds. Joseph Ronald Trenkle, 54, currently of Dorado, Puerto Rico, is accused of applying for and receiving $1.85 million in COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration and another almost $3 million in Paycheck Protection Program funds from a Small Business Administration-approved lender. Billions in pandemic fraud: DOJ looking to recover every penny of COVID relief fraud Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Colorado Secretary of State business records, Trenkle is the owner of All American Hemp Co., a commercial operation specializing in seed production and replication of marijuana plants. The United States Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado said the funds were received between April 30, 2020, and Feb. 25, 2022, after Trenkle first received a disaster loan in March 2020. The prosecutors say Trenkle made two requests to increase the amount of the loan, as well as falsely represented items in the request. The prosecutors further allege that Trenkle submitted two fraudulent loan applications and submitted fraudulent applications to be forgiven on each of the loans. Trenkle appeared in court on May 22 in Denver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A former corrections officer at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility was sentenced to nearly two years after pleading guilty to sexual misconduct. According to the Washington County District Attorneys Office, on May 9, Levi David Gray was sentenced to 20 months after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct. Officials said that in May 2023, Gray served as the supervisor of the Special Housing Unit at the Coffee Creek facility, where the 19-year-old victim had been moved into the only cell unit with no surveillance camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teen dead, two injured after late-Monday SR 14 crash During that time, authorities said that Gray committed sex acts against the victim in her cell, which were overheard by a witness who convinced the victim to report the abuse. Gray was immediately placed on leave after the report and later terminated. The victim was taken to a hospital where Grays DNA was found on her body, and authorities said that Gray was also seen on video taking the victim to her cell by himself, which was a policy violation. He also stayed in the area of her cell for an extended period of time. In court, Gray was sentenced to 20 months, the maximum sentence based on guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gray was also ordered to serve three years of post-prison supervision, and he will undergo sex offender treatment and a mental health evaluation upon release. The DOC shared the following statement: The custodial sexual misconduct committed by former Correctional Sergeant Levi Gray is deeply troubling and disappointing. His actions violate the agencys mission and undermine the trust placed in it by the public, staff, and adults in custody. Sexual misconduct is unacceptable in any setting, but it is particularly egregious in a correctional environment where power dynamics must never be abused. DOC continues to work diligently to prevent such violations through staff training, reporting mechanisms, and technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAHLONEGA, Ga. (WJBF) The GBI has arrested and charged 61-year-old Andrew Howard Whaley, of Cumming, Ga., with 1 count of Aggravated Child Molestation, 1 count of Child Molestation, and 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography in Lumpkin County. Whaley was also charged in Forsyth County, GA with six counts of creation of child pornography and 13 counts of Eavesdropping/Surveillance. On April 18th, the GBI was requested to investigate a child molestation case involving Whaley, in Lumpkin County, GA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, it was determined that Whaley was a former Boy Scout Leader and that he sexually abused a boy that he met during his time as a Scout Leader. The GBI and the Lumpkin County Sheriffs Office executed search warrants at Whaleys cabin and a business in Lumpkin County on May 16th. Agents discovered evidence of child pornography during the search. Further investigation led to the discovery of a hidden camera in a bathroom at Whaleys home in Forsyth County that Whaley used to film minors. On May 16, 2025, Whaley was arrested and booked into the Lumpkin County Sheriffs Office, where he remains incarcerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. A former police chief in Arkansas, a convicted rapist and murderer serving an 80-year sentence, may have posed in a makeshift law enforcement uniform to escape a prison on Sunday, officials announced. In 2016, Grant Hardin, now 56, served about four months as police chief in the city of Gateway, a small town on the Arkansas-Missouri border. Hardin pleaded guilty to the 2017 murder of Gateway Water Department employee James Appleton, 59, who was talking to his brother-in-law, Andrew Tillman, the then mayor of Gateway, when he was fatally shot in the head, the Associated Press reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators found Appleton dead in his vehicle in Garfield, Arkansas, a town about four miles from Gateway, on Feb. 23, 2017. While serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder, DNA evidence linked Hardin to the 1997 rape of an elementary school teacher in Rogers, a city north of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Grant Hardin, 56, seen in video walking out of a prison in Arkansas. (ADC) Grant Hardin, 56, seen in undated prison mugshots released by the Arkansas Department of Corrections escaped North Central Unit in Calico Rock, AK. on May 21, 2025. North Central Unit in Calico Rock, AK. seen in a satellite image from Google Maps. Investigators in that case, according to CBS News, applied for a John Doe warrant in 2003 and traced the DNA back to Hardin, who was already incarcerated for Appletons murder. The former police chief pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and was sentenced to 50 years. Man, 31, in U.S. legally for 12 years ripped from family, detained by ICE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2017, he had been incarcerated at the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, until his escape on May 25. Details surrounding his escape are limited, though officials with the Arkansas Department of Corrections said the 56-year-old was seen walking out of the prison facility at around 3:40 p.m. wearing a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement. Officials continue to utilize a variety of means to track Hardin, as well as investigating the events that led up to his escape, investigators added. The manhunt for the disgraced former police chief has included creating roadblocks and searching vehicles in the area to ensure he has not stolen a car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, investigators have not said if they believe Hardin had any outside help in the escape or if anyone else inside the prison may have aided in his disappearance. Hardin is described as a while male adult, standing approximately 6 feet tall, weighing around 259 pounds, and, at least in photos released by the Arkansas Department of Corrections, is bald. The 56-year-old should be considered extremely dangerous and anyone who spots him or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. An angry Fort Lauderdale code enforcement board will begin fining the owners of a controversial senior living facility $1,000 a day if they do not comply with demands in two weeks, officials decided Tuesday, the harshest possible punishment available given the circumstances. Oasis Living Quarters decided to remove all of its residents in March to convert into luxury apartments, according to residents, family members and a state inspection report. But it did not receive a permit when it began renovating the former homes of its elderly residents, according to city officials. The removals, which included residents who were bedridden or had dementia, also led to citations from the state over the lack of written notice. Youre moving a bunch of elderly people out with minimal notice, Donald Karney III, the code enforcement boards vice chair, said Tuesday. This is why Im so aggressive with this particular case. Theyve done these people extremely dirty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Fort Lauderdale building inspector had visited the property in April and found new air conditioning units installed in several rooms on the unoccupied side, demolished kitchenettes, and hallway and corridor partitions that had been torn down, all of which require a building permit. Half of the property that was once Oasis assisted living side is already Waterview luxury apartments. Residents of that side were first moved into the other half, then told to leave in March. The inspector also saw people living in the side that is now Waterview. Oasis was issued a stop-work order and a notice about Tuesdays hearing. Afterwards, the inspector, Andrew Gebbia, tried to schedule a meeting with the facility but it declined, saying that since they were working on properly permitting the facility, a meeting would not be necessary, he said Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The permit application currently submitted by Oasis contains a poorly written sketch of the work area when the permit requires plans that are signed by a licensed architectural engineer, Gebbia said. He suggested that the board give Oasis 56 days to comply and impose a fine of $100 a day afterwards. I have a question, Karney III said. Instead of granting them 56 days, can we start fining them immediately? Rhonda Montoya Hasan, the assistant city attorney, informed the board that they have to give Oasis a reasonable amount of time before imposing fines because it is a new case, but suggested increasing the fine amount. Board members then asked what the shortest reasonable timeframe would be as well as the largest fine they could impose per day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maximum fine is $1,000 a day, Hasan said. The board agreed to begin imposing it in 15 days. No one attended Tuesdays hearing on behalf of the facility. Oasis is connected to Lee and Jay Podolsky, members of a family of notorious landlords in New York City, the Sun Sentinel previously reported. City officials are also currently investigating whether there were any code violations on the side that is already operating as Waterview Rentals. Asked Tuesday if there had been work done in those apartments, Gebbia said he didnt know because he was denied access. Four men suspected of tampering with vehicles in Frederick County were arrested Sunday following a chase that resulted in multiple crashes, with two police vehicles damaged, police said. A Frederick County Sheriffs Office deputy got out of a police vehicle just before it was struck, the Sheriffs Office said in a press release. The four men are from Washington, D.C. Deangelo Dubose, 18; Zaire Graves, 18; Dayneil Bullock, 21; and Darin Comer, 18 the press release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were each charged with: * theft of $1,500 to $25,000 * motor vehicle theft * obstructing and hindering * resisting / interfering with arrest Additional charges included malicious destruction of property over $1,000 against Dubose and second-degree assault against Graves, as well as traffic citations issued to all four men. All four men were being held without bail, according to court records, and none had an attorney listed. The Sheriffs Office said that at around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, a deputy attempted to stop the men, who were suspected of tampering with vehicles in the area of Jordan Boulevard, near Lake Linganore, according to the press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four fled in two vehicles, with the deputy giving chase. One vehicle, a 2017 Subaru Outback, crashed off Mussetter Road after striking a tree. The Sheriffs Office said the vehicle was confirmed to be stolen from Carroll County. The deputy chasing the Subaru also was involved in a crash and the police vehicle became disabled, the press release said. The deputy was taken to Frederick Health Hospital for minor injuries. The second vehicle that fled, a 2012 Toyota Camry, struck a marked patrol vehicle that had its emergency lights activated. A deputy who was inside exited the vehicle moments before the impact and was not injured, the press release said. The Sheriffs Office said Maryland State Police, Frederick police, Montgomery County police and the Carroll County Sheriffs Office helped with the search. Russian forces launched three strikes on a residential area of the city of Kramatorsk on 26 May, injuring a family and another resident. Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office on Telegram Details: The prosecutors office reports that Russian forces mounted the attack at approximately 23:17 on the evening of 26 May. They used FAB-250 aerial bombs fitted with UMPK guidance kits for converting unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. One of the munitions struck near an apartment block. The aftermath of the Russian attack Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office Quote: "The attack injured a 36-year-old man, his 33-year-old wife and their 6-year-old daughter in their flat. A 23-year-old city resident also sustained injuries." Details: Those injured were diagnosed with blast injuries and concussions. In addition, the attack damaged at least 13 houses and high-rise buildings, as well as cars. The aftermath of the Russian attack Photo: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office Criminal proceedings have been initiated over a war crime violation of the laws and customs of war (Article 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background:On 27 May, Russian forces launched an airstrike on civilian infrastructure in the Okhtyrka hromada of Sumy Oblast, injuring a 44-year-old man, his 41-year-old wife and their 17-year-old daughter. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Phil Noble and Sachin Ravikumar LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) -A 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs after a car ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool fans during a Premier League title parade, injuring more than 50, British police said. Eleven victims remained in hospital in a stable condition on Tuesday, police said, adding that they all appeared to be recovering well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British police believe the incident, in a packed Liverpool city centre on Monday, was isolated and not an act of terrorism. They said the driver of the grey Ford Galaxy people-carrier involved in the incident was believed to have followed an ambulance into a closed street when a road block was lifted to allow paramedics to attend to a suspected heart attack victim. Videos posted online showed the vehicle driving through the street crowded with fans, sending several flying into the air and dragging at least four under its wheels. When the vehicle stopped, angry people converged on it and began smashing the windows as police officers battled to prevent them from reaching the driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said 50 people, including children, had been treated for their injuries, with 11 still in hospital. "They are all in a stable condition, and I am pleased to say that they appear to be recovering well," Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims said. King Charles, who is visiting Canada, said he was "deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible events". His sister, Princess Anne, met medics who had treated some of the injured at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. A MILLION PEOPLE With most people off work for the Spring Bank Holiday, officials estimated that around 1 million people descended on the 10-mile (16 km) parade route to watch the Liverpool team travel through the city on an open-top bus with the Premier League trophy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liverpool last won the league in 2020, ending a 30-year-wait, but fans were unable to celebrate due to lockdowns during the pandemic. Police said the car hit the spectators as the event was winding down. In the aftermath, a Reuters photographer saw emergency services carrying victims on stretchers and in their arms to nearby ambulances. One source told MailOnline that it looked like the driver panicked when he realised he was in the crowd and people started banging on his car. The driver, who was sounding his horn, reversed and then accelerated forwards, according to reports from other witnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were unusually quick to provide a description of the man they arrested, saying around two hours after the incident he was a "53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area." Former police officers and local politicians said that statement was needed to cool social media speculation that the episode was an Islamist attack. "That was one of my first concerns, that we needed to get the story out quickly," Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram told the BBC. "If there's a vacuum, we know there are some elements that will try to inflame the situation and to create that speculation and to put misinformation out there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same police force oversaw the response to the murder of three young girls in the nearby town of Southport last year, an incident which sparked days of rioting, fuelled initially by speculation online over the identity of the attacker. (Writing by Kate Holton and Paul Sandle: additional reporting by Sachin Ravikumar and Muvija M in LONDON; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Hugh Lawson) PARIS (AP) Frances lower house of parliament adopted a bill Tuesday to allow adults with incurable illness to take lethal medication, as public demands grow across Europe for legal end-of-life options. The National Assembly vote is a key step on the long-debated issue, though others remain before the bill can become law. Im thinking of all the patients and their loved ones that Ive met over more than a decade. Many are no longer here, and they always told me: Keep fighting," said Olivier Falorni, the bill's general rapporteur, amid applause from fellow lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed measure on lethal medication defines assisted dying as allowing use under certain conditions so that people may take it themselves. Only those whose physical condition doesnt allow them to do it alone would be able to get help from a doctor or a nurse. The bill, which received 305 votes in favor and 199 against, will be sent to the Senate, where the conservative majority could seek to amend it. A definitive vote on the measure could take months to be scheduled amid Frances long and complex process. The National Assembly has final say over the Senate. Activists have criticized the complexity and length of the parliamentary process that they say is penalizing patients waiting for end-of-life options. In parallel, another bill on palliative care meant to reinforce measures to relieve pain and preserve patients dignity was also adopted Tuesday, unanimously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill has strict conditions To benefit, patients would need to be over 18 and be French citizens or live in France. A team of medical professionals would need to confirm that the patient has a grave and incurable illness at an advanced or terminal stage, is suffering from intolerable and untreatable pain and is seeking lethal medication of their own free will. Patients with severe psychiatric conditions and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimers disease wont be eligible. The person would initiate the request for lethal medication and confirm the request after a period of reflection. If approved, a doctor would deliver a prescription for the lethal medication, which could be taken at home or at a nursing home or a health care facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2023 report indicated that most French citizens back legalizing end-of-life options, and opinion polls show growing support over the past 20 years. Initial discussions in parliament last year were abruptly interrupted by President Emmanuel Macrons decision to dissolve the National Assembly, plunging France into a months-long political crisis. What a long road it has been, contrary to what the public thought, contrary to what the French people believed, said Jonathan Denis, president of the Association for the Right to Die With Dignity (ADMD). Months-long debate ahead Earlier this month, Macron suggested he could ask French voters to approve the measure via referendum if parliament discussions get off track. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron on Tuesday called the vote an important step, adding on social media that "with respect for different sensibilities, doubts, and hopes, the path of fraternity I had hoped for is gradually beginning to open. With dignity and humanity. Many French people have traveled to neighboring countries where medically assisted suicide or euthanasia are legal. Medically assisted suicide involves patients taking, of their own free will, a lethal drink or medication prescribed by a doctor to those who meet certain criteria. Euthanasia involves doctors or other health practitioners giving patients who meet certain criteria a lethal injection at their own request. I cannot accept that French men and women have to go to Switzerland if they can afford it or to Belgium to be supported in their choice, or that French men and women are being accompanied clandestinely in other countries," Denis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Religious leaders object French religious leaders this month issued a joint statement to denounce the bill, warning about the dangers of an anthropological rupture. The Conference of Religious Leaders in France (CRCF), which represents the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist communities, said the proposed measures risk exerting pressure on older people and those with illnesses or disabilities. Assisted suicide is allowed in Switzerland and several U.S. states. Euthanasia is currently legal in the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Canada, Australia, Colombia, Belgium and Luxembourg under certain conditions. In the U.K., lawmakers are debating a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales after giving it initial approval in November. A Franklin man was held Tuesday after being arraigned on drunken driving charges following a head-on crash into a familys car that left a 5-year-old Franklin girl dead Saturday night. James N. Blanchard, 21, was held on $250,000 cash bail after his arraignment in Wrentham District Court on several charges, including motor vehicle homicide while driving under the influence and driving with multiple open containers of alcohol. Read more: Child killed and two family members seriously injured by alleged drunken driver in Franklin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash, which occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday, May 24 on Grove Street, left the girl dead, and her 14-year-old brother and her mother, Minabel Patel, seriously injured. The names of the children were not released. Atulkumar Patel, the familys father, was released from a hospital with minor injuries. Franklin police officers, firefighters and EMS provided emergency care to the girl on the scene. She was later flown via emergency helicopter to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police and firefighters responded at about 6:20 p.m. to the area of 76 Grove St. after multiple calls were received about an accident. According to a Franklin police report, the father told officers they were headed to Blackstone for his sons birthday when he saw a truck driving in his lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He tried to avoid being hit by the truck by turning left into the opposite lane of travel, but they ended up colliding anyway, the police report said. Blanchard, who was accompanied by his mother, was seen at the scene with a small amount of blood on his nose and bloodshot, glassy eyes, the report said. When asked what happened, Blanchard said that he was coming home from Plainville where he works, then all of sudden there was a crash, the police report said. Police said Blanchard was evasive when asked if he specifically crossed over into the oncoming lane, telling officers at the scene that he didnt remember too much and that the crash happened very fast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said multiple containers of vodka and beer were found inside Blanchards truck, including two 1.75L handles of vodka. Combined with slurred speech and not talking with officers face-on, Blanchard completed a Breathalyzer test in which he displayed a blood alcohol content of 0.189, according to the police report. A level of .08 is the legal limit in Massachusetts. Blanchard told detectives he stopped at a liquor store in Plainville after working as a mechanic, where he purchased a 1.75-liter bottle of Titos vodka and a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, then he went to do landscaping. At the landscaping job, he had two beers. When he left, he opened the bottle of Titos, which he had bought earlier, and began drinking straight out of it and drove home, the police report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the two bottles of Titos in his vehicle, he said the empty bottle was from the night before, and the one that was 1/4 full of vodka was the bottle he bought earlier in the day, and the one he was drinking from before the crash, the police report said. By the time of the crash, Blanchard had drunk three quarters of one of the bottles of Titos, police said. Police said Blanchard passed out in his holding cell at the police station. We knocked on the cell door, banged on the cell door, tapped on the cell door with a key, and even opened the food tray vent and yelled to gain his attention; however Blanchard slept through all of it, the police report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ended up opening the cell door and shook his shoulder to gain his attention, the police report stated. He declined to make a phone call and went back to sleep. Blanchard pleaded not guilty, and despite his attorney requesting $10,000 bail due to his previously clean record, the judge ruled on $250,000 bail. The pretrial court date is set for June 24, at Wrentham District Court. Westport fatal crash The accident is one of two that happened within the area over the holiday weekend. A Westport couple in their 70s died in a head-on crash in Dartmouth Sunday morning. The crash happened on Old Westport Road at about 10:30 a.m. May 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dartmouth Police found two vehicles, one driven by Philip Morris, 63, of Dartmouth, and another driven by Jeffrey Moniz, 76, of Westport. Monizs wife, Diane Moniz, 76, was a passenger in that car. Both Jeffrey and Diane Moniz died in the crash. An investigation revealed that Morriss vehicle crossed the double yellow line and struck the other car. Morris, who had minor injuries, has been charged and will be served with a summons for two counts of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation and a marked lanes violation, the DAs office said. The Sun Chronicle is a news partner of MassLive.com. To subscribe to The Sun Chronicle, click here. The latest from MassLive Read the original article on MassLive. Companies are finding new ways to evade President Donald Trumps sweeping global tariffs, according to a new report. Several Chinese firms are helping companies find ways to bring their products to the U.S. while avoiding high tariff costs, The New York Times reports, which experts say amounts to customs fraud. One of these tricks includes telling U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the product is worth less than it is, the Times reports. Tariffs are based on a percentage of the import price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another trick involves reporting that the product is made of a different material than it actually is, according to the Times. For example, a company may report that a polyester shirt is made of cotton, because the latter is subject to a lower tariff. Companies are finding new ways to evade President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs, according to a new report (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) A company could also send a product through another country that is subject to a lower tariff first, before shipping it to the U.S. Leslie Jordan, an apparel manufacturer, told the Times these schemes are putting many honest companies at a competitive disadvantage. People cant afford it, Jordan said. Theyre desperate. David Rashid, executive chairman of the car part company Plews, said that those willing to cheat are going to continue to win the day if more isnt done to stop tariff evasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Foote, a customs lawyer at Kelley Drye & Warren, told the Times that the uptick in cheating is a sign of entering a high tariff era. White House spokesperson Kush Desai told the Independent that the Trump administrations tariffs policy is aimed at addressing the persistent trade deficits that he said have decimated American industry, and left American workers behind. Desai added: Instead of trying to find illegal workarounds to tariffs, foreign exporters would be better off telling their governments to negotiate a trade deal with the United States. The Trump administration has yet to officially finalize a single new trade deal. Last month, Trump announced sweeping tariffs on nearly every country in what he called Liberation Day for the U.S. Soon afterward, he paused most reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, leaving only 10 percent blanket tariffs in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some countries still face higher tariffs, however. Trump briefly placed a 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods before lowering the tax to 35 percent this month. In return, China lowered its tariff on U.S. goods from 125 percent to 10 percent. The White House eased the tariffs on China after several aides warned Trump that his new levies would cause his supporters to suffer financially, according to The Washington Post. Trumps trade policies have left many feeling uncertain about the future. His administration has announced new or revised tariff policies more than 50 times since he took office, according to a recent tally by the Post. Rising Virginia high school senior James Culatta was on a summer hike when the ground gave way beneath him and he fell into a near-boiling hot spring He was horribly injured and spent months in the hospital but eventually recovered enough to star in his school's spring musical "I felt so grateful for these people that believed in my kid," his mom says Last June, James Culatta was hiking with his family in Orem, Utah, during a college visit when he stepped on a rock and the ground opened up beneath him sending him tumbling into a underground hot spring of scalding water and mud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was terrified, the 18-year-old from Herndon, Va., says now. I had never experienced that much pain in my life. I didn't know you could feel that much pain. The spring that James fell into was more than 200 degrees, close to the boiling point. He tried to swim out but the ground was too unstable. Eventually, though horribly injured the skin had melted off of both of his hands and he had suffered burns on about half his body he pulled himself to safety. There was blood everywhere, he says. James drank two gallons of water while he waited for a LifeFlight helicopter to take him to the University of Utah Health's Burn Center in Salt Lake City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What had started out as a summer trip for a family reunion, with a detour to see a prospective college, was suddenly something much more dire. We thought there was a good chance he was never going to walk again, says James dad, Richard Culatta, 46. Courtesy Richard Culatta The recovery, James says, was more painful than his accident. Doctors had to remove the burned skin from the bottom half of his body, then they had to strip the skin that had not been burned from his belly button to his neck and stretch it to make grafts for to help replace what had been lost. (He looked, his dad says, like a mummy in a museum.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [It] was so stressful and so painful, and I really couldnt have done it without my family. They've helped me so much, says James, the second oldest of four children. They were by my side the whole time. The teen spent two months in the hospital in Salt Lake. He was still an inpatient when his school, Herndon High, announced they were staging a musical production of Footloose for the spring. The news caught his familys attention. James says hes always felt a connection to the original movie, and he loves singing and dancing. He was in his schools production of Fiddler on the Roof last year. We looked at each other and said, Oh my gosh, wouldnt that be amazing [for him to be in it], recalls James mom, Shaundra Culatta, a 42-year-old professional violinist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, she says, it felt so far out of reach. He couldnt even stand at that point it felt like an impossible goal. And then, with time, it wasnt so impossible after all. Earlier this month, after six months of grueling rehab and seven surgeries, he starred as Ren McCormick, the character Kevin Bacon originated in the 1984 movie. To see him dancing up on stage is just amazing, says Richard, who runs the nonprofit Innovative Learning. I was like, Are you able to do this? You should see his knees. If I showed you a picture of what his knees look like, they look like they've been through a garbage disposal. It's just totally shredded, Richard says of James. He's like, "No, we made it work. 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 teen had to miss the first semester of his senior year because he was in the hospital and, when he returned home, he needed four hours of physical therapy at a MedStar in Washington, D.C., with a commute that took about 90 minutes each way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The possibility of Footloose hung out in the future. Friends encouraged him to audition for Ren and while he says he never really thought I would actually get the role I'm so glad that I did, because I made so many friends and I strengthened relationships. It gives me hope going forward, he says. Courtesy Michelle Blanchet James Culatta (center) and the cast of Footloose James Culatta (center) and the cast of Footloose His parents say they are very grateful that the director took a risk in casting James at the time he auditioned, he was walking like a penguin, Richard says. His overall health was in the balance from the very beginning, he was still sick all the time, Shaundra says. I felt so grateful for these people that believed in my kid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The choreography and costuming were adjusted for James. For example, in a gym class scene, he wore long pants (with medical-grade compression garments underneath) when the rest of the actors rocked shorts. Nonetheless, he danced, shuffled and slid on his knees as the part required. It was an incredible miracle, Shaunda says. It's just such a testament of the power of family and community and prayer and faith. It was truly horrific what he went through. But it is kind of this wonderful comeback story because this musical is all about dancing." Courtesy Michelle Blanchet James Culatta (center) and the cast of Footloose James Culatta (center) and the cast of Footloose James has a really, really long road ahead, according to his mom. He has several more surgeries planned to improve his mobility. But he's a really, really tough kid." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His care team sat with his parents in the second row for his final performance on May 4. There were lots of tears, Richard says. This summer, James plans to return to Utah and be a counselor at a summer camp for kids who are burn survivors, alongside the doctors and medical team he got to know from the University of Utah Health. Theyve become my family, he says. I love them so much. And in the fall, having now caught up on the schoolwork he missed, he plans to attend Utah Valley University, where he had been planning to visit before his injuries. Hes considering becoming a physical therapist and working with other burn victims. You can do anything if you believe in yourself, he says. And with the power of friendship and family, anything's really possible. Read the original article on People NEW YORK Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has catapulted into second place in this years New York City mayoral race by promising free buses, no-cost childcare and city-run grocery stores. Hell have a tough time paying the tab. To fund his vision, the state legislator wants to conjure up $10 billion in new revenue through higher taxes on businesses and wealthy New Yorkers. But beneath the sheen of that populist platform is a morass of necessary state approvals that threaten his plans coming to fruition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standing in his way: Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, who does not seem keen on raising taxes. The governor, a moderate Democrat, has expressed steadfast opposition to hiking taxes on high-income earners. She will be facing reelection next year too, just as Mamdani would need her blessing to begin accomplishing his goals during his first year in office adverse conditions that stand to imperil nearly half of the state assemblymembers $10 billion bonanza. A POLITICO review of his proposals found Mamdani has likely underestimated the cost of his housing construction and school rehab plans by tens of billions of dollars, making it that much harder for the charismatic, 33-year-old politician to breathe life into them. Additionally, his sales pitch to levy Big Apple corporations significantly downplays their existing tax burden. He articulates his points very well, and they make sense. You understand exactly what hes saying, former Gov. David Paterson said in an interview. The problem is: Nobody told him theres no such thing as Santa Claus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The questions around how Mamdani will fund his sweeping agenda underscore a fundamental question of the mayors race: Whether a socialist lawmaker can effectively serve as an executive, a position that demands compromise. While mayoral candidates often pitch municipal proposals that require the states blessing, Mamdani is unique in tying multiple marquee planks of his campaign to the whims of Albany a political bog that has swallowed more seasoned negotiators than the three-term legislator. The gambit has helped in the short run. Mamdani has roared ahead of a pack of left-leaning hopefuls chasing frontrunner Andrew Cuomo by running a savvy campaign powered by viral social media moments, stage presence and the promise of cash added back into New Yorkers pocketbooks. Hes the chosen candidate of the hyper-online, activist left, but offline and in Gracie Mansion the bigger the idea, the less likely a mayor has the power to pull it off alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York City is a bureaucratic vassal of the state, meaning mayors need sign off from the governor and bicameral Legislature for everything from policing illegal cannabis shops to retaining control over the nations largest public school system. In Mamdanis case, he would need to convince Albany to significantly expand the citys debt capacity and green-light free buses, in addition to passing the tax hikes necessary to realize his most buzz-generating visions. He is also pushing for an increase of the state-mandated $16.50-an-hour minimum wage to $30 by 2030. Success, of course, would deliver a substantial payoff. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio staked his 2013 campaign on creating universal prekindergarten with funding from Albany. The program is now the signature legacy of his rocky eight-year tenure. De Blasio hoped to pay for his proposal with a tax on the wealthy before being thwarted by then-Gov. Cuomo, his political nemesis who delivered funding for the plan without raising taxes in an election year. But de Blasio believes Mamdani has a better shot in todays political climate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The difference now is the millionaires and billionaires have gotten massive tax cuts since the first [President Donald Trump] term, and they are about to get even more, de Blasio said in an interview, noting the state Legislature is now entirely controlled by Democrats. So calling for higher taxes on the wealthy is an entirely different enterprise now than it was in 2014. For a sense of scale, de Blasios Pre-K plan was priced at less than $500 million annually when the funding was included in the state budget. Mamdani is looking to raise 20 times that sum, almost all through tax hikes. The assemblymember wants to collect $5 billion each year by increasing the states corporate tax rate from 7.25 percent to 11.5 percent. He is looking to generate another $4 billion by hitting the top percentile of New York City income earners with a 2 percent flat tax. The last bit of revenue would come from a combination of procurement reform and collecting fines and fees owed to the city. Together, these approaches would raise $10 billion and would transform this city into one where New Yorkers can afford their rent, can afford public transit, can afford their child care, can afford their groceries one where New Yorkers can do more than worry each and every hour of each and every day whether or not they can continue living in the wealthiest city in the wealthiest country in the world, Mamdani said during an April press briefing explaining his approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State lawmakers have routinely supported increasing taxes on the wealthy. The governor would be a much harder sell. I'm not raising income taxes, Hochul said in March, citing a desire to stem an exodus of the wealthy to lower-tax states. I will cut income taxes instead. That's how I'm going to keep people here. Hochul is up for reelection in 2026, the first year of Mamdanis term if he were elected. Rendering her cooperation even less likely is the prospect of a competitive Republican challenger eager to cast the state as unaffordable and hostile to commerce. As for business taxes, the governor has supported hiking them as recently as this year. The assemblymember has pitched his corporate tax increase as a way to bring New Yorks rate on par with the top business tax bracket in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the comparison is not exactly apt. Big Apple businesses pay well above the New York state rate. New York City charges its own corporation tax, and companies located in the five boroughs must make additional offerings to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. That translates to a total tax rate of more than 18 percent for major corporations, roughly seven points higher than the largest corporations pay across the Hudson River. The kind of tax increase he is proposing would hollow out New York City in terms of jobs and its tax base, said Kathy Wylde, head of the Partnership for New York City, a nonprofit representing the interests of major corporations in the five boroughs. The idea that he would net raise an additional $10 billion is fantasy because those taxpayers and the jobs that they provide would be moving out faster than he could collect. Wylde cautioned the city has already posted a net loss of 1,000 private-sector jobs for the first four months of the year, according to an internal report shared with POLITICO, and she noted that many of the citys biggest employers will not benefit from the proposed Trump tax cuts because of how their businesses are structured. Additionally, a recent report from the Citizens Budget Commission showed New York State already had the highest income and business taxes in the country as of 2022, the latest year available for analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A more practical issue for Mamdani? The city has no claim to state corporate tax collections, which flow into a multibillion-dollar sea of revenue controlled by the state. The candidate does not seem fazed. When asked during a recent forum how he will convince Albany, Mamdani pointed to the Legislatures push to raise income taxes in 2021, which he said was accomplished in part by getting broad support from the public suggesting that if he were to build such a strong coalition, Hochul would have no choice but to relent. The mayor of New York City has been described as having the second-largest bully pulpit in America, he said. There is an opportunity to use that bully pulpit in a manner other than what [incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams] has done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, Mamdani plans to sell the increase of the corporate tax as the vehicle to fund universal childcare a benefit he argues would accrue across socioeconomic lines and make the city more competitive. His team said he would work with state officials to route the spoils of that levy directly to New York City. Campaign spokesperson Andrew Epstein disputed the notion of a corporate exodus as a result: Not only are major firms in line for a federal tax cut, but the corporate rate Mamdani wants to hike unlike the MTA surcharges is based on an entitys business activity in New York, not where it is located. In other words, he argued, anyone wanting access to the citys 8.5 million consumers will ante up. Epstein also pointed to polling that shows higher taxes on the wealthy have broad support in New York. The Mamdani revenue plan is necessary in order to Trump-proof New York City, and we are confident that Zohran will use his experience in advocating for smart tax policy in Albany where he won major tax increases on billionaires and corporations in 2021 to deliver a New York that protects its people from the Trump administration's attacks on the working class, Epstein said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Parrott, a fiscal policy expert with The New School, said high-income earners do not make decisions about where to live primarily based on taxes meaning a hike would not automatically spur them to flee. He said there's room to increase rates on the highest earners in the five boroughs. But even they, along with New York City corporations, have their limits. The key to successfully leveraging more money, Parrott said, is to tie tax increases to specific policies that have broad public support. If this was for something that was widely seen as enhancing the attractiveness of New York City to potential employers, like universal childcare would, then I dont think its going to be a big push factor driving corporations out, he added. Mamdanis plan to provide childcare for all New York City children under 5 would indeed consume much of the new revenue he is hoping to obtain. His campaign has pegged the cost at between $5 billion and $7 billion. The group Prenatal to Five Fiscal Strategies, which has provided fiscal estimates for childcare programs, predicted in a 2023 study the cost would be $6.6 billion with current salaries for childcare workers and up to $9.6 billion if those workers are paid living wages. Mamdanis proposal for free buses would run the cash-strapped MTA around $900 million in annual revenue, according to the latest projections, though the legislator has suggested the governor-controlled transit authority board might be enticed by a cost-sharing agreement with the city. The tab for a new Department of Public Safety would entail $450 million in new spending, per the campaign, while the cost of piloting five city-run grocery stores would come out to $60 million, an estimate his team arrived at by doubling the projected costs of a similar effort in Chicago. The democratic socialists biggest ticket items and the ones most likely to exceed his cost estimates would be included in the capital budget, rather than the annual expense plan. New York City is already set to borrow around $173 billion over the next 10 years to finance major infrastructure projects like the construction of four new jail facilities. Mamdani is proposing to more than triple the $30 billion dedicated to housing in the hopes of, in turn, tripling the citys production of affordable homes. That would almost certainly require permission to exceed a state-imposed debt limit another major ask from the state. And even then, the math doesnt pencil out. The city typically uses up the annual supply of federal subsidies underwriting significant affordable housing costs. That means Mamdani would have to make up the difference with more taxpayer dollars, making any serious production boost much more expensive than the units being financed today. And his pledge to build with union labor would drive up expenses even more. In 2016, the Independent Budget Office found prevailing wage rates less costly than full union construction would increase the price tag of city-subsidized housing projects by 23 percent. Mamdani has also pledged to renovate 500 schools by replacing pipes, heating and air-conditioning systems, and removing mold and lead paint. He has pegged the cost of those upgrades and other green initiatives at $3.27 billion over a decade. Jeremy Shannon, an architect and former director of sustainable design and resiliency at the city's School Construction Authority, said such an undertaking would exceed Mamdanis estimates by an order of magnitude. The Adams administration, for example, recently allocated $4 billion for green upgrades at just 100 schools, said Shannon, who was previously a volunteer for one of Mamdanis rivals, city Comptroller Brad Lander. As a sustainable design architect, I would love to see the level of school and housing decarbonization that both candidates are proposing done over the next five years because we are in the middle of an ecological crisis, he said, adding he was not speaking on behalf of Landers camp. Zohrans climate action plan, however, is not helpful. Taken together, that means Mamdani would likely need to borrow tens of billions of dollars more than his plans call for, increasing the stakes for relaxing the citys debt limit and increasing annual repayment obligations if he were to get it. Epstein, the campaign spokesperson, said Mamdani would use the mayors bully pulpit to advocate for more debt capacity from the state, along with additional federal subsidies. For his housing plan, the lawmaker also plans to leverage the supply of city-owned property, upzone areas that have not contributed to housing production and fast-track affordable projects. And he did not budge on higher construction wages. Union labor is essential to this plan, Epstein said. Shortcuts that stiff workers are antithetical to our city's values and bound to fail. Despite the significant political roadblocks ahead of him, Mamdani has one thing working in his favor: The electorates attention tends to be captured by bold ideas, not how to pay for them. If a plan speaks to voters aspirations and it addresses some of their concerns, they dont care how a candidate pays for it, said Democratic consultant Trip Yang, who is unaffiliated with any mayoral campaign. Democratic primary voters vote off emotion. Harrison County, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) Camp Im Still Me (CISM) returns to Scottsville, Texas. Shreveport Fire invites public to tour fire stations and meet firefighters CISM is a free summer camp held annually in Scottsville, Texas. Started in 1992 by burn specialist Dr. Kevin Sittig, CISM is a free summer camp for burn victims aged 5-17. Campers participate in games, crafts, swimming, and fishing. Counselors include adult burn survivors with a 3 to 1 camper to counselor ratio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Fire Prevention Week: Kitchen Safety CISM works to offer emotional support, healing, and the opportunity for burn survivors to meet and bond with each other. CISM takes place on May 31, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) Freeport Police responded to a shots fired alert on May 24th. Officers were sent to West Pleasant Street to investigate the scene around 11:43 p.m. Authorities found evidence that a firearm had been discharged. Officials are still investigating the shooting and have yet to announce a suspect. The Freeport Police Department has asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the Freeport Police Department at 815-235-8222, Stateline Area Crime Stoppers at 866-TIPSNOW, Stephenson County Crime Stop or through texting at Tip411. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On this edition of Free City Radio we hear from community organizer Bill Van Driel. Bill speaks about experiences during the major protests against the G20 in Toronto in relation to the police and legal repression that was experienced by the protesters. Bill contextualizes this moment within a continuum of both protest actions taking place during this period against closed door international summits around the world, largely demonstrations focused on opposing the inherent inequality of capitalism. Also Bill places the repression that protest movements experienced within a realistic framework of understanding these moments of heightened police repression as reflected by media coverage that doesn't focus on the larger systemic mechanisms of social control and repression. Today Bill works with Solidarity Across Borders and has played a meaningful role in bridging anti-capitalist and migrant justice organizing spaces. This interview took place within the context of building discussions on the threat posed by a rising political support for the Conservative Party of Canada and what that means for social movements as well as vulnerable communities. This interview program is supported in 2025 by the Social Justice Centre at Concordia University. The music track is Passage by Anarchist Mountains. Drawing is about the fence in Toronto during the G20 summit in 2010. Free City Radio is hosted and produced by Stefan Christoff There are no tracks in this playlist. PARIS (AP) A French street artist who had been sentenced to three years in prison in Azerbaijan for painting a graffiti in the metro has been pardoned and freed, French authorities said Tuesday. Theo Clerc has returned to France following 422 days in detention after he was pardoned by Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev, Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told lawmakers. "It is the honor and pride of French diplomacy and its representatives to have worked tirelessly for his release, Barrot said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French authorities had complained in September that Clerc was submitted to discriminatory treatment," because two codefendants who were accused of the same offense but who were not French were only fined. France previously has advised its citizens against traveling to Azerbaijan because of a lack of legal protections and the risk of arbitrary detention and unfair sentencing." By Elizabeth Pineau PARIS (Reuters) -French lower house lawmakers approved a bill on Tuesday to legalise assisted dying, paving the way for France to become the latest European nation to allow terminally ill people to end their lives. The final passage of the bill remains some way off, with the text now heading to the Senate. However, the legislation is expected to pass, with polls showing more than 90% of French people in favour of laws that give people with terminal diseases or interminable suffering the right to die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French President Emmanuel Macron called the vote in the National Assembly "an important step." The bill, which was approved in parliament by 305 votes to 199, provides the right to assisted dying to any French person over the age of 18 suffering from a serious or incurable condition that is life-threatening, advanced or terminal. The person, who must freely make their decision, must also have constant physical or psychological suffering that cannot be alleviated. Lawmakers stipulated that psychological suffering alone would not be enough to end one's life. The patient can administer the lethal dose themselves or by an accredited medical professional if they are physically unable. Healthcare workers who object to doing so are free to opt out. Anyone found to have obstructed someone's right to die can face a two-year prison sentence and a 30,000 euro fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laws to enable assisted dying are gathering steam across Europe. In November, British lawmakers voted in favour of allowing assisted dying, paving the way for Britain to follow countries such as Australia, Canada and some U.S. states in what would be the biggest social reform in a generation. In March, the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency off northwest England, approved an assisted dying bill, potentially making the island the first place in the British Isles where terminally ill people could end their lives. "France is one of the last countries in Western Europe to legislate on this issue," leftist lawmaker Olivier Falorni told Reuters. "We are in a global process ... France is behind, and I hope we will do it with our own model." (Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau and Gabriel Stargardter; additional reporting by Zhifan Liu and Makini Brice; Editing by Nia Williams) French lawmakers will today vote on a bill to legalize assisted dying, one of a number of similar legislative efforts across Europe. The Assemblee Nationale has debated the measure for a week, though even if it passes, it will need to be approved by Frances upper house. Britain, too, is considering its own assisted dying bill, while various forms of the practice are now legal in at least six other European countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France took an unusual approach to devising its bill, randomly selecting a diverse array of 184 citizens for a four-month nationwide convention: Rather than creating division, the range of backgrounds became a strength, RFI noted. May 27 (UPI) -- France's National Assembly approved a measure that would legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia if signed into law. The French lawmakers passed the measure, dubbed the "right to die" law, on a 305-199 vote during the measure's first reading in the National Assembly, but the conditions would be among the most restrictive in Europe, The Guardian reported. The measure authorizes assisted suicide or euthanasia for adults ages 18 and over under very strict conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A patient must have a "serious and incurable" illness that has become either terminal or "advanced" to qualify for the procedure, Politico reported. They also must experience "unbearable" psychological or physical suffering that resists treatment. Patients must be able to provide informed consent and must self-administer any lethal medication if they are physically capable of doing so. A medical doctor also must approve the procedure for respective patients if the proposed measure becomes law. Centrist and leftwing lawmakers generally voted in favor of the measure, while conservative lawmakers mostly opposed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the National Assembly passed the bill, it faces a vote in the Senate and goes back to the National Assembly for an additional vote following a second reading. France recently implemented a new parliamentary system that requires the National Assembly to vote on bills during a first reading and then again during a second reading upon passage in the Senate. Several other European states, including Austria, Belgium, Spain and Switzerland, have similar laws in effect. Lawmakers in the United Kingdom are considering legalizing a similar procedure there. If French lawmakers do not legalize the right to die, French President Emmanuel Macron has said it could be put on a ballot for a public vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Assembly also approved a measure that would legalize palliative care that relieves symptoms of serious illnesses and medical conditions to improve respective patients' quality of life. That measure received unanimous support in the National Assembly and was sent to the French Senate for consideration. PARIS The French Navy is stepping up drone use in the air and in the water, relying almost entirely on unmanned systems to recapture a beach in southern France in an amphibious operation during an exercise in March, according to the commander of the force. In the exercise to retake a stretch of shore in the Bay of Hyeres on Frances Mediterranean coast, the Navy used aerial drones and underwater gliders for maritime surveillance, drones to assault enemies targeting the beach, and to counterattack hostile drones, Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Nicolas Vaujour told a parliamentary hearing last week. We did it almost entirely with drones, Vaujour told the National Assemblys defense committee. We are in the experimental phase to see exactly how far we want to go with each of these things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the exercise called Dragoon Fury, the French Navy used its amphibious helicopter carrier Tonnerre as a drone platform. Vaujour said drones dont fully replace amphibious maneuvers, and the Navy will still be dropping off troops and piloted military equipment on beaches, but we are fully invested in this concept of drone carriers. Vaujour said the Navy is starting to achieve some interesting things, for example using first-person view drones or tele-operated munitions to take out attacking unmanned surface vehicles. Despite these advancements, a drone force today isnt able to provide the power projection of an aircraft carrier strike group, Vaujour told lawmakers. Being able to drop six 125-kilogram bombs 400 to 600 nautical miles from the aircraft carrier, thats something a drone cant do. Drones are particularly well-suited for operations in confined areas such as the Baltic Sea, and can offer additional capabilities especially when operating near coastlines or a carrier platform, such as in the beach assault, said Vice Adm. Emmanuel Slaars, the French Navy commander in charge of operations, speaking after Vaujour. Still, dont count on drones for all the solutions, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not high seas action, it is not the ability to fight against nuclear attack submarines, Slaars told lawmakers. We dont yet have drones, either in the air or on the surface domain, capable of operating sustainably in contested environments and I think it will still be a very long time before we do so in the surface domain. The Navy embarked around ten defense companies aboard the Tonnerre during Dragoon Fury in the first two weeks of March, to create a real-life laboratory for tactical and technological innovation. Participating companies included Alseamar with underwater gliders, Delair with several drones from its portfolio and Exail with its DriX H-8 unmanned surface vehicle. The French Navy has been experimenting with autonomous underwater gliders for several years, with the systems truly operational for some time now, according to Vaujour. The Navy works with Alseamar, which makes a 2-meter long underwater glider called Seaexplorer with an advertised 1,700-kilometer range and 110-day endurance. During last years Polaris 24 exercise, in which the French and Italian navies faced off in the Mediterranean, the French force deployed gliders that were able to detect a number of Italian vessels. The French then struck the opposing ships with carrier aircraft from a very, very long way off, leaving the Italians clueless to how theyd been localized, according to Vaujour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locating the opposing vessels relied on lots of artificial intelligence to detect small signals in the data collected by the gliders, according to the admiral. So that was quite an interesting breakthrough that shows theres a place for gliders, Vaujour said. On the other hand, with passive detection alone, you cant detect everything. Gliders are still a long way off from being able to sniff out a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, according to Vaujour. However, they will have their place in maritime surveillance, and passive swarms combined with artificial intelligence for data analysis are an interesting means of detection, he said. Theres still a lot of room for improvement, the admiral said. Were developing these tools on a national level, with real capabilities, but also real limitations. The manufacturer who says theyre going to make the oceans transparent isnt credible yet, lets say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI hasnt yet been able to replace the human ear for analysis of acoustic signals, even though a lot of money has been spent trying to do so, Vaujour said. What the Navy needs are acoustic warfare analysts that understand the technology and who will help the AI to help them, he said. The Navy is taking an iterative approach to AI development, bringing aboard experts so they can see what the force needs, according to Vaujour. The Navys center for data services and AI developed an onboard data hub that was tested onboard the frigate Provence, with Vaujour describing the hub as a huge computer collecting all data from a ship, with subsequent analysis catching signals that would previously have gone unnoticed. The success of the test prompted the Navy to put four data hubs on ships taking part in a five-month deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier strike group, from late November to late April. The Navy also invited data scientists from French defense firms along for a month-long stint during the mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaujour gave lawmakers a non-classified example of AI use on the Provence, in which algorithms tracked down the underlying cause of a diesel alternator valve failure, identifying a rising fluid temperature elsewhere in the system as the culprit. In another example, before passing a strait in Indonesia during the Charles de Gaulle deployment, the Navy used AI to analyze hundreds of possible locations for a Chinese submarine to work out the best tactical screen for the carrier, which Vaujour said wasnt entirely intuitive. The Navy now needs to build up its AI skills, which must become generalized, and structure how the subject is approached from a human-resources angle, Vaujour said in the committee hearing. How do we inject artificial intelligence modules into all naval training, not to turn people into data scientists, but to create maritime experts in a field who can easily plug into artificial intelligence, Vaujour said. Im not going to turn data scientists into acoustic experts. However, I can make acoustic experts compatible with data scientists. Thats the direction were headed. Internet access can be a challenge for underserved rural communities like Caruthers or Riverdale in Fresno County. That challenge became apparent during the pandemic when school districts in rural areas throughout the San Joaquin Valley had to provide education to their students virtually. Orin Hirschkorn, superintendent of Caruthers Unified School District, said the district learned during the pandemic that the community of about 2,500 people, located 15 miles south of downtown Fresno, faced all sorts of barriers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Number one was actually access. So that created several issues, Hirschkorn said. Not only did the school district had to provide the education and instruction to the students, but students had to have a device to access the internet. And we were lacking in all of those areas, Hirschkorn said. But, thanks to a partnership between Comcast, the state and Fresno County, reliable internet access is now available to Caruthers students and their families, decreasing the digital divide the gap between those with access to digital devices and services to those without it many rural areas have. Caruthers eighth grader Adaliza Real was one of the 88 students in Caruthers Unified School District what received a brand-new laptop from Comcast earlier this month. Whenever we come into a community like Caruthers, its important for us to not only bring high quality service, but to bring something that leaves a lasting impact, said Nathan Ahle, government affairs director for Comcast California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Broadband access in rural areas is important for online learning, telehealth appointments, banking services, job and employment opportunities, Ahle said. Caruthers eighth grader Mia Perez Galindo was one of the 88 students in Caruthers Unified who received a brand-new laptop from Comcast earlier this month. Caruthers eighth grader Mia Perez Galindo was one of the 88 students in Caruthers Unified School District what received a brand-new laptop from Comcast earlier this month. Hirschkorn said Comcasts donation of laptops to students helps the district get over another obstacle having devices to access the internet. This month, the partnership between the county and Comcast kicked off a new rural broadband expansion project expected to be completed by 2026. It would bring a reliable, high-speed broadband network to underserved households in the rural community of Riverdale, about 10 miles south of Caruthers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expansion is made possible by a $1 million Federal Funding Account (FFA) grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and private funding by Comcast. A partnership between Fresno County and Comcast kicked off a new rural broadband expansion project on May 13 that is expected to be completed by 2026. It would bring a reliable, high-speed broadband network to underserved households in the rural community of Riverdale, about 10 miles south of Caruthers. The state established the $2 billion Last Mile broadband program in 2021, after the pandemic exposed digital divide disparities in low income rural communities. Theyre making sure this last mile got done so people actually have good internet at home, not just at school, said Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes, who represents the communities of Riverdale and Caruthers. The pandemic really exposed the fact that rural students had no access to internet, Mendes said. We had to literally leave the lights on in the libraries, so they could park in the parking lot and use the internet. Mendes said extending service to Riverdale will boost economic growth, support and attract new business and enhance residents quality of life. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. Denny Gdula has been a volunteer firefighter for 54 years. When Gdula was 16 years old, the place to hang out was the Adams Township Volunteer Fire/Rescue station at 180 Pitcairn Ave. in the village of Dunlo. He played ping-pong and pool there and developed a lifelong commitment to community service that spread to his family. Rick Gdula joined the department after Denny Gdula, his older brother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Front Lines logo I got involved so he could enjoy more time with his boys, who were reaching Little League age, Rick Gdula said. Denny was a firefighter, EMT and paramedic, and he ran our ambulance. He was chief for a lot of years, too, and a caring Adams Township supervisor. The people who were around our fire department all looked up to Denny. So many people followed after him to become EMTs or paramedics, and that helped the community out a great deal, with him leading the way. Gdulas father, Jim, also joined after his son and served as president of the department for many years until he died. Denny Gdulas sons, and Rick Gdulas, too, are members of the department, as well as Denny Gdulas grandson. At one time, his wife Denise, a registered nurse, was a paramedic with the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, Denny Gdula, 70, is president of Adams Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in Dunlo, which serves half of Adams Township in Cambria County. I forget how many fire companies were in Cambria County when I started, and now the number has probably been cut in half, he said. The Dunlo station has survived because of community support, he said. In a small community like this, people will step up, he said. Financially, we get supported well. And a lot of people who dont belong to the fire department, if we have a big function and need help, all we have to do is give them a call and they are happy to show up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunlo firefighters had responded to 58 calls so far this year as of Thursday. The department responds to an average of 150 calls a year, Gdula said. Over the course of his career, he has helped people through a lot. He said hes probably the only firefighter in the fire department who was active the night of the 1977 Johnstown flood. Ill never forget those next two or three days after the flood, he said. We were from here to there to everywhere, cleaning up, making our way, checking on everybody. There was so much destruction. That was one thing that never left me and never will. But since then, Ive probably responded to a couple hundred structure fire calls, vehicle accidents its a hard thing to describe, what a volunteer does. He said people may not realize all that firefighters can do and will do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well pump your basement, get your cat out of a tree, he said. Just this morning, there was a carbon monoxide alarm, so you learn that their furnace was malfunctioning; you shut their furnace off and ventilate the house. Theres just anything imaginable. Gdula retired four years ago from his full-time job of 30 years as an Adams Township public works supervisor. Prior to that, he worked for Bethlehem Steel Corp. and M. Glosser & Sons steel company. As a volunteer firefighter, you miss a lot of sleep, and a lot of work at times, he said. You might go out at 4 a.m. in the morning (on a fire dispatch), and you are supposed to be at your job at 7 a.m., but you dont get back until 8 a.m., so theres a lot of things volunteers do that people dont realize. The department has about 30 or more volunteers from ages 16 through 70, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future looks promising, he said. We have 12 junior firefighters. They come and train, so it does look good. Adams Township is also fortunate to have two fire stations, he said. The Dunlo station works with the Adams Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 station in St. Michael on almost every call, he said. At 70 years old, Gdula said he recognizes that he cant do what he used to be able to do, but he has no plans for stopping any time soon. Once youve been a volunteer firefighter for as long as I have, you feel obligated when the whistle blows to go, he said. It almost sounds like something out of a movie. A WWII veterans Purple Heart, gone for decades, was recently found in Newnan, in a junk heap. A salvage worker ran across the medal after the case containing it got lodged under the seat of his forklift. Inscribed on the medal was the name David T. McMahon. Purple Hearts are given to U.S. service members who are injured or killed in the line of duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Realizing the significance of the medal, that worker took it to the Newnan VFW to see if they could help track down the owner. Thats where Steve Quesinberry steps in. Quesinberry is a history professor at the University of West Georgia in Coweta County, and has also published a book documenting veterans who died in Coweta County in the Vietnam War. Ive tracked down a lot of family members and friends to try to get their story, because I was afraid those guys were going to be forgotten, Quesinberry told Michigan Live. For some of them, they were forgotten, and it took me a long time to dig stuff up about their life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quesinberry started doing what he does best: researching. According to records he found, McMahon was originally born in New York and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. TRENDING STORIES: He went to school there and eventually enrolled in the U.S. Army two months after Pearl Harbor. It sounds like he was one of those guys who heard about Pearl Harbor and said, Im dropping whatever Im doing and joining the military, Quesinberry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon was eventually stationed in the Philippines at the time of his death. McMahons fighter plane inexplicably crashed while taking off on Jan. 26, 1945. He died from injuries three days later. Quesinberry told the newspaper that he didnt find any local relatives here in Georgia but did find an article about McMahon in the Grand Rapids Press, where his parents names were listed. Using that article, Quesinberry was able to track down McMahons last living relative, a 77-year-old niece living in California named Lee Colodzin. Colodzin said her parents didnt talk much about her uncle, other than that he died in WWII. Colodzins parents died when she was 19, and her brother was 14, the newspaper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it was back in the age when people compartmentalized themselves and didnt talk about things that hurt, Colodzin said. Even though I never met my uncle, this has brought up a lot of emotion for me; thinking about him and thinking about my mother, who lost her favorite brother. Quesinberry said the Newnan VFW is making plans to send the medal to California so Colodzin can have it. And now with the medal heading to a family member, how it ended up in junk heap in Newnan remains a mystery.was eventually Attending the Civil Society Congress of the 2025 IRF Builders Forum at The Catholic University of America in Washington on May 21-22, I witnessed a pivotal moment in the global defense of religious liberty. The event brought together high-level policymakers, diplomats, and civil society leaders under the theme "Breaking Barriers: Pathways to Greater Impact in Advancing Religious Freedom." What unfolded was not only a strategic conversation, it was a call to action. At its core, the Forum was not merely a venue for discussion, but a working space for rethinking how the international community safeguards religious liberty in the 21st century. The conversations moved decisively away from rhetorical solidarity and toward the architecture of practical, long-term solutions. What emerged was a clear consensus: ensuring freedom of belief requires sustained engagement between state institutions, civil actors, and religious communities particularly in regions marked by fragility and transition. Participants emphasized that the protection of religious freedom is inseparable from questions of democratic legitimacy, institutional trust, and societal resilience. The forum served as a point of convergence for those committed to building durable frameworks and shaping environments where pluralism and civic peace can thrive. Among the many critical topics discussed, one issue stood out: the growing threat posed by extremist anti-cult networks orchestrated from Moscow, operating under the guise of religious expertise and public activism. For the first time on such a prominent international stage, with representatives of the U.S. State Department and global religious freedom experts present, names were named and structures exposed. Ukraine emerged as a central focus not only as a state under assault, but as a model of resilience. Despite enduring full-scale war, Ukraine continues to uphold religious freedom and institutional sovereignty in this domain. It was rightfully recognized as a global example of democratic fortitude. Discussions centered on the growing threat from Russian-backed anti-cult networks, identified as tools of hybrid warfare. Ukraine was commended for its resistance, with specific mention of efforts to maintain religious freedom during conflict. Of particular note was the explicit mention of Iryna Kremenovska, identified as a key operative in a Russian-coordinated disinformation and repression network targeting Ukraines religious independence. Her activities - linked directly to Alexander Dvorkin, head of RACIRS and a known ideologue of religious persecution were publicly acknowledged as part of a broader strategy of destabilization. The forum underscored that anti-cultism, as practiced by such networks, is not a form of legitimate civil oversight, but rather a tool of hybrid warfare and authoritarian influence. It systematically undermines human rights, foments religious discrimination, and corrodes democratic institutions from within. The Ukrainian governments criminal investigation into Kremenovska, under Article 161 of its Criminal Code, was hailed as a precedent-setting move - a signal that democratic states can and must act decisively against such threats. The concluding declaration of the forum was unequivocal: anti-cult extremism is organized transnational aggression. The United States and its partners must pursue international investigations, targeted sanctions, and criminal accountability for all those involved in these covert operations. In an age where religious freedom is both a target and a test of global democratic resilience, Ukraine is showing what principled resistance looks like. The rest of the free world must not only take note, but take action. GALENA, Mo. Many campers in Galena had to cancel their plans today due to multiple outfitters and campgrounds being shut down from heavy flooding. James River Outfitters is one of these affected places, which is now closed due to water being at dangerously high levels. I think it peaked at about 24 foot around that area. says Hayley Dy, a staff member at James River Outfitters, So itll probably take us a week or two of cleanup, but hopefully it will be in operation again soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She adds that this is one of the worst flooding incidents James River has experienced. Were looking at, you know, quite a bit of debris. 2017, you know, was the worst for us, Id say, says Dy. But this one, I mean, debris wise for the campground, it will be the most cleanup weve had in a while. Y Bridge Canoe & Outfitters was also closed off due to flooding. In a statement given to Ozarks First, they say that they would rather lose some business than risk someone getting hurt. Some areas were less affected than others, with Kurt Rhodes, owner of Bridge Walker RV Campground, saying the flooding really didnt affect us and has been operating at full capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He does add, however, that there will be a long cleanup process due to large amounts of debris. We do have a large mess down at the bottom to clean up. That came from other campgrounds. says Rhodes, Thatll be probably what well concentrate on this week as soon as it dries up, try to get all the trash picked up so it doesnt go down the river. Rhodes is also an advocate for the City of Galena Save our Bridge Campaign, which calls for the repairing of the historic Y-Bridge, an iconic landmark in Galena, which is near his campground. To learn more about the campaign, you can visit their official Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) A Raleigh gang member was sentenced on Thursday to 14 years in prison for conspiring to traffic fentanyl pills in the Eastern North Carolina area. On June 7, 2024, Shakeim Weeks, age 30, was arrested when law enforcement found approximately 100,000 fentanyl pills, weighing approximately 11 kilograms, in Weeks suitcase when he returned to North Carolina from a resupply trip to Arizona. Weeks pled guilty on February 27, 2025, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Four Hundred Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fentanyl pills Weeks brought to North Carolina were packaged in Lego boxes, consistent with other seizures of fentanyl pills from this drug trafficking organization. According to court documents, Weeks, a validated member of the United Blood Nation gang, was part of a drug trafficking organization that was obtaining fentanyl pills in California and Arizona and transporting them to the Raleigh area for distribution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Robert Buggs stood alone amid a sea of applause. Clad in a baby-blue fedora and matching sport coat, he was the only person to rise in the county Government Centers second-floor chamber as the Lake County Board of Commissioners named Gary the new convention center site. Im very ecstatic about it, because nows the time for Gary, he stated after hearing the announcement. The boards unanimous decision to build the 145,000-square-foot convention center in Gary sent waves of excitement through the city. From longtime residents who see the project as a long-overdue investment to local officials who call it a turning point in Garys resurgence, the response has been both emotional and energized. As the city prepares to host a development of regional significance, community voices are rising to the forefront, eager to shape what this moment means for Garys future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moments after the commissioners voted in Crown Point, news swept across Lake County. Two cities away at Marquette Park Pavilion, where Calumet Township Trustee Tai Adkins hosted a symposium on community needs, the news was met with a rousing applause as the nearly 100 attendees rose to their feet in ovation. This is a win for not just for Gary, but the entire region, Adkins said. She thanked the handful of Common Council members who were in attendance including Linda Barnes-Caldwell, whose 5th District will be home to the new facility. Youre going to have people coming into our city who maybe would never have thought about coming before, Barnes-Caldwell told Capital B Gary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She recalled riding the bus as a child to what is now Js Breakfast Club so she could shop downtown. Im looking for that again, she said. Gary Resident Robert Buggs stands and applauds during the Lake County Board of Commissioners meeting. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B) State Sen. Lonnie Randolph, who co-authored the legislation for the convention center along with then-Sen. and now Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, highlighted the multilevel benefit the project promises to provide. Im excited. Im ecstatic. Im happy. I think its a brand-new beginning, a brand-new opening for the city of Gary, the county of Lake, and the state of Indiana, Randolph told Capital B Gary shortly after the decision was made official. If it generates enough tax dollars, the entire state is going to benefit. But the direct benefit is going to be the city of Gary, he said. Were going to be an added attraction for the state of Indiana. So when people think about Indiana, theyre going to think about Gary, because Gary, Indiana, is going to have the convention center of Northwest Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, whose district includes portions of Gary and Hobart, echoed the senators sentiments. I think the biggest thing that were seeing is an increase in people coming into the city of Gary, and then the increase in our property values, which is something that a city of 54 square miles we need that property value tax increase so that we can continue to provide all of the services for the residents in the community, she said. Longtime Gary resident Latrice Farmer saw the decision as a no-brainer. Gary has a strategic partnership with the Hard Rock brand, so I cant understand why they would put a convention center anywhere but Gary, she told Capital B Gary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though excited about the project, Farmer also expressed concern for residents in the area now that the new development is official. Will Lake Etta be affected? she asked. A convention center brings hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that will improve the city. I would like to know what the plan is for Gary residents who are at risk of being displaced due to the expansion. First lady Crystal Melton described the moment as historic and deeply personal. If it was from 1 to 10, then I am a 10, she told Capital B Gary immediately after the announcement. I am excited about the economic possibilities that come from not just this, but everything that comes along with this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melton said the convention center represents a turning point for future generations. I think this will create generational benefits for the city, she said. Chuck Hughes, president of the Gary Chamber of Commerce, said he was thrilled by the announcements potential for area businesses. I think its phenomenal because I think what it will do is, in addition to attracting events, it will attract people, he said. People are what makes the economy work, and people will come into the community, and they will buy. They will sell. They will live. He added that the project would bolster the local tax base, allowing the city to fund street repairs, public safety payrolls, and other vital services. Hughes called it a catalyst for future investment and population growth, noting that an influx of residents and enterprises could help Gary reclaim its status as the largest city in Northwest Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire Chief Larry Tillman called the decision both an economic victory and a public safety boon, adding that the project could allow the department to expand its first-responder ranks to meet rising demand. When Gary, Indiana, wins, the whole county wins, he said. Its going to bring us a lot of economic development to that area, which is only going to bring more people into the surrounding area. The post Garys Big Win: Convention Center News Sparks Citywide Excitement appeared first on Capital B Gary. UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) The Algonquin Apartments on Genesee Street have now been boarded up a week early, thanks to a gas leak on Tuesday. According to a letter from Mayor Mike Galime, the city was performing a scheduled outreach effort on Tuesday, May 27 to assist residents in finding other places to live. Residents had until Monday, June 3 to find alternative living quarters after an inspection found the building uninhabitable. However, during that outreach effort, a gas leak had been identified in the building. All of the residents currently residing there were evacuated. The Utica Fire Department and National Grid were there soon after to shut off all power and gas to the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All residents who were still in the building today were safely relocated to an emergency shelter. While planned to happen on June 3rd, we had to make the real-time decision to immediately board and close the Algonquin, Mayor Galime said in a statement. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who played a role in turning todays emergency into a coordinated success. From the beginning, this response has been driven by compassion and a shared commitment to doing whats right. As of now, the building has been boarded up, and we remain committed to continuing our outreach and providing services for the tenants of the Algonquin. As of Friday, May 23, there were 23 residents including squatters residing in the Algonquin. It is unknown how many of them were still residing there at the time of the evacuation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Mayor Galime, the city is now working with each tenant to establish long-term housing plans, and support services are being offered to all affected individuals. The investigation into this incident is ongoing. The City of Utica will continue to provide updates, and we will provide them as they become available to us. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) AAA of Western and Central New York released its first round of gas prices after Memorial Day for the City of Watertown. According to the organization, the average price for a gallon of gas in Watertown ticked up two cents to $3.18 from last week. The average price is taken from the average prices from different gas stations in and around the Watertown area. Memorial Day travel expected to break 20-year record Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The increase is the largest of any cities named in the Western and Central New York region. Heres a breakdown of the average gas prices from the area: Batavia $3.15 (up 1 cent from last Monday) Buffalo $3.08 (up 1 cent from last Monday) Elmira $2.99 (down 1 cent from last Monday) Ithaca $3.04 (no change from last Monday) Rochester $3.11 (no change from last Monday) Rome $3.22 (down 2 cents from last Monday) Syracuse $3.06 (no change from last Monday) Watertown $3.18 (up 2 cents from last Monday) The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.17, down one cent from Monday, May 19. One year ago, the price was $3.59. The state average is $3.13, no change from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.67. For drivers who use diesel fuel, the national average price for diesel is $3.52, down one cent from last Monday. The NYS average is $3.87, also down one cent from last Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to EV charging, the national and state averages for L2 commercial electricity remain steady. Todays national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stands at 36 cents. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is resting at $3.17 despite a busy holiday weekend where AAA estimates over 39 million motorists drove 50 miles or more from home. The national average has fluctuated very little so far in 2025 compared to previous years. Gas prices havent been this low over Memorial Day weekend since 2021 when the national average was $3.04. Supply and demand are playing a role in this years lower pump prices as crude oil supply is currently surpassing demand. According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 8.79 million b/d last week to 8.64. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 224.7 million barrels to 225.5. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per 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 WWTI - InformNNY.com. KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A Gastonia man has died following an industrial accident Tuesday morning at a manufacturing site in Kings Mountain. Emergency crews responded around 9:10 a.m. to NVR Building Products, located at 132 Riverside Court, after a call reporting that a 67-year-old man was not breathing. When first responders arrived at the scene, they determined that the man had been involved in an industrial incident. The man, identified as Willy Victor Carmona, of Gastonia, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said his family has been notified. Photos: Queen City News Photos: Queen City News Photos: Queen City News Firefighters, police officers, and Cleveland County EMS were among those who responded to the emergency. A county chaplain was also called in to provide support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While details about the nature of the incident have not been released, authorities said there are currently no signs of foul play. The North Carolina Department of Labor has been brought in to assist with the ongoing investigation. The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Division has assigned a compliance officer to open an inspection into the incident. NVR Building Products has not issued a statement at this time. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Cleveland 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 Queen City News. Officials in Kings Mountain say a 67-year-old man died after an industrial accident Tuesday morning. It happened at the NVR Building Products facility on Riverside Court, according to officials with the city. First responders were called around 9:10 a.m. When firefighters and Cleveland County EMS arrived, they found the victim, but he wasnt breathing. Officials said he was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was identified as 67-year-old Willy Victor Carmona of Gastonia, according to a news release from the city of Kings Mountain. Its not clear what happened that led to Carmonas death, but officials said they dont believe theres foul play involved. NVR Building Products makes homebuilding materials. The North Carolina Department of Labor has been notified about the incident, officials said. Weve reached out to the department for more information about their investigation into the incident. (VIDEO >> Kings Mountain approves incentives for Project Nexus, potentially bringing 700+ jobs) GATEWAY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Following the prison escape of former Gateway police chief Grant Hardin, the Gateway mayor, and sister of Hardins murder victim, speaks out. Cheryl Tillman has been the mayor of Gateway since 2023. The previous mayor was Andrew Tillman, her husband. Cheryl Tillman said before her familys time in office, she served on the city council, where she sat in chair five as Hardin was brought on as the sole member of the citys police force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor hired him. He was hired on for, like, four months. Things just didnt work out. So the council decided to resolve and get rid of him, said Cheryl Tillman, which she claims was followed by Mayor Frank Hackler Jr.s resignation. However, Cheryl Tillman, like many there, was unaware they were hiring her brothers future murderer. Cheryl Tillman is the sister of the late James Appleton, who was murdered by Hardin in 2017 and sentenced initially to 30 years. Former Gateway police chief escapes from North Central Unit prison Nathan Smith was the Benton County prosecuting attorney during Grant Hardins prosecution, and he said the why behind Hardins actions was never fully brought to light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was never a good motive for either case. At least a motive in the sense of How did he select the victim? What was he thinking? What was going through his mind? We never really knew any of that, said Smith. A year later, Hardin was sentenced to another 50 years after being linked with DNA to a cold case rape which he pleaded guilty. According to Smith, there are parts of the case that stand out to him, with some questions still unanswered. How did he select the victim? What was he thinking? What was going through his mind? We never really knew any of that, said Smith. On May 25, 2025, Hardin was discovered missing from his prison unit, launching a manhunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said that when he learned that Hardin escaped, he said he felt shocked. I hate it for the victims and their families to have to kind of relive that with the lack of knowledge of whats going on, said Smith. Cheryl Tillman received a call the same day of his escape from Arkansass victim assistance program, VINE. They had called, and they had texted. And, I looked at Andrew and I said Hardins escaped prison,' said Cheryl Tillman. 24 hours later, Cheryl Tillman said shes beginning to relive feelings and fears that she wasnt prepared to return. I love my job, but right now, I dont want no part of it. Its really hard for me to come down here, locking those doors, said Cheryl Tillman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she remembers a time when she thought her family would never have to experience this fear again, with one memory being two days before Hardins escape. We just went to the cemeteries Friday, sitting there. We stood there with my mom, whos 93, and reminisced over things of James, said Cheryl Tillman. Now, her focus is on what will happen if and when Hardin is found. First of all, 30 years wasnt enough. He should have gotten life, but things happen, and thats all they could get. This time, they need to throw away the key, said Cheryl Tillman. According to the Arkansas Department of Corrections, any time a major event like this occurs, there are steps and internal protocols followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOC said they are continuing to review footage and conduct interviews, as well as working with the Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshals, and other local and state agencies to conduct a joint search. Anyone with information should contact local law enforcement. This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Texas Rangers' Alejandro Osuna (19) watches his ball as he collects his first major league hit off Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman wipes sweat in the dugout during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Toronto Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho (5) connects for a solo home run off Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom, not visible, during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom, right, waits for a new ball as Toronto Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho, left, runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman throws a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman throws a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Texas Rangers' Alejandro Osuna (19) watches his ball as he collects his first major league hit off Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman wipes sweat in the dugout during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Toronto Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho (5) connects for a solo home run off Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom, not visible, during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom, right, waits for a new ball as Toronto Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho, left, runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman throws a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Kevin Gausman struck out six over eight strong innings, Daulton Varsho had a solo homer among his three hits and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Texas Rangers 2-1 on Monday. Gausman (5-4) threw 72 of his 96 pitches for strikes, including his first 14, and didn't walk a batter. He gave up one run and five hits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Hoffman worked a perfect ninth for his 11th save in 14 chances. Jacob deGrom (4-2) lost for the first time in his last seven starts, and didn't have a strikeout in 5 1/3 innings. It was the first time in his 229 career games (all starts) that the two-time NL Cy Young Award winner didn't record a strikeout. He walked two and allowed five hits. Varsho's eighth homer came in the first inning for the Blue Jays, who were coming off a 13-0 loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday that wrapped up a three-game sweep in which they scored only two runs. Alejandro Kirk added a sacrifice fly in the fourth for a 2-0 lead before Varsho, who had doubled, was thrown out trying to score on Anthony Santander's grounder to first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wyatt Langford homered in the Texas fourth, when Gausman had thrown 25 of 29 pitches for strikes and didn't yet have a punchout. The right-hander got through the first two innings on just 12 pitches, all strikes. Key moment The only time Texas had multiple runners on base was after consecutive singles to start the fifth by Jonah Heim and rookie Alejandro Osuna, the first hit of his big league career. Gausman got out of the inning with a strikeout, a flyball and another strikeout. Key stat Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s leadoff single in the fourth extended his on-base streak to 26 games, a new career high and the longest active streak in the majors. He had a 25-game streak in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Up next RHP Nathan Eovaldi (4-3, 1.60 ERA), who has allowed only three earned runs over 36 2/3 innings in his last six starts, pitches Tuesday for Texas. RHP Bowden Francis (2-6, 5.54) goes for the Blue Jays. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB May 26STAR CITY "No person was ever honored for what they received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave." With that quote from Calvin Cooidge, former Star City Mayor and Councilman, and Air Force Veteran, Bob Musick opened Star City's annual Memorial Day ceremony on a picture-perfect Monday morning at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. The gathering was brief, but well attended and featured soloist Al Anderson a staple of the yearly event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson who entered the U.S. Army at 17 in 1954 opened the ceremony with the "Star Spangled Banner, " and helped bring the proceedings to a close by leading the crowd in the "Battle Hymn of the Republic " and "God Bless America." "Taps " was performed by Morgantown High Senior and future Pride of West Virginia member Jameson Loop. Featured speakers included U.S. Army Veteran Jay Rollo, who explained that while so many gave their lives in service to country, it was ultimately service to country that gave him life. "For me, joining the Army was not a career choice, I wasn't following in somebody's footsteps or carrying on a family tradition. I was not driven by a sense of patriotism or a desire to serve my country. For me, joining the Army was a desperately needed lifestyle change, " he said, pausing to compose himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the Army, he continued, he went from a college dropout working in a bar, to a man with the skills, confidence and discipline to build a successful life. It was also through the Army that he met his wife while serving in Panama. "Had I not joined the Army, I can confidently say I would not be anywhere close to the life I have today, " he said. "The Army taught me about true brotherhood, experiencing memories, both good and bad, created with fellow soldiers to help form unbreakable bonds that will last a lifetime." After graduating from nursing school in 1970, Kathy Maier and a classmate set their sights on the U.S. Air Force. And then her friend backed out the day before they were to be Texas-bound for basic training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Of course, I wanted to back out, too, but my mother was very influential. She thought it was a good idea. We had a neighbor who was retired AIr Force, and she had him come talk to me, " Maier said. "Somehow, I felt the need to go." Shortly after basic training, Maier headed from San Antonio to nearby Brooks Air Force Base, where she completed training as a flight nurse. "There were 60 of us, " she said, holding up a class photo. "Out of 60, 30 went to Vietnam. I was amazed they sent that many nurses to Vietnam. I didn't have that experience." Maier closed her remarks recalling the story of Thomas Bennett, a U.S. Army medic from Morgantown who served in Vietnam, but never carried a gun as a conscientious objector to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was killed in action on February 11, 1969 while trying to reach a badly-wounded soldier. He earned a Medal of Honor for untold selfless acts carried out under fire. Musick knew Bennett from their time together at Morgantown High School. "He was one of the finest human beings God put on earth. He said to us, 'I'm going to go and serve. I won't carry a gun.' And he kept his promise, " Musick said. By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) - The work of a U.S.-backed private humanitarian organization tasked with distributing aid in Gaza is a distraction from what is needed, such as the opening of crossing points, a U.N. spokesperson said on Tuesday. The GHF, which began as an Israeli-initiated plan and has drawn criticism from the United Nations and others, said on Monday it began distributing supplies in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This follows an Israeli blockade for 11 weeks that was only partially lifted in recent days and that prompted a famine warning from a global hunger monitor and international criticism. "We do not participate in this modality for the reasons given. It is a distraction from what is actually needed (...)," Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the U.N. humanitarian office (OCHA) told a Geneva briefing, calling for the reopening of all crossings. He also called for an end to Israeli restrictions on the type of aid being allowed to enter the enclave, which he said was being "cherry picked" and did not always match needs. Israel is in charge of vetting all aid entering Gaza and regularly rejects a wide array of items it considers could be put to military use by militant group Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It says the new system is aimed at separating aid from Hamas, which it accuses of stealing and using food to impose control over the population, a charge rejected by Hamas, which says it protects aid convoys from gangs of armed looters. Juliette Touma, communications director of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, said that it had large medical shipments waiting that have been denied entry into Gaza. "We have over 3000 trucks, not only of food, but also medicines that are lining up in places like Jordan, like Egypt, that are waiting for the green light to go in, and they're carrying medicines and that is expiring soon," she said. (Reporting by Emma Farge, editing by Thomas Seythal and Sharon Singleton) COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Georgia Department of Public Safety has released preliminary numbers on holiday weekend travel incidents. According to Georgia State Patrol data, 14 people lost their lives on Georgia roads and 189 people were injured in crashes over Memorial Day weekend. The holiday travel period officially concluded May 26 at 11:59 p.m. GSP also says 413 people were arrested on DUI charges and they issued 1086 distracted driving citations and 6870 seatbelt citations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia Department of Public Safety says they have seen a noticeable increase in DUI arrests and distracted driving violations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The man accused of killing a Georgia Tech student at an off-campus student apartment complex snuck into the victims building and hid in a stairwell for more than an hour before he fatally wounded his victim, according to an arrest affidavit. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Nigel Belser, 21, surrendered to authorities Sunday and is being held in the Fulton County Jail on multiple charges, including murder. He is accused of killing Akash Banerjee, 22, who was a student at Georgia Tech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High-profile defense attorney Keith Adams, a member of Young Thugs defense team during the YSL trial, is now representing Belser. Adams said he did not want to get into the details but told Channel 2s Michael Seiden that his client, a student at Morehouse College, made the decision to surrender to authorities over the weekend because he is the real victim. He has no record whatsoever, strong ties to the community, a very strong family, the attorney said. Seiden obtained arrest warrants that detail the moments police say led to the fatal shooting May 18 at The Connector Apartments on Spring Street in Midtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say it was 4 p.m. when surveillance cameras recorded Belser walking with a light blue Gatorade bottle as he entered The Connector through the parking garage. The building is keyfob access, but the suspect tailgates behind two of the residents to get inside, according to an arrest affidavit. The suspect follows the residents onto the elevator and gets off on the second level with them. He walks down the hallway where he enters a stairwell and walks up the stairs to the ninth level. The surveillance video shows the victim walk down the hallway and enter his apartment on the ninth floor and thats when the suspect is seen trying to open the door, charging documents showed. The suspect then waits in the hallway, now with a black face mask on, for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, according to the arrest affidavit. During the time that the suspect is waiting he is walking back and forth between the victims apartment and the stairwell. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect continued to hide in the stairwell and at one point, the victim is seen on surveillance leaving his apartment and heading to a nearby BP gas station on Spring Street, investigators said. The victim leaves for about 12 minutes before surveillance video captured him returning to his apartment, where he encountered the suspect, according to investigators. It appears that something caught his (victim) attention, which prompted him to reach out to the door of the stairwell, where the suspect was still hiding at, investigators said. The victim quickly backs up, as he seems to be startled by his discovery. They said the victim attempted to fight back but was shot by Belser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect fled through the garage before police arrived, according to investigators. When crime scene investigators arrived, they discovered the same Gatorade bottle that the suspect was seen carrying to the crime scene, according to court documents. Police also determined that the suspect was living nearby at the University House on Spring Street. Belser is also charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. As of Tuesday morning, police had not yet released a motive. Its also unclear if the suspect and his alleged victim knew each other. Channel 2 reached out to management at The Connector to see if theyve made any changes to security measures. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] By Maria Martinez BERLIN (Reuters) - The German army must undergo significant organisational and personnel reforms to effectively utilise increased defence spending, the country's federal audit institute said on Tuesday in a special report. In March, Germany's parliament approved plans for a massive spending surge, largely removing defence investment from the rules that cap borrowing. The Bundesrechnungshof report highlights that despite relaxed debt rules, the Bundeswehr must prioritise its core mission of national and alliance defence while reducing administrative processes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "'Whatever it takes' must not become 'money doesn't matter!'" said Kay Scheller, president of the institute, emphasising the need for responsible financial management and increased efficiency in defence spending. Key recommendations include a thorough review of tasks, prioritisation of defense-critical duties, and restructuring the Bundeswehr to focus on "more troops, less administration." The Bundesrechnungshof recommends careful justification of financial needs, conducting efficiency analyses, as well as maintaining a balance between time, cost and quality. "It is crucial that these funds are used responsibly to significantly increase the effectiveness of defence spending," Scheller said. (Reporting by Maria Martinez, Editing by Friederike Heine) On the morning of Tuesday 27 May, German prosecutors conducted a raid on a house in Brandenburg on suspicion of support for Russian militants in Ukraines east. Source: German TV news channel n-tv, as reported by European Pravda Details: A spokesperson for the Karlsruhe Prosecutors Office stated that one of the suspects is accused of organising the transport of goods for several years to the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts occupied by Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement officials reported that the man is under investigation on suspicion of supporting a foreign terrorist organisation. The property searched is located in the Dahme-Spreewald district. The spokesperson stated that the suspect was not arrested. No information was provided about the specific types of goods supposedly transported. Background: Recently, Politico reported that a German tech company may have exported technology to Russia despite new European Union sanctions imposed over Moscows invasion of Ukraine. In early January 2025, it was also reported that Finland continues to record attempts to export sanctioned goods to Russia, despite having closed the Finnish-Russian border a year earlier. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! German Chancellor Friedrich Merz does not expect the war in Ukraine to end soon. Source: Merz, after a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Turku, quoted by Die Zeit, a German national weekly newspaper, as European Pravda reports Details: Merz noted that wars usually end in economic or military exhaustion of one or both sides. "In this war, we are obviously far from that," the German chancellor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz accused Russia of being unwilling to negotiate. He said that if the Russian government is not ready to accept Vatican mediation, it means that Russia is not interested in a truce or peace agreement. As a result, "we have to further strengthen our efforts so that Ukraine can defend itself," Merz said. He also announced his intention to increase pressure on Russia. "We are under threat, and we will defend ourselves," he said. Background: On Monday, Merz said that Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the United States had lifted all restrictions on Ukraine regarding the range of strikes. On Tuesday, he clarified that his statement did not refer to a new decision but described what happened several months ago. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The German government is debating the extent of its aid to Israel, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday, amid calls for a weapons embargo over the war in Gaza. "We are in close contact and dialogue with the Israeli government," Merz said in Turku at a joint press conference with Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. While Berlin has steadfastly supported Israel since the October 7, 2023, attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, German leaders have stepped up demands in recent days for Israel to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and to support the territory's civilian population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to a question on the possibility of Germany suspending arms deliveries to Israel, Merz said the extent of support is "the subject of internal consultations within the German government" that hvae not yet been finalized. "We will first discuss this within the federal government and then make decisions," said the chancellor, who took office earlier this month. Buying tickets for train journeys across Europe is set to become easier for people living in Germany starting this autumn, according to German railway company Deutsche Bahn (DB). The move is seen by some as a step toward better integration of Europe's numerous national railway systems. Starting at the end of 2026, DB promises that "tickets for all major railways in our neighbouring countries will be available" via its website or its app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "International long-distance travel is booming," Michael Peterson, DB's head of long-distance transport, told dpa. He noted that 2024 was the strongest year in this sector for the German railway, with a 22% growth compared to the pre-Covid year of 2019. No integrated European rail network While DB continues to add new connections to its portfolio, such as the recent introduction of ICE high-speed train service between Berlin and Paris, there are still numerous issues with train travel in Europe. "There is no integrated European rail network," said Green Party politician Matthias Gastel, a Bundestag member who has been focused on railways for years and sits on the supervisory board of DB's infrastructure subsidiary InfraGo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Problems often begin with ticket purchases. For cross-border journeys, multiple tickets are often required, each purchased separately. This is not only inconvenient but also means passenger rights, such as compensation for missed connections, do not apply. Tickets from competitors like Flix are not available through DB, which Gastel attributes to DB demanding "horrendously high commissions" designed to dampen the competition. "Problems often arise when a railway line reaches a national border," said Sebastian Wilken, who writes about international train travel on his blog Zugpost. These issues include power supply, signalling and safety systems, track gauge differences and even the language skills of train drivers. At least ticket purchasing is set to become simpler. European railways agreed years ago to implement the Open Sales and Distribution Model or OSDM interface standard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DB's Peterson described it as "the language through which European railways and sales service providers exchange their data." This will give DB access to the complete ticket portfolio of participating railways and vice versa. Soon, one ticket from Oslo to Athens DB access will initially start this autumn, when the Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are set to be made available. New partners are expected to join monthly. "We expect that by the end of next year, Europe will be almost comprehensively connected," said Peterson. Then booking tickets across Europe whether from Oslo to Athens or Warsaw to Barcelona will be possible in a single step. Lower-cost tickets via DB competitor Flix will not be available on this system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to an inquiry, the company said: "OSDM offers some positive features but also presents challenges particularly for new market entrants." It cited costs and the complexity of implementation as examples. According to DB, its customers will benefit in several ways, including being able to receive direct price information. "Railways will be able to access and combine the low prices of other railways," DB's Peterson said. During the journey, passengers will receive updates via their mobile phones and tickets for regional transport abroad will also become easier to purchase. EU train integration slow to develop but needed The Green Party's rail expert Gastel acknowledged developments, but said progress is too slow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is happening very slowly and it is incredibly laborious, cumbersome and expensive. There are simply far too many obstacles on the tracks." The European Union has long recognized the problem. New connections, such as the planned Munich-Rome route, are supported by the European Commission. However, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has noted that cross-border rail travel remains too complicated for many citizens. "People should be able to use open booking systems to purchase trans-European journeys from multiple providers without losing their right to refunds or alternative travel," she has noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Commission plans to propose legislation for "uniform digital booking and ticketing services" intended to ensure that "Europeans can buy a single ticket on a single platform and exercise their passenger rights for the entire journey." DB's Peterson says he is not worried about additional rules. "I have absolutely no concerns about what the European Commission wants to regulate because we share the same goals," he told dpa. However, he noted that the Commission intends to mandate a different standard than OSDM. "My only concern is that we have invested years in OSDM, implemented it in IT which costs money and time and that the EU might not introduce corresponding regulations before 2026." German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil has stated that there have been no new agreements within the government coalition regarding a change of course on lifting restrictions on long-range strikes by Ukraine against Russian territory. Source: German news channel ntv, as reported by European Pravda Details: Klingbeil, a member of the Social Democratic Party, denied that there had been a change of course concerning the firing range limitations on weapons supplied from Germany to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Regarding the range, I want to say again that there are no new agreements going beyond what the previous government did," he said in response to a question during a press conference in Berlin. Background: Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, also from the Social Democrats, opposed the idea that Ukraine could conduct long-range strikes on Russian territory. Current Chancellor Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative CDU party, stated on 26 May that there are no longer "any restrictions" on long-range strikes using weapons supplied to Ukraine by the UK, France, Germany and the US. However, it is unclear whether Merzs statements contain new information or if he is referring to previously known cases from autumn 2024 of Western missiles being used against Russian territory. Merz said that the lifting of range restrictions was the subject of his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a joint visit to Kyiv two weeks ago. In the past, Merz has expressed support for supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, but he has made no comments regarding possible deliveries of these missiles to Kyiv since coming to power in early May. Meanwhile, Merzs government has decided to limit public information about which weapon systems it will supply to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! For decades, Germany has stood squarely in Israels corner, its dark history of Jewish persecution shaping its modern-day policy of virtually unquestioned backing. In the aftermath of the Hamas October 7, 2023, attacks, the question of German political and military support for Israel was raised and reaffirmed by then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz. But comments by new Chancellor Friedrich Merz in recent days have put Germanys support for Israel under the spotlight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are dismayed by the fate of the civilian population and the terrible suffering of the civilian population in Gaza, the chancellor said on Tuesday while on a visit to Turku, Finland. The question of what provoked Merzs sharp change in tone toward Israel remains unclear. Peter Lintl, an analyst from the German Institute of International and Security Affairs who focuses on German-Israeli relations, believes Merz wanted to get into office, start conversations with Israeli leaders and get an understanding of the direction of travel before outlining his stance. The conclusion, that most of the countries in the world came to, its a horrible war where the aim is not clear anymore, Lintl told CNN. It is clearly a change in tone and change in positioning of the German government. Merz followed his Tuesday comments by questioning the current actions of the Israel Defense Forces inside Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referring to Israels expanded operations and the humanitarian crisis in the territory, the German chancellor said that he no longer sees any logic as to how they serve the goal of fighting terror and freeing the hostages. In this respect, I take a very, very critical view of what has happened in the last few days. Tuesdays language came hot on the heels of a thinly veiled threat from Merz in Berlin on Monday. The Israeli government must not do anything that its best friends are no longer prepared to accept, he said. Merz has also done the previously unthinkable and questioned whether Israel may be violating international law. National interest The change of tone is particularly striking because of Germanys long-standing stance on Israel, that is connected to a theory known as staatsraison or national interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The connection of staatsraison and Israel were made by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2008. She told the Israeli parliament, or Knesset, that the historical responsibility of Germany is part of my countrys national interest (staatsraison). This means that, for me as German chancellor, Israels security is never negotiable. Similar words were also used by Scholz in the wake of the October 7 attacks in which Hamas militants killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel and kidnapped some 250 others. Since Merkels speech, and particularly after she stepped down as chancellor in 2021, the term got a life of its own, the analyst Lintl says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It appeared that if you want to be a respected politician, you have to use the term because it came to signal that Israels security is German staatsraison. It is the minimum threshold we use to distance ourselves from the past, Lintl says. That past refers largely to the Holocaust in which the Nazis killed more than 6 million Jews. In Finland on Tuesday, Merz was quick to reiterate he is not abandoning staatsraison entirely. Israels security and existence are, as we have been saying for many years and decades, part of our German staatsraison, but he has clearly set out to clarify it. Lintl added: We didnt know how this government will conduct itself, or how this government policy toward Israel will look right now we have more of an idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear if Merz and Germanys relationship with Israel will shift significantly. Merz has maintained he will continue to talk with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Merz has also said he would find ways and means for Israels prime minister to visit Germany given the ICC (International Criminal Court) arrest warrant out for him. For now, the statements from Israel seem muted, and respectful. The Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor told German TV Tuesday morning, when somebody criticizes Israel, and when Friedrich Merz makes this criticism, we listen very carefully because he is a friend. Inke Kappler contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com THE HAGUE, Netherlands German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Monday that Berlin and its Western allies were lifting range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, though the practical implications of the apparent policy shift were not immediately clear. Speaking at a European forum in Berlin, Merz declared that there are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the UK, France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the U.S. either. The decision should allow Ukraine to target military installations on Russian territory, which Moscows forces use routinely to stage attacks against Ukrainian cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merzs announcement came days after Russia launched a record 355 drones against Ukraine over the weekend in Moscows largest assault since the beginning of the war three years ago. Ukraine has received several hundred Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles from Britain and France and shy of 50 ATACMS from the United States, tallies by defense observers show. Merz did not mention Germanys Taurus cruise missiles in his announcement, despite his previous advocacy for their delivery while serving as opposition leader. The 500-kilometer-range system represents Germanys most capable long-range strike capability and is considered more precise than the systems Ukraine already possesses. Merzs predecessor, Olaf Scholz, had refused Taurus deliveries, citing escalation fears with nuclear-armed Russia. The Kremlin, for its part, has warned Germany that this would present a dangerous escalation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since taking office, Merz has remained noncommittal on Taurus transfers, though it is possible this may be part of a larger policy shift toward secrecy and strategic ambiguity. The German government has ended the public listing of most military aid details, once a potent communications tool to trumpet the governments contributions in the face of critics blaming Berlin for underdelivering. Germany has provided the second-most military aid to Ukraine, after only the United States. Defense officials acknowledged in March that the countrys capabilities to supply weapons from stockpiles have reached the limit. The transparency change also coincides with budget pressures. Germany allocated 4 billion for Ukraine support in its 2025 draft budget half of what it spent in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow, meanwhile, denounced the lifting of range restrictions as dangerous, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warning the decision runs contrary to our efforts to reach a political settlement. Russia has previously threatened that Ukrainian strikes using German-made Taurus missiles would constitute direct participation by Berlin in the conflict. Both ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles have already been used against targets inside Russia since late last year. Latest: Germany pledges 5 billion euros in new aid to Ukraine, no Taurus missiles announced A statement from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on May 26 about long-range strikes inside Russia resurrected a long-held hope in Ukraine that Berlin is finally about to send Kyiv its Taurus missiles. "There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine neither by the U.K., France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the U.S. either," Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dampening expectations somewhat, Merz the next day clarified he was referring to permissions given by Ukraine's allies last year, but his mention of "us" still raised speculation that they could be on their way currently, Berlin provides Ukraine with no long-range missiles that the granted permissions related to. "It's good news that they have lifted these restrictions on the use of missiles," Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and chair of the parliaments foreign affairs committee, told the Kyiv Independent. "But where are these missiles? Where is Taurus, for example?" he added. Why hasn't Germany sent Taurus to Ukraine? Germanys stance on not sending Ukraine Taurus missiles was a policy largely driven by Olaf Scholz, Merzs predecessor. Ukraine has been using U.S.-made ATACMS for over a year, and U.K.-French Storm Shadows for more than two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Delivering Taurus at this point is less for the Ukrainians and more for the Germans because Taurus has become this ultimate symbol of German fear and escalation angst," Fabian Hoffmann, a doctoral research fellow at the University of Oslo specializing in missile technology, told the Kyiv Independent. "And that's why delivering Taurus is so important you right that wrong," he added. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on May 9, 2025. (Omar Havana / Getty Images) While Scholz repeatedly blocked the delivery of Taurus missiles over his concerns about escalation, his successor has been much more open about the possibility. In April, Merz even specifically suggested Taurus could be used to target strategic Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea, including the Crimean Bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with ARD, Merz emphasized the need to support Ukraine in moving from a reactive to a proactive stance on the battlefield, saying Kyiv must be equipped to "shape events" and "get ahead of the situation." "If things continue as they are, if, for example, the most important land connection between Russia and Crimea is destroyed, or if something happens on Crimea itself, where most of the Russian military logistics are located, then that would be an opportunity to bring this country strategically back into the picture, finally," Merz said. The Taurus difference In range, speed and payload, Taurus much resembles the Storm Shadow, which is made by Taurus manufacturer MBDAs French affiliate. "Scalp/Storm Shadow and Taurus belong to the same class of cruise missiles," a representative for MBDA Deutschland, wrote in a statement to the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They differ in their performance data, but are both fundamentally suitable for deep strike missions against strategic targets." "Taurus is the best weapon system in Western arsenals to take down bridges." The primary distinction for Taurus is in the design of the actual warhead Taurus can be programmed to explode after hitting a specific target, such as a bunker. The missile can penetrate and actually count layers before the final explosion, maximizing damage. Taurus would represent a major upgrade to Ukraines deep-strike firepower, primarily because it can blast through denser Russian fortifications. Possible targets for Taurus missiles. (Nizar al-Rifal/The Kyiv Independent) Thanks to a more efficient engine, Hoffmann explains, Taurus can also reach deeper into Russia than other system currently in Ukraine's arsenal, and packs more of an explosive punch than Ukraines new crop of deep-strike "missile-drones." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite a publicly advertised range of 560 or more kilometers, Hoffmann believes they can reach 700 to 800 kilometers. They are, however, air-launched, so they originate from planes that would not be over the front line, where they would be vulnerable to Russian anti-aircraft fire. Taurus "can be easily adapted" to F-16 fighter jets, which are now deployed in Ukraine, and to Gripen a Swedish aircraft that could be on their way soon. "Taurus is the best weapon system in Western arsenals to take down bridges," said Hoffmann. "So in theory, if Ukraine wants to take down the Crimean Bridge, Taurus would be the ideal weapon system to do that." The target Putin's Crimean Bridge Constructed after Russias illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014, the Crimean Bridge is a critical supply and transport route for Russian forces to occupied Ukrainian territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also holds huge symbolic value the $4 billion project was a political statement designed to cement what Russian President Vladimir Putin saw as one of his crowning moments the annexation of Crimea. The bridge has been a repeated target of Ukrainian strikes, suffering significant damage in October 2022 and July 2023, though neither managed to take the bridge out of commission. Taurus could potentially change that. A general view of the Crimean Bridge, which connects Russian-occupied Crimea, Ukraine, with Russias Krasnodar Krai, on July 25, 2023. (Stringer / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) The delay There has so far been no confirmation of actual delivery of Taurus to Ukraine. "We are not issuing comments on any speculation on political debates and decisions," a representative for MBDA Deutschland, Taurus manufacturer, wrote in a statement to the Kyiv Independent. "Please rest assured that MBDA is prepared to support the German government and Ukraine with the necessary integration, training and logistics if a political decision is made." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffmann notes that Taurus today is less important for Ukraine than it would have been two years ago, when there were fewer home-grown options for deep strikes. A protester holds a banner demanding the Taurus missile system as people, including many Ukrainians living in Berlin, gather at the Brandenburg Gate to demonstrate in support of Ukraine on March 9, 2025. (Omer Messinger / Getty Images) "If you deliver it now, Ukrainians could use it against the targets that really matter, whereas in 2023, they had to allocate Storm Shadow for everything. So there are some advantages, I'm not saying it's nothing," Hoffmann explained. "But a long range drone with a 50 kg warhead or even less is perfectly fine under some circumstances. So Ukraine has a lot of options." Ukraine's missile stocks Experts believe that the Taurus is unlikely to be a game-changer in the war and that while targeting the Crimean Bridge would be a big symbolic victory for Kyiv, Ukraine needs it primarily to replenish its long-range weapons stockpile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Storm Shadow, SCALP EG, they are running out sooner or later. Taurus is another very capable cruise missile that could be used by Ukrainians to just extend the availability of its long-range range strike capability," Hoffman said. "This is a key advantage. It's mostly about the quantity and the number of missile systems available in Ukraine's arsenal." Read also: Sanctions on Russia are working, Ukraine just needs more Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Sarah Marsh, Matthias Williams and Rachel More TURKU, Finland/BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany's foreign minister threatened unspecified measures against Israel on Tuesday and said Berlin would not export weapons used to break humanitarian law, as he and Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered their most severe rebuke yet over Gaza. Germany, along with the United States, had long remained in support of Israel's conduct since the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, even as Israel became increasingly isolated internationally. Its about-turn comes as the European Union is reviewing its Israel policy and Britain, France and Canada also threatened "concrete actions" over Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to broadcaster WDR, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned Germany's historic support for Israel must not be instrumentalised, as massive air strikes and shortages of food and medicines had made the situation in Gaza "unbearable". Earlier, Merz criticised air strikes on Gaza as no longer justified by the need to fight Hamas and "no longer comprehensible", in comments at a press conference in Finland. While not a complete rupture, the shift in tone is significant in a country whose leadership follows a policy of special responsibility for Israel, known as the Staatsraeson, due to the legacy of the Nazi Holocaust. It also reflects a broader shift in German public opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our committed fight against anti-Semitism and our full support for the right to exist and the security of the state of Israel must not be instrumentalised for the conflict and the warfare currently being waged in the Gaza Strip," Wadephul said. "We are now at a point where we have to think very carefully about what further steps to take," he said, without giving further details. "Where we see dangers of harm, we will of course intervene and certainly not supply weapons so that there will be further harm," he said, adding that no new weapons orders were currently under consideration. The shift in government stance comes after calls among the junior coalition partner, the Social Democrats, to halt arms exports to Israel or else risk what the move's backers say would be German complicity in war crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WORSENING HUNGER Attacks on Gaza killed dozens in recent days, and the population of more than 2 million faces worsening hunger and starvation, according to a U.N.-backed monitor. Efforts to revive a short-lived ceasefire that broke down in March have made little visible progress, although one regional diplomat said talks were still going on in Doha and there remained a chance for a deal. The German comments are particularly striking given that Merz won elections in February promising to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on German soil in defiance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The massive military strikes by the Israelis in the Gaza Strip no longer reveal any logic to me - how they serve the goal of confronting terror," Merz said in Turku, Finland. He did not reply to a question about German weapons exports to Israel. Wadephul said arms deliveries were a matter for a security council presided over by Merz, whose meetings are confidential. The foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a further request for comment on whether Germany's next step could include halting weapons shipments. The chancellor is due to speak to Netanyahu this week. In his office, Merz has a picture of Zikim beach, where Hamas fighters arrived on boats during their rampage in 2023 that killed around 1,200 people - a picture he had hanging for years previously in his parliamentary office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's ambassador to Berlin, Ron Prosor, acknowledged German concerns on Tuesday but made no commitments. "When Friedrich Merz raises this criticism of Israel, we listen very carefully because he is a friend," Prosor told the ZDF broadcaster. Merz's comments come on top of a groundswell of opposition to Israel's actions. A survey by Civey, published in the Tagesspiegel newspaper this week, showed 51% of Germans opposed weapons exports to Israel. More broadly, only 36% of people in Germany view Israel positively, a survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation found in May, down from 46% in the last survey in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only a quarter of Germans recognise a special responsibility towards the state of Israel, while 64% of Israelis believe Germany has a special obligation, the survey found. (Reporting by Sarah Marsh, Matthias Williams, Thomas Escritt, Rachel More; Additional Reporting by James Mackenzie in Jerusalem; writing by Matthias Williams; editing by Sophie Walker and Aidan Lewis) DUESSELDORF, Germany (Reuters) - A Syrian man stood trial in Duesseldorf on Tuesday over a knife attack claimed by Islamic State in which three people were killed, a case that stirred debate over foreigner crime in Germany and paved the way for a crackdown on migration. The 27-year-old defendant, identified as Issa al H, is accused of swinging his knife at a crowd of revellers at a festival in the western town of Solingen last year, stabbing several people from behind. He faces three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder, and is also charged with membership in a foreign terrorist organisation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Issa al H admitted guilt on his first day in court, where he appeared in a blue jumpsuit with his head bowed before him, only raising his head occasionally. "I have brought heavy guilt upon myself," he said via a statement read by his attorney. He offered his apology to the relatives of the victims and said he was prepared to accept his punishment. He did not comment on the allegation that he committed the crime in coordination with the Islamic State militant group. If convicted, the defendant faces life imprisonment. The Solingen attack raised an outcry and drew calls for tough action against foreign perpetrators of violent crime in the run-up to Germany's February election, won by the conservatives under migration hardliner Friedrich Merz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His coalition government, which took office earlier this month, has closed Germany's borders to undocumented migrants and vowed to ramp up deportations to Syria and Afghanistan. (Reporting by Tom Kackenhoff in Duesseldorf and Rachel More in Berlin; editing by Mark Heinrich) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday defended his decision to lift restrictions on the use of German long-range weapons by Ukraine. "Only those who are able to attack military bases on the territory of the attacker can defend themselves," said Merz after talks with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in the south-western Finnish city of Turku. Merz on Monday said there would no longer be any restrictions on Kiev over the range of weapons supplied by Germany, drawing criticism from Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement represented a shift from his predecessor Olaf Scholz, who authorized the use of certain long-range weapons against positions on Russian territory only in specific cases, unlike partners such as the United Kingdom and France. Merz said in Turku that he had merely "described something that has been happening for months, namely that Ukraine has the right to use the weapons it receives, including beyond its own borders, against military targets on Russian territory." Orpo meanwhile praised Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine, calling Merz's decision to significantly increase defence spending a historic turning point for the whole of Europe. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday said he has "no illusions" over a quick end to Russia's war in Ukraine. "We may have to prepare for a longer duration," Merz said after talks with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in the south-western Finnish city of Turku. Throughout history, conflicts have usually ended when one or both sides have reached exhaustion, either militarily or economically, said Merz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are obviously still a long way from that in this war," he argued. The German chancellor, who took office earlier this month, insisted that support for Ukraine would continue. The war is not just about Ukraine's territorial integrity, he suggested. "The political order that we established together with Russia after 1990 is being called into question," said Merz. "We are being threatened and we are defending ourselves against this." The 69-year-old said joint efforts by the European Union, United Kingdom and United States in the past three weeks to pressure Russia to agree to a ceasefire have been unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "However, I had no illusions from the outset that this would happen very quickly," Merz said, adding that Russia has no interest in a ceasefire at the moment. "As a consequence, this means that Ukraine must continue to defend itself and that we must intensify our efforts so that Ukraine can defend itself," the chancellor said. Heres one hazard the would-be Indiana Joneses of U.S. archaeology probably didnt see coming: Plummeting federal support thats canceled field work, shelved ongoing projects and gutted the agencies that support such efforts. One place its been the most visible? Last months annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, a 7,000-member group, whose conclave usually boasts more than 1,000 presentations, according to The New York Times. But a considerable number of government archaeologists skipped the meeting, the newspaper reported, with some putting it down to the fact that the presentations touched on matters concerning diversity, equity and inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican Trump administration has spent its first months trying to purge DEI, as its known, from the federal bureaucracy. It is ironic that on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the United States, we are choosing to sacrifice our history and the nonrenewable archaeological sites that provide that history, Christopher Dore, the societys president, said of the lost opportunities. Dore told The Times that he fears rollbacks in staffing will hurt efforts to supervise and control public use of federal areas. Looting, visitor damage, and even cattle grazing pose threats to such sensitive sites as tribal lands, he said. Archaeological resources are not renewable, Dore told the Times. Unlike some natural resources, they dont grow back. Once destroyed, sites and the information they hold are gone forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the exact total of the cuts has yet to be worked out, experts told The Times they will hurt at a time when "fresh investment and support" are badly needed. "We are getting cut off at the knees, William Taylor, the curator of archaeology at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, told the newspaper. One such example: In January, under the former Biden administration, the National Endowment for the Humanities awarded a $350,000 grant to Archeaeology Southwest, a nonprofit group in Tuscon, Arizona. Six weeks later, the new Trump administration clawed back the cash earmarked for an effort to document plant and animal species in the Sonoran Desert especially those that are important to local tribes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The now Trump controlled agency justified the action, arguing that it no longer effectuates the agencys needs and priorities. It marked the first time in the nonprofits 35-year history that such an action had taken place, according to The Times. The real termination is of trust in the federal government to follow its own laws and regulations, Steve Nash, the organizations president and chief executive, told The Times. More political news Read the original article on MassLive. An Orange County man has been sentenced to nearly 30 years behind bars after a court held him responsible for a 6-year-old child who was found with a firearm at Orange Elementary School last year. Drakar Lee Rawlings, 31, was taken into custody on Sept. 23 on an unrelated probation violation. It was only after he was arrested that authorities determined he was responsible for the Sept. 16 incident at Orange Elementary a week prior. Rawlings relationship with the 6-year-old Orange Elementary student has never been disclosed. Orange County Sheriff Jason Smith called the investigation into Rawlings very convoluted and complicated. Orange Elementary staff contacted the sheriffs office on Sept. 16 after an instructional assistant reported finding a loaded gun in the 6-year-olds backpack. The school was placed under lockdown while sheriffs deputies seized the firearm and secured the campus. The firearm was seized and made safe and an investigation into how it got on campus began, the sheriffs office said at the time. The investigation into this event began the second the firearm was found. The sheriffs office added that investigators did not believe that the child knowingly carried the loaded gun to school, nor did they believe the child had any intention of using it. There had been no threats made to the school before the gun was discovered, according to Orange County Public Schools. It is believed that the student never intended to use the firearm, the sheriffs office said at the time, in fact, we believe that the student did not even know the firearm had been stashed in the backpack and was unaware of its existence. The day after Rawlings was arrested for the unrelated probation violation, he was formally charged with two felony counts of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, one felony count of child endangerment and one misdemeanor count of allowing a child under 14 access to firearms. The charges were certified to the Orange County Circuit Court on Nov. 25. Rawlings entered a plea agreement on March 14, pleading guilty to all but one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. In total, Rawlings was sentenced to seven years in the state penitentiary and 12 months in jail for the charges stemming from the Orange County investigation, the sheriffs office announced Friday. But that was not the end of Rawlings legal trouble. Following his sentencing in Orange County, Rawlings was transferred from Central Virginia Regional Jail to the Rockingham Regional Jail, where he faced additional consequences related to a prior shooting incident in Harrisonburg, Virginia in 2015, according to the sheriffs offices Friday announcement. There, on May 16, he was sentenced to a total of 10 years in the state penitentiary for three separate probation violations. Two of those sentences are to be served consecutively, the court said. Additionally, he was ordered to serve two years of probation upon release. At final tally, Rawlings was sentenced to 17 years in the state penitentiary, 12 months in jail and two years of supervised probation. It is not unknown for adults to face consequences after underage relations are found in possession of a firearm. When a 6-year-old student in Newport News brought a gun to class and shot his teacher in 2023, the mother of the student was convicted of criminal possession of a weapon, making false statements and child neglect; she was sentenced to 3 34 years in prison. Since the firearm was discovered at Orange Elementary, Orange County authorities have said they are considering new security enhancements on the schools campus. Metal detectors, surveillance cameras and wearable panic buttons for faculty and staff are all on the table, Superintendent Daniel Hornick said in a message sent to parents shortly after the Sept. 16 incident. I must admit that this situation has been mentally and emotionally draining for me personally, Hornick said. I am incredibly grateful for the quick and professional response of OES staff members and our School Resource Officer. Their actions prevented this situation from turning out worse. Hornick has admitted that while protocol demands parents are alerted whenever a school goes into safe mode, that did not occur at Orange Elementary when the firearm was found. Hornick said that the school divisions Strategic Planning Committee has identified safe learning environments as a key area of focus. While the aforementioned security measures are a part of that, Hornick said, another part is school culture. It is essential to have a school environment in which both students and employees feel valued, heard, and respected, he wrote. A positive school culture promotes student engagement and connectedness, reduces behavior issues, and increases employee satisfaction and retention. In schools with positive culture, students benefit from appropriate and trusting relationships with staff members; further, they have access to supports and resources that can help them effectively navigate difficult scenarios. These relationships are critical in reducing inappropriate or destructive behaviors. Hornick said parents also play a vital role. Nothing can replace the importance of effective parental supervision, engagement, and involvement, he said. We ask and encourage all parents/guardians to remain active in providing the crucial oversight needed to help our children make responsible decisions. Orange County authorities have urged parents and guardians to exercise restraint when sharing information about supposed threats to students or school faculty and staff. Not long after the firearm was found, Orange County authorities debunked at least three rumored threats to local schools, none of which had any merit but all of which received considerable attention online. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently asked readers for their favorite stories or parts of the state Capitol, and you delivered some interesting tidbits of history. We checked in with the state Capitol tour desk, and took a look around the Capitol ourselves, to learn more about each piece of lore. Here are the highlights of the reader survey. A "ghost" can be seen in the mural in the Assembly chambers, after the painter removed a soldier from the painting to make room for a badger. Ghost in the Assembly chambers painting Edwin Blashfield painted the large mural at the front of the Assembly, where 99 lawmakers meet to vote on bills. Blashfield was asked to add a Wisconsin symbol to the painting, so he added a badger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Blashfield felt something needed to be removed, so he painted out a Civil War soldier. As time passed and the mural was cleaned, the soldier became more visible, according to the Assembly Sargeant at Arms. Old Abe, the stuffed 'war eagle' Right below the ghostly mural sits Old Abe, the mascot of the 8th Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War. Old Abe "became famous for spreading his wings and shrieking at appropriate moments" during battles, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. But the current bald eagle isn't the original. After Old Abe survived the war, a keeper took take care of him in the Capitol basement. In 1881, paints and oils kept in a room near Old Abe caught fire. The eagle inhaled smoke and died about a month later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His body was stuffed and displayed in the Capitol, but he was lost in the 1904 fire that destroyed much of the building. According to a display about Old Abe in the first-floor rotunda, legend has it a farmer found a dead eagle in his field and offered it to the state as a replacement for Old Abe. More: Stories behind Wisconsin's four capitol buildings include pigs, destructive fires and Iowa A starfish fossil on the staircase between the first and second floors in the North Wing of the Capitol. Starfish in the North Wing staircase If you look closely, the marbles, granites and limestones that make up the Capitol interior have some fascinating fossils embedded in them. That includes a starfish found on the staircase between the first and second floor of the North Wing. If you go up the stairs into the North Hearing Room, you can see shell-shaped fossils along the walls. Rubbing a badger's nose outside governor's office A badger statue, made from melted-down cannons from the Spanish-American War, sits outside the governor's office. His nose has gotten a little worn down visitors rub it for good luck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Naval Academy Museum originally lent the statue to the state and asked for it back in 2020 for use in another museum. State officials balked, according to the Associated Press, and the Navy extended the loan for 50 more years. The stained glass skylight on the ceiling of the Senate chambers on September 14, 2023. Glass panels on second floor While walking around on the second floor, you'll see glass panels built around the stonework. That design was meant to help natural light flow from the skylights and into the bottom floors of the building. Some of the skylights feature intricate stained glass, including a 28-foot design on the ceiling of the Senate chamber. More: Why did Wisconsin's capital move from Belmont to Madison? Corruption, land and lobbying Secret tunnels leading out of the Capitol A reader mentioned tunnels from the Capitol to Lake Mendota or Monona used by the National Guard during Vietnam War protests in the 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We weren't able to verify those specifics, but a tour guide did confirm there are tunnels that lead across the street, likely connected to power plants. Republican senators were led out of the Capitol through the tunnels during the Act 10 protests in 2011, with the help of Capitol police. Former Gov. Scott Walker also used the tunnels during the protests. Historical museum in the Capitol There is a small museum on the top floor of the Capitol, where visitors can read displays about the building's history and see artifacts. Within the circular hallway is the trumpeter's ring, which offers a birds-eye view of the dome. More: An annual ornament helps fund projects at the state Capitol. Here's how it got started. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: From a ghost to Old Abe, readers share best lore about state Capitol The air was filled with the sounds of cheers and airhorns at T.A. Cotton Ford Stadium as the Class of 2025 of both Greenville High School and New Horizons High School walked across the stage and into a new chapter of their lives. Kindergarten was the first step of many we unknowingly took to get here today, on a journey that we sometimes believed would never end, student Aden Lewis said in remarks to those in attendance. Now, 13 years later, were a little taller, a little wiser and still wondering whats ahead of us, were here to celebrate. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the graduation of the 18 students who make up its third graduating class of GHS Early College High School program, a four-year program through which students are able to earn associates degrees in engineering or multidisciplinary studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When ECHS Chancellor Rebekah Russler spoke, she proudly listed the accomplishments of the class who graduated from Paris Junior College two weeks earlier announcing that six of them graduated with honors, that four finished with a GPA of a 4.0 and that five out of the top 10 GHS graduates were in the program. They earned every bit of their two diplomas, Russler said. With the ceremony being a celebration of a major milestone in the students lives, an ongoing theme in both the salutatorian a valedictorian speeches was one of embracing the uncertainty of the future. Every single one of you will leave this field with the promise of one thing freedom, GHS Salutatorian Nadenka Hallonquist said. And heres the fun part. Youre on your own now. Dont want to wake up early? Go ahead. Sleep in. Dont want to go to your least favorite class? You dont have to. No one can tell you what to be and what to do now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honestly though, thats a scary idea being on your own, she continued. I cant predict the future. No one can. All we can do now is hope we make decisions that will shape a good one, but I know we can do it. Similarly, Valedictorian Ian Kowalczyk stressed the importance of being both confident and kind to oneself when dealing with challenges. When I first walked into Greenville High School as a freshman, I had the instinctual worry of not fitting in or being awkward but the more I tried to run from me insecurity, the more I regretted being afraid of it in the first place. I failed myself, Kowalczyk said. Thats what happens. You will fail, he continued. Sometimes subtly and other times visibly. But either way, youll learn that in life, things are simply just not that easy. When youre asleep, the world remains awake. Thousands of nocturnal species are crawling, flying, leaping, swimming, and dancing through forests, caves, lakes, parks, and the urban environment. Without seeing them, people may not even know theyre there. Even though theyre largely unseen, a new research review has found that without the contribution of the worlds nocturnal pollinators, humanity would struggle to survive. "We have this idea that all the magic happens during the day, because thats when were active, and thats when we see bees and butterflies fluttering around flowers," Liam Kendall, a postdoctoral fellow at Swedens Lund University, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kendall and fellow researcher Charlie Nicholson were the authors of the first-of-its-kind meta-analysis which was published this month in the journal Ecology Letters. Nocturnal pollinators play just as significant a role as their daytime counterparts, according to a recent review from researchers in Sweden. Theyre calling for better protections to safeguard the species, which help to safeguard the worlds food supply (AFP via Getty Images) Most people know about daytime pollinators, including birds, bees, wasps, and butterflies. They provide critical ecosystem services, working to fertilize flowers that can create fruit and seeds. Without their services, humanity would be in dire straits. One in three bites of the food Americans eat depends on pollinators. Furthermore, nearly 80 percent of global crop plants used to make food and other plant-based products require pollination by animals. For decades, scientists have tried to determine whether plants are largely pollinated during the day or at night. But, less attention has been given to the bats, months, nocturnal butterflies, and fireflies. To understand their role compared to their daytime counterparts, Kendall and Nicholson compiled data from 135 studies, finding that 90 percent of the 139 plant species that were examined in the studies had similar reproductive success, regardless of when the plants were pollinated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were definitely surprised by the number of plant species where it didnt matter. We found this really fascinating because it's easy to assume that a specific plant needs a specific pollinator. The analysis actually showed almost the opposite theres much more flexibility. A different pollinator than expected can contribute enough for a plant species to reproduce," said Kendall. The white-lined sphinx moth, which is also known as the hummingbird moth, is a crucial pollinator for twilight-blooming flowers, according to Mass Audubon. They are found throughout North America (Tom Koerner/USFWS) So, why has their impact taken so long to widely recognize? In fact, it hasnt been totally unrecognized. Moths have been called the unsung heroes of pollination, many of which are tied to apple pollination. The white-lined sphinx moth, which is also known as the hummingbird moth, is a crucial pollinator for twilight-blooming flowers, according to Mass Audubon. They are widespread in North America. Plus, hundreds of species of plants rely on U.S. bats, including bananas, mangos, and agave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kendall theorizes that daytime pollinators are seen by humans as more beautiful, and attract more attention. Furthermore, he hypothesizes that many researchers may have had a certain idea for how pollination for a particular plant may occur. Of course, it is also notable that humans are most active during the daytime. The authors also highlighted that daytime species are better protected than nighttime species. Tackling artificial light at night or excessive or poorly placed lighting that can interrupt the natural environment may be one way to help protect them. They also face exposure to pesticides, disease, invasive species, climate change, and habitat loss. Climate change is disrupting the relationship between all pollinators and plants, with rising temperatures affecting when plants flower and potentially getting them out of sync with their pollinators. "Actions are often taken to protect daytime pollinators, such as spraying pesticides at night. Theres an oversight there sure, you're protecting the daytime insects, but youre also, theoretically, harming the nocturnal pollinators. This means we could be doing much more, but we havent thought enough about it so far, and more research is needed," said Kendall. The independent Government Accountability Office has served Congress as the nations chief investigator of wrongdoing at federal agencies for more than a century. Now its under assault. The typically uncontroversial, under-the-radar agency is fighting to retain power against attempts by Republicans in the Trump administration and on Capitol Hill to undercut its legal conclusions and independence an onslaught that has been fast and furious. First, Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency contacted GAO to assign a downsizing team there, despite the agency being housed within the legislative branch and therefore not subject to an executive order granting DOGE access to most other federal operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, last week, Senate Republicans disregarded GAO guidance and nixed waivers allowing California to set its own pollution standards, even after the watchdog concluded that the Senate couldnt do that under a simple-majority threshold. The GAO has no role in determining how the chamber should proceed, said Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in an interview in the lead up to the votes. The GAO has no authority. Capping things off before the long holiday weekend came a social media post from White House budget chief Russ Vought, publicly belittling the agency for its findings that the administration illegally withheld money Congress had previously approved for supporting electric vehicle infrastructure. Its one of at least 39 separate GAO inquiries into whether the White House flouted the 51-year-old law preventing presidents from circumventing Congress power of the purse. They are going to call everything an impoundment because they want to grind our work to manage taxpayer dollars effectively to a halt, the Office of Management and Budget director wrote on social media. These are non-events with no consequence. Rearview mirror stuff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vought also claimed that GAO had played a partisan role in the impeachment hoax of Donald Trumps first presidency, referencing the Houses vote in 2019 to remove the president ahead of GAOs conclusion that the administration violated the same impoundment law by withholding aid to Ukraine. Sen. Mike Lee piled on a day later. GAO has lost credibility as an independent body, the Utah Republican wrote on social media, reacting to Voughts criticism. Taken together, these events show the extent to which Republicans are increasingly willing to denigrate an agency that has frequently validated their policies and positions, while sometimes delivering findings conservatives dont like. And this political posture could upend the relationship members of both parties have had with GAO for decades. There are senators serving in this chamber, Republicans and Democrats, who have made use of the exact same process by going to the GAO, said Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in a floor speech. There have been more than 20 different opinions delivered by the GAO at the request of Republican senators and members of Congress in the last three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funded as part of the legislative branch and falling under congressional oversight authority, GAO is the federal government's chief audit agency. The nonpartisan organization also provides detailed policy analysis and evaluates programs at the direction of Congress, along with responding to congressional requests for investigations. Just this past week, at least one House Republican cited a GAO report to justify some of the provisions in the House Republican domestic policy bill the party is counting on to enact broad swaths of Trumps domestic agenda. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, the head of GAO, has been making the rounds on Capitol Hill in recent weeks to justify his agency's fiscal 2026 budget request to appropriators. Describing his offices interaction with DOGE as part of his testimony, Dodaro said GAO is engaged with some of the Department of Government Efficiency efforts and that DOGE is actually using our recommendations to help carry out their activities. But GAO also turned DOGE down when it tried to bring in its downsizing crew, asserting a level of independence that could continue to embolden Republicans to buck the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fight over repealing the California emissions waivers, for instance, was at one point shaping up to be a battle against Republicans and the Senate parliamentarian, who backed up GAO findings that the Senate couldnt repeal them with a simple-majority vote. Republicans, however, avoided a vote to directly overrule the parliamentarian by framing the debate as an example of GAO making a politically motivated decision not as defying the parliamentarian and challenging institutional norms. Lee was among the Senate Republicans to quickly fall in line. While he previously noted that the California waivers were not subject to reversal under the Congressional Review Act, he later went on to accuse GAO of sacrificing its credibility. The lawmaker also accused the watchdog of acting well outside its mandate by stepping into the California emissions fight after the Trump EPA submitted them as a rule. GAO is going to continue to find itself in politically perilous situations. While Trump doesnt have to worry about the agency bolstering impeachment efforts in a GOP governing trifecta, the watchdogs findings on potential impoundment violations can be cited in lawsuits across the country against the administration for freezing federal funding. The agencys legal rulings could also influence those congressional Republicans who are increasingly getting fed up with the presidents disregard for Congress funding authority. Staring down another government shutdown cliff at the end of September, top Republican appropriators are already alarmed that the White House wont rule out withholding federal cash the GOP-led Congress clears for the upcoming fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GAO is a legislative branch agency, but unlike the Librarian of Congress, who Trump had the authority to unilaterally fire earlier this month, the comptroller general can only be ousted by impeachment or a joint congressional resolution. Still, Trump could at any time weigh in on Dodaro's performance and urge lawmakers to remove him, setting off a scramble among Republicans on Capitol Hill to appease the president similar to when Trump called on Congress to boot a judge off the bench who ruled against his deportation agenda. A GAO spokesperson said in a statement that agency officials stand behind the quality of our work. The watchdogs mission is to deliver non-partisan, fact-based information to Congress, to help it carry out its constitutional legislative, appropriations, and oversight functions and protect the power of the purse, the spokesperson continued. Our legal decisions do not take a position on the policy goals of a program, they only examine the procedural issues and compliance with the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a recent congressional hearing, Dodaro also stressed that GAO doesnt want to be in the partisan crosshairs, has no interest in having political sway and is committed to its mandate to respond to requests from lawmakers with the facts. We're just responding to help Congress, Dodaro said. We're not trying to influence things one way or the other. We're nonpartisan. We're asked a question; we give an answer. It doesn't matter who it is. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated the circumstances under which the comptroller general of the Government Accountability Office can be removed. A GOP lawmaker who has criticized President Trump over his handling of the Russia-Ukraine war said half of Trumps recent public remarks blasting Russian President Vladimir Putin are perfect, while the rest are dumb. GOP Rep. Don Bacon (Neb.) faulted Trump for spending some time slamming Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky rather than remaining focused on criticizing Putin. The first half of this message is perfect; the rest is dumb. Trump is attacking President Zelensky while Putin bombs Ukrainian cities, and it is misguided, Bacon told Fox News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bacon, who represents a swing district in Nebraska, said the president is sending mixed signals. Moral ambiguity while one nation invades another is hurting Trumps credibility. Putin is making a mockery of Trump, and Trump keeps attacking Zelensky, he said. Russia launched a missile and drone attack on Ukraine over the weekend that killed a dozen people, less than a week after a two-hour phone call between Putin and Trump, who pledged to end the war. The president called Putin crazy Sunday for unleashing bombs in Ukraine, showcasing a shift in the relationship with his Russian counterpart. Ive always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia, he added. In a Truth Social post later Sunday evening, Trump also said Zelenskys public comments were not helpful, criticizing the Ukrainian leader. Bacon has long encouraged Trump administration officials to have moral clarity on who started the war, urging it against rewarding the invader. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 after taking over its Crimea region nearly a decade earlier. Trump and Zelensky, though embattled at a February Oval Office meeting, have agreed to a critical minerals deal that is expected to solidify support from the U.S. on the front lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to take up a challenge to a land swap enabling mining at a sacred Indigenous site, garnering pushback from conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas. A 2014 law enabled a land transfer between mining company Resolution Copper and the federal government, allowing the miner to take control of a site called Oak Flat in Arizona, which is sacred to the Western Apache. A group called Apache Stronghold, which says it represents Apaches, other Native peoples, and non-Native allies, appealed the case to the Supreme Court, asking it to reverse a 9th Circuit decision on religious freedom grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high court declined to take up the case Tuesday without explaining its decision. However, Gorsuch issued a dissent, joined by Thomas. For centuries, Western Apaches have worshipped at Chichil Bidagoteel, or Oak Flat. They consider the site a sacred and direct corridor to the Creator, Gorsuch wrote. Now, the government and a mining conglomerate want to turn Oak Flat into a massive hole in the ground. Before allowing the government to destroy the Apaches sacred site, this Court should at least have troubled itself to hear their case, he added. Apache Stronghold said in its petition that Oak Flat is the site of religious ceremonies that cannot take place elsewhere, including ceremonies for boys entering manhood and girls entering womanhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the court to take up a case, it needs at least four votes in favor of doing so. Its not clear whether any other justices voted with Gorsuch and Thomas. Justice Samuel Alito recused himself. It is hard to imagine a more brazen attack on faith than blasting the birthplace of Apache religion into a gaping crater, said Luke Goodrich, part of Apache Strongholds legal team and vice president and senior counsel at Beckett. In its own filing, Resolution Copper argued the court should not have taken up the case because the land exchange was authorized by Congress and because Apache Stronghold is a nonprofit with no religious claim of its own and thus no standing to bring the case. The Resolution Copper mine is vital to securing Americas energy future, infrastructure needs, and national defense with a domestic supply of copper and other critical minerals, Victoria Peacey, general manager of Resolution Copper, said in a statement. We are encouraged by the significant community support for the project, which has the potential to become one of the largest copper mines in America, add $1 billion a year to Arizonas economy, and create thousands of local jobs in a region where mining has played an important role for more than a century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resolution Copper is a joint venture between mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP. Zach Schonfeld contributed. Updated at 1:34 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. Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to hold a press conference Tuesday afternoon in Central Florida. DeSantis will be speaking from The Highland Manor events venue in Apopka. His news conference is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Channel 9s Nick Papantonis will be on hand to monitor the governors announcement. Click HERE to watch DeSantis speech when it happens and tune into Eyewitness News beginning at 4 p.m. for full coverage. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) All 57 New York counties will be receiving funds for a $56.5 million Summer Youth Employment program designed to help at-risk youth from low-income households, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday. The program is expected to help around 21,000 young people join the workforce in order to develop useful skills and gain professional training. Western New York counties will receive the following amounts of money: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allegany: $221,757 Cattaraugus: $321,822 Chautauqua: $491,187 Erie: $2,598,654 Genesee: $140,702 Niagara: $568,697 Orleans: $137,245 Wyoming: $129,071 The funding is being provided by the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance as a part of the states 2026 budget. Eligible youth must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and have a household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Entry-level jobs will be available at parks, summer camps, child care organizations, cultural centers, educational facilities, and community-based organizations. Connecting at-risk youth with good job opportunities helps not only them, but also their families, their communities, and our economy, said State Senator Sean Ryan. This funding will boost our states workforce, promote safer and stronger communities, and set thousands of young New Yorkers up for successful careers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investing in our young peoples future and providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed is a top priority of my administration, Hochul said. 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. WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) The customary use bill that passed both the Florida House and Senate a month ago is still not law. Sen. Jay Trumbull, who sponsored the bill, said it went to Gov. Ron DeSantis last week. He expects the governor will sign it into law within the next two weeks. The bill would repeal a 2018 law allowing private beaches in Walton County. Trumbull said he introduced the repeal bill to restore total beach access to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill to restore customary use moving through state senate after roadblock Most assume that, once it becomes law, it will bring private beaches to an end. But that may not be the case. What happens day one after the governor signs this bill, the simple answer is, legally, nothing changes on the Walton County beaches, Interim County Attorney Clay Atkinson said. Atkinson explained that if the bill becomes law, it would not supersede any of the legal judgments or any of the agreements the county negotiated with individual land owners from 2018 to 2024. But the law would still hold significance for Walton County. It establishes that the countys beaches are badly eroded and need renourishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the county extends the sandy beaches, it would create more area that would be accessible to the public south of the Erosion Control Line. If there is not a beach to use because it goes away in the storm, theres necessarily gonna be no public use rights. But the more public beach there is, especially with ECL, all those land seaward create more public use rights, Atkinson added. Walton County has $60 million in tourist development council beach renourishment money and another $60 million in federal matching funds. County officials are currently planning to begin renourishment, but have not set a date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the customary use bill, DeSantis can either sign it, veto it, or ignore it, in which case it becomes law without his signature within 30 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 mypanhandle.com. AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) Governor Maura Healey joined veterans and their families for a Memorial Day observance in Agawam. This ceremony united people to honor the brave service members whove given their lives for our country. The sun shined on the rows of white and grey headstones of fallen military heroes at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, adorned with American flags. Veterans and their loved ones gathered to honor their memory and bravery during a ceremony. Ive been here before it a couple of times because my father, this is her first time, and its very moving, said Joseph Calvanese of Ludlow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont feel sad, you feel happy, and I guess thats the way were supposed to feel. But, you know, its not as easy, you know, as you think, added Maria Calvanese of Ludlow. Governor Maura Healey recognized these families, who are the backbone of our nations heroes, for their strength and resilience. I ask everybody across Massachusetts to step out of themselves for a moment and find a way to reflect on maybe to pray for, maybe to think about service in your own way, and to do it to honor the legacy of those who served, said Governor Healey. She stood alongside other officials like State Senator John Velis and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno in giving their remarks. As we remember and honor these fallen soldiers, officials express that we must also recognize the importance of their sacrifice in defending our freedoms and keeping us safe. We live in a free country because of them. I get to walk my son to the park, and have some peace and tranquility because of the sacrifice that generations upon generations of American service members made. And whether its the freedom of speech to believe in whatever I want to believe in, said Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services, Jon Santiago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Healey also noted the work being done in Massachusetts to support veterans, like building the new Veterans home in Holyoke and activating the military asset security strategies task force to make sure the military in the commonwealth is advocated for in Washington, DC. And her next big goal will be making investments to reduce the homeless population among veterans. Governor Healey also addressed that Military recruitment numbers could further increase across the country, and she said she hopes more people will consider joining. It saddens me that the numbers are so low in the military across the country right now, and if theres anything we can do to advocate and show support for more men and women going into the military service, I think that would be a great thing for our country, said Governor Healey. 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. From the Zurich Protocols to the peace Treaty The "Yerevan Dialogue" is taking place in Armenia. This is some kind of international meeting with vague outlines and uncertain goals. It is being held for the second time. The first "dialogue" took place in September last year. The main purpose of the event, I think, is to force yourself to listen. Although Nikol Pashinyan didn't say anything new this year. He uttered the same phrases that the forum guests heard a year ago. With some minor nuances. If at the first gathering in Yerevan Pashinyan spoke about the consistency of the text of the peace treaty by 80 percent and about the remaining "little things" that do not interfere with its signing, then this year he announced the document's full readiness and Azerbaijan's "unwillingness" to sign it. All other traditional agenda items remained unchanged. Just as nothing changes in Armenia, nothing changes in the course of its leadership's thinking. The same words, the same accents. Armenian diplomatic and political thought is not developing. And in the case of Armenia, "firmness and immutability of position" is not a plus and does not indicate the strength of political will. This speaks precisely about the lack of willpower of the country's leadership, which knows perfectly well how to pull Armenia out of the swamp, but is afraid to take the right steps. Pashinyan expects that everything will sort itself out somehow, and hopes that if you pronounce "halva" for a long time and confidently, it will certainly become sweet in your mouth. The previous "Yerevan dialogue" passed without a trace and the neighbors did not feel any sweetness in their mouths. If Pashinyan expects to assemble a support group in this way, to put together a team of representatives of diplomatic and political circles loyal to Armenia, then it is unlikely that he will be able to include the Prime Minister of Slovakia or the Hungarian Foreign Minister present at the forum in this team. These figures can in no way be considered as agents of Armenian interests. Representatives of the EU countries are present at the event only in the logic of Armenia's European aspirations, and it is very important for Yerevan itself to maintain such an image, but in a different logic - in the logic of increasing pressure from Russia. After Sergey Lavrov's visit, the gathering with the participation of high-ranking guests from Europe looks like a kind of counterweight. Judging by the Armenian media, the local officials are overjoyed that Robert Fico has come to them, and Peter Szijjarto has already visited the forum for the second time. In principle, it is the right of every State to hold international meetings. And we do not want to detract from Armenia's right to hold "dialogues" and invite guests. But such events should not be held in a country that has nothing to say. Pashinyan has nothing to say about Armenia, its successes, projects and prospects. All he can do to occupy the guests' attention is complain about Azerbaijan. It has long been noted that the Prime Minister of Armenia is a great visionary, and sometimes his fantasy takes him so far that he completely loses touch with reality. This is especially evident in the way he invented to escape from the need to resolve the issue of the toxicity of the Armenian constitution. The existence of claims on the territory of Azerbaijan in the basic law is the main reason why the peace treaty has not yet been signed. Everyone knows this, including the guests of the Yerevan Dialogue. As the whole world already knows, Azerbaijan demands that Armenia amend its basic law and remove from it the reference to the declaration of independence, which proclaimed Armenia's independence by annexing the territories of our country. Pashinyan himself recognizes the problem, but cannot solve it legally, because he knows how it will turn out for him. To get out of the situation, he came up with the following: the parties sign an agreement, then it is sent to the constitutional Court for approval, and if the Constitutional Court considers the document to be contrary to the constitution, he, Pashinyan, personally initiates amendments to the basic law. "According to the legislation of Armenia, the agreement must be signed by the Constitutional Court. If the Constitutional Court decides that the text does not comply with the Constitution, ... an unusual situation will arise. What will be Armenia's position and mine? I am initiating constitutional reforms because the peace process and the treaty should not be missed," he said. The frivolity of these statements does not require proof. A reasonable part of Armenian society should be ashamed of their prime minister, who voices such ideas while speaking to an international audience. Azerbaijan is a serious and solid state that will not play these games - sign an agreement and then stand on the sidelines, nervously biting her nails, and wait for what the uncles sitting in the Armenian Constitutional Court will say. And then wait for years for Pashinyan, if he survives, to be able to get his zombies to vote for changes to the constitution. Baku will not waste time on such nonsense, which will definitely not have a result. By the way, Turkiye has already played this game with Yerevan, and it is well known how it ended. It would be very appropriate to recall now what happened with the so-called Zurich Protocols, signed in 2009 between Armenia and Turkiye. The Constitutional Court of Armenia issued a verdict on the conformity of the documents with the constitution, but with its own amendments, which was a gross violation and going beyond the powers of the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court of Armenia considered that the protocols cannot be interpreted and applied in such a way that it would be possible to talk about a violation of the provisions of paragraph 11 of the Declaration of independence, from which the constitution is based. Paragraph 11 states that "the Republic of Armenia supports the process of international recognition of the 1915 Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire and Western Armenia." Based on this, the Constitutional Court considered it inappropriate to create a joint commission on "genocide" provided for in the protocols. In addition, the Constitutional Court designated "actual borders" rather than "interstate ones" so that at the right moment Armenia could refuse to recognize Turkiye's internationally recognized borders. This meant that the Constitutional Court of Armenia recognized the protocols as conforming to the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, but only in an edited form. In other words, the Armenian parliament had to ratify a document that differed in content from what the Turkish parliament would have ratified (!). It is not difficult to imagine what this could lead to, and it is not surprising that the Turkish parliament refused to ratify. After such a decision by the Armenian Constitutional Court, it became clear that the normalization process had been reset. Official Yerevan tried both ways to assure Ankara that the decision of the constitutional court does not matter and is only advisory in nature. But Turkiye understood everything perfectly, and the issue was effectively closed, although it "lived" for several more years, during which the Armenian side tried to create the appearance of a desire for normalization. In March 2018, Yerevan defiantly "denounced" the Zurich protocols, which had not worked for a single day. There is no doubt that the same fate will befall the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Yes, Nikol Pashinyan really wants to sign it, yes, the majority in parliament and even in the Constitutional Court is loyal to him now. But one cannot discount the huge mass of the opposition, which is under revanchist steam, and which has enlisted the support of Russia and is waiting in the wings. With any changes in the structures of power, the peace treaty with Azerbaijan will be annulled as contrary to the Constitution of Armenia. Anyone who breaks through to power after Pashinyan will do this, even if, as in the case of the Zurich Protocols, years pass. Because this document really contradicts the basic principle on which the Armenian statehood is built. It is impossible to recognize the territorial integrity of a neighbor if you have declared your independence by adding his lands to yourself. This is exactly what Armenia did in 1991, which is why today the Armenian statehood itself is in question, because "miatsum" has gone down in history and will not return. And if they try to resuscitate him, Armenia itself will go down in history. Besides the revanchists, there is also the diaspora. Even Serzh Sargsyan, before signing the protocols with Ankara, went to bow to the diaspora to get its opinion. If she had said no, there would have been no signing in Zurich, but the diaspora was lenient then, because the times were different, Turkiye was different, and no one really counted on the effectiveness of the protocols. Today's Azerbaijan is a different matter. In October last year, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia, at the request of the Government, issued an opinion according to which the Constitution of Armenia does not contain territorial claims to any country. Nikol Pashinyan started this farce on the eve of COP29. The patrons promised that they would achieve the signing of a peace treaty on the sidelines of the climate conference, and Yerevan hastened to arm itself with the funny decision of its Constitutional Court in order to be fully armed. In Baku, they just laughed, because it was really very funny. Greene County staff say they have been forbidden from speaking directly to the press about county business. And while county officials elected and appointed say there is no formal written policy in place, free speech experts say even an unwritten policy blocking public information is a violation of the First Amendment. Such unwritten policies are not rare, Seth Stern, a First Amendment lawyer and director of advocacy for the New York-based Freedom of the Press Foundation, told The Daily Progress, but that doesnt make them any less illegal. These policies are relatively common and, in most cases, unconstitutional, Stern said via email. At the start of the year, the Greene County Board of Supervisors considered adopting new social media guidelines for themselves after one supervisor, Francis McGuigan, was reprimanded by his colleagues for using his Facebook account, which he has christened the Greene Sentinel, to suggest a dam in the county was on the brink of imminent failure. The dam itself did not collapse, and there are no residences in its flood plain. On Jan. 14, the board was presented a seven-page social media policy outlining how different county departments messaging should be managed, how officials should respond online during an emergency and how all county leaders can maintain decorum while using social media a landscape rife with misinformation and disinformation. Supervisors balked, claiming the policy would muzzle them and violate their First Amendment right to free speech. So, in a bold move, the policy was redirected at staff. Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Catalano was made the countys point of contact, the only person permitted to speak with the press regarding county business. It was unclear if that policy had been fully adopted until The Daily Progress attempted to fact-check information with county staff regarding other business. Staff refused multiple public records requests via the Freedom of Information Act, a 57-year-old state law that guarantees the public access to public records held by public bodies, public officials and public employees. When pressed for more information, staff told The Daily Progress they were under strict instruction not to speak with the media. A county employee, who spoke with The Daily Progress under the condition of anonymity, said staff may not confirm facts or discuss any county business with the press. All requests must go through Catalano, they said. Per our media policy, please contact Board of Supervisors Chair Steve Catalano with any questions about Greene County Government, another county employee told The Daily Progress when a reporter was fact-checking information. The policy applies to every county department, they said. A public records request for information about said policy was also denied on the basis that no such directive has ever been written down or formalized in any way. Greene County doesnt have (and apparently has never had) a written media policy, County Administrator Cathy Schafrik told The Daily Progress via email. All Ive done is announce at a staff meeting that if they are contacted to give an official county position, we need to coordinate with the Chairman before speaking. That does not appear to have been the takeaway for multiple county employees. Even Catalano is under the impression that the informal directive is a rule that county staff must follow. These are the very same rules that the chairman of the board has to follow when dealing with media relations regarding official policy or directives, he told The Daily Progress via email. Catalano went a step further and said that any information county staff delivers to the press must be clearly marked as opinion and not fact. Facts can only be communicated by him, speaking for the majority opinion of the board. Any deviation from the boards majority position should be stated as an opinion by staff, not as fact, Catalano said. Catalano contends that the policy was introduced to prevent misinformation and disinformation from spreading through the county after the McGuigan affair. The intent is not to muzzle staff members, but to present a consistent position on potential decisions in order that the public is not misinformed by anyone on the direction the county is taking regarding any initiatives, he said. The news has rankled First Amendment experts. I think its an incredibly short-sighted and inadvisable policy, Megan Rhyne, executive director of the Williamsburg-based Virginia Coalition for Open Government, told The Daily Progress via email. Does the Board of Supervisors really think its a better policy to have a consistent message, regardless of that messages veracity, that cant be verified through other sources? Greene County residents, especially those who do not reside in Catalanos Stanardsville District, should be concerned that control of county information has now been consolidated under one supervisor and not their own, she said. Did the constituents of other supervisors know they would be ceding their representatives right to speak on public matters to the chair? asked Rhyne. Ian Kalish, a clinical supervising attorney at the Washington, D.C.-based Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and a lecturer at the University of Virginia School of Law, pushed back on Schafriks claim that just because the policy was never written down it is permissible even constitutional. Even if the policy is not formalized in writing, it appears to be in effect and has restricted communications with the press, Kalish told The Daily Progress in an email. Kalish said that Schafrik also violated the Freedom of Information Act when she declined to provide the full extent of the policy communicated to staff just because it was never written down. A policy does not need to be formal in order to be considered a matter of public record under FOIA statue, he said. Every free speech expert The Daily Progress interviewed said the county is likely infringing upon the First Amendment. The U.S. Constitutions First Amendment forbids any law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. But Greene County residents should not just be concerned their constitutional rights have been violated, they should be concerned that other violations can be more easily hidden from scrutiny. This limitation on news-gathering undermines the publics understanding and oversight of local government, said Kalish. Localities have been taken to court before for introducing similar policies. In 2023, journalist Brittany Hailer sued the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh after the county forbade jailhouse employees from speaking with press about matters of public concern. Hailer alleged the jail was administering inadequate medical care to prisoners resulting in the death of 13 incarcerated men in two years. The jails gag order prevented employees from speaking with members of the press on the deaths of the men. Hailer was successful, and her lawsuit forced Allegheny County to revise its media policy. Today, the county may not create a policy that regulates an employees speech or the press ability and right to receive information in compliance with the First Amendment. More than 275 miles away, no such suit has been filed in Greene County. In the meantime, Catalano, the new county spokesman, regularly avoids emails from the press, preferring phone interviews, and has admitted he is not always reachable due to driving all day. And McGuigan continues to post on Facebook as the Greene Sentinel, making multiple claims that county staff have disputed off the record. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) On Monday May 26th, 2025, the city of Greenville hosted its annual Memorial Day celebration at River Park North. Multiple veteran organizations, groups, and non-profits attended the service on Monday. Music and sound rang out throughout the service with songs like God Bless America, the national anthem, and taps. During the ceremony a presentation of the American flag being folded described what each fold was for and why the flag is treated with such respect as a symbol to honor those that died for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brigadier General James R. Gorham served as the main speaker today started his speech with a proud sound-off chant that he would give during his time as an NCO. He was supported at the service by his five older sisters and his mother who he said made him who he is today. Gorham Serves as the Director for the Joint Staff of the North Carolina Joint Force Headquarters. General Gorham was commissioned in 1980 through Officer Candidate School, North Carolina Military Academy at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Prior to receiving his commission, he served as an enlisted member both on active duty and with the North Carolina Army National Guard for a total of 6 years. His previous military assignments include commanding at the company, battalion, and brigade levels, as well as various staff positions. General Gorhams most recent assignments include mobilization in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as Commander, 130th Finance Battalion; Deputy Commander, 130th Combat Support Brigade (Maneuver Enhanced), Commander, 113th Sustainment Brigade; and Assistant Adjutant General-Army, North Carolina National Guard. Its definitely a day to remember those who sacrificed their lives. I dont know a lot, but I know a few, Im deeply indebted to them, and happy that I was able to make it through seven years on nuclear submarines with them and come back home to my family, Mike Dicken, a Navy veteran, said. Dicken served from 1971-1978. He was able to receive training and spend 34 years in nuclear weapons programs and nuclear power plants. His hope is that the new generations see this and take advantage of these benefits too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being in the service is an excellent opportunity for individuals, men and women, to gain a foothold and get a good job and excellent training, Dicken said. For more information about the event and for more conversations with veterans and people taking part in the service today click on the video above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. MERCER, Pa. (WKBN) A Greenville man received his sentence and will have to register as a sex offender in connection with a sexual assault case involving a minor. John Hoffman, 53, was sentenced Thursday in Mercer County Court of Common Pleas to nine to 18 months in the Mercer County Jail, followed by two years of probation. He will also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, according to the sentencing orders in his case. Hoffman was granted work release and transportation for a family members medical treatments while he is serving his jail sentence, court records state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffman had been convicted of two counts of indecent assault, a second-degree misdemeanor and third-degree felony, and falsification, a third-degree misdemeanor. According to the criminal complaint, Hoffman had been accused of inappropriately touching a young girl on multiple occasions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENVILLE, Pa. (WKBN) People all across the Valley spent Memorial Day honoring fallen military men and women. One Mercer County ceremony had a special honoree. Greenvilles Memorial Day Parade down Main Street ended outside American Legion Post 140, where a crowd gathered for prayer, playing of the National Anthem and the introduction of the parades grand marshal World War II Navy Veteran Ed Loreno. To be the grand marshal, I was very, very overwhelmed to have been chosen, Loreno said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had numerous jobs aboard ship and moved back to Greenville after his service. At 100 years old, he is a 78-year member of Greenvilles VFW 3374 and a 60-year member of American Legion Post 140. Weve never had a grand marshal since Ive been in charge of the parade. So, I made an executive decision, said Commander Billy Stanley of American Legion Post 140. The group began outside the American Legion, then paraded to the Greenville Veterans Memorial Bridge for a ceremony honoring those who died at sea. Then, everyone gathered in the Shenango Valley Cemetery to honor all the veterans of all wars buried there. Its very touching that we had the crowd that we had, Stanley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremonies ended back on Main Street with raising the flag. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Who can resist the bakery section at the grocery store? That heavenly smell of fresh bread, the glistening pastries, and all those colorful cakes. It obviously holds a special place in our hearts -- and stomachs -- which is why we would never suspect danger lurking underneath all that deliciousness. But, unfortunately, baked goods face recalls just like any other product. There are many reasons food can be recalled. Harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria might survive baking and lead to food poisoning. Undeclared allergens can sneak their way into products, triggering serious reactions. And, while it's baffling, even physical hazards like metal or plastic sometimes end up in dough. When any of these issues are discovered, stores are forced to recall items, sometimes causing a ripple effect throughout the entire system. Employees rush to remove products from shelves, agencies issue alerts, and, if consumers don't discover the recall in time, they could face serious health consequences. Grocery store recalls have affected some of our most beloved bakery items, from donuts and danishes to coffee cake and sourdough bread. We scoured online data to uncover the most significant recalls in grocery store history, revealing the surprising reasons these foods were deemed unsafe. So, before you fill your cart with tempting pastries and pies, let's dig into the details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The Biggest Kirkland Signature Flops In Costco History 2 Million Donuts And Pastries Recalled Due To Listeria Risk (2025) Assorted donuts including glazed, chocolate sprinkles, and white frosted - Rattankun Thongbun/Getty Images They say donuts are the perfect circle of happiness, but in January 2025, they became the center of a massive food scare. A whopping two million cases of assorted pastries were recalled due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall wasn't limited to just donuts, either -- fritters, eclairs, cake rings, and coffee rolls were pulled from store shelves. FGF Brand, the company responsible for the recall, supplies products to companies including Dunkin' Donuts, ACE Bakery, Stonefire, and Simple Joys Bakery. You've likely seen these brands in your local grocery stores -- and if you noticed a short supply in early 2025, now you know why. The good news is that this recall was purely precautionary. While Listeria was discovered at one of FGF Brand's donut facilities, it wasn't detected in any finished pastry products or food contact surfaces. Rest assured, any donuts consumed around this time were safe. However, the company made the right call, considering that Listeria is no joke. In minor cases, Listeria can cause stomach upset, fever, nausea, and vomiting. But, if the bacteria spread beyond the intestines, they can evolve into a life-threatening invasive disease characterized by headaches, confusion, and convulsions. Aldi Recalls Bread Products Over Potential Plastic Contaminants (2024) Sourdough loaf sitting on a wooden cutting board - Zenovia Dumitrescu / 500px/Getty Images It's hard to imagine anything worse than biting into a fresh sourdough sandwich only to discover an unexpected crunch of plastic. While this might sound alarming, it's relatively tame compared to some of the other shocking things people have found in fast food over the years. It's even believed that people consume a credit card's worth of microplastics each week without even realizing it. But, when you can see and feel larger plastic pieces, it becomes both off-putting and potentially dangerous. And, unfortunately, plastic contaminants in Izzio Artisan Bakery's products were serious enough to trigger a recall in July 2024, pulling thousands of products from store shelves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recall affected popular items including Izzio Everything Sourdough, the Aldi Mixed Sourdough loaf, and Izzio Everything Rolls -- all products sold at Aldi stores. By the time the contamination was discovered, the product had already been shipped to seven retail stores and three distribution centers across seven states. In total, the recall involved a staggering 10,000 cases, containing dozens of products each. Meijer Recalls Chocolate Chip Cookies Due To Undeclared Milk (2024) Front and back views of Meijer Dunking Cookies package - Brown County Public Health / Instagram In August 2024, Too Good Gourmet, the manufacturing company responsible for Meijer's Dunking Cookies Chocolate Chip, accidentally forgot to include a crucial ingredient on the nutrition label: milk. We understand the subtle irony here. If you're buying dunking cookies, you'd likely be dunking them into ... milk. However, if you're consuming the cookies as is and have an adverse reaction to milk products, this unknown ingredient could pose a serious health risk. Milk is one of the "Big 9" food allergens, which account for the majority of food allergies in the United States. It's also the most common allergy among infants and young kids, with 2.5% of under-three-year-olds being affected. Small children are also a prime cookie-eating demographic, making this recall even more crucial, especially since allergic reaction severity depends on the individual and can range from mild hives to anaphylaxis. Luckily, there were no reports of illness or customer complaints despite the 10-ounce containers of Meijer's Dunking Cookies Chocolate Chip being sold across several states. Aldi Recalls Chocolate Chip Muffins For Undeclared Walnuts (2024) 4-count Bake Shop Bakery chocolate chip muffins - Aldi FGF Brands appears several times on this list, and there's a simple reason why: it's massive. This company ships hundreds of thousands of baked goods daily to clients across the country. With that kind of volume, mistakes happen. Unfortunately, in June 2024, one of those mistakes involved walnuts. FGF discovered that some of their Aldi Bakeshop Chocolate Chip muffins contained undeclared walnuts, prompting them to recall nearly 12,000 cases of the 4-count muffins that had already reached Aldi stores nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This wasn't just about ingredient transparency -- it was about safety. Walnuts are a tree nut, one of the nine major allergens that trigger the most serious reactions. While movies often depict dramatic scenes of people collapsing from nut allergies, real-life reactions are more varied. Depending on the individual, allergic reactions appear anywhere from minutes to hours after exposure. Some people may feel a slight tingling of the mouth, while others experience a serious drop in blood pressure. Fortunately, no one reported getting sick from these particular muffins. Walmart Recalls Nearly 1,000 Cakes For Dangerous Labeling Error (2023) Slice of Walmart's Marketside Peanut Butter Explosion - Walmart Even grocery store bakeries have "oops" moments. You know, like when you open a cake box expecting chocolate chips and discover peanut butter instead. Unfortunately, this exact scenario happened in September 2023 to David's Cookies, which supplies its Marketside cakes to Walmart stores nationwide. However, when the company mislabeled 960 peanut butter cakes as "Chocolate Chip Explosion cake," it wasn't just a surprise flavor -- it was a surprise health threat. The problem? Peanuts were completely absent from the nutrition label, violating federal requirements for allergen disclosure. For the 1-2% of Americans with peanut allergies, biting into what they thought was chocolate chip cake could have led to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. A celebratory dessert would have devolved into a medical emergency, which is why accurate food labeling isn't just about customer satisfaction, it can be a matter of life or death for some. H-E-B Chocolate Chunk Brownies Recalled For Undeclared Soy And Egg (2023) H-E-B chocolate chunk brownies in gold tray and plastic wrap - H-E-B H-E-B's Meal Simple Chocolate Chunk Brownies managed to hide not one, but two undeclared allergens. The brownies themselves were perfectly fine, but someone slapped the wrong ingredient label on the back of the package, categorizing it as "Sopapilla Cheesecake" instead. Sopapilla cheesecake sounds absolutely delicious, with its sweet cheesecake filling, flaky crescent roll crust, and cinnamon sugar topping. However, it doesn't contain egg and soy -- key ingredients in the chain's chocolate brownies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This labeling error caused H-E-B to recall nearly a thousand pounds of brownies in January 2023. Though most shoppers would probably have noticed they were holding brownies instead of cheesecake, allergen-sensitive customers who rely heavily on ingredient lists could have faced serious health consequences as a result of the mix-up. And, although H-E-B is considered one of the most trusted grocery stores in America, this mishap serves as a reminder that even the most reliable chains still make mistakes occasionally. King's Hawaiian Recall Causes Ripple Effect In Grocery Store Bakeries (2022) King's Hawaiian Hamburger Buns in an 8-count package - King's Hawaiian Some recalls cause a dangerous domino effect, and this one is a textbook example. It started when food manufacturer Lyon's Magnus discovered its products may have been contaminated with nasty microbes. King's Hawaiian, which sources ingredients from Lyons Magnus, quickly issued a secondary recall of potentially affected items including Pretzel Slider Buns, Pretzel Hamburger Buns, and Pretzel Bites. However, the chain reaction didn't stop there. Albertsons had used these King's Hawaiian breads in 18 different store-prepared bakery items, forcing the chain to recall products across its entire network. This meant Safeway, Lucky, United, Andronico's, and many other retailers were scrambling to remove baked goods from store shelves. The microbes found, Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum, aren't your run-of-the-mill food poisoning bugs, either. Cronobacter sakazakii might seem harmless since it exists naturally in the environment, but it's particularly deadly for children under two years old, who face a higher risk of infection. Clostridium botulinum is related to the bacteria used in Botox treatments. But when it shows up in food, it causes a very different type of paralysis -- the kind that affects your nerves, potentially leading to impaired vision, impaired muscle movement, and even difficulty breathing. Kroger Recalls 19 Baked Goods Over Metal Fears (2021) Cinnamon rolls on tray with frosting drizzled over the top - Varvara Krauchanka/Shutterstock Nothing ruins that warm, cozy baked good like biting into metal fragments. Sadly, that's exactly what customers faced when Kroger discovered the starch in its Country Oven baked goods was potentially contaminated with metal pieces. The contamination triggered a massive recall in 2021, impacting 19 baked goods, from cinnamon rolls and danishes to multiple cake flavors. Making matters worse, the recall affected stores across 29 of the 35 states where Kroger operates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, metal contamination isn't a one-off problem -- it happens more often than we realize. Publix recalled chicken and Aldi recalled shredded cheese due to metal fragments. It's easy to see why these recalls happen quickly since metal doesn't belong anywhere near food products. It can cause serious damage throughout the entire digestive tract. We're talking potential lacerations in your mouth or throat, not to mention internal injuries if fragments make it to your intestines. Walmart's Marketside Chocolate Candy Cookie Cake Recalled For Undeclared Peanuts (2021) Walmart Marketside Chocolate Candy Cookie Cake in a box - Walmart Walmart has experienced several food recalls that affected millions -- and the company's recurring problem with peanut labeling hasn't helped. In August 2021, the chain's Marketside Chocolate Candy Cookie Cake was recalled for a major issue: peanuts were a primary ingredient, yet they weren't anywhere to be found on the ingredient label. These cakes were sold in distinctive 12" by 12" clear-topped boxes across Walmart bakeries, and while it's obvious these cakes were oversized cookies, it's less obvious they contain peanuts. People would have no way of identifying this allergen until it was too late. As a result, this oversight forced employees to pull the product from shelves across 23 states. For anyone with a peanut allergy casually browsing the bakery section, this mislabeling could have been life-threatening. Fortunately, no illnesses were reported, suggesting the issue was caught in time. The FDA reported that investigators deemed the incident "a temporary breakdown in the company processes," which essentially sounds like corporate speak for someone, somewhere, dropped the ball big time. Whether it was skipped quality control, human error, or a system glitch, the mistake had major repercussions. Publix Holiday Cookie Platter Recalled For Undeclared Pecans (2020) Publix Holiday Cookie Platter with varied cookies - Publix Holiday cookie platters are supposed to bring you seasonal joy, not send you to the ER. Unfortunately, the latter scenario could've played out with Publix Holiday Cookie Platters in 2020. These 20-ounce trays contained a festive variety of cookies, some of which contained pecans. However, the ingredient label failed to mention these tree nuts entirely, demanding a major recall. Although you may not know anyone with a pecan allergy, tree nuts are a common allergen, and there's often cross-reactivity between allergens. As such, customers must be informed of any tree nut exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recall affected multiple states and was traced back to a packaging problem. Essentially, we're assuming someone simply forgot to include pecans on the ingredient list despite them being baked into the recipe. For families with nut allergies, one of these mislabeled platters could've resulted in the opposite of a sweet surprise. Ultimately, it was a holiday miracle that no illnesses were reported. Plastic Pieces Found In Hamburger And Hot Dog Buns (2019) White hot dog buns on a towel on a wood countertop - Bhofack2/Getty Images In July of 2019 -- at the peak of barbecue season -- Flower Foods had to recall multiple varieties of hamburger and hot dog buns (including whole wheat, regular, and butter buns) after discovering they potentially contained small pieces of hard plastic. However, we're not just talking about microplastics. These were big enough to pose a genuine choking hazard. The recall was so widespread, it impacted millions of workers and consumers. These hamburger and hot dog buns were sold under brand names you'd recognize from any grocery trip. Think Clover Valley, Market Pantry, Nature's Own, and Great Value, among others. You could find these contaminated buns everywhere, from Walmart to your corner grocery store. And, when it comes to barbecue staples, buns aren't the only ingredient that has faced safety issues. America has seen major ground beef recalls along with hot dog recalls that impacted millions. Multiple Stores Recall Swiss Rolls Due To Salmonella Risk (2018) A Chocolate Swiss roll coated with chocolate and sprinkles - aishwarya young/Shutterstock Swiss rolls, the nostalgic childhood snack, became the center of a Salmonella scare in 2018. After discovering that its whey powder supplier had used potentially contaminated ingredients, Flower Foods was forced to recall Swiss rolls sold under multiple brand names. The company refused to name which third-party company was responsible, leaving consumers in the dark about the exact cause. The recall affected major retailers including Food Lion, H-E-B, and Walmart, and the Swiss rolls were sold under recognizable brands like Market Square and Mrs. Freshley's. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although it wasn't forthcoming about the details, we're happy Flower Foods issued the recall. Salmonella is a nasty bacteria that typically causes symptoms within one to three days of consumption. Think fever, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps for several days. Although many people associate Salmonella with fresh foods like meat or produce, it's also been the source of some of the biggest egg recalls in history. And this incident is a reminder that even processed bakery snacks aren't immune to Salmonella's risks. Trader Joe's Cookies Recalled For Undeclared Peanut Butter (2018) Stacked chocolate chip cookies on a white plate by a glass of milk - Kabachki.photo/Shutterstock Those with a peanut allergy wouldn't want to get caught with their hand in this cookie jar. In March 2018, Chris's Cookies, the company that manufactures Trader Joe's store-brand cookies, accidentally put peanut butter chocolate chip cookies into bags labeled as regular chocolate chip cookies. As previously mentioned, this can cause a potentially life-threatening situation for customers with a nut allergy. As a result, what may have been a minor packaging error resulted in a serious recall affecting the entire northeastern region from Connecticut to Washington, DC. The irony here is that the label already included a warning stating the product "may contain traces of peanuts," but peanuts weren't actually listed as an ingredient. Thanks to busy manufacturing facilities, many products contain this warning label, and it's often disregarded by consumers. For someone with a genuine allergy, the results could've been disastrous. Fortunately, no allergic reactions or illnesses were reported, and Trader Joe's quickly pulled affected products from shelves. Publix Recalls Apple Coffee Cake For Potential Metal Shards (2016) Publix Apple Coffee Cake in a plastic tray - Publix Anyone who has experienced a dental emergency knows the fear of biting down on a non-edible object. And when eating something as soft and moist as Publix's signature Apple Coffee Cake, you wouldn't expect to find anything sharp or painful -- especially not metal. To avoid such a disaster, Publix issued a recall in 2016 when the company discovered its beloved coffee cake may have been contaminated with metal shavings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recall affected Publix bakery departments across the Southeast including stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina. "As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted products have been removed from store shelves," explained Maria Brous, the company's media relations director, emphasizing that no illnesses or injuries had been reported (per Food Safety News). Customers who had already purchased coffee cakes were encouraged to return them for a full refund -- a small consolation for what could've been a very painful breakfast. Kroger Recalls Chocolate Brownies For Undeclared Walnuts (2015) Brownie bites piled on white bowl - Anilakkus/Getty Images So far, this comprehensive list of grocery store bakery recalls doesn't mention any reported illnesses or injuries. Unfortunately, we can't say the same for this final troubling incident. In December 2015, Kroger's Bakery Fresh Goodness Chocolate Brownies were recalled for containing undeclared walnuts. We've seen several unreported nuts in past recalls, but this particular recall became especially serious when one person reported an allergic reaction. The severity of the situation prompted Kroger to mark this as a Class I recall, the most serious category (reserved for cases that could cause severe health consequences or even death). The 16-ounce tubs were immediately pulled from store shelves at Kroger, JayC, and Smith's nationwide. However, the precautionary measures didn't stop there. Kroger did its due diligence by attempting to contact customers who had purchased the brownies via register receipt messages and direct phone calls. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. As the Colorado Rivers giant reservoirs have declined during the last two decades, even larger amounts of water have been pumped and drained from underground, according to new research based on data from NASA satellites. Scientists at Arizona State University examined more than two decades of satellite measurements and found that since 2003 the quantity of groundwater depleted in the Colorado River Basin is comparable to the total capacity of Lake Mead, the nations largest reservoir. The researchers estimated that pumping from wells has drained about 34 cubic kilometers, or 28 million acre-feet, of groundwater in the watershed since 2003 more than twice the amount of water that has been depleted from the rivers reservoirs during that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Colorado River Basin is losing groundwater at an alarming rate, said Karem Abdelmohsen, the lead author and a researcher at ASUs School of Sustainability. The losses are being driven largely by heavy pumping to supply agriculture, he said. At the same time, prolonged drought and rising temperatures have sapped river flows and decreased the amount of water percolating underground and recharging aquifers. As surface water becomes less dependable, the demand for groundwater is projected to rise significantly, the researchers wrote in the study, which was published Tuesday in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. Groundwater is a crucial buffer but it is rapidly disappearing due to excessive extraction. Read more: Groundwater depletion is worsening worldwide. Parts of California are suffering rapid declines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Colorado River Basin covers parts of seven U.S. states, from Wyoming to Southern California, and northern Mexico. The river's water sustains fast-growing cities including Phoenix and Las Vegas, as well as more than 5 million acres of farmland and ranchland. The researchers found that most of the depletion of groundwater (about three-fourths of the total) is occurring in the rivers lower basin, largely in Arizona, where the bulk of the water is pumped from desert aquifers to irrigate farms. They estimated that annual groundwater losses in the Colorado River Basin have averaged more than 1.2 million acre-feet about four times larger than the amount of water the Las Vegas area is entitled to take from the Colorado River each year. If this trend continues, it could lead to severe water shortages that impact not only local farmers and residents but also broader agricultural markets and municipal water supplies throughout the southwestern U.S., Abdelmohsen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The declines in water supplies have worsened as climate change has intensified drought conditions , driving what scientists describe as the aridification of the Southwest. Research shows that the past 25 years have probably been the driest quarter-century in western North America in 1,200 years. Scientists have found that global warming is intensifying this long megadrought and has caused roughly half of the 20% decrease in the Colorado Rivers average flow this century. Climate change is only exacerbating the stress on groundwater, said Jay Famiglietti, the studys senior author and science director for ASUs Arizona Water Innovation Initiative. If groundwater remains unprotected in large swaths of the southwestern U.S. and continues to disappear, it will dramatically limit food production, Famiglietti said. Groundwater is critically important in desert states like Arizona and desert cities like Phoenix and Tucson, and if it disappears, then it becomes an existential crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Hay grown for cattle consumes nearly half the water drawn from Colorado River, study finds The researchers used data from a pair of NASA satellites, called GRACE Follow-On, which track changes in Earths gravity field to measure shifts in the total amounts of water, both above and below ground. They examined other data on snowpack, surface water and soil moisture to estimate how much groundwater has been depleted. They found that the losses of groundwater far exceed the declines in the rivers two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Despite this, Famiglietti noted that in large portions of the Colorado River Basin, groundwater pumping remains unregulated and unmanaged. The steady decline of water availability in the Colorado River Basin has been going on for decades, he said. That the bulk of these losses stem from groundwater overuse should put states like Arizona on high alert, and trigger more urgent dialogue about extending groundwater management across the entire state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Efforts to prevent the rivers reservoirs from reaching critically low levels have attracted widespread attention and become the focus of difficult negotiations among seven states. With Lake Mead and Lake Powell now two-thirds empty, officials representing California and other states are under growing pressure to negotiate a deal to take less water from the shrinking river. Less widely known are the growing pressures on the regions groundwater. Over the last decade, large farming companies have expanded in Arizona, planting hay and other water-intensive crops and drilling deep wells in desert areas where there are no regulations limiting groundwater pumping . Some residents have been left with dry wells as water levels have dropped. In places, collapsing aquifers have caused the land to sink , creating fissures in the ground that have damaged roads. The scientists found especially rapid groundwater losses in parts of northwestern and southeastern Arizona where large farms irrigate thirsty crops such as alfalfa, which is used to feed cattle locally and is also exported to countries such as China and Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These areas rely heavily on groundwater and largely have no access to water diverted from the Colorado River. The study showed smaller, yet significant, declines in groundwater levels around Phoenix and Tucson. These areas receive imported water from the Colorado River via the Central Arizona Project canal, and they are required to manage groundwater under a 1980 state law. In other research, Famiglietti and his colleagues have found similar but larger losses of groundwater driven by agricultural pumping in Californias Central Valley. There, local agencies are required under a 2014 state law , the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, to curb overpumping and achieve a set of sustainability goals by 2040. In Arizona, in contrast, groundwater pumping remains unregulated in 82% of the state. Proposals to protect declining aquifers have repeatedly faced opposition and died in the Legislature, but state regulators last year formed a new active management area in the Willcox basin in southeastern Arizona, where they have proposed measures to gradually limit agricultural pumping . Hay is stored at the Fondomonte alfalfa farm in Vicksburg, Ariz., in 2023. (Caitlin O'Hara / For Washington Post via Getty Images) In parts of the rivers upper basin, groundwater pumping can reduce the flow of streams by lowering the water table, Abdelmohsen said. But in the lower basin, the groundwater lies deeper and is largely disconnected from the river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scientists didnt offer specific recommendations, but they said their estimates could be used as science-based targets to help address overpumping. They said one way of reducing water usage would be to shift from water-intensive crops like alfalfa to other crops that use less. In a separate analysis, the researchers found that total water losses across the Colorado River Basin have accelerated significantly, with the rate of depletion from 2015-2024 averaging roughly three times faster than from 2002-2014 a trend driven partly by drying conditions in the Southwest. Groundwater accounted for two-thirds of the total losses. These scientists are bringing to light the sad reality that we're losing more stored water underground than we are on the surface, said Brian Richter, a researcher who was not involved in the study. That tells us that our overconsumption of water in the Colorado River Basin is much worse than I think a lot of us perceived previously. The regions desert aquifers contain water that has been underground for thousands of years . In many areas, once those water reserves are exhausted, they are effectively gone for good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to converting farms to crops that use less water, Richter said he believes we're going to have to start talking about permanent reductions in agricultural farmland. He said legislation and federal funds would be needed to compensate agricultural landowners who agree to take cropland out of production. Read more: The river's end: Amid Colorado water cuts, Mexico seeks to restore its lost oasis Farmers in the Imperial Valley and other parts of Southern California have in recent years agreed to leave some fields dry temporarily to help conserve Colorado River water in exchange for cash payments. But they have strongly opposed permanent fallowing of land, which they say would harm food production and local economies. Richter said the latest data suggest more farmland will need to be left dry to bring water consumption into balance with the limited supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate warming is driving this drying of the Colorado River Basin for the long term, so we really need to come to grips with doing this great rebalancing act, he said. We need to start moving out of this danger zone. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. CLEVELAND, Ohio (WKBN) The Cleveland Guardians activated relief pitcher Hunter Gaddis from the bereavement list on Tuesday afternoon. Left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo was optioned back to Triple-A Columbus. Gaddis was placed on the bereavement list on Saturday following the death of his grandmother. In 23 games this season, Gaddis has posted a 0.86 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 21 innings of work out of the Cleveland bullpen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cantillo owns a record of 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA out of the Cleveland bullpen this season. He has struck out 36 batters in 28.1 innings of work. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) Gunmen killed at least 20 people during an attack on a village in Nigerias north-central Benue state over the weekend, a local official said. The attack took place on Sunday in the village of Aondona in the Gwer West area of the state, the local government chairman, Ormin Torsar Victor, said in a video on his Facebook page on Monday. The graphic video showed what appeared to be three corpses on the ground, including a young child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benue state police spokesperson Anene Sewuese confirmed to The Associated Press that a weekend attack took place in Gwer West, but said only four people were killed, including a police officer who was responding to the raid. Nigerian police authorities often provide lower death tolls than local authorities and witnesses when reporting on attacks. While it remains unclear who was responsible for the killings, such attacks are common in Nigerias northern region where local herders and farmers often clash over limited access to land and water. The farmers accuse the herders, mostly of Fulani origin, of grazing their livestock on their farms and destroying their produce. The herders insist that the lands are grazing routes that were first backed by law in 1965, five years after the country gained its independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, called the attack a heinous act and a stark reminder of the pervasive violence and lawlessness that have plagued the region in recent times in a statement on Sunday. Last month, gunmen, believed to be herders, killed at least 40 people in north-central Nigeria. Gwinnett County commissioners unanimously rejected a Murphy USA proposal to build a gas station on Jimmy Carter Boulevard last week, following passionate opposition from residents who said their community already has too many gas stations. The company wanted to replace a pawn shop at the corner of Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Rock Bridge Road with a 2,800-square-foot store with six gas pumps. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Murphy USA representatives promised high-tech security improvements, including up to 20 surveillance cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, neighbors came armed with statistics that may have swayed commissioners. LoyLene Jefferson-Shaw told the board there are already 25 gas stations within a two-and-a-half-mile radius of the proposed location. Former police officer Dr. Jeff Fauntleroy raised safety concerns about gas stations in residential areas. These gas station food marts have become a hub for criminal activity, Fauntleroy told commissioners. He cited 838 violent crimes reported at Georgia gas stations in 2021. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents are also worried about the community impact beyond crime and traffic. Murphy USA representative Stephen Oliver defended the project as a beneficial community development. We are proposing redevelopment of a 30-year-old, rundown pawn shop thats there now, Oliver said. I think wed be an addition to the community. The Arkansas-based company operates 1,800 stores in 27 states. State Representative Marvin Lim (D-Norcross) supported the community opposition, submitting a petition with 130 signatures from nearby residents. The planning commission had previously recommended denial of the special use permit. Murphy USA has not indicated whether it will appeal the decision. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Saudi Arabia has announced that the annual Hajj pilgrimage will begin on June 4 after observatories confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the kingdoms Supreme Court in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. At a news conference on Monday, Saudi Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah said more than one million pilgrims from around the world had already arrived in the country. Muslim pilgrims gather at the top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy on the Plain of Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage near Mecca on June 15, 2024 [Rafiq Maqbool/AP] The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who are able to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pilgrimage occurs annually between the eighth and 13th days of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar. Worshippers take part in four days of ceremonies with the high point coming on the second day with mass outdoor prayers on Mount Arafat, the hill where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon. Around the world, many Muslims choose to fast on this day. (Al Jazeera) Many pilgrims also visit the city of Medina, home to the Prophet Muhammads tomb and the second holiest site in Islam. While not an official part of the Hajj, visiting Medina remains a significant spiritual experience for many Muslims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the day of Arafat will fall on June 5, followed by Eid al-Adha on June 6, according to Saudi authorities. Last year, 1.8 million people took part in the pilgrimage, according to official figures. During the 2024 Hajj, temperatures soared to 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit), and more than 1,300 pilgrims died, raising concerns about the growing risks of extreme heat during the Saudi summer. A new hypothetical poll of Michigans upcoming Senate race finds that Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) is the only Democrat leading Republican candidate Mike Rogers in a head-to-head matchup among registered voters. The survey, which was conducted by the Glengariff Group and the Detroit Regional Chamber, shows Stevens leading Rogers by just over 1 point, 45.2 percent to 43.8 percent. Democratic state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D) trailed Rogers 45.9 percent to 41.6 percent, while doctor and former gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed came in six points behind Rogers at 46.9 percent to 40.1 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, among respondents who were identified as definite voters, Stevens expanded her lead over Rogers by 6 points and McMorrow led Rogers by just over 1 point. El-Sayed narrowed his gap with Rogers among definite voters, trailing the Republican by 1.9 points. Michigans Senate race is set to be one of the most closely watched of the midterms. The general election for the seat is considered a toss-up, and the Democratic primary is gearing up to be a competitive intraparty contest. The same Glengariff Group/Detroit Regional Chamber poll showed Stevens leading the Democratic primary pack at 34.3 percent among registered voters, while El-Sayed received 22.2 percent support. McMorrow came in at 13.7 percent and 29.8 percent said they were undecided. Rogers is considered the GOP favorite, having shored up endorsements from National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair (NRSC) Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). Rogers narrowly lost his Senate bid last year to Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) by only 19,000 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Michigan Rep. Bill Huizenga (R ) is mulling jumping into the race. According to the poll, Rogers leads Huizenga 61.3 percent to 16.5 percent in a hypothetical matchup, and 22.4 percent said they were undecided. The Glengariff Group/Detroit Regional Chamber poll was conducted May 5 through May 8, \among 600 registered voters with a plus or minus 4.0 margin of 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. Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States for Gaza, according to Al Jazeeras sources, but an American official rejected the claim and said the deal being discussed was unacceptable and disappointing. Israeli officials also denied that the proposal was from the US, saying on Monday that no Israeli government could accept it, according to the Reuters news agency. The conflicting reports came as Israeli forces kept up their relentless bombardment of starving Palestinians in Gaza, and continued to severely restrict the entry of aid into the besieged enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical sources say at least 81 people, including many children, were killed in Israels attacks on Monday alone. Al Jazeeras sources said Hamas and the USs Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, agreed to the draft deal at a meeting in the Qatari capital, Doha. They said it includes a 60-day ceasefire, and the release of 10 living captives held in Gaza, over two stages. US President Donald Trump would guarantee the terms of the deal and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The agreement would also allow for the entry of humanitarian aid, without conditions, from day one, the sources said. Witkoff, however, rejected the notion that it was his proposal that Hamas had accepted, telling Reuters that what he had seen was completely unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A US source close to Witkoff also told Al Jazeera that Hamass claims were inaccurate and what the Palestinian group was offering was disappointing. New red lines Al Jazeeras Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Washington, DC, cited the official as saying that the proposal the US has put on the table is only a temporary ceasefire agreement with Israel. What this would do is allow for half of the living captives, as well as half of the deceased, to be returned, she said. In turn, the White House believes this would lead towards a diplomatic path of discussions that could result in a permanent ceasefire. And this is the deal that the source tells Al Jazeera is what Hamas should take, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate comment from Hamas. In Israel, meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a recorded message on social media, promising to bring back the 58 Israeli captives remaining in Gaza, of whom some 20 are believed to still be alive. If we dont achieve it today, we will achieve it tomorrow, and if not tomorrow, then the day after tomorrow. We are not giving up, Netanyahu said. We intend to bring them all back, the living and the dead, he added. The Israeli leader made no mention of the proposed deal. Al Jazeeras Hamdah Salhut, reporting from the Jordanian capital, Amman, said Netanyahu has long rejected Hamass calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and pledged to continue the war until total victory is achieved against the Palestinian group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli premier has even added new red lines for what to him would bring an end of the war, Salhut said. That includes the return of the Israeli captives, the demilitarisation of Hamas [and] the exile of military and political leaders. And, also, the implementation of Trumps plan for Gaza. This is a plan that has been widely condemned as ethnic cleansing, and the White House even walked it back several months ago, she said. But Netanyahu says thats what he wants if there is to be an end of the war. For its part, Hamas has said it is willing to free the remaining captives all at once in exchange for a permanent ceasefire. It has also said it is willing to cede control of the Gaza Strip to an interim government, as proposed in an Arab League-backed $53bn plan for the enclaves reconstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group, however, has opposed any displacement of Palestinians and refused to lay down arms or exile its leaders from Gaza, describing the latter demands as a red line as long as Israels occupation of Palestinian territory continues. All eyes on Doha In Gaza, Palestinians said they were desperate for any deal to bring an end to Israels bombardment and blockade, which has left the enclaves entire population on the brink of famine. All Palestinian eyes are on Doha, Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary said from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza. Since Israel resumed the war, Palestinians have been attacked in their homes, schools, makeshift tents and also in so-called safe humanitarian zones They are also saying they are not able to even secure one meal for their families, Khoudary said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinians here are saying they do not have any options left, and they are trying to survive the Israeli air strikes and the mass starvation that has been imposed on them. Israel resumed the war on Gaza on March 18, two weeks after imposing a total blockade on the enclave. Health authorities in Gaza say at least 3,822 Palestinians have been killed in Israels renewed offensive, and the confirmed overall death toll has now reached 53,977. Some 122,966 people have been wounded. Israel eased its blockade last week, saying it has let in some 170 aid trucks into Gaza, but humanitarian officials say they are nowhere near the amount needed to feed the enclaves two million people after 11 weeks of a total siege. Ayotte read proclamation marking 50th anniversary of FITN primary law Former Republican State Chairman Chris Ager, who chairs a presidential primary committee, had this commemorative cake made to mark the 50th anniversary of a 1975 state law that cemented New Hampshire as having the first presidential primary in the nation. Lawmakers and state election officials past and present came to the State House Tuesday to mark the 50th anniversary of the state law that cemented New Hampshires first-in-the-nation presidential primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 25-year-old legislator in January 1975, Portsmouth Democrat Jim Splaine authored HB 73 to enshrine the states status as the first primary before any similar contest. New Hampshire will continue to be first as long as we follow the tradition we have had for really over 100 years, Splaine said, referring to the first modern primary the state held in 1910. It is not only good for the candidates and good for political parties, it is good for the people of the United States, its democracy at its best. The liberal Splaine credited then-Gov. Meldrim Thomson, an arch conservative, with giving him the best two words of advice when Splaine proposed a large committee to set the date every four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pick one, Thomson told Splaine. Thats how Splaine altered his idea to have the secretary of state be the sole person to schedule the primary. For 46 years, that job fell to Secretary of State Bill Gardner, who stepped down in 2022 as the longest state-serving election official in the country. The New Hampshire primary has always been about the people, the little guy, not the big shots, Gardner said. We have seen that continue to this day. This primary has served the country very well. Nevada governor saved NH with his veto Gardner said in 1969, then-Gov. Walter Peterson convinced Nevada Gov. Paul Laxalt to veto a bill for that state to take the first primary away from New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation was sponsored by a 25-year-old Nevada Democratic lawmaker named Harry Reid, who went on to become U.S. Senate majority leader. Retired state Sen. Lou DAllesandro of Manchester said that was one of his favorite Peterson stories. That was an example of integrity in politics that has totally disappeared in todays world, DAllesandro said. Gardner, Scanlan, friends celebrate FITN anniversary Former Secretary of State Bill Gardner at the podium spoke about the early presidential primary history at an event flanked by Gov. Kelly Ayotte, far left, and his replacement, David Scanlan, far right. Also looking on seated were ex-Rep. Jim Splaine, the Portsmouth lawmaker who wrote the 1975 primary law and George Roberts, House speaker at the time. Standing behind them from left were Robb Thomson, son of the late Gov. Meldrim Thomson and ex-Rep. and GOP State Chairman Steve Duprey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gardners replacement, Secretary of State David Scanlan, faced his own challenge in 2023 when the Democratic National Committee approved a calendar that tried to put South Carolina first and New Hampshire second along with Nevada. Scanlan ignored the DNC schedule, held the first contest here on Jan. 23, 2024, and the DNC relented, agreeing to seat all of New Hampshires delegates at the nominating convention. To those pundits who say New Hampshire has lost its position, not true, we are still first and will continue to be as long as we follow this important law, Scanlan said. Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a proclamation marking the occasion and gave the signing pen to Splaine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is about doing the right thing for the country, Ayotte said. Back in 1975, then-Rep. Steve Duprey had been elected as one of the youngest House members in history. The primary is important. It was great to be part of a tribe that was fighting to save it, said Duprey, a former Republican state chairman. Other speakers at the event were Robb Thomson, son of the late governor; then-House Speaker George Roberts; Sherman Packard, the current House Speaker; Senate President Sharon Carson; and Howard Altschiller, executive editor of Seacoast Media Group. klandrigan@unionleader.com The criminal trial surrounding the death of 19-year-old Sade Robinson began May 27. It's been more than a year since Milwaukee and the country discovered that the reported missing college student had been killed and her body dismembered and spread across the area. Prosecutors say Maxwell Anderson is responsible for her gruesome death. The 34-year-old local bartender was captured on a video with Robinson on April 1, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the case and what has happened the prior 14 months. April 1, 2024: First date a night out in Milwaukee Robinson's final hours begin the afternoon of April 1, 2024, a day before she was reported missing in Milwaukee. The criminal justice student at MATC told an employee who worked at her apartment building that she was excited for a date later that night. According to prosecutors: Robinson sent Anderson a text at 4:15 p.m. and the two arranged to go to a couple establishments in town at which Anderson previously worked. After dinner at Twisted Fisherman restaurant, 1200 W. Canal St., the two arrive in Robinson's car at Dukes on Water, 158 E. Juneau Ave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 6:30 p.m., while at Duke's, Robinson sends a SnapChat to a friend. Robinson and Anderson leave the bar shortly after 9 p.m. Surveillance video shows two people arriving at Anderson's former home on the 3100 block of South 39th Street at 9:24 p.m. Robinson's phone is also located by GPS in the area of the home. April 2, 2024: Robinson reported missing as human remains are found In the early morning hours of April 2, 2024, Robinson's phone is located leaving Anderson's home and traveling throughout Milwaukee County. According to prosecutors: First to Pleasant Valley Park, along the Milwaukee River in the citys Riverwest neighborhood and then to Warnimont Park in Cudahy, arriving at 2:45 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance cameras capture a car heading toward the pump house at Warnimont Park before also capturing a person descend the bluff to the beach level. The vehicle leaves the park at 4:31 a.m. and minutes later, Robinson's phone loses battery. Later that morning, the 2020 Honda Civic belonging to Robinson is found on fire on the 1800 block of North 29th Street. A witness said he saw a male exit the vehicle and toss a lighter into it before walking away. Video footage from a Milwaukee County Transit System bus shows Anderson, in the clothing description the witness provided (a gray hoodie and tan backpack), getting off the bus near his home. He arrives home at 8:43 a.m. Shortly before 5:30 p.m. that evening, someone finds a human leg belonging to a Black woman (later confirmed to be Robinson's) at Warnimont Park. The leg was found about two-thirds of the way down a 100-foot bluff, toward the shoreline and near a pump house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 3 hours later, A friend of Robinson reports her missing to Milwaukee police after she fails to return phone calls and show for her shift at Pizza Shuttle on Milwaukee's east side. Family, friends and community members join Sheena Scarbrough, mother of Sade Robinson, at a memorial rose release for Sade Robinson at the beach in Warnimont Park on Friday August 30, 2024 in Cudahy, Wis. April 4, 2024: Anderson arrested and home searched Law enforcement pull over Anderson the afternoon of April 4, 2024 in his car and arrest him just blocks from his home. A hoodie found in his car matches the hoodie of the suspect who torched Robinsons car, according to prosecutors. Sometime that day, law enforcement execute a search warrant at Andersons home. Officers find blood in one of the bedrooms and on the walls leading to the basement, prosecutors said. Several gasoline containers are also found. April 6, 2024: Human foot found on city's north side; other remains found Police find a human foot that appears to match the leg found in Cudahy in the area of North 31st and West Galena streets, near where Robinsons car was found. Other human flesh was also found in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities reportedly discover several more body parts the next day, including near 31st and Walnut streets. A person in a hoodie and backpack is captured on surveillance footage near 31st and Walnut. April 12, 2024: Anderson charged in Robinson's death One week after his arrest, Anderson was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson in the death of Robinson. Defense attorney Anthony Cotton, left, talks with his client Maxwell Anderson, center, in Milwaukee County court on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Also joining them as part of Anderson's defense is Jason Findling, right. Anderson is charged with first-degree intentinal homicide, mutilation of a corpse, and arson in the death of Sade Carleena Robinson. Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello is presiding over the trial that is expected to take close to two weeks. If convicted of intentional homicide, a Class A felony, he will be sentenced to life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts and remains in jail on $5 million bail. April 16, 2024: Authorities search Anderson's home again The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office says they are conducting a "follow-up search" of Anderson's home, which became a place at which people left tributes for Robinson. The home has since been sold to new owners. April 18, 2024: Authorities recover Robinson's torso and arm The sheriff's office says that a torso and an arm believed to belong to Robinson was discovered in a remote, tree-line stretch of beach in South Milwaukee. May 10, 2024: Public memorial held downtown for Robinson A memorial service was held for Anderson at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sade entering the world "gave my life purpose," said Carlos Robinson, Sade's father. "I watched her grow from a tiny little baby to a beautiful, intelligent young lady that would make any father proud." Sheena Scarbrough, left, mother of Sade Robinson, and Carlos Robinson, father of Sade Robinson, hold doves to be released in memory Sade Robinson at her public memorial service, May 10, 2024 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee. Robinson, a 19-year-old Milwaukee woman, was murdered. Maxwell Anderson, 33, was charged with the first-degree murder of Robinson and the dismemberment of her body. The attendees, speakers and performers at the memorial displayed the gravity of Sade's reach on the Milwaukee community. Lifelong friends, classmates, professors, pastors, activists and her employers and coworkers were all in attendance. Mayor Cavalier Johnson had a brief conversation with Sheena Scarbrough, Sade's mother. May 11, 2024: Body part discovery in Illinois An arm believed to belong to Robinson washed up on the beach in Waukegan, Illinois, according to authorities. May 24, 2024: Anderson requests a laptop from jail Anderson's attorney Anthony D. Cotton sent a letter to Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Mark A. Sanders, asking that his client be furnished with a laptop that has discovery evidence in his case already saved on it. June 3, 2024: Robinson's family sues Anderson Robinson's estate and her mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Anderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson's family alleges Anderson's family later went to his home and threw away items inside the residence, then moved forward with selling it in an effort "to conceal and hide evidence." Sheena Scarbrough, mother of Sade Robinson, speaks about her daughter before balloons are released to commemorate Sade Robinsons 1st angelversary on Tuesday April 1, 2025 at Warnimont Park in Cudahy, Wis. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Without providing evidence, the lawsuit alleges a finger was found outside the property shortly after Anderson's home was sold. But authorities say that was not the case. A sheriff's spokesman said the assertion about a finger discovered on the property wasn't true. June 5, 2024: Judge rules Anderson will not get laptop Judge Sanders rejected a request made by Anderson's attorney to grant Anderson access to a laptop. Cotton argued the device would have helped kept Anderson up to speed on developments in the case, and enabled him to aid in his own defense. July 12, 2024: Some of what was found in home revealed At a July 12, 2024, hearing at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, Anderson's attorney requests the trial be moved to a different county and unsealed search warrants reveal some of what was found during the searches of Anderson's home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives found a knife in the kitchen sink, an ax hanging on the living room wall and women's clothing hidden under a bench in the basement. A woman's ID card also was found during the search. A detective found a possible blood stain in Anderson's car, on a door speaker. Aug. 5, 2024: A new judge is ordered to preside Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello will now be presiding over the case as part of a judicial rotation schedule change ordered by Chief Judge Carl Ashley that affected many of the court's judges. A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee grad, Crivello received her juris doctorate to practice law in 1993 from Marquette University Law School. Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello presides over the Maxwell Anderson on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in Milwaukee County court. Anderson is charged with first-degree intentinal homicide, mutilation of a corpse, and arson in the death of Sade Carleena Robinson. The trial is expected to take close to two weeks. She worked as an assistant district attorney in Milwaukee County from 1993-2018, when she was appointed to the court by then-Gov. Scott Walker. Crivello retained her seat in an uncontested 2019 judge race. A judge's term is six years. Sept. 5, 2024: Mural of Robinson at iconic employer complete Milwaukee muralist, Ruben Alcantar, completes his mural of Robinson outside her former employer, Pizza Shuttle, a staple on the city's east side. Memorial for Sade Robinson below Pizza Shuttle today as the trial surrounding her death gets underway next week pic.twitter.com/xITEw1YxtZ Drake Bentley (@DrakeBentleyMJS) May 23, 2025 She was remembered as a remarkable and caring person by her coworkers. Winston Milhans, her coworker, said Sade was that burst of energy that coworkers often give each other to help motivate them. Milhans said Sade was a "person that is a perfect example of who you want to be like. Her traits were remarkable." Oct. 18, 2024: Robinson's mother advocates for missing Black women and girls Robinson's mother, Scarbrough, joined lawmakers at the State Capitol to call for more state resources to be funneled toward understanding and tracking cases that end in the disappearance or death of Black women and girls like her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson's murder renewed a push by Democratic female lawmakers to create a state task force for missing and murdered Black women and girls. For the fourth time in a row, that effort failed. Adrianna Reams, sister of Sade Robinson, picks up rose petals at a memorial rose release for Sade Robinson at the beach in Warnimont Park on Friday August 30, 2024 in Cudahy, Wis. Oct. 23, 2024: Anderson will not get a plea deal Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan, the lead prosecutor, said he plans to enter roughly 500 exhibits and pieces of evidence as part of his case against Anderson at trial. He said he made no offers to Anderson, and that he expects the trial to run one to two weeks. Vance-Curzan signals a need for a bigger jury pool due to the media coverage of the case. Nov. 22, 2024: Anderson's attorneys want Robinson's phone data Ian Vance-Curzan said he intends to call in several scientific experts to testify, including a medical examiner, an anthropologist, a fingerprint analyst and a DNA expert. A person with expertise in collecting and crunching cellphone tower data also may be brought in. Cotton, Anderson's attorney, requests access to Robinson's encrypted data on her phone. Dec. 2, 2024: Trial delayed to May 2025 Trial is delayed until May 2025 from Dec. 9, 2024. Feb. 3, 2025: Memorial for Robinson nixxed after racist emails A memorial planned by Milwaukee County for Robinson has been canceled after County Board supervisors reported a flurry of racist, abusive emails over the proposal. A rose dedicated to Sade Robinson is seen at a memorial rose release at the beach in Warnimont Park on Friday August 30, 2024 in Cudahy, Wis. April 3, 2025: Robinson's family files lawsuit against bars The Robinson family files a lawsuit against the two bars that Anderson and Robinson went to about a year prior, arguing staff at each establishment didn't ask for her ID before she was served multiple alcoholic beverages, but sold them to her anyway. Robinson was later seen "visibly intoxicated" and "rendered defenseless," the lawsuit contends, leaving her "physically and mentally vulnerable." April 18, 2025: Larger than normal jury pool will be called A pool of 50 to 70 jurors is expected to be called to serve. Typically, jury pools of 30 to 40 people are called to serve in most cases before they are whittled down to a final panel of 14 jurors who will hear testimony. Once testimony wraps up, 12 jurors are asked to deliberate; the others are dismissed. May 27, 2025: Trial gets underway Jury selection got underway at 9 a.m. on May 27. It's unclear how long that will take but it will precede opening statements and testimony. The trial is expected to last up to two weeks. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Timeline of events in Sade Robinson's murder, dismemberment case Harvard University is poised to lose its remaining federal funding and ties to the federal government as its battle with the Trump Administration intensifies. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) asked federal agencies in a Tuesday letter to reconsider all federal contracts with Harvard and instead seek alternative vendors for future endeavors. The letter was first reported on by The New York Times. The Trump Administration is not backing down from its onslaught of attacks on the institution, says Katharine Meyer, an education policy fellow at the Brookings Institution. No sort of path is too small for them to look into going after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GSA and Harvard did not respond to TIMEs requests for comment. The university has previously filed multiple lawsuits against the Administration over its actions. Heres what to know about what the requested federal funding cuts, and what they mean for Harvard. What actions has the Trump Administration taken against Harvard? The Trump Administration has targeted a number of colleges and universities over their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and pro-Palestinian demonstrations on their campuses, among other issues. Harvard, which has refused to comply with the Administration, has faced particular ire. In April, federal officials sent a letter to Harvard demanding that it modify its hiring practices, implement viewpoint diversity to include conservative ideology, and alter its student discipline regulations or risk federal financial support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvards defiance of the demands initially put $2.2 billion in multi-year federal grants at risk. Another $2.7 million in Department of Homeland Security grants and $1 billion in federal funding for health research are under threat as well. The Trump Administration has also moved to attempt to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status and the universitys ability to enroll foreign-born students. A federal judge on Thursday will decide whether a preliminary injunction issued against the latter should be extended. In its Tuesday letter, the Administration cited what it called discriminatory practices related to Harvards hiring and admissions process, the universitys handling of antisemitism on campus, and a lack of commitment to national values and priorities in its request for agencies to cancel remaining contracts with the school. This $100 million dollar contract pullback is certainly the smallest effort that we've seen, but I think the cumulative impact is hurtling toward a point where eventually Harvard does not have infinite funds to be able to fill in where they've lost federal contracts and grants and any other sources of their revenue, says Meyer. How would the loss of federal funds impact Harvard? Harvards operating expenses reached $6.4 billion for fiscal year 2024, compared to the more than $3 billion in federal funding for the university at risk under the Trump Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal sponsorship for research made up 11% of the universitys total operating revenue for the 2024 fiscal year. Harvard warns on its website that without federal funding, cutting-edge research into conditions including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes will come to a halt midstream, and researchers will lack necessary resources to finish ongoing projects or to finance new ones. Some Harvard labs, including one working on human organs-on-chips, which replicate the function of organs, have received stop-work orders following the Trump Administrations efforts to slash funding. Those researchers were using that technology to study how certain organs react to radiation therapy. The Administrations move to bar Harvard from enrolling international students could hit another source of the universitys funds beyond the money it receives through government grants and contracts. Harvard received more than a fifth of its funding in 2024 from education revenue, including tuition, housing, food income, and more. International students contribute a large portion of that revenue, with more than 6,700 enrolling at the school for the most recent school year. The standard cost of attendance for foreign-born students, many of which pay full price for tuition, is $101, 974. Where does the battle between Harvard and the Trump Administration go from here? Harvard has mounted legal challenges against the Administrations unprecedented actions. It filed a lawsuit on April 21, citing violations of the First Amendment and claiming federal officials did not abide by the proper procedural rules to slash grant funding. A second lawsuit followed last Friday after officials moved to bar the university from enrolling international students, and a federal judge temporarily blocked the Administration from doing so. Harvards substantial federal endowment, which distributed $2.4 billion in the fiscal year ending in June 2024, also puts it in a unique financial position to bite back against the Trump Administrations attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But restrictions on how the endowment is used mean it cant be relied on as a simple replacement for lost federal funding. And as the lawsuits continue to play out in the courts, some experts warn that the federal governments actions are already changing the higher education landscape. The legal limbo surrounding student visas has led universities worldwide to attempt to entice Harvard international students to transfer to their higher education institutions. Some colleges and universities are also implementing policy changes to proactively avoid Trumps ire. [Universities] are certainly very worried that the courts will rule that the federal government has the ability to do these ad hoc rescissions of grants and contracts and institutions that don't have the financial means of Harvard are not going to be able to say no, says Meyer. With the legal uncertainty, I think a lot of institutions are reviewing their policies and reviewing their practices and trying to kind of proactively rearrange what they're doing and try to position themselves to be in the federal government's good graces. Meyer believes that the Trump Administration will likely move to rescind Harvards ability to award federal financial aid to students, dealing the school a further blow. When institutions lose the ability to award federal financial aid just largely because they're truly bad faith actors who are misleading students about their enrollment opportunity, she says. To do so for Harvard because of ideological reasons would be completely unprecedented, but I expect that the Trump Administration is looking through every policy that exists to see if they might have grounds to do so. Contact us at letters@time.com. Harvard constitutional law professor Laurence Tribe on Monday condemned Donald Trumps move to strip 7,000 foreign students of their places at the Ivy League school, calling it obviously unhinged and legally baseless. Appearing on MSNBCs The Last Word with Lawrence ODonnell, Tribe said the president has no idea what he is talking about and is simply slinging around, frankly, BS. This is a president who hates intellect, who despises the symbol of excellence in the world of higher education around the world, Tribe added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a direct message to the affected students, Tribe urged them not to be intimidated by Trumps threats. Dont be scared, he said. This guy is a paper tiger. Hes a tinhorn tyrant. Tribe highlighted Trumps recent legal track record. In the month of May, there were all kinds of cases across the country judges appointed by Republicans and Democrats involving Donald Trump and his megalomaniac attacks on all of our institutions. And you know what his record was? He lost over 95% of them, he said. Watch Tribes full analysis here: Related... Mehtab Syed has an impressive resume that includes working for the FBI in some of the nations biggest cities and the departments most important divisions. Thats not bad for a woman who was born in Pakistan, moved to the United States when she was 17 and was working as a financial analyst for a restaurant chain. Never in a million years did I ever plan to be an FBI agent, she told KSL.com this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, Syed was named as the new head of the FBIs Salt Lake City field office, which also includes Idaho and Montana. Syeds unexpected career change and rapid rise within the FBI began in 2001 after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. I was perfectly fine with my degree in finance and doing financial work. But after 9/11, I just wanted to do something different and wanted to be part of a solution instead of part of a problem, she said. Syed, who is Muslim, was living in New York at the time of the attack. You feel shame first because youre Muslim, (and) you see someone doing something so bad, and it kind of reflects who you are. But then I got angry, and I was like, Uh-uh, thats not happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She decided to start applying for jobs at FBI field agencies. I just wanted to do something, Syed recalled. But after initially not getting any return calls, Syed actually forgot about her application to the FBI. It wasnt until she came home one day and her son told her the FBI had called. Syed called the number they had left. They said, Hello, FBI. I hung up, she recalled, with a laugh. Syed initially didnt believe the FBI had actually called her about her application. But after talking to her son again, she called them back a second time and before she knew it, she was entering the FBI Academy at age 35. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She began working as an agent in the New York field office in 2005 and worked on counterterrorism investigations, was a member of the crisis negotiation team and the rapid deployment team. In 2008, Syed was sent to Islamabad, Pakistan, as acting assistant legal attache. She was responsible for conducting extensive coordination between law enforcement, intelligence, and security services of multiple governments, according to her bio. In 2015, she was assigned to a similar position in Amman, Jordan, as assistant legal attache. After Pakistan, she returned to New York, where she was the supervisor of a counterterrorism task force that investigated such groups as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, she said. Then, in 2012, she was asked by her supervisors to work at the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really didnt want to. But I was being pushed and was told that I need to go and do something different, she said. Syed continued her counterterrorism work in Washington, but on a more global basis. By 2020, she was working in the Newark, New Jersey, field office as the assistant special agent-in-charge of cyber and counterintelligence. In 2022, she was promoted to section chief of the China Operations II Branch of the Counterintelligence Division at the FBIs headquarters in Washington. By 2023, she was moved to the Los Angeles field office to once again oversee cyber and counterintelligence. Syed also spent some time in Utah for survival training in 2013, she said. And after working for years in some of the nations biggest cities, she recently requested to return to the Beehive State to fill the job as the special agent-in-charge at the Salt Lake office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I like change. I like (a) challenge. Id never been to Montana before. Id never been to Idaho, so I came here. And Im so glad that I did because Im really enjoying my time here, she said. She describes her job now as making phone calls to headquarters to make sure her agents in Utah, Idaho and Montana get the resources they need. But she admits that the job in Utah is much different than working in New York or Los Angeles. Until I came to Utah, I had no idea how different the Utah territory is than being in New York, LA (and) Newark, because we cover here three different states, she said. So, just the time to go from one resident agency to another takes hours and hours. And dont get me wrong, Im used to driving for hours. Only 30 miles can take two hours in New York. But its a different kind of traveling. I have a whole new appreciation for my agents here in Utah and Montana and Idaho. Its different challenges here. I think what we need here is more resources, more agents, more professional staff, more intel analysts, she continued. My goal is to bring more resources back to Utah and Billings and Idaho. We need more agents here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than counterterrorism, she said some of the main priorities in Utah are going after gangs, cartels and drug traffickers and protecting citizens, while also lending technical support and intel to other federal and local agencies to assist with their investigations. Whatever the priority is do, thats what we do, she said. In the past century, 67 law enforcement professionals died while serving as members of Virginia State Police. Last Wednesday, each of those men and women were honored for making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. "While the stories of their lives and the circumstances of their deaths were all very different, they all joined the Virginia State Police because they believed in the noble calling to serve and protect, despite the risks," Col. Matthew Hanley, superintendent of Virginia State Police, said. Inspector W. Neville Hatcher, 26, was the first line-of-duty death among the state police ranks. He died on Aug. 19, 1928, from injuries sustained while attempting to arrest a murder suspect in Culpeper County. Capt. J. Gregory Blankenship, 61, was the most recent death. After serving with the state police for 28 years, Blankenship died Aug. 7, 2021, from COVID-19 complications. "As we come together today to remember, we also must express extraordinary gratification and gratitude for all of the men and women and their families who stand strong in the face of evil," Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the keynote speaker, said. Last week, Hanley represented the Virginia State Police at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial ceremony in Washington. The names of more than 24,000 officers who died in the line of duty dating back to 1786 are etched on the memorial's walls. Remembering loved ones Portraits of every fallen state trooper are held inside the Colonel C. W. Woodson, Jr. Memorial Gallery at the state police academy in Chesterfield. "It's hard to enter that room and not be taken aback by the sheer number of portraits," Hanley said. "Sixty-seven, a stark reminder of the dangers of this profession." At the memorial service, portraits of 13 troopers were displayed to acknowledge significant end-of-watch milestones. Each tribute was followed by a bell toll and an honor guard salute. One of the tributes was for trooper Nathan-Michael W. Smith, who died at age 27 after serving with the department for 15 months. Smith was responding to an emergency call for help at a crash scene along U.S. Route 460 in Dinwiddie on Sept. 21, 2015. While en route, his patrol vehicle ran off a ramp going from Interstate 295 to Interstate 95 in Prince George and crashed into a wooded area. Smith died later that morning after being flown to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. A Suffolk native, Smith was remembered as a family man and talented musician who was in the Norfolk State University marching band. "He was the life of the family," his father Nathan W. Smith said. "He enjoyed being around people, made everyone happy, always joked with individuals, had a strong faith life." From a young age, he wanted to go into law enforcement, with his parents recalling him memorizing license plates as a kid. As a state trooper, he assisted anyone in need. "That was a part of who he was, that was his DNA," his mother Terry Smith said. "He definitely enjoyed being a state trooper." His 15-year-old son, Nathan-Michael W. Smith II, was happy that his father was being remembered, but also emotional as he spoke about him. "He was the brightest guy I knew," the younger Smith, who is considering law enforcement among his future career options, said. "He was adventurous, taught me music, taught me how to be outgoing." Joseph Belt flew in from Tampa, Florida, to see the tribute to his grandfather, inspector Thomas Belt. While driving his motorcycle in Loudoun County on Aug. 12, 1930, the elder Belt was hit by a car. He died six days later at age 47. Even though Joseph Belt never met his grandfather, he finds it important for his family to pass his legacy on. Belt has attended two memorials, bringing his children to a previous ceremony and his 88-year-old cousin to the one last week. "I'm hoping that my kids will continue the tradition with their own," he said. "It means a lot to us that somebody remembers." Justice, integrity and service The Powhatan High School "One Voice" choir was on hand to sing the national anthem, as well as perform "I Carry Your Heart." Following the special memorial tributes, trooper Mason McLaughlin called out each of the 67 names being recognized. Families and friends stood when their respective loved ones were called. Afterwards, a memorial wreath was presented in remembrance of the deceased state police officers. Youngkin said one particular line in the trooper pledge always struck him: "I shall wage unceasing war against crime in all its forms and shall consider no sacrifice too great in the performance of my duty." He said everyone can do right by the 67 heroes by recommitting to the values and standards they displayed: justice, integrity and service. "The men and women of the Virginia State Police not only commit themselves to this, but they do it with a willing heart, a servant's character and an unwavering pledge to serve," Youngkin said. "We can do right by them by reminding ourselves of their names and their families and their stories because they so deeply deserve it." At least three people have died and dozens have been injured in war-ravaged Gaza as thousands of starving Palestinians attempted to get food from a controversial Israeli-United States organisation, laying bare the scale of the catastrophe inflicted on the enclave by Israels three-month blockade of aid. In punishing midday heat on Tuesday, thousands of Palestinians clambered over fences and pushed through packed crowds to reach life-saving supplies brought by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a new and controversial group tasked with the delivery of aid to Palestinians in the besieged enclave. Amid the buzz of Israeli military helicopters overhead and gunfire rattling in the background, desperate crowds, including women and children, in southern Gazas Rafah area struggled to reach the food distribution point on the GHFs first day of operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have been dying of starvation. We have to feed our children who want to eat. What else can we do? I could do anything to feed them, a Palestinian father told Al Jazeera. We saw people running, and we followed them, even if it meant taking a risk, and it was scary. But fear is not worse than starvation. Displaced Palestinians leave with a box of food from a US-backed foundation pledging to distribute aid in western Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 27, 2025 [AFP] Apart from the deaths and injuries, several people also went missing in the ensuing stampede, officials in Gaza said, with the incident coming amid widespread hunger and relentless Israeli bombing of Palestinian civilians, including children. The occupation forces, positioned in or around those areas, opened live fire on starving civilians who were lured to these locations under the pretence of receiving aid, Gazas Government Media Office said in a statement, adding that the incident provides undeniable evidence of the Israeli occupations total failure in managing the humanitarian catastrophe it has deliberately created. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened today in Rafah is a deliberate massacre and a full-fledged war crime, committed in cold blood against civilians weakened by over 90 days of siege-induced starvation. In a statement earlier, the Israeli military said its forces did not direct gunfire towards the Palestinians but rather fired warning shots in an outside area. It claimed that control over the situation had been established and aid distribution would continue as planned. Reckless, inhumane plan The aid by GHF, a foundation backed by the US and endorsed by Israel, arrived in Gaza despite allegations that the new group did not have the experience or capacity to bring relief to more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza. The United Nations and aid groups say the organisation does not abide by humanitarian principles and could serve to further displace people from their homes as Palestinians move to receive aid from a limited number of distribution sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that seeing thousands of Palestinians storming the aid site was heartbreaking. We and our partners have a detailed, principled, operationally sound plan supported by member states to get aid to a desperate population, he told reporters. We continue to stress that a meaningful scale-up of humanitarian operations is essential to stave off famine and meet the needs of all civilians wherever they are. The chaos underscored the staggering level of hunger gripping Gaza. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report, 1.95 million people 93 percent of the enclaves population are facing acute food shortages. Palestinians open a box containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in Rafah on May 27, 2025 [Abdel Kareem Hana/AP] Aid groups have warned for months that Israel is using starvation in Gaza as a weapon of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not how aid is done, Ahmed Bayram, spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council, told Al Jazeera, describing the scene in Rafah as the inevitable consequence of a reckless and inhumane plan. These are the scenes we have literally been warning about all month now. It spread chaos. It spread confusion. And this is the result, he said. I think the best thing that can be done now is for this plan to be cancelled, to be reversed, and for us professional humanitarians in the UN and NGOs to do our job. There are tonnes and tonnes of aid waiting across the border. [Its a] very simple decision: open the gates and keep them open. Israel made the GHF, a Swiss-based entity formed in February through back-channel meetings between Israeli-linked officials and business figures, a lead aid distributor. Meanwhile, Israel has blocked the UN and other international organisations from bringing in aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being promoted as a neutral body, the GHFs close ties to Israel and the US have prompted widespread condemnation. Its former head suddenly resigned this week, citing the foundations inability to uphold the core humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. According to a report in The New York Times, the GHF emerged from private meetings of like-minded officials, military officers and businesspeople with close ties to the Israeli government. Israel has said its forces are not involved in the physical distribution of aid, although it backs the systems use of biometric screening, including facial recognition, to vet aid recipients. Palestinians fear it is another Israeli tool of surveillance and repression. Critics have also warned that the GHFs structure and its concentration of aid in southern Gaza could serve to depopulate northern Gaza, as planned by the Israeli military. Interactive_Gaza_food_IPC_report_May13_2025 starvation hunger famine This is definitely not enough While the previous UN-led distribution network operated about 400 sites across the Strip, the GHF has set up only four mega-sites for Gazas 2.3 million residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary reported that many of the food parcels being handed out were inadequate to sustain families. Khoudary described a typical food box with 4kg (8.8lb) of flour, a couple of bags of pasta, two cans of fava beans, a pack of tea bags and some biscuits. Other food parcels contained lentils and soup in small quantities. Although the GHF said it distributed about 8,000 food boxes on Tuesday, which it claimed amounted to 462,000 meals, Khoudary said the rations would barely sustain a single family for long. This is definitely not enough, and it is not enough for all the humiliation that Palestinians are going through to receive these food parcels, she said. A fire department on the North Shore of Massachusetts is mourning the unexpected death of an active-duty captain. Rockport Town Administrator Mitchell Vieira and Rockport Fire Chief Mark Wonson announced the passing of 43-year-old Fire Captain Andrew Porter on Memorial Day. Porter died at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, surrounded by loved ones, Vieira and Wonson said. We are heartbroken and mourning the loss of Capt. Andrew Porter a dedicated firefighter, trusted leader, and beloved member of our Rockport Fire Department family, Wonson said in a statement. His passing leaves a deep void in our hearts and our community, and well carry his memory with us every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vieira added, Our hearts are with Capt. Porters family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, said Town Administrator Vieira. His service to Rockport reflected the very best of this community, and we all deeply feel his loss. Porter is survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, and sister. Arrangements for Porter have not yet been announced. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Hundreds of mourners including law enforcement personnel from across South Carolina paid tribute Tuesday to Nathaniel Ansay, a 24-year-old Florence County deputy who died in a wreck last week. Free spirit, great guy. Hes going to be missed. I miss him dearly, Sheriff TJ Joye said outside Florence Baptist Temple, where a funeral was held. This time last week, our hearts were broken. Deputy Nathaniel Nate Ansay // Courtesy Florence County Sheriffs Office Ansay joined the force in October 2023, graduating from the state Criminal Justice Academy as a Class 1 officer in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Ansay was driving a 2023 Ford SUV north on Olanta Highway and a 2008 GMC SUV was driving south when the two cars collided. Dozens of politicians and law enforcement agencies were quick to honor Ansay and his home agency. The Horry County Police Department offered condolences via Facebook, saying, Our hearts go out to our partners with the Florence County Sheriffs Office as they mourn the loss of one of their own in a traffic incident. When law enforcement professionals pin on the badgedeputies, corrections officers, police officers, troopers, and everyone in betweenthey know it comes with very real risks. Knowledge still doesnt ease the ache of loss when it happens. Please join us in supporting our Florence County neighbors in this difficult time. News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham News13 photo: Curtis Graham With heavy hearts, the Darlington County Sheriffs Office mourns alongside Florence County Sheriffs Office, who lost one of their deputies as they tragically passed in the line of duty, the sheriffs office also said on Facebook. Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and fellow officers. Your service and bravery will never be forgotten. Please join us in praying for their family and fellow officers, as they grieve during this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hartsville Police Department extends heartfelt condolences to the Florence County Sheriffs Office and the family of Deputy Nate Ansay, the department said on Wednesday. We stand with you during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Deputy Ansay. You will not be forgotten. Joye said Tuesday he and Ansays fellow officers have appreciated the kind words. The outpouring of support, its great. Brothers and sisters in uniform, they all come together, he said. Tragedy brings people closer, and this right here has brought a lot of people closer to our office. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) Among the countless Memorial Day events across Middle Tennessee, Murfreesboro concluded a weekend of remembrance at their 16th annual Healing Field. Organized by a local nonprofit, Freedom Trail Foundation of TN, 504 American flags were set-up this year. Of those, around 350 of them were dedicated to veterans lost in battle or those who served our country and have since passed away. I have two brothers who served in the service. Some brother-in-laws and close friends, so yes, this is very heartwarming. Its really something, said Navy veteran David Korn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a specific way to fly your US flag on Memorial Day: What to know Korns brothers did not die while in service, but he still got emotional talking about their sacrifices while in uniform. He brought his grandkids with him to honor the heroes weve lost. If you take any one person here and read their life story, its heart wrenching. I think a lot of people dont realize that, you know, its just oh wow, its another day off for us! said Korn. The Freedom Trail Foundation added nearly 100 flags to their display in 2025, while also adding a unique history lesson for their visitors. Its the history of the American flag, from the Grand Union all the way to the current day 50-star flag. As you go along the trail, theres a sign telling the story of each flag, explained Event Chair Tracey Kennedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 finally going home after WWII bomber crash left 11 dead and non-recoverable Kennedy called the field breathtaking; a view she never gets tired of. As intended, its also a weekend filled with emotional reflection. Ive cried a few times this weekend. We have a lot of people come through and tell us the stories of their parents and grandparents, sometimes its their sons and daughters, said Kennedy. There are some out here that are Missing in Action (MIA), and those probably stand out to me the most; to know they never got to come home. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Every person who pays to sponsor a flag is able to keep it. Kennedy said people typically frame and hang their dedicated flag inside their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money paid for each flag is ultimately pumped back into funding and growing the 3-day memorial service, according to Kennedy, plus the other work of their nonprofit. Eventually, the goal is to grow the Healing Field to 1,000 flags. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a review of the Department of Defense's support of military families who choose to homeschool their children in the U.S. and overseas. In a memo released Tuesday, Hegseth said the assessment is part of an overall departmental review of educational choices for military families, done in accordance with a Jan. 29 presidential executive order that directed the DoD to consider the use of Pentagon funds to pay for private, religious or public charter schools for military dependents. Hegseth said homeschooling should be included in any review of educational opportunities for military children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Tricare Errors Put Military Families at Risk of Paying Higher Costs, Audit Finds "Through these efforts, the department will uphold the directive to improve the education, well-being and future success of military-connected students, supporting parents in choosing the best educational options for their children," Hegseth wrote in the memo, signed May 15. "This is vital to the department and the quality of life of our service members, who deserve no less." According to a report published earlier this year by Johns Hopkins' Institute for Education Policy, active-duty military families homeschool their children at twice the rate of civilian Americans, with 12% of military families participating, compared with 6% of civilians in the 2023-2024 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angela Watson, a senior research fellow at Johns Hopkins, said the reasons why military families homeschool vary, but they largely choose the nontraditional setting based on the unique needs of their children. "There are a variety of reasons that maybe the traditional school system isn't working super great for those families, because somebody is deployed and, when the parent is home, they value their family time together, or they want to homeschool because it's more flexible. Or they don't want to move their kids in and out of schools ... and it's just more stabilizing for them to homeschool," Watson said during an interview Tuesday. A survey of nearly 750 military families who homeschool, conducted by the Military Homeschoolers Association, found the reasons they decided to educate their children themselves were: religion, with 58% citing their faith as a factor in their decision; bullying, with nearly 48% saying they had concerns with traditional school settings, especially for children with special needs; and school violence, something 58% of families factored into their decision. Nearly 30% were concerned with the educational offerings of their local schools, citing a need for their children to learn critical thinking, or a desire to reduce their child's exposure to age-inappropriate content, topics that didn't align with their world views or incorrect information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Traditionally, military families are moving right every two or three years, so you can understand continuity, consistency, flexibility," said Natalie Mack, the association's founder, during an interview. "But there's these new reasons ... rising school violence ... bullying rates. You have people who are homeschooling for traditionally Christian conservative values, and then you have ones who are not -- they're secular and they're just saying, 'My kids have special needs, and we're not feeling confident they're getting what they need." Hegseth himself is a vocal proponent for Christian-based education. A graduate of a public high school in Minnesota, Princeton University and Harvard, Hegseth wrote the book "Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation," arguing that American K-12 public schools are failing to educate students and losing sight of "virtue and excellence." "[American culture] is really fragile and not heading in the right direction, and a lot of it does come back to our education system," Hegseth said during a 2023 interview on The Kevin Roberts Show. "If you've removed God, and you're teaching people the country they've inherited is evil and racist, then what optimism can they have? What are they defending?" The Jan. 29 executive order from President Donald Trump directed the Defense Department to "review any available mechanisms under which military-connected families may use funds from the Department of Defense to attend schools of their choice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said the provisions in the order seek to "support parents in choosing and directing the upbringing and education of their children." An exact number of students who are homeschooled in military families was unavailable by publication. Active-duty troops had nearly 500,000 school-aged children as of 2023, roughly 67,000 of whom attend schools run by the Department of Defense Education Activity. DoDEA students have recently made headlines for protesting changes instituted by the Trump administration at their schools, including banning certain books from libraries, dropping portions of curriculum that conflict with the administration's stand on gender identity and race, and restricting extracurricular activities tied to diversity initiatives. Regarding Hegseth's memo, Mack said homeschooled military children could benefit from more support from the Defense Department, particularly in access to facilities and services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where Mack has served as a homeschooling consultant, she helped partner with the base to use an unoccupied meeting space for classes and academic fairs, and teamed up with the chaplain's office to use buildings on a space-available basis. The group of families also was given access to a swimming pool during school hours, and they have had opportunities to host clubs and work with school liaisons. "Have we looked at all of our resources on installation, and can we allocate a building that's not, maybe, being used as often or a gym? Can we allocate a PE teacher? What can the library do to reach out? What can the chaplains do?" Mack said. She added that military families who homeschool are concerned about the laws that govern homeschooling because they vary from state to state. While the federal government can do little to change those laws, the Defense Department can do more to recognize its homeschooling community and the challenges it faces, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to be respected as a vital part, you know, of the military educational landscape, and so it's really important to make sure that, you know, they receive the resources and support that they are potentially seeking," Mack said. Related: How to Get Military Homeschooling Help Ahead of Your PCS The Pentagon could soon expand homeschooling resources for military families, according to a memo written by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released Tuesday. Military families homeschool their kids at about twice the rate of civilians, which has seen wider adoption among parents, frustrated by increased remote learning during the pandemic and debates over school curricula. Homeschooling offers an individualized approach for students and highlights the significant role parents play in the educational process, according to the Department of Defense memo dated May 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Johns Hopkins analysis in March found that active duty military families homeschool their children twice as much as civilians or 12% between 2023 and 2024, compared to 6% of civilian families. Before the pandemic, around 2 to 3% of civilian families chose to homeschool their children. Military family advocates say that many turn to homeschooling because of the frequent moves or extended family separation when one parent is deployed or when a parent is assigned to a duty station that their family chooses not to follow. Because of the frequent moves, we see twice as many military families choose to homeschool their children, and the reasons why, in a lot of cases, is related to that transience of military life, Shannon Razsadin, CEO of Military Family Advisory Network, told Task & Purpose. Helping their kids have consistent education and not necessarily struggle with some of the things that can be inherent with frequently being the new kid at school. In the memo, Hegseth ordered defense officials to conduct a Department-wide review of its current support for homeschooling military-connected families, as well as best practices, including the feasibility of providing facilities or access to other resources for those students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeschool advocates who spoke to Task & Purpose said they had high hopes that Hegseths review might lead to access to on-base facilities for homeschool activities and better relationships with the officials who oversee the traditional schools on military posts. A 2017 Military Family Advisory Network survey of 5,650 service members and veterans found that 43% of families elected to live separately from the active duty service member during their career, with 21% citing continuity in their childrens education as the reason. The Hegseth memo also follows a push by President Donald Trump in a Jan. 29 executive order to expand education beyond public K-12 through options like homeschooling and private school. The military is a microcosm of the broader population. The military is feeling a lot of the same things that a lot of Americans are feeling post-pandemic, Razsadin said. The current landscape Even before COVID ruptured societal thinking around public education, homeschooling was popular among full and part-time military families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, 11% of military families homeschooled their children, according to Johns Hopkins researchers. Similar rates existed among children of National Guard or reserve service members, despite fewer major lifestyle factors compared to active duty families. In 2023, 11% of reserve and guard families homeschooled their children. Natalie Mack is the spouse of a retired Navy chaplain who has been homeschooling her five children for 23 years and the founder of The Military Homeschoolers Association. Her oldest daughter pursued Russian and is fluent in Mandarin just because of homeschooling, just giving her that ability to pursue interests and passions, she told Task & Purpose. She founded the association, she said, to advocate for home schooling and help military families with resources on common issues like navigating laws in different states and countries and figuring out credit transfers to make sure students switching to homeschool can graduate on time. In 2024, the Military Homeschoolers Association surveyed around 760 spouses and service members who homeschooled their children and found that the majority cited the pandemic, opportunities, school violence or bullying, especially for children with special needs, as reasons to homeschool their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The type of homeschooling situation can depend on the resources at an installation or within the community. Families sometimes have their children follow the curriculum of private company lesson plans like Miacademy or Time for Learning. The survey found that almost two-thirds of families were using group homeschooling methods, which can be spouse-led co-ops or pods which Mack said thrived during the pandemic, referencing the concept of being in someones bubble. Still, around 66,000 children of active duty parents attend schools run by the Department of Defense Education Activity, or DoDEA, in the U.S. and abroad. Johns Hopkins researchers noted that the rates of homeschoolers were fascinating since DoD-run schools are considered higher quality than the majority of public schools, with one 2024 annual assessment of American K-12 education finding that 4th and 8th grade DoDEA students outperformed all states in reading and math. However, the Military Homeschoolers Association survey found that 58% of military parents had religious reasons for homeschooling or wanted their children exposed to education that had content aligned with their personal worldviews. Some respondents said they wanted to go beyond the required subjects in DoD schools and have taught lessons on other topics like the Bible, finances, life skills, coding, culinary arts, home economics and theology. Were seeing a community that was very much a pretty traditional, Christian conservative community, and those are still significant numbers of families who are choosing to homeschool for their religious beliefs, Mack said. But you also see a lot of families who are choosing to homeschool just because their school isnt meeting what they want. Its not meeting the needs that they have. Expanding resources The DoD memo called for personnel to look at the potential of bringing in more resources for homeschooled students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Razsadin said MFAN would like to see the DoD expand the type of support that DoDEA school liaison officers can provide for homeschool parents. Mack said it could look like similar projects shes done for military children at Fort Belvoir, Virginia where she got permission for local military homeschooled children to access facilities on base like the pools or gyms and use empty buildings to host holiday parties, book clubs and science fairs. They are choosing homeschool but it doesnt mean that they dont want to get together in a social environment, she said. Homeschool is very socialized. The latest on Task & Purpose TOPEKA (KSNT) State health officials are keeping an eye on a local lake due to the presence of damaging algae that is feeding on an abundance of nutrient sources in the water. Lake Shawnee is regularly impacted by blue-green algae alerts which sometimes result in the closure of recreational water activities and its swimming beach to protect people from the budding hazard. While the lake is certainly not the only body of water to be impacted by blue-green algae in Kansas each year, state health officials report that existing conditions near the lake are helping contribute to its growth during the summer months. 27 News reached out to the KDHE this week to learn what factors are playing a part in the growth of blue-green algae in Lake Shawnee. Mitchell Osterlund with the KDHE provided several responses from the agencys HAB team regarding the issue. What is blue-green algae? The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issues public health advisories each year starting in the spring and running into the fall for blue-green algae which appears as a paint-like or scummy material in the water. These alerts are classified by severity status: watch, warning and hazard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exotic pet fish are turning up in Kansas lakes, where do they come from? Blue-green algae can harm people, pets and livestock that come into contact with it. If conditions are right, the algae may grow out of control and result in a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that can be toxic to the point of causing severe of fatal illnesses for those who come close to it. A perfect storm of heat, low movement in the water and ample nutrients can result in the shutdown of recreational activities at lakes by giving harmful algae the right environment to expand in. A photo of blue-green algae. (Getty Images) Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are composed of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, said the KDHEs HAB team. Cyanobacteria are a natural component of a healthy ecosystem and normally present at lower densities within the freshwater systems of Kansas, including lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. When specific conditions exist, for example ample sunlight, warmer water temperatures, minimal wind/wave mixing, and high nutrient levels, cyanobacteria densities can increase rapidly, leading to the formation of a bloom. The KDHE said HABs can be unpredictable due to other influences ranging from local conditions to chemical factors. Lakes that enter warning or hazard status are deemed unsafe for people and animals to enter. Blue-green algae in a lake can cause harm to those who touch it, inhale it or consume it. Blue-green algae in Lake Shawnee The KDHE listed Lake Shawnee as being at the warning level for blue-green algae at the outset of its monitoring season in 2025. It last reached warning status in June 2022 and was under a watch for much of 2024, hampering the enjoyment of recreational water activities there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New $60 million Topeka apartment community set to open in 2027 Health officials lifted the blue-green algae warning at Lake Shawnee on May 23 this year just prior to Memorial Day weekend and the opening of Adventure Cove after testing showed the algae threat had subsided. Had the alert remained in place, the lakes swimming beach would have remained closed as it had the year prior due to an overabundance of algae. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (SCP+R) officials will reduce or shut down recreational water activities at Adventure Cove when the algae threat becomes prominent. Sean Zears with SCP+R said he hopes the algal levels remain low throughout the summer and that park officials will take action if necessary. It is out of our control as to controlling blue-green algae, Zears said. The costs to prevent it are way over budget. What is causing blue-green algae to grow in Lake Shawnee? The KDHEs HAB team reports that Lake Shawnee is listed as an impaired surface water body because of something called eutrophication. This means nutrients are abundant within the water that provide fuel for the growth of blue-green algae and HABs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three disgraced Kansas priests named in new abuse reports KDHE staff created a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report for Lake Shawnee that was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2012 to address the input of local nutrient sources into the lake. The TMDL refers to the maximum amount of a pollutant that a body of water can receive while still meeting water quality standards. Lake Shawnee was listed as Very Eutrophic in the 2012 TMDL, just below the highest level of Hypereutrophic. The KDHE lists several possible nutrient sources that contribute to the growth of blue-green algae in Lake Shawnee. These include agricultural and lawn fertilizer runoff, wastewater discharge, erosion, decaying grass clippings and other vegetation, stormwater and more. While efforts to control and reduce external sources of nutrient enrichment are recommended to continue in the watershed, legacy inputs of nutrients that have accumulated in the lakebed sediment over time may continue to serve as a source of internal nutrient loading for years to come, the KDHEs HAB team said. For example, extended periods of limited wind mixing in lakes that display mild stratification and eutrophication can lead to inadequate oxygen levels in the lakes deeper waters during the summer. This condition can allow phosphorus to enter the upper water column, sustaining an active bloom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What fish are bad for your health in Kansas? The TMDL goes on to state that the lakes large goose population may contribute to the addition of nutrients to the water through the droppings they leave behind. The presence of invasive zebra mussels in Lake Shawnee may also be a contributing factor to the growth of blue-green algae. Several recommendations are listed in the TMDL for people to follow to help keep the lake clean and reduce the influx of nutrients into the water. These include: Educating locals on appropriate lawn fertilizer application. Installing grass buffer strips along drainage channels in the watershed. Promoting proper management of construction sites to minimize sediment and nutrient runoff. Promoting the installation of porous and concrete grid pavement in the watershed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rare bird spotted at Kansas state park results in partial beach shutdown For more Kansas Outdoors, 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. Maxwell S. Anderson's criminal trial in the murder of 19-year-old college student Sade Carleena Robinson is officially underway. Anderson, 34, has been charged with killing and dismembering Robinson, who was last seen April 1, 2024 on a date with him. In the weeks after she was reported missing, severed human remains belonging to Robinson were discovered around Milwaukee County Unlike a civil trial, which concerns disputes between individuals, a criminal trial involves the government prosecuting the case against a person charged with a crime. Anderson's trial is also unique in that the court is calling a larger than normal pool of potential jurors to decide the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to expect as the trial unfolds, including how a verdict and potential sentencing will work. Maxwell Anderson arrives at the Safety Building in Milwaukee for a scheduling hearing on Friday, July 12, 2024. Who are the two sides in a criminal trial? The two sides in a criminal trial are the prosecution and defense. The prosecution represents the government, and the defense represents the person charged with the crime. In this case, the state of Wisconsin is attempting to prove Anderson is guilty. What does the state have to prove in a criminal trial? The government has the burden of proof in a criminal trial. That means the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the state of Wisconsin must prove he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury determines the state has not adequately proven guilt, then Anderson will be acquitted of the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse and arson on April 12, 2024. Who is eligible to serve on a jury in Milwaukee County? In Milwaukee County, prospective jurors are randomly selected from the Wisconsin DMV's lists of drivers licenses and other issued identification. Eligible jurors are Milwaukee County residents and U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old and understand English. People who have been summoned for jury duty within the last four years and/or are convicted felons whose civil rights have not been restored are not eligible. How does jury selection work? After a group of potential jurors is assembled, attorneys on both sides will ask the jurors questions to determine their eligibility to serve on the jury. This process is called voir dire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Depending on the circumstances of the case, each side is allowed to dismiss a certain number of jurors without stating a reason. There is no limit on the number of jurors each side can request to dismiss with cause, according to the Wisconsin Jury Handbook. How many people does a jury include? In Milwaukee County, jury pools typically consist of 30 to 40 people, which is then culled to 14 for the final jury. All 14 hear testimonies, but only 12 are asked to decide a verdict. However, in Anderson's trial, the court is assembling an unusually large jury pool of 50 to 70 people. That means jury selection, which begins 9 a.m. on May 27, could take several days. A draft questionnaire for the Anderson trial, filed in November 2024, says potential jurors will be asked if they've served on a jury in the past, if they know the defendant or the victim and if they have seen previous news coverage of the case. Will the jury be sequestered? In widely publicized cases, jurors are sometimes sequestered in hotel rooms with limited media access throughout the trial to avoid any outside information or opinions influencing their verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court has not shared any information about whether jurors in the Anderson trial will be sequestered. Typically, requests for sequestration are made before the trial starts. What are the steps in a criminal trial? After jury selection is over, the prosecution and defense will both present an opening statement of their case to the jury. Next, the prosecution in this case, the state of Wisconsin will present their case attempting to prove the defendant is guilty. This can include physical evidence, videos and photos, and witness testimonies. After the prosecution questions a witness on the stand, the defense is allowed to cross-examine, or question, the same witness. The prosecution can then question the witness one more time if they wish, which is called redirect examination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the prosecution has rested its case, the process repeats with the defense presenting its evidence. The defense does not have the burden to prove anything, but criminal defense strategies can include pointing out inconsistencies in the prosecution's case, arguing someone other than the defendant is guilty, or arguing the defendant was mentally ill at the time of the crime. After both sides have presented their evidence, the prosecution will deliver a closing statement, followed by the defense. Will Maxwell Anderson testify in his defense? Defendants have the right to remain silent and refuse to testify at trial. It is common practice for defendants to choose not to testify. What will the judge tell jurors before they start deliberating? A judge will give the jury instructions about what factors must be proven for a conviction of a specific charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juries can be instructed to consider what are known as "lesser included" offenses. For example, a jury may have the option of considering a charge first-degree intentional homicide or the less serious offense of first-degree reckless homicide. When will a verdict come? Following closing statements, the jury will go to a deliberation room to decide its verdict. In a criminal trial, the verdict must be unanimous; if jurors cannot agree on a verdict, then a hung jury is declared, and the case may be retried. There is no time limit on deliberation, and jurors can deliberate anywhere from hours to weeks to decide a verdict. If found guilty, when is the defendant sentenced? If the defendant is found guilty, the judge will set a date for sentencing. This is often not for several weeks, or even months, after the trial concludes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the interim, people affected by the crime can submit victim impact statements to the court. Along with factors like the seriousness of the crime and the defendant's criminal history, the judge will take these statements into account when determining the sentence. If convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, Anderson faces a mandatory life sentence. When and where is Maxwell Anderson's trial? Anderson's trial is scheduled to start 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27 and last two weeks. The trial will be held in the Milwaukee County Safety Building, part of the county's Courthouse Complex. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello will preside over the trial. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How will Maxwell Anderson criminal trial work? Jury selection, verdict A Texas oil executive from Elon Musks government efficiency team has been given sweeping powers to overhaul the federal department that manages vast tracts of resource-rich public lands, but he hasn't divested his energy investments or filed an ethics commitment to break ties with companies that pose a conflict of interest, records show. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently directed Tyler Hassen, who lacks Senate confirmation and has no public administration experience, to reorganize the Interior Department, which oversees some 70,000 employees in 11 agencies including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Before joining DOGE, Hassen spent nearly two decades as an executive at Basin Holdings, an enterprise involved in the manufacture, sale and servicing of oil rigs worldwide. A financial disclosure report obtained by AP shows Hassen made millions annually from these companies, owned by John Fitzgibbons an industry giant who is well-connected in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These and other potential conflicts of interest are compounding the concerns of Democratic lawmakers, conservation groups and environmental advocates, who say Hassens appointment appears designed to evade Senate confirmation and oversight while testing the limits of congressional authority. Its a dereliction of duty to offload decisions about staffing and funding at the Interior Department to someone who hasnt even been confirmed by the Senate, said Kate Groetzinger, with the Center for Western Priorities, a nonpartisan conservation group. Interior officials didnt respond to requests to interview Hassen. Department spokesperson Katie Martin said in an email that Hassen is helping achieve the presidents vision for major changes, and Interior will continue to prioritize retaining first responders, parks services and energy production employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is on Hassens to-do list? Once inside Interior in January, Hassen reviewed every single contract, every single grant, and sent action items to Burgum, he told FOX News in an April interview. Burgum praised Hassen and DOGE on X, saying they have identified massive amounts of waste, fraud, and abuse already! A draft copy of Interior's new strategic plan includes increasing clean coal, oil, and gas production through faster permitting while reducing regulations to generate more revenue from lands and resources for the U.S. Treasury. Hassen also has twice filed a notice in the Federal Register extending Trumps freeze on regulations which stops agencies from proposing or issuing new rules and removed the opportunity for public comment as contrary to the public interest. The latest extension pushes it to June 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear how Hassen became involved with Musk. Theres little information about him online. He told FOX News that before DOGE, he was running five businesses in Houston." He said this work is me giving back to the country. Hassen was an executive at Fitzgibbons-owned Basin Holdings the privately held parent company for Basin Energy and Basin Industries since 2008. An old Facebook page for Tyler Hassen includes a 2010 photo of him at the Samotlor Field, Western Siberia - largest oilfield in Russia. Hassens brother, Todd, is also a Texas energy executive. He's been CEO of Red Wolfpack Resources since 2024 and was with Tellurian, a natural gas company, and EagleStone Resources before that, according to his LinkedIn page. Testing the limits inside the Department Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burgum named Hassen his assistant secretary for policy, management and budget in March, but changed his title in April to principal deputy assistant secretary. An assistant secretary requires Senate approval and an ethics commitment to resign positions that would create a conflict of interest. A principal deputy does not. Kathleen Clark, a government ethics expert at Washington University in St. Louis, said Interior officials are committing fraud by calling someone by a different name so that they dont have to file a really important document where they explain how theyre going to comply with ethics standards. Hassen sought to fire a top department lawyer in April for refusing to give him and other DOGE officials access to a highly sensitive personnel database as he pushed for massive department-wide staff reductions through buyouts, early retirements and layoffs. Hassen wrote that Tony Irish, an associate solicitor, was subverting, obstructing and delaying the process" and should be removed for misconduct. Irish is on leave while appealing the firing and is represented by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. In seeking to remove Tony Irish, Tyler Hassen has demonstrated his own unfitness for federal service, PEER executive director Tim Whitehouse said in a press release. This type of corporate bullying is not how the peoples business is supposed to be conducted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacob Malcom, a former Interior Department executive, said Burgum's order directing Hassen to make appropriate funding decisions for administrative changes and ensure the appropriate transfer of funds, programs, records and property" is unconstitutional Congress appropriates funds, not assistant secretaries. Unless Congress has explicitly authorized those funds to be moved, they cant actually transfer the funds, Malcom said. Thats just flat out illegal. What does Hassen's financial disclosure show? Although Hassen didn't file a divestment commitment, he did file a financial disclosure in February revised five times, the most recent dated April 21 revealing he made almost $4 million annually from Fitzgibbon's oilfield services companies. Hassen said he sold his equity in these companies and is being paid in installments through June 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hassen reported that he holds $50,001 to $100,000 worth of stock in Fitzgibbons company Block Harvest, a cryptocurrency mining business that uses flared natural gas to run data centers. He reported owning $250,000 to $500,000 worth of stock in Fitzgibbons Global Guardian, a security company. Hassen also declared 254 stock holdings, including cryptocurrency, tobacco, foreign banking and between $1,001 and $15,000 worth of stock each in Archrock, a Houston company that specializes in natural gas compression services; WEC Energy Group, which holds electric and natural gas companies and Quanta Services, which is involved in pipelines and pumping. He's got a similar stake in Albemarle Corp., which owns the Silver Peak lithium mine in Nevada the nation's only active lithium source. It's currently seeking authorization from Interior's Bureau of Land Management to expand its operations. Hassens potential conflicts of interest have raised concerns among environmental groups and some U.S. lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes attempting to remove regulations constraining the fossil fuel industries, said Josh Axelrod, a senior policy advocate with the Natural Resources Defense Council. As a member of those industries, hes uniquely qualified to flag the ones they dont like. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine, the ranking Democrats on Interior's Senate and House oversight subcommittees, have demanded a stop to Hassen's large-scale reorganization. Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico told Burgum in a May 7 letter that delegating sweeping authorities and responsibilities to a non-Senate confirmed person in violation of the Vacancies Reform Act is baffling and extremely troubling. ___ This story has been updated to correct the name of the Natural Resources Defense Council. This story has been updated to correct a misspelling. Ronnie Dugger, a titan of Texas journalism and founding editor of the Texas Observer, died Tuesday morning in Austin following a history of Alzheimer's disease. He had recently turned 95. Ronnie Dugger, widely admired journalist and founder of the Texas Observer, died. "Ronnie was a man who towered over his colleagues in Texas journalism for decades," said Ben Sargent, retired Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist for the American-Statesman who now contributes to the Observer. "His career, his passion for the Texas Observer and its mission, and his powerful and fearless body of work were always directed toward the noblest things about the American democracy, toward the good of the people, and, most of all, toward the truth. We can only hope that Ronnie will serve as an inspiration and example to the journalists who need to take up those causes going forward." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1954, at a time when the conservative wing of the Democratic Party dominated politics in the state, Dugger, who had studied journalism at the University of Texas before attending Oxford University, agreed to lead the progressive Texas Observer magazine. He wrote this statement for the publication's masthead: "We will serve no group or party but will hew to the truth as we find it and the right as we see it." More: Tom Spencer, civic leader and Austin PBS talent, dies at age 68 While serving as editor of UT's student newspaper in 1950 and 1951, Dugger penned fiery editorials that landed him on the radar of a group of progressive Texas Democrats who later organized the Observer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ronnie had been a liberal crusader during his tenure at The Daily Texan, whose public denunciations of the demagogic U.S. Senator Joe McCarthy during the Red Scare had attracted the attention of progressive Democrats in Texas," said Don Carleton, founding director of the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. "He accepted their offer after they agreed to give him exclusive editorial control of the journal." During his 40-odd years with the Observer, Dugger worked as a writer, editor and publisher, and helped attract and guide some of the leading literary and journalistic talents of the day. They included: Billy Lee Brammer, Molly Ivins, Willie Morris, Kaye Northcott and Jim Hightower. Among the magazine's other distinguished staff and contributors some of whom arrived after Dugger's tenure there, but share in the tradition he molded were the first woman to serve as Texas secretary of state, Minnie Fisher Cunningham; folklorist and author J. Frank Dobie; humorist and First Amendment defender John Henry Faulk; economist James K. Galbraith; writer and editor Dagoberto Gilb; investigative reporter Jake Bernstein; novelist and screenwriter Larry McMurtry; and photographer Alan Pogue. In his classic 1967 memoir, "North Toward Home," Morris described Dugger as "not only one of the great reporters of our time in America; more than that, he had imbued an entire group of young and inexperienced colleagues with a feel for Texas, for commitment' in the most human sense, and for writing." Dugger to the political barricades Early on, Dugger tangled with conservative Democratic Gov. Allan Shivers, who ran for office on a racist platform and supported Dwight D. Eisenhower for president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dugger dug his talons into Gov. Allan Shivers," journalist and author Larry L. King wrote in his book, "In Search of Willie Morris." King listed other Dugger targets: "conservative state legislators, uncaring corporations, fat-cat lobbyists, the reactionary Dallas Morning News, LBJ, and any person or institution who failed his high standards of honesty and caring." Dugger took particular aim at the most powerful Texan, future President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who unsuccessfully tried to enlist the journalist as a confidant. "Lyndon Johnson loathed what Ronnie wrote about him because it was so on target," said Bill Moyers, journalist and White House Press Secretary during the LBJ administration. Johnson "constantly tried to figure him out so he could either convert him or compromise him he failed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Late Lee Kelly, former Austin American-Statesman society columnist, influenced civic life During an interview conducted in the White House dining room while LBJ was president, Dugger asked bluntly: "Mr. President, you've told us in the first half-hour of a nuclear exchange between the United States and Russia, 400 million people will die. Now: What should a journalist like me tell the people out there about that?" "Johnson told me a joke, then got mad at me for asking the question," Dugger told the American-Statesman in 2012. "While he was cursing me for being a liberal that didn't understand the problem, Johnson says, I'm the one who has to mash the button. I'm the one.'" "Duggers editorials were fearless and often deeply contrary to the political views of even his financial backers," the Briscoe Center's Carleton said. "For example, his editorials attacked the federal oil depletion tax deduction that benefitted the oil and gas industry, despite the discomfort of one of his strongest supporters, wealthy oilman J. R. Parten. Other editorials strongly criticized the insurance industry, despite the critical financial backing he received from insurance company executive Bernard Rapoport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lou Dubose, who landed a job at the Observer in the 1980s and served as political editor of the Austin Chronicle before becoming editor of the independent Washington Spectator, admired Dugger's principles. "Ronnie was a quixotic liberal who never gave up on the ideal that, by speaking truth to power, journalism could play a role in creating a just and equitable society, which seems like a quaint notion today," Dubose said. "When he hired me in 1984, he urged me to find my way into the homes of people who are left behind and ignored and write 'with Dickensian detail about the cracks in their walls and their broken lives.'" Through editorials and investigative journalism, Dugger tried mightily to improve society, but he remained unconvinced that people would end up doing the right thing. "I think there are two subjects that really ought to worry us," Dugger told the American-Statesman. "That is: The future of our own country, as citizens. And the extinction of the human race, by ourselves." Finding a home in Austin Dugger was born April 16, 1930, in Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American-Statesman journalist Brad Buchholz wrote a long, admiring profile of Dugger in 2012 that deemed him a "free man" at age 81. In one of the best descriptions of Dugger's independence and moral dedication, Buchholz described an incident in the early 1950s when a 21-year-old Dugger reflected on life and its choices after his car broke down on a cold road west of Austin. Founder of the Texas Observer Ronnie Dugger, left, looking on with President Lyndon B. Johnson, right, at the White House in 1967. "While I was out there, the thought came into my mind that I was not going to do anybody else's work," Dugger told Buchholz. "I decided what I had to do with my life was sort of like the scout on Western caravans who went ahead and looked for the ambushes and big rivers, and came back and talked to the people who had to turn the wagons. "That's the way I see my life. ... It's kind of a lonely self-image. ... I tell people I'm closest to that I've always been lonely; I don't know why ... but the operative idea that night was that I'd rather disappear into total oblivion than to give my life over to anything but my own work." More: Austin WWII internment camp survivor Isamu Taniguchi built Japanese Garden in Zilker Park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dugger married twice, first to Jean Williams and then to Patricia Blake, both of whom are deceased. He and his first wife had two children, Gary Dugger and Celia Dugger, a health and science editor for The New York Times. Dugger left Texas in the 1980s after he married writer and editor Patricia Blake. He spent almost 20 years in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he inspired the populist movement Alliance for Democracy. After Blake died in 2010, Dugger returned to Austin. In 2011, Dugger won recognition for his cumulative career at the annual George Polk Awards, given by Long Island University for "intrepid, bold and influential work of the reporters themselves, placing a premium on investigative work that is original, resourceful and thought-provoking." "Ronnie was an outstanding example of an important American historical type: the muckraker," Carleton said. "Although he never held office, his political opinions and reports were widely noted, if not well-acknowledged. His work has shed much-needed light on public corruption, social injustice, the critical need to protect a liberal education and economic inequality." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dugger wrote books, as well as articles, for national magazines, and helped found progressive nonprofits. Yet his enduring legacy was the Observer. "When I visited Ronnie at his home two years ago, Ronnie's grasp of the world around him was slipping away," Dubose said. "But he was making plans to start a movement like the Alliance for Democracy, the quixotic national progressive group he cofounded in the mid-nineties. We would publish a call-to-action in the Observer and begin a nonviolent progressive revolution." In March 2023, the board of directors of the nonprofit Texas Democracy Foundation, which owns the Observer, announced that the publication would close down because of financial difficulties. Yet soon after, the staff led a fundraising campaign that kept the magazine going. "I still think of Ronnie driving to Mayflower, Texas, a year after creating the Observer in 1954," Dubose said. "A subscriber had tipped him off about the murder of a Black teenager, treated as spot news by the local media. Ronnie was a white reporter from a liberal newspaper, walking into a Jim Crow town. He worked local sources to identify the murderer, walked up to his house to question him, and then asked the local sheriff if the shooter was on his list of suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That work defined what Ronnie Dugger stood for as a journalist." This is a developing story. Check back for additional material. This story has been updated to add video. In an earlier version of this post, Kaye Northcott's name was misspelled. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Observer founding editor Ronnie Dugger has died at age 95 Virginias six Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor covered a lot of ground during a Thursday night debate in Prince William County, the last time all of the candidates will appear together in public ahead of the June 17 primary. Although the candidates shared common ground on many progressive priorities, the biggest point of contention was a proposal to allow a casino in Fairfax Countys Tysons Corner one of the few issues that revealed a real divide among the field. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican nominee John Reid in the November general election. Virginias lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate and is first in line to succeed the governor. Victor Salgado, a federal prosecutor and law professor, came out of the gate criticizing state Sens. Ghazala Hashmi, of Chesterfield, and Aaron Rouse, of Virginia Beach, for their votes this year on legislation that would have added Fairfax County to the list of Virginia localities eligible to develop a casino. The measure ultimately failed. Unfortunately, we have Sen. Hashmi, Sen. Rouse, who are financing their campaigns with big casino money, with skill gaming money, and its no surprise, of course, that they would vote to bring none other than Steve Wynn, Donald Trumps good friend, into Northern Virginia to build a casino that nobody asked for, and that Tysons and that Northern Virginians dont want, Salgado said. Its important that we reform our campaign finance laws, because they did this knowing that we would have to carry Northern Virginia, and they jeopardize our electoral prospects just so that they can service their patrons in the casino industry. Integrity, folks, matters all of the time, not just some of the time. During this years General Assembly session, Senate Finance Chair Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, hoped Virginia would legalize electronic skill games in stores, restaurants and truck stops, but the House of Delegates and governor opposed the idea. Gov. Glenn Youngkin and many House Democrats say the next step should be creation of a Virginia Gaming Commission to consolidate all forms of legal gaming in the state. Rouses campaign has received more than $100,000 from skill game operators and related entities, including $47,500 from VA Operators for Skill, $37,500 from Virginia Skill Game PAC and $30,000 from Republic Amusements, according to his campaign finance reports. Hashmi received $2,000 last year from the Virginia Skill Game PAC. She also received a $15,000 donation through her state Senate campaign account from Christopher Guthrie, the chief financial officer and executive vice president of Comstock Holdings a prominent player in the casino push and $10,000 from the company itself. Rouse is a strong supporter of skill games and introduced legislation last year that sought to legalize them. Hashmi has not taken a firm stance on skill games in her campaigning or legislatively. Salgado did not mention Levar Stoney, the former mayor of Richmond, who in the first quarter of this year received $25,000 from Pace-O-Matic, an operator of electronic skill games that has pushed for their legalization in Virginia. Stoney, who fought for a casino in Richmond that city voters rejected in referendums in 2021 and 2023, said he does not support a casino in Tysons Corner because its not what residents want. Am I open to a casino in Northern Virginia? Yes. But is this the site? No, Stoney said. Hashmi said that when she considers legislation in the state Senate, she does so through the eyes of working families. I will support a legislation that provides good union jobs, that enables an economy to grow robustly and expand our middle class, an opportunity for families to live in areas where normally the cost of living would be prohibitive, an opportunity for working families to let their children go to excellent schools in areas that they would otherwise not be able to, she said. Rouse served on the Virginia Beach City Council from 2019 through 2022, before he was first elected to the Senate in January 2023. He said Thursday that its important to understand the entirety of the issue regarding casinos and skill games and noted that when he served in local government, he didnt like Richmond telling him what to do. I supported legislation giving the localities the option to decide to put on a referendum to decide whether or not they will want a casino, Rouse said. The other part of that is also supporting our workers, supporting our labor unions, making sure they have good, high-paying jobs, so they can take care of their families, so they can make sure that Virginias economy becomes No. 1. Prince William County School Board Chair Babur Lateef is strongly against a Tysons casino and is also against skill games. I am 100% opposed to slot machines in your local 7-Eleven, video poker machines in the restaurants in your neighborhoods, Lateef said. They are designed to make children addicted and to be predatory among those who are the most vulnerable. These are not the ideas we need to generate our Virginia economy. Alex Bastani, a longtime labor leader, is against a casino at Tysons Corner, but not against casinos in general; he said it depends on each communitys needs. On skill gaming, he said it should come down to local authority. Im not a fan of gambling. However, I believe that the skill game rules should be up to localities, Bastani said. One of the reasons weve lost power in this country is because of the condescending attitude of the economic elite. Its not my position as a Northern Virginian to tell someone in Lynchburg that they shouldnt have skill gaming at their local 7-Eleven. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy has a well-documented history of lying, and so it was reasonable to believe he was lying again during his January confirmation hearing when he said he is "not anti-vaccine" and promised he wasn't going to take vaccines away. Still, it's both alarming and remarkable how swiftly he's moved to take away COVID-19 boosters that have helped millions of Americans avoid becoming seriously ill from this still-novel virus. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration announced plans to deny access to the vaccine for people under 65 without an underlying health condition. This fits in with Kennedy's long-standing history of eugenics-tinged notions that disease is a good thing, falsely claiming that it strengthens the gene pool, and insinuating that it makes survivors stronger. (In reality, vaccines boost overall immunity while disease often weakens it.) But the particulars of the policy also reveal something about Kennedy's reactionary class politics, which contradict his family's history of progressivism. As Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo noted on Bluesky, "I strongly suspect youre going to have doctors leaning forward on what constitutes a preexisting condition in this case." Which is to say, people who want the booster can get around the FDA ban by asking their doctor for a prescription. But as many folks, including myself, immediately pointed out, forcing people to go to the doctor requires time and usually money. Previously, most people could get the vaccine, often with no copay, by breezing into a pharmacy while grocery shopping. The people who don't have the time or money to go through the onerous process of a doctor's appointment are more likely to be working class or poor. Even middle-class people who can afford a copay struggle to find the time to do so. This policy is turning what was once a 10-minute process into a half-day ordeal, if you're lucky. In effect, Kennedy isn't banning the vaccine he's just making sure that only well-to-do people like himself have access. Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only. The "Make America Healthy Again" slogan shortened to "MAHA" has a lot of surface appeal. Worse, Kennedy is smart about floating attention-grabbing policy ideas, like banning artificial food dyes, that are unlikely to happen but snag a lot of headlines, misleading people into thinking he's serious about improving public health. Looking away from Kennedy's empty, lie-laden rhetoric to his actions, however, and another narrative emerges: He's taking away health care, with a special emphasis on limiting access for women, minorities, children, and working people. On the latest episode of my YouTube show, "Standing Room Only," journalist Lindsay Beyerstein and I discussed how much Kennedy is taking away. Of course, the most prominent assault from Republicans on health care is Donald Trump's new tax bill, which aims to kick over 10 million eligible people off Medicaid. The mechanism for cheating people out of their coverage is phony "work requirements." In reality, it's a paperwork requirement that uses red tape to keep eligible people from accessing benefits. Its going to be creating this administrative bureaucracy and devastating amount of poor people who, despite being eligible, are going to lose coverage so that Congress can fund tax cuts for the wealthiest, MaryBeth Musumeci of George Washington University told the Washington Post. Ironically, the people most affected will often be those who work full time, because they have the least free time to navigate the paperwork labyrinth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy, who grew up in a famously progressive household, surely knows this. But he cynically joined in the lie that eligible people are "cheating" the system by penning a New York Times op-ed earlier this month that falsely claimed "able-bodied adults on welfare are not working at all" and "we dont even ask them to." Kennedy and his co-authors hope readers are picturing lazy young men who refuse to work so they can sit around playing video games. We know this because Jesse Watters rolled out the blunter form of this message on Fox News, claiming Medicaid recipients "play softball on the weekend, sell ecstasy on the side" and don't "even look for a job." As if young men don't have any need for money other than for paying their medical bills. But, as John Knefel at Media Matters explained, "92% of people on Medicaid are working, have a disability, or are performing duties such as going to school or caregiving that could qualify for an exemption from meeting work requirements." Those 92% are in danger of losing access because of the paperwork maze requirements. Of the other 8%, four out of five are women. And they aren't young or lazy. On average, they're 41 years old and were recently forced out of the workforce, often to care for family members, especially elderly ones. Most have only a high school degree or less, and their median annual income is $0. That's not a typo. This is a group of very poor women. This is where the GOP's traditional classism and racism meld with Kennedy's unsubtle eugenicist impulses. He speaks frequently of disabled people as if they are useless parasites. During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy said this about people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, a category which includes anyone with diabetes or asthma: "A healthy person has a thousand dreams. A sick person has only one." That was his scripted remark, and even then, he was arguing that a person with any chronic health condition, from someone in a wheelchair to someone who needs daily medication to manage depression, does not have a life worth living. Punishing for the "sin" of caring for disabled family members fits into this bleak, anti-human worldview. It will not make America healthy to let people die because they don't have the wealth to pay for health care out of pocket. Social Darwinism was a bad idea in the 1900s. It's even dumber now. We have decades of medical evidence showing that robust, functioning health care systems are how you improve public health. The entire history of public health research shows that the "rising tide" model isn't just more humane, but more effective than the "culling the herd" model. Sickness spreads, often directly through viruses or indirectly by depleting family resources, putting stress on people that degrades their health. Taking away health care from the people Kennedy thinks are the undeserving sick will not make others healthier. That's not even really the goal of the Medicaid cuts, which are about funding massive tax cuts for the rich. Pulling a few food dyes out of your snacks is no substitute for what Americans need, which is the health care support for all to live full and productive lives. Over the past few weeks, Ive been collecting examples of Trumps forgotten contributions to Bostons universities, hospitals, technology startup scene and even the Museum of Science. No, not Donald J. Trump, the president. His paternal uncle, John G. Trump, the MIT professor and entrepreneur. John Trump lived in Winchester, but because he died forty years ago, in 1985, its hard to find people who knew him or remember his work. President Trump has occasionally referenced his super genius uncle, who taught at MIT for a record number of years. Some think that the familial connection may be why MIT has not wound up directly in the federal governments sights, in the same way that universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Cornell and Brown have. MIT, of course, is still smarting from significant reductions in federal research funding and is suing the government to do what it can to block cuts from agencies like the National Science Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Trump, as it happens, worked on several federally funded projects over the course of his life, including the Radiation Lab at MIT. That lab worked to perfect and deploy the radar systems that helped the Allies win World War II. Some of his work on using radiation to treat cancer was funded by the National Institutes of Health. And in the mid-1970s, Trump worked on a project to treat sewage before it entered waterways like Boston Harbor, funded by the National Science Foundation. John Trump was born in New York City to German immigrants, and while his family hoped that he might design buildings for their growing real estate business, when he was a freshman in college, he decided to change his focus from architecture to engineering. He eventually earned a masters degree in physics from Columbia and then a doctorate in electrical engineering at MIT. He collaborated with another physicist to build an early kind of particle accelerator called a Van de Graaff generator. It could produce intense X-ray beams. The two later started a company together, High Voltage Engineering Corp., with another MIT professor. It attracted funding from Georges Doriot, a Harvard Business School professor who ran one of the first venture capital funds, American Research & Development, in Boston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High Voltage Engineering, founded in a Cambridge garage, built Van de Graaff generators and other high-end equipment that were in increasing demand for cancer therapy, industrial radiography and nuclear particle acceleration, according to Creative Capital, a book about Doriot and his venture capital firm. Trump was also a key contributor to the development and deployment of radar technology to Allied forces, including for use during the D-Day invasion in 1944. He headed up the British branch of MITs Radiation Laboratory and worked to improve the resolution of the newly developed radar systems, which gave the Allies a strategic edge in locating bombing targets and spotting and firing on incoming enemy aircraft. But some of Trumps most significant research contributions before and after the war involved building and using powerful X-ray generators to deliver radiation for cancer treatments. Trump had a close collaboration with what is now the Lahey Hospital and Medical Clinic, working to advance the use of radiation to reach deeper into the body without harming healthy tissue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also modified the device to treat skin cancers and taught courses for hospital physicists throughout the Northeast about how to use the technology. During his lifetime, more than 10,000 patients were treated at Lahey, and in his High Voltage Research Lab at MIT, according to an obituary published by the National Academy of Engineering. He had a rich career at MIT, and was as different [from] his brother Fred and his nephew Donald as you can imagine, says O. Robert Simha, 93, a retired director of planning at MIT who collaborated with John Trump to build one of his labs on campus. He was thoughtful, kind, polite, understanding, and cooperative as one could hope for. The admiration President Trump has expressed for his late uncle is probably to our advantage, Simha says. Hes not attacking MIT directly. If you have spent time in the Boston area, my bet is that you have seen some of the traces of John Trump here perhaps without even realizing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a John G. Trump building at the Lahey Hospital campus in Burlington, which currently houses Laheys outpatient behavioral health and psychiatry departments, according to spokeswoman Sonya Vartabedian. A recently established John G. Trump Fund for Innovation in Diagnostic Radiology will be used to support promising new technologies or applications that enhance and complement diagnostic radiology techniques, she writes via email. Trump was chairman of Laheys board of trustees from 1974 to 1985. On MITs campus, his former research lab is still standing, right on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, just across the street from the universitys nuclear reactor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And at the Museum of Science, where Trump was also a life trustee, theres a plaque honoring his contributions. Its right near the museums Theater of Electricity, which features a large Van de Graaf generator that Trump helped build and install. The theaters Lightning! show is on hiatus now because of construction, but museum spokesperson Meaghan Agnew expects it to return sometime in June. John Trump never promoted himself in any way, says Bob Wenstrup, 87, who worked with him as a medical physicist at MIT and Lahey. Wenstrup remembers Trump going to Washington, D.C., to receive an important award, but not telling his colleagues, who learned about it by reading the next days newspaper. Trump was a man who had made enormous contributions in every area he worked in, Wenstrup said. Its simply unbelievable how much he did. Wenstrup is not a fan of John Trumps nephew, the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He resents people who are intelligent, Wenstrup said, but he uses John Trump as an indication of how extraordinary he is himself. Wenstrup has clear memories of attending John Trumps funeral in February 1985 and meeting Fred Trump there, the presidents father. But he doesnt recall encountering Donald Trump there. Stories by Scott Kirsner Read the original article on MassLive. DALLAS, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) The service and sacrifice, honor and memory of our military veterans are spread all throughout north eastern Pennsylvania. This Memorial Day, a local historian provides a closer look at the notable soldiers buried in many of our areas cemeteries. Many local military veterans being remembered this Memorial Day have served in some of the earliest wars and for some of the highest people. A Luzerne County presidential historian is providing insight into their significance here in NEPA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A flag placed near a grave is a sight to see in many cemeteries across the country and right here in northeastern Pennsylvania. Its pretty touching. And I feel some people dont realize until they go there and see it for themselves, Presidential Historian Larry Cook said. The memory of a veterans military service is specially honored on Memorial Day. But Cook says the service has been remembered for centuries, dating back to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, like veterans buried here in Eaton Cemetery in Dallas. Meteorologist Valerie Smock emceed Annual Memorial Day Parade in Dallas We are fortunate in this area because, like you mentioned, not many areas have the history we have, but we are rooted right to the beginnings, Cook explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Hanover Green Cemetery lies Rufus Bennett, who served as a personal life guard to General George Washington. Also buried there is Andrew Lee, an intelligence gatherer for George Washington, or better known as a spy. GAR, the Grand Army of the Republic, was engraved on plaques. The veterans organization established Memorial Day in 1868, initially called Decoration Day. We call these fallen people in these early wars men, but they are really boys, Cook told 28/22 News. Dozens came out for Memorial Day Parade in Taylor At the Wyoming monument along Wyoming Avenue are 227 American flags. They symbolize each person killed in the Battle of Wyoming when loyalists and native americans attacked patriot militia men in 1778. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many patriots buried under that monument in Wyoming, so here in Luzerne County, our roots go back to the founding of this country, Cook added. As holidays pass by, Cook hopes there is an infinite honor for these brave men and women in the valley. That they recognize and appreciate them, and that they continue to appreciate them, and continue to do things to thank our veterans that have served, Cook continued. Cook says there are thousands of veterans buried throughout our region, all with their own significance and importance to our country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. Home educators defend survival of advisory council Jennifer Wright, center inset and a home educator, spoke Tuesday against the idea of getting rid of the Home Education Advisory Council. Many home education advocates turned out Tuesday to oppose what one called an ambush amendment to eliminate the 14-member Home Education Advisory Council (HEAC). You want home educators to get on board, sit down and shut up, said Katherine Abbott of Portsmouth in defending the councils work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Glenn Cordelli, R-Tuftonboro, argued that after 35 years of advocacy, leaders have gotten sidetracked, and the group has become dysfunctional. Several HEAC members have become critical of Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), taxpayer-subsidized scholarships for parents to send their children to private, religious, alternative public or home school programs, he said. HEAC has lost its way and deviated from its role per law and rule and is not adhering to its responsibility to provide support to home educators, Cordelli said. Cordelli proposed his amendment to an unrelated bill (HB 57) to study whether the state should reduce the number of supervisory administrative units (SAUs) in New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several members of the HEAC said the creation of EFAs in 2021 has threatened to dilute the independent nature of home education by having families accept public funding. Many home educators believe accepting EFA money gives the state more control over their instruction. Amanda Weeden with Granite State Home Educators said the council since September has raised issues with Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut about the freedom of their movement. The optics of this non-germane amendment being snuck in, it is an ambush, said Weeden. The (EFA) school choice movement is late to the party. We are the original school choicers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Group began as a way to advise DOE on the topic The Legislature created HEAC in 1990 as a forum to give advice to the education commissioner on home schooling. Without this council, this valuable line of communication would be lost, said Jennifer Pereira, who served on the council for eight years. Dianne Nolin, a member of HEAC, noted Gov. Kelly Ayotte has already announced that she will name a new education commissioner at the end of this school year when Edelblut will move on after eight years on the job. Through periods of change we need the experience of those who do the work every day, Nolin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several opponents of Cordellis idea called on the Legislature to get rid of agency rules that along with state law govern home education practices. This is an important liaison for us, said Jennifer Wright, a home educating mom. Are there things that could be fixed? Absolutely. This has been going on since I was born. I think eliminating it would be really short-sighted. Cordelli had said other advocacy groups such as the New Hampshire Home Educators Association founded in 1983 could take the place of HEAC and be more focused on the mission. But after nearly every speaker opposed Cordellis idea, Cordelli told the House Education Policy and Administration Committee he chairs that he would drop the idea, meet with advocates and perhaps pursue cooperative legislation in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can give HEAC a little more time, Cordelli summed up. I am hopeful that the tone of discussion between traditional home educators and EFA families who are primarily home schooling will improve, that the rhetoric calms down. Whats Next: The full House early next month will vote on the SAU study bill without the home education issue in it. Prospects: Lawmakers never run short of ideas for study committees and this one too is likely to make it to the finish line. klandrigan@unionleader.com A fire burned a small homeless encampment and a semitruck in south Phoenix during the morning of May 27. The fire was reported at about 8:30 a.m. near the southwest corner of 23rd Avenue and Buckeye Road next to In-Power Motors, a semitruck lot. The fire spread to a pile of tires and burned a small homeless encampment, Capt. Rob McDade, a spokesperson for Phoenix Fire Department, confirmed. A fire burned a small homeless encampment and a semi-truck near 23rd Avenue and Buckeye Road in south Phoenix on May 27, 2025. A semitruck next to the encampment also burned in the fire and was destroyed. The Phoenix Fire Department confirmed there were no reported injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phoenix police remained on scene as investigators searched through the scorched remains. Sgt. Phil Krynsky, spokesperson for Phoenix police, also confirmed there were no reported injuries. He said the fire did not appear to be "criminal in nature," with initial evidence showing it was likely started unintentionally. Several other homeless encampments were seen in the same area. It was not immediately clear if the fire started in the homeless encampment or outside near the semitruck. Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fire destroys a homeless encampment and a semitruck in Phoenix PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Homeless communities and advocates are calling on state leaders to provide more funding for support services amid what they are describing as a homelessness catastrophe. Several organizations, elected officials and unhoused individuals rallied outside the state house Tuesday afternoon, pleading for an additional $17.8 million. According to OpenDoors co-Executive Director Nick Horton, Gov. Dan McKees initial 2026 budget cuts the Rhode Island Department of Housings funding by at least 56%, which could result in a potential loss of 1,000 shelter beds this fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: New dashboard shows availability of shelter beds in RI Even if Gov. Dan McKees proposed amendments to the Real Estate Conveyance tax and Short Term Rental tax are approved, adding $4.3 million to the Housing Departments funding, Horton said there will still be a 44% cut, and nearly 650 beds are expected to close. Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi provided the following statement to 12 News: I will continue to prioritize addressing homelessness in the budget. In recent years, the General Assembly has gone above and beyond the Governors budget requests for homeless assistance. Despite an extremely challenging budget year, homelessness will remain a priority of the legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TARGET 12: Rhode Islands Housing Crisis Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. A Honduran woman living in the U.S. illegally has been charged with child trafficking crimes in Rhode Island, federal authorities said Tuesday. Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto is charged with two counts of indecent solicitation of a child and trafficking of a minor, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement. She remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. Officers with ICE Boston, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration New England, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Boston arrested Soriano-Neto in Providence on March 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto apparently trafficked a child for nefarious reasons, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde said in a statement. Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and anyone who would do them harm represents a significant threat to our community, Hyde said. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from New England. Providence Police arrested Soriano on Feb. 20 and charged her with two counts of indecent solicitation of a child and trafficking of a minor. U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested Soriano-Neto on Oct. 25, 2017, after she illegally entered the United States at the Calexico, California, port of entry. Border Protection transferred custody of Soriano to ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued Soriano-Neto a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge Nov. 9, 2017, officials said. ICE later released Soriano-Neto on parole on Nov. 17, 2017. 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 HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kong's first locally born giant pandas have finally been named and introduced as Jia Jia and De De. The names of the cubs, affectionately known as Elder Sister and Little Brother, were announced Tuesday in a ceremony at Ocean Park, the theme park housing them, their parents and two other giant pandas that arrived from mainland China last year. The names were the winning suggestions from residents in a naming contest that drew more than 35,700 entries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese character Jia, from the female cub's name Jia Jia, carries a message of support and features an element of family and a sense of auspicious grace. The name embodies the prosperity of families and the nation and the happiness of the people, the park said. The Chinese character De," from the male cub's name, means to succeed, carrying the connotation that Hong Kong is successful in everything. De also has the same pronunciation as the Chinese character for virtue, the park said, suggesting giant pandas possess virtues cherished by Chinese people. Ocean Park chairman Paulo Pong said they followed tradition by using Mandarin pronunciation for the pandas English names. He said Jia" sounds like a word in the Cantonese term for elder sister, while De De sounds a bit like the Cantonese phrase for little brother. Cantonese is the mother language of many Hong Kongers. It's a very positive pair of names, he said. We have to be a bit creative here with the names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cubs, who live with their mom, attracted crowds of visitors on Tuesday. Jia Jia explored a rock and walked around their area, while De De climbed a tree. Visitor Polly Luk, a panda lover with an annual pass to the park, spent an hour in line to see the cubs. Im so used to their old names. Even now they have new names, I'll still call them Elder Sister and Little Brother," Luk said. The twins' birth in August made their mother, Ying Ying, the worlds oldest first-time panda mom a day before her 19th birthday. Their popularity among residents, visitors and on social media raised hopes for a tourism boost in the city, where politicians touted the commercial opportunities as the panda economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Observers are watching whether housing six pandas helps the park revive its business, especially when caring for the animals in captivity is expensive. Ocean Park recorded a deficit of 71.6 million Hong Kong dollars ($9.2 million) last financial year. The park recorded a nearly 40% growth in visitor flow and 40% increase in overall income during a five-day holiday beginning May 1 in mainland China, said Pong, who hopes the growth momentum will continue through summer, Halloween and Christmas seasons. Pandas are considered Chinas unofficial national mascot. The countrys giant panda loan program with overseas zoos has long been seen as a tool of Beijings soft-power diplomacy. ___ Associated Press video journalist Alice Fung contributed to this report. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) In Frankfort, leaders and Gold Star families gathered to pay tribute this Memorial Day as new names were added to the states monument honoring fallen heroes. 317 names are carved into the memorial, each one a life dedicated to service. Read more of the latest Kentucky news She was a major in the Air Force, and I know she put God first, and family second, and then country. So, she served 29 years in the Air Force, Major Latonia Rene Trowell, Charles Trowell, her father, told FOX 56 News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major Trowell died from a service-connected illness in 2015. 22 more names were added to the monument this Memorial Day, ranging as far back as World War One, including Trowells. That means a lot to me. And, you know, I can come up here and see her name, and it means a lot because she did a lot for her country, Charles said. This is a calm and beautiful place to honor those who have faced danger and conflict. Each of them took a sacred vow to protect us. A debt we can never repay, Gov. Andy Beshear said in his remarks. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders from both state and local government joined in the service honoring Kentuckys Gold Star families, remembering the lost with a wreath-laying and hearing sobering remarks reminding them of the harsh realities of sacrifice. Its been 55 years, and I still hear that poor mothers screams, guest speaker LTC (Ret.) Dick Stoops said in his speech. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An uncle behind his nieces honour killing has sued ITV over rape claims. Ari Mahmod is one of five men serving life in jail for the murder of Banaz Mahmod, 20, after she was raped by her cousins before being strangled. She had left an abusive forced marriage with an older man and started a relationship with someone else before her murder. Now, Mahmod, 69, is suing ITV for libel over Honour, a 2020 drama starring Keeley Hawes, and a 2012 documentary about the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He claims that while honour murders are acceptable in Iraqi Muslim culture, the rape accusations have ruined his reputation. Representing himself, he told the High Court he had been attacked in jail and his family had suffered reprisals. Speaking via video-link from HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire earlier this month, he said: In my country murder is normal. After served time you have a new opportunity. In my culture the main things they react against me was the rape allegation. Referring to himself in the third person, he said: Prisoners attempt to hurt Ari Mahmod. Almost all statements left no doubts the allegation of rape was with Aris blessing. In the Islamic community rape is taboo. It is the highest level of crime. Banaz Mahmod was strangled and raped before her body was buried in a suitcase - Metropolitan Police/PA Banaz, from Mitcham, south London, was raped and strangled in January 2006 in a case which shocked the country. Her body was taken to Birmingham and buried under a patio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her father, Mahmod Mahmod, and his brother Ari, were convicted of murder in 2007 and were handed life sentences with a minimum of 20 and 23 years respectively. Her cousin Mohammad Hama pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 17 years. In 2010, two more cousins were found guilty of murder and jailed for 22 and 21 years. The 2020 ITV drama Honour was based on the Mahmod case - ITV Ben Gallop, the barrister representing ITV, said: The claimant is a convicted murderer. This is rare for a claim of libel as the possibility of any damage to his reputation is limited due to his pre-existing bad reputation. Mr Gallop said viewers who believed Mahmod ordered the rape would be choosing to select the worst possible meaning of the programmes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judgment in the case is expected next month. ITV News 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) An injury lawsuit reform bill critics say will make it harder for victims to receive justice inched closer to becoming law when the Texas House voted to advance it, with amendments, 94-52 late Monday evening. Under Senate Bill 30, a jury would hear if an attorney referred their client and others over the past two years to a specific doctor. That provider must submit an affidavit that treatment was reasonable and disclose any agreement guaranteeing they are reimbursed for treatment costs in a settlement. Medical expenses would be reimbursed based off rates paid by Medicare and workers compensation insurance. If [medical providers] have a financial relationship with that attorney, and a vested interest in the litigation, it speaks to their motivation behind their charges, said Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, who filed the House version of the bill and is a neurosurgeon and Chairman of the Board of Houston Physicians Hospital. Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, center, advocates for SB 30. To the right, Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, holds a binder with TLRs logo visible. (Courtesy Texas House of Representatives) The bill was backed by Texans for Lawsuit Reform, whose logo was seen on a document on the House floor. This legislative session, TLR has pushed for bills related to trucking accidents and personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits aimed at lowering insurance costs and stopping what it calls nuclear verdicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though the proponents of these bills talk about lowering insurance costs, the bills never mention the word insurance. The bills dont do anything to insurance companies, said Ware Wendell with the consumer and patient advocacy group Texas Watch. They just infringe upon our rights. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had listed SB 30 as a priority bill this session along with the goal of curbing large jury verdicts. Texas Capitol, where lawmakers discussed SB 30. (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant) Despite victim pushback, Senate passes trucking lawsuit bill TLR said the bill targets what it believes are often inflated medical costs that are presented at trial, which attorneys and medical providers dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will limit the ability of some lawyers and collaborating health care providers to cheat, TLR General Counsel Lee Parsley told lawmakers in March. Parsley said the bill does not cap damages or prevent an injured person from recovering the full measure of compensatory and non-economic damages. The Lone Star Economic Alliance, which represents a coalition of Texas businesses, said the bill addresses the rising wave of abusive lawsuits and reduces pressure for companies to settle meritless claims. Last year, a KXAN investigation first revealed intentions by TLR and LSEA to push for more lawsuit reforms. Texas is known as the best state for business, LSEA previously said in a statement. Unfortunately, our legal system has become a liability in an otherwise strong pro-business climate, and if we fail to fix it, we threaten the competitive advantages that generations of Texans have worked hard to build. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendell, however, said the bill creates unnecessary burdens for patients when it comes to how medical costs and damages can be presented to a jury. He said it would require plaintiffs to introduce evidence unrelated to the case and their care. Its really a giveaway to the insurance companies, who arent going to have to pay full medical costs under the bill, said Wendell. Corporate lobbyists for so many years in this state have made it harder and harder and harder for plaintiffs to achieve justice. Deadly truck crashes foreshadowed fight between business, safety at Capitol The Senate version of the bill required corroborating medical evidence, or prior consistent statements, for a jury to consider pain and suffering damages. Survivors of childhood sexual assault pushed back on that in recent months, worried it would make it harder to hold abusers accountable in civil court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those who spoke out was a 20-year-old who told a Senate panel he was repeatedly raped and groomed at 11-years-old by his adopted step-father, who is now serving time in prison. This abuse was not just sexual but also physical, verbal and emotional and the effects will continue for the rest of my life, the survivor told lawmakers. When I think back on what happened to me, I can only describe it as a personal hell. How do you put a cap on seven years of hell? The bill will get one more procedural vote in the House, which is expected Wednesday. If it passes, the Senate has to approve the changes before it can go to 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 KXAN Austin. ZACHARY, La. (Louisiana First) Hundreds gathered at the Louisiana National Cemetery for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor those who gave their lives in combat for our freedom. As a bagpiper performs Amazing Grace, loved ones of fallen soldiers and those who want to give thanks for our military take time to remember the cost of freedom. Keynote speaker, Colonel Darren Spears, a decorated war veteran, said the day has personal meaning for him, since he lost his good friend in battle. Doc Stevens was killed in action, Spears said. He was killed in action by an improvised explosive device, or I.E.D., as you may know it, that detonated under the left rear tire of the Hum-V he was riding in on that morning patrol. My heart sank. My mind raced in a thousand different directions. I immediately thought of his wife and now four-month-old baby girl. Many other service men and women have similar stories as I do, but they are nowhere near the level of importance of the sacrifice of one to lay down his or her life in defense of the country they love. The days events included the pledge, national anthem, prayers and wreath laying ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizer Ryan Hannon served in the military as well. Its important to keep everybodys memory alive, Hannon mentioned. The ceremony began at 11 a.m. and lasted for an hour, ending with a gun salute and taps. Those who lost loved ones laid flowers on their graves, while honoring their sacrifice. Every hot dog, every hamburger, every spin around the lake or drink with friends and family, is a debt purchased by others, Spears said. Organizers of the ceremony said they work year-round to make the event meaningful. 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. May 26GRAND FORKS Hundreds gathered for Memorial Day events in Grand Forks on Monday, May 26, to remember those who have given their lives in service to the country. On a sunny day with hardly any breeze a stark contrast to the rainy weather that played havoc on events in 2024 the crowds honored the fallen men and women during events that included Honor Guard salutes, speeches, music and readings. "It's not about the veterans who are living, but the ones who have passed," emcee Bobby Beauchamp said after the VFW/Disabled American Veterans event at Memorial Park Cemetery South late Monday morning. "That's what we don't want to forget." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first of the two events was the American Legion Post 6 service at Memorial Park North Cemetery. Col. Timothy Monroe, commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, Grand Forks Air Force Base, addressed a crowd of more than 200 people. He implored attendees to remember the true meaning behind Memorial Day. "It is about courage, it is about sacrifice and it most certainly is about remembering the high price of freedom," Monroe said. Every headstone tells a story, and every name represents a life cut short, he said. It is the duty of those who still live to ensure these stories are not forgotten and the gift of freedom is never lost, he said. Organized by the Grand Forks American Legion Post 6, the morning ceremony featured performances by the Grand Forks City Band, Post 6 Color Guard and Grand Forks Air Force Base Color Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taps and Echo was performed by Joel Ness and Sandra Iverson, while Post 6 Vice-Commander Chris Davis served as emcee. A firing squad salute was carried out by the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard. There were a number of readings and prayers shared throughout the event and wreaths were presented in honor of all who have died in their respective lines of service. Jenny Jansen, attending the Post 6 ceremony in support of her sister who is a member of the Air Force said she was struck by Monroe's speech. "Every word is true," she said. "(The people who fought) need to be honored. Every country should have a day like this, so that people think about what (others) did for them." Jansen recalled how the U.S. has helped protect Europeans in the past, and said she hopes for continued support during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Ukrainian war is giving us a lot of fear," Jansen said. "Everybody hopes that America and Europe will still be a unit, that they will not go away and that they still care for Europe. This is my prayer that Americans and Europeans will stick together." Jansen said she felt blessed to be at the ceremony, tearfully recalling her father, who she said served in the Vietnam and Korean wars. Jansen was born in Germany, and still lives there with her husband, but her father was an American and she considers the United States to be her home as well. "It's the land of the free," she said. Later Monday morning, at the VFW/Disabled American Veterans event at Memorial Park Cemetery South, keynote speaker Joel Medd spoke about his experiences with the Honor Flight program, which provides complimentary flights for veterans from the region to see veterans-related sites in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When we got home, many of you perhaps were there at the airport to welcome us home. There was a band, flags waving, and many of you were there. As we came down the escalator, many of us had tears in our eyes, including myself," Medd said of the flight's return to Grand Forks. "Many of us Vietnam veterans didn't get a welcome home." That event in Grand Forks, Medd said, thus became that missing welcome home. Beauchamp, a past state commander of the DAV, said he enjoyed handling the emcee duties at the VFW/DAV ceremony, which drew more than 150 attendees. "We couldn't have ordered a better day. The crowd was very uplifting for this solemn occasion," Beauchamp said after the event concluded. "I just really enjoy taking part in this type of occasion. It's what we all live for. For people to show up, that's what it's all about." Last year, the American Legion event was canceled due to rain, while the VFW/DAV event was moved indoors and shortened. BAY PINES, Fla. (WFLA) On a day of remembrance, hundreds of veterans, their loved ones, and members of the community gathered at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg to honor our countrys fallen troops. In a sea of red, white and blue, folks paused from their everyday lives to pay respect to those who fought for our nations freedom. Speaker after speaker shared with those in the audience that it may be easy to lose sight of the meaning behind Memorial Day, but its important to remember those who lost their lives on the frontline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its crucial to remember Memorial Day is not just another date on the calendar, but a profound reminder of the courage, dedication, and love of country that every fallen hero has exhibited, said Juliana Boor, Director, St. Pete VA regional VBA office. Know that the men we serve with went willingly into the fight, heroes, everyone, said Major General Steven M. Marks, J8 Director, U.A. Special Operations Command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8 On Your Side spoke to a military couple who looked back on their years of service together. From a very young age I knew I loved my country, said Gwen McCool, Air Force. It was tough, it was demanding, but it was an honor and privilege to serve this country, said Rick McCool, Marine Corps. Rick served in the marines, Gwen in the air force, two branches with one unbreakable bond. We both have said if we had to do it again, we would do it again, because this country is worth serving for and its worth dying for, said Gwen. The McCools shared that on this day of remembrance, carrying the torch and passing down these traditions is what matters most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans and folks who came out on Memorial Day want everyone reading at home to remember that each person honored has a name, a story, and a 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 WFLA. The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., visited Shaler during the Memorial Day weekend, from May 22 to 26, as a key feature of the townships 125th anniversary celebrations. Thousands of names are etched in the stone, honoring local men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Its so important that these children recognize what I did, what my brother did, what my uncles did, and what my grandfather did, said veteran Daniel Bonnett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, commonly known as The Wall, was dedicated in Washington, D.C., in 1982 and is one of the most visited memorials, attracting an estimated 5.6 million visitors each year. The Wall That Heals was originally unveiled as a half-scale replica in 1996 and upgraded to three-quarter size in 2018. It measures 375 feet long and 7.5 feet high at its tallest point, consisting of 140 panels made of synthetic granite. Shaler Township is one of only 31 communities that will experience The Wall That Heals. If you had a family member who died, whether you knew them or notan aunt, a sister, a brother, or a fatheryou should show respect, and we need to honor that, as everyone deserves respect, Bonnett emphasized. Vietnam Veteran Jake Buckler, a Shaler and Penn State graduate who was drafted at just 21 years old, expressed how he initially did not receive this recognition upon returning home in 1971. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no acknowledgment when I came back. I returned on June 8, 1971, and flew into Pittsburgh Airport. My mother and father were there to greet me, but no other family members or friends recognized what I had done, Buckler recalled. Like many Vietnam veterans, Buckler faced indifference and, at times, hostility, making it difficult for him to process his grief for the friends he lost. A lot of people dont understand what happened back then. I have two classmates from the [Shaler] class of 65 who are on this wall, and I have come to acknowledge their sacrifice, he said. On Monday, hundreds gathered at Anderson Field in Shaler Township to remember those who were lost and those who returned home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buckler described the ceremony as long overdue and one that provided him with a sense of healing. This is an amazing event, and I am so thankful to everyone who participated and helped bring this here, Buckler said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Hungary's European Affairs Minister Janos Boka said on May 27 that it is difficult to lead constructive negotiations with Ukraine on its EU accession, as Kyiv is allegedly conducting "information and intelligence" operations on Hungary's territory. The statement comes after the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on May 9 that it had dismantled a Hungarian military intelligence network operating in Ukraine's Zakarpattia Oblast, detaining two agents accused of espionage against the Ukrainian state. The Hungarian government denied the accusation as a smear campaign and instead declared it had exposed two Ukrainian spies operating in Hungary. The controversy has put a further strain on an already fragile bilateral relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talking to journalists ahead of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels on May 2, Boka said that constructive negotiations on Ukraine's entry to the EU would be difficult in this context. Hungary, whose government is widely regarded as the most Russian-friendly in the EU, has been blocking the opening of accession negotiation clusters with Kyiv. After the scandal broke out, Budapest announced it is suspending talks with Ukraine on national minority rights, long presented by Hungary as the main roadblock in accession negotiations. Budapest has repeatedly accused Kyiv of discriminating against the Hungarian ethnic minority concentrated in southwestern Zakarpattia Oblast, an accusation that the Ukrainian leadership denies. Much of these disputes center around Ukraine's language laws that require at least 70% of education above the fifth grade to be conducted in Ukrainian. In turn, Kyiv has long accused Budapest of undermining Ukraine's sovereignty through political interference and dual citizenship schemes. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also consistently obstructed sanctions against Russia and military aid for Ukraine within the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the escalating controversy, Orban has also accused Ukraine of meddling in Hungary's internal affairs and colluding with the Hungarian political opposition. The agenda of the May 27 meeting in Brussels includes the possibility of stripping Hungary of its voting rights as the EU is looking for ways to override Budapest if it vetoes Ukraine's accession. This will be the eighth hearing regarding Hungary since the European Parliament triggered Article 7 procedures against the country in 2018. Article 7 of the EU Treaty allows for the suspension of Council voting rights if a member state consistently breaches EU founding principles. Read also: Decision on lifting range restrictions on arms for Ukraine made months ago, Germanys Merz clarifies Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Hungary currently has no intention of approving the opening of negotiation clusters in Ukraine's EU accession talks due to tense bilateral political relations. Source: Hungarian EU Affairs Minister Janos Boka, as reported by European Pravda Details: Boka, speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels on 27 May, accused Ukraine of conducting espionage activities on Hungarian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this moment, Ukraine is conducting numerous informational and intelligence operations in Hungary aimed at influencing democratic decision-making processes. In such a political context, it is extremely difficult to conduct constructive negotiations," he said. Background: On 20 May, Hungarian intelligence services claimed to have uncovered two Ukrainian "spies": Roland Tseber and Istvan Hollo. A Hungarian court stated there were grounds to suspect that Hollo, acting on behalf of Ukrainian military intelligence, had been conducting activities in Hungary which, if proven, would constitute the crime of espionage. Tensions in Ukraine-Hungary relations escalated after Ukraine's Security Service announced on the morning of 9 May that it had uncovered a Hungarian military intelligence network operating in Zakarpattia Oblast and conducting espionage. Following this, Budapest expelled two Ukrainian diplomats, accusing them of spying. Ukraine responded by expelling two Hungarian diplomats. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Thousands of hungry Palestinians flooded a controversial new aid distribution center in Gaza on Tuesday and made off with boxes of food while Israeli soldiers fired live rounds in the air to disperse the crowds. It was a violent debut for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) facility near the city of Rafah, the first of four food distribution sites set up by the U.S.-backed organization and the Israeli military to control the flow of humanitarian aid into the crowded Palestinian territory. The Hamas-run government in Gaza accuses the GHF of being "affiliated with the Israeli occupation administration itself." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Desperate for food after a three-month blockade of Gaza by the Israelis reduced aid shipments to a trickle, on Tuesday the throng could be seen in live video storming the barricades and removing boxes of aid while GHF workers looked on. Charitable organizations distribute hot meals in Gaza City on Tuesday. (Saeed Jaras / Anadolu via Getty Images ) The GHF confirmed in a statement that the Gazans took some of the aid from the site they refer to as SDS-1. "The needs on the ground are great," the statement said. "At one moment in the late afternoon, the volume of people at the SDS was such that the GHF team fell back to allow a small number of Gazans to take aid safely and dissipate. This was done in accordance with GHF protocol to avoid casualties." Order was restored by late afternoon, the group said, adding it had distributed about 8,000 food boxes, equivalent to about 462,000 meals, to a crowd of Palestinians who included many women and children, some of whom arrived on donkey carts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, the aid organization and the Israelis, as well as the U.S. State Department, accused Hamas of trying to block civilians from reaching the aid distribution center. "The fact of the matter is, Hamas has been opposed to this dynamic," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at a briefing. "They have attempted to stop the aid movement through Gaza to these distribution centers. They have failed, but they certainly try." The Hamas-run Government Media Office in Gaza blamed the situation on "mismanagement" by the GHF. "This resulted in thousands of hungry people rushing out under the pressure of the siege and hunger, then storming the distribution centers and seizing food, interspersed with gunfire from the Israeli occupation," the media office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Israel lifted a more than two-month blockade barring the entry of food, medicine and other vital supplies into Gaza this month, the GHF, which was founded this year, has been tasked with distributing in aid in Gaza, with the backing of Israeli officials and the Trump administration. Israel has maintained that a new system was needed, alleging that Hamas was stealing aid. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other humanitarian groups have denied seeing evidence of humanitarian supplies being diverted to Hamas or other militant groups. Speaking at the Knesset, Israels parliament, on Wednesday, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said he was glad to see GHFs operations get underway, adding the process appeared to be effective so far. Palestinians receive food packages from GHF on Tuesday. (AFP / Getty Images) He repeated Israel's claims that Hamas was stealing aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, critics at the U.N. and other relief organizations say Israelis are using aid to lure Palestinians from their homes in northern Gaza to the south so they can solidify their control over the territory. "The so-called 'safe distribution sites' are nothing more than 'racist isolation ghettos' established under the supervision of the occupation, in exposed and isolated military areas," according to the Hamas-run media office. Before Tuesday's incident, legal advocacy groups like Switzerland-based TRIAL International had denounced GHF and pointed to the difficulties in distributing aid, given questions over its impartiality and independence. If your organization is being used by the occupying powers, it is likely that you wont be able to carry out your task in respect to those principles, Philip Grant, TRIAL Internationals executive director, told NBC News on Monday. Palestinians near the GHF facility distribution center in western Rafah on Tuesday. (Hatem Khaled / Reuters) The fact that the GHF will continue its work is highly problematic if its done in a way that is not consistent with international principles of the Geneva Conventions, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the GHF's chief, Jake Wood, gave critics of his organization's efforts more ammunition by suddenly resigning and claiming that it would be impossible to do the job without compromising "humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence." COGAT, the Israeli militarys liaison with Palestinians and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office, was mum on Wood's exit. GHFs board said in a statement that it was disappointed by Woods departure but would push forward with its plan and begin distributing aid in Gaza. In Washington, Bruce that said the State Department was not involved in the effort and that "the real story here is that theres food aid going in." "There will be people, of course, who will look at some of the details and not like it," Bruce said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Roshel has introduced a new mobile counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) platform at CANSEC 2025 in Ottawa, marking its first demonstration of an integrated battlefield-proven solution for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing drone threats. Developed in partnership with Leonardo, the Senator Counter-UAS Vehicle combines Roshels Senator Pickup MRAP chassis with Leonardos Falcon Shield system, offering both Canadian and allied forces a ready-to-deploy capability against a spectrum of uncrewed aerial systems. Roshel plans to begin production later this year, with initial deliveries to Canadian and select allied customers scheduled for 2026. The Senator family has seen extensive operational use in Ukraine, where more than 1,800 vehicles have been supplied to Ukrainian forces since 2022. Roshels Ontario facility, which conducts design, engineering, and final assembly, adapted the Senator MRAP to host Leonardos Falcon Shield Mobile configuration, enabling on-the-move protection against reconnaissance drones, swarming threats, and weaponized UAS. The platform retains its baseline protection levelsSTANAG 4569 Level 2 against ballistic threats and Level 3 blast resistancewhile adding a bolted, maintainable armor capsule and mine-protected seating. Falcon Shield Mobile integrates a multi-spectrum radar array with electro-optical sensors, AI-based classification algorithms, and electronic-attack capabilities. The systems automated command-and-control suite supports both kinetic defeat options and non-kinetic techniques such as protocol manipulation. Leonardo reports that Falcon Shield has already been proven under operational conditions with the Royal Air Force and Canadian Armed Forces in static and convoy-protection roles; its adaptation to a wheeled platform allows for rapid redeployment and remote emplacement when necessary. By integrating Leonardos Falcon Shield into the Senator chassis, we can offer a mobile C-UAS capability that meets evolving threat profiles without extensive additional training or infrastructure, said Roman Shimonov, CEO of Roshel. He emphasized that the vehicle is fully interoperable with NATO command-and-control systems and supports sensor fusion and autonomous meshing with other assets. Chris Axcell, Senior Vice President of Leonardo UKs Integrated Sensing and Protection business, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project: Falcon Shield has demonstrated its effectiveness in multiple environments. Onboard Roshels Senator platform, Falcon Shield Mobile extends that protection to move at convoy pace, detecting and defeating UAS before they can deliver their payloads or gather tactical intelligence. The Roshel-Leonardo partnership underscores a growing trend toward multinational industrial cooperation in the C-UAS domain. The Senator Counter-UAS Vehicle features an open-architecture design that facilitates the integration of future sensors or countermeasures and can function as part of a wider C-UAS network, linking fixed installations, manned units, and autonomous nodes. This flexibility aims to accommodate shifting operational requirements and rapid technological advances in aerial threats. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A Hyattsville man was charged after he threatened to kill two strangers while on a Metrobus last summer, the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) announced Tuesday. Ankintola Olowofoyeku, 43, was on a 70 Route Metrobus in the early morning hours of July 21, 2024. As the bus approached the intersection of Georgia Avenue NW and Jefferson Street NW, he began yelling at a man and a woman, demanding they get off the bus, according to court documents. The two tried to ignore Olowofoyeku, but he reportedly moved closer and said he would shoot them if they did not leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland, Metro leaders announce redevelopment coming to North Bethesda Station The victims retreated into a corner of the bus and Olowofoyeku began to push the man involved, causing a physical altercation to break out. At one point, the two were on the ground fighting. Thats when Olowofoyeku pulled out a switchblade pocketknife and stabbed the man in his leg, arm and hand, according to the victims account in court documents. Eventually, Olowofoyeku was kicked off the bus, where he allegedly continued brandishing the knife and threatening to kill people. Olowofoyeku fled the area and was arrested on Feb. 7, 2025, more than six months after the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was charged on May 21 with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed and felony threats. His trial is scheduled to begin June 16. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. At a farm market in St. Petersburg, Florida, SNAP recipients were able to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer cards for food. (Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA). Earlier this month, Idaho Gov. Brad Little said he had thoughts on the big, beautiful bill advancing through Congress. To extend 2017 tax cuts, the bill would deeply cut federal spending for programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters, Little said he wondered how it would impact Idaho. I dont want to be in a position to where the big, beautiful bill passes, and myself and all my fellow governors are going to be back there whining and crying, he said on May 12. But he soon added that Idaho would be better prepared than other states because of the states stockpiled rainy day fund, and investments in facilities, schools and roads. Ive said this many times: With what weve done in the past, where we are, almost anything that happens at the federal level is going to impact the other 49 states more than it is Idaho, Little said. And I feel that about the big, beautiful bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, he threw his support behind the bill also backed by President Donald Trump. The bill passed the U.S. House and now heads to the U.S. Senate. It could shift millions of dollars in SNAP costs onto Idaho. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Were doing a good job why would you penalize us? Idaho Gov. Little says SNAP is a federal program that states run. The federal government pays for benefits. But states already chip in somewhat, by splitting administrative costs with the federal government. States have really very little flexibility or options in how to administer it, the Idaho governors budget chief, Lori Wolff, told the Idaho Capital Sun in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But where states do have flexibility, Idaho opts toward oversight, she explained like limiting exemptions for SNAP work requirements, prosecuting fraud cases, and ensuring payments are made accurately. Idaho has been among the top three states for payment accuracies for years, Wolff said. In Littles remarks a couple weeks ago, he leaned on Idahos metrics, too. Idaho Gov. Brad Little gives a press conference after delivering his annual State of the State address on Jan. 6, 2025, in the Lincoln Auditorium in the Idaho Capitol. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Idaho is one of the most efficient states at running the federal SNAP program, he said, citing a recent report that showed Idaho had a range of extra program accountability measures than other states. Thats one of the things Im worried about, is they categorically tell all the states, Were going to cut your program by such and such, Idahos governor said. And I says, Were doing a good job. Weve got the highest compliance rate, the least amount of fraud. Why would you penalize us? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Little and 19 other Republican governors endorsed the bill, two days before it passed the U.S. House with only support from congressional Republicans. Changes are expected in the U.S. Senate. But as it stands now, the bill would benefit wealthy taxpayers more while decreasing resources for low-income families, an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found. Bill could increase Idahos SNAP costs by at least $18M, state health official says Idaho has the second lowest SNAP payment error rate in the nation, which is only behind South Dakota, according to the most recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA. That figure measures the accuracy of each states eligibility and benefit determinations, USDA says. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gem State is among only seven states that would qualify for the lowest state cost-sharing for SNAP under the bill being considered in Congress, States Newsroom reported. The bill would require those states to pay for 5% of SNAP benefits, and require states with higher SNAP error rates to pay even more. It could raise Idahos costs for SNAP by at least $18 million, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesperson AJ McWhorter told the Sun. That requirement wouldnt start until 2028. So that gives Idaho officials time to plan, he said. Idaho already pitches in some money for SNAP. Last year, Idaho spent more than $8 million to run the program, McWhorter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that is only a small fraction of what the program costs. Last year, Idahos SNAP program gave out $271 million in benefits to low-income families last year, he said. Less than 3.5% of Idahos SNAP payments were in error, USDA data shows. Thats around three times lower than the national average payment error rate, which was 11.7%. Idaho is often seen as a model for successful SNAP administration, McWhorter said. Federal policymakers can use us as an example for other states. Idaho asks feds to ban candy, soda from SNAP The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare on May 16 asked the federal government for permission to ban candy and soda from being covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the Legislature required Health and Welfare to submit that waiver through House Bill 109. Last week, Nebraska became the first state to receive approval for that type of waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Examiner reported. In a news release, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare cited USDA data to claim that about 20% of SNAP purchases nationally are for sugary beverages and snacks. The agency couldnt immediately share the source for that claim. A USDA spokesperson directed the Idaho Capital Sun to a 2016 study that found About 20 cents out of every dollar was spent on sweetened beverages, desserts, salty snacks, candy and sugar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study has many limitations, and should not be considered nationally representative, the USDA spokesperson added. The American Heart Association says it supports Idahos move and is asking the USDA to quickly approve the waiver. The American Heart Association is committed to removing sugary drinks from SNAP, and we are proud to stand in support of Idahos efforts to do so over the soda industrys unconscionable opposition, American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown said in a written statement. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (FOX40.COM) A 21-year-old person was arrested for causing a grass fire with fireworks, according to the Lincoln Fire Department. Video Above: Sacramento fire crews addressing firework safety Crews, along with the Lincoln Police Department, responded to reports of a fire around 11:47 a.m. on Saturday, near E Street and S Herold Avenue. First responders arrived to find a fire quickly spreading because of the winds. Officials said a precautionary evacuation was set for nearby residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigations by both LPD and LFD led to the discovery of the fires deriving from illegal fireworks. Law enforcement was able to identify the suspect and arrest them on charges of arson and possession of a destructive device. Stanislaus County Sheriffs deputy arrested on charges of kidnapping, sexual assault The person was booked into the Placer County Jail. LFD reminds the community that fireworks can result in injury, fires and criminal charges. They ask residents to celebrate responsibly and report any illegal firework activities witnessed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO (WMBD) The spring and summer months can be a scary time for many Illinoisans as it has the potential to bring devastating storms, and with this come scammers looking to exploit those affected. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning state residents to be on the lookout for scammers trying to exploit homeowners and businesses in need of repairs, he said in a news release. Just as severe weather during Illinois spring months is inevitable, so too are the scammers attempting to take advantage of the devastation left in the storms wake, he said. I encourage people to use the free resources provided by my office, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and other reputable resources to ensure they choose a trustworthy contractor when assessing any damage and making repair plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People should be wary of any individual who solicits home repair or insurance adjusting services door to door, Raoul said. General contractors are not required by state law to be licensed, but many local municipalities may require permits, so people should check with their local government to get more information on permit requirements before hiring anyone, Raoul said. He also said some groups are required to have state permits such as public adjusters, roofers and plumbers. Any work that costs more than $1,000 is required to have a written contract signed by both the contractor and the customer, they must have at least the minimum insurance for bodily injury, property damage and improper home repair, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the release, Raoul gives the following tips to avoid dishonest contractors: Be wary of contractors who go door to door to offer repair services or free inspections. Ask for recommendations from people you know and trust and, whenever possible, use established local contractors. Visit the Better Business Bureaus St. Louis or Chicago websites to see if a business is a member and whether any complaints have been lodged against it. Contact Raouls Consumer Fraud Bureau to ask whether consumers have filed complaints against the contractor. Even if there is a need to act quickly, shop around. Get written estimates from multiple contractors, and dont be rushed into a deal. Get all terms of a contract in writing, and obtain a copy of the signed contract. Never make the full payment until all work has been completed to your satisfaction. Never pay in cash. Be aware that you have the right to cancel a contract within three business days if you signed it based on the contractors visit to your home. In the case of disaster repair, if your insurance carrier denies coverage, you have the right to cancel the contract within five days of your insurance carriers denial and within 30 days of receiving the proof of loss from your insurance carrier. Be aware that public adjusters do not work for your insurance company and may charge additional fees. If you submit a claim to your insurance company, your insurance company will likely provide an adjuster to review your claim at no additional cost to you. If you contract with a public adjuster, pay particular attention to the amount of fees being charged and whether you are obligated to use a specific contractor for repairs. Ask to see the required state and local permits and licenses. Insurance adjusters and roofers must be licensed by state agencies. It should raise a red flag if the roofer or adjuster does not have a required license, or if the name on the license doesnt match the name on the business card or truck. Please visit the IDFPRs website, to search for roofing licenses. Visit the DOIs website or call (866) 445-5364 to verify that a public adjuster is licensed and in good standing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 (WGN) Chicago officials are keeping a close eye on Springfield as lawmakers there work in the final days of the legislative session to hammer out a state budget that appeases interest groups and municipalities while protecting taxpayers. Clouding the talks is smaller-than-projected revenue and uncertainly from the federal government. For Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration in Chicago, millions of dollars are at stake. These last few days become paramount, the mayor said Tuesday. There is still work to be done, right? But what I will say is we take nothing for granted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regional officials are closely monitoring progress on a transportation bailout. The Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace, is seeking $1.5 billion in new funding, warning if lawmakers dont act, theyll face 40 percent service cuts and possible layoffs. Chicagoland transit agencies detail doomsday scenarios without state help Pritzkers 2026 budget proposal is $500 million short There is some urgency to respond to the financial needs that exist today, Johnson said. Were going to have a fully funded well-supported transit system, safe, affordable and reliable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In exchange for a bailout, lawmakers are demanding reform, pushing to consolidate the transportation agencies, but their proposals have been met by resistance from labor groups. The legislature is also looking to beef up security on buses and trains with some floating the idea of a single police force for Chicago area systems. It has to be the full force of government approach to have a transportation system that continues to grow and show up for working people, Johnson said. The mayor has also asked lawmakers to amend the prepaid cellphone and calling card tax to generate $12.5 million, extend the $5-a-month 911 surcharge to raise $27.5 million, boost funding for the citys unified shelter system and improve state reimbursement rates for various services, including education. Theres little new about Springfield cramming until the last day of session, but whats different this year is that leaders say they may have to return later this summer to finish up work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. State legislators who are also lawyers in Illinois are getting a new perk, courtesy of the state Supreme Court. They just need to show up for work in the Illinois General Assembly and theyll be able to collect credit toward satisfying continuing education classes required to keep their law licenses in good standing. The new benefit came about from a little-noticed change in Supreme Court rules, a move encouraged and endorsed by multiple lawmakers. It took effect Jan. 1, just in time for the ongoing spring legislative session. At least 29 lawmakers were notified that they could qualify for up to 12 of the 30 educational credits they need to collect over two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmaker-lawyers can chalk up three hours of credit by simply attending one day of a legislative session, a committee meeting or a subcommittee hearing, according to the new rule. One catch is that they can collect only three credits throughout a legislative session, such as a spring session that lasts several months or a fall veto session that lasts a few weeks, court officials said. While many current lawmakers notably House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon and Senate Minority Leader John Curran, all three of whom are lawyers not surprisingly support the new benefit, some former legislators and state legal experts said the benefit for a select few of the states nearly 86,000 active lawyers raises questions about why members of the General Assembly get the special break. They and others also said it smacked of favoritism from a Supreme Court whose budget relies on lawmakers approval. It does sort of seem like special treatment for a select group of people, said Kent Slater, who formerly served as a House Republican and as a state appellate court justice. It looks like the Supreme Court is trying to make friends with the legislature. Illinois lawmakers over the years have amassed or worked to collect a wide array of benefits for themselves, including pension sweeteners and salary bonuses for higher-ranking lawmakers. For more than a century, they were able to distribute legislative scholarships, before the program was killed after news stories detailed tuition waivers at state universities for relatives, political cronies and campaign donors. In the 1980s, one legislator even advanced a bill that would have allowed lawmakers who served 10 years in the General Assembly to practice law without going to law school if they passed the bar exam. That idea rose quickly but fizzled fast once the public heard about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the timing for this latest perk is inopportune, as it comes when Gov. JB Pritzker and his fellow Democrats who control supermajorities in both chambers are showing little interest in implementing any sweeping good-government reforms even following former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigans federal corruption conviction earlier this year. Elizabeth Grossman, executive director of Common Cause Illinois, said the idea that lawmakers are now getting another break rather than passing meaningful reform that will make the legislature more responsive to the people of Illinois shows us where their priorities are. But state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, a lawyer and Democrat from Glen Ellyn, said she pushed for the credits because she saw a need. Though she could benefit from the new rule, Costa Howard said acquiring required educational hours really isnt hard for her personally because she already gets significant annual training. But her colleagues, she said, often are in a quandary trying to find time to complete their educational hours while they are busy making laws during crunch time in Springfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costa Howard said she reached out to various legal sources, including Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Kay OBrien, a former House Democrat who represents the lawmakers region on the high court. I sort of just took the bull by the horns and went for it, Costa Howard said. Especially weird No doubt, lawmakers can learn something about state laws if they pay attention to debates, ask questions and discuss the legal issues as part of the General Assembly. Because their job, which is technically part-time, also requires them to vote on proposed state laws, they also have an argument that attending legislative hearings could qualify for continuing education credit hours. The work that we do as legislators is actually continuing legal education each and every day, said Costa Howard, who served six years on a House judiciary panel. The legislation that you are working on, really going through, has to do 100% with the practice of law. Youre looking at statutes, how they are read and interpreted, and its what we do all the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new rules went into effect at the start of the year but in March the Illinois Supreme Courts Minimum Continuing Legal Education Board sent a reminder to legislators explaining, for example, how a House lawmaker who is a lawyer can receive the credit by sending in a copy of a Quorum Roll Call, the official House record that keeps track of who punched their attendance button for a particular legislative day. A similar process was explained for senators. A video link was even provided to help lawmakers figure out how to get their non-traditional credit. You will earn three hours of general MCLE credit by attending at least one day of one qualifying legislative session, the video said. How much credit lawmakers should receive is another issue getting attention. If it adds up to 12 hours, thats quite a bit, said Ann Lousin, a professor at the University of Illinois Chicagos law school who worked as a researcher at the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention. In comparison, she said, she might get 15 credit hours for writing a substantial law review article or a book on legal issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steven Lubet, a professor emeritus at Northwestern Universitys law school and an expert on legal ethics, called the credit for lawmakers remarkable. It is especially weird because full-time law teachers do not obtain credit for teaching law school courses, presumably on the theory that MCLE credit requires more than just doing your job, Lubet wrote in an email. I dont see why that same principle wouldnt apply to legislators. In an interview, Lubet acknowledged he didnt have a great problem with extending credit for legislative hearings that include evidence about why a law should be written but he said that the inconsistency of what counts as credit is jarring. Costa Howard, while saying she has utmost respect for most law professors, maintained that writing and teaching law is very different from lawmakers interpreting, preparing and explaining bills in Springfield. A national movement The decision to give Illinois lawmakers credit raised the number of states that count legislative service toward legal education to at least 24. Before the decision, the nation was split evenly, with 23 states giving credit to lawmakers for their service and 23 that did not, according to research by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. Four states didnt require continuing legal education. Eleven states provided a full CLE exemption for attorney legislators, said Supreme Court spokesman Christopher Bonjean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois Supreme Court has been part of a national movement to recognize the educational value of activities outside of traditional coursework. One early example of this is attendance and teaching at bar association meetings, Bonjean wrote in an emailed response. This has gradually expanded to legal scholarship, lawyer-to-lawyer mentoring and service on Supreme Court Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Expansion of limited credit for legislators is a continuation of this, and the Court most recently added a pilot project for CLE credit for providing pro bono legal assistance. While a legislator could claim three hours of credit if a short committee meeting is the legislators only committee hearing or full legislative session for the day, it is likely that every lawmaker will have other scheduled legislative days to participate in a full legislative session or committee hearing for at least three hours in either session, according to court officials. Legislative support included a letter co-signed by Welch along with more than 30 colleagues from both sides of the aisle asking the Supreme Court to consider recognizing the work legislators do as part of their continuing legal education requirement, said Jon Maxson, Welchs spokesman. Throughout his time as a lawmaker and attorney, the speaker has completed his CLE requirements and will evaluate how this rule can contribute to this requirement going forward. Similarly, Harmon spokesman John Patterson said the Senate president communicated to court officials his support for the new rule. Patterson said giving the credits to lawmakers has been talked about for many years and Harmon has indicated his support in passing conversations over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems like a reasonable approach, Patterson said. Continuing Legal Education programs are intended to make sure lawyers stay up to date with laws, and thats what lawmakers do on a daily basis during session. Patterson said it is possible Harmon will tap into the new credits for legislative service, depending on what his overall tally of credits is when it is time for him to report. Curran, the Senate GOPs leader, said he was not sure if he would partake in the opportunity for credit because his law firm uses the Illinois State Bar Associations online offerings for educational purposes, but he said he supports the new rule. I thought it was a very appropriate accommodation by the Supreme Court in recognition of just the volume of statutory work we do as legislator lawyers, Curran said. I would put the statutory work I do as a legislator against any CLE (course) that Ive ever been a part of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republican Leader Tony McCombie of Savana is not a lawyer. But her predecessor, former Rep. Jim Durkin, a former prosecutor from suburban Cook County, embraced the idea, saying his time spent debating, discussing, crafting and rewriting bills was more valuable than watching a CLE program on my laptop. Whos next? Giving credit to this select group of lawmakers, of course, raises the issue of whether the same opportunity should be made available to lawyers elected to city councils and village boards a point Illinois Municipal League CEO Brad Cole said is a natural question. In their own communities, Cole said, local officials write the laws too. Cole said he would monitor how the credit is used by state lawmakers and, if all goes well, look at requesting the credit be expanded to include lawyers elected to local government positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether lawyers elected to local posts should receive similar educational credits, Curran said: I think they should direct those issues to the court and ask the court to take a review of it. One question that often arises in Springfield is, once you start expanding a benefit, where do you stop? In the 1980s, Democratic Sen. Frank Savickas of Chicago took advantage of a fast-paced day loaded with mundane bills to win support on a voice vote for an amendment that allowed lawmakers with a decade of service to become lawyers without going to law school. The one caveat was they had to pass the bar exam. Savickas, who was not a lawyer but enjoyed creating mischief, suggested, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, that legislators make laws and should be smart enough to use them professionally. The idea went nowhere once the proposal made headlines, but his move to make veteran lawmakers eligible to practice law became legendary. It even drew admiration from colleagues when the Senate passed a traditional memorial resolution years later upon his death. Even in Springfield, however, the resurrection of the Savickas proposal is unlikely at least not anytime soon. Costa Howard cant imagine it would pass today. Those of us whove actually graduated from law school and taken the bar would take umbrage with that, she said. As the World War II bomber Heaven Can Wait was hit by enemy fire off the Pacific island of New Guinea on March 11, 1944, the co-pilot managed a final salute to flyers in an adjacent plane before crashing into the water. All 11 men aboard were killed. Their remains, deep below the vast sea, were designated as non-recoverable. Yet four crew members remains are beginning to return to their hometowns after a remarkable investigation by family members and a recovery mission involving elite Navy divers who descended 200 feet (61 meters) in a pressurized bell to reach the sea floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff Sgt. Eugene Darrigan, the radio operator, was buried with military honors and community support on Saturday in his hometown of Wappingers Falls, New York, more than eight decades after leaving behind his wife and baby son. The bombardier, 2nd Lt. Thomas Kelly, was to be buried Monday in Livermore, California, where he grew up in a ranching family. The remains of the pilot, 1st Lt. Herbert Tennyson, and navigator, 2nd Lt. Donald Sheppick, will be interred in the coming months. The ceremonies are happening 12 years after one of Kellys relatives, Scott Althaus, set out to solve the mystery of where exactly the plane went down. Im just so grateful, he told The Associated Press. Its been an impossible journey just should never have been able to get to this day. And here we are, 81 years later. March 11, 1944: Bomber down The Army Air Forces plane nicknamed Heaven Can Wait was a B-24 with a cartoon pin-up angel painted on its nose and a crew of 11 on its final flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were on a mission to bomb Japanese targets when the plane was shot down. Other flyers on the mission were not able to spot survivors. Their wives, parents and siblings were of a generation that tended to be tight-lipped in their grief. But the men were sorely missed. Sheppick, 26, and Tennyson, 24, each left behind pregnant wives who would sometimes write them two or three letters a day. Darrigan, 26, also was married, and had been able to attend his sons baptism while on leave. A photo shows him in uniform, smiling as he holds the boy. Darrigans wife, Florence, remarried but quietly held on to photos of her late husband, as well as a telegram informing her of his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennysons wife, Jean, lived until age 96 and never remarried. She never stopped believing that he was going to come home, said her grandson, Scott Jefferson. Memorial Day 2013: The Search As Memorial Day approached 12 years ago, Althaus asked his mother for names of relatives who died in World War II. Althaus, a political science and communications professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, became curious while researching World War II casualties for work. His mother gave him the name of her cousin Thomas Kelly, who was 21 years old when he was reported missing in action. Althaus recalled that as a boy, he visited Kellys memorial stone, which has a bomber engraved on it. He began reading up on the lost plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a mystery that I discovered really mattered to my extended family, he said. With help from other relatives, he analyzed historical documents, photos and eyewitness recollections. They weighed sometimes conflicting accounts of where the plane went down. After a four-year investigation, Althaus wrote a report concluding that the bomber likely crashed off of Awar Point in what is now Papua New Guinea The report was shared with Project Recover, a nonprofit committed to finding and repatriating missing American service members and a partner of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, or DPAA. A team from Project Recover, led by researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, located the debris field in 2017 after searching nearly 10 square miles (27 square kilometers) of seafloor. The DPAA launched its deepest ever underwater recovery mission in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Navy dive team recovered dog tags, including Darrigans partially corroded tag with his the name of his wife, Florence, as an emergency contact. Kellys ring was recovered. The stone was gone, but the word BOMBARDIER was still legible. And they recovered remains that underwent DNA testing. Last September, the military officially accounted for Darrigan, Kelly, Sheppick and Tennyson. With seven men who were on the plane still unaccounted for, a future DPAA mission to the site is possible. Memorial Day 2025: Belated Homecomings More than 200 people honored Darrigan on Saturday in Wappingers Falls, some waving flags from the sidewalk during the procession to the church, others saluting him at a graveside ceremony under cloudy skies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 80 years, this great soldier has come home to rest, Darrigans great niece, Susan Pineiro, told mourners at his graveside. Darrigans son died in 2020, but his grandson Eric Schindler attended. Darrigans 85-year-old niece, Virginia Pineiro, solemnly accepted the folded flag. Kellys remains arrived in the Bay Area on Friday. He was to be buried Monday at his familys cemetery plot, right by the marker with the bomber etched on it. A procession of Veterans of Foreign Wars motorcyclists will pass by Kellys old home and high school before he is interred. I think its very unlikely that Tom Kellys memory is going to fade soon, said Althaus, now a volunteer with Project Recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheppick will be buried in the months ahead near his parents in a cemetery in Coal Center, Pennsylvania. His niece, Deborah Wineland, said she thinks her late father, Sheppicks younger brother, would have wanted it that way. The son Sheppick never met died of cancer while in high school. Tennyson will be interred on June 27 in Wichita, Kansas. Hell be buried beside his wife, Jean, who died in 2017, just months before the wreckage was located. I think because she never stopped believing that he was coming back to her, that its only fitting she be proven right, Jefferson 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Demonstrators gather for a protest organized by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee calling for the continuation of MinnesotaCare for undocumented adults outside of the Governors Reception Room at the Minnesota State Capitol Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Minnesota immigrants voiced outrage Tuesday about a planned rollback of a law that allowed undocumented adults to access low-cost health insurance. Dozens of immigrant rights activists chanted in English and Spanish outside the governors reception room in the Capitol Tuesday afternoon, slamming Gov. Tim Walz and his fellow Democrats for making a deal with Republicans to end undocumented adults eligibility in MinnesotaCare, the state-subsidized health insurance program for the working poor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic-Farmer-Labor-controlled 2023 Legislature opened up MinnesotaCare to undocumented Minnesotans. Undocumented people could start enrolling in MinnesotaCare on Jan. 1; roughly 20,000 are now on the rolls. If the deal goes through as expected, however, their coverage would expire at the end of the year. Walz and DFL legislative leaders Rep. Melissa Hortman and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy need Republican support to craft a two-year state budget because Republicans share control of the House, 67-67. If lawmakers dont pass a budget by the end of June, state government will shut down. Budget bills many of them still outstanding will require Republican support to pass the House, and Republicans have made kicking undocumented immigrants off of MinnesotaCare a top priority in negotiations. Walz and DFL leaders joined Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth at a press conference on May 15 announcing a budget deal that included removing undocumented adults, but not children, from MinnesotaCare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why should immigrants continue to vote for the Democratic party? immigrant rights activist and Minneapolis City Council candidate Emilio Rodriguez said to the crowd on Tuesday. He also criticized pro-life Republican politicians who support the revocation of health care for immigrants. Emilio Rodriguez speaks as demonstrators gather for a protest organized by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee calling for the continuation of MinnesotaCare for undocumented adults outside of the GovernorOs Reception Room at the Minnesota State Capitol Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) DFL, shame on you. Immigrants are people too, protesters chanted. They also repeated a slogan long used in Latin America to protest tyrannical governments: El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido, which means the people united will never be defeated. Walz wasnt in the reception room during the protest; he was receiving a briefing from the National Guard at the time, a spokesperson said. Jose Mendez, a Mexico-born mechanic and immigrant rights activist, said hes thankful to have health insurance through his job, but he has several friends who were only able to access health insurance when MinnesotaCare expanded eligibility in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Mendez, the rollback of health insurance for undocumented adults is just one of the many abuses immigrants have suffered in the United States: low pay, racism, discrimination by law enforcement officers. Republicans who control the federal government are ramping up deportations and revoking other benefits from immigrants. Mendez is also opposed to a proposed tax on remittances money that immigrants send to their family in their home country included in the U.S. House Republican tax bill. Now they want to take away our health care, Mendez said in Spanish. Instead of helping us, they want to screw us over even more. Amanda OHara is leading a group of people to Tuesday nights Charlotte City Council meeting with one goal in mind: get answers. The fact Julio is still missing nearly two months later is incredibly frustrating, OHara told Channel 9s Eli Brand. Shes demanding action to find Julio, a French bulldog. Channel 9 reported when Julio was stolen from his owner, Jayla Gittens, while she was moving from her north Charlotte apartment complex. Her car was also stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That happened in early April. Since then, a juvenile and his mother have been charged in connection with the theft. Gittens car was eventually recovered, but Julio hasnt been seen since. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: We want answers and since city council isnt answering us, were taking it to their footsteps, OHara said. OHara says she and multiple others have been emailing councilmembers and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department looking for help. Theyve even taken their own steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have taken action ... we have been driving around; sometimes I spend two hours driving around different neighborhoods looking if I can see anything that would give me an indication of where Julio is, OHara said. Last week, police arrested the teens mother, accused of sending pictures to the dogs owner and demanding ransom in return. The groups goal Tuesday night will be to get answers before more crimes can be committed. Its a dog now, it could be your kid later. So we really want to make sure these crimes are not going unchecked, OHara said. (VIDEO: Robber holds Charlotte woman at gunpoint in home, steals French bulldog) By Devjyot Ghoshal, Ariba Shahid, Shivam Patel NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -A little after 8:00 pm on May 8, red flares streaked through the night sky over the northern Indian city of Jammu as its air-defence systems opened fire on drones from neighbouring Pakistan. The Indian and Pakistani militaries have deployed high-end fighter jets, conventional missiles and artillery during decades of clashes, but the four days of fighting in May marked the first time New Delhi and Islamabad utilized unmanned aerial vehicles at scale against each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fighting halted after the U.S. announced it brokered a ceasefire but the South Asian powers, which spent more than $96 billion on defence last year, are now locked in a drones arms race, according to Reuters' interviews with 15 people, including security officials, industry executives and analysts in the two countries. Two of them said they expect increased use of UAVs by the nuclear-armed neighbours because small-scale drone attacks can strike targets without risking personnel or provoking uncontrollable escalation. India plans to invest heavily in local industry and could spend as much as $470 million on UAVs over the next 12 to 24 months, roughly three times pre-conflict levels, said Smit Shah of Drone Federation India, which represents over 550 companies and regularly interacts with the government. The previously unreported forecast, which came as India this month approved roughly $4.6 billion in emergency military procurement funds, was corroborated by two other industry executives. The Indian military plans to use some of that additional funding on combat and surveillance drones, according to two Indian officials familiar with the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defence procurement in India tends to involve years of bureaucratic processes but officials are now calling drone makers in for trials and demonstrations at an unprecedented pace, said Vishal Saxena, a vice president at Indian UAV firm ideaForge Technology. The Pakistan Air Force, meanwhile, is pushing to acquire more UAVs as it seeks to avoid risking its high-end aircraft, said a Pakistani source familiar with the matter. Pakistan and India both deployed cutting-edge generation 4.5 fighter jets during the latest clashes but cash-strapped Islamabad only has about 20 high-end Chinese-made J-10 fighters compared to the three dozen Rafales that Delhi can muster. Pakistan is likely to build on existing relationships to intensify collaboration with China and Turkey to advance domestic drone research and production capabilities, said Oishee Majumdar of defence intelligence firm Janes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Islamabad is relying on a collaboration between Pakistan's National Aerospace Science and Technology Park and Turkish defence contractor Baykar that locally assembles the YIHA-III drone, the Pakistani source said, adding a unit could be produced domestically in between two to three days. Pakistan's military declined to respond to Reuters' questions. The Indian defence ministry and Baykar did not return requests for comment. India and Pakistan "appear to view drone strikes as a way to apply military pressure without immediately provoking large-scale escalation," said King's College London political scientist Walter Ladwig III. "UAVs allow leaders to demonstrate resolve, achieve visible effects, and manage domestic expectations all without exposing expensive aircraft or pilots to danger," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But such skirmishes are not entirely risk-free, and Ladwig noted that countries could also send UAVs to attack contested or densely populated areas where they might not previously have used manned platforms. DRONE SWARMS AND VINTAGE GUNS The fighting in May, which was the fiercest in this century between the neighbours, came after an April 22 militant attack in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. Delhi blamed the killings on "terrorists" backed by Islamabad, which denied the charge. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed revenge and Delhi on May 7 launched air strikes on what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next night, Pakistan sent hordes of drones along a 1,700-kilometer (772-mile) front with India, with between 300 and 400 of them pushing in along 36 locations to probe Indian air defences, Indian officials have said. Pakistan depended on Turkish-origin YIHA-III and Asisguard Songar drones, as well as the Shahpar-II UAV produced domestically by the state-owned Global Industrial & Defence Solutions conglomerate, according to two Pakistani sources. But much of this drone deployment was cut down by Cold War-era Indian anti-aircraft guns that were rigged to modern military radar and communication networks developed by state-run Bharat Electronics, according to two Indian officials. A Pakistan source denied that large numbers of its drones were shot down on May 8, but India did not appear to sustain significant damage from that drone raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India's use of the anti-aircraft guns, which had not been designed for anti-drone-warfare, turned out to be surprisingly effective, said retired Indian Brig. Anshuman Narang, now an UAV expert at Delhi's Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. "Ten times better than what I'd expected," he said. India also sent Israeli HAROP, Polish WARMATE and domestically-produced UAVs into Pakistani airspace, according to one Indian and two Pakistan sources. Some of them were also used for precision attacks on what two Indian officials described as military and militant infrastructure. The two Pakistani security sources confirmed that India deployed a large number of the HAROPs - a long-range loitering munition drone manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries. Such UAVs, also known as suicide drones, stay over a target before crashing down and detonating on impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan set up decoy radars in some areas to draw in the HAROPs, or waited for their flight time to come towards its end, so that they fell below 3,000 feet and could be shot down, a third Pakistani source said. Both sides claim to have notched victories in their use of UAVs. India successfully targeted infrastructure within Pakistan with minimal risk to personnel or major platforms, said KCL's Ladwig. For Pakistan's military, which claimed to have struck Indian defence facilities with UAVs, drone attacks allow it to signal action while drawing less international scrutiny than conventional methods, he noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CHEAP BUT WITH AN ACHILLES HEEL Despite the loss of many drones, both sides are doubling down. "We're talking about relatively cheap technology," said Washington-based South Asia expert Michael Kugelman. "And while UAVs don't have the shock and awe effect of missiles and fighter jets, they can still convey a sense of power and purpose for those that launch them." Indian defence planners are likely to expand domestic development of loitering munitions UAVs, according to an Indian security source and Sameer Joshi of Indian UAV maker NewSpace, which is deepening its research and development on such drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their ability to loiter, evade detection, and strike with precision marked a shift toward high-value, low-cost warfare with mass produced drones," said Joshi, whose firm supplies the Indian military. And firms like ideaForge, which has supplied over 2,000 UAVs to the Indian security forces, are also investing on enhancing the ability of its drones to be less vulnerable to electronic warfare, said Saxena. Another vulnerability that is harder to address is the Indian drone program's reliance on hard-to-replace components from China, an established military partner of Pakistan, four Indian dronemakers and officials said. India continues to depend on China-made magnets and lithium for UAV batteries, said Drone Federation India's Shah. "Weaponization of the supply chain is also an issue," said ideaForge's Saxena on the possibility of Beijing shutting the tap on components in certain situations. For instance, Chinese restrictions on the sale of drones and components to Ukraine have weakened Kyiv's ability to produce critical combat drones, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank. A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry said in response to Reuters' questions that Beijing has always implemented export controls on dual-use items in accordance with domestic laws and regulations as well as its international obligations. "Diversification of supply chain is a medium to long term problem," said Shah. "You can't solve it in short term." ($1 = 85.0470 Indian rupees) (Additional reporting by Saeed Shah in Islamabad, Adnan Abidi in New Delhi, Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bengaluru and Liz Lee in Beijing; Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Katerina Ang) An Indian police inspector has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan before a deadly terror attack. Moti Ram Jat of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was detained for espionage activities and allegedly sharing classified information relating to national security with Pakistani intelligence officers. Mr Jat worked at Pahalgam in Kashmir, where gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, on April 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack sparked a brief military confrontation between India and Pakistan, the neighbouring nuclear-armed states that contest Kashmir. A security official speaking anonymously told The Telegraph that Mr Jat was based at Pahalgam until six days before the incident. The arrested inspector worked at Pahalgam in Kashmir, where gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, on April 22 - Dar Yasin/AP The official said: The site of the terror attack falls under his battalions area of responsibility. An ASI [assistant sub inspector] rank official plays a significant role in operations and internal security. Mr Jat was charged with a slew of terror and conspiracy offences and dismissed from CRPF after his arrest. Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) claimed that he had been spying for, and receiving funds from, Pakistan since 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Pakistani official was reported to have approached Mr Jat via social media posing as a woman and later extracted information, including on the movements of Indian security forces and the locations of key military bases. Social media activity During internal monitoring, Mr Jat was found to have been receiving 3,000 rupees monthly into his bank account from abroad, which raised suspicions, an NIA spokesman said. Mr Jat was found to have acted in violation of established norms and protocols in regard to his social media activity, a CRPF spokesperson said. The CRPF is an armed police force that uses military-style tactics and training, and often supports the Indian army during counter-insurgency and internal security operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indian security agencies have recently intensified anti-espionage operations and arrested 13 people from across the country for allegedly working with Pakistans spy agencies. Among these was Jyoti Malhotra, a popular video blogger who posted multiple videos on her social media accounts about a trip to Pakistan and meetings with Pakistani diplomats. Jyoti Malhotra, a popular video blogger, is among 13 people arrested for allegedly working with Pakistans spy agencies Pakistan has denied having any role in the April 22 attack, which was the worst terror incident in Kashmir in decades. The massacre led to India launching aerial strikes on Pakistan, and Islamabad retaliating in kind, before the two sides were pulled back from the brink by a US-brokered ceasefire on May 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between May 7 and the ceasefire, both sides fired missiles and drones into each others territories, killing dozens of civilians. Pakistan claimed it shot down six Indian warplanes including three French-made Rafale jets, which India has not yet confirmed. 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. Indiana farmers had several legislative wins during the 2025 session, but budget constraints stymied some proposals. (Vicki Smith/Getty Images) Property tax tweaks and a new online portal were among this years legislative wins for Hoosier farmers. But a high-priority proposal to help retiring farmers transition land to a new generation of growers failed to cross the finish line in the final days of the session. Rural-focused portions of Gov. Mike Brauns first agenda pledged to cut red tape, strengthen the agricultural economy and protect Indiana farmland from encroaching development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican governor had two early successes: property tax relief and a new online farmer portal. Some legislative wins Baked into Senate Enrolled Act 1, a hotly-debated property tax measure, were changes to how farmland is assessed for property taxes increasing the capitalization rate in the farmland formula from 8% to 9%, and adding a new assessed value deduction. Braun maintained those changes will bring at least some relief for farmers. Agricultural lobbying groups agreed, in part, but said more works need to be done on property taxes, specifically. Andy Tauer, Indiana Farm Bureaus director of public policy (Photo courtesy Indiana Farm Bureau) While this will provide relief to Hoosier farmers on their real property taxes the next couple of years, taxes on other agricultural infrastructure like farm buildings and permanent structures are expected to increase due to shifts within the tax base, said Andy Tauer, Indiana Farm Bureaus executive director of public policy. Our members have seen property tax bills go up 60% over the past three years, while net farm incomes have gone down. So, we need to return to the Statehouse in the coming years to craft a more comprehensive and sustainable solution for farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another win came in House Enrolled Act 1149, the first bill signed into law by Braun. The measure, authored by Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer, creates an online one-stop-shop portal for farmers to access funding opportunities, regulatory information and state agency contacts. Hoosier farmers feed America and power our economy, and this bill makes their important job a little bit easier, the governor told reporters at a Statehouse bill signing ceremony. Brauns plan additionally called for the creation of a farmland preservation task force, as well as upgrades in rural communities, including roads, broadband and water systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Indiana Farm Bureaus water task force in 2024 identified a gap in protections for agriculture and significant groundwater well users who utilize irrigation or need water for livestock, Tauer said. Under earlier state law, those users were responsible for proving any loss of water and were liable in court. Farm bureau leadership said the lobbying group worked with Republican Sen. Sue Glick, of LaGrange, to craft Senate Enrolled Act 28, which establishes a reporting and investigation process managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to fix those issues and ensure that agriculture is protected in cases when usable water is unavailable. Braun signed the legislation in mid-April. Although we were successful in getting our water policy signed, we did not get the property tax relief that Hoosier farmers really need, said Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron. While we are appreciative of the change in the farmland formula, its incredibly important that we advocate for more tax relief for our members in the future and we vow to do just that. Other agricultural sector bills that passed and were supported by Indiana Farm Bureau and other lobbying groups included: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Enrolled Act 461 : Clarifies the responsibilities of the Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency, ensuring better compliance and support for struggling licensees. House Enrolled Act 1012 : Requires law enforcement to inform landowners of any damage to their property resulting from motor vehicle accidents. House Enrolled Act 1461: Provides additional funding and tax options for local government infrastructure projects, benefiting rural communities. Retired farmer credit fails amid budget shortfalls Axed from the final draft of the states next two-year budget, however, was a tax credit to support land transitions. The proposed retiring farmers tax credit, originally introduced by Culp, would have offered up to $67,000 in tax credits to landowners who sell or lease farmland or agricultural equipment to beginning farmers, helping ease barriers to land access and encouraging transitions to a younger generation of farmers. Claire Shipp, Midwest policy manager for the American Farmland Trust, said the policy was based on successful models in Minnesota, Iowa and other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With more than 34% of Hoosier farmers now over the age of 65, Indiana is facing a major shift in farmland ownership, Shipp said. Many retiring farmers want to sell or lease to a beginning farmer but cant afford to turn down higher offers from developers or institutional buyers, she added. The tax credit would have provided an incentive to preserve Indianas agricultural legacy, support rural economies, and ensure farmland stays in productive use for future generations. Although the tax credit was included in Brauns proposed budget in February, it was removed by GOP budget writers in the House. A Senate version of the state budget later added a beginning farmer tax credit, modeled after a similar program in Ohio, but was ultimately dropped in final budget negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caitlin Smith, Indiana Farm Bureaus director of policy engagement, said that while her group supported the tax credit, budget pressures ultimately derailed the proposal. She pointed to the states April fiscal forecast, which revealed $2 billion less in revenue that expected, prompting lawmakers to trim provisions late in the session. Keeping farmland in the hands of farmers is not just a private benefit it is a public good. Claire Shipp, Midwest policy manager for the American Farmland Trust Indiana Farm Bureaus two main policy priorities this year were to provide tax relief and water protections, Smith said. While we supported the governors agenda initiative, as well as Rep. Culps bill as filed, ultimately those didnt make it across the finish line due to budget constraints. After the April forecast was released, legislative leadership made tough decisions to close the budget gap and that was one of the items that fell off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith noted that the goal of the credit was to help encourage and foster young farmers buying land to start their businesses. We know land prices are skyrocketing while the farm economy is on a downward turn, so this credit would be a tool in the toolbox to foster the next generation taking over farms, she said. Were supportive of those initiatives, but we were really focused on asking and advocating for tax relief this year. Shipp said the American Farmland Trust plans to advocate for similar legislation again and is working with Culp and other lawmakers to revisit the proposal in 2026. Keeping farmland in the hands of farmers is not just a private benefit it is a public good, she continued. When young farmers have access to land, they contribute to local economies, bolster rural communities, and continue the agricultural heritage that sustains Indiana. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Indonesian authorities seized two tons of crystal methamphetamine hidden on a fishing boat and arrested six people in the country's biggest-ever drug bust, officials said Monday. The National Narcotics Agency, or BNN, said Thai authorities had notified them that the Indonesian-flagged vessel, sailing from the Andaman Sea to Batam Island, could be carrying a huge haul of narcotics. Indonesian authorities said they intercepted the boat in waters off the Riau islands last Tuesday, and found 2,000 packages of crystal meth stuffed into cardboard boxes hidden within the ship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The result of the search is two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine," BNN chief Marthinus Hukom told a press conference. "This is the biggest haul in Indonesia's narcotics bust history." Authorities released images of handcuffed suspects wearing orange jumpsuits and face masks sitting in front of hundreds of packages of the alleged drugs. Suspects are seen alongside seized crystal methamphetamine during a press conference by Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) officials in Batam, Riau Islands, on May 26, 2025, after they seized two tonnes of the drug hidden aboard a fishing boat following a tip-off from Thai authorities. / Credit: ANDARU AK/AFP via Getty Images Marthinus estimated the drugs to be worth more than $4 million. Indonesian authorities investigated the case over the last five months, working closely with Thai authorities. The illicit drugs were produced in the "Golden Triangle" region where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, and were smuggled by an organized crime group working with Indonesian traffickers, Marthinus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six people onboard the fishing boat were arrested, including four Indonesians and two Thai nationals. The crew told authorities they were fishermen recruited by the drugs syndicate which promised to pay them 50,000 Thai Baht ($1,500) and a $3,000 bonus. Marthinus said a fugitive from Thailand was behind the operation and that Indonesia would issue a red notice for the trafficker. Monday's drug bust was the second major drug seizure this month. Indonesian authorities previously seized 1.2 tons of crystal meth and more than 700 kilograms of cocaine inside a Thailand-flagged fishing boat near the Riau islands. Authorities said they arrested five people and released an image of the suspects on ship with packages of drugs and armed officers behind them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate case, Indonesian authorities arrested an Australian on Monday for allegedly smuggling cocaine on the tourist island of Bali, a charge that could carry the death penalty, officials said Monday. Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws, and convicted smugglers are sometimes executed by firing squad. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Full interview: Jack McCain on "Face the Nation" Trump seeks to end all federal contracts with Harvard Austrian influencer Vanessa Mariposa shared a video on Instagram to warn others after she was reportedly drugged and robbed at a party over the weekend The content creator and reality star, who has over 800,000 followers on the social media platform, went to the hospital, where a doctor said somebody had slipped drugs into her drink "Im still shocked about what happened," Mariposa said Austrian influencer Vanessa Mariposa is warning others after claiming she was robbed and had her drink spiked at a party over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, May 26, Mariposa, 32, posted a video on Instagram, revealing that she wanted to use her platform to share "something really important" after she claims that somebody slipped drugs into her drink at a party. "This past weekend, I went to a party with my friend. We were there for about three hours, had three glasses of wine and kept our drinks with us the whole time. But suddenly, both of us started feeling extremely unwell, out of nowhere," Mariposa, who has over 800,000 followers on Instagram, wrote in the caption. "I couldnt walk properly, I threw up multiple times and I COMPLETELY blacked out I lost all memory of the night. Thats when I knew something was really wrong," the influencer, who also starred on reality shows including German TV series The 50, continued. Mariposa said that she later went to get checked over by a doctor, who "found out that someone had slipped date rape drugs into our drinks." Vanessa Mariposa/Instagram Vanessa Mariposa reveals she was drugged and robbed at a party Vanessa Mariposa reveals she was drugged and robbed at a party "I was robbed my Cartier bracelet was taken off my wrist and my SIM card was removed from my phone. Im convinced the people who did this had far worse intentions.. otherwise, they wouldnt have drugged us or taken steps to stop us from calling for help," the content creator wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The next day I went immediately to a doctor and also to the hospital to check my whole body and Im still shocked about what happened," she added. Per the Daily Mail, Mariposa said in the video that the incident occurred while she and a friend were attending a rooftop party in Mallorca, Spain. She wrote in the post's caption, "Thankfully, Luca and his friend were nearby and noticed something was wrong. They took care of us and got us home safely." 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. Vanessa Mariposa/Instagram Vanessa Mariposa Vanessa Mariposa Mariposa explained, "Im sharing this because I want every woman out there to stay alert. Dont trust anyone blindly. Never leave your drink unattended." She added, "Something far worse could have happened to us that night. Please take this seriously i love you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a translated Instagram Stories post on Tuesday, May 27, the reality star thanked fans "from the bottom of my heart" for the "lovely messages" after she opened up about her experience. Mariposa and Spain's National Police didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment. Read the original article on People An inmate who walked away from a prison camp in Sylmar was apprehended hours later, officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said. Angel Gaxiola, 33, was taken into custody Monday around 8:20 a.m. in the city of Upland in San Bernardino County. Gaxiola was reported missing around 9 p.m. the previous evening from the Holton Conservation Camp, a joint operation between CDCR and the Los Angeles County Fire Department which provides training for incarcerated individuals to assist with emergencies and natural disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After confirming that Gaxiola was not present, CDCR officials alerted local authorities to his disappearance. Angel A. Gaxiola, 33, was reported as a walkaway from the Holton Conservation Camp in Sylmar on May 25, 2026. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation) He was ultimately located about 55 miles southeast of the camp and arrested by officers from the Upland Police Department. Gaxiola was serving a six-year sentence for second degree robbery in San Bernardino County. Hed been staying at the Holton Conservation Camp since Jan. 22, CDCR officials said. He is now likely to face fresh charges for escaping custody, which will be considered by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office. Inmates walking away from these lower security training and work camps is rare, and CDCR says 99% of all inmates who have left any California institution or other facility have been apprehended since 1977. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An inmate with chronic health conditions died at the San Luis Obispo County Jail on Sunday, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office said. During regular cell checks on Sunday, staff discovered that San Luis Obispo resident Brent Perucca, 59, was in medical distress, a Sheriffs Office news release said. Custody and nursing staff immediately attempted to render medical aid and CPR, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perucca was pronounced dead by paramedics at 4:30 p.m. An autopsy was performed this morning and the results are pending, the release said. No foul play is suspected. The San Luis Obispo Police Department arrested Perucca on Friday at about 12:40 p.m. Prior to booking, he was taken to the hospital for medical clearance for chronic, long-term health issues, the release said. Perucca was at the hospital for several hours and received extensive testing and examination. He was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail at 6 p.m. on Friday. He had been detained at the jail more than 20 times before, police said. He was screened by medical staff at the jail and continued receiving treatment for his health issues, the release said. An inmate who walked away from an L.A. County firefighting camp was recaptured hours later, the second such incident in California in the last week, the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Monday. The 33-year-old inmate, Angel Gaxiola, was discovered missing by the staff during a head count at Holton Conservation Camp, which is in the mountains northeast of Sylmar, about 9 p.m. Sunday, the department said. A call went out to local law enforcement, and about 8 a.m. Monday, Upland police apprehended Gaxiola, the department said. Prison officials did not say where Gaxiola was arrested, but Sylmar is about 50 miles from Upland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaxiola, who was serving a six-year sentence for robbery, had been at Holton Conservation Camp since January. The fire camp is jointly operated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and state prison officials and is staffed by county firefighters and corrections personnel who supervise incarcerated fire crews. The crews at Holton clear brush and establish fire lines during wildland fires, the state said. Crews also perform park maintenance and brush clearance for fire prevention at well-known L.A. landmarks, including the Hollywood Bowl, Mt. Wilson and the trails of Angeles National Forest, the state said. The department said Gaxiola's case was referred to the Los Angeles County district attorney "for consideration of escape charges." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His recapture occurred two days after authorities apprehended another inmate who walked away from a firefighting camp in El Dorado County in Northern California. Dion Harvey, 24, was similarly discovered missing from his bunk during a camp count Friday night at Growlersburg Conservation Camp, the corrections department said. A search followed, and he was captured Saturday morning. The California Department of Corrections, which has reported other similar cases in recent months, said in a statement on its website that since 1977, "99 percent of all people who have left an adult institution, camp, or in-state contract bed or Community Rehabilitative Program Placement have been apprehended." 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 Washington State Transportation Commission is looking at changes to ferry fares and policies, and they want to hear from you. Every two years, the commission adjusts ferry fares and policies to meet a revenue target established by the legislature as part of the state budget cycle. For the upcoming 2025-2027 biennium, the target is $408.8 million. To meet it, the commission is considering the following changes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raising passenger and vehicle fares by an average of 2.5 percent in October 2025 and again in October 2026. Extending the expiration date on multiride passes from 90 days to 120 days. Increasing the summer peak season surcharge for vehicles on routes currently charged 25 percent up to 30 percent. This aims to align them more closely with the 35 percent surcharge on the AnacortesSan Juan Islands routes. The public is invited to submit written comments about these proposals in the online open house, which will be open until 5 p.m. on Monday, June 9. Click here to access it. The Pentagon is reportedly in the grip of a new Cold War, and it has nothing to do with Russia. A rift between two senior advisers to Pete Hegseth has led to a wider schism at the department, fueling speculation about the long-term prospects of the embattled defense secretary as a member of President Donald Trumps Cabinet, according to reporting by The Washington Post. Numerous people familiar with the matter told the paper that claims of departmental unity are belied by continued dysfunction behind the scenes, stemming from personality conflicts, lack of experience, ongoing vacancies in important roles, and paranoia over what political crisis could erupt next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a cold war that exists in between flash points, one person told the Post, recounting numerous instances when tempers have flared among key figures on the secretarys team. Its unsettling at times. Sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing retribution, described the most combustible relationship as that between two Hegseth aides, Eric Geressy and Ricky Buria. They claim that Geressy, a retired soldier whom Hegseth has credited with mentoring him during their service in Iraq, has expressed ongoing concerns that Buria, until recently a military assistant to the defense secretary and now his acting chief of staff, has attempted to marginalize colleagues to enhance his own standing within the Trump administration. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth looks on during a meeting with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz to the Pentagon in Washington, DC, May 27, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images) Amidst the fallout from the Signalgate scandal in March, tensions between the two are said to have boiled over when Geressy found out he was excluded from meetings during a trip across the Pacific by Hegseth and blamed Buria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geressy also voiced concern about how many administration officials were using Signal and told staffers that the White House had a dim view of Buria, seeing him as self-important. A retired command sergeant major, Geressy is often praised by Hegseth, who awarded him the Distinguished Service Cross for combat valor. He leads the Joint Service Interagency Advisory Group (JSIAG), which includes numerous Special Operations troops and representatives from other government agencies. Their focus is on countering Mexican drug cartels, the Post reports. Buria was a Marine Corps pilot who previously served as a junior military aide for President Joe Bidens defense secretary, Lloyd Austin. In February, his responsibilities expanded when he assumed the role of a three-star general after Hegseth fired his senior military assistant, Lt. Gen. Jennifer Short, without providing any reason. This elevation, and his handling of it, reportedly irritated numerous senior military officers. When the temporary assignment was coming to a close, Buria requested to retire from the Marine Corps and become a senior civilian adviser to Hegseth, with the reported backing of the secretarys wife, Jennifer Hegseth, who has been advising him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Hegseths chief of staff, Joe Kasper, left in April, officials questioned whether the secretary could maintain departmental organization and manage disputes among staffers. He then named Buria as his acting chief of staff. It is unclear whether the White House will appoint a replacement or whether Buria can remain in the role long term. Asked about a New York Post report that Buria had called Trump and Vance crazy and dumb in the past, the president said on Sunday he didnt know who he was and would recommend that we dont take him if such reporting was true. Geressy, meanwhile, is frustrated by the chaos at the Pentagon and has contemplated resigning, according to CNN, but has stayed on out of loyalty to both Hegseth and his team. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Major General Trevor Bredenkamp at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) These are tense times at the Pentagon, and friction between Geressy and Buria appears symptomatic of the instability at DoD after a series of scandals hit Hegseth, reportedly irritating the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current and former defense officials told the Post that it is unclear how long Hegseth can remain in the role without imposing order among his own staff. Around the time of Burias elevation, Hegseth fired three politically appointed senior defense officials whom he accused of leaking sensitive information to the media. Dan Caldwell, Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll issued a scathing statement, stating that they had been slandered and that the claims leveled against them were baseless. Sean Parnell, a senior adviser and chief spokesman for Hegseth, minimized the tension, saying in a statement to the paper that workforce adjustments are a natural and necessary feature of any highly effective organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth is committed to ensuring the Department of Defense has the right people in the right positions to execute President Trumps agenda, Parnell said. Sean Parnell at the Pentagon (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Furthermore, Parnell dismissed the significance of disagreements among Hegseths staff, stating that Americans outside Washington dont care about palace intrigue or sensationalized, mainstream media gossip they care about action. He said Hegseths team is working in unison to focus the Defense Department on its core mission of warfighting and to deliver results. Parnell is one of three new senior advisers appointed in the wake of the recent firings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justin Fulcher and Patrick Weaver are the other two, with the former coming from DOGE and the latter having previously served as a congressional aide, on the National Security Council, and in the Department of Homeland Security. Speaking on Monday at a Memorial Day wreath laying, Trump continued to show support for Hegseth, calling him a tough cookie, and saying he has devoted his life to service members and veterans, while acknowledging that he went through a lot. President Donald Trump is already looking ahead to the November 2026 midterm elections, with one eye on how Republicans can maintain or extend their current majority in the House of Representatives. The GOP currently has a 220 to 212 seat advantage over the Democrats, a narrow margin that means that if only a handful of Republican rebels join the opposition in rejecting a particular bill, it is prevented from passing. The prospect of Democrats further eating into that eight-seat gap or even flipping the House entirely would further stymie the presidents legislative agenda and open the door to a left-leaning chamber potentially launching new investigations into him or even further impeachment proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is already the first president in American history to be impeached twice and will not be eager to endure a repeat of the events of his first term. President Donald Trump will be seeking to shore up Republican control of the House of Representatives at the 2026 midterms (AP) In the first four months of Trumps second stint in the White House, Democrats have already raised concerns over such issues as the possibility of insider trading related to his tariff announcements, his decision to accept a $400m jumbo jet from Qatar and the prospect of Elon Musk profiting from contracts related to his Golden Dome missile defense system, any one of which, they might decide, could merit closer scrutiny. [Trump] knows the stakes firsthand, Republican strategist Matt Gorman told Axios. He saw what can happen. Its clear he doesnt want that again. Investigations, impeachment he knows its all on the table with a Speaker [Hakeem] Jeffries. To see off the threat, the presidents team has reportedly embarked on an early and aggressive behind-the-scenes effort to hold onto their majority and has pinpointed five key strategies to keep the opposition at bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firstly, they plan to persuade incumbent Republicans to stay where they are and resist the temptation to seek higher office or retire. That is why Trump recently made it clear to New Yorks Mike Lawler that he wants him to sit tight rather than run for governor of the Empire State, withdrew his nomination for Elise Stefanik to represent the U.S. at the United Nations and commissioned a poll to dissuade Georgias Marjorie Taylor Greene from pursuing an interest in the Senate. New York Rep. Mike Lawler has reportedly been warned off joining his states gubernatorial race by President Trump (Getty) The presidents $500m political apparatus will also be investing heavily in competitive races via organizations like the Securing American Greatness and Never Surrender PACs, Axios reports, while Trump himself is likely to make a slew of appearances at events with his candidates to help drum up further fundraising. He headlined a National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) dinner last month that raised $35m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That particular mission has taken on a new impetus after Musk, the presidents billionaire special adviser, announced recently that he does not currently see a reason to do political spending, a hammer blow to Republicans who had been counting on the tech boss after he donated $288m to Trumps victorious presidential campaign last year. The president is further being tipped to make his endorsement of swing district candidates known early in the hope of deterring would-be primary challengers and seeing off GOP in-fighting, which could prove costly and weaken incumbents placed under fire from their own side. Finally, Trumps team and the NRCC are said to be ramping up their recruiting efforts to identify and install candidates in swing district races where there are no GOP incumbents to ensure the party coalesces quickly around that person rather than entertains a mudslinging primary. "A promise of Trumps help and an endorsement can be key in getting a wanted recruit to make the leap, Gorman said. The Georgia Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire, the department responsible for public safety issues such as elevator inspections, amusement park safety and fire investigations, will be hiring six new inspectors come July. According to an OCI spokesman, the department was able to move $4 million from one line item to their staffing, allowing them to hire the new inspectors. The openings will hit the public on July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2 Action News reported last year that about one-third of elevators across the state of Georgia had not been inspected on time, meaning their safety certifications were out of date. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In 2024, OCI said there were about 32,000 elevators in Georgia and 11,520 were out of date on their inspections. As previously reported, OCI said each inspector had a goal of eight elevator inspections per day in metro areas and six per day in rural areas last year. Additionally, due to the number of elevators in the state, officials said previously that it is nearly impossible for our inspectors alone to reach every elevator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means they occasionally work with third-party inspection companies, approved by our office, to assist in completing annual elevator inspections. TRENDING STORIES: Now, not only are there more elevators in the state, according to an OCI spokesman, but they need more inspectors to keep up. To make that goal a reality, theyre hiring new inspectors, and all six will be based in the metro Atlanta area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of Georgias 33,000 or so elevators, OCI said 20,000 were in the metro Atlanta area. Statewide, there are 32 inspectors for all of the elevators and 15 are already assigned to the Atlanta area. At the moment, there is a single vacancy that OCI is trying to fill. The additional $4 million will allow them to open another five positions, beginning in July. In terms of inspections being on time, OCI said theyd made progress since last years report, saying the average of elevators inspected on time had risen from about 65% to roughly 66.7%. The exact amount in the Atlanta area that are in compliance, meaning inspected on time, was not clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the new inspectors will work on ensuring elevators work correctly and safely, OCI told Channel 2 Action News last year that some inspectors also double as boiler/pressure vessel inspectors or amusement/carnival ride inspectors, which may impact their ability complete six or eight elevator inspections in a given day." Channel 2 Action News is waiting for the additional information from OCI. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFLA) A new study conducted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has confirmed the presence of hybrid termite colonies in South Florida. Published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the study documents how two variations of the destructive and invasive species, the Formosan subterranean termites and Asian subterranean termites, are not only coexisting but are now crossbreeding. According to the findings, both termite species are prone to forming massive colonies and, once mature, the winged termites can be sent out to find a mate and establish a new nest as king and queen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspicions about their ability to breed began about 10 years ago when Thomas Chouvenc, associate professor of urban entomology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, said that they observed males and females from both species exhibiting interspecies courtship behaviors. This was unexpected, and it raised red flags about the possibility of hybrid populations forming in the field, said Chouvenc. In 2021, Chouvenc reported his team had begun collecting winged termites in the Fort Lauderdale area that didnt match the shape or form of either termite species, prompting them to ramp up monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At first, I could not believe it, as I was hoping to never find it, said Chouvenc. Since then, we have confirmed the presence of hybrid swarms every year since 2021, including in April 2025. Genetic testing confirmed the new species to be samples of hybrid termites, sharing half of their genes with each of the two species. Fire Chief urges caution after woman pulled from water at Treasure Island Beach With this discovery, scientists warn that the repercussions of a new invasive termite species could extend far beyond Florida, which is a hotspot for the spread of invasive termites via private boats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This may be a Florida story now, but it likely wont stay just in Florida. Give it time, Chauvenc warned. The hybridization process has likely been underway for a decade and is impossible to stop. However, scientists say that understanding the biology of this new termite species, and its weaknesses, could help improve pest management and foster better solutions as time goes on. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (This story has been updated to add information and correct a misspelled name.) The law firm that's been conducting an investigation of Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett's response to sexual harassment complaints made against his former chief of staff Thomas Cook is wrapping up its work. The City-County Council's investigative committee, which launched the probe into how Hogsett responded to several allegations against his former right-hand man over the years, will hear a final report from law firm Fisher Phillips on Thursday evening, according to a public meeting notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The report is wrapping up," Council spokeswoman Sara Hindi confirmed on Thursday. "That is coming to an end." It's unclear whether Hogsett himself sat for an interview with investigators who were charged with probing his administration's response to sexual harassment and assault complaints levied against Cook, who served as his campaign manager and then chief of staff until 2020, when he resigned from the mayor's office after having an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate employee. There are three other allegations against Cook from subordinates who allege he harassed or assaulted them over the years while he was serving under Hogsett. The Council formed an investigative committee last summer after IndyStar, and later Mirror Indy, reported on the harassment allegations. They hired out-of-state law firm Fisher Phillips to conduct the investigation, which has been ongoing since it started in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fisher Phillips has been tight-lipped about the investigation, but initially said its charge was to investigate highly sensitive allegations of sexual harassment made against individual employed by the mayoral administration of Joseph Hogsett. The law firm said in February that it had interviewed several people at that point and reviewed more than 1,000 pages of documents. Investigators said they sought to interview Hogsett and Cook, though it's unclear if either man sat for an interview. The investigation's full cost isn't known yet. However, the City-County Council recently requested to spend an additional $300,000 on legal services. The city also signed a $40,000 legal contract with Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath to help the mayor's office respond to the investigation. The law firm did not respond to a request for comment on Friday about the investigation wrapping up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor's office said in a statement that it would not yet comment on the investigation "out of respect for the independent investigatory process." The law firm will present its report at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, at the City-County Building, according to the council meeting notice. What are the allegations against Thomas Cook? There are three harassment complaints against Cook, which IndyStar revealed in 2024 reporting. Cook has not been charged with any crimes related to the claims and told IndyStar last year he had consensual relationships that violated a trust placed in me." One complaint is from Lauren Roberts, a former deputy campaign manager for Hogsett, who alleged Cook mistreated her during the mayor's 2015 campaign, ultimately leading to her resignation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She tried to report the alleged harassment to Hogsett and the Indiana Democratic Party but says her complaint wasn't appropriately looked into. Roberts got no response at first when she reached out to Hogsett via email in May 2017 about Cook's alleged treatment of her during the campaign. "You need to do something," she told Hogsett at the time. More: 'No one wanted the ball': Women who experienced harassment say Democrats' response lacked However, while Hogsett himself has apologized for his handling of the incidents, he maintains that an investigation was conducted and a sanction was levied against Cook in October 2017 after Roberts came forward. Roberts says she was never interviewed back then for an investigation. The city also hasn't released documents related to that investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another woman accusing Cook of harassment and assault is Caroline Ellert, who used to work in the mayor's office handling constituent services. Ellert told IndyStar she had an off-and-on relationship with Cook, which she now describes as abusive, that began in March 2018, while she reported to him. Cook's behavior often resulted in a hostile environment at work, Ellert previously said. She alleges that he sexually assaulted her back in 2019 while he was serving as Hogsett's chief of staff. The third allegation of harassment was made by someone who remains anonymous but reported to Cook professionally. More: 'I kept saying no': Women accuse top Hogsett aide of preying on subordinates for years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remembering how I felt and what it was like working with Thomas feels like a surreal haze, she previously told IndyStar in a statement. I recall feeling helpless, analyzing texts, messages and body language, searching for clues to explain why I felt trapped. I was too scared to say anything because I feared the consequence of losing my job or my job becoming a living hell. The mayor kept Cook in his inner circle until 2023, despite knowing of at least two claims of inappropriate behavior until that point: Roberts' as well as the 2020 inappropriate relationship with a subordinate that led him to resign. That woman has not accused Cook of sexual misconduct. Both Cook and the woman characterized the relationship as consensual during the city's investigation. Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What to know as investigation into Hogsett's harassment response wraps up ST. LOUIS The U.S. Coast Guard is actively investigating an incident involving a barge capsizing Monday morning along the Mississippi River near St. Louis, according to officials. According to Petty Officer Ryan Schultz, they were notified of a barge that had accidentally hit another that was secured in a fleet, which led to the capsizing. The incident occurred near the foot of Davis Street Ferry Road in Illinois at mile marker 172.4. The first barge was carrying caustic soda, also known as the chemical compound sodium hydroxide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News It was noted that there is no confirmation that the caustic soda was released into the river, but water quality tests are in progress. The company on the barge deployed a containment boom when the incident occurred. Due to the properties of caustic soda, any potential contamination is anticipated to dilute rapidly, Schultz said. There were no injuries reported and an investigation is ongoing. Beyond the investigation, a salvage operation is currently underway as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Despite the ban on importing luxury goods worth more than 300 from the European Union to Russia, investigative journalists have found a delivery organiser among Belarusian companies. He is connected to a former assistant to the son of the president of Belarus. Source: Belarusian Investigative Centre Details: The company involved in the import of luxury goods is Belcargo. One of the investigators, claiming to be a client, contacted the company and tried to place an order to send a batch of jackets from Italy to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, they offered a simple scheme: they would buy the items, send them to Lithuania, and then deliver them to Russia via Belarus. It was about ten luxury jackets with a market value of 6,450, but the investigators indicated a fictitious value of 1,730 in the order. Belcargo ignored this and issued an invoice for US$255 for delivery with customs clearance. "With such an underpricing, the Belarusian budget loses most of its revenues in the form of duties and taxes," the journalist said. The Belarus-based company Torgovyi Dom Exporttorg (Trade House) is a key link in this scheme. In one of the Lithuanian export documents, it is listed as the recipient of a consignment of clothing from Italy and as the sender in Russian customs declarations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torgovyi Dom Exporttorg is linked to Alexander Zaitsev, a former aide to Viktor Lukashenko (son of Belarusian self-proclaimed President Alexander Lukashenko). The company has repeatedly participated in schemes to circumvent sanctions by supplying microcircuits and sanctioned tyres to Russia. Despite all this, the company is still not under sanctions from either the European Union or the United States. This allows it to use international logistics and banking services. Background: The European Union banned the export of luxury goods worth more than 300 to Russia in the spring of 2022. For example, items from Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and Brunello Cucinelli, among others. For the first time, Georgia's largest bank, Bank of Georgia (BoG), has banned its Russian customers from making purchases in luxury stores worldwide for more than 300. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Naver, a Korean technology company whose interests include internet, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a sovereign AI business with Thailand-headquartered AI and cloud platform firm SIAM.AI for the joint development of a Thai large language model (LLM) and a tourism-specific AI agent. According to the Korea Times, SIAM.AI plans to use the partnership as a springboard to accelerate the expansion of sovereign AI across the Southeast Asian market. Under the partnership, Naver Cloud will contribute its experience in building and operating proprietary LLMs, while SIAM.AI will provide extensive Thai-language data and graphics processing unit infrastructure. They two companies will establish a Thai-language model applicable to actual services by the end of this year. A tourism-specific AI agent will then be made available to meet what is described as strong local demand although the partners wont stop there. They aim to expand into various AI-driven industries such as healthcare, public services and academia, for which language models in different sizes will be developed. In a reference to the now familiar theme of data sovereignty and sovereign AI, Naver Cloud has said it will share its technologies and expertise throughout the process to help Thailand build the capability to independently develop and operate its own AI models and applications. Indeed, this agreement is another in Navers efforts to tap into overseas markets by meeting various countries ambitions to secure their AI sovereignty, while warning them about the threat to that sovereignty of generative AIs powered by LLMs developed by tech giants in the US and China. The agreement was signed during the Nvidia Cloud Partner Summit held in Taiwan. The two signatories are said to believe that Navers experience will create synergy with Nvidias capabilities in providing hardware infrastructure for countries seeking sovereign AI. Navers plans to establish a Middle Eastern unit in Saudi Arabia, again with a focus on sovereign AI were reported here late last year. A judge has dismissed felony charges against four former corrections officers at an Ionia prison in connection with the 2024 beating of an inmate who was left with a broken back and other injuries. Misdemeanor charges of aggravated assault remain pending against the defendants, who worked at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility, a state prison operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections. Ionia District Judge Raymond Voet dismissed felony charges of misconduct in office against Ray Thomas Rubley, 33; Andrew Ray Carr, 39; Al-Ani Mustafa, 44, and Jordan Thomas Csernyik, 23, following a daylong preliminary hearing held May 23, according to both the county prosecutor and a defense attorney. A district court judge on May 23 dismissed felony charges against four former corrections officers who are charged with assaulting an inmate at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia in 2024. Misdemeanor charges are still pending. Voet rejected the prosecution's request to send the charges to Ionia County Circuit Court and said from the bench that the prosecution failed to show the officers had corrupt intent when they beat inmate John Paul Callaghan, 27, on July 7, 2024, according to Jeffrey Foldie, a Bay City attorney representing Carr and Csernyik. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers reacted immediately after Callaghan assaulted Csernyik by striking him with a tray of food the prosecution and defense agreed. Court records show Callaghan was sentenced to another 18 months to five years in prison in December, on top of the time he was already serving, after pleading guilty to assaulting Csernyik that same day. Ionia County Prosecutor Kyle Butler told the Free Press in March that the beating left Callaghan with a broken back, a broken hand, and broken facial bones. "Uncontroverted testimony from the MDOC expert supported that each defendant violated MDOC policy and the use of force policy in various ways and degrees when handling the inmate," Butler said in a May 26 email to the Free Press. Foldie said in March that the beating, which included punches, knee strikes, and deployment of a Taser, lasted less than 30 seconds. Callaghan was preventing handcuffs from being applied and the officers responded according to their training, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today was a good day for the defense, the law enforcement community, and the community of Ionia," Foldie said at the conclusion of the hearing in 64A District Court in Ionia. Prosecution witnesses included Callaghan, three MDOC employees, and a Michigan State Police sergeant, Butler said. The prosecution also showed a video of the incident, he said. More: 4 Michigan corrections officers charged in severe 2024 beating of inmate The judge instructed Butler to set a date for a pretrial conference on the remaining misdemeanor charges, or dismiss them, Foldie said. He said he hoped the charges would be dismissed because the question of criminal intent is relevant to both charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Butler did not immediately respond when asked whether he was considering an appeal of the dismissals and whether he planned to proceed to trial on the misdemeanor charges. All four officers, who had been free on bond and suspended from their jobs without pay, were fired by the department this month, following a disciplinary conference, Foldie said. The Michigan Corrections Organization union is filing grievances on behalf of the officers on May 27 and taking the issue to arbitration in an effort to have the officers reinstated, he said. More: Detroit man says he needed mental health treatment as an inmate, but was punished instead Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Butler earlier confirmed that according to a report from the MSP, which investigated the incident, Callaghan told investigators that on the day of the assaults, Callaghan's cellmate said he planned to rape Callaghan. The inmate told investigators the motivation to assault an officer was to get sent to segregation and be safe from the cellmate, Butler said. Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ionia judge dismisses felonies against officers in prison beating Air Force One flies over Mount Rushmore. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force) Iowa Writers 'Collaborative. Linking Iowa readers and writers. Last week, the Pentagon accepted the emir of Qatars gift of a Boeing 747, a $400 million bauble donated for our president to enjoy by a monarch whose family has ruled the tiny Mideast nation for more than a century. Our commander in chief said the United States would be stupid to reject the donation a present he hopes to use as a temporary replacement for Air Force One. The key word there: a temporary replacement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Controversy clouds this gift for a couple of reasons. And Iowas public gift law which deals with freebies much less ostentatious than the Qatari jet provides important context on the controversy. First, the Boeing 747 is far from being free. The United States government will need to spend upwards of $1 billion, according to Business Insider magazine, before the president can climb aboard what has been described as a sky palace considering its opulent use of marble and polished wood. U.S. experts first must inspect the jet to confirm Qatar did not hide any devices that might jeopardize the presidents safety or security. Then the Pentagon needs to retrofit the aircraft with advanced, military-grade communications, security and defensive gear so the new version of Air Force One can serve as an aerial command post during a time of war. At the conclusion of Donald Trumps presidency in January 2029, the White House and Pentagon leaders said ownership of the jet will pass to his presidential library foundation where the plane could become a museum relic or remain in service for Citizen Trumps personal travel. Iowa law imposes no-nonsense gift restrictions That arrangement leaves some of my Iowa government friends incredulous. Even those who are retired can still quote chapter and verse from Iowas state government ethics laws that impose no-nonsense restrictions on the acceptance of gifts by public officials and employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, state government cannot accept a donated $75,000 Chevy Suburban for use by Gov. Kim Reynolds while she is in office and then hand her its keys when her term ends in January 2027. The fact is, officials in Iowa can accept gifts worth only $3 or less. You read that correctly $3, not $3 million, and certainly not $300 million. When The Des Moines Register employed me, I would lunch periodically with state employees. They always paid their tab and I paid mine. They feared even an appearance that they might owe me or my employer a favor in the future if I bought their meal. With state employees so concerned about such an appearance involving a ham on rye, it is logical to worry about a conflict of interests with Qatar for the rest of the Trump presidency and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres more to this Qatar gift that should raise the eyebrows of Jane and Joe Taxpayer, good-government advocates and Iowans serving in Congress especially when White House representatives are running chainsaws through the federal budget. Gift will cost taxpayers The cost to U.S. taxpayers to prepare the Qatar 747 for the president should cause political heartburn for Republicans in Congress. The optics are terrible. Two similar 747s adorned with United States of America across their fuselages are fueled and ready to fly the president anywhere, anytime. The president and the Republican majorities in Congress talk about out-of-control federal spending. They want to pare government safety net programs for the poor, like SNAP and Medicaid. They want to reign in FEMA, the federal disaster recovery agency, and reduce the National Weather Service budget. They want to cut funding for national parks, medical research, food safety inspections and the arts. But little comment has arisen about the eye-popping price of retrofitting the Qatar jet for the presidents use for the next 36 months and then to remove the secret weaponry and communications gear before the plane sets course for the departing presidents library or personal airstrip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government already is spending $4 billion for two new Air Force One 747s that now are in production. The Qatar jet will not save a nickel on that contract. The House last week approved a budget proposal from the White House and Republican leaders that the Congressional Budget Office says will add $2 trillion, with a t, to the $36 trillion national debt over the next 10 years. At the same time, the White House and Pentagon are getting ready for a huge military parade in Washington next month costing an estimated $45 million. There is one more reason the optics of the Qatar gift are so embarrassing. President Trumps tariffs on imported products are expected to raise U.S. consumer prices. The president has lectured Americans on their need to make do with less in the near term for the good of the U.S. economy. You know, two dolls instead of 30, five pencils, not 250. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Iowas delegation in Congress ought to use one of their pencils to scratch a note to the president and attach a copy of Iowas government gift law. The Iowa Code provisions limiting gifts to $3 or less could provide him good airplane reading the next time Air Force One flies over our state. Plus, a little prairie common sense would teach him that for the good of the federal budget, even presidents can make do with less specifically, a Qatar 747. Two, not three planes, will work just fine. Randy Evans is a member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative and his columns may be found on his blog, Stray Thoughts. Editors note: Please consider subscribing to the collaborative and the authors blogs to support their work. Iran has summoned France's representative in protest after the French foreign minister praised the Cannes-winning Iranian film as a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had praised It Was Just An Accident after it won the prestigious Palme dOr at the Cannes Film Festival. The film by famed dissident Iranian director Jafar Panahi centres on a man, Vahid, who abducts his suspected captor after being tortured in prison. To satisfy pangs of doubt, he decides to confirm his suspicion by bringing the man, locked in his van, to other former prisoners for identification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panahi, who was back in Cannes for the first time in 15 years due to a travel ban in Iran, drew on the experiences from his own imprisonment as well as the stories of detainees around him. Stay tuned to Euronews Culture for our review of It Was Just An Accident and our full debrief of Panahis win in this weeks Culture Catch-Up. It Was Just an Accident - Les Films Pelleas Irans Foreign Ministry said the French minister was summoned over his interventionist, irresponsible and instigative allegations, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. Spare us Iranians the lectures. You have no moral authority whatsoever, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X, citing France's approach to Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, France threatened concrete action against Israel if the country didn't halt the offensive in Gaza and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid. However, the statement was mostly dismissed as empty threats. Panahi in Cannes with his Palme d'Or - AP Photo Immediately following the award's announcement, the Iranian state news agency had announced a more muted celebration of the award, crediting the countrys film industry for winning a second Palme dOr after Abbas Kiarostamis 1997 drama, Taste of Cherry. In Iran, film productions need to receive script approval from the government to shoot in public. Panahi refuses to do that, knowing they wont allow him to make the films he wants to, and It Was Just an Accident was filmed without cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iranian state TV called the film a mixture of lie and smearing as well as an underground film produced without the required permits in Iran. State TV also chastised Panahi for not mentioning the plight of the Palestinians in his acceptance speech. The Mizan news agency, an arm of the countrys judiciary, reported on the win as part of the Political Cannes Film Festival, suggesting that the prize was given to Panahi because of his political leanings. However, pro-reform media outlets and activists praised Panahi. This victory is no accident it is the result of a tireless dedication to exploring humanistic values and human rights, said Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, who was also previously imprisoned at Tehrans notorious Evin Prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panahi was banned from travelling out of Iran in 2009 for attending the funeral of a student killed in anti-government protests, a judgment later extended to two decades. But even when placed under house arrest, Panahi kept making movies, many of which are among the most lauded of the century. He made 2011s This Is Not a Film on an iPhone in his living room. Taxi (2015) was clandestinely shot almost entirely within a car - and ended up winning that year's Golden Bear at the Berlinale. Panahi was arrested in 2022 when he went to the Tehran prosecutors office to inquire about the arrests of two other Iranian filmmakers. A judge later ruled that he must serve six years for an earlier sentence on charges of propagandising against the government from 2011 that had never been enforced. In early 2023, Panahi went on a hunger strike and was released from Evin Prison. Jafar Panahi - AP Photo Panahi said he would not seek asylum in another country, despite the risks of additional imprisonment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its simple. Im unable to live here, he said last week in Cannes. I have no ability to adapt to a new country, a new culture. Some people have this ability, this strength. I dont. On Monday, Panahi touched down in Tehran's international airport to cheers. One person was heard shouting "woman, life, freedom" as Panahi passed through the airport - a phrase that became the slogan for protests that broke out across Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. In his acceptance speech at Cannes, Panahi said, "What's most important now is our country and the freedom of our country," and called for Iranians to "join forces". He added: "No one should dare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, what we should do, or what we should not do." By AJ Vicens (Reuters) -An Iranian national pleaded guilty to participating in the high-profile 2019 Baltimore, Maryland, ransomware attack, among others, and to causing tens of millions of dollars in losses and disrupted services, the Department of Justice said on Tuesday. Sina Gholinejad, 37, faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud and abuse and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to the DOJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ statement and publicly available court records did not allege a state-backed connection in this case, but U.S. authorities in recent years have warned of Iranian government hacking groups targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and private-sector entities. Iranian-linked hackers have also targeted U.S. critical infrastructure under the guise of ostensibly independent personas, such as the November 2023 defacement of water treatment equipment in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, by a group called Cyber Av3ngers. The U.S. government later tied the group to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran has denied targeting entities in the U.S. with cyberattacks. Gholinejad was arrested January 10, 2025, at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, according to federal court records. The circumstances of his arrest were not immediately clear. The assistant federal public defender assigned to his case declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gholinejad and unnamed co-conspirators were behind a string of ransomware attacks using the Robbinhood ransomware variant dating to January 2019 through March 2024, according to an April 2024 indictment unsealed on Tuesday. Additional victims include computer networks in the cities of Gresham, Oregon; Yonkers, New York; and Greenville, North Carolina, along with the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District in California and the nonprofit Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth, based in New York. The attack on Baltimore, beginning on May 7, 2019, cost the city more than $19 million from damage to computer networks and disruptions to city services including the processing of property taxes, water bills, parking citations and other revenue-generating functions lasting many months, the DOJ said in its statement. (Reporting by AJ Vicens in Detroit;Editing by Matthew Lewis) DUBLIN (Reuters) -Ireland's cabinet gave its formal backing on Tuesday to drafting legislation on restricting trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, but the bill is unlikely to be passed by parliament until later in the year. While Ireland does very little trade with the settlements, Prime Minister Micheal Martin said it was a "symbolic move" that follows its official recognition last year of a Palestinian state, alongside a small number of other European countries. The bill, which would ban the import of goods from the settlements but is unlikely to include services, will be considered by a parliamentary committee in the coming weeks, Foreign Minister Simon Harris said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A final bill will then go through parliamentary scrutiny before the upper and lower houses vote on it, likely later this year. "In many ways this is a small measure but it is imperative on all countries to do all that we can to maximize the pressure and conditions to bring about a ceasefire," Harris said, adding that he hoped other countries would bring in similar measures. The move comes after Britain last week paused free trade talks with Israel and announced further sanctions against West Bank settlers. The European Union also announced a review last week of a pact governing its political and economic ties with Israel, a step Ireland and Spain first proposed together over a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bill limiting trade with settlements in Israeli-occupied territories was first tabled in 2018 by an Irish independent lawmaker but blocked by the then government because the EU, not member nations, is responsible for the bloc's trade policy. However, the government late last year said that an advisory opinion by the United Nations' highest court in July that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories was illegal would allow it to move forward on the issue. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin and Conor HumphriesEditing by Gareth Jones) The German government is debating the extent of its aid to Israel, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday, amid calls for a weapons embargo over the war in Gaza. "We are in close contact and dialogue with the Israeli government," Merz said in Turku at a joint press conference with Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. While Berlin has steadfastly supported Israel since the October 7, 2023, attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, German leaders have stepped up demands in recent days for Israel to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and to support the territory's civilian population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to a question on the possibility of Germany suspending arms deliveries to Israel, Merz said the extent of support is "the subject of internal consultations within the German government" that have not yet been finalized. "We will first discuss this within the federal government and then make decisions," said the chancellor, who took office earlier this month. Merz on Monday issued a rare rebuke to Israel, warning that "if lines are crossed, where international humanitarian law is really being violated, then Germany, the German chancellor, must also say something about it." "Frankly, I no longer understand the Israeli army's actions in the Gaza Strip or what their goal is," he said. "Causing such suffering to the civilian population, as has been increasingly the case in recent days, can no longer be justified by the fight against Hamas terrorism." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has launched another offensive in Gaza, with dozens of deaths reported in the war-torn coastal territory daily. The move has sparked international condemnation, amid warnings that the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza are facing the risk of starvation due to Israel's recent blockade of humanitarian aid. Some countries, including Spain, are even floating the idea of imposing an arms embargo on Israel over the situation in the sealed-off Palestinian territory. The proposal has also been backed by some centre-left lawmakers in Germany, putting pressure on the government to respond. Ambassador: Israel listens to Merz Merz's comments have raised eyebrows, with Israel's ambassador to Germany saying on Tuesday that his government takes the criticism seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When Friedrich Merz voices this criticism of Israel, we listen very carefully because he is a friend," ambassador Ron Prosor told broadcaster ZDF. Prosor stressed his country's determination to eliminate Hamas, arguing Israel cannot build a future as long as the Islamist terrorist organization still exists. "They want to wipe us out." The ambassador said Hamas had once again fired rockets at Israel on Tuesday, noting that a ceasefire could have been struck "yesterday" if the hostages held in Gaza were released, but accused Hamas of standing in the way. "They have turned schools into weapons depots, mosques into barracks and hospitals into command centres," he charged. Jewish leader calls for 'caution' Meanwhile, the Central Council of Jews in Germany has called for "caution" amid mounting German criticism of the Israeli military's actions in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I call for caution in the debate: Politicians should avoid using anti-Semitic narratives that relativize hatred of Jews by referring to Israel's conduct of the war," Central Council President Josef Schuster told dpa on Tuesday. Schuster said he did not oppose Merz's comments, agreeing that "civilian casualties must be minimized as much as possible and humanitarian aid for the civilian population in Gaza is necessary." But he warned that the fight against the Hamas "terrorist militia" is existential for Israel, and said that Jews in Germany must not be collectively made responsible for the Israeli military's actions. "This exonerates all the Jew-haters who follow precisely this anti-Semitic logic," said Schuster. "The result is a normalization of Israel-related anti-Semitism, which worries the Jewish community in Germany." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In this fight, Germany must stand unwaveringly by Israel's side," he added. Schuster said Hamas bears responsibility for the suffering in Gaza, and could end it by releasing the hostages and laying down its weapons. The German government is debating the extent of its aid to Israel, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday, amid calls for a weapons embargo over the war in Gaza. "We are in close contact and dialogue with the Israeli government," Merz said in Turku at a joint press conference with Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. While Berlin has steadfastly supported Israel since the October 7, 2023, attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, German leaders have stepped up demands in recent days for Israel to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and to support the territory's civilian population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to a question on the possibility of Germany suspending arms deliveries to Israel, Merz said the extent of support is "the subject of internal consultations within the German government" that have not yet been finalized. "We will first discuss this within the federal government and then make decisions," said the chancellor, who took office earlier this month. SPD politicians call for a stop to arms exports Politicians from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) - the junior partner in the coalition government in Berlin - are increasingly calling for an end to arms exports to Israel as a consequence of its military action in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe it would be the right decision to refrain from arms deliveries as a matter of principle," former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mutzenich told Deutschlandfunk radio. The federal government must discuss this in detail with parliament, he added. The leader of the SPD's youth wing the Young Socialists, Philipp Turmer, and former party leader Norbert Walter-Borjans expressed similar views. "There must be no further violations of international law. Suspending arms deliveries is an important lever for the Federal Republic to exert pressure and a building block for resolving the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza," Turmer told the Tagesspiegel newspaper. Walter-Borjans told the newspaper that Germany's responsibility towards Israel required it to convince the country to reverse its misguided course. Suspending arms deliveries for purposes contrary to international law was an essential part of this, he said. Rare harsh words aimed at Israel Merz on Monday issued a rare rebuke to Israel, warning that "if lines are crossed, where international humanitarian law is really being violated, then Germany, the German chancellor, must also say something about it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Frankly, I no longer understand the Israeli army's actions in the Gaza Strip or what their goal is," he said. "Causing such suffering to the civilian population, as has been increasingly the case in recent days, can no longer be justified by the fight against Hamas terrorism." Israel has launched another offensive in Gaza, with dozens of deaths reported in the war-torn coastal territory daily. The move has sparked international condemnation, amid warnings that the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza are facing the risk of starvation due to Israel's recent blockade of humanitarian aid. Some countries, including Spain, have floated the idea of imposing an arms embargo on Israel over the situation in the sealed-off Palestinian territory. Ambassador: Israel listens to Merz Merz's comments have raised eyebrows, with Israel's ambassador to Germany saying on Tuesday that his government takes the criticism seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When Friedrich Merz voices this criticism of Israel, we listen very carefully because he is a friend," ambassador Ron Prosor told broadcaster ZDF. Prosor stressed his country's determination to eliminate Hamas, arguing Israel cannot build a future as long as the Islamist terrorist organization still exists. "They want to wipe us out," he said. The ambassador said Hamas had once again fired rockets at Israel on Tuesday, noting that a ceasefire could have been struck "yesterday" if the hostages held in Gaza were released, but accused Hamas of standing in the way. "They have turned schools into weapons depots, mosques into barracks and hospitals into command centres," he charged. Wadephul warns Israel not to pressure Berlin German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned the Israeli government not to use accusations of anti-Semitism to pressure Berlin amid mounting German criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German government's fight against anti-Semitism and its full support for Israel's right to exist "must not be exploited for the conflict, for the warfare that is currently being waged in the Gaza Strip," Wadephul said at a conference in Berlin. "Despite all the difficulties that exist there, we as the German government will not allow ourselves to be put under political pressure and put in a position where we have to show forced solidarity," he said. "Israel naturally has the right to take action against the Islamist Hamas, which is still holding Israeli hostages," Wadephul emphasized. But "the duration, the severity and the consistency" of Israeli military action in Gaza have lacked "proportionality," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also completely unacceptable that the civilian population has not been supplied with basic foodstuffs and medicine, the minister said. Jewish leader calls for 'caution' Meanwhile, the Central Council of Jews in Germany has called for "caution" amid the mounting criticism. "I call for caution in the debate: Politicians should avoid using anti-Semitic narratives that relativize hatred of Jews by referring to Israel's conduct of the war," Central Council President Josef Schuster told dpa on Tuesday. Schuster said he did not oppose Merz's comments, agreeing that "civilian casualties must be minimized as much as possible and humanitarian aid for the civilian population in Gaza is necessary." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he warned that the fight against the Hamas "terrorist militia" is existential for Israel, and said that Jews in Germany must not be collectively made responsible for the Israeli military's actions. "This exonerates all the Jew-haters who follow precisely this anti-Semitic logic," said Schuster. "The result is a normalization of Israel-related anti-Semitism, which worries the Jewish community in Germany." "In this fight, Germany must stand unwaveringly by Israel's side," he added. Schuster said Hamas bears responsibility for the suffering in Gaza, and could end it by releasing the hostages and laying down its weapons. Israeli forces have raided money exchanges across the occupied West Bank, using live fire and tear gas as they stormed the city of Nablus, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding more than 30. Exchange shops in the cities of Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron Arrabeh, el-Bireh, Bethlehem, Jenin and Tubas were attacked on Tuesday, residents said. In the northern city of Nablus, Israeli soldiers raided a foreign exchange belonging to the Al-Khaleej company and a gold store, according to local media reports. They also fired smoke bombs in the centre of Jenin, and streets were closed in Tubas and Bethlehem in the occupied Palestinian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ramallah-based Ministry of Health said one man was killed and eight injured by live ammunition during a raid in Nablus. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said it treated 20 people for tear gas inhalation and three injured by rubber bullets. The raids on foreign exchanges came as Israel continued its intensified military campaign in Gaza, killing more than 54,000 Palestinians since the war began on October 7, 2023, as tens of thousands of people starve in the besieged enclave. Israeli Army Radio on Tuesday said Israel conducted the raids on foreign exchanges on suspicions that the shops supported terrorism. The radio station also said the operation resulted in the confiscation of large amounts of money designated for terrorism infrastructure in the West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli forces are taking action against Al-Khaleej Exchange Company due to its connections with terrorist organisations, a leaflet left by Israeli forces at the companys Ramallah location read. Israeli soldiers patrol the Tulkarem refugee camp in the West Bank [Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP] Al Jazeeras Hamdah Salhut said Israeli authorities have not released an official statement yet but an official talked to the Israeli media about the raids. This official said earlier that Israel believes not that it has any evidence or proof but believes that these cash exchange places are funnelling money to what they call terror organisations, said Salhut, who was reporting from Amman, Jordan, because Israel has banned Al Jazeera from reporting from Israel and the West Bank. The people who own these shops say they were not given any sort of proof by the Israeli military, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salhut said it was the fourth time such raids have taken place since the start of the Israeli genocide in Gaza. The first time was in December of 2023 when five different cash exchange places were raided by the Israeli military and they seized nearly $3m, she said. It happened again in August 2024 and again in September of that same year. Hamas slams raids Hamas denounced the Israeli raids, saying they constitute a new chapter in the occupations open war against the Palestinian people, their lives, their economy, and all the foundations of their steadfastness and perseverance on their land. These assaults on economic institutions, accompanied by the looting of large sums of money and the confiscation of property, are an extension of the piracy policies adopted by the [Israeli] occupation government, the Palestinian group said in a statement, adding that the targeted companies were operating within the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas urged the Palestinian Authority to take measures against the Israeli attacks. Separately, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement said the raids are part of the open war against our people, targeting their very existence and cause. The group also urged the Palestinian Authority to defend Palestinians from such attacks and halt its policy of security coordination with Israel. Palestinians have stormed a new food distribution centre in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media reports on Tuesday. The Israeli news portal ynet reported that the chaos forced employees of a US group to withdraw and that shots were fired from Israeli helicopters. There were initially no reports of possible injuries in the incident in the city of Rafah. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people in the embattled coastal strip are in a desperate situation after a months-long blockade of aid supplies by Israel, which has only recently been eased slightly. The newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by Israel and the United States, previously reported that it had distributed the first aid supplies to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government wants the GHF, established a few months ago, to be responsible for distributing aid supplies in the future. It has said the mechanism is designed to prevent the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas from intercepting supplies and profiting from them. Israel plans to use the four GHF distribution centres in the south and centre of the Gaza Strip to bypass UN aid organizations and other international aid agencies. The Interior Ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, has called on the population to boycott the new distribution mechanism. Telekom Malaysia (TM) announced on Monday that it has been appointed by the countrys second 5G operator U Mobile as a fibre backhaul partner in a deal valued at MYR2.4billion (almost US$570 million) over the next ten years. Under the partnership deal, TM will provide U Mobile with backhaul infrastructure services including fibre leased-line access for U Mobiles 5G RANs, data centre and TM Edge Facility leasing for points of interconnect, and trunk leased lines for inter-regional connectivity. U Mobile CEO Wong Heang Tuck said the partnership will help expedite its nationwide 5G rollout by taking advantage of TMs existing fibre footprint that spans over 740,000 km and provides the widest fibre backhaul coverage in Malaysia. Together with TM and other partners, we are committed to reaching 80% coverage of populated areas within 12 months, while ensuring a superior 5G experience that is highly reliable, supports massive capacity and delivers ultra-fast speeds to benefit enterprises and consumers across Malaysia, he said in a statement. In July 2024 before being officially selected as Malaysias second 5G operator U Mobile struck a similar deal with Time dotCom. Under that deal, U Mobile and Time are developing customised backhaul solutions to support U Mobiles 5G deployment strategy and technical requirements. Palestinians have stormed a new food distribution centre in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media reports on Tuesday. The Israeli news portal ynet reported that the chaos forced employees of a US group to withdraw and that shots were fired from Israeli helicopters. There were initially no reports of possible injuries in the incident in the city of Rafah. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) said: "At one moment in the late afternoon, the volume of people at the SDS [Secure Distribution Site] was such that the GHF team fell back to allow a small number of Gazans to take aid safely and dissipate. This was done in accordance with GHF protocol to avoid casualties." It added that normal operations have since resumed. The foundation, which is supported by Israel and the United States, said approximately 8,000 food boxes have been distributed. Each box feeds 5.5 people for 3.5 days, meaning a total of 462,000 meals have been distributed so far. Many people in the embattled coastal strip are in a desperate situation after a months-long blockade of aid supplies by Israel, which has only recently been eased slightly. New humanitarian agency The Israeli government wants the GHF, established a few months ago, to be responsible for distributing aid supplies in the future. It has said the mechanism is designed to prevent the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas from intercepting supplies and profiting from them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel plans to use the four GHF distribution centres in the south and centre of the Gaza Strip to bypass UN aid organizations and other international aid agencies. The Interior Ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, has called on the population to boycott the new distribution mechanism. Continued criticism of Israeli offensive Top international officials stepped up their criticism of Israel's expanded military operation in Gaza on Tuesday, as casualties mount from the intensified attacks on the largely destroyed Palestinian territory. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the escalation "cannot be justified" under international law, while the UN's top human rights official said the attacks on the Gaza Strip violated "fundamental principles of humanity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Von der Leyen said that "the European Commission has always supported and will continue to support Israel's right to security and self-defence, but this escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law." "The expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza targeting civilian infrastructure, among them a school that served as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families, killing civilians, including children, is abhorrent," she said, after a call with King Abdullah II of Jordan. The European Union calls on Israel "to put an immediate halt on the current escalation," she said, and on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Von der Leyen also urged Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Israel needs to immediately restore aid delivery in line with humanitarian principles, with the participation of the UN and other international humanitarian partners," she said. Israel not respecting 'principles of humanity' UN human rights chief Volker Turk said that Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip are no longer covered by the principle of self-defence under international law. Israel says that it is determined to completely remove the threat posed by Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by the EU and the United States. The army recently said it was pursuing its war against Hamas by expanding the war zone and calling on the residents of most places in the southern Gaza Strip to leave the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are talking about "an expulsion that is highly, highly questionable," Turk said on Austrian radio, referring to the effect of the war on the civilian population. "What we have witnessed in recent months has nothing to do with respect for the fundamental principles of humanity," said Turk, who holds the title of UN high commissioner for human rights. "You can't really find any more words to describe what is happening." The war in Gaza has claimed more than 53,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza. It was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, carried out by terrorists from Hamas and other groups on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip. Fears for displaced Gazans According to international aid organizations, almost 180,000 Gazans have been displaced over 10 days from May 15-25 as a result of the expanded Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This figure was published by the International Organization for Migration (IoM) in Geneva as part of the Global Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster platform, which coordinates aid for internally displaced persons worldwide. The platform said it "unequivocally condemns attacks on displacement sites." "Direct attacks on sites have become common," the statement said. Since the end of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in March, a total of around 616,000 people have been internally displaced in the Gaza Strip, according to the group. About 80% of the coastal area is closed off or under evacuation orders, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian media reports and health authorities in Gaza indicate a rapidly mounting death toll from the Israeli attacks. In the most recent incidents, at least 19 people were killed in an Israeli attack in northern Gaza, local media reported on Monday. At least 38 people were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip within one day, the territory's Hamas-run health ministry said on Sunday. Displaced Palestinians seeking aid gather near an aid distribution site run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in Rafah. Abdullah Abu Al-Khair/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa (Reuters) -The Israeli military said on Tuesday it intercepted a missile and a projectile in separate launches from Yemen toward Israel. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have continued to fire missiles at Israel in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, although they have agreed to halt attacks on U.S. ships. Israel has carried out strikes in response, including one on May 6 that damaged Yemen's main airport in Sanaa and killed several people. (Reporting by Yomna Ehab and Tala Ramadan; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Christian Schmollinger and Michael Perry) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced intense criticism from key international allies over his governments actions in Gaza and the approach to Iran. Germanys chancellor blasted Israels latest offensive in the Palestinian territory some 200 targets have been struck in 48 hours, killing several dozen people saying it can no longer be justified: Berlin is typically Israels most supportive partner in Europe and has largely refrained from outspoken remarks like those issued by fellow European powers Britain and France. Israels Channel 12 news, meanwhile, reported that Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump held a heated weekend call on confronting Tehran over its nuclear program, amid a broader distancing between the two countries in recent weeks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on May 27 that Moscow would welcome a second round of peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, he said during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. "If you ask me, I would turn to our Turkish friends again Istanbul is very good," Lavrov said, according to state-owned news agency TASS. The proposal comes as global diplomacy searches for a venue for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow after the May 16 talks failed to achieve the ceasefire Ukraine has pushed for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 19 that Ukraine is open to a new round of talks in Turkey, Switzerland, or the Vatican. Lavrov, however, cast doubt on the Vatican as a host, arguing that it would be an unsuitable platform for talks between "Orthodox countries." The Turkish foreign minister, who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin negotiator Vladimir Medinsky during his visit, reaffirmed Ankara's readiness to facilitate future talks. Fidan is expected to travel to Ukraine later this week following his two-day trip to Moscow. Turkey previously hosted peace negotiations in March 2022. Since then, Ankara has maintained active contact with both Kyiv and Moscow and facilitated multiple prisoner exchanges, as well as the now-defunct Black Sea Grain Initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No official date or venue for a second round of talks has been agreed. The renewed discussion about potential locations follows a May 19 call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin. During the call, Putin rejected Ukraine's proposal for an immediate ceasefire and instead suggested preparing a "memorandum" outlining a future peace framework. Since the call, Russia has launched one of its most intense waves of aerial attacks, including more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles over a single weekend. Read also: Why Trump needs to follow through and trigger the downfall of Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. TIRANA, Albania (AP) Italian authorities said Tuesday they have transferred a group of 26 rejected migrants to Italian-run detention centers in Albania. The Italian navy ship Spica left the Italian port of Brindisi on Tuesday and docked in the Albanian port of Shengjin, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) northeast of the capital, Tirana, with 26 migrants, government sources in Rome said. The transfer was also confirmed by sources at the port. From there, migrants are usually transferred to a second detention center in Gjader, 20 kilometers (12 miles) farther inland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Italian government has not released the migrants' nationalities or other details. Both facilities in Albania, which are run by Italian authorities, were originally built to process asylum requests of people intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea seeking a better life in Europe by Italy. But after opening in October, Italian courts have stopped authorities from using them and small groups of migrants sent there have returned to Italy. In March, Italys far-right government led by Premier Giorgia Meloni approved a decree that expanded the use of the Albanian fast-track asylum processing centers to include the detention of rejected asylum-seekers with deportation orders. It is not clear how long the migrants may be held in Albania. In Italy they can be detained for up to 18 months pending deportation. No information on the fate of the first group of 40 rejected migrants transferred in April is available. Local media have issued unconfirmed reports that 16 of them have been turned back to Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Albanian centers, which opened in October, welcomed three groups totaling 73 migrants in October, November and January. They spent only a few hours in Albania and were returned to Italy after Italian magistrates refused to validate their detention in the non-EU country. The November 2023 agreement between Italy and Albania worth nearly 800 million euros over five years allows up to 3,000 migrants intercepted by the Italian coast guard in international waters each month to be sheltered in Albania and vetted for possible asylum in Italy or repatriation. Italy has agreed to welcome those migrants who are granted asylum, while those whose applications are rejected face deportation directly from Albania. Associated Press writer Maria Grazia Murru contributed from Rome. ___ Follow APs global migration coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/migration ROME (Reuters) -Italy's mafia is turning away from violent turf wars to collaborate in drug trafficking, prostitution rings and money laundering, the national anti-mafia agency (DIA) said in an annual report about the organized crime groups on Tuesday. Sicily's Cosa Nostra and the Camorra around Naples are forming alliances at home and abroad, while the 'Ndrangheta, based in Calabria in Italy's southern toe, is increasingly focused on controlling public works projects, the report said. "Coexistence has fostered synergies that have progressively become structured," DIA director Michele Carbone told a press conference. These structures had become "capable of absorbing overlaps, tensions and frictions," he added. Public works linked to Italy's EU-backed post-COVID Recovery Fund, plans for a huge bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland, and preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics were all in danger of mafia infiltration, the DIA report said. The construction sector represented 38% of administrative anti-mafia measures in 2024, with investigations into 200 building sites for public projects. Carbone said the DIA was ready to block any mafia involvement in the bridge to Sicily. "Soon all anti-mafia prevention activities in connection with the construction of the bridge over the Strait (of Messina) will be started," he said. The DIA also highlighted the mafia's growing technological expertise, using encrypted communication channels and maintaining contacts with prison inmates through drones. Chinese "underground banking" networks are increasingly being used for money laundering, it said. At the same time, the recruitment of marginalised young people to commit crimes in what are called "baby gangs" is facilitated by spectacular displays of power on social media, the report said. (Reporting by Enrico Sciacovelli, editing by Gavin Jones and Rod Nickel) HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The chairman of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has announced his plans to retire at the beginning of the next year. Jim Huston will step down from his position in January of 2026. His term ended April 1, but he has stayed in the role temporarily. Huston was appointed to the commission by Governor Mike Pence in 2014 and reappointed by Governor Eric Holcomb in 2018. The IURC is currently in the process of looking for a new chairman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). Dissident Iranian director Jafar Panahi has returned to Tehran cheered by supporters after scooping the Cannes Palme dOr for his new film It Was Just an Accident which is sparking a diplomatic spat between Iran and France. Panahi arrived at Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport on Monday morning greeted by applause, as he hugged friends and fans who presented him with flowers when the revered auteur descended the escalator from passport control, as seen on social media posts. More from Variety Le realisateur Jafar Panahi de retour en Iran apres avoir remporte la Palme d'or a Cannes: une femme scande femme vie liberte a son arrivee a l'aeroport @femmeazadi pic.twitter.com/g3IerluAvD L'important (@Limportant_fr) May 26, 2025 Meanwhile, also on social media, a spat has erupted after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called Panahis victory a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regimes oppression in a post on X. This in turn prompted an irked reaction from Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not an art expert, but we believe that artistic events and art in general should not be exploited to pursue political objectives, said Irans foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei. Panahi was able to travel to Cannes to promote his surreptitiously shot film after being incarcerated twice for propaganda against the state and banned from making films, speaking to the press, and leaving Iran for more than 14 years. It Was Just an Accident is about a group of former political prisoners who kidnap a man whom they believe to be their former interrogator and torturer. The film, which the director in an interview with Variety said was inspired by his experiences in an Iranian prison, has now given Panahi, who is 64, the rare distinction of having won the top prize at all three major European film festivals, after taking Berlins Golden Bear for Taxi in 2015 and the Golden Lion at Venice for The Circle in 2000. Panahi was not able to attend those festivals due to his ban which was lifted in April 2023. Iranian media have largely ignoring Jafar Panahis momentous Cannes Palme dOr victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Irans state news agency IRNA trumpeted Panahis award with a picture of him and the headline The worlds largest film festival made history for Iranian cinema, news that Panahi scooped the Palme did not appear on the websites of the nations top English-language news outlets, Tehran Times and Iran Daily on Sunday. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. CNNs Jake Tapper has said an alleged cover-up of former president Joe Bidens declining mental faculties in his final year in power may be worse than Watergate. Tapper made the claims during an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Monday about his new book Original Sin, co-authored with Axios journalist Alex Thompson. Morgan read aloud a passage stating: Joe Biden is not Richard Nixon, and the hiding and cover-up of his deterioration is not Watergate before adding: I am not entirely sure I agree, Jake, with that conclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His guest responded: It is a scandal. It is without question and maybe even worse than Watergate in some ways because Richard Nixon was in control of his faculties when he was not drinking. Jake Tapper speaks to Piers Morgan on his Uncensored show (Piers Moran Uncensored/X) Tapper went on to explain that he and Thompson had included the disclaimer after quoting Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox, who had told them how powerful the presidency is and how presidents get surrounded by people who have a vested interest in keeping that president propped up. Donald Trump and his allies had long claimed that Biden 77 when he won the 2020 election and now 82 was too old to serve a second term and was suffering from cognitive decline. While Democrats angrily rejected that suggestion, the narrative changed dramatically last June after Biden endured a torrid evening during a live televised debate against Trump, an event moderated by Tapper and colleague Dana Bash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a month of intense pressure on the president to consider dropping out of the election race, he finally did so, making way for his deputy Kamala Harris, who went on to lose to Trump in November. Tapper and Thompson have faced criticism over their book, notably from Jon Stewart of The Daily Show, who argued they should have presented their findings earlier. Joe Biden in the last days of his presidency (AP) Its publicity push has also been complicated by Bidens recent announcement that he is battling prostate cancer. But Tapper has defended the project by insisting that he and his co-author had every reason to trust their White House sources and took their reassurances that the president was perfectly well at face value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing what I know now, obviously I feel tremendous humility about my coverage, Tapper told Megyn Kelly on her SiriusXM radio show last week, also admitting that conservative media was correct in its handling of the Biden story at the time. He added: There should be a lot of soul-searching not just among me but among the legacy media to begin with all of us for how this was covered or not covered sufficiently. I wish I could do differently. He repeated that sentiment during his interview with Morgan, who asked him whether he felt he owed the American public an apology. I feel like I owe the American people an acknowledgement that I wish I had covered the story better, Tapper answered. Among the revelations in Original Sin are claims that the former presidents aides discussed the possibility of putting him in a wheelchair, that Biden failed to recognize the Hollywood star George Clooney at a fundraiser and wanted to testify at his troubled son Hunter Bidens trial and that Harriss advisers believed he f***ed her campaign. CNNs Jake Tapper said Monday that the alleged cover-up of ex-President Joe Bidens decline may be worse than Watergate. (Watch the video below.) Tapper, co-author of the bestselling Original Sin about efforts by Bidens allies to conceal his aging before and during the 2024 campaign, made the startling claim on Piers Morgan Uncensored. Morgan sparked the exchange by referring to a book excerpt saying that Joe Biden is not Richard Nixon. The hiding and the cover-up of his deterioration is not Watergate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Um, Im not entirely sure I agree, Jake, with that conclusion, Morgan said. The next line is, It is an entirely separate scandal, Tapper replied. It is a scandal. It is without question and maybe even worse than Watergate in some ways, because Richard Nixon was in control of his faculties when he wasnt drinking. Nixon was implicated in the cover-up surrounding the 1972 burglary of Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex. He faced near-certain impeachment when he resigned from the presidency in 1974 the only commander in chief to do so in history. We dont mean to exonerate, Tapper clarified. The only reason that we have the Watergate thing there is because we quote Archibald Cox, who was a Watergate investigator, talking about how powerful the presidency is and how presidents get surrounded by people who have a vested interest in keeping that president propped up. So thats the only reason we invoke Watergate is just to make clear, like: Its not Watergate. This is an entirely separate scandal. Maybe even worse. 'Even worse than Watergate' Jake Tapper admits to Piers Morgan the Joe Biden health scandal might actually be worse than the Nixon one. Watch more https://t.co/a62qEi4Bjj@piersmorgan | @jaketapper | @AlexThomppic.twitter.com/Kl5zPx9oM3 Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) May 26, 2025 Related... On May 27, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of Beylik village in the Lachin district. Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President in Lachin district, briefed the head of state on the newly established infrastructure in the village. Large-scale construction projects are underway in Lachin, including in Beylik village, as part of the First State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan. X X X President Ilham Aliyev also reviewed the conditions at the newly built club-community center in Beylik village. The center includes rooms designated for dance and hobby groups and is equipped to host various events, including youth gatherings. To promote sustainability, green energy is utilized to power homes, social facilities, and public spaces throughout the village. Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the club-community center and other buildings to support this effort. X X X President Ilham Aliyev then inspected the newly constructed individual houses in Beylik village. The entire village has been rebuilt from the ground up, with plans to resettle 90 familiestotaling 360 residents. A total of 91 individual houses have been constructed across a 29.6-hectare area. These include 13 two-room, 50 three-room, 15 four-room, and 13 five-room houses. All necessary conditions have been created to ensure employment for the population. The village features a comprehensive range of economic, social, and utility infrastructure. Internal roads have been constructed, and the village is fully provided with electricity, communication services, water, and natural gas. Japanese Open RAN solutions provider Rakuten Symphony said on Monday it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zain Kuwait to collaborate on a pilot project to deploy cloud-native 5G Open RAN sites in Kuwait. Under the MoU, Zain Kuwait will utilize Rakuten Symphonys ORAN and Cloud portfolio including its Open RAN virtualized Distributed Unit and Centralized Unit software, along with cloud-native virtualized software to establish standalone 5G sites. Rakuten Symphony will work with Zain to ensure that its Open RAN solution is fully functional and capable of handling commercial traffic. Meanwhile, Zain Kuwait will allocate the required cell sites for the project, and also provide data centre infrastructure and 5G SA core with related transport connectivity. By venturing into networks driven by cloud-native, open principles and leveraging Rakuten Symphonys proven portfolio, Zain Kuwait has the potential to realize the benefits of increased operational flexibility and reduced time to market, in turn delivering better performance for customers, said Rakuten Symphony president Sharad Sriwastawa in a statement. Zain Kuwait CTO Daaij Al-Oud said the initial phase of the project will mark Kuwaits first Open RAN deployment. By piloting the countrys first cloud-native Open RAN deployment, we aim to unlock new levels of network agility, efficiency, and scalability. Zain Kuwait expects the pilot project to pave the way for a planned large-scale commercial deployment of Open RAN not only in Kuwait, but across the Zain Groups operations across eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. Sister telco Zain KSA signed a MoU with Rakuten Symphony in March 2023 to collaborate on a blueprint for a cloud-native Open RAN architecture for 4G and 5G networks. CNN anchor Jake Tapper said the cover-up of former President Joe Bidens cognitive decline while he was in the White House was maybe even worse than Watergate in an interview with Piers Morgan on Monday. Tapper said the reason the hiding of Bidens health issues was a bigger deal than the scandal that brought down Richard Nixons presidency was because Nixon was in control of his faculties when he was not drinking. Biden, Tapper has said several times on his recent media tour, was showing routine signs of a man who was suffering from a cognitive decline, including forgetting the names of aides and celebrity supporters like George Clooney. A moment earlier, Morgan said he believed the secrecy around the ex-presidents health was a bigger offense than Watergate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tapper was on Morgans Uncensored YouTube show to promote his new book, Original Sin, which looked at the cover up of Bidens health while in office; he was joined by his co-author Alex Thompson. 'Even worse than Watergate' Jake Tapper admits to Piers Morgan the Joe Biden health scandal might actually be worse than the Nixon one. Watch more https://t.co/a62qEi4Bjj@piersmorgan | @jaketapper | @AlexThomppic.twitter.com/Kl5zPx9oM3 Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) May 26, 2025 The veteran CNN anchor said several people played a key role in keeping Bidens health a secret, including his wife Jill, who was enamored with the lifestyle of being the First Lady, he said. Tapper also said Bidens son Hunter was in favor of keeping it a secret to help safeguard him against a federal investigation into his taxes and illegally buying a gun. The best way that they could protect [Hunter Biden] was to keep the presidency so that they could protect him, Tapper said. The two authors have been on an extensive media tour to promote Original Sin in the past few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week on MSNBCs Morning Joe, Tapper said there were two Joe Bidens and that the non-functioning version was seen more and more as his presidency went on culminating in his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump in June 2024. Less than a month later, Biden ended his campaign. Tapper, during an interview on his own channel, said there was was not enough coverage of Bidens health issues, including from himself. And last Tuesday, while appearing on Megyn Kellys show, Tapper said he called Lara Trump to apologize to her, after he ripped her in 2020 for claiming Biden was showing signs of cognitive decline. She saw something that I did not see at the time, Tapper said. 100 percent. And I own that. He made a similar comment to Morgan on Monday, saying a lot of voters could see what was in front of their nose, [and] our nose with regards to Bidens health decline, so kudos to everybody who was right on target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To hear more of what Morgan thinks of Biden, Trump, CNN, and the royal family, check TheWrap tomorrow to read a full interview. The post Jake Tapper Says Cover-Up of Bidens Mental Decline May Be Even Worse Than Watergate appeared first on TheWrap. Jake Tapper may have co-authored Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, but even he was surprised by one quote in the book that he says was jaw-dropping to me. Piers Morgan clearly felt the same way, and asked the CNN anchor about it during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, his YouTube talk show, on Monday. The British broadcaster asked Tapper about one line that just sprang out to me in which a longtime [Joe] Biden aide says 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 Its stunning, agreed Tapper, who credited his co-author, Axios correspondent Alex Thompson, for getting the quote. Joe Biden's declining health and alleged efforts to obscure it are detailed in Jake Tapper's controversial new book. / Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images When we say that almost all of the interviews we did for the book came after the election, that one line is the one exception, he shared. That came before the election. And I was stunned, too. Tapper said the anecdote really gets at the premise that so many of these Democrats accepted, which is: only Joe Biden has ever beaten Donald Trump. And that the Republican had to be defeated because hes an existential threat to the nation. And if you buy those two premises, then you can really justify almost anything, which is what the Democrats tried to do, Tapper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I agree with you, he added. That was jaw-dropping to me as well. Jake Tapper's bestselling new book has generated positive reviews along with backlash and scrutiny. / Scott Olson / Getty Images Original Sin has soared to the top of several bestseller lists since its release last week, despite some controversy. It has drawn backlash both from the rightwho are accusing Tapper of failing to cover Bidens mental decline when it was most pertinentas well as the left, who say it draws focus from Trumps dangerous threats to democracy. The book claims that Bidens inner circle helped to conceal his declining physical and cognitive health as he and his aides insisted he was fit to serve a second term. Democrats are still grappling with his disastrous decision to run again, leading to a last-minute candidate swap that may have cost them the election. Biden announced last week that he was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone. Amid criticism, Tapper has acknowledged he missed the mark in his previous coverage of Biden. He told Morgan on Monday he feels tremendous humility for telling off Lara Trump in a 2020 interview when she said Biden was in cognitive decline. Amid growing unease with President Trumps foreign policy, which JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warns could isolate the U.S. under an America alone doctrine, foreign governments like Greenland are rethinking their investment alliances and considering alternatives such as China. Dimon has emphasized the importance of maintaining strong economic and military partnerships, a warning that resonates as Greenlandhome to vital untapped resourcessignals frustration with U.S. diplomacy and explores other global investors to support its development goals. Foreign governments are beginning to shop around when it comes to drumming up investment, potentially stepping away from ties with Donald Trumps America. The White Houses foreign policy under President Trump has raised eyebrows for a range of reasons, whether its been renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, claiming Canada will be adopted as the 51st state, or making bids to bring Greenland under its control. And thats before you consider tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The altered, often unpopular, stance of the Oval Office has led to economic experts like JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon to question whether Trumps America First policy may end up as America alone. The biggest concern in that scenario is that Americas economic and military allies may turn their backs on the White House and instead look to another foreign powerhouse, China, for support. Writing in his annual letter to shareholders earlier this year, Dimon explained, Keeping our alliances together, both militarily and economically, is essential. The opposite is precisely what our adversaries want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately it seems that this is precisely whats happening when it comes to some political conversations in Greenland, which Trump has threatened to get using military force, despite the country being an autonomous territory of Denmark. We want to develop our business sector and diversify it, and that requires investments from outside, said Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenlands minister for business and mineral resources, in an interview with the Financial Times. And when asked if that might include working with China, she added, We do want to partner up with European and American partners. But if they dont show up I think we need to look elsewhere. Trump has long held an interest in Greenland citing national and international security concerns, given Americas proximity to the island. The fact that Greenland geographically sits on a potential flight path from the U.S. to Russia is also of note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as well as the geographic proximity to the U.S., Greenland is also home to a wealth of untapped raw materials, including 25 of the 34 materials that Europe deems critical materials. The Trump 2.0 team has made its interest in securing such assets clear, having signed a deal with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky on precisely this issue in order to secure a military partnership between the two. To make matters more complex, Nathanielsen told the FT a memorandum of understanding on mineral development with the U.S. is due to expire soon, having first been signed under the previous Trump administration. She added, We sort of hoped that the Trump administration would be more willing to engage in dialogue with Greenland about the mineral sector development. We got a bit more than we asked for, because we have no wish to be American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, with heightened tensions between the U.S. and China at present, the latter nation may not want to rock the boat any further and risk a return to Aprils tit-for-tat trade war. China may be resistant to sign a deal with Greenland precisely because officials dont want to provoke anything, added Nathanielsen. Picking a side Trumps comments about folding Greenland into America are disrespectful and distasteful, the Greenland minister added. Her view is fitting with the vast majority of her peers, with a January poll finding 85% of people on the island didnt wish to be part of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps political ally and major donor, DOGE boss Elon Musk, has also said he hoped the people of Greenland would want to join the U.S. and would be welcome if they did. The survey conducted by pollster Verian, commissioned by the Danish newspaper Berlingske earlier this year, found that just 6% of Greenlands population wanted to join America. Trumps lobbying was accompanied by a visit to Greenland by one of his sons, Donald Trump Jr., which was criticized by some lawmakers in the country. But the nation will be conscious that despite its apparent distaste for Trumps tactics, it does not want to burn bridges with its close military and economic ally. As Nathanielsen put it, We are trying to figure out, what does the new world order look like? In those terms, Chinese investment is of course problematic, but so, to some extent, is American. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) Memorial Day is a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. At Camp Nelson National Cemetery, a powerful ceremony made sure these names would never be forgotten. Cathy Stringer Robinson represented her dad, Captain John C. Stringer II. She joined hundreds of others at Camp Nelson to remember those who sacrificed everything. Her shirt had a picture of her father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My dad is one of the 14 Kentuckians still missing from the Vietnam War, Stringer Robinson said. I just tell them to keep holding their head up high, be proud of their family members, and for them not to forget. Thatll keep others from forgetting. Every branch of the military was honored, along with grieving families who reflect on what this service means for our nation. Brigadier General Retired Ben Adams said one of the goals of this event is to make sure families of these heroes know theyre loved and the service their loved one gave to the nation will never go unnoticed. Its a day for them. Its not only for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice but to help others understand the sacrifice made for our families and our nation, Adams said. Across the headstones at the cemetery stood American flags, lovingly placed there by volunteers who wanted to play a part in remembering the fallen. Vietnam veteran David White said he gets the impression Kentucky is a state that loves its veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very heartwarming. Ive been to a lot of these ceremonies, and its wonderful that the people of Kentucky pour in and support the veterans, White said. The ceremony featured speakers, patriotic songs of remembrance, and the reminder to never stop telling the stories of these heroes, something Stringer Robinson intends to keep up. Soldiers die twice once when they stop breathing and again when their name is said for the last time. We dont ever want to forget any of our fallen, Stringer Robinson 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. The Central Council of Jews in Germany has called for "caution" amid mounting German criticism of the Israeli military's actions in Gaza. "I call for caution in the debate: Politicians should avoid using anti-Semitic narratives that relativize hatred of Jews by referring to Israel's conduct of the war," Central Council President Josef Schuster told dpa on Tuesday. Schuster said he did not oppose Chancellor Friedrich Merz's rare rebuke of the Israeli government on Monday, agreeing that "civilian casualties must be minimized as much as possible and humanitarian aid for the civilian population in Gaza is necessary." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he warned that the fight against the Hamas "terrorist militia" is existential for Israel, and said that Jews in Germany must not be collectively made responsible for the Israeli military's actions. "This exonerates all the Jew-haters who follow precisely this anti-Semitic logic," said Schuster. "The result is a normalization of Israel-related anti-Semitism, which worries the Jewish community in Germany." "In this fight, Germany must stand unwaveringly by Israel's side," he added. Schuster said Hamas bears responsibility for the suffering in Gaza, and could end it by releasing the hostages and laying down its weapons. Jon Stewart is publicly torching CBS parent company Paramount Global and its controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, accusing them of capitulating to President Donald Trumps political pressure in order to advance an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. Stewart, star of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, which is a subsidiary of Paramount Global, said the media climate has deteriorated to the point where all must pay tribute to the king, likening recent corporate payouts and newsroom purges to mafia-style extortion. They just put money into the pot so that hopefully they dont get [targeted], Stewart told The Bill Simmons Podcast on Friday. Jon Stewart is publicly torching CBS parent company Paramount Global and its controlling shareholder Shari Redstone. YouTube/Bill Simmons Theyre paying what does that remind you of, Michael? Protection money. Right? Its protection money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments come as Redstone, who stands to personally gain around $2 billion if the Skydance deal goes through, supported the ouster of CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon a move sources told The Post signals progress in mediation talks aimed at settling Trumps $20 billion defamation lawsuit against Paramount. The lawsuit alleges CBS deceptively edited a 60 Minutes interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris during the 2024 election cycle. Stewart dismissed the lawsuit as a pretext to extract financial concessions. It certainly doesnt rise to the level of libel, slander or whatever the fk else they think theyre doing with a $20 billion lawsuit. It was a purely subjective editorial decision, he said. Redstone is controlling shareholder at Paramount Global. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Ultimately, what an awful precedent that these media companies have set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon was reportedly pushed out after resisting efforts to settle with Trump, which insiders say contributed to the resignation of veteran 60 Minutes producer Bill Owens. In her resignation memo, McMahon wrote: Its become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward. CBS CEO George Cheeks told staff she would remain for several weeks to assist with the transition. Stewart wasnt subtle in his implication that Redstone was behind the moves, suggesting that top CBS executives were told to issue apologies as part of the merger strategy. Imagine paying $50 million for fking nothing just to get somebody to approve a merger. Its bribery, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have to apologize. And these people looked at it and thought, Theres no fking way Im going to apologize for doing my job the way its supposed to be done just because this one guy is offended by it. President Trump filed a $20 billion defamation suit against Paramount Global. AP Sources told The Post that Skydance executive Jeff Shell had little confidence in McMahons ability to steer CBS News. Her departure followed multiple controversies, including plummeting ratings, poor newsroom morale and backlash over perceived interference in editorial decisions such as reprimanding anchor Tony Dokoupil for a tough interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates on Israel-Hamas tensions. I mean, look what theyre doing now at 60 Minutes and CBS News and everything else, Stewart said. Stewart said that Redstone, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos (seen far right with fiancees Lauren Sanchez) and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg (seen second from left alongside wife Priscilla Chan) paid Trump protection money. Getty Images I dont know if these institutions I thought would last my lifetime are going to survive this. Its insane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Daily Show host broadened his criticism to include other media titans. ABC had to pay $15 million. [Amazon founder Jeff] Bezos had to pay $40 million for a documentary on Melania. [Meta CEO Mark] Zuckerberg had to pay, Stewart said, arguing these were examples of companies bowing to Trump to avoid legal threats. He warned that Redstones approach sets a dangerous precedent that Trump will exploit further. Now hell go after Harvard and Comcast or whatever the hell else he does. Because a policy of appeasement always leads to more conquest. Its tragic, Stewart said. The Post has sought comment from Paramount Global, Meta, Bezos and ABC News. Foreign governments, including Greenland, are currently considering investment alternatives to the U.S., such as China. This comes as JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned that President Donald Trumps foreign policy could isolate the U.S. under what he characterized as an America alone doctrine. Dimon has stressed the need to keep in place strong economic and military ties, indicating that the CEO is frustrated with U.S. diplomacy as Trumps foreign policy has prompted concerns at home and abroad. Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and making threats of annexing Canada and Greenland are just some of the issues that have created consternation. The tariffs put in place by the Trump administration on allies and foes alike have pushed away countries long seen as important partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dimons concern that the U.S. may end up alone on the global stage stems from the belief that both economic and military allies may start to look elsewhere for support, including China, Fortune noted. Keeping our alliances together, both militarily and economically, is essential, Dimon told shareholders in his annual letter earlier this year. The opposite is precisely what our adversaries want. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has emphasized the need to keep economic and military allies close (AFP via Getty Images) Political discussions in Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally, indicate that officials may be broadening their horizons after Trumps threats to take over the territory. Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenlands minister for business and mineral resources, told the Financial Times: We want to develop our business sector and diversify it, and that requires investments from outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Nathanielsen was asked about whether that would mean working with China, she said: We do want to partner up with European and American partners. But if they dont show up, I think we need to look elsewhere. Trump has pointed to national and international security interests when speaking about the need for the U.S. to take control of Greenland. Greenland is strategically located to protect American security, particularly from Russia. Greenland sits on significant reserves of raw materials, such as 25 of the 34 materials that Europe considers critical. The second Trump administration has made clear its intention to get hold of such materials, such as by signing a deal with Ukraine on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathanielsen also noted to the Financial Times that a memorandum of understanding on mineral development that was signed during the first Trump administration is set to expire soon. We sort of hoped that the Trump administration would be more willing to engage in dialogue with Greenland about the mineral sector development. We got a bit more than we asked for, because we have no wish to be American, she said. Nathanielsen acknowledged, however, that China may not be willing to ink a deal with Greenland at the moment in order to avoid any escalation in the trade war with the U.S. She called Trumps comments about turning Greenland into the U.S. disrespectful and distasteful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are trying to figure out, what does the new world order look like? In those terms, Chinese investment is of course problematic, but so, to some extent, is American investment, said Nathanielsen. A poll in January found that 85 percent of Greenlanders dont wish to be folded into the U.S. The survey by the pollster Verian, commissioned by the Danish paper Berlingske, found that only six percent of Greenlanders wanted to join the U.S. By Mike Scarcella (Reuters) -A federal judge on Tuesday struck down an executive order targeting law firm WilmerHale, in the third ruling to overwhelmingly reject President Donald Trump's efforts to punish firms he perceives as enemies of his administration. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, in Washington, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, said Trump's order retaliated against the firm in violation of U.S. constitutional protections for free speech and due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have concluded that this order must be struck down in its entirety as unconstitutional," Leon wrote in his 73-page opinion. "Indeed, to rule otherwise would be unfaithful to the judgment and vision of the Founding Fathers!" Leon said Trump had penalized WilmerHale for hiring Robert Mueller, the Republican-appointed special counsel who led a probe into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election and Trump campaign ties to Moscow. Trump has derided the investigation as a political "witch hunt." In a statement, WilmerHale said Leon's ruling "strongly affirms our foundational constitutional rights and those of our clients. We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients." White House spokesman Harrison Fields in a statement said Trump acted within his power by rescinding security clearances for the firm's attorneys. Reviewing the president's clearance decisions "falls well outside the judiciarys authority, Fields said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WilmerHale was among four law firms that sued the administration over Trump's orders, which suspended their lawyers' security clearances and sought to bar them from federal buildings and strip their clients of U.S. federal government contracts. WilmerHale called Trump's order flagrantly unconstitutional, arguing it violated its rights to speech, due process and equal protection under the law. The firm in its lawsuit was represented by prominent conservative lawyer Paul Clement, who was the U.S. solicitor general during the George W. Bush presidency. Leon barred federal agencies from enforcing the March 27 executive order against WilmerHale, a 1,200-lawyer firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and across the country. He called the order "a staggering punishment for the firms protected speech" that harmed its ability to represent its clients. In a related lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell on May 2 overturned Trump's executive order against law firm Perkins Coie. On May 23, U.S. District Judge John Bates issued a similar ruling that struck down Trump's order against Jenner & Block. A fourth judge is weighing whether to overturn an executive order that targeted Susman Godfrey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Justice Department has defended Trumps orders in court, arguing in each case that Trump was lawfully exercising his presidential power and discretion. Trump has accused the firms of "weaponizing" the justice system against him and his allies. The Justice Department can appeal Leon's order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Nine law firms, including Paul Weiss, Latham & Watkins; Skadden Arps; and Willkie Farr, reached deals with Trump that averted punitive actions, pledging a combined total of nearly $1 billion in free legal services to advance causes he supports. Trump's targeting of firms has drawn condemnation from many within the legal industry. Some have criticized the firms that reached agreements as capitulating to presidential coercion. (Reporting by Mike Scarcella in Washington, D.C., and additional reporting by David Thomas; Editing by David Bario and Bill Berkrot) Federal Judge Brian Murphy lambasted the Trump administration for manufacturing the very chaos they decry in a scathing Monday evening order. This comes after the Department of Homeland Security deported six men to South Sudan in a hurried move that Murphy identified as a clear violation of his previous preliminary injunction, which required DHS to give meaningful notice before deporting someone to an unfamiliar country, particularly an unstable one, without due process. Defendants have mischaracterized this Courts order, while at the same time manufacturing the very chaos they decry, Murphy wrote in his Monday order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court recognizes that the class members at issue here have criminal histories, he continued But that does not change due process. The court treats its obligation to these principles with the seriousness that anyone committed to the rule of law should understand. Murphy noted that he initially accepted the administrations own recommendation to keep the men at a U.S. military base in Djibouti rather than send them to South Sudan. But days later, Trump lied about the judges order, making it seem as if Murphy had required the men to stay in Djibouti. A Federal Judge in Boston, who knew absolutely nothing about the situation, or anything else, has ordered that EIGHT of the most violent criminals on Earth curtail their journey to South Sudan, and instead remain in Djibouti, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday. He would not allow these monsters to proceed to their final destination. This is not the premise under which I was elected President, which was to PROTECT our Nation. The Judges are absolutely out of control, theyre hurting our Country, and they know nothing about particular situations, or what they are doingAnd this must change, IMMEDIATELY! This was a complete lie, according to Murphy. The court never said that defendants had to convert their foreign military base into an immigration facility, he wrote in the memo. It only left that as an option, again, at defendants request. A Manhattan federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Tuesday blocking the federal government from withholding funding from New York State in the ongoing battle over New York Citys congestion pricing. Judge Lewis Liman ruled early Tuesday afternoon that the order would be in place until 5 p.m. on June 9, and would enjoin the Trump administration from withholding any funds, holding up approvals or in any way trying to enforce the U.S. Department of Transportations assertion that it has retroactively deauthorized the $9 toll for motorists entering Midtown or lower Manhattan. Gov. Hochul hailed the news Tuesday, declaring it a massive victory for New York commuters, vindicating our right as a State to make decisions regarding whats best for our streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary Duffy can issue as many letters and social media posts as he wants, but a court has blocked the Trump Administration from retaliating against New York for reducing traffic and investing in transit, she said in a statement. The order comes one day before a deadline set by U.S. DOT, after which the agency warned it would begin considering compliance actions against the Empire State for refusing to end the toll. [The Federal Highway Administration] may implement compliance actions as soon as May 28th, a U.S. DOT spokesperson told the Daily News last week, a quote referenced aloud in court by attorneys for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Attorneys for U.S. DOT argued that the toll had been improperly authorized by the Biden administration last year and that, regardless, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had the authority to renege on any authorization because U.S. DOT priorities had changed under President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liman echoed concerns raised by MTA lawyer Roberta Kaplan, who charged that the governments arguments amounted to claiming a unilateral right to back out of any agreement by citing shifting priorities. Its a recipe for chaos, Kaplan said. Liman put the question to attorneys for the feds. Is there going to be rule of law in this country, so that people launch public works projects without the rug being pulled out from under their feet? Liman asked. Charles Roberts, an attorney for U.S. DOT, defended that interpretation of the law, saying a future president could likewise seek to end any programs authorized under the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Changed priorities should not have come as a surprise to anyone, Roberts said. Roberts was one of a pair of identically dressed attorneys from the main Department of Justice office charcoal suits, red ties and beards who had taken an Amtrak train up from Washington, D.C., to defend Duffys efforts to kill the toll. A set of attorneys from New Yorks Southern District who questioned Duffys legal strategy in an internal memo that mysteriously showed up on the docket last month were nowhere to be seen. The congestion toll began in January a requirement of New York States 2019 Traffic Mobility Act, meant to both reduce congestion and back $15 billion in bonds toward specific MTA projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duffy first claimed the authority to unilaterally end the toll weeks later, in February. When the MTA sued instead of complying, Duffy gave Hochul a March 21 deadline to end the toll. Duffy then extended the seemingly toothless deadline to April 20, then to May 21. As the toll remained in place on May 21, Duffy in a letter to Hochul threatened to withhold federal funds for any highway project in Manhattan, refuse to approve Manhattan projects under the National Environmental Policy Act, and refuse to greenlight any funding amendments from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council unless Hochul ended the toll. Should New Yorks noncompliance continue, the Transportation secretary went on, hed defund projects citywide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In issuing an order Tuesday barring Duffy and his agency from any such actions, Liman said New York stood to suffer irreparable harms from the feds demands, including the delay of numerous public works projects, harm to the bond market and the undermining [of] the authority of a sovereign state that had democratically passed the law requiring the toll. I assume that, Mr. Roberts, youll convey that to your client, Liman said after issuing the order. And I assume your client will comply with it? Yes, Your Honor, Roberts said. BALTIMORE After four days of testimony, prosecutors rested their case Tuesday in Harford County Circuit Court in the murder trial of Jaylen Prince, a 16-year-old charged with fatally shooting 15-year-old Warren Grant inside Joppatowne High School in September. Prince faces numerous charges in the shooting, including first-degree murder. After Harford County States Attorney Alison Healey rested her case, Princes defense attorney, Stacey Pipkin, made a motion to have Prince acquitted because of what she said was the states failure to prove the shooting was pre-meditated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healey said she believes the state adequately proved the shooting was premeditated because of strong evidence such as a cellphone video that captured the shooting. In the video, Prince is heard repeatedly telling Grant I will kill you before shooting him once in the chest. A digital forensic expert also showed that Prince searched for the most powerful hollow bullets and had text messages on his phone showing he inquired about and later illegally purchased a handgun for $700, Healey said. Harford County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Mahoney denied the defenses request for acquittal. The defense began presenting its case Tuesday afternoon. Mahoney said last week he expected a verdict in the case on Wednesday. _____ YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A judge in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday denied a request for reduced bond for a man accused of killing a mother and son in a drunken driving accident. Read next: More unruly teens reported at Target Judge R. Scott Krichbaum made his decision during a pretrial hearing for Walter Bolt, 65, who faces two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, OVI and aggravated vehicular assault for a March 3 crash in Springfield Township that took the life of Angela Brown, 44, and her 15-year-old son, Jason Daff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another son, Jayden Daff, was also injured and is now recovering from his injuries. A grand jury indicted Bolt on May 8. He was taken into custody a few days after his indictment. In his motion for bond filed last week, Bolts attorney, Rhys Cartwright-Jones, said his client had medical conditions that need daily treatment at a hospital and that his client has no prior criminal record. Cartwright-Jones suggested a bond of $100,000. Bolt was in court in a wheelchair. Bolts original bond was set at $250,000. Assistant Prosecutor Steve Maszczak said his office opposes any modification to the bond. Maszczak said officials at the jail assured him that they would be able to keep up with Bolts medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Maszczak said there is a lot of evidence that Bolt was drunk at the time of the accident, including a .215 blood alcohol content level, which is more than two times the legal limit of .08. Cartwright-Jones said his client has already missed some of his appointments. Judge Krichbaum said he did not think the bond was excessive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Getty Images. In a victory for Minnesotas new Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by two industry groups challenging the boards authority to mandate that nursing homes pay workers time-and-a-half on 11 holidays. The lawsuit was the first legal challenge to the board since the Legislature created it in 2023 to set minimum pay and working standards for nursing home workers across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board comprising three worker representatives, three state government officials and three industry leaders voted last year to guarantee workers 11 paid holidays starting this year, as well as minimum wages starting Jan. 1. The three nursing home representatives abstained from voting for or against the minimum wage and holiday rules. The nursing home associations LeadingAge Minnesota and Care Providers of Minnesota argued in their lawsuit that the holiday pay rule is illegal because it forces nursing homes to violate workers rights to collectively bargain under the National Labor Relations Act. The argument was curious coming from associations representing employers. Federal District Court Judge Laura Provinzino wrote in her opinion on Friday that it wasnt even clear that the two associations could assert rights on behalf of employees when they represent the employers. Moreover, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, a union representing thousands of nursing home workers, fully supported the boards rules. The union was a driving force behind the boards creation in order to raise standards for union and non-union workers alike, and its president, Jamie Gulley, serves on the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LeadingAge and Care Providers also argued that the holiday pay mandate hurt nursing homes by costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in some cases. The fact that the industry had money to fund this failed lawsuit but continues to tell their workers no so often when they ask for better pay and benefits showcases how much change is still needed, Rasha Ahmad Sharif, executive vice president of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, said in a statement celebrating the judges decision. The associations arguments centered on a provision in the rule that allows nursing homes to swap out four of the holidays specified in the rule for alternative dates if approved by the majority of employees. The nursing home groups argued this violated employees rights by forcing them to engage in collective bargaining and because the process would allow nursing home managers to dominate the voting process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge rejected those arguments, ruling that voting on paid holidays doesnt constitute collective bargaining. The rule does nothing more than create a new minimum labor standard, the judge wrote. In a statement, the groups said they were disappointed in the judges ruling and considering an appeal. This ruling creates even more regulatory challenges for Minnesotas senior care centers at a time when the need for our services is growing, the statement said. The minimum wages set by the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board are on track to take effect next year, as the Legislature appears ready to approve additional funding to underwrite the raises. Republicans have looked to eliminate the board and give nursing home leaders more power in setting rules, but those efforts failed to gain traction in the divided Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labor leaders and their DFL allies sought to set up the board as a model for employer-worker relations in an industry that survives on government funding via Medicaid. Nursing home workers are entitled to time-and-a-half pay for working during the following holidays: New Years Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presidents Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Indigenous Peoples Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Christmas Nursing home workers will be guaranteed the following minimum hourly wages in 2026: Certified nursing assistants: $22.50 Trained medication aides: $23.50 Licensed practical nurses: $27 All other workers: $19 Hourly wages will increase $1.50 in 2027 May 27A federal judge has halted the deportation of a Maine man who says he had been held illegally by immigration officials at the Cumberland County Jail for eight months. Eyidi Ambila, 44, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was moved Tuesday to a jail in Burlington, Massachusetts, the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine said. U.S. District Judge John Woodcock issued an emergency ruling on Tuesday that prevents the federal government from sending Ambila out of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before he issued that decision, the Department of Justice said Ambila was "confirmed on a flight to the Democratic Republic of Congo for removal in the immediate future" and that he "could be boarding an airplane and departing for the DRC as soon as this afternoon," according to Woodcock's order. Ambila was moved out of the Portland facility three days after the ACLU filed a habeas corpus petition on his behalf, arguing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had held him illegally for eight months without providing any information about what they planned to do with him. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine, which is representing the DOJ and ICE, asked Woodcock to dismiss the petition. They argued that Woodcock couldn't consider the case because Ambila is no longer in the state and his deportation was "imminent," according to the judge's order. ACLU attorney Anahita Sotoohi said that "raised a few alarms." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government has not been able to secure travel papers for Ambila since 2007, when it tried deporting him after a felony conviction, the ACLU has said. Sotoohi added that she's not aware of any cases where someone has been deported without those documents. "What the government has still failed to do is provide any information on a plan for Mr. Ambila," she said, adding that she felt Woodcock's order was "exactly what we've asked for and what we think is right." The U.S. Attorney's Office for Maine didn't respond to questions about Woodcock's ruling and the decision to move Ambila to a different facility. Their written court filings were not publicly available Tuesday, but were referenced in Woodcock's order. View this document on Scribd Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ambila had just finished serving a sentence at the jail in September after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges when he was immediately transferred to ICE custody, according to the petition. He moved to the United States in 1989 when he was 7 years old, the petition states, when his family was granted asylum based on political persecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has three children, according to the ACLU, and is the primary provider for two. The Department of Homeland Security has been unable to deport Ambila for 18 years, the petition states, because the DRC has no record of him. In his order Tuesday afternoon, Woodcock said there was still no indication the Democratic Republic of Congo would even accept Ambila and ordered the federal government to halt deportation proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He cited a 2001 appeals court decision that said if someone who is in custody longer than six months can prove they likely won't be deported, the government must respond with "evidence sufficient to rebut that." "Here, the Petitioner has provided ample support for his belief that there is no significant likelihood of removal in the reasonably foreseeable future based on his and DHS's failed attempts to obtain a Congolese passport and travel documents necessary for his removal over the eighteen-year history of Mr. Ambila's removal proceeding," Woodcock wrote. Based on that lack of evidence, the judge said Ambila would likely succeed on his claim. This is not Woodcock's final ruling on the matter. The federal authorities can still file a response with the court, outlining why he's still in ICE custody, for the judge to weigh before a permanent order is issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sotoohi said the temporary ruling allows Ambila to maintain contact with his lawyers and it keeps an important legal case alive. She said it's common for the federal government to move ICE detainees after a habeas corpus petition has been filed, which sometimes makes it harder for them to challenge their circumstances in court. A similar move happened in the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and Palestinian activist whom ICE detained in March. A habeas corpus petition was filed on his behalf in New Jersey, where he was held first, before ICE transferred him to a facility in Louisiana. Copy the Story Link Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less A judge has temporarily halted a Trump administration effort to kill New York Citys congestion pricing program, which imposes a significant toll on cars entering part of Manhattan. Federal Judge Lewis Liman issued a temporary restraining order barring the Transportation Department purporting to terminate the congestion pricing program. Liman, a Trump appointee, also barred the department from taking actions laid out in an April letter to punish New York for not eliminating the program. The letter threatens to withhold funds and hold up federal project approvals if the program continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendants are enjoined from withholding federal funds, approvals, or authorizations from New York State or local agencies, the order states. It lasts until June 9 at 5 p.m. The congestion pricing program institutes a $9 toll on cars entering lower Manhattan. Proponents of the idea say it will reduce both traffic and pollution, while opponents raise concerns about the cost to commuters. The Trump administration has sought to revoke federal approval of the program but was sued by New York City for doing so. The plan was initially approved by the Biden administration. A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation noted the judges ruling doesnt necessarily mean the administration will lose its case, but said it will comply with the order while its in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges ruling today was not on the merits of our case against Hochuls class warfare, but rather a temporary pause to have more time to reach a decision, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Enforcement actions for noncompliance were merely under consideration, and we will comply with the judges request to hold. We look forward to making our case in court against Hochuls illegal tolls as we work to protect working-class Americans from being unfairly charged to go to work, see their families, or visit the city. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul offered a triumphal reaction in a statement. Weve won again, she stated. Judge Limans temporary restraining order is a massive victory for New York commuters, vindicating our right as a State to make decisions regarding whats best for our streets. New Yorkers deserve to control our own traffic patterns, keep gridlock off our streets and protect our clean air. We need to make the massive investments necessary to support our transit system and prevent it from falling into disarray and disrepair. Congestion pricing is the right solution to get us there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy can issue as many letters and social media posts as he wants but that a court had blocked the administration from retaliating against New York. Updated at 4:58 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. A federal judge said the Trump administration is falsely blaming him for a crisis of its own making: the rushed deportation of seven men to South Sudan in violation of court orders and constitutional due process. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy said Monday the hurried deportations were an overt violation of orders he put in place weeks ago, which required the administration to provide meaningful notice before deporting people to countries where they could face torture or death. Even after the violation, Murphy said he exercised restraint by not forcing the administration to bring the seven convicted violent criminals back to the United States. Rather, the Boston-based Biden appointee agreed to a request from the Trump administration: Instead of requiring the men be brought back to the U.S., he allowed them to remain in U.S. custody overseas while giving them a chance to raise fear of potential violence and danger in South Sudan. Theyre currently being held on a U.S. military base in Djibouti, a small country on the nearby Horn of Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It continues to be the courts hope that reason can get the better of rhetoric, Murphy wrote in his withering Monday night order rejecting the Trump administrations demand that he reconsider or delay the effect of his ruling. The orders put in place here are sensible and conservative. Its Murphys latest salvo after President Donald Trump and his top allies attempted to turn the judge into a poster child for their campaign of hostility toward judges who rule against their immigration priorities. Trump has directly targeted Murphy in social media posts, while senior Trump aide Stephen Miller has derided him as a local city judge from Boston and claimed Murphy is putting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at risk by forcing them to live full-time alongside the detainees bound for South Sudan. In a Truth Social post earlier Monday, Trump railed against USA hating judges who suffer from an ideology that is sick and very dangerous for our country. At times, the president and Miller have also denounced the federal judges thwarting administration policies as communists. At the root of the latest conflict is yet another attempt by the Trump administration to engage in speedy deportations of people it deems dangerous with little to no due process. Murphy has already ordered that when sending people to a country other than their native one or one designated during their deportation proceedings, the deportees must have the right to raise any fear of torture or persecution at their intended destination. In recent weeks, as the administration has sought to race migrants to El Salvador, Libya and South Sudan sometimes with just hours' notice and no chance to consult a lawyer judges have raised alarms about violations of due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court recognizes that the class members at issue here have criminal histories, Murphy wrote. But that does not change due process. The court treats its obligation to these principles with the seriousness that anyone committed to the rule of law should understand. Murphy said he deferred at every turn to the Justice Departments request for how to cure the governments violations of due process and his orders. It was the Trump administrations proposal to keep the men abroad and nothing in Murphys order requires that they keep them there if it would be more efficient and manageable to bring them back to the United States or take them to another overseas facility. Yet, Trump claimed in a social media post last week that Murphy forced the administration to leave a large number of ICE officers in Djibouti to watch these hardened thugs. Without invoking Trump directly, Murphy flatly rejected that claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court never said that defendants had to convert their foreign military base into an immigration facility, Murphy wrote. It only left that as an option, again, at defendants request. Murphy also noted that Justice Department lawyers have been vague about how much advance notice would be enough, in the administrations view, to give foreigners what the Supreme Court has described in another case as a meaningful opportunity to challenge their deportation. The judge noted that at a recent hearing a DOJ attorney said officials believe 24 hours is sufficient, although the deportees the administration attempted to send to South Sudan got just about 15 hours. Murphy said he invited the administration to submit a written filing detailing what it thought was reasonable, but it did not. From this course of conduct, it is hard to come to any conclusion other than that Defendants invite lack of clarity as a means of evasion, the judge wrote. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Clark County School District will issue updated guidance to graduating seniors and school administrators Monday after a federal judge ruled in favor of student expression in a case brought by the ACLU of Nevada. During an emergency court hearing Sunday, U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware found that two stoles, one featuring the phrase Black Girl Magic on kente cloth and another representing the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevadas Emerging Leaders Program, were lawfully protected under the First Amendment. Both stoles had previously been denied by a school administrator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision prompted an agreement between the district and the ACLU requiring CCSD to notify all graduates and school leaders by 3 p.m. with clear guidance on what is permitted at graduation ceremonies. Graduates will be allowed to wear up to five stoles and may decorate their caps and gowns with flat adornments. Decorations must not be lewd, obscene, vulgar, profane, or promote violence, illegal drug use, harassment, bullying, or discrimination. If any decoration or item is found to be substantially disruptive or materially interfering with the ceremony, the graduate may be asked to remove it to participate. While certain items may still be restricted, any prohibition must be consistent with the First Amendment and state law. Pre-approval of stoles and flat cap decorations will not be required, effectively lifting previous deadlines. This new policy will apply to all high schools within the CCSD. It was important for us to bring this case because if we didnt, our client would have been prohibited from wearing her stole that reads Black Girl Magic and those graduates in our Emerging Leaders Youth Leadership Program would have have met the same fate depending on the school they attend. It was also important for us to ensure CCSD complies with the law and school faculty and administrators do not get to be the arbiters of the First Amendment based on their own viewpoints. Consistency matters across CCSD. The First Amendment is for everyone. ACLU of Nevada will always fight to make sure thats a reality, and we are grateful to the Judge in this matter for hearing this case when he did in an emergency fashion. You only graduate high school once and this moment is a time for graduates to celebrate their cultures, not experience censorship. We are grateful to spend our Memorial Day weekend defending the First Amendment. ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Athar Haseebullah The ACLU is urging all administrators who receive the updated guidance to ensure their staff comply, warning that any violations could lead to further litigation, including potential claims for damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. TEHRAN, Iran (AP) A judge was stabbed to death on his way to work in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz on Tuesday morning, state media reported. A report by the official IRNA news agency called the killing a terrorist act," adding that two unidentified assailants are still at large. It identified the judge as Ehsum Bagheri, 38, who worked for the city's judicial department. Bagheri in the past worked as a prosecutor in the revolutionary court, which court deals with security and drug smuggling cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack Iran has witnessed other killings of judges in the past. In January, a man fatally shot two prominent hard-line judges in Irans capital Tehran, both of whom allegedly took part in the mass execution of dissidents in 1980s. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has launched a new initiative to support small business owners from day one, aiming to reduce common pitfalls around tax, super and registry obligations. The campaign, titled Ready for Business, comes as the ATO highlights that opening and running a small business is serious business. With around 50% of businesses failing in the first three years, the ATO says confusion around tax obligations is a key contributor. Helping businesses start strong Over the coming months, new Australian Business Number (ABN) holders will receive a series of targeted emails. These will include guidance on business structures, GST registration, ABN obligations, and employer responsibilities. Our goal is to provide small businesses with guidance, tools and tips so new business owners can focus on growing their business with confidence, said ATO Deputy Commissioner Will Day. He added, Small businesses are vital participants in the tax and super system. As stewards for small businesses, our role in making it easy for small business owners to get their tax and super right is more important than ever. The ATO acknowledges that most small businesses are trying to do the right thing, but some make honest mistakes, while others choose not to comply. GST and side hustles in focus GST remains a key concern. The ATO estimates nearly $8 billion is lost annually due to non-compliance, with small businesses playing a significant role in the shortfall. Dont be tempted to dip into GST, PAYG withholding or super to manage your cash flow set up separate bank accounts for these funds so youre always prepared when its time to pay, Mr Day said. Earlier this year, the ATO contacted ride-sourcing operators and taxi drivers, reminding them of their obligations. That campaign led to more than 3,000 new GST registrations. Ride-sourcing operators and taxi drivers who deliberately operate outside the system will face consequences, Mr Day warned. The ATO is also targeting Australians with profitable side hustles more than 700,000 taxpayers are now involved in gig work or the sharing economy. Generally, a business involves continuous and repeated activities aimed at making a profit. Visit ato.gov.au/areyouinbusiness to learn more about whether your activities qualify as a business and understand your obligations, Mr Day said. Plan ahead to avoid bill shock The ATO is encouraging new small businesses to consider entering the PAYG instalment system early. This allows them to make payments toward their expected tax bill throughout the year, instead of being caught off guard when their first tax return is due. We know that successful small business owners understand their tax, super and registry obligations and we are committed to helping them do so, Mr Day said. We also know that small businesses who engage a registered tax professional are more likely to stay on top of their tax and super obligations. Through transparent communication, including the support we have available for small businesses, small business owners are better equipped to keep up with their obligations and stay on top of their tax payments. After all, small business is serious business, he added. The ATOs role is to collect the correct amount of tax so the government can deliver services for the Australian community. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. As last week came to an end, a federal judge appointed by George W. Bush blocked one of Donald Trumps executive orders targeting a law firm. As this week gets underway, as Reuters reported, a different federal judge appointed by the same Republican president went even further. A judge in Washington on Tuesday struck down an executive order targeting law firm WilmerHale, marking the third ruling to overwhelmingly reject President Donald Trumps efforts to punish firms he perceives as enemies of his administration. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, said Trumps order retaliated against the firm in violation of U.S. constitutional protections for free speech and due process. The cornerstone of the American system of justice is an independent judiciary and an independent bar willing to tackle unpopular cases, however daunting, Judge Richard Leon wrote. The Founding Fathers knew this! Accordingly, they took pains to enshrine in the Constitution certain rights that would serve as the foundation for that independence. I have concluded that this Order must be struck down in its entirety as unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WilmerHale issued a statement after the ruling that read, The Courts decision to permanently block the unlawful executive order in its entirety strongly affirms our foundational constitutional rights and those of our clients. We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients. Stepping back, only a handful of law firms fought back against the White House most of the presidents targets tried to appease the president but those that have resisted are on quite a winning streak. One of the first firms to be targeted, Perkins Coie, filed suit against Trump rather than giving in, and soon after, U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell temporarily blocked the presidents policy, saying in reference to the executive order, It sends little chills down my spine. The judge added, I am sure that many in the profession are watching in horror at what Perkins Coie is going through. It was the first in a series of related setbacks for the White House. Around the same time, Jenner & Block was targeted; it also sought a temporary order blocking Trumps attack, and it also succeeded. Susman Godfrey scored a similar victory, and now WilmerHale has persuaded a judge that Trumps EO deserved to be rejected entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, four of the targeted firms fought back rather than give in, and all four have at least for now prevailed, stopping Trumps gambit in its tracks. As for the firms that chose appeasement, its hard not to wonder how many regret their decisions. Im not privy to their internal deliberations, of course, but many likely made a cost-benefit analysis: Concerned about losing lucrative clients, they probably decided itd be cheaper simply to give in. So they entered into negotiations with the White House or, more accurately, Trumps highly controversial and recently indicted personal attorney, whos reportedly helping take the lead on these deals and committed to nearly $1 billion in free legal services to make the president happy. Given the available evidence, fighting back didnt just help some of Trumps targets preserve their reputations, it also seems vastly cheaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also likely wouldve saved some of these firms considerable and avoidable conflicts. The New York Times reported last week that four of the top partners at Paul Weiss one of the legal giants that gave in to the White House announced that they are leaving to create their own law firm. This came on the heels of a Wall Street Journal report that said another firm in the same position, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, is finding that its deal with Trump is backfiring, with the agreement pushing more lawyers to leave, people familiar with the matter said, spurred by anger that the firm capitulated to Trump instead of fighting back against an administration campaign that many in the industry believe to be unconstitutional. Of course, for firms that didnt choose to placate the president, its worth noting that its not too late for them to reverse course, end their deals with Trump and join with the firms that keep winning in court. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A memorial of flowers and stuffed animals is growing on Grove Street after a little girl was killed in a crash Saturday night. Its just such a tragedy, Franklin Town Council Chairman Tom Mercer said. The devastation is being felt across the entire community. According to the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office, a pickup truck driven by 21-year-old James Blanchard collided with the familys car shortly after 6:20 p.m. Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The father of the young girl, who was driving the car at the time, has since been released from the hospital. The two other passengers of the car, the mother and son, are in the hospital with serious injuries. The crash happened in front of Smilage Dental Center, where Sylvia Sham works. I was getting ready to close up and leave and then I heard it, Sham explained. She ran outside to a harrowing scene and dialed 911 while other bystanders quickly started to help. There was someone, I believe he was a doctor, he came and helped the best he could, Sham said. There was a lot going on everyone was kind of gravitating to where they needed to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Mercer said his phone has been ringing off the hook from residents wanting to help the family, who has not yet been identified. Our hearts and thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved, such a tragic accident for sure, Mercer said. The Norfolk DA said Blanchard is facing a list of charges including motor vehicle homicide and drunk driving. Blanchard is due in court Tuesday. 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 Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised eyebrows on Tuesday with his choice of footwear for the opening of Canadian parliament. King Charles was in attendance at the Ottawa Senate Building to give a speech viewed widely as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by U.S. President Donald Trump. While the royal and politicians in attendance were dressed up in suits and loafers, Trudeau opted to dress down in a turquoise pair of Adidas Gazelle sneakers with orange stripes. Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau sporting some unusual footwear (Getty Images) Trudeau paired his navy suit with a pair of green and orange Adidas Gazelles (via REUTERS) Although Trudeau was still wearing a formal blue suit for the occasion, many people were quick to turn to X to question his casual fashion choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justin Trudeau is not only at the throne speech but wearing the most interesting footwear you wouldn't expect him to wear and I'm just going to sit back and watch with some popcorn, one person wrote. Another questioned: Trudeau felt it was appropriate to wear those shoes to the Throne Speech? Retirement runners perhaps...? a third person wondered. Charles became the first British monarch in almost 50 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament in a rare moment. Queen Elizabeth II did it twice before in 1957 and 1977. The casual footwear raised eyebrows (via REUTERS) He and Camilla were driven to the Senate in a horse-drawn carriage, escorted by 28 riders from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and cheered on by flag-waving onlookers. Charles then inspected an honour guard, all clad in bright red uniforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trudeaus appearance at the event comes months after he announced his resignation as prime minister back in January. Speaking outside his residence at Rideau Cottage at the time, Trudeau said he had taken time over the holidays to reflect with his family. Throughout the course of my career, any success I have personally achieved has been because of their support and with their encouragement, Trudeau said. Trudeau was attending the state opening of parliament (Reuters) So last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision that Im sharing with you today. I intend to resign as party leader as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process. He cited internal battles within the Liberal Party that meant he cannot be the best option in the next election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the April election, Mark Carneys Liberals retained power as he was named Canadas next prime minister. By winning the federal election, Carneys Liberal Party secured a dramatic fourth-straight term amid rising nationalist sentiment sparked by U.S. President Donald Trumps threats to Canadas economy and sovereignty. In his victory speech, Mr Carney said he was looking forward to delivering for Canadians. Our old relationship with the United States, a relationship based on steadily increasing integration, is over, Carney told supporters in Ottawa. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Kansas City man, and Center School District security guard, has been charged with second-degree murder after a deadly shooting Friday near Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard. The defendant, Marquis Ponder, is also charged in Jackson Court Circuit Court with unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action. Liberty police ask for publics help after shots fired in Clay Meadows neighborhood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the probable cause statement, Ponder was partially identified as the suspect because of the distinctive shirt he was wearing at the time of the crime a shirt identifying him as a security guard for Center School District. FOX4 reached out to the school district and was sent the following statement: We have been informed of an incident that occurred over the holiday weekend off District property. To our knowledge, the incident did not involve any Center School District students. The individual identified in the reports is a District employee who will no longer be reporting for work in the District. As always, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community remain our top priority. We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as appropriate. Witness hit by victims SUV after shooting, probable cause statement says According to the probable cause statement, a witness was riding a motorcycle on Broadway Boulevard when he heard a gunshot; he turned and saw a Black man in a polo shirt holding a gun and another Black man running away, hunched over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The witness continued riding his motorcycle south on Westport Road and started talking to another motorcyclist at a red light, according to the probable cause statement. Then a white SUV identified as the victims vehicle drove past them, crashing into and knocking one of the men off his motorcycle and across the intersection. The other motorcyclist said he began helping the man who was hit by the SUV then went over to help the driver of the white SUV that had crashed nearby. He saw that the driver was bleeding and unresponsive, so he called 911. After the crash, the shooting victim was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police investigating after man shot, killed inside car Friday afternoon Surveillance video shows suspected shooter wearing Center School District shirt According to the probable cause statement, Ponder was seen on surveillance video near a business, appearing to be involved in an argument with the victim before shooting the victim in the back as he was walking away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surveillance video also showed Ponder wearing a blue polo shirt with the left chest bearing an embroidered logo that reads Center School District and Officer Ponder on the right chest. Responding officers recognized Ponders clothing as that issued to Center School District security officers, the probable cause statement stated. A member of the school districts security team also identified Ponder as the suspect after being shown an image from the surveillance video. Ponders first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court for filing a false claim as part of a scheme to fraudulently receive approximately $62,811.75 in COVID-19 relief funds from the government. Robin Brooks, 55, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 15 months' imprisonment and ordered to pay $62,811.75 in restitution to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and to Jackson County, Missouri. The Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economy Security (CARES Act) was a federal law enacted in or around March of 2020 and designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created to provide forgivable loans to small businesses that were administered from the SBA through corresponding financial institution. The purpose of the PPP was to provide support to small businesses and assist their payroll to their employees during the pandemic. In her guilty plea, Brooks admitted that, in 2021 she submitted two fraudulent applications to the SBA for loans using fake businesses. Brooks' businesses never actually existed and did not have any employees. In a related scheme, Brooks submitted approximately $30,345 in false invoices to Jackson County, Missouri, to receive CARES Act Funds for a non-profit organization she created to provide food to people negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks now owes the SBA $32,466 and Jackson County $30,345 based on the false claims. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman and was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Kansas attorneys Ryan Krieghauser and Joshua Ney, first and second from left, shared in attorney fee awards issued by state and federal court judges amounting to $213,000 for work on lawsuits brought in response to actions of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission, which is responsible for regulating campaign finance law in Kansas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA A Shawnee County District Court judge directed the state to pay $115,700 in attorney fees to a Kansas law firm representing clients who received subpoenas amid a state investigation targeting Republican-affiliated political organizations and individuals. The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission engaged for several years in an inquiry centered on whether campaign violations occurred through coordination of election spending among individuals, political parties and political action committees. Specifically, KGEC asserted cash had been earmarked for certain recipients in violation of state law during the 2020 election cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican, responded to the KGECs distribution of subpoenas by accusing the KGECs now-departed executive director of operating a weaponized state agency. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers revised the definition of making a contribution in the name of another to affirm legality of certain campaign transactions common to Republican and Democratic operatives. In August 2024, a Shawnee County Judge Teresa Watson found the previous statute on giving in the name of another was unconstitutionally applied to David Matthew Billingsley, who served as treasurer for the Lift Up Kansas PAC. Billingsley became formally embroiled in the investigation after receiving a subpoena in 2022. He was represented by the Kriegshauser Ney law firm in Kansas. The district court judge in Topeka also blocked KGECs ability to enforce its subpoenas in this investigation, but the commission appealed that decision. Watson ordered KGEC to pay $85,000 in attorney fees assessed through October 2024, but negotiations led the KGEC to seek voluntary dismissal of its appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an effort to maximize judicial economy and minimize additional briefing related to a supplemental motion for attorney fees in this matter, Watsons order says, parties have requested the court award defendant an additional $30,000 in attorney fees. The new order, which took into account appellate work on the case, raised attorney fees to be paid by the state in this case to $115,000. The state must make payment within 30 days. Fresh Vision case Meanwhile, a federal judge last week approved an order affirming the state owed $98,500 in attorney fees in response to a separate case in which Johnson County activists James Muir and Chengny Thao were directed to register their Fresh Vision OP as a PAC after spending money to endorse a mayoral candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KGEC initiated the regulatory action against Fresh Vision, the Overland Park group working to influence the 2021 mayors race and development policy at City Hall. Fresh Vision responded with a June 2024 lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court against KGEC. The plaintiffs, represented by the Institute for Free Speech in Washington, D.C., and the Kriegshauser Ney firm, received a temporary restraining order against the commission. The federal court amended that to a permanent injunction in January. The 2025 Legislature passed and Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill blocking the ethics commission from taking the regulatory approach with other advocacy groups as it did with Fresh Vision. New Kansas law made a distinction between a purpose of political organizations and the major purpose of such groups. The change meant grassroots organizations in Kansas, such as Fresh Vision, could occasionally engage in campaign speech without being regulated as a PAC. U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Crabtree signed the order accepting the negotiated amount of $98,500 in attorney fees. The Institute for Free Speech and the Kansas law firm had sought $170,000 for their role in the federal case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This outcome serves as a reminder that the First Amendment mandates that groups like Fresh Vision be permitted to speak freely without being subject to onerous government regulations, said Charles Miller, senior attorney with Institute for Free Speech. The cluster of campaign finance reform laws adopted in 2025 included the renaming of KGEC as the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission on July 1. Karen Reads defense team on Tuesday added four new names to the list of witnesses whom they could call on to testify when they ultimately begin presenting their case in the 45-year-old Mansfield womans murder retrial. In a new filing in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court, Reads lawyers announced the addition of Matthew Coleman, of Quincy, Michael P. Arico, of Canton, Nicholas David White, of Milton, and Jonathan Diamandis, of Milton, to their witness list. Boston 25s Ted Daniel reported that these supplemental witnesses have been added for the sole purpose of authenticating texts sent by former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor. Ok, I'm told ppl on of the defense supplemental witness list have been added for the sole purpose of authenticating former Trooper Michael Proctor's texts. Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) May 27, 2025 Proctor, who served as the lead investigator in the Read murder case, was fired from his role within the state police in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proctor was assigned to investigate the death of Reads Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe. He was relieved of his duty without pay this past summer after a mistrial was declared in Reads murder case and his last day with the Norfolk District Attorneys Office followed soon thereafter. Proctor came under fire for a series of disparaging texts he sent about Read, which he read aloud in court during witness testimony at her first trial. Proctor admitted on the stand that the texts were unprofessional. He called Read things like a whack job and other derogatory words. He talked about her medical issues and wrote, No nudes so far, while going through her phone. Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor opens an evidence box to show the jury a broken tail light while testifying, Monday, June 10, 2024, at Norfolk Superior Court, in Dedham, Mass., during the trial for Karen Read. Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, in 2022. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) When asked outside court last week if her lawyers plan to call Proctor to the witness stand, Read simply said, TBD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proctor was among 91 names included on the defenses initial witness list, which was filed in court back in March, weeks before her second trial started. The list includes many familiar names, including members of the Albert and McCabe family, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey, Brian Higgins, and Dr. Marie Russell, in addition to Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth. Testimony resumed Tuesday morning after jurors were given an extended break for Memorial Day weekend. The prosecution called Dr. Judson Welcher, of Aperture LLC, to the stand. He is expected to be the final witness before they rest their case and turn things over to Reads defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read said last week that shes feeling anxious to present a more robust case. Im ready to put on our case, which will be more robust than what we had last year, Read explained. More witnesses, broader, and deeper. Prosecutors allege Read intentionally backed into OKeefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense has claimed that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that OKeefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party. Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death. Get caught up with all of the latest in Karen Reads retrial. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW DEDHAM, Mass. (WPRI/AP) A crash reconstruction expert on Tuesday provided jurors his analysis of Karen Reads vehicle the night her boyfriend was killed in her second murder trial. Read, 45, is accused of backing her SUV into her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John OKeefe, 46, and leaving him to die on a snowy night in the front yard of another officers home after she dropped him off at a party there in January 2022. Her lawyers say she was framed in a police conspiracy and that someone inside the home that night killed him. A mistrial was declared last year after jurors reached an impasse. Reads second trial on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene has so far appeared to follow similar contours to the first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Brain surgeon explains Boston officers head injury in Karen Read trial Vehicle data a point of contention Before the jury was brought in Tuesday, Judson Welcher of the accident reconstruction, biomechanics and digital forensics company Aperture LLC took the stand for a last-minute voir dire a process used to determine his competency and the evidence he planned on discussing. Specifically, Reads defense attorneys pressed Welcher on changes made to a PowerPoint presentation Welcher was expected to give to the jury. Welcher said he removed a couple words from some of the slides and had talked to prosecutor Hank Brennan, who suggested edits to the presentation. Welcher added that he also amended the PowerPoint after his colleague, Shanon Burgess, found better data surrounding when Read was maneuvering her SUV on the night OKeefe died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reads lawyers had previously attempted to block Burgesss report from being presented to jurors and Aperture experts like Welcher from testifying. They accused the prosecution of committing a pretrial discovery violation. But Judge Beverly Cannone let the prosecution proceed. SEE ALSO: Defense questions digital forensics expert about credentials Expert says Read accelerated in reverse Much of the trial has focused on broken taillight pieces involving Reads SUV, but the prosecutions latest focus has been on the forensic experts who have analyzed data pulled from the vehicle and OKeefes phone in an attempt to map out exactly where Reads SUV was the night her boyfriend died. Specially, the prosecution has brought in experts to discuss a secure digital card on a circuit board of Reads SUV modules that was not found in the initial investigation. The card details time-stamp data about when the vehicle was powered on and off both before and after OKeefes death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Lexus is powered on, an internal clock begins running like a stopwatch. When the car performs a maneuver like a three-point turn or backing up, a time stamp is created. According to Welcher, Reads SUV made a three-point turn and then backed up roughly eight minutes later. Welcher said Read must have had three quarters of a full throttle on the gas pedal when the vehicle moved more than 50 feet (15 meters) in reverse the night OKeefe died. Welcher also showed video of him reenacting how OKeefe may have been hit by Reads SUV. Welcher said he did so after learning he was the same height and similar weight as OKeefe. The video shown to the jury included Welcher standing behind a similar type vehicle that had blue paint on the taillight. When the vehicle backed up, Welcher said blue paint ended up on his arm in the same areas where OKeefe had injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Welch cautioned that small changes in the pedestrian position gave you huge change in the output. MORE: Karen Read Trial Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. 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. The trial has been off since Wednesday. Cannone told the jury that the trial is ahead of schedule. Tuesday marks the beginning of the sixth week of the trial. People to know: Special prosecutor Hank Brennan Judson Welcher, a witness and an accident reconstructionist and biological engineer with the company Aperture 11:12 a.m. - Prosecutions accident reconstructionist witness takes stand Judson Welcher, an accident reconstructionist and biological engineer, took the stand late Tuesday morning. He works for the company Aperture, which specialises in forensic analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welcher said hes written several peer-reviewed articles, including ones about sideswipe collisions. Hes performed between 1,200 and 1,300 actual crash tests, ranging from skateboarders to ambulances, to test the impacts of collisions and study the effects on cars and bodies. Newer Toyotas use two types of equipment to record data of events: the event data recorder, which is close to a black-box and a techstream system, which is used mainly for maintenance, according to Welcher. Welcher said he reviewed several materials in coming up with his analysis for his testimony, including police reports, Ring videos, police cruiser videos, photos and videos from the scene, media interviews with Read, past witness statements, data from OKeefes phone and Reads SUV, among other records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He bought the same make and model of Reads SUV, a Lexus LX 570, to conduct testing on the vehicle, he said. 10:40 a.m. Voir dire with expert witness The trial started late this morning with a voir dire hearing away from jurors with Judson Welcher, a prosecution expert witness from the company Aperture. He is an accident reconstructionist and biological engineer. Robert Alessi, a lawyer for Read, raised a series of questions about changes to Welchers PowerPoint he intends to present during his testimony this morning. Welcher said he deleted a slide and a couple of words. He said that prosecutor Hank Brennan had requested the changes, and they were made eight to ten days ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welcher said that some of the changes were based on a report made by his Aperture colleague, Shanon Burgess, who testified last week about the movements of Reads SUV and data from OKeefes phone. Burgess concluded that Reads SUV made a backing motion at about the same time that OKeefes phone registered its last interaction. 10:12 a.m. Trial yet to get underway Lawyers were meeting with the judge for a second sidebar conversation Tuesday morning after the court took a break. No testimony yet this morning. Meanwhile, the defense team filed a new motion this morning about a supplemental list of prospective witnesses. The names are: Matthew Coleman, of Quincy Michael P. Arico, of Canton Nicholas David White, of Milton Jonathan Diamandis, of Milton 9:43 a.m. Lengthy sidebar to start the day The judge walked into the courtroom at about 9:13 a.m. She said one of Reads lawyers wanted to have a sidebar discussion, away from the jurors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sidebar discussion has continued for 30 minutes and jurors are still waiting for the days first witness to be called. Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of OKeefe, who was found outside the home of a fellow Boston police officer on Jan. 29, 2022. Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Reads attorneys say her car never struck OKeefe and that others are to blame for his death. Karen Read murder case Read the original article on MassLive. This years Marietta High School valedictorian is sharing how he beat the odds and became a star student. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Kaleb Whitlow credits his success to the village that helped raise him during the most challenging times of his life. Whitlow grew up with his grandparents in another state before he moved to Georgia to live in a single-parent household with his mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing up, some kids may go after popularity, others may choose to get caught up with the wrong crowd, but Whitlow chose the path of academic success and mentorship to his peers. Its so important that you overcome challenges to reach your goal. An obstacle should not be something between you and what you desire the most. The promise I made to myself and my mom pushed me and propelled me forward, Whitlow told Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitlow has a long list of accomplishments, which includes being the school president. He is biliterate in Spanish and a member of numerous clubs and organizations, including Habitat for Humanity. Whitlow was a drum major for three years and has played the saxophone since he was in the sixth grade. For a school project, Whitlow chose to create something that could help the homeless population. Its sort of a wagon that can transform into a temporary shelter for the homeless population. Its reversible. Its so important to me because I hate it when you see homeless people, Whitlow said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Whitlow credits his success to his family and the mentor who has believed in him since he was in middle school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He believed in me. Hes like youre going to actually be great as long as you keep putting in the work. We manifested a lot of things too, just like words of wisdom on the wall, Whitlow said. With a 4.68 GPA, Whitlow is headed to his dream school, Georgia Tech, with numerous scholarships to help with tuition. After more than a decade in hiding, two British fugitives were arrested while living on Thailand's tourist hotspot, Koh Samui. Kieren Daniel Farrer Thornton, 38, and Ashton Kevin Saunders, 37, were apprehended by Thai immigration police on May 24, according to commander Songprote Sirisukha, as reported by the Bangkok Post. The two are reportedly cousins, according to the Daily Mail. Thornton, wanted in the U.K. on charges of robbery, was taken into custody at the Petcherat Marina and is awaiting extradition proceedings. Saunders, convicted in the U.K. for fraud but having previously escaped prison time, was arrested in the Chaweng Beach area, where he had been posing as a businessman. Thai authorities revealed that Saunders and his family illegally operated several tourism-related businesses, including a hotel and six bars and restaurants, by using Thai nominee shareholders, a practice strictly prohibited under Thai law. Police conducted a targeted raid on seven establishments linked to Saunders. Following his arrest, Thai immigration authorities revoked Saunders's visa and classified him as a "prohibited person," effectively barring him from future entry into Thailand. U.K. officials have requested his extradition to serve his pending prison sentence. The German military is set to receive a huge boost in funding in the coming years - but the money must be spent wisely to avoid spiralling costs, the Federal Court of Audit said on Tuesday. In a special report, the Bonn-based agency warned that a "signal of unlimited willingness to incur debt" could lead prices in the defence industry to soar. "Incentives for the industry to charge higher prices for the same services can now be expected due to the almost unlimited availability of financial resources and increased demand," the office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany passed a landmark reform to strict constitutional rules on deficit spending in March, allowing the new government to boost military expenditure. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also pushing for a new target for NATO members to spend at least 3.5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, with an additional 1.5% on infrastructure. The developments, linked to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and a US foreign policy shift under President Donald Trump, have led defence stocks in Germany to surge. However, the auditors warned that "a permanent and solid financing of Germany's defence capability is not guaranteed by a budget that is heavily financed by debt and therefore structurally unsustainable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also warned that the German military - known as the Bundeswehr - has become "top-heavy" and requires a greater number of regular soldiers. While the Bundeswehr in 2024 had 60,000 fewer soldiers than in 2010, a decrease of 24%, the number of officers rose by 5%. NEW YORK (AP) U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday announced that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women a move immediately questioned by several public health experts. In a 58-second video posted on the social media site X, Kennedy said he removed COVID-19 shots from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations for those groups. No one from the CDC was in the video, and CDC officials referred questions about the announcement to Kennedy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. No other details were released, and HHS officials did not immediately respond to questions about how the decision was made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some doctors and public health leaders called the move concerning and confusing. There's no new data or information, just them flying by the seat of their pants, said Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesotas Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. U.S. health officials, following recommendations by infectious disease experts, have been urging annual COVID-19 boosters for all Americans ages 6 months and older. The idea of changing the recommendations is not completely out of the blue. As the COVID-19 pandemic has waned, experts have increasingly discussed the possibility of focusing vaccination efforts on people 65 and older who are among those most as risk for death and hospitalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A CDC advisory panel is set to meet in June to make recommendations about the fall shots. Among its options are suggesting shots for high-risk groups but still giving lower-risk people the choice to get vaccinated. But Kennedy, a leading anti-vaccine advocate before becoming health secretary, decided not to wait for the scientific panel's review. He said that annual COVID-19 booster shots have been recommended for kids despite the lack of any clinical data to support that decision. Some physicians and public health leaders expressed concern that HHS officials disregarded a scientific review process that has been in place for decades, in which experts in public meetings review current medical evidence and hash out the pros and cons of policy changes. It's a dangerous precedent. If you can start doing that with this vaccine, you can start doing that with any vaccine you want including mumps-measles-rubella, said Osterholm, referring to another vaccine that Kennedy has voiced doubts about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and others said the announcement raises an array of questions, including whether health insurance companies will keep covering COVID-19 vaccinations and how hard it will be now for people who want the shots to get them. The reason we give vaccines to healthy people is to keep them safe, said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. More than 1.2 million people have died in the U.S. from COVID-19, most of them elderly. But children haven't been spared: The coronavirus has been the underlying cause in more than 1,300 childhood deaths since the pandemic began, according to CDC data. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health, appeared in the video with Kennedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, during the nomination process, Kennedy gave assurances to wavering Republicans that he would not alter the federal vaccine schedule. But since then, Kennedy and other Trump administration appointees have made big changes to the system for approval and use of vaccines. They added restrictions to a recent vaccine approval. Last week, the FDA announced routine COVID-19 vaccine approvals will be limited to seniors and younger people with underlying medical risks, pending new research for healthy adults and children. Among the confusion created by Tuesday's announcement, experts said, was the implication that the coronavirus isn't dangerous to pregnant women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the height of the pandemic, deaths of women during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth soared to their highest level in 50 years. Indeed, pregnancy was on the list of health conditions that would qualify someone for a COVID-19 vaccination under FDAs new guidance framework announced last week. Vaccination has been recommended for pregnant women, in part, because it's a way to pass immunity to newborns who are too young for vaccines and are vulnerable to infections. To say that they are not at any risk is simply incorrect, said Dr. Sean O'Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said: The science has not changed. It is very clear that COVID infection during pregnancy can be catastrophic and lead to major disability, and it can cause devastating consequences for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) The Kentucky Realtors Relief Foundation steps up when disaster strikes, something theyve been recently having to do more than expected. This latest disaster was in my hometown. Even though Im currently in Louisville, Kentucky, now, I was born and raised in London, and I had several classmates who lost their houses and lost everything, said Kentucky Realtors Relief Foundation president Ann Elizabeth Delahanty. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kentucky Realtors Relief Foundation is pitching in for those impacted by the recent tornadoes. For this group, theres a goal bigger than just real estate. Its all about helping communities in Kentucky recover. We werent expecting at the beginning of the year to have three disasters. The fact that were able to quickly gather the funds, get the word out, and help people with their housing needs has been incredible, Delahanty said. Theyre doing this by using $100,000 in relief funding to help impacted families recover. We can provide up to $1,000 in housing assistance, so if youve been displaced and you have a hotel bill or you need help with whatever your rental payment was or your mortgage payment, thats what. Thats where were here to help, Delahanty said. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a service that goes towards the communitys recovery, but the group has also gotten to help through boots-on-the-ground service, taking vital supplies to those impacted. To apply for assistance or to donate to the mission, follow 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 FOX 56 News. RABAT (Reuters) - Kenya said on Monday it supports Morocco's plan to give the disputed region of Western Sahara autonomy under the North African kingdom's sovereignty, joining a growing number of African, Arab and Western countries that have tilted towards backing Rabat in the five-decade conflict. The long-frozen conflict, dating back to 1975, pits Morocco, which considers the territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario front, which seeks an independent state in the desert territory. In a joint statement issued after talks between the two countries' foreign ministers in Rabat, Kenya said it views the Moroccan plan as the only credible and realistic solution and the sole sustainable approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenya, after 60 years of bilateral diplomatic ties with Morocco, also opened an embassy in Rabat on Monday. Morocco, a leading phosphates and fertilizer producer, has agreed to immediately accelerate exports of soil nutrients to Kenya, as the two countries plan to cooperate on renewable energies, tourism, fisheries, security and cultural and religious affairs, the joint statement said. Morocco's foreign minister Nasser Bourita told reporters that Kenya's position on Western Sahara, which he called "the national cause", helped add a new impetus to bilateral relations. Kenya is looking to export more tea, coffee and fresh produce to Morocco to balance its trade, Kenyan foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi said on his X account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenya also backed a Moroccan initiative offering landlocked Sahel states access to global trade through Morocco's Atlantic ports, the joint statement said. (Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi in Rabat; Editing by Nia Williams) If you were planning on having dinner at Soco in Brooklyn, make other plans. The New York City eatery owned by Marc Daly, the ex-husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore, has closed its doors for good. Marc quietly shut down the business at the end of 2024, rebranding the restaurants Instagram profile to a new entity called Pulse Media. Find out the full details on what we know about Marcs next move. Kenya Moores ex Marc Daly has been forced to close his New York City restaurant Although Marc confirmed his restaurants closure last year on Instagram, The Sun just went the extra mile to report on the news by publishing photos of the shuttered restaurant. The former location of the business has bright orange For Lease signs plastered on every single window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closure of Soco appears to be related to Marcs dire financial situation. Last year, we learned he was facing eviction from his Brooklyn apartment and owed nearly $10,000 in unpaid rent on various properties. According to his Instagram page, hes now leaving Brooklyn altogether. Marc wrote, Goodbye, Brooklyn. You will always be my hometown! It is with a full heart that I announce the closure of Soco, he continued. After 15 years of serving our wonderful community, its time for me to explore a new adventure in media, so I move onward and upward. In Marcs farewell post to Brooklyn and the restaurant he operated for 15 years, he said he was looking forward to his new venture in the South. In another post, he hinted at an upcoming coffee business hes bringing to Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Marc seemingly in Atlanta, co-parenting with Kenya is about to get a little easier. He has to pay her $2,000 in child support every month, so he might as well be a little closer to her, too. The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs new episodes on Bravo every Sunday at 8/7c and on Hayu in the UK and Ireland. TELL US DID YOU KNOW THAT MARC DALY CLOSED HIS NEW YORK CITY RESTAURANT? DID YOU EAT THERE BEFORE IT SHUT DOWN? The post Kenya Moores Ex-Husband Marc Dalys NYC Restaurant Shuts Down appeared first on Reality Tea. Kettering Health has announced that its Radiation Oncology technology is back online almost a week after a cyberattack caused a system-wide outage. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In an update on social media, Kettering Health said this technology only took five days to come back online, despite it usually taking weeks. >> RELATED: Kettering Health officials acknowledge impacts of cyber attack are extremely frustrating TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cyberattack occurred on May 20 after there was unauthorized access to its network, according to a previous News Center 7 report. The system-wide outage caused a number of challenges for the networks medical centers. Over the weekend, the network said its emergency departments, on-demand care, and urgent care locations remain open. As previously reported by News Center 7, a Kettering Health spokesperson said on Friday that elective procedures are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis and they are working to place a limit on diversions from emergency departments. A temporary phone line was also created for patients with urgent clinical questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kettering Healths CEO said that the outage could range from 10 to 20 days to be resolved. For the latest information on the hospital networks system-wide technology outage, click here. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Part of the city of Kherson has been left without power because of Russian attacks. Source: Oleksandr Tolokonnikov, Head of the press office of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, quoted by Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne Details: Tolokonnikov noted that some consumers in Khersons Tsentralnyi and Dniprovskyi districts have been left without electricity. Quote: "The Russian attacks have damaged networks and equipment. Specialised personnel are aware of the problem and are working on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope that they will begin to reconnect consumers on 27 May, if the security situation allows." Background: On 23 May, Russian forces killed a resident of Kherson with a UAV. The Russians attacked a car with a drone in the village of Komyshany, near Kherson, at around 15:50 on 26 May. Two boys aged 7 and 15 were injured when explosives were dropped from the UAV. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! OTTAWA King Charles III delivered a clear message Tuesday to anyone who doubts Canada's sovereignty. The true north is indeed strong and free, the king said in a speech to Canadians, borrowing a line from the countrys national anthem. Prime Minister Mark Carney enlisted the king to deliver the Liberal governments message of sovereignty in reply to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and annexation threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The king did not refer to the president by name, sticking to his role of reading the throne speech on behalf of the government to open a new session of Parliament. The remarks repeatedly underscored Canada's independence and outlined Carneys priorities. The speech, written by Canadian government officials, also emphasized that the U.S. and Canada are sovereign nations with a relationship rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests. The two nations are currently undergoing negotiations to secure a new trade and security deal. Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity, the king read. An opportunity for renewal. Ahead of the speech, officials emphasized that the intended audience was not only Canadians, but also the Trump White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly floated the provocative notion of Canada becoming the 51st state an ongoing taunt that stirred unease north of the border. At the same time, his unprovoked trade war inspired a surge of national pride. Carney rode that uncertainty to top office last month, convincing Canadians his experience in global finance and leadership at the helm of two G7 central banks qualified him to lead Canada in a volatile moment. Throughout the campaign, Carney amped up the stakes. America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. These are not idle threats, he repeated again during his election night speech. President Trump is trying to break us, so that America can own us. And in a recent Oval Office meeting, Carney advised Trump that Canada "is not for sale. Won't be for sale, ever. And lately, hes been promising to redefine the terms of the Canada-U.S. relationship, having declared the previous one over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, as the House of Commons returns after a six-month hiatus, Carneys opening speech establishes the road map for how he plans to transform Canadas economy to lead the G7. Ottawa pulled out the red carpet for the kings 24-hour whirlwind visit just the third time in Canadian history that a royal has opened Parliament. The speech brought out Canadas A-list, with former Prime Ministers Kim Campbell, Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau seated in the Senate audience. Outside on Wellington Street in downtown Ottawa, spectators scrambled to catch a glimpse of the king and queen's carriage ride. Canada is not for sale hats mixed with red-and-white outfits, with the occasional union jack waving above the din. When the carriage whisked past the crowd at a good clip, some onlookers giggled at the brevity of it all. Moments later, many appeared startled as a 21-gun salute formally marked the king's arrival at the Senate building. Ottawa doesn't break out pageantry to this extent all that often. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the pomp, a new online survey by the Angus Reid Institute of 1,685 Canadian adults reveals that a whopping 83 percent of Canadians say they are indifferent or dont care about the monarchs visit though a separate online survey of 3,400 Canadian adults shows the country warming to the king. The Liberal government pledged in its speech to join ReArm Europe in a bid to invest in transatlantic security. Ottawa also plans to beef up Canada's Arctic military footprint. The king called the North an integral part of Canada, as this region faces new threats a nod to China and Russia, which the king didn't name directly. The government will discharge its duty to protect Canadians and their sovereign rights, from wherever challenges may come at home or abroad, the speech said. The Liberal government is also advancing measures to strengthen its borders with more enforcement against fentanyl a concern that was raised by Trump in phone calls with then-Prime Minister Trudeau. In March, the president used the drug as justification for slapping a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods and a 10 percent tariff on energy and potash imports from Canada. The Trump administration later limited these tariffs to goods that do not comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. (Canada's steel and aluminum sectors are subject to separate tariffs.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fentanyl seizures by the United States Customs and Border Patrol at the Canada-U.S. border represent less than 0.1 percent of U.S. fentanyl seizures between 2022 and 2024, data shows. Nick Taylor-Vaisey contributed to this report. Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that although former Prime Minister Jean Chretien was on the guest list for the speech from the throne, he did not attend. King Charles III used a significant speech in Canadas parliament on Tuesday to underscore the countrys sovereignty following pressure from US President Donald Trump. Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect, the king said from the throne in the Senate chamber as he delivered a speech, which laid out the Canadian governments legislative agenda for the year ahead. Charles, 76, is on a two-day trip to Canada, the first time he has visited the country since assuming the throne in 2022. He is the head of state in Canada and 13 other Commonwealth realms, as well as in the United Kingdom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the first time in nearly 50 years that a sovereign had delivered the address and was seen by many as a powerful show of support for Canada. King Charles remarks comes as Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to annex Canada and make it the 51st state a move which Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has repeatedly rebuffed. During the roughly 26-minute address, which was written by the Canadian government, Charles spoke of the several challenges the nation faced. The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canadas relationships with partners are also changing. King Charles discussed the changing relationship between Canada and the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prime minister and the president of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations, he said. Charles also referenced protecting Canadas sovereignty, saying that the government would look at rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. He said the government will boost Canadas defence industry by joining ReArm Europe, to invest in transatlantic security with Canadas European partners. And it will invest to strengthen its presence in the North, which is an integral part of Canada, as this region faces new threats. The King and Queen, pictured during their arrival on Monday, were said to be "very much looking forward" to the short visit. - Victoria Jones/Pool/Reuters The monarch added: The government will discharge its duty to protect Canadians and their sovereign rights, from wherever challenges may come at home or abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles on Tuesday also emphasized that the Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada, adding that it also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. Just hours after King Charles speech, Carney underscored Canadas unity and strength in comments to Canadian media and elaborated on the message he believes the throne speech conveyed to Canadians. I think its a clear message there that we are strong, we are free, and its time to reinforce those strengths and those freedoms, said Carney in an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In the same interview he had pointed remarks about Canadas reliance on the United States and how that was no longer smart or in Canadas best interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are seeing the danger of over-reliance on the United States, economically and also from a security perspective, he said, adding that we will cooperate where necessary, when its in both of our interests very clearly but we wont necessarily cooperate. Delicate balancing act Charles and his wife, Camilla, made their way to parliament by carriage through the streets of the capital. As the king formally opened a new session of parliament, he outlined some of Carneys other priorities, which also focused on domestic issues such as more affordable housing, a tax cut for the middle class and the removal of barriers to interprovincial trade themes the prime minister promised voters during the recent election campaign. The king alternated between speaking in English and French the two official languages of Canada and received a standing ovation after wrapping up the speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffrey Dvorkin, journalist and senior fellow at Massey College in Toronto, described the speech as a delicate balancing act after the recent unwanted attention from Trump, but one that touched upon key issues and tensions in Canada. What it also did really quite deliberately was send a message to the administration of Donald Trump that the country is going to go in a somewhat different direction than it has in the past, he told CNN. Geography has been the greatest uniting force. But now under Prime Minister Carney, Canadians are looking overseas for a different set of connections without necessarily separating from the best connections that Canada has with the United States, he continued. But it certainly was a message to the Trump administration that those days of Canada accepting everything that the United States tries to do, those days are over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles and Queen Camilla were warmly welcomed on the tarmac as the couple touched down in Ottawa on Monday afternoon by Carney and Canadian Governor General Mary Simon, the monarchs representative in the country. On Monday, Carney who was elected in March largely on an anti-Trump platform - praised the historic ties between Canada and the United Kingdom which crises only fortify. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com King Charles III is expected to show support for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys policies and outline a new economic relationship with the United States amid President Trumps rhetoric of Canada becoming the U.S.s 51st state. Charless speech to Canadas Parliament on Tuesday, which was prepared by the prime ministers office, will also touch on Carneys plan to lower costs for consumers and public safety. To that end, the Speech from the Throne will outline the governments ambitious plan to act with urgency and determination, and to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve: to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build the strongest economy in the G7, to bring down the cost of living, and to keep communities safe, Carney said in a statement that was released on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This historic honour matches the weight of our times, Carney added. It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify. Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth, on Monday. The visit represents Charless first meeting with Canadian officials as the head of state. Trump has repeatedly said in recent months that he would like to have Canada as part of the U.S., suggestions that led Carney to invite Charles to address the parliament, The Associated Press noted. Canadas strength lies in building a strong future while embracing its English, French, and Indigenous roots the union of peoples that forms our bedrock, Carney said on Monday. Canada in the 21st century is a bold, ambitious, and innovative country that is bilingual, committed to reconciliation, and truly multicultural. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Australia granted only 23 vocational education and training (VET) visas to Vietnamese applicants between July 2024 and the end of Q1 2025, a dramatic 58-fold decrease compared to the same period last year. Following four years of steady growth, Vietnamese vocational visa applications have dropped sharply to just 159 for the current academic year. The approval rate has fallen to 14%, the lowest in five years. In previous years, approval rates ranged from 42% to 83%, according to the latest data from Australias Department of Home Affairs, released in April. This sharp decline in Vietnamese visa approvals contrasts with overall trends. From July 2024 through Q1 2025, Australia granted over 6,800 vocational student visas, down 54.7% from 14,737 issued during the same period last year. However, the national approval rate for vocational visas rose to a record-high 73%, up from the historical average of around 40%. Fiscal year (JulyMarch) Applications from Vietnam (for VET visas) Granted Ratio 2020-2021 70 39 56% 2021-2022 150 123 83% 2022-2023 926 555 60% 2023-2024 3,177 1,348 42% 2024-2025 159 23 14% The drop in Vietnamese approvals comes amid broader reforms to Australias student visa policies, which have been tightened over the past two years in an effort to manage migration levels. Last year, the allowed post-study work period for international students was shortened from four to six years to just two to four years. Universities were also categorized into three tiers based on their student recruitment risk levels, with visa processing times for tier 2 and 3 institutions expected to be slower than for tier 1. English language requirements for vocational education students were raised by 0.5 points to an IELTS score of 6.0, while a new cap limited part-time work for international students to 24 hours per week. In addition, financial proof requirements increased to AU$29,710 (US$19,820), a 20% hike, and the student visa application fee doubled from AU$710 to AU$1,600, making it one of the most expensive visa application fees globally. Students at TAFE Queensland, a public vocational institution in Australia. Photo from the school's Facebook page As of late 2024, Australia hosted nearly 1.1 million international students across various education sectors, including universities, vocational institutions, secondary schools, English language programs, and non-degree courses. Vietnamese students accounted for over 37,600 of the total, ranking fifth by nationality. International education contributed AU$51 billion to the Australian economy in 2024, making it one of the countrys top five export sectors. At an education seminar in September 2024, Katherine Tranter, Senior Migration Officer for student visas at the Department of Home Affairs, identified six common reasons for visa rejections: incomplete documentation, failure to respond to requests for additional information, lack of genuine study intent, document fraud, inadequate English proficiency, and insufficient proof of financial support for tuition and living expenses. The UKs King Charles III gave a speech to Canadas parliament Tuesday following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that was widely viewed as a message to US President Donald Trump, amid escalating trade and diplomatic tension between Ottawa and Washington. Charles called for Canada to lead a coalition of like-minded countries, based on the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas. The UK relies on the royal family as a key diplomatic asset to reach Trump, who has long held a fascination for the monarchy: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in February delivered Trump an invite from the king aimed at thawing increasingly frosty relations between Washington and its European allies. King Charles III received a standing ovation from Canadian lawmakers on Tuesday as he opened a new session of parliament in Ottawa, saying, "all Canadians give themselves far more than any foreign power or any continent can ever take away." The 76-year-old king is the first leader of the British monarchy invited to deliver the speech from the throne to open a new session of parliament since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so in 1977. The speech came at a time when President Donald Trump has slapped tariffs on Canada and has repeatedly by suggested it should become the United States' 51st state. PHOTO: King Charles delivers the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa, Canada, May 27, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) The king acknowledged that the challenges Canada is facing are "unprecedented in our lifetimes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling," Charles said as his wife, Queen Camilla, sat by his side in front of members of Parliament. "Yet, this moment is also an incredible opportunity, an opportunity for renewal, an opportunity to think big and to act bigger, an opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War." PHOTO: King Charles III receives a standing ovation after finishing the Speech from the Throne opening the 45th Parliament of Canada during an official visit to Canada, May 27, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images) The king added, "A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic, global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognizing that all Canadians give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away." The speech from the throne is traditionally written by the Canadian government and delivered to parliament by the country's governor general. But newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Charles to give the speech, telling reporters, the king's visit to Canada "clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country." PHOTO: Britain's King Charles III reads his speech as he opens the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada in the Senate of Canada in Ottawa, May 27, 2025. (Ben Stansall/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) "This is a historic honor that matches the weight of our times," Carney said at an April news conference after he and his Liberal Party won the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what will likely be seen as a message to Trump, Charles emphasized in his speech on Tuesday that Canada must remain "strong and free." PHOTO: Britain's King Charles delivers the speech from the throne next to Queen Camilla and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Senate Chamber in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, May 27, 2025. (Ben Stansall/Pool via Reuters) Charles added, "By staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians." The king noted that Carney, who visited the White House on May 6, and Trump have "begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both soverign nations." But Trump has repeatedly said that he would like to annex Canada to the United States and mocked Canada's previous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "Governor" Trudeau. PHOTO: Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney sits with King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they attend the State Opening of the Parliament of Canada, in Ottawa, Canada May 27, 2025. (Victoria Jones/Pool via Reuters) Delivering his speech in both French and English, the king said Canada is facing a "critical moment." Looking out at the members of parliament, Charles called them the "guardians of the fundamental rights and freedoms." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect," Charles said. He added, "The system of global trade, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades -- is changing. Canada's relationships with partners is changing." PHOTO: King Charles inspects an honor guard at the Senate of Canada building in Ottawa, Canada, before reading the throne speech during a royal visit, May 27, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP) The king mentioned that Canada will host the G7 Summit next month and talked about the benefits of open trade as opposed to the tariff war that the Trump administration started. Charles said Canada is "ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services and ideas." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To be truly strong, Canada must be secure. To that end, the government will introduce legislation to enhance security at Canadas borders. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies will have new tools to stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors," Charles said, apparently referencing complaints from the Trump administration that Canada is not doing enough to stop the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States. The speech wrapped up Charles and Queen Camilla's whirlwind trip to Canada. It marked Charles' 20th visit to the country, but his first as king. "As I've said before, every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart," Charles said. ABC News' Zoe Magee contributed to this report. King Charles III defends Canada's sovereignty in speech to open parliament originally appeared on abcnews.go.com "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." King Charles is in Canadaone of 15 nations he reigns overfor the first time since becoming king. Today, King Charles, as Canadas head of state, attended the State Opening of Parliament to deliver the Speech from the Throne, or Throne Speech, which sets out the new governments priorities at the start of the parliamentary session. According to the BBC, the address would traditionally be given by the governor general, who is the monarchs top representative in Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per Buckingham Palace, This is just the second time in history that the Sovereign has opened a Parliament, following Queen Elizabeth II opening the twenty-third Canadian Parliament in October 1957, and the third time a Sovereign has delivered a Speech from the Throne, marking a significant moment between the Head of State and the Canadian people. VICTORIA JONES - Getty Images VICTORIA JONES - Getty Images BEN STANSALL - Getty Images Queen Elizabeth delivered the address in 1957 and 1977. When she did so in 1957, she became the first reigning monarch to open the Canadian Parliament session. For the occasion, she wore her coronation dress and Queen Alexandras Kokoshnik Tiara, created by Garrard. Bettmann - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she returned twenty years later to once again deliver the Throne Speech, Queen Elizabeth again opted for the Kokoshnik Tiara. Per Garrard, the idea for the design came from Alexandra herself. Inspired by a diamond kokoshnik tiara belonging to her sister, Empress Maria Feodorovna, that she had long admired, the classic halo shape borrowed from the style of a traditional Russian peasant headdress. The tiara is made of 61 vertical bars, set with more than 400 perfectly matched diamonds. Bettmann - Getty Images Today, Queen Camilla did not wear a tiara, instead opting for a wide-brimmed blue hat. You Might Also Like King Charles III marked a major royal first amid his cancer battle as Queen Camilla received a new title. On May 25, the British monarchs embarked on a trip to CanadaKing Charles' first since taking over the throne after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died in 2022. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox Originally, King Charles was set to travel to the Great White North in 2024. His trip was postponed, however, after he was diagnosed with cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His Majesty has visited Canada 19 times previously, and Her Majesty five times, although this is The King's first visit as Sovereign," a May 21 Instagram update read. On May 26, the royal family's official Instagram account shared a photo from King Charles and Queen Camilla's Canada tripspecifically, the moment Camilla was honored with a new title amid her husband's health journey. "This afternoon, The Queen was sworn in as a member of the Canadian Privy Council," the post revealed. "In the presence of The King, the Governor-General and the Prime Minister, The Queen participated in a private ceremony." The update explained, "The Privy Council is a group of people who advise The King on issues of importance to Canada." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the comments, royal fans reacted to the news. One Instagram user wrote, "Huge congratulations to Her Majesty ." Another shared, "Congratulations and God Bless you to Queen Camilla, lovely picture of all of them ." Meanwhile, someone else commented, "Wonderful- Queen Camilla deserves this ." Next: Prince William Reportedly Plans "Radical" Change for Monarchy King Charles Marks Royal First Amid Cancer Battle as Queen Camilla Receives New Title first appeared on Parade on May 27, 2025 OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) King Charles III said Canada is facing unprecedented challenges in a world that's never been more dangerous as he opened the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday with a speech widely viewed as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by U.S. President Donald Trump. The king is the head of state in Canada, which is a member of the Commonwealth of former colonies. Trumps repeated suggestion that Canada become the 51st state prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give a speech from the throne outlining the Liberal government's priorities for the new session of Parliament. We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented," Charles said in French, one of Canada's official languages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them." The king reaffirmed Canadas sovereignty, saying the True North is indeed strong and free." Trump seemed to respond to the king's visit later Tuesday, writing that if Canada becomes the cherished 51st State it won't have to pay to join his future Golden Dome missile defense program. It will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!, Trump posted on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rare moment It's rare for the monarch to deliver the speech from the throne in Canada. Charles mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, did it twice. The king noted that it had been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened Parliament. The visit to Canada was Charles' first as king and his 20th overall. Canada has dramatically changed: repatriating its constitution, achieving full independence and witnessing immense growth. Canada has embraced its British, French and Indigenous roots and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, the monarch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The king said that among the priorities for the government is protection of the French language and Quebec culture, which are at the heart of Canadian identity. He said when his mother opened a new session of Canadian Parliament in 1957, World War II remained a fresh, painful memory and the Cold War was intensifying. "Freedom and democracy were under threat," he said. Today, Canada faces another critical moment." The speech isn't written by the king or his U.K. advisers, as Charles serves as a nonpartisan head of state. He read what was put before him by Canadas government, but can make some remarks of his own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Underscoring Canada's sovereignty Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the United States. After the United States gained independence from Britain, Canada remained a colony until 1867, and afterward continued as a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system. The kings visit clearly underscores Canadas sovereignty, Carney said. Carney won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Trump and made his first official trip to London and Paris, the capital cities of Canada's two founding nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney is eager to diversify trade, and the king said Canada can build new alliances. More than 75% of Canada's exports go to the U.S., and Trump has threatened sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Tense relationship with the U.S. Just a few days ago the new U.S. ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, said that sending messages to the U.S. isnt necessary. He said Canadians should move on from the 51st state talk, telling the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. that if theres a message to be sent, there are easier ways such as calling him or Trump. Move on. If the Canadians want to keep talking about it that's their business. I'm not talking about it; Donald Trump is not talking about it," he said then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The king said Canada must protect Quebec's dairy supply management industry, which Trump has attacked in trade talks. And he said the Canadian government will protect the country's sovereignty by reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. Trump has asserted that Canada doesn't spend enough on its military. The king also said Canada would look to the European Union to purchase military equipment by joining the "REARM Europe plan a major defense procurement project to ramp up arms production in Europe. The speech made no mention of buying from the U.S. Pomp and ceremony A horse-drawn carriage took Charles and Queen Camilla to the Senate of Canada Building for the speech. It was accompanied by 28 horses. After inspecting a 100-person honor guard and receiving a 21-gun salute, the king entered the building as the crowd cheered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Canadian Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper were among those in attendance. The king returned to the U.K. after the speech and a visit to Canadas National War Memorial. Thank you for coming, one voice called from the crowd as the royal couple moved toward their motorcade. Justin Vovk, a Canadian royal historian, said the kings visit reminded him of when Queen Elizabeth II opened the Parliament in Grenada, a member of the Commonwealth, in 1985. A U.S.-led force invaded the islands in October 1983 without consulting the British government following the killing of Grenadas Marxist prime minister, Maurice Bishop. Charles is also the king of the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica and others 14 realms in total. He exercises no political power in any of them. Several royal experts believe that any hopes of a royal reconciliation between King Charles and Prince Harry can be forgotten. The king, 76, and queen, 77, will arrive in Canada on May 26 and depart on May 27. And while the couple will be on the same continent as the Duke of Sussex, who lives in California, there are reportedly no plans for father and son to have a heartfelt reunion behind closed doors. Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Harry is the kings flesh and blood, so of course he would like some sort of reconciliation with his youngest son, British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard claimed to Fox News Digital. However, its been over five years since Megxit, and still, Prince Harry is full of animosity, Chard claimed. Prince Harry has blown all trust and any reconciliation with his father and the royal family for the moment. On May 2nd, Harrys rift with the royal family burst into the open once more when he gave a raw television interview to the BBC after losing a court case over his security. POOL/AFP via Getty Images In a long and, at times, emotional conversation, the 40-year-old said he wants reconciliation, but his father wont speak to him because of this security stuff, a legal wrangle over protection for the prince when he is in Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This, at the heart of it, is a family dispute, he said. Follow along with The Posts live blog on everything you need to know about the British royal family. Harry has been estranged from his family since he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back as senior royals in 2020 and moved to the U.S., alleging hostility and racist attitudes by the press and royal establishment. Harrys 2023 tell-all memoir, Spare, stuffed with private details and embarrassing revelations, made things worse. Sources close to the prince previously claimed to People magazine that the king, who was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, wont respond to Harrys letters or calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British royal expert Hilary Fordwich claimed to Fox News Digital that it was always extremely unlikely that the king would have met with Harry during his Canada visit. via REUTERS Harry has destroyed any trust with his public airing of grievances in his security dispute, as this is a constitutional matter, Fordwich explained. King Charles cannot have a private conversation with his wayward son without the fear of Harry revealing to the media the content of such a private family discussion, Fordwich claimed. There is no sign of reconciliation. Harrys statements reflect a sense of resignation regarding the lamentable state of their relationship, which remains deeply fractured. Harry has willingly and knowingly caused pain and public damage via his actions, so the royal family views him as a loose cannon, hence their reluctance to engage with him further, Fordwich claimed. In particular, his public comments regarding his fathers health and security were viewed as highly inappropriate, as well as counterproductive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some royal experts believe there are more practical reasons why the king would skip a meeting with his son. Its certainly tempting to imagine a spontaneous reunion, Shannon Felton Spence, a former British public affairs official, told Fox News Digital. But royal trips especially those abroad are planned with military precision, often months in advance, she pointed out. Every moment is accounted for, every engagement tightly choreographed, and every detail managed with the gravitas of a diplomatic mission. These are not the kinds of trips where one can simply pop down for a personal visit, no matter how close the geography may seem. While the proximity may raise eyebrows physical closeness doesnt always translate to meaningful contact, Felton Spence shared. Whether the king and his son will find a moment to connect remains to be seen, but its likely less a snub and more a reflection of the constraints and priorities that define royal travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner agreed. It would set a precedent for them changing plans at the last minute, Turner told Fox News Digital. Protocol and planning are set for any overseas visit months in advance. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, then they are set in stone. Charles made his first official visit to Canada in 1970, People magazine reported. He most recently visited the country in 2022 with Queen Camilla to celebrate Queen Elizabeth IIs Platinum Jubilee. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, discussed in an emotional BBC interview his desire for reconciliation with the Royal Family and distress over his estranged family dynamics. BBC Still, several royal experts argued that if the king had planned to meet with Harry, it would have leaked to the press. Harry himself has spoken about his fathers condition as Buckingham Palace gives infrequent updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry has met his father only once, briefly, since his diagnosis. I dont know how much longer my father has, Harry told the BBC. But Harry said that whats souring the relationship now is a decision to remove his police protection detail after he stopped being a working royal. The Court of Appeal in London rejected Harrys bid to restore the protection, saying a government committee was justified in deciding that security should be assessed on a case-by-case basis whenever Harry visits the U.K. He suggested that his father was part of the problem, saying that he had asked the king to step out of the way and let the experts do their job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrys memoir scattered bitterness, blaming his father, stepmother and his elder brother Prince William, heir to the British throne. Still, he told the BBC that he could forgive his family. I would love reconciliation with my family. Theres no point in continuing to fight anymore, said Harry. Chard argued that if Harry were to show humility and do the reverse apologize to his father tensions could ease with certain members of his family. His actions have created significant damage to the institution, leading to a broader discussion about the future of the monarchy, said Chard. [After he apologizes], only then will King Charles endeavor to arrange a private meet-up with his son, away from prying eyes and ears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is Prince Harry stuck in a cycle of grief? He certainly seems unhappy, Chard reflected. For a meeting to take place, Harry needs to move on from the stage where life is not fair, learn to listen, accept responsibility and stop his unscrupulous behavior, blaming his family for everything. Accepting the reality that he hasnt won certain cases and moving on will also do him the world of good. Harry would have everything to gain by flying to meet with his father [privately] as his words have indicated he needs and wants reconciliation, added Fordwich. Harry claimed that he and his family are endangered when visiting Britain because of hostility aimed at him and Meghan on social media and through relentless hounding by the U.K. press. He and Meghan are raising their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in California. Harry admitted he cant see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. Its really quite sad that I wont be able to show my children my homeland, he said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. King Charles III provided an overview of the Legislatures priorities for Prime Minister Mark Carneys government and said that Canada will stay strong and free in light of President Trumps talks about annexing the U.S.s northern neighbor. Charles, who is Canadas head of state, is the first British monarch to speak on the first day of Canadian Parliament in nearly 70 years. The True North is indeed strong and free, Charles said, in reference to Canadas national anthem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart, the monarch told the lawmakers on Tuesday. Ive always had the greatest admiration for Canadas unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defense of national values and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians. Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth, on Monday. The trip marked his first huddle with Canadian politicians since he became the head of state. Charles did not directly name Trump, who has said he is serious about Canada becoming the U.S.s 51st state, something Carney and other Canadian lawmakers have strongly rejected. Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear and ones which the government is determined to protect, Charles said Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps administration has imposed tariffs on Canada. The president has said that the U.S. will always protect Canada militarily, even at the cost associated with it. The monarch said the North American neighbors are hashing out new agreements that will be beneficial for both sides. The prime minister and the president of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations, Charles 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. King Charles is making a historic speech to the Canadian legislature, only the second monarch to open parliament this way The King and Queen Camilla are on a quick visit to Canada The King is in North America amid his ongoing rift with his son Prince Harry, who resides in California with Meghan Markle and their two children King Charles is making a historic address to Canadians. Charles, 76, who is King of Canada and head of state, made the speech from the throne as he attended the State Opening of Parliament in Ottawa on May 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marked the second day of a whirlwind visit to the Canadian capital lasting less than 24 hours alongside Queen Camilla, 77, and served as the centerpiece of Charles' first trip to Canada since becoming sovereign in September 2022. The royal couple was transported to the senate in the grandest of royal ways: in a landau carriage escorted by a troupe from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride in their bright red tunics. They arrived to a royal salute and a 100-person guard of honor. Inside, King Charles who is still undergoing weekly cancer treatments made his speech. ANDREJ IVANOV/POOL/AFP via Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla in Canada on May 27, 2025 King Charles and Queen Camilla in Canada on May 27, 2025 Speaking in both English and French, King Charles gave his speech, carefully navigating the sensitivities of the U.K.s relationship with its other key North American ally, the United States. It all comes in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Carney's recent election victory, which was widely seen as a rejection of President Donald Trumps agenda, particularly his push for higher tariffs and his controversial remarks suggesting Canada could become the 51st state. The King said during the speech, "As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles addressed how Prime Minister Carney and President Trump "have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations." "In parallel, the Government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, recognizing that Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects. Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas," he continued. "In this new, fast-evolving world, Canada is ready to lead." ANDREJ IVANOV/POOL/AFP via Getty King Charles in Canada on May 27, 2025 King Charles in Canada on May 27, 2025 The Governor General of Canada usually gives the speech from the throne on the monarch's behalf and sets out the government's agenda, and the speech has only been made by the sovereign once before by Charles' late mother, Queen Elizabeth, who did so in October 1957. "When my dear late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, opened a new Canadian Parliament in 1957, the Second World War remained a fresh, painful memory. The Cold War was intensifying. Freedom and democracy were under threat. Canada was emerging as a growing economic power and a force for peace in the world. In the decades since, history has been punctuated by epoch-making events: the Vietnam War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the start of the War on Terror." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued that now, "Canadas relationships with partners are also changing. We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War." "Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War. A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognising that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians." Carney asked King Charles to give the speech this year. In doing so, the King is drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience gleaned from more than five decades of frontline public service. He must reflect the policies and priorities of the prime minister, demonstrating his solidarity with the government and the people of the nation he serves as head of state. IAN VOGLER/POOL/AFP via Getty King Charles in Canada on May 27, 2025 King Charles in Canada on May 27, 2025 "The speech was pitch perfect," royal historian Dr. Ed Owens, author of After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself? tells PEOPLE. "What he doesnt want to do is jeopardize the future state visit to the United Kingdom by [President] Donald Trump." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was most remarkable about it was that it tackled the Canada-U.S. relationship head-on," Owen continues. "It talked directly about the relationship between the two countries, the importance of that relationship evolving along the lines of mutual respect and the importance of economic and defense cooperation." There were a couple of very direct call-outs along lines that would resonate with the Trump White House, particularly around the movement of fentanyl across the border," he says. "The Canadians are going to be investing heavily in policing that border. And secondly, the Canadian governments investment in defense. He trod a careful line about what could and couldnt be said. It set an important marker for re-stating Canadas sovereignty and independence. The fact that the King was there in person was in itself a symbolic reassertion of Canadian sovereignty, as thats what the crown represents within Canadian politics," Owens says. "It was a speech that emphasized the importance of unifying Canada. One of the things that Charles has done since becoming King is talk about the importance of recognizing the history of Canadian people and reconciliation," Owens continues. "That has been one of the defining themes of Charles reign and the immediate year before he became King and has seen it in the other Commonwealth realms. He has been much more candid in talking about past injustices and acknowledging them so that people can come together in the present and in order to unify them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was doing what the King of Canada should do acting as a symbolic focal point for unity," he says. After the Parliamentary ceremony, Charles and Camila were expected to be taken to the National War Memorial, where they paid their respects and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was the last formal event of the less than 24-hour visit. AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla in Canada on May 27, 2025 King Charles and Queen Camilla in Canada on May 27, 2025 Shortly after arriving in the country on May 26, King Charles and Queen Camilla were given a clue as to how many Canadians viewed their appearance and support amid such pressure from their neighbor to the south. The royal couple were greeted by well-wishers in Landsdowne Park in Ottawa who called out welcome home to the man who was on his 20th official visit to the country and were thanked by others for coming. They then enjoyed a community event, at which they met Canadians representing organizations from across the country. They were thanked for coming by loyal Canadians, clearly proud of their head of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The King then held an audience with Governor General Mary Simon before meeting with Carney. It was also a landmark day for Queen Camilla, as she was sworn in as a member of the Canadian Privy Council. The couple also planted a commemorative tree at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor general, near the sugar maple they planted there in 2017, and their day ended with a reception honoring Canadas 10 provincial lieutenant governors and three territorial commissioners. AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty King Charles and Justin Trudeau in Canada on May 27, 2025 King Charles and Justin Trudeau in Canada on May 27, 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! As King Charles touched down on the same continent where his estranged son Prince Harry lives, the prince had quietly traveled to Shanghai, China, for a surprise appearance at a global travel and tourism conference. The Duke of Sussex, 40, lives in Montecito, California, with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Harry spoke with BBC News just hours after losing a legal challenge over his downgraded U.K. security, which was reduced after he stepped back as a working royal in 2020. "I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore," the Duke of Sussex said then. Read the original article on People A HCMC man who dropped out of university to go and study abroad never imagined he would one day work for a large startup incubator in Finland. Tran Chi Tai, 28, is a coordinator at the Aalto Startup Center at Aalto University, which has worked with startups worth a combined 600 million euros (US$675 million). The center describes itself as "a sustainability-driven hybrid accelerator offering its own incubator and accelerator services, as well as several partnership programs. Our focus is on research-based and innovative deep-tech startups with a sustainable impact." Tai has appeared at nearly all events supporting Finland's startup ecosystem as a speaker. His main role is to provide information and build connections between startups, universities and other stakeholders. The innovation program at his workplace was ranked among the top three in the world in 2022 by UBI Global, an organization that evaluates university-affiliated business incubators. Tran Chi Tai (6th, L) with investors at the Balkan economic cooperation forum, December 2024. Photo courtesy of Tai Studying abroad or working in startups were not part of Tai's original plan. After he graduated from high school in HCMC in 2015, his family encouraged him to continue studying in Vietnam. However, just two weeks into a program at a city university, he deferred enrollment as he wanted more hands-on learning and a clearer direction for his future career path. He spent a year working and seeking study-abroad opportunities. "I like studying, but I learn better through practice than theory," he explains. He took a part-time job at an international fashion retailer, and it was then that he diligently improved his sales skills and English. He enjoyed the job because it allowed him to understand each customer's needs through conversation. He also gained practical insights into store operations, sales support and customer relationship management. At the same time he was finding out about scholarships and overseas study programs online and through friends and getting needed application materials ready. He then applied for all available opportunities since he could not afford to fund his education. In 2016 he was accepted to two schools and chose Lahti University of Applied Sciences in Finland. He was among the last international students to be eligible for tuition waivers and housing, public transport and meal subsidies before the city's policies changed. He enrolled in international business, one of only two programs taught in English at the university. "I basically had no other choice," he recalls. Tai still remembers clearly his arrival in Lahti in early 2017. It was a snowy night with the temperature at minus 20 degrees Celsius. The streets were deserted. His home was a forest cabin provided by the university, where he saw more deer and squirrels than people. The shock of the harsh weather and lifestyle, a complete contrast with HCMC, was "overwhelming." "I don't remember how many times I called my mom saying it was too cold and I wanted to return home," he says. "But I had to keep going since, eventually, it was a choice I had made." A few months later, he moved to Finland's capital, Helsinki to enjoy a more vibrant life, even if it meant a three-hour daily commute by train. He says the best part of studying at the university was the hands-on experience, which allowed students to join competitions, academic projects or cultural exchanges at real companies. While most of his peers went to other European countries on exchange programs, Tai chose to compete in a business idea contest held by Samsung in South Korea in 2019, and won first prize. That same year, he led the marketing for a student startup job fair. It was then that he first learned what "startup" really meant, though he had studied economics for over a year. Tran Chi Tai in Finland. Photo courtesy of Tai In addition to managing communications, he helped students access startup support resources and connected them with entrepreneurs for mentorship. This sparked his interest in supporting startups as a career. Tai noticed that many Finnish startup support programs were not accessible to foreigners. Therefore, during his internship, he started his own business to explore the challenges foreigners face and made policy recommendations for improving startup support in Finland. He described that six-month period as a whirlwind of navigating Finnish-language guides, legal documents and data. He went through every step: registering a company, getting a tax ID, designing a website, and managing e-commerce operations. "I did it to learn everything I wanted to know and realized how difficult it is for foreigners to start a business here," he says. After graduation, he worked in marketing for several organizations before returning to startup support. In 2023 he became the global operations lead for Junction, a Finnish tech innovation organization that runs Europe's largest hackathon, an event where people engage in rapid and collaborative engineering over a short period of time such as 24 or 48 hours. From just four domestic branches, he helped expand Junction hackathons to over 10 international locations, attracting more than 20,000 participants. His efforts earned him a nomination for Forbes Europe's 30 Under 30 in the Social Impact category. Tran Chi Tai introduces Junction hackathon event at the Embassy of Finland in Hanoi in 2023. Photo courtesy of Tai These days, in addition to co-founding and advising a Balkan-European economic cooperation forum, his main role is as a coordinator at Aalto Startup Center, which he began in early 2024. He is the first person to hold this position. "The best part is having the creative freedom to shape the role, though sometimes I did feel a bit lost," he reflects. Le Van Anh, a talent manager at Business Finland, describes Tai as "a confident, dynamic and meticulous colleague." "He is very proactive, quick to grasp problems and creates a fun, collaborative atmosphere. "Whenever there is a program involving the startup ecosystems of Finland and Vietnam, Tai is the first person I think of." Tai is fluent in English and Finnish and has dual Vietnamese-Finnish citizenship. Looking back he says much of his inspiration came from his mother, who opened her own restaurant after decades in the service industry. He hopes to one day contribute to the development of Vietnam's startup ecosystem. King Charles appeared to show solidarity with Canada amid President Donald Trumps threats to annex the United States northern neighbor. The monarch signaled support for Canadian sovereignty on Tuesday as he delivered a historic speech to the countrys Parliament that made repeated references to the ongoing tensions with the Trump administration. Charles, who serves as head of state of the former British colony, said Canada is facing unprecedented challenges and that many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a thinly veiled rejection of Trumps stated aspiration to turn Canada into the 51st U.S. state, Charles earned an extended round of applause when he told lawmakers that the True North is indeed strong and free a reference to a line in Canadas national anthem. The speech came during a two-day visit to Canada by the king and Queen Camilla. The trip is widely seen as a show of support in the face of Trumps saber-rattling, which has included levying sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. Trumps grandstanding helped propel Prime Minister Mark Carneys center-left Liberal Party to an unexpected federal election win last month. The king on Tuesday was delivering a Speech from the Throne, an address that marks the start of a new session of the Canadian Parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its rare for the British monarch to make the speech, which is written by the prime ministers office, and Charles outlined the Carney governments priorities in the address. Charles mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did it twice before, in 1957 and 1977. The 76-year-old kings commitment to Canada was underlined by the fact he made the trip while undergoing cancer treatment. The speech itself was littered with remarks about U.S.-Canadian relations and wider global unrest. We must face reality: Since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented, Charles said in French. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noting that Canada faces a critical moment, Charles said self-determination is one of the values Canadians hold dear, a clear allusion to the annexation threat. And the king explicitly acknowledged Carney and Trump defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations. It was his closing remarks that are likely to be seen as the most significant. I wish to express to you and to the people of Canada my heartfelt gratitude, and that of my wife, for the warmth of the welcome which we have received, Charles said. As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free. King Charles ends his speech to loud applause, urging MPs to protect Canadians rights and calling for a strong and free Canada amid cross-border tensions.https://t.co/fcsSsazDy8 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/YoMTsnC0J7 Sky News (@SkyNews) May 27, 2025 Related... King Charles III is not just monarch of the United Kingdom, he is also the putative ruler of 14 other Commonwealth realmsincluding Canada. In that role, he paid a heavily freighted visit to his northern realm this week to deliver a message to the leader of the republic to the south. In an act of prime ministerial ventriloquism, Prime Minister Mark Carney had Charles deliver Canadas throne speech, a ceremony in which elected politicians sit humbly in the presence of a ceremonial figurehead who reads words written by the politician who is actually in charge. Normally, this duty is discharged by the governor general, a Canadian who represents the monarch in Canada. Mary SimonCanadas first Indigenous governor generalwould, in the normal course of events, read the speech in a little-noticed event in the sleepy Senate chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But these are not normal circumstances. Rather than having Simon do the job, Carney had Charles and Queen Camilla fly in, travel to Parliament Hill in a horse-drawn carriage behind an honour guard of Mounties in a show of regal pageantry not seen in the capital since Charles late mother, Elizabeth, opened Parliament in 1977. Charless presence in Ottawa was unusual. It was his 21st trip to Canada, but the first time in which he appeared in Parliament to kick off a parliamentary session with a throne speech. There was a happy and friendly crowd there to greet the royal visitors, breaking out into impromptu rounds of O Canada as they waited for the royal procession, but the monarchical fever has not spread far beyond the parliamentary precinct. Most Canadians have apathetic, if not negative, feelings about the monarchy, an institution that seems increasingly distant as the countrys cultural links to Great Britain grow weaker. A poll this week found that 83% of Canadians dont really care, about Charless visit. But the seemingly archaic constitutional structures suddenly looked useful to the people running the country. Because President Donald Trump has been threatening to annex Canada, something that he seems to believe was possible given Canadas comparatively small military, Canadians have been by turns fretful and intent on showing their resolve. Inevitably, they looked for support from the mother country, home of their head of state. But UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer has been criticized for repeatedly failing to speak up for Canadian independence. His ministers apparently pleaded with Canada to keep Charles from saying anything that might damage the relationship with the UK. But Charles is the king of Canada, as well as the UK, and Starmer could not have stopped him from going, even if he wanted to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Starmer himself visited the White House in February, hunting for a trade deal, his perfunctory gift was an invitation from the King for Trump, who described Charles as a beautiful man, a wonderful man. Having observed Trump's taste for all things gold and royal, Carney used Charles to send a clear signal to Trump: the King is with us. Charles, who is strictly limited by long constitutional tradition on what he can say about anything political (practically nothing) repeatedly demonstrated his support for Canada with coded symbolsat least until he could show up in person and deliver the message in person. Carney, speaking through Charles, acknowledged that many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around. Through his presence, Charles reminded Canadians that Canada has a different, and independent, constitutional tradition. Through his words, he sent a signal to Trump, who Carney likely hoped was paying attention. We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War, Charles said, switching easily between English and French. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There followed a recitation of Carneys to-do listincluding faster approvals for energy projects and an ambitious home-building programbefore he circled back to deliver the main message again: "As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free." The words came from Carney, but the Canadians were hoping that the intended recipient of the message, in the White House, will get the message: Canadians dont want to be annexed. Early in his second term, Trump seemed to hope for a groundswell of annexationist sentiment north of the border. However, there are now indications that Trump has realized that his northern neighbours would like to stick with their royal, perhaps albeit antiquated, traditionsand with their sovereignty. In a tense but successful visit to the Oval Office earlier this month, Carney pointed out that some properties never go on the market: "We're sitting in one right now, Buckingham Palace that you visited, as well. And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign the last several months, it's not for sale, it won't be for sale, ever." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump responded by saying never say never. But his new ambassador to Ottawa, Pete Hoekstra, has said that his marching orders have nothing to do with annexation, which suggests the American president may be ready to move on. It would be foolish to predict how Trump will respond, or whether he will even notice, but Canadians and their monarch have done what they could to send the American president a clear message about their sovereignty. Canada already has a King, and its not Trump. Contact us at letters@time.com. KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) Flame of Hope to take place in Kinston, helping raise awareness and support for Special Olympics North Carolina. The 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will be on Wednesday, May 28 starting at 12 p.m. at Fairfield Park. The finish line will be at Caswell Center. This annual tradition highlights law enforcements commitment to inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. (KRQE) Kirtland Air Force Base has released the name of the airman whose body was recovered from Elephant Butte Lake on Monday. Melik Etienne, 22, Airman First Class, was assigned to the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron at the base. Etienne initially went missing Saturday evening, May 24, during a drowning incident at the lake near Las Cruces. Officials say alcohol was not involved. Crews searched extensively overnight, but the rescue became a recovery operation. The incident is still under investigation. Agencies and crews involved in the search and recovery efforts included the Elephant Butte Lake Park Rangers, Elephant Butte Fire Department, New Mexico Department of Fish and Game, New Mexico State Police, Texas Department of Public Safety divers, and the Combat Search and Rescue Team from the 306th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement | Body of airman recovered at Elephant Butte Lake, Kirtland Air Force Base says The remains of Airman First Class Etienne will be escorted to Kirtland Air Force Base by 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron leadership. The Air Force said it extends its heartfelt condolences to Etiennes family. The airman got married just two weeks before his death. Etienne had also recently received recognition from the Deputy Commander of Air Education and Training Command, Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, for his outstanding performance, according to the Air Force. We are heartbroken by the loss of Melik, said Col. Nathan T. Colunga, Special Warfare Training Wing Commander. He was a bright spot in the squadron and embodied the energy, dedication and selflessness that defines this unit. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Waukesha defense lawyer Anthony Cotton is the man who will represent accused killer Maxwell Anderson at trial in Milwaukee. Anderson, 34, of Milwaukee, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse and arson in the death last April of Sade Carleena Robinson, 19. Trial for Anderson begins May 27. What is Anthony Cotton's legal background? Education: Cotton was born and raised in Waukesha and went to Catholic Memorial High School before studying at University of Wisconsin in Madison. He graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2005. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experience: He joined the firm, Kuchler & Cotton S.C., in 2005. The firm, based in Waukesha, is run by his mother, Donna Kuchler, who represented Jessy Kurczewski in 2024 in what became known as the "Eye Drops homicide trial." How old is Anthony Cotton? 44 What other high-profile criminal cases has Cotton been a part of? He represented Morgan Geyser, one of the defendants in the Slender Man case in Waukesha County. The 2014 case involved two 12-year-old girls, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, who stabbed their classmate and friend and left her for dead in a park. The girl survived the stabbing. Geyser and Weier were found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and ordered to a mental health institute for decades-long commitments in 2017. Weier was released in 2021, and Geyser, represented by Cotton, was approved for conditional release March 6, 2025. Cotton was also the lawyer for Dominic Black, who faced weapons charge in November 2020 for illegally giving a rifle to Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old later acquitted of killing two people during protests in Kenosha earlier that year. Black took plea deal in order to avoid criminal conviction. Anthony Cotton, left, defense attorney for Maxwell Anderson, leaves the courtroom following the jury status hearing of his client Maxwell Anderson in Milwaukee County Court on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. Anderson is accused of brutally killing and dismembering a Milwaukee college student. What other legal work has he done outside the Milwaukee area? Cotton was hired by a Yale law professor during his second year of law school to investigate human rights abuses in Eritrea, East Africa. He traveled throughout Eritrea to interview civilians and prepare claims for people who had been victimized as a result of the Eritrean-Ethiopian war. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Anthony Cotton, attorney for Maxwell Anderson Although K-12 classes are out for the summer in many Arizona communities, there is still an opportunity for students to receive free meals via schools. The federal government, via the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers a free summer food program for children. Many Arizona schools participate, and all kids need to do is show up no application, identification or proof of income is needed. Some school locations reserve meals for enrolled students, but most do not. At some locations, adults can also eat for a low cost. Most locations in metro Phoenix are dine-in only. Several locations in more rural areas only offer grab-and-go food or have hybrid service, offering both dine-in and grab-and-go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To find the participating school closest to you, as well as service hours and dates, visit https://www.azhealthzone.org/freesummermeals/. In addition to free summer meals at schools, low-income families with children who lose access to free or reduced-cost meals over the summer while their school is closed will automatically be enrolled in the SUN Bucks assistance program, which provides money for groceries. For more information, visit: https://www.azed.gov/SUNBucks. Here are the details on the summer meals programs at three of the biggest Phoenix-area school districts. Phoenix Union High School District Phoenix Union High School District will host free summer meal programs for any child 18 or younger. Adults can also participate in the meal program at a charge of $2.75 for breakfast and $4.75 for lunch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district will be providing meals Monday through Thursday on 16 different campuses beginning May 27 and ending June 24. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. until 8:15 a.m. and lunch from 11:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Heres a list of Phoenix Union schools where free meals will be offered: Alhambra High School, 3839 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix Betty Fairfax High School, 8225 S. 59th Ave., Laveen Bostrom High School, 3535 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix Bioscience High School, 512 E. Pierce St., Phoenix Carl Hayden Community High School, 3333 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix Phoenix Coding Academy, 4525 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Cesar Chavez High School, 3921 W. Baseline Road, Laveen The Academies at South Mountain, 6401 S. 7th St., Phoenix Maryvale High School, 3415 N. 59th Ave., Phoenix Trevor G. Browne High School, 7402 W. Catalina Drive, Phoenix Franklin Police and Fire High School, 1645 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix Metro Tech High School, 1900 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix Camelback High School, 4312 N. 28th St., Phoenix Central High School, 4445 N. Central Ave., Phoenix North High School, 1101 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix Wilson College Prep, 3005 E. Fillmore St., Phoenix Mesa Public Schools Mesa Public Schools will host summer meal programs free for any child 18 or younger. Adults can participate in the meal program at a charge of $3 for breakfast and $5 for lunch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summer meal program dates and hours vary across campuses. Visit the Mesa Public Schools website for specifics. Heres a list of Mesa Public Schools campuses where free meals will be offered: Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School, 415 N. Westwood, Mesa Guerrero Elementary School, 463 S. Alma School Road, Mesa Hale Elementary School, 1425 N. 23rd St., Mesa Jefferson Elementary School, 120 S. Jefferson Ave., Mesa Kerr Elementary School, 125 E. McLellan Road, Mesa Longfellow Elementary School, 345 S. Hall, Mesa Lowell Elementary School, 920 E. Broadway Road, Mesa Mendoza Elementary School, 5831 E. McLellan Road, Mesa SHARP, 7302 E. Adobe St., Mesa Summit Academy, 1560 W. Summit Place, Chandler Webster Elementary School, 202 N. Sycamore, Mesa Kino Junior High School, 848 N. Horne, Mesa Rhodes Junior High School, 1860 S. Longmore, Mesa Stapley Junior High School, 3250 E. Hermosa Vista Drive, Mesa Mesa High School, 1630 E. Southern Ave., Mesa Mountain View High School, 2700 E. Brown Road, Mesa Red Mountain High School, 7301 E. Brown Road, Mesa Skyline High School, 845 S. Crismon Road, Mesa Westwood High School, 945 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa Peoria Unified School District Peoria Unified School District will host summer meal programs free for any child 18 or younger. Adults can participate in the meal program at a charge of $2 for breakfast and $4 for lunch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summer meal program dates and hours vary across campuses. Visit the Peoria Unified website for specifics. More: If you are struggling, here's where to find help getting meals and groceries in Phoenix Heres a list of participating schools: Alta Loma Elementary School, 9750 N. 87th Ave., Peoria Canyon Elementary School, 5490 W. Paradise Lane, Glendale Copperwood Elementary School, 11232 N. 65th Ave., Glendale Cotton Boll Elementary School, 8540 W. Butler Drive, Peoria Country Meadows Elementary School, 8409 N. 111th Ave., Peoria Desert Valley Elementary School, 12901 N. 63rd Ave., Glendale Foothills Elementary School, 15808 N. 63rd Ave., Glendale Heritage Elementary School, 5312 W. Mountain View Road, Glendale Ira A. Murphy Elementary School, 7231 W. North Lane, Peoria Kachina Elementary School, 5304 W. Crocus Drive, Glendale Marshall Ranch Elementary School, 12995 N. Marshall Ranch Drive, Glendale Oasis Elementary School, 7841 W. Sweetwater Ave., Peoria Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson St., Peoria Peoria Elementary School, 11501 N. 79th Ave., Peoria Peoria High School, 11200 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria Pioneer Elementary School, 6315 W. Port Au Prince Lane, Glendale Raymond S. Kellis High School, 8990 W. Orangewood Ave., Glendale Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School, 10401 N. 63rd Ave., Glendale Santa Fe Elementary School, 9880 N. 77th Ave., Peoria Sky View Elementary School, 8624 W. Sweetwater Ave., Peoria Sun Valley Elementary School, 8361 N. 95th Ave., Peoria Sundance Elementary School, 7051 W. Cholla St., Peoria Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These school offer meals to registered students only, Cactus High School, 6330 W. Greenway Road, Glendale Desert Palms Elementary School, 11441 N. 55th Ave., Glendale Ironwood High School, 6051 W. Sweetwater Ave., Glendale Coverage of education solutions on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is partially supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundations Arizona Community Collaborative Fund. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Free summer meals offered at many metro Phoenix schools Germany has given Ukraine the green light to strike targets inside Russia using long-range weapons supplied by Berlin, in a decision that signals a notable hardening of Western resolve as the war grinds on. The shift, announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, lifts longstanding restrictions on the range of German-delivered missiles and aligns Berlin with some of Kyivs other allies, including the UK and France. We will do everything in our power to continue supporting Ukraine, Merz said in a statement on social media platform X on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Ukraines Plan to Survive Trump While it remains unclear whether Germany will be providing Ukraine specifically with Taurus missiles, as Kyiv previously requested, Merz confirmed that Ukrainian forces are no longer bound by geographic limits when using German systems. Ukraine can now also defend itself by attacking military positions in Russia, the Chancellor said. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at the WDR Europa Forum in Berlin, Germany, on May 26. Sean Gallup - Getty Images The Kremlin condemned the move. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told state media it was a rather dangerous decision and warned it would undermine ongoing efforts to reach a political settlement. "If such decisions are made, they will absolutely go against our aspirations to reach a political settlement and the efforts being made within the framework of the settlement," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The Meaning of Germanys Dramatic Rearmament The shift marks a departure from Merzs predecessor, Olaf Scholz, who had resisted sending long-range weaponry to Ukraine, citing fears of Russian escalation. In a visit to Kyiv in December last year, Scholz reiterated his refusal, even as Germany unveiled a military aid package worth 650 million. By contrast, Merz sought to emphasize unity among Ukraines Western allies. There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the British nor by the French nor by us nor by the Americans, the Chancellor highlighted at a press conference on Monday. A government official later told Reuters that the announcement was not a change in policy, since Merzs administration, in office since May 6, had never imposed such limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Berlin for a meeting with Merz on Wednesday, May 28. While Berlins position has now shifted, the U.S. is yet to confirm whether it has lifted all restrictions on long-range missile supplies to Ukraine. According to the Kyiv Post, two senior officials said that whilst some restrictions were still in place, President Donald Trump was seriously considering lifting these. The report said that these were under review by Trump, and that he believes that the current status quo does not serve our common interests of bringing Russia to the [negotiation] table. Read more: Trump Discovers the War in Ukraine May Be Too Complicated to Fix Former President Joe Biden had lifted some restrictions on long-range missiles. In November 2024, less than two weeks after he lost the presidential race to Trump, Biden authorized the use of ATACMS missiles in strikes on Russian territory. Ukraine has since used these weapons to hit targets in the Bryansk region and other parts of western Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chancellor Merzs decision to lift similar restrictions could bolster Ukraines ability to strike deep inside Russian territory. In November, the Ukrainian military used British long-range Storm Shadow missiles. Military sources told Sky News that strikes using the missiles were very successful," hitting targets in the Kursk region. The announcement from Merz comes at a moment of heightened uncertainty over a possible ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Last week, President Trump held what he called excellent calls with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky in which he said that negotiations between the two countries will begin immediately. But within days, Russia launched its largest attack on its neighbor since the start of the war, killing 12 people, including three children in a barrage of 367 drones and missiles. Trump, posting on TruthSocial, condemned the attack as "needlessly killing a lot of people and called Putin "absolutely crazy." The President also criticized Zelensky, saying that the Ukrainian President is doing his country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I dont like it, and it better stop. Contact us at letters@time.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) Brand new art pieces have made their debut in Kapiolani Park. An Oahu artists graphic installation depicting kii, or ancestral guardians, was unveiled Sunday, May 25, at the former archery range. Engine trouble forces emergency plane landing at Kapiolani Park This is the latest piece in the Citys Wahi Pana: Storied Places public art project, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The art piece was the second Wahi Pana piece unveiled over the weekend. The installation, named Kuenaena, was created by artist Koloikeao Anthony, which features vibrant, symbolic imagery to represent kii who will stand watch over the land near the installation through a powerful series of graphic panels mounted on existing signposts. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news A ceremony was held Sunday afternoon to commemorate the unveiling of the installation. To me, it brings desire to keep on creating, but also it has its ties to the original name of this place, said artist Koloikeao Anthony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Set just below the historic Papaenaena Heiau, Anthonys work challenges popularized tiki imagery and reimagines the presence of Ku, an important figure in Hawaiian belief systems, as a living force in todays world. Community members joined Anthony in a walk-through of the installation, which transforms overlooked park signage into a site of cultural remembrance and visual storytelling. Check out more news from around Hawaii Koloikeao Anthony is a Kanaka Maoli visual artist whose work bridges contemporary design with ancestral memory. Through public art and graphic installation, his practice seeks to reclaim and re-present sacred spaces, challenging colonial aesthetics and amplifying Indigenous presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BREVARD The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas and the Korea Center of Greenville will host a Korean War 75th Anniversary Ceremony at 2 p.m. June 21 at Brevard College. The ceremony will honor the 1.8 million Americans who fought in Korea during that brutal three-year war, as well as the 2.5 million U.S. service members who have deployed to South Korea to keep the peace since the end of the war to today. The ceremony will feature speaker presentations as well as Korean cultural performances and door prizes. Dr. Peter S. Yun is a retired economics professor from the University of Virginia. He will speak on the topic A Boy Who Survived the War. As an abandoned child in war-torn Korea, Yun was adopted by a U.S. Army heavy mortar company and accompanied that unit in combat as a camp assistant for two years. Following the war he served in the Korean Air Force. He later was brought to America by a U.S. Air Force chaplain. Yun earned three degrees from American universities and has contributed a life of service as an educator and ordained minister. Dr. Peter S. Yun is a retired economics professor from the University of Virginia. Lt. Gen. John M. Brown III, U.S. Army (Ret.), is a Silver Star recipient who has served as Commander of U.S. Army Pacific. He will speak on the topic Reflections on the U.S.-South Korea Alliance. Brown served on the Korean DMZ as Executive Officer of the 1st Battalion, 38th Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. His command experience also included assignments in Germany, Bosnia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Honduras and Alaska. He later served as Chief of Staff and Dean of Administration at the National Defense University. Lt. Gen. John M. Brown III, U.S. Army (Ret.), is a Silver Star recipient who has served as Commander of U.S. Army Pacific. More: On Veterans Day, Hendersonville honored those who served with ceremony at Forest Lawn Park The Korean Dance Team of Atlanta will perform the Korean Fan Dance at the Korean War 75th Anniversary Ceremony on June 21 at Brevard College. Following the speakers, two performances have been arranged by Sara Yoon of the Korea Center of Greenville, South Carolina. The Korea School Childrens Choir will sing "Arirang," which anyone who has visited Korea will cherish, and the Korean Dance Team of Atlanta will perform the Korean Fan Dance. A speakers reception will conclude the event, including Korean finger-food catered by Stone Bowl House Restaurant in Brevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony will also be livestreamed on Facebook. The recorded program will also be available later at www.theveteransmuseum.org or www.thekoreacenterofgreenville.org. Visit https://theveteransmuseum.org/korean-war-75th-anniversary-ceremony/ to enter your name for a door prize. This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Korean War 75th anniversary ceremony will be held at Brevard College U.S. President Donald Trump's recent comments criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin are the result of "emotional overload," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on May 26. The previous day, Trump wrote on social media that Putin had gone "absolutely crazy" and could be triggering "the downfall of Russia." The comments came after Russia heavily bombarded Ukrainian cities for three consecutive nights. When asked about Trump's criticism of Russia's mass attacks, Peskov thanked Trump for his involvement in peace negotiations and attributed the U.S. president's comments to emotion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process," Peskov said, according to the Russian state news agency TASS. "Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions." Read also: I dont know what the hell happened to Putin, says Trump as Russia unleashes 3rd consecutive attack on Ukraine The Trump administration has been attempting to secure a peace deal in Ukraine for months, after campaigning on promises to end the war in 24 hours if elected. Direct negotiations in Istanbul failed to produce a ceasefire agreement and Putin once again rejected calls for a 30-day truce in a phone conversation with Trump on May 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Putin offered to present a "memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty" something the Kremlin has yet to deliver. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia would submit a document outlining its settlement terms after Ukraine and Russia concluded their 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange. The swap was completed on May 25. Peskov said on May 26 that Russia was still "working on the text of a memorandum." Trump has previously criticized Putin and threatened sanctions against Moscow in public comments, but has not gone so far as to impose actual penalties on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has consistently refused to accept international calls for an unconditional ceasefire, insisting that it will only impose such a truce if Ukraine stops receiving all foreign military aid, among other extreme concessions. Ukraine has been ready to declare a 30-day ceasefire since March, when the U.S. first proposed a month-long truce. Read also: Ukraine war latest: West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germanys Merz says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Over 100 new flight routes approved to boost connectivity to Asia's most loved country A total of 103 new flight routes and five chartered flights from major countries have been approved to enhance global connectivity to Malaysia in preparation for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the development during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Tourism and Culture, Selangor Journal reported. He emphasized the government's commitment to positioning tourism as a key driver of economic growth. This sector not only contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product, but also creates job opportunities and strengthens Malaysia's competitiveness in the global market, Zahid said in a statement as cited by Malay Mail. The Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign aims to attract 35.6 million tourists and generate RM147.1 billion (US$32.5 billion) in revenue. Malaysia, named Asia's most-loved country last year by U.S. finance site Insider Monkey, welcomed 38 million arrivals in 2024, including 13 million excursionists, a 31.1% increase year-on-year and an 8.3% rise compared to pre-Covid levels in 2019, according to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem met with Israeli officials in Jerusalem on Sunday following the killings of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., last week. Noem said in a post on social platform X that after the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday, President Trump asked her to travel to the Middle Eastern country to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hate will not have the last word, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A release from the prime ministers office showed Netanyahu meeting with Noem, saying that the Cabinet official expressed unwavering support for him and Israel. It also stated that Noem showed appreciation for Netanyahus policy of building a fence along the border with Egypt and his handling of the war with Hamas in Gaza. The release states that others involved in the meeting were Netanyahus military secretary, foreign policy adviser and spokesperson and the U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu met with Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen (D), according to the release. The meetings came after the shootings of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, both staffers at the embassy who were said to be getting engaged soon. The suspect in their deaths is a 31-year-old man from Chicago who police said yelled Free, free Palestine as he was arrested. He is facing five charges, including first-degree murder. The attack is being investigated as a possible hate crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Leiter met with Milgrims family this weekend in Kansas City, Mo., saying he wanted to spend time with them to help provide some comfort. Noem also met with Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and was seen at the Western Wall. But Noems visit also comes amid reports of tensions between Trump and Netanyahu over the continuation of the war between Israel and Hamas and Trumps efforts to reach a deal with Iran on its nuclear program. NBC News reported earlier this month that Israel is worried about any deal that Trump may strike with Iran. Meanwhile, reports have indicated Israel may be considering conducting an attack on Irans nuclear facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in north-eastern Syria have reached a deal with the Syrian government to begin repatriating Islamic State-affiliated families from the Al-Hol camp, a monitor group and Kurdish sources confirmed on Tuesday. The agreement, announced by senior SDF official Sheikhmous Ahmed, stated that a joint mechanism will be established to facilitate the return of "Syrian families" from the camp. "This agreement will not include foreign fighters and their families," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told dpa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The development follows a high-level meeting involving SDF representatives, Syrian government officials and members of the US-led international coalition, Kurdish sources said. Farhad al Shami, head of the SDF media centre, told dpa: "There is no change in the status or management of the Al-Hol camp. The Syrian Democratic Forces will continue their duties with increased intensity and consistent support from the concerned international powers." He added that the agreement reached pertains to the transfer of families affiliated with the Islamic State extremist militia organization who are originally from areas under government control, such as Hama and Aleppo. "This has been a long-standing demand by the SDF, but the transfer had been repeatedly delayed due to the lack of a responsible party to receive them," he said, adding that the transfer process will begin "once the objective conditions for receiving such cases by the government are in place." Al-Hol camp, located in north-eastern Syria, currently holds around 40,000 people, mostly women and children with suspected ties to the Islamic State. A police officer from Kentucky is accused of pursuing a speeding motorcyclist into Tennessee and firing shots as the driver rode away, authorities said. A district attorney general in Tennessee will determine whether the officers actions were justified. The incident began around 1 p.m. Sunday when an officer with the Williamsburg Police Department tried to stop the motorcyclist for speeding on Interstate 75, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver did not stop and continued southbound into Campbell County, Tenn. The officer reportedly deactivated emergency equipment but continued to follow the motorcycle until the driver made an abrupt stop near mile marker 158, the TBI said. At that point, the officer pulled in behind the driver. According to reports from the scene, the motorcycle driver backed into the officers vehicle and then began driving north in the southbound lane of traffic. For reasons still under investigation, the Williamsburg officer fired shots. The motorcyclist was not hit by the gunfire. Law enforcement officers in Tennessee were advised to be on the lookout for the motorcycle, which later crashed in Anderson County, Tenn., south of where the shots were fired. The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said it is investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting at the request of 8th Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler, according to the TBI. TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews, the release stated. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration. The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBIs involvement. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the motorcycle crash. Ukraines Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security has denied claims that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putins helicopter came under attack from the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Russias Kursk Oblast. Source: Centre for Strategic Communication and Information Security on Facebook Details: The Centre reported that Putin visited Kursk Oblast on 20 May on what was apparently his first trip there since the Russian Defence Ministry claimed the region had been completely cleared of Ukrainian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yuri Dashkin, commander of a Russian air defence division, asserted that Putin's helicopter broke through a swarm of Ukrainian drones attacking the region. Quote: "The pro-Kremlin media, which covered Putin's trip, reported that he travelled across the region solely by car. Footage of the motorcade was shown on all government television channels. Furthermore, neither the Russian Ministry of Defence nor the media and Telegram channels in Kursk reported a UAV attack on the scale described by Dashkin during this time period." Background: On 25 May, Dashkin was quoted as saying that Putins helicopter was at the centre of efforts to repel a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack during a recent visit by the Kremlin leader to Kursk Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (John Ballance/The Advocate, Pool) Its in our nature as Louisiana residents to be easy-going, whether youre a native Cajun like me or someone whos been drawn to relocate here because of our lifestyle. Thats why were always ready for a good time, we prioritize family, friends and fun, and try not to fret about the things we cant control. But its also a coping mechanism and probably not a healthy one. How else can you explain our contentment with constantly being on the lower end for quality-of-life ratings for health care, education and poverty? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This might be what Gov. Jeff Landry was talking about although in a rather awkward way in his disappointed reaction to the resounding failure of all four amendments he supported in the March 29 election. We realize how hard positive change can be to implement in a state that is conditioned for failure, Landry said on election night. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX What the governor doesnt realize is the part he plays in conditioning residents to accept low standards, and why the substantial changes he wants to make to state ethics laws only reinforces the negative perception of Louisiana, both from within and outside the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keep in mind that ethics laws in Louisiana are weak as they currently exist, with minimal consequences for offenders. While some provisions can and should be updated to keep up with the times, the governor has instead set on a path to undermine what little credibility the system has. Landrys ethics law retooling has rightfully caught the attention of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, the states pre-eminent good government organization. The nonpartisan groups leadership made clear where they stand on the legislative package in a recent commentary. Thats the wrong message to send in a state riddled with Louisianas long and sordid political history, particularly when polls show public trust in government is at historic lows, PAR President Steven Procopio and Research Director Melinda Deslatte wrote. The updates Landry supports include House Bill 674, a complex proposal with dozens of changes in how ethics investigations are conducted. They would give elected officials and government employees questionable leverage to discourage state ethics investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authored by Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia, the measure would require the ethics administration to turn over witness statements and other documents obtained early in the investigative process to the subject, even if the ethics board decides not to pursue charges. Beaullieu has said lawmakers from both parties have complained about the ethics board, arguing it needs to be more transparent. That was evident last year when one of his Democratic colleagues in the Louisiana House, Rep. Steven Jackson of Shreveport, gained decisive approval for two ethics law changes. One reduced how often elected officials have to file their personal financial disclosure forms with the state, and the second dramatically cut the fines lobbyists have to pay if they file paperwork late. Jacksons actions followed years of angry exchanges between himself and ethics administration staff over more than $10,000 in fines he was assessed for failure to file campaign finance and personal disclosure reports. Do you see a pattern here? Instead of public officials choosing to change the behavior that put them in the crosshairs of ethics investigators, theyve pushed to change the laws meant to discourage such conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trend is poised to continue this year. State Ethics Administrator David Bordelon described the new investigative process under Beaullieus measure as skewed in favor of a public servant accused of wrongdoing. It presents some sort of questionable standards, he told ethics board members at a meeting last month. The origin story of Beaullieus legislation speeds past questionable and steers directly toward dubious. It was written with the help of Stephen Gele, an attorney who has represented the governor in front of the ethics board. When he was attorney general, Landry failed to disclose he took free flights on a donors private plane for a conference in Hawaii in 2021. Though House Bill 674 wouldnt affect the outcome of charges that have been pending against Landry for two years and counting, it would hinder comparable investigations in the future. More proposed ethics law changes, all with Landrys blessing, would further discourage accountability for elected officials and government workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 160 from Rep. Kellee Dickerson, R-Denham Springs, would end the publics ability to confidentially or anonymously report illegal activity. The ethics board has warned lawmakers it would have a chilling effect on people coming forward to report wrongdoing by public employees and leaders. Another Beaullieu proposal, House Bill 674, would end a prohibition in state law on government employees and elected officials from receiving gifts under most circumstances. Between seasonal or holiday food and regular gifts, the largesse could reach up to $400 in value annually. When you think of the potential to grease the skids of bureaucracy with a $100 gift card here or $100 worth of festive fare there, you should get an idea of why Beaullieus bill might be cause for concern. If not, you dont have to look very far back to find out why at both the state and local level. Theres been minimal resistance to Landrys offensive against state ethics law, which started last year when he got lawmakers to approve giving him more direct control of the ethics boards makeup. And while this years legislation appears to pack a significant punch, it might just be the first in a years-long assault on the minimal virtues left in Louisiana government. Dont say you werent warned. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Traffic in and out of the Florida Keys was blocked for almost two hours on Monday because of a multi-car crash on the Jewfish Creek Bridge, according to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office. The crash happened shortly before noon, causing a miles-long backup along the 18 Mile Stretch of U.S. 1 connecting Florida City on the mainland to Key Largo. The Sheriffs Office said three cars were involved. Details about injuries were not immediately available. The Sheriffs Office announced at 1:30 p.m. that the crash scene had been cleared. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Germany's largest trade union is dropping demands for a four-day week due to the country's economic struggles. "A four-day week with full wages is not currently on the union's list of demands," said Christiane Benner, chairwoman of IG Metall, on Tuesday. Benner told the Bild tabloid that the policy remains sensible. However, due to Germany's languishing economy, workers are currently facing a reduction in working hours due to employers' cost-cutting measures, she argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many German businesses oppose proposals to introduce a four-day week with full pay. In a March survey by the pro-business German Economic Institute, 94% of 823 companies survey said the move would hurt value creation. In addition, almost 70% said they believed that work would go undone and that Germany would be left behind compared to international competitors. IG Metall has emphasized that German companies must take responsibility to ensure their business models are viable in the future, to invest and to secure jobs. "We recognize the seriousness of the situation. But we also see that many companies lack strategies for the future and are not making the necessary investments," Benner said. Germany's economy - Europe's largest - has been in recession for two consecutive years, and experts expect the struggles to continue in 2025. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Prosecutors introduced evidence to a Clark County grand jury in a potential case against a police officer who shot and killed a homeowner, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. Sources said grand jury proceedings began and are expected to continue. Las Vegas Metro police officer Alexander Bookman shot and killed Brandon Durham, 43, last November, 14 seconds after entering his home. Durham called police to report an intruder. Bookman shot Durham seven times. Police identified that intruder as Alejandra Boudreaux, 31. In the seconds before the shooting, Durham and Boudreaux struggled over a knife, video shows. Records the 8 News Now Investigators first obtained reveal officers, including Bookman, were called to Durhams home late on the evening of Nov. 10 about 24 hours before the fatal shooting for a disturbance. Durham told police an ex-friend, later identified as Boudreaux, refused to leave. Brandon Durham, 43, was shot and killed by a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer after calling 911 during a home invasion. (Durham family) Records show Bookman was the officer who signed off on the call, saying Boudreaux eventually left the residence, documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Durhams family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bookman and the department in April. Grand jury proceedings, the process where prosecutors seek an indictment, are kept secret, and typically include witness testimony and evidence, like photos and videos. The grand jury then decides if criminal charges are warranted. While Mr. Durhams death is tragic, Officer Bookman was trying to eliminate a threat and did not commit a crime, David Roger, who represents Bookman through the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, previously told 8 News Now. We have faith in the criminal justice system and look forward to a fair result. In December, a grand jury indicted Boudreaux on four felony charges, including home invasion with a deadly weapon. Boudreaux confessed to breaking into the home, saying she intended for police to kill her, according to court documents. She remained in custody Monday on $1 million bail. The department placed Bookman on routine paid leave pending their investigation. Its policy is not to comment on pending litigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A Las Vegas journalists fears about his roommate turned out to be tragically well-founded: He was found murdered inside a storage container and the roommate, who was the suspect, died days later in a high-speed police chase. Las Vegas Metro Police discovered the body of Matthew Kelemen, 56, decomposing and wrapped in a tarp inside a locked plastic bin near Fremont Street on May 20 after responding to reports of a foul odor, the department wrote in a press release. Kelemen, a longtime writer who most recently worked for Las Vegas Magazine, likely died as a result of blunt force trauma, according to documents reviewed by KLAS and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The victim's sister Mikki Zaferatos told the Review-Journal that investigators believe he was struck from behind with a hammer. A witness told police the container had been dropped off four days earlier. Investigators quickly determined it had been rented using the Bounce storage app by Kelemens roommate, Joseph Del Rivo, per the documents obtained by KLAS and the Review-Journal. The following day, Del Rivo was killed in Utah during a high-speed police pursuit, according to Utah Highway Patrol. Authorities say Del Rivo was clocked driving more than 90 mph behind a troopers vehicle on I-70. When the trooper activated his lights and sirens, Del Rivo fled reaching speeds of up to 140 mph before hitting spike strips, losing control, and being ejected from the car. In the days before his death, Kelemen had told his family he planned to move out, Zaferatos told the Review-Journal. 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. Utah Highway Patrol Joseph Del Rivo died in a car crash on Interstate 70 in Utah on May 21, police said Joseph Del Rivo died in a car crash on Interstate 70 in Utah on May 21, police said Hed only lived there for about six months, but he kept telling my brother what a strange guy [Del Rivo] was, Zaferatos told the outlet. He said he was really uneasy living there. The guy was a disgusting slob, were his words. She said Kelemen had planned to confront his roommate but told family he was worried about how [Del Rivos] going to act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police told Zaferatos that her brother was shoved into what they described as a large crate. We believe that might have been one of my brothers amplifier boxes, Zaferatos told the Review-Journal. Matt played the guitar and he had amplifiers, and it was a big black box. Zaferatos said her family has had a "rough couple of days" after the discovery of her brother's body, which she described as "horror movie stuff." "I'm barely holding it together," she told the outlet two days after Keleman's body was found. "I could not process what was going through my brain." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keleman had worked as a reporter in the Las Vegas area since he moved there in 2003, and was a staff writer at now-defunct 944 and City Life magazines. At the time of his death, he also freelanced for Las Vegas Weekly and Vegas magazine. His last pieces published before his death were pieces about Janet Jackson and a preview of Memorial Day Weekend in Sin City, respectively. Read the original article on People LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A restaurant owner accused of threatening a shooting has pleaded no contest to a harassment charge and could avoid jail time, records said. Evan Glusman, 46, originally faced charges of making terroristic threats and harassment following his April arrest, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. His father, Fredrick Freddie Glusman, 88, founded Pieros Italian Cuisine in 1982. Glusman was listed as a managing partner at Batch Hospitality, a restaurant group, according to its website in April. The website has since been scrubbed. Two of the businesss restaurants, Bramare and Table 34, have since closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last September, Evan Glusman allegedly took out a $1.5 million loan against his fathers business, documents said. Then, in mid-April, Freddie Glusman began receiving phone calls about selling his business. Freddie Glusman later suspended his sons employment, which made Evan Glusman become extremely irate at his fathers decision, documents said. On Friday, April 25, Evan Glusman texted a Pieros manager, I hope you realize Im drinking and Im going home to get a gun and [expletive] kill them in the middle of Pieros, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. Glusman pleaded no contest to a harassment charge on May 20, records said. Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Diana Sullivan ordered Glusman to four weeks of outpatient treatment. If Glusman completes the requirements of his plea, the case would be dismissed, records said. If not, Sullivan would send him to jail for 180 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear if the investigation into the fraud allegations was complete. Police wrote in court documents in April that other charges were likely. A status check was scheduled for July 3. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ELKO Sunny skies and warm weather greeted approximately 200 people who paid tribute to fallen service men and women at the annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. All ages gathered at the Elko City Cemetery to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat serving in the U.S. armed forces during five American conflicts. The guest speaker, retired Veterans Administration nurse Janet Peck, was introduced by master of ceremonies and past VFW Post Commander Gil Hernandez. Hernandez praised her dedication to veterans and tearfully recalled Peck saving his life by detecting symptoms of sepsis that resulted in him being flown to a Utah hospital for treatment. She reaches out to people she knows to make sure our veterans were taken care of. Shes our angel, Hernandez said. Peck welcomed the attendees and called Memorial Day a sacred day a day we reflect, honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. She recalled her father who served as a U.S. Marine during the Korean War with the 1st Marine Division and was in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir that resulted in 2,500 fatalities over 17 days. Countless others came home never the same. Forever changed, Peck said. For me and for many, Memorial Day is a sacred day. A solemn day to give thanks to the brave men and women who laid down their lives so we could live in freedom and peace. Its a day to pause, reflect and honor the fallen. Not with just flags and barbecues but with gratitude and remembrance. We live in the greatest country in the world, Peck continued. The land of the free because of the brave. Let us never forget that truth. Peck spoke of the veterans who return home with their friends and comrades in service still weighing on their hearts and minds. Veterans carry the memory of their fallen brothers and sisters with them every single day. We ask everyone to join in this remembrance today. She also recalled those who died in the Vietnam War, Gulf War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each of these heroes have a name, a family and a story, Peck said. Every one of them mattered. So today, take a moment to say a prayer for the fallen veterans who carry their memories every day and for the families who feel their absence every day. Teach your children about the true cost of freedom and the meaning of service. As we gather with loved ones today, let us remember, freedom is not free. It comes with a great sacrifice. Please be safe and carry this remembrance with you. Not just today but every day. After the ceremony Peck said she was very grateful to be guest speaker after illness prevented her from taking the podium last year. A former flight nurse, Peck called being a VA nurse and serving veterans for 14 years, the best job I ever had. Giving back to our veterans has been an honor, Peck said. Peck said she was nervous before giving her speech, but when she looked out over the crowd, she saw people I served. I love our veterans. I have a great, great respect for our veterans and remember our fallen. Remembering the fallen Sponsored by the Gaspar J. Salaz Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2350, the ceremony included musical tributes to the armed forces by the Elko High School band and color guard who posted the flags of each branch of the military during their songs. The day also included Chaplain Lee Foster, who led the prayers for the Invocation and Benediction, Deboarh Hernandez presented the Reading the Roll of Elko Countys fallen servicemen who died in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Salute to the Dead under the command of Honor and Color Guard Chairman Chuck Sanders included volleys shot into the air by the firing party. VFW bugler Wayne Smith sounded Taps to close the ceremony. Hernandez reported two people needed medical attention during the ceremony and were attended by first responders. They did not need to be transported to the hospital for further care. Stepping down The day was bittersweet for Hernandez who served for nearly 30 years organizing or emceeing the annual event for the VFW. He thanked organizations and volunteers, including EHS Band Director Jerad Herald and City Councilman Chip Stone, who have participated and helped the VFW with the ceremony over the years. Its all about the cause that were here for and thats for paying tribute to our veterans who have departed, he said. Hernandez also implored younger veterans to step up and volunteer to keep traditions going such as the Memorial Day ceremony and VFW color guard member Ben Reeds planting of flags in Lamoille. I give thanks to anyone who takes our mission and does something with it because each one of us can be a part of something. We can also be negative, but negative draws more negative, Hernandez said. We need to make sure we try to work together we can disagree just like we do in politics but we need to come back together for the cause we are here for and thats taking care of our veterans and their family members. U.S. Navy veteran and retired law enforcement officer Christina Bradford will take the helm next year. She joined the VFW as a promise to her grandfather upon her retirement from active duty. She has lived in the area for about a year and serves at the Veterans Resource Center at Great Basin College. Taking over will be exciting, thats for sure. Hernandez said he would introduce Bradford to the job and then let her take the reins. Im going to let her think for herself. Shes young, shes got good ideas. Although Hernandez will not emcee or organize the Memorial Day ceremonies going forward, he said he would still participate in VFW events and color guard as he attends to some lingering medical issues. Im still going to be around, but we cant do it without you, Hernandez said. I want to say thank you and may God Bless you and guide you home. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man who burglarized more than 30 businesses could be sentenced to probation as part of a plea agreement, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. The 8 News Now Investigators first identified Cedric Hasan, 34, as the suspect in a rash of burglaries reported from June to September of last year. Hasan targeted mainly Asian restaurants along Spring Mountain Road, police said. Hasan originally faced 34 counts of burglary of a business, records showed. As part of a plea agreement signed May 21, Hasan agreed to plead guilty to charges of theft, burglary of a business, and malicious destruction of property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Hasans attorney and prosecutors will argue before Clark County District Court Judge Jessica Peterson over Hasans sentence, records said. As part of the agreement, Hasan is eligible for probation. Peterson could also sentence Hasan to 2-25 years in prison and order him to pay a fine totalling tens of thousands of dollars. The sentence is up to Petersons discretion. After Hasans arrest, a witness told police Hasan had a gambling addiction, according to an arrest report. Prosecutors said Hasans cellphone was tracked to several of the burglarized businesses. In all, they allege he stole $213,000 and caused tens of thousands of dollars in damages. Metro police arrested Hasan on Nov. 19, 2024. He has remained in custody on $500,000 bail since. His attorney filed a motion asking Peterson to release his client pending sentencing so he can start making money for restitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasans criminal history involving burglaries dates back to 2010, records said. He previously served prison time for burglary. It was not immediately clear when he was released from custody, though he awaited trial in jail beginning in 2019 before taking a plea deal on burglary charges. After serving prison time on the 2019 burglary charge, Hasan became a welder through the Hope for Prisoners program, prosecutors said. The plea comes as Hasan was set to go on trial. His sentencing was scheduled for July 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The last holiday of the 2024-2025 school year has come and gone. Now the question on everyone' minds is when the last day of school will arrive? For students in 16 Florida counties, school is already over. For students in 45 of Florida's 67 counties, the last day of school will arrive this week, between May 27 and May 30. For a few, school won't end until June, with some students having to wait until June 5. When is the last day of school? Classes over May 27-30 in 45 Florida counties Baker: May 28 last day of school Bay: May 28 last day of school Bradford: May 28 last day of school Brevard: May 28 last day of school Calhoun: May 28 last day of school Charlotte: May 29 last day of school Citrus: May 30 last day of school Clay: May 30 last day of school Collier: May 30 last day of school DeSoto: May 29 last day of school Duval: May 30 last day of school Flagler: May 29 last day of school Franklin: May 29 last day of school Gilchrist: May 30 last day of school Glades: May 30 last day of school Gulf: May 28 last day of school Hendry: May 29 last day of school Hernando: May 30 last day of school Hillsborough: May 30 last day of school Holmes: May 28 last day of school Indian River: May 30 last day of school Lake: May 29 last day of school Levy: May 30 last day of school Liberty: May 30 last day of school Manatee: May 30 last day of school Marion County: May 29 last day of school Martin: May 29 last day of school Monroe: May 30 last day of school Nassau: May 30 last day of school Okaloosa: May 29 last day of school Okeechobee: May 29 last day of school Orange: May 28 last day of school Osceola: May 30 last day of school Palm Beach: May 30 last day of school Pasco: May 30 last day of school Pinellas: May 29 last day of school Polk: May 29 last day of school Putnam: May 30 last day of school Santa Rosa: May 29 last day of school Sarasota: May 29 last day of school Seminole: May 28 last day of school St. Johns: May 30 last day of school Taylor: May 29 last day of school Volusia: May 28 last day of school Walton: May 30 last day of school Last day of school for some Florida students won't be until June Alachua: June 3 last day of school Broward: June 5 last day of school Dixie: June 2 last day of school Lee: June 3 last day of school Miami-Dade: June 5 last day of school St. Lucie: June 2 last day of school Sumter: June 3 last day of school School over for students in 16 Florida counties Columbia: May 23 last day of school Escambia: May 23 last day of school Gadsden: May 23 last day of school Hamilton: May 23 last day of school Hardee: May 23 last day of school Highlands: May 23 last day of school Jackson: May 23 last day of school Jefferson: May 23 last day of school Lafayette: May 23 last day of school Leon: May 23 last day of school Madison: May 22 last day of school Suwannee: May 23 last day of school Union: May 23 last day of school Wakulla: May 23 last day of school Washington: May 23 last day of school When is the last day of school in Florida? See list of all counties in alphabetical order When the earliest date school can start in Florida for the 2025-2026 school year? Florida law prohibits school from starting any earlier than Aug. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the 2025-2026 school year, Aug. 10 falls on a Sunday. Florida school districts set their own start dates, but the earliest date school can start is Monday, Aug. 11. What are 2025 federal holidays? In 2025, there are 12 instead of the usual 11 federal holidays, although two fell on the same day. Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day both fall on Jan. 20 this year. Since 1965, federal employees in the Washington, D.C., area are entitled to a holiday on the day a president is inaugurated. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20. Here are 2025 federal holidays: Jan. 1: New Year's Day Jan. 20: Inauguration Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 17: Washington's Birthday. Many state and local governments designation it as Presidents Day. May 26: Memorial Day June 19: Juneteenth July 4: Independence Day Sept. 1: Labor Day Oct. 13: Columbus Day Nov. 11: Veterans Day Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Day Dec. 25: Christmas Day Florida state holidays for 2025 When are 2025 Florida state holidays? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Department of Management Services lists the following days observed as paid holidays by state agencies: Jan. 1, Wednesday: New Year's Day Jan. 20, Monday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day May 26, Monday: Memorial Day July 4, Friday: Independence Day Sept. 1, Monday: Labor Day Nov. 11, Tuesday: Veterans Day Nov. 27, Thursday: Thanksgiving Nov. 28: Friday after Thanksgiving Dec. 25, Thursday: Christmas Day See list of 2025 Florida, federal holidays, including new one for Sunshine State This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: When is the last day of school in Florida? List of counties Between measles and bird flu, there is no shortage of outbreaks to monitor. But experts suggest adding another to your radar: the new strain of COVID, NB 1.8.1, which is surging in China and has been detected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions airport screening program in California, Washington, Virginia, and the New York City area. Its appearance in the U.S. came just before Robert F. Kennedy Jrs announcement on Tuesday that the CDC will no longer recommend COVID vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women. The cases of NB 1.8.1 detected in the U.S. are, as of now, few and far between, a CDC spokesperson tells Fortune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDC is aware of reported cases of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 in China and is in regular contact with international partners. There have been fewer than 20 sequences of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. baseline surveillance data to date, so it has not met the threshold for inclusion in the COVID Data Tracker dashboard, the spokesperson notes. We monitor all SARS-CoV-2 sequences, and if it increases in proportion, it will appear on the Data Tracker dashboard. Dr. William Schaffner, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine professor of medicine and preventive medicine, says the new variant is kind of scattered about the U.S. at the moment, in small numbers. It appears to be another variant of the Omicron family, he tells Fortune, So its not a dangerous new mutant, but the latest cousin. So how worrisome is the new COVID strain, and what should you watch out for? Below, all you need to know about the detection of NB 1.8.1. Symptoms of the new COVID strain The new variant has no unique characteristics, says Schaffner, and causes mild symptomstypically congestion or a runny nose, cough, fatigue, headache, body aches, and fever or chills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is highly contagious and will likely continue to spread, he adds, pointing out that there is typically a winter surge as well as a mid- to late-summer surge. But, as over 95% of the U.S. population has either had COVID or the vaccine or both, we now have extraordinary population immunity, he points out. Now, this is not to say that Omicron is trivial, because there are on the order of 200 to 300 deaths that are occurring weekly, still due to COVID infection, Shaffner says. Of course, those are in highly vulnerable populationsolder persons and people with chronic underlying medical conditionsby and large. Another lingering concern always the possibility of winding up with long COVID. That hasnt gone away, and that can actually follow milder infections as well as more severe infections, he says, stressing that the data are really quite reassuring regarding vaccination, meaning that it not only helps prevent severe acute disease, but also reduces the risk of getting long COVID. How to stay safeand what vaccine protocol to follow Recently, the Food and Drug Administration announced it was likely to limit access to immunizations among healthy children and adults under 65 this fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schaffner, for one, wishes the latest recommendations had waited until the CDCs next Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), set for June. The current mechanism seems to have turned the recommendations process upside downnamely, its coming from the top down, rather than from the bottom up, he says. He points to and endorses the recommendations that, as of just before the CDC announcement, called for pregnant women to receive COVID shots. And not just I, but the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians were recommending universal vaccination pending the meeting of the ACIP in June, he says. So I will make the observation that we could have waited just a month and have the normal process address this issue. People who are at higher riskolder people, those with chronic underlying medication conditions, and those who are immune compromisedshould certainly consider vaccination. And then dust off your masks, Shaffner says. Use them when youre indoors in large gatherings. Why tracking COVID strains is important Its important to track the strains, explains Schaffner, because we want to be sure that the vaccines we offer are going to provide reasonable protection against severe disease caused by these various strains. The current belief is that the vaccines on offer will protect against the new COVID strain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monitoring globally, he adds, helps public health officials from being caught unprepared by a new, aggressive strain. Because these viruses dont need passports. They can move rapidly around the world. More on illness: This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Hawaii's Kilauea volcano put on a dramatic display Sunday night, shooting lava fountains over 1,000 feet into the air. The six-hour eruption, which ended at 10:25 p.m. local time, marked the 23rd episode in a series of eruptions that began last December. According to the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), the event started at 4:15 p.m. local time when thin jets of lava began spurting from the volcano's north vent. Within just 30 minutes, these jets transformed into towering fountains reaching heights of over 1,000 feet, HVO said, close to the height of the Empire State Building or roughly twice the height of the Washington Monument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An hour later, a second fountain emerged from the south vent, reaching heights of about 800 feet, according to HVO. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the dramatic eruption produced large lava flows that covered approximately half of the Halema'uma'u crater floor. According to their measurements, the volcanic plume from the eruption reached heights of more than 14,000 feet into the sky. PHOTO: The west Halemaumau crater of Kilauea volcano is shown in Hawaii on May 27, 2025. (USGS) MORE: Cruise ship saves passengers, pets from disabled catamaran in South Pacific While the eruption might sound alarming, HVO scientists say there's no immediate danger to nearby communities from the lava. All activity remains within a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, and no unusual activity has been observed along other parts of the volcano. PHOTO: Spectacular Lava Show: Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again (USGS via Storyful) The eruption can still produce several hazards that residents need to watch out for, officials say. The volcano releases sulfur dioxide that creates what locals call "vog" (volcanic smog) when it reacts in the atmosphere, according to HVO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eruption also creates "Pele's hair" -- dangerous strands of volcanic glass that float through the air and can hurt people's skin and eyes, HVO warned. Additionally, high levels of volcanic gases in the area pose a risk to those nearby, especially individuals with breathing problems. the agency said. PHOTO: A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist measures the chemical composition of volcanic gas during cycles of spattering and seismic tremor at the active vent at Kilauea summit on May 22, 2025. (USGS) According to scientists at HVO, there might be another eruption soon. The volcano has been following a pattern of erupting about once per week since December 2024. After each eruption, the volcano begins to inflate as magma builds up underground, preparing for the next show. For the latest updates and visitor information, check the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park website at www.nps.gov/havo. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano shoots lava 1,000 feet in the air in latest eruption originally appeared on abcnews.go.com National Public Radio and three local stations filed a lawsuit Tuesday against President Donald Trump, arguing that an executive order aimed at cutting federal funding for the organization is illegal. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington by NPR, Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio and KUTE, Inc. argues that Trumps executive order to slash public subsidies to PBS and NPR violates the First Amendment. Here's the latest: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US stops scheduling visa interviews for foreign students while it expands social media vetting The State Department has halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students hoping to study in the U.S. while it prepares to expand the screening of their activity on social media, officials said. A U.S. official said Tuesday the suspension is intended to be temporary and does not apply to applicants who had previously scheduled interviews. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an internal administration document. A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by The Associated Press says the State Department plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more about the suspension DC mayor unveils business-friendly budget to counter $1B shortfall created by Trumps federal downsizing campaign With the nations capital facing a pair of overlapping budget crises, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has unveiled a budget proposal that bets heavily on business-friendly policies designed to boost investment and move the city away from dependence on a dwindling number of federal jobs. In the short term, Bowsers team has been scrambling to fill an immediate budget shortfall that was essentially created by Congress. In the longer term, her government faces an estimated $1 billion shortfall over the next three years created by Trumps ongoing campaign to radically shrink the federal workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys chief financial officer has estimated that 40,000 jobs for D.C. residents will ultimately be lost. Read more about the budget proposal Trump is set to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley The White House says Donald Trump is set to pardon reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley, the couple famous for Chrisley Knows Best, which followed their tightly knit family and extravagant lifestyle. A jury in 2022 found them guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. The Chrisleys were also found guilty of tax evasion by hiding their earnings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post Tuesday, the White House said Trump called the Chrisley family and said he will be granting full pardons, adding, Trump Knows Best! Read more about Trumps plan to pardon the Chrisleys Judge blocks Trump order targeting law firm of WilmerHale A third White House executive order targeting a major law firm has been struck down. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled Tuesday in favor of the WilmerHale law firm in holding that an executive order that sought to punish its lawyers was unconstitutional. The ruling is yet another setback to Trumps retribution campaign against the legal profession, coming just days after a different judge blocked a separate order against another firm, Jenner & Block. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his holding, Leon wrote that the cornerstone of the American system of justice is an independent judiciary and an independent bar willing to tackle unpopular cases, however daunting. Read more about the setback to Trumps campaign against law firms Trump administration asks Supreme Court to halt judges order on deportations to South Sudan The emergency appeal Tuesday came after a judge found the White House violated a court order with a deportation flight to the chaotic African nation carrying people from other countries who had been convicted of crimes in the U.S. Judge Brian E. Murphy in Boston found that the White House had unquestionably violated his earlier order that people must be given a chance to raise objections before being sent to another country that would put them in danger, even if theyve otherwise exhausted their legal appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration says the order has wrongly stalled its efforts to carry out deportations of migrants who cant be returned to their home countries. Read more about the emergency appeal State Department defends US-backed private Gaza aid initiative The State Department is dismissing concerns about deliveries of humanitarian assistance into Gaza by a U.S.-backed private initiative that bypasses the United Nations and established aid organizations. Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters in Washington on Tuesday that such concerns were unfounded and that the most important priority is getting aid into Gaza, no matter who is delivering it. She also blamed Hamas for trying to stop convoys organized by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation from getting to distribution centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have attempted to stop the aid movement through Gaza to these distribution centers, she said. They have failed, but they certainly tried. The bottom line is the real story here is that the aid is moving through, and, in that kind of environment, its not surprising that there might be a few issues involved. UN agencies, like the World Food Program and the Palestinian refugee agency, along with other nongovernmental organizations, have questioned the efficiency and intent of the foundations work. Judge accuses Trump administration of manufacturing chaos in deportation case A federal judge says hes given the Trump administration remarkable flexibility in a case overseeing how the government can deport people to countries theyre not from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a court order Monday, Judge Brian Murphy suggested the government was evading his decisions. From the course of conduct, it is hard to come to any conclusion other than that Defendants invite a lack of clarity as a means of evasion, Murphy wrote, also noting that he hopes reason can get the better of rhetoric. The Trump administration has tried to deport immigrants who cannot be sent to their home countries for various reasons to third countries. But immigration advocates sued, saying the government wasnt giving them the opportunity to protest hastily arranged attempts to deport them to countries such as Libya and South Sudan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more about the case Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to travel to Singapore for Indo-Pacific Security Conference Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will head to Singapore on Wednesday to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The annual conference brings military and government representatives from around the world, but the focus is normally on whether Chinas defense delegation will attend and whether the Chinese minister will meet with his U.S. counterpart. Last year, Chinas defense minister, Dong Jun, met with then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the conferences sidelines. Dong isnt expected to attend this years event, according to a U.S. defense official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details that hadnt been announced publicly. Tensions between the U.S. and China have risen over potential triple-digit tariffs the Trump administration is poised to place on Beijing. Defense Department workers told they no longer have to submit DOGEs five things reports Defense Department civilian employees were told in an email Friday that they no longer have to submit the weekly five things bulleted reports that were required by former Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk in the early days of President Donald Trumps second term. In the email to the defense civilian workforce about the end of the five bullet exercise, Jay Hurst, who is performing the duties of undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, asked each employee by Wednesday to submit at least one idea to help improve the Defense Departments efficiency or root out waste instead. Workers had been required to submit weekly reports justifying their employment by listing five things they did during the previous week. Other government agencies have also phased out the bullet points. Trump threatens to hold up federal funding for California over transgender athlete in womens sports Trump said hes taking the step because California, under Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, continues to ILLEGALLY allow MEN TO PLAY IN WOMENS SPORTS. In a post on his social media site, the Republican president cited the case of California high school junior AB Hernandez, who competes in girls track and field. Hernandez won titles in the triple and long jump this month during the CIF Southern Section high school track and field postseason. Trump said Hernandezs participation IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS. He said large scale federal funding to California will be held up, possibly permanently, if the state doesnt comply with an executive order he signed in February to bar such athletes from female sports. Trump noted Newsoms own statement earlier this year that allowing transgender women and girls to compete in female sports is deeply unfair. Trump said he would speak with Newsom later Tuesday to find out which way he wants to go. California law, enacted before Newsom became governor, requires schools to allow transgender athletes to play on school sports teams consistent with their gender identity. UK ambassador: Weve lived in a fantasy created by the US security guarantee Britains ambassador to the U.S. says Europe must become less militarily dependent on the U.S., even as allies on both sides of the Atlantic cooperate when it comes to countering Russia and China. Weve lived in a fantasy created by the U.S. security guarantee, complacent that a friendly heavyweight across the water would be always there when the going gets tough, Ambassador Peter Mandelson said during a speech at the Atlantic Councils Washington office. I think President Trump is doing Europe a favor by confronting us with this reality. At the same time, Britain and America must remain inseparably linked when it comes to countering shared threats from China and Russia, he said. Trump Media says investors will fund a company bitcoin reserve through share purchases President Trumps media company said Tuesday that institutional investors will buy $2.5 billion in the companys stock with the proceeds going to build up a bitcoin reserve. About 50 institutional investors will put up $1.5 billion in the private placement for common shares in the company and another $1 billion for convertible senior notes, according to Trump Media and Technology Group, the operator of Truth Social and other companies. Trump Media said it intends to use the proceeds for the creation of a bitcoin treasury. Trump, who referred to cryptocurrencies in his first term as not money, citing volatility and a value based on thin air, has shifted his views on the technology. During an event at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida during his presidential campaign in May 2024, Trump received assurances that crypto industry backers would spend lavishly to get him reelected. Last week, Trump rewarded 220 of the top investors in one of his other cryptocurrency projects the $Trump meme coin with a swanky dinner luxury golf club in Northern Virginia. US consumer confidence rebounds after five straight months of declines due to tariff anxiety Americans views of the economy improved in May after five straight months of declines sent consumer confidence to the lowest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, largely driven by anxiety over the impact of Trumps tariffs. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose 12.3 points in May to 98, up from Aprils 85.7, its lowest reading since May 2020. A measure of Americans short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market jumped 17.4 points to 72.8, but remained below 80, which can signal a recession ahead. The proportion of consumers surveyed saying they think a U.S. recession is coming in the next 12 months also declined from April. Read more about consumer confidence in the U.S. Trump cites progress in trade talks with European Union Trump says theres progress on trade talks with the European Union as new dates are being set for meetings. In a post on his social media site, the president credited his threat late last week of 50% import taxes on European goods starting June 1 as helping to accelerate talks, even though the EU has been offering for several weeks to remove all tariffs. Trump said Sunday that hell delay implementing the 50% tariff to June 9 to allow for negotiations. Wall Street opens higher following tariff delay on Europe Wall Street is climbing as the roller-coaster ride created by Trumps trade policies whips back upward, this time because of a temporary pause for tariffs on the European Union. The S&P 500 was 1.2% higher early Tuesday, its first trading since Trump said Sunday that the United States will delay a 50% tariff on goods coming from the European Union until July 9 from June 1. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 400 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite was 1.5% higher. Theyre on track to more than recover their losses from Friday, when Trump announced the tariffs. Read more about the financial markets NPR sues Trump administration over executive order to cut finding to public media National Public Radio and three local stations filed a lawsuit Tuesday against President Trump, arguing that an executive order aimed at cutting federal funding for the organization is illegal. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington by NPR, Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio and KUTE, Inc. argues Trumps executive order to slash public subsidies to PBS and NPR violates the First Amendment. Trump issued the executive order earlier this month that instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies to cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS and requires that they work to root out indirect sources of public financing for the news organizations. Trump issued the order after alleging theres bias in the broadcasters reporting. The Orders objectives could not be clearer: the Order aims to punish NPR for the content of news and other programming the President dislikes and chill the free exercise of First Amendment rights by NPR and individual public radio stations across the country, the lawsuit alleges. Read more about NPRs lawsuit against the Trump administration US envoy to Ukraine says Vatican is out as site for talks on ending Russia-Ukraine war Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, said the Russians dont want to go to the Vatican. We would have liked to have it at the Vatican and we were pretty set to do something like that, but the Russians didnt want to go there, to the Vatican, so I think Geneva may be the next stop, Kellogg said in an interview Tuesday on Fox News Channel. Trump had said last week after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin that the Vatican had expressed interest in hosting the negotiations, though there was no confirmation that any talks had been scheduled. Kellogg also said Russia has yet to deliver a memorandum that Putin said Moscow would work on with Ukraine to draft a framework for a possible future peace treaty. Trump administration moves to cut federal contracts for Harvard The Trump administration is asking federal agencies to cancel remaining contracts with Harvard University, a senior administration official said Tuesday. The government already has canceled more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants for the Ivy League school, which has pushed back on the administrations demands for changes to several of its policies. Cuts to contracts could take away millions more from Harvards budget. A draft letter from the General Services Administration directs agencies to review contracts with the university and seek alternate vendors. The administration is planning to send a version of the letter Tuesday, the official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations. The New York Times first reported on the letter. Darlene Superville Trumps Tuesday schedule, according to the White House The president has no public events schedule for Tuesday, according to the White House. Amid Trump-Harvard dispute, Hong Kong seeks to enroll international students Hong Kongs leader John Lee said Tuesday the city would welcome any students whove been discriminated against by the U.S. policy, days after the Trump administration revoked Harvard Universitys ability to enroll international students. Last Friday, a U.S. federal judge blocked the U.S. government from cutting off Harvards enrollment of foreign students, an action the Ivy League school decried as unconstitutional retaliation for defying the White Houses political demands. Lee said in a weekly press briefing that the government and eight of the citys universities will do their best to assist any students who suffered from discriminatory and unfair treatment in finding a way to study in Hong Kong. He said if necessary, he would consider raising the enrollment quotas for nonlocal students in these universities. Trump targeted Democrats over questionable online fundraising. His campaign has similar issues When Trump directed his attorney general last month to investigate online fundraising, he cited concerns that foreigners and fraudsters were using elaborate schemes and dummy accounts to funnel illegal contributions to politicians and causes. Instead of calling for an expansive probe, however, the president identified just one potential target: ActBlue, the Democrats online fundraising juggernaut, which has acknowledged receiving over 200 potentially illicit contributions last year from foreign internet addresses. Trumps announcement contained a glaring omission his political committees also received scores of potentially problematic contributions. An Associated Press review of donations to Trump over the past five years found 1,600 contributions from donors who live abroad, have close ties to foreign interests or failed to disclose basic information, often making it difficult, if not impossible, to identify them and verify the legality of their donations. Among those was $5,000 linked to a derelict building, and $5,000 from a Chinese business owner who listed a La Quinta Inn as his address. Another sizable donation $1 million was made by the wife of an African oil and mining magnate. Read more about the APs findings Heres what a Texas oil executive from DOGE is doing inside the Interior Department A Texas oil executive from Elon Musks government efficiency team has been given sweeping powers to overhaul the federal department that manages vast tracts of resource-rich public lands, but he hasnt divested his energy investments or filed an ethics commitment to break ties with companies that pose a conflict of interest, records show. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently directed Tyler Hassen, who lacks Senate confirmation and has no public administration experience, to reorganize the Interior Department, which oversees some 70,000 employees in 11 agencies including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Before joining DOGE, Hassen spent nearly two decades as an executive at Basin Holdings, an enterprise involved in the manufacture, sale and servicing of oil rigs worldwide. A financial disclosure report obtained by the AP shows Hassen made millions annually from these companies, owned by John Fitzgibbons an industry giant who is well-connected in Russia. Read more about Hassen Major headlines from the weekend Catching up on the news from the holiday weekend? Here are some of the headlines SEA 140 mandates insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, or other administrators of pharmacy benefits to reimburse pharmacies at a rate that includes "a fair and reasonable dispensing fee. This mandated fee will raise prescription drug costs on consumers. (Getty Images) Because most Hoosiers rely on their employers for health care coverage and the manufacturing industry employs 1 in 5 Hoosiers, the Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA) has long championed efforts to control spiraling health care costs. This issue is critical to individuals and employers alike, and the IMA is encouraged that Indiana has seen a lot of improvement on this topic in recent legislative sessions. Senate Enrolled Act 140, however, takes a step in the wrong direction. By mandating pharmacy dispensing fees, SEA 140 will ultimately burden employers and individuals with higher prescription drug expenses across the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the heart of our concern is the provision within SEA 140 that mandates insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, or other administrators of pharmacy benefits to reimburse pharmacies at a rate that includes a fair and reasonable dispensing fee. This mandated fee will raise prescription drug costs on consumers. Our estimates indicate that this bill will lead to at least $100 million in new health care spending. Its crucial to understand that these increased costs wont simply be absorbed by insurers or employers. Instead, they will inevitably be passed down to consumers, further straining already tight family budgets. As businesses grapple with higher health care expenses, they may be forced to make difficult decisions, such as reducing benefits, raising employee deductibles, or increasing employee copays for prescription drugs. This ultimately translates to less money in the pockets of Hoosier families, making it harder to afford essential goods and services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana employers, who provide health insurance benefits to their employees, will also bear a substantial burden. The increased cost of providing these benefits may very well negate any progress made this year in lowering health care costs. This is a serious concern for Indiana manufacturers, who already face a competitive disadvantage compared to companies in states with lower health care costs. The new spending mandated by SEA 140 will only exacerbate this problem. We are also troubled by the fact that SEA 140 exempts Medicaid and the state employee health plan. This exemption means that commercial payers, employers and individuals who purchase private health insurance will disproportionately shoulder the burden of these increased costs, while the state itself avoids the financial impact. Simply put, legislators recognized the cost of this new fee and protected the budget they were writing but still raised the cost of prescription drugs on the private sector. Pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform is necessary, and SEA 140 does contain some positive provisions. However, these positive aspects are overshadowed by the misguided and unfair mandate on health care payers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IMA is committed to addressing the rising cost of health care in Indiana because we recognize the burden it places on Hoosier employers, employees, and families. Moving forward, we encourage the legislature to pursue a more equitable approach to addressing pharmacy reimbursement issues. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Donald Trump campaigned on ending weaponization in government after accusing his political enemies of launching a legal war to derail his chances of winning the presidency a second time. But the president, with an emboldened Department of Justice, led by staunch ally Pam Bondi, has launched apparent partisan lawfare of his own, with investigations underway against prominent Democratic officials and left-leaning pop superstars, dozens of legal threats aimed at his ideological opponents and even the law firms representing them. Attorney General Pam Bondi is using the Justice Department as Trumps personal law firm, according to critics (AP) Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office accusing Joe Bidens administration of a systematic campaign against its perceived political opponents that is designed more toward inflicting political pain than toward pursuing actual justice or legitimate governmental objectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the order seemingly does what it condemns ending the weaponization of government by turning the government against his enemies. The president promised retribution for his supporters during his first campaign speech in 2023, and critics say his administration has wielded the executive branch and leveraged the Justice Department to settle personal and political vendettas. We are witnessing a huge attack on the rule of law, and direct assault on the Constitution, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen told reporters May 20, listing off Trumps tyranny and political blackmail and threats to federal funding, arrests of student protesters and his weaponizing of the Justice Department. In her confirmation hearing, Attorney General Bondi promised to lawmakers that the partisanship, the weaponization will be gone from the Justice Department. America will have one tier of justice for all, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But instead, her Justice Department has transformed into Donald Trumps personal law firm, accuses former pardon attorney Liz Oyer, who is suing the administration over her abrupt and illegal firing. Bondis office is essentially whatever the president wants it to be right now, Oyer told NPR. Bruce Springsteen (left) in Manchester, England, where he railed against the 'corrupt' Donald Trump (right) (Getty) Trumps list of targets seemingly grows by the day. Within the last week, the Justice Departments civil rights division opened an investigation into Chicagos Democratic mayor after he boasted to a church congregation about hiring so many Black people to his administration, federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against a sitting member of Congress, and Andrew Cuomo a prominent Trump antagonist while serving as New Yorks governor and now the leading candidate for New York City mayor has been accused of lying to Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has also demanded a major investigation into his own allegations that Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey and Bono violated campaign finance laws by supporting Kamala Harris presidential campaign. Richard Grenell, Trumps appointed president of the Kennedy Center, also called the centers deferred maintenance and financial deficit criminal and referred the institution to the U.S. attorneys office. Administration officials leaped on former FBI director James Comey for a social media post spelling out 86 47, which the president called an assassination threat. Trump has demanded a major investigation into his own allegations that Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce (see at campaign rally with then-Vice President Kamala Harris), Oprah Winfrey and Bono violated campaign finance laws by supporting Harris presidential campaign. (Reuters) The Justice Department also announced plans this week for a new unit specifically taking aim at university diversity programs in an effort to pull out federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors are also investigating New York Attorney General Letitia James for mortgage fraud after she successfully led a civil case against the president and his real-estate empire for defrauding investors by fraudulently inflating the value of his properties. This investigation into me is nothing more than retribution, James said in public remarks last week. Its baseless. And, in the middle of an Oval Office meeting with South Africas president, Trump lashed out at a jerk reporter the president said ought to be investigated, adding to a long list of media outlets and publishers the president has threatened with legal action. The Justice Departments criminal investigation into Cuomo, the current front runner in the race for New York mayor, was unveiled just weeks after the administration dropped corruption charges against his rival Eric Adams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation follows accusations from House Republicans that Cuomo lied to a congressional subcommittee about decisions he made during the COVID-19 pandemic while he was governor. We have never been informed of any such matter, so why would someone leak it now? The answer is obvious: This is lawfare and election interference plain and simple something President Trump and his top Department of Justice officials say they are against, Cuomos spokesperson Rich Azzopardi told The Independent. A spokesperson for Andrew Cuomo called a federal investigation into the former New York governor lawfare and election interference plain and simple (REUTERS) Governor Cuomo testified truthfully to the best of his recollection about events from four years earlier, and he offered to address any follow-up questions from the subcommittee but from the beginning this was all transparently political, he added. The probe is coming from the U.S. attorneys office in Washington, D.C., not in New York. The top prosecutor in D.C. is now former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, who unsuccessfully ran against Cuomo for state attorney general in 2006. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pirro routinely came to Trumps defense on-air throughout his criminal indictments and investigations, and she previously called on state prosecutors to investigate the governor for manslaughter and negligent homicide. You cannot escape the consequences of your intentional and reckless acts, she said during a Fox News segment in 2021. You cannot escape your intentional coverup. Ed Martin, who was replaced by Pirro as the top prosecutor in Washington, is now the head of the Justice Departments Weaponization Working Group, which he says will name and shame people that the administration cant charge with crimes but deserve to be punished publicly. During a press conference earlier this month, Martin called himself the captain" of the group, which is investigating federal prosecutors involved in past investigations into Trump and his allies. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he wont be intimidated by the tyranny of the Trump administration following a civil rights investigation into allegations of racially motivated hiring (Getty Images) There are some really bad actors, some people that did some really bad things to the American people. And if they can be charged, well charge them. But if they cant be charged, we will name them, Martin said. And we will name them, and in a culture that respects shame, they should be people that are ashamed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Departments investigation into Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is Black, hinges on accusations that he hired people for the government solely because of their skin color. The allegations outlined in a letter from Trumps new civil rights division chief Harmeet Dhillon rest on his comments to a Black church congregation when he was asked about economic opportunities for minority residents. There are some detractors that will push back on me and say, you know, The only thing the mayor talks about is the hiring of Black people, Johnson said in his remarks. No, what Im saying is, when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else. We are the most generous people on the planet. Having people in my administration that will look out for the interest of everyone, and everyone means you have to look out for the interests of Black folks, because that hasnt happened. In a news conference responding to the investigation, Johnson said he wont be intimidated by the tyranny that's coming from the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dhillon has recast the agencys mission into one that leans into the presidents grievances and shifts its focus away from police oversight, voting rights protections and combating racial discrimination. Last week, her division ended police misconduct investigations in departments across the country. The rapid transformation of the civil rights division is really unprecedented and and really threatens the foundations of our multiracial democracy, and its something that all Americans should be very, very alarmed about, Jin Hee Lee, director of strategic initiatives at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, told The Independent. Everything that this administration has said indicates that they have absolutely no interest in pursuing civil rights violations or holding bad actors accountable for civil rights violations, she said. May 27---- Minnesota Sen. Gary Dahms explored the possibility of replacing the with a new state park, but ran into challenges that he could not overcome. Dahms, a Republican from , told attendees at a town hall meeting in Granite Falls last week that he had a potential replacement site identified and landowners open to the possibility of selling land for a new state park. The state senator said he identified a "beautiful, really nice site" that could be developed for use as a state park. Property owners on two sides of the site indicated they were willing to sell land for use as a state park. On a third side of the site, the land is already state-owned, according to Dahms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1,300-acre state park was closed in February of 2024 and the land transferred to the the following month. The is in the process of awarding funds from a $5 million allocation included in the transfer legislation. The DNR is entering joint powers agreements to provide allocations of $1.55 million each to Renville County, Yellow Medicine County and the city of Granite Falls for improvements to their parks. Dahms said during the May 21 town hall that he had hoped to include a $20 million appropriation in the state bonding bill toward the acquisition of the land and development of structures for its use as a park. He said he wanted to put the funds in a trust for a five-year period, as it would take time to acquire the land and complete the work required for a new park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He learned that state bond monies cannot be set aside in a trust fund. Bond funds can only be used if purchase agreements are in place and the design and engineering for new structures and infrastructure are completed. Dahms said he informed the Department of Natural Resources about the possible replacement site. He said the DNR was initially excited about the possibility, but soon informed him there were a number of things that would not work out. Dahms said he initially had hoped the DNR would move forward with a replacement park, but not so now. "They told me how much they were looking," he said. But the senator said he now believes the DNR is instead looking to put the idea in the "rearview mirror." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dahms also expressed his continued frustration with the process that led to the closure and transfer of the state park. "That deal was so cut and dried and put to bed. It was all internal," he said. He explained that some members of the Senate Environmental, Climate and Legacy Committee were not aware of the legislation prior to its first hearing before them during the 2023 legislative session. At that time, Dahms said he received a call over the prior weekend from his Republican colleague State Sen. Andrew Lang, R-Olivia, who informed him of the upcoming hearing and the legislation for the transfer. Lang learned about the hearing after he had received a call from a news reporter inquiring about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dahms said he spoke on the day of the hearing to representatives of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and who told him it was also the first they knew of the transfer plans. Dahms said he believed some of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party majority leaders and governor were aware of the legislation in advance, but no Republicans knew about it. The bill calling for the transfer was introduced by State Sen. Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton, and approved during the 2023 legislative session. Dahms said the DFL senator had not informed him about the legislation, even though the state park property is in his district. When Illinois enacted a sweeping clean energy law in 2021, the state was seen as ahead of the curve in promoting renewable energy standards and creating clean energy jobs. But with advances in technology such as generative artificial intelligence driving up energy usage across the country, Illinois lawmakers from both parties, as well as environmental advocates, say the states energy policy has fallen behind. In the final days of the spring session, lawmakers are working on a legislative package aimed at addressing the states growing energy needs and rising costs without derailing the ambitious goals championed by Gov. JB Pritzker to make the state carbon-free by midcentury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were trying to do is find ways to ensure those capacity spikes dont continue for years into the future, and theres really only two ways of doing that, and thats by either decreasing demand for electricity or increasing supply, said state Sen. Bill Cunningham, a Chicago Democrat whos leading energy legislation efforts in the Senate. I think thats really the underlying impetus for energy bills this session. Due to supply cost increases, the average bill for a residential Commonwealth Edison customer is expected to increase this summer by $10.60 per month. The typical Ameren customers monthly bill is expected to increase by approximately 18% to 22%, depending on their usage. Cunningham said while lawmakers dont have control over the expected increased electricity charges going into effect this June, they can work to mitigate future spikes. The states past energy legislation, such as the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which aims for 40% renewable energy by 2030, did not account for the dramatic rise in energy usage from data centers and other large energy developers, Cunningham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are several business developments, such as data centers, being planned in Illinois that could bring a total of 30 gigawatts of electricity, the equivalent of 3 billion light bulbs, to the grid starting in 2029, according to Anna Markowski, Midwest director of Place-Based Advocacy on Climate and Energy for the Natural Resources Defense Council. Thats more than double the grids current maximum capacity, Markowski said. A study by the Illinois Commerce Commission released early May estimated that the state could lose approximately $12 billion in direct development investments, along with $60 billion in hardware and systems investments, for every gigawatt of power that cant be provided. The markets are screaming at us, saying build more generation, said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers Association. Everyones bidding for a limited amount of power. Lawmakers sent a 600-page draft of energy legislation to stakeholders in early May, less than two weeks before the end of session. The measures proposals range from expanding nuclear energy to increasing large-scale energy storage in batteries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One proposal would require new data centers and other large energy users building in Illinois to bring their own renewable energy to the grid, or pay a higher fee into the state budget that would fund other renewable projects. The measure is backed by environmental interests and others who say the companies building large data centers and other businesses that sap energy resources should pay more, instead of having the burden fall on homeowners and small-business users. Once those big loads start to come on the grid, were going to start to see instability, Markowski said. Were going to start to see costs transferred onto every household, and so what were trying to do within the bill is protect against that by making them bring new energy. You cant just cannibalize whatever we have here. Illinois electrical consumers, from residential consumers to commercial data centers, are already required to pay a fee to the states renewable portfolio standards, which fund the part of the state budget used to award grants to renewable energy developers. But the fee for new data centers and other large energy users would be three times larger under the latest proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denzler warned the higher fee could have an adverse impact on economic development in the state. I mean your costs right there are going to be astronomical for a large user, and theyre just going to go to Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan and other states, Denzler said. Another proposal thats received increased support this year is a plan that could expand nuclear power by lifting a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear plants, an idea organized labor and manufacturers have historically backed while environmental groups have opposed. Gov. Pritzker has indicated support for the idea of allowing flexibility on new nuclear plants, a shift from his previous position against large-scale nuclear plants. He vetoed a bill to lift the states decade-old moratorium on new nuclear plants in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were looking forward to having a bill that comes to my desk that will allow us to expand the options for nuclear in the state of Illinois, Pritzker said in mid-April. But it has to be done in the right way, and I think the legislature and my team are working together to make sure that that happens. The legislative draft also would create an ambitious new goal for large-scale energy storage through large batteries that would absorb excess wind and solar power for later use, along with goals to deliver clean, low-cost energy, while also promoting several efficiency measures supporting virtual power plants. Cunningham said that if the larger legislative package does not come together, proposals within the measure could still be pushed as individual bills. Well see if it bears fruit, Cunningham said. Texas lawmakers reached a deal this week, passing a sweeping plan to invest billions into the states fragile water infrastructure and future water supply over the next 20 years, ending months of tense, back door negotiations. On Tuesday, the Senate approved House Joint Resolution 7, which will send to voters in November a proposal to allot $1 billion a year starting in 2027 $20 billion in total until 2047 to secure the states water supply. That money will be used to fund new water supply projects, such as desalination, repairing old water infrastructure, conservation and flood mitigation projects. Meanwhile, the House gave final approval Wednesday to Senate Bill 7, by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, which lays out the administrative framework for funding water projects through the Texas Water Development Board. Lawmakers also agreed to a one-time investment of $2.5 billion into the water fund from House Bill 500, the supplemental budget, which is taken from the current budget surplus. About $880 million of that is already in the fund, so more than $1.6 billion will be deposited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending priorities] Addressing the states water crisis has been a big priority for lawmakers and Gov. Greg Abbott this year. Texas is running out of water, and fast. With aging pipes, drought pressure, and population growth squeezing resources, Abbott called water an emergency item. The $20 billion deal is a step forward, but the funding is a fraction of what Texas needs to fully fix the problem. A Texas 2036 report estimated that the state needs nearly $154 billion by 2050 for water infrastructure, including $59 billion for water supply projects, $74 billion for leaky pipes and infrastructure maintenance, and $21 billion to fix broken wastewater systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funding also dries up in 2047, and unlike similar constitutional funds, such as those dedicated to transportation, the Legislature cannot extend the tax dedication by resolution. The Legislature, more than two decades from now, will have to amend the state constitution, again with another two-thirds vote to keep the money flowing. It will also be put to another state referendum. And as climate change accelerates, urban demand skyrockets, and critical infrastructure ages, this deal may prove to be a down payment. Perry acknowledged the shortfall on the Senate floor, but applauded the initial step. This plan is a good start to make that goal, Perry said. Both bills have changed quite a bit throughout the legislative process. The biggest point of contention was how the annual $1 billion would be spent. The original House plan gave the Texas Water Development Board wide discretion over how to use the money. Waters experts said under that plan, local leaders would have had flexibility to prioritize their communitys most pressing needs whether cleaning salty water to make drinkable or repairing leaky pipes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a Senate push led by Perry locked in 80% of the funds for new water supply projects, such as desalination and treating oilfield wastewater. Under that plan, the remaining 20% would be reserved for repairs, conservation, and flood mitigation. The fight over that ratio became the flashpoint of the legislative debate. On Monday, both those proposals were walked back to a 50-50 split by an amendment added to the Senate bill by state Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine. The first half of the money would got to conservation and water reuse projects, desalinating groundwater and seawater, building pipelines, and developing reservoirs. The remaining would go to the water board, where the staff will determine how to spend the money. During the discussion Monday about the Senate bill, Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, cited a neighborhood in her district with chronic water line failures and old pipes that need repair. She asked if the water bill will help communities like that one with leaking pipes. Harris assured her the bill absolutely addresses that. Being able to fix existing failing infrastructure is a major focus of this bill, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate and House need to approve each chamber's amendments, which theyre expected to do, before the legislation can be sent to Abbotts desk. Disclosure: Texas 2036 has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. 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! UPDATE: A legal representative for Smith County has issued a statement following the press conference on Tuesday: Smith County Sheriffs Deputies responded to a call for help from a local business alleging that a disgruntled former employee might return to his former workplace and potentially commit a violent act. When officers went to the former employees home, he eventually came to the front door with a gun. Upon seeing the former employee holding the gun and recognizing a significant threat, the deputy fired. Unfortunately, the former employee died. The deputy who fired was cleared of any criminal charges by a grand jury. Smith County, Sheriff Smith, and the deputy look forward to presenting all evidence to the court and are confident that the evidence will show that the deputy acted correctly when faced with a difficult, rapidly evolving set of circumstances. TYLER, Texas (KETK) Lawyers for Jonathan Laytons family, who died following a deputy-involved shooting in Lindale, will hold a press conference on Tuesday at 11 a.m. to share never-before-seen evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man dies in deputy-involved shooting after threating to kill coworkers The family alleges that Jonathan was unlawfully shot and killed by Smith County Sheriffs Deputy Braylon Barnes. A lawsuit will be filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging that Deputy Barnes used excessive and unconstitutional deadly force when he shot Jonathan three times, including once in the back, as he retreated into his home to put away a pistol he legally possessed. In November 2024, the Smith County Sheriffs Office responded to a threat call at a business in Lindale. The caller said Jonathan Layton had recently been terminated and had made threats that he was going home and would return to the business to kill them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before officials arrived, Layton had left the business, and a description of his vehicle was released. A responding deputy noticed the suspect vehicle headed south on US 69 before receiving the information. Officials attempted to contact Layton at the 13200 block of CR 4109 east of Lindale and found his vehicle in the front yard of a residence. When deputies attempted to contact Layton at the residence, he turned around holding a handgun pointed in their direction. One of the deputies fired at Layton with his duty weapon, incapacitating him, Smith County officials said. Medical personnel were called to the scene and took Layton to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CAIRO (AP) A new cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed 172 people and sickened more than 2,500 over the past week, authorities said Tuesday as a leading medical group warned that the country's existing health facilities were unable to cope with the surge of patients. The bulk of the cases were reported in the capital, Khartoum, and its twin city of Omdurman, but cholera was also detected in the provinces of North Kordofan, Sennar, Gazira, White Nile and Nile River, health officials said. According to Joyce Bakker, the Sudan coordinator for Doctors Without Borders also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres or MSF the alarming spike began in mid-May, with MSF teams treating almost 2,000 suspected cholera cases in the past week alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Sudans Health Minister Haitham Ibrahim said the increase in cholera cases just in the Khartoum region has been estimated to average 600 to 700 per week over the past four weeks. Bekker said MSF's treatment centers in Omdurman are overwhelmed and that the scenes are disturbing. Many patients are arriving too late to be saved, she said. We dont know the true scale of the outbreak, and our teams can only see a fraction of the full picture. She called for a united response, including water, sanitation and hygiene programs and more treatment facilities. In March, MSF said that 92 people had died of cholera in Sudans White Nile State, where 2,700 people had contracted the disease since late February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The World Health Organization said that the water-borne disease is a fast-developing and highly contagious infection that causes diarrhea and leads to severe dehydration and possible death within hours when not treated. The disease is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. The outbreak is the latest crisis for Sudan, which was plunged into a war more than two years ago, when tensions between the Sudanese army and its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces group, or RSF, exploded with street battles in Khartoum that quickly spread across the country. Since then, at least 20,000 people have been reported killed, though the number is likely far higher, and more than 14 million have been displaced and forced from their homes. Sudan has also been engulfed by what the United Nations says is the worlds largest humanitarian crisis, and disease outbreaks, famine and atrocities have mounted as the African country entered its third year of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the Sudanese military said it had regained control of the Greater Khartoum area from the paramilitary forces. Ibrahim, the health minister, attributed the cholera surge to the return of many Sudanese to the Khartoum region people who had fled their homes to escape the fighting and are now coming back. Their returns have strained the citys dwindling water resources, he said. At least 206 of the 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers repatriated to Ukraine died in Russian captivity, the Associated Press (AP) reported on May 27, citing Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs) data. There have been multiple reports of Ukrainian POWs being tortured or killed while in Russian captivity. As of May, the Prosecutor General's Office said criminal investigations were underway regarding the execution of 268 Ukrainian POWs. Violence in Russian prisons is likely to have been one of the factors that caused a large number of deaths of Ukrainian POWs, the AP reported, citing previous reports of human rights groups, the United Nations, the Ukrainian government, and a Ukrainian forensic expert who conducted the autopsies of the POWs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of 206 Ukrainian soldiers who died in captivity, more than 50 were killed during a Russian missile attack on Russia's notorious Olenivka POW camp in the occupied part of Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian authorities said that days before the explosion in the Olenivka prison, Russian occupation authorities singled out Ukrainian members of the Azov Regiment, who were captured in Mariupol and were awaiting a prisoner exchange, to a separate part of the prison building the one that was destroyed. The Prosecutor General's Office said that Russia likely used a thermobaric munition to strike the prison. Russia rejected the accusations and instead blamed the explosion on a Ukrainian HIMARS strike, an assertion rejected by the U.N. In March, the U.N. confirmed 27 cases of executions by Russian troops, which resulted in the deaths of 84 Ukrainian soldiers since August 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victoria Tsymbaliuk, a representative of the Ukrainian Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs), said in October 2024 that at least 177 Ukrainian prisoners died in Russian captivity since the beginning of Moscow's full-scale invasion. 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. By Camillus Eboh ABUJA (Reuters) -At least 42 people were shot dead by suspected herders in a series of weekend attacks across Gwer West district in Nigeria's central Benue state, a local official said on Tuesday. Thirty-two bodies were recovered from Sunday's assaults on the Ahume and Aondona villages, while 10 more were killed in a separate attack on the villages of Tyolaha and Tse-Ubiam on Saturday, said Victor Omnin, chairman of the Gwer West local government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a pathetic situation. As we speak, we are still recovering corpses," Omnin told journalists. Benue is in Nigeria's Middle Belt, a region where the majority Muslim North meets the largely Christian South. The region faces competition over land use, with conflicts between herders, who seek grazing land for their cattle, and farmers, who need arable land for cultivation. These tensions are often worsened by overlapping ethnic and religious divisions. Benue Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia's office said a Catholic priest was also shot in the area by the assailants, and is in critical but stable condition. (Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo; Editing by Olivier Holmey) COLLEGE PARK, Md. (DC News Now) A man from Leesburg, Virginia, is facing several charges, including attempted second-degree murder, following a road rage shooting on Memorial Day in Maryland. According to the Maryland State Police (MSP), 22-year-old Fredy Gonzalez-Esquivel is accused of firing several shots at a car while driving on Interstate 95 on May 26. State police said the road rage incident took place Monday evening in College Park. The victim told troopers that someone shot at his vehicle several times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities noted that the victim and his passenger were not injured during the shooting. Todays just a reminder of that cost | Moments of silence, respect as Taps is played at DC memorials The victims vehicle was processed by crime scene technicians, and police recovered projectiles. During their investigation, MSP identified the suspected shooter as Gonzalez-Esquivel. Authorities executed a search warrant on Gonzalez-Esquivels SUV, where they discovered a gun and seven spent casings. The drivers side mirror also had damage consistent with a projectile fired from the drivers seat. Gonzalez-Esquivel was arrested by Leesburg police on Tuesday. He was charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder, felony assault, using a firearm during a felony crime, malicious destruction of property and related firearms offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzalez-Esquivel is awaiting extradition to Maryland. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. To the editor: The human cruelty displayed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, under orders from the Trump administration, in arresting immigrants as they leave a courtroom with their family after having a case against them dismissed is beyond the pale of what should occur in any law-abiding nation ( Father ripped from family as agents target immigration courts, arresting people after cases dismissed, May 24). Has our current government sunk so low that due process is ignored, court orders repeatedly violated, while the will of one mans executive orders become the law of the land? It seems apparent that the executive branch itself is the one acting lawlessly, creating its own orders in disregard of due process. Its arrogance is exceeded only by the human suffering that it is willfully imposing on others. Bill Hessell, Culver City Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement .. To the editor: Another day, another sob story from the Los Angeles Times about illegal immigrants being deported. Instead of blaming ICE for causing family members to be traumatized, put the blame where it rightly belongs: on the family members who consciously chose to break our laws and sneak into our country illegally. Ron Stenlake, Los Angeles This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. To the editor: I wholeheartedly support contributing writer Josh Hammers urgent appeal for an end to political violence ( The Israeli Embassy killings and the ominous turn in political violence, May 23). However, he's wrong to label political violence in the U.S. as primarily a left-wing phenomenon. In fact, a great number of deadly attacks come from right-wing white nationalists. These include violent attacks targeting Black Americans, Jews, immigrants and LGBTQ+ people. Federal law enforcement and watchdog groups consistently identify far-right violence , not left-wing activism, as the top domestic terror threat. Theres no comparison in scale or impact. Ignoring that reality risks downplaying a real and growing danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicholas Hormann, Pasadena .. To the editor: I finally can agree with Hammer on a very critical point. Although he said he was not writing an "apples-to-apples comparison, he spent most of his opinion piece recounting various "apples" (i.e., "darkness") in "pockets of the American activist left. However, in his final paragraph we reached total agreement: "Regardless, the violence must end. And we must stop treating open calls for murder or genocide as morally acceptable 'speech. I'm heartened to find solidarity with you, Mr. Hammer! David Berry, Altadena Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement .. To the editor: Hammer correctly notes that domestic terrorists these days come from all backgrounds. Then he proceeds to list only allegedly left-wing nuts. He says that both sides are not culpable here. How does he go from "all backgrounds" to "both sides are not culpable"? Sounds like a contradiction to me. Cathy Gregory, Lompoc, Calif. .. To the editor: I unequivocally condemn the murder of the Israeli Embassy staff members and the other acts of violence that Hammer references. But his claim that "both 'sides' are not culpable here" is misinformation that serves the MAGA agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What would he call Jan. 6, 2021, if not the largest example of political violence from the right? What about Harry Rogers, a KKK member who drove a car into a crowd of peaceful protesters? Or the racism-driven Walmart shooting in El Paso? And if Hammer is so concerned about antisemitism, as I am as well, how can he forget that the Pittsburgh Tree of Life shooting was perpetrated by someone with anti-immigrant views? Yes, Mr. Hammer, political violence is perpetrated by both sides and we need to condemn all of it. Bruce Hirsch, Culver City .. To the editor: Hammer ignores the long history of right-wing ownership of antisemitism by ascribing it now to the left wing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a lover of Israel, I agree that pro-Palestine protests sometimes demonize Israel and even get too close to supporting Hamas (which, after all, is a right-wing movement). However, the vast majority of protesters are young people, many of whom are Jewish, who see the vicious death and destruction being wrought in Gaza by Israel and cannot abide it. Anyone paying attention should not be able to abide it. I cannot, and I also fear greatly that Israel will not be able to survive after losing so much support in the world by its own actions. I agree there is too much demonizing and dehumanizing, even genocidal, speech coming out of the current Middle East conflict, but one would have to be blind to not see that it comes from both sides. The resulting hate crimes also come from both sides. Hammer conveniently leaves out the attacks on Palestinian Americans that have occurred since October 2023, most notably the stabbing death of a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy in Chicago and the three Palestinian students shot in Burlington, Vt. Susan Rishik, Santa Monica Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement .. To the editor: Hammer writes with passion and truth regarding the antisemitism in America and on college campuses. I have been waiting for signs of condemnation from the last administration and hoping President Trump is successful in sending all terrorists out of the country. Some call Trump a bully. If he is a bully, we need more like him, especially after two young people were murdered. Drastic times call for drastic measures. No antisemitism in the U.S.A. not now, not ever. Elaine Vanoff, West Hollywood This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Editors Note: As Lexington celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Herald-Leader and kentucky.com each day throughout 2025 will share interesting facts about our hometown. Compiled by Liz Carey, all are notable moments in the citys history some funny, some sad, others heartbreaking or celebratory, and some just downright strange. For more than 100 years, the University of Kentuckys administration building stood on the universitys campus. Soldiers from both World Wars trained on its lawns. Presidents campaigned at its doors. Student activists protested there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And on May 15, 2001, it was destroyed by a fire. Built in 1880, the four-story Main Building housed university administration and classrooms for UK, including the presidents office, conference rooms and a visitors center. Dedicated on Feb. 15, 1882, it was the only remaining building from when the school was originally State College. At the time, securing funding for the building had been difficult, so State College President James Patterson pledged his entire personal wealth as collateral to see the $81,000 project completed. During World War I, military technical training was conducted at the University of Kentucky. This photo shows cadets lined up in front of the Administration building in 1918. The original Main Building featured a cupola with a clock and a captains walk, but the cupola shrunk as the years went on and eventually, the roof took on a gabled appearance. In 1918, the campus post office and bookstore were located in the basement of the building, and a cafeteria was added as well, but those were eventually relocated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building originally housed the college armory, classrooms used by the Commandant of Cadets, a shop, a natural history museum, two laboratories, several academic departments and a small chapel. In 1948, it was renamed the Administration Building. The University of Kentuckys Adminstration Building on Administration Drive on the UK campus in Lexington, KY, Tuesday, May 15, 2001. The fire started in the late afternoon . Keyword: University of Kentucky Administration Building fire and UK. On May 15, 2001, the building was undergoing renovations when a soldering torch being used on the copper cornice started a fire. The fire destroyed the roof and severely damaged the rest of the building, gutting the upper two floors and flooding the lower floors. Its been the heart of the University of Kentucky, President Charles Wethington said at the time. At one point it was the University of Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the fire, the Board of Trusteesgave the approval to rebuild at a cost of $17.4 million. When completed, the building had grown from its original 30,700 square feet to more than 43,000 square feet with four floors and two balconies overlooking Patterson Plaza. The building reopened on Oct. 25, 2004. Today, its home to several offices, including UK President Eli Capiloutos. Have a question or story idea related to Lexingtons 250-year history? Let us know at 250LexKy@gmail.com. A Long Island man was arrested late Monday following a house fire that killed three pets and mobilized dozens of firefighters in Plainview, authorities said. The Memorial Day blaze broke out just before 8 p.m. at a home on Eileen Ave., News 12 Long Island reported, citing the Nassau County fire marshal. Nearly 100 firefighters from six different departments battled the flames, which were mainly concentrated in the back of the residence, according to Bethpage Fire Department Chief Francis DeBobes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had a fire out the rear of the house, the entire rear of the house, and coming out the front door, DeBobes said. Later Monday, the Nassau County Police Department arrested 40-year-old Jahan Kia in connection with the fire. Kia, whos described as a tenant of the residence, is charged with arson, criminal mischief and animal cruelty, online court records show. Hes believed to have started the fire in the basement stairwell. The fire was extinguished in about 30 minutes, officials said. All seven occupants of the home, five adults and two children, escaped without injuries and are now displaced, Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro said, according to Newsday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two dogs and one cat were killed in the fire, officials said. Two firefighters were transported to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell in Manhattan for smoke inhalation and burns to their hands. Kia was arraigned in Nassau District Court on Tuesday. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail under nonmonetary conditions. Hes due back in court Thursday. A request for comment from his attorney was not immediately returned Tuesday afternoon. Under New York law, a person convicted of third-degree arson defined as intentionally [damaging] a building or motor vehicle by starting a fire or causing an explosion can face up to 15 years in prison. The ongoing 20th Western China International Fair, which kicked off on Sunday in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, has seen the signing of 416 investment projects totaling 354.3 billion yuan ($49.4 billion), the organizing committee said. The fair, which runs through Thursday, attracted over 3,000 companies from 62 countries and regions and 27 domestic provincial-level administrative regions, including 61 Fortune Global 500 companies. To showcase the vast opportunities in China's western region, all 12 provincial-level regions in western China jointly presented over 2,200 investment projects worth more than 3.7 trillion yuan under the "Invest in Western China" brand, according to the organizing committee. Laos and Hungary are guest countries of honor, while more than 20 countries have set up national pavilions. Gabor Gasko, director of Avicenna Travel Services, a subsidiary of Hungary-based Avicenna Holding, said events such as the ongoing fair strengthen tourism cooperation between Hungary and China. Gasko said he is optimistic about expanding business in China, as the two countries are connected by more direct flights and China has implemented a visa-free policy for Hungary. Last year, his company launched a pilot program to bring Chinese students aged 14 to 18 for a two-week summer camp in Hungary, Gasko said. The program will run both in summer and winter this year, with participants projected to increase significantly. Chen Ping, director of the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency's Southwest China representative office, said her office organized over a dozen Hungarian companies to showcase their products at Hungary's national pavilion, including wines, condiments, snacks and cosmetics. Hungary's exports to China have maintained an average annual growth of around 20 percent in recent years, while the country has already established extensive cooperation with China's eastern coastal regions, Chen said. "China's western region has shown remarkable development momentum and strong market potential," she said. "We look forward to further expanding the market for Hungary's high-quality products through the fair." Thieng Somsat, chairman of Lao company Meely Decore Sole Co Ltd, said the fair has strengthened his confidence in expanding business operations in China and enhancing collaboration with Chinese partners. "Laos has abundant high-quality, eco-friendly agricultural products," he said. "We are planning to invite more Chinese partners to visit Laos and introduce more Lao products to the Chinese market." Lei Lin, chairman of Sichuan Golden Elephant Sincerity Chemical Co Ltd, said his company is seeking more business opportunities in Belt and Road countries through the event. The company has launched a 4.2 billion yuan melamine-green fertilizer integrated industrial chain project in Indonesia's Gresik special economic zone, he said. The first phase of the project is set to begin operations next year. Opposition head MK Yair Lapid also questioned the government about the source of funding for aid during a Knesset plenum debate on Monday. Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman claimed that the humanitarian aid in Gaza is funded by the Mossad and the Defense Ministry in a post on X/Twitter on Tuesday. "Hundreds of millions of dollars at the expense of Israeli citizens," he wrote. Yair Lapid also questioned the funding of aid agencies Opposition head MK Yair Lapid also questioned the government about the source of funding for two agencies involved in the governments plan to distribute aid in the Gaza Strip, during a Knesset plenum debate on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lapid questioned whether Israel had secretly financed humanitarian aid to Gaza through two shell companies, Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) and Safe Reach Solutions (SRS), established in Switzerland and the US. According to Lapid, Gulf states were expected to fund the aid but declined, citing concerns about the companies structure. If this money is indeed Israeli and the government is concealing it, it would not only be a deception of Israeli citizens, whose taxes fund it, but also one of the greatest diplomatic blunders in the countrys history, Lapid said. Opposition head MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, May 26, 2025 (photo credit: NOAM REVKIN FENTON/FLASH90) Perhaps [National Security Minister Itamar] Ben-Gvir and [National Missions Minister Orit] Strock wont like it, and maybe Smotrich fears people finding out he authorized the transfer, but the money has already been sent. This benefits Israeli public diplomacy, strengthens foreign relations, and even aligns with Jewish values, Lapid said. The Israeli government should proudly declare that it funds these two organizations and do what it hates mosttake responsibility for its actions and accept the consequences, the opposition leader concluded. Eliav Breuer contributed to this report. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Liberty, Missouri, Police Department is asking for the publics help after shots were fired in the Clay Meadows neighborhood late Monday night. At 11:17 p.m., police said officers responded to reports of shots fired in the Clay Meadows neighborhood. KHP searching for family of victim who died in I-35 crash Saturday morning The police department released surveillance video in hopes that someone in the community may recognize the vehicle or have additional information to assist with the investigation. The video has been slowed to get a better look at the vehicle leaving, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can watch that video here. Fortunately, police said no injuries have been reported at this time. If you recognize the vehicle or have any information related to this incident, please contact the police department at 816-439-4701, or you can submit an anonymous tip through the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers 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. May 26LIMA From the fighter jet flyover to the Abrams M1 tank rolling down North Main Street flanked by crowds waving U.S. flags, Monday's Memorial Day Parade in downtown Lima was a celebration of the U.S. military and those who served in it who made the ultimate sacrifice. Monday's parade included nearly 200 entries, according to organizer Aaron Poling, and according to early accounts after the parade, the number of attendees also saw a sharp rise this year. "We had about 14,500 people this year," he said. "Last year, we had about 10,000 people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only were veterans groups and agencies associated with military families represented, but other community agencies and organizations participated in Monday's parade, including law enforcement and other first responders, schools and area labor unions, with many participants tossing candy to the delight of younger spectators. Others passed out U.S. flags to spectators lining the streets to aid in promoting a spirit of patriotism at the gathering. One person receiving a flag was Norm Grigsby, a 96-year-old Lima native who served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean conflict. "I was actually affiliated with the Navy Seabees, the construction battalions," he said. "And I stayed in the reserves for about 20 years." While Grigsby said he did not personally get into any "hot spots," as he described them, he knew several people who lost their lives while serving, and he expressed appreciation for events like Monday's parade to commemorate the memory of those lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think we should have more of this," he said. "I think we've got a country now that is really divided. We need more occasions like this to bring us together." Memorial Day observances continued after the parade with a wreath laying ceremony at the American Legion Post 96 as well as a hog roast celebration at the Social House at Lima's Central District. Featured Local Savings A proposal to limit how much an accident victim can recover in lawsuits for medical care won approval from the Texas House on Wednesday. The bill passed the House 87-51. It passed a preliminary vote 94-52 on Monday with the support of at least five Democrats. Senate Bill 30, authored by Georgetown Republican Sen. Charles Schwertner, intends to curb nuclear verdicts, or jury rulings that award victims more than $10 million, which proponents say makes doing business in Texas unpredictable. The version passed by the House includes amendments that leave open monetary awards beyond medical bills and preserve the court's ability to decide what evidence is relevant. If the proposal becomes law, those who sue in personal injury or wrongful death cases can submit only the amount paid for medical services, and directs juries to limit the amount of damages based on a set of options such as the maximum that can be charged to Medicare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was a priority of Texans for Lawsuit Reform, a well-funded group representing oil and energy companies that has spent the last two decades trying to curb what they see as frivolous lawsuits. For the bill to become law, the Senate must agree to changes, or request a committee hash out differences. At a committee hearing in April, business owners shared their experiences of getting sued in accidents where the damage appeared minimal according to poster-sized photos they brought to the hearing but the damages sought were in the millions. Opponents argued that theres already an appeals process in the civil lawsuit process that parties can use to reduce the damages owed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill overcame resistance from some conservative activists who previously supported the efforts by Texas for Lawsuit Reforms namely, restricting medical malpractice lawsuits. The version of the bill that passed the House removed language that drew concern from opponents, such as a provision that would have barred juries from awarding money for noneconomic damages such as mental anguish. That was raised by some accident victims and sexual assault survivors who said the impacts of their injuries could not be placed neatly into the economic damage categories the previous version of the bill outlined. On the House floor Monday, lawmakers also approved an amendment by Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendsburg, who is carrying the bill in the House, to remove a portion of the bill that would have only allowed damages on services that have health care industry billing codes, which not all services an accident victim needs would have. Another Bonnen amendment changed the requirement for an itemized list by the provider of a plaintiff to a summary list. Lawmakers unsuccessfully tried to further narrow that requirement, though an amendment by Rep. Matt Morgan, R-Richmond, reaffirming privacy protections between doctors and patients, and attorneys and clients was adopted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pair of amendments by Reps. Mitch Little, a Lewisville Republican, and Joe Moody, an El Paso Democrat, also passed, over the objection of Bonnen, to no longer require some evidence related to medical history be automatically admitted. The amended bill leaves it to a judge to decide whether the evidence is relevant something Bonnen said defeated the purpose of that part of the bill. The Texas Trial Lawyers Association, which lobbied for months against the bill, said the changes since it was first introduced were a sign of how Texans felt about efforts to curb lawsuits. This result sends a clear message that Texans of all walks of life support the fundamental value of accountability embodied in our civil justice system, Jack Walker, president of the association, said in a statement. Disclosure: Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Texas Trial Lawyers Association have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. 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! TYLER, Texas (KETK) According to a nonprofit Project Cold Case, between 1965 and 2023 there has been roughly 26,009 unsolved homicides in Texas, with 20 of them being in Tyler, including cases being cold for more than 30 years. What is a cold case? A cold case refers to crime that is typically violent (such as murder or rape) and has not been solved completely and hasnt been the subject of a recent criminal investigation. LIST: East Texas cold homicide cases Texas Rangers are still trying to solve Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes disappearances can also be considered cold cases if the victim hasnt been heard from for a longer period of time. To learn more about Tyler missing person cold cases, click the links below of previous articles KETK has done: The Tyler Police Departments mission is to seek justice for all of those victims that have become silent, Tyler PD said. We need your assistance in solving these unsolved homicide and missing person cold cases. KETK news has compiled a list of unsolved homicide cases in Tyler that the police department has been working on to bring justice to the victims and closure for their families. Clarine Jones, courtesy of Tyler Police Department 1987 Clarine Ann Jones According to Tyler Police Department, on June 13, 1987 an unknown suspect entered into 77-year-old Clarine Jones home on S Kennedy Street where they stabbed her multiple times, sexually assaulted her and left her for dead. Mary Hooper and Emmett Lynch Officials said on Oct. 7, 1987 a visiting nurse went to 300 S. Lyons to give care to a patient and found 62-year-old Mary Hooper and 57-year-old Emmett Lynch murdered inside their home. Mary Hooper, courtesy of Tyler Police Department Emmett Lynch, courtesy of Tyler Police Department 1988 Versie C. Daniels Tyler PD said that on Aug. 29, 1988, witnesses told police that a rolling gun battle had happened in the 300 block of East Queen Street. The people reported two rounds were fired from a vehicle and entered a trailer home that was parked in the front of 313 East Queen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 79-year-old Versie Daniels was hit by one of those stray rounds and died. Officials said a witness reported that numerous Hispanic men were involved in the gun battle. Fulton Honeycutt, courtesy of Tyler Police Department 1989 Fulton Honeycutt On April 29, 1989 Tyler police responded to a report on East Berta Street that a man was lying motionless in the doorway of his garage apartment. The victim was found deceased and evidence determined that it was a homicide, the department said. The victim was identified as Fulton Honeycutt, age 56. Police believe that a struggle happened inside the apartment before his death. Earl Thomas Ashfield On Sept. 30, 1989 Tyler police found a body inside a burned taxi company car that was identified as Earl Ashfield, who was working as a driver for the taxi company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier that morning, Ashfield was reported missing along with the company car by the owner of the taxi company, officials said. 1991 Donald Ray Thedford Donald Thedford, courtesy of Tyler Police Department Tyler PD said on April 16, 1991 53-year-old Donald Thedfords body was found in an abandoned tin building located at 916 East Oakwood Street. Evidence at the scene indicated that Thedford was murdered, officials said. Thedford was known for riding his black 10-speed bicycle in the neighborhood. LIST: Who are the East Texas officers who have died in line of duty 1992 Kenneth Jones On May 30, 1992 Kenneth Jones and a friend were sitting in their vehicle in front of his home located at 1100 W Queen Street when they heard several gunshots in the area and stepped out of the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Tyler PD, when Jones got out of the passenger side he was shot in the chest and later died at a local hospital from the gunshot wound. Baltazar Lopez Baltazar Lopez was attending a Christmas party at 117 S Horace Street on Dec. 25, 1992 when a disturbance happened around 3 a.m. inside the home that ended up in front of the home with gunfire, Tyler PD said. Two victims had been shot by a Hispanic male who was seen running from the crime scene, officials said. Lopez died at he scene. 1994 Will C. CHATT Harold On Jan. 4, 1994 officers found 56-year-old Will Harold shot to death inside his home at 2518 Franchel. Officials said that police believe that a disturbance broke out inside the home that ended in gunfire. Curtis Moore, courtesy of Tyler Police Department Curtis Moore Tyler PD said that around 12: 40 a.m. on July 14, 1994 officers responded to the corner market located at Lake Placid Road and Old Jacksonville Highway where they found a man identified as 35-year-old Curtis Moore slumped over the steering wheel of a Chevy pickup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After investigating further, officers discovered Moore had died from a gunshot wound. Carl Yarborough Officials said on Aug. 25, 1994 officers responded to a report of a resident found shot in his house on 1110 W Third Street. The victim was identified as 36-year-old Carl Yarborough who was found dead from a gunshot wound. According to to Tyler PD, several black men were seen running from the house after gunfire was heard by neighbors and getting into a white pickup and white four door Nissan Altima. 1996 Larry King Tyler police officers responded to a traffic accident on Dec. 23, 1996 in the 1200 block of N Pabst Street where a vehicle driven by Larry King had struck a parked vehicle and then ran into a house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon further investigation officers discovered that King had been shot in the head while driving down the street, officials said. King was transported to a local hospital and died from his injuries. Tyler PD said it is unknown who fired the weapon that killed King. 1997 Tamika Osborn, courtesy of Tyler police Department Tamika Dianrochell Osborn Officials said on July 15, 1997 a neighbor found 21-year-old Tamika Osborn dead in her home located at 1113 S Francis in the Butler College area. Investigators believe that the cause of dead to Osburn was asphyxiation, Tyler PD said. What are the top 5 safest cities in Texas? Oscar Cocolan, courtesy of Tyler Police Department 1998 Oscar Cocolan 17-year-old Oscar Cocolan was standing out in his driveway talking a friend around 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 20, 1998 when a four-door vehicle with tinted windows drove by very slowly with several Hispanic men inside, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Tyler PD, shots were fired from the vehicle hitting Cocolan where he died on scene. 2003 Jesse Mobley, courtesy of Tyler Police Department Jesse Mobley According to the department, on April 25, 2003 81-year-old Jesse Mobley was found dead in a two-story condemned building located at 816 West Queen Street. Mobley possibly visited a nearby pool hall before his death and might have been in an altercation with someone outside the pool hall, officials said. Harold Jones, courtesy of Tyler Police Department Harold Jones According to Tyler PD, on Oct. 16, 2003 several black men wearing dark hooded sweatshirts walked up to 1309 N Ross Street and knocked on the door of the apartment Harold Jones was visiting. They say two suspects entered the home, pulled out handguns and shot Jones while he was sitting on the couch. Jones was taken to a local hospital where he later died. 2005 James Thompson and Cassius Robinson Around 12 a.m. on July 13, 2005 Tyler police officers responded to a shooting at Waynes Car Wash on 1120 W Bow Street. Officials said police found 66-year-old James Thompson and 58-year-old Cassius shot inside the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men were taken to a local hospital but later died from their gunshot wounds. James Thompson, courtesy of Tyler Police Department Cassius Robinson, courtesy of Tyler Police Department 2008 Jerald Depaul Little, courtesy of Tyler Police Department Jerald Depaul Little According to Tyler PD, on March 17 37-year-old Jearald Little was found dead inside his home with a gunshot wound. Their were no signs of forced entry into the residence and it is believed that Little knew his assailant, officials said. Whitehouse ranked 25th safest city in Texas 2010 Pedro Flores and Felecia Mosley Officials said Felcia Mosley and Pedro Flores were found shot to dead at home located at 909 E Line street around 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2010. Investigators have followed up on numerous leads and need your help with the key piece of information to break this case, Tyler PD explained. Pedro Flores, courtesy of Tyler Police Department Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Felecia Mosley, courtesy of Tyler Police Department 2011 Harold Miller Tyler Fire Department responded to a fully engulfed house fire on 4516 Edinburgh Street on Feb. 24, 2011 and found 28-year-old Harold Miller dead inside the home. Officials said that investigators know that a struggle happened inside the home where Miller had been stabbed and shot before the house caught on fire. If anyone has any information about these homicides they are encouraged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lithuanias Foreign Ministry has summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy to deliver a note of protest regarding the war crimes being committed by Russia against Ukraine. Source: Lithuanian Foreign Ministry in a statement, as reported by European Pravda Details: On 27 May, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry summoned the representative of the Russian Embassy and handed over a note of protest concerning the ongoing war crimes being committed by the Russian Armed Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Lithuania strongly condemns the killing of unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war and the intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones," the statement said. The Foreign Ministry emphasised that civilians, particularly children, are killed and seriously injured as a result of these attacks, and civilian infrastructure is destroyed. "Lithuania reiterates that such actions are war crimes, they have no statute of limitations, and those responsible will eventually face justice," the ministry stated. Lithuania also noted that Russias refusal to declare even a 30-day ceasefire demonstrates its aggressive intent to continue the war it has unleashed and is effectively a rejection of international efforts to stop the killing of Ukrainian civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Lithuania will continue to support Ukraines efforts to defend itself from the aggressor," the Foreign Ministry affirmed. Background: Ukraines Air Force reported that on the night of 23-24 May, Russian forces launched 14 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 250 attack drones on Ukraine. The following night, on 24-25 May, Russia attempted to strike Ukraine with 367 aerial assets, including ballistic, cruise and air-to-surface missiles and drones. And on the night of 25-26 May, Russia deployed 364 aerial weapons, including cruise missiles and attack drones. Regarding the killing of unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war, Ukraines Defence Intelligence reported on 24 May that the number of executions of Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces on the battlefield is increasing, with over 150 such cases recorded to date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 25 May, US President Donald Trump condemned Russia's latest attack on Ukraine and said he is considering imposing additional sanctions against Russia. On 27 May, he stated that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is "playing with fire". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! AUTHORS NOTE: This story contains details from testimony referencing suicide and suicidal ideations that are graphic, and some readers may find them disturbing. Discretion is advised before reading. If you or someone you know might be struggling, call the National Suicide Hotline by dialing 988 or text HELLO to 741741. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) The same jury that convicted a U.S. Army veteran of multiple charges stemming from October 2021, when he opened fire on multiple law enforcement officials, is now tasked with determining his punishment. Anthony Michael Kienlen, 38, of Wichita Falls, was found guilty by a Wichita County jury of attempted capital murder of a peace officer, the only charge of the 17 alleged against him for which he pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS STORY: Jury reaches verdict in Anthony Kienlens trial Before his trial began, Kienlen pleaded guilty to 15 counts of aggravated assault against a public servant pending against him when his indictment was read. The jury, following its instructions, found Kienlen guilty of all 15 counts. With Kienlen electing to have the jury also set his punishment, his trial will now move into the punishment phase, in which both the prosecution and the defense will have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony to the jury once again. A recap of previous testimony can be found below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kienlen faces a punishment range of 5 to 99 years, or life in prison, on each of the counts for which he was found guilty. Below is a running live blog of testimony from the punishment phase of Kienlens trial. This story will be updated regularly on Tuesday, May 27, so refresh this story often for the latest. Judge Kennedy released the jury for the day. Testimony in the punishment phase of Kienlens trial will resume at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, with Dustin Nimz, Kienlens defense attorney, calling witnesses on Kienlens behalf. Vrechek, on behalf of the prosecution, rested its case in the punishment phase of Kienlens trial at 2:53 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27. Nimz passed the witness back to Vrecheck, who had no further questions. Sgt. Biter was released from the witness stand. 2:52 p.m. Sgt. Biter testified that he sought counseling on his own after Oct. 13, 2021. He testified that he did not receive a diagnosis from his counseling. He testified that more of an emphasis has been placed on mental health in recent years. Vrechek passed the witness to Nimz for cross-examination. 2:50 p.m. Sgt. Biter testified that hes now nervous in crowds, and that he feels nervous when he hears calls for a suicidal subject. He testified that hes still in law enforcement because the job is a calling for some people, and hes living out his calling by serving his community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:47 p.m. Sgt. Biter testified that he was in the courtroom when the verdict was read. He testified that he felt vindicated after Kienlen was found guilty of attempted capital murder, a charge that alleged Kienlen attempted to kill Sgt. Biter. He testified that hes been going to counseling since Oct. 13, 2021. 2:45 p.m. Sgt. Biter testified that he decided he wanted to be in law enforcement when he was 5 or 6 because his father was an officer with the Wichita Falls Police Department. He testified that he thought he could help people as an officer. Nimz passed the witness back to Gillespie, who had no further questions. Sheriff Duke was released from the witness stand. Joe Vrechek, on behalf of the prosecution, recalled Sgt. Roy Biter with the Wichita County Sheriffs Office. 2:43 p.m. Sheriff Duke testified that counseling was offered to deputies who responded to the scene on Oct. 13, 2021, but no one is forced to undergo counseling. He testified that a bulk of the deputies, however, talked amongst themselves about the events of Oct. 13, 2021. Gillespie passed the witness to Nimz for cross-examination. 2:41 p.m. Sheriff Duke testified that in his 43 years of law enforcement, he testified that the standoff on Turkey Ranch Road is the single most dangerous event hes been involved in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:40 p.m. Sheriff Duke testified that hes been married for over 30 years, and they have children and grandchildren. He testified that his wife was terrified when she found out that he was on the scene. 2:38 p.m. Sheriff Duke testified that when the gunfire started on Oct. 13, 2021, he thought somebody was going to die. He testified that he wouldve responded to the deputies homes to notify their family if something were to have happened to them. Vrechek passed the witness to Nimz, who had no further questions. Wisch was released from the witness stand. John Gillespie, on behalf of the prosecution, recalled Texas Ranger Matt Kelly. After a brief testimony, Gillespie then recalled David Duke, Wichita County Sheriff, to the witness stand. 2:31 p.m. Wisch testified that he has five children, and that his oldest is in law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:30 p.m. Wisch testified that he called his wife from the scene after everything had died down. Wisch testified that his wife said she knew hed be alright. He testified that he and his wife still talk about the events of Oct. 13, 2021. 2:27 p.m. Wisch testified that hes wanted to be in law enforcement since he was 9 or 10 years old. He testified that his father was in the military. He testified that he served in the military police before becoming a deputy. He testified that prior to Oct. 13, 2021, hed been shot at before, but never to that level of intensity. Vrechek passed the witness to Nimz, who had no further questions. Albert was released from the witness stand. Vrechek, on behalf of the prosecution, recalled Eric Wisch with the Wichita County Sheriffs Office. 2:24 p.m. Albert testified that this is the first and only incident of his career that involved a gunfire fight. He testified that he feared for his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:22 p.m. Albert testified that he was the first to arrive on the scene, although at the time, he believed he was responding to a suicidal subject. He testified that he soon heard chatter that shots had been fired. He testified that he moved and assisted with drone operations. He testified that he heard gunfire while he was at the scene. Vrechek passed the witness back to Nimz, who had no futher questions. Deputy Vandygriff was released from the scene. Vrechek, on behalf of the prosecution, called Michael Albert, Assistant Chief with the Wichita West Volunteer Fire Department. 2:17 p.m. Vandygriff testified that hes had nightmares since Oct. 13, 2021. He testified that he was informed when he was younger, in the 1990s, that he was informed by DPS that his father had died in the line of duty. He testified that his nightmares involve his family being notified that he died in the line of duty. Nimz passed the witness to Vrechek for re-direct examination. 2:16 p.m. Vandygriff testified that the events of Oct. 13, 2021, was more traumatic than other events because of the amount of deputies that were put in danger, as well as Kienlens family and the surrounding houses. He testified it feels helpless in the moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:13 p.m. Vandygriff testified that a lot of the feelings and thoughts he had on Oct. 13, 2021, resurfaced during the trial. Youve got to carry it with you the rest of your life, Vandygriff testified. Vrechek passed the witness to Nimz for cross-examination. 2:10 p.m Vandygriff testified that law enforcement officers witness multiple traumatic events. Unfortunately, Ive seen a lot of death, Vandygriff testified. He testified that his wife is trememdously affected by his work in law enforcement. 2:09 p.m. Vandygriff testified that one of his passions is filmmaking, and that he owns a film production company. He testified that hes recently written, directed, and starred in a film called Blood Dried Hands. He testified that working on that film helped distract him from the events of Oct. 13, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:07 p.m. Vandygriff testified that his father was in law enforcement, as are his brother and his cousin. He testified that if he wouldve died on Turkey Ranch Road, his wife of 11 years wouldve been the first person called. Vrechek passed the witness to Nimz for cross-examination. After one question, Garcia was released from the stand. Vrechek, on behalf of the prosecution, called Deputy Jason Vandygriff to the stand. 2:04 p.m. Deputy Garcia testified that before the events of Oct. 13, 2021, he didnt realize how short life could be. He testified that he treats his kids differently and his mother calls him a lot more now. 2:02 p.m. Deputy Garcia testified that he first wanted to be in law enforcement after a police officer helped him out when he was a teenager. He testified that hes still on patrol and still working with WCSO, even after the events of Oct. 13, 2021. With no more questions, Deputy Ward was released from the witness stand. Vrechek, on behalf of the prosecution, called Deputy Edmundo Garcia, to the witness stand. 1:59 p.m. Deputy Ward testified that its her job to go to counseling, to take her medication, and to tell her doctor when treatment isnt working. Nimz passed the witness to Vrechek for re-direct examination. 1:58 p.m. Deputy Ward testified that working in law enforcement is a calling, and she continues to work in the field, despite the dangers, because its worth it to help people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1:55 p.m. Deputy Ward testified that shes been going to counceling every other week since the events of Oct. 13, 2021. She testified that shes been in a shooting since then, but had never been involved in one prior. She testified that shes also had to address the second shooting incident in counceling, as she had to discharge her weapon in that event. Vrechek passed the witness to Dustin Nimz, Kienlens defense attorney, for cross-examination. 1:53 p.m. Deputy Ward testified that while on the scene on Oct. 13, 2021, she sent a text message from her Apple Watch to her husband, simply telling him, I love you. She testified that she plans to continue working with the WCSO despite what shes gone through. 1:48 p.m. Deputy Ward testified that her son, who is in school, would worry that every time the principal came into his classroom, they were there to tell the child that his mother had been shot at the scene. She testified that since then, shes been perscribed with medication for anxiety. 1:45 p.m. Deputy Ward testified that since Oct. 13, 2021, shes struggled with the events of that day at Kienlens residence. She testified that she had a dream in which she was in the home and Kienlen was attempting to shoot them. The jury returned to the courtroom. Judge Kennedy informed the prosecution that they may call their first witness. Vrechek called Amanda Ward, a deputy with the K9 unit of the Wichita County Sheriffs Office who responded to the scene on Oct. 13, 2021. Judge Kennedy dismissed the jury for a break while attorneys took up a few matters outside their presence. Testimony in the punishment phase of the trial will resume in about 15 minutes. 1:20 p.m. Nimz told the jury that they were going to hear a lot about Afghanistan, and that at the conclusion, they could do something that might be helpful. 1:19 p.m. Nimz told the jury that when Kienlen signed up for the military, he did so with the promise that if they broke him, they would fix him. He argued that for the next 15 years, he didnt get the treatment he needed for his diagnosis of PTSD. Judge Kennedy asked Dustin Nimz, Kienlens defense attorney, if he wished to make an opening statement. Nimz then addressed the jury. 1:17 p.m. Vrechek told the jury that he looked forward to presenting the rest of the case to the jury, and that at the conclusion, theyll know what they needed to do. 1:15 p.m. This defendant turned Turkey Ranch Road into a warzone, Vrechek said. Whatever he went through in Afghanistan, he sentenced those deputies to the same punishment. Theyll have to live with that for the rest of their lives. 1:13 p.m. Vrechek told the jurors that this case is all about choices, namely, the choices Kienlen made leading up to the events of Oct. 13, 2021. Presiding Judge Meredith Kennedy asked the prosecution if they were ready to proceed with punishment. Joseph Vrechek, Assistant District Attorney in Wichita County, addressed the jury on behalf of the prosecution. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. LENOIR, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) On Tuesday, the community of Lenoir gathered to say goodbye to 16-month-old Madolyn Maddy Amara-Serenity Mitchell. Her funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon, just over a week after the toddlers sudden and heartbreaking death on her very first day at Creative Beginnings daycare. Family, friends and some first responders filled the WaterLife Church auditorium to say their goodbyes, including relative Elanore Michaux. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes an angel right now, Michaux said. Thats really all the comfort we can draw from this is that shes resting in the arms of Jesus now. Michaux said it was important to be at the funeral. She said Mitchell was named after her sister-in-law, the childs great-grandmother. Its just unheard of to think of something this horrendous happening to an innocent baby, Michaux said. Anyone who has to leave a child in the care of someone else, needs to be able to be confident that when you drop your baby off in the morning, youre going to be able to pick them up later that day and theyll be okay. Outside Creative Beginnings a memorial continues to grow with messages of love and support for the child gone too soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peggy Geter is Mitchells fathers pastor from St. Johns Holiness Church in Newton. She said although we dont know all of the circumstances of what happened at the daycare its important to love on the family during this tough time. Nobody knows what it feels like until you have been in this situation, Geter said. I feel like she was alive. She was a really good little girl that had a lot of life in her and I feel like that was just snatched away from her. Meanwhile, the family continues to pick up the pieces. Mitchells mom, Angel Blankenship, spoke during the eulogy. She spoke through tears about her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though she was with us for far too short of a time, she filled our lives with nothing, but love and joy and she touched the hearts of all she encountered, Blankenship said. Our hearts ache with grief without you, may you sleep in peace, our precious baby Maddie girl. You will always be part of us. Blankenship said one of Mitchells favorite things was to run around the house with a duck in each hand and her mouth. Community comes together to raise money for family of toddler who died at Lenoir daycare Court documents and a 911 call released last week revealed the desperate efforts of daycare workers after finding Maddy unresponsive. CPR was attempted. Emergency services were called. But by 3:19 p.m. on May 19, Maddy was gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexandra Lee Coffey, a 29-year-old employee at the daycare, is now facing felony involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the case. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has since ordered the immediate shutdown of Creative Beginnings. Past violations at the daycare point to unsafe sleep practices and inadequate staff training. Tuesday, though, was not about investigations or court dates. It was about a little girl who was described as a ray of sunshine, a child who loved Minnie Mouse, toy ducks, and her big brothers. Born on Christmas Day, family says Maddy was a gift. Tragedy on day one: Newly released 911 call sheds light on Lenoir toddlers death, daycare worker charged Born on Christmas Day in Hickory, North Carolina, Maddy was a precious gift to her devoted parents, Angel Blankenship and Jovon Mitchell. The joy she brought into their lives and the lives of those around her was immeasurable. The suddenness of Maddys passing has left our family utterly heartbroken. We were not prepared to say goodbye to our sweet Maddy, and her brief presence among us has deepened the devastation of this loss. The absence of her bright spirit will be felt deeply. Madolyn Maddy Amara-Serenity Mitchell Obituary As mourners gathered at Blue Ridge Memorial Park for her burial, the family had made one request: that no staff from the daycare center attend the services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mining is essential to modern lifestyles. Copper, iron and other mined products are vital to the products many people take for granted, like electronic devices. Being able to buy these goods quite easily may give a person a false sense of how difficult it is to extract the elements theyre made of. Mining involves the removal of mineral-rich rock from the ground and processing it to extract the high-value minerals. Depending on the mineral, this quantity can be as low as a few grams in a tonne of rock. For example, removing a tiny quantity of platinum from rock requires finely grinding the rock. The fine material that remains once the platinum is removed is known as tailings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every mining operation produces tailings. This can be coarse, like instant coffee granules, or fine, like cocoa powder. Tailings are typically mixed with water to form a liquid slurry that can be pumped and transported easily. Slurry is kept in specially designed tailings dams. The designs are unique and depend on what is being mined and the local area. Unfortunately, the history of mining is stained with examples of poorly managed dams that collapse, spilling the slurry, which is sometimes toxic. This can cause serious environmental, social and economic damage. One such mine disaster happened in February 2025 in Zambia at the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia copper mine. Over 50 million litres of toxic waste flowed over the dams wall into the Mwambashi River. From there it flowed into one of the largest and longest Zambian rivers, the Kafue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pollution travelled further than 100km from the dam, contaminating the river, and killing fish and livestock on nearby farms. The Zambian government had to shut down municipal water to the city of Kitwe to protect residents from consuming the polluted water. This should not have happened, because steps have been taken to ensure proactive management of dams. In 2020, the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management introduced a new set of safety measures and standards. Many mines are proactively embracing these standards. This enhances community trust in tailings dams. But other mines are not engaging with communities that might be affected by dams. Or communities may feel unsure what to ask the mines. We are geotechnical engineers who have studied tailings dam collapses. Here, we outline six questions people living near mines should ask mine management to ensure they understand the key hazards and risks in their communities. 1. How far will the slurry flow? Each tailings dam has a zone of influence. This is determined by analysing what would happen if the slurry breached the dam walls and started to flow out. It is an estimate of the area which would be swamped by tailings if the dam failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Generally, tailings disasters have caused significant damage up to a distance of 5km from the dam. If the tailings slurry gets into a river, it can flow hundreds of kilometres downstream. Read more: Burst mining dam in South Africa: what must be done to prevent another disaster Zones of influence are often determined for extreme events, like once in a lifetime storms or large earthquakes. But zones of influence could also include places affected by dust or water pollution from the mine. If you can see a tailings dam from where you live or work you should consider yourself within the zone of influence. 2. Who is responsible for the dam? Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for day-to-day operation should be in place in every mine. There should be suitably qualified engineers appointed to carry out monitoring and maintenance of the dam. There need to be enough qualified people to cope with the size of the dam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The management structure should set out how day-to-day issues related to the tailings dam are discussed between workers on the ground in mines and top management, and how solutions are found. Mines should also keep audit and inspection reports on their tailings dams, and records should be kept over the long term (because tailings dams are often operational for several decades). 3. What about the environment? Mines should have plans to reduce the impact that tailings dams have on the environment. These would have been informed by public participation. The plans must state what monitoring is in place to measure the impacts of dust and water (groundwater and surface water). The true extent of impacts only becomes apparent once the mine starts operating. So, the public should hold mines accountable for commitments made. Mines should satisfy communities that monitoring is continuing to identify and track the dams environmental impacts. Closure plans should also be continuously communicated to mining-affected communities. This will assure the community that when the miners leave, they wont be left with a dangerous dam near their homes, with no one to look after it. 4. Will the tailings dam be safe when it rains? A common way that tailings dams fail is when water or slurry washes over the dam sidewalls. This washes away the support. It is known as overtopping, and can happen in storms or if too much tailing is pumped into the dam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overtopping is best managed by keeping the water a certain distance below the dam wall. Mine management must measure this regularly and control how much tailing they pump to the dam. Their task is to make sure that even in a severe storm the level will stay well below the top of the dam wall. 5. Has the dam always behaved as expected? Small failure incidents such as sloughs, slides and bulges where dam walls move but no slurry is released can occur. Mines should investigate and report these, detailing likely causes and mitigation measures implemented. Publicly available satellite imagery can easily show where mine tailings dams are becoming unstable. Mines should be transparent and provide explanations for these to avoid any speculation over whether the dam is stable or not. 6. What alterations have been made? Sometimes dams must be changed to accommodate changes in mining or the extraction process. These changes could include how fast the dam is being built, moving the position of the dam wall, or placing material at the base of the wall to stabilise it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unexpected consequences of alterations to a tailings dam could be water seeping out and creating damp spots, leading to dam walls sagging or cracking. If left unchecked this can lead to structural failure. When substantial changes are made to a dams design, mines need to demonstrate that sufficient consideration has gone into making these changes. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Charles MacRobert, Stellenbosch University and Talia da Silva Burke, Stellenbosch University Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. By Nazrin Abdul Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an will visit Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing TRT Haber. According to the information, the visit is scheduled for tomorrow, May 28 Azerbaijans Independence Day. It is also reported that Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit Azerbaijan on the same day. Yesterday, the May 28 Independence Day Program of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held at the Be?tepe Congress and Culture Center. Speaking at the event, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Y?lmaz emphasized Turkiye's continued support for Azerbaijan. He stated: We will continue to stand by Azerbaijan, which supported us during the February 6, 2023 earthquake and in our fight against terrorism. This unity of heart will remain strong. Y?lmaz added that the unshakable brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkiye will endure, symbolized by their flags waving side by side. He concluded by saying that Azerbaijans Independence Day is a source of shared pride for the Turkic world, reaffirming that the deep bonds between the two nations will continue to grow. The Czech Republic, which transferred Mi-24V helicopters to Ukraine as part of its defense aid, represents a notable example. These helicopters have been actively used on the frontlines, for example, by Ukraines 11th Army Aviation Brigade Kherson, to stop russian assault waves and even shoot down Shahed drones. Despite this, the Czech military still fields a mixed fleet that includes up to 15 Mi-171Sh, five Mi-17s, and several Mi-8s, alongside modern AH-1Z Viper, UH-1Y Venom, and Polish-made W-3 Soko helicopters. However, according to Army Technology, Prague plans to retire its remaining Mi-8s this year, accelerating the shift to Western platforms. This is part of a broader regional pattern. Slovakia ditched Soviet helicopters for Black Hawks after a brief detour with the Viper; Lithuania ordered UH-60s back in 2020; Poland plans to use its Black Hawks as air-mobile IFVs for airborne troops; and Croatia has also joined the transition. To support this growing fleet, the Helicopter Alliance was formed in 2023 a holding company uniting six firms in the U.S., Czech Republic, and Slovakia. In 2025, one of its leading entities signed a deal with Sikorsky to establish an authorized Black Hawk maintenance and overhaul hub in Europe. The group also plans to acquire and modernize 4060 UH-60s from U.S. Army surplus stocks for European customers. Earlier, Defense Express reported that Lockheed Martin announced the UH-60 Black Hawk would remain in service until 2070 and confirmed plans to increase production. CHESTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A student was found carrying a loaded firearm at a Chester County school Tuesday morning. According to the Chester County Sheriffs Office, a 17-year-old male was detained after the weapon allegedly was detected in his backpack while on the Chester High School campus. It was discovered during a routine weapons screening. Three teens injured in shooting at Chesterfield County ballfield: Sheriff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies say upon the discovery, a school resource officer detained the student who was then transported to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Due to the suspects age, law enforcement is limited in releasing his name. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) One month after Myrtle Beachs deadly officer-involved shooting on Ocean Boulevard, a national civil rights leader is demanding more transparency from the citys police department. Weve sent a lot of questions to the chief. Weve been trying to meet with her diligently for the past two weeks, John Barnett of the 17-state coalition True Healing Under God said at a Tuesday news conference. Barnetts clients include 15-year-old Serenity Chavis and 13-year-old Zavian Washington, who were among the 11 people injured in the April 26 shooting that left a Bennettsville teenager dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the Jerrius Davis, 18, opened fire in a large crowd just before midnight and was fatally shot by a police officer. Three Myrtle Beach officers have since been placed on paid administrative leave, but none have been publicly named. Barnett said last week that the fact that authorities have not said how many people were injured in the incident actually suffered gunshot wounds is a lack of accountability. Chavis claims she was shot by an officers bullet. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3 in custody as investigation surrounding Myrtle Beach Ocean Boulevard shooting continues 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 on May 20. 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. In addition to unpaid leave for the involved officers, Barnett said he wants Myrtle Beach police to release bodycam footage of the shooting and provide counseling for its victims. They came here to enjoy the water, eat some nice fish, enjoy a funnel cake and maybe jump on a few amusement rides, and yet they went home with bullets in their bodies, and I feel strongly that Horry County really didnt care, Barnett said. Im sure some people cancelled their plans for this weekend based on what happened April 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ENOLA, Pa. (WHTM) Central Penn College launched a new program that will give students the opportunity to pursue careers in the criminal justice field, including jobs like law enforcement and correctional officers. According to Central Penn College, students can now partake in the colleges new Criminal Justice Certificate program. The college has also recently launched an agreement with Pennsylvania State Police that allows enlisted and retired troopers to earn college credit for their academy training. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast The program aims to recruit and retain qualified personnel for corrections officers and state troopers. The college says it is an 18-credit program consisting of six courses that deep-dive into the criminal justice system. We are thrilled to launch the Criminal Justice Certificate program, which is a direct response to the current workforce needs in Pennsylvania and complements our ongoing support for criminal justice professionals, said President Linda Fedrizzi-Williams. This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about criminal justice and are looking to gain essential knowledge and a competitive advantage. The recent changes in hiring requirements by the state reinforce the value of targeted education and demonstrated skills, which this certificate provides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Individuals interested in the program can learn more and apply 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 ABC27. IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. (WROC) Kathe DAlfonso is an inventor, entrepreneur, owner of Solo Beauty, and the mind behind this device. I think its very important to be able to put sunscreen on your back, said DAlfonso, and I wanted something that would be very simple to use. DAlfonso is a melanoma survivor, so shes a passionate advocate of putting on sunscreen. So much so, she had her product patented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought well Im going to invent something for myself, and then when I got the patent, I was like let me go and see if I can sell this to the public,' DAlfonso said. If I created something and to be able to get a patent that would just make the product more legitimate. She markets her product far and wide around the country, with plans to expand to other states, including South Carolina, Vermont, Texas, and Florida. DAlfonsos invention is made right here at home in Rochester. Its just nice to be able to give everybody business locally and have it all made here in Rochester. Through her customers, DAlfonso learned her product has the potential to help way more people than she thought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People with shoulder injuries that are having P.T., people who live alone, people with arthritis, she said, this just helps so much, because of the angle. From here on out, DAlfonso is working hard to make sure those who need it can get her creation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) On Memorial Day, Fleet Farm stores across the Midwest and northeast Wisconsin joined the national Taps Across America tribute to honor fallen U.S. service members. At exactly 3 p.m., a bugler at each participating store performed Taps following a moment of silence, inviting customers and community members to pause and reflect during the National Moment of Remembrance. A local musician from De Pere, Jill Quigley, was honored to participate in the event, playing Taps and singing the Star Spangled Banner at Fleet Farm in front of residents and veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northeast Wisconsin communities honor fallen service members on Memorial Day The event, in partnership with Taps for Veterans, marked Fleet Farms fourth year participating in the tribute. Many visitors gathered outside their local stores to listen and pay their respects. This event allows communities to come together in remembrance of our fallen service members. Were honored to be part of preserving this important tradition, said Fleet Farm President Nick Widi. In addition to the tribute, veterans and active-duty military members received an extra 10% off their purchases in recognition of their service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WJW) This week marks the start of a major push by a local group aimed at eliminating property taxes. Their goal is to collect enough signatures to get their petition on the November ballot. Beth Blackmarr, of Lakewood, said her homes assessed value went up over 50% when she got her property tax re-evaluation last year. I opened it up and nearly fainted. It went from $188,000 to $299,000. And I said, thats it,' Blackmarr said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal bills show city cost of trying to keep Browns in Cleveland: I-Team In Ohio, state-mandated property reappraisals happen every six years. Blackmarr joined Citizens for Property Tax Reform, a Cuyahoga County grassroots group with a clear mission. Together, we formed the committee to eliminate property taxes and there has been movement, Blackmarr said. This week marks the start of signature collection, as well as petition-signing events for an amendment that would be a clause to the Ohio Constitution abolishing property taxes. Earlier this month, it was certified by the Ohio Attorney General, giving it the green light to move forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to signing this petition, a signature is not a vote. What we are looking for is the opportunity to take the vote to the citizens of Ohio, Blackmarr said. State leaders still think its too easy to amend the Ohio Constitution In order for it to make the November ballot, the group has quite a task ahead. Our goal is 600,000 signatures by July 1, Blackmarr said. The group said critics of the proposed amendment argue that eliminating property taxes could impact funding for things like schools and other essential services. The Ohio Revised Code has built into it alternate funding for schools and city services, so they have this already in place, Blackmarr said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find more information on presentation and petition signing events 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A Darke County building on the National Register of Historic Places will soon be no more. According to the Greenville Daily Advocate, the Brown Township Building, also known as Ansonia Town Hall, will be demolished. The decision was made after a commissioners session last week. Planning & Zoning Director Susan Laux attended the meeting and spoke on the demolition process and how itd be funded, namely through help from the ODOD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This property is on the National Register of Historic places. So, because of that, in order to use those funds to demo this property, we have to get a waiver from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). And so, weve went through that process. Weve got the waiver approved. So, as a result of that, well be entering into a Memorandum of Understanding that we will try to retain a couple of historic pieces of the building and then display them somewhere in Ansonia. 2 NEWS is working to learn if a demolition date has 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 WDTN.com. Leonor Vazquez Gonzalez holds a sign in solidarity with others at a protest in Birmingham against anti immigration bills in the Alabama Legislature on February 22, 2025. At least 12 local law enforcement agencies in Alabama have signed or are awaiting approval on agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce immigration laws. (Andi Rice for Alabama Reflector) Local law enforcement agencies across Alabama are entering into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move that is drawing concern from immigrant communities and civil rights advocates. At least nine such agreements with sheriffs offices are active in six Alabama counties, with three more pending two with county sheriffs departments and one with a local police department. These agreements, known as 287(g) programs, deputize local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (These) agreements basically give police the capability to do ICEs job, ICEs work, and the way the community sees it is police are now immigration officers. Thats the way it translates over to the community, said Celsa Stallworth, a community organizer in Randolph County with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alabama. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Colbert, Crenshaw, Elmore, Etowah, Franklin and Henry counties have at least one agreement with ICE. The Houston County Sheriffs Office and Level Plains Police Department in Dale County have pending agreements. The 287(g) program, rooted in federal law, allows local law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE, granting designated state and local officers the authority to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. These agreements have existed for years but are seeing renewed interest and implementation, partly due to executive orders incentivizing states to cooperate with federal immigration efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are different models of 287(g) agreements. The jail enforcement model primarily allows local authorities to check the immigration status of individuals booked into county jails and place ICE holds on those found to be undocumented, typically for 48 hours, allowing ICE to take them into custody. The warrant service model gives local law enforcement officers legal authority to execute civil immigration warrants for the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office. The task force model trains officers to act as immigration officers in the community, potentially extending enforcement beyond jails to community detentions. ICE describes it as a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies. While a proponent said these partnerships are crucial for public safety and addressing immigration concerns, critics warn of potential civil rights violations, increased fear within immigrant communities, and a strain on community-police relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Summers, chief of the Level Plains Police Department, a community with a population of about 1,800 in Dale County, is awaiting final approval of a task force agreement after an ERO official suggested it would be a good alternative to addressing immigration concerns on a local level. He said Level Plains has had a steady Latino population over the years, which he claims were mostly in the country without authorization, though its not possible to make that determination without the judicial system. Level Plains has a Hispanic or Latino population of about 10.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey 2023 5-year average estimate. While the foreign-born population in Level Plains is unavailable, Dale Countys foreign-born population is 3.4%, under Alabamas average of 3.8%. (It) gives us a little more give us a little more authority when it comes to dealing with illegals, and it gives us a better relationship with ICE directly, Summers said. But foreign-born doesnt necessarily mean they are Latino or are living in the U.S. without authorization, said Allison Hamilton, executive director of the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice. She said that poultry plants in the Enterprise and Dothan area employ migrants on work permits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We saw that people were coming into Alabama to work at those locations. In that area, for example, youre going to have a lot of people who probably have a work permit, who could easily be detained due to outdated records or just a complete lack of knowledge, Hamilton said. Hamilton said these agreements, which give law enforcement the responsibility of acting as immigration enforcement without the proper knowledge, could have unintended consequences. She said that immigration law is complicated and that officers receiving basic training on immigration duties arent equipped to deal with complex immigration cases. If you have a very simplistic understanding, but youre tasked with trying to enforce that (law), a lot of people who shouldnt be detained are detained, and this often leads to civil rights violations, and can come back to the officers later as incorrectly enforcing the law, Hamilton said. Summers said the department will handle each case individually. He believes most immigrants in the community are trying to do better for themselves, but they have to do it the right way, saying that these agreements will help the department hold more people accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We treat everybody fair, and we want to help everybody we can help, legal or illegal, but I mean, at some point youve got to help yourself, and youve got to follow the rules that we have sworn to uphold, Summers said. When asked if immigrants, regardless of status, should feel less safe in communities with these agreements, Hamilton said that if government officials, presumably most trained in immigration law and federal enforcement, are currently detaining people with legal status, she expected that local police performing such duties would lead to even more mistakes. I think anybody who is an immigrant or who appears to be an immigrant needs to proceed with caution at this point when interacting with any law enforcement, Hamilton said, adding that these agreements are damaging law enforcements ability to build relationships in immigrant communities. Stallworth said the consequence of these agreements and increased ICE activity has been the fear created within immigrant communities, affecting both undocumented individuals and naturalized citizens with mixed-status families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a U.S.-born citizen who looks Mexican, she said, I am fearful. She fears for her naturalized mother, who speaks broken English, and for her husband, who may get caught up trying to protect someone. Stallworth said she had a conversation with a Latina woman in Shelby County who said she was concerned about everyday activities like picking up children from school or going grocery shopping. What we tell is that, make sure to follow the law when youre driving. Make sure that your lights are working and things like that, because they have to continue living, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE New details transpired regarding the First export contract for Su-57 multirole fighter aircraft, signed between the russian federation and Algeria in February 2025. According to Army Recognition citing Algerian and russian state media reports, a batch of six combat jets is to be delivered in late 2025. Against the current realities of the russian military-industrial complex, the plan is ambitious indeed, raising reasonable skepticism. But perhaps more important is whether Moscow can satisfy Algiers' appetites for weaponry to this advanced aircraft, namely Kh-59 and Kh-69 cruise missiles. Russian Su-57 fighter jet spotted flying with two Kh-59 air-launched cruise missiles. pic.twitter.com/2d7Buk3Xgf Clash Report (@clashreport) October 20, 2024 First, about the aircraft itself, the estimated production rates of Su-57 will make it hard to provide the necessary quantity in time. The Kremlin's plan is to achieve production pace of 16 Su-57s yearly, hypothetically making both domestic acquisitions and exports feasible. However, in practice, the manufacture has been slow over the past years. The International Institute for Strategic Studies counted 19 Su-57 fighters in service with the russian Aerospace Forces in April 2025. Seven of them were delivered throughout 20232024, hinting at the real scale of production at present. Similar numbers were also listed in the breakdown by polish Defence24. In fact, just a year ago, Su-57 assembly lines in russia were nothing like one would expect from a country that declared a transition to a war economy. Assembly line of Su-35S and Su-57 fighter jets in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, russia. Photos published May 10, 2024 / Photo credit: Clash Report On top of the fighters themselves, Algeria wants associated strike capabilities, especially air-to-surface weapons to support operations against Morocco. This is where the bottleneck of these plans. Generally, Algeria had no significant problems acquiring various missiles from russia. Earlier, the African country revealed the fact of having russian-supplied Iskander missiles, hidden from the public eye for 10 whole years. There was also an undisclosed number of Kalibr LACMs purchased to arm Algerian Navy's Kilo-class submarines (two Project 877 and four improved Project 636.6 subs). However, Kh-59 and its upgraded variant Kh-69, employed by Su-57 aircraft, are not available in such abundance as other weapons. Both are actively used by russian invasion forces in the ongoing war against Ukraine, primarily for strikes on Ukrainian critical infrastructure. Layout of Kh-69 missiles inside Su-57's internal weapon bays / Open-source illustrative graphic The manufacturer is apparently trying to ramp up production but struggles to keep up with the demand as Su-57s are sometimes seen using old Kh-59s despite the risks it poses, in part by increasing the workforce. The exact scale remains unknown, though. In other words, the capacity to supply Algeria with weapons for their newly-acquired Su-57 will depend on russia's ability to increase output and on the development of its war with Ukraine. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A Warren man pleaded guilty to charges involving tax returns tied to his business that relied on government funding. Read next: More unruly teens reported at Target Sidney Glover was charged in federal court with making and subscribing false tax returns. He entered into a plea agreement last Wednesday and was found guilty. Glover will be sentenced following a presentence investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say that Glover ran a home healthcare business called Teaching Excellence, LLC, that served clients with special needs, with most of the companys income coming from the Ohio Department of Disabilities, which receives funding through Ohio Medicaid. According to the indictment, Glover did not file tax returns for tax years 2015 and 2016, but he eventually filed those documents in April 2018, along with his 2017 return. Investigators learned that Glover generated more than $1 million in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and he did not report those earnings in his tax filings. They also found that Glover spent some of the unreported earnings on personal expenses. In total, Glovers failure to report that business income resulted in a loss of approximately $155,000 in unpaid taxes owed to the United States Treasury. Sentencing has not been scheduled yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HIGH POINT The High Point branch of the NAACP and other advocates for passenger train service through the city plan to express complaints about reduced service at a N.C. Department of Transporation public information forum next week. The DOTs NC By Train agency will hold an information-gathering session from 5 to 7 p.m. June 4 at the High Point Public Library at 901 N. Main St. The High Point forum is one of four taking place in a region between Raliegh and Charlotte through mid-June. Two years ago the DOT cut a morning and an afternoon Piedmont route train stop, reducing service from four to two stops a day. Stops also were eliminated in Burlington and Salisbury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High Point NACCP President Elma Hairston said that the reduction in service for High Point has been a problem. High Point residents can no longer utilize a valuable transportation service that operated at the most popular and convenient times via both the Carolinian and Piedmont trains, Hairston said in a letter. Local train rider David Robinson, who shares the concerns expressed by the NAACP and is seeking to restore train service in High Point, said that the stops that were eliminated were more popular. The DOT said the High Point stops were reduced to shorten the time for train service between Raleigh and Charlotte, Robinson told The High Point Enterprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, the price that High Point had to pay was being skipped by the first Charlotte-bound train #71 for an under-three-hour travel time from Raleigh to Charlotte to be achieved, Robinson said. In her letter, Hairston said the travel time savings between Raleigh and Charlotte is approximately 12 minutes on an almost three-hour trip. Restricting transportation opportunities for High Point, as well as Burlington and Salisbury, seems to be a heavy price to pay for minimal time savings, she said. Robinson said that the earliest train that High Point passengers can now take to go to Salisbury, Kannapolis and Charlotte is #73, which departs High Point at 11:52 a.m. and arrives in Charlotte at 1:10 pm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the only return train allowing for a meaningful-length visit is #78, arriving at High Point at 8.56 p.m., making for a long day, he said. Robinson said that the emphasis on Raleigh and Charlotte doesnt mesh with the original goal of passenger train travel in the heart of North Carolina when the effort was launched two decades ago. The premise of Piedmont.service from its creation in 1995 was to connect all cities along the Raleigh-Charlotte corridor to facilitate individual intercity travel, not to sacrifice service to selected cities, just to achieve time savings between the remaining cities, he said. This has now been violated. Rail Division Director Jason Orthner said that officials with NC By Train are open to all types of feedback on the train service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were excited to discuss new service options between Raleigh and Charlotte, he said. Hearing from members of the community along the Piedmont route, how they use the service and what improvements they would like to see is an important part of that planning and the services success. The forums will be an open house format, and people may drop in at any time. The first forum was in Burlington Tuesday night, and other forums will take place in Salisbury and Kannapolis. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Shreveport rapper Green Eyez will be answering to the law for nearly the next decade. The Shreveport District Attorneys office announced that Keynon Frazier, age 29, from Shreveport, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Frazier was found guilty by a jury on January 15, 2025, for possessing a firearm as a felon. Louisiana rapper Green Eyez guilty of illegal possession of firearms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case began on April 15, 2024, when officers from the Shreveport Police Department tried to stop Fraziers vehicle in downtown Shreveport. Frazier attempted to evade police and ultimately crashed into a telephone pole and another car. After the crash, officers approached the vehicle and discovered two guns: a Glock 17 and a Glock 45 that had an empty shell casing stuck in it. They also observed a bullet-sized hole found in the drivers side windshield. Keynon Frazier is among 40 people who were charged following a lengthy drug investigation in Shreveport-Bossier. Officers learned that Frazier had previous felony convictions for aggravated battery and second-degree robbery and was arrested at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aaron Crawford and Cheyenne Wilson. As a convicted felon, he is not allowed to possess any firearms or ammunition. In addition to his sentence, Frazier has also been ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sonia Saldana, director of senior services for the City of Las Cruces, talks about how cuts to Medicaid would impact seniors during a roundtable hosted by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) on May 27, 2025. (Leah Romero / Source NM) State and local leaders representing food banks, health care and senior services voiced their concerns to U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) with possible cuts to federal social programs as Congress considers the big, beautiful bill. Lujan held the roundtable at Munson Senior Center in Las Cruces Tuesday where local advocates spoke of the impacts federal funding cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and federal nutrition programs will have on all New Mexicans, but particularly seniors. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill, which would make spending cuts to social programs, on May 22 and it now goes to members of the U.S. Senate to debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is quite concerning. These are the biggest cuts weve ever seen since the inception of this program, Lujan said during the meeting. Joseph Roybal-Sanchez, director of AARP New Mexico, said about one in three New Mexicans receive Medicaid assistance, which provides health care for lower-income people, while about 930,000 New Mexicans receive Medicare assistance, health care for people 65 and older. Lujan noted that some people dont realize that many older people rely on benefits from both programs, not just one or the other, further compounding the issue of defunding the programs. Las Cruces resident Jody Crowley shared that her adult son is on the autism spectrum and receives Medicaid benefits. He also works as an Uber driver in town, but the federal benefits help make ends meet. He is exactly the kind of person they want to throw off Medicaid. Hes an able bodied young man with no dependents, and I am terrified, Crowley said. Im 77, my husband is 80. In five years, are we both going to be here? Are we both going to be competent? I dont know. So my concern is, who are they going to throw off and what is going to be the alternative? Las Cruces resident Jody Crowley talks about how cuts to Medicaid would impact her family during a roundtable in Las Cruces hosted by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) on May 27, 2025. (Leah Romero / Source NM) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sonia Saldana, director of senior services for the City of Las Cruces, pointed to all of the services offered to older New Mexicans by senior centers, which are funded at least partially by federal dollars, such as in-person meals, meals on wheels, home care services, respite care for caregivers and programs supporting grandparents raising their grandchildren. People have to remember that our programs and our services are designed to allow people to stay living in their homes longer. We want people to stay in their homes longer. We dont want people to go to an institution early in life, Saldana said. For us, having those federal dollars and making sure that our constituents keep those Medicaid and Medicare dollars is at the top of the list because without that funding, a lot of these wouldnt be what they are. Las Cruces resident Eileen Rosenblatt shared how she benefitted from the local meals on wheels program when she had to deal with medical situations that left her unable to cook for herself. It was a blessing in disguise because I didnt realize how hard it was for meCooking would have been terrible, just standing up and cooking, Rosenblatt said. She added that she knows of another woman locally who is in her 90s and relies on meals on wheels regularly and cherishes seeing the delivery person each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casa de Peregrinos Executive Director Lorenzo Alba explained that the Las Cruces food pantry has already had to deal with federal funding cuts in recent months and further cuts would have a major effect on their operation. At the same time, he said food prices have increased by 24% in the last two years, putting another strain on their limited funds. The state cant fund everything. We need the federal government to help fund some of these programs for nutrition to get food out to the communities, Alba said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) On Thursday, local students saw all their hard work come to fruition. On May 8, a program sponsored by the Bay County Artificial Reef Association, the University of Florida IFAS Extension, Eastern Shipbuilding Group and some local schools with welding programs. Students at Wewahitchka and Port St. Joe high schools, Haney Technical College and Chipola College participated in the second annual Eastern Shipbuilding Group Coastline Initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a one-of-a-kind competition that challenges students from local schools to design and build innovative artificial reefs. Eastern Shipbuilding Group challenges students to build artificial reefs Eastern Shipbuilding Group donated the scrap material and equipment, and helped approve the plans for the three month reef project. On Thursday, the Bay County Artificial Reef Association took the four reefs out to a permitted zone, about 15 to 28 miles offshore from Panama City. They were carefully lowered to the bottom of the gulf, between 100-140 feet deep. Theyll become habitats for snapper, grouper, amberjack, trigger fish and many other marine life species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting the reefs to the bottom took some skill and coordination among the crew members. There are a lot of guidelines they had to follow. The reefs had to be out of a certain material and the crew could not leave any ropes or debris on them. Dang, it broke easy, didnt it. We tried to right the reef and as you can see, all our twine come back with what we were doing. So, zero line is left on the reef, Bay County Artificial Reef Association B.J. Burkett said. Anyone who wants to dive or fish off the reefs will have to wait, as the Bay County Artificial Reef Association wants to make sure they have time to establish marine life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyll post the coordinates publicly in about a 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 mypanhandle.com. LESTER, WV (WVNS) One local Lester veteran has put on a truly dedicated Memorial Day display on his property. American Legion Post 100 to host Memorial Day commemoration in Monroe County Buckey Bowling, a Vietnam War veteran, has put out nearly two thousand American flags all over his property in honor of those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Bowling said it felt right to honor that sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They was the one that gave their sacrifice. They gave all they had. We gave some, those that made it back, but those that didnt make it back gave all, said Bowling. Bowling himself lost his left leg in Vietnam and came home with shrapnel in his back. He said the inspiration behind the display was the loss of one of his best friends in Vietnam. Bowling said he wanted to honor his friend and every other West Virginia veteran who gave their all for their country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) When disaster strikes, the road to recovery is rarely straightforward. For one woman, it wasnt just the trauma of losing items but the fear of losing those she loves. Its been 11 days since the May 16 deadly tornado struck down in London, but Daniele Fiechter said it doesnt feel like it. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the first days, I was still in shock because it was just so much, said Fiechter. Fiechter was at a festival in Livingston when she got the devastating phone call that her mom was hurt in the tornado. She was bleeding and screaming to call 911. She said aside from cuts and bruises, her mom is doing okay. However, the sad news didnt end there. Her 13-year-old dog, Ava, was missing. I hollered hard for her for, like, days, she said. Ava, come, please come.' LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After two days, a friend went up to Feichter and said they had found her dog. She didnt have a scratch on her, Fiechter recalled. Scared, very scared. But it was amazing to see that they found her. Fiechter, who lives with her mom, is staying with her sister until they get back on their feet. Im taking it day by day. Im not really sure. I lived with my mom, but I wasnt there at the time, added Fiechter. Shes not sure if she was wanting to stay in London; she might move somewhere, and Ill probably go with her. Wherever she goes, Ill go with her. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Fiechter and her family rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. A Long Island principal is accused of groping two school employees at a PTA luncheon, sparking a heated disciplinary hearing that could see her ousted over claims she created a hostile, sexually charged work environment, according to a reports. Karen Heitner, the principal of Pasadena Elementary School in Plainview, allegedly grabbed both womens butts during a June 2023 PTA event leaving them feeling violated and angry, they testified last week. I felt violated, Stacey Ross, a former 17-year employee in the district, said on the stand at the hearing according to The Long Island Press. Karen Heitner, the principal of Pasadena Elementary School in Plainview, is accused of groping two employees. Karen Heitner/Linkedin If the allegations are upheld, Plainview-Old Bethpage School District will revoke her tenure and terminate her employment, according to the rules outlined in New Yorks 3020-a disciplinary process for tenured educators, a disciplinary process that began for Heitner in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hearings are administrative not criminal and are usually held privately, but Heitner chose to make hers public as she fights administrative charges that accuse her of sexual harassment, discrimination, and even pushing multiple women to retire. An internal investigation already concluded Heitners alleged behavior violated the districts sexual harassment policy, but the two women testified that they were subjected to more than just harassment calling themselves victims of a sexual assault. The alleged butt-grabbing incident occurred in front of an ice cream truck in the school courtyard, according Ross, who said Heitner walked up behind her and touched her. Ross said she turned around in shock and heard Heitner say, I goosed you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same staffer testified that she now suffers from anxiety and nightmares, eventually resigning from the district, giving up seniority, pay, and the school community she loved. I wanted to escape from this, Ross testified Monday. She ruined my plan to retire here. The second woman a speech therapist who was nearby when the incident happened said Heitner grabbed her butt as she leaned over to comfort her coworker, according to Newsday. Both women have since filed notices of claim against the district, sharing their intent to sue after initially testifying they didnt go to the police out of fear of retaliation, adding the school failed to protect them and allowed a toxic culture to fester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district did absolutely nothing, the speech therapist said. She could do whatever she wanted, and there were no consequences. The incident allegedly took place during a PTA luncheon at the school. Google Maps During district HR chief Christopher Donarummos initial investigation, he said eight staffers including the two women came forward to report additional inappropriate conduct by Heitner, including sexual innuendos and comments about their age. Still, Heitners attorney, Edward Heilig, argues the accusations are politically motivated and claims the touching at the luncheon was an innocent glance. He also alleged the investigation was incomplete and biased and painted the two women as disgruntled employees angry over being held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But both women testified they had never been disciplined and had strong evaluations, with the occupational therapist claiming that Heitner herself once called her professional and compassionate. Under cross-examination, Heilig tried to poke holes in their accounts noting inconsistencies between the notices of claim and their sworn testimony. Heilig suggested the occupational therapist resigned to advance a false complaint. You are grasping at straws, she fired back. I resigned because I was abused by my principal. The speech therapist, who has worked in the district since 1998, also testified that Heitner once joked she wasnt the oldest person in the room though only the two of them were present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Heitner also made a crude remark during a team-building game in 2023 while she was grieving her husbands recent death. She made a sexual comment involving me, the woman said. It was degrading. The next hearing in Heitners disciplinary case is scheduled for Tuesday. In a statement, the Plainview school district said it stands firmly behind its decisions to try and remove Heitner. What excitement. I travelled into central London today on a state-run train. It was just like old times. Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s the government owned and operated virtually everything, not just the railways which were nationalised in 1948. The telephones (BT), our power (CEGB), coal (NCB), steel, shipbuilding, water (various water boards), the buses, even flying (BA). Until 1972 you could go on a state-organised holiday with Thomas Cook. Almost 30 years after the trains were privatised they are being returned to state ownership starting with South Western Railways (SWR). This process is being done in a piecemeal way: when a private operators franchise expires it is nationalised and will become part of Great British Railways (GBR). SWR happened to be the first in line, not because it is especially bad. Indeed, my own experience is that it has been pretty good other than when the unions went on strike or the already renationalised Network Rail had messed up, which was hardly the fault of FirstGroup which ran the trains until Sunday. Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, took the first Peoples Train out of Waterloo and declared it to be a new dawn when most of us old enough to remember British Rail see it as a step into the past. Of course nothing had changed. Indeed, the very first renationalised SWR service involved a rail replacement bus: the 05.36 from Woking to Waterloo had to terminate at Surbiton because of Bank Holiday weekend engineering works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trains bear the same livery and have the same staff. They will eventually be rebranded with a GBR logo though not for a few years. Ms Alexander said there would be a cultural reset for the railway whatever that means. One thing we do know is that the Government will be responsible for ensuring investment in new rolling stock, fare policy and ensuring the trains run on time. The reason BR was privatised was because by the mid-1990s none of these could any longer be guaranteed when the Treasury had competing demands on revenues, not least from a rapidly expanding welfare state. This is even more the case today, so where will the money come from? The politics are problematic as well. Ms Alexander says the re-nationalisation means moving away from 30 years of inefficiency, delayed services and failing passengers, and moving confidently into a new era...It really is a watershed moment. We shall see about that. When the carriages start to look run-down, the fares go up and trains are late because the drivers are on strike for ever bigger pay rises from a Labour Party they have helped to bankroll there will be only one body to blame: the Government. She added: Of course, change isnt going to happen overnight. Weve always been clear that public ownership isnt a silver bullet. Indeed, not. In fact it is invariably a dead hand because nationalised industries have none of the market pressures faced by commercial operators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it must be conceded that the railways and to an even greater extent the water industry which became a massive rip-off of taxpayers do raise legitimate questions about the efficacy of privatisation. It is worth remembering how radical this was at the time. In a speech to the Tory Reform Group in 1985, the former prime minister Harold Macmillan, then 91 and with just a year to live, pronounced a characteristically patrician verdict upon the privatisation programme of the Thatcher government. It was, he said, like selling off the Georgian silver. His speech was widely ridiculed: here was an essentially Edwardian figure unfashionably wedded to the notion that the state could run industry and public utilities better than private companies. Yet 40 years on there is a resurgence of Macmillanesque hankering after a sepia-tinted world when the trains were run from Whitehall, electricity was provided by the Soviet-sounding Central Electricity Generating Board and water board chiefs were appointed by civil servants. But it cannot be denied that the sale of the public utilities did not create the benign market conditions or the mass share ownership that had been envisaged. Privatising public good industries upon which everyone relies and which are natural monopolies was always fraught with difficulty. Since the scope for competition was limited, regulators were needed to protect the interests of consumers and they have not done their jobs properly. It was also hoped that moving these businesses into private hands would ease the pressure on the taxpayer; yet the subsidy to the railways is greater now than at the time of privatisation. On top of that, the UK state relinquished control of utilities only for foreign government-controlled companies like EDF to move in and take over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even though privatisation was not as propitious as had been hoped, that is not an argument for their return to state ownership, as the unions propose and many people unhappy with their performance would like to see. This is not an ideological point but a pragmatic one: the old system was inefficient, costly and beset by institutionalised inertia. Since privatisation, there has been investment that would simply not have happened had the utilities remained in state hands especially after the financial crash of 2008 when the biggest spending cuts were in capital projects. The failure of privatised utilities to perform well does not mean they will do better in state hands. In fact, history suggests otherwise. Nonetheless, the benefits still need to spread beyond the boardrooms of a few multi-national cartels. If privatisation of industry and utilities was the challenge 40 years ago, today it is the desocialisation of public services like health and education, with a move towards a social insurance scheme in the former and vouchers in the latter to provide greater choice. No political party is proposing such a radical approach. They are just harking back to a world that has long gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the answer to the failings of privatisation is re-nationalisation, then the wrong questions are being asked. After all, Macmillans error was to imagine that the family had any silver left when, in reality, it had already been pawned several times over. 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. BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- South China's Guangdong Province has introduced 30 types of artificial intelligence (AI) application scenarios, according to the Science and Technology Daily on Wednesday. These AI application scenarios span four fields: manufacturing, education, health care and safety. In terms of education, Guangdong has identified typical application scenarios for AI in five major areas: learning, teaching, experimentation, resource distribution, and assessment and decision-making support. As for healthcare, the province has sorted out 10 typical application scenarios of AI in areas such as imaging diagnosis, clinical decision-making, surgical planning, outpatient triage, and medical consultation. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area boasts both mechanical and electrical technology as well as digital and intelligent technology, Qu Xiaojie, an official of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The area also has a complete industrial chain for AI and robotics. The province will support the industrialization of technology, marketization of products and commercialization of services for the AI and robotics enterprises. Editor: WXY 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) 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Reconsidering wildlife agencies funding model across the U.S. Numerous states are reconsidering their wildlife agencies funding model. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Should wildlife agencies include non-game species in their 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. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US 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. Should wildlife, conservation commissions be overhauled? 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. 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, 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. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE APIZZA owner Marshall Jett has proven he and his team know how to make a pizza a one-of-a-kind style of thin-crust thats part Neapolitan, part New York, part New Haven and part Tacoma. As of last month, the downtown restaurant is back open for lunch with a special menu of another East Coast specialty thats surprisingly rare here: the toasted sub. Sure, we could all name a couple places we appreciate for their warm sandwiches, which seem bountiful in a state that requires any bar with liquor to serve substantial food. Plenty have selected sandwiches as their M.O. and amassed loyal adherents of one over the other. Many of these handhelds are indeed served on elongated rolls that are ostensibly subs or hoagies, depending on your allegiance. But a roll does not a proper East Coast sub make. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jett searched high and low for a Northwest substitute, he said. He tried baking his own in the custom clay oven that anchors APIZZAs open kitchen on Pac Ave, but they turned out stiffer than ideal for the softness he was seeking. As I have also found, the answer here lies instead in the Vietnamese banh mi bun. Its a perfect size at 8 inches. Its soft enough for, say, meatballs and marinara to soak into your fingers while still retaining its shape. Its readily available, and it can be toasted or room-temp. These French demis, from a South King County bakery, form the foundation of APIZZAs new lunch-only subs, available just three days a week to start. The pistachio mortadella with provolone and shredded lettuce comes toasted by default, but you could opt out and keep it cold. Kristine Sherred/ksherred@thenewstribune.com The pistachio mortadella and provolone adds a light, garlicky mustard mayo that mingles with shredded lettuce. On another, Tillamook cheddar meets bay shrimp fresh from Oregon with Tillamook cheddar and scallions. The polpette di casa seems poised to become a hit, as the beef and pork meatballs melt into provolone just as they should. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I ordered to-go even though I unwrapped them in the restaurant. It felt right to my other-coast roots that they be enrobed in paper and sliced in half, whereas dine-in orders at least by default are served open-faced and the customer folds to eat. I had been meaning to get here since they relaunched and am glad that Jett was trying lunch again after an attempt last spring and summer. The subs are the official new items, but during the brief three-hour lunch period, you can also snag a personal 12-inch pizza in the daily meat or veggie for $13. The restaurants great salads (I have enjoyed the Caesar but particularly appreciate the fresca, a salads kind of salad with chopped greens, chopped tomatoes, a classic vinaigrette and crunchy homemade croutons) are also available in petite versions for just $4. The bay shrimp can also be had with romaine instead of on a sub. As during dinner, oversized slices a quarter of their typical 16-inch pie, essentially two-for-one, for $6.25-$8 are also available, which typically feature the same daily meat or veggie as well as classic pepperoni and three-cheese. The restaurant offers business lunch packages with pizzas, salads and mini cannoli for groups (in sets of 10, up to 40 people), and Jett has also built a mobile clay pizza oven for special events (more info on the restaurant website). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was quiet when I snuck in around 1 p.m. last Thursday, but I hope to see lunch catch on at APIZZA and elsewhere downtown, as other newcomers like Third Space and the food truck at Odd Otter Brewing Co. also lean into midday crowds on weekdays and weekends. APIZZA LITTLE ITALY 821 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-367-4992, apizzalittleitaly.com Lunch: Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Wednesday-Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 12-10 p.m., Sunday 12-9 p.m. Details: new weekday-only lunch menu with East Coast-style subs, petite salads and personal 12-inch pizzas; dinner menu also available In June 1930, Dennis Hubert, a sophomore divinity school student, was killed in a racially motivated attack at a playground Almost 100 years later, his nephew, Imam Plemon El-Amin, gratefully accepted his honorary posthumous bachelor's degree People are conscious of his life, which means hes still alive," El-Amin said Nearly a century after an 18-year-old Black college student was lynched at a Georgia playground, his nephew has accepted his honorary posthumous bachelor's degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis Hubert, a sophomore divinity school student, received the posthumous degree from Morehouse College, a historically Black college in Atlanta, on Sunday, May 18, CNN and FOX affiliate WAGA reported. His nephew, Imam Plemon El-Amin, whom he never got the chance to meet, gladly accepted Huberts Bachelor of Arts degree in religion. During the graduation ceremony, David Thomas, the university's president, described Hubert as a son of Morehouse, a martyr of justice, and what history now sees as the Trayvon Martin of the 1930s in Atlanta, according to CNN. The college and El-Amin did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment. For El-Amin, now 75, the moment was important to his family and resonated with a common sentiment in Islam: a person who dies leaves nothing behind except for their good deeds, knowledge and loved ones who pray for them. Many prayers were said in his name, El-Amin told the outlet about the ceremony. Many people remembered him and were informed about his life and his legacy, and so the knowledge was there, as well as the charity of him sacrificing his life so that we would be more conscious of the value of young life and the value of human life, but also the value of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 15, 1930, Hubert had spent the day at his mother's and grandmothers houses before going to the playground of Crogman School, a segregated school for Black children. He was in the area for less than 15 minutes before seven white men came up to the college student and accused him of insulting a white woman, according to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). They began attacking him, despite Hubert saying he knew nothing about their allegations. What do you want of me? I have done nothing, a witness recalled the young man saying. Without investigation, police involvement, or trial, one of the white men held a gun to the back of Dennis Huberts head and shot him at point blank range in front of at least two dozen witnesses, wrote the nonprofit organization, which was founded by lawyer Bryan Stevenson to end mass incarceration and fight against racial injustice. The fatal attack was part of a wave of racially motivated killings during that era in the United States, especially in the south. There were more than 4,000 lynchings in the south between 1877 and 1950, the EJI reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Huberts death, which reverberated through the county because his family was so well known, the seven men were arrested an unusual occurrence at the time. Two days after the men were denied bail, the home of Huberts father, a beloved pastor, was intentionally burned to the ground, and a Baptist church that was attempting to raise money for the rebuilding and support the mens prosecution was tear-gassed. Paras Griffin/Getty Dr. Cornel West gave the commencement address at Morehouse College. Dr. Cornel West gave the commencement address at Morehouse College. A few days later Denniss cousin, Rev. Charles R. Hubert, narrowly escaped an attempted murder, the EJI wrote, adding that the chapel for Morehouse sister college, Spelman College, was attacked by night riders who threw stones and shattered the Chapels lamps. Despite the witnesses who saw Denniss murder, the seven men involved were acquitted and were convicted of lesser offenses. 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. One defendant received 12-15 years imprisonment for voluntary manslaughter, while the defendant who confessed to firing the fatal shot received a sentence of just two years, according to the nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost a century after the Hubert family was terrorized and lost a promising son they are grateful he is finally recognized. Ninety-five years later, people are conscious of his life, which means hes still alive, El-Amin said, according to CNN, though not here with us physically or in body, but his life, his will, and he is providing inspiration for those of us left behind. Read the original article on People The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard) State lawmakers delivered 423 bills to Gov. Bob Ferguson this year and he signed them all. Except one. Its sponsor hopes the Washington Legislature will override the veto the next time it is in session. It shocked me, said Rep. Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla. People were excited about this and the governor turned around and vetoed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Klicker authored House Bill 1108 that sought to unearth the primary cost drivers for homeownership and rental housing in Washington. It had 25 co-sponsors 14 Republicans and 11 Democrats and cleared the Legislature with only nine people voting against it. It directed the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to research, analyze and determine to the extent practicable the forces at play in the cost of building single-family homes, apartments and other types of residential construction. Those conducting the study would have had to gather perspectives from all players with a tie to the housing industry. Economists, builders, unions, lenders, and realtors are on the list. So too are tenants and landlords, as well as cities, counties and public utility districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report would have been due Dec. 1, 2026. The bill carried a $233,000 price tag. Ferguson vetoed it quietly in his office on May 20, the final day on which he could act on legislation. Given the pressures on Washingtons budget, our states limited resources should be spent on identifying and implementing solutions to the housing crisis; I do not believe the cost of another study on cost drivers is warranted, Ferguson wrote in his veto letter to lawmakers. Klicker learned of the veto the day before from Fergusons staff. I am pretty upset, Klicker said. Ill be honest with you. He doesnt want to know the truth about the reasons for the cost drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill passed by margins of 94-4 in the House and 44-5 in the Senate. I really appreciated the Democrats working with me to get it to the governors desk, he said. He said Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, and Sen. Jessica Bateman, D-Olympia, the chairs of the House and Senate housing committees, respectively, were each instrumental in helping get it to the finish line. While the vote margins in the House and Senate exceed the two-thirds majority required to override a veto, it wont be easy to convince the Democratic leaders of the Legislature to do so, especially since the governor is a Democrat. I am going to talk to them, Klicker said. This was the bill that was most important to me. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MADISON COUNTY, Ala (WHNT) When some think of Memorial Day, long weekends spent on the water or out at a barbecue may come to mind, but the true meaning behind Memorial Day goes way beyond that. For us, its not necessarily a holiday, said Randy Wise. For us, its an observance in a way to reflect in a city like Huntsville, where theres lots of veterans and folks that serve with veterans Its hard to find one moment where you can come together and reflect. They gave everything for us: Thousands gather for 45th Annual Cotton Row Run Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Command Sgt. Major Ret. Randy Wise was one of the speakers of the annual laying of the wreath ceremony held at the Huntsville-Madison County Veterans Memorial Park. This invites the entire community to come together with mutual understanding that today is not necessarily going to start out with a barbecue and watching games, he said. Its really about thinking about those that arent going to be joining us to do that. Many veterans, active duty servicemen and women, and families of those who lost a loved one in the line of duty joined to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice today. A lot of people forget about what Memorial Day is really about, said Bob Monette. My first tour I lost 11, and my second tour I lost ten, and Im here to remember them as I do most every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LIST: Trash pick-up schedules affected by Memorial Day Monette was a U.S. Army combat helicopter pilot for more than 20 years, fighting in the Vietnam war and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. Thats why Im here to remember those not only the guys that I was with, but everyone that fought in the war, he said. If you bravely served our country and are now back home, both Wise and Monette want you to know there is a community here for you, too. Theres somebody out here for you, said Wise. We all want you to stay on this side of the dirt. If you fought bravely for your country, we want to honor and remember you and those that we have lost together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also a variety of veterans resources across the country, and you can find a few of those resources in the list 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 WHNT.com. This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Simba! The urgent whisper lion in Swahili comes from Julius Naurori as he stands bolt upright in the back of our 4WD like a human antenna. Immediately, our guide in the front slows the car to a cautious prowl and a hush descends, save for the tinkling silver discs tied to Juliuss waist as they sway in time with the rocking of the car. The dawn sky is still blushing crimson, and at first its hard to see whats almost directly in front of us: four sleeping lions, their chocolate manes camouflaged as they lie on their sides in long, unruly grass marking the banks of the Mara River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our guide is Roca River Camp co-owner Ross Withey, and Julius, our wildlife-spotter, is his wingman on this safari drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Julius is a man of few words, but he can read the savannahs undulating plains and its complex ecosystems like the creases of his hands. The hippos are not going to be lucky tonight, he says, remarking on the lions lean bellies as we watch their rib cages rise and fall. We are totally alone, save for the haunting cry of a tropical boubou hidden in the riverine tree branches. Lions come to Shompole Wildernesss water hole for a drink. Photograph by Melanie Van Zyl Like most wildlife-spotters in the Mara, Julius is Maasai. He comes from a long line of nomadic pastoralists who have driven cattle across southern Kenya and northern Tanzanias Serengeti for centuries. Its the same corridor used by wildebeest during the annual Great Migration, with both cattle and wildlife following the pastures and water. This natural event has made the Mara one of Africas most popular safari destinations, yet for young spotters like Julius, its also home. Keeping a constant eye out for big cats comes with the territory. Its been less than 24 hours since I landed in the Maasai Mara, and this famous park is already challenging my preconceived ideas of what it means for a place to be wild. Id expected it to be virtually uninhabited, but its far from it. On the flight in from Nairobi, there were vast, undeveloped clay-coloured plains and deeply gouged escarpments like sculptures. And in between the lands natural contours, Id spotted distinct man-made circles small Maasai villages protected by traditional fencing systems called bomas, where farmers eke out a living. Interspersed with herds of antelopes, there had been cows. Almost half of Kenyas healthy population of lions stalks the Maasai Mara. Its hard to imagine a world where these large predators can coexist with villages hosting livestock farmers and their cattle, but the four now in front of me certainly arent fazed by human presence. Eventually, one lazily lifts his head and fixes his eyes on us, and our driver restarts the car to move on. A few minutes later, we pull into Roca River Camp a line of 10 comfortable canvas tents dotted among persimmon trees on a raised bank facing the Mara River inside the reserve. Behind the tents, a halo effect is forming on the never-ending plains of grass that stretch away from the river, the rising sun burnishing each strand an ethereal gold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im on a tour of southern Kenya designed by Explorations Company, an Africa veteran with close ties to the conservation-led African Wildlife Foundation. The operator has spent 30 years scoping out small camps like this one that can offer the most intimate wildlife experiences while educating guests about local conservation efforts. Roca is family-run by Kenyans Caro and Ross Withey; it was Caros dad, Willie Roberts, who established the first wildlife conservancy on public land in Kenya in the 1980s. Today, sitting alongside national parks and reserves, there are 170 conservancies across the country, covering almost 6.5 million hectares 11% of Kenyas landmass. In the Maasai Mara, the model gives the traditional Maasai landowners a rental fee from the lodges and a nightly fee for every guest, creating a compelling reason to live harmoniously with the wildlife rather than prey on it. In the Maasai Mara, the model gives the traditional Maasai landowners a rental fee from the lodges and a nightly fee for every guest, creating a compelling reason to live harmoniously with the wildlife. Here in the Mara, people are no longer killing predators for fun they only kill them for protection, explains Dominic Sakat, a community outreach officer from the Mara Predator Project who joins us for lunch later that day. The initiative was launched by the Kenya Wildlife Trust in 2013, at a time when Maasai warriors were still hunting lions as a traditional rite of passage. While this practice has now been all but stamped out and poaching is down, too, Dominic explains that lions are still under threat from farmers trying to protect their highly prized livestock. Were sitting at a long, communal table in front of the camp while a muscular, tusked warthog ferrets in the grasses behind us and two hippos slosh around in the river below. But Dominic, wearing a sand-coloured safari shirt and sunglasses balanced on his head, only has eyes for the big cats. His job is to work with Mara communities to assess and monitor threats to the areas major predators, which include elusive leopards and a small, fragile population of cheetahs, as well as lions. Roca River Camp plays host to a line of 10 comfortable canvas tents dotted among persimmon trees on a raised bank facing the Mara River inside the reserve. Photograph by Melanie Van Zyl Having grown up in a local Maasai village, Dominic has seen first-hand that one of the greatest challenges the animals now face is human population growth. Its estimated that more than 70% of Kenyas wildlife lives outside of protected reserve areas and national parks, and human-wildlife conflict is increasing. The Maasai farmers and wildlife are crossing paths more frequently and local villages are encroaching further into wildlife terrain. In the Mara, the human population doubles every nine years, he says. And if you drive around, youll see there are no barriers between wildlife and communities. Conservation, therefore, is more important than ever in this region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This fenceless existence gives me pause for thought again when we drive out for sunset at one of the Mara Rivers famous crossings. Some half a million wildebeest and countless safari 4WDs pass here during the annual Great Migration. Out of season, theres nobody here but us and a vast pod of hippos wallowing in the water at our feet. How fast can a hippo run, I wonder, as I stand at the waters edge watching theatrical yawns reveal giant fangs. Faster than youd imagine, says camp manager Philip McLellan as he pours a round of drinks. Their sonorous grunts erupt like a loud conversation, masking the sound of the ice clinking in our gin and tonics. I have a saying that one of them farts and the others all laugh, he adds with a wry smile. How fast can a hippo run, I wonder, as I stand at the waters edge watching theatrical yawns reveal giant fangs. Faster than youd imagine, says camp manager Philip McLellan as he pours a round of drinks. Photograph by Melanie Van Zyl Winged wonder Flying over Lake Magadi on the borders of Kenya and Tanzania the following day is like a vision from Dantes hell. You definitely dont want to swim in it. It would burn your skin off, says our co-pilot Aaron DCruz through his headset as we bank down low for a closer look at the lakes potent soda ash crust in our 12-seater propeller plane. Were on our way to Shompole, a safari region southeast of the Mara thats far less known. Explorations Company anticipates its on the cusp of finally getting the attention it deserves, thanks to the opening of a luxury lodge from high-profile safari operator Great Plains in 2026, but were headed for another small, family-run camp called Shompole Wilderness. Below us, the lakes mottled surface creates beautiful, rippling veins that look like stilton. The soda ash is one of the areas biggest exports, but the nutrients also make the area a prolific breeding ground for flamingos and pelicans, which draws bird enthusiasts. Before long, the plane is surrounded by flamingos. Some fly straight past my window; others appear to float below our metal wings, like dozens of pink arrows soaring towards invisible targets. From up here, I can see the same circular village bomas Id seen flying over the Mara, but the landscape is much more arid the earth cracked like a dry heel, small whirlwinds called dust devils spinning around lonely acacia trees. What makes Shompole so special is that the river flowing from the escarpment provides a green area and swamp thats why all the wildlife comes here during the dry season, says Aaron. Sure enough, as we land, I see an eruption of greenery in the parched expanse below. Roca is family-run by Kenyans Caro and Ross Withey; it was Caros dad, Willie Roberts, who established the first wildlife conservancy on public land in Kenya in the 1980s. Photograph by Melanie Van Zyl Dominic Sakat, wearing a sand-coloured safari shirt, only has eyes for the big cats. His job is to work with Mara communities to assess and monitor threats to the areas major predators, which include elusive leopards and a small, fragile population of cheetahs, as well as lions. Photograph by Melanie Van Zyl The river in question is the Ewaso Ngiro, and its right in front of my base for the next two nights, which is run by Kenyans Sam and Johann du Toit. There are just six wood-hewn guest rooms built by Johann, rooted among the riverbank foliage, with a small pool, a bird hide and a large, communal, open-sided lounge with steps down to the river. Like Roca, this camp has close ties to the Maasai and conservation initiatives. It recruits from local communities and invests in training, while Sam is the right-hand woman of Maasai conservation leader John Kamanga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winner of the 2020 Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, John is a passionate advocate for fence-free landscapes and has dedicated his career to finding a way for pastoralists and wildlife to coexist in the South Rift landscape. Hes the co-founder of SORALO (South Rift Association of Land Owners), a community-based organisation for which Sam acts as consultant. It employs 147 Maasai rangers who patrol an area half the size of Belgium. Because of their work, the camp can exist, Sam tells me as she shows me around, her loose-fitting cotton trousers smudged with traces of earth, beaded Maasai anklets above her trainers. Its noticeably hotter here than in the Mara. Outside my room, I find a resident troop of baboons cooling off by jumping gleefully into the fudge-coloured water, their bare bums slapping on the surface with an almighty crash. Before long, the water calls me in, too its rare to find a river like this one in southern Kenya without crocodiles and hippos, and one of the lodges specialities is river tubing and kayaking. This understanding, that animal protection is far more powerful than poaching or hunting, has become more common in the conservancy zones in the past decade thanks to efforts by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to engage the local communities that live within them. Photograph by Melanie Van Zyl A Maasai Mara game drive calls for a gourmet picnic lunch. Photograph by Melanie Van Zyl The baboons scarper as my group, including the owners kids and their dog, scramble into fat tyre rings and take off into the slow, tepid flow. Its a welcome change of pace from the 4WD and a fresh perspective on the shoreline. The fig trees framing the bank rustle with vervet monkeys, and I can pick out the faint imprint of a path along the bank closest to my room, which is used as an elephant corridor. The absence of other guests makes the setting feel almost primeval; there are no sounds save for the languid flow of water and occasional chatter of the kids. Later that day, I head out again in the 4WD. This time its with Johann, a broad-shouldered man with a booming voice and wicked sense of humour. Were en route to spend the night at his passion project a solar-powered photography hide around a watering hole, three miles from camp. Also in the car is Richard Maren Merenkoi a 24-year-old Maasai man robed in a traditional red shuka (a cloth garment and a symbol of the Maasais resilience), whose face lights up when he smiles. He began his career at Shompole Wilderness five years ago, initially in room service. The animals make this place, he says as we pass a dazzle of zebras nibbling among a thatch of thorny acacia bushes, kicking up earth the colour of lions fur. Its our pride to have them; in the conservancy, people, livestock and wildlife we all live together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This understanding, that animal protection is far more powerful than poaching or hunting, has become more common in the conservancy zones in the past decade thanks to efforts by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to engage the local communities that live within them. When I was a kid, an NGO came to my school to talk about the benefits of conservation. One day, Id like to do the same, Maren tells me. Next year, the camp will help pay to put him through his guide training so he can get qualified. Its just before dusk when we arrive at the hide a half-sunken metal container with grass walls that have been scorched by the sun. We knew the area wasnt a good grazing zone, so the Maasai wouldnt mind if we set up here, says Johann as he navigates the waters edge, checking lighting hook-ups havent been chewed by baboons, then wades in to clean the pools surface to maximise its mirrored reflection. Once the location had been approved by the local communities, he employed local Maasai to help dig the 52.5-foot pool and the channels for the piping that comes from the river to fill it. It doesnt look like much from the back, but Johann tells me that since it was completed three years ago, its been attracting photographers from all over the world. A shuka is a red traditional cloth garment and a symbol of the Maasai's resilience. Photograph by Melanie Van Zyl Its USP is the specialist lighting, with front and side hook-ups, plus 59 feet of backlighting, all on dimmer switches to create atmosphere and ensure animals dont get blinded or disturbed. I wanted to get it right, he tells me. But I also wanted to make the hide accessible for people with smartphone cameras. Bookings at Shompole Wilderness are starting to soar, because of it. The hide has changed our whole business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With glasses of Chardonnay poured and chicken curry served in tiffin boxes, we settle in on a row of directors chairs inside. It isnt long before four stocky warthogs arrive, one trotting straight into the water and plonking himself down, a puff of dust rising from his belly. Through the glassless windows, we have an eye-level view, backdropped by the hulk of Mt Shompole rearing in the distance. The framing is so perfect it looks like a CGI film set. As darkness creeps in and Maren and Johann start playing with the lightings dimmer switches, a giraffe lollops by, splaying its legs comically to get low enough to drink. The procession of animals continues long into the night. Elephants come within a hairs breadth of my seat, spraying water in broad arcs that glitter like falling stars as they catch the backlights. Finally we get a succession of lions. Although they cant see us in the hide, they keep their eyes firmly fixed on our position on the far side of the pond as four of them drink in a row. Theyre so close, I can hear them lapping. Dusk patrol While Johann is in the process of building another hide, Sam is working with SORALO to trial a new tour for guests of Shompole Wilderness, in partnership with the organisations Ilaaretok programme. The express purpose of the Ilaaretok initiative is to reduce human-wildlife conflict by employing members of the local Maasai villages as extra pairs of eyes and hands community guardians, if you will. In the Maasai language, the word ilaaretok means helpers. The following day, I set out to join them in one of their roles: getting cattle home and unharmed each night by accompanying farmers on the walk back to their villages. Off-duty rangers working for SORALO (South Rift Association of Land Owners), a community-based organisation that employs 147 Maasai rangers who patrol an area half the size of Belgium, take a tea break at their forest base. Photograph by Melanie Van Zyl I hear the clang of cowbells tumbling over the plains before we reach the 70-strong herd, and the dozen or so Maasai men driving them forward. The Ilaaretoks role is one of deterrent, keeping watch and trying to prevent possible wildlife conflict scenarios. Unlike rangers, they dont carry guns; some choose to wield the traditional Maasai spear instead. Alongside daily cattle watches, they raise the alarm when lion pawprints are spotted, transport injured cows for veterinary care and track lost livestock to bring it back to farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems odd to be out on foot in lion country, but also wonderfully freeing. Knives at their waists, rigid bead necklaces ringing their throats, decorative belts hung loose, the farmers and their Ilaaretok companions walk in a banded line. The Ilaaretok are the first people out in the landscape in the morning and last at night, says Joshua Lesikar Parsaloi, the stocky group supervisor, as we walk slowly together across the plains, the hot embers of the day still warming the earth beneath our boots. Dressed head to toe in desert-storm beige, he explains that every six months, the team of patrollers rotates, to help spread the employment opportunity among the local communities. Its an in-demand job, as the role requires fewer qualifications or experience than is needed to become a ranger. Launched three years ago, the programme has been hailed a great success and now employs 72 people in eight groups, two of which operate in Shompole. Joshua pauses to point out a pair of hoof prints stamped into the dust at our feet. This one is a gazelle, this one is a cow, he says, highlighting how closely the land is shared between wildlife and livestock. The sun is starting to wane, sucking the heat out of the sky. Knowing from my night in the hide how many lions roam this area at night, I suddenly wonder if maybe were being watched. I ask if there could be cause for concern, us strolling across Shompole in the footsteps of these great predators. But Joshua just chuckles. For the Maasai, the wildlife is a simple fact of life. Its not easy to attack a cow in an open area like this theyre afraid of us. And besides, he says, a lion is very friendly compared to a buffalo. He looks back at me as we walk on, passing a clump of acacia from which a couple of herders are trying to coax some goats, and adds with a matter-of-fact shrug: The buffalo will wait for you behind a bush. Published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). When right-wing provocateur and podcaster Dan Bongino became the FBIs deputy director in March, conservative activists had every reason to be delighted. He had, after all, spent years telling them what they wanted to hear, including a boast in which Bongino declared, My entire life right now is about owning the libs. Thats it. The libs, because they have shown themselves ... to be pure, unadulterated evil. The New York Times Michelle Goldberg added in a recent column, When a New York jury found Donald Trump guilty on 34 felony counts last year, the conservative podcaster Dan Bongino made a veiled threat on social media. The irony about this for the scumbag commie libs, is that the cold civil war theyre pushing for will end really badly for them, he wrote. Liberals, said Bongino, had been playing at revolution, and would now get a taste of the real thing. Theyre not ready for what comes next. But his honeymoon period with the Republican base was short-lived: After Bongino appeared on Fox Business and dismissed conspiracy theories about the death of Jeffrey Epstein, some far-right conspiracy theorists whod seen the FBI deputy director as a political ally turned on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In theory, Bongino couldve shrugged off the criticisms from the fringe and focused on his weighty professional responsibilities at the bureau. In practice, however, he appears to be taking steps designed to make the right happy. NBC News reported: Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino said Monday that his agency will revive or devote more resources into several investigations of unsolved cases from the Biden administration that have garnered public interest and have long ignited claims of corruption by allies and supporters of President Donald Trump. As part of Bonginos announcement, the bureau will apparently reassess three specific cases: The investigation into the pipe bombs that were found near the Democratic Party and the Republican Party headquarters Jan. 6, 2021; The investigation into a bag of cocaine found at the White House in 2023; The investigation into the 2022 leak of the unpublished Supreme Court decision in the Dobbs case that overturned Roe v. Wade. This doesnt appear to be a situation in which investigators uncovered new evidence that generated a fresh round of attention. Rather, Bongino decided to either re-open, or push additional resources and investigative attention, to these cases due to public interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That, of course, seems like a curious way of saying, The earlier investigations didnt turn up anything, but some people still occasionally still talk about these cases, so were giving it another try. For what its worth, there are some broader concerns about the integrity of these upcoming re-evaluations. Indeed, Bongino is on record peddling conspiracy theories about the very cases hes now examining: As the NBC News report noted, it was earlier this year when Bongino accused the FBI of lying about not knowing the identity of the pipe bomber, saying the agency just doesnt want to tell us because it was an inside job. As for the White House case, Bongino is on record claiming, [T]heres absolutely ZERO chance anyone other than a family member brought that cocaine inside the White House complex. There is no publicly available information to support either of these assertions, though FBI personnel will apparently go look for some. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has repeatedly vouched for Russias Vladimir Putin, assuring the world that his counterpart in Moscow is sincerely interested in peace. The evidence to the contrary has long been overwhelming, and in recent days, its become even more devastating. On Friday night, Kyiv came under a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack, and the offensive described by Ukrainian officials as the largest aerial assault on the country since the war began continued throughout the weekend. The New York Times, quoting the Ukrainian Air Force, reported that over the past week, Russia has directed at least 1,390 drones and 94 missiles at targets across Ukraine. The offensive came almost exactly a month after the American president published an item to his social media platform that read, Vladimir, STOP! It was a directive that Putin ignored. It also came just days after Trump had a two-hour phone meeting with Putin a discussion the Republican described as excellent that he boasted would immediately lead to new diplomatic negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this in mind, Trump expressed a degree of predictable dissatisfaction with Russias latest offensive. The New York Times reported: President Trump on Sunday condemned the decision by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to unleash one of the largest offensives in Russias war against Ukraine, and said he was considering imposing more sanctions on Russia in response. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey before boarding Air Force One, Mr. Trump said he was not happy with Mr. Putin escalating his attacks, especially as the two countries negotiate a cease-fire deal to bring the three-year war to an end. In comments to reporters, the Republican said, Hes killing a lot of people, and I dont know what the hell happened to Putin. Ive known him a long time. Always gotten along with him. But hes sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I dont like it at all. Trump added that he was surprised by the renewed military offensive from Russian forces, which dovetailed with an online item in which the American president said Putin has gone absolutely CRAZY and was targeting Ukrainian cities for no reason whatsoever. Of course, in the same social media missive, Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and suggested the Biden administration bore responsibility for Putins decision to launch an unprovoked invasion of his neighboring country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of which left the world with a familiar question: What exactly does Trump intend to do now? The circumstances are hardly unfamiliar. In March, for example, NBC News reported that Trump was very angry and pissed off at Putin, though his administration failed to follow through with action. A month later, the American president let the world know he was not happy with his Russian counterpart, which again proved to be hollow rhetoric. Four times in four months, Trump threatened to impose new economic sanctions on Russia. In each instance, the comments sparked a fresh round of headlines. But also in each instance, Putin ignored the threats, and the White House responded by doing nothing. All of which brings the watch what he does, not what he says adage to mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, perhaps this time will be different. Perhaps Trump is getting tired of looking foolish. Perhaps the White House will, any minute now, announce new economic penalties on Moscow, new security aid for Ukraine, or both. Perhaps Putin pushed his luck once too many times, and it's finally jolted the American president who has been far too eager to align his administration with the Kremlin. But this would be a dramatic shift from Trumps record and recent history. As a New York Times analysis summarized over the Memorial Day weekend, the White House has effectively created a strategic void in which Mr. Trump complains about Russias continued killing but so far has been unwilling to make Mr. Putin pay even a modest price. Much of the world has waited for Trump to adopt a stronger and more effective posture. Will he ever overcome his affection for the Russian leader and try following through on his rhetoric for a change? Watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Todays edition of quick hits. * Some news can be predictable and outrageous simultaneously: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will no longer recommend routine Covid shots for healthy children and pregnant women, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday. * A case worth watching: National Public Radio on Tuesday sued President Donald Trump over his executive order to cease all federal funding for the nonprofit broadcaster. Trumps May 1 order violates the First Amendments protections of speech and the press and steps on Congress authority, NPR and three other public radio stations wrote in the lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Another case worth watching: Shira Perlmutter sued the Trump administration for removing her from a role leading the U.S. Copyright Office this month. In a complaint filed in federal court in D.C. [on Friday], Perlmutter asked the court to bar the Trump administration from removing her from her role as register of copyrights and director of the U.S. Copyright Office. * Tariff-driven corruption seemed inevitable: As President Trumps tariffs have ratcheted up in recent months, so have the mysterious solicitations some U.S. companies have received, offering them ways to avoid the taxes. Shipping companies, many of them based in China, have reached out to U.S. firms that import apparel, auto parts and jewelry, offering solutions that they say can make the tariffs go away. * In the European Union, Hungary sticks out like a sore thumb: The majority of EU countries including France and Germany want the European Commission to crack down on Hungary over Prime Minister Viktor Orbans plan to ban upcoming Pride celebrations in Budapest, according to a joint statement seen by Politico. * Imagine threatening an entire state over one student athlete competing in one event: President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funding if California did not stop a transgender girl in high school from competing in state track and field finals, and said he would discuss it with Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Its surprising that the border czar travels in a four-vehicle motorcade: Security for Trump administration border czar Tom Homan costs more than $500,000 a month, multiple sources within the administration told CBS News, an amount that has drawn attention from allies of President Trump who have been seeking to shrink government spending. The total cost of Homans security with roughly $500,000 in salaries for agents plus airfare, hotel bills and other travel expenses for his protective bubble adds up to around $1 million per month for the Trump appointee, another administration official said. * Pelley used his platform to great effect: Journalist Scott Pelley accused President Donald Trump of attacking free speech and spreading insidious fear among the public during a commencement address at Wake Forest University. See you tomorrow. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Eighty-six percent of respondents praised China's advancements in digital technology, according to a report released Wednesday by Renmin University of China (RUC) in Beijing. The 2025 Global Public Digital Technology Perception Report, conducted by the university's Global Opinion Research Center, surveyed 7,599 participants from 38 countries through an international online sample pool. The report covers five key areas, including improvements in daily life brought by digital technologies, expectations and concerns about artificial intelligence (AI), and growing recognition of China's digital tech in the Global South. Regional analysis shows the highest approval rates for Chinese digital technology -- Africa at 94.3 percent, South America at 93 percent, Southeast Asia at 91.1 percent, South Asia and Central Asia at 90.7 percent, and the Middle East at 88.1 percent. More than half the respondents consider AI and e-commerce as China's leading digital sectors, according to the report. E-commerce platforms like Temu and SHEIN have rapidly grown globally through competitive pricing and efficient supply chains. Meanwhile, Chinese AI firms are advancing quickly with open, fast-paced development strategies. In regions such as Africa, Chinese AI is increasingly viewed as a driver of smart infrastructure and digital governance. "Chinese tech companies are widely seen as leaders in digital innovation. Earlier this year, DeepSeek's R1 model delivered strong performance with minimal computing resources. Tencent's Hunyuan and Alibaba's Qwen large language models also ranked among top performers in benchmarks. Meanwhile, Alipay and WeChat Pay continue expanding globally, providing users with convenient payment solutions," said Zhang Di, professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, RUC. The report also notes that 83.6 percent of the Global South respondents see Chinese digital technology as a positive force in their countries. Cooperation in technology, infrastructure, and talent development is strengthening, supporting both the internationalization of Chinese tech companies and digital growth in these countries. Worldwide, attitudes toward innovation vary significantly between developing and developed nations, with 74.2 percent from developing countries closely following global tech trends, compared to just 50.5 percent in developed countries. The survey indicates that 62.7 percent believe AI positively impacts work efficiency, while 64.9 percent see benefits for student learning. However, only 34.9 percent expressed optimism about AI's effects on employment opportunities. Editor: WXY Donald Trumps unprecedented offensive against Harvard University includes three key elements. One involves targeting Harvards tax-exempt status, and according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, those efforts are currently moving forward, despite legal restrictions that appear to make such a move illegal. Another part of this political attack is the administrations plan to block Harvard from enrolling international students, a gambit thats already struggling in the courts. But perhaps most important of all is the White Houses lengthy and aggressive efforts to deny the university federal grants. As The New York Times reported, this component of the broader political war is poised to take a dramatic step forward. The Trump administration is set to cancel the federal governments remaining federal contracts with Harvard University worth an estimated $100 million, according to a letter that is being sent to federal agencies on Tuesday. The letter also instructs agencies to find alternative vendors for future services. The additional planned cuts, outlined in a draft of the letter obtained by The New York Times, represented what an administration official called a complete severance of the governments longstanding business relationship with Harvard. This news, which NBC News has confirmed, would represent the final in a series of steps, following Team Trumps earlier moves that froze roughly $3.2 billion in grants and contracts with Harvard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of the motivation for all of this, the official administration line was that this had something to do with antisemitism, but Trump himself published an online rant recently that suggested the real motivation is his disgust for the universitys faculty and his perceptions of the schools ideological leanings. The president has also complained that he believes some incoming Harvard students need remedial math and that he assumes that many of the universitys foreign students are bad. But while the administration struggles to figure out why its doing this, Trump also apparently has a new idea about what to do with the money that was supposed to go to Harvard. The New York Times also reported: President Trump floated a new plan on Monday for the $3 billion he wants to strip from Harvard University, saying in a social media post that he was thinking about using the money to fund vocational schools. I am considering taking THREE BILLION DOLLARS of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land, Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform. I wont pretend to know how such a plan might be implemented, but the president apparently envisions a model in which billions of dollars that were supposed to go to Harvard will simply be redistributed to vocational schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is worth dwelling on because it reflects Trumps ignorance about the basic elements of the fight he picked unnecessarily. Harvard didnt earn grants because federal officials thought it was a good school; it received scholarly research grants that were awarded after a competitive process. When the National Institutes of Health partnered with Harvard on biomedical research, for example, the investment wasnt about helping the university, it was about helping us. Theres nothing wrong with vocational schools, but theyre not in a position to do the kind of world-class biomedical research that Harvard received grants to do. Trump can try to redirect the resources, but then that biomedical research wont happen, and its the public that will suffer the consequences. Harvard also received a grant, for example, to understand why military veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (aka Lou Gehrigs disease). Other frozen grants include money to fund other medical research intended to help veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more Trump tries to punish Harvard, the more people who have nothing to do with the university will feel the effects of the presidents offensive. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com May 27While the 2026 election cycle is already heating up in Maine and candidates are launching campaigns for Congress and the governor's office, one high-profile contest is getting off to a slower start the race to challenge Sen. Susan Collins. National Democrats have been working behind the scenes to recruit Gov. Janet Mills, who has publicly downplayed the idea but also not ruled it out. She said last month that she wasn't planning to run for another office when her second term as governor finishes next year, but spokespeople did not respond to questions last week about whether the governor's thinking has changed. U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, another Democrat seen as a potential challenger to Collins, took himself out of the Senate race last week when he announced he plans to run for a fifth term representing Maine's 2nd Congressional District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent announcements that several high-profile Democrats in Maine are entering the governor's race have left some political observers wondering who the party will be able to put up for a competitive run against Collins if Mills doesn't enter the race. "I've actually racked my brain about this, and I can't really think of anybody," said Mark Brewer, a professor and chair of the political science department at the University of Maine. Collins, 72, will be seeking her sixth term, but has been expected to face a tough election cycle as she navigates tricky political waters with Donald Trump in the White House. Long seen as one of the Senate's most moderate Republicans, Collins voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack and said she wrote in Nikki Haley in the last presidential election. But she's also taken key votes in line with her party's agenda, like her February vote in support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as U.S. health secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans want her to be more loyal to the president, while Democrats are calling for her to stand up to him. While some see Collins as vulnerable, Democrats may still be feeling bruised from their 2020 defeat, when former Maine Speaker of the House Sara Gideon lost to Collins by nine points despite outrage over Collins' pivotal 2018 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court and over $200 million in combined spending by the candidates and outside groups. Collins said in a written statement Friday that she intends to run for reelection in 2026 and cited her work as chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and in passing legislation such as the Social Security Fairness Act, which was co-authored by Collins and signed into law this year. "This is very rewarding work to me, and I have so much more I want to accomplish," she said. STILL EARLY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Party primaries are still a year away. A handful of candidates have declared for the Senate race, including two Democrats: Jordan Wood, who served as chief of staff to former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., and founded the pro-democracy organization democracyFIRST, and Natasha Alcala, who briefly entered last year's race for Sen. Angus King's seat but never qualified for the ballot. Other candidates who have filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission include independent Phillip Rench and Republicans Carmen Calabrese and Daniel Smeriglio. But it's clear that other Maine Democrats, in addition to Mills, are considering a run for the seat. Maine Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau, a Biddeford Democrat, said last week he hasn't yet made a decision on whether he might run. "It's not a no," Fecteau said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Democratic state Sen. Cathy Breen, who is the director of government affairs for the Maine Conservation Alliance, said Friday that she is considering a run and plans to make a decision after the expected end of the legislative session in June. U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, was listed as a potential candidate in polling done last month by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. But a spokesperson for Pingree said that she is planning to run for reelection to her current seat next year. The Senate race so far hasn't attracted the same interest as the Maine governor's race, which already features several prominent Democrats including longtime legislator and former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Angus King III, a renewable energy entrepreneur and the son of U.S. Sen. King. Hannah Pingree, a former state lawmaker and official in the Mills administration and daughter of Rep. Pingree, has also been rumored as a Democratic contender to fill the seat of Mills, who can't run again due to term limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The governor's race is an open seat, and that's always more attractive than going up against an incumbent, particularly a multi-term incumbent who Democrats have thought multiple times before they were in a good position to knock off (and then didn't)," Brewer said. Some Democrats may be waiting to see if Mills enters the Senate race before making their own decisions. "I think most of the people who are considering running would consider (Mills) a friend and an ally, so I think people are looking to see what her intentions are before they move forward," said David Farmer, a Democratic political consultant. He said there are a "number of very bright prospects" looking at the race, but declined to list any names, saying the potential candidates should have the opportunity to announce on their own terms. "I am confident there will be a competitive field in the Democratic primary," Farmer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MILLS A FAVORITE Mills is a former attorney general, district attorney and state lawmaker who has shown she can win statewide by appealing to both more liberal southern Maine and the 2nd Congressional District, where Trump has won one of Maine's four electoral votes in each of the last three presidential elections. The governor has also been the subject of recent national attention after challenging Trump at a White House event in February over Maine's policy allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls sports, and that could help in national fundraising efforts should she choose to run for Senate. But critics have pointed to Mills' age the governor is 77 as a potential deterrent, and Mills herself has downplayed the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the moment, I'm not planning to run for another office," she said in an interview last month. Charlie Dingman, chair of the Maine Democratic Party, said he has not spoken directly with Mills about the race, though it is a high priority for the state party to have a quality candidate take on Collins. "I'm aware many people have mentioned (Mills') name, and I'm sure she is also aware of that and is giving it careful thought," Dingman said. National Democrats, meanwhile, are working behind the scenes to recruit the governor. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, has spoken personally with Mills about the race, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, a group dedicated to electing Democrats to the U.S. Senate, did not name Mills in a statement on the race last week, though a committee spokesperson said they are confident Democrats will have a strong candidate. "Mainers know Susan Collins isn't standing up for them, and in 2026, they will hold her accountable for selling them out," said Maeve Coyle. LESSON FROM THE PAST OR LOOKING FORWARD? Republicans used Golden's announcement that he will not run for a different office as an opportunity to attack Democrats' prospects. "Another day, another recruitment failure for Democrats in Maine as reality sets in that they have no one willing to step up and lose to Senator Susan Collins," said Chris Gustafson, communications director for the Senate Leadership Fund, a fundraising group that supports the Republican majority in the Senate, in an email the fund sent to supporters Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polling results have suggested Collins has a low approval rating in Maine among voters in both parties. Still, enthusiasm for running against Collins is "probably at an all time low" after the 2020 race in which Gideon lost, said Lance Dutson, a Republican strategist in Maine. "I think prominent Democrats in Maine understand that there's very little chance you can beat Susan Collins," Dutson said. "They had their best opportunity in 2020 and she soundly won. And especially with an open governor's race, I think that's a lot more appealing to Democratic candidates." Dingman, the Maine Democratic Party chair, said potential candidates will be motivated to counter the Trump administration's efforts to scale back the federal government and "hand it over to the very wealthy at the expense of working people." "I don't think this Senate race will be anything like the past Senate races, and I'd be surprised if potential candidates are sizing it up based on what happened at some point in the past," Dingman said. Copy the Story Link May 27AUGUSTA Maine lawmakers have rejected a proposal that would have required the state to stop issuing driver's licenses and identification cards known as Real ID that meet strict new federal security standards. The Senate voted without a roll call and without any discussion Tuesday to reject the bill. It was rejected 109-34 in the House of Representatives last week. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Laurel Libby, R-Auburn, would have repealed the Maine law that allows the secretary of state to issue state IDs that comply with the federal law known as Real ID, which critics say compromises privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes as Transportation Safety Administration agents started enforcing the requirements this month by asking all commercial air travelers age 18 and up to show a Real ID or alternative federal identification earlier this month. The rules have been in the works for 20 years as a way to improve security and were approved in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. They involve a higher level of verification than standard driver's licenses or nondriver identification cards. Travelers can use passports as an alternative to the new driver's license. At a public hearing last month, Libby and supporters of her bill, LD 160, said the Real ID law represents government overreach and raises concerns about data collection and misuse by the federal government as well as potential breaches. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows testified against the bill, saying it would make Maine the only state unable to provide its residents with a federally compliant credential, a move that would force residents who want a Real ID to have to apply directly to the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standards for a Real ID are consistent across the 50 states and involve a higher level of verification than standard driver's licenses or IDs. To receive a Real ID, an individual must bring proof of identification and citizenship/lawful status, such as a certified birth certificate, two forms proving residency and a Social Security number. Proof of any legal name changes must also be provided, if applicable. State officials asked the Trump administration to delay enforcement of Real ID requirements this year. While that request was not granted, federal authorities said they planned to phase in the requirement and would initially give people warnings and possibly subject them to additional security screening if they did not provide compliant identification. Copy the Story Link Major General Sir Christopher Airy, who has died aged 91, had a distinguished career in the Army; after he retired, he accepted an invitation to become Private Secretary and Treasurer to Prince Charles and Princess Diana. In 1974, after serving with the Grenadier Guards for 20 years, Airy transferred to the Scots Guards and assumed command of the 1st Battalion. Regiments are by their nature tribal, and a commanding officer from a different regiment is always going to be viewed with a certain amount of misgiving. While never disavowing his pride at having been a Grenadier, Airy launched himself into his new assignment. Having swiftly absorbed the regimental history, he assembled the warrant officers in the sergeants mess and asked them to help him become a Scots Guardsman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then summoned the Pipe Major and invited him to play a different company march each day in the Orderly Room until he recognised them all. With his natural charm and courtesy, Airy soon earned the loyalty and respect of his battalion. He was a shrewd observer of individuals, and when necessary he could be tough with those who did not live up to his high standards of behaviour and performance. He ran a very successful and happy battalion and his wife, Judy, was a great support. Christopher John Airy was born at the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital, Woolwich, on March 8 1934. His father, Lieutenant-Colonel Eustace Airy, served in the RAF in the 1920s, gaining his wings before transferring to the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). In the late 1930s he and his family were stationed in Gibraltar, and during the Second World War Eustace Airy was involved in intelligence work in the Far East. Soon after the outbreak of war, the family returned to England by ship. Young Christopher enjoyed going up on deck; he was fascinated by ripples on the surface of the sea which kept appearing, until it was explained to him that they were actually torpedoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airy was educated at Marlborough and became fluent in French after attending a course at the Sorbonne in Paris. After RMA Sandhurst, in 1954 he was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards and was posted to the 3rd Battalion. He was stationed at Windsor, and one day while he was on guard he received a telephone call inviting him to join the Queen and the Royal family for dinner that evening in the Castle. There were about 20 guests present, and after the meal, they played charades; Airy was in a team with Princess Margaret. The Queen drew all the cards, and he had to mime Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, a rather daunting role under the circumstances for the 21-year-old. With his wife, Judy After two years in Cyprus during the Eoka Emergency, followed by an appointment as military assistant to the Secretary of State for War, Jack Profumo, in 1970 he commanded the Queens Company of the 1st Battalion during a period of increasing inter-communal strife in Northern Ireland. He served as brigade major of 4th Guards Brigade in Munster, West Germany, before transferring to the Scots Guards. After relinquishing command of their 1st Battalion, he commanded 5 Field Force in Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1982 he was appointed Assistant Chief of Staff of UK Land Forces and played a key part in the decision to deploy the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards and 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in 5 Air Portable Brigade for the conflict in the Falklands. He was promoted to major general in 1983 and posted to the Royal College of Defence Studies. The appointments of Major General Commanding the Household Division and that of GOC London District followed. One day, when he was taking the salute at the first rehearsal of the Queens Birthday parade on Horse Guards, he invited his family to watch from his office immediately above the saluting base. His four-year-old grandson was so excited when he saw his grandfather appear beneath him on his horse and wearing his plumed hat, that he decided to sprinkle him with a colourful selection of canapes from the office window. One of Airys duties as GOC was to inspect the regiments under his command. On one such inspection with his ADC, they pulled into a lay-by a few minutes early so that he could put on his Sam Browne belt and emerge at the saluting base exactly on time and immaculately turned out. Major General Airy commanding the Household Division, 1986: once, during a parade rehearsal his four-year-old grandson, excited to see him on his horse in his plumed hat, sprinkled him with a selection of canapes from an office window On their arrival, the whole regiment was formed up on the square. A guardsman lent forward, opened the car door and saluted, but the great man did not appear. He was tethered to the back seat of the car by the entangled Sam Browne and the seatbelt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airy retired from the Army after 35 years service in 1989. The following year he was offered the job of chief executive of the British Heart Foundation. Out of a sense of duty, however, when he was invited by Prince Charles to be his Private Secretary, he accepted. The Queen and Prince Charles knew him well from his time in command of the Household Division, and he got on well with Princess Diana. It was thought that what was needed was a man of Airys integrity, background and experience to re-organise the administration of the office, ensure that it could manage the workload efficiently and see that there was a smooth flow of correspondence. The Princes interests and activities, however, were growing fast and the Princess was showing an increasing readiness for high-profile public engagements of her own. For Airy, it was a difficult time and he resigned after only a year. The Queen received him on his departure, a mark of her respect for him. He had been one of the multitude that lined the route at her Coronation in 1953. Airy: he settled in a Somerset farmhouse In 1995, Airy and his wife moved to a farmhouse near Wiveliscombe in Somerset, and lived there happily for the next 30 years. He raised funds for a number of charities including the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and the Society of Martha and Mary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also chairman of the Not Forgotten Association for eight years. He cycled some 1,500 miles by himself along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and raised 50,000 for the Association. Holidays with young families, travel, parties and shared celebrations played a large part in their lives, as did a menagerie of dogs, cats, ponies, donkeys and some rather temperamental alpacas. In retirement, he was a great supporter of the Scots Guards and regularly attended commemoration dinners and the Regimental Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade. He was appointed CBE in 1984 and KCVO in 1989. A friend of the family wrote: I can think of nobody who so embodied the principles of honour, decency and respect for others in the unassuming way that Christopher Airy did. Christopher Airy married, in 1959, Judith (Judy) Stephenson. She predeceased him by three months to the day and he is survived by two daughters and a son. Sir Christopher Airy, born March 8 1934, died April 8 2025 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. SAN MARCOS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) The San Diego County Sheriffs Office is investigating after a young man was fatally stabbed in San Marcos on Monday. The incident was reported around 4:55 p.m. in the 600 block of Richmar Avenue. When deputies from the San Marcos Station arrived to the scene, they discovered one male victim, described by the sheriffs office as in his 20s, with traumatic injuries. The man was transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. According to the sheriffs office, he was pronounced dead around 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man taken into custody after SWAT standoff in Lemon Grove The victims identity has not been released by authorities, pending family notification. The suspect, whose name similarly has not been released, was detained at the scene. Detectives with the sheriffs Homicide Unit are leading the investigation into the incident. At this stage, the circumstances around the stabbing, including motivation, are unknown. The incident is believed to have been isolated with no outstanding threat to the community, according to the sheriffs office. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the sheriffs Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 (858-565-5200 after hours) or to leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Raymond Feige, an employee with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, was killed in a boat explosion on the Hudson River on May 24 The incident also injured two other people "Over the course of 33 years, brought deep technical expertise and unwavering dedication to the Citys critical wastewater operations," the agency said in a statement A man who was killed in an explosion on a sewage boat docked in New York Citys Hudson River has been identified as a "beloved" employee of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement shared with PEOPLE on Monday, May 26, the department announced the victim was Raymond Feige, 59. Ray began his career with DEP in 1991 and, over the course of 33 years, brought deep technical expertise and unwavering dedication to the Citys critical wastewater operations, the agency said. Ray spent his entire DEP career in the Marine Section it was his home away from home. His bond with his shipmates and love of working on the water kept him committed to the fleet for more than three decades, officials added. Feige was fatally hurt while working on the vessel docked at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in West Harlem on Saturday, May 24, the DEP said in a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities told the New York Post they received a report about a person in the water. When they arrived at the scene, they found that a large explosion had ripped through the hull of the vessel. A second DEP employee on the vessel was injured and taken to a hospital, the department stated in its Facebook post, while a third employee refused medical treatment at the scene. The incident remains under investigation, said the Department of Environmental Protection in its Monday statement. The boat, which transports raw sewage from the city to a nearby treatment facility, was operated by the DEP, according to NBC affiliate WNBC and the Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms with the New York City Fire Department said a compartment containing raw sewage that was being transported exploded, The New York Times reported. The resulting force knocked Feige into the water, pinning him between the boat and the pier. Sources later told the New York Post that, based on preliminary findings, Feige was welding on the boat. They added that methane from the sewage possibly became trapped in a tight space on the vessel and sparked the blast when it came into contact with flame from the welding torch. 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. DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala paid tribute to Feige in his agencys Monday statement, saying that the victim was "a respected engineer and a steady, beloved colleague who will be deeply missed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences upon hearing the news of Feiges death on Saturday. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time, he said in a statement posted on X. The explosion took place one week after a Mexican Navy ship crashed into New York City's Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, killing two people and injuring more than a dozen others. At the time of the crash, 277 people were onboard, officials said. Read the original article on People A man charged in connection to the attack of an elderly woman in her Orange County home will stay behind bars, at least for now. Judge Cherish Adams on Tuesday said there were no release conditions she could implement that would not make Deriko Hill a threat to the community. Sheriffs investigators say Hill, 26, battered the 90-year-old victim at her HarborChase of Dr. Phillips apartment on April 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said video captured Hill on the property. On May 20, deputies arrested Hill near a different care facility, Brookdale Senior Living, after Orange County Sheriffs Office said someone tipped them off to a suspicious person there. Hills charges include burglary of a dwelling with assault or battery, attempted sexual battery and battery on person 65 years of age of older. Monitor WFTV.com for updates on this case. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) A man accused of beating his girlfriends husband to death at their home in Gallatin was charged with first-degree murder, according to court documents. Around 2:40 a.m. on May 17, Gallatin Police responded to a residence in the 100 block of West Hite Street, where they found 65-year-old Stephen Thomas deceased. Court documents said Thomas was found with numerous injuries to his hands, face and abdomen. Authorities found a broken glass mug and a broken brick near the body, which are believed to have been used in the murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect in custody after man found dead in Gallatin home Investigators interviewed Thomas wife, who found the body and reported it to police shortly after she was released from Sumner County Jail. She told authorities that after her release she met with 29-year-old Jovanny Daniel Ruiz, a man she was romantically involved with for several weeks prior, at an apartment on East Winchester Street in Gallatin. When she arrived at the apartment around 1:50 a.m., Ruiz had blood on his mouth and hands. She then left the apartment, stopped at a convenience store, and headed to the residence on West Hite Street, where she discovered her husbands body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said video surveillance footage from the early morning hours of May 17 captured Ruiz walking from West Hite Street with bloody clothing. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com A witness who was interviewed during the investigation claimed Ruiz had told him earlier in the evening that he intended to beat up Thomas because he believed Thomas was responsible for the womans arrest. Around 7 a.m., officers arrived at Ruizs apartment and found him with a bloody cut on his chest and blood on his knuckles. Documents said he was in the same pants that he was wearing in the surveillance video. He reportedly told officers he was involved in a fight about five hours before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruiz was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is being held in Sumner County Jail without bond. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man accused of taking his victims gun and killing him with it inside a Las Vegas business was released from prison last month for threatening a restaurant employee with a knife, documents said. Kyle Capucci, 36, who police described as unhoused, faces a charge of open murder with a deadly weapon in the death of David Carcamo, 21. On Friday, May 23, Capucci allegedly shot Carmaco with Carmacos gun inside an AutoZone store on Charleston Boulevard near Maryland Parkway, documents said. Carmaco was open carrying the firearm on his hip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses informed officers David was shot by Kyle, who arrived at the AutoZone moments before the shooting and was acting erratic, police wrote in court documents. Kyle was approached by David and an AutoZone employee who asked if Kyle was OK. David was in possession of a firearm, which he was open carrying on his person near his waistband. Almost immediately after David approached Kyle, Kyle lunged towards David and disarmed him, taking his firearm from his person. Police later found Capucci running near the shooting scene, they said, adding he was not wearing pants or shoes. Detectives interviewed Capucci, who told them he had to shoot Carmaco in the head, police said. In 2022, Capucci pleaded guilty to an attempted robbery charge after police said he threatened a restaurant employee with a knife, documents said. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors did not oppose Capucci entering drug court and serving probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the months afterward, Capucci violated his probation and self-terminated from the drug court program, records said. Clark County District Court Judge Kathleen Delaney then sentenced him to 2-5 years in prison. Capucci was released from custody on April 28, a Department of Corrections spokesperson confirmed. The Nevada Parole Board denied him parole after a 2024 hearing. During Capuccis probable cause hearing on the murder charge, Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Daniel Westmeyer declined to set bail. Capucci did not appear in the hearing. Capucci was due to return to court on Wednesday, 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 KLAS. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A man was arrested Monday after reports state he falsely claimed to be a police officer and work for the Department of Homeland Security. Read next: More unruly teens reported at Target Police were called to the 7300 block of Market Street in the area of Chilis/BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse around 9 a.m. Monday after a caller reported a suspicious person. The caller told police a man with purple braided hair was wearing a police T-shirt, hat and handcuffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A nearby officer was sent to the area to investigate, and he found a man wearing a police uniform-style 8-point hat with two pins attached to the front displaying the insignia for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The officer noted the man also had two sets of handcuffs attached to the front belt loop of his jeans, along with a homemade badge hanging around his neck. Reports state the man was wearing a homemade ID badge with his picture on one side and the other stating Officer Youngblood [His Name] Department of Homeland Security Police Cyberbullying Unit. The officer asked why the man was wearing clothes resembling a law enforcement officer, to which he reportedly replied that he is a police officer, a secret agent and volunteer agent for Homeland Security. The man also told police he was currently married to Ariana Grande and is friends with Taylor Swift, reports state. Police searched the man for any legal forms of ID issued by the Department of Homeland Security but were unable to find any, according to reports. He was then placed under arrest on the fourth-degree misdemeanor charge of impersonating a police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you ever encounter a person and are skeptical of their position as a law enforcement officer, you can request their name and badge number and call your local police to confirm if they are employed there. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 5, 2024 shows a night view of the Wangxian Valley Scenic Spot in Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua) NANCHANG, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Imagine standing on a balcony at night, the ground disappearing into a dark abyss below while a pattern of glittering stars stretches endlessly across the sky canvas above. This breathtaking scene is a reality at a cliffside hotel in east China. "It was a thrilling and romantic experience I'll never forget," said a guest surnamed Zhang, who recently stayed at the hotel located in the Wangxian Valley Scenic Spot in Jiangxi Province. Once a granite mining quarry where villagers had lived and worked, Wangxian Valley has been transformed into a popular tourist destination following a government ban on disorderly mining, with its natural cliffs creatively repurposed into attractions such as cliffside hotels, cliff skywalks and waterfalls. Thanks to its ethereal and mystical views, this valley has garnered wide attention online. The hashtag "Wangxian Valley" has racked up approximately 3.23 billion views on the Chinese short-video sharing platform Douyin. In the first quarter of 2025, the valley hosted 615,800 visitors, generating 120 million yuan (about 16.71 million U.S. dollars) in revenue. This tourism boom has also benefited surrounding villagers. Many of them have opened shops and restaurants within the scenic area, while others have found jobs such as waiters and cleaners. The success of Wangxian Valley exemplifies Jiangxi's efforts to tap into its rich mountainous and hilly landscapes -- accounting for over 70 percent of the province's land area -- by developing distinctive "cliff" tourism. "Cliff-themed scenic spots not only offer tourists unique and immersive experiences, but also enhance Jiangxi's cultural tourism appeal," said an official from the provincial cultural and tourism department. A similar transformation has taken place in Huangling Village in Jiangxi, where homes and terraced fields form part of the mountainside views. Due to inconvenient transportation, most residents opted to relocate to the foot of the mountain, and the village there was soon renovated into a scenic area. The traditional local scene of drying crops on bamboo trays in autumn, known as Shaiqiu, has been reimagined as a tourism trademark. Vast terraced fields have been planted with rapeseed flowers, while the once dilapidated Huizhou-style cliffside buildings have been turned into homestays. "The homestay offers a 'window-to-scenery' experience. During spring, when the rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, it feels like tourists are waking up in a sea of blossoms," said Cheng Hong, a staff member at Huangling scenic spot. Meanwhile, cliff shuttle trains began operating earlier this year in the Dajue Mountain Scenic Area in Jiangxi. Notably, a third of the 11.8-kilometer train route runs directly along a cliff. Passengers can enjoy a "hanging" experience in the air and are treated to sweeping views of canyons, dense forests, seas of clouds and cliffs adorned with blooming rhododendrons. "It's the least physically demanding mountain climbing experience," commented one visitor. Since its launch, the cliff train service has welcomed 184,700 passengers, including over 50,000 during the 2025 May Day holiday period. China continues to promote tourism tailored to local strengths by leveraging resources such as geographical diversity and culture. Data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed that total domestic tourism expenditure had reached 1.8 trillion yuan in the first quarter this year, with 1.79 billion domestic trips made during this period. An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 4, 2024 shows a night view of the Wangxian Valley Scenic Spot in Shangrao City, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua) Editor: WXY DENVER (KDVR) Aurora police on Friday arrested a man now charged with first-degree murder in connection to a deadly Brighton stabbing, the Brighton Police Department announced Tuesday morning. Acts of violence like this have no place in our community, Brighton Police Chief Matthew Domenico said in a press release. We extend our sympathies to the victims family. We are grateful for the dedication and commitment of our investigations team, along with our partners with Aurora Police Department in safely taking this suspect into custody. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stabbing happened on May 15 in the 3000 block of Bridge Street. Officers responded to a residence in the area at about 5:05 p.m. for a medical call of an unconscious male when they found a 24-year-old man suffering from stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. The Adams County Coroners Office will identify the man. The 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office last week issued an arrest warrant for a first-degree murder charge for Johnny Jose Moreno, 52, after Brighton police presented the case, and Aurora police found and arrested Moreno Friday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. CHICAGO (WGN) A man was arrested Monday morning for entering a restricted area of a downtown Chicago Transit Authority Red Line station and firing shots up toward the sidewalk through a sewer grate. Chicago police said the incident happened just after 8 a.m. at the Monroe CTA Red Line station. A male suspect, identified as Rayvon Savary, went into a restricted area at the station, pulled out a gun and fired shots upward toward State Street, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago leaders seek curfew to curb teen street takeovers Police said no one was hit by the gunfire. Officers later arrived and took the suspect into custody without incident. Investigators added a gun was recovered and Savary is currently facing two felony weapons charges. Savary is due back in court Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) A man was beaten and robbed after three suspects allegedly followed him into a store in Manhattan on March 11, according to the NYPD. Police said it happened along St. Nicholas Avenue around 10:10 p.m. The suspects are accused of demanding money from the 24-year-old victim, according to authorities. More Local News Police said one of the suspects allegedly pulled out of gun and used it to hit the victim multiple times. Two suspects are accused of leaving the store to try and steal the victims Jeep Cherokee that was parked outside, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the suspects allegedly stole cash but were unable to steal the car. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State All three suspects fled the store in a Ford Explorer with the victims cellphone and wallet, according to authorities. No arrests have been made and an investigation is ongoing. 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. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) A man has been charged with allegedly strangling a woman and abusing an infant in Monongalia County. On May 12, deputies with the Monongalia County Sheriffs Department responded to a call of a dispute taking place at Timberline Apartments in Morgantown, according to a criminal complaint. Doryian Williams While en route, deputies were advised that a female victim had gotten to a different residence and informed the occupants that Doryian Williams, 24, of Braddock, Pennsylvania, had punched her, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After officers arrived, the victim told them that Williams had taken her cell phone and restrained her from leaving for multiple hours, according to the complaint. During the time Williams held the victim, he also grabbed a newborn infant from the victim, held [the infant] by the foot over the bed and slammed [the infant] onto the bed before knocking the adult victim to the ground and choking her, deputies said. Mary Lou Retton had screw top wine bottle in her Porsche during DUI arrest in Fairmont, complaint says After choking the victim, Williams grabbed a handgun and held it in his hand while he began to yell at her angrily and then struck the victim with the handgun multiple times, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams has been charged with strangulation and child abuse. He is being held in North Central 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. [Watch in the player above: What to do if you witness a crash] AKRON, Ohio (WJW) Akron police said the suspect in a Sunday afternoon hit-and-run ran over a 50-year-old man and dragged him beneath his vehicle through a parking lot. Police just before 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, responded to a report of a hit-and-run accident at the Circle K gas station at 440 W. Market St. Thats next to the I Promise School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bright light: Teen who died after fall from Memorial Day parade float in Green remembered as loyal and funny Thomas N. Felber, 41, of Mogadore, first assaulted the man before getting into his car, and striking the man, dragging him through a parking lot, according to a Tuesday news release from Akron police. Felber then reportedly fled the scene. Patrol officers later stopped his vehicle and arrested him without incident, according to the release. The victim, a 50-year-old man, was transported to a local hospital, where hes listed in critical condition, according to the release. The video circulating on social media is disturbing and painful to watch. I want the community to know that we find this disturbing as well and we share their concern, Akron police Lt. Michael Murphy is quoted in the release. Our thoughts are with the victim, and we are praying for his recovery as he battles for his life. We are thankful that our Major Crimes Unit detectives acted quickly to identify and arrest the suspect. We remain committed to pursuing justice in this case. We appreciate the communitys support and ask that you keep the victim in your prayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lucky to be alive: Car driving erratically hits semi, lands in ravine in Lake County crash Felber is charged in Akron Municipal Court with a count of felonious assault. He was arraigned on Tuesday morning and handed a $50,000 bond. He later posted 10% of that bond. His case now goes before a grand jury for possible indictment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. A man has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash in Framingham over the weekend that left a woman dead, authorities announced Monday. Stewart Anderson, 44, of Framingham, was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of an accident causing personal injury or death, according to the Framingham Police Department. Officers responding to a report of a crash involving a pedestrian in the area of 1881 Worcester Road found a 41-year-old woman in need of immediate emergency treatment, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman, whose name hasnt been released, was rushed to MetroWest Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Anderson was later tracked down and taken into custody. Police didnt say when hed be called to court to face a judge. State police troopers assigned to the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are assisting Framingham police with an investigation into the deadly crash. 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 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A man wanted for a carjacking incident in East Nashville is behind bars after attacking liquor store employees during a shoplifting attempt, officials said. On Sunday, May 25, officers were called to Murfreesboro Pike Wine and Spirits after receiving reports of an armed man fighting with store employees. The employees allegedly told officers that a man later identified as 28-year-old Laurele London asked to buy two small liquor bottles at a discounted rate. When the cashier agreed and gestured for him to pay at the counter, London continued to walk toward the door. The cashier attempted to stop him, and London reportedly told him he would rock him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 wanted in connection to multiple Murfreesboro vehicle break-ins, police say When the employee attempted to grab the bottles, London punched him in the face and they began to wrestle on the ground, reports said. A second employee then joined the scuffle in an attempt to get London to leave. During the struggle London reportedly tried to pull out a firearm, but dropped it. According to an arrest report, he then attempted to strangle one of the employees and smashed several liquor bottles over both of their heads, leaving them with injuries. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said after several minutes of fighting, London left the store and ran northbound on Murfreesboro Pike. A Metro Police helicopter and K-9 units were sent out in the area to track London, while both employees were transported to a hospital for treatment. A K-9 tracked London to a wooded area in the 2000 block of Murfreesboro Pike and bit his leg before officers placed him under arrest. He was transported to a hospital for treatment. London reportedly had eight warrants at the time of his arrest. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com According to court documents, on March 12, London and another man carjacked a man at gunpoint at a gas station on Shelby Avenue. London was identified by the victim because they knew each other and had previously lived together. The vehicle was later found abandoned near Grace Street and Joseph Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He faces 12 charges, including seven felonies. He remains jailed on a $138,000 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 WKRN News 2. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A man went before a judge Tuesday afternoon and was charged with attacking two women who were sucker punched in downtown Wichita earlier this month. The district attorneys office charged Ishara Samson with two misdemeanor counts of battery and one felony. Ishara Samson appears before a judge on May 27, 2025. (KSN News Photo) One of the women talked to KSN News about being attacked. Brittany Starkey was walking with her boyfriend near Douglas and St. Francis Avenue on May 3. As the couple waited at a crosswalk, a man approached them from the opposite side of the street and punched Starkey in the face without warning and ran away. Courtesy: Brittany Starkey Courtesy: Brittany Starkey Moments later, the man allegedly attacked another woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starkey said the man was arrested and then released on his recognizance. Court documents show that Samson was rearrested on Saturday. Friends of pregnant Wichita woman killed in shooting honor her memory Starkey said she suffered teeth damage and pain and needed therapy. She spoke out because she wanted the attacker to be charged with a felony. While the battery charges are not felonies, Samson was charged with one felony count for an alleged offender registration violation. Judge Shawn Elliott set bail at $100,000 for the felony count and scheduled Samsons next court appearance for June 9. 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. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) A man convicted in a 2019 Whitemarsh Island rape was sentenced to life without parole Friday. Kasey Levi Lyons Dyak was convicted in May 2025. According to the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD), on June 1, 2019, a woman was sleeping in her Colonial Grand apartment when a stranger broke in and woke her up by sexually assaulting her. Kasey Levi Lyons Dyak (provided by CCPD) He had entered her apartment by cutting the screen door while she was sleeping, the Chatham County District Attorneys (DA) Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dyak was identified as the suspect in 2023 after he was being investigated for another sexual assault in Florida where his DNA was uploaded from the Florida investigation into CODIS, (Combined DNA Index System). It matched DNA taken from the Chatham County victim taken in 2019. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mykhailo Mishchenko, Razumkov Centre Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has recently made another statement about the protection of the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine: On the territory of Ukraine, lying beyond the constitutional borders of the Russian Federation, millions of people speak Russian, it is their native language. Leaving them under the rule of the junta that has forbidden even speaking Russian, but not thinking yet, would be a very grave crime. Regarding grave crimes, Lavrov and his team are indeed recognized experts. Taking advantage of the fact that thinking has not been forbidden yet in Ukraine, sociologists from Razumkov Centre sought to find out the opinions of those citizens of Ukraine who more often use Russian in their everyday life (from Lavrovs point of view, despite all prohibitions) about the current situation and, in particular, Russias actions at their liberation from the junta's rule. According to the public opinion poll conducted by the Razumkov Centre Sociological Service jointly with the Kyiv Security Forum on April 24 - May 4, 2025 (2,021 respondents aged above 18 years were polled in all regions of Ukraine except for temporarily occupied territories), 11% of respondents reported that they mainly spoke Russian at home. Exactly this group suffered the most in course of their liberation from the junta - 23% of them said that during the full-scale war they stayed at least for some time in the area of hostilities or in the territory that was shelled by artillery, 12% - that their housing was damaged or completely destroyed. 41% have relatives or friends (military or civilian) who died or were injured as a result of military operations or shelling after February 24, 2022. Every fourth person had to leave his place of permanent residence for more than one month after the start of the war (17% have returned home, and 7% still temporarily live in other regions of Ukraine) this does not include those staying abroad. Another 2% said they had left their homes after 2014 (the occupation of Crimea and parts of Donbas). Identity When asked what they primarily identify with, 48% of this group named Ukraine, 20% - the city or village where they live, 12% - the region in which they live, 10% - the Soviet Union, 4% - the European Union, only 2% - Russia. 11% of them called themselves faithful to the UOC (Moscow Patriarchate), while almost twice as many (20%) said to be believers of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Only 14% said "Yes" to the question: Do you plan to leave Ukraine for another country for permanent residence after the war?, 69% - "No". Only 13% of them expressed a positive (or largely positive) attitude to Russia, 82% - a negative one. For comparison: 79% reported a positive attitude to France, 75% to Great Britain, and 71.5% to Poland. Answering the question: Which model of social development seems more attractive to you?, 42% preferred the European model, only 6% - the Russian one. Attitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, readiness to make concessions, belief in victory, idea of the relations between Ukraine and Russia after the war 81.5% of those who usually communicate in Russian at home trust the Armed Forces of Ukraine (only 14% don't). 4% have reported that they either participate in the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or support the country's defence as volunteers, 24.5% support the country's defence financially. Answering the question: "If it depended on you, what would you be ready to give up during negotiations with Russia?", only 17% of Russian-speaking citizens answered that they were ready to give up Ukrainian territories, 26% - the pro-Western vector of free development of Ukraine. 54% believe that Ukraine should not agree to any reduction of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as a condition for a peace agreement with Russia (only 27% believe that it should agree to it). 55% of this group believe in Ukraine's victory in the war with Russia (33% don't). And only 40% believe in the possibility of signing a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia in the near future (48% do not believe in it). Finally, after Ukraine's victory and de-occupation of its territory, 47% of Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine would support a complete break of all relations with Russia, up to a comprehensive ban on Russian citizens entering Ukraine (39% would not support it). So, the majority of Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine have something to say to Lavrov in his native language, if, of course, he wanted to listen to them. Results of a public opinion poll conducted by the Razumkov Centre Sociological Service jointly with the Kyiv Security Forum from April 24 to May 4, 2025. The face-to-face poll was conducted in Vinnytsia, Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Transcarpathian, Zaporizhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Lviv, Mykolayiv, Odesa, Poltava, Rivne, Sumy, Ternopil, Kharkiv, Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi regions and the city of Kyiv (in Zaporizhia, Donetsk, Mykolayiv, Kharkiv, Kherson regions only in the territories controlled by the government of Ukraine and free of hostilities). The poll was conducted using a stratified multi-stage sample with random selection at the first stages of sampling and quota selection of respondents at the final stage (when respondents were selected on the basis of gender and age quotas). The sample structure reflects the demographic structure of the adult population of the territories where the poll was conducted as of the beginning of 2022 (by age, sex, settlement type). 2,021 respondents aged 18 and over were polled. The sample theoretical error does not exceed 2.3%. However, additional systemic deviations of the sample may be caused by the consequences of Russian aggression, in particular, forced evacuation of millions of citizens. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A man sustained life-threatening injuries after being shot Monday night. According to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch, officers were dispatched to the area of Maylan Drive around 10:22 p.m. on report of the shooting. Our 2 News photographer spoke with a Dayton Police Department sergeant at the scene who said that the man was struck by a single gunshot wound. The sergeant confirmed that the adult male was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton Police said Tuesday that the shooting occurred in Harrison Township and will be investigated further by the Montgomery 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 WDTN.com. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department is looking for a man who aggressively tried to confront the residents of an Agoura Hills home because they displayed a Palestinian flag in a window. The incident occurred on Sept. 28, 2024, when a man aggressively pounded on the victims front door, caused damage to the door, & made threatening, racially charged statements, the LASD said on X, formerly Twitter. In an attached bulletin, investigators tied those threats and racist statements to a Palestinian flag displayed in an upstairs window of the home in the 30400 block of Passageway Place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LASD said this is a hate crime investigation. Officials say this man damaged a door and made racist statements in Agoura Hills on Sept. 28, 2024. (LASD) Authorities described the suspect as being about 30 years old, and he was wearing a white shirt and black pants. He also wears glasses, according to images provided by the LASD. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Aquino at 818-878-1808. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CLEVELAND (WJW) A 40-year-old man died Friday after he was shot multiple times, according to Cleveland Police. Teen identified following local Memorial Day tragedy Just after 8:45 p.m. police received a ShotSpotter alert for the area of E. 126th St. and Forest Ave. As officers responded to the scene, they heard additional gunshots in the area. Upon approaching the sound of the shots, officers observed a vehicle moving at a very slow speed, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle eventually came to a stop and officers attempted to make contact with the driver, but they couldnt see inside the vehicle because the windows were heavily tinted. Officers then broke a window and found a man inside whod been shot multiple times. They started first aid on the victim until EMS arrived. One dead after fiery, head-on crash: EMS The 40-year-old man, identified as Jenay Davis, was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. No arrests have been made and the shooting remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. One man has died and another is hurt after an early-morning crash Tuesday in rural Lincoln County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. MSHP reports that a 63-year-old man from Wright City, Missouri, died in the crash, while an 18-year-old driver from Winfield, Missouri, suffered serious injuries. The crash involved two drivers in two vehicles. It occurred around 7 a.m. Tuesday on Missouri Route J near Forest Lake Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff pleads the Fifth repeatedly over questions about mysterious death According to an MSHP crash report, the 18-year-old driver veered off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected and began to skid. His vehicle crossed a centerline and struck a second vehicle, driven by the 63-year-old man. Investigators say the 63-year-old mans vehicle overturned off the right side of the roadway, while the 18-year-old driver was ejected from his vehicle upon impact. Both drivers were rushed to hospitals after the crash. The 63-year-old driver later died from injuries in the crash. MSHP Troop C, which covers much of the St. Louis region, is investigating the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. James Blanchard told police he had two beers while at a landscaping job on Saturday, after working that morning at his job as a mechanic. When he left his landscaping job, he opened a 1.75 liter bottle of Titos vodka. He began drinking straight out of the bottle and drove home in his truck, prosecutor Christopher Meade said during his arraignment on motor vehicle homicide and other charges in Wrentham District Court on Tuesday. Investigators later found a second, empty 1.75 liter bottle of Titos in his truck that Blanchard told police was from the night before, Meade said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While driving home around 6:22 p.m. Saturday, Blanchard crashed into a Honda Accord carrying a family of four on Grove Street in Franklin, Meade said. They were going to Blackstone for a family birthday party. A 5-year-old girl, who has not been identified, died following the crash, Meade said. Her mother and brother were taken to a local hospital in critical condition. Her father, the driver of the Honda, was treated and released. Blanchard, 21, of Franklin, was ordered held on $250,000 cash bail following his arraignment Tuesday, with conditions for his release including that he not drive, be alcohol free and submit to alcohol testing. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is charged with motor vehicle homicide while driving negligently and under the influence of alcohol, three counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury, negligent driving, driving a motor vehicle with an open container of alcohol, and marked lanes violation, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey. Prosecutors said Blanchard does not have a prior criminal record. His driving record shows several speeding infractions, an open container violation, and a couple of previous surchargeable accidents, Meade said. Defense attorney Timothy Flaherty asked the court to impose a lesser amount of $10,000 cash bail, with conditions for his release to include electronic monitoring and that he enter an alcohol rehabilitation center. Its probably the right place for this young man at this time, Flaherty said. Its a significant case but significant penalties. But I can tell the court that this young man is not a risk of flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Thomas Finigan, citing the severity of the case and the potential for additional charges given the condition of the other passengers, set bail at $250,000, the amount requested by prosecutors. He said hed revisit the bail amount if the case remains in the district court. Around 6:22 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash at 76 Grove St. When officers arrived, they found a truck in the middle of the road, and a Honda Accord off to the side of the road. Emergency crews performed CPR on a woman and young girl who were outside of the car and seriously injured, Meade said. The mother and daughter and two others were all taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where the girl was later pronounced dead. At the scene, Blanchard, the driver of the truck, had blood on his nose, glassy eyes and was slurring his speech, Meade said. Officers noted an odor of alcohol coming from him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His eyes were bloodshot, glassy, Meade said. They asked him if he was OK, he told them he was OK. Blanchard told the officers he was coming from Plainville where he works. He told officers he didnt remember too much of the crash. When asked by responding officers if he had been drinking, Blanchard initially told them he had not. Officers noted two 1.75 liter handles of vodka and beers inside his truck. They asked Blanchard to submit to a portable breath test, to which he agreed, Meade said. His blood alcohol level came back .19, Meade said, more than twice the legal limit for driving in Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the test was being analyzed, Blanchard told police he had a beer earlier in the day. He was placed under arrest and taken by ambulance to Milton Hospital. Meanwhile, the girls father, the driver of the Honda Accord, told police that he saw Blanchards truck coming in his lane and tried to avoid being hit by the truck by turning left, but the crash still happened, Meade said. Witnesses driving behind the Honda Accord told police they saw the Honda suddenly jerk to the left and they saw the crash. The next day, around 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Franklin Police detectives interviewed Blanchard, who agreed to speak with them, Meade said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told investigators he had worked from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday as a mechanic in Plainville and then stopped by a liquor store in Plainville where he bought a 1.75 Liter of Titos vodka and a beer. He then told police he went to do landscaping, where he had two beers. When he left he opened the bottle of Titos and began drinking straight out of it and drove home. When asked about the 2 bottles of Titos in the car, he said the empty one was from the night before and the one that was a quarter full of vodka was the bottle he had bought earlier in the day and was drinking before the crash, Meade said. Investigators are reviewing surveillance videos from area businesses at the time of the crash, Meade said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blanchard is due back in court on June 24. 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 downtown St. Petersburg restaurant owner fatally stabbed a man with a screwdriver Friday after the man attacked him, police said. Officers responded to AHI Sushi, 364 First Avenue N., shortly before 6 p.m. Friday and found Dustin Hedenburg, 41, injured, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. Hedenburg was taken to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, where he died. Detectives learned that Hedenberg had been behaving erratically and punched a person at the nearby Scientology Center, 336 First Avenue N., moments before the stabbing, a news release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hedenberg had a heated exchange with AHI Sushi owner Fayun Zhang before he knocked Zhang down and began punching him, police said. Zhang, 51, then grabbed a screwdriver and stabbed Hedenberg. Zhang has not been charged in connection with the stabbing. Detectives will continue to investigate along with the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorneys Office, police said. TOPEKA (KSNT) New information is out after a man was accused of spraying bullets at an occupied car in central Topeka earlier this year. 27 News obtained court documents this month that detail new information about what led up to the arrest of Rahjgerio G. Smith, 24, for several charges, including murder in the second degree. Police say he fired a handgun multiple times at another man as he passed by Smith in an SUV in late April. The Topeka Police Department (TPD) received reports of gunshots from numerous people around 5:50 p.m. on April 28 in the area of Southwest Lincoln Street and Southwest Huntoon Street. Man charged in shooting near Topeka school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses at the scene told police a man had fired a gun several times at a passing GMC Envoy, according to court documents. TPD officers arrested Smith, noting that he was displaying erratic behavior at the time. Law enforcement reviewed surveillance video in the aftermath of the shooting incident, noting that Smith was seen pointing a handgun around while acting agitated and aggressive, according to court documents. He is also seen on video allegedly pointing his firearm at passing vehicles several times. Police say Smith wandered around the area for several minutes before a GMC Envoy approached the intersection of Huntoon and Lincoln, according to court documents. Smith allegedly walked up to the vehicle, had a brief interaction with the driver before shooting at the GMC. The driver of the GMC, a 33-year-old man, fled the area after seeing that Smith was armed with a handgun, according to court documents. Police note the driver, who did not know Smith, was also armed but chose to drive away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Smith allegedly fired his handgun 16 times at the 33-year-olds vehicle as he left the area, according to court documents. Police also located another person who reported suffering damage to his vehicle as a result of stray bullets from the shooting. Mans truck parked at casino for hours before deadly crash that killed a Topeka teacher: court documents The Shawnee County District Attorneys Office filed criminal charges against Smith on May 1. His charges include: Attempted murder in the 2nd degree. Criminal discharge of a firearm; recklessly at occupied vehicle. Aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon. Criminal damage to property; without consent value < $1,000. Criminal use of weapons; possession of a firearm by person convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence. Criminal damage to property; without consent value < $1,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more crime 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. Photo: https://mfa.gov.ua/ Ukraine is prepared to become a key energy hub for Azerbaijan in Europe, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced following a "strategically important and eventful" visit to Baku. "Like the EU, we view Azerbaijan as a key contributor to Europe's energy security and are ready to support this with our expertise in transit and our gas storage facilities, which are the largest in Europe. Ukraine is ready to become a key energy hub for Azerbaijan in Europe," Sybiha wrote on Facebook. He emphasized that Azerbaijan is a critically important partner in enhancing Ukraine's resilience especially in the energy sector and in promoting Ukraine and its efforts toward achieving a just and lasting peace among Turkic and Islamic nations. "I discussed all of this in detail at every meeting first and foremost with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a friend of Ukraine, Ilham Aliyev. I personally thanked him for Azerbaijan's principled stance in respecting Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. I also expressed special gratitude for the humanitarian and energy assistance provided by Azerbaijan from the earliest days of the full-scale invasion and during the harshest winters, for offering shelter to Ukrainians, supporting the recovery of our children, and contributing to the reconstruction of Irpin," the minister said. He stressed that Azerbaijan is a strategic partner, and now is the right moment to give this partnership new momentum, particularly at the highest political level. Sybiha reminded that this was also agreed upon by Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ilham Aliyev during their meeting in Davos. According to Sybiha, during meetings with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, they discussed the full agenda of bilateral relations with a particular focus on trade, investment, and energy. "We agreed to work on holding a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in the near future," the foreign minister reported. The two sides also had a detailed discussion about Azerbaijani business operations in Ukraine and increasing investment. Despite the Russian invasion, Ukraine remains an attractive market and a reliable partner, Sybiha said, adding, "We will support and protect Azerbaijani investments in the Ukrainian economy." The minister also briefed his Azerbaijani counterparts on the negotiation process with the EU and the implications of Ukraine's potential membership for Azerbaijani investment and business. The parties further discussed Azerbaijan's participation in the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled for July 1011 in Rome. Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine counts on Azerbaijan's involvement. In this context, they also addressed cooperation in the field of demining, as Azerbaijan possesses high-quality expertise and proprietary technologies that are in great demand in Ukraine. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A man accused of wielding a machete during an attack on a neighbor who fought him off with nunchucks last year has been found incompetent to stand trial. An evaluation completed for David Wright, 61, also found that his competency can not be restored. The finding was made official last week in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court after Judge Anthony Donofrio ordered the evaluation after a request by Wrights attorney, Walter Madison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright was facing a charge of felonious assault, a second-degree felony, after he was arrested for an Aug. 31 attack on a man at an apartment complex on East Wood Street. The victim came to the police station on Sept. 3 and told police he knocked on the door of an apartment on Aug. 31, and a man inside, later identified as Wright, yelled that the victim had the wrong apartment. The victim moved on and was about to knock on another door when Wright came out of his apartment and swung a rusted machete at the victim, reports said. Reports said the victim took a pair of nunchucks he had and used them to defend himself. Wright later went back inside his apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives viewed video surveillance of the incident before filing 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 WKBN.com. Editors note: Video is from a previous story ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. A Festus, Missouri, man has been charged after attempting a daring escape from authorities following a bi-state police pursuit. According to the St. Louis County Police Departments probable cause statement, the pursuit began around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, on eastbound Interstate 70 near the Blanchette Bridge in Earth City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said officers attempted to pull over Jack J. Roper (age not provided), who was driving a Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck bearing Audi license plates. Roper swerved toward a police vehicle during the pursuit, police said. Officers eventually spiked Ropers tires. The chase went over the Chain of Rocks Bridge into Illinois and came back over the bridge back toward Missouri. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Police said Roper stopped on the bridge, got out the truck, and threatened to jump from the bridge into the Mississippi River. Officers attempted to talk Roper into surrendering, but he grabbed a piece of lumber from the truck and tossed it into the river before jumping after it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roper left behind two people in the truck. One of the individuals told police they did not want to be involved and told Roper to stop multiple times. Police said they located Roper at the water treatment plant in Riverview, thanks to the use of the St. Louis Fire Departments boats. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Roper with two counts of second-degree assault, one count of aggravated fleeing a stop or detention, and one count of second-degree kidnapping. Roper remains jailed on a $500,000 cash-only bond. Online records did not show when Roper is scheduled to appear in court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. One man was killed and two Los Angeles police officers were injured in a traffic collision in Sun Valley. The man, who was about 65, was turning left from Cleon Avenue onto Saticoy Street when the collision occurred about 2 p.m. Monday, said Tony Im, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department. The two officers were headed east on Saticoy Street with their siren and lights on, responding to a call about a violation of a restraining order for domestic violence, when their patrol cruiser collided with the man's vehicle, Im said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency personnel extricated the man from the vehicle, and he was pronounced dead. The man's name was not given. The two officers were transported to a hospital for their injuries, which were not life-threatening, Im said. Images broadcast by KTLA showed a silver Honda sedan with damage on the driver's side, and an LAPD Ford SUV with damage to its front end. There is a stop sign on Cleon Avenue where it meets Saticoy Street, which has a center turn lane but no traffic signal or stop sign at the location. No additional details about the incident were immediately available. 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. RIVERVIEW, Mo. A dispute over an online joke has escalated into a free speech controversy involving an Illinois man and the mayor of Riverview, Missouri. The City of Riverview recently issued a subpoena over the joke, and now the man behind it is fighting back. On Tuesday, the Institute for Justice, a national civil liberties law firm, sent a letter to Riverview city officials, calling on them to retract a subpoena issued against James Carroll. Carroll, a current resident of Collinsville, Illinois, formerly lived near Riverview in north St. Louis County and continues to follow updates on the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff pleads the Fifth repeatedly over questions about mysterious death In April, according to the Institute for Justice, Carroll posted a joke on neighborhood-based website Nextdoor that poked fun at Mayor Michael Cornell in response to recent news articles. While the law firm did not disclose the nature or exact content of the joke, it says a subpoena arrived just days later. The subpoena orders Carroll to appear at a Riverview meeting and testify on several allegations, including allegations that he cyberbullied Riverview residents, threatened a city official, and defamed someones character. The Institute for Justice claims this move violates Carrolls First Amendment Rights, contending that joking about officials is protected by free speech and that the subpoena amounts to unconstitutional retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The First Amendment is a bulwark against thin-skinned government officials abusing their authority to punish their critics, said Institute for Justice attorney Ben Field via a news release. You can understand why an elected official would be tempted to retaliate against somebody making a joke at their expense, which is why the Constitution stands in their way. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Carroll formally filed a lawsuit on April 17, 2025, to challenge the citys subpoena. A hearing to decide the validity of the subpoena is scheduled for Wednesday. The City of Riverview is located in the northeast corner of St. Louis County near the Mississippi River with a population of around 2,300 people. Cornell has served as the Citys mayor since 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX 2 has reached out to the City of Riverview for comment, but our request for comment has not been returned as of this storys publication. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A man who was arrested in Uganda for allegedly setting his wife on fire in Rochester pleaded guilty in court Tuesday. David Johnson pleaded guilty in court Tuesday to attempted murder and assault. He is expected to be sentenced to 12 years in prison and 5 years post-release supervision. On August 30, 2019, the victim was left with severe injuries after Johnson allegedly poured flammable liquid on her and lit her on fire. During the incident, investigators said he made threats to kill her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities attempted to search for Johnson, but they learned he had fled Rochester. The US Marshal Service and the Monroe County Sheriffs Office were able to track Johnson to Jamaica. It was alleged that Johnson used a fake ID and an alias to leave the country. It wasnt until February 2024 that authorities learned Johnson was in Uganda. Johnson was extradited from Uganda and arrested. Johnsons formal sentencing will be on July 29. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) The NYPD is searching for a man accused of attacking a 26-year-old on a subway platform in Queens on May 22. The incident happened around 7:40 a.m. at the 111th Street Station. More Local News The victim was on the Manhattan-bound J train platform when the suspect approached him and punched him multiple times in the face, according to the NYPD. The suspect allegedly demanded money, but did not steal anything and fled the station, police say. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket and a black hooded sweatshirt, and he had a black backpack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYPD released the following photos of the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Phil Bockmeier, a licensed mental health counselor, took to YouTube Monday to describe his grief days after he lost his entire family at the hands of his little brother. Phil Bockmeier said his parents left an impact on Albuquerque. He also referred to his brothers as kind, even the one behind the shootings. Around 3 a.m. Saturday, Albuquerque police said 35-year-old Andrew Bockmeier left his apartment and went to his parents home in the northeast heights near Candelaria Road and Louisiana Boulevard. Police say she shot and killed his father Stephen Bockemeier, his mother Marcia Bockemeier, and brother Erik Bockemeier. He then set the home on fire and drove to the New Mexico State Bar Association, where he took his own life. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phil Bockemeier, who lives in Tampa, Florida, is the only one left from his family who he says were all well educated. My dad graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in civil engineering, said Phil Bockemeier. Stephen Bockemeier worked for the City of Albuquerque for more than 20 years. Marcia Bockemeier graduated from Marquette with a degree in social work. She worked in several capacities in education, including at CNM teaching English as a second language. Both parents also pursued their passion in ministry. Erik Bockemeier, the oldest brother, graduated from the University of New Mexico with a film degree. He had snagged roles in movies and even Breaking Bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They all died at the hands of the youngest brother, Andrew Bockemeier. Graduated with a masters degree in classical studies from UNM before going to graduate from the New Mexico School of Law, said Phil Bockemeier. Phil added that Andrew was highly intelligent, passed the bar in 2020, but faced work stress and became unemployed. He was living alone and had a severe mental health collapse. He had no overt signs of escalating mental health concerns. But he had a long history of being reclusive, shy, socially awkward, but he was always kind, said Phil Bockemeier. Phil is a licensed mental health counselor who shares content on YouTube to improve mental health. He said he made the video so that what his family is going through means something. There is a hole inside of me that my brother wasnt able to get the help he desperately needed, said Phil Bockemeier. The Albuquerque Police Department believes Andrew Bockemeier was suffering from a mental health illness. They did find a note at the scene, but have not shared what was on it. Police are also still trying to figure out where he got the gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) Police are investigating after a man reported that his firearm was stolen out of his truck. The man told police he parked his truck in the lot of The Shops at Boardman Park in the area of Five Below and The Casual Pint to do some shopping around 2 p.m. Saturday. When he got back into his truck around an hour later, he told police he realized his gun was missing. The man said he forgot to lock his truck, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police instructed him to provide them with the firearms serial number so they could enter it into their system as stolen. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ukraine's Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Vitaliy Koval, and Sweden's Minister for Rural Affairs, Peter Kullgren, have signed a memorandum of cooperation in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, food production, and irrigation, according to the press service of Ukraine's Ministry of Agrarian Policy. "Just recently in Stockholm, we made a historic move by officially launching the 'Buy Ukrainian Products' initiative. And today in Brussels, I signed a memorandum of cooperation with Sweden's Minister for Rural Affairs, Peter Kullgren," said Koval, as quoted by the ministry. The agreement will remain in force for three years, with automatic renewal for another three-year term. It opens new avenues for bilateral collaboration in agriculture and food-related industries. Key areas of cooperation include the restoration and development of agricultural value chains and infrastructure in Ukraine through joint projects; support for commercial, scientific, and technological collaboration between public institutions, research centers, and other organizations in agriculture, fisheries, food production, and irrigation; alignment of Ukraine's agricultural and fisheries legislation with EU standards; and the exchange of expertise in sustainable and eco-friendly farming. Additionally, the two ministries agreed to work together in various agribusiness sectors, including grain, horticulture, poultry, meat and dairy, fish processing, niche crops, and food industry development. "Once again, Sweden has proven to be a reliable friend of Ukraine. I am confident that our partnership will benefit the agricultural sectors of both countries," Koval said. FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) A man who shot and killed a Florence airport officer in 2020 was sentenced on Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the 12th Circuit Solicitors Office said. James Edward Bell was sentenced for the killing of Jackson Winkeler. Solicitor Ed Clements said the death penalty was on the table until Bells life sentence. The death penalty was taken off the table through a negotiated sentence with agreement from all parties, including Winkelers family. Arrest warrants state that in early January 2020, Winkeler, a Florence Regional Airport Officer, initiated a traffic stop on a white 2014 Chrysler 200 on the airport property. During the traffic stop, Bell shot and killed Winkeler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When additional officers arrived, the warrants said they found Winkelers body on the ground beside his vehicle, and his service weapon was missing. Officers also found an empty 9mm handgun that did not belong to Winkeler, along with more than 30 spent shell casings. Bell was found in the Chrysler, which was near Highway 52, by Florence County Sheriffs deputies, according to the warrants. When deputies searched Bell, they found Winkelers service weapon and a magazine consistent with the handgun left near Winkelers body. Clements thanked law enforcement for their work on the case. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)- A man was sentenced to three years of probation in a 2024 Howland assault case. Denis Stanislaw was arrested in August 2024 after police said that he was accused of assaulting officers and medics. This past March, Stanislaw pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor assault charges. As a result of the plea, three misdemeanor sexual imposition charges were dismissed. Stanislaw is to comply with several sanctions, including that he is not to have illegal drugs or alcohol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A 60-year-old man was shot and killed by Salt Lake City Police during a response to a domestic violence call overnight. The Salt Lake City Police Department said its officers responded to the home near Judith Street and Hudson Avenue just after midnight on Tuesday, May 27. Police say the call was made by a woman who reported that her ex-husband was breaking into her home in violation of a court-issued order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman, who was hiding in one of the bedrooms with her two children, reportedly told police that her ex-husband had previously threatened to kill her and was inside the home. The woman also reported smelling gasoline in the area. Responding officers entered the home to intervene, and at least two officers fired their guns. The 60-year-old suspect was shot and, despite life-saving efforts, died on the scene. His identity has not been released. The woman and two children were not physically injured. SLCPD Chief Brian Redd said it was a life-threatening domestic violence call and a volatile situation where his officers worked to protect the lives of the woman and children inside the home. However, several investigations are ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue to support everyone involved as the investigation moves forward and will share additional information when appropriate, said Redd in a press release. The Officer Involved Critical Incident (OICI) protocol was initiated, and the two Salt Lake City Police Officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave. The Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake City is leading the OICI investigation. 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. A man stole a Boston Police officers gun and fired it during a scuffle, injuring himself, outside Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday morning, police said. The man was evidently suffering a mental health episode when he approached the officer, who was working a paid detail on Cambridge Street, and knocked the officers hat off, according to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. The man, whose name was not released, was injured but expected to survive. The officer, other officers also working the detail, and passing pedestrians together subdued the man and retrieved the gun, Cox said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were very thankful that no one was seriously injured, that our officer is doing OK, he said. Officers received a call to the area of 265 Cambridge St. just after 8:40 a.m., a Boston Police spokesperson said. The shooting drew a swarm of police to the bustling downtown street in Bostons West End, just outside the regions largest hospitals, during morning rush hour. Police cordoned off the street and were seen sweeping the ground for evidence an hour later. Information on the incident was limited as police launched an investigation, Cox said in Dorchester, where he, Mayor Michelle Wu and other officials had gathered for a planned 10 a.m. press conference on the citys public safety plan for the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person attacked the officer in some way, shape or form, was able to get hold of the officers firearm, discharged at least one round, injuring himself, Cox said. The suspect took the officers gun and ended up hurting himself, shooting himself with it. The man appeared to have been minimally injured, according to James Borghesani, a spokesperson for Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden. No one else was injured. Authorities took the man to a local hospital for treatment. Cox indicated the man could appear in court later Tuesday. The district attorneys office pledged a thorough investigation. It investigates all instances in which a police officers weapon is fired, Borghesani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu thanked police for their vigilance 24 hours a day and said the incident spoke to the unpredictable nature of their job. As you can see by how we started off today, theres always something that pops up, she said. The job of officers, whether theyre officially on duty, or theyre working a detail, or they are even just sometimes off duty with their families, is a constant call. Around 10:30 a.m., police reopened the eastbound lanes of Cambridge Street. The westbound side, closest to the hospital, remained closed. More public safety stories Read the original article on MassLive. An investigation is underway after a man attacked a police officer, got hold of their department-issued firearm, and shot himself during a struggle near Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Tuesday morning, authorities said. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said the incident happened in the area of Cambridge Street shortly before 8:45 a.m., prompting a large emergency response near the hospital. The detail officer, while performing a detail in the area, was approached by someone who appeared to be suffering from some sort of mental health issue, Cox said during a news conference. Somehow [he] attacked the officer in some shape or form, was able to get a hold of the officers firearm, and discharged at least one round. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, whose name wasnt released, ended up suffering a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to Cox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox noted that several good Samaritans rushed to the aid of the officer and helped subdue the gunman. We want to express our sincere gratitude for the assistance from the people who were there, Cox said. We appreciate that tremendously. Eddy Rivera told reporters that he heard a shot ring out and immediately raced toward the officer to help subdue the suspect. I saw a lady rattled, cops were across the street and yelling out for help, Rivera recalled. So, I ran across the street and I jumped on the guy, straddled his chest, and then I grabbed his arm. Apparently, he took the cops gun and shot himself, in the femur, I believe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox said the officer who was attacked is doing OK. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody and taken to the hospital for treatment. It wasnt immediately clear what charges the suspect would face. Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden confirmed in a statement that his office will investigate the shooting. Our office responded to the Cambridge Street shooting scene this morning. As with all discharges involving an officers weapon, we will conduct a thorough investigation, Hayden said in a statement. We are thankful that the Boston Police officers on scene contained the situation so that it resulted in no injuries to themselves or members of the public and apparent minimal injury to the suspect involved. 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 YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A man wanted on a warrant for failing to register as a sex offender was arrested Sunday on charges he beat a man during an argument outside the Mahoning Valley Rescue Mission. Kenneth Newton, 26, was booked into the Mahoning County Jail on a charge of felonious assault, a second-degree felony. Reports said police were called to the mission at 1300 Martin Luther King Blvd. for a report of a fight, and when they arrived, they found a man there bleeding who had been attacked with a hammer-like tool and a rock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man told police he was talking to someone when Newton tried to join the conversation uninvited. The two argued, and Newton called the man a racial name before ripping the mans shirt, according to a police report. The man was walking toward his home to get a new shirt and was on Worthington Avenue when he turned around and was accosted by Newton, who threw a rock at him, the report stated. The man then threw a rock back at Newton, and the two fell to the ground together. As they fell, Newton hit the man with the tool he was carrying, and the man managed to punch Newton twice. The man picked up the tool and ran back to the mission to contact police, reports said. Newton was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle, reports said. When police went to interview him, he told officers he did strike the man, but only to defend himself. He also told police he wanted to file a report against them for kidnapping, reports said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A records check found that Newton is wanted on a warrant by Franklin County for failing to register as a sex offender. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Karl Stanley warned OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush not to take passengers on the Titan submersible. In 2023, Rush and four passengers died inside the Titan after a catastrophic implosion. Stanley told BI that upcoming documentaries on the event will shed further light on the implosion. The submersible expert who once warned OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush against taking passengers on the Titan submersible told Business Insider that viewers of two upcoming documentaries on the 2023 fatal Titan implosion will see how Rush was a man "hell bent on glory." Karl Stanley, who rode inside the Titan in 2019, told BI in a recent email that he is a "major participant" in the upcoming BBC documentary "Implosion." The documentary will give an in-depth look at the events leading up to the submersible's catastrophic implosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC documentary is set to premiere on May 27. Netflix will also premiere its own documentary on the Titan on June 11. Stanley said he consulted with the Netflix team and sold images for the documentary. Stanley, who operates a submersible company in Honduras, said he anticipates both documentaries will examine Rush's possible motivations and explain why the OceanGate CEO was determined to proceed with the Titan expeditions despite warnings from some colleagues and industry experts, including those from Stanley. On June 18, 2023, five passengers including Rush dove somewhere in the North Atlantic to visit the site of the Titanic wreckage. The crew was crammed inside a 22-feet long, carbon fiber vessel that many deep-diving experts argued was an unconventional materal that led to the implosion. All five passengers were instantly killed, including the OceanGate CEO. "I think initially people were very focused on how this happened, what part failed, is it even possible for carbon fiber to make a hull," Stanley wrote to BI. Karl Stanley, a submersible expert, testified at a hearing with the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation regarding the Titan submersible implosion. Petty Officer 2nd Class Kate Kilroy/U.S. Coast Guard With the documentaries, Stanley wrote that he hopes the public perception will be less that submersibles are "unsafe/scary" but rather Rush was a man "hell bent on glory that should have been stopped, not by laws, but by the people around him, and surely not funded to the tune of 10's of millions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stanley was one of the early passengers of OceanGate's Titan submersible. In April 2019, four years before the implosion, Stanley, Rush, and two other passengers took a 12,000-feet plunge in the Titan. The crew made it back safely, but Stanley left with several concerns about the ship. Stanley previously shared with BI his email correspondence with Rush, dated around a month after the 2019 expedition. The emails showed Stanley trying to dissuade Rush from taking on more passengers for the Titan before running more tests and identifying possible hull defects on the ship. Stanley told BI in a 2024 interview that, although he was already skeptical of the hull's integrity, he didn't realize the full extent of the vessel's issues until he read about them in a Wired piece published one year after the fatal dive. The report said a crack was discovered on the Titan's hull during an inspection conducted around June 2019, which forced Rush to build another version of the submersible and delay the Titanic expedition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The doomsday clock got a little bit closer to midnight," Stanley told BI at the time. A trailer for the coming Netflix documentary showed how former staffers similarly believed that Rush sought fame in his pursuit of the Titan expeditions. The trailer shows a former OceanGate advisor, Rob McCallum, saying Titan's failure was a "mathematical certainty." Stanley told BI that he believes the Titan implosion "was not an accident." He wrote that "the biggest hanging question is who else should be held responsible and to what extent." "People that stood by and did nothing/kept giving him funding should be held accountable," Stanley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2024, the family of French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, one of the passengers who died inside the Titan, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against OceanGate and Rush's estate. The lawsuit alleged the incident was the result of "carelessness, recklessness, and negligence" of OceanGate, Rush, and others. "We again offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who died on June 18, 2023, and to all those impacted by the tragedy." OceanGate said in a statement to BI. "After the tragedy occurred, OceanGate permanently wound down its operations and focused its resources on fully cooperating with the investigations being conducted by the United States Coast Guard and the NTSB." Attorneys for the Rush estate did not respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider The EU's decision to throttle trade in agricultural products with Ukraine will trigger big losses for the national economy this year and undermine efforts to plug the country into the bloc's single market, Agriculture Minister Vitaliy Koval said during an appearance at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) in Brussels on Monday, euractiv.com has reported. The publication said that the measure approved by EU member states last week at the behest of big farming states will take effect from 6 June and rolls back full trade liberalisation introduced after Russia's full-scale invasion back in 2022. The new rules will reinstate 2017 tariff quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports, a policy that will harm more than just the food industry. "What about the moral losses? This is not calculated in billions, but millions of Ukrainian citizens supporting integration into the EU," Koval said. The minister said that the war has decimated Ukraine's other major industries, such as chemicals and steel, leaving agriculture to account for 17% of the country's GDP. That means that a return to pre-war tariff quotas with the EU will work out at losses of between EUR 2.8 billion and EUR 3.5 billion for Ukraine in 2025. But for the European Commission, the move to revert to old trade rules is just a temporary fix while negotiations continue over a longer-term trade framework between Kyiv and Brussels. Koval said the target is to arrange a long-term trade framework with the EU by the end of July. Meanwhile, Poland's Agriculture Minister Czesaw Siekierski hailed the reintroduction of the pre-war trade regime with Ukraine as a major political victory ahead of critical elections this weekend. Siekierski's visit to Brussels to host talks amongst the EU's farm ministers comes as Poland's centre-right government is set to face off against the far-right Law and Justice (PiS) in Sunday's second round of presidential elections. The issue is particularly sensitive in Poland, since Ukrainian imports have fuelled farmer unrest over recent years. "These are figures which are very favourable to us, because these amounts are very low," Siekierski told reporters on the sidelines of the AGRIFISH meeting, referring to the limited quantities of Ukrainian agricultural exports that will be allowed into the EU from 6 June. The Polish minister said the future talks would require "some dialogue" and that the discussion on how much to liberalise the agricultural market for Ukrainian goods also rests on the settlement of the Kyiv's war against invading Russian forces. Speaking to reporters, Ukraine's Koval joked that managing Ukrainian agriculture output requires "knowing the election calendar in EU member states" to respond to national political campaigns. He said his mission in Brussels on Monday was to counter "myths" about Ukrainian products disrupting the EU market. Editors note: The video above aired in a previous newscast. NEW YORK (PIX11) A Manhattan high school club is raising funds to support a rebuilt local bookstore after a fire devastated it. Students aim to raise $2,000 to benefit Yu and Me Books. More Local News Members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community at the High School of Art and Design have created Have You Eaten Yet? A 28-page collection of food stories that illustrate the connection between food, history, and the experiences of the AAPI community. Proceeds will support Yu & Me Books, NYCs only Asian-owned bookstore dedicated to elevating AAPI voices. Art and Design High School PTA Inc New Yorkers who want to support young artists can make purchases on Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at an event at the High School of Art and Design, located on East 56th Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also make a donation to the club by clicking here. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Many people took to the outdoors for Memorial Day weekend, whether it was watching a parade or going to the park. The beautiful weather has shaped up since the rain this past weekend, allowing many to enjoy themselves outside. State parks were filled with residents on Monday, taking part in various activities like hiking, fishing, and having picnics. Drought ends in western Massachusetts with Mays above-average rainfall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High temperatures of 70 degrees were a major improvement from below-average temperatures and gloomy skies over the weekend. 22News spoke with a group that traveled from Vermont to visit Mount Tom in Holyoke. Im here with my friends having a picnic, and going to do some barbecue later, said Abdullah Elhan of Brattleboro, Vt. One of the reasons that we came here again was its a big state park and also its very wide. Memorial Day parades and ceremonies also took place in cities around the Pioneer Valley, including Westfield, Hampden, and East Longmeadow. 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. ST. LOUIS The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) said it arrested four people, including a minor, over the weekend after catching them stealing from the market. According to probable cause statements, the police caught the suspects with at least 9 2-liter bottles and 48 alcoholic drinks. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News According to St. Louis mayor Cara Spencer, SLMPD is taking incidents of looting very seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will continue to do so and Im grateful for that because we dont want people to be further traumatized, further victimized as we move through whats going to be some vulnerable spaces, Spencer said. Jerry Moore with Clean Cutts Lawncare was working across the street from the market on Monday. Moore is offering free lawn services to his clients who were hit by the tornado. He worries that people are taking advantage of storm victims. They come here just to start stuff and tear our neighborhoods up. This is a good place to stop and get cold drinks or chips or something just to keep you going. Everybody needs this store, Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spencer says looting incidents have been minimal so far. But there have been a few. Last week, FOX 2 reported that six people were arrested for various wire thefts involving power lines. As you see continued arrests related to copper theft and people that are trying to prey on our community when it is most vulnerable, youll see that we have deployed our resources in an adequate and effective way, said Mitch McCoy, SLMPD director of Public Affairs. Police reported that many suspects in these incidents are not from St. Louis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MARTIN, Mich. (WOOD) The village of Martin spent the morning honoring fallen heroes and veterans for its annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade route made its way through downtown Martin as hundreds lined the sidewalks and streets to watch. Memorial Day Parade in the Village of Martin. (May 26, 2025) Memorial Day Parade in the Village of Martin. (May 26, 2025) We love our vets, and we make a big deal on Memorial Day for them, Kim Stevens, Martin resident and Army veteran told News 8. Its an annual tradition that brings the entire community and surrounding communities together, all to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin community comes together after tornado Allegan resident and Marine Corps Veteran Mark Heather told News 8 he and his family make their way to Martin every year and have for roughly 20 years. This wasnt built without sacrifice, and I was lucky to go through the service and not make the ultimate sacrifice but so many did so we can do things like this, Heather said. We have a little train of cars that come all the way from Allegan every year of family just to come and see the celebration. To me thats what America is all about and why I choose to come here every year for this parade. The parade comes on the helm of a difficult past few days for the village after a tornado ripped through the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado hit the area of 114th Avenue and 16th Street and moved directly into Martin on May 16th at 10:41 p.m. The days following the community was focused on cleanup, with this parade being a priority because of the tradition. NWS confirms 2 tornadoes in Allegan County on Thursday A week ago, you could not even see down this street, every tree was lined with brush and materials, Martin resident Kevin Dekoekkoek told News 8. I thought there is no way, I didnt think we would get power for days and days. You either step up or step back and this community steps up every time. State Rep. Rachelle Smit, R-Shelbyville, was among the speakers at the event. She told News 8 that this event is important to the community and that it was great to see everyone come together to help keep it going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amount of support that business owners and community people came out and cleaned this up was unbelievable, she said. Once the parade concluded, the community gathered at Geib Veterans Memorial for a tribute ceremony to honor Martins active military members, veterans and the fallen heroes and community members. Memorial Day ceremony in the Village of Martin. (May 26, 2025) Memorial Day ceremony in the Village of Martin. (May 26, 2025) This parade has been a part of my life for a long time so coming home every year is so important, Army Lt. Col. Kevin Martin told News 8. Raising the flag and a final salute served as memory to those who have fallen but have not been forgotten. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. In early May, former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli quietly boarded a flight from Panama City to Bogota. The move ended Martinellis 15-month stay at the Nicaraguan Embassy in Panama, where he had taken refuge to avoid serving a 10-year prison sentence for money laundering. His departure, which was sanctioned by a discreet safe-conduct granted by Panamas Foreign Ministry and transformed into territorial asylum upon his arrival in Colombia, marks more than the exit of a fugitive politician. It underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in Panama and the tactical resilience of its political elite. The entire episode, with its opaque legal maneuvers and strategic calculations, reveals a convergence of judicial evasion, partisan brinkmanship and international complicity. It forces a reckoning with how Panamas institutions function under pressureand for whom. Legal Loopholes and Strategic Survival Martinellis predicament stems from his conviction in 2023 in the New Business case, a high-profile corruption scandal involving public funds funneled into the purchase of a media conglomerate. Martinelli initially counted on a return to the presidency and the immunity it would provide as a way out of his legal troubles, and in June 2023 he announced his candidacy for the countrys presidential election, scheduled for May 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. But in February 2024, after a court ordered his pre-trial detention while his appeal was decided, Martinelli sought asylum at the Nicaraguan Embassy. When his final appeal failed later that same month, resulting in him being barred from running for office, Martinelli pivoted to a new strategy, remaining in the embassy while working toward leaving Panama for political asylum abroad. Initially, the administration of President Jose Raul Mulino granted Martinelli safe-conduct to travel to Nicaragua in March 2025, but that plan collapsed amid reports of an unresolved Interpol red notice for Martinellis arrest and Nicaraguas sudden withdrawal of landing clearance. A second safe-conduct was quietly issued in May, and only after Martinellis arrival in Colombia was the operation made public, raising public debate about transparency and elite influence. Martinellis maneuver was far from a retreatit was a recalibration. Even from his refuge in the Nicaraguan Embassy, where his movements and associations were restricted under the rules of diplomatic asylum, he continued to exert political influence through social media and orchestrated visits, directing his Realizing Goals, or RM, party and pushing legislation tailored to secure his legal reprieve. Chief among these efforts was a controversial amnesty bill that would nullify his conviction along with those of other political allies. The bill has stalled in the National Assembly, but its mere proposal exposes the depths of Panamas institutional vulnerabilities and the lengths to which Martinellis faction is willing to go to secure his political future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Complicating matters is the increasingly tense relationship between Martinelli and Mulino, who was initially Martinellis vice presidential running mate in last years election but became his handpicked successor when Martinelli was barred from the race. While Martinellis support was instrumental in Mulinos electoral victory, fissures have emerged since then. Martinelli loyalists have accused Mulino of betrayal, and the legislative alliance between RM and Mulinos broader coalition is fraying. Amid the tensions, the amnesty debate has become a litmus test. Backing it signals loyalty to Martinelli. Opposing it signals a commitment to legal accountability and institutional integrity, but comes at a political cost. Disavowing the bill distances Mulino from Martinellis legacy, allowing him to assert his independence, but it also risks alienating RMs legislative bloc and inviting retaliation from Martinellis still-powerful network. International Credibility Undermined Beyond its domestic repercussions, the circumstances surrounding Martinellis departure have taken a toll on Panamas global standing. Observers across the region view the episode as emblematic of elite impunity. While legal under the 1954 Caracas Convention, Martinellis transition from diplomatic to territorial asylum reads to many as a procedural workaround to avoid accountability. Territorial asylum means protection granted by a country when the individual is physically on its soil, allowing greater freedom than diplomatic asylum inside an embassy. In Colombia, Martinelli gained rights such as freedom of association, and his designation as a politically persecuted individual blocks extradition efforts for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unsurprisingly, Colombias role in his flight has raised eyebrows. By accepting a convicted ex-president on grounds of political persecutiona claim widely disputed by legal analystsPresident Gustavo Petros government broke with precedent and triggered criticism at home and abroad. Colombian journalist Daniel Coronell summed up the sentiment succinctly, declaring that [t]he only winner is Martinelli. The optics since Martinellis arrival in Colombia have only worsened the backlash. Having previously claimed serious health issues, Martinelli appeared smiling in Bogota and even posed with Panamas ambassador, who was later reprimanded by the Mulino administration. The performative nature of Martinellis public appearances not only contradicted his asylum narrative but also undermined the seriousness of his legal case. Rather than a fugitive in hiding, Martinelli projected the image of a seasoned operator playing the system. The Battle for Panamas Future Martinellis ambitions remain unchanged: a return to the presidency, but in 2029 rather than 2024. Achieving that goal hinges on either overturning his conviction or rendering it irrelevant through legislation like the amnesty bill. His continued control over RMthe second-largest party in the National Assemblygives him considerable influence within the legislature, and by all indications he has every intention of using it. Despite his legal troubles, Martinelli remains very popular in Panama. Before he was forced to withdraw from the race, he was favored to win the 2024 presidential election. While sheltered in the Nicaraguan Embassy, he used social media prolifically and strategically, sharing political commentary alongside casual, relatable content like videos of barbecues and selfies with his dog. That kept him visible and engaged with supporters, fueling his influence even in exile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this sets the stage for a high-stakes political struggle in the years ahead. Should the amnesty effort succeed, Panama risks institutional backsliding and a further erosion of public trust. If it fails, Martinelli could leverage his exile as a rallying cry, positioning himself as a persecuted leader poised for a comeback. Either way, Mulino must continue to manage complex relationships among Panamas political elites, including with his predecessor. Martinellis escape to Colombia marks not the end of his political story, but the beginning of a new chapterone where exile is used as part of a calculated political strategy. Whether he will continue to shape Panamas political landscape through 2029 remains uncertain, largely dependent on the fragile dynamics within the National Assembly and the countrys resilience in this test of its democratic institutions. The broader regional implications are, of course, sobering. The use of political asylum to protect convicted elites could further weaken judicial independence across Latin America, where corruption and impunity already test the resilience of democratic systems. Cristina Guevara is a Latin America policy analyst and writer. She previously served as a policy and legislative adviser in Panamas National Assembly. In addition to World Politics Review, she has written for Foreign Policy, The Miami Herald, Rolling Stone, Americas Quarterly and The Dallas Morning News, among other outlets. A Chevening scholar, she is currently pursuing her second masters degree focused on inequality and governance in Latin America at University College London. The post Martinellis Escape Is Testing Panamas Governmentand Its Democracy appeared first on World Politics Review. According to court records from the West Virginia Magistrate Court system, Retton, 57, was arrested on Saturday, May 17, on one count of "driving under influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs;penalties" The Olympian was issued a personal recognizance bond of $1,500, of which she posted that same day PEOPLE has reached out to Retton's representative for comment Mary Lou Retton was arrested on a DUI charge earlier this month in Marion County, W.V., according to court records reviewed by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records from the West Virginia Magistrate Court system, Retton, 57, was arrested on Saturday, May 17, on one count of "driving under influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs; penalties." The Olympian was issued a personal recognizance bond of $1,500, which she posted that same day. PEOPLE has reached out to Retton's representative for comment. Retton is the first American woman to win a gold medal in individual all-around gymnastics. Her arrest comes nearly two years after she was in the ICU with a rare form of pneumonia. Focus on Sport/Getty Mary Lou Retton in the 1984 Summer Olympics Mary Lou Retton in the 1984 Summer Olympics Her daughter, McKenna Kelley, announced that she was hospitalized in October 2023 in a post on her Instagram Story which included a link to a Spotfund page dedicated to her mom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own. Shes been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she not insured," said Kelley. David Madison/Getty; NBCUniversal Mary Lou Retton in 1984 (left) and in 2024 (right) Mary Lou Retton in 1984 (left) and in 2024 (right) In July 2024, the Dancing with the Stars alum told PEOPLE that she was so sick that at one point during her month-long hospital stay, the doctors told her four daughters she might not make it. They prayed over me, and McKenna said, Mommy, its OK, you can go. I didnt have much of a relationship with my mother, but I cant imagine what that was like, to watch their mom on her deathbed," said Retton. Eric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Mary Lou Retton on 'Dancing with the Stars' Mary Lou Retton on 'Dancing with the Stars' While the former gymnast said that she pulled through because God wasnt ready for me yet," she felt she'd "never be the same" again, as she said she still relied on daily oxygen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been really hard. My lungs are so scarred. It will be a lifetime of recovery. My physicality was the only thing I had and it was taken away from me. Its embarrassing," she said. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Read the original article on People Mary Lou Retton, the 1984 Olympics gymnastics star dubbed Americas Sweetheart, was busted for DUI recently, court records show. On May 17 in Marion County, West Virginia, Retton, 57, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of driving under influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. She posted her personal recognizance bond of $1,500 the same day. HuffPost has reached out to Retton and law enforcement for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retton, now a mother of four, became the first American to capture the Olympic womens all-around gold in the 84 Los Angeles Games. Just 16 years old, she also won two silver and two bronze medals. Retton celebrates at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. via Associated Press But recently Retton had another personal setback a near-fatal bout with pneumonia in 2023. This is serious and this is life, Retton said later. And I am so grateful to be here. I am blessed to be here. Because there was a time when they were about to put me on life support. Retton appeared on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in 2024. NBC via Getty Images Related... Legendary gymnast Mary Lou Retton has been accused of driving under the influence. On Instagram, Retton describes herself as a motivational speaker. She is also a mom of four and the 1984 Olympic gold medalist in women's gymnastics. She hasn't posted on the page since 2024, however. Court records for the DUI show Retton was charged with: "Driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs." The offense date is listed as on or about May 17, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retton is referred to as Mary L. Retton-Kelly in the court records. She was released on $1,500 bond, the records say. A misdemeanor complaint was filed in the case, which is pending in Marion County, WV. According to CBS Sports, Retton was arrested in Fairmount, WV. She is from that community, according to CBS Sports. A Spotfund page set up by her daughter in 2023 revealed that Retton was undergoing health issues. It raised more than $450,000. "Hey everyone! On behalf of my sisters and I, we need yalls help," that page said. "My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own. Shes been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she not insured," the message read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill. ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank yall so very much!" she continued. According to CBS Sports, she recovered and was released from the hospital a couple weeks after that post. USA Today reported that Retton later said she was able to get insurance. Related: Caitlin Clark Sends 7-Word Message to LeBron James Mary Lou Retton Arrested on DUI Charge first appeared on Men's Journal on May 27, 2025 FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton refused a breathalyzer test after being pulled over for allegedly drinking and driving in Fairmont, West Virginia earlier this month, according to a criminal complaint. Mary Lou Retton, age 57, who is listed as Retton-Kelly in the criminal complaint obtained by 12 News on Tuesday, was arrested on May 17 after a reckless driver was reported on the Gateway Connector in Fairmont. Retton was allegedly driving all over the roadway heading toward downtown before she pulled into the parking lot at AutoZone in her Texas registered Porsche, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers with the Fairmont Police Department made contact with Retton, the odor of alcohol was emitting from her person, and officers said she was slurring her words. Officers also noticed a screw top container of wine in the passenger seat of Rettons vehicle, the complaint said. West Virginias Gov. Patrick Morrisey says, We will not stop fighting to protect girls sports According to the complaint, Retton showed signed of impairment on all three phases of a field sobriety test; she refused a breathalyzer test and a chemical blood test, officers said. She was charged with first-offense DUI and posted a $1,500 personal recognizance bond. Retton, who became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in all-around gymnastics in 1984, is originally from Fairmont and has a street in the city named after her. She made headlines in 2023 after she contracted a rare form of pneumonia and was in an intensive care unit in Texas for several weeks. Since then, she has spoken publicly about her health problems and the backlash she received from a crowdfunding campaign to help with her medical expenses that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Cooperation between the European Union and the United States in the field of joint fight against Russian evasion of sanctions has failed, reports Suddeutsche Zeitung with reference to an internal report of the German Foreign Ministry. Head of EU sanctions policy David OSullivan laments the complete collapse of transatlantic coordination on sanctions evasion. As a result, there is no longer any joint information and propaganda work. G7 cooperation has also lost momentum in this regard. The problem is that the US was de facto the driving force of the sanctions regime, said Sergey Lagodinsky, a member of the European Parliament from the Greens, in an interview with the publication. If the Trump administration seeks to normalize relations with Russia, it will mean the end of the global sanctions regime, he added. However, O'Sullivan and the head of the European Intelligence Center (INTCEN) stressed that the sanctions already imposed would have a "significant impact" on the Russian economy. They also noted that the EU has achieved some success in restricting the export of military goods through third countries, in particular with regard to states such as Armenia, Serbia, Uzbekistan and India. At the same time, O'Sullivan stressed that China, including Hong Kong, is responsible for about 80% of cases of circumvention of sanctions and continues to deny this. There are also difficulties with Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. O'Sullivan was able to report on the first successes in the fight against the shadow fleet of Russia. According to him, several states in which these tankers and cargo ships, which actually belong to Russia, are registered, have recalled their flags at the initiative of the EU. The document notes that the next EU sanctions will probably be directed against the Russian energy and banking sectors. The only country of the community that objects to this is Hungary. There are also doubts about the support of such sanctions by the US administration. FAIRMONT, W.Va. (AP) American gymnastics icon Mary Lou Retton faces a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence following her arrest in her West Virginia hometown. Fairmont police stopped Retton on May 17 following a report about a person in a Porsche driving erratically. According to the criminal complaint, Retton smelled of alcohol and was slurring her words, and she failed a field sobriety test. Officers also reported observing a container of wine in the passenger seat. Retton, 57, refused a roadside breath test and a blood test. She was released from custody after paying a $1,500 personal recognizance bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her attorney listed in court records, Edmund J. Rollo of Morgantown, did not immediately respond to phone and email requests from The Associated Press seeking comment. Retton was 16 when she became the first American female gymnast to win the all-around at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She also won two silver and two bronze medals to help bring gymnastics into the mainstream in the United States. In 2023, Retton's family disclosed she was recuperating from a rare form of pneumonia that landed her in intensive care. Doctors found her oxygen levels dangerously low. Her medical team considered putting her on a ventilator as her conditioned worsened. Retton went on oxygen treatment and, after weeks in the hospital, improved enough to be sent home. ___ AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) -A Maryland congressman said on Monday he was unable to meet one of his constituents, a Salvadoran man wrongly deported from the United States to a prison in El Salvador. Representative Glenn Ivey, a Democrat, had traveled to El Salvador to meet Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who is being held in the notorious CECOT prison for gang members. Ivey, speaking in a social media video that appeared to have been filmed outside the prison, said that he and Abrego Garcia's lawyer had not been allowed inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If there is nothing to hide, cut the crap," Ivey said. He added that a formal request had been made with the Salvadoran ambassador to the U.S. ahead of the visit, but when he arrived at the prison officials told him he needed a permit to enter. Abrego Garcia's case has pitted the defiant administration of U.S. President Donald Trump against the courts, including the Supreme Court, raising the prospect of a constitutional conflict after the government acknowledged he was deported because of an administrative error. El Salvador's government has also refused to return him. The government on Monday did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Ivey's visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has repeated the unproven accusation that Abrego Garcia is part of MS-13, which the administration has designated a foreign terrorist group. Abrego Garcia's lawyers deny any gang affiliation, saying he left El Salvador at 16 to escape gang-related violence and received a protective order in 2019 to continue living in the United States. U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, was able to meet Abrego Garcia in April. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele showed photos of the two meeting at a hotel, seated with margaritas. Van Hollen decried the set-up as an attempt by Bukele to contradict the narrative that Abrego Garcia was being held in harsh conditions. (Reporting by Nelson Renteria; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Kate Mayberry) Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) said he was denied access to meet with Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia, his constituent, during his recent visit to El Salvador. Ivey traveled to the Central American nation to check in on Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported by the federal government earlier this year. He was initially held in El Salvadors most notorious prison, CECOT, a terrorist confinement center, but he has been moved to a lower security prison. The Maryland Democrat said in a 45-second video posted online Monday that his team made a formal request with the Salvadoran ambassador to the U.S. before the trip but were later told they needed to obtain a permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ought to have a chance to come in and visit, they knew we were coming in and why we were coming and then we have the right to do this, so they need to just cut the crap, Ivey said. The Supreme Court earlier this year ruled that President Trump must facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the U.S. The Trump administration has not done so. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele also said he will not return Abrego Garcia, whom the administration has accused of being part of MS-13, a transnational gang that is designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Abrego Garcias attorney and family have denied the accusation. The man, who was living in Maryland, was shielded by an immigration judge in 2019 from being deported to El Salvador. A Justice Department attorney said in late March that Abrego Garcia, who entered the country illegally, was removed due to an administrative error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let us in, stop playing games, let us have a chance to talk with him, Ivey said Monday. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) met with Abrego Garcia last month in El Salvador. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Two Dracut brothers are facing prison time after profiting thousands of dollars off of a scheme using a Texas cosmetics companys 30-day trial. The brothers, Nick Ashtar-Zadeh and Nika Ashtar-Zadeh, each pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in 2024. Nick Ashtar-Zadeh was sentenced to six months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $181,806 in restitution and forfeiture of $111,156. His brother was sentenced to two months in prison and one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $115,037 in restitution and forfeiture of $67,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between 2019 and 2021, the two brothers operated Amazon and eBay stores that offered various products for sale, including the products of a cosmetics company in Texas, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley said. The Ashtar-Zadehs offered the companys products on these platforms for one-time payments that were typically equal to or below the companys list prices for the same products. Theyd then enroll the buys in the companys 30-day trial program without the customers knowledge. The company would ship its products to those buyers for a trial period and the brothers would pay the initial $19.95. The brothers, officials said, would pocket the difference between the sold price and that of the trial. However, if the customer didnt return the product to the company they were supposed to be charged again with monthly installments totaling the price of the product. But when the companies went to make those charges, the charges were declined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the conduct, the Ashtar-Zadehs cost the company hundreds of thousands of dollars, Foleys office said in a previous press release. More News Read the original article on MassLive. The Rockport Fire Department is mourning the death of active-duty Fire Captain Andrew Porter, who died unexpectedly on Monday. Porter, 43, died at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester surrounded by his loved ones, according to a press release from the fire department. He was a 25-year veteran of the department. Porter most recently served as the captain of Engine Companies 1 and 3, according to the fire department. He was also a specialist in the Rockport Department of Public Works Highway Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are heartbroken and mourning the loss of Capt. Andrew Porter a dedicated firefighter, trusted leader and beloved member of our Rockport Fire Department family, Rockport Fire Chief Mark Wonson. His passing leaves a deep void in our hearts and our community, and well carry his memory with us every day. Porter is survived by his wife, two daughters, parents and sister, according to the fire department. Funeral information will be announced as it becomes available. Our hearts are with Capt. Porters family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, Town Administrator Mitchell Vieira. His service to Rockport reflected the very best of this community, and we all deeply feel his loss. More News Read the original article on MassLive. SALEM, N.H. (WWLP) A man from Salem, Mass., was arrested and faces multiple charges after he was found speeding at around 140 mph in New Hampshire on Monday. New Hampshire State Police stated in a news release that at approximately 7:45 a.m. on Monday, troopers observed a white Corvette speeding at around 110 mph in Salem, N.H. When attempting to stop the vehicle, they witnessed the driver speeding up significantly and recklessly passing other cars across all lanes. Longmeadow police seeking publics help in finding driver involved in incident with student Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers from the Special Enforcement Unit used a fixed-wing aircraft to monitor the vehicle on Interstate 93 northbound. The driver was observed speeding up to 140 mph before leaving off of Exit 3 and driving onto side roads in Windham. State Police said that troopers were guided by the aircraft to the location of the Corvette, where a traffic stop was eventually conducted on Johnson Road. The driver, identified as 22-year-old Brandon Babcock of Salem, Mass., was arrested on multiple charges, including reckless driving and disobeying an officer. Babcock was released on personal recognizance bail and is scheduled in Salem District Court on July 17. New Hampshire State Police said that Babcock was among dozens of drivers arrested for excessive speed during the departments Memorial Day traffic enforcement initiative. During this effort, troopers observed 43 drivers traveling at 90 mph or higher and six driving at 100 mph or higher. 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 Massachusetts man is getting another chance outside prison walls after getting his parole revoked in 2009. Wilson Morales was granted parole on May 14 after he pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree for the 1992 death of Pablo Sanchez. He was charged and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 1994. On Aug. 31, 1992, Morales, then 23 years old, shot and killed 18-year-old Pablo Sanchez in Holyoke during an argument over drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morales and his brother, Angel Morales, were both involved in the fight, the parole board stated. Wilson Morales, officials said, was armed with a gun. Wilson Morales fired several shots at Sanchez and another man, killing Sanchez and seriously wounding the other. After the shooting, the Morales brothers fled first to New Jersey, and then to Puerto Rico. They eventually surrendering to authorities. In 2008, Morales was given parole. But it was revoked in January 2009 due to a mental health crisis, the parole board stated. Since then, he has had multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, in part due to his noncompliance with medication, the parole board stated. However, in May 2023, he received a medication adjustment. He began attending mental health appointments and has had no further problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feb. 4 was Morales fifth appearance before the parole board. Morales has a supportive family who are aware of his mental health needs, the board wrote. Four of Morales family members testified in support of him getting parole. However, Hampden County Assistant District Attorney Michael Julian said he was still against parole. In a unanimous decision on May 14, Morales was granted parole to a long-term residential treatment facility. He is required as part of his parole to continue taking his medication. More on the Massachusetts Parole Board Read the original article on MassLive. NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) School districts across the region had the opportunity to share the funding challenges they face with the Massachusetts Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. Due to the current structure of a state law called Chapter 70 schools like in rural areas are facing budget shortfalls and limited resources for students. They re now calling on the state to rethink how funding is distributed in order to better support the education and success of all students. The Northampton High School auditorium was packed with educators and students from seven school districts all eager to make their voices heard to Secretary Tutwiler. These school districts included Northampton Public Schools, Hatfield Public Schools, Hadley Public Schools, Pioneer Valley Regional School District, Hampshire Regional School District, Gateway Regional School District, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They talked about the challenges their communities are having in finding funding for public education. They also has the chance to ask Secretary Tutwiler about funding public schools at the state level and air their concerns about their districts. Trump administration cuts $106M in funding for schools in Massachusetts The event is meant to highlight young voices across western Massachusetts as they advocate for education. It comes as students and teachers have rallied across our region, fighting for more funding for schools. In some cities and towns, the issue has been put to a vote with leaders proposing tax increases to fill the gaps. Amidst the federal governments plan to slash public K-12 education funding, some districts are facing deficits of millions of dollars with no other avenues to make up the difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students from Gateway Regional School District like Ana Holmes have personally felt the effects of underfunding in their school. We do not have the funds for an equal education compared to students from other schools, and it is an undeniable truth that every child deserves a balanced round education, said Holmes. The state has proposed a $7,322,168,436 in Chapter 70 education aid for school districts in FY2026. This represents an increase of $420.2 million, or 6.1%, compared to the previous fiscal year. And that means Northampton would mean only see a 2.37 percent increase, equivalent to $195,000. Students at Northampton High School say thats not enough. That does not cover the cost of inflation. That doesnt cover our deficit that weve had for previous years. So thats, I think, the primary thing that we just need to change because the system is not working for us and its not being responsive, said Chair of Budget sub Committee for Northampton Youth Commission, Amelia Durbin. Durbin tells 22News shes already seen cuts to educators and staff and a loss of electives and AP classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rising transportation and special education costs are also making it harder for local districts like Hatfield to keep up. Students, including our special education agencies or disability services, should not cover the costs of the benefit to all our students. Unfortunately, the current fiscal reality that were facing and that will affect in many ways is that the districts are being forced to choose and that is a problem, said Hatfield Public Schools superintendent, Dr. Conor Driscoll. School districts are calling on the state to revisit the Massachusetts Education funding reforms, including the Chapter 70 formula to better match recent cost growth and inflation. Im committed as an interim commissioner and as a secretary just to doing that work should it move forward, said Secretary Tutwiler. School districts also hope to see an increase in the Special Education Reimbursement Program to cover 90 percent of eligible tuition costs and 75 percent of eligible transportation costs. 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 jury has been selected to decide murder suspect Maxwell Andersons guilt or innocence in the brutal slaying last year of Milwaukee college student Sade Robinson. A panel made up of 12 women and three men was seated just before 5 p.m. on May 27 in Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivellos sixth-floor courtroom. Two of the jurors -- one man, one woman -- are Black. All of them will hear testimony, but just 12 will deliberate the evidence and testimony, and also will render the verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three are alternates and will be excused when testimony wraps up and the prosecution and defense each have rested their cases. Opening statements are expected on May 28 at 8:45 a.m. Anderson, 34, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse and arson in the death in April 2024 of Sade Carleena Robinson, 19. Anderson has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The jury selection process, known as voir dire, is intended to weed out potential jurors with preconceived biases in the case, which received heavy media attention. It involves lawyers asking jurors a series of questions to learn whether they have heard about the case beforehand in media coverage or if they have their minds made up about the defendant or the nature of the crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most said during the daylong jury selection they had seen news stories about Robinson's killing, but maintained they could render a verdict based solely on the evidence they hear in court. In the early stages of jury selection, potential jurors raised their hands when Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan asked if they would have difficulty focusing if they were shown graphic images. Some said they would likely be able to resettle themselves, if they are given a break after viewing them. Jason A. Findling, one of Andersons lawyers, described his client as being in the wrong place at the wrong time when the crime occurred. He challenged jurors to recall when they experienced something similar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A juror recounted how as a manager for a medical firm he heard a lot about the case at his work. He was surprised to have been picked for jury duty in the case. What can we expect during Maxwell Anderson's trial? Vance-Curzan previously announced plans to introduce roughly 500 pieces of evidence at trial, including written reports, videos, recordings and cellphone tower data. More than 250 names appear on the state's witness list, including dozens of police officers from various departments, civilians, DNA analysts and toxicologists. Robinson, a student at Milwaukee Area Technical College, was last seen April 1, 2024, and reported missing April 2, 2024. That same day, a leg was found on the lakeshore in Cudahy. Additional remains and Robinson's burned-out car were found in Milwaukee in the following days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A human arm belonging to Robinson also was recovered along the shores of Lake Michigan, near Waukegan, Illinois. Anderson has been in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail since his April 4, 2024, arrest. The bond set for his release was $5 million. The courtroom gallery was packed for the hearing; about a half dozen people were seated in a section of the gallery designated for Anderson's family. With her eyes tightly closed, Sheena Scarbrough, Robinsons mother, was escorted into the courtroom arm-in-arm by family members, including Robinson's younger sister. They all sat behind the prosecutors table. Who is defending Maxwell Anderson? Along with Findling, Anderson is being represented by Anthony D. Cotton, who was the lawyer for Morgan Geyser, one of the defendants in the Slender Man attempted homicide case in Waukesha County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cotton also was the attorney for Dominic Black, who faced weapons charge in November 2020 for illegally giving a rifle to Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old later acquitted of killing two people during protests in Kenosha earlier that year. Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello presides over the Maxwell Anderson on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in Milwaukee County court. Anderson is charged with first-degree intentinal homicide, mutilation of a corpse, and arson in the death of Sade Carleena Robinson. The trial is expected to take close to two weeks. Defense attorney Anthony Cotton, left, talks with his client Maxwell Anderson in Milwaukee County court on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Anderson is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse, and arson in the death of Sade Carleena Robinson. Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello is presiding over the trial that is expected to take close to two weeks. This is a developing story and will be updated. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jury selected for Maxwell Anderson's trial in Milwaukee in Sade Robinson's death The Khojaly bulk carrier, the first Handysize-type dry cargo vessel operated by the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) under the Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON), has completed its first year in service. According to information provided to Azernews by ASCO, the vessel completed seven international voyages over the past year, covering the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. During this period, the Khojaly docked at over 15 different ports across countries such as the United States, China, South Korea, Indonesia, India, and Mexico, among others. Throughout its operational year, the ship transported a total of 231,748 tons of dry cargo, including soda ash, sugar, timber, sulfur, cement, and other goods. Commissioned into service on May 27, 2024, in the People's Republic of China, the Khojaly is equipped with unrestricted sailing capabilities. The vessel boasts a deadweight of 38,593 tons, a length of 180 meters, a beam of 30 meters, a draft of 10.47 meters, and a maximum speed of 15.7 knots. The Khojaly symbolizes a new era for Azerbaijans maritime sector, enhancing the country's shipping capabilities on the global stage. The UK Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry for Strategic Industries signed a draft agreement on the use of excess profits from frozen Russian assets within the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiatives for armaments and repair of equipment for Ukraine, the press service of the Ministry of Defense reports. "This funding has not only practical, but also fundamental value. Excess profits from Russian assets are directed to strengthening Ukrainian defense - as a response to aggression and recognition of Ukraine's right to defense," said First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Serhiy Boyev. According to the agreement, during 2025-2026, Ukraine will receive $3 billion, the funds will be directed to: the purchase of foreign-made defense products; repair and maintenance of military equipment; implementation of joint projects with the participation of Ukrainian and international defense companies; purchase of other critically important materials, including Ukrainian-made products. "Ukrainian enterprises have the capacity of $35 billion, but the shortage of funds does not allow them to be used to the full. Therefore, attracting excess profits from frozen Russian assets will be a significant boost for production and repair capacities of the Ukrainian defense industry," said Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine David Aloyan. The Ukrainian side expressed gratitude to the British government for providing this financial package and for supporting arms production in Ukraine. Over a year after 19-year-old college student Sade Carleena Robinson was reported missing, Maxwell S. Anderson will stand trial for her murder. Anderson, 34, has been charged with killing and dismembering Robinson, who was last seen April 1, 2024. In the weeks after she was reported missing, severed human remains were discovered around Milwaukee County, and her car was found burned. According to court records, Robinson was last seen alive on a date with Anderson. He was arrested shortly after she disappeared and has remained in jail since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the case and charges against Anderson as his trial get underway. Who was Sade Robinson? Robinson was a student at Milwaukee Area Technical college, a month away from earning an associates degree in criminal justice. As a student, she worked at Pizza Shuttle on Milwaukee's east side. Growing up, Robinson split time between Milwaukee and Florida, where her father lives, but began living in Milwaukee full-time as a teenager. She went on to attend Riverside High School, where she graduated a semester early in December 2021. Who is Maxwell Anderson? Anderson grew up in suburban Waukesha County and graduated from Pewaukee High School in 2009. His long history of legal trouble began as a teenager, when he was caught underage drinking on multiple occasions, ran from police several times, and received citations for property damage and obstructing an officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Milwaukee, Anderson worked as a bartender and security guard at various clubs and bars in the city, including The Rave and Victors Nightclub. Maxwell Anderson arrives at the Safety Building in Milwaukee for a scheduling hearing on Friday, July 12, 2024. When was Sade Robinson reported missing? Robinson was reported missing by a coworker on April 2, 2024. The following morning, a severed human leg was discovered near Lake Michigan in Cudahy. In the ensuing weeks, other body parts belonging to or believed to belong to Robinson were discovered throughout Milwaukee County. What's the timeline of events leading up to Sade Robinson's death? On April 1, 2024, Robinson told a building secretary in her apartment she was going on a date that night, according to the criminal complaint, which is based on surveillance footage, cell phone records and witness statements. Robinson's cell phone records show she arranged to meet someone at 5 p.m. that night at the Twisted Fisherman restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers at the restaurant told investigators that Robinson was there with Anderson, a former employee. The two left the restaurant shortly before 6:30 p.m. and went to Dukes on Water. After 9 p.m., they went to Andersons home on the 3100 block of South 39th Street. Around 12:45 a.m., cell phone records show Robinsons phone left the area, went to Pleasant Valley Park in the Riverwest neighborhood, and then to the Warnimont Park area in Cudahy where the severed leg was found the next day. Robinson's phone stayed in the Warnimont Park area until its battery died shortly after 4:30 a.m. Surveillance video also shows Robinson's Honda Civic at the park until 4:30 a.m. A person was seen walking down a bluff and back to the area of the car several times, according to the complaint. At 7:32 a.m. April 2, Robinsons burned Honda Civic was found near West Lisbon Avenue and North 29th Street in Milwaukee. Using video and witness statements, police identified Anderson as the suspect who burned the vehicle. What are the charges against Maxwell Anderson? Anderson was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse and arson on April 12, 2024. He has been unable to post the $5 million bond for his release and has remained in the county jail since his April 4, 2024 arrest. How did Maxwell Anderson plead? Anderson pleaded not guilty to the charges. Who is defending Maxwell Anderson? Anderson's defense team includes Anthony Cotton, a Waukesha-based criminal defense attorney who rose to prominence after representing one of the adolescents charged in the 'Slender Man' stabbings. In November 2024, Cotton said the defense plans to argue someone other than their client killed Robinson. Who is the lead prosecutor in the trial? Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan is the lead prosecutor in the case against Maxwell Anderson. Among other murder cases, he prosecuted Sultan Shareef in the 2022 murder of 20-year-old Kania Brunson. When does the trial start? Anderson's trial is scheduled to start 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27. It was originally set for December 2024, then postponed. Where is the trial? The trial will be held in the Milwaukee County Safety Building, part of the county's Courthouse Complex. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello will preside over the trial. How long will the trial be? The trial is expected to last two weeks. What is Maxwell Anderson's criminal history? Anderson has a criminal history that includes misdemeanor convictions of disorderly conduct and domestic violence across three cases from 2014 to 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In two incidents, he destroyed property at the home of relatives in Waukesha and Door counties, including stealing his mother's car and crashing it into the house's back deck. In 2019, he was charged in Milwaukee with beating a 56-year-old stranger, who tried to intervene when he saw Anderson and a woman arguing on the street. For these and other offenses, Anderson was placed on probation for periods of time, spent stints in jail and temporarily lost his driver's license. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Maxwell Anderson's trial in Sade Robinson murder A prison cell in Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama, as seen on Oct. 22, 2019. In the last five years, the Alabama Department of Corrections 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. (File) We need prisons. They should confine violent felons and people who steal, whether from a convenience store or a pension fund. But by every legal, financial and humanitarian standard, the Alabama Department of Corrections is a failure. By the most basic measure of prison operations, Corrections isnt doing its job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before any other consideration, prisons must be safe for staff and inmates. And they ought to offer those in the cells an opportunity to reform, even if the incarcerated never step outside the barbed wire again. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This is not how the Alabama Department of Corrections operates. Instead, we have prisons like Ventress in Clayton. Ventress is where inmates can get treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Its also a place, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, where in 2018 a corrections officer beat a handcuffed inmate, yelling in earshot of four nurses, I am the reaper of death, now say my name! That same year, another Ventress corrections officer struck a restrained inmate so hard he broke his jaw in two places and left blood on a nearby wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also Bullock Correctional Facility near Union Springs, where according to one lawsuit, officials placed a sexual assault victim in the same dorm as his attacker, leading to a second sexual assault. Travis Sessions, a 28-year-old inmate, drowned in his own blood, according to yet another lawsuit, at Red Eagle Community Work Center north of Montgomery after officers ignored his requests for help. And lets not forget Steven Davis, beaten to death by corrections officers at Donaldson Correctional Facility in 2019. Corrections chose to negotiate its way through dozens of cases like these instead of risking a court fight, as Beth Shelburne reported last week. The department has settled 94 lawsuits alleging that corrections officers used excessive force against inmates. Its helped push the departments legal bills over $57 million. Thats a lot of money. If you worked at a company that had to settle dozens of lawsuits over the same pattern of behavior, youd be trained to stop that behavior. Or your company would be out of business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In ADOCs case, were talking about patterns that have led to credible allegations that corrections officers left inmates with crippling injuries. Or brain damage. Or dead. What does the state do? It cuts a check. The department leans on a state liability fund to pay settlements. Inmates or their survivors get a relative pittance. Private attorneys representing officers accused of wrongdoing get much more. Shelburne reported that lawyers representing officers got $12.9 million from the state between 2020 and 2024. Settlement payments to inmates and survivors amounted to $4.4 million. State leaders, by and large, are fine with this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Excessive force, you say? Heres a check. Neglect? Talk to our attorneys. Physical trauma? PTSD? People coming out of prison worse than when they went in? Not our problem. Alabama government values nothing more than its power to confine, to punish and, in some cases, to kill. State officials have fought a DOJ lawsuit over violence in mens prisons for about four years. It is in court over failures to deliver proper medical and mental health care to inmates. Lawmakers smile benignly as the price of a new prison in Elmore soars far above initial estimates. So Alabama will pay any price to keep that power and use it with little regard for constitutional restraints. Corrections budget grew from $544.1 million in 2021 to an expected $826.7 million next year, a 52% growth rate bigger than Medicaid (44%), which paid for the deliveries of most of the babies born in the state in 2022. But the state will not or cannot correct the savage status quo in our prisons. Corrections officers can face multiple lawsuits alleging excessive force and not only hold onto their jobs, but win promotions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama has a lot of stubborn problems, like poverty and shrinking health care access. The prison crisis is something else: a deadly humanitarian disaster that our leaders deliberately built and continually tolerate while private individuals and companies profit off the chaos. People die in state prisons, or emerge with major physical and psychological injuries. The state treats each one of those lives as a sunk cost, a string of numbers to go onto a spreadsheet. Which means were beyond reform. You cant even tear Corrections down to the studs, because those are rotten, too. If we want prisons that maintain public safety, we need a whole new correctional agency. One that keeps order in its facilities. That treats violence as a failing that has to be fixed, not a monthly bill. Above all, we need a prison department built from a foundation of rehabilitation, not retribution. At the moment, that project is a political impossibility. Alabama politicians think the price of fixing our prisons is far higher than the cost of ignoring it. But maybe we can stop calling the agency supervising our prisons Corrections. Its publicly subsidized mayhem that gets nothing right. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Mayor Adams has sued the citys Campaign Finance Board over its repeated denial of matching funds for his reelection campaign. The lawsuit, first reported by Politico on Tuesday, seeks $3.4 million that the mayor has been denied by the CFB, which has cited Adams five-count federal indictment in its decisions. An indictment is not a conviction; a politically-driven indictment that has been dismissed and for which there is no corroborating evidence is worth nothing at all, attorney Robert Spolzino wrote in the suit, filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court. The CFBs reliance on the indictment as proof of anything, particularly now that it has been dismissed with prejudice, is, therefore, arbitrary, capricious, violative of lawful procedure, and erroneous as a matter of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CFB first denied Adams matching funds in December, citing a number of reasons including his indictment and his campaigns failure to provide paperwork to campaign finance regulators. The lawsuit says Adams team has since submitted that information. This is just the latest turn in the mayors efforts to win a second term. After his case was dropped in April, Adams announced hed seek reelection as an independent to allow for more time to campaign and fundraise. In April, the CFB denied Adams both for the non-compliance reason as well as for not submitting a personal financial disclosure to the citys Conflicts of Interest Board in time. If allowed to stand, the CFBs determination sets a dangerous precedent, empowering the CFB to sit as judge, jury, and executioner based on allegations and press reports, not evidence, the lawsuit reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boards auditing director Danielle Willemin wrote in an April 15 letter to Adams team that its decision was based in part on a judges opinion on the Adams case, as well as two expected guilty pleas from those involved in the mayors alleged campaign finance fraud involving Turkish government operatives. A spokesperson for the CFB declined to comment. Frank Carone, Adams ex-chief of staff and reelection campaign chair, is involved in helping his old firm, Abrams Fensterman, litigate the suit against the CFB on behalf of the mayor. After months of cooperation, it became clear that the CFB is intent on indirectly disenfranchising thousands of everyday New Yorkers who donated to Mayor Adams because his leadership has improved their lives, Carone said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the mayor and his campaign, the suits plaintiffs include three Adams campaign donors. One of them is Marietta Rozental, a longtime fundraiser for Adams who runs two Azerbaijani community groups in Brooklyn. While Adams was Brooklyn borough president, Rozental introduced him to several Azeri government officials who visited him at Borough Hall, Facebook photos and press releases reviewed by the Daily News show. The Azeri government is closely allied with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government was accused in Adams indictment of participating in his straw donor scheme. Asked why Rozental was added to the suit, Carone said she, like the other two donors, believes she has been disenfranchised by the boards arbitrary decision. NEW YORK Mayor Eric Adams has sued the citys Campaign Finance Board over its repeated denial of matching funds for his reelection campaign. The lawsuit, first reported by Politico on Tuesday, seeks $3.4 million that the mayor has been denied by the CFB, which has cited Adams five-count federal indictment in its decisions. An indictment is not a conviction; a politically-driven indictment that has been dismissed and for which there is no corroborating evidence is worth nothing at all, attorney Robert Spolzino wrote in the suit, filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court. The CFBs reliance on the indictment as proof of anything, particularly now that it has been dismissed with prejudice, is, therefore, arbitrary, capricious, violative of lawful procedure, and erroneous as a matter of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CFB first denied Adams matching funds in December, citing a number of reasons including his indictment and his campaigns failure to provide paperwork to campaign finance regulators. The lawsuit says Adams team has since submitted that information. This is just the latest turn in the mayors efforts to win a second term. After his case was dropped in April, Adams announced hed seek reelection as an independent to allow for more time to campaign and fundraise. In April, the CFB denied Adams both for the non-compliance reason as well as for not submitting a personal financial disclosure to the citys Conflicts of Interest Board in time. If allowed to stand, the CFBs determination sets a dangerous precedent, empowering the CFB to sit as judge, jury, and executioner based on allegations and press reports, not evidence, the lawsuit reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boards auditing director Danielle Willemin wrote in an April 15 letter to Adams team that its decision was based in part on a judges opinion on the Adams case, as well as two expected guilty pleas from those involved in the mayors alleged campaign finance fraud involving Turkish government operatives. A spokesperson for the CFB declined to comment. Frank Carone, Adams ex-chief of staff and reelection campaign chair, is involved in helping his old firm, Abrams Fensterman, litigate the suit against the CFB on behalf of the mayor. After months of cooperation, it became clear that the CFB is intent on indirectly disenfranchising thousands of everyday New Yorkers who donated to Mayor Adams because his leadership has improved their lives, Carone said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the mayor and his campaign, the suits plaintiffs include three Adams campaign donors. One of them is Marietta Rozental, a longtime fundraiser for Adams who runs two Azerbaijani community groups in Brooklyn. While Adams was Brooklyn borough president, Rozental introduced him to several Azeri government officials who visited him at Borough Hall, Facebook photos and press releases reviewed by the Daily News show. The Azeri government is closely allied with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government was accused in Adams indictment of participating in his straw donor scheme. Asked why Rozental was added to the suit, Carone said she, like the other two donors, believes she has been disenfranchised by the boards arbitrary decision. _________ Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday reiterated his urgency for Springfield to hammer out a deal addressing the Chicago Transit Authoritys fiscal cliff before the legislative session ends this week, while remaining vague on his latest demands. At his weekly City Hall news conference, the mayor again called for Chicago-area transit to receive an equitable distribution and fair share of resources as state lawmakers mull proposals including whether to tie a bailout of the CTA to a proposal overhauling the governance structure of the Chicago areas public transit systems. However, it remained unclear what the Johnson administrations role will be in those discussions over the coming days. Asked whether it would be acceptable for lawmakers to change local transits governance structure without new CTA revenue, the mayor stressed my position is we have to do both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no secret that we have to move with some expediency to ensure that the funding is there, Johnson told reporters before conceding that bifurcating the two was a possibility. The timing of it all, (theres) probably some room there. Not very much though. Should the Illinois General Assembly conclude its spring session this weekend without addressing the financial shortfall that looms for the CTA at the end of this year, the issue may then be punted to the fall veto session. Complicating a delay like that, though, is that the CTA is slated to present its 2026 budget proposal during the fall, with an expected vote in November. So if Springfield leaders do not figure out the transit systems funding shortfall this week, the agency would have to prepare a budget with a giant question mark on much-needed revenue. Yes, I am calculating the distance between ensuring that theres funding and how we can continue to grow our system, and were going to stick to it, work as hard as we can these next few days to be able to come to a reasonable resolution, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor visited the statehouse in late April with a modest wish list that did not include the CTA funding piece among his four priorities because its on the priority list of the entire state of Illinois. Thats even as the ramifications of the governance changes being discussed would uniquely affect the mayors office. Faced with customer dissatisfaction over the years, a proposal to combine the CTA, Metra, Pace and the Regional Transportation Authority has been on the table for months, along with a provision that would limit the mayors influence on the transit boards. The RTA warns of a 40% cut in service to the local transit systems should they not see a significant influx of new money. Meanwhile, the citys upcoming budget process is already shaping up to be an arduous one, given the $1.1 billion deficit projected for 2026. A hearing next week in the City Councils subcommittee on revenue aims to address the shortfall with a bundle of new taxing ideas, which Johnsons team said includes levies that require state legislative approval. Since Springfield is adjourning before then, any revenue ideas that need state buy-in may not be negotiated until the fall veto session at the earliest, meaning discussions would have to happen concurrently with the citys 2026 budget process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnsons budget director, Annette Guzman, characterized the revenue hearing next week as beginning the conversations early, however, because its ahead of next years state budget process. She added that the administration plans to explore new taxes the city can impose, too. Also Tuesday, Johnsons administration championed its legal efforts to oppose President Donald Trumps sweeping changes to federal government. All together, Chicago has entered 30 direct complaints, amicus briefs and administrative responses to oppose Trumps efforts, Johnsons corporation counsel, Mary Richardson-Lowry, said. One lawsuit joined by the city to halt the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiencys cuts to the federal workforce won a preliminary restraining order and is now in the Supreme Court, Richardson-Lowry said. In another case, the city is opposing cuts to anti-terrorism program funding, she added. Echoing a February speech by Gov. JB Pritzker, Johnson likened Trumps actions to how Nazi Germany became real, adding, you cant make this up, he is doing it in plain sight. What started joke on social media is now raising thousands of dollars in honor of a father and son who made the ultimate sacrifice. In February, Weymouth Mayor Bob Hedlund shared images online featuring t-shirts with the slogan Gulf of Weymouth, saying he would change the name of Hingham Bay to the Gulf of Weymouth. The playful joke came as President Trump changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hedlund created the Gulf of Weymouth t-shirts, and now the effort has raised $7,000 so far. The money will now go to a new granite memorial honoring Richard B. Fitzgibbons Jr. and his son, Richard B. Fitzgibbons III, both of whom were killed in the Vietnam War. The Granite Memorial will be placed at Libby Field. 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 Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey didnt join 40 other state attorneys general calling on Congress to reject a federal measure that would block states from setting their own regulations on the use of artificial intelligence. (Office of the Attorney General J.B. McCuskey photo) Attorney General J.B. McCuskey didnt join 40 other state attorneys general calling on Congress to reject what they call an irresponsible federal measure that would block states from setting their own regulations on the use of artificial intelligence for the next 10 years. Right now, states have the authority to set their own AI rules. The West Virginia Legislature recently passed a bill prohibiting the creation, distribution or possession of AI-generated child pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A letter from the National Association of Attorneys General issued earlier this month said the broad AI moratorium measure, which is tucked into President Donald Trumps tax cut bill, would be sweeping and wholly destructive of reasonable state efforts to prevent known harms associated with AI. McCuskeys office didnt respond to questions about why he didnt sign onto the letter, which included Republicans from Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. This bill does not propose any regulatory scheme to replace or supplement the laws enacted or currently under consideration by the states, leaving Americans entirely unprotected from the potential harms of AI, the letter read. Moreover, this bill purports to wipe away any state-level frameworks already in place. Imposing a broad moratorium on all state action while Congress fails to act in this area is irresponsible and deprives consumers of reasonable protections. According to an analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures, 26 states adopted or enacted at least 75 new AI measures. Some of those measures have sought to ban the creation of deepfakes for political campaigns or ban the use of AI to send spam calls or texts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans in Washington behind the proposed state-level ban say theres an urgent need to pass a unified, federal set of guidelines after more than 1,000 pieces of legislation relating to AI have been introduced just this year. A 10-year moratorium on states enacting AI laws could give Congress the time to pass those guidelines, they say, and the language banning states from setting their own AI regulations was rolled into the 1,100 page controversial budget bill. Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke Congress would prohibit enforcement of any existing laws on AI and decision-making systems. But Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, doesnt think that West Virginias new law banning the use of AI in child pornography would be struck down should the federal measure pass because of how its written. The measure, Senate Bill 198, made it a felony offense in West Virginia to use or entice a minor to assist in creating computer-generated images for child pornography or create a visual portrayal of a minor engaging in any sexually explicit conduct. It also bans the distribution of AI-generated child pornography. Weld, an attorney, said it addressed a loophole in the states current laws prohibiting child pornography as AI is a growing industry. The federal provisions would allow for SB 198 to go into effect because it doesnt affect laws of general applicability because [the bill] affects AI, but also it doesnt discriminate between using artificial intelligence to manipulate an image or create a visual portrayal of a minor using Adobe Photoshop or something like that, he explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weld said he was reluctant about states potentially losing their ability to regulate AI. I dont like to see states being able to legislate on their own in areas that they generally have the authority to, he said. States are the laboratories of democracy for a reason. There are limited AI laws in West Virginia, but lawmakers have begun introducing legislation on the topic and exploring how it might work in government. In 2023, the Legislature passed a bill that launched a pilot program to explore how AI could be used to assess road quality and predict maintenance projects. Last year the House of Delegates created the AI Select Committee that advanced four AI-related bills. Three of those measures died in the Senate, and one resolution, which created an AI Task Force, passed the full Legislature. The AI Task Force was asked to determine the state agency or agencies that would develop AI policies, consider public interest use cases for AI and more. The task force is supposed to submit a report by July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Conference of State Legislatures also opposes the proposed moratorium on states ability to regulate AI, saying in a letter to U.S. House members that it is an infringement on states authority to effectively legislate in this rapidly evolving and consequential policy domain, and in our view, is a violation of the Byrd Rule. The rule named for late Democratic Senator Robert C. Byrd governs the budget reconciliation process and provisions deemed extraneous are prohibited. The AI law moratorium measure was packaged with $500 million to modernize federal IT programs with commercial AI systems through 2035. The U.S. House narrowly approved the GOP-backed massive tax and spending bill with the AI measure on Thursday. Both West Virginia Reps. Riley Moore and Carol Miller, R-W.Va., voted in support of the bill, and it now heads to the U.S. Senate. In Washington D.C., a House subcommittee earlier this week took its first major step in discussing widespread regulations for AI legislation at the federal level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support for federal guidelines or regulation around AI technologies received bipartisan support in the last Congress, States Newsroom reports. On May 22, McCuskey sent a letter on behalf of 15 attorneys general to the Department of Energy and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission outlining the need for federal officials to establish a Strategic Electricity Reserve to protect our nations energy grid. It would be used in cases of power shortages or emergencies. In a news release, McCuskey said, the reserve will provide a layer of security that is needed now more than ever. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) Gov. Henry McMaster (R) vetoed a bill last week for the second consecutive year that would automatically dismiss some pending gun charges that are no longer considered a crime in South Carolina. The bill, filed by Sen. Deon Tedder (D-Charleston), would require the state to drop charges against those still facing possible conviction for offenses that were illegal before the so-called constitutional carry law was signed. The March 2024 law allows anyone over 18 who can legally own a gun to carry the weapon openly and without a permit or training. It also nullified certain gun offenses and allowed people to apply to have their prior convictions expunged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It did not, however, address the thousands of cases that were still unfinished across the state. Though many of those cases have been disposed of in the past year, hundreds of pending charges remain. The premise behind [the bill] is you cant convict somebody of something that is no longer unlawful, he said. There are still pending charges out there in certain counties, and its just not fair for those people to have this hanging over their head when we have now nullified that law. Tedder provided the example of a gun being improperly stored in the car. Under the current law, there are no restrictions on how guns can be stored inside a vehicle openly or concealed, whereas firearms previously had to be kept in a closed compartment if the owner did not have a permit. This [bill] is for those people, Tedder explained. The Uber driver who had the gun between the seat because he drives out late at night to protect himself, or the young person who was just ignorant of the law and thought it was okay to have it in his bookbag unloaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His bill sought to automatically dismiss those unlawful possession charges, excluding ones that occured in conjunction with other crimes. Six crime bills that passed the South Carolina legislature in 2025 It contained nearly identical language to a bill McMaster vetoed last May. The Senate voted to override the governors veto, but time ran out before the House could also do so. One difference was that the current version added language preventing someone who had their pending charges dismissed under the bill from using that as a basis for a wrongful arrest lawsuit a concern raised by some in law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers also added a provision so that if the possession charge is the probable cause for another offense, those other charges would not have to be automatically dismissed, and the possession charge could remain pending. The measure again received widespread support in the legislature it unanimously passed both chambers in the final weeks of session but McMaster still wasnt on board. In a May 22 message, he commended lawmakers for attempting to assuage some law enforcements concerns but offered the same justification for his veto as last year: that the decision to waive charges should be left to the discretion of individual prosecutors. Every case is unique and the prosecutors in our State should be permitted to evaluate each case based on the law and the facts and then proceed as they deem appropriate, McMaster, who previously served as South Carolina attorney general, wrote. Some charges might warrant dismissal; other charges may warrant continued prosecution. Unfortunately, S. 136 would universally strip prosecutors of the ability to make such individualized determinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also argued that blanket dismissal was not an appropriate remedy for previous violations of amended laws, likening it to speeding tickets not automatically disappearing if a speed limit is raised. If a person disobeys the law, consequences including potential criminal prosecution may follow, even if a person believes a law should be changed, he wrote. Tedder said that while he respects the governors decision, he plans to call on his colleagues to override the veto which requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers when they return to Columbia on Wednesday to discuss the budget. This is not the only thing that was missed, Tedder said, referencing the permitless carry bill. This is just one that we thought was important to push to really protect the rights of people, to make it fair across the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MDHHS helps families stay fed with SUN Bucks LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, also known as SUN Bucks, is back, and according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, it is to ensure children will have access to nutritious food while school is out. MDHHS reports that the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food and Nutrition Service approved Michigans Summer EBT program to assist low-income families feed kids during the summer. MDHHS officials say families who already have a Bridge card will have a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child added to their existing card. People who dont have a Bridge card will get a pre-loaded one in the mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If benefits are unused, they will expire and not be reinstated. Children who are eligible according to MDHHS: Children aged 6 to 18 who are recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid benefits between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, will be automatically enrolled. Medicaid recipients income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Students of any age certified as eligible to receive free or reduced-priced lunch through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program. Approved through the summer EBT application process. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer explains how proud of the Summer EBT program in a news release sent to 6 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summer is here, but hunger isnt going anywhere, said Governor Whitmer. Im proud that were continuing our successful Summer EBT program so no child goes hungry between school years. Im proud of the work weve done to tackle hunger, including our work to deliver free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students, saving their parents nearly $900 a year in groceries and time every morning. While folks in DC keep trying to find ways to cut health care for Michiganders and food benefits for hungry families, here in Michigan we will keep taking action to make a real difference in their lives. According to Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, kids who dont have access to healthy food during the summer are at risk of malnutrition. Michigan children and their families shouldnt have to worry about going hungry over summer break, said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. Summer break is a time when many children lose access to the reliable meals they receive at school, placing them at risk of hunger and malnutrition. The Summer EBT Program, in addition to our other nutrition assistance programs, like WIC and SNAP, helps us close the summer hunger gap by providing every eligible child with nutritious food, addressing one of the key social determinants of health, food insecurity. To apply to the Summer EBT program, 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 WLNS 6 News. On Tuesday night, the Defense Forces neutralized 43 enemy Shahed-type strike drones out of 60, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. "As of 09:00, air defense neutralized 43 enemy Shahed-type UAVs [drones of other types] in the east, north and south of the country. Some 35 were shot down by fire weapons, and eight were lost/suppressed by electronic warfare," the Telegram message says. In total, the Russian occupation army used 60 strike UAVs and drones of other types on the territory of Ukraine. "On the night of May 27 [from 23:50 on May 26], the enemy attacked with 60 Shahed attack UAVs and imitator UAVs of various types from the directions: Millerovo, Orel, Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk - the Russian Federation, Hvardiyske the temporarily occupied Crimea," the Air Force reported. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Enemy air attack means hit nine locations, as well as the fall of downed attack UAVs in three locations. About a month ago, the rate of new measles cases was accelerating at a seemingly unprecedented rate with more than 100 infections being confirmed every week. However, over the last couple of weeks, the rate of newly confirmed cases appears to be slowing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed an average of 22 weekly cases over the last two weeks. MORE: Amid growing Texas outbreak, how contagious is measles? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in western Texas, which had been driving most new cases in the U.S., about 11 cases have been confirmed since May 23. Public health experts told ABC News they believe measles cases are slowing down due to a mix of vaccination, a build of natural immunity and people staying home when sick. The CDC only includes confirmed cases, therefore not all cases may be accounted for. "It was really about two weeks ago where we're going, 'Is this really slowing down?'" Katherine Wells, director of public health for the in Lubbock, Texas, told ABC News. Increase in vaccination The CDC currently recommends that people receive two vaccine doses, the first at ages 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective, the CDC says. Most vaccinated adults don't need a booster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health officials in Texas also expanded vaccination recommendations for those between 6 months and 12 months old to receive a third earlier dose. PHOTO: Boxes and vials of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella Virus Vaccine at a vaccine clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department, on March 1, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images) Wells said Lubbock saw an increase in children and adults getting vaccinated, including parents who previously did not believe in vaccination. "It's parents that were more in the line of, 'I didn't get my child vaccinated because there's perceived risk with the vaccine, and why vaccinate for a virus that I've never seen before?'" Wells said. "And then when we started seeing measles in the community, I think that their individual risk assessment changed, and they were like, 'OK, well, now we'll get that vaccine.'" Wells estimates that at least 2,500 additional vaccines were distributed in the community based on data received from the state health department and other health care providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Perry Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health in New Jersey, said most people in the U.S. are vaccinated against measles. "In the United States, we still have a good proportion of the population that is vaccinated for measles, which means that we have some level of protection as compared to COVID-19, which we didn't have any protection from when it first broke out," he said. Buildup of natural immunity When the first measles cases were confirmed in western Texas, health officials said the infections primarily affected insular communities, such as the Mennonite community. Since then, measles has likely run through those communities, infecting those who were unvaccinated and mostly sparing those with natural immunity or vaccine-induced immunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Amid growing Texas outbreak, how contagious is measles? "At a certain point, with people contracting measles, they're also developing immunity," Wells said. "We had a lot of cases in one community. But with that, they've also built up natural immunity to measles, so that just adds more kind of speed bumps and slows down the virus from spreading." Dr. Jason Schwartz, an associate professor of public health in the Yale School of Public Health, explained that measles is incredibly contagious. Just one infected patient can spread measles to up to nine out of 10 susceptible close contacts, according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ultimately that reservoir of unvaccinated individuals -- who are either too young to be vaccinated or can't be vaccinated or had family members who chose not to vaccinate them -- ultimately that gets exhausted," he told ABC News. "So, I think that's the story here and the idea that the outbreak, to some degree, kind of burned itself out in terms of its acceptable population." Schwartz did add that the U.S. is still seeing flare-ups of isolated measles cases and small outbreaks in various part of the U.S. not associated with large outbreaks seen in Texas or New Mexico. On Tuesday, Nebraska health officials confirmed a measles case in a "vaccinated child with no out-of-state travel history," making Nebraska the 32nd state to report a case of measles this year. Changing behavior Anecdotally, Wells said she believed some people in Lubbock and the surrounding community changed their behavior in response to measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With public awareness campaigns, people began staying home when they knew they were infected, which has limited exposures in places like doctors' offices and day cares, she said. PHOTO: A sign is seen outside a clinic with the South Plains Public Health District, on Feb. 23, 2025, in Brownfield, Texas. (Julio Cortez/AP, FILE) "We're not seeing as many people going into the doctor's office ... and we're not seeing seeing hospitalizations like we were seeing before which is a very good sign," Wells said. Halkitis said this change of behavior is similar to the mpox outbreak in 2022. "My comparison to that is mpox, where we saw a huge change in behaviors in gay men and a large uptake in vaccination," he said. "I haven't seen a similar push [with measles]. We're talking about, remember, a small segment of the population that's unvaccinated. So, you have a hard-core group of people that seems somewhat intransigent in their ability to change their behavior around vaccines." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although measles is not seasonal, Halkitis said the real indicator of whether measles will continue trending down is if cases stabilize in the fall, when kids are back in school and airborne viruses are easier to spread. Measles cases seem to be slowing down in the US. What's behind it? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A bill recently introduced in Congress would upgrade a Silver Star Medal to a Medal of Honor for a recon Marine who fought through severe injuries while under attack on a mission in the jungles of Vietnam in 1967. Retired Maj. Jim Capers received the Silver Star in 2010 for those actions, but supporters believe his valor deserves the nations highest military honor. House Resolution 3377, sponsored by Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., was filed and coupled with a letter to President Donald Trump on May 13 and remains in the House Armed Services Committee as of Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter, signed in February by six U.S. senators and 41 representatives, details Capers actions and asks the president to review the award for the purpose of an upgrade. In late March 1967, Marine 2nd Lt. Jim Capers stepped off on a four-day patrol into the jungles near Phu Loc, South Vietnam. Capers, recently promoted via a battlefield commission to second lieutenant, led nine 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company Marines alongside a dog named King. The mission was to observe a North Vietnamese Army regiment and protect the flank of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines. On the final day of their mission, enemy claymore mines exploded, triggering an attack on his team. Capers received multiple wounds from both the explosion and the dense barrages of direct and indirect enemy fire that followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suffering two broken legs and heavy bleeding, Capers continued fighting and directed his team in the counterattack. He coordinated supporting fire and moved his team to the helicopter extraction, which saved their lives. Retired Maj. James Capers Jr. smiles after a plaque was unveiled in his honor in his hometown of Bishopville, South Carolina, Aug. 29, 2020. Capers was the first Black Marine to command a Reconnaissance company. (Staff Sgt. Erik Estrada/Marine Corps) While struggling to maintain consciousness and still under attack, Major Capers demanded continuous situation and status reports from his Marines and ensured the entire team was evacuated before himself, his award citation reads. Barely able to stand, Major Capers finally boarded the helicopter and was evacuated. Capers twice got off of an evacuation helicopter so it could take off with the other wounded. When he did finally board a helo for extraction, the aircraft crashed. The wreck resulted in another man losing his leg and another individual losing a kidney. Retired Marine Lt. Col. David Bull Gurfein, CEO of United American Patriots, has compared Capers story to that of another reconnaissance Marine who did receive the Medal of Honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly a year after Capers heroics, 2nd Lt. Terrence Graves, also with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, was on a deep jungle patrol in the jungles of Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam, where he led an eight-Marine recon team behind enemy lines. Once his team made contact with a large NVA force, Graves exposed himself to repeated enemy fire to lead assaults, attend to wounded and command the element all while suffering from a gunshot wound to his thigh. Shortly after boarding a medevac helicopter, Graves and another Marine got back off to search for another Marine until a second helicopter could arrive to retrieve the three of them. The helicopter that eventually picked up the three Marines was shot down. Graves died in the crash. Graves received the Medal of Honor for his actions. Capers award, meanwhile, was initially a Bronze Star Medal that was later upgraded to a Silver Star Medal. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) The Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute and Mississippi Votes Action Fund will celebrate Medgar Evers 100th birthday. Medgar Evers at 100: A Legacy of Justice, A Future of Change will celebrate Evers lifelong fight for democracy, justice, and youth leadership. The event will be held at the Jackson Convention Center Complex from June 2729, 2025. Participants can register here. Remembering Medgar Evers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My father, Medgar Evers, dedicated his life to the fight for justice, believing that everyday people build true democracy, said Reena Evers-Everette, executive director of the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute. In the face of adverse political winds, much like those my father confronted, we will use his 100th birthday as a clarion call to the next generation to be voices of courage and justice and continue his mission for justice and equality for all. Keynote speakers and panelists include: Stacey Abrams Founder of Fair Fight Action, & New York Times Bestselling Author Joy-Ann Reid Award-Winning Political Analyst, MSNBC National Correspondent & New York Times Bestselling Author Eddie S. Glaude Jr. Chair of African American Studies at Princeton University & New York Times Bestselling Author W. Ralph Eubanks Award-Winning Writer, Author, Essayist, & Professor of English and Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi As we reflect on the legacy of Medgar Evers, we are reminded that democracy is not a spectator sportit demands action, commitment, and courage, said Arekia Bennett Scott, executive director of Mississippi Votes Action Fund. This convening is an opportunity to equip the next generation with the tools to lead, organize, and continue the fight for justice in Mississippi and beyond. 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 critical access hospital in Ontonagon, just 50 miles from my hometown in the Upper Peninsula, closed last year. The nearest emergency room is now a 45-mile drive away nearly an hour in good weather. In a February snowstorm, that delay can mean the difference between life and death. Most people hope never to visit an emergency room. But US. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that nearly 140 million Americans annually utilize ER care, often during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. It's often taken for granted that emergency rooms will always be there for us, but that assumption is increasingly at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im an emergency room doctor, and I can tell you firsthand that ERs are the backbone of our countrys health care safety net. If HR 1 becomes law, based on a report from the Congressional Budget Office, we can expect millions to lose their Medicaid coverage. This will add to the rolls of the uninsured, placing a larger burden on already stressed hospitals and emergency departments. This means that more hospitals will likely close. Six hospitals in Michigan are at imminent risk of closure, a recent study by the Centers for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform found, while 14 more are at risk of closure over time roughly 31% of rural hospitals in Michigan, and 12% of all hospitals in the state. Thats before any impact of these proposed cuts which the passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a single vote, largely along party lines. Hospitals already operate on razor-thin margins, and anything that disrupts the funding makes those margins even tighter. Losing billions in Medicaid funding could push many hospitals over the edge. Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital, located at the western edge of the Upper Peninsula, closed last year. Hospitals rely on Medicaid In Michigan, the numbers are stark: one in five adult residents rely on Medicaid for health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among children, that number increases to two out of every five. Medicaid also covers 38% of all births in the state. Medicaid isnt a fringe benefit for the few its a critical lifeline for millions. And its a key part of the financial foundation for hospitals that serve our most at-risk communities. But that foundation is crumbling. A recent report by the RAND Corporation confirms what frontline physicians already know: Americas emergency care system is in crisis, and emergency rooms throughout the country are strained to, or even beyond, their breaking point. Declining Medicare reimbursements, shrinking insurance payments and threats to Medicaid funding are converging to further endanger access to emergency care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, 20% of the care provided by emergency rooms in the U.S. is uncompensated, comprising an annual price tag of over $5 billion. This is unsustainable. With further cuts to Medicaid, it is possible that 22 Michigan communities could soon be left without a hospital and without the lifesaving emergency care we all depend on. And its not just patients on Medicaid who stand to lose. When hospitals close, everyone suffers whether theyre covered by private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. The collapse of emergency infrastructure in any region puts pressure on surrounding hospitals, increases wait times and reduces the overall capacity of our system to respond in times of crisis. Doctors rely on functioning hospitals Emergency physicians like myself are proud to care for anyone who walks through our doors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are required by federal law to treat all comers, regardless of their ability to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Habeas corpus is line between democracy and tyranny. Trump is blurring that line | Opinion But we cannot do it alone. We rely on functioning hospitals, adequate funding and a health care system that values access for all. If we continue to underfund Medicaid or treat it as expendable we risk eroding the structure that holds our emergency care system together. This isnt just a policy debate. Its a matter of access to health care. It can become a matter of life and death. Now is the time to ensure the viability of the emergency medical system in our state. We should take steps to protect and strengthen the programs that support emergency care not dismantle them. When your life is on the line, you shouldnt have to wonder whether help will be there when you need it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tell your members of Congress not to cut Medicaid, so we can protect the health care safety net in our state, for our friends and neighbors, for our hospitals and for the safety net that protects all of our residents . Brad J. Uren is an emergency room doctor, a past president of the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians and vice chair of the board of directors of the Michigan State Medical Society. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print. Like what you're reading? Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access with a Detroit Free Press subscription. We depend on readers like you. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump Medicaid cuts could close 20 Michigan rural hospitals | Opinion UPDATE: 5/27/2025, 3:23 p.m. WALLACE, W.Va. (WBOY) A woman reportedly walked for several hours to find a phone and call help after she and her sister were involved in a side-by-side crash on a remote Harrison County Road on Memorial Day. The Harrison County Sheriffs Office told 12 News Tuesday that the side-by-side hit a tree around 4:15 p.m. in a remote area near Jones Run Road. The driver, whom deputies identified as Joyce Hardesty, reportedly walked for about two hours to get to a phone and call for help because her sister, identified as 74-year-old Anita White, was trapped in the wreckage. However, deputies said White was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Lou Retton arrested for DUI in West Virginia Whites body has been sent to the State Medical Examiners Office in Charleston for a toxicology examination. The sheriffs office has ruled the crash was an accident and said that no charges will be filed. ORIGINAL: 5/26/2025, 7:39 p.m. WALLACE, W.Va. (WBOY) One person was taken to the hospital Monday afternoon following an ATV crash near Wallace. Officials with the Harrison County 911 Center told 12 News that at 4:16 p.m., crews were alerted to a vehicle accident with injuries and entrapment near the 7900 block of Jones Run Road in rural Harrison County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details surrounding the crash are limited, but officials said an ATV-type vehicle was involved and that the West Virginia Medical Examiner was dispatched to the scene. Crews had cleared the scene as of 7:30 p.m. One person was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment. Crews with the Folsom Volunteer Fire Department, Lumberport Volunteer Fire Department, Wallace Volunteer Fire Department, Harrison County EMS, Taylor County EMS and the Harrison County Sheriffs Office all responded to the scene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa (KCAU) The Queen II, in Arnolds Park, has been taking locals and tourists out for trips on the water since 1986. For 25 of those years, its been captained by Lance Freed. Freed has been delivering that pre-cruise message for 25 years at the helm of the Queen II. When he started 25 years ago, he didnt think hed do it very long. When I started, I told myself, Well, I guess Ill give myself four or five years in, and Ill have had my fill of driving the boat and stuff, and Im still here 25-years later, explained Freed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Puzzles, games, D&D: Sioux City Public Library hosting youth, adult reading programs He only started driving the boat because of a chance meeting with the original captain of the Queen II, Steve Kennedy, while visiting the Maritime Museum at Arnolds Park. I happened to walk by the door where Steve Kennedy was, and he was the curator of the museum at the time. The door was open, and I stuck my head around the corner, and I introduced myself. I asked him a few questions, and I said, You would by chance be looking for a captain for the boat. [They said,] As a matter of fact, we are,' he recalled. Kennedy said they were, and the rest is history, but there was an adjustment period to learning how to drive a boat the size of the Queen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though Freed farmed between Marcus and Paullina, he had grown up around the lakes and was used to being on the water and handling boats, just not the size of the queen. Its entirely different, so I rode with Captain Dean the rest of that summer while he taught me how to maneuver this boat around because its really touchy, especially with this wind. Its like a big sailboat without sails on it, and it doesnt take much to move the bow either right or left, port or starboard. He was able to master driving the Queen eventually, and in 25 years, he estimates he has done about 4,500 trips around West Lake. According to Freed, hes met many interesting people in his 25 years, and thats what keeps him going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northwest Iowa schools receive thousands in STEM grants Every cruise is different, and its that way with the people. You get certain people on. Some are really interested, and they want to find out certain things about the area. Theyve never been here before, and its amazing some of these people how they found this place. I get that story once in a while too. Plus, after all that time, Freed has become an institution at the lakes. Even as crews have changed through the years, and people come and ride the boat, seeing someone for 25 years, we have a lot of people that ride regularly. Hes been there all through. So they love being able to see the same person and grow, said Jon Pausley, CEO of Arnolds Park Amusement Park. Freed is one of three captains on the Queen and right now, drives the first two cruises of four every day except Thursday and Sunday. Currently, he has no intention of stopping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I take one year at a time. Ive been lucky my health has been good. I thank the good Lord for that, and I think its basically up to him. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. The Paul Cuffee Lower School on Promenade Street in Providence. Teachers at the school voted to join Rhode Islands American Federation of Teachers last December. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Three Rhode Island public charter schools are negotiating contracts with labor unions. Last August, Highlander Elementary partnered with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). In October, Paul Cuffee Upper School followed suit, joining Rhode Islands American Federation of Teachers (AFT). In December, Cuffees Lower School joined them. Cuffee Middle School has not signed on. Nationally, 70% of public district schools are unionized. As are roughly 11% of the teachers at charters, with 54% of those in states that mandate charter unionization. Charters are public schools publicly funded, strictly held to the same public accountability as district schools, with students chosen by lottery systems when over-enrolled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Islands charter approval vetting process is praised as one of the best, unlike the Wild West of, say, Arizona where lax approval laws let charters frequently open and close, disrupting families. Rhode Island charters are stable and highly attractive to families. But why would a charter give up its flexibility to join Rhode Islands unions? With these negotiations underway now, several educators did not respond to my queries and those who did would only speak off the record. To find the answers, I conducted off-the-record interviews, read an announcement in an IBEW newsletter focusing on teacher voice and higher pay, and obtained an email recruitment pitch from a union organizer recently sent to charter schools. Three main issues emerged: Better benefits and pay The critical issue with Rhode Island charter schools generally is that they operate with almost 20% less money, per pupil, than district schools. The Rhode Island Expenditure Council (RIPEC) put its exhaustive study of our charters in a national context that revealed uniquely inequitable funding between charters and district schools. The biggest gap drivers are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Districts home to the charter building hold back at least 7% of the per pupil cost (PPE) for, as RIPEC put it, so-called unique costs. But then, districts can increase the amount using a complex series of calculations to claw back yet more of the PPE, with Woonsockets RISE charter topping out at a whopping 62% holdback. The states School Housing Aid Fund helps schools pay for renovations , new buildings and upgrades. A formula allocates at least 35% of the costs in low-poverty districts (Little Compton, Barrington) and up to 97% and 88% respectively in high-poverty districts (Central Falls, Woonsocket). Charters get a flat 30%, no matter what their needs or poverty level. Municipalities and districts own the buildings. Charters must buy or rent and make all necessary repairs or risk losing their charter. Charters have no other resources to draw from. Rhode Islands charters are subject to extensive audits at least every five years. These accountability requirements are expensive, labor-intensive, time-consuming and inequitable because district schools have no such requirements. Surely, the charters would raise salaries immediately if they got their full per-pupil funding without all the holdbacks. The money is supposed to follow the kid. Furthermore, lower salaries make charters vulnerable to teacher poaching by districts. Also, charters often have specific missions i.e., the Nurses Institute, the Greene School to which the school must deploy resources. If the money is redeployed to, say, salaries, can these schools stay true to their mission? To raise salaries and benefits, where would the money come from? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Answer: mostly by increasing class size. Charters smaller classes contribute to their efficacy and popularity. Especially post-COVID, virtually all kids need lots of support and help. Private and suburban schools have small classes. Often charters smaller classes attract teachers who want calmer environments where they can be more successful. More control over administrative decision making, a.k.a. teacher voice Schools with poor teacher feedback mechanisms invite conflict. A memo that dictates, Here is the new rule (which is news to you); implement it tomorrow, is infuriating. Some authoritarian administrators only pretend to listen to staff, or they dont share enough information about a decision to allow the faculty to weigh in on important decisions. Teachers experience them as oppressive. Other administrators might invite conflict by running a tight ship, holding staff accountable or deploying resources to the mission for which theyve been chartered when teachers want something else, like higher pay. Teachers often choose to teach (and stay) at charter public schools because they enjoy collaborating on challenges with their colleagues and leadership. Seemingly, something is not working at the unionizing charters. Legal protections and power The email from the union recruiter says, Our union offers legal protection and liability coverage. Unionized workers also cannot be fired or disciplined without just cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement True, union dues pay for legal departments that protect district teachers from discipline and dismissal, usually to the detriment of the students. Burdensome state laws governing grievance procedures nearly prevent district staff from ever being disciplined. Since the charter teacher and administration would have to pay legal fees, an unprovoked dismissal is not in either parties interest. So, what now? The IBEW is a private-sector, construction union, not part of the states public-service union body politic. Incompetent construction workers get fired. Will the IBEW protect ineffective teachers? Also, do they have the clout or will to endure a fight for fair funding? Hard to know. The far more powerful AFT leaders are crackerjack negotiators. Will Cuffees flexibility rigidify with adherence to their new contract? Or will negotiations include a wealth of carve-outs to provide the non-traditional practices consistent with the charters mission? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most importantly, will the AFT fight to get their charter partners full funding? Nationally, unions have been fighting charter schools since the movement began, mainly by working to hogtie them with underfunding (see item #1 above). Will the AFT represent these new schools with the same fervor as they once opposed them? If so, that would be fantastic. Because giving all charters their full per pupil expenditure would solve a world of problems. Its a long shot, but shouldnt be. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) Memorial Day is often seen as the unofficial start of summer packed with backyard barbecues and family beach days. Bay Minette police search for armed suspect after deadly shooting at house party But the true meaning goes deeper than that. Baldwin County residents came together on Monday to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. For American Legion Post Commander Van Hubbard in Foley, Memorial Day is more than just a tradition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do this today to honor their sacrifice. It means everything. Hubbard said. This is the day that I get to spend with my family, my kids. This day, I get to say that Im truly free, and our freedom comes because of their sacrifice. It can be easy to get caught up in the fun of a holiday, but veterans at the American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope explained its important to remember what the day is all about. Its not about the party; its not about doing massive celebrations, Dale Taylor at Post 199 said. Wed like to remember that the sacrifices of all of those service members is to be remembered and not forgotten, especially on today. Veterans, families and area residents also gathered at VFW Post 5658 in Elberta to honor those who never made it home from service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember my parents. My father passed away. He served in Korea, Robert Whiting, the commander at Post 5658, said. I have brothers and uncles who have passed away from military service. Across the country, this same message of gratitude for those who gave their lives in service was shared with honor. Medical emergency leads to crash in Escambia County, Florida, FHP says Even the ones that were drafted and forced to go, they served our country with dignity, with honor, Hubbard said. Its just a little thing that we could do to say thank you. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 hosts a ceremony on Memorial Day, to honor the 280 veterans from our area killed in the Vietnam War. Their names are emblazoned on bollards on a winding path in Highland Park and are read aloud during the ceremony. Nine more names of veterans were read aloud; they had no home record when they were killed in the war, and were adopted by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans in our area killed during the US War on Terror were also honored. WATCH: Rochester communities hold Memorial Day parades and ceremonies Hundreds of veterans and their family members paid their respects to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. This is real, said Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter, who is an Army veteran. These hundreds and hundreds of names behind us, of these Vietnam heroes They missed beautiful holidays like this and more They missed being parents, grandparents, a good career, retirement, they missed a lot. And the only way we can thank them is to live like true free Americans, and honor their sacrifice what they gave to us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) A crash closed Interstate 25 north of Mead as of about 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, as many travelers took to the roadways. At about 7 p.m., the roadway had reopened. Colorado Department of Transportation cameras showed what appeared to be a recreational vehicle trailer that was on its side. It was hard to determine if there were other vehicles involved in the crash. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police and fire were at the crash as of 3:15 p.m., along with Colorado State Patrol. CDOT said that the northbound lanes were entirely closed beginning at Exit 245: Mead to Highway 56 at Mile Point 248. The road agency reported that Google was showing a 31-minute delay northbound and a five-minute delay southbound. A Colorado Department of Transportation camera captured the aftermath of a crash on northbound I-25 near Mead on Memorial Day. (Courtesy Colorado Department of Transportation) CDOT showed traffic backups on the southbound lanes beginning near milepost 252, and backups were also visible heading northbound beginning at about milepost 245. The area has been undergoing construction and has been the site of many crashes, including a crash involving a murder suspect who fled his vehicle and was struck by oncoming traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As part of its education policy aimed at returning children to in-person learning, the Ukrainian government has designed a network of underground schools in frontline regions. Around 200 such schools are currently under construction, said Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Transformation, at the "Education of the New Ukraine" forum in Kyiv on Tuesday. "A network of underground schools has been designed and is now being built across the country. About 200 schools are under construction. Many schools already have shelters. The model also includes the addition of buses to transport students, so we can bring as many children back to classrooms as possible," Fedorov stated. First Deputy Minister of Education and Science Yevhen Kudriavets clarified that 15 of the 200 schools have already been completed. He emphasized that both the pilot projects and the broader model aim to create dual-purpose underground educational spaces that can continue to be used after the war. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced at the forum that over 180 more such schools are scheduled to be commissioned by the end of the year. According to him, 80% of Ukrainian schools are currently equipped with some form of shelter. Kudriavets also noted that the educational reform will include the creation of more than 100 modern STEM laboratories, 210 new cafeteria units, and 980 safe classroom cells for educational use. He added that the total budget for this educational transformation in 20242025 stands at UAH 22.5 billion a record amount. According to Ukraine's State Statistics Service, as of the beginning of the 2024/2025 academic year, the country had 12,300 general secondary education institutions. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Restoration, Communities, and Territories Development Oleksiy Kuleba added that over 4,000 educational facilities more than 10% of the national stock are listed in the official register of damaged sites. More than 10% of them have already been restored. May 26At about 2:30 p.m. on Monday, a man's voice rang out through Evergreen Cemetery. "Where have all the soldiers gone? Long time ago. Where have all the soldiers gone? Gone to graveyards, every one," he sang, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar as he crooned Peter Paul and Mary's "Where Have all the Flowers Gone." A group of children dressed in white traipsed through the cemetery with flowers in their arms, which they laid on the graves of fallen soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marked the halfway point of a Memorial Day event that began with a parade from Longfellow Elementary School to the cemetery, where speakers took to the stage to honor the seven veterans buried there who died in active duty. "I don't want these guys to be forgotten, they had hopes and dreams like everyone and they came home in a box," said Bobbi Cope, 70, who organized the event. Cope, who has lived in Deering Center all her life, remembers a small local parade celebrating Memorial Day in the neighborhood when she was a kid. Her father and uncles were all veterans and she would usually attend with her family. "I thought, wouldn't it be nice if we had something like that again in Deering Center," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, in 2013, she decided to organize the Deering Center Memorial Day Procession and Commemoration. She's held the event every year since. As the kids returned to their seats, the name of each soldier killed in active duty was read out, followed by the chime of a bell. A band played "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes. A group of veterans fired a three-volley salute. A white tent was set up, shading a stage with portraits of the dead soldiers, decorated with wreaths. There was a moment of silence. Those who couldn't fit under the tent were spread out on the grass, sitting in lawn chairs and on picnic blankets. Dogs barked. Babies cried. In the front row sat David Whitten, 79, who was awarded four Purple Hearts during his service in Vietnam. He held his hand to his chest as the event wound down. "I'm very impressed and very surprised. I've never seen anybody in Portland proud like this," he said. It was his first time attending the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitten said when he first returned from Vietnam at age 22, he faced hate for having served in the unpopular war. People spat on him and called him names. At the event on Monday, he was honored for his service. "This means everything," he said. Whitten enlisted in the Army after high school and served two tours in Vietnam. He said he watched multiple friends die there and was badly injured in combat. He said that 15 men from his class at Portland High School were killed in Vietnam. "I don't regret going to Vietnam," he said. "The only thing I really regret is coming home. I wish that some of my friends that died could have come home and I could have died." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitten said he struggled after his return from Vietnam 57 years ago. He said he had several suicide attempts and had trouble feeling at home in the years after the war. But a few years ago, when he connected with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859, it changed everything. "That turned my life around, meeting other people who'd been through it," he said. After the event, a group of VFW members picked Whitten up and took him to the post on Forest Avenue. The parking lot was full. On the deck, someone grilled, and people greeted Whitten like he was an old friend. Long after the white plastic chairs were folded up and the tent in Evergreen Cemetery was taken down, Whitten sat at the bar, shoulder to shoulder with other veterans on Memorial Day. Copy the Story Link ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Several Memorial Day services were held across the Upstate honoring those who died serving our country. A large crowd gathered at the Richard Michael Campbell Veterans Nursing home in Anderson in ceremony, to honor those who never made it back home. I think we use the phrase freedom isnt free a lot, but theres a lot of truth in that. Just being here to celebrate that, I hope individuals continue that message and teach their young children that there are people who have made sacrifices for them, said Sheri Biggs, Republican party Congresswoman 3rd Congressional District of South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony includes a presentation of the colors, memorial plaque and wreath. The crowd sang songs and guest speakers spoke, with Senator Lindsey Graham addressing the group. Memorial Day is about serving those who didnt make it home, said Senator Lindsey Graham. Senator Lindsey Graham said that over 1.1 million Americans have died in uniform serving the United States. Graham said Memorial Day is a sacred time to remember the bravery of the men and women in the military. The Richard Michael Campbell Veterans Nursing home is one place Senator Graham said he visits often. He said being here to remember the fallen soldiers is one token of his appreciation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody here has somebody they know who was lost in a war, a buddy that never made it back home. These people understand probably better than most, the sacrifice that comes with being free and serving in the military. Thats why I came here, said Senator Lindsey Graham. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Waldameer Park representatives said theyve been enjoying a nice start to their summer season as they welcomed thousands of people to the park on Memorial Day. Waldameers Chief Operating Officer Brian Gorman said many people have been eager to get out and enjoy the nice weather after whats been a cold and rainy May. PA Soldiers & Sailors Home holds Memorial Day ceremony He said their new ride, the Time Twister, has been well-received and that people are excited to be back in the park with family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We come to Waldameer every year on Memorial Day. We love it, and wanted to check out the new ride, said Ashley Strello, who was visiting Waldameer with family. NFL Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff makes stop in Erie to sign autographs, raise funds Being able to have the option for families to come and enjoy our park on a day like this, its a great holiday weekend and is the unofficial start of summer. We have great areas to relax, cook food, and enjoy time with the family, which is what were all about. Its about family and having safe fun here. Thats what its all about, said Gorman. While the park has been open every weekend since May 3, Sunday marked opening day for Water World over at Waldameer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summer hours go into full effect starting Friday, June 6. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. May 27Emma Landrum of Priceville loves Memorial Day because it gives her a chance to remember fallen soldiers and service members. She has dedicated her young life to this cause the Forgotten Heroes Project. She started when she was a Brownie Scout at age 8 or 9 and continues today as a senior Girl Scout at age 15. "When I was a little girl we went to Roselawn (Cemetery) for Graves Across America and I learned there were 10 unmarked graves. And it made me distraught. This was completely not OK. So, I went to Mom and Dad and said I need some help to do this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using Christmas and birthday money and money making bracelets, she purchased the marble bases needed for nine bronze memorial plaques, which denote a soldier's grave, and one headstone honoring an Army nurse. For the latter, she received help from Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur. The 10 memorials cost $5,000. She credits her dad, an Air Force veteran who died of COVID-19 in 2021, with drilling into her the importance of remembering those who serve police officers, veterans and others. She is working on getting more graves identified. "This is not because of my Girl Scout project, this is because of my heart," she said, vowing to continue her quest even after she leaves the Scouts. She spoke about the project during Monday's Memorial Day event at the American Legion Post 15 headquarters on U.S. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of people turned out for the event, which was scheduled to be held at Roselawn Funeral Home but was moved due to rain. The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the Morgan County Tech JROTC. They later placed officer hats on six empty chairs to represent fallen soldiers from each branch of the military: Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. Donna Johnson, master sergeant (retired) U.S. Army, sang the national anthem and later "God Bless America." Scouting Troops 142 and 91 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Janine Jordan, first vice commander American Veterans Post 1955, draped a POW/MIA flag over a chair back to represent those who are prisoners of war or missing in action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Baker recognized veterans of various branches of our armed forces. Tommy Perry, mayor pro tem of Priceville, recognized the officials at the ceremony. Roll call was held with the names of those soldiers who died this year, read aloud by Morgan County Circuit Court judges. Marsha King, president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 15, recognized the Gold Star mothers, those who had lost a child to war or conflict, some of whom were present Monday. Major Gen. Frank J. Lozano of the U.S. Army, program executive officer, missiles and space at Redstone Arsenal, gave the keynote address. "Obviously Memorial Day is very important. You remember the service of the fallen ... how our lives are more enriched because of their sacrifice," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As we come together, we remember today is Memorial Day, a day that carries solemn weight and deep significance. It is a day of commemoration, a day not just for barbecues and long weekends but for remembrance." He asked the audience to remember the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, where 7,000 lost their lives; the Normandy invasion of France by Allied troops; and the Gold Star families who lost loved ones. He said Gold Star families continue to inspire us. They show us that even in the midst of profound loss the spirit of their loved ones endure. "We must promise to remember them and live lives worthy of them ... . Men and women have died for this country so that we can vote, we can speak freely, we can worship as we choose, we can raise our families and we can pursue our dreams ... . Ask not only who we remember on Memorial Day, but how." jean.cole@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2361 ROSS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) In one rural community in the Back Mountain, Memorial Day is about more than just remembrance, its also a major fundraiser that keeps first responders running. Sweet Valley may be a small community, but the support here runs deep. From fire trucks to flags, this Memorial Day parade in Sweet Valley is more than a tradition: Its a chance for people to remember the fallen while raising funds for their fire department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a nice country back road drive, and so we came down here looking to celebrate Memorial Day today and all the sacrifices that the military made for me to live in the land of the free, Joe Fabricatore from Dunmore said. From homemade pierogies to flashing lights on emergency vehicles, the day offered something for people of all ages. We love the family atmosphere. The food is amazing, and the kids just have a fun experience running and seeing the fire trucks, the cop cars, Hunlock Creek resident Sheila Morris said. But the day didnt stop with the sirens and marching bands. Right after the parade, the competition heated up. Firefighters traded their dress uniforms for gear and got to work in the Firemans Olympics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forty Fort Lions host 3-mile walk, 5-mile run for Memorial Day Going several decades strong, the fire crews try a mix of old-school challenges and serious physical tests. Firefighters call it a chance to show the strength and endurance of their job, especially in small communities like this, where every responder is a volunteer. You know its just really great. They get to see what we do. Were all volunteers, so we do this just on our own time, Shavertown Fire Department Volunteer Patrick Shelton stated. The event also helps keep the station running. Organizers say it brings in nearly 30% of the Sweet Valley Fire and Ambulance Companys yearly budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its paramount that we have the community support. Because with everything in todays economy, everything is more expensive now. That goes for everything from the cost of equipment to utility bills, Sweet Valley Fire and Ambulance Company Assistant Chief David Pall told 28/22 News. Whether they came to cheer, compete, or just enjoy the day, folks here made one thing clear: Supporting your local firefighters is something worth showing up for. A tradition thats lasted around 75 years, and its still going strong. Organizers say theyre already looking ahead to next years Memorial Day celebration in Sweet Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. Wet weather dampened river recreation over Memorial Day weekend, with Grand River Dam Authority shutting down all floats Saturday. Ava Money manned the GRDA Scenic River Operations office Monday, May 26; she gave the current conditions of the river at about 1 p.m. "Right now it's 12.76 feet, so it's been rising over the weekend at the Tahlequah gauge, and at the Chewey gauge it's 11.21 feet," Money said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same morning at 8 a.m., the Tahlequah gauge showed 12.06 feet, and Sunday at 5 p.m. it was 10.53 feet, Money said. "It hit the action point about 9.6 feet," Money said. "Action point is no more [river activities], and other conditions where it's no kids, suggest people move the rafts, and there's turbulence and a lot of debris in the water." On Saturday, at 2 p.m., levels were measured at 7.15 feet at the Tahlequah gauge normal is 5.5 feet, and at Chewey the level of the river was 4.84 feet and normal for this gauge is about 4 feet, Money said. Dallas Smith, Casey Coursey and families spent the weekend camping at No Head Hollow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are from Tahlequah and wanted to get out for the weekend, and it rained for the most part, off and on," Coursey said. "We played horseshoes and just hunkered down during the rain." Riley Deshon, grounds manager for Diamondhead Resort, was at the resort on Monday, he and his family the only ones around due to the weather. He lives in the area and came by the empty resort to check on things. "We let people float on Saturday and had about 100 rafts," Deshon said. "We didn't rent out the kayaks as the GRDA shuts down the kayaks on the river at about 7 foot." "It was flooded, so they sent everyone home for the day [Monday]," Deshon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pam Hazen, War Eagle Resort, said adults only floated on rafts Friday, and Monday they had to evacuate the campground around 9 a.m. "Saturday we waited until thunder and lighting was over then let people out on rafts, but we've not had any floats since," Hazen said. "We won't float tomorrow. We had to evacuate the campground about 9 a.m. Water was over our bridge [to that site] and so we evacuated before we wouldn't be able to reach them." At Arrowhead Resort, Austin Spears said at least people were able to float on Saturday. "We were able to float rafts only and no kids 10 and under on Saturday," Spears said. "Sunday and Monday and today were a washout and don't know about tomorrow yet." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People still came to Arrowhead and campers had to be moved from the camping area on the lower part of the property. He said the weather was typical for a Memorial Day weekend. "People stayed in cabins and at the RV and electrical camping grounds," Spears said. "We'll have a good season; at least we got to float one day." E.coli alerts were issued by GRDA over the weekend in response to samples taken at the Illinois River at Highway 59 Bridge, Chewey Bridge, Combs Bridge and in Tahlequah. "The public is advised that high levels of E. coli may be present in these areas over the course of the weekend," stated the GRDA site. "Levels of E.coli often rise with inflows associated with the significant rainfall events that have recently occurred and are expected to continue in the area through the weekend." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site gave safety tips issued by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. These included holding the nose or wearing plugs when jumping into water, washing cuts immediately after swimming, and avoiding swallowing water. Wearing ear plugs and goggles was advised and people should not swim near storm drains. Parents were urged to take their children to the restroom frequently and use swim diapers on infants. After swimming it is advisable to wash hands for a full 20 seconds before preparing or eating food, stated the site. Justin Alberty, communications director at GRDA, said the most recent E.coli report was Friday, May 23, due to weather conditions. "Due to high waters and storms over the weekend, it has been difficult for our staff to complete new sampling," Alberty said. "However, we will provide an update as soon as it is available." HINTON, WV (WVNS) The local community and veterans gathered at the Summers County Memorial Building to pay their respects to deceased service men and women. After years of collaboration, Summers County close to completing first dog kennel This Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony featured speakers like West Virginia District 10 State Senator Jack Woodrum and West Virginia District 040 Delegate Roy Cooper, who is also a veteran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Woodrum said he is fortunate enough to have known very involved veterans that are now passed like World War I veterans and Curt Messer, who used to speak at Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies in Summers County. Summers County and West Virginia has a very high rate of military enlistment. Most of the conflicts that our country has been engaged in, people in West Virginia have been very involved in those conflicts. So, being able to recognize that, to teach the younger generations about service, about what it means to be an American those are very important things to me and to the people that show up for this event. Almost everybody here has lost family members or friends in combat. It is important for us to be able to come out and remember them and think about them, said Senator Woodrum. One theme each speaker kept coming back to was the fact that Memorial Day is not necessarily a celebration. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices that were made to keep the United States of America a free country. Veterans who are still living were also honored at this event for their service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country cannot forget those who allowed the country to be free and safe for them. So any time that anybody in any community is able to come around and show their gratitude, it means a lot to the veterans. I think it means a lot to the country, too, that they come to realize and pass on to [the next] generations just exactly what it took to make us free and stable in a pretty contentious world, said Robert Bennett, a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. Summit Christian Academy joins the WVSSAC Bennett is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4500. He said if others would like to join on learn more information, they can show up to the Veterans Memorial Museum of Southern West Virginia in Hinton. Bennett explained that folks should speak with Tim Wheeler there for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)- In Moncus Park, Memorial Day services were held to honor the nations fallen veterans, followed by a special run dedicated to the heroes who have their lives. Veterans, families, and many elected officials, like Governor Jeff Landry, gathered for a morning of remembrance and community connection, as everyone honored the fallen heroes from all five branches of the United States military. Today we remember the courage and the sacrifice of all those who serve and continue to serve, because if not for those brave individuals, we would not have an opportunity to enjoy today, said Landry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gail Landry and Bonnie Oswalt, attendees at the event, say they both have family members currently serving. Oswalt says having loved ones in the military brings a deep sense of pride and honor. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Its a pride that its hard to describe doing, we try to stay in touch with one another with those that are serving and those who have served, so its just an honor, said Oswalt. In addition, attendees participated in a Memorial Day run for fallen heroes. Levy Kastner and Andrew Ward with the Acadiana Veterans Alliance say they served 20 years ago in Iraq. When asked what America means to them, they say there is no place like it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres nothing like America, the freedom of speech is so important and its so important that people serve to give back to that, that nobody else has freedom of speech like we do, its important to keep after that, said Kastner. 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 Cabinet of Ministers has dismissed Valeriya Ionan from the position of Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine for European Integration. As reported by the representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Verkhovna Rada, Taras Melnychuk, on his Telegram channel, the relevant decision was made at a government meeting on Tuesday. UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) A stabbing in the City of Utica on Monday morning has put one person in the hospital and one person in police custody. Police were called to the 200 block of Genesee Street along with members of the Utica Fire Department at approximately 8:30 am on Monday, May 26. Upon their arrival, they located one victim suffering from a stab wound in their shoulder. The victim was transported to the Wynn Hospital by the Utica Fire Department for treatment. Their condition is unknown at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before firefighters transported the victim, they gave officers information on the suspect later confirmed to be 46-year-old Kenya Stewart of Utica. It was learned that Stewart was arguing with the victim. As the argument escalated, Stewart stabbed the victim once in the shoulder. Stewart was found near the scene of the crime and detained during the investigation. They were eventually arrested and transported to the Utica Police Department for processing. Stewart is being charged with: second-degree Assault, a Class D Violent Felony, third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, a Class D Violent Felony, and second-degree Menacing, a Class A Misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. POTTSVILLE Before James Nagle was a general in the Civil War, he led a company of Pennsylvania volunteers to Mexico City during the Mexican-American War in 1846-48. There, Nagle befriended a young Mexican boy, Emerguildo Marquiz, whom he adopted and raised in his Pottsville home. In 1861, Nagle would recruit volunteers for the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, sometimes referred to as the Schuylkill County regiment, in response to President Abraham Lincolns call to arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, following in his adopted fathers footsteps, Emerguildo joined the regiment as bugler in the 3rd PA Cavalry. Tom Shay shows portrait of Emerguildo Marquiz, a bugler in the Civil War at Memorial Day service in Charles Baber Cemetery. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO Tom Shay recounted the touching story at a sunset service on Memorial Day in Charles Baber Cemetery. Saying Memorial Day is about sacrifice and remembrance, Shay said Emerguildo learned music and was educated by the Nagle family. Hes also buried near the monument of Gen. Nagle in the United Presbyterian Church cemetery in Pottsville. Emerguildo is definitely memorialized, said Shay, an authority of area residents who served in the Civil War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In brief remarks before a crowd of about 50 people, Shay also mentioned Nicholas Biddle, a Black man from Pottsville who was one of the first casualties of the Civil War. A member of Pottsvilles Washington Artillerists militia, part of the First Defenders, Biddle was injured by rioters as the unit passed through Baltimore on April 18, 1861. He is buried in Bethel AME Cemetery, Pottsville. Biddle is memorialized on a Dave Naydock mural at Centre and Nichols streets in Pottsville, along with Gen. George Joulwan and other city personalities. In another story of remembrance, Shay talked about the restoration of Lt. Curtis Clay Pollocks grave marker in Charles Baber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some years ago, Shay discovered the obelisk lying on the ground in pieces. Staff members at Charles Baber restored it and repositioned it on Pollocks grave. That did justice to Lt. Pollocks service, he said. Thats what he deserved because he gave his life for his country. Dr. Kurt Kovalovich, left, Tom Shay and Vincent Prestileo at Memorial Day service in Charles Baber Cemetery on May 26, 2025. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO Dr. Kurt K. Kovalovich, priest-in-charge at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pottsville, said it was an honor to offer a prayer for those who served and died. On this Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who gave the full measure of their lives, and we pray that they will be granted eternal peace, he said. We also pray for their families who still grieve so that they will know their lives have not been given in vain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vincent Prestileo, a former of the Pottsville High School band who just completed his freshman year at Penn State Schuylkill campus, performed the timeless ritual of respect and reverence that concludes the day at U.S. military installations. With a glint of the setting sun glowing through the tops of sturdy oaks, Prestileo faced the western sky and concluded the service with Taps. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Several Memorial Day Services were held throughout East Tennessee on Monday. The American flag was placed in front of each tomb stone at the Knoxville National Cemetery. Fallen heroes Local police, sheriffs offices post for Memorial Day When I was growing up Memorial Day wasnt really that significant, I didnt understand it, Retired United States Four Star Air Force General Arnold W. Bunch Jr. said. Today its a great sign, its something we all need to remember, to honor those who paid the ultimate cost and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bunch was the keynote speaker at the service in Knoxville. His message was that freedom is not free. Well it just causes me to pause and think about all the men and women who have given their lives in war time or in peace time, in training, or in exercises or tests, so that we can remain free, he said. Black bear found in Bell County, Kentucky home American Legion Post 2 also hosted a Memorial Day Service at Worlds Fair Park, where they read the the names of service members that had died. Memorial Day is that day for us to recognize and remember those who have served and paid that ultimate sacrifice, veteran Michael Testerman said. We always say, Memorial Day is for those who never took their uniform off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Testermans goal is to never forget the names of those who died in service. When that individual name is no long spoken or no long remember them or you no longer give that respect to them then theyre forgotten, Testerman said. Thats something we dont want to do is ever forget that. Veterans Voices: Hear the stories of those who served The East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association said it takes more than 100 volunteers to read the names at Worlds Fair Park. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. princeton A water companys request for information about Mercer Countys public service districts is still being pondered by the Mercer County Commission. On April 22, a representative of West Virginia-American Water addressed the Mercer County Commission about obtaining information on two public service districts and exploring the possibilty of buying them. Jacob Glance, West Virginia-American Waters director of business development, requested information about the Bluewell and the Green Valley-Glenwood Public Service Districts. No decisions about that request was made then by the county commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County Commission President Bill Archer said that public hearings will be scheduled if the proposal moved forward. Glance said after the April 22 meeting that the water company was asking the county commission to speak with public service district boards for both Green-Valley Glenwood and the Bluewell PSDs to request that they enter into what is called a due diligence process. This involves sharing documents about the PSDs assets including plants, tanks, booster stations and other items which are used to provide water and wastewater services. The information would help estimate the systems value. Creating a five-year investment plan would be the next step, according to Glance. The goal would be to purchase both PSDs water and wastewater systems, he said. The water companys rates would be set by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public service district operators attending the county commissions April 22 meeting objected to the water companys proposal. They are a national company. They came into West Virginia. To make it sound local they put West Virginia in front of American Water, Leo Lester of Flat Top, who is with the Mercer County Public Service District, told the commissioners. I saw this occur in history with our coal, with our oil and gas, and now theyre after our water resource. Bryan Rotenberry, the Bluewell Public Service Districts general manager, added that public service districts exist to serve their communities and not shareholders. I think its a good idea to keep the control in the communitys hands because theres more transparency and theres more incentive to take care of problems, he said then. As far as Im concerned, I support our public service districts to remain intact and expanding and doing better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the county commissions May 13 meeting, Archer said no decision had been made about the water companys information request. We havent I havent met any contact with them since their most recent appearance here, but we have discussed it with the public service districts in the area just in a meeting (May 12), but we as a commission havent made any kind of decisions, he said. Its not on the agenda for us to make a decision. Commissioner Greg Puckett said that he appreciated comments from PSD officials during a May 12 meeting about maintaining local control. I also appreciate West Virginia American Water coming in and giving an opportunity to look at different things, Puckett said. Its going to be a long-term discussion. I dont think this is going to be something well discuss in months, if not a year, but its also one of those things where if we come together better as PSDs and look to share information, share resources, we might be able to do a lot these things better for ourselves. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com A Meridian mother was arrested over the weekend after police say she left her 2-year-old child alone in a locked vehicle. Officers responded to the parking lot of an Idaho Pizza Company off of Fairview Avenue in Meridian around 7:45 p.m. Sunday after a bystander reported seeing the child crying and visibly sweating inside the vehicle, according to a news release from the Meridian Police Department. An employee of the restaurant was able to open the vehicles door and remove the child as officers arrived at the scene, police said. First responders immediately provided medical care to the child, who was taken to a local hospital in stable condition, according to the release. The vehicles internal temperature was measured at over 130 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The childs mother was arrested on suspicion of felony injury to a child and booked in the Ada County Jail, according to online jail records. Police said this incident was a critical reminder that as temperatures rise, the inside of a vehicle can become dangerously hot in just a few minutes. It is never safe to leave a child or pet in a parked car, even for a short time, the release said. We urge all community members to take extra precautions during warmer months and to call 911 immediately if they see a child or pet left unattended in a vehicle. US tech giant Meta can use Facebook and Instagram posts from German and other EU users to train its artificial intelligence (AI) software Meta AI, after the deadline for users to opt out expired on Tuesday. The company plans to analyze all public content shared by adult users across the EU to improve its AI models, unless users have actively objected. A German court on Friday dismissed a complaint by the consumer protection agency in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which accused Meta of violating EU data protection rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court found that Meta's data use serves a legitimate purpose that cannot be achieved by less intrusive methods and noted that the company had pledged to filter out sensitive data such as names, phone numbers and account details. WhatsApp chats remain excluded due to encryption, but conversations with Meta's AI assistant are considered public and may also be used for training. DALLAS, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) 28/22 News meteorologist and veteran Valerie Smock emceed the Dallas Annual Memorial Day Parade in Luzerne County. Several nonprofit groups and state representatives attended Mondays event and walked the parade route. While emceeing, Valerie spoke about her time in the service and what Memorial Day means to her. Show of patriotism marks Memorial Day weekend in Wyoming Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their sacrifice was not in vain. That is why we rise in their honor and continue fighting for liberty and justice. On Memorial Day, its important to remember we are honoring our fallen, Smock stated. The ceremony was followed by the parade, where dozens of nonprofits, businesses, and veterans participated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. Cultural figures and civil society activists have appealed to Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal to demand the resignation of Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Tochytsky "due to his managerial helplessness and inefficiency, in particular regarding the preservation of Ukraine's cultural heritage." "The minister's inaction regarding the evacuation of the state museum fund, the personnel appointments of incompetent managers in the field of cultural heritage (namely, Serhiy Belyaev, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, and Volodymyr Shornikov, Director of the Department of Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage), the groundlessness of management decisions regarding the dismissal of heads of institutions, inefficient planning of budget financing and the use of donor assistance, and the opaque communication of the activities of the ICSC (main central executive body responsible for culture, media, information, and publishing policy in Ukraine) to a loss of trust and respect for the state administration body in the field of culture in society and possible losses of human resources, cultural heritage objects, and the state museum fund," the open letter published on Tuesday states. As of 3:00 p.m., the letter had been signed by about 90 cultural figures. The open letter emphasizes that the dismissal of the Director General of the National Reserve Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra "clearly demonstrates the violations committed by the minister and his subordinates." The signatories reproach the minister with public incitement to criminal acts - incitement and abuse of power, deliberate disregard of duties, unethical behavior, ineffective policy of financing the preservation of cultural heritage, deliberate misleading the public and manipulating facts, incompetence and failure to ensure the conduct of competitions. "We, the undersigned, demand the resignation of the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, the dismissal of officials responsible for destructive activities in the sphere of cultural heritage preservation, and the resumption of the procedure for competitions for the positions of heads of cultural institution. As reported, on May 22 it became known that the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine dismissed the General Director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve, Ostapenko. Later, the Ministry of Culture announced that Ostapenko was dismissed from his post due to improper fulfillment of the terms of the contract and due to violations identified in the activities of the reserve. In particular, violations such as an illegal coffee shop in the House of the Lavra Governor, as well as the implementation of finishing and repair work without the approval of the ministry were mentioned. In addition, Tochytsky stated that the dismissal of the Lavra General Director is a response to the weak position in implementing the law on the ban on religious organizations associated with Russia. Later, the Ministry of Culture announced that the acting general director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra reserve had appointed Kotlyarevska as deputy general director for the provision of paid services. In turn, Ostapenko stated that he would appeal the decision of the Minister of Culture to dismiss him in court. Cincinnati's transit agency has picked a veteran of Northern Kentucky's bus system as its new CEO. Andy Aiello will take over as Metro CEO on June 1, replacing the retiring Darryl Haley, the Metro Board of Trustees announced. Aiello, 47, joined Metro as chief of staff in 2022, later becoming deputy general manager. He arrived from the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, where he worked for 18 years, the last 12 as general manager. He earlier worked for the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aiello earned a bachelor's degree from Miami University and a master's from the University of Cincinnati. In a press release, Aiello said he would build on the foundation Haley created as CEO to "ensure Metro continues to move the Greater Cincinnati region forward." Haley, CEO since 2019, spent 19 years at Metro. During his tenure, Metro won voter approval for a ballot measure to fund its Reinventing Metro program. The Enquirer earlier requested a list of candidates for the position, but has not yet received the records from Metro. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who is Metro's new CEO? EDGEWOOD, N.M. (KRQE) New Mexicos farmers and ranchers are facing a problem with not enough veterinarians to take care of their livestock. Now, a local high school is stepping in, with a program aimed at getting students excited about veterinary careers. From the time that I started, until now, Im seeing probably four times the amount of appointments per day as we used to, said Crystal Clark, associate veterinarian at Western Trails Veterinary Hospital. Body of airman recovered at Elephant Butte Lake, Kirtland Air Force Base says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western Trails Veterinary Hospital in Edgewood cares for animals of all sizes, from cats and dogs to horses and cattle. Staff there see the impacts of the states veterinarian shortage firsthand. The biggest issue facing the future of large animal veterinarians is getting people who want to live in small communities. Who want to live in rural areas because thats where the need is, Clark explained. The lack of large animal veterinarians is a concern for ranchers across the state. We need large animal vets. We are at a huge disadvantage in the state to be able to work our livestock, said Bronson Corn, president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association. Help is on the way thanks to a program aimed at preparing the next generation of vets. Hatch Valley Public Schools has created a pre-veterinary program for juniors and seniors. Their high school already had a veterinary science class, but as part of the new program, a working veterinarian will come to teach students in a clinic setting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For them to go in and do the hands-on stuff definitely helps them learn a lot more, just because they get to take the stuff that they learn in class and apply it to actual work, said Rian Nials, agriculture educator and FFA advisor at Hatch Valley High School. Tyson Shiflett, a junior, said he is excited about how the program will prepare him for a career in agriculture. Ill be using it as a work-study class. Ill be able to make money from the school as well as help the vets clean the animals, groom them, and get them on scales and stuff like that, said Shiflett. Local vets said they are looking forward to seeing new talent in the industry. Thats a great ideato start them young and get their interest cultivated, said Clark. The program is paid for in part by funding from the legislature. Lawmakers also passed a bill this year, allowing veterinary students focused on large animals to get a percentage of their student loans repaid. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. New Mexico Higher Education officials on May 27, 2025 reported the second year of growth for public college and university enrollment in the state. (Photo by Bella Davis / New Mexico In Depth) College enrollment in New Mexico had a 4.2% increase this spring compared with 2024, reflecting the second consecutive year of growth, the state Higher Education Department announced on Tuesday. HED says more than 5,000 additional students are attending higher education institutions across the state, growth officials attribute to the states Opportunity and Lottery scholarships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the state, close to 30 two-year and four-year higher education institutions participate in the Opportunity Scholarship program, which covers fees and program costs for certificate and degree programs for New Mexico residents who plan to enroll in at least six credit hours at one of the states public college or universities. The Legislature approved the Opportunity Scholarship, which Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham championed, in 2022. Eligible residents for the states Lottery Scholarship must be enrolled full time in a New Mexico public college or university within 16 months of graduation and maintain a 2.5 grade point average. The state in 2021 restored the Lottery Scholarship to provide 100% of tuition, following reduced coverage implemented in 2016. Last year, the governor signed Senate Bill 159, which created a close to $1 billion trust fund and scholarship program fund for the states tuition-free programs. According to NMHED, more than 34,000 students are receiving financial assistance through the Opportunity Scholarship and close to 10,000 students received Lottery scholarships during the spring semester. The Opportunity and Lottery scholarships are fulfilling their goal of empowering tens of thousands of New Mexicans to pursue a college education at no cost for tuition and create a more prosperous future for themselves and their families, Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez said in a statement. As we always say, there is no wrong door to higher education in New Mexico, and we are dedicated to supporting programs that broaden opportunities for our state. In a recent interview with Source NM, Lujan Grisham cited the states investment in both early childhood and higher education as accomplishments from her tenure as governor. No state in the nation has our cradle to career system, she said. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services honored a World War II veteran for his service and his 100th birthday on Memorial Day. Sylvestre Sisneros was born in New Mexico in 1925 and joined the Navy in 1943, where he navigated a ship with more than 1,000 soldiers on board during a mission in the South Pacific. We were in the liberation of the Philippines. We were bombed, Sisneros explained. Suicide planes. They put two bombs in our ship, and a lot of people got killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family of 105-year-old Bataan Death March survivor shares his story The flight deck was on fire, as well as the hangar below, which carried their arsenal of torpedoes and bombs. Specialists removed the fuses, then a group of soldiers, including Sisneros, tossed them in the sea so they wouldnt explode on board. Around 100 people were badly injured, and fifteen were killed, including two men Sisneros knew from home. He came back and actually recognized two New Mexicans who didnt come home, and he made sure that they were honored sixty years later for their families to understand what happened to them, said Cabinet Secretary Jamison Herrera with the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department gave Sisneros a plaque commemorating all of his hard work to make sure his fellow sailors killed in the line of duty were not forgotten. Sisneros also had to deal with a monster typhoon in the South Pacific with winds reaching up to 80 miles per hour. His ship almost capsized several times, the gun mounts were torn off, and all of the planes were blown off the carrier. But he didnt lose any sailors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at May 26, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from May 26 drawing Midday: 3-9-7 Evening: 2-5-3 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from May 26 drawing Midday: 3-9-5-1 Evening: 4-9-9-7 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from May 26 drawing 12-15-19-22-33, Lucky Ball: 03 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from May 26 drawing QD-2D-3D-4H-6S Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from May 26 drawing 01-04-08-19-28 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 03-08-17-18-22 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from May 26 drawing 06-07-12-13-17-21-22-23-25-30-31-36-39-45-49-53-55-56-57-58-65-73 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 26, 2025 Millions of dollars of brand-new Ford hoods, bumpers and taillights recently disappeared straight off the assembly line into an online market before Dearborn police cracked the case. According to Fox 2 Detroit, a former Ford Motor employee slipped the parts out of three plants in Wayne, Dearborn and Flat Rock over more than two years, then funneled the loot to a Detroitarea auto shop that resold it on eBay. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we executed a search warrant from the floor to the ceiling, it was stacked with brandnew auto parts, Police Chief Issa Shahin told Fox 2. The suspect and several associates are now in custody, facing potential charges of grand theft auto, racketeering and running a criminal enterprise. Details on the scam are still pending According to Shahin, the exemployee removed factoryfresh components during shifts and drove them to a thirdparty shop on West Chicago Street, where they were then sold online. Detectives believe the parts were listed online within days, generating a big payday for all parties involved until police stepped in and shut the entire enterprise down, reports Fox 2. Any item confirmed as stolen violates eBays Stolen Property Policy, which states the company will work with law enforcement in any attempts to sell stolen property on eBay and permanently remove offending listings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the federal INFORM Consumers Act took effect in 2023, highvolume online sellers must verify their identities and provide contact information, which gives police an additional paper trail if goods are suspected to have been stolen. The warehousestyle storefront and two locations related to the theft ring have been closed while officers sort and catalog thousands of items. Shahin said the department is working with all of our partners to see if we can shut them down permanently. Fords global investigations unit is also assisting officials. Many of the details of this investigation are still under wraps while police continue to investigate, but Fox 2 reports all suspects are currently in custody. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method to make big profits off you and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs How could this impact consumers? Buying discounted car parts online can be tempting, but stolen inventory creates headaches for drivers and body shops alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Ford invalidates the components warranty or law enforcement seizes the part during an investigation owners may be stuck with a repair bill and no restitution. Plus, you can be charged with receiving stolen property, depending on which state you live in. So, how do you avoid stolen goods? Check the price against the MSRP. A new bumper listed at half the dealership cost is a red flag unless the seller can document overstock or liquidation. Look for original packaging and intact barcode labels. Missing boxes or scratchedoff serial numbers can signal hot goods. Vet the seller. Reputable merchants post business addresses, clear return policies and years of positive feedback. Beware of brandnew accounts or profiles that hide contact info. Ask for paperwork. Legitimate dismantlers and surplus dealers should provide a receipt showing where the part came from, such as an auction lot, insurance salvage or OEM closeout. Use protected payment methods. Paying with a credit card rather than debit or cash may make it easier to claw back funds if law enforcement later flags the item as stolen. If you spot a suspicious listing, you can report a concern on eBay and forward the URL and any screenshots to the local police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While you likely wont be able to trace the validity of smaller parts, larger parts like doors or engines may still have the cars original VIN number on them. If so, you can verify whether the vehicle was reported stolen using the National Insurance Crime Bureau's free VINCheck Service. Stolen parts rings thrive on speed and anonymity, moving inventory before factories even notice its missing. A few minutes of due diligence plus a healthy dose of skepticism about toogoodtobetrue prices can steer you clear of the financial and legal headache of buying stolen parts. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Michigan voters are increasingly taking a more pessimistic view of the economy, according to a statewide poll released Tuesday by the Detroit Regional Chamber. The poll found that 37.6 percent of voters said the states economy was on the right track, while 44 percent said it was on the wrong track. The findings mark a major change from January, when 42.9 percent of Michigan voters said the economy was on the right track and 42.2 percent said it was on the wrong track. According to the Detroit Regional Chamber, this marks the lowest economic right track response since November 2023. Additionally, 62.4 percent said they believed the economy was weakening, up from 55.2 percent in January. Fewer voters also said they believed the economy was growing. 34.4 percent said they saw a growing economy in the state, a 7.6-point decrease in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Michigan voters voiced fears of a possible recession, according to the poll. 38.2 percent said they expect the U.S. will be in a recession next year, marking an 11-point increase from January. However, the poll also found stark divides between the states Republicans and Democrats on how the economy is viewed. 17.4 percent of voters who were labeled as strong Democrats said they see a growing economy, while 63.9 percent of strong Republicans said the same. 25.4 percent of independents said they believed the economy was strong. The states voters also appeared to be somewhat split on President Trumps tariffs, with 43 percent saying they support them and 51 percent saying they were opposed. Among strong Democrats, 96 percent said they opposed the tariffs, while 92 percent of strong Republicans said they supported them. The polling comes as Republicans and Democrats target Michigan ahead of what will likely be a hard-fought battle up and down the ballot in next years midterms. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the states governor and Senate races as toss-ups, while the House Republican and Democratic campaign arms are targeting various congressional districts across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan has proven to be a quintessential swing state in recent elections, with Trump losing the state to former President Biden in 2020 before flipping it in 2024. The Detroit Regional Chamber poll was conducted April 24-28 among 600 registered voters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Communities around Mid-Michigan gathered for Memorial Day on Monday, honoring those who servedand those who never made it home. More than a hundred people made the trip out to Glendale Cemetery for the 31st annual Meridian Memorial Day service. The Meridian Community Band performed the national anthem, and local scout troops presented the colors. At the event, Ron Springer, a Vietnam veteran who served from 1970 to 1971, told the stories of two young men from Michigan who paid the ultimate price, sacrificing their lives for their country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Springer says he originally tried to put his time overseas behind him, but after 9/11, he became involved with families who lost loved ones to war. He says he hopes his speech today can bring memories to life. These people attending today, some of the family members today, have lost a son, sometimes a daughter, but theyve lost somebody, and that is with them 24/7 365, said Springer. Im a veteran and I think about all these that weve lost, and so on Memorial Day, Im going to try today to make two soldiers come back. Over in Dansville, people from across Mid-Michigan lined the streets for the towns Memorial Day parade. Some attendees told 6 News they had been attending the event since the 70s. There were some smiles at the parade, but the veterans 6 News spoke to all had something in commonthey are mourning a friend lost in the service. Whether that happened more than 50 years ago in Vietnam or closer to the current day, the veterans continue to carry that weight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Metter served from 1998 to 2005 and was stationed in Germany for four years. I have a few buddies that didnt make it back home, said Metter. It was tough, tough days. He came back, but every Memorial Day, he remembers friends who didnt. One in particular, his name was Spc. Moonhill, he didnt make it back, but we met in Germany, we became practically brothers, said Metter. I mean closer than you can think, but he didnt make it back, and it was a tough time. Metter wants others to know just how special people like him were. Making sure that my children, for instance, they know that the people that I served with, that they meant a lot to me, they kept me safe, said Metter. And make sure that they know that it wasnt all for nothing, yknow? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its no different for Eugene Murawski, a Vietnam veteran who served from 1969 to 1970, and lost a close friend in combat. I lost a real close friend in Vietnam, said Murawski. He was the first one going down in a bunker, and a bomb went off and killed him instantly. Murawski says even those who come back from war carry the weight of it on their shoulders. And Ive had quite a few friends who have gone to Vietnam and were able to come back, fortunately, said Murawski. But they are affected by it, so it does put a pretty hard burden on 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 WLNS 6 News. Police have detained a group of individuals involved in the attack on servicemen of the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support in Cherkasy three men and one woman. "On May 26, an incident occurred on Rizdviana Street in Cherkasy during the verification of military registration data of local residents. The men provoked a conflict with the recruiters," the Cherkasy region police communications department said in a statement on its website on Tuesday. According to police, within the framework of an open criminal case, police officers identified and detained the attackers within a few hours. These are three men aged 48, 38 and 49, as well as a 45-year-old woman. "Currently, investigative and procedural actions aimed at fully clarifying all the circumstances of the incident and conducting a pre-trial investigation are underway," the communications department noted. Under the procedural guidance of the Cherkasy District Prosecutor's Office, the issue of notifying the detained persons of suspicion of committing a criminal offense under Part 3 of Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hooliganism) is being resolved. Three detainees have already been placed in a temporary detention center. In addition, the issue of additional qualification of the actions of the defendants is being resolved. AUSTIN (KMID/KPEJ)- The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has issued a six-month emergency closure order effective May 19, 2025, for eight massage establishments for suspected human trafficking in six cities. A TDLR investigation revealed a range of violations at the various locations, including employees living at some of the businesses, a lack of required client consultation documents, and illicit advertisements connected to the establishments that offered sexual services. Furthermore, several employees identified themselves with out of state identification, admitted to being at the establishment for temporary work, and admitted to providing massage services but did not have a massage therapist license to perform these services in Texas. TDLR investigators determined that all eight massage establishments are owned by three people: Ruiying Lian, Hongcui Hao, and Tianli Wang, who are connected through business entities Tongfuxin LLC and Tongfu LLC. The three people and the business entities were ordered to halt operations at the establishments and are prohibited from operating different massage establishments at the locations. The establishments are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunny Massage, 2814 W. Wall St., Midland, Texas Julies Massage, 1106 Spell Ave., Cleburne, Texas Tongfuxin LLC d/b/a A Pattaya Massage, 725 Hill Country Dr., Kerrville, Texas Pattaya Foot Reflexology, 1359 W. University Blvd., Ste. C, Odessa, Texas Thai Massage, 2803 Andrews Hwy., Odessa, Texas Family Reflexology, 5807 S.W. 45th Ave., Ste. 345, Amarillo, Texas Best Foot Spa, 7412 S. University Ave., Ste. 2, Lubbock, Texas Family Reflexology, 2605 Wolfin Ave, Amarillo, Texas TDLR said it found activities consistent with human trafficking at each of the eight establishments. In April 2025, during TDLRs joint inspection of Sunny Massage in Midland, with the Midland Police Department and Midland City Code Enforcement Division, a customer admitted to authorities that he paid for sexual services from an employee. Sunny Massage is in a building that also houses a daycare center and the daycare owner told authorities that an employee of Sunny Massage tried to enter the daycare through the ceiling crawl space while police searched the massage establishment. Police later found that the employee was not licensed as a massage therapist and she was arrested for prostitution. A review of police records revealed that another employee at Sunny Massage was arrested for prostitution in 2022. HB 3579, passed in the 88th Legislature Regular Session, went into effect Sept. 1, 2023. Under the legislation proposed by State Representative Benjamin Bumgarner and State Senator Phil King, TDLRs executive director can issue an emergency order halting the operation of any massage establishment if law enforcement or TDLR find evidence or indicators that human trafficking is occurring at the establishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). If the situation is an emergency or you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and alert the authorities. You can also file a complaint on a TDLR-regulated business that you suspect may be participating in human trafficking. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR) The Midwest City Police Department has responded to two separate Memorial Day weekend shootings within less than a mile of each other in just a few days. On May 23, Midwest City Police responded to a shooting outside a graduation pool party near Northeast 10th Street and Air Depot Boulevard. When police arrived they found a man shot in the chest multiple times, who died. I aint never seen nothing like this happen at any party, said Xavier Walker, who attended the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May 26, in another neighborhood near Northeast 10th Street and Air Depot Boulevard, Midwest City Police responded to another shooting just after 3:00 p.m. Midwest City Police say a person there was shot in the arm, and tried to drive themselves to the hospital, but didnt make it very far. The victim is expect to survive. News 4 spoke with a neighbor, Biddie Thompson, who said she heard the entire incident, happening right across the street from her front porch. We thought it was fireworks at first, but it didnt sound right, said Thompson. Thompson said she was not happy about the string of violent crimes over a holiday typically dedicated to honoring Americas heroes and spending time with loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person injured, suspect on the run after shooting in Midwest City Im not very thrilled with it, said Thompson. Thompson said that she counted a little less than a dozen gunshots Monday and witnessed multiple vehicles outside her home, but never heard any arguing. I looked out the window and saw, a truck and then a car, and I saw a guy come out with pants on and jump in, and they both sped off, so I knew something was going on. News 4 employees counted several evidence markers while police investigators were on the scene Monday afternoon as well as bullet casings. Police have not named a suspect in either the May 26 or May 23 shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson encourages both individuals to do the right thing and turn themselves in. I would encourage you to do that so there wont be any retaliation against you and that you wont get hurt, said Thompson. Im praying for you. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO/AP) Army veteran Darrell Williamson of Sioux Falls was among the 85 honored area veterans brought to the nations capital by Midwest Honor Flight on May 6. It was beyond anything I expected, Williamson said Monday. I mean they call it the Honor Flight, and honor is the word. Williamson and Air Force veteran Steve Tinklenberg of Sioux Falls, who was also part of the group of 85, each highlight the experience of visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans park visitors honor the fallen You cannot go there enough, Tinklenberg said Monday. I mean, youre going to be moved every time. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was, caught my heart, Williamson said. For many people, Mays final Monday is a day off from work and thus, maybe an opportunity to relax or enjoy some down time. But that, of course, isnt the reason for Memorial Day, when the country honors the names and stories of those who gave their lives while they served with the nations armed forces. As Tinklenberg considers the meaning of Memorial Day, he shares what he saw on the May 6 journey while visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I watched one of the veterans who had never been there, and he found his, two of his friends that had died there, and he was a basket case but, cathartic for him, Tinklenberg said. On that trip as well as on Memorial Day, the country honors people who sacrificed themselves and the opportunity to experience everything the years can offer. I had a life that they didnt, Williamson said. Its why Memorial Day, like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or the wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is a permanent memorial today as well as tomorrow. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ed Milibands retreat from the North Sea is causing irreversible damage to Britains oil and gas industry, a leading energy producer has warned. Amjad Bseisu, chief executive of listed oil company EnQuest, criticised the Energy Secretarys windfall tax, claiming it had sparked a swathe of job losses. He has called for an urgent rethink on the levy as falling oil prices pile more pressure on North Sea firms, which are facing a 78pc tax on profits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bseisu said: The recent stepdown in commodity prices has further amplified calls for the UK Government to remove the Energy Profits Levy and return the North Sea to a position of global competitiveness. The status quo, which sees Britain as the only country levying a windfall tax on homegrown energy producers, where no windfall profits exist, is resulting in irreversible damage to this strategic national industry and is driving job losses across the sector. His comments come as a growing number of North Sea producers consider cutting jobs and scaling back investment. This is partially in response to the Governments decision to increase the oil and gas windfall tax from 75pc to 78pc last year, while also extending the levy for an extra year to 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The industry has also been hammered by Mr Milibands decision to ban all new drilling in the North Sea, as he seeks to prioritise investment in renewables to help Britain achieve its net zero targets. Mounting pressure led to Harbour Energy, the UKs largest oil and gas producer, announcing plans to cut 250 jobs in Aberdeen earlier this month. Scott Barr, managing director of Harbour Energys UK business, blamed the job losses on the Governments ongoing punitive fiscal position and a challenging regulatory environment. A new report also revealed that Britains oil and gas industry is already suffering an exodus of staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a survey by the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, almost half of North Sea producers said their employees were leaving the UK to work abroad. They said the moves were caused by weak domestic confidence, uncompetitive government policy and a lack of viable projects in the UK. It comes after a separate analysis found last week that the windfall tax would leave 1.5bn barrels of oil and gas stuck in abandoned North Sea oil wells. 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. Milwaukee's summer of festivals is upon us. Festa Italiana, hosted by Milwaukee's Italian Community Center, is back from May 30 to June 1. From a bocce tournament to a competition to find the best sauce in Milwaukee, there's no shortage of activities for attendees to check out while they enjoy some classic Italian cuisine. Last year, former First Lady Jill Biden even made an appearance. Here's what to know: Where is Festa Italiana 2025? Where: Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When: May 30 through June 1 Times: Vary by day How can I get to Festa Italiana 2025? There are several public transportation options to get to the festival, including: The Hop Route 15 and 18 Milwaukee County Transit System buses Connect 1 BRT line Rideshares will be located at the North Gate. How much is admission to Festa Italiana 2025? Admission is $15, or $30 for a three-day pass. Children 12 and under are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. You can buy tickets online. What can I bring to Festa Italiana 2025? Festa Italiana staff check every bag at the gates. There are restrictions for bag sizes. Any bag that is larger than 9" by 10" by 12" is prohibited, including backpacks, purses, handbags, and totes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Umbrellas, strollers and disposable cameras are allowed. Outside food and drinks, alcohol, bicycles and lawn chairs are among prohibited items. You can find a full list on the ICC's website. Festa Italiana 2025 food vendors: More than a dozen vendors are slated to participate in this year's fest, including: Peter Sciortino Bakery Papa Luigi's Pietro's Pizza Pitch's Fonzarelli's Italian Deli Scrima's Pizza Nadi Plates Catalano's Sil's Mini Donuts Who is performing at Festa Italiana 2025? More than a dozen acts are slated to perform at the festival grounds' U.S. Cellular Stage and Aurora Pavilion, including: The Florentine Opera The Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra Tradizione Vivente Frank Lamphere & His Rat Pack Jazz Quintet Is "Italian Idol" back for Festa Italiana 2025? Yes. The amateur singing competition will be held on May 31 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Anyone aged 14 and up can participate, where a total of $1,000 in cash prizes will be given out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find out more information, including a full schedule of events, on the ICC's website. When are the Festa Fireworks? The Festa Fireworks will be on May 31 at 10:30 p.m. For more information on Festa Italiana 2025: To find out more information, you can visit the ICC's website. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Festa Italiana Milwaukee 2025: Fireworks, tickets, bag policy, vendors Minnesota Technology Center houses multiple data centers, including a Cologix and a Vaultas data center, in this facility next to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis Friday, May 23, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Minnesota lawmakers are considering giving some of the countrys most profitable tech companies tax breaks on their data centers up to the year 2102 when most of the legislators and lobbyists furiously negotiating the deal will be dead. Minnesota currently has 42 data centers, with the majority spread across the metro. Nationwide, tech companies are rapidly building data centers large warehouses with computer servers used to power the internet to store and process data. The massive computing power required to develop nascent artificial intelligence breakthroughs are leading companies to seek more data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota offers sales tax breaks for qualified data centers on purchases of computers, servers, software and cooling and energy equipment. This tax break, which comes in the form of a refund, is set to expire in 2042. But lawmakers are considering extending the break, perhaps as an olive branch since theyre also going to revoke the sales tax exemption on the electricity that data centers consume. This is expected to generate around $140 million in revenue over the next four years. Minnesota is facing a multi-billion dollar budget deficit in the next few years, and lawmakers are currently looking to cut programs and services and a few tax subsidies to balance the budget. But since the decision by legislative leaders to revoke the sales tax exemption on electricity will sour the states relationship with companies that own data centers, some lawmakers hope expanding current tax breaks far into the future will incentivize companies to keep building their warehouses full of servers in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon recently announced that its suspending plans for a large data center in Becker due to uncertainty one week after lawmakers announced they were eliminating the sales tax exemption on electricity. Gov. Tim Walz on MPR News Friday said that Amazons decision to suspend its Becker data center was pretty bad lobbying because lawmakers are still negotiating data center provisions. We also have one of the most generous tax credits as it stands, but we have to balance our budget. I think a lot of Minnesotans are saying, Well, you couldnt do a tax cut to my sales tax, but you could do a tax cut to Jeff Bezos. I think that was one where its right-sized. Minnesota law currently allows qualified data centers a sales tax exemption on technology equipment for 20 years, up to the year 2042. But a proposal from Senate Democrats would extend the tax break to 40 years and sunset it at 2062. This means that a data center that makes its first purchase in 2062 could continue claiming the exemption until 2102. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the taxes working group an unofficial meeting of Senate and House members who are negotiating a budget agreement before Walz calls a special legislative session are debating the data center tax exemptions. Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown, said during a meeting Friday that Minnesota needs to remain competitive with other states. We are getting investments from these companies to Minnesota, Hauschild said. Other states have other exemptions that will build these data centers. So we have to understand, do we want investments in Minnesota or do we not want investments? Proponents of sales tax exemptions for data centers tout property tax revenue and job creation. But data centers operate with few workers. Like a bridge or highway, once the project is complete, most of the jobs are gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And since the number of data centers is growing, the tax breaks will become even more expensive over time. In Washington State, the tax breaks intended to create jobs have cost more than $474 million since 2018, ProPublica reported. Most of the benefits through the tax breaks went to Microsoft, not local communities. Minnesota Rep. Aisha Gomez, DFL-Minneapolis, on Friday said that when Minnesota first enacted the sales tax break for data centers in 2011, the state estimated it would forgo $5 million annually in revenue. But a recent estimate from the Department of Revenue found that even with the elimination of the sales tax break on electricity, the software and other equipment exemption will still cost Minnesota around $100 million annually and $219 million in fiscal year 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a sales tax exemption that is being asked for by the largest, most profitable corporations that have ever existed on the face of the earth, Gomez said. I think its really important that we actually look at what this really is, and we look at the powers that are lining up to try to force us to make this decision. And we think long and hard (about) whether its appropriate that this kind of money should be going from the public coffers into the hands of billionaires. Data centers are huge consumers of both electricity, and water needed to cool down the equipment. The Department of Revenue estimated that the 42 data centers in the state consumed 1.6 billion kWh of electricity in 2023. Running a dishwasher for one hour uses 1 kWh of power. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Mississippi lawmakers are headed back to the state Capitol after failing to pass a budget in their regular session, called back by Gov. Tate Reeves for a special session starting Wednesday. Reeves summoned the lawmakers earlier in the week, saying a proposed $7.1 billion deal before the legislators was fiscally conservative. He expressed hope that a final agreement could be secured quickly for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on July 1. It is my belief that this should not take long. In fact, I believe the passage of these bills could be done in as little as one day, Reeves said at a news conference Tuesday when he announced the special session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans, who control both chambers of the legislature, were unable to reach agreement on the next budget in their recent session. Mississippi Today reported GOP infighting led lawmakers to end their regular session in early April without passing a 2026 budget. There werent a lot of huge disagreements on funding of the core functions of government. There were quite a few disagreements on issues out here, Reeves said, gesturing to the side, which led to them not funding the core functions of government. Reeves said the proposed budget would keep recurring spending at roughly the same level as the current budget. But he acknowledged that uncertainty over the federal budget has played a role in budget planning. In Washington, House Republicans were jubilant after muscling through President Donald Trumps big, beautiful tax and immigration package by a single vote last week and sending it for what is expected to be long negotiations in the Senate. There are still a lot of unknowns about what the federal government budget is going to look like going into the next fiscal year, and so I think that it certainly makes sense for states all states and certainly Mississippi to be prepared for whatever may occur coming out of the one big beautiful bill, Reeves said. The Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovy, has voiced support for regulating permits for the transfer of state universities to management. "In principle, we are positive about involving private initiative in the management of educational institutions. Such an idea has been voiced, discussed, and we are ready to talk about it. With certain reservations, of course, in matters of the integrity of using this tool, we are ready to talk about it and support it," Lisovy told journalists on Tuesday in Kyiv, answering a question from Interfax-Ukraine about his attitude to the idea of adopting a law that would allow the transfer of universities to management. In turn, Deputy Head of the President's Office Olena Kovalska said there are good examples of both state and non-state management of universities. "If such an approach accumulates the best of this experience, then it will be good and the state will support it," she added. At the same time, she emphasized that the state will apply a piloting approach to reforms. As reported, previously, the president of the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) Timofiy Mylovanov stated that state universities under existing regulations will not stagnate and will not meet the rapidly changing needs of the market, and the situation could be changed by adopting a law that would allow their transfer to management. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) announced the details of the upcoming special session, which will address the states budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Since it became apparent that a budget would not be passed during this years regular session, Ive been clear that we should prioritize funding core government functions and keeping spending under control. Thats what the $7.135 billion proposed budget does. It funds the agencies and programs government needs to operate, while staying true to our conservative principles, the governor said. The special session will begin at 11:00 a.m. on May 28 at the Mississippi State Capitol. 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. Mississippi business owner Jim Dutton is feeling burned by Tren Solar, a Louisiana-based company that installed solar panels on his property, and Mosaic Solar, an affiliated company that loaned him $99,000 for the job. Now Dutton has 47 non-functional solar panels installed on top of his auto body shop, located on the same property as his home in Carriere, Mississippi. Thats because there are multiple potential safety hazards with the panels and wiring, according to David Blackledge of MIssissippis Cooperative Energy electrical company, who inspected his property. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That hasnt stopped Mosaic Solar from continuing to send Dutton the bills for the $99,000 loan. Now Dutton is sharing his story with Fox 8, warning others about his experience with the two companies. Solar panel company seemed legitimate Dutton first learned of Tren Solar when they called him out of the blue. He was interested in the potential savings of producing solar energy on his own property and powering both his home and his auto body shop, where he restores vintage cars. He did some online research that led him to believe that Tren Solar was trustworthy. It looked like a legit business. And one of their partners, I guess they call it on the website Panasonic and they rated them in 2023 the best installer in the region, Dutton recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method to make big profits off you and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs He moved forward with the job and signed a loan with Mosaic. They installed the panels within three days, Dutton said. I was like, Wow, this is cool. They werent kidding, four to eight weeks. Then, it was radio silence. After three months of Duttons constant calls to Tren Solar, an electrician finally showed up to wire the system to supply power to the auto body shop and home without an approved plan from Cooperative Energy to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These two jobs should not have been installed by Tren Solar, because they didnt make it past the initial utility review stage, the utility companys Blackledge told Fox 8. The installation method used has created multiple potential safety hazards. Blackledge added that Tren Solar waited till after the panels were installed to reach out to Cooperative Energy for permission to do the installation. When Blackledge reached out to Tren Solar to follow up, he was never able to reach anyone. The disappearance of Tren Solar Fox 8 visited the Tren Solar business address, but were told Tren Solar had closed its office months before. The companys co-founders did not return emails or calls. Fox 8 has since discovered multiple complaints about Tren Solar and Mosaic lodged with the Better Business Bureau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the complaints have been (regarding) the lack of customer service communication thats been happening, said Michael Drummond, president of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Greater New Orleans. Weve reached out many times through our processes. Weve been unable to get them to respond. Now, Attorneys General in multiple states are suing Mosaic for deceptive trade practices. A government action or a government warning is definitely a red flag, Drummond said. How to protect yourself from shady businesses If youre considering a major installation on your property, like solar panels: Research regulations to familiarize yourself with building, fire and electrical codes and other rules designed to protect you and your home. That includes making sure you are lined up for inspections throughout the process. Dont hire the first contractor you find especially if they reach out to you through a cold call or similar type of outreach marketing. Shop around. Do your due diligence on the principal contractor you choose and their affiliates. Check with the Better Business Bureau, study online reviews and testimonials and dont be afraid to ask for testimonials from your neighbors. If your contractor is legitimate, theyll be happy to provide contacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have concerns about the installation, make sure you record all communications with the company, including times of calls, any emails or texts you received, and all bills or invoices. If you believe youve been the victim of deceptive business practices, report the business to the Better Business Bureau or your State Attorney Generals Office. You can also file an online complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or reach out to a local Consumer Protection Office. If youre attempting to recover money you spent on such an installation, you can try to send a notice of dispute to your credit card company to stop payment to the company. You can also try to get your insurance company working on your behalf. Some insurance policies can help cover losses or damage from faulty installations. Check with your provider for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, you can take the company to small claims court or if youre dealing with a significant sum hire a lawyer. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. The Missouri State Beekeepers Association (MSBA) is seeking efforts to combat the losses of honey bee colonies across the state. MSBA says they are planning to have an educational conference called MO Bee Day 2025 at the Darr Agricultural Center on Saturday, June 21. The association said they hope to provide the necessary tools for beekeepers to recovery from the losses of bees made in the past year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilsons Creek National Battlefield to host field trip day for homeschoolers The health of our honey bee populations directly impacts the vitality of Missouris agriculture, Ray Shadow, president of MSBA said in a press release. The high losses experienced this year underscore the urgent need for beekeepers, from hobbyists to professionals, to have access to the latest knowledge and best management practices. MO Bee Day 2025 is designed as a direct response to these challenges, providing the tools and information necessary for beekeepers to recover from losses, enhance their skills and ensure resilient apiaries. The event will include different scheduled levels for all different experiences of beekeepers including a beginner track, intermediate sessions, advanced learning and hands-on opportunities. For more information, visit the associations 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican, presents a bill to the House Education Committee to require the reporting of grade-level equivalence data on statewide assessments (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). Missouri parents may soon have a better understanding of whether their child is performing at or above grade level on the states standardized test under a sweeping education bill awaiting the governors signature. The legislation contains a provision that would require the states education department to add a fifth category to Missouri Assessment Program results, reporting grade level in addition to the current levels of below basic, basic, proficient and advanced. The new provision would include students in grades 3 to 8. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican and former school superintendent, introduced the bill to make student performance more transparent to parents and lawmakers. As an educator, he learned that students at grade level score at the upper end of basic, but many people incorrectly assume proficient means performing at grade level, he told The Independent. In order to have accurate conversations about where our students are at, we need to know what grade level is, he said. The Missouri Assessment Program, often referred to as the MAP test, began in the 1990s with five scoring thresholds. But in response to the federal No Child Left Behind Act, state lawmakers required the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to align MAP with federal performance standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2005, educators met to determine the new standards in line with the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP. They set thresholds based on the percentage of students scoring proficient on the NAEP so that the proportion of students deemed proficient on the state test would be close to the amount reported by the national test. The National Center for Educational Statistics and the NAEPs governing board have repeatedly clarified that proficiency reflects solid academic performance and does not signify being on grade level. But policymakers, parents and other stakeholders speak about proficiency and grade level interchangeably. And candidates for public office, misinterpreting what proficient means, have used MAP data to push anti-public-education policies. During former state Sen. Bill Eigels run for governor last year, he told ABC17 that less than a third of our children are able to do reading, writing, arithmetic at grade level. At the time, 33% of Missouri fourth graders scored proficient or advanced in reading on the NAEP, and math had higher performance levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the tests administrators explaining that this is not a measure of grade level performance, politicians and media reports still repeat the misrepresentation. Part of my frustration has been that people criticize public education pretty hard and say were failing our kids because 35% of our students in third grade or fifth grade are proficient or advanced in reading, Pollitt said. We may have 35% that are above grade level, but maybe 60% of our kids are at grade level. And I think that changes the conversation. In a House committee hearing in January, lobbyists for public-education groups spoke in favor of the bill. Brandt Shields, director of governmental relations for the Missouri School Boards Association, said a fifth category would be more informative for stakeholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having only four categories is almost a crude way of trying to differentiate how those scores are interpreted, he said. No one spoke in opposition, but the Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations lobbyist warned that the change would require work groups to set the new standards, which is estimated to cost just over $1 million. The language passed by the legislature exempts the department from having to employ work groups, but Pollitt said it is up to administrators to decide. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Photo: St. Louis County Justice Center A St. Louis woman is facing serious criminal charges after a car crash. However, its not necessarily the crash that got her in trouble. Instead, the cops came at her for who she left in the car after fleeing the crash. Courtney R. Brown was charged in connection to the crash that occurred Monday, May 12. Authorities say she stopped her car in the middle of Interstate 270 East by Missouri 367 when another driver swerved around her to try to get past after the abrupt stop, per KSDK. However, the car still ended up sideswiping Brown as it tried to avoid collision. The driver stopped their vehicle and walked toward Browns vehicle. However, the driver found two children in Browns passenger seat sitting with no fastened seatbelt in sight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report says another driver hit her car, sending it sliding down the highway and a third driver struck her vehicle once more. Brown then climbed out of her car and walked away from her car, leaving the 3-year-old and 8-year-old children behind, police said. Brown walked a mile away until she was confronted by authorities and ordered to return to the scene of the crash, per FOX 2 Now. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers said when they came across Brown, she had watery, bloodshot eyes, a relaxed demeanor, slow movements and confused speech. After she was taken to the hospital, authorities said cannabis and amphetamine was found in her system. On the other hand, her children were also rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and placed on intubation. Brown was charged with two counts of DWI resulting in serious physical injury, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child resulting in serious physical injury, three felony counts of leaving the scene of an accident and one misdemeanor count of operating a motor vehicle without a valid license fee, according to St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith. The mother is currently held in jail on a $100,000 bond. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Missouri Supreme Court building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a judge in Kansas City to lift an injunction that had blocked restrictions on abortion, a decision that upends access to the procedure six months after voters enshrined reproductive rights into the state Constitution. The two-page order imposes a de facto abortion ban in the state, according to the leaders of the states two Planned Parenthood affiliates. Abortion appointments at the Planned Parenthood clinics Kansas City and Columbia were cancelled in the wake of Tuesdays decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of two rulings one in December and one in February Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang pointed to the voter-approved constitutional amendment in issuing a temporary injunction blocking abortion restrictions enacted over numerous years by state lawmakers. Most notably, Zhang struck down licensing requirement for abortion clinics, arguing the regulations were unnecessary and discriminatory because they do not treat services provided in abortion facilities the same as other types of similarly situated health care, including miscarriage care. The injunction allowed abortions in the state to resume while the case made its way to a January 2026 trial. On Tuesday, the state Supreme Court determined Zhang applied the wrong standard in rulings, ordering her to vacate her earlier orders and re-evaluate the case using the standards the court laid out. That leaves the door open for Zhang to potentially implement another injunction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom Bastian, spokesman for the Missouri ACLU, painted Tuesdays ruling as only a temporary setback. His organization believes its arguments for halting restrictions met the standard set by the Supreme Court and expects Zhang will grant another injunction blocking the ban and restrictions, once again allowing Missourians access to abortion care. Despite the potential ambiguity, Republicans celebrated the Supreme Court ruling. Todays decision from the Missouri Supreme Court is a win for women and children and sends a clear message abortion providers must comply with state law regarding basic safety and sanitation requirements, Attorney General Andrew Bailey said in an emailed statement. Emily Wales, president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. and Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, released a statement decrying the ruling as putting Missouri back under a de facto abortion ban and is devastating for Missourians and the providers they trust with their personal health care decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A decade ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. By 2020, when abortions were still legal, that number fell to 167, a drop that abortion providers attributed to the states growing list of regulations. Missouris trigger law banning all abortions with limited exceptions for medical emergencies went into effect the same day the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Last November, Missourians narrowly approved Amendment 3, which states, in part, that the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means. Soon after the amendment went into effect, Planned Parenthood affiliates in Missouri sued to overturn laws restricting access to abortion, leading to the temporary injunction in February and Tuesdays state Supreme Court order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the GOP legislative supermajority placed a new constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot that would reinstate the abortion ban with limited exceptions for medical emergencies, rape and incest. This story was updated at 8 p.m. to include news of cancelled appointments at two Planned Parenthood clinics. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Two teenagers are being treated after they were caught in the crossfire during a shooting that took place at Cedar Hill Park on Memorial Day, officials said. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the incident happened at approximately 2 p.m. on Monday, May 26 as a group of teens gathered at the park to take part in a party to celebrate Memorial Day. Man fatally stabbed in Madison church parking lot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some point, an argument in the parking lot led to shots being fired. Officials added the teensaged 16 and 17were not involved in the dispute, but were caught in the crossfire. One of the victims reportedly suffered a graze wound to the leg, while the other sustained an injury to the arm and torso. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Detectives with the Specialized Investigations Division are pursuing leads, according to the police department. Anyone with information about those involved in Mondays gunfire is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional details were immediately 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. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) A Mobile County Public School System teacher accused of giving a 4-year-old student alcohol has pleaded not guilty. Tracy Walker (Photo courtesy: Mobile County Sheriffs Office) Gulf Shores makes history with first-ever commercial flight to Alabamas beaches Tracy Elaine Walker, 56, of Mobile, was set to be arraigned Tuesday, but instead waived that proceeding and submitted a plea of not guilty, according to court documents. Albert and Mary Singleton picked up their daughter, Alegria, from Collins-Rhodes Elementary School on April 28 and reportedly noticed something was wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was staggering; she was slurring her speech, an MCSO deputy said regarding the childs behavior. The couple took their daughter to a doctor, who reportedly said her blood alcohol level was .286, 3.5 times the legal limit for an adult. Alegria had to be hospitalized for alcohol poisoning. Mobile County deputies said Alegria told them her teacher had given her something to drink that made her sick. Fairhope police investigate shooting in Rock Creek subdivision On May 21, Walker, a special-education teacher at the school, was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) A home was hit by gunfire early Tuesday morning. Mobile house fire leaves family with nothing, but everyone escapes safely According to a Mobile Police Department news release, officers were called to the 500 block of Cherokee Street at about 2:45 a.m. in reference to a shooting. When officers arrived, they found a home had been hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further information was available, and this remains an active investigation, according to the release. Man survives alligator attack before being fatally shot by Polk County deputies: sheriff This story is developing. News 5 will update this article as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, allegedly stabbed her three-year-old daughter, Sophia Rose, in the front yard of their home in Queensland, Australia, on Monday, May 26 The case was briefly mentioned at Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, after Flanigan was arrested and charged with murder The incident came a day after Flanigan shared a series of disturbing posts on social media, according to multiple news outlets A mothers eerie social media posts have been revealed after she was charged with the death of her three-year-old daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, has been accused of fatally stabbing her daughter, Sophia Rose, in the front yard of their Moore Park Beach home in Central Queensland, Australia, on Monday, May 26. Chief Inspector Grant Marcus said police received several calls from neighbors, but the toddler was dead when emergency services found her just before 5 p.m. local time, per 7 News and 9 News. Flanigan was arrested at the scene and charged in custody with killing Sophia, while a knife that police allege was the murder weapon was also seized, the outlets reported. There were two other children at the address at the time, both younger aged one and two, Superintendent Brad Inskip said, per News.com.au. Neither of them were injured in the incident yesterday, and theyre currently being cared for by family members. Inskip told 7 News that there were multiple attempts to revive Sophia before she succumbed to her injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No doubt it was a horrific scene, its a terrible, terrible incident for everybody, including the witnesses and the neighbors, including the emergency services police and ambulances who attended and investigators who are doing the ongoing investigation, Inskip said, per 7 News. This is not something that we or one of us wanna attend, but were one of the people who have to deal with [it], he continued. We have reached out to council to support the community as well, and there are welfare options available on the QPS website as well. Inskip didnt specify if there were any concerns about Flanigans mental health before the incident. However, he confirmed to News.com.au that her mental health will play a part in our inquiries amid their investigation. 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. Flanigan had shared several photos on social media of her children and a blossoming baby bump in 2021. She appeared to be an advocate for taking action against domestic violence and digital work for moms, according to News.com.au. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, recent Instagram posts appeared to have a darker tone, Sky News Australia reported. On Sunday, she allegedly shared a video of a woman with bruises on her arm that was captioned, Remember your pain as it fuels your purpose. The mom allegedly included lyrics from the heavy metal group Disturbeds song Prayer, which say, Another nightmare about to come true. Will manifest tomorrow. Another love that I've taken from you. In other posts, Flanigan allegedly referenced training like its war and being a warrior of light, according to News.com.au. She captioned a photo of her children my divine babies, while other posts allegedly referenced trauma, with one saying that people are shaped by the rocks weve been broken against. This is how our Creator sees us. Not defined by the damage, but deeply loved for the story we carry, Flanigan added. Getty Police car in Australia (stock image) Police car in Australia (stock image) Following Monday's incident, the family home has been declared a crime scene, with specialist police from Brisbane traveling to the area to assist with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jai Ruane, an MMA fighter and father of the three children, was away for work at the time of the murder. He and Flanigan are believed to be separated, ABC News Australia reported. Inskip said Ruane has since returned and is no doubt absolutely devastated, per 9 News. Speaking of his daughter, according to 9 News, Ruane said, Always smiling, always wanting to help. Just full of life and love. He then added, She just had such a huge heart. Social media photos throughout the years show Ruane celebrating his daughters birthday and wishing Flaning a Happy Valentines Day in 2022, News.com.au reported. Sophia and I both love you very much, he wrote at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flanigans case was briefly mentioned on Tuesday, May 27, at Bundaberg Magistrates Court, before being adjourned until July, ABC News Australia reported. Bundaberg Magistrates Court and Queensland Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Read the original article on People The United States has received a list of conditions from Ukraine for a possible peace agreement, and is now waiting to receive proposals from the Russian side, U.S. President's Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg said. "When President Trump spoke with President Putin a little over a week ago, the Russians said they were going to prepare what they call a memorandum, and I call it a 'terms of sheet.' It means that, they say, this is how we will achieve peace. We got this from the Ukrainian side. We need to get this from the Russian side," Kellogg said on Fox News. Then, according to him, "you combine them [conditions], put them together and say: 'Okay, what does this look like?' What is unacceptable? And what is acceptable?" "And once we do that, once we get their terms of sheet or their memorandum, then we'll put them together, and then there'll be another, another meeting," Kellogg said. Assemblymember Natha Anderson sponsored the property tax reform measure. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current) A proposal to let Nevada voters decide whether the taxable value of a property should be reset when a home is sold has died, one of nine victims of a legislative deadline last week. Assembly Joint Resolution 1, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Natha Anderson of Sparks, would essentially have established a reset button on property taxes whenever a property was sold. Currently, the benefits of a depreciation factor and abatements used when calculating property tax stays with a home after it is sold to a new owner. Because it proposed a constitutional amendment, AJR1 would have to pass in two consecutive sessions and then be approved by voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The change would have resulted in significantly more money for local governments and school districts, who rely on property tax for funding, without changing the states tax rate or the beloved tax cap that limits the increase of homeowners tax bills to no more than 3% a year regardless of how large the increase in property valuation. It would also have created tax parity between a new build and a resold home. Supporters saw it as a reasonable reform to Nevadas complex and cumbersome property tax structure, which has led to underfunding of education and municipal services. Other notable bills that died included: Senate Bill 395, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. James Ohrenschall, would have required a human operator to be present in autonomous commercial vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds, such as semi-trucks. The bill was being pushed by Teamsters, who raised concerns about autonomous vehicles eliminating middle-class jobs and creating unsafe roads. Assembly Joint Resolution 10, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui, which urged the federal government to release federally managed land in Nevada for housing. Assembly Bill 391, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Brittney Miller, would have required schools to compile a report on the academic achievement of chronically absent students. The complete list of the nine bills that died Friday is available here. MONETT, Mo. A fire caused by a dishwasher was only the beginning of a wild Monday morning for the Monett Rural Fire District (MRFD). Confirmed in a Facebook post Monday afternoon, MRFD says it responded to a fire report involving a dishwasher. Given the callers reports, auto aid was requested for a potential structure fire. Units arrived on scene to find a smoke-filled residence. Crews made entry and located the severely damaged dishwasher, contained to the immediate area. Crews checked for extension and ventilated the home. The scene was cleared at 2:00am. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To continue an already eventful morning, at 2:32am, crews were dispatched to a report of an electrical pole arching and on fire. Crews arrived to find arching power lines and secured the area until utilities secured the power supply to the line. Crews cleared the scene at 4:06am. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Previous Memorial Day event coverage. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The city of Moraine honored two veterans during the City Council Meeting on Thursday. Both Navy Veteran Willie Clemons, Jr. and Air Force Veteran Sean Smiddy will be honored with an engraved brick at the Moraine All Veterans Memorial. Mayor Teri Murphy read biographies for both men at the meeting. Willie Clemons, Jr. Willie Clem Clemons, Jr. was born in 1927 in Texas. He enlisted in the Navy at 17 years old, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was Seaman First Class in Company 181 in the Pacific theater. He worked as a seabee during World War II. His primary job was unloading goods from supply ships. His ship was stationed off the coast of Japan, so he was aware of the constant threat from possible kamikaze pilots. Then, as the U.S. entered the Korean War in 1950, Clem reenlisted in the Navy. Eventually, he moved to Dayton, here he worked at a defense supply contractor and raised his family. Recently, he attended the 80th Anniversary of D-Day Ceremonies in France (2024) and a veterans event in Arlington, Texas. His son, Kevin Clemons, attended this event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free summer admission for military families at Dayton Art Institute Photo (Left to Right): Moraine Mayor Teri Murphy, Kevin Clemons and Sean Smiddy. Photo via Moraine. Sean Smiddy Sean Smiddy enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve during his senior year of high school in 1987. He became active duty in January of 1990 and worked as an aircraft maintenance (egress) mechanic. He maintained ejection systems on fighters and bomber aircraft. He was deployed to Desert Storm in January 1991 and served with a Strategic Air Command wing in the Operation Desert Storm theater. Smiddy suffered an injury while maintaining a B-52G pilot ejection seat in July 1991. He retired, under honorable conditions, because of the service-connected disability in June of 1992. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton library hosts veteran services and health programs To visit the Moraine All Veterans Memorial, go to 4200 Dryden Road, in front of the Moraine Municipal Building. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Everything will be all right. Ukrainian soldier Serhii Hryhoriev said this so often during brief phone calls from the front that his wife and two daughters took it to heart. His younger daughter, Oksana, tattooed the phrase on her wrist as a talisman. Even after Hryhoriev was captured by the Russian army in 2022, his anxious family clung to the belief that he would ultimately be OK. After all, Russia is bound by international law to protect prisoners of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Hryhoriev finally came home, though, it was in a body bag. A Russian death certificate said the 59-year-old died of a stroke. But a Ukrainian autopsy and a former POW who was detained with him tell a different story about how he died one of violence and medical neglect at the hands of his captors. Hryhoriev is one of more than 200 Ukrainian POWs who have died while imprisoned since Russias full-scale invasion three years ago. Abuse inside Russian prisons was likely a contributing factor in many of these deaths, according to officials from human rights groups, the U.N., the Ukrainian government and a Ukrainian medical examiner who has performed dozens of POW autopsies. The officials say the prison death toll adds to evidence that Russia is systematically brutalizing captured soldiers. They say forensic discrepancies like Hryhoriev's, and the repatriation of bodies that are mutilated and decomposed, point to an effort to cover up alleged torture, starvation and poor health care at dozens of prisons and detention centers across Russia and occupied Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian authorities did not respond to requests for comment. They have previously accused Ukraine of mistreating Russian POWs allegations the U.N. has partially backed up, though it says Ukraine's violations are far less common and severe than what Russia is accused of. Alive and well Hryhoriev joined the Ukrainian army in 2019 after he lost his job as an office worker at a high school. When the war began three years later, he was stationed with other soldiers in Mariupol, an industrial port city that was the site of a fierce battle and far from his home in the central Poltava region. On April 10, 2022, Hryhoriev called his family to reassure them that everything will be all right. That was the last time they ever spoke to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days later, a relative of a soldier in Hryhorievs unit called to say the men had been captured. After Mariupol fell to Russia, more than 2,000 soldiers defending the city became Russian prisoners. Soon his family got a call from the International Committee of the Red Cross, which confirmed he was alive and officially registered as a POW, guaranteeing his protection under the Geneva Conventions. We were told: that means everything is fine Russia has to return him, Hryhorievs wife, Halyna, recalled. In August 2022, she received a letter from him, that addressed her by a nickname. My dear Halochka, he wrote. I am alive and well. Everything will be all right. Desperate for more information, his daughter Oksana, 31, scoured Russian social media accounts, where videos of Ukrainian POWs regularly appeared. Eventually, she saw him in one looking gaunt and missing teeth. His gray hair was cropped very short, framing gentle features now partially covered by a beard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the video, likely shot under duress, Hryhoriev said to the camera: Im alive and well. But if you looked at him, you could see that wasnt true, Oksana said. The truth was dismal, said Oleksii Honcharov, a 48-year-old Ukrainian POW who was detained with him. Honcharov lived in the same prison barracks as Hryhoriev starting in the fall of 2022. Over a period of months, he witnessed Hryhoriev absorb the same severe punishment as every other POW at the Kamensk-Shakhtinsky Correctional Colony in southwest Russia. Everyone got hit -- no exceptions, said Honcharov, who was repatriated to Ukraine in February as part of a prisoner swap. Some more, some less, but we all took it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honcharov endured months of chest pain while in captivity. Even then, the beatings never stopped, he said, and sometimes they began after his pleas for medical care, which were ignored. Toward the end, I could barely walk, said Honcharov, who was diagnosed with tuberculosis once back in Ukraine an increasingly common ailment among returning POWs. A 2024 U.N. report found that 95% of released Ukrainian POWs had endured systematic torture. Prisoners described beatings, electric shocks, suffocation, sexual violence, prolonged stress positions, mock executions, and sleep deprivation. This conduct could not be more unlawful, said Danielle Bell, the U.N.s top human rights monitor in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also said some Russian POWs were mistreated by Ukrainian forces during their initial capture -- including beatings, threats and electric shocks. But the abuse stopped once Russian POWs were moved to official Ukrainian detention centers, the report said. Hryhoriev was physically strong and often outlasted younger prisoners during forced exercises, Honcharov recalled. But over time, he began showing signs of physical decline: dizziness, fatigue and, eventually, an inability to walk without help. Yet despite his worsening condition, prison officials provided only minimal health care, Honcharov said. Piecing together how POWs died Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a bright, sterile room with the sour-sweet smell of human decomposition, Inna Padei performs autopsies on Ukrainian soldiers repatriated by Russia, as well as civilians exhumed from mass graves. Hundreds of bodies zipped up in black plastic bags have been delivered in refrigerated trucks to the morgue where she works in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Those who died in battle are still wearing military fatigues and often have obvious external wounds. The bodies of former POWs are dressed in prison uniforms and are often mutilated and decomposed. It is the job of Padei and other forensic experts to piece together how soldiers like Hryhoriev died. These reports are often the only reliable information the soldiers families get and they will be used by Ukraine, along with testimony from former POWs, to bring war crimes charges against Russia at the International Criminal Court. The body of a former POW recently examined by Padei had an almond-sized fracture on the right side of its skull. That suggested the soldier was struck by a blunt object a blow potentially strong enough to have killed him instantly, or shortly after, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These injuries may not always be the direct cause of death, Padei said, but they clearly indicate the use of force and torture against the servicemen. Earlier this year, Amnesty International documented widespread torture of Ukrainian POWs in Russia. Its report was especially critical of Russia's secrecy regarding the whereabouts and condition of POWs, saying it refused to grant rights groups or health workers access to its prisons, leaving families in the dark for months or years about their loved ones. Of the more than 5,000 POWs Russia has repatriated to Ukraine, at least 206 died in captivity, including more than 50 when an explosion ripped through a Russian-controlled prison barracks, according to the Ukrainian government. An additional 245 Ukrainian POWs were killed by Russian soldiers on the battlefield, according to Ukrainian prosecutors. The toll of dead POWs is expected to rise as more bodies are returned and identified, but forensic experts face significant challenges in determining causes of death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, internal organs are missing. Other times, it appears as if bruises or injuries have been hidden or removed. Ukrainian officials believe the mutilation of bodies is an effort by Russia to conceal the true causes of death. Extreme decomposition is another obstacle, officials say. They hold the bodies until they reach a state where nothing can be determined, said Petro Yatsenko, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian government agency in charge of POW affairs. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the prompt exchange of POWs must be part of any ceasefire agreement, along with the return of thousands of Ukrainian civilians, including children forcibly deported to Russia. A major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine took place over the weekend. The Associated Press interviewed relatives of 21 Ukrainian POWs who died in captivity. Autopsies performed in Ukraine found that five of these POWs died of heart failure, including soldiers who were 22, 39 and 43. Four others died from tuberculosis or pneumonia, and three others perished, respectively, from an infection, asphyxia and a blunt force head wound. Padei said cases like these and others she has seen are red flags, suggesting that physical abuse and untreated injuries and illness likely contributed to many soldiers' deaths. Under normal or humane conditions, these would not have been fatal, Padei said. In one autopsy report, coroners said an individual had been electrocuted and beaten just days before dying of heart failure and extreme emaciation. Other autopsies noted that bodies showed signs of gangrene or untreated infections. Everything the returned prisoners describe we see the same on the bodies, Padei said. Angel in the sky Months into Hryhorievs detention at the Kamensk-Shakhtinsky prison and after his daughter saw him in the Russian armys social media video -- his health deteriorated significantly, according to Honcharov. But instead of being sent to a hospital, Hryhoriev was moved to a tiny cell that was isolated from other prisoners. Another Ukrainian captive, a paramedic, was assigned to stay with him. It was damp, cold, with no lighting at all, recalled Honcharov. He died in that cell about a month later, Honcharov said. It was May 20, 2023, according to his Russian death certificate. The Hryhoriev family didn't learn he had died until more than six months later, when a former POW reached out. Then, in March 2024, police in central Ukraine called: A body had arrived with a Russian death certificate bearing Hryhorievs name. A DNA test confirmed it was him. An autopsy performed in Ukraine disputed Russias claim that Hryhoriev died of a stroke. It said he bled to death after blunt trauma to his abdomen that also damaged his spleen. Hryhorievs body was handed over to the family last June, and soon after he was buried in his hometown of Pyriatyn. To honor him, Hryhorievs wife and older daughter, Yana, followed Oksana's lead and tattooed their wrists with the optimistic expression he had drilled into them. Now we have an angel in the sky watching over us, Halyna said. We believe everything will be all right. ___ Associated Press reporters Yehor Konovalov, Alex Babenko and Anton Shtuka in Kyiv, and Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report. The United Kingdom must impose sanctions on the Israeli government and its ministers and take steps to prevent and punish genocide in Gaza, according to a letter signed by more than 800 lawyers, academics and former judges. The open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday called on the British government to take concrete action to halt the serious violations of international law being committed by Israel. Genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza or, at a minimum, there is a serious risk of genocide occurring, the letter stated, adding that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of international humanitarian law were also taking place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It urged Starmer to respond swiftly as urgent and decisive action is required to avert the destruction of the Palestinian people of Gaza. The letter quoted recent comments by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who expressed Israels intention to take control of all the territory of the [Gaza] Strip and conquer, cleanse and stay until Hamas is destroyed. The letter, signed by senior legal figures including former supreme court and court of appeal judges, noted a recent statement by the leaders of the UK, France and Canada that the suffering in Gaza was intolerable, welcoming the indication that the governments were prepared to take action. The letter called on the British government to adhere to its fundamental international legal obligations and use all available means to secure an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to ensure the urgent, unconditional and unimpeded resumption of aid to Palestinians. To achieve this, it called on the government to impose sanctions on Israeli government ministers and other civil and military figures reasonably suspected of involvement in unlawful conduct, and to review existing trade ties with Israel, impose trade sanctions, and suspend a roadmap for a closer UK-Israel partnership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK suspended negotiations of a new trade deal with Israel last week. Lawyers in the UK have written an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, calling on him to sanction Israel over Gaza [AFP] Unrelenting breaches of international law The letter also called on the UK to confirm it would adhere to its obligation to execute arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to Israels actions in Gaza. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, while the country also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for war crimes against civilians. We, in the UK, cannot expect peace unless we fulfil our obligations under international law, Sir Alan Moses, a former appeals court judge who signed the letter, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an exercise in futility for a government to say it upholds the rule of law, if it then does nothing to demonstrate it. Another signatory said Israels unrelenting breaches of international law posed a threat to the very future of international law itself. Imagine a world without rules: anarchy loosed upon the world, Conor Gearty, a professor of human rights law at the London School of Economics, said in a statement. These lawyers know what that would look like and because they do, they are desperate to avoid it. A previous open letter from UK lawyers last year said the UK was breaking international law by arming Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels war on Gaza has killed at least 54,056 Palestinians and wounded 123,129, according to Gazas Ministry of Health. The Government Media Office has updated its death toll to more than 61,700, saying thousands missing beneath the rubble are presumed dead. WEST SPRINGFIELD The smoke that emerged from valves at Hayden Corp. on Monday morning and caused first responders to set up a 300-feet perimeter around the business was cold liquid hydrogen meeting the warm spring air, according to the company. We have cryogenic hydrogen tanks on our facility that are designed to vent off excess hydrogen to avoid over-pressurizing the tank, said Dan Hayden, president of Hayden Corp. Thats what people driving by saw. Passersby reported seeing clouds of smoke coming out of Hayden tanks at around 7 a.m. Monday, which caused the area around the facility to be shut down, he said. City officials called it a hazardous materials situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By mid-morning, the area had reopened, according to a social media post from the West Springfield Police Department. The hydrogen is so cold roughly minus 437 degrees Fahrenheit that when it mixes with atmospheric air, it liquifies and chills the air around it, Hayden explained. The hydrogen, while not hazardous to inhale, is explosive, which is why first responders set up the perimeter around the site, blocking off roads to Park, Baldwin and River streets. The West Springfield Fire Department said in a social media post that Eversource shut down power to the area shortly before 9 a.m., a move that affected 156 customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The West Springfield Police and Fire departments did not respond to requests for comment Monday or Tuesday. Hayden said the company was back in business Tuesday. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) While the long weekend may have offered some a welcome reprieve, employees of the Boardman Target had their hands full, reporting numerous instances of unruly juveniles inside the store. Read next: Ohio native singer, songwriter with ties to Ohio State, WWE dies First News has previously covered numerous instances of unruly teens reported at the business and its surrounding lot at The Shops at Boardman Park, something that raised police concern for their safety and even resulted in previous arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boardman Police were called to the Target at 417 Boardman-Poland Road at 10:12 p.m. Saturday in response to the stores loss prevention office requesting the issuance of a criminal trespass. When police arrived at the store, they were met with a loss prevention employee, who said that four teens within the store were causing a disturbance, and hed already asked them to leave for the night, according to reports. Police found the teens and escorted them off the property with a warning that if they returned, they would be arrested for criminal trespass. Half an hour later on Saturday night, police were called again. This time, an employee informed police that a teen boy had pulled down his pants while inside the store. Reports state a review of security footage showed the teen did not expose himself. However, the employee requested that he be trespassed as well. The teen was escorted out of the store and informed of the trespass warning. Around 2:20 p.m. Monday, police returned to Target for another call regarding unruly teens. On this occasion, reports state the teens got on motorized scooters and were riding them around the businesses, where they rammed into one another and hit shelves holding merchandise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The manager told the teens to put the scooters away, and reports state they complied, but then began walking around the store, causing further unspecified disruptions. The Boardman officer found the five teens at the self-checkout area and advised them to put the merchandise down before escorting them outside, according to reports. They were all issued a criminal trespass warning 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 WKBN.com. Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced last week that the state sent a SNAP waiver request to the federal government asking to remove soda from being an eligible item under the program. (West Virginia Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey video screenshot) Its honestly like West Virginias leaders have no idea who West Virginians are, or cant remember where they came from. I guess being rich, coming from a family of politicians or being from New Jersey could be the reason for some of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia is one of the 10 poorest states in the nation. We rely heavily on federal funding for our state budget. But instead of working to lift people out of poverty, our state government and our congressional delegation is following the lead of President Donald Trump and making things worse. Last week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that he formally asked the federal government to disallow the states food assistance program from paying for soda. For a long time Ive talked about the fact that SNAP the N should stand for nutrition, Morrisey said in his video announcement. Well, it does stand for nutrition the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Indiana and Nebraska became the first states in the nation to ban soda and energy drinks from public grocery aid benefits, such as SNAP. The United States Department of Agriculture approved the states requests last week, and both will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SNAP program is meant to maintain the dignity of participants by helping them buy groceries, said Eric Savaiano, manager for food and nutrition access for Nebraska Appleseed. He called the latest SNAP ban poverty-shaming. With the approval of this waiver, some of that dignity is stripped away, Savaiano said. Poverty-shaming is the perfect description of this bill, and others the West Virginia Legislature wanted to pass this past session. Lawmakers tried to ban SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy soft drinks and candy, but that bill never made it out of the House of Delegates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Senate tried to pass a bill that would have expanded work and training requirements for SNAP recipients. We know from lots of studies, including some of our own, that mandating work reporting requirements disconnects people from access to food, but does not connect them to work, said Rhonda Rogombe, health and safety policy analyst for the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. She said the bill, which died in House Finance, would have put pressure on the states food banks, which would have been tasked with filling in the gaps for people who lost SNAP benefits because of work requirements. Meanwhile the Trump administration is ending the USDAs Local Food Purchase Assistance program that gave states federal funding to stock food pantries from local farms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ohio Association of Foodbanks sent out an email to farmers announcing the program is being cut, and attached a notice from the USDA, which said that the Trump administration had determined this agreement no longer effectuates agency priorities and that termination of the award is appropriate. The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program authorized $900 million worth of locally raised produce for food banks. It will end on June 30. On top of that, the U.S. House of Representatives last week approved the Trump administrations big, beautiful bill, which is actually pretty ugly and will be devastating to those who use SNAP or Medicaid. More than 500,000 West Virginians rely on Medicaid or Childrens Health Insurance Program, and about 277,000 or one in six residents use SNAP benefits to get access to food. Kelly Allen, executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, said the bill feels like a really bad deal for West Virginians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill which must still pass the U.S. Senate and be signed by President Donald Trump before becoming law will shift some of the cost of SNAP to state governments. Keep in mind, Morrisey has said hes expecting a $400 million deficit beginning next fiscal year (something other state lawmakers have denied), and in 2022, more than 45% of the states total revenue came from federal grants, according to an analysis from Pew Charitable Trusts. The big, beautiful bill will also make deep cuts to Medicaid, reducing the program by $625 billion over 10 years. And what does West Virginias representation in Washington, D.C. have to say about the passage of this bill? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation will undoubtedly make the life of the average American better, and I am proud to support it on the House floor and help get it to President Trumps desk, Rep. Carol Miller said. I urge my colleagues to do the same. Miller is a millionaire. Her husband owns five car dealerships and has a stake in a real estate company. Rich West Virginians arent living the same lives as the rest of us. When we dont pay our bills, we dont win a seat in the Senate like Sen. Jim Justice. We instead dont eat, have our utilities turned off, go without medicine or lose our homes. Maybe its not in our best interest to keep electing politicians who dont know how the average West Virginian lives. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This story describes a domestic violence situation. If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, visit LSS Choices or call 614-224-4663 (HOME), or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, text BEGIN to 88788, or click here. MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio (WCMH) A sheriffs deputy in Morrow County was shot and killed on Memorial Day while responding to a domestic violence call, with the man accused telling him, You better just f go if you want your family to see you tomorrow. Deputy Daniel Sherrer was fatally injured during the ensuing shootout at a residence on County Road 26 south of Marengo, a community of fewer than 300 people some 35 miles north of Columbus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following deputys death, Morrow County businesses pledge support Sherrer was taken to a hospital, where he died. The 31-year-old had been a Morrow County deputy since May 2021, Sheriff John L. Hinton said at a media briefing on Tuesday morning. Daniel Sherrer, Morrow County Sheriff deputy. (NBC4/Anna Hoffman) (NBC4/Anna Hoffman) (NBC4/Anna Hoffman) A Morrow County sheriffs deputy was killed while responding to a domestic incident, May 26, 2025. (NBC4) A Morrow County sheriffs deputy was killed while responding to a domestic incident, May 26, 2025. (NBC4) A Morrow County sheriffs deputy was killed while responding to a domestic incident, May 26, 2025. (NBC4) A Morrow County sheriffs deputy was killed while responding to a domestic incident, May 26, 2025. (NBC4) A shooting scene in Morrow County, Ohio, on May 27, 2025. (NBC4) I dont even know what to say. I mean call him a kid he was 31 years old, Hinton said. He was, he was a grown man. Always had a smile on his face, never in a bad mood. He, he came to work every day. He loved this community. He loved the job. Expected to be charged in the case is Brian Michael Wilson, 53, of Marengo, who was struck during the shootout. Court records showed a warrant for an aggravated murder charge has been filed against him, and an affidavit described the encounter that led to Sherrers death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival about 7:40 p.m., Sherrer was told by a neighbor that Wilson had said he would be OK if he died that night, according to body-worn camera footage that was reviewed for the affidavit. As Sherrer approached, he saw Wilson sitting on a porch with a firearm visible. Dont come up here, Wilson was heard saying. Sherrer attempted to engage Wilson in dialogue to deescalate the situation, the affidavit said, although the wording was not described. The footage showed Sherrer stepping back and Wilson saying, Dont f come around that corner, I will f kill you, and, Im not f playing, you better just f go if you want your family to see you tomorrow. Community mourns beloved shop owner, friend killed over weekend The affidavit said that Wilson approached the steps where Sherrer was located, and gunfire began. Sherrer was struck and fell. More shots were heard before a pause in gunfire, then more rang out, with the affidavit indicating that this could have been Wilson firing at Sherrer on the ground. Clicks indicating an empty chamber were then heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit said two firearms were recovered, including a semiautomatic pistol and a revolver. The clicking sound was noted as being consistent with the revolver having an empty chamber. When Hinton spoke, he did not provide details of what led to the shootout, saying he had not yet seen the body camera footage. And he refused to say Wilsons name or provide an update on his condition. You will never hear his name come from my lips, so if you want the name, you will have to get it some other way. Im not giving it to you, Hinton said. Why would I? Why am I going to even mention his name? He doesnt deserve it. Wilson was listed in serious condition when he was taken to the hospital. An update Tuesday afternoon from the Delaware County Sheriffs Office, which has taken point in the investigation, said Wilson remained there receiving treatment and was in custody. In a social media post, the Morrow County Sheriffs Office said it was grateful of support from the community. About 35,000 people live in the county. A cruiser parked in front of the sheriffs office was marked with a black stripe across the badge in honor of Sherrer, and flowers and other memorials appeared around it during the afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OSU researcher: $700K grant canceled when DOGE misunderstood use of climate Our county is a closely-tied community, which has always supported its law enforcement agencies, and that backing is evident during this time of grief, the post said. The post noted details of Sherrers funeral would come later, and Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered flags flown at half staff until that day. A candlelight vigil is scheduled at the Morrow County Sheriffs Office on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Reaction to the shooting spread quickly, with responses from Sen. Bernie Moreno, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and at least 20 social media posts from other Ohio law enforcement agencies on Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im keeping Deputy Daniel Sherrers family and the entire community in my prayers, and am grateful for our law enforcement officers across Ohio, Moreno wrote on social media. It was not immediately known who contacted the sheriffs office. The residence where the shooting took place is not under Wilsons name. Hinton deferred other questions about the case to the Delaware County Sheriffs Office, which is investigating alongside the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Morrow County Sheriff John Hinton identified Daniel Weston Sherrer, 31, as the deputy killed in a Memorial Day weekend shooting. During a press conference May 27, the day after the shooting, Hinton said Sherrer was a "godsend" for the office, the community and the county. "The guy was never in a bad mood, (he) always had a smile on his face. He would go out his way to see how your day was and crack a joke and (he) was just a great guy. He will be missed," Hinton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherrer joined the sheriff's office in May 2021. Morrow County Sheriff's Office deputy Daniel Sherrer, 31, who was killed in a shooting on May 26, 2025. Sherrer is survived by his parents and "numerous loved ones", according to Hinton. Funeral arrangements for Sherrer will be announced when they are finalized. What happened in Morrow County on May 26? Sherrer was responding to a domestic violence situation at a home on the 100 block of County Road 26 in Marengo on the evening of May 26 when an "officer involved shooting" occurred and a suspect fired at Sherrer, according to the Morrow County Sheriff's Office. Sherrer was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital, where he died. The suspect was also shot and transported to a local hospital in serious condition, according to the Morrow County Sheriff's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinton refused to identify the suspect at Tuesday's press conference, saying the suspect did not deserve to have their name spoken by him. "You will never hear his name come from my lips," Hinton said. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are investigating the shooting. How many Ohio officers have been killed in 2025? Sherrer's death is the second time an Ohio law enforcement officer has been killed in the line of duty in 2025. Rodney Hinton Jr., 38, is accused of intentionally ramming his car into Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson, killing him while he worked traffic duty at a University of Cincinnati graduation on May 2, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported. Rodney Hinton Jr. in Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Jody Luebbers' courtroom for his arraignment on charges including aggravated murder in the killing of Hamilton County sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The ramming occurred the same day that Hinton and other family members met with Cincinnati police and watched bodycam footage of Hinton's 18-year-old son, Ryan, being fatally shot by an officer on May 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinton's lawyer, Clyde Bennett II, said his client was not in his right mind after watching the video and his actions were ""classic, mental illness, criminal conduct." A death penalty trial for Hinton is set to begin on Jan. 12, 2026. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost reacts to death of Sherrer Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a statement on Sherrer's death Tuesday morning, saying his heart "was torn by the loss of yet another Ohio law enforcement officer, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community." "We are forever indebted to those who lay down their lives for others. I share in the anguish experienced by so many in this tight-knit community my prayers are with Deputy Sherrers family, the Morrow County Sheriffs Office and all who wear the badge," Yost said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My thanks to the Delaware County Sheriffs Office for stepping up to lead the investigation at a time of crushing grief. This story is ongoing and will be updated. Breaking and Trending News Reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@dispatch.com and at @NathanRHart on X and at nathanhart.dispatch.com on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio sheriff's deputy Daniel Sherrer killed on Memorial Day Photo: DTO Campus The team of the national educational project CDTO Campus is considering the possibility of opening offices outside Ukraine, CEO of CDTO Campus Halyna Pustova said. "We want CDTO Campus to become the leading educational institution for digital leaders in the world. Already today we see interest in our approach from other countries," Pustova told Interfax-Ukraine. According to her, entering the international level is possible in the format of partnerships, joint programs or opening CDTO Campus offices. However, she said it is still too early to say when this might happen. "We plan to identify key areas of international development early next year, with a focus on those countries where there is a demand for systemic approaches to digital leadership. Our experience has practical value and potential for scaling. Therefore, we see CDTO Campus as a platform that can be useful in a global context," she said. The project CEO also said the geography of requests for the educational program is quite wide, in particular, Japanese colleagues are interested in such a model. AUSTIN (KXAN) A Tuesday press conference featured representatives of three local mosques that were recently vandalized with spray-painted Stars of David on the building, according to a press release from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR-Austin. The vandalism at Nueces Mosque, which was caught on a security camera, shows a white person in shorts, a t-shirt and a head wrap walk onto the porch before using a blue spray paint on the building. The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Thursdays vandalism is just a few among thousands of reported cases theyve received the last few years of hate and violence cases against Muslims and Arabs. (Photo: CAIR-Austin) The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Thursdays vandalism is just a few among thousands of reported cases theyve received the last few years of hate and violence cases against Muslims and Arabs. (Photo: CAIR-Austin) Austin mosque vandalism The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Thursdays vandalism is just a few among thousands of reported cases theyve received the last few years of hate and violence cases against Muslims and Arabs. (Photo: KXAN) The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Thursdays vandalism is just a few among thousands of reported cases theyve received the last few years of hate and violence cases against Muslims and Arabs. (Photo: CAIR-Austin) The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Thursdays vandalism is just a few among thousands of reported cases theyve received the last few years of hate and violence cases against Muslims and Arabs. (Photo: CAIR-Austin) The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Thursdays vandalism is just a few among thousands of reported cases theyve received the last few years of hate and violence cases against Muslims and Arabs. (Photo: CAIR-Austin) The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Thursdays vandalism is just a few among thousands of reported cases theyve received the last few years of hate and violence cases against Muslims and Arabs. (Photo: CAIR-Austin) The Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association and Austin Diyanet Center also experienced coward vandalism over the night, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous: Police investigating vandalism incidents at Austin mosques CAIR Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan said in the release that hate comes from isolation and misinformation. She noted at the press conference that the incidents are just single instances among thousands reported to CAIR. Acts of vandalism against houses of worship are not only attacks on physical spaces but also on the values of tolerance, diversity, and mutual respect, Zayan said. On behalf of the Austin Muslim community, we warmly invite all Austinitesof all faiths and no faithto attend the upcoming community gathering at Nueces Mosque. The community gathering will be held at Nueces Mosque Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Zayan also called for contributions to the mosques fundraiser campaign to improve security at the places of worship. Local Muslim leaders speak at press conference The graffiti was still on Nueces Mosques walls and doors when the conference began. One door leads into a prayer space and the other leads to the office of Imam Mufti Anwer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most beloved thing that I do here at Nueces is I hold office hours, Anwer said. Both of these gateways have provided spiritual refuge, a place of deep contemplation for members of the community, young and old, of all backgrounds, hundreds of thousands of students have walked into my office with questions and confusions, and left with a sense of clarity and purpose. The mosque has been in Austin for more than 50 years. So thoroughly has it become a part of the community that Anwer said he lacked the words to describe the sheer amount of well wishes hes received. The graffiti will be cleaned off the building during Thursdays gathering to symbolize the communitys solidarity against the vandalism. But Anwer spoke to a desire to work beyond the recent incidents and work to address underlying feelings of vulnerability within the local Muslim community. We should take this time to not just condemn what has happened, but together as a united Austin community, to recommit ourselves to peace, to education, to listening and supporting our young students, and to making sure that our mosques and houses of worship remain open, safe and welcoming spaces for one and all, he said. What does true solidarity look like? Our students have been complaining for a long time now that they dont feel safe in their own homes, in their own houses of worship, and its time that we open up our ears to their grievances, to stand in solidarity with them, to listen to them empathetically, and to meet their needs. Sheikh Jafar Muhibullah of the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association, one of the targeted mosques, also spoke at the event and called local support a beacon of hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your presence here is not only a comfort to us, but a powerful reminder that acts of hatred will never outweigh the force of unity and compassion, said Muhibullah to the local leaders in attendance. These were not only attacks on a building, but were attacks on the heart of the community, on sacred spaces where people gather in prayer and service and in peace, yet we face this ugliness. A day after the incident, Muhibullah said non-Muslim neighbors stopped by to express outrage against the vandal. He said that it was for him what community and resilience look like. Their words were gestures and declarations that what affects one of us actually affects all of us, he said. This is what Austinites stand for, a city where people of all faiths, backgrounds can live in safety, dignity and mutual respect. Austin Diyanet Centers president, Sefa Kara, said in his remarks that they dont plan to change what they do following the vandalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened last Friday night is not acceptable. We all know that it is a shameful event and it is a hate crime, to me, Kara said. They wont change anything. They made us stronger than yesterday. Civic leaders give their support Several county and city officials attended and spoke at the press conference. Travis County Judge Andy Brown called the attacks deeply disturbing and said he stands in solidarity with the local Muslim community. We stand together to show the people impacted by hate crimes that there are resources to help them to cope with the trauma that they have experienced, Brown said. We are not going to be intimidated. Were not going to tolerate this kind of hate crime here in Travis County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the city of Austin came Council Members Vanessa Fuentes, Mike Siegel, Ryan Alter, Krista Laine and Zo Qadri; Council Member Jose Vela was unable to attend the press conference, per Zayan. Austin Assistant City Manager for Public Safety Eddie Garcia also spoke at the presser. Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association and Austin Diyanet Center are both in Laines district. As long as I am in office, I will always stand with the Muslim community, she said. I am committed to building a stronger and deeper interfaith network in my district and across the city, as well as bridge lines that have previously divided across our entire community. Qadri read a statement from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who was away from Austin at the time, prior to his own remarks. Nueces Mosque is in Qadris district and one that he attended during his time at the University of Texas at Austin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There isnt a mosque Ive been to that hasnt been the target of hate, he said. The Muslim community belongs here, belongs in Austin, in Texas. Austin Police Department, Travis County District Attorney promise to bring case APD is investigating the vandalism incidents, as KXAN previously reported. Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis called the attacks intolerable and said APD was taking the cases seriously. I came to this city understanding what Austin values were, and these arent it, Davis said. Davis also said APD officers will be on security details at every mosque in Austin, including marked vehicles and plainclothes officers. Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said his office looks forward to prosecuting the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here in Travis County and in the city of Austin, there is no place for hate and bigotry in our community, our diversity is our strength, Garza said. If you target someone because of their race, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age or national origin, you will be found, you will be arrested, and you will be held accountable. Anyone with information about the incidents can call APDs tip line at 512-472-8477. Something you never want to see Former UT student and Nueces Mosque President Aadil Shihab said the vandalism has made people feel uneasy. Absolutely something you never want to see in a place of worship, Shihab said. You never want to see a place you love so much being vandalized. Nueces Mosque President Aadil Shihab said the mosque has been around for nearly 50 years. (Photo: KXAN) While the outside of the building was marked, Shihab said what truly makes it special on the inside will remain unchanged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will always be a place where people will come together and mingle. Nothing will ever be able to stop that, Shihab said. I think thats one of the beauties of this mosque and this institution. People will always come together and worship and mingle and pray together. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. People recreating near Utah reservoirs this Memorial Day weekend will likely find many of them full after a mixed bag of a winter. Utahs reservoir system remains 87% full with about 10% of the peak statewide snowpack left to melt, according to Utah Division of Water Resources data. Twenty-five of the states 43 largest reservoirs are currently 81% full or more, including five that are listed at full capacity. Only eight are listed at 60% or lower, including Lake Powell, the nations second-largest reservoir, and Panguitch Lake, which is still being repaired after cracks were found in the dam last year. Some of the other lower reservoirs are also scattered across central and southern Utah, where this years snowpack wasnt as productive as in northern Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its encouraging to see how much weve benefited these last three years, having average or above-average precipitation and snowpack, said Joel Williams, the water divisions deputy director. Its helped fill our reservoirs. We still are hurting in the southern part of the state and we know we need some good snowpack in the future to help them out. Williams provided members of the Utah Legislatures Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee an update on the states snowpack on Wednesday. While reservoir numbers are good, he outlined some trends that water managers must track this year. This years spring snowmelt hasnt been as efficient as experts had hoped, which lowered the states water outlook heading into May. Snowmelt has been a bit earlier than average, so the statewide snowpack could reach zero inches of snow-water equivalent before it normally does in the middle of June. How full are Utah's reservoirs? Reservoirs at 100% or more capacity: East Canyon Reservoir Pineview Reservoir Porcupine Reservoir Scofield Reservoir Woodruff Creek Reservoir Woodruff Narrows Reservoir Reservoirs at 81% to 99% capacity: Big Sand Wash Reservoir Causey Reservoir Currant Creek Reservoir Deer Creek Reservoir Echo Reservoir Flaming Gorge Reservoir Joes Valley Reservoir Jordanelle Reservoir Hyrum Reservoir Lost Creek Reservoir Miller Flat Reservoir Newton Reservoir Otter Creek Reservoir Rockport Reservoir Sand Hollow Reservoir Smith and Morehouse Reservoir Starvation Reservoir Stateline Reservoir Strawberry Reservoir Utah Lake Willard Bay Reservoirs at 61% to 80% capacity: Bear Lake Cleveland Lake Gunlock Reservoir Huntington North Reservoir Ken's Lake Millsite Reservoir Moon Lake Reservoir Quail Creek Reservoir Red Fleet Reservoir Settlement Reservoir Steinaker Reservoir Reservoirs at 41% to 60% capacity: Gunnison Reservoir Minersville Reservoir Panguitch Lake Piute Reservoir Yuba Reservoir Reservoirs at 21% to 40% capacity: Lake Powell Lower Enterprise Upper Enterprise Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several southern and central Utah basins have already reached the end of the snowmelt, hitting zero inches earlier than usual, according to Natural Resources Conservation Service data. Some had decent snowpack levels, but Williams said it was also a dismal winter for southern Utah. As a result, Gov. Spencer Coxs drought declaration centered on 17 counties, mostly within those regions. Despite dropping levels, some Lake Powell ramps remain open for Memorial Day weekend. The Antelope Point Business, Bullfrog North Launch, Halls Crossing, Wahweap Main and Wahweap Stateline Auxiliary ramps are available for houseboats and small motorized vehicles, per the National Park Service. Meanwhile, most of the remaining snowpack is in the highest elevations of northern Utah. About 2 inches of snow-water equivalent remains within the Great Salt Lake basin, 11% of its peak and 63% of its median average for late May. This years projected hot summer could increase evaporation rates along lower-level reservoirs and the Great Salt Lake, which is something water managers will have to plan for, Williams cautioned. Potential monsoonal moisture would help reduce evaporation loss over the summer should storms materialize, but long-range outlooks seem to indicate that those storms may not reach the Great Salt Lake Basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Water conservation measures are encouraged, as the state hopes for a better snowpack next winter. Great Salt Lake update The Great Salt Lakes southern arm lost 3 feet of water after last years summer heat. Williams said lake levels could become a concern again if the region experiences a repeat this summer. The lake is currently listed at 4,193.4 feet elevation, which is a level that could still impact brine shrimp viability, recreation and ecosystem health, according to the states Great Salt Lake Strategic Plan. Its only about 1 feet above a stage where serious effects on air quality and mineral production are also possible. The lake hit a record low of 4,188.5 feet elevation in 2022 before a couple of good snowpack seasons improved the lakes fortunes. We had a little bit of a breathing (room) and its back to a little bit of a nervous feeling, Williams said. We dont want to hit a new record low; we want to maintain the progress weve had and work on increases and ways we can increase the flow. MERIDIAN, Idaho (WJW) An woman faces charges after investigators said her 2-year-old child was left inside a hot car in Idaho on Sunday evening. According to the Meridian Police Department, officers responded to the Idaho Pizza Company in the 400 block of E. Fairview Avenue after a bystander noticed a toddler crying and visibly sweating inside a locked vehicle. Investigators said a pizza shop employee was able to get into the vehicle and took the child out before officers got there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Arkansas police chief convicted of rape, murder escapes prison Emergency crews treated the child at the scene before they were taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition. According to Meridian police, the internal temperature of the vehicle exceeded 130 degrees. The childs mother, identified as 35-year-old Allie Qiu, was arrested and taken to Ada County jail on a felony charge of injury to a child, Meridian police said. Man survives alligator attack before being fatally shot by Polk County deputies: sheriff Police officials said the incident serves as a serious reminder that vehicles can become dangerously hot within minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is never safe to leave a child or pet in a parked car, even for a short time, the police department said in a press release. We urge all community members to take extra precautions during warmer months and to call 911 immediately if they see a child or pet left unattended in 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Florida state troopers are still investigating a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 that killed a woman and injured her three young children Monday afternoon. The wreck happened in Melbourne near the Pineda Causeway. troopers say a Ford F-350 driver blew out a tire, causing it to crash into a Honda Odyssey. Both vehicles left the road and hit a guardrail. In the Honda, 32-year-old Olivia Maggs died in the crash. Her two children and a baby in the car were hurt but are expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash shut down the interstate for hours. Maggs family released a statement Tuesday, saying As you would imagine, its been a difficult 24 hours for our family. Olivia is a beautiful mother, loving wife, cherished daughter and compassionate nurse with a true servants heart. Her selflessness, kindness and love for Jesus will long outlive her life. We appreciate and feel the love and support but most importantly we covet your prayers as we navigate this tragedy. A GoFundMe has been created to help her family. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A motorcyclist was suffering from life-threatening injuries after a crash involving a semi occurred in Anderson Ferry on May 26, according to police. Officers say the crash occurred around 4:15 p.m. on Memorial Day on River Road and Anderson Ferry Road. It was unclear at the time of this report what hospital the motorcyclist was taken to. Police said the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. Officers said the semi driver was not injured in the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Enquirer Media partner Fox 19 provided this report. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Motorcycle crash victim has life-threatening injuries say police Musket fire boomed behind the mausoleums at Mount Olivet Cemetery on Monday. Members of the Maryland State Society of Sons of the American Revolution pulled paper cartridges without projectiles from their leather, hip-mounted cartridge boxes to pour the powder down the barrel. The three-volley salute a tradition at military funerals rang out as part of an event that honored the 160 veterans entombed in the mausoleum complex at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 160 names were read out by members of the Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. Members of the organizations that hosted the Memorial Day commemoration and wreath-laying ceremony spoke about the sacrifices of soldiers and presented the colors in the mausoleum, which was enveloped in light from windows on all sides. The event also featured readings of Abraham Lincoln's letter to Mrs. Bixby and of "In Flanders Field," a poem inspired by a veteran attending the funeral of a friend who died during the first World War. The poem references red poppies in the titular fields, which have since become a memorial symbol for those who died at war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual event began in 2014 to recognize those entombed in the mausoleums at the cemetery, rather than buried in the ground. Elizabeth Deering, regent of the Maryland State Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, said the idea came to her when she noticed the American Legion was only laying wreaths on tombstones. Deering's father, Ira Henry Gardner, served the Army as a radio technician during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Gardner is entombed in a mausoleum at Mount Olivet. His was one of the 160 names read aloud on Monday. Deering said she recognized that her father, like many other veterans, were not receiving the same recognition for their service as those buried in the ground for their final resting place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That was the real catalyst," she said. "On Memorial Day, I realized my father wasn't being honored." The annual event started with just the Daughters of the American Revolution, but has since grown to include state and national chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution, as well as the Antietam Camp #3 of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. Deering said they now have a "good partnership" with the American Legion to ensure all veterans at Mount Olivet Cemetery are recognized on Memorial Days. "It makes my heart sing to watch this grow," she said. "We're very proud we are able to honor our veterans." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deering added that such events are in line with the goals of the DAR as one of the largest women's service organizations dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. She said organizing the event shows that DAR is more than about dressing up, but actually getting "in the trenches" to "serve our communities." Shane Shanholtz, from Frederick, attended wearing an American flag-themed Hawaiian shirt and U.S.A. hat. Shanholtz said his wife, Melinda Shanholtz, is part of the DAR, but they would anyway "because we're patriotic." He said the musket fire was one of his favorite parts of the event, though he also enjoys the camaraderie and the songs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruth Parmerlee, a member of the Frederick Chapter of the DAR, led the attendees in singing both "America the Beautiful" and "The Star-Spangled Banner." Francis Scott Key who wrote the words that became the national anthem is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Shanholtz said he "couldn't imagine" the harrowing scene in which American troops defended the Baltimore harbor from the British Navy during the War of 1812, which inspired the song. Parmerlee's husband, David Parmerlee, was a veteran of the war in Vietnam and died in January 2023. He was awarded a bronze star for his work to help improve communications between troops deployed in Vietnam and the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruth Parmerlee said she thought about him when raising the flag to half-mast on Monday at the home and 10-acre farm they shared in Keymar an unincorporated community in Carroll County that derives its name from the man who penned the national anthem. She said events like that on Monday or getting to sing songs in Normandy, France, or at Pearl Harbor have helped her commemorate history, while also mourning the loss of her husband. Though David is buried in his hometown of Edinburgh, Indiana, Ruth said she enjoys being able to honor him and other veterans in the shadow of the Catoctin Mountains that they cherished. "I just love the people here in Frederick," she said. (KRON) A mountain lion was captured roaming a neighborhood in Fairfield at 2 a.m. Monday, the Fairfield Police Department said. Images of the big cat were captured on a residents security camera. A citizen on Orchid Street contacted police today to notify us of a strange late night/early morning visitor one who either clearly disregarded their No Soliciting sign, or had an earnest desire to make new friends, the Fairfield Police Department wrote on social media. A mountain lion spotted in Fairfield, Calif. on May 26, 2025. (Fairfield PD) Video: CHP cruiser wipes out lane-splitting motorcyclist on I-280 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local animal control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were notified of the sighting. Authorities are asking the public to pay close attention to pets and avoid any conflicts with the mountain lion. Please pay special attention to pets kept outdoors, and refrain from chasing, attempting to take photos of, or otherwise antagonizing the animal if spotted, the Fairfield Police Department wrote. As this is a wild animal, there is a strong likelihood that it will or has already returned to the hills from whence it came. Authorities are asking the public not to report any additional mountain lion sightings in the area unless the cat is behaving in a way that threatens 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 KRON4. The body of a young hill walker has been found on Tuesday following a search on Mount Snowdon after he was reported missing. An appeal was launched on Monday after the 20-year-old, named only as John, went missing on the mountain, known as Yr Wyddfa in Welsh. He was last seen on the Llanberis Path around 5.40pm. Search teams found the mans body on the mountain at 10am on Tuesday. Police say John was from West Sussex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A North Wales Police spokesman said: Sadly, the body of a man has been discovered on Yr Wyddfa shortly before 10am this morning, Tuesday May 27. The man has now been formally identified as 20-year-old John from the West Sussex area who we circulated as missing in the early hours of this morning. There are thought to be no suspicious circumstances, and the coroner has been informed. Our deepest condolences remain with Johns family and friends at this difficult time. Thank you to partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public who assisted in our searches overnight and during the morning. Snowdon is notorious because of adverse weather, poor visibility and tricky terrain - Moment RF Snowdon at 3,560ft is the highest point in the British Isles outside of the Scottish Highlands. Around 500,000 people climb the peak annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it can be treacherous to walkers because of adverse weather, poor visibility and rocky terrain. In April, a 10-year-old boy hiking with his father survived a 33ft plunge on the Tryfan climb in Snowdonia. A helicopter was called to airlift the boy, who suffered leg and hip injuries. In July 2022, a teenager fell 300ft to his death after ending up on a treacherous mountain track while trying to scale the summit with his father. The pair from Devon were trying to walk the Snowdon Horseshoe but appear to have taken a wrong turn on Crib y Ddysgl, the second highest peak in Wales, an inquest heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christopher Wilson, 18, slipped and tumbled 100m in free fall and went on to suffer unsurvivable injuries. In February, a doctor fell 30ft to her death while walking with a friend in Snowdonia, a coroners court heard. Charlotte Crook, 30, who lost her footing and fell over a ledge while on a hike with friend Dr Charlotte Crook, 30, and her colleague Adam Weatherhogg were walking on Glyder Fach on Feb 16 before she lost her footing and fell over a ledge. In 2020, lone walker, Alan Froud, 72, died after falling more than 1,000ft from a Crib Groch ridge on Snowdon. With an estimated 700,000 people visiting the summit annually, Snowdon is one of the most visited mountains in Britain. In August 2023, Snowdonia rangers urged people to stop posting videos and pictures from the picturesque Welsh national park as they could not cope with the influx of visitors and they were wearing away the path, making it more treacherous. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In the packed sanctuary of Cascade United Methodist Church in Southwest Atlanta on Tuesday, the mourners were told it was OK to grieve. You dont have to pretend to be strong. You dont have to rush past the pain. Because if were honest, even Jesus wept, Pastor Kevin Murriel said. They remembered Dr. Cameisha Clark. She was a sweet, beautiful person inside and out, her cousin Chandra said. She was also a student who had a love for learning. Earning a bachelors, masters, and doctorate degree at her beloved Clark Atlanta University. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, shes a Triple Panther, Clark Atlantas Dr. J. Fidel Turner said. And a true believer. Those who knew her best say she encouraged her friends to pray and led by example. Cameisha, we love you, we honor you, and we miss you, Turner said. Clark was killed in what police say was a targeted shooting at Spartan College in Inglewood, California. She had recently accepted a job there as a college dean. A former security guard at the school has been arrested and charged in the workplace shooting. Mourners in Atlanta grieved over a life gone far too soon and celebrated a life well-lived. Her love meant something. Her legacy means something. And her impacthear thiswill never die, Murriel said. Clark Atlanta University has set up a scholarship fund in Clarks honor. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha welcomed the approval by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly of the declaration "Peace Through Strength in Ukraine" which confirms Kyiv's unwavering support. "I am grateful to our partners for clearly stating that all forms of assistance to Ukraine must be increased, including military and financial support. Equally important is the emphasis on ramping up Allied and Ukrainian defence production to sustain our joint efforts," he said on the X social network on Tuesday. Sybiha also said Ukraine welcomes the decision to increase sanctions pressure on Russia. Also of key political importance is the message that Ukraine should participate in the NATO summit in The Hague, and that the summit's decision is a signal of unity and strength, the minister said. Earlier, Head of the permanent delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Yehor Cherniev said the Ukrainian side considers the final declaration, which was approved at the session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Dayton, to be "very strong." According to him, thanks to the united support of the European delegations at the session of the NATO PA in Dayton, it was possible to adopt a very strong final declaration on Russia's war against Ukraine. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police announced they arrested over 120 people, including 77 felons, through Operation Code Zero on Tuesday. This comes after the FBI Director Kash Patel called Memphis the homicide capital of America and MPD announced a new crime operation, Operation Rolling Thunder, designed to target gang activity last week. According to MPD, Operation Code Zero is designed to take on criminals one neighborhood at a time, and it includes multiple sub-operations. Operation Code Zero Courtesy of MPD Operation Code Zero Courtesy of MPD Operation Code Zero Courtesy of MPD Operation Code Zero Courtesy of MPD Operation Code Zero Courtesy of MPD The Memphis Police Department said they have also seized illegal firearms, drugs, including fentanyl, towed four cars involved in reckless driving and drag racing, and recovered a stolen vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2023 was our highest crime year. It was not 2024 and its not 2025 and were working to ensure that by the end of my first term, that our officers are the highest paid in the region, helping us recruit and retain talent and that were continuing to push crime numbers down, said Mayor Paul Young. The Shelby County District Attorneys Office has been criticized for letting defendants out on low bond or no bond; however, the latest report from the state comptrollers office shows Shelby Countys average bond amounts have increased since 2022. Were taking action to make our streets safer and our communities stronger, said MPD in a Facebook 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 WREG.com. SPRINGFIELD A former cocktail server at MGM Springfield says she was targeted for abuse, retaliation, accusations of theft of a muffin and ultimately fired, all because she was living and working with multiple sclerosis. The MS diagnosis meant Jean Braga, now of Wethersfield, Connecticut, could only work four days out of a seven-day week and had to cut shifts short, leaving by 7 p.m., according to a suit filed last week in Hampden Superior Court in Springfield. MS breaks down the protective covering of nerves, often causing numbness, weakness, problems with walking and vision, and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the suit, Braga names Blue Tarp Redevelopment Corp., doing business as MGM Springfield, and Bragas supervisor, Allison Brown, as defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braga started with MGM in 2018 and was terminated Feb. 8, 2024. MGM will not comment on pending litigation, spokesperson Beth Ward said Tuesday. Braga asks the court for triple past and future lost pay, in accordance with state employment law, with damages for past and future emotional distress, as well as punitive damages. She also asks for her employment back. Bragas lawyer, Justin M. Murphy of Boston, didnt return calls for comment. Muffins, fruit and other food were set out in a break room for employees to enjoy, and the lawsuit relates anecdotes of workers filling bags and backpacks. The suit says no one was terminated or even corrected for taking the free food, except for Braga and others who also had work accommodations under the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An unnamed MGM co-worker is quoted in the suit as saying: During pre-shift, our managers would say to other servers, We have to see what Jeanie (Braga) is going to do before we send servers home. They would be upset that Jeanie would leave at 7 p.m. most days using PFML as she has a medical condition. Putting Jeanies medical condition out there and her use of benefits was inappropriate to say the least. A bar manager is quoted in the suit as saying: Brown would constantly complain about Braga using her PFML, stating how it would ruin the night or mess up the floor. There were times before the team update (Brown) would want to make bets on if Braga was going to use her PFML or not on that shift. PFML, passed in 2021, provides flexibility in how employees schedule their leave to deal with their medical condition or issues faced by family members. Workers can take the leave all at once or a few days at a time per week, according to the state. Stories by Jim Kinney Read the original article on MassLive. ROBERTSON COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) Multiple animals were lost in a Robertson County home which was struck by lightning. The Bremond Volunteer Fire Department was called overnight to assist other Robertson County departments with a house fire on Highway 79, between Hearne and Franklin. Lightning struck the house and a fire started blazing in the attic. The Franklin Volunteer Fire Department was among the first to arrive on scene to set up command and engines. The Blackjack Volunteer Fire Department, Hearne Volunteer Fire Department, Calvert Volunteer Fire Department and Robertson County EMS also responded to assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PHOTOS: Gas well tank in Jewett struck by lightning (Courtesy: Bremond Volunteer Fire Department) (Courtesy: Bremond Volunteer Fire Department) (Courtesy: Bremond Volunteer Fire Department) (Courtesy: Bremond Volunteer Fire Department) (Courtesy: Bremond Volunteer Fire Department) (Courtesy: Bremond Volunteer Fire Department) Bremond VFD says while all humans safely escaped from the fire, multiple animals did not. The department also said to keep the homeowners in your prayers, as they have a long road ahead of them. The cause of the fire is still 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. Tuesdays Top Stories Tuesdays Five Facts [1] Multiple fires around New Mexico Crews are battling multiple fires around the state. The Camp Fire is burning north of Ruidoso. The Paradise Fire is burning north of Quemado Lake in the Gila National Forest. The Flume Fire, is burning in the Flume Canyon area. For updates on all fires, visit the KRQE wildfires page. [2] NMDOT worker recalls being hit by distracted driver on I-25 A New Mexico woman is facing charges after police say she slammed into two department of transportation workers on I-25. Two weeks ago, NMDOT worker Michael Sanchez says he and a crew were working on a strip of I-25 between Ribera and Bernal when he was hit by a car. The driver then sideswiped his partner. Despite going airborne, both men are okay. Police say the driver is facing charges for reckless driving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [3] Mountain storms and slightly hotter temperatures for most Active weather will stick around this week with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms across parts of New Mexico. Moisture will continue to wash back and forth across eastern and central New Mexico this week. Westerly afternoon winds will push the moisture back into eastern parts of the state by the afternoon. [4] AFR responds to injured hiker at Elena Gallegos Open Space Albuquerque Fire Rescue helped an injured hiker at the Pino Trail at the Elena Gallegos Open Space on Monday. The hiker sustained a leg injury and was unable to hike out. Crews hiked in, located the injured hiker, and transported them via a wheeled Stokes basket. [5] High school creates pre-veterinary program to encourage students to join industry Hatch Valley Public Schools has created a pre-veterinary program for juniors and seniors. Their high school already had a veterinary science class, but as part of the new program, a working veterinarian will come teach students in a clinic setting. Local veterinarians say they are looking forward to seeing new talent in the industry. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 pair of hotels along the Las Vegas Strip are facing lawsuits after guests reported being bitten by bedbugs, one requiring a hospital visit. Four visitors filed three lawsuits two against the Luxor Hotel & Casino and one against Treasure Island on April 21, according to 8 News Now, with guests saying in court documents they were massacred by bedbugs and left with scars. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hotel operator has a responsibility to make sure that that room is bedbug-free, Brian Virag, an attorney representing the guests, told the local broadcaster in a story published May 12. Here are the details behind the story, and what you can do if youre ever in this situation. Bedbug lawsuits One lawsuit involves California woman Teresa Bruce, and says she stayed at the hotel Treasure Island last June. According to 8 News Now, Bruces lawsuit alleges staff confirmed the presence of bedbugs in her room. After switching rooms, she noticed further bites, and staff allegedly once again found bedbugs. Illinois residents Courtney and Stephen Gully have sued the Luxor Hotel after Courtney allegedly had a reaction to bedbugs in their room in which she felt like her throat was closing. Per 8 News Now, the lawsuit states staff had to send an EMT to her room and an ambulance took her to the hospital where she was seen in the parking lot and given narcotics. Luxor refunded the resort fee following the incident last June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final guest, Brianna McKenzie of Washington, stayed at the Luxor when the hotel allegedly confirmed the presence of bedbugs in her room last July, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Virag shared photos with the broadcaster of bite marks he says were from his clients. Every hotel guest, he says, regardless of how nice an establishment, should be protected from bedbugs. It doesnt matter if youre paying $60 a night for a room, or $600 a night for a room. The obligation on the hotel operator is the same you have to keep the guests safe, he said. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method to make big profits off you and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Journalists reached out to MGM International, owner of the Luxor, and Treasure Island for comment but did not immediately get a response. This isnt the first time Las Vegas hotels have been accused of bedbug infestations. Last fall, 8 News Now published a story on guests reporting bedbugs at four other hotels over a six-month period, according to the Southern Nevada Health District. Avoiding bedbugs Staying in a hotel with bedbugs is more than just an inconvenience. Bites can occasionally result in severe reactions and your personal belongings may become infested. While even the cleanest hotels can fall victim to bed bugs, there are preventative measures you can take to try to avoid staying in an infested hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make sure to check reviews through websites like Google, TripAdvisor or Yelp and specifically search for the term bedbugs. Keep an eye out for any reviews about recent infestations. If you wish, you can call the hotel to inquire about their bedbug protocols and other pest control procedures, and specifically ask how often each room is checked and/or treated. Once you arrive at your room, inspect common bedbug locations for signs of an infestation. They may be found in mattresses and around headboards, wall art and baseboards. Bedbugs are small and reddish-brown colored. Their eggs appear as tiny white specks and their feces are small black dots. Be on the lookout for blood spots on bedsheets. Bedbug bites may appear as clusters or in a linear pattern on exposed skin. They typically will bite in linear patterns, Virag said while gesturing a bite sequence on his arm. We call it breakfast, lunch and dinner. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Several people were hospitalized after a boat exploded in the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, according to the Fire Rescue department. The boat, which was near the New River Triangle sandbar, exploded around 5:45 p.m., said U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Jessica Walker. Frank Guzman, a Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue spokesman, said 11 people on the boat were injured, including two children. Several people were seriously injured in a boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, May 26, 2025, according to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Several people were seriously injured in a boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, May 26, 2025, according to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Several people were seriously injured in a boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, May 26, 2025, according to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Emergency dispatcher communications tell of a chaotic scene with several people in the water and people suffering burn injuries. The injured children are around 5 years old, a paramedic told dispatchers on scanner audio reviewed by the Herald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses Bret Triano and Marisa Toomsen said they were hanging out at the sandbar when the boat exploded. There was this boat trying to leave the sandbar and when they went to start their boat up, it just exploded, Triano said. It was a huge fireball and people were kind of falling off the boat, so we were at the sandbar too, and we just tried to go help out. After getting a friend to call 911, the two got in their dinghy and pulled a man who was in his 30s out of the water. He was screaming, and his skin was burned pretty badly, Toomsen said. He was saying, Save me, please dont let me die, Triano said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two strangers got the man to shore, where the Coast Guard was waiting. Triano described the boat that exploded as possibly a 40-foot motorboat. Bret Triano and Marisa Toomsen describe how they jumped into action to rescue a man after the boat he was on exploded in the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, May 26, 2025. Triano and Toomsen brought the man to shore on the red dinghy pictured behind them. Guzman told reporters at the scene that all 11 people on the boat were taken to Broward Health Medical Center. Some of them were then taken to Jackson Memorial Hospitals burn unit in Miami, he said, although he did not have the exact number of patients sent there. A lot of them had burns to much of their body, Guzman said. In the immediate aftermath of the fire, Guzman said he was not aware of any fatalities. As of Monday night, it was unclear exactly what caused the explosion. Guzman said Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue had a fire investigator on scene and that the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would conduct a joint investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Josh McCarty, who lives in an apartment nearby, said he saw one child and two adults being treated by first responders. The man that he saw appeared to have been burned. He was moving around and talking, but it seemed like he had severe burns on his arms because they had it wrapped in gauze and everything, McCarty said. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. May 26---- As continues to seek a location on which to construct new facilities, the Municipal Utilities Commission reviewed the project timeline leading to this point and the reason it is moving forward plans to build. Earlier this year, for land adjacent to, but just outside, city limits for its new facilities. However, the forcing a new search for a location. The council cited the cost of the land and of extending city utility services as the reason for the override. Some councilors thought the new facilities should be located in the Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've had some additional conversations with city staff, talking about, you know, how to move the project forward and getting on the same page," said Willmar Municipal Utilities Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Marti during a recent Utilities Commission meeting. "We actually feel pretty good about those initial conversations that we have had." Willmar Municipal Utilities has been planning for this project for 15 years, according to Marti, identifying the need for a new building in 2010 and setting the goal to have a new building constructed by 2020. A consultant developed multiple building scenarios and conceptual renderings, and the initial project budget was in the $8 million to $10 million range. Current buildings are 75 to 80 years old and have structural issues, water damage and mold-contaminated systems, plus they lack fire alarm systems and sprinklers and do not comply with standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I will note that we don't just let the walls crack and the ceilings fall down and just not do anything about them," Marti said. "We do maintain the buildings the best that we can and take care of issues as they arise. We plan maintenance and try to take care of what we have the best way that we can." Willmar Municipal Utilities currently operates from four different locations throughout the city. Facility studies showed that a minimum of eight to 10 acres is needed to consolidate all its operations into one location. Typically, the search has centered around finding 12 to 15 acres to allow for future expansion. Service trucks currently need to be special-ordered to fit under the overhead garage doors and ceilings. Sharing photos of the trucks in the storage garages, Marti said, "You can see ... how tight that ceiling is to the line trucks that we order in. They have 3, 4 inches max in certain spots in that building." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that if something needs to be worked on inside the shop, other trucks have to be moved outside due to the tight space. Materials needed for maintenance or expansion are stored in multiple locations, causing inefficiencies and inventory control issues. "We've had issues in the past where things are disappearing on some of these sites that we don't have the best control over," Marti said. New facilities would provide opportunities for Willmar Municipal Utilities to become more energy-efficient and technology-friendly, as well as allowing for operational efficiency. "Obviously, anytime you're building something new or buying a new car, or whatever you're doing, you're advancing the technology that you're using and making life easier," Marti said, noting that the original facility study suggested that operational efficiency can be improved by as much as 17% to 34%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2015, Willmar Municipal Utilities formed a building committee that met seven times that year to evaluate buildings and site needs and then toured multiple sites throughout the state in 2016. Travel efficiency and space programming were also updated from the 2010 study by the original consultant. In 2017, Willmar Municipal Utilities increased the budget for new facilities, now estimating it would cost $12 million to $16 million, according to Marti. It was also determined that the current location at U.S. Highway 12 and Seventh Street Southwest was not a viable option for new facilities. Willmar Municipal Utilities planned to move forward with the project in 2019, but it was delayed due to higher priorities and funding limitations, according to Marti. The project again moved to the top of the list in 2021, when a site criteria list was developed and potential sites were identified and prioritized according to that list. In 2023, the cost estimates rose to $18 million and Willmar Municipal Utilities had $10 million procured, according to Marti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives from Willmar Municipal Utilities toured several other utilities facilities throughout the region and in 2025 explored five properties along the Civic Center Drive area in northeast Willmar, but were unable to negotiate purchase agreements for any of those properties. Throughout the planning process for new facilities, the city of Willmar has also been exploring a new city hall, and the possibility of building a municipal campus for Willmar Municipal Utilities and the city hall has been explored, Marti explained. Discussions along those lines first took place in 2016 and were set aside. However, with multiple changes in city administration throughout the years, the possibility of a joint municipal campus was again explored in the years 2018, 2019 and 2023, according to Marti. "As a person who's been part of this since it started as a liaison to the City Council, I've been part of this project for a very long time, and I can tell you, you did a good summary here," Municipal Utilities Commission Chair Shawn Mueske told Marti. "The Utilities' plan has never changed," he continued, adding that he is struck by the fact that a project that started out between $8 million and $10 million is now $18 million. "And every year that goes by, that money goes less and less farther down the road. ... Hopefully we can get off of this and get a good, acceptable site, and get these dollars into the building they were supposed to be intended for from the beginning." GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A man accused of killing his one-time girlfriend in Grand Rapids in February has been returned to Michigan and charged with murder. The Kent County Sheriffs Office says Randy Buckner arrived back in Grand Rapids Monday and online records show he was booked into the jail Tuesday, where he is being held without bond. He had a court appearance Tuesday where he was officially charged with open murder, according to jail records. Buckner, 47, is accused of murder in the death of 61-year-old Aleta Lung, who police say was beaten to death in her home. Police believe she died on Super Bowl Sunday, but her body was not found until the following Wednesday after family got concerned they had not heard from her and went to check on her. Aleta Lung. (Courtesy LaJanette Lung) Daughters after mothers murder: Its heartbreaking Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Buckner stole Lungs car after killing her. Investigators traced that car across the country and to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he was arrested the same day Lungs body was found. Police say Buckner has a history of domestic violence. Law enforcement sources confirmed to News 8 that police responded to a domestic call at her home in June 2024, at which point Lung told them that Buckner was going to kill her. That incident did not result in charges. Advocates say womans death shows stark reality of domestic abuse If you are a victim or know someone struggling with domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Helpline at 1.800.799.7233. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buckner is expected back in court 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 WOODTV.com. BEAVERTON, Ore. (KOIN) On this Memorial Day, crowds gathered at memorials across the country, including in the nations capital. But Beaverton resident Latessa Loveland said taking part in an event in her community meant extra. Ive been to Arlington, and its a wonderful place to go, and its really solemn, she said. But its nice to see our own community come together and remember those that have served this community specifically. Im not originally from Oregon, so its really fun to see members of the community come together. Hundreds gathered at Veterans Memorial Park to honor those who lost their lives defending our country. The American Legion partnered with the Tualatin Hills Parks and Reaction Department to hold this event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington lawmakers urge Trump to reconsider disaster funds after bomb cyclone Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty who is an Army veteran said remembering those we lost on Memorial Day is not enough. We must act, we must lead, and we must defend freedom not just abroad, but home as well, she said. So today, this moment, its not about celebration. Its not about remembrance. Its about the recommitment to the values that make us worthy of their sacrifice. The event saw two separate flyovers with the American Legion Post #185 band playing each of the military branch anthems. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici was also in attendance and spoke to the crowd. She said everyone knows the grief that comes with losing a friend or family member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their lives and their service, their belief in this nations values of freedom, opportunity and democracy all of those are worth fighting for and all of them are worthy of protection, 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 KOIN.com. By Alimat Aliyeva The largest operator of logistics terminals in Kazakhstan, JSC Kedentransservice, and the Danish company Maersk have signed a cooperation agreement in the field of terminal cargo services in Kazakhstan, Azernews reports. Under this agreement, JSC Kedentransservice will provide container handling and storage services, as well as transportation across its entire domestic network of branches. The first batch of containers from Maersk has already arrived at the Kedentransservice terminal in Astana. This agreement is part of Maersks long-term strategy to develop multimodal routes throughout Central Asia. Regular deliveries planned within the cooperation framework will establish a stable cargo flow and contribute to the expansion of Kazakhstans multimodal transport system. This, in turn, will strengthen Kazakhstans position as a reliable transit hub connecting the West and the East. Kazakhstans strategic location along the New Silk Road makes this partnership especially significant, as it enhances the efficiency of trade corridors linking Europe and Asia. The collaboration between Kedentransservice and Maersk is expected to accelerate the growth of seamless logistics solutions, fostering greater economic integration in the region. Russian occupiers have attacked settlements in Dnipropetrovsk region about 30 times since the beginning of the day, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration Serhiy Lysak said. "Nikopol region was targeted by UAVs and artillery. The Nikopol, Pokrovska, Marhanetska, Myrivska, Chervonohryhorivska communities were under attack. Two women were injured, 51 and 64 years old. They will be treated as outpatients," Lysak said in the Telegram channel. In addition, a utility and food enterprise, infrastructure, a household and power lines were damaged in Nikopol. The enemy hit the Hrushivska community of Kryvy Rih district with an FPV drone, as a result of the strike a passenger car was damaged. In addition, as a result of the strike of a UAV on Mezhivska community of Synelnyky district, a fire broke out in a private yard. A house, two outbuildings, and a car were destroyed. Heres what youll learn about when you read this story. Mallomys istapantap is the largest (and also least studied) species of woolly rat in New Guinea, and it has finally been documented in photos and on video. This species was first documented in 1989, but in their attempts to further study the creature, researchers had little to go off of other than a handful of museum specimens. The knowledge preserved by local Indigenous people suggests that only sightings of the M. istapantap by scientistsand not the species itselfare rare. Not all rats are sewer or subway denizens skittering away with someones slice of pizza (and then going viral for it). In the remote mountain rainforests of Papua New Guinea, there is a creature that has managed to elude humans for decadesa giant rat that hides in the leafy shadows and has never known a discarded pizza crust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meet Mallomys istapantap, the Subalpine Woolly Rat of New Guinea. This behemoth of a rodent can easily grow to be the size of a house cat and reach lengths of 85 centimeters (or 33 inches). Several different species of woolly rat have been found in the region, but M. istapantap is easily the largest, and the least studied. It is also one of the largest rodents in the world, next to species such as pacarenas and capybaras. Now, zoologist Frantisek Vejmelka has become the first to document this mysterious nocturnal rodent in the wild, catching the creature on both photo and video as it scurries down a tree branch at just past sunset. It seems that the rarity of the Subalpine Woolly Rat in museum collections and the limited knowledge on its ecology do not reflect its true rarity in nature, but are rather connected only to the remoteness of the habitats it occupies and to the fact that it cannot be recorded by standard methods of small rodent trapping, Vejmelka said in a study recently published in the journal Mammalia. Isolated island habitats can lead to the evolution of some exotic and unusual fauna. Along with outsize rats, New Guinea is home to birds of paradise, iridescent snakes, fanged frogs, grunting fish, tree kangaroos, and several rare species of echidna that exist nowhere else on Earth. Mallomys is a whole genus endemic to the island, and consists of four species of woolly rat. The other species have slightly better documentation, but M. istapantap was first described in 1989 and only visually documented through an illustration in 1995. Until now, the only way to study it up close has been through a handful of museum specimens. M. istapantap is an herbivore that eats mostly ferns and lives in mossy forests or grasslands near the mountains. It is mostly terrestrialthough still able to climb trees if it needs to escape predatorsand its thick and shaggy fur keeps it from feeling the chill of high elevations. The species name istapantap is Melanesian Pidgin (spoken by the local Indigenous people) and means living above or it is on the top. This knowledge of the creatures existence shows that it is probably glimpsed regularly among the roots and leaves by locals. Hunters who helped Vejmelka collect samples seemed to know areas where he was most likely to find M. istapantap, though population numbers are still unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to having local hunters as his guides, Vejmelka set up a camera trap on a fallen log over a stream in a dense forest on Mount Wilhelmthe highest mountain in New Guinea. The camera ran for eight nights until a male M. istapantap, eyes shining in the darkness, was filmed crawling across the log. Woolly rat species that live in lower elevations have longer tails, while those in higher elevations have shorter tailsan axiom that also applies to the white-tipped tail of M. istapantap. They have dark, brownish-grayish fur with white undersides and pale feet, and females are slightly larger than males. Vejmelka also discovered a color variation never seen before in the species (or any rodent species in the Hydromyini group of rodents, for that matter), which features a streak of yellow on the chest that he thinks is either genetic or staining from sebaceous glands. (This might be related to territorial behavior.) The results presented here show primarily the persisting importance of conducting field expeditions in the present, particularly to understudied regions of the Earth, said Vejmelka. The combination of modern and traditional detection methods [] resulted in the first specimen records of this remarkable rodent in over 30 years. You Might Also Like Nichole Ayers unexpectedly captured a video of the northern lights from space The NASA astronaut shared her footage on X, explaining that she "wasn't expecting it" when she filmed and got a "nice surprise" as a result The clip featured a beautiful pan of the phenomenon that dazzled in shares of blues, greens, oranges and reds around Earth in space Nichole Ayers was among the stars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NASA astronaut shared a stunning shot of the northern lights from space in a video posted on X on Friday, May 23, explaining how she captured the dazzling display of the aurora borealis unexpectedly. "The Aurora showed up this last weekend when I wasnt expecting it! I was trying to capture the massive storms that went through both North and South America and got a nice surprise. The Aurora appeared right at sunset over the Northern US and Canada," Ayers wrote on X. Related: Are Solar Storms Dangerous to Humans on Earth? About the Effects, Including Possible Communication Disruption Ross Harried/NurPhoto via Getty The night sky in Wisconsin glows with the Northern lights as a geomagnetic storm brings vibrant pink and green colors to a majority of the northern states. The night sky in Wisconsin glows with the Northern lights as a geomagnetic storm brings vibrant pink and green colors to a majority of the northern states. "Im also fascinated by just how many satellites are orbiting the Earth at any given moment. Theres so much to share with you all!" she concluded her caption alongside the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ayer's clip featured a mesmerizing pan of Earth from space, twinkling with lights and colors that perfectly contrasted the dark surroundings in the galaxy. The auroras radiated shades of greens, blues and purples and towards the end of the video, hues of reds and oranges appeared. According to her NASA bio, Ayers, a Colorado native, was selected by the space organization to join the 2021 Astronaut Candidate Class before reporting for duty in January 2022. The Aurora showed up this last weekend when I wasnt expecting it! I was trying to capture the massive storms that went through both North and South America and got a nice surprise. The Aurora appeared right at sunset over the Northern US and Canada. Im also fascinated by just pic.twitter.com/qwwepQGDiO Nichole Vapor Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) May 23, 2025 Ayers has flown missions both nationally and globally as an instructor in both the T-38A and F-22 Raptor since she graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs in 2011 and a masters degree from Rice University in Houston. On March 14, Ayers embarked on her first spaceflight. She launched as pilot of NASAs SpaceX Crew-10 mission to conduct research, technology demonstrations and maintenance activities aboard the microgravity laboratory, per her bio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: How to Watch the Northern Lights Display from These Select States Tonight Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Northern lights seen over Rochester, New York in May 2024 Northern lights seen over Rochester, New York in May 2024 The northern lights have been visible from various parts of the United States in recent months. They form when solar activity, like solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CME), causes magnetic storms. When the storms occur, they trigger interactions between the Earths magnetic field and charged particles from the sun. Then, a display of beautiful and often vibrant colors results and lights up the night sky. The intensity and location of these storms impact the colors produced. The planetary K index or Kp, which ranges from 0 to 9, measures geomagnetic activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Northern Lights Illuminate Skies in Rare Showings Across the Country See the Breathtaking Photos! Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Northern lights dazzle in shades of blue in Rochester, New York on May 11, 2024 Northern lights dazzle in shades of blue in Rochester, New York on May 11, 2024 While the northern lights have been visible from several states across the United States in recent months, October 2024 had a memorable display due to the rare auroras' appearance in states that don't typically see them. The northern lights illuminated night skies across the eastern and southern parts of the country. Stunning purple, pink and green skies were seen in New Jersey, New York, Maine, Connecticut, Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. Read the original article on People SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) NASAs U.S.-French Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, which was launched in 2022 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, has spotted large-scale river waves for the first time, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California has announced. The river waves, which, unlike ocean waves, are temporary surges of water, stretched from 47 to 166 miles long as they traveled down rivers in Montana, Texas, and Georgia, the SWOT satellite recorded. James Webb Telescope captures new images of colliding Egg and Penguin galaxies: NASA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three large waves measured by the SWOT satellite from 2023 to 2024 were believed to be caused by extreme rainfall and a loosened ice jam, NASA reports, with the largest measuring over 30-feet-tall, creating potentially hazardous flood waves traveling down U.S. rivers. Ocean waves are primarily driven by wind and the gravitational pull of the moon and sun tides and move across the ocean until they crash to shore. According to NASA, river waves are temporary surges that can stretch tens to hundreds of miles, and are typically caused by rainfall or seasonal snowmelt. The waves can be beneficial, by shuttling nutrients and organisms down a river. But extreme river waves are usually triggered by a prolonged downpour or dam break and can cause floods. Out of this world First-ever hip-hop song sent to Venus by NASA Ocean waves are well known from surfing and sailing, but rivers are the arteries of the planet. We want to understand their dynamics, said Cedric David, a hydrologist at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and a coauthor of a new study published May 14 in Geophysical Research Letters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2022, the SWOT satellite has surveyed the height of nearly all of Earths surface waters, both fresh and salty, using its sensitive Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn), which maps the elevation and width of water bodies by bouncing microwaves off the surface and timing how long the signal takes to return. NASA streams first-ever high-definition video from deep space Lead author Hana Thurman of Virginia Tech and team used SWOT data to search for river waves for her doctoral research. Thurman and team measured SWOT data that recorded the first wave on the Yellowstone River in Montana in April 2023. The satellite recorded the wave rise abruptly to 9.1 feet, and flow toward the Missouri River in North Dakota. It then divided into a 6.8-mile-long peak followed by a more drawnout tail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through optical Sentinel-2 imagery of the area, Thurman was able to determine that the wave likely resulted from an ice jam breaking apart upstream and releasing pent-up water. The SWOT satellite is helping scientists size up flood waves on waterways like the Yellowstone River, pictured here in October 2024 in Montana. SWOT measures the height of surface waters, including the ocean, and hundreds of thousands of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in the U.S. alone. (PHOTO: NPS) The other two river waves were found to be caused by rainfall runoff. On Jan. 25, 2024, on the Colorado River south of Austin, Texas, a river wave over 30-feet-tall and and 166 miles long traveled around 3.5 feet per second for over 250 miles before discharging into Matagorda Bay, and was associated with the largest flood of the year on that section of river, according to NASA. NASA launches revolutionary PACE satellite to study Earths oceans, changing climate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third wave originated on the Ocmulgee River near Macon, Georgia, in March 2024. The SWOT satellite measured it at over 20-feet-tall and extending more than 100 miles, traveling about a foot per second for more than 124 miles. Were learning more about the shape and speed of flow waves, and how they change along long stretches of river, Thurman said. That could help us answer questions like, how fast could a flood get here and is infrastructure at risk? SWOT is depicted in orbit in this artists concept, with sunlight glinting off one of its solar panels and both antennas of its key instrument the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) extended. The antennas collect data along a swath 30 miles (50 kilometers) wide on either side of the satellite. (PHOTO: CNES) The study is helping engineers and water managers measure river waves in ways never before possible, who have long relied on stream gauges. Also, knowing where and why river waves develop can help scientists track changing flood patterns around the world. Satellite data is complementary because it can help fill in the gaps, said study supervisor George Allen, a hydrologist and remote sensing expert at Virginia Tech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orbiting Earth multiple times each day, SWOT is expected to observe some 55% of large-scale floods at some stage in their life cycle. If we see something in the data, we can say something, David said of SWOTs potential to flag dangerous floods in the making. For a long time, weve stood on the banks of our rivers, but weve never seen them like we are now. Death Valleys temporary lake was measured by a NASA satellite. Heres how big it got NASA also used SWOT to measure how big the lake was that briefly formed in Death Valley in April 2024. The SWOT satellite was jointly developed by NASA and the French space agency CNES (Centre National dEtudes Spatiales), with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the UK Space Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed for the agency by Caltech in Pasadena, California, leads the U.S. component of the 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Mayor Freddie O'Connell has proposed a 13% budget increase for Metro Nashville Public Schools for the upcoming fiscal year. District leaders gathered to talk through the proposal before the Metro Nashville Council budget committee on May 22. Tensions ran high at times during the two-hour hearing. The conversation revolved around staff raises and continuing programs initially funded by federal pandemic relief money, among other things. MNPS Director Adrienne Battle, Chief Financial Officer Jorge Robles and Board of Education Chair Freda Player were on hand to discuss the proposed $1.3 billion operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Several members of the MNPS board and representatives from Metropolitan Nashville Education Association were also present, looking on from the public gallery in the council chambers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are five key takeaways from the discussion. Raises for MNPS employees The mayor's proposed budget includes plans for a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, also known as COLA, to employee salaries. That totals out to around $18.6 million. The budget also designates $9.2 million for step increases to salaries. If the budget is approved, Robles said, both teachers and non-teachers would see around a 5% raise between the COLA and step increases. Nurses in every school, mental health supports and more Mayor Freddie O'Connell delivers the State of Metro address Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the Downtown Nashville Public Library. During the pandemic, public school districts nationwide received a large influx of federal funding known as Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER. A total of $425 million flowed into MNPS through the relief fund. Some of that was used for one-time expenses as pandemic disruptions shuttered schools and forced them to switch to virtual learning. However, MNPS also used the money to place nurses in every school something district and city leaders seek to continue as the final federal dollars are spent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around $15 million is earmarked in the Metro Public Health Department budget to continue staffing nurses in schools. The proposed MNPS budget also includes $65.5 million to sustain other items initially funded by ESSER, representing the largest total cost outlined in the proposal. The funding includes added mental health resources for students, college and career readiness programs, summer school options, tutoring and more. Here's a look at other larger costs in the proposed budget: $44.8 million total for employee compensation (includes step raises, COLA and other costs) $20.4 million for school-based supports for children with special needs, English learners and others $14.6 million for textbooks Continued shift to school-based substitutes Battle also highlighted the district's ongoing push to use employees known as classroom associates as substitute teachers. The classroom associates are full- and part-time employees assigned to specific schools who are also fully trained on safety protocols and have access to professional development training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Battle said the model has been "highly successful" and has provided stability for teachers and students alike. "The number one piece of feedback that we received from our schools is: 'This is great. We love it. It's effective,'" Battle said. Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Adrienne Battle on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. MNPS spokesperson Sean Braisted said the district now has more than 500 classroom associates. The district also has a pool of traditional substitutes who can be assigned on a day-to-day basis. Braisted said traditional substitutes who worked more than 50% of the 2024-25 school year will be offered automatic renewals. Those who fell short of that requirement will be asked to reapply to substitute in the upcoming school year. Johnston grills MNPS over budget increases, pandemic relief Councilmember Courtney Johnston kicked off a lengthy exchange with MNPS leaders by leveling criticism at the district for not submitting a line-by-line budget ahead of the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is, by percentage, the largest amount of money that we allocate every year," Johnston said. "This is not a budget, so it's really hard to come with educated questions around specific things." Battle said the district submitted documentation as requested and that it also publishes a budget book each year for the public to see. She explained that MNPS operates differently than other city departments because it's governed by an elected school board that has to approve the district's budget before it can be released. She said that cycle repeats each year. Courtney Johnston, council member for district 26, speaks during a Nashville's Metro Council meeting at the Historic Metro Courthouse in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. Player also chimed in to explain that the district often waits for state approval for certain allocations, and that district leaders were working up until last week to add those items to the proposed budget. "This is not new," Battle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnston also blasted the district for using pandemic relief funds to create programs that now must be accounted for in the operating budget, saying it left taxpayers to "pick up the tab." Battle said the programs reflect heightened needs for students driven by the pandemic. "It costs more when you're providing those unique services," Battle said. "They deserve it. They deserve to have their needs met in that way. So that is what you're seeing in some of the trade-off there." Johnston also said the MNPS budget has increased "exponentially" since 2019. Councilmember Burkley Allen later commented that the overall budget for Nashville has increased by 70% since 2019, while the MNPS budget has increased by around 60% in that same period. What's next Councilmembers will conduct several more budget and finance hearings and work sessions in the weeks to come before finalizing the city budget. The full council will vote on the budget within the month of June. The school board will then vote on the finalized budget ahead of the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Nashville schools: Inside the mayor's 13% budget increase proposal NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) All around Middle Tennessee, people are gathering to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. Monday morning at the Nashville National Veterans Cemetery, military members, their families and other people in the community joined together for a Memorial Day ceremony. People at the ceremony were expressing their gratitude for fallen soldiers in different ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laura Butekovic Graves placed pennies on headstones, a gesture that signifies respect and remembrance. For me, my freedom is because of all of these men and women who have sacrificed their lives for me, Graves said. Annual Healing Field in Murfreesboro honors veterans who have passed away Rachel Lipskey came to sing the national anthem, something she says she never takes for granted. Its such an honor to be a small part of such an incredible event, Lipskey said. An army veteran, Raymond Jones, brought his two daughters to the ceremony. He said its important to him that theyre raised with a reverence for this day. Teaching them that its not just a day off of work, its not just a day to barbeque. Its a day to pay tribute to people who served this country and paved the way for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones said he had many of his fellow soldiers die in combat overseas, and says seeing other veterans on Memorial Day renews his memory of the friends he lost. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Even though you dont know each other, you always walk up to each other, shake their hand and say thank you for your service. Just to be out here with each other means a lot, Jones 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. Nassau County paused in solemn tribute this Memorial Day honoring Long Islands fallen troops with a county-wide moment of silence, a patriotic parade, and heartfelt words from veterans and elected officials alike. County Executive Bruce Blakeman, alongside members of the county legislature spoke to a crowd of roughly 150 people in Glen Cove Monday afternoon, honoring the areas historic veteran population for the third year in a row. This is the day where we remember those who died in the line of duty defending our country, Blakeman told The Post. Say a prayer for them, for their soul, for their families. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman marching in the Memorial Day parade in Glen Cove on May 26, 2025. Brandon Cruz/NY Post Blakeman was joined by other Long Island officials for a county-wide moment of silence for fallen troops. Brandon Cruz/NY Post Veterans and civilian residents alike came to the ceremony to honor those who gave their life for the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Renga, a 17-year-old high school student from Glen Cove who was rocking a full-blown American Flag suit jacket, said the countys celebration is important to him and his patriot family. We enjoy this weekend for being the unofficial start to summer, but these ceremonies are important so we can reflect on what the day truly means and how much sacrifice has gone into protecting the freedoms that we have, Renga, whose grandfather served in World War II, told The Post. But the day means more to those who served like Howard Stillwagon, a disabled combat veteran who fought in Vietnam. Blakeman encouraged county residents to keep the fallen soldiers in their prayers. Brandon Cruz/NY Post Nassau County residents waiving flags during the Glen Cove parade. Brandon Cruz/NY Post I saw about 20 soldiers get killed over in my time in the jungle, Stillwagon solemnly remembered. It really bothered me to see them in a bag going home to their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a party day full of barbeques, but you have to stop and think of the guys that sacrificed their lives. After the ceremony, Stillwagon led his troop of local combat veterans in the citys parade alongside Blakeman down Glen Coves Main Street where businesses were offering deals and specials after the march. Blakeman shaking hands with 95-year-old Ben Farnan the oldest veteran in the parade. Brandon Cruz/NY Post Blakeman greeting local Vietnam vet Howard Stillwagon and his service dog Cruiser. Brandon Cruz/NY Post A second county-wide moment of silence was scheduled for 6 p.m. later that day, alerting residents with church bells and fire alarms from departments and houses of worship all over Nassau. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) As the National Spelling Bee kicked off Tuesday, some West Michigan students made it past the first two rounds. The annual Scripps National Spelling Bee is taking place this week in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington D.C. The first two rounds included both a spelling round and a vocabulary round. Josiah Loehrke, a fifth grader at El Sol Dual Language School in Kalamazoo, said he has been spending most of his free time preparing, studying with an app on his phone and getting quizzed by his mom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He made it past the first round by spelling Mirach correctly and defined grotto in the second round, according to the spelling bees website. Im lucky I made it past that (second) round. That was tricky, he told News 8 parent company Nexstar. Its really exciting. Im glad that Im still in of course. I honestly didnt know most of the vocabulary words, so I also feel lucky that Im still in. National Spelling Bee champions say it set them up for success: You attain a level of mastery The fifth grader, who was sponsored by the Kalamazoo Experiential Learning Center, said hes looking forward to exploring Washington D.C. on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grand Rapids middle schooler Elliott Covelle also made it past the first and second rounds, spelling colluctation and defining gaggle. The Northern Hills Middle School eighth grader, who was sponsored by Kent Intermediate School District, said the event has been a lot of fun. Its great, its wonderful here. Its lots of fun, she said. My favorite part is probably meeting everyone, and then this hotel is incredible. Her advice for other students who want to take part in the spelling bee is to read and ask questions about words they dont understand. Scripps National Spelling Bee guide: How to watch, who the notable spellers are, rules and prizes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both said theyre proud to represent their communities. Its a huge honor to be able to represent Kalamazoo (at) the spelling bee. And Im trying not to let them down, and I think Im doing pretty well, Josiah said. Im glad Im able to do this Im really proud to be representing Grand Rapids and Kent County, Elliott said. Its really nice to have support from all my friends and teachers and family. Its a good experience. Ishika Dirisala, a sixth grader from St. Joseph, also made it past the first and second rounds. The Upton Middle School student correctly spelled nival and defined abolish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 60 spellers were eliminated in the first two rounds, with 183 headed to round three. The Scripps National Spelling Bee finals are scheduled for Thursday starting at 8 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 WOODTV.com. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Dayton has focused much less attention on Russia's war against Ukraine than in previous gatherings over the past three years and the American delegation's attitude towards their Ukrainian counterparts was cooler. Source: Yehor Cherniev, head of Ukraine's permanent delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, as reported by European Pravda Details: Cherniev said that he had a mixed impression of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly session in Dayton, which is coming to an end, and that he had never encountered this before in the last three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that although there were many references to Ukraine and separate reports, overall the meeting tried to shift the focus from the Russo-Ukrainian war to events 30 years ago the signing of the Dayton Agreement, which ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Cherniev also said that the meeting with the American delegation was not as warm as usual, which contrasted sharply with the absolute support from the Europeans behind the scenes. "Europeans, incidentally, were also surprised by the emphasis placed on this session of the NATO PA by the host side," said the head of the Ukrainian delegation. Nonetheless, Cherniev stated that the delegation was very satisfied with the final declaration of the NATO PA, which, in particular, rejected the Kremlin's ultimatum that Ukraine could not become a member of the Alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the end, I can still call this session very successful. The Europeans are categorically on our side, and we will work with the Americans," he concluded. Background: Earlier, it became known that because of US President Donald Trump, NATO is preparing a mini-declaration for the summit in The Hague, likely without mentioning Ukraine. It was also reported that the American side supposedly opposes inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the NATO summit. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied this information. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! May 27By HEATH HARRISON The Ironton Tribune A gap in the rainy weather on Thursday timed out perfectly so that the annual Navy Night ceremony on the city's riverfront could take place. As Ironton Mayor Sam Cramblit II pointed out, the event is the first public memorial service for Ironton's busy weekend of events around the holiday, which concludes with the annual Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade, the longest continuous observance of its kind in the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event began with an invocation from Chad Pemberton and the posting of the colors from Ironton VFW Post 8850. In addition to the VFW, others returning for their yearly duties in the ceremony were the brass ensemble from Rock Hill High School, as well as Scout Troop 106, of Ironton. The Scouts conducted a flag folding ceremony, under the direction of Dave Lucas, and their bugler played "Taps." Cramblit then read a proclamation proclaiming Thursday as Navy Night in the City of Ironton. The keynote speaker for this year was LCDR Sean Dulaney, of the U.S. Navy Reserve Center in Eleanor, West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dulaney noted the history of Ironton, with regards to the Navy. He pointed out that steel from the city's then-booming iron industry was used in the USS Monitor, the U.S. Navy's first ironclad ship, which famously battled the Confederate ship Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) during the Civil War. Following Dulaney's remarks, the Scouts carried a memorial wreath to the riverfront, where it was placed in the Ohio's waters. The event, which drew dozens to the river, was hosted by the parade committee and featured grand marshal Ray Jones and parade commander Lou Pyles, while retired Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Charles Cooper returned as master of ceremonies. You Might Like News Ashland woman killed in UTV accident News Council to fill Arthur seat News A tradition of honor (WITH GALLERY) News Former local meteorologist arrested Minerals deal with US opens up new prospects for Ukrainian companies, but possible risks must also be assessed Zakhidnadraservice founder The agreement on minerals with the US potentially opens up new opportunities for Ukraine and Ukrainian companies, in particular, in the direction of energy independence, healthy competition, improvement of the legislative and regulatory field, but there may also be certain risks under the condition of an asymmetric partnership in favor of the US, believes founder of the Zakhidnadraservice group of companies Zynoviy Kozytsky. "Expectations are more realistic: we would definitely like this to be progress and development for Ukraine, and for Ukrainian companies another "window of opportunity", that is, a guarantee of market stability. Another point hypothetically we can count on an increase in the state's demand for hydrocarbon extraction, which will mean healthy competition, less imports, and therefore a step towards energy independence," said Kozytsky in response to a request from Interfax-Ukraine. In his opinion, it is important that the US representative in this agreement is DFC a corporation that provides insurance against military and political risks. As he noted, this will help avoid situations when foreign contractors refuse to cooperate due to lack of insurance, as happened with the Belgian crane company, which refused to build a wind farm for Kozytsky's company during the war. "There is hope that this will become a thing of the past. Ultimately, DFC is a powerful reputational signal," the founder of Zakhidnadraservice believes. At the same time, he suggested a possible simplification of conditions for business in the subsoil use sector, improvement of Ukrainian legislation, as well as auditing in this area. "Probably (there will be simplification), since there will be an indirect impact, and the results of various processes that this agreement launches, in particular reforms and changes. No foreign company will enter an environment of risk, uncertainty or opacity. Obviously, agreements of this type have clear accompanying recommendations, including legislative ones, obviously an audit," Kozytsky noted. In addition, according to him, there could potentially be flexible conditions for raising funds for Ukrainian companies, a change in the regulatory environment. He also believes that with the agreement "the problem of unfair subsoil use (in particular, "dormant" licenses) or speculation on this topic should disappear." Kozytsky also expressed his belief that Ukrainian companies can be quite competitive alongside foreign ones. "My vision of the situation is quite optimistic: our companies are flexible and determined, we just need to work actively, invest in development, in innovation, believe in ourselves and the country - and there will be a positive result," said the founder of Zakhidnadraservice. At the same time, in his opinion, the agreement may carry a number of risks for Ukrainian companies, if, let's assume, there is an asymmetry in the partnership between Ukraine and the USA in favor of the latter. "Will American companies be able to receive preferences (simplified procedures and competitive conditions, changes in regulations, quotas), will there be restrictions on access to new licenses, will there be reservations of the best deposits for joint projects with the USA, will large American companies enter our market through the purchase of Ukrainian companies or their shares - this is unknown and is a matter of time," Kozytsky emphasized. In addition, according to him, it is important that investors from European countries do not perceive the agreement as a division of resources between the United States and the state, which would reduce their desire to cooperate. Navy Fleet Master Chief David Isom, a former member of Navy Special Warfare Development Group, or DEVGRU commonly referred to as SEAL Team Six has been selected to serve as the U.S. militarys next top enlisted leader, defense officials announced on Tuesday. Currently serving as the command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Isom will become the sixth service member to serve as the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or SEAC, since the position was created in 2005. Although the SEAC is considered the U.S. militarys most senior enlisted leader, the job involves serving as an advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff rather than as a direct supervisor within a chain of command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isom enlisted in the Navy in 1987, and after passing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training, or BUD/S, he went on to deploy with units that include DEVGRU, Naval Special Warfare Group 10, Special Reconnaissance Team 2, and SEAL Team 1, according to his official biography. His combat and operational deployments include Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as deployments throughout the Pacific and the Horn of Africa, his biography says. Isoms military awards include four Bronze Star Medals, including two with V devices for valor; two Combat Action Ribbons; and a Presidential Unit Citation, according to his service record. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, selected Isom to be the next SEAC following two rounds of interviews, a Joint Staff spokesperson told Task & Purpose on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isom will replace Marine Sgt. Maj. Troy Black, who is leaving the job after serving as SEAC for two years. The change of office is tentatively scheduled for mid-to-late June. Black previously served as the sergeant major of the Marine Corps before he was selected as the SEAC by Army Gen. Mark Milley, and he initially served as the senior enlisted advisor to Air Force Gen. Charles CQ Brown Jr., whom President Donald Trump fired as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in February. The latest on Task & Purpose RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) On this Memorial Day, North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards says the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to do more to protect veterans, and hes introducing legislation to help. These are folks that have served our country, that deserve the very best that we can give them, said Edwards (R-11). The Justice for Americas Veterans and Survivors Act calls on the Department of Veterans Affairs to properly document causes of death for veterans across the country and note if suicide was a factor in an annual report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current VA data shows on average, 22 veterans commit suicide every single day. Edwards says better reporting will help Congress pass legislation to improve mental health treatment for veterans and help surviving family members receive benefits they deserve. Given the statistics that we see in America today of so many veterans taking their own lives, it just makes sense to work to get more underneath the data and to fully understand, Edwards said. With the legislation, Edwards said he is also planning visits to every military base in North Carolina to hear from servicemembers and their families about what they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After theyve taken risks to serve our great nation, we need to do everything we can to make sure that they are healthy once they return into normal society, Edwards said. The bill now heads to a committee on Capitol Hill where Edwards says he is expecting wide support for 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 CBS17.com. Flood debris piles left in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Bat Cave, North Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) A North Carolina-based firm that submitted a bid to manage the states Hurricane Helene homebuilding program is alleging that its proposal was improperly disqualified. IEM International, which is based in Morrisville, said in a statement to NC Newsline that it had filed a complaint with the NC Department of Commerce, which oversaw the contract process. And the firm is seeking to have the critical contract re-bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to disqualify IEMs compliant proposal without review or scoring is highly irregular and concerning, the firm said in its statement. A spokesperson for the NC Department of Commerce said Tuesday afternoon that the department had received the protest and would follow the appropriate procedures under the procurement rules as we have throughout the process. Commerce is focused on delivering results for Helene survivors in western North Carolina who need our help getting back into their homes, communications director David Rhoades said. We believe that this procurement was conducted fairly and identified the partner who will best help us provide housing recovery quickly, and we are hopeful we can start building the first homes later this summer. State officials awarded the contract earlier this month to Horne LLP, a Mississippi-based company, for $81.5 million. The firm is charged with implementing a $1.4 billion federal housing grant and overseeing multiple construction contractors to rebuild from the deadliest storm in state history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hornes selection has already drawn scrutiny from state lawmakers after the firms previous contract, part of a troubled rebuild process in eastern North Carolina, was not renewed. IEM was one of four other bidders on the states solicitation for Helene. But its bid was deemed non-responsive due to inadequate financial information, according to state officials and documents. The vendor did not submit required financial documentation, and per DCRs legal analysis, it was deemed non-responsive, according to a memo from the department. That same memo shows that IEMs bid was not formally graded. IEM said in their statement that the firm approached this (solicitation) with the seriousness it deserves, and had provided three years of audited financial data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A copy of IEMs full offer, obtained by NC Newsline through public records request, includes a page that details the firms balance sheet, income statement and cash flow data from three fiscal years. The firm checked yes when asked if the financial figures were based on audited statements. Under a section of the bid asking for a link to annual reports, the firm wrote: As a privately owned company, IEMs financial statements are not public. IEM can provide to DCR upon request. Financial details for Horne, whose bid was awarded and also obtained through public records, were redacted. The firm appears to have included pages of consolidated financial statements from 2022 and 2021 in an appendix to its bid. Stephanie McGarrah, who leads the Department of Commerce division tasked with Helene recovery, told lawmakers on Thursday that she was personally very disappointed about the result of IEMs bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are very few vendors in this space, and they had partners we were familiar with, McGarrah said. And asked if she would re-bid the contract with the knowledge of a recent settlement agreement by Horne, McGarrah said she would not. I do think we made the right decision, she said. IEMs proposed partners included Deloitte, Fahe, and Tetra Tech, according to the bid. And the firm had proposed tapping multiple partners based locally in western North Carolina: B-K Construction and Brucemont Communications. According to North Carolinas administrative rules, a bidder can submit a protest within 30 days of an award being granted, detailing their reasoning and supporting documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That protest is received by the executive officer for the department that made the purchase in this case, Commerce. That official can determine the protest is meritless and refuse a protest meeting within 10 days. If the protest meeting is granted, it will be scheduled within 30 days of the bidders request. Details of the decision, regardless of outcome, are sent to the state purchasing officer, David ONeal. IEM, which has contracts globally, has worked with the state before. The firm won a bid in 2018, after Hurricane Matthew. Three years later, it sued ReBuild NC, the troubled office that oversaw hurricane recovery in eastern North Carolina, for failing to pay related to contract work. That case was settled outside of court. Updated at 4:23 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27 to include a statement from the NC Department of Commerce. People experiencing homelessness in Raleigh pack to leave an encampment off of Highway 70 near Interstate 40. (Photo: Greg Childress) As a U.S. Navy veteran, I am honored to manage a team that serves other veterans who find themselves without a home in North Carolina. In my role as director of outreach for Veterans Services of The Carolinas (VSC), our team collaborates daily with the faith-based community, mental health and substance use providers, LME/MCOs, law enforcement, housing providers, and others across all 100 counties of North Carolina. That experience has provided us with deep insight into what works and what doesnt. Two pending bills in the North Carolina General Assembly will have a direct impact on our communities, service providers, law enforcement, and those we serve. Both are promotedas they were in other targeted states by an interest group out of Austin, Texas, called Cicero Action. Joe Lonsdale, its founder, is a venture capitalist with ties to those in private prison contracting, including technology for the newer field of e-carceration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One bill House Bill 437 would criminalize nonprofits like ours by threatening felony charges if drug activity occurs within 100 feet of our facilities an extreme and unworkable standard that punishes service providers for circumstances beyond their control. The other House Bill 781 establishes new requirements on cities and counties to set up state-sanctioned homeless encampments for up to a year without additional funding. Going after nonprofits and supporting unfunded mandates is not on-brand for the state of North Carolina, but neither is disrespecting our faith-based and veteran leaders who the Cicero lobbyists characterize as unserious activists. Representatives for four bishops overseeing 1200 North Carolina Episcopal and United Methodist churches joined VSC and other veterans in sharing concerns about these bills and the impacts they will have at multiple House committee podiums. And yet, the bill passed out of the House and now awaits a round of committee hearings in the Senate. Under the guise of a self-described think tank, the Cicero Institutein the absence of datablames the Housing First model for the increase of homelessness. From Texas, it declares there is no lack of affordable housing in North Carolina and glosses over how two out of three of its residents experiencing homelessness in recent years are experiencing it for the first time. Prioritizing housing with wrap-around servicesthe housing first modelhas been the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs approach since 2012. More than 133,000 veterans were housed and provided with supportive services to help them retain housing over the last three years. The practice was first introduced by the George W. Bush Administration and has enjoyed subsequent bipartisan support because of data showing its effectiveness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average number of returns to homelessness across the state utilizing Housing First is less than 13%. The City of Raleigh estimates it costs $96,000 a year in emergency services, law enforcement and health care for a homeless person living outside. As Raleighs News & Observer reported recently, putting someone in a home and making services available costs $20,000 saving taxpayers $76,000 per person. In contrast, another local government projected the cost of installing just one Greenflow unit to provide the bills requirement of running water and restrooms at up to $200,000 alone. Will local governments have to add this cost and others in their capital improvement or their regular budgets to meet the states approval? Will property tax increases be required to move the state-sanctioned encampments around each year? Additionally, legal counsels from local governments have raised concerns about increased liability and incarceration along with decreased local controlas reported by their colleagues in states where the Cicero bills have passed into law. Cicero offers no data to indicate its proposal will do anything to end homelessnessjust make it less visible. A month after the Florida encampment law went into effect last year, the first lawsuit was filed, resulting in a hasty sweep of an encampment without a plan for where people would go. Ongoing treatment for substance use and medications for mental illness are interrupted or lost when caseworkers and peer support specialists cannot find those they serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State-sanctioned, compulsive homeless encampments will drive unsheltered veterans further from the resources needed and further away from sustainable recovery, while putting the onus on our local law enforcement. Especially in the context of yesterdays annual observance of Memorial Day, it makes no sense for our leaders to pass laws that criminalize those who have given up so much for the freedoms we enjoy. Our General Assembly members would serve their communities more effectively by investing in solutions that have been proven to work and are cost effective. BARDSTOWN, Ky. (FOX 56) For nearly 10 years, the question Where is Crystal Rogers? has plagued the Nelson County community, and on Tuesday, May 27, a jury will be seated to begin to unravel the answer for the first time. In a Warren County courtroom, a little over 100 miles from Bardstown, 54-year-old Steven Lawson will face a jury of his peers. In 2023, Lawson was charged with tampering with physical evidence and conspiracy to murder in connection with the disappearance of Crystal Rogers. 8 years of no answers: Where is Crystal Rogers? Who is Crystal Rogers? Crystal Rogers, a Bardstown mother, was 35 when she was last seen by her then-boyfriend, Brooks Houck, on July 3, 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Hock said he went to bed alone, and Rogers allegedly stayed up on her phone. That was the last time Rogers was reportedly seen alive. She was reported missing by her mother on July 5. That same day, her father, Tommy Ballard, discovered her car abandoned with a flat tire at mile marker 14 on the Bluegrass Parkway. Her phone, keys, and purse were still inside the red Chevrolet Impala. According to the FBIs Most Wanted Missing Persons database, Rogers was a mother to five children and is not known to go anywhere without them. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Crystal Rogers trial In 2023, the seemingly cold case gained momentum, and police would make a string of three arrests in connection with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years later, Brooks Houck, Steven Lawson, and Joseph Lawson are slated for trial by jury in connection with Rogers disappearance. After a lengthy court battle, a judge ruled that Houck and Joseph would be tried together. Steven will be tried alone. The ruling stems from what the judge called Stevens wildly inconsistent and ever-evolving testimonies of what occurred leading to Rogers disappearance. The court believed that Houck and Joseph wouldnt receive a fair trial if all three men were tried together. His trial will be the first of the two, beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning. The list of court filings made since Stevens 2023 arrest is lengthy, but its contents offer a glimpse of what the jury will hear in the Warren County courtroom. RELATED: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reported immunity agreement was made between Steven and the investigators in exchange for the truth. However, prosecutors have argued that Lawson has lied repeatedly to minimize his role in the Rogers case. A judge later rejected Stevens claims. In June 2024, evidence filed in Stevens immunity case revealed that he told investigators he saw his son and another man burning and digging with construction equipment on a farm on Thompson Hill Road within five days of Rogers disappearance in 2015. Obviously, the Commonwealth is convinced that parts of Lawsons statement are truthful, May 2024 court documents state. But they go on to reveal that prosecutors believe that Lawson was more involved in Rogers disappearance and death than hes let on. He allegedly admitted that he was recruited by Houck to move Rogers car in the early morning hours of July 4, 2015, as well as looking for someone to get rid of Crystal Rogers, per court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing alleges that the pair spent an inordinate amount of time together preceding Rogers disappearance, and witnesses allegedly claim that conversations between them and Steven show that Houck attempted to recruit Lawson or have him recruit somebody else to get rid of Rogers. S. Lawsons statements fall apart when questions arise about what he was doing certain hours of the early morning of July 4 as well as the phone call Houck made to Lawson on July 8 from the police station, the documents read. Lawson allegedly told detectives that the call in the early morning hours of July 4, 2015, was to tell Houck that the job is done, alluding to the car being moved, per court documents. MISSING IN KENTUCKY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest breakthrough in the case was in regard to hair that was recovered from Rogers car in 2015 and never tested for DNA. Kentucky State Police investigators reportedly determined the samples are not similar in characteristics to Rogers hair. A special prosecutor asked the judge to order that Steven complete a buccal swab for comparison. But DNA testing could take months, and the court opted not to delay the trial any further in an April 2025 order. The trial against Houck and Joseph is set to begin on June 24. Jury selection for Stevens trial will begin around 8:45 a.m. 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 FOX 56 News. Nebraska lawmakers upheld a governor's veto Tuesday of a bill aimed at getting a better and faster response to bedbugs from Omaha's housing authority. Derek Hovendick, shown here, is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the OHA. He shows bedbug bites he says he got while living at an OHA apartment high-rise. (From lawsuit documents) LINCOLN The Nebraska Legislature started the week by upholding another gubernatorial veto this time related to a bill lawmakers previously passed to help fix a persistent bedbug problem in Omahas public housing. State Sen. Terrell McKinney, chair of the Urban Affairs Committee, had moved to override Gov. Jim Pillens veto of Legislative Bill 287, which in part sought potential remedies to a pest infestation in Omaha Housing Authority towers occupied by low-income residents. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) This is about human dignity, said McKinney. Its about standing up for the values of the people we were sworn to represent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion to override needed 30 supporters but failed on a 24-24 vote, after the legislation had been adopted 34-15 on May 14. The 10 senators who flipped included State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, whose own bill was part of the package put forth by the Urban Affairs Committee and championed by McKinney. I am going to stand with the governor, said Sanders. Unrelated to bedbugs Others who switched: State Sens. Stan Clouse of Kearney, Barry DeKay of Niobrara, Myron Dorn of Adams, Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse, Jana Hughes of Seward, Teresa Ibach of Sumner, Glen Meyer of Pender, Mike Moser of Columbus and Jared Storm of David City. All are Republicans in the officially nonpartisan Legislature. State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, left, joins Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen for a ceremonial bill signing related to the Nebraska National Guard in 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) While mechanisms aimed at OHA accountability dominated previous discussions, Tuesdays deliberations amplified an unrelated argument that was not a focus of earlier rounds of debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hallstrom said his objection was related to the Sanders component which relates to sanitary improvement districts and was LB 321 before it was folded into LB 287. The sticking point for him, said Hallstrom, who said he researched more over the weekend, amounted to taxation without representation, or an SID being empowered to tax outside its boundaries. My bad if I was asleep at the switch, he said. But now I have this newly discovered evidence. Sanders, in explaining her change, said her bill was added to the package without her knowledge though McKinney disputed that, saying he could produce correspondence that showed her staff was aware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanders called the addition an unfriendly amendment, which provoked McKinney to say: Not one time did you ever tell me it was an unfriendly amendment. Sanders said she believed her portion about SIDs could use more work and reiterated that she would side with the governor. State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln questioned the SID portion of LB 287 during earlier debate, but her concern at the time did not gain traction. New Omaha mayor Pillen, responding to the Legislatures action, said he was not elected to simply sign every bill that reaches my desk into law. Nebraska does not need redundant solutions and bureaucracy in search of problems and its essential that we protect foundational American principles, including fair governance and avoiding taxation without representation, he said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, Thats some pretty basic, good governance stuff. In his earlier letter outlining reasons for the veto, Pillen said that LB 287 created needless duplicative government mandates and lamented also that the SID-related component would grant some regulatory and taxing authority over people living beyond the SID boundaries. State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, upon questioning Sanders, said it was unfortunate the Bellevue lawmaker did not voice her stance earlier, as it was now too late to separate out the SID element. State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney. April 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Clouse said he changed course for a different reason. He noted that he was not afraid of reprisal from Pillen. What has changed, Clouse said, is who will be leading the City of Omaha as mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that John Ewing Jr. has toppled the three-term Mayor Jean Stothert, Clouse said he would like to give the new administration the opportunity to weigh in and take on the pesty matter head on. State Sens. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln and Megan Hunt and Ashlei Spivey of Omaha were among those who questioned the newly elevated objections. For this to be a reason now to not support the override is a bit concerning to me, said Spivey, who noted there were three full rounds of debate. Bigger than bedbugs McKinney called the newfound opposition perplexing and frustrating. But even so, its bigger than that issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He acknowledged that the OHA has stepped up an attack on bedbugs. A class-action lawsuit was filed earlier this year. But McKinney said he lacks faith the agency, on its own, would rid dwellings of the hard-to-eliminate bugs. He took issue with Pillens rationale, saying he did not see LB 287 as overstepping or duplicating powers or processes. He said the legislation had been modified to give the City of Omaha the option, not a mandate, to do more to push the OHA to eliminate pests from public housing dwellings. OHAs major funder is the U.S. Housing and Urban Development. Bedbugs have been a complaint at a dozen Omaha Housing Authority sites. One of the bugs is shown on some bedding. (Stock photo by John Downer/Getty Images) State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha said the bedbug issue is not new, and that a roadblock to a resolution has been City of Omaha leaders asserting that the city is not responsible for this problem because they dont have the power to do it. He said LB 287 proposed to create a permissive structure telling the city that it may step in to regulate OHA in areas such as providing for pest control, inspections, penalties for code violations and requiring monthly updates to the city council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Attorney Matthew Kuhse has said that even though the Omaha mayor appoints and the City Council confirms OHA board members, the housing authority is a separate legal entity. He argued that any additional oversight or regulations should be by the Legislature and not the city. The Legislatures decision to uphold Pillens veto, dousing LB 287, comes a week after upholding another Pillen veto. In that case, State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue had proposed legislation to expand SNAP or food aid benefits to people with certain drug pasts. McKinney, following the vote, told social media followers that the fight isnt over. He said he would do all possible to push for accountability, dignity and a basic level of humanity from the Legislature, City Hall and Washington D.C. Editors note: This stoy has been updated to reflect the number of votes needed to override a gubernatorial veto. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BARDSTOWN, Ky. (FOX 56) A Nelson County paramedic is in the hospital after a vehicle accident on Friday. On Tuesday, Nelson County EMS said full-time critical care paramedic Wesley England was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident and was airlifted to a Level I trauma center in Nashville. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a social media post, Wesley is still in critical condition in the trauma ICU. We kindly ask that you keep Wesley, his family, friends, coworkers, and the dedicated medical team caring for him in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, Nelson County EMS said. Wesley England (Nelson County EMS) Wesley England (Nelson County EMS) Wesley England (Nelson County EMS) Officials said they will share updates as they become available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A proposal from Nevada Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager would allow nonpartisan voters in Nevada to vote in primary elections. Yeager, a Democrat, filed Assembly Bill 597 on Monday. Should it become law, the bill would affect both state and presidential primary contests. More Nevada voters identify as nonpartisan than any other group. As of April, out of the nearly 2.13 million registered Nevada voters, about 35% registered as nonpartisan. In April, Republicans carried a 170-person edge in voter registration. Both Republicans and Democrats account for 29% of voters, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last November, Nevada voters rejected a ballot question that would have mandated open primaries. However, the question also carried with it ranked-choice voting. Question 3 did not move forward after 53% of voters voted no. The question passed in 2022. Ballot initiatives to amend the state constitution require two votes before moving forward. In 2021, the Nevada Legislature passed a law requiring primaries over caucuses. The Nevada Republican Party then sued. In 2024, the state held primaries for Democrats and Republicans, while the Nevada Republican Party held caucuses two days later. President Donald Trump did not appear on the primary ballot as state party leaders said any candidate who appeared on that ballot would be ineligible for delegates. Before the primary, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo criticized party leaders, saying having caucuses was unacceptable for the voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeagers proposal was exempt from legislative deadlines, all of which have passed this close to the end of the legislative session, which ends June 2. A hearing on the proposal was scheduled before a legislative committee for Thursday, May 29. The states next primaries are scheduled for June 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The Senate is preparing to consider President Trumps big beautiful bill, which passed in the House last week but Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson believes theres enough GOP opposition to stop the process. Republican opposition in the Senate That opposition mainly centers around spending cuts. Johnson thinks its vital that Senate Republicans tackle the bills impact on the deficit, and has characterized high spending as mortgaging our childrens future. Sen. Rand Paul told Fox News he wont support the bill unless the increase to the debt ceiling is taken out. Republicans control the Senate 53-47, so theres not much room for dissent even though they only need a simple majority having invoked the complicated budget reconciliation procedure to allow the Senate to pass the bill with fewer votes than usual. Whats the timeline? Republicans want both chambers to pass the bill by July 4th. The Senate isnt expected to take it up until early June, and any changes will have to be passed by the House before Trump signs it into law, so it may be a rush to the finish line. Anything else we should know? Theres been a lot of coverage about the bills potential impact on Medicaid, tax cuts, border security funding, clean energy funding, and more but a couple of key provisions may have slipped your notice. This article from the Campaign Legal Center (CLC) sets them out in more detail, but heres the gist. An assault on the judiciary A policy in Section 70302 would hugely limit federal courts power to hold government officials in contempt if they violate judicial orders. This is a major live issue as the Guardian notes, at least one judge appears poised to issue a contempt citation in a high-profile immigration case related to the administrations deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only does this provision threaten the judicial branch and the separation of powers, but as the CLC points out, it represents a stark escalation in a campaign the Trump administration is already waging against the judiciary. The courts have ruled against it at least 170 times already, and in many cases, Trumps response has been to ignore due process and attempt to intimidate judges. Deregulating election misinformation Section 43201(c) of the House reconciliation bill would ban the enforcement of all state and local laws that regulate AI including regulation around the use of AI in political campaigns and elections for 10 years. For want of decisive action from Congress to regulate AIs impact on the democratic process, states have filled the vacuum by enacting their own safeguards. If the big beautiful bill dismantles them, false information could run rampant for the next decade, seriously impacting voters ability to make informed decisions. The post Whats Next for Trumps Big Beautiful Bill? appeared first on Katie Couric Media. Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, has suggested that the next round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia may take place in Geneva. Source: Kellogg on Fox News Quote: " there is going to be another meeting. And we believe it would be probably in Geneva. We would have liked to have it at the Vatican and we were pretty set to do something like that, but the Russians didnt want to go there so I think Geneva may be the next stop." Background: Kellogg also stated that the United States has received a list of conditions from Kyiv for ending the war and is now waiting for a similar list from Russia. On 16 May, trilateral talks took place in Istanbul between delegations from Ukraine, the United States and Turkiye. On the same day, a meeting was held between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations with Turkiyes participation. This was the first direct negotiation between Kyiv and Moscow since 2022. Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv still considers the Vatican a potential venue for negotiations with Russia. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described negotiating in the Vatican as "vulgar". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Russian occupiers are conducting aggressive propaganda about the alleged "collapse of the front" in the Russian-Ukrainian border area and are declaring their ability to penetrate 50 kilometers deep into the territory of Ukraine in Sumy and Kharkiv regions, but this does not correspond to reality and the capabilities of the Russian troops, Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation (CPD) of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Andriy Kovalenko said. "The enemy is accumulating forces in Kursk and Belgorod regions, is fighting in the border areas, Sumy and Kharkiv regions. The defense forces were preparing for these enemy actions... The defense of the Defense Forces of Ukraine is quite dense, and currently Russian propaganda traditionally inflates the capabilities of Russian troops in order to erase reality," Kovalenko said in Telegram on Tuesday evening. He said the same situation was a year ago during the events in the area of the border town of Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, when the enemy wrote about an attack on Kharkiv. "Of course, the battles in the border areas are difficult and there are difficult due to the significant number of enemy forces, but their capabilities are far from those voiced by the Russian military corps [who spread the relevant disinformation]," Kovalenko said. Following the earth-shattering news from the Supreme Court last month that women are female, not male, trans activists may fear that the tide is turning against them. Still, at least they can always count on the support of our beloved NHS. Because, as the Telegraph revealed on Sunday, the health service has spent 20million in three years on giving trans women (i.e., biological males) feminising genital surgery. Which, for those not entirely up to speed with trans terminology, means removing their penises and, in the words of our report, creating a canal designed to imitate the vagina. I have to admit to feeling somewhat puzzled by this news. According to the NHS website, Cosmetic surgery is not routinely provided on the NHS. But isnt an operation to feminise ones genitals a form of cosmetic surgery? After all, its undertaken to alter the appearance of a person who is physically healthy. We all expect the NHS to operate if we happen to find an alarming growth. But Im not sure that category should include the penis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An even bigger mystery, however, is as follows. For the past decade and more, trans activists have relentlessly, and very fiercely, informed us that trans women are women. But if thats the case, then why should trans women require this surgery at all? The whole point of gender ideology is that you are whatever you say you are, regardless of your physical appearance. So if you say youre a woman, then you are a woman, and thats that even if you have the genitals of a man. In which case, there is surely no need for the NHS to provide a trans woman with a biological womans genitals or at any rate, a rough approximation of them. In fact, the more I think about it, the more shocked I am that the impeccably progressive and inclusive NHS even offers such a thing. Because if its bosses truly believe that trans women are women, they should righteously refuse to carry out feminising genital surgery. And in explanation, they should say: These operations insidiously reinforce the hateful, bigoted and outdated notion that people who have penises are men, and people who have vaginas are women. Which, as everyone except JK Rowling and a few fusty old judges now knows, is not true. Or, to put it more simply: trans surgery is transphobic. Another insult to private school parents Still, taxpayers can hardly be blamed if theyre unsure what services their taxes entitle them to receive. Consider this other story, from Scotland. At the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, sick children are given tutoring, provided by the Labour-run city council, so they dont fall behind with their education. Sounds great. But it seems that theres a catch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your sick child will receive this tutoring free of charge only if he or she is enrolled at a state school. But if he or she is enrolled at an independent school, you have to pay for it yourself. The parents of one young patient couldnt understand this, so they complained to the city council. And, according to the Mail on Sunday, heres what the councils Head of Education (Inclusion) said in reply. Unfortunately, as you have chosen to privately educate your son, he cannot be supported by this team, she said because you have effectively opted out of state-funded education. Well, yes. I suppose they have. None the less, I cant help feeling that theres a tiny problem with this argument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After all, the parents in question havent opted out of paying for state-funded education, have they? The term state-funded may seem to imply otherwise, but state education is actually funded by taxpayers. Such as these parents. So, having paid their taxes, these parents should surely be entitled to rely on state education the one time they happen to need it. If, however, theyre to be denied it, it doesnt seem terribly reasonable to keep making them pay for it. In which case, I think it would be only fair to award them a tax rebate equal to the exact value of the hospital tutoring sessions. Of course, if they do get that rebate, then every other private school parent in Edinburgh will want one as well. But the row is unlikely to end there. Because these parents may then start demanding a rebate for the entire cost of the state education that their children havent received. Theyve opted out of state schools, so theyre opting out of funding them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which, in turn, will prompt calls to extend this exciting new approach to other areas of taxation. For example: allow those in paid employment to opt out of funding benefits for the unemployed. Allow those who were born in this country to opt out of funding hotels for asylum seekers. And allow those who use private healthcare to opt out of funding the NHS. Then this last group, at least, would no longer be forced to foot the bill for all these trans surgeries. Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines while aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 6am every Tuesday and Saturday 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. Nigel Farage was in giveaway mode on Tuesday as he promised a Reform UK government would nearly double the personal income tax allowance, restore winter fuel support for pensioners and scrap the two-child benefit cap. The policies are appealing to voters, but are they affordable? Farage admitted people would be lined up in droves to ask how, or even if, his party could bankroll such policies. If Farage were prime minister, the promise to increase the personal income tax allowance from 12,570 to 20,000 a year would alone force him to find anything from 50bn to 80bn, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benefits giveaways would add billions on top of that. Scrapping the two-child benefit cap would cost 3.4bn a year, the IFS has estimated, while restoring the winter fuel allowance would cost around 1.5bn per year. A promise of a transferable tax allowance for married couples hasnt been costed. Farage has repeatedly attacked the Starmer Government for being hopelessly adrift on public debt, which is hovering at about 95pc of GDP. He therefore wouldnt be borrowing his way towards honouring his pledges if he moved into Downing Street. Instead, the Reform UK leader has promised big savings. Big is no exaggeration. At the lower end of the IFS estimated cost of the income tax change alone, hes looking for savings equivalent to the Governments annual spending on defence, or on the entire disability and child benefit system. At the 80bn top end, its more than the Government spends on schools each year, or, to take another measure, almost half the central government payroll. 2805 Reform's income tax policy carries massive costs He probably isnt going to sack every second civil servant on day one. So how will he pull off the feat of balancing the books, when it has eluded governments of the Left and Right for decades? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farage has promised full details next year. In the meantime, his downpayment is a claim that scrapping net zero would save 45bn a year a 50pc increase on the 30bn estimate that Reform MP Richard Tice floated as recently as two weeks ago. Ripping up public-sector diversity initiatives would yield another 7bn a year, which sounds as vague as it is optimistic. The traditional bonfire of the quangos will reap 13bn a year. Asylum seeker hotels would also go, which Reform says will yield 4bn a year despite the fact National Audit Office figures suggest the party might claw back less than half of that. In an interview with The Telegraph last week, Tice acknowledged that a Reform UK government taking office in 2029 would need a much clearer set of plans than this. These are the tax cuts I want to get to, he said. But we cant implement them until Ive proven that I can produce the savings. Those comments came after stockbroking firm Panmure Liberum said the 80bn funding gap which it had identified even before this weeks fresh promises could trigger an immediate and violent sterling crisis, reminiscent of the market meltdown after Liz Trusss mini-Budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labour also invoked the spirit of Truss on Tuesday, with party chairman Ellie Reeves saying Farages tens of billions of pounds of fantasy promises are exactly how Liz Truss crashed the economy. Unlike the impatient Truss, though, Farage seems ready to play a longer game. And hell need to. As IFS deputy director Helen Miller said on Tuesday, cuts of the magnitude he envisions cant be achieved by scrapping the odd superfluous quango or diversity programme, as Farage seems to suggest. Instead, it requires a debate ... about the vision of the state and what role the government should play in coming years, she said. In other words, Farage may theoretically be able to make the sums add up on his slate of policy promises but only if the state cuts back on, or even drops, huge amounts of what it does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a debate that Tice, at least, seems up for. In an article for The Telegraph last week, he was even prepared to take on the Westminster shibboleth that the NHS must remain untainted by the private sector. A tax break would encourage wealthier people to go private, he said, and the NHS should buy millions more appointments from private healthcare providers. These appointments would still be provided free to NHS patients, so they would come at a cost to taxpayers. Tices bet must be that the private sector would get bigger and more efficient as a result, making the service cheaper overall. Clearly, much more detail is needed. It may be hard, in many quarters, for Farage and Tice to get a hearing for any plan to fundamentally rewire the British state if they come up with one. But its a debate Labour should welcome, rather than seek to smother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chancellor Rachel Reeves is boxed in, and constantly at risk of running out of fiscal headroom. If there is a politically palatable path to disrupting the fiscal status quo, she hasnt found it yet either. Farage says that what he offers is a chance to think differently. Were not ideologically tied to the same ideas upon which we believe the Conservative and Labour governments have gone so wrong over the course of the last few years, as he put it. Reform UK wants to embrace a low-tax and high-benefit society, combining two positions that have traditionally been diametrically opposed in Britain. If this is more than just soap-box stuff, it could be the deep-clean that the British state clearly needs. 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 New Jersey couple were arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of a child after allegedly leaving their young kids home alone to go out drinking over Memorial Day weekend, according to police. Felix Y. Rodriguez, 43, and Lydia Monterrosa, 38, are accused of leaving their two kids, ages 1 and 8, unattended Sunday night at a home in Brigantine, just northeast of Atlantic City. Officers responded to a residence on the 4900 block of Harbor Beach Blvd. around 9 p.m. after a concerned citizen alerted them about a possible unsafe situation at the home, the Brigantine Police Department said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After knocking on their door, police located the two young kids and learned their parents were not home at the time. Rodriguez and Monterrosa were then contacted and instructed to return. When they arrived, both showed signs of impairment due to alcoholic beverage consumption, police said. The two were subsequently arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. They have since been released and are scheduled to appear in the Atlantic County Superior Court, police said Monday. Thousands of summer-starved tourists flock to the Jersey Shore each Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the unofficial start of beach season. In Seaside Heights some 60 miles north of Brigantine this years three-day, fun-in-the-sun holiday turned chaotic, with at least three reported stabbings, multiple fights and more than 70 arrests. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, has denied claims of a supposed breakdown in cooperation between the United States and the European Union on sanctions. He insists that coordination between the partners continues despite changes in the political context. Source: Vlasiuk on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: Vlasiuk was responding to a European Pravda article citing German media, which claimed there had been a "collapse of cooperation" between the EU and US in their joint efforts to prevent Moscow from evading sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He disagreed with this assessment and asserted that cooperation remains ongoing, though influenced by political shifts. Quote: "Ive been in contact with American sanctions officials and met with them twice in the last three weeks at joint working meetings in Europe, where we discussed sanctions evasion and strengthening sanctions. Is it the same 'momentum' as before? No, but that is purely due to the political context. A 'collapse of cooperation'? Absolutely not." More details: Vlasiuk stressed that there continues to be active information and idea sharing within the sanctions coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that all partners are broadly aware of each other's plans: the UK is preparing new sanctions, the EU is working on its 18th sanctions package, and the US is developing measures targeting the "shadow fleet" and circumvention schemes. At the same time, he pointed out that it will be difficult for the EU to adopt new sanctions without US support on the issue of Hungary's position. "As before, there is a great deal of information and idea sharing within the sanctions coalition. Everyone is generally aware of each other's plans," Vlasiuk emphasised. Background: On 25 May, US President Donald Trump condemned Russias latest attacks on Ukraine and said he was considering imposing additional sanctions on Russia. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was weighing the possibility of introducing new sanctions this week though no final decision had been made. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned the Israeli government not to use accusations of anti-Semitism to pressure Berlin amid mounting German criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza. The German government's fight against anti-Semitism and its full support for Israel's right to exist "must not be exploited for the conflict, for the warfare that is currently being waged in the Gaza Strip," Wadephul said at a conference in Berlin. "Despite all the difficulties that exist there, we as the German government will not allow ourselves to be put under political pressure and put in a position where we have to show forced solidarity," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Israel naturally has the right to take action against the Islamist Hamas, which is still holding Israeli hostages," Wadephul emphasized. But "the duration, the severity and the consistency" of Israeli military action in Gaza have lacked "proportionality," he said. It is also completely unacceptable that the civilian population has not been supplied with basic foodstuffs and medicine, the minister said. Germany stands by the state of Israel and has a special responsibility towards it, Wadephul said. "But we also stand by the people in the Gaza Strip." With regard to future arms deliveries to Israel, Wadephul said that a red line does exist for Germany and is currently under discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foreign minister said "where the German government sees a risk of a violation of international humanitarian law," it would "of course intervene and certainly not supply weapons." Wadephul said his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar is to visit Berlin soon. Residents of Coronado, California and its surrounding areas are having their fun in the sun limited by swimming bans at local beaches. On Saturday, San Diego County health officials announced the entire western shoreline of Coronado would be closed due to sewage contamination from the Tijuana River, an ongoing problem. "A water contact closure is issued when a sewage spill or chemical spill impacts ocean or bay waters," says the official San Diego County website. "Sewage/chemical contaminated water may contain chemicals or human pathogens that can cause ill health. The Department of Environmental Health & Quality (DEHQ) directs beach users to avoid contact with ocean and bay waters in the closure area." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other areas, like the Tijuana Slough shoreline, which has been closed since December 2021, and Imperial Beach (closed since January) and the Silver Strand (closed earlier this month), also remain shut down. "Beach goers are advised that the ocean water contains sewage and may cause illness," said the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality in a statement. The 76" Isle Coronado surfboard is made of two layers of 6 ounce fiberglass on top and one layer of 4 ounce fiberglass on the bottomall underneath EVA foam. That makes it a great board for beginners to learn to surf safely on, while experienced surfers can still have loads of fun in the waves. Courtesy Image According to CBS8, lifeguards were stationed on the affected beaches, giving the bad news to tourists hoping to get in the water. "So I drove three hours from L.A. to get in over here to these beaches," said Mario Espinosa. "Everyone talks about how wonderful the San Diego coast is, and look, we come to this beach and we can't even get into the water." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing issues with water quality in the Coronado area have caused frustration for visitors and tourists and led the city to declare a state of emergency in order to hopefully inspire action. No Swimming Allowed at California Beach on Memorial Day first appeared on Men's Journal on May 26, 2025 Justin Lee likes a good steak. And what completes a good steak, in Lees opinion, is fresh-picked morels. On Wednesday, during his first foraging outing of the spring, Lee and his brother-in-law were looking for morel mushrooms on Lees property north of Choteau, Montana. They were charged by a grizzly sow, and they shot and killed the bear at close range. There was no time to be nervous, Lee tells Outdoor Life in an exclusive phone interview six days after he was charged. No time for calculation whatsoever. Lee (pictured) and his brother-in-law were charged while walking on Lees land north of Choteau, Montana. Photo courtesy Justin Lee Lee explains that he and his brother-in-law, John Long, had gone out walking on his property the evening of May 21. They drove his side-by-side down to Spring Creek, thinking it was a good spot to look for morels. Both men are from the area, and they know how to hike in grizzly country. They each carried sidearms: Lee had his 10mm Glock, and Long carried his 1911 chambered in .45 ACP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We werent hunting bear, says Lee, a 53-year-old retired attorney. We just carry these guns when were down there in case. It just happened to be the in case day that day. After parking their rig in the cottonwoods near the creek, they started searching for mushrooms on foot. Lee walked toward the water. Long went about 50 yards ahead of him but returned quickly. Lee shot the bear with his sidearm, a 10mm Glock that he was carrying for protection. Photo courtesy Justin Lee He came running back saying, Theres a bear. Theres a bear. Then I saw the bear and she had a cub. We started yelling and jumping up and down trying to scare her off. She just kept coming our way. Not charging but coming. Lee says he suspects the sow was curious and trying to figure out what the ruckus was about. After closing the distance from 100 to 50 yards, the sow stood up on its hind legs, sniffing the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: The Best Bear Defense Handguns of 2025 She got our wind she scented us, Lee says. Then she got down on all fours and started jogging toward us instead of away from us. At 30 yards, she put her ears back and she was charging, so we started shooting. It took eight bullets to put the sow down. Lee fired three rounds; Long shot five. They called a local game warden immediately to report the incident. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks investigated the shooting and ruled it a case of self-defense. Wildlife officials tried searching for the cub but couldnt find it. They also removed the grizzly carcass from Lees property, which is marked with Be Bear Aware signs. Lees property is in known grizzly country and is marked with Be Bear Aware signs. Photo courtesy Justin Lee They were very good, Lee says. Im sorry to have to kill a bear, especially a female with a cub. But there wasnt a choice. Ive seen many bears and [have] been close to many bears. In all my encounters, they see me and they run away. But [this bear] just wasnt afraid of humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few hours later, Lee was at the local bar. It was poker night. He played a few hands, carried on, and went home. It wasnt until he climbed into bed that the events of the day caught up with him. I was lying in bed when it finally dawned on me what had happened. I was a little restless. I dont have any desire to kill a grizzly, but I wish I had [been able to keep] a grizzly claw. You just cant believe them until you see them. Read Next: Proposal to Keep Grizzlies on the Endangered Species List Is Ludicrous, Say Western Lawmakers Lee has a few cabins on his mostly undeveloped property near Choteau, which lies in Central Montana along the Rocky Mountain Front and southeast of Glacier National Park. The area falls within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, which is home to more than 1,000 grizzly bears and has seen an uptick in the number of grizzly conflicts in recent years. In April, a shed hunter shot and killed a charging grizzly bear near Dupuyer, which lies roughly 30 miles north of Choteau. It doesnt change the way I behave, but it makes me wonder about having guests, Lee says. The grizzly bear recovery program in North-Central Montana has been wildly successful. When I was a kid, they were rare and in the mountains. It was a really big deal to see them. Over the years, its become less odd. Now its just standard. May 27VFW Post 447 Quarter Master Greg Sundholm encouraged those in attendance at the Memorial Day ceremony at Graceland Cemetery to remember those who have died in service of this country. "Nobody is truly gone until they are forgotten," Sundholm said during his remarks. Paraphrasing Gen. George S. Patton, Sundholm said it is wrong to mourn those who died instead people should be thankful that they lived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony at Graceland Cemetery was one of several slated throughout the area at various cemeteries. The Honor Guard started the day at Lakewood Cemetery, followed by ceremonies at St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery, Hillcrest Cemetery and the Freeborn County veterans memorial. There was also the 53rd annual wreath drop ceremony on Fountain Lake by pilot Jim Hanson. Sundholm, who said he signed up for the delayed enlistment program in 1987 as a high school junior because he wanted to work on airplanes, left for basic training in December 1988. He said he was stationed to Strategic Air Command in upstate New York, where his primary job was nuclear deterrence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later served in the 416th Bomb Wing, where he worked on B-52 bombers and KC-135 tankers, before Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and he was ultimately deployed. He said when he left active duty, he joined the 934th Airlift Wing, looking for an aircraft job, but they didn't have one, so he then became a weapons instructor and armorer. He medically retired in 1997. 'As I learned in my time in the military, we build on traditions of the past for the future," Sundholm said, noting that he learned many lessons and gained a connection to those who are honored on Memorial Day. He said exposure to them gives him a desire to be better than he was the day before at the very least. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VFW Post 447 Cmdr. Bob Sharp read from an article he recently shared. He said in every society there are many callings whether it be firefighters, teachers, caregivers or statesmen. But the path of the warrior is one of the most difficult. "Throughout history, warriors have been called upon to protect their families, communities and countries to fight for others' safety and freedom, knowing that this path of service may include their life and the suffering of their loved ones." He said it requires courage, commitment and resilience and said no one desires peace more than the warriors and their families because they know the true cost of war. "These warriors have never sought war, but they never flinched when their country called," he said. "It's through their actions that we enjoy the blessings of liberty, and through the tears of their families that we have the freedoms we all take for granted." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony also included a placing of the wreaths by representatives from area veterans organizations, as well as the Minnesota National Guard, Gold Star family Don and Deb Goodnature, and POW-MIA representative Al "Minnow" Brooks. There were also several musical selections by Debbie Nordland, along with a military medley, as well as a volley fire by the American Legion Post 56 Honor Guard and taps by bugler Ed Nelson of American Legion Post 56. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department is trying to solve a pair of burglaries that happened in the same block of Canal Street but one week apart. The cases are the latest ones to roll on the Wheel of Justice. The first case happened around 9:00 at night on Sunday, May 18. Police released security camera images of a woman who they say burglarized a car in the 700 block of Canal Street. New Orleans police searching for Jeep thieves caught on camera Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One week later, around 7:30 at night on Sunday, May 25, police say a woman shattered the front door glass of a business and stole some of its merchandise. Again, police released security camera images of the suspect in this case, which also happened in the 700 block of Canal Street. Police did not say what was taken in either case and so far are not saying the burglaries are connected. To see the latest Wheel of Justice report, including the security camera footage of the suspects, watch the video at the top of this page. If you have information that could help police identify or locate the suspect in either case, call CrimeStoppers at 504-822-1111. You dont have to reveal your name or testify in court, and you could be eligible to earn a cash reward. Reward renewed in unsolved Algiers murder from 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, more than 475 people have been booked after their cases rolled on the Wheel of Justice. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. Ukraine should independently produce strike drones, interceptors, cruise and ballistic missiles and is preparing new investment agreements with European partners in the near future, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following a meeting with the military. "Hundreds of Ukrainian companies are already delivering results for the Ukrainian Defense Forces, and there will be more I am sure of it. Now we are maximally involving entrepreneurial power in the production of weapons. We are preparing new agreements with our partners in Europe in the near future for investments in Ukrainian production. And first of all, the production of unmanned and long-range elements everything that allows us to control the situation on the front, allows us to protect the lives of our soldiers and act to act at a considerable distance," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Tuesday. The president said it is impossible to talk publicly about existing plans, but the prospect is to "mirror-respond to all Russian threats and challenges." "They there, in Russia, must clearly feel the consequences of what they are doing against Ukraine. It will happen. Strike drones, interceptors, cruise missiles, Ukrainian ballistics these are key elements. We must produce everything," Zelenskyy said. A section of Norfolks existing floodwall, built by the Army Corps in 1971. It will be expanded as part of the Resilient Norfolk project. (Photo by Katherine Hafner/ WHRO News) By Katherine Hafner/WHRO About a decade ago, Norfolk officials launched a lengthy federal process for what would become the largest infrastructure project in its history. The $2.6 billion effort to protect the city from flooding during major storms is set to include an 8-mile seawall, home elevations, pump stations and massive surge barriers stretching across waterways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city now has more than another decade to go. Leaders from Norfolk and its federal partner, the Army Corps of Engineers, updated City Council last week on what is formally called the Coastal Storm Risk Management project. Its part of a series of similar projects planned along the East Coast, prompted by the devastation caused during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Norfolk is the furthest along, with other floodwalls in the works in cities including Charleston and Miami. Virginia Beach and the Peninsula are also in various stages of the pre-design study process through the Army Corps. Here are the major updates. The projects cost and timeline are growing. The current, official price tag for what city leaders call Resilient Norfolk is still $2.6 billion 65% of which would be covered by the federal government, leaving Norfolk on the hook for about $931 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But officials now estimate the cost will rise beyond what Congress approved in 2020. Mark Haviland, spokesperson with the Army Corps Norfolk District, said in an email that significant analysis was conducted to document the cost drivers and brief our higher headquarters. The Corps declined to share that analysis before its certified or provide a new cost estimate until the agency gets approval to finalize a related report. But Haviland said some factors that influence cost include new survey data and hydrologic modeling that identified the need for additional pump stations, and updated designs for the walls foundation and transitions with adjoining levees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wall types were also revised to meet updated barge impact requirements and to better fit within an urban setting and avoid impacts to the foundations of existing buildings, he wrote. In addition, the team encountered unexpected delays with the real estate certification process, which involves getting permits and legal permission to use land and negotiating agreements with property owners. By addressing these details early on, we can avoid costly delays and complications during construction, Haviland wrote. The estimated end date for all parts of the project is 2037, five years later than the original timeline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first section of the seawall will be constructed from Chesterfield Heights to the Berkley Bridge, with initial site work starting this year. The first surge barrier will cross the mouth of the Lafayette River, with construction beginning around 2029. Officials are still seeking changes to who and what in included behind the wall The current path of the floodwall wraps around downtown, ending at Chesterfield Heights to the east and Lamberts Point to the west. That leaves out five historically Black neighborhoods across the river vulnerable to flooding. A coalition of residents on the Southside strongly resisted being excluded from the walls protection, and the city and Army Corps agreed to ask the federal government to reevaluate the path. Two years later, the Norfolk District is still waiting for federal leaders to include such a study in their budget. Army Corps headquarters did not receive it for fiscal year 2025, meaning the earliest it could begin would be next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Army Corps previously told WHRO a study could take around three years and $3 million, though the scope has not yet been developed. The re-evaluation report would also look at adding structural protection for Willoughby Spit. Meanwhile, many residents of the historic Freemason neighborhood are fighting for the opposite . Neighbors said they were blindsided by the floodwall plans and argue it will block waterfront views and tank property values. Project officials say theyre just beginning to design the segment that includes Freemason, but will consider the communitys feedback and seek federal authorization to modify the path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several council members reiterated concerns this week. This is not the first time we talked about the authorized alignment in Freemason, said Mayor Kenny Alexander. For us, its a nonstarter. Some individual homeowners can soon apply for help One aspect of Resilient Norfolk is what officials call nonstructural measures. That means helping private owners protect their property by elevating homes, filling in flood-prone basements and using floodproofing techniques at commercial properties. The city said this week that nearly 1,000 properties on Willoughby Spit and the Southside are considered pre-eligible for the nonstructural program, which is voluntary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials launched a new tool for people to type in their address and determine eligibility. Congress authorized the project to include voluntary home buyouts, but the city says there are no plans to do so. Editors note: A previous version of this story stated that 1,000 properties are pre-eligible in Willoughby Spit and the Southside. The properties are not limited to those two areas. The program has also been paused on the Southside pending the Corps planned re-evaluation report. This story was originally published by the Mercurys media partner WHRO Public Media, the Hampton Roads regions largest media company. North Iowa Area Community College will offer a new degree program in the fall for students to earn aviation certifications. (Photo by Jim Obradovich for Iowa Capital Dispatch) North Iowa Area Community College will offer students a path to an aviation career with a new professional pilot degree program starting this fall. The Mason City-based community college announced in a news release the launch of the Aviation Professional Pilot Associate of Applied Science Degree in its Skilled Trades Division. According to the release, the five-semester program will combine classroom instruction with practical training at the Mason City Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This program is an incredible opportunity for students passionate about aviation to turn their dreams into reality, said Laura Wood, dean of agriculture and skilled trades, in the release. By offering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, were setting our graduates up for success in one of the most exciting and rewarding industries out there. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NIACC joins other community colleges in providing aviation training to students, including Indian Hills Community College, Iowa Lakes Community College and Iowa Western Community College, each of which received federal funding for their programs last year. Coe College in Cedar Rapids also announced the opening of a new flight school in May 2024. North Iowa Air Service has partnered with the community college to provide education and training to enrolled students, according to the release. Students will receive both lab and flight training through the program, which will, alongside classroom instruction, teach students about aerodynamics, navigation, aviation safety and operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time students graduate from the program, the release stated, they will have the skills and knowledge for careers in flight instruction, piloting and more. North Iowa Air Service is thrilled to partner with NIACC for the Aviation Professional Associate of Applied Science degree, said Todd Kyle, owner and president of North Iowa Air Service, in the release. My grandfather began this business in 1957 teaching people how to fly in North Iowa. We are thrilled to continue and expand that tradition with NIACC. We look forward to working with them to grow and expand this program for years to come. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE North Korean soldiers currently held captive in Ukraine were not included in the recent thousand-for-thousand prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia. Source: Yonhap News Agency, citing a statement by South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-won Details: Yu Yong-won said that two soldiers with the surnames Ri and Baek were not included in the list of prisoners exchanged between Ukraine and Russia, which took place from Friday to Sunday. He referred to a Ukrainian source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yu added that the decision not to include the North Koreans on the list was made at Seoul's request. South Korea has said it is ready to accept the soldiers if they want to move to South Korea. One of them, Ri, has already expressed such an intention. MP Yu Yong-won met with both prisoners during his visit to Ukraine in February. One of the prisoners, Ri, expressed concern in a published audio recording that his parents could be executed if he returned to North Korea as part of the exchange. The MP called on the South Korean government to take steps to enable them to come to South Korea. Quote from Yu: "(Ri) is anticipating a tragic end for himself and his parents if he is repatriated to North Korea." Background: On 25 May, Ukraine and Russia carried out the third part of the thousand-for-thousand prisoner exchange which was agreed upon in Turkiye. Another 303 Ukrainian defenders had been released from Russian captivity. Colonel Denys "Redis" Prokopenko, commander of the Azov National Guard Brigade, said that during the three-day exchange of POWs with Russia, not a single Azov soldier was exchanged, and he does not believe that the authorities are interested in getting these fighters back. Writer and former Kremlin political prisoner Stanislav Aseiev reported that among those released in the exchange, there were no civilians who had been held captive by Russia for eight years. In April 2025, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un confirmed that troops had been sent to Russia to fight against Ukraine, stating that this was in accordance with the provisions of the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between the DPRK and the Russian Federation. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (WFRV) Residents from across Northeast Wisconsin gathered today in Neenah-Menasha, Appleton, and De Pere to honor the lives of U.S. military personnel who died in service to their country. Memorial Day events were marked by parades, patriotic music, speeches, and solemn ceremonies of remembrance. In Neenah and Menasha, the day began with a waterfront tribute to veterans lost at sea, featuring a floral offering, a rifle salute by the Neenah-Menasha Veterans Honor Guard, and music from the Menasha High School Marching Band. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A community parade followed, winding through both cities and concluding near the Ascension Clinic. Later, a formal ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery included student speakers, wreath placements, and military honors. Community members gathered afterward for a car show, brat fry, and bake sale hosted by American Legion Post 33. Appletons Memorial Day Parade connects generations in tribute In Appleton, the citys Memorial Day Parade began at 9 a.m. with the National Anthem and a ceremonial rifle shot. Spectators lined the streets to view the procession, which included a semi-truck carrying banners displaying the names of fallen Outagamie County service members, a collaboration between local veterans groups and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade ended at Riverside Cemetery, where students, veterans, and city leaders gathered for a Moment of Remembrance featuring speeches, live music, and a traditional rifle salute and performance of Taps. In De Pere, the annual Kiwanis Memorial Day Parade stepped off from West De Pere High School and made its way through the city to Broadway. At Voyageur Park, the community gathered for a veterans ceremony hosted by VFW Post 2113. All military branches were honored during the program, which invited reflection and appreciation for those who have served. Across the region, residents came together not just to celebrate, but to remember, united in gratitude for the sacrifices that protect our freedoms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (FOX40.COM) The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are investigating the death of an inmate at Mule Creek State Prison as a homicide. Video Above: Most commonly reported crimes in the U.S. Around 5:14 p.m. on May 21, officers said they found Longeno Jones unresponsive in his cell during medication distribution. Jones cellmate, Jesse A. Ferdin, was removed from the cell and placed in the restrictive housing unit while law enforcement investigated the scene. Man disappears amid attempt to walk from Northern California to the ocean Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Mule Creek, staff immediately began life-saving measures and called 911. Jones was transported to the prisons triage and treatment area, where he was pronounced deceased by paramedics at 5:45 p.m. The incident is under investigation by MCSP Investigative Services Unit and the Amador County District Attorneys Office. The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Amador Coroner will determine official cause of death. Could California see the end of conjugal visits at state prisons amid deaths of women? Jones, 51, was received from Los Angeles County on July 19, 2007. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree burglary as a third striker, with enhancements for prior prison term/nonviolent new offenses, and prior felony convictions of serious offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferdin, 54, was most recently received from Alameda County on Jan. 28, 2019. He was sentenced to twelve years for rape with force, violence, and fear of bodily injury as a second striker. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) The Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office is hosting the 2025 Military Base Update this week. Bay Minette police search for armed suspect after deadly shooting at house party This event will be at the Santa Rosa County Auditorium. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the program runs from 8 a.m. to noon. The forum will bring together senior military officials and congressional leaders to discuss military impact in the region and future plans, according to a news release from the Northwest Florida Defense Coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release said mission updates from NAS Pensacola, NAS Whiting Field, Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base will be presented. Lawmakers responsible for military policies and appropriations will also participate including Texas U.S. Representatives John Carter and Tony Gonzales, according to the release. Severe T-Storm Watch Cancelled, More Severe Storms Possible Tuesday Carter is the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Gonzales is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and a Navy veteran who served in Pensacola at Corry Station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WFLA) News of a proposed Buc-ees location in Southwest Florida has some residents dreaming of chowing down on Beaver Nuggets and using the cleanest restrooms in America, but not everyone is excited about the idea. The sprawling gas station and convenience store may be built off Interstate 75 in Charlotte County, pending local government approval. Man survives alligator attack before being fatally shot by Polk County deputies: sheriff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of the nearby Harbour Heights community told NBC affiliate WBBH that the proposed development just isnt right for the neighborhood. I have nothing against Buc-ees, but I just, it does not belong there, Rebecca Scholl said. Neighbor Drema Doolittle concurred, saying, This is just not the place for it. Its not the land for it. Im sure Southwest Florida would welcome a Buc-ees, its just not here. Scholl said the proposed development is within the coastal high hazard area and flood plain. Some neighbors fear that developing the land will make flooding even worse than what they saw from last years hurricanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some worry the construction will encroach on important wildlife habitat. This Buc-ees thats being proposed would be abutting or being right next to an area that the locals call the bayou. Its a nursery for the smalltooth sawfish and other fish, neighbor Edie Driest told WBBH. The proposed development has sparked concerns from some and excitement from others, but it has a long way to go until it becomes reality. Until theyre actually breaking ground and were sitting there eating Beaver Nuggets, its still just a potential project, planning and zoning official Shaun Cullinan told WBBH last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The potential Buc-ees faces a hurdle on Tuesday, when the countys board of commissioners meets to discuss the proposal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NPR and three Colorado public radio entities filed suit against Donald Trump and other administration officials today over the presidents executive order to cease federal funding for the media outlets. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Executive Order is a clear violation of the Constitution and the First Amendments protections for freedom of speech and association, and freedom of the press, Katherine Maher, the CEO of NPR, said in a statement. It is an affront to the rights of NPR and NPRs 246 Member stations, which are locally owned, nonprofit, noncommercial media organizations serving all 50 states and territories. Today, we challenge its constitutionality in the nations independent courts. Trumps executive order also targeted PBS, which was not part of the lawsuit. Trumps executive order directed federal agencies and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to halt federal funding for NPR and PBS, as the president has alleged that the entities trafficked in left-wing propaganda. This is retaliatory, viewpoint-based discrimination in violation of the First Amendment. The Supreme Court has ruled numerous times over the past 80 years that the government does not have the right to determine what counts as biased,' Maher said. NPR will never agree to this infringement of our constitutional rights, or the constitutional rights of our Member stations, and NPR will not compromise our commitment to an independent free press and journalistic integrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joining NPR in the lawsuit are three public radio entities in Colorado: Roaring Fork Public Radio, Colorado Public Radio and KSUT Public Radio. Read NPRs lawsuit against Trump. Also named as defendants were Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget; Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent; and Maria Rosario Jackson, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. The OMD, the Treasury Department, the NEA and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting also were named. The CPB, set up by Congress to distribute grants to public media entities, filed its own lawsuit against Trump over his efforts to fire three of its board members, as the president has sought to exert greater control over the federal government. A judge is considering the CPBs motion to halt Trumps action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NPR and the other plaintiffs also claim that Trumps order violates the separation of powers and spending clause of the Constitution by flouting laws by Congress, which sought to shield public broadcasting from political interference. The lawsuit also claims violation of the due process clause, as NPR was denied funding with no notice or meaningful process. The President has no authority under the Constitution to take such actions, the lawsuit states. On the contrary, the power of the purse is reserved to Congress, and the President has no inherent authority to override Congresss will on domestic spending decisions. NPRs attorneys wrote that the loss of direct funding from CPB, and with it the decline in revenue from local stations, would be catastrophic. NPR receives about $100 million in fees from local radio stations, or about 1/3 of its operating budget, according to the lawsuit. A White House spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among other things, NPR and the stations are seeking an injunction to block the executive order from being implemented. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2025/05/27/ The leader of the European Solidarity party, MP of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko made another visit to the front line, handing over a significant batch of drones and defense equipment to the Ukrainian military in Sumy region, according to the political party's website. The politician reported that a large group of Russian troops, numbering up to 65,000, is concentrated in Kursk. In response, his foundation provided the fighters with the necessary equipment, including FPV drones, Mavic drones, electronic warfare systems, trucks with manipulators and a command and staff complex. Poroshenko emphasized the critical need of the military for additional support, noting that "the state is not able to fully provide the army." He also met with a number of military personnel, including artillerymen, reconnaissance and drone operators, and stressed the importance of immediately strengthening border defenses. This is Poroshenkos 137th visit to the front since the start of the full-scale invasion. In total, his foundation has provided more than UAH 7 billion in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including continuing funding at the level of UAH 90 million per month, despite sanction restrictions. President Donald Trumps war with the media has a new front. National Public Radio is suing his administration over an executive order to cut off funding for the radio network and other public news outlets. NPR and three Colorado affiliates filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, arguing that the order violated the First Amendment and flatly contravenes statutes duly enacted by Congress and violates the Separation of Powers and the Spending Clause by disregarding Congresss express command. The Orders objectives could not be clearer, said the suit, which was filed in Washington, D.C. It aims to punish NPR for the content of news and other programming the President dislikes and chill the free exercise of First Amendment rights by NPR and individual public radio stations across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president signed the order, which targets NPR and PBS, at the beginning of this month, saying that no media organization has a constitutional right to taxpayer subsidies, and that neither entity presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events. Trump earlier called the two outlets horrible and completely biased platforms in a post on Truth Social, calling on Congress to defund them immediately. Republicans, dont miss this opportunity to rid our Country of this giant SCAM, both being arms of the Radical Left Democrat Party. JUST SAY NO AND, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! he wrote PBS President Paula Kreger called the move blatantly unlawful at the time. On Tuesday, NPR CEO Katherine Maher released a statement explaining the suit, which called the order a clear violation of the Constitution and the First Amendment's protections for freedom of speech and association, and freedom of the press. This is retaliatory, viewpoint-based discrimination in violation of the First Amendment, she added. NPR will never agree to this infringement of our constitutional rights, or the constitutional rights of our Member stations, and NPR will not compromise our commitment to an independent free press and journalistic integrity." The suit names Trump as well as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought, among the defendants. NPR and three of its member stations filed suit in federal court Tuesday against President Trump's White House over his executive order to block funding for public media. Trump's order called for an end to government dollars for the Corp. for Public Broadcasting, the taxpayer-backed entity that provides funding to NPR and PBS. He called the outlets "left wing propaganda." The White House press release announcing the order contained 19 bullet points citing news and content by NPR and PBS that prompted the action. The suit says the May 1 action by Trump violated the 1st Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Order targets NPR and PBS expressly because, in the President's view, their news and other content is not 'fair, accurate, or unbiased,'" the legal brief said. The suit also says that the funding currently at around $500 million annually is appropriated by Congress. The allocation is made two years in advance. "Congress directly authorized and funded CPB to be a private nonprofit corporation wholly independent of the federal government," Corp. for Public Broadcasting chief Patricia Harrison said in a statement. Harrison said that the Corp. for Public Broadcasting is not a federal agency subject to the president's authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Nixon hated PBS, but his Watergate scandal gave the fledgling network a major hit "The Executive Order is a clear violation of the Constitution and the First Amendment's protections for freedom of speech and association, and freedom of the press," NPR President and Chief Executive Katherine Maher said in a statement. The suit says the loss of funding from the Corp. for Public Broadcasting would be "catastrophic" for NPR. Local public stations use the funding to acquire programming from NPR. The order is one of a number of attempts by Trump to limit or intimidate institutions he does not agree with. Targets included law firms, universities and media companies such as CBS, which is being sued for $20 billion over a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NPR filed the suit with three public radio outlets, including Denver-based Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio and KSUT, which serves the Four Corners region of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. Both NPR and PBS have stressed that the bulk of the federal funding they receive goes to stations that provide local news and emergency alerts for their communities. PBS is expected to go to the courts to fight the executive order as well. "PBS is considering every option, including taking legal action, to allow our organization to continue to provide essential programming and services to member stations and all Americans," a representative said in a statement. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. National Public Radio and Colorado public radio stations have brought a lawsuit against the Trump administration for a May 1 executive order seeking to cut off Congressional funding for the non-profit broadcaster. The May 27 legal action filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia argues Trumps executive order violates the expressed will of Congress and the First Amendments bedrock guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of association, and also threatens the existence of a public radio system that millions of Americans across the country rely on for vital news and information. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The executive order against cuts to public subsidies for PBS and NPR argued the publicly-funded broadcaster is not only outdated and unnecessary but corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence. But NPR, which receives taxpayer funds through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, in its action countered the Trump order was less about biased journalism than an attempt to thwart free speech by hitting back at critics. The order is textbook retaliation and viewpoint-based discrimination in violation of the First Amendment, and it interferes with NPRs and the local member stations freedom of expressive association and editorial discretion, the lawsuit states. Besides U.S. President Trump, other defendants named in the action include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and the Office of Management and Budget. The May 1 executive order has been seen by critics as the latest move by the Trump White House to use federal funds or powers to thwart critics of the White House, including media giants, universities and law firms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without a legal settlement, Paramount Global faces a threat to completing a takeover by Skydance from an ongoing Trump lawsuit against its CBS News unit in a federal court in Texas. The Trump administration has also moved to dismantle the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty as those media outlets also receive funds from Congress. PBS was not named as part of the lawsuit brought Tuesday by NPR, but is eyeing a possible legal action of its own. A PBS spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement: PBS is considering every option, including taking legal action, to allow our organization to continue to provide essential programming and services to member stations and all Americans. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Following President Donald Trumps executive order to end federal funding for NPR and PBS, NPR has filed a lawsuit against the president. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington on Tuesday morning. NPRs lawsuit says Trumps executive order violates the Constitution and their First Amendment right to freedom of speech. It was filed by NPR and other public radio organizations including Colorado Public Radio and Aspen Public Radio. The president has no authority under the Constitution to take such actions, the lawsuit said, according to The New York Times. On the contrary, the power of the purse is reserved to Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not immediately comment on the lawsuit. Earlier this month, the president signed an executive order ordering the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which backs NPR and PBS, to freeze all funding to those organizations. The CPB annually spends over $500 million on public radio and TV stations. NPRs lawsuit says that Trumps order also threatens the existence of a public radio system that millions of Americans across the country rely on for vital news and information, according to NBC. The order expressly aims to punish and control Plaintiffs news coverage and other speech the Administration deems biased, wrote attorneys for NPR, according to NBC. It cannot stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to KUER, public media funded by the CPB reaches about 99% of the U.S. population. There are around 42 million people who listen to public radio programming each week across all platforms. Both PBS and NPR are partially funded by the CPB. Each year, Congress appropriates funds to the CPB, which the board then distributes to over 1,500 media stations in the U.S. through community service grants, as previously reported by the Deseret News. How the funding freeze impacts stations in Utah KUER and Utah Public Radio are both NPR member stations that will be impacted by the cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Utah Public Radio is a nonprofit public radio station which houses a team of journalists who produce stories about Utahns. The station also broadcasts national and international news from providers such as the BBC. The station is located on Utah State Universitys campus in Logan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to KSL TV, around 15% of UPRs funding comes from the federally funded CPB; the rest of the funding comes from private donors, grants and Utah State University. UPR station manager Tom Williams said that the funding cuts will negatively affect the station, but will not be fatal. A big portion of funding for KUER comes from listener support, business sponsors and foundation supporters, but federal funding from the CPB helps the station be able to maintain news bureaus in southern and northern Utah, broadcast across almost the entire state, operate without a paywall, and broadcast public service announcements for local nonprofits and community organizations. KUER reaches around 110,000 listeners every week. If KUER lost federal funding, the station would still be able to broadcast, but its services such as local reporting, emergency alerts and legislative coverage would be impacted. Why conservatives think NPR shouldnt get taxpayer dollars One of the major arguments made by conservatives against public media is the claim that stations such as NPR and PBS are biased and left-leaning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his executive order, Trump said that the stations were biased and that taxpayer money should go to fair, accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan news coverage, according to The New York Times. In a House subcommittee hearing examining PBS and NPR, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said, NPR and PBS have increasingly become radical, Left-wing echo chambers for a narrow audience of mostly wealthy, white, urban liberals and progressives, who generally look down on and judge rural America. The news that these entities produce is either resented or, increasingly, tuned out by most of the hard-working Americans who are forced to pay for it. They no longer view NPR and PBS as trusted news sources. Some Republicans, such as Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., have also called the station propaganda, as previously reported by the Deseret News. I dont even recognize the station anymore. Its not news, Comer said. I feel like its propaganda. I feel like theres disinformation every time I listen to NPR and, you know, a media entity like MSNBC or Huffington Post that, in my opinion, consistently spews disinformation. They can do that, that theyre a private company, but NPR gets federal funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then-NPR editor Uri Berliner told The Free Press last year that when he looked at the voter registrations for NPRs Washington, D.C., bureau, he found 87 registered Democrats and zero Republicans. He left NPR after being suspended for his op-ed in The Free Press, which he then joined as a senior editor. According to The New York Times, the CEOs of NPR and PBS have rejected claims of bias and argue that their stations are a crucial source of accurate information and educational programming for millions of Americans. Some Republicans have argued that these stations just arent needed anymore, specifically the childrens programming provided by PBS. Now we have 1,000 channels, said Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., according to Politico. Why are we funding this (channel) when we have a $2 trillion deficit? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others have echoed the argument that it is unnecessary to continue to fund public television and/or radio when there is so much other content and competition out there. The leadership of NPR and PBS have argued that the services provided by their broadcasting stations are crucial, adding that they are the only non-paywalled outlets providing these services in some rural areas as previously reported by the Deseret News. In places that serve more rural, distributed, or lower income communities, that dollar goes even further public radio is very often the only news service in places where market economics does not support the expense of local news, said NPR CEO Katherine Maher. In more recent days, the highly publicized feud between President Donald Trump and the National Public Radio has only continued to escalate. After issuing an executive order aimed at cutting all funding for the nonprofit radio station on May 1, NPR promptly responded by suing Trump, citing the order as unconstitutional and a politically-motivated attack on the part of the presidential administration, as reported by CNBC. According to the lawsuit presented by NPR and three other talk radio stations, Trump's executive order "violates the expressed will of Congress and the First Amendments bedrock guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of association, and also threatens the existence of a public radio system that millions of Americans across the country rely on for vital news and information." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the view of NPR and fellow plaintiffs Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio and KSUT Public Radio, Trump's orders also undermine the freedoms associated with the First Amendment, serving as a calculated decision to undermine NPR's operations. "These fundamental First Amendment principles apply in full force in the context of public media and doom Executive Order 14290, which expressly aims to punish and control Plaintiffs news coverage and other speech the Administration deems 'biased,'" the lawsuit states. "The Order also violates due process, the Separation of Powers and the Spending Clause of the Constitution," the plaintiffs continue. "It cannot stand." Trump' and his Administration have been openly critical of NPR, with White House spokesperson Harrison Fields believing the station is creating media to support a particular political party on the taxpayers dime." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therefore, the President is exercising his lawful authority to limit funding to NPR and PBS," Fields continued. "The President was elected with a mandate to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and he will continue to use his lawful authority to achieve that objective." NPR Sues Trump Administration Over Ongoing Funding Feud first appeared on Parade on May 27, 2025 NPR and three other public radio stations have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump White House over the presidents recent executive order cutting Congressionally appropriated funds for NPR and PBS, claiming that Trumps actions violated the Constitution and freedom of speech. The president has no authority under the Constitution to take such actions, alleges the lawsuit, which was filed in the District of Columbia on Tuesday. On the contrary, the power of the purse is reserved to Congress. In an executive order earlier this month, President Donald Trump who has devoted much attention to threatening the free press and dismantling state-funded media organizations directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board of directors to cease federal funding for NPR and PBS, which are the nations two largest public broadcasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the NPR suit. It is not always obvious when the government has acted with a retaliatory purpose in violation of the First Amendment, the lawsuit noted. But this wolf comes as a wolf. The Order targets NPR and PBS expressly because, in the President's view, their news and other content is not 'fair, accurate, or unbiased, the complaint added. NPR is suing the White House over Donald Trumps executive order that cuts funds to public broadcasters, calling the presidents actions unconstitutional. (AP) Neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to tax-paying citizens, the order declared. The CPB Board shall cancel existing direct funding to the maximum extent allowed by law and shall decline to provide future funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint by NPR argues that the presidents order is textbook retaliation and a threat to public radios existence. Notably, NPR is joined by three public radio stations Colorado Public Radio, KSUT Public Radio and Aspen Public Radio in the lawsuit. While NPR only receives a fraction of its funding roughly 2 percent from federal grants, most of that funding goes to local radio and TV outlets. The Executive Order is a clear violation of the Constitution and the First Amendment's protections for freedom of speech and association, and freedom of the press, NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher said in a statement. This is retaliatory, viewpoint-based discrimination in violation of the First Amendment. The Supreme Court has ruled numerous times over the past 80 years that the government does not have the right to determine what counts as 'biased, she added. NPR will never agree to this infringement of our constitutional rights, or the constitutional rights of our Member stations, and NPR will not compromise our commitment to an independent free press and journalistic integrity. In his executive order, Trump accused NPR and PBS of biased coverage and insisted that federal funds should instead go to fair, accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan news coverage, which followed his recent threats to pull back funds. Trump also attempted to fire several board members of the CPB last month, prompting them to sue Trump to block the terminations. While the lawsuit states that Trump does not have the authority to rescind funding that Congress appropriated, GOP lawmakers are currently working on legislation to defund public broadcasters. PBS, which receives about 15 percent of its funding from the government, did not join NPRs complaint, suggesting the organization may file its own separate lawsuit. National Public Radio has sued Donald Trump over the presidents executive order to end federal funding for NPR and PBS. The lawsuit makes the same argument as several others that have been filed against Trump and his administration as they have moved to tear down the federal government, which is that Congress not the president appropriates federal funding. The president has no authority under the Constitution to take such actions, NPRs lawsuit read. On the contrary, the power of the purse is reserved to Congress. Trump signed an executive order earlier this month ordering the government to cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS, alleging bias in their reporting. Trump has also been looking to rescind the CPBs federal funding. Americans have the right to expect that if their tax dollars fund public broadcasting at all, they fund only fair, accurate, unbiased, and nonpartisan news coverage, the executive order read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NPR and PBS receive about $500 million annually through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private, publicly funded nonprofit created by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Trump has been attacking the CPB since taking office, including by trying to fire some of its board members, prompting a lawsuit. The administration has also been looking to cut the CBPs federal funding. NPR along with multiple member stations from Colorado, which joined the lawsuit notes in the lawsuit that the Supreme Court has ruled that it is not up to the government to decide what is biased, and that Trumps executive order violates the First Amendment, in addition to the constitutional right of Congress to appropriate federal funds. It is not always obvious when the government has acted with a retaliatory purpose in violation of the First Amendment. But this wolf comes as a wolf,' the lawsuit reads. The Order targets NPR and PBS expressly because, in the Presidents view, their news and other content is not fair, accurate, or unbiased.' Theodore Boutrous, one of the attorneys representing NPR, said in a statement: By seeking to halt federal funding for NPR, the executive order harms not only NPR and its member stations, but also the tens of millions of Americans across the country who rely on them for news and cultural programming, and vital emergency information. 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. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) It was a tense moment in the sky when a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Charlotte made an emergency landing without its nose landing gear in 2023. On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its final report on what went wrong, and it turns out the issue had been hiding in plain sight for years. On June 28, 2023, the Boeing 717s nose gear wouldnt budge. NTSB reports that the flight crew tried everything: automatic systems, manual backups, but nothing worked. With no other choice, the crew landed the plane nose-first on the runway at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, everyone on board, 104 people total, got out safely using emergency slides. What caused the failure? According to the NTSB, the issue was a small metal part in the nose gear called the upper lock link. This piece helps keep the gear securely stowed or extended. But on this plane, it had a hidden fatigue crack, likely caused by tiny scratches left behind during manufacturing or maintenance years ago, according to NTSBs final report. Those scratches eventually grew into a crack that caused the part to fail, NTSB officials said. PREVIOUS: Broken part led to emergency Delta flight landing at Charlotte Douglas, NTSB says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also said a previous overhaul of the part wasnt done properly. A Boeing service bulletin issued back in 2001 required a thorough inspection of this component, but the NTSB found that the inspection either didnt happen or wasnt done right. The part came from Israel Aerospace Industries, which marked it as compliant, but the scratches were still there. What was done after the failure? NTSB reports Boeing and Delta have taken steps to make sure this doesnt happen again. Boeings Actions: Alerted all operators of the Boeing 717 about the incident Recommended special inspections using a technique called high-frequency eddy current testing, which checks for hidden cracks in the nose gears upper lock link Asked operators to report back with their inspection results Updated the Boeing 717 Overhaul Manual in July 2024 to require more thorough inspections during maintenance Issued a new Alert Service Bulletin that recommends ongoing, regular inspections of the upper lock links for all Boeing 717 aircraft Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deltas Response: Delta inspected all the upper lock links in its Boeing 717 fleet and spare parts. No cracks were reportedly found. Other Airlines: Airlines that operate Boeing 717s completed similar inspections in January 2024. No cracks were reported. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Charlotte Airport Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Supervisory Board of SOE Forests of Ukraine held its second meeting last week in Lviv and reviewed the company's financial report for the first quarter of 2025. The company's performance was assessed for the first time by an independent corporate governance body. In an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Oleksiy Kucher, who heads the State Regulatory Service of Ukraine, spoke about the decisions made by the board. By Oksana Ruzhenkova - Forests of Ukraine reported on the increase in timber prices. How has this affected the company's financial condition? - One of the key issues of the meeting was hearing the company's financial report for the first quarter of 2025. The financial plan was exceeded. The income of Forests of Ukraine in the first quarter amounted to UAH 5.82 billion, which is UAH 500 million more than in the first quarter of 2024. Profit reached UAH 1.24 billion, that is, over 50% higher year-over-year. Profitability almost tripled the planned figure. My colleagues and I even had a discussion about what such growth is connected with. - Did you find out? - One of the reasons is the increase in the average selling price of timber. With the exception of military supplies, providing for the population and the public sector, the company sells products exclusively at open auctions. Last year, the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine implemented a number of critical measures to block illegal timber schemes. Photo documentation of timber loaded onto trucks was introduced with the addition of photos to the consignment note, and the Electronic Timber Accounting System was secured against unauthorized interference. The gray market has shrunk, respectively, since the end of 2024, demand on exchanges has increased, prices have risen. The company's profit has boosted. However, this is not the only reason for record financial indicators. As you can see, the percentage of profit growth is many times greater than the percentage of revenue growth. What happened? Last year, Forests of Ukraine underwent a reorganization: they left the forestry, but dissolved the branches (forestry enterprises), centralizing management at the level of regional offices. The processes have become more controlled, the administrative staff has been reduced, the payroll has been optimized. The enterprise is gradually getting rid of subsidized assets: non-core assests that are held by the company but not used are being sold through the State Property Fund. In other words, the financial result is the result of systematic work, and not a random positive market situation. According to the CEO's contract, based on the results of the company's work in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, he is entitled to a performance bonus. However, Yuriy Bolokhovets [CEO of Forests of Ukraine] voluntarily declined bonuses until the end of martial law. This is his personal initiative, which I commend. - - Plus UAH 500 million year-over-year profit. Is there a solution yet, how to spend it? - The Supervisory Board recommended raising salaries for production personnel from blue-collar employees to foresters. The total amount planned for the increase is over UAH 500 million. The salary increase is planned to be implemented in a differentiated manner depending on the actual workload on the employee. For example, the highest percentage of increase is for forest masters who work with the highest fire risk class and a patrol zones of 1,200 hectares. - When will the salary raises take effect? - The increase is planned from June 1. Before the reform, there was an imbalance in labor remuneration in the forestry sector. Salaries in one forestry could be twice as high as in another. In resource-poor regions, they generally received pennies. Currently, due to the differentiated salary increase, the labor remuneration system will become more balanced and transparent. - Corporate governance will help attract investments. Is there any positive news in this direction? - Investments will not appear just because a supervisory board has been created in Forests of Ukraine. Financial transparency is necessary. That is why the supervisory board decided to audit the annual financial statements of SOE Forests of Ukraine for 20222024 as well as for 2025 [since January 1, 2025, the company has followed international financial reporting standards]. The audit for 2025 will be conducted in accordance with international financial reporting standards. The criteria for selecting an auditor have been approved. We are focusing on reputable international companies. The State Forest Resources Agency will be provided with proposals outlining contract terms with the auditor and the maximum amount of funds that can be spent on paying for his services. - Audit of financial statements is not mandatory during the martial law. - True, but investors want to be convinced that the figures in the report correspond to reality. This is also important for evaluating the effectiveness of forestry sector reforms. The public must be convinced that the results of the enterprise's activities correspond to the declared data. During the meeting, the members of the supervisory board also made proposals for involving consulting companies to assess the effectiveness of the enterprise's management and organizational structure. We heard some proposals regarding the research methodology. Frankly, we need a high-quality, meaningful product that will not gather dust, but will open the way to real changes to reducing corruption risks, increasing operational efficiency, optimizing costs. Therefore, at the next meeting we will decide on the advisability of conducting such an analysis. - The subject of increasing logging volumes is constantly raised at meetings between foresters and business. Has the supervisory board reviewed this issue? - The Supervisory Board obliged me to contact the relevant ministry, which is considering issues that directly relate to the ability of Forests of Ukraine to increase the volume of logging. In particular, this concerns the approval of forest management materials, without which logging in some farms risks stopping completely. The law on the corporatization of SOE Forests of Ukraine has not been progressing since last year. Corporatization opens the way to attracting investments in mechanized logging and the construction of forest roads these are key conditions for increasing the volume of logging. - The meeting took place in Lviv. Last year, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to ban clear-cutting in the Carpathians starting in 2027. What will happen to local forestry? - There is a public demand for the protection and preservation of the Carpathian forests, while foresters are required not to reduce the supply of timber. New powerful woodworking plants are being built. The only way to find a balance between ecology and economy is to switch to natural forestry. During a trip to Lviv region, members of the supervisory board were shown experimental plots where reformative felling has been carried out since 2008 and has led to excellent results. We are not losing areas covered with forest. Thanks to better lighting, the process of natural renewal of plantations is constantly taking place, and the wood stock on the plot is increasing more than twice. This method is used in Germany and Switzerland. But to manage this way, a dense network of forest roads and modern logging equipment are needed. These are big investments, so we are returning to the topic of corporatization again. - Forests of Ukraine has annexed Kharkiv forest units this year and plans to annex forest units in Kherson and Donetsk regions by the end of the year. Do you support this decision? - This is certainly a major additional burden. The territories of the deoccupied units are mostly mined. The material and technical base is destroyed and requires significant capital investments. But the management of Forests of Ukraine takes a proactive position, believing that the restoration process will take place faster as part of a large company, because the government and local authorities currently have many other tasks. One of the members of the supervisory board recently visited Izium forestry. There are certain ideas for organizing the demining process using modern equipment and new technologies. I hope that at the next meeting the supervisory board will be able to provide specific proposals on this matter. Investment in nuclear energy is up, but US construction lags behind the rest of the world. Consulting firms like BCG and McKinsey analyzed the forces holding up the nuclear industry. The firms say scaling, public sentiment, and regulatory hurdles are slowing growth. It wasn't long ago that the very mention of "nuclear" was enough to unsettle people across the ideological spectrum. Between the meltdown of a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island, explosions in Chernobyl, and an earthquake-powered disaster at Fukushima, the one thing people seemed to agree on was that nuclear was a dirty, if not dangerous, word. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But times have changed, new insights and new data have emerged, and what once seemed unethical has been rebranded as clean, in every sense. The nuclear energy renaissance fueled by Big Tech investment, a more favorable legislative climate, and shifting public opinion hinges on a change in perspective: Nuclear energy has the potential to be one of the cleanest and most reliable forms of energy on Earth. But the construction of nuclear reactors in the United States where nuclear accounted for 19% of electricity generated in 2023, according to the US Energy Information Administration is lagging compared to efforts in China and elsewhere, according to the Boston Consulting Group. That's part of why consulting firms are searching for ways for nuclear energy companies to cut costs, improve efficiencies, and remove the obstacles holding up progress. The efficiency of construction BCG says that the "simpler the design, the better." The firm said the optimal design should follow "a 'design-for-manufacturing' approach, which has delivered compelling results in other industries such as aerospace and defense." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal, according to BCG, should be to standardize the components and material needed for construction, along with reducing the number of construction steps to promote "modularity," the firm said. That applies to both large-scale and small-scale reactors, Benjamin Vannier, managing director and partner at BCG, told BI by email. Large-scale nuclear reactors, despite their capacity to generate vast amounts of power, require a significant investment in time and money. They necessitate substantial upfront capital and long construction windows that are often beset by delays, cost overruns, and regulatory hurdles. As a result, small modular reactors are having a moment. These more compact nuclear reactors are designed to be built in factories and then shipped to sites for installation, making them easier to standardize for production. There are a number of small modular reactor companies on the rise, like Oklo, which was until recently chaired by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman; TerraPower, which is backed by Bill Gates; and X-Energy, which Amazon invested $500 million in last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether it doubles down on large or small scale reactors, by 2040 the United States will have "simplified, standardized, replicated nuclear power plants to be able to build them on-time, on-budget, the players have come together, matured in how they're working together, and building them," Vannier said on an episode of BCG's "Imagine This" podcast in May. History shows that standardization is one of the most effective ways to scale the nuclear industry. Vannier said the French and German nuclear programs in the '70s and '80s, along with "what the Chinese are doing today" and "what the US Navy has been doing for a long time," all illustrate the value of standardization and replication. These efforts allow "you to really build those learning effects over time, and bring down the costs, because now you know and anticipate some of the challenges. You can reuse some of the teams, you know, the welders, etc., that can move from one construction to the next," he added. The economics of scaling Despite the big ambitions of nuclear enthusiasts, Vannier said on the firm's podcast that he doesn't see nuclear energy comprising more than 25% to 30% of annual electricity generation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One reason is the difficulty of scaling nuclear power an issue that's been echoed by other consulting firms. "The early economics of nuclear are challenging compared with other energy options, and implementing various technologies to try to reduce its costs may or may not work," McKinsey said in a 2024 report on data centers and power. "The timeline to scale nuclear so it can achieve rapid, repeated deployment is nearly a decade, while constraints on data center power are appearing today." The cost structure of nuclear power plants is pretty front-loaded. Nuclear plants require significant upfront investment for construction, while long-term operating costs remain relatively low. In a report published in 2017, the World Nuclear Association said that nuclear plants are strongly influenced by capital cost, which accounts for at least 60% of their total levelized cost of electricity: a measure of a plant's economic efficiency calculated by dividing the total cost to build and operate a power plant over its lifetime by the total electricity output. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While solving early construction bottlenecks is still a roadblock, generative AI may help improve efficiencies on the operating side. Rafee Tarafdar, the chief technology officer of Infosys, a global consulting firm, told BI that the firm is helping companies integrate AI into their plans. "One proof of value that we built is: How do we use all the logs, all the sensors that come from all these machines in order to triage, predict failures, and help resolve issues much earlier," he said, in reference to the work the firm did with a large US energy company. Public sentiment is still a headwind There are 94 nuclear reactors in the United States, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute. And tech giants are investing considerably to bring new ones online. Last October, Amazon invested $500 million in X-Energy, a developer of small nuclear reactors and fuel. Around the same time, Google said it would purchase nuclear energy from Kairos Power, a California-based company developing small modular reactors. The month before, Constellation Energy struck a deal with Microsoft to provide the tech giant with nuclear power for the next two decades by resurrecting part of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is also working to jumpstart nuclear reactor construction, building on Biden's ADVANCE Act last year, which sought to remove regulatory hurdles. Trump issued four executive orders on Friday to accelerate the development of the domestic nuclear energy industry, touching on areas from fuel cycle development to reactor construction, testing, and licensing, to workforce training. However, hurdles persist. "Growth in nuclear power is projected to be almost flat to 2050 due to more stringent regulatory requirements than for other low-carbon energy sources, negative public perception, perceived safety issues, supply chain constraints, and uncertainty around waste disposal," McKinsey & Company wrote in its 2024 Global Energy Perspective. Some of the persisting negative sentiment can be attributed to concerns about how the radioactive waste that nuclear reactors generate will be stored. The federal government once planned to direct all waste to Yucca Mountain in Nevada, but lawmakers and the public objected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also lingering concerns about the government's capacity to mitigate nuclear disasters and nuclear power's association with nuclear weapons proliferation. There is hope, however. In 2024, three-quarters of respondents, out of a sample of 3.5 million people used by Bisconti Research, said they favored the use of nuclear energy for electricity, up from about half in the 1980s and 1990s. Fueling a greener future The promise of nuclear energy doesn't only lie in its capacity to directly fuel data centers and the grid, but also to spawn new forms of green energy production. Tech leaders are excited by recent advances in fusion technology, which involves combining two atomic nuclei to release energy and is considered safer than fission. Type One Energy, funded by Gates, published research in March that shows there are no scientific barriers left to making commercial fusion a reality. "Fusion with hydrogen production, those could be interesting things right," Vannier said. Read the original article on Business Insider Striking nurses and supporters circle the UnityPoint Health-Meriter hospital in Madison on the first day of a five-day walkout Tuesday. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner) With a spirited rally, a picket line march around the building and a small brass band, nurses at UnityPoint Health-Meriter hospital in Madison launched a five-day walkout Tuesday, reiterating their demands for changes in safety practices, minimum ratios of nurses to patients and improved pay. The strike the first ever by nurses at Meriter hospital is scheduled to run through Saturday. It follows the end of bargaining on Monday, May 19, when the nurses union bargaining team turned down the hospital managements latest proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Services Employees International Union (SEIU) Wisconsin and UnityPoint Health-Meriter have been in negotiations since earlier this year on a new contract covering about 950 nurses. The nurses most recent two-year agreement expired in late March and they have since been working without a contract. The nurses contract demands include establishing required ratios of nurses to patients, improved safety for hospital employees and pay increases particularly for senior nurses, according to union officials. Time and time again, Meriters management refused to meet us halfway, said nurse Lindsey Miller, one of three bargaining team members who spoke at the strikes opening-day rally Tuesday morning. At our last bargaining session, it was management, not nurses, who walked away from the bargaining table. Miller said the most recent management officer included an unacceptable raise that doesnt cover the cost of living and made no progress towards the nurses unions demands for staffing commitments or security improvements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am striking because I love working here, said Madison Vander Hill, a birthing center nurse and one of six union speakers at the rally. I love getting to walk alongside and care for families as they go through one of the most transformative experiences of their lives. Vander Hill said she and other nurses were striking because we must see tangible change from management in order to ensure that safety and security are prioritized and the things we love about the work that we do are protected. Her coworker, Audrey Willems Van Dijk, said the nurses concerns extended to concerns for the hospitals patients. We are fighting for every single person who walks through Meriters doors, she said. Yes, we deserve adequate compensation, but more than that, we deserve safety and security for ourselves and our community. We deserve respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dane County Executive Melissa Agard declared her support for the nurses and connected their dispute with former Gov. Scott Walkers signature legislation after he took office in 2011 Act 10, stripping most public workers of most union rights. It was his mission to crack the foundation of union rights in the state of Wisconsin. And that crack has continued not only in Wisconsin but across our nation, and you guys are here to say, No more, Agard said. As the strike got underway this week, Meriter told nurses that health benefits including health insurance would be cut off as of June 1 for nurses who do not report for their first scheduled shift during the strike this week. A union spokesperson said the effect of the order would be to cut off benefits for strikers for the month of June if the two sides dont reach a tentative agreement on Thursday, when their next bargaining session is scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meriter spokesperson Nicole Aimone confirmed in an email message Tuesday that nurses who do not report for their first shift during the strike will be put on inactive status through Sunday, June 1, with their benefits ending as of that date. Nurses whose benefits are cut off would have to use the federal law known as COBRA to maintain their coverage, paying for their insurance out of pocket. The law, enacted in the 1980s, enables fired or laid-off workers to maintain their employers health insurance temporarily at their own cost. They will have the ability to re-enroll once they are placed back into active employee status, Aimone said. The union has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board over the hospitals action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is outrageous and it is disgusting, said Ben Wikler, the outgoing chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, addressing the rally. Wikler went on to lead hundreds of sign-carrying nurses and supporters in chanting, Union busting is disgusting! When management says youll lose your health insurance if you insist that there [should be] enough nurses on the floor to make sure that everyone is taken care of it is disgusting, Wikler said. He described the dispute in the larger context of President Donald Trumps return to the White House. They think that the Trump administration and the National Labor Relations Board that this administration has gotten is going to turn its back on working people, Wikler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will still have to come back to the negotiating table and they will have to do whats right, because you are building the power to make them do whats right, he added. The hospital is continuing to operate during the strike. Aimone said that the hospital has contracted with an outside agency for replacement travel nurses to support ongoing patient care. She said she did not have information on the cost for the contract nurses who are filling in during the walkout. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Several hundred New York City high school students walked out of class Tuesday to protest the Trump administrations threats to immigrant students and higher education. Around noon, students from at least 25 schools, including the Bronx High School of Science, Stuyvesant High School and Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, descended on Union Square Park with a shared message to protect democracy and oppose recent actions by the federal government. The teens took turns passing along a megaphone behind signs that read: We the Students and Protect Our Schools. They shared their fears as well as their hopes for the future. Some sported red, white and blue war paint under their eyes; at least one student wrapped himself in an American flag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt something happening to someone else, Nava Litt, a senior at Bronx Science, told a lively crowd of her peers. This is our future to protect or our future to lose. In a break from standard practice, a public schools spokeswoman would not provide an initial estimate of how many of their students walked out of class. Some organizers believe it could have been more if not for a chilling effect from federal action. I have friends who really support what were doing here today and helped us make posters, or really wanted to be involved, but they couldnt come today because theyre not citizens, and they rightfully dont feel safe standing up and protesting and that is unacceptable in the United States of America, Litt told the Daily News after her speech. The walkout, which had been in the works for the last couple of months, happened to take place less than 24 hours after news broke of the first known New York City high school student detained by federal immigration authorities in the second Trump administration. The story of ELLIS Prep student Dylan, 20, alarmed students who learned of his arrest the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont understand how any high school student could sit around and let that happen its a stain on all of our moral conscience, said Naomi Beinart, a junior at St. Anns. She worried it could happen to any immigrant family with shaky legal status, noting, These things are not executed with logic. They are random and destructive. Beinart added that she was motivated to join the protest because of federal cuts to higher education: Defunding universities is not protecting Jews, she said. If anything, its putting us more at risk and more unsafe. Thats one of the reasons that drove me out here. Nomi Solmsen, a sophomore at School of the Future, raised the fact that she and her friends will be eligible to vote in the next presidential election. To actually educate yourself is really, really important, especially to me, Solmsen said. I dont want to treat it like a trend. I want to be aware about the [threat of the] removal of habeas corpus, about the increased demonizing of illegal immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said students should remain in school, though expressed her respect more generally for students voicing their opinions. We are committed to supporting every child and family regardless of immigration status, she said, and we respect the voice of students as they speak out on the difficult issues of our time and advocate for their peers. Any student who left school before their dismissal time will be marked absent from class, according to the statement, which did not threaten any disciplinary action against the protesters. Lior, a tenth-grader at High School of American Studies at Lehman College who did not give her last name, was most concerned that while she cannot yet vote, she is still significantly impacted by the actions of the Trump administration while most people, she said, are just sitting back and watching. We need to let it be known that, if the adults arent going to do something about it, then we will, Lior said, because its still our country. A New York City public school student was detained by federal immigration authorities last week outside a court appearance in his asylum case, two advocates and his lawyers said. Twenty-year-old Dylan whose last name is being withheld at the familys request through their lawyers is a current student at English Language Learners and International Support (ELLIS) Preparatory Academy, an alternative high school in the Bronx for young adults who have lived in the United States for less than one year and are not yet proficient in English. All students at ELLIS Prep are considered over-age but under-credited for students entering one of the citys traditional public high schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE agents arrested Dylan, a citizen of Venezuela, outside the elevators in the lobby of 26 Federal Plaza on Wednesday after his case was dismissed by a judge, according to the New York Legal Assistance Group, or NYLAG. He was with his mom when he was detained and put into a van, the advocates said. People who are doing the right thing by going to immigration court on their court dates will now be worried if theyre going to be deceived into giving up their status, said Naveed Hasan, co-founder of D3 Open Arms, an immigration and education advocacy group. He added that families are worried about sending their kids to school after a fellow student was detained. Nothing good is going to come of this, he said. Dylan is the first known local public school student to be put in detention by the second Trump administration. His arrest was first reported by the nonprofit news source Chalkbeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dylan has a whole life here. He works, goes to school, has friends and was fully complying with immigration proceedings, NYLAG said in a statement Monday night. All this does is disrupt communities and unnecessarily put people in chaotic and potentially harmful situations. Education officials confirmed Dylan was not on school grounds at the time of the arrest. Our hearts go out to the student who was detained by ICE, and we are deeply saddened for their family, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos posted on social media Monday. We want to reassure our families: we will continue to speak out and advocate for the safety, dignity, and rights of all of our students, the post continued. Aviles-Ramos insisted public schools are still safe and urged families to keep sending their kids to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a twist, the request to dismiss the case came from the federal government, according to his legal team. However, when the court dismissed deportation proceedings, it also tossed his asylum case and made him vulnerable to Wednesdays detainment. His lawyers believe Dylan is in a Pennsylvania immigration detention center, though frequent moves across the country have made him hard to track. Before that, he was shuttled between Texas, Louisiana and New Jersey complicating efforts to connect with his lawyers. Separately, he had a family court appearance scheduled for Friday, where he is seeking special immigrant juvenile status, a pathway to a green card. ICE did not immediately return a request for comment. A dollar store in the Bronx has gone viral after a TikTok video showcased its $4 mystery packages. The boxes, which contain returned merchandise from retailers like Amazon, Walmart and others, can hold anything from brand-new sandals to toilet plungers. The thrill of the unknown is part of the appeal and business is booming. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just hope and pray, lets see what happens, said one shopper outside Dollar Universe. Store manager Luis Almonte sources the boxes from liquidators in Brooklyn and New Jersey, paying around $600 for pallets of roughly 400 items. The goods are customer returns from across the country, many originally sold by Amazon or Walmart, and resold in bulk through liquidation channels. But as the stores popularity grows, so do the questions. Are these sales legal? Almonte insisted to WABC 7 Eyewitness News that hes just trying to run a fun, affordable business. Still, hes aware there may be legal or ethical lines he doesnt want to cross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im going to do an investigation to see, because I dont want to do anything illegal that hurts myself, Almonte said. To test the process, reporter Kemberly Richardson purchased one of the returned items and discovered the original buyers full name, phone number and home address were still on the box. She called the phone number, and the stunned buyer confirmed they had returned what was supposed to be a yoga mat. They were shocked to hear their personal information was still floating around on a resold package. Almonte said he normally uses a marker to obscure personal information and is willing to go further if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I scratch the name dark that way nobody sees, he said, adding that if thats not enough, hell remove items from the packaging altogether. Walmart told Eyewitness News it requires all its liquidators to remove personal customer information before resale. Amazon said it's now investigating the matter, including the possibility that these products may have been delivered to customer addresses, were stolen and are now being resold by unauthorized third parties. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method to make big profits off you and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs What happens to those Amazon packages you return? Returned Amazon packages dont always go back on the digital shelves. Many are routed to liquidation warehouses where theyre bundled into pallets and auctioned off to resellers. These buyers like Almonte often have no idea whats in each box until its opened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this resale model isnt new, the viral popularity of $4 mystery boxes is raising fresh concerns about data privacy and consumer protection. If you return items online, you might assume your personal data is wiped but thats not always the case. In rare instances, as this story highlights, packaging labels with full names, phone numbers and addresses can end up in the hands of strangers. To protect yourself, make sure to: Remove or deface shipping labels before returning items, when possible. Avoid returns that include sensitive items or personal documents. Monitor your accounts and credit reports for unusual activity, especially if youve recently made several returns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident doesnt necessarily mean you need to stop shopping online, but its a reminder that once you send a package back, what happens next is often out of your control. Major retailers like Walmart and Amazon allow third-party liquidation of returns, and they typically have policies in place to protect customer privacy. But as this case shows, gaps can occur especially when items move through multiple hands. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. New York City's Rent Guidelines Board lowered the range of potential rent increases for some 2 million New Yorkers in an unusual redo vote on Tuesday a move that comes as the issue of freezing rents has taken center stage in the contentious mayoral race. The board reduced the proposed range of increases for rent-stabilized tenants with two-year leases to a span of 3.75% to 7.75%, down from the 4.75% minimum they passed last month. One-year leases remain unchanged with a range of 1.75% to 4.75%. The nine-member panel of mayoral appointees voted 5-3, with one absence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays do-over was an anomaly, as the board typically has a single preliminary vote to decide ranges that are later solidified at a final vote. It comes after outrage from both tenants and landlords, who respectively argue that rents should be frozen or ratcheted up. The two sides repeated their criticisms Tuesday following the vote. Board chair Doug Apple cited an additional review of evidence as reason for the reconsideration, though tenant member Adan Soltren challenged that, saying public members already thought the range should have been lower. The issue of a rent freeze has gained momentum ahead of next months Democratic mayoral primary, with several candidates supporting at least a one-year pause. Left-leaning contestant Zohran Mamdani has promised to implement a four-year freeze by appointing tenant-sympathetic board members if elected. Mayor Eric Adams previously described the 7.75% upper end of the preliminary range as far too unreasonable of a burden for tenants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams has stopped short of backing a rent freeze, while frontrunner former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has dismissed the idea as a politically convenient posture. Last year, the board approved final hikes of 2.75% for one-year leases and 5.25% for two-year leases. The final vote is scheduled for June 27, with any changes taking effect Oct. 1. HORNELL, N.Y. (WETM) A Hornell man was arrested in May after a digital investigation revealed potential child sex abuse material on his devices, according to a release from the New York State Police. Eugene W. Hale, 32, was arrested on Thursday, May 22, on the charge of sexual performance by a child, a class D felony, and possession of a sexual performance by a child, a class E felony. Bradford County inmate charged in damage of jail cell Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hales arrest stems from a comprehensive child exploitation investigation into the matter. A search of Hales home on East Avenue Extension in Hornell was done on Thursday with numerous electronic devices taken for forensic examination, troopers said. Hale was arrested on the charges above before he was taken to the Steuben County Jail for further processing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mary McCombers first foray into politics was in the mid-1990s when the Minnesota Department of Transportation began buying and razing homes in lower Oak Park Heights to build a new St. Croix River bridge. She loved her city, said her daughter Laura Brown. She wanted better, especially when all that stuff was happening with the bridge originally. They started demolishing houses, and my mom was, like, Youre not going to keep going with the rest of the neighborhood, so she fought for her neighborhood. She fought for the people that it was going to be affecting. McComber, the mayor of Oak Park Heights, died Monday morning at her home in Oak Park Heights of complications related to Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. She was 71. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MnDOT ended up building the bridge upstream of the originally proposed location, and McComber ended up being one of the biggest supporters of the bridge project, Brown said, but it was a difficult decision for her. I remember her just feeling torn because it was coming through her neighborhood, and half of our neighborhood is gone, she said. All those relationships that she had with those individuals, she still fought for them to be provided for, to go and live in a different area and have the resources available. She was not done fighting for the people. I mean, yes, she pushed for the bridge, but she still made sure that things were fair and equitable for those people that were affected. I remember her constantly on the phone pushing, saying, No, no, thats not acceptable. We are going to make sure that theyre taken care of. After serving 12 years on the Oak Park Heights City Council, McComber ran for mayor in 2012 and defeated the incumbent, then-Mayor David Beaudet, who opposed the project. The Stillwater Lift Bridge is old, she told the Pioneer Press at the time. I understand it will be safe for pedestrian traffic, but as for its life span for vehicle traffic, its past its time. It was not built for todays volume of traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The St. Croix River bridge, which opened in 2017, would not have been completed without McCombers advocacy, tenacity and perseverance, city officials said in a press release Tuesday. This bridge is now firmly part of our regions fabric as its four lanes and pedestrian crossing serves tens of thousands of people each day. In a 2016 League of Minnesota Cities publication, McComber reflected on the project and her intensive involvement: Thats why my hair is this color! she joked, pointing to her flowing white locks. Committed local leadership McComber, a retired interior decorator, threw herself into municipal government after she took office in 2001. She frequently testified at the State Capitol and served in countless leadership roles and on numerous committees and panels at dozens of organizations, including the National League of Cities, the Minnesota Mayors Association, the League of Minnesota Cities, Metro Cities, Minnesota Women in City Government, Women in Municipal Government (National League of Cities), Regional Council of Mayors, the Minnesota Association of Small Cities and the Coalition of Utility Cities Task Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement League of Minnesota Cities Executive Director Luke Fischer said McComber embodied the very essence of committed local leadership. Through her years at Oak Park Heights and her involvement in many, many civic organizations, Mary embodied a belief that service matters, Fischer said. Mary made a difference in her community, in Minnesota, and nationally. In 2023, McComber received the National League of Cities Women in Municipal Government Leadership Award. now succeeds Oak Park Heights Mayor Mary McComber died Monday, May 26, 2025, of complications related to stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. McComber was photographed here in 2023 after she won the Women in Municipal Government Leadership Award from the National League of Cities. (Courtesy of the City of Oak Park Heights)Cap ORourke, executive director of the Minnesota Association of Small Cities, wrote one of the letters recommending her for the national award. McComber, he wrote, was a tireless advocate and enthusiastic cheerleader for all of local government, but particularly, Minnesotas small cities (population under 5,000) across the entire state; both rural and urban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McComber spends an unbelievable amount of time to research the issues, listen to her community, and work towards a solution, Sen. Karin Housley, R-Oak Park Heights, wrote in her letter of recommendation. McComber received the C.C. Ludwig Award from the League of Minnesota Cities in 2016. The award, named for a former League executive director, is considered to be the Leagues highest award for elected officials. Recipients are chosen for their vision, statesmanship and unwavering commitment to the public good, according to League officials. Spunk, sass and sheer drive While she was proud to receive such awards, her true love was the well-being of Oak Park Heights, Brown said. She just had this incredible amount of determination, spunk, sass and sheer drive for wanting better for not just the city, but individuals as a whole. She just had that people passion. Deputy Mayor Chuck Dougherty said McComber made an incredible impact on the city, and always prioritized the needs of her constituents no matter the issue or time of day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She just really took her position to heart and did everything she could for the people of Oak Park Heights and the greater community, Dougherty said. She worked hard and tirelessly for that. She really cared for our community and our employees. Related Articles McComber loved all city employees from the brand-new police officer we just hired to the 38-year veteran, City Administrator Jacob Rife said. She loved everyone at City Hall and cared so deeply about our employees. And it was mutual. We loved her, too, and shes going to be greatly missed. McComber reflected on her service in the 2016 League of Minnesota Cities publication: I absolutely love my city and I love my neighborhood. I choose to get involved and try to make a difference and get the wheels to turn faster and sometimes they do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Murphy was born in Chicago and moved to Burnsville in 1979. She married Bruce Bernhjelm in 1970; they divorced in 1991. The couple had four children; their daughter Jennifer died at childbirth. In 1992, she met Don McComber while country line dancing in Burnsville. The couple moved to Oak Park Heights in 1994 and got married in 1995. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three children, Lisa Bernhjelm-Corblick, Laura Brown and Brett Bernhjelm, and 12 grandchildren. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 6, at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center in Stillwater, with visitation from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the center. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. Detectives are investigating an officer-involved shooting that resulted in one man, who was wielding a knife, being shot. According to the St. Louis County Police Department, an officer was alerted to a domestic disturbance just after 11:30 a.m. this morning in the 1300 block of Eagles Way Court in Hazelwood, Missouri. When arriving at the scene, the officer, who has two years of law enforcement experience, came across a man who was holding a knife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the man refused to put down the weapon, which further escalated the incident. According to the department, the officer deployed his gun, shooting the man. The man who was shot was taken to a hospital, but the extent of his injuries was not disclosed to FOX 2. With detectives investigating the officer-involved shooting, they are calling for the publics help. The department can be reached at 636-529-8210. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The answer to the challenges associated with Russia's aggression, which in one form or another will continue for a long time, may be the construction of a sustainable society in Ukraine, in which human dignity, solidarity and responsibility will become the basis for decision-making. This is stated in the analytical notes of the "Christian Democratic Expertise" presented at a round table at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Tuesday. The event was attended by leading Ukrainian experts on security, politics and social development, gathered at the round table "Ways to Strengthen Ukraine's Social Resilience: A Values-Based Expertise" to discuss the critically important issues of national resilience in wartime for the country. In particular, the "Christian Democratic Expertise" covers four key areas - economy, politics, society and culture - offering a comprehensive approach to addressing national challenges through the prism of values. "Our study is not just an analysis of problems, but specific recommendations on how to build a society where human dignity, solidarity and responsibility become the basis for decision-making () Today's study is the result of many years of work on the question: how to build a society that will be both strong and humane, protected and free," said Yuriy Honcharenko, head of the Ukrainian Security Club and the NGO Foundation for the Promotion of Democracy, who presented the document. Honcharenko outlined the key challenges: "In the face of unprecedented challenges facing our state, the issue of national resilience takes on new significance. How to form an effective model of social cohesion? What mechanisms will help Ukraine maintain a balance between security and freedom? It is these questions that we will seek answers to today." Coordinator of the Initiative Group of the Civil-Military Movement, Oleksiy Ivashin, emphasized the importance of a systemic approach: "We cannot build national resilience piecemeal. We need a comprehensive strategy that will unite the efforts of the state, society, and every citizen." Representative of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Andriy Yusov, outlined the key challenges for the state: "Many Ukrainians today are striving for a quick peace - this is quite natural. But the unpleasant truth is that in the coming years, and perhaps decades, the former peaceful life will no longer exist. Even if some form of truce is achieved, as long as Russia exists in its current form, it will attack again as soon as it feels it can do so. Threats from other reckless neighbors are not excluded." Serhiy Demyanov, a representative of the Foundation for Future Research, focused on the information component: "Russia is waging not just military aggression against us, but a civilizational war, where disinformation and manipulation are the same weapons as tanks and missiles." Coordinator of the Initiative Group of the Public-Military Movement Oleksiy Ivashin highlighted the problems of the Ukrainian nation's resilience in the war, which has become an existential challenge for our society, and called not just to outline the problems, but to come up with practical models of strengthening resilience through a system of values. "Resilience is not just the ability to withstand pressure or adapt to stress. It is a characteristic of the social fabric, which includes trust between citizens and institutions, readiness for self-organization, shared responsibility, the ability to think critically and emotionally. At the heart of this is a system of values that unite people and form national identity," emphasized Oleksiy Ivashyn. The expert also emphasized the model of defensive democracy, which involves the unconditional preservation of all democratic procedures and standards while strengthening unity between all segments of Ukrainian society - military personnel, veterans and civilians - as a guarantee of our victory and future prosperity. Oleksiy Ivashyn, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, called comprehensive support for the Defense Forces of Ukraine, increasing public respect for the defenders of the state, the prestige of military service and the importance of fulfilling civic duties the central points of defensive democracy. The veteran also indicated that one of the answers to the aforementioned challenges is a rotational model of military service, which can be a fair and even burden of war on the entire society in order to restore the strength of Ukrainian defenders. Concluding the event, Honcharenko summed up the results of the discussion: "Today's conversation showed that the Ukrainian expert community understands the challenges and is ready to seek solutions. We cannot afford the luxury of waiting for better times to implement value-oriented policies. War is not a reason to postpone reforms, but an incentive to make them deeper and more systematic." The organizers reported that the materials of the study "Christian Democratic Expertise" have been published for wide discussion, and the Conservative Platform plans to continue a series of expert discussions on the formation of value-oriented policies for Ukraine. The broadcast of the event is available on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel for anyone who was unable to attend in person but is interested in discussing ways to strengthen Ukraine's social resilience. The analytical notes "Christian Democratic Expertise" are published on the Conservative Platform website and are available for download. The hour-long event at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency brought together representatives of the security and defense sector, from government officials to civil society and expert circles. The organizers were the Conservative Platform (a joint project of the NGO Foundation for the Promotion of Democracy and the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Ukraine) in partnership with the Ukrainian Security Club. Maryland Department of Health at State Center in midtown Baltimore on Dec. 3, 2024. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters) State health officials have made progress on conducting annual inspections for assisted living programs, as 55.6% of facilities received an annual inspection in 2024 up from just 25.7% of facilities receiving an annual inspection in the previous year. Its good news, according to senior advocates and providers for assisted living programs. But that means that almost half of those facilities might still be behind on annual inspections used to ensure that seniors are receiving quality care in a safe environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were encouraged by the improved number of inspections going from about one-in-four to about half, Hank Greenberg, state director for the AARP of Maryland, said in a recent interview. Thats good, but not good enough. He hopes that the increased inspections will lead to greater attention towards assisted living facilities in the state, which he believes have been somewhat overlooked in recent years. Maryland health officials have been trying to catch up on annual inspections for various programs and facilities that support Marylands aging population, such as the states nursing homes. Assisted living facilities are senior living options for residents who need additional supports for daily tasks but do not need the same intensive medical care provided in nursing homes. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities do not receive federal oversight meaning that regulations are left up to the state. In Maryland, information on recent inspections for assisted living facilities is not readily available to the public, making it challenging for advocates and families to determine if their aging loved ones are living in a facility that has recently received an annual inspection for safety and health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all rely on these inspections to determine whether or not these facilities are providing a standard of care that is acceptable, Greenberg said. As more and more people are in need of facilities they are looking for safe spaces for loved ones in some cases, a spouse. In some cases, its a parent. They really need to know where theyre sending someone, or themselves that its a safe environment. Annual inspections had been trending downward since 2021, according to a state audit released in April. For fiscal 2021, 59% of assisted living facilities received an annual survey. But the next year, that dropped to just 38% of all facilities across the state. The trend continued for fiscal 2023, when only 444 out of 1,721 facilities received an annual inspection just 25.7%, the lowest inspection rate in the last five years. In the health departments response to state auditors, the agency agreed with the need to improve annual survey rates, noting that its Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) was in the process of training more surveyors to keep up with annual inspection requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said it anticipates being in compliance with annual inspections by November this year. The agencys efforts appear to be paying off. OHCQ reported in November that for fiscal 2024, 904 assisted living facilities in Maryland received an annual state inspection. While thats just over half of the 1,625 facilities in the state down from 1,721 the year before its a stark improvement from previous years. Allison Roenigk Ciborowski, president and CEO of LeadingAge Maryland, said that the state surveys are an important piece of the puzzle for ensuring that senior residents receive a high quality of care at their assisted living programs. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey agency has been an important partner and plays an important role in ensuring quality and ensuring peace of mind for residents and families, Ciborowski said. She added that long-awaited updates to state regulations for assisted living facilities that recently went into effect will further ensure Marylanders receive quality care in those programs. The new regulations have been 10 years in the making. The wide-ranging adjustments to state rules for assisted living facilities include new staffing requirements, additional training education, updated definitions and more. Documents from the OHCQ describe the lengthy rule-making process as a complex undertaking that started in 2015 involving hundreds of stakeholders and four public comment periods in 2016, 2021, 2023 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the regulations do not make major changes to the survey process specifically, Ciborowski said that the new rules make really good improvements to the assisted living regulations that will further support ensuring that folks have access to high quality care and supports. Its important that regulations are looked at and revised and modernized as best practices change, she said. But Greenberg hopes that more attention is paid to assisted living facilities in general to protect seniors, some of Marylands most vulnerable populations. What were the result of those inspections? What percentage found violations? Were there follow-ups to ensure compliance? Those are some questions that we still have, Greenberg said. Its imperative to have all of them inspected, unannounced, and done so on a consistent basis to ensure quality of care in those facilities. Airport officials in Kyrgyzstan arrested five Maltese poachers in April for attempting to smuggle dozens of endangered birds out of the country. What happened? According to Newsbook, authorities detained the poachers at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, the country's capital, after the Bioresources Control Department and the Department for Combating Smuggling and Violations of Customs Rules discovered the birds. The unnamed citizens were charged with the illegal transportation and removal of wildlife, in addition to unauthorized hunting. An official statement from the Kyrgyz Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision did not reveal what bird species were involved in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have fined the smugglers 180,000 Kyrgyz soms (around $2,058), and a civil lawsuit ordered them to pay 270,000 soms (roughly $3,087) to cover harm to wildlife. The ministry reported that Kyrgyz law enforcement agencies are investigating the situation. Why is the smuggling attempt concerning? Newsbook reported that wildlife trafficking is a significant issue in Kyrgyzstan, as the country is home to many endangered bird species, including the Bearded Vulture, Sociable Lapwing, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, and the Saker Falcon. Species like the Marco Polo sheep, argali, brown bears, and wolves are hunted for trophies. External demand drives the illegal wildlife trade in Kyrgyzstan, with foreign criminal groups often working with local individuals. According to Traffic.org, Central Asia's open borders make it easy for wildlife to be smuggled across countries. Historically, some officials have even been involved in the exploitation of endangered animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smuggling not only harms animals but also contributes to ecological imbalances if they're released in countries where they're not native. Invasive species can wreak havoc on the environment because they outcompete native plants and animals for critical resources. In addition, poaching affects humans because it makes natural areas less appealing to tourists and could impact revenue for communities that rely on ecotourism. The illegal wildlife trade also increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, including monkeypox and possibly COVID-19. What's being done to combat wildlife trafficking? Kyrgyzstan has enforced stricter environmental protection laws and increased penalties for wildlife crimes to conserve the country's biodiversity. Additionally, the Snow Leopard Trust a nonprofit based in Washington along with the Kyrgyz government, established the Citizen-Ranger Wildlife Protection Program, which trains and rewards rangers and local community members who apprehend illegal hunters. All over the globe, officials have been cracking down on illegal trafficking schemes. In Spain, police rescued over 50 animals, including sand boas, scorpions, and endangered lizards, from a family involved in wildlife smuggling. Nearly 5,000 miles away in India, authorities discovered 72 parrots kept in horrible conditions at a smuggler's home and relocated them to a rehabilitation center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you notice suspicious activity at airports, neighbors' homes, or even while driving, make sure to report it to wildlife authorities or anti-trafficking government hotlines or websites. You may also consider donating to environmental organizations that help combat trafficking. 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. BLENCOE, Iowa (KCAU) Officials are searching for a Monona County resident who went missing over the weekend while they were boating on the Missouri River. According to a release from the Monona County Sheriffs Office, they received a call on Saturday that someone in a boat had hit a barge near the Huff Warner access area on the Missouri River. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office said that eyewitnesses told them that the person driving the boat had jumped out of the boat before it hit the barge. Monona County sheriff reported the Iowa DNR has been using sonar to help identify the missing person near the site of the crash. Were pretty optimistic. In the beginning, we did locate an object [of] interest that weve been keeping an eye on, and then today [during] recovery efforts, we did lose sight of that object, so now the local DNR is out on the river right now, searching trying to find an area of interest, Monona County Sheriff Kevin Ewing said. Officials said that the boat is still beneath the barge and they hope to recover it on June 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials did not name or describe the person they are looking for. The release stated that in addition to the Monona County Sheriffs Office, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Decatur Search & Rescue, Sioux City Search and Rescue Team, Mondamin Rescue, and the Blencoe Fire Department have all also attempted to locate the missing 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. May 26OGDENSBURG At Monday's Memorial Day observance, Ogdensburg VFW Post 2936 Commander Scott A. Compo told those in attendance at Ogdensburgh Cemetery that the national holiday is a solemn reminder that freedom is never free. "It has been paid for with the lives of our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our comrades and our friends," he stated. "Today, across America, communities like ours are gathering not just to mourn those we've lost, but to celebrate the values they fought for courage, duty, honor, and sacrifice." Each name on a gravemarker tells a story, according to the commander, a "story of someone who believed in something greater than themselves. And while we may never fully understand the depth of their sacrifice, we can strive to live lives worthy of their gift." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compo added that on Memorial Day, families of those lost are also honored. "Today we also honor the families of those lost, for you bear a burden that only you can comprehend. We are grateful for the support you gave your soldier, so they could carry out the mission of protecting the rest of us," said Compo. "It is our responsibility as citizens to remember the nation's brave fallen men and women whether they died on foreign lands in the heat of battle or after a lifetime in the uniform of our Army. Never forget the men and women who know all too much the cost of our freedom, for their service to this country is the greatest gift of all. Let us also not forget these families who have borne the heavy burden of loss. Their courage and strength reflect the enduring spirit of this nation. " Compo said it's the mission of the members of the VFW to ensure that the legacy of the fall is never forgotten. "Whether through ceremonies like this one, or through everyday acts of service, we carry their memory forward. So today, let us recommit ourselves to being guardians of their sacrifice. Let us teach our children what this day truly means. And let us live lives that reflect the best of what our fallen heroes stood for," concluded Compo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wreaths were laid at the veterans monument at Ogdensburgh Cemetery by City Council, VFW Post 2936 and its auxiliary, American Legion Post 69, U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club and the Ogdensburg Elks Club. Ogdensburg Councilors Daniel Skamperle and Jennifer Stevenson place a wreath at the veterans monument at Ogdensburgh Cemetery on Monday at the annual Memorial Day observance. Matt Curatolo/ Watertown Daily Times Outgoing VFW 2936 Auxiliary President Linda Compo and Incoming President Amanda Miller are pictured carrying a wreath to be set up before the veterans monument Monday. Matt Curatolo/Watertown Daily Times The Ogdensburg Free Academy Marching Band is pictured performing prior to Monday's Memorial Day ceremony at Ogdensburgh Cemetery. Matt Curatolo/ Watertown Daily Times COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Its a bird! Its a plane! Its Superman! A bipartisan bill has flown into the Statehouse to make the character Ohios official superhero, after the comic book heros new movie filmed in the state last year. House Bill 270 calls for Superman to be adopted as the official superhero of Ohio beginning on April 18, 2033, when the character enters the public domain. Rep. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon), one of the bills sponsors, said Superman is one of Ohios most notable cultural exports, originating in Cleveland where writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster created the hero while attending Glenville High School in 1933. Ohio bill would cap junk fees on tickets for concerts, sporting events Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superman has become a cultural phenomenon, a testament to the impact of Ohios creators and innovators, and the character has served to showcase Ohios culture, art, and architecture on a global stage, said Mathews during H.B. 270s first hearing in the House General Government Committee on May 20. Mathews argued now is the time to honor Superman given the DC Studios move titled simply Superman is flying into theaters this July after filming in Cincinnati and Cleveland last summer. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Superman in Ohio in the video player above. House Bill 270 calls for Superman to be adopted as the official superhero of Ohio beginning on April 18, 2033. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) The film, which was awarded $11 million in Ohio tax credits and hired several thousand locals, rolled cameras at Clevelands Public Square, Progressive Field, Headlands Beach State Park and in Sandusky. Actor David Corenswet, cast as Superman, was seen donning the characters iconic costume while walking down the steps of City Hall. Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland), the bills other sponsor, said he hopes the movie will cause Cleveland to become a hub for talent recruitment throughout the film industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am extremely proud to be from a city with such rich history and achievement and am honored that the new Superman movie is being filmed in our city, transforming our downtown into Metropolis, said Upchurch during the May hearing. I may be biased, but I believe Cleveland has one of the most beautiful downtowns in the state and this film provides the opportunity to showcase it. Poisonous plant rapidly spreading across Ohio: what to do if you see it Director James Gunn, who previously helmed Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, is relaunching DCs cinematic franchise with Corenswet as Clark Kent, replacing British actor Henry Cavill, who first starred as Superman in 2013s Man of Steel. Gunn took to social media last July to thank Cleveland, writing that when he came to scout the citys filming locations in 2023, Terminal Tower was lit up with Supermans signature colors. Cleveland today we are leaving you after six amazing weeks of shooting, Gunns post read. I would walk down your streets and someone would stop me and tell me how grateful they were we were shooting in their city not once, not twice, but dozens of times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filming in Ohio kicked off on June 17 last year, with the last possible production date in the state marked for Aug. 23, according to the tax credit application. Broken down, the application said the production in Ohio accounted for 133 days for preparation, 37 for shooting and 31 for wrap. That means 25% of Gunns movie was filmed in Ohio. Gunns Ohio-related expenses were projected to exceed $36 million, which makes up about 10% of the movies total budget of more than $363 million. Gunn also briefly filmed in Cincinnati, where crews were spotted at Union Terminal, known to be the inspiration for the Justice Leagues headquarters in the 1970s animated Super Friends series. State leaders still think its too easy to amend the Ohio Constitution Just as people travel to New Zealand to see the rolling hills on the Shire, we want them to travel to Cincinnati to see the Hall of Justice, Mathews said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio is the birthplace of flight, both for airplanes and superheroes, and this bill honors one of our key cultural achievements with the recognition it has earned, said Mathews. Highlighting the gift that Superman is, as a force for truth, justice, and the American way, could not be any more Ohio. H.B. 270 could receive additional hearings in the House General Government Committee hearing. Superman is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. MARENGO, Ohio (AP) A sheriffs deputy in Ohio who responded to a domestic violence call at a home was fatally shot by a suspect who was wounded, authorities said. The Morrow County Sheriffs office said the shooting occurred Monday night in the town of Marengo, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Columbus. Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Sheriff John Hinton identified the deputy as Daniel Sherrer, 31, who had served with the department since March 2021. Sherrer always had a smile on his face, never in a bad mood, Hinton said. He noted the death was a tough blow for the department but said everyone came into work Tuesday because thats what we have to do, its what he would have wanted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement posted on the departments Facebook page, Hinton said Sherrer was shot shortly after he arrived at the home. The deputy and the suspect were both taken to a hospital, where Sherrer was pronounced dead a short time later. The sheriff said Tuesday he has not yet viewed body camera footage of the shooting, so he could not provide further details about what occurred. The suspect remains hospitalized in serious condition. On Tuesday, Hinton spoke with disdain for the suspect and refused to publicly identify the person. You will never hear his name come from my lips, so if you want the name you will have to get it some other way, Im not giving it to you, Hinton told reporters. Why would I? He doesnt deserve it. The Delaware County Sheriffs Office will lead the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the state's Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Stock photo from Getty Images. Ohio had the sixth-highest unemployment of any state in April. The news comes after years of state officials spending billions on economic growth programs tilted heavily toward the wealthy. It might seem ironic, but Ohios economy added jobs in April even as unemployment continued to grow. Thats because job growth isnt keeping up with the numbers joining the workforce. And there are reasons to believe that things will get worse, according to the think tank Policy Matters Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data released last week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services estimated that the state added 22,200 jobs in April. But statewide unemployment rose for the fifth consecutive month, to 4.9%. Thats the sixth-highest of any state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Heather Smith, a researcher at Policy Matters Ohio, said the new state data raise some questions. The civilian labor force has increased at about the same rate as the number of unemployed workers, suggesting that while more Ohioans are entering the job market, they are not all securing employment, she said in a written statement. This raises questions around the reported increases in jobs across service-providing industries why arent Ohioans getting hired? The Department of Job and Family Services conducts a monthly survey, releases its estimate of the number of new jobs, and then often revises it downward. For example, it initially estimated that 7,500 jobs were created in March, and then cut that number to 5,200. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the jobs thought to be created in April, the great majority were in the service sector, 18,800. More than 6,500 of those were in hospitality as those businesses staff up for summer. Construction and manufacturing added 1,200 and 1,100 jobs, respectively, while the number of government jobs increased by 1,300. A separate household survey indicated that 15,000 joined the Ohio job market in April. But only 6,000 found jobs while the rest were unemployed. Legislators ought to pay attention to the growing unemployment rate, given its steady increase over the last five months, Smith said. The last time we saw the unemployment rate in Ohio decrease was between September and October prior to the November election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohios economy has lagged for more than a decade after the creation of billion-dollar programs mostly benefitting the well off on the promise that they would create jobs for average Ohioans. Created in 2013 under the auspices of then-Gov. John Kasich, the LLC tax loophole costs about $1 billion a year. It was sold as a way to boost small business. But an analysis showed that hiring in that sector has fallen relative to other states, while the wealthiest 7% are claiming nearly 40% of the benefit. Started around the same time, JobsOhio is funded through a state liquor franchise that used to flow into state coffers. Its well-paid staff has grown rapidly as it has doled out more than $1 billion in incentives to businesses. But it hasnt proven that those incentives have created any jobs. Even so, the Ohio Controlling Board in February extended JobsOhios control of the state liquor franchise to 2053. The private corporation paid the state $1.41 billion for its initial lease of the franchise. But the state didnt require an additional penny to extend it another 15 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Smith of Policy Matters Ohio warned that several developments at the federal level could further drag down the Ohio job market. A recent survey of Fourth District businesses by the Federal Reserve of Cleveland found that 22% of respondents anticipated the tariffs would force them to decrease their staff, she wrote. This is already underway: Several large employers across the state have submitted mass layoff notices, including 744 manufacturing jobs in Fremont. A Chillicothe paper plant, which was set to layoff 826 union workers by the end of June, agreed to remain open until December. While this buys impacted Ohioans a bit more time, the plant closing will be a devastating hit to workers in the area. In addition to potential harm from tariffs, the Trump administration is trying to cut hundreds of thousands of federal jobs and to slash services as it tries to fund further tax cuts. Ohio policymakers need to hold their federal counterparts accountable for the impact of funding cuts on the state and stop preemptively cutting critical public services with trigger language in the state budget, Smith said. If federal budget hawks get their way and force the state to pick up a greater share of the Medicaid budget, proposed trigger language could cut off the health insurance of 770,000 Ohioans. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree said May 27 that her office is investigating the death of a teen boy after he fell from a float in Green's Memorial Day Parade May 26. The sheriff said during a news conference at the Green Central Administration building that 13-year-old Matthew Schultz was one of seven youths riding on a trailer in the float. It was pulled by a Ford truck along Massillon Road South. In Matthew's fall, he was struck by tires and taken to Akron Children's Hospital, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The truck and trailer were nearing the end of the parade," she said. The investigation is looking into Matthew's fall from the float. "Was there anything that may have occurred that caused him to fall?" she asked "Was there anyone around him?" Green Mayor Rocco Yeargin said the city is reviewing its policies on parades after the incident. "Yesterday," he said, "the unthinkable happened." Family friend and spokesperson Danielle Paciorek holds a photo of Matthew Schultz, the 13-year-old who died in a Green Memorial Day Parade accident a day earlier, on May 27 at the Green Central Administration Building. Yeargin said he spoke briefly with Matthew's family after the incident. "I am grateful for the support our community has shown for the Schultz family," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danielle Paciorek, a friend of the Schultz family, said they are asking for time to deal with the tragedy. "They are holding on tightly to memories, their faith and community...." she said. A GoFundMe page started to help Matthew's family can be reached at https://rb.gy/rxb0p9. By early afternoon May 27, more than $12,600 had been raised. The GoFundMe can also be reached at the City of Green website. Fatheree and Yeargin also asked that the family be given privacy. "Please let them be at home alone," Fatheree said. "Give them the space that they need." This family photo of Matthew Schultz was displayed May 27 during a news conference the day after he died May 26, 2025, in a Memorial Day Parade accident in Green. Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio parade accident that killed Matthew Schultz to be investigated OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is preparing to celebrate Juneteenth with a program free to the public on Tuesday, June 18. Juneteenth is the celebration of emancipation following the U.S. Civil War. OHS says the event, titled 2024 Juneteenth: Honor, Reflect, and Celebrate!, is set to educate the public about the history of Juneteenth with attendees enjoying a book signing, live performances and discussions featuring the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Author Archietta Burch James will sign copies of her book Francis Clinton: A Buffalo Soldier American Hero Francis Clinton is James great-grandfather, one of the original Buffalo Soldiers Dr. Raushan Ashanti-Alexander, assistant principal at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City Shirley Nero, a member of the OHS Board of Directors and current president of the Friends of the OHS Multicultural Office Board of Directors Stitt signs bill limiting Oklahomans access to support ballot initiative petitions DETAILS: Location: Oklahoma History Center Date: June 18 Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. No registration is required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Only when the aggressor knows that there will be a tough response to aggression, he will not attack - Yusov The optimistic truth is that peaceful, stable and secure life is possible when the Russian aggressor knows that the response to the attack will be tough and ruthless, and Ukraine is ready to fight back. This was stated by Andriy Yusov, representative of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, on Tuesday, 27 May, at the expert roundtable "Ways to Strengthen Ukraine's Social Resilience: Values-Based Expertise". The event, held in Kyiv at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency's press centre, featured leading Ukrainian experts who discussed the most pressing issues of Ukraine's defence capability. The roundtable was organised by the Conservative Platform, a joint project of the NGO "Foundation for the Promotion of Democracy" and the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Security Club. During the discussion, Andriy Yusov spoke about the key challenges facing the country and possible responses to them. He noted that despite the desire of many Ukrainians to return to their pre-war lives, in the coming years, and possibly decades, the former peaceful life will no longer exist, so Ukraine needs to constantly improve its security system. "Ukraine is doomed to build a powerful security system, to make defence and protection of the country a top priority not only for the state but for the whole society. One of the elements of this is the principle "Either in the Defence Forces or for the Defence Forces," Yusov said. A separate component is the involvement of civil society in the intellectual dimension of war, the development of relevant solutions and reforms, an example of which Andriy Yusov called the expert roundtable "Ways to strengthen the social resilience of Ukraine: expertise based on values". The event was a step towards uniting the efforts of civil society and military leaders to consolidate Ukrainian society in wartime and ensure the social foundations of Ukraine's defence capability. The death penalty is still being sought in Oklahoma but no one new has been sentenced to that punishment in the state in over three years. It is the longest gap in more than 50 years in a state known for having the highest per capita execution rate in the country. Oklahoma last saw no new death sentences in a year in 2011, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. "That's consistent with a nationwide trend," said the Rev. Don Heath, chairman of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. Death sentence sought for serial killer suspect The latest request for the death penalty came Wednesday, May 21, in a triple murder case in Sequoyah County District Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors gave notice that they will seek the punishment at trial for Stacy Lee Drake. The 51-year-old drifter is suspected of being a serial killer responsible for two fatal shootings in Alabama and three in Oklahoma last year. He was caught on June 20, 2024, in a wooded area in Morrilton, Arkansas, after a manhunt. Murder defendant Stacy Lee Drake is taken by detention officers to his preliminary hearing at the Sequoyah County Courthouse May 5. The evidence against Drake includes his YouTube watch history showing that on June 8 he viewed video compilations of the "greatest" movie one-liners before and after killing scenes. Prosecutors allege he killed a fellow Alcoholics Anonymous member in El Reno between June 9 and 14 and then killed two employees of a propane store outside of Sallisaw on June 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the notice, District Attorney Jack Thorp listed four reasons for seeking the death penalty for the Oklahoma murders. The key claim is that Drake represents "a continuing threat to society." Jurors can vote for death only if they unanimously agree on at least one of the reasons. The last time a death sentence was imposed in Oklahoma was on May 13, 2022. A judge sentenced David Ware, 37, to die for the fatal shooting of a Tulsa police officer during a traffic stop. Jurors agreed on that punishment in under three hours. The execution gurney is shown in this image from a video released by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The lull in new death sentences comes at the same time Oklahoma is carrying out executions again. Sixteen convicted murderers have been executed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester since lethal injections resumed in October 2021 after a long hiatus. The next execution is set for June 12. The lull has been reported on before. "Oklahomas death row is dwindling with each execution," the online news site Oklahoma Watch reported in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death row population dropped to 29 after inmate Wendell Grissom was executed in March and inmate Richard Glossip won on appeal at the U.S. Supreme Court in February. Nationwide, there were 26 new death sentences imposed in 2024, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. In 2010, there were more than 100. The nonprofit does not take a position on the death penalty but is critical of problems in its application. It reported Florida imposed the most new death sentences last year with seven. Texas imposed six. Why are death sentences down? Death sentences have dropped in Oklahoma in part because of last-minute plea deals, even in cases with multiple victims court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, many murder cases are still taking longer to get to trial as prosecutors and defense attorneys continue to work to catch up from pandemic shutdowns. Defense attorneys who specialize in capital punishment cases report they are juggling three at the same time. Last October, Jarron Deajon Pridgeon, 30, pleaded guilty days before trial to six counts of first-degree murder to avoid the death penalty. He fatally shot his brother and five children in Muskogee in 2021. Under his plea deal, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In 2023, Mario James Normore was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for going on a killing and robbery spree in Oklahoma City in 2017 that left four people dead. Prosecutors said the deal sparing him from the death penalty was made "to satisfy the desire of the families for a conclusion." Oklahoma County's new district attorney, Vicki Behenna, has dropped death as a possible punishment in seven other murder cases that were pending when she took office two years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another death penalty case, she dismissed the double-murder charge all together, without alerting police first. Some death penalty cases are several years old. In one high-publicity case, Oklahoma City defense attorney Keegan Harroz and client Barry Roland Titus II are accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in 2019. They also are accused of murdering the ex-girlfriend's parents. Harroz, 41, and Titus, 43, became lovers after she began defending him in a domestic abuse case. They were not even charged until 2021. Since then, the jury trial for Titus has been delayed twice. No new date has been set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent delay came in March when his attorneys accused the trial judge of bias. Their complaint about the judge is now before the Court of Criminal Appeals. Harroz was to have had a separate trial. She now has a deal to testify against Titus in exchange for prosecutors dropping their death penalty request against her. In Tulsa County, Derrick Wayne Stith, 31, is accused of beating his girlfriend to death with a hammer in 2017. Prosecutors made their request for the death penalty a year later. Up next in his case is a jury trial to determine if he is mentally competent for prosecution. It is set for September. "This one's gone on forever," Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said. "It's gone through multiple defense attorneys. He's represented himself sometimes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other death penalty cases are pending across Oklahoma. In Oklahoma County, prosecutors have decided to go ahead with the death penalty against Josh Christian Brown, 39, of Spencer. He is accused in his murder charge of killing his wife "by engaging in a continuous physical attack" over two days in 2020. In Caddo County, a caretaker accused of willfully torturing 4-year-old Athena Brownfield to death still faces the maximum punishment. Alysia Adina Adams, 33, backed out of a plea deal in November that would have spared her from a death sentence. In Cleveland County, Chace Cook, 21, is accused of raping and murdering a Moore High School senior at her home in 2023. Prosecutors gave notice in December 2023 they would seek the death penalty, saying the decision was not made lightly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in Cleveland County, convicted murderer Paul Newberry, 44, is accused of killing another inmate at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington in 2023. His death penalty case has been delayed by questions about his competency. He is serving life without the possibility of parole on a 2015 murder case. In LeFlore County, Alex Nathaniel Davis, 34, of Poteau, is accused of torturing and murdering an Arkansas woman and dumping her body in a lake in 2021. Prosecutors sought the death penalty last year. His jury trial is set for September. In Cherokee County, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Robert Edwin Lewis, 64, of Stillwell. He is accused of killing two people in 2022 and then killing his girlfriend to cover it up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death penalty was sought in Pontotoc County District Court in March for the first time in more than 20 years. Richard Dewayne Chambers, 42, is accused of murdering three people in December. "The defendant shot and killed Annie Brown in Midwest City," District Attorney Erik Johnson said in his notice. "The defendant then drove to Pontotoc County ... and shot and killed Robert Peliti and Jackie Peliti demonstrating a continuing threat to society." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Lull in new death sentences in Oklahoma hits three years Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, left, sits next to Oklahoma State Board of Education member Mike Tinney, right, before supporting Tinney's confirmation during a Senate Education Committee meeting May 20, 2025, at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday confirmed Gov. Kevin Stitts four new appointees to the State Board of Education along with picks for several other state leadership posts. With no discussion, senators approved the appointments of Mike Tinney, of Norman, Christopher K. Van Denhende, of Tulsa, Ryan A. Deatherage, of Kingfisher, and Becky Y. Carson, of Edmond, to serve on the state board tasked with governing the states public school system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kevin Stitt in February removed three prior members from the board and criticized them for creating needless political drama following their vote requiring schools to collect students immigration status. Stitt then named Deatherage, Tinney and Van Denhende to fill the vacancies, saying the board needed fresh eyes. State Superintendent Ryan Walters accused Stitt of firing the three former board members for political purposes. The three booted members had voted in line with Walters since he took office in January 2023. They approved Walters budget requests, which included $3 million to spend on Bibles, along with controversial new rules that would require the student citizenship checks and require teachers to pass a naturalization test in order to be licensed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the session, the Republican-controlled Legislature rejected all three proposals. In April, Stitt appointed Carson, a retired educator, to fill a seat representing Congressional District 5 that has been vacant for two years. Walters and six members appointed by the governor make up the board. During the committee vetting process, some Republican senators objected to Stitts decision to overhaul the boards membership. Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, carried Tinneys nomination after his hometown senator, Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, declined to do so. Standridge told some media outlets she was friends with Kendra Wesson, who served on the board before being booted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other business, the Senate confirmed John Budd of Oklahoma City to serve as the Department of Commerce CEO. Richard L. Rose of Oklahoma City was confirmed as Office of Management and Enterprise Services director. Jeffrey Cartmell of Edmond was approved to serve as Department of Human Services director. Timothy N. Tardibono of Oklahoma City was confirmed as Office of Juvenile Affairs executive director. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE May 27 (UPI) -- Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in Fairmont, W.Va., court records show. The Fairmont Police Department arrested Retton and she was charged May 17 with driving under influence of alcohol, controlled substances or drugs, according to the West Virginia Magistrate Court. She was released on $1,500 personal recognizance bond. Retton, 57, vaulted to iconic status when she became the first American woman to win the all-around in women's gymnastics at the 1984 Summer Olympics. She also won two sliver medals and two bronze medals that year in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. She again made news in 2023 when her family announced she was diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia and was fighting for her life. Supporters proceeded to flock to a fundraising site and amassed more than $450,000 in donations for Retton, who was not insured, according to her family. She was released from the hospital a few weeks later. The tragedy in Liverpool has once again highlighted the power of using a vehicle as a weapon. As of Monday evening, police were yet to confirm the motive behind the incident. However, cars and vans have been used to cause death and injury on multiple occasions in recent years, including in terror attacks. In 2016, Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel used a lorry to plough through a crowd in Nice during celebrations for Bastille Day, on July 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 86 people were killed and more than 400 were injured in what was the second most deadly massacre in peacetime France. A total of 86 people were killed in the Nice lorry attack - Valery Hache/AFP The 31-year-old Tunisian driver was shot by police at the scene, with Islamic State later claiming him as a follower. Eight defendants were found guilty in connection to the attack and given prison terms ranging from two to 18 years. Three were convicted of association with a terrorist, while five others were found guilty of supplying weapons. The following year, two attacks in which terrorists used motor vehicles took place in central London. On March 22 2017, Khalid Masood, a 52-year-old Briton, drove a car into pedestrians on the pavement on the south side of Westminster Bridge and Bridge Street, killing four people and injuring more than 50. Emergency services at the scene outside the Palace of Westminster in 2017 - PA Masood, 52, crashed the hired vehicle into railings outside the Palace of Westminster, before fatally stabbing unarmed police officer Pc Keith Palmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacker, who had a lengthy criminal history, was then shot dead by an armed police officer. Just months after that incident, eight people were killed, and a further 48 injured, when a van was used to ram pedestrians on London Bridge. The vans three occupants Khuram Butt, 27, Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22, were all shot dead at the scene. In 2018, Alek Minassian killed 10 people by driving a van into pedestrians in Toronto, Canada. Minassian admitted the attack, but his lawyers argued he was not criminally responsible due to his autism spectrum disorder. Minassian, who had hired the van three weeks before the incident, told investigators he had set out to kill as many people as possible and drew inspiration from the misogynistic incel movement of mostly online groups of young men who blame their lack of sexual activity on women. A makeshift memorial for the victims of the Toronto van attack seen in 2018 - AFP He was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 25 years in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks have led to barriers being installed at a number of sites to prevent copycat incidents. On a smaller scale, vehicles have been used during episodes of road rage for years. In June 2022, Luke Geard left a 59-year-old woman with life-changing injuries after deliberately ploughing his car into her in Axminster, Devon. The 29 year-old, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison, had drunkenly crashed into a parked car before a woman tried to stop him from driving away. Geard drove into the woman, crushing her against another vehicle. 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. BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A Binghamton man has been arrested and charged with first-degree assault following a stabbing that sent one to the hospital on Memorial Day. Binghamton Police officers responded to 54 Orton Ave in Binghamton on Monday, May 26, at around 6:15 p.m. for a reported stabbing. Officers found a 22-year-old with stab wounds to his chest and back upon arrival. The 22-year-old was taken to a local hospital by EMS to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. The suspect, 26-year-old Jordon Matos, of Binghamton, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with Assault in the first degree and is scheduled to appear in Binghamton City Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the incident was not random, as the victim and Matos know one another. The incident remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. MIDWEST CITY Police are still searching for a suspect following a shooting near Northeast 10 Street and Air Depot Boulevard in Midwest City, according to reports from News 9 and KOCO. Both stations reported that police responded to a shooting that injured one man on Monday, May 26. The Oklahoman reached out to the Midwest City Police Department to verify details and obtain updated information about the incident, but had not received a response at the time of publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KOCO reported that a fight occurred at the location earlier in the day, and a person involved in that fight returned with a gun and shot someone in the arm before fleeing the scene, according to Midwest City Police. According to News 9, Midwest City Police cited a "disturbance," but could not give an more details on what led to the shooting. The injured man initially left the scene before being stopped by police, then EMSA took him to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to News 9 reports. At this time, there is no description of the suspect and they are still at large, according to KOCO and News 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting comes just three days after 21-year-old Ethan Buycks was killed in a shooting at a high school graduation party on a street just a few blocks away in Midwest City. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Police searching for suspect in Midwest City shooting that injured one HEBER CITY, Utah (ABC4) One person was killed after being T-boned by a semi-truck on SR-40 just north of Heber City in Wasatch County on Tuesday. Utah Highway Patrol said the crash happened around 8:15 a.m. on SR-40 near milepost 15. A Nissa Xterra was attempting to make a left-hand turn to go eastbound on SR-40 as the semi-truck was heading west in the same location. UHP said the Xterra pulled out in front of the semi truck and was T-boned on the drivers side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver and lone occupant of the Nissan Xterra reportedly suffered fatal injuries and died on the scene. Their identity has not been publicly released. As of noon, the Utah Department of Transportation said SR-40 is still reduced to one lane in each direction. Drivers are advised to expect delays and encouraged to use an alternate route if possible. 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. MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR) One person has been taken to the hospital after a shooting in a Midwest City neighborhood on Monday afternoon. Shooting in a Midwest City neighborhood near NE 10th and N Air Depot Boulevard. Photo courtesy KFOR. Midwest City Police say a person was shot in the arm in a neighborhood near NE 10th and N Air Depot Boulevard. The victims injuries are said to be non-life threatening. The victim attempted to drive to the hospital, but only made it to NE 10th and Midwest, according to police. Its currently unclear why the victim stopped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooter reportedly ran away from the scene following the incident. Police have not released a description of the suspect at this time. This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. FORT SCOTT, Kan. A southeast Kansas school is asking for your help deciding the next school president. Administrators at Fort Scott Community College are asking for input through an online survey. That survey is aimed at helping determine the qualities and priorities of the schools next president. Interim president Sara Sutton will be stepping down from that role effective June 30. She took the job last July, after Dr. Jason Kegler was placed on administrative leave and the schools board of trustees announced he would not be returning. Dr. Jason Kegler. You can find a link to the survey 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. We need a society where human dignity, solidarity and responsibility are the basis for decision-making - Yuriy Goncharenko We need a society where human dignity, solidarity and responsibility are the basis for decision-making - Yuriy Goncharenko The war waged by Ukraine is not only a military confrontation, but also a civilisational conflict between freedom and tyranny, dignity and slavery, culture and barbarism. In this conflict, culture is not a supplement to military efforts, but an independent battlefront where the fate of the Ukrainian nation is decided. This was stated by the chairman of the Ukrainian Security Club, Yuriy Goncharenko (NGO "Foundation for Promotion of Democracy"), on 27 May at the press centre of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency at the expert roundtable "Ways to strengthen the social resilience of Ukraine: values-based expertise". The roundtable brought together representatives of the security and defence sector, government, civil society and the expert community. The event was organised by the Conservative Platform (a joint project of the NGO "Foundation for Promoting Democracy" and the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Ukraine) in partnership with the Ukrainian Security Club. The central part of the discussion was the presentation of the analytical notes "Christian Democratic Expertise" by Yuriy Goncharenko. The document covers four key areas - economy, politics, society and culture - offering a comprehensive approach to addressing national challenges through the prism of values. "Our research is not just an analysis of the problems, but concrete recommendations on how to build a society where human dignity, solidarity and responsibility become the basis for decision-making," said Honcharenko. "The Conservative Platform project started in 2016. We are not the kind of conservatives who sprung up like mushrooms after the rain after Trump's victory. The support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in 2024 allowed us to find like-minded people and join the Ukrainian Security Club. Today's research is the result of many years of work on the question of how to build a society that is both strong and humane, secure and free," he stressed. Yuriy Goncharenko called culture a space for creating meanings and the basis of national resilience. In addition, he warned against cultural relativism, which leads to the loss of moral guidelines. Goncharenko also stressed the need to develop defensive democracy in Ukraine, a concept for achieving long-term peace in the face of long-term threats. The key thesis of defence democracy is the axiom that a lasting peace is possible only through constant readiness to defend. "Today's conversation has shown that the Ukrainian expert community understands the challenges and is ready to look for solutions. We cannot afford the luxury of waiting for better times to implement value-based policies. The war is not a reason to postpone reforms, but an incentive to make them deeper and more systemic," concluded Honcharenko. Analytical notes "Christian Democratic Expertise" are published on the website of the Conservative Platform and are available for download. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A joint operation between the Odessa Police Department, Ector County Hospital District Police Department, the Ector County Constable Pct. 1, Ector County Sheriffs Office, and the Ector County Independent School District Police Department over the holiday weekend resulted in more than two dozen calls for service and netted several arrests. Operation Graduation was aimed at keeping graduates safe and alcohol free amid their celebrations. Law enforcement agencies made three Driving While Intoxicated arrests and arrested one person for providing alcohol to a minor. Additionally, one person was arrested for Assault of a Public Servant, one was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, and one person was charged with Social Host Accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four others were issued citations for Minor in Possession, three citations for Minor Consuming were handed out, and one person was cited for loud music. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Both Congress and the Supreme Court seem poised to kneecap what may be the only meaningful remaining constitutional check on the presidency: lower federal court judges. Last week, the House of Representatives passed the absurdly named One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a hodgepodge of controversial tax breaks for the wealthy, spending reductions and increased work requirements for food aid and Medicaid programs and huge funding increases for President Trumps mass migrant removal program, among other provisions. Buried in its 1,000 pages is also this poison pill: No court of the United States may use appropriated funds to enforce a contempt citation for failure to comply with an injunction or temporary restraining order if no security was given when the injunction or order was issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As law professor Erwin Chemerinsky explained for Just Security, the bill effectively requires payment of a bond before a federal judge can issue an injunction against the government or a private party. Yet those seeking such court orders generally do not have the resources to post a bond, and insisting on it would immunize unconstitutional government conduct from judicial review. It always has been understood that courts can choose to set the bond at zero. Injunctions have been used to force the governments compliance with federal law since at least 1913. By mandating the pre-payment of a bond as a prerequisite to injunctions, Chemerinsky writes, the House bill would make the court orders in these cases completely unenforceable. This is a shameless gift to the Trump administration, which is facing down hundreds of lawsuits in the lower federal courts that seek to vindicate constitutional rights as basic as due process and free speech. Meanwhile, the Supreme Courts far-right majority is also taking steps to undermine the lower courts authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consider the case challenging Trumps executive order invaliding the constitutional right to birthright citizenship. At the Trump administrations invitation, the justices have detoured into the question of so-called universal injunctions admonishing their district court colleagues for acting too big for their britches while sidestepping the presidents blatant disregard of the 14th Amendment itself. The implications of that case are stark. If the majority sides with Trump by banning judges from issuing orders that stop illegal government behavior nationwide, it could mean that every individual affected by an unconstitutional executive order including the millions of children whose citizenship is tied to birth must hire a lawyer and file a separate case to enforce the Constitutions express language, effectively giving Trump a practical win on technical grounds. In the meantime, Trump would be free to impose his unconstitutional ban against the vast majority of people affected through a procedural maneuver that sidesteps the heart of the problem: his own overreach. For the high court to seriously entertain this argument on the facts of this particular case is a swipe at the lower courts relative authority to uphold the Constitution against government abuses, too. (The Supreme Court only takes approximately 1 percent of appeal petitions per year, so it cant do it all.) On Thursday, in Trump v. Wilcox, a 6-3 majority overruled a 90-year-old precedent upholding Congresss ability to require presidents to show cause before firing the heads of certain agencies in that case, the heads of the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board. As Justice Elena Kagan noted in her dissenting opinion, by firing the agency heads without providing a reason, Trump has chosen to take the law into his own hands in a way that no president has attempted since the 1950s (or even before). And the majority handed Trump his win on an emergency docket which, wrote Kagan, while fit for some things, should not be used to override or revise existing law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conservative majoritys snub of the work of the lower courts without full briefing and oral argument in its own capacity as an appellate court once again ignores its similarly restrained role under the system of separated powers. Article III of the Constitution creates one Supreme Court, but is silent on the number of justices or the scope of their authority to hear appeals. Congress gets to determine both by statute. Congress is also responsible for establishing the inferior courts, which it did in the first Judiciary Act of 1798. The power of all federal judges both on the Supreme Court and the courts of appeals (the intermediate federal courts) and in the district courts (the trial-level courts) is confined to deciding cases, meaning distinct disputes brought by feuding parties over a concrete injury claimed by the plaintiff. No federal court, including the Supreme Court, is supposed to make laws out of whole cloth. That is Congresss job. In other words, there is nothing magically different about Supreme Court justices as compared to lower federal courts regarding their power to decide cases under Article III as an initial matter. In Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court ruled in 1803 that it has the ultimate constitutional prerogative to review the other branches actions for adherence to the rule of law. But with rare exceptions, Article III confines its power to hearing appeals from other courts: The Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the Congress shall make. An appeals court traditionally operates by carefully reviewing the record from the court below. In the Wilcox decision, the majority perfunctorily cast that part aside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Professor Chemerinsky a giant in the world of constitutional scholarship underscores, House Republicans stealth effort to disable lower federal courts from enforcing injunctions in deference to a single man is a red-light moment for democracy. If the Supreme Court continues to shrug off its own colleagues attempts to check the presidency, it could mean a checkmate on the Constitution itself. Kimberly Wehle is author of the book Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works and Why. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Im cheering President Trumps rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion from the other side of the world. In fact, the main reason I am a medical resident in Tokyo having arrived last month is that DEI made it harder to pursue my career in the U.S. Qualified people like myself have been pushed away by this race-based ideology, which not only insults me but injures America. I wish I was home in the U.S. I was born in New York City. I attended City College. As an undergraduate, I served as an EMT on an ambulance and as a medic in ROTC. When I took the Medical College Admission Test, I scored in the 90th percentile, with a near-perfect score in each of the three science sections biology, chemistry and physics, and psychology and sociology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had every intention of entering medical practice in the U.S., where I hoped to stay my entire career. But DEI got in the way. It first reared its ugly head when, despite my Medical College Admission Test scores and experience, only one medical school accepted me of the 75 I applied to the University of Tennessee. Only three other schools even offered to interview me, almost certainly reflecting the unfair standard to which Asians are held thanks to DEI. I accepted the slot at Tennessee, figuring it would still be the springboard I needed for my career. But the DEI shenanigans were just getting started. In 2022, I was part of the first class of medical students who took the revised Step 1 test under the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination, which plays a big role in determining where students get their residencies. Before, medical students had been given a numerical score, clearly indicating our knowledge level relative to our peers. Activists, however, successfully demanded that this be changed to a pass-fail, all in the name of diversity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To put it bluntly, the activists do not want the most qualified candidates with the best scores to dominate the best residency opportunities if too many of them are Asian or white. So by using pass-fail, they pushed the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination administrators to make it easier for less qualified students to appear just as qualified as better-performing students. Never mind that better scores tend to indicate which students will become the best physicians, providing the best care to patients. This was the beginning of the end of my hopes of staying in the U.S. I took the Step 2 test in 2023. Although I wish my score had been higher, it put me in strong contention for a residency in neurology. Unfortunately, despite applying to 50-plus residencies, I got one rejection after another. I understood when Ivy League schools said no. I did not understand it when schools like Rutgers and Hofstra rejected me. The University of Tennessee gave me two residency offers, but that would have told future employers that I couldnt succeed without a home-field advantage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spoke with numerous students of different races who had scored lower than me but got better residencies. Thats exactly whats supposed to happen under DEI. Spurned by American institutions, I did something I never thought I would do I looked overseas. I was invited to present a research paper in Germany, winning an award in the process. I was also asked to present at the University of Osaka. I also submitted a research plan to Dr. Masashi Hamada at the University of Tokyo School of Medicine, who offered me a residency. I am now the first foreign trainee and researcher that school has ever had. In Japan, thanks to American DEI. I am grateful that a top-tier university finally accepted me. But it pains me that, while Japan wants me, America does not. The United Kingdom and Australia have also given me a license to practice medicine in their countries. They recognize merit in a way that the U.S. no longer does, to the detriment of our medical system and the 340 million Americans who rely on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will I return to the U.S. to continue my career? I certainly want to, but I am coming to love practicing medicine in a country where the focus is treating patients, not checking ideological or racial boxes. I would be more likely to return if President Trump and state leaders continue to get divisive racial ideology out of higher education especially out of medical school. Theres much more to be done when it comes to restoring a system based on merit. DEI has pushed me away. But if Trump keeps rolling it back, it will be much easier to come home someday. Saivikram Madireddy is a neurology trainee and researcher at the University of Tokyo in Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Countries that build the most AI infrastructure today will reap the greatest rewards in the coming Intelligence Age. Yet debates about AI investment often wrongly frame it as a binary decision: Build at home or fund projects abroad. Thats a false distinction and a losing strategy. To ensure democratic values shape the future of artificial intelligence, countries need to invest in themselves and in American AI infrastructure. As my boss, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, wrote last summer, only the U.S. and China have the resources and capacity to shape the future trajectory of AI and determine whether it advances in ways that protect freedom, dignity and human agency or whether it becomes a tool of surveillance and repression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring that democratic values shape the future of AI is the most urgent challenge of our time, and we need to seize this moment and think big, act big and build big both here and abroad to ensure that it prevails over authoritarian AI in the competition over the technologys future. The world is not divided neatly into allies and adversaries. Many countries are navigating complex choices as they evaluate what kind of AI systems and what kinds of values they wish to adopt. Supporting these nations is not just about competition. It is about offering a meaningful alternative: a version of AI development that upholds individual rights, resists central control and aligns with the long-standing principles of transparency and fairness embedded in the international system. That system isnt perfect, but reforming it from within is preferable to replacing it with one that lacks basic democratic protections. If the U.S. doesnt engage with countries looking to build AI, autocrats will step in to fill that void and core freedoms may fall by the wayside. Thats why we at OpenAI have launched the Stargate Project, which will invest $500 billion in new AI infrastructure in America. And its the thinking behind our newest initiative, OpenAI for Countries, which is designed to help U.S. friends and allies build their own AI infrastructure on democratic rails, not on the authoritarian version of the technology. You can see what this vision looks like in practice in our partnership with the United Arab Emirates, the first weve struck in the OpenAI for Countries initiative. The partnership includes dual investments: a 1 gigawatt data center complex in Abu Dhabi, with 200 megawatts expected to go live in 2026, as well as United Arab Emirates investment into Stargate infrastructure in the U.S., which will help create jobs and spur economic opportunity across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This builds on the U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership announced during President Trumps recent visit. As the White House has noted, the UAE has committed to invest in, build or finance U.S. data centers that are at least as large and powerful as those in the UAE. This capital will help fulfill OpenAIs commitment to build more AI infrastructure in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world, because we believe it will establish the necessary foundation for us to export the building blocks of democratic AI everywhere. As part of this effort, the UAE a close American ally and leader in the global push to develop renewable, economically viable sources of energy will become the first country in the world to enable ChatGPT nationwide, giving people across the country the ability to access OpenAIs technology. But exporting democratic AI requires more than infrastructure. It requires policy: smart export controls that balance innovation and safety, while aligning nations around rights like free expression and safeguards against surveillance. Were working closely with American officials to ensure our international partnerships meet the highest standards of security and compliance. Weve also proposed a tiered framework for access to cutting-edge models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nations committed to democratic AI principles should receive deep technical collaboration and access to advanced models. Swing-state countries that show progress on safeguarding intellectual property could become eligible for inclusion provided they are adding more powerful safeguards against technology transfer. Authoritarian regimes would be excluded. Moving quickly and creatively will also enshrine core principles like freedom of expression, human dignity, competitive markets and transparency. It will ensure that people not governments have the ability to direct and shape how they use AI in their lives. And it will win over the swing-state nations that are considering which version of AI to embrace. The U.S. has historically used commercial diplomacy to open markets, secure alliances and extend American values through exports ranging from agricultural technology and medical devices to aerospace systems and communications infrastructure. AI is the next frontier. With a coordinated approach, the U.S. can turn AI into a tool for strengthening global partnerships and driving shared growth. Ultimately, the greatest challenge to democratic AI isnt autocratic governments abroad but domestic inertia here at home. Red tape slows energy projects. Bureaucracy holds back chip production. Data policy stifles innovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countries under centralized control can move much more quickly to build new AI infrastructure. China approved the construction of 10 new nuclear reactors last year alone, with 10 more coming online this year. Stargate is one way forward. I recently visited our first site in Abilene, Texas, where thousands of workers are building the largest AI training center in the country. Weve heard from other countries that want to build Stargates of their own to ensure their people can benefit from AIs transformative power. OpenAI for Countries is how we help make that happen. AI has brought the world to a historic crossroads. One path expands access to AI in ways that reflect democratic values and protect fundamental rights. The other leads to a future shaped by governments that reject those principles. This is the time to act by investing boldly at home and working with partners abroad to build a foundation of democratic AI that empowers people and expands opportunity. Chris Lehane is OpenAIs head of global affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In his farewell address to the nation more than 200 years ago, President George Washington warned the branches of government to confine themselves within their respective Constitutional spheres. Encroachment on other branches, he wrote, tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. Todays Republican Party never heard that advice. GOP majorities in the House and Senate have stood by as President Donald Trump has brazenly usurped congressional authority and evaded court rulings. But apparently that is not enough for them demonstrate their fealty to such a despotic executive. Now, the House GOP caucus is using the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act to try to further insulate the president from judicial accountability. Republicans snuck in a little noticed but very important provision into the megabill that would effectively remove from judges the ability to hold litigants who defy court orders in contempt. If the provision becomes law, it would be an unmitigated disaster for the Constitution and the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of page 562 of the 1,118-page bill, a brief section entitled Restriction on Enforcement says: No court of the United States may enforce a contempt citation for failure to comply with an injunction or temporary restraining order if no security was given when the injunction or order was issued pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c) whether issued prior to, on, or subsequent to the date of enactment of this section. Rule 65(c) says judges may only issue preliminary injunctions or temporary restraining orders if litigants provide a security bond in an amount that the court considers proper to pay the costs and damages sustained by any party found to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained. Judges have wide discretion on that amount, and, as The Intercepts Shawn Musgrave notes, the rule requiring such a financial guarantee is generally relaxed when the lawsuit alleges illegal conduct by the government. But no more, if House Republicans get their way. Under this provision, anyone seeking an injunction or restraining order would have to put up a financial bond, in an amount determined by the judge in the case, if the litigants wanted to keep alive that judges contempt power. As Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley School of Law, writes,Those seeking such court orders generally do not have the resources to post a bond, and insisting on it would immunize unconstitutional government conduct from judicial review. Whether the provision survives the Senate is unclear. The megabill is being passed under the budget reconciliation process, which is supposed to be used only for fiscal matters. A change to the rules around contempt would appear to be disqualified under that process, but already Senate Republicans have shown willingness to play fast and loose with the chambers procedures. If it does survive, the provision will go a long way toward neutering the courts and do more to insulate Trump from accountability than anything since the Supreme Courts scandalous decision all but eliminating the presidents criminal liability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This provision was clearly written with the current administration in mind. Note its seemingly odd application only to injunctions and restraining orders rather than to any use of the contempt power. And recall the number of times since Jan. 20 that courts have issued them to stop the administration from violating the law. If that wasnt enough to signal the way this provision would help the president, consider the part that would apply it to every order entered prior to its enactment all temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions. Conveniently, in none of the cases previously filed against the Trump administration has the security or the bonding requirement been fulfilled. Retroactive application of a newly enacted law is always problematic, and especially so in this instance. If this provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act becomes law, the judicial branch, which so far has done almost all the work of checking the administration will have an even harder time doing so. Without the power to hold parties in contempt, a restraining order or injunction issued is more a request than a command. Administration officials must be salivating. They know that contempt is a crucial weapon in the arsenal of any judge. It is used most often when one of the parties to a lawsuit or their attorneys disrupts court proceedings or disrespects the judge what is known as direct contempt. In such cases, the judge can hold someone in contempt without any kind of hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indirect contempt, on the other hand, occurs when a party ordered by the court to do, or refrain from doing, something fails to follow the court order. That is at issue in several high-profile cases, including the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The contempt power traces its origins to 14th-century England. In the Judiciary Act of 1789, Congress gave American courts the authority to punish by fine or imprisonment ... all contempts of authority in any cause or hearing before the same. In 1873, the Supreme Court said, The power to punish for contempts is inherent in all courts; its existence is essential to the preservation of order in judicial proceedings, and to the enforcement of the judgments, orders, and writs of the courts, and consequently to the due administration of justice. The moment the courts of the United States, the high court argued, were called into existence and invested with jurisdiction over any subject, they became possessed of this power. In 1924, the Court reaffirmed this view. Justice George Sutherland, in his majority opinion, explained, The power to punish for contempts is inherent in all courts has been many times decided, and may be regarded as settled law. It is essential to the administration of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that time, the court acknowledged Congress right to make rules regarding the contempt power. But, as Sutherland noted, the attributes which inhere in that power and are inseparable from it can neither be abrogated nor rendered practically inoperative. House Republicans version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would render the contempt power practically inoperative, expressing the same cavalier attitude toward the judicial branch as the current president. In light of the provisions dubious constitutional foundation, the first response to the GOPs effort should be political, not legal. Now would be a good time for Republicans in the Senate who call themselves constitutionalists to stand up and be counted. Or, failing that, for Americans to shame them into doing so. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Let the future of publishing begin, first lady Melania Trump declared on X last week. The future, in this instance, was the fact that the audiobook version of her memoir will be narrated entirely using artificial intelligence in my own voice. It was, in a number of ways, a perfect encapsulation of Trumps approach to her role in government, as a first lady who is doing the least and turning a profit off of it with few scruples. In an age where businesses are scrambling to apply AI to everything, Trumps announcement might not seem surprising. But it seems to be an obvious example of the technology going too far. Trumps memoir Melania discusses intimate details of her personal life, including her childhood in Slovenia; the night she met her husband, Donald Trump; and cruel allegations that her son, Barron, was autistic. It also includes political commentary, from questioning the 2020 election results to taking a pro-abortion-rights stance. While audiobooks are not always recorded in the voice of an author, a memoir about reclaiming narratives, sharing ones personal life and dispelling public misconceptions would seem to be a prime candidate for a narration in the authors own voice. For some listeners keen to develop a deeper understanding of a somewhat mysterious public figure, it may be disconcerting or alienating that a robot is reading aloud emotionally charged passages over the course of the seven-hour audiobook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet its also entirely in keeping with the former models desire to keep the public at a distance even while benefiting from its attention. Trumps tenure as first lady has been defined by her absence from regular duties an absence that has only increased during her second term, so far. She telegraphed this agenda during President Donald Trump's second inauguration in January, when she donned a navy boater-style hat that obscured her eyes for the entirety of the ceremony. First lady Melania Trump attends President Donald Trump's inauguration at the Capitol rotunda on Jan. 20. (Saul Loeb / Pool via Getty Images file) Melanias outfit, austere and darkly beautiful, unapproachable and severe, conveys a steely readiness and an intentional distance, MSNBCs Hannah Holland wrote at the time. We do not get access to her, perceived or otherwise. Earlier in May, The New York Times, citing people with knowledge of Trumps schedule, reported that she had spent fewer than 14 out of the first 108 days of her husbands term at the White House, and had delegated a number of the first ladys duties to her husband in her absence. Shes mostly holed up at Trump Tower in New York or at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, according to the Times. Katherine Jellison, a historian at Ohio University, told the Times that there hasnt been such a low-profile first lady since Bess Truman, nearly 80 years ago. Trumps decision to delegate the reading of her memoir to a robot seems entirely fitting with her apparent quiet quitting of the first ladys office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, her decision to herald her own AI-powered voice as a new era in publishing also spoke to how she simultaneously profits from her peculiar private-public status. Trump is inviting the public to see the AI-powered audio recording of her memoir as a futuristic innovation: not just a book, but an event. That Trump is championing the application of AI technology where human labor would clearly be appropriate fits neatly with a political movement allied to a capitalist class searching for ways to make human labor obsolete as quickly as possible. Trump shares with her husband a penchant for scammy business opportunities that trade on her status as a White House figure. She launched a meme coin, $MELANIA, 43 hours after her husband launched the official $TRUMP token, in a market that, as the Financial Times put it, lacks even the level of regulation that governs the sale of Beanie Babies. She has also scored an extraordinary sum of money in a deal with Amazon for a documentary series. The documentary is meant to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the life of the first lady. But it seems like yet another opportunity for her to try to control her image while making a good chunk of change in the process. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com As former superintendents who have led large, complex public school systems and worked closely with hundreds more, we know the tension between urgency and constraint that defines system leadership. Weve each shouldered the responsibility of ensuring every student is served while navigating community aspirations, political scrutiny, fiscal constraints, and legacy systems. Weve seen where and how innovation thrives and where systems fall short, as even the most well-intentioned and dedicated leaders run headfirst into rigid structures not built for adaptability. We know the stakes, and weve seen what happens when the system cannot meet the moment. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Todays challenges are increasingly urgent and complex. Learner gaps. Enrollment shifts. Educator shortages. Political flashpoints. Family demands. And beneath it all, a widening chasm between what students experience in school and what they need to thrive in a world shaped by automation, AI, and accelerating change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public microschools offer a focused, actionable path forward in this era of uncertainty and opportunity. These small, purpose-built, learning environments give public schools and their communities the power to design experiences that are deeply personalized, flexible, and malleable without waiting for entire systems to shift. They can serve students, empower educators, and address community needs. While the idea isnt new, todays reality is. This is not about boutique innovation. Public microschools are a turning point and an invitation to broadly reimagine how we design for relevance and responsiveness inside public systems. They can restore the connection between what students need and what schools provide to transform how we deliver on the promise of public education. At Getting Smart Collective, Learner-Centered Collaborative, and Transcend, we are not only observers of the microschool movement, we are active partners in shaping it. Our organizations are deeply embedded in designing, launching, and supporting microschools that are centered on learners and grounded in community context. We came together to create the Public Microschool Playbook because we know that innovation is possible when leaders and educators are trusted to design with clarity of purpose and with learners at the center. Weve worked alongside system leaders, leveraging public microschools to serve disengaged students, pilot bold learning models, or meet unique needs within their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These efforts arent side projects; theyre strategic priorities that reflect a broader shift in whats possible. These are places where educators rediscover purpose, students go from feeling invisible to being known, families are empowered, and communities are connected. Related Exclusive Report: As Movement Grows, Microschools Arent So Micro Anymore Across the country, public microschools are addressing student needs and catalyzing broader transformation across rural, suburban, and urban areas. In Pitt County, North Carolina, district leaders launched microschools that blend virtual and in-person learning to re-engage chronically absent students. In Los Angeles, microschools support youth experiencing homelessness and newcomer students through deeply personalized support and wraparound services. At Myrtle Elementary School in Lamont, California, the district created a public microschool grounded in project-based learning (PBL). Escondido Union School District in San Diego County launched microschools at Central Elementary and Hidden Valley Middle School, which feature interdisciplinary schedules, advisory and wellness blocks, community-connected PBL, and exhibitions of learning. The early results at Hidden Valley are inspiring: Out-of-school suspensions are down 60%, attendance is up 10%, and i-Ready test scores show academic improvements in both ELA and math. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Wisconsin, educators designed three interdisciplinary PBL-focused microschools within Kettle Moraine School High School. In Edgecombe County, North Carolina, a rural district launched a microschool to pilot a student-centered model grounded in identity, community, and purpose. What began with 30 students led to multiple design iterations, ultimately transforming the student experience at North Edgecombe High School and Phillips Middle School, serving hundreds of students in grades 6 to 12, and inspiring redesign efforts across the district rooted in belonging and relevance. Related Exclusive: Microschools Fill Niche for Students with Disabilities, Survey Shows Demand is growing for resources to support the creation of public microschools like these. As weve begun to share the playbook with leaders nationwide, their response has been clear: Microschools offer a realistic and hopeful path forward. System leaders recognize the need to transform how learning happens, but theyre also navigating constraints that can make wholesale change feel out of reach. Public microschools meet this moment by making it possible to start small, stay grounded in community needs, and move more rapidly toward meaningful, learner-centered innovation. The Public Microschool Playbook is a practical guide for leaders who are ready to move from idea to action. It walks through three critical phases: planning, designing, and implementing. Each section includes guiding questions, tips, and real-world examples to support thoughtful design and strategic decision-making. There are strategies for leveraging policy flexibilities, designing staffing and scheduling models, aligning new approaches with financial plans, and launching with a strong culture and clear purpose. Attention to opportunity and access is woven throughout, helping ensure that microschools are designed to serve the students who need them most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public microschools are among todays most promising strategies for creating a future-aligned education system. They allow leaders to create focused, learner-centered environments that can inform and inspire broader transformation across the system. The playbook is available in multiple formats to meet leaders where they are at various entry points. The work cant wait. And neither can we. Use what you need. Share what you learn. And lets keep building the future of public education together. Explore the interactive digital version, download the 75+ page PDF, or use the editable digital workbooks. Access everything and sign up to receive updates at: publicmicroschools.com The 74 and Getting Smart both receive financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Stand Together, Walton Family Foundation and XQ Institute. Margaret Atwood is often asked where she got the inspiration for her magnum opus, The Handmaids Tale. In interviews, she tends to answer the same way: The Handmaids Tale comes from real events. Everything in the novel, shell say, looking straight into the camera or squarely into the face of a fan, has already occurred. History repeats itself; that much we know. Everything in the novel is still occurring. It happened on the MSNBC franchise I write and produce: the Velshi Banned Book Club. Atwood sat down for an interview with host Ali Velshi and clearly elucidated that she was far more worried today than when she wrote the novel in 1985. Just one day later, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Her worry, it seemed, was correctly placed. Its hard not to think about that prescience, that condemning foresight, when watching the sixth and final season of the 15 Emmy award-winning Hulu adaptation of Atwoods novel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While its hard to say enough about Elizabeth Moss stunning portrayal of June in Hulus The Handmaids Tale, in this final season, which concluded Monday, what or who rings the truest to me in our present political moment is the character of Serena Joy, played by Yvonne Strahovski. When the series debuted in 2017, there was no meaningful Trad Wife movement or any other so publicized return to traditionalism. We saw glimmers of an uptick in women-led conservatism, in the 52% of white women who voted for Donald Trump the first time he ran for office, for example. But Serena still felt paradoxical to me. If youre somehow unfamiliar with the book, television, stage or film adaptation, The Handmaids Tale takes place in a near-future America called the Republic of Gilead, now governed by a theocratic dictatorship. With much of the population left infertile from environmental disasters, Gilead has implemented forced surrogacy and sexual slavery. (Indeed, the environmental component of the book has become alarmingly more relevant, but that is best left explored for another column.) Fertile handmaids, a term and concept taken directly from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament, are enslaved, raped by high-ranking officials, impregnated and then forced to surrender their children to their rapists and their complicit wives. Our hero, June, is one such handmaid. Strahovskis Serena, one of the shows most callous and complex antagonists, is the wife of Commander Waterford, to whom June is enslaved. The first season of the show follows the novel very closely, but the subsequent seasons are the creation of Bruce Miller with input from Atwood. A true believer in Gilead, Serena is not a woman carried by the tide of a regressive Puritanical movement out of her control. Serena herself helped make the waves. It was her Cult of Domesticity-type polemic, her written work and public-facing persona, that helped create Gilead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Season six opens with June and Serena, joined once again by fate, on a train with other women seeking refuge from Gilead. As the two women speak about the horrors they have experienced in Gilead with other refugees, someone exposes Serena by calling her by her notorious married name: Mrs. Waterford. The refugees want revenge, and Serena, now a war criminal for the role she played in Gilead, doesnt back down. Before Gilead, America was full of whores, she tells them, with indignant eyes and gritted teeth. Women were getting raped and killed every day, and nobody cared, and that was your country. You were unfit. I am not responsible for your tragedies; your children were not taken from you, they werent stolen, they were saved. God hated America because America turned their back on God, and God took your country away. God bless, America. Serena is always both an oppressor and a victim. This consistent duality, up until the very end when Serena marries another Gilead Commander under the false pretense that he is one of the good and progressive ones, is one of the most compelling aspects of the show. Why? Because Serena, as a phenomenon and as a woman, is real. Many American women perpetuate and then ultimately suffer under patriarchal structures. Their reasons for aligning themselves with an oppressor may be varied, but the outcome will always be the same. There is no room for women in a world like that. Serena proves that to us. Like the increasingly popular conservative influencers who substantially profit from advocating a return to biblical subservience, Serena is incongruous. Crucially, The Handmaids Tale doesnt demand we view her in any one way. Serena is nuanced, willing to bend the rules of the society she created to meet her own needs and sometimes sympathetic. She, too, has suffered physical and emotional abuse. In the final episode, Serena apologizes to June while boarding a bus bound for a U.N. refugee camp. Tearfully, holding her son, Noah, wrapped in blankets, she says, When I recall some of the things that were done to you and the things that I did and that I forced you to do, Im ashamed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement June forgives her, the two women embrace, and Serena gets on the bus. After, a U.S. Commander commends Junes generous forgiveness. June demurs and says, You have to start somewhere. Like so much of this show and the source material, that small moment is thought-provoking. Is forgiveness the place to start? Serena no longer feels improbable to me. Atwood warned us, in the pages and in the scenes of The Handmaids Tale, that women like Serena have existed and will continue to exist. I dont know why I didnt believe her. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Congressional Republicans' idea of giving every newborn a $1,000 investment account is an obvious political ploy that doesn't nearly make up for the damage that President Donald Trump's other policies are doing to working-class families. The proposal is half-hearted, the amount is too small and the name of the accounts is unecessary. But it's still a good idea. Under the "big beautiful" spending bill passed by House Republicans early Thursday morning, every baby born from the start of this year to Dec. 31, 2028 would receive $1,000 that would be invested on their behalf in financial markets in a special new account named after Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recipients could withdraw the money later in life for certain expenses such as paying for college, buying a house or starting a small business. Let's work through the objections first. First, like the "senior bonus," the so-called Trump Accounts are clearly meant to distract from the fact that the Republican bill would cut food assistance for hungry children, kick millions of Americans off Medicaid, reduce taxes on the wealthy and raise them on the poor, and blow a $3 trillion hole in the deficit, possibly leading to the end of American economic dominance. To which my response is: Yeah, and? The fact that it's an obvious political gimmick doesn't really affect whether or not it's a good idea. Neither does the fact that it's tucked into a bill that is otherwise bad. In fact, the proposal borrows the basic framework from a "baby bonds" proposal that Democratic Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Ayanna Pressley pushed unsuccessfully throughout President Joe Biden's administration that was widely praised on the left as a way to reduce the racial wealth gap while boosting working-class families of all races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the Booker-Pressley proposal, every child would get $1,000 in a savings account and as much as $2,000 more each year up to age 18, depending on the family's income. By contrast, the Trump accounts only include the initial $1,000 deposit, though parents could add up to $5,000 a year of their own money up to age 18. Those seemingly minor changes make a huge difference. If a lower-income family added no money to their Trump account, after 18 years that $1,000 would have grown to around $2,000, if we assume a generous 4% rate of return. That's about enough to pay for textbooks, maybe, but not college. Even if they waited until age 30 to use it to buy a house or start a business, it would still only be around $3,000, which would cover your title fee and some other side costs, but otherwise not help much. By comparison, a poor kid with a Booker-Pressley account would have more than $50,000 at age 18 and more than $85,000 at age 30 literally life-changing amounts of money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only do the proposed Trump Accounts not help poor kids, they might actually disadvantage them further. By allowing parents to contribute, Trump Accounts would end up helping wealthier families more. Assuming a family put the maximum $5,000 per year into the account, that would add up to more than $130,000 at age 18 and more than $210,000 at age 30. You can't necessarily call those life-changing amounts, however, since the only kids who end up with that much are those whose parents already had enough means to set aside $5,000 a year. It's not clear wealthy families even need this. They can already put money in 529 college savings plans, private investment accounts for minors and even custodial accounts for bonds on TreasuryDirect. The Trump Accounts would also only be available to newborns who are U.S. citizens whose parents both have Social Security numbers. (As it's written now, this only applies if the parent claiming the credit is married.) This seems clearly aimed at making it harder for immigrants to qualify especially since the Trump administration is currently in court arguing against the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship and reportedly tried to strip Social Security numbers from thousands of immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The name is also distasteful to many Democrats. Originally called MAGA Accounts (supposedly for "Money Account for Growth and Advancement," which is up there with "chai tea" and "ATM machine" for redundant names), they were renamed Trump Accounts at the last minute, sparking complaints from House Democrats that the GOP would be "screaming bloody murder" if they had tried to name savings accounts for President Barack Obama. So, to recap: The proposal would do little for poor kids and give wealthy families yet another government-approved investment account while providing some political cover for a massively regressive spending bill that will damage America's long-term future. Oh, and the $1,000 payments for newborns would stop right as Trump is leaving office. Still, I say it's a good idea. Here's why. The biggest mistake that both Republicans and Democrats make when considering a proposal from the other side is to treat it as static. Good ideas often start as bad ones, and good policies often grow out of flawed ones. When it started in 1935, Social Security didn't cover agricultural or domestic workers, which meant it disproportionately excluded African Americans. But over time, it was expanded. Today, it is more fair and actually helps Black and Hispanic workers more due to the way benefits are structured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four-year time limit might even be a blessing in disguise, as it gives the next president an obvious demand to "extend the Trump Accounts" while tinkering with them to make them more like the Booker-Pressley baby bonds. If they're smart, they'll even leave the Trump name on them, to make it that much more painful for Republicans to vote against the extension. The fact that they began under a Republican president will also make it easier to respond to wild claims of "socialism." Like the kids they're meant to help, the Trump baby bonds are still in their infancy. But one day, they might grow up to be something great. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The All-Ukrainian Bakers Association and the Union of Millers of Ukraine in partnership with Agro Marketing Agency announce the Third National Forum Bread Industry-2025 to be held in Uman on June 12-13, 2025. The general partner of the event is Lesaffre Ukraine. The quality control partner is SocTrade. Banquet partner is Bistro Pekarya Uman. The conference is supported by the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agrarian Policy, Cherkasy Regional State Administration and Ukrainian Business Council. Venue: Uman National University of Horticulture (1 Instytutska St., Uman, Cherkasy region). ABOUT THE CONFERENCE The Forum Bread Industry - 2025 is a key event in the Ukrainian bakery market, bringing together more than 220 participants, including leading bread and bakery producers, investors, food industry, retail and distribution specialists, scientists and government officials. The event is accompanied by a parallel exhibition of equipment for grain processing, flour production, bakery products, packaging, energy, etc. CONFERENCE AUDIENCE Managers and owners of bakeries, confectioneries and bakeries, producers of flour, flour products, cereals, pasta and other grain processing companies; retailers, suppliers of packaging, raw materials, ingredients, equipment and technologies, government officials and other participants of the agro-industrial and related sectors. MAIN AREAS OF DISCUSSION, PRESENTATIONS AND EXPOSITIONS Macroeconomics. State and prospects of the Ukrainian bread industry Partnership with retailers, distributors and HoReCa Health and functionality of bakery products with superfoods Development of frozen bakery products production Sustainable development and environmental friendliness Use of alternative types of flour (from insects, algae, etc.) Use of digital technologies for bread marketing and sales Implementation of modern bread packaging and storage technologies Expanding exports of bakery products to new markets Not just bread: pasta, cereals, snacks Adaptation of products to local tastes and cultural characteristics Implementation of robotic systems, 3D printing and artificial intelligence to automate production processes, create unique products and optimize production CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE CONFERENCE Cost* Payment terms To participate 12000 UAH Until May 16 (inclusive) 14500 UAH After May 16 * The cost is indicated for one delegate from the company DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS: 20% - for members of the All-Ukrainian Association of Bakers and the Union of Millers of Ukraine 20% - for three or more participants from one legal entity Discounts are not cumulative! PAYMENT OF THE REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES: Participation in the conference of one delegate Receipt of conference materials Coffee breaks, lunches and all events provided within the conference Off-site sessions and excursions within the conference Attendance at the banquet and networking BOOKING OF ACCOMMODATION Lomo Hotel Uman For conference participants in the period from June 11 to 13, 2024, a 15% discount on accommodation is provided. You can book at a special rate by contacting the reservation department. The code phrase is Grain Growers of Ukraine. Contacts of the reservation department: 0965460007, 0737460007, [email protected] www.lomohotel.com.ua Hotel address: 37 Velyka Fontanna Street, Uman, Cherkasy region, 20301 Hotel complex Fortecya Uman Contacts of the reservation department: +38 (050) 440-23-57, +38 (067) 470-03-11, +38 (099) 750-11-56 +38 (050) 464-04-76 (restaurant) Email: [email protected], https://www.fortecya.net.ua/ Hotel address - Ukraine, 20300, Cherkasy region, Uman, 52 Fortechna str. ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Participation as a sponsor or partner of the conference Placement of a banner in the conference hall, in the lobby in front of the conference hall Placement of an exhibition space in the lobby in front of the conference hall Including advertising and souvenir products of the company in the participant's package If you have any questions about participation, advertising, or making a presentation, please contact the event coordinators: That was the assessment of the Trump administration recently offered in a private conversation with a senior European diplomat from a major NATO country. That gloomy view of transatlantic relations is widely shared in Europe, and not just because a leaked Signals chat revealed that the U.S. vice president and secretary of defense privately described Europeans as pathetic geopolitical freeloaders. Or because of the administrations brusque treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, and relative coddling of Russian strongman Vladimir Putin. Nor is it simply about Trumps unilateral imposition of tariffs or recent insistence that the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. The gloom is not even primarily about Trumps threats to take Greenland from Denmark by force if necessary or to make Canada the 51st U.S. state, even though those comments were deeply insulting to both NATO allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At core, the profound unease that has descended over European capitals is about being left largely leaderless at a time of vulnerability and great peril, with the Russian bear on the prowl on the continent, Chinese mercantilism threatening the European economic model and Washington constantly casting doubt over the future of the alliance they have relied on for decades. The Trump administration has been so slow to appoint senior State and Defense Department officials to key positions in Europe, and so unwilling to issue definitive guidance on a host of major issues, that some senior American military officers on the continent have reportedly taken to asking their European counterparts for insights into what is actually happening back in Washington, D.C. For all those reasons, the upcoming June 24 to 25 NATO Summit in The Hague is shaping up as one of the most consequential and uncertain in the alliances history. Americas closest allies have a host of questions and the Trump administration is providing few answers. Will the U.S. follow through on rumored troop withdrawals from Germany, or even from Europe writ large? Will it surrender the position of Supreme Allied Commander-Europe, always held by a senior U.S. military officer in the past, further eroding American leadership in Europe? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will Trump offer critical backing for a European coalition willing to put troops on the ground to guarantee Ukraines sovereignty in the event of a peace deal with Russia? How will the Trump administration react if a settlement is reached and Russia repositions hundreds of thousands of battle-hardened troops on NATOs eastern border? Can Europe even still trust in the American nuclear umbrella? What NATO allies most fear at the upcoming summit is that President Trump, in a fit of made-for-television pique similar to his Oval Office dressing down of Zelensky, might upend the geostrategic chessboard and walk away. They recall his outburst last year, encouraging Russia to do whatever the hell they want to any NATO member nation that doesnt meet the alliances target of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense. Trump has more recently doubled the ante, saying allies should be spending 5 percent of GDP on defense, even though the U.S. does not even reach that thresholdm spending roughly 3.4 percent of GDP on defense. Certainly, European allies have not forgotten the havoc Trump unleashed at his first NATO summit in 2018 when he publicly berated allies and threatened to pull the U.S. out of the alliance altogether if they didnt increase defense spending. That pressure, combined with the growing threat of Putins Russia, has resulted in 23 out of the 32 NATO countries reaching the 2 percent target today, up from three in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The larger issue is that the transatlantic alliance and its one for all, and all for one commitment, expressed in somewhat vague terms in Article V of NATOs treaty, is built on a foundation of trust. The cracks in that foundation are widening, especially given the disruptions of recent months. John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, has stated publicly that Trumps ultimate goal remains laying the groundwork for withdrawing the U.S. from NATO. Trump has essentially said that the nation was stuck with this consensus since 1945 that the U.S. was going to carry the world on its back, and it turns out that status quo was very brittle, said author and historian H.W. Brands Jr., speaking recently at an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations. After just a few months back in office, he noted, Trump has already upended the expectations other nations have in terms of U.S. foreign policy and security guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other nations that had the expectation that U.S. presidents will all value past commitments, and that they can rely on the United States to the extent that some dont need their own independent foreign and defense policies, like Germany and Japan, are now hearing from the White House that were not interested in defending the rest of the world, said Brands. When U.S. voters elect a president who insists he wants to make Canada the 51st state, Im not sure you can ever get back that trust. James Kitfield is a senior fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress, and a three-time recipient of the Gerald R. Ford Award for Distinguished Reporting on National Defense. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An expert told Channel 9 that tourists from the U.S. and other countries might avoid traveling altogether due to economic concerns. According to Geovany Dias, the Orlando International Airport was busier than usual for this holiday weekend. One traveler shared, We make regular trips down hereits just a joy for us to be here. Families are arriving in Central Florida, and most of them told Channel 9 they are excited about the warm weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporter Geovany Dias asked travelers, Whats the most exciting part about being in Orlando for you? A traveler responded, The weather, and in Indiana, we dont have palm trees. Once again, Orlando is the top destination for domestic travel, which benefits local businesses. Felipe Andre from Gostoso Bakery explained, After school finishes, thats when people start to come. Families start to travel to Orlando to enjoy the parks, the Orlando area, all that good stuff. Reports indicate that over 150,000 people are passing through the airport every single day since last Thursday. However, with concerns regarding tariffs, some experts predict a potential change in travel numbers next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Hornung from the National Economic Council stated, We are seeing a lot of indications that consumers are worried about the prices of the range of things going up, and that just leaves less money at the month for the discretionary things, like big trips. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Only two of the 10 New Orleans jail escapees remain on the run Tuesday after police captured two men Monday following a high-speed pursuit in Texas and another man they found sitting on a bench in Louisiana thanks to an anonymous tip. Police dashboard and body camera footage, obtained by The Associated Press, appears to show two escapees Leo Tate, 31, and Jermaine Donald, 42 fleeing from police, reaching speeds up to 80 mph (129 kph), in a white SUV in Walker County, Texas. The vehicle zoomed past police cars, made a U-turn and headed the wrong way on a divided state highway. The men eventually pulled over and surrendered to police, who descended upon the stopped vehicle with their rifles drawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They just ended up giving it up, said Huntsville Police Lt. Wade Roberts. Additional details about the chase, including how long it lasted, were not immediately available. Back in Louisiana, an anonymous tip from a concerned citizen led to the capture of another fugitive. Lenton Vanburen Jr., 26, was found Monday evening sitting on a bench near a department store in Baton Rouge approximately 78 miles (125 kilometers) from the jail he and nine others escaped from earlier this month, police said. Authorities also said Monday that five people were arrested for assisting Vanburen following the audacious jail escape through a hole behind a toilet. Three of those people share the same last name as Vanburen, including Lenton Vanburen Sr. All five were charged with accessory after the fact a crime that involves harboring, concealing or aiding a felon who is avoiding arrest, trial, conviction or punishment which is punishable by up to five years in prison. Still on the lam are Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groves, 27, was convicted on two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder last year for his role in the 2018 Mardi Gras Day shootings of two men. He also faces a charge of battery against a correctional facility employee, court records show. Massey, 33, has a lengthy criminal history. In March, he was booked on charges of motor vehicle theft and domestic abuse battery involving strangulation. He is also wanted by St. Tammany Parish authorities on suspicion of kidnapping and rape, law enforcement officials told The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. Authorities have urged the public to call police with any information that may lead to the capture of Groves and Massey, and are offering $20,000 in rewards for tips leading to their arrest. The bold New Orleans jailbreak occurred nearly two weeks ago, when the inmates yanked open a faulty cell door inside a jail, squeezed through a hole behind a toilet, scaled a barbed-wire fence and fled into the cover of darkness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities didn't learn of the escape until a morning headcount, hours after the 10 men bolted for freedom. Graffiti was left on the wall at the scene of the crime, a message that read To Easy LoL, with an arrow pointing to the gap where the toilet once was. City and state officials have pointed to multiple security lapses in the jail. Conditions had been deteriorating in the jail in the months before the escape, with unsupervised inmates smoking marijuana without fear of consequences and fashioning weapons out of brooms, mops and buckets, according to a new report released Tuesday by an independent watchdog monitoring a 2013 federal consent decree that was intended to reform the jail. The monitor urged Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson to reestablish a high-security unit in the jail, noting the unrelenting violence among inmates thats made the facility not reasonably safe and secure. Hutson, a progressive reformer, had abandoned the practice of housing certain inmates in a high-security setting after taking office in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the inmate-on-inmate assaults occur because staff allow inmates out of their cells and leave them unsupervised, or inmates are able to manipulate the locks on their cells to open them, the monitors wrote in the report, which was written before this months escape. - Associated Press writers Jim Mustian in New York and Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report. OSWEGO, N.Y. (WSYR) SUNY Oswegos storm-chasing student team, the Oswego Chasers, is hitting the road again on Tuesday, May 27. Dr. Scott Steiger, professor of meteorology and Director of LESPaRC, spent Memorial Day preparing his class and visiting students from states in the northeast for the annual summer expedition in the Great Plains. Students were testing instruments, such as a Radiosonde weather balloon, that would be vital to their research in the field. Dr. Steiger told his team the tool measures moisture, temperature, and wind at least 10 miles above the surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students from as far as Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, along with Oswego-based students, will be split into three teams to focus on forecasting, equipment care, and logistics. Because their focus is on forecasting daily, each team observes, takes measurements, and compares their data from earlier in the day with the data at the end. That really can help to determine whether or not were in a good place towhere thunderstorms may develop, Dr. Steiger said. Dr. Steiger has been preparing his band of misfit meteorologists all semester long to take on Tornado Alley for two weeks, a tradition he has loved since 2007. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One day well be in Texas, he said. Two days later, we could be in Montana. David Rienza, a SUNY Oswego 2024-25 graduate, said he has always been fascinated by storms in New York State but is ready to observe them on a larger scale. We get severe thunderstorms, but theyre nothing compared to, you know, how severejust how massive they are out in the Plains, Rienza said. During the instrument demonstration, the professors team agreed they were ready to put their skills and tools to the test. We can actually plot it ourselves, Kaitlin Farrell, a senior, said. We get to collect that data that we, normally, are kind of givenwith these instruments, we can actually see how this stuff works! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior Jason Ruiz, an avid astronomy enthusiast, cannot wait to apply his knowledge of Earth and space science while studying the skies. It brings excitement to meknowing that what Im looking at on the screen is actually happening, like, in large scale around me, Ruiz said. As Dr. Steiger prepares to pack the vagabond fleet of vans in the morning, he said he never ceases to look forward to his favorite part of any trip. When were out watching a stormI have my iPad, and were looking at the radar imagery of the storm, and theyre comparing what theyre visually seeing to what they see on the radar screen and you can just see when they make that connection in their eyes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oswego Chases depart at 7 a.m. and hope to be storm-chasing in Western Oklahoma by Wednesday evening. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK (PIX11) New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday that $30 million will be allocated to transform vacant lots into green spaces. Mayor Adams also launched We Outside Summer, a new initiative featuring events, investments, and programs across the five boroughs to ensure a safe, enjoyable summer for New Yorkers. More Local News We know New Yorkers across the five boroughs are looking for more places to enjoy the warmer weather with friends and loved ones, said Adams. Today, were announcing a new effort to turn vacant, abandoned lots into parks bringing more green spaces to neighborhoods across New York City that dont currently have access to them. This initiative builds on our administrations commitment to put a park within walking distance of a park because access to parks is critical, and as summer arrives, were working hard to deliver green spaces to the areas most in need across the five boroughs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York City Parks Department submitted Uniform Land Use Review Procedure applications for 44 sites in Brooklyn and Queens. Officials said some neighborhood sites include East New York, Jackson Heights, and East Elmhurst. According to NYC.gov, ULURP is New York Citys approval process for changes to how land is used, as required by the City Charter. Not all sites will be converted into parkland. Officials said additional sites will be announced in the coming months. The Adams administration says it has committed $80 million to expand green spaces in the city since taking office. For more information on We Outside Summer, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. More than 50 cars were broken into and four stolen from Lexington neighborhoods on Friday night, less than a week after the same thievery happened in another Massachusetts community about 10 miles away. The slew of break-ins happened in the early overnight hours of May 24, at homes near Route 2 and Route 28 in Lexington, according to the police department. Over 50 reports were filed by residents of the neighborhoods all of whom had left their cars either unlocked or with the keys inside that Friday night, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incidents are all under investigation by Lexington police, with collaboration between regional detective groups and other communities that have experienced similar recent activities, the department said. Just days prior, a dozen cars in Reading were broken into and two were stolen. Credit cars were also stolen in those thefts, which happened between 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, and 2 a.m. on Monday, May 19, Reading police said. The break-ins and thefts happened on Spruce Road, Marla Lane, Covey Hill Road, Henzie Street, Spring Street, Criterion Road, Gardner Road and Rice Road. The Lexington Police Department strongly urged residents to make sure their cars are locked, their valuables are out of plain sight and to report suspicious activity to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on the break-ins is asked to contact Lexington Detective Jeff Chaisson at jchaisson@lexingtonma.gov. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. DODGEVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) A routine traffic stop in Iowa County led to a significant drug bust, thanks to the sharp instincts of K9 officer Sam. A Facebook post from the Iowa County Sheriffs Office says around 9:41 p.m. on USH-151 near Exit 44, a deputy pulled over a Volkswagen for a suspended registration ties to unpaid parking tickets. Images courtesy of the Iowa County Sheriffs Office Officers reported suspicious behavior during the traffic stop from the occupants which led to the deployment of K9 Sam, who alerted them to the presence of narcotics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search of the vehicle uncovered 7.7 ounces of methamphetamine hidden in a lockable bag in the trunk. Police: Person in Appleton battling life-threatening injuries after riding outside of vehicle The post says two women were arrested. 35-year-old Victoria K. Heisz of Gays Mills was charged with felony possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. She is being held without bond and is under a probation hold. 50-year-old Angela Marie Thomas of Juneau faces multiple charges including felony drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing an officer. She is also being held without bond, with a $300 cash bond for the obstruction charge. Sheriff Michael Peterson credited K9 Sam for the successful seizure, highlighting the dogs critical role in narcotics enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further information was released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. During an official visit to Georgia, Rov??n Rust?mov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), held a meeting with Lasa Abashidze, the newly appointed Director General of Georgian Railways JSC, Azernews reports. According to a statement by Azerbaijan Railways, Rust?mov congratulated his Georgian counterpart on the new appointment and wished him success in his new role. The two sides discussed the future of bilateral cooperation in the transport and logistics sectors, particularly focusing on enhancing the efficiency of international transit corridors passing through Azerbaijan and Georgia. Emphasis was placed on improving EastWestEast cargo transportation routes and maximizing the potential of the Middle Corridor. Special attention was given to the strategic role of the BakuTbilisiKars (BTK) railway in boosting regional freight traffic. The leaders also exchanged views on strengthening the activities of the joint venture BTKI Railways LLC to optimize BTK operations and attract new cargo flows. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/ In Kyiv, as part of the international initiative, the Tallinn Mechanism Project Office, has started its work, which will work at the intersection of project management, cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said. "Today, the most technological war in history is being waged against Ukraine. In addition to the physical destruction caused by missile strikes, the country faces waves of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure every day. In such conditions, the support of international partners governments and the private sector is key to the country's digital resilience. Realizing that the effectiveness of such support is possible only under conditions of well-coordinated coordination, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated the creation of the Tallinn Mechanism. It has become a platform that has united the efforts of a number of partner countries to jointly combat cyber threats and protect Ukraine's digital infrastructure. The opening of a project office in Kyiv is designed to strengthen coordination between partners and ensure stable, long-term support for Ukraine's digital security," Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine for European Integration Valeria Ionan said. The Tallinn Mechanism was launched in 2023 as an international response to growing cyber threats and Russian aggression. It aims to strengthen Ukraines defense against cyberattacks by making international support as effective and coordinated as possible among partner countries. The Tallinn Mechanism includes 11 countries: the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the United States, France, and Sweden. The European Union and NATO have official observer status. The current chair countries of the initiative are France and Estonia. "The format of the Tallinn Mechanism Project Office is unique it allows donors to pool resources, avoid duplication of efforts and support Ukraine where it is really needed. For Estonia, this initiative is not just about cyber assistance, but about building a strong digital coalition around Ukraine," Ambassador-at-Large for Cyber Diplomacy, Department of Digital and Cyber Diplomacy of Estonia Tanel Sepp said. Among the key areas of Tallinn Mechanism Project Office's work is supporting the functioning of the Catalogue. This is an online platform that simplifies interaction between donors and Ukrainian institutions. With the help of the Catalogue, recipients submit cybersecurity projects, and international donors select the most relevant initiatives for them and support them. The Tallinn Mechanism Project Office will also facilitate the involvement of the private sector (Ukrainian and international cyber companies) in the implementation of projects within the Tallinn Mechanism. Thus, private business will be able to become part of the Tallinn Mechanism ecosystem and participate in the implementation of specific initiatives: from identifying cyber threats and responding to incidents to improving the qualification level of Ukrainian cybersecurity specialists. This article is made possible through Spotlight PAs collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. Sign up for Votebeats free newsletters here. Pennsylvania voters went to the polls last week to help carry on a centuries-old practice that no other state does: elections to choose their election workers. It was a great idea in the 1800s that they never got rid of, said Thad Hall, Mercer Countys election director, who just oversaw a primary to select the Democratic and Republican candidates for more than 150 poll worker positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Counties are still finalizing the results from the May 20 election. The counting includes the slow process of tabulating write-in votes, as many races dont have candidates listed on the ballot. In Mercer County, roughly 50% of the positions did not have a nominated candidate, Hall said, and he suspects a lot of his open positions wont have a candidate on the ballot in November, either. There are over 9,000 voting precincts in the state, and each has three positions that need to be elected: a judge of election, and a majority and minority inspector. That means every four years, the state needs to elect more than 27,000 workers. Rarely are there enough candidates to compete in all those races. Hall said people have been known to write in their friends or family members as a joke, and those people end up winning sometimes with just a single vote. You email people and theyre like, Are you serious? Are you kidding? And then theyve got to decide if they want to do it, he said. People think youre pulling their leg, because someone was pulling their leg in the first place. The end of the road in Rhode Island Historians say Pennsylvania has been electing poll workers since 1799. According to data from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, its the only state in the country that directly elects the poll workers who run voting precincts. Most states choose them through appointment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in Pennsylvania, if no candidate is elected in November, or the elected candidate resigns, county election directors are permitted to appoint someone to the position. Some New England states elect town officials who oversee voting locations as part of their job, but they dont necessarily elect workers for every precinct, instead hiring or appointing additional people. Most states have adopted an appointment system. The last state to do away with the practice of electing election workers was Rhode Island, in 2009. Former Rhode Island state Rep. Michael Marcello, a Democrat, wrote the bill that ended those elections. He said at the time that the change would prevent these positions from being politicized. But co-sponsor Scott Pollard, also a Democrat, recalled that there was also a more practical reason: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were having tremendous difficulty actually getting people to put their name on a ballot to run. One deterrent, Pollard said, was that would-be poll workers in Rhode Island were required to file the financial forms that political candidates often have to submit to disclose any potential financial conflicts of interest. People are willing to do community service, he said, but you cant make them jump through too many hoops to do it. In Pennsylvania, poll worker candidates dont have to file statements of financial interest, but there are other hoops they have to jump through. As in Rhode Island, poll workers here run as partisans in the primary. To get on the primary ballot, they have to file nomination petitions, signed by enough local voters. A candidate for election judge, who oversees the voting precinct, must obtain signatures from 10 qualified voters. A candidate for inspector, who signs in voters and checks their registrations among other tasks, must get five signatures to qualify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jay Schneider, a Chester County resident who served as an appointed judge in his precinct for the 2024 election, told Votebeat and Spotlight PA in March that these hurdles were part of the reason he chose not to run for the position this year. But not getting on the primary ballot isnt necessarily a barrier, given the lack of demand for the job. Someone whos breathing: The struggle to find poll workers Hall, from Mercer County, said the kind of all-appointment system that most states use would help election directors. It would make it easier to move workers around if there are personality conflicts, and to remove problematic workers if needed. Additionally, it would save them the logistical burden of having hundreds of extra positions on their ballots. Jeff Greenburg, a former election director who now works for the good-government group Committee of Seventy, said that switching to an all-appointment system may solve some of the administrative problems with electing poll workers, but he wants to see more solid evidence that the switch would fix the bigger issue of poll worker shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania election officials, like many elsewhere, have struggled to keep their precincts fully staffed in recent years. As one person said, We just want someone whos breathing, said Devin Rhoads, Snyder Countys election director. Rhoads argues that electing poll workers has benefits, too, such as imbuing the positions with an added sense of responsibility. If a person is elected, it carries more weight, Rhoads said, adding that those workers will have the mindset of, Well, l signed up for this. If youre appointed, maybe it kind of gives you a little bit of wiggle room, like, Well, I was just appointed, I can get out of it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The catch in this logic is that people actually have to be willing to run for the poll worker positions. And in many places, they arent. Rhoads estimates that roughly two-thirds of Snyder Countys election worker positions wont have candidates on the ballot in the fall municipal election, meaning some workers will need to be appointed. In Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, officials say 3,500 of the roughly 4,000 elected poll worker positions on the November ballot will lack a candidate. People dont want to run for these positions, said Abigail Gardner, a county spokesperson. What can be done to attract workers? Formally switching from an elected to an appointed poll worker system would require state legislation. Short of that, there are other things the state could do to help recruit poll workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, Greenburg said, counties should increase pay. The states Election Code currently sets minimum pay at $75 for the day. But a poll workers day is usually at least 13 hours, which works out to an hourly rate thats less than minimum wage. A bill that recently passed the state House would increase that minimum to $175, but many counties are already moving beyond that. Philadelphia offered $295 for workers in the May 20 primary. Greenberg also thinks the process for getting on the ballot should be simplified. Instead of collecting signatures on a nominating petition, he said, it could be enough for a candidate to sign an affidavit affirming that they are qualified to run for the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter Walker is a reporter for Votebeat in partnership with Spotlight PA. Contact Carter at cwalker@votebeat.org. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 26WILKES-BARRE To mark the one year anniversary of Gov, Josh Shapiro's executive order to strengthen the Commonwealth state employee workforce, the Shapiro Administration this week announced the completion of key milestones to improve recruitment, hiring, retention, and development so that Commonwealth agencies can continue to attract highly qualified and dedicated public servants to address the needs of Pennsylvanians. Initiatives to hire more bilingual workers, expand access to childcare, and engage with job seekers are delivering real results that build on Gov. Shapiro's goal of making the Commonwealth a top employer. "Pennsylvania state government should be a place where the best and brightest want to work; a place where every Pennsylvanian, no matter their background, can see themselves thriving in meaningful careers," said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. "Through the work of the HIRE Committee and the actions taken through the Governor's executive order, we are making tangible progress in creating a workforce that is as diverse, dynamic, and innovative as the people we serve." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At DGS, we're proud to play a key role in supporting Governor Shapiro's vision of making the Commonwealth a top-tier employer by investing in the people who serve Pennsylvania every day," said Secretary of General Services Reggie McNeil. "From expanding access to quality childcare to improving physical accessibility and ensuring dignity through free menstrual products and single-use restrooms, our work is focused on creating a workplace that values every employee and meets the needs of a modern workforce." Over the past year, the HIRE Committee has built on this foundation through targeted initiatives and pilot programs that include: Eliminating Waiting Periods for Benefits Effective Aug. 1, 2025, the waiting period for new hires to enroll dependents into PEBTF medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage without paying additional out of pocket costs will be eliminated. Offering Financial Incentives for Bilingual Employees Launched in April, this pilot program at L&I provides a $1.00 per hour bonus almost $1,000 more over the course of the 6-month pilot for bilingual employees in certain Unemployment Compensation and PA CareerLink positions to ensure Pennsylvanians who speak a language other than English receive efficient, effective service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fostering Re-entrant Success through Employment Opportunities OA is piloting a hiring program with the Department of Corrections to promote pathways to employment in state government for people who have previously interacted with the criminal justice system. Hosting the Second Annual Commonwealth Job Fair OA hosted the second multi-agency job fair for job seekers in the Harrisburg area in March, attracting over 1,000 registrants to learn about open positions and opportunities to join public service. Enhancing Services for Pennsylvanians with Limited English Proficiency After hiring the first enterprise language access program manager, OA has prioritized expanding technical assistance and training for agency staff on procuring high-quality translations and language services, supporting agencies as they develop language access plans, and building open and continuous communication with agencies to distribute translated materials and information to Pennsylvanians who need it most. Promoting Employee Work/Life Balance The Commonwealth has expanded assistance for mental health and substance misuse issues, family care-giving, and more to support the well-being of all employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expanding Access to Employee Child Care DGS is managing the expansion of the Keystone Early Learning Center, a year-round childcare facility available to Commonwealth employees. Improving Accessibility of Commonwealth Buildings DGS continues to lead an accessibility study that is the first step in helping to improve access and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities throughout the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex. Offering Free Menstrual Products DGS has placed menstrual products in woman's restrooms and single-use restrooms throughout Commonwealth buildings directly managed by the agency to ensure that essential hygiene products are readily available to employees and visitors who need them. Continuing to Add Single-Use Restrooms DGS has added 12 single-use restrooms in state government facilities following the issuance of the HIRE executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State graduates inaugural class of 15 small business owners from Mentor Protege Program The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) this week graduated the inaugural cohort of the Mentor Protege Program (MPP) a key initiative started under the Shapiro-Davis Administration to expand opportunities and access for small, small diverse, and veteran-owned businesses seeking to compete in the Commonwealth's procurement process. The MPP, established under Governor Shapiro's Executive Order 2023-18, provides small business owners with one-on-one mentoring relationships with seasoned prime contractors. Mentors provide guidance, support, and valuable insights to help proteges improve their business management and contract bidding skills which could be useful in acquiring additional Commonwealth business. "This program is a reflection of the Shapiro-Davis Administration's commitment to economic equity and opportunity," said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. "By investing in mentorship and creating space for small, small diverse and veteran-owned businesses to grow, we're strengthening Pennsylvania's economy and seeking to ensure that our procurement processes reflect the diversity and talent of our business community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This first cohort, focused on IT services, included 15 business participants who engaged in targeted programming on business development, procurement readiness, leadership, and strategic planning. Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis participated in the ceremony with a special pre-recorded message, applauding the graduates and reaffirming the Shapiro-Davis Administration's commitment to breaking down barriers for small, small diverse, and veteran-owned businesses. "Small businesses are the backbone of our communitiesand when we empower them, we uplift all of Pennsylvania," Davis said. "This administration is committed to cutting red tape, reducing wait times, and creating real ladders of opportunity." League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre to hold Annual Meeting June 5 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre will hold its annual dinner meeting on Thursday, June 5, at 6 p.m., at Theo's Metro Restaurant, 596 Mercer Ave., Kingston. The guest speaker will be Ned Miller, the Northeast Regional Representative for Fair Districts PA. Fair Districts PA is a nonpartisan, statewide coalition that advocates redistricting reform to ensure that the process of determining Pennsylvania's congressional and state legislative districts is fair and transparent. The cost of the buffet dinner is $42 for members and $45 for non-members. RSVP by Friday, May 30. Founded in 1944, The League of Women Voters of the Wilkes-Barre Area (LWVWBA) is a nonpartisan organization that presents citizens of the Wilkes-Barre area with educational tools about issues and candidates so they can make informed decisions on election day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Activities include publishing a government directory and voters guides, voter registration drives, and hosting events where constituents can meet their elected officials. Entirely run by local volunteers, League membership is open to all, regardless of political affiliation or gender. To reserve your seat at the Annual Meeting, contact the League at 570-675-3429 or email at lwvwba@gmail.com. Or visit the League Website at www.lwvwba.org. League updates can be found on Facebook @LWVWB. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) A pair of paintings by Dutch Golden Age master Frans Hals that possibly depict his own children are returning to the Netherlands after more than a century overseas in the hands of private owners. Boy Playing the Violin and Girl Singing, were bought Monday at auction for $7.8 million by the Frans Hals Museum and the Mauritshuis museum, with financial support from the Dutch government and a group of foundations. Painted around 1628, the works are seen as especially interesting because, according to the museums, Hals may have used his own children as models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dutch government sees them as an important part of the countrys cultural heritage. Its fantastic that these paintings by Frans Hals, which were owned by a private collector abroad, are now home again, Dutch Culture Minister Eppo Bruins said Tuesday in a statement. Last year, Amsterdams Rijksmueum hosted a major exhibition of the works of Hals, who is famous for depicting his subjects in a lively and expressive manner. He spent nearly all of his life just outside of Amsterdam, in the small city of Haarlem. The Frans Hals Museum, located in Haarlem, has the largest collection of the artists work in the world and will share ownership of the painting with the Mauritshuis, in The Hague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museums will alternate showing the works, but will always keep the two together. The paintings will be on display from mid-July at the Frans Hals Museum and will move to Mauritshuis in the fall. A joint custody agreement for artwork is not new to the Netherlands. In 2015, the Netherlands and France jointly bought a pair of works by another 17th century Dutch master, Rembrandt van Rijn, and swap the paintings every five years. The life-sized portraits of newlyweds Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit were first on display at the Rijksmueum and moved to the Louvre in Paris last year. Palestinian medical sources said on Tuesday that clashes broke out during a raid by the Israeli army on currency exchange offices in the West Bank. A 32-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces in the northern city of Nablus, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah said. The Red Crescent said that several other people were injured, and that one of them was in a critical condition. The Israeli military said it was investigating the reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli and Palestinian media have reported that Israeli forces have been operating in many locations in the West Bank since the morning to crack down on certain currency exchange offices. The Times of Israel reported the focus is on owners of currency exchange offices suspected of passing money on to militant groups. According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, a young man was killed during a raid by the Israeli army in Jericho in the east of the West Bank during the night. He was reportedly shot dead by Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military said it would also investigate this report. Palestinian journalist attacked by Israeli settlers Elsewhere in the West Bank, a Palestinian photojournalist was hospitalized after being attacked by radical Israeli settlers, Palestinian sources reported on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eyewitnesses and paramedics said Issam Rimawi was beaten and hit in the head with a stone while trying to document an attack by settlers on a Palestinian village. He was taken unconscious to a hospital in nearby Ramallah and is now in a stable condition, they said. Eyewitnesses said the settlers set fire to a field during the incident. An Israeli military spokesman said the report was being investigated. WAFA also reported clashes near Ramallah. According to its reports, radical settlers set fire to at least seven Palestinian vehicles in a village south of Nablus and threw stones at houses. Tensions in the West Bank have intensified since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent Gaza war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, more than 920 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations, armed clashes or attacks by extremists, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. At the same time, there has been increased violence by radical Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians. Palestinian medical sources said on Tuesday that clashes broke out during a raid by the Israeli army on currency exchange offices in the West Bank. A 32-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces in the northern city of Nablus, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah said. The Red Crescent said that several other people were injured, and that one of them was in critical condition. Israel's army said it was investigating the reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli and Palestinian media have reported that Israeli forces have been operating in many locations in the West Bank since the morning to crack down on certain currency exchange offices. The Times of Israel reported the focus is on owners of currency exchange offices suspected of passing money on to militant groups. According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, a young man was killed during a raid by the Israeli army in Jericho in the east of the West Bank during the night. He was reportedly shot dead by Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military said it will also investigate this report. The situation in the occupied West Bank has escalated since the Hamas massacres in Israel on October 7, 2023 and the Gaza war that followed. Since then, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 920 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations, armed clashes and attacks by extremists. At the same time, there has been increased violence by radical Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians. Donald Trump could be receiving a hand-delivered gift from the Army during next months military parade planned for the same day as his birthday. There have been discussions about having members of the Golden Knights, the Army parachute team, fly down onto the streets of Washington D.C. during the June 14 event to give Trump an American flag, according to The New York Times. The massive parade, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, just so happens to fall on Trumps 79th birthday. Organizers are eager to emphasize that the event is not being held in his honor to avoid the suggestions that the spectacle resemble something out of a dictatorship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to stress the separation, Army officials told The Times that there are no plans to sing Happy Birthday to Trump at the June 14 military event. Trumps obsession with hosting with a military display dates back to his white House term. / Scott Olson/Getty Images But the effort to avoid a link to Trump appears somewhat tokenistic: The Army did not have a parade for its 200th anniversary, had no plans for the parade before Trump took office, and the last military parade in the capital was in 1991, after the liberation of Kuwait. Further details of the parade have also emerged, including the sheer military might on display: 28 M1A1 Abrams tanks, 28 Stryker combat vehicles, around 6,700 marching soldiers, and 50 helicopters. There will also be 34 horses, two mules, and even a dog in the parade. The procession is expected to pass by Trumps viewing stand on Constitution Avenue near the White House. Its not yet confirmed if thats where hell receive the flag from the Golden Knights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump made use of the Golden Knights during the July 4 Salute To America celebrations in 2020, which included flyovers by military aircraft. A member of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team landing on the Ellipse near the White House on July 4, 2020 during Trump's first term in office. / Win McNamee/Getty Images The estimated cost of the parade is between $25 million to $45 million. However, this figure does not include the major clean-up operation which would be ended afterwards, or the cost of repairing D.C.s roads after the mammoth M1A1 Abrams tanks have driven on them. Its a lot of money, Army spokesman Steve Warren told The Times. But I think that amount is dwarfed by 250 years of service and sacrifice by Americas Army. The White House declined to detail parade plans to the Daily Beast, but defended its scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no event grand enough to adequately capture our gratitude for the millions of heroes who laid down their lives defending our freedom, but this parade will be a fitting tribute to the service, sacrifice, and selflessness of all who have worn the uniform, said White House deputy press Secretary Anna Kelly. The Army released images of M1A1 battle tanks being loaded on to railroad transporters at Fort Cavazos, Texas, in readiness for the parade. / Sgt. Jose Escamilla/U.S. Army She added that the cost will be shared by the Department of the Army and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. Questions are being raised about the timing and cost of the event, especially given the Trump administrations push for federal budget cuts, including slashing tens of thousands of jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Risa Brooks, an associate professor of political science at Marquette University, also asked whether the parade will make it appear like it is a celebration of Trump - a partisan move the likes of which the Pentagon has long sought to avoid - rather than itself. Having tanks rolling down streets of the capital doesnt look like something consistent with the tradition of a professional, highly capable military, Brooks told The Times. It looks instead like a military that is politicized and turning inwardly, focusing on domestic oriented adversaries instead of external ones. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) New court documents reveal a violent online cult may have influenced a deadly school shooting at Antioch High School earlier this year. The 17-year-old shooter, Solomon Henderson, reportedly claimed to act on behalf of a group called the Maniac Murder Cult. Today you see someone, its a young person, he is troubled, and he finds something online; maybe its on the dark web, and there is some kind of hate speech, or there is something where all of the sudden he is able to relate to that, said retired FBI Special Agent Scott Augenbaum. It doesnt happen all that often, but look what happens when it does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: DOJ says leader of neo-Nazi murder cult influenced Antioch school shooter Henderson left an audio message before the shooting, naming Commander Butcher as his inspiration. That name, officials say, belongs to 21-year-old Michail Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national who federal prosecutors believe is the alleged leader of the online extremist group. Its not always going to be on traditional websites like Facebook or X or Instagram; it is going to be hidden from plain sight, Augenbaum said. The unfortunate thing is any high schooler with a computer can access this information really easily. Chkhikvishvili was extradited to the U.S. and appeared in federal court in Brooklyn on Friday. He faces several charges, including soliciting hate crimes and encouraging acts of mass violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say the group promotes a manifesto known as the Haters Handbook which they believe has inspired real-life killings. I was always get asked, Why cant law enforcement shut these things down?' Augenbaum explained. Because a lot of them are anonymous. They are hidden to us. Juvenile court records of Antioch school shooter released When tracking international online comments, Augenbaum said they have to navigate the line between hate speech and threats, saying it takes a direct threat for law enforcement to act. You cant monitor peoples social media feeds just because they feel a certain way, Augenbaum said. It becomes different when they post online that they are looking to kill U.S. citizens or violently overthrow the U.S. government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told News 2 it has been a challenge to keep up with the rapid rise of digital extremism. Weve always been playing catch up, Augenbaum said. These criminals, these extremists, are hiding their internet connection, which makes it very challenging. Antioch High School Shooting | Continuing Coverage For parents, Augenbaum has a warning. We cant control the bad guys too, but we can control how we react, so these are the things for parents that if you see, your kid has some kind of an anonymous router, which is called a Tor router, that means they are on the dark web, Augenbaum explained. Im a father of two boys. There is nothing good that is gonna come out of them being on the dark web. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cybercrime, extremist hate speech, we are seeing so much of it on the dark web, and parents make sure that your kids do not know more than you do, Augenbaum concluded. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. To visit Gloucester public beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day, non-residents are now paying $10 more for a daily parking pass, according to the City of Gloucesters website. The current rate is $45 for non-residents on weekends and holidays; $40 for the week. This change stems from a decision made by Gloucester City Council members back in January. It applies to Good Harbor and Wingaersheek beaches, as well as Stage Fort Park that each provide 500 parking spaces for non-residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was thinking like $20, maybe but I mean parking like were going to a Red Sox game in Boston in the middle of summer, said Boden Belanger of Londonderry New Hampshire. Then, there were beachgoers who came from ever farther away, like the Moran family of Westfield. I think its a lot of money to spend the day at the beach, said Kim, who drove roughly 2.5 hours with her husband and daughter to visit Good Harbor Beach. The Moran family also encountered some difficulty navigating the citys online reservation system that was implemented a few years ago. According to the city, the reservations are non-refundable and can only be paid for with a credit or debit card. Signs can be seen posted near the beach to remind people of the changes. Gloucesters Permits We showed up to come in here, and they told us we had to leave and reserve online, said Brendan Moran. We left and came back two minutes later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there may be some confusion and aggravation for some, others have seen improvements in traffic around their neighborhoods now that the reservation system is in place. It spreads out the traffic much, much better for us as residents, explained Bob Maresca, who has a home in Gloucester. Before we couldnt get out of our house, out of our driveway. To learn more about the changes to parking for non-residents and residents, as well as frequently asked questions, click here. Beach Information | Gloucester, MA - Official Website Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Ancient roads paved foundation of national unity 08:29, May 27, 2025 By Wang Kaihao, Xu Lin ( China Daily A section of Cuiyun Corridor in Guangyuan, Sichuan province, shaded by cypress trees. (Xu Lin/China Daily) Winding through mist-covered mountains and flourishing forests, ancient stone steps cling defiantly to cliffs. Weathered planks and chiseled paths are witness to old tales of merchants, warriors, travelers and rulers of dynasties whose ambitions forged this ancient construction marvel. This is Shudao, or "Roads to Shu". Shu is a historical term roughly referring to present-day Sichuan province. The ancient road network spreads from the heart of the Sichuan Basin all the way to the Central China Plains. It is more than 2,000 years old, and played a pivotal role in providing transportation arteries throughout ancient China. The Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Li Bai, who grew up in Sichuan, wrote in a famous stanza: "The road to Shu is harder than climbing to the blue heavens." In July 2023, President Xi Jinping visited Cuiyun Corridor, a section of Shudao in Jiange county, Guangyuan. The corridor is also home to a well-preserved ancient artificial cypress forest in which the oldest tree dates back over 2,300 years. Xi praised the protection efforts that had been made, and urged local authorities to preserve the ancient trees and pass on China's fine traditional culture. The difficulty of trekking these passageways may have waned thanks to modern transportation, but a new generation of custodians and researchers has set off to revitalize interest in the ancient roads. Path to understanding At a temple in Jiange county, Fu Yubin and his team carefully measure an 800-year-old stone tablet while studying the blurred inscriptions. It records how a magistrate during the Southern Song period (1127-1279) organized locals to maintain the roads and plant trees along them, an indication that environmental awareness existed centuries ago. The team, from the county's cultural relics protection and management office, is part of the ongoing fourth national census on cultural relics being conducted across China. Trekking remote mountains and forests, its six members have verified and registered 30 new cultural relics from 120 reported across the county. Over 30 potential new discoveries are also waiting for final evaluation. The team has also erected protection signs for newly discovered cultural heritage items and assigned custodians to ensure their safety. "The locals are very welcoming," Fu said. "A villager once guided us deep into the wilderness. We traversed the remote terrain for more than an hour, using a machete to clear dense vegetation before locating a hidden inscribed stone tablet." As a participant in the third national census on cultural relics in China from 2007 to 2011, Fu has seen great changes in the field. "Gone are the days of relying solely on measuring tapes. Now, digital devices record relic dimensions with greater accuracy. We also have advanced tools like drones to capture detailed site photos from above," he said. The current mechanism establishes a scientific framework and clearly delineates responsibilities among departments. Fu said the fourth census will improve understanding of the cultural heritage associated with ancient roads. "We've carefully studied the stories behind each tablet inscription, stone monument and ancient building, thereby enriching understanding of our cultural heritage resources," he said. He has also noticed the government now pays much more attention to cultural heritage conservation, stressing the importance of uncovering the historical value of relics and bringing them to life. As a result, public awareness of relics preservation has greatly improved. "The spirit of the ancient roads, forged through millennia, embodies the unyielding resilience of our ancestors who carved pathways through mountains while working in harmony with the rugged landscape," said Cai Dongzhou, a professor at the School of History and Culture, China West Normal University, in Nanchong, Sichuan. "This legacy of perseverance and adaptive ingenuity continues to inspire generations," he said. "Its ecological value also benefits us greatly," Cai added. "In Cuiyun Corridor, for example, both (various) governments and the general public have actively planted and protected the ancient cypress trees for generations. It's also a typical example of eco-friendly civilization." Archaeological horizons In March 2024, a large-scale archaeological project focusing on Shudao was launched following the fourth national census. The project not only covers Sichuan, but also extends to nearby Chongqing municipality as well as Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. Archaeological research institutes from the four provincial-level regions joined hands to establish a uniformed format for research for the project. For example, the archaeologists focus on a 50-meter zone on both sides of a route to collect information and relics, and criteria have been standardized to classify the findings. "This could set a national example for research of ancient road ruins and the lineage of cultural heritage sites," said Zheng Wanquan, an associate researcher at the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology who co-hosted the project. By April this year, sections of Shudao totaling 2,073 km, and 1,034 heritage sites along its routes including plank road ruins, bridges, and temples had been investigated. Among them, 297 sites were newly found. Many names of the sections are connected to famous stories in Chinese history. On Chencang route, Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty (206 BC to AD 220) confused his adversary and mobilized a mighty army. Qishan route was where the renowned 3rd-century strategist Zhuge Liang regretted his failed expeditions and unfulfilled ambitions to unite the nation. On Lizhi route, galloping horses carried gifts of lychees from Tang Dynasty emperor Li Longji to a beloved concubine, giving the road its name, as lizhi means lychee. Also, inscriptions on tablets tell how local governments and residents built and managed the roads and the roles played by many unsung heroes. "We compare plank roads and bridges in various forms on different sections," Zheng said. "They fully demonstrate the complexity of Shudao and how the builders throughout history showed their creativity and craftsmanship in construction." Studies of the heritage sites and written records, including chronicles, literature, and other documentation, may help portray everyday life along the rugged routes. Rich documentation on Shudao and its ruins exists for the periods after the Qin (221 to 206 BC) and Han dynasties, Zheng said. Back then, rulers of powerful, united central dynasties in China had begun to build roads connecting Sichuan with the rest of the country. "We can use the heritage of the roads to link the scattered dots," he said. "However, before that period, clear historical recordings are insufficient. We mainly refer to excavations and look for clues from under the ground. The dotted discoveries will join into lines and thus point where the roads went." Shudao roads might have originally been regional roads, that later became part of a national road network. Li Yanfeng, an associate researcher at the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology, led a team to unearth a surprise discovery at the Liangluping site near the Chencang route in Baoji, Shaanxi. Excavated tombs and pottery at the site indicate they are over 3,000 years, and existed before the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century to 771 BC) was established to rule a vast territory centered on Shaanxi. "Thanks to roads over the mountains, Zhou people were found to have settled in the river valley (to the south)," Li said. "We also discovered relics from various historical periods on the site, which proved the crucial role the road played in south-north communication." Exchange routes On the northern edge of the Sichuan Basin, the Qinling Mountains shield fertile land from cold southerly winds and are also a physical boundary between northern and southern China. However, due to the ancient roads, people on both sides of the mountains were not separated. Sun Hua, an archaeology professor at Peking University, said recent research showed many city ruins were found along Shudao's routes in different provinces, indicating its function as a network of national roads. "Temples show how Buddhist art spread into Sichuan and boomed there. Porcelain produced in Sichuan has been found along the routes," Sun said. "Shudao was not only a complex of passageways with political and military significance, it created hubs for wide cultural and economic links." Cai, the history professor, said the ancient roads enabled economic trade, administrative governance and national unity. "China has had many mass migrations in its history, and the roads promoted ethnic integration and boosted cultural exchanges between the southern and northern regions," Cai said. Veteran archaeologist Wang Zijin, a professor emeritus at Renmin University of China, said Shudao has global significance. "Key ancient civilizations around the world often formed and prospered along big rivers," Wang said. "In China, it also happened along the Yellow and Yangtze rivers. But ancient Chinese people overcame the geographic barriers between the basins of the two big rivers to form a unity. That's something extraordinary. "Road networks extending from Shudao, the Silk Road as well as the Maritime Silk Road were also connected. That left an outstanding mark on the world's history," he said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) STRUTHERS, Ohio (WKBN) Struthers City Councilman Mike Patrick has worn a number of hats over the years, but firefighter might be one of his favorites. When I was a young boy, some of my neighbors were full-time firemen. I thought that was so amazing. Id just sit there and watch. When you heard that siren go off, you knew there was a fire, and everybody had to run down to the station, Patrick said. That passion stayed with him through 27 years as a volunteer firefighter. So, when a rare opportunity popped up in 2003 to buy a 1943 Mack fire truck a truck with a story tied directly to Struthers history Patrick didnt hesitate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were building a station at 96 Elm, so Congressman Kerwin and Mayor Strain of Struthers approached the federal government and said, Hey, we need a fire truck,' Patrick said. The Mack truck served Struthers faithfully from 1943 until around 1980, before falling into disrepair. It was left to sit forgotten and rundown. But retired fireman Don Clemente found it in Columbus, Indiana, in 2003 and got it back to Struthers on a flatbed. Thats when he and Patrick started a year-long restoration. There were some Friday nights we were into it, we were up to three or four in the morning working on it. It was fun, Patrick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly afterward, Patrick bought the truck from Clemente, and in the process, even tracked down photos from the Mack plant in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where the truck was built. These days, people might just find Patrick behind the wheel of his truck often featured in local parades. The history of this town means a lot to me, and Im just trying to preserve as much history as I can, he said. Fast forward to 2023 exactly 80 years after the original fire station opened. Struthers unveiled a new station and purchased a brand-new fire truck. Patricks 1943 Mack was there to commemorate history repeating itself two trucks, two generations, both standing guard over the same city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt planned that way. 1943 to 2023, the same thing. New truck, new station. It wasnt planned. But it was part of history. I like to say I was part of history, Patrick said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: EDUARD MUZHEVSKYI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images Quick facts about particle physics Number of known elementary particles: 61 The particles that are in an atom: protons, neutrons and electrons The particles that are in protons and neutrons: quarks The four fundamental forces: gravity, electromagnetism, the strong force and the weak force Particle physics describes the universe at the smallest scale. This includes subatomic particles, like protons and neutrons, as well as elementary particles, like quarks and electrons, which make up subatomic particles. It also includes the forces that govern how particles interact, including electromagnetism and the strong and weak forces holding atoms together. Weirdly, there are even particles that carry forces, such as photons (which transport energy from the electromagnetic force, or light particles). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Particle physics is sometimes called high-energy physics because scientists can only study subatomic particles using high-energy experiments for example, by smashing atoms together at nearly the speed of light. Everything you need to know about particle physics What is particle physics? Particle physics is the study of the universe at the smallest scale possible the most elementary particles and forces that, when combined, make up everything. You along with every other living thing, every speck of dust and every star in the sky are all made of the same fundamental particles. You might think of a particle as a tiny speck of dust or a grain of salt. However, when physicists talk about particles, they mean a teensy, tiny thing that is best described with math. Particles don't behave the same way as everyday objects. And they are so small that we don't measure their size in terms of length or width, we measure it in energy. We're not even sure if electrons have a size at all no one has been able to find it. Some particles are extremely unstable, lasting only fractions of a second. We can create and study them, even with such short lives, through instruments like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) , a giant particle accelerator that works by smashing beams of particles into each other at nearly the same speed light travels in a vacuum. The LHC is buried in a 17-mile-long (23 kilometers) tunnel under France and Switzerland, where it uses more than 10,000 powerful magnets to shape the beams into circles and steer them into each other. The resulting collisions make new and interesting particles. What is the Standard Model of particle physics? The Standard Model of particle physics describes all of the known elementary particles and three of the four known forces that define how they interact with each other: the electromagnetic force, "weak interactions" and "strong interactions." Strong interactions are what holds some elementary particles together, like the protons and neutrons that make up an atom's center. Weak interactions are called "weak" because they work over much smaller distances than strong interactions less than the diameter of a single proton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You might have heard that light acts like a wave, and electrons act like particles. In physics, when something acts like a wave, it acts like a lake it has ripples that go up and down in a regular way and is one big thing. When things "act like particles," they're more like a pile of very small rocks. You could count the rocks and know exactly how many there are. For a long time, scientists thought things acted like either waves or particles, but this isn't true peer inside an atom and things act like both. This is called wave-particle duality, and the Standard Model was developed in part to explain it. How can something act as both a unique object and a wave? Subatomic particles are best described with fuzzy math. We don't know exactly where an electron is but we know the odds that it's at a certain point in a general area that is ringed by a boundary. Those odds are described with an equation called the wave function. When we measure behavior that looks like a separate object, we're focusing on the boundary. When we measure behavior that looks like a wave, we're focusing on the probability. In 2012, scientists discovered the Higgs boson particle , which is an extremely unstable particle that gave mass to all particles with mass just after the Big Bang. The finding was an important validation of the Standard Model, which had predicted the existence of the particle. The Standard Model has some holes, however. The most obvious problem is gravity physicists haven't found a way to incorporate gravity into the Standard Model. It's still the best tool we have for describing subatomic particle behavior it's extremely accurate, except for gravity. An illustration of the Higgs particle (orange) being created as two protons collide. | Credit: MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images What particles make up an atom? Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. The number of protons, neutrons and electrons determine how the atom interacts with other atoms. The periodic table is a guide to the different kinds of atoms; it's full of patterns that map out how each element acts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The periodic table's atomic number tells you how many protons (particles with a positive electric charge) are in the material. They are clustered within the atom's neutrons to make up the nucleus. Neutrons have no electric charge, but they do have mass. Protons and neutrons make up most of an atom's mass. Orbiting the positively charged nucleus are electrons tiny particles with a negative charge. The charge of each electron has the same magnitude as a proton, defined as one elementary electric charge (1 e). The number and position of electrons are shown on the periodic table by the element's row and column. What other kinds of particles are there? Protons and neutrons are made of even tinier elemental particles called quarks. There are six "flavors" (types) of quarks: up, down, charm, strange, top and bottom. They form groups of three to make up protons and neutrons, held together by their "color charge." Color charge has nothing to do with the colors we see; it's just a term to identify interactions that hold the quarks together. The color charge is similar to the electric charge, but instead of having a positive or negative charge, there are three "colors" that a quark might have: red, green or blue. There are also leptons. These elementary particles are similar to quarks, but unlike quarks, leptons don't have "strong interactions." In other words, they don't form the same type of bonds quarks do. Electrons are a type of lepton, along with muons, tau leptons and neutrinos. Muons and tau leptons are unstable and decay into electrons. Neutrinos are leptons with no electric charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quarks and leptons are fermions the elementary particles that make up matter. Another group of particles, known as bosons, act as "force carriers." That means they hold the forces that let particles interact with each other. Types of bosons include photons; gluons, which help bind particles together; Z bosons; W bosons; and the mysterious Higgs boson, which, in concert with the Higgs field, lends particles their mass. A diagram showing the different types of elementary particles. | Credit: Cush via Wikimedia Commons Who are some famous particle physicists? Satyendra Nath Bose (Jan. 1, 1894 - Feb. 4, 1974) was a pioneer of quantum mechanics who, along with Albert Einstein, developed a new type of statistics that describes how bosons behave with wave-particle duality. Bosons are named after him. Chien-Shiung Wu (May 31, 1912 - Feb. 16, 1997) worked on the Manhattan Project and conducted physics experiments to study beta decay, the process radioactive materials undergo to become more stable. She was not included in the 1957 Nobel Prize in physics awarded to her two male colleagues, despite providing the first experimental evidence of beta decay. Peter Higgs (May 29, 1929 - April 8, 2024) was the physicist responsible for the part of the Standard Model of particle physics that explains how particles got their mass at the beginning of the universe. The Higgs boson is named after him. He won the 2013 Nobel Prize in physics, which he shared with Francois Englert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul Dirac (Aug. 8, 1902 - Oct. 20, 1984) helped develop the theory of quantum mechanics and shared the 1933 Nobel Prize in physics with Erwin Schrodinger. He developed the Dirac equation , which describes how fermions act as both particles and waves. He also predicted the existence of antimatter , which is matter with the same mass and the opposite electrical charge as ordinary matter. Marie Curie (Nov. 7, 1867 - July 4, 1934) discovered radioactive decay the process some unstable elements undergo to transform into elements that are more stable. She advanced our understanding of atomic structures and won two Nobel Prizes one in physics and one in chemistry. Richard Feynman (May 11, 1918 - Feb. 15, 1988) worked on the Manhattan Project and developed the Feynman diagrams a way to describe the behavior of subatomic particles. His work expanded our understanding of quantum mechanics. Particle physics glossary Boson: Bosons make up one of the two classes of fundamental particles. Bosons carry the forces between particles. Bosons have a spin quantum number the number defining the intrinsic spin of a given particle that is an integer (for example, 0, 1 or 2). Photons are a type of boson. Fermion: Fermions make up the second class of fundamental particles and help make up matter. They include protons, neutrons and electrons. They have a half-integer spin quantum number (for example, 1/2, 3/2 or 7/2). Quark: Quarks are elementary particles that combine to form composite particles, such as protons and neutrons. There are different types, or flavors, of quarks: up, down, charm, strange, top and bottom. All normal, observable matter is made of up quarks, down quarks and electrons. Lepton: Leptons are elementary particles that have a half-integer spin and are not subject to the strong nuclear force, which confines quarks into protons, neutrons and other particles. Electrons are a type of lepton. Particle physics pictures Image 1 of 3 A photo of part of the machinery at the the LHC The Large Hadron Collider The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is a massive, powerful particle accelerator where the existence of the Higgs Boson was confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Image 2 of 3 A photo of the LHC tunnel bathed in purple light A particle collision tunnel A view of the long tunnel where subatomic particles are smashed together at the LHC. Image 3 of 3 A recording of a particle collision What particle collisions look like A recording of the results of a particle collision experiment conducted at CERN in 1981. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A man who died in a crash in which the driver fled the scene has been identified. According to Columbus police a crash occurred Saturday morning at around 2 a.m. in the Eastland area when two vehicles collided at the South Hamilton Road and Eastland 2 intersection. What we know about Morrow County deputy shot and killed Memorial Day evening Police said a silver Toyota was traveling northbound on South Hamilton Road while a Ford was heading west on Eastland 2 when they crashed into each other. The driver of the Ford was hospitalized in an unknown condition. The driver of the Toyota ran away from the scene, while the passenger, who was identified Tuesday morning as 43-year-old Adan Amaya, was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:13 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Columbus Division of Police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EWA BEACH, Hawaii (KHON2) Calling all dog lovers, theres a new place for them to play. The Hawaiian Humane Society has announced the grand opening and blessing ceremony for the Schuler Family Foundation and Jones Family Community Dog Park for Saturday, May 31, at 12 p.m. Honolulus parks could be going to the dogs: 8 things to know about the big dog park debate The new members-only dog park, located at the Kosasa Family Campus at Hoopili, will provide separate areas for large and small dogs to safely socialize and exercise off-leash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new dog park will help fill a critical gap in community amenities for the islands growing population of pet owners, particularly in Central and West Oahu communities. Kahu Kordell Kekoa will conduct the blessing ceremony, with special remarks from Hawaiian Humane Society President and CEO Anna Neubauer and Board Chair David Okabe. This beautiful new dog park embodies our mission to strengthen the human-animal bond by providing a safe space for people and pets to enjoy quality time together. Creating accessible recreational areas for pets and their families is essential for a thriving community. Were deeply grateful to The Schuler Family Foundation and Jones Family for their generosity in making this wonderful resource a reality for Oahu residents. Anna Neubauer, CNP, MPA, CAWA, President and CEO of Hawaiian Humane Society The blessing ceremony is free to attend. The first 200 guests will receive a commemorative travel dog bowl to mark this special occasion. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You All dogs must be registered before entering the park, with on-site registration available. However, it is strongly encouraged to pre-register to avoid significant delays at the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To register at the event or in advance, you must provide your dogs microchip number, current vaccination records and proof of spay/neuter. Following the grand opening, the dog park will operate as a members-only facility. Registration is free, though donations are appreciated to help maintain the park. For regular park use after the grand opening: All dogs must be registered online in advance of their first visit Required documentation includes microchip number, vaccination records and proof of spay/neuter Records must be updated annually to maintain membership Members may bring up to two dogs per visit (each dog must be registered) Following registration approval (up to 5 business days), members will receive an email confirmation with instructions for picking up their access key fob Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dog park will operate Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., closing Tuesday for maintenance and on select holidays including New Years Day, Memorial Day, King Kamehameha Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news To RSVP for the grand opening and blessing ceremony, please contact Meredith Forbes, Director of Development, at mforbes@hawaiianhumane.org or call 808-356-2236. For more information about the dog park or to register your dog, visit the Hawaiian Humane Society 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 KHON2. PECOS, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD (PBTISD) is excited to announce that beginning in July 2025, the Discovery School will officially open its doors to the broader Pecos community. In addition, the district will launch a Pre-K 3 program for eligible students, marking a new chapter in PBTISDs cradle-to-career commitment. The Discovery School, a state-of-the-art early childhood center developed to serve PBTISD employees with young children, will now also be available to community members. By expanding access, PBTISD continues its mission to be a good neighbor, strengthen community ties, and address the need for affordable, high-quality childcare in the region. This is an exciting step for our district and our community, said Superintendent Brent Jaco. Opening Discovery School to our neighbors and launching a Pre-K 3 program reflects our dedication to supporting families, investing in early childhood education, and fostering a lifelong love of learning. This is more than accessthis is opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With its welcoming, developmentally appropriate environment, the school is designed to meet the highest standards of early childhood care and education. In July 2024, the Discovery School opened its doors to employees of local taxing entities, like the Town of Pecos City, Reeves County, Reeves County Emergency Services District, and Reeves Regional Health Hospital employees. Thus, to ensure equitable access and support for staff, the district will set a portion of spots for PBTISD Employees and local entity employees. Once places have been identified, a waiting list and a first-come, first-served system will be used to place community children once availability is determined. Monthly tuition for community families will be: $950 per month for children ages 6 weeks to 17 months $700 per month for children ages 18 months to 3 years In tandem with the expanded childcare access, PBTISD will also officially launch its Pre-K 3 program this fall through a formal partnership with the Discovery School. The program, established in accordance with Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) guidelines and Texas Education Agency (TEA) expectations, allows the district to offer high-quality, certified early learning to eligible 3-year-olds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This effort aligns with a statewide initiative launched in November 2021, when TWC committed $26 million to expand Pre-K partnerships. These partnerships enable school districts to collaborate with high-quality childcare providers to increase access and improve early learning outcomes for young children. As a Texas Rising Star facility, the Discovery School is on track to receive the prestigious 4-star ratingthe highest availableby December 2025. This distinction demonstrates PBTISDs commitment to excellence and ensures that students receive top-tier care and instruction from the very beginning. Under the agreement, the Pre-K 3 program will include at least two classrooms at Discovery School, with each classroom led by a Certified Early Education Teacher. The program expands PBTISDs current open-enrollment PreK to include both eligible and non-eligible students. For more information about Discovery School, visit www.pbtisd.net. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) As Memorial Day kicks off the summer travel season, Portland International Airport was packed with people early Monday. Officials said they expect to see more than 200,000 travelers throughout this 3-day holiday weekend. Its also the first holiday with Real ID in effect but so far, many travelers said they really didnt have any problems. Just before the Real ID requirement took effect, the Homeland Security chief said travelers without one can fly but were likely to face extra security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vancouver John Pappas said the Transportation Security Administration personnel mentioned the Real ID and Im like, Hey, I have my passport.' Wildfire sparks in Central Oregon Sunday afternoon near Clarno When he went through Denver, he said he wasnt even asked for his passport. And it was shockingly easy. I didnt get, like, stopped or frisked or anything or, you know, whatever the, the Real ID, whatever the extra security measures are. It was simple. Elizabeth Rand, who lives in Portland, does not have a Real ID. But I did get my passport renewed, she said. The airports were a little crowded, you know, I think with the new airport, Im used to having a little bit more room. but the TSA did a good job moving us through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she learned that they just kind of give you a pamphlet. You get a slap on the wrist. Youre like, Dont do that again. Make sure you bring your ID next time.' Inside Portland International Airport, May 26, 2025 (KOIN) KOIN 6 News reached out to TSA about the Real ID screenings. In a statement, officials said, We are actively managing wait times and prioritizing operational flexibility. As such, screening procedures will be tailored to each individual airport. And Portland resident Deb Curran was pleased with her experience. Denver was pretty busy, she told KOIN 6 News. And well just say Portland is a far superior airport. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ukrainian military officials and defense analysts warn that Russia is preparing for a major offensive in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk Oblast this summer, aiming to seize the territory it has failed to fully control since 2022. Some analysts interviewed by the Washington Post say the offensive has already begun, coinciding with stalled U.S.-brokered peace efforts and Moscow's rejection of repeated Western ceasefire calls. U.S. experts believe President Vladimir Putin remains convinced that a military victory is still possible, although continued sanctions and battlefield losses have strained Russia's capabilities. Putin has long prioritized control over the entire Donetsk region, especially after failing to capture Kyiv early in the war. In September 2022, he declared Donetsk and three other partially occupied Ukrainian oblasts as part of the Russian Federation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russia claims to seek peace, it insists that talks must address what it calls the "root causes" of the war. After direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on May 16, both sides agreed to draft a memorandum outlining principles for a future settlement. Read also: Russia pushes forward in Donetsk Oblast, threatening Ukrainian pocket around Toretsk Analysts say that while the main offensive will focus on Donetskparticularly the towns of Pokrovsk and KostiantynivkaRussia is also preparing smaller operations in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts. Mykola Bielieskov of Ukraine's National Institute for Strategic Studies told the Washington Post that Kostiantynivka remains a key target as it is a "promising" prospect for the Russian forces at present, he said, given Russia's ability to attack it from three directions. Despite past predictions that these towns would fall by late 2023, Ukrainian forces have continued to hold them through significant effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine, however, remains under strain due to recruitment shortfalls and limited firepower, while Russia has exceeded its military recruitment goals. Still, with around 125,000 troops on the Sumy and Kharkiv borders, Russia lacks the manpower for full-scale offensives in both regions, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. Instead, Russia may attempt to seize small territories to create "buffer zones," as described by Russian officials. Russian forces have already taken four villages in northeastern Sumy Oblast and aim to pressure regional centers like Sumy city. Ukraine continues to focus on defense, aiming to inflict heavy losses on Russian forces rather than reclaim territory. This strategy hinges on sustained foreign weapons supplies, especially from the U.S., which are not guaranteed. Europe has signaled increased support, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons. Russia has seized on this move as proof that Europe opposes peace. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism of Russian airstrikes by saying Trump's frustration is directed at European leaders for allegedly undermining his peace efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Bracing for more Russian attacks, an anxious Ukraine waits for Trump to do something Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A pedestrian was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle Monday morning. The Boise Police Department posted on X that it was investigating a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian on Overland Road between Curtis and Eagleson roads. The man was still in the hospital Tuesday, Haley Williams, a spokesperson for the department, told the Idaho Statesman by email. The crash closed a portion of Overland for a little over two hours. It was reopened around 12:15 p.m., the post said. Police are investigating the crash. No one has been charged or cited for the crime, Williams said. DES MOINES, Iowa A pedestrian was injured in Warren County Sunday after a driver fell asleep at the wheel on I-35. The Iowa State Patrol said the crash happened around 6:35 p.m. at Mile Marker 62 on southbound I-35. Thats about four miles south of the Cumming exit. Police say West Des Moines teen, missing two days, has been found Dale Acker, 62 of Greenfield, was driving a Chevy Equinox southbound when he fell asleep and entered the west side ditch, according to the ISP crash report. The SUV struck Eric Randolph, 42 of Des Moines, who was in the ditch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Randolph was transported to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. His condition was not listed. The Iowa State Patrol crash report did not detail whether Acker faces any charges or citations related to the crash. The investigation into the crash 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 who13.com. New penalties for criminals that use tracking devices like AirTags to help them commit crimes will soon hit the books in Florida. An AirTag is just $25 and is small enough to be dropped into a purse or tossed into a vehicle without someones knowledge. Back in 2022, Action News Jax spoke with Jessica Egger, the mother of a University of North Florida student who was alerted a tracker had been detected on her car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was petrifying. Think as the days go on, and we dont really have any clear answers, its even scarier, Egger said at the time. Last year, lawmakers made it a third-degree felony to track another person with devices like AirTags without their consent. Now, starting July 1, criminals who use the trackers to help commit dangerous crimes will face even an harsher punishment. Before you had this technology, you think about the effort that had to take place to stalk someone. Now, you can buy one of these things on the internet and have it sent to you and drop it in somebodys purse or drop it in their car in a matter of seconds, State Sen. Tom Leek (R-St. Augustine) said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Leek sponsored the legislation, which was just signed by the Governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the new law, use of an AirTag or similar device to commit 26 various crimes like stalking, domestic violence, and human trafficking will carry the weight of a second-degree felony, which can land a person 15 years in prison. Were trying to catch it. Were trying to stay in front of it. And I think itll do a lot of good for a lot of people, just simply because the technology is so readily available. Its so easy to misuse it, Leek said. This is going to be the right bill for the time. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Leek noted most phones will automatically alert you if a Bluetooth tracking device like an AirTag is detected moving with you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said if you dont recognize the device, its important to call police and locate the device. Leek added its also important to hold onto the device, so it can be handed over to police to help them identify who the device belongs to. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. On May 27, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the Lachin Electric Network Digital Control Center, Trend reports. Vugar Ahmadov, Chairman of Azerishig Open Joint-Stock Company, briefed the head of state on the progress achieved at the facility. The center is designed to ensure uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply to consumers in the city, including newly constructed residential complexes, as well as industrial, social, agricultural, and tourism facilities currently under development. This facility represents an innovative solution that collects and processes data on the status of the electrical network, enabling digital control, protection, and management of the systems equipment. The center is equipped with two 1600 kVA power transformers and modern 35 kV and 0.4 kV indoor distribution units. To supply electricity to the facility, dual-circuit power transmission lines measuring 4.8 kilometers in length have been laid from the "Lachin" substation. The state-of-the-art equipment installed here ensures high-precision and unified technological measurements, supports reliable network operation, reduces energy transmission losses, and minimizes overall operational costs. The center also features an online notification system to inform consumers in advance of planned power outages. With the integration of renewable energy sources into the gridautomatically managed through the Digital Control Centerelectricity supply interruptions are completely eliminated. The center enables the multifunctional operation of the substation based on the volume of electricity received and transmitted, and fully coordinates the interaction of devices and equipment. Operations are automatically adapted to the requirements of the distribution network. In addition, the system enhances decision-making capabilities in information and technical security and supports the integration of green energy sources into the grid. The substation within the center is of a closed type, and since all control operations are conducted remotely, there is no need for permanent on-site staff. ANDERSON Former Vice President Mike Pence voiced support for most of the actions President Donald Trump has taken during his second term in the White house. Pence served as Trumps vice president during his first term in office. He was interviewed in Anderson by The Herald Bulletin on Friday. The vice president was in Anderson to address graduates of the Indiana Christian Academy. I think this administration has set the nation back on a course of strength and prosperity like we have not experienced in the past four years, Pence said when asked for his view of the direction of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im grateful the Congress passed the budget bill and made the tax cuts permanent, with a historic investment in our military, he added. Pence said he supports efforts to make the government more efficient. He noted Trump has said that many would be surprised how much government would not be missed. Tracking down and ending abuse is very worthy, he said. Have they done it perfectly? Probably not. They have admitted to some errors along the way. What Im looking for is Congress to do their job, Pence continued. Its one thing for the president to sign an executive order and change spending. Congress controls the purse strings; what Im looking for is for the leaders in Congress to take those recommendations and bring them into the legislative process and let the American people work their will on everything from education to welfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pence said he supports the efforts President Trump is making to keep peace in the Middle East. We take issue with some of the direction in the wavering support for our allies in the Ukraine, but it seems now to be going back in the right direction following the unprovoked Russian invasion, he said. Regarding the back-and-forth decisions by Trump on tariffs, Pence voiced opposition except in the case of trade with China. No matter how well intended, I think it will ultimately hurt consumers and the country and could well harm our economy in the long term, Pence said of the increase in tariffs. My view is we should have free trade with free nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I learned as a Congressman and governor that trade means jobs and markets for what we make and grow, he said. We will continue to be a voice against unilateral, broad-based tariffs. He believes the country should take a strong stance on China and end decades of trade abuses and intellectual property theft. We need to stand strong, he said of Chinas aggression. Pence said he also supports efforts by the Trump administration when it comes to immigration. I believe that President Trump has secured the southern border of the United States, he said. We had the worst border crisis in the history of the country, with the number of people that have surged across the border in the past four years and not just along our southern border but in communities across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pence said the Trump administration has brought back policies previously in place to secure the border. Pence, when asked about his future political plans, said he has no plans to run for office again. I have been blessed more than I ever could have imagined, he said. When I was growing up, my dream was to be the Congressman from my hometown. Ive had the chance to be governor of Indiana, serve as vice president and even to run for president. Whatever the future holds for me and my family, we will continue to do our part to be a champion for the values and ideals that I was raised to believe in here in the heartland, Pence said. (WHTM) A new law making it illegal to use a handheld device while driving goes into effect in Pennsylvania today. Paul Millers Law, which goes into effect on June 5, 2025, prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving or stopped at a stoplight. Pennsylvanians who violate this law will be fined $50. The new law is a bittersweet triumph for a Lackawanna County mother. The fourth of July will be the 15th anniversary of the day Eileen Miller lost her 21-year-old son, Paul, to a distracted tractor-trailer driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im extremely emotional today, said Eileen. [The truck driver] hit [Paul] head-on, killing him instantly. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Eileen vowed from the morgue to work for change. It was a long, hard road, but Im very grateful for all the people that helped me get where I am today, said Eileen. You want to get that phone out of your hand. Thats the most important thing. I know that Pauls legacy now will save lives on our roads, and that was always my main goal. The truth is, Pennsylvania has a very serious problem with distracted driving, said Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-Lackawanna/Monroe/Wayne), who circulated the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting today, using a handheld device while driving will be illegal. Hands-free technology, including Bluetooth, will still be legal, and so will emergency calls. If theyre manipulating and holding in their hand up to their ear or otherwise in any way, shape or form is a violation of the law, so thats easy enough to see, said State Trooper Robert Krol. Police say if you absolutely must send a text or get on social media, pull over, safely, park, and then do so. If you have a passenger, let them do the texting for you, and if you are still unable to keep your eyes off itthese things are addictive put it in a glove box or center console. Just dont touch the phone, added PA Department of Education Secretary Mike Carroll. Dont text and drive. One text, one glance away, could result in a fatality. Its not worth it. Its just not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that Pauls legacy now will save lives on our roads, Eileen added. That was always my main goal. Some states, including New Jersey and New York, have even bigger fines and much less tolerance for the offense, but Eileen Miller said this is a good start. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. (WHTM) Robert Primrose, Jr., shares more than just a name with his father and hero, who died in 1964, when Primrose was just six years old. Major Robert Primrose, Sr., bought a grand piano a year before he died suddenly in a plane crash, hoping one of his children would learn to play, and to say the younger Robert merely learned is an understatement: He plays professionally in bands and teaches music. Also like his father, who died at the age of 34, the younger Primrose, who is now 67, also went to the U.S. Air Force Academy and is a pilot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter But its safe to say Primrose, Jr., who moved from Arizona to Pennsylvania with his mother when he was a child, will like all but 10 other people in the world never fly a mission like his father did: in a U-2 spy plane 70,000 feet over Cuba. Another Operation Brass Knob pilot, Rudolph Anderson of Greenville, South Carolina, was shot down over Cuba in October 1962. Primrose survived the mission but died in an accident while landing in Arizona. Newspaper accounts at the time cited a burst of wind. In the desert, theres a lot of what we call dust devils, which are like small tornadoes, Primrose, Jr., said. And I think the winds just flipped the U-2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the same characteristics that made the U-2 such a good spy plane (such as its ability to fly twice as high as most commercial aircraft) one that continues to fly today also made it particularly susceptible to risks near the ground. Primrose, Jr., still has a model U-2 he built with his father before the fatal accident. All Operation Brass Ring pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. But considering what they accomplished among other things, learning Cuban strongman Fidel Castro still had nuclear missiles pointed at America, even after he claimed otherwise, thus potentially saving who-knows-how-many-million lives Primrose, Jr., said their accomplishments went relatively underappreciated, for an understandable reason. This being so top secret at the time, the pilots never really got much recognition for their sacrifice and their service, Primrose, Jr., said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Primrose, Sr., also enjoyed photography and managed to take photographs from U-2 altitudes that required him to wear protective suits similar to those worn by astronauts. I was recently watching the celebrities go up into space for a few minutes and thinking that these pilots did that on a daily basis and went up to the edge of space and could see the same type of sights, Primrose, Jr., said. Primrose, Sr.s, work over Cuba would have been more than enough to make him a war hero, even if he didnt also fly 101 missions over Korea which he did. He flew in dogfights against the Soviet MIGs, and due to his actions and theyre documented by the Air Force you know, he saved a lot of other pilots from being shot down, Primrose, Jr., said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Primrose, Sr.s, wife Primrose, Jr.s mother was an Air Force nurse and first lieutenant in her own right. Primrose, Jr., remembers arriving home from school and seeing his mother being consoled the day of the accident. As a six-year-old kid, I didnt quite comprehend what was going on, Primrose, Jr., said. But that night on the news, they showed that picture of them, and the gravity of it really sank in. He thinks about that but also about this: You know, in this day of divisive politics and the tendency of democracy being tested, I think of guys like this, Primrose, Jr., said, pointing to a photo of his father, and it gives me hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Despite describing himself as a "fiscal hawk," President Donald Trump asked for an additional $113 billion for the Department of Defense in his discretionary budget request. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, appropriates $37 billion more for defense spending than Trump requested. While some of this money may go to projects integral to national security, much of it is expensive pork for defense contractors. The bill, if passed by the Senate, would add an estimated $2.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade. It would appropriate an additional $150 billion to the Defense Department's already-bloated $848 billion budget, bringing the agency's account to nearly $1 trillion in FY 2026. The additional appropriations in the bill from the Committee on Armed Services, which oversees Pentagon spending, span 37 pages, 16 sections, and 232 items. In the air, over $500 million will go to Air Force exercises in the Pacific, a rather expensive way to saber-rattle with China. Nearly $1 billion will be allocated to "accelerate" production of the FA/XX aircraft and the F-47, which Trump touted as the "Next Generation Air Dominance" platform that will be "the most advanced, capable, and lethal aircraft ever built." But investing this much in another manned aircraft seems anachronistic while appropriating more than $10 billion for unmanned aerial weapons systems such as General Atomics' YFQ-42A and Anduril's YFQ-44A, autonomous one-way attack systems, unmanned surface and underwater weapons systems, and other artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At sea, the federal government will allocate more than $5 billion to the American shipbuilding industrial base, which the Jones Act has hollowed out. This century-old law requires all ships transporting goods between U.S. ports to be American-built, American-owned, and crewed by U.S. citizens. The bill also appropriates a combined $16 billion for a Virginia-class submarine, two guided missile destroyers, a San Antonioclass Amphibious Transport Dock, and another amphibious assault ship. (The Navy already has 23, 75, 13, and 12 of these, respectively.) About $3 billion will be given to the Defense Department to purchase T-AO oilers to help fuel the Navy's fleet of roughly 280 ships. The Pentagon has failed each of the seven audits it has submitted to the department's inspector general since it began doing so in 2017more than 25 years after Congress passed a law requiring agencies to investigate their own finances, Reason's Joe Lancaster explains. While the bill has not yet been signed into law, the Senate is unlikely to alter military appropriations significantly. Giving the Pentagon even more money while it can't account for its expenditures does not make the country safer; it rewards incompetence and waste. The post The Pentagon Is Getting $150 Billion From the 'Big Beautiful Bill' appeared first on Reason.com. Defense Department officials on Tuesday announced plans to replace the militarys top senior enlisted adviser, marking the latest leadership shake-up at the Pentagon. Navy Master Chief David Isom, who currently serves as command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, will replace Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy Black as the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, department leaders said. The senior enlisted adviser role is designed to advocate for enlisted personnel in command discussions among senior Pentagon leaders. The role also requires a significant amount of travel and public forums with military families, making it one of the more visible leadership posts in the armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blacks departure comes amid a significant shake-up of leadership posts within the military since President Donald Trumps inauguration, including the dismissals of Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Air Force Vice Chief Gen. James Slife. Top enlisted leader talks pay, priorities and 1980s fashion Black has served in the post since November 2023. Last month, senior defense leaders said that new Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Dan Caine would not renew Blacks assignment for a second two-year term, and that his replacement would take over sometime this summer. Isom previously served in several special forces roles, including command senior enlisted leader of Special Operations Command Pacific and command senior enlisted leader of Special Operations Command North. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his time with the Navy SEALs, he deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. Isom will be the sixth person and the first sailor to serve in the senior enlisted adviser role. The position could play an outsized role in Pentagon policy moves, given Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths past emphasis on issues affecting rank-and-file troops. Defense News reporter Noah Robertson contributed to this story. May 27After rebounding from near extinction, Maine's peregrine falcons appear to be holding steady, producing more chicks than usual last year to remain seemingly unaffected by the avian flu that is killing peregrines in other shoreline states. In 2024, about 35 years after their reintroduction to Maine, 33 peregrine falcon pairs raised 46 babies to their fledgling stage, or at least 28 days of age, resulting in a productivity rate of 1.39. That's better than 2023, when 30 pairs produced 37 fledglings, above the population's five-year productivity average. A new state report documents the peregrine falcon's status, laying out the productivity numbers but also raising concern about the future of a crow-sized bird that's celebrated as the fastest animal on the planet, capable of diving at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Despite this relative stability in productivity in Maine, there is growing concern in other regions," said Erynn Call, state raptor biologist and report author. "In 2024, New Jersey and Virginia reported sharp declines in productivity and unusually high adult turnover, raising alarms among peregrine biologists." The nest success rate in New Jersey fell from 83% in 2023 to 63% in 2024, with an exceptionally high adult turnover rate due to highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, according to the report. Virginia's adult turnover rate more than doubled to 40%, with rates as high as 63.2% along the coasts. In other parts of the U.S., observers have documented significant drops in occupancy: 48% in Montana, 30% in New Mexico and 43% in Nevada. Steep declines have been reported internationally, in Denmark, France and Germany to Norway, as well as Sweden and Switzerland to as far away as Russia and Malaysia. In the report, Call says the pace and scale of these worldwide losses represent the most significant threat to peregrines since the DDT era, when widespread pesticide use caused the peregrine to disappear from Maine. The population collapse prompted state and federal regulators to declare the falcon endangered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recovery began when DDT was banned. Peregrines were reintroduced to Maine in the 1980s, with 153 young birds released over a period of years. They began to nest here again in 1988, about 25 years after the last known breeding pair had been seen in Maine. While HPAI has been found in other wild birds in Maine, including Canada geese, red-tailed hawks and great horned owls as well as ducks, gulls and shorebirds, no peregrine falcons have tested positive for it, according to Tegwin Taylor, a wildlife biologist at Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. To date, five peregrines have been tested during treatment for injuries at a wildlife rehabilitation center. "While it's limited information, it's generally good news for peregrines in Maine!" Taylor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Call and Taylor are not sure why Maine's peregrine falcons seem to have avoided the flu deaths of other coastal states, but say it could be because Maine peregrines tend to hunt songbirds, which are less likely to carry HPAI than the shorebirds and waterfowl favored by peregrines of other coastal states. Both Call and Taylor warn against reading too much into the HPAI testing results, noting there are still fewer than 50 nesting pairs of peregrine falcons in Maine. With a population that small, the loss of one bird, much less a nesting pair, is meaningful. Due to limited resources, state observers could not visit every potential falcon nesting site last year, nor locate every missing peregrine, so it is possible that a peregrine could have died from HPAI and remain undocumented, they warn. Looking beyond the fledgling count and bird flu, Call points to other signs of a stressed state population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Limited testing of injured peregrine fledglings and eggs shows high levels of lead and forever chemicals, contaminants that could hurt the peregrine's ability to successfully reproduce, Call said. More tests are needed to understand the exposure and risks. The presence of single birds at four nesting sites could also mean the population was not big enough for all of Maine's peregrines to find a mate. In others, the mate was a young, second-year falcon who had a harder time successfully raising chicks because they are still developing their hunting and nesting skills. But last year's count found other signs of hope, too, in newly discovered nests: at the Ripogenus Dam on the west branch of the Penobscot about 40 miles west of Millinocket, on Casco Bay's Cushing Island, and in a nesting box recently installed by Sappi Mill in Skowhegan. The peregrine falcon was removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999, its numbers robust enough to allow permitted captures in small numbers for hunting purposes. But it's still on Maine's list because of the small size of the local population and its sensitivity to nesting disturbance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peregrines like to nest up high on cliffs, quarry walls, buildings, bridges or towers. They will defend the nest aggressively, which can pose problems for both people and birds. Eggs can get knocked out of nests, chicks can fall and fledglings take flight too early. When a nest is found, Call works with landowners to minimize disturbances. Visitors to Acadia National Park may be familiar with the peregrine's nesting season due to the March-August closure of the popular Precipice Trail. Copy the Story Link May 27A person was killed and an officer was injured during a shootout with police in Bloomfield on Monday night. At 10:55 p.m., a police officer was conducting a traffic stop when a person shot an officer. A second officer then fatally shot the person, whose name was not released, according to a Bloomfield Police Department social media post. Bloomfield Police Chief Phillip Francisco said in a phone interview the incident happened at North Jordan Street and U.S. 64. Timothy Ontiveros, a Bloomfield police officer, 32, was initially taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries before being transferred to an Albuquerque hospital, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're all pretty upset," Francisco said. "We're going to support him as much as possible." Francisco said Ontiveros has been on the force for six months and is "very approachable and very calm." "We are all praying for the officer," Bloomfield Mayor Cynthia Atencio said. The second officer, whose name was not released by police, was not injured and is on administrative leave, Francisco said. Police said more information will be released when it becomes available. Bloomfield is a city of about 7,300 people in northwest New Mexico. Police were called to a water rescue Monday afternoon following an accident near the Hanover Street Bridge that left two individuals in the Patapsco River. According to Baltimore Police spokesman Vernon Davis, officers responded to the 2400 block of Hanover Street around 4 p.m., where a witness reported that one vehicle lost control and struck a parked car, causing one person to be knocked into the water. A second individual then dove in to save the person in the water. Both were on the rocks under the bridge and out of the water when officers arrived. Both individuals were taken to hospitals to be evaluated. The driver was transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Have a news tip? Contact Hannah Gaskill at hgaskill@baltsun.com. Pete Hegseths lawyer suggested that the Pentagon may have fired three of the defense secretarys top aides last month as the result of an illegal wiretap, according to an exclusive from The Guardian. White House advisers were reportedly shocked when Tim Parlatore, Hegseths personal lawyer who was tasked with overseeing an investigation into a series of leaks at the Pentagon, told them that a warrantless wiretap was used to find classified documents on the phone of the secretarys thensenior adviser Dan Caldwell. Caldwell was dismissed last month, alongside the chief of staff to the deputy defense secretary, Colin Carroll, and deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick. Hegseth was reportedly counseled to dismiss those three by Joe Kasper, his former chief of staff, as part of a detonating power struggle within their office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kasper was reportedly close with Parlatore, who was charged with investigating his enemies at work, according to The Guardian. In mid-April, White House advisers reportedly caught wind that there was evidence Caldwell had taken a photograph of U.S. military plans for Panama on his phone. After Caldwell was removed, they were disturbed that he maintained his innocence, claiming that individuals with personal vendettas against Hegseths three ousted advisers had weaponized the investigation against them. Advisers also heard another rumor that the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, which had been looking into the leaked document, had focused its search on mid-level aides. They hadnt turned their attention to the three top aides until the weekend after they were fired. When the White House questioned Parlatore about how hed determined that Caldwell had the leaked document on his phone, he suggested that a wiretap had taken place. He later denied this, and said all information hed received had been passed to him from officials at the Pentagon. The Guardian noted that a warrantless wiretap, as this allegedly was, would almost certainly be unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While White House advisers found this claim to be untrue, The Guardian reported that the incident significantly undermined Parlatores credibility. The investigation was transferred to deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, while Parlatore went to work on another case. Concerns over leaks within the Trump administration have been escalating since before Hegseths humiliating Signalgate scandal. As the administration has begun to wheel out the lie detectors, morale has plummeted. Carroll, one of Hegseths ousted aides, said on a podcast last month that his former boss and his team had become consumed by leaks. If you look at a pie chart of the secretarys day, at this point, 50 percent of it is probably a leak investigation, he said. Tension is bubbling in Pete Hegseths Pentagon. The defense secretarys senior advisers are falling further apart, causing rifts and scandals that are attracting the ire of the White House despite attempts to reset Hegseths team, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. Theres a cold war that exists in between flash points, one anonymous source told the Post while recounting flaring tempers on Hegseths team. Its unsettling at times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the more prominent rifts is between Eric Geressy, Hegseths former mentor, and Ricky Buria, a junior military assistant whom Hegseth tried and failed to morph into his chief of staff. Shortly after The Atlantic revealed that its editor in chief had been included in a Signal chat where top Trump officialsHegseth includeddiscussed sensitive war plans regarding the imminent bombing of Yemen, Geressy expressed frustration at the administrations decision to rely on the unsecured and unclassified communication app. Geressy has also voiced disgust at White House reports describing Buria as self important and willing to ostracize other officials in order to snag more time with Hegseth or the White House, according to the Post. Friction between the two senior advisers remains palpable, those familiar with the situation say, and is emblematic of the instability that reigns at the Pentagon as Hegseth attempts to regain his footing after several scandals that irked the White House, alarmed Congress and left the former Fox News personality on the defensive, the Post reported, noting that several current and former defense officials werent sure how long Hegseth could survive in the role amid the searing divisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story followed more bad news for Hegseth Tuesday, after The Guardian reported that the White House had lost confidence in his investigation into leaked details regarding U.S. military options to claim the Panama Canal. Hegseth had used the press leak to justify expelling three top aides last month, but Trumps advisers raised flags after claims emerged that information of the leak had been obtained via a blatantly unconstitutional National Security Agency wiretapa scandal considerably worse than the initial leak. That claim fueled a breakdown in trust between the Pentagon and the White House, The Guardian reported, with Trump advisers suggesting that they no longer have any idea about who or what to believe, with at least one adviser interpreting the botched investigation as a way to nix defense aides that had reportedly been involved in infighting with Hegseths first chief of staff, Joe Kasper. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Islamophobia in France has reached alarming proportions, the president of the Grand Mosque of Strasbourg in France, Said Aalla, said during an international conference on "Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas, Trend reports. Islamophobia is not a phenomenon unique to France. On the contrary, it affects almost all Western countries. In recent years, however, the phenomenon has taken on a particularly alarming scale and form in France. Until recently, open hostility toward Islam and Muslims was mainly limited to extreme right-wing political parties, he noted. According to him, a dramatic transformation has recently taken place: the rhetoric of Islamophobia has spread to areas previously untouched by such hatred. Islamophobia now manifests itself in the statements of politicians - both men and women - who position themselves as democrats, as well as in the mainstream media, which, under the guise of freedom of expression, give extensive airtime and space to propaganda speeches. Increasingly, this rhetoric is supported by researchers, academics, businessmen, journalists and, of course, ordinary citizens, Said Aalla emphasized. Beer drinkers should pay attention the next time they imbibe, as they may be consuming more than just alcohol, according to a new study from the American Chemical Society. It reports that some U.S. beers contain higher than the Environmental Protection Agencys maximum safe levels of polyfluoroalkyl substances, which have come to be known as "forever chemicals" due to the fact that they dont naturally break down or pass through the body. Other recent reports have found PFAS are present in drinking water across the globe, and the study's author decided to see if those same chemicals were making their way into beer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As an occasional beer drinker myself, I wondered whether PFAS in water supplies were making their way into our pints. I hope these findings inspire water treatment strategies and policies that help reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future pours," wrote lead researcher Jennifer Hoponick Redmon. Breweries do use water filtration and treatment systems to ensure only quality water is being used in their brews, but those systems don't typically block PFAS from entering into the system. A study by the American Chemical Society found that high levels of forever chemicals are present in some U.S. beers Redmon and her team modified an EPA testing tool analyzing PFAS in drinking water and used it to test 23 U.S. beers. They selected beers from areas where water-system contamination has already been documented, as well as beers from areas with unknown water systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the study's findings, some breweries in North Carolina, California, and Michigan had elevated levels of PFAS in their beers. In 95 percent of the beer tested, PFAS with perfluorooctanesulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid both forever chemicals were present. Beers from outside the U.S. were also tested. One beer from Holland and two from Mexico were tested, and were found to be less likely to contain PFAS. "Our findings indicate a strong link between PFAS in drinking water and beer, with beers brewed in areas with higher PFAS in local drinking water translating to higher levels of PFAS in beer, showing that drinking water is a primary route of PFAS contamination in beer," the research team determined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last fall, researchers from the University of Birmingham, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, and Hainan University, Haikou, published a study that found that forever chemicals were present in water across the world. PFAS can accumulate in the bodies of living organisms and have been linked to severe health conditions. They are used in different products like pesticides, non-stick cookware, food packaging and cosmetics, and can enter wastewater through many day-to-day activities. Government regulation has banned some, while the use of others is still widespread, with their toxic effects yet to be fully investigated. They also revealed a wide range of PFAS contamination for target PFAS, beginning at 63 percent of bottled waters tested. POTTSVILLE The Phoenix Fire Co. No. 2 firehouse, set to be closed due to a merger with Humane Fire Co. No. 1, will be repurposed as a real estate office. Jill Saunders, owner of Saunders Real Estate, is purchasing the building and will relocate her business from Schuylkill Haven to Pottsville. Our current office has become too small for our growing team, she said. The moment I walked into this firehouse, I knew I had found a forever home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a recent tour of the firehouse, which she compared to the one in Ghostbusters, Saunders said she had been hired by Phoenix to list the building for sale. Instead, she bought it. As I walked through the firehouse, I was completely taken aback, she said. Not just by the stunning architecture and original craftsmanship, but by how well it has been preserved. Walking through the building, which still houses Phoenixs ladder truck, Saunders took note of the original tin ceilings, which will be preserved. Lending to its historic character, the room where the fire company housed its horses in the 1800s is still there. It was used as a storage area by the fire company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * The Phoenix Fire Co.at 320 E. Norwegian St. in Pottsville was recently sold to Saunders Real Estate. The building will be used as office space. (JOHNATHAN B. PAROBY/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER) * Jill Saunders, (center) owner and broker of Saunders Real Estate, opens a Saunders banner, with help from Pottsville firefighters and members of her team. At the Phoenix Hook Fire Co. #2 in Pottsville which was recently sold to Saunders Real Estate. Saunders plans to use the building at 320 East Norwegian Street, as their future office space. On May 23, 2025 members of the fire company met with members of the Saunders Real Estate team. (JOHNATHAN B. PAROBY/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Standing near the Phoenix Fire Co.s Tower 21 ladder truck, Jill Saunders, owner and broker of Saunders Real Estate, talks about her renovation plans while inside the Phoenix Fire Co. #2 in Pottsville which was recently sold to Saunders Real Estate. Saunders plans to use the building at 320 East Norwegian Street, as their future office space. On May 23, 2025 members of the fire company met with members of the Saunders Real Estate team. (JOHNATHAN B. PAROBY/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER) * The Phoenix Fire Co. #2 in Pottsville will have to find a new home for its Pierce 100-foot aerial ladder truck, which is still in service at its current location. At the Phoenix Fire Co. #2 in Pottsville which was recently sold to Saunders Real Estate. Saunders plans to use the building at 320 East Norwegian Street, as their future office space. On May 23, 2025 members of the fire company met with members of the Saunders Real Estate team. (JOHNATHAN B. PAROBY/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * A firefighters leather helmet, at the Phoenix Fire Co. #2 in Pottsville which was recently sold to Saunders Real Estate. Saunders plans to use the building at 320 East Norwegian Street, as their future office space. On May 23, 2025 members of the fire company met with members of the Saunders Real Estate team. (JOHNATHAN B. PAROBY/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER) Show Caption 1 of 5 The Phoenix Fire Co.at 320 E. Norwegian St. in Pottsville was recently sold to Saunders Real Estate. The building will be used as office space. (JOHNATHAN B. PAROBY/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER) Expand Founded as the Schuylkill Hydraulian Fire Co. in 1829, it became Phoenix Fire Co. in 1867. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the merger is complete, Phoenix and Humane will become Pottsville Fire Co. No. 1. Saunders expects to close on the sale of the roughly 4,000-square-foot Phoenix building at 320 E. Norwegian St. by the end of May. Saunders Real Estate will occupy the main floor, with offices of sales agents on the second floor. The property has parking on both sides. Were excited to expand, and become a more active part of the city that has supported us for so long, Saunders said. A grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 25. Saunders, whos been in the real estate business for 10 years, received her brokerage license three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On staff are her father, James Saunders; plus Joel Ovalle, Tracey Kreiser and Coral Kreiser. Bill DeWald, a Phoenix lieutenant, said hes happy that the firehouse will be preserved. The sale is in the best interests of the fire company and Saunders Real Estate, he said. Steve Karinch, Phoenix vice president and an assistant Pottsville fire chief, also expressed congratulations to the new owner. Saunders thanked Phoenix officials for entrusting the buildings future to her. Its more than just a real estate deal, she said, its a chance to preserve a piece of Pottsvilles history. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Three brush fires swept through Alafia River State Park on Sunday. Officials said the fires were likely caused by lightning strikes in the area, and the fires spread over a few hundred acres of the park. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forestry Service responded to the fire, which covered around 400 acres before it was contained. HCFR said no injuries were reported and no structures were at risk, though residents may smell lingering smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have photos or video you want to share? Submit them through WFLA Report 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 WFLA. Gov. Jim Pillen talks with reporters after his annual State of the State speech to the Nebraska Legislature. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Gov. Jim Pillen on Tuesday withdrew his intended $14.5 million in general fund line-item vetoes to Nebraskas next two-year budget, ending a possible constitutional dispute among the states three branches of government. Pillen joined Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Speaker of the Legislature John Arch to announce an end to the short-lived line-item veto saga Tuesday. The line-item vetoes were first identified last Wednesday in a letter to the Legislature, but the actual budget bills with his marked-up objections were not filed with the Legislature until Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latter is important because each line-item veto can be individually overridden, or the changes can be overridden as a group. The Nebraska Constitution requires vetoes to be filed with the Legislature within five days, excluding Sundays, while the Legislature is in session. Pillen had said Thursday he would consult with the Attorney Generals Office and other legal counsel on next steps, with the thinking being that a court order could have enforced the vetoes. Speaker John Arch of La Vista, center. Jan. 16, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) On Tuesday, Arch, Evnen and Pillen said that while they continue to disagree whether the constitutional requirement for the line-item vetoes was met, given how closely the budget bills match the governors originally introduced budget, Pillen signed Legislative Bill 261 and LB 264 as passed by the Legislature on May 15. The bills were then refiled in Evnens office. That will render the underlying constitutional dispute moot and bring the matter to a close, the three officials said in a joint statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arch told reporters last week that to his knowledge, nothing like this had happened before. The Legislature, as well as the offices for Pillen and Evnen, are in the Nebraska State Capitol. A spokesperson for Evnen told the Nebraska Examiner that both budget bills intended to be vetoed were received by the offices administrative assistant just before 5 p.m. last Wednesday. We fulfilled our responsibility by receiving the bills for filing, the spokesperson said. No one from Evnens office delivered the bills to the Clerk of the Legislatures office, which is a responsibility of the Governors Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature remained in session until 9:20 p.m. last Wednesday, but the copies of LB 261 and LB 264 that the governor issued line-item vetoes to, not just the veto letter, were not delivered to the Legislature by a midnight deadline. Line-item targets The line-item vetoes sought $14.5 million in less spending from the states general fund, Nebraskas main pocketbook that will cover a total of $11 billion in total spending through June 2027: $11.99 million reduction of an increase to the Nebraska Supreme Court because the governor argued every branch of government had to contribute to budget balancing. $2 million cut from public health departments, zeroing out COVID-19 pandemic-era increases because the pandemic is over and spending must be shrunk to pre-pandemic size. $511,972 from the State Fire Marshal for salary and health insurance premium increases because he argues the agency has sufficient funding already. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen. Oct. 9, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Those spending decreases would not have increased the states coffers as they would have similarly been offset by $14.5 million in fewer funds being transferred from the cash reserve fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fourth veto sought to prevent an $18 million diversion of cash funds for Lake McConaughy recreational upgrades. Pillen said the projects scope has changed over many years, and further discussion is needed about how local casino revenue could support improvements. A copy of those specific objections obtained by the Examiner indicates line-item vetoes in: Six of the eight budget sections for the Nebraska Supreme Court (LB 261). Two of the three sections for the State Fire Marshal (LB 261). One of the 25 sections for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (LB 261). One of the 24 sections for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (LB 261), as well as a companion cash fund transfer (LB 264). One section for cash reserve fund transfer (LB 264). Lawmakers would have had until this Friday to override the vetoes had the reductions been delivered properly. 2026 budget adjustments Pillen and Arch said budget adjustment measures for the 2025-27 fiscal years will be a priority when lawmakers reconvene in 2026, just seven months away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To avoid a similar future dispute, the statement continues, all parties have agreed to meet during the interim to clarify and confirm procedures that meet the constitutional requirements for transmittal of budget vetoes, and ensure they are maintained in a clear written guidance for future implementation by all offices. State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Legislatures Appropriations Committee. May 12, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The Governors Office has not responded to a request for comment on the current process of delivering vetoes and whether there were any variations in this process this time. Pillen in 2023, for example, vetoed $38.5 million in general fund spending for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years. Lawmakers overrode about $850,000 of that. Resolved in a friendly manner State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Appropriations Committee, said he agreed with Arch that the Constitution wasnt followed and Pillen missed his deadline. He said the budget was put together well and that many of the vetoes would have been difficult to overcome. Clements said he would have supported all of Pillens intended line-item vetoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clements said all spending is on the table every session, including next year, and that the ultimate deciding factor is whether the state needs the money. The next economic forecast this Halloween will help in determining that. Im glad that were not litigating this, Clements said, that its been resolved in a friendly manner. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) Kids in Poland got out of the classroom on Tuesday to help with a new fundraiser for the schools. Students in grades two through six embarked on a walk through Poland Woods and the center of the village to raise money for scholarships, teacher mini-grants and renovations for the high school auditorium. Its called the Walk for our Future and its all being organized by the Poland Schools Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to raise $30,000. So far, they have almost $9,000. We wanted to do something fun. We wanted to get the kids involved with helping to raise some of this money because its all really getting poured right back into them. Every penny raised through the Poland School Foundation is poured right back into our district. All the money stays here, said Allie Mattson, president of the Poland Schools Foundation. Mattson said Tuesday would not have been possible without help from the Poland police and fire departments and all the parent volunteers. Brian Oehlbeck 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. UPDATE (May 27): Bakersfield police said the missing 16-year-old girl has been located. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Bakersfield police are asking the community to help locate a missing teenager. Ja-Mes Wandick, 16, was last seen in the 4800 block of Belle Terrace Avenue on Saturday at about 4 p.m. Police said Wandick is considered at-risk due to no prior history of running way. 1 arrested for DUI after crashing into Fastrip sign: CHP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wandick is described to be 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 180 pounds. She has black braided hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a grey Nike sweater. She also had on blue jean shorts and black Crocs with fur. Anyone with information regarding Wandicks whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A 20-year-old man from Rochester is in custody after allegedly hitting two pedestrians with his car on Denise Road. The Rochester Police Department responded at approximately 6:06 p.m. to a location on Denise Road near North Shore Townhomes on Monday for reports of a motor vehicle accident with an injured pedestrian. At the scene, officers said they were made aware that the driver of a vehicle and two individuals walking in the area were arguing when the driver reportedly struck both pedestrians and proceeded to flee the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OCSO: Woman wielded knife during road rage outside Eastview Mall One pedestrian, a 29-year-old woman from the city of Rochester, was transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital for a lower body injury that has been determined to be non-life-threatening. The second pedestrian complained of pain but was not injured. The driver was located with his vehicle shortly after the incident and was taken into custody without further incident. RPD blocked off a portion of Denise Road near the North Shore Townhomes on Monday afternoon as they investigated the incident. It has since been reopened. The incident is being investigated as an intentional act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. President of the State of Palestine, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Mahmoud Abbas has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. ''Dear Mr. President, I extend my sincerest congratulations to you, your government, and your people on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I pray to Almighty Allah to grant you good health, happiness, and success, and to the brotherly people of Azerbaijan progress and prosperity. I also wish for the further development of our bilateral relations, which we are proud of. Please accept my sincere fraternal greetings,'' the letter reads. DISCLAIMER: All persons all presumed innocent until proven guilty CADDO PARISH (KTAL/KMSS) A cross-parish chase ends in a foot pursuit after police in DeSoto and Caddo Parishes attempt to bring in a man who they believe stole a motorcycle. On May 25, 2025, the Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office (CPSO) took over a pursuit for 28-year-old Bradley Scott Burgess that began in DeSoto Parish. Shortly after receiving a call about the rogue rider around 3 p.m., CPSO officers spotted the red motorcycle and joined the chase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After running multiple red lights and exceeding the speed limit by over 25 mph, the motorcycle came to a sudden stop at the intersection of Southern Avenue and East 78th Street. This is where officers say Burgess hopped off the motorcycle and began to flee on foot before being quickly taken down by Deputy Normand of CPSO. While conducting a search of Burgess, deputies also found a handgun in his possession. Burgess was arrested and transported to the Caddo Correctional Center, where he was booked on six charges: Illegal Possession of Stolen Things (Felony) motorcycle valued at $7,500 Aggravated Flight from an Officer (Felony) Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Prior Felonies (Felony) In-State Fugitive (Louisiana State Probation and Parole warrant) Driving Under Suspension (Misdemeanor) Switched Tag Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not his ride with the Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office. Burgess has seven other arrests on record, dating back to as early as 2019. He is currently being held by Caddo Parish 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 KTALnews.com. Honolulu police are investigating after a womans body was found Sunday along Pali Highway. Police have classified the case as an unattended death, saying there were no signs of injuries or suspicious circumstances. Police found the body at about 11 :30 a.m. Sunday, described as unresponsive, lying in the grass along the highway near the entrance to St. Stephens Diocesan Center. The right lane of Pali Highway, Kailua bound, was closed in the area during the investigation Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been made pending the investigation, police said. No further details were available. 0 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . LIVERPOOL, England (AP) Police say the driver in the Liverpool car ramming is being held on suspicion of attempted murder. CORTLAND, Ohio (WKBN) Cortland Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a young childs fall from a window. A 4-year-old child fell from his bedroom window on the second floor of the Tzafari Oasis Apartments on Liberty Boulevard at about 8:45 p.m. Sunday 911 Caller: A little boy just fell out a window of the second story. The maintenance guys here at the apartments, and his wife watched it happen, and he was screaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a police report, the childs mother told officers she was in the kitchen when she heard a child screaming. She said she went to look at what happened and saw her son lying on the grass beneath his bedroom window. The mother also told officers the boy is known to open the window and hang or lean outside it, and that he jumped out of windows at their previous residence. Police say the child suffered two breaks on one of his legs. Investigators are now trying to get to the bottom of what happened and the circumstances that led to the childs fall. Our main goal is we want to keep kids safe. Anytime a child is hurt with any sort of potentially significant injuries, were gonna investigate it to see what the cause of it was, whether accidental, intentional, neglect or whatever, said Cortland Police Chief David Morris. Whether it was something we could prevent in the future, if it was an accident or neglect, by all means, we want to protect the child in the long term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BRANDON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Vermont State Police said Tuesday that a man whose death was thought to be suspicious had died of a gunshot wound. Brian Bailey, 46, of Brandon, was found unconscious and unresponsive at his home on Champearl Road shortly after 7:00 a.m. Saturday, May 24. Shortly afterwards, he was confirmed dead by emergency responders. Based on evidence at the scene and an examination of his body by the Chief Medical Examiners Office, police said that his death appears to be suspicious. However, they said there does not appear to be any future danger to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 seriously injured in Fort Ann shooting Anyone who thinks they might have information in this case is directed to call the Rutland Barracks of the Vermont State Police at (802) 773-9101 or submit an anonymous tip 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 ABC22 & FOX44. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Blue Spring Police Department is investigating a shooting Monday afternoon that has left two people injured. Police said they were notified of the shooting around noon at an apartment complex in the 1400 block of SW Martin Avenue, just west of Highway 7. Both victims are adults, according to police. One has minor injuries and the other has serious, but not life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been made at this time but police tell FOX4 they have been able to interview the two victims and several people who were in the area. Investigators are still on the scene. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Police are asking anyone with information to call (816) 228-0151. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Police in Boston are actively investigating a crime scene outside Massachusetts General Hospital following an incident Tuesday morning. Officers responded to the area around the large hospital on Cambridge Street around 8:43 a.m., a Boston police spokesperson told Boston 25 News. Boston police say the investigation is active and ongoing. Boston 25 News has several news crews headed to the scene. No further details have been released. 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 Police are investigating a reported shooting in Dayton Monday night, a Montgomery County dispatch supervisor confirmed. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The shooting was reported on Maylan Drive just after 10:20 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The supervisor said they received reports that a male had been shot, but it is unclear if anyone was injured. Medics remain on scene, the supervisor confirmed. News Center 7 crews are working to learn more and will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Police in New Hampshire are investigating a suspicious death after responding to an apartment in Manchester on Tuesday morning. Manchester police responded to a 911 call for help at a Union Street apartment to find a man dead inside, the office of New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella told Boston 25 News. Officials say the investigation is in its early stages but that there is no indication of any threat to the general public at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further information was released. 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 BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) An investigation is underway after a man was shot and robbed in Baton Rouge on Monday afternoon. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD), officers responded to a business located in the 2300 block of North Foster Drive around 2 p.m., where they met the man who had been shot. The victim told authorities he had been robbed and shot at a convenience store in the 4100 block of North Foster Drive, then drove down the street and contacted police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was taken to a hospital for his injuries. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 344-STOP (7867). 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. A narrow narrative has taken root in Europe, falsely portraying Western identity as based solely on Judeo-Christian roots, said Imam Yahya Pallavicini, Vice President of the Italian Islamic Religious Community (COREIS) and Chairman of the European Muslim Leaders Majlis (EULEMA), Trend reports. Speaking at the international conference titled "Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas" in Baku, Pallavicini warned that this limited identity framework contributes directly to Islamophobia. This identity is presented as the correct one, while anything else including Islam is placed in opposition to it, which leads to discrimination, he stated. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police in the District were at the scene of a barricade situation in Northeast D.C. on Memorial Day that lasted over five hours. Details remain limited, however, in a post made on social media just before 5:15 p.m., the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it was at the scene in the 1600-1700 block of West Virginia Avenue NE. DC police investigating Memorial Day triple shooting in Southeast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPDs Emergency Response Team was on its way to the scene. It was not clear how many people were involved in the barricade, but authorities told DC News Now they were working to take at least one suspect into custody. It was not a hostage system, police emphasized. In an update on Monday night just after 11:30 p.m., D.C. police said two suspects were taken into custody. During the barricade, the following roads were closed but reopened late Monday night. 900-1500 blocks of Mt. Olivet Road, from Brentwood Parkway/9th Street to Bladensburg Road NE 1500-2000 block of West Virginia Avenue from Penn Street to 16th Street NE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UPDATE 5/28: Police announced around 2 p.m. on Tuesday that 94-year-old Leroy Albert Crouch was found safe. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said a 94-year-old man who went missing for more than three hours on Tuesday morning was found safe. Police announced on social media that officers were searching for Leroy Albert Crouch, 94, who was last seen around 8:30 a.m. on May 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, Crouch was last seen in the 15000 block of Layhill Road. Crash involving 2 vehicles leaves multiple injured in Bethesda Investigators said he was wearing a gray and brown button-up long-sleeved sweatshirt with grey dress pants and black sneakers. He was described as around 5 feet and 6 inches tall at around 150 lbs. In an update just before 2 p.m., MCPD said Crouch was found safe and unharmed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Oklahoma authorities are searching for a suspect in a murder who they believe was last seen trying to flee the state. At 4:40 p.m. on Friday, May 23, the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a reported stabbing near 1700 S Robinson Ave. There, officers found Richard Curnett, 56, stabbed to death, according to police reports. After conducting investigations, the OKCPD identified River Curnett, 26, as a suspect. Police interviewed his mother, Deborah Curnett, who said Richard Curnett was her first cousin, and the two "stayed together for about 16 years," according to an affidavit. The three of them lived in several tents at the same homeless encampment, court documents say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an affidavit, Deborah informed officers that River suffers from "severe mental health problems like multiple personalities and is a violent person." She also said that River believed Deborah and Richard "were in a romantic relationship, and River did not like that." Deborah told police River had prior violent incidents with family members, "never liked" Richard, and had stabbed him in the neck in the past, according to the affidavit. When the incident occurred, Deborah told police that she screamed and attempted to stop River, which resulted in a laceration to her hand, court documents state. Documents state that Deborah and another witness claim River "had been planning to do this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say River Curnett fled the scene on foot and was last seen near Will Rogers Airport attempting to leave the state. He has yet to be charged. According to court documents, River Curnett has been accused of the following: Murder, 1st Degree Domestic Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Police ask the public to call 911 if they see River Curnett, and do not approach him as he may or may not be armed. The public may also submit tips to local authorities online or by calling (405) 235-7300 or the Homicide Tip Line at (405) 297-1200. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC police searching for suspect after alleged homicide over weekend SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego police officers are searching for a man who allegedly stabbed another person in south San Diego Tuesday morning. The alleged stabbing was reported to police around 9:30 a.m. in the area of 30th Street and Imperial Avenue outside of a local pizzeria in Grant Hill. According to SDPD, a man told police they were stabbed by another man. No other suspect information was available. San Diego police search for stabbing suspect in Grant Hill. The victim was taken to UC San Diego Health in Hillcrest with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 1:30 p.m., the suspect has still not been located, according to police. This story is developing. Check back for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. FREDERICK, Md. (DC News Now) A stolen car crashed into two vehicles before overturning in Frederick last week, impacting traffic in the area for over two hours, police said Tuesday. At around 1:50 p.m. on Friday, May 23, officers from the Frederick Police Department responded to N Market Street at Routzahn Way for a collision. At the scene, they learned that a Honda Pilot, driven by a 22-year-old man from Woodbridge, Va., tried to make a left turn onto Routzahn Way when it struck two southbound vehicles and overturned, according to the Frederick Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police noted that the Honda was speeding, had been reported stolen in a neighboring county, and had just been involved in a hit-and-run crash in downtown Frederick. Black bear spotted in Langley Park area on Memorial Day Maryland State Police flew the 22-year-old Honda driver, who was seriously injured, to the hospital for treatment. Another driver was also taken to the hospital; however, police said they had minor injuries. As a result of the crash, a portion of N Market Street and Routzahn Way was closed to traffic for about two and a half hours as officers investigated. At this time, it is unclear if the Honda driver is facing any charges, and there is no word on their condition. DC News Now reached out to Frederick police but has not yet heard back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities urge anyone with information or who witnessed the crash to contact Cpl. David Golden at 301-600-6218 or DGolden@FrederickMDPolice.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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A York County man tried burning his home down with his family inside and then threatened to shoot officers Monday evening, according to Northern York County Regional Police. Adam Ferrara, 40, of Dover, is accused of pouring gasoline onto a stove and lighting cardboard on fire by the stove in a home in the 2000 block of Wyatt Circle in Dover Township just after 7 p.m., police said Tuesday. According to police, Ferrara was angry at the family dog because it ran into and damaged a screen door. He began throwing things in the home, and eventually got a gas can and brought it into the kitchen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts Police said someone was able to take the gas can away and hid it behind a shed in the backyard. When he learned that police were on their way to the home, Ferrara allegedly went to the upstairs bedroom, loaded a rifle and a shotgun. Police said he threatened to shoot officers if any entered the house. Police said they were able to call Ferrara after an hour, and he spoke with a negotiator who was able to talk to him and persuade him to walk out. Ferrara was then taken into custody. Ferrara faces felony charges of criminal attempt arson and terroristic threats. He is currently awaiting arraignment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD As part of a settlement heading off a trial, the Hampden County Sheriffs Department has promised the family of a woman who died in its custody that it would make changes to how its jails provide health care. In 2018, Madelyn Linsenmeirs death gained national attention after her family published an obituary detailing her opioid addiction. They argued in court documents that Linsenmeir told police officers she was experiencing chest pain when she was arrested in Springfield, but she did not receive health care for four days while in jail. It was only when she was found unresponsive in a cell that she was taken to the hospital, her family said. She died on Oct. 7, 2018. She was 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for Linsenmeirs family said they recently signed a settlement agreement with the Sheriffs Department that, among its provisions, calls for changes to how medical complaints are recorded during the prisoner intake process, required wellness checks and increased access to medication to treat opioid addiction. My sister didnt die of substance use disorder. She died of bias, said Linsenmeirs sister, Kate ONeill. It was really hard to watch her struggle for treatment for so long. Among the evidence to be presented at a trial that was scheduled to begin in March: Days before her death, a corrections officer carried a sickened Linsenmeir up a flight of stairs at the countys womens jail in Chicopee. She had a heart ailment (endocarditis, or a heart infection) brought on by drug use. The civil lawsuit filed in federal court argued that both the Springfield Police Department and officials at the jail ignored her pleas, instead scolding her for being addicted to opioids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement, which came together on the eve of trial, also includes $600,000 that will be placed in a trust for Linsenmeirs son, who was about 4 years old at the time of his mothers death. The settlement with the Sheriffs Department follows a $900,000 settlement with the city of Springfield. Sheriffs Department spokesperson Robert Rizzuto said in a statement that the office already had made the policy changes to comply with updated guidelines recently issued by the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance. While we cannot comment on the specifics of any individual case, Rizzuto said, the Sheriffs Department remains committed to providing the highest quality health care to everyone in our custody, especially when it comes to addiction-related services. Rizzuto added that Sheriff Nicolas Cocchi expressed his condolences to Linsenmeirs family, and that the office was pleased that a lengthy and emotional trial was avoided. Cocchi became sheriff in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, Prisoners Legal Services of Massachusetts and Boston-based firm Goulston & Storrs represented the Linsenmeir estate in the litigation. David Milton, an attorney with Prisoners Legal Services, said the litigation helped shed light on the state of health care in Massachusetts prisons and jails. It is long past time for jails to recognize that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing, Milton said in a statement. Denying proper medical care to incarcerated people living with substance use disorder is cruel and unlawful. ONeill said her sister had struggled with opioid addiction since her teens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I truly believe Maddy would be alive today if she was not arrested in Springfield, Massachusetts, ONeill said. As they announced the settlement, Madelyn Linsenmeirs family released a statement describing how she, a Vermont resident, enjoyed spice cake with maple frosting, was a voracious viewer of the animated sitcom Family Guy, and for her, a day well spent was walking in the woods with her son. But whats most important about Maddie is that like every woman currently incarcerated at HCSDs jail, she was someones daughter, the statement said. She was a mom, sister, aunt, niece, partner and best friend. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. The Parliament of Azerbaijan has received a bill on approval of Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on mutual exemption from visas of citizens holding general civil passports, Trend reports. According to the information, the bill was included in the agenda of the meeting of the Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Ties of the Azerbaijani Parliament held recently. At the meeting of the Committee the bill on approval of Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on mutual exemption from visas of citizens holding general civil passports was submitted for discussion and recommended for consideration at the plenary session of the Azerbaijani Parliament. This is not justice. This is political retaliation dressed up as prosecution. Just weeks after I publicly called for a moratorium on police seizures of citizens property known as Civil Asset Forfeiture District Attorney (DA) Fani Willis is attempting to criminally prosecute for misdemeanor charges her office just offered to drop. The day after I announced I would not seek re-election, the DAs office contacted my attorneys to drop all charges. Her office asked me to write a letter. I wrote the letter. Her office asked me to complete community service. I am doing that daily. Her office asked me to stay away from the property. I complied. So why would the DA waste taxpayer resources to empanel a Grand Jury for misdemeanor charges her own office negotiated and resolved? The answer is clear: this is political punishment for daring to challenge the system of policing and profit embedded in our criminal legal system. Willis office sat for years on four years cases of property confiscated from South Fulton residents including the seizure of a transport van used by a young, Black woman for her paraplegic husband. Fani Willis has made a name for herself prosecuting President Trump, yet this case against mirrors Trumps worst: targeting political opponents with politically motivated prosecutions. District Attorney Willis has been fearless in her prosecutions of Black teachers, rappers, and now the Mayor of the Blackest City in America but has been silent about police who murder Black people. She refused to charge the officers who killed Rayshard Brooks; and continues to sit on the cases of Johnny Hollman and Devon Anderson, innocent Black men killed by APD officers. Surely these officers have done more to threaten our safety than a Mayor concerned about a dilapidated house. I look forward to the discussion of proposals to revise South Fultons Asset Forfeiture process at tonights City Council Meeting. I remain focused on fighting for justice, safety, and dignity for the people of South Fulton. We deserve Black leaders who will fight for us at every level of leadership including the Fulton County District Attorneys Office. Mayor Khalid Kamau Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (left) and U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.) are the early favorites for Michigan governor in 2026 in a poll released Tuesday. Photos by Ken Coleman and Kyle Davidson As the August 2026 primary election inches ever closer and the fields of candidates vying to be Michigans new governor and its next U.S. Senator continue to take shape, a new poll from the Chicago-based Glengariff group offers some early insights into who could be representing their party in the general election, with a party outsider holding the potential to shake up the field. The poll, commissioned by the Detroit Regional Chamber on the opening day of its annual Mackinac Policy Conference, surveyed 600 registered voters, and examined the name identification for both declared candidates and figures considering jumping into the governors race or the election for U.S. Senate. The early favorites With a heavy disclaimer that the surveys population consists of general election voters not primary election voters, with crucial differences between the two groups of voters, the poll asked about the preferred candidate from each party in each race Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among Democrats, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was the favorite for governor, with 59.3% support among registered Democratic voters and 65% support from definite voters. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) was the preferred nominee for U.S. Senate with support from 34% of registered Democratic voters and definite voters. U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.) was Republicans preferred candidate for governor, although he gathered just 42% support from registered voters and 44% among Republicans who said theyd definitely vote in 2026. Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) was the preferred Senate nominee, with 61% support from registered Republican voters and 64% for definite voters. Whats in a name? When polling on candidates for governor, Republican Tudor Dixon, who unsuccessfully ran against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2022, carried the highest name recognition among voters at 70%. While Dixon has not announced another campaign for governor, she previously released a statement to social media where she said she was considering the possibility alongside a potential Senate campaign. Benson, who announced her campaign in January, carried recognition with 66% of voters polled, while James was recognized by 65% of voters. James announced his campaign last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breaking down the 70% of voters who recognized Dixon, 18% of voters polled held favorable views towards her, while 24% held an unfavorable view and 28% had no opinion. Benson on the other hand polled favorably with 28% of voters and unfavorably with 16% while 23% had no opinion. James gathered favorable responses from 26% of voters, unfavorable responses from 19% and no opinion from 20%. Among Democrats specifically, Benson carried the highest name ID when compared to Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, with 74% name recognition. Gilchrist, who announced his candidacy in March, was recognized by 51% of voters polled while 28% IDd Swanson, who joined the race in February. While Dixon had the largest name ID amongst Republicans at 76%, James wasnt far behind at 74%. James also held a larger share of favorable recognition at 50%, while 34% held a favorable view of Dixon. Former attorney general Mike Cox, who launched his campaign in April was recognized by 58% of voters while 29% identified Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township), who was among the first to announce back in January. The poll also examined Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a longtime Democrat who opted instead to run as an independent. According to the breakdown of the results, Duggans polling numbers were deeply unusual for two reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, Duggans name recognition was deeply split between metro Detroit and out-state Michigan, with 86% of residents in the metro area recognizing Duggan, while only 31% of out-state residents had heard of him. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan speaks to the Lansing Economic Club during an event in East Lansing, Mich., on Feb. 6, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Second, Duggan was the only candidate in the survey to receive a favorable rating from voters of all political persuasions, with 30% of strong Democrats identifying Duggan favorably compared to 7% who view him unfavorably. 28% of independents view Duggan favorably while 8% viewed him unfavorably. 24% of strong Republicans who recognized Duggan view him favorably while 4% were unfavorable. Rogers carries most name recognition in second bid for Senate When looking at candidates for U.S. Senate, Rogers was most familiar to Michigan voters, carrying a 75% name ID among those polled having just ran, and narrowly lost, the race for U.S. Senate in 2024, opposing then-U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) who won by a little more than 19,000 votes. Among the voters polled, Rogers carried a favorable ID among 23% of voters and an unfavorable ID among 22% of voters, while 31% had no opinion on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens ( D-Birmingham) was the second most familiar candidate to voters, garnering recognition among 41% of voters, with 14% carrying a favorable opinion, 7% carrying an unfavorable opinion and 20% having no opinion. When looking specifically at Democratic voters, former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed, who ran for governor in 2018, carried the largest name ID at 44%, with 17% of voters offering a favorable view. While Stevens carried a similar name ID among Democrats, 43%, she received a favorable assessment from a larger share of voters at 25%. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) was identified by 30% of voters with 15% of Democrats offering a favorable opinion. Among Republicans, Rogers by far carried the highest name recognition at 77.3%, with 41% viewing him favorably. Comparatively, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland), who told reporters at the end of April he was leaning towards a run for Senate, carried a 33% name ID, with 13% of Republican voters carrying a positive opinion of him. Testing the waters Alongside name ID, the Glengariff group also polled voters on several combinations of candidates, testing every Republican candidate against Benson and Duggan, and every Democrat against Duggan and James. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While both Gilchrist and Swanson were both shut out by James, Benson beat James by .5% among registered voters and 3.7% among voters who said they would definitely vote in the next election. Benson also beat out Dixon, Cox and Nesbitt. While Dixon gathered more support than Cox and Nesbitt, she still lagged Benson by 4%. The Glengariff group once again called attention to Duggans polling numbers, noting that he regularly wins the Metro Detroit region, gathering between 35.8% to 40.4% support. However, he only gathers 9% to 13.9% support among out-state voters. The poll also notes that Duggan equally draws votes away from James and Benson, following a similar trend to his favorability rating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When examining the six head-to-head matchups for Senate, Rogers triumphed over El-Sayed with 6% of the vote, and achieved a less-certain victory over McMorrow. While polling among registered voters has Rogers leading by 4%, the numbers among definite voters have McMorrow up 1.4%. Stevens defeats Rogers by 1.4% among registered voters and 6% among definite voters. While Huizenga led El-Sayed by .5% among registered voters, El-Sayed prevailed by 2.5% among definite voters. Both Stevens and McMorrow prevailed in a match up against Huizenga. When examining each Democrats matchup against Mike Rogers, the Glengariff group notes that Stevens polled better with independents than McMorrow and El-Sayed, winning 33% against Rogers compared to El-Sayeds 21% and McMorrows 23%. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX When Pope Leo XIV was elected pope, the assembled crowd reacted with joy but also with surprise: He was the first pope from the United States, and North America more broadly. Moreover, he was the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to be elected to the papacy. Out of all 267 popes, only 51 have been members of religious orders. Pope Francis was elected in 2013 as the first member of the Jesuit order, the Society of Jesus; he was also the first member of any religious order to be chosen in over 150 years. As a specialist in medieval Christianity, I am familiar with the origins of many Catholic religious orders, and I was intrigued by the choice of a member of the Order of St. Augustine to follow a Jesuit as pope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, who are the Augustinians? Early monks and concern for community In antiquity, some Christians chose to lead a more perfect religious life by leaving ordinary society and living together in groups, in the wilderness. They would be led by an older, more experienced person an abbot. As monks, they followed a set of regulations and guidelines called a monastic rule. The earliest of these rules, composed about the year 400, is attributed to an influential theologian, later a bishop in North Africa, called St. Augustine of Hippo. The Rule of St. Augustine is a short text that offered monks a firm structure for their daily lives of work and prayer, as well as guidelines on how these rules could be implemented by the abbot in different situations. The rule is both firm and flexible. The first chapter stresses the importance of common life: It instructs monks to love God and ones neighbor by living together in oneness of mind and heart, mutually honoring God in yourselves, whose temples you have become. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the overriding principle that shapes all later instructions in Augustinian rule. For example, Chapter III deals with how the monks should behave when out in public. They should not go alone, but in a group, and not engage in scandalous behavior specifically, staring at women. If one monk starts staring at a woman, one of the other monks with him should admonish him. If he does it again, his companion should tell the abbot first, before any other witnesses are notified, so that the monk can try to change his behavior on his own first, so as not to cause disruption in the community. Because of this clarity and flexibility, its concern for both the community and the individual members, many early religious communities in the early Middle Ages adopted the Rule of St. Augustine; formal papal approval was not required at this time. Mendicant friars in medieval Europe By the end of the 12th century, Western Europe had become much more urbanized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, a new form of religious life emerged: the mendicant friars. Unlike monks who withdrew from ordinary life, mendicants stressed a life of poverty, spent in travel from town to town to preach and help the poor. They would beg for alms along the way to provide for their own needs. The first mendicant orders, like the Franciscans and Dominicans, received papal approval in the early 13th century. Others were organized later. A few decades later, several hermits living in the Italian region of Tuscany decided to join together to form a new mendicant order. They chose to follow the Rule of St. Augustine under one superior general; Pope Innocent IV approved the new order as the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine in 1244. Later, in 1254, Pope Alexander IV included other groups of hermits in the order, known as the Grand Union. The new order grew and eventually expanded across Western Europe, becoming involved in preaching and other kinds of pastoral work in several countries. Early missionaries to modern times As European countries began to explore the New World, missionary priests took their place on ships sent from Catholic countries, like Spain and Portugal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Augustinians were among these early missionaries, quickly establishing themselves in Latin America, several countries in Africa and parts of Southeast Asia and Oceania, arriving in the Philippines in the 16th century. There, they not only ministered to the European crews and colonists, but they also evangelized preached the Christian gospel to the native inhabitants of the country. Augustinian missionaries started the process of setting up Catholic parishes and, eventually, new dioceses. In time, they founded and taught in seminaries to train native-born men who wanted to join their order. It wasnt until the end of the 18th century that Augustinian friars arrived in the United States. Despite many struggles and setbacks in the 19th century, they established Villanova University in Pennsylvania and other ministries in New York and Massachusetts. Except for two 17th-century missionaries, Augustinian friars didnt arrive in Canada until the 20th century, when they were sent from the German province of the order to escape financial pressure from the economic depression of the 1920s and political pressure from the Nazis. Pope Francis meets with members of the Order of Augustinian Recollects at the Vatican on Oct. 20, 2016. L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP Today, there are some 2,800 Augustinian friars in almost 50 countries worldwide. They serve as pastors, teachers and bishops, and have founded schools, colleges and universities on almost every continent. They are also active in promoting social justice in many places for example, in North America and Australasia, comprising Australia and parts of South Asia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on his years as a missionary and as provincial of the entire order worldwide, Leo XIV draws on the rich interpersonal tradition of the Order of St. Augustine. I believe his pontificate will be one marked by his experiential awareness of Catholicism as a genuinely global religion, and his deep concern for the suffering of the marginalized and those crushed by political and economic injustice. 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: Joanne M. Pierce, College of the Holy Cross Read more: Joanne M. Pierce 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A popular fast food chains long-awaited Oregon debut is just days away. Jollibee has revealed that its new location on 10875 NE Cornell Road in Hillsboros Tanasbourne Village is set to open on Friday, May 30. Most known for its fried chicken, the food spot also serves chicken sandwiches, burgers, mini pies and more. Construction nearly underway for new music venue in Portlands Lloyd District Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Philippines-founded company opened its first U.S. location in Californias Daly City in 1998. In the Pacific Northwest, specifically, Jollibee currently operates three locations including one in Tukwilas Southcenter Mall. It further expanded into Washington with a Tacoma opening in October 2023 and a Seattle opening in June of last year. According to leadership, Pacific Northwest expansion is an integral part of the brands goals to become a $1 billion company by 2028. And opening an Oregon location has been Jollibees dream for a longtime, Honeybee Foods Corporations Business Group Head Maribeth Dela Cruz said. The Portland metro area has a vibrant food scene that embraces international flavors, so we cant wait to introduce our joyfully unique dining experience to the areas residents and visitors, especially those seeking new and exciting culinary experiences, Cruz added in the announcement. The company welcomes locals to camp out overnight for the Hillsboro grand opening, which will offer dine-in and drive-thru service from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catalytic converters stolen from 6 Reynolds School District buses On Friday, the first 50 dine-in customers and first 50 drive-thru customers will receive one year of six-piece Chickenjoy buckets for free. On day two, the first customers will receive a Jolly Waves tote bag. The first arrivals on Sunday will receive a red Jollibee bucket hat. The fast food spot will launch online orders in the coming weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. May 27AUGUSTA The House of Representatives on Tuesday resoundingly supported a plan that would replace an abandoned rail line connecting Portland and Auburn with a multiuse trail. While lawmakers endorsed the plan in a preliminary 118-26 vote that indicates it will be approved, the project would still need to be funded before any work could begin. Opponents said it would cost about $1 million per mile. Critics of the plan argued Tuesday that the rail infrastructure, which provides a key connection between the Portland waterfront and Montreal, should be preserved in case funding becomes available for future rail service. But proponents argued that restoring rail service has so far proven unfeasible, and that a multiuse trail would provide a safe and healthy alternative for cyclists and pedestrians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal, which faces additional votes in each chamber, divided House Democrats, 13 of whom voted against it. Rep. Karen Montell, D-Gardiner, opposed the proposal, arguing that the trail should be built alongside the existing rail line, rather than replace it. She said a state law requires the preservation of railways to preserve rail corridors for future rail use and limits other activities to temporary, or "interim," uses. "It is my opinion that removing rail tracks would not fit the definition of interim," Montell said, adding that other portions of the rail line are used for freight. "A more sensible solution would be to build a trail along this rail line. ... Rails and trails together could create more economic growth ... than just trails alone." Proponents of LD 30 noted that the proposal won the support of communities along the route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Amy Kuhn said the project was also recommended by a rail use advisory committee, which included representatives of affected communities and stakeholders. Kuhn said efforts to override the recommendations would subvert a process put in place by lawmakers to consider such proposals. She said the advisory group, which spent months receiving public feedback and studying the proposal, exists to balance the needs of trail and rail proponents, each of which have strong advocates. Kuhn argued against a proposal from Montell that would prohibit the use of state funds for the project and allow a business to delay the project by submitting a proposal to use the rail line. "It is very concerning to me that after a thorough and thoughtful process, which was commanded by the state, that a majority report of community stakeholders can be overturned by a last-minute amendment," Kuhn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, said the proposal does not include any state funding. "This is a many years-long project that's before us that will include significant fundraising, if it's able to move forward," Crafts said. Lawmakers also endorsed a similar project for converting about 29 miles of rail line between Gardiner and Brunswick and a 12-mile stretch along the Calais branch into multiuse trails. They voted against LD 487, a proposal that would have authorized the Maine Department of Transportation to seek federal funding to begin studying an extension of passenger rail service from Portland to Orono. Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, said adding more multiuse trails could help address the number of bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities by giving people safer commuter routes. He said LD 29 would represent "a major advancement for public health and safety." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Make no mistake the best and highest use of these failed rail lines are these trails," Ankeles said. "If we fail to adopt this report, we will not get rail with trail. What we will actually get is a guarantee that nothing will ever happen at all on these lines except decay, abandonment and the squandering of potential in Washington, Sagadahoc and Kennebec counties. In short, economic blight." Copy the Story Link A Southwest Airlines plane heading into Denver from Tampa was likely hit by lightning as it descended during storms on Sunday evening. In a statement the airline said Flight 168 sustained a possible lightning strike but landed safely at Denver International Airport and no injuries were reported. Emergency crews at the airport responded to the plane following protocol, according to local reports. Maintenance teams also took the aircraft out of service for inspection, the airline said. A passenger on the flight told KUSA that a loud bang was heard throughout the planes cabin as they experienced rough turbulence about 20 minutes before landing. (MORE: Could We See The First Tropical Storm Of 2025 This Week?) Denver International Airport reported both in-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning in several observations from just over an hour before landing, to just before the flight landed, according to weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman. He added that radar showed thundershowers extended from near DIA into the plains east of the airport and This is a challenge flying into and out of Denver this time of year, as afternoon and evening thunderstorms can be almost a daily occurrence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commercial passenger planes are designed to withstand lightning and the National Weather Service says planes are hit by lightning an average of one to two times a year. Storms across parts of the south and central United States caused travel delays during the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, with hundreds of delays reported at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and in Denver on Sunday and Monday as travelers made their way back home. MORE ON WEATHER.COM - Wet, Stormy Pattern Persists For South - NOAA Predicts More Active Than Average Hurricane Season NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget reconciliation bill Friday morning that would include deep cuts to programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. The cuts would result in 9.5 million meals lost every year, according to Feeding America, and would strain foodbanks like the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore which are already stretched thin adding it lines increased by 30% from 2023 to 2024. The Foodbank of Southeaster Virginia and the Eastern Shore told 10 On Your Side it delivers 25 million pounds of food into the community equaling to 23 million meals. SNAP provides nine meals for every one meal the foodbank provides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food banks cannot fill the gap left by cuts to federal nutrition programs like SNAP, said Christopher Tan, President and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. SNAP is our countrys first line of defense against hunger. The bill, which passed with a vote of 215-214, would include major changes such as: Shifting a portion of SNAP costs to states Expanding work requirements up to age 64 and to parents of children over age seven Capping future benefit increases by making Thrifty Food Plan updates revenue neutral If the Senate does not remove these harmful provisions, we will see longer lines, more families in crisis, and increased pressure on our network of community partners, Tan explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also included a proposed $625 billion in cuts to Medicaid, which would cause at least 7.6 million people to lose health coverage by 2034, according to budget analysts. We are asking our local community to join us in contacting their Senators during this critical time, Tan added. This is not just about policy, its about people. And right now, people need support, not cuts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) After weeks of walking the picket line, Pratt & Whitney union members voted to approve a new contract on Tuesday. A spokesperson with Pratt & Whitney confirmed the vote, marking the end of the nearly month-long strike. Today, Connecticut IAM employees voted to ratify a revised new contract offer, officially ending the strike in East Hartford and Middletown. This is the outcome everyone was working towards a contract that recognizes the skill and dedication of our workforce by keeping them among the highest compensated in their field, while ensuring Pratt & Whitney is well positioned to secure jobs and opportunity for years to come. As Pratt & Whitney marks its 100th anniversary, this outcome reaffirms our commitment to the people, programs and communities that have powered our legacyand will shape our next century of aviation innovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pratt & Whitney to resume contract negotiations The new agreement is anticipated to address concerns surrounding wages, growth, job stability and retirement. Some of the highlights of the agreement ratified by IAM Union Local 1746 and Local 700 members include: Job security, operations in East Hartford and Middletown facilities will continue through 2029. This includes no involuntary layoffs, a new agreement regarding job protections for turbine airfoil production, and a voluntary separation program. A new four-year contract term from May 28, 2025, to May 4, 2029. A 6% increase in wages first year, followed by a 3.5% increase in 2026 and a 3% increase in 2028. For promotions, a $1 pay increase or up to the maximum pay for the new job level, whichever is less. A weekly match contribution of $115 for savings plans by 2028, 100% matched. Company automatic contributions increase each year with the GWIs, starting at $118 in 2025. More flexible work schedules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our committee worked tirelessly to ensure our members priorities were heard, and this agreement is a direct result of that determination, IAM Union District 26 Directing Business Representative Jeff Santini said in a written statement. We are proud of what was achieved at the table and even prouder of the solidarity shown by our membership throughout this process. Members can return to work on Wednesday. The union, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which comprised around 3,000 workers, turned down a final offer in mid-May, but headed back into contract negotiations last Thursday. The strike began on May 4 when the existing contract expired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the striking points in the negotiations included higher wages and pensions for younger workers. They also want a guarantee from the company that it will not move its operations to North Carolina. As a result, striking employees stopped receiving pay or benefits. They received their final full paycheck on May 8. On the fifth day of the strike, state leaders showed up at the picket line to show their 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 WTNH.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Islamophobia distorts the image of all of Islam, the deputy chairperson of the Board of Directors of the International Center for Interfaith Dialogue in Doha, Aisha Yousef Al-Mannai, told Trend. She made the remark on the sidelines of an international conference on "Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas" in Baku. Islamophobia took root in international discourse after the events of September 11, 2001, and has since become a serious obstacle to dialogue between people of different faiths. It feels as if the West wanted to use it as an excuse - fear of Islam, branding Muslims as terrorists. It was after these events that this notion began to spread actively. The problem is not only bias against Muslims, but also blaming Islam itself, she said. According to her, Islamophobia is not just a fear of Islam, but a purposeful distortion of its image and accusation of violence against the entire religion So Muslims - and reasonable non-Muslims who look at Islam and Muslims fairly and objectively - wanted to show people that Islam is actually a religion of mercy, peace, and love. It calls people to unity, peace, brotherhood, and cooperation, Al-Mannai noted. She emphasized the significance of holding the conference in Azerbaijan, a country that in practice demonstrates inter-religious dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. This is not just a platform for discussions - it is a call to reconsider attitudes towards Islam, an attempt to convey its true essence and destroy dangerous stereotypes, she said. According to Al-Mannai, the conference is particularly focused on the role of women in combating Islamophobia. One session looks at how Islam views women, in contrast to stereotypes prevalent in the West. President Donald Trump is expected to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley. The couple has spent nearly three years in federal prison after being convicted of fraud. BREAKING! President Trump calls @_ItsSavannah_ to inform her that he will be granting full pardons to her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley! Trump Knows Best! pic.twitter.com/j5WPMOOQ7L Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 27, 2025 In a post on social media, Trumps communications manager posted the president calling Savannah Chrisley to let her know. Your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow, Trump told Savannah Chrisley over the phone. I dont know them, but give them my regards and wish them a good life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for bringing my parents back, Savannah Chrisley told Trump. Savannah Chrisley had said in a recent episode of her podcast that she was working to get the Trump administration to pardon her parents. She has also become a familiar face around the White House and on the conservative stage since her parents were convicted. She posted on social media in February pictures of her at the White House, where she said she met with the administrations pardon czar. She was also spotted at Trumps Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, in November with her brother Grayson. Savannah Chrisley also spoke at the Republican National Convention in July, where she spoke about her parents case and called out the prosecutors who handled their case. RELATED STORIES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todd and Julie Chrisley 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. In a statement from Todd and Julies representatives, they praised Trumps pardon. This pardon corrects a deep injustice and restores two devoted parents to their family and community, said Alex Little, partner at Litson PLLC. President Trump recognized what weve argued from the beginning: Todd and Julie were targeted because of their conservative values and high profile. Their prosecution was tainted by multiple constitutional violations and political bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley, Rodney Close, announced he will be stepping down from his duties to retire. Close has served as the president and CEO for the local clubs for nearly 13 years. According to club, during Closes time he led a renovation of two club locations, developed a new school-based club at Fox Elementary, converted the old Edgewood School into the East Boys & Girls Club and built the state-of-the-art John F. Flournoy College & Career Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout my tenure, I have had the distinct honor of collaborating with exemplary community stakeholders and been afforded numerous opportunities to successfully elevate this organization as a leader in youth development, said Close. I have been able to complete my life mission while providing infinite mentorship opportunities to a dedicated staff and so many children in this community. I will always be a Club kid. Board Chairman, Keith Pierce, noted Closes impact on the community. Rodney has been an amazing leader for the Boys & Girls Club and the entire city of Columbus, Pierce said. Our community and the thousands of kids impacted by his work are forever in his debt. According to a post on the clubs social media, Close will step down on June 13 and Fred Maglione will serve as Interim CEO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin traded some tough words during one of the deadliest assaults on Ukraine since the war began. President Trump said Putin has gone absolutely CRAZY after launching attacks at Ukraines capital city. The Kremlin blamed his comments on emotional overload. The State Department says despite this exchange, the U.S. remains committed to brokering a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Something happened to this guy, and I dont like it, President Trump said. President Trump says hes losing his patience with Russian President Putin, after a weekend barrage of deadly strikes against Ukraine. Were in the middle of talking, and hes shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities. I dont like it at all, the president said. The Kremlin reacted to the presidents weekend comments, blaming them on emotional overload. Im not going to speak about the presidents emotions, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said. Instead, Bruce says the department is monitoring reports that the drone and missile attacks this weekend were the largest since Russia began its war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are calling for restraint and urge all parties to avoid further escalation, Bruce said. She says for now, the U.S. continues to support direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Following a show of cooperation this weekend, both countries released 1,000 prisoners of war and civilian detainees. Russia and Ukraine reached that agreement earlier this month in Turkey, and officials there say theyre willing to host another round of peace talks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump honored veterans at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day. He placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and honored fallen soldiers. We will never ever forget our fallen heroes, President Trump said. His address veered at times into politics. Their valor gave us the freest, greatest and most noble republic ever to exist on the face of the Earth. A republic that I am fixing after a long and hard four years, President Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his speech and online, the president appeared to criticize Former President Joe Biden. Who would let that happen? People pouring through our borders unchecked, President Trump said. Over the weekend, President Trump also criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, writing online he has gone absolutely crazy. Over the weekend, Russia launched hundreds of drones at Ukraine. Vice President JD Vance has said the U.S. is open to walking away from negotiations to end Russias war with Ukraine. On Monday, he pledged caution anytime the U.S. considers sending soldiers into harms way. The very best way to honor the fallen is to only ask the next generation to make the ultimate sacrifice when they absolutely must, Vice President Vance said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange drone fire. Right now, the Kremlin says no peace talks are scheduled. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. A reunion between King Charles and Prince Harry during the monarch's Canada visit remains unlikely, according to royal experts. Despite Harry living nearby in California, strained ties, legal disputes over security, and mistrust, especially around media leaks, are said to hinder reconciliation. While Prince Harry has expressed a desire to mend family ties, experts claim reconciliation hinges on his showing humility, accepting responsibility, and apologizing for actions that have damaged his family. Why A Reconciliation Between King Charles And Prince Harry Is Unlikely MEGA Amid King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit to Canada from May 26 to 27, Royal experts say a reunion between the monarch and the duke, who resides just a few hours away in California, remains unlikely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Broadcaster Helena Chard shared with Fox News Digital that "Prince Harry is the king's flesh and blood, so of course he would like some sort of reconciliation with his youngest son." However, she claimed that "it's been over five years since Megxit, and still, Prince Harry is full of animosity." "Prince Harry has blown all trust and any reconciliation with his father and the royal family for the moment," Chard explained, per the New York Post. Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich also agreed that a meeting between Charles and Harry during the monarch's Canada trip was "extremely unlikely." The Royal Family Sees Prince Harry As A 'Loose Cannon' MEGA Fordwich further argued that Harry's ongoing legal battles over security, which touch on constitutional matters, have severely eroded trust within the royal family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "King Charles cannot have a private conversation with his wayward son without the fear of Harry revealing to the media the content of such a private family discussion," Fordwich said. "There is no sign of reconciliation. Harry's statements reflect a sense of resignation regarding the lamentable state of their relationship, which remains deeply fractured." She added, "Harry has willingly and knowingly caused pain and public damage via his actions, so the royal family views him as a 'loose cannon,' hence their reluctance to engage with him further. In particular, his public comments regarding his father's health and security were viewed as highly inappropriate, as well as counterproductive." Other Experts Cite Logistics, Not Rift, For Lack Of Charles-Harry Meeting During Canada Visit MEGA Meanwhile, some royal commentators suggest that the lack of a meeting between Charles and Harry during the monarch's visit to Canada may have more to do with logistics than strained family ties. Shannon Felton Spence, a former British public affairs official, explained: "It's certainly tempting to imagine a spontaneous reunion. But royal trips especially those abroad are planned with military precision, often months in advance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued: "Every moment is accounted for, every engagement tightly choreographed, and every detail managed with the gravitas of a diplomatic mission. These are not the kinds of trips where one can simply 'pop down' for a personal visit, no matter how close the geography may seem." "While the proximity may raise eyebrows physical closeness doesn't always translate to meaningful contact," Spence added. "Whether the king and his son will find a moment to connect remains to be seen, but it's likely less a snub and more a reflection of the constraints and priorities that define royal travel." Royal analysts have also noted that had a private meeting between Charles and Harry been in the works, details would have likely surfaced in the media ahead of time. Prince Harry's BBC Interview Reignites Royal Rift Amid Ongoing Security Dispute MEGA The speculation about a meeting between the estranged father and son follows Harry's emotionally charged interview with the BBC on May 2, where he reignited public tensions with the royal family after losing a legal battle over his security arrangements in the U.K. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the interview, the Duke of Sussex expressed his desire to mend family ties but said efforts have been stalled, claiming his father refuses to engage with him due to the ongoing "security stuff." "This, at the heart of it, is a family dispute," he said. Harry's break from the royal fold dates back to 2020, when he and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals and moved to California, citing relentless media scrutiny and a lack of support, including accusations of racism within the royal establishment. Tensions only deepened with the 2023 release of Harry's memoir, "Spare," which exposed intimate family details and widened the already growing divide. A Reconciliation Is Possible Only If Harry Apologizes, Says Royal Expert MEGA Royal commentator Chard believes that reconciliation between Harry and the royal family is still possible if Harry takes the first step by showing humility and offering an apology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His actions have created significant damage to the institution, leading to a broader discussion about the future of the monarchy," Chard noted. "[After he apologizes], only then will King Charles endeavor to arrange a private meet-up with his son, away from prying eyes and ears." Chard also questioned whether Harry might be trapped in unresolved grief, suggesting his behavior reflects ongoing emotional struggles. "He certainly seems unhappy," she observed. The royal expert continued: "For a meeting to take place, Harry needs to move on from the stage where life is not fair, learn to listen, accept responsibility, and stop his unscrupulous behavior, blaming his family for everything. Accepting the reality that he hasn't won certain cases and moving on will also do him the world of good." In the wake of the tragic incident during Liverpool FC's Premier League victory parade on Monday, May 26, Prince William and Kate Middleton have issued a message to those affected. The unfortunate occurrencein which a vehicle drove into a crowd on Water Street injuring 47 people, including four childrenleft two individuals sustaining serious injuries and more than two dozen people seeking treatment in hospitals, officials in England stated, according to The New York Times. In response, the Prince and Princess of Wales penned a heartfelt note via social media. "We are deeply saddened by the scenes in Liverpool yesterday. What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground," the X (formerly Twitter) post read, before the couple signed off, "W & C." We are deeply saddened by the scenes in Liverpool yesterday. What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground. W & C The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 27, 2025 On Instagram, an official statement from King Charles was shared via the account of the royal family. "My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible events that took place in Liverpool on Monday. It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances," it read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The note continued: "At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected, and my special gratitude goes out to the first responders, emergency services personnel and other individuals who rushed to the aid of the injured." This is not the first time Prince William and Princess Kate have spoken out amid tragedy, as the couple has previously demonstrated their solidarity with victims of horrendous events on multiple occasions. After the Southport stabbings in July 2024, they met with affected families and emergency responders and made donations to support recovery efforts. Prince William & Kate Middleton Issue Statement Amid 'Devastating' Tragedy first appeared on Parade on May 27, 2025 BOSTON (WWLP) Private attorneys who defend the poor, known as bar advocates, are calling on Massachusetts state lawmakers for a raise. Massachusetts has around 2,600 bar advocates, and all who are able are refusing to take on additional cases until their pay is raised. Bar advocates make around $65 an hour, less than half of neighboring states, despite the Bay States higher cost of living. Supreme Court declines to hear students bid to wear two genders shirt to school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over half of these attorneys hourly wage goes to inevitable overhead costs, and they are not paid for administrative time, nor do they have health or malpractice insurance, leading many to abandon the practice for more sustainable, higher-paying roles. The right to counsel, which is in the U.S. Constitution and the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights, will only be words, said Sean Delaney, a Lowell attorney. Bar advocates handle 80% of public defender cases in Massachusetts, so their decision to step back will have an enormous impact on the court system. One Springfield lawyer told 22News about the appeal of public defender work despite low wages. Its very noble to do this type of work, its very grassroots, said John Harding of Harding Law in Springfield. A lot of the time, were more counselors than we are attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harding said that many passionate defenders are leaving Massachusetts for New Hampshire, Maine, and New York, which all pay double, among other states. Advocates emphasized that refusing to take on new clients is a last-ditch effort, and they are optimistic that they will be able to return to the work that they love soon. 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. Sarah Milgrim, one of two Israeli Embassy staffers fatally shot last week in an apparently politically motivated ambush in Washington, D.C., was remembered Tuesday during a private funeral in the Kansas community where she grew up. Milgrim, a 26-year-old from the Kansas City suburb of Prairie Village, Kansas, was leaving a reception for young diplomats at the Capital Jewish Museum alongside 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky on May 21 when they were shot to death. A suspect, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, was arrested and shouted Free Palestine as he was led away. Charging documents said he later told police, I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza. Lischinsky had bought an engagement ring before the shooting and was planning to propose to Milgrim in the coming days, those who knew the couple have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of an upcoming wedding, those close to Milgrim eulogized her at a private service Tuesday at Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park, Kansas, the temple she attended as a child with her family. Rabbi Doug Alpert of Congregation Kol Ami in Kansas City, Missouri, gave an impassioned eulogy as scores of attendees sniffled and softly sobbed. Alpert first drew laughs as he relayed early childhood memories from her parents, Bob and Nancy Milgrim, including her love of hiding as a young child that earned her the label of sneaky. They also recalled her as creative, funny and preternaturally empathetic to animals. She was a vegetarian for most of her childhood and once saved an abandoned baby bunny using her mothers oven mitts, which she promptly then returned to their kitchen drawer unwashed. But laughter soon turned to tears as Alpert noted the backlash Milgrim faced from strangers and even some acquaintances when she joined the Israeli Embassy staff and expressed her desire for a peaceful solution to end the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would like nothing more right now than to ask Sarah, to talk to Sarah, to learn from such a beacon of light amidst a world of darkness, Alpert said. Weve been cheated out of that opportunity. And for the Milgrim family, cheated out of so much more. Milgrims boss at the embassy, Sawsan Hasson, recounted how Milgrim championed womens and LGBTQ rights and always stuck to her mission of peace and bringing people together especially those opposed to one another on religion, politics and ideology. This morning, you and Yaron were meant to be in Israel, celebrating with his family, Hasson said. Instead, through an unthinkable tragedy, you have brought Israel here to Kansas to meet your own loving family in your hometown. Somehow, even in your passing, you have created connection and unity. Milgrim earned a bachelors degree in environmental studies from the University of Kansas in 2021. She was remembered as a warm, uplifting presence at Shabbat dinners and holiday gatherings at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After graduating, Milgrim worked at at a Tel Aviv-based organization centered on technology training and conflict dialogue for young Palestinians and Israelis, according to her LinkedIn profile. She had been trained in religious engagement and peacebuilding by the United States Institute of Peace, an organization that promotes conflict resolution and was created by the U.S. Congress. After earning a masters degree in international affairs from American University in 2023, she went to work at the Israeli Embassy, where her job involved organizing events and missions to Israel. Milgrim would have been teenager when her Kansas community was rocked by another deadly antisemitic attack in 2014. Frazier Glenn Miller Jr., an avowed anti-Semite and white supremacist, fatally shot three people at two Jewish sites in Overland Park in April of that year. At his trial, Miller openly stated that he targeted Jews for death though none of his victims were Jewish. Miller was convicted in August 2015 and later sentenced to death. Sheila Katz, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women, last week lauded Milgrim for her work with womens groups, LGBTQ communities and multi-faith groups and said Milgrim was studying whether friendships between Arabs and Israelis could promote peace. We knew something like this could happen, she said. I just dont think we thought it would happen to her. The Estonian Prosecutor Generals Office has said that pro-Kremlin politicians Aivo Peterson and Dmitri Rootsi planned to create a parallel defence structure with the support of Russian military intelligence. Source: European Pravda with reference to ERR Details: State Prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas said that Peterson and Rootsi, who are accused of treason, began creating a civil defence unit in 2022 with the support of the KOOS movement. In a crisis, this unit was to take over the functions of the armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In correspondence with his associates, which the prosecution presented to the court, Peterson emphasised that the group's goal was to ensure security and perform the functions of the army in the event of a "power vacuum". The prosecution also says that Peterson and Rootsi authorised contacts with representatives of Russian military intelligence (formerly the GRU) to obtain instructions and assistance in setting up the unit. Peterson publicly claimed that the project was humanitarian in nature, but prosecutors view his actions as an attempt to form an alternative state defence structure operating under the guise of charity. "Peterson himself worked in the police for over ten years, so he knew perfectly well that defending the country is the exclusive prerogative of the state," Olev-Aas emphasised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor is demanding that Peterson be found guilty of treason and sentenced to 17 years in prison. The prosecutor also demanded a 13-year prison sentence for Rootsi, who is accused of treason, and an 11-year prison sentence for Andrei Andronov, who is accused of non-violent acts against the Estonian Republic. Background: The judicial investigation into the case began in November 2023. It is now in its final stages, but not all of the defendants have made their closing statements. Two more hearings will take place in June. In 2023, Peterson ran for election to the Riigikogu (parliament) on a joint ticket of the United Left Party and KOOS. His election campaign was marred by a scandal related to a trip to the occupied territories of Ukraine, in particular to the cities of Mariupol and Donetsk. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occassion of May 28th - Independence Day, Trend reports. "Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, dear brother, On behalf of the people of Uzbekistan and in my own name, I sincerely congratulate you and, through you, the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on your national holiday Independence Day. Thanks to the wise domestic and foreign policy pursued under your visionary leadership, Azerbaijan has achieved significant progress in all areas, with its international reputation and standing growing steadily. We are genuinely delighted, as true brothers, to witness the large-scale reforms aimed at improving the living standards of your population, the extensive nation-wide development efforts, including the construction of modern infrastructure and the establishment of beautiful new cities. In recent years, thanks to our joint systematic efforts, the relations between our countries based on shared history, traditional friendship, and multifaceted cooperation have reached the highest level of interstate relations an alliance. I am confident that our upcoming visit to the unique land of Azerbaijan and our open, productive dialogue will elevate our mutually beneficial and long-term relations to a new stage in terms of both quality and substance. Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, the important agreements and major projects resulting from our talks, as well as full implementation of adopted roadmaps will give fresh momentum to our strategic partnership and make a significant contribution to the shared prosperity of our peoples. In particular, as agreed, I firmly believe that our ambitious plans to expand cooperation in ten new directions including chemicals, oil and gas, mining, energy, electrical engineering, jewelry, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and banking and finance will be fully realized. Taking this opportunity, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations on this landmark occasion in your countrys history. I wish Your Excellency robust health, family happiness, and continued success in your noble work for the development of your homeland, and peace and lasting progress to the brotherly people of Azerbaijan," the letter reads. Calin Georgescu, a Moscow-friendly Romanian politician who ran for president in November 2024, announced on May 26 that he is retiring from politics. In a video address posted online, Georgescu said he had made a personal choice to become a mere "observer of public and social life" and devote more time and energy to his family. An ultranationalist and a staunch opponent of NATO, Georgescu came first in the initial round of the presidential election in November 2024 with 22.9% of the vote. Romania's Constitutional Court later annulled the vote due to credible evidence of foreign interference in Georgescu's favor, namely from Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgescu was later barred from participating in a rerun in May as he faces multiple criminal charges over suspected promotion of fascist ideologies and Romania's World War II-era leader, Ion Antonescu, who oversaw the Holocaust in the country. In his address, Georgescu said that after the presidential election, "this stage of the sovereignist movement has ended." He added he would not join any political party or seek to hold a political office. After Georgescu was banned from running for president, far-right Eurosceptic George Simion became the leading nationalist candidate instead but was defeated in the runoff on May 18 by pro-EU centrist Nicusor Dan. "The world is weary of conflict, war, haste, violence, and political excess," Georgescu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When public attention is consumed by political infighting that has little to do with society's well-being, those in professions vital to the country's welfare are pushed to the margins." Georgescu thanked all those who supported him, claiming they had been "harassed, humiliated, and marginalized," and extended his gratitude also to his opponents. The largely unknown Georgescu surged in popularity shortly before the November vote thanks to what is suspected to be Russian interference and a hybrid campaign on the TikTok platform. The former candidate has vowed to end Romania's assistance to Ukraine and once suggested that Bucharest could take part in the country's post-war partition, drawing a rebuke from Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) On Sunday, Project 325 hosted a community outreach initiative called Feeding 325 at the Peoples Plaza, located off of South 14th Street. Dyess We Care Team seeks help after military family finds home in ruins The organization offered residents resources, community, and a free meal. Volunteer Ry Pelletier said the organization wants to provide a welcoming come and go environment as a non-religious group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happens a lot of times with stringent grant requirements and things like that is people fall through the cracks. Were just trying to create a baseline. Everyone across the board is able to be served and is able to get what they need without having to check any boxes off first, Pelletier said. Its basically just a mutual aid hub. We are just providing a free meal. There are a lot of toiletries, hygiene items, and a lot of other agencies have donated things to give away. Abilene ISD free summer meals kicks off June 2 The organization started discussing the communitys needs in November 2024. Keely Mitchell, a Volunteer, grew up in Tulsa, where she saw a community program thrive. She said she wanted to bring a similar program to Key City. I thought it was a great program there. How can you help our neighbors here? Ive put down my roots here. Im going to help my neighbors as well now because its no fun to make it and not help your neighbors make it, Mitchell said. Come hang out, come vibe, come fellowship, and hang out and eat. Fill your belly. Get what you need. Take what you can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, they helped 80 people, and they hope to expand throughout the year and include more elements like wellness checks and cosmetology 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) A property management company accused of using artificial intelligence in a way that left Pennsylvania tenants without timely repairs or returned security deposits has reached a $45,000 settlement with the state. Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Tuesday that Home365, LLC, based in Las Vegas, agreed to resolve claims that it failed to maintain safe housing and return security deposits, allegedly violating Pennsylvanias Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The company, which used an AI-based platform to assist with operations, reportedly contributed to delays in addressing issues like water leaks, sewage problems, and structural defects. Some tenants also complained of not receiving required utilities like heat and water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement, filed in Allegheny County Court, includes $30,000 in consumer restitution and $15,000 in costs to the Office of Attorney General. Tenants who already filed complaints could receive payments ranging from $375 to $10,450. Additional impacted tenants have 90 days to file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection to be considered for restitution. The settlement also requires changes to Home365s business practices to prevent future violations. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. The settlement, in the form of an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, is pending court approval. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A pesky neighbor whose explosive barrage plagues homeowners in Waterfront Estates is propelling a tougher Orange County fireworks ordinance that could ease tensions and kabooms around the region. County commissioners discussed the revamped rules at their meeting Tuesday. Discontent in the working class neighborhood near Little Lake Conway has been simmering for more than a year but boiled over in September when a disquieted group of residents appeared before commissioners to plead for help. Though they had repeatedly called the Sheriffs Office, residents said responding deputies informed them no enforcement action could be taken unless an officer personally witnessed the infraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed rule change would drop that requirement and treat illegal use of fireworks as a code violation rather than a crime. If an investigating office found probable cause of a violation say a video or audio recording from a home-security system a written warning or a citation could be issued to the alleged offender along with a directive to cease and desist in a reasonable time. Assistant County Attorney Joy Carmichael, who presented a draft of the new rules to commissioners, defined a reasonable time to mean within five minutes or immediately. A first offense would carry a $200 fine and a second offense a $400 fine. Each subsequent violation would carry a fine of $500 and mandate the alleged offender to appear in court, she said. Florida law allows fireworks solely and exclusively on three holidays New Years Eve, New Years Day and July 4th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Mayra Uribe, whose district includes Waterfront Estates, said she has heard the unnerving blasts in the neighborhood. She described the explosions as random 9 oclock in the morning, 3 in the afternoon whenever he wants, When drought-like conditions this spring prompted Orange County and other Central Florida governments to impose burn bans to prevent a stray ember from touching off a dangerous wildfire, the fireworks stopped. We were all like, Hallelujah, Uribe said. But then it rained, the ban was lifted and the fireworks resumed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central Florida faces growing fire threat with deepening drought Residents also allege the neighbor erected phallic objects on a fence at his home to annoy them. Though neighbors have identified him, the Orlando Sentinel is not naming him because he has not been charged or cited. The man could not be reached by phone for this story. Jill Shargaa, among neighbors who have appealed to commissioners for help, considers the revamped rules to be good news. She previously appeared before the board with a calendar festooned with cartoon bombs, each marking a day shed heard an explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am very happy its going in the right direction, she said in a text after Tuesdays commission meeting. We would not need a sheriffs deputy to personally observe the guy lighting a match to blow up his bombs. shudak@orlandosentinel.com Manhattan prosecutors started winding down their case in the sexual assault retrial of Harvey Weinstein Tuesday, calling a clinical psychologist who discussed peoples general reactions after being raped as their final witness. Prosecutors expect to rest Wednesday, six weeks into a trial that saw testimony from three women who said the Miramax mogul sexually assaulted them in the 2000s and 2010s. Two of those accusers, actress Jessica Mann and former TV production assistant Miriam Haley, testified at Weinsteins landmark 2020 Manhattan Supreme Court trial, but the states highest court overturned the jurys guilty verdict in that case last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haley and Mann returned to the witness box to once again recount how Weinstein raped them in 2006 and 2013, respectively. Mann testified about how she stayed in a relationship with Weinstein for years after, showering him with complimentary e-mails and at times engaging in consensual sexual encounters with him. A third accuser, Polish model and aspiring actress Kaja Sokola, testified Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her in 2006, even after he sexually abused her as a teenager years earlier. Weinstein defense team has assaulted the credibility of the accusers, arguing that they manipulated Weinstein and took advantage of the casting couch to further their careers, then saw a payday as the #MeToo movement picked up steam after Weinstein was outed in news accounts as a serial sexual harasser. On Tuesday, clinical psychologist Lisa Rocchio told the jury generally about how sexual assault victims often maintain contact with or stay in relationships, even sexual relationships, with their attackers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of that may be attempting to re-normalize or get back to what you perceive to be normal relations with the individual. You can convince yourself that this was a one-off, Rocchio said. She also said that victims will often dissociate after or during a sexual assault. Theres a great deal of minimization Telling yourself that it isnt that big of a deal, she said. Typically people dont use those really scary words like rape and sexual assault We know people minimize as a coping strategy. Weinsteins lawyers expect to cross-examine Rocchio on Wednesday before presenting their own witnesses. Its not yet clear if Weinstein will take the stand in his own defense. The QTS data center complex under development in Fayetteville, Georgia, US, on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. QTS, the data-center developer that Blackstone bankrolls, complex is expected to consume as much electricity as about a million US households leaving utility Georgia Power rushing to build the infrastructure to meet demand. Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images The Georgia Public Service Commission is set to hold a second round of hearings on Georgia Powers controversial long-range plans. The five-member utility regulator is set to vote July 15 as the states largest utility expects to spend billions of dollars to meet skyrocketing energy demands attributed to new electricity-hogging data centers. Georgia Powers 2025 Integrated Resource Plan calls for renewable energy but also more fossil fuels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Power has come under fire after PSC hearings in April when the company disclosed it is considering building new methane gas units to generate up to 9,000 more megawatts of capacity by 2031. A number of environmental groups are calling on the utility to include a more diverse mix of clean, affordable energy solutions like solar power in its long-range plan instead of relying more heavily on fossil fuels. Georgia Powers plans include upgrading the nuclear units at Plant Hatch and Plant Vogtle and the oil and gas-fired units at Plant McIntosh. In addition, the company plans to upgrade nine hydroelectric dams throughout the state and build new transmission lines along more than 1,000 miles of power lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Powers plans also include the addition of 1,100 MW of renewable energy from solar and battery storage. The 2025 IRP provides a comprehensive plan to support Georgias continued economic growth and allow us to serve Georgians with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy well into the future we look forward to continuing the process through the hearings this week, Georgia Power spokesman Matthew Kent said. Three days of hearings about the plan will begin Tuesday, following a proposed agreement reached between Georgia Power and the PSC to freeze base electric rates from 2026 to 2028. Some critics have argued that the proposed agreement is a political maneuver to protect Republican incumbent commissioners Fitz Johnson and Tim Echols. The PSC members are facing voters for the first time in years after a lawsuit delayed the usual six-year election cycle. Since 2023, the average Georgia Power residential ratepayer is paying $43 more per month due to rising base electric rates, higher natural gas costs and the completion of two nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a two-year exemption at the request of Georgia Powers parent Southern Company allowing Plant Bowen and Plant Scherer to bypass federal emission regulations for mercury and other air pollutants. Fossil fuels under fire Georgia Power is requesting permission from the PSC to continue burning coal at Plant Scherer near Macon and Plant Bowen outside Cartersville well into the 2030s. Georgia Power planned to retire one of its Plant Scherer units by the end of 2028 and Plant Bowens closure date is uncertain. Georgia Power is also planning to continue to use coal and gas at Alabamas Plant Gaston for energy generation. The commission staff filed a recommendation this month that the company should be allowed to satisfy its projected 2033 needs, which would be 5,226 MW instead of 5,989 MW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Powers resource plan will reinforce its energy demands while also adapting to the changing regulatory environment and supply chain requirements, according to the PSC staff recommendations. The increases will provide Georgia Power with greater flexibility and time to adapt, according to the PSC staff. Brionte McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, argued that the driving reasons behind Georgia Powers fuel rate increase is the continued reliance on fossil fuels. Georgia Conservation Voters is one of several organizations challenging the power companys models for predicting the growth of massive data centers. According to the companys projections, data centers will consume 80% of all electricity, and all customers will benefit from these facilities that support the growing use of artificial intelligence. Critics contend that the companys projected demand is overstated and that existing ratepayers could be saddled with the cost of unnecessary electricity generating infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen them double down on gas and coal and all of the costs from Plant Vogtle, McCorkle said. All of those things have resulted in peoples bills going up despite public comment for years that people want to see the power company investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency. These are measures that will not only promote clean energy, but also help save the money on their power bills. Georgia Power company has been criticized by environmental groups for reversing its plans to close plants Bowen and Scherer, long among the worst polluters in the region. The company is instead seeking approval from state regulators to extend the life of the two plants and expand its fossil fuel energy capacity. Last year, Georgia regulators signed off on an amended 2022 Georgia Power plan allowing it to build new biomass power plants that will burn wood waste and other organic material to generate electricity. Jennifer Whitfield, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said the Georgia Power 2025 plan is unusual since there is a large amount of projected demand that is not based on proven analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How good are their projections, and are they good enough to make big resource decisions right now? Whitfield said. We think that they are not and expect that next week youre going to hear from a lot of people who say their load forecasts are way too high. Whitfield gave credit for the Georgia Power proposal calling for significant investments in energy efficiency that can help ratepayers save money on their bills. I think theres going to be some exciting stuff in (the IRP), but the commission shouldnt take any action making radical decisions based on the data they have before them because the data is not good, Whitfield said. Neil Sardana with the Georgia Conservation Voters Education Fund said the organization will present testimony this week for how Georgia Power can reduce emissions, accelerate coal plant retirement and increase clean energy such as solar, wind and battery storage in a way that could potentially save customers $10 billion by the year 2040. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Power could be doing a lot better when it comes to planning and developing resources for energy production that not only improves our air quality emissions and also saves everyday customers tons of money, Sardana said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Addison Lowry, a Jefferson County high school student, speaks at the podium during a Protect Our Schools press conference. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) LOUISVILLE An organization that led a statewide campaign against last years proposed constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to fund nonpublic schools is seeking more insight about education from communities across Kentucky. Protect Our Public Schools, which has transitioned to a wider education advocacy role following the defeat of Amendment 2 in November, was one of the highest fundraising political action committees against the amendment. Now, the coalition has launched a listening tour in 10 Kentucky cities to gather input and build a campaign for pro-education legislation in Frankfort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of a forum in Louisville on Thursday, Jefferson County Teachers Association President Maddie Shepherd told reporters that Protect Our Schools is in a unique position right now to chart a course for our kids future. She said the feedback the organization collects in the 10 forums will inform a larger, broader shared campaign about what all of Kentucky schools need. Addison Lowry, a Jefferson County high school student, said that community leaders and local voices were the key to the movement against Amendment 2 last year and argued that the same strategy will be effective in campaigning on behalf of public education in the future. This effort wont be led by Frankfort lobbyists, but by the people who live with the consequences of decisions made in Frankfort every day the folks who drive through the bus, the students who ride that bus, those who teach in classrooms, pack the lunches and raise the kids in our communities, Lowry said. We believe that those closest to the problem should be the ones helping shape the solution, and thats exactly what this campaign is about. A sign opposing Amendment 2 is shown at a Protect Our Schools party in Louisville. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) Protect Our Schools held its first listening stop in Owensboro. The next dates and locations are Bowling Green on June 10 and Lexington on July 15. The organization will announce future dates and locations online at protectourschoolsky.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a forum, those who attend are asked about challenges in their communities and about what they would like teaching and learning for students to be in their areas. They also discuss how to make those goals a reality. Lowry said that by the end of the year, Protect Our Schools hopes to have built a more localized, robust coalition than ever before ready to organize for the future students deserve. When lawmakers return to Frankfort in January for the 2026 legislative session, they will deliberate the next biennial state budget and decide which programs to fund with state dollars. Protect Our Schools plans to compile the feedback from its forums into a legislative campaign that focuses on reinvesting in the states public schools. Education funding has been a contentious topic between public school advocates and Republican lawmakers in recent years. While some groups like the Kentucky Education Association have argued paying teachers more would incentivize more people to go into the profession, Republicans have argued the General Assembly, controlled by the GOP, has provided a historic level of K-12 education funding. Public education funding nationwide has faced uncertainty as the Trump administration reviews federal funding for K-12 schools. In Kentucky, all but two school districts signed an agreement with the administration to adhere to new restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools and avoid the possibility of losing federal funding. Recently, the U.S. Department of Education denied a $10.6 million request to extend COVID relief funding submitted by the Kentucky Department of Education on behalf of school districts for nine projects. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is hosting its Second Annual Colorado Springs Fire Department Open House and Citizen Awards in June, which will be open to the public. CSFD will host the open house on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fire department will recognize community members who have gone above and beyond to assist other fellow community members in the greatest time of need. The event will also include demonstrations from the CSFD High Angle Rescue, HAZMAT, Heavy Rescue Crews, and CSFDs Special Operations Drone. Individuals will be able to see a simulated structure for response and an auto-extraction. Members from the Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Utilities Wildland Units, and more agencies will be in attendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The open house will be held June 7 at CSFDs Headquarters located at 375 Printers Parkway. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When Steven Spielberg's smash hit film Jaws opened in theatres in June 1975, it kindled a worldwide panic about shark bites that led many sharks to die by human hands. But as the original summer blockbuster nears its 50th anniversary, an expert on the politics of shark attacks has said it also deserves qualified praise for getting more people involved with shark conservation. Jaws provided the justification for, and weakened push-back against, all the anti-shark public policies that followed," acknowledged Chris Pepin-Neff, a public policy lecturer at the University of Sydney, in an article for Scientific American on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yet, at 50 years old, Jaws is also a celebration of sharks, creating a fascination that helped lead to more than two generations of new shark researchers, he writes. For nearly 20 years, Pepin-Neff has been studying how politicians in Australia and beyond respond to shark attacks, including how they draw on filmic examples to justify their actions a phenomenon Pepin-Neff calls the "Jaws Effect. They argue that interventions such as shark hunts, anti-shark netting, and baited traps do little to keep swimmers safe and do great harm to marine wildlife, propping up a false belief that the ocean can be governed by human institutions. "Initially, the movies biggest impact was to portray shark bites as intentional "attacks" on swimmers," Pepin-Neff wrote. "[This] fictional story of the human-shark relationship ... has been one of the most successful Hollywood narratives in motion picture history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public believed this story of intentionality so completely that every shark bite was essentially a murder, and every shark a potential murderer, and the beach was the scene of a crime by a deviant monster against innocent beachgoers, he notes. Shark populations have dropped drastically over the past few decades, and the film reportedly inspired a short-term burst of trophy fishing off the coast of the US. However, it's not clear how much Jaws had to do with the overall decline, because sharks are hunted commercially to make shark fin soup in far greater numbers than are killed for sport or retaliation or fear. Either way, Pepin-Neff also notes how many people involved with the making of the film later became strong advocates of shark protection, such as diver and documentarian Valerie Taylor and scientific consultant Leonard Compagno. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Benchley, who wrote the original novel that Spielberg's film is adapted from, spoke out frequently in support of sharks and wrote a book arguing that humans caused them more trouble than the other way around. Please, in the name of nature, do not mount a mindless assault on an endangered animal for making an innocent however tragic mistake, he wrote in an open letter in 2000, urging Australians not to kill a shark that had recently killed a human. This was not a rogue shark, tantalized by the taste of human flesh and bound now to kill and kill again. Such creatures do not exist, despite what you might have derived from Jaws. Spielberg too has said he "truly regrets" the impact Jaws had on sharks, joking that they might be "somehow still mad at [him] for the feeding frenzy of crazy sport fishermen that happened after 1975. "Today, humanity has grown to have a better appreciation for all sharks, even those that swim near the beach," concluded Pepin-Neff. "We owe some of the public sentiment that its 'safe to go back in the water to Jaws. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. bps regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkiye Gary Jones has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occassion of May 28th - Independence Day, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, On behalf of bp, I warmly congratulate you and all the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of May 28th - Independence Day. We highly value our successful and fruitful partnership of over 30 years, and are proud to have contributed to the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of the country's world-class projects. The achievements we have attained together over the years, along with the mutual trust we have built, are of great importance to us. As bp, we believe that this effective partnership will continue for many years and will further contribute to the prosperity of the people of Azerbaijan. Your Excellency, I congratulate you once again on this significant day. I wish you good health and happiness, and the people of Azerbaijan constant progress and development," the letter reads. SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) Rebuilding after devastation is the reality for many in southern Kentucky. Pulaski County residents impacted by the May 16 tornado can apply for federal support to ease the burden. Residents can visit The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, a one-stop shop for in-person help. At the Disaster Recovery Center, victims can apply for a wide range of needs, from home repairs to replacement items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could be anything from home repair or replacement, personal property, child care, moving and storage, Daniel Bernardy, FEMA public information officer, said. Unfortunately, this was a mass casualty event as Kentuckians know and we do help with funeral costs as well. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: FEMA, the Red Cross, and the Small Business Administration are on site, offering help depending on individual situations, whether they be a renter, homeowner, or business owner. If its something that your landlord provided, then its not something we can reimburse for, but its something you owned in the house like clothing or certain appliances, you just need to be able to show that it was yours and you owned it on and before the incident date, Bernardy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said they encourage people who are unable or do not want to get help in person to apply online, by phone, or through the FEMA app. Read more of the latest Kentucky news The deadline to apply for federal aid is July 23; however, funding will continue to be distributed after that date. A Mobile Registration Intake Center is also set to open on Tuesday in Nancy, at the Nancy Volunteer Fire Department. For a list of all the centers open, 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 56 News. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again appealed to the U.S. to apply more pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin in pursuit of peace talks to end Moscow's 3-year-old invasion of its neighbor -- and as massed long-range drone strikes continued. "Russian strikes are becoming increasingly brazen and large-scale every night," Zelenskyy wrote in an evening message to Telegram, after consecutive days of intense Russian strikes involving more than 900 attack drones and missiles. "There is no military logic in this, but it is a clear political choice -- the choice of Putin, the choice of Russia -- the choice to keep waging war and destroying lives," Zelenskyy wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "New and strong sanctions against Russia -- from the United States, from Europe, and from all those around the world who seek peace -- will serve as a guaranteed means of forcing Russia not only to cease fire, but also to show respect," Zelenskyy said. PHOTO: Ukrainian servicemen prepare for a combat mission near the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on May 26, 2025. (Anatolii Stepanov/Reuters) "Putin must start respecting those he talks to," the president wrote. "For now, he is simply playing games with diplomacy and diplomats. That must change." The Ukrainian president is seeking to frame Putin as the key impediment to a peace deal, as Kyiv navigates a fractious bilateral relationship with President Donald Trump's administration. Months of U.S.-brokered peace talks have failed to produce a lasting ceasefire or a clear framework for a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's building frustration has been evident. This weekend, Trump said Putin had gone "absolutely crazy," while also rebuking Zelenskyy for causing "problems" with his public statements. On Tuesday, Trump said in a Truth Social post that "Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD." "Hes playing with fire!" Trump added. Earlier Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Trump was revealing "certain emotions" as his efforts for peace were being sabotaged by European politicians "pushing Ukraine toward absolutely reckless actions like drone attacks on Moscow." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Russia, Ukraine exchange drone attacks after Trump rebukes leaders Kyiv is pushing for a 30-day ceasefire during which time peace talks can take place. Russia has so far refused the proposal. Putin told Trump in a phone call last week that Moscow was preparing a memorandum setting out its negotiating position. But Kyiv and its European partners have accused the Kremlin of intentionally stalling discussions. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told reporters at a Tuesday briefing that Moscow is still developing its memorandum, which she said will be sent to Kyiv as soon as it is completed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We expect that the Ukrainian side is doing the same work and will send us its developments simultaneously with the receipt of the Russian document," Zakharova said. PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy takes a phone call in his office in Kyiv, May 26, 2025. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/AFP via Getty Images) Zelenskyy on Monday cast doubt on the Russian proposal. "They've already spent over a week on this," he wrote. "They talk a lot about diplomacy. But when, in the midst of all that, there are constant Russian strikes, constant killings, relentless assaults, and even preparations for new offensives." Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly appealed to Trump to impose new, tougher sanctions on Moscow to push the Kremlin to downgrade its maximalist war goals. Those include the annexation of swaths of Ukrainian territory, Ukrainian demilitarization and a permanent block on the country's accession to NATO. Ukrainian requests have so far gone unanswered, despite Trump's threats to introduce new sanctions to press Putin into negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Russia is preparing new offensives, according to Ukraine intelligence: Zelenskyy Both Russia and Ukraine continued drone strikes on Monday night into Tuesday morning. Ukraine's air force said it shot down 43 of 60 Russian drones launched into the country, with confirmed impacts in nine locations and falling debris in three locations. Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces downed 99 Ukrainian drones over seven regions. Putin 'playing games' with US peace talks, Zelenskyy says amid drone attack originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A new report from the Washington State Auditors Office says the City of Puyallup didnt properly report millions of dollars it received in federal funds. According to the 2023 report which the auditor released earlier this month on May 15 the city had significant deficiencies in its financial reporting. The report says the city didnt: Report $2.1 million in federal COVID-19 relief grants it received in 2023. Include all financial activity in the accounting systems and [ensure] that the financial statements submitted for audit were accurate, complete and agreed to underlying accounting records. Ensure the ending cash it reported on its bank statements was accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendy Choy, an assistant director with the auditors office, told The News Tribune the office audits the City of Puyallup once a year. This report reviewed the citys financial records from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023. Part of the citys annual report package includes a schedule for federal awards, Choy said. Its a schedule that lists all the federal expenditures that the city spent in our case, during the audit period during 2023. In that schedule, youre supposed to list all your federal expenditures by program. Choy said the city filed the report they were supposed to and was still tracking the $2.1 million they received in COVID-19 funds, but neglected to include it in the report. They filed [the report], it just didnt include this $2.1 million grant, Choy said. Its not a violation in the sense that the money is not accounted for. How did this happen? The News Tribune spoke to Puyallups city manager, Steve Kirkelie, and the citys spokesperson, Eric Johnson. Kirkelie and Johnson both said the city is looking at this report as a learning opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We completely recognize that the auditor serves a very important function in this state and to our city, Kirkelie said. We take it very seriously and were working with the auditor. Both men said the mistakes happened due to new staffing. The citys financial analyst resigned in April 2024 and its finance manager retired in September 2024. When the city started preparing its financial statements for the audit that October, there were two new staff members overseeing the process. [The retired staff], they built up so much knowledge and when that person retires, they retire their brain with them, Kirkelie said. You want to make sure youre capturing their institutional knowledge. Kirkelie said the city noticed the mistake, but at that point, it was too late to submit the correct information into the audit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We recognize that and that is an error on our part and we are working [to make sure] that doesnt happen again, Kirkelie said. Kirkelie said the citys finance department has 14 full-time staff members, with about half of those people working on these reports. The finance director, finance manager and financial analyst are the three people most involved in putting the reports together. Both men confirmed that no positions have been cut from the citys finance department these past few years. When The News Tribune asked them how the size of their finance department compares to other Western Washington cities of similar size, they said they did not know. Johnson said that, after the audit, the city hired one more person to its finance department meaning the department now has three new staff members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of the new staffing, the city had also recently transitioned to new finance software, which led to more confusion on how to properly report the funds. Most grants that we receive from the state and federal government are reimbursement-based, Johnson said. In this case, we were actually issued the money up front and then we would have to document how we were spending them [its not] what we were used to at the federal or state level. Kirkelie said that, while they are not expecting any of their finance staff to leave any time soon, it will inevitably happen again someday and this experience allows the city to be on guard so that something like this doesnt happen again. [We can say], OK, youre leaving, lets go through all of these and make sure our is are dotted and our ts are crossed, Kirkelie said. What were these funds used for? Johnson said the $2.1 million that didnt get reported is part of the $14 million the city got in American Rescue Plan funds, which the city uses to support economic development for local businesses. Kirkelie pointed at Puyallups parklets program as an example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kirkelie said the citys total biennial budget is $312 million for 2025 and 2026. According to the auditors report, a city has to undergo a federal grant compliance audit if it spent more than $750,000 in federal funds each year. When the city failed to report the $2.1 million, the paperwork made it look like the city didnt have to go through a federal audit when it did. A federal grant compliance audit is where we come in, in this case, to review certain federal programs for the City of Puyallup to make sure they can meet federal regulations, Choy said. Choy also said the city submitted bank statements that contradicted each other. She said many cities have statements that dont line up, but they submit additional documents that explain why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically there will be a difference and that difference is based on reconciling, Choy said. For example, your Dec. 31 bank balance may not also take into consideration checks that youve already sent out in the mail, the other party hasnt cashed it out yet. The issue in the City of Puyallups case, Choy said, is that they couldnt find documents explaining why their statements didnt align. In this case, the city was unable to provide those documentations for the reconciling items due to the [staff] turnover theyve experienced, Choy said. What happens now? In the report, the auditor recommended the city revamp its procedures to ensure their financial reporting is accurate from here on out. Kirkelie and Johnson said that is what the city intends to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We could have done a better job of, really, redundancy and double-checking our work and the auditor pointed it out for us, Johnson said. When The News Tribune asked Kirkelie and Johnson what the citys plan was to prevent this situation from happening again, they said the plan consists of: Changing internal processes so that multiple people look at each report before the city submits it to the auditors office. Increasing training for its new staff members, including a refresher class from the citys legal department this summer on federal contracting and federal expenditures. Part of what were doing here now is making sure that there is clear protocols in place that, when somebody submits documents to the auditor or in the day-to-day reconciliation of our financial statements, that there is a double check there maybe even a triple check, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kirkelie reiterated that the mistakes were about documenting funds properly, not losing funds entirely. Were not missing $2 million, Kirkelie said. That didnt just disappear the funds are there, [the mistakes just happened] when we went to reconcile the general statements. Kirkelie said the city is in good financial health. He said the city had a credit agency review its bond rating as part of its quest to build a new police station at 1015 39th Ave. SE. The citys bond rating is a double A rating the equivalent of a 700 credit score for an individual. That rating really, essentially, says the City of Puyallup is healthy from a financial standpoint and is at low risk, Johnson added. The auditor is set to do its next annual review of the city in October. Britains Queen Camilla joined King Charles III for the royal couples tour of Canada on Tuesday in the countrys capital of Ottawa. The reigning monarch provided remarks to the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada. For the occasion, Queen Camilla wore a navy blue ensemble, featuring a midi dress with rounded shoulders and long sleeves. The queen consort added a coordinated hat to her ensemble with an exaggerated brim and applique at the side. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for her accessories, Queen Camilla styled her three-strand pearl necklace with a diamond clasp at the center and the Queens Own Rifles of Canada brooch, which holds a significant symbolic meaning, per Steven Stone jewelry expert Maxwell Stone. The Queens Own Rifles of Canada brooch is a meaningful and distinguished piece of royal jewelery, symbolizing her deep and enduring association with the regiment, Stone said in a statement to WWD, via email. Crafted in silver and embellished with diamonds, its adorned with the regiments iconic bugle horn cap badge. The brooch was presented to her in 2012 by General Sir Patrick Sanders, then Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, to mark her appointment as colonel-in-chief, Stone said. Since then, Queen Camilla has worn it on numerous ceremonial occasions, including during official visits to Canada. Id estimate it to be worth around 100,000. (100,000 pounds equals roughly $135,095.) Queen Camilla has an extensive jewelry collection, often wearing brooches for particular public royal engagements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with her own collection of jewels, the queen consort inherited several pieces from the late Queen Elizabeth IIs collection, following the monarchs death in September 2022. In April 2024, Queen Camilla wore Queen Elizabeth IIs regimental brooch, featuring the skull and crossbones symbol. View Gallery Launch Gallery: Queen Camillas Royal Style Throughout King Charles III's Reign [PHOTOS] Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Karen Bradbury and her husband Patrick Crowley smile after the Rhode Island Senate vote on Tuesday, May 27, confirming Bradbury's appointment to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. (Screenshot/Capitol TV) Rhode Islands three-pronged state utility panel is back to full power, with the Rhode Island Senate unanimously voting to confirm Karen Bradbury to the open seat on the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. The chambers 30-0 vote Tuesday fills the vacancy left by former commissioner John Revens, who resigned in December, midway through his six-year term. Supporters of Bradbury touted her experience in state and federal government and renewable energy as qualifications for her appointment. Bradbury most recently served as program administrator for Rhode Islands Office of Energy Resources, overseeing the rollout of federally funded tax credits and incentives to help homeowners and small business owners pay for high-efficiency electric heat pumps, among other renewable energy programs. Much of her 20-year policy career was spent working under U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, where she left as projects director in December 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is committed to finding solutions that provide Rhode Islanders with clean and affordable energy, Sen. Robert Britto, an East Providence Democrat, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, said of Bradbury. Her track record makes her an excellent selection to serve on the PUC. Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, a South Kingstown Democrat, also gave high praise to Bradbury. We are so fortunate to have someone with her expertise and her knowledge, and not only that, shes great to work with, Sosnowski said. Bradbury did not address the chamber, but waved in response to standing applause after the vote. She was accompanied by her husband, Patrick Crowley, the president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKees administration previously defended against inquiries about whether Bradburys appointment was related to her husbands influential role with a major labor union, instead focusing on Bradburys own qualifications for the job. Bradburys high-profile appointment to the regulatory body carries extra weight amid rising frustration over utility costs and profits reported by Rhode Island Energy. Addressing lawmakers during a May 20 panel hearing, Bradbury pledged to protect families and businesses grappling with soaring utility bills while also advancing the states renewable energy mandates, which are one of several costs contributing to monthly utility bills. The utilities commission by law cannot reject the state utility providers proposed supply-side prices, as long as they do not include an extra markup beyond what it costs to purchase power directly from third-party suppliers. However, the commission has more authority over service-side charges and has scaled back Rhode Island Energys proposed investments in capital infrastructure projects in acknowledgement of the extra costs to customers. Bradbury will serve out the rest of Revens term, which ends on March 1, 2027. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Longtime Democratic political operative Rahm Emanuel offered a blistering assessment of his party in a Wall Street Journal article published Monday, calling the Democratic brand toxic and weak and woke as speculation mounts that hell run for president in 2028. Im tired of sitting in the back seat when somebodys gunning it at 90 miles an hour for a cliff, Emanuel, 65, told the newspaper. If you want the country to give you the keys to the car, somebodys got to be articulating an agenda thats fighting for America, not just fighting [President] Trump. The former Obama White House chief of staff, Chicago mayor, congress member and diplomat has been popping up across media outlets in recent weeks, voicing concerns about the Democratic Partys direction after its loss in November and stoking speculation about his political future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Wall Street Journals report, he has secured contracts with CNN and The Washington Post to provide political commentary, spoke to moderate Democrats at a May retreat in Maryland and is slated to headline a fish fry in Iowa this fall. The Journal described him as being coy about his next political steps but noted he appears to be tiptoeing toward a presidential campaign. Voters will be lucky, Emanuel told the outlet of the next presidential race. Theyll have a real debate one we didnt have in 2024. Democrats had advanced then-President Bidens reelection bid with little resistance before he dropped out of the race in July, leaving then-Vice President Kamala Harris to take up the top-of-ticket slot against Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump handily bested Harris with 312 electoral college votes to her 226, winning 49.9 percent of the popular vote to Harriss 48.3 percent. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a recent interview with The Free Press that she believes Emanuel will seek the Democratic nomination in 2028. Other Democrats on the long list of possible contenders include a slew of governors Californias Gavin Newsom, Illinoiss JB Pritzker, Pennsylvanias Josh Shapiro, Michigans Gretchen Whitmer as well as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.) and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Emanuel stressed in the latest interview that the Democratic Party should focus on more populist issues that resonate with voters and back away from the divisive culture wars that have driven their narrative in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American dream has become unaffordable. Its inaccessible. And that has to be unacceptable to us, he said. The publics not wrong. They figured it out. The systems rigged. Its corrupt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. The Qatar Media Center is ready to collaborate with Azerbaijani media, Iman Al-Kaabi, Director of the Qatar Media Center under the Ministry of Culture of the State of Qatar, told Trend on the sidelines of the "Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas" conference in Baku. I support the development of joint media projects, especially in my role as head of the Qatar Media Center. We welcome any cooperation with Azerbaijani media, particularly in promoting the important messages conveyed by this conference, Al-Kaabi told the agency. The director emphasized that the event in Baku is taking place amid the rapid advancement of digital technologies, which, in her view, pose a serious threat to Islam. Today, digital spacesespecially those involving artificial intelligenceare filled with expressions that spread hatred toward Islam and Muslims. Muslims are being described using terms that have nothing to do with the true essence of Islam. In reality, Islam is a religion of tolerance, love, understanding, and compassion among nations, she stressed. Al-Kaabi also called for stronger international cooperation to curb the spread of hate speech against Islam and Muslims. We thank Baku for its hospitality and for hosting this important conference, which aims to unify efforts and present Islam in its true, noble, and inclusive form, she concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) Raising Canes is expected to open its first West Michigan location this fall. The fast food chicken chain is set to open at the corner of Milham Avenue and Westnedge Avenue in Portage, Josh Weiner, the CEO of developer Meyer C. Weiner Company, confirmed to News 8. He said the two buildings that had been at that corner were demolished last week. Raising Canes aims to open restaurants in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo areas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Raising Canes is expected to open there late this fall, though a Raising Canes representative said it could be as far out as early 2026. Weiner told News 8 over the phone Tuesday that his team is excited about developing that corner, something theyve been working on for 15 years. Raising Canes, a Louisiana-founded chain known for its chicken finger meals, Texas toast and crinkle-cut fries, already has two locations in the east side of the state, with a third coming soon in Ann Arbor. Its working to open other spots across Michigan, including in the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Mount Pleasant areas, a Raising Canes representative said in a statement to News 8. The goal is to open around 20 new locations over the next 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we expand across the world, were continually looking at global destinations and popular cities in which to open Raising Canes, the representative said in a statement. We love the energy and excitement Raising Canes has garnered across Michigan and hope to bring our brand to more of the state in areas such as Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Mount Pleasant and more of the greater Detroit area within the next few 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 WOODTV.com. The organization MASS 50501 says more protection is needed for immigrants in Massachusetts. The organization rallied outside City Hall on Monday and says immigrant communities are being targeted. The group says the American dream many make their way to the United States for is being threatened by fear. Its being done extra judicially, warrants are not being issued for these individuals and so they are being deported without due process, which means its possible that anybody could be deported and we wouldnt know, said Bryan Winter, a veterans representative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department of Homeland Security officials have emphasized that they are prioritizing the removal of dangerous criminals. In a statement last week, Homeland Security said ICE detained and removed a number of people here in Massachusetts who have criminal records. Despite sanctuary politicians and activists trying to disrupt ICE operations, our brave law enforcement removed gang members, drug traffickers, and other violent criminals from Massachusetts streets, said Assistant Secretary Tricia Mclaughlin. 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 Water flows out of the Bonneville Dam along the Columbia River between Multnomah County, Oregon and Skamania County, Washington. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle) After dropping to historic levels last year due to ongoing drought and high temperatures, hydropower generated in the Northwest is expected to rise slightly this year from much needed precipitation. Hydropower in the region is expected to increase about 17% compared to last year, a welcome boost to growing energy demand, but will still be below the 10-year average, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials at the Energy Information Administration published their 2025 forecast on May 19, as well as annual expectations for water supplies in key river basins generating the hydroelectricity. Overall hydropower generation in the U.S. is expected to rise 7.5% in 2025, which will also still keep overall hydropower generation below the 10-year average. Hydropower represents about 6% of the countrys electricity. The increase in hydropower expected in 2025 is due in large part to above average precipitation in northern California, Oregon and eastern Washington during the past winter and this spring. Parts of southeast Oregon received record rainfall this spring, causing Gov. Tina Kotek in March to declare a state of emergency. Despite the increased precipitation in some parts of the state, the Upper Columbia River Basin near Grand Coulee Dam in Washington will have a below-normal water supply this year when compared to the past 30 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Northwest River Forecast Center. Water supply will be about normal or above normal in the southern portion of the Columbia River, which includes the Snake River Basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eleven Western states produce up to 60% of the countrys hydroelectricity. Washington, California and Oregon are the three largest contributors, with dams in Oregon and Washington producing more than one-third of all U.S. hydropower. About 40% of the electricity used in Oregon comes from the regions hydroelectric dams. But ongoing drought, periods of low precipitation and rising summer temperatures that melt mountain snowpack too quickly have led to lower-than-usual power generating capacity at dams in the West. Both Oregon and Washington generated 20% less hydropower in 2023 than they did in 2021, and hydropower generation in the Northwest dropped to a historic 22-year low between Oct. 2022 and Sept. 2023. Hydropower generated in 2024 was the lowest its been since 2010, according to the federal Energy Information Administration. The loss in generating capacity has cost the hydropower industry billions in revenue in recent years, according to researchers from the University of Alabama. The sector lost about 300 million megawatt hours of power generation between 2003 and 2020 due to drought and low water compared with the long-term average, equating to about $28 billion in lost revenue. Half of the drop in power generation was due to drought in Oregon, Washington and California. In Oregon, the hydroelectricity sector is estimated to have lost more than $1.5 billion in revenue over those 18 years. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WKRN) Authorities tracked down three suspects who are accused of breaking into homes in the Brentwood area. The trio was arrested Friday in Chattanooga after a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper stopped the vehicle they were traveling in. According to officials, the men are Chilean Nationals tied to residential burglaries that occurred in Tennessee, Missouri and California. RELATED: 3 Chilean nationals suspected in Middle TN burglaries arrested in Chattanooga Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrests come amid reports of foreign gangs in Middle Tennessee. Deborah Newitz said she was a victim of a similar crime earlier this year. Four men dressed in black and wearing face masks hopped the fence and ran across our property to the back of our home and smashed our bedroom window, she recalled. Newitz spoke at a press conference called by Congressman Andy Ogles on Memorial Day as he invited residents to speak on their encounters with suspected foreign gang members. After nine minutes of using crow bars and striking and kicking doors and glass panels, they eventually gained access to our home, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS | Brentwood police advise residents to be on the lookout for burglary suspects Although Newitz wasnt home when the break-in happened, she said her teenage daughter was. During the press conference, she said the men that broke into her home got away with things both expensive and sentimental. Among jewelry and cash, these men stole heirlooms and inexpensive, but irreplaceable, Mothers Day gifts that my children made for me, Newitz said. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee The Brentwood Police Department advised residents to be on the lookout for the suspects last week after a burglary was reported in the Witherspoon neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the latest case, officials said the men stole Rolex watches, jewelry and had fake Peruvian IDs on them when they were arrested. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Memorial Day is a day when Americans reflect on those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Disabled U.S. Army Veteran Melissa Gates of Fruita volunteers at the Western Slope Vietnam Memorial raising and lowering the flag. Gates says her job is more than just color guard, its an opportunity to let visitors know what the flag she served for means. Its a curiosity for people. Its also just a beautiful remembrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others in the Grand Valley used their time to visit the Colorado National Monument. Alfred Chai is from Maryland. Chai and his family are visiting Colorado, exploring National Parks. Its beautiful, right, says Chai. I mean, the landscape is so different from one part of the country to the next. So, we love it. Also, there was Paige Rausch from Winter Park. Rausch had not gone to the monument before but found some extra time. Ive only been in Colorado two years and Im moving back to Utah. So, thats the reason Im driving through here is Ive got to go to all the places. Rausch quotes a word from a movie to describe what viewing the monument for the first time was like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Majestical, its a made-up word. That would be the word that would come to mind when he says its majestical. So, yeah, its absolutely stunning. Its beautiful. Regardless of how you choose to spend your Memorial Day, keep in mind the lives lost that helped protect that freedom. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) Memorial Day travel hits a new record-high. AAA predicts 45 million people traveled at least 50 miles from their homes this past Memorial Day weekend. Domestic travel is also predicted to go up by a million travelers compared to last year. People at the Ludlow service plaza told 22News they were traveling from all over the country, including Missouri, New York, and Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One couple from Rockport, ME, told 22News, We are driving back to Maine, its about a 13-hour trip. We went to a college reunion, a 65th college reunion. That couple traveled hours to their reunion and said it was worth it despite the traffic this weekend. They mentioned they met in college and have been married for more than 65 years. Their advice to couples: Keep working on it. 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. Editors Note: A lawsuit only portrays one side of a story. ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) The troubled teen school that shut down in 2019 has had a lawsuit filed against it. Red Rock Canyon School in St. George, which closed in September 2019, is accused of negligence in allowing an employee to sexually abuse a minor student. The lawsuit names Red Rock Canyon School, Sequel Youth and Family Services (the schools owners), Atonio Kavea (a former staff member), and Asiah Kavea (another former staff member). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff who is filing the lawsuit referred to as P.R. was a student at Red Rock Canyon in 2017, at age 13. They were a member of the Tule River Indian Tribe and were in and out of foster care when they were sent to the school. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former Red Rock Canyon School staffer comes forward with abuse and neglect allegations The lawsuit alleges that P.R. had cousins who attended the school, and her cousins had been visited by the staff member Atonio Kavea in California while away from the school. When P.R. arrived at the school in early 2017, she allegedly met Atonio Kavea and his sister, Asiah Kavea, who were both staff members at Red Rock Canyon School. Asiah Kavea was in charge of classes and staffing for female students. The plaintiff said that they showed favoritism toward her because they had met her and her cousins before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asiah Kavea, according to the lawsuit, allowed Atonio Kavea to take P.R. out of classes and spend time alone together. During this school-sanctioned alone time, Defendant Atonio Kavea began grooming P.R. for a romantic relationship, the lawsuit alleges. According to the lawsuit, P.R. would be taken to a room without many security cameras and would be sexually assaulted by Atonio Kavea. Asiah Kavea was allegedly aware of the developing relationship between them, but pretended not to know. Red Rock Canyon School staffer charged for allegedly punching student in the face during April riot In or around June or July 2018, almost everyone at Red Rock Canyon School was aware of a sexual relationship between P.R. and employee/Defendant Atonio Kavea, it states in the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other employees allegedly attempted to end the relationship and separate Atonio Kavea and P.R. The residential director directly asked P.R. about the relationship, but the lawsuit states she feared retribution and refused to say anything except review the camera footage. At this point, Atonio Kavea allegedly provided P.R. with liquid THC in hopes that she would get kicked out of Red Rock Canyon School. The next day, Asiah Kavea called her for a random drug test and found that she tested positive for THC. According to the lawsuit, Asiah Kavea then took P.R. out to the back field and began physically assaulting and hitting her. She was then informed that her things were in the office and a social worker was waiting to take her back to California. P.R. would be taken back to California. On the way back, documents say that the social worker informed P.R. that she was considered a liability to Red Rock Canyon School because she wouldnt be honest about the relationship between herself and Defendant Atonio Kavea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Atonio Kavea allegedly continued to visit P.R. in California and ask her to visit or stay with him in Utah. In August 2018, she would discover she was pregnant with his child. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff named in sexual assault lawsuit Upon being informed of the pregnancy, Atonio Kavea became enraged and attempted to force her to take Plan B,' according to documents. Another alleged victim came forward and told police that she was also pregnant with Atonio Kaveas child. At age 15, in April 2023, P.R. would give birth in California. DNA testing confirmed that Atonio Kavea was the father of P.R. and the other alleged victims children. He was convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child in California and has been placed on the sex offender registry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Red Rock Canyon School and Sequel Youth and Family Services are both being sued for negligence, negligence of training and supervision, respondeat superior (meaning they are being held responsible for an employees actions), and negligence per se breach of statutory reporting duty. Ogden woman allegedly runs over boyfriend during argument Asiah Kavea is also being sued for negligence, negligence of training and supervision, and negligence per se breach of statutory reporting duty. Atonio Kavea is being sued for sexual assault and abuse. The lawsuit asks for damages in an amount to be proven at trial for pain and suffering, loss of disruption of relationships with family members and loved ones, other emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life, in an amount no less than $10,000,000.00. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC4 has reached out to Sequel Youth and Family Services and P.R.s lawyers for more information on this lawsuit. 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. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Genetic testing company 23andMe had 15 million consumers who turned to them to learn more about their ancestry and understand their disposition to diseases. Now, there is a pending sale of that company and those consumers personal data. The buyer of this data is Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, which says it is acquiring substantially all of 23andMes assets for $256 million. Through our Regeneron Genetics Center, we have a proven track record of safeguarding personal genetic data, and we assure 23andMe customers that we will apply our high standards for safety and integrity to their data and ongoing consumer genetic services, said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D. Ph.D., co-founder, Board co-chair, President, and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron. We believe we can help 23andMe deliver and build upon its mission to help people learn about their own DNA and how to improve their personal health while furthering Regenerons efforts to improve the health and wellness of many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several lawmakers, and even the FTC, have expressed concern about what could happen to customers sensitive data. Were talking about the saliva sample and the detailed genetic profile of the user derived from that sample. California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer warning and offered users instructions on how to delete genetic data from 23andMe and how to ask the company to delete test samples to prevent their data from being used in research. In an open letter to customers posted on the 23andMe website, the company said, Any buyer will be required to comply with applicable law concerning the treatment of customer data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson from 23andMe responded to questions from Better Call Behnken and said there will be no change to how the company stores customers data. Privacy experts point out this data is not covered by federal HIPAA laws that protect patient privacy. The bankruptcy comes less than two years after 23andMe was hit by a data breach impacting 6.9 million customers. A court-appointed privacy ombudsman will access the deal and present a report to the court next month. If the sale is approved, it is expected to close later this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Families and friends gathered on a dreary Memorial Day morning at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth to remember those who died while serving the U.S. Armed Forces. United States flags were placed in every view, lining the path down cemetery roads. Attendees were robed in red, white and blue, as well as Army, Navy and Air Force attire. Weather tolerated the outdoor service as rain sprinkled minutes before 10 a.m., the start time, and stopped as all sang The Star Spangled Banner. The crowd gathered around the Doughboy statue, which originally unveiled before the first ever Fort Worth Memorial Day Service in 1930. The statue represents a traditional World War I American infantry soldier and a modern American infantryman. Retired Air Force SMSgt. Mary Staffeld asked for remembrance of more than a half dozen military personnel and families during the 96th Fort Worth Memorial Day Service at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas, Monday, May 26, 2025. Mayor Mattie Parker, Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare and Capt. Beau Hufstetler, commander at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, all gave remarks, reminding the audience that they live in the best country, state and city in the world because of the soldiers who put their lives at stake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack Stowe, a 99-year-old U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, was honored for his bravery of enlisting in the military at only 15-years-old. After the Pearl Harbor Attack of 1941, Stowe felt a strong conviction to change his Texas birth certificate and fight for the country. He served at Halavo Seaplane Base in the Solomon Islands, eventually contributing to the allied victory of World War II. He was then honorably discharged at just 18-years-old. SMSgt. Mary Staffeld, USAFR, retired asked for remembrance of more than a half dozen military personnel and families during the 96th Fort Worth Memorial Day Service at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas, Monday, May 26, 2025. The keynote speaker was Senior Master Sgt. Mary Staffeld from the United States Air Force Reserve. Staffeld shared stories of four soldiers who died so U.S. citizens can spend time with their friends and families today. She asked the audience to take away two things. First, remember their names and speak of them. Second, while spending time at barbecues, picnics, whatever it is that you have planned for the rest of the day, be reminded of what Memorial Day is really all about: honoring those who have given their last full measure. A retired U.S. Army member applauds the recognition of military members both active and retired during the 96th Fort Worth Memorial Day Service at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas, Monday, May 26, 2025. Remember John Basilone United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone was awarded a medal of honor for his extraordinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal Solomon Islands in October 1942. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After receiving that honor, he asked to return to combat in 1945, the last leg of World War II. Basilone destroyed an enemy block house and led a Marine tank under fire before taking his last breath, said Staffeld. Remember John Basilone. These heroic actions took place in the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. His bravery was recognized by a Navy Cross posthumously. The U.S. Navy color guard presented the colors during the 96th Fort Worth Memorial Day Service at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas, Monday, May 26, 2025. Remember Gary Johnson Combat medic, Gary Johnson, was a part of a Dustoff helicopter crew during the 20-year-long Vietnam War. A Dustoff crew consisted of four members two pilots, a medic and a crew chief whose primary mission was to do rapid medical examinations and transport the wounded. Dustoff is an acronym for Dedicated Unhesitating Service to Our Fighting Forces. These crews saved hundreds of lives during the Vietnam War, according to Texas Tech Vietnam Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson died while saving others lives with Dustoff crew 13, during his last mission before he was scheduled to return home. A lone Navy bugler played taps to conclude the 96th Fort Worth Memorial Day Service at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas, Monday, May 26, 2025. Remember Brian Burgess Staff Sgt. Brian Burgess served in the Armys Screaming Eagles, the 101st Airborne Division. He joined the Army after 9/11 to avenge the lives of those who were killed, though he did not personally know any of them. Burgess served in Afghanistan in the Operation Strong Eagle Three in Kunar Province, a part of the No Slack task force. The Operation Strong mission was expected to last only three days and ended up being nine. Burgess was killed during this mission on March 29, 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The heroic efforts of the task force were captured by ABC News in the film, The Hornets Nest. The US Marine rifle team fired a 21-gun salute during the 96th Fort Worth Memorial Day Service at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas, Monday, May 26, 2025. Remember Paul Joseph Stock Paul J. Stock had dreams of becoming a Navy pilot after watching Top Gun when he was 13-years-old. After high school, he enlisted into the Navy and decided after a few years he wanted to pursue pilot school. He was only 21-years-old, serving in active duty when he was involved in a vehicle accident that took his life. He had been chosen to pursue his dream of becoming a Navy pilot, though he never received the news that he was accepted into the school. A lone Navy bugler played TAPS to conclude the 96th Fort Worth Memorial Day Service at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas, Monday, May 26, 2025. Stories like these four are only a glimpse of the hundreds of thousands who died while fighting for their nations freedom. All give some but only some give all. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. ''Dear Ilham Heydarovich, Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Azerbaijans national holiday Independence Day. Your country is confidently moving along the path of socio-economic development and enjoys growing prestige on the international stage. Russian-Azerbaijani relations are marked by friendship and alliance. I am confident that through joint efforts, we will be able to further strengthen our constructive bilateral cooperation and partnership interaction in international affairs. This fully serves the interests of our peoples and contributes to enhancing security and stability in the South Caucasus and the Caspian region. I wish you, dear Ilham Heydarovich, good health and success, and to all citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan peace and prosperity,'' the letter reads. NEW YORK (PIX11) New York City Congressman Charlie Rangel died Monday at the age of 94, leaving a strong legacy as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Elinor Tatum, editor in chief of New York Amsterdam News, joins PIX11 News to discuss his legacy. More Local News He was the kind of person who took people under his wing. And he took the whole community under his wing, Tatum said. His job was very personal to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the video player for the full interview. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) All veterans gave some and hundreds of thousands of them gave all to preserve freedom. Honor guards spend a couple moments paying their debt of gratitude to those they say gave us the liberty we have at Locust Hill Cemetery in Evansville. Jim Gorman from Disabled American Veterans Chapter 7 is just one of them. Hes a Vietnam vet whos seen his share of friends die in the line of duty, including his own classmate, David Garrett, from Rex Mundi High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the day that we come and memorialize and witness to those people that wrote a blank check for their lives and cashed it, he said. We honor their families as well as those people. Gorman joins the handful of other vets who present the colors, fire off a salute and lay a wreath at Corporal James Bethel Greshams gravesite. An Evansville resident at the time, he is believed to be the first American soldier killed in World War I. Today, he is one of the countless reminders at Locust Hill Cemetery that freedom is not free. Taps is played to pay tribute to vets like him. We just want to keep it on the forefront of peoples minds that there is the purpose for this is just to remember and we acknowledge that men and women have given everything, says Gorman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a solemn occasion, these veterans would like to remind the Tri-State to keep veterans like Garrett and Corporal Gresham at the forefront of its mind that some Americans gave everything. More from Ben Walls Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). The world knows Egypt for the Pyramids of Giza and cosmopolitan Cairo, the tourist-trodden temples of Luxor, and Red Sea resort towns. These coastal and Nile River Valley destinations are a narrow view of a country thats 90 percent desert. Few travelers venture into that 90 percent. The vast Western Desert, which blends into Libya and beyond, is Egypts great unknown. Adventurers since Alexander the Great have braved the harsh clime and been rewarded with the untouched nature and unique culture of Egypts oases. Seclusion has kept these desert gems, if not secret, then still wild. Egypts oases are time capsules of millions of years of human and natural history, from when whales had legs to the Roman Empire. There are golden mummies at the Bahariya Oasis and tombs vandalized with ancient graffiti at Kharga. There are natural masterpieces like geode-like salt lakes in Siwa Oasis, hundreds of bubbling hot springs at Dakhla, and unearthly landscapes of dead volcanoes and limestone hoodoos near Bahariya and Farafra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (How to plan the ultimate adventure in Egypt, from Cairo to the Red Sea) Fayoum Fayoum has remained relatively untouched despite being only an hour from Cairo. Its name may ring a bell for the Fayum Portraits, the mummy masks found in museums like the Louvre and the British Museum. Just two remain in their hometown, at the Kom Aushim Museum, the oasiss first stop on the drive in from Cairo. But it's natural phenomena that Fayoum should be better known for. Its home to the prehistoric Lake Qarun, whose saline waters are a magnet for wintering birds, including flamingos. The unofficially named Magic Lake, so secret you wont find it on Google Maps, lures humans looking for a swim or photo op. Its waters reflect the sky, providing extraordinary views of the Milky Way. The lake is part of Fayoums most popular attraction, the Wadi Al-Hitan UNESCO World Heritage Sitethe worlds largest whale graveyard, dating back 40 million years. (This desert oasis is a time capsule of Egypt's grand past) Siwa Oasis Before the late 1980s, Siwa Oasis was accessible only by camel. Today, its a 12-hour drive from Cairo. Yet, remoteness does little to dissuade those captivated by this mysterious oasis, just 30 miles from Libya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In antiquity, Siwa Oasis was a site for pilgrims seeking the wisdom of the Oracle of Amun. The temples hilltop ruins are a highlight among the oasiss historic sites. Also notable are the medieval mud-brick Shali Fortress, towering over the city, and Gebel al-Mawta, the Mountain of the Dead, featuring hundreds of tombs carved into its face. But diving into Siwa Oasis' salt lakes easily surpasses all of them as a must-do. They look like liquified geodes, their electric-blue waters ringed by sparkling, crystallized shores. You can swim and float in hundreds of salt lakes, some large and others hardly big enough for one person. Bahariya Oasis Bahariya Oasis is the most well-known of the five Western Desert oases in part because its the easiest to reach from Cairo, but also because it has fascinating relics, hundreds of hot springs, and off-roading among volcanoes. Its said that Alexander the Great commemorated his visit to Siwas Oracle of Amun with a temple of his own, which he built in Bahariya. It lies in ruins that you can visit, but more impressive is the Valley of the Golden Mummies burial site. Hundreds of gold-covered mummies have been uncovered there, and many more are thought to remain buried. Some are on display at the small on-site museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bahariya Oasiss best feature is the Black Desert, a Martian landscape of ancient dead volcanoes. Miles of sand mountains sprinkled with black volcanic rocks are captivatingly apocalyptic. A 4x4 adventure through them is a signature experience in Bahariya. The oasiss 400 natural hot-and-cold springs and Roman-era wells offer a refreshing rinse after a desert exploration. (Tour Egypt's Valley of the Whales for a window onto the history of evolution) Kharga Kharga is the Little Italy of ancient Egypt. The Romans conquered the oasis as a strategic trading route, and Kharga today still exudes the glory of the Roman Empire. Most notable is the Fortress of El-Deir, an imposing structure rising out of the golden dunes, still nearly intact. It has been graffitied by the many travelers who have passed through since the third century, from Turkish traders to British soldiers during the World War I. Graffiti from prehistoric to medieval times can also be found at Gebel al-Teir, a mountain on the oasis northern edge, where petroglyphs exist alongside the unique Coptic script of Egypts Christians. The oasiss best site for Christian monuments is the expansive El Bagawat necropolis. Colorful biblical scenesoften covered in Greek graffitiare painted on the hundreds of cave-like, mud-brick tombs at this Christian cemetery, one of the worlds oldest and best-preserved. Dakhla Dakhla, meaning inside in Arabic, is perhaps even more of an insider destination than its neighboring Kharga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Kharga, Dakhlas prime was the Greco-Roman era. Ironically, the best remaining Roman monument in Dakhla is the ancient pagan Deir el-Hagar temple, similar to the Karnak Temple in Luxor. The other remarkable Roman feat in Dakhla now lies underground: A Roman settlement that formed the base of the village of Al Qasr. Today, its an interesting maze of abandoned mud-brick buildings and narrow alleyways. Kharga has more ruins for the archaeological enthusiast, but Dakhla has endless hot springs to dip in. More than 600 springs bubble up from an aquifer thousands of feet below. You can soak in the pools of mineral-rich waters with a vista of pink limestone cliffs hugging the horizon. (A practical guide to travel in Egypt, from tipping culture to independent touring) Farafra Farafra is said to be Egypts most isolated oasis. Its the entry point to the enigmatic White Desert, which looks like the surface of a moon in an alternate universe. In some areas, the glittering white sand is easily mistaken for a dusting of snow. In others, it resembles swaths of thick meringue on the worlds biggest cake. Yet still other parts are fields of limestone hoodoos that tower precariously over your 4x4 like giant mushrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you can handle the rough and tumble of the terrain, its well worth venturing further into the desert to see the Neolithic remains that attract anthropologists from around the globe. About 30 miles out are remnants of a prehistoric village, the foundations of huts still standing. Nearby, rock art thats older than the pyramids decorates the walls of a cave, including handprints. Miranda Mullings is an American travel and culture writer based in Rome, Italy. A renowned historian on Monday said Donald Trump is the barrier to peace in Ukraine, laying out the two steps the U.S. president could take to help realize his said goal of bringing the war to a close. Trump, who has failed to deliver on his campaign pledge of ending the conflict within 24 hours of his inauguration, over the weekend railed against Putin for needlessly killing a lot of people. Ive always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the same post, Trump also leveled criticism at Zelenskyy, claiming that he is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does. This is a War that would never have started if I were President, Trump said. This is Zelenskyys, Putins, and Bidens War, not Trumps, I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred. Renowned historian Timothy Snyder cautioned against overstating Trumps frustration with Putin, while telling CNN that the U.S. could take two steps to end the war: apply more sanctions on Russia and increase air defense and other weapon supplies to Kyiv. Trump is reportedly already exploring new measures targeting Russia to pressure Putin on peace talks, according to a new Wall Street Journal report. The potential new sanctions, which have not been finalized so far, would probably not include new financial restrictions on banks, the Journal added. Just last week, though, Trump had refused to join the European Union in targeting Russia with new sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snyder explained that Trump fundamentally doesnt understand why people fight wars. He doesnt understand why Ukrainians would defend themselves, because he wouldnt, Snyder told CNN. And he doesnt understand why it is that Russia is trying to take territory. Snyder continued, He doesnt understand that he himself or our Congress have to change the stakes if they want to end the war. We could do it, hes the barrier. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy, who has had to strike a delicate balance with Trump following their historic Oval Office clash earlier this year, on Monday said Russian strikes on his country are becoming increasingly brazen and large-scale every night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wrote on Telegram, There is no military logic in this, but it is a clear political choice the choice of Putin, the choice of Russia the choice to keep waging war and destroying lives. Russias massive bombing campaign launched in recent days seems to be deescalating, The Associated Press reported Tuesday, as Moscow took control of four border villages, according to a local official cited by the news agency. Related... Federal agencies must do more to house struggling victims from Januarys Eaton fire, Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) and advocacy groups said Tuesday. Chu hosted a roundtable at the Altadena Library with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, California Governors Office of Emergency Services and other agencies, where a dozen organizations assisting fire survivors pleaded for more assistance. Even with the availability of federal vouchers and other housing aid, thousands of people remain bouncing between hotel rooms, living out of their cars or in other unstable housing situations, advocates said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Survivors of the Eaton fire are slipping through the cracks, Chu said at a news conference after the event. Read more: After disasters, FEMA leases apartments for survivors. But not after the L.A. fires Chu is urging FEMA to authorize a housing program called Direct Lease in which the agency directly rents apartments for disaster survivors who cannot find somewhere to live on their own. The Times reported this month that FEMA hasnt implemented Direct Lease in Los Angeles even though its commonly made available after natural disasters nationwide, including the 2023 wildfires in Maui. Nearly 13,000 homes were destroyed in Januarys wildfires with more than half the losses in Altadena and surrounding areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA and Office of Emergency Services officials have said their data show thousands of rental units available across L.A. County, making the program unnecessary. We know from anecdotal evidence that that cannot be true, Chu said. It is far from the truth. Fire survivors have faced numerous barriers to finding permanent housing while they decide on rebuilding their homes, advocates said. Landlords income requirements are too high. Potential tenants credit scores are too low. Some landlords arent accepting the vouchers FEMA is providing survivors. And the agency is including apartments in the Antelope Valley and other areas far from Altadena in its assessment of L.A.s rental market. By not taking these factors into account, FEMA officials are ignoring needs on the ground, advocates said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a huge gap between availability and vacancy and accessibility, said Jasmin Shupper, president of Greenline Housing Foundation, a local nonprofit. The push for additional housing aid comes amid widespread cuts to FEMA and resistance from the Trump administration for disaster spending nationwide. On Tuesday, the president threatened to strip federal funds from California if the state continued to allow transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports. Read more: As climate hazards worsen, Trump moves to weaken FEMA and shift disaster response onto states Chu and FEMA officials said that the agency already has provided $135 million in assistance, including $40 million for help with housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that money for Direct Lease was available through the existing federal disaster allocation following Januarys wildfires. She noted that she supported the states request to Trump and Congress for $40 billion for long-term recovery efforts. A FEMA spokesperson said the agency continues to believe the Direct Lease program isn't needed in L.A. FEMA has provided nearly 3,300 individual and families with grants for rental assistance after the fires, and more than three-quarters of those who initially contacted the agency for help with housing have found long-term solutions, the spokesperson said. "FEMA is coordinating closely with CalOES on program implementation and if conditions change, will act quickly to support survivor needs," the spokesperson said. "We are continuing to monitor the market, and survivor needs closely to assess any gaps in assistance." After Times reporting this month, Newsom administration officials said they were reevaluating an earlier decision not to advocate for Direct Lease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We continue to monitor housing needs and are prepared to take further action if conditions change," Office of Emergency Services spokesperson Anita Gore said. 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 newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has started distributing its first aid supplies in the Gaza Strip, several Israeli and international media outlets reported on Monday, citing a statement from the organization. The foundation did not disclose how much aid had been distributed but published photos of residents leaving with packages, according to reports in the Times of Israel and the Jerusalem Post. Earlier on Monday, Israeli media had reported delays in the opening of a distribution centre due to "logistical difficulties," which also postponed the start of the new aid system introduced by the Israeli government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli news site ynet reported, citing Israeli government officials, that this was the main distribution centre for aid and the first of several centres expected to begin operations. No official information was available on this. The statement from the US-based GHF, quoted by journalists on social media, did not clarify how many of the four planned centres had started operating. These centres are intended to serve as contact points for residents in the blockaded coastal area, whose situation has worsened after nearly three months of aid blockades. Israel only eased the blockade a few days ago. More than 2 million people live in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government stated that the new distribution strategy aims to prevent the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas from intercepting supplies and profiting from them. However, the United Nations and other organizations have criticized the plan, arguing that it forces many people to travel long distances, potentially exposing them to attacks in the war zone. For the elderly and the sick, such journeys could be impossible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The executive director of the GHF, Jake Wood, earlier announced his resignation from the foundation, saying that it threatened humanitarian principles. He said "it is not possible to implement this plan while also strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon," according to multiple media outlets. Wood is a US military veteran who founded a humanitarian response service called Team Rubicon and also leads an online platform to enable corporate aid giving. On his LinkedIn page, he had previously described the GHF model as "unconventional," but said that he was aiming "to help lead this effort at a moment when new thinking and trusted execution are urgently needed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aid organizations are warning of a famine in the Gaza Strip. In early March, Israel blocked all aid deliveries there as a temporary ceasefire with Hamas collapsed. The Israeli government accuses Hamas of stealing aid in order to make money to finance its fighters and weapons; the group, classified as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union, denies the accusation. The UN says that Israel has provided no evidence of this. Washingtons delegation to Canada seemed to have one message in mind: please keep taking us seriously. Months of provocative statements about the Great White North joining America as the 51st state in the Union, however, led the delegations lone Republican member to admit to reporters that the US president had become an adversary of one of Americas two closest neighbors. On Friday, five members of the US Senate were in Ottawa ahead of King Charless speech to the Canadian parliament. The delegation, typically a routine bipartisan gesture to an American neighbor whose relationship with Washington transcends political divides, was this year split between four Democrats and one lone Republican senator representing a border state North Dakota. Other Republicans, seemingly fearful of tough questions about Trumps vow to use economic force to coerce Canada into joining the US, stayed home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Cramer, the GOP co-leader, told reporters on the trip that Prime Minister Mark Carney centered him in his conversation with the group, given the senators relationship with the Republican US president. He told reporters that he sought to encourage Canadian officials to reach a trade deal with the United States. The Trump White House boasted that it would announce 100 trade deals in 100 days as the US president rolled out a slate of so-called reciprocal tariffs this spring; Canada has been a top target of his accusations of unfair practices. I dont want to get in Donald Trumps way. Theres no [trade] deal that happens without his involvement. But at the same time [I want to] be an encourager to Canada and their officials and try to be a partner in some way, said Cramer after the meetings Friday, according to Punchbowl News. He added, jokingly: Hopefully I navigated it OK, but Ill find out on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cramer did not take a beating on Truth Social, much to his relief even though he did lay the blame for the fraying of ties squarely on Trumps shoulders. North Dakota's Kevin Cramer was the lone Republican on the Senate delegation to Canada (Getty Images) We have an obligation to stop the offenses, the Republican senator told reporters, speaking of the United States. For the moment, the United States has become an adversary to the Canadian people because of the offense that so many have felt, he continued. What I would stress with the president would be, lets keep our eye on the common adversary and how much stronger we can be. The tone of Cramers outreach veered sharply towards outright groveling in an interview with Canadian newscast The West Block. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just here to say thank you, and then to encourage Canadians to take another look and give us another chance, said Cramer. Democrats on the trip had notably little to offer the conversation. Tim Kaine, according to Punchbowl, pitched Carney on his bill to block US sanctions on Canada which even he tacitly acknowledged was going nowhere in the Senate. Senator Jeanne Shaheen said that she hoped some of the cracks in the bonds between the US and Canada could be healed. But she added: Ultimately its the prime minister and the president who will decide to reset the relationship. Their visit is not likely to shift the dynamic one way or the other. Carney, elected on a Liberal Party mandate to stand up to the US president, flew to Washington in early May after telling the BBC in an interview that Canada would negotiate with America on our terms. Rather than pursue a unilateral response to Trumps tariffs, the Canadian prime minister reportedly invited Claudia Sheinbaum to the upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis next month. The Mexican presidents attendance would allow Carney to pursue a discussion with Trump aimed at salvaging the USMCA trade agreement signed during Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A defiant Carney told Trump that Canada was not for sale during their meeting at the White House in early May. The US president, avoiding another Zelensky-like blowup, declined to challenge him. On Tuesday, the US president wrote on Truth Social that he presented Canadas government with a $61bn price tag to be involved with the USs proposed Golden Dome missile defene system, adding that it would be free if Canada relented and became a state. They are considering the offer! Trump said. And on Tuesday, the visit of King Charles provided another opportunity to Canada to celebrate its own growing political distance from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an address scripted by the Canadian government, Charles declared that Canada, under Carneys government, would bond with reliable trading partners and allies a clear warning shot for Washington. Hed add that Canadas government was determined to protect the right to self-determination for the country. We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War, said Charles on Tuesday. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes. BARABOO, Wis. (WFRV) Emergency personnel responded to a Wisconsin state park on Sunday to rescue a climber who had fallen an estimated 20 to 30 feet, authorities say. According to a release from the Baraboo Area Fire and EMS District, emergency personnel, Wisconsin DNR wardens, and fellow climbers familiar with the location made initial contact with a climber in the East Buff area of the Devils Lake State Park. The climber had reportedly fallen about 20 to 30 feet and was in a remote area that is only accessible by navigating through the parks steep and rocky trails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One killed in single-vehicle crash in Marinette County Due to the nature of the fall, the distance from the trail, and the reported injuries, officials say crews used a high-angle rope system to safely extract the climber and lift them about 70 feet to the top of the bluff. From there, the climber was said to be taken by vehicle to a landing zone where UW Med Flight then took them to the UW Hospital in Madison. The Merrimac Fire Department was called in to assist with establishing and securing the landing zone as other Baraboo crews were responding to an active fire crew. No other information is available at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Forever chemicals are lurking all around, whether it's in drinking water or common household items such as children's toys. Now, European scientists have discovered them in wine. What's happening? Levels of trifluoroacetic acid, a degradation product of PFAS, have risen "alarmingly" in European wines in recent decades, according to researchers with the Pesticide Action Network Europe. According to The Guardian's summary of the results, the group tested 49 bottles of commercial wine, finding that those produced before 1988 had no traces of TFA but those from after 2010 showed a steep rise in contamination. Levels tended to be lower in organic wines and higher in varieties with the highest amounts of pesticide residue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists believe the main sources of TFA to be fluorinated refrigerants known as F-gases and PFAS pesticides concentrated in agricultural soil, but there is scant data on formation rates for TFA precursor pesticides. "This makes it very difficult to assess how much TFA formation and emission potential agricultural soils currently have, as accumulated pesticides can degrade and release TFA over time," study co-author Gabriel Sigmund told the publication. "So even if we completely stopped the use of these pesticides now, we have to expect a further increase in TFA concentrations in our water resources and elsewhere over the next years." Why are PFAS concerning? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of 15,000 compounds used in products including water-repellent clothing and nonstick cookware. They are also prevalent in drinking water supplies across the globe and popular foods such as rice, coffee, eggs, and seafood. One global study even found that about 31% of groundwater samples and about 16% of surface water samples contained high levels of PFAS despite not being located near any known contamination source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While researchers are still investigating the health impacts of these chemicals, they have been linked with decreased fertility, increased risk of cancer, and reduced ability of the body's immune system to fight infections, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Experts have not historically been worried by the potential health effects of TFA, but recent studies suggest that it could interfere with reproductive health, according to The Guardian, which added that the German chemical regulator recently proposed classifying the substance as toxic to reproduction. What's being done about PFAS? A number of governments across the globe have taken action to help reduce their citizens' PFAS exposure. For instance, PFOA was banned globally in 2020, and both the European Union and United States have made commitments to take action on PFAS contamination. In the U.S., New Hampshire has banned ski, board, and boat waxes containing these chemicals, and at least 29 states were likely to consider legislation to reduce PFAS exposure in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's impossible to avoid PFAS, but there are a few things you can do to limit your exposure. They include ditching nonstick cookware and limiting your purchases of stain- and water-resistant clothing. You can also look for PFAS-free brands. 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. Photo: Official website of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. ''Mr. President, On the occasion of May 28 Independence Day, I extend my sincere congratulations to you and the people of Azerbaijan. The great value your country places on independence became especially vivid to me and my wife during our recent visit to Azerbaijan, particularly when we paid our respects at the Alley of Martyrs. Allow me to once again personally thank you and your wife for the warm hospitality in Baku. This first visit of a German Head of State to Azerbaijan is a sign of the close ties between our countries. I am very interested in further expanding our bilateral relations. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, your country holds a key geostrategic position. In the face of numerous armed conflicts and rising tensions, we are jointly confronted with serious challenges. I therefore highly value your efforts toward establishing peace in the region and wish you swift and lasting success. I wish you and your fellow citizens peace, stability, and robust health,'' the letter reads. Conservation-minded farming techniques can improve crop yields and the ability of soil to absorb carbon, according to a recent study. Poor soil health is one of the challenges presented by conventional farming practices and a changing climate. The impacts of intensive tilling, pollution, and shifting weather patterns on soil composition pose serious risks to global food security. However, the new study offers a partial solution and it's pretty simple. The study, led by researchers from South Dakota State University (SDSU), explored the relationships between crop yields, tillage, and soil organic carbon levels. The research analyzed data from over 21 years of soil surface samples, with more than 650,000 samples in total. Results indicated that less tillage led to better soil health and yields, as detailed in an SDSU report shared by Phys.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is a linkage between tillage reductions, yield increases, and erosion," David Clay, a distinguished professor of soil science at SDSU, said in the report. "Tillage intensity reductions slows soil organic matter decomposition, which increases the ability of the soil to retain water, leading to improved yields. Higher yields lead to soil organic matter increases, which further increases productivity while reducing both runoff and erosion." According to the report, another intriguing element of this observation is the suggested potential for reducing fertilizer use. With more carbon in the soil thanks to tillage reductions, it's possible that farmers can use 25% less nitrogen (a key fertilizer component) without their corn yields suffering, as noted in 2024 research by some of the same contributors. This research comes at a time when farmers are starting to see the impacts of our changing climate on their livelihoods and the world's food supply. More frequent droughts, linked to global temperature increases and altered precipitation patterns, are causing pests and diseases to thrive and crops to suffer. They can also lead to poor soil health. Extreme weather leads to lower yields and disrupts supply chains, so food may become more scarce and grocery prices may continue to rise. It's a sobering prospect, but this SDSU study offers a solution that can help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only do higher soil organic carbon levels make for healthier soil that requires less fertilizer, but it also means the soil has better water storage capacity, per the university report. With droughts becoming common and more intense, having a method to help soil optimize its water use could be game-changing. The SDSU researchers are not the only ones seeking ways to adapt agriculture to our changing environment. Researchers at Spain's Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics have been looking into how to breed drought-resistant crops. If you want to reduce your impact on food scarcity, you can grow your own food. Not only is it part of a more cost-effective, sustainable lifestyle, but it's also fun and fulfilling. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Residents are not backing down from a fight over a development near Belmar Park after several large trees were cut down at the property. The development was unanimously approved by the Lakewood Planning Commission on May 7. Once complete, the site will be home to a 400-unit apartment building, just off the edge of the park. Residents involved with Save Belmar Park Inc. submitted a petition with nearly 9,000 signatures to stop the development in March last year, but the development is still moving forward. Migrating miller moths soon to fill Colorado: What they are, how to get them out of your home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, May 12, residents gathered at the construction site to protest the construction company, declaring that the company would destroy Belmar Park, after many established trees were cut down. The development work is being conducted by Kairoi Residential. Save Belmar Park Inc. is alleging that Patrician Mellen is acting as legal representation for Save Belmar Park Inc. and was unable to get on the county court docket until 1 p.m. By that time, 59 trees were killed, Save Belmar Park Inc. said in a news release. SkyFOX flew over a protest on May 12 near Belmar Park. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over a protest on May 12 near Belmar Park. (KDVR) On Tuesday, there will be a hearing in Jefferson County District Court to see if Kairoi can continue to cut down the trees near the border of Belmar Park and continue construction activities, or if the preliminary injunction will remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pillaging of the trees was a hostile act both towards the trees and those who sought to preserve them, asserted Save Belmar Park Inc. in a release. They were obviously not killed because of any need at this point related to the development, but instead they perished due to a cocky well show you attitude. The message is clearly the ball is in our court now, you disgruntled tree huggers.' In a post on the citys website, Lakewood defended the planning commissions vote. The property owner has a property right under the law to develop the property as long as the development meets the zoning requirements, the city said. As a result, the Planning Commissions decision is based solely on whether the site plan meets the zoning requirements. The commission cannot base its decision on personal preferences for the development or whether the community likes or dislikes the development. The city said that it understands the communitys concerns, but that the developer does not need the citys permission or a permit to remove trees from the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bandimere is aiming to open a new drag strip in Weld County However, the city has required that developers include: 8,600 square feet dedicated to parkland next to the park that involves a historic pumphouse and preserves the viable trees 174 trees to be planted 2,054 shrubs to be planted, rather than the required 179 shrubs 7 trees to be preserved on the developments property The city also said that no trees were ever to be removed or affected in the adjacent Belmar Park, and that there is a $415,200 mitigation fee to compensate for removal of 66 trees on the developments property, which will pay for tree and shrub plantings in Belmar Park and planting of trees in Ward 3, where the development is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demolition of the existing building on the property began in March. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clarified his statement on allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russia during a visit to Finland on Tuesday, noting that the US, the UK, France and Germany had lifted restrictions on Ukraine's long-range strikes against Russia several months ago. Source: European Pravda; Die Zeit, a German national weekly newspaper Quote: "In this sense, I described yesterday in Berlin what has been happening for several months," Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Merz said that his statement about lifting the range limit on Ukraine's use of Western weapons referred to a decision made some time ago. Merz said during a visit to the Finnish city of Turku that this topic "played a role a few months and a few years ago". The German chancellor said that Ukraine should also have the right to use weapons against military targets in Russia. Background: Current Chancellor Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative CDU party, stated on 26 May that there are no longer "any restrictions" on long-range strikes using weapons supplied to Ukraine by the UK, France, Germany and the US. German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said that there had been no new agreements in the government coalition to change course on lifting restrictions on long-range strikes by Ukraine on Russian territory. The only long-range German weapon that Ukraine is asking for from Germany is Taurus missiles. In the past, Merz has expressed support for supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, but he has made no comments regarding possible deliveries of these missiles to Kyiv since coming to power in early May. Meanwhile, Merzs government has decided to limit public information about which weapon systems it will supply to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (NewsNation) Even if you dont have a 401(k), there are several ways you can make sure you are saving for your retirement. According to Fidelity, some of the other options you can consider include IRAs, SEP IRAs and self-employed 401(k)s. Are people panic buying? Economist explains which big purchases you may want to make now Here are some of the ways you can save for retirement without a 401(k): Individual retirement account (IRA) An individual retirement agreement, or an individual retirement account, can be opened by anyone who has earned income. This includes those who might not have a job, but have a spouse who is employed. When choosing an IRA, you will need to choose between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summer travel may actually be cheaper to certain destinations, expert says A Roth IRA will allow your contributions and earnings to grow tax-free. You will be able to withdraw the money from your Roth IRA tax-free after you turn 59, as long as your account has been open for at least five years. A traditional IRA allows you to contribute money before or after taxes. You can grow your money tax-deferred, however, you will pay ordinary income tax on your withdrawals. Also, you have to start taking distributions after you turn 73. There are no income limitations to opening a traditional IRA, unlike with a Roth IRA. Simplified Employee Pension plan (SEP IRA) A Simplified Employee Pension plan, or SEP IRA, could be a good option if you are self-employed or have freelancing income. If you are a sole proprietor or part of a partnership, C-corporation or S-corporation, you are eligible for an SEP IRA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent college grads face toughest job market in years Your contributions could be tax-deductible, according to Fidelity. Typically, employees arent allowed to contribute, and only employers can. There is an option for employees to be able to make traditional IRA contributions, but these would count toward the annual limit for IRAs. If you want to set up an SEP IRA, you will need to do so before the federal income tax filing deadline. Self-employed 401(k) If you are self-employed, you could start a self-employed or solo 401(k). This also applies to you if you own a business or partnership that has no employees or if you have a spouse who works in the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can contribute to a self-employed 401(k) in two ways: as the employee and again as the employer. As an employee, you can make a tax-deductible or Roth contribution of up to 100% of what you are paid up to a maximum. Once you are over 50, you can make catch-up contributions. Texas woman who won $83.5 million jackpot still not paid 3 months later, sues Texas Lottery Commission As the employer, you can contribute up to 25% of your earnings that are considered eligible. These contributions will always be before taxes. As a small business owner, you could save a lot of money each year with a self-employed 401(k). The deadline to set up a plan is the employers tax filing deadline. SIMPLE IRAs, health savings account Other plans to consider are SIMPLE IRAs and a health savings account. A SIMPLE IRA is similar to a 401(k) in that it offers before and after-tax contributions. It also has an employee contribution and employer match. If you are self-employed or a small business owner, you can open a SIMPLE IRA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump tariffs set to collide with back-to-school shopping A health savings account, or HSA, you can benefit from tax deductions, tax-free growth potential and withdrawals that are tax-free to pay for any qualified medical expenses. These expenses could be paid for before or after your retirement. Then, after you turn 65, you can withdraw money from the HSA without facing any penalties. However, you will owe taxes on contributions and earnings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest for an arson incident. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to Atlanta Fire Rescue, the incident occurred on May 18 at approximately 10:30 a.m. CSGA is asking for the publics help in identifying a suspect involved in an arson incident that occurred at the Buckhead MARTA station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials said smoke was coming from an elevator at the station. When they arrived, the fire was out. However, authorities said the suspect was captured on surveillance video carrying a blue duffle bag into that same elevator where he allegedly placed the duffle bag on top of a yellow cone. AFD said the fire starts moments after the suspect appears to leave the elevator. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details on the suspects age and height are unknown. CSGA is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information on the case. Anyone with information or who can identify the suspect is urged to call the Crime Stoppers tipline at 404-577-8477, text CSGA to 738477, or submit a tip online. Tipsters do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] DENVER (KDVR) After a drone worth as much as $100,000 was allegedly stolen out of a truck at a clients home in Denver, the perpetrators reportedly agreed to return it. The manufacturer of the drone, Voliro, a robotics company headquartered in Switzerland, said the drone was allegedly stolen from the back of a truck at its clients home in the North Park Hill neighborhood. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drone was in the truck at the CEO of Taylor Made Inspections home on Friday night before it was reported stolen on Saturday morning. A spokesperson for Voliro said the drone was packaged in large Pelican cases and had a unit cost between $50,000 to $100,000. Voliro T PEC sensor on insulated pipe (Courtesy of Voliro) Voliro T PEC sensor on insulated pipe (Courtesy of Voliro) Voliro T PEC sensor on insulated pipe (Courtesy of Voliro) Both Voliro and Taylor Made Inspections offered a reward for the drones return. While the drone comes with a high price tag, a Voliro spokesperson said its worthless to non-professionals as its used for industrial inspections and securing critical infrastructure. They offered $5,000 for the return of the drone, along with a $10,000 donation to charity if it was returned. Voliro said the companies have pledged to make a donation to a local nonprofit dedicated to combating homelessness in Denver. This initiative aims to turn a personal loss into an opportunity to support the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31 posted about the missing drone on Tuesday, and on Wednesday morning, Voliro said the perpetrators agreed to return the drone after being intimidated by the media coverage and the value of the product. Voliro said the perpetrators agreed to return the drone for no reward, and the company is still going to give a charity contribution. The Denver Police Department was initially contacted about the stolen drone on Saturday morning, but for charges to be filed, the department said the victim has to agree to file charges, then the District Attorneys Office would make a final determination on whether charges are filed based on the findings of 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 FOX31 Denver. Robert F Kennedy Jr and Dr Mehmet Oz have offered refuge to a flock of 400 ostriches facing certain death in Canada. The US health secretary and director of the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have intervened to rescue the flightless birds after British Columbia authorities pledged to cull them amid an outbreak of avian flu. Dr Oz, a former television doctor, added his name to a list of activists fighting to save the ostriches and offered his 900-acre ranch in Okeechobee, Florida, as a potential sanctuary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were sticking our necks out for the birds, Dr Oz told The New York Post. The Canadians should stop putting their heads in the sand. Canadian authorities in December ordered all ostriches to be killed at a British Columbia farm after the highly contagious flu was detected in two bird carcasses. A federal court upheld the order of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency earlier this month, prompting hundreds of protesters to flock to the farm to protect the birds. Locals are calling for the ostriches to be protected - Canadian Press/Shutterstock The ostriches have received the backing of US health officials including Mr Kennedy, who argue that the infection has likely run its course through the flock already, giving the remaining birds immunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Oz and Mr Kennedy joined John Catsimatidis, a New York supermarket billionaire and animal rights activist, in their bid to save the condemned animals and examine the effects of the disease. Im thrilled, Mr Catsimatidis told The Post. Bring the ostriches to Dr Oz in Florida where they will be safe. I agree with RFK and Dr Oz that the ostriches arent sick. On Friday, Mr Kennedy wrote to the head of the Canadian food agency, claiming there would be significant value in studying the ostriches immune response to the virus. The US is currently dealing with one of the largest outbreaks of avian flu in decades which sent egg prices soaring earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ostriches can live up to 50 years, providing the opportunity for future insights into immune longevity associated with the H5N1 virus, Mr Kennedy wrote. The indiscriminate destruction of entire flocks without up-to-date testing and evaluation can have significant consequences, including the loss of valuable genetic stork that may help explain risk factors for H5N1 mortality. This may be important for future agricultural resilience. Biggest rooster shot dead Katie Pasitney, whose parents own the ostrich farm, thanked Mr Kennedy on social media. Thank you for trying to protect innovative science and these animals, she wrote on Facebook. Together, I know that we can create the most magical change out of this most challenging opportunity. Ostriches at a farm in British Columbia face being culled - Canadian Press/Shutterstock Amid heightened tensions on the farm, Ms Pasitney posted a video on social media claiming one of her biggest, beautiful roosters was shot dead early on Saturday morning after a drone flew over the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Pasitney said there was a clear entry and exit wound through the bird, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has said they are investigating the death. Dr Oz said he has spoken to Ms Pasitney and that she is open to him transferring the birds to his ranch. I can house the birds. She agreed, he told The Post. Its not just about ostriches, Dr Oz added. Its about all the birds. Id rather the scientists make the determination not bureaucrats. We found out what happened during the Covid pandemic, when the bureaucrats made all the decisions. 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. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. threatened to stop government scientists from publishing their work in major medical journals on a podcast Tuesday as part of his escalating war on institutions he says are influenced by pharmaceutical companies. Speaking on the Ultimate Human podcast, Kennedy said the New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association and The Lancet, three of the most influential medical journals in the world, were corrupt and publish studies funded and approved by pharmaceutical companies. "Unless those journals change dramatically, we are going to stop NIH scientists from publishing in them and we're going to create our own journals in-house, he said, referring to the National Institutes of Health, an HHS agency that is the world's largest funder of health research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments come days after the White House released a major report, spearheaded by Kennedy, that says overprescribed medications could be driving a rise in chronic disease in children. The report suggests that influence from the pharmaceutical industry and a culture of fear around speaking out has drawn doctors and scientists away from studying the causes of chronic disease. It also comes after both JAMA and the NEJM received letters from the Department of Justice probing them for partisanship. Kennedys stance, however, conflicts with that of his NIH director, Jay Bhattacharya, who recently told a reporter with POLITICO sister publication WELT he supports academic freedom, which means I can send my paper out even if my bosses disagree with me. On the podcast, Kennedy claimed the heads of the leading journals, including The Lancet Editor-in-Chief Richard Horton and the former editor-in-chief of the NEJM, Marcia Angell, also no longer consider their publications reputable. Kennedy was referring to 2009 and 2015 statements, respectively, by Angell and Horton: Angell wrote it is simply no longer possible to believe much of the clinical research that is published due to financial ties with pharmaceutical companies while Horton wrote about concerns about the replicability of scientific research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy went on to say Horton really disgraced himself during the Covid-19 pandemic. Horton was at the center of a 2020 controversy when The Lancet retracted a study linking the controversial drug hydroxychloroquine to increased Covid-19 deaths. Horton said the publication would change its peer review process. The London-based journal also published a letter from prominent scientists including EcoHealth Alliance President Peter Daszak that said questioning whether Covid had a natural origin amounted to a conspiracy theory. A Trump administration website says that EcoHealth facilitated dangerous gain-of-function research at Chinas Wuhan Institute of Virology that President Donald Trump believes caused the pandemic. The Biden administration barred Daszak and EcoHealth from receiving further government funding, citing their failure to follow grant protocols. A JAMA spokesperson said the journal had nothing to add when asked about Kennedys remarks, while NEJM and The Lancet did not respond to requests for comment. HHS also did not respond to requests for comment. Bhattacharya and FDA chief Marty Makary recently launched their own journal, the Journal of the Academy of Public Health, which they say will promote open discourse. Both are on leave from its editorial board. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. On May 27, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of Beylik village in the Lachin district, Trend reports. Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President in Lachin district, briefed the head of state on the newly established infrastructure in the village. Large-scale construction projects are underway in Lachin, including in Beylik village, as part of the First State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan. X X X President Ilham Aliyev also reviewed the conditions at the newly built club-community center in Beylik village. The center includes rooms designated for dance and hobby groups and is equipped to host various events, including youth gatherings. To promote sustainability, green energy is utilized to power homes, social facilities, and public spaces throughout the village. Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the club-community center and other buildings to support this effort. X X X President Ilham Aliyev then inspected the newly constructed individual houses in Beylik village. The entire village has been rebuilt from the ground up, with plans to resettle 90 familiestotaling 360 residents. A total of 91 individual houses have been constructed across a 29.6-hectare area. These include 13 two-room, 50 three-room, 15 four-room, and 13 five-room houses. All necessary conditions have been created to ensure employment for the population. The village features a comprehensive range of economic, social, and utility infrastructure. Internal roads have been constructed, and the village is fully provided with electricity, communication services, water, and natural gas. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doesnt want government scientists to publish their work in the worlds leading medical journals. In the Ultimate Human podcast on Tuesday, the secretary of health and human services accused the New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and The Lancet of being corrupt and in the pocket of major pharmaceutical companies. Unless those journals change dramatically, we are going to stop [National Institutes of Health] scientists from publishing in them and were going to create our own journals in-house, Kennedy said. The NIH is the worlds largest funder of health research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the HHS released a report saying that overprescribed medications were the source of increased chronic diseases in children, blaming the pharmaceutical industry and a culture of fear for preventing doctors and scientists from studying these diseases root causes. And earlier this month, the Justice Department sent threatening letters to medical journals around the country, accusing them of partisanship. It has been brought to my attention that more and more journals and publications are conceding that they are partisans in various scientific debates, wrote Ed Martin, the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia at the time, in a letter to the medical journal CHEST. According to NPR, the letters did not cite any evidence to back up Martins claims. The head of the NIH, Jay Bhattacharya, said in an interview earlier this month that he supports academic freedom, meaning that I can send my paper out even if my bosses disagree with me. On the surface, that would seem to run counter to Kennedys proposed ban, but Bhattacharya and Food and Drug Administration chief Marty Makary, who are both also vaccine skeptics, just happen to have launched their own medical journal, Journal of the Academy of Public Health. The two are listed as on leave from the journal, which has raised concerns about promoting misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It looks like a well-put-together journal, its been nicely designed and so forth, Carl Bergstrom, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Washington, told the journal Science. But when you look at the papers that have been published and at the editorial board, you see that its really dominated [by] a small clique of contrarians around the COVID pandemic. There is certainly nothing like even representation of consensus viewpoints within infectious disease epidemiology. For all of their talk about academic freedom and corruption, Kennedy, Bhattcharya, and Makary seem to be pushing their own views and stifling others. Their appointments also coincide with mass layoffs and staff purges at their respective agencies, leaving behind smaller staffs less likely to raise objections out of fear of losing their jobs. Uber and Lyft decals are seen on a car in the pickup area at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Rideshare drivers and labor advocates across the country are urging state and local leaders to require rideshare companies to provide benefits for drivers. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) This story originally appeared in Stateline. Murphy Smith says he was unemployed for four years because of medical issues before becoming a rideshare driver in Eugene, Oregon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Driving allows him to work without triggering his severe asthma, Smith, 47, says. But without a set minimum wage, he says he works 12 to 16 hours a day to support himself. Smith, whos part of the rideshare drivers advocacy group Drivers Union Oregon, hopes pending legislation will help bring drivers like him a livable wage. There are a lot of people here in the Eugene area that dont own a car, and once the buses or the public transportation shuts down, were who they call, Smith said. So we are an essential part of the workforce here. Advocates across several states say theyve increased their activism recently because Uber and Lyft are pushing back harder than ever, as more cities and states pass laws requiring minimum pay and benefit requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The rideshare industry is not as heavily regulated as independent taxi drivers or taxi companies, which are subject to rules on permitting, background checks, vehicle inspections and more, depending on the state or locality. Rideshare drivers and labor advocates across the country are urging state and local leaders to require rideshare companies to provide benefits for drivers, including paid sick leave, minimum wages and workers compensation. The companies have argued that establishing minimum wages for rideshare drivers would raise the price of rides for customers. Uber and Lyft are working to prevent some states from passing rideshare legislation through public campaigns and lobbying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon Democratic state Sen. Kayse Jama, who sponsored the bill pending in his state, said drivers told him last summer that their accounts were being deactivated without notice. Even drivers who were highly rated were locked out of their accounts, unable to earn any money, he said. A lot of those folks are mainly immigrants and refugees, so they dont drive Uber as a side hustle or side gig, Jama said. This is their livelihood. This is how they feed their families. So, they brought the issue to my attention. Their stories inspired Jama to introduce legislation that would set a minimum wage for Oregon drivers, require a just cause for deactivation or lockouts of driver accounts, establish sick leave accrual, increase fare transparency, and create a new driver resource center. Neighboring Washington has a similar model, which was enacted in 2022. Uber has opposed the Oregon bill, saying that the company needs more time to work with the state on drafting the measure. Uber spokesperson Zahid Arab, testifying against the bill, said the legislation would make rideshare dramatically more expensive for Oregon riders, reduce access to affordable transportation options, and lead to fewer flexible earning opportunities for drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of those folks are mainly immigrants and refugees, so they don't drive Uber as a side hustle or side gig. This is their livelihood. This is how they feed their families. Oregon Democratic state Sen. Kayse Jama Jama said that he and his team have been negotiating with Uber and Lyft since the beginning of the legislative session, but theres more work to do. At the end of the day, we want a bill thats equitable to both the parties but also ensures that the drivers are getting the relief that they desperately need, Jama said. Lockouts are not exclusive to drivers in Oregon. Drivers in New York City first reported last summer periods of time when they could not access Uber or Lyft. The companies were limiting the number of active drivers in response to the citys minimum wage rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uber came to an agreement with New York City last July to reduce the lockouts, but drivers using Lyft were still seeing account deactivations months later. Uber and Lyft did not respond to Stateline requests for comment. New laws proliferate Generally, rideshare drivers are paid a base fare for each trip, with additional money for the time and distance traveled. In some cities, drivers can also see the amount of money theyll earn before accepting a ride. Passengers can choose to tip drivers, too. But every location has different rates. For instance, the minimum pay rates for drivers in Washington state have increased to $1.34 per mile and $0.39 per minute, with a trip minimum of $3.45 per trip, according to the states labor department. In Seattle, the pay rates are even higher. In places without set rules, drivers are subject to rates that depend on the location and availability of rides. These earnings are reduced by driver expenses, including gas, car maintenance and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, the nations first minimum wage pay rate for rideshare drivers went into effect in New York City. The minimum pay rates for time and mileage amount to drivers earning $17.22 an hour after expenses. It was a significant win for advocates in the city who had campaigned for better pay for years. New York later established minimum pay rates for drivers across the state. Seattle in 2020 became the second city to require minimum wages for rideshare drivers. In 2023, Minneapolis city leaders were also considering an ordinance that would increase driver pay, but Uber and Lyft threatened to leave the city entirely if it were to pass. As part of a 2024 statewide deal after a long battle between Minnesota lawmakers and the rideshare companies, the pay rates for drivers rose to $1.28 per mile and 31 cents per minute on average for time spent driving passengers. As part of the deal, cities were banned from passing their own regulations on wages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California, Massachusetts and Washington also have passed legislation to set minimum wages and rates for rideshare drivers over the past five years. Massachusetts reached an agreement with Uber last year that guaranteed minimum earnings of $32.50 per hour to start, a portable health insurance benefit fund established last month and multilingual chat support coming later this year. Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Washington also require rideshare companies to give drivers paid sick leave, workers compensation, paid family and medical leave, and other benefits. In contrast, a California appeals court ruled in 2023 that transportation network companies could treat drivers as independent contractors, meaning they are not entitled to benefits in the state. The ruling upheld a voter-approved law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers in Connecticut and Wisconsin introduced legislation this year that would give rideshare drivers better pay transparency, as well as accident and sickness insurance coverage. Earlier this year, Uber also sued Colorado over a law, Senate Bill 24-75, that requires the company to provide pay disclosures for drivers, arguing that the law violates Ubers free speech rights. The law requires transportation network companies to disclose to drivers the total amount a passenger paid for a trip, how much is given to the driver and how much the passenger tipped. Washington state compromises For more than eight years, Ahmed Mahamud has been driving for Uber and Lyft to support his family in Seattle. Driving for the rideshare companies is his full-time job, he said, and business in Seattle is good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love it, said Mahamud, 51. Youre helping people when they have a need. So, this isnt just a job. Its a win-win job. Youre helping your community, and at the same time you are paying the bills. But he lacks the same benefits as a salaried job. So he joined Drivers Union and is pushing for better pay, benefits and protections for drivers. We are not yet finished fighting against these companies because there are still things missing, he said. So, every single day, we are still fighting. In the absence of state and federal regulations, rideshare companies have too much power over the drivers they employ, said Drivers Union spokesperson Anna Minard. Drivers in Washington began to organize when they realized Uber and Lyft were changing how much money drivers would earn without letting them know, she said. To drivers, this seemed like an avenue for a lot of exploitation, Minard said. So, drivers organized from the get-go and tried various ways to get some rights enshrined in the law [in Washington]. Even though its contract work, people felt like they should be able to join together and fight for better pay and benefits and safety. In 2023, a year after rideshare drivers won minimum wage and other benefits, Washington lawmakers passed legislation that made it the first state to give drivers paid family and medical leave. Uber and Lyft supported the new benefits. These coordinated pieces of legislation reflect a true compromise between state lawmakers, labor leaders and transportation network companies to afford drivers historic new benefits while protecting the independence and flexibility they say they want, an Uber spokesperson said in a statement to GeekWire at the time. And last year, after Massachusetts drivers won new benefits that are rolling out over 2025, Tony West, Ubers chief legal officer, said in a statement, We hope to engage other policymakers, drivers, advocates and stakeholders around the world to forge similar solutions. Advocates with Drivers Union helped pass a law this year in Washington that requires rideshare companies to be more transparent about which cars are eligible for special ride options, which are offered to passengers for higher fees. In addition to the standard UberX ride, the app offers UberXL for larger groups, Uber Comfort for newer cars with extra legroom and other options that generally cost more. The legislation, which was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson earlier this month, came after hundreds of drivers saw advertisements from Uber telling them to buy more expensive cars to get more pay on rides, Mahamud said. But in a year, many of those cars would become ineligible once newer cars are introduced to the market, leaving drivers with expensive car notes without the benefit of higher rates to cover it. The drivers really came together and said, This is just unfair, Mahamud said. Yesterday were told to buy these cars, and then before we can pay the car off, were taken out of the product class which was supposed to pay for it. The law also requires rideshare companies to provide drivers with a record of their trip receipts. Drivers and advocates are going to keep fighting for their rights, said Nicole Moore, the president of Rideshare Drivers United, a driver-run organization of more than 20,000 drivers in California. Moore is a part-time driver in the Los Angeles area, and she usually works Fridays and Saturdays. They (rideshare companies) think that to be an employee in America means you have to work full time, and it has to be a scheduled five-day workweek, Moore said. Now, we as Americans have all these misconceptions about what employment rights and labor rights could actually mean for everyone. 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 ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The Roanoke County Fire Department is saddened to announce the passing of its esteemed former Fire Chief, Tommy Fuqua, on May 24. The department said retired Fire Chief Tommy Fuqua passed away at his Roanoke County home on Saturday after a battle with cancer. He survives with his wife, Hazel, and two children. (Photo Credit: Roanoke County Fire and Rescue) Fuqua served the Roanoke Valley community as a firefighter for 26 years. His career began in 1961 when he became a volunteer firefighter with the Vinton Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then moved into career roles, first in 1971 with the Veterans Administration, and then in 1977 when he served with Roanoke County and as the Volunteer Chief of the Clearbrook Volunteer Fire Department. In 1981, Fuqua became the fire and rescue coordinator for Roanoke County before the official formation of the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department in 1986, when he was appointed as the Chief of the department. While Chief of Roanoke County Fire and Rescue, Fuqua was involved with several historic events, including the Flood of 1985 and the fire at the Shenandoah Homes retirement community in 1989. The department highlights that fire is still used as a case study at the National Fire Academy to this day. In 1996, Fuqua stepped down as Chief of RCFRD but remained employed as Battalion Chief for Training and Operations before retiring in 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After retirement from Roanoke County, Fuqua became an instructor, teaching classes at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Chief Fuqua served on many fire service boards and committees and was the interim Chief for a brief while in Botetourt County. Visitation is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at Simpson Funeral Home at 5160 Peters Creek Road. Visitor parking will be located at Roanoke Countys Green Ridge Recreation Center at 7415 Wood Haven Road, with shuttle buses running to Simpson Funeral Home. Chief Fuquas funeral will be held with departmental honors at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, at Roanokes First Baptist Church at 321 Marshall Avenue in downtown Roanoke, followed by interment at Mountain View Cemetery in Vinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department asks anyone who would like to donate pictures for use during his funeral to send them by noon on Tuesday, May 27, to simpsonfuneralphotos@gmail.com. Fire departments wishing to send personnel and apparatus to the funeral should contact Battalion Chief Sizemore at dsizemore@roanokecountyva.gov. Any fire departments wishing to send honor guard personnel to the visitation and funeral should contact Chad Epperly at cepperly@roanokecountyva.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 WFXRtv. ROCKPORT, Mass. (WWLP) The Rockport Fire Department and town officials are mourning the unexpected passing of Captain Andrew Porter, a 25-year veteran of the department who died Monday. Woman dies in motor vehicle crash on Suffield and Adams Street in Agawam Capt. Porter, 43, died Monday at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester surrounded by his loved ones, according to a statement released by officials. (Courtesy of the Rockport Fire Department) A lifelong public servant, Capt. Porter served as the captain of Engine Companies 1 and 3 and also worked as a specialist in the Rockport Department of Public Works Highway Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are heartbroken and mourning the loss of Capt. Andrew Porter a dedicated firefighter, trusted leader, and beloved member of our Rockport Fire Department family, said Chief Wonson. His passing leaves a deep void in our hearts and our community, and well carry his memory with us every day. Capt. Porter is survived by his wife, two daughters, his parents, and a sister. Our hearts are with Capt. Porters family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, said Town Administrator Vieira. His service to Rockport reflected the very best of this community, and we all deeply feel his loss. 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. Fingers crossed, Florida. We are going to need some luck this hurricane season because were about to get screwed like never before. I dont know where the storms will go, but Im pretty sure the federal umbrella of help weve always relied on will be in tatters. Thats because the gutting and defunding of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is one of the many bits of collateral damage to the Trump Administrations dogged efforts to heap tax-savings windfalls on the very rich. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In case you havent been paying attention, Cameron Hamilton, the acting FEMA Administrator was fired recently for saying, I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That shouldnt be a controversial statement. But it was, considering that President Donald Trump had campaigned in the fall by saying, I think were going to recommend that FEMA goes away. To erase a vocal advocate of FEMA, Hamilton was replaced by Doug Richardson, a Department of Homeland Security Administration assistant secretary for countering weapons of mass destruction, a guy with no experience managing natural disasters. Richardon is, however, a reliable Trump loyalist. He announced at an all-hands meeting on his first day as the FEMA administrator that he would run right over anyone who stood in the way of Trumps plans for the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, those plans have resulted in a 30 percent reduction in staff and billions of dollars in cuts to programs aimed to support states hit hard by natural disasters. Meanwhile a new review council chaired by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been empaneled to promote a mindset of self-reliance for the states from FEMA. I believe this agency needs to be renamad, Noem said during the councils first meeting this month. Ive got an idea. FEMA: Foresaking Everyone Malevolently Abandoned. Hurricane Milton flooding covers land on Orange Camp Road in DeLand on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. The Trumping of FEMA would be especially terrible for Florida. For as much as Gov. Ron DeSantis likes to pretend that we here in Florida dont need FEMA for hurricane relief, we really do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The off-season political posturing of go-it-alone Florida disappears once the wind starts blowing. For a taste of that, heres DeSantis talking about coordinating federal help from the Biden Administration as Hurricane Milton was sweeping through the state last October. Ive worked well with the administration DeSantis said during the CNBC interview. The president has approved our requests. Were going to be sending post-landfall major disaster declaration requests, DeSantis continued. I think thats going to be approved. We leverage whatever resources that are available to us to be able to help out people get through this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a 10-year period from 2015 to 2024, Floridians received more FEMA assistance ( $2.5 billion) than the citizens of any other state. Last year, 49 states plus Puerto Rico received FEMA aid after natural disasters. So, the half-baked idea of phasing out FEMA is something that will be felt everywhere, not just in Florida. Frank Cerabino U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who was Floridas Emergency Management director before he was elected to Congress, told his colleagues this month that hurricanes along the Gulf Coast would have catastrophic financial repercussions on the Trump-voting states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama without FEMA. Those states go bankrupt without FEMA, Moskowitz said. And yet, I dont see my Republican colleagues calling out the administration on how were going to save FEMA and reform it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So like I said, fingers crossed, Florida. As we enter the hurricane season, the best we can do is hope that Mother Nature spares us from Father Numbskull. Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, which is part of the USA Today Florida Network. He can be reached at fcerabino@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump's plan to cut and gut FEMA would be a disaster for Florida BOYNTON, Pa. PennDOT on Saturday reopened a portion of U.S. Route 219 in southern Somerset County that had been closed after the Boynton Bridge was damaged during flooding May 13. The road was reopened in the village of Boynton, about a mile north of Salisbury, weeks ahead of PennDOTs initial early June estimate, PennDOT said in a press release. PennDOT and its contractor partners completed a temporary structure over Piney Creek to restore travel after the floodwaters destroyed the upstream center pier of the 102-year-old Boynton Bridge, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bridge carried an average of 4,700 vehicles daily along Route 219, which connects Somerset County to Interstate 68 in Maryland. PennDOT described the highway as an important artery for commercial and emergency vehicles, as well as surrounding communities. PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, who visited Somerset County May 16 and viewed flood damage to the bridge, lauded the work to get a temporary bridge in place less than two weeks after the flooding. Im proud that the department was responsive and effective in restoring traffic on U.S. 219 in Somerset County as we would be with any road, with any bridge, in any county in the state, he said in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Work started May 16 to remove pieces of the damaged bridge so a temporary structure could be placed over it, PennDOT said. The temporary structure was installed Thursday and Friday, with guiderail installation and line-painting completed around noon Saturday. The roads reopening lifts detours that had been in place since May 14. PennDOT is reviewing plans for the next phase of the project and developing a timeline for construction of a permanent replacement bridge, the release said. An initial plan suggested the new span would be completed by late 2026. Records are there to be broken, but when it comes to the fastest time to solve a Rubik's Cube by a robot, it's difficult to see how much more progress can be made: the latest record-breaking time stands at a mind-boggling 103 milliseconds. Full credit to the new world record holders, a team of undergraduate engineering students from Purdue University in the US: Junpei Ota, Aden Hurd, Matthew Patrohay, and Alex Berta. Their achievement is official and listed on the Guinness World Records site. The new time is faster than the blink of an eye, and beats the previous record of 305 milliseconds set by a team at Mitsubishi. It was just nine years ago that the record time dropped below a second for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Before you've even realized it's solved, we've solved it," says Patrohay. "Before you even realize it's moving, we've solved it." The super-speedy robot doing the solving has been named the Purdubik's Cube, and it combines a number of different innovations. To begin with, the cube itself is redesigned and repackaged so it won't break apart while being solved. Then we have a machine vision system that's able to recognize where the colored blocks are at any one time, plus special algorithms designed by the students that work out how the blocks need to be rotated to reach a solution as efficiently as possible. The team has also been able to refine the cube so that the acceleration and deceleration of the movements are optimized for sub-millisecond control. Add it all together, and you have a machine that sets new standards for high-speed objection manipulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This achievement isn't just about breaking a record, it pushes the boundaries of what synthetic systems can do," says Nak-seung Patrick Hyun, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Purdue, who mentored the students. "It brings us closer to understanding ultra-fast coordinated control systems like those found in nature." It was back in December, at a student design competition, when the Purdubik's Cube made its first public appearance. Since then the engineers behind it have pushed it to work harder and harder even setting up a remote Bluetooth link so that anyone could set the robot a challenge by scrambling up a cube to be solved. The researchers have been showing off their invention on campus. (Purdue University) If you're wondering how human beings compare to the bots with this particular challenge, the record for the fastest solution is an astonishing 3.05 seconds, held by 7-year-old Xuanyi Geng from China. You might be surprised at just how many related world records there are: the record for solving a puzzle cube on a bicycle, for example, is 9.03 seconds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there's plenty of history behind the new achievement. The Rubik's Cube has been around since the 1970s, and the current world record holders were in part inspired by previous speed records. "I always say that my inspiration was a previous world record holder," says Patrohay. "Back in high school, I saw a video of MIT students solving the cube in 380 milliseconds. I thought, 'that's a really cool project. I'd love to try and beat it someday'. Now here I am at Purdue proving we can go even faster." Related News BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Independence Day of Azerbaijan - May 28 - is a turning point in the history of our nations statehood, a symbol of the struggle for freedom, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. "This day is not only a holiday but also a living expression of the national spirit, statehood ideals, and determination for freedom. In May 1918, the Azerbaijan Peoples Republic was declared. At that time, the first democratic republic was established in the East. This was an event that left invaluable marks on the future fate of the Azerbaijani people both politically and ideologically. Although the Republic lasted only a short time23 monthsthe spirit it created and those ideals remain a sacred heritage among our people to this day. During this period, a national army was formed, women were granted voting rights, Azerbaijani was accepted as the state language, and the first steps were taken to gain international recognition for Azerbaijan. All of these were rare and courageous decisions for that time. The Azerbaijani people openly declared for the first time their desire to take their own fate into their hands, he said. According to him, after the Soviets came to power, Azerbaijan lost its independence, but the people's yearning for freedom never went up in smoke. During these 70 years, the Azerbaijani people tried to preserve their national identity, language, and history. The aspiration for independence was passed down from generation to generation and lived on as a strong idea that would determine the countrys future destiny. In 1991, with the collapse of the USSR, Azerbaijan restored its independence, and this was not merely a decision on paper. It was the result of many years of struggle, heroism, and the great aspirations of the people. However, the early years were far from easy. The newly established state faced severe socio-economic problems. Armenias aggression against Azerbaijan, occupation of our lands, and internal political crises hindered the countrys development. During this period, the states difficult situation raised questions about the sustainability of independence. However, all these difficulties did not break the will of the people. On the contrary, with the return of Heydar Aliyev to power in 1993, Azerbaijan stepped into a new phase. His strong leadership restored stability in the country, strengthened state institutions, and introduced the country on the international stage. Above all, he created a strong foundation for sustainable independence, Garayev also said. The analyst noted that in subsequent years, under the leadership of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the country fully untapped its potential. Thanks to economic reforms and the successful implementation of oil and gas strategy, Azerbaijan became the strongest state in the region. Azerbaijans political stability, economic power, and international prestige have continuously increased. Moreover, the country succeeded in effectively defending its national interests on the global stage. The historic victory in the 2020 Second Karabakh War was a logical continuation of these steps. This victory was not only about the liberation of territories but also a manifestation of the unity, will, and commitment of the people to statehood. Now Azerbaijans independence is not only on paper but a real, strong reality enriched with victories. While reconstruction and development continue at full speed in the liberated areas, overall our country is making great strides in both economic and social spheres, he mentioned. Garayev emphasized that the meaning of May 28 is not only a remembrance of the past but also a guarantee of the future. Today, Azerbaijan is an independent, strong, and dynamically developing state. The current and future prospects of our state are very high, and this is mainly related to the peoples love for independence and their efforts to preserve it. Every year on May 28, the Azerbaijani people commemorate not only a historical event but also their long and honorable struggle for freedom, independence, and statehood. Today, feelings of national unity and solidarity and confidence in the state are at their highest level. Azerbaijans independence is the pride and responsibility of every citizen. Now Azerbaijan is advancing with more confident steps on its path, becoming not only a key player on the world stage but also an important center for regional stability and cooperation. The values underlying our independence, national will, and unity give us confidence that we'll face future challenges bravely and move forward to progress. May 28 is not only a remembrance of our past but also a bright path to our future. Free Azerbaijan is both our pride and our greatest aspiration and most valuable treasure, the analyst added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Russia is constructing power lines in occupied southern Ukraine in an apparent attempt to link the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to its energy grid, the New York Times reported on May 27, citing a new Greenpeace report. The Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe and one of the ten largest globally, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. Satellite imagery included in the report shows that since early February 2025, Russian forces have laid over 80 kilometers (49 miles) of high-voltage lines between occupied Mariupol and Berdyansk, following the coastline of the Sea of Azov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenpeace experts believe the construction aims to connect the new lines to a large substation near Mariupol, which could, in turn, be linked to the ZNPP, which is located some 225 kilometers (some 139 miles) away. It sits in the city of Enerhodar in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast, on the east bank of the Dnipro River, which remains under Russian control. Ukrainian authorities have no access to the site or its surrounding infrastructure. Shaun Burnie, a nuclear specialist at Greenpeace, said that the satellite evidence offers the first concrete confirmation of Russian President Vladimir Putin's plans to restart the plant and permanently integrate it into Russia's grid. The construction of power infrastructure indicates long-term intentions to seize full control of Ukraine's energy assets in the occupied regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has repeatedly asserted ownership over the plant based on its illegal annexation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast in September 2022, despite the fact that Ukraine retains control over much of the oblast, including its administrative center. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly expressed concern over the safety of the plant, where shelling and the presence of armed troops have led to multiple emergency shutdowns and power disruptions. The U.S. has reportedly proposed that control over the ZNPP be returned to Ukraine before transferring its management to the U.S. to supply electricity to areas under both Ukrainian and Russian control. Russia immediately rejected the suggestion. Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces have captured four villages in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region after Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to carve out a buffer zone along the border. The new incursion, which is now gathering steam, comes after days of shelling of the region and some of Russias largest aerial bombardments across Ukraine since the beginning of the three-year war. Ukrainian officials said for weeks that Russian troops were trying to make inroads into Sumy, the regions main city that lies 18 miles from the border, citing it as evidence that Russia is not serious about peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to Russia scaling up its attacks, Donald Trump, the US president, accused Putin on Tuesday of playing with fire in a fresh tirade against his counterpart over stalled efforts to achieve a ceasefire. Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, had earlier claimed it was Europe, not Moscow, that was sabotaging peace talks as he lashed out against decisions to allow Ukraine to strike Russia with Western-supplied weapons. A buffer zone in Sumy would reduce Kyivs ability to launch drone strikes on Russian territory and guard against any future Ukrainian cross-border attacks. Credit: Reuters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine used Sumy as a launchpad for its major incursion into Russias neighbouring Kursk region last year, in the biggest invasion of Russian territory since the Second World War. In early May, Russias defence ministry said they were creating a security strip in Sumy, but Ukraine claimed they were having little success, despite battles close to the border. Russias recent advances are the latest battlefield setback for Kyiv as it seeks to hold territory and avoid handing Moscow the advantage in any peace talks. The enemy is continuing attempts to advance with the aim of setting up a so-called buffer zone, Oleh Hryhorov, Sumys regional governor, said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Ukraine was holding the line, but the villages of Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka and Zhuravka had been occupied, adding that their residents had long been evacuated. Russias defence ministry said on Monday it had also taken the nearby village of Bilovody, implying a further advance. Though Russias offensive activity is concentrated in the eastern Donetsk region, Moscows invasion into northeastern Ukraine shows how it is stretching Kyivs forces on multiple fronts. Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly warned that Russia is preparing new offensives against Sumy as well as the northeastern Kharkiv and southeastern Zaporizhzhia regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is much evidence that they are preparing new offensive operations. Russia is counting on further war, the Ukrainian president said on Monday, without elaborating. He has frequently warned Russia was preparing offensives against Sumy, Kharkiv in the northeast and the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. During a visit to Kursk last week, after claiming to have expelled the last of Kyivs troops, Putin said he ordered his forces to create a security buffer zone in Sumy as the long border remains vulnerable to Ukrainian incursions. Mr Hryhorov, the Sumy governor, said Ukraines troops were keeping the situation under control, inflicting precise fire damage on the enemy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes after Russia launched roughly 900 drones at Ukraine between Friday and Saturday, followed by its biggest single drone attack of the war so far on Sunday, firing 355 drones. It battered cities and towns across the country, including the capital of Kyiv, killing dozens and saturated the countrys air defences. Russia called its massive aerial assaults a response to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on its own civilians. Credit: US Network Pool / Reuters Mr Trump on Sunday called Putin absolutely crazy for needlessly killing a lot of people, marking a significant shift in his formerly cordial approach to the Russian leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He threatened to enforce further sanctions on Moscow, which has repeatedly refused to agree to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire and shown no signs of scaling back its maximalist demands. The Kremlin responded combatively, by suggesting that Mr Trumps comments were the result of emotional overload. If a final push does not work, Mr Trump is said to be considering withdrawing from peace efforts, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing White House sources. Again taking a far tougher stance on Putin, Mr Trump on Tuesday said he had stopped lots of really bad things happening to Russia. And I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire! he added on his Truth Social Network. 07:05 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our live coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will be back soon with more updates and analysis from the conflict. 07:04 PM BST Trump: Putin is playing with fire Donald Trump has accused Vladimir Putin of playing with fire in a fresh tirade against his Russian counterpart over stalled Ukraine peace efforts. What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire! the US president wrote on his Truth Social network. His statements follow some of Russias largest aerial attacks on Ukraine since the start of the three-year war, which have killed dozens of civilians, including children, since Friday and saturated the countrys air defences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the recent bombardments, Mr Trump on Sunday called Putin absolutely crazy for needlessly killing a lot of people, marking a significant shift in his formerly cordial approach to the Russian leader. He threatened to enforce further sanctions on Moscow, which has repeatedly refused to agree to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire and shown no signs of scaling back its maximalist demands. The Kremlin responded by suggesting that Mr Trumps comments were the result of emotional overload. If a final push does not work, Mr Trump is said to be considering withdrawing from peace efforts, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing White House sources. 06:53 PM BST US blocks G7 push to tighten Russian oil price cap Washington opposed a joint G7 effort to lower the price cap on Russian oil exports, sources familiar with the talks have claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The price cap was introduced by the G7 and EU in December 2022 and bans Western companies from trading, shipping or insuring Russian oil sold above $60 per barrel, in order to clamp down on the Kremlins ability to finance its war machine. The Financial Times, citing three unnamed officials, said the plan was dropped after US treasury secretary Scott Bessent refused to support it during last weeks meeting of finance ministers. 06:13 PM BST Turkeys top diplomat to travel to Kyiv this week Turkeys foreign minister, currently on a visit to Moscow, will travel to Kyiv this week. Hakan Fidan is planning to travel to Kyiv this week, a Turkish official told AFP, without indicating when the trip would take place. Turkey maintains good relations with both Russia and Ukraine and earlier in May hosted the first direct talks between the two warring sides since the start of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 05:48 PM BST In pictures: Column of destroyed armoured vehicles in Donetsk A column of destroyed armoured vehicles in Russian-controlled part of Ukraines Donetsk region - REUTERS Further destroyed vehicles in the village of Mykilske near Vuhledar city - REUTERS 05:30 PM BST Lavrov: Europe should stop sabotaging peace talks Europe should stop sabotaging Ukraine-Russia peace talks, Sergei Lavrov, the Kremlins foreign minister, has demanded. If the war stops - their political careers will be over, theyre putting their personal interests over their people, Mr Lavrov said, referring to European leaders pledging to continue support for Ukraine. Europe should stop sabotaging peace efforts in Ukraine, he said. On Monday, Friedrich Merz, Germanys chancellor, backed allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons for long-range strikes into Russia. Clarifying his comments on Tuesday, he said that there were no longer any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Kyiv by its allies, and that this was a decision taken months ago. Responding, Mr Lavrov said Mr Merzs comments illustrates the level of competency of those who have risen to power in Europe. 04:40 PM BST Russia condemns Finlands naval drills in Baltic Sea Russias foreign ministry has accused Finland of escalating tensions by carrying out pre-organised naval drills in the Baltic Sea. Maria Zakharova, Russias foreign ministry spokesman, said the naval exercises were becoming a tool of Nato escalation near Russias border. Finland has started its Exercise Narrow Waters 25, the countrys annual spring drills. It was formally a national exercise, before being expanded to include Nato allies, including Sweden, Germany and Estonia after Finland joined the alliance in 2023. Russia is also currently carrying out naval exercises further south near its western exclave of Kaliningrad. It comes after Finland on Monday accused Moscows fighter jets of violating its airspace. Exercise Narrow Waters 25 bringing together #NATO Allies from the Baltic Sea region. The Finnish Navy led exercise trains vessels and troops to conduct joint naval operations in the unique environment of the Baltic Sea, this time together with .#merivoimat #NAWA25 pic.twitter.com/wsW33cAmKz Finland at NATO (@FinlandatNATO) May 27, 2025 04:11 PM BST Pictured: Ukrainians stand outside their destroyed homes near Kyiv Residents stand near their destroyed homes in the Kyiv region on Tuesday after the first night without airstrikes in several days - Shutterstock Editorial 03:53 PM BST Russia calls its aerial attacks a direct response to Ukrainian strikes Russia said Tuesday that its massive aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent days were a response to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on its own civilians, accusing Kyiv of trying to disrupt peace efforts. Moscow fired hundreds of drones at Ukraine between late Friday and early Monday, killing more than a dozen people and saturating the countrys air defences. Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin had gone absolutely CRAZY and threatened Russia with sanctions over the attacks. As we reported earlier, the Russian defence ministry accused Kyiv and its allies of taking a series of provocative steps to thwart negotiations initiated by Russia. Civilians, including women and children, were injured, it said, describing its recent strikes on Ukraine as a direct response. 03:13 PM BST Ukraine counts the cost as military aid is cut back As the bloody battle against Vladimir Putins troops stretches into its fourth year, the toll on Ukraine is mounting. Hundreds of billions of pounds have been spent on fighting the Russian invaders, and at least 46,000 soldiers have died. Hopes that Donald Trump would bring a prompt end to the war have all but vanished. Instead, his constant flip-flopping has made many fear that the leader of the free world has abandoned Ukraine. For the war-torn country, this means crucial flows of US aid and weaponry could reduce to a trickle or cease completely. It is absolutely a risk. Ukraine is nervous about that. The strategy is to draw down as much as they can now, stockpile it for that time. Theres not a lot of trust there, says Timothy Ash, an associate fellow at Chatham House. It will make the fight more difficult, but they can still continue. They can sustain the war for at least six months to a year. The war grinds on without some peace process. 02:55 PM BST Pictured: Ukrainian artist paints used munitions Artist Tetyana Skoromna paints used large-caliber shells and artillery shells with images of Christian saints in her art studio in Lviv, Ukraine 02:35 PM BST More than 200 Ukrainian POWs have died in Russian prisons More than 200 Ukrainian POWs have died while imprisoned since Russias full-scale invasion three years ago, new data has shown. Abuse inside Russian prisons was likely a contributing factor in many of these deaths, according to officials from human rights groups, the UN, the Ukrainian government and a Ukrainian medical examiner who performed dozens of autopsies on POWs. The officials said the prison death toll adds to evidence that Russia is systematically brutalising captured soldiers. They added that forensic discrepancies, and the repatriation of bodies that are mutilated and decomposed, point to an effort to cover up alleged torture, starvation and poor health care at dozens of prisons and detention centres across Russia and occupied Ukraine. Russia has previously accused Ukraine of mistreating Russian POWs allegations the UN has partially backed up, though it says Ukraines violations are far less common and severe than what Russia is accused of. 02:07 PM BST Russia working on next prisoner swap with US, Kremlin says The US and Russia are working on another prisoner swap between the two countries, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. Last week, Russia and Ukraine swapped 1,000 for 1,000 captives as part of the largest prisoner swap of the war so far. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, said Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed another exchange involving nine people from each side in a recent phone call. 01:23 PM BST Russias draft peace deal to include settlement dates, says Kremlin We reported earlier that the Kremlin said it was working on a memorandum setting out its conditions for a possible peace deal to end the war in Ukraine (see post at 9:45am). Were now hearing more details about what the draft is expected to contain. Maria Zakharova, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, said the future peace treaty would include potential settlement dates and a possible ceasefire for a limited time period if relevant agreements are reached. We hope that the Ukrainian side is doing the same and will send us their draft as they receive the Russian document, she added. 01:00 PM BST Zelensky may not be invited to Nato summit Volodymyr Zelensky may not be invited to Natos summit this summer because of Donald Trumps stance towards Ukraine. The Ukrainian president attended during Joe Bidens time at the White House, however Mr Trump has repeatedly opposed Kyivs ambition to join the military alliance. Mr Zelensky may instead attend a parallel summit in order to avoid conflict with the US president, the New York Times reported 12:43 PM BST Trump considers new sanctions on Russia Donald Trump is considering new sanctions on Russia after becoming frustrated with stalling peace talks and Vladimir Putins continued attacks on Ukraine, it has been reported. The Wall Street Journal said the US president was considering a range of options to pressure Putin into accepting concessions such as an immediate 30-day-ceasefire, which Russia has long rejected. Mr Trump could withdraw from peace efforts if a final push doesnt work, the outlet added, citing people familiar with Mr Trumps thinking. The US president has long claimed to have a good relationship with Putin, but on Sunday said he was not happy with him after a major Russian aerial attack on Ukraine. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers, he said. Volodymyr Zelensky said last night that the Kremlin was counting on a prolonged war and that intelligence reports indicated Russian forces are preparing to launch a new offensive. Ukrainian recruits train in Zaporizhzhia - Shutterstock Editorial 12:23 PM BST Russian forces seize four villages in Sumy We reported earlier that Russian forces had broken into several border villages in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region (see post at 10:09am). The local governor has now confirmed that Russian forces have captured four villages in the Sumy region, as part of a wider push to establish a buffer zone along the Ukrainian border. The enemy is continuing attempts to advance with the aim of setting up a so-called buffer zone, Oleh Hryhorov, Sumy Governor, wrote on Facebook. He said the villages of Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka and Zhuravka had been occupied, adding that residents had long been evacuated. 11:40 AM BST Russia accuses Ukraine and European allies of provocative steps to wreck peace talks Russias defence ministry has accused Ukraine and European countries of taking provocative steps to wreck direct peace talks, Moscows Interfax news agency has reported. The Kremlin pointed to Kyivs increased attacks on civilian targets in Russia, fuelled by Western-made drones. The defence ministry said 2,331 drones have been intercepted and destroyed over the past week. 11:16 AM BST Russian hackers behind cyber attack on police networks and Nato last year A previously unknown Russian hacking group was behind attacks last year on the networks of the Dutch police, Nato and several European countries, Dutch intelligence agencies said on Tuesday. The group, known as Laundry Bear, was most likely supported by the Russian state, the Dutch General Intelligence Agency and Military Agency said in a joint letter to parliament. The cyberattacks against Dutch institutions are part of a larger international cyber threat posed by the hacker group, they added. Laundry Bear also conducted cyber-espionage against companies that produce high-end technologies that Russia has difficulty accessing due to Western sanctions over the Ukraine war, it said. It said the group had sought to get hold of information related to the procurement and production of military equipment by Western governments and Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. 11:00 AM BST What readers are saying in the comments... 10:43 AM BST Russia captures another village in east Ukraine Russian troops have seized the village of Stara Mykolaivka in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, Moscows defence ministry said on Tuesday. The battlefield report has not been independently verified. Servicemen of the 68th Separate Chasseurs Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region - REUTERS 10:27 AM BST Russia: Talk of new US sanctions is campaign to derail peace talks We have been reporting earlier that Donald Trump is considering new sanctions on Russia after becoming frustrated with stalling peace talks and Vladimir Putins continued attacks on Ukraine. The options do not include banking sanctions, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with Mr Trumps thinking. Now, Dmitry Peskow, Kremlin spokesperson, has said such media reports are part of a campaign aimed at disrupting peace talks over Ukraine. 10:09 AM BST Russia ramps up push for Sumy buffer zone Russian forces have broken into several border villages in Ukraines Sumy region, as part of a wider push to establish a buffer zone along the Ukrainian border. The Ukrainian army said its soldiers had held their positions under increasing pressure from Russian forces, who seized parts of Yunakivka and Khotin. Oleg Hryhorov, head of the Sumy regional military administration, said Russia had been attempting to create a buffer zone. During a visit to Kursk last week, Putin said he ordered his forces to create the necessary security buffer zone, though failed to give specifics. State media later said the Russian president was referring to the Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod regions, which border Sumy and Kharkiv, and Chernihiv. The city of Sumy lies just 25km from the Ukrainian border, so a buffer zone would reduce Kyivs ability to launch drone strikes on Russian territory. 09:58 AM BST Watch: Ukrainian POWs return home We thank the entire team working to bring our people home. And I especially thank our warriors who are replenishing Ukraine's exchange fund with captured occupier soldiers. pic.twitter.com/FYK2p7yWLw Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 27, 2025 09:45 AM BST Russia still working on draft peace deal, says foreign ministry Russia is still working on a draft memorandum setting out its conditions for a possible peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, the Kremlins foreign ministry said on Tuesday. Maria Zakharova, foreign ministry spokeswoman, said work was continuing on the Russian draft and that once the document was ready it would be handed over to Ukraine. Russia continues to develop a draft memorandum on a future peace treaty, defining a number of positions, such as the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement, and a potential ceasefire for a certain amount of time if appropriate agreements are reached, she said. After a call with US President Donald Trump earlier this month, Vladimir Putin said that Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on such a memorandum. 09:21 AM BST Russia preparing new offensive, Zelensky says Russia is preparing to launch a new offensive in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky said, citing Ukrainian intelligence reports. The Ukrainian president said late last night there was ample evidence that Russia is planning a major push and that the Kremlin is counting on a prolonged war. This is a blatant disregard for all those around the world who seek peace and are trying to make diplomacy work, he said, adding I am confident that our partners intelligence services are having the same information. Ukraines military last week reported that Russian troops were massing on the other side of the border near Kharkiv, in what it said was clear preparation for active assault actions by the enemy. The Russian army on Monday launched the largest number of drones againstUkraine since the beginning of the full-scale war 355 attack UAVs, mostly Shaheds 09:13 AM BST China denies Ukrainian reports on military supplies to Russia China has never provided lethal weapons to any parties to the war in Ukraine and strictly controls dual-use items, the ministry said on Tuesday. In response to Ukrainian reports of Chinese supplies to Russian military plants, Mao Ning, ministry spokesperson, said: The Ukrainian side knows this full well, and China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation. Ukraines foreign intelligence chief on Monday said China is supplying a range of important products to 20 Russian military plants. 08:42 AM BST Merz: We may have to prepare for prolonged war in Ukraine The war in Ukraine is expected to persist due to Russias reluctance to enter peace talks, Germanys chancellor said on Tuesday. Wars typically end because of economic or military exhaustion on one side or on both sides and in this war we are obviously still far from reaching that (situation), said Friedrich Merz, speaking as a joint press conference with Finish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, in Turku. So we may have to prepare for a longer duration, Mr Merz added. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz - Getty Images Europe 08:21 AM BST Putin threatens crackdown on Western businesses in Moscow Russia will throttle remaining Western firms operating in the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin has warned. It comes in response to calls to restrain the activities of US tech companies Zoom and Microsoft, which currently provide only limited services in Russia. We need to throttle them...and I say this without hesitation, said Putin, in response to a question on the topic. A slew of Western companies, including McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Heineken, announced they were halting business in Russia after it launched its military offensive in Ukraine. When Ukraines allies launched a barrage of economic sanctions on Russia, many other companies significantly reduced their activities in the country. The US fast-food chain Mcdonalds closed all of its 850 restaurants in Russia in response to the countrys attacks of Ukraine in 2022 - Anadolu 07:49 AM BST Trump seriously considering lifting all war fighting restrictions on Ukraine, sources say Donald Trump is seriously considering removing all restrictions imposed by the previous administration on Ukraines war fighting, sources have said. All the previously imposed restrictions whether already eased or not are currently under the review, one senior Western official told the Kyiv Post. President [Trump] believes that the current status-quo does not serve our common interests of bringing Russia to the [negotiation] table. Earlier on Monday, Germanys Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there were no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine by its Western allies. This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia. The Kremlin called it a dangerous move. Ukraine had previously received long-range missiles from the US, the UK, and France including Atacms, Storm Shadow, and Scalp but was initially permitted to deploy them only against Russian military forces in occupied Ukrainian territories. 07:33 AM BST Russia launches 60 drones in overnight attack, Kyivs air force says Russia launched 60 drones against Ukraine in an overnight attack, Kyivs air force said on Tuesday. Some 43 drones were neutralised, with 35 shot down and eight redirected by electronic warfare, they added. Russia had launched more than 900 against Ukraine over three nights, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday. 07:24 AM BST Watch: Aftermath of Sumy shelling Russian drone attacks injured three people in Ukraines south and south-east overnight, Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday. Two people were injured in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the governor said on Tuesday. Air defence forces were working during the night in the Dnipropetrovsk, said Serhiy Lysak on the Telegram messaging app, adding that five drones had been shot down over the region. Credit: Reuters 07:14 AM BST Hello and welcome to our live coverage Were bringing you the latest updates from the Ukraine war. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Russian military has modified its tactics for launching attack drones against Ukraine in order to bypass air defenses, Ukraine's Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said in an interview with RBC Ukraine published on May 27. Russia has been ramping up its drone production to launch ever-greater strikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The night of May 26 marked the most extensive drone attack of the full-scale war, reportedly involving 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys. Russia's new tactic is to launch the drones at high altitudes, more than 2 kilometers (1.4 miles) above the ground, and keep changing the drones' routes. Then, the drones swoop down directly onto the target, Ihnat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this altitude, they become more visible to our radars, but remain out of reach of small arms, heavy machine guns, and mobile fire teams," the spokesperson explained. Russian forces have also been conducting simultaneous group raids on the same residential area or facility, as well as using unmanned simulator drones called Parodiya ("a parody" in English), increasing pressure on Ukraine's air defense systems. Recent Russian drone attacks comprised roughly 60% of attack drones and 40% of Parodiya decoys, according to Ihnat. Russia has been deploying Iranian-made Shaheds and their domestically-produced copies, Gerans, to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses in massive swarm attacks, allowing more destructive ballistic and cruise missiles to slip through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Economist previously reported that Russia uses Telegram messaging app bots to control its attack drones, ensuring real-time flight data and footage feed for human operators. The new control algorithm was revealed in a note hidden inside one of the Russian drones, possibly left behind by a "sympathetic Russian engineer," according to the media outlet. Ukraine's sky shield is increasingly stretched thin as Western air defense supplies are running out. An undisclosed source told Le Monde that Ukraine has run out of ammunition for its two SAMP/T air defense batteries, while the Crotale short-range anti-aircraft systems have not received new missiles for a year and a half. It remains unclear how many U.S.-designed Patriot interceptors, which are key in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, are left in Ukraine's stockpiles, as the Trump administration is yet to approve any new military aid packages. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Credit: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Russia has upgraded its Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones with 90kg warheads, boosting their destructive capability in the latest sign of deepening co-operation between Moscow and Tehran. Shahed drones launched in swarms almost always at night have become a hallmark of Vladimir Putins campaign to cripple Ukrainian infrastructure, triggering blackouts and damaging key power facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new combined warheads are being built as two different models, but both weighing 90kg. One is being built in Russia, the other in Iran. The Russian-designed model, known as KOFZBCh, combines cumulative, fragmentation, blast and incendiary effects, meaning it can destroy buildings, scatter deadly shrapnel, spark fires and generate a powerful shockwave. It is designed not just to destroy a specific target but to cause maximum chaos in its surroundings. The Iranian version lacks incendiary capability but still delivers a powerful blow, according to Ukraines Defence Express. Pavlo Narozhny, a military expert and founder of Reactive Post, which provides spare parts to the Ukrainian army, told The Telegraph that Russia needed to make its Shahed drones more powerful to counter protective measures put in place by Ukrainian energy companies. 2705 Shahed 136 drone With this combined warhead, the main target is power infrastructure. But Ukraines energy companies have been building concrete covers and installing nets made of steel so Russia needs something to penetrate this infrastructure, Mr Narozhny said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that while they may be more powerful than standard Shahed-131 and 136 drones, they will need more fuel given their increased weight, making their range much smaller. It is not yet clear whether the upgraded Shaheds have been used in combat. But their development reflects the growing importance of drones in the conflict, as both sides race to innovate low-cost, high-impact technology, often for marginal gains on the battlefield. Earlier this month, Kyiv reported on what was the largest drone attack of the war so far at the time, as Russia launched 273 Shahed drones across Ukraine. The attack included a new jet-powered Geran-3 armed with a 300kg warhead believed to be a Russian clone of the Iranian Shahed-238. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian air defences intercepted many of the drones, but not all. Several regions, including Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk, were targeted. At least one person was killed and three were injured. The new Russian-designed model, known as KOFZBCh, with a 90kg warhead Last week, Ukraine responded by firing hundreds of drones across Russia, including dozens towards Moscow, forcing the closure of the Russian capitals four airports. Both sides have adapted rapidly to the attacks. Tom Withington, a weapons expert at the Royal United Services Institute, said drones guided by fibre-optic cables now used by Moscow and Kyiv are near impossible to jam, highlighting the pace of innovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has been known to attach drones to remote-controlled aircraft to strike oil depots and military targets inside Russia. The attacks are estimated to have disrupted 17 per cent of Russias refining capacity, severely affecting military fuel supplies. Ukraine has also learned how to reconfigure Western-supplied tanks to better hunt enemy drones. The Ukrainian armys 508th Separate Repair and Restoration Battalion is preparing to receive an old German Leopard 1A5 tank modified with a Belgian Cockerill 3105 turret. The upgrade allows the tank to fire at drones at a steep 41-degree angle 20 degrees higher than standard and hit targets up to 10km away. A standard Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone in flight The German Leopard tank may have poor armour, but its speed would allow it to better evade Russian drones more than other armoured vehicles, the Ukrainian armys 508th Separate Repair and Restoration Battalion (SRRB) said. After making the shot that may disclose the Ukrainian tanks position, a Leopard 1A5 can quickly roll back to cover, the 508th SRRB said. It is true that the armour of the first Leopard is really weak, but it doesnt matter if the Russian drone operators dont even have time to see it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the modification comes with a hefty price tag. While Belgium has pledged $1 billion in aid and Ukraine is waiting to receive 170 old Leopard tanks retrofitting each with the Belgian turret could cost tens of millions of dollars. Mr Narozhny said such a weapon would be very effective at targeting Russian drones but could cost the Ukrainians thousands of dollars to down each drone. Whether Kyiv can justify that cost remains to be seen, especially with competing needs, including batteries for US-supplied Patriot missile systems and funding to recruit more troops amid growing manpower shortages. 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. Russias coal industry, which has plunged into a deep crisis after the European Union imposed an embargo on coal supplies and the decline in global prices, is not expected to recover within the next five years. Source: The Moscow Times, an independent Amsterdam-based news outlet, citing an industry outlook by Neft Research, an analytics and consultancy group specialising in global fuel markets Details: By 2030, Russias seaborne coal exports, which account for over 80% of total coal exports, are projected to fall by 10% compared to 2024 levels, amounting to 150 million tonnes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, seaborne exports had declined by 7.5% year-on-year, while total exports dropped by 9%. Analysts attribute the drop in exports to falling global coal prices. These prices are expected to decrease by 5-20% compared to last years level by 2030, due to slower demand growth in Asia. As a result, shipments through Far Eastern ports are expected to grow by 27% by 2030, reaching 118.7 million tonnes, while exports in the western direction will fall by 40%. Ports in the Baltic Sea and Murmansk Oblast will be operating at less than 35% capacity. Shipments via Baltic and Arctic ports will drop fourfold, to 11 million and 2.9 million tonnes per year respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exports through southern ports will remain stable at 17.8 million tonnes, due to proximity to markets in India and Turkiye. Only exporters of coking coal are expected to maintain profitability. Sales of thermal coal and anthracite, which is in demand on the Chinese market, will remain unprofitable. This situation may cause coal mining companies that produce massive grades of coal underground to leave the market, Neft Research concluded. Background: Western sanctions and difficulties with exports to Asia have triggered a major crisis in Russias coal industry. In April 2025, Chinas imports of Russian coal dropped by 13% year-on-year, to 7.4 million tonnes. Global prices for thermal coal have fallen to their lowest level since 2020. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian intelligence and open-source data show Russian President Vladimir Putin does not "plan to end the war," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his daily evening address Monday. "There is currently no indication that they are seriously considering peace or diplomacy," he added. "On the contrary, there is ample evidence that they are preparing new offensive operations." PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks to journalists during a news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) The address came after an overnight exchange of long-range cross-border drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's air force said Russia launched a total of 364 "air attack vehicles" -- nine cruise missiles and 355 attack drones -- in the latest bombardment. All missiles and 288 drones were shot down or neutralized in flight, Ukraine's air force said. Impacts were reported in five regions and falling debris in 10 regions, it added. Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forces downed 128 Ukrainian drones over 12 regions from Sunday night into Monday morning. MORE: Russia, Ukraine exchange drone attacks after Trump rebukes leaders Near-nightly cross-border strikes have become a prominent feature of Russia's war on Ukraine, now more than three years old with little sign of an imminent ceasefire or peace deal. Recent months have seen the bombardments grow in size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday night into Sunday, for example, Russia launched what Ukrainian officials described as its largest aerial attack of the war. The assault included 367 drones and missiles and killed at least 18 people, officials said. The weekend attacks prompted Trump to rebuke both Putin and Zelenskyy on his social media platform on Monday. "I'm not happy with what Putin is doing," he wrote. "He's killing a lot of people, and I don't know what the hell happened to Putin. I've known him a long time. Always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like it at all." "Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does," he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump admin live updates: Trump considers taking $3B from Harvard for trade schools On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia is "really grateful to the Americans and personally to President Trump for his assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process. This is a very important achievement." However, Zelenskyy and his officials have cited Russia's continued massed strikes as evidence that Moscow is not genuine in its public appeals for peace. "Russia is counting on a prolonged war," Zelenskyy remarked, when discussing the new intelligence that he said was analyzed in a meeting with his staff on Monday. "And on their part, this is a blatant disregard for all those around the world who seek peace and are trying to make diplomacy work." Russia is preparing new offensives, according to Ukraine intelligence: Zelenskyy originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has stated that Russia is continuing to work on a draft memorandum concerning a ceasefire. Her remarks came against the backdrop of Russia's recent large-scale combined attacks on Ukraine. Source: Russian news agency Interfax, citing Zakharova's briefing on Tuesday 27 May Quote: "Russia continues to develop a draft memorandum on a future peace agreement, which outlines several points such as principles for a settlement, potential timelines for concluding a peace deal, and a possible temporary ceasefire if, I stress, appropriate agreements are reached." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Zakharova added that once the memorandum is ready, it will be sent to Kyiv. Quote: "We expect that the Ukrainian side is doing the same work and will send us its proposals at the same time it receives the Russian document." Background: On the night of 23-24 May, Russian forces launched 14 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 250 attack drones at Ukraine. Ukrainian air defence shot down six ballistic missiles and 128 drones; 117 more drones disappeared from radar or were suppressed by electronic warfare. On the night of 24-25 May, Russia launched a combined strike using nine Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, 55 Kh-101 cruise missiles, one Kh-22 cruise missile, four Kh-59/69 guided air missiles and 298 attack UAVs. The attack killed 12 people and injured 60. On the night of 25-26 May, the Russians again attacked Ukraine with missiles and drones, using a total of 364 aerial weapons. Ukrainian air defence shot down nine cruise missiles and destroyed or jammed 288 Russian UAVs. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia seized four border towns in Ukrainians northeast late Monday while tempering down its bombing campaign after three days of intense aerial attacks. The move comes just days after President Trump claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin has gone crazy. Oleh Hryhorov, the head of the Sumy regional military administration said Monday that Russian forces captured four villages: Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka and Zhuravka. He added that the local population was evacuated early so that they would not be in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The land seizure comes less than a week after Putin ordered the military to formulate a buffer zone along the Russian border with Ukraine. Sumy Oblast borders Russias Kursk region, an area the Ukrainian military occupied parts of during last years offensive. Russia launched 60 drones into Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian military. The nations air force said early Tuesday that 43 Shahed drones were downed in the eastern, northern and southern parts of the country. The aerial attacks have dropped in intensity after Russia launched around 900 drones, including 355 late Sunday, the most drones fired in one day since the war in Eastern Europe started in February 2022. Trump has also ramped up his criticism of Putin in recent days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes killing a lot of people and I dont know what the hell happened to Putin. Ive known him a long time. Always gotten along with him. But hes sending rockets into cities and killing people and I dont like it at all. OK, the president told reporters Sunday. Were in the middle of talking and hes shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities. I dont like it at all, he added. Trump hammered the Russian leader further Sunday, writing that Putin has gone absolutely crazy. In the social media post, the president also slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does. The jabs from the White House prompted a response from the Kremlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions. The U.S. has in some ways stepped back from demanding a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, with Trump instead suggesting Moscow and Kyiv should negotiate the terms directly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. An effective legal mechanism must be launched to combat Islamophobia, Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research, Member of the Executive Bureau of the UAE Muslim Council of Elders Samir Boudinar said during an international conference on "Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas" in Baku, Trend reports. "The legal response to Islamophobia remains a crucial element of the overall strategy to combat it. This applies to both legislation protecting the right to self-determination and the application of legal mechanisms available to citizens within the countries concerned. It is necessary to launch an effective legal mechanism to review existing laws and policies in order to preserve the legitimacy of Islam and protect Muslims," he also said. According to Boudinar, it's especially important to work on creating financial and institutional structures that represent the interests of young people. "Young people are not only an object to be influenced, but also a real driving force. With their deep knowledge, comprehensive understanding, ability to track the latest trends, use of digital platforms and presence in different regions of the world, young people are in a unique position," he mentioned. Boudinar emphasized the imperative of equipping youth with the requisite tools and strategies to adeptly counteract manifestations of Islamophobia. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Russian forces have taken four border villages in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region, a local official said Tuesday, days after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had ordered troops to establish a buffer zone along the border. Sumy borders Russias Kursk region, where a surprise Ukrainian incursion last year captured a pocket of land in the first occupation of Russian territory since World War II. The long border is vulnerable to Ukrainian incursions, Putin said, and creating a buffer zone could help Russia prevent further cross-border attacks there. Meanwhile, a Russian bombing campaign that had escalated in recent days slowed overnight, with far fewer Russian drones targeting Ukrainian towns and cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow's invasion has shown no signs of stopping despite months of intense U.S.-led efforts to secure a ceasefire and get traction for peace talks. Since Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Turkey on May 16 for their first direct talks in three years, a large prisoner exchange has been the only tangible outcome, but negotiations have brought no significant breakthrough. The U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said Putin has not yet delivered a promised memorandum that the Russian leader told U.S. President Donald Trump in a phone call on May 19 would outline the framework for a possible peace agreement. The Kremlin has also ruled out the Vatican as a venue for negotiations, he said. We would have liked to have it at the Vatican and we were pretty set to do something like that, but the Russians didnt want to go there so I think Geneva may be the next stop, Kellogg told the Fox News Channel. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said his country also was ready to host another round of peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between Friday and Sunday, Russia launched about 900 drones at Ukraine, officials said, amid a spate of large-scale bombardments. On Sunday night, Russia launched its biggest drone attack of the 3-year-old war, firing 355 drones. From Monday to Tuesday, Russia fired 60 drones at Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said. Russias Defense Ministry said its defenses downed 99 Ukrainian drones overnight over seven Russian regions. The weekend surge in Russian bombardments drew a rebuke from Trump, who said Putin had gone crazy. That comment brought a sharp Kremlin reaction Monday, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticizing emotional reactions to events. He took a milder tone Tuesday, hailing U.S. peace efforts and saying that the Americans and President Trump have taken a quite balanced approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump kept up the rhetorical pressure, saying in a social media post that Putin was playing with fire! What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD," he said. In Sumy, Russian forces are trying to advance deeper after capturing villages, said Oleh Hryhorov, head of the Sumy regional military administration. Ukrainian forces are trying to hold the line, he said, adding that residents of the villages were evacuated earlier, and there is no immediate threat to civilians. Putin visited the Kursk region last week for the first time since Moscow claimed last month that it drove Ukrainian forces out of the area where they captured land last August. Kyiv officials have denied the claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The long border remains vulnerable to Ukrainian incursions, Putin said. He said he told the Russian military to create a security buffer zone along the frontier but provided no public details of where the proposed zone would be or how far it would stretch. Putin said a year ago that a Russian offensive at the time aimed to create a buffer zone in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region. That could have helped protect Russias Belgorod border region, where frequent Ukrainian attacks have embarrassed the Kremlin. ___ Davies reported from Manchester, England. Darlene Superville in Washington and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia is continuing to work on the draft memorandum setting out the principles of a possible future peace accord to end the war in Ukraine, Russia's foreign ministry said on Tuesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin, after a call with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month, said that Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a future peace accord. Putin said the memorandum would define the principles of a possible settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement and details about a possible ceasefire. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said work was continuing on the Russian draft and that once the document was ready it would be handed over to Ukraine. ADVERTISEMENT "Russia continues to develop a draft memorandum on a future peace treaty, defining a number of positions, such as the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement, and a potential ceasefire for a certain amount of time if appropriate agreements are reached," she said. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Editing by Alexander Marrow/Guy Faulconbridge) Third-grader Stanislav Martynyuk looks extremely proud in his school photograph. Hands folded on his desk; his eyes framed with spectacles that make him look like a serious and adorable 8-year-old scholar. It was this image of Stanislav alongside similar snaps of his sister Tamara, 12, and brother Roman, 17 that was put on display at a makeshift memorial at their school in Korostyshiv and shared on social media after the three siblings died when a Russian strike hit their home over the weekend. The trio was among at least 14 civilians killed over the weekend in the latest wave of Moscows escalating aerial assaults against Ukrainian cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts say the brutal campaign is part of a deliberate strategy by Russia that is designed to create an impression that it has the upper hand in the conflict, undermine Ukraines morale and put more pressure on Kyivs Western allies. Russia first began intensifying airborne attacks against Ukraine last fall, after it successfully scaled up domestic production of its own version of the Iranian-made Shahed drones, its most frequently used drone. But the frequency and scale of these strikes increased again in January, after US President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Five of Russias biggest drone attacks were all launched since then. Four of the five came over the past 10 days, according to a tally compiled by CNN. Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine one of his priorities having said during the election campaign that he would bring the conflict to an end within 24 hours of taking office. Photos shared by the Gustav Olizar Lyceum in Korostyshiv show Stanislav, Tamara and Roman Martynyuk, three siblings killed by a Russian strike. - Gustav Olizar Lyceum in Korostyshiv But despite the promises, Trump seems to have grown increasingly impatient with Moscow and Kyiv. He has been flip-flopping between threatening to punish Russia with more sanctions if it doesnt sign up to a ceasefire proposal and suggesting he could walk away from the issue altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend, after Russia launched its biggest aerial assault against Ukraine since the start of the war, Trump said on social media that Putin has gone absolutely CRAZY! before telling reporters that he was not happy with what Putin is doing. But Trump also slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for suggesting that Americas silence encourages Putin to continue his onslaught. He said Zelensky does his country disservice because everything out of his mouth causes problems, I dont like it, and it better stop. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that should Ukraine misbehave in fighting against Russia with drones, it will get hurt. No matter if peace negotiations are underway, or if President Trump says something or not, Russia will ensure its security, Peskov said. The only way to win Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War, a US-based conflict monitor, said that Russias brutal aerial campaign is part of the strategy to create the illusion that it is winning the war, in an effort to degrade Ukrainian morale and convince the West that a Russian victory in Ukraine is inevitable and that supporting Ukraine is futile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin knows that the only way Russia could win the war in Ukraine any time soon is if Ukraines Western allies, the United States chief among them, stop supporting Kyiv in its war efforts. Ukraines European allies have seen an increase in instances of sabotage, cyber incidents and arson attacks linked to Russia, an attempt by Moscow to put more pressure on Kyiv-friendly governments by trying to show their voters that supporting Kyiv comes with a cost. At the same time, Putin is successfully stalling the ceasefire talks proposed by Trump while trying to appear cooperative and shift the blame on Kyiv. Instead of refusing Trumps ceasefire proposal straight away, the Russian president has been introducing new demands and blaming Kyiv for not accepting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When given an ultimatum, Putin ignored it and called for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia something Trump immediately endorsed, blindsiding Ukraines other Western allies. Trump has repeatedly indicated he does not want US military assistance to Kyiv to continue as it was. Earlier this year, the US briefly suspended shipments of aid to Ukraine over Trumps disagreement with Zelensky. While the aid has been reinstated, the incident gave a clear indication to Putin that Trump is willing to abandon Ukraine. Trump has also made it clear he believed Ukraine is on the backfoot. He even told Zelensky he had no cards during the contentious Oval Office meeting in February, trying to pressure the Ukrainian leader into negotiations. But while Russia does have air superiority over Ukraine, which allows Moscow to terrorize the Ukrainian population on daily basis, it is far from winning the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leading Russia analyst Mark Galeotti previously told CNN that the situation on the ground in Ukraine is better described as both sides losing. The thing though is that the Ukrainians are losing faster, he said. When Russia launched its full-scale unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin expected to take over the country within a few days. That has not happened because Ukraine mounted a surprisingly strong defense. And as Western support for Kyiv increased, Ukraine was able to push back and reclaim large swaths of territory that were seized by Russia during the initial invasion. The frontline in Ukraine has not moved in a significant way since Ukrainian forces liberated the southern city of Kherson in November 2023. Russia has advanced in some areas along the frontline, but it has not been able to break through or take over a major city. An explosion lights up the sky over Kyiv during a Russian drone strike on Saturday. - Gleb Garanich/Reuters Yet the consequences of the Russian strikes have been horrifying. At least 209 civilians were killed across Ukraine last month, the deadliest month since September 2024, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a particularly deadly month for Ukrainian children the worst since June 2022. On top of 19 who were killed, 78 were injured. May has been equally terrifying for Ukrainian civilians. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram that the weekends attacks showed once again that Russias goal is fear and death. Klymenko said the parents of the three slain Martynyuk children were wounded in the strike, their mother seriously. Roman, the oldest child, was just days away from graduating, the school where all three attended said in a statement. Tamaras teacher, Oleh Hodovaniuk, told CNN Monday was a very difficult day for the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signs of the war were all around them. The school windows have been blown out by the pressure wave from the explosions. A memorial point at the schools entrance was flooded with flowers and plush toys. Hodovaniuk said the news shocked the community to its core and some children were so distraught they were unable to come to school and take part in the memorial. No one coordinated this, but most of the school came wearing black, he said. Tamara was very well behaved and modest, like all the children in her family. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Two people have been injured in a Russian drone attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the night of 26-27 May. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "Loud explosions were heard in the Synelnykove district and in the Mezhova and Malomykhailivka hromadas. An agricultural business, a house and a car were damaged due to strikes by drones of various types. A 54-year-old man was also injured in this district. He was hospitalised in a moderate condition." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Burning house Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram Details: One person has also been injured in the Samar district. A house and an outbuilding caught fire here. Damaged ambulance Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram The Russians fired artillery, used FPV drones and dropped munitions from a UAV to attack the Nikopol district. The city of Nikopol, Marhanets and Pokrovske hromadas were affected. An ambulance and a car were damaged due to the Russian strikes. Affected car Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram Lysak added that five Russian UAVs had been downed over the oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least two civilians and injured at least 19 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on May 27. Russian forces launched 60 drones from the Russian cities of Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, and Primorsk-Akhtarsk, as well as from Russian-occupied Crimea, against Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine's Air Force. Ukraine's air defense shot down 43 drones, while another eight disappeared from radars without causing any damage, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drones that disappear from radars before reaching their targets are often decoys that Russia launches alongside real drones to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense. In Donetsk Oblast, one person was killed in the village of Rozkishne, while two others were injured in the town of Pokrovsk due to Russian attacks, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. In Sumy Oblast, a woman was killed and two other civilians suffered injuries in the Mykolaivka community, the local military administration reported. In Kherson Oblast, Russia targeted 33 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson, over the past day. As a result of the attacks, eight people were injured, including two children, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian strikes injured a 67-year-old man in the town of Kupiansk, as well as a 63-year-old man and an 83-year-old woman in the village of Myrne, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. In Mykolaiv Oblast, Russian forces attacked the Kutsurub community with FPV (first-person-view) drones, injuring an 80-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman, the local military administration reported. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a 54-year-old man suffered injuries in a Russian attack against the Synelnykove district, according to Governor Serhii Lysak. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 17-year-old boy was injured due to an FPV drone attack on the Polohy district, the local military administration reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russia pushes forward in Donetsk Oblast, threatening Ukrainian pocket around Toretsk Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian bots are piling on President Donald Trump, and calling him a clown, after he publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine. Nearly 1,000 posts ridiculing Trump have popped up on the Russian social media platform VKontakte since Sunday, after Trump vented that the Russian leader had gone absolutely CRAZY and was needlessly killing a lot of people in Ukraine. The pro-government accounts have accused Trump of having dementia, Newsweek reported, citing investigative Russian news outlet Agentstvo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the comments accused Trump of acting like a child and getting so mad early in the morning, as if he wasnt given what he wanted. Other apparent bot comments claimed Trump really lost his mind and wants to sit on two chairs a Russian idiom for trying to play both sides. Russian bots have been piling on President Donald Trump ever since he shared critical comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Some bots mocked Trump over his post. What can you expect from a clown who threatens Russia instead of taking care of his own country? one wrote. Another piled on, Its not Putin whos gone crazy, but Trump. Apparently, dementia comes as a hereditary gift for all U.S. presidents along with the [presidential] chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the bot-tracking project Botnadzor found the recent spate of bots failed to keep a neutral tone in their comments about Trump after his Sunday comments critical of the Russian leader. The Kremlin downplayed Trumps criticisms, chalking his comments up to emotional overstrain, while Trump claimed their recent phone call had gone very well. Trump, who just this weekend expressed new harshness toward Russia, also threw jabs at Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, writing in the same post, everything out of his mouth causes problemsit better stop. The 47th president has repeatedly claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its third year, in 24 hours. He is now more than 100 days in office. Trump has frequently seen as supportive of Putin and his efforts, but in recent days has hit out more against Moscow over the war. Trump, over the weekend, claimed Putin had gone absolutely crazy and was needlessly killing people in Ukraine. (SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images) His lashing out at Russia comes after Moscow bombarded Ukraine with missiles and drones this past weekend in one of the largest aerial assaults of the war, now in its third year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, on Truth Social, suggested something happened to Putin to make him needlessly kill a lot of people. Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! Trump wrote. Trump also echoed the sentiment while speaking to reporters Sunday night, telling them, Hes killing a lot of people. I dont know what the hell happened to Putin, Ive known him a long time. Russian troops attacked employees of a utility service in Khersons Korabelnyi district on the morning of 27 May. Six people were injured in the attack. Source: Kherson City Military Administration Details: The Russians dropped explosives from a drone onto a service vehicle belonging to the Parks of Kherson municipal company. The municipal workers were on their way to board up windows at a social infrastructure facility after it had been bombarded earlier. A car that was hit by the Russians in Kherson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Kherson City Military Administration Six employees were injured in the blast: women aged 44 and 61 and men aged 43, 49, 58 and 67. They suffered blast injuries and concussion. Doctors are currently conducting further examinations and providing them with medical assistance. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that he will again choose Turkiye to host the second round of Russian-Ukrainian talks. Source: Lavrov at a press conference in Moscow with his Turkish counterpart, as quoted by the Russian state-run news outlet Interfax Details: Lavrov was asked about the possible venue for the second round of talks with Ukraine. "If you ask me, I would again turn to our Turkish friends its very nice in Istanbul," he replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, for his part, noted that his country is always ready to provide a platform. "We consider this our duty to ensure peace on the planet," Fidan said. Fidan is on a two-day visit to Moscow, where he met on Monday with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and Russia's chief negotiator in Istanbul, Vladimir Medinsky. During the meeting, Putin and Fidan discussed developments following the talks in Istanbul on 16 May. According to Reuters, Fidan will travel to Kyiv at the end of the week. Background: Putin previously stated that Russia was supposedly ready to work on a memorandum with Ukraine, which includes a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time. Against the backdrop of large-scale combined strikes by the Russian Federation on Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that it was still working on the memorandum. On 23 May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the Russian Federation's formulation of a so-called memorandum for a ceasefire for a week a mockery of the whole world. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump slammed Vladimir Putin in a Truth Social post on Tuesday, writing that the Russian president is playing with fire as Moscow continues its war against Ukraine. Trump has had a hard time making good on his campaign promise to broker a ceasefire between the two nations, and this weekend saw some of Russias deadliest attacks on Ukraine in months. RT, a Russian state-controlled media outlet, is amused by Trumps warnings to Putin. President Trump warns Moscow, claiming Russia avoided REALLY BAD consequences only thanks to him, RT posted on X. Putin doesnt realize hes playing with fire! Trumps message leaves little room for misinterpretation Until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post included a screenshot of Trumps Truth Social post taunting Putin. What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire! the president wrote, implying that he has been protecting Russia. Just last week, Trump said that he and Putin had an excellent two-hour conversation, posting on Truth Social that Ukraine and Russia would immediately start ceasefire talks and that the call went very well. The call came as Trump had shown Putin, who started the war, a tremendous amount of grace, largely blaming the conflict on former President Joe Biden and even Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky. Trump shifted blame to Zelensky last month when asked about a Russian strike. Russia and Ukraine held a major prisoner exchange over the weekend, but that didnt stop Russia from launching attacks, killing at least 12 people in Ukraine. The aggression has clearly irked Trump, who wrote Monday on Truth Social that Putin had gone absolutely CRAZY. Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! Trump added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Trump called Putins invasion of Ukraine genius and savvy. The Kremlin said Trumps harsh comments about Putin were connected to an emotional overload of everyone involved, according to the BBC. Putin apparently promised to write a memorandum of peace, but he has not sent the document to Trump, leading Trump to consider new sanctions, CNN reported on Tuesday. A group of Republicans in Congress is calling for sanctions on Russia, as well. The Kremlin said Tuesday that Putin and Trump agreed to a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia. Trump has made the war between Russia and Ukraine a major issue for his administration. He said repeatedly during his 2024 presidential campaign that he would end the war between Russia and Ukraine on his first day in office. He later said that promise was made in jest. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. On May 27, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with residents relocated to the village of Beylik in the Lachin district and presented them with the keys to their new homes, Trend reports. President Ilham Aliyev greeted the residents. Residents: Welcome! President Ilham Aliyev: You are also welcome to your homeland. Residents: May Allah protect you! We are proud of you, Mr. President. It is a great happiness to see you in Beylik. You are welcome! President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. I congratulate you on the restoration of the village. At the same time, as you know, tomorrow is Independence Day. I congratulate you on Independence Day as well. You are returning to your native land on the eve of a wonderful holiday. This is a significant event, and I am sure that your life here, in your native land, will be pleasant. Residents: Inshallah. President Ilham Aliyev: The government has done everything in its power to create very good conditions for you. Residents: Long live our state, thank you very much! President Ilham Aliyev: There are wonderful houses, roads, electricity, natural gas, water, land plotsin other words, all the opportunities to live and work here. Living in such beautiful natural conditions, on your own land, I am sure, is a very pleasant feeling. This is tremendous happiness. After we ended the 30-year Armenian occupation, reconstruction work immediately began in all our districts. The villages that were subjected to Armenian vandalism have now been rebuilt. The village of Beylik was also razed to the ground by the Armenians. Now, a beautiful settlement has been created here. Nearby, there was a neighboring village once - the village of Sus - and on that side is Zabukh and the city of Lachin. Four settlements have already been restored in the Lachin district. But overall, the number of restored cities and villages has already reached 15. We have achieved all this in a short period of time, and the work is still ongoing. Large-scale efforts are underway in all the liberated territories so that our citizens can return to their lands soon. Residents: Inshallah. President Ilham Aliyev: So far, 40,000 to 43,000 people live, work, and study in higher education in the liberated territories. The Second Karabakh War is our glorious history. May Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace! Residents: Ameen. President Ilham Aliyev: As you may know, at that time, a small part of the Lachin district - the southern part - was liberated on the battlefield. However, the main part was liberated after Armenia surrendered, without a single shot being fired. Most of Lachin, Kalbajar, and Aghdam were returned to us by Armenia, and since then, the Azerbaijani people have been returning to their native lands. May is now a double holiday for you both Independence Day and the day you returned to Beylik. But May was also a tragic month for the people of Lachin. It was in May that Lachin was occupied, 10 days after the occupation of Shusha. It was an immense tragedy - a great disaster for you and for our entire country. Because it was the occupation of Lachin that paved the way for our subsequent failures in the war. The then Nagorno-Karabakh region gained geographical link with Armenia. The notorious Lachin corridor, which no longer exists now, was opened. There has been the Lachin-Khankendi road there for many years now. The Lachin corridor belongs to the past. You know, those who lived through that time will remember very well that there was a power struggle in Azerbaijan. The Popular Front-Musavat tandem, which was aiming to seize power in the country, committed treason. They played an enormous and disgraceful role in the occupation of our lands. It was just a month after the occupation of Lachin that they came to powerbringing immense misfortune to our country. Selling lands to the enemy in order to gain power is a heinous crime - betrayal, treachery, and cowardice. But that too is now history. That dark page of our history has long been turned. Today, Azerbaijan has restored its sovereignty over its entire territory. From now on, May will only be a month of celebration for you and for all of us. Thank you. Residents: May Allah bless you! Thanks to you, thanks to the Iron Fist. President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. We now have wonderful dates and holidays to celebrate. May 18the day Lachin was occupiedand May 8the day of the occupation of Shushahave already been consigned to history. You know very well that during the occupation, the people of Lachin, Shusha, and other districts marked the day of the occupation every year as a day of mourning. This added pain to their suffering every year. But those days are now gone forever. Now, we have November 8Victory Day; August 26the day of the liberation of Lachin, celebrated as Lachin Day; and April 23the day when we took possession of our border in the Lachin direction and, by removing those who were stationed on our border, took control of the notorious Lachin corridor. Of course, September 20 is also a great Victory Day for us. As a result of a one-day anti-terrorist operation, separatism was eradicated and the Armenian army surrendered in full. A new era has begun, and the whole world has been forced to reckon with this. Both during the Second Karabakh War and afterward, until September 2023, various insidious initiatives were put forward by different foreign circles. None of them mattered. Because, as you said, the Iron Fist is still there. I congratulate you again. Live happily here. Resident: Mr. President, on behalf of my family and the village of Beylik, please allow me to express our gratitude to you. May Allah have mercy on our martyrs and grant health to our ghazis. Ameen. I want to say quite frankly may Allah always keep you with the people of Azerbaijan. Ameen! May you and Mehriban khanum grow old together. Be there for us. Thank you! President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you, thank you very much. X X X Then, the key presentation ceremony was held. European sanctions have had limited impact on Russia and in 2025, Moscow is projected to earn more from energy exports to the EU than the EU allocates to military assistance for Ukraine. Source: Julian Ropcke, a senior editor for security policy and conflicts at German tabloid Bild Details: Media reports suggest that Russia is expected to generate 233 billion in 2025 from exporting energy resources and raw materials, with over 20 billion coming from EU countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This amount significantly exceeds the EUs financial commitment to military aid for Ukraine in its defence against Russia. Bild reports that in a single month, EU countries purchased oil, gas and uranium from Russia for approximately 2 billion. These substantial energy export revenues enable Russia to sustain and expand its military economy, according to the German tabloid. Background: In April, Russia earned US$13.2 billion from exporting crude oil and petroleum products, marking the lowest figure in nearly two years. Tracking Russian oil exports has become increasingly challenging, as tankers frequently disable positioning systems or transmit false coordinates. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Dmitry Antonov MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia said on Tuesday that remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about long-range Ukrainian strikes into Russia with European weapons suggested that a decision allowing such attacks had been made long ago but kept secret. Merz said there were no longer any range restrictions on the weapons supplied to Ukraine by Britain, France, Germany and the United States, and that Ukraine could now do "long range fire". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Merz's remarks were unclear as he also said that Ukraine had been unable to do that until some time ago. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the remarks indicated the calibre of people who had risen to power in leading European countries. "He (Merz) said yesterday with such pretentiousness that from now on and forever there are no restrictions on the range of strikes," Lavrov told reporters at a meeting in Moscow with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Lavrov said other German officials appeared to have contradicted the chancellor and that such contradictory signals suggested to Moscow that European powers had long ago decided to allow Ukraine to make long-range strikes deep into Russia with European missiles but that the decision "was kept secret". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that recent statements by European leaders on the issue had prompted confusion but that if long-range missile fires had been permitted, then it would amount to an "escalation". President Vladimir Putin said last year that Russia could deploy conventional missiles within striking distance of the United States and its European allies if they allowed Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia with long-range Western weapons. After Ukraine struck Russia with U.S. ATACMS, British Storm Shadows and U.S. HIMARS in November, Russia struck Ukraine using a newly-developed hypersonic ballistic missile. Ukraine lobbied its Western allies hard to allow it to strike deeper into Russia and to supply it with more weapons to do so, though the United States and some European powers were sceptical that long-range strikes would change the course of the war and were wary of escalating it into a full-blown confrontation between the West and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about Donald Trump's recent remarks on Russia, Lavrov said the U.S. president was showing emotion as he was seeing his efforts for peace in Ukraine sabotaged by European politicians. (Reporting by Dmitry AntonovEditing by Guy Faulconbridge and Gareth Jones) With no end to the invasion of Ukraine in sight, U.S. President Donald Trump may follow the EU after all and impose more sanctions on Russia, already the worlds most sanctioned country, days after saying he wouldnt. Ukraines allies have imposed sanctions on Russia, as well as thousands of individuals and entities both in the country and around the world for aiding Moscows full-scale invasion. But there is still room for more sanctions to be introduced, experts told the Kyiv Independent. While Russias economy hasnt crashed and burned as some expected, the three years of sanctions are eroding the countrys fiscal stability, despite Moscow claiming otherwise. Russian GDP growth has dropped precipitously this year as sanctions hamper its main sources of income oil and gas revenue and curb imports of components needed for its military-industrial complex. Sanctions on their own wont end the war, but they are a crucial tool in the Wests efforts to pressure Putin to the negotiation table. Washingtons seesawing on its sanctions strategy has alarmed Brussels, but Europe and others remain united on the effort. All the other partners that we've been talking to, including Switzerland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, all think that Russia should be stopped with the help of the sanctions, and they're ready to do it, Ukraines sanctions chief Vladyslav Vlasiuk told the Kyiv Independent. The EU has a lot of leverage in not just maintaining the sanctions pressure, but even increasing sanctions pressure, he said. Trump initially rejected joining the EU in further sanctioning Moscow for fear of derailing future trade and business opportunities with Russia, the New York Times reported on May 20. The previous week, Brussels said it was gearing up for a massive sanctions package after Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to attend peace talks in Istanbul on May 15. Russias colossal three-day drone and missile campaign on May 23-26 appeared to change Trumps mind. Speaking to reporters on May 25, he said he was considering sanctions after Putin had gone absolutely crazy. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to journalists before boarding Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, New Jersey, U.S. on May 25, 2025. (Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images) Have sanctions against Russia worked? Western sanctions have impeded Russias energy, financial, and military sectors, even if they havent stopped the war. Russia still has loopholes to get around sanctions, such as importing prohibited goods through Central Asia, but they are generally costly and time-consuming. Ukraine and its allies have three key objectives when it comes to sanctions, according to Vlasiuk. To deny Russian state revenues, reduce its military capabilities, and undermine Putins regime. The first two have yielded substantial results, with Russia losing $150 billion in oil revenues in three years due to energy sanctions and its military sector facing shortages in critical components, said Vlasiuk. The third hasnt been successful as Putin still has widespread support from the Russian public, and that doesnt look set to change, Vlasiuk added. This year, Russias economy has started to contract for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion in the first quarter of the year, shrinking by 0.4% compared to the previous quarter. In the same period, Russias gross domestic product (GDP) growth saw a precipitous drop from 4.5% to just 1.4%. While its hard to paint a fully accurate picture of Russias economy, due to the Kremlin restricting and manipulating data, Sussex University economics professor Richard Disney estimates that Russias economy is around 10% below what it would have been if it hadnt invaded Ukraine. "There's a shortage of workforce, there's the depletion of bank reserves, there's the collapse of certain investments. Foreign investment has dried up in Russia," Disney told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The West is not willing to impose the sort of sanctions on Russia that would indeed be 'massive' because those sanctions would inevitably have a blowback on European economies and this would be weaponized by nationalist politicians. Russia has gone from being close to a first-world country to heading in the direction of the third world, he added. Moscow has batted away claims that sanctions are impacting Russia, pointing to its economic growth over the last three years. In reality, it has divested spending from things like education and infrastructure towards the military. This distorts actual GDP figures, and consumer spending and public investments have likely dropped by 15-20% compared to pre-war estimates, leaving Russians much poorer in reality, said Disney. Western policymakers, particularly in Europe, have fed into Moscows propaganda by bigging up the impact of sanctions while holding back full force, said Tom Keatinge, director of the Center for Finance and Security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a think tank. Instead, policymakers need to manage expectations on sanctions, he said. The sanctions have also been imposed gradually over the three years instead of all at once, due to political hesitations and concerns about disruptions to global markets. While this gives governments time to fully prepare for the consequences of the sanctions, it means they are less effective. The West is not willing to impose the sort of sanctions on Russia that would indeed be 'massive' because those sanctions would inevitably have a blowback on European economies and this would be weaponized by nationalist politicians, Keatinge said. The result is that Russia can adapt, shape-shift, and continue to gather the income and resources it needs to conduct its illegal war in Ukraine. Read also: Russia cuts key projects in aviation, tech, auto industries as oil revenues plummet Which sanctions have been effective? Sanctions on Russias energy sector have often been criticized for being too loose, as Moscow exploits loopholes to export oil and gas and skirt the $60 oil price cap set by the West. Still, Russias fossil fuel sector continues to hemorrhage profits, and Europe has largely banned Russian energy, although it continues to import Russian liquid natural gas (LNG). Russia earned around 242 billion euros ($275 billion) from fossil fuels last year, a 3% drop from 2023, according to the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Sweeping sanctions at the start of the year helped tie up loose ends and targeted Russias opaque and uninsured shadow fleet, which carried 61% of its seaborne oil exports in 2024. Once a vessel is sanctioned, ports will refuse to allow it to dock. In turn, Russia must spend more money finding new vessels to expand the fleet, piling up the costs and running down the profits. "Selling oil through tankers is a lot more expensive than selling it through a pipeline, said Disney. Alongside energy sanctions, the West also went after Russias financial institutions at the start of the full-scale invasion. Most Russian banks, including its Central Bank, are barred from the Western financial world and cannot be used for trade or capital operations. In 2022, Europe kicked major Russian banks off the SWIFT interbanking system, which pushed Moscow towards the Chinese banking system. But Chinese banks began limiting Russian transactions from December 2023 after Washington threatened to cut dollar access to institutions supporting Russia's military suppliers. The Russian flag flies above the headquarters of the Russian Central Bank in Moscow, Russia, on March 18, 2016. (Andrey Rudakov / Bloomberg via Getty Images) In November 2024, Washington imposed even more sanctions on 50 Russian banks, making transactions between China and Russia even more arduous. Moscow has repeatedly tried to lift financial sanctions and restore access to SWIFT, like in March, when it demanded a ceasefire in the Black Sea in return, which ultimately failed to materialize. The West also froze some $300 billion in Russian Central Bank (CBR) assets at the start of the invasion, equating to around half of its foreign currency reserves. While there has been a hot debate about whether to mobilize these assets for Ukraine, simply taking so much money out of Russias reach was one of the most impactful sanctions, said Keatinge. Of course, this has been undermined by the Kremlin's ability to continue to raise foreign income via the sale of oil, so the effectiveness of the CBR asset freeze is reduced every day a Russian tanker is able to deliver oil, he added. In terms of tangible impact on the battlefield, Vlasiuk points towards the coalition of countries that prevents critical weapons components from entering Russia, known as the Common High Priority (CHP) item list. It covers everything from microelectronics to CNC machines and extends beyond Western nations to include countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Taiwan. It imposes extra export controls over certain categories of products from the CHP list. And that makes it much more difficult for Russia to get those items imported, Vlasiuk said. Imports of these components are still flowing into Russia via third countries, largely in Asia. It is just harder to get them and more costly, leaving the Russian arms sector scrambling to find alternatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: China denies Ukraines allegations of supplying arms, defense components to Russia The oil tanker Eagle S anchored near Kilpilahti port in Porvoo, Gulf of Finland, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva / AFP) Whats next? Amid Washingtons oscillating policy, EU sanctions chief David O'Sullivan warned of disunity on the sanctions front, German media Suddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) reported on May 27. Although even if the U.S. doesnt end up imposing new sanctions, its current ones should remain in place, Vlasiuk said. Fortunately for Ukraine, the EU is much more definitive on its sanctions policy. Brussels believes they are working and threatened massive sanctions if Russia rejects ceasefire proposals, which Moscow has so far. We are continuing to work on a new package of sanctions, precisely because that seems to be the only language that is understood by President Putin, European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho told the Kyiv Independent. The 18th package will be ready as soon as possible, Anita Hipper, European Commission Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, said at a press briefing on May 22. It could take time, however, to get signed off by the EUs problem child, Hungary, which has slowed down previous sanction efforts. Details on the package have not yet been announced. But Hipper said the now destroyed Nord Stream pipelines connecting Europe and Russia would be included, likely to prevent their resurrection, as well as shadow fleet vessels, and crude oil. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attends the European Peoples Party (EPP) Congress at the Feria de Valencia in Valencia, Spain, on April 29, 2025. (Eduardo Manzana / Europa Press via Getty Images) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on May 16 that Russias banking sector would also be included, with potentially 20 more banks disconnected from SWIFT. The EU may also propose lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 to further hit Russias energy sector. Some are sceptical that the EU will actually deliver the blow that is really needed. The problem is that Europe has continuously overpromised and under-delivered, said Keatinge. If Brussels is serious, then sanctions really need to tighten up the loopholes, said Vlasiuk. This means not just lowering the oil price cap but also sanctioning shadow fleet captains, prohibiting all maritime services for Russian oil exports, and a total ban on Russian LNG imports to Europe, which hit record levels last year, he said. Europe should also continue to disconnect the remaining Russian banks from SWIFT, Vlasiuk said. Russia uses cryptocurrencies and third countries' financial systems to circumvent sanctions, and these should be cracked down on too, he added. There are also raw material imports that Europe could go after to stop them from getting to Russias military sector. Ukraine has identified materials such as titanium, antimony, beryllium, lithium, and carbon fiber as potential targets. The Russian military defense sector is also very dependent not just on the microelectronics and cutting-edge technologies but also on selected raw materials and critical minerals, Vlasiuk said. Sanctions work and we just need more, he added. Alex Cadier contributed reporting to this story. Note from the author: Hi, this is Dominic Culverwell, thanks for reading this story. Sanctions are a topic many find difficult to wrap their head around, and I hope this story helped you understand their impact. It's important to us that our readers are as informed as possible. To help keep our stories accessible to all, please consider becoming part of our community for just $5 a month. We are so close to our goal of 20,000 members! Sign up here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: US blocks G7 push to tighten Russian oil price cap, Financial Times reports Subscribe to the Newsletter Ukraine Business Roundup Subscribe Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have been accused of killing, torturing and disappearing civilians after seizing swathes of territory in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The groups actions violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes, Amnesty International said on Tuesday. Amnesty investigators collected testimony from 18 men who were held by M23 fighters in a network of detention centres in Goma and Bukavu the two major cities captured by the rebel group in its assault earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One man described witnessing two of his fellow inmates being killed in captivity. The M23 [fighter] brought out a hammer and hit him in the ribs. He died on the spot, he said. They took another person. He said he was a former member of the Republican Guard. They hit him with the hammer, but he didnt die immediately. In the morning, he was dead. The besieged city of Goma was seized by M23 in January - STR/AFP via Getty Images Another man, who was detained in Goma, witnessed the rebels executing a fellow detainee. I saw one man who was assassinated, he said. [M23] were asking him where he kept the weapons and where is so and so. They shot him in the stomach and the right arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least nine of the former detainees said they were beaten with a range of implements including wooden rods, electric cables, and engine belts on areas including their genitalia and buttocks. I was beaten for five days, said a former detainee who was held in a military compound in Goma. Everyone was hit. They said they were going to kill me. They said: We dont need you. We will take your wife, and we will impregnate her. Five of the detainees required hospital treatment following their release. Surrendered members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) - MOISE NIYONZIMA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Many of the men interviewed by Amnesty said they were detained on suspicion of supporting the Congolese government and army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some were accused, without evidence, of hiding or possessing weapons, others of knowing the whereabouts of civil servants or government officials, while several were detained for speaking out against M23 abuses. Survivors said hundreds of detainees were being held in overcrowded, unsanitary cells without sufficient food, water, sanitation facilities or healthcare, Amnesty said. Some were not told at all why they were being held and were denied access to lawyers or communication with their families. Amnesty wrote to Rwandas Ministry of Justice and Attorney General with its allegations earlier this month, but says it has not yet received a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 7,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands more displaced in the DRC since January in the latest escalation in conflict between the armed forces and the M23, which was formed in 2012 and has roots in the 1998 Rwandan genocide. Hundreds of thousands of refugees have been displaced since January in the latest escalation in conflict - MOISE NIYONZIMA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The United Nations maintains that Rwanda has de facto control of M23 operations, and has detailed how M23 recruits are trained under Rwandan supervision and equipped with Rwandan weaponry but Rwandas leader, President Paul Kagame, has repeatedly denied any involvement in supporting the M23 rebels. M23s public statements about bringing order to eastern DRC mask their horrific treatment of detainees. They brutally punish those who they believe oppose them and intimidate others, so no one dares to challenge them, said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty Internationals Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. Regional and international actors must pressure Rwanda to cease its support for M23. In February, David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, announced that Britain would suspend aid to Rwanda due to its support of M23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK has also said it will impose other measures, including looking into potential sanctions and suspending future defence training assistance. 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. Scenes from the Life of Saint Augustine of Hippo, circa 1490. Credit - Heritage ArtHeritage Images/Getty Images Standing in front of the cascade of crimson curtains on the balcony of Saint Peters on the evening of May 8, with an emotional crowd undulating below him, the new pope, Leo XIV, gave his first address Urbi et Orbi, to Rome and the world, proclaiming I am a son of Saint Augustine. Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian friar. What does that mean? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Augustinian order was founded in Italy in the 1200s. But it took its inspiration from the great 5th century African saint, Augustine of Hippo. When he was ordained in 391 CE, Augustine established a monastic community in Hippo (modern Annaba, Algeria), and he lived there until his death in 430 CE. Christianity had only recently become the official religion of the Roman empire, of which North Africa was part, and organized monastic life was at its beginnings. Augustine took care to lay out the fundamental principles for his community, and this became known as the Augustinian Rule. He even wrote a version of this document for his sister, who was the head of a community of nuns nearby. The life of the Augustinian order is grounded in this document, known as "The Rule of Saint Augustine." The Rule is often considered to be a very humane document. It is deeply attuned to the challenges of living in community and all the minor irritations and human difficulties that arise when many people occupy a single space and see each other all the time. The document provides simple, practical directions for maintaining health. But the Rule also reflects personal attention to individual people and their circumstances. Augustine was particularly concerned about the effects of anger in a community, and the need to ask forgiveness. His passionate commitment to Christianity led to a compassionate attention to his fellow human beings, as well as a fearless urge to correct wrongdoing. He tried to see them all as creatures of God and part of a global community of Christian believerseven in the face of different regional interpretations of what Christianity might mean. Augustine was born in North Africa, and he spent most of his life there. He taught rhetoric at Carthage (just north of modern Tunis) and even spent a short spell in Italy as official orator at the emperors court in Milan. There he converted to Christianity, and, tired of feeling like an outsider in Italy, he returned to North Africa to found a monastery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Pope Leo Makes Plea for Unity and World Peace During Inauguration Mass But the local bishops spotted his talents and he was soon appointed bishop of Hippo, where he turned his rhetorical skills to preaching Christian doctrine and eviscerating heresy. Augustine had returned to Africa with a son name Adeodatus, born to his African companion, and planned that the son would join him in his new life. However, the Adeodatus died soon after his return, in about 389, and the pain of that loss haunted Augustine for the rest of his life. These life experiences gave him compassion and empathy for others. His letters, of which some 300 survive, show this again and again. He wrote to the poor and disregarded. When a deacon of the church died in Carthage, his bereft sister, a young woman called Sapida, sent his tunic to Augustine and wrote to him that it would be a consolation to her if he would wear it. Did Augustine know Sapida? Probably not. But he composed a kind response, telling her that he was wearing her brothers tunic even as he was writing to her. He imagined the way her familiar domestic habits were shattered, now her brother was gone. Her tears, he knew, would sometimes surge up against her will like the hearts blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Augustine paid personal attention in lesser matters too. He wrote patiently to reassure a minor official in a border town near the Sahara, who was worried about accidentally eating the food that had been offered as a sacrifice to the pagan gods. (After all, said Augustine, we still breathe the air which carries the smoke of sacrifices.) He wrote to explain the finer points of Christian doctrine to the confused or the resistant. He wrote confidingly to friends, asking for their help in difficult situations. He was indeed, as the new pope quoted, a Christian alongside these people, even as he was a bishop for them. But Augustine was also not afraid to write to the powerful when he thought they needed correction. When a close colleague of his was framed, imprisoned, and then summarily executed at Carthage, he wrote a furious letter to the Roman official he blamed for the situation. Augustine only had the power of his bishopric to protect him. It may have been more prudent to stay quiet in the face of flagrant injustice; but he could not. Read More: Pope Leo's Style of American Leadership Is a Hopeful Opportunity North Africa was part of the Roman Empire during Augustines lifetime, but it was also a place with its own distinct traditions and history. That meant that he could look at Rome and Roman power as both an insider and an outsider. He had spent time at the court of the Roman emperor, but he was also at home among the people who worked in the olive groves and wheat fields in the African countryside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His famous work, The City of God, was written after Rome was sacked by the Goths in 410 CE. The aristocrats of Rome, many of whom fled to Africa, were shocked and angry; their sense of Roman exceptionalism had been shaken. In response, Augustine boldly retold Roman history as just a small and fallible part of Gods overall plan for the world. Rome, which had been the center of empire for centuries, was not an eternal city after all. What was important was the people, not the houses and the palaces. And the people remained as a living community. In fact, Augustine developed the idea of the city of God as a global network of wandering people. They would only come to their real home with God, after death. Augustines attention to wanderers and migrants was formed in part by his own sense of displacement when he had been in Italy as well as his experiences in Africa. He ministered to a wide range of people in the port city of Hippo: great Roman landholders but also the African people who worked on their estates; traders coming and going from all parts of the Mediterranean; and the workers who loaded and unloaded their ships. He lived to see the borders of the Roman empire crumbling, and he saw that a world in which one region claims to be superior to another was neither inevitable nor unchanging. These are some of the views that Pope Leo XIV has inherited: to see the world as endlessly changing and endlessly contingent on Gods plan. No nation or region will remain dominant forever; the historical past deeply informs the present, but the story can be retold and, hence, reshaped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have yet to see the directions in which Pope Leo XIV will lead the Catholic Church today. But as an Augustinian, he carries within him these two great legacies of Saint Augustine of Hippo: the care for individuals, even those whom others think are insignificant, and for how they come together in community; and the ability that Augustine gained from his African home to see the powerful of the world from the point of view both of an insider andmost importantlyan outsider. It matters that the new pope, Leo XIV, is a son of Saint Augustine. Catherine Conybeare is a Leslie Clark Professor in the Humanities at Bryn Mawr College, a philologist and an authority on Augustine of Hippo. 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. SALISBURY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A U.S. Air Force veteran in Salisbury is working to make sure other vets get the support they need this Memorial Day. Kenny Hardin had the idea of opening a center a few years ago. He said the Rowan County Commission helped bring his vision to life. All I wanted was just somewhere where people that served honorably could just come and spend time together, Hardin said. I thought I really enjoyed the time in the military when we would hang out in the barracks and we would hang out at the NCO Club, and I said, what if I could recreate that? And that could be therapy. Those were some of my happiest times. Kenny Hardin, owner and founder of the Veterans Social Center Recreational Facility Hardin said in April of 2022, the commission voted unanimously for him to have a spot inside the old Salisbury Mall. The county already had taken over the building and continued to develop it into the Rowan Community Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What theyre doing is taking this mall, and theyre kind of refurbishing and redeveloping the mall so its a one-stop shop for county services, Hardin said. The Veterans Social Center Recreational Facility and Military Museum is located by the old food court. Hardin said its meant as a place for people suffering from PTSD, loneliness, depression or simply having difficulty transitioning into civilian life. I think a lot of veterans get out of the military and they feel lost, they feel unwelcome back into society, so this helps with that transition, Hardin said. Veterans can bond over games, food, and war stories. Over the past three years, veterans and their families have also donated all sorts of uniforms, gear, and medals to help keep history alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People still say we are the best-kept secret here in Salisbury, Hardin said. Just like the county works to give new life and purpose to the closed mall shops, Hardin is hopeful to do the same in teaching and inspiring the community about the military. We want everybody that comes in here to feel important, Hardin said. You matter. Not just the time that you serve in the military, but you have mattered. The center is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hardin said the agreement with the county is that he pays to keep the electricity and water and only a dollar a year to have the space. In return, he said he maintains a mission for veterans to have a safe, fun and therapeutic environment for healing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement with the county is for five years, Hardin said. He is hopeful to expand into a larger space in the future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Samoa s Prime Minister said she would seek to dissolve Parliament, prompting an early election, after a vote on her governments budget for the next year failed Tuesday. Fiame Naomi Mataafas admission of defeat followed months of political havoc in the South Pacific island nation, during which the leader survived two votes of no confidence and struggled on with a minority government. Her budget was rejected during a swift vote in the capital Apia, with 34 lawmakers against it, 16 in favor and two abstaining. An election must be held within 90 days. Samoa, a country of about 200,000 people, was due to go to the polls next April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samoa's first woman leader Fiame has led Samoa since 2021, when she ousted her predecessor of 22 years. She is the countrys first woman prime minister and in 1991 was the first woman appointed to Samoa's Cabinet. The daughter of a former prime minister, Fiame is one of the regions longest-serving politicians. She came to power after splitting with the previous leaders party over constitutional changes that she said would undermine the rule of law. Fiame holds a chiefly rank as a village leader, rare for women in Samoa. She remains an outlier, too, in Pacific island politics, where only 8% of parliamentarians are women, according to January figures from the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politics roiled for months Tuesday's budget defeat capped months of political turmoil after Fiame in January sacked a Cabinet member who faced a raft of criminal charges and is also her partys chairman. He in turn expelled Fiame from the FAST party and forced her into a minority government. She beat two no-confidence motions since. Debate over the efforts to unseat her provoked outrage among some in Samoa when Fiames opponents derided her for being unmarried and suggested she needed a husbands advice. Earlier this month Fiame told reporters she would contest the election next April. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warnings about election readiness In Parliament Tuesday morning, the leader warned lawmakers that rejecting the budget would provoke operational problems for the government, according to Pacific news outlet PMN. Fiame also cautioned that a re-registration process for Samoas voters, which was expected to conclude before next Aprils vote, had only captured 52% of Samoans in the new system so far. The old registration system was obsolete, her government said last year. Fiame has drawn attention outside Samoa for urging larger powers, such as Australia, to do more to curb the effects of climate change, which have been ruinous for low-lying Pacific island nations. She also took a more cautious approach than her predecessor to Beijing's bankrolling of infrastructure projects in Samoa, which is heavily in debt to China. Samoa has this year faced severe electricity shortages that Fiame warned in April could seriously hamper the country's economy. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego honored the memory of Lakiba Palmer and her 16 shipmates who died in the USS Cole attack during a Memorial Day ceremony at Mount Soledad. The ceremony, which took place on the 25th anniversary of the attack, included a plaque presentation dedicated to Palmer, a San Diego native, and those lost in the tragedy. Tunnel to Towers pays off mortgages for 25 families across US over Memorial Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USS Cole was attacked by Al Qaeda suicide bombers, resulting in the loss of 17 sailors, including Palmer. The Palmer family, along with thousands of others in San Diego, continue to feel the weight of their loss, especially on Memorial Day. Mount Soledad now holds over 7,000 plaques, each representing a fallen service member and serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom. Memorial Day: Hundreds pay tribute at Miramar National Cemetery Memorial Day in San Diego is a time for reflection, as the city, deeply rooted in military culture, pauses to remember those who have given their lives in service to the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As families gather for Memorial Day, the true meaning of the holiday is underscored by the sacrifices of service members like Lakiba Palmer, reminding everyone of the steep price of freedom. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KSWB. 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 KSWB 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 5 San Diego & KUSI News. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Authorities on Tuesday released the identity of the man who died after a fight in a Grantville apartment late last week. San Diego Police have identified Michael Loo, 62, of San Diego, as the man officers found dead in an apartment in the 6300 block of Rancho Mission Road Thursday night. Officers responded to the Grantville apartment at 8:56 p.m. Thursday after receiving reports of a woman reportedly hitting her brother with a stick. When they arrived around 8 minutes later, officers found a man on the floor in the living room area. He was pronounced dead at the scene after officers and medics gave him emergency medical aid. His cause of death has not yet been released by the Medical Examiners Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Diego Police said officers reported seeing signs of a violent struggle inside the apartment, and that no obvious life-threatening trauma was found on Loo. Man found dead after fight with sister in Grantville apartment: police Loos sister fled the scene before police arrived at the scene Thursday night. San Diego Police reported on Tuesday she has since been located and interviewed about the case. There have been no arrests made so far in this case. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with more information is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occassion of May 28th - Independence Day, Trend reports. "Esteemed Mr. President, Please accept my heartfelt congratulations and wishes for peace, prosperity, and well-being of the Azerbaijani people and personally to you and your family, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. First of all, let me note that the Republic of Bulgaria highly values its excellent relations of friendship and strategic partnership with the Republic of Azerbaijan. The close and fruitful cooperation established between our two countries and the mutual respect between our peoples are a stable foundation on which to further build our bilateral relations. I am confident that our recent meetings and talks - during my official visit to your capital (May 7-8, 2024) and the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (November 12-13, 2024 in Baku), contributed to maintaining the intensive bilateral political dialogue that has characterized our bilateral relations in recent years. I believe that we will be able to implement the Shusha Park project in the city of Veliko Tarnovo in the near future, as an important symbol of the friendly relations between our countries and peoples. Wishing you good health and success in your highly responsible work, please accept, Esteemed Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration," the letter reads. Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark, a Democrat, is one of two candidates who has announced a campaign for New Mexico Secretary of State. (Courtesy of Katharine Clark) Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark recently announced her 2026 campaign to lead New Mexicos highest election office. The New Mexico Secretary of State oversees elections, enforces ethics rules, keeps the official records for state government and lies third in succession, behind the lieutenant governor and governor. Current Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Tolouse Oliver cannot run for the seat again, having served two consecutive terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, Clark faces Dona Ana County Clerk Amanda Lopez Askin in the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary. Currently, no Republicans have announced a run for the seat. Voters reelected Clark, a Democrat, for her second term in the Santa Fe County Clerks office in November 2024. She says will remain in her current position and limit campaigning to weekends and evenings. In a call with Source NM, Clark cited the Trump Administrations cuts to federal cybersecurity election protections in her decision to run. She has served on the national committee for election security called Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center since December 2024. I am uniquely positioned to make sure we are able to get by and that we have national policy protecting our elections cybersecurity, Clark said. We really need a secretary of state whos going to make sure we have those protections in place and have the relationships and strategic mindset and proactiveness to get it done. A generally positive report earlier this month from independent, nonpartisan election observers on New Mexicos 2024 general election said requests for for same-day registration overwhelmed the system, and cited one Santa Fe County location where same-day voter registration stopped for 90 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark noted that same-day registration delays were statewide and said the county clerks office worked to restore access and offered provisional ballots, which voters use as a failsafe when their registration status cant be determined. We did explain to voters heres your options, and some opted to wait, but others wanted provisional ballots and did those, she said. The report also notes one location in Santa Fe County, where Observe New Mexicos watcher reported that the presiding judge tried to provide provisional ballots to voters experiencing long lines to same-day-register but concluded that the location had not been provided with any means of producing a provisional ballot. Clark told Source NM those specific provisional ballot findings in the report were in dispute, and attributed the problems at that site to a new presiding judge who did not know all the options for issuing provisional ballots, which she said was rectified by the office later that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presiding judge, I think, thought it had to be the envelope way and was not utilizing the ballot-on-demand system something we did explain to them, she said. Clark said she would bring a mindset of radical transparency to the office and would continue work to innovate elections, pointing to efforts at Santa Fe County to educate people and candidates on the elections process. Not only do we want someone who is pro-voter, but Im making sure Im strategic and meeting the moment and ensuring that Im being proactive to prevent misinformation from the beginning, she said. According to campaign finance documents, Clark entered the race with $14,215.50 on hand, which was transferred from her campaign for Santa Fe county clerk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark is listed as non compliant in the Secretary of States campaign finance system. Clark shared emails with Source NM dating back to May 6, in which secretary of state staff say the issue is taken care of, and noting that Clark is compliant in the system. They keep charging me $50 per day, even though my report is compliant, Clark said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) After a student died in a crash over the weekend, the Centre School District will have a counselor available at the school on Tuesday evening. Nathaniel Haney, 8, would have started fourth grade this fall. He, his mother, Dawn Rae Peel, 30, of Herington, and his great-grandmother, Peggy Ann Sutton, 71, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, died when their car crashed head-on with another vehicle in Dickinson County on Saturday. Nathaniels 6-year-old brother was treated at a Wichita hospital and released Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the four people in the other car also died Denise Renee Henely, 57, of Herington. Rain chances linger this week On Monday evening, Centre USD 397 Superintendent Larry Geist posted a message saying that Nathaniel had just completed the third grade after transferring from Herington at the beginning of the year. His younger brother, who was in kindergarten, is being cared for by his grandparents in Herington. Geist and the school counselor, Hillary Kickhaefer, will be at the Centre Library from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday to talk to any students, parents, or staff members who need to speak to someone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Machine learning technology is helping fill a key gap in surveillance of the most valuable trees in Peru's rainforests. The University of Sheffield, World Resources Institute, and Peru's independent forestry commission revealed the remarkable impact of their collaboration's use of the tech in a news release. It identified up to 37% of all reported illegal logging in 2023-24 and led to the seizure of 41,000 cubic meters (134,514 cubic feet) of illicit wood. The coverage of the technology exceeds 1.8 million hectares of rainforest, and the value of the recaptured wood amounts to over $19 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where the tech really shines is in picking up on selective logging, a technique that poses an extreme challenge for surveillance. Instead of cutting down forests wholesale, selective loggers choose the most lucrative trees while leaving the rest in place. Without special tools, it can be hard to spot the illegal practice from the air. Meanwhile, it is prohibitively costly to survey by foot, and both costly and dangerous to do so with drones. To fill this gap, University of Sheffield scientists engineered the technology with forest data from the World Resources Institute that could pick up individual tree loss and patterns of selective logging. "Until now satellite imaging has been unable to reliably identify the much more subtle signs of selective logging and forest degradation, which is widespread and until recently hard to police and manage," Robert Bryant of Sheffield University explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peru's rainforests are renowned for their incredible biodiversity, which is under threat by deforestation. In one example, multiple big name corporations such as Nestle and Kellogg's have been accused of doing business with a palm oil supplier that is contributing to deforestation. Meanwhile, there is concern that Peruvian laws are weakening and opening the door for more deforestation in the name of economic opportunities. It could all come with a heavy toll on the planet, as rainforests play a major role in absorbing heat-trapping gases. The University of Sheffield team says the new tech allows Peruvian officials to monitor illegal activities in close to real time. 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. That facilitates targeted follow-up surveillance with drones, raids, and inspections of dubious lumber. The tech can also uncover bait-and-switch operations wherein wood of a protected area is passed off as that from legal but unharvested areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team envisions the tools extending beyond Peru, both in impact and in future applications. "Widespread illegal harvesting of Peru's rainforest is not just a disaster for Peru," University of Sheffield's Chris Bousfield concluded. "The whole world relies on these rainforests to store carbon and support biodiversity, and they are crucial in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss." Bousfield believes the tools can be rolled out "in developing a system for effectively monitoring forest degradation and selective logging across the world." Given the scope of global deforestation, all hands on deck will be needed to accomplish that goal. 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. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Research has detected a spoonful of microplastics in the average brain. The impact of these is still being studied. Experts break down how microplastics could impact mood disorders, dementia risk, and more. Research has detected microplastics in a range of vital body parts, including the heart and brain. Now, researchers break down how these nanoparticles enter the human brain and the potential impact they may have on our overall health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Microplastics are plastic particles that are smaller than five millimeters in size, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Four papers published in the May issue of the journal Brain Medicine explain how research suggests that microplastics from ultra-processed foods may build up in the brain. Those microplastics could be a factor in rising rates of depression, dementia, and other mental health disorders around the world, the researchers argue. Meet the experts: Clifford Segil, D.O., is a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Kelly Johnson-Arbor, M.D., is a toxicologist at MedStar Health; Jamie Alan, Ph.D., is an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University; Jo Ellen Wilson, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center This is considered the most comprehensive analysis so far of how microplastics could impact brain health. Considering that a recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine determined that theres about a plastic spoons worth of microplastics in the average human brain, all of these papers are worth paying attention to. Heres what the study found, plus what doctors want you to keep in mind going forward t0 protect against microplastics. What did the research find? The scientific papers dive into recent research surrounding microplastics in the brain, along with the potential impact on mental health. One paper hypothesizes that microplastic exposure from ultra-processed foods is contributing to the growth of a range of mental health issues. It points out that ultra-processed foods make up more than 50% of the calories people in countries like the U.S. eat, noting that these foods contain much higher concentrations of microplastics than whole foods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The papers point to research that links ultra-processed food to poor mental health outcomes, like a review published in The BMJ that found that people who ate ultra-processed foods had a 22% higher risk of depression, 48% higher risk of anxiety, and 41% higher risk of poor sleep outcomes. The researchers suggest that microplastics could be the missing link between these two factors, citing the example of foods like chicken nuggets, which contain 30 times more microplastics per gram than chicken breasts. Another scientific paper breaks down recent research on microplastics accumulating in the brain, noting that studies found that levels were up to five times higher in people who were diagnosed with dementia. In one paper, Ma-Li Wong, Ph.D., M.D., a professor of psychiatry and behavioral services at Upstate Medical University, stresses that finding such a spoonful of microplastics in the brain is a reckoning about environmental contaminants and brain health. The boundary between internal and external has failed, she wrote. If microplastics cross the blood-brain barrier, what else do we think remains sacred?" Another paper looked at preliminary evidence to suggest that something known as extracorporeal therapeutic apheresis, which filters blood outside the body, may have the potential to remove microplastic particles from the blood. How do microplastics get into our brains? Its not entirely clear how microplastics make their way into your brain, says Jamie Alan, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. However, she points to previous research that suggests these tiny particles get into your blood after youre exposed to them in the environment or your food and then cross the blood-brain barrier because theyre so small. Whats the potential impact of having microplastics in the brain? Its not entirely clear right now. We do not know the long-term consequences of exposure to these, Alan says. However, there are links being formed, especially when it comes to brain health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some studies have found an association between higher levels of microplastics in the brain and certain brain disorders such as dementia, depression, and anxiety, says Jo Ellen Wilson, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The direction of association of this effect remains unclear. She points to this debate scientists are currently having about the impact of microplastics on dementia rates: Do higher levels of microplastics in the brain cause brain disorders like dementia, or do people who have conditions like dementia, who already have a more permeable blood-brain barrier, build up more microplastics in their brain because their brains are more permeable? This question of causation is an important one and has not yet been answered, Dr. Wilson says. But the potential impact of microplastics in the brain likely depends on where the microplastics end up, says Clifford Segil, D.O., a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. If microplastics are truly entering the brain and affecting brain neurotransmitter function, then the effects would correlate for wherever in the brain is accumulating these microplastics, he says. If the front of the brain collects microplastics, they could cause behavioral issues, versus if the temporal lobes or the side of the brain collects microplastics, they could cause cognitive issues. Is there any way to get rid of microplastics in your brain? As of this moment, no. The idea of microplastics being able to get inside of the brain is novel, and if true, the next step would be to determine where in the brain they are accumulating, and then reverse engineer whatever method they are using to find their way into the brain to help find a way to get them out of our brains, Dr. Segil says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Wilson says that doing your best to reduce your exposure to microplastics may help. We know that by reducing your exposure to plastics, over time, you may be able to decrease microplastic burden in your body, she says. There is some research to suggest that eating plenty of fiber could help reduce microplastics impact on your body, but more work is needed, says Kelly Johnson-Arbor, M.D., a toxicologist at MedStar Health. How to reduce your microplastic exposure Microplastics are practically everywhere, making them hard to avoid. But there are a few things you can do to try to lower your exposure to these tiny particles. Certain water filters, especially those that feature smaller filter pore sizes, may be able to reduce human exposure to microplastics by removing the particles from drinking water, Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. Avoiding the use of plastic in generalincluding plastic food containers and water bottlescan be helpful, but Dr. Johnson-Arbor points out that this can be a challenge because plastic products are so common in everyday life. Even though many grocery stores dont use plastic bags at checkout, plastic products can still be found in the bags that we put fresh fruits and vegetables in at the grocery store, and the plastic wrap that covers pre-cut meat and produce, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She suggests using bamboo or wood cutting boards, since plastic boards can become damaged over time and transfer microplastics to food that is being cut. Finally, Dr. Johnson-Arbor recommends using bamboo, metal, or glass food storage containers instead of plastic, and to avoid reheating foods in plastic containers. Again, microplastics are all over the place, making it hard to fully cut them from your life. But doing what you can to lessen your exposure may help protect your overall healthand your brain. You Might Also Like Crises can be useful for pressure-testing systems and exposing their weaknesses. Such is the case with the delays and outright cancellations of federal funds for worthy biomedical science research projects. DOGE-engineered interruptions of research programs funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF)with only muted objections by politicians and the publicreveal a systemic brittleness in the publics support for science. It is possible that the publics unwillingness to rise up in defense of science owes much to its having lost faith in scientists. That lost trust borders on outright dislike: According to Yale Universitys president (my boss), in a recent address to her faculty, our institution has a 20 percent public approval rating. My fellow scientists would probably like to believe that our sinking poll numbers reflect the publics distaste for marauding students and censorious humanities colleagues. But we must admit that we share some of the blame. We do not put enough effort into explaining our work to the members of the public, who are our patrons. If scientists believeas I dothat our research in medicine, physics, computer science, biology, and other disciplines is responsible for our high standard of living and our sophisticated understanding of the world around us, then we must do a much better job at explaining ourselves to our tax-paying, non-scientist friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consider how scientists communicate now. Most of us report our work in scientific journals for the consumption of our fellow scientists. Even if the public wanted to read our published academic papers, many (in final form at least) are behind paywalls. By and large, we rely on science journalists to translate our findings, with varying degrees of success and fidelity to the material. Some science journalists do the public a great service by explaining complex concepts in understandable terms. But qualified journalists can only take on so many topics. The majority of us scientists do essential and exciting work that will rarely, if ever, get covered in a newspaper or magazine if we wait for a science journalist to do it. Sure, there have always been practicing scientists and doctors who have bypassed journalists to tell their scientific stories directly to a lay audience. They write engaging books (that sometimes become movies) to recount their stories. In the process, they do a wonderful job of popularizing scientific and medical breakthroughs and building trust and appreciation of science by the public. James Watson (discovery of the double helix), Kay Redfield Jamison (treatment of bipolar disorder), Jennifer Doudna (invention of CRISPR), Oliver Sacks (recognition of bizarre neurological disorders), and Siddhartha Mukherjee (cancer treatment) are noteworthy examples. But they are the exceptions. The rest of us, who prefer to keep to ourselves and speak in our own esoteric languages, are paying the price for our collective reticence. We pay in lost public support. But we may pay double if our good work is mischaracterized by loudmouths and influencers, whether that mischaracterization is unwitting or purposeful. Whats the solution? Create whole armies of scientists who are also science-explainers, science-popularizers, and, dare I imagine, cool-science celebrities? This seems simple enough. But it wont happen unless the incentives for success for scientists are altered to reward accessible and even entertaining public-facing communication. To understand why, one must understand the present system that governs the promotion prospects of publicly funded basic- and applied-science professors. How does one get promoted in academic science? There are generally three recognized avenues. Research, teaching, and service (the latter typically includes work on university committees, administration of programs, and contributions to professional societies). This triad of expectations is firmly rooted in the academic system. What is needed is a fourth path, one that requires public-oriented science communication and the teaching of how to do it successfully. The university must cultivate a new breed of professor: the scientist-public-communicator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Could such a major change in incentives ever occur in the rather staid environment of a university? Yes. For support and encouragement, we can look to a relevant historical precedent. Nearly 50 years ago, a revolution of sorts rocked academia and created the scientist-inventor-entrepreneur. In 1980, Congress passed the Bayh-Dole Act (otherwise known as the Patent and Trademark Law Amendments Act). As any venture capitalist in biotech knows, Bayh-Dole allowed government contractors (including academic scientists and their universities who were federal grant recipients) to patent and benefit from inventions that emerged from their federally funded research. Before that, patents were typically assigned to the federal government, where most of them languished forgotten and undeveloped. The Bayh-Doyle Act was an intentional move by Congress to promote the translation of basic discoveries into practical products and treatments. Before Bayh-Dole, it was rare for scientists to commercialize their discoveries; in fact, profiting from ones academic research was considered unseemly. Afterwards, everything changed. Initially, there was much doomsaying over potential conflicts of interest between academic work and industry demands. But sitting in a university today, one can see numerous joint programs that teach science and engineering students to engage with entrepreneurship, and many generous angel funds to promote commercialization of lab-based discoveries by faculty. Entrepreneurship among faculty (and student) scientists has become normalized. This is not only a boon for the scientists themselves, but for local economies. One has only to walk along Drydock Avenue in Bostons Seaport district and count the number of biotech companies started by local academics to see evidence of economic growth and benefit. Once disdained, entrepreneurship has become valued within the halls of academia. Patents are routinely reported on ones curriculum vitae and favored by university hiring committees. Thanks to Bayh-Dole, the incentives for entrepreneurial science were put in place. And behaviors followed. Back to science communication. What about scientists who are poor communicators? Shall we banish them and in doing so forfeit their obvious talents for scientific research? No. Not everyone must excel in every aspect of the current triad in order to be promoted, after all. Consideration for promotion is usually in one primary category (e.g., research) with achievement in the others considered secondarily. The inclusion of a fourth path to promotion is not a proposal to reward faculty for publishing political screeds. Although protected speech, communicating propaganda should have no currency toward promotion. The main goal of the proposal is to allow and encourage some number of practicing scientists to be able to go up for promotion based on their outstanding achievements in the public communication of their science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How will new incentives manifest? No one can say precisely. Maybe some new podcasts, a flood of new comic books on science, or even a new science dance craze. But the best thing to do with creative people is incentivize them, and then get out of their way. I am sure of this because I have seen it happen on a small scale: In my medical imaging class at Yale a few years ago, the students were required to create TikTok videos to explain concepts we had studied. With some trepidation, I asked the students to show their works in class. I was pleased to see that the TikToks were both on-point and entertaining, and not at all what I had expected. Many colliding forces in academia, politics, and education have created the present crisis in science funding. Inadequate science communication to the public may not be the most acute force at play, but lack of public understanding of what we scientists do is surely a smoldering fire that will continue to fuel the crisis. Universities and their leaders must take the long view to douse the fire. Incentivize and reward scientists for excellent public-facing communication of all types on what science research is and why it is important. Done right, incentives will breed a new strain of professor: the scientist-public-communicator. Refashion the old maxim publish or perish into public or perishfor without support of the former, we shall surely suffer the latter. 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. President Trump granted another pardon Monday for a former official he claimed was the victim of a weaponized Department of Justice (DOJ) during the Biden administration, granting clemency to former Sheriff Scott Jenkins. Jenkins served as the sheriff of Culpeper County in Northern Virginia for a decade but lost his reelection bid in 2023 amid the charges he was facing and eventually was convicted for bribery. He was about to report to prison for a 10-year sentence before being pardoned. Heres what to know about Jenkins: Long-standing career derailed by bribery allegations Jenkins served as the county sheriff for 12 years, first being elected in 2011 and winning reelection twice, running as both a Republican and independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he lost his reelection bid in November 2023, less than five months after he was indicted. He finished in third place, losing to now-Sheriff Timothy Chilton, who was serving as the deputy chief of the Culpeper Police Department. Chilton said at the time that he avoided discussing the details of the allegations against Jenkins during the campaign but wanted to focus on regaining the trust of the community and change the offices culture. One prominent moment during Jenkinss tenure came in 2019, when he announced plans to deputize the countys residents if the Democratic-controlled state Legislature passed further unnecessary gun restrictions. I plan to properly screen and deputize thousands of our law-abiding citizens to protect their constitutional right to own firearms, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chilton has ended that program since taking office. The case against Jenkins Jenkins was indicted in June 2023 based on allegations that he accepted more than $70,000 in bribes in the form of cash or campaign contributions from more than a half dozen people, including two undercover FBI agents. Prosecutors alleged Jenkins appointed these men as auxiliary deputy sheriffs, giving them badges and credentials despite them not being trained or vetted and not offering services to the sheriffs office. They also accused him of pressuring local officials in the case of one man, who had a felony conviction on his record, to restore his right to own a firearm. That man and the two undercover FBI agents testified against Jenkins, saying they gave the then-sheriff bribes in exchange for being deputized. Jenkins took the stand in his own defense and argued the payments he received and the badges he provided had no connection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Post reported during last years trial that Jenkinss defense attorney argued prosecutors had no credible evidence of bribery and that Jenkins came up with creative ideas to get around gun control laws passed by the Legislature. The attorney said the money Jenkins received should be considered legitimate political donations. Three of the six men appointed as auxiliary deputy sheriffs pleaded guilty ahead of Jenkinss trial and cooperated with authorities. Jenkins was convicted in December on all counts that he faced, including one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest services mail and wire fraud and seven counts of bribery concerning programs receiving public funds. He was sentenced in March to a decade in prison. Why Trump pardoned Jenkins Trump has been eager throughout his second term to grant pardons and commutations to those he views as falling into the same category he does: victims of a weaponized DOJ under former President Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump regularly accused prosecutors in different jurisdictions of pursing politically motivated prosecutions, as he was indicted four times during his 2024 presidential election campaign. He cited similar allegations in his post on Truth Social announcing his decision to pardon Jenkins. Sheriff Scott Jenkins, his wife Patricia, and their family have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ, he said. He alleged the judge in the case, appointed by Biden, treated Jenkins unfairly in refusing to accept evidence that Jenkins offered to exonerate himself. Jenkins reportedly asked for clemency last month from Trump, saying during a webinar that he didnt have the money for an appeal of the verdict but that he believed Trump would step in if he heard the evidence he wasnt able to share in front of the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also issued pardons for others hes argued were the targets of politically motivated cases, notably most of those convicted of crimes stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Those who did not receive pardons received commutations of their sentences. His pardon of Jenkins also falls in line with others he has issued for those of high-profile individuals who have expressed similar conservative-leaning political views to him, such as conservative commentators Dinesh DSouza during his first term and Michele Fiore, also a former Las Vegas City Council member, during his second term. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SCRANTON At Mondays Memorial Day service at Veterans Memorial Park, Master of Ceremonies Bill Stevens began his remarks reminding those attending of all the things Memorial Day is not. The holiday, he said, is not simply a chance to kick off the summer season with mattress sales, a cookout or the opening of your swimming pool. Instead, it serves as a day to remember the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in military service to their country. Its meaning he said, is steeped in honor and sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people had an impact on the entire world. he said. Remembering them is a small, but important, gesture. * Military veterans cheer during a Memorial Day event Monday at Veterans Memorial Park, Scranton, (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Area residents salute the American flag at a Memorial Day service Monday at Veterans Memorial Park. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Boy Scout Rhys Otto, of Boy Scout Troop 16, leads the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at a Memorial Day ceremony Monday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Bill Stevens, Master of Ceremonies for Memorial Day services in Scranton Monday, addresses the crowd. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * A crowd gathers at Veterans Memorial Park Monday to commemorate Memorial Day. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * David Ratzel and Billy Ratzel, stand near a memorial wall at the citys Veterans Memorial Park Monday. The two are family members of Wesley Ratzel, who was shot down over North Vietnam in May of 1972. His remains werent returned to his family until 1989. He was honored at the Memorial Day service, along with other veterans who lost their lives in service. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Military veterans salute the American flag at Memorial Day services at Veterans Memorial Park Monday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Show Caption 1 of 7 Military veterans cheer during a Memorial Day event Monday at Veterans Memorial Park, Scranton, (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Remembering a local hero Capt. Wesley Ratzel, a graduate of the former Scranton Central High School is one of those men, Stevens said. Ratzel was a member of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Da Nang, South Vietnam. On May 18, 1972, he was the pilot of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter on a mission near Kep, Ha Bac Province, North Vietnam, when his plane was shot down. But, North Vietnam didnt let America know if he was alive or dead. For 17 years, his family believed he was a prisoner of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vietnam didnt return his remains until December 1988. It took another six months before U.S. military officials confirmed the remains were his and they were returned to his family. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Ratzel had always wanted to be an astronaut and to fly a plane. His military service as a pilot allowed him to fulfill part of that dream, Stevens said. His brother, David Ratzel, placed a memorial wreath at the monument reading Those who gave their all. Forever remembered. before addressing the crowd. He encouraged attendees to take time to thank veterans for their service to their country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elizabeth Saylor, Wesley Ratzels niece, remembers when her uncle went missing she was in second grade. The family would not find out he had died until Saylor was about to get married. It was a great burden for all those years, she said. Saylor said the family found out only weeks ago her uncle would be honored. She credits Stevens with making it possible. Including the next generation Stew Thorp, assistant leader of Boy Scout Troop 16, brought scouts out to the event as a support to the community. One of the scouts raised the American flag. Another led the Pledge of Allegiance. The scouts took time to interact with veterans and members of the community, even handing out the events programs. We always want to help, Thorp said. Follow all our Sean Combs trial coverage Sean Combs former employee Capricorn Clark testified on Tuesday that the music mogul was armed with a gun and said he wanted to go kill the rapper Kid Cudi after discovering his relationship with Casandra Cassie Ventura in December 2011. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking the witness stand at Combs sex trafficking and racketeering trial in New York, Clark told jurors that Combs started banging on her door in a state of fury early that morning, pacing around with his pants ripped open, exposing his underwear. Clark testified that when she opened the door, Combs had a gun in his hand. Get dressed, were going to go kill that na, Combs purportedly commanded. Clark said she tried to protest, but Combs told her, I dont give a fuck what you want to do. Combs was allegedly livid at Clark for not disclosing the relationship between Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, and Ventura, one of the women Combs is accused of sex trafficking. Though Clark told jurors Combs had threatened her before, this was the first time Combs appeared at her residence, she said. She had also never seen him with a weapon, she added. Clark said she, Combs, and one of Combs loyal security guards drove to Mescudis Los Angeles home with Combs holding the gun on his lap. Once they arrived, Combs and the security guard gained entry to the house, she said. Clark remained in the car, panicked and praying that Cudi wasnt home, she testified. Clark said she made an initial, furtive call to actress Lauren London. She was like my sister at the time, and I just wanted somebody to know where I was, Clark testified, breaking down. In case [this] all went really bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark said she called Venturas burner phone next to warn her what was happening. Mescudi was with Ventura, she discovered, and she feared a confrontation if he returned to the house, she testified. I said, Cassie, stop him, hes going to come himself killed, Clark recalled saying. During the panicked call, Combs had exited the house and spotted her on the phone, Clark said, taking the device. Although Clark said she changed Venturas name in the phone, Combs hit redial anyway. Bitch, what the fuck is this number? Combs demanded of Ventura, Clark said. Soon after, Mescudi pulled up next to Combs Escalade outside the house, she said. Mescudi accelerated away in a black Porsche, with Combs vehicle chasing after him, she said. It felt like forever, but [it] couldnt have been longer than a minute, Clark testified about the alleged pursuit, which ended when they saw a police vehicle. She said Combs later forced her to call Ventura and act as bait to lure Ventura. He has me. He wont let me go until I come get you, she recalled telling Ventura. She said Ventura agreed to meet up. Clark said Combs ordered them to stop Mescudi from reporting the break-in and Combs involvement to police or all three would face physical harm. [Combs] says, If you guys dont convince him of that, Ill kill all you motherfuckers, Clark alleged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark broke down in tears as she recounted later returning to Combs home with Ventura, saying she felt powerless to stop a robed Combs repeatedly kick a non-responsive Ventura down the driveway. She said Combs was kicking the shit out of Cassie with 100 percent full force, and that Ventura curled into a fetal position and silently cried. Clark said the alleged assault took place in front of Combs security guard. The former employee said she called Combs other bodyguards to help, but no one intervened. Seeing Clark trying to interfere, Combs allegedly ordered Clark to get the fuck out of my house. She left the house by foot, calling Venturas mom, begging her to please help her. In the following months, Clark claimed Combs went on to threaten her and Ventura at least 50 times after the incident. I should kill you bitches, and I should cut her face, Combs allegedly said, referring to Clark and Ventura. Clark, 46, is considered a key witness in the case and was called to corroborate claims in Combs indictment. According to prosecutors, Combs kidnapped Clark for the break-in and then firebombed Mescudis car a few weeks later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs denies the kidnapping and arson allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all five felony counts in his indictment. One of the charges alleges Combs sex-trafficked Ventura by forcing her to engage in drug-fueled sexual encounters with male escorts. Combs claims the encounters, which he dubbed freak-offs, were consensual. Under cross-examination today, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo elicited testimony from Clark regarding her assessment of Combs 11-year relationship with Ventura. I felt they were toxic as a couple, she said. In her prior testimony, Ventura told jurors that Combs discovered her relationship with Mescudi when Combs went through her phone during a freak-off in Los Angeles and found messages that she exchanged with Clark. She said one message involved bringing Venturas toiletry bag to Mescudis house the next day. According to Ventura, Combs flew into a rage. She said he placed a wine bottle opener between his fingers and lunged at her. His eyes blacked out, super angry, she testified. Ventura said she fled the freak-off and called Mescudi, who came to pick her up. Testifying last Thursday, Mescudi recalled rushing to Venturas aid and taking her to the Sunset Marquis hotel for safekeeping. He said while at the hotel, he and Ventura spoke with Clark over the phone. Clark allegedly told them she was forced to go along with Combs on a trip to Mescudis house in the Hollywood Hills. She told me that Sean Combs and an affiliate came to her apartment and made her get in the car to come up to my house, Mescudi testified. They forced her physically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mescudi said Clark reported to them that Combs was inside while she was waiting in a car outside. She was very scared, sounded like she was on the verge of tears, he said of Clark. Both Mescudi and Ventura testified that Clark was a friend, and that they hung out regularly before the alleged break-in. Ventura said she and Mescudi met with Clark after the incident to explain everything that had happened. Ventura said she later emailed both her mother and Clark on Dec. 23, 2011, to make a record of Combs alleged threats against her. She told the women Combs had threatened to release two explicit sex tapes of me and have someone hurt me and Scott Mescudi physically. In her opening statement on May 12, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Johnson said Combs kidnapped Clark before heading to Mescudis house. In her dueling opening, Combs defense lawyer Teny Geragos described Clark as a long-term employee who continued to work for Combs after the alleged incident. As you listen to her testimony and evaluate: Was this person actually kidnapped? I expect the evidence is going to show you that, even after the criminal investigation into Combs started, she asked to work for him again 12 years after her employment ended. Twelve years after she claimed she had been kidnapped the last time, Geragos said. After Ventura filed her civil lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, Clark reportedly called Combs the devil in a private post on Twitter, now X. Black women end up being the sacrifice for the fuckery. Last 11 years of my life, I have had to deal with EVERYONES nonsensical allegiance to the devil. I pray that ends. I dont think highly of any of you. Cant keep your head down + pretend shit is cool no more. Do better, she posted, according to several reports at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Testifying Tuesday, Clark said Venturas lawsuit traumatized her. She recalled for jurors the arc of her career under Combs, claiming it started and ended with threats. Clark said that on her first day working as Combs assistant in 2004, he took her to Central Park after dark and gave her an ominous warning because she previously worked a stint at Death Row Records, the West Coast hip-hop label run by Combs rival, Suge Knight. He told me he didnt know that I had anything to do with Suge Knight and if anything happened, he would have to kill me, Clark said under direct questioning by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi Steiner. Clark said Combs also once mentioned lethal force once while talking about another rapper, 50 Cent. She said Combs was discussing the rapper with music executive and manager Chris Lighty in an elevator and remarked, I really dont like all the back and forth. I dont do that. I like guns. Clark then recalled Combs accusing her of stealing diamond jewelry that was on loan from a jeweler. She said Combs had her apartment searched and hired an unknown man to administer five consecutive days of lie-detector tests in a locked, dilapidated office building. Clark said the heavy-set man told her that if she couldnt calm down enough to get a good reading, Theyre going to throw you into the East River. Clark said she acquiesced because she believed the testing was the only way she could prove her innocence. I was petrified, Clark told jurors, saying her job, which paid $65,000 a year at the time, left her with stress-induced alopecia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark said one time in Miami, Combs charged at her after she complained about her working conditions to a chef. You hate it here? Combs allegedly said as he got in her face and forcefully pushed her about 30 yards outside the house, she testified. Clark said a bodyguard intervened, and she left the job after that because it crossed my boundary. Clark said that when Combs fired her in August 2012, he told her she would never work again. Under cross-examination, Clark said it was true she met with two of Combs lawyers on April 10, 2024, to discuss the possibility of returning to work for Combs as his chief of staff. At the meeting, Clark was accompanied by Bryan Freedman, the celebrity lawyer who represents the Menendez brothers family as well as Justin Baldoni in his ongoing legal war with Blake Lively. She did not return to work for Combs. Clark also turned emotional Tuesday while speaking about her early friendship with Combs and working with him on successful business ventures. She said he broke the glass ceiling for many Black people in the music industry. The defense confronted her with a message she sent to Combs in June 2021, in which she recalled having the biggest crush on Combs before she started working with him. But Clark was clear that her relationship with Combs was always 1,000 percent platonic. Clark confirmed she sent emails to Combs two years after she was fired, asking him to bury the hatchet. She felt blacklisted by Combs at the time and wanted her life back, she said. Clark said she believed her purpose was to inspire others through her work with Combs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this level of business, he held all the power as it related to me, she testified, previously mentioning two high-profile job opportunities that didnt pan out after Combs allegedly intervened. Clark confirmed it was Ventura who convinced Combs to hire her back as Venturas creative director in 2016. She took the job because the stakes are higher for her to work because she has no parents and a non-verbal autistic son, she said. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration ceremony of the Ashagi Malibeyli and Mirik hydroelectric power plants (HPPs), operated by AzerEnerji Open Joint-Stock Company (OJSC), in Lachin on May 27, Trend reports. Baba Rzayev, Chairman of AzerEnerji OJSC, first briefed the President on ongoing hydro-green energy projects across the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. With 32 power plants already operational and an additional 6 poised for commissioning, the total number of hydroelectric plants has reached 38, with a combined capacity of 307 MW. The green energy generated by these plants is projected to save up to 200 million cubic meters of natural gas annually, preventing the release of approximately 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The President then received detailed information on the Ashagi Malibeyli and Mirik hydroelectric plants. Both plants were built on the section of the Zabukh Rivera right-bank tributary of the Hakari Riverflowing through the territories of the villages of Malibeyli and Mirik in the Lachin district. The Ashagi Malibeyli HPP (3.1 MW capacity) and the Mirik HPP (3.5 MW capacity) are equipped with cutting-edge technology and integrated into the nation's centralized SCADA system via fiber-optic cable networks. These plants are projected to generate 20 million kilowatt-hours of green energy annually, resulting in savings of 4.3 million cubic meters of natural gas and preventing the release of 8,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Residents of Lachin will be employed at the newly commissioned power plants. President Ilham Aliyev officially launched the Ashagi Malibeyli and Mirik hydroelectric power plants. Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team is asking for Kid Cudi's testimony about the destruction of his Porsche and the claims that Combs was behind it to be struck from the record Cudi took the stand on Thursday, May 22 Cudi testified that he believed the music mogul "was lying" when Diddy claimed not to know what he was talking about when asked about Cudi's car explosion during a meeting at the Soho House in Los Angeles with Ventura Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team is asking for Kid Cudi's testimony about the destruction of the rapper's Porsche and the claims that Combs was behind it to be struck from the record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car was set on fire by an incendiary device in 2012, according to police reports obtained by Rolling Stone. Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, confirmed the incident to The New York Times in 2023. On May 22, 2025, the ninth day of Combs' ongoing sex trafficking trial, Mescudi testified that a Molotov cocktail destroyed his Porsche. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg Prosecutor Emily Johnson questions rapper Kid Cudi as he testifies at Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 22, 2025 Prosecutor Emily Johnson questions rapper Kid Cudi as he testifies at Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 22, 2025 Mescudi said that on the day of the explosion, he got a call from his dog-sitter saying that his "car was on fire." While on his way back home, he got a picture of the burnt vehicle from a friend. The rapper said his car was beyond repair by the time he got home, noting, "The top of my Porsche was cut open and thats where they inserted the Molotov cocktail." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident came after Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and Cudi dated on-and-off again in 2011 while she and Combs, who dated until 2018, werent in the greatest place." Ventura previously testified that Combs became jealous after she found out about them and allegedly threatened to have Mescudi's car blown up. SDNY Damages on Kid Cudi's car, as shown in Combs's trial Damages on Kid Cudi's car, as shown in Combs's trial Mescudi testified that he believed the music mogul "was lying" when Diddy claimed not to know what he was talking about when asked about the car explosion during a meeting at the Soho House in Los Angeles with Ventura. "What are we going to do about my car?" Mescudi recalled allegedly asking Combs, to which the Bad Boy Records founder reportedly answered, "I don't know what you're talking about." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Mescudi, however, the two allegedly encountered each other again at the Soho House a few years later, during which Combs reportedly said he wanted to "apologize for everything." Mescudi said he "found peace" with what had happened. Now, Combs' defense is asking for his testimony to be struck and precluded going forward as a "witness generally cannot testify that in his opinion, a declarant was lying when making a statement." Combs' defense team claims that Mescudi's testimony was "mere speculation," and poses "significant dangers of unfair prejudice" against him. Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sean 'Diddy' Combs The Bad Boy Records founder is currently facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution, which he has adamantly denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His team said that: "Mescudis speculation about Combss involvement had minimal probative value, whereas the danger of unfair prejudice, particularly since he was opining about an ultimate issue as to which he was the alleged victimwhether Combs was guilty of arson, one of the charged racketeering actswas great." PEOPLE has reached out to Mescudi's representative for comment. PEOPLE reached out to the Los Angeles Fire Department about the alleged car explosion, but were told "the Risk Management Division of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department does not have responsive records from 2012. It is past our retention period. 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 This story may contain accounts and descriptions of actual or alleged events that some readers may find disturbing. This is week three of testimony in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. Latest Developments May 28, 1:08 PM Cassie Ventura's stylist testifies on Combs' alleged control over Ventura during relationship At the start of his testimony, celebrity stylist Deonte Nash saw an airbrushed image of himself that he testified, with a smile, was not a fair representation of what he looked like while he was working for Sean Combs and Cassie Ventura. I look amazing, Nash told prosecutor Maureen Comey, earning a laugh from the court. Nash testified that he was around Ventura all the time and allegedly heard Combs variously call her 'baby girl', 'Cass,' 'b----,' 'slut' and 'ho' on regular occasions. He told her she was an outright ho, Nash told the court. He testified he heard Combs call Ventura a b---- quite a bit, that was his favorite. Nash also testified that he quite a few times heard Combs tell Ventura that he would beat her a--. Nash further testified that he heard Combs tell Ventura that he wouldnt put her music out, that he would get her parents fired from their jobs, that he would put out sex tapes, the latter referring to video recordings of "freak-off" sexual encounters addressed in previous testimony. Federal prosecutors have alleged that Combs maintained coercive control over Ventura that caused her to engage in "freak-offs" in which she was an unwilling participant. Nash told the jury that Combs required Nash to send to him photos of Ventura in different outfits. He would pick which one he liked and that would be the one we went with, Nash testified. Nash told the court that he recalled arriving with Ventura at the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty. She looked bomb. Her hair was down, Nash testified, then told the jury that Combs came over and said I thought I told you she needs to wear her hair up. Nash testified Combs angrily grabbed him by his jacket and lifted him up. I just started asking people at the party for hair pins, Nash told the court. Nash also testified about going to a gay club with Ventura, singer Rita Ora and others one night in 2013. The group returned to Venturas apartment, Nash told the court, when he said Ventura got a call from Puff. According to Nash's testimony, the phone call was on speakerphone and Nash allegedly heard Combs tell Ventura that she ought to bring her a-- to his house. Nash told the court that Ventura started to panic before Combs called back and told Nash that we were wild and that he thought he told us not to be going out. Nash testified that Ventura just packed her stuff and went to his house. The court is now in lunch break. May 28, 1:05 PM Defense focuses cross-examination on arson investigator's testimony about glove left in Kid Cudi's car The defense sought on cross-examination to undercut the credibility of Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigator Lance Jimenez and questioned him about a single black glove found on the back seat of rapper Kid Cudis Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Jimenez previously testified about what he discovered during his investigation of an attempt to set the car on fire with a Molotov cocktail. Jimenez testified that he did not send the glove for testing because he did not find it significant to his investigation. I believed it belonged to the owner, Jimenez testified. It was a driving glove, according to him, referring to Scott Mescudi, aka Cudi. You thought it was significant enough that you talked to the owner about it? defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asked. Yes, Jimenez replied. He said it was his glove, correct? Agnifilo asked. That is my recollection, yes, Jimenez testified. Did you put anything in your report about this single glove? Agnifilo questioned. I dont think I did, Jimenez testified. On re-direct examination by the prosecution, Jimenez called the glove irrelevant. The defense said that female DNA was allegedly found on the malt liquor bottle filled with gasoline that was used to make the Molotov cocktail and that was found in the vehicle, but Jimenez had already testified to prosecutors that DNA was outside of his area of expertise. Jimenez testified on cross-examination that Cassie Ventura did not call him back when he attempted to contact her about the car fire incident and that Capricorn Clark declined to speak with him. The cross-examination did not mention fingerprints. Jimenezs testimony has concluded. The next scheduled witness is Deonte Nash, a stylist and friend of Ventura's. May 28, 12:12 PM Judge instructs jury to disregard questions related to destroyed fingerprint cards Defense attorneys for Sean Combs called it outrageous that federal prosecutors asked a Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigator about the destruction of fingerprints that he testified had been lifted from Scott Mescudis front door. The investigator, Lance Jimenez, testified he did not order the prints destroyed. He told the court that he blamed someone in the LAPD. When prosecutor Christy Slavik asked whether it was unusual for evidence to be destroyed in an open case, the defense objected and Judge Arun Subramanian summoned the attorneys to a sidebar. The judge then sent the jury from the courtroom for a break. The defense moved for a mistrial, alleging Slaviks question was meant to plant an inference in jurors minds that Combs was responsible for the destruction of evidence. Subramanian denied the mistrial and gave the jury an instruction upon their return from the break. Before the break, you heard some testimony about fingerprint cards and Im now instructing you that questions regarding the destruction of the fingerprint cards, and the answers, are irrelevant to this case and to the defendant and are not to be considered by you, Subramanian said. Jimenez testified that he tried calling several people at Mescudi's suggestion, including previous witnesses Capricorn Clark and Cassie Ventura, and was unable to reach them. There were never any charges connected to the arson but the case has not been closed. Jimenez testified that the current status of the case is inactive pending anything further. May 28, 11:41 AM Arson investigator testifies that he believed Kid Cudi's car firebombing was 'targeted'; judge rejects call for mistrial Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigator Lance Jimenez testified that it did not take him long to conclude that the car fire at rapper Kid Cudi's residence on Jan. 9, 2012, was caused by a makeshift firebomb commonly known as a Molotov cocktail. Somebody had lit it, cut the roof and dropped it in the front seat, Jimenez told the jury. In my opinion it was targeted. Jimenez told the court that he took note of the slash in the canvas top of the black Porsche 911 Cabriolet and burn patterns that he said were on the vehicle's seat, carpeting and roof. There was a bottle on the front seat and there was a cloth handkerchief on the center console that was burned, Jimenez testified. Inside the bottle I observed a liquid that gave an odor I know to be gasoline. Jimenez further testified that he noticed a disposable red lighter on the ground. He walked the jury through photos of the damage to the car, including soot damage on the drivers door, burns on the interior and the cut in the canvas roof. The jury also saw a picture of the disposable lighter, the 40-ounce Old English 800 malt liquor bottle that Jimenez testified was used to make the Molotov cocktail, and a burned handkerchief The cloth was more of a silky type material. I think it just fell out of the bottle," Jimenez testified. "The bottle didnt break so the liquid wasnt able to disburse. The fire just smoldered out. It didnt cause damage I think it was intended for." Jimenez told the court that Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, had his home swept for fingerprints after the earlier break-in that he reported to the Los Angeles Police Department. Two prints were lifted from the glass front door, but Jimenez told the jury the fingerprint cards he turned in to the LAPD evidence unit were destroyed in August of 2012. The mention of fingerprint evidence allegedly being inexplicably destroyed prompted an objection from the defense and a motion for a mistrial. The only way to cure the outrageous prejudice is to move for a mistrial, defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro said. Shapiro accused the government of prosecutorial misconduct for asking the witness whether it was unusual for fingerprint evidence to be destroyed. She accused the government of trying to plant an idea that Combs was responsible for the destruction of the fingerprints lifted from Mescudi's front door. It was becoming clearer and clearer that this inference was what the government was doing this for, Shapiro said. Theres no way to un-ring this bell. Prosecutor Christy Slavik responded that a mistrial is absolutely unwarranted. The application for a mistrial is denied, Judge Arun Subramanian declared, saying that there was no testimony in response to the question of whether it was unusual for fingerprint evidence to have been destroyed. Subramanian said he would strike the testimony and issue a curative instruction to the jury that the questions about the fingerprint destruction are irrelevant to the case and the responses should be disregarded. May 28, 1:01 PM LAPD officer testifies about investigating Kid Cudi's home break-in The Los Angeles police officer who responded to Kid Cudis home on Dec. 22, 2011, after the rapper reported a break-in there testified that a black SUV he saw leaving the scene was registered to Sean Combs company. LAPD officer Christopher Ignacio testified that he walked through the home with Cudi, whose birth name is Scott Mescudi, and recorded the incident as trespassing, which he described to the court as someone entering someones property without the owners consent. Ignacio further testified that he ran the license plate from a black Cadillac Escalade SUV seen driving from the house. The jury saw that the resulting report showed the vehicle's registered owner as Bad Boy Productions, Inc., which Combs' owned. Capricorn Clark, Combs' former assistant, testified Tuesday that Combs, whom she told the court was armed with a handgun, and a bodyguard entered Mescudis home after allegedly kidnapping Clark from her apartment and forcing her to join them. Mescudi previously testified that nothing was missing from his home after the break-in but that he found Christmas presents opened on the counter and his dog locked in a bathroom. On cross-examination, Ignacio testified that his report said nothing about a firearm being involved. You had no information that there was a gun involved? defense attorney Brian Steel asked. I dont believe so, Ignacio responded. Did you hear anything about a kidnapping? Steel asked. No, Ignacio answered. The next witness is the Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigator who responded to the firebombing of Mescudis car in 2012. May 28, 9:39 AM Prosecution expected to call fire official, friend of Cassie Ventura's, former Combs employee to witness stand The Sean Combs sex trafficking and racketeering trial resumes Wednesday with the expected testimony of an alleged victim of the criminal enterprise federal prosecutors have accused Combs of leading: a former employee who will appear under the pseudonym Mia. In the governments opening statement, prosecutor Emily Johnson described Mia as an employee who the defendant worked to the bone for years." Johnson said Mia would testify about the times that the defendant forced himself on her sexually, putting his hand up her dress, unzipping his pants and forcing her to perform oral sex, and sneaking into her bed to penetrate her against her will. Defense attorney Teny Geragos countered in her opening statement that Mia allegedly had unbelievable love for Combs and questioned her motive for testifying against him. What are the reasons she is saying what she might be saying now, what she never said before, and certainly never said when she first started cooperating with the government? Geragos said. First, the jury will hear from a Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigator who responded to rapper Kid Cudis home when his Porsche 911 Cabriolet was set on fire with a Molotov cocktail in 2012. Prosecutors will also call stylist Deonte Nash, a friend of Cassie Venturas who is expected to testify regarding allegations that Ventura told him Combs was making her participate in a so-called "freak-off" sexual encounter on her 29th birthday. Combs has maintained that his encounters with Ventura were consensual. May 27, 4:25 PM Capricorn Clark again testifies that Combs had gun during alleged break-in; court adjourns for the day On redirect examination, federal prosecutors suggested that Capricorn Clark returned to work for Bad Boy Records because Combs allegedly stymied her attempts to work elsewhere in the music industry. He held all the power as it related to me, Clark testified through sobs. PHOTO: Capricorn Clark, Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former personal assistant exits the federal court for Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial at U.S. court in Manhattan, in New York City, May 27, 2025. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters) Prosecutor Mitzi Steiner also sought to reaffirm Clarks earlier testimony about Combs allegedly carrying a gun from the time he showed up at her apartment to the time they drove to Scott Mescudis house. Was Mr. Combs carrying a gun? Steiner asked. Yes, Clark answered. And was that gun visible to you? Steiner asked. Yes, Clark replied, further telling the court that she feared at the time that if she did not oblige Combs demands, "I would be hurt. Court has adjourned for the day. The next scheduled witnesses include a Los Angeles Police Department officer; a Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigator; Deonte Nash, who is a stylist in the Combs circle; and a former Combs employee whom the prosecution alleges is another Combs victim. May 27, 4:44 PM Clark breaks down as defense digs into her business relationship with Combs, alleged Kid Cudi home break-in After Capricorn Clark testified earlier Tuesday that a gun-carrying Sean Combs forced her into a car to confront Scott Mescudi, aka rapper Kid Cudi, in December 2012, the defense asserted on cross-examination that she had a different motive. Isnt it true that you went so that Mr. Combs wouldnt do something stupid? defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asked. No, Clark answered. You went because you were afraid he was going to do something stupid, Agnifilo insisted. I went because he told me he didnt care that I didnt want to go, Clark responded. I did not want to go and it was not my choice, sir. Agnifilo also questioned Clark about her testimony regarding events at Mescudis house and her call to Cassie Ventura. Youre telling this jury you 100% said the word gun on that phone call? Agnifilo asked. Yes, Clark answered. I said it very quickly. I said, Puff came to my house with a gun." In her earlier testimony, Clark said that before she telephoned Ventura, she called actress Lauren London. Tell us why you did that, Agnifilo asked Clark. She was the only one that was sort of in our orbit. She was like my sister at the time. I just wanted someone to know where I was in case this all went really bad. I called her for my protection, Clark responded, her voice shaking with emotion. Are you aware that Sean Combs and Lauren London were friends for years after this? Agnifilo asked. Yes, Clark responded. Clark again broke down in tears and sobs when confronted by several emails she sent to Combs, which were shown to the court. One, sent in 2014, read, "Hopefully youll forgive me soon. Its been long enough. I feel like youve forgiven everyone else but me. A second email presented by the defense, which Clark sent to Combs in early 2015, said, Sending you blessings and love for a new year. Clark also became emotional when Agnifilo showed her yet another email that she sent to Combs on his birthday, Nov. 4, 2015. My hope for this year is that you make good on your promise to get over things and actually be my friend again, the email read. Through sniffles, Clark testified that she felt that I was somewhat of a protector for Puff. That email is me pleading, like, dude, let it go. Clark told the court that the stakes for her were high because her parents are gone and her son has autism. Agnifilo kept asking Clark why she wanted to work with Combs again. I wanted my life back, sir, Clark testified. You want to work with him again, Agnifilo said. I wanted to work in the music industry, Clark replied. Redirect examination by the prosecution has now begun. May 27, 3:02 PM Capricorn Clark continues testimony; prosecutors say case running ahead of schedule Before the defense resumed their cross-examination of former Sean Combs assistant Capricorn Clark, federal prosecutors said outside of the jury's presence that their case is running ahead of schedule and could be finished in a total of five weeks, rather than the six weeks they previously said they may require. Once cross examination resumed, Clark compared Cassie Ventura's talent to that of music legends Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey in her testimony, telling the court that Ventura's talent fell short of that level. When Ventura performed live it wasnt the greatest, Clark testified under cross-examination. The defense has asserted that Combs' alleged coercive control over Ventura didn't deprive her of career opportunities, as prosecutors have alleged. She got top-tier talent to support her to become a star, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asked Clark, who agreed. Were there other artists in Bad Boy who were getting less attention and support than she got? Agnifilo asked, referring to Comb's record label, Bad Boy Records. She got a considerable amount of support. That was the early days, Clark responded. The lions share of Bad Boy was on Cassie at that time. Clark told the court that In 2012, for the single King of Hearts, she had Ventura dye her hair bright yellow. The jury was shown a photo of Ventura with the hairstyle. She had the shaved head before, Clark testified. I wanted to depart from that. I wanted something edgier, bolder. Agnifilo asked, You wouldnt do this against her will would you? "No," Clark replied. May 27, 3:00 PM Defense questions Clark about working relationship with Combs: 'I had the biggest crush on you' During a cross-examination that hopped from time period to time period, Capricorn Clark testified that she didn't know the connection between Sean Combs and the large man she told the court earlier today repeatedly administered lie detector tests to her on suspicion that she stole jewelry loaned to Combs. You dont know what relationship he has to Mr. Combs? defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asked. Clark responded that she did not know. Clark broke down again on the witness stand while she testified about a working relationship with Combs that she compared to business school for someone like her who did not finish college. Separate from all this stuff, I did learn a lot from Puff, Clark testified, her voice quaking. I worked for him in varying roles over a long period of time." Agnifilo asked, He let you know you were talented, hardworking and effective? "True," Clark responded. Agnifilo introduced a text message that Clark sent to Combs in June 2021 in which she told him I had the biggest crush on you. Clark testified that she had no memory of sending the message but conceded that she liked Combs as a friend. You also respected him? Agnifilo asked. Yeah, Clark replied. A month after federal agents raided Combs two homes as part of their criminal investigation, Clark floated the idea of returning to work as Combs chief of staff, the defense stated. You wanted to come back and work with Mr. Combs as his chief of staff? Agnifilo asked. We discussed it, yes, Clark replied. What you said was, You were always able to take care of him, Agnifilo said. The court is now in a lunch break, after which cross-examination will continue. Click here to read the rest of the blog. A second person has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and torture of a man held for weeks over access to his Bitcoin password. The arrest of 32-year-old William Duplessie on Tuesday comes after police say a 28-year-old Italian national escaped from weeks of captivity in a New York City apartment. Prosecutors said the victim was bound at the wrists, beaten, shocked with electric wires, drugged, hit in the head with a firearm and dangled over the top of stairs while being held, all to gain access to his Bitcoin password. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told Good Day New York that Duplessie turned himself in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another cryptocurrency investor, John Woeltz, was arrested Friday and pleaded not guilty on Saturday to the charges he faces, including kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a firearm. He is being held without bail. Tisch said the two suspects are currently the only ones that the department is looking at, but there may be others. Duplessie is charged with two counts of kidnapping and one count each of assault, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a weapon, according to the complaint against him. The Associated Press reported that authorities said the two suspects lured the victim into an eight-bedroom townhouse in the Soho neighborhood of Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint states that the defendants also pointed a gun at the victims head and threatened to kill him and his family if he did not provide the Bitcoin password. The victim eventually gave his password to the men on Friday as he believed he would soon be killed and took an opportunity to escape and flag down a traffic officer when they went to get his computer. The Manhattan district attorneys office also confirmed that a third individual, Beatrice Folchi, was arrested in connection with the situation, but the office declined to prosecute her at this time pending further investigation. The Hill has reached out to the New York City Police Department for additional information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Folchi told The New York Post in an interview shes not arrested and everything is going to be told but with a lawyer. This story was updated at 10:47 a.m. on 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 The Hill. NEW YORK (AP) A second cryptocurrency investor surrendered to police Tuesday in the alleged kidnapping of a man who said he was tortured for weeks inside an upscale Manhattan townhouse by captors seeking the password to his Bitcoin account. William Duplessie, 32, faces charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a weapon, according to police. His arrest comes four days after the alleged victim a 28-year-old Italian national escaped, bloodied and barefoot, from a lavish townhouse where he said he had been severely beaten, drugged, shocked with electrical wires and threatened with death for nearly three weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday morning, shortly after the man's escape, the crypto investor John Woeltz, 37, was taken into custody and charged in the alleged kidnapping scheme. Attorneys for Duplessie and Woeltz declined requests for comment. The episode comes amid a spike in crypto theft, including a recent wave of violence directed at wealthy holders of digital currency. Both Duplessie and Woeltz appear to be entrepreneurs focused on cryptocurrency. In online profiles, Duplessie is listed as the co-founder and head of sourcing at Pangea Blockchain Fund and an investor in other blockchain-based companies. An email seeking comment was sent to Pangea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woeltz has described himself in interviews as a blockchain investor who spent time in Silicon Valley before becoming involved in Kentuckys burgeoning crypto-mining industry. Authorities said Duplessie and Woeltz lured the victim into an eight-bedroom townhouse in Manhattans Soho neighborhood, one of the most expensive in the city, on May 6 to steal his Bitcoin fortune. Over the next 17 days, the man told police he was bound by the wrists, shocked with electrical wires, pistol-whipped, cut on the leg with a saw and forced to smoke from a crack pipe. At one point, he said, he was dangled from the homes top flight of stairs. Believing he would soon be killed, the victim said he agreed Friday morning to give the men access to the password. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as the men went to retrieve his computer, the victim was able to escape from the home and flag down a traffic agent on the street outside. A search of the townhouse turned up a trove of evidence, prosecutors said, including cocaine, a saw, chicken wire, body armor, night vision goggles, ammunition and polaroid photos of the victim with a gun pointed to his head and a crack pipe in his mouth. The victim was hospitalized with injuries to his wrists consistent with being bound, cuts to his face and other injuries, authorities said. Earlier this month in Paris, the father of a crypto entrepreneur was rescued by police after attackers cut off one of his fingers. In a separate case, criminals tried but failed to abduct a crypto entrepreneurs daughter off a street in broad daylight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last August in Danbury, Connecticut, a couple was forced out of their car, beaten and put into a van in a ransom plot targeting their son, who authorities allege was involved in a $240 million crypto heist the week before. A recent FBI report tallied $16.6 billion in reported losses linked to internet crime in 2024, up nearly a third compared with the previous year. Victims of cryptocurrency theft reported the greatest losses, an amount that totaled more than $6.5 billion. BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) It has been two months since federal cuts were announced, and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee continues to be impacted. In March we received 301,122 pounds of USDA product, and then in April we only received 198,171 pounds of product which was a decrease of 102,951 pounds of food from USDA, said Kendra Lindsay with Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. TVA planning for future of Kingston site as gas plant construction continues Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The food bank has several programs including a mobile food pantry that travels across different East Tennessee counties. The mobile pantry uses USDA products. Weve limited a little bit, and we have adapted a little bit. We are trying to make sure all of the agencies have access to the product, Lindsay said. We are still going out to our mobile distributions. Were still giving out food. Were currently working on different ways to find funding to bring in more food to help those agencies that may be struggling budget wise. Tennessee bail bond agents warn of scammers posing as legitimate agents For instance, on Tuesday, the mobile pantry was in Cocke County. Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis estimates that 600 families were served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are doing our best, and we are going to work as hard as we can for our agency partners to make sure they can get the needs they have to meet their neighbors needs, Lindsay said. As school is out, some are concerned the federal cuts could impact the Food for Kids program. Lindsay tells 6 News it will not be impacted. At least one dead after crash on Pellissippi Parkway near Alcoa We do not use USDA products for our Summer Food for Kids program. Our program will be working as usual, Lindsay said. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is taking in donations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. The Williamson County and Cities Health District is reporting a second measles case in Leander. This case involves an unvaccinated adult, who is no longer in the infectious period, and was not in the county when they were infectious. Anyone who might have come in contact with this person is being notified. It is not clear if this case is related to the first Leander measles case last week. That case involved a school-age child who was infectious between May 15 and May 22. The child's parents were not revealing whether the child had traveled or whether the child had been vaccinated. Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent the spread of measles and protect our community, said Dr. Amanda Norwood, Williamson County and Cities Health District's medical director. Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer safe, strong, long-lasting protection. Staying up to date not only safeguards your own health but also helps protect infants, older adults, and others who cannot be vaccinated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health services reported 729 measles cases in the West Texas outbreak as well as 24 other cases throughout the state. Those 24 cases include two in Travis County in February and April and one in Hays County this month. The Hays County case had not traveled to an outbreak area, which made community spread a possibility. "We are waiting, we are being prepared, we are being vigilant," said Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Austin-Travis County public health authority. "We are in communication with our neighboring counties regularly, and we're also in communication with our hospital systems and our health care providers to get them updates. "Everybody is on high alert and everybody is working together with one voice with let's get people vaccinated, and let's get people who we may identify as suspect cases isolated so we can prevent or contain the spread if it should be a case," Walkes said. An infographic on the measles virus is displayed during press conference at the Austin Public Health office. Central Texas has now had five measles cases in three counties. Why is measles so concerning? Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. It spreads by airborne particles and has a 90% infection rate among unvaccinated people exposed to a person with measles. The virus can live on surfaces for two hours after exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also has long-term consequences. "Measles is not just an acute illness," said Dr. Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. It causes "immune amnesia," which means people can lose their immune protection against other diseases. They also can develop swelling of the brain and other complications years later. What should you do if you think you have been exposed? If you think you may have been in close contact with someone who has measles and are unsure of your immunity status: Call your healthcare provider or clinic before showing up in person. Ask your provider if medications or a vaccine is appropriate for you based on your health and vaccination history. Call your county health department to report your exposure. What are the symptoms of measles? Anywhere from seven to 14 days after exposure, initial symptoms may include: Measles, which can cause a rash like shown above, is on the rise in Texas. Cough Runny nose Conjunctivitis Usually a fever of 103 to 104 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four days later: A rash that starts at the head and works its way down the body. The rash can start as sore spots in the mouth. Inflammation of the lungs Pneumonia from a secondary infection Inflammation of the brain How do I know if I have immunity? People born before 1957 are presumed to have immunity because of the amount of measles that was present during that time. People born after that time need to make sure they have been vaccinated with two doses. If you were born between 1957 and 1968, you might not have immunity because the vaccine at the time didn't use a live virus. Vaccine protection does wane over time. You can get a blood test to check your immunity level to be sure. If you have been pregnant in the last 30 years, you have already had your titer check for rubella, which is in the MMR vaccine, and you would have been told if you did not have immunity. How can I get vaccinated? Children typically are given the first dose of the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella when they are 12 months old. They receive a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For vaccinations, contact your primary care provider or go through Austin Public Health or other public health authorities in your county. You can get vaccinated as an adult if you have not been vaccinated previously. In Williamson County, you can look at www.wcchd.org/measles or call 512- 943-3600 to schedule an appointment. Austin Public Health offers vaccinations for free or reduced rates for children and adults who are uninsured or underinsured, or don't have Medicaid. The typical cost is $13 for children and $25 for adults. You can call (512) 972-5520 to make an appointment at the clinics at 405 W. Stassney Lane in South Austin or 7500 Blessing Avenue in Northeast Austin. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Leander has second measles case BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. "Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I cordially congratulate you and all the fraternal people of Azerbaijan on the Independence Day. This holiday symbolizes the national solidarity and creative spirit of Your people, holds lasting importance for further strengthening of the statehood and the sustainable development of the country. I am convinced that under your leadership Azerbaijan will continue to successfully implement its strategy aimed at building a powerful and progressive state, as well as enhancing its prestige on the international stage. It is gratifying that the relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan based on centuries-old friendship are dynamically developing in the spirit of genuine strategic partnership and alliance. I am certain that through our joint efforts, we will build upon our achievements and elevate our multifaceted interstate cooperation to new heights. On this remarkable day, dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I wish you success and new achievements in your responsible state activities for the welfare and prosperity of fraternal Azerbaijan," the letter reads. Guests at Gov. Andy Beshear's Derby eve event mingle in the courtyard of the Old Governor's Mansion in Frankfort, May 2, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Tom Loftus) FRANKFORT, Ky. Again this year, Gov. Andy Beshear has refused to identify friends and political supporters who buy prime tickets to the Kentucky Derby made available by Churchill Downs for the governors entourage. The governors office responded to an Open Records Act request from the Lantern with a letter saying it has no records of who got the tickets or who was invited to Beshears black-tie Derby eve party at the Old Governors Mansion in Frankfort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office referred questions about the tickets and the party to a nonprofit corporation Beshear created at the outset of his administration to act as broker for his Derby tickets and manage the party. But the nonprofit, First Saturday in May Inc., is not covered by the Kentucky Open Records Act. And as it did last year, First Saturday refused the Lanterns request to review details of its income and spending. It ignored the Lanterns questions asking how many tickets it bought this year, the cost of the tickets and to whom the tickets were sold. First Saturday did, however, release a copy of its most recent (2023-24) tax return, which it is required by law to do. The tax return reveals only basic financial information $990,000 in income that year and $965,000 in expenses. First Saturday reported in that tax return that it is a 501(c)(4) charitable organization whose mission is to organize and manage events for the promotion of economic development in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit released a brief statement to the Lantern which noted its role in hosting the states economic development and tourism guests at the Kentucky Derby. But the statement also acknowledged, Additional tickets to the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby were privately purchased from Churchill Downs by the First Saturday in May at no expense to the Commonwealth. This is the only hint from First Saturday of the substantial payments it has received in recent years from Democratic Party groups particularly the Democratic Governors Association, or DGA. The 2025 Kentucky Derby was run as Beshear explores a campaign for president in 2028. Beshears national profile was enhanced in December when his fellow Democratic governors elected him vice chair of the DGA and as chair-elect for 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DGA used the events of Beshears Derby weekend including the private formal party on Derby Eve as a fundraiser this year. And disclosures filed by the association with the Internal Revenue Service show that it has maintained a close relationship with First Saturday in May since Beshear first became governor. The IRS calls 501(c)(4) groups social welfare organizations which are permitted to participate in some political activity as long as politics isnt their primary purpose. The Democratic Governors Association did not respond to numerous phone messages and emails from the Lantern. For its part, Churchill Downs refused to answer questions from the Lantern. Precedent broken Last year the Lantern reported that Beshear broke from the practice of his four immediate predecessors including his father Steve Beshear, governor from 2007-15 by refusing to release lists of those who bought Derby tickets from the allotment set aside by Churchill Downs for the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several news reports dating back to 1999 published lists released by those governors of the people who bought their tickets from a large allotment set aside by Churchill Downs for purchase at face value by the governors guests. The practice was to release lists of actual buyers of the tickets to reporters after the Derby, when the records were no longer considered preliminary. According to those news reports, each year a small portion of those tickets were bought by state government to host official guests job creators and tourism promoters. Most tickets were bought by political donors, lobbyists, administration officials and friends. Guests arrive at the Old Governors Mansion in Frankfort for Gov. Andy Beshears party the evening before the Kentucky Derby, May 2, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Tom Loftus) That is apparently the case this year. The spending search function on state governments Transparency website shows that the state has paid First Saturday $106,291 so far this year apparently for the cost of tickets and related expenses for the official guests. But the number of such official guests job creators and tourism promoters from out of state is not large. The Beshear administration has said 40 such guests were entertained at the 2024 Derby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The past news articles reported that Churchill sold as many as 553 Derby tickets to the governors group while Democrat Paul Patton was governor in 1999, and as few as 237 in 2016 under Republican Matt Bevin. Critics quoted in those articles questioned the propriety of Churchill an entity closely regulated by the state and a massive political donor making so many tickets available to the governor far more tickets than needed for the official state guests. The ability to buy a prime Derby ticket at face value is a rare opportunity. Demand exceeds supply and many Derby fans must go online to the secondary market to buy tickets at high prices set by sellers. Norman Ornstein, an authority on ethics in government and emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, told the Lantern last year that he was not so bothered by this potential conflict of interest. My only question now would be: Why are you not letting us know what other governors have let us know? Ornstein said. First Saturday and the Democratic Governors Association One conclusion that can be drawn from available public records about First Saturday in May is that from its creation it has had a close relationship with the Democratic Governors Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DGA and its affiliated nonprofit group are required to file finance reports with the Internal Revenue Service. Those reports show that since First Saturday in May was created in 2019 through the end of 2024 the DGA has paid it $491,000. (The specific payments were: $105,000 in January 2022; $172,200 in February 2023; $37,300 in April 2023; $26,500 in March 2024. Also, a DGA affiliated non-profit named America Works USA reported that it made a $150,000 grant to First Saturday in early 2020.) The DGA is not required to disclose its receipts and spending for the first half of 2025 until July. The Lexington Herald-Leader reported in April that the DGA used Derby weekend as a fundraising opportunity. Unlike his four predecessors, including his father, Steve Beshear, left, Gov. Andy Beshear has refused to disclose who buys coveted Derby tickets from the allotment that Churchill Downs sets aside for the governor. The Beshears were photographed on election night, 2023. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) An invitation obtained by the Lexington Herald-Leader said that for a $15,000 donation ($25,000 for two people) a guest would get a ticket to the Oaks, the Derby and the Beshears gala at the Old Governors Mansion. The gala was not exclusively for the DGA donors and the states economic development guests. Beshear Communications Director Crystal Staley said, Many different people from a variety of groups attend the gala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DGAs fundraiser invitation offered the opportunity for donors to not only party with Beshear, but also three other Democratic governors: The 2024 Democratic nominee for vice president Tim Walz of Minnesota, Maura Healey of Massachusetts and Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico. Last year a DGA spokesperson told the Lantern that the DGA has hosted events in Kentucky on Derby weekend for many years. Besides the DGA, other political groups have made payments to First Saturday. The Kentucky Democratic Party has reported to the FEC that it has paid a total of $99,370 since May of 2022 to First Saturday. And the Democratic Attorneys General Association has disclosed to the IRS that it has paid First Saturday $24,400. New leadership for First Saturday in May First Saturday in May Inc. was formed by Beshear soon after his first inauguration in December 2019. It was not a unique idea; governors going back to Paul Patton had created similar nonprofits to handle expenses of their Derby activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records of Kentuckys secretary of state show that in mid-February this year, the leadership of the nonprofit changed. Lindy Karns, Beshears CPA who also has served as treasurer of his campaign committees, is no longer treasurer and contact person for First Saturday. Jack Dulworth, a Louisville businessman and longtime Beshear supporter, moved from the presidents job to vice president. The new president is Jonathan Smith, who has worked closely with Beshear since Beshears 2015 campaign for attorney general. (Officers of First Saturday receive no salaries, according to the organizations tax returns.) Smith resigned last year as deputy chief of staff in the governors office. At the time of his resignation, the Herald-Leader reported that Smith is seen by many political insiders as a liaison between Beshear and others in the political world. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) A security camera captured an unexpected visitor hiding underneath a local mans work van. The video shared with FOX 8 by Jennifer Thevenin in Middleburg Heights shows the van pulling out of the familys driveway shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday morning. Beneath, where the van had been sitting, a baby deer is curled up in a ball. $500,000 scratch-off ticket sold at local grocery store Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We think he was using the engine for warmth. My husband didnt even know it was there when he drove off! said Thevenin. She wants to encourage others in Northeast Ohio to check beneath their cars, especially this time of year, as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources says wildlife reproduction is at its peak. It is common for female deer in urban areas to place fawns around homes, backyards, or flower beds. The mother placed it there because she felt it would be safe (often intentionally near humans), notes the ODNR on its website. Local group pushing to eliminate property taxes Wildlife experts encourage people to keep their distance from wildlife that may appear abandoned or orphaned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unless something seems amiss, keep your distance and leave them alone. Human intervention is always a wild animals LAST hope for survival, NEVER its best hope, writes the ODNR. As for deer, wildlife experts note that fawns are born nearly scentless to protect them from predators. A mother deer leaving her fawn is another form of protection. To protect her fawn, the mother will spend very little time with it. This is to prevent attracting predators to the fawns location. She will leave her fawn in various hiding places for long periods of time, returning several times a day to nurse it, explains the ODNR. Thevenin said that when she took her daughter to the bus stop a couple of hours later, the baby deer was still there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The baby seems not injured and was moving his/her ears and tail when we were looking out the window. I had to drive around it when I left the garage to go to work! said Thevenin. To learn more about orphaned and injured wildlife in Ohio and how to best help them, 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 8 Cleveland WJW. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is on a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) list of institutions set for grant termination. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Modeling for infectious disease research, vaccine education programs, a rural mental health program, disinformation research and a project developing evacuation route technology for active shooter scenarios are among the federally funded grants at Tennessee universities terminated by the Trump administration. The University of Tennessee system reported losing $37.7 million in funding for 42 grants earlier this month, the majority of which came from grants for the UT Institute of Agriculture. Six grants remain pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine partial stop work orders are in effect, preventing portions of projects from being completed but not impacting the total award, according to University of Tennessee spokesperson Melissa Tindell. The university released a full list of its federal grants on Wednesday. Middle Tennessee State University reported losing roughly $640,000 due to 10 grant terminations, encompassing grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences and the Tennessee Department of Health. Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, East Tennessee State University and the University of Memphis did not respond to requests for a list of terminated grants. Records maintained by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) list millions more in grant cuts at those schools, but data posted to the DOGE website is imperfect. For example, DOGEs website lists only one terminated grant at MTSU: a roughly $305,000 National Science Foundation grant for the development of a Framework for Integrating Technology for Equity. While this is among MTSUs terminated grants, several others are not listed in DOGEs data, including a program that supported students with disabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), archeological research at Fort Negley and research on COVID-19 health disparities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the grant recipients The Alliance of Students with Disabilities for Inclusion, Networking, and Transition Opportunities in STEM stated on its website that its NSF funding terminated on May 2, due to the alignment of our work with the agencys evolving priorities. This decision does not reflect the quality or importance of the work weve done together work that has empowered students with disabilities and advanced equity in STEM across the country, the website states. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the selection process for terminated grants. Broadly, President Donald Trumps executive orders have included orders to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion discrimination in the federal workforce, and in federal contracting and spending. Trumps administration has also taken aim at Biden-era climate policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 42 grants terminated across the University of Tennessee system, nearly 40% referenced diversity, inclusion, minorities, race, underserved or marginalized groups, sexuality or gender in their titles. Five terminated grants mentioned infectious disease or immunization in their titles, and COVID-19 disparities or prevention efforts were specifically mentioned in three. Impact not limited to college campuses Cuts to collegiate research can have impacts far beyond their fields. Most basic, foundational research is done in the academic sphere, according to Alexandra Graddy-Reed, an associate professor at the University of Southern Californias Sol Price School of Public Policy. Its more difficult to tell if this type of research will be profitable, so about 60% of this type of research is funded by the federal government rather than industries or nonprofits, she said. Without the federal government funding academic research, it would drastically decrease what we can accomplish, Graddy-Reed said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A portion of the University of Tennessees terminated grants deal with COVID-19 disparities. Graddy-Reed used this as an example of potential long-term implications. If you look at COVID in particular, Vanderbilt was one of the first organizations leading to a vaccine through their research, but that research wasnt just started in 2020, right? she said. It was decades in the making. When you stop that basic research, when you stop understanding how pandemics spread, how they impact our populations, when the next pandemic hits, we are not as prepared to address the issue, Graddy-Reed said. Terrell Morton, an assistant professor of identity and justice in STEM education at the University of Illinois Chicagos School of Education, had similar concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things that people talk about is this concept of brain drain, or the idea that as a country, were going to lose a lot of the rich innovation, because colleges and universities are sort of the main driving sites for research-based innovation, Morton said. Researchers at MTSU and University of Tennessee declined interviews. Regarding the termination of multiple grants that included a focus on minorities, Morton said science has shown that the experiences, the needs and the outcomes of people differ based off of not only things like their race, but also their gender, their socioeconomic status, whether or not they live in an urban or rural or suburban neighborhood. Morton highlighted the National Science Foundations authority to engage in broader impacts work, which can include increasing participation of women, people with disabilities and underrepresented minorities in STEM, according to NSFs website. Morton said that also includes veterans and people from rural communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you remove federal funding from grants that explore things like the implications of rurality on mental health, then theres not going to be any knowledge or resources generated to help people in rural spaces that dont have access to high-quality health care or dont have access to high-quality mental health services, he said. Further implications stretch to the economy less funding means less support for graduate students, research technicians, and publication editors. Less funding also means fewer researchers attending professional conferences, booking hotels and meeting space and supporting the service industry in conference locations, Morton said. One of the things that people talk about is this concept of brain drain, or the idea that as a country, were going to lose a lot of the rich innovation, because colleges and universities are sort of the main driving sites for research-based innovation. Terrell Morton, University of Illinois Chicago Graddy-Reed said less research funding can erode an institutions ability to provide the infrastructure and equipment needed to do research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Science is Americas competitive advantage, and we rely heavily on government funding for that, she said. If that gets cut, were in decline as a society, but so is our competitive advantage in the global economy. While grant funding cuts were catalyzed by politics, Morton said these cuts impact everyone, regardless of their political affiliation. He said hes hopeful that people will see the results not from a political perspective but from a practical one: what benefits the nation and its communities. In my opinion, what truly benefits our nation and our communities are research and scientific explorations that can help develop new innovations and outcomes that elevate the life, the liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of our people, he said. Explore terminated grants Terminated grants at MTSU include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (Mid-Level Alliance) TLSAMP NSF Includes Alliance: The Alliance of Students with Disabilities for Inclusion, Networking, and Transition Opportunities in STEM Race, Religion, and STEM: (Examining the Intersections for Black Students) Collaborative Research: Framework for Integrating Technology for Equity Archaeological and Ethnographic Field Research at Fort Negley (in Nashville) An Investigation of Virtual Reality Initiatives and Workforce Development Outcomes in Libraries The Works of Anne de Graville: A New Edition and English Translation Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases Building and Strengthening Epidemiology, Laboratory and Health Information Systems Capacity A-IP19-1901 Immunization and Vaccines for Children Covid Vaccination Pods TN Covid-19 Health Disparities Initiative SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Huge cuts: According to a letter that will officially be released later today, from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to federal agencies, Harvard University's remaining federal grants and contracts (worth roughly $100 million) will be cut. This is in addition to the $3.2 billion worth of frozen grants and contracts. "Examples of contracts that would be affected, according to a federal database, include a $49,858 National Institutes of Health contract to investigate the effects of coffee drinking and a $25,800 Homeland Security Department contract for senior executive training," reports The New York Times. "Being a counterparty with the federal government comes with the deep responsibility and commitment to abide by all federal laws and ensure the safeguarding of taxpayer money," reads the letter. "As fiduciaries to the taxpayer, the government has a duty to ensure that procurement dollars are directed to vendors and contractors who promote and champion principles of nondiscrimination and the national interest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "GSA understands that Harvard continues to engage in race discrimination, including in its admissions process and in other areas of student life.Harvard is suspected of engaging in a pattern or practice of disparate treatment in hiring, promotion, compensation, and other personnel related actions." Harvard will, of course, push back in court; it's already filed suit in an attempt to restore $3 billion in federal funds. But the Trump administration keeps antagonizing it, also pushing forward a plan to begin to tax its endowment. Pulling federal funds from universities will undoubtedly save the taxpayer money, and with endowments like these, was it really important for taxpayers to subsidize these schools in the first place? Still, the Trump administration hasn't exactly gone about this in a detached, principled way: It has, at times, decided to fight an ideological battle, such as with investigations into the school's handling of pro-Palestinian/anti-Israel protests on campus. Foreign students also a target: The president has also, of late, decided he has a real issue with international students, which comprise nearly 30 percent of Harvard's student body: "Why isn't Harvard saying that almost 31% of their students are from FOREIGN LANDS, and yet those countries, some not at all friendly to the United States, pay NOTHING toward their student's education, nor do they ever intend to," he wrote on Truth Social. "Nobody told us that! We want to know who those foreign students are, a reasonable request since we give Harvard BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, but Harvard isn't exactly forthcoming. We want those names and countries. Harvard has $52,000,000, use it, and stop asking for the Federal Government to continue GRANTING money to you!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This broadside comes "comes two days after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration from being able to revoke the university's ability to enroll international students," per NPR. ("This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus," said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem when announcing on May 22 that DHS would be revoking its ability to enroll foreign studentsan aggressive overreach of state power.) Contra the president's Truth Social post, foreign governments aren't obligated to pay for their citizens' educations abroad, and these students who come to the U.S. are, in fact, paying tuition to the institutions that are educating them. American universities have historically been a means of spreading soft power abroad and inculcating our values. American companies hiring foreigners post-graduation creates brain drain, which helps us maintain a competitive advantage. (Of course, there's an espionage risk when students and workers are poorly vettedan issue that has cropped up, oddly, time and time again in New York City politics. But that risk can and should be mitigated.) It's classic Trump administration: It's all a mixed bag, where the taxpayer might be saved some money, and a longstanding government function might be no longer, but there's a hefty side of xenophobia and government overreach that renders it all a lot less palatable. A more neutral approach based on restoring federal funds to their proper role, not punishing disfavored institutions, would be better (and possibly more likely to hold up in court). Scenes from New York: A parenting universe that has lost any sense of perspective: "Spying, snitching, AirTagging toddlers A Nanny Diariesstyle Facebook group is a breeding ground for paranoid Upper East Side moms." More from Air Mail. QUICK HITS Beautiful tribute: I have the privilege of knowing many Gold Star families, to carry the memories of their loved ones on my wrist and in my heart throughout the year. I flew back to the U.S. today from Poland, where we saw the sites of the worst humanity has to offer Treblinka, Mejdanek, pic.twitter.com/NXYtu47yiH Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) May 27, 2025 "The Justice Department has reached a deal with Boeing that will allow the airplane giant to avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly misleading U.S. regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before two of the planes crashed and killed 346 people, according to court papers filed Friday," reports the Associated Press. Under the agreement, which is not final yet, "Boeing would pay or invest more than $1.1 billion, including an additional $445 million for the crash victims' families, the Justice Department said. In return, the department has agreed to dismiss the fraud charge against Boeing, allowing the manufacturer to avoid a possible criminal conviction that could have jeopardized the company's status as a federal contractor, according to experts." "Apple Inc. shares are coming off their longest selloff in more than three years, as escalating attacks from the White House threaten to further erode the company's profit outlook, suggesting the stock's struggles this year are far from over," reports Bloomberg. "President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to levy a 25% tariff on the company's products if it doesn't shift iPhone production to the US. Shares fell 3% to end the week, their eighth straight negative session, the longest such selloff since January 2022." Yes: Isn't the point of a credit score measuring how reliably the scored person pays his debts? https://t.co/IZM5vIEzBC Charles Fain Lehman (@CharlesFLehman) May 27, 2025 The post Seizing Harvard's Federal Funds appeared first on Reason.com. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. As Robert Statler progressed through the Johnstown Fire Department ranks from firefighter to driver to captain to training officer to assistant chief and ultimately to chief he always believed that if he had done his job right and led by example, then he had already properly trained the person who was replacing him. Now, as his time with the JFD is coming to an end, Statler jokingly said, Nobody trained me for retirement, though. Statlers last working day is scheduled to be Friday, after 29 years with the department. He has been the chief since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just got to the point when, as time went along, I found myself doing other things Ive been wanting to do stuff outside work more than I wanted to be here, Statler said in an interview at his office. It was kind of a decent time. I figured Id get out before I drive myself crazy. Statler, 59, also spent nine years as a professional paramedic before joining the JFD. Forty years in emergency services kind of wears on you, Statler said. I want to relax for a little bit and not have to worry about too much of anything. Johnstown Fire Department Chief Robert Statler Johnstown Fire Department Chief Robert Statler talks about his decision to retire during an interview in his office on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding what is next, Statler said he has a summer honey-do list, but otherwise said he has no real plans other than relaxing for a while. Kinda in the blood Statler, from Paint Borough, started volunteer firefighting as a young man with the Windber Fire Department. He is a fourth-generation member of that department, for which his grandfather served as chief for almost two decades. Statlers original helmet and a picture of the Windber firefighters from 1917 still hung on his office wall during his final days with the JFD. Capt. Anthony Henry and Chief Robert Statler Johnstown Fire Department Capt. Anthony Henry and Chief Robert Statler, right, confer at the site of a truck accident at the Stone Bridge in Johnstown on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said being a fireman is kinda in the blood. This is a job that Ive always wanted to do, Ive always enjoyed, Statler said. In retirement, he plans to still volunteer with Windber, while also being in charge of the Cambria County Swift Water Rescue Team, participating in the Pittsburgh-based Pennsylvania Urban Search & Rescue team and teaching through Bucks County Community College. Youre the middle man Statler has overseen a department with 29 full-time and six part-time firefighters who respond to about 3,000 calls per year. The department deals with numerous types of incidents fires, traffic accidents, overdoses, medical issues and storm-related matters while also being involved in codes enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He acquired grant funding to purchase equipment, briefly served as co-city manager, acted as the citys emergency director and served as a liaison between the firefighters and governmental officials. As fire chief, I kind of take it that Im the middle man between City Hall and my guys, Statler said. Ive got to carry out the work that City Hall wants me to carry out and get my guys to kind of want to do that job. Youre the middle man to some extent. I think it makes it a little bit easier for me you can talk to my guys but we work as more of a group. I dont necessarily treat anybody as my minor. Johnstown City Manager Art Martynuska, a city firefighter from 1990 to 2010, described Statler as a great firefighter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a go-getter, and aggressive, educated, did very well on the fire ground. Obviously, he served the community extremely well and is a helluva good guy, Martynuska said. Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro Tours Johnstown Public Safety Building Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (center) along with his wife Lori (left) and State Rep. Frank Burns (right), D-East Taylor, talk with Johnstown Fire Department Chief Robert Statler during a tour of the citys public safety building on Washington Street in downtown Johnstown on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. International Association of Fire Fighters Local 463 President Eric Miller described Statler as being great for the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes always been there for everybody, said Miller, who was trained by Statler. A new department Martynuska is now charged with selecting a new chief. The position has ben advertised among the departments four assistant chiefs Jim McCann, Randy Novosel, Ed Mick Miller and Jim Boyle. When asked if he would like the next chief to come from in-house, Martynuska said, That seems to work out very well. I would like to do that without a doubt. Id like to have an interim in there right before the end of (Statlers) tenure so we can have some transition there. No matter who is selected to become Johnstowns 20th fire chief, Miller said, Its going to be a new department with Statlers departure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conemaugh Township EMS & Northern E.M.S Merger Northern E.M.S. in Windber board member and Johnstown Fire Department Chief Robert Statler talks about the merger of the two medical transport services at Conemaugh Township EMS facility on Tire Hill Road on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Statler is also leaving with a bit of advice for his successor. Just treat everybody fair and move forward; dont try to continue what Im doing, Statler said. Do what you feel needs done and just try to progress the department. More than 90,000 customers in Texas were still without power as of 12:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, as severe storms continued to pummel the area. That figure is down from earlier Tuesday morning, when around 130,000 customers did not have power. The outages have been clearing up throughout the morning, according to PowerOutage.us, a platform that tracks national power outages. Heavy rain, hail and violent winds over Memorial Day weekend are behind the widespread power outages across the state, particularly in the greater Houston area and nearby counties. PowerOutage.us reports that over 71,000 CenterPoint Energy clients and more than 23,000 Entergy clients were without power as of 10:30 a.m. ET. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thunderstorms are expected to continue hitting areas throughout southeastern Texas into Louisiana and Mississippi on Tuesday as severe weather from the holiday weekend continues to move eastward. The National Weather Service reports that the Weather Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk level of 2 out of 5 for the thunderstorms throughout Texas that will continue into Thursday morning, with frequent lightning, severe wind, hail and potentially a few tornadoes. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activated state emergency response resources on Monday, telling residents the state was ready to deploy all necessary resources to support Texans as severe storms move across our state. Texans are urged to remain weather-aware, regularly check road conditions, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones, Abbott wrote in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Texas residents have captured significant elements from the thunderstorms: An X user in north-central Texas took photos of hail larger than a softball, and in Austin, someone filmed a video of the intense lightning strikes during a storm Monday night. The Weather Prediction Center has placed southeastern New Mexico, parts of southwestern Texas and areas across Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia on a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms through Wednesday. The center also warned that some areas in Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia could experience flooding from the storms. The weather service advises residents to be ready to shelter indoors before storms hit and to set up multiple ways to receive as many weather warnings as possible. Shaheen: Already signs of declining tourism inquiries from Canada U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., led a bipartisan Senate delegation to Canada last week with meet with new Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet. U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said Tuesday some North Country inns have already reported slumping inquiries from potential Canadian visitors since President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on its neighbor to the north. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owners of Settlers Green Outlet Village in Conway told Shaheen at a chamber forum that visits to the website from Canadians are down 75% from what they have been in the past. Another business owner said its inquiries were down 66%, Shaheen said. We dont want that to continue, Shaheen said during a telephone interview. Last week, Shaheen led a bipartisan delegation of five senators to go to Ottawa and meet with new Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet. Carney spoke positively about the Oval Office meeting he had with Trump last month, Shaheen said. Four of the five senators on the trip came from border states with Canada, which was either the number one or two trading partner with their home state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concern about trade is if Canada is no longer doing business with our states, they are going to go elsewhere and we are going to lose out on those business relationships, Shaheen said. The U.S. Senate did approve legislation to overturn the emergency declarations Trump used to announce his tariffs. This was merely a message since the Republican-led U.S. House wont support it, Shaheen said. Congress is not happy with what the president is doing on Canada and we need to continue to insist that he reassess and work to maintain the strong relationship we have always had, Shaheen said. Several of Carneys cabinet members served in the previous Justin Trudeau-led government and Shaheen said she worked with them while attending an annual security forum on Halifax Island. Those connections are really important, Shaheen added. klandrigan@unionleader.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occassion of May 28th - Independence Day, Trend reports. The letter reads: "Your Excellency, It is my profound privilege to share my warmest congratulations to you and the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of your Independence Day. The people of Israel join me in celebrating the bonds of friendship between our two nations. Here in Jerusalem, there is a deep appreciation for our strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, which provides an anchor of stability for both Israel and our region. You have made it a priority to strive for regional peace, turning Azerbaijan into an important crossroads for dialogue and diplomacy. Under your leadership, Azerbaijan has become a shining example of economic progress and prosperity. Your nation serves as a beautiful model of religious tolerance and understanding, where all walks of life coexist in harmony. Indeed, at a time when Anti-Semitism is spreading around the world, Azerbaijan is a shining demonstration of our collective potential to live together in harmony. Michal and I will always cherish our time visiting your beautiful country, and I am committed to using my term in the office of the presidency to build on our strong foundation of friendship to further expand our bilateral relations. The opportunities to advance our shared goals are bountiful, including in critical fields such as security, innovation, energy, and commerce. As you mark this Year of Constitution and Sovereignty, please know that the State of Israel cheers your successes and celebrates your achievements. Once again, on this day of pride, it is my true pleasure to offer my sincere congratulations and hopes for the continued peace and prosperity for the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people. Yours sincerely, and warm regards to my friend!" Ethan Suarezs clinic has been on the frontlines of Central Floridas HIV battle, offering free rapid tests at community events and health fairs so people can know their status. But as President Donald Trumps administration implements sweeping public health cuts, hes watching in horror as such initiatives go on the budget chopping block. Their loss could have far-reaching consequences for Florida, one of the nations hotspots for new HIV infections, said Suarez, CEO of Pineapple Healthcare, a nonprofit clinic with offices in Orlando, Kissimmee and Lakeland. HIV affects everyone, he said. It is not a gay or straight disorder. It is a silent disease almost until were into the very late stages. So with us not knowing, youre actually going to cost the taxpayer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic members of Floridas congressional delegation are worried, too. They are asking the Trump administration to reinstate $2.5 billion in public health grants awarded to Florida, including about $42 million in HIV research grants. An Orlando Sentinel review found that about $1.7 billion of those terminated grants had already been spent, but hundreds of millions of dollars in outstanding funds are being clawed back by the federal government. These grants support vital public health initiatives, including childhood immunizations, infectious disease control, mental health programs, and HIV prevention and treatment, Central Florida Reps. Maxwell Frost and Darren Soto wrote in the joint letter with six other representatives. The federal governments list of terminated grants include projects at Florida universities to increase the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis that is a pill or shot that can drastically lower a persons chance of contracting HIV in Latino gay men and another to diagnose, treat, and prevent HIV infections in adolescents and young adults. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia sued in April to halt $11 billion in public health cuts, and a judge granted a preliminary injunction putting the brakes on those reductions. Florida was not among the states in the lawsuit, and its unclear what the status is of its terminated grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida HIV cases increasing and many people dont know they have it The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services acknowledged receipt of the letter from the congressional delegation but didnt comment on the specific concerns. The Florida Department of Health did not respond to a request for comment on the status of its HIV prevention programs. Suarez said he learned a few months ago that the state Health Department would no longer fund HIV testing supplies or condoms for his clinic starting July 1. Pineapple Healthcare was able to absorb the $20,000 expense to purchase the kits on its own, but Suarez said he fears others may not have the resources to pick up the tab and will need to charge patients. Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV + Hepatitis Policy Institute, said he is alarmed by what he is seeing in Washington, from the termination of research grants to the elimination of 200 HIV prevention staffers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A leaked budget document suggests even deeper cuts to HIV surveillance and prevention could be in the works, he said in an email. A budget blueprint released earlier this month by the White House keeps most existing HIV care and treatment programs intact, but it still would inflict massive cuts to public health programs, including prevention and disease surveillance efforts, according to Schmids group. People are just waiting for the next shoe to drop. We are on shaky ground right now and very concerned, Schmid said. The federal government, he added, looks to be targeting research involving certain populations, such as Latino and Black gay men or transgender people. Bakari Burns, CEO of Orange Blossom Family Health in Orlando, said his clinic received a letter from billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency scrutinizing expenses related to a grant for HIV prevention in Black and Latino men. The funds arrived later than usual, which Burns said could cause problems for providers without sufficient reserves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of these programs are in some of the underserved areas, said Burns, an Orlando city commissioner. Oftentimes, these are the only resources they have access to. I am concerned we will have less testing and that could potentially lead to an uptick in the number of new infections. During his first term, Trump vowed to end the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030. The country seemed on the right track, posting a 12% decline nationally in new infections from 2018 to 2022, according to the CDC. Lately, though, Trump has turned his attention to slashing government grant programs, particularly those seen as furthering diversity, equity and inclusion. White House officials say they are going after unnecessary government contracts and grants that do not serve the national interest. Meanwhile, Florida has one of the highest rates of new HIV cases in the nation, and Orange Countys rate is even higher than the states, according to Aidsvu.org, which visualizes HIVs impact using public health data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 14,850 HIV-diagnosed people are living in the Orlando metro area, according to the groups analysis of 2022 data, the latest available. Suarez said HIV-related public health efforts are even more vital in a place that draws tourists from all over the United States and the world. We interact with these people when were out in the community, so not only are we affecting people in Orange County, were affecting people all across the world, he said. Seattle SuperSonics legend Shawn Kemp has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault for his involvement in a shooting outside the Tacoma Mall in 2023. Kemp changed his plea on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. He was initially charged with two counts of first-degree assault. Kemp has no previous criminal convictions, so the conviction carries a three to nine-month prison sentence. Its a punishment the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorneys office sees as acceptable because Kemp accepted responsibility, according to their communications manager, Adam Faber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a sentence thats appropriate for the conduct he committed, but it is a felony, it is a strike offense, and we certainly want people to understand you cant come down to our mall and start firing and not see some consequences for that, said Faber, noting no one was injured in the incident. The plea comes with an open recommendation meaning a sentence was not set as part of the agreement. Kemps attorneys say that leaves the possibility for Kemp to advocate for no prison time. Shawn has learned a tremendous amount throughout this process. In the months and years ahead, he will continue to dedicate himself to advocating for youths in the community and also speak to the impacts of his decisions that he made in this incident, attorneys Aaron Kiviat and Tim Leary said in a statement. Kemp is a one-third owner in the dispensaries that bear his name: Kemp Cannabis. The conviction of a Class B felony means the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board will consider the crime when renewing his marijuana business license. A spokesperson for the WALCB said that his co-owners could also use it to remove Kemp from the license. Calls and emails to the co-owners were not returned at the time of this posting. What happened Kent was accused of shooting at two people at a Tacoma Mall parking lot in 2023. Kemp has maintained that the two people he targeted broke into his car and stole several items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was undisputed that Dajaun Jackson and Joshua Puente were in possession of Mr. Kemps stolen property while driving a stolen vehicle. Both had a significant history of crimes of dishonesty. Further, Mr. Jackson committed a drive-by shooting just four months after this incident and currently is serving a lengthy prison sentence, Kiviat and Leary said in a statement. He tracked them down through his stolen cell phone. When officers arrived, Kemp claimed he fired in self-defense. On March 8, 2023, just before 2 p.m., officers responded to reports of shots fired in the parking lot of the Tacoma Mall at the 4500 block of S. Steele St. No injuries were reported. Officers located Kemp, who had allegedly fired the shots on Tacoma Mall property, detaining him without incident. The people Kemp was shooting at fled the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for Kemp claimed he acted out of self-defense, opening fire while trying to retrieve his stolen cell phone and other items. He had a black pistol and fired five-to-10 shots at the subject in the four-runner, a 911 call told TMZ. Kemp was released from police custody, but was charged in April in connection with an incident at the Tacoma Mall where he allegedly fired a handgun. According to court documents, Kemp was charged with one count of first-degree assault. Officers found a .357 caliber revolver after responding to reports of shots fired at the mall. According to Kemp and his defense team, his car had been prowled earlier that morning while it was at the Showbox in Seattle. Kemp never called 911. Instead, he allegedly tracked his stolen items due to his stolen phone still having its location turned on, leading him to the Tacoma Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said when he approached the SUV with his stolen phone, the rear passenger window came down, and a single shot was fired at him. According to court documents, Kemp said thats when he retreated to his car and fired two shots back. However, police obtained a video that showed Kemp firing as soon as he got out of his car. Kemp will be sentenced on Aug. 22. The plea agreement between the parties is for an open sentencing recommendation, meaning each side is free to make its own recommendation to the judge at the sentencing hearing, explained Adam Faber with the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aaron Kiviat and Tim Leary, attorneys for Shawn Kemp, shared the following statement on behalf of Kemp following todays plea: Shawn is committed to moving forward in a positive direction. The Pierce County Prosecutors Office presented him with an offer that allowed him to take responsibility, but also recognized the self-defense aspects of how this incident transpired. It was undisputed that Dajaun Jackson and Joshua Puente were in possession of Mr. Kemps stolen property while driving a stolen vehicle. Both had a significant history of crimes of dishonesty. Further, Mr. Jackson committed a drive-by shooting just four months after this incident and currently is serving a lengthy prison sentence. The agreement allows for Mr. Kemp to ask for a sentence of no jail time based upon the actions of Mr. Jackson and Mr. Puente. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shawn has learned a tremendous amount throughout this process. In the months and years ahead, he will continue to dedicate himself to advocating for youths in the community and also speak to the impacts of his decisions that he made in this incident." Frank Sumrall at MyNorthwest.com contributed to the background of this story. Kay Medin, a school teacher, vanished from her rural home in Northern California in 1987 Her disappearance was deemed suspicious Medin's remains were found in rural Humboldt County and later on a beach near Trinidad Head California authorities received the missing person report on August 3, 1987. Nickolas Medin reported that he had gone on a business trip and his 48-year-old wife Kay Josephine Medin was missing when he returned to their Hyampom home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trinity County Sheriffs Office searched the property and the surrounding woods and area but there were no signs of the elementary school teacher. Friends and family were interviewed but no significant clues emerged. She never showed up at school, Humboldt County Sheriffs Office cold case investigator Mike Fridley, who is investigating the case, tells PEOPLE. They checked, they contacted her school, and they said that she seemed to be in good spirits and happy and she didn't have any medical issues or anything. So that's what obviously made everybody wonder what the heck happened. Her stuff is still at the house. Her car's there. She just disappeared. Her disappearance from the rural Northern California community was deemed suspicious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, on November 25, 1987, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office received a gruesome package in the mail. The box contained skeletal remains and an anonymous letter with a map leading to a location of more remains, says Fridley. 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 map gave directions to a location near Ammon Ridge Road in Eastern Humboldt County. It's very straightforward and generic, he says about the letter. There, detectives found more remains and were able to positively identify them to Kay using dental records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remains were not buried. A death certificate was issued for Kay the following year in 1988. Who may have written the letter is still considered a mystery. It could go either way, says Fridley. It could have just been somebody that was deer hunting or didn't want to get involved or could be the killer. Who knows. The case took another twist on Feb. 16, 1993, when the Fortuna Police Department contacted the Humboldt County deputies with yet another gruesome discovery. This time, a partial skull was found on the beach near Trinidad Head, about 150 miles away from where Kays earlier remains were discovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a DNA sample was taken and entered in the California Missing Person DNA Database and the National Unidentified Person DNA index but there was no match. The Humboldt County Sheriffs Office received Community Project Funding from Congressman Jared Huffmans Office to clear the backlog of unidentified human remains cases and sent the partial skull found on the beach to the private forensic lab Othram Inc. for genetic genealogy testing. Othram later determined that the skull likely belonged to Kay in Sept. 2024. Investigators spoke to Kays daughter and obtained a DNA sample from her. In early May 2025, the California Department of Justice confirmed the skull belonged to Kay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, says Fridley, he is hoping someone comes forward with information to help him solve the case. Im just looking for somebody that might have information that could help with the case, he says. That maybe somebody has some information that could get this case going again. And you know, a lot of times as time goes by people might come forward and talk to us that were reluctant to do that back then. Nickolas Medin died in August 2018, he says. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office at 707-441-3024. Read the original article on People A sheared fire hydrant triggered a massive geyser of water spewing into high-voltage power lines Monday in the northeastern San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Shadow Hills. Officials with the Los Angeles Fire Department received reports of the incident, in the 9200 block of North Sunland Boulevard, north of La Tuna Canyon Road just before 6 p.m. Details are limited and its unclear if the hydrant was sheared by a motorist or if a water main burst, causing the explosive and continued stream of water, which was visibly rattling power lines and flooding the street. A sheared hydrant in Shadow Hills doused power lines and forced the closure of an intersection on May 26, 2025. (Citizen) A sheared hydrant in Shadow Hills doused power lines and forced the closure of an intersection on May 26, 2025. (Citizen) A sheared hydrant in Shadow Hills doused power lines and forced the closure of an intersection on May 26, 2025. (Citizen) A sheared hydrant in Shadow Hills doused power lines and forced the closure of an intersection on May 26, 2025. (Citizen) A sheared hydrant in Shadow Hills doused power lines and forced the closure of an intersection on May 26, 2025. (Citizen) A sheared hydrant in Shadow Hills doused power lines and forced the closure of an intersection on May 26, 2025. (Citizen) A sheared hydrant in Shadow Hills doused power lines and forced the closure of an intersection on May 26, 2025. (Citizen) Dozens of images posted to the Citizen App show the geyser shooting water over the top of the lines, dousing numerous transformers and soaking the intersection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12 Mexican migrants jettisoned by pleasure craft arrested in Long Beach Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department, as well as crews with the Department of Transportation cordoned off the intersection, forcing motorists to turn around and find alternate routes to their destinations. Los Angeles Water and Power responded to the area as well and were able to shut the supply of water off, though its unclear if its a temporary patch or if the situation has been resolved. There was no word on whether residents in the area, many of whom came outside to watch the ordeal, lost access to water in their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EDDYVILLE, Iowa The search for a missing boater in the Des Moines River stretched into its second day, with no sign of the man, according to Mahaska County Sheriff Russell Van Renterghem. 47-year-old Waylon Straube, of Eddyville, was thrown from a boat along with 50-year-old Roseanne Benda, of Corydon, around 9:50 a.m. Sunday, according to a news release. Google Earth imagery shows where 310th St. in Eddyville crosses over the Des Moines River. The area is near where the boat may have struck concrete, according to the Sheriff. It is believed the boat may have struck concrete under the water near 310th Street, which caused the pair to be ejected, Sheriff Van Renterghem told WHO 13s Katie Kaplan. Benda was located floating in the river by deputies using a drone. The sheriffs office was then able to connect with nearby fishermen with a boat who were able to navigate to the drones location and pull Benda from the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benda was reportedly unharmed. Multiple law enforcement agencies spent more than 10 hours searching for Straube on Sunday before the effort had to be paused when daylight ran out. The search picked up around 8 a.m. on Monday with multiple boats, many of which were equipped with sonar, said the Sheriff. As of 6 p.m. Monday, the search was ongoing. MAHASKA-NEWS-RELEASEDownload If Straube is not located by sundown on Monday, the search is expected to span into a third 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 who13.com. JEFF DAVIS PARISH, La. (KLFY) A man was found dead in a vehicle in Jeff Davis Parish with no foul play currently. Earlier today deputies with the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriffs Office located a vehicle parked on the side of Highway 90 near Pousson Road. Officials said when they made contact with the vehicle, they located a deceased male inside of the vehicle. JDPSO officials responded to the scene and are still investigating the incident at this time. No foul play is suspected at this time and the name of the individual will not be released due to pending family notification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. NEWTON TWP., Ohio (WKBN) The Trumbull County Sheriffs Office has issued a warning after a series of robbery incidents. Read next: More unruly teens reported at Target Trumbull County Sheriff Michael Wilson said his office is investigating a series of aggravated robberies that have occurred recently at Foster Metro Park in Newton Township. The first incident was reported on May 18 around 1:30 a.m. According to the sheriffs office, a man reported that he went to meet a woman at the park whom he had virtually connected with through a Facebook dating app. But when he got there, three people threatened him at gunpoint. The victim said they took his firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just shy of a week later, another person reported that he was robbed on May 23 around 11:30 p.m. under what authorities describe as similar circumstances and what appeared to be the same group of suspects. This victim said his firearm was also stolen. In both instances, the suspects left the area in either a large SUV or pickup truck. The Trumbull County Sheriffs Office urges the public to remain extra cautious, especially when meeting people from online platforms. If anyone has any information related to these robberies, reach out to the Trumbull County Sheriffs Office at (330) 675-2508. Nadine Grimley contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The Kentucky Auditors Office released the audit report for the 2023 Pulaski County Sheriffs Offices Tax Settlement account, announcing a clean audit with no findings. The report, released Tuesday, looks at the taxes charged, credited and paid for through the Sheriffs Office from Sept. 1, 2023 through Aug. 31, 2024. The auditor noted no instances of noncompliance. The auditor also noted no matters involving internal control over financial reporting and its operation that were considered material weaknesses, the Auditors Office stated in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulaski Sheriff Bobby Jones said that he was pleased with the report. Ill give the credit where its due. My finance officers do a good job in keeping on top of things, and I appreciate all they do, Jones said. The full audit report can be found on the Auditors Office website, auditor.ky.gov. Stand Up Lockport will make its public debut Tuesday with a Niagara County Town Hall event at the Kenan Centers Taylor Theater. The nonpartisan citizens group, formed in response to wide-ranging federal spending cuts mandated by the Trump administration, is aiming to raise awareness of the possible local impacts of those cuts and give a voice to the silent majority of the local electorate. The town hall is part panel discussion, part Q&A. The panelists and their subject areas are: Michelle Roman, education; Alissa Ellman, veterans services; Todd Vaarwerk, chief of public policy at WNY Independent Living, social services; and Carla Speranza, local government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The moderator is Jim Shultz, and the panelists will field general questions from him, specific questions developed by members of Stand Up Lockport, and questions from the audience. The discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. Stand Up Lockport started in March with a conversation among five people, according to Shultz. The group has since grown to more than 100 people who have attended one or more meetings and/or joined in a local protest. Some, like combat veterans Luke Udell and Alissa Ellman, were drawn to Stand Ups centrist orientation. Turned off by the partisan bickering and blaming that permeate social media, they each found relief in face-to-face conversations with people focused on what unites, rather than divides, us. Udell was tipped off to Stand Up by chance as he rode his bike on Niagara Street one day in March and passed by a protest outside Republican U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenneys district office. The retired Army officer stopped to check it out, and although he was skeptical at first, he said, he stayed and talked to enough people to feel reassured it wasnt a partisan thing. When the group gave itself a name and started organizing meetings, he was in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Udell was, and still is, gravely concerned about funding cuts to the Veterans Administration as well as the overall tenor of the Trump administration. Coupled with real threats to services that people deserve, the attacks on our institutions, our democracy, I felt I had to do something, he said. In their biweekly meetings over coffee, members of Stand Up Lockport discuss kitchen table issues how family, friends, neighbors and this community may be affected by reductions in veteran benefits, Medicaid, SNAP, education and other aid and getting updated on the latest developments in Washington, then considering what actions they can take locally. Ultimately, Udell said, their aim is to let our (congressional) representatives know, whats happening is not good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, the newly House of Representatives-approved One Big Beautiful Bill Act takes an ax to Medicaid funding, and the Congressional Budget Office has warned that more than 7.6 million people nationwide will lose their benefits over the next 10 years. Stand Up Lockport has determined that 54,000 residents of Niagara County about 25% of the population are Medicaid recipients. So now, every fourth person I see in the grocery store could lose their health insurance. That could be deadly, Udell said. Alissa Ellman, a disabled Army veteran who was fired from her job at the VA office in Buffalo under a directive of the Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), derides the waste, fraud and abuse excuse for gutting federal agencies and cutting services/direct benefits to citizens, and says bluntly that blame for the cuts belongs to the electorate. We have to take responsibility: its our fault (Trump was elected). If this country fails, we failed, Ellman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The middle, what was called the silent majority in the eighties, needs to speak up now. Our lives, our loved ones lives, will be greatly affected by whats about to happen, she said. We need to start talking about what we agree on: (protecting access to) Social Security, Medicare, benefits that people earned and deserve. Stand Up Lockport gives Ellman a place to focus her energy. I am seething, she acknowledged. But instead of posting on Facebook, I want to actually do something. I think other people joining (Stand Up) feel the same way. Robert Barton said joining Stand Up Lockport was a way just to not feel helpless. His wife Tiffany Barton, who found out about the nascent group, is now leading the action/protest portion of its activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew that we were heading into a dark time with this administration, and Im tired, she said. I cant wait around anymore I have to try to do something. Tiffany Barton said Tenney, whos on the record enthusiastically supporting President Trump and his administration, has been invited to the Niagara County Town Hall. She doubts Tenney will attend, though, so her hope is that fellow concerned citizens will and will get informed enough about the federal cuts and policy changes to address Tenney themselves. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. "Dear Ilham Heydarovich, It gives me great pleasure to extend to you and to the friendly people of the Republic of Azerbaijan my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of your countrys national holiday. Today, under your far-sighted leadership, Azerbaijan is steadily advancing in its development, and countrys prestige continues to grow in the international arena. Tajikistan and Azerbaijan are bound together by historical traditions of friendship and good interaction. The comprehensive and steady development of strategic partnership relations between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan occupies a pivotal place in the system of Tajikistan`s foreign policy priorities. I am confident that through our joint efforts, we will continue to enhance our interstate relations, using the huge potential of our countries. I wish you, dear Ilham Heydarovich, robust health, happiness and new success, and the fraternal people of friendly Azerbaijan peace, well-being and continued prosperity," the letter reads. One person was shot Monday night after a shooting took place in the Little Caesars parking lot in Fresno. Police said multiple shots were fired at 8 p.m. at Fresno and B streets. Officers arrived and found shell casings in the roadway, but didnt find any victims, Fresno police Lt. Zeb Price said. Officers investigated the shooting and saw on surveillance camera a white truck was involved. During the investigation, police received a call of a victim in his 30s with a gunshot wound to the leg at the Vallarta parking lot at Clinton and Weber avenues, Price said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was taken to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition. The truck was at Little Caesars, possibly buying pizza and shooting took place, Price said. We have two, maybe three unknown individuals that fired into the truck and the truck then fled and got on the freeway and ended up here. Price said the victims were already in the truck when the shooting started before arriving in the parking lot the victims were discarding items, according to witnesses. Officers were conducting an investigation in the parking lot. A dark-colored black sedan and a white sedan mightve been involved, but Price said that was preliminary information. It is unknown if the men in the white truck were targeted or the other two vehicles were shooting at each other, Price said. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 559-621-7000. A man was taken to a Fresno hospital Monday morning after he was shot in an apartment. Police said the shooting happened just before 4 a.m. near First Street and Olive Avenue where the victim was shot in the arm. The victim was taken to a local hospital and is expected to be OK. Fresno police Sgt. Diana Trueba Vega said there was a disturbance between a renter and a suspect when it turned physical. The fight turned into a shooting that left the victim wounded after the suspect allegedly fired one shot, Trueba Vega said. The suspect fled on foot. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 559-621-7000. After years of concerns over a dangerous walk to school, there is now a solution for some st. Johns County students. A new Florida law will require a bus to take students living in the St. Johns Forest neighborhood to and from Liberty Pines Academy. Kimberly Reach lives in that neighborhood and has four kids who go to the school. She said she never let her kids walk to school on the sidewalk along County Road 2209, where 9B and St. Johns Parkway meet. That sidewalk is extremely dangerous, said Reach. No kid should have to go on a walk like that, and no parent should have to worry about their kids going to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, the school district cancelled bus service for most of the St. Johns Forest neighborhood when crews built the sidewalk for children to walk to school. But that sidewalk, which was already rebuilt in 2023 because of safety concerns, has now been deemed hazardous by a new bill signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The state law revises what it means to have hazardous walking conditions. For 5 years, there have been life flights, said State Representative Kim Kendall. There have been cars that have flipped over onto the sidewalk. There have been cars that have crashed into the overpass. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Kendall, who introduced the bill, said there have been many accidents in that area, and 5 years ago, when she was approached by some parents raising concerns, she made it a priority to help them get a bus back in their neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day bill drafting opened up, I instantly wrote this bill first through bill drafting, said Kendall. This is one of those times that we needed to be proactive, and I am just so thankful that nothing terrible has happened up to this point that we can get this bill implemented and these kids safely on the school bus. As state law, it will not only help these St. Johns County students, but also those who are experiencing a similar situation in other counties. When I did write this legislation and go through the committee process to hear from other legislators, even Duval County and Orange County and places across the state, they said that this bill will help those students. Which is something Reach is also thrilled to hear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just makes me so happy that this will impact more than just our neighborhood, said Reach. That this can be a positive thing for a number of children . The bill takes effect on July 1st, so students in the St. Johns Forest neighborhood should have a bus starting next school year. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) Hundreds of community members came out to celebrate Memorial Day in downtown Chippewa Falls. As the need was the greatest, they stepped forward and did their duty to defend the freedoms that we enjoy. Never let us forget those who paid so terrible a price to ensure that freedom would be our legacy. What can aid more to ensure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? Who made their breaths A barricade between our country and its foe? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those heroes today we honor are not exclusive to any gender, race or religion. They come from all economic classes and backgrounds. They hail from all 50 states. They are a diverse group, wedded in the belief that America is a nation worth dying for. Paul Lydecki. U.S. Army Vietnam, northern Wisconsin veteran cemetery, Spooner. Laverne Leduc, U.S. Army, Vietnam. Calvary That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain. That this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth. Though their names may fade with the passing generations, may we never forget what they have done. Help us to be worthy of their sacrifice. For God help us be worthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Jill Gralow GHINNI GHINNI, Australia (Reuters) -Farmer Mark Kappa was enjoying his first hot drink in three days as he waited patiently for his meal in front of a food truck run by a Sikh charity, after incessant rain in Australia's southeast cut off towns and forced thousands to evacuate their homes. Melbourne-based Sikh Volunteers Australia travelled nearly 1,200 km (746 miles) to the rural town of Taree in New South Wales, one of the worst-hit from last week's floods in Australia's most populous state, to set up their mobile kitchen in the parking area of a hardware store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They said about 20 minutes or so, I'll tuck in then," Kappa said as the volunteers prepared pasta, rice and vegetarian curry. More than 50,000 people in the Hunter and Mid North coast regions of New South Wales, around 300 km (186 miles) north of Sydney, were isolated last week after fast-rising waters burst river banks, destroyed homes and washed away roads. Five deaths have been linked to the floods. "We've had no power for three days out at the farm. We lost our milk. We lost everything," Kappa said. After serving almost 3,000 fresh meals over the last three days, Sikh Volunteers Australia head Jaswinder Singh said: "In times of disasters, I've seen the spirit of the Australians come even better, closer to each other ... so that's a good thing. That has a very positive impact." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the small space available, the charity has been distributing food neatly packed in small boxes. "To be able to know that you can turn up and just get some food is - it's just heart-warming," said Ashari Hudson, who was picking up food for a friend hit by floods. The Sikh volunteers have provided free food since 2017 during several crises, including bush fires and floods. Australia has been hit with increasing extreme weather events that some experts say are the result of climate change. Following droughts and devastating bushfires at the end of last decade, frequent floods have wreaked havoc since early 2021. (Reporting by Jill Gralow in Ghinni Ghinni; Writing by Renju Jose; Editing by Sonali Paul) SEOUL (Reuters) -Singapore authorities said on Tuesday that an investigation into a Singapore Airlines flight last year that hit turbulence, injuring dozens of people and killing one, was still awaiting analysis of the plane's weather radar systems. A 73-year-old passenger died of a suspected heart attack in the incident, which occurred after flight SQ321 from London to Singapore encountered what the airline described as sudden, extreme turbulence while flying over Myanmar. It was civil aviation's first death linked to airplane turbulence in 25 years and put seatbelt practices in the spotlight. It also prompted calls from the airline industry for improved turbulence forecasting as experts warn severe weather patterns brought about by climate change could lead to more incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An interim update of the investigation on Tuesday said that, in addition to the death, 79 people were injured on the flight, which diverted to Bangkok with 211 passengers and 18 crew members aboard. The short update from Singapore's Transport Safety Investigation Bureau, part of the transport ministry, was released a week after the one-year anniversary of the May 21, 2024 incident. The ministry said a final report would be issued once the investigation is complete. "Components of the aircraft's weather radar system have been sent for examination and tests in the U.S.," the interim update said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Global aviation guidelines call for an initial report within 30 days of an accident and a final one ideally within a year. Failing that, investigators should issue interim statements on each anniversary. In a preliminary report last year, the transport ministry said rapid changes in gravitational forces over 4.6 seconds resulting in an altitude drop of 178 feet (54 m) likely caused passengers and crew to become airborne and then fall, causing the injuries. Passengers on the flight, speaking after the incident, said that crew and those not strapped in left the floor or their seats and slammed into the cabin ceiling, cracking it in places. The Bangkok hospital that treated passengers said there were spinal cord, brain and skull injuries. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Joe Bavier) SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Sioux Citys Planned Parenthood will be shutting down once again, nearly 5 years after its reopening. The Sioux City clinics parent organization Planned Parenthood North Central announced the news on Friday. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization says that it will close and consolidate eight health centers, Sioux City being one of them. The decision was a result of the organizations Minnesota Title X funds being frozen. The closures will impact and lay off 66 staff members, while 37 additional staff members will be reassigned. Planned Parenthood told us that they plan to be closed before July 1st. Other clinics closing in Iowa are in Ames, Urbandale, and Cedar Rapids. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Three more inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail earlier this month have been captured, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced Monday. Two escapees remain at large. Inmate Lenton Vanburen was detained in Baton Rouge, Murrill said on social media. Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were arrested in Walker County, Texas, by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Murrill said in another post. Vanburen was originally serving time for a parole violation, possession of a firearm by a felon and illegal carrying of a weapon, Murrill said. Five people were arrested and charged with accessory after the fact for assisting Vanburen, Louisiana State Police said Monday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tate was originally incarcerated on charges of burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon and illegal carrying of a weapon. He also has a criminal history that includes attempted second-degree murder, the attorney general said. Donald was originally arrested on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery and possession of a firearm by a felon. The three men will now both face additional charges related to the escape, Murrill said. The 10 inmates broke out of the jail on May 16, and three were captured in the first 24 hours after their escape. Surveillance video showed several inmates forcing open a cell door at about 12:22 a.m. CDT on May 16 and breaching a wall behind the cell's toilet. At around 1 a.m., video showed the inmates fleeing the building through a nearby loading dock, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The escape went unnoticed by the sheriff's office until approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday. At the time of the escape, no sheriff's deputy was assigned to the area where the inmates initiated the jailbreak. At least 13 people have been arrested in connection with the escape of the 10 inmates, including a maintenance worker at the jail who was accused of shutting off water to a cell that the inmates used in the escape by removing a toilet from the wall. Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Full interview: Jack McCain on "Face the Nation" Trump seeks to end all federal contracts with Harvard BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanovic has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it is a pleasure to extend, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Croatia and on my behalf, warm congratulations to you, and my best wishes of prosperity to your citizens. Croatia and Azerbaijan are bound by long-standing cooperation and friendship. I believe that in the period ahead we will work further to advance our overall relations. Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration," the letter reads. Eighteen soldiers have been decertified from training future Rangers while the Army investigates allegations that they fired blank rounds at a Florida beach full of civilians with no notice. Jennifer Gunn, spokesperson for the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, Georgia, confirmed the suspensions with Army Times today. The 18 Ranger instructors are assigned to 6th Ranger Training Battalion at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident prompted at least two emergency calls to police and multiple social media postings, with witnesses and footage showing men wearing Ranger t-shirts and military uniforms firing the rounds at Crab Island near Destin, Florida, on Friday, Task & Purpose first reported. The Army is aware of the incident that occurred at Crab Island near Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Friday, May 16, Gunn told Army Times. We take this situation seriously and are investigating. The Army will ensure accountability based on the outcome of the investigation. A group of Army Ranger training instructors participated that day in a mock sea battle with a pirate ship during the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, Fort Walton Beach spokesperson Devon Ravine told Task & Purpose. As part of the battle, soldiers with the 6th Ranger Training Battalion fired blanks from their weapons, according to the City of Fort Walton Beach. The training battalion is not part of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the only approved festival activity that involved the Army Rangers firing their weapons, Ravine told Task & Purpose. We do not know what occurred at Crab Island on Friday, and cannot comment, except to say that it was not in any way a part of the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival. Michael Ingram, a charter boat captain, told Task & Purpose his clients and others took cover when the firing began. This is unacceptable because there are so many real mass shootings going on in America each year, Ingram said. You cant be joking about it. The instructors later mingled with civilians on the beach. Online posts show them in military uniforms with Ranger tabs, Follow me! shoulder patches and insignia from the Army infantry school. Some social media commentators criticized the crowds negative reaction, saying many individuals later socialized with the soldiers and took pictures with them. Dressed in a gray T-shirt with a large eagle emblazoned on the front, Gilbert Ibarra arrived at a small park in the town of Joshua Tree on Monday morning, thinking about the friends he lost at the tail end of the Vietnam War in 1975. A former Marine, Ibarra said his unit took part in the Mayaguez incident that resulted in two of his buddies being left on an island near the Cambodian coast, where they were likely killed by the Khmer Rouge. "They were 19," Ibarra said, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses on this warm Memorial Day morning. "I'm here to remember my buddies. That's the part I hold in my heart." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ibarra was among about 75 people who gathered Monday for an hourlong Memorial Day service at the Joshua Tree Memorial Park, a small cemetery in the high desert town. Debbie and Ron Waggoner, his neighbors from the nearby community of Yucca Valley, were seated next to him. "We've had a busy weekend, but we thought today should be set aside for this," Debbie said. "We don't want to forget the people who paid for our freedom." The Memorial Day events at Joshua Tree Memorial Park included a bagpiper, speakers, a color guard and a dove release. (Deborah Netburn / Los Angeles Times) For many Americans, Memorial Day marks the first day of summer the start of beach days and backyard barbecues. But in Southern California and across the country, including at the Los Angeles National Cemetery near UCLA, people gathered to honor the men and women who died in service to the nation. "We're all here, witnessing the silent cost of war," said Russell Martin, a chaplain and commander in the Navy who gave the invocation at the Memorial Day event in Joshua Tree. "This day is not just a day in the calendar. It's a sacred pause to remember those who died in service to the idea that freedom is worth defending." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many attendees of the Joshua Tree Memorial Park event, about 20 miles west of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, had served in the military themselves. Bob Hoyt, who was wearing a leather chauffeur hat and yellow suspenders that looked like measuring tape, served in the Navy from 1966 to 1970. He wandered among the white folding chairs, distributing patriotic refrigerator magnets that he made himself. "I self-promoted myself to captain and now I call myself Captain America," he said. "The older I get, the more I love this country, and I try to promote that love however I can." In the front row, Anne Lear, who served for a year in Afghanistan and was recently named captain of the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, sat with her friend Debbie Johnson, captain of the local chapter of the American Legion. Both organizations aim to help veterans with whatever they might need, from aiding people in their homes to paying for an ambulance to transport a former service member to the hospital. "You're in the presence of some serious women power here," Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service, which featured bagpipe music, a color guard and the laying of wreaths, concluded after about an hour with the release of a dozen white doves from a woven basket. The birds flew as a group, circling the shade canopy and modest makeshift podium, the American flag at half-mast, snapping furiously in the wind. Korean and Vietnam war veterans salute during the opening proceedings at the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Los Angeles National Cemetery. (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. JOHANNESBURG (AP) South Africas communications minister Tuesday denied accusations that a draft policy watering down Black ownership requirements for tech firms was proposed to benefit the Starlink business of white South African-born billionaire Elon Musk. Under South African law, foreign-owned companies are required to sell 30% of their subsidiaries to shareholders who are Black, or from other racial groups disadvantaged under the former apartheid system of white minority rule, in order to acquire a license. However, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi on Friday proposed easing the requirement, prompting criticism from various political parties. The proposed change would allow Starlink and others to fulfill their empowerment requirements through things like investing in skills development and job programs and striking deals with local suppliers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minister put forward the directive days after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, when Trump made baseless claims that white South African farmers were being systematically killed, raising eyebrows. A senior African National Congress lawmaker, Khusela Diko, questioned the timing of the directive and whether the country was bending over backward to accommodate Musks Starlink satellite telecom business. The Association of Communications and Technology (ACT), an industry body, said the proposed changes could usher in a new era for the industry provided they are implemented consistently, fairly and openly. We advocate for smarter, scalable approaches that deliver meaningful impact and restore policy clarity, consistency, and investor confidence, the ACT said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Malatsi, who belongs to the Democratic Alliance party, appeared before Parliament in Cape Town to defend the move and denied suggestions it was introduced specifically for Starlink. Lawmakers questioned whether the directives were correctly opening up the playing field for foreign players or tampering with the governments economic empowerment agenda by catering to Starlink. Musk has repeatedly denounced the Black ownership laws and said on social media that Starlink wasnt able to get a license to operate in South Africa because he was white. South African authorities say Starlink hasnt formally applied. According to the Starlink website, the service in southern Africa is available in Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya and Madagascar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Trumps inauguration, his administration is reported to have intervened on behalf of Starlink in Gambia, Lesotho and a few other developing nations, using the U.S. governments foreign policy apparatus to advance Musk's business interests. After Trump threatened them with large tariffs, Lesotho approved Starlink for a 10-year license in April, just a week later. Malatsi said the regulations would allow for more than one new operator to enter the market, boosting competition. We are not attempting to open a special dispensation for Starlink or any other company or an individual, Malatsi told lawmakers, adding that work on the policy direction started around September, and was not prompted by the recent meeting between Trump and Ramaphosa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no conspiracy on our part with regard to this policy direction, said the minister. Stakeholders, industry players and the public have been given 30 days to send in submissions and provide comment before the framework is finalized. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was bemused by his encounter with President Trump at the White House earlier this month, laughing off the confrontational moment some have characterized as an ambush. During Ramaphosas visit in the Oval Office, Trump at one point called for the lights to be dimmed so he could play a video that he used to back up claims of genocide against white South Africans. When I came in, I saw the room going a bit dark. They darkened the room. And for a moment I wondered, what is this? Its happening to me again? Ramaphosa told the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium in Cape Town, according to SABC video footage, in apparent reference to dimmed lights at the venue. The remark drew laughter from the audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because at that moment, we were seated very nicely, and I was beginning to get into a groove of interacting with this man, he continued, without directly referencing Trump. And I suddenly hear him say, No, make dim the lights.' He added, jokingly, And I must say, a number of people have said, This was an ambush. This was an ambush. And I was bemused. I was [saying], Whats happening? Ramaphosas meeting with the president was seen as an attempt to salvage the fraught relationship between South Africa and the U.S. as the Trump administration accuses the Black-led South African government of being racist against its white citizens. During an otherwise cordial encounter, Trump confronted the Cape Town leader with baseless claims about mass murders of white South African farmers. Ramaphosa, once a close colleague of former leader Nelson Mandela, pushed back on the U.S. presidents assertions, acknowledging there is criminality in the country but noting a majority of victims of crime in South Africa are Black. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tense Ramaphosa-Trump moment came a couple months after an Oval Office clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made global headlines. Amid Russias ongoing war against Kyiv, Zelensky had been expected to sign off on a deal that would give the U.S. access to Ukraines critical mineral supply but Trump called off talks after the meeting devolved, arguing Zelensky was not ready for Peace. The deal was ultimately signed at a later date, however. The White House froze aid to South Africa earlier this year and later offered an expedited pathway to citizenship to the white Afrikaners, running contrary to the administrations broader crackdown on immigration. South Africa is slated to host the Group of 20 (G20) gathering of the worlds largest economies later this year, and the Oval Office clash has raised questions about whether Trump could boycott the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday poked fun at his White House meeting with President Donald Trump last week, in which Trump accused South Africa of allowing illegal discrimination against white farmers. Ramaphosa was set to begin speaking at the 2025 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium in Cape Town Tuesday when the lights began to darken. He joked that it reminded him of Trump requesting lights to be dimmed at the Oval Office before playing a video amplifying claims of a genocide against the countrys minority white population. When I came in, I saw the room going a bit dark, Ramaphosa said to laughter. They darkened the room. And for a moment I wondered, what is this! It's happening to me again! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramaphosa and Trumps Oval Office meeting last Wednesday started cordially, before the president ordered the video played and then flipped through images and news reports that he said proved white farmers were being unjustly persecuted in South Africa. Trump continued to press Ramaphosa in an exchange that lasted for more than a half hour. While Trump and some conservative commentators have claimed there is persecution of white farmers in the country, international human rights groups and South African courts say there is no evidence of that. Trump has taken a keen interest in the treatment of Afrikaners, who ruled in South Africa during apartheid, at the urging of Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa but emigrated in 1989. The State Department expelled South Africas ambassador from Washington in March. The White House has also granted refugee status to dozens of white South Africans claiming discrimination and economic hardship in their home countries. They arrived in the U.S. in May. The move came even as Trump halted nearly all other refugee admissions into the country shortly after returning to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramaphosa said he had come to the Oval Office with the mission of rebuilding the two countries economic partnership. I was beginning to get into a groove of, you know, interacting with this man, Ramaphosa said. And I suddenly hear him say, no, dim the lights. And I must say, a number of people have said, this was an ambush, this was an ambush. And I was bemused, I was like, what's happening! One of the images Trump held up in the meeting was actually a screenshot of a Reuters video taken in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the news organization clarified last Thursday. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Ramaphosas remarks. SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean police have banned former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and ex-Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok from travelling abroad as part of a probe into alleged insurrection linked to former leader Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid, a police official said. The travel ban was imposed in mid-May, the Yonhap news agency reported. Han and Choi were questioned on Monday by a special police unit investigating former top government officials over insurrection charges, Yonhap said. After Yoon was impeached for violating the duties of his office in December, there have been questions about what role Han and Choi played in the former leader's short-lived martial law and if they had resisted the move as they claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The December 3 martial law declaration, which was revoked hours later by parliament, thrust South Korea into an unprecedented constitutional crisis that involved both Han and Choi serving as acting president. South Koreans vote in a snap election on June 3 to elect a new leader. (Reporting by Jack Kim and Ju-min ParkEditing by Ed Davies) Leaders from the Middle East and Southeast Asia are holding their second summit in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. The two regional blocs, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will also hold another, trilateral meeting that includes China for the first time as world regions start to hedge their bets in a more geopolitically unpredictable world. The flurry of meetings involving leaders of the GCC, the ASEAN, and China is being held a day after the biannual ASEAN summit. Malaysias Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, said Monday at the ASEAN summit that hes written to U.S. President Donald Trump, seeking to organize a meeting between Trump and Southeast Asian nations over concerns about U.S. tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Southeast Asian economies were hit hard by Liberation Day tariffs, and while these economies have already reached out individually to Washington, Anwar is pushing to have a meeting between the U.S. and the ASEAN as a bloc. Malaysia is ASEANs rotating chair this year. Beyond the outreach, Malaysia is also keen to leverage its leadership position to build links with the GCC, a bloc of six Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as China. A transition in the geopolitical order is underway, and the global trading system is under further strain with the recent imposition of U.S. unilateral tariffs, Anwar said in his opening address at the ASEAN summit. Protectionism is resurging as we bear witness to multilateralism breaking apart at the seams. This disintegration of the old order may be forcing regions like the Gulf and the ASEAN to forge new trading links, both with each other and with external parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The declining influence of the U.S. in the Global South, coupled with increasingly polarizing U.S. policies in the Middle East, has opened space for alternative South-South alignments, wrote Joanne Lin, senior fellow and co-coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEASYusof Ishak Institute, in the think tanks publication Fulcrum ahead of the ASEAN-GCC-China summit. Southeast Asia and the Middle East have quite a bit in commonincluding young populations with growing incomes. Both are also keen to climb up the value chain and move away from traditional, resource-extraction models of economic growth and invest in strategic industries. Both regions have long looked to the U.S. as an important provider of security and economic growth. But China is also emerging as an important trading partner for both the GCC and the ASEANforcing both organizations to balance their relationships with Washington and Beijing. An Asia pivot Malaysias summit comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump made a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. During his trip, the three nations promised hundreds of billions of dollars in U.S. investments and purchases of U.S.-made products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House attributed the announcements to Trumps dealmaking prowess. Yet the Gulfs sovereign wealth funds have been enmeshed in U.S. financial markets for decades, and want access to U.S. technology. Host countries also charmed Trump with gifts like a Boeing 747 from Qatar. But despite the large sums of money and huge deals, the GCC is engaging in a quiet pivot to Asiaor, at least, is diversifying its portfolio. Developing economies in Southeast Asia need the Gulfs energy; those oil revenues, in turn, can be invested by Middle Eastern countries into their own economies. Lin, from the ISEASYusof Ishak Institute, told Fortune that the GCCs pivot to the East is a pragmatic move even as it still maintains strong security ties with the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GCCs pivot to the East isnt about abandoning the U.S., but about diversifying its economic partnerships in Asia; especially China, India, and ASEAN are driving global energy demand and investment growth, so Gulf states see strategic value in deepening ties with the region, Lin says. Southeast Asia also needs funding for infrastructure projects, new industries, tech startups, and more. And the GCC has a lot of funding to offer. Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund alone has over $900 billion in assets under management. Trumps Gulf visit is unlikely to halt an eastward shift in the regions center of gravity, Alana Li, an analyst at U.K. think tank Asia House, wrote in a report ahead of the presidents Gulf trip. Its not just a search for new markets. The GCC wants to build stronger relationships outside of the U.S. in order to avoid relying too much on any one partner. Gulf countries have become adept at aligning with Washington, Beijing, and other Asian capitals, Li wrote. ASEAN The ASEAN, too, is trying to avoid leaning too close to either Washington or Beijing. As a bloc, the 10-member group has long tried to stick to a policy of nonalignment when it comes to geopolitical contests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, several countries in Southeast Asia have benefited from exporting to the U.S., particularly as supply chains started to shift away from China following Trumps first trade war and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Southeast Asias role as a key node in global supply chains is under threat from the current-day Trump administration, which has threatened steep tariffs on traditional China plus one destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. These trading partners are now trying to negotiate trade agreements with the U.S. to ward off these new taxes. But Southeast Asian countries are also worried that they might become a dumping ground for cheap goods from China, which can no longer enter the U.S. as easily. Some ASEAN economies are now courting the GCC as a source of capital and investment. Malaysia and Indonesia, as Muslim-majority countries, also have religious and cultural ties to the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indonesia won a $10 billion pledge from the UAE in February for a new renewable-energy joint venture thats backed by Indonesias new Danantara sovereign wealth fund. China China, too, is engaging with both Southeast Asia and the Middle Eastand arguably for similar reasons. Lin highlights that China Premier Li Qiangs attendance at the ASEAN-GCC-China summit in Malaysia is quite significant. First, it signals Chinas continued strategic intent to deepen economic and diplomatic engagement with the Global South, especially with the ASEAN and the GCC, two key trade partners for China. Coming together in a trilateral format allows China to reinforce its role as a central economic player in Asia and the Middle East, Lin says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cementing its role as a central player in the region also allows China to advocate for a more multipolar economic order, and the presence of Chinas premier, who is nominally in charge of the economy, reinforces that Beijing is willing to work with like-minded partners to offer alternative development and trade partnerships beyond traditional Western frameworks. Apart from China looking to the Gulf for its energy demands, both Southeast Asia and the Middle East are attractive as consumer markets for Chinese companies. Chinese EVs, which are not sold in the U.S. owing to high tariff barriers, can be seen in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and even Cambodia. Chinese smartphone brands like Honor and Transsion dominate the regions markets. Chinese companies are expanding into the Middle East as well, hoping to sell EVs, smartphones, and other goods to the regions young, wealthy consumers. Chinese internet companies like Meituan are also launching in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortune and the Government of Malaysia, led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry are jointly hosting the ASEAN-GCC-China and ASEAN-GCC Economic Forums in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 27 and May 28 respectively. Stay tuned for insights from the forums high-powered lineup of heads of state, ministers, top policymakers, experts, and investors. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Southeast Asia is a nexus of global diplomacy this week, with tariffs and the US-China battle for influence dominating the agenda. On a tour of the region, Chinas premier urged ASEAN nations and several Gulf countries to create a vibrant economic circle with China, as they agreed to strengthen trade ties in Kuala Lumpur. French President Emmaneul Macron visited Hanoi and signed $10 billion-worth deals, pitching Europe as a reliable trading partner for Southeast Asia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And amid US criticism of Chinas military assertiveness, Beijings defense minister will likely skip a defense conference in Singapore. ASEAN nations are caught between Beijing and Washington, but one Malaysia-based analyst told Bloomberg, There is no substitute for the United States. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Muslim schools in France benefit both Muslims themselves and French society as a whole, the head of the graduate school of marketing communications at Emerson College in the U.S., Carol Ferrara said, Trend reports. She made the remark at an international conference on "Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas" in Baku. According to her, in such schools, teachers strive to overcome the artificial division between Muslim and French by combining Islamic and national values. This approach helps young people feel they belong to French society. Former pupils said this environment gave them confidence, helped them to adapt at university, and answer difficult questions. One alumna said she felt free at the Muslim school. At university, she said, it was different, Ferrara said. *Above video: Our report on the original 2024 shooting CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. A southeast Kansas man pleads guilty to two charges and receives a suspended sentence for reportedly firing shots at a delivery driver. Corey Rogers, 42, pleaded guilty to endangerment and criminal discharge of a firearm in Cherokee County Court last month. Rogers was sentenced to 12 months in Cherokee County Jail but that was suspended and he received 12 months of supervised probation. For the duration, he cannot possess weapons, use drugs or alcohol, and must comply with all probation requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It stems from an incident last September when Rogers fired several shots from a .45 handgun towards an Amazon delivery driver who had pulled into the wrong driveway. The driver was not wounded in the 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. A plane traveling from Tampa to Denver "sustained a possible lightning strike," according to Southwest Airlines The airline told PEOPLE that following the Sunday, May 25 incident, "Our maintenance teams took the aircraft out of service for inspection" There were no reported injuries A Southwest Airlines flight made a safe landing after possibly being struck by lightning during Memorial Day weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwest Airlines told PEOPLE in a statement that the Sunday, May 25, flight traveling from Tampa International Airport "sustained a possible lightning strike" on its way to Denver International Airport and "landed safely." "Our maintenance teams took the aircraft out of service for inspection. There were no injuries," the statement continued. Emergency crews at Denver International Airport also responded per standard protocol, per KUSA. DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Stock photo of Southwest Airlines plane Stock photo of Southwest Airlines plane According to CBS Colorado, citing FlightAware data, Southwest Airlines Flight 168 took off from Tampa International Airport at about 6:54 p.m. EDT. It landed at Denver International Airport at 8:23 p.m. MDT and arrived at its gate 13 minutes later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passenger Mariah Torrez told KUSA she heard a loud bang and saw a flash of light while traveling through rough turbulence about 20 minutes from landing in Denver. "So I was just kind of looking out the window, and all of a sudden I just see this bright light, kind of like, light up the aircraft, and kind of shook our seats a little bit, and we were like, Oh my gosh. Like, what just happened?" she recalled. "I'm looking at my husband, and he was like, I think we just got hit by lightning," continued Torrez. "And I was like, No way. And then everybody kind of around us was, like thinking the same thing." The National Weather Service states on its website that commercial transport passenger planes are hit by lightning an average of "one or two times a year." Getty Stock image of lightning Stock image of lightning "They are designed and built to have conducting paths through the plane to take the lightning strike and conduct the currents," the website states. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. While it is unknown where the possible lightning strike occurred, CBS Colorado reported that the plane's mapped course showed it flying over a storm system in central Louisiana and east Texas midway through the flight. Read the original article on People A flight from Florida is being inspected after it was struck by lightning. It happened when a Southwest flight from Tampa was struck as it was heading to Denver on Sunday. As the aircraft landed, the plane was met by first responders. Southwest confirmed that no one was hurt. Experts say planes are designed to take lightning strikes and still operate safely. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. McDONALD COUNTY, Mo. A southwest Missouri police officer is the subject of a criminal investigation leading to felony charges. Rhonda Wise, a Senior Deputy Marshal with the Noel Marshals Office, is charged with one count of perjury. On Tuesday, Prosecuting Attorney Maleia Cheney filed the charge, accusing Wise of lying on a criminal complaint. The case she is accused of falsifying involves charges filed against a McDonald County woman in a fatal hit-and-run crash in November of last year that killed Michael Pruden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Missouri Highway Patrol conducted the investigation, and charges against that woman were dismissed after problems with the case surfaced. According to todays charge, authorities say Wise put false information about a broken headlight in the Probable Cause Statement filed in the Pruden fatality case. The trooper working the case said he questioned Wise about the serial number information she gave in her sworn statement (the PC). He said the evidence in that case found no serial number on the broken pieces of headlight found at the scene of the crash. Rhonda-Wise-Probable-Cause-Statement-Perjury-ChargeDownload Wise is currently on suspension from the Marshals office and her future with the department is unknown at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Missouri Highway Patrol conducted the investigation, and charges against that woman were dismissed after problems with the case surfaced. Wise is currently on suspension from the Marshals office, and her future with the department is unknown at this time. We will continue to follow this story and bring you more 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Community-minded students have the opportunity to earn scholarship money through a Louisiana-based companys education initiative. Students must apply for the Space to Succeed Scholarship by May 31. The annual award supports altruistic students as they pursue their career dreams through education. The Space to Succeed Scholarship is open to students across the state who plan to attend any college or university in Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BTW student secures funding for healthy food initiative in Shreveport We created The Space to Succeed Scholarship because we want to nurture the leaders of tomorrow who volunteer, uplift their peers and neighbors and look for ways to give back. That could be anything from tutoring their classmates to volunteering for a local non-profit or mowing a neighbors yard when they need help, said Robert Piper, Principal of The Storage Center. As a Louisiana-based business, we are committed to making our community a better place, and The Space to Succeed Scholarship allows us to recognize students who show dedication, initiative and a vision for the future. Applicants should submit a 500- to 800-word essay that highlights their commitment to community service and explains how their education will enable them to continue and expand their impact. Essays should provide specific examples of how the applicant has contributed to their community and reflect on how their efforts can positively influence others. Photos should accompany each entry and will be used when winners are announced online and on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont miss your opportunity to earn one of three $5,000 scholarships. Visit thestoragecenter.com to apply. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. SpaceX will attempt to launch its Starship megarocket on a key test flight Tuesday, months after two launches both failed when the upper-stage vehicle exploded and rained debris over the Gulf of Mexico and parts of the Caribbean. Tuesdays uncrewed launch Starships ninth test flight is set to blast off from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Texas, during a launch window that opens at 7:30 p.m. ET. The 400-foot-tall Starship is the most powerful rocket ever developed and consists of two parts: a first-stage booster known as Super Heavy and an upper-stage spacecraft. The megarocket is the cornerstone of SpaceX CEO Elon Musks goal of reaching Mars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Tuesdays test flight, Musk is expected to give a presentation from Texas on the road to making life multiplanetary. Musk recently said he is stepping back from his prominent role in the Trump administration to focus again on SpaceX, Tesla and his other businesses. Since the start of the presidents second term, Musk has overseen widespread and controversial layoffs across the federal government as part of the Department of Government Efficiency. Starship stacked for flight pic.twitter.com/OMVXSCsSjb SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 26, 2025 The upcoming test will be closely watched because of Starships two previous failures. Tuesdays flight will be the first to use a Super Heavy booster that flew on a previous mission and returned to Earth. The company has said it intends for Starship to be a fully reusable system. On three previous test flights, SpaceX successfully pulled off a dramatic catch maneuver that involved the Super Heavy booster returning to its launch site and settling onto the launch towers robotic arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starships last flight in early March was cut short after mission controllers lost contact with the upper-stage vehicle roughly nine minutes after liftoff. Videos later emerged from Florida and the Caribbean showing a ball of smoke overhead and pieces of debris streaking across the sky. Airports across Florida ordered temporary ground stops due to space launch debris. A separate test mission on Jan. 16 also resulted in an explosion of the upper-stage vehicle over the Caribbean. Dust and small bits of debris fell over parts of Turks and Caicos, but local authorities said there were no injuries or major damage to property. The Federal Aviation Administration oversaw investigations after both accidents and announced last week when it cleared Starship to fly again that the agency would expand hazard zones along the rockets flight path based on updated safety requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous Starship flights had hazard zones areas where boats and air traffic must not enter that extended 885 nautical miles. Tuesday's mission, however, will see those zones grow to 1,600 nautical miles, covering land and water east of the South Texas launch site, through the Straits of Florida and including the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. For the latest test flight, SpaceX said it will experiment with several "off-nominal scenarios" with the Super Heavy booster. As a result, the first stage will not return to the launch site for the catch maneuver, according to the company. If it reaches orbit, the upper-stage vehicle will attempt to deploy eight simulated Starlink satellites that will eventually burn up in Earth's atmosphere. Mission controllers will also try to relight one of the spacecraft's Raptor engines while in space. Musk intends for Starship to be used for future missions to Mars, but SpaceX officials have said the company will likely conduct hundreds of test missions before any humans fly aboard the next-generation rocket. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, is on the horizon and when this so Florida thing occurs, it's very Instagram-worthy. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will potentially carry Starlink internet-beaming satellites into low-Earth orbit on Wednesday, May 28, according to the Space Coast Office of Tourism. Though rockets here blast off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island, Florida, or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, people beyond the Space Coast can sometimes see this phenomenon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, a rocket launch from Floridas Space Coast could be visible from Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach to Vero Beach and West Palm Beach (see videos and photo gallery with this story). When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, theres an opportunity for unique photos the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo. Below is more information on rocket launches in Florida and suggestions on where to watch them. Rocket launch tally: Here's a list of all 2025 missions from Cape Canaveral, Florida (psst, there's a lot) For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space. When is the next SpaceX rocket launch in Florida? No earlier than Wednesday, May 28: SpaceX Starlink 10-32 Mission: SpaceX will launch a payload of Starlink satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket into low-Earth orbit, according to the Space Coast Office of Tourism. Launch window: 9:30 a.m. ET Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Launch location: TBA Trajectory : Southeast Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Networks Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser. Where to see a Florida rocket launch in Palm Beach County: What does a West Palm Beach rocket launch view look like? Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, some rocket launches from the Space Coast can be visible in Palm Beach County. When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, with a southeast trajectory, theres an opportunity for unique photos. Some examples include United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch and SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Cape Canaveral, Florida, to West Palm Beach, Florida, it's about 150 miles. What the views look like: Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral spotted in West Palm Beach Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral can often be seen from Palm Beach County, and it can be as easy as walking out of your house and looking north. Try to get away from any obstructions, such as trees, tall buildings, and bright lights. Obviously, cloud cover can also get in the way. If the forecast is for clear skies and you want a better view, some good places to watch the rocket launch from Palm Beach County include: This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What time is next SpaceX rocket launch near Cape Canaveral, Florida? The sperm of a man carrying a rare genetic mutation linked to cancer was used to conceive scores of children across Europe, prompting calls for greater regulation and a limit on the number of births allowed from a single donor. Sperm from the donor was used to conceive at least 67 children from 46 families born between 2008 and 2015, said Edwige Kasper, a biologist at Rouen University Hospital in France, during a presentation at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics in Milan on Saturday. Ten of the children have already been diagnosed with cancer. At the heart of the problem seems to lie the regulation, or maybe the lack of regulation, of the number of births by a single donor, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysis showed that the donor, who is himself healthy, had a rare mutation in a gene named TP53, which is likely to cause Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare disorder that increases a persons risk of developing cancer. The mutation was not known when the donation was made, but children born from this donor have since been identified in eight different European countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, said Kasper in her presentation. Ten of them have been diagnosed with cancers such as brain tumors and Hodgkin lymphoma, and another 13 children are carrying the gene but have not yet developed a cancer. They will require regular medical examinations due to their increased risk of developing cancer, and have a 50% chance of transmitting it on to their own children, said Kasper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The follow-up protocol involves whole-body MRI scans, MRI scans of the brain and, for adults, of the breast, ultrasound examination of the abdomen, and a clinical examination by a specialist. This is heavy and stressful for carriers, but we have seen its effectiveness in that it has enabled early detection of tumours and thus improved patients chances of survival, said Kasper in a press release. Tighter regulations needed Unlike in some cases of serial sperm donors, such as a Dutch man who was ordered to stop donating sperm after being found to have fathered between 500 and 600 children around the world, this man only donated to a single private sperm bank in Denmark named the European Sperm Bank. Julie Paulli Budtz, vice-president of corporate communications at the European Sperm Bank, told CNN that it was deeply affected by this case. The donor has been thoroughly tested even above the required standards, but preventative genetic screening is reaching its limits here, she said in a statement sent to CNN on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every human being has about 20,000 genes, and it is scientifically simply not possible to detect disease-causing mutations in a persons gene pool if you dont know what you are looking for. There is currently no limit on the number of children that are allowed to be born using a single donor, something which Budtz said the European Sperm Bank would like to change. This is also why, in addition to following national pregnancy limits, we have proactively implemented our own international limit of 75 families per donor, she said. This limit is self-imposed as regulations vary from country to country. For example, France has a limit of 10 births per donor, while Denmark allows 12 and Germany allows up to 15, according to the press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a major issue here concerning a lack of harmonised regulation across Europe, Kasper said in the release. We need proper regulation at European level to try to prevent it happening again, and to implement measures to ensure a worldwide limit on the number of offspring conceived from the same donor. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. The pardon of French national Theo Hugo Clerc was granted following a personal request by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, an informed source told Trend. According to the source familiar with the matter, Azerbaijan had received multiple appeals for his release. "The latest request came from Kaja Kallas during her visit to Baku. She personally raised the issue during a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, and the Azerbaijani side responded positively," the source noted. "The decision to pardon him was not made at Frances request, but specifically as a result of this initiative". In this context, Kaja Kallas did play a role in the decision, the source added. "If a particular EU country wishes to express gratitude for the release of its citizen, that appreciation should be directed to Kaja Kallas, not to Baku". It was noted that Azerbaijan holds Kaja Kallas in high regard, seeing her as a politician who understands the countrys strategic direction. "Officials in Baku also pointed out that Kallas recognizes Azerbaijans importance and chose to visit Baku specifically, without traveling to other countries in the region," the source added. Clerc was convicted by the Narimanov District Court in Baku on September 10, 2024. He was sentenced to three years in prison that year for spray-painting walls in the Baku metro. UPDATE: 8:30 P.M.: Mr. Beidler has been found, according to law enforcement. END UPDATE The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office is asking for the communitys help in locating a missing man. According to officials, 77-year-old George Beidler was last seen at his home in the Walden Chase neighborhood in Ponte Vedra Monday morning. SJSO says he is a veteran who has been diagnosed with dementia. He is believed to be driving a red Ram 1500 truck with the license plate #NMA31. A Harley-Davidson sticker is on the back window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on where Beidler may be is asked to call SJSO at (904) 824-8304. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Longtime Sacramento news anchor Stan Atkinson died on Sunday at the age of 92, Channel 3 (KCRA) and Channel 13 (KOVR) reported Monday morning. For nearly three decades, Atkinson was a mainstay of Sacramento broadcast news, earning legend status for his boots-on-the-ground reporting on wars across the globe and his charitable work raising millions of dollars for organizations in the region. He spent 24 years at KCRA before moving to KOVR in 1994. The Sacramento Bees Bob Sylva called Atkinson the man who owns Sacramento in a 1986 profile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viewers ... see KCRA as their station and Stan Atkinson as their news caster, Sylvas story read. Until some other local anchor can peer down the barrel of a camera and emote and ad-lib as artfully as Atkinson, that affiliation is unlikely to change. Walt Gray, an anchor on Channel 10 (KXTV), considered Atkinson a mentor when they worked the same shift at KCRA. When I got to town (in 1988), I had heard of him, but Id never seen anything like that before a guy who was so dominant in his field, yet doing as much charitable work as possible with an already busy schedule, Gray said. Thats leading by example. Atkinson had charity events and benefits scheduled nearly every evening, Sylva wrote. He adamantly supported the work of the Sisters of Mercy in the Sacramento region, according to Gray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Swatt, a former KCRA politics reporter, said he remembered Atkinsons insatiable need to find news in every corner of the globe. He simply had to be where news was happening ... whether it was Cambodia, Afghanistan, Cuba, Guatemala, or many other world hot spots, Swatt wrote in response to a request for people to share their recollections of Atkinson. He had the clout to convince management that these stories needed to be covered, delivering compelling reports that were the talk of Northern California and a significant reason why KCRA was so highly regarded, he wrote. Atkinson retired in 1999 after five years on Channel 13. A gala honoring his career held earlier that year was attended by 900 people, The Bee reported at the time. KCRA anchor Stan Atkinson reads at his apartment in 1986, surrounded by memorabilia of his career and wide-ranging travels. KCRA reporter Kurtis Ming witnessed Atkinsons gravity in the community firsthand 15 years after his retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2014, Ming took Atkinson to lunch in Sacramento, and he was in awe seeing restaurant-goers light up upon recognizing Atkinson. The local legend took time to shake hands with every diner in the room, Ming said. They dont make them like him anymore, Ming said. Gray had similar memories from when the two would grab a glass of wine at Paragarys after the evening news. He was so friendly to everyone, but thats who he was, Gray said. He wasnt doing it to be the anchorman ... he was as kind as could be. KCRA anchor Stan Atkinson dines in Sacramento in 1986. A full-fledged Sacramento celebrity, (he) seldom fails to catch the eyes of other diners in local restaurants, according to a profile in The Bee. Ming and Gray both agreed Atkinson could be considered the Walter Cronkite of Sacramento. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He certainly was the dominant anchorman of his era, Gray said. The right-place-at-the-right-time guy who really was interested in journalism, and he was so easy on the air too. Matias Bombal, film historian and friend of Atkinson, said it was his connection with the community that set Atkinson apart from broadcast news heavy hitters. (He) was so intermeshed with everyone in town, he said. (He) would talk to anyone, from a garage mechanic to a visiting titled person, with the same ease. Though he was regularly in contact with Atkinson throughout the years, Ming said one of his biggest career regrets is that he never worked directly with the man he called an icon of Sacramento. What a thrill it was to know him, Ming said. When the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group gets underway later this year, 1,600 sailors equipped with Oura Rings will embark on the largest volunteer study of crew fatigue to date. During the deployment, the rings will monitor the wearers sleep length and quality, along with a range of other biometric indicators, to provide commanders with a near real-time picture of units rest levels and allow them to make changes to support performance and address fatigue. The Starlink internet access now being provided onboard deployed Navy ships will allow the data from the rings to be uploaded securely and anonymously for review both by unit leaders and researchers in San Diego, who will track trends and hotspots and produce reports on the data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a step toward the Navys ultimate goal to monitor real-time fatigue for all underway sailors and prevent future disasters linked to exhaustion. The origins of the upcoming sleep experiment date back to 2017, when the Navy lost 17 sailors in two separate collisions from the destroyers McCain and Fitzgerald with commercial ships in the Pacific. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer Fitzgerald shown in 2017 after a collision with a merchant vessel. (MC1 Peter Burghart/Navy) Investigations would cite crew fatigue as a factor in both tragedies. While some changes were made quickly such as instituting a watchstanding schedule that more closely aligned with sailors natural circadian rhythms other changes have been slow to materialize. A 2021 Government Accountability Office report recommended that the Navy require systematic collection of quality and timely fatigue data from sailors and use that data to better understand factors contributing to fatigue and how to address them. But as of 2023, the GAO found the Navy still had not fully implemented its plan to use wearables to collect biometric sleep and health data from sailors in real time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Called the Command Readiness, Endurance and Watchstanding, or CREW, program, this line of effort was developed by the Naval Health Research Center and equipped its first sailors with wearables in 2021. But the effort has struggled to secure the funding needed to propel it out of the research phase, said Dr. John Cordle, a human factors engineer with the Navy. Theres no program of record; theres no resource sponsor, Cordle told Military Times, noting that the Office of Naval Research had sponsored efforts to date. Its an example of a fleet initiative that needs to find a home, up in Washington, but has yet to become interesting enough for that to happen. With a carrier strike group now equipped with the tech, researchers are hopeful the results will grab attention. Were after helping leadership on these ships understand how the mission is impacting the sleep and the recovery of their sailors, especially as they go on these deployments that involve a lot of stress, said Dr. Rachel Markwald, a senior sleep physiologist at the Naval Health Research Center and the implementation lead for the CREW Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think most people understand that sleep is incredibly important to help restore our performance, our health, our capacity, Markwald added. And if we have no idea where folks are related to their own capacity, then well continue to just do what weve been doing and push forward without those insights. Sailors in their bunks aboard the aircraft carrier John C. Stennis. (Jayme Pastoric/Navy) While the 2017 collisions created the most significant moment of reckoning for the Navy, theyre not the only recent examples of mishaps in the wee hours with indicators that fatigue played a role. Naval Safety Command published a rundown of smaller fatigue-related mishaps in the wake of the collisions. And in a presentation delivered earlier this year, Cordle pointed out that recent mishaps, including the February collision of the carrier USS Harry S. Truman with a Panama-flagged merchant vessel near the Suez Canal and the May 2024 collision of two landing craft air-cushion (LCAC) vessels off Jacksonville, Florida, took place between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Investigations into both of those incidents have yet to be released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the current study, participation was entirely voluntary, but came with an incentive: if sailors wear their Oura rings which track 20 different biometric factors and retail for about $200 for at least 75% of the deployment, they get to keep the tech. Sailors who are less consistent wont face a penalty, but will need to give the rings back. The rings were chosen, in part, because they dont give off a signal or GPS data and are considered passive, Cordle said. They connect to your phone [via Bluetooth], but if the phone is not there, its not a problem, he said. The Chinese cant find a ship because the crew is wearing Oura rings. Still, even beyond securing a resource sponsor, the researchers know theyll face more obstacles on the way to the CREW vision of service-wide implementation of biometric fatigue monitoring underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One unanswered issue is whether the service will be able to require sailors to wear the devices. Another concerns the infrastructure that will need to be added to ships to create secure local upload points to transfer biometric data to a central location while bypassing the cloud for privacy and safety. But Markwald said she believes the value of the devices will become clear not only to unit leaders monitoring fatigue but also to the sailors who will get a better sense of their own performance and needs. Its not just, hey, wear this device so that we can step in before fatigue becomes a problem, she said. This is a self-management tool as well, and we want it to really be something that the individual can use and hopefully finds some value [in]. Editors note: This article has been updated to reflect a correction to a quote by Dr. John Cordle. Last year, Utah launched Gov. Spencer Coxs novel plan, making some $300 million in public funds available for low-interest loans to encourage developers to build more affordable homes for first-time buyers. But just $10.7 million has been transferred from the fund, in February for a Nilson Homes project just outside Plain City, Weber County, according to the Utah State Treasurers office. The first dozen of what eventually will be 275 homes priced below $450,000 have been built and sold. Its a slow start toward meeting the governors goal of 35,000 more starter homes by 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the 2025 Legislature quietly made a change to the program that allows for a new type of affordable housing in addition to the traditional single-family house to be built with money from the funds set aside. Starter condominiums. Theyre the natural entry point into the housing market, said Steve Waldrip, a former state lawmaker and the first to fill the recently created role of senior adviser for housing strategy and innovation to the governor. The apartment-like, multistory housing can be much less expensive than a single-family home and, Waldrip said, allow developers to take advantage of smaller and odd-sized lots, particularly around public transit stations. Steve Waldrip, housing adviser for Gov. Spencer Cox, poses for photos in Salt Lake City on Monday, May 19, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News The governor has been very vocal about wanting single-family homes to be the priority of the administration. So weve done and are doing things in that arena. But there are places where you just cant do that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Say theres 2 acres available to develop. Instead of building just a couple of houses, Waldrip said, you could do 50 condos, or 100 condos. You get ownership in both instances. But because of the volume benefit of the condo process, they come a lot cheaper. Although many communities have balked at high-density development, he said they are much more amenable to condos than apartments because you have that ownership component. It provides much more housing stability. In Utah and the rest of the country, though, theres been little interest in building lower-priced condos for years because of costly insurance and regulatory issues, he said. Such projects are seen as offering a lower reward for a much higher financial risk than building apartments. Utah lawmakers have taken steps to remove some of the roadblocks but theres more to be done. Last sessions legislation also extended the availability of funding for building starter homes and now condos for an additional year, until 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waldrip said the state is working to create a Utah-specific construction defects insurance policy to counter premiums that can be four times higher for condo than apartment development because of regional pricing. While that might take more legislation, he doesnt see it as a show-stopper for the administrations new push for starter condos, especially since a larger financing issue was resolved by allowing the nonprofit Utah Housing Corporation to make loans, just as banks have. That change in the law, slipped into a larger housing bill after being successfully pitched to the Legislatures closed-door caucuses last session, is a way around federal regulations requiring 50% of a condo project to be sold before FHA loans that first-time buyers rely on are available. Were just talking about taking some of the risk away from condo development, Waldrip said. What have we been building? Apartments. Weve been building apartment after apartment after apartment. ... We have all these built-in disincentives to creating condos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So will that be enough to get apartment developers to shift to condos? Tom Henriod, head of Rockworth Companies, poses for photos at a construction site in Layton on Thursday, May 22, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Waldrip believes it is. He said the changes being made to the starter home program are in response to a developer who came to the state for help making the switch, Tom Henriod, a partner in the Holladay-based Rockworth Companies that develops projects throughout the West. That was the beginning of the discussion of how to create this condo project, Waldrip said. Henriods detailed proposal from late last year for Advancing Affordable Condominium Development in Utah fills the front and back of a single sheet of paper. It spells out that the supply of affordable homes is nearly nonexistent, so more and more households remain renters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also a warning about the (w)idening wealth gap between owners and renters fostering greater class distinction, discord between classes and increased risk of societal unrest, noting that the governments solution is usually to subsidize rental units for low-income residents. Were not trying to be alarmist ... but we mean it, Henriod said, making a point to single out that statement in his proposal. We need people to feel like they have ownership in their community, literally. Jed Nilsons starter home project in Plain City on Thursday, May 22, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News How a starter condo program could work Condo units could be built for $350,000 or less and sold at or near cost to lower-income buyers, Henriod said. Developers would be paid a yet-to-be determined fee of maybe 10% of the projects overall cost, he said, similar to what they get for building subsidized apartments. Whats not sustainable in his mind is continuing to build multifamily housing only for renters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There should be a large contingent of it thats for sale, said Henriod, who has built thousands of apartment units over the years. This idea is really borne from that thought, that we need more for-sale housing at smaller purchase prices, period. But his last condo project, near Trolley Square in Salt Lake City, was some 15 years ago. The challenges of building multiple units sold to individual buyers versus an apartment complex with a single owner are just too steep for developers, Henriod said. Ive got better tax options if I do apartments. Ive got liability issues that exist with the condos that dont exist with apartments. Its so much easier for me to get financing and I dont have to worry about figuring out how my buyers of all these individual condos can get financing, he said. Those issues have led developers to say why bother building something sold as a box in the air with a fractional interest in shared parts of a building, Henriod said. Its tough. Its super tough. Theres a lot of reasons why no one has been doing this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A mortgage payment on an affordable condo may actually be a little less than the nearly $2,000 typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment, he said, allowing the owner to build equity estimated to be valued at $158,000 over a decade. Its not rocket science, said Henriod, a father of four children ages 10 to 21. Im thinking about my kids and what are they going to buy. Id like them to be able to buy something, gain equity and get into a move-up market. I think thats what the American dream really is. Nothings planned yet, but the companys already scouting property, including in Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Spanish Fork and Murray. Henriod said hes just waiting for the state to come out with specifics of the starter condo program. Hopefully soon, he said, adding the company would love to be able get started in the next year or so since it takes at least three to four years to secure the necessary permits and then build a 200-unit complex. Tom Henriod, head of Rockworth Companies, talks while posing for photos at a construction site in Layton on Thursday, May 22, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News We dont want them to make too much Its the Utah Housing Corporation that will fund condo projects from the state monies set aside for starter homes once the details of the program are in place. Just how long thats going to take remains to be seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We make no promises, said David Damschen, who served as Utah state treasurer before becoming president and CEO of the nonprofit agency created some 50 years ago. Were moving as quickly as we can. ... Were not messing around. The hope is that Utah Housing Corporations new role in the governors starter home program as a lender to developers will be fairly well defined by late summer, he said. A new hire has already been made to help with what will be a significant expansion of the agencys construction financing. Obviously, were very subject to how things unfold. Were spending a lot of time with the developer community as well as legal counsel, making sure we understand the sources of risk, making sure we understand how the incentives will be viewed, Damschen said. If the new program doesnt work for developers to do really great work, produce high-quality, affordable units, its not a good program. So we have to strike a delicate balance, he said, between the risk of financing condo construction and the reward of more affordable housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claudia OGrady, vice president of Utah Housing Corporations Multifamily Finance Department, said its possible there could be units for sale as soon as next year. She said shes been hearing from developers interested in converting existing apartment projects into condos. Jed Nilsons starter home project in Plain City on Thursday, May 22, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News If it can get done in a manner that meets our program requirements, and our objectives of affordability, a quality product at affordable, entry-level prices, were going to entertain those applications, OGrady said. She said the condo projects would be fee-based to incentivize developers to participate and hopefully allow the units to be sold at cost, although the finer points of that model still need to be worked out. That includes the size of the fee paid to developers. Yes, theres profit in it, Damschen said. We dont want to let them make too much. For buyers, for now the intention is to require owner occupancy for at least five years. Income limits are also being discussed, but Damschen said theres value in keeping it simple for Utahns seeking to become homeowners. You can overcomplicate programs such that theyre not as appealing either to developers or to homebuyers, or mortgage lenders. So theres a focus on simplicity. Theres a focus on the cost, he said, noting down payment assistance would be available to first-time buyers. Damschen believes the starter condos will be welcomed. Its not really single-family homes versus condos. Its apartments, rental apartments, versus condos. Thats really where the initiative stemmed from, was generally, cities are more interested in ... housing units that provide home ownership opportunities, he said. At the same time, making the transition from renter to owner by purchasing a single-family home is often out of reach for Utahns. Increasingly, single-family detached homes at $400,000, $450,000, $500,000 are not affordable to first-time homebuyers, Damschen said. But for a lot of folks buying their first home, a condo at $300,000 will do the trick. What homebuilders say about the affordable housing gap Utahs largest homebuilder, Ivory Homes, backs the governors efforts. Chris Gamvroulas, president of Ivory Development, said the starter home program was initially geared to small- and medium-sized builders. Asked if Ivory was interested in building starter condos, he said we have so many other projects that are in our pipeline already that for us, it wouldnt make sense. But I know theres a lot of builders that are looking into it now and are hopeful that it can bridge the gap. Gamvroulas said high-density housing that for sale could enable more Utahns to earn equity rather than paying rent. Over time, he said, they could sell their unit and buy a single-family home like the ones Ivory builds. Were homebuilders. We sell homes. Thats our business. We want to get people into homes and have them own them. Its good for families. Its good for individuals. Its good for our state. Its good for business, Gamvroulas said, adding, It can be a condo. It can be a town home. Jed Nilson, the owner of Ogden-based Nilson Homes, is the first and so far only builder to participate in the governors starter home program. Now, hes eager to do the same with starter condos. When the JDC Ranch development near Plain City is complete, 275 of whats now 1,000 homes will be single-family detached houses priced for first-time buyers. The 12 starter homes built so far cost between $370,000 to $400,000 and were all snapped up by eager buyers, Nilson said. The governor did a press conference there on Thursday, Oct. 31. By the following Wednesday, we had a waiting list of 150-ish people. So theres huge demand. We have done zero marketing, he said, noting that list continues to grow. The $10.7 million he received through the state program was used to buy 130 lots and add roads and utilities for the initial phase of the development started last year as well as to build the 12 starter homes, Nilson said. The phase also will include another nine single-family detached starter homes as well as 70 townhomes priced under $450,000, he said, citing a requirement that homes in that price range must make up at least 60% of the project to qualify for the state loan program. For the construction of the market-rate homes in that phase, Nilson said he took out a separate loan at a higher rate. It took months to put together the initial loan from the state fund, made by First Utah Bank, Nilson said, so he initially had to fund all of the development and construction. It was a little bit of a nail-biter, he said, but worth the wait. How the first starter home project came together Nilson, who took over a business started by his father in the late 1970s, said Utahs lack of affordable housing is my problem to fix. If anybody can fix the problem, it has to be builders and developers. So why arent more participating in the program? Builders have been building large homes on large lots for the last 20 years, he said. Bigger means more profits, even though Utahns are clamoring to buy smaller brand-new homes on smaller lots. I do still make money, I just dont make as much money as if I were building the market rate homes, Nilson said. Heres the thing that also helps me out, the fact that when I build these starter homes, I get to build more homes. Hes not just talking about shrinking the lot size to accommodate smaller, less expensive homes. Local governments have long resisted a push by state lawmakers for them to accommodate smaller lot sizes. For the 240-acre JDC Ranch development thats expected to take seven years to build out, Nilson said with help from the governors office, he was able to secure permission from Weber County to build on about 30 acres that normally would have to be set aside as open space. In exchange, he said the county expects a total of 275 detached starter homes built, so the development has been redesigned to add those alongside the homes originally planned, bringing the total number of units in the project to 1,000. Lot sizes range from around 4,000 square feet for the two models of starter homes, to between 6,000 and 13,000 square feet for the market rate homes, Nilson said. His starter homes have a deed restriction requiring the owner to live there, he said, so properties cant get bought up by investors and turned into rentals. They also come with landscaping and fencing, and ongoing maintenance through a homeowners association. We dont have to worry that were going to put in affordable housing and people wont be able to afford to put their yards in or they wont be able to afford to maintain their yards, Nilson said. Even if my last name werent on the business, I want to be proud of what I create. Starter homes will sell as fast as they can be built because theres so little on the market for Utahns who want a new house priced under $450,000, he said, adding that his 12 starter homes all closed on the day they were finished. If I had a hundred more, they would all be sold, Nilson said. The next phase of the JDC Ranch development with more starter homes is underway and other projects are planned in Utah and Box Elder counties. He said theres still some money available from his first loan from the state fund and his company is in the process of borrowing more. Nilson said hes also ready to test one on the condo side, using a loan from the state fund to build a starter condominium project somewhere along the Wasatch Front since the true way that we start to create affordability is if we go up. Opening up the starter home program to condos is a huge game-changer for the state of Utah, where developers like myself in a master plan like this where it has a thousand units, maybe we could have done some condos and brought it up 1,100 units, at even lower price points, he said. This program is going to help the state significantly, Nilson said, because including condos may be what makes it possible to meet Coxs goal of 35,000 new starter homes. Now I see how were going to be able to do it. I think its really brilliant. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Gold Star families, veterans and community members gathered Monday in Little Rock to remember those who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military. The somber event included the playing of taps and reflections from those who have lost loved ones in service. Trump honors fallen soldiers at Arlington, calling them Americas best and bravest Sharri Brileys husband, Donovan Briley, was killed in action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My husband was killed in action over Mogadishu, Somalia, October 3rd, 1993, better known as Black Hawk Down, she said. Briley said Memorial Day is a special recognition of his sacrifice, but the pain of losing him is felt every day. Memorial Day for families who have lost a loved one fighting for our country, Memorial Day is every day, she said. She leads Gold Star family organizations. While its a bond no one wants, she said its also a source of comfort and support. They continue on even though that sacrifice and the loss has left a hole that will always be there, but we want to be here to honor our loved ones, Briley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans joined families at the event to reflect on those they served with who never came home. Michael Westergren is an alternate national executive committee member with the American Legion. Its an opportunity to think about our comrades and be mindful that some didnt return, Westergren said. He said Memorial Day always carries a deep message, one he hopes Americans never forget. I ask all of our citizens, everybody, to be mindful that Memorial Day is to remember those who have served our nation and to never forget that our countrys freedom comes from those who are willing to stand up and serve, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A look back at history, meaning of Memorial Day The ceremony closed with a prayer focused on hope, something Briley said helps her power through. We can always have that hope that our loved ones will never be forgotten and what we had with them when they were alive, 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 KARK. This report was updated with new information. A Middletown police officer shot and killed a person while executing a search warrant in a drug investigation. The person, whose identity has yet to be released, was fatally shot by Middletown police early on May 27, according to Steve Irwin, a spokesman for the Ohio Attorney General's Office. No officers were injured in the Tuesday incident in the 900 block of Garden Avenue. The Middletown Police Department has requested that the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation respond to handle the shooting inquiry, Irwin said. Departments throughout the state often call BCI to investigate police shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan Hils, president of the police advocacy group Frontline Advisors, said the department's special operations personnel were executing a search warrant around 7:20 a.m. as part of a larger drug investigation involving multiple search warrants. After announcing themselves at the home's entrance, police breached the door. The suspect pointed a firearm at police, Hils said. Hils said only one officer fired their weapon. It remains unclear exactly how many shots were fired. Hils described the officer as "shook up" but physically OK. Alongside the person who was fatally shot, another person was wounded in the incident. Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser said that person was taken to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There was a justification that arose for the shooting," Gmoser said. He added that his office has a policy to take all police shootings to a grand jury, which will decide whether the officers were justified in using deadly force. "I shouldn't be making those sole decisions," Gmoser said of deciding whether there is any wrongdoing in a police shooting. BCI will turn over the findings of its investigation to the prosecutor's office. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Middletown police fatally shoot person during search of home State leaders celebrate Hartford Whalers anniversary HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) State leaders are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Whalers first game in Connecticut. Celebrating 50 years of the Hartford Whalers Lawmakers and fans took a few minutes Tuesday to celebrate the milestone anniversary. It was Hartfords team, they were on the national stage in a professional sport when you came to Hartford you were immediately entrenched in the community, Bob Crawford, a former Hartford Whalers player, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Whalers played in Hartford from 1975 through 1997 before leaving to become to Carolina Hurricanes. Once a year, they have Whalers night, where the team wears the old Whalers uniforms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, works on the House floor at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (Amanda Loman/Oregon Capital Chronicle) On Feb. 5, state Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, urged legislators at a hearing in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire to oppose a bill that would have required large farm owners to report their fertilizer use to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The goal of the bill, which died in the committee after the hearing, was to help curb groundwater pollution thats become a growing issue in Levys district in northeast Oregon. Making the suggestion that over application (of fertilizer) is widespread is both inaccurate and unfair, she told the senators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A month later, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality identified the Levy farm in a citation as having over-applied fertilizer on corn fields owned by the familys business throughout 2023, causing pollution to waters of the state, in an already contaminated aquifer. Levys opposition to the fertilizer reporting bill Senate Bill 747 did not include any mention of her own farmland holdings or the income she gets from her family business, Windy River, proprietor of those fields of corn. Workers and families with polluted drinking water need good representation on this issue and arent getting it, Kaleb Lay, policy director at Oregon Rural Action, said via text. Were going to need leadership from the legislature to hold polluters accountable in the Lower Umatilla Basin. Although Levy has named seven businesses in the statement of economic interest she submits annually to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, Levy isnt barred from sponsoring, testifying on or voting on bills that would directly benefit the family businesses that she receives income from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, by Oregon law, she said she and other legislators are required to vote on bills even when theyve declared a conflict of interest. As a member of the House of Representatives, it is my honor and obligation to comply with the rules of the House, state law and the Oregon Constitution, Levy said in an email. House rules require me to attend all committee meetings unless I am excused. House rules require me to vote and prohibit me from abstaining from voting. If I am faced with an actual or potential conflict of interest, House rules require me to announce the nature of the conflict prior to voting on the issue that is creating the conflict. Kate Titus, executive director of Common Cause Oregon, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group focused on public policy in the state, said many other states have laws that recommend or require lawmakers to abstain from voting on bills where theyve declared a financial conflict of interest. Oregon is behind on these ethics laws, Titus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two bills currently being considered by legislators would change that and offer more transparency. Senate Joint Resolution 9, sponsored by state Sen. Fred Girod, R-Stayton, would refer a ballot measure to Oregon voters in November to decide whether to amend the state constitution to prohibit legislators from voting on bills when theyve declared a conflict of interest. Little action has been taken on the proposal, which has been sitting in the Senate Rules Committee since January. Another proposal, made at the request of Gov. Tina Kotek for the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, would expand Oregons conflict of interest laws to apply to other members of a public figures household. This means officials would need to declare conflicts of interest not only if they or their business would materially benefit or suffer from a bill, but if it would benefit or damage a relative or a member of the officials household, or any businesses associated with relatives or members of the household. The proposal House Bill 2930 unanimously passed the House in April and is awaiting a final vote in the Senate. Power brokering The interests of Levys family businesses also hew closely to a bill shes sponsoring and another shes opposed, related to power and data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levy is sponsoring a bill that would exempt Umatilla County from Oregons 45-year-old statewide nuclear ban an exemption that would favor tech companies already investing billions in small nuclear reactors in the region to power their growing number of energy-hungry data centers and AI processing servers. She also opposed a bill that would create a separate rate class for data centers to ensure costs of grid and infrastructure expansion needed to power them arent passed onto utilities residential customers. Demand for power from the Umatilla Electric Cooperative, which supplies electricity to much of Levys district, 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. Levy did not disclose while she lobbied for and against these bills that the family business Windy River has made deals with Amazon, including selling the company more than 100 acres of its land in 2021 for nearly $3.7 million, to build a new data center that is nearing completion. Windy River still holds the water rights to that land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levy also did not share that Windy Rivers farm acres get wastewater to use for irrigation from another Amazon data center, according to the Port of Morrows most recent wastewater permit. Oregon law does require disclosures of donations to public officials campaigns, which show Levy accepted a $2,000 donation from Amazon in November. The company gave similarly sized donations to a number of lawmakers from both parties in 2024. Levy contends she did not need to declare a conflict of interest related to the Senate bill that would have required fertilizer reporting because it never went to a vote. The only reason the environmental quality department knows about the overfertilized fields at the Levy farm is because the farm gets wastewater from J.R. Simplot Company and the Hermiston Power Plant. J.R. Simplot has a state-regulated wastewater permit that allows it to supply the Levy farm with wastewater, and in return Simplot is required to report how much fertilizer farmers are laying down on those wastewater-irrigated fields, and to allow DEQ to test wells nearby the farm fields for contaminants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Windy River, the Levy familys company, is now trying to stop receiving water from Simplot, meaning their fields would no longer be monitored under Simplots state-regulated wastewater permit, and DEQ would no longer be able to monitor Windy Rivers fertilizer use. Levy said the other bills currently being considered do not require disclosures because they do not and will not directly financially benefit her or her familys businesses, and that she is following all of Oregons ethics laws. The founders of this great state had the wisdom to enshrine in our constitution protections to ensure that legislators have the freedom to engage in robust debate in determining what laws to enact, without fear of being questioned by others outside of the legislature about what is said in that debate, she said. This protection enables me to advocate for the interests of my constituents to the best of my abilities, without fear of malicious prosecution by those who do not hold my constituents best interests to heart. Titus said regardless of Oregons ethics laws being behind the times, public officials should strive for a high degree of transparency and disclosure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some level, you cant fault legislators for playing by the rules, but its important that elected officials uphold the highest standards of transparency, she said. We elect legislators because they have expertise that represents our community, or certain experiences in our communities. We dont want to prevent them from voting on things that broadly affect them, too. But at some point, when its related to a very specific private, economic interest, they should need to recuse themselves. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy, and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. Sixteen states, the District of Columbia, and more than a half dozen environmental groups have alleged in a lawsuit that the Trump administration has indefinitely and unlawfully frozen funds for a nationwide electric vehicle program. The complaint was filed on Thursday last week in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Plaintiffs attorneys are asking the judge to require the Trump administration to unfreeze the funds and distribute them to the states according to a formula established by Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Biden administration, Congress appropriated $5 billion for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, also known as NEVI, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The money would have been disbursed each year to all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, to build a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. Transportation is the leading source of climate pollution in the U.S., and halting the NEVI program directly threatens our progress toward clean, reliable transportation options especially in the Southeast, where EV infrastructure is still catching up, said Megan Kimball, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center. In rural and urban areas alike, more charging access means cleaner air, economic growth, and real savings for families. Were defending that future. The legal challenge coincided with a Government Accountability Office report published Thursday that found the U.S. Department of Transportation is unauthorized to withhold the congressionally appropriated funds. The Transportation Department could petition Congress to pass a law to rescind the funds or change the NEVI program, the GAO wrote, but it cant act unilaterally. A department spokesperson said in a prepared statement that the GAO report shows a complete misunderstanding of the law and conflicts with Congress intent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than three weeks after Trump was elected to a second term, the Transportation Department ordered states to stop distributing their funds for fiscal years 2022-2025, worth about $2.7 billion. States could reimburse contractors for money already spent, but no new funding could be obligated. DOT justified the funding freeze by saying the Federal Highway Administration was updating the NEVI Formula Program Guidance to align with current policy and priorities. The GAO report concluded that the Transportation Department erroneously froze funding when it determined that funding was available only for signed project agreements. Instead, the GAO wrote, the effective date for funding was much earlier: when the law made money for the program available for obligation. Some agencies delay their funding distribution while trying to comply with legal requirements for a program, the GAO wrote. In the NEVI case, however, DOT imposed requirements that exceed what the law prescribes. For example, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requires states to submit plans to DOT, but does not provide authority for the secretary of transportation to approve or disapprove such plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A DOT spokesperson said the GAO was cherry-picking language in the program statute. The agency is updating NEVI program guidance, according to the spokesperson, because the implementation of NEVI has failed miserably, and DOT will continue to work in good faith to update the program so it can be utilized more efficiently and effectively. Attorneys for the environmental groups including CleanAIRE NC, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, West End Revitalization Project, Sierra Club, and the Natural Resources Defense Council wrote that in blocking the distribution of funds, the Trump administration directly defied congressional directives. The funding freeze nullified more than 150 state implementation plans, according to court documents, which harmed local communities. NEVI requires EV charging stations in the first phase to be installed every 50 miles along the federally approved Alternative Fuel Corridors, and that they be within one mile of those routes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By reducing access to reliable public charging, the plaintiffs attorneys wrote, DOT and the FHWA are restricting electric vehicle owners ability to travel and use their EVs, increase their fuel costs, delay EV purchases, worsen health impacts from vehicle pollution, and deprive communities of promised public investment. In the Charlotte, North Carolina, metro area, for example, air quality such as levels of ozone and particulate matter has worsened, according to the 2025 American Lung Association State of the Air Report. The largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte is ringed and bisected by several highways clogged with cars. Tailpipe pollution is a public health crisis fueling asthma, heart disease, and respiratory illness in communities already overburdened by environmental harm, Jeff Robbins, executive director of CleanAIRE NC, said in a prepared statement. NEVI is a vital step toward reducing that harm through zero-emission transportation. Freezing the program blocks progress and keeps our most vulnerable residents breathing dirty air. Clean air and climate justice cannot be put on hold. Interstate 85 and U.S. Highway 70 run through many underserved communities in Alamance County, North Carolina, about 30 miles west of Durham. For decades, communities like ours in Alamance County have been denied access to basic infrastructure, said Omega Wilson, codirector of the West End Revitalization Association. The NEVI program offers a real chance to change that with public investment in EV charging that finally includes rural Black and brown neighborhoods. Suspending the program delays critical investments, widens infrastructure disparities, and sends the message that once again, the taxpayers whove been left behind the longest will be the last to benefit. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. There are wonderful houses, roads, electricity, natural gas, water, land plotsin other words, all the opportunities to live and work here. Living in such beautiful natural conditions, on your own land, I am sure, is a very pleasant feeling. This is great happiness, President Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting with residents who relocated to the village of Beylik, Lachin district, Trend reports. After we ended the 30-year Armenian occupation, reconstruction work immediately began in all our districts. The villages that were subjected to Armenian vandalism have now been rebuilt. The village of Baylik was also razed to the ground by the Armenians. Now, a beautiful settlement has been created here. Nearby, there was a neighboring village once - the village of Sus - and on that side is Zabukh and the city of Lachin. Four settlements have already been restored in the Lachin district. But overall, the number of restored cities and villages has already reached 15. We have achieved all this in a short period of time, and the work is still ongoing. Large-scale efforts are underway in all the liberated territories so that our citizens can return to their lands soon, the head of state emphasized. FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) As summertime approaches, outdoor experts and public safety officials want to make sure all recreators are safe on Tennessee waterways. Making sure youre up to date on the forecast and any potential weather scenarios while youre going to be out on the river is pretty crucial, Dylan Schultz, Operations Manager at Cumberland Kayak and Adventure Company, told News 2. Recently, the Franklin Police Department (FPD) hung up water safety signs near the Harpeth River with a QR code with tips to stay safe. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Officials say having ways to cool down from the heat, protect yourself from the sun, and being close enough to shore in case of any thunderstorms is key. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schultz also encourages kayakers to follow the American Canoe Associations float plan. You write down on a piece of paper, whether its a sticky note or an index card, how many people you have going out on the water, where you guys are going, roughly when you plan it to be back, and you give that to somebody whos on land, Schultz explained. Schultz said his company gives beginner kayaking lessons at the beginning of every trip. Those lessons can be a key resource as the FPD says most of their water rescues involve people who are inexperienced. In a safety video released by the FPD, Garrett Dreessen from the departments Dive and Swift Water Rescue Team said, Lately, weve had a lot of rain, making the water levels rise, and then also trees will fall into the riverand people dont know how to go around them. The best way to do that is to paddle to the shore and get out of the river, walk around it, and then get back in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for FPD told News 2 the department has conducted numerous rescues of kayakers on the Harpeth River after inclement weather over the past five years. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com FPD recommends always having a way to call 911, such as a waterproof phone or radio, staying hydrated, and wearing a life jacket because even strong swimmers can have trouble in cold, fast-flowing rivers. Experts also say if youre floating on a larger river like the Cumberland, to watch out for larger vessels and commercial traffic like boats and barges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 27Rep. Elise M. Stefanik wants the U.S. Army to fast-track nearly $70 million in funding to make critical repairs to the Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on Fort Drum. In a statement on Tuesday, Stefanik announced she had send a formal request to Army leadership asking them to reallocate the 2027 Army Facilities Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization funds into fiscal year 2026, accelerating work on projects slated for the 2027 money. Stefanik said it's critical that Fort Drum gets the funding as soon as possible to address ongoing issues with the Wheeler-Sack power system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The functionality of this airfield is essential to maintaining the rapid deployment capabilities and operational readiness of the division," Stefanik said. "However, the current condition of the airfield's electric power system is rapidly deteriorating. This poses an unacceptable risk to flight operations, training, and Army support for U.S. power projection in the near-term." The 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum makes extensive use of the air field. Besides using the facility for training, Fort Drum also serves as a base for an unmanned drone system, with a specially built runway used exclusively by unmanned aircraft. The 10th Mountain Division, being the most deployed division in the Army since 2001, regularly uses the airfield for troop movements. The Combat Aviation Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division, with five battalions, also operates out of Wheeler-Sack. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Governor Kevin Stitt has signed a controversial bill into law that changes Oklahomas initiative petition process, in a move critics say will make it harder for everyday Oklahomans to get issues on the ballot. The legislation places new caps on how many signatures can be gathered from each county during the initiative petition process, which allows Oklahomans to propose laws or constitutional amendments and put them to a statewide vote. Supporters of the bill said it would ensure rural voices are better represented, but opponents argue it will make it nearly impossible to gather enough signatures without widespread support in sparsely populated counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahomans speak out, write letters against bill restricting statewide ballot initiatives They just want to control all the process themselves, longtime petition organizer Amber England said when News 4 reported about the original version of the bill in March. Special interest groups and powerful politicians and lobbyists are just mad right now. England said the new law rewrites the rules and strips Oklahomans of the ability to directly weigh in on issues. Theyre rewriting the rules to take the freedom for Oklahomans to actually decide issues for themselves, she said. Englands warning against the bill closely resembled something the bills author, Sen. David Bullard (R-Durant), said while arguing in favor of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill would limit initiative petition signatures by county, giving less-populated counties disproportionately larger influence Your democracy does not need you right now. Your republic needs you, Bullard said on the Senate floor during debate on May 21. The Republican form of government says that youre ruled by your elected officials. Just days before the governor signed the bill, a group delivered more than 2,500 letters to his office asking him to veto it. But Stitt signed it into law in the middle of Memorial Day Weekend at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Heres what that means: Oklahomans can still petition to put issues on the ballot, but now there are strict limits on how many signatures can come from each county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, petition organizers could gather unlimited signatures from anywhere in the state. Now, for statutory petitions, the number of signatures allowed from any one county is capped at 11.5% of that countys turnout in the most recent gubernatorial election. Effort from lawmakers to tighten petition requirements In Oklahoma County, about 223,000 people voted in the 2022 governors race. Under the new law, petitioners would only be allowed to count about 26,000 signatures from Oklahoma County. For constitutional amendments, the cap is slightly higher20.8% of a countys gubernatorial election turnout, roughly 46,000 signatures in Oklahoma County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In practice, that means the two most populous countiesOklahoma and Tulsacan no longer make up an overwhelming majority of petition signatures. Instead, organizers will have to gather more support from rural areas. We are actually moving out to more counties, getting the signatures of a more diverse population of Oklahomans, Sen. Bullard said during debate on the Senate floor in March. It is important for the entire state to be represented in the process, said Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland). But England said petition campaigns already gather signatures in every county. Concerned Oklahomans call bill unconstitutional; restricts signatures for ballot measures Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every state question that Ive been involved in over the last decade has gotten signatures from all 77 counties, she said in March. Thats why England and the legislators who voted against it think back to when Bullard said youre ruled by your elected officials. Its a power grab, said Sen. Mark Mann (D-Oklahoma City). It takes power away from everyday Oklahoma voters. Before the governor signed the bill, critics had already said they planned to file lawsuits if it became law. Restrictions to Initiative Petition process passes another hurdle Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt sent News 4 the following statement Monday: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new law directly attacks peoples rights to decide about issues that matter to them. Were disappointed that the Governor signed SB1027. Oklahoma Senate Democrats fought against this bill because we know it means more power for out-of-touch politicians, lobbyists and special interests, and less power for voters to decide the issues that matter most. We will keep standing with Oklahomans to solve real problems in their lives. News 4 will continue monitoring for legal challenges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Two baby goats that were stolen from a Vancouver feed store over Memorial Day weekend have returned, though one baby rabbit is still missing. In a social media post Tuesday morning, Orchards Feed shared that police found the baby goats dumped on Lower River Road after someone reported the animals had been walking in the middle of the roadway. Construction nearly underway for new music venue in Portlands Lloyd District Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were so hungry and drank their bottle in a couple minutes, the post read. None of this would have a happy ending without all the help from the community. The goats return comes a day after the store shared that a man had cut through three deadbolts and a front gate before breaking into the goat pen and stealing the two baby goats. A second post shared that a baby rabbit was also missing. Orchards Feed, in Vancouver, Washington, is asking the communitys help in finding two baby goats and a rabbit that were stolen from their shop in the early morning of May 26, 2025 (Courtesy Joshua Carlson). Orchards Feed, in Vancouver, Washington, is asking the communitys help in finding two baby goats and a rabbit that were stolen from their shop in the early morning of May 26, 2025 (Courtesy Joshua Carlson). Orchards Feed, in Vancouver, Washington, is asking the communitys help in finding two baby goats and a rabbit that were stolen from their shop in the early morning of May 26, 2025 (Courtesy Joshua Carlson). The suspect knew what they were doing, according to Orchards Feed General Manager Matthew Beckley. They came in and out within 13 minutes, breaking all the different locks trying to get in and took (the goats) one by one out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rabbit remains missing as of Tuesday afternoon. An investigation is ongoing, and Clark County deputies say the person associated with the theft could face charges including theft of livestock and burglary. With help from security footage, the store said they have the suspects car information, including the license plate, along with images of the suspect carrying a goat at the North Rosewood Avenue property. Popular Filipino fast food chains Oregon debut is fast approaching The store said they have also contacted nearby businesses for their camera footage in hopes of finding the suspect. Im putting everyone on blast now as I want people to know we see you our community sees you. We will prosecute to the highest level we can but we will also be staying on premises and will protect our property with force, Orchards Feed wrote. We are a family-owned store who is trying to improve our community. Security video captured a man suspected of breaking into Orchards Feed in Vancouver, Washington and stealing two baby goats the morning of May 26, 2025 (Courtesy Joshua Carlson). Security video captured a man suspected of breaking into Orchards Feed in Vancouver, Washington and stealing two baby goats the morning of May 26, 2025 (Courtesy Joshua Carlson). Security video captured a man suspected of breaking into Orchards Feed in Vancouver, Washington and stealing two baby goats the morning of May 26, 2025 (Courtesy Joshua Carlson). Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Active weather will stick around this week with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms across parts of New Mexico. Strong to severe storms will be possible as well, especially in eastern parts of the state. More rain and storms developed Monday afternoon in northern and eastern New Mexico. Some of these storms have turned severe, bringing heavy rain, large and accumulating hail, along with lightning. These storms will continue to move through eastern New Mexico this evening, where a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 11 PM. Calmer weather will return overnight as moisture pushes west again into the Rio Grande Valley by Tuesday morning. Moisture will continue to wash back and forth across eastern and central New Mexico this week. Westerly afternoon winds will push the moisture back into eastern parts of the state by the afternoon. That will keep the best chances for rain and thunderstorms this week in eastern New Mexico along with most mountain ranges. Wednesday will bring a threat of strong to severe storms in eastern New Mexico again. The biggest threats will be large hail and damaging wind gusts, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isolated storm chances will continue into the end of the week as temperatures heat up. Well-above average warmth will move in for the weekend, with the Albuquerque Metro climbing into the 90s. Storm chances will likely increase again Sunday and Monday next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. To many in the U.S., who see Memorial Day weekend as the official "start of summer," the summer season has officially begun. May 26 was Memorial Day and last weekend was the first of three long weekends on the calendar for summer 2025. The next is coming in July. For many, Septembers Labor Day weekend will be the last guaranteed long weekend of the year. Heres how many three-day weekends are left in 2025, what they are and when they fall. Long weekends in 2025: How many three-day weekends are left? Now that Memorial Day weekend has passed, there are two three-day weekends left in 2025, if you dont have Columbus Day Monday and the Friday after Thanksgiving off of work. And they both fall in the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fourth of July is the next three-day weekend of 2025, as it falls on a Friday this year. And Labor Day weekend in September is the last three-day weekend of the summer. Those who have Columbus Day off from work will have that three-day weekend to look forward to in October. And in November, if you choose to take the Friday after Thanksgiving Day, youll have one more long weekend to look forward to. Now that Memorial Day passed: What 3-day weekends are left in 2025? What date was Memorial Day 2025 on? What is Memorial Day? Memorial Day 2025 was Monday, May 26. Many people in the U.S. get a three-day weekend for Memorial Day and see it as the start of the summer season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day, but theyre completely different. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and commemoration for military members who lost their lives in service, while Veterans' Day honors all who served. The holiday was created to honor the many American men and women who died in military service, The Farmers Almanac says. This focus on those who made the ultimate sacrifice sets it apart from Veterans Day, which honors all military veterans, living and dead. Although it's designated as a day of remembrance, Memorial Day means a cookout, a day at the beach or just a surefire three-day weekend for many. It's widely considered the unofficial "start of summer" in the U.S. What day is Labor Day in 2025? Labor Day weekend is a sort-of counterpart to Memorial Day weekend. Many people in the U.S. see Labor Day as the unofficial end of summer. Labor Day 2025 will be on Monday, Sept. 1. What day does 4th of July fall on in 2025? This year, the Fourth of July falls on a weekend. Fourth of July will land on Friday, July 4, 2025. Are banks and mail closed on Columbus Day? Here's who gets the day off Columbus Day, also called Indigenous Peoples Day in some states, always falls on the second Monday of October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of 11 federally observed holidays in the U.S., meaning non-essential federal government offices are closed and employees of them get the day off. If you dont work for the government, you probably dont have the day off. There's no regular mail delivery on Columbus Day and some banks close for the holiday. This year, Columbus Day will fall on Monday, October 13, 2025. How many federal holidays are there? Here's a list There are 11 federal holidays. Heres the list of federal holidays in the U.S.: New Years Day: Jan. 1 Martin Luther Kings Birthday: Third Monday in January Washingtons Birthday (or Presidents Day): Third Monday in February Memorial Day: Last Monday in May Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19 Independence Day: July 4 Labor Day: First Monday in September Columbus Day: Second Monday in October Veterans Day: Nov. 11 Thanksgiving Day: Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day: Dec. 25 This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: What day is Fourth of July? It's Friday and makes a 3-day weekend ALDERSON, WV (WVNS) A local strawberry farm has partnered with several programs in southern West Virginia to continue serving their community. Alderson Strawberry Festival helps strawberry lovers pick their fruit at just the right time Sunset Berry Farm is known for their U-pick strawberries and community festivals. Now, they are working towards being known for serving their community in other ways as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owners of the farm have partnered with the Womens, Infants, and Childrens Program otherwise known was WIC, as well as the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition to bring fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables to the nine counties they serve. Jennifer Gilkerson, one of the owners, said it all started last year. So, the WIC office had called me and asked me if I would do a pop-up market for them last summer. We did and it was a huge success. So, we got together and we decided to actually put it on the schedule this year and go around to all nine counties all summer long, said Gilkerson. Gilkerson said the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition received grant funding in order to help out the grandparents of the area as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are a grandparent responsible for feeding your grandchildren and you are using SNAP payments to do so, you can buy a pint of strawberries and get up to three for free depending on your family size. Gilkerson said she is glad to have the chance to help her community. We really work extra hard to try to get healthy fruits and veggies to the underserved population in southern West Virginia, so this project is a really important project to us. Going just in all the valleys, all the hills, and just reaching those people who dont normally have access to local healthy food, said Gilkerson. No more wishful thinking, the 2025 West Virginia Dandelion Festival is finally Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gilkerson encourages anyone with questions about either program to give Sunset Berry Farm a call at (304) 646-3784, or check their Facebook page for their rotating market 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 WVNS. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. May is now a double holiday for you both Independence Day and the day you returned to Beylik, President Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting with residents who relocated to the village of Beylik, Lachin district, Trend reports. But May was also a tragic month for the people of Lachin. It was in May that Lachin was occupied, 10 days after the occupation of Shusha. It was an immense tragedy - a great disaster for you and for our entire country. Because it was the occupation of Lachin that paved the way for our subsequent failures in the war. The then Nagorno-Karabakh region became geographically connected with Armenia. The notorious Lachin corridor, which no longer exists now, was opened. There has been the Lachin-Khankendi road there for many years now. The Lachin corridor has been consigned to history. You know, those who lived through that time will remember very well that there was a power struggle in Azerbaijan. The Popular Front-Musavat tandem, which was striving to seize power in the country, committed treason. They played a great and disgraceful role in the occupation of our lands. It was just a month after the occupation of Lachin that they came to powerbringing great misfortune to our country. Selling lands to the enemy in order to gain power is a heinous crime - great betrayal, treachery, and cowardice. But that too is now history. That black page of our history has long been turned. Today, Azerbaijan has restored its sovereignty over its entire territory. From now on, May will only be a month of celebration for you and for all of us, added the President. The Supreme Court declined Tuesday to hear an Apache religious challenge to the construction of a massive copper mine on Oak Flat, a swath of untouched federal land in Arizona that tribe members consider sacred and irreplaceable. The decision, which leaves intact a lower court's ruling against the tribe members, marked a major loss for Apache Stronghold, a group that has long argued that the mine's construction would violate their religious rights by permanently wiping out a unique sacred site used for Apache religious ceremonies. It allows the U.S. Forest Service to move forward with plans to issue a final environmental impact report and hear a last round of public comment before issuing a decision on transferring the land to Resolution Copper, a joint venture by the multinational mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Battle for Oak Flat: How Apache opposition to a copper mine became a religious liberty test Wendsler Nosie Sr., an Apache elder and leader of the Apache Stronghold, said in a statement that his group would continue to defend the land about 70 miles east of Phoenix including through other court battles challenging the mine and an appeal to Congress to intervene. "We will never stop fighting nothing will deter us from protecting Oak Flat from destruction," Nosie said. "We urge Congress to take decisive action to stop this injustice while we press forward in the courts." Vicky Peacey, Resolution Copper's general manager, said in a statement that the company was pleased the lower court's decision will stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Resolution Copper mine is vital to securing Americas energy future, infrastructure needs, and national defense with a domestic supply of copper and other critical minerals," Peacey said. She said the project has "significant community support" and "the potential to become one of the largest copper mines in America, add $1 billion a year to Arizonas economy, and create thousands of local jobs in a region where mining has played an important role for more than a century." The high court's majority did not articulate a stance in the case, but by declining to hear it sided with a heavily divided panel of judges in the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that ruled against the Apache in March 2024. However, Justice Neil M. Gorsuch wrote a dissent joined by his fellow conservative, Justice Clarence Thomas saying the majority's decision not to take the case was "a grievous mistake" and "one with consequences that threaten to reverberate for generations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gorsuch said he had "no doubt" that the high court would have heard the case "if the government sought to demolish a historic cathedral" rather than a Native American sacred site. "Faced with the governments plan to destroy an ancient site of tribal worship, we owe the Apaches no less," Gorsuch wrote. "They may live far from Washington, D.C., and their history and religious practices may be unfamiliar to many. But that should make no difference." Gorsuch said no one could "sensibly" argue against the significance of the case. "As the government has made plain, it intends to clear the way for Resolution Copper to begin the destruction of Oak Flat imminently," he wrote. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., another conservative, did not participate in the conversation or decision in the case, though a reason was not provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case touches on a host of politicized issues, including federal land use, religious liberty and efforts to balance corporate interests with limited natural resources and environmental degradation. It also has confounded traditional political divides, including by uniting conservative religious organizations and liberal environmental groups behind the Apache. The fight between Apache Stronghold and Resolution Copper has been ongoing for years. Nosie and other Stronghold members have traveled the country since the 9th Circuit ruling against them to raise awareness about their effort. Resolution Copper has continued billions of dollars' worth of preparations for the mine in the surrounding area, where it has other mining operations, and provided substantial financial support to local officials in the nearby town of Superior, Ariz. which is braced for an influx of mining employees and their families and the accompanying strains on infrastructure. At the core of the Apache challenge to the mine is their argument that the mine would not just hamper their ability to practice their religion, but obliterate it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oak Flat, on the edge of the Tonto National Forest about an hour outside Phoenix and not far from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, is used by the Apache for sweats and for coming-of-age ceremonies known as Sunrise Dances, where young girls are ushered into womanhood. The Apache believe the land is blessed by their creator and home to spiritual guardians akin to angels, and researchers have found the site is archaeologically significant not just to the Apache but to Hopi, Oodham, Yavapai and Zuni tribes. (Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times) Oak Flat also sits atop one of the world's largest untapped copper ore deposits with enough estimated copper to supply up to a quarter of U.S. copper demand. Such demand has exploded with the proliferation of telecommunications networks, electric vehicles and other technologies that use the element. The land in question had been under federal protection for decades, until Republicans added language allowing the federal government to sell or swap the land to the mining companies into a must-pass defense bill in 2014. Federal planning records show that extracting the deposit would over the course of several decades turn Oak Flat which the Apache call Chichil Bildagoteel into a nearly two-mile-wide, 1,000-foot-deep industrial crater. (Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times) Resolution Copper has said it has worked closely with Native American advisors and worked to avoid important Apache sites in its planning, including nearby Apache Leap. Peacey said the company has been working for more than a decade to "preserve and reduce potential impacts on Tribal, social, and cultural interests," and will continue to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apache Stronghold asked the Supreme Court to take up the case after an 11-judge panel of 9th Circuit judges split 6-5 in favor of the federal government's right to use its land as it chooses. Such splits in circuit decisions often get the attention of the high court, but not always. Judge Daniel P. Collins, an appointee of President Trump, authored the majority opinion. He wrote that Apache Stronghold's religious claims failed because, while the federal government's transfer of Oak Flat to Resolution Copper might interfere with the Apaches' practice of their religion, it did not "coerce" them into acting contrary to their beliefs, "discriminate" or "penalize" them, or deny them privileges afforded to other citizens. He wrote that Apache Stronghold had essentially asked the government to give them "de facto" ownership of a "rather spacious tract" of public land, which had to be rejected. Collins was joined by four other Trump appointees and an appointee of President George W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his dissent Tuesday, Gorsuch wrote that the 9th Circuit "encompasses approximately 74% of all federal land and almost a third of the nation's Native American population," so its ruling that the government could destroy a sacred native site on federal land would now govern most if not all "sacred-site disputes" in the country moving forward. He said that ruling would not just threaten native sites, but all religious sites on federal land including many churches. Luke Goodrich, an attorney for Apache Stronghold and senior counsel at the religious rights law firm Becket, said it was "hard to imagine a more brazen attack on faith than blasting the birthplace of Apache religion into a gaping crater," and the court's "refusal to halt the destruction is a tragic departure from its strong record of defending religious freedom." Times staff writer David G. Savage in Washington contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Supreme Court declined Tuesday to halt a land transfer in Arizona that Western Apache people say will destroy a sacred site in order to mine for copper. The decision leaves in place a lower court ruling that allowed the transfer by the federal government to go forward. Two conservative justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissented. Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case. Just imagine if the government sought to demolish a historic cathedral on so questionable a chain of legal reasoning, Gorsuch wrote in dissent. I have no doubt that we would find that case worth our time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faced with the governments plan to destroy an ancient site of tribal worship, we owe the Apaches no less, he wrote. They may live far from Washington, D.C., and their history and religious practices may be unfamiliar to many. But that should make no difference. Congress approved the transfer of the federal property in the Tonto National Forest in 2014, and President Donald Trump initiated the exchange in the final days of his first term. The land includes a site known as Oak Flat, where native tribes have practiced religious ceremonies for centuries. A non-profit sued the federal government, asserting that the transfer violated the First Amendments free exercise clause and a law that requires courts to apply the highest level of scrutiny to any law that burdens religious freedom. The Western Apache, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, argued the questions at the heart of the case were vitally important for people of all faiths. An adverse decision, they said, would provide a roadmap for eviscerating federal religious protections in other contexts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many sacred Apache rituals will be ended, not just temporarily but forever, the group told the Supreme Court. The case arrived at the high court before Trump took power again in January. The Biden administration defended the decision in court papers, arguing that Congress has specifically mandated that Oak Flat be transferred so that the area can be used for mining. Lower courts, including the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, ruled that the land transfer did not impose a substantial burden on religious exercise since it doesnt coerce or discriminate on the basis of religion. But a federal district court in Arizona on May 9 barred the administration from moving forward with the transfer until the Supreme Court decided what to do with the appeal. US District Judge Steven Logan said the case presented serious questions on the merits that warrant the Supreme Courts careful scrutiny. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Supreme Court on Tuesday turned down a middle-school student's claim he had a free-speech right to wear a T-shirt stating there are "only two genders." Over two dissents, the justices let stand a ruling that said a school may enforce a dress code to protect students from "hate speech" or bullying. After three months of internal debate, the justices decided they would not take up another conservative culture-war challenge to progressive policies that protect LGBTQ+ youth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. filed a 14-page dissent joined only by Justice Clarence Thomas. He said the case "presented an issue of great importance for our nation's youth: whether public schools may suppress student speech because it expresses a viewpoint the schools disfavor." Liam Morrison, a seventh-grader from Massachusetts, said he was responding to his school's promotion of Pride Month when students were encouraged to wear rainbow colors and posters urged them to "rise up to protect trans and gender-nonconforming students." Two years ago, he went to school wearing a black T-shirt that said "There are only two genders." Read more: Supreme Court splits 4-4, blocking first religious charter school in Oklahoma Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A teacher reported him to the principal, who sent him home to change his shirt. A few weeks later, he returned with the word "censored" taped over the words "two genders" and was sent home again. The T-shirt dispute asked the Supreme Court to decide whether school officials may limit the free expression of some students to protect others from messages they may see as offensive or hurtful. In March, the court voted to hear a free-speech challenge to laws in California and 21 other states that prohibit licensed counselors from using "conversion therapy" with minors. That case, like the one on school T-shirts, arose from appeals by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal group. It has already won free-speech rulings that allowed a cake maker and a website designer to refuse to participate in same-sex weddings despite state laws that barred discrimination based on sexual orientation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 22, the court sounded ready to rule for religious parents in Montgomery County, Md., who seek the right to have their young elementary children "opt out" of the classroom use of new LGBTQ-inclusive storybooks. The T-shirt case came before the court shortly after President Trump's executive order declaring the U.S. government will "recognize two sexes, male and female," not "an ever-shifting concept of self-assessed gender identity." Although the Supreme Court has yet to rule on T-shirts and the 1st Amendment, lower courts have upheld limits imposed by schools. In 2006, the 9th Circuit Court in a 2-1 decision upheld a move by school officials at Poway High School in San Diego to bar a student from wearing a T-shirt that said "Homosexuality is shameful." The appeals court said students are free to speak on controversial matters, but they are not free to make "derogatory and injurious remarks directed at students minority status such as race, religion and sexual orientation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other courts have ruled schools may prohibit a student from wearing a Confederate flag on a T-shirt. In the new case from Massachusetts, the boy's father said his son's T-shirt message was not "directed at any particular person" but dealt with a "hot political topic." In their defense, school officials pointed to their policy against bullying and a dress code that says "clothing must not state, imply, or depict hate speech or imagery that target groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other classification." Lawyers for the Alliance Defending Freedom sued on the student's behalf and argued the school violated his rights under the 1st Amendment. They lost before a federal judge in Boston who ruled for school officials and said the T-shirt "invaded the rights of the other students ... to a safe and secure educational environment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1st Circuit Court agreed as well, noting that schools may limit free expression of students if they fear a particular message will cause a disruption or "poison the atmosphere" at school. Read more: Supreme Court will hear free-speech challenge to 'conversion therapy' bans in California, Colorado The Supreme Court's most famous ruling on student rights arose during the Vietnam War. In 1969, the Warren court ruled for high school students who wore black armbands as a protest. In Tinker vs. Des Moines, the court said students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate. ... For school officials to justify prohibition of a particular expression of opinion, [they] must be able to show that its action was caused by something more than a mere desire to avoid the discomfort and unpleasantness that always accompany an unpopular viewpoint." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The justices said then a symbolic protest should be permitted so long as it did not cause a "substantial disruption of or material interference with school activities." The attorneys for Liam Morrison contended he should win under that standard. "This case isn't about T-shirts. It's about public school telling a middle-schooler that he isn't allowed to express a view that differs from their own," said David Cortman, an Alliance Defending Freedom attorney in the case of L.M. vs. Town of Middleborough. 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 Supreme Court on Tuesday announced it wont hear a closely tracked religious freedom clash out of Arizona and revealed that at least two of the courts nine justices arent pleased with the decision. Justice Neil Gorsuch dissented to the denial of certiorari in the case about mining on sacred land, calling it a grave mistake. His dissent was joined by Justice Clarence Thomas. Justice Samuel Alito may also have objected to the denial, but he took no part in its consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Courts rejection of the case means that a lower court ruling against a group of Native Americans fighting to block a mining project will remain in place. In his dissent, Gorsuch criticized his colleagues for underrating the significance of the religious freedom questions that were raised. Just imagine if the government sought to demolish a historic cathedral on so questionable a chain of legal reasoning. I have no doubt that we would find that case worth our time. Faced with the governments plan to destroy an ancient site of tribal worship, we owe the Apaches no less, he wrote. Members of Apache Stronghold and others who want to halt a massive copper mining project on federal land in Arizona gather outside the U.S. District Court, May 7, 2025, in Phoenix. | Matt York The Oak Flat conflict Apache Stronghold v. United States centers on a proposed mining project in the Oak Flat area of Arizona, which is located about 70 miles east of Phoenix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Western Apaches use Oak Flat for a variety of sacred ceremonies, including a coming-of-age ritual for young women, as Gorsuch pointed out in his dissent. In recognition of these ceremonies, the federal government protected portions of Oak Flat from mining for more than a century after taking control of it during 19th century wars. But then in 2014, Congress cleared the way for the land to be transferred to a private mining company by passing a version of the National Defense Authorization Act that had a last-minute rider about Oak Flat added on. In 2021, the federal government published an Environmental Impact Statement on Oak Flat, signaling that mining was soon to begin in the area. Thats when Apache Stronghold filed a federal religious freedom lawsuit to seek to block the land transfer and mining project. The group argued that destroying Oak Flat would violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The act, which is also known as RFRA, prohibits the federal government from substantially burdening a sincere expression of faith unless there is no better way to fulfill a compelling government goal. Apache Stronghold argued that the mining project would destroy the Western Apaches spiritual lifeblood, Gorsuch wrote. While Apache Strongholds lawsuit delayed the mining project, it didnt succeed in securing long-term protections for Oak Flat. The group lost at the district and circuit court level, where judges said mining does not represent a substantial burden under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. In September, the group asked the Supreme Court to overturn those decisions and rule that religious freedom law protects against mining on sacred land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oak Flat is our Mt. Sinai the most sacred place where generations of Apache have come to connect with our Creator, our faith, and our land, explained Wendsler Nosie Sr. of Apache Stronghold in a press release at the time. Several religious organizations, as well as Utah Sen. Mike Lee, filed Supreme Court briefs in support of Apache Stronghold in recent months. Mine shafts nine, right, and 10, left, tower over the Resolution Copper Mining Company facility, on June 9, 2023, in Miami, Ariz. | Matt York Gorsuch dissents In his dissent, Gorsuch criticized the Supreme Court for allowing the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling against Apache Stronghold to stand. He said that, at the very least, it hinged upon a controversial interpretation of how to apply the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in disputes involving government property and, at worst, it treated Native Americans much worse than Americans who are part of other, better-known faiths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before allowing the government to destroy the Apaches sacred site, this Court should at least have troubled itself to hear their case, Gorsuch wrote. As is typical, the justices who voted against hearing Apache Stronghold v. United States did not explain their decision to the public. As a result of Tuesdays announcement, the federal government is free to move forward with its planned land transfer. In April, the Trump administration announced that it may release the final Environmental Impact Statement on Oak Flat as soon as next month. Dr. Wendsler Nosie Sr. of Apache Stronghold talks to a crowd of people outside the Sandra Day OConnor Courthouse on May 7, 2025, as Apache Stronghold urged the federal court to save Oak Flat. Photo Courtesy of Becket The U.S. Supreme Court denied a review of Apache Strongholds case aimed at blocking the U.S. governments transfer of Oak Flat to a copper mining company, whose mine will transform the sacred site into a massive crater. The decision comes after Apache Stronghold initially asked the U.S. District Court in Phoenix on May 7 to temporarily block the Trump administration from pushing ahead with the land swap that would hand over Oak Flat to Resolution Copper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration plans to reissue a final environmental impact statement regarding Oak Flat and transfer the land to Resolution Copper as early as June 16, according to court documents. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An Arizona federal judge granted a temporary injunction on May 9, delaying the land transfer as the case awaited review by the Supreme Court. Apache Stronghold v. United States has been awaiting a hearing in the Supreme Court since the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2024 that the land transfer is not subject to federal laws protecting religious freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Courts decision on May 27 removes any obstacles to halting the land transfer from occurring. Apache Stronghold asks us to review the Ninth Circuits extraordinary conclusion, the dissent states. But the Court today turns aside the groups request. Justice Neil Gorsuch, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, wrote in the dissenting opinion that the courts decision is a grave mistake because the case meets all of the standards the court typically applies when evaluating petitions for review. Before allowing the government to destroy the Apaches sacred site, this Court should at least have troubled itself to hear their case, Gorsuch wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that, while the court enjoys the power to choose which cases they will hear, the decision to shuffle this case off their docket is a mistake and one with consequences that threaten to reverberate for generations. Gorsuch said that he has no doubt the court would find the case worth its time. Faced with the governments plan to destroy an ancient site of tribal worship, we owe the Apaches no less, he wrote. They may live far from Washington, D. C., and their history and religious practices may be unfamiliar to many. But that should make no difference. Becket, a nonprofit institution that advocates for freedom of religion that is representing Apache Stronghold, said that the Supreme Courts action means Oak Flat will be destroyed by a Chinese-owned mining giant. But, the group said, they will continue to fight in court to stop the government from transferring Oak Flat to Resolution Copper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will never stop fightingnothing will deter us from protecting Oak Flat from destruction, Dr. Wendsler Nosie Sr. of Apache Stronghold said in a press release. While this decision is a heavy blow, our struggle is far from over, he added. We urge Congress to take decisive action to stop this injustice while we press forward in the courts. Resolution Copper General Manager Vickey Peacey said they are pleased at the ruling because the Resolution Copper mine is vital to securing Americas energy future, infrastructure needs, and national defense with a domestic supply of copper and other critical minerals. We are encouraged by the significant community support for the project, she said, because the mine has the potential to become one of the largest copper mines in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peacey said Resolution Copper has had more than a decade of extensive consultation and collaboration with Native American tribes and local communities, which has resulted in changes to their mining plan with the hope of preserving and reducing potential impacts. The courtroom battle for Oak Flat, or Chichil Bidagoteel as the Apache people know it, has been ongoing since 2021, with the grassroots group Apache Stronghold leading the effort. Since time immemorial, Western Apaches and other Indigenous peoples in the Southwest have gathered at Oak Flat, near Superior, for sacred religious ceremonies that cannot occur anywhere else. Oak Flat is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a Western Apache Traditional Cultural Property and National Historic District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oak Flat has been protected from mining and other harmful practices for decades, according to Becket. However, those protections faced challenges in December 2014 when a last-minute provision was inserted into a must-pass defense bill, authorizing the transfer of Oak Flat to Resolution Copper. Resolution Copper plans to turn the sacred site into a two-mile-wide and 1,100-foot-deep crater. It is hard to imagine a more brazen attack on faith than blasting the birthplace of Apache religion into a gaping crater, Luke Goodrich, vice president and senior counsel at Becket, said in a written statement. The Courts refusal to halt the destruction is a tragic departure from its strong record of defending religious freedom, Goodrich said. We will do everything in our power to ensure that the Apaches can continue worshiping at Oak Flat as they have for generations. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The U.S. Supreme Court has turned down a request by grassroots group Apache Stronghold to hear a longstanding lawsuit over the fate of a huge copper mine at Oak Flat, east of Phoenix. The decision, handed down May 27, removes a major roadblock for Resolution Copper to move forward with the project, which would leave a gaping crater on land held sacred by Indigenous peoples. The high court has held hearings since December to debate if it would take the case, brought by opponents of the mine after losing a series of lower-court rulings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Neil Gorsuch disagreed with the decision, with Justice Clarence Thomas in agreement. "Before allowing the government to destroy the Apaches sacred site, this Court should at least have troubled itself to hear their case," Gorsuch said. "The Court's decision to shuffle this case off our docket without a full airing is a grievous mistake one with consequences that will reverberate for generations." Wendsler Nosie, head of Apache Stronghold, said the group would "never stop fighting" to save Oak Flat from obliteration. "While this decision is a heavy blow, this struggle is far from over." Nosie called on Congress to reverse the 2014 vote to approve the land exchange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victoria Peacey, Resolution's general manager, said she was pleased with the decision. The Resolution Copper mine is vital to securing Americas energy future, infrastructure needs, and national defense with a domestic supply of copper and other critical minerals," Peacey said. A battle stretching back decades Oak Flat, or Chichil Bidagoteel, "the place where the Emory oak grows," is at the heart of a struggle now entering its third decade. In December 2014, Congress authorized the U.S. Forest Service to trade the 2,200-acre site, currently a campground about 60 miles east of Phoenix, for parcels of environmentally sensitive private land owned by Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of British-Australian mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To obtain the copper ore, Resolution will use a method known as block cave mining, in which tunnels are drilled beneath the ore body, and then collapsed, leaving the ore to be moved to a crushing facility. Eventually, the ground will subside, leaving behind a crater about 1,000 feet deep and nearly 2 miles across where Oak Flat and its religious and environmental significance stands. The U.S. Forest Service published the final environmental impact statement and draft decision for the copper mine and land swap five days before the end of the Trump administration in January 2021. That set off a 60-day clock during which the land deal could have been finalized. Apache Stronghold filed its lawsuit in January 2021 in federal court to stop the land swap, citing religious rights guarantees under the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Becket Law, a religious freedom nonprofit law firm, accepted the case and, along with a group of private attorneys and law professors, has represented Apache Stronghold, which includes Apache and other Native peoples and their allies. The Biden administration rescinded the environmental impact statement in March 2021 for further consultation with tribes. That consultation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resolution was granted permission to join the lawsuit in 2023. In 2024, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Apache Stronghold in a narrow 6-5 decision. That fall, the group appealed to the Supreme Court. Federal agency ready to move In April, the Forest Service issued a 60-day notice that it would publish a new environmental impact statement June 16, which would reopen the 60-day process. Apache Stronghold asked the U.S. Federal Court in Phoenix to put a stop to the proceedings while the Supreme Court decided if it would take the case. That halt was issued May 9. Judge Steven P. Logan said that the stoppage would be in effect until one day after the high court turned Apache Stronghold down, whether to take the case or decide against the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peacey, the Resolution executive, said the project has "significant" community support and that it could become one of the largest copper mines in America, adding $1 billion a year to Arizonas economy, and creating thousands of local jobs in Arizona's Copper Triangle. "More than a decade of extensive consultation and collaboration with Native American Tribes and local communities has directly led to major changes to the mining plan to preserve and reduce potential impacts on Tribal, social, and cultural interests, and this ongoing dialogue will continue to shape the project." The San Carlos Apache Tribe, which filed its own lawsuit in 2021 to halt the land exchange on environmental concerns, also recently asked the federal court to stop the Forest Service's move to issue a new document until its litigation is complete. One of the attorneys representing Apache Stronghold said the high court's refusal was a tragic departure from its strong record of defending religious freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is hard to imagine a more brazen attack on faith than blasting the birthplace of Apache religion into a gaping crater, said Luke Goodrich, vice president at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that the Apaches can continue worshiping at Oak Flat as they have for generations. Debra Krol reports on Indigenous communities at the confluence of climate, culture and commerce in Arizona and the Intermountain West. Reach Krol at debra.krol@azcentral.com. Follow her on X @debkrol. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Supreme Court refuses Apache Stronghold Oak Flat copper mine case WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the appeal of a Massachusetts student who was barred from wearing a T-shirt to school proclaiming there are only two genders. The justices left in place a federal appeals court ruling that said it would not second-guess the decision of educators in Middleborough, Massachusetts, to not allow the T-shirt to be worn in a school environment because of a negative impact on transgender and gender-nonconforming students. Educators at the John T. Nichols Middle School barred the student from wearing the T-shirt and an altered version with the words "two genders covered up by tape with the word censored written on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented. The court should have heard the case, Alito wrote, noting that the school permitted and indeed encouraged student expression endorsing the view that there are many genders, but censored an opposing view. This case presents an issue of great importance for our Nations youth: whether public schools may suppress student speech either because it expresses a viewpoint that the school disfavors or because of vague concerns about the likely effect of the speech on the school atmosphere or on students who find the speech offensive, Alito wrote. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said it was reasonable to predict that the T-shirt will poison the educational atmosphere and disrupt the learning environment. The school districts decision was in line with a landmark Supreme Court ruling from 1969, Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, that upheld the right of public school students to wear black armbands to protest the Vietnam War when it did not create a substantial disruption to education. The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the appeal of a Massachusetts student who was barred from wearing a T-shirt to school proclaiming there are only two genders. Liam Morrison, an eighth grader at the time, sued Middleborough Public Schools in Massachusetts for telling him he couldnt wear a T-shirt that read There are only two genders. The boy argued that the action by school administrators was a violation of his constitutional right to free speech. This isnt just about the shirt. Its about free speech. All students have a constitutional right to express their free speech without fear of being punished by school officials, Liam Morrison said in February 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the justices left in place a federal appeals court ruling that said it would not second-guess the decision of educators in Middleborough, Massachusetts, to not allow the T-shirt to be worn in a school environment because of a negative impact on transgender and gender-nonconforming students. A Middleborough seventh grader asked a Boston court to halt his schools ban on T-shirts that say There are only two genders and There are censored genders, which school officials ordered him to remove in school, violating his First Amendment rights, his lawyer said. Educators at the John T. Nichols Middle School barred the student from wearing the T-shirt and an altered version with the words two genders covered up by tape with the word censored written on it. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented. The court should have heard the case, Alito wrote, noting that the school permitted and indeed encouraged student expression endorsing the view that there are many genders, but censored an opposing view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case presents an issue of great importance for our Nations youth: whether public schools may suppress student speech either because it expresses a viewpoint that the school disfavors or because of vague concerns about the likely effect of the speech on the school atmosphere or on students who find the speech offensive, Alito wrote. Liam Morrison, a middle school student in Middleboro, speaks to reporters with his counsel, Attorney Dave Courtman of Alliance Defending Freedom, outside a Boston court on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. In March 2023, Liam wore the T-shirt saying There are only two genders to Nichols Middle School, and the principal of the school, along with a school counselor, pulled Liam out of class and ordered him to remove his shirt, according to the boy and his attorneys. I was told to change shirts or I would not be able to return to class, Liam told reporters in February 2024. I politely declined. As a result, I left school and missed the rest of my classes that day. Attorneys argued in the Court of Appeals. Lawyers for Morrison sought an injunction so he can wear the shirt immediately, but attorneys for the public school district said it doesnt support their educational mission of inclusivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem is the school district itself waded into a controversial cultural issue, which it certainly is welcome to do. But then it took sides in the debate, and thats certainly way across the constitutional line, said Morrisons counsel, Attorney Dave Courtman of Alliance Defending Freedom, a nonprofit legal organization, said in February 2024. Liams attorneys argued that the case involves school officials censorship of Liams message, along with their decision to silence his speech protesting their censorship. This violates the First and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution, his attorneys said last year. GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, or GLAD, also filed legal documents in the case. As the school said, the truth of the matter is they have a diverse student body. There are trans and non-binary students at the school, and they have as much a legal obligation to equal and positive learning environment for those students as to any other student, Attorney Mary Bonauto of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders said last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said it was reasonable to predict that the T-shirt will poison the educational atmosphere and disrupt the learning environment. The school districts decision was in line with a landmark Supreme Court ruling from 1969, Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, that upheld the right of public school students to wear black armbands to protest the Vietnam War when it did not create a substantial disruption to education. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an appeal from Apaches who are fighting to halt a massive copper mining project on federal land in Arizona that they hold sacred. The justices left in place lower court decisions allowing the transfer of the Tonto National Forest land, known as Oak Flat, to Resolution Copper, which plans to mine what it says is the second-largest known copper deposit in the world. The Trump administration has said it will push to complete the transfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in dissent that it was a grievous mistake not to take up the appeal. Recognizing Oak Flats significance, the government has long protected both the land and the Apaches access to it, Gorsuch wrote, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas. No more. Now, the government and a mining conglomerate want to turn Oak Flat into a massive hole in the ground. A group known as Apache Stronghold, representing the interests of certain members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, has argued that the land transfer will result in the destruction of the site in violation of its members' religious rights. Apache tribes in Arizona consider Oak Flat, which is dotted with ancient oak groves and traditional plants, essential to their spiritual well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will never stop fighting nothing will deter us from protecting Oak Flat from destruction, said Wendsler Nosie Sr. of Apache Stronghold. He called the high court's decision a heavy blow but urged action in Congress while vowing to continue the court fight. An estimated 40 billion pounds of copper could be mined over the lifetime of the mine, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The project has significant support in nearby Superior and other traditional mining towns in the area. The company estimates the mine will generate $1 billion a year for Arizonas economy and create thousands of local jobs. Victoria Peacey, general manager of Resolution Copper, said the project could become one of the largest copper mines in the country. She said the company has made major changes to the mining plan to reduce the impact on tribes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resolution Copper is a subsidiary of international mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP. Justice Samuel Alito did not take part in the case, presumably because he owns between $15,000 and $50,000 worth of BHP stock, according to his most recent financial disclosure. Congress approved a land swap in 2014 that would give Resolution Copper 3.75 square miles (9.71 square kilometers) of forest land in return for eight parcels it owns in Arizona. In the waning days of the first Trump administration, the U.S. Agriculture Department issued the required environmental review that would allow the land swap to proceed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apache Stronghold sued in federal court to block it. With the change in administrations to President Joe Biden, the Agriculture Department, which includes the Forest Service, pulled back the review to further consult with Native American tribes. But the suit proceeded and a year ago, the federal appeals court in San Francisco split 6-5 to allow the land transfer to go forward, rejecting Apache Stronghold's arguments about religious freedom and its invocation of a 1852 treaty between the U.S. government and the Apaches. The five dissenting appeals court judges described the outcome as a tragic error that would result in the utter destruction of the sacred site. The Forest Service already has provided the 60 days notice that it intends to re-issue the environmental review, as required by a court order. A judge had agreed in May to pause the transfer, but only until the Supreme Court weighed in. ___ Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst contributed. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a last-minute plea from Native Americans seeking to challenge a massive copper mining project in Arizona that would destroy a sacred site used for tribal ceremonies, a weighty dispute that pitted religious rights against business interests. The court turned away an appeal brought by the nonprofit group Apache Stronghold asserting that its members' religious rights will be violated if the Resolution Copper mine goes forward because it would obliterate Oak Flat, the site in question. The Trump administration recently announced its backing of the project, which is now set to move forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vicky Peacey, general manager at Resolution Copper, said in a statement that "extensive consultation" with tribes has already led to significant changes to the project. Peacey added that the "ongoing dialogue will continue to shape the project." Wendsler Nosie Sr., a member of Apache Stronghold, said in a statement the fight would continue. "While this decision is a heavy blow, our struggle is far from over. We urge Congress to take decisive action to stop this injustice while we press forward in the courts," he said. The court order noted that conservative Justice Samuel Alito did not participate. It did not say why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas said they would have taken up the case. Gorsuch, known for his backing of Native Americans in other cases, said in a dissenting opinion that it was a "grievous mistake" not to hear the challenge and suggested the court would have acted differently if the claim were brought by Christians. "Just imagine if the government sought to demolish a historic cathedral on so questionable a chain of legal reasoning. I have no doubt that we would find that case worth our time," he said. "Faced with the government's plan to destroy an ancient site of tribal worship, we owe the Apaches no less." The focus of attention is a law passed by Congress in 2014, which transferred the land from federal ownership to Resolution Copper, a joint venture of mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resolution Copper says the mine could supply around 25% of the nation's copper, with the metal in high demand for renewable energy projects and electric vehicles. Apache Stronghold said tribal members' religious rights were violated both under the Constitution's First Amendment and a federal law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Oak Flat has been used for years by Western Apaches, a group of Native Americans that includes various tribes including the San Carlos Apache Tribe, which is based on a nearby reservation. Oak Flat is within the Tonto National Forest, about 70 miles east of Phoenix. "Oak Flat lies within the tribe's ancestral territory and is central to traditional Apache religion as the home of Apache deities and the only place where Apaches can practice unique ceremonies," lawyers for the San Carlos Apache Tribe wrote in court papers backing the appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Apache Stronghold, the site is the dwelling place of spiritual beings called the Ga'an and acts as "a direct corridor to the Creator." The site is used for sweat lodge ceremonies to mark boys reaching manhood and the multiday "Sunrise Ceremony" that celebrates girls reaching womanhood. An environmental study found that if the mine is built, locations used for various ceremonies would be destroyed, with the land subsiding to create a giant crater almost 2 miles wide. A sign posted at Oak Flat campground in Miami, Ariz., in 2021 in protest of the possibility of the federal government's clearing the way for a copper mine on the land. (Cheryl Evans / Arizona Republic via USA Today Network file) The case reached the Supreme Court after the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals narrowly ruled against Apache Stronghold earlier this year, concluding that the land transfer did not "substantially burden" the ability of tribe members to exercise their religious rights. A district court judge had earlier reached the same conclusion. Key factors in the case are that the land at issue was owned by the federal government, not any of the tribes, and was transferred by an act of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States originally took control of the land in the mid-19th century. It signed an 1852 treaty with Apache chiefs that pledged to protect tribal interests, but as with other treaties with tribes, the government failed to live up to its obligations. Apache Stronghold's lawsuit also contained a claim under the 1852 treaty, but that issue is not before the Supreme Court. The court's 6-3 conservative majority regularly backs religious rights in cases that often involve claims brought by Christians. The Apache case was different in part because it involved Native Americans and had the attention of powerful interests eager to make the mining project happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court papers filed before President Donald Trump took office, then-Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar urged the court not to hear the case, saying that while the government respects the tribe's religious beliefs "Congress has specifically mandated that Oak Flat be transferred so that the area can be used for mining." Furthermore, she added, there is no precedent for concluding that the government can violate religious rights by making decisions about its own land. But Apache Stronghold had some strong support of its own, including legal groups that have previously prevailed at the Supreme Court when representing conservative Christians, such as religious rights group Becket. Various religious groups, including the Presbyterian Church and the Episcopal Church, filed briefs urging the Supreme Court to take the case. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Azerbaijan has chaired the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for more than four years, which is one of the longest chairmanships in the history of the NAM because member states requested that Azerbaijan continue its leadership, the countrys Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev said during the opening of the NAM Youth Organization Research Center in Baku today, Trend reports. He mentioned that under the initiative of Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev, many important reforms were carried out within the NAM. "One of these was the establishment of the Youth Organization. The founding meeting of the NAM Youth Organization was held in the city of Shusha, and therefore, its founding document is called the Shusha Declaration. The current headquarters where we are is the headquarters of the NAM. Today marks the opening of the Youth Organizations research center, where youth from the member states of the NAM will come to conduct their research," the official explained He also noted that Azerbaijan is actively continuing its chairmanship of COP29. "One of the biggest expectations from COP30 is the preparation of a roadmap valued at $1.3 trillion from Baku to Belem. The essence of this is that there will be concrete directions to implement the climate finance decisions adopted in Baku and to increase the amount from $300 billion to $1.3 trillion over the next 10 years," he added. The official emphasized that the normalization process of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia is at a critical point. "As you know, the text of the peace agreement has been finalized. There are two conditions for its signing, which require concrete steps to be taken to create a foundation for peace. Any peace messages will only be effective once these steps are practically implemented and the specific demands and expectations of both sides are met. From this perspective, Azerbaijans main expectation is for Armenia to respond to the two anticipated demands," Rafiyev added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A man was arrested Monday after a pursuit and shooting involving an officer in the La Mesa area. Jahlil Johnson, 29, of La Mesa, was booked into county jail for multiple felony charges including domestic violence and child endangerment, Lt. Daniel Meyer with the San Diego Police Department said in a news release. Around 10:40 a.m., La Mesa Police Department officers responded to a report of a man strangling a female in the area of 7700 Normal Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When authorities arrived, the suspect drove away with the 29-year-old woman inside his vehicle, according to SDPD. As officers attempted to pull the car over, the driver pulled over briefly to let the woman passenger exit, but then took off again. The pursuit was terminated, however, officers learned two young children, ages 5 and 7, were still inside the vehicle. The suspect then returned to the womans location where he dropped her off and let the kids exit the vehicle. Police reinitiated the pursuit, deploying a tire deflation device that didnt slow down the driver. SWAT standoff underway in East County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver eventually stopped in the area of 4400 Parks Avenue where he backed into the front of a police vehicle stopped behind him. The passenger officer was preparing to exit the police vehicle to conduct a high-risk vehicle stop when the police vehicle was struck, causing the officer to hit his head and injuring him, per SDPD. In response, the officer fired his handgun multiple times in the direction of the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was struck several times, but the suspect himself was not hit, Meyer said. Another pursuit ensued into the city of San Diego and then back into La Mesa where tire deflation devices were deployed at least twice more, but the driver did not stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then in the area of 7800 University Avenue, a relative of the suspect stepped into traffic in front of the suspects vehicle, forcing the pursuit to end. The suspect tried to run from authorities for about two blocks, but officers with La Mesa, San Diego and El Cajon were able to catch up with him. A taser and police K-9 were used to bring the suspect into custody. Johnson, who was not struck by gunfire, was taken to a local hospital for his injuries from the arrest. The injured La Mesa police officer, who has been with the department for eight years, was taken to a hospital for treatment and has since been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Diego Police Homicide Detectives are investigating the incident per the countywide memorandum of understanding regarding officer-involved shooting. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man has been charged with murder days after a mother of three was shot to death last week. Memphis Police have confirmed that 27-year-old Deangelo Mitchell has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Jyrah Smith. Deangelo Mitchell. (SCSO) The MPD confirmed that officers responded to the shooting at an apartment complex in the 400 block of East Georgia Avenue around 5:50 a.m. on May 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A woman, identified by family as 23-year-old Jyrah Smith, was found on the scene and pronounced dead. ORIGINAL STORY: Mother of 3 killed in South Memphis shooting; suspect on the run According to an affidavit, Smith was shot in the head in front of her boyfriend, Deangelo Mitchells apartment. Jyrah Smith (Photos from the victims Facebook page, courtesy of family) Smiths family believes this was a domestic situation, and police say the shots rang out following an argument on the second floor of one of the buildings. Family members told WREG Smith is a mother of three children a 1-year-old, a 3-year-old, and a 6-year-old. Tamarkus Smith, the victims father, says her brother is the one who found her body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After I seen my baby laying out there, it just traumatizes you because this is the first time Ive lost a child, said Tamarkus. Shes supposed to be burying me. Im not supposed to bury her. Family members of Smith told police that Mitchell had previously threatened to kill her and her three children. A spent shotgun shell was found inside Mitchells apartment, but he was nowhere to be found. Police say Mitchell turned himself in at around 1:20 p.m. that day. He told officers that he was asleep and woke up to male and female voices outside his apartment. Memphis Murder Map 2025 He said they were knocking on his door, so he armed himself with a shotgun. When he opened the door, he shot who he claims he thought was a man with dreads. Mitchell said he was a few feet away from the person he shot and didnt recognize that it was Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports say Mitchell threw the gun away after the shooting, and investigators found no evidence that he attempted to aid Smith or call an ambulance. Jyrah Smiths family has set up a GoFundMe as they try to raise money for her funeral costs. If you would like to help, click here. Mitchell has a record of domestic violence. He was arrested in August 2024 after he allegedly punched the mother of his child in the face repeatedly while she was working at a hotel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BERLIN (AP) The suspect in a knife attack at a festival in the German city of Solingen went on trial Tuesday on murder and terrorism charges, and acknowledged his guilt as the proceedings opened. Three people were killed in the Aug. 23 attack at a Festival of Diversity marking the 650th anniversary of the city in western Germany. The Syrian man, who has been identified only as Issa Al H. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested a day after the attack. He is charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and membership in a foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State group, in the trial at the state court in Duesseldorf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no formal pleas in the German legal system. However, the suspect admitted responsibility for the attack in a statement read by his lawyers, German news agency dpa reported. I have brought severe guilt upon myself. I am prepared to accept the verdict," he said. I killed innocent people, not infidels. The Solingen incident was one of several deadly attacks in the months leading up to Germany's national election in February that involved immigrant suspects, pushing migration to the forefront of the political agenda in that vote. It highlighted problems with returning rejected asylum-seekers to the first country where they entered the European Union, as is supposed to happen under EU rules. The suspect was supposed to be deported to Bulgaria in 2023 but reportedly disappeared for a time and avoided expulsion. Murder charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison in Germany. The Duesseldorf court has scheduled trial sessions until late September. The man whose appearance passing Cumberland County High School drew the suspicions of a school resource officer and was later found armed, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Criminal Court to two counts of carrying weapons on school property. Robert Alva Sardella, 33, formerly of Maryville and now living in the Hamilton County area, pleaded guilty to the information charging those two offenses and received two concurrent six-year sentences to be served on conditional supervised probation. In addition, Sardella qualified for judicial diversion in part, for lack of a criminal record resulting in the pleas being set aside for the probationary period. If Sardella successfully completes all terms and conditions of probation and diversion, he will then be eligible to have the charges removed from the permanent record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of those conditions, Sardella is required to continue mental health treatment and follow all medical instructions, proper continued use of prescribed medication and report and live at a compassion homeware group home or similar facility. Any violation of the terms and conditions of probation and diversion, will result in a probation violation charge and automatically put into place the six-year sentence. A sentencing hearing could then be set for the judge to determine manner the sentence will be served. Assistant District Attorney Allison Null told Judge Sean Fry officials were notified of the plea agreement, including the School Resource Officer, and all were in agreement with the proposed resolution including Sardella being relocated outside the community. On Dec. 4, 2024, a man dressed in a hoodie wearing a backpack was observed passing through the CCHS campus. The SRO alerted police on patrol and the suspect was located and taken into custody on Fourth Street near the Garrison Park splash pad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the backpack police found a loaded handgun, stun device, expandable baton, a chemical weapon and ammunition, according to a CPD press release issued that day. Sardella was charged with two counts of carrying weapons on school property and resisting a stop, arrest or search for failing to follow arresting officers instructions. At the time, Cumberland County school officials said in a statement at no time was a threat made to the school or students. Sardella has been incarcerated for the 168 days since he was taken into custody. He was represented in court by Janis Mize of the Public Defenders Office. A substance spill at a South Milwaukee storage facility prompted a response from the South Milwaukee Fire Department and the Milwaukee hazmat team, according to the fire department. Crews were called around 4 p.m. May 26 to South Milwaukee Self Storage, 1005 Columbia Ave. When they arrived, first responders found a substance believed to be spilled mercury, the fire department said. The spill was evaluated and is now being handled by the storage facility owner, who has contracted with a hazmat remediation company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MyStorageHome.com, which lists nine locations across Wisconsin, including South Milwaukee, offers storage units starting at $55 a month, according to its website. The storage facilitys owner, Chris Hitler, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the facility has been locked and will remain closed until the spill is cleaned up. He said they are working with the appropriate authorities to resolve the issue. The facility has to stay closed until its cleaned up, Hitler said. Unfortunately, no one has come forward to explain what happened or where they got the mercury from hopefully, well be back open in a couple of days. Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Suspected mercury spill found at a South Milwaukee storage facility Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office has arrested a suspected former guard at a Syrian secret service prison. He is alleged to have been involved in well over 100 interrogations in which prisoners were severely physically abused. Numerous detainees died as a result of the abuse and the conditions of their detention. The accused man is said to have worked in the prison run by the General Intelligence Service in the Syrian capital Damascus from April 2011 to April 2012. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the instructions of his superiors, he is alleged to have harassed prisoners by hanging them from the ceiling or pouring cold water over them at night. Prisoners were allegedly subjected to electric shocks or beatings with cables. The highest German law enforcement authority accuses the Syrian of crimes against humanity in the form of torture, deprivation of liberty and murder. He was arrested on Tuesday in Pirmasens in western Germany and is now in pre-trial detention. Germany and other countries worldwide can prosecute serious breaches of international law that were committed abroad. Crimes against international law include, for example, war crimes or as in the case of the latest arrest crimes against humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current case is reminiscent of a trial against a Syrian man in which the principle of universal jurisdiction was applied a few years ago. It was said to be the world's first trial concerning state torture in Syria, and resulted in the conviction of a former head of interrogations at a prison run by the General Intelligence Service in Damascus. He was responsible for the torture of at least 4,000 people. After fleeing to Germany, he was recognized by victims and arrested in 2019. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) An investigation is underway after a woman crashed her SUV into a construction zone on the highway Monday evening, according to Rhode Island State Police. Lt. Peter Filuminia told 12 News the driver hit the jersey barrier and several construction barrels, as well as an attenuator truck and arrow board, on I-95 North near Exit 38. 12 News spotted the womans SUV being towed away with significant damage to the passenger side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filuminia said the woman was brought to Rhode Island Hospital with injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time, but Filuminia said it is being investigated as a possible DUI. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Pittsburgh police and SWAT teams responded to an incident at a former school in the citys Knoxville neighborhood on Monday. A Pittsburgh Public Safety spokesperson says police were dispatched to the former Knoxville Middle School, located in the 300 block of Charles Street, for a reported break-in. SWAT was then requested because the people inside didnt initially respond to officers requests to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson says three men were eventually taken into custody without incident for trespassing. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Stockholm has allocated 4.8 billion Swedish kronor (nearly $504 million) to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, according to a statement published on the Swedish government's website on May 26. The Swedish government approved a decision on May 22 to instruct the Swedish Armed Forces to contribute to multilateral funds and initiatives aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense. This financial contribution is part of Sweden's 19th aid package for Ukraine, which was unveiled earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweden will contribute financially to the international coalitions formed within the framework of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group (UDCG), also known as the Ramstein format, the statement read. Sweden will donate 100 million kronor ($10.5 million) to the demiming coalition for the purchase of equipment, 300 million kronor ($31.5 million) to the drone coalition, 50 million kronor ($5.2 million) to the maritime security coalition for training of Ukrainian Navy personnel within the framework of Operation Intercharge, and 30 million kronor ($3.1 million) to the security and IT management coalition for the creation of the Ukrainian Delta system. The Swedish government will also provide an additional 1 billion kronor ($105 million) through the Danish model of arms procurement, meaning direct purchases from the Ukrainian defense industry. An additional 418 million kronor ($43.9 million) will be allocated for the purchase of armored vehicles, 550 million kronor ($57.7 million) for ammunition procurement initiatives, and more than 1 billion kronor ($105 million) for the purchase of air defense systems and long-range drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The financial assistance comes as European countries seek to bolster Ukraine as future backing from the U.S., the leading military donor, grows increasingly uncertain under President Donald Trump, even as a new Russian offensive looms. Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Swedish prosecutors pressed charges on Tuesday against a man on suspicion of war crimes and terrorism over the murder of a Jordanian air force pilot who was burned to death in Syria a decade ago. The Swede, named in court documents as Osama Krayem, 32, has previously been convicted of involvement in attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Brussels in 2016. The Islamic State militant group, which once imposed a reign of terror over millions of people in Syria and Iraq, captured Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kasasbeh in December 2014 and later published a video of him being burned alive in a cage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Swedish Prosecution Authority charged Krayem with gross war crimes and terrorism, the indictment showed. "Krayem, together with and in agreement with other perpetrators belonging to IS, killed/deprived Muath al-Kasasbeh of his life," the authority said in the indictment. It said Krayem had forced the pilot to the cage and that he also posed for a camera, knowing the footage would be dispersed as a manifestation of a plan and ideology advocated by Islamic State. Krayem's Swedish lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Krayem has been temporarily transferred to Sweden from France to stand trial at the Stockholm district court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Islamic State controlled swathes of Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2017, and was defeated in its last bastions in Syria in 2019. Under Swedish legislation, courts can try people for crimes against international law committed abroad. (Reporting by Anna Ringstrom, editing by Terje Solsvik and Bernadette Baum) BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas has welcomed the decision to pardon French citizen Theo Hugo Clerc, who had been held in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. "Welcome home, Theo Clerc. His release from Azerbaijan shows what quiet diplomacy and respectful engagement can achieve. I am relieved his detention is over and Ill continue doing my part to support our citizens abroad," she wrote on her page on X. Notably, as previously a well-informed source told Trend, the pardon of French citizen Theo Hugo Clerc followed a personal request from Kaja Kallas. "The latest request came from Kaja Kallas during her visit to Baku. She personally raised the issue during a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, and the Azerbaijani side responded positively," the source noted. "The decision to pardon him was not made at Frances request, but specifically as a result of this initiative". In this context, Kaja Kallas did play a role in the decision, the source added. "If a particular EU country wishes to express gratitude for the release of its citizen, that appreciation should be directed to Kaja Kallas, not to Baku". It was noted that Azerbaijan holds Kaja Kallas in high regard, seeing her as a politician who understands the countrys strategic direction. "Officials in Baku also pointed out that Kallas recognizes Azerbaijans importance and chose to visit Baku specifically, without traveling to other countries in the region," the source added. Clerc was convicted by the Narimanov District Court in Baku on September 10, 2024. He was sentenced to three years in prison that year for spray-painting walls in the Baku metro. A Swedish man was indicted Tuesday in connection with the killing by the Islamic State group of a Jordanian pilot whose plane went down in Syria on Christmas Eve 2014, prosecutors said. The 26-year-old Jordanian, 1st Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh, was taken captive after his F-16 fighter jet crashed near the extremists de facto capital of Raqqa in northern Syria. He was forced into a cage that was set on fire, killing him on camera in early 2015. The suspect was identified by Swedish prosecutors as Osama Krayem, 32, who is alleged to have traveled to Syria in September 2014 to fight for IS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airman became the first known foreign military pilot to fall into the militants hands after the U.S.-led international coalition began its aerial campaign against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq in 2014. Jordan, a close U.S. ally, was a member of the coalition and the pilots killing appeared aimed at pressuring the government of Jordan to leave the alliance. Krayem is set to go on trial June 4 in Stockholm. He was previously convicted in France and Brussels for fatal Islamic State attacks in those countries. Video of the killing In a 20-minute video released in 2015, purportedly showing al-Kaseasbeh's killing, he displayed signs of having been beaten, including a black eye. Toward the end of the clip, he is shown wearing an orange jumpsuit. He stands in an outdoor cage as a masked militant ignites a line of fuel leading to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The footage was widely released as part of the militant group's propaganda. The killing sparked outrage and anti-IS demonstrations in Jordan, and King Abdullah II ordered two al-Qaida prisoners to be executed in response. In 2022, Krayem was among 20 men convicted by a special terrorism court in Paris for involvement in a wave of Islamic State attacks in the French capital in 2015, targeting the Bataclan theater, Paris cafes and the national stadium. The assaults killed 130 people and injured hundreds, some permanently maimed. Krayem was sentenced to 30 years in prison, for charges including complicity to terrorist murder. French media reported that France agreed in March to turn Krayem over to Sweden for nine months, to assist with the Swedish probe and his expected trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweden is then to return him to France so he can serve out his sentence, French media reported. In 2023, a Belgian court sentenced Krayem, among others, to life in prison on charges of terrorist murder in connection with 2016 suicide bombings that killed 32 people and wounded hundreds at Brussels airport and a busy subway station, the countrys deadliest peacetime attack. Krayem was aboard the commuter train that was hit, but did not detonate the explosives he was carrying. Both the Paris and Brussels attacks were linked to the same Islamic State network. Life in Sweden Krayem grew up in Rosengard, a district notorious in Sweden for high crime and unemployment rates where more than 80 percent of the residents are first- or second-generation immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was well-known to the local police for multiple criminal activities like thefts, for instance, Muhammad Khorshid, who ran a program in Rosengard to help immigrants integrate into Swedish society, told The Associated Press in 2016. He said Krayem was the perfect target for radicalization no job, no future, no money. Krayem had posted photos on social media from Syria, including one where he posed with an assault rifle in front of the black flag of the Islamic State group. Lost territory At its peak, IS ruled an area half the size of the United Kingdom in Iraq and Syria and was notorious for its brutality much of it directed against fellow Sunni Muslims as well as against those the group deemed to be heretics. It beheaded civilians, slaughtered 1,700 captured Iraqi soldiers in a short period, and enslaved and raped thousands of women from the Yazidi community, one of Iraqs oldest religious minorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2019, the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces captured the the last sliver of land the extremists controlled in the eastern Syrian town of Baghouz. While IS has lost its hold on all of the territory it once controlled, sleeper cells still stage occasional attacks in Iraq and Syria and abroad. Arrest in Germany Also on Tuesday, the German federal prosecutor separately announced the arrest of an alleged member of the Syrian secret intelligence services under former Syrian President Bashar Assad. The suspect, who was only named as Fahad A. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested on suspicion of acts of killing, torture, and deprivation of liberty as crimes against humanity. He allegedly took part in more than 100 interrogations between late April 2011 and mid-April 2012. At least 70 prisoners died from the torture and prison conditions, the federal prosecutor's office said. __ John Leicester in Paris, Abby Sewell in Beirut and Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed. A Swiss crypto trader wanted for questioning in the horrific SoHo torture of an Italian Bitcoin millionaire is enjoying a posh Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons before turning himself in, sources told The Post. The Euro exec was named as a person of interest in the sensational case after the arrest of Kentucky crypto king John Woeltz on Friday for allegedly kidnapping and torturing wealthy trader Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan at a ritzy townhouse on Prince Street in Manhattan. Police said Italian bitcoin trader Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan was held in this SoHo townhouse and tortured. Paul Martinka Cops launched a manhunt for a third person tied to the case the Swiss trader who sources have told The Post reached out to police and said he would surrender this week but not before he enjoys the Hamptons for Memorial day. Shutterstock John Woeltz, a wealthy Kentucky crypto king, is charged with kidnapping, assault and unlawful imprisonment in the case. David Burns Woeltz, who sources said owns a private jet and chopper and is worth at least $100 million, was arraigned on kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment and weapons possession charges and ordered held without bail in Manhattan Criminal Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His assistant, 24-year-old Beatrice Folchi, was also arrested but released after the Manhattan DAs Office declined to prosecute her pending further investigation, officials said. Cops launched a manhunt for a third person tied to the case the Swiss trader who sources have told The Post reached out to police and said he would surrender this week. Beatrice Folchi was arrested in the SoHo torture case but released after the DA declined to prosecute her. Khristina Narizhnaya/NY Post Carturan was held in the townhouse and abused for days, authorities said. James Keivom According to sources, Carturan, who is reportedly worth $30 million, was lured to the SoHo pad and held captive while his tormentors tortured him for his Bitcoin password. The Italian national was tied to a chair and tasered while his feet were in a bucket of water, was urinated on, pistol-whipped and had his arms and legs cut with a chainsaw, law-enforcement sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was allegedly also dangled from the top of a staircase during the vicious ordeal. Police said Carturan was finally able to escape Friday when his captors were distracted. He was being treated at Bellevue Hospital, sources said. ZURICH (Reuters) -Talks over trade between the Swiss government and the Trump administration will hopefully yield a result by the beginning of July, Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin said on Tuesday. Switzerland was stunned to be saddled with steeper tariffs than its neighbours in the European Union when U.S. President Donald Trump early last month unveiled a raft of proposed import duties on U.S. trading partners. Since accelerating diplomatic efforts to avert the tariffs, Switzerland and its business leaders have managed to position the country among a group of 15 nations on a fast-track list towards brokering agreement with Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parmelin, speaking at an event in Zurich, said Switzerland needed to diversify its trade relations and that it was important not to depend too much on one trading partner. Parmelin said the EU, the United States and China were his country's most important trade partners and the government was working to improve access to other economies. The United States is Switzerland's single biggest export market. (Reporting by Ariane LuthiEditing by Dave Graham) QAMISHLI, Syria (AP) Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria announced Monday they have reached an agreement with the transitional government in Damascus to evacuate Syrian citizens from a sprawling camp in the desert that houses tens of thousands of people with alleged ties to the militant Islamic State group. Sheikhmous Ahmed, an official in the Kurdish-led authority that controls the countrys northeast, said an agreement was reached on a joint mechanism for returning the families from al-Hol camp after a meeting among local authorities, representatives of the central government in Damascus and a delegation from the U.S.-led international coalition fighting IS. Ahmed denied reports that administration of the camp will be handed over to Damascus in the near future, saying there was no discussion in this regard with the visiting delegation or with the Damascus government." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human rights groups for years have cited poor living conditions and pervasive violence in the camp, which houses about 37,000 people, mostly wives and children of IS fighters as well as supporters of the militant group. They also include Iraqis as well as nationals of Western countries who traveled to join IS. The U.S. military has been pushing for years for countries that have citizens at al-Hol and the smaller, separate Roj Camp to repatriate them. Iraq has taken back increasing numbers of citizens in recent years, but many other countries have remained reluctant. As for Syrians housed in the camp, a mechanism has been in place for several years to return those who want to go back to their communities in the Kurdish-controlled areas, where centers have been opened to reintegrate them. Before now, however, there had not been an agreement with the government in Damascus to return them to areas under the central governments control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new agreement comes amid attempts to increase the cooperation between Kurdish authorities and the new leaders in Damascus after former President Bashar Assad was unseated in a rebel offensive in December. Under a deal signed in March between Syrias interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, the SDF is to be merged into the new government armed forces. All border crossings with Iraq and Turkey and airports and oil fields in the northeast are to come under the central governments control. Prisons where about 9,000 suspected members of the Islamic State group are held are also expected to come under central government control. The deal marked a major step toward unifying the disparate factions that had carved up Syria into de facto mini-states during its civil war that began in 2011 after the brutal crackdown by Assad's government on massive anti-government protests. However, implementation has been slow. Washington has been pushing for its enactment and, in particular, for Damascus to take over management of the prisons in northeast Syria. TAIPEI (AP) Taiwan's president on Tuesday pledged to buy more American goods, including natural gas and oil, as the self-governing island seeks closer ties with the U.S. while threatened with a 32% tariff from the Trump administration. By purchasing more U.S. products that also include weapons and agricultural goods, Taiwan would not only create more balanced bilateral trade with the U.S. but also boost its energy autonomy and resilience, said Lai Ching-te, the islands leader, while hosting a U.S. congressional delegation. Lai also said the island would be willing to participate in U.S. efforts to reindustrialize and to lead the world in artificial intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Bruce Westerman, chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, told Lai that the U.S. produces a lot of food and fiber and is always looking for more friends to share that with. Trade and economic ties between Taiwan and the U.S. have grown closer in recent years. The island faces rising pressure from China, which sees the island as part of Chinese territory and vows to annex it, by force if necessary. Washington is bound by its own laws to provide Taipei with the means to defend itself, and politicians both Republicans and Democrats have come to believe it is in the U.S. interest to deter Beijing from attacking Taiwan. Many policymakers and analysts have argued that arming Taiwan includes not only weapons sales but closer economic and trade ties so the island is less vulnerable to economic coercion from the mainland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. is now the top destination for Taiwan's foreign investments, including $165 billion by Taiwan's semiconductor giant TSMC to build factories in Arizona to make advanced chips. The island also is the 7th largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, Lai said. However, the U.S. buys far more from Taiwan and had a trade deficit of $116.3 billion in 2024, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The 32% tariff, as proposed by President Donald Trump as part of his sweeping tariff plan, is on hold except a 10% baseline duty. Earlier this month, Lai downplayed the trade tensions between the U.S. and Taiwan as frictions between friends. The congressional delegation stopped in Taipei as part of the groups larger visit to the Indo-Pacific region through Thursday, according to American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. diplomatic mission on the island. Mike Drapak, Tamika Lyles, Logan Mueller, and Sabrina Bousbar speaking at the Corner Club in Tampa on May 22, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) Donald Trumps victory in November had led the Democratic Party nationally to engage in some serious soul searching. In Florida, it was the second successive electoral blowout, and the conversations about how to cope with that reality are underway. Take the discussion held last Thursday night, sponsored by the Hillsborough County Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus in Tampa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats are the best at losing, losing, losing, said Mike Drapak of The Hillsborough Society, a political commitee formed in the aftermath of party infighting with the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee. And thats really where we need to start, and we need to start being self-reflective. Party members need to stop pointing fingers and instead look at themselves in the mirror start understanding exactly what it is were doing thats making people dislike us, Drapak said. The descent of the party has been well documented at this point. After losing all statewide races by double-digit deficits in 2022 and 2024, the party saw two members of their already super-minority in the state House of Representatives flip to the GOP last December, followed up last month with their then state Senate leader, South Floridas Jason Pizzo, dramatically announcing on the floor that he was leaving the party because it was dead. Gov. Ron DeSantis couldnt resist pouncing on the partys problems last week, declaring that Pizzos announcement that he would run for governor as a political independent was necessary 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the discussion last week among the Tampa Democrats last week centered on messaging. Nick Clemente, who lost a state House race to Republican Traci Koster in November, said the Florida Democratic brand is unequivocally broken. How do we talk about regular folks who might listen to podcasts about UFC, who might listen to podcasts about NASCAR or speed metal and not about politics? he asked the audience of around 50 people. How do we connect with them on our values and the things that we have in common that maybe we can help fix the brand, so people arent ashamed to be Democrats? Logan Mueller, president of the University of Tampa Democrats, said a major problem in his opinion is that the Democrats were still campaigning like its 1996. Theyve won the information battle right now, he said of the GOP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the internet and podcasts and videos, we do not have any boots on the ground. All the largest podcasts and these things that people are connected to are all very conservative. There is no means that we can push a message, and on top of that, we dont have a unified message that we can share with everybody. We dont have a positive economic message that everybody wants. The reason Trump was also partially successful was that he sold optimism. He sold making America great again. Too complicated Sabrina Bousbar agreed with Mueller. The 28-year-old Pinellas native campaigned for Joe Biden in 2020 and later served as a senior adviser in his U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. She ran for Congress last summer, finishing second behind fellow Democrat Whitney Fox in Floridas 13th District. (Fox went on to lose to GOP incumbent Anna Paulina Luna). Were a little too complicated, she said. We try to have messaging for every single silo, but we dont have a cohesive message with everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mueller said he encounters a lot of his fellow students at UT who prefer registering as non-party-affiliated rather than a Democrat. They dont want to associate with a party that has kind of lost the messaging war, Mueller added. [The party] has a lot of negative strings attached to it. And by registering as an independent, it kind of avoids the mess that has kind of been created over a long period of time. And the way forward is actually running an economic positive message, because young people do care about the economy, just as much as anyone else does. The fourth member of the panel was Tamika Lyles, an Osceola County Democrat seeking the partyss nomination for U.S. Senate next year. She complained that Democratic candidates wait too long to connect with the electorate. They dont see us until its primary time or general election time, when were knocking on a door and were trying to give them that message. Theyre not hearing it, she said.Because the first thing they say is, Where have you been the whole year? What have you been doing the whole year? What was the messaging like the whole year when all of this was going on? So we need someone who is continuously speaking that language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A common theme among Democrats in the aftermath of the 2024 election nationally and in Florida is meeting voters where they are. As someone who has worked with organized labor around the country, Drapek said, hes found a significant amount of misogyny, homophobia, and racism in the American heartland. We need to understand that, he said. And we need to learn on how we can message in a way that doesnt actually bring the most radical people of that end to the table, but some of the people who want some of the same things that we do. While there was plenty of talk about messaging, or the lack thereof, there wasnt as much dialogue about policy and how to adjust to an electorate that has shifted to the right over the past five years. Latino vote When it comes to the Latino vote, a key demographic in Florida that supported Trump by double-digits over Kamala Harris last fall, a member of the Pinellas Hispanic Caucus suggested a possible opening would be to reengage specifically with Venezuelans who are upset about a U.S. Supreme Court decision last week that immediately strips Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, from hundreds of thousands of themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a survey of 408 Venezuelan residents in Florida conducted last month by Florida International Universitys Latino Public Opinion Forum, nearly half of those who reported voting for Donald Trump in 2024 now say they either regret their decision or have mixed feelings about it. More than 70% say they oppose Trumps decision to end humanitarian parole for Venezuelans. We should use this as ammunition, said Bousbar, who is of Moroccan and Columbian descent. The GOP has targeted Latinos in Florida since Barack Obama left the political scene more than a decade ago. Latinos started going more Republican each election cycle. And so now, though, that were seeing the actual impact of this anti-immigration illegally sending people back to their countries, or also putting them in jails without notification or telling their families or any form of legal structured procedure that they should have in the state and in the U.S. we have to take that and communicate to them, she said. We should be putting Spanish radio ads, Spanish TV messaging around the laws that Donald Trump has done around the Latino communities, specifically Venezuelans and Cubans and within the state of Florida because maybe we can get that pendulum to come back our way. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Police said one person was taken to a hospital after a crash on Interstate 26 on Tuesday. The Tennessee Department of Transportation reported a crash on I-26 West at mile marker 12.2 between Gray and Eastern Star Road around 3:16 p.m. The crash involved two vehicles and sent one person to the hospital, according to Johnson City police. All lanes have been reopened, according to TDOT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. [Watch previous FOX 8 I-Team coverage in the player above.] CLEVELAND (WJW) The FOX 8 I-Team has learned the former divorce attorney of Aliza Sherman, who is now accused of killing her, is scheduled to be in front of a judge in Cuyahoga County on Wednesday. Gregory Moore, 51, was secretly indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on May 2 and was arrested that day at a relatives home near Austin, Texas. He was brought back to Ohio on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lucky to be alive: Car driving erratically hits semi, lands in ravine in Lake County crash Sherman was murdered in March 2013 outside Moores law office in downtown Cleveland. The case remained unsolved for 12 years. Court records state Moore is accused of murdering Sherman because he was not ready to take her case to trial. He has been indicted on one count of aggravated murder, one count of conspiracy, six counts of murder and two counts of kidnapping. Teen identified following local Memorial Day tragedy Attorneys Jon Paul Rion and Catherine H. Jackson, of the Dayton law Firm Rion, Rion & Rion, are representing Moore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An umbrella group representing New York Teamsters unions is endorsing Mark Levine for city comptroller, but some of the organizations individual locals have split away from the pack to instead back Justin Brannan for the fiscal watchdog post. The Teamsters Joint Council 16 is comprised of 24 local unions representing more than 120,000 New York City workers across a variety of sectors. Thomas Gesualdi, boss of the Teamsters Local 282 construction union who also serves as the joint councils president, said his umbrella organization opted to back Levine in next months Democratic comptroller primary because he has shown that he understands the importance of unions and the dignity of work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need a comptroller who sees us, who values our labor, and who will fight to make sure public dollars support working families, Gesualdi told the Daily News in a statement. Levine, Manhattans current borough president, said in a statement hes incredibly honored to net the joint councils nod. Labor councils typically hold internal votes on how to endorse in local elections. Reps for the Teamsters Joint Council 16 didnt immediately return requests for comment Tuesday on how its locals voted on the comptroller race. But two of the joint councils unions including the politically influential Local 831 representing the citys nearly 10,000 rank-and-file sanitation workers have previously publicly endorsed Brannan for comptroller. The other union that already threw its weight behind Brannan is Local 804, which mostly represents UPS delivery workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brannan, who currently serves as the City Councils Finance Committee chairman, declined to comment Tuesday. Backing from labor unions, which usually launch get-out-the-vote efforts for their endorsed candidates, is key in down-ballot races like comptroller primaries, as turnout tends to be low. Brannan has locked in support for his comptroller run from a number of other influential New York labor groups, like 32BJ, the Transport Workers Union and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. There has been no polling in the June 24 comptroller primary. Levine holds an edge in fundraising, though, having pulled in more than $3.9 million compared to Brannans $2.4 million. May 27The Mower County Sheriff's Office is still looking into an accident that took place early Saturday afternoon just outside of Austin that resulted in a teenager being airlifted to Rochester. According to a Tuesday morning release from Sheriff Steve Sandvik, MCSO deputies along with the Austin Fire Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance were dispatched to the 18000 block of 540th Avenue for a vehicle versus pedestrian injury crash at around 1:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon. An 18-year-old male had been struck by a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old and was airlifted via Mayo One to St. Mary's Mayo Clinic Hospital with serious injuries. There was no update of the teen's condition as of Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 17-year-old was uninjured. The investigation into the crash is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. Check back to www.austindailyherald.com as more information becomes available. Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Azerbaijans Prime Minister Ali Asadov has met with Speaker of the Senate of Egypt Abdel Wahab Abdel Razeq, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, a source in the countrys Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. The meeting expressed satisfaction with the upward trend in relations between Azerbaijan and Egypt in various fields. The importance of regular meetings and discussions of the heads of state in terms of further deepening and strengthening bilateral relations was highlighted. It was especially emphasized that the mutual visits of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi laid the foundation for a new stage in the history of interstate relations. The interparliamentary relations were also touched upon, and the important role of legislative bodies in the development of bilateral relations was noted. Additionally, the meeting discussed the prospects for expanding mutually beneficial Azerbaijani-Egyptian cooperation in various directions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) A shooting that happened about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday has resulted in one mans death and a teenager charged with his murder. According to the Bay County Sheriffs Office arrest report, 17-year-old Brayden Raul Gomez shot William Robert McArthur in the back of the head. McArthur, who was a Lyft driver, was reportedly giving Gomez a ride from a Front Beach Road business to the Woodlawn area. Gomez was in the back seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teen charged with murder for shooting a Lyft driver in Panama City Beach Investigators said Gomez confessed to the shooting, saying he was angered by some of McArthurs comments to him. He claimed the victim pointed out Gomez was intoxicated and underage, said he would amount to nothing, and said Gomezs mother was Sorry. Thats when Gomez allegedly pulled his gun and shot McArthur near the intersection of Wildwood Road and Emerald Cove Street. Authorities said Gomez told them he pulled McArthur out of the car and tried to resuscitate him. The car continued to roll until it stopped about 100 yards down the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies said they found Gomezs bloody clothes at his mothers nearby home. They also said Gomez led them to the gun that he allegedly threw in a garbage can in Woodlawn. The State Attorneys Office has waived Gomez to adult status. He is currently in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice, charged with an Open Count of Murder. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO Police are asking for help in the search for a teen girl who officers say has been missing for nearly a week. According to Chicago police, 14-year-old Myla Spann has been missing from her home in Hyde Park since Thursday, May 22. She was last seen in her neighborhood on that day by family members, but has not been contacted since. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers said Spann is known to frequent areas on the Southeast Side of the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Spann, who stands 5-foot-7 and weighs around 150 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair. Photo provided by Chicago police shows 14-year-old Myla Spann, who officers said went missing on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The missing teen was last seen wearing a red hooded sweater with the word GAP on the front, black sweatpants as well as red and white Air Jordan high-top shoes. Authorities provided details about the missing teens disappearance in a news release sent out on Monday. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 14-year-old Myla Spann is asked to contact the CPD Area One SVU at 312-747-8380 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREEN, Ohio (WJW) Matthew Schultz, a 13-year-old North Canton boy who died after falling from a Memorial Day parade float in Green on Monday morning, was remembered Tuesday as a a bright light, full of curiosity, laughter and love. Danielle Paciorek, a friend of the boys family, spoke to reporters on their behalf on Tuesday morning. Rollover crash sends woman and 2 girls to hospital Matthew was just 13 years old, but in that short time, he brought a lifetime worth of joy to those who knew him, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The North Canton City Schools student loved Star Wars and was loyal and funny the kind of friend you made for life, she said. Matthews absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, but his spirit and the love he gave so freely will live on in everyone he touched, Paciorek said. The accident happened at about 11:30 a.m. on Monday. Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree said the parade float was nearing the end of its route on Massillon Road South, just north of the Steese Road roundabout, when Schultz fell off the front of the trailer and was struck by its wheels. Green firefighters who were already at the parade immediately rendered aid, said Fatheree. The boy was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead just before noon. The road was shut down for hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no words that can heal this loss, Green Mayor Rocco Yeargin said Tuesday. At this time our Green community is beginning the long process of making sense of this tragedy. To all the families that witnessed that accident: Know that you are not alone in your grief. Yeargin said counselors will be available to the general public until 3:30 p.m. every day this week at Green High School, 1474 Boettler Road, Uniontown. He also pointed residents to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. He has also ordered flags in the city to be flown at half-staff until after Schultz funeral. Summit County Sheriffs Office investigators are still reviewing the incident, and are specifically focusing on how the boy fell, Fatheree said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle pulling the float trailer was traveling at about 5 mph, and carrying seven children ages 7 to 13 years old, including Schultz, said Fatheree. Adults were walking alongside. Lucky to be alive: Car driving erratically hits semi, lands in ravine in Lake County crash Yeargin said Tuesday city officials are now planning a review of the citys policies around parades. Today, many in our Green community have been contacting my office to provide assistance and support in any way they can, he said. Green firefighters donated $3,000 raised during their annual Memorial Day pancake breakfast, according to city spokesperson Valerie Wolford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another local nonprofit, Green Moms Give, has also raised more than $6,000, said Wolford. To donate, find GreenMomsGive@gmail.com on PayPal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AKRON, Ohio (WJW) Police responded to the I Promise School in Akron after a teenager was allegedly shot Saturday afternoon. A bright light: Teen who died after fall from Memorial Day parade float in Green remembered as loyal and funny According to a press release from the Akron Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting just before 3:30 p.m. At the scene, officers learned that a 17-year-old victim was taken to the hospital by a person who was at the scene at the time of the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security camera captures unexpected visitor hiding under local mans van According to the release, officers recovered nearly two dozen shell casings from the scene. This investigation remains ongoing. The Akron Police Department asks that anyone with information contact the detective bureau at 330-375-2490. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HILLSVILLE, Va. (WFXR) Hillsville Police said a vendor at a Memorial Day flea market has been charged in connection with a shooting that injured a teenager on May 23 in Hillsville. Hillsville PD said officers and emergency responders were dispatched to West View Terrace Apartments around 12:43 a.m. on Friday after reports that a teenager had been shot. At the scene, a 17-year-old was found with a gunshot wound to the back. Town of Hillsville prepares for the largest Flea Market east of the Mississippi Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While investigating, police learned the shooting occurred earlier at a Memorial Day Flea Market on West Stuart Drive. It is believed a brief encounter between the victim and a local vendor at the market allegedly escalated before the teenager was shot with a semi-automatic .40 caliber pistol. The 17-year-old was airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Carroll County Sheriff seeks help to find missing endangered man 49-year-old Richard Dale Lee of Hillsville has been arrested and charged with malicious wounding and reckless handling of a firearm. Lee is currently being held at the New River Valley Regional Jail without bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hillsville Police said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are currently pending. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. A group of New York high school students rescued a family from their burning home while heading home from prom on May 17, according to local media reports Dramatic video footage captured the brave rescue as the teenagers alerted the family to their garage fire The students said they "didn't think twice" about jumping to the family's rescue, per WKTV A group of teenagers in New York have been hailed as heroes after helping save a family from their home after their garage caught fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitesboro High School students Aiden Kane, Morgan Randall, Donato Jellenichr and Tyler Sodj were heading home from their junior prom on May 17 when they spotted a familys garage on fire in Marcy and immediately leapt into action to rescue them, according to local media outlet Observer-Dispatch. We left the prom a little early because to go to One Genny [in New Hartford], Kane told the outlet. We got a few appetizers with our friends before heading to Donatos house to get changed out of our prom clothes. And on the way, [my girlfriend] Morgan saw [the garage] burning. The teenagers didn't think twice about lending their assistance. AIDEN KANE/CNN NEWSOURCE Footage recorded by the teens of the fire in Marcy, New York Footage recorded by the teens of the fire in Marcy, New York Everyone jumped out of the car, Kane told the outlet. Donato immediately called 911, Tyler ran towards the garage to check it out and I ran up to the door and started pounding on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In footage recorded by the group, per Observer-Dispatch, Kane is seen knocking on the door of the familys home next to the raging fire. A few seconds later, a young girl runs down the stairs and answers the door. AIDEN KANE/CNN NEWSOURCE The fire at the home in Marcy, New York The fire at the home in Marcy, New York Your house is on fire! Kane tells the family, to which she replies, I know, my dads calling the police, as screams from young children can be heard in the background from inside the house. Youve got to get out, says Kane. One of the teenagers is next heard telling the distressed family while leaving the house, You're okay, hey, you're okay. Just walk over here. Come here, come here! A man who appears to be the childrens father is then seen running out to join them. Kane tells him the children are over by my car. He then asks the man if anyone else is in the house, to which he replies, No! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Kane looked after the family, Donato called 911 and Sodj checked out the burning garage, Observer-Dispatch reported. I slammed and knocked on the door and there was two little girls and a dad, Kane told local media outlet WKTV. I grabbed the girls, ran them across the street to where my girlfriend comforted them, because they were really upset. CNN NEWSOURCE Aiden Kane and Tyler Sojda Aiden Kane and Tyler Sojda 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. Sodj told WKTV that the fire sounded almost like gunshots popping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Something clearly exploded and the fire got pushed out pretty far, he told the outlet. So if Aiden didn't go up there and get those people out, I think that the fire could have spread. Sodj added that the group didn't think twice about rescuing the family. Maynard Fire Chief Jared Pearl told the New York Post, If they didnt do this, if they didnt get everyone out and call 911, it may have been three to four minutes before we got there. And by then, the house would have been fully involved. PEOPLE has reached out to Maynard Fire Chief Jared Pearl for comment. Read the original article on People (Reuters) - Telus is investing more than C$70 billion ($50.88 billion) in Canada over the next five years to expand its network infrastructure in the country, the telecom company said on Tuesday. The investment will go towards launching two new artificial intelligence data centers as well as help increase Telus' wireless coverage and capacity across more regions, particularly the rural areas, the company said. Telus' big investment comes at a time when the Canadian economy is showing signs of a slowdown due to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on the country. "As the country navigates a challenging economic environment and seeks to attract more investment to stimulate growth, this commitment to Canada's future will help fuel homegrown innovation," Telus said in a statement. Canada sends the U.S. about 75% of its exports, including steel, aluminum and autos, which have been hit by the hefty U.S. duties. The tariffs have prompted Canadian companies to review their ties to U.S. markets and boost local operations, while some firms are also setting up sales channels and offices in other countries. Telus said the investment is consistent with its capital expenditure plans for 2025. The company in February projected about C$2.5 billion in annual capital spending, excluding real estate. Demand for Telus' bundled wireless packages and broadband networks has been strong. The company reported total mobile and fixed customer growth of 218,000 in the first quarter of 2025. ($1 = 1.3759 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa and Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas) SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A temporary fence has been put up around the site of the deadly plane crash in Murphy Canyon last Thursday, as residents whose homes were unimpacted have begun trickling back to the neighborhood. Over the weekend, crews removed the last bits of debris from the wreckage that killed six people and left eight others injured. The fragments of the Cessna 550 Citation II plane had remained at the crash site on Sample Street for several days as federal investigators processed the scene. Residents who have been able to come back to their homes with the immediate clean-up complete say they are still reeling from the early morning crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family whose house was hit by plane shares what they saw I have been hugging everyone and just praying over everybody and crying, Jennifer Alvarez, who lives on Sample Street, told FOX 5/KUSI on Saturday. I have moments where I just want to cry a lot. Details about what led up to the crash of the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport-bound aircraft into the military-housing community remain under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration. The Cessna plummeted into the neighborhood around 3:45 a.m., spilling jet fuel into the street that sparked a number of fires. The flames burned more than a dozen homes and vehicles, creating a scene described by a local fire official as a gigantic debris field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeing the flames and hearing the popping made me realize this was bad. Then the thought of What if flames jump?' Alvarez recalled. Having to get the family out was key. Preliminary information from NTSB indicates the plane had been flying in low visibility due to thick fog when it struck a power line, detaching a piece of its wing. The damage caused the aircraft to fall from the sky and slam into a home. In the hours before the crash, federal officials say key landing equipment at Montgomery-Gibbs, such as the airports runway approach lights and weather data system, were disabled by an unrelated power surge. The airports tower was also closed. The pilot of the Cessna instead checked in with air traffic controllers at the nearby MCAS Miramar for details on conditions and whether it was safe to land at Montgomery-Gibbs. The air space had reported visibility of just a quarter mile with a cloud ceiling of 200 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victim of San Diego plane crash honored by local jiu-jitsu community Audio recordings between the pilot and air traffic controllers show the pilot of the Cessna acknowledged the poor conditions, but said he would give it a go, per investigators. Six people were on board the aircraft when it went down, all of whom are presumed dead by officials. Loved ones and the San Diego County Medical Examiners Office have identified the passengers as local music talent agency Dave Shapiro, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada Daniel Williams, photographer Celina Kenyon, jiu-jitsu fighter Dominic Damian, and Sound Talent Agency booking associates, Kendall Fortner and Emma Lynn Huke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just like an emptiness, you know, Baret Yoshida, a pupil of Damian, told FOX 5/KUSI of the loss. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A Tennessee man was arrested in Morgan County on a rape warrant, authorities say. On May 26, deputies with the Morgan County Sheriffs Office Fugitive Unit arrested 24-year-old Savon C. Black, of Fayetteville, Tenn., on a warrant for second-degree rape (statutory). The charges stem from a CID investigation after reports were made to deputies alleging a sexual encounter with a minor (under 16). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators were assisted by the Morgan County Child Advocacy Center. Black was transported to and booked in the Morgan County Jail and is being held without 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 WHNT.com. Cyberattacks against mainland tech company launched by DPP-backed hackers: police Xinhua) 09:23, May 27, 2025 GUANGZHOU, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Local police said Tuesday that cyberattacks against a tech company in Guangzhou was conducted by a hacker organization backed by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities. Police in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, said in a report that the conclusion was drawn from technical analysis and trace of the extracted attack programs and system logs related to the cyberattack. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared a post on his X page on the occasion of his visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports. "I was honoured to meet my dear brother President Ilham Aliyev today in the beautiful and serene city of Lachin. I thanked him for Azerbaijans unwavering support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan-India conflict. We reaffirmed our shared resolve to deepen Pakistan-Azerbaijan ties across all domains and to continue our work together for regional peace and prosperity. This exemplary spirit of brotherhood is guided by the love and affection between our peoples, whose hearts beat together. Long live Pakistan Azerbaijan friendship!, he wrote. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) The bail bond industry is strictly regulated in Tennessee and agents are licensed and insured. However, scammers are posing as legitimate agents and cheating people. Scammers review public records and get contact information on valid bail bond companies. Next, they claim theyre with that company, and generally call before the bond has even been set. Posting bail can be a highly emotional time. Unfortunately, hoaxers prey on this vulnerable state and conduct bail bond scams that target defendants and their families. Second Harvest continues to feel federal cuts impact ahead of summer months Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brandi Covington is a bail bond agent. She gets calls from men and women in jail who have seen a magistrate, and a bond has been set. In cases where a defendant can be bailed out, the release is contingent on paying a specific amount of cash to the bail bond agency. Covingtons co-worker, Gloria Pressley, another Bail Bond agent, says once contacted, she gathers the persons name, date of birth, and charges. She then gives the inmate information regarding what needs to be done to make bond. Finally, agents get a call from the inmates family member or a friend Most of the time, someone has to co-sign for a bond. We go to the jail, do an interview with the person in jail, take some general information, turn the bond in, said Covington. Bond payments can be made electronically through Cash App, Chime, a credit card, or cash. Scammers, however, are taking advantage of public information available on law enforcement websites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew Gladfelters father was scammed after receiving a call from a man named Eddie claiming he was with a local bail bond company. The dad paid him on a card a $1,000. But it is still to be set. So there was no bond made yet, said Pressley. USDA inspects livestock for flesh-eating parasite in Strawberry Plains But Gladfelter had not seen a magistrate, which is when the bond is set. His father then got in touch with A-1 Bonding, where Gloria and Brandi work. So, I made a call to the telephone number that was given to me. I told him I had a brother named is William Bell, made up a birthday for him, said Pressley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pressley said the scammer, Eddie, then gave her false information. He said its pre-set. That it was going to be a $5,500 bond, so all I had to do was pay $550 to him, said Pressley. Eddie texted saying he takes payment only electronically, and sorry, but he couldnt meet up at the jail. These gentlemen, they dont want to meet you. You need to meet somebody and make sure, said Pressley. We would meet them at the jail or this office. Here are some red flags regarding this scam: Illegal Solicitation : By law, bail bond agents are not allowed to solicit services to the detainee or their family and friends. No Paperwork or Contract : A legitimate bail bond will need to be secured with a contract and signatures. Steep Discounts : Legitimate bail bond companies charge fixed fees for their services, which are set by state law. Legitimate businesses are legally allowed to charge a fee of 10% of the total bail amount, plus $37 up front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scammers who scour public records are breaking the laws and the standards that regulate the bail services industry, but bail bond scams can be hard to recognize during times of crisis. Just make sure to ask questions to educate yourself, especially when dealing with a bondsman for the first time. Damaged section of I-40 sees first traffic spike since reopening in March Do not hesitate to contact a bondsman or work with one when posting bail. If the bondsman gives you some excuse not to meet you or sign a contract, you might want to start over again to avoid making a costly mistake. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tennessee deer hunters will be able to hunt over bait on private land starting in 2026, thanks to a new law signed by the governor earlier this month. The legislation, which received strong support from state politicians, creates a baiting privilege license for deer hunters in the Volunteer State. The new law drops at a time when other states, like Washington, are banning baiting to attempt to reduce the spread of CWD. House Bill 938, which was introduced by Kip Capley in the House and Joey Hensley in the Senate, establishes a bait privilege license, which will be issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The license fee, which essentially requires hunters to pay extra if they want to put out corn piles, will cost $50 for residents and $100 for nonresidents. All hunters in a party using bait are required to possess a permit including those who are ordinarily exempt from purchasing a hunting license, including landowners and children under 13. TWRA will have the authority to suspend the baiting privilege (without a refund of fees) on a county, regional, or statewide basis to prevent the spread of wildlife diseases like CWD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunting over bait is currently prohibited in the state of Tennessee. Although hunters can put out corn or other food attractants, they cannot legally hunt within 250 yards of it until at least 10 days after the bait has been removed. The new law makes an exception for deer hunting with the designated license. The original draft of the bill included wild hogs in the bait privilege license, but it was removed in an amendment to focus the legislation on whitetail deer. Violating the law could result in a class C misdemeanor. While the law does take effect July 1, 2025, [the] next steps are actually for the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission to [make] rules to implement this law by August 1, 2026, TWRA assistant public relations chief Chelsey Sexton told OL in an email. Hunters will not be able to use bait until then. More than 22 states currently allow deer baiting in some form, including five of Tennessees neighbors: Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. A lot of other states allow hunting over bait anyway, like Texas and several other states, so thats my reason for supporting it, state senator Joey Hensley, a primary sponsor of the bill, told Fox Chattanooga. I just dont think that people should be penalized because theyre hunting over bait, especially on their property. Thats what this bill does, but it requires people to get a license that would generate additional revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new baiting license requirement has drawn some backlash from hunters across the state. Some critics argue that the requirement is government overreach and that landowners shouldnt have to pay for privileges exercised on their own property. If baiting deer on your own land is going to be legal, why should landowners and hunters have to pay extra for that right? Tennessee resident John Baker told Outdoor Hub. Read Next: Deer and Elk Hunters in Washington State Can No Longer Hunt Over Bait Other critics of the bill are concerned that baiting could speed the spread of CWD by concentrating deer in certain areas. Chronic wasting disease was first discovered in the Volunteer State in 2018 and has since been found in whitetails in 18 counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TWRA is expected to release specific regulations ahead of the 2026 deer season, when baiting rules will take effect. A correction was made on May 28, 2025: A previous version of this article misstated when the baiting law will take effect. While it does become law on July 1, 2025, it will not go into effect until the 2026 hunting season. This story has been updated to include comment from the TWRA. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Terry R. Lewis, Jr., a beloved husband, father, brother and friend, has taken his ultimate ride into eternity on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Born December 21, 1955, to the union of Terry Lewis, Sr. and Elizabeth Booker-Lewis, in Youngstown, Ohio, Terry brought warmth and joy to everyone around him. Find obituaries from your high school Terry navigated lifes highways, spending years as a dedicated driver in medical transport with Reach Transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Known for his kindness and unwavering spirit, he ensured that every passenger journey was a safe and warm experience. Terry was a man who found joy in the simple moments, a devoted fan of the Browns and a loving spirit who brought warmth to those around him. He leaves behind a loving family, his cherished wife, Debra Lewis; children, LaShonda Lewis, Terrance Lewis, Keisha Lewis and Chris (Breonna) Williams and sisters, Evonne (Lloyd) Hewlett and Vera Lewis; as well as his grandchildren, each carrying the light of his cherished memory. Terrys spirit lives on through the laughter and stories shared among those who loved him. As Terry crossed the celestial sands into eternity, he was reunited with his parents and brother, Harlen Lewis, who preceded him. Although he may be gone, he will forever drive on in our hearts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graveside services, officiated by Rev. Lewis Macklin, will be held in his honor on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends will gather at Belmont Park Cemetery, 3346 Belmont Avenue in Youngstown, Ohio. As we gather beneath the sky that Terry loved, well reflect upon precious memories, celebrate his life and say goodbyes. At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Terry R. Lewis, 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, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KSHV) The Texarkana-area chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony. They read names of fallen soldiers, and this year also passed out dog tags as a physical reminder of the sacrifices so many made. What is Memorial Day and how has it evolved from its Civil War origins? Theres a kid out of New Hampshire, 12 years old started making dog tags of all the Americans that got killed. Hes made 95,000 of them so far, said Greg Beck, President of Vietnam Veterans of America #278, Ive been doing this for 40-something years, and I never thought about dog tags, but he did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One local organization spoke about its mission during a quick break from its own journey to spread the message. The members of Bens Heart Ministry spent the day walking 22 miles. 22 miles because 22 veterans die by suicide every day, according to a 2013 study from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Suzy Kroll started the non-profit group following the death of her son, a veteran who suffered from PTSD, and who took his own life. She has dedicated herself to helping other veterans fighting the same battles. Theres a specific way to fly your US flag on Memorial Day: What to know Its not a weakness at all. Its an invisible scar. Its an invisible wound from war. And my son came back physically, but he did not ever come back from Afghanistan. So I dont want that to happen to anybody else, says Kroll. They are walking to spread the message that 22 a day is 22 too many, and that we need to fight to help our veterans even after they have come home, just like they fought for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bens Heart Ministry is continuing its social media campaign through the end of the month, challenging others to find their own way to spread awareness. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) would gain the right to investigate elections in Democratic districts under a new bill passed by the Texas Senate on Tuesday. H.B. 5138 now heads to Gov. Greg Abbotts (R) desk, where it joins H.B. 45, which gives Paxton broad new powers to fight human trafficking. Put together, the new bills would give his office the ability to investigate alleged trafficking or election fraud in any jurisdictions regardless of the wishes of local communities or the elected district or county attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxton has long used allegations of human trafficking to target nonprofit groups that provide aid to recent migrants. If Abbott signs the elections bill, Paxton who has announced his intentions to primary incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R) next year would get new powers to prosecute alleged election crimes anywhere in the state, something state courts have denied him. In 2021, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) ruled that Paxton could only get involved in local elections if asked to by a district or county attorney, as The Texas Tribune reported, a ruling that Abbott explicitly criticized last year. That ruling created a structural problem, however, for the faction of Texas Republicans, including Paxton, that has long insisted election fraud is rife in Texass Democrat-run jurisdictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That didnt stop Paxtons office from raiding Democratic activists and the candidate herself during last years race for a tightly contested state House district after the Democratic incumbent stepped down. The Republican in that race, former Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin, ultimately won in a campaign that cited Paxtons investigation into his opponent, Cecilia Castellanos, as evidence of her malfeasance. Up until Tuesdays bill passage, however, the attorney generals ability to investigate local candidates like Castellanos was limited to those jurisdictions where he could find a district or county attorney to partner with a requirement that H.B. 5138 would free him of. Paxton has long conflated migration and election fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one notable case from last years election, Paxton insisted Democrats had secret plans to illegally register noncitizens to vote in our elections, a claim that originated in a friend-of-a-friend story on Fox News that local Republican county officials later debunked. Democrats plan was to tell the cartels, Get people here as fast as possible, as many as possible, were not going to make them hide anymore well get them placed in the right states, Paxton told conservative talk show host Glenn Beck last year. They want to fix the election so that we have a one-party country that we cant fix. During last years election, Paxton also sued Bexar and Harris counties, two of the states largest Democratic strongholds, for a voter registration drive that he claimed aimed to register noncitizens to vote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A major Texas bill that was poised to offer a blueprint for abortion restrictions has likely died in the state legislature. Senate Bill 2880, a top priority for the states abortion opponents, would have targeted people who manufacture, distribute, mail or otherwise provide abortion medication in Texas. It would have enabled private citizens to sue people who distributed or provided abortion pills in Texas for a minimum of $100,000. Backers said the bill was meant to hit organizations such as Aid Access, an abortion telehealth provider that helps people in states with abortion bans who want to terminate their pregnancies. But despite clearing key legislative hurdles the bill passed the states Republican-led Senate in April and received approval from a House committee Friday evening SB 2880 was not scheduled for a floor vote in Texas House of Representatives. Tuesday is the deadline for Senate bills to receive a vote in the House; the bills omission means it will not make it to the governors desk before the legislative session ends this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very disappointing to see that it likely wont pass this session, said Ashley Leenerts, legislative director of Texas Right to Life, which helped craft the bill and lobbied heavily for its passage. SB 2880 seemed poised to pass. The bills Senate sponsor, Republican Bryan Hughes, chairs his chambers influential state affairs committee, which oversees legislation affecting state policy and government. The bill had also been reviewed and approved by staff for Gov. Greg Abbott, Leenerts said. This has been Texas Right to Lifes top priority since the session began, she said. Were going to keep working and do our best. But it did seem like there had been support from leadership in the House, Senate and governor. Components of the bill could move forward as amendments to other legislation or if Abbott, who opposes abortion, calls a special legislative session this summer. But multiple activists from Texas Right to Life said they are unaware of bills that could serve as an amendment vehicle for SB 2880s abortion medication restrictions. Abbott has also not indicated that he will summon the legislature back for a special session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Seago, the head of Texas Right to Life, would not comment directly on the possibility of a special legislative session, but added, Theres still a small window for other opportunities for this policy to get passed, and were going to continue to push those. Were the most stubborn, were the most non-compromising pro-life group in Texas, Seago said. About 1 in 5 abortions are now done through telehealth, with half for patients in states with bans on the procedure or restrictions on telehealth. The practice is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy that does not require someone to visit an abortion clinic. The providers prescribing and sending medication are from states such as New York, Massachusetts and California, whose shield laws protect them from out-of-state prosecutions. SB 2880, modeled after a six-week abortion ban it erected in 2021, aimed to put a stop to the practice by threatening providers with financially ruinous lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abortion opponents in other states have voiced frustration that the prevalence of telemedicine abortion has seriously undercut their efforts to ban the procedure. Though a dozen states have banned abortion almost entirely, the number of abortions in the country has not fallen thanks in no small part to the growing share of people who now get abortions through the mail. Abortion opponents have pushed for restrictions on medication abortion and on telehealth specifically at the federal level and individual state governments. But so far, none have successfully halted the practice. The anti-abortion movement knows if they want to stop abortion in the future, they have to stop pills, but historically, thats a hard thing to do, said David Cohen, a law professor at Drexel University who has helped craft state shield laws. Its a hard thing to do to stop a drug. Thats partly why the anti-abortion movement is flailing. Even without legislation, Seago said his organization will continue to press for policies targeting medication abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are things the attorney general, the governors office, comptrollers office there are things the Texas state government has power to do today that it has not done, he said. We will continue to put pressure on those individuals. We dont sit on our hands for two years. And the issue of mailing abortions to states with bans may be ultimately settled in courts. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a civil lawsuit targeting a New York-based doctor for allegedly mailing pills to a patient in Texas. In Louisiana, state prosecutors have pursued criminal charges. Those cases are still making their way through the courts, and will likely involve legal challenges to the shield laws abortion providers have so far relied on. The post A Texas bill to block abortion pills has died for now appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. "Jogging in this midday heat? Are you a crazy person?" Admit it: You've screamed this invective (silently) in the general direction of some ultra-fit runner during Austin's six months of extreme heat. For most of us, if we have not already retreated entirely to air-conditioned houses or vehicles, we run or at least walk outdoors strictly before 8 a.m. or perhaps at dusk. Walking during the middle of the day, however, can be less than utterly hellish if one sticks to the shady side of the street. For that matter, it can be downright pleasant if one seeks out the deep shade of mature trees in public places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With that in mind, we've chosen an escalating set of outdoor walks for Central Texans to try during daylight hours this summer. Remember: Wear hats, drink water, monitor your vitals. 1. Join the tourists who stroll the Texas Capitol grounds Yes, one can skate and push strollers as well as walk, trot, bike or jog through the park-like setting that swaths the Texas Capitol. The well-tended grounds of the 1888 granite Texas Capitol were designed to serve as a gathering place for celebrating or protesting, often at the same time. They also function as a green space or grand public park. (Cattle grazed around the more modest 1853 limestone Capitol that rose at the same location.) Enormous live oaks shade many of the curving pathways, and sycamores, replanted during the 1990s renovation of the Capitol Complex, line the formal processional walk to the south of the baroque domed structure. On the grounds, take time to examine the many monuments, some of which recall darker chapters in the state's history. The newish Capitol Mall to the north of the grounds currently broils in the sun, but should cool off once the landscaping matures. 2. Take leisurely strides through leafy hoods Pemberton Heights is one of two dozen or so Central Austin hoods north, south, east west that offer shady lanes for leisurely summer walks. When the Austin Dam on the Colorado River collapsed in the 1900 flood, city leaders realized that without a major source of electricity, Austin was destined to remain a government and college town rather than a manufacturing center. It became instead the "Home City," or "City of Homes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus civic energy was applied unevenly to the leafy hoods within walking distance of Central Austin. Take to the sidewalk or, if safe, the streets. Shade will guide your way through Holly Street, Hyde Park, Tarrytown, Old West Austin, Foster Heights, Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights, Old Austin, Zilker, North University, Cherrywood, Pemberton Heights, Hancock, Guadalupe, Clarksville, Windsor Park, French Place, Harris Park, Aldridge Place, Hemphill Park, Heritage, East Cesar Chavez, Old Enfield, Travis Heights East, and the original parts of West Campus and Central East Austin. The inner ring of suburbs, built rapidly after World War II, tells a different story, however, because developers planted quick-growing, quick-dying species. The mature shade today is spottier. If you live farther out, try the historic centers of your community. 3. Pick the right time to tour public campuses Besides hundreds of real trees, 12 towering, petal-shaped shade structures grace the Moody Patio outside the Blanton Museum of Art. You are not free to wander aimlessly around schools and colleges. Times being what they are, public safety demands tight security on some campuses. Yet a great number of public activities sporting events, museum exhibitions, musical and theatrical performances, celebrations and receptions, readings and nonacademic research happen on more than 10 shady Central Texas college campuses. You should tour, for instance, the University of Texas' first-rate collection of public art, overseen by the award-winning Landmarks program. Long ago, UT Regent Lutcher Stark ensured that the 40 acres would be shrouded with Gulf Coast live oaks from his home region in Southeast Texas. 4. Parks are for rambling, greenbelts are for hiking Mountain biking is another way to enjoy the Barton Creek Greenbelt, but hiking is a good way to start. Central Texas is blessed with numerous parks, greenbelts and nature preserves. They are not always right where we might want them to be, and scarce public funds mean their improvements are often made possible by do-good groups such as the Parks Foundation, Trail Conservancy, Pease Park Conservancy, and in the case of the rapidly expanding Violet Crown Trail, the Hill Country Conservancy. (A new entryway for that 30-mile trail is under construction at Barton Springs.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make your summer plans carefully. Austin manages more than 150 miles of trails and many hundreds of acres of parkland. Map out your walks or even hikes which are like walks, but hiking requires that you pay more attention to your path carefully based on what you learned about your body from the shorter summer excursions. Take water and use sunscreen. Consider packing bug spray and trail mix. Junior Jimenez fishes near the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail on the north side of Lady Bird Lake on Saturday, June 22, 2024 in Austin. 5. The emerald ring around Lady Bird Lake Now you are ready for the crown jewel: The Butler Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake. While some segments of the 10-mile loop are open to the sun, much of it runs through protective shade. Points of entry are numerous. Construction continues on the "wishbone" bridge that will allow trail lovers to skip the Longhorn Dam, named not for the UT teams, as one might assume, but rather for a Colorado River ford used by cattle drivers on the Chisholm Trail. If it functions like the previous stretches of boardwalk, the bridge will make us see our city differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: There are gators in Lady Bird Lake? 6 cool facts about wildlife on Austin's urban trail You are not required to walk the entire 10 miles. Several other bridges allow one to cut back to your original point of entry if so desired. This is a popular path, so practice trail etiquette, which can be boiled down to remaining alert, respectful and kind. The Butler Trail weaves our city together north, south, east and west. As with almost all other social aspects of Austin, it is seen and employed differently by different individuals and groups. Now, even in the shade, the Butler Trail gets hot. A breeze off the lake helps. Still, early morning or very late afternoon are best times to stroll during the six hot months. Please send questions and tips to mbarnes@statesman.com. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Avoid Texas' excessive heat with shade at parks, trails, hoods, more Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Footage of the meeting of President Ilham Aliyev with residents of the city of Lachin has been published on his social media. Trend presents the post: The Texas House gave a thumbs Wednesday to a bill allowing smaller homes on smaller lots in Texas biggest cities, part of a broad push by state lawmakers to put a dent in the states high home prices. But the House made significant tweaks that would limit how many new homes could be built under the bill, setting up a potential showdown with the Texas Senate over one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks biggest priorities. Senate Bill 15 would reduce how much land cities say single-family homes in new subdivisions must sit on. The idea is to let homebuilders construct homes on smaller amounts of land, thus reducing the overall price of the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill allows the option of building homes at different types and price points to meet the demand and needs of buyers, state Rep. Gary Gates, a Richmond Republican who carried the bill in the House, said during initial debate on the bill Tuesday. Lowering the size and type of residential housing will increase the amount of housing that can be built and lowers housing costs. Initially, SB 15 would forbid major cities from requiring homes in new subdivisions to sit on more than 1,400 square feet as first proposed in the bill. Gates amended that provision Tuesday to 3,000 square feet. The states biggest cities tend to require single-family homes to sit on around 5,000 to 7,500 square feet of land, a Texas Tribune analysis found. The provision would only apply in new subdivisions with at least five acres of land, and wouldnt touch existing neighborhoods. The bill would only apply to cities with at least 150,000 residents in counties with a population of 300,000 or more 19 of the states largest cities, per a Tribune analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. It also wouldnt apply in cases in which homeowners association and restrictive covenants prevent smaller lot sizes. Wednesday's 86-43 vote came after a dramatic turn of events at the tail end of the legislation in which a Democrat tried to kill the bill on a technicality, but supporters managed to revive it in time to reach the full House before a key deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Democrats werent convinced the bill would tame housing costs though evidence broadly suggests that homes on smaller lots have lower values than those on bigger lots. Some of them expressed uneasiness about the state weighing in on what kinds of homes can be built and where, a power the state grants to cities. They (residents) didn't elect their state representatives to decide how their city would develop, not on that level, not with this kind of density, said state Rep. Ramon Romero, D-Fort Worth, who previously moved to kill the bill on procedural grounds. Romero successfully tacked on an amendment that will require cities to adopt a separate zoning category to comply with the bill, essentially meaning the bill wouldnt automatically apply to existing single-family zoning categories. The bill's proponents say that provision effectively renders the bill moot. A majority of the chambers Republicans and Democrats voted in favor of the bill Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate will have to sign off on changes the House made to the bill or appoint a conference committee to hash out the differences between the two chambers. Patrick said Wednesday he hadn't yet seen the changes House lawmakers made. "We're working better than we ever have with the other chamber so we're really figuring out any rough spots between us," Patrick said. SB15 is part of a constellation of proposals in the Texas Legislature aimed at curbing the states high housing costs, chiefly by clearing red tape and cutting local regulations in order to allow more homes to be built. Texas needs about 320,000 more homes than it has, according to an estimate by the housing group Up For Growth. That shortage, housing experts and advocates argue, played a key role in driving up home prices and rents as the state boomed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers on Monday sent a bill to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk that would allow apartments and mixed-use developments along retail and commercial corridors. Both chambers have approved bills to make it harder for property owners to stop new homes from being built near them and encourage cities to allow the construction of smaller apartments. They've also approved bills to reduce hurdles to convert vacant office buildings into residences, make it illegal for cities to disallow manufactured homes and relax local rules in college towns that say how many unrelated adults can live in a home. "Texas lawmakers stepped up this session because the alternative was frightfully clear: keep stalling, and we get California housing prices, a middle-class escape and a business exodus," said Nicole Nosek, who chairs Texans for Reasonable Solutions, a group that has pushed several housing bills this session. But a separate bill to allow additional dwelling units in the backyards of single-family homes, which died in the House two years ago, died before it could come up for a vote ahead of a key deadline in the House on Tuesday night. Alejandro Serrano contributed to this report. 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! A proposal to grant regulators increased oversight of electric generation and transmission, along with equipping the state power grid's manager with tools to better forecast energy needs, passed the House on Tuesday. The legislation is now heading back to the Senate to review the lower chamber's changes to the bill. Senate Bill 6 is the Legislature's latest effort to reduce the risk of widespread outages during peak demand times by allowing the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state power grid, to cut power to large-scale consumers during an emergency. That should encourage power-hungry operations like data centers to develop their own backup systems, said Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, who sponsored the bill in the House. The U.S. and Texas flags fly in front of high voltage transmission towers on February 21, 2021, in Houston, Texas. Millions of Texans lost power when winter storm Uri hit the state and knocked out coal, natural gas, and nuclear plants that were unprepared for the freezing temperatures brought on by the storm. Wind turbines that provide an estimated 24 percent of energy to the state became inoperable when they froze. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/TNS) "You certainly don't want large-load customers that sometimes are data-centered for military operations, or whatever, to just be without power when there's an emergency," King said during the floor debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the bill analysis, SB 6 focuses on four main objectives: Ensuring that transmission costs are properly allocated. Establishing measures to protect grid reliability. Promoting transparency and credibility in load forecasting. Protecting residential customers from outages by requiring large loads to share the load-shed obligation during shortages. More: Renewables bailed out Texas' grid earlier this month. Now the GOP wants to restrict them In March, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas told a congressional committee that Texas set an all-time peak demand record of 85,508 gigawatts in the summer of 2023 a record he expects the state will break sooner than later because, in part, large-scale consumers are bringing their operations to the Lone Star State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Texas has become a magnet for industries that require increasing amounts of electricity, from semiconductor plants to data centers, broad industrial growth and large-scale industrial electrification in the Permian Basin," Vegas told the House subcommittee on energy. The House and Senate versions of SB 6 are different, so unless the Senate agrees with the House's changes, a conference committee will have to reconcile the two versions into a final bill. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas House OKs power grid-protection bill, boosts ERCOT's authority Texas is on the cusp of a sweeter deal for film and TV production, the latest state pushing to keep projects local. The Texas House officially passed Senate Bill 22 Monday in a move that would boost cash available to $300 million every two years for the next decade starting with the September 1 fiscal year so $1.5 billion total. Thats below an initial biennial $500 million the State Senate signed off on earlier this month but still a major upgrade in terms of dollars and stability. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas appropriations run on two-year cycles and so have its film incentives. About the highest theyve ever been was $200 million for the current two-year cycle. The one before that was just $40 million. The new incentive would run through 2035, giving productions a whole new level of visibility. It offers direct cash grants with percentages tiered based on spending up to 25% for $1.5 million of qualified in-state expenditures. Thats an increase from 20% currently, and can reach 31% with various uplifts. Its been a priority bill for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick this session and hes had some notable support from Texas natives Dennis Quaid, Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson and Taylor Sheridan, leading to some high wattage testimony at the State House in Austin and during a major activation during SXSW to help push through the legislation. Glen Powell, Owen Wilson and more have shared their love for Texas filmmaking on social media and in a video called True To Texas Lets Bring Productions Home filmed partly at Stray Vista Studios in Dripping Springs west of Austin. The bill, which passed the House by 112-26, now heads back to the Senate and ultimately to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott, a supporter, who has until June 1 to sign. The idea is that Texas doesnt have to be the end all, just not lose productions that want to shoot here, said Grant Wood, a co-founder with Chase Musslewhite of Media For Texas, a new group thats been spearheading the push. Its site lists a dozen productions that are Texas stories but shot in states with better incentives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia gives a billion dollars a year [in tax credits]. New York is at $700 million. We really need something thats going to at least give us a seat at the table so that we can stop our Texas stories from going to New Mexico, Louisiana, Georgia. Thats our biggest issue. Its not even attracting or competing to get all the production that we possibly can in Texas. Its just to stop the Texas stories from leaving, said Musslewhite. Speaking with Deadline about the bill before the House voted, they said Texas makes sense geographically as a third media coast. We are proud to have played a role in advancing this historic legislation, made possible by the leadership of Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Joan Huffman, and Representative Todd Hunter. We extend our deepest gratitude to these champions, to the legislators who voted YES in both chambers, and to the passionate members of our creative community who have rallied behind this cause. We are also grateful for the support of Texas-born talent who understand the importance of telling Texas stories here at home, the group said in a statement Monday. While the bills funding was adjusted from the original $500 million to $300 million, this remains a landmark investment in the future of media production across the state. There are a few final steps ahead, but todays vote gives us strong confidence that SB22 will soon make its way to Governor Abbotts desk for final approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It called the passage a victory belongs to every crew member, storyteller, entrepreneur, and advocate who believes in the power of Texas-made media. Some big names operate out of Texas from Richard Linklater-founded Austin Film Society and Austin Studios, Robert Rodriquez-based Troublemaker Studios and the ATX Studios complex, also both in Austin. Sheridan, whose latest shoot in Texas is Landman for Paramount+, is looking at partnering with businessman Ross Perot, Jr., who owns warehouses in the Alliance area of Fort Worth, to build sound stages there. The team behind juggernaut The Chosen has filmed at Capernaum Studios near Fort Worth and is now set at Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian. Theres about five major developments where the land has been bought, the plans have been made They just sort of need this bill to pass to feel confident, says Musslewhite. The crew base is good but could certainly use expanding. She said her group is talking to the Georgia Film Academy which has done an exceptional job in career development there to create similar programs in Texas to speed things up and help people get their trade degree very quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres been a push to boost production incentives across the country with New York fortifying its package to $700 million a year and California working on a major upgrade to $750 million. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A proposal in the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature to enhance a statewide ban on homeless encampments met a spectacular demise late Monday when the bills sponsor effectively ended debate on the bill. After several attempts by Democrats to weaken the bill and challenge its legitimacy through other procedural tactics, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, asked for debate on the bill to end and resume on June 3, one day after the session ends. Senate Bill 241, which had already passed the state Senate, would have forced Texas cities and counties to beef up their enforcement of a statewide ban on homeless encampments. Critics had argued the legislation wont help reduce homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capriglione, who carried the proposal in the House, told The Texas Tribune he withdrew the bill to avoid a protracted procedural process that would have ultimately killed it. Capriglione, who authored the states ban on homeless encampments, said he plans to work on similar legislation when the Texas Legislature convenes again in two years. State lawmakers have shown exasperation with visible homelessness four years after Abbott signed the states ban on homeless encampments into law. Whether it's in my area, in Fort Worth, or in Dallas, or here we're in Austin, everybody knows that these camping restrictions on homeless camping restrictions have not been enforced, Capriglione said. The number of unhoused Texans has grown in recent years as the states housing costs have ballooned. Almost 28,000 Texans experienced homelessness last year, federal estimates show about 8% more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 12,000 people experienced unsheltered homelessness, meaning they slept outdoors, in their cars or in other places where people arent supposed to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill from state Sen. Pete Flores, a Pleasanton Republican, would require cities and counties to allow residents to make formal complaints if they suspect a violation of the camping ban. The Texas attorney general could declare that city or county a violating local entity if local officials dont resolve that complaint within 90 days. The state could then step in to clear encampments and recoup the costs from that city or countys sales taxes. House lawmakers made some tweaks to the bill Monday, requiring the attorney generals office to give cities and counties a 45-day heads-up that theyre at risk of becoming a violating local entity. They shot down other amendments, like a Democratic proposal to make it clear that cities and counties could resolve complaints about homeless encampments by finding ways to rehouse people camping there. Texas lawmakers enacted the statewide camping ban after Austin officials in 2019 relaxed restrictions on public encampments. The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness grew in following years, and Austin voters restored the citys camping ban through a public referendum. Shortly after, state lawmakers enacted the statewide camping ban making sleeping outside or camping on public property a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. Austin has issued more than 1,300 citations since 2021 for violations of the camping ban and related violations, according to city data. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on homeless encampments last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeless service providers and advocates have long argued that ticketing people experiencing homelessness only makes it harder for them to get back on their feet. Compelling local governments to do so, some have worried, might sap resources from strategies that focus on finding new housing for people experiencing street homelessness. They say those initiatives have helped Houston and Dallas reduce unsheltered homelessness by more than 25% since before the pandemic. Texas lawmakers also advanced legislation requiring cities to give neighbors a heads-up if it wants to convert a property to house homeless people. 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 school boards and parents would have unprecedented control over school library book selection processes under a wide-ranging state Senate bill that the House preliminarily passed 87-57 Monday. Senate Bill 13 would require school districts to pull books with indecent, profane or sexually explicit content and grant elected board members veto power over new purchases. Any new library material, whether digital or physical, would be subject to a 30-day public review period, after which the school board would have another month to approve the content. It heads to a final vote Wednesday as it runs up against a major legislative deadline. In support of the measure, authored by Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, Republican House members said it will prevent students from being exposed to "sexually explicit and inappropriate books. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 13 understands that too often and for too long, our libraries have been filled with agendas, and it's time to end that, said Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, the bills House sponsor. The way to end it is to empower our local leaders and our parents to find some resolution. Democratic members called the bill a distraction from "real" problems Texas children are facing, listing among them teacher shortages, housing instability and gun violence. They also argued the bill's terms are unconstitutionally vague and could allow districts to strike classics like Lonesome Dove, Catcher in the Rye or Romeo and Juliet. No child has ever died from a book, but many, like me, have been saved by one, said Rep. Christina Morales, D-Houston. Childrens book author Susan Johnston Taylor, of Austin, protests against SB 13 and HB 3225 at the Capitol Monday May 19, 2025. Librarians and public library advocates protested the bills, which would restrict access to "indecent" and "profane" content in school libraries and require libraries to implement age verification measures. The House version of SB 13 authorizes school boards to appoint parental library advisory councils, but does not require them. These councils will be tasked with singling out books that contain indecent content or profane content inconsistent with local community values or age appropriateness, as per Buckleys Monday amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This effort comes as a 2023 Texas law with a similar goal to SB 13 remains tied up in a First Amendment lawsuit. Under a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, the state cannot enforce House Bill 900's requirement that vendors rate books for sexual content, meaning schools are not yet on the hook for removing them. Librarians have warned that SB 13 could substantially slow down the book purchasing process, creating a significant roadblock to acquiring new materials. San Antonio high school librarian Lucy Podmore said she was able to purchase a book on monologues for a student with a one-week turnaround this school year, making sure a student had it for a debate she was preparing for. But If the bill is in place right now, we would have to wait six to eight weeks plus two more months to get that, Podmore, who served as chair of the Texas Association of School Librarians, told the American-Statesman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award-winning librarian joined several dozen others to protest the bill Monday. Spread out on the floor and the steps outside of the House chamber, the group of parents, children, librarians and activists quietly read to themselves in front of a FREE TO READ banner. I dont think this bill is about protecting children, said Emily Kaszczuk, who participated in the "read-in" with her 6- and 9-year-old daughters from Leander. I think its about control. If 20% of parents in a district petition for a library advisory council to be established, the school board is required to create one. SB 13 would also let any parent submit a list of titles that their children cannot check out, and access their childrens borrowing histories. Books that are challenged or under review would be removed from the shelves until probes are completed, at which time school board members would publicly vote on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Parent advisory councils could shape school library content under controversial Texas bill Schools could use state funds to offset compliance costs under a successful amendment from Rep. Charles Cunningham, R-Humble. Before the chambers initial vote, Democratic members implored their colleagues to oppose the bill. Rep. Mihaela Plesa of Dallas, whose parents fled from Romania's Communist regime, said SB 13 reminds her of measures used by that authoritarian government to stifle dissent. We do not protect liberty by silencing it," she said. "We do not strengthen education by censoring it. And we do not honor democracy by fearing diversity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Rep. Jessica Gonzalez, D-Dallas, the proposal will push LGBTQ kids away from the safety of school and education. Laney Hawes, co-founder of Texas Freedom to Read, speaks against SB 13 and HB 3225 at a news conference at the Capitol Monday May 19, 2025. Librarians and public library advocates protested the bills, which would restrict access by minors to sexually explicit materials in municipal public libraries and require libraries to implement age verification measures. As a concerned mother, freshman Rep. Hillary Hickland, R-Belton, said she supported the bill because she had seen what she called "filth" in library catalogs. Trust has been broken between parents and public schools," she said. "As a parent, we want to know that our kids are safe in the libraries." Buckley postponed a final vote on the bill until Wednesday, the last day for the House to pass Senate bills. If it succeeds, it will head back to the Senate to review House changes and either sign off on the final proposal or set a conference committee to hash out the differences. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Legislature poised to pass school library restriction bill Texas oil and gas companies face new deadlines to plug defunct wells after the Texas Legislature agreed this week to send Gov. Greg Abbott a bill setting new rules for the industry. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support in both chambers, is the first legislative step in years toward addressing the growing environmental problem for which the states taxpayers have become increasingly responsible. Written by state Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, Senate Bill 1150 requires oil and gas operators to plug wells that have been inactive for at least 15 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Railroad Commission, the agency regulating the oil and gas industry, must start enforcing the new rules in September 2027. In a statement to The Texas Tribune, the Texas Oil and Gas Association applauded the bill. The bill recognizes that once a well has reached the end of its economic life and there is no useful purpose, the owner should be responsible for the plugging, and makes this the law in Texas, said Todd Staples, the associations president. More than 150,000 inactive wells puncture Texas land, regulators estimate. Nearly 8,900 of them have no established owner because the company is either bankrupt or no longer exists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission calls these orphan wells, some of which have become conduits for water traveling underneath them. At least eight have burst with brine since October 2024, costing the state millions of dollars to fix. Current Texas law allows oil companies to indefinitely extend the amount of time they have to plug wells. Middletons bill changes that, but there are exceptions. An operator can still ask for an extension in a number of scenarios. For instance, regulators can consider requests from operators with a proven history of plugging other inactive wells.. Another provision allows extensions for operators who cant afford to plug the well. If approved, the well would have to be plugged by 2042. Under the bill, regulators must evaluate a number of factors, including the operators plugging history, the number of inactive wells on the property and whether the operator has a plan to reactivate the well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be up to the commission to work out the details of how to enforce the bill. Regulators must consider risks to public safety and the environment, as well as the state and location of the well. Virginia Palacios, executive director of Commission Shift Action, a group that advocates for stronger environmental regulations, said she was impressed to see the oil and gas industry support Middletons bill, but disappointed the rules arent more stringent. Lawmakers should have given operators 10 years, instead of 15, to plug the wells, she said, adding that the bill contains too many extensions. She said she hopes the commissions rules will be stricter. I'm optimistic that this law is going to help reduce some of the problems we've had from unplugged wells, Palacios said. But, in the bigger picture, we could have so much more efficient laws if we had lawmakers actually taking feedback from the people that are most affected, who are seeing these problems play out on the ground, and are seeing what the solutions should be. 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! Legislators on Saturday gave final approval to a bill giving Texas parents and school boards a bigger role over what books students can access in public school libraries and creating new advisory councils to oversee the removal process. Senate Bill 13 would give school boards, not school librarians, the final say over what materials are allowed in their schools libraries by creating a framework for them to remove books based on complaints they receive. The final version of the bill agreed upon by lawmakers from both chambers would allow school boards to oversee book approvals and removals, or delegate the responsibility to local school advisory councils if parents in a district sign a petition allowing their creation. The House version of SB 13 required 20% of parents to sign the petition, but the version agreed upon between chambers requires only 50 parents or 10% of parents in the district, whichever is less. The 50-person threshold for the petitions was initially proposed by Rep. Brent Money, R-Greenville, as an amendment during House discussion. Moneys amendment also mandated the councils only be composed of parents who signed the petition, but failed 42-101. The Senates version of the bill, which passed in March, mandated advisory councils rather than require a petition to form one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 13 was ultimately approved by the House 81-48 and in the Senate 23-8. The bill includes definitions for what constitutes harmful material and indecent content, which led Democratic House representatives to express concerns about overzealous bans on books. During the discussion on the House floor Monday, Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, pointed specifically to bill language requiring approved books to adhere to local community values, which he said could lead small, vocal groups of people to limit students book access. Talarico said titles often taught in public schools like Catcher in the Rye, Lonesome Dove and the Bible could end up banned under some of the bills vague and subjective interpretations. If your answer to could Romeo and Juliet be banned, if it is anything other than of course not, then that is a serious problem, Talarico said. Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, also worried that the bill could lead to overly broad book bans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is indecent for a 17 year old is not the same as what is indecent for a 5 year old, she said. Rep. Brad Buckley, the bills House sponsor, called community values the bedrock of public policy, and the Salado Republican dismissed potential removal of classics as a red herring argument. The bill also creates an exception for instructional material required for class lessons. A speaker before me said we should cherish the value of books. Well, maybe so, but I would argue we should cherish and value our kids more, and Senate Bill 13 will do exactly that, Buckley said. Representatives supportive of the bill said SB 13 would give parents better control over what materials their children can access. About 16% of complaints about school library books last year were initiated by parents, according to a report from the American Libraries Association, while 72% came from elected officials, pressure groups and board members and administrators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would also extend regulation introduced by a law passed in 2023 aimed at keeping sexually explicit material out of school libraries. House Bill 900 was partially blocked from implementing a book rating system by a federal appeals court. While the House version of SB 13 contained an explicit prohibition on sexually explicit content, that provision is no longer in the final version. Opponents of the bill have worried not only about restricting book access, but also about the administrative backlog that having to approve each new library book could create. School boards will have 90 days after complaints on each book are filed to reach a decision on whether to add, keep or remove material from school bookshelves. The proposed advisory councils are only required to meet twice per school year, and Zweiner said the small meeting times could result in books being off the shelves for most of a school year. I just think the challenge is one person with a bee in their bonnet can disrupt that entire local process [by] challenging a massive number of books, and then those books won't be available while they're being reviewed, Zweiner said on Saturday during the Houses final approval for the bill. Roughly 540 books were banned in Texas schools during the 2023-24 school year, according to PEN America, an organization that has tracked book bans throughout the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the book removal proposal, SB 13 also allows parents to submit a list of books their child specifically is not allowed to check out from their schools library. The bill, one of Senate leader Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks listed legislative priorities, now moves to Gov. Greg Abbott for signing. Sofia Sorochinskaia contributed to this story. 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! Happy Tuesday, and welcome to another edition of Rent Free. This week's stories include: The near death of Texas' Starter Home Act Colorado's pending ban on rent-recommendation algorithm software A very Catholic story of eminent domain abuse But first, our lead item on the success of pro-supply housing bills in Texas. Texas Growth Machine Keeps Growing On May 20, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 840, which allows developers in larger counties to build residential and mixed-use developments on commercially zoned land "by-right." That means local governments can't force builders to go through extensive, expensive, and discretionary processes of requesting rezonings and variances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill "would make converting empty office spaces into housing units much easier," reads an analysis from the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Similar to Florida's Live Local Act, the bill also limits localities' ability to impose height and density restrictions on new residential developments on commercially zoned land. Cities would have to allow these new developments to be built at least at a density of 36 units per acre and 45 feet tall. Housing wonks describe the bill as clean and "muscular." Texas SB840 is ending single-use commercial zoning, allowing apartments on top of habitable commercial uses statewide This is by far the most muscular "Residential in Commercial Zoning" preemption bill I've ever seen All the loopholes closed + a right of private action (!) https://t.co/HGbQmrFafF pic.twitter.com/g2i7hwfjpC Alex Armlovich (@aarmlovi) May 21, 2025 Today, the Texas Senate concurred with the House amendments to S.B. 840. It will now go to Gov. Greg Abbot's desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also headed to the governor's desk is House Bill 24, which places new limits on valid petition rights that property owners can use to halt zoning changes. H.B. 24, a reform to the so-called "tyrant's veto", raises the percentage of property owners required to challenge a rezoning from 20 percent to 60 percent. It also lowers a city council's vote threshold to override these challenges from a supermajority to a simple majority. Neighborhood activists in Austin famously used their valid petition rights to thwart upzonings in that city. With H.B. 24's reforms, that will be a harder thing to pull off. False Start on Starter Homes Still pending approval is Senate Bill 15, a.k.a. the Texas Starter Homes Act. Described as a "smaller homes on smaller lots bill," the legislation would prevent local governments from setting minimum lot sizes of over 1,400 square feet in new subdivisions of five acres or more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill only applies to cities of 150,000 people in counties of 300,000 people or more. S.B. 15 had already passed the Senate with a 292 vote back in March. It was scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives this weekend, where it nearly died. As the Texas Tribune reports, House Democrats led by Rep. Ramon Romero Jr. (DFort Worth) attempted to kill the bill on a procedural move. Romero had requested a "point of order" about the bill's exclusion of land around a planned Dallas County police training facility. This, said Romero, violated legislative rules about singling out individual jurisdictions in legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That point of order was accepted, preventing further discussion of the bill. But, reports the Tribune, the bill's supporters in the House managed to "fast-track" the legislation by removing the offending provision so that it will be considered on the floor again today. Romero told Tribune reporter Joshua Fetcher that he'd seen no evidence that allowing smaller homes on smaller lots would reduce home prices. He might want to look a little harder. The Mercatus Center's Emily Hamilton found in a 2024 study that Houston's minimum lot size reforms, on which the Texas Starter Home bill is modeled, facilitated an "unprecedented" increase in the rates of infill housing construction in single-family neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Houston's reforms "had no detectable effect on land values, and she finds some evidence that it reduced land values. This may be because it has facilitated a large amount of housing construction," according to Hamilton's study. Will Colorado Ban Rent-Recommendation Software? In recent years, software sold by companies like RealPage that recommend to landlords profit-maximizing rent and occupancy levels has come under fire for making housing less affordable. Critics charge that these products allow landlords to collude on prices in order to raise rents to above-market rates. The federal government and several states have sued RealPage for antitrust violations. States and cities have also started to crack down with legislation of their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the Colorado Legislature passed H.B. 25-1004, which would "ban the use, sale and distribution of software that uses an algorithm to set rents." (Colorado is one of the states suing RealPage.) The bill is now on Gov. Jared Polis' desk, who has not said whether he'll sign or veto it. "We're all for math and algorithms. At the same time, there is the concept of antitrust, which has been abused, but also has a core role in preventing monopolistic pricing practices," Polis told Reason in a Friday interview. "It's a question of: Is this an algorithm that reduces market friction and leads to more efficient pricing or is it a backdoor effort to exert monopolistic control over pricing?" The limited academic research on rent-recommendation algorithms suggests that they do in fact facilitate more efficient pricing. One study found that landlords who use these products lower rents faster in down markets and raise them faster in hot markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RealPage critics would seem to have a hard time explaining why rents in Austin, where lots of landlords use RealPage products, are slashing rents in response to a glut of new supply. In My Father's House Last week, news broke that the village of Dolton, Illinois, is threatening to seize via eminent domain the childhood home of newly elected Pope Leo XIV from its current owners, who recently bought and renovated the home and are now selling it at auction. As I wrote last week: At present, the owners are auctioning off the small, 1949-built home for a reserve price of $250,000. In a Tuesday letter to the auction house running the sale, Dolton attorney Burton Odelson cautioned buyers against purchasing the house. "Please inform any prospective buyers that their 'purchase' may only be temporary since the Village intends to begin the eminent domain process very shortly," reads Odelson's letter, per NBC Chicago. Odelson told Chicago's ABC7 that the village had initially tried to voluntarily purchase the home but had snagged on the sale price. "We've tried to negotiate with the owner. [He] wants too much money, so we will either negotiate with the auction house or, as the letter stated that I sent to the auction house, we will take it through eminent domain, which is our right as a village," Odelson said. It's a wonder why the village can't pursue a voluntary sale, given the relatively low reserve price of the home. The potential for the modest, 75-year-old home to serve as a historic site surely couldn't boost the sale price that much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seizing the home via eminent domain would seem to contradict the last Pope Leo's defense of private property and, in particular, privately owned family estates, in his famous 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum. Wrote Pope Leo XIII, "Every man has by nature the right to possess property as his own." The plans of contemporary socialists to seize private property, Leo XIII denounced as "emphatically unjust, for they would rob the lawful possessor, distort the functions of the State, and create utter confusion in the community." Quick Links Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is very pleased that at least one home in Pacific Palisades is under construction following the deadly wildfires that struck the area earlier this year. Los Angelesarea builders are less impressed with the mayor's streamlining efforts. Homes are under construction throughout the Palisades ahead of expectations. We've taken action to cut red tape and expedite the permitting process to get families home. pic.twitter.com/JvF7p6v6eV Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) May 26, 2025 Politico reports on a brewing split between the California Assembly and Senate on this session's housing bills. The Assembly has been passing a litany of YIMBY ("yes in my backyard") bills to streamline development. They face an uncertain future in the Senate. Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire has been less than keen on such efforts. Senate Housing Chair Aisha Wahab (DHayward) is even more critical by arguing that lowering building costs doesn't necessarily reduce housing costs. I wonder what keeping developers' costs high does for guaranteeing affordable housing. pic.twitter.com/rqnE17J0bx Christian Britschgi (@christianbrits) May 22, 2025 At The Volokh Conspiracy, George Mason University law professor Ilya Somin lays out some of the legal problems Toms River, New Jersey, might face if it follows through on its plans to use eminent domain to prevent a church from building a homeless shelter. Bisnow reports on the dire financial state of New York's rent-stabilized housing stock. If you have a home in Minnesota, you soon might not be able to get inside it, thanks to the state's impending ban on lead content in keys that makes most keys illegal. The post Texas Revs the Growth Machine appeared first on Reason.com. Texas lawmakers have disagreed for years over whether and how to abolish the unpopular semiannual clock change in the state, but a bill that is on its way to the governor will finally bring an end to that debate if Congress also acts. House Bill 1393 by Conroe Republican Rep. Will Metcalf would establish Texas Time, or permanent daylight saving time in the state, if federal lawmakers later allow states to do so. Right now, the federal government does not allow the states to make this change, so this is effectively a trigger bill, said Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, who sponsored the bill in the upper chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966, states may not currently adopt permanent daylight saving time, but they can opt out of time changes by sticking with standard time year-round. Thats how states like Arizona and Hawaii can keep from changing their clocks twice a year. Texas joins 18 other states that have passed similar permanent daylight saving time measures, and theres interest at the federal level in allowing the change. But lawmakers have remained divided up to this point on whether to keep changing the clocks or adopt permanent standard or daylight time. At least 13 bills were filed on the topic this session. Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, filed a proposal to make standard time the standard. Zaffirini and Bettencourt also each called for a statewide referendum to allow Texans to choose their preferred time system. Neither of those proposals gained any traction in the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics of permanent daylight saving time have health and safety concerns for their opposition to the idea, often touting permanent standard time as the better option. Everybody hates the time change, said Sen. Nathan Johnson, a Dallas Democrat. But this has been studied medically, and there is a ton of health risks to permanent daylight saving time. Daylight saving time itself disrupts the bodys natural circadian rhythms and affects sleep, he said, arguing that traffic accidents could also increase as Texans commute to work and school in the pre-dawn hours. The Senate passed HB 1393 with a 27-4 vote Thursday. The House overwhelmingly approved the measure in April, and the proposal was sent to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk for a signature Monday. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Legislature moves to observe daylight saving time year-round BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. 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 21. At this stage, 48 families (206 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, more than 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. Thank You for Your Service, Charley Hill CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA) Charley Hill told 7NEWS he always knew he wanted to serve; he just didnt know when. My family came from a rich, military heritage, Hill explained. [But] the culture around this area and Anderson was that you get out of high school and get a job in a factory. And so thats what I did. At 32 years old, Hill took an oath and joined the Navy. My father was in the navy, Hill noted. And I wanted to travel, and the Navy allowed me to travel to quite a lot of different places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill served as a master-at-arms, similar to military police. It was some chaos, but mainly to keep law and order on the base, said Hill. He deployed all over on several different assignments. In support of the Kosovo conflict, and that was in Italy, Hill shared. And so we were supporting that mission. And then when I was in Japan, there was another mission that I was on over there. Hill said he saw the world just as he had hoped, and in 2004, he retired. But then, I took a job as a private security contractor in Iraq, Hill explained. And thats where it really got real. Hill went to Iraq working security for special operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his job was to protect assets and personnel, and he loved it. I felt most alive, you know? Hill emphasized. A group of guys together who like the same things. Did the same things, had the same mindset. Still, most days were tough. You know, what happens in a war zone? You get to experience that which is not very pleasant, Hill stated. And you bring that stuff back home with you. After six years, Hill said it was time. My body was breaking down, he explained. Ive had six surgeries since I came back. His life since has been focused on his education. It was pretty special to come back from the battlefield to the classroom, said Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said education is his vice to keep him distracted. I didnt want to be a statistic, he shared. And so the way that transpired was coming to the classroom. That kept me sane, kept my mind busy. Hills only regret is that he didnt join sooner. But I cant go back and redo it again, but Im glad I did, Hill said proudly. Service to my country is very important. And I encourage other people to do that. He hopes that when his kids fully understand what he did for them, it will make them proud, too. And know that I made those sacrifices for them, Hill said. Charley Hill, thank you for your service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) A bill that would ban all products containing THC is now on Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts desk after the Senate late Sunday approved the House version of the bill advanced by the lower chamber last week. NewsNations Xavier Walton says lawmakers feel the bill will protect children. We cant regulate it, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. We dont have enough police to check every store, when there are 8 to 9,000 of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill came alongside a push by Texas Republicans to expand the states medical marijuana program significantly. Under the new ban, possession of hemp products now carries a dramatically stricter penalty a year in jail. The rule fixes a loophole in the 2019 Consumable Hemp Law that didnt allow products to contain more than trace amounts of delta-9 THC, nor establish that same threshold for other hemp derivatives. To put it into perspective, we only have 1,100 McDonalds in the state of Texas, 1,300 Starbucks in the state of Texas, Patrick added. So, there are eight times more smoke shops selling this poison. While state government officials argue that passing the bill would safeguard children, the economic impact the ban would have could be devastating to the states economy. The hemp industry contributes $10.2 billion to the state, according to Whitney Economics. Local business owners acknowledged the bill is an overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its about $268 million in tax revenue that its going to deplete, said Jennifer Garza, owner of CBD American Shaman. And again, 53,000 Texans are going to be without a job. Its absolutely heartbreaking. Im thinking about my customers, the veterans, all the business owners that are going to lose their jobs. In passing the ban, Texas joins several states, including Colorado, Iowa, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska, that have banned or restricted intoxicating forms of hemp, or the compounds derived from it. If signed by Abbott, the bill would take effect in September. Shops and business owners have until January to fully comply. Lawmakers also agreed to expand Texass Compassionate Use Program, which allows those with specific conditions to use low-level THC products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A man convicted of the 1994 rape and murder of a woman near a downtown Orlando bar has been scheduled for execution under a death warrant signed May 23 by Gov. Ron DeSantis. This would make Thomas Lee Gudinas, 51, the seventh execution so far in 2025, more than one a month. In comparison, only one person was executed in Florida last year, and six in 2023. Gudinas is set to die by lethal injection on June 24. He was convicted in 1995 and sentenced to death for the murder of Michelle McGrath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGrath was last seen at a bar called Barbarellas around closing time in May 1994. Gudinas had been at the bar with friends, but they later testified that they left the bar without him. Her battered body was found in an alley next to a nearby school the next morning. Prosecutors said she had been beaten and showed evidence of serious blunt force trauma and sexual assault. Five men have already been put to death in Florida this year. The next person scheduled to be executed is Anthony F. Wainwright, who escaped from a North Carolina prison with another man and kidnapped, raped and killed a North Florida woman they abducted from a Winn-Dixie parking lot. His execution has been set for 6 p.m., June 10, barring any challenges. Since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, the most executions in a year in Florida has been eight, which happened in 184 and 2014, according to Florida Department of Corrections data. How did Michelle McGrath die? McGrath was last seen alive at about 2:45 a.m. in the courtyard of Barbarella's on May 24, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gudinas had arrived with three of his roommates after drinking and smoking marijuana at home and on the way, according to a summary of the case. When his friends left at 3 a.m., Gudinas was nowhere to be found. One of his roommates testified he hadn't seen Gudinas since 1 a.m. A woman named Rachelle Smith was at the bar with her fiance and left around 2 a.m., the summary said. She went to the wrong parking lot by mistake and spotted a man later identified as Gudinas watching her while he was crouched behind a car. He tried to open her passenger door, she said, then wrapped a cloth around his hand and tried to smash the window while yelling that he wanted to sexually assault her before he finally ran off. McGrath's car was in the same parking lot. At 7 a.m., an employee of the nearby Pace School saw a man sitting on the steps of the courtyard, according to her testimony. She confronted him and he jumped a wall into an alley. When she went to look in the alley half an hour later, the found McGrath's body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Thomas Hegert, then a medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties, testified that McGrath had been "savagely raped and severely beaten," the court said, with multiple brutal violations, injuries and bite marks to her person and blunt trauma to the head where she had apparently been stomped, according to documents attached to the death warrant. She was alive and conscious during significant portions of the attack, Hegert said. Other witnesses testified as having seen Gudinas in the area that morning, and later driving McGrath's car. One of Gudinas' roommates found boxer shorts stained with blood, belonging to Gudinas. When asked, he said he was robbed by two Black men. He also had lacerations on the knuckles of one hand. "The agony, the pain, the horror, and the fear she must have felt as she was beaten and raped in this alleyway is beyond comprehension," the court said in documents attached to the death warrant. "During this time she must have experienced the anxiety, the emotional strain and fear of knowing of her impending doom." The defense argued that Gudinas was incapacitated at the time of the homicide, had an IQ of 85, suffered from personality disorders, was developmentally impaired and was abused and diagnosed as "sexually disturbed" as a child. Gudinas had previously been convicted in Massachusetts of assault with intent to commit rape and indecent assault and battery, court documents showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gudinas was found guilty of first-degree murder and two counts of sexual battery for Grath, and attempted sexual battery and attempted burglary with assault for the other woman. Gudinas' sentence has been twice upheld by the Supreme Court of Florida and petitions for writ of habeas corpus have been denied by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. When is Thomas Lee Gudinas scheduled to be executed? If the execution happens as scheduled, Gudinas's death is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Florida State Prison in Raiford. How many death row inmates has Florida executed? From 1924 until May 1964, the state of Florida executed 196 people. There were no executions from May 1964 until May 1976. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1972, the United States Supreme Court struck down the death penalty, but it was reinstated in 1976. Florida has carried out 110 executions since then. When is the next execution in Florida? If the execution goes on as planned, Anthony F. Wainwright will be executed at 6 p.m., June 10. Wainwright, now 54, had been serving 10 years for burglary in North Carolina when he and Richard Hamilton escaped a minimum-custody prison in Carteret County, North Carolina, according to court records. The men stole weapons, drove to Florida, and spotted Fort White resident Carmen Tortora Gayheart in a Winn-Dixie parking lot in Lake City. According to facts of the case from the Florida Supreme Court, the two men raped, strangled and executed Gayheart by shooting her twice in the back of the head. They were arrested the next day in Mississippi following a shootout with a state trooper. Hamilton died on Florida's death row in January 2023. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Who is Thomas Gudinas? Convicted Florida murderer to be executed in June BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) Thousands are left without electricity in Blair County after a sudden power outage hit the Altoona area. FirstEnergy reported that more than 4,500 Blair County residents lost power Tuesday afternoon, May 27. A majority of the outages, more than 1,200, are reported in the Dutch Hill section of Altoona between 7th Street and Lloyd Street. Another large outage encompasses an area stretching from 17th Street into Lakemont along Pleasant Valley Boulevard. Altoona has 26 sections. How many do you know? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the outages is currently unknown, however, we do know a crash on 17th Street near Sheetz knocked out traffic lights Tuesday afternoon. Its unclear if this is what caused all the issues for Penelec/FirstEnergy. Estimated times for power to be restored to residents and businesses are around 3:30 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Large crowds lined the streets of downtown Rockville Monday for the 81st Rockville Memorial Day Parade. Thousands in Rockville Town Center came together to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. Its really nice to see a community like this, Andrew Bryant said. Its diverse, its large, and everybody can still come together to a singular event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Memorial Day Parade in DC honors fallen heroes Bryant has been coming to the Rockville Memorial Day Parade since he was a child. He said it holds a special place in his heart. Having family members who have served and working for the military myself, it just brings that much more meaning to who really gave for this country, who really cares about this country, Bryant said. Betty Graham said coming out to show appreciation for the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country was a must for her family. Its like something we have to continue to do to honor them, Graham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duvrese Scarlett, with the Daughters of the American Revolution, also came out to the parade. Theres complete pride in the fact that were all here together in the memory of those who have served, Scarlett said. Memorial Day: How it came to be, how it evolved The organization participated in the parades wreath-laying ceremony. We come out to show support for the whole community, Carol Petrov with Daughters of the American Revolution, said. So theyre remembered. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MORRISTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) A multiple-agency traffic stop over the weekend has led to multiple drug charges for three people from Massena. Just before 12:25 a.m. May 24, St. Lawrence County Sheriffs Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the town of Morristown and interviewed the occupants, 44-year-old Kay Bullock, 55-year-old Richard Bell and 55-year-old Anthony Moselle. House in Lowville saved after efforts by homeowner, crews Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A subsequent search involving he New York State Police Troop B-Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team found the trio to be allegedly in possession of possession of approximately one pound of methamphetamine and four ounces of cocaine. All three people were charged with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Bullock, Bell, and Moselle were subsequently arrested and transported to the state police station Ogdensburg for processing. They were arraigned in the Town of Morristown Court and later remanded without bail to St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility. New York State Police was assisted by the St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force, which included the St. Lawrence County Sheriffs Department and K9 Knowlton of the Sheriffs Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. IS DONALD TRUMP GOING TO WALK AWAY from Ukraine? Who knowsonly a fool would try to predict. His strategy, if we can call it that, changes from day to day, and his true motives, particularly with regard to Russia, are inscrutable. But all signs suggest that he may be about to give up on his oft-repeated promise to end the war. As Trump finally recognized and admitted last week on a phone call with European leaders, Vladimir Putin isnt ready to stop fighting. The Kremlin proved this and then some over the long weekend, hitting Ukrainian cities with nearly a thousand missiles and drones, among the worst attacks of the war. Arrogant and ill-informed, the Russian strongman thinks hes winning. The latest burst of Russian violence prompted Trump to criticize Putin: He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers. But the president also scolded Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky: Likewise, President Zelensky is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth caused problems. And nothing suggests that Trump is likely to re-engage with the peace process. With no deal in sight, the White House says its going to take a back seat as low-level Russian and Ukrainian diplomats launch pro forma talks at the Vatican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Ukrainians will breathe a sigh of relief. Most are tired of fighting, eager to end the war and get on with rebuilding their battered country. But no peace is better than a bad settlementand what Trump has been pushing for the last few months often struck Kyiv as deeply unfair and unsustainable. Unlike getting a Bulwark+ subscription, which is both fair and sustainable. Join us: Still, the sad truth is there is no other end game. The only realistic way to end the war is with Western pressurethe United States and Europe working together to compel Putin to stop. Ukrainians are determined to go on fighting if need be, with or without American help. As they see it, they have no choicetheir existence as a nation is at stake. Yet something dramatic would have to change for either Kyiv or Moscow to prevail on the battlefield. So the two sides are gearing up, as they did last year and the year before that, for another long, bloody, inconclusive summer. What isnt so certain: what the United States will do next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American public opinion is deeply divided. According to a recent survey of American adults by the Pew Research Center, 67 percent of Democrats think the United States has a responsibility to help Ukraine defend itself, compared to just 23 percent of Republicans. But a large bipartisan majority69 percent, including 63 percent of Republicans and Republican leanersbelieves the war is somewhat or very important to U.S. national interests. Nearly as many56 percent, including 47 percent of Republicans and Republican leanerssay its important to them personally. And no Americans want to create another Afghanistan debacle by abandoning an ally to be overrun by hostile forces. This doesnt mean Americans are prepared to resume large-scale military assistance to Ukrainetheres no sign of that. But there are still three ways we can help: weapons sales to Ukraine, stepped-up sanctions against Russia, and maintaining the flow of critical U.S. intelligence to Kyiv. WEAPONS SALES SHOULD BE the easiest step for the transactional Trump administration. In an ideal world, the Congress and the administration would go on providing lethal aid, no strings attached, to a democratic ally defending itself against an expansionist authoritarian power. But few Ukrainians expect this, and Zelensky took a new tack in early April, offering to purchase up to $50 billion worth of U.S. weaponry. We will find the money and pay for everything, the Ukrainian leader emphasized. At first, Trump blew off the offer, perhaps not understanding that Kyiv meant sales, not conventional aid. But by early May, the president seemed to grasp the difference, with the White House announcing it would allow American companies to sell at least $50 million worth of weaponry to Ukrainedirect commercial sales, not, as in the past, purchases by the Pentagon on Kyivs behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fifty million dollars wont go very farby comparison, over three years of war, the United States has provided $129 billion in military and other aid. But its an important first step, squarely in U.S. business interest. Ukraine needs many things. Its military relies on American hardware and software for virtually every move it makes, tactical and strategic. But the way to start expanding weapons sales would be to take up Zelenskys offer of $15 billion for ten Patriot air-defense missile systems. Its a fair pricePatriots cost about $1.1 billion eachand Kyiv desperately needs them. No other weapon system can shoot down the deadly ballistic missiles that Moscow sends every few days to destroy Ukrainian cities. Share STEP TWO, TOUGHER SANCTIONS, may be a more difficult ask. A remarkable 78 senators, Democrats and Republicans, have cosponsored a bill, crafted by Republicans Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton with Democrat Richard Blumenthal, to defang the Russian war machine with tough sanctions on countries like China and India still trading with Moscow. Trump has repeatedly saidmost recently on Sundayhe would consider tightening the economic screws on Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But no matter how brazenly Putin thumbs his nose at the peace process, Trump never makes good on his threatshe has done nothing yet to punish or pressure the Kremlin. Rubios explanation: If we start threatening sanctions, the Russians will stop talking. Theres value in us being able to talk to them and drive them to get to the table. Still, as the world learned this spring during Trumps tariff rollout, the president can be persuaded, backing off even his most cherished beliefs if the pressure is strong enough. The Graham bill takes just the right approach. The sanctions imposed over the past three years cover a wide range of economic activitycurtailing trade, capping the price of Russian oil, and limiting Russian access to the international financial system. Together, these constraints have inflicted painful damage. But Moscow has found ways around some of them, including by using an uninsured shadow fleet of tankers to ship oil exports and circumvent the price cap. The Graham bill aims to cut off this illicit trade by punishing countries that buy Russian oil and gas with 500 percent tariffs on their exports to the United States. Even if we dont take a tougher stance, Washington must refrain from interfering with Europe as it moves to ramp up its economic pressure. The European Union does nearly ten times as much trade with Russia as the United States does, and the SWIFT payment network that enables bank transfers is based in Brusselsall of which means Europe has significantly more leverage over Moscow, and most European leaders are eager to use it. Trump may be tempted to stop them, and he has many tools at his disposallots of ways to bully Europe. But Congress and others should push back if he tries that. Tougher sanctions on Moscow that tie its hands economically are the quickest waysome would argue, the only wayto stop what Trump has called a bloodbath in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join now THE WORST THING Washington could do, the fastest way to ensure that Kyiv loses the war, would be to interrupt the flow of U.S. intelligence that informs the Ukrainian armed forces about Russian activity. Nothing we could give or sell Ukraine is more important than this information. It alerts air-defense units in Kyiv and other cities to incoming Russian missiles. Its essential for targeting the long-range precision weapons that Kyiv uses to destroy enemy assets in occupied territories and inside Russia. American intelligence units in Western Europe provide location data and priority targets. Ukrainian fighters count on the flowit has become an integral part of procedures and decision-making. U.S. intel played a vital role in all of Kyivs major counteroffensives and, since 2024, its crippling attacks on oil refineries, munitions depots, and military air fields deep in enemy territory. Trump turned the spigot off briefly in early March to punish Zelensky after the ugly confrontation in the Oval Office, giving Ukrainians a taste of just how disastrous it would be if the supply were cut permanently. Some long-range missiles failed to function. Others struggled to pinpoint targets. Moscow took advantage of the pause, intensifying its counteroffensive in the Kursk region. In the event of a permanent cutoff, Ukrainian accuracy and agility would quickly deteriorate, leaving its forces all but blind in the face of a much bigger, more powerful enemy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. intelligence sharing isnt particularly expensivewe collect the information anyway. Theres no need for a high-profile vote of the kind that would be required for additional military assistance. Turning off the flow would require deliberate action by the White Housea new push to punish Ukraine or gain favor with Putin. But theres no heroic decision or benevolent tilt necessary to sustain the streamjust that we do no harm. It may be too much to hope that Trump loses focus on Ukraine and turns his attention to some other bright, shiny object or other conflict in another part of the world. He doesnt let go easily, and he remains eager to do business with Russiapotentially at Ukraines expense. But if he were to turn away, all three of these vital steps are possiblewith the main drivers being Congress and American defense contractors, naturally eager to profit from the opportunity in Ukraine. Thanks to the Graham bill, 78 senators are already on board. Share Share The Bulwark BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva has sent a letter to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, on the right of return of Azerbaijani compatriots deported from Armenia, Trend reports. The Ombudsperson indicated in the letter that, contrary to international law, our compatriots were systematically deported from the territory of present-day Armenia at different times as a result of an ethnic cleansing policy. The letter notes that in several international legal documents, including UN General Assembly Resolution 194, the right of people to return is recognized as a fundamental human right, and every person has the right to return to his/her homeland. At the same time, it was noted that under the general principles of international law, the right of return applies not only to persons forcibly evicted from their lands, but also to their family members and their future descendants, and the right to claim compensation for material and moral damages is recognized. In his letter to Commissioner Filippo Grandi, she stressed the importance of her mandate to actively pursue initiatives to achieve international recognition of the right of return of Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from their historical lands and to place this issue on the global human rights agenda. Aliyeva also urged to support the reflection of this sensitive issue in relevant UN reports and recommendations, expressing confidence that such activity will contribute to long-term peace and the establishment of justice in the region. JEWETT CITY, Conn. (WTNH) Three New York residents were arrested after allegedly stealing from a Walgreens in Jewett City on Sunday, state police said. Daniel Redd,20, Daevantae Andrew, 30, and Alexis Albert, 27, were all arrested on Sunday. At approximately 1:49 p.m., troopers responded to the Walgreens and spoke with a store employee who said a man put over-the-counter medication into a bag before leaving it near the entrance to the store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employee said, and security footage showed, that a second man entered the store and took the bag and ran out. Security cameras showed the men fleeing in a black Toyota Corolla with New York license plates. CSP seeking information on East Haddam 7-Eleven robbery suspect The vehicle was spotted in the parking lot of Lisbon Landing shopping plaza, where police contacted the driver, Redd, who is believed to be the man who came into the Walgreens to retrieve the stolen medication. Daniel Redd, Alexis Albert and Daevantae Andrews Shortly after, troopers observed the first man and female identified on surveillance video from the Walgreens. The man, Andrews, allegedly ignored trooper commands to put his hands in clear view and then engaged police in a pursuit. He was then tased and arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further investigation revealed the three in possession of the items believed to be stolen and that Andrews had an had an extraditable felony arrest warrant out of New Jersey. At least $2,600 worth of merchandise is believed to be stolen. At least $2,600 worth of merchandise was believed to be stolen from a Walgreens in Jewett City Police investigate Facebook Marketplace robbery in Waterbury The three are facing the following charges: Andrews Organized retail theft less than $10,000 Third-degree larceny Interfering with an officer Extradition arrest Albert Organized retail theft less than $10,000 Third-degree larceny Interfering with an officer Redd Organized retail theft less than $10,000 Third-degree larceny Interfering with an officer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three were held on $20,000 bond while Andrews faces an additional $250,000 bond. The appeared in Norwich Superior Court 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 WTNH.com. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Three inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail were recaptured on Monday. According to a social media post from Attorney General Liz Murrill, Lenton Vanburen, 26, was picked up in Baton Rouge by the Baton Rouge Police and the Louisiana State Police. Lenton was incarcerated on charges of parole violation, possession of a firearm by a felon, and illegal carrying of a weapon. He will face additional charges related to the escape, Murrill says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baton Rouge Police shared that Lenton was found sitting on a bench near a department store in Hammond Aire Plaza around 6 p.m. after an anonymous tip. Orleans Parish inmate Lenton Vanburen (Photo courtesy of BRPD) According to LSP, Vanburen was the sixth fugitive to be taken into custody. After his arrest, Vanburen was taken to a secure state correctional facility outside the area by LSP Air Support. Escaped inmate Lenton Vanburen was captured in Baton Rouge after ten days on the run and taken back to a secure state correctional facility. Escaped inmate Lenton Vanburen was captured in Baton Rouge after ten days on the run and taken back to a secure state correctional facility. Jermaine Donald and Leo Tate were recaptured in Walker County, Texas. Watch: Texas police body camera footage shows recapture of escaped Orleans inmates The 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail on May 16 through a hole behind a toilet and scaled a wall without detection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two inmates, Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, remain at large. If you have any information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining fugitives, contact: LSP Fusion Center: 225-925-4192 Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans: 504-822-1111 FBI New Orleans: 1-800-CALL-FBI 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. (FOX40.COM) Three people were arrested in connection to multiple unrelated property thefts at KB Homes Construction in Hughson, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office. Video Above: What to do if you witness a crime SCSO said deputies received 11 reports over the past 10 months of the construction site property thefts, with stolen items including air conditioning units, water heaters, construction materials and appliances, valued at around $15,490. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives with the Rural Crime Unit identified a suspect as Kekoa Octubre. He was arrested during a search of his home on charges that relate to burglarizing two unoccupied homes at the KB Homes development in Hughson, and one home in a Patterson development, the sheriffs office said. Around 11:23 p.m. on May 18, detectives arrived at a burglary in progress at the Hughson KB Homes development. SCSO Air Unit saw two people loading cabinets and miscellaneous construction materials from unoccupied homes. Traffic stop leads to illegal guns, drug arrest of wanted fugitive Officials arrested Adrian Ramirez-Baez and Isaias Machuca on charges of burglary, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two incidents are unrelated, and it remains unknown whether the individuals are connected to thefts at other construction sites, said the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rural Crimes Unit at 209-525-7114. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD Speaking before a table laden with guns and bags of drugs, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced the result of three drug trafficking investigations Tuesday. The haul from several search warrants included thousands of grams of cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. The investigations netted 52 arrests. In comments, Gulluni said the law enforcement actions that included contributions from New York police, Springfield Police, Massachusetts State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration, would help the city be safer as it heads into the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gulluni also said a task force had a highly successful investigation into drug trafficking between here and New York City. He also said an investigation looked at two local businesses he characterized as drug trafficking fronts. Those were Garcia Market at 344 Orange St. and Angels Used Appliances at 167 White St. The two-year Springfield operation alone yielded more than 12,000 grams of cocaine, 530 grams of fentanyl and 15 firearms. Gulluni said the area around the two businesses drew an inordinate level of police attention, with 12 calls about people with guns, two calls for gunshot victims, 24 Shot Spotter activations and 46 calls from the public about gunfire. As we head into the summer months when we usually see an uptick in drug activity and street violence our operations send a strong message to the community: we stand with the larger community to say that street violence and illicit drugs are not welcome here," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second investigation was live in the summer of 2024, when the task force investigated a Bronx, New York-to-Springfield heroin trafficking ring, Over a period of months, law enforcement officials monitored large quantities of narcotics by drug couriers who traveled from New York City to Hampden County, according to Gulluni. Thirty people were arrested during the course of that investigation, with the most recent arrests occurring on May 14. Investigators seized 2,061 grams of heroin/fentanyl, over 3,000 grams of cocaine and 29 guns. The third investigation focused on an alleged uncle-nephew drug trafficking ring that operated largely out of three homes at 208 Gilbert Ave., 7 Wilmington Ave. and 4 Banbury St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this investigation, the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit-West partnered with Springfield Police to seize approximately 20-plus kilos of cocaine and other suspected drugs. Were here and were fighting for the residents, said Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers. Read the original article on MassLive. WEDNESDAY 5/28/2025 3:23 p.m. (U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) The Thunderbirds airshow practice scheduled for Wednesday afternoon was delayed from its original 2 p.m. start, but the team did get to practice over the Academy shortly after 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Check out the gallery below to see photos from our viewers of the practice flight on Wednesday: Courtesy: FOX21 News viewer Kim S Courtesy: FOX21 News viewer Kim S Courtesy: FOX21 News viewer Kim S Got some good photos of the Thunderbirds? Submit them here. MONDAY 5/26/2025 3:11 p.m. Excitement is building over the Class of 2025 Graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) on Thursday, May 29. The Air Force Thunderbirds arrived in Southern Colorado on Tuesday ahead of a busy schedule of practice flights before the big day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Air Force Academy graduation guide: traffic, entry thunderbirds and more The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the Thunderbirds, landed at Peterson SFB on Tuesday after a survey mission over the Academy in the afternoon. On Wednesday, May 28, the Thunderbirds will practice their graduation hat toss flyover of Falcon Stadium from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by their air show practice from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Falcon Stadium and surrounding parking lots are a restricted area on Wednesday, and law enforcement reminds the community not to pull over on I-25 or area roadways. If you would like to watch the practice or ceremony airshows, you must find a public parking lot or an approved parking area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking for a good spot to watch the Thunderbirds? Hotel Polaris is the spot Locals should also be aware of increased traffic and road closures during both the Thunderbirds practice flights and the graduation ceremony. The following roads will be closed on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Stadium Blvd. from Pine Dr. to North Gate Blvd Community Center Dr. from E. Douglass Dr. to Stadium Blvd Academy Dr. from Lot 6 to Stadium Blvd Parade Loop from USAFA Cemetery to Stadium Blvd. Santa Fe Trail from Tri-intersection Bridge to Parade Loop On Thursday, additional road closures and adjustments to traffic patterns are scheduled in support of guest arrival and departure from the Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony. The local community can expect traffic delays on I-25 near the Academy on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) This Memorial Day, people came to Washington, D.C. to honor and reflect on the hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops who have died protecting our country. At 5 p.m. on Memorial Day, many heard renditions of Taps played at several memorials across the District. Taps is the song most known for its use during military funerals and memorial services. Sgt. Maj. Matthew Byrde, a member of the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, played Taps at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays just a reminder of that cost, he told DC News Now after he finished playing. The song, less than a minute long, has an everlasting meaning that holds different value to everyone. Memorial Day: How it came to be, how it evolved A group of Texas A&M students visiting the memorial to listen to Taps explained the meaning of Memorial Day. Appreciating what they have sacrificed and given up to protect our country, Joaquin Tagle said. Amanda Hoffmann said its about feel[ing] the reverence that we do at our university for U.S. veterans. You may think some people dont care anymore, Bryson Stone said. But once youre in the nations capital, you see so many people come together to remember the fallen soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those who heard Taps was Nyakeh Ansumana, who is in the United States from West Africa. He shared with DC News Now that witnessing America honor its fallen servicemembers was a blessing. Meanwhile, Byrne said the playing of Taps was the easiest part after all, its not a musically complex song. He did, however, say the emotions of playing can be challenging. Its always hard for me to talk about, he said through tears. I get choked up. You think about all of the sacrifices that people made. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Part of the Kasta tomb, which is located in northern Greece. A new study finds it is aligned with the winter solstice. | Credit: KONSTANTINOS TSAKALIDIS via Getty Images A grand tomb that may have been built for Alexander the Great's best friend and bodyguard around 2,300 years ago has an astronomical secret: Its burial chamber is aligned so that sunlight enters it on the winter solstice , a new study proposes. However, not everyone agrees with this interpretation. Some experts note that the ancient Macedonians used a lunisolar calendar, meaning the winter solstice's date would have moved from year to year. Advertisement Advertisement The tomb, now called the Kasta monument (also known as the Kasta tomb or Kasta tumulus), is near the ancient city of Amphipolis in northern Greece. In 2014, archaeologists excavated the tomb's burial chamber and found the skeletal remains of at least five people. For whom the monument was built is a matter of debate, but Hephaestion (also spelled Haphaestion), whose death in 324 B.C. sent Alexander the Great into severe grief, is considered a leading candidate by some scholars. In the new study, independent researcher Demetrius Savvides created a 3D model of the tomb and used Stellarium , an astronomical program that tracks how the positions of the sun and stars change over time, to re-create what the sky around the tomb looked like in 300 B.C. He found that on Dec. 21, the date of the winter solstice, the sun's light would have fully illuminated the burial chamber between approximately 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time, Savvides wrote in a study published May 15 in the Nexus Network Journal . Related: Was Alexander the Great eaten by sharks? Inside the wild theories for what happened to the iconic ruler's body. Advertisement Advertisement Sunlight reaches other parts of the monument at different times, he found. Around late July, it touches the entrance. Throughout autumn , the sunlight gradually travels on and near two carved sphinxes and finally passes between them, fully illuminating the burial chamber on the winter solstice. "It is highly probable that rituals were held within or in close proximity to the Kastas Monument, particularly on and around the winter solstice," Savvides told Live Science in an email. Initially, when the tomb was being built, it had no orientation to the winter solstice. But during its construction, the design was changed to create the solstice alignment, Savvides wrote in the paper. An alignment like this would have symbolized "themes of renewal, life, and cosmic order," Savvides said in the email. These themes are also seen in the tomb decoration, which shows a mosaic of Persephone, a goddess of vegetation and agriculture who is also queen of the underworld, Savvides noted. In addition, the tomb has a possible depiction of Cybele, a goddess who was associated with birth and fertility and was married to Attis, a god also associated with vegetation who died and was resurrected. A 3D model of the tomb. By using astronomical software, a researcher determined that sunlight would have reached the burial chamber during the winter solstice. | Credit: Image courtesy of Demetrius Savvides A link to Alexander's tomb? One interesting question this research raises is whether Alexander the Great's tomb, which was constructed in Alexandria, had a burial chamber with an alignment like this, Savvides said. "The use of solar illumination and a consistent geometric design aligns with Hellenistic traditions where rulers, like Alexander the Great, used solar symbolism to reinforce their authority," Savvides said. Advertisement Advertisement "If we were to locate Alexander's tomb, it might resemble the Kastas Monument," Savvides said. Alexander's tomb has never been found and might be underwater or underneath Alexandria. Juan de Lara , a researcher at the University of Oxford who has investigated the alignments of ancient Greek buildings, had mixed reactions to the research. RELATED STORIES Did Alexander the Great have any children? How did Alexander the Great die? 'I nearly fell out of my chair': 1,800-year-old mini portrait of Alexander the Great found in a field in Denmark "I think it's great that scholars are asking these questions and using this technology to generate new ideas. In the case of the tomb, the researcher presented daring hypotheses," de Lara told Live Science in an email. "However, we must remember to be very careful when relating such findings to 'solar' events, as the Macedonians used a lunisolar calendar meaning that the dates shifted from year to year." Advertisement Advertisement In other words, their winter solstice would have fallen on a different day each year, meaning this day of illumination might have been difficult to observe annually as the day changed. Additionally, de Lara noted that northern Greece is very cloudy in the winter and the effect may not have been noticeable. Alexander the Great quiz: How well do you know the famous king and conqueror from the ancient world? Tommy Robinson, the far-Right activist, has been released from prison after what a judge called a change in attitude. The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, left HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes on Tuesday after his 18-month sentence was reduced by four months at the High Court last week. He had longer hair than previously and a bushy beard, and was wearing a rosary around his neck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking outside prison, Robinson thanked Elon Musk for his public backing. 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. Mr Musk, the Tesla billionaire, has openly supported Robinson and even described him as a political prisoner. His backing was the catalyst for Mr Musks fallout with Nigel Farage, after he said the Reform UK leader did not have what it takes to lead the party he was thought to be close to making a large donation to. Mr Musks social media platform, X, was one of the few places that kept Robinsons Silenced documentary up. Robinson claimed it has now been watched by 167 million people after Mr Musk shared it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 20-minute address to the camera, Robinson said a war was being waged against free speech in Britain. Robinson wore a Donald Trump-style Mega (Make England Great Again) red cap as he was greeted by supporters at the jail gates - X/TRobinsonNewEra Robinson also said Lucy Connolly was not a violent criminal and questioned why she had been jailed for 31 months following her tweet which incited racial hatred in the wake of the Southport murders. I have absolutely zero regrets, he said. I believe the British public deserves to see the truth. Robinson said he would be hosting a free speech festival on September 13 to celebrate our weapon and what they hate most. He 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 schoolboy who had successfully sued him for libel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His Silenced film was about the case and was pinned to the top of his profile on X throughout his imprisonment, but has now been taken down. From hobo to hero. The man is back!!!! pic.twitter.com/U77xlNjCQn Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) May 27, 2025 Robinson is currently facing two further, separate court cases, and is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on June 5 accused of harassing two journalists. He is charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence between August 5 and 7 2024. He is also facing a separate trial in October next year over an accusation that he failed to provide the Pin for his mobile phone when stopped by Kent Police in Folkestone in July 2024. 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. (NewsNation) The job market is tough for recent college grads, but cities like Austin and Raleigh still offer a promising mix of affordability and opportunity, a new report shows. Realtor.com analyzed more than 300 cities and towns to find the most grad-friendly rental markets in 2025, weighing factors like housing affordability, rental availability and job opportunities. Austin, Texas, topped the list for the second year in a row thanks to its low rent-to-income ratio (18.9%) and high share of jobs (29.4%) that require a bachelors degree but no prior experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent college grads face toughest job market in years Raleigh, North Carolina, and Overland Park, Kansas, ranked second and third, followed by Minneapolis, Minnesota, and St. Louis, Missouri. These markets arent just affordable areas with relatively more abundant rental options, theyre full of energy, opportunity, and a sense of community, everything a recent grad could want, Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said in a statement. On average, graduates in the top 10 markets spend just 21.5% of their income on rent, well below the commonly accepted 30% affordability benchmark. This years top cities also have a lower average unemployment rate (3.8%) compared to the 50 largest metros (4.1%). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cost of living and job opportunities will likely be top priorities for the Class of 2025, which is entering the rockiest job market since 2021. Heres Realtor.coms top 10 list for 2025 along with some of the key metrics the report considered. 1 Austin, TX AUSTIN, TEXAS OCTOBER 04: Atmosphere during weekend one, day one of the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park on October 04, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images) Median Rent: $1,504 Rent-to-Income Ratio: 18.9% Rental Vacancy Rate: 8.2% College Grad Friendly Occupations: 29.4% Forecasted unemployment rate: 3.6% 2 Raleigh, NC RALEIGH, NC JANUARY 2: Raleighs downtown skyline is seen from The Dillions ninth floor lobby terrace open to the public January 02, 2019 in Raleigh, NC. The convention centers Shimmer Wall is seen at the far right. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Median Rent: $1,524 Rent-to-Income Ratio: 20.0% Rental Vacancy Rate: 9.0% College Grad Friendly Occupations: 30.4% Forecasted unemployment rate: 3.3% 3 Overland Park, KS Kansas, Overland Park, Museum at Prairiefire. (Photo by: Bernard P. Friel/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Median Rent: $1,351 Rent-to-Income Ratio: 20.6% Rental Vacancy Rate: 9.2% Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement College Grad Friendly Occupations: 25.5% Forecasted unemployment rate: 4.2% 4 Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis, Minnesota. Skyline showing the Mississippi river and US Bank Stadium in the fall. (Photo by: Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Median Rent: $1,528 Rent-to-Income Ratio: 19.7% Rental Vacancy Rate: 5.2% College Grad Friendly Occupations: 27.3% Forecasted unemployment rate: 3.7% Which cities were ranked happiest in the world? 5 St. Louis, MO ST. LOUIS, MO JULY 18: A general view of the St Louis Gateway Arch, skyline and the Budweiser sign during the fifth inning between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins at Busch Stadium on July 18, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images) Median Rent: $1,335 Rent-to-Income Ratio: 20.8% Rental Vacancy Rate: 8.0% College Grad Friendly Occupations: 25.1% Forecasted unemployment rate: 4.0% 6 Richmond, VA Sunset view on James River of historic southern Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Median Rent: $1,502 Rent-to-Income Ratio: 23.2% Rental Vacancy Rate: 8.2% College Grad Friendly Occupations: 25.3% Forecasted unemployment rate: 3.3% 7 Pittsburgh, PA The skyline of Pittsburgh is framed by couple walking through a park on the Northside on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Median Rent: $1,461 Rent-to-Income Ratio: 22.3% Rental Vacancy Rate: 8.7% College Grad Friendly Occupations: 24.3% Forecasted unemployment rate: 4.1% 8 Scottsdale, AZ SCOTTSDALE, AZ NOVEMBER 19: People ride electric scooters through the old town area on Tuesday November 19, 2024 in Scottsdale, AZ. Maricopa County continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in the country. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Median Rent: $1,530 Rent-to-Income Ratio: 22.5% Rental Vacancy Rate: 7.9% College Grad Friendly Occupations: 23.0% Forecasted unemployment rate: 3.7% 9 Richardson, TX The University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, Texas (Credit: University of Texas at Dallas) Median Rent: $1,472 Rent-to-Income Ratio: 22.4% Rental Vacancy Rate: 8.9% College Grad Friendly Occupations: 24.4% Forecasted unemployment rate: 4.0% 10 Atlanta, GA View of Atlanta Skyline Median Rent: $1,604 Rent-to-Income Ratio: 24.1% Rental Vacancy Rate: 9.3% College Grad Friendly Occupations: 24.7% Forecasted unemployment rate: 4.1% For more on Realtor.coms methodology, read 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 NewsNation. A top city Environmental Protection engineer killed in a weekend sewage-boat explosion may have accidentally blown himself up by welding near methane, sources told The Post on Monday. An investigation into the death of Raymond Feige, 59, preliminarily found he had been welding on the sludge vessel before the blast Saturday, sources said. Methane from sewage may have got trapped in a tightly enclosed space on the ship and ignited when it came in contact with the welding torchs flame, according to the sources. A welding torch may have sparked the methane explosion that killed a city worker on a sewage boat, sources said. Kevin RC Wilson /FreedomNewsTV Top city Department of Environmental Protection engineer Raymond Feige died in the explosion Saturday. Courtesy Feige Family The ensuing blast hurled Feige into the Hudson River, trapping him between the sludge boat and a pier outside the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility near 135th Street in Upper Manhattan, authorities have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other DEP employees were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment after the blast. The boat had been docked near North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in Upper Manhattan. citizen.com The potential that the blast had been caused by a welding accident was first raised by the US Coast Guard, which tweeted the incident was linked to hot work aboard a dock boat. Hot work involves processes that can produce a flame or spark, such as welding. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, a citizen of Armenia accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism and financing of terrorism under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and other serious crimes, continued on May 27, 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. Tahir Aliyev, the legal successor of the victim, testified that his son, Sabuhi Aliyev, was killed in Aghdara by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. Victim Seymur Teymurov stated in response to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev that two people died and he was injured when a Kornet-type missile fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in Aghdara hit the car he was in. Another victim, Rafig Ahmadov, testified that he was injured when he stepped on a mine planted by the enemy in the Aghdam region. Victim Ramil Alakbarov said that he was injured by the explosion of a mine planted by the enemy in Khankendi. Mehman Guliyev said that he lost his right eye as a result of shrapnel injuries sustained during heavy artillery fire from the enemy in Kalbajar. Rashad Abdullayev testified that he was injured as a result of an anti-tank missile fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the Aghdam region. Other victims, Elsevar Nazarov in Aghdara, Fagan Hagverdiyev in the Aghdam region, Siraj Niftaliyev in the Khojaly region, and Nadir Balayev, Rauf Yusifov, and Orkhan Farzaliyev in the Khojavend region, stated that they were injured as a result of gunfire from remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. Mirsaleh Heydarzade, answering questions from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, stated that he was injured in Shusha as a result of enemy fire. He said that while traveling by car, he and another person in the car were injured by gunfire from the forest area by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. Victim Rahim Ibrahimov stated that he was injured by enemy fire in Aghdara. Agil Isparzade was injured by a shell fired by the enemy in the Khojavend region. Two people died and three more were injured in the incident. Victim Ramil Khankishiyev testified that he and Khasi Verdiyev were injured when a mine planted by the enemy in the bushes in Aghdara exploded. Mirmusa Mehdizade died in the incident. Another victim, Nemat Rustamov, said that he was injured in Khojavend when a sniper fired on him, and a mortar shell landed and exploded near him. Arzulla Tagiyev said that he was injured in the Khojavend region as a result of mortar fire from the Armenians. Victim Abdulla Asgarzade stated in response to questions from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev that he and Arzulla Tagiyev were injured when a mortar shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups exploded near their medical service vehicle in Khojavend. "Despite the fact that the car had a sign indicating that it was a medical service vehicle, they fired at us," he noted. Another victim, Vagif Khayrullayev, said that he was injured by enemy fire in the Lachin region. Mirtalib Agayev died at the time, and Oruj Rzayev and several others, whose names he could not recall, were injured. Mirhuseyn Dostuyev said that he received a gunshot wound to his right leg from sniper fire from the enemy in Khojavend. Victims Parviz Iskandarli and Samir Farzaliyev said that they were injured in the Khojaly region. Samig Aliyev emphasized that he was injured by an artillery shell fired by the enemy near the city of Shusha. Emil Jafarov said that he was injured in Khojavend as a result of gunfire from remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. Victim Tural Dadashov testified that he was injured by the explosion of a mortar shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in Kalbajar. He noted that several people, whose names he could not recall, died at the time. Nusrat Karimov was injured by enemy fire in the Aghdam region. The victim said that one of the people who was injured with him is still receiving treatment in the hospital. Aslan Azizov noted that he, Namig Zohrabov, and Nusrat Karimov sustained various bodily injuries as a result of fire from the enemy in the Aghdam region. Mahammad Gayyumlu and Murad Huseynov said that they were injured in the Aghdam region by gunfire from remnants of the Armenian army 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 June 3. 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). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The inmate claiming responsibility for the jailhouse stabbing of Tory Lanez has come forward with a motive behind the shocking attack, which left the music star hospitalized after sustaining fourteen stab wounds. According to Santino Casio, who recently spoke to TMZ about the bloody incident, the motive behind the March prison stabbing stems from a rumor that Lanez had allegedly put a bounty on his head. Casio, who was already serving a life sentence for an unrelated conviction, claims that after hearing about the bounty, he became increasingly paranoid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men, who were reportedly acquaintances and housed in neighboring cells, crossed paths soon after. Casio says that during the encounter, he noticed a bulge on Lanezs person and suspected the rapper was carrying a weapon. Fearing for his life, Casio launched into a violent assault, stabbing Lanez 14 times including seven times in the back, four times in the torso, and three times in the head. Despite the ferocity of the attack, Casio insists he wasnt trying to kill Tory, and claims that he, too, was stabbed during the altercation. He believes the injury supports his claim that Lanez may have been armed at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lanez was rushed to a local hospital following the attack and has since returned to the facility, where he is expected to continue his recovery under tight supervision. In a statement, Tory Lanezs legal team condemned the assault and denied any legitimacy to Casios claims. The recent attempt on his life was savage and ferocious, underscoring the clear and present danger he faces while incarcerated, his attorneys said. Any claim to the contrary particularly from an individual serving a life sentence for heinous crimes is not only baseless but an absurd fabrication. His lawyers also renewed calls for his immediate release, citing the escalating threats to his safety. His continued confinement is both a miscarriage of justice and a threat to his safety. He must be released immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath of the attack, several figures have called for Lanezs release due to questions surrounding his guilt in the 2020 shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The hitmaker was convicted of the crime in 2022 and sentenced to 10 years in prison the following year. This includes Florida congresswoman Anna Pauline Luna, who has urged California governor Gavin Newsom to review the case, which has garnered headlines due to claims of new evidence potentially exonerating Lanez. However, that alleged evidence claims from a bodyguard that Megan Thee Stallions former friend, Kelsey Harris, shot Megan, and that new Ring Cam footage shows the incident clearly was already presented in court. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On the Burdick Ranch, nestled in Nebraskas Sandhills, spring cattle branding is an annual act of community. The sheer scale of gathering, roping, vaccinating, and marking 900 calves with the family brand requires the work of roughly 60 volunteers, primarily family members and other cattle ranchers from the area. But it also requires hired help: local high school wrestlers who are paid for the rough, dirty task of toppling the calves and pinning them to the ground to be branded. Four people hold hands around a dinner table in prayer. Byron Burdick, 41, who manages operations for his familys midsize ranch, remembers a time when hiring help wasnt necessary, before the steady departure of young people from Cherry County in pursuit of city jobs and opportunities. When I was little, nobody paid anybody, he recalled. Neighbors would bring their children to wrestle and hold the calves. Now we dont have the families. An off-road vehicle and ranch worker with cattle in the background. A group of three prepare vaccinations for calfs Two portaits of ranch hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Branding season represents the years most significant expense for the Burdicks. The wages for the wrestlers, combined with the cost of the post-branding lunch, totals about $6,000equivalent to the price of about four heifers. Two men and a child hold down a calf in preparation for branding. A third man readies a branding iron. Over the eight decades the Burdicks have worked this land, their Black Angus herd has steadily grown in number and physical size, a result of modern equipment and evolving agricultural practices. Yet profit margins remain slim. Were not going broke by any means, but were not getting rich. You have to love the lifestyle to continue doing it, Burdick said. Branding irons are heated up. A branding pen A group of calfs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo of a boy on horseback. Burdick says he has seen increasing consumer demand for American-raised, grass-fed beef. And he hopes the Trump administrations tariffs will mean consumers will be less likely to buy imported meat at the grocery store. A close up photo of a calf being branded. Photo of a ranch hand holding down a calf for branding. In the coming weeks and months, the Burdick family will load their horses into trailers and drive down gravel roads to the ranches of those same neighbors who offered their help. They will gather eight more times over the course of a year to rope and brand the calves of their peers, who are also, in a sense, their competitors. Three cattle workers take a break for lunch. Advertisement Advertisement On May 21, Italian police stopped a German tourist who was riding an e-scooter while carrying what appears to be an ancient artifact Archeologists are still trying to determine where the the 66-pound marble base went missing from The 24-year-old man claimed he obtained the artifact as a souvenir. A German tourist picked up a unique souvenir that was likely not for sale. The 24-year-old was stopped by police in Rome after they spotted him riding down Via Veneto on a rented electric scooter with a 66-pound marble artifact between his feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When questioned by the authorities about how he obtained the marble base, he claimed he acquired it as a souvenir, CNN reported Authorities are not clear on whether or not the man paid for the seemingly ancient artifact and have not issued charges. PEOPLE reached out to the City of Rome Police Department but did not immediately receive a reply. Getty Man riding electric scooter gets arrested Man riding electric scooter gets arrested 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. Romes archeological superintendent identified the marble base as a piece of historic interest, CNN reported. Experts are still working to decipher exactly where the artifact is from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tourist continues to be under investigation for receiving stolen cultural goods until the mystery is solved. ART on FILE, Inc./Getty Temple of Saturn at Roman Forum This isnt the first time Italian police have crossed paths with visitors causing trouble in historically significant spots. In 2022, a tourist threw her electric scooter down the Spanish Steps causing 25,000 euros worth of damage. The woman was banned from returning to the monument, The Guardian reported. During a separate incident the same year, surveillance cameras captured another tourist driving his rented Maserati down the Spanish Steps in the middle of the night causing damage to the stairs. The man was eventually arrested at Milans Malpensa airport after police used the surveillance video to identify him with the help of the rental car company, CNN reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, three tipsy tourists from New Zealand proved to be a nuisance to local authorities when they decided to take a dip in the Trevi Fountain. While Rome Capital Police escorted the three away from the popular tourist attraction, one of the men broke free and managed to find his way back to Trevi. The group were later fined 500 euros before being banned from the fountain for life. More recently an American citizen was impaled on the spiked fence of the Colosseum after he climbed it to take a photo. The 47-year-old man was dangling for 20 minutes before paramedics could rescue him. He was hospitalized for his injuries. Read the original article on People NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A 45-year-old man from Idaho was arrested Sunday after a table was thrown through a window from the top floor of the Omni Nashville. Officers were called to the 21st floor of the hotel on Rep. John Lewis Way South after a large object was thrown from a window on one of the upper floors, according to court documents. Naked man found wandering around Nashville park When they reached the 21st floor, officers found a woman who was sitting on the hallway floor crying but she was not injured. Once they entered the hotel room, officers reportedly saw the double-paned hotel window had been completely shattered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found Jason ODonnell sitting on the bed with multiple cuts to his arm. According to court documents, ODonnell said he had been in a fight with his wife and threw a pillow at her and a large object at the window. Metro police reported he was unable to tell officers what was thrown. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Investigators then found a destroyed table and a blood-stained pillow on a lower-level roof of the hotel. ODonnell reportedly told officers he and his wife were drinking on Broadway prior to returning to the hotel. He was treated by medics for his wounds at the hotel and did not require hospitalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hotel management estimates the cost of damages to the window and furniture to be between $20,000 and $30,000. Officers noted the window is only several hundred feet above 4th Avenue South. ODonnell was booked into the Metro jail and charged with felony vandalism, reckless endangerment and domestic assault. He was released on a $15,000. Omni released a statement to News 2, which reads: We are aware of an isolated incident that occurred on our property over the weekend. The safety, security and well-being of our guests and team members is our top priority. Our team responded immediately and contacted local authorities, who are now handing the situation. Omni Nashville Hotel Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. *Attached video: Swimming safety COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WJW) Tourists visiting a South Carolina island came across what they believed to be fossils, before realizing they were skeletal remains and alerting authorities. According to a press release from the Colleton County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a report of discovered human skeletal remains on Edisto Island, South Carolina, on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bright light: Teen who died after fall from Memorial Day parade float in Green remembered as loyal and funny Deputies were dispatched to a beachfront property in the Jeremy Cay community near Legare Road. Tourists at the scene were exploring the area when they uncovered the remains, the release said. That is when the CCSO was contacted, as well as the Edisto Beach Police Department. According to the release, the location where the skeletal remains were found is historically significant. That area was once home to the 19th-century settlement known as Edingsville Beach. Early indications suggest the remains may originate from a long-forgotten burial site, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man killed in Geneva plane crash Sunday identified The remains were eventually taken to the Medical University of South Carolina for forensic analysis and identification. The identity of the person and the circumstances surrounding their death still remain unknown at this time, the release said. This is an active investigation. The CCSO said it is working closely with the Colleton County Coroners Office and other partner agencies to learn more about the remains. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Colleton County Sheriffs Office said tourists visiting Edisto Island in South Carolina found what they initially thought were fossils only to later realize they were human remains The location of the remains is historically noteworthy, authorities said, as it was once a 19th-century settlement known as Edingsville Beach Authorities are working to determine the identity of the remains and the cause of death Authorities said that tourists visiting a South Carolina island came across centuries-old human skeletal remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Colleton County Sheriffs Office said in a press release that it responded to a report about the remains found on Edisto Island on Friday, May 23. The sheriffs office said deputies were sent to the Jeremy Cay community near Legare Road, a beachfront property, after the tourists discovered what they initially thought were fossils while exploring the area. Upon closer examination, they realized the remains appeared to be human and promptly contacted the Colleton County Sheriffs Office and the Edisto Police Department, the department said. Authorities closed off the area and conducted a preliminary investigation, according to the sheriffs office. The location of the remains is historically noteworthy, authorities noted, as it was once a 19th-century settlement known as Edingsville Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early indications suggest the remains may originate from a long forgotten burial site, said the sheriffs office. The remains were recovered with the assistance of the Colleton County Coroners Office and taken to the Medical University of South Carolina for forensic examination and analysis. The identity of the remains and the circumstances behind their death are currently unknown, stated the sheriffs office, adding the investigation is active. In an interview with Newsweek on Sunday, May 25, Colleton County Coroner Richard Harvey said the remains consist of a skull and separated bones. Harvey further added that they could be from the Revolutionary War or Civil War, and that his office plans to identify the bones and determine how old they are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Edisto Island's website, Edingsville Beach was once a popular vacation spot, particularly for the elite, during the first half of the 19th century. In 1825, it was made up of 60 tabby and brick houses with verandas facing the ocean. The community also had several churches, boathouses, a schoolhouse and a billiard saloon. Over time, Edingsville Beach faded due to continued beach erosion and the impact of the Civil War. In 1885, a hurricane hit the island, and all that was left were a few houses. Towards the end of the century, the island was all but abandoned. The website also noted that in 2015, a tourist from Pennsylvania visiting the north end of Edisto Island spotted a bone sticking out of the mud and collected several of them before they got washed away by the high tide. Shortly after, a former Edisto Beach State Park ranger found several teeth attached to a skull while on vacation. Paleontologists later determined that both sets of remains one of them a cow skeleton dated back to 1865 and 1870. PEOPLE contacted the Colleton County Coroners Office and the Colleton County Sheriffs Office for additional information on Tuesday, May 27. Read the original article on People U.S. Army Private First Class Travis Krege died in service of his country on Dec. 6, 2006. The beloved son of Michael and Sandy Krege was just 24 years old when he was killed by a remote bomb while driving a Humvee in a convoy during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, his mom, Lancaster resident Sandy Krege, speaks on behalf of her son and all those who died during military service as a member of American Gold Star Mothers, a nationwide organization that strives to support veterans and their families, especially loved ones who have a deeper understanding of the pain the death of a soldier brings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Sandy Krege encouraged those attending the Town of Niagaras Memorial Day service at Veterans Memorial Park to honor and remember her son and all the brave men and women who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces by living their own lives with purpose, kindness and with gratitude. My son, Private First Class Travis Krege, wore the uniform proudly just as so many others did. They believed in something greater than themselves and that is freedom and service and protecting the values that we hold dear as Americans. Their courage and commitment are not just memories. They are the legacy of the lives that live on in each of us, Krege said. Dozens of residents and visitors, many representing various branches of the U.S. military, gathered at the soldiers monument inside the park to recognize the sacrifices of soldiers, like Travis Krege, who died while serving in the armed forces. The ceremony was organized by the Town of Niagara Lions and the Town of Niagara Helping Hands, a service organization of women formed for the purpose of providing service work in the community. It featured a laying of wreaths by the Lions Club and Helping Hands and the playing of The Star Spangled Banner and Taps by local trumpet player Morgan Giannantonio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also offered a chance for Retired Army Sgt. First Class and Town of Niagara Lions President Mike Hoplight to recognize the contributions of his long-time friend and associate, the late Angelo Onevelo who passed away last July. For many years, Onevelo, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, helped organize and served as chair of the towns Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies as well as its annual Citizenship Awards programs. Onevelos years of tireless volunteer work extended to the Town of Wheatfield Lions Club where he helped operate a loan closet that provides medical equipment to individuals in need. During Mondays Memorial Day ceremony, Hoplight presented Onevelos wife, Mary, and members of the deceased veterans family with a plaque dedicated in his honor as the recipient of The Helen Keller Fellowship Award from the Lions Club in St. Catharines, Ont. The award honors outstanding Lions, Lioness and Leos. He did more for the community than you could ever think of, in the back, Hoplight said of Onevelo. He didnt want that pat on the back. He didnt want anybody to know about it, but he was there for everybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Onevelos legacy will soon be remembered inside the park in the form of a bench that Hoplight said will be installed across the road from the towns soldiers memorial later this year. The bench was made possible with funding provided by the Niagara County Legislature. Fellow Lion John Teixeira said his long-time friend Angelo was active in many efforts outside of honoring veterans, including support for Old Niagara Days and the Strawberry Festival. Teixeira described obtaining the funds to build and install a bench in Onevelos honor as a slam dunk, saying nobody hesitated to chip in and get the job done. He touched thousands of lives, Teixeira said. Niagara County Legislator Chris McKimmie, R-Niagara Falls, attended Mondays ceremony and offered a few thoughts on Onevelos service as written by fellow Legislator Chris Robins, D-Niagara Falls, who was unable to attend. Robins described Onevelos life as remarkable, noting that he touched many lives while serving as the heart of the Town of Niagara Lions Club. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He didnt do it for recognition or praise, Robins wrote. He did it because he loved and believed in service. He believed in people. This park bench we dedicate today is more than a place to sit, Robins continued. It is a reminder. It is a reminder of a man who showed us what it means to give with joy, to lead with humility and to live with purpose. May all who rest here feel a little of his spirit. In accepting the plaque and the bench in her husbands honor, Onevelos wife, Mary, said that Angelo was guided by many sayings and one in particular stood out to her as reflective of the kind of person he was as a husband, a father and as a dedicated community member and American. One saying he always said was Dont ever do anything for anybody expecting something back in return. Do it because you want to do it. He wouldnt expect the bench, but he would have loved the bench, she said. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Two dog deaths have been connected to a type of harmful algae thats new to the Columbia River, Clark County Public Health officials warn. The discovery of benthic algal mats in the Columbia River stems from a report in October of 2024, when someone reported their dog died after recreating on an island in the river according to Clark County Public Health. Now, county officials are working across the state, and across the state border, to prevent future illnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction nearly underway for new music venue in Portlands Lloyd District This first came on our radar in October of 2024. I received a very unfortunate call from a woman reporting that her dog had died after recreating on the Columbia River, Maggie Palomaki an environmental health specialist with Clark County Public Health said during a May 21 County Board of Health meeting. The dog had a very onset set of symptoms including, tremors, salivation, stumbling vomiting and then they died shortly after that at an emergency veterinarians office, Palomaki explained, adding the exposure happened on Ackerman Island and the dog never swam in the water, mostly staying on the shore. However, the dog did have plant-like material in its stomach, which experts believe was a benthic algae mat. Working with the Washington State Department of Health, Palomaki said experts found high levels of toxins in a sample from the dogs stomach, noting the dog most likely died from cyanotoxin poisoning from toxic algae. Clark County Public Health warned community members in a May 21, 2025 County Board of Health meeting of a dog death linked to a benthic algae mat exposure on the Columbia Rivers Ackerman Island in October 2024 (Courtesy Clark County Public Health). The dogs owner also experienced symptoms of numbness and tingling in the mouth and tongue believed to be from an exposure when they were providing rescue breaths to the dog, but they fully recovered, Palomaki added. Officials said the dogs owner was well-informed about the dangers of harmful algal blooms and there were visible blooms at the Port of Camas-Washougal, the Columbia River or Ackerman Island at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark County Public Health already monitors harmful algal blooms which are an overgrowth of algae in a body of water and can impact water quality. HABs can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and can appear as thick scum in the water, which thrives in warm, slow-moving water such as lakes or ponds. HABs often appear in a green, brown, red or blue color with a strong odor of decay. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest These have been very common in Clark County for quite a while, Palomaki said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benthic algae mats, on the other hand, are an emerging topic, the environmental health specialist said. Benthic algae mats are a different type of harmful algae. So, we first tested these in Clark County in October 2024. This is very new to us in public health, Palomaki said. Benthic algae mats, rather than being dispersed through the water column, theyre actually attached to the substrate at the bottom of a body of water. Because they are attached at the bottom of the water, Palomaki explained that mats can grow in fast- or slow-moving waters such as rivers and streams. The mats also do not impact water clarity as other HABs do. Clark County Public Health is warning of two dog deaths connected to a benthic algae mat exposure in the Columbia River in 2024. Unlike other harmful algal blooms, mats are connected to the bottom of a body of water and thrive in fast- and slow-moving water (Courtesy Clark County Public Health). After the reported death, Clark County Public Health visited the site in November 2024, where officials found a brown mat-like material at the water line. After the material was sent for analysis, health officials found elevated levels of toxins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know this is happening on both sides of the river, Palomaki said, explaining another dog death was reported after recreating in the St. Helens, Oregon area in August. In public health, our question now becomes: how did this happen? Palomaki said. First, benthic algae mats are just not familiar to the general public. We were not aware and had not received reports of this type of algae in Clark County waters until this event happened in 2024. So, this is new to all of us. Catalytic converters stolen from 6 Reynolds School District buses Following this tragic event, we immediately posted temporary educational signage at all 11 marinas and boat launches on the Columbia River, Palomaki said, noting CCPH staffers have since been learning more about the algae. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the Columbia is a shared body of water, Palomaki said Clark County Public Health has been having monthly meetings with the Washington Department of Health, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Health Authority to discuss public health advisory strategies for the river. Clark County Public Health created signs warning of benthic algae mats in bodies of water after two dog deaths linked to the Columbia River in 2024 (Courtesy Clark County Public Health). As public health officials learn more about the algae, CCPH is warning people not to touch or ingest mats and to not let dogs eat or drink from water where mats could be present. County health officials warn symptoms of toxic algae mat exposure in humans includes tinging, burning, drowsiness, salivating, difficulty speaking, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, exposure can be deadly to humans and can also cause liver failure, officials said. In dogs, symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, unconsciousness, weakness, disorientation, difficulty breathing and excessive salivation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bloody poster of The Cure and a lot of weed: Logic transforms St. Helens record shop for debut film People experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider or poison control and pet owners should contact an emergency vet if their dog is experiencing symptoms or dies from possible exposure, Clark County Public Health says. Exposures and illnesses associated with the toxic algae should also be reported to Clark County Public Health or the Oregon Health Authority. While Clark County Public Health has developed a public education strategy to prevent future exposures, there are still ongoing challenges, according to Palomaki noting the Columbia River is very big and deep with miles of shoreline and islands to monitor. Additionally, she warns toxin tests of water samples alone are not a good indicator for potential mats and the King County Environmental Lab which tests samples for the toxins is not set up to routinely test algae mats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon Dept. of Agriculture warns of possible spotted lanternfly sighting in Portland There is also no toxicity thresholds defined for benthic mat advisories in Washington, whereas planktonic HABs have thresholds established by the state. So, theres no guideline for mat advisories, Palomaki said, noting the science isnt there yet. Along with these challenges, public health officials warn benthic algae mat cases could worsen with climate change. In terms of long-term prevention, algae like two things. They like nutrients and they like sun and warmth, said Clark County Public Health Director Dr. Alan Melnick during the board meeting. So, we may end up seeing more of these as the climate changes over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) Its said to be the next important step in rebuilding Lahaina, moving all the debris from the fire to its permanent site. The move will cause some traffic problems for commuters for the next few months and cost taxpayers millions more. Deal reached: How will the $4B Lahaina Global Settlement be split for fire victims? More than 1,500 structures, both residential and commercial, were destroyed in the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire. The first step in rebuilding is removing all the debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The longer the debris sat there, the more vulnerable the near-shore waters were to exposure when it rained, said John Smith, Maui County Office of Recovery Administrator. So, there were very few options, and Olowalu came to the top of the options in terms of logistics. Olowalu is just a 10-minute drive from Lahaina town, which officials say sped up the cleanup process while they figured out where to permanently put the debris, which is located next to the current landfill in central Maui. Starting next month, crews will use up to 50 dump trucks a day to transport the debris 19 miles from Olowalu to Puunene. Work will be done seven days a week, only during daylight hours. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Youll see the trucks, but its not going to be this major increase in traffic, said Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think people dont realize the impact that its going to have until it actually happens, said Sen. Troy Hashimoto, (D) Wailuku, Kahului, Waiehu. And so people are going to start seeing that, especially people that live in my district who live in central Maui and commute to work. Theyre going to feel that. Maui County officials say they surveyed residents and found their top concern was environmental impact, which is why officials finally chose the central Maui site over Olowalu. But the county had to buy the land for $4 million. It also had to pay to prepare the landfill site for the 400,000 tons of debris. I think we would probably have rather used some of that money for other things, but I think that decision was made and we have to move on at this point, said Hashimoto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats exactly what county officials are doing. Even though only a few homes in Lahaina have been rebuilt, officials say there are more than 250 homes under construction. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news All of that work could not have started unless we would have made this decision right away to move the debris to the temporary site, said Smith. Otherwise, wed still be waiting on the permanent landfill today, which is just not ready. The debris transportation is expected to run through 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 KHON2. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. On May 27, 2025, the captain of a Boeing 737 aircraft operated by Turkish Airlines, en route from Istanbul to Tbilisi, requested an emergency landing at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The reason was unfavorable weather conditions at the destination airport in Georgia, Trend reports. The aircraft successfully landed at Baku Airport at 21:06 local time. Passengers are advised to contact Turkish Airlines representatives for more detailed information regarding the flight. It should be noted that Heydar Aliyev International Airport, as the regions leading aviation hub, promptly implements emergency response measures and provides all necessary technical and logistical support. The airport defines passenger and flight safety as an absolute priority in accordance with international standards. A 13-year-old boy was killed after falling from a Memorial Day parade float in Ohio on Monday in a tragic accident, local authorities have said. The teen in question was one of several people riding on a trailer pulled by a Ford F-150 pickup truck as part of the parade to remember Americas servicemen and women in the town of Green on Monday morning when he fell from the front of the platform and was crushed by its rear tires, according to the Summit County Sheriffs Office. He sustained severe injuries and was raced to Akron Childrens Hospital by the Green Fire Department, who were already on the scene, only to be pronounced dead on arrival, the emergency services said in a statement of their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy has not been named but is understood to be from North Canton. Emergency services on the scene in Green, Ohio, after a boy fell from a Memorial Day parade float on May 26 2025 (WEWS/ABC News) The sheriffs office said the incident remains under investigation and offered its sincere condolences and prayers to the boys family. We didnt really know what was going on and then word got to us through a friend of ours that there was an accident, one attendee told a local ABC News affiliate. It was just instant sorrow, it just really, kind of, deflated the joy of the situation, you know? Its just sad. Rocco Yeargin, the towns mayor, said: Our hearts go out to the family at this time of terrible loss, we look to support them as a Green community any way that we can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our school district has reached out to the school district of North Canton to offer counselors that will be in action to help their students walk through this issue. The North Canton City Schools District said in its own statement: We are deeply saddened to have been informed of the passing of one of our North Canton City Schools students. There is no greater tragedy than the death of a young person, and we offer our sincere condolences and support to the family. Our crisis management team is taking action and will provide counselors and support to students and staff throughout the district grieving this tragic loss. To respect the privacy of the family and the ongoing Summit County Sheriffs Office investigation, that is all the information we have to share at this time. A 13-year-old boy died after falling from a Memorial Day parade float in Ohio, authorities said. The incident occurred late Monday morning during a Memorial Day parade in Green, located south of Akron in Summit County. The teenager -- Matthew Schultz of North Canton -- was riding in the parade on a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck, authorities said. He fell off the front of the trailer and was then run over by the trailer's tires, sustaining severe injuries, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 18-year-old kayaker killed after jet ski hit-and-run in Texas: Police The trailer, which had several children riding on it, was traveling at a speed of less than 5 mph, according to Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree. Fire personnel who were already on site for the parade immediately responded. The teen was transported in critical condition to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the Green Fire Department said. PHOTO: Authorities respond to the Memorial Day parade in Green, Ohio, May 26, 2025. (WEWS) The incident remains under investigation, the Summit County Sheriff's Office said, referring to the death as a "tragic accident." The parade ended immediately, Cleveland ABC affiliate WEWS reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our hearts go out to the family at this time of terrible loss," Green Mayor Rocco Yeargin told reporters on Monday. "We look to support them as a Green community any way that we can." MORE: 1-year-old New Mexico boy dies after being left in truck for several hours: Police The Green school district has offered counseling support to the North Canton school district, the mayor said. "The loss of a young life is deeply devastating, and our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew's family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this unimaginable time," the North Canton City Schools District said in a statement on Tuesday. "He was a kind and caring student. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to everyone affected by this tragedy." PHOTO: Matthew Schultz is seen in a photo during a press briefing on May 27, 2025. (WEWS) Family friend Danielle Paciorek said the family is experiencing "unimaginable heartbreak." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Matthew's absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled," Paciorek said on behalf of the Schultz family during a press briefing on Tuesday. She said the family wants people to "remember him not for how he left this world, but for the joy he brought to it." ABC News' Alexandra Faul contributed to this report. 'Tragic accident': Teen dies after falling from Memorial Day parade float originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Tricare, the federal health-insurance program for military service members and their families, and the Defense Health Agency that governs it, put beneficiaries at risk of paying much higher costs due to a lack of internal controls, according to an audit conducted by the Department of Justice. The audit by the Inspector General reviewed financial records across both Tricares East and West regions (which includes all 50 states) from November 2023 to February 2025, found that policy did not require federal officials or the company to ensure that rates for services or equipment that dont already have a defined reimbursement rate were reasonable or consistent with other states, and contractors did not have guidance on how to create new rates. This caused a contractor in Illinois to pay $11,500 for custom sleep apnea mouth guards, a price 283% higher than the cost in neighboring Iowa, according to the audit report. The DHA also allowed rental costs for medical items to far exceed the cost of purchasing, resulting in a contractor paying Tricare $5,000 per month to rent one of two compression devices while the same product was available to rent for $675 per month and another supplier was selling one for $409.50. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia is among the states with higher rental rates than purchasing costs. For a particular compression device, the rental cost per month in Virginia was $4,680 compared to $3,450 to buy it, a 35.7% difference. Connecticut had the highest difference at 100.2%, according to the audit. In fiscal year 2023, Tricare contractors paid a total of $183 million for items or services that didnt have a defined reimbursement rate. Its unclear how much of that total is considered unreasonable and how much additional financial burden was passed on to beneficiaries. Because the DHA did not determine that the state prevailing rates were reasonable, the DoD is at risk of wasteful spending and increasing DoD beneficiaries risk of unreasonable cost-shares for health care services and items that are paid with state prevailing rates, the audit concludes. State prevailing rates are established by taking all the billed charges for a service or item in the previous year and separating them by state. The state prevailing rate is then set at the 80th percentile of the charges for that service or item in each state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amount the DHA has reimbursed providers for all health care services and items has decreased by 16% since fiscal year 2021 as a result of measures taken in response to prior DOD reviews, according to the audit. The federal agency issued a policy in July that allows contractors to set payment thresholds to prevent reimbursement substantially in excess of customary or reasonable charges. The Inspector General recommends that the DHA reassess and revise the state prevailing rates in Tricares policy to ensure rates are reasonable, develop and issue guidance to require an independent party to review the state prevailing rates annually, and implement an oversight mechanism. DHA has hired a company to monitor the accuracy of payments made by Tricare contractors. In 2022 and 2023, this company found that Tricare had a quarterly error rate of 0.31% or less and 0.4% or less, respectively, across both the East and West regions. These error rates are lower than Tricares own maximum allowable error rate of 1.75%. A Tricare spokesperson did not respond to an emailed question about how soon beneficiaries might see a change in costs. HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) Among Western New Yorks Memorial Day observances is an effort that honors fallen heroes through movement. The eighth annual Project 33 Memorial Run stepped off in Hamburg Monday morning in memory of Staff Sgt. Michael Simpson. From the shore of Hamburg Beach to the taps of Hamburg Brewing Company, 6.8 miles represent a sense of duty to remember the warriors who came before. We really have a responsibility to be that touchpoint for people to give them a name and a face, said Samantha Gomolka, Project 33 Memorial Foundations co-founder and director of development. While everyone takes a moment of silence today, their loss continues tomorrow and forever missed birthdays, missed holidays. It was a life, not just a name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With feet to pavement, more than 100 runners give their all in honor of those who gave everything. Project 33 was founded by Michael Gomolka and his wife, Samantha, to preserve the legacy of heroes within the Special Operations community who made the ultimate sacrifice. My husband has served for over 25 years in Special Operations, Samantha Gomolka said. He wanted to run from his favorite place to a brewery close to our home and have a beer for his friends that he lost. Knowing the people of Hamburg, Buffalo and beyond, we knew that that idea was much bigger than just one man, and it has evolved into hundreds of us running together to honor our soldier. Staff Sgt. Michael Simpson was a Green Beret who was killed in action 12 years ago during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. With his wife and two sons at the finish line, this years run is for him. Mike was the life of the party. He always wanted to make people laugh and he just brought joy to any space that he stepped into, said Krista Simpson Anderson, Gold Star Spouse of Staff Sgt. Simpson. He wanted to help everyone. Hed give you the shirt off his back and he would invite people over for holidays that didnt have family in the area. He just wanted to give to others. He was truly selfless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every year up until this year, weve picked someone that my husband has served with personally, Samantha Gomolka said. Krista Simpson Anderson has been a cherished friend of mine for over six years, and this year, we decided to not only honor the brotherhood of war but also the sisterhood that develops between the spouses, and this was the best way that we could honor her sacrifice and the loss of her husband, Michael. Organizers encouraged participants to run in boots and body armor as a tribute to the service members they honor. We think about and honor Mike every day, and to just come out and see other people doing the same thing is really, really beautiful, Simpson Anderson said. (Our kids) were one and three when my husband died. There were a lot of people at his funeral but they dont remember, so for them to come out here and experience a community that really comes together to support our military, and they chose to honor Mike, is overwhelmingly special. This years proceeds will benefit the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation a nonprofit dear to Krista, working to establish a permanent memorial in Washington, D.C., in memory of those like her late husband, Mike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This race honoring Mike will go towards that because we believe in the memorial wholeheartedly, and I know it will bring a lot of hope and healing to so many people that experienced this war, Simpson Anderson said. * * * Jordan Norkus is an Emmy-nominated, award-winning anchor who has been with the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to make it easier for officials to deport convicted criminals to "third countries" that are not their countries of origin. The administration is seeking to block an injunction in which Massachusetts-based U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy said the affected immigrants nationwide should be given a "meaningful opportunity" to raise concerns that they may be at risk of torture, persecution or death. Murphy later clarified that they should have at least 10 days to bring their claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just last week, he said the administration had violated his previous order by flying eight migrants to South Sudan. The men are now being held in a U.S. facility in Djibouti. All the immigrants potentially affected by the litigation are already subject to deportation but cannot be sent to their countries of origin, so the case hinges on what legal process they receive before they can be deported. Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in the new filing that Murphy's rulings require the government to undertake "an onerous set of procedures" that he had no authority to require. "Those judicially created procedures are currently wreaking havoc on the third-country removal process. In addition to usurping the Executives authority over immigration policy, the injunction disrupts sensitive diplomatic, foreign-policy, and national-security efforts," Sauer wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trina Realmuto, a lawyer at the National Immigration Litigation Alliance who represents the plaintiffs, said in a statement that Murphy "took limited and appropriate actions to ensure that people are afforded due process protections before the government can deport them to third countries." Murphy's original order in April concluded that plaintiffs were merely asking for basic due process. "Plaintiffs are simply asking to be told they are going to be deported to a new country before they are taken to such a country, and be given an opportunity to explain why such a deportation will likely result in their persecution, torture, and/or death," he wrote. On Monday night, Murphy rejected a government attempt to reconsider his requirements as it relates to the men now in South Sudan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It turns out that having immigration proceedings on another continent is harder and more logistically cumbersome than Defendants anticipated," he wrote. It continues to be this Courts sincere hope that reason can get the better of rhetoric," he added. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The White House intends to cancel all remaining federal contracts with Harvard University, representing a complete severance of the governments longstanding business relationship with the Cambridge-based educational institution, according to a new report. The New York Times reports that a letter being sent to federal agencies on Tuesday instructs agencies to find alternative vendors for future services. This latest round of cuts is estimated to be worth $100 million. Contracts with about nine agencies would be affected, an administration official told the news outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times reported that the letter instructs agencies to respond by June 6 with a list of contract cancellations. In April, the federal government froze more than $2.2 billion in grants and contracts after Harvard said it wouldnt comply with the Trump administrations demands to limit activism on campus. This comes after Harvard announced a lawsuit against the Trump administrations decision to bar the Ivy League school from enrolling foreign students. In a lawsuit filed Friday in federal court in Boston, Harvard said the governments action violates the First Amendment and will have an immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, a White House spokesperson said, If only Harvard cared this much about ending the scourge of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators on their campus, they wouldnt be in this situation to begin with. Harvard should spend their time and resources on creating a safe campus environment instead of filing frivolous lawsuits. A federal judge has since blocked the Trump administration from cutting off Harvards enrollment of foreign students. 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 By Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration has ordered its missions abroad to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants as the State Department prepares to expand social media vetting of foreign students, according to an internal cable seen by Reuters on Tuesday. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in the cable that the department plans to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of student and exchange visitor applicants after a review is completed and advised consular sections to halt the scheduling of such visa appointments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move comes as the Trump administration has sought to ramp up deportations and revoke student visas as part of its wide-ranging efforts to fulfill his hardline immigration agenda. Several hundred protesters, including Harvard University students and professors, demonstrated in support of foreign students at the Harvard campus on Tuesday, while also protesting Trump administration efforts to cut off funding to the university. In the cable, first reported by Politico, Rubio said appointments that have already been scheduled can proceed under the current guidelines, but available appointments not already taken should be pulled down. "The Department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants," the cable said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior State Department official confirmed the accuracy of the cable. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to comment on reports of the cable, but said the U.S. will use "every tool" to vet anyone who wants to enter the United States. "We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that's coming here, whether they are students or otherwise," Bruce told reporters at a regular news briefing. The expanded social media vetting will require consular sections to modify their operations, processes and allocation of resources, according to the cable, which advises the sections going forward to take into consideration the workload and resource requirements of each case before scheduling them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cable also advises consular sections to remain focused on services for U.S. citizens, immigrant visas and fraud prevention. 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. Trump's critics have called the effort an attack on free speech rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the Trump administration moved to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students. Those roughly 6,800 students make up about 27% of Harvard's total enrollment. The Republican president's administration has moved to undermine the financial stability and global standing of the nation's oldest and wealthiest university after it pushed back on government demands for vast changes to its policies. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Additional reporting by Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis; Writing by Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Nick Zieminski and Lincoln Feast.) By Nandita Bose, Nate Raymond and Maria Tsvetkova WASHINGTON/BOSTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration plans to terminate the federal government's remaining contracts with Harvard University, according to a letter sent to federal agencies on Tuesday. The letter, from the U.S. General Services Administration, directs all federal agencies to review and potentially terminate or reallocate their contracts with Harvard, which an official valued at about $100 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The move marked the latest instance of the Republican administration attempting to undermine the financial stability and global standing of the oldest and wealthiest U.S. university after it pushed back on government demands for vast policy changes. The government has already terminated nearly $3 billion in federal research grants for the Ivy League school and moved last week to revoke its ability to enroll international students. Those roughly 6,800 students make up about 27% of Harvard's total enrollment. A federal judge in Boston on Friday temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from revoking foreign student enrollment ahead of a Thursday hearing. During a brief hearing on Tuesday, a U.S. Department of Justice lawyer said the administration is complying with that order and was weighing its options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, the Trump administration has ordered its missions abroad to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants. Several hundred demonstrators, including Harvard students and teachers, gathered at the university on Tuesday to show support for foreign students and protest the Trump funding cuts. Following graduation events led by Harvard President Alan Garber, one of the protesting students, Jacob Miller, climbed onto a makeshift stage and said the ban on international enrollments had nothing to do with combating antisemitism, which was given as one of the official reasons for the crackdown on foreign students."We will not allow our identities to be invoked to destroy Harvard," said Miller, who is Jewish. "If there is anything to learn from the Jewish history, it's that when we push people out of our schools because of their identity, it's a symptom of a morally bankrupt politics." Another protest organizer, Harvard student Rae Trainer, said many international students were afraid to demonstrate because they risk deportations. Some international students recorded statements to be read by classmates who are U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GSA's letter accused the school of engaging in discriminatory admissions practices even after the U.S. Supreme Court, in its 2023 decision ending affirmative action in higher education, rejected Harvard's use of race as an admissions factor to boost campus diversity. The letter from Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of the GSA's federal acquisition service, also accused Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Harvard of discriminatory hiring practices and of failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. The GSA sent the letter to federal agencies Tuesday morning, said an administration official familiar with the matter. The letter directs agencies to submit a list of contract cancellations by June 6 and says contracts for critical services would be transitioned to other vendors. Harvard, which is suing to challenge the administration's actions, has argued that its rush to punish the school has run afoul of various procedures and violates free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment by trying to assert control over its staff, curriculum and enrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garber, the Harvard president, said in an NPR interview released on Tuesday that despite campus problems that it needs to address, the administration's decisions to cancel grant funding were "perplexing." "As long as there has been a United States of America, Harvard has thought that its role is to serve the nation," he said. (Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington, Nate Raymond in Boston and Maria Tsvetkova in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Editing by Rod Nickel, Alexia Garamfalvi, Richard Chang and Lincoln Feast.) 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. Donald Trump has resorted to vague threats against Vladimir Putin in the hopes of getting him to agree to a ceasefire in Russias war against Ukraine. The president posted to Truth Social Tuesday morning claiming that if it wasnt for him, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD, accusing the Russian president of playing with fire. Trump told the press on Sunday that he was not happy with what Putins doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes killing a lot of people, and I dont know what the hell happened to Putin. Ive known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but hes sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I dont like it at all, Trump said. Were in the middle of talking and hes shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities. I dont like it at all. .@POTUS: "I'm not happy with what Putin's doing... he's sending rockets into cities and killing people and I don't like it AT ALL. We're in the middle of talking and he's shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities. I don't like it at all." pic.twitter.com/dBxCD9K6s4 Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 25, 2025 Trumps comments follow Russias largest drone and missile attack on Ukraine since the start of the invasion in 2022, with a barrage of bombs falling on Kyiv over the weekend. Putin hasnt officially responded to Trumps post, but Russian state media mocked the president. Ron Filipkowski @RonFilipkowski Russian state media mocks Trumps post. Screenshot of RT: President Trump warns Moscow, claiming Russia avoided 'REALLY BAD' consequences only thanks to him 'Putin doesn't realize... he's playing with fire!' Trump's message leaves little room for misinterpretation Until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning Russian state television also dismissed the idea of an immediate ceasefire, with one host asking, Why would we stop? The enemy is strong and cunning, and we are winning. TV host Vladimir Solovyov also belittled the U.S.-European alliance, pointing out that Trump was pushing high 50 percent tariffs against the European Union. RUSSIAN STATE TV: Why is the West so stuck on an immediate ceasefire? Why would we stop? Trump suddenly said I dont like Europeans, you get 50% tariffs! (From @JuliaDavisNews) pic.twitter.com/QfD9vhcBXh The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) May 27, 2025 Trump has long been deferential to Putin, irking Democrats and even some Republicans, and Putin probably feels as though Trump can do nothing to pressure him. And why would he? Trump has a long history of giving Putin whatever he wants. Meanwhile, Russia continues to bombard Ukraine no matter what Europe or the U.S. says. President Donald Trump admitted Tuesday hes been protecting Vladimir Putin over the Russian strongmans refusal to end or even scale back the war in Ukraine. After seeing his pleas for peace talks or a ceasefire go unanswered for months, Trump conceded that hes defended Putin in discussions over what to do next about Russias new attacks in Ukraine. If it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, Trump wrote on his social media site. And I mean really bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the telling admission, Trump inferred he may soon shift course and impose some cost on Putin for continuing the invasion by Russia of its smaller neighbor. Hes playing with fire, Trump exclaimed, without elaborating. Top Putin aide Dmitry Medvedev fired back at Trump, warning that I only know of one bad thing WW III. But the pro-Kremlin RT News channel chose to mock Trumps tough guy act, noting that he has repeatedly backed down after making previous threats to Putin and on trade. Trumps message leaves little room for misinterpretation, the channel tweeted. Until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has shrugged off several previous outbursts from Trump, including branding the U.S. presidents recent call for an end to crazy airstrikes an emotional reaction. Trump vowed to end the war in Ukraine on the campaign trail, but so far has seen little to no progress toward that goal since taking office four months ago. He says he believes Putin wants to end the war, but the strategy of mostly taking Russias side appears to have backfired by giving Putin little reason to make concessions. Trump conceded to Russias demands that Ukraine be permanently barred from joining NATO and must give up Russian-occupied lands including the Crimea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hasnt appeared to get anything in return from Putin. Instead, the Russians seem confident they can win more ground on the battlefield and eventually get a better deal when or if they decide to end the war they launched when they invaded their sovereign neighbor in 2022. Months ago, Trump demanded that both sides accept his unilateral call for a ceasefire. Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed, but Putin snubbed Trump and has stubbornly refused to end the fighting. Russia has instead escalated attacks on the front lines in occupied Ukraine and on civilian targets in Kyiv and other cities. Despite Putins recalcitrance, Trump has refused to make him pay any price for ignoring his pleas. Trump continues to laud Russia as a potentially lucrative trading partner and says he hopes to hold a face-to-face summit soon, effectively sending mixed messages to the Kremlin. _____ U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on May 27 that Russia would already be facing serious consequences if not for his actions, following one of the most intense Russian aerial assaults on Ukraine. "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean really bad. He's playing with fire," he wrote on Truth Social. Trump's comments mark a rare public rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin amid growing pressure on the U.S. administration to respond to escalating Russian attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 26, Russia launched its third large-scale aerial and drone assault against Ukraine in three nights, killing at least six people and injuring 24 across multiple oblasts. The attack marked the most extensive drone strike against Ukraine during the full-scale war, topping the previous record of 298 drones overnight on May 25. Trump recently held a two-hour phone call with Putin during which Russia reiterated its refusal to a full ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. Despite this, Trump has refused to impose new sanctions on Moscow, citing ongoing efforts to reach 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 during a May 19 Oval Office briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has attempted to present himself as the only leader capable of ending the war quickly, though the lack of tangible pressure on Moscow has left Kyiv and its allies skeptical. President Volodymyr Zelensky, responding to the May 25 overnight bombardment, called for urgent new sanctions and warned that "America's silence, and the silence of others around the world, only encourages Putin." The European Union and U.S. lawmakers have also called for tougher action. A bipartisan sanctions bill is already awaiting approval in Congress, with provisions for sweeping financial penalties and tariffs on nations buying Russian oil or uranium. Read also: Sanctions on Russia are working, Ukraine just needs more Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett dodged an important question Tuesday about Donald Trumps latest threat to place a 25 percent tariff on foreign-made Apple products. During an appearance on CNBCs Squawk Box, a chipper Hassett was asked if there was an off-ramp to prevent an American-manufactured iPhone from costing up to $3,500. What is Tim Cook supposed to do? asked co-host Joe Kernan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right, well, you know, well see how it works out, Hassett replied. The bottom line is that what were trying to do is onshore as much as we can in the U.S. and make it so the U.S. is not hyper-dependent on imports from China. Hassett insisted that an increase in U.S. equipment investments was a sign that supply chains were already adjusting to the presidents sweeping tariffs on foreign-made goods. In reality, Trumps vacillating tariffs have resulted in uncertainty for the U.S. manufacturing sector and a dip in orders placed with U.S. factories for business equipment. In the interim, you know, then well see how things work out, Hassett repeated, providing no actual answer for how they planned to offset major price hikes for consumers. While Cook could placate Trump by announcing his intention to shift assembly to the U.S., shifting wholesale production could take years. Hassett downplayed concerns over soaring prices, claiming that CEOs were simply overstating how disastrous the tariffs would be as a negotiating tactic. Everybody is trying to make it seem like its a catastrophe if theres a tiny little tariff on them right now, to try to negotiate down the tariffs, he said. And so, in the end, well see what happens, well see what the end game is, but we dont want to harm Apple. WASHINGTON (NewsNation) President Donald Trump has instructed federal agencies to terminate or transition federal government contracts with Harvard University, a senior administration official told NewsNation. A letter from the General Services Administration, first obtained by The New York Times, instructs all federal departments to assist in a review aimed at severing ties with Harvard and its affiliates. We recommend that your agency terminate for convenience each contract that it determines has failed to meet its standards, and transition to a new vendor those contracts that could be better serviced by an alternative counterparty, said Josh Gruenbaum, the commissioner of GSAs Federal Acquisition Service. Going forward, we also encourage your agency to seek alternative vendors for future services where you had previously considered Harvard. Trump: Foreign students at Harvard taking US spots Harvard has drawn the ire of Trump recently on multiple fronts. Trump has accused the university of creating havens for anti-Semitic rhetoric and behavior and failing to prioritize American students in admissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEI, school choice: The education issues fought over at the state level this year A lot of the foreign students we wouldnt have a problem with, Trump said Sunday while speaking to reporters as he left New Jersey. But it shouldnt be 31%. Its too much because we have Americans that want to go there and to other places, and they cant go there because you have 31% foreign. Additionally, Trump wrote on Truth Social, Im considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemetic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land. What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!! Harvard battles attempt to block foreign student enrollment Last month, the Trump administration froze about $1.2 billion in grants and contracts with Harvard and is now attempting to block the university from enrolling international students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order on the student enrollment restriction. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday to determine whether that order will be extended. Read-in at TX Capitol targets school library books bill Meanwhile, lawyers for Harvard and the federal government are due in court Tuesday to argue the case. With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvards student body, international students who contribute significantly to the university and its mission, the university said it its legal complaint. Harvards certification is essential for each of Harvards thousands of international students to lawfully remain in this country while they complete coursework, obtain degrees, and continue critical research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard said if the complaint stands, the daily functioning of the university would be affected and would create uncertainty for the future of the thousands of students on their campus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 issued a full pardon Monday to a former Virginia sheriff who had been convicted of bribery, alleging that he was a victim of a weaponized Justice Department under the Biden administration. Trump announced his pardon of Scott Jenkins, who was convicted in December of accepting more than $70,000 in bribes in exchange for appointing local businessmen as auxiliary deputy sheriffs in the office. Sheriff Scott Jenkins, his wife Patricia, and their family have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ, Trump said in a Monday post on Truth Social announcing the pardon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenkins, who served as the sheriff of Culpeper County in Northern Virginia for more than a decade until he lost his reelection bid in 2023, was convicted on one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest services mail and wire fraud, and seven counts of bribery concerning programs receiving public funds. Prosecutors alleged that Jenkins accepted cash bribes and bribes in the form of campaign contributions from various individuals, including two who were undercover FBI agents. He offered them badges and credentials despite not being trained or vetted and not offering any services to the sheriffs office, they argued. Jenkins was also accused of pressuring local officials to restore one of the individuals right to own a firearm despite their status as a convicted felon. Three of the men, including the previously convicted felon, already pleaded guilty for their roles in the bribery scheme before Jenkins was found guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenkins was sentenced to 10 years in prison in March. Scott Jenkins violated his oath of office and the faith the citizens of Culpeper County placed in him when he engaged in a cash-for-badges scheme, acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said in a release after the sentencing. We hold our elected law enforcement officials to a higher standard of conduct and this case proves that when those officials use their authority for unjust personal enrichment, the Department of Justice will hold them accountable. But Trump argued that Jenkins was treated unfairly, alleging that the judge in the case, whom former President Biden appointed, refused to accept evidence that Jenkins offered to exonerate himself. This Sheriff is a victim of an overzealous Biden Department of Justice, and doesnt deserve to spend a single day in jail, he said. He is a wonderful person, who was persecuted by the Radical Left monsters, and left for dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps pardon also came after a personal plea for clemency from Jenkins, who reportedly said last month during a webinar that he didnt have the money to appeal the verdict and believed Trump would help if he knew the facts of the case and his side that he wasnt able to share in front of the jury. Trump has regularly argued without evidence that he and other conservatives have been the target of a politicized Justice Department during the Biden administration. He has issued a wide range of pardons for controversial figures since returning to office, including most of those convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and Michele Fiore, a conservative commentator and former Las Vegas City Council member who was convicted on wire fraud. The Justice Department under Trump has also launched investigations into several public officials, leading to accusations from Democrats that the president is targeting political opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Kansas Rep. Patrick Penn, seen here during a March 5, 2024, debate in the House, was appointed to a position at the U.S. Department of Agriculture shortly after vacating his House seat. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA President Donald Trump appointed former Kansas Republican Rep. Patrick Penn, who resigned from his House seat earlier this month, as the deputy undersecretary for the departments food, nutrition and consumer services. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, appointed by Trump in February, announced Penns new position Tuesday, along with a slate of other state-level leadership designations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump is putting Farmers First, and so is the incredible team we are building at the Department of Agriculture, Rollins said in a press release. Our latest additions to the USDA family are personally invested in ensuring farmers and rural America prosper. Penn resigned from the Wichita-area House seat he held since 2021 on May 14, submitting letters to Republican party and state officials. A special precinct election to select a representative to fill the vacant 85th district seat is set for Wednesday. Penns term was set to expire January 2027. Penn is a former Army signal officer who was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was first elected to the Kansas Legislature in 2020, where he was dedicated to pushing Second Amendment legislation, including repeated attempts to pass a firearm education program bill. The USDAs Food and Nutrition Service administers 16 food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as food stamps, and emergency food assistance. Penn voted during the 2025 legislative session in favor of prohibiting SNAP beneficiaries from purchasing candy and soft drinks with their food assistance dollars. Also during the 2025 legislative session, Penn was involved in a handful of disruptive moments. In March, he questioned a Democratic lawmakers motives during debate on the House floor. In February, while on the House floor, he alluded to a hypothetical act of violence against a former Hutchinson Democratic representative. May 27 (UPI) -- The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday to make it easier for officials to deport convicted criminals to South Sudan and other countries that are not their nations of origin. "The United States is facing a crisis of illegal immigration, in no small part because many aliens most deserving of removal are often the hardest to remove," the Department of Justice told the high court, in its request to block an injunction issued last week by Massachusetts-based U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy. Murphy ordered immigrants be given at least ten days to bring claims that deportation could risk of torture, persecution or death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge also ordered the administration to maintain custody of migrants, being deported to South Sudan and other third-party countries, in the event the court finds their removal illegal and orders them returned to the United States. Murphy said the administration violated his previous order, issued in March, when it flew eight migrants to South Sudan last week. The men are currently being held at a U.S. facility in Djibouti. "Plaintiffs are simply asking to be told they are going to be deported to a new country before they are taken to such a country, and be given an opportunity to explain why such a deportation will likely result in their persecution, torture and/or death," Murphy wrote last month. "The Trump administration removed dangerous criminal illegal aliens from America in full compliance with all court orders," the White House responded in a statement last week. "We are confident in the legality of our actions and do not apologize for acting to protect the American people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the administration's Supreme Court filing, Solicitor General D. John Sauer said Judge Murphy has no authority to force "an onerous set of procedures" on the government. "Those judicially created procedures are currently wreaking havoc on the third-country removal process. In addition to usurping the Executive's authority over immigration policy, the injunction disrupts sensitive diplomatic, foreign-policy and national security efforts," Sauer added, as the Trump administration defended the South Sudan deportations. "The United States has been put to the intolerable choice of holding these aliens for additional proceedings at a military facility on foreign soil -- where each day of their continued confinement risks grave harm to American foreign policy -- or bringing these convicted criminals back to America." On Monday, Murphy said he would not reconsider his order. "It turns out that having immigration proceedings on another continent is harder," he wrote, "and more logistically cumbersome than defendants anticipated." By Andrew Chung (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday to intervene in its effort to rapidly deport migrants to countries other than their own without the opportunity to raise claims that they fear being persecuted, tortured or killed there. The Justice Department requested that the justices lift Boston-based U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy's nationwide injunction requiring that migrants be given the chance to seek legal relief from deportation before they are sent to so-called "third countries," while litigation continues in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration said in its filing that the third-country process is critical to removing migrants who commit crimes because their countries of origin are often unwilling to take them back. "As a result, criminal aliens are often allowed to stay in the United States for years on end, victimizing law-abiding Americans in the meantime," it told the justices. The filing represented administration's latest trip to the nation's highest judicial body as it seeks a freer hand to pursue Trump's crackdown on immigration and contest lower court decisions that have impeded the Republican president's policies. The administration has said Murphy's injunction is preventing potentially thousands of pending deportations. The injunction "disrupts sensitive diplomatic, foreign policy and national security efforts," it said in Tuesday's filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security moved in February to determine if people granted protections against being removed to their home countries could be detained again and sent to a third country. Immigrant rights groups then mounted a class action lawsuit on behalf of a group of migrants seeking to prevent rapid deportation to newly identified third countries without notice and a chance to assert the harms they could face. In March, the administration issued guidance providing that if a third country has given credible diplomatic assurance that it will not persecute or torture migrants, individuals may be deported there "without the need for further procedures." Without such assurance, if the migrant expresses fear of removal to that country, U.S. authorities would assess the likelihood of persecution or torture, possibly referring the person to an immigration court, according to the guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy issued a preliminary injunction in April, finding that the administration's policy of "executing third-country removals without providing notice and a meaningful opportunity to present fear-based claims" likely violates due process protections under U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment. Due process protections generally require the government to provide notice and an opportunity for a hearing before taking certain adverse actions. Murphy said that the Supreme Court, Congress, "common sense" and "basic decency" all require migrants to be given adequate due process. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on May 16 declined to put Murphy's decision on hold. As with previous cases challenging Trump's far-reaching executive actions and initiatives, the case raised further questions over whether the administration is defying court orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy on May 21 ruled that the administration had violated his court order by attempting to deport migrants to South Sudan. "The government has continued to flout the district court's order. Behind the government's rhetoric is not an emergency, but the law. The law requires due process," Trina Realmuto, one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs with the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, said on Tuesday after the administration's filing. The injunction requires due process before deporting migrants to third countries including those "where the State Department has documented systemic human rights abuses and violence against foreign nationals," Realmuto said. 'INTOLERABLE CHOICE' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The migrants, now being held at a military base in Djibouti, all had committed "heinous crimes" in the United States, the administration told the Supreme Court, including murder, arson and armed robbery. "As a result, the United States has been put to the intolerable choice of holding these aliens for additional proceedings at a military facility on foreign soil - where each day of their continued confinement risks grave harm to American foreign policy - or bringing these convicted criminals back to America," the Justice Department said. Murphy has also ordered that non-citizens be given at least 10 days to raise a claim that they fear for their safety. In another action, Murphy modified his injunction to guard against the possibility of the Department of Homeland Security ceding control of migrants to other agencies to carry out rapid deportations, after the administration took the position that the U.S. Department of Defense was not covered by his orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It made that argument after acknowledging the Defense Department flew four Venezuelans held at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba to El Salvador following Murphy's initial ruling. After Reuters reported in May that the U.S. military could deport a group of migrants for the first time to Libya, Murphy issued an order saying such removals would "clearly violate" his ruling. (Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Editing by Will Dunham) ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 27. Tengizchevroil (TCO) continues to make a significant contribution to Kazakhstan's economy, Trend reports via the latest report from Tengizchevroil. According to the information, from 1993 through the first quarter of 2025, the companys direct financial payments to the Republic of Kazakhstan's budget amounted to over $203 billion. These funds include wages for Kazakhstani employees, purchases of goods and services from local producers and suppliers, payments to state-owned enterprises, as well as dividend payments to the Kazakhstani partner and taxes on royalties, which go to the state budget. Moreover, TCO also actively supports the development of Kazakhstani content. In the first quarter of 2025, the company invested approximately $458 million in this sector, continuing to contribute to the country's economic growth. Donald Trump announced on Monday that he pardoned a MAGA sheriff right before the sheriff was set to serve a 10-year sentence for federal bribery crimes. Former Culpeper County, Virginia, Sheriff Scott Jenkins was found guilty of giving civilians police badges in exchange for thousands of dollars, amassing more than $75,000 in bribes. According to prosecutors, he made unvetted D.C.-area business owners unpaid auxiliary deputies, which gave them police powers. The business owners wanted to be able to avoid traffic tickets and be able to carry concealed firearms without a permit. Jenkins was sentenced in March after a jury convicted him of all counts in December. He was indicted in 2023 on counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Scott Jenkins, his wife Patricia, and their family have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ, Trump posted on Truth Social. This Sheriff is a victim of an overzealous Biden Department of Justice, and doesnt deserve to spend a single day in jail. He is a wonderful person, who was persecuted by the Radical Left monsters, and left for dead. This is why I, as President of the United States, see fit to end his unfair sentence, and grant Sheriff Jenkins a FULL and Unconditional Pardon. He will NOT be going to jail tomorrow, but instead will have a wonderful and productive life. Prosecutors said Jenkins put some of the bribe money in his campaign fund, but he kept the rest for himself. He has denied any wrongdoing. I believe wholeheartedly in the president, Jenkins said in April during a webinar hosted by the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. I believe if he heard the information, I know he would help if he knew my story, he added. During the trial, Fairfax County business owner Rick Rahim testified that he was barred from owning a firearm. In exchange for $25,000 in cash and a $17,500 home-construction loan that was never repaid, Jenkins deputized him so he could own a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two undercover FBI agents said they were made auxiliary deputies and then gave Jenkins $5,000 and $10,000 cash. Scott Jenkins violated his oath of office and the faith the citizens of Culpeper County placed in him when he engaged in a cash-for-badges scheme, Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said at the time of Jenkins sentencing. We hold our elected law enforcement officials to a higher standard of conduct and this case proves that when those officials use their authority for unjust personal enrichment, the Department of Justice will hold them accountable. I am grateful to the FBI for their tireless work on this investigation. In 2019, Jenkins said he would deputize county residents if the legislature were to enact more gun control rules. I plan to properly screen and deputize thousands of our law-abiding citizens to protect their constitutional right to own firearms, he wrote on Facebook. Trump has pardoned other supporters, including to about 1,500 defendants who participated in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No MAGA left behind, Ed Martin, the pardon attorney at the Department of Justice and former interim U.S. attorney for D.C., posted on X. He added: Thank you, @potus Trump, for pardoning Sheriff Jenkins! 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. When President Donald Trump spoke last week by telephone with Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader committed to drafting and sending what he described as a memorandum of peace in the coming days laying out Russian requirements for a ceasefire with Ukraine, according to a US official and White House official familiar with the matter. But more than a week after that phone call, the US has yet to receive the document from Russia, the sources said. Now, Trump is considering moving ahead with new sanctions on Moscow in the coming days as he vents his fury at the state of the conflict, according to people familiar with the matter. Options were drawn up in the past several weeks to apply new measures punishing Moscow, but so far Trump has not approved them. The president said Sunday he would absolutely consider new sanctions in the aftermath of a sustained missile and drone bombardment that left many dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes killing a lot of people, Trump said of Putin on Sunday. I dont know whats wrong with him. What the hell happened to him? And in a Truth Social post Tuesday, the president wrote: What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire! The tension escalated on X early Tuesday evening with a back-and-forth between Dmitry Medvedev, a Russian security official and former president of that country, and Keith Kellogg, Trumps Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Referencing Trumps post, Medvedev wrote, I only know of one REALLY BAD thing WWIII. I hope Trump understands this! Kellogg retorted that the US was waiting on the memo from Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stoking fears of WW III is an unfortunate, reckless comment by @MedvedevRussiaE and unfitting of a world power. President Trump @POTUS is working to stop this war and end the killing. We await receipt of RU Memorandum (Term Sheet) that you promised a week ago. Cease fire now, Kellogg posted on X. Trump could still decide not to apply new sanctions, the people familiar with the matter said, in keeping with past examples of him backing away from threats to target Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Trump has said privately he is concerned new sanctions could push Russia away from peace talks. During their call last Monday, Trump told Putin that Russia and Ukraine should be communicating directly to negotiate a peace accord, and that Europe and the United States would help when needed, a White House official said. After that call, Trump said on social media that the conditions for a ceasefire will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be. The call came just days after the first direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey. When those talks ended, the expectation was that a follow-up Russian memo would be shared with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the plan for Russia to send its memorandum not just to Ukraine but also to the US indicates that Trump concluded the call without completely washing his hands of potential future involvement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov the day before the Trump-Putin call and said they discussed the topic. Lavrov told Rubio at the time that Russian officials would be preparing a document outlining their requirements for a ceasefire that would then lead to broader negotiations, Rubio told CBS Face the Nation last week. He added that if that came forward, along with Ukrainian proposals, we can work off of that. Hopefully that will be forthcoming soon, Rubio added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow was working on the document. Russia continues the development of the draft memorandum regarding the future peace treaty with the definition of a number of positions, such as: principles of settlement, timeframes of possible conclusion of peace agreement (and) potential ceasefire for a certain time in case of reaching corresponding agreements, Zakharova said. As soon as the memorandum is prepared, it will be handed over to Kyiv, her statement continued. We expect that the Ukrainian side is conducting the same work and will send us its developments simultaneously with the receipt of the Russian document. While the US waits on Russia with mounting frustration Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday accused Putin of simply playing games with diplomacy and diplomats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Democratic and Republican lawmakers have begun lobbying Trump to significantly ratchet up US sanctions after the weekend attacks. All of us, by our public statements as well as private contacts, are pressing very, very hard, Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal told CNN on Monday. Blumenthal is a key figure behind a cross-party Senate bill, also sponsored by Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, which aims to impose crippling new measures on Moscow. It would include secondary sanctions, like massive 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian energy. More than 80 senators have signed onto the bill so far. According to Blumenthal, the bipartisan bill which could impact US adversaries like China as well as friendly Asian and European nations was drawn up in very extensive consultation with US allies who may be affected by new sanctions on Russian energy imports. Germany, France and Britain are now all for it, with 100% support, he told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After speaking with Putin last week, Trump told European leaders on a telephone call that he would not join them, for now, in applying new measures on Moscow, even though he had previously signaled a willingness to take a tougher approach to Putin, a European official said. Trump believes, that right now if you start threatening sanctions, the Russians will stop talking, and there is value in us being able to talk to them and to drive them to get to the table, Rubio told lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week, a day after Trump and Putin spoke over the phone. Like we will see, look they have to do this, no one is claiming that this is a guarantee. After Trumps most recent comments, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced hope the US leader would change course. President Trump realizes that when President Putin said on the phone he was ready for peace, or told his envoys he was ready for peace, he lied, Macron said Monday. We have seen once again in recent hours Donald Trump express his anger. A form of impatience. I simply hope now that this translates into action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has previously raised the notion of new sanctions on Russias banking sector and secondary sanctions on purchasers of Russian energy products. Both options have been drawn up, but it wasnt clear what specific steps Trump was considering in the wake of Russias weekend bombardment in Ukraine. This story has been updated with additional reporting. CNNs Kit Maher contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com U.S. President Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Russia this week as it continues to wage its war against Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on May 26. The sanctions would reportedly be imposed to push Russia to the negotiating table but may not include additional banking restrictions, people familiar with Trump's thinking told the WSJ. Trump is also considering abandoning peace efforts if a final effort to end Russia's war is unsuccessful, the WSJ reported, citing people familiar with Trump's thinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's stance on U.S. sanctions against Russia has been unclear. Trump has refused to impose sanctions on Russia as it may hinder future business and trade opportunities, the New York Times reported on May 20, citing a White House official. On May 25, Trump condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for increased Russian attacks on Ukraine, saying he's "not happy with Putin." Russia launched over 900 strike drones over the last three days, in addition to cruise and ballistic missiles, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "Over 900 attack drones launched against Ukraine in just three days, along with ballistic and cruise missiles. There is no military logic in this, but it is a clear political choice the choice of Putin, the choice of Russia the choice to keep waging war and destroying lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 26, Russia launched its third large-scale aerial and drone assault against Ukraine in three nights, killing at least six people and injuring 24 across the country. The attack marked the most extensive drone strike against Ukraine during the full-scale war, topping the previous record of 298 drones just a day earlier on May 25. Trump recently held a two-hour phone call with Putin during which Russia reiterated its refusal to a full ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. The U.S. failed to respond with any significant pressure. "He's killing a lot of people... I don't know what the hell happened to Putin, I've known him for a long time," Trump said on May 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the same statement, Trump told journalists sanctions against Russia could be on the table amid Russia's intensified attacks. Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Donald Trump couldnt get Joe Biden off his mind on Memorial Day. The president took a veiled swipe at his predecessor while delivering an otherwise solemn speech honoring fallen soldiers, just hours after he launched a fresh Truth Social tirade against Biden. Trump opened his remarks at the Arlington National Cemetery with a tribute to the servicemen laid to rest there, but things quickly took a turn. President Donald Trump was flanked by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his Memorial Day remarks. / Ken Cedeno / REUTERS Those young men could never have known what their sacrifice would mean to us, but we certainly know what we owe to them, he said. Their valor gave us the freest, greatest, and most noble republic ever to exist on the face of the Earth, a republic that I am fixing after a long and hard four years. That was a hard four years we went through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crowd broke into applause as Trump went onbut even he seemed to acknowledge that it wasnt the right time to hash out old grievances. Who would let that happen? People pouring through our borders unchecked, people doing things that are indescribable and not for today to discuss, he said. Were doing so very well right now, considering the circumstances We will do better than weve ever done as a nation, better than ever before. I promise you that. Trump, Vance, and Hegseth honored fallen soldiers on Memorial Day. / REUTERS Trumps brief segue into politics in the middle of his speech appeared to be a continuation of his early Monday morning post on Truth Social, where he fumed at Biden and the judiciary in an all-caps rant. HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL, INCLUDING THE SCUM THAT SPENT THE LAST FOUR YEARS TRYING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY THROUGH AN OPEN BORDER THAT ONLY AN INCOMPETENT PRESIDENT WOULD APPROVE, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Daily Beast. Trump also accused USA-hating judges, many of whom have blocked the implementation of his sweeping agenda, of being on a mission to keep alleged criminals in the U.S. HOPEFULLY THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT, AND OTHER GOOD AND COMPASSIONATE JUDGES THROUGHOUT THE LAND, WILL SAVE US FROM THE DECISIONS OF THE MONSTERS WHO WANT OUR COUNTRY TO GO TO HELL, he said. Trump used his speech to tout a multimillion-dollar military parade honoring the Armys 250th anniversary, which is set for his birthday next month. In some ways, Im glad I missed that second term where it was because I wouldnt be your president for that, he said, drawing laughter from the audience. Can you imagine I missed that four years, and now look what I have. I have everything. Amazing the way things work out. God did that. WASHINGTON One of President Donald Trumps nominees to a federal judgeship, Josh Divine, argued in a college opinion piece that people should be required to take literacy tests in order to vote despite such tests being outlawed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 because they were routinely used to keep Black people from voting. People who arent informed about issues or platforms especially when it is so easy to become informed these days have no business voting, which is why I propose state-administered literacy tests, Divine wrote in October 2010 in The Mirror, a publication of the University of Northern Colorado. At the time, he was a junior at the university. In the Civil Rights Act, literacy tests were banned because they were used as a form of discrimination in that they were only administered to certain groups of people, he said, but literacy tests themselves are not a bad thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a copy of Divines column: Josh Divine, one of President Donald Trump's judicial picks, argued for bringing back literacy tests for elections in a 2010 opinion piece he published in college. The Mirror Literacy tests in elections have a long and ugly history in the U.S. They were used from the late 1800s to the mid-1960s to prevent voting by immigrants and lower-income people, who were considered not educated enough to vote. In particular, in the 1960s, Southern states forced Black residents to explain complicated constitutional provisions in order to vote. The landmark Voting Rights Act ultimately banned literacy tests, along with poll taxes, and the result was a surge in registered Black voters. The intent behind literacy tests was never to ensure that people became more informed in elections; they were a series of trick questions designed to keep non-white people from voting and having political power. Voting clerks, who were always white, could typically decide at will who passed or failed these tests. White people usually didnt have to take literacy tests, because their voting rights were tied to their grandfathers rights from before the Civil War. Divine also wrote in the column that hes glad the United States isnt a true democracy, which is usually understood to mean direct democracy, in which voters weigh in directly on policies rather than voting to appoint representatives who then vote to represent their constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am very thankful we do not live in a true democracy, for if that were the case, America would not just be dying, its gravestone would already have weathered away, he said. Its not clear whether Divine, who is now in his mid-30s, still thinks it would be a good idea to let states bring back literacy tests as a requirement for voting. The White House did not return a HuffPost request for comment. Divine is Trumps pick for a lifetime federal judgeship on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri. (Its unusual, but one judgeship serves both courts.) He is currently the solicitor general of Missouri and director of special litigation in the state attorney generals office. He previously clerked for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and served as chief counsel to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Divine will benefit not just from Hawleys enthusiastic support for his nomination but also from the lawmakers seat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which hears from and approves judicial nominees before they advance to the full Senate for confirmation. Trump has so far nominated a handful of people to lifetime federal judgeships in his second term, but none has had a hearing yet. Some progressive judicial advocacy groups are already accusing Divine of being unfit to be a federal judge. Josh Divines op-ed advocating for literacy tests at the polls and arguing against the idea of democracy itself is one of the most disturbing writings weve ever seen in a judicial nominees record, Jake Faleschini, the justice program director at Alliance for Justice, said in a statement. It should be unquestionable that a voter suppression tool rooted in the racism of the Jim Crow south has no place in our democracy, said Faleschini. He may have written some of them in college, but college wasnt very long ago for Divine. Hes a radically young nominee to be a lifetime judge and doesnt have even close to the minimal legal experience expected of federal judges. Donald Trumps administration has halted the application process for international students. The Trump administration has temporarily paused international student visa interviews as it considers requiring social media vetting for those wanting to study in the US. A diplomatic cable sent out by Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, has instructed embassies to halt visa appointments in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening, according to Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has previously announced it would start monitoring immigrants social media accounts for anti-Semitism, which could be used as grounds to revoke visas or permanent residence applications. On Tuesday, Mr Trump cut off all government funding to Harvard amid an escalating feud between the US president and Americas oldest university. Mr Trump instructed federal agencies on Tuesday to cancel the final federal contracts with Harvard, which are worth an estimated $100 million, according to a letter obtained by The New York Times. One administration official said the move represented the complete severance of the governments longstanding business relationship with Harvard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter, from the General Services Administration, was expected to be delivered to federal agencies on Tuesday morning, instructing them to respond with a list of contract cancellations by June 6. Among the agreements set to be terminated is a $49,858 National Institutes of Health contract looking into the effects of coffee drinking. Harvard feud A $25,800 contract for training senior executives with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency which last week attempted to strip Harvard of its ability to enrol foreign students, will also be cancelled. The relationship between the government and university first came to a head in April, when Mr Trumps administration sent a list of demands to Harvard which included abolishing its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes and rejecting applicants hostile to American values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alan Garber, the universitys president, declared he would resist what he characterised as the presidents move to control the Harvard community and erode its academic independence. Alan Garber said he would resist Donald Trumps demands to abolish DEI - Boston Globe Mr Trump subsequently froze billions of dollars worth of contracts and grants with Harvard, and threatened to strip it of its tax-exempt status although it is unclear if he has the power to do this. Harvard then sued the government, calling the move flatly unlawful, although the White House insists the gravy train of federal assistance would come to an end. The administration ramped up its pressure on the university last week when it said it would prevent it from enrolling foreign students and force those already in place to transfer to another institution, although it was swiftly blocked by a judge pending a legal battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics claimed the move, notionally a response to Harvards failure to clamp down on campus anti-Semitism, risked expelling dozens of Israeli students from the country. Rabbi Jason Rubenstein, head of Harvard Hillel, the universitys Jewish hub, said it meant veterans of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) could be stripped of their visas as a result. The escalating federal assault on Harvard stands to substantially harm the very Jewish students and scholars it purports to protect, he told Jewish Insider. 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. President Donald Trump warned Vladimir Putin is playing with fire as a ceasefire deal in Ukraine remains out of reach. The presidents post on Truth Social Tuesday afternoon was the latest in a series of criticisms Trump lobbed against the Russian president. It came after Russia escalated its assault on Ukraine over the weekend with a series of drone attacks. What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire! Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia launched 367 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities, including the capital of Kyiv, over the weekend. It was the largest aerial assault on Ukraine to date after Russia invaded in 2022. At least 12 people were killed in the ongoing barrage, including three children, according to officials. Dozens of others were injured. Trump said on Sunday he was absolutely considering increased sanctions against Russia as he presses for a ceasefire, but his threat was not the first time the president has indicated his openness to further sanctions. Hes killing a lot of people, and I dont know what the hell happened to Putin. Ive known him a long time. Always gotten along with him, but hes sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I dont like it at all, Trump told reporters in New Jersey as he prepared to head back to Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate post on Sunday, Trump wrote that he has always had a good relationship with Putin but something has happened to him. The president said he has gone absolutely CRAZY! Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! Trump wrote on Sunday. Firefighters work at the site of an apartment building hit in Mykolaiv by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine. / State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via Reuters In a pointed message after the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned it could not be ignored. Americas silence, and the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin, he said. Trump said on Sunday that Zelensky was doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does and wrote, Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I dont like it, and it better stop. Russias increased violence in Ukraine came less than a week after Trump spoke with Putin for more than two hours by phone as he worked to broker a ceasefire in the three-year-old war. Paul Walzack, a former nursing home executive guilty of tax fraud, got a full and unconditional pardon from President Trump after his mother attended a $1 million-per-person dinner with the president, according to The New York Times. His mother, a major Trump supporter, also happened to be involved in the 2020 plot to publicize Ashley Bidens stolen diary. Walzack was found guilty of stealing over $10 million from the paychecks of the nurses and doctors who worked for him to finance a yacht and other luxury items. He was charged in February 2023 on 13 counts of tax crimes, and eventually pleaded guilty and paid $4.4 million in restitution as Trump won back the White House in November. Walzack initially received no response from the Trump administration regarding a pardon request he submitted around Inauguration Day. But in April his mother, Elizabeth Fago, attended a $1 million entry dinner that included guaranteed face time with the president. The dinner was sponsored by MAGA Inc., a PAC that backs causes and candidates supported by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear whether Fago donated to MAGA Inc., or how much, but three weeks later her son got his pardon. Walzack and his mother are well established within the MAGAverse. Fago has donated millions of dollars to GOP campaigns. Shes hosted at least three Trump fundraisers and went to the VIP portions of both Trump inaugurations, where she cozied up to the president in photos posted on her Instagram. Fago was also deeply involved in a scheme to publicize the diary of Ashley Biden, former President Joe Bidens daughter, after she left it at a beach house in Florida. Aimee Harris, and Robert Kurlander, the individuals who stole the diary, brought it to a fundraiser at Fagos home in 2020 where it was shown to a Trump campaign organizer. Harris was sentenced to a month in prison, and Kurlander is awaiting sentencing. This is yet another example of Trumps flippant use of his executive pardon power. Show him some loyalty, and some money, and you could get out of jail too. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signaled that his patience with Vladimir Putin is running thin, warning the Russian leader that he is playing with fire by refusing to engage in serious peace talks about ending the war in Ukraine. But Trump, frustrated that Putin has shrugged at his offer to reset relations with the U.S. following a peace settlement, still hasnt decided to shift gears. "Putin is getting dangerously close to burning the golden bridge that Trump has set out before him, said an administration official, who, like others, was granted anonymity to share details about the presidents current thinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has yet to make a decision on whether to impose additional sanctions on Moscow in response to Putin ramping up attacks on Ukraine, according to four U.S. officials. Pro-Ukraine allies on Capitol Hill are treading carefully as they urge the White House to consider following up on his threats to Putin by backing their effort to enact new sanctions. And allies in Europe, facing the possibility that Trump could walk away from peace talks without punishing Russia, are scrambling to figure out how they could tackle taking the lead on support for Ukraine What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Tuesday. Hes playing with fire! Trump also told reporters on Sunday that he was absolutely considering additional economic sanctions on Russia and described Putin as having gone absolutely CRAZY in a social media post . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has issued similar, yet sporadic, threats since his first days in office. But at no point has he followed through and ratcheted up pressure on Moscow despite Putin repeatedly telling Trump he supports peace while intensifying his bombing campaign in Ukraine. I am now very, very skeptical that Trump will ever apply any serious sanctions or measures on Russia, said Kurt Volker, who served as Trumps special envoy to Ukraine during his first term. He has had so many opportunities to do it and he has always ducked. And many of Trumps broadsides criticizing Putin have been diluted with strong words for other parties. Trump wrote on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Joe Biden share some of the blame for the war that Putin initiated, now in its fourth year. This war is Joe Bidens fault, and President Trump has been clear he wants to see a negotiated peace deal, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to POLITICO. President Trump has also smartly kept all options on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fred Fleitz, a vice chair at the America First Policy Institute who is close to the administration, praised Trump for do[ing] his best to solve it, but asserted that if for some reason they cant solve it, that failure is Biden's. Fleitz said Trumps patience with Putin is running thin. The time is coming within the next month or six weeks where Trump may end negotiations and put in place tough sanctions, he said. When Trump spoke with several European leaders last week following his phone calls with both Zelenskyy and Putin, he seemed to be making excuses for Putins reluctance to engage in peace talks, according to two people familiar with the call. Trump, the people said, hypothesized that Putin may have balked at joining ceasefire talks after the threats of new economic sanctions by Europe and the U.S. As frustrated as Trump has gotten with Putin, the people said, hes given Europeans a clear sense that he doesnt like sanctions and had hoped he could get the Russian leader to engage without forcing his hand. European leaders hope that Trump is coming to understand that the light touch with the Kremlin isnt going to work and adjust, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also some people inside and outside the administration who have told Trump that sanctions will hurt U.S. companies and drive Russia away from talks, a U.S. official said. Several Republican lawmakers are now encouraging Trumps sanction threats. Senate Republican leadership backs a bipartisan sanctions bill but has been looking for a formal green light from Trump that he would support the legislation. Without his blessing, Republicans worry that it could be dead on arrival in the House, where leadership is wary of getting sideways with the president. And if he were to formally come out against more sanctions, it could bleed support for the bill or force Republicans to formally break with Trump. Majority Leader John Thune has said the sanctions bill would easily pass the Senate, and that he would support putting it on the floor. But he's also been careful not to get ahead of the administration. If Russia doesnt engage in serious diplomacy, the Senate will work with the administration to consider additional sanctions, he said last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the No. 2 Senate Republican, added in a Tuesday post on X that if Russia stalls, the Senate will act decisively to move to bring lasting peace. But Thune is also facing pent-up desire from within his own conference to take up sanctions legislation even if Trump doesnt offer his clear blessing. GOP senators discussed the sanctions legislation during a closed-door lunch last week, according to two attendees, who were granted anonymity to disclose private discussions. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said on Tuesday that he could see Thune bringing the bill to the floor without Trumps blessing, although said the leader would prefer a signal from the White House. We want to be part of the solution and give leverage to the president, but its not like he doesnt know what were up to, Cramer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have largely left pressing Trump for more Russia sanctions to Sen. Lindsey Graham. The South Carolina Republican noted in a letter to the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday that hes worked closely with the administration to calibrate his sanctions bill. Graham also recently traveled with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and said he used the trip to talk up the sanctions bill and tell foreign allies that the Senate is an independent body and that we are moving down the road to holding Putin accountable. European officials and longtime Russia watchers note that Moscow has sought to try and separate the war in Ukraine from the broader U.S.-Russia relationship, where both Putin and Trump see significant potential for economic rapprochement. It seems to us that the Russians would like to separate two topics, said a European official.One is Russia-U.S.-relations. And then Ukraine, as a separate topic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. and Russian officials have both hinted at the lucrative opportunities that could follow if the two countries were to normalize bilateral relations in the wake of peace talks. Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic bloodbath is over, and I agree, Trump posted on social media following his most recent call with Putin. Azerbaijan unveils funds for reconstruction of its liberated territories in 2024 Azerbaijan has opened the floodgates with a hefty allocation of state funds to roll up its sleeves and get down to brass tacks in rebuilding and restoring territories freed from the grip of occupation, putting the pedal to the metal on infrastructure, housing, and public services. The funding backs the Great Return program, looking to lend a hand in getting displaced populations back on their feet and breathe new life into the region. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register US President Donald Trump has been considering the possibility of imposing sanctions against Russia this week. Source: The Wall Street Journal citing sources Details: The WSJ noted that the sanctions are being considered because Trump is frustrated with the Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's attacks on Ukraine and the slow pace of peace talks. According to one of the sources, the restrictions are unlikely to include new banking sanctions, but other options are being discussed to pressure Putin to make concessions at the negotiating table, including a 30-day ceasefire supported by Ukraine but rejected by Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the WSJ wrote that Trump might also decide not to impose new sanctions. The article added that "Trump is also tiring of the peace negotiations" and is considering withdrawing from them if "a final push doesn't work". Quote from the WSJ: "It is unclear what would happen if the US retreats from the peace process and whether Trump would continue to provide military support to Ukraine." Details: Trump has for several weeks resisted pressure to criticise Putin for refusing to agree to the ceasefire supported by Ukraine. However, according to the WSJ sources, three key thoughts have influenced Trump's thinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firstly, his dislike of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who, in Trump's opinion, "encourages further conflict" by insisting on sanctions, even though Zelenskyy has agreed to a ceasefire. Secondly, Trumps belief that additional sanctions against Russia would not limit its ability to wage war but would complicate efforts to restore US-Russian economic ties. Thirdly, Trumps assumption that he knew Putin and that the Russian leader would end the war as a personal favour. However, Putin's unwillingness to make concessions has tarnished Trump's opinion, especially after a phone conversation last week during which Putin refused to sign a ceasefire agreement. Previously: On 25 May, Trump condemned Russia's latest attack on Ukraine and said he was considering imposing additional sanctions against Russia. Background: Trump posted a strongly-worded comment on his social network, Truth Social, in which he said Putin had gone "absolutely crazy" and warned that if he tried to seize all of Ukraine, it would lead to "the downfall of Russia". Shortly before, Trump told journalists that he is not happy with what Putin is doing and stressed that he did not understand the motives behind the Russian leader's current decisions. According to Ukraine's Air Force, Russian forces launched a combined aerial attack on Ukraine on the night of 24-25 May, deploying 367 airborne weapons. Thirteen oblasts came under the attack. over 80 residential buildings were damaged, 12 people were killed and another 60 were injured. EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova stated that Russia is mocking the world and the United States' attempts to achieve peace. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on the West to respond decisively to the new wave of Russian attacks against Ukraine. In his opinion, Putin must feel the true cost of the war. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Sabrina Bishop, a California home care worker, and her disabled patient, Ronald Penn, traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to warn lawmakers about the impact that Donald Trump and Republicans tax bill, which would massively cut Medicaid, will have on Americans who rely on home health care services. Were really trying to get them to understand that this is about saving human lives, but they want to focus on giving these billionaires and corporations tax breaks who dont even need it, Bishop tells Rolling Stone. I cant believe that theres people out there who would actually entertain taking away care for people who need care, says Penn, a veteran and retired hospice care worker, calling the idea absolutely criminal. Last week, Republicans in the House of Representatives passed legislation to extend and expand Trumps 2017 tax law, which disproportionately benefited the wealthy and big corporations. Their latest tax legislation would similarly benefit the wealthy and it would pay for those tax cuts, in part, with huge cuts to Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income and disabled Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 10 million Americans are expected to lose Medicaid as a result of measures in the tax bill. The legislation will also limit provider taxes, which states use to provide supplemental payments to hospitals, doctors, and other health care providers. The bill would additionally impose a financial penalty on states that offer health coverage to undocumented immigrants. For California, this would mean a $30 billion reduction in federal funding by 2034. Taken together, these changes could greatly impact available funding for home health care workers like Bishop. The idea of cutting Medicaid is wildly unpopular, according to numerous polls. One recent survey, commissioned by the Committee to Protect Healthcare, an advocacy group for doctors and health care advocates, found that 62 percent of respondents oppose cutting Medicaid, compared to only 22 percent who support doing so. The group found that messages attacking GOP House candidates on Medicaid cuts shifted voter opinions by as much as 3.4 percent against Republicans. Penn and Bishop, a member of AFSCME Local 3930/United Domestic Workers, met with several California lawmakers and congressional offices in Washington last week to warn about the impact that the Medicaid cuts will have on home health care workers and their patients. Noting that Republicans are calling this legislation a big, beautiful deal, Bishop says, in reality, the legislation is going to cut the medical lifeline off for millions of human beings, millions of people. She adds, Millions of lives will be lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop, 59, assists disabled patients, seniors, and others who cannot care for themselves helping them with cooking, cleaning, running errands, medication management so they can stay in their own home, versus being put in an institution where their quality of life could be diminished. Penn, 61, lost his eyesight and his legs due to illness. Im financially OK, but I cant care for myself the way Im used to, he says. I cant drive. I cant cook. Thats where Sabrina comes in, he says. Without my personal caregiver and not just her, but others that work alongside her it would grossly impact my life. I would end up in a state, county-run facility. My livelihood would be greatly diminished, and it would cost the state and cost the federal government more money to put me in these types of places, where I wouldnt be able to come and go as I please, I wouldnt be able to thrive. I wouldnt be able to have the life that I so honestly and richly deserve that I earned. Bishop and Penn met with Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas, their representative, and staffers for California freshman Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff. They also met with an aide for Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say the meeting with the Kiley staffer did not go well. I tried to reach out to him and try to appeal to his heart, says Penn, adding that he tried to explain that it would cost less money to get the systems working properly and effectively than it will if Republicans slash Medicaid. He says Kileys aide started reciting talking points about undocumented immigrants taking advantage of the Medicaid system. This has become a key plank in Republicans messaging efforts to defend their tax bill, despite it being false. Undocumented immigrants are ineligible for Medicaid. Democrats have pointed out that, of the millions of Americans who are expected to lose their health insurance coverage as a result of Republicans Medicaid cuts, precisely none of them are undocumented. Thats not the real problem, says Bishop, adding that Republicans are merely looking for a way to give more tax breaks to the wealthy. If we could get them to pay their taxes, we could have a better program. 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 family of a critically ill Mexican girl who could die within days if her treatment is paused fears they could be deported after the Trump administration prematurely revoked her humanitarian parole, their lawyers said. Deysi Vargass 4-year-old daughter, Sofia, urgently required better medical care for a life-threatening condition and was granted temporary humanitarian parole to enter the U.S. from her home country of Mexico in 2023, The Los Angeles Times reports. Deysi Vargass 4-year-old daughter Sofia requires constant medical treatment for her condition and was granted temporary humanitarian permission to enter the U.S. in 2023 (Jeremy Cohen/Courtesy of Public Counsel) Sofia has short bowel syndrome, a rare condition that stops her from absorbing nutrients in food. When she was born in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, she had to be attached to feeding tubes 24 hours a day. Since moving to the U.S., her condition has significantly improved, but she still requires treatment every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration prematurely revoked Sofias humanitarian parole on April 11, leaving her at risk of death if she has to leave the country, an attorney representing the family said. This is a textbook example of medical need, Rebecca Brown of the pro bono firm Public Counsel told the paper. This child will die and theres no sense for that to happen. It would just be a cruel sacrifice. The family is currently living in Bakersfield, California, just over 100 miles north of Los Angeles. The threat to Sofias life was confirmed by Dr. John Arsenault of the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, where she receives regular treatment every six weeks. Now the Trump administration has told the family to leave the country. Sofias doctor said that if her treatment is interrupted, it could be fatal within a matter of days (Jeremy Cohen/Courtesy of Public Counsel) Arsenault said in a letter seen by The Los Angeles Times that if there is an interruption to administering nutrition to her system, it could be fatal within a matter of days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctor added that patients who receive the treatment, called Total Parenteral Nutrition, at home are not allowed to leave the country. The infrastructure to provide TPN or provide immediate intervention if there is a problem with IV access depends on our programs utilization of U.S.-based healthcare resources and does not transfer across borders, Arsenault explained in the letter. Following news coverage about her case, the Department of Homeland Security said Sofias parole was still being considered in a statement to The Independent. Any reporting that Vargas and her family are actively being deported are FALSE. This family applied with USCIS for humanitarian parole on May 14, 2025, and the application is still being considered, a senior DHS official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sofia was born one month premature and had to undergo six surgeries due to an intestinal blockage, as medics struggled to get the condition under control in Mexico. During one surgery, Vargas, 28, told the newspaper that doctors cut out too much, leaving Sofia with short bowels. One blood infection she suffered as a result nearly killed her. Little Sofia has spent much of her young life in the hospital undergoing treatment. She was finally discharged in September 2024, but requires daily care and medication (Deysi Vargas) While she was being kept alive in Mexico, her condition was no better by the age of two and Vargas knew the family would have to move to get her better care. Vargas signed up to the Biden administrations CBP One app to book an appointment with border agents in Tijuana to receive two-year protection from deportation. The app is now used by the Trump administration to notify migrants to self-deport or face the consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the appointment on July 31, 2023, agents could tell that Sofia was seriously unwell just by taking one look at her. God knew she needed better treatment, Vargas told The Los Angeles Times. When we got to the entrance, they saw her and asked us if we needed medical help. That same day, the family was taken to Rady Childrens Hospital-San Diego and her condition improved quickly. A year later, Sofia was referred to the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, which has one of the highest-ranked programs for gastroenterology in the U.S. Under their care, by September 2024, Sofia was discharged and could receive treatment in the comfort of her home. Meanwhile, her parents were working hard to hold down odd jobs in Bakersfield. Sofia was born one month premature and had to undergo six surgeries due to an intestinal blockage, as medics struggled to get the condition under control in Mexico (Deysi Vargas) It was incredible, Vargas, who found a steady job as a cleaner at a restaurant, told the outlet. I had waited so long for doctors to tell me, Maam, your daughter is OK now. She can go home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sofias care is still gruelling. She must still spend 14 hours a night hooked up to the intravenous feeding system and Vargas also has to administer different medication that goes into her stomach through a gastric tube four times a day. At preschool, a school nurse has to administer nutrition daily. As things were beginning to look up, the notice from immigration arrived, swiftly followed by a notice terminating her employment authorization. Their attorney believes the familys legal status was terminated by mistake and has submitted a petition for a continuation of temporary humanitarian legal status because of Sofias medical condition. This is the intended purpose to help the most vulnerable who need attention here, Brown said. We can avoid having harmed the child and the family. Vargas added that they only intend to stay for as long as Sofia requires treatment, which is unclear. This article was amended on May 28 to include a statement from the Department of Homeland Security President Donald Trump is set to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. A White House communications advisor posted a video to social media on May 27 showing Trump calling the couple's daughter, Savannah Chrisley, with the news. The post states Trump "will be granting full pardons" to Todd and Julie Chrisley. "It's a terrible thing, but it's a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow," Trump says in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former married former reality stars were convicted of tax evasion and defrauding community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans to fund their luxurious lifestyle. After a trial in a federal court in Atlanta, a jury found the couple and their attorney Peter Tarantino guilty of all charges against them, including bank fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit tax evasion. Julie was also convicted of wire fraud and obstruction of justice. Julie Chrisley and Todd Chrisley on the red carpet at the Concert for Love and Acceptance at City Winery in Nashville, Tenn. June 12, 2015. The couple is known for USA Network's reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," which followed the Chrisley family's over-the-top lifestyles. The family moved from Atlanta to Belle Meade in 2015. Todd Chrisley, 57, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Julie Chrisley was sentenced to 7 years. In the video posted May 27, one of the couple's sons is heard on the phone call telling the president, "Thank you for bringing my parents back." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Well they were given a pretty harsh treatment based on what I'm hearing," Trump said. Todd Chrisley is currently incarcerated at FPC Pensacola, a minimum security prison camp in Florida, according to the federal Bureau of Prisons. Julie Chrisley is incarcerated at FMC Lexington, a federal prison in Kentucky for people who require medical or mental health care. The news comes less than two weeks since Savannah Chrisley, who has been pushing for a pardon for her parents, appeared on Lara Trump's Fox News program. Lara Trump is the president's daughter-in-law. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump to pardon reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley who lived in TN President Trump pardoned Paul Walczak, a man who had pleaded guilty to tax crimes, one month after his mother attended a major fundraiser for the president, according to a new report from The New York Times. The Times reports that a pardon application submitted around Trumps inauguration cited efforts by Walczaks mother, Elizabeth Fago, to support Trump and other Republicans and contended that Fagos political activity motivated Walczaks criminal prosecution. Fago later attended a Mar-a-Lago fundraising dinner with a $1 million cost per person, according to the Times, and Walczak was pardoned less than three weeks later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new report about the timing of Trumps pardon comes amid scrutiny over his clemency moves since returning to the Oval Office, including his controversial pardoning of nearly all Jan. 6 defendants roughly 1,500 people charged in connection with the 2021 Capitol attack on his first day back in the White House. Walczak had pleaded guilty back in November, shortly after Trumps election, to not paying employment taxes and not filing his individual income tax returns, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Hed withheld nearly $7.5 million in taxes from workers at his health care companies but did not pay those over to the IRS, the DOJ said, among other issues. In early April, the Floridian was sentenced to 18 months in prison and two years of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay more than $4 million in restitution. His pardon spares him both from serving time and paying the fees. According to the Times, Fago had helped host at least three Trump campaign fundraisers and attended events at both of Trumps inaugurations. She was also reportedly linked in Walczaks pardon application to a push to publicize the diary of former President Bidens daughter during the 2020 cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of the sweeping Jan. 6 pardons, Trump has pardoned more than three dozen other people in the first four months of his second term, compared with 80 pardons sent out by Biden across his four-year tenure. Trump has been critical of Bidens eleventh-hour pardons for Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley and members of the House panel that investigated Jan. 6 moves that Biden said sought to protect the public servants from potential attacks by the Trump administration and argued that Bidens use of autopen invalidates them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trump pardoned a tax cheat after his mother attended a Mar-a-Lago dinner that cost her $1 million to attend, a report by The New York Times revealed. Florida healthcare executive Paul Walczak, who admitted to stealing money earmarked for his employees taxes to fund an extravagant lifestyle, received a full and unconditional pardon from Trump on April 25. His release from prison came three weeks after his Republican donor mother, Elizabeth Fago, attended a $1 million-per-head fundraising dinner, which promised face-to-face access to Trump at his South Florida club. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardon spared Walczak from prison time, as he had yet to report to his 18-month sentence. It also meant he would not have to pay nearly $4.4 million in restitution. Elizabeth Fago (left) attended a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago in April. Three weeks later her son Paul Walczak (right) received a full and unconditional pardon from President Trump. / Nick Mele/Patrick McMullan via Getty/Bill Ingram/Imagn The timing of the fundraiser and pardon raises questions about how the president uses his clemency powers to reward allies. Walczak was not compliant with his tax obligations and instead used the withheld taxes to enrich himself for more than a decade, according to the Justice Department. From 2016 through 2019, he withheld more than $7 million of taxes from employees paychecks without paying the taxes to the IRS. During that time, he used more than $1 million from business bank accounts to buy a yacht. He also put hundreds of thousands into his personal bank accounts and used business accounts for extravagant purchases at Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier, and Saks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, the IRS lost out on more than $10 million in revenue because of Walczak. Walczaks pardon application, according to The New York Times, argued his prosecution was motivated more by his mothers efforts for Trump rather than his admitting to using the money for a swanky lifestyle. Weeks went by, and no pardon was issued even as the president granted clemency for others. But then, three weeks after Fago attended the Mar-a-Lago event, Walczak received a full and unconditional pardon. A former nursing home executive who had pleaded guilty to tax crimes has been pardoned by President Donald Trump based on an application apparently focused not just on his offenses, but on the political activity of his mother. Paul Walczak submitted his application for a pardon days after Trumps inauguration. It noted that his mother, Elizabeth Fago, had raised millions of dollars for the presidents campaigns, as well as those of other Republicans, The New York Times reports, citing a person who received the application but was not authorized to share it. It also claimed that Fago had connections to an effort to damage President Joe Biden's 2020 campaign by publicizing the diary of his daughter, Ashley Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The application reportedly argued that Walczaks criminal prosecution had resulted from his mothers political advocacy, rather than the crimes to which he pleaded guilty specifically, using money for employee taxes to fund his lifestyle, including the purchase of a yacht. Weeks after the application for clemency was submitted, there was no news, while other Trump allies received pardons. It was then that Fago was invited to a $1 million-per-person fundraising dinner at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, which promised face-to-face time with the president. Less than three weeks later, the pardon came through. Walczak was facing 18 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and would have to pay $4.4 million in restitution, according to a sentence handed down 12 days earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge justified ordering the jail time by saying that there is not a get-out-of-jail-free card for the rich. President Donald Trump during the Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery on May 26, 2025 (Getty Images / Kayla Bartkowski) A White House official echoed the applications argument, telling the Times that Walczak was targeted by the Biden administration over his familys conservative politics. Walczak withheld taxes from employee paychecks, totaling $7.4 million between 2016 and 2019. Over the same period, he also didnt pay $3.4 million of his businesss portion of employee Social Security and Medicare taxes, according to the Justice Department. During this time, $1 million was spent on a yacht, hundreds of thousands of dollars was transferred to personal accounts, and business accounts were used for shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier, and Saks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, in 2018, he ceased filing personal tax returns, despite continuing to receive a salary and transferring funds from the business accounts to his own personal use. Other transfers were made to a family member and his wife. In total, he owed the IRS $10.9 million. He was charged in February 2023 with 13 counts of tax crimes, pleading guilty to two counts and agreeing to pay restitution on November 15, 2024, just 10 days after Trump won the presidential election. According to the Times, Fago had held three fundraisers for Trump campaigns and attended VIP events at both the 2017 and 2025 inaugurations alongside her son, Walczaks half-brother, Joey Fago, and his wife, social media posts show. They also attended a 2020 election night watch party at the White House and that years Christmas party. She also reportedly played a role in the saga of Ashley Bidens diary, found at a house in Delray Beach, Florida, that the former presidents daughter had been renting in the run-up to the 2020 election. The diary was apparently shown to Trump campaign officials at Fagos home before being flagged to Project Veritas by Stephanie Walczak, her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a subsequent probe during the Biden administration, investigators obtained a search warrant related to a Project Veritas official who sought information about potential co-conspirators, including communications with Fago and her daughter, among others. After Trump re-entered the White House earlier this year, the Justice Department announced it was closing the investigation into the diary. Fago, her daughter, nor anyone at Project Veritas were ever charged. Donald Trump's members-only Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, where Elizabeth Fago attended a MAGA Inc. fundraiser (Getty Images) In seeking clemency for Walczak, the application for a presidential pardon claimed his prosecution arose because he was the son of a prominent Trump supporter and cited the pardon issued to Hunter Biden by his father in the final days of his presidency. Biden said in a statement at the time that Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While waiting for word on the pardon of her own son by Trump, Fago attended the fundraiser dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Although it was billed as having a $1 million price tag, it is unclear whether she donated to MAGA Inc., the political action committee sponsoring the event. The amount was far larger than any of her previous donations to political causes of Trumps campaigns, and the group has until July to disclose any information on donors. After his pardon came through, a social media post shows the family celebrating with Walczak wearing a red, Trump-style hat with Make Paul Great Again written across the front. Donald Trump pardoned a former nursing home executive who pleaded guilty to tax evasion, weeks after his socialite mother attended a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago where attendees had to pay $1 million each, The New York Times reported today. Paul Walczak, who was convicted of not paying more than $10.9 million in taxes to fund his lavish lifestyle, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $4.4 million in restitution last month. He submitted an application for a pardon around Election Day, having pleaded guilty in November 2024. He had not had any success with his application, even as Trump pardoned other MAGA supporters. Then, Walczaks mother, Elizabeth Fago, was invited to a candlelight fundraising dinner at Mar-a-Lago. According to the invitation, Trump appeared as a guest speaker at the event. The event was hosted by MAGA Inc., a super PAC that can raise unlimited funds for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than three weeks after the dinner, Trump pardoned Walczak. Walczak noted in his initial pardon application that his mother has raised millions of dollars for Trump and other Republicans, arguing that his prosecution was related more to Fagos politics than to his tax evasion. The application also argued that Donald Trump Jr. and other allies supported Walczaks pardon, and even outlined how Fago was part of the effort to publicize Joe Bidens daughters diary in order to help Trumps electoral chances, according to the Times. Fago, who hosted at least three Trump campaign fundraisers, also attended VIP events at Trumps 2017 and 2025 inaugurations. In 2020, Trump attempted to appoint her to the National Cancer Advisory Board. According to prosecutors, her son, Walczak, withheld $10.9 million from the paychecks of his employees at nursing homes in South Florida for Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes. He used the money to buy a $2 million yacht, travel, and shop at upscale stores. A White House official told The New York Times that Walczak was targeted by the Biden administration over his familys conservative politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walczaks pardon is merely the latest example of the Trump administration pardoning or ending cases against his supporters. On Monday, Trump pardoned a MAGA former sheriff who was convicted for bribery after giving civilians police badges in exchange for thousands of dollars. He has also pardoned loyalist Michele Fiore, a loyalist Las Vegas city councilor who was convicted of wire fraud after using funds to honor a deceased police officer on plastic surgery, as well about 1,500 defendants who took part in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, including violent offenders. 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. CULPEPER COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) President Donald Trump announced he would be issuing a pardon to former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins, who was facing a decade in prison for a federal bribery scheme. The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) said Jenkins accepted over $75,000 in cash payments in exchange for appointing numerous Northern Virginia businessmen as auxiliary deputy sheriffs within his department. Jenkins told DC News Now in a statement today that he thanks God and President Trump and people like Ed Martin who were willing to look at his case and appreciates them being gracious and kind in granting the pardon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former Culpeper County sheriff sentenced to 10 years in prison on federal bribery charges He was sentenced in March to 10 years in federal prison following his conviction for the multi-year scheme. In a post on his social media platform, Trump said Jenkins and his family have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ. This Sheriff is a victim of an overzealous Biden Department of Justice, and doesnt deserve to spend a single day in jail. He is a wonderful person, Trump wrote, in part. This is why I, as President of the United States, see fit to end his unfair sentence, and grant Sheriff Jenkins a FULL and Unconditional Pardon. He will NOT be going to jail tomorrow, but instead will have a wonderful and productive life, his post continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans honor fallen at Vietnam Veterans War Memorial One Culpeper neighbor who spoke to DC News Now off-camera said he thinks the pardon is a good move, while others said they were not shocked to hear about the Presidents latest move. Who should be surprised at anything he does? This is him. This is what he does. In the climate we live in now, Donald Trump can pardon anybody he wants, said neighbor Charlie Begley, a longtime resident of the area. Jenkins was first elected sheriff in 2011 and won election twice before he was defeated in 2023, according to the Associated Press. He ran as a Republican and an independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Virginia which initially prosecuted the case declined to comment on the pardon 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Azerbaijan pulls back curtain on its banking sector performance As of April 30, 2025, Azerbaijan's banking sector was bustling with 22 banks, boasting 494 branches, 87 offices, and a whopping 3,311 ATMs, making it a real hive of activity. The sector saw a 0.7% uptick in employment, bringing the total to a round number of 25,939 employees. The banks' total assets hit the jackpot at 54.6 billion manat ($32.2 billion), while their liabilities were no small potatoes at 47.6 billion manat ($28.1 billion), leaving equity to stand tall at 6.98 billion manat ($4.1 billion). Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register President Donald Trump has pardoned a sheriff from Virginia who happens to be a stalwart MAGA supporter after his conviction of accepting more than $75,000 in bribes. Trump announced the pardon in a Truth Social post on Monday. He declared that former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins would receive a "full and unconditional" pardon in the Memorial Day social media missive. Jenkins was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after he was convicted of conspiracy, honest services fraud, and bribery last December, according to the Daily Beast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president used some familiar terminology to describe Jenkins' experience with the U.S. justice system. Trump claimed the bribed sheriff had been "dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden Department of Justice. This Sheriff is a victim of an overzealous Biden Department of Justice, and doesnt deserve to spend a single day in jail, Trump wrote. He is a wonderful person, who was persecuted by the Radical Left monsters, and left for dead. Former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins. Jenkins received a pardon from President Donald Trump on Sunday after he was convicted for accepting more than $75,000 in bribes. Trump hailed him as a wonderful person (Culpeper Sheriff's Office) The president said instead of sitting in a cell, Jenkins will instead have a "wonderful and productive life." Prior to losing an election in 2023 for the sheriffs job, Jenkins had been Culpeper County's top law enforcement officer for more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That long career fell apart after the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia brought allegations against Jenkins accusing him of taking tens of thousands of dollars worth of bribes in exchange for appointing businessmen from Northern Virginia as auxiliary sheriffs. The businessmen reportedly weren't interested in enforcing the law, but rather skirting traffic tickets and carrying concealed guns without the need for a permit, according to prosecutors. Officials said that none of the men who paid for the positions were trained for the roles, or vetted, and none ever rendered any kind of law enforcement service to the sheriff's department. We hold our elected law enforcement officials to a higher standard of conduct, and this case proves that when those officials use their authority for unjust personal enrichment, the Department of Justice will hold them accountable, Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary Lee said in March after Jenkins' conviction. Jenkins has connections to the MAGA world through the Claremont Institute, a far-right think tank where he was one of eight sheriffs selected as fellows. The institute's membership includes a number of former Trump officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, Jenkins insisted if he could talk to someone in the Trump administration, he could get help in his case. "I truly believe if I could get an hour of time with someone in the administration, and lay out some facts with my attorney it could spare him prison, Jenkins said during a webinar hosted by the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. "I believe wholeheartedly in the president. I believe if he heard the information, I know he would help if he knew my story." It appears he was right. President Donald Trump pardoned reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion in 2022 and have been serving prison sentences. The stars of Chrisley Knows Best were originally sentenced to 12 and seven years in prison, respectively. The news was announced on X by Margo Martin, a special assistant to the president and communications advisor with a video of Trump calling the couples daughter Savannah with the good news. BREAKING! President Trump calls @_ItsSavannah_ to inform her that he will be granting full pardons to her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley! Trump Knows Best! pic.twitter.com/j5WPMOOQ7L Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 27, 2025 Martin captioned the clip, Trump Knows Best! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality TV star and his second wife were sentenced in June 2022. The couples 15-year fraud spree consisted of the use of fake paperwork that gained them $30 million in bank loans. The couple then defaulted on more than $20 million in debt when Todd declared bankruptcy in 2012. They also hid large amounts of money earned from their show from the IRS. Michael Todd Chrisley, who goes by the name Todd, began his career in real estate flipping houses through his firm Chrisley Asset Management. In 2014, USA launched Chrisley Knows Best. It ran through March 2023, ending shortly after Todd reported to Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola Florida to begin serving his 12-year-sentence. The series and its Growing Up Chrisley spinoff, which focused on their children Savannah and Chase, were both canceled. Earlier this week, Lifetime announced that a new, still-untitled spinoff would follow Chase and Savannah, as well as their 19-year-old brother Grayson, 12-year-old Chloe and Nanny Faye Chrisley as they navigate life after Julie and Todds prison sentence. It is expected to air later this year. Savannah also hosts the podcast Unlocked With Savannah Chrisley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julie Chrisley, meanwhile, had been serving her sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington Kentucky. The post Trump Pardons Reality Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley After Tax Evasion and Fraud Conviction appeared first on TheWrap. President Trump is instructing federal agencies to identify and sever remaining contracts with Harvard University, further tightening the screws in the fight with the Ivy League institution. The letter from the General Services Administration (GSA) asks all federal agencies to help in a review to terminate or transition federal government contracts with Harvard and its affiliates. A copy of the letter was shared with The Hill by a source familiar with the matter. The letter accuses Harvard of engaging in racial discrimination, justifying the termination of contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As relevant here, GSA understands that Harvard continues to engage in race discrimination, including in its admissions process and in other areas of student life, the letter states, pointing to statistics on Harvards enrollment. It also accused Harvard of discrimination in its hiring and promotion and of anti-Semitic actions, an apparent reference to pro-Palestinian protests. Harvards ongoing inaction in the face of repeated and severe harassment and targeting of its students has at times grounded day-to-day campus operations to a halt, deprived Jewish students of learning and research opportunities to which they are entitled, and profoundly alarmed the general public, it stated. Josh Gruenbaum, the commissioner of the GSAs Federal Acquisition Service, signed the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We recommend that your agency terminate for convenience each contract that it determines has failed to meet its standards, and transition to a new vendor those contracts that could be better serviced by an alternative counterparty, Gruenbaum wrote. Going forward, we also encourage your agency to seek alternative vendors for future services where you had previously considered Harvard, he added. The Hill has reached out to Harvard for comment. The development marks a continuation of the administrations war with the elite school. The federal government has terminated nearly $3 billion in grants to Harvard, saying the school has not done enough to combat antisemitism on campus and race discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also comes after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered Harvards Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification to be revoked last week, therefore preventing the school from enrolling international students. Harvard sued the Trump administration in response. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs temporarily blocked the Homeland Security action Friday. Trump wrote Monday that he is considering taking $3 billion of grant money from the Ivy League school and giving it to trade schools around the country. In the Oval Office Friday, the president said, Harvards going to have to change its ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard became the primary target of the administration after it refused to bow to demands to change its hiring and admissions policies, as well as eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs on campus. University President Alan Garber warned the funding cuts to Harvard will have devastating effects to the entire country, stifling medical and technological advances. Indiscriminately slashing medical, scientific, and technological research undermines the nations ability to save American lives, foster American success, and maintain Americas position as a global leader in innovation, Garber said. While Harvard has been on the front line of the higher education fight, Trump has made clear these are also warning shots for other universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were taking a look at a lot of things, he said when asked if he was also considering taking away the ability of other schools to accept foreign students. Updated at 9:56 a.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. Donald Trump has a five-step plan to keep Republican control of the House of Representatives in 2026, as part of a desperate bid to stave off yet another impeachment inquiry, Axios reported Tuesday. There is no shortage of potential subjects for an impeachment inquiry. Trump has openly profited from his seat, and helped his allies get rich toowhether by manipulating the market or by turning administration officials into salespeople. Not to mention, he claims to have accepted a massive gift from a foreign government, likely violating the U.S. Constitution. Suffice it to say, Trump needs to keep the Democrats out of power. Trump knows the stakes firsthand. He saw what can happen. Its clear he doesnt want that again, Matt Gorman, a top official for House Republicans campaign arm in the 2018 midterms, told Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigations, impeachmenthe knows its all on the table with a Speaker [Hakeem] Jeffries. In an effort to maintain a GOP-led House, the president will try to prevent lawmakers from leaving their seats, either to retire or to run for another office. Any defections could hurt the partys chances of retaining the seats and cost millions of dollarswhich could hurt them come the next general election. Earlier this month, Trump endorsed New York Representative Mike Lawler to keep his seat, despite the congressmans ambitions to run for governor. Last week, during a contentious meeting with Republicans to secure the passage of the presidents big beautiful bill, Lawler had fought to restore state and local tax, or SALT, deductionsin part, to boost his viability as a candidate statewidebut failed. Trump told him to forget the SALT, warning, I know your district better than you do. If you lose because of SALT, you were going to lose anyway. The Trump team is already concerned over the defections of Michigan Representative John James, who has opted to run for governor, and Kentucky Representative Andy Barr, who is leaving his seat to run for Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that same vein, an essential part of Trumps plan involves shutting down primary challenges. If the president endorses vulnerable Republicans in the early stages of their races, it could potentially ward off challengers. Over the weekend, Trump made posts endorsing New York Representative Andrew Garbarino and Montana Representative Troy Downing. Although Downing handily defeated his Democratic challenger, hed also had to defeat eight Republican challengers in the primary. The next two steps of Trumps plan are to raise big and spend big. The president has proven to be the GOPs most effective fundraiser, raising more than $35 million for the cowardly National Republican Congressional Committee at a dinner in April. More events like these are sure to fill the partys coffers ahead of the midterm elections. Additionally, Trumps political operation already has about half a million dollars ready to spend on future elections, and has launched a massive ad campaign backing the presidents tax plan, which will cost an estimated $5.3 trillion over the next decade. Finally, the president will get hands-on with his recruitment. Gorman explained that the president would act as a closer, bringing in candidates to run in swing districts. The Trump administration is directing agencies to consider ending or transitioning about $100 million worth of contracts with Harvard University, effectively severing the remainder of the federal governments financial relationship with the university after months of threatening funding cuts worth billions. In a letter on Tuesday, the administrations General Services Administration recommended that agencies review existing contracts and avoid making new deals with Harvard. The message, obtained by The Independent, accuses the university of a deeply troubling pattern of potential discriminatory hiring, tolerating antisemitism, and continuing to use race-based affirmative action in admissions, despite the Supreme Court striking the practice down in a 2023 ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As evidence, the letter points to the addition of a remedial math class for incoming freshmen, claiming the course is among the direct results of employment discriminatory factors, instead of merit, in admissions decisions. (After the 2023 ruling, Black enrollment at Harvard declined from 18 to 14 percent.) The contract review applies to about 30 deals, and critical contracts might not immediately be terminated but rather transitioned elsewhere at an appropriate time, a government official familiar with the letter told The Independent. Latest funding threat follows months of frozen contracts and legal wrangling (REUTERS) The Independent has contacted Harvard for comment. The funding review comes after months of tension between the university and the administration, with the White House accusing the Ivy League school of violating civil rights law over its handling of campus antisemitism and pro-Palestine protests, and Harvard arguing the administration is trying to undermine its academic independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, President Trump complained that the university had not provided the government information on foreign students the president said were radicalized lunatics and troublemakers who should not be let back into our Country. In a separate post, Trump said he was considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard and giving it to trade schools. Last week, the administration attempted to block Harvards ability to enroll international students, prompting the university to sue. A judge temporarily reinstated the schools ability to enroll such students, and a hearing is scheduled in the case on Thursday. The administration has also threatened to end Harvards tax-exempt status and has frozen billions in federal funds to the university. Last month, the university sued to restore its funding, rather than agree to a series of sweeping demands from the administration to make changes like cooperating with federal immigration officials, overhauling its admissions policies, and agreeing to a viewpoint diversity audit. Donald Trump has shared his plans to issue full pardons to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were serving years-long prison sentences after being convicted of federal bank fraud and tax evasion charges. Margo Martin, the presidents special assistant and communications adviser, announced the news on Tuesday with a video of Trump on a phone call with Todd and Julies children, Savannah and Grayson Chrisley. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow. Is that OK? Trump can be heard saying to Savannah and Grayson while sitting in the Oval Office. I dont know them, but give them my regards. BREAKING! President Trump calls @_ItsSavannah_ to inform her that he will be granting full pardons to her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley! Trump Knows Best! pic.twitter.com/j5WPMOOQ7L Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 27, 2025 Harrison Fields, the principal deputy press secretary and special assistant to the president, confirmed Trumps plan to pardon the Chrisleys in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. The President is always pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those who have been unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted by an unjust justice system, Fields said. President Trump called Savannah and her brother from the Oval Office to personally inform them that he would be pardoning their parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, whose sentences were far too harsh. Todd and Julie were found guilty on federal charges including bank fraud and tax evasion in June 2022. The couple was later sentenced in November of the same year, with Todd receiving 12 years in prison plus 16 months of probation, while Julie Chrisley got seven years behind bars and 16 months of probation. Both are currently serving their sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savannah took to her Instagram on Tuesday after receiving the call from Trump. The president called me personally as I was walking into Sams Club and notified me that was signing pardon paperwork for both of my parents, she said in the video. So, both my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow and I still dont believe its real. Im freaking out. The fact that the president called me, I will forever be grateful for President Trump, his administration and everyone along the way. The Chrisleys shot to prominence via their USA Network show Chrisley Knows Best, which spotlighted their family and has mostly starred Todd, Julie, their daughter Savannah, their elder son Chase, their youngest son Grayson, and Chloe, the biological daughter of eldest son Kyle, who was adopted in 2016. After her parents went away to serve their time, Savannah gained custody of both Grayson and Chloe. She has notably been fighting tirelessly for a presidential pardon to free her parents, and spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention where she said that due to our public profile and conservative beliefs, they accused my parents of fraud when really we were defrauded by a dishonest business partner. The announcement from the president comes almost a week after Lifetime announced the familys return to reality TV. The Untitled Chrisleys Project will be pulling back the curtain on the Chrisleys unprecedented access to their lives in a deeply personal and dramatic new series. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, both Chase and Savannah are executive producers on the new series that hails from Bunim/Murray, the same entity behind Surviving R. Kelly, The Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Confessions of Octomom. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The U.S. and Russia have agreed to a prisoner swap, according to a top official in Moscow, amid growing public frustration from President Trump toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in Turkey that the two leaders agreed to an exchange of prisoners, according to NBC News. Lavrov praised Trump as a man who wants results, and he claimed the U.S. presidents efforts were being sabotaged by other nations. The foreign minister did not provide specifics on the exchange, and additional details were not immediately available. The White House National Security Council did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement of a potential exchange comes after Trump spent the weekend bashing Putin for his attacks on Ukraine, where the U.S. is attempting to broker a ceasefire. Trump in a social media post Sunday night claimed Putin is going absolutely crazy and said if he did not stop the strikes on Ukraine, it would lead to the downfall of his country. He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers, Trump said. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. The Kremlin responded to his criticism Monday, citing emotional overload at this very important moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 after amassing troops near the border. Trump has pushed for an end to the conflict, alternately expressing frustration with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the inability to end the conflict. If a prisoner swap comes to fruition, it would be the second exchange between the U.S. and Russia since Trump took office. Marc Fogel returned to the United States in February after spending more than three years in prison in Russia as part of a prisoner swap. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A frustrated federal judge accused Donald Trumps administration of manufacturing chaos after the government failed to give a group of deportees due process and violated court orders against removal flights to war-torn South Sudan. District Judge Brian Murphy last week warned that administration officials could face contempt charges after violating his weeks-old court order against summary removals of immigrants without meaningful notice before they are sent to countries where they could face violence or death. He then allowed the government by its own request to hold those deportees overseas, in U.S. custody, while giving them a chance to receive a reasonable fear interview to explain how they would face persecution or torture in South Sudan. They are currently being held on a military base in Djibouti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But government attorneys have now changed their tune, Murphy wrote in a late-night order on Monday. It turns out that having immigration proceedings on another continent is harder and more logistically cumbersome than the administration anticipated, he said. Murphy, who was appointed by Joe Biden, has faced a barrage of attacks from the White House, which labeled him a far-left activist who is trying to protect the violent criminal illegal immigrants. Trump called him absolutely out of control and accused him of hurting our country. Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin and Trump administration officials have blasted Judge Paul Murphy for his court orders revolving around a group of deportees the government is sending to South Sudan (AP) White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller has derided Murphy as a local city judge who is endangering Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. In a Truth Social post on Memorial Day, Trump raged against USA hating judges who suffer from an ideology that is sick and very dangerous for our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully the United States Supreme Court, and other good and compassionate judges throughout the land, will save us from the decisions of the monsters who want our country to go to hell, he wrote in an all-caps message on Monday. During a hearing last week, Murphy found that the government violated a court order that deportees receive notice of their removal in a language they can understand with at least 15 days to challenge it. Instead, deportees were given fewer than 16 hours notice. Defendants have mischaracterized this courts order, while at the same time manufacturing the very chaos they decry, Murphy wrote. By racing to get six class members onto a plane to unstable South Sudan, clearly in breach of the law and this Courts order, Defendants gave this Court no choice but to find that they were in violation of the Preliminary Injunction. Murphy said he restrained himself by not ordering the government to simply return the men so they can receive due process in the United States. Instead, the Court accepted Defendants own suggestion that they be allowed to keep the individuals out of the country and finish their process abroad, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, the Court recognizes that the class members at issue here have criminal histories. But that does not change due process, he wrote. The Court treats its obligation to these principles with the seriousness that anyone committed to the rule of law should understand. The State Department reports South Sudan is plagued by reports of slavery, kidnapping, sexual abuse, torture and extrajudicial killings as UN officials warn of impending civil war (AFP via Getty Images) Murphy denied a request from government attorneys to block his earlier order. In court, government attorneys characterized the administrations failures to comply with his court orders as a big misunderstanding, according to Murphy. From this course of conduct, it is hard to come to any conclusion other than that Defendants invite lack of clarity as a means of evasion, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The class-action case in Murphys court involving several deportees challenging their removal is among several high-profile immigration cases playing out in federal courts across the country. Immigration officials have raced to deport immigrants to El Salvador as well as war-torn African countries including Libya and South Sudan often with little notice or opportunity for a lawyer, raising alarms among judges, attorneys and legal aid groups that the administration is willfully denying due process rights as Trump pushes for sweeping deportations for potentially millions of immigrants. Once upon a time, President Barack Obama was eviscerated for wearing a tan suit. Can you imagine how much more apoplectic Republicans would have been if Obama refused to take his daily intelligence briefing? Susan Rice, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a former National Security Advisor under Obama, certainly can. Rice was incredulous in relaying that Trump has repeatedly said nah, not today, when his intelligence briefers have come to him to discuss secrets that impact the nations security. Its been recently reported, David, that the president of the United States, whos been in office well over 100 days now, has only received the presidential daily briefing - the most important, highly classified, daily intelligence briefing, some 12 times, some 12 days of his 100-plus days in office, Rice said in a recent podcast interview with David Frum, one of former President George W. Bushs speechwriters. What is he doing if hes not reading the PDB? Well, lets see. Trump siccing his Justice Department on law firms that once represented or employed people he doesnt like. Hes trying to bully colleges and universities into dropping diversity, equity and inclusion programs by threatening to snatch their federal funding. Hes imposing gigantic tariffs that have spooked the national economy. Hes patting his defense secretary on the head after the secretary discussed impending military attack operations on the unsecured messaging service Signal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh, and hes looking after his bag. Its always the bag with Trump. Qatar offered him a $400 million airplane he wants U.S. taxpayers to pay $1 billion to retrofit so it could serve as Air Force One, and, instead of telling his benefactors that Congress would have to approve such a gift or that taking the plane would be shockingly and wildly unethical, he expressed shock that anyone would be shocked that hed accept the aircraft. Which, of course, he did. Trump aint too proud to beg, and he aint got time for no stinkin intelligence briefing. Cant have anything get in the way of Fox and Friends. I hate to say this, Rice said, but you could say it about the airplane. You could say it about Signalgate. You could say it about so many different things. But if any other president had refused or opted not to receive the presidential daily briefing from the intelligence community on a regular basis, it would be a huge, huge scandal with massive investigations in Congress and huge speculation that the president is not playing with a full deck. Thats a key part of the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You mean throwing a swank soiree for crypto bros who have put millions into your pocket isnt the job of the president? You mean taking that briefing and learning whether, say, some nefarious group was getting dangerously close to attacking the U.S. or one its allies is more important than eating filet mignon with the bros? Just imagine...imagine what Fox News wouldve looked and sounded like in the early 2010s if Obama did the same thing. Heck, if he did half of the stuff Trump gets away with on the daily. That tan suit reaction wouldve been nothing in comparison. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Trump said he will pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. The Chrisleys were sentenced to a total of 19 years in prison. Their show "Chrisley Knows Best" was canceled after their sentencing. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality TV stars serving time in prison for bank fraud and tax evasion. Margo Martin, Trump's communications aide, posted a video on X on Tuesday showing the president on a call with the Chrisleys' eldest daughter, Savannah Chrisley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow," Trump said from the Oval Office in the video. "I don't know them but give them my regards and I wish them a good life." "I hear they're terrific people, this should not have happened," Trump added. An attorney for the family, Jay Surgent, told Business Insider in a statement that "the Chrisleys have correctly been pardoned by President Trump." Savannah Chrisley shared her excitement on social media, saying she expects her parents to be home by Wednesday or Thursday. "I have shed so many tears," said Savannah Chrisley in a video on her Instagram account. "The president called me personally as I was walking into Sam's Club and notified me that he was signing pardon paperwork for both my parents." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Trump didn't just commute their sentences, he gave them a full unconditional pardon," the 27-year-old said, adding that she will be picking up her parents in a pink MAGA hat. Savannah Chrisley has been an active supporter of Trump and campaigned for the now president during his 2024 presidential campaign, through events like the "Team Trump's Women Tour." Savannah Chrisley had appealed for her parents' pardon while speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention. The Chrisleys were convicted on bank fraud and tax evasion counts in 2022 and sentenced to a combined 19 years in prison, 12 for Todd and seven for Julie. Both have had their expected release dates moved up since reporting to federal prison in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their reality show "Chrisley Knows Best" was canceled following their sentencing, with the final episodes airing in 2023. The White House did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Savannah Chrisley didn't respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider President Donald Trump has reiterated controversial comments made by his cabinet about the needor lack thereoffor a domestic supply chain for shoes and apparel. The presidents short second term has been defined by persistent tariff upheavala shifting strategy that he has said will serve to bring more production back to the U.S., resulting in new jobs and greater self-sufficiency. But as the president was boarding Air Force One in New Jersey on Sunday, he singled out the fashion sectorfootwear and clothingas one the country might do well enough without. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not looking to make sneakers and T-shirts. We want to make military equipment. We want to make big things, he told reporters. Im not looking to make T-shirts, to be honest. Im not looking to make socks. We can do that very well in other locations. The president said the countrys focus should be on chips, computers, tanks and shipsmilitary equipment and technology, rather than soft goods. The commentary on reshoring echoes a recent statement made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who also said that the U.S. doesnt necessarily need a booming textile industry. The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)and its membersreacted swiftly to the assertion, taking issue with the administrations stance that textiles dont represent a critical industry for America, though they serve manifold military and industrial applications in addition to contributing to the consumer products sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. textile industry was proud to make lifesaving PPE during the first Trump Administration in response to Covid. The U.S. proudly makes over 8,000 different products to the U.S. military alone to ensure we do not have to rely on foreign adversaries to make essential products. This is a strategically important, relevant, and key industry, Glas wrote in early May, adding that American makers of man-made fiber, yarns, fabrics, apparel and non-apparel sewn products produced $64 billion in goods last year, exporting $28 billion worth to other countries. More than 30 manufacturing CEOs and cotton farmers wrote their own letter to the Treasury Secretary, telling him that he was mistaken in believing that there isnt a robust supply chain for such products in the U.S. American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) president and CEO Steve Lamar said the administrations trade policieswith tariffs at the centerarent helping domestic producers. We agree that tariffs are not the path to scaling up U.S.-made clothing and shoes. As weve said time and time again, tariffs are not the solution to strengthening or growing the 3.5 million American jobs already supported by the apparel and footwear industry, he said following the presidents weekend comments. Our domestic labor market simply does not have the labor demands to fulfill manufacturing for an industry that touches every American family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With 97 percent of Americans clothes and shoes imported from across the globe, many at high tariff rates, the administration should focus on common sense solutions that can move the needle, he believes. Duties on foreign-made products and inputs end up costing manufacturers that rely on them to create finished goods, he argued. And the consumer ultimately pays the price. There are pressing reasons to bolster the onshoring of certain products, like those to support the armed forces, he said. Lamar pointed to a strengthening of the Berry Amendment, which lays out stipulations for the procurement of military uniforms and certain tactical gear, like boots, as a should-be priority. Leveraging existing policies and practical approaches offer a real opportunity to boost U.S. apparel and footwear manufacturing and ensure that our troops are outfitted with goods that are 100-percent made in America, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Footwear Manufacturing Association (USFMA) recently implored the administration to tighten up the law and to pass the Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act in Congress, which would require that all boots worn by all U.S. military personnel be made in America. If we truly want to support U.S. manufacturersmany of whom have generations of experiencewe should focus on strengthening their capabilities, not burdening them with tariffs, Lamar added. Trump made some headway in smoothing over tensions with trade partners on Sunday. The president agreed to extend a 50 percent tariff deadline on goods from the European Union until July 9 (the date that the deferral of reciprocal tariffs on other trading partners across the globe will expire), presumably to allow for the pursuit of a trade agreement in the interim. I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union, Trump Truthed. Von der Leyen wrote on X that Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively, and that the trade bloc needs the extension to reach a good deal with the U.S. As the first Supreme Court term of Donald Trumps second presidency draws to a close, one particularly alarming throughline has emerged: The courts decision in Trump v. U.S. nearly one year ago has emboldened the president to challenge the limits of judicial authority to their breaking point. The Supreme Courts 63 decision granting Trump sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution looked disastrous from the moment it was released in July 2024. Its impact has only grown more dire since then, as a string of emergency orders and late-night rulings from the court in response to Trumps daily assaults on the Constitution makes plain. At the time, the most immediate consequence of Trump v. U.S. appeared to be its derailment of special counsel Jack Smiths effort to try Trump for his attempted subversion of the 2020 election. And that outcome undoubtedly bolstered Trumps successful campaign to retake the White House by taking a Jan. 6 trial off the table before November 2024. But the more enduring ramifications only became clear after he reentered the White House in January. In the course of effectively exonerating Trump for his misdeeds, the Supreme Court endorsed a corrupt vision of the presidency in which self-dealing, partisan retribution, and abuse of power were reframed as legitimate, even laudable constitutional prerogatives of the chief executive. Trumps second administration has, predictably, embraced this cynical conception of executive authority, with devastating results for democracy and civil liberties. In a matter of months, it has transformed the office of the president into a monarchical perch. Trump himself has weaponized the decision to assert unprecedented control over the government and exact unlawful retribution against its perceived enemies, in ways that even the majority probably did not foreseefrom his successful efforts to bring major law firms under heel to his campaigns against Ivy League schools and student protesters, to his unlawful renditions of undocumented immigrants to a brutal Salvadoran prison under the false pretense that they are part of an invading army. The majority may have also failed to foresee the ways that Trump would use the decision to diminish the courts own power. Having freed the president to burst past existing constitutional restraints, the justices must now try to preserve their own authority from executive encroachment. In case after case since Trumps restoration, the court has tried to have it both ways, reeling in some of his most extreme actionswhile still giving the GOP most of what it wantswithout entirely ceding its own power to tell the president no. And so a malignant dynamic is now unfolding between an imperial court and the president whom it crowned a king above law. The conservative supermajority continues to pursue its own agenda, which includes an aggressive expansion of executive authority. But it is doing so at the worst possible time, when the presidency has been captured by an aspiring authoritarian who defies all constitutional constraints. So the Supreme Court is caught between its own desire to shift the law rightward and its fitful inclination to shoot down Trumps most extreme movesif only to preserve its own power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did we get here? In retrospect, it should have been obvious that Chief Justice John Roberts would leverage the immunity case, Trump v. U.S., to expand presidential power. Roberts has long been a devotee of the unitary executive theory, the notion that Article 2 of the Constitution gives the president almost absolute control over the entire executive branch. A growing mountain of evidence has proved that this theory is rooted in an egregious misreading of history, but the chief justice and his conservative colleagues have kept the faith. And they used Trump v. U.S. to pass off, as settled law, a set of deeply contested claims about near-dictatorial presidential power. At the heart of the ruling, of course, was Roberts infamous declaration that the president may not be prosecuted for his official acts in officethat is, actions within his conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority. This supposed guarantee does not actually appear in the Constitution itself; Roberts largely made it up based on his own beliefs about how the government should operate. He then applied his newfound rule to Trumps indictment, insulating him from charges that allegedly qualify as official acts. In the process, he decreed that a huge swath of Trumps actions after the 2020 electionmany the subject of his second impeachmentwere, in fact, protected by Article 2. As Harvard Laws Jack Goldsmith has detailed, Roberts then went much further: He declared that much of the presidents misconduct was not only immune from prosecution, but also from any kind of regulation or oversight by Congress or the courts. By doing so, the chief justice placed a patina of constitutional legitimacy over Trumps conspiracy to steal the 2020 election, announcing that some of his most notorious abuses of office could not be halted or punished by the other branches, except through impeachment and removal. These novel claims, Goldsmith points out, were not even briefed by the parties or addressed by the lower courts. It appears that the chief justice simply spotted an opportunity to enshrine them into precedent and decided to shoot his shot. This rushed and reckless approach created a roadmap that Trump would easily exploit from the moment he returned to the White House. Consider, for instance, how the ruling analyzes Trumps meddling with the Department of Justice after the 2020 election. It acknowledges that the president and his allies pressed the agency to open criminal investigations into the voting procedures in key swing states that Joe Biden carried. Under this plan, the DOJ would pretend to uncover election fraud in these states, then urge their legislatures to create an alternative slate of electors who would cast their votes for the losing candidate, Trump. When thenacting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen refused to go along with the scheme, Trump threatened to fire him. Smiths indictment zeroed in on this scheme to support his allegation that the president engaged in an unlawful conspiracy to thwart Congress certification of the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Roberts held that Trumps demands for a sham investigation were constitutionally protected. Why? Because, he wrote for the court, the president has exclusive authority over the investigative and prosecutorial functions of the Justice Department and its officials. Roberts then reframed Trumps invidious interference with the DOJ as a permissible exercise of executive authority. This kind of decisionmaking, he insisted, is the special province of the executive branch, and the president himself holds all executive power. He therefore holds exclusive authority and absolute discretion to decide which crimes to investigate and prosecute, including with respect to allegations of election crime. He may also discuss potential investigations and prosecutions with subordinatesa euphemism for conspiring with loyalists to overturn the election. And he must have unrestricted power to remove the most important of his subordinates for refusing to obey his will, no matter how corrupt or outright criminal. It is unclear whether, when writing these passages, the chief justice realized he was blessing a shocking expansion of presidential power. The Justice Department has long operated with a substantial degree of independence from the White House to ensure that it wields its immense power free from partisan interference. President Richard Nixon notoriously breached this wall during Watergate, prompting both Congress and the DOJ itself to enact reforms that would insulate federal law enforcement from direct presidential control. Yet in Trump v. U.S., Roberts spurned the very principle of DOJ independence as an affront to the Constitution. Georgetown Laws Marty Lederman promptly flagged that holding as a profound shift in the law, one that will be weaponized by executive branch lawyers and officials for time immemorial. He also noted that this new rule is not limited to the Justice Department, but seemingly applies to all federal agencies, many of which have their own law enforcement operations. Roberts essentially decreed that Congress may no longer bar the president from corrupting these agencies by instructing them to open fraudulent investigations and lie to the public. That is, Lederman warned, an extraordinarily radical propositiona loaded gun that an unscrupulous president could easily brandish to shoot down the rule of law. Which is exactly what Trump is now doing. Central to his consolidation of power since Jan. 20 has been his assertion of total control over the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and other federal law enforcement agencies. And he has used this control to further his own campaign of retribution. Trump has, for example, ordered the DOJ to launch criminal probes into two first-term officials who publicly criticized him. (One targets offense: Acknowledging that the 2020 election was free and fair.) Trump has issued a slate of executive orders against law firms that have hired or represented people he dislikes, instructing his administration to investigate and penalize them. He has unlawfully retaliated against news organizations whose speech he disapproves of. He has directed his administration to investigate and potentially punish universities that he views as overly liberal. And he has empowered his subordinates to imprison and attempt to deport student protesters on the basis of their protected free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been able to do all this because he has torn down the traditional buffer between the White House and the Justice Departmentwith the eager assistance of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who views herself as the presidents personal lawyer. So, too, do Trumps rotating cast of interim U.S. attorneys, including Ed Martin and Alina Habba, who believe its their job to carry out the presidents wishes by using the vast powers of their offices to target his political enemies and exonerate his friends. And why shouldnt they? True, decades of institutional norms counsel against such interference on the grounds that the Justice Department serves the law, not the president. But the Supreme Court has now dismissed those customs as an encroachment upon executive power. It was inevitable that Trump would interpret its decision as permission to transform the Justice Department into an arm of his authoritarian project. Nor does any of this stop at the Justice Department. Roberts endorsement of presidential removal power in Trump v. U.S. constituted, in Ledermans words, a stealth overruling of a Supreme Court precedent upholding congressional restraints on the firing of law enforcement officials. One week into his second term, Trump exercised this power to illegally fire 17 inspectors general, violating congressional restrictions on the removal of these independent watchdogs. The move hobbled internal checks against fraud and abuse across agencies. But the courts did not stop itafter all, inspectors general perform law enforcement duties, a responsibility that SCOTUS pronounced to be the special province of the president. Trump and his allies have also asserted a broader and unprecedented right to purge much of the civil service, including prosecutors who worked on Jan. 6 cases. Trumps DOJ threatened to clear out a U.S. attorneys office until it could find someone who would corruptly suspend the prosecution of New York Mayor Eric Adams for purely political reasons. Look closely, and you can see Trump v. U.S.s impact all across the government. The presidents ability to suspend the TikTok ban, a ban that the Supreme Court unanimously upheld, derives from the chief justices declaration that the president alone can enforce, or not enforce, federal law. Trumps top advisers are repurposing the Trump v. U.S. ruling to justify impounding, or refusing to spend, billions of dollars appropriated by Congresssomething Congress has expressly prohibited. The governments unlawful efforts to summarily deport migrants to a Salvadoran prison is also tied to the ruling: The Justice Department has proclaimed that, as president, Trump has inherent constitutional authority to deport immigrants without due process. For support, it has cited a passage in Trump v. U.S. granting the president expansive power over matters related to terrorism and immigration. The administration argues that this language, alongside Roberts other proclamations of executive control, prevents Congress and the courts from interfering with his mass deportation plans. For Trump, the ruling is the gift that keeps on giving. But how does the Supreme Court feel about all this? Goldsmith is likely correct that the majority did not think through all the implications of its decision for a second Trump term. (Partly, it may have been a matter of haste; the court rushed out the monumental ruling in barely two months.) Roberts and his conservative colleagues also may not, for example, mind the firings of executive branch officials, since beefing up that power has been part of the conservative project for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SCOTUS, though, has blocked a number of moves that Trump undertook based, at least in part, on his administrations interpretation of Trump v. U.S. The court forced the Department of State to pay out $2 billion in foreign aid that the government tried to impound. It ordered the government to attempt to retrieve a migrant who was mistakenly deported (a ruling the executive branch continues to defy). It halted the late-night removal of Venezuelan migrants then ruled that their due process rights had been violated. Roberts himself has rebuked Trumps call for the impeachment of judges who rule against him. Yet this pushback is intermittent and often half-hearted, reflecting an ambivalent attitude to the precedent-shattering president. Although the court did ultimately protect Venezuelan migrants from summary deportations, it first gave the administration a technical victory lifting a restraining order that had halted their removal. Its decision in favor of the wrongly deported migrant also struck a pose of compromise, deferring to the executive branchs primacy over foreign affairscreating a loophole that the government has used to disregard its order. The court seems unlikely to uphold Trumps assault on birthright citizenship, but may split the baby by rolling back the nationwide injunctions that are the sole thing keeping the policy on hold. And while just last week it blessed his firings of independent agency heads, it tried to preemptively carve out an exception to its ruling that prohibits him from taking over the Federal Reserve, clearly an area of special concern to the court. The majority seems at once delighted that Trump is creating opportunities to shift the law rightward yet distraught that he sometimes pushes to the point of encroaching on the courts own power. Its solution, for now, is to continually stake out middle ground when conflicts between the two branches agendas arise. By doing so, the court is all but encouraging the administration to test, if not blow past, the limits of its own decisions. It has repeatedly endorsed the presidents interpretation of Trump v. U.S. as a near-boundless grant of executive authority. No one should be surprised when Trump concludes that the bounds of his power extend well beyond the Supreme Courts own rulings. There is a deep irony at the root of this emerging conflict. No institution played a bigger role in handing Trump the power he is now abusing than the Supreme Court itself. Now, after paving his path back to the White House and dismantling limitations on his power, SCOTUS appears increasingly uncomfortable with how he is using his authority. Its concerns may arise in no small part from the fear that the Trump administration is sapping the judiciary of its strength, defying courts orders, and treating their decisions as advisory at best. Some of the conservative justices may be perturbed that the White House is effectively demoting the judiciary from a co-equal branch of government to a bothersome layer of bureaucracy that can be overridden or ignored. If so, the blame for surrendering the courts legitimate claim to equal authority falls squarely on the courts own shoulders. President Donald Trump continued attacking his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, over Memorial Day weekend. The president shared a Truth Social post from a MAGA loyalist who wrote that Democrats "stole the 2020 election and hijacked the country using a decrepit corpse as a frontman." The post came just hours after Trump used his own Memorial Day post to take aim at the Biden administration, and days after Biden announced his stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Donald Trump's attacks on Joe Biden continued over Memorial Day weekend as the president reposted a spiteful threat on his social media account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On his Truth Social page on Monday, May 26, Trump reshared a text post from a user known as DC Draino, a right-wing content creator who was recently included in one of the Trump White House's MAGA-only press briefings. "They stole the 2020 election and hijacked the country using a decrepit corpse as a frontman," the post stated, repeating unfounded conspiracy theories about the Biden administration and the Democratic Party. "They used an autopen to start wars, steal from our treasury, and pardon their friends." It concluded, "Arrest those responsible and charge them with TREASON." The repost came just hours after Trump, 78, wrote his own Memorial Day message on Truth Social, where he did not pay tribute to U.S. veterans or praise active service members, but instead attacked Biden, 82, without addressing him by name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL, INCLUDING THE SCUM THAT SPENT THE LAST FOUR YEARS TRYING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY THROUGH WARPED RADICAL LEFT MINDS, Trump wrote on Truth Social early Monday morning. The president went on to claim in all-caps that the Biden administration allowed millions of immigrants to "illegally enter our country, many of them being criminals and the mentally insane." CBS via Getty Donald Trump ; Joe Biden. Donald Trump ; Joe Biden. And in the post, Trump also leveled blame for his current U.S. immigration concerns on "an incompetent president" and "judges who are on a mission to keep murderers, drug dealers, rapists, gang members and released prisoners from all over the world in our country so they can rob, murder and rape again." Trump then wrote, "HOPEFULLY THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT, AND OTHER GOOD AND COMPASSIONATE JUDGES THROUGHOUT THE LAND, WILL SAVE US FROM THE DECISIONS OF THE MONSTERS WHO WANT OUR COUNTRY TO GO TO HELL. BUT FEAR NOT, WE HAVE MADE GREAT PROGRESS OVER THE LAST 4 MONTHS, AND AMERICA WILL SOON BE SAFE AND GREAT AGAIN!" CHIP SOMODEVILLA/POOL/AFP via Getty Joe Biden greets Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025 Joe Biden greets Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025 Biden made a rare appearance with family over the holiday weekend, just one week after announcing that he's been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone," Biden's office shared in a statement on May 18. "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians." 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. Hours after Bidens diagnosis was shared, President Trump reacted to the news on social media. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump wished Biden a "successful recovery." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis," Trump wrote. "We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery." Read the original article on People You wont believe thisor actually, perhaps you willbut now the Republicans are investigating the autopen. The House Oversight Committee, led by that sea-green incorruptible James Comer, is preparing to subpoena some top Biden administration officials to get to the bottom of this scandal, which Donald Trump has been braying about for months. Comer, youll recall, had spent 20 million taxpayer dollars investigating the Biden Crime Family by last summer and turned up nothing, which naturally never stopped him from going on Fox News to announce that a new devastating revelation was just around the corner. Remember the name Devon Archer? He was a Hunter Biden business associate who testified before the committee behind closed doors. He told the committee he knew of no bribery allegations involving Joe or Hunter Biden and would be shocked if such stories were true. Comer immediately went on Hannity to say: Every day this bribery scandal becomes more credible. And by the waythe Biden Crime Family investigation is ongoing! The new investigation into Joe Bidens autopen usage is not being driven by whether its constitutional for a president to employ an autopen to sign legally binding documents. Nearly every constitutional scholar in the country agrees that it is. Rather, the point is to prove well its kind of hard to say. Joe Bidens mental acuity will hardly be an issue at the top of voters minds come 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, someone elses mental acuity might be. We got a little taste of Trumps mental state Saturday when he told the graduating class at West Point to avoid trophy wives. It was no more bizarre than most Trump speeches, I suppose, but the solemnity of the setting made it seem more so, along with the fact that Trump broke custom and did not shake the hand of every graduate. (Imagine how Fox would have covered it if Kamala Harris were president and had done that.) MSNBC host Lawrence ODonnell has been more direct than most lately in speculating about Trumps mental state. He charged recently that Trumps infamous answer of I dont know when asked on Meet the Press whether he needed to uphold the Constitution could be a sign of mental illness, or it could be a sign of early-stage dementia in a 78-year-old man. Pugilistic Trump spokesman Stephen Cheung fired back by accusing ODonnell of having Trump Derangement Syndrome and boasting that Trump aced his cognitive test. He may be referring to something more recent, but the most famous test Trump took was way back in 2018, when he sat for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, on which he boasted he got a perfect score. I found a sample of the test online. It asks the person to draw a 3-D cube. That might be tricky for someexcept that a drawing of a 3-D cube is right there; all the test-taker has to do is copy it. It asks the person to draw a clock with the time showing 10 minutes after 11. It shows drawings of a lion, a rhinoceros, and a camel and asks the person to name them. It asks the person to count backward from 100 by sevens down to 65. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are not the LSATs, in other words. I wont speculate about Trumps mental health. Theres no need to speculate. He shows us every day that hes not a very smart man, and he brags about it. He genuinely thinks tariffs will produce enough revenue to eliminate the income tax. Thats about as dumb a thing as Ive ever heard any elected official say. Theres a trope working its way across Facebook that Ive seen on the pages of some old high school friends who are MAGA. It says something like: If Donald Trump is so dumb, how did he get elected president twice, outwit the deep state, and so on and so on. The answer is simple. He lies all the time, and he had and has thousands of important people lying and covering for him. Fox News hosts. The Charlie Kirk and Ben Shapiro types. Aileen Cannon, notably. Nearly every Republican officeholder, either by commission or omission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the simplest lesson for America of the Trump years: Lying works. And I dont mean lying in private. You lie to your spouse or child or sibling or friend, youre probably going to get caught; and because you have a conscience, you will fess up and you will be humiliated and will have to perform penance to win back the persons trust. But public lying? That works reliably in this countryand with this political pressas long as you stick to it, never give an inch, and then turn around and call your accusers liars. That helps too. Its called DARVOdeny, attack, reverse victim and offenderand its Trumps one neat trick for political survival. Comer, in his odd way, is proof of this. Hes bumbled his way through these investigations telling lie after lie and blooper after blooper. But by cracky, hes still the chairman of the powerful House Oversight Committee. He still directs the spending of taxpayer money on these mad chases, he still has subpoena power, and we all still have to take him seriously, even though he flaunts his unseriousness on the national stage every single day. Comer hasnt bagged any quarry. But that isnt really the point. The points are three: first, to do whatever Donald Trump wants him to do; second, to keep the focus on Bidens mental condition so as to deflect attention away from similar questions about Trump; and third and mainly, to keep the base in a state of agitation about the latest Democrat conspiracy. The Biden autopen is the new but her emails. And when it runs its course, theyll find a new new pseudo-scandal to pursue. I suppose we can take comfort in the fact that they keep getting dumber. President Trump is threatening to revoke California's federal funding over a transgender athlete in the state. Republican strategist Susan Del Percio and Michael Hardaway, former Communications Director and Spokesman for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, join Ana Cabrera to weigh in on Trump's reaction and to discuss the future of the Democratic party. Kazakhstan, China move toward deeper nuclear energy collaboration Photo: Atomic and Energy Supervision and Control Committee of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstan and China held talks on cooperation in building a nuclear power plant, developing the nuclear fuel cycle, and enhancing scientific and technical infrastructure. Kazakhstan expressed interest in learning from Chinas experience in nuclear safety and environmental protection. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register President Trump on Tuesday threatened to cut federal funding to California if the state continues allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports. Trump blasted Gov. Gavin Newsom in an early morning post on Truth Social, saying the state under his leadership "continues to ILLEGALLY allow MEN TO PLAY IN WOMENS SPORTS." "I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go???" Trump said of Newsom. "In the meantime I am ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals. This is a totally ridiculous situation!!!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president's post seemed to reference A.B. Hernandez, a Jurupa Valley High School junior who won the girls' long jump and triple jump during the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Masters Meet over the weekend. Read more: California legislative committee rejects limits on trans athletes The California Interscholastic Federation which oversees sports at more than 1,500 high schools on Tuesday announced it would implement a new process this year to allow more student-athletes to participate in the CIF State Track and Field Championships. Under the new process, the CIF said any biological female student-athlete who would have qualified in a competition where a transgender athlete got the top spot will be allowed to participate in the championship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law and Education Code," CIF wrote in a statement. Hernandez has been a frequent target of critics who claim transgender athletes should be barred from competing in female sports, because they have an inherent advantage and pose privacy concerns in locker rooms. In February, Trump signed an executive order titled Keeping Men Out of Womens Sports, which gave federal agencies the ability to penalize schools for allowing transgender athletes to compete something the Trump administration says violates Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sexual discrimination. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education opened an investigation into the CIF explicitly threatening California funding, but had not yet cut off those dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California is the second state to enter Trump's crosshairs over the issue. Last month, the president began the process of stripping Maine of federal education dollars. The dispute immediately landed in court, where it remains. Similar to Maine, California education code ensures equal rights and opportunities for every student and prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. While Newsom has yet to respond publicly to Trump's post, the governor recently called it "deeply unfair" for trans athletes to compete in women's sports. Read more: Newsom says trans athletes' participation in women's sports is 'deeply unfair' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked in April if California should restrict transgender athletes from competing in womens sports, the governor said he was open to discussion. "Youre talking about a very small number of people, a very small number of athletes, and my responsibility is to address the pressing issues of our time," said Newsom, who also commented that the conversation had been weaponized by conservatives. In recent weeks, some anti-trans activists have arrived at track meets to protest Hernandez's presence, and have even confronted Hernandez's mother for allowing her child to compete. "CIF incorrectly believes that it has no choice but to permit males to compete in female categories because of existing California law," said Erin Friday, an attorney who advocates for keeping transgender athletes out of girls' sports. "But what the CIF is missing is that it is required to comply with federal law ... The trans-identified males should not be permitted to compete in the female categories at all." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the political fervor, track meets have gone on without much fanfare, said Kanan Durham, executive director of Pride at the Pier, a nonprofit advocacy group. "This is not a priority to most people who are there to support their kids," Durham said. "It is manufactured outrage. The average American isn't worried about teenagers playing sports they're worried about losing their Medicaid and Medicare coverage. It's a distraction from the real issues hurting Americans. If 10% of the money poured into bullying marginalized kids was put into solving poverty we'd be a different country." A.B. Hernandez did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Tuesday. On April 8, A.B. Hernandez spoke during a Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District board meeting where some trustees had sought to ban transgender athletes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The girls on my team all love me and support me," Hernandez told the board. "They've told me over and over again that they want me on this team." Her mother, Nereyda Hernandez, criticized the adults who she said have doxxed and harassed her daughter in a post on Instagram this month. "Let me be very clear: My child trains very hard, dreams just as big and shows the same determination, grit and heart as any other athlete," she wrote. "Her identity doesnt give her an advantage; it gives her courage. It takes immense bravery to show up, compete, and be visible in a world that often questions your very right to exist, let alone to participate." This isn't the first time Trump has threatened to cut federal aid for California over gender policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an April letter to Newsom, the Trump-appointed head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture conditioned its aid to abiding by Trump directives and cited a federal investigation into a state law that prohibits schools from automatically notifying families about student gender-identity changes and shields teachers from retaliation for supporting transgender student rights. California also joined other states that month when it defied a Trump administration order to certify that the states 1,000 school districts had terminated all diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The order threatened the loss of billions of dollars in education funding if the state failed to comply. One uncertainty in Trump's latest social media post was whether he was referring to education funding alone or all forms of federal support. California has long sent more federal tax revenue to Washington than it receives in federal support, according to Newsom. Regardless, the funding that California relies on is significant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it's difficult to calculate the total dollar amount of federal education aid, some tallies have placed the annual figure at $16.3 billion or about $2,750 per K-12 student. That money includes funding for school meals, students with disabilities and early education Head Start programs. The state also receives more than $2.1 billion in Title I grants to counteract the effects of poverty more than any other state with about $417 million provided to Los Angeles Unified, according to the California Department of Education. 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. President Donald Trump recently inexplicably warned graduating cadets in a commencement address at the United States Military Academy at West Point about trophy wives a term that is toxic and misogynistic, one gender studies expert said. While delivering his speech on Saturday, Trump spent some time sharing a story about late real estate developer William Levitt, who is widely considered to be the pioneer of the suburbs. The president described the developer, whose legacy includes his policy to only sell properties to white buyers, as a great, great real estate man who at some point lost his momentum. As Trump began to reference Levitts eventual career downfall, he mentioned the developers marital history, noting that Levitt sold his company and then had nothing to do before he got divorced and then found a new wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Could you say a trophy wife? I guess we could say a trophy wife, Trump said about Levitts second marriage. It didnt work out too well. But it doesnt work out too well, I must tell you. A lot of trophy wives, it doesnt work out. But it made him happy for a little while at least. But he found a new wife. Levitt was married three times just like Trump. And the presidents scandal-ridden history as a husband does not fit traditional or conventional views of a devoted family man. HuffPost is committed to fearlessly covering the Trump administration. Click here to support our mission and become a member today. Trump then went on and talked about Levitt later feeling bored with life, before the developer eventually lost a lot of momentum in his career and lost everything. He ended the tangent about Levitt by speaking directly to the cadets seemingly as a way to impart wisdom saying: You got to have momentum, but you have to know [when] that momentum is gone. You have to know when to say its time to get out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term trophy wives, which Trump used in his speech, is widely credited to Julie Connelly, an editor of Fortune Magazine. She used the term in an article in 1989 to describe a trophy wife as a woman who works hard or has her own business. The phrase has held different meanings, uses and interpretations over the years, and today, most people use it as a way to label an attractive woman whos married to a man whos very successful in his career. Kari J. Winter, a professor of American studies at the University at Buffalo, said the term succinctly captures a toxic set of misogynistic ideas. It implies that financially successful men deserve to acquire beautiful, sexy wives in the same way that they can purchase expensive cars, watches and other commodities, she said. It demeans women by reducing their value to patriarchal beauty standards, as if success for a woman means becoming a desirable object for a wealthy man. Gross. Winter, whose expertise includes gender, feminism, race and class, told HuffPost that she believes Trumps word salad about trophy wives offers his personal experience as evidence for his assertion that a lot of trophy wives, it doesnt work out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe the message West Point graduates should take away is this: Reject Trumps misogynistic pursuit of serial trophy wives, she continued. Pursue genuine, egalitarian relationships based on mutual respect and love if you want your personal life to work out well. Trumps speech at West Point may be viewed as a window into his state of mind, Winter said. Listeners need to be wary of imposing a coherent meaning on a nonsensical ramble, Winter told HuffPost. It might be more illuminating to view the speech as a window into Trumps state of mind. Is he telling himself, You have to sometimes know when youve lost momentum? Aside from Trumps mention of the misogynistic idea of a trophy wife, Winter thinks that Trumps speech and his rant about Levitt are overall embarrassing for the United States. She pointed out that the purpose of commencement speeches is to acknowledge and honor the accomplishments of the graduates, and to offer words of wisdom and encouragement not asides about trophy wives or losing momentum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that Trumps apparent implication that having a trophy wife helped lead to Levitt losing his momentum was one of the many incoherent passages in his speech. And the presidents choice, overall, to highlight Levitt, who died in 1994, was strange. It calls attention to Trumps advanced age and the way he is stuck in the past, she said. As a teacher, I interact with hundreds of young people every year, and none of them dream of living in all-white, covenant-restricted, car-dependent suburbia any more than they want to live in apartheid South Africa, Winter said. After all, affordable housing is one of the most urgent issues in the United States and around the world, she continued, before later adding, Why is it that Trump keeps returning to the worst design ideas of the 20th century? Related... US President Donald Trump doubled down on his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, accusing him of "playing with fire." "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. The US president levelled unusually harsh criticism against Putin at the weekend after Moscow launched another large-scale drone attack against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're in the middle of talking and he's shooting rockets into Kiev and other cities. I don't like it at all. And I'm surprised. I'm very surprised," Trump told reporters on Sunday. When asked, he said he was "absolutely" considering further sanctions on Russia. He followed up his comments with a post on Truth Social: "I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!" Since taking office in January, Trump has presented himself as a mediator for a peaceful solution to the war. He has also clearly distanced himself from his predecessor Joe Biden's policy of supporting Ukraine. Russia dismissed Trump's criticism of Putin as an overreaction. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the US president's comments were down to "emotional overload" amid uncertainty over the status of negotiations. Trumps message to Netanyahu was that this is not the time to escalate the situation while he is trying to resolve the issues. US President Donald Trump warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against taking steps that could harm nuclear deal negotiations between the US and Iran in a phone call last week, a senior White House official and another source familiar with the details said on Tuesday. Trumps message to Netanyahu was that this is not the time to escalate the situation while he is trying to resolve the issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and other senior US officials have expressed increasing concern in private talks that Netanyahu might order a military strike on Irans nuclear facilities or take other actions that could sabotage diplomatic efforts, said the senior White House official. Last week, Walla reported that Israel is preparing for the possibility of a rapid strike on Irans nuclear facilities if negotiations between Iran and the US fail in the coming weeks. In Israel, it is estimated that the window of opportunity for a successful strike might close soon. Netanyahus close associate, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, arrived in Washington on Monday together with Mossad chief David Barnea. The two met with Vice President JD Vance, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and other senior American officials to discuss the negotiations with Iran. The call between Trump and Netanyahu took place last Thursday, following a shooting attack in Washington in which two Israeli embassy staff were killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the senior White House official, Trump told Netanyahu that he wants to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran and does not want anything to interfere with that. The official said Trumps message to Netanyahu was that this is not the time to escalate the situation while he is trying to resolve the issues. Trump emphasized to Netanyahu that the second option is still on the table, but he prefers to first see if a diplomatic solution can be reached. The senior White House official added that during the call, President Trump encouraged Netanyahu to act cautiously. Channel 12 reported on Monday that the call between Trump and Netanyahu was tense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said at a press conference last Thursday that Trump clearly explained to Netanyahu that he wants to see a deal with Iran. He does not want to take the harder, more negative option. He wants to see a deal. The President is a dealmaker and strongly believes in diplomacy and he made that clear to the prime minister, Lewitt said. Kristi Noem's Jerusalem visit Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem met with Netanyahu on Sunday in Jerusalem and again conveyed Trumps message about the need to avoid steps that would sabotage talks with Iran, according to an Israeli official. Noem told Fox News on Monday that she had an open and direct conversation with Netanyahu and conveyed Trumps message regarding the need to stay united and let this process move forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to her, the negotiation process with Iran will not drag on for weeks or months, and Trump will make a decision within days. An Israeli source said Noem told Netanyahu: Give us a week. I spoke with the prime minister and asked him to work with President Trump to ensure we make wise decisions together. He wants Benjamin Netanyahu and himself to be on the same page, Noem said. The Prime Ministers Office declined to comment White House envoy Steve Witkoff met on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Rome for the fifth round of nuclear talks. On Sunday, Trump said that there had been real progress in the negotiations and added that there will be good news on this matter later in the week. Donald Trump has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is playing with fire following a barrage of Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine. The U.S. president also suggested Russia has avoided really bad things thanks to him. What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes playing with fire! "What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. Hes playing with fire!" President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/2YjbtyYiwK The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 27, 2025 During his campaign, Trump promised to end the war within 24 hours after his return to the White House and repeatedly claimed that Russias invasion never would have happened had he been in office at the time. But more than three months after his inauguration, with no ceasefire yet in sight, Trump is increasingly critical of his Russian counterpart and has threatened to impose severe sanctions after a relentless string of attacks. Nothing sadder than a tough guy who needs to remind you hes tough, right after admitting to shielding Russia, wrote former Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who was a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is publicly admitting to acting exactly as an agent of influence of Russia would be expected to act, said Phillips OBrien, a professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. The president is also feeling pressure to be harder on Russia, which he really doesnt want to do, he wrote. When will those REALLY BAD things finally start happening to Russia? wrote Olena Halushka with the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory. We cant wait. Russian state-controlled media outlet RT appeared to mock Trumps statement, saying the presidents post leaves little room for misinterpretation, until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning. Trump is dialing up criticism of Putin while admitting really bad things would have happened to Russia if it werent for him (Getty Images) The presidents latest comments follow recent criticism against his Russian counterpart after three massive drone and missile attacks against civilian targets across Ukraine, including what Ukraine has called the largest attack yet since the start of Russias assault more than three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wouldnt call it frustration, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said of Trumps latest remarks on Tuesday. It was the statement of a man who has led the effort for peace in so many regions, making it clear and being completely transparent about what has transpired, she told reporters. Trump has many tools to end the carnage, and Russia should take Trumps comments seriously, said Bruce. After spending a bulk of his second administration thus far falsely blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the war, Trumps recent rhetoric has gestured towards threats and outright condemnation of Putin. Just last week, the president praised a call with Putin as excellent in tone and spirit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Sunday, he unleashed a tirade against the Russian leader, who he has called a friend, saying he has gone absolutely CRAZY with the latest attacks. Something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! Putin is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers, Trump wrote Sunday. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. The Kremlin shrugged off the presidents remarks, saying in response that everyone involved is guilty of emotional overload while thanking Trump for his efforts to broker peace which Russia is routinely rejecting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky urged Trump to apply real pressure against Putin. Putin shows just how much he despises the world the world that spends more effort on dialogue with him than on real pressure, Zelensky wrote on Monday. The increase in Russian strikes should be met with increased sanctions, he added. Russias disregard for diplomacy and refusal even to consider a ceasefire must be met with a freeze on Russian finances and a halt to its oil trade. A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. Off The Charts Crazy Ill catch you up on the rest of the news from over the long weekend in a moment, but first I wanted to give you just a taste of the level of insanity that the Justice Department and the FBI have already descended to four months into Trumps second term. We were steeled for the retributive attacks on the Trump and Jan. 6 prosecutions, but what is also beginning to emerge is a three-prong revisionist attack on the rule of law that attempts to target: (i) other past prosecutions of right-wing extremists; (ii) public corruption convictions of every style and flavor; and (iii) other MAGA hobby horses and conspiracy theories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A quick rundown of the latest extreme developments: In a social media post on Memorial Day, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced the bureau is either re-opening or giving new resources and attention to: the 2023 discovery of cocaine in the Biden White House; the 2022 leak of the Supreme Courts draft Dobbs decision; and the Jan. 5-6, 2021 Capitol pipe bombs outside the two party HQs. (Astute readers will note that those last two probes arent necessarily going to yield right-wing friendly storylines.) In a recent podcast, senior Trump DOJ official Ed Martin, who is now the U.S. pardon attorney, said that he is going to take a hard look at pardoning two men convicted in the 2020 conspiracy to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D). In my opinion these are victims just like January 6, Martin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the same vein, Martin trumpeted the Memorial Day pardon of a Virginia sheriff convicted of federal bribery charges who was set to report to jail today. In a measure of the madness, Martin reposted celebratory tweets from notorious Trump pardon recipients Roger Stone and Mike Flynn. Recall that Martin is also serving as the chieftain of the DOJ Weaponization Working Group, which makes this rah-rah tweet about the sheriffs pardon particularly revealing about the weaponization that is really going on: No MAGA left behind. Ed Martin (@EagleEdMartin) May 26, 2025 Still Reeling Over SCOTUS Decimating Indy Agencies Kate Shaw: The court may believe that it retains the ultimate authority to check presidential lawlessness, even as it signs off on the elimination of many other constraints on presidential power. The danger is that by the time the court tries to exercise that authority, it may be too late. Steve Vladeck: And if the unitary executive theory is subject to exceptions for contexts in which the practical consequences of eliminating an agencys independence would be too extreme, then its not much of a theory. Rather, its just a balancing testfor those agencies that are too important to be subject to direct, partisan political control and those that arent. Conceding that point would suggest that agency independence is not presumptively unconstitutional; and that one must do more than just wave their hands at the unitary executive theory to explain why dozens of statutes Congress has enacted over more than a century protecting different agencies and officers from direct presidential control are unconstitutional. Even Willing Courts Can Only Do So Much WSJ: Judges Weigh Taking Control of Their Own Security Amid Threats Charlie Savage: Judges Keep Calling Trumps Actions Illegal, but Undoing Them Is Hard Sam Bagenstos: In many of the cases in which Trump has acted unlawfully, there is no single, discrete decision that demonstrates the violation. Rather, the violation emerges from a very large series of decisions mass firings of employees, mass terminations of grants, widespread failures to spend appropriated money. The administration may say that each of these decisions was made on its own merits, but the fact that the government made the same decision over and over belies that assertion; the mass decision-making itself demonstrates that the administration was unlawfully refusing to carry out the programs created and funded by Congress. Jenner & Block Prevails In EO Fight U.S. District Judge John Bates of Washington, D.C. offered a rousing defense of the First Amendment in knocking down the Trump executive order targeting Jenner & Block. Schadenfreude Alert Some of the big law firms who struck deals with President Trump are now being inundated with pro bono requests from MAGA world, the NYT reports. Latest Updates In The Major Immigration Cases Boston, Part I : In a closely watched case, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy on Friday ordered the Trump administration to arrange the return of a gay Guatemalan man who was deported to Mexico without notice or hearing. Boston, Part II : In the fight over the deportation flight to South Sudan, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy issued a scathing rebuke Monday of the Trump administration for asking him to reconsider and pause his order requiring due process for the deportees (emphasis his): [T]he Court accepted Defendants own suggestion that they be allowed to keep the individuals out of the country and finish their process abroad. Texas: After the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued an administrative stay that shielded the Trump administration from answering tough questions from a federal judge in an Alien Enemies Act case, the family of the Venezuelan man who brought the lawsuit voluntarily dismissed it for reasons that remain unclear. Trumps Attack On Higher Ed: Harvard Edition In Trumps latest attack, a draft letter obtained by the NYT shows the administration is set to cancel all remaining federal funding for Harvard. This comes after a federal judge on Friday immediately blocked the administrations attempt to ban international students at the university, part of a larger dispute over unprecedented demands by the government for data on international students. Texas Follows Floridas Lead On Higher Ed The Texas Legislature has taken another step closer to bringing higher education in the state more firmly under partisan political control. Trump Attacks: Public Broadcasting Edition Breaking NPR sued President Trump this morning over his executive order purporting to block federal funding for public broadcasting. The executive producer of the PBS series American Masters insisted on removing a scene critical of President Trump from a documentary about the comic artist Art Spiegelman two weeks before it was set to air, the NYT reports. All The Best People The Pentagon has promoted Kingsley Wilson to press secretary despite her history of antisemitic comments, the Jewish Insider reports. Good Catch USA Today: President Donald Trump used the presidential seal at his multi-million-dollar dinner with crypto investors despite the White House saying it was a private rather than official event, according to a social media post from a Chinese billionaire who attended the event. A Coda To Jan. 6 A bronze plaque intended to honor law enforcement who defended the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack is instead gathering dust in a Capitol basement utility room. Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in future negotiations with the European Union over trade tariffs. "I have just been informed that the EU has called to quickly establish meeting dates," he wrote on his online platform, Truth Social, on Tuesday. "This is a positive event." He would unilaterally "set a deal" if the negotiators are "unable to make a deal, or are treated unfairly," Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Trump threatened the EU with punitive tariffs of 50% from June 1, only to postpone them soon afterwards. Both sides now want to find a solution by July 9, when Trump's tariff suspension expires. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X at the weekend after a phone call with Trump that "Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively." President Donald Trumps speech at the graduation of the class of 2025 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point included segments that were clearly scripted and portions that were obviously not. During the unscripted portions, Trump, who wore a bright red Make America Great Again campaign hat during his entire appearance on May 24, 2025, delivered remarks that hit many of his frequent partisan political talking points. That included attacking presidential predecessors Barack Obama and Joe Biden, describing immigrants to the U.S. as criminals and trumpeting other policy accomplishments in his first and second terms. That level of partisanship in a military setting on the campus of the nations first military academy, and before an audience of cadets and their families, many of whom are veterans is unusual in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Conversation U.S. has published several articles discussing the importance to democracy of keeping the military and partisan politics separate. Here are two highlights from that coverage. 1. Cadets focus on the Constitution During the West Point ceremony, the graduates themselves took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And all of them had studied the significance of that oath, including in classes like those taught by Joseph G. Amoroso and Lee Robinson, active-duty Army officers who graduated from West Point and later served as professors there. As Amoroso and Robinson wrote, those classes teach cadets that, like all military personnel, they serve the Constitution and the American people, not a particular person or political party: (O)ur oath forms the basis of a nonpartisan ethic. In the U.S., unlike in many other countries, the oath implies military leaders should be trusted for their expertise and judgment, not for their loyalty to an individual or political party. We emphasize to cadets the rules and professional expectations associated with this profound responsibility. Read more: Military personnel swear allegiance to the Constitution and serve the American people not one leader or party 2. A tradition of nonpartisanship Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Samuel C. Mahaney, who teaches history, national security and constitutional law at Missouri University of Science and Technology, observed: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (S)ince the days of George Washington, the military has been dedicated to serving the nation, not a specific person or political agenda. (N)onpartisanship is central to the militarys primary mission of defending the country. Mahaney wrote that if Trumps actions during his second term meant a change from the centuries of precedent, military personnel at all levels would face a crucial question: Would they stand up for the militarys independent role in maintaining the integrity and stability of American democracy or follow the presidents orders even if those orders crossed a line that made them illegal or unconstitutional? Read more: Trump's firings of military leaders pose a crucial question to service members of all ranks This story was updated to highlight two articles from The Conversations archives. After months of work on Trump's spending bill, House Republicans passed the legislative package titled the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" on May 22, 2025. The next day, claims that the budget included a provision that, if the bill were to pass in the Senate, would legally eliminate U.S. courts' ability to enforce contempt charges against government officials began to spread across multiple platforms (archived, archived, archived, archived). One post (archived) on Facebook that users shared more than 31,000 times, as of this writing, claimed: A small addition to the budget bill House GOPers are pushing upends the traditional balance of power by forbidding courts to charge Trump and other government officials with contempt for defying court orders. The bill also blocks court-ordered national injunctions to prevent potential illegal acts posing imminent harm. With the SCOTUS ruling giving Trump immunity, this small part of the bill completes his quest to become America's first dictator. The section of the budget these posts reference does exist. However, the posts fail to capture certain nuances in the potential impacts of the provision. In reality, the provision will likely not "forbid" courts from charging Trump and other government officials with contempt for defying court orders, but it would make it more difficult for them to do so. Details of the provision Buried in the bill on Page 544 of the budget, the provision reads: SEC. 70302. RESTRICTION ON ENFORCEMENT. No court of the United States may enforce a contempt citation for failure to comply with an injunction or temporary restraining order if no security was given when the injunction or order was issued pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c), whether issued prior to, on, or subsequent to the date of enactment of this section. https://media.snopes.com/2025/05/trumps_budget_page_544.pdf Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the provision does not necessarily corroborate the claim in its entirety, it would significantly limit courts' ability to check executive power. Most recently, the Trump administration has dismissed judges' orders in several deportation cases, including an order to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man the administration mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March 2025. Jeff Feldman, a professor at the University of Washington School of Law, wrote via email: "That language, on its face, would not eliminate the court's ability to enforce contempt charges against the government. It would make it much more difficult, though." He also noted that he had not reviewed the entirety of the legislation (which is more than 1,000 pages long), and there could be language or other provisions within the bill that impact the meaning or provide context for the language of the provision in question. Feldman elaborated: While the language in the bill does not eliminate the court's ability to enforce contempt charges against the government, by conditioning contempt power on the requirement that security have been posted, the language makes it much more difficult to obtain an enforceable injunction and, likewise, makes it much less likely that a government agency or individual will be found to be in contempt for failing to comply with the terms of an injunction. In other words, according to the language in the bill, if the government fails to comply with an injunction a court order requiring a person to do or cease doing a specific action U.S. courts (including the U.S. Supreme Court) do not have the right to enforce a contempt citation the consequence for an act of disobedience or disrespect toward the judicial branch unless the plaintiffs have paid security (most commonly a bond). Without paying a bond, plaintiffs would not have access to federal courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These rules are already in place for non-government plaintiffs according to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c), which reads, "The court may issue a preliminary injunction or a temporary restraining order only if the movant gives security in an amount that the court considers proper to pay the costs and damages sustained by any party found to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained," but also notes, "The United States, its officers, and its agencies are not required to give security." How the provision would interfere with courts obtaining an injunction There are several reasons the budget bill's provision would make it difficult, and in many cases impossible, for courts to obtain an injunction, according to Feldman: First, the government is not a private business or individual who could suffer economically if issued an injunction; this is the purpose of plaintiffs providing security. Injunctions do not pose the same risk to government agencies or individuals and the government will not "go out of business" as a result of an injunction. Second, because the government is not a business or individual, it would be very difficult for courts to determine the amount of required security. Lastly, individuals and groups suing the government do not have access to the kind of money that the government is likely to argue is necessary to protect the government during the injunction period, nor would individuals or groups likely have access to the substantial assets required to obtain a bond as security. Democratic members of Congress argue the provision is not budget-related and therefore unlikely to make it past the Senate's "Byrd Rule," which is a guideline in place to keep nonfiscal matters out of budget proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defiance toward federal courts is also highly unpopular with the American public. A recent Pew Research poll found that nearly 78% of Americans say "the administration has to follow the court's ruling and stop its action" if a federal court rules that an action by the Trump administration is illegal. In sum, the provision social media posts referenced in regard to balance of power between the Trump administration and federal courts is a real part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," although it does not explicitly say it would "forbid" courts to charge Trump and other government officials with contempt for defying court orders. The bill would, however, make the process more difficult because the provision would require plaintiffs to post an undetermined amount of money for a U.S. court to enforce a contempt citation, while the U.S. government has access to offensive and defensive resources otherwise unavailable to the general public. Sources: Beshay. 'Views of How the Trump Administration Governs'. Pew Research Center, 23 Apr. 2025, https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/04/23/views-of-how-the-trump-administration-governs/. 'Ensuring the Enforcement of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c)'. The White House, 11 Mar. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/ensuring-the-enforcement-of-federal-rule-of-civil-procedure-65c/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement '"Hidden" Provision in Trump's Big Bill Could Disarm US Supreme Court'. Newsweek, 22 May 2025, https://www.newsweek.com/hidden-provision-trump-bill-court-2075769. 'Injunction'. LII / Legal Information Institute, https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/injunction. Accessed 27 May 2025. Justice Manual | 752. General Definition of Contempt | United States Department of Justice. 19 Feb. 2015, https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-752-general-definition-contempt. Musgrave, Shawn. 'GOP Budget Would Make It Even Harder to Hold Trump Administration in Contempt'. The Intercept, 24 May 2025, https://theintercept.com/2025/05/24/republican-budget-contempt-of-court-trump/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News, A. B. C. 'Trump's Clash with the Courts Raises Prospect of Showdown over Separation of Powers'. ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/trumps-clash-courts-raises-prospect-showdown-separation-powers-121922106. Accessed 27 May 2025. '"One Big Beautiful Bill Act"'. https://rules.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/rules.house.gov/files/documents/rcp_119-3_final.pdf. 'Rule 65. Injunctions and Restraining Orders'. LII / Legal Information Institute, https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp/rule_65. Accessed 27 May 2025. 'Trump's Big Tax Bill Has Passed the House. Here's What's inside It'. AP News, 22 May 2025, https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-breaks-bill-medicaid-80b5781377bcd0870a1dccb3c7b8dc05. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan finalize agreement on Issyk-Kul resorts and land On May 27, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a law ratifying agreements with Kazakhstan concerning resort facilities and land leases in the Issyk-Kul region. These agreements, based on protocols signed in December 2024, grant Kazakhstan usage rights to several recreational sites and lease 34.2 hectares for tourism development. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register President Donald Trump's executive order targeting Big Law firm WilmerHale was ruled unconstitutional. In his ruling, District Judge Richard Leon said the EO was a form of "coercion" against the firm. Three different judges have ruled that Trump's orders against Big Law firms are illegal. A district court judge declared President Donald Trump's executive order targeting the Big Law firm WilmerHale unconstitutional. In his ruling, federal Judge Richard Leon of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, said the executive order against WilmerHale was a form of "coercion" against the firm to "suppress WilmerHale's representation of disfavored causes and clients." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have concluded that this Order must be struck down in its entirety as unconstitutional," Leon wrote. "Indeed, to rule otherwise would be unfaithful to the judgment and vision of the Founding Fathers!" The decision marks the third straight victory for law firms suing the Trump administration over the executive orders targeting them. Judges have also blocked executive orders targeting Perkins Coie and Jenner & Block. A final decision for Susman Godfrey, the fourth and most recent firm to sue the administration, remains pending, although a judge has already placed a restraining order preventing the implementation of Trump's order. Earlier in May, WilmerHale's attorneys said the Trump administration suspended the security clearances of two of its lawyers. Judge Leon's order on Tuesday requires government agencies to "immediately take any and all steps necessary to nullify and reverse any implementation" of Trump's order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Court's decision to permanently block the unlawful executive order in its entirety strongly affirms our foundational constitutional rights and those of our clients," a spokesperson for WilmerHale told Business Insider. "We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients." Harrison Fields, principal deputy press secretary, told Business Insider in a statement that the White House opposes Judge Leon's ruling. "The decision to grant any individual access to this nation's secrets is a sensitive judgment call entrusted to the President," Fields said. "Weighing these factors and implementing such decisions are core executive powers, and reviewing the President's clearance decisions falls well outside the judiciary's authority." The federal government can appeal Judge Leon's decision, in which case the proceedings will be heard in the court of appeals. Any subsequent appeal would be heard by the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fields did not immediately respond to Business Insider when asked if the government would appeal Judge Leon's decision. In the now-blocked executive order, Trump specifically singled out attorney Aaron Zebley, a WilmerHale employee who served as a top aide in Robert Mueller's special counsel's office, which investigated Trump's ties to Russia in 2016. The order described WilmerHale's decision to hire Zebley after his participation in the federal probe as "weaponization of the justice system." WilmerHale hired the superstar conservative lawyer Paul Clement to defend the firm in its suit against the Trump administration. In his ruling, Judge Leon wrote that it is "obvious" that enforcing Trump's order against WilmerHale would be "contrary to the public interest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The WilmerHale Order violates the separation of powers by attempting to usurp the Judiciary's authority to resolve cases and sanction abuses of the judicial process," Jude Leon wrote. "'A scheme so inconsistent with accepted separation-of-powers principles' must fall." Read the original article on Business Insider "We must maintain law and order at the highest level, or we will cease to have a country, 100 percent," said Donald Trump, then a candidate for president, at a 2016 rally in Virginia Beach. "We will cease to have a country. I am the law and order candidate." It's a theme that would continue for nearly a decade, up to the present day. "We have to get law and order back," he said in April 2024, during his third campaign for the presidency. "We have to bring law and order back to our cities, back to our country, and we're doing it," he told a crowd in August of that same year. "But when I get back into the Oval Office," he said the following month, "the madness ends, and the law and order is going to return to our country." If the full, unconditional pardon now-President Trump recently gave to disgraced ex-Sheriff Scott Jenkins is any indication, then the madness unfortunately has not ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenkins, formerly of the Culpeper County Sheriff's Office, was convicted last year of accepting over $75,000 in cash bribes from several businessmen in exchange for Jenkins appointing them as auxiliary deputy sheriffs, a sworn law enforcement position. He did not train or vet them; for their money, Jenkins gave the bribers badges and credentials, which recipients used in interesting ways, like to get out of traffic tickets and obtain other special privileges. "Sheriff Scott Jenkins, his wife Patricia, and their family have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ," Trump posted on TruthSocial in announcing the pardon. He added that Jenkins allegedly wanted to offer additional evidence in his defense during trial, but the judge "refused to allow it, shut him down, and then went on a tirade." The Office of the Pardon Attorney did not respond to a request for comment clarifying what that was, but a judge improperly blocking exculpatory evidence is an issue for an appeal, not a pardon. In any case, the evidence against Jenkins was, by every measure, overwhelming. Rick Rahim, a convicted felon, testified that he bribed Jenkins with $25,000 in cash and an additional loan (which was never repaid) so he could be sworn in as an auxiliary deputy. One video shows Jenkins accepting a $5,000 check from a businessman and then adding, "I'm going to make it official with a badge." Another photo presented at trial shows Jenkins holding a gift bag; a recording caught businessman Kevin Rychlik, an associate of Jenkins, saying, "You have cash from him in the bag." Two undercover law enforcement officers also testified that Jenkins accepted bribes from them in exchange for being deputized. A jury in December found Jenkins guilty on 12 counts: one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest services fraud, and seven counts of bribery. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To argue that a pardon here is in service of "law and order"as opposed to a rejection of itis to pervert the meaning of that term at a fundamental level. Law and order is vital to a functioning society. If it stands for anything, it cannot exempt the very people who are charged with its application. If the rule of law only applies to the little guy, then it isn't worth much. "With great power comes no responsibility" is not a phrase that has gained much traction throughout the ages for its wisdom. So why pardon Jenkins, particularly when considering the stated justificationthat he couldn't offer a certain piece of evidence in his defensestrains credulity? "No MAGA left behind," Pardon Attorney Ed Martin, whose nomination for U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia recently failed to attract enough support in the Senate, said Monday on X. "Thank you, @potus Trump, for pardoning Sheriff Jenkins!" In a recent conversation on The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie, New York University law professor Rachel Barkow, who is an expert on the pardon power, told me that it is "only as good as the people who exercise it." Former President Joe Biden's pardons for his extended family, Anthony Fauci, and others received a great deal of criticismincluding in Reason and from mefor undermining the rule of law. That remains true. And it underscores the fact that Trump cannot distinguish himself from his predecessor here, after making clear that someone responsible for enforcing the law may be free to violate it, so long as he is in the president's good graces. The post Trump's Pardon for Former Virginia Sheriff Who Exchanged Badges for Cash Makes a Mockery of 'Law and Order' appeared first on Reason.com. On Friday, President Donald Trump issued four executive orders aimed at bolstering nuclear power production by addressing supply chain constraints, reforming advanced reactor testing at federal research facilities, and increasing nuclear reactor use on military bases. One of the most substantive orders calls for a "wholesale revision" of regulations governing nuclear power. Specifically, it directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish guidelines that would issue final decisions on all new construction and operation applications within 18 monthsa process that currently takes years. Under the order, the NRC will work with the Department of Government Efficiency and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to draft these rules, which are due next year. Under an executive order issued in February, executive and independent agencies are required to submit draft and final rules to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (an office within the OMB) for review and approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This added layer of federal scrutiny could end up slowing down reactor approvals and make the NRC less efficient. It could also run contrary to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which established the NRC and its guidelines. "The NRC is designed to be an independent agency," Adam Stein, director of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Program at the Breakthrough Institute, tells Reason. "The President has control by appointing Commissioners and has the authority to remove Commissioners for cause." However, the Atomic Energy Act says that the commission shall execute the provisions of the law, "not the Commissioners in conjunction with other parts of the Executive branch," he says. Congress has also begun to address permitting delays at the NRC. In 2024, federal lawmakers passed the ADVANCE Act which, among other things, directs the NRC to establish a quicker permitting process for already-approved technologies (18 months to finish safety evaluations and environmental reviews and 25 months to issue a final decision). The agency is expected to issue these guidelines by September, according to the NRC website. However, the legislation stipulates that these guidelines be enforced to "the maximum extent possible." Jack Spencer, a senior energy researcher at The Heritage Foundation, thinks Trump's order could "bring additional accountability to the process." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Any big bureaucracy is going to be resistant to change," he says. "Legislation that basically puts it in their hands to achieve that reform, I think, will often fall short of the sorts of reform that are possible." Spencer thinks that subjecting the proposed reforms to another set of eyes "that will ask hard questions will be helpful in ensuring that real reform ultimately takes hold." This executive order also directs the NRC to reconsider its radiation standards for nuclear power plants and "adopt science-based radiation limits." Federal radiation regulations mandate nuclear power plants to emit levels of radiation that are "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) and are based on the linear no-threshold model, which assumes that no level of radiation risk is safe to the public. This framework is not scientific (humans are exposed to natural levels of radiation that are higher than those that nuclear power plants emit) and has pushed up costs for power plant operators for no public safety benefit. Spencer argues that fixing this rule is critical for reducing the nuclear industry's regulatory burden. "You can make the NRC the most efficient regulatory agency that has ever existed. And if the basis of its regulatory actions is not grounded in science, then who cares?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That doesn't mean that you're reducing safety standards. It means that you're making safety standards in line with actual risks," he adds. This directive could face legal scrutiny. Stein, who has been critical of these standards, says "safety standards are almost never implemented through executive order. They usually require the agency to review and 'reconsider' if the standards are appropriate." With the NRC recently reaffirming its model for radiation standards in 2021, there "would need to be new scientific evidence to justify a change now that wouldn't be viewed as arbitrary by a court." Instead of rewriting ALARA standards, Stein suggests that the NRC could adopt radiation thresholds at nuclear power facilities that are defined in the Clean Air Act. Spencer recognizes these standards can't be changed through an executive order. "But it gets the conversation going. And it makes it more OK to talk about it, and it subjects the whole issue to daylight and makes people address it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's order also sets a goal to effectively quadruple America's nuclear energy capacity and build 400 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2050. Stein says this goal "can be a helpful signal to the market," but stating a goal does not "will it into existence." Juliann Edwards, chief development officer at The Nuclear Company, a startup aiming to streamline the deployment of nuclear power plants, agrees. "It's obtainable if you have the right leadership and you have the right behaviors and you're removing a lot of bureaucratic, unnecessary red tape, whether that be the federal level or the state level or through some regulatory regime." America's fleet of commercial nuclear power plants, while still safe and effective, is aging. Most of the reactors were built between 1967 and 1990although two came online in 2023 and 2024, seven years delayed and $16 billion over budget. As the U.S. halted its construction, China's has accelerated. From 2014 to April 2024, the nation has added over 34 gigawatts of nuclear capacity to its grid. "Nearly every Chinese nuclear project that has entered service since 2010 has achieved construction in 7 years or less," notes the Breakthrough Institute. China currently has 30 nuclear reactors under construction and is exporting its nuclear energy technology to developing nations. Nearly half of the world's nuclear power plant constructions are happening in China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While several factors have played into America's pivot away from nuclear power, including market structures, state bans on the energy source, and the introduction of cheap natural gas, the impact of federal regulations cannot be overstated. "Without doing a refresh and making sure [that] regulations are still applicable, you can get into a point, which we're seeing now, where it's extremely difficult to even cite and permit a piece of land," says Edwards. In the past 20 years, regulations have become so onerous that it takes five to seven years and close to $1 billion just to permit and cite a plot of land for nuclear energy development, according to Edwards. Streamlining the licensing process isn't a safety hazard but rather "a natural iteration that should be a part of our standard process with regulations." Regulations have long inhibited American nuclear energy. While Trump's order is well-intentioned to fix this issue, it is sure to face legal challengesas many of the president's orders have. Still, the orders may be enough to get a more substantial conversation going. "I think anything that creates pressure toward reform is good," says Spencer. The post Will Trump's Regulatory Reforms Do Enough To Unleash Nuclear Energy? appeared first on Reason.com. Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, shortly after we all together win the presidency, we will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled. It will be settled. The war is going to be settled. Ill get them both. I know Zelenskyy, I know Putin. Itll be done within 24 hours, you watch. Donald Trump, remarks at a campaign rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, July 29, 2023 Well, no. The war rages on. Trumps diplomacy is in shambles, and in an astonishing confession of powerlessness, Trump revealed that he doesnt understand Vladimir Putin at all, even as Putin is making it clear that he absolutely gets Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result is not simply the dramatic failure of Trumps signature foreign policy campaign promise, but a cry of frustration from a man who never, ever admits that hes wrong. For years, Trump has sycophantically fawned over Putin, rationalized his crimes and parroted his talking points. To win the favor of his buddy in the Kremlin, Trump has upended decades of American foreign policy, switching sides in the United Nations to vote with Putin, insulting our NATO allies, while lavishing the Russian thug with praise for his supposed strength and brilliance and downplaying his negative qualities. (When a Fox News anchor noted that Putin was a killer in a 2017 interview, Trump replied: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent?) Trump was so confident in his relationship he imagined it was a friendship that he repeatedly promised that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours. He assumed that Putin would do him a solid. Putin had other ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days after the two men spoke for two hours about a possible ceasefire, Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine. A frustrated Trump posted: Ive always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, Trump posted on Truth Social, But something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY. This, of course, is delusional because Putin has always been like this. A brutal autocrat. A murderer who has been waging a genocidal war against his democratic neighbor. But Trump, who has invested so much in his relationship with Putin, seems shocked, shocked to discover all of this now. He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers, he complained, as if this was not precisely what Putin has been doing for years now. But while he could tolerate the killing, Trump is clearly upset by the humiliation. As Putin escalates his brutal attack on Ukraine, he is not simply defying Trump; he is also repaying years of Trumps sycophantic groveling and appeasement with an unmistakable, deadly middle finger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska noted over the weekend, Putin is making a mockery of Trump, and Trump keeps attacking Zelenskyy. Indeed, this may be the great irony of Trump 2.0. While oligarchs and institutions quail in fear of Trumps wrath and rush to bend the knee, it seems increasingly apparent that the only ones who really, truly understand Trump are Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump may be a bully, but Putin is the uber-bully, and he knows that deep down, Trump is perpetually frightened and needy, easily flattered and even more easily played. Subscribe to the Project 47 newsletter to receive weekly updates on and expert insight into the key issues and figures defining Trumps second term. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Whenever President Trumps tariff fiasco comes to an end, we will turn attention to the lasting impacts. It is not a pretty picture. One of the many contradictory explanations of the Trump tariffs is that this will bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. That is asinine. The dominant effect of the Trump tariffs will be to raise production costs on almost every American manufacturing firm. This includes many that dont even know it yet. One way to predict consequences for factories is to consider how families will adapt. The Yale Budget lab estimates the average family will see costs rise between $1,900 and $7,600 this year, depending on income and consumption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, families will delay some purchases and choose lower-cost substitutes for others. They will shift toward services, which are not subject to a tariff. This will reverse the pandemic-era move toward goods consumption, which benefited domestic manufacturers. I expect a 2-3% decrease in long-term demand for goods. That will be very bad for manufacturing firms. The year of manufacturing layoffs On the production side, American factories will scramble to regain consumer demand. That means cutting costs. Trump hopes that this means onshoring factories. But, why would an American business onshore a factory when the tariffs are likely to disappear, then reappear and disappear, by the end of next week? They wont. The biggest target of cost-cutting will be the American manufacturing workforce. American manufacturing workers are the best in the world, and it isnt even a close call. But a $25-an-hour American worker actually costs the business more like $37 or $38 per hour in labor costs, including health care, FICA taxes and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hicks: Braun cut taxes for businesses, but most Hoosiers will pay more The simplest way to cut supply chain costs, without worrying about Trumps melodramatic decision-making, is to automate. The workforce accounts for about 40% of the cost of production, and theres no presidential whimsy associated with cutting it. Automation happens in fits and starts as technology and borrowing costs change. Labor cost also plays a role, as do import costs, tariffs and taxes. All signs point toward a rush of automation. I once asked a seasoned manufacturing executive how often his business recalculated the decision to fully automate his factory and warehouse. His answer stunned me he said quarterly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We Midwesterners ought to expect this. Americas densest use of robotics is in Toledo, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Louisville the latter mostly on the Indiana side. Last year saw more than 10% growth in robotics. I expect 2025 and 2026 to be the two biggest years in workplace automation in U.S. history. It is worth noting that U.S. manufacturing production peaked in 2024. It will peak again in a few years; well just be doing it with fewer workers. Tariffs will hurt small towns more than cities Of course, there is more than just U.S. tariffs. We are in a trade war with the world, while the rest of the world is just in a trade war with us. Most countries will offer retaliatory tariffs. That is an economic mistake, yet politically useful. As recent elections in Canada and Australia have demonstrated, standing up to Trump brings huge political benefits abroad. Most of our trading partners will suffer a bit of pain to hurt us a little. The U.S. is a huge exporter of services tourism, education, financial services, professional services and movies. These will be targeted by tariffs, as well as boycotts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2018 Trump tariff experience illustrates much of the long-term damages of tariffs. From roughly 1650 until 2017, the U.S. was a net exporter of agricultural goods. Trump ended that in 2018, as China invested in Brazilian soybean farms. We are now a net importer of food. It is not an emergency or national crisis that we import more food than we export. We arent going to starve. But, it demonstrates how shockingly little the Trump administration understands about high school economics. And how little he really cares about the places he claims to care about. Hicks: IEDC needs to get out of the real estate development business We are a resilient nation. Sanity, congressional action and thoughtful diplomacy can restore much of the damage done to our economy. Still, these effects will be felt for decades. On average, we will all be worse off for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effects wont be evenly distributed. The biggest losers in this turmoil will be rural communities and small cities, particularly those with a large share of manufacturing and agricultural production. Importers and exporters will be clobbered, and so will communities that produce energy, particularly oil and coal. Those that will be hurt less are urban places, with large concentrations of knowledge workers in service sectors. That geographic divide will make the lasting impacts of Trump tariffs the biggest electoral self-own in American history. Michael J. Hicks is the director of the Center for Business and Economic Research and the George and Frances Ball distinguished professor of economics in the Miller College of Business at Ball State University. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tariffs are the death of America's manufacturing boom | Opinion You can have your cake and eat it, too. That was the promise of President Donald Trump's "peace through strength" pitch on the campaign trail, promoted most loudly by his former national security adviser Mike Waltz. By looking powerful and fearsome, the United States could get what it wants from its opponents without either costly wars or uncomfortable diplomatic concessions. After all, the Biden administration's combination of moralizing words and military intervention had been the worst of both worlds. And Trump's outside-the-box approach allowed him to snatch some low-hanging fruit that his predecessors failed to. Over the past month, he has freed the last living American hostage from Gaza, cut a deal to get U.S. forces out of Yemen, helped broker an Indian-Pakistani ceasefire, opened negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, and brokered a Russian-Ukrainian prisoner exchange. Trump's tour of the Persian Gulf two weeks ago was supposed to be a victory lap for his diplomatic efforts. The president declared the end of "neocon" meddling and announced the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria, while Arab leaders announced huge new investment deals in the United States. But since then, the Trump administration's efforts to end conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine seem to have stalledand Trump himself is getting frustrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know what the hell happened to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," Trump told reporters on Sunday after Russia launched major air raids on Ukraine, killing 12 people. "I've known him a long time, always gotten along with him but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like it at all." Afterward, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Putin "wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that's proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!" Although Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov shrugged off the comments as "emotional overload," the Trump administration followed up on the comments with a serious escalation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday that the United States and European allies were lifting all restrictions on the range of weapons provided to Ukraine, an option Waltz had been a fan of. Last week, Trump had convinced Russia and Ukraine to enter the first direct talks since the beginning of the war. During the meeting in Turkey, the two sides agreed to trade 1,000 prisoners of war for 1,000 prisoners of warand not much else. Peskov told reporters that further negotiations would be possible only after the two sides "achieve certain results in the form of agreements." The fundamental issue is still the same as it was before Trump came to office: Russia wants to keep the land it seized and neutralize Ukraine as a military threat, while Ukraine wants to get its land back and gain protection against further Russian attacks. Trump reportedly told European leaders that Putin doesn't want to end the war because he believes Russia is winning, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov publicly accused Trump's ceasefire proposal of being a way to buy time in order to "rearm Ukraine in a calm atmosphere." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S.-Iran talks are dragging on with a similarly unclear outcome. At the same press conference where he attacked Putin's air raids, Trump claimed that the two countries concluded "very, very good talks" in Rome on Friday and "I have a feeling I might be telling you something good" over the next few days. But Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who has been mediating the talks, said that the last round was "not conclusive." The U.S. and Iran have publicly incompatible positions on the nuclear issue. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate last Tuesday that Iran can have a civilian nuclear energy program if it gives up on domestic uranium enrichment and imports all of its fuel instead, because "all you need is time" to turn low-enriched fuel into weapons-grade uranium. Iran, on the other hand, sees enrichment as a "source of national pride, our moon shot," and a sovereign right. "Figuring out the path to a deal is not rocket science," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated going into talks. "Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal. Time to decide." More fundamentally, Iran wants to hedge against the possibility that the U.S. will break its side of any deal. In 2015, the Iranian government agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for lifting the U.S. economic embargo, only for Trump to impose "super maximum economic pressure" four years later. In that first deal, Iran had given up concrete concessionsincluding filling a nuclear reactor with cementin exchange for paper guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Trump administration has been repeatedly pulling the rug out from under its own diplomacy. During the last ceasefire in Gaza, the Trump administration offered a ceasefire extension if Hamas were to release Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander. After Hamas offered to release him, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of "making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire," and Israel resumed its war. Hamas eventually did release Alexander on May 12, with the understanding that Israel would end its 10-week blockade of all imports and aid to Gaza. (At least 58 people have died from malnutrition, 242 people have died from shortages of food or medicine, and 300 women have miscarried since the lockdown began, according to the Palestinian health ministry.) Israel and the U.S. have announced a new plan to distribute food to Palestinians in heavily guarded, access-restricted compounds that leaked internal documents warned would be seen as "'concentration camps' with biometrics." Meanwhile, Arab Americans for Trump founder Bishara Bahbah has continued negotiating on Witkoff's behalf for a new ceasefire deal. After Hamas agreed on Monday to Bahbah's proposal for a 70-day temporary ceasefire in exchange for 10 hostages, with a path to fully ending the war, Israeli officials told local media that they would reject the proposal. Witkoff then denounced the ceasefire proposal, which his own deputy had made, in an interview with Axios. "The deal Bahbah reached with Hamas was totally rejected by Israel, and it seems that when Witkoff realized that, he pulled the brakes on it," an Israeli official told Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As with Ukraine and Iran, there is a fundamental disagreement that can't be papered over. Hamas does not want to give up hostages without an end to the war. Israel does not want to end the war short of satisfying vengeance for the October 2023 attacks. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added physically removing the Palestinian population from Gaza as one of his victory conditions. To resolve all these cases, the U.S. would either have to make compromisesgiving concessions on European security, allowing Iranian enrichment, and pressuring Israel to moderate its goalsor escalate further. Both come at a political cost that Trump is so far unwilling to pay. Instead, he's resorted to making vague promises and blaming others when they fall short. "This is [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy's, Putin's, and [former President Joe] Biden's War, not 'Trump's,' I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred," Trump wrote in his Truth Social post on Ukraine. That rhetoric might have cut it on the campaign trail. But now that he's in the White House, Trump owns these conflicts, too. The post Trump's Team Discovers That Diplomacy Is Hard appeared first on Reason.com. Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trumps special envoy for Ukraine, has stated that the United States has received Kyivs list of conditions for ending the war but is still awaiting a response from Moscow. Source: Kellogg on Fox News, as reported by European Pravda Details: Kellogg reported that during a recent conversation between Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, "the Russians said they were going to come up with what they call a memorandum". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Weve got that from the Ukrainian side and now we need to get that from the Russian side," he said, referring to a term sheet outlining the countries positions. He explained that once the United States receives both documents, they will "melt them together". "What does this look like, what is not acceptable and what is acceptable, where can you go to bring it together. Once we do that, once we get their term sheet or memorandum, they will put it together and then there is going to be another meeting," Kellogg elaborated. He also noted that the United States had proposed the Vatican as the venue for the next round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, but "the Russians didnt want to go there". Background: On 16 May, trilateral negotiations involving delegations from Ukraine, the US and Turkiye took place in Istanbul. On the same day, a meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, with Turkiyes participation, marked the first direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow since 2022. Recently, Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv still considers the Vatican a potential venue for negotiations with Russia. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described negotiating in the Vatican as "vulgar". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) This Memorial Day, nonprofit Tunnel to Towers has paid off the mortgages for 25 families of fallen service members. In honor of U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, this Memorial Day, nonprofit Tunnel to Towers announced 25 families of surviving spouses with young children across 18 states, including two in California, had their mortgages paid for by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Trump marks Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the families who received mortgage-free homes this Memorial Day are: Tunnel to Towers highlighted two service members who lost their lives and their stories. United States Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles Paul Nord lost his life on Dec. 5, 2019, following a Blackhawk helicopter crash during a maintenance test, according to the nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memorial Day: Hundreds pay tribute at Miramar National Cemetery Nord left behind his wife, Kaley, who was pregnant with their son, Jack Charles, and their two-year-old daughter, Lydia. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation provided the Nord family with a mortgage-free home through the Gold Star Family Home Program. I am excited to be able to support and raise my children knowing that their father will never be forgottenTo be able to remain in the house that Charles worked countless hours on to finish for our family is priceless, said Kaley. Army Sergeant First Class Travis Tikka enlisted in the Army after high school in 1984, serving his country for 22 years with deployments to the Middle East, Somalia, and Panama. He retired in 2006 and pursued a second career with the Social Security Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tikka was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma due to burn pit exposure during his deployments and passed on Nov. 18, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Sara, and their children, Madyson and Mason. Tunnel to Towers paid off the mortgage on the familys Missoula, Montana home. Three fallen officers being added to wall at San Diego Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony Tunnel to Towers has relieved a huge financial burden Instead of focusing and worrying about finances, I can now focus on what is best for my family emotionally, said Sara Tikka, SFC Tikkas wife. We now have a future that looks a lot less scary. This organization will be with me and my children as we live our lives to the fullest, as Travis had wanted. The community can donate at T2T.org to help support Tunnel to Towers and its mission to support Americas veterans, Gold Star families, and fallen first responder families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday he has appointed a team of legal experts to start working on a new constitution which critics say could allow him to remain in power beyond 2028, when his current term ends. Erdogan, who has led Turkey as president since 2014 and was prime minister for more than a decade before that, has advocated for a new constitution arguing that the current one, which was drafted following a military coup in 1980, is outdated and retains elements of military influence even though it was amended several times. As of yesterday, I have assigned 10 legal experts to begin their work, and with this effort, we will proceed with the preparations for the new constitution, Erdogan told his ruling partys local administrators in a speech. For 23 years, we have repeatedly demonstrated our sincere intention to crown our democracy with a new civilian and libertarian constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the current constitution, Erdogan cannot run again unless early elections are called or the legal framework is changed. Critics see the push for a new constitution as a possible path for re-election, allowing legal changes that would bypass the constitutional term limits. Erdogan, who has grown increasingly authoritarian over the years, has denied seeking a new constitution in order to remain in power, saying last week we want the new constitution not for ourselves, but our country. Erdogans ruling party and its nationalist allies lack the votes needed to usher in a new constitution. Some analysts believe the governments recent effort to end the decades-long conflict with the militant Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, is part of strategy to gain the support of a pro-Kurdish party in parliament for the new charter. The effort to introduce a new constitution comes months after Ekrem Imamoglu, the popular mayor of Istanbul and a key Erdogan rival, was arrested and jailed on corruption charges. His arrest has been widely viewed as politically motivated although the government insists Turkeys judiciary is independent and free of political influence. It triggered widespread demonstrations calling for his release and an end to Turkeys democratic backsliding under Erdogan. Editor's note: The story has been updated with the dates of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's visit to Ukraine. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit Kyiv on May 29-30 after his two-day trip to Moscow, the Turkish media outlet Hurriyet reported on May 28. Fidan is expected to meet Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Turkish official plans to discuss bilateral relations between the states, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, defense, and security, according to Hurriyet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fidan, whose country hosted the first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 26 to discuss recent peace initiatives and the May 16 talks in Istanbul, Reuters wrote. The Istanbul negotiations ended without a breakthrough, as Moscow continues to reject Kyiv and the West's calls for an unconditional ceasefire. The only apparent tangible result of the talks was a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange, which concluded on May 25. During his visit to Moscow, Turkey's top diplomat also met with Vladimir Medinsky, Putin's aide who led the Russian delegation in Istanbul, and with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Turkey has acted as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war, hosting earlier unsuccessful peace talks in Istanbul in 2022 and maintaining close contact with Moscow and Kyiv. Reuters reported that the country has also offered to host a potential upcoming session of peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No venue or date for the next round of Russia-Ukraine negotiations has been set. Russia has dismissed Ukraine's suggestion that the Vatican could host the talks, and reportedly instead sees Turkey or some of the Gulf states as more suitable options. International peace efforts show little progress as Russia continues to push for maximalist demands, including Ukraine's withdrawal from four partially occupied regions it claims to have annexed. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker a swift peace treaty between the two belligerent sides, has increasingly signaled that he may quit the effort unless progress is made soon. Trump has been reluctant to pressure Moscow toward a ceasefire, threatening repeatedly with sanctions but refusing to take the step so far. Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, May 27. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov has signed a law ratifying the protocol amending the agreement between the governments of Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Korea on the avoidance of double taxation, Trend reports. The protocol was signed on December 3, 2024, in Seoul and introduces amendments to the bilateral agreement originally concluded between the two countries on December 11, 2012. The document aims to eliminate tax barriers, prevent tax evasion, and promote bilateral economic relations in the areas of income and capital taxation. "To ratify the Protocol on Amendments to the Agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Republic of Korea on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion concerning Taxes on Income and Capital," the document states. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan has been instructed to officially notify the Korean side upon completion of the domestic procedures. The law will enter into force ten days after its official publication. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 26 May. Source: Anadolu, a Turkish state-run news agency, as reported by European Pravda Details: Diplomatic sources indicate the meeting began at 19:30 local time on Monday 16 May and lasted about an hour. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also took part in the discussion. "The meeting focused on recent efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as developments following the talks held on 16 May in Istanbul," the report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two sides also exchanged views on economic and energy-related matters. Hakan Fidan meets with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 26 May Photo: Anadolu Background: Earlier on Monday 26 May, Fidan also met with Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky, who headed the Russian delegation during the Istanbul negotiations. During the Istanbul talks, the Russian side presented a number of deliberately unacceptable demands to Ukraine. A major prisoner exchange agreement was arguably the only tangible outcome of the meeting in Istanbul. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is currently on a visit to Moscow, will travel to Kyiv at the end of this week to meet with Ukrainian officials and discuss the outcomes of the 16 May negotiations held in Istanbul. Source: Reuters, as reported by European Pravda Details: Fidan is on a two-day visit to Moscow, where he met on Monday with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as Vladimir Medinsky, Russia's chief negotiator in the Istanbul talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday 27 May, Fidan is scheduled to meet his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. A Turkish source stated that during the meeting, Putin and Fidan discussed "the initiatives carried out recently to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, (and) developments following the negotiations held in Istanbul". On Monday 26 May, Russia said the discussions with Fidan would focus on bilateral relations, but the issue of Ukraine would also be addressed. Background: Ahead of the meetings, a Turkish source said Fidan would reiterate Ankara's proposal to serve as a "mediator" in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Russian sources have said they view Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman as potentially suitable venues for future talks. Earlier, Lavrov indicated that Moscow has rejected the idea of negotiations with Ukraine being held in the Vatican, claiming it would be "vulgar". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Two people were arrested Tuesday morning after leading Mobile police officers on a brief chase. Bay Minette police search for armed suspect after deadly shooting at house party According to a Mobile Police Department news release, officers attempted to stop a vehicle around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, in the area of California Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The driver initially refused to stop but later stopped in the area of Old Military Road and Perimeter Road, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further investigation revealed the car had been reported stolen, according to MPD. A juvenile boy was taken into custody, and 18-year-old Anthony Loper of Mobile was arrested. Mobile City Council approves $15 million dredging project for Langan Park lake Loper was charged with first-degree receiving stolen property, second-degree possession of marijuana and felony attempting to elude, the release said. He was taken to Metro 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 WKRG News 5. From Staff Reports Pauls Valley Democrat Two teenagers are now in custody accused of taking part in the shooting deaths of two men at a medical marijuana grow site near Wynnewood a few weeks ago. Arrested late last week were 18- and 16-year-old male suspects as the older teen was booked into Garvin County jail on a first-degree murder complaint. The younger suspect was taken into custody by the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims, identified as 56-year-old Bao Ming Ma and Alejandro Baltazar Hernandez, 42, were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds on April 18. Garvin County Sheriff Jim Mullett said from the start of this case he requested the assistance of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. OSBI agents identified the two suspects leading to the arrests. This case shows what good teamwork between law enforcement looks like, Mullett said. I want to personally thank the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department for stepping up and helping us bring these suspects into custody. Their quick action and hard work made all the difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I also want to thank the folks at the United States Attorneys Office and the District 21 District Attorneys Office for working right alongside us. On behalf of the Garvin County Sheriffs Office, were proud to work with strong partners who are just as committed as we are to keeping our communities safe and bringing justice to the families involved, he said. Even with the arrests an investigation into the two deaths is continuing, according to the sheriff. Interim President Rosemary Costigan and Hudson County Community College President Christopher Reber are the two finalists in the search for the next permanent president of the Community College of Rhode Island. (Photos courtesy of Community College of Rhode Island) Two finalists remain in the running for a new permanent president of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), the state agency steering the selection process announced Tuesday. One of the finalists, Rosemary Costigan, has been president in an interim capacity since the 2023 resignation of predecessor Meghan Hughes, the community colleges first female president. The other finalist is Christopher Reber, who has been president of Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, New Jersey, since 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both candidates will participate in a series of forums with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the CCRI Foundation Board on June 4 and June 6. According to the CCRI website, each candidate will give a 10- to 15-minute presentation, followed by informal Q&A sessions with the CCRI community, who will also be able to fill out feedback forms for each candidate. The finalists will be interviewed and will conduct Q&As with the CCRI community on one day each, Beth Bailey, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, said in an email Tuesday. She added that the agenda has not yet been finalized. Bailey said the announcement of CCRIs next president will likely come before July 1. She added that once a selection is made, the postsecondary council will work with the incoming leader to finalize the contract, salary, and start date. The commissioners office is the administrative arm of the Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education, which oversees public higher education in the Ocean State. The commissioners office announced the search in January and formed a nine-member search committee. At the helm were co-chairs Elizabeth Ortiz, associate justice with the Rhode Island Family Court, and Steve Smith, an educational consultant who previously led the Providence Teachers Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To lead the process, the commissioners office hired AGB Search the same firm hired to identify the next president of Rhode Island College in 2023. The community colleges national search for a new president was posted on Feb. 25, according to the AGB website, and set an April 22 deadline for applications. A total of 44 candidates applied in that timespan. The search committee narrowed the options down to eight semifinalists. The process to cut the list of candidates down from 44 applicants to these two was highly competitive, Ortiz said in a statement Tuesday. The diverse pool of candidates, many with formidable resumes, provided the opportunity for the search committee to choose the finalists that were indeed the best match for CCRI at this time. Of the eight semi-finalists, there was much discussion about which candidates had the vision and experience to lead the college through its next era, Smith added in his own statement. According to the job posting, the new president will play a crucial role in advancing the colleges 2022-2027 strategic plan, which emphasizes student outcomes among a diverse population of learners, workforce partnerships, and sustainable finances. The student body includes more than 12,000 students across four campuses and two satellite centers 62% of whom attend part-time, with an average age of 25. CCRI is also a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CCRIs finances are in good health, and the most recent independent audit found its assets increased by $11.1 million from the previous fiscal year, according to the job profile. Nearly half the colleges revenue is appropriated by the state, making legislative advocacy an important duty for the CCRI president. While salary data is presently unavailable for the incoming president, in the current fiscal year of 2025, Costigan has a salary of $299,999, according to the states payroll transparency portal. Costigan is also the first CCRI alum to occupy the presidents post. Costigans inclusion in the final group of contestants mirrors the Rhode Island College presidential search, which eventually saw interim leader Jack Warner emerge victorious among 65 candidates. Costigan, a first-generation college student from Pawtucket, finished her studies at CCRI, then known as Rhode Island Junior College, and went on to earn her bachelors from Rhode Island College and her masters and doctorate in nursing from the University of Rhode Island. According to Costigans LinkedIn, she has worked at CCRI in various roles for almost 26 years, starting as a professor of nursing in June 1999. She previously chaired the schools nursing department and also served as its assistant dean. Before becoming interim president, Costigan served for nearly eight years as CCRIs vice president for academic affairs. In his tenure at Hudson County Community College, Reber launched the Hudson Scholars program, which offers up to a $625 stipend per semester for students who meet with mentors and reach certain academic milestones. Reber also helped lead DEI initiatives at the school, such as establishing a Presidents Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and an Office of DEI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, Reber was president of Community College of Beaver County in Pennsylvania from 2014 to 2018 and executive dean of Venango College of Clarion University from 2002 to 2014. He holds a doctorate in higher education from the University of Pittsburgh and completed postdoctoral studies at Harvards Graduate School of Education. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX WYNNEWOOD, Okla. (KFOR) Authorities in Garvin County along with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) are investigating a double homicide in Wynnewood that has resulted in the arrest of two suspects. According to police, deputies were called to the scene of a marijuana grow property around 4:00 p.m. near East County Road 1600 and North County Road 3320 and discovered 56-year-old Bao Ming Ma and 42-year-old Alejandro Baltazar Hernandez deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Victim identified in fatal stabbing in SE Oklahoma City 18-year-old Whyitt Collins, Image courtesy OSBIs Facebook page OSBI says, the two suspects identified and arrested in the deadly incident are 18-year-old Whyitt Collins and a 16-year-old male. Collins is now booked into the Garvin County Jail on a First-Degree Murder complaint in addition to the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department arresting the 16-year-old suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is still ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. (Reuters) -Two people were killed and nine others, including three teenagers, injured in a shooting at Philadelphias Fairmount Park on Memorial Day, police said on Tuesday. All the nine injured in the Monday night shooting are in stable condition. A male and a female, both adults, were the deceased victims, a police officer told a media briefing. A large number of adults were present at the park, according to the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have not recovered any weapons at this time," the officer said. No arrests have been made. "This is significant. It's Memorial Day... we understand the significance of this event and we will make sure to provide an update on Tuesday." Memorial Day, traditionally observed on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and mourning military personnel who have died in the performance of their duties. (Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonali Paul, Clarence Fernandez and Raju Gopalakrishnan) CHESTER, Mass. (WWLP) Firefighters assisted in locating two lost hikers at Sanderson Brook Falls in Chester, utilizing cell phone tracking software. Westfield hosts annual Memorial Day Parade The Chester Volunteer Fire Department said that on Monday, the two people were quickly found and were escorted back to civilization as the rain approached. Members of the Chester Fire Department were assisted by the Chester-Blandford Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. (Chester Volunteer Fire Department) (Chester Volunteer Fire Department) (Chester Volunteer Fire Department) They are reminding hikers to stay in one place if they get lost in the woods, as it makes it easier for rescuers to locate them with the help of their cell phone GPS signal. 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 Memorial Day morning shooting at a Blue Springs townhouse complex left two people injured and police looking for the shooter and investigating the motive. Two adults arrived in personal vehicles at St. Marys Medical Center with gunshot wounds at around noon on Monday, according to Blue Springs police Capt. Kyle Flowers. One person was shot in the lower legs and sustained significant, but not life threatening, injuries. The other person had been shot in the hand, Flowers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gunfire occurred on the 1400 block of SW Martin Avenue, a residential area close to Highway 7 and SW Clark Road. The Blue Springs Police Department has not identified a suspect, though Flowers said there is no ongoing threat to the public, as far as they know. Investigators are working to find what led to the shooting, according to Flowers. The police asked that anyone with information about the incident to call 816-228-0151. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington are being laid to rest after they were shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum. Dov Wilker, Regional Director, American Jewish Committee (AJC), joins Queen City News to discuss the tragedy and the rise in antisemitism. RELATED: Israeli Embassy suspect charged with murder of a foreign official Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Czech bank Ceska sporitelna have announced a joint initiative to develop over 700 affordable housing units in Prague, primarily for public-sector employees, Trend reports. This marks the first project of its kind in the Czech Republic. The EIB will provide a loan of up to 60 million euros, representing nearly a third of the projects total cost of 187.5 million euros. The remaining financing will come from DBCS, a subsidiary of Ceska sporitelna focused on affordable housing. The new apartments will be built across four locations in Prague, with phased delivery scheduled through 2025 and early 2026. The project targets key public-service workers, including nurses, teachers, police officers, and administrators. The housing units will meet high energy-efficiency standards, with PENB A and B ratings, and include features such as green roofs and water management systems. The initiative is supported by the InvestEU Advisory Hub and serves as a pilot for a national framework to expand access to affordable rental housing in the Czech Republic. It also builds on a similar model previously implemented in Austria. The development is expected to contribute to both housing affordability and the local economy by generating employment during construction and strengthening public-service infrastructure. An equal justice statue stands outside the doors of the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Three years after lawmakers put $1 million toward advocacy efforts for children in the court system statewide, two revived nonprofits are starting to support children again. Volunteers with local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs advocate for children whove been removed from their families and placed in state care due to suspected abuse and neglect. The volunteers meet with the children and other contacts, such as teachers, therapists and caseworkers. They also write reports to judges about the childrens needs, strengths and interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This process is crucial as it gives the child a voice in the legal proceedings concerning their welfare, said CASA state director Sara Kelly in an emailed statement. Over 330 CASA volunteers worked with 658 children in 37 counties last year, according to the state Unified Judicial System. Most of the states 1,049 active cases involving CASA last year with or without a volunteer were in the Sioux Falls and Rapid City areas. This is the first time in 16 years that the state has operated CASA organizations in all of its circuit courts. The Sixth Circuit, in central South Dakota, and the Fifth Circuit, representing northeastern South Dakota, closed in 2009. Gloria Hutson, in Aberdeen, was hired to lead the reestablished Fifth Circuit CASA in November last year. She told the state CASA Commission at its Wednesday meeting that three counties within her 10-county jurisdiction have a high case volume: Brown, Walworth and Spink counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The focus these last six months has been on building a solid, sustainable structure while building deep community roots, Hutson said. Walworth County has a disproportionate number of cases for its population, and many involve the Indian Child Welfare Act, Hutson said. The federal Indian Child Welfare Act sets minimum standards for efforts to reunite tribal children in the states custody with their families. Walworth county is adjacent to the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River reservations. As of the end of April, Walworth County had 25 pending cases involving 52 children. Brown County had 32 cases involving 58 children and Spink County had three cases involving three children. Fifty-seven cases were active in the Fifth Circuit last year, and none of the children had CASA representation, according to UJS. Through April this year, the circuit had 61 pending cases involving 117 children, Hutson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of those children still do not have CASA volunteers advocating for them. Fifth Circuit CASA has eight volunteers so far, two of whom are advocating for three children. All the children are younger than 2 years old. Laurie Gill, a former state Department of Social Services secretary who now works with Maxwell Strategy Group, leads CASA for the Sixth Circuit. Gills firm was hired to lead the nonprofit, and Gill said the contract was renewed recently by the nonprofits board of directors. Sixth Circuit CASA, which represents 14 counties in central South Dakota, including Hughes County and the state capital city of Pierre, intends to train 10 volunteers this year. The first will be sworn in and assigned cases by June, Gill said. Thirty-nine cases were active in the Sixth Circuit last year. There were 45 pending cases involving 94 children at the end of April, Gill said. Most are in the Pierre/Fort Pierre area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2022 funding from the Legislature was a result of lawmakers learning about the holes in South Dakotas CASA coverage, after loosening a requirement to appoint advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system. Lawmakers on the state budget committee approved funding to help restart the two shuttered programs and help existing CASA programs expand. The Fifth and Sixth Circuit organizations have each received $120,000 so far. Another $143,715was awarded to most other CASA programs. The need for volunteers remains one of the biggest challenges for CASA nonprofits across the state, leaders told the commission. Since last years report, the number of volunteers has dropped from 330 statewide to 318. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National CASA guidelines require one staff member to supervise a maximum of 30 volunteers. Each volunteer is assigned one case at a time, typically staying with a case until its resolved. The Sioux Falls CASA reports 333 children currently on the waiting list to be represented by a volunteer. The Seventh Circuit CASA in Rapid City reports 455 children on its waiting list. The 2022 Legislature appropriated $1 million to the Unified Judicial System to award South Dakota CASA nonprofits with grants to rebuild or expand. About $384,000 less than 40% of the funds have been spent so far: HUNTSVILLE, Texas (FOX 44) The Huntsville Police Department has apprehended two of the remaining escapees from Orleans Parish who broke out of jail on May 15. The department says Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were arrested on Monday, May 26 in a multi-agency effort. The two led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through the Huntsville area. The pursuit ended near Highway 190 and Geneva, where both Tate and Donald were taken into custody. Leo Tate. (Courtesy: Huntsville Police Department) Jermaine Donald. (Courtesy: Huntsville Police Department) Donald has been charged with outstanding warrants for Escape and Resisting an Officer. The department says his original charges were Illegal Carrying a Weapon and Second-Degree Murder. He was also charged with Evading in a Vehicle by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Tate has been charged with outstanding warrants for Aggravated Escape and Escape from Custody. The department says Tate was in custody on the original charge of Obstruction of Justice. Both men were taken to the Walker County Jail for processing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the Huntsville Police Department released body cam and dash cam video of the pursuit and arrest of Tate and Donald on their Facebook page. (Courtesy: Huntsville Police Department) (Courtesy: Huntsville Police Department) (Courtesy: Huntsville Police Department) (Courtesy: Huntsville Police Department) (Courtesy: Huntsville Police Department) (Courtesy: Huntsville Police Department) (Courtesy: Huntsville Police Department) (Courtesy: Huntsville Police Department) The department says Texas DPS initiated the pursuit after receiving information that Donald and Tate were in the Huntsville area. A felony stop was conducted by the Walker County Sheriffs Office, U.S. Marshalls Gulf Coast Violent Offender Task Force, Huntsville Police and Texas DPS. Chief Darryle Slaven would like to thank all of the agencies involved for helping take the suspects into custody. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C., pictured on Nov. 25, 2024. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom) Before a federal judge temporarily halted the dissolution of the agency Thursday, the U.S. Department of Education ensured uninterrupted services to children and youth with disabilities, in response to probing questions by U.S. Senators from Virginia and other states about the future of special education. The questions, spearheaded by Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware in a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, came after President Donald Trump and his administration launched efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. A key point of concern for the lawmakers was the one-month freeze on investigations into discrimination complaints that left a backlog of 12,000 complaints, half of which involve students with disabilities, Democratic U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia and 20 of their colleagues wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agencys plans are of particular significance for Virginia, where a federal investigation found that the Virginia Department of Education failed to meet federal requirements to help resolve disputes involving students with disabilities beginning in 2019. In December 2024, the investigation ended after the Office of Special Education Programs wrote in a letter that all of its findings and required actions for the agency were closed. Virginia was responsible for nearly 186,000 students with disabilities this past school year, an increase of almost 5,000 students from the 2023-24 academic period. As federal law requires, Virginia must provide all students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education through personalized plans under the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Sarah Ursprung, acting assistant secretary for legislation and congressional affairs for the federal department, wrote to lawmakers in April that no formula funding to states, including Title I and IDEA, was cut, and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) continues its enforcement work with a reduced workforce and the same commitment to vigorous vindication of students civil rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted services to meet the needs and develop the potential of children and youth with disabilities pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Ursprung wrote in a letter provided to the Mercury. The senators letter also highlighted their reservations about limited staff at the agency. U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine from Virginia signed Rochesters letter in April that said the cuts would have immense harm to all students. While we appreciate receiving a response from the Department of Education, we still have serious concerns about how the department can ensure services for students with disabilities arent interrupted when Secretary McMahon has already reduced staff by nearly 50% and said she intends to close the department, the senators wrote. Ursprung said that no employees in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the Rehabilitation Services Administration or the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) were subject to the staff cuts on March 11. Employees involved in policy and administrative functions, whose duties the agency said can be reassigned or eliminated, were the ones subject to firing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NCSER-supported research continues with obligated funds, according to Ursprung. The research center helps experts understand more about children who have or may have disabilities by studying them from infancy through college. The trajectory of the federal education department, and the fallout in Virginia, remains uncertain, after the Massachusetts federal judge paused its dismantling and ordered the Trump administration to reinstate over 1,300 employees. The department is expected to appeal the decision. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX If you're planning a trip to Europe this summer, you may want to check out the latest travel advisories from the United States Department of State. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4 warning for Somalia due to an increase in terrorism and civil unrest. There are also health-related concerns plaguing the country. "Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping, piracy, and lack of availability of routine consular services," the U.S. said. "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." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although a Level 4 warning wasn't administered to a European country this week, a few countries have been put on notice. The U.S. Department of State has officially issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Switzerland. This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. That means Americans should exercise normal precautions before visiting there, such as reviewing the Country Security Report. LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 2: Transportation Security Administration agents walk on the departures level a day after a shooting that killed one Transportation Security Administration worker and injured several others at Los Angeles International Airport November 2, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. The airport is almost back to normal operations a day after a man pulled an assault rifle and shot his way through security at Terminal 3, killing one Transportation Security Administration worker and wounding several others. Federal officials identified the alleged gunman as Paul Ciancia, 23, of New Jersey. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images On May 22, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 warning for Belgium. Anyone traveling there in the near future should exercise increased caution due to the risk of terrorist attacks. Italy has also been tagged with a Level 2 warning due to terrorism. That's a huge concern considering Italy is a hot spot for travelers in the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Department of State, terrorists in Italy have been targeting the following places: Tourist spots Transportation centers Shopping malls and markets Local government buildings Hotels, clubs and restaurants Religious sites Parks Sporting and cultural events Schools Airports Public areas The full list of travel advisories issued by the U.S. can be seen here. The U.S. government could always alter its travel advisories in the blink of an eye, so make sure you stay alert over the next few weeks. U.S. Issued Travel 'Warning' for 3 Popular European Countries first appeared on Men's Journal on May 27, 2025 Flanked by state and local lawmakers, U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles on Memorial Day repeated a call to investigate Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell and said the mayor obstructed a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operation in early May. Nashville is weeks removed from the weeklong immigration enforcement operation, during which ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol made 468 traffic stops and arrested nearly 200 immigrants. The ICE sweeps were concentrated in south Nashville, in neighborhoods around Nolensville Pike and Harding Place with a large population of immigrants and Latino residents. Ogles call to investigate OConnell is not new he called on two congressional committees, the House Judiciary Committee and the Homeland Security Committee, to open investigations into the mayor and other city officials during a May 14 Department of Homeland Security briefing on Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Memorial Day inside the Tennessee State Capitol, Ogles decried past presidential administrations for letting a flood of illegals come into the country and described a visit to CECOT, the El Salvador prison where the Trump administration has been sending purported members of crime gangs Tren de Aragua and MS-13. He also rattled off a list of crimes involving undocumented immigrants in Nashville, several of whom were arrested as part of the recent ICE operation. When a mayor stands up and is defending those types of individuals over our hard-working law enforcement Homeland Security, ICE, THP, the sheriffs department and the city hes choosing criminals over Tennesseans, Ogles said. In a social media post following the news conference, Ogles clarified that hes looking for the following documents and communications as part of the investigation: The recent amendment to Executive Order 30 requiring city departments to inform the mayors office within a certain time frame after communicating with federal immigration authorities, which Ogles called an outrageous directive. Any internal discussions or documents concerning ICE enforcement actions in Nashville or Davidson County. All correspondence involving city employees and affiliated non-governmental organizations regarding the arrest or detention of undocumented immigrants in the city or county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre helping violent gangs destroy Tennessee by obstructing ICE you belong behind bars, Ogles post concluded. While OConnell hasnt shied away from criticizing the ICE arrests, hes stated before that he understands the citys hands are tied when it comes to federal immigration operations and has previously told reporters that the amended order wouldnt allow his office to publicize operations like this one. Who else spoke during Ogles news conference? Ogles was joined by several Republican state lawmakers, including Sen. Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), Rep. Lee Reeves (R-Franklin), Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood) and Rep. Kip Capley (R-Summertown). While she didnt attend, Sen. Marsha Blackburn also sent a letter in support of the event accusing Democrats of demonizing law enforcement. While many of them spoke, protesters banged on windows and shouted chants that continued throughout the news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metro Nashville Council Member David Benton was the sole local official to speak during the event. Benton represents District 28, which includes part of Antioch where the recent ICE operation was concentrated. In part, Benton said he supports legal immigration but called it cruel for city officials to encourage undocumented immigrants to remain in the country as if they can shield them in some sort of false pretense against ICE enforcement. Benton also made a call for an investigation of his own hes asking for a state or federal audit of The Belonging Fund, launched by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee on May 5. According to Community Foundation CEO Hal Cato, the fund is intended to support child care and transportation costs and address housing assistance and food insecurity for immigrant families. OConnell has previously clarified that the city itself likely couldnt contribute to the fund and also that the fund wouldnt support immigration legal services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benton, on Memorial Day, said he wanted to clarify whether any funds are inadvertently supporting and violating the federal law against harboring undocumented immigrants. He called for OConnell to choose between criminals or the innocent taxpayers. Stop making a mockery of Memorial Day, Benton said. Defend Nashville, defend Tennessee, defend this country and stop the invasion. Austin Hornbostel is the Metro reporter for The Tennessean. Have a question about local government you want an answer to? Reach him at ahornbostel@tennessean.com. Get Davidson County news delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Rep. Andy Ogles calls for probe into Nashville mayor over ICE operation The University of Florida main campus in Gainesville. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Santa Ono, immediate past president of the University of Michigan, won approval from UF trustees Tuesday to lead the University of Florida. Diversity, equity, and inclusion dominated much of the final vetting discussion between UF trustees and Ono. UF named Ono as a sole finalist earlier this month. His approval must be confirmed by the Board of Governors of the State University System. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I asked the search committee to find someone who can take this great university to the next level, I presented them with a challenging task. However, I am happy to say that I firmly believe they delivered, Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said. Although approved unanimously, Ono faced numerous questions about conflicting statements hes made on contentious political topics, particularly diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as how he has and will deal with antisemitism on college campuses. I understand and support what Floridas vision for higher education represents, a decisive move away from ideological bias and activist-driven culture that has come to define too many colleges and universities in this country and abroad, Ono told trustees Tuesday in Gainesville. Ono said he supports Floridas ban on state expenditures on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and the overall vehement opposition to anything woke. Although that has not always been his stance. Ono, starting in 2022, oversaw a university that since 2016 spent nearly $250 million on DEI, according to The New York Times. University of Florida President Santa Ono takes questions from trustees before being unanimously approved as the schools president, subject to approval by the systems Board of Governors, on May 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy of University of Florida) Ono supported diversity efforts at Michigan at a time when, he said, it was a universal concept in higher education. As University of Michigan president, he supported the institutions DEI 2.0 initiative and said the university should strive to nurture thoughtful and understanding citizens and that racism is one of Americas original sins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many of us here, conviction matters as much as clarity. Id like to ask you very directly: How can we be confident that the views that you have articulated today are firmly held and that you will not shift your position over time, particularly in the face of pressure and changing politics, search committee chair and trustee Rahul Patel asked. Ono said it took him time to understand the effects of DEI policies. His conviction against DEI now comes from his experience as an administrator and hundreds of hours of conversations with students and faculty, he said, something thats developed over the last approximately 18 months. Before those experiences, he said, he was not an expert on the topic. Now, his conviction is rock solid, Ono said. Ono told trustees Tuesday that his personal views have evolved and past remarks do not reflect what he believes today. Despite overseeing the DEI 2.0 initiative, it stopped two months ago under his tenure, along with UMs DEI office. The decision, he said, the university shut it down before the outcome of the 2024 presidential election was determined and before anyone approached me about the University of Florida presidential search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEI will not return to the University of Florida during my presidency. I fully support the reform signed into law by Gov. DeSantis and the steps already taken by this board, the board of governors, and this institution, Ono said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Does not comport with Florida values Some Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican candidate for governor, have contested the candidate. Ono does not comport with the values of the state of Florida, Donalds said in an interview with Fox Business earlier this month. Donalds called for Onos candidacy to be blocked and for the search to start over. Christopher Rufo, a conservative activist and trustee at New College, said on X that UF trustees should ask Ono hard questions about his recent support for DEI and climate radicalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand why some past statements have raised questions. In hindsight, I see those moments differently now, too, Ono said. U.S. Rep. Greg Steube posted to X Tuesday that hes not sold by Ono walking back his woke past and called for the Board of Governors to reject the selection. Last week, Steube sent a letter to UF trustees asking them to reject Ono. Former Gov. Rick Scott said Steube raises important points and called for an investigation. DeSantis said earlier this month that he does not know Ono and was not involved in making him a finalist. The governor said he would let the search play out and I dont think that anyone would want to come the University of Florida if your goal was to pursue a woke agenda. Youre going to run into a brick wall here in the state of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis office has played a role in guiding several university presidents to their jobs, including Onos predecessor, Ben Sasse. DeSantis has made clear his intentions to make universities more conservative. Ono pledged institutional neutrality. I will not use my role to promote personal beliefs on politically or socially contested issues, including climate change, Ono said. The recommended total compensation for the president is $3 million, including potential bonuses according to trustee minutes, although his contract remains to be negotiated. Sasses annual presidential salary was, and still is as a professor, $1 million. He could earn up to $150,000 in performance bonuses, too. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The UK Ministry of Defence, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine have signed a project agreement on the use of windfall profits from frozen Russian assets under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative to arm and repair equipment for Ukraine. Source: European Pravda, as reported by the press service for the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Details: "This funding has not only practical but also fundamental value. Surplus profits from Russian assets are being used to strengthen Ukraine's defence in response to aggression and in recognition of Ukraine's right to self-defence," said First Deputy Defence Minister Serhii Boiev. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the agreement, Ukraine will receive US$3 billion between 2025 and 2026. The funds will be used to purchase foreign-made defence products, repair and maintain military equipment, implement joint projects involving Ukrainian and international defence companies, and purchase other critical materials, including Ukrainian-made products. "Ukrainian companies have a capacity of US$35 billion, but a lack of funds prevents them from being fully utilised. Therefore, attracting windfall profits from frozen Russian assets will significantly strengthen the production and repair capacities of the Ukrainian defence industry," said Davyd Aloian, Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine. Background: In 2024, the G7 agreed to jointly provide Ukraine with a loan of US$50 billion from Russian assets: the funds will be formally provided as a loan but will be repaid from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. In May, the European Commission disbursed the fourth tranche of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of 1 billion under the G7 ERA initiative, which provides financial resources to Kyiv from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Like much of the world, the UK is ramping up its defense spending. But defense companies are now competing with an expanding talent-hungry tech sector for scarce skills. "We need a sea of talent," a defense sector insider told BI. "At the moment, it's a puddle." When Calvin Bailey a member of the UK parliament was a squadron commander in the country's Royal Air Force, he saw a shift in how his engineering-heavy workforce changed careers. In the early 2010s, people would leave the service "like for like," he told Business Insider meaning they were leaving the military for complementary roles in the defense and aerospace industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, by around 2017, he said, a new sprawl of high-tech companies and major infrastructure projects created a demand for skills that the military had nurtured, such as robotics, advanced engineering, and logistics. Bailey wrote in a recent piece for War on the Rocks that he watched as the military "hemorrhaged" certified aircraft engineers. "I found myself competing with unlikely adversaries: Amazon logistics hubs," he wrote. Calvin Bailey has been pushing to address a skills shortage in the UK defense sector. Nicola Tree/Getty Images As the UK attempts to redress the effects of decades of reduced military spending, it's not just a steep price tag that has experts worried. It's a shrunken and highly competitive skills pipeline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bailey still doesn't think the UK is spending enough, he told BI. But even if the country throws money at it, "you haven't got the skills base with which to go and do the work that's required." A skills shortage in the defense industry Paul Oxley, a spokesperson for UK defense trade association ADS Group, told BI that demand for skilled workers now presents the defense industry's "largest barrier for growth." This covers everything from traditional skills like welding and high-end engineering, to growing fields like cybersecurity, digital, and AI capabilities. Oxley said that surveys of ADS members have seen the issue of talent leapfrog energy prices to become the top worry for many companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These concerns come amid an increased commitment by the UK to defense spending to 2.5% of GDP that has defense-related industries looking out for new orders. Big projects are already in the works. Dreadnought-class submarines, the Tempest fighter jet, and Type 26 and 31 frigates are due to come into service in the next decade or so. Yet in March, Kevin Craven, the head of ADS Group, warned lawmakers that skills shortages are "combining to a point where both the defence and aerospace industry cannot fulfil the demand that they have." Workers at BAE Systems, a major UK defense contractor, in Barrow-In-Furness. Phil Noble/REUTERS These warnings also come as the government prepares to publish its latest Defence Industrial Strategy, which a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said will help the UK have the "capability, skills and industrial resilience" for warfighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple skills initiatives are already underway, they added. An 'arms race' for skills The UK's defense sector pays an average of 39,900, Oxley said, which is about $53,000 and around 14% higher than the national average. But even that can't always compete with other sectors, Bailey, the MP, said. Meanwhile, many companies, like Amazon, actively recruit UK veterans as part of a government program pledging to support post-service careers. Amazon declined to comment when approached by BI. Engineers near construction of the Ambush submarine at BAE Systems in Barrow-in Furness. Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images Bailey shared that other competing industries include infrastructure projects, such as the recent nationwide rollout of electric smart meters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told BI those leaving the RAF for such companies "would find an easier job because it's less regulated and controlled and demanding on their skills paying equal or more than they would expect on the general market." In addition, security clearances make it hard to hire from abroad and in any case, the UK's nearest European defense industry neighbors are themselves in a scramble for talent. A shortage decades in the making The expansion of a talent-hungry tech sector compounds a much longer-running skills issue. Andrew Kinniburgh, a spokesperson for manufacturing industry trade body Make UK, told the Defence Select Committee in March that the country is in an "arms race" for engineers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campaigners say STEM has been neglected from the earliest schooldays up, causing a shortage that has seen all sectors not just military competing for talent. That situation wasn't helped by the Apprenticeship Levy, a 2016 attempt to invigorate private sector investment in training. It was so cumbersome that schemes fell by 172,000 across all sectors in its first year, according to HR industry body CIPD. The government now says it's streamlining the process. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has inherited a problem dating back decades. Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty Images The looming threat of 'skill fade' Industry experts told BI that another reason defense sector workforce skills have atrophied is a long-term lack of investment in the military that began in the 1990s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense ministry spokesperson told BI that the current government is addressing the country's security "after years of hollowing out." People like naval architects and high-level engineers take decades to nurture, and when orders dry up, "you have skill fade in these areas quite quickly," said Sam Cranny-Evans, a freelance defense analyst and associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. "Once they're gone, they're gone," he told BI. "Standing them up again is really hard." COVID-19 lockdowns haven't helped. Suddenly, people with 10 to 15 years left in their careers decided to accelerate their retirement plans, leaving what Oxley called a "handover cliff edge" and a decadelong knowledge gap. The progress of the Astute-class sub not pictured was stymied in part by skills gaps. Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images The problem has come to a head before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the early 2000s, BAE Systems took over a contract to produce the Astute-class submarine, following a 10-year gap since the development of the earlier Vanguard-class sub. Dated skills among other factors became a major problem, forcing the UK to bring in General Dynamics Electric Boat, a US company, to help at an eventual cost of about $145 million. The project ran years late, exceeded its budget by hundreds of millions of pounds, and spurred multiple reckonings that still reverberate today. Janet Garner, BAE Systems' future workforce director for submarines, told BI the company is focused on ensuring it has a strong submarine workforce. She highlighted its $33.5-million training center and said early careers programs are "up to record levels." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An analysis by Navy Lookout highlighted lessons learned, saying that the next-generation Dreadnought went into production with a much more experienced workforce. But across the industry, there's a long road ahead. A 'puddle' of talent Oxley and Bailey say there's a lot more to be done, and that skills need to be addressed at the level of education. Both are calling for schools and colleges to develop applied STEM curricula showcasing the appeal of working in defense. Encouraging a much more flexible career structure, allowing people to "zig-zag" between the military and civilian sectors and making the relationship complementary rather than competitive, is also among the suggestions being made. Tan Dhesi, a lawmaker heading up the UK parliament's Defence Select Committee, declined to comment in detail while the inquiries continue, but said that he had seen "clear and consistent" evidence that the issue needs addressing. "We need a sea of talent," Oxley said. "At the moment, it's a puddle." Read the original article on Business Insider Kyiv and London signed an agreement to use $3 billion profits from frozen Russian assets under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative to cover the needs of the Ukrainian army and the Ukrainian defense industry, Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced on May 27. The G7's ERA mechanism, totaling $50 billion, provides loans to Ukraine that will be repaid using future profits from frozen Russian assets. The U.K. has pledged to lend Ukraine 2.26 billion pounds (around $3 billion) in three equal installments as part of the G7's ERA initiative. Ukraine received the first installment worth 752 million pounds ($970 million) on March 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funds will be used to purchase foreign-made defense products, repair and maintain military equipment, implement joint projects with Ukrainian and international defense companies, and purchase other critical materials, including Ukrainian-made products, the statement read. "Ukrainian enterprises have capacities worth $35 billion, but the lack of funds does not allow them to utilize them to the fullest," Deputy Strategic Industries Minister Davyd Aloian said. "Therefore, attracting excess profits from frozen Russian assets will significantly boost the production and repair capacities of the Ukrainian defense industry." Since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, G7 countries have frozen approximately $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ERA initiative, backed primarily by the U.S. and the EU, aims to use profits from these frozen assets to finance Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine will increase interceptor drone and ballistic missile funding amid increased Russian drone and missile attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an evening address on May 26. "I instructed a significant increase in the production of our interceptor drones, and we will be engaging more funding from our partners to support this," Zelensky said. "I also ordered dedicated funding for Ukraines ballistic missile program to accelerate missile production," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has intensified aerial attacks against Ukraine in recent days. On May 26, Russia launched its third large-scale aerial and drone assault against Ukraine in three nights, killing at least six people and injuring 24 across the country. The attack marked the most extensive drone strike against Ukraine during the full-scale war, topping the previous record of 298 drones just a day earlier on May 25. Russia launched over 900 strike drones over the last three days, in addition to cruise and ballistic missiles, Zelensky said. "Over 900 attack drones launched against Ukraine in just three days, along with ballistic and cruise missiles. There is no military logic in this, but it is a clear political choice the choice of Putin, the choice of Russia the choice to keep waging war and destroying lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine and Russia held peace talks in Istanbul on May 16, where both sides agreed to a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange. The peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were largely inconclusive, with Moscow reiterating maximalist demands and sending a delegation of lower-level officials. Despite the peace talks in Turkey, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks against Ukraine. Russia launched nine Kh-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS bomber planes and a record number of 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys overnight, Ukraine's Air Force reported on May 26. Read also: Ukraine war latest: West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germanys Merz says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Abadan district in Iran boosts agricultural exports to Kuwait In the second month of the current Iranian year, Abadan district exported around 1,600 tons of agricultural products to Kuwait, including legumes, okra, and pistachios. Exports are expected to rise this year, building on over 13,000 tons exported during the previous year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Key developments on May 27: Trump admits to protecting Russia from 'really bad things' during Ukraine peace talks Russia builds power lines to connect occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to its grid, NYT reports US blocks G7 push to tighten Russian oil price cap, Financial Times reports Decision on lifting range restrictions on arms for Ukraine made months ago, Germany's Merz clarifies Russia changes drone tactics to bypass Ukraine's air defense, Air Force says U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on May 27 that Russia would already be facing serious consequences if not for his actions, following one of the most intense Russian aerial assaults on Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean really bad. He's playing with fire," he wrote on Truth Social. Trump's comments mark a rare public rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin amid growing pressure on the U.S. administration to respond to escalating Russian attacks. On May 26, Russia launched its third large-scale aerial and drone assault against Ukraine in three nights, killing at least six people and injuring 24 across multiple oblasts. The attack marked the most extensive drone strike against Ukraine during the full-scale war, topping the previous record of 298 drones overnight on May 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump recently held a two-hour phone call with Putin during which Russia reiterated its refusal to a full ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. Despite this, Trump has refused to impose new sanctions on Moscow, citing ongoing efforts to reach 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 during a May 19 Oval Office briefing. Trump has attempted to present himself as the only leader capable of ending the war quickly, though the lack of tangible pressure on Moscow has left Kyiv and its allies skeptical. President Volodymyr Zelensky, responding to the May 25 overnight bombardment, called for urgent new sanctions and warned that "America's silence, and the silence of others around the world, only encourages Putin." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Union and U.S. lawmakers have also called for tougher action. A bipartisan sanctions bill is already awaiting approval in Congress, with provisions for sweeping financial penalties and tariffs on nations buying Russian oil or uranium. Read also: Sanctions on Russia are working, Ukraine just needs more Russia builds power lines to connect occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to its grid, NYT reports Russia is constructing power lines in occupied southern Ukraine in an apparent attempt to link the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to its energy grid, the New York Times reported on May 27, citing a new Greenpeace report. The Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe and one of the ten largest globally, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Satellite imagery included in the report shows that since early February 2025, Russian forces have laid over 80 kilometers (49 miles) of high-voltage lines between occupied Mariupol and Berdyansk, following the coastline of the Sea of Azov. Greenpeace experts believe the construction aims to connect the new lines to a large substation near Mariupol, which could, in turn, be linked to the ZNPP, which is located some 225 kilometers (some 139 miles) away. It sits in the city of Enerhodar in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast, on the east bank of the Dnipro River, which remains under Russian control. Ukrainian authorities have no access to the site or its surrounding infrastructure. Shaun Burnie, a nuclear specialist at Greenpeace, said that the satellite evidence offers the first concrete confirmation of Russian President Vladimir Putin's plans to restart the plant and permanently integrate it into Russia's grid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The construction of power infrastructure indicates long-term intentions to seize full control of Ukraine's energy assets in the occupied regions. Russia has repeatedly asserted ownership over the plant based on its illegal annexation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast in September 2022, despite the fact that Ukraine retains control over much of the oblast, including its administrative center. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly expressed concern over the safety of the plant, where shelling and the presence of armed troops have led to multiple emergency shutdowns and power disruptions. The U.S. has reportedly proposed that control over the ZNPP be returned to Ukraine before transferring its management to the U.S. to supply electricity to areas under both Ukrainian and Russian control. Russia immediately rejected the suggestion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: If Germany sends Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Russia has a major Crimean Bridge problem US blocks G7 push to tighten Russian oil price cap, Financial Times reports The United States opposed a joint G7 effort to lower the $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports during last week's meeting of finance ministers, the Financial Times reported on May 27, citing three unnamed officials familiar with the talks. The price cap, introduced by the G7 and EU in December 2022, bans Western companies from shipping, insuring, or otherwise servicing Russian oil sold above $60 per barrel. The mechanism was designed to limit the Kremlin's ability to finance its war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Canadian G7 presidency had proposed including language in the meeting's final communique that would call for tightening the existing price cap, according to the publication. The move received backing from the European Union and G7 members France, Germany, Italy, and the U.K. However, the proposal was dropped after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly declined to support it. The European Commission had planned to propose reducing the threshold to $50 per barrel ahead of the meeting, according to Reuters. The Financial Times reported that some EU countries including Hungary and Greece were still weighing their support for lowering the cap further, possibly to $45, as part of the EU's upcoming 18th sanctions package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Finance Ministry has leaned on oil and gas taxes to finance growing military expenditures, including aggressive campaigns against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Decision on lifting range restrictions on arms for Ukraine made months ago, Germany's Merz clarifies German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarified on May 27 that his comments on the West lifting range restrictions on arms for Ukraine referred to a step made months ago. "The issue of limiting the range of deployed weapons played a role a few months and a few years ago. As far as I know, and as I said yesterday, the countries that imposed range limitations have long since abandoned these requirements," Merz said during a press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Turku. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In this respect, yesterday in Berlin, I described something that has been happening for months: namely, that Ukraine has the right to use the weapons it receives, even beyond its own borders, against military targets on Russian territory." Speaking at a forum on May 26, Merz said that "there are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine" imposed by Germany, the U.S., the U.K., or France. "This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia," the chancellor added. "Until recently, it couldnt do that, and apart from very few exceptions, it hadnt done so either." Ukraine has previously received long-range missiles from the U.S., the U.K., and France including ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and SCALP but was initially permitted to deploy them only against Russian military forces in occupied Ukrainian territories. Only in late 2024, the Biden administration and other allies eased the restrictions, allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian military targets on Russian territory. Merz's comments on May 26 caused some confusion as to whether he was referring to a newly announced policy, drawing both praise and rebuke. Ralf Stegner, a politician from Merz's coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), told the media the move was "unhelpful" and called instead for intensifying diplomatic efforts. In turn, a former German defense minister and ex-leader of Merz's CDU party, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, praised Merz for his comments. Merz's latest statement in Turku indicates that his earlier comment referred to the decision taken in late 2024 rather than a new policy. German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil seemingly confirmed this, saying at a press conference that no new decision has been made "beyond what the previous government has done." Before becoming chancellor, Merz signaled he would overturn the ban of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, on the delivery of Germany's Taurus cruise missiles, capable of striking targets at a distance of 500 kilometers (300 miles). He has not confirmed whether he intends to deliver the missiles since taking office. Read also: Why Trump needs to follow through and trigger the downfall of Russia Russia changes drone tactics to bypass Ukraine's air defense, Air Force says The Russian military has modified its tactics for launching attack drones against Ukraine in order to bypass air defenses, Ukraine's Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said in an interview with RBC Ukraine published on May 27. Russia has been ramping up its drone production to launch ever-greater strikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The night of May 26 marked the most extensive drone attack of the full-scale war, reportedly involving 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys. Russia's new tactic is to launch the drones at high altitudes, more than 2 kilometers (1.4 miles) above the ground, and keep changing the drones' routes. Then, the drones swoop down directly onto the target, Ihnat said. "At this altitude, they become more visible to our radars, but remain out of reach of small arms, heavy machine guns, and mobile fire teams," the spokesperson explained. Russian forces have also been conducting simultaneous group raids on the same residential area or facility, as well as using unmanned simulator drones called Parodiya ("a parody" in English), increasing pressure on Ukraine's air defense systems. Recent Russian drone attacks comprised roughly 60% of attack drones and 40% of Parodiya decoys, according to Ihnat. Russia has been deploying Iranian-made Shaheds and their domestically-produced copies, Gerans, to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses in massive swarm attacks, allowing more destructive ballistic and cruise missiles to slip through. The Economist previously reported that Russia uses Telegram messaging app bots to control its attack drones, ensuring real-time flight data and footage feed for human operators. The new control algorithm was revealed in a note hidden inside one of the Russian drones, possibly left behind by a "sympathetic Russian engineer," according to the media outlet. Ukraine's sky shield is increasingly stretched thin as Western air defense supplies are running out. An undisclosed source told Le Monde that Ukraine has run out of ammunition for its two SAMP/T air defense batteries, while the Crotale short-range anti-aircraft systems have not received new missiles for a year and a half. It remains unclear how many U.S.-designed Patriot interceptors, which are key in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, are left in Ukraine's stockpiles, as the Trump administration is yet to approve any new military aid packages. 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. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied claims that Ukraine intends to ban the Party of Hungarians of Ukraine, a political party operating in Zakarpattia Oblast (Transcarpathia) in Ukraine's west. Source: Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a query from European Pravda regarding comments made by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto Details: Tykhyi said there is no truth in claims that preparations are being made to ban the Party of Hungarians of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Our official response is simple: no such actions have been taken with respect to the party. Reports in the media claiming otherwise are false. There are enough challenges that need addressing in our bilateral relations; there is no need to add unfounded media claims to that list." Background: Earlier, several pro-government Hungarian media outlets, including Magyar Nemzet, had claimed, citing non-existent sources, that Ukraine intended to ban the Party of Hungarians of Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said he expected "immediate clarification from the Ukrainian government regarding media reports about a ban on the party that represents the interests of the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia". Read more: Orban seeks "war" between Hungary and Ukraine: why, and what are the dangers? Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Gopal Sharma KATHMANDU (Reuters) -Ukrainian climber Andrew Ushakov, who completed a journey from sea level to the summit of Mount Everest in a record four days, has been released on bail following his arrest for carrying undeclared foreign currency, a Nepali official told Reuters on Tuesday. "He has to face the charges in court," said Chandi Prasad Ghimire, director general of the Department of Revenue Investigation. "If he chooses to raise hands (not fight the case in court) he forfeits the bail money." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ghimire had previously said that the bail was set at $60,000 -- three times the amount allegedly carried by Ushakov, 40, when he was taken into custody on Sunday. "Andrew is now out of custody after a misunderstanding," Ushakov's public relations team told Reuters on Tuesday. "He is grateful for the support he has received and is currently working to clarify all matters with the relevant authorities." Ushakov, a structural engineer who lives in the United States, flew from New York to Nepal on May 15 before scaling Everest without the usual period of several weeks of acclimatisation. He said he did not use Xenon, the gas inhaled by four British former special forces soldiers who scaled Earth's highest mountain last week, in five days, after leaving London. The climbers used Xenon to pre-acclimatise themselves to the low-oxygen envionment they would encounter as they journeyed toward the 8,849-metre summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police official Nakul Pokhrel said that the undeclared foreign currency was detected during baggage screening as Ushakov readied to board a plane leaving Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city. Anyone carrying foreign currency worth more than $5,000 is required to declare it to the authorities in Nepal. (Reporting by Gopal Sharma; Editing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar and Olivier Holmey) The 63rd Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released a video showing how drones were used to evacuate reconnaissance drones from the battlefield. Source: 63rd Separate Mechanised Brigade on Facebook Quote: "Here is unique footage of the evacuation of our reconnaissance drones from the battlefield using drones. The drone war is reaching a new level Private Nemesis rescues Privates Leleka and Mara [referring to names of the drones ed.]. In reality, it was a difficult and risky operation, but it was brilliantly executed by the [drone] pilots of the 63rd Brigade's UAV unit." Details: Incidentally, the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine Khartiia recently successfully evacuated a wounded soldier using a ground-based robotic complex. The robot in question is the Ukrainian logistics robot Tarhan, which has been converted into an evacuation vehicle. The joint operation was carried out in the Khartiias area of responsibility north of Kharkiv. The evacuation route's total distance was 12 km. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A Ukrainian woman has given birth to a baby boy conceived using reproductive technology after her husband was killed in action defending Ukraine. Source: Rivne Oblast Perinatal Centre on Facebook Details: The baby boy was born at the Blahodar Perinatal Centre on 20 May 2025. His mother, Natalia Hordiichuk, is the widow of Yurii, a serviceman who died on 21 May 2024 defending Ukraine. The couple had struggled with fertility issues during their marriage, so Yurii had provided biomaterial for storage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My husband and I had been trying for this pregnancy for over a year," says Natalia. "We went through tests and visited the Blahodar centre. He provided the biological material they told him to come back three days later for the results. That was in March. Then he went to the front line." "On 21 May, they called me and said he was gone. I didnt believe he had died until I saw for myself," she adds. Yurii Hordiychuk has become a father posthumously Yurii Hordiichuk served as a rifleman in the National Guard of Ukraine and was killed in action near the village of Sokil in Donetsk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After her husbands death, Natalia decided to use his frozen samples for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). When the doctor asked Natalia if she was truly ready to take this step, she recalled her husbands words: "You are strong, you will cope." A few months later, Natalia learned she was pregnant. "I cried so much. I went straight to Yuriis grave and told him," she recalls. The day before the first anniversary of her husbands death, Natalia gave birth to a boy. She named her son Yurii in honour of his father. The young mother says that after she lost her husband, she didnt want to go on living, but her sons birth has given her life new meaning: "Some part of him lives on. I have someone to live for." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fertility clinic said this is their first case involving biomaterial from a deceased soldier. Quote from the centre: "This story is about love stronger than death. About motherhood, inspired by memory. About life born against all odds. We are proud to have been part of this unique story." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! DENVER (KDVR) Thousands gathered at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Memorial Day to remember those who died in service to their country. More than 160,000 veterans and their loved ones are laid to rest at the cemetery in southwest Denver. FOX31 Weather: View the latest Denver forecasts, maps and radar I think we just gotta remember that people really sacrificed, they give the ultimate sacrifice, Vietnam veteran Wilburt Hinton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since he was a kid, Hinton has been taking time to remember those who served on Memorial Day. A veteran himself, Hinton told stories about his battalion and those he has lost since spending years serving in Vietnam. We did what we were told to do, like it or not. I can tell you one thing, the military, especially if youve been at war, really shows you what a brotherhood is all about, Hinton said. Felix Garcia was also at Fort Logan today to remember his father-in-law, who served in both World War II and the Korean War. You think about the horror they go through sometimes, I mean, people in battle and combat, the horror of combat. It was the closest thing you can get to. I guess hell on earth, Garcia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of the reason, those who visited Logan Cemetery all took the time to remember those who paid the ultimate price. Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV We really dont understand what theyve done for us. We need to stop for a moment in our busy lives and think about what theyve done for us, Garcia said. Hinton says he visits cemeteries across the country and he takes the time to visit those he served alongside, not just on Memorial Day, but year-round. We should all be very thankful for those that served with us, Hinton 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 FOX31 Denver. The UN's top human rights official, Volker Turk, has said that Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip are no longer covered by the principle of self-defence under international law. We are talking about "an expulsion that is highly, highly questionable," Turk said on Austrian radio, referring to the effect of the war on the civilian population. "What we have witnessed in recent months has nothing to do with respect for the fundamental principles of humanity," said Turk, who holds the title of UN high commissioner for human rights. "You can't really find any more words to describe what is happening." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's friends in particular must exert massive diplomatic pressure on the country to change its behaviour, the Austrian official said. Israel's army recently said it was pursuing its war against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas by expanding the war zone and calling on the residents of most places in the southern Gaza Strip to leave the region. The war in Gaza has claimed more than 53,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza. It was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, carried out by terrorists from Hamas and other groups on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip. In January, the U.S. military moved to halt work on the new AN/TPY-6 radar, one of seven key elements of the huge new air and missile defense architecture taking shape on Guam, and its current status is now unclear. This underscores other important, but still unanswered questions about the plans to better protect the extremely strategic U.S. island territory in the Western Pacific, including the total personnel required and which services they will come from. In a memo to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) on Jan. 7, then-U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks directed the termination of all further development of AN/TPY-6, according to a report the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a Congressional watchdog, published last week. Hicks, who left the post when President Donald Trump took office later that month, was succeeded first by Robert Salesses (in an acting capacity) and then by Stephen Feinberg. Congressional staff visit the AN/TPY-6 radar site on Guam in February 2025. USN At least as of December 2024, what is currently being called the Guam Defense System (GDS) was expected to eventually consist of seven core components. In addition to the AN/TPY-6, these included: an array of ground-based missile launchers based on the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS); SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors to go in those launchers; Mk 99 fire control systems (which includes AN/SPG-62 radar illuminators); a Guam-specific version of the Aegis Ashore command and control system (the Aegis Guam System); the Guam Command Center (GCC) facility; and a single prototype AN/TPY-6, a Lockheed Martin design derived from that companys AN/SPY-7 Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) in Alaska. Other components, including smaller radars and shorter-range interceptors, could also be part of the final GDS configuration. The initial Mk 41-based launcher for the Guam Defense System (at left), as well as a view of it firing an SM-3 missile during a test in December 2024 (at right). MDA However, other than system experimentation efforts, further development of the AN/TPY-6 radar shall be terminated, Hicks memo said, per GAOs report. The MDA shall prioritize remaining Aegis Guam System development funds toward delivering minimum viable Aegis C2 [command and control] and datalink capabilities to enable Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) engagements off remote tracks from AN/TPY-2 and LTAMDS over the JTMC [Joint Track Management Capability] bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AN/TPY-2 is an existing ground-based air and missile defense radar primarily associated with the U.S. Armys Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile defense system, but that can also be used as a stand-alone sensor. The LTAMDS (Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor) is a new radar that the Army is working to field now, primarily as an upgrade for the Patriot surface-to-air missile system. An AN/TPY-2 radar. US Army The Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar. Raytheon The Joint Track Management Capability (JTMC) bridge refers to command and control upgrades intended to address the full set of PRC [Peoples Republic of China] missile threats to Guam and to achieve a Joint Tactical Integrated Fire Control (JTIFC) capability for coordinated battle management, combat identification, and electronic protection, the GAO report said, also citing Hicks January memo. Hicks also called on MDA to retain the single AN/TPY-6 panel currently on-island, with all associated flight test equipment, and maintain it in its current form as an experimental asset, with potential to develop for operational use within the GDS architecture in the future, according to GAO. GAOs report does note that a DOD official told us these changes in the then-deputy secretarys classified memorandum are not binding on the new administration, but does not say whether or not Hicks directive with regard to the AN/TPY-6 was subsequently reversed. No further details about what may have prompted the move to terminate work on the radar are provided, which does not appear to have been previously disclosed. The AN/TPY-6 was used, without any reported issues, during the GDS first live intercept of a surrogate ballistic missile last December. That test also marked the first time the radar had supported an end-to-end live-fire engagement. A view from the AN/TPY-6 site on Guam during the December 2024 live intercept test. MDA TWZ has reached out to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, MDA, and Lockheed Martin for more information about the current status of the AN/TPY-6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if the immediate decision to axe the AN/TPY-6 as part of the GDS has been reversed, the fact that the U.S. military had moved to cancel it still raises questions about its future and the broader plans for vastly expanding air and missile defenses on Guam. The overall focus of GAOs recently published report was to highlight serious ongoing uncertainty around personnel and other infrastructure requirements for the new defensive architecture, which is set to make the skies over and around the U.S. island territory some of the most heavily defended airspace on Earth. A map showing expected airspace restrictions due to high-intensity radiated fields from Guam Defense System radars, giving a sense of the scale and scope of the complete system as currently planned. MDA DOD has established organizations to manage the deployment of GDS and designated lead services for sustainment and operations, GAOs report noted. However, DOD lacks a strategy to transfer responsibilities to their lead organizations. As a result, DOD risks schedule delays for the deployment of GDS elements and incomplete plans for organization, training, personnel levels, and facilities, among other things, according to GAO. Moreover, although the Army officially joined JRM [Joint Region Marianas] in February 2024, the Army has not identified its long-term strategy to advocate for construction priorities and installation support from the other military services. Without a strategy, the Army may continue to face delays in approval of construction projects and risks deploying additional personnel without installation support services in place. MDA has projected in the past that 805 personnel will be needed to support GDS by 2027, and that the figure will grow to 1,044 by 2031, but senior military officials told us the draft statement is just a benchmark for the military services, because the services still need to validate and fund those requirements, per GAO. Since planning for GDS began in fiscal year 2022, DOD has not fully identified the required number of personnel or completed a deployment schedule for GDS units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GAO said disputes between the Army and Navy over roles and responsibilities for certain components of the GDS that were resolved late last year had been a factor. The table below shows the lead entities that have been in charge of developing each of the systems seven core components, as well as Army recommendations for managing the operation and sustainment of those elements in 2023, and the final decisions that Hicks made in November 2024. GAO All of this has cascading impacts on work to build new infrastructure to support the GDS. The recently published GAO report also highlighted the still seriously limited infrastructure currently available to the Armys Task Force Talon on Guam, which operates and maintains a THAAD battery on the island now, despite those forces having been in place since 2013. One of Task Force Talons THAAD launchers. USAF/Senior Airman Zachary Heal Pictures of open-air maintenance (at left) and storage facilities (at right) that Task Force Talon continues to use after more than a decade of operations on Guam. GAO As it stands now, GAO says the goal is for the first elements of the GDS to be deployed by Fiscal Year 2027, which aligns with previous statements from U.S. officials, and the complete system is scheduled to be in place by Fiscal Year 2032. Any significant delays to that timeline could have larger ramifications. Since 2021, expanding air and missile defenses on Guam has been a centerpiece of larger U.S. military efforts to reorient itself to preparing for future large-scale conflicts, especially a potential high-end fight with China in the Pacific. Guam is a vital hub for U.S. air and naval operations in the Western Pacific. It is also an important location for staging ground forces for onward movement across the region. In turn, being able to adequately protect key facilities on the island, including Andersen Air Force Base, Naval Base Guam, and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, especially from a growing array of Chinese ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic threats, is seen as critical. Various tiers of drones are also a real and still evolving threat. Guam could be a target for other adversaries, as well. Concerns about increasingly longer-range North Korean ballistic missiles prompted Task Force Talons initial deployment more than a decade ago. A map of Guam showing various sites that could host elements of the GDS (referred to here as the Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense System), including parts of Naval Base Guam and Marine Corps Camp Blaz. Andersen Air Force Base is not marked, but is seen at the center of the island. MDA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GDS plans also reflect the U.S. militarys persistent preference to focus on expanding active air and missile defenses, together with new distributed concepts of operations, over improved passive defenses, such as building new hardened aircraft shelters. Critics, including members of Congress, have been increasingly warning that not investing in additional hardened infrastructure puts American forces at significant risk, particularly if a high-end conflict in the Pacific with China were to break out. U.S. officials have made clear that they do expect to have to fight from places like Guam while under attack in any such scenario. You can read more about this heated debate, which TWZ has been following closely, here. Whatever the fate of AN/TPY-6 radar might be now, the U.S. military still clearly has significant work to do in finalizing its plans for ensuring Guam is as shielded as possible from growing air and missile threats. Update: 5/28/2025 We are confident the TPY-6 radar system, with its unparalleled 24/7 multi-mission capability, will significantly enhance the defense capabilities in Guam in supporting regional security, Lockheed Martin has now told TWZ in a statement, and deferred any further queries to the Missile Defense Agency. Contact the author: joe@twz.com the issue US lawmakers from both parties are increasingly calling for more sanctions on Russia as President Donald Trumps efforts to broker an end to its invasion of Ukraine remain unsuccessful. Russian President Vladimir Putin has resisted Trumps demands for a ceasefire and skipped face-to-face negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv earlier this month despite a challenge from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join. Trump claimed that both sides would begin ceasefire negotiations following a call with Putin last week, but there is plenty of skepticism that Putin will be willing to end his military campaign unless he faces more international pressure. the bond Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a Trump ally on Capitol Hill, is leading a bipartisan charge in the Senate for secondary sanctions on countries that do business with Russia, a proposal that would be crushing for the Russian economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, it would impose a 500% tariff on US imports from countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and other products. Supporters say that it is aimed at China, which relies heavily on Russian energy, but it would also impact US allies in Europe as well as India. The legislation has already attracted about 80 cosponsors a level of support virtually unheard of in the upper chamber. We have given Russia plenty of opportunity to find an honorable and just end to this war. They are not interested and theyre not going to change until we up the ante, Graham said on the Senate floor last week. He left open the possibility that the House could move to force a vote on the bill using a discharge petition. If we have to, we will, Graham said. Thus far, Senate GOP leaders have deferred to the White House for a greenlight to move the bill. But Russia hawks are growing more impatient by the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., the top Democratic cosponsor of the legislation, said he would support the use of a discharge petition, but made clear it would be easier to move ahead with White House backing. Im hoping [Trump] will bless it, even tacitly, and that we would move forward without any resistance from the White House, Blumenthal told Semafor. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, accused Putin of playing the president and trying to drag this out as long as possible. I think what will change the dynamic is putting more pressure on Russia, from the US, she told Semafor. The View From the state department The Trump administration has said that it wants to allow diplomatic negotiations to play out at least a little longer, and sees threats of sanctions as a hindrance to those efforts. If you start threatening sanctions, the Russians will stop talking, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a Senate committee last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that doesnt mean the administration wont eventually call on Congress to act, and Trump is already starting to change his tune. Over the weekend, he said his administration may move forward with additional penalties on Russia as he criticized Putin over a recent barrage of attacks on Ukraine. Trump may well conclude that moving forward with more sanctions is the only way to force the Russians to the table. Notable BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Unions representing some 8,000 healthcare workers and Kaleida Health have agreed to extend the current labor agreement until mid-June amid negotiations for a new one, union representatives said Tuesday. The sides agreed Tuesday to extend the contract until 11:59 p.m. on June 14. The current three-year agreement covers workers at Buffalo General Medical Center, Oishei Childrens Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, HighPointe on Michigan hospice care, DeGraff Medical Park in North Tonawanda, and others, a 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers are demanding improved staffing levels, more safety protections, job security as well as dignity and respect. They are also asking for a wage and benefit package in order to recruit and retain workers. Contract talks resumed at 9 a.m. Tuesday and will go daily Monday to Friday. In separate negotiations, healthcare workers began a strike last Tuesday at five facilities across Western New York, including Elderwood in Williamsville, after the three-year contract ran out. Workers are planning on returning to work Tuesday at various facilities across the area, including Elderwood. The unions said that if offers from management are deemed unacceptable, unlimited strikes could occur at Autumn View Manor, Garden Gate Manor, North Gate Manor, and Seneca Manor. 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. Kazakhstan pulls back curtain on tally of energy facilities set for tune-up in 2025 Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan In 2025, Kazakhstan is set to roll up its sleeves and tackle repairs at more than 500 energy facilities, as Nabi Aytzhanov, the KEGOC Chairman, revealed during a government meeting. He hit the nail on the head with successful maintenance during the autumn-winter stretch of 2024-2025, tackling repairs on power units, boilers, and turbines, all while keeping the lights on with planned electricity imports. This resulted in a marked drop in equipment hiccups and emergency shutdowns, boosting grid reliability to new heights. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register United Airlines is changing its check-in cutoff time ahead of the busy summer travel season. The Chicago-based airline will now require check-ins for domestic flights 45 minutes before departure, up from 30 minutes. The move, which applies to travelers without checked bags, starts June 3. The change brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines, United told Good Morning America via email. PHOTO: A United plane departs from Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey on May 7, 2025. (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images) United extends free ticket changes amid Newark airport delays, cancellations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 45-minute cutoff will generally apply to all United customers traveling with or without checked bags on domestic flights. For international flights, United passengers will have to check in 60 minutes before departure. In some cases, check-in times may vary, depending on the flight or airport destination, United said. United Airlines flight evacuated before takeoff after engine issue Some airports or flights have special time limits which depend on location. If you dont meet your check-in time limits, well do our best to find another option, United explains on its website, along with a list of locations with different cutoff times. However, we have the right to deny service which may result in cancellation of your reservation, denied boarding or the option to check your bags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TSA recommends that travelers contact airlines for individual check-in times, which may change based on travel dates as well. Overall, travelers should factor in extra time for potential traffic and delays in travel to departing airports, time for check-in and boarding pass processes as well as screening and security checks. United Airlines traveler check-in change starts in June originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A United Airlines flight bound for San Francisco International Airport from China was aborted Monday after losing power in one of its engines. According to reports, the engine caught fire during takeoff. The flight, UA889, was taking off at Beijing Capital International Airport when passengers experienced a loud bang, according to a report in the Global Times. A United Airlines representative confirmed to KRON4 that the aircraft, a Boeing 777, experienced a mechanical failure during takeoff. The aircraft came to a stop and passengers deplaned to buses on the runway, the airlines spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SF Bay Area near top of list of places people are moving away from: report The Global Times cited a passengers account on the Chinese social media platform, Red Note that read, Family and friends, weve started to smell something burning inside the plane. Just moments ago, the United Airlines flight UA889 I was on, flying from Beijing to San Francisco, experienced an engine failure on the right side during takeoff. The pilot immediately brought the plane to a sudden stop on the runway. A few minutes later, fire trucks arrived. Firefighters reportedly responded quickly and put out the fire. There were no injuries, according to United Airlines. United arranged for complimentary hotel accommodations for passengers. There were 229 passengers onboard and an unknown number of crew when the incident occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A replacement flight was also arranged and has since departed. The flight tracking website FlightAware confirms that Mondays flight was cancelled. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK (AP) Stragglers beware: U.S. travelers flying with United Airlines will have to check in to domestic flights a little earlier starting next week. That is, if they're customers only taking carry-on bags. Effective June 3, United's check-in cutoff for most U.S. flights will be 45 minutes before departure. That's the same deadline United has for passengers checking luggage at the airport but 15 minutes earlier than the current one for people without bags to check. In an email to The Associated Press, a United spokesperson said the change to a single cut-off minimum brings greater consistency for our customers and conforms with the policies of many other airlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Checking in for a flight confirms a passenger's booking and intent to travel ahead of takeoff. Most major U.S. carriers have online check-in systems that can be used at least 24 hours in advance, so the process no longer reflects when many travelers arrive at the airport. But it's still an important step since boarding passes are issued once check-ins are completed. Other U.S. and international carriers have tightened their check-in and boarding policies as part of their strategies for maintaining on-time departures, particularly amid the high demand that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. Generally speaking, checking in allows airports and airlines to prepare for upcoming flights from confirming seat assignments to making sure passenger names are at the security checkpoint. Check-in cutoffs, or the latest possible time to claim a flight reservation, are typically earlier for international flights to account for the time needed to check passports and clear customs. Still, requirements may vary by airline and airport. Dubai-based Emirates, for example, closes online check-ins 90 minutes before departure. Irelands Ryanair allows online check-in up to two hours before a flight; passengers still may check in at the airport 40 minutes in advance, but for a fee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what check-in cutoffs look like for United and some other U.S. carriers. United Airlines Again, if youre flying United within the U.S., you'll need to check in to your flight at least 45 minutes prior to takeoff as of June 3. While the new cutoff applies to most of United's domestic trips, check-in deadlines may vary by location and route. The carrier's website notes that St. Thomas' airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands has a check-in time limit of 90 minutes prior to departure the same cutoff listed for flights between Guam and Honolulu. For international flights, United requires checking in at least an hour before departure. But many airports have earlier deadlines such as 75 minutes for major airports in Paris and Dubai, and 90 minutes for the airports in Toronto and Lagos, Nigeria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delta Air Lines Delta passengers not checking any bags still have a minimum of a half-hour before a domestic flight to check in. Travelers with luggage to check need to get to the airline ticket counter at least 45 minutes prior, Delta's website notes, per an update that went into effect last month. In a statement sent to the AP on Tuesday, Delta said it had made this minor change" so that Delta teams can ensure all customers have a great experience. For international flights, Delta travelers must be checked in at least 1 hour before departure. But, like other carriers, Delta's minimum check-in requirements can vary by location for certain airports. Delta customers checking bags at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, for example, are supposed to check in an hour before departure whether their flights are domestic or international. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Airlines If you're flying with American Airlines within the U.S., the deadline for checking in and checking a bag before a flight is 45 minutes ahead of departure, according to the carrier's website. For trips to or from locations outside the U.S., the cutoff to both check-in for your flight and check a bag is 60 minutes ahead of takeoff. But again, a handful of airports have earlier requirements. Southwest Airlines Passengers with more than a carry-on bag should get to the airline counter at least 45 minutes before a scheduled flight on Southwest. The carrier warns that baggage destined for a plane's cargo hold is considered a late check and not guaranteed to get on your flight if it's dropped off less than 45 minutes ahead of departure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond baggage, if Southwest travelers arent checked-in and in the boarding area at least 10 minutes prior to departure, their reservation could be canceled, a Southwest spokesperson told the AP via email. The carrier did not specify any additional, firm check-in cutoffs for domestic flights. For international trips, Southwest's website notes that all passengers and their luggage must be checked in a minimum of 60 minutes prior to departure. And again, that can vary with flights departing Aruba, for example, having an earlier deadline of 75 minutes before takeoff for passengers with or without checked bags. Alaska Airlines Alaska requires a minimum of 50 minutes before takeoff to check in passengers for flights within the U.S., whether or not they have bags to check. The cutoff is 60 minutes for international flights, the carriers website notes. Again, there are exceptions for certain locations and airports. Passengers traveling from Guadalajara, Mexico, for example, have to check their baggage and into their flights at least 90 minutes ahead of time. A flag displayed on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Mass., on May 5, 2025. Credit - Mel MustoBloomberg/Getty Images A growing number of overseas universities, particularly in Asia, are offering themselves as a transfer option for Harvard international students affected by Donald Trumps ban on their enrollment. Harvards international students learned on May 22 that their once-in-a-lifetime chance to study at the top university in the U.S.and by some metrics, the worldmay soon be cut short. The Trump Administration announced that they were stripping Harvard University of its authorization to enroll international students via the Student and Exchange Visitor Programjust one of the Administrations moves to penalize the school for not sufficiently acceding to a list of demands mainly relating to its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and pro-Palestinian student protestors. The university is now in a legal battle with the Administration over the attempted ban, while Trump on Monday threatened to redirect $3 billion in grants from Harvard to trade schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students can, for now, remain at Harvard under a temporary injunction by a federal judge. But in the meantime international students at the school will have to weigh whether to try and stay on, transfer to another school in the U.S. to maintain their visa status in case Harvards legal challenge fails, or complete their studies elsewhere in the world. Read More: Harvards International Students Left in Limbo Amid Legal Battle With Trump Administration Some international students at other institutions in the U.S., particularly those at schools with smaller endowments, have also begun wondering if theyre next on Trumps chopping block. Experts tell TIME that the consequence could be a lower prestige of American higher education in the eyes of the worldand that universities in other countries could jump on the chance to attract top talent that would have otherwise gone to the U.S. Harvard attracts some very, very good people from all over the world, so it hurts the university quite substantially to lose that talent, says Simon Marginson, a professor of higher education at Oxford University and the founding director of the Center for Global Higher Education. Universities in Asia that have over the years risen the global ranks in terms of STEM fields will especially benefit, Marginson says, particularly as a large number of international students in the U.S. come from Asia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some are already hoping to. Hong Kong The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology was among the first to make an offer to Harvard students. The school announced on Friday an open invitation to students currently enrolled at Harvard as well as those holding confirmed offers to continue their studies at HKUST. This initiative comes in response to evolving global academic landscapes and reinforces HKUSTs commitment to fostering a diverse, world-class learning environment, the school said. HKUST said it will provide unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures, and academic support to students. The university also set up a dedicated team and email hotline for prospective students affected by the ban. The announcement came after Hong Kong authorities urged local universities to offer support to Harvard international studentswho comprise more than a quarter of Harvards student body and many of whom come from mainland China and Hong Kong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the ban on Harvard University recruiting international students, the Education Bureau has immediately contacted local universities to call on them to take proactive action, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said in a social media post. Choi added that Hong Kong universities should make use of raised quotas for non-local student intake at this time. Other local universities in Hong Kong followed suit: City University said it was extending support to international students facing academic disruption, inviting them to continue their education in Hong Kong, adding that it would invite the original supervisors of PhD students to continue serving as co-supervisors. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University made similar offers of support. Japan The University of Tokyo said on Monday that it is considering temporarily taking in international students barred from Harvard. The university launched a program in 2022 to temporarily host students and researchers whose studies were impacted by Russias invasion of Ukraine, including providing them with accommodation, financial support, and counselling services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Japanese government on Tuesday urged local universities to temporarily accept international students enrolled at Havard and other U.S. schools if more restrictions are imposed. Wed like to work with related institutions and make utmost efforts to guarantee education for young people with ambition and talent, education minister Toshiko Abe said at a press conference. Japans education ministry said the Japan Student Services Organization will release each Japanese universitys stance on whether and how it can provide support to affected students. Macau Macaus Education and Youth Development Bureau, also known as DSEDJ, called on Macaus universities to provide transfer support to affected students. In a Saturday announcement, the DSEDJ said it contacted Macanese students at Harvard to provide assistance. The Macau University of Science and Technology said it welcomed Harvards international students to enroll at the school and would provide support in the form of scholarships, subsidies, and accommodation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that Macaus universities are strong and attractive, Pang Chuan, the universitys vice president, told Macau news outlet TDM. Now we need to let these students know that Macau is willing and able to help them, and the credits they earned at Harvard can be transferred to universities here. Malaysia Sunway University said it welcomes Harvard international students to immediately transfer to the school, Sunway Education Groups CEO Elizabeth Lee posted on LinkedIn. Lee added that Sunway University, which is located in Petaling Jaya, has a partnership with Arizona State University and can assist Harvard students with transferring all of their credits to ASU or to a Sunway University degree program. Contact us at letters@time.com. The University of Florida's Board of Trustees on May 27 unanimously approved Dr. Santa Ono as the university's 14th president. Wearing a bright orange and blue tie, Ono sat in front of the trustees for a nearly three-hour interview at Emerson Alumni Hall. Ono, who had served as president of the University of Michigan (UM) since 2022, was questioned during the meeting on topics like diversity, equity and inclusion programs, antisemitism, and climate change. "Thank you for the opportunity to address you today. It is an extraordinary honor to have been unanimously chosen by the search committee as the finalist to be the next president of the University of Florida an institution with exceptional momentum, not only in national and international rankings, but also in the breadth, depth, and quality of its academic enterprise," Ono said in a prepared statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ono, who previously trumpeted the success of UM's DEI program before closing it in March 2025, made clear during the meeting that DEI will not return to UF's campus as long as he is president. The University of Florida's Board of Trustees on May 27 unanimously approved Dr. Santa Ono, pictured, as the university's 14th president. Some at UM had accused Ono of closing the school's DEI office in an effort to impress UF officials, however, Ono said that UM underwent a more than year-long review of its DEI program and felt it brought more division than unity to the university. I'm excited to be the leading edge of reform in education at the University of Florida and in the state of Florida, Ono said. The fact is some of my past remarks about DEI do not reflect what I believe, and that evolution did not take place overnight and it was shaped over a year and a half of thinking, discussions, listening to faculty, staff and students and their thoughts on the DEI program. Rahul Patel, chair of UF's Presidential Search Committee and vice chair of the university's board of trustees, said the committee began its search in January and first reached out to Ono and other candidates in early February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ono during his interview also addressed questions on antisemitism and student activism. He said during his prepared statement that he had heard from many Jewish students and faculty who felt unsafe following the attacks by Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. "Jewish students absolutely deserve the kind of environment free of harassment or any kind of situation that impacts their ability to learn like any other student," Ono said. In May 2024, Ono ordered a tent encampment with students protesting Israel's military offensive in Gaza removed from campus. At least seven pro-Palestinian demonstrators were reportedly arrested. Ono said that officials were forced to act after the protesters refused to remove fire hazards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The protesters refused to comply with these requests," Ono said, according to a report from the Detroit Free Press. Ono wrote in an op-ed after he was announced as the sole finalist to become UF's president that he believes peaceful protests have a place in campus life, but that UF is not a place for "disruption, intimidation or lawlessness." While the contract between Ono and UF has yet to be released, UF's Committee on Governance, Government Relations and Internal Affairs at a Feb. 25 meeting unanimously approved a compensation package for UF's next president of up to $3 million. After the vote, a glowing Interim President Kent Fuchs extended his arms open for a congratulatory hug to a tearful Ono. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ono becomes the permanent successor to former UF President Ben Sasse, who resigned in July 2024 after just 17 months into the job, after his wife was diagnosed with epilepsy. Fuchs, who served as UF president from 2015 to 2023, was quickly appointed by the board of trustees to serve as interim president, a position he has held since Aug. 1, 2024. Ono holds a doctorate in experimental medicine from McGill University and has held previous faculty appointments at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Harvard University and University College London. Before being named as the president of the University of Michigan in 2022, Ono served as the president of the University of British Columbia in Canada and the University of Cincinnati. Ono's appointment must still be confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors. This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: UF Board of Trustees selects Santa Ono as university's14th president A Ryanair flight from Tenerife, Spain, to Glasgow, Scotland, was diverted after a woman who was allegedly caught vaping on board caused a disturbance Video captured by fellow passenger shows her being handcuffed and restrained by police. In a second clip off the plane, she flails wildly in her restraints and is seemingly thrown to the ground Fellow passengers claim the woman was intoxicated and harassed others for hours before being removed A passenger on a Ryanair flight was forcibly removed from the aircraft after she was allegedly caught vaping and the incident only escalated from there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a Sunday, May 18, flight from Tenerife, Spain, en route to Glasgow, Scotland, a woman was approached by security personnel for allegedly smoking an e-cigarette on the aircraft, a representative for Ryanair confirmed to DublinLive. After being accused, the woman reportedly became violent. "Upon being approached by PSP officers, the passenger became aggressive and uncooperative. Showing visible signs of intoxication, she had to be escorted off the aircraft," a police spokesperson told the outlet. "While inside the airport bus, the individual began kicking and headbutting the doors and windows. For her own safety and that of the officers involved, it was necessary to restrain her on the ground and apply handcuffs. Even after being handcuffed, the passenger continued to behave aggressively, repeatedly banging her head against the bus window. A fellow passenger, Blair Morgan, 18, recorded the incident and shared video on TikTok. In the clips, the woman can be seen being escorted off the plane and onto the tarmac in handcuffs, where she continued to put up a fight with officials. Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty seats and the aisle inside a Ryanair plane seats and the aisle inside a Ryanair plane On the airport shuttle bus, she flails around wildly and police officers lunge at her and ultimately wrestle her to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE reached out to Ryanair and airport police but did not receive an immediately reply. Getty No smoking sign in airplane No smoking sign in airplane Though Morgan's TikTok, which has now amassed nearly 2 million views, is only 14 seconds and shows what seems to be a small portion of the extended incident, others who claim to have been on the flight sounded off in the comment section with more details. I was on this flight she deserves everything that happened to her she brought it on herself, one commenter began. The police were completely fair with at the start it was her who started being violent towards them not to mention the fact she was hitting and harassing other passengers on the flight including my sister who was sat next to her. Honestly got no sympathy for this woman. Another person who says they are a father of three who was aboard the flight, gave his perspective on the situation as one of his daughters was also allegedly sitting near the woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 2 hours on this flight she verbally abused staff and other passengers. She verbally and physically abused one of my daughters for quite some time, the poster began. Because of her actions the plane was redirected and everyone else on that plane suffered due to her being a selfish and self centred a******. The commenter goes on to add, The police were within their rights to put this lady on the deck as she was kicking them multiple times on the shuttle bus. She was never alone on the bus with 3 male officers which [some] people seem concerned about. This is because her spineless boyfriend was with her on that bus and plane and sat 2 rows away." Read the original article on People The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has accused Israel of making "unsubstantiated claims" that the agency has links to the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X that the allegations "have put the lives of UNRWA staff at serious risk and harmed the reputation of the Agency." He said that, despite requests to do so, the Israeli government had not "shared any sufficient evidence, to back up these very serious claims against the Agency and its personnel." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lazzarini called on Israel to stop its "unfounded dis-information campaign against the agency" and resume cooperation with UNRWA, which has been suspended since January. In mid-2024, a UN spokesman said the organization considers it highly likely that UNRWA employees were involved in the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. The UN also ended its cooperation with nine employees because of the allegations. Israel has long accused the aid agency of being infiltrated by Hamas. According to an Israeli government spokesman, hostages were hidden in UNRWA facilities in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government also released a video allegedly showing an UNRWA social worker carrying the body of an Israeli into a car on October 7, 2023, to transport it to the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli government says details of around 100 UNRWA employees who are alleged to be Hamas members were passed on to the UN. Israel's parliament imposed a ban on UNRWA operations on Israeli territory, which came into force at the end of January. Another law prohibits Israeli authorities from having any contact with UNRWA. Independent experts have investigated the Israeli allegations against 12 UNRWA employees on behalf of the relief agency. They said that although there were "robust" mechanisms in place to ensure neutrality, there was also room for improvement. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The family of the man who died in the Realty Tower explosion last year has reached a $6.1 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit. Read next: Man arrested, accused of impersonating police officer According to unsealed court documents from the Mahoning County Probate Court, the family of 27-year-old Akil Drake settled its lawsuit against the buildings owner and gas company, among others. However, after attorneys fees, the family will walk away with $3.6 million of that $6.1 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each defendant is expected to pay the following in the settlement: YO Properties 47, LLC (doing business as Youngstown Live Property Management and GreenHeart Companies): $3 million (40%) Enbridge/Dominion: $2.9 million (40%) A Nieder Architecture, of Boardman: $100,000 (35%) MS Consultants, of Youngstown: $100,000 (35%) Court documents further state that Drakes mother will receive 50% of the settlement ($1,800,275). His sister will receive 40% ($1,440,220), 3% will be split between Drakes grandparents, and the rest will be split among his siblings. Drakes family had previously requested that the court seal the details of the settlement, which Judge Robert Rusu denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A hearing is scheduled for July 17 to finalize the settlement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 27When the Delphini sank off the coast of Mount Desert Island in the 1890s, historian Susan O'Neill wrote that it was both "a tale of stubborn egocentricity on the part of her captain" and "a fluke of strange good fortune" for the owners of the Delphini's cargo, which they had just insured that morning. "The Delphini still sits there in the Sound, buried under tons of water and granite," O'Neill wrote in a 1978 manuscript shared by the Mount Desert Island Historical Society. The society's collections manager believes it is most likely the ship at the center of a legal battle over ownership of a sunken vessel near Bar Harbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement View this document on Scribd But it's not the same name that was unsealed Friday under a judge's orders as lawyers for the Maine State Museum and a private salvage company vie for rightful ownership. Court records show the sunken boat was called the Delhi, which happens to be the name of a Saco schooner that newspapers reported had sunk in the same area in 1893 carrying pavers on the way to New York. That April, various Maine papers reported that a schooner named Delhi from Saco struck ice in the Somes Sound near Mount Desert Island "and stove in her port side, and filled," sinking in "22 fathoms of water." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A schooner or potentially multiple schooners of the same name and place also traveled to the West Indies in 1888, was damaged in 1886 after being "fouled" by another boat in Vineyard Haven and had saved the crew of another near Savannah, Georgia, in 1877. Any one of these, or possibly all or none of them, could be the same schooner that is now the subject of a legal battle in federal court and could have longstanding implications for historic salvage efforts. Benjamin Ford, a lawyer representing JJM, the private salvaging company that started the case, declined to elaborate on the ship's history and identify which one it could be. Before the company was ordered to publicly identify the ship's name, it had only been known as "one abandoned and submerged vessel." No one has really said why this ship is so special. And why, after more than 130 years, a salvage company would find value in it. Historians say the legal case itself could be valuable in that it might create a process for the next time someone encounters a wreck in state or federal waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If someone were to discover Cleopatra's barge off the coast of Portland, we'd want to make sure there was a reasonable process of preserving its history for Maine and Maine's people," said Maine State Museum Director Bernard Fishman. Ford said Friday that JJM is only interested in the ship's cargo of granite pavers, although he declined to elaborate on why JJM wants them. "If you had a pencil that was from a shipwreck, it would be more interesting than a pencil from Kmart," Ford said. FINDING THE RIGHT DELHI Two possible names for the boat were discussed behind closed doors, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One was easily identifiable online. A diving expert wrote in court records earlier this year that, after searching one of the names on Google, he was able to find information about the ship "within seconds." It's not clear if that's the name that was released. The first court filing on Friday identified the ship as the "Delphi," which was corrected within in an hour to the "Delhi." There were hundreds of ships sailing around Maine at the time, often changing names with new ownership, said Amanda Pleau, communications and marketing manager of the Maine Maritime Museum. Fishman said Tuesday that naming boats "Delhi" was as common during that era as naming dogs "Caesar," and that ships often changed names particularly after wrecks because of the bad luck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With thousands of newspaper stories dedicated to these ships' wrecks and whereabouts, it's also highly likely that the names of the different ships got conflated, they both said. "It could be that at some point, a firsthand account might have been misattributed," said Pleau. "The record keeping is not 100% reliable." Fishman didn't know if the shipwreck at the center of this case is the same ship as Saco's Delhi, but he questioned whether the same boat could have made the voyage to the West Indies. His impression was that the ship that wrecked off Mount Desert Island was meant only for short transports, like "flatbed trucks," but he admitted it could have been possible. PRESERVING HISTORY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JJM filed a unique maritime claim last year seeking ownership of the wreck. Then attorneys representing the state museum filed their own "statement of right or interest" in the boat a month later. The state urged U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen to unseal the ship's name last month, arguing that the public has a right to most court records. When asked about the case Friday night, a spokesperson for the Office of the Maine Attorney General said they don't comment on pending litigation. Although JJM says it is only interested in the pavers, Ford said both parties are still hung up on how to responsibly excavate personal artifacts on board that would be valuable in a museum. Ford said the company has offered to excavate other historical items, like tea cups and saucers, in exchange for ownership of the stones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We really want to protect the wreck site," Ford said. "I think it's important for everybody, for all of your readers, to look at personal items that came from this period. ... We don't want that stuff to end up on someone's mantle." Fishman said that the museum is interested in reaching an outcome that "everyone can live with" and a decision that would outline the process for preserving a wreck like this the next time one is discovered, one that "preserves Maine's history for the people of Maine." He said the state normally doesn't rely on outside groups for archaeological work, but that he's willing to keep an open mind. "We would definitely need to be included and make sure the standards of excavation are followed," he said. "Generally, we would want our own people with their expertise in charge, or in the very least, supervising." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pleau said that although the Maine Maritime Museum is not involved in the case, she looks forward to its resolution in terms of creating a process for addressing wrecks found in state or federal waters. "There is this question of ethics in all of this," Pleau said. When someone discovers a wreck in state or federal waters, do they have any rights if there are no other plans for it? "But then, do these items actually belong in a museum?" Pleau went on. "Museums can't just take something from them because they're old and cool." Ford said the ship's exact coordinates are secret, for now, to protect it from amateur divers who could disrupt the fragile site or hurt themselves. He said a court order prevents him and any other parties from sharing information that could reveal its whereabouts. While the boat is physically underwater, legally, it's in the court's ownership until the case is resolved. "If you're going to go diving for this thing, you better bring your lawyer," Ford said. Copy the Story Link MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) The cries of distressed children filled the ward for the severely malnourished. Among the patients was 1-year-old Makail Mohamed. Doctors pressed his chest in a desperate attempt to support his breathing. His father brought him too late to a hospital in Somalia 's capital, Mogadishu. The victim of complications related to malnutrition, the boy did not survive. Are you certain? Did he really die? the father, Mohamed Ma'ow, asked a doctor, shocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death earlier this month at Banadir Hospital captured the agony of a growing number of Somalis who are unable to feed their children and that of health workers who are seeing hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. support disappear under the Trump administration. The U.S. Agency for International Development once provided 65% of Somalia's foreign aid, according to Dr. Abdiqani Sheikh Omar, the former director general of the Ministry of Health and now a government advisor. Now USAID is being dismantled. And in Somalia, dozens of centers treating the hungry are closing. They have been crucial in a country described as having one of the world's most fragile health systems as it wrestles with decades of insecurity. Save the Children, the largest non-governmental provider of health and nutrition services to children in Somalia, said the lives of 55,000 children will be at risk by June as it closes 121 nutrition centers it can no longer fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aid cuts mean that 11% more children are expected to be severely malnourished than in the previous year, Save the Children said. Somalia has long faced food insecurity because of climate shocks like drought. But aid groups and Somalis alike now fear a catastrophe. Former Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalin told state-run TV last month that USAID had provided $1 billion in funding for Somalia in fiscal year 2023, with a similar amount expected for 2024. Much of that funding is now gone. A U.S. State Department spokesperson in a statement to the AP said several lifesaving USAID humanitarian assistance programs are active in Somalia, including programs that provide food and nutrition assistance to children," and they were working to make sure the programs continue when such aid transitions to the State Department on July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem, aid workers say, is the U.S. hasn't made clear what programs are lifesaving, or whether whatever funding is left will continue after July 1. The aid group CARE has warned that 4.6 million people in Somalia are projected to face severe hunger by June, an uptick of hundreds of thousands of people from forecasts before the aid cuts. The effects are felt in rural areas and in Mogadishu, where over 800,000 displaced people shelter. Camps for them are ubiquitous in the city's suburbs, but many of their centers for feeding the hungry are now closing. Some people still go to the closed centers and hope that help will come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mogadishu residents said they suffer, too. Maow, the bereaved father, is a tailor. He said he had been unable recently to provide three meals a day for his family of six. His wife had no breast milk for Maka'il, whose malnutrition deteriorated between multiple trips to the hospital. Doctors confirmed that malnutrition was the primary factor in Maka'il's decline. The nutrition center at Banadir Hospital where Ma'ow family had been receiving food assistance is run by Alight Africa, a local partner for the U.N. children's agency, UNICEF, and one that has lost funding. The funding cuts have left UNICEF's partners unable to provide lifesaving support, including therapeutic supplies and supplemental nutrition at a time when 15% of Somali children are acutely malnourished, said Simon Karanja, a regional UNICEF official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Alight Africa worker, Abdullahi Hassan, confirmed that the group had to close all their nutrition centers in several districts of Mogadishu. One nutrition project supervisor for the group, Said Abdullahi Hassan, said closures have caused, tragically, the deaths of some children. Without the food assistance they had taken for granted, many Somalis are seeing their children waste away. More than 500 malnourished children were admitted to the center for malnourished children at Banadir Hospital between April and May, according to Dr. Mohamed Jama, head of the nutrition center. He said such increases in patients usually occur during major crises like drought or famine but called the current situation unprecedented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The funding gap has impacted not only the malnourished but also health staff, whose salaries have been cut, he said. Fadumo Ali Adawe, a mother of five who lives in one of the camps, said she urgently needed help for her 3-year-old daughter, malnourished now for nine months. The nearby nutrition center she frequented is now closed. We are unsure of what to do next," she said. Inside that center, empty food packages were strewn about and USAID posters still hung on the walls. ___ For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan discussed financial market control, Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Taleh Kazimov wrote on his X page, Trend reports. "During a working visit to Kazakhstan, we met with Chairperson of the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of Kazakhstan Madina Abylkassymova. After discussing important issues in the field of regulation and supervision of financial markets, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the institutions. Within the framework of the memorandum, mutual visits will be held on the state and development of the financial market, standards of financial market regulation and supervision, as well as innovative mechanisms, exchange of experience and information in the field of improving mechanisms for monitoring and controlling the activities of market participants, protecting the rights of consumers and investors will be expanded, and in general, attention will be paid to the exchange of experience, training and seminars, organizing joint research, and knowledge exchanges," Kazimov pointed out. The Central Bank (previously known as the National Bank) was founded in the Republic of Azerbaijan by a decree from the President on the 'Establishment of the National Bank in the Republic of Azerbaijan' dated 11 February 1992. A legal framework enables the Central Bank to more effectively fulfill its objectives and functions across all operational domains, delineating its primary responsibilities: formulating and executing monetary and exchange rate policy, overseeing currency circulation, regulating and advancing centralized interbank and other licensed payment systems, and managing gold and foreign exchange reserves. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The United States opposed a joint G7 effort to lower the $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports during last week's meeting of finance ministers, the Financial Times reported on May 27, citing three unnamed officials familiar with the talks. The price cap, introduced by the G7 and EU in December 2022, bans Western companies from shipping, insuring, or otherwise servicing Russian oil sold above $60 per barrel. The mechanism was designed to limit the Kremlin's ability to finance its war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Canadian G7 presidency had proposed including language in the meeting's final communique that would call for tightening the existing price cap, according to the publication. The move received backing from the European Union and G7 members France, Germany, Italy, and the U.K. However, the proposal was dropped after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly declined to support it. The European Commission had planned to propose reducing the threshold to $50 per barrel ahead of the meeting, according to Reuters. The Financial Times reported that some EU countries including Hungary and Greece were still weighing their support for lowering the cap further, possibly to $45, as part of the EU's upcoming 18th sanctions package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Finance Ministry has leaned on oil and gas taxes to finance growing military expenditures, including aggressive campaigns against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on U.S. sanctions against Russia has been unclear. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on May 19 that he would not impose further sanctions against Russia "because there's a chance" of progress towards a ceasefire. Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. This was not a drill. Members of US Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City nixed a Fleet Week search and rescue demonstration in Manhattan on Memorial Day for the real thing more than 100 miles away. The Atlantic City unit, known as the Blackjacks, were diverted to a distress call 20 miles off the Jersey shore on Monday after a radio transmission that sounded like Help was transmitted just before noon, a US Coast Guard rep told The Post. Members of US Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City nixed a Fleet Week demonstration of a search and rescue mission for the real thing more than 100 miles away on Memorial Day. Facebook/U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City Any sign that there could be potential distress, thats enough for us to launch [a search and rescue operation] and go search, the rep said, adding that no other correlating evidence, such as a missing person or missing boat, were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation which was conducted in the area of Barnegat Light, Atlantic City and Cape May in New Jersey, was called off just after 3 p.m., the rep added. Coast Guard Station Cape May also responded to the search. Veterans, active duty members of the armed forces and members of the public at the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Intrepid Museum on Monday. Michael Nagle The Fleet Week demonstration, slated to start at 2 p.m., was set to involve a dummy doll being rescued in the water by a Coast Guard member dropping in from a helicopter. Some US Coast Guard members at Pier 86 where the demonstration was planned to take place after the annual Memorial Day commemoration ceremony at the Intrepid Museum told The Post they were unsurprised the diversion happened due to the popularity of marine-related activities over the holiday weekend. On Memorial Day weekend, theres more than a 50% chance that they are going to get diverted, one Coast Guard member at the Pier 86 event said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of peoples boats have been up [out of the water] for the winter, and now they finally want to get out. Sometimes they dont take enough fuel, or forget to check the electronics: it could be a number of things. Lindsey Pauley, 4-year-old son Emerson, and Lt. Commander Blake Pauley, of Virginia Beach, at the Memorial Day ceremony. Michael Nagle An example of frequent calls to the Coast Guard during the busy holiday weekend are for disabled vessels boats which could simply be adrift while passengers onboard are safe. Several people have been pulled from the water across the Mid-Atlantic region this weekend, but there havent been any reports of missing persons, severe injuries or deaths as a result, according to a Coast Guard rep. US Coast Guard Divers hand rubber ducks out to children from a dive tank. Michael Nagle Despite the unexpected absence at the Memorial Day celebration in Manhattan, plenty of other Coast Guard members filled booths outside the Intrepid Museum including divers based in California and Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diver Richard Rudek, 24, told The Post he assists in underwater maintenance operations such as underwater construction, repairing buoys and other navigational tools as well as search and recovery operations relatively frequently. Rudek said his team went out to recover the wreckage of a 2024 helicopter crash in Kauai, Hawaii, which helped to provide closure to the families. US Coast Guard Divers play tick tack toe with children at the Pier 86 event. Michael Nagle His favorite part of his job, however, remains underwater navigation projects where you never know what youre going to get into. Sometimes its zero [visibility], youre in scuba [gear] and holding several thousand pound objects with, basically, balloons. Every job is super different, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guards Atlantic Strike Team which responds to fires, hurricanes, hazmat incidents and other emergencies from East Palestines train derailment to the Los Angeles fires to the Baltimore Bridge collapse was also in attendance at the fleet week event. Most Coasties join because they want to help, said Lieutenant Connie Tobler. Visitors inspect antique rifles at a booth during the annual Memorial Day commemoration ceremony. Michael Nagle The best part [of the job] is search and rescue, said Officer Bismarck Miranda, who recalled an operation a decade ago in which he rescued a 4-year-old and their family 50 miles off the shore of Key West. Being able to rescue that and see the baby and the family come back to the United States safely that was probably the best feeling. By Manas Mishra and Michael Erman (Reuters) -The U.S. has stopped recommending routine COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women and healthy children, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr announced in a social media post on Tuesday, circumventing the CDC's traditional recommendation process. Kennedy, FDA commissioner Marty Makary and National Institutes of Health director Jay Bhattacharya said in a video that the shots have been removed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended immunization schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes come a week after they unveiled tighter requirements for COVID shots, effectively limiting them to older adults and those at risk of developing severe illness. Traditionally, the CDC's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices would meet and vote on changes to the immunization schedule or recommendations on who should get vaccines before the director of the CDC made a final call. The committee has not voted on these changes. Kennedy, a long-time vaccine skeptic whose department oversees the CDC, has been remaking the U.S. health system to align with President Donald Trump's goal of dramatically shrinking the federal government. "Last year, the Biden Administration urged healthy children to get yet another COVID shot despite the lack of clinical data to support repeat booster strategy in children," Kennedy said in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC, following its panel of outside experts, previously recommended updated COVID vaccines for everyone aged six months and older. Insurers said they are reviewing the regulatory guidance to determine their policies, which typically follow the ACIP recommendations. A spokesperson for CVS Health said the company is determining whether changes in health insurance coverage are required as the federal government reassesses COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, while a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association spokesperson said preventative health benefits, including COVID vaccines, are essential in keeping patients healthy. 'TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The recommendation is coming down from the secretary, so the process has just been turned upside down," said William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a consultant to the ACIP. Schaffner said the CDC's panel was to vote on these issues at a June meeting, where he had expected them to favor more targeted shots instead of a universal vaccine recommendation. "But this seems to be a bit preemptory," he said. Dorit Reiss, professor of law at UC Law San Francisco, said in a Facebook post that going around the advisory committee might hurt the agency in the case of potential litigation. Studies with hundreds of thousands of people around the world show that COVID-19 vaccination before and during pregnancy is safe, effective, and beneficial to both the pregnant woman and the baby, according to the CDC's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Makary said in the video that there was no evidence that healthy children need routine COVID shots. Most countries have stopped recommending it for children, he added. COVID vaccine makers Moderna and Pfizer did not respond to requests for comment. Dr. Cody Meissner, professor of pediatrics at Dartmouth who co-wrote an editorial with Makary during the COVID pandemic against masks for children, said he agreed with the decision. He said he felt the U.S. had been overemphasizing the importance of the COVID vaccine for young children and pregnant women, and that previous recommendations were based on politics, adding that the severity of the illness generated by the virus seems to have lessened over time in young children. (Reporting by Manas Mishra in Bengaluru and Michael Erman in New York; Editing by Arun Koyyur, Maju Samuel and Bill Berkrot) German media outlets have reported that the United States and the European Union have ended their joint efforts to combat Russia's circumvention of international sanctions. Source: European Pravda, citing German media outlets Suddeutsche Zeitung, NDR and WDR with reference to an internal report by the German Foreign Ministry Details: The conclusion that cooperation has collapsed is contained in an internal report by the Federal Foreign Office on the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council held on 20 May in Brussels. The confidential document shows that EU sanctions policy chief David O'Sullivan lamented the complete breakdown of transatlantic coordination on sanctions evasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, "there is no more joint information and advocacy work". G7 cooperation has also "lost momentum" in this regard. How the Europeans and Americans intend to agree on another package of sanctions in such circumstances remains a mystery. Moreover, some experts believe that Trump would like to do business with Russia again sooner or later. Sergey Lagodinsky, a MEP from the Greens, warns of the security implications of reduced transatlantic coordination. "The problem is that the US has been the de facto driving force behind the sanctions regime," he said in an interview with the Suddeutsche Zeitung. If the Trump administration seeks to normalise relations with Russia, "it will mean the end of the global sanctions regime," he said. The only positive aspect of the meeting in Brussels is that the trade restrictions against Moscow seem to be starting to have an effect. The report shows that both O'Sullivan and Daniel Markic, director of the EU's Intelligence Coordination Office, stressed that the sanctions are having a significant impact on the Russian economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU has also had some success regarding war-related goods being exported through third countries, including Armenia, Serbia, Uzbekistan and India. However, shipments through Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and Turkiye continue to pose challenges. China and Hong Kong remain the main transit points for circumventing sanctions. The confidential document indicates that O'Sullivan complained at a meeting in Brussels that the People's Republic of China was "responsible for approximately 80 per cent of the evasion" but continued to deny it. However, he added that EU companies also profit from illegal business with Russia, which significantly weakens the European Commission's position in negotiations with third countries. At the meeting, O'Sullivan was able to report on the first successes in the fight against Russia's shadow fleet. Several states in which these tankers and cargo ships, which actually belong to Russia, are registered have withdrawn their flags at the EU's initiative. Nevertheless, the sanctions commissioner called on EU member states to take "decisive action against the entire shadow fleet". Among other things, according to an internal report, he suggested considering measures against ports frequented by these vessels, in countries such as Turkiye, India and Malaysia. The next EU sanctions, according to the Foreign Ministry document, will most likely be directed against Russia's energy and banking sectors. Only Hungary rejects these measures, once again demonstrating its "unwillingness to compromise". It is also doubtful whether the US government will cooperate, given the experience of the past few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 25 May, US President Donald Trump, condemning Russia's latest attack on Ukraine, said he was considering additional sanctions against Russia. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo believes that the international community should put pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to start negotiating a ceasefire in Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) Top officials at the European Union's executive commission says they're pushing hard for a trade deal with the Trump administration to avoid a 50% tariff on imported goods. Trump had threatened to impose the tariffs on June 1, but has pushed back the deadline to July 9, repeating an oft-used tactic in his trade war. European negotiators are contending with Trumps ever-changing and unpredictable tariff threats, but still, they have to come up with something to hopefully pacify him," said Bruce Stokes, visiting senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Stokes also sees more at play than just a disagreement over trade deficits. Trumps threats are rooted in frustration with the EU that has little to do with trade, Stokes said. He doesnt like the EU. He doesnt like Germany." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What exactly does Trump want? What can Europe offer? Here are the key areas where the two side are squaring off. Buy our stuff Over and over, Trump has bemoaned the fact that Europe sells more things to Americans than it buys from Americans. The difference, or the trade deficit in goods, last year was 157 billion euros ($178 billion). But Europe says that when it comes to services particularly digital services like online advertising and cloud computing the U.S. sells more than it buys and that lowers the overall trade deficit to 48 billion euros, which is only about 3% of total trade. The European Commission says that means trade is balanced. One way to shift the trade in goods would be for Europe to buy more liquefied natural gas by ship from the U.S. To do so, the EU could cut off the remaining imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG. The commission is preparing legislation to force an end to those purchases -- last year, some 19% of imports by the end of 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would push European private companies to look for other sources of gas such as the U.S. However the shift away from Russia is already in motion and that has obviously not been enough to satisfy," said Laurent Ruseckas, a natural gas markets expert at S&P Global Commodities Insights Research. The commission doesn't buy gas itself but can use moral suasion to convince companies to turn to U.S. suppliers in coming years but this is no silver bullet and nothing that can yield immediate results, said Simone Tagliapietra, an energy analyst at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. Europe could buy more from U.S. defense contractors as part of its effort to deter further aggression from Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, says Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING bank. If European countries did increase their overall defense spending another of Trump's demands their voters are likely to insist that the purchases go to defense contractors in Europe, not America, said Stokes of the German Marshall Fund. One way around that political obstacle would be for U.S. defense companies to build factories in Europe, but "that would take time,'' he said. The EU could also reduce its 10% tax on foreign cars one of Trump's long-standing grievances against Europe. The United States is not going to export that many cars to Europe anyway ... The Germans would be most resistant, but I don't think they're terribly worried about competition from America,'' said Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. That would be a symbolic victory for the president.'' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A beef over beef The U.S. has long complained about European regulations on food and agricultural products that keep out hormone-raised beef and chickens washed with chlorine. But experts aren't expecting EU trade negotiators to offer any concessions at the bargaining table. The EU is unwilling to capitulate, said Mary Lovely, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. The EU has repeatedly said it will not change its sanitary rules, its rules on (genetically modified) crops, its rules on chlorinated chickens, things that have been longtime irritants for the U.S. Backing down on those issues, she said, would mean that the U.S. gets to set food safety (standards) for Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Value-added tax One of Trump's pet peeves has been the value-added taxes used by European governments, a tax he says is a burden on US companies. Economists say this kind of tax, used by some 170 countries, is trade-neutral because it applies equally to imports and exports. A value-added tax, or VAT, is paid by the end purchaser at the cash register but differs from sales taxes in that it is calculated at each stage of the production process. In both cases, VAT and sales tax, imports and exports get the same treatment. The U.S. is an outlier in that it doesnt use VAT. Theres little chance countries will change their tax systems for Trump and the EU has ruled it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiating strategy Trump's approach to negotiations has involved threats of astronomical tariffs - up to 145% in the case of China - before striking a deal for far lower levels. In any case, however, the White House has taken the stance that it won't go below a 10% baseline. The threat of 50% for the EU is so high it means an effective trade embargo," said Brzeski, since it would impose costs that would make it unprofitable to import goods or mean charging consumers prices so high the goods would be uncompetitive. Because the knottiest issues dividing the EU and U.S. food safety standards, the VAT, regulation of tech companies are so difficult it is impossible to imagine them being resolved by the deadline,'' Alden said. Possibly what you could have and Trump has shown he is willing to do this is a very small deal'' like the one he announced May 8 with the United Kingdom. Economists Oliver Rakau and Nicola Nobile of Oxford Economics wrote in a commentary Monday that if imposed, the 50% tariffs would reduce the collective economy of the 20 countries that use the euro currency by up to 1% next year and slash business investment by more than 6%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU has offered the US a zero for zero" outcome in which tariffs would be removed on both sides industrial goods including autos. Trump has dismissed that but EU officials have said it's still on the table. Lovely of the Peterson Institute sees the threats and bluster as Trump's way of negotiating. In the short run, I dont think 50% is going to be our reality. But she says Trump's strategy adds to the uncertainty around U.S. policy that is paralyzing business. It suggests that the U.S. is an unreliable trading partner, that it operates on whim and not on rule of law, Lovely said. Friend or foe, youre not going to be treated well by this administration. _____ Wiseman contributed to this report from Washington. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) said Tuesday the U.S. government will have a golden share in Nippon Steels acquisition of U.S. Steel, giving it power over some of the decisionmaking. Its a national security agreement that will be signed with the U.S. government, McCormick told CNBCs Squawk Box. Therell be a golden share that will essentially require U.S. government approval of a number of the board members, and that will allow the United States to ensure production levels arent cut, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrangement, lauded by the Trump administration as a partnership, would pour $2.4 billion into company operations in Pittsburgh alone, McCormick said. President Trump said the deal would add 70,000 jobs nationally and add $14 billion to the U.S. economy as part of the takeover. They wanted an opportunity to get access to the U.S. market this allowed them to do so and get the economic benefit of that, McCormick said of Nippon. Theyve negotiated it, it was their proposal. Trump and former President Biden both ruled out the Japanese corporations complete acquisition of U.S. Steel, citing potential harm for blue-collar workers and threats to national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden blocked the merger from happening in early January following a yearlong review of the potential acquisition from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Trump received a fresh report from the committee in April, one month prior to announcing the partnership between the two companies, telling reporters on Sunday U.S. Steel will remain controlled by the U.S.A. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Reuters) -The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said on Tuesday it will increase oversight to stop states from using Medicaid dollars to cover healthcare for illegal immigrants. More than 71 million people are covered by Medicaid, a federal health insurance program for low-income Americans. CMS is ramping up financial oversight across the board to identify and stop improper spending, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill, which was passed earlier this month, excludes non-citizens from Medicaid and penalizes states that use their own funds to provide coverage to illegal immigrants. (Reporting by Puyaan Singh in Bengaluru) Kyrgyzstan sees record gasoline exports to Afghanistan in early 2025 Between January and March of 2025, Kyrgyzstan hit the ground running, exporting a whopping 40 million liters of gasoline to Afghanistan, marking a significant leap compared to the previous year. This increase stands in stark relief to the meager exports heading to Uzbekistan. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register A controversial aid group engaged by Israel and backed by the United States says it has started operations in southern Gaza as the Israeli military continues its attacks across the enclave with the stated aim of taking over all of Gaza. This comes as more than 180,000 people were displaced in Gaza in just 10 days between May 15 and May 25, according to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which bypasses aid distribution networks established by the UN and charities, said it distributed boxes of food to Palestinians on Tuesday after announcing it had opened its first distribution hubs in southern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN and international aid agencies have said they will not cooperate with the Switzerland-registered company, which is distributing aid under the protection of armed security contractors, amid concerns that the scheme could be used to weaponise aid, causing further displacement of Palestinians. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, said the deliveries were a distraction from what is actually needed, instead calling for the reopening of all crossings into Gaza and more Israeli approvals for emergency supplies that are just outside Gazas borders waiting to be let in. The GHF has gone ahead with its mission despite the resignation of executive director Jake Wood on Sunday, who said it could not adhere to humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. The new operation will rely on four main distribution centres in southern Gaza that will screen families for involvement with the Palestinian group Hamas, potentially using facial recognition or biometric technology, according to aid officials cited by the Reuters news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But many details of how the operation will work remain unexplained, not least the question of how Palestinians scattered across central and northern Gaza, many of them sick and weakened by a lack of food, will be expected to cover long distances to receive the aid. Only those who move southwards will get aid, said Al Jazeeras Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza. People will be forced to travel long distances under very dangerous security circumstances in order to get parcels that will be enough for a few days; and, later on, they will need to travel again. Abu Azzoum said many Palestinians were concerned about GHFs ties to the Israeli government, raising massive concerns regarding the use of aid as a political tool to control the movement of Gazas population. As the GHF operation began, 13 more Palestinians were killed across the Strip on Tuesday and Gazas Ministry of Health said the total death toll from the conflict had surpassed 54,000. (Al Jazeera) European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen denounced Israels deadly wave strikes on civilian facilities during its expanded military offensive as abhorrent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her comments followed Israels bombing of a Gaza City school the previous day, which killed 36 people mostly women and children. Aid washing The GHF announcement came as Israel faced global condemnation over conditions in Gaza, its population of 2.1 million subjected to constant attack amid a looming famine. Former UNRWA spokesperson Chris Gunness blasted the new scheme as aid washing. Its quite simply the use of humanitarian aid to justify the weaponisation of humanitarian assistance, but also to justify ethnic cleansing and genocide, Gunness told Al Jazeera. He also raised concerns about the use of security contractors to monitor the operation, saying the subcontracting of aid to mercenaries could lead to a similar disaster as last years flour massacre, in which at least 112 people were killed while waiting for food southwest of Gaza City. France, the United Kingdom and Canada have said they will take concrete actions if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid. They were joined by Germany this week, which said the humanitarian toll of Israels offensive can no longer be justified as a fight against terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Germany and Finland called for nations to put pressure on Israel to allow urgently needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. Earlier, Swedens Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the European Union should impose sanctions on Israel. Defying international critics, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels far-right national security minister, said on Tuesday that Gaza should be denied aid. I say to the prime minister: Dear prime minister, we must not give them humanitarian aid. We must not give them fuel Our enemies deserve only a bullet to the head, he told a large crowd participating in the controversial Jerusalem Day march on occupied East Jerusalem. Israel intercepts Houthi missiles On Tuesday, the Israeli military said it had intercepted a missile and another projectile fired from Yemen, where Houthi rebels have regularly launched attacks in self-proclaimed solidarity with Palestinians under attack in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have fired missiles and drones at Israel since the start of the war in October 2023. They paused their attacks during a two-month Gaza ceasefire that ended in March, but resumed them after Israel restarted its campaign in the territory. While most of the projectiles have been intercepted, a missile fired by the group in early May hit the perimeter of Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv for the first time. Israel has also carried out several attacks on Yemen in recent months, including on ports and the airport in Sanaa. The United States on Tuesday updated its travel advisory for Italy, urging visitors to the country to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism." "There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy," the US State Department's website said. The EU country, which boasts many popular tourist destinations such as Rome, Venice and Florence, now holds a level two warning on the State Department's list of travel destinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list has four categories, with level four a recommendation not to travel to the country in question. The State Department's website warns that "terrorists may attack with little or no warning." Tourist sites, churches, airports, hotels and restaurants are cited as frequent targets. US President Donald Trump's administration did not initially give any reasons for the new classification. Other large EU countries, such as Germany, France and Spain, also have level two warnings. Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe for Americans. According to the latest statistics, more than 7.5 million US tourists and businesspeople visit the country every year. Currently, there are once again large numbers of US tourists in Rome, attracted in part by the election of the new Pope Leo XIV. Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, is the first head of the Catholic Church from the United States. By Mike Scarcella (Reuters) -A federal judge on Tuesday struck down an executive order targeting law firm WilmerHale, in the third ruling to overwhelmingly reject President Donald Trump's efforts to punish firms he perceives as enemies of his administration. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, in Washington, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, said Trump's order retaliated against the firm in violation of U.S. constitutional protections for free speech and due process. "I have concluded that this order must be struck down in its entirety as unconstitutional," Leon wrote in his 73-page opinion. "Indeed, to rule otherwise would be unfaithful to the judgment and vision of the Founding Fathers!" Leon said Trump had penalized WilmerHale for hiring Robert Mueller, the Republican-appointed special counsel who led a probe into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election and Trump campaign ties to Moscow. Trump has derided the investigation as a political "witch hunt." In a statement, WilmerHale said Leon's ruling "strongly affirms our foundational constitutional rights and those of our clients. We remain proud to defend our firm, our people, and our clients." White House spokesman Harrison Fields in a statement said Trump acted within his power by rescinding security clearances for the firm's attorneys. Reviewing the president's clearance decisions "falls well outside the judiciarys authority, Fields said. WilmerHale was among four law firms that sued the administration over Trump's orders, which suspended their lawyers' security clearances and sought to bar them from federal buildings and strip their clients of U.S. federal government contracts. WilmerHale called Trump's order flagrantly unconstitutional, arguing it violated its rights to speech, due process and equal protection under the law. The firm in its lawsuit was represented by prominent conservative lawyer Paul Clement, who was the U.S. solicitor general during the George W. Bush presidency. Leon barred federal agencies from enforcing the March 27 executive order against WilmerHale, a 1,200-lawyer firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and across the country. He called the order "a staggering punishment for the firms protected speech" that harmed its ability to represent its clients. In a related lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell on May 2 overturned Trump's executive order against law firm Perkins Coie. On May 23, U.S. District Judge John Bates issued a similar ruling that struck down Trump's order against Jenner & Block. A fourth judge is weighing whether to overturn an executive order that targeted Susman Godfrey. By David Shepardson (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Tuesday issued an order temporarily barring the U.S. Transportation Department from withholding federal funding from New York as the Trump administration seeks to kill Manhattan's congestion pricing program. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman held the hearing just one day before the potential start date of the federal government's withholding of approvals for New York projects, according to an earlier warning by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration on February 19 rescinded federal approval of the program designed to reduce traffic and raise money to upgrade aging subway and bus systems. Duffy said at the time that the program - which charges most passenger vehicles $9 during peak periods to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street - left drivers without a free highway alternative and took money from working people to pay for a transit system and not highways. Shortly after the Trump administration rescinded approval, New York City, New York state and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority sued to block the move. Liman's order bars Duffy from seeking to enforce the order to rescind congestion pricing approval or from taking any funding or enforcement action against New York. On Tuesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said Liman's decision was "a massive victory for New York commuters, vindicating our right as a State to make decisions regarding whats best for our streets. New Yorkers deserve to control our own traffic patterns, keep gridlock off our streets and protect our clean air." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MTA Chief Executive Janno Lieber said after the hearing that the judge's order will extend through June 9. Liman, said Lieber, "wants no more coercive threats" by the Trump administration and wants a speedy timetable to resolve the lawsuit. A USDOT spokesperson noted that the judge has not ruled on the merits of the issue, adding, "enforcement actions for noncompliance were merely under consideration, and we will comply with the judges request to hold. We look forward to making our case in court." New York launched its first-in-the-nation congestion pricing program in January. In April, Duffy told Hochul that USDOT may withhold environmental approvals or project funding starting on May 28 if the state did not end congestion pricing by Wednesday, which it declined to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York cited President Donald Trump's social media post in February that touted his effort to kill congestion pricing with the phrase: "LONG LIVE THE KING!" The White House posted on social media a mock photo of him wearing a crown. Trump compared himself to a monarch, which New York said raised questions about the legitimacy of the move. The MTA said the decision was made "for blatantly political reasons" - to uphold a Trump campaign promise. New York City says the program has dramatically cut congestion, with about 5.8 million fewer cars than expected in the congestion zone between January and March, or a reduction of 8% to 13%. Data also shows a 12% reduction in traffic in April, while travel times to cross into Manhattan have also dramatically improved, the city said, while hotel stays, retail spending and pedestrian traffic have all increased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochul has said that funds raised from the program would underpin $15 billion in debt financing for critical mass transit capital improvements. The USDOT under former Democratic President Joe Biden had approved the congestion program in November, which is monitored via electronic license plate readers. U.S. approval is needed because it involves tolls on federal highways. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Matthew Lewis) The U.S. military is backing off its usual talk of good governance and countering insurgencies underlying causes, instead leaning into a message that its fragile allies in Africa must be ready to stand more on their own. At African Lion, its largest joint training exercise on the continent, that shift was clear. We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations, Gen. Michael Langley said in an interview with The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There needs to be some burden sharing, Langley, the U.S. militarys top official in Africa, said on Friday, the final day of the exercise. For four weeks, troops from more than 40 countries rehearsed how to confront threats by air, land and sea. They flew drones, simulated close-quarters combat and launched satellite-guided rockets in the desert. Maneuvers mirrored previous editions of African Lion, now in its 21st year. But mostly gone now is language that emphasizes ideas the U.S. once argued set it apart from Russia and China. Messaging about the interwoven work of defense, diplomacy and development once formed the core of Washingtons security pitch. In their place now are calls for helping allies to build capacity manage their own security, which Langley said was a priority for President Donald Trumps Defense Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have our set priorities now protecting the homeland. And were also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas, he said, referencing U.S. support for Sudan. The shift comes as the U.S. military makes moves to build a leaner, more lethal force, including potentially cutting military leadership positions in places like Africa, where Americas rivals continue to deepen their influence. Soldiers assigned to the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command operate the Avenger Air Defense System, at African Lion 2025, at Ben Ghilouf Training Area, Tunisia. (Sgt. Jose Lora/Army) China has launched its own expansive training program for African militaries. Russian mercenaries are recalibrating and cementing their role as security partner of choice throughout North, West and Central Africa. In an interview a year ago, Langley emphasized what U.S. military officials have long called a whole of government approach to countering insurgency. Even amid setbacks, he defended the U.S. approach and said force alone couldnt stabilize weak states and protect U.S. interests against the risk of violence spilling out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive always professed that AFRICOM is not just a military organization, Langley said last year. He called good governance an enduring solution to a number of layered threats whether it be desertification, whether it be crop failure from changing environments, or whether it be from violent extremist organizations. The whole of government approach no longer occupies the same place at the center of U.S. messaging, though Langley said holistic efforts have worked in places like Ivory Coast, where development coupled with defense had reduced attacks by jihadi groups near its volatile northern border. But such successes arent a pattern. Ive seen progression and Ive seen regression, said Langley, who is scheduled to exit his post later this year. As the US steps back, insurgencies gain ground The U.S. militarys new posture comes even though many African armies remain ill-equipped and insurgent groups expand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We see Africa as the epicenter for both al-Qaida and Islamic State, a senior U.S. defense official said earlier this month, noting both groups had growing regional affiliates and the Islamic State group had shifted command and control to Africa. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to discuss the issue publicly. Africa has rarely ranked high on the Pentagons list of priorities, but the U.S. has still spent hundreds of millions of dollars on security assistance and has roughly 6,500 Africa Command personnel on the continent. In some regions, the U.S. faces direct competition from Russia and China. In others, regional affiliates of al-Qaida and the IS still require direct military action, Langley said. The messaging shift from whole of government to more burden-sharing comes as fears grow that rising violence could spread beyond hotspots where insurgents have expanded influence and found vacuums in which they can consolidate power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parts of of both East and West Africa have emerged as epicenters of violence. In 2024, more than half of the worlds terrorism victims were killed across West Africas Sahel, a vast desert territory ruled by military juntas, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace. The group, which compiles yearly terrorism statistics, also found Somalia accounted for 6% of all terrorism-related deaths, making it the deadliest for terrorism in Africa outside the Sahel. Security officers patrol near the destroyed Hayat Hotel after a deadly 30-hour siege by al-Shabab militants in Mogadishu on Aug. 21, 2022. (Hassan Ali Elmi/AFP via Getty Images) Since Trump took office, the U.S. military has escalated airstrikes in Somalia, targeting IS and al-Shabab operatives. But despite air support, Somalias army remains far from being able to maintain security on the ground, Langley acknowledged. The Somali National Army is trying to find their way, Langley said, adding that they had regained some footing after years of setbacks. There are some things they still need on the battlefield to be very effective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly in West Africa, the notion that states could soon have the capacity to counter such threats is a distant prospect, said Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at Control Risks, a security consulting firm. Even before Western influence began to wane in the Sahel, needed military support was limited, threats remained active and local militaries were left without the tools to confront them. Western powers with a presence in the Sahel have gradually scaled back their engagement, either by choice or after being pushed out by increasingly hostile governments. Many of them do not have very strong air forces and are not able to monitor the movement of militants, especially in areas where roads are very difficult to traverse, the infrastructure is extremely poor, said Ochieng, who specializes in the Sahel and Great Power competition in Africa. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will stop recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced Tuesday. Many countries around the world, including Britain, France, and Germany, already dont recommend COVID-19 shots for healthy children. While most children are unlikely to have severe symptoms, pregnant women are considered at higher risk of complications from the disease. Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, criticized the CDCs move, saying that COVID infection during pregnancy can be catastrophic and lead to major disability. Before joining the Trump administration, Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, campaigned against COVID-19 shots for children, even at the height of the pandemic. The US government on Tuesday welcomed the newly launched distribution of aid supplies in the Gaza Strip while distancing itself from the foundation behind the effort. US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce repeatedly emphasized at a press briefing in Washington that the department does not speak for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). At the same time, she highlighted the importance of the aid deliveries received so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bruce called criticism from the United Nations and international aid organizations that the GHF is not independent and operates in Israel's interest as "unfortunate." It is the "the height of hypocrisy" to complain about who delivers the aid or how it is organized, she said. Bruce did not address questions about possible political motives or a connection to Israeli resettlement goals. When asked about concerns that the logistics might aim to deliberately move people from the northern Gaza Strip to the south, Bruce stated that "this is not a State Department effort. We don't have a plan." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that she would not speculate on what the foundation might do and referred further inquiries to the GHF. Shortly before the aid effort began, the foundation's chairman, Jake Woods, a US military veteran, resigned, saying it threatened humanitarian principles. Kazakhstan gears up to launch energy and utilities overhaul in late 2025 Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstan plans to launch a National Project for the modernization of its energy and utility sectors in the second half of 2025, with a budget of approximately $26 billion allocated through 2029. The Ministry of Industry and Construction will oversee water supply and wastewater management, dedicating around 1 trillion tenge to these areas. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register The US public broadcaster National Public Radio (NPR) is taking legal action against President Donald Trump's executive order to cut its state funding. Trump's decree violates the express will of Congress and the fundamental constitutional principles of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, the lawsuit states. It adds that the order threatens a public broadcasting system that millons of Americans across the country rely on for important news and information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Trump ordered the withdrawal of funding for NPR and for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The executive order stated that taxpayer subsidies for what he termed "partisan media" would be ended. Trump regularly rails against the media, denigrates journalists and takes legal action against reporting. Patricia Harrison, president of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which is responsible for distributing government media funds, firmly rejected Trump's order to cut funding at the time, writing in a statement that the CPB is not a federal agency subject to the president's authority. NPR also argues in its lawsuit that the authority to cut financial support lies with Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the current fiscal year, CPB was allocated more than $500 million by the US Congress. NPR says it receives about one per cent of its funding directly from the government and a slightly higher amount indirectly. The 246 member institutions of NPR, which operate more than 1,300 stations, receive an average of eight to ten per cent of their funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. By John Kruzel WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Tuesday to hear a student's challenge on free speech grounds to a Massachusetts public school's decision to bar him from wearing a T-shirt reading "There are only two genders" due to concern about the message's effect on transgender and other pupils. The justices turned away an appeal by the student, who was 12 at the time of the 2023 incident, of a lower court's ruling upholding the ban as a reasonable restriction and rejecting his claim that the school's action violated the U.S. Constitution's protections against government abridgment of speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The student, Liam Morrison, sued officials at John T. Nichols Middle School and the town of Middleborough, seeking monetary damages. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani and then the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against him. The 1st Circuit decision stated that "it was reasonable for Middleborough to forecast that a message displayed throughout the school day denying the existence of the gender identities of transgender and gender nonconforming students would have a serious negative impact on those students' ability to concentrate on their classroom work." Conservative Justice Samuel Alito, in a dissent from the Supreme Court's decision to turn away the appeal, wrote that the 1st Circuit ruling was flawed and that it reflects a broader confusion in the lower courts. "As this case makes clear, some lower courts are confused on how to manage the tension between students' rights and schools' obligations," Alito wrote in a dissent that was joined by fellow conservative Justice Clarence Thomas. "Our nation's students, teachers and administrators deserve clarity on this critically important question." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legal dispute implicates a 1969 Supreme Court precedent in a case known as Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District that lets public schools restrict student speech when it would "substantially disrupt" a school community. The issue of transgender rights is front and center in the U.S. culture wars. Since returning to office in January, Republican President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance on transgender rights, targeting "gender ideology" and declaring that the U.S. government would recognize two sexes: male and female. The Supreme Court on May 6 permitted Trump's administration to implement his ban on transgender people in the military. 'A MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION' Morrison, who was a seventh grade student at the time, wore the T-shirt reading "There are only two genders" to school in March 2023. His lawyers said in court papers he did so in order to "share his view that gender and sex are identical, and there are only two sexes - male and female." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyers wrote in a Supreme Court filing that Morrison "hoped to start a meaningful conversation on gender ideology" as well as to protect other students against ideas that he considered "false and harmful" and to "show them compassionate people can believe that sex is binary." A teacher reported the shirt to the school principal's office, noting that LGBT students were present at school that day and expressing concerns that the shirt could disrupt classes. The principal asked the boy if he would be willing to change his shirt and return to class, but he declined. The principal then called the boy's father, Chris Morrison, who opted to pick up his son from school rather than have him remove his shirt. School officials cited the dress code in the school's student handbook, which stated: "Clothing must not state, imply, or depict hate speech or imagery that target(s) groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation or any other classification." In May 2023, the student again wore the T-shirt to school, but covered the words "only two" with a piece of tape that read "censored," thus bearing the message: "There are (censored) genders." He removed that shirt after being asked by school officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the proceedings, the school system's superintendent said that some students at John T. Nichols Middle School "have attempted to commit suicide or have had suicidal ideations in the past few years, including members of the LGBTQ+ community," and that some of those struggles were "related to their treatment based on their gender identities by other students." The boy brought the lawsuit along with his father and stepmother. They were represented by the conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom. The plaintiffs sought a court order prohibiting school officials from barring his wearing of the T-shirt and declaring the disputed portions of the dress code unconstitutional. They also sought unspecified monetary damages. The Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, is expected to rule by the end of June in a major transgender rights case involving a legal challenge to Tennessee Republican-backed ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. (Reporting by John Kruzel; Editing by Will Dunham) By Nate Raymond, Ernest Scheyder (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court gave a boost on Tuesday to plans for one of the world's largest copper mines, as the justices declined to hear a Native American group's bid based on religious rights to block Rio Tinto and BHP from gaining control of land in Arizona long used for Apache sacred rituals. The justices turned away an appeal by Apache Stronghold, an advocacy group that includes Arizona's San Carlos Apache tribe and conservationists, of a lower court's ruling that let the federal government swap acreage with the mining companies for the Resolution Copper project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government, which has argued in the case that it can do what it wants with federally owned land, is now free to start a process by next month that would give the companies access to the copper-rich acreage. Republican President Donald Trump's administration has sought to proceed with the land transfer and allow the mine's development. A federal judge in Arizona on May 9 had temporarily blocked the administration from doing so, pending the outcome of the appeal to the Supreme Court. Apache Stronghold sued in 2021 to try to block the project. It argued that the project, because it would destroy a religiously important site, violates the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protections for the free exercise of religion, as well as a 1993 federal law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The sacred site's destruction would violate a 1852 treaty promising that the U.S. government would protect the land and "secure the permanent prosperity and happiness" of the tribe, the plaintiffs added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site sits atop a reserve of more than 40 billion pounds (18.1 million metric tons) of copper, a crucial component of electric vehicles and nearly every electronic device. Conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissented from Tuesday's action, calling it a "grave mistake" that would let the government destroy a sacred Apache site without the justices even hearing arguments in the case. "Just imagine if the government sought to demolish a historic cathedral on so questionable a chain of legal reasoning," Gorsuch wrote in the 17-page dissent joined by Thomas. "I have no doubt that we would find that case worth our time." Conservative Justice Samuel Alito did not participate in the decision. While the court did not give a reason, Alito's 2023 financial disclosure report stated he held investments in BHP. At least four of the nine justices must agree to hear a case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is 55% owned by British-Australian mining company Rio and 45% by Australian mining company BHP. Rio is the project's operator. Both companies have spent more than $2 billion on the project without yet producing any copper. BHP deferred comment to Rio, which welcomed the court's decision. "The Resolution Copper mine is vital to securing America's energy future, infrastructure needs and national defense," said Vicky Peacey, the Rio executive who runs the project. Apache Stronghold and its lawyers at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty vowed to continue to fight the project. They urged Congress to block the land transfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While this decision is a heavy blow, our struggle is far from over," said Wendsler Nosie, an Apache Stronghold leader. Two other legal challenges are proceeding, one by the San Carlos Apache tribe itself and one by the Center for Biological Diversity, which opposes the mine on environmental grounds. 'AN ECONOMIC BOON' The Supreme Court's action was applauded by Mila Besich, the Democratic mayor of Superior, the town closest to the project. "We've been waiting on this ruling for a very long time," Besich said. "For Superior and all of Arizona, this project will be an economic boon." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The land swap was approved as part of a defense spending bill signed in 2014 by Democratic President Barack Obama, letting the companies exchange acreage they own for a plot of federally owned land about 70 miles (113 km) east of Phoenix called Oak Flat. The swap was conditioned on an environmental impact statement by federal regulators, which occurred in 2021 in the waning days of Trump's first presidential term before being reversed by his successor Joe Biden. The land, called Chi'chil Bidagoteel in the Apache language, has long been a place where Western Apaches have conducted sacred rituals. The mine, if built, would create a crater two miles (three km) wide and 1,000 feet (304 meters) deep that would destroy that worship site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals twice declined to block the transfer. After Trump returned to office, the U.S. Forest Service on April 17 said it would republish within 60 days an environmental report needed for the Resolution Copper project land swap to occur. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston and Ernest Scheyder in Houston; Editing by Will Dunham) WASHINGTON/CARACAS (Reuters) -The United States and Venezuela on Tuesday each warned their respective citizens against traveling to the other country, with the U.S. citing the risk of wrongful detention in the South American nation and Venezuela saying its citizens are victims of systematic rights abuses in the U.S. "U.S. citizens in Venezuela face a significant and growing risk of wrongful detention," the State Department said in a statement. The department has assigned Venezuela, where there is no U.S. Embassy or consulate, its highest travel alert - Level 4: Do Not Travel. It cited risks including torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, unfair law enforcement practices, violent crime, civil unrest and inadequate healthcare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. has said there are Americans being unfairly held in Venezuela. One man was freed this month, while others were released in January. Venezuela, meanwhile, issued a travel alert for the U.S. and urged its citizens living there to leave. "Venezuelans in the United States are victims of a systematic pattern of abuses of their human rights, being arbitrarily detained, separated from their families and transported to concentration camps in third countries," Venezuela's foreign minister Yvan Gil said on Telegram. Venezuela has decried President Donald Trump's use of a 1798 law to deport hundreds of migrants from the U.S. to El Salvador's most notorious prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court this month kept in place its block on Trump's use of the law, faulting his administration for seeking to remove migrants without adequate legal process. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington and Vivian Sequera in Caracas; Editing by Katharine Jackson and Andrea Ricci) By Aaron Ross NAIROBI (Reuters) -The United States is assessing the future of its military command for Africa, its top general for the continent said on Tuesday, and called on African governments to make their views on its possible elimination known in Washington. President Donald Trump's administration is considering merging AFRICOM, which became a distinct geographical command in 2008, with the U.S. command in Europe to cut bureaucracy, American media outlets reported in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters before a conference of African defence chiefs in Kenya, AFRICOM's commander, General Michael Langley, said he had discussed the issue with officials on the continent. "I've talked to a number of ministers of defence and a few presidents and told them we were assessing," Langley said. He said governments should make their views about AFRICOM's future known through their ambassadors in the U.S. "That's what I tell them. I said: 'okay, if we're that important to (you), you need to communicate that and we'll see'." Before 2008, U.S. military activities in Africa were handled by commands from other regions. AFRICOM's creation reflected rising U.S. national security interests on the continent, including Islamist insurgencies and competition with China and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In West Africa, where groups with ties to al Qaeda and Islamic State have grown in recent years, U.S. security influence has waned following a series of military coups. The putsches forced Washington to pull back on security support and brought to power juntas that have turned to Russia for assistance. Last year, the ruling junta in Niger ordered the U.S. to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country and vacate a $100 million drone base. Langley said the U.S. had nevertheless maintained some intelligence sharing with the military regimes in the Sahel region and was looking for "other ways to continue to stay engaged". (Reporting by Aaron Ross;Editing by Alison Williams) AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) Big changes are coming to USC Aiken. The schools getting a major cyber training hub. USC Aiken is breaking ground on a new Cyber Integration Center. The Center cost $44 million the Guards biggest project since World War II. Its part of a $145 million cybersecurity upgrade in the region. Its been more than 10 years in the making. So after almost two years, it was actually 22 months of work that our delegation put into this, we were able to secure over $169 million for investments from the (plutonium) settlement that our colleagues in the General Assembly approved in June of 2022. And the lieutenant Governor and Governor McMaster supported us. Sen. Tom Young shared. The Cyber Integration Center will support defense, training, research, and workforce growth. Itll be built next to the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative on the schools former ball fields. This project promises to be a platform for human and technological advancement focused on education, workforce development, prototyping, and education, South Carolina National Guard Adj. Gen. Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 400 cybersecurity students will get hands-on training in the centers student-run Regional Security Operations Centerone of only a few in the nation. RSOC provides cybersecurity protection services not only for the university, but to underserved partners such as school districts, nonprofits, and rural infrastructure, USC Aiken Chancellor Dr. Daniel Heimmermann revealed. Leaders want to train the next generation of cyber prosand keep them in South Carolina. My commitment to you is that well continue to guide that, continue to send that message so that here in the US we can cultivate and really here in South Carolina the best and brightest to go into AI and cybersecurity right here in our amazing institutions, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette said. This energy of whats happening in cyber operations and cybersecurity, in partnership with academia, with industry, with the active guard and reserve is something unique and something that is significantly contributing to our national security, Commanding Officer of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Maj. Gen. Ryan M. Janovic added. Construction is expected to wrap up in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AIKEN, Sc. (WJBF)- A total of two new buildings will be added on USCAs campus, the Cyber Integration Center which includes a Readiness Center. The CIC will take up 18 acres of land. Once complete it will host training, education, prototyping, and collaboration for South Carolina National Guard soldiers, USCA students, and others. It will support the training of more than 400 cyber majors at USCA and more than 100 S-C-N-G cybersecurity and signal soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The provost for USCA tells why this is important for the University and beyond. Itll extend the South Carolina National Guards capabilities to collaborate with other agencies involved in increasing our national cyber defense, but will also allow our cyber students and computer science students to collaborate and partner along with them in providing regional cyber services to local governments, industry and nonprofits, said Phillip Bridgmon. The Readiness Center will support training and logistics for two South Carolina Guard units and provide USCA students with mentorship and real-world experience. The provost for USCA shares the importance of that center as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Readiness Center is the first step in training troops, but ongoing training around a very critical mission. And thatll happen on the other side of the highway and be the first step in this, the guards training that allows those troops to come into the cyber center before they go on to do advanced mission work. South Carolinas Lieutenant Governor will be at USCA for the groundbreaking. The VIP Reception begins at 9am, and the formal program begins at 10am in the student activities center. The CIC is expected to be completed in 2026. Photojournalist: Dania Alawir Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, Tenn. (WATE) The U.S. Department of Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service inspected livestock for a flesh-eating parasite in Strawberry Plains Tuesday. The USDAs service set up an inspection site at Rush Strong School in Strawberry plains with professionals inspecting livestock for the new world screwworm, a devastating pest that burrows into the flesh of living animals. At least one dead after crash on Pellissippi Parkway near Alcoa Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new world screwworms name comes from the feeding pattern of the larval stage of the fly, where maggots burrow into a wound similar to a screw being driven into wood. In addition to causing extensive damage while potentially making wounds larger and deeper while feeding on live tissue, the USDA said the maggots can also burrow in other body openings, such as the nose, ears or umbilicus, that are draining or enlarging. Although the deadly parasite is known to feed on wildlife and livestock, including pigs, goats, sheep, deer and cattle, they can also infest pets, birds, and humans. The USDA said if infestations are untreated, the host animal has little chance of surviving the secondary infections that often follow. According to the agency, after about 7 days of feeding, the larvae drop to the ground to burrow into the soil before emerging as adult screwworm flies 7-54 days later. The adult new world screwworm fly is about the size of a common housefly or slightly larger with orange eyes and a metallic blue or green body and three dark stripes along its back. Earlier this month, the USDA announced that it was suspending all cattle, horse and bison imports from Mexico after the flesh-eating parasite was detected in Veracruz and Oaxaca, which is just 700 miles from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It almost fell on my mom Bear crashes through ceiling in Bell County, Kentucky Tennessees State Veterinarian promptly issued an alert for the new world screwworm, saying that although it was eradicated from the U.S. decades ago, Tennessees position along key travel, wildlife migration and trade corridors increased the need for awareness among animal owners in the state. What to Look For: Wounds that wont heal or worsen over time Foul-smelling discharge or visible larvae (maggots) in a wound Signs of discomfort or unusual behavior, such as animals avoiding feed or isolating themselves Infestation may be found in wounds resulting from routine procedures such as castration, dehorning, or branding, or from minor injuries like insect bites. In addition to the physical impact on wildlife, livestock, and potentially humans, the USDA says another incursion of the new world screwworm in the U.S. could cost millions of dollars from livestock losses, trade embargoes and eradication work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. The U.S. Navys Carrier Air Wing 1 engaged in the largest maritime strike in Navy aviation history in terms of bomb tonnage earlier this year, a defense official confirmed to Military Times. On Feb. 1, the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman launched 27 F/A-18 Super Hornets as part of a coordinated airstrike against Islamic State operatives in Somalia in collaboration with the federal government of Somalia, a defense official with knowledge of the strike said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter. Sixteen aircraft dropped 124,000 pounds of ordnance on targets in less than two minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The joint airstrikes targeted senior ISIS-Somalia leadership in a series of cave complexes approximately 50 miles southeast of Bosaso, U.S. Africa Command said in a Feb. 11 statement. The commands current assessment is that approximately 14 ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed and no civilians were harmed. Navy relieves CO of USS Harry S. Truman following collision Among those killed was Ahmed Maeleninine, an ISIS recruiter and operations leader who led efforts to deploy jihadists into the U.S. and Europe, according to the statement. Past large-scale U.S. airstrikes, like those conducted during Operation Desert Storm, involved multiple aircraft carriers and air wings, which would fly joint missions, said the defense official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Feb. 1 strike was unique in that it was conducted by a single air wing. The Truman arrived in the Red Sea on Dec. 14, 2024, to provide combat support against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, whove conducted missile and drone strikes against shipping and military vessels in the region since November 2023. While there, Carrier Air Wing 1, composed of eight embarked squadrons aboard the Truman, took part in operations striking over 1,100 targets, the defense official said. The strikes killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and multiple senior Houthi officials, according to the official. Specifically, Carrier Air Wing 1 flew over 13,000 sorties and used over 770 weapons and 1.1 million pounds of ordnance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Truman left the Red Sea earlier this month for its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, according to reports, several weeks after President Donald Trump called off a nearly two-month-long airstrike campaign against Yemens Houthi rebels. Still, the carrier was marred by several mishaps during its deployment in the Red Sea, including the loss of three F/A-18 Super Hornets, which cost at least $67.4 million each, according to Naval Air Systems Command. One jet was shot down by friendly fire from the guided missile cruiser Gettysburg in December. Two jets fell overboard, one in April while being towed in the carriers hangar bay and the other less than two weeks later after a failed landing. The carrier also collided Feb. 13 with a civilian merchant vessel in the Mediterranean Sea near Port Said, Egypt. The Navy, as a result, relieved the commanding officer of his duties. Kazakhstan reveals growing economic footprint of OTS countries Photo: Akorda The first meeting of the Council of Central Banks of the Turkic States, chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, highlighted growing economic cooperation and regional macroeconomic stability. Tokayev emphasized the increasing global GDP share of member countries and progress in financial technologies, including Kazakhstans pioneering digital currency, the digital tenge. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TYLER, Texas (KETK) Recent UT Tyler graduate Colm Conneen of Tyler has been awarded a one-year Fulbright fellowship to do postgraduate research at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland this fall. Pitcher plant, Sarracenia leucophylla. (Photo by FlowerPhotos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) UT Tyler celebrating evolutionary biology with Darwin Day events Conneen, who graduated this month from UT Tyler with a bachelors degree in biology, will go to Switzerland study the microbial microcosms in pitcher plants, a type of carnivorous plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We congratulate Colm, who is a prime example of the excellent students we have in biology who go on to do amazing things, said UT Tyler College of Arts and Sciences dean Dr. Neil Gray. I also want to thank Dr. Joshua Banta for being a tremendous mentor and supporter. Banta is a professor of biology at UT Tyler who taught Conneen and worked as his undergraduate faculty research advisor during their research on modeling the ecological niche of the Texas crayfish. Conneen and Banta, photo courtesy of UT Tyler. From the moment he sought me out to work on a computational biology project, he showed a deep curiosity and determination to grow as a scientist, Banta said. Our job at UT Tyler is to nurture and encourage students, and nothing makes us happier than seeing a student take full advantage of that support and then soar. Conneen is planning to get his doctorate degree and wants to work in ecological research and network sciences in the academic or industrial sectors. To learn more about the fellowship he received to study abroad, visit the Fulbright U.S. Student Program online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Utah Food Bank will be offering free meals to children 18 years of age and under this summer. This is all possible through a grant from the United States Department of Agricultures (USDA) sponsorship of their Summer Food Service Program. According to a press release from the food bank, this program extends the existing Utah Food Banks Kids Cafe program, which provides meals to students outside of school hours. These meals will be available at both open sites, meaning any youth can come and eat on site, and in enrolled programs, which are available to youth enrolled in specific summer programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Red Cross encourages Memorial Day blood donations to honor fallen military Approximately 215,000 meals will be served at 60 sites through the Summer Food Service Program, and consist of either breakfast, lunch or supper depending on the site, Utah Food Bank says in a press release. Multiple sites are located in the following counties: Davis, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Piute, Salt Lake, San Juan, Utah, Washington, and Weber counties. Service dates and meal times vary depending on the location. To find more information and a meal site near you, visit the summer meals page on the Utah Food Bank website. You can also text SUMMER to 914-342-7744 to find other services that provide free meals across Utah. The USDA National Hunger Hotline can also assist with finding services; call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salt Lake County Animal Services shelter is full and theyre looking to adopt out long-term residents Summer can be an especially tough time for families, Ginette Bott, President & CEO of Utah Food Bank, is quoted in the press release. When schools close, many children no longer have access to the free or reduced-price meals they rely on during the year. That puts added pressure on families already struggling to make ends meet. Unfortunately, summer is also when donations tend to drop, making it one of the most challenging times for us to meet the growing need for food assistance. Due to this increased need for assistance, Utah Food Bank would like to remind those who are in a position to help that they can assist by donating food or setting up a food or funding drive. These drives directly support programs like the Summer Food Service Program. Find out how to support them on their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Shane Smeed, Utah Tech University president, speaks during an interview in Salt Lake City on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch) Shane Smeeds first day as president of Utah Tech University came after a more than year-long search for a new leader. The role hes stepping into has been filled with change and controversy, with many public higher education institutions experiencing high turnover in leadership positions, and bracing for state-demanded cuts. After 25 years in higher education, including his latest job as president of Park University in Missouri, Smeed moved back to his native Utah, bought a house in St. George and has the intention of making it his familys forever home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spent a lot of time along the Wasatch Front, but I had spent zero time, with the exception of the last three weeks in the southern part of Utah, Smeed said in an interview with Utah News Dispatch, and my wife and I have truly fallen in love with it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX While some universities have been scrambling to find balanced budget reallocations, Smeed is looking forward to a future Utah Tech catering the highest enrollment it has seen with more full-time faculty, a new classroom building and another residence hall. This year, the university is expecting its largest fall class ever with over 13,000 students. Five years into his tenure he expects to see more quality growth, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would envision the university is going to be at 16,000 students in a few years, and then its going to go to 20,000 students, perhaps a little after five years, he said. And so in order to do that, we actually (need to) have a campus and an infrastructure that can accommodate that growth. During the tenure of Smeeds predecessor, Richard Williams, the school underwent significant changes, including adopting a polytechnic designation with a focus on hands-on experiences, and notably, a name change from Dixie State University approved by the Utah Legislature in 2021. But, change isnt over for the school. With more policy coming from the state Capitol, restricting diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and most recently requiring public universities to cut 10% of their courses budgets to reallocate the funds to programs in high demand, Smeed wants to highlight the role of Utah Tech as a polytechnic institution. We have some great investments that are taking place in health sciences as well as investments in engineering and in other programs. And one of the things were very proud of is that the priority programs were aligning with the priorities of the state of Utah as well, Smeed said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked his thoughts on recent legislative action impacting higher education in Utah, he said that as a newcomer to this space in Utah, he sees education actions from the Utah Legislature as a tremendous breath of fresh air. Let us know what you think... Ive seen that we have tremendous partners in the legislature, and tremendous support with the House of Representatives and with the Senate and with the governor, he said. And, while DEI initiatives are deeply restricted in public entities in the state, he believes Utah Tech is well positioned to encourage diversity in higher education, mostly because of the open enrollment nature of the university. We are proud of the fact that more than 50% of the students are from Washington County and between 70% and 80% are from the state of Utah, but we also have more than 40 other states represented here at Utah Tech, we have nearly 40 countries that are represented as well at Utah Tech, he said. So our goal is really to create equal opportunity and equal access to education for all students. His thoughts on reinvestment bill While the first 48 hours of his tenure revolved around loud cheers and the much awaited celebrations of 3,500 students graduating this spring, now Smeed has started to work with the universitys faculty and staff to catch up on what needs to go and what should be boosted after the passage of HB265, the reallocations bill. Some softwares the school contracted werent used enough. There were also inefficiencies on the administrative side, Smeed said. The committee tasked with reviewing the schools reinvestment efforts also targeted programs that had a decline in enrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also wanted to make sure that as we propose new investment in future programs that there were not only investments where we saw that there was interest in the program, Smeed said, but they would be programs where students would have the greatest potential to persist and to retain and ultimately graduate. The idea, he said, is that students graduate prepared to enter the workforce from day one while keeping their loans low. But also, one of his goals is to witness students enjoying a good time during their college years, supporting the schools Trailblazers, and joining other student clubs to create lasting friendships. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) According to a recent study, Utah has the worst nurse shortage in the United States. A Florida law firm, Injured in Florida, used data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to create a ranking of the states with the worst nurse shortages, and Utah came in at number one, with only 1,340 nurses per 100,000 people in the state. To compare, the average number of nurses per 100,000 people in the United States is reportedly 2,057. Utah has a total of 44,238 registered nurses and 2,712 nurse practitioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawaii has the highest number of nurses, with nearly 3,000 nurses per 100,000 people. Joining Utah in the top five states with the worst nurse shortage are Washington (1,462), Georgia (1,533), Wyoming (1,543), and Maryland (1,615). Red Cross encourages Memorial Day blood donations to honor fallen military The study analyzed data on the total number of nurses in each state from the National Nursing Database and compared it to population data to calculate the number of nurses per 100,000 people in each state. The 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study by the NCSBN found that 138,000 nurses have left the national workforce since 2022, and 40% of the 800,000 nurses surveyed indicated that they intend to leave nursing by 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from retirement, the top five reasons nurses are leaving nursing include stress and burnout, workload, understaffing, inadequate staffing, and workplace violence, according to the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study. 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. The Vatican on Tuesday repeated an offer to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Secretary of State Pietro Parolin reiterated an offer made by Pope Leo XIV to hold meetings between the warring countries in a "neutral, protected venue." At the same time, according to a report by the Italian news agency ANSA, the cardinal made it clear that the Vatican did not necessarily see itself as a mediator in the talks, and that any mediation "must be requested by the parties." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parolin pointed out that other locations such as Geneva were also under discussion. "It is not important where the negotiations between Russians and Ukrainians negotiations we all hope for will take place. What truly matters is that these negotiations finally begin, because it is urgent to stop the war," he said. So far, there is no date for new talks, though it has been suggested there could be a meeting in the Vatican in mid-June. During the war, which has now been ongoing for more than three years, the Holy See under the late pope Francis repeatedly attempted to mediate, but without much success. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley is calling on President Donald Trump to sanction Russia after the Kremlin launched a massive drone and missile attack against Ukraine over the weekend. A fed-up Grassley demanded on his X account Monday that Trump to take punitive action against Russian President Vladimir Putin for his continued aggression in Ukraine. "Ive had enuf of Putin killing innocent ppl. Pres Trump Take action AT LEAST SANCTIONS," Grassley wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has previously criticized Putin and has suggested that Russia is playing the U.S. "as a patsy" as it continues its expansionist assault on Ukraine. His comments come hours after Russia launched the largest aerial attack in its war with Ukraine. Senator Chuck Grassley has called on President Donald Trump to issue sanctions against Russia following its massive May 25, 2025 drone attack against Ukraine (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Trump who has claimed that Russia's invasion of Ukraine never would have happened had he been in power and that he would end the war in a mere 24 hours has grown increasingly critical of Putin after the Russian leader shrugged off his attempts to turn down the temperature on the conflict earlier this year. The president has suggested that Putin has gone "absolutely" crazy recently, insisting that "something has happened to him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and Im not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever, Trump posted Monday, apparently forgetting Russia's attacks on civilian areas since the beginning of the war. In 2023, Russia fired a missile that destroyed a nine-story residential building in Dnipro, Ukraine, killing 46 people, including six children, and injuring another 80. The destruction left approximately 400 people homeless. Trump suggested that Putin may want to take over all of Ukraine. Ive always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe thats proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! he wrote on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, responding to Trump's newfound outrage toward Putin, waved off the president's concerns as "emotional overload." Trump has been trying to convince Putin to agree to an immediate 30-day ceasefire an idea that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky supports but Putin has refused to come to the table before more details of a proposed ceasefire are discussed. Among U.S. lawmakers, some Republicans, like Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have been critical of the nation's assistance to Ukraine. Grassley, who is the president pro tempore of the Senate, has been critical of Putin and Russia, and called for Trump to issue the "toughest of sanctions" on Putin last month. Experiencing the northern lights is on many travelers' bucket lists. But a NASA astronaut recently scored the ultimate encounter when she captured a unique view of the natural phenomenon from the International Space Station (ISS). On May 23, Nichole Ayers shared a video showing the aurora borealis spanning the Earths poles. "The Aurora showed up this last weekend when I wasnt expecting it!" she wrote on X. "I was trying to capture the massive storms that went through both North and South America and got a nice surprise." Ayers headed to the ISS from Florida in March as part of NASAs Crew-10 mission with SpaceX. The Aurora showed up this last weekend when I wasnt expecting it! I was trying to capture the massive storms that went through both North and South America and got a nice surprise. The Aurora appeared right at sunset over the Northern US and Canada. Im also fascinated by just pic.twitter.com/qwwepQGDiO Nichole Vapor Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) May 23, 2025 The northern lights are created when charged particles from the sun interact with gas molecules like oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere. These collisions create vibrant colors known as the northern lights. Ayers said the lights appeared around sunset over the northern U.S. and Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, Ayers shared a spectacular time-lapse video of her view from ISS. "Tried my hand at a few aurora time-lapses, and they arent too bad! Working on exposures still but happy with the first attempt," she wrote on X. "We have the most amazing view, and I hope to share it with you! Testing out what I learned from @astro_Pettit. Its all about planning and timing to get good photos. Tried my hand at a few aurora time-lapses, and they arent too bad! Working on exposures still but happy with the first attempt. We have the most amazing view, and I hope to pic.twitter.com/eM5NfGOjyQ Nichole Vapor Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) April 22, 2025 For those of us on Earth, you might have a chance to see the northern lights tonight and tomorrow. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), they will be most visible across Canada and Alaska, with a lower likelihood forecast for parts of northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and northern Wisconsin. Areas in Wyoming, South Dakota, northern Iowa, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine may also get a glimpse of the phenomenon. The agency says that the best time to view the northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, adding that the best aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight. Read the original article on Martha Stewart The curatorial vision for the 61st Venice Biennale, 'In Minor Keys', was revealed in Venice today in an emotional presentation at the Sala delle Colonne of Ca Giustinian, the Biennales historic headquarters. Originally set for announcement later this year, the theme was unveiled ahead of schedule following the sad and unexpected death of the exhibitions curator, Koyo Kouoh, on 10 May. A leading figure in promoting Pan-Africanism throughout the art world, Kouoh had served as executive director and chief curator at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, South Africa since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She earned global acclaim for curating the 2022 exhibition When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting, a monumental historical show inspired by Ava DuVernays Netflix miniseries When They See Us, and became the first African woman invited to lead the Venice Art Biennale in December 2024. Related An inside view of the 'When We See Us' exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Basel - Credit: Julian Salinas With the support of Kouohs family, La Biennale di Venezia confirmed it will proceed with the 2026 exhibition exactly as she conceived it, in what will now be a posthumous tribute to her life's work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they noted, the edition will explore the spaces in which minor keys operate, to conceive "an exhibition that invites listening to the persistent signals of earth and life, connecting to soul frequencies. If in music, the minor keys are often associated with strangeness, melancholy, and sorrow, here their joy, solace, hope, and transcendence manifest as well." Scheduled to run from 9 May to 22 November 2026, 'In Minor Keys' will take place across the Giardini, the Arsenale, and various venues throughout Venice. The full list of participating artists, the exhibitions visual identity, and national pavilions will be officially announced at a press conference on 25 February 2026. A man in Volusia County has made it his mission to never forget the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Now hes telling others about the lessons of such sacrifice one picture at a time. Two years ago, Army veteran Matt Williams created a wall of honor for these fallen men and women at the New Smyrna Beach Walmart, where he works as a loss prevention manager. The wall is dedicated to those who are serving, have served, and those who never came home. There are dozens of faces on that wall from all branches of the military - each with a story to tell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of them up there are my brothers and sisters, Williams said. Williams said he and his store manager got together and decided they needed to do something more for these service members. I just want to honor everybody thats been in the military. Anybody thats served, I just want to honor them because Im a veteran and I know what it was like, he said. Sixteen veterans work at the Walmart on State Road 44, so it is personal for them. Some helped make the wall, painted it and built its flag. The wall has grown over its two years so far. It was a labor of love to remember and keep the lessons of sacrifice and commitment to this country alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams said he wants those who see the wall to understand their sacrifice, as well as the sacrifices made by their families. Williams goal is to fill the wall of honor, then to create another one. If you are a member of the military or have a loved one in the military, you can contact the store. They will proudly display the picture. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. A year has passed since the commissioning of the "Khojaly" vessel, the first Handysize dry cargo vessel of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC (ASCO) under the Azerbaijan Transport and Communication Holding (AZCON), a source in ASCO told Trend. Per the referenced data set, a total of seven transnational maritime expeditions were executed utilizing the "Khojaly" craft during the preceding timeframe. In the context of maritime expeditions traversing the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, the vessel engaged in port calls at numerous global locations, encompassing over 15 ports across nations including the United States, China, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Mexico, and others. Throughout this timeframe, an aggregate of 231,748 tons of freight, encompassing commodities such as soda, sugar, timber, sulfur, cement, and various other dry goods, was conveyed by the colossal vessel. It is pertinent to highlight that the "Khojaly" vessel, which was commissioned in China on May 27 of the previous year, possesses unrestricted navigational capabilities. The ship's deadweight tonnage registers at 38,593 tons, with a length overall of 180 meters, a beam of 30 meters, a draft of 10.47 meters, and a maximum service speed of 15.7 knots. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel VILLE PLATTE, La. (KLFY) With multiple veteran groups meeting at the Veterans Home in Ville Platte throughout the month, Building Director Chuck Trenchard who spent 15 years in the United States Air Force started making improvements to the building not only so veterans in the area can feel at home, but also get more veterans to join the brotherhood and partake in their various events. Were refurbishing it, Trenchard said. What I am doing right now, Im fixing light fixtures and replacing ceiling tiles. Replacing doors. Doing some plumbing in the kitchen. Repairing the roof. Trenchards efforts also gained support from around the community to thank veterans for their service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home Depot out of Carencro donated a bunch of material, he said. Cabot was very generous about giving us some furniture. Ace Hardware has given us things, and theyve helped us. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest In addition to the renovations, Trenchard says a new office was built to house the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs with a counselor to help veterans and their families receive benefits they qualify for. Thats a real boom, Trenchard said, And then we use it as recruitment because when a veteran comes in here to get served, I say, Oh, by the way, are you a member of a veterans service organization? And I tell them about it. We got guys to say Yeah, I want to join that. and Yeah, Ill do that.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With all the effort to make veterans feel welcome, Trenchard says the end goal of these renovations is to inspire the next generation to carry on the memory and legacy of veterans who make their presence felt in the city for years to come. Ultimately, maybe one day when were gone, someone will see fit to convert it into a veterans museum, Trenchard said. Weve already got things on the wall and memorabilia, but well be getting other things in here as we go along. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. An Air Force veterans house was struck by lightning in Bartlett while he was out of town. Willie Hoopers home was struck by lightning during Sundays severe weather in Shelby County. Courtesy of Willie Hooper Courtesy of Willie Hooper The 62-year-old told WREG he was on his way to visit his daughter in Ohio, and he started to feel ill so he stopped in Kentucky. I could not see my cameras that I have on my house. They were not working, said Hooper. So, I talked to my neighbor and she said she has power and she didnt know the issue was, so I called my son and then I called MLGW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At first, Hooper says he thought someone maybe cut the security system and broke into his house. And soon as we walked upstairs, I see the ceiling kind of caved in, said Willie Hopper Jr., son. The guy from MLGW was behind me he kind of looked over my shoulder and said We got the answer, we know what the culprit is.' MPD arrests over 120 people in Operation Code Zero The technician determined the damage was caused by a lightning strike to the roof. A neighbor whose security cameras captured the lightning strike shared the following video with WREG: Hooper said he was thankful he was not home. There was definitely a point where the boom and the flash happened at exactly the same time. We were watching TV and it startled us all, said his neighbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where it hit is where my computer is at, and that is exactly where I normally sit, said Willie Hooper. So I think its a thing that God is trying to tell me something. Hooper is headed back to Bartlett to check on the damage to his house. The Bartlett Fire Department told WREG they did not respond to Hoopers home because they were not called for assistance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AGAWAM Tyler Mulville, 11, fresh from marching in a Memorial Day parade with Boy Scout Troop 821 in Westfield, cleaned some stray dead grass from his great-grandfathers grave. He asked his grandfather, Martin Kwatowski, if it looked better. Kwatowski brought Tyler to the grave of his father, Tylers great-grandfather, at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam. Kwatowskis father, Raymond Kwatowski, was just 17 when he served in the Army during World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He came back, Martin Kwatowski said. The reason Im here is because he came back. Families gathered in the warm sunshine across the 61-acre state-run veterans cemetery Monday to mark Memorial Day. Everybody today take a few minutes and make sure you remember and recognize Memorial Day for what it is, for what it stands for, said Gov. Maura T. Healey. Everything that we enjoy today is only possible because of the sacrifice made. For Alyssa Sealander, 18, it was because her great grandmother, Dolores Sealander, brought her here to put flowers on the grave of her great grandfather, Richard Sealander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard Sealander, who Alyssa Sealander never knew, served in the Coast Guard during World War II, participating in beach landings. His wife, Dolores Sealander, now rests with him. Alyssa said thats why she came because its something her great grandmother always did. Each of these grave sites represents a hero, said William C. Walls Jr., chair of the Springfield Veterans Activities Committee and former director of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. That extends to family members buried with their veteran loved ones, he said. Because if they served, their families made sacrifices, too, he said. This is a memorial to that service. They are all heroes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the formal ceremony at the cemetery, current state Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago spoke of the selflessness hes seen on display while serving. Santiago is an emergency room physician and served as a major in the U.S. Army Reserve, deploying overseas twice. He spoke of how service members behave under stress, even if they are injured. The questions these soldiers asked were not about themselves, Santiago said. The questions were about those they served with. You see it was never really about them. It was about their brothers and sisters in uniform. Its about the team, be it in life or death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That commitment must be returned, he said, by living up to the pledge to care for veterans and their families. It even transcends death, Santiago said. And that is why today matters. If you fall in that service, we will remember you. And the commitment extends to veterans services and to the new $480 million Massachusetts Veterans Home in Holyoke expected to open in November 2026. State Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, is also a veteran, having served in the Army Reserves and later the National Guard in Afghanistan and South Korea. Memorial Day is a day to focus on those who didnt come back, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love Veterans Day, said state Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield. Today isnt Veterans Day. Velis, like Healey, pointed out that a very small percentage of the population takes up the call. According to the Census Bureau, 6.1% of the adult American population, or 15.8 million people, identified as veterans. To me, its a reminder of service generally, Healey said. She wishes more would join the armed services. I also would love to see a civilian corps for service, so that people could find ways in their own community to serve, she said. Stories by Jim Kinney Read the original article on MassLive. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) All gave some, and some gave all. These famous words echoed through the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, where hundreds gathered on Memorial Day in remembrance for those men and women in the military who made the ultimate sacrifice for their county. They signed a blank check to the United States and you, and they said you can use up to and including my life to ensure that we have these freedoms, says Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Davis, Representative Matt Soper, and other keynote speakers offered heartfelt sentiments to the overflowing crowd, who watched in hushed reverence as honorary wreaths were gifted, bullets were fired, and even F-16C Fighters soared across the sky. Organizers say the overwhelming support from the Mesa County community comes at no surprise. Our community is very supportive of veterans in Mesa County, says Angela Ingalls, cemetery director for the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado. Theyre very supportive of our veterans cemetery, and they take a lot of pride in it. So when we come together as a community, we pay our respects as a community, it feels pretty overwhelming. For the families and fellow comrades of soldiers loved and lost, ceremonies like today provide a precious opportunity for the memory of their beloved heroes to live on forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa (KCAU) In honor of Memorial Day, a Sergeant Bluff cemetery has unveiled a memorial for veterans. After many donations a brand new memorial has been placed at the Historic Woodbury Township Cemetery, dozens of families gathered in Sergeant Bluff for American Legion Post 662s Memorial Day Ceremony. [It] recognizes those who have fallen, who [are] not going to come home again or late in these beautiful cemeteries, and it gives a chance for family, friends in the nation to reflect, said Terry Hughes, the commander of American Legion George Nelson Post 662. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony ended with a salute from the firing squad, Taps, and then 30 seconds of silence. Story continues below Once finished, several people stayed in the Township Cemetery for the dedication of a new veterans memorial. Our cemetery has been here for a hundred plus years. We have several veterans here as far back to veterans that were in the Civil War, World War II. Its been a long past due thing for us here at the cemetery to honor those veterans as well as an extension to all veterans, said Holly Bowman, with the Historic Woodbury Township Cemetery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project took many donations from the community to accomplish. There are six words. All gave some, and thats very true. Any military member has given some, but the last part is some gave all, and thats really where its at. Thats the bottom line. Those are the guys that sacrificed for this great nation. We can have the freedoms that we enjoy today, said Hughes. Freedom is not free, and we all appreciate that to all the men and women that have served for our country, said Bowman. One member of American Legion Post 662 said its a great addition to the cemetery. Its beautiful. The township, its gorgeous what theyve done with the cemetery. It always looks nice, but today it just seems to look a little nicer. Memorial is very nice, its monumental as it is for all those who have served, said Hughes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Legion Post 662 wants to thank those who attended this years Memorial Day Ceremony. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 FALLS, SD (KELO) Picnickers and bicyclists arent the only ones drawn to city parks on the first holiday of the summer. Memorial Day was filled with emotion among the visitors to Veterans Memorial Park. Allen Johnson of Gregory, SD is visiting his daughter in Sioux Falls. It was important to him to make a stop at the Veterans Memorial Park. Sanford Sports Complex impacting youth sports Something to remember the day and what it means, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson served as an army pay clerk in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969. Never saw any actual action of any kind other than watching out my tent across the bay and watching the helicopters shoot tracers into the hillside, Johnson said. Johnsons older brother, Ronnie, served in Vietnam at the same time. He lost his life during a body recovery mission. Booby trap got him. We didnt really know for sure for years, until a guy came through from Chicago moving to New Mexico that was with him and got wounded at the same time, told us that story, Johnson said. Johnsons thoughts are with his late brother on this Memorial Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I miss him. I think about him. Hes buried out at the cemetery by Gregory there. I go out several times a year, just to stop by, Johnson said. Jim Dyer of Sioux Falls also paid a Memorial Day visit to the park. He served in the South Dakota Air National Guard from 1978 to 1982. I was a security police officer in the air guard. So, mine was during peacetime, so I didnt have anything exciting in my life. But it was fun to serve, Dyer said. Military service also runs in Dyers family. My brother, he was in the Marines for 8-9 years. He also served in the air guards for several years and he did a tour overseas in Iraq, Dyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dyer is here to pay tribute to brother Chris, whos life was also cut short. When he was in the Marines, he spent time down in Camp Lejeune. He got that tainted water and he ended up dying of cancer. Once he was diagnosed, he got about five extra years, Dyer said. So many of the people who come to this park have ties to the military. And theyre grateful that theres a place in the heart of Sioux Falls to pay their respects to those who have served their country. Everybody should be visiting a military site. Everybody, whether you served, or not, just to pay those respects for those who did and those who never came home, Dyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans Memorial Park is located near Terrace Park in north-central Sioux Falls. Its open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 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 KELOLAND.com. Memorial Day takes on a different feel, from family to family and community to community. Residents from across Ashtabula County gathered Monday for barbecues and family gatherings to celebrate the unofficial start to summer. Memorial Day services throughout the area, however, had a different emphasis regarding the importance of the day. Many townships and villages throughout the county hosted community remembrances in cemeteries, while others had parades showing off the local high school band. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The common theme was for people to remember the lives lost as men and women fought for our freedoms around the world. Rock Creek hosted a remembrance that included a parade down Route 45, a memorial wreath tossed into Rock Creek and a full ceremony at Union Cemetery. Many people gathered in downtown Rock Creek, while others walked alongside the parade to the ceremony. Jim Prentice, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, tossed a wreath into Rock Creek in memory of Navy veterans who perished serving their country. Rock Creek Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4953 Commander John Dyrcz led a ceremony at the cemetery where more than 150 people gathered. The Jefferson Area High School Band participated in the parade, and played the National Anthem at the cemetery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really do appreciate you people taking the time to come out and participate, Dyrcz said before handing the program over to Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski. Kozlowski said many people see Memorial Day as the start of the summer and a chance to have fun with family and friends, but there is a more important, deeper meaning. Kozlowski reminded people of the importance of remembering the sacrifices of the men and women who went before. We may live in a rural corner of Ohio, but we understand patriotism, he said. He mentioned the unique gift D-Day Conneaut gives to thousands of people from many states every August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a very real reminder of the costs of war, Kozlowski said. Up the road at Saybrook Cemetery, Ohio National Guard Chaplain Major Sean Hampton shared his military experiences and urged those in attendance to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I have served in one capacity or another since October of 1993, Hampton said. He said he jokes with new soldiers about his reference point compared to theirs. I tell them I was shot at before they were even born, he said with a laugh. Hampton served in two deployments to Iraq as a medic in 2005 and 2010, and again in 2023 as a chaplain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hampton said he has been with soldiers that were struggling to find courage in battle and with families who have lost loved ones during his career. He said those still enjoying freedoms earned by veterans should earn their honor by living their lives in ways that would make people who did not survive their military service proud. As you enjoy your day off take some time in silence and earn that [honor], he said. Saybrook Township Trustee Dan Claypool spoke after Hampton, and urged those in attendance to focus on sacrifices made by veterans. Memorial Day is a solemn occasion to remember those who laid down their lives, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geneva remembered veterans during a ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery, which included numerous veterans organizations, Cub Scouts, the Geneva High School band and dozens of people. In memory of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, we place this wreath in their honor, said Gina Diaddario Chismar, of the Blue Star Mothers. Geneva Citizen of the Year Joe Ortiz also spoke at the service. Geneva has lost many sons and daughters, he said. The sacrifice made by these fallen heroes lives on. In Conneaut, families lined up on chairs or blankets along Broad and Main streets as the citys parade assembled at the Conneaut American Legion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brad Ward said his family came to the parade so the children could enjoy getting candy, and the parents could enjoy the cars and the veterans. As the veterans boarded a float, the Conneaut High School Band lined up along the street and police got ready to escort the parade to the citys war memorial for a wreath laying before moving on to the cemetery for a ceremony. More than 60 people attended a ceremony at the Ashtabula War Memorial, where Len Jury, honor guard commander of the Ashtabula American Legion Post, shared a speech regarding Memorial Day. He said a new flag pole will be installed at the memorial to fly a medal of honor flag. He announced Civil War veterans Louis Shepard and Isaac Jones, both from Ashtabula, would be honored at the memorial for their service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jury also gave brief synopsis of the many different places American soldiers have fought around the world. Many small ceremonies took place in township cemeteries throughout the county, with some veterans groups assisting at many different events throughout the day. ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) Veterans were honored on Memorial Day morning with a Remembrance Ceremony held at City Hall. Community members gathered outside City Hall to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their country, as well as those who served and have since passed away. Mayor John Josendale, the St. Joseph Fire Department, Buchanan County Sheriffs Office, and the Joint Veterans Committee were among those who delivered speeches and conducted military honors in remembrance of fallen soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett said it was an honor to serve as a guest speaker at the 2025 Memorial Day Remembrance. Anything we can do to honor those who have given their lives and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our way of life and our freedom is extremely important," Puett said. "I'm proud to be here in front of all my peers recognizing these brave women and men." Anthony Russell, a Maur Hill-Mount Academy Eagle Scout, delivered the Patriot Address. He spoke about honoring his long family lineage of veterans and encouraged others to use the day as one of purpose. "I have a great-grandfather who served as a Marine, as well as my mom and dad, who are both in the military," Russell said. "So, I just really wanted to honor them and honor all veterans. We can kick our feet up and relax today because they fought for our country. That is something everyone should be grateful for." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell and others in attendance shared that community members can show their respect to veterans by simply acknowledging them, whether its shaking their hand or saying, "Thank you for serving our country. Mayor Josendale concluded the ceremony by announcing that on July 14, 2025, a Vietnam Era Commemoration Ceremony will be held at Word of Life Church at 10 a.m. to recognize Vietnam veterans. More information about the event can be found at: https://www.stjosephmo.gov. (PUEBLO, Colo.) Every year on the last Monday in May, flags fly at half-staff, and we gather to refresh our perspective and remember those who have served our country. From Colorado Springs to Pueblo and our nations capital, people across America marked Memorial Day. For some, Memorial Day may mean a yearly barbeque, picnic or another day off. But what does it mean to those who have fought for our country? The ones who stormed the beaches in Normandy or climbed the mountains in Afghanistan? One veteran said its to remember those who fought and are not here today. Were here to memorialize every single man, woman, and child that has been lost due to conflict, said Travis Baker, the District Five Commander at the VFW in El Paso County. Courtesy: FOX21 Photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey Thomas Medina from Pueblo remembered his time in the Marines on Memorial Day as he spoke to folks who gathered under the Veterans Bridge at the Pueblo Riverwalk. He remembered his father who also served in the Marines and went to Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My dad was very proud of his service, but he was also, it wounded him very deeply, Medina said. But Medina also reflected on his own time serving, and the men and women he stood by during his time in active duty. I also remember the Marines that were killed in action, that served with me, Medina said. Baker aims to not only make Memorial Day the one time where people reflect on those who lost their lives protecting our country. Ive lost people on Christmas Day, Ive lost people on Thanksgiving Day in Iraq and Afghanistan Its not a holiday for me, every day is Remembrance Day, Baker said. Ceremonies were held across Southern Coloradoin Teller County, veterans from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars hosted a ceremony at Woodland Park Cemetery to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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) With only one week left in the Oklahoma legislative session, lawmakers will be down to the wire to wrap up business by the end of day on May 30. There have been talks swirling at the State Capitol about possible veto overrides during the final days of session. Governor Kevin Stitt has turned down an overwhelming 49 bills so far. Last year, he vetoed only 26. Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) said he has already started conversations with legislators whose bills were vetoed about possible reversals. The speaker and I will meet with the governor and go with all these requests with the Governor, said Paxton. Just out of that, as a professional courtesy, (I will) let him know what we are considering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt surprised many lawmakers with his veto of House Bill 1389. It would have required insurance companies to cover additional screenings for mammograms. It was unanimously passed in the House. That ones probably top of mind. The most important bill that Id like to see on the override list, said Minority Leader Rep. Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City). The bill was authored by Rep. Melissa Provenzano (D-Tulsa). She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and said she had talked to patients who could not afford expensive follow-up tests. Weve heard from lots of constituents who need those kinds of scans that the insurance has been making them pay cash for and we want to make sure people get that scan if they need it, said Senator Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City). Lawmakers pass Reindustrialize Oklahoma Act to help fund aluminum smelting plant Governor Stitt released a statement after he vetoed the bill. This legislation imposes new and costly insurance mandates on private health plans that will ultimately raise insurance premiums, said Stitt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another bill that has received overwhelming support from both sides was House Bill 1137. It would eliminate the need for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations to ask for federal funding for its Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons unit. The bill was backed by law enforcement and Tribes across the state. Stitt gave his reason for using his veto power on the bill. Every missing person regardless of race or background deserves equal attention and urgency, said Stitt. The Governor also vetoed House Bill 2048 that would have allowed rural hospitals and health centers to have more pharmacy options. Two republican lawmakers spoke out about the move; Senator Brent Howard (R-Altus) and Rep. Preston Stinson (R-Edmond) said the bill was beneficial for uninsured and low-income Oklahomans. Out-of-state and foreign drug companies and the dark money interests working for them successfully derailed the most important legislation introduced this year to help the health care providers who serve our most vulnerable communities. By lobbying for a veto of House Bill 2048, these deep-pocketed interest groups effectively undermined protections for essential medical services, including cancer treatments and obstetrical care, across our state, said Howard and Stinson, in a joint statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If lawmakers were to override any of Stitts vetoes, they would need to be voted on by both the full House and Senate by the end of 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. A public discussion on the topic "Green Transport Business: Opportunities and Prospects" is being held in Baku, Trend reports. The public discussion on the topic was organized by the Public Council under the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMEDA) with the support of the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AZNA) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). Stakeholders from pertinent governmental entities and business leaders are engaging in the event. The event will delve into the integration of sustainable technologies for roadway stakeholders, the multifaceted challenges inherent in this domain, and the operational dynamics of eco-friendly vehicles. Will be updated RELATED PHOTO GALLERY Veterans and community members gathered across the islands Monday to remember fallen service members in Memorial Day commemoration events. At the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, where about 61, 000 people are buried, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blan giardi told an audience of veterans, current service members, military families and diplomats that the cemetery is a place where history lives in silence and each grave marker tells a story. Blangiardi said people come to Hawaii from across the world to see sites like Punchbowl, the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri, telling the crowd, Here on Oahu we are privileged to be surrounded by historic sites like this one, some of the most important in our nations history, but that many of us pass by them every single day without truly seeing them. Our promise today is to ensure the significance of these historic places and the souls they commemorate are never forgotten, to ensure that future generations understand the cost of freedom and the weight of sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year the U.S. military is marking the 250th anniversaries of the founding of the Army, Navy and Marine Corpstheir roots go back to the American Revolution and predate the nation itself. Adm. Samuel Paparo, who leads all U.S. troops across the Pacific from Camp Smith, told the crowd, If we reflect on those 250 years, that represents 1.3 million Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in battle, and another 1.5 million deaths of people training in dangerous environments to do the same while still wearing the uniform. Paparo read off the names of several service members with ties to Hawaii who died overseas in combat and those who lost their lives in training accidents, and noted family members who were in attendance at the ceremony at Punchbowl. Among the names were Cpl. Toby Olson, a Mililani High School graduate who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2007 ; Sgt. Eugene Williams, who lost his life to a suicide bomber near the Iraqi city of Najaf in 2003 at the age of 24 serving with the Schofield Barracks-based 25th Infantry Division ; and Marine Cpl. Jonathan Faircloth, who died in a 2011 helicopter crash in Kaneohe Bay at age 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The greatest memorial we can build is not made of granite ; its a nation that remains worthy of their value, Paparo said. Let us build it. Blangiardi said, Americas gold star families remind us the fallen heroes we are gathered to remember were sons and daughters, parents, siblings, husbands and wives. In life the brave men and women who died protecting our country and our freedom were someones entire world. The U.S. military has been sending troops to conflict zones continuously since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In 2024 eight Hawaii National Guard soldiers deployed to West Africa in support of Operation Juniper Shield, a long-running counterterrorism mission in the region, to support base defense operations. As recently as August, seven American troops were injured in Iraq during a raid in which they and Iraqi forces killed 15 members of the Islamic State militant group. Last week Adm. James Kilby, the Navys acting chief of naval operations, said the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group launched the largest airstrike in the history of the world from an aircraft carrier on militants in Somalia in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been ramping up defense spending in Hawaii and the Pacific as tensions have escalated between China and its neighbors, leading to clashes in the South China Sea, a critical waterway that more than a third of global trade travels through. Beijing has claimed the entire waterway as its exclusive sovereign territory over the objections of neighboring countries. Chinese forces have built bases on disputed islands and reefs and attacked fishermen and other maritime workers, especially in waters claimed by the Philippines. Marines and soldiers from Hawaii-based units are in the Philippines training with Filipino troops as tensions have continue to mount. During the recently completed Exercise Balikatan, members of the Kaneohe-based 3rd Littoral Regiment brought new anti-ship missiles for the first time to the Philippines Batanes islands just south of Taiwan. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)- The traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be making its return to Trumbull County. The Wall That Heals is making its second trip to Warren. Starting at 2 p.m., the Wall will be escorted from the Quaker Steak and Lube in Austintown to the south lawn of Packard Music Hall. It will be there through June 1. More than 13,000 people visited the memorial when it was first here in 2018. The names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam are on the wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ST. LOUIS On Memorial Day, families across the United States honor those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, including those who knew Gary Lee McKiddy, a fallen soldier from the Vietnam War. Gary Lee McKiddy died in Vietnam while saving his friend, Jim Skaggs. For me to see him like this was very concerning. He told me he didnt feel good about this mission and he wanted to scratch it off. (Gary) was the crew chief; he had the right to do that, Skaggs said. When he told me he wanted to scratch me off, I said, If youre going, Im going, and thats the way it is.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Gunfire struck the helicopter during their mission over Cambodia. We hit the ground; the bird flipped over on its left side, Skaggs remembered. I saw the jungle rushing toward us, and I saw the glass in front of me crash; its the last thing I remember about the crash. At the time of the crash, Skaggs did not realize that McKiddy pulled him out of the burning helicopter at the expense of his own life. (Jim is) here today because of my brother. Its not just him here; hes got 20 kids and grandkids now that wouldnt be here if my brother hadnt pulled him out of that burning fire, Rick McKiddy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garys story is now being shared by Skaggs and his brother, Rick, as they travel the country advocating for him to be awarded the honor posthumously. Despite his heroism, McKiddy was supposed to receive the Medal of Honor in 1970, but it never happened. The sacrifice that every one of our men and women has made is the reason that were here today, His brother Rick told FOX 2. We can never lose sight of that; without them, we dont have this. 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. Black members of the 1887-88 Virginia General Assembly. Then-state Sen. John Robinson is pictured on the far left of the back row. (Photo courtesy of Encyclopedia of Virginia) A Northern Virginia faith leader and parent said she will continue asking state lawmakers to make two African-American history courses count towards the states graduation requirements for history, after the governor who vetoed the measure and whose four-year term is sunsetting leaves office. Pastor Michelle Thomas, president of the NAACP Loudoun Branch, and Robin Reaves Burke of the Loudoun Freedom Center proposed the concept to state Del. David Reid, D-Loudoun, shortly after the commonwealth added African American History and AP African American Studies to the list of courses permitted to be taught in public high schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Lamont Bagby, D-Henrico, and Reid successfully passed the proposal through the General Assembly with some amendments. On March 24, Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposed an amendment requiring the General Assembly to pass the proposal again in 2026, but lawmakers did not accept it. Youngkin then vetoed the bill, stating that it would cause students to miss key concepts essential to understanding how historical world events have shaped our modern economy, government, and international relations. Thomas was surprised and disappointed by the decision, she said. You cant divorce African American history from the founding of America. It is the absolute foundation of American history, and so to try to marginalize this and say students shouldnt be learning it, or its not as important as mainstream history, or the history that hes trying to tell is absolutely ridiculous, Thomas said in a statement last week. NAACP Loudoun Branch President Michelle Thomas speaking to a crowd during a Juneteenth Celebration in Leesburg. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas said she first considered proposing the legislation after her daughter was interested in taking an African American studies course and seeking flexibility with her class schedule towards meeting her graduation requirements. Under Virginias standard diploma requirements, students are required to take U.S. History, Virginia and U.S. Government, and either World History or Geography. The bill would have given the students the option to substitute African American History or AP African American Studies studies with World History or Geography. Virginias diploma requirements concerning history Standard Diploma US History Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia and U.S. Government One other course in World History or Geography Advanced diploma All four are required. Proposed standard diploma (House Bill 1824 in the 2025 GA session vetoed by governor) US History Virginia and U.S. Government World History or Geography or African American Studies or AP African American Studies While I am supportive of expanding choices in what classes students may take to satisfy graduation requirements, we must ensure that classes that replace others are germane to the comprehensive goals of high school education standards, Youngkin wrote in his veto statement. Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera said with the Board of Education revising the History and Social Science Standards in 2023, which sets what students are required to learn before graduating, all Virginia students will learn more historically significant figures of all backgrounds. Guidera said students will also learn about Black Americans, American Indigenous people and women leaders in the required courses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our robust standards ensure the comprehensive, illuminating story of our history is taught to all students, Guidera said in a statement to the Mercury. While history electives are very important options for students to have and do count towards graduation, we know every graduate from Virginias K-12 schools needs a strong, broad-based foundational understanding of civics, world history, and the places, people, events, and ideas that shaped the commonwealth, the United States and the world. But Thomas defended the proposal. Were not saying do away or you can take this or that. You can take all of them, Thomas said. You can take World History II, if parents feel like World History I and World History II are important. But for those parents (and students) who believe African American history is also and equally important, allow them to get graduation credit for it. She said she also believes the governors decision falls in line with a national agenda to minimize or remove public references to Black history, and could align with his future political plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The curriculum has been continually debated by the public, education leaders and Youngkins administration during the governors entire time in office, which concludes in January. The first AP African American studies course was added last year, but not without controversy Youngkins education department proposed dozens of revisions before its approval, the Washington Post reported. Reid said in a statement that he was disappointed by the governors decision and plans to reintroduce the bill at the next session, beginning in January. The governor chose to ignore the very values he outlined in Executive Order One on his first day in office his stated commitment to teach the full story of American history, said Reid. Instead, he allowed political fear to override principle and missed an opportunity to give parents and students more choice in how they learn our shared history. He also said Virginia history and African American history are important parts of Americas origin story, citing the significance of the first House of Burgesses the first democratically-elected legislative body in what would become America and the arrival of the first Africans in present-day Hampton, both defining events that took place in Virginia roughly two weeks and 40 miles apart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia history is African American history, is American history, Reid said. Our children deserve to learn the truth of our shared story and they deserve the freedom to choose how they learn it. Editors note: This story was updated to include remarks from Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera. The headlines has also been amended to more clearly reflect the proposed goal of HB 1824. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ***Watch previous coverage in the video above*** VALLEY VIEW, Ohio (WJW) A Virginia woman pleaded guilty on Tuesday to killing a man in a wooded area of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park more than four years ago, the U.S. Department of Justice announced. On March 6, 2021, 35-year-old Chelsea Perkins, of Alexandria, drove more than 300 miles to meet up with 31-year-old Matthew Dunmire, who she previously knew, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said they were hiking in the woods near the Terra Vista Natural Study Area of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park when Perkins shot Dunmire in the back of the head, killing him. A bright light: Teen who died after fall from Memorial Day parade float in Green remembered as loyal and funny Dunmires body was found several days later. As FOX 8 reported at the time, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office ruled his death a homicide. Through the investigation, detectives used GPS data, DNA, social media and phone records to tie Perkins to the shooting. Law enforcement conducted a search at Perkins Virginia home, where federal agents found three 9mm pistols. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man killed in Geneva plane crash Sunday identified On Tuesday, Perkins pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree and using or carrying and discharging a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence on federal property, the Department of Justice said in a press release. Perkins faces 20 to 25 years in prison if the court accepts her plea agreement. She will be sentenced on Sept. 9. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former Aurora Chief Community Services Officer Viviana Ramirez, who was one of many in upper city management who recently left their positions alongside former Mayor Richard Irvin, looks back on her time at the city as happy work. After rising through the ranks of the Aurora Community Services Department for the last several years, Ramirez served out her official last day in Auroras city government on May 13, the same day new Mayor John Laesch was sworn into office. Laesch has since appointed Nicole Mullins to Ramirezs former position, which was approved by the Aurora City Council last week. An attorney with a background in defense, Ramirez told The Beacon-News in a recent interview that she calls her time at the city happy work because it was everything that I loved about working in the community, minus the adversarial system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramirez was first hired at the city of Aurora in 2021 as the community engagement manager, which means she managed the citys community engagement group as well as youth, senior and disability services. She said that was probably a good decision by Irvin because, although the two knew each other from both practicing law, the position allowed her to learn how city government worked. After shifting to the Kane County States Attorneys Office to help build its conviction integrity unit, Ramirez returned to the city as director of Community Services in 2023. She worked under Martin Shanahan, who was at the time the chief community services officer, until she took over his role in 2024 when he left to become Planos city administrator. As chief community services officer, Ramirez managed what she said was technically three divisions but really operated like seven public art, the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum, innovation, community development, senior and disability services, youth services and grants. Each of those functions was made up of experts in their own fields, she said, so the goal of the overall Community Services Department was to identify gaps within those divisions, as well as finding new programs and initiatives, to better serve Aurora residents and improve their quality of life. And she said that went for every resident, since there was always a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every program and initiative, I think we approached it from the lens of, Everybody, regardless of race, demographic, economics, we want to be there for you,' Ramirez said. When asked what she was most proud of doing at the city, Ramirez first pointed to the family festivals. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked directly with neighborhood groups on these festivals to bring a sense of community back to the pockets of Aurora where they could really benefit from that, she said. A more recent program Ramirez said she was proud of was the Mobile/Express Consulate Initiative, which brought consulate services to Aurora so residents did not need to take time off of work or travel to get these services. She called the program a big win for our residents and our community. Plus, Ramirez said she was also proud of the new-this-year Neighborhood Empowerment Beautification Grant, which offers small grants to homeowners to improve the outside of their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point in her career at the city, Ramirez remembered thinking, Wow, this is so cool, Im getting paid to think of what programming I can bring to city residents to enhance their life? Thats happy work right there, she said. While there were many newsworthy programs Ramirez worked on, such as the Aurora Promise educational savings account program, a lot also went on behind the scenes, according to Ramirez. For example, she said her department always tried to offer excellent and professional customer service, even when it related to something her team wasnt directly responsible for. Something Ramirez said she was going to miss about working at the city was being part of a team that put residents needs above anything else. She will miss sitting down at a table to brainstorm and talk through initiatives, or to identify gaps and plan to fill those gaps, which she said was the cornerstone of the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plus, she felt supported by Irvins team as well as the other city chiefs, she said. That camaraderie, professionalism and support, particularly from the mayors office, she said, contributed to making it happy work. I cherish the time that I spent with the city, she said. I thought the old administration had such a wealth of knowledge their backgrounds, their experiences that it was one of those places that youve just felt happy coming to work. Ramirez said she will always feel honored to have been part of the Irvin administration, but her work for the community will continue. That same positivity and innovative way of thinking will now be brought forward to the way she serves her clients, she said. She chose to leave the city, she said, because she wants to return to the practice of law to focus on the areas I am most passionate about, which is both a personal and professional decision to re-engage with my legal career and continue serving the community. rsmith@chicagotribune.com princeton Justices with the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia have upheld the 2022 second-degree murder conviction of a Mercer County woman who was charged in her boyfriends shooting death. Monica Suzette Hartwell of Lashmeet was sentenced in September 2022 to a determinate term of 40 years in prison. A jury had convicted Hartwell on Aug. 11 that same year of second-degree murder for the July 26, 2020 shooting death of her boyfriend, Michael Walker, outside their Presbyterian Avenue home in Lashmeet. Hartwell was initially charged with first-degree murder and was later found competent to stand trial. After Walkers death, Hartwell had told troopers with the West Virginia State Police Princeton detachment that she believed Walker was possessed. Witnesses testified during her trial that Hartwell and Walker had been drinking that day, adding that Walker had spoken about Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers found Walker on the homes front porch. Hartwell was in the home and told the troopers that the shotgun was in the living room. Walker had been shot in the head. Hartwells attorney Ryan Flanigan, who is now a circuit court judge in Mercer County, made motions during her sentencing for a new trial and for a judgement of acquittal. The presiding judge, Circuit Court Judge Derek Swope, who is now retired, denied both motions. Flanigan told the court that Hartwell had been a productive member of society before she became ill, and that she had been struggling with mental illness her entire life. A member of Hartwells family told the court she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and other mental conditions. Attorney David Kelley argued the appeal before the state Supreme Court of Appeals, said Prosecuting Attorney Brian K. Cochran, who prosecuted the case in 2022. The West Virginia Attorney General argued the appeal on behalf of the Mercer County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. According to court documents filed May 22, the sole issue before the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virgnia was the admissibility of a statement Hartwell made after she was taken into custody and handcuffed outside the home. Trooper S.K. Weikle and Hartwell were walking to the troopers cruiser when he asked wheres the gun? to which Hartwell replied its on the couch. The question was asked before Hartwell had been read her Miranda Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weikle later testified that officers had not yet secured the weapon, according to the supreme courts document. Officers only knew that the victim had been shot on the porch and that Hartwell immediately went into the home and was not seen by any witnesses during the 15 to 20 minutes it took for law enforcement to respond to the 911 call. Officers did not know if the weapon was still in the house and whether anyone else had access to it or whether it had been thrown out a window or back door where it might be found by a passerby or an inquisitive child. For the reasons set forth herein, the judgement of the Circuit Court of Mercer County is AFFIRMED, the justices concluded in the court document. During the 2022 hearing, Swope sentenced Hartwell to 40 years in prison with 789 days credit for the time she had spent in jail and on home confinement after her arrest. Swope then told her family that she would be eligible for parole in 10 years, and could discharge her sentence with good behavior within 20 years. I certainly believe she needs to get help in the penal system, the maximum amount they can give her, Swope said then. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com (Photo by Guido Mieth/Getty Images) Washington is joining a growing list of states trying to tear down barriers for consumers who want to repair their electronics rather than buy new ones. Gov. Bob Ferguson last week signed the states new right to repair policy into law. The goal of House Bill 1483 is to allow consumers to fix their devices instead of throwing them away and buying new ones. It was a yearslong effort to get the law approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a win for every person in Washington state, said the bills prime sponsor, Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac. We all know that we want to keep our devices longer. We want to be able to connect with our loved ones. In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers with broken electronics dont have much choice but to replace them because repairs require specialized tools, unique parts and inaccessible proprietary software. And those restrictions, the FTC found, disproportionately burden communities of color and low-income communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues as access to technology quickly became increasingly vital. Apple has since made moves to improve the repairability of its products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some companies engage in a practice called parts pairing that can make replacing parts of a device impossible. Washingtons new law would largely outlaw this tactic. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the law will require manufacturers to make tools, parts and documentation needed for diagnostics and maintenance available to independent repair businesses. The requirement applies to digital electronics, like computers, cellphones and appliances, that were first sold in Washington after July 1, 2021. Manufacturers wont be able to use parts that inhibit repairs. The state attorney generals office could enforce violations of the new law under the Consumer Protection Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics argued the bill could harm businesses reputations if repairs arent completed correctly, and potentially leave users personal information unsecured. But some tech giants backed the legislation. Google, for example, thanked the governor for signing it. This is a significant win for consumers, and will provide them more affordable ways to repair their devices while reducing waste, a spokesperson said in an email. Microsoft said its Surface PCs are among the most repairable in their class and we view this law as a meaningful step toward reducing waste, empowering consumers, and advancing a more circular economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State lawmakers across the country have introduced similar legislation in recent years. Five states now have laws on the books: California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York and Oregon. Massachusetts and Maine have such laws focused on car repairs. Southwest Washington U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat, has led the charge in Congress for national right to repair laws focused on cars, electronics and military equipment. Before joining Congress, Gluesenkamp Perez co-owned an auto repair shop. Late last month, the U.S. Army, at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, announced it would seek right to repair provisions in all of its contracts. Ferguson also signed a similar repair bill focused on wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Both measures had strong bipartisan support. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, on the eve of his first official visit to Washington, where he will meet his US counterpart Marco Rubio, has called for closer cooperation with the United States over Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukraine. "To finally bring Putin to the negotiating table, to ensure Russia enters into serious negotiations, we must maintain the pressure," Wadephul said before departing on Tuesday for his inaugural visit to the United States. "We Europeans will continue to tighten the sanctions, and the US Congress is also ready for more sanctions," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadephul is scheduled to meet with Rubio on Wednesday to discuss a joint approach to current international crises. Emphasis on shared goals with the US Wadephul stressed how crucial transatlantic cooperation is for freedom in Europe, pointing to Russia's war against Ukraine as a stark reminder. He warned that Putin continues his attacks with undiminished brutality, despite intensive peace diplomacy efforts, including those by the United States. "We want to finally end the suffering in Ukraine, we want an immediate ceasefire, and we want a sustainable peace." A two-state solution for the Middle East? Against the backdrop of the unbearable suffering of people in the Gaza Strip, Wadephul announced plans to explore with US partners how a two-state solution could be realized as the best chance for lasting peace in the region. "We urgently need a breakthrough in negotiations for a ceasefire that leads to the release of hostages and a massive expansion of humanitarian aid," he added. Photo: The Ministry of Investment and Industry of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 27. Mujtaba Nawaz, Executive Director of Foster APC, met with senior officials at the Ministry of Investment and Industry of Uzbekistan (MIIT) to explore investment opportunities in several key sectors, Trend reports. During the meeting, Nawaz and his team received comprehensive information about the various investment opportunities in Uzbekistan, including the government's attractive incentives and support measures designed to encourage foreign investment. The company expressed strong interest in contributing to projects in energy, wastewater management, and geology, areas that align with both Uzbekistans growth ambitions and Foster APC's expertise. This discussion marks a key step in fostering deeper bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. After the dust settled from the meeting, both sides decided to swap more technical and economic insights and roll up their sleeves for a deep dive into the potential project parameters. They will also join forces to whip up the necessary paperwork for future joint ventures. Established in 2016, Foster APC stands as a preeminent entity within Azerbaijan's construction and engineering sector, showcasing an expanding global footprint. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel May 26Hundreds convened at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake for its annual Memorial Day service to honor and remember veterans who have died. It was a solemn day of remembrance when even the sky darkened with heavy clouds to block the harsh May sun. "Memorial Day is just one day set aside for the specific purpose of honoring those that have given their lives in defense of our great nation," said Solomon Gilbert, deputy director of Washington's Department of Veterans Affairs. "It is a day to remember their sacrifice and their courage to be willing to give everything. We remember our loved ones; they are friends, our family, our fellow service members. "The calendar says we set aside one special day, but our hearts and minds know we remember them always." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 10,000 people are laid to rest at the cemetery: veterans, their spouses and, in some cases, their children. Some 900 service members are buried with no living loved ones to claim remains. Some are veterans and their spouses who spent decades unclaimed and unburied around Washington before the Medical Lake cemetery assumed responsibility. "They sit idle on a shelf with no marker that they've ever even walked the earth," said cemetery director Rudy Lopez. Each year at the ceremony, Lopez highlights around a dozen of these recently assumed remains of veterans unclaimed, unrecognized and stories untold, until the cemetery and multiple research partners find out who they were. It's the cemetery's mission, Lopez said, to provide a final resting space at the 120-acre grounds, dotted with perfectly spaced, nearly identical white headstones. "There's a lot of purpose to what we do," Lopez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year's batch of nine veterans included the remains of a Civil War soldier, William O'Neal and wife Elizabeth O'Neal. With no living relatives, the two sat unclaimed for over 100 years in matching copper urns at a funeral home in Everett. The cemetery also received remains of a Purple Heart recipient William Harmas and wife Rosemary Harmas. William served in World War II, and came to the cemetery from Walla Walla along with a Purple Heart medallion and a piece of shrapnel that earned him one of the highest medals in the military. "They arrived to us from various corners of the state with no family to accompany them," Lopez said at the ceremony. "It is our honor to receive them into our care, providing a final resting place that is respectful, a burial that is properly marked with a grave headstone, forever honoring their service to our nation so that they may never be forgotten." O'Neal enlisted in the Union army in Ohio at the age of 18. After a month in basic training, O'Neal went to battle in defense of Cincinnati. After a year of service, Confederate forces captured O'Neal and he spent over three years as a prisoner of war. The O'Neals married after the war, and both died in 1919. William was 73, Elizabeth 63. William O'Neal will be the third Civil War veteran laid to rest at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the ceremony, Kyla Albertson was struck with emotion while thinking of the thousands of veterans' remains that are unclaimed. "It's heartbreaking to be buried without any family," she said tearfully. She comes from a large military family. Her father served in the Air Force, her kids' paternal grandfather and their stepmother both served in the Navy and, most recently, her son is stationed in Japan, a corpsman in the Navy. "We're a very large military family, and I'm super passionate about this country for some reason," she said. She frequently spends Memorial Day at the ceremony, "irritated" that many spend the holiday camping or boating or shopping for deals. "People lose sight of what it's actually about," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albertson bought a large bouquet of wildflowers that kids in her family separate, leaving a stem at as many graves as possible, though she doesn't know anyone personally buried there. "These poor people, some don't have flowers, some don't have any family," she said, thinking of her own son. "We're lucky we have a village." Despite the solemn nature of the day, Albertson oozed with gratitude for the times she lives in and the accessibility to her son around 5,000 miles away. She texts with him frequently and can see his face whenever they video chat on the phone. He visited recently for his brother's wedding, even planning an engagement himself with a woman he met in Japan. Though tears were flowing in her family, they also found unity in the grief. Everyone present at the cemetery shares a bond, Albertson said, born from respect for those who serve. The collective energy was palpable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The unity the military and patriotism brings," she said, "it makes me emotional." 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. Two pigeons caused chaos on a Delta flight from Minneapolis to Wisconsin on Saturday, May 24th, 2025. Passenger Tom Caw recalled boarding his flight when the pilot announced that there was a bird on the plane, telling passengers he "had no experience with this situation". Eventually, baggage handlers successfully captured the bird and carried it off the plane. However, a second pigeon was discovered as the plane began moving down the runway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In footage taken by Caw, another passenger attempts to capture the second pigeon in his jacket. "Pilot said when he radioed the control tower about us coming back due to a pigeon, the guy said that was a first for him," Caw said in a post on social media. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFLA) Eleven people were injured after a boat exploded in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, the US Coast Guard Southeast announced. The boat exploded around 5:45 p.m. on Monday near the New River Triangle in Fort Lauderdale. USCGSoutheast said 13 people were aboard the boat, and all 13 were transferred to EMS. According to NBC affiliate WTVJ, two children were among the 11 injured in the explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video footage showed crews working to clean debris from the waterways. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A news conference about Medicaid funding and more is happening on Tuesday, May 27, in Baton Rouge. Elected officials, Community Health Center leaders, and the Louisiana Primary Care Association are gathering at 1 p.m. on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol. Organizers announced they plan to voice their concerns regarding threats to Medicaid funding and other challenges that aim to disrupt Louisianas healthcare safety net. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana First News will livestream the news conference in the video player above. New report details overreach of state government during pandemic 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. A paraglider who nearly froze to death after his parachute pulled him 28,000 feet into the air is being investigated by Chinese police. The man, known locally as Liu Ge, was left suspended in -40F temperatures while flying above the Qilian Shan mountain range in northern China on Saturday. Body camera footage shows the canopy of his parachute being lifted by a current of warm air in an extremely dangerous phenomenon known as cloud suck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 44-second clip shows Ge without an oxygen mask, his face and clothing encrusted with frost, desperately gripping onto the harness. Despite being at nearly the same altitude as a cruising jumbo jet, Ge managed to retain consciousness and land his parachute safely. I felt oxygen deficiency, my hands were freezing outside... and I kept communicating via the intercom, Ge told local media. Ge had taken off for his flight from an altitude of around 9,800ft, according to local media reports. Liu Ge was nearly the same altitude as a cruising jumbo jet - Jam Press Although the paraglider held a valid paragliding licence, Ge allegedly failed to file the necessary flight plan, including obtaining airspace clearance for the launch site, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry regulations restrict flights to below 16,000 ft, with 9,000ft already considered an impressive altitude. Those who breach regulations may be fined and even face criminal charges. Police and aviation authorities in northwestern Gansu Province have launched an investigation into the incident. Ou, a local paragliding enthusiast, said few people can survive such extreme altitudes and described Ges mental resilience as extraordinary. This is truly miraculous, he said. In 2007, Zhongpin He, a member of the Chinese paragliding team, was killed by a lightning strike after being sucked into a storm along with his partner Ewa Wisnierska in New South Wales, Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisnierska managed to survive being pulled upwards 32,000ft and being battered by hailstones the size of oranges in temperatures of -40F to -50 C. 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 final listening session focusing on a controversial water rule will be held Thursday in Salt Lake City to give Utah residents a chance to weigh in. Called the Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, the hotly contested issue has wrangled its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. It has been batted around among various presidential administrations that have never been able to agree on its extent and reach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EPA and the Department of the Army will be conducting a hybrid listening session for the public on Zoom and in-person at the Utah Department of Environmental Quality Multi-Agency State Office Building. The consecutive sessions will be offered at 24 p.m. and 46 p.m. Participants for this session will include: EPA Office of Water Acting Assistant Administrator Peggy Browne, EPA Region 8 Administrator Cyrus M. Western, and colleagues from the Department of the Army. The background An Obama-era rule issued in 2015 as an outgrowth of a Supreme Court decision was lauded by environmental activists and conservation groups as the most significant and impressive overhaul of the Clean Water Act in 42 years. Groups like the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership said the Obama rule clarified federal jurisdiction over seasonal streams which involves 60% of the stream miles in the United States and was critical for the Prairie Pothole region hosting 70% of the ducks in North America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of WOTUS say it is meant to protect the benefits of water for all people of the United States to enjoy, not just individual property owners. The rule, however, was derided by states, private property owners and ranchers as regulatory overreach that stretched the meaning of words like navigable, near or adjacent. The case of the Sacketts is one example. Mike and Chantell Sackett bought a vacant lot to build their dream home on in a mostly built-out subdivision in northern Idaho only to be told by the federal government their property was a wetland and subject to the authority of the Clean Water Act. The property purchased by Mike and Chantell Sackett in northern Idaho is pictured here and was dubbed within the regulatory purview of the Clean Water Act, even though a nearby lake is 300 feet away and there are rows of houses between the property and the water. They have filed suit in a case that is slated to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this fall. | Brian Feulner, Feulner Visual Me The Sacketts vacant lot is adjacent to Priest Lake, which is 300 feet away and behind two rows of houses, said Tony Francois, an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, which sued on behalf of the couple in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francois said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have construed WOTUS to expansively extend their authority beyond what is reasonable due to an earlier 2006 Supreme Court decision (Rapanos v. United States) that gave little to no clarity on the issue. In that case, the Supreme Court was trying to answer the question of how closely connected to a navigable river or lake a body of water has to be for Clean Water Act regulations to kick in and how permanent must that water be. The Sacketts prevailed at the U.S. Supreme Court. A majority of the justices held to a plurality opinion in the 2006 case that the Clean Water Act applies to only those wetlands or water which must be relatively permanent and connected to traditional interstate navigable waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Samuel Alito, who authored the concurring opinion, warned that under the EPAs interpretation of the Clean Water Act, nearly all waters and wetlands are potentially susceptible to regulation under this (significant nexus) test, putting a staggering array of landowners at risk of criminal prosecution for such mundane activities as moving dirt. Utah was among an 11-state coalition that successfully got the rule put on hold with a federal injunction issued in 2018, and Utahs state Legislature has weighed in with a resolution opposing the WOTUS rule. It still remains a contentious issue, however, as the federal government tries to reach a compromise. The listening session Thursday in Salt Lake City is designed to gather more information. DES MOINES, Iowa Police are releasing more details in the weekend disappearance of a teen from West Des Moines who was later found in another state. Monday night, the West Des Moines Police Department said Dhianna Hughes had been located and they were working to reunite her with family. On Tuesday morning, police revealed the 13-year-old had been located in Jefferson County, Tennessee. Police also said they dont believe Hughes was alone on her journey to Tennessee. They continue to investigate the circumstances of her disappearance. Pedestrian struck after driver falls asleep on I-35, Iowa State Patrol says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teen was reported missing on Sunday, and police asked for the publics help to locate her. WDMPD said she had last been seen in the area of 11th Street and Office Park Road around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 24th. They initially said it was believed she was in the Des Moines area. Police said their investigation revealed information that led them to Jefferson County, Tennessee, and ultimately to locating Hughes. WDMPD said it was assisted by Westcom Dispatch, Polk County Attorneys Office, Tennessee State Patrol, and Jefferson County (Tennessee) Sheriffs Office. Iowa news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 27. The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, held a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of CITIC Group, Xi Gohua, who arrived in Kazakhstan to participate in the Astana International Forum, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of CITIC Group spoke about the corporation's interest in jointly implementing projects with Kazakhstan for the modernization of oil refineries. Moreover, the current state and prospects for strengthening partnerships in key sectors such as energy, the petrochemical industry, road construction, mineral sector, agriculture, and other fields were also discussed at the meeting. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to CITIC Group for the effective implementation of the modernization project of the Aktau Bitumen Plant, which was completed ahead of schedule, in April of this year. The President highly appreciated CITIC Groups activities as a reliable investment partner of Kazakhstan. In turn, Xi Gohua spoke about the corporations interest in jointly implementing projects for the modernization of oil refineries, construction of oil pipelines, reconstruction of the Center-West highway, and deep grain processing. Follouing the negotiations, President Tokayev emphasized the importance of continuing active work to strengthen business ties between Kazakhstan and China. CITIC Group is a large Chinese state-owned investment company founded in 1979. It operates in various fields, including finance, industry, real estate, and infrastructure. CITIC Group actively cooperates with Kazakhstan, investing in infrastructure and energy projects. The company participates in the development of transport corridors and the mining industry, supporting economic partnership between China and Kazakhstan. Such cooperation contributes to deepening strategic interaction within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. For more than a year, 9 Investigates has reported on the problems with an online system that has caused some families to go hungry and others to lose healthcare. There now seems to be a fix for one of the many procedural issues thats cost Floridians both food stamps and their Medicaid. The Florida Department of Children and Families, which oversees the MyACCESS system for applicants, has launched a new website that streamlines the mandatory interview process for benefits seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate website also now allows users to schedule in-person appointments at a regional ACCESS Centers where people can get case updates and in-person help with their application. People who receive SNAP or Medicaid have always been required to complete mandatory interviews. Theyre also asked to upload documents verifying they really need the states help. However, for months, 9 Investigates has brought you story after story of Floridians who lost health care and had to stretch the food in their fridge because they couldnt get past those two critical steps, due to issues with the MyACCESS portal, which launched in December of 2023, Since then, Channel 9 has reported on the disconnecting phone lines, the website repeatedly down for maintenance, and users documents disappearing after theyve been uploaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, instead of endlessly calling the state to try and complete mandatory interviews, Floridians can bypass some of that frustration and use this link to schedule their interview slot. Via the website, users get a time and date for their interview. Theyre told what number will contact them and get reminders until the interview happens. Community advocate Vanessa Brito has helped about 2 thousand people who have struggled with the call center and technical issues. She believes the new interview scheduling site will help those applying now. This is redeeming moving forward, but what are we going to do to deal with what has happened in the past and help those folks, who have already been affected and quite possibly lost benefit? said Brito. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Channel 9 began reporting on this issue over a year ago, the Department of Children and Families has stated that issues were due to user error. However, in April, Channel 9 uncovered documents showing DCF has known about issues from the beginning. Channel 9 is still waiting for DCFs comment on that reporting. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 9 investigators reached out to DCF to ask them about the new websites. Channel 9 did not hear back before news time. the Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Birdsell fights to block foreign ownership near N.H. military sites Senate Majority Leader Regina Birdsell, R-Hampstead, has led the call for the state to outlaw ownership of property near key military properties by a list of banned countries to include the Peoples Republic of China, Russia, Iran, Syria and North Korea In this shortened post-holiday week, the New Hampshire Legislature will refrain from holding business sessions to allow committees in the state Senate to wrap up work on a two-year state budget proposal. It will also give the House of Representatives time to finalize the thorniest bills sent to it from the other body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Finance Committee Chairman James Gray, R-Rochester, told his six colleagues to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend and come back ready to slog through four straight days of intense committee work. Weve quite a few details to finalize but Ive delegated key senators to resolve each of the remaining issues in dispute, Gray said at the end of last week. Reduction in layoffs At the end of last week, Senate budget writers checked off an important box, restoring many of the nearly 100 layoffs in Department of Corrections contained in the House-approved state budget. I think we met a good middle ground, Senate Majority Leader Regina Birdsell, R-Hampstead, said during a radio interview Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Tim Lang, R-Sanbornton, credited now-resigned Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks for working with him to make the most improvements to the House budget for the least amount of money. The Senate changes reduce the $34 million in cuts the House made to about $20 million. This reduces the layoffs to about two dozen with the elimination of about 35 other vacant positions. She was really cooperative and constructive in restoring nearly all of the affected positions for the least hit on the budget, which we appreciate, Lang said in an interview. Other big-ticket budget decisions the Senate panel needs to make include the amount of state aid for the university system, many programs in the Department of Health and Human Services along with the fate of the Office of Child Advocate, the Human Rights Commission, Housing Appeals Board and Board of Land and Tax Appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pitch to fix ban on teaching bias Gray said one change the Senate will make is to reject a House-proposed 5% fee on all dedicated funds to generate $30 million over the two-year cycle. He announced plans instead to direct Gov. Kelly Ayotte to identify a similar amount of budget savings as a section in the Senate spending plan. Several House committees will be holding long sessions to try and hammer out their final Senate bills to include: Cordelli says he has way to fix ban on 'divine concepts' Rep. Glenn Cordelli, R-Tuftonboro, will ask a House panel he chairs to change a state law that bans the teaching of discrimination in public schools. The proposal is an attempt to fix a 2021 law a federal judge set aside because it was unconstitutionally vague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Risk pools (SB 297): Secretary of State David Scanlan proposed reforms to set up tougher financial guardrails for the pools that sponsor health or property and casualty insurance for member cities and towns, schools and county government. House Commerce Committee Chairman John Hunt, R-Rindge, has a competing proposal to permit the four companies offering these lines to instead come under regulation of the Insurance Department. Foreign ownership (SB 162): Birdsell has championed this one to prevent the Peoples Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic, and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea from acquiring property within 10 miles of an included list of state properties including the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Pease Air National Guard Base, several other national guard sites and the New Boston Space Force Station. Moving state primary (SB 222): This would move the state primary election from one of the latest in the nation in September up to June when more than a third of states hold theirs. The House Election Laws Committee will make the final recommendation on this one; they had endorsed the idea earlier this spring but wanted to put it off until after the 2026 election; as currently written the change would take effect next Jan. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education Freedom Accounts (SB 295): The House Finance Committee holds on Wednesday the last committee vote on the Senate-passed plan to eliminate any income eligibility so all parents could receive taxpayer-paid scholarships to send their children to private, religious, alternative public or home school programs (SB 295). Ban on teaching discrimination (SB 100): Sen. Glenn Cordelli, R-Tuftonboro, will promote his amendment to alter the 2021 law aimed at blocking teachers from such divisive concepts as Critical Race Theory. A federal court struck down the law as unconstitutionally vague and this seeks to add a mental state factor for the violating teacher that Cordelli maintains would fix the laws legal defect. Opponents insisted the set aside law was beyond saving. klandrigan@unionleader.com YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A Wellsville man was sentenced earlier this month in his gun case. Read next: More unruly teens reported at Target Roger Ingram, Sr., 54, pleaded guilty to having weapons under disability, a third-degree felony, and improperly handling firearms in a vehicle, a fourth-degree felony. The plea was entered in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas on May 14, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a judgment entry, Ingram was sentenced to serve 90 days in the county jail, with credit for the eight days he already served. He was also ordered under probation for three years, and he has to surrender the .22 revolver that was seized by police in Beaver Township. A Beaver Township police report states that Ingram had a protection order against him when he was found with a firearm last April. Joe Gorman 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. Western powers moved to shore up their support for Ukraine as aerial attacks by both Moscow and Kyiv eroded hopes for peace talks. Germanys chancellor said his country along with Britain, France, and the US had removed range restrictions on weapons sent to Ukraine for use against Russia. The move not only addresses Kyivs longstanding complaint that it was being hamstrung in responding to Moscow, but also indicates Washington may be shifting its stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trump had been pursuing a rapprochement with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, but railed against him over the weekend and may impose new sanctions on Moscow this week, according to The Wall Street Journal. Getty Images The Patmos Library near Grand Rapids, which was defunded twice several years ago over its selection of LGBTQ+ books and materials, reopened its doors on Tuesday after it was reported that several staff members quit. A May 12 notice from the library, located in Jamestown Township, indicated that it would close briefly as it worked to rehire new staff. The library has since posted a message to its website welcoming patrons back to the location and notifying the community that they were open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A member of the librarys staff confirmed with Michigan Advance that they had closed temporarily due to the staff resignations but could not provide comment as to why they resigned. One of the staff members who resigned spoke with MLive and said staff had felt like they were being micro-managed by board members. A message seeking comments from the library boards president and vice president was not returned at the time of publication. The library was defunded in 2022 after voters opted to erase the locations millage funding, which activists viewed not only as an attack against LGBTQ+ library materials and books, but also an assault on personal liberties. Voters, however, approved a new millage in 2023 to keep the library up and running. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In 399 B.C., the Greek philosopher Socrates was put on trial for impiety and corrupting the youth. Socrates approach to ethics, morality and democracy are foundational in the Western canon, and his teachings are part and parcel of the American experiment. At his trial, however, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. Which is to say that disagreements between democratic governments and educators have a long, storied history, and whats playing out on American campuses today is just the latest chapter. Harvard Universitys fight with President Donald Trump is in the spotlight right now, but the publics growing frustration with higher education stems from many things, including the staggering cost of an education and the rise of student debt, as well as the obsession with rankings that prioritize access over outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The return on investment of various institutions and degrees has been questioned too. A recent Pew poll showed that nearly a third of America doesnt think college is worth the cost at all, and about half thinks its only worth it if there are no loans involved. Even if financial returns arent necessarily the primary purpose of learning, its a relatable complaint. But young adults who want to continue their education arent limited to the traditional four-year programs that are too often seen as the norm. Many alternatives are found in the American West, including Brigham Young Universitys Pathway Worldwide, which offers people around the world the opportunity to earn a college degree online, and colleges that focus on civilizations great books and foundational texts, including Supreme Court decisions. Theres even a school near the Nevada/California border where, in addition to their studies, students operate a cattle ranch. We have an incredible diversity of higher ed institutions in this country, and they do more than just prepare people for the workforce, said Joshua Wyner, the founder and executive director of the College Excellence Program at the Aspen Institute. Higher education is a pathway to economic mobility for individuals and to developing talent that we need not just for the economy, but for democracy and lifelong learning. Many of these alternate paths to a degree also hark back to Socrates, using his teaching methods, which encourages students to ask hard questions, think critically for themselves and also to prize virtue as much as knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if the relationship between politics and education is fraying and breaking down, said, J. Walter Stirling, the president of St. Johns College in Santa Fe and Annapolis, in our modern democratic experiment, we have the most ambitious and beautiful formulations of that harmony, between education and civic life. Its no surprise, then, that many options for nontraditional education are found on this side of the 100th meridian. Lance Bell outside his dorm room at Deep Springs College in California, just a few miles from the Nevada border in December 2024. | Daniel Bell Service minded Lance Bell, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stumbled across Deep Springs College while flipping through a college guide book and knew right away that he found his school. Thirty miles from the nearest town and 10 from the Nevada border, Deep Springs is both a college and a fully operating cattle ranch isolated in the California high desert. It offers an associates program to the 12 to 15 students admitted each year, each of whom receive a full scholarship, which includes room and board. Though a secular school, its religiously diverse, with Christians, Jews and Muslims practicing their faith, often together. While its a junior college, most graduates go on to places like Harvard, Oxford and Yale. When new students arrive, they sign a contract pledging to be of service to humanity. Lance Bell, center, leads his grandmother Cynthia Koyle and brother Keith Bell on a tour through Deep Springs College in California, just a few miles from the Nevada border in December 2024. | Daniel Bell Founded in 1917, the school is guided by three pillars: academics, student self-governance and manual labor. While its small size is not a solution to broadening access to education, it does offer a model different from what can be found at traditional colleges and universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the help of a small faculty and staff, the 30 or so students operate the ranch, help manage the facilities and perform all jobs required to run the operation. The student body meets weekly to deliberate and take action on community issues. Meetings can extend long into the night, which is a trial for those with morning duties like milking the cows, which must be done before classes begin at 8 in the morning. Its different (At other colleges). If you do things wrong, your group project fails. Versus if you do things wrong (at Deep Springs), theres no dinner on the table. Lance Bell, student at Deep Springs College Students also serve on a number of committees that manage administrative departments like admissions and hiring. Rania Zaki, 20, a second-year student, is the chair of admissions, in charge of reading and interviewing prospective new peers. Bell, who is 19, is on a committee currently searching for a new dean. For the 17-23 year olds who attend, its an immersive exposure into the rigor and requirements of being a respectable and responsible member of a community. Its different, Bell said. At other colleges, if you do things wrong, your group project fails. Versus if you do things wrong (at Deep Springs), theres no dinner on the table. Lance Bell, right, works in a horse pasture with grandmother Cynthia Koyle during a tour through Deep Springs College in California, just a few miles from the Nevada border in December 2024. | Daniel Bell I have real incentive to grow, change, show up more and do better, he said. Its not just my life Im messing up, its all these people around me that I care about. Its an interesting motivation and reality that we often are blinded from in the normal higher education system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Self-governance, kitchen work and wrangling the cows is all in addition to a highly competitive curriculum. There are no majors; students take classes on the social and natural sciences, as well as the humanities. There are civics seminars with an emphasis on governance and ethics writing classes, weekly public speaking engagements, and a wide range of electives offered by a range of visiting professors who teach in two-year stints on the ranch. Classes have included Conservative Political Thought in America, Linear Algebra and Political Ecology of Agrifood Systems. Zaki, whos also the on-campus medic after receiving first-responder training, is focused on STEM, preparing for a career in medicine and global health after she graduates. Bell said many of his peers, even those that do not practice a specific religion, are spiritual in some way and the school is open to that open-minded exploration. Zaki, who is Muslim, cannot eat meat unless it is halal butchered and, with several of her peers and teachers, she learned how to do so while on campus. The experience was powerful, allowing her to offer part of her tradition to the community and receive something in exchange, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somehow, within their already stretched-thin schedules, students find time for the Bible and Torah study groups that meet weekly. Despite the isolation principle on campus students generally do not leave the ranch for seven or eight weeks at a time there are religious exceptions, and Bell drives an hour to the nearest Latter-day Saint meetinghouse every Sunday. Lance Bell and brother Keith Bell on a tour through Deep Springs College in California, just a few miles from the Nevada border in December 2024. | Daniel Bell Bell noted that the school teaches students that, even in such intense circumstances, its OK to fail. At the start of his time on campus, Bell made a mistake and offered a tour to a visiting academic from New Zealand at a time when he was supposed to attend class registration. When he asked for help, the curriculum chair told him he had to choose between the two and accept the consequences. Bell honored his commitment to the visitor, and the lesson has stuck with him. You have all this responsibility on you, you have all these people counting on you and youre going to mess up, he said. How do you react to that messing up? How do you deal with it? How do you learn to apologize, how to set boundaries for yourself? Education via great books St. John's College students overlooking the Santa Fe campus. St. Johns College has two campuses, with the original in Annapolis, Maryland, and another nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Its tutors the term professor is not used teach a great books curriculum, which stems from a movement in 1930s when academics from leading colleges surmised that the best way to learn was from reading primary texts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which is to say, St. Johns students read a ton of books. The reading list is an exhaustive compilation of whos-who across the full spectrum of the liberal arts. Thats not a political term, but a reference to the academic subjects that correlate to a general education: literature, philosophy, mathematics, natural and social sciences. There are approximately 1,000 students across the two campuses, with about 400 undergraduates earning four-year degrees at each location. Another 200 are spread out across several in-person or remote graduate degree options. (Tuition is $40,936 for undergrads and graduate programs are up to $17,402 per semester). While it is a rigorous and competitive program, Stirling says the school admits most of those who apply. We encourage folks, if they have an appetite to take this on, our bias is to let them take it on. For those that know of St. Johns, they might picture a list of recognizable authors, Homer, Plato, Shakespeare, Kant, etc. And thats true, Stirling said. Whats least well understood from the outside is the amount of mathematics and natural science that we do by studying classic texts but also by going directly in the laboratory, by doing a great deal of technical mathematical work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of just reading a paragraph on Euclid, theyre reading his "Elements of Geometry and also getting into the guts of hard science by stepping into a practical. A tutor will say, go to the board and start demonstrating these proofs, these propositions, but doing it in a conversational way and with help from one another, said Stirling. J. Walter Stirling, St. John's College president, holding up some great books. Courtesy of St. John's College. There are no textbooks at St. Johns, just original works. Stirling said this approach to learning means relying less on professorial authorities, less on secondary texts, trying to go to classic sources directly and allowing students to read and think and discuss them on their own. He said the schools radical emphasis on the class discussions where asking questions using the Socratic method and exploring interpretations without judgment is the norm creates an intimate, engaged environment on campus with class conversations spilling out into the common spaces. Since there are no classes on current events, any political conversation is had in light of what theyre reading. Any discussion on the Iraq war, for example, might be understood through Thucydides history of the Peloponnesian War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reading and then discussing these great works tends to foster curiosity and empathy, Stirling said. This helps students once they begin reading religious texts and the great non-secular thinkers throughout history. The religious study list is a big part of the program, although St. Johns College is not affiliated with any religion. I dont care whether students come in or go out as Democrats or Republicans, believers or atheists, said Stirling. Students crisscross in all kinds of ways in their time at St. Johns, but theyre going to come out more thoughtful, reflective, articulate, critical, evidence-based, reasoned, believers or non-believers, Democrats or Republicans, et cetera. I dont care whether students come in or go out as Democrats or Republicans, believers or atheists. Students crisscross in all kinds of ways in their time at St. Johns, but theyre going to come out more thoughtful, reflective, articulate, critical, evidence-based, reasoned, believers or non-believers, Democrats or Republicans, et cetera. J. Walter Stirling, president of St. John's College Among several great books colleges in the West, there is also Wyoming Catholic College, in Lander, Wyoming, which offers a liberal arts degree based on the study of foundational texts that is also integrated with Catholicity an active, Catholic spiritual life on campus. Featured in a roundup of bright spots in American higher education by the Heritage Foundation, the school was one of four the conservative think tank celebrated for reclaiming the culture of American higher education. There are several curricular tracks students can take, which include humanities, maths & sciences, theology, and even the classic model of grammar, logic and rhetoric study called trivium. But, in addition to the spiritual life and Socratic discussions, the school, which is adjacent to the Wind River Mountains, sends incoming freshmen out on a three-week backpacking trip without their cellphones before classes begin. On graduation day, the seniors receive as regalia a profoundly American symbol of hope, fortitude, and adventure they walk the stage wearing a Stetson hat. Unconventional costs Last year, the average cost of yearly tuition at a four-year private college was $43,505, according to U.S. News & World Report. Public universities charged out-of-state students $24,513 a year. Before taking into account books, computers, food or a place to sleep, the University of Southern California costs nearly $300,000 for a bachelors degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average community college charges just shy of $5,000, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. But this varies widely. Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming, costs $8,500 a year. If you are coming from a local partner high school, Irvine Valley College in Irvine, California, is free. Cost really does dictate the range of opportunities available, said Wyner, of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. And costs are very relevant these days, says Joe Schaffer, the president of Laramie County Community College. Were seeing more people turning to us more people turn to short-term credentials because they can get in, get out. They see the value with it. Every year, Wyners program at the Aspen Institute awards a million dollars worth of prizes to the best community colleges in the country. Though LCCC did not win an award this year, Wyner mentioned the impressive work that is being done there. One innovation, Schaffer explained, is that LCCC partnered with the University of Wyoming and began offering dual-acceptances this year. Students are admitted to LCCC for an associates degree and, at the same time, are also accepted into the state universitys bachelors program. On their first day, students receive college IDs from both schools. As community college completion rates are low often around 16% established programs like this have seen bachelor-degree graduation rates hover around 50%. There are many LCCC students interested in nursing since the field has a strong job market and pays a competitive wage. As a result, that program has become selective 200 applicants for 80 slots. To make sure those students still find great opportunities, LCCC implemented a standard application for second-year specializations. If a student is not accepted into the nursing program, theyll receive acceptances into 20 or so others. What looked like a closed door becomes a wealth of adjacent options. Irvine Valley College, which was ranked the best community college in California by WalletHub and is among the 150 best according to the Aspen Institute, focuses on the student experience. Martha McDonald, the vice president for student services, said that they have a caring campus environment where students with questions are catered to: if someone needs to find an office, they are walked there, and when students look like they might drop out, the school sends individual offers to encourage students to complete their degree, even offering students the opportunity to take their final credits for free. McDonald said they have many students who didnt get into their dream school, but often those students wind up transferring to schools like UCLA, Stanford and Yale. BYU-Pathway Worldwide is another opportunity for students to find value in an unconventional education model. Eric Branden Karl, the vice president of curriculum, explained that the degree is offered worldwide through BYU-Idaho and Ensign College, with as many as 75,000 students across 180 countries studying toward a degree every year. Weve structured our curriculum in a very innovative way, said Karl. The curriculum itself is such that you take certificates that stack up to a bachelors degree, and every certificate is designed to give job-ready skills or employable skills along the way. This means that students, most of whom are part time and working already, can update their resumes and LinkedIn at the end of every semester. And, at $83 a credit for U.S. students (Harvards is approximately $1,689, according to SoFi), with GDP-correlated reductions for international students, the value is apparent. Though they may not be for everyone, places like LCCC, Irvine Valley and BYU Pathways create pipelines for students to keep learning and dreaming of greater opportunities. While people are saying college credentials arent required, 85% of good jobs require some college or a bachelors degree, said Wyner. Even as peoples opinions of higher ed have decreased, their understanding that college is necessary for most careers remains strong. ... when people are surveyed, the primary reason people go to college is they want a better life. EVERETT, Mass. (WWLP) The Healey-Driscoll administration has awarded federal grants to 16 school districts to improve the safety and quality of student meal programs across the Commonwealth. The administration announced on Tuesday that $220,600 will be distributed through the School Nutrition Equipment Assistance for Schools grant program. School districts will be able to use this funding to purchase additional kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators or freezers, to present students with a wider variety of healthy choices, or to acquire specialized cooking equipment like steamers to provide higher-quality options for students. Massachusetts education secretary to discuss local budgets in Northampton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts is committed to supporting school meals and local school districts, said Governor Maura Healey. We all know the importance of providing healthy meals to our young people. This funding will help schools enhance the quality, safety, and appeal of the breakfasts and lunches they offer to students. Massachusetts has become the eighth state to make universal free school meals permanent, following Governor Healeys signing of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which emphasizes her commitment to supporting students needs. Food security is essential for learning its related to a hierarchy of need students cant focus on learning if they are hungry, said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. But we know that it is more than just access to food. We also want to ensure the meals are healthy and high quality, supporting students health and wellbeing now and into the future. This grant funding helps promote school environments that enable students to focus on their classes, instead of where their next meal is coming from. Several western Massachusetts school districts received funding through this years round of federal grants. The 16 School Nutrition Equipment Assistance for Schools grant recipients are the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter (in Boston): $4,485 Abby Kelley Foster Charter (in Worcester): $18,322 Argosy Collegiate Charter (in Fall River): $6,986 Benjamin Banneker Charter (in Cambridge): $19,579 Brockton Public Schools: $7,174 Fitchburg Public Schools: $20,000 Global Learning Charter (in New Bedford): $14,360 Holyoke Public Schools : $33,345 Hull Public Schools: $6,176 Lowell Public Schools: $5,464 Marthas Vineyard Charter: $20,000 Northampton Public Schools : $10,232 Pioneer Valley Regional School District (in Northfield) : $20,000 Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District (in Orange) : $6,819 Scituate Public Schools: $19,740 Worcester Public Schools: $7,929 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. WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Westfield honored service members who passed away Monday morning with its annual Memorial Day Parade. While many people view this observance as a three-day weekend, many Westfield residents have deep ties to the military. American flags and lawn chairs lined the streets of Westfield as the Memorial Day Parade kicked off at City Hall. Whats open and closed on Memorial Day in Massachusetts? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High school marching bands and retired military Humvees strolled down Court Street, tossing candy and tiny American flags. Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe told 22News what this holiday is all about. Its about remembrance of those people that have gone before us and have fallen in service to their country, McCabe said. You know, everybodys related to a military vet. My dads a military vet, my father-in-laws a military vet, brothers and sisters, theyre all veterans of service. Memorial Day parades like the one in Westfield were seen all across the state to honor our fallen service members. One Westfield Councilwoman can relate to this very well. Cindy Harris is the daughter of a Korean War veteran, Frank Carlson, who died in action in 1954. She spoke about her relationship with past and current service members. As far as Im concerned. everybody in serves in the service, any branch, is a brother and sister of mine, Harris said. My father died when I was this big, and every Memorial Day is like going to another funeral. But we all stay happy and put one foot in front of the other. We think about them and enjoy our life because thats what they wanted us to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, there are over 37,000 fallen service members from Massachusetts. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WPRI) The investigation continues into a head-on crash that killed a Westport couple in Dartmouth over the weekend. Investigators believe Jeffrey Moniz, 76, was driving down Old Westport Road Sunday morning when an oncoming car crossed over the double yellow line and slammed into his vehicle. RELATED: 2 dead, 1 arrested in head-on Dartmouth crash Jennifer Mercier told 12 News she had just returned home after running errands with her husband when the crash happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the noise that was terrible, Mercier recalled. There was no skidding and we knew it wasnt going to be good. Mercier and her husband immediately ran outside and saw the aftermath. It was very scary, Mercier said. I felt horrible. I kept on saying to my husband, That couldve been us. We were right behind them,' she continued. Moniz and his wife, 76-year-old Diane Moniz, were both rushed to the hospital with traumatic injuries and later pronounced dead, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III. The driver that hit Monizs car, identified by Quinn as 63-year-old Philip Morris, suffered minor injuries in the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morris has been charged with two counts of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation and a marked lanes violation. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown at this time. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. (This story was updated to add new information.) On the 41st anniversary of the day that 8-year-old Marjorie "Christy" Luna went missing from her Greenacres home, Palm Beach County cold-case investigators shared a new lead that they hope will help them finally crack the case. A recent tip has led investigators to identify a registered sex offender in Michigan as a person of interest, the Sheriff's Office said. In a video posted May 27 on the agency's social-media pages, the office identified the man as Jerry Grof, who is also known as Jerry Bailey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detective William Springer, who leads the sheriff's cold-case team, said Grof's parole officer contacted PBSO investigators after discovering a photo of Christy on Groff's cellphone. In school: Former Santaluces High teacher faces charge after student allegedly struck with whiteboard Springer traveled to Michigan to interview Grof, but has not been able to place him in Palm Beach County at the the time of Christy's disappearance. In a recent news conference, Springer described his conversation with Grof. Marjorie 'Christy' Luna was 8 years old when she went missing from her Greenacres neighborhood on May 27, 1984. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office remains at work trying to solve the case. I said, 'Why do you have her picture?' " Springer said. "He said, 'Because I was going through the dark web. I saw her picture, I liked it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christy Luna disappeared on May 27, 1984, as she walked to a store two blocks from her home to buy food for her cats, Boo Boo and Skeeter, at Belk's General Store, at Swain Boulevard and Second Street. In August 2019, what investigators described at the time as their best tip yet led detectives and a team of forensic anthropologists to a site about 200 feet from the store. But despite days of digging and searching the site, detectives did not find a body. 'Worst nightmare': Trumps awkward medal moment with daughter of fallen PBSO deputy goes viral 8-year-old Christy Luna walked to Belk's General Store in Greenacres on May 27, 1984, and was never was seen again. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office remains at work trying to solve the case of her disappearance. Springer said he wants to speak to anyone who can place either Grof or Grof's father, Leroy Bailey, in Palm Beach County at the time of Christy's disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan court records list Grof as a parolee and show that he is 56 years old, born in February 1969. He would have been 15 at the time that Christy Luna disappeared. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS (8477). 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: Sex offender person of interest in Christy Luna's 1984 disappearance Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan co-advance Kambarata HPP-1 with World Bank backing Photo: World Bank The second ministerial roundtable on the Kambarata HPP-1 project, held in Dubai, saw Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan join forces to put their heads together and seek World Bank support for the regions largest hydropower initiative. The World Bank is ready to roll up its sleeves and lend a hand, while all parties are on the same page, setting their sights on kicking off the project in 2025. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register In 2020, Sen. Daniel McCay, R-Riverton, sponsored Utahs abortion trigger bill, which would allow abortions only in the case of rape, incest, substantial impairment of the mothers health, or if the baby had a lethal birth defect or severe brain abnormality, as the Deseret News previously reported. While the bill made its way through the state Legislature, there was a lot of pushback from those who advocate for abortion, McCay told the Deseret News. However, for the most part, it passed through the House and the Senate without much delay, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was signed into law by former Gov. Gary Herbert, and it sat there, unused until June 24, 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade with the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision. Before Roe was overturned, Utah was one of 18 states that had passed trigger bills limiting abortion access, which were set to go into effect if the federal decision from 1973 was ever overturned. As of today, 12 states have banned abortion access, 10 states have imposed stricter gestational limits, 19 states have kept their laws at viability, similar to what was in place under Roe, and 9 states have expanded their laws to include some full-term abortions, per the Kaiser Family Foundation. McCay was surprised to see Roe v. Wade overturned as soon as it was, just two years after Utah passed its trigger law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anybody thought that Roe v. Wade was going to be overturned as quickly as it was after the bill, I would argue they had a sharper crystal ball than I had, McCay said. The trigger law went into effect early on Friday, June 24, the day Roe was overturned. The next day, on Saturday, the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, along with the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah (ACLU), filed a lawsuit against the bill, claiming it violated the Utah Constitution. On Monday, June 27, 2022, District Court Judge Andrew Stone granted a temporary restraining order to block the law for 14 days. Next, Stone issued a preliminary injunction, extending the block until Planned Parenthoods lawsuit came to a resolution. Then on August 1, the Utah Supreme Court upheld Stones injunction 4-1, which allowed Stones lower court block to remain while the case moves forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means abortion in Utah is still legal up until 18 weeks of pregnancy. Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, the sole dissenter, has held that the preliminary injunction blocking the law should be overturned, and Planned Parenthood should be denied third-party standing, per previous Deseret News reporting. McCay agrees with Justice Durrant: The Planned Parenthood case should have failed for lack of standing. Of the four justices who voted to uphold the injunction, McCay said, I think the hard part for them is theyre trying to figure out a way to come up with a Solomon solution that is a compromise between what the law says and what they want to be the outcome, and I think that gets increasingly harder for them to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cases first procedural hearing is scheduled for April 2026, Pro-life Utah President Mary Taylor told the Deseret News. Of the abortion trigger bills passed, a vast majority have been contested in courts The only states with abortion trigger bills that have made it to 2025 relatively injunction-free include laws in Arkansas, Alabama, Oklahoma and South Dakota. All four of these states have total abortion bans. However, as the dust has mostly settled post-Roe, these states abortion laws are outliers in how similar legislation has gone into effect elsewhere across the nation. More commonly, abortion-related trigger bills faced legal battles, with Planned Parenthood acting as the plaintiff, claiming the legislation violates state constitutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In South Carolina, for example, the state passed a 6-week fetal heartbeat abortion trigger bill in 2021. The next year, the law went into effect after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, but it was quickly met by a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood in July. The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that the trigger law did indeed violate the states constitution, and the states legislature proceeded to pass a new version of the law. Gov. Henry McMaster signed the bill into law on May 25, 2023, and later that day, Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit, claiming the new law was unconstitutional, per The State. On May 26, South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman blocked the ban from taking effect and ordered the states Supreme Court to look at it again. In August, the Supreme Court declared the 2023 Act constitutional and allowed it to go into effect, per U.S. Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other hand, several abortion trigger laws have been overridden by states amending their constitutions after the issue was put on the ballot. In the cases of Arizona, Ohio and Missouri, their more restrictive abortion laws were overturned by a vote among state citizens, and the right to abortion was added into the states constitutions. Three years after Roe was overturned, abortion laws are undecided in only a few states and one of them is Utah. Recent lawsuits against state abortion laws differ fundamentally from Roe v. Wade Roe v. Wade was a civil lawsuit pressed by Norma McCorvey (under the pseudonym, Jane Roe) against Henry Wade, then-Dallas County District Attorney in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Author of The Family Roe Joshua Prager described how McCorvey became the Roe plaintiff to NPR. Before 1973 in Texas, abortion was criminalized in the state for over 100 years. McCorvey was a prostitute at this time, Prager said, adding that by her third pregnancy, she wanted an abortion. She had given up her previous two children for adoption. Lawyers Linda Coffee and Sarah Weddington filed a lawsuit on McCorveys behalf when she was six months pregnant with the Roe baby, per the Brennan Center. They challenged whether Texas abortion laws were constitutional. The case was heard before the U.S. Supreme Court in December, 1971, and in 1973, 7 of the 9 justices agreed that the Due Process Clause implies a right to privacy, and the post-Roe federal legal climate governing abortion was born. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Planned Parenthood lawsuit against Utahs abortion law, meanwhile, has a non-person plaintiff. Planned Parenthood didnt have a woman that had been injured. Planned Parenthood is claiming a woman could be injured, and thats highly unusual for the courts to accept that as what they call standing, Taylor said. In Chief Justice Durrants dissent, he explained how plaintiffs must show distinct and palpable injury that gives (them) a personal stake in the outcome of the legal dispute. McCay added, It has to be a person, having that standing or the potential for injury to bring those claims, and weve always kind of followed that process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a major departure from third party standing over the last 20+ years, he said. However, a large majority of the lawsuits resulting in enjoined abortion laws have been pressed by Planned Parenthood, ACLU and other organizations. Utahs Supreme Court held in 2024 that providers, including Planned Parenthood, had third-party standing to challenge the constitutionality of the states ban on behalf of their patients, a decision which Justice Durrant disagreed with. Appellate litigation is undoubtedly too expensive, inconvenient and time-consuming. But if these factors alone are enough to justify the exercise of third-party standing, then we risk a dangerous expansion of that doctrine, he said in his dissent. Utah lawmakers feel as though their hands are tied In a conversation with the Deseret News, McCay said hes heard talk from fellow lawmakers of following suit from other states and passing a 4-week or an 8-week ban, but were just so afraid of the courts enjoining it and restarting it, so its really frustrating. He explained that while his constituents want more restrictive laws against abortion in the state, lawmakers are afraid that new legislation could cause them to restart in the courts. It pains me that we are just kind of sitting on our hands, worried that the court will restart litigation and the litigation process just because theyve gone one way or the other, McCay said. Are the widespread injunctions a sign of judicial overreach? It is healthy for the legislature, the judiciary and governors to have tension between them, McCay said. And I think that tension, while at times I can find it frustrating, I worry about the day when there isnt tension between those organizations. The system is designed to have tension, he explained. Sometimes it works in my favor, and sometimes it doesnt. However, while every state started its own individual abortion battle on the same day, nearly all have reached legal conclusions, one way or another, and Utah has largely been left behind in its slow trudge toward the cases procedural hearing. A lot of time is ticking away, McCay said. To the advocates against abortion, to their point, a lot of children are dying. And the courts, it seems like, arent really concerned about that outcome. The News The White House ultimately decided against hosting a reception for an Air Force veteran released last week from a Venezuelan prison due to the mans lengthy criminal record and outstanding warrants, two people familiar with the situation told Semafor. Joseph St. Clair did four tours in Afghanistan and was detained in Venezuela in November. President Donald Trumps special envoy, Ric Grenell, brought St. Clair back to the US last week via a private plane, in what marks the seventh American held in Venezuela to be released back to the country since Trump took office. St. Clair has been arrested multiple times in Texas, including for drug possession and driving while intoxicated, according to arrest records. One of the people told Semafor that administration officials made the decision in part due to the Secret Service warning that theyd have to arrest St. Clair if he showed up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has previously hosted receptions for returned citizens who had been detained unlawfully overseas: American schoolteacher Marc Fogel visited the White House after being released from Russia in February. Two people told Semafor there were discussions within the administration about hosting such a reception for St. Clair, but there were questions about his status because of the active warrants. Ultimately, officials decided it was not optically or logistically feasible to have him come to the White House. The White House and the Secret Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The New York Post first reported the scuttled reception plans. Notable Photo illustration by Getty Images. A few months ago, I was having coffee with a friend who was helping a relative apply for Medical Assistance. He looked at me, astonished, and maybe a little outraged, and said, You have to mail a piece of paper to change an address. I nodded, looking down at my coffee. Anyone who has worked in human services braces themselves for these stories. They range from headache-inducing bureaucratic annoyances all the way to horror stories of people so caught up in red tape nightmares that they cant access life-saving care or treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is this? Why are human services so complicated? The answer starts with us the attitudes of the American people and is reinforced through all other levels of the policy process, from budgeting to service delivery. Americas attitude toward poverty is shaped by 16th century English Poor Laws, particularly the idea of deserving and undeserving poor. This manifests itself in our nations reliance on means-tested programs. Means-testing means only low-income people qualify for a service. Other rich democracies rely more on services that are available to everyone. Means-tested programs rely on complex eligibility processes both for initial application and to prove continued eligibility. Sometimes, people must report various information on a monthly basis to remain eligible for benefits or services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a continuous requirement to prove that you really need help. While some process is necessary, the number of rules and the degree of complexity to follow them reflects the public ambivalence toward these services. These values can get muddled in the largest U.S. means-tested program, Medicaid (called Medical Assistance in Minnesota). Medicaid is largely thought of as a health care program for low-income families. It is means-tested. At times over the past two decades, Republicans have referred to Medicaid as welfare health care to justify budget cuts. At the same time, Medicaid provides health care and long-term care for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Health care for seniors and people with disabilities has broad public support, and many believe this basic dignity is a right, not a privilege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the process of getting grandma into the nursing home or helping a person with disabilities live and work in the community is complicated by the fact that these services are paid for by Medicaid, a means-tested program. As a result, families trying to help a grandparent or another relative often find themselves caught in a morass of rules and red tape. All because the best our nation could do for vulnerable people needing long-term care was to cobble some services onto Medicaid. This ambivalence about helping poor people also plays into another facet of the policy process: budget cutting. Human services are some of the largest and fastest growing programs: Medicaid and SNAP are two of the larger programs in the federal budget, and Medicaid is the largest program in many states budgets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether reductions are made for political reasons or to address budget deficits doesnt matter: Human services programs will be at the center, because thats where the money is. But few politicians really want to cut low-income people off benefits, especially not health care for people in their districts, and especially not elderly people in nursing homes or people with disabilities. So, instead of simple changes that would reduce benefits or coverage, the budget cutting solutions are often more complex policy changes wrapped in messaging about work or fraud and abuse. We see this happening right now at the federal level with Medicaid and SNAP. A skittish Congress has backed off from direct cuts to Medicaid, opting instead for work requirements and other eligibility changes under the guise of weeding out the people who dont deserve health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, Congress is intentionally creating complex hoops designed to cause people to lose health care, all in order to cut the budget to pay for tax cuts. Once these policies are passed by Congress, federal agencies create regulations to further detail how policies must be implemented by states. At the state level, additional legislation may be required to sort out any areas of state discretion under the new federal laws. And then state agencies develop rules or guidance for counties, tribes or private entities that deliver the services. Each step adds more specificity and more complexity. And the constant changes in policy from year to year compounds the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all lands on people trying to get necessities like health care and groceries and the frontline workers who are just trying to help their clients obtain these simple human needs. Ive focused on eligibility policies, but this complexity has infected other policies as well. The decisions regarding who gets into a nursing home or what services a person with disabilities can get in the community had, in the past, relied partly on discretion by a local social worker. Now these decision factors are fixed in law and supported by structured, mandatory assessment tools. This ensures consistency, but when people are denied services, it can feel like the decision was made in a black box. Im not sure it is possible to undo this cycle. There are never enough resources to meet all the needs. Combine that with our ambivalence about who deserves help, and its a self-perpetuating mess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best hope for fixing this problem to make it simpler for people to get the services they need is at the point of service delivery. Of course, as I wrote here in 2023, that requires us to overcome another challenge: We focus a lot on public policy and not enough on the the operational mechanics of programs and how they work (or dont) for the person who needs it. Yet I have some optimism for this solution for two reasons: It is in the control of state and local officials who care about human services, and digital tools offer real opportunities for simplifying the consumer experience. But we need the will to do it to put the needed focus on efforts to improve service delivery, while still managing the unstoppable policy machine. On Tuesday, May 27, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags be flown at half-staff to honor slain Morrow County Sheriff's Office deputy Daniel Sherrer. Flags will remain lowered until sunset on the day of Sherrer's funeral, which had not been announced as of May 27. The deputy, 31, died in a Memorial Day shooting while responding to what officials are calling a "domestic violence situation." If it seems like flags in Ohio have been flying at half-staff a lot lately, well they have been. Through 27 days of May, flags have been lowered for at least 20 of them. And that number will grow with DeWine's latest order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are all the times DeWine has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in May. The flags being flown at half-staff in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine orders flags to fly at half-staff six times in May DeWine has ordered flags lowered six times so far in May 2025: Why are flags flown at half-staff? The American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is in mourning, according to USA.gov. Flags can be ordered to fly at half-staff by the president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia. In most cases, flying the flag at half-staff marks a significant death, such as a government official or military member; a national tragedy or a national day of remembrance, such as Patriot Day or Memorial Day. What is the difference between half-staff and half-mast? Half-staff refers to flags on land. Flags are flown at half-mast on nautical vessels, such as a naval ship. But the purpose is the same for both. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: American flag flies half-staff for most of May in Ohio. Here's why COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) About one year after debuting reusable fabric grocery bags, Giant Eagle is switching back to plastic at most of its Columbus stores. In May 2024, the Pennsylvania-based grocery giant rolled out free fabric grocery bags in the Columbus area and some other U.S. markets, eliminating plastic bags. However, Giant Eagle claims customers did not use the fabric bags as intended. Unfortunately, we have not seen strong customer adoption of these reusable bags, with most not being reused and many likely being discarded after a single use, a Giant Eagle spokesperson told NBC4. With this learning and knowing that the fabric bags are not recyclable we believe a change in approach is warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Columbus stores are switching back to plastic, but with a twist. The grocery chain has introduced a new plastic grocery bag made of 75% recycled plastic. The company estimates the new bags will result in a reduction of nearly 4 million pounds of plastic. This new single-use plastic bag is reminiscent of the traditional plastic grocery bag customers have become accustomed to over the years, but with a significantly better environmental impact, the spokesperson said. Giant Eagles fabric bags were launched in select markets across its five-state footprint, totaling nearly half of its approximately 200 supermarkets. Stores in the Erie, Pennsylvania, and Cuyahoga County, Ohio, markets are also switching back to plastic bags. Some areas Giant Eagle serves have city legislation prohibiting the use of single-use plastic, so the fabrics bags will remain in those areas. The new plastic bags will be implemented in all Columbus-area stores except for Giant Eagles Bexley Market District Express, as the city has a plastic bag ban that took effect in 2022. The introduction of the new plastic bags at Columbus stores began this month, according to the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giant Eagles fabric bags were part of a larger initiative to reduce plastic waste a common effort among grocery stores. Whole Foods stopped offering plastic bags in 2008, becoming the first American grocer to do so, according to the company. Trader Joes followed suit in 2019 and Aldi in 2023. Seven years ago, Kroger pledged to eliminate plastic bags in its stores by 2025, but that goal seemingly fell flat. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Why did your hometown newspaper vanish while the next town over kept theirs? This isnt bad luck its a systemic pattern. Since 2005, the United States has lost over one-third of its local newspapers, creating news deserts where corruption is more likely to spread and communities may become politically polarized. My research, published in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, analyzes the factors behind the decline of local newspapers between 2004 and 2018. It identifies five key drivers ranging from racial disparity to market forces that determine which towns lose their papers and which ones beat the odds. 1. Newspapers follow the money, not community needs You might expect news media to gravitate toward areas where their work is needed most communities experiencing population growth or facing systemic challenges. But in reality, newspapers, like any business, tend to thrive where the financial resources are greatest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My analyses suggest that local newspapers survive where affluent subscribers and deep-pocketed advertisers cluster. That means wealthy white suburbs keep their watchdogs, while low-income and diverse communities lose theirs. When police brutality spikes, when welfare offices deny claims, when local officials divert funds these are the moments when communities need their journalists the most. Bertram de Souza works on a story for The Vindicator newspaper in Youngstown, Ohio, on Aug. 7, 2019. The 150-year-old paper shut down later that month because of financial struggles. Tony Dejak, AP Photos Poor and racially diverse communities often face the harshest policing and interact more with street-level bureaucrats than wealthier citizens. That makes them more vulnerable to government corruption and misconduct. Yet, these same communities are the first to lose their newspapers, because there are no luxury real estate agencies buying ads, and few residents can afford the monthly subscriptions. Without journalistic scrutiny, scholars find that mismanagement flourishes, corruption costs balloon, and the communities most vulnerable to abuse receive the least accountability. This is how news deserts exacerbate inequality. 2. Newspapers dont adequately serve diverse communities Picture this: A newsroom sends its reporters, most of whom are white, to a Black neighborhood but only after reports of gunshots or building fires. Residents, still in shock, dont want to talk. So journalists call the same three community leaders they always quote, run the tragic story and disappear until the next crisis. This approach, often referred to as parachute journalism, results in shallow coverage that paints the community in a negative light while overlooking its complexities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Year after year, the pattern repeats. The only time residents see their neighborhood in the paper is when something terrible happens. No feature story of the family-owned restaurant celebrating its 20-year anniversary, no reporter at the town hall when the new police chief gets grilled about stop-and-frisk just the constant drumbeat of crime and crisis. Is it any wonder racially diverse communities stop trusting and paying for that paper? Not when many working-class families of color can barely afford to add a newspaper subscription to their bills. Diverse neighborhoods get hit twice. First, their local papers inadequately represent them. Then, when people understandably turn away, subscriptions drop, advertisers pull back and the outlets shut down, leaving whole communities without a voice. Only in recent years have more media outlets begun to make a concerted effort to engage with and reflect the communities they serve. However, such efforts are often led by newer media organizations with fresh ideologies, while many long-standing media outlets remain stuck in traditional reporting practices, as illustrated in Jacob Nelsons Imagined Audiences. Although my analyses of local newspaper decline from 2004 to 2018 paints a frustrating picture, the emerging trend of community-oriented journalism holds promise for positive changes in diverse communities. 3. Population growth doesnt always save newspapers Its easy to assume that more people = more readers = healthier news organizations. But my research tells a different story: Counties with larger population growth actually saw greater declines in local newspapers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The catch lies in who is moving in: Population growth saves papers only when it comes with wealth. Affluent newcomers bring subscriptions and advertisers attention. But growth driven by high birth rates, typically seen in less developed areas with more racial and ethnic minorities, doesnt translate to revenue. In short, growth alone isnt enough its the type of growth, and the economic power behind it, that matters. This highlights the fragility of market-dependent journalism. The news gap experienced by fast-growing communities may persist where local journalism depends primarily on traditional advertising and subscription revenues rather than diversified revenue sources such as grants and philanthropic donations. The latter, which often focus on community needs rather than profit potential, are more likely to help sustain journalism in areas with significant population growth. Local news sources help residents hold their elected officials accountable. Jim Mone/AP Photos 4. Neighbors newspapers can save yours Youd think that competition between newspapers would be a cutthroat affair. But in an era of decline, my analyses reveal a counterintuitive truth: Your towns paper actually has better odds when nearby communities keep theirs. Rather than competing, neighboring papers often become allies, sharing breaking news, splitting investigative costs and attracting advertisers who want regional reach. While this collaboration can sometimes cause papers to lose their local identity, having some local journalism is still better than none. It ensures some level of accountability, even if the news isnt as focused on each towns unique needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resilient local journalism clusters together. When one paper invests in original reporting, its neighbors often benefit too. When regional businesses support multiple outlets, the entire news ecosystem becomes more sustainable. 5. Left or right? Local papers die either way In this highly polarized era, it turns out that theres no significant link between a countys partisan makeup and its ability to keep newspapers. Urban hubs such as Chicago keep robust media thanks to dense populations and corporate advertisers, not because they vote for Democrats. Meanwhile, newspapers in conservative rural areas can survive by cultivating loyal readerships within their communities. In contrast, communities with lower income and a diverse population lose outlets no matter whether they are red, blue or purple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Partisan battles might dominate national headlines, but local journalisms survival hinges on practical factors such as money and market size. Saving local news isnt a left vs. right debate its a community issue that requires nonpartisan solutions. 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: Abby Youran Qin, University of Wisconsin-Madison Read more: Abby Youran Qin 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. After Russia unleashed an unprecedented third consecutive night of mass missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, U.S. President Donald Trump said his Russian counterpart had gone "absolutely crazy" and could be triggering "the downfall of Russia." In later comments, the U.S. president said he was "not happy with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin," and when pressed by reporters, he vaguely alluded to the possibility of imposing further U.S. sanctions on the Kremlin. Yet one glaring fact remains despite months of resisting Trump's peace process, the U.S. has yet to take a single concrete step to pressure Putin into ending his full-scale invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not the kind of diplomacy Trump promised when he talked about 'peace through strength,'" Daniel Fried, who served as U.S. assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs from 2005 to 2009, told the Kyiv Independent. "It's the kind of weak diplomacy the Republicans used to make a meal of." Fried and other former senior U.S. officials who spoke to the Kyiv Independent said that even after the Kremlin's repeated refusals to agree to a ceasefire and escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians, Trump's rhetoric remains disconnected from meaningful action and his recent diplomatic overtures may have done more to embolden the Kremlin than to restrain it. Ceasefire talks As Ukraine and its allies intensified efforts to end Russia's war, Trump and Putin held a phone call on May 19, during which Putin once again did not agree to a full ceasefire, despite calls from global leaders to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of a ceasefire, Putin offered to negotiate a "memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty" with Ukraine without any clear timeline. After the call, Trump briefed European leaders on the conversation, who were reportedly "surprised" the U.S. president was "relatively content" with what he heard from Putin. "Putin remains interested in continuing the fighting. He doesn't want a ceasefire," John Herbst, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and current senior director at the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, told the Kyiv Independent. "He [Putin] would like to continue the war while not incurring any new American sanctions and thus far he's winning." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And Trump has enabled Putin to maintain that position." Trump's description of the call as "progress" was also at odds with the Russian readout, which offered no substantive commitments and suggested only future discussions on terms without any immediate ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia, on March 19, 2025. (Contributor / Getty Images) "This was a victory for Vladimir Putin. Vladimir Putin wants to continue the war," said Steven Pifer, another former ambassador to Ukraine and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "He would like to continue the war while not incurring any new American sanctions and thus far he's winning." What about the leverage? All former officials interviewed noted that the Kremlin's demands remain maximalist and unacceptable to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia continues to insist on Ukraine accepting the loss of occupied Crimea, recognition of its occupation of four Ukrainian oblasts in their entirety despite Russia not fully controlling any of them, permanent neutrality for Kyiv, demilitarization, and regime change in Ukraine. And while Putin has yet to offer a single concession that indicates any genuine intent for peace, Trump called the "tone and spirit of the conversation" with Putin "excellent," claiming "progress" was made. In reality, Kremlin officials have since the call given up any pretense of being interested in negotiations with Ukraine, or in a ceasefire, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last week saying "We don't want this anymore." After the unprecedented mass attacks on Ukraine over the weekend, those who spoke to the Kyiv Independent question why the U.S. response has so far remained constrained to strong words on social media with no real concrete action. A damaged building is seen after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 25, 2025. (Danylo Antoniuk / Anadolu via Getty Images) "Although Trump has substantial leverage that he could use to put pressure on Russia from things like tightening sanctions, moving to seize Russian frozen Central Bank assets, to giving or selling Ukraine more weapons, he's done none of that," Pifer told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And Vladimir Putin doesn't care if Trump says he's unhappy about the slow pace of negotiations, as long as Trump does not take any steps to put pressure on Moscow," he added. Fried agreed, stressing that the U.S. is the only player who can make a meaningful difference to Russia's approach. "Without the threat of U.S. action, the Russians are not going to allow a ceasefire," he said. "It's bad diplomacy to let Putin set the terms for talks or the schedule while he continues attacking Ukraine." Fried also expressed dismay at what he sees as a squandered opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Russian economy is not in great shape. The Russian advances in Ukraine are slow and costly. This is the time to press our advantage, not let it leak away," he said. Read also: After 3 days of consecutive attacks on Ukraine, Russia calls UN meeting over alleged European threats to peace Europeans taking the lead On May 26 it was reported that Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Moscow this week, but with nothing officially announced, and U.S. policy on Russia seemingly drifting, some suggest Europe may have to take the lead. "We've now retreated from (sanctions)," Fried said. "It seems the Europeans and Ukraine need to figure out their Plan B, with an America that's sidelined itself." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pifer also noted the contrast between early transatlantic unity and the current diplomatic incoherence. "I'd like to see the U.S. engaged in a positive and helpful way," he said, adding: "But I don't see that happening under Trump's leadership." "It is not correct to say that the Ukrainians have no cards. They have arguably one of the best militaries in Europe." The issue took on extra urgency on May 27 when it was reported that U.S.-EU negotiations on coordinating the enforcement of sanctions against Russia have failed, making a future united strategy against Moscow uncertain. Former Assistant Secretary of State and Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute David Kramer noted that while "Europeans still might move ahead with their sanctions, it's obviously much better if Europe and the United States are united on this." Ukrainian servicemen of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade take part in military training at an undisclosed location in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine, on May 14, 2025. (Tetiana Dzhafarova / AFP via Getty Images) Kramer said the U.S. and Europe should impose additional sanctions and increase military assistance for Ukraine, putting Ukraine in a stronger position at the negotiating table when it comes to the real negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referring to the remarks made in the Oval Office during the February meeting between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky that Kyiv had "no cards to play" Kramer firmly believes the opposite to be true. "Ukrainians do have cards to play. It is not correct to say that the Ukrainians have no cards. They have arguably one of the best militaries in Europe," he said. He added that Ukraine is in a decent position to negotiate, and they "don't need to argue from a position of weakness, but they do need the help of the West." The former diplomats and officials still claim that there remains a sliver of hope contingent largely on a shift in Trump's approach. Fried said Trump might grow "tired of being played" by Putin and eventually use the tools at his disposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herbst expressed similar optimism. "If Trump does what he said he'd do press the side that refuses to compromise that could open the door to real peace," he said. Read also: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putins root causes claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Job-seekers interested in public service careers can connect directly with City of Wichita departments during an upcoming career fair on Tuesday, June 3. Famously infamous Orpheum Theatre seats for sale starting today The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various departments, including CityArts, Fire, IT, Law, Police, and others. A special CDL career panel will also be held, featuring staff from Wichita Park & Recreation, Public Works & Utilities, and Transit, highlighting career opportunities that require a Commercial Drivers License. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information or to apply for open positions, visit wichita.gov/jobs. 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 Williamson County sheriff's office is investigating a suspected murder-suicide, officials said Tuesday. Detectives think Alejandro Arzate Valdez, 54, of Georgetown killed his ex-girlfriend, 46-year-old Azucena Porcayo, on Monday before he fatally shot himself, according to a sheriff's news release. Authorities were alerted about a shooting at about 3 a.m. Monday at a house in the 7200 block of Texas 29 just outside the city limits of Georgetown, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Preliminary findings indicate that the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute that tragically escalated," the release said. It said deputies found Porcayo and Arzate Valdez dead at the scene. This is a senseless and heartbreaking tragedy, Cmdr. John Foster said in the release. We urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help. There are resources available in our community that can provide support and assist with safely exiting an abusive relationship. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please contact Hope Alliance at 1-800-460-7233. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Sheriff investigates suspected murder-suicide near Georgetown WILIMNGTON, N.C. (WNCT) According to the United States Department of Justice, an Iranian man has plead guilty to his involvement in an international ransomware and extortion scheme. Sina Gholinejad, 37, and his associates compromised the computer networks of cities, corporations, health care organizations, and other entities around the United States, and encrypted files on these victim networks with the Robbinhood ransomware variant to accumulate ransom payments that totaled tens of millions of dollars in fraud. Gholinejad pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud and abuse and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison when sentenced later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) Wilson County and growth commonly go hand in hand. However, as the population rises, so does the demand for critical services, such as foster care. News 2 spoke to local nonprofit, The Bridge House, which is meeting the need for housing, support, and hope for the most vulnerable population. Tucked away in Lebanon is a safe haven for young women aging out of foster care. This is just my heart and my passion, said Jennifer Gallahar, Director of Operations at The Bridge House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2022, The Bridge House has been providing transitional housing for children in the foster care system. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts There is a shortage of foster homes, so on average we have five to six children there all across the state of Tennessee each night, Gallahar said. A few weeks ago, the nonprofit opened its second home for young women between 18-20 who are aging out of the system. And that is kind of what birthed this location, we just saw so many kids coming in and out of the location that were aging out of foster care and had no idea where to go next and our team just really believed they wanted to do something in this space, John Widrick, Executive Director and Founder of the Bridge House said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Widrick said the need for housing has increased for children in foster care. When you look at the state of Tennessee, youre talking over 8,000 children in custody in the state of Tennessee, 900 aging out of the foster care, Widrick said. He said Middle Tennessee has become a hot spot. So here at The Bridge House, their mission is not just providing housing, but hope, mentorship, and even life skills workshops. We have a pantry here, dishwasher, oven, hopefully we will be able to teach women cooking skills in this kitchen, Gallahar said. Over at Two Hidden Acres, there are six bedrooms in total. The nonprofit helps young women learn how to live independently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things we say at the Bridge House, we want kids to transition with purpose, Widrick said. And for both Widrick and Gallahar, they told News 2 this is more than a job, both of them fostering over a dozen children with their own families. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com And really, this whole thing we do at the Bridge House, its that project house, its the DNA of my life, Widrick said. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, click here. The nonprofit relies solely on private funding. The next step is potentially opening a transitional house for young men aging out of the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. REPUBLIC, Mo. Wilsons Creek National Battlefield is offering a open field trip day for homeschool students on Friday, May 30. According to a Wilsons Creek National Battlefield social media post, the national park is offering families to choose their own field trip adventure between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. The post says students will be offered different grade-level programs throughout the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire department responds to house fire on Broadmoor Street The event will include programs that show soldier life, civilian experiences and the natural landscape of a battlefield. Visitors will attend different programs located at the Ray House, Bloody Hill and the parks visitor center. Wilsons Creek National Battlefield is located at 5242 S State Hwy Zz in Republic. For more information about the event, visit the national parks 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) Winston-Salem police are investigating three separate shootings that happened over the Memorial Day weekend, including one that turned deadly. A spokesperson with the Winston-Salem Police Department said they do not see this as a spike in violence, and that aggravated assaults and homicides are actually down this year. Still, investigators are working to figure out whos responsible for these three shootings that happened over 24 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It started Saturday around 1:30 p.m., when Winston-Salem police officers were called to a shooting in the 2700 block of Piedmont Circle. Arriving officers found 32-year-old Alex Devonte Saunders with multiple gunshot wounds. He died at the scene. A few hours later, another call came in about a shooting victim near Duffer Lane and Grandview Club Road. An 18-year-old had been shot in the torso. Officers traced the crime scene back to Niblick Drive. He was rushed to the hospital and is in critical, but stable condition. On Sunday around 1:30 a.m., Winston-Salem police officers responded to a third shooting in Kernersville on Pecan Lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 53-year-old man was found with multiple gunshot wounds. He remains hospitalized in critical condition. Winston-Salem police said they track trends over time, and they say theyd need more data than just a single weekend to call this a trend. If you know anything about these cases, you should call Winston-Salem police at (336) 773-7700 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (336) 727-2800 (English) or (336) 728-3904 (Spanish). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Because of the ultimate sacrifices made by numerous men and women in uniform throughout Americas history, we enjoy the lifestyle and freedoms we hold dear, U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, and others said on Monday morning. Without the bravery and commitment of our [men and women in uniform] there would be no American story, Williams said. Throughout American history those in uniform have stepped up to protect and defend our people and uphold the values that make our country the greatest in the history of the world. More than 80 residents, many of them veterans and/or family members of veterans, gathered at Cleburne Memorial Park Cemetery to honor those lost in past wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The early hours of Monday saw downpour, which played out by the time the ceremonys 10 a.m. start time. Isnt God good? American Legion Auxiliary member Marty Peters asked as she opened Mondays ceremony. Its not raining and I had prayed that it wouldnt be all week. Cleburne Police Chief Rob Severance referenced Memorial Days true purpose while delivering the opening prayer. We come this morning to honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion for the freedoms we hold dear, Severance said. We thank you for the brave men and women who laid down their lives in defense of our nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Severance spoke of the enormity of those sacrifices. Their courage, their selflessness and their unwavering commitment to duty are etched forever into the soul of our country, Severance said. May we never take for granted the liberties they died to protect. Cleburne Mayor Pro Tem Blake Jones talk of the importance with which Cleburnes first responders, community leaders, residents and especially veterans hold service. We gather today in solemn remembrance, deep gratitude and unwavering respect for the men and women who gave their lives in service of our great nation. And not only their sacrifices, but to recommit ourselves to the values they defended including freedom, duty and country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams, who served as keynote speaker, agreed. Memorial Day is a time for us to gather and reflect on the true cost of our freedom, Williams said. May we be inspired by the patriotism and valor of those who gave their today so that we can simply have our tomorrow. Williams discussed the history of Decoration Day, which over time became Memorial Day and reiterated the importance of paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Those heroes carry a legacy of honor, strength and steadfast duty to defend against those who threaten Americas freedoms and liberty, Williams said. That, Williams added, must never be forgotten and places a duty on all of us as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Americans, weve proudly carried this tradition forward, Williams said. But it remains our duty to ensure that our next generation never loses sight of the importance of this day. We must never take for granted the freedoms and liberties our service men and woman valiantly fought to preserve. U.S. Army Veteran Terry Mangrum spoke of how, after completing his military service in 1987, he came home to start a business. Mangrum recalled Jeremy Allmon who he employed in 1987 and who, in part inspired by Mangrum, decided to join the military. He was 17, Mangrum said. I myself was 17 when I joined. On Feb. 5, 2005 I was at a pastors conference in Phoenix when I got word that he had been killed by an improvised explosive device. I believe he was the first Johnson County resident killed in the Iraqi War. The point, Mangrum stressed, is for all of us to heed our calling being that military service or elsewhere and then do our best to contribute back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleburne Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Thomas also spoke of honor and remembrance due those who paid the ultimate price as well as their loved ones left behind. Words can never replace the emotional feelings that each and every one of them have gone through, Thomas said. We must never forget. Sons of the American Legion member James Feaster highlighted the POW/MIA Table and the significance of the items placed upon it while ALA President Candy Maples discussed the significance of the Military Child Ceremonial Table while several children added items to it. Peters and former Cleburne ALA Past President Nelda Grande discussed the importance of poppies and the World War I poem In Flanders Fields. Elisha Leonard, daughter of a Vietnam veteran, discussed the history of Taps after which Cleburne student Lukas Leonard played the same while several children joined Williams in placing a wreath on a veterans grave. AGAWAM and SPRINGFIELD Residents came out to honor the fallen who defended and fought for the United States at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam on Monday and on Friday at Springfield City Hall. Army veteran, Eugene Brace, 76, of Springfield greet the Gov. Maura T. Healey at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam after the service, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Sherry Carter (Red shirt) and her daughter Laura Van Deusen, (grey shirt) came to visit grandparents, Robert Curren, Norbert Carter, and Lois Carter all buried in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. She was joined by her children George Van Deusen, 5, and Thaddeus Van Deusen, 2. Robert was in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam and Norbert Carter was a Marine in Korea. They came to visit their relatives on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Hearn, a former soldier in the U.S. Army is now lead rider for the Patriot Guard Riders in Massachusetts. It is a group that was founded in 2005 to shield families of fallen heroes from those that would disrupt the services of their loved ones. Hearn catches up with the firing detail before the ceremony at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Retired Marine and honor guard commander Alan A. Ardito, left, directs the firing detail during the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Maj. Jon Santiago, secretary of veterans and Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey lay a wreath at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Families, friends and Western Massachusetts residents came to the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam Monday to pay their respects to those that have sacrificed their lives for the United States in one of the five military services, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin Kwatowski, came to visit his father, Raymond Z. Kwatowski, with his grandson, Tyler Mulville, 11. Raymond Z. Kwatowski was in the U.S. Army in the Second World War and said that he has two uncles buried in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam along with his father, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Army veteran, Eugene Brace, 76, of Springfield greet the Gov. Maura T. Healey at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam after the service, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Air Force veteran Marvin Howard, 88, spoke at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam during the Memorial Day service. Gov. Maura T. Healey thanks Howard who she had met in November 2024 after presenting him with the Captain Thomas Hudner Jr. Valor Award. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Families, friends and Western Massachusetts residents came to the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam Monday to pay their respects to those that have sacrificed their lives for the United States in one of the five military services, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families, friends and Western Massachusetts residents came to the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam Monday to pay their respects to those that have sacrificed their lives for the United States in one of the five military services, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Alyssa Sealander, from south Windsor, CT, came to Agawam to visit her great grandmother, Dolores C. Sealander and great grandfather, Richard J. Sealander Sr. The latter served in the U.S. Coast Guard in the Second World War, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Sherry Carter (Red shirt) and her daughter Laura Van Deusen, (grey shirt) came to visit grandparents, Robert Curren, Norbert Carter, and Lois Carter all buried in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. She was joined by her children George Van Deusen, 5, and Thaddeus Van Deusen, 2. Robert was in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam and Norbert Carter was a Marine in Korea. They came to visit their relatives on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Mayor Domenic J. Sarno lays a wreath at the war memorial in the city center. Springfield hosted its Memorial Day ceremony outside city hall, Friday, May 23, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vietnam Veterans of America Minority Affairs National Chair, Gumersindo Gomez had tears in his eyes as he spoke outside Springfield City Hall of the friends and colleagues he lost during his time in Vietnam. Gomez joined the U.S. Army in June 1966, and deployed to Vietnam to serve in Company D, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. After a one-year tour, he stayed in the Army for another 19 years. He was one of the veterans to lay a wreath, Friday, May 23, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Vietnam Veterans of America Minority Affairs National Chair, Gumersindo Gomez had tears in his eyes as he spoke outside Springfield City Hall of the friends and colleagues he lost during his time in Vietnam. Gomez joined the U.S. Army in June 1966, and deployed to Vietnam to serve in Company D, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. After a one-year tour, he stayed in the Army for another 19 years. He was one of the veterans to lay a wreath, Friday, May 23, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Springfield officials have lined the sides of Veterans Way for the Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 23, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Springfield Police Department Honor Guard fire two shots at the Memorial Day ceremony, Friday, May 23, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Springfield Police Department Honor Guard fire two shots at the Memorial Day ceremony, Friday, May 23, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez walks over to the memorials on Veterans Way with Vietnam Veterans of America Minority Affairs National Chair, Gumersindo Gomez. Gomez had tears in his eyes as he spoke outside Springfield City Hall of the friends and colleagues he lost during his time in Vietnam. Gomez joined the U.S. Army in June 1966, and deployed to Vietnam to serve in Company D, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. After a one-year tour, he stayed in the Army for another 19 years. He was one of the veterans to lay a wreath, Friday, May 23, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Springfield Police Department Honor Guard fire two shots at the Memorial Day ceremony, Friday, May 23, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Springfield Police Department Honor Guard fire two shots at the Memorial Day ceremony, Friday, May 23, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Read the original article on MassLive. Western New Mexico University campus pictured in Silver City, New Mexico. (Photo courtesy Western New Mexico University) Western New Mexico Universitys faculty members say they are forming a local National Education Association union while a search for a new university president commences. According to a news release from the organizing committee, organizers collected signatures and authorization cards from two-thirds of the universitys faculty and librarians within weeks of beginning a formal campaign to gain support. They presented the cards to the New Mexico Public Employee Labor Relations Board on May 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the boards website, the petition for unionization is still pending. By moving to unionize, WNMUs faculty is set to join faculties from Central New Mexico College, New Mexico Highlands University, San Juan College, University of New Mexicos Main Campus and New Mexico State University, which petitioned for unionization in March 2024. As WNMU looks to the future, unionizing will ensure that faculty have a voice in any changes that may be considered for programmatic, administrative, and reporting structures, Andy Hernandez, a professor of history at WNMU, said in a written statement. He pointed to the tumultuous events at WNMU in the last year, including former President Joseph Shepards termination; the board of regents decision to award Shepard a $1.9 million severance package; the resignation of the board and the ongoing lawsuit New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez filed against university administrators for unjust enrichment and violation of fiduciary duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new university board of regents took over early this year and are tasked with searching for a new president to replace Shepard, who left his position in January and moved into a professor position in the universitys School of Business. The board voted on May 23 selecting firms to conduct the national search for both an interim university president and permanent president. Creating a collective bargaining unit offers us the chance to take important sections from our [faculty] handbook related to critical elements of our working conditions and to give them the strength of an enforceable contract backed by an organization with a proven track record of supporting educators. Doing so lets us put more of our focus back onto our classrooms and our students, Hernandez said in a written statement to Source NM. David Scarborough, associate professor of management at WNMU since 2016, said in a written statement that now is the perfect time for faculty to organize. Our new executive will arrive with unionized faculty as one more invested stakeholder among many. For faculty, it represents a positive inflection point signaling renewal and continued commitment to shared governance. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A woman accused of intimidating her Black neighbors by taking part in a November 2023 cross-burning near Conway is back in jail after she allegedly violated the conditions of her bond in a separate, unrelated case. Alexis Hartnett, who is still awaiting trial in the cross-burning case, was arrested after allegedly violating her home-detention by returning to Horry County without a valid reason, such as a court date or a specific appointment with her lawyer, the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office said. She was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Thursday. Hartnett was placed on home detention after being accused of indecent exposure in March 2024. She was released on a $10,000 bond after the arrest, and Judge Bradley D. Mayers ordered her not to have any contact with the victim in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hartnett and her boyfriend, Worden Butler were accused of harassment after the cross-burning incident that occurred during Thanksgiving weekend in 2023. He pleaded guilty in January to second-degree harassment and was sentenced to time served. The cross-burning incident led FBI agents to search the home on Corbett Drive as part of a civil-rights investigation. The case also renewed calls for a state-level hatecrime law in South Carolina * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Photo: Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 27. Kazakhstan intends to impose a temporary ban on the export of iron and steel, Trend reports. The Ministry of Industry and Construction has prepared an order "On certain issues regarding the regulation of the export of steel billets." A six-month export ban will be introduced on all types of transport for the following from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Iron and non-alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms (except iron under commodity code 7203); Semi-finished products made of iron or non-alloy steel. The ministry notes that the ban is introduced as part of stimulating domestic metallurgical enterprises to expand the steelmaking industry with the production of finished products of medium and upper processing stages with high added value. The draft is posted on the Open Regulatory Legal Acts website for public discussion until June 11, 2025. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A Baton Rouge woman was arrested after being involved in a shooting in north Baton Rouge Sunday morning. According to an affidavit, officers with the Baton Rouge Police Department were called to the 10000 block of Avenue H regarding a ShotSpotter activation. Before officers arrived, dispatch said that they received a call about a woman shooting at her. Upon arrival, officers found several spent shell casings in the parking lot. During the officers conversation with the victim, they said the suspect, Jania Wheeler, 22, arrived at the scene in a Black sedan. Officers saw a handgun next to Wheeler, detained her, and secured the gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim told officers that she and Wheeler were in a verbal altercation that turned physical. She said after the physical altercation, Wheelers boyfriend exited her vehicle. The two continued arguing as the victim was putting her two children in the car. As she started to exit the parking lot, Wheelers boyfriend grabbed a gun and began firing shots towards the victims vehicle. Wheeler confirmed the two had a fight, and afterwards she told officers that she had told her boyfriend about the fight. The couple returned after the fight. She also told officers that her boyfriend grabbed a gun and fired shots. After the shooting, Wheeler admitted to driving away from the scene. The affidavit states the victim identified Wheelers boyfriend from a six-person lineup. Wheeler was arrested and booked on three counts of attempted first-degree murder and principal. 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. Sanford Airport Police arrested a woman outside an airport gate after they say she repeatedly hit a child on a plane. The arrest report says it all started with the child calling Kristy Crampton fat and Miss Piggy. Crampton was on board Allegiant Flight 2885 from Orlando-Sanford International Airport to Hagerstown, Maryland, on Memorial Day. The family was set to fly home from their Disney World vacation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to what witnesses told police, the child told Crampton she couldnt fit in the airplane seat. Witnesses say Crampton began hitting the child with her fist, and hit him on the head with a water bottle. The report says she slammed the childs head into the airplane window. The report says the child used his arms to cover his head. Airport officials havent said how old the child is. However, Crampton told police the child was very rude and disrespectful during their trip to Disney. After the child called her fat, Crampton told police she took his phone away. She claims he pushed her arm off the armrest twice and thats when she began smacking him, the report says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, police say she went beyond typical disciplinary actions. One witness said, the woman was not correcting the child; she was abusing him. The report says the family declined to give statements to police. Crampton is charged with felony child abuse. She appeared in front of a Seminole County judge Tuesday who granted her a $10,000 bond. The judge ordered she has no contact with the child. The report says the FBI was notified of the incident. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. (FOX40.COM) The woman who went missing in the Yuba River on Saturday was identified as 50-year-old Rebecca Heinowitz, of Barrytown, New York, according to the Nevada County Sheriffs Office. Video Above: Tips for water safety in the summer Over the weekend, emergency crews from Nevada County Consolidated Fire District responded to reports of a woman struggling while swimming around 8:30 p.m. in the South Yuba River near Highway 49. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heinowitz is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black two-piece swimsuit. Officials said that extensive searches have continued since Saturday as crews have utilized drone and CHP air operations, but the woman has not been located. Multiple authority officials remind communities to be aware of the dangers of entering the Yuba River, as water conditions could be dangerous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JANESVILLE, Ill. (WTVO) Lexus Boedecker, 24, was sentenced Tuesday for a drug-fueled crash that killed four disabled adults in her care in April of 2024. Boedecker was sentenced on four counts of homicide by vehicle while under the influence of controlled substances in Rock County court.. On April 13, 2024, Boedecker ran a stop sign while driving a van carrying four adults with cognitive disabilities, which caused a chain reaction crash with two other vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rock County Medical Examiner released the names of the deceased as Jeffrey Turnipsee, 67, of Whitewater; Ericka Berg, 38, of Whitewater; Jamie Ranguette, 39, of Whitewater; and Patricia Seufzer, 59, of Whitewater. Boedecker, who was 23 weeks pregnant at the time, was found with a THC vape cartridge at the scene. Photo: Rock County Sheriffs Office She was charged in August 2024 when tests revealed the suspect had THC in her system while she was driving. Boedecker was found guilty on four counts of homicide on February 26th. She is now sentenced to a total of 16 years in Wisconsin state prison and 4 years of extended supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boedeckeer will be serving her sentence for counts one and two concurrently with counts three and four. The senseless deaths of these four people could have been avoided if Ms. Boedecker chose not to drive a vehicle after consuming marijuana, ADA Jerry Urbik said. Judge Hansons sentence was tough but fair. Some people think that because THC isnt as dangerous as fentanyl, it is just not a big deal, said District Attorney Jason Sanders. Thats not true when youre driving. Were moving thousands-of-pounds at high speeds, and it is easy to make mistakes even when sober. Dont drive high. The lives you wreck may include your own. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. A woman was airlifted to a hospital following an ATV crash in Bristol on Monday that left her in serious condition. Police responded to a report of the crash around 4 p.m. on Seneca Road where officers found the victim unresponsive in the road, according to Lt. Eric Hanson of the Bristol Police Department. Hanson said the woman suffered serious injuries from an apparent ATV crash. No other vehicles were believed to be involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was taken via Life Star to an area hospital where she was listed in serious condition, according to Hanson. The crash is being investigated by the police departments Patrol Division. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Officer Jean Rivera-Santiago at 860-584-3011. ENID, Okla. (KFOR) Unable to speak for themselves, fallen soldiers must rely upon the family and friends who knew them. Jesse Mitchell, who died in a North Korean prisoner of war camp, National Guardsman Paul Howell, who died in a car wreck last year were two names spoken at this years Memorial Day ceremony. Retired Col. Jerry Shiles, one of several speakers, lost a nephew to an IED in Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and family members of the fallen all had special reason to set aside this national holiday to remember. I know how important it is for the families to recognize the service of their family members, says Shiles, and especially those theyve lost. In the 25 years since the Woodring Wall of Honor and Veterans Park opened, thousands of names have been added to the rolls. Tim Vanovers father Elmer was one of the few survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March during World War II, but Tim argued that his dad left part of himself in POW Camp 17. He insisted, Some veterans died but they didnt physically die. The way I look at it, Dad pretty much gave his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lori Lenzs father Squire Utsler didnt talk much about his years in the Pacific as a Marine sniper during WWII. She learned what she could from his letters home which she compiled in a book. previous More Great State Stories She also related her fathers reluctance to honor anyone other than his fallen comrades. He would have been grumbling and saying, oh I dont want that award, she says of his inclusion to the Wall of Honor. Former Enid Mayor Doug Frantz lost many of his fellow classmates who were part of the 1967 Marine Officers School. During a speech, he recalled, We took about 390 2nd Lieutenants to Vietnam that year. 40 of them, around 10 percent, have their names on the Vietnam Memorial over there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current Vance Air Force Base Col. Carl Miller lost people he knew in combat, but took comfort in the words of Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address. That from these honored dead, he quoted, We take increased devotion. Grief and honor for those who gave their last full measure to their country. As Taps played, survivors stood, veterans saluted. Their country took a moment to do the same, and to re-dedicate ourselves to give their sacrifice continued meaning. For more information on the Woodring Wall of Honor and Veterans Park, click here. Great State is sponsored by True Sky Credit Union Follow Galens Great State adventures on social media! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A World War II soldier from Gravette who was killed during the D-Day invasion in Normandy will be buried next month, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Monday. Sanders said during her remarks at the 2025 Memorial Day Observance at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock that U.S. Army Private Rodger D. Andrews, 18, will be laid to rest at a family plot on June 9, more than 81 years after his death. U.S. Army Private Rodger D. Andrews, 18 (Courtesy: Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) Washington state newspaper clipping noting Pvt. Rodgers death (Courtesy: Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) Andrews had been reported as missing in action (MIA) until June 5, 2024, when the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) identified his remains. The DPAA made the announcement on Oct. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One year later: Decatur residents reflect on progress after tornado He was assigned in June 1944 to Company C of the 37th Engineer Combat Battalion in the European Theater. Andrews was killed in action on the night of June 6, 1944, when Allied forces that had landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy suffered heavy losses from enemy shelling and strafing by enemy aircraft, according to his service member profile. However, it is not known exactly what happened to Andrews during the battle, Unfortunately, he did not live to see his 19th birthday, Sanders said during her remarks on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrews remains were buried as an unknown in the United States Military Cemetery St. Laurent (now called the Normandy American Cemetery) on June 13, 1944, as they could not be conclusively identified at the time. The U.S. Department of Defense and American Battle Monuments Commission personnel exhumed Andrews remains from the Normandy American Cemetery for scientific analysis in March 2019. Andrews remains were initially designated X-48 St. Laurent, and he was found to be wearing a belt with the initials R.D.A. Gateway mayor and murder victims sister reacts to Arkansas prisoner escape However, because items of clothing could have been traded amongst different servicemembers and due to physical similarities between X-48 and other missing servicemembers being too close for officials to make a definite association, the AGRC was unable to identify the remains, a news release from DPAA in October said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DPAA received a request from Andrews family in December 2014 to devote more time to locating him. Historians reviewed other Omaha Beach losses and reassessed the circumstances of his death. They noted the initials on the belt found with X-48 as a possible association. After additional historical and scientific comparisons between the personnel data of missing servicemembers from Omaha Beach and the attributes of X-48, the Department of Defense and American Battle Monuments Commission workers exhumed the Unknown in March 2019 and transferred the remains to the DPAA Laboratory for analysis, the release said. Scientists identified Andrews remains by using anthropological, dental and other circumstantial evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His name is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WPXI has been honored with a 2025 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award. The award is among the most prestigious in broadcast and digital news. WPXI received the award in the following category: Continuing Coverage: Assassination Attempt in Butler One of the biggest stories of 2024 happened in our backyard. Our crews were covering a rally for then-presidential candidate Donald Trump when shots were fired. Our crew scrambled to safety while still reporting the story and getting reactions from witnesses. In the days that followed, our investigative team went into action, asking the tough questions and about what happened and why law enforcement werent on the same page Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WPXI is part of Region 11, which includes television stations in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Regional winners are under consideration for National Edward R. Murrow Awards, which will be announced later this year. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 27. Representatives from Nanning Jianning Water Investment Group, one of Chinas leading companies, met with officials from the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan to explore potential collaboration on major infrastructure projects, Trend reports. The discussions centered on opportunities for modernizing Uzbekistans water supply system and implementing innovative waste-to-energy initiatives. The parties emphasized aligning the companys expertise with Uzbekistans ongoing efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and bolster infrastructure development. At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reached a consensus to persist in collaborative endeavors focused on comprehensive project evaluation and to optimize their strategic frameworks to enhance the efficacy and results of their forthcoming partnership. In the interim, the bilateral trade volume between Uzbekistan and China surpassed the $13 billion mark in the previous fiscal year, with both nations articulating a robust optimism towards realizing the aspirational target of $20 billion established by their respective leadership. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Lawyers representing the estate of a Vermont woman who died in the custody of the Hampden County Sheriffs office have settled with the department. The estate of Madeline Linsenmeir will receive a $600,000 payment, which will be placed in trust for the care of her son. In 2018, Linsenmeir was held at the Western Massachusetts Regional Womens Correctional Center in Chicopee after being arrested by Springfield police. Court denies motion to dismiss wrongful death case against Springfield PD, Hampden County Sheriff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The estates lawyers say Linsenmeir was suffering from a potentially deadly heart infection and had complained to both Springfield police and later jail staff about chest pain, but was ignored. She was taken to the hospital days after arriving in jail when she had been found unresponsive in her cell. Under the settlement, the sheriffs office also must implement policy changes at the jail, including improved staff training and better treatment of people with opioid use disorder. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) reintroduced a bill on Friday that could change the way Americans vote across the United States. Initially introduced by Wyden in 2017, the Vote at Home Act would give eligible voters the option to vote by mail (including via drop-off site), provide pre-paid envelopes to return ballots and would automatically register citizens to vote at DMVs. Under the bill, voters who live in states with in-person, same-day voter registration would still have the option to vote at a polling station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon man who set sail with his cat arrives to cheers in Hawaii The Vote at Home Act would also send ballots in the mail weeks ahead of Election Day, while providing funding for the United States Postal Service to cover costs associated with mailing ballots to and from voters. With Trump taking over the Oval Office, far-right legislators across our country are more emboldened to make voting more difficult for millions of Americans, Wyden said in a press release Friday. Taking off work to vote in person often waiting in long lines for hours isnt an option for so many voters. Voting is a fundamental constitutional right. It should be easy, and bringing the Oregon Way of vote-at-home nationwide will guarantee that every eligible voter can make their voices heard. Wyden noted the reintroduction of his bill follows passage of the Republican-led Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require voters to prove citizenship when registering to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics The SAVE Act was introduced in January by Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) who says the legislation is necessary to protect against ineligible voters from participating in U.S. elections. American elections belong to American citizens, and the publics confidence in those elections is the cornerstone of our republic, Roy previously said. We in Congress have a duty to our fellow citizens to provide that confidence and put concrete enforcement in place to ensure that our elections and our sovereignty cannot be hijacked and influenced by foreign nationals who have no business voting in this country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some state officials, including Republican and Democratic secretaries of state have raised concerns about the SAVE Act. DONT MISS: How would the SAVE Act impact PNW voters? Proof of citizenship explained This also includes 17 Democratic state attorneys general including Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield who sent a letter in early April to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), urging them to oppose the bill. This law just makes it harder for people to vote, Attorney General Rayfield said. We can protect the integrity of our elections while still making sure that every legitimate voter has an equal opportunity to cast their ballot without obstacles or discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their letter, the attorneys general said cases of non-citizen voting in the U.S. are extremely rare, pointing to several studies and an audit of Georgias voting rolls by the Secretary of States office, which found 20 non-citizens registered to vote out of 8.2 million residents and nine of the 20 non-citizens had a record of voting, as reported by the Associated Press. Portland infrastructure at risk due to gradual sinking, study says According to the attorneys general, the bill would also require expensive documentation, such as passports or birth certificates to match voters current names which could be difficult for some, including married women, whose legal name no longer matches the name on their birth certificate. Over 21 million voting-age citizens do not have ready access to a passport, birth record, or naturalization record, the coalition wrote. And 80% of married women would not have a valid birth certificate under the SAVE Act because those women chose to adopt their partners last name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also mandates in-person presentation of the citizenship documents, which effectively eliminates online voter registration systems, which is available in 42 states, the attorneys general argue, noting this could also disenfranchise active-duty service members who cannot return to their local election offices. Alice returns from Wonderland: African crane back at Washington zoo after two-day escape Wyden is joined by several Democratic colleagues backing the bill, including Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass). Voting by mail has worked in Oregon for years. Its quick and securehelping folks in red, blue, and purple states safely make their voices heard in our elections, Sen. Jeff Merkley said. This shouldnt be a partisan issue. Expanding vote by mail nationwide is a secure way to ensure all eligible voters can exercise this constitutional right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon was the first state to enact full vote by mail in 1995, an effort led by both Democratic and Republican Secretaries of State, said Oregon Congresswoman Val Hoyle, (D-04), who introduced the House companion of the Vote at Home Act earlier this year. We have seen the positive impact that mail in voting has had in Oregon not only does it improve access for eligible voters, but every ballot has a paper copy making it the most secure form of voting. Voting is a Constitutionally protected right and Ill fight to make sure every eligible voter can make their voice heard. I am proud to introduce legislation with Senator Wyden that does exactly that. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Harrowing cellphone video shows the tiny silhouette of Ward Al-Sheikh Khalil trudging through rubble, her make-shift shelter engulfed in flames around her, after an Israeli strike hit the school where she and her family had fled to escape the war raging around them in the Gaza Strip. Khalil, just 5 years old, survived. Her mother and five of her siblings did not make it out of the burning building. When she returned to the scene of the attack, she found her sister's abandoned flip-flop and broke down sobbing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They all died after a rocket fell on top of them," she told CBS News' team in Gaza through tears. "The rocket came down and the place was on fire. The fire was raging. It burned my arm." "The fire filled the sky and the ground," she said. "I was asleep, but I came out from the fire. When I came out, I did not find my dad. They took me to the Baptist Hospital, and I saw dad on the way, in the ambulance. I saw him. He had many wounds on his face." "Dad is alive, and my brother Seraj is alive, and I am alive. That's all. But all my other siblings are dead," the little girl, held in the arms of her uncle, told CBS News. "I wish we could get together again." Ward Al-Sheikh Khalil, 5, a Palestinian girl who survived an Israeli strike on the Fahmi al-Jarjawi School in Gaza City where she was sheltering with her displaced family, is seen amid the ruins of the school the next day, held by her uncle, May 26, 2025. / Credit: Anadolu/Getty The Israeli strike took place in the middle of the night. The Israel Defense Forces said the target was a Hamas command and control center inside the school building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescuers in the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Territory said the strike killed 33 people. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen called the attack "abhorrent" on Tuesday during a call with Jordan's King Abdullah II, according to a readout of the call from the EU cited by the French news agency AFP. "The expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza targeting civilian infrastructure, among them a school that served as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families, killing civilians, including children, is abhorrent," von der Leyen said, according to the EU. "The European Commission has always supported and will continue to support Israel's right to security and self-defense. But this escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law." Palestinians comb the area following an Israeli airstrike at dawn on a school in the al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City that killed more than 30 people on May 26, 2025. / Credit: Dawoud Abo Alkas/Anadolu/Getty Khalil's uncle, Iyad Mohamed el-Sheikh Khalil, holding his niece, told CBS News that his whole family had been displaced by the war, including his brother who had sought shelter with his wife and children at the school in Gaza City's Daraj neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he heard reports of a strike on the school, he immediately tried to make contact. "Some pictures were released in the media. When I looked at them, I saw Ward with the Civil Defense. I immediately knew that it was my niece," he said. "When I came, I saw that the bodies of my brother's family were all charred and torn to pieces. It took a while to locate the body of her (Ward's) elder brother, Abed, so that we could bury them all together. It was a horrific scene." He worried about the lasting impact of living through such trauma on Gaza's children, including his niece. "When they come out of such bombardment and such war, how do you want children to feel? They must be in a terrible psychological state. Even we are in a terrible psychological state," he told CBS News. Ward al-Sheikh Jalil, who survived an Israeli attack on the Fahmi al-Jarjawi School in Gaza City, is seen in the ruins of the building, where she found slippers that belonged to her and her siblings, May 26, 2025. / Credit: Anadolu/Getty Amid the bombings, Palestinians in Gaza also face a critical struggle to find food, after a nearly three-monthlong Israeli blockade on all humanitarian goods entering the territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under pressure from its allies, including the U.S., Israel began allowing some humanitarian goods into Gaza last week, but aid agencies say it's not nearly enough to meet the needs of the enclave's roughly 2 million inhabitants. The newly established U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation also said it began distributing food on Monday. The GHF said Tuesday that it had distributed a total of about 462,000 meals over two days of operation. The United Nations and other aid organizations have objected to the group's methods, calling it a distraction. "Even when they bring aid, nothing reaches us," Islam Abu Taemia said while scavenging for food with her child in Gaza this week. "We're like stray dogs collecting food from trash. If we don't, we starve." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Marie Antoinette's rare diamond captures attention as it travels the globe Trump's latest pardon frees loyalist convicted of taking $75,000 in bribes Family members and loved ones are devastated after a tragic incident in Orange County left a man dead and a young driver severely injured on Monday afternoon. The Laguna Beach Police Department said that at 4:14 p.m., crews were dispatched to reports of an injury traffic collision on Coast Highway between Wesley and Montage Resort drives. However, a preliminary investigation revealed that the crash did not originate on the highway but instead ended there after plummeting about 40 feet down a nearby embankment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the young permit motorist, whose age or gender was not revealed, was driving in the upper parking lot of a Gelsons Market with an adult male passenger when their vehicle breached a fence barrier and plunged over the edge of the lot. A car is seen after plummeting about 40 feet off an embankment in Laguna Beach, killing the passenger and significantly injuring the driver. May 2025. (Citizen.com) Details are limited; officials did not immediately disclose what may have caused the driver to veer off the lot. After falling from the structure, the vehicle continued down an embankment before landing upside down on the side of Coast Highway. Police said that the driver suffered significant injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tragically, an adult male passenger in the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene, stated the departments release. The Laguna Beach Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident. Police did not explicitly say whether the driver and passenger were family. The cause of the deadly crash remains under investigation, and officials said additional details will be released 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 KTLA. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)- Earlier this month, Youngstown City Schools announced it would be reconfiguring its district. On Tuesday, the public is invited to a meeting to discuss what this will look like. This is a major move that will impact middle and high school students in the next couple of years if this goes into effect. Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor said the goal of the reconfiguration is to ensure every student has a robust academic program, high-quality instruction, and cohesive school identity all while using our resources responsibly and sustainably. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also shared how the district would like to bring busing back for students, and it would be an easier task if students were being transported to one school. The district lays out the plan in two phases: In Phase One, the district would consolidate Chaney and East High Schools into one singular high school. Students would attend classes at the current East High School campus. Rayen Early College High School and Middle School will operate at the current Chaney High School site. In Phase Two, Chaney and East middle schools would be consolidated. Students would attend class at the current East Middle School campus. As far as layoffs, Batchelor said that layoffs werent out of the question. The meeting is Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Choffin Career and Technical Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) A Youngstown man with an extensive criminal history was sentenced Tuesday in a soliciting prostitution case. Read next: Sheriff warns of robberies, firearm thefts Octavius Clark, 47, entered a plea agreement, pleading no contest to engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools in Columbiana Municipal Court on Tuesday. According to court records, Clark was found guilty of the charges and sentenced to a suspended jail sentence. He was also ordered to pay a $750 fine, and he will be placed on probation for two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested Clark in Salem in March after they said he responded to a sex-for-hire advertisement. Clark considered bringing his kids to the meeting, but was advised to find a babysitter, according to a release from authorities. Police also discovered he had a warrant from Mercer County, Pennsylvania. Brandon Jaces and Gerry Ricciutti contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. (FOX40.COM) Over 200 community members attended Yuba Citys A Grateful Nation Remembers ceremony to honor those who died fighting for the land of the free and home of the brave. The event was held next to the Yuba City Freedom Heroes Outdoor Memorial that honors over 7,000 service members who have died in the line of duty since 9/11. Extreme Heat Watch underway in Northern California, 104-degree weather forecast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veteran Kevin Barrie quietly searched for the names of three of his dear friends who died in the War on Terror. This weekend is a really hard weekend for me I never really thought that I would ever be coming to something like this and actually scratching names of people that I knew, Barrie, who served in Iraq alongside them, said. Man disappears amid attempt to walk from Northern California to the ocean Vietnam Veteran Dave Roever was severely burned while serving. Everything you see on the right [of my body], if its not covered, it was reduced to charcoal and bone instantly, Roever tells Fox40. 60 pounds of my flesh was blown off me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 78-year-old who travels the world speaking with service members about resiliency tells us he has no regrets. I grew up to believe in America, I grew up to believe in freedom, he adds. If we forget to remember, well never have the freedom that we now have. Veteran Joseph Crook participated in the ceremonys hospital reenactment. I lost six of my friends overseas, so its a pretty personal day for me, Crook says. They were all people with dreams, people with families. The service honored all active-duty military personnel and veterans with American flags, including one very special World War II veteran who was given a standing ovation. The ceremony also paid tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and concluded with an honorary flyover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. It remains unclear whether Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be invited to the NATO summit in The Hague this June, but the Ukrainian president is likely to attend a defence industry forum being organised by NATO in parallel with the summit. Source: The New York Times, as reported by European Pravda Details: The publication confirms earlier media reports that the June summit will be significantly shortened to avoid potential conflicts with US President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's role at the summit remains undefined, in part due to Trump's dismissive stance towards Zelenskyy. It is still unclear whether the Ukrainian president will receive an invitation to attend the summit. "I fully expect Zelensky to be at The Hague. In what capacity, were discussing," said Matthew Whitaker, the new US Ambassador to NATO, at a conference earlier this month in Tallinn. Officials have suggested that this years summit may not feature a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, which in previous years has brought allies and Ukraine together as equals. Sources noted that after the opening-night dinner, NATO leaders are expected to meet only for a few hours the following day to ratify new spending targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, NATO is planning a parallel defence industry forum, which Zelenskyy may attend. Under US President Joe Biden, Zelenskyy played a prominent role at the past two NATO summits. However, the current US president has openly opposed Ukraines NATO membership and has repeatedly criticised Zelenskyy, even engaging in public disputes with him. Background: The Dutch defence minister, whose country is hosting the June summit, recently stated that the Netherlands is looking for ways to include President Zelenskyy in the summit programme in The Hague. It has also emerged that due to Trumps position, NATO is preparing a shortened summit declaration likely without mentioning Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) A law that makes it mandatory for motorists in Zimbabwe to pay a radio levy before their vehicles can be licensed and insured has been approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in a move that some people claim is draconian. An amendment to the southern African countrys Broadcasting Services Act states that only motorists who have paid for a public broadcaster fee can buy a license or insurance for their cars. Revenue raised by the license, which costs $92 annually, goes to state broadcaster Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corp., or ZBC. Motorists without a radio receiver can get an exemption certificate from the public broadcaster if they sign a form, according to the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zimbabwe has about 1.2 million vehicles, according to government figures, ensuring millions of dollars for a public broadcaster that has for years been accused of propaganda and bias towards the ruling party and which has struggled with declining advertising revenue streams. This is too much for the already overburdened tax payer," said Kudzai Kadzere, a lawyer in the capital, Harare. "After all, a lot of people rely on the independent press, WhatsApp and the internet for news, they dont even tune in to ZBC. Now we are being forced to pay for propaganda. Rashweat Mukundu, a media freedom activist, described the license fee as daylight robbery." Responding to government spokesman Nick Mangwana, who defended the move on X, Mukundu wrote: "ZBC funding has tanked because audiences & advertisers see no value/relevance in its content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposition figure Nelson Chamisa said the new law was too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless. Zimbabweans already pay for radio or television licenses if they own a set at home or at a business premise. In 2016, the countrys Constitutional Court threw out a case brought by an opposition lawmaker who said the public broadcaster was biased towards the ruling ZANU-PF party and the fee should be scrapped. Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 27. Omonullo Nasritdinkhodjaev, First Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology, met with a delegation led by Adem Kula, Secretary General of the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkic States, to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation, Trend reports. Throughout the event, delegates from multiple international enterprises articulated their propositions, delineating prospective domains for synergistic collaboration across diverse sectors. The visit underscored the delegation's agenda to engage in strategic dialogues with the executive leadership and pivotal stakeholders of NGMK (Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Combine) and AGMK (Almalyk Mining and Metallurgy Combine) to delve deeper into potential synergies and collaborative frameworks within the mining and metallurgy sectors. Both parties articulated a robust dedication to enhancing their collaborative synergy, emphasizing the cultivation of innovative avenues for reciprocal advantage and fortifying enduring productive alliances. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel After working for five presidents, Bridget Brink resigned as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, saying she cannot in good conscience uphold the policies of the Trump administration. Axpo reveals plans for investing in Swiss energy infrastructure Photo: Axpo/Facebook As part of its national energy strategy, Axpo is also set to construct a backup power plant at the Rhine port of Auhafen Muttenz. The facility, commissioned through a federal government tender, is designed to stabilize the electricity grid in the event of supply shortages. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Iran's objective is to build better relations with neighboring countries, the Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said at a press conference in Tehran ahead of a visit to Oman today, Trend reports. According to him, Iran seeks to develop interaction with neighboring countries in all possible spheres, including scientific, social, political, cultural, trade, and other spheres. Pezeshkian stated that Iran's annual trade turnover with Oman is about $2.3 billion. This trade turnover is steadily growing. In the framework of the visit to Oman, the sides will exchange views on traffic, shipping, and trade. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian left for Oman today on a two-day visit. The visit will take place at the invitation of the Sultan of the Kingdom of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. Banks have warned that the governments transparency bill on cutting off foreign funding for NGOs, media outlets and others is eroding confidence in the domestic financial system, which could lead to capital flight from the sector. The legislation seeks to tighten controls on foreign influence through financial surveillance and reporting obligations that bankers say are technically unfeasible. Sources said the legislation shows a complete lack of understanding of how the financial system operates. There are technical questions as to what constitutes direct or indirect foreign funding, and whether banks would be expected to start monitoring organisations when they are blacklisted, or only when notified by the tax authority. Banks would also be expected to screen money transfers, including donations, foreign-currency transactions, and past account activities. They also warn that the new proposal would make state oversight of transactions possible without clear safeguards. Wealthy individuals are reportedly already seeking advice from banks on offshore savings and account management options, citing fears that personal data, assets, and even banking secrecy could be compromised, according to the banks. Some investors are questioning whether their financial affairs remain safe in a country where the law could potentially be used against anyone under the guise of defending national sovereignty, Telex adds. Bankers have also warned that the legislation, if approved, could trigger downgrades in Hungarys credit ratings, raising borrowing costs and damaging investor sentiment. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here. The expansion of Hungary's M1 motorway, which connects Budapest to the Austrian border, will commence on Sep. 1, according to a statement issued on the Ministry for National Economy's website. An 80 km section between the M0 junction and Gyor (120 km west of Budapest by road) will be widened to six lanes. According to the statement, the project will also include installing a smart lane system, allowing traffic to be rerouted to the emergency lane when necessary. The ministry added that the concession contract will be technically modified to ensure alignment with European Union regulations. The first section of the motorway opened in the 1970s, reaching the Austrian border at Hegyeshalom in 1996. It follows the route of the old Route 1 one-lane highway. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here. 2025 Tata Altroz Facelift Base Variant: Tata Motors has launched the 2025 Altroz facelift in seven trims: Smart, Pure, Pure S, Creative, Creative S, Accomplished S, and Accomplished Plus S, where the Smart (petrol) is the entry-level variant that costs Rs 6.89 lakh (ex-showroom). In this article, let's check out what this Smart variant of the 2025 Tata Altroz offers. Exterior At the front, the Smart variant gets a fresh design with a revised grille and a bold black strip on the bumper. It comes with halogen projector headlamps, not the dual LED units seen in higher variants. LED DRLs and fog lamps are also missing. The side profile gets first in this segment, flush-type front door handles with illumination. The rear door handles are placed on the C-pillars. It has 16-inch steel wheels, while the higher variants get the same-sized dual-tone alloy wheels. At the back, this variant gets LED taillamps connected by a red strip. Higher variants have an actual full-width illuminated LED strip. The features like an antenna, rear wiper, washer, and defogger are not available. The rear bumper is black. Interior Inside, the base model gets an all-black cabin with a white headliner. Higher trims offer a black and beige theme with glossy finishes. The Smart variant has a plain black dashboard and misses out on glossy details. It has a new 2-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo. But it skips the infotainment system. The instrument panel is a smaller 4-inch semi-digital screen. For the AC, it uses physical buttons instead of touch controls with toggles, available in higher variants. Rear passengers dont get AC vents or armrests. Even the front armrest is missing. The rear headrests are fixed and not adjustable. However, the Smart variant still offers useful features like manual AC, remote keyless entry, power windows on all doors, and three driving modes Eco, City, and Sport. Lack Of Premium Features But it misses out on premium features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 8-speaker audio system, ambient lighting, wireless charger, and a sunroof, which are available in the top variants. Safety Features In terms of safety, it comes with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ISOFIX mounts, 3-point seatbelts for all seats, and rear parking sensors. However, being a base model, it doesnt offer a 360-degree camera or tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Powertrain Options The Smart trim is available only with petrol and CNG powertrain options. Both come with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It gets a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 88PS/115Nm on petrol and 73.5 PS/103 Nm on CNG. Seoul: Combined vehicle sales of South Korea's leading automaker Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia in Europe fell 1.8 per cent from a year earlier in April, industry data showed on Tuesday. According to the data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), Hyundai and Kia sold a combined 89,890 units in Europe last month. ACEA data showed Hyundai Motor's sales shed 3.3 percent on-year to 45,227 units, while those of Kia dropped 0.2 percent to 44,663 units, reports Yonhap news agency. The South Korean automakers sold 357,201 units combined in Europe during the January-April period, down 3.4 percent from the same period last year. The combined market share of Hyundai and Kia in Europe during the first four months of the year was tallied at 8 percent, down 0.3 percentage points from last year. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor temporarily suspended production of its Ioniq 5 and Kona electric vehicles (EVs) at its main domestic plant last month for a week, as weakening overseas demand continues to weigh on exports. The automaker shut down Line 12 at its Plant 1 in Ulsan, 305 kilometers southeast of Seoul, where the two EV models are assembled, citing declines in orders from key export markets, including Europe, Canada and the United States. The drop followed a shift of government EV policy changes abroad. Canada and several European countries, including Germany, have scrapped or scaled back EV subsidies, while the U.S. is facing renewed uncertainty from steep tariff threats under the Donald Trump administration. Hyundai Motor has attempted to counter sluggish demand by offering zero-interest financing deals in North America and down payment assistance in markets like Germany and Britain, but with limited success, according to sources. This marked the second temporary production halt this year, following a similar five-day suspension in February due to a slowdown in global EV demand amid policy shifts and market transitions. Toyota Fortuner Sales In India: Toyota Fortuner, a full-size SUV, has reached a major milestone of 3 lakh cumulative sales in India. This figure includes both the Fortuner and Fortuner Legender. Since its debut in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has long been a benchmark in the SUV segment with strong road presence and capable 4X4 performance. In 2021, Toyota launched the Fortuner Legender, offering features like dual-tone styling, sequential LED turn indicators, wireless charging, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, boosting its premium character. The SUV is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that delivers 201bhp and 500Nm of torque. Official Statement Speaking on the milestone, Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, TKM, said, We celebrate the remarkable 3-lakh milestone of our most admired SUV. The Fortuner and Legender remain a top choice among SUV enthusiasts who seek a perfect blend of luxury, performance, and reliability." He further said, "Built on the solid foundation of Toyotas renowned QDR (Quality, Durability and Reliability) philosophy the Fortuner and Legender embodies the core value that define our engineering and manufacturing excellence." What's Next? Looking ahead, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is expected to introduce the Fortuner with mild hybrid technology in India soon, although the company hasnt yet shared an official launch timeline. The Fortuner MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) was unveiled last year in South Africa. The Fortuner MHEV uses the same 2.8-litre diesel engine with a 48V mild hybrid system. While the engine produces 201 bhp and 500 Nm, the mild-hybrid system offers an additional 16 bhp and 42 Nm for improved performance. New Electric SUV Additionally, Toyota is also preparing to launch its first electric vehicle in India, the Urban Cruiser EV. Expected to arrive by the end of 2025, it will likely be a rebadged version of the upcoming Maruti e-Vitara. Opening Portrait The smell of boiled rice drifted from the kitchen. A temple bell rang in the distance.The sun had just begun to rise over a small village near Miryalaguda when Anjali, a 4-year-old girl with silent eyes and a world locked inside her, sat cross-legged on the ground outside her home. Her mother, Sushmita, gently placed the laminated mango flashcard faded, fingerprinted, its corners curled from weeks of use into her lap. For months, they had sat here. Same card. Same silence. But that morning was different. Anjali looked up. Her gaze met her mothers eyes for the very first time. She didnt speak. She didnt need to. The silence broke with recognition with connection with something that had never happened before. What changed? Just three weeks earlier, they had begun receiving life-empowering therapy from a Pinnacle Blooms Network center. The therapist Ravali Yadav a soft-spoken woman who spoke in their dialect and sat barefoot beside Sushmita had shown her how to turn everyday routines into therapy. She left her with a packet of visual prompts, a few color-coded tools, and a printed sheet with something called an AbilityScore red zones, yellow zones, green zones. It looked like a report card. But for Sushmita, it was the first roadmap out of helplessness. Anjali had been seen. And now, she was beginning to see back. Across India from tribal belts in Telangana to apartment corridors in Bengaluru these moments are unfolding every day. Quiet. Private. Powerful. This isnt a story about a therapy session. It is a story about hope rediscovered, voices unlocked, futures rewritten. And behind many of these moments is a silent revolution with a loud mission: Pinnacle. What began as one therapy center is now a 70-city movement. What started as a mothers desperation is now a patented model. And what was once unmeasured is now being scored, mapped, and transformed with intelligence, empathy, and design. This is not just Indias story. This is a new chapter in how the world understands autism. And it starts on the floor, in a village, with a mother, a mango card, and a child who had no words now reaching out to the world with her eyes. The Silence India Lived With In India, the silence around child development didnt sound like neglect. It sounded like waiting.For decades, autism and speech delay were misunderstood as defiance, shyness, or bad parenting. Children who couldnt express themselves were labeled slow, stubborn, or worse. Schools had no frameworks. Pediatricians had few screening tools. And families were told to do the most dangerous thing of all: Wait and see. But the numbers kept growing. The data told a quiet story. An estimated 1 in 68 children in India may be on the autism spectrum a number likely underreported. 1 in 5 kids now show signs of speech or communication delay before the age of five. And perhaps most alarmingly, over 90% of neurodevelopmental issues remain undiagnosed or untreated until it is too late. In rural areas, one therapist may serve an entire district. In urban centers, waitlists stretch into months. Special education is an afterthought in most schools. Inclusion is more policy than practice. There is no unified screening protocol. No developmental scoring method. No language for families to understand what is truly happening to their children. And so, families waited. Hoped. Googled. Whispered. Cried. Because what India faced was not just a clinical gap. It was a crisis of clarity. Without data, there was no direction. Without tools, there was no therapy. Without language, there was no understanding. And without understanding there was no hope. Until the silence met a system. One not handed down but built from the ground up. Until that system gave parents something they had never had before: A score. A plan. A voice. For free autism guidance in your language, call 9100181181 or WhatsApp us directly. The Rise of Pinnacle It did not begin with a plan. It began with a mother. A mother sitting across from doctors, specialists, and institutions that offered only three things: confusion, caution, and delay. Dr. Sreeja Reddy Saripalli was not just a healthcare entrepreneur. She was a mother. And like millions of parents across India, she was told to wait. To hope. To observe. But waiting was not enough. And hope, without a system, was cruelty. So she built what she could not find. In a modest room in Hyderabad above a street shop, beside the sound of temple bells she began assembling a team: speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavior analysts, special educators all united by one question: What if we created a place that understood not just autism, but kids, parents, families? What followed was not a clinic. It was a quiet revolution. What followed was not a clinic. It was a quiet revolution. By 2014, the first center opened therapy wasnt a service. It was an ecosystem. By 2015, TherapySphere was born a safe and secure integrated therapy. By 2016, PinnacleNationalHeroesstarted serving Army, Navvy, Airforce, Police, Govt. Doctors, Muncipality Sanitation Workers families with LifeTime Free Therapy Service as gratitude to their service to mother nation. By 2019, AbilityScore was born a single number to bring clarity to chaos. By 2020, the team had grown but the mission remained maternal. Mothers led. Women ran the show. Therapists became visionaries. Technology learned to speak empathy. By 2021, TherapeuticAI was in deployment. Not marketing fluff but a tool helping therapists in Khammam, Karimnagar, and Kakinada track meltdowns, predict behaviors, and plan therapy in real time. By 2022, SEVA was alive. Farmers, Meager Wage Employees, Daily Wage Labour..Children whose families earned less than 25,000/month received the same therapy no lines, no labels, no hierarchy. By 2023, Pinnacle wasnt just growing. It had become Indias quiet answer to the loudest question in global child development. It is easy to call this a startup. But startups aim to disrupt. This movement aimed to restore. To restore what was stolen from parents time, clarity, community, and belief. To restore what was never given to children a system built around them. Today, Pinnacle is a name. But more than that, it is a network of belief: 70+ centers 1,600+ trained experts 19 million+ sessions delivered Families from every language, religion, income level A score, a system, and a story that did not wait for permission Because when institutions fail to build for children, it is often the mothers who do. And in Pinnacles rise, India didnt just get a therapy provider it uncovered a model of whats possible when science kneels at the feet of empathy, and structure learns to serve love. The Innovation Stack When the world thinks of innovation, it often imagines billion-dollar valuations, West Coast algorithms, and venture capital buzzwords. But in India, in a therapy network led by mothers and powered by empathy, innovation took a different shape. It took the shape of: - A score that made sense of uncertainty - An AI engine that predicted meltdowns before they happened - A therapy room that spoke in color, not command - A program that turned therapy from privilege into routine - A model that gave dignity, not discounts - And a promise made not to investors, but to the nations defenders This is Pinnacles Innovation Stack a globally unmatched suite of patented systems, AI-powered intelligence, and people-first designs that bring scientific precision to emotional needs at scale. For the first time in global autism history, this stack wasnt built for journals. It was built for real families in real Indian towns. Because when institutions fail to build for children, it is often the mothers who do. A universal score that ends parental guesswork. The worlds first developmental score that tells parents: Where their child is thriving Where support is needed Where urgent help is critical Patented across 160+ countries, it distills 344 skills into a single, understandable number between 01000. No jargon. No ambiguity. Just clarity. This isnt a label. Its a map out of fear showing parents, teachers, and doctors when to act and how. And for the first time, India didnt adopt a Western metric. It created the worlds first AI that listens, learns, and adapts like the best therapists do. Built not in Silicon Valley, but in Hyderabad. Not to monetise data, but to humanise therapy. This AI engine: Tracks behavioral and emotional patterns across 344 skill dimensions Predicts escalation before it happens Supports therapists to adapt their plan in real time Its not a chatbot. Not a dashboard. Its listening intelligence tuned to children who havent yet found the words. 3. SEVA Therapy without tiers. Access without shame. SEVA is Pinnacles subsidized therapy access model but without branding, queues, or exclusions. Families earning less than 25,000/month walk into the same center, sit in the same waiting room, meet the same therapists, and receive the same innovation. This isnt aid. Its access with dignity and its the most scalable, stigma-free inclusion system in child therapy in the Global South. 4. TherapySphere Rooms that heal without speaking. Step into any of Pinnacles 70+ centers and you wont find cold white walls or institutional silence. Youll find color, light, textures, tunnels, softness, rhythm each calibrated for: Reducing anxiety Stimulating neuroplasticity Aligning spatial cues with the childs therapy profile Its not a clinic. Its a sacred design system for healing, born from Indian sensitivity and universal neurobiology. 5. Everyday Therapy Programs Therapy that begins where the family is and stays. Therapy is not just what happens in sessions. Its what happens: At dinner In the car Before school On the floor with a plastic spoon This system converts structured therapy into: Daily goals Home-based routines Mobile-aided modules in local languages It makes therapy not episodic but everyday. 6. PinnacleNationalHeroes Therapy as gratitude. Health as national service. Launched in 2016, this innovation is a lifetime therapy commitment to the children of Indias unsung protectors: Army, Navy, Air Force Police &Para-military Government doctors, municipal sanitation workers, and essential frontline staff There is no paperwork. No billing. No announcement. Just a lifetime pass, quietly honored, to say: Because you served the nation, your childs future is our duty. What Makes This Stack Revolutionary Fully integrated no silos between diagnosis, delivery, or data AI-validated, therapist-tested, and parent-proven Multilingual, multi-sensory, and universally local Already scaled: 70+ centers 1,600+ experts 19 million+ sessions delivered Thousands of families rerouted toward possibility This is not a tech stack. This is Indias first therapeutic operating system one that doesnt run on machines, but on meaning. A system that makes therapy as regular as a pulse, as intuitive as a parents gaze, and as irreversible as a childs right to grow. Real Lives, Real Proof You can measure science in numbers. But you can only measure trust in the lives it changes. At Pinnacle Blooms Network, proof is not written in pitch decks. It is written in the halting first syllable of a child once thought voiceless. In a fathers stillness when he hears the word Appa for the first time. In a therapist who chooses to miss her bus home because today, the child finally made eye contact. Pinnacle is available in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and 70+ cities Find your nearest center at https://pinnacleblooms.org/centers Khammam, Telangana Ravi, age 6. Non-verbal. Frequent meltdowns. His mother a sanitation worker was told he was too aggressive for therapy. Pushed out of two schools. Labeled beyond help. Enrolled under SEVA, Ravis AbilityScore was in the red across all domains. Three months later: Follows single-step instructions Uses sign for water and food Stops hitting his head during transitions Before Pinnacle, we used to tie his hands to stop the hurting. Now, we tie his drawings to the fridge to celebrate, says his mother, Meena. Bengaluru, Karnataka Fatima, age 11. Speech delayed. Withdrawn. Misdiagnosed as defiant. With TherapeuticAI, her therapy plan was recalibrated weekly. Emotional triggers flagged. Intervention adapted in real time. Six months later: She reads poetry in school She has two friends And recently, she told her mother: I like who Im becoming. That sentence alone was worth a thousand sessions Chennai, Tamil Nadu Rajiv, son of a constable and a government school teacher. Refused by three schools. Diagnosed through AbilityScore, enrolled into Everyday Therapy Within six months: Integrated into mainstream education Won a district art award Learned to pack his school bag independently His parents no longer ask, Will he catch up? Now they ask, What can we help him achieve next? Eluru, Andhra Pradesh Shanvika, age 4. Born with a hearing impairment. Her therapist, Manju, stayed late twice a week to custom-build visual sequences in her local dialect and hand-sign vocabulary. By her sixth month: Expressive vocabulary: 80+ signs AbilityScore improved across five skill clusters Hugged her therapist and signed: Youre my friend. It wasnt captured on video. It didnt go viral. But it changed two lives. And then, recognitions followed. Featured inTimes of India (2020) for redefining autism therapy at scale Praxis Media Award (2021) for women-led innovation YourStory Spotlight (2023) for building a movement, not a marketplace Entrepreneur Insights (2023) for creating Indias most inclusive, women-powered therapy ecosystem Indo Global Excellence Award (2024) conferred by the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, recognizing Pinnacle as India-Pacifics #1 Autism Therapy Network But none of these awards outweigh: The childs whisper of their first word The mothers look of recognition The therapists quiet nod when a new milestone is reached Pinnacles proof is not in publications. It is in presence. In rural homes. In high-rise apartments. In dusty folders now marked with progress. In families that now believe help isnt just possible its nearby. Real lives changed. Real voices unlocked. Real progress mapped. That is the proof. That is Pinnacle. Book Free AbilityScore Assessment, a Speech Therapy Screening, Occupational Therapy, Explore Special Education Support, or Start Behavior Therapy Today, Call Free National Autism Helpline 9100 181181 Indias Recognition, the Worlds Realisation At first, it was the parents who noticed. Then the therapists. Then the first district official who leaned over a therapy progress report and whispered, Weve never seen a model like this. We need this everywhere. And then something shifted. From the modest therapy corridors of Khammam to the Sunday headlines of national media, India began to realise that something world-changing was growing in its own backyard. It wasnt just that Pinnacle was working. It was how it was working with science and soul, with structure and softness, with mothers at the helm and children at the heart. National Honors and Media Validation Times of India National Spotlight (2020) In a full-page feature titled Spreading Smiles Like a Dash of Sunshine, Pinnacle was honoured as South Indias Best Autism Therapy Network. But the real headline wasnt the award it was the editorial remark that followed: This isnt a center. This is a movement led by science, soul, and systems. Praxis Media Women Leadership Award (2021) Awarded to Dr Sreeja Reddy Saripalli, not for a campaign, but for a revolution: A national therapy model built by mothers, run by women, and scaled by systems. YourStory Entrepreneur Spotlight (2023) Pinnacle was not profiled as a startup. It was profiled as a public health framework AI-enabled, mother-powered, scalable without sacrificing humanity. Entrepreneur Insights Best Place to Work (2023) Recognised for: 72% women-led workforce Continuous therapist upskilling Indias first trauma-informed, dignity-first work culture in therapy Indo Global Excellence Award (2024) Conferred by the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, this honor named Pinnacle the #1 Autism Therapy Network across India-Pacific for its patented innovations, public-private hybrid architecture, and impact at scale. These werent PR gimmicks. These were institutional recognitions that validated something never seen before in global child development: That India, not the West, had built the worlds first complete autism care infrastructure. That a mother, not a venture fund, had led it. That a system with no asterisks, no paywalls, and no branded tiers was now charting, scoring, tracking, and transforming millions of futures. The World Begins to Turn Its Head And then the calls started coming. Stanford, Heidelberg, Singapore Institute of Mental Health requesting academic collaboration Ministries from Nepal, UAE, Kenya, Bangladesh inquiring about AbilityScore licensing UNICEF inviting Pinnacle to present SEVA as a replicable rural care model WHO-SEARO referencing TherapeuticAI in emerging frameworks for tech-integrated early intervention Pinnacles Name Began Appearing in Unexpected Places In UN development drafts on global childhood digital health In AI policy whitepapers, not under chatbots but under empathy engines In mother-led economic innovation summits as a blueprint for health systems built from the ground up Pinnacle was no longer a network. It was a reference architecture. A standard. Recognition didnt make Pinnacle real. But it made the world pause and realise what India had done. Not built a therapy company. Not launched a campaign. But drafted a new playbook for the planet: Measurable care AI-enhanced therapy Inclusive design Dignity-first delivery Scaled without dilution India awarded it. The world noticed it. And now, the world is ready to learn from it or risk staying behind. Why This Model Works If autism therapy were only about diagnosis, then software could solve it. If it were only about compassion, then goodwill would be enough. But therapy real therapy is not just diagnosis or compassion. It is precision with empathy. Structure with soul. Intelligence that listens. And that is why Pinnacle works because it wasnt built from policy whitepapers or VC slides. It was built from Indias reality. And it was designed to last. Language Diversity as a Design Principle India doesnt speak one language. Neither should its therapy. Pinnacle functions in 16+ regional tongues, with therapy protocols tailored to: The childs spoken language The caregivers literacy The communitys cultural rhythm From Hyderabad to Hosur, Miryalaguda to Mumbai, Chennai to Karimnagar, children are not asked to adjust the therapy system adjusts to them. Because a word in English isnt the same as a glance in Telugu. And therapy doesnt work if the child doesnt feel understood. Geographic Penetration Without Fragility Most models collapse outside metros. Pinnacle grows stronger in Indias second and third-tier cities. Why? Because it is: Locally staffed Modular by design Resilient via cloud + edge AI Delivering goals via WhatsApp + SMS, not just apps This isnt a Western model adapted to India. Its an Indian model built for India and ready for the world. A Human-AI Partnership That Honors Intuition Most AI in therapy mimics. Pinnacles AI empowers. TherapeuticAI enhances therapist intuition AbilityScore replaces ambiguity with action Behavior Prediction Engine doesnt surveil it prepares This is not tech-first. It is human-first, tech-powered built to make therapy smarter, faster, kinder. Inclusion Not As Slogan But As System Architecture In most systems, inclusion is an initiative. In Pinnacle, inclusion is the infrastructure. A farmers child sits beside a finance executives A sanitation workers daughter receives therapy in the same room as a diplomats son No SEVA lines. No colored cards. No social hierarchy This is true equality not positioned. Practiced. Why It Doesnt Break at Scale Therapy systems fail for three reasons: Lack of protocol Staff burnout Parent disengagement Pinnacle preempted all three: Protocol: via standardized, patented, cross-checkable innovations People: via 72% women-led teams, upskilled, celebrated, retained Parents: via Everyday Therapy, mobile access, language-aligned reports This is not a fragile pilot. This is a resilient, regenerative ecosystem with built-in feedback loops across every level. Globally Adaptable. Fiercely Local. Universally Needed. Could it work in: Kenya? Absolutely. Philippines? Easily. UK boroughs with South Asian diaspora? Already being explored. Conflict zones where children are forgotten before theyre found? Especially there. Because this system doesnt depend on bandwidth or budget. It depends on belief, blueprint, and belonging Why does this model work? Because it is not a compromise. It is not a copy. It is a conviction. Designed in India. Led by mothers. Built for every child the world forgot to include. What the World Can Learn For decades, the Global South was cast as the recipient of solutions. Ideas flowed downward from labs in the West to clinics in the East. Packaged. Priced. Poorly translated. Often impractical. But Pinnacle didnt wait for an imported blueprint. It built one. From scratch. For its people. In its languages. At a scale the West still struggles to comprehend. And now, the world isnt responding with charity. Its responding with respect. A Model for ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America The company claims that in Kenya, only 3 government-certified child therapists serve 6 million children. The company claims that in Indonesia, autism remains cloaked in stigma, whispered but rarely addressed. The company claims that in rural Peru, speech delay is often diagnosed four years too late if at all. These regions dont need imported solutions. They need a replicable framework. And thats what Pinnacle offers. Because this system is: Language-agnostic (operates in 16+ tongues) Infrastructure-light (runs on edge devices, low-bandwidth AI) Community-powered (trained caregivers can deliver Everyday Therapy) Designed for dignity (SEVA makes equity default, not decorative) What India built isnt a franchise. Its a framework. A flexible, intelligent, mother-powered therapeutic grid for the Global South and beyond. What Makes It Universally Adaptable Scoring System: AbilityScore doesnt care about borders. It maps skills and skills are universal. AI Core: TherapeuticAI adapts to child behavior, not GPS coordinates. Sensory Design:TherapySphere rooms heal without language through light, texture, tone, and safety. Parent-Led Integration: Everyday Therapy turns homes, huts, and hostels into micro-therapy centers. Cultural Calibration: Therapy here doesnt ask children to adapt to the system. It asks the system to adapt to the child. This isnt Made in India. Its meant for everywhere. A South-South Offering Not an Export Pinnacle isnt exporting. Its inviting. We, too, struggled. This is what helped us. If it helps you take it. Adapt it. Own it. Lead with it. From , from Botswana to Bangladesh, from rural Tamil Nadu to refugee camps in Jordan, there are parents asking the same silent question: Will someone understand my child? Pinnacle doesnt bring answers. It brings tools to find your own. Why This Moment Matters Because for the first time, the global autism story is not being told by Boston or Berlin. Its being told by: A therapist in Eluru A mother in Warangal A grandmother in Vijayawada An AI model trained in Karimnagar A child who said Amma for the first time in Miryalaguda These voices are no longer whispers. Theyre becoming templates for transformation. What the World Can Learn That innovation is not geography. Its empathy. That scale is not funding. Its community. That progress isnt a pipeline. Its a partnership. And that the next global standard for child development may not come from Geneva or Washington But from India. From a woman. From a village. From a mother who refused to wait. What Comes Next? It started with one center. Now there are 70. Across 70 cities. Staffed by 1,600+ trained professionals. Backed by 19 million+ therapy sessions. And still its only just beginning. Because Pinnacles vision doesnt stop at Indias borders. It stretches across time zones and zip codes to every village, every megacity, every continent where: A child still waits in silence A parent still fears asking the wrong question A school still isnt ready And a government still doesnt know where to start The Road Ahead Isnt a Line. Its a Living Grid. Pinnacle isnt expanding. Its inviting. Not to a franchise. To a framework. Not to a transaction. To a transformation. An open-source, multilingual, mother-driven, AI-powered ecosystem offered to the world. To Ministries of Health. To Heads of State. To UNICEF and WHO. To diaspora educators. To mother networks in Nairobi and Manila. To health secretariats in Sao Paulo and Abu Dhabi. Come co-build with us. Whats Already Underway UAE: Exploring AbilityScore for public developmental clinics in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah UK: Autism inclusion councils reviewing TherapeuticAI for boroughs with high South Asian density USA: Medicaid-aligned pediatric orgs assessing SEVA deployment in low-income ZIP codes Africa (Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda): Community therapists training in Everyday Therapy Maldives: Island-wide school health boards evaluating AI-based early screening via AbilityScore This isnt hypothetical. Its already happening The Vision: 90 Crore Children. One Shared System. Every child regardless of race, religion, or region deserves more than a diagnosis. They deserve a map. Not a label. Not a waitlist. Not a brochure. But a data-backed, empathy-aligned, parent-empowering roadmap that tells them: What their brain needs What their emotions mean What their family can do What progress looks like This is the vision: A global child development dashboard powered by AbilityScore AI-enabled therapy co-pilots that speak your language A SEVA equity model transcending borders from Kerala to Kampala Community therapists trained by mothers and machines side by side And a world where autism is no longer something families whisper about but something they understand, track, support, and celebrate But Pinnacle Cant Do This Alone Pinnacle doesnt seek to dominate. It seeks to dismantle barriers. It seeks alignment. Integration. Shared sovereignty in child care innovation. So here is the open call not a press release, but a pledge of partnership: To Ministries of Health: Lets co-create your countrys developmental index To AI Labs: Lets train your models in your dialects To Foundations: Lets fund SEVA where your impact is needed most To Education Systems: Lets embed Everyday Therapy into curricula To Parent Networks and Therapists: Lets build the worlds first open-source, mother-powered therapy intelligence platform This Is Not A Rollout. This Is A Realignment of Whats Possible. India has already built what no other country has: A therapy ecosystem backed by data Powered by AI Guided by mothers And open to the world The next chapter begins not with what Pinnacle can do next but with who has the courage to stand beside it. The world waited 144 years to understand autism and it was India, through the hands of its mothers, that finally gave it a voice. This is not a story. This is a standard. This is not a press release. This is a precedent. This is not a tribute to Pinnacle. It is a tribute to what becomes possible when a country: Builds from its roots Leads with its women And listens to its children Pinnacle isnt just Indias answer. It is the worlds new question: If this was possible there why not everywhere? You can avail Free autism screening or Get Started with AbilityScore This life empowering innovation editorial is co-created by the Integrated Global Experts Consortium behind Pinnacles patented AbilityScore and TherapeuticAI systems. (This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.) New Delhi: Will AI take away jobs in the future? According to Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, the answer is a concerning yes. He warns that artificial intelligence is set to disrupt the job market within the next five years. With rapid advancements in AI technology, Hassabis urges teenagers and young professionals to start preparing now as the nature of work is expected to change dramatically in the near future. AI is the Future for Gen Alpha During a popular tech podcast called Hard Fork, Hassabis encouraged teenagers to dive head-first into artificial intelligence and called it the defining technology of their generation. He said, "Just as the internet shaped millennials and smartphones defined Gen Z, generative AI is the hallmark of Gen Alpha." Looking ahead, he added, "Over the next 5 to 10 years, I think we're going to find what normally happens with big new technology shifts, which is that some jobs get disrupted. But new, more valuable, usually more interesting jobs get created." Learn AI Early and Get Ahead Hassabis, on the podcast urged young people to start learning about AI tools and how they work as early as possible. He said, "Whatever happens with these AI tools, you'll be better off understanding how they work, and how they function, and what you can do with them." He also encouraged students preparing for university to change their mindset and become ninjas with the latest technologies. "Immerse yourself now," he added. "Learning to learn is key." His advice reflects the increasing focus on AI in education today. STEM Skills and Creativity Matter Hassabis also stresses the importance of a solid foundation in basic education, especially in STEM subjectsScience, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. Along with this, students should focus on building skills like creativity, adaptability, and resilience. He said, These are the capabilities that will help the next generation thrive. Getting good at the basics of STEM is still crucial, but equally important is developing the mindset to navigate constant change. AIs Growing Impact Makes This Crucial This insight is especially important now, after Google announced major upgrades to its AI products at the I/O 2025 eventmost notably the Veo 3 AI video generator that powers Google Flow. As AI tools start playing a bigger role in movie production and other fields, Hassabis advice feels more relevant than ever. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Japan has expressed continued interest in investing in various projects in Iran, said Maekawa Nobutaka, special representative of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Trend reports. Speaking at an event in Tehran marking the 96th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Japan, Nobutaka noted that Japan's eye is still on the prize when it comes to investing in Iran. However, sanctions against Iran have thrown a wrench in the works of trade between the countries, which is a red flag for many. Nobutaka added that JETRO is committed to maintaining its operations in Iran to ensure that Japanese companies interested in working in the country can continue their activities. At the same event, Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi, Deputy Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade and head of Irans Trade Promotion Organization (TPO), highlighted the effective cooperation between the TPO and JETRO, expressing Irans eagerness to benefit from Japans expertise in trade. Dehnavi also mentioned that Iran is all set to roll out the red carpet for JETRO specialists to swap knowledge and experiences. Irans Customs Administration data shows that exports from Iran to Japan reached $209,000 with a volume of 85 tons in the first month of the current Iranian year (from March 21 through April 20, 2025), while imports from Japan amounted to $6.3 million, weighing 572 tons. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel New Delhi: Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, Thailand's King Rama X's disowned son, has become a Buddhist monk. The ordination ceremony of Vacharaesorn was posted on his official Instagram account which fuelled speculation over whether he could re-enter the royal fold. The ceremony was conducted on Vesak Day which is a prominent Buddhist holiday. Some observers have raised the question whether these spiritual endeavours could signal a return to royal goodwill. Who is Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse? Vacharaesorn, called Than Oun, is the second son of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his former wife Sujarinee Vivacharawongse. Born in 1981, Vacharaesorn was raised in the United States. He was exiled from the Thai royal family in 1996 along with his mother and three brothers. Vacharaesorn stayed abroad for a long time, yet kept in touch with the Thai community. He returned to Thailand in 2023 and was spotted at several public events. Many people believe that Vacharaesorns return to Bangkok could be a sign that he is trying to rekindle his fathers favour. Who is King Rama X? King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 72, took over the Thai throne in 2016 after the death of his father. Known formally as Rama X, he has been married four times and has a queen and a royal consort. The royal succession has been called into question because of his health, age and complicated family relations. Why is the royal succession unclear? Thailand's laws of succession give preference to male heirs. King Rama Xs only officially recognised son Prince Dipangkorn is thought to have a developmental disorder that could make it difficult for him to rule. Most of Rama Xs other sons, including Vacharaesorn, lost their royal titles in 1996. Why could Vivacharawongse be a possible heir? After being formally expelled from the royal line almost thirty years ago, Vacharaesorn is currently undergoing a quiet rehabilitation. Male royals in Thailand customarily reside in a monastery for a while before assuming public positions, according to Vanitatis. Many thinkers now see Vivacharawongse's ordination as a sign that he may be about to be reinstated. New Delhi: Digital payments firm Worldline ePayments India Private Limited on Tuesday announced that it has received authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an Export-Import Payment Aggregator - Cross-Border. According to a statement from its parent firm, Worldline India, this authorisation enables Worldline ePayments India to facilitate cross-border online transactions for the import and export of goods and services. Worldline ePayments India received the official communication from the RBI on May 21, 2025. Ramesh Narasimhan, Chief Executive Officer - India, Worldline, said, Weve been present in the Indian market for over two decades and have established a leadership position across sectors. We serve merchants in diverse segments such as e-commerce, BFSI, retail, utilities, education, travel, and hospitality. This authorisation from the RBI is a strong endorsement of our unwavering commitment to the Indian market. It reaffirms our focus on regulatory compliance and underscores the importance of a secure and well-regulated payments ecosystem, added Narasimhan. In addition to the newly granted Payment Aggregator - Cross-Border (PA-CB) licence, the company statement said Worldline ePayments India is also authorised to operate as an online payment aggregator (PA) and a Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU), enabling digital payments for domestic merchants across the country. In India, Worldline is a leading omnichannel payments technology player, building a robust payment ecosystem for over 26 years. Worldline said it is the preferred partner for over 30 leading public and private sector banks, as well as key sectors such as NBFCs, insurance companies, e-commerce businesses, startups, retail brands, and hotel chains, among others. JAC Result 2025: The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) is set to declare the Matric or Class 10 final exam results on May 27 on its official website. The results will first be announced during a press conference scheduled at 11.30 AM, after which students will be able to access their results online through the official websites jac.jharkhand.gov.in and jacresults.com. This year, the JAC Class 10 board exams were conducted from February 11 to March 3, 2025, during the morning session from 9.45 AM to 1 PM. Meanwhile, the Class 12 exams were held in the afternoon shift, running from 2:00 PM to 5.15 PM. In addition to the theory exams, practical exams for Class 10 took place between March 4 and March 20, 2025. Similarly, the Intermediate (Class 12) practical examinations for Science, Commerce, and Arts streams were conducted during the same period, from March 4 to March 20, 2025. A total of 4,33,890 students appeared for the Matriculation (Class 10) exams, while 3,50,138 students took the Intermediate (Class 12) exams conducted by the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) during FebruaryMarch 2025. To facilitate the smooth conduct of the exams, the council established 1,297 centres for the matric exams and 789 centres for the intermediate exams across the state. JAC Result 2025: Here's how to download Step 1: Visit the official website at rajpsp.nic.in Step 2: Scroll down to the Quick Links section and click on Exam Result Class 8, Session 2025. Step 3: Choose your District, enter your Roll Number, and fill in the Captcha code as shown. Step 4: Your result will appear on the screen. Step 5: Check your scorecard and download it for future reference. JAC Result 2025: Past year trends In 2024, the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) declared the Class 10 results on April 19. The overall pass percentage stood at 90.39%. Out of the 4,21,678 students who registered for the JAC Class 10 exams, 4,18,623 appeared, and 3,78,398 successfully passed. The pass percentage for girls was slightly higher at 91 percent, while the boys' pass percentage was 89.70 percent. New Delhi: In a surprising turn of events, the Congress has significantly narrowed the spending gap with the BJP in the recent Delhi Assembly elections, held in the month of February. According to the election expenditure reports submitted to the Election Commission, the BJP emerged as the top spender with an overall expenditure of Rs 57 crore. However, the Congress declared an expenditure of Rs 46.18 crore, a substantial increase from its spending in the 2020 Assembly elections. According to a report in The Indian Express, in 2020, the BJP had spent Rs 41.06 crore, which was 48% more than the Congress's expenditure of Rs 27.67 crore. This time, the gap has narrowed, with the Congress spending just 25% less than the BJP. The BJP's expenditure report reveals that it spent Rs 39.14 crore on general party propaganda and Rs 18.5 crore on its candidates. In contrast, the Congress spent more on general party campaigning, with Rs 40.13 crore going towards propaganda and Rs 6.05 crore towards its candidates. The BJP's dominance in spending was also evident in its digital advertising efforts. According to a previous report, the party outspent its opponents by at least three times on Meta platforms, spending Rs 4.15 crore on advertising in Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was a distant second, spending Rs 1.38 crore, while the Congress spent Rs 66.62 lakh. Notably, 91.8% of the BJP's advertising expenditure was through its Delhi unit's official handle. The AAP, which went into the February election as the incumbent, spent the least among the three main parties, with an overall expenditure of Rs 14.51 crore. Of this, Rs 12.12 crore went towards general party propaganda, while Rs 2.39 crore was spent on candidates. In comparison, the AAP had declared Rs 21.06 crore as its overall election expenditure in 2020, the report further stated. The BJP's financial war chest was also impressive, starting the 2025 polls with a balance of Rs 89.92 crore and receiving an additional Rs 93.42 lakh during the election period. The party ended the polls with a balance of Rs 91.1 crore. A report by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) also revealed that the BJP's winning candidates spent more than their AAP counterparts, with 31 MLAs declaring that they had spent less than half of the permissible limit of Rs 40 lakh in their constituencies. The increased spending by Congress suggests a more aggressive campaign strategy, which may have contributed to its performance in the elections. The BJP's expenditure pattern, on the other hand, indicates a focus on both party propaganda and candidate-centric campaigns. The Election Commission's data on election expenditure provides valuable insights into the financial muscle flexed by parties during the polls. In the election results, the BJP emerged victorious, winning 48 of the 70 seats and returning to power in Delhi after over two-and-a-half decades. The AAP finished second with 22 seats, while the Congress failed to open its account in the capital for the third consecutive time. New Delhi: Today is the 285th birth anniversary of Afghanistan. It was on this day when India - a territory of the Mughal empire - lost its control over a significant area of land. And this is how Afghanistan was born. Emperor Muhammad Shah Rangila signed a treaty with Persian invaded Nadir Shah on May 26, 1739 for the formal cession of key Afghan territories to Persia. Rangila had to sign the agreement as a result of a crushing defeat - which followed Shah's invasion. The development changed the geography and political landscape of the subcontinent for ever. Plagued by repeated invasions, financial troubles and internal strife, by early 18th century, the Mughal empire had started to fall. The Mughals had lost control over their far-away territories because of Rangila's ineffective rule. The outcome of the Battle of Karnal in 1739 that was fought near today's Haryana was an indication of the weakening of the empire. Nadir Shah's Rise and Expansionist Ambition Shah, during that period, emerged as a powerful military leader in Persia (today's Iran) who overthrew the Safavid dynasty - setting his sights on expansion. Strategically located between the Mughal Empire and Persia, he made Afghanistan his first target. Began in 1738 with the capture of Kandahar from the Ghilzai Afghans, Shah then moved quickly to take over Ghazni and Kabul - both under nominal Mughal control. Already weakened, the Mughal forces failed to offer strong resistance. As a result, the Persian ruler had made inroads into northern India by early 1739. On February 24, 1739, Shah defeated the Mughal army at the Battle of Karnal and took into custody Nizam-ul-Mulk (Rangila's key general). His forces then advanced towards Delhi and carried out a trail of destruction and massacre. The Persian army looted the city for a week and seized immense wealth, which also included the much talked about Koh-i-Noor diamond. Kandahar Treaty Left with no option, Rangile proposed ceasefire to put an end to the bloodshed. It resulted into the Kandahar Treaty, according to which the Mughals handed over a vast region west of the Indus River, including Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, parts of Sindh, Kandahar, Ghazni and Kabul. In addition, the Mughals also had to pay a massive indemnity to Shah. Afghanistan's Birth Though the then Mughal territories came under Persian control, the situation in just seven years. Shah was killed in 1747 by his commander, Ahmad Shah Durrani, an Afghan general who then established the Durrani Empire. Durrani is credited with laying the foundations of modern Afghanistan. He established it as a seperate geographic and political state. The Kandahar Treaty remains an important event in the history of South Asia that marked the irreversible decline of Mughal authority and the emergence of Afghanistan as an independent region. The Indian all-party parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Tuesday explained India's new approach of zero tolerance against terrorism and rejection of nuclear blackmail by Pakistan during an engaging and productive interaction with the President of the Slovenian Association for International Relations (SDMO), Marjan Setinc, and other senior members. The delegation also highlighted India's actions following the dastardly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent launch of Operation Sindoor. "A successful Mission concludes. The all-Party delegation led by MP Kanimozhi concluded its useful and highly productive visit to Slovenia. Extensive engagements and effective public messaging garnered support & appreciation for India's new normal of zero tolerance against cross-border terrorism," the Embassy of India in Slovenia posted on X. Concluding their successful visit to Slovenia, the all-Party delegation led by Honble MP Smt. @KanimozhiDMK departed Ljubljana. The visit highlighted Indias new normal of zero tolerance against cross-border terrorism and strengthened the shared commitment of India and pic.twitter.com/3hdCESoAme India in Slovenia (@IndiainSlovenia) May 27, 2025 It said that rich discussions with the senior foreign policy practitioners were helpful in building a better appreciation of India's principled stance and strengthening India-Slovenia cooperation in the fight against terror. The Kanimozhi-led delegation includes Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.); RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal; and former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri. Continuing their engagements during their second day in Slovenia, the delegation also called on Marko Lotric, President of the National Council of Slovenia, conveying India's resolute stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism and the 'new normal' after Operation Sindoor. They appreciated Slovenia's role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in promoting global peace and its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism that needs to be eradicated. "During our second day in Slovenia, we had a meaningful interaction with Marko Lotric, President of the National Council of Slovenia. We reiterated India's firm stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism and discussed the evolving global security framework in the wake of Operation Sindoor. We also appreciated Slovenia's significant contribution as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), particularly its clear and consistent condemnation of terrorism and its commitment to global peace," Ashok Mittal posted on X. During our second day in Slovenia, we had a meaningful interaction with H.E. Marko Lotric, President of the National Council of Slovenia. We reiterated Indias firm stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism and discussed the evolving global security framework in the wake of https://t.co/6XYrs071lR Ashok Kumar Mittal (@DrAshokKMittal) May 27, 2025 Earlier on Monday, the delegation engaged with Predrag Bakovic, Chairperson of the Foreign Policy Committee of the National Assembly, and Miroslav Gregoric of the India-Slovenia Parliamentary Friendship Group, conveying India's strong commitment to zero tolerance against terrorism and national consensus on this issue. The Slovenian side reaffirmed its condemnation of terrorism as pure evil that cannot be justified in any form. The delegation also elaborated on India's 'new normal' of zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism and appreciated Slovenias unequivocal condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and its support for India in its fight against terror during their meeting with Vojko Volk, State Secretary and National Coordinator for National and International Security in the Office of the Prime Minister of Slovenia. Later, the delegation held a comprehensive and engaging interaction with members of the Slovenian media, including prominent newspapers and television channels highlighting India's resolute action against cross-border terrorism as a new normal and the national political consensus in India on absolute zero tolerance on terrorism from Pakistan. They also interacted with a wide range of dignitaries from the government, academia, the business community, think tanks, as well as prominent members of the Indian diaspora at a reception hosted by the Indian Ambassador to Slovenia, Amit Narang. The delegation, part of India's global diplomatic outreach campaign to highlight the significance of Operation Sindoor and India's continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, reached Slovenia following a successful visit to Russia, reaffirming India's firm stance on combating terrorism. New Delhi: With an aim to bolster national security and strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday approved the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) a fifth generation stealth fighter jet. The programme will be implemented by the Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with industry partners. The decision has enabled India enter the elite club of countries that develop the medium-weight and multi-role aircraft which will be capable of carrying out deep-strike missions. The AMCA will be equipped with low observable technologies to lessen its radar signature. It will help the aircraft evade infrared tracking system and enemys radar. The technology will allow it to operate with least chances of detection and high degree of survivability in a contested environment. The jet will use radar-absorbent material and have a stealth-optimised airframe and internal weapons bay to further reduce the chances of radar detection. Apart from its stealth capabilities, the AMCA will feature advanced avionics including electronic warfare systems and sensor fusion. It will also have artificial intelligence-supported flight systems, infrared search and track (IRST) system and active electronically scanned array (AESA). It is expected that the fighter will offer supercruise capability that will enable it to fly at supersonic speeds even without using afterburners. The jet will be capable of carrying air-to-ground and air-to-air weaponry. It can be upgraded in future with provisions of directed energy weapons and for integration of unmanned systems. The AMCA project is strategically seen as a response to evolving regional security challenges especially in the context of reports about stealth air cooperation between Pakistan and China. The project is aimed at enhancing Indias ability to maintain air dominance and carry out precision operations across a wide range of threat environments. It also reflects Indias commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing sector. Both public and private sectors will take part in the project under a competitive bidding model that will support the growth of domestic aerospace ecosystem. The estimated expenditure on the initial development phase has been calculated at around Rs 15,000 crore. The AMCA is a long desired requirement of the Indian Air Force. Jammu: Reminding Pakistan once again that its mindless and unprovoked shelling against Indian posts will be responded to effectively and loudly, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday destroyed Pakistans terror infrastructure striking a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) launchpad just 3 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC). This was not a reaction but a warning shot with precision. This was a response Pakistan did not seem to be expecting. BSF IG Shashank Anand gave details of the coordinated and deliberate assault on terror targets on the intervening night of May 9 and 10. We were ready. Their posts fired first. We responded with force, he said. He said Indias furious response flattened Pakistani posts, adding that the BSF suffered no casualties. He said that the attack that shook the border morale of the enemys forces began on May 8. By May 9, he said, Pakistan escalated the offensive by shifting its focus to northern Jammu. But India was waiting, he said, and it hit back hard and smart. We launched heavy shelling on Pakistans border belt, the IG said. He claimed 18 to 20 terrorists were hiding in Looni when India launched the precision. DIG (Sector Sundarbani) Virender Dutta revealed, Around 18-20 militants were hiding in Looni and planning to infiltrate under cover of the shelling. Their mission was to strike Indian installations. But the BSF did not let it happen, he claimed, adding that they struck and Looni was wiped out. We executed a two-phase operation. Our goal was to inflict maximum casualties on the other side. We achieved it, Dutta said. He said that Lashkar launchpads were obliterated. BSFs strike on May 9 and 10 was not accidental. It was a deliberate and planned operation wherein terror was met with tact. Launchpads were flattened and militant plans were buried, he added. This was an isolated strike. It was part of ongoing Operation Sindoor Indias massive counter response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated in Gujarat that the operation is continuing. Operation Sindoor, launched on the intervening night of May 6-7, has already eliminated more than 100 terrorists belonging to the Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), the LeT and the Hizbul Mujahideen. Though Pakistan retaliated, yet India hit harder. Pakistan responded with cross-border shelling, drone attacks and even missile strikes. In response, Indian strikes destroyed Pakistans radar systems, dismantled communication centres and damaged 11 airbases. The strike was so targeted and hard, Pakistan had to approach India with the offer of a ceasefire. On May 10, both sides announced a cessation of hostilities. But the message was clear India will strike before terrorists cross and terror launchpads are no safer. India's Fighter Jet programme: Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan and increased threat from China, India has approved the execution of its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft development plan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the programme that will see the execution and development of the 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft for the armed forces. The Ministry of Defence said that the move will give a significant push towards enhancing Indias Indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem. "Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is set to execute the programme through Industry partnership. The Execution Model approach provides equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on a competitive basis. They can bid either independently or as a joint venture or as consortia. The entity/bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country," said the Ministry. Notably, India has been working to develop a medium combat fighter jet but the plan has been in its very early stages. "This is an important step towards harnessing the indigenous expertise, capability and capacity to develop the AMCA prototype, which will be a major milestone towards Aatmanirbharta in the aerospace sector. ADA will shortly issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the AMCA Development Phase," said the Ministry. Notably, India has already developed a light combat jet Tejas in collaboration with industry and is now looking for indigenous production of the AMCA. This comes days after India and Pakistan were locked into and intense military combat where the air forces of the two nations played a crucial role in defining the moment. While India used Rafale (French aircraft) and Sukhoi (Russian aircraft), Pakistan used Chinese and US aircraft in combat. Now, India wants to reduce its reliance on foreign players for combat aircraft. The AMCA is a stealth fighter jet India is working to develop in collaboration with the industry players. It will be advanced, fast, and hard to detect by enemy radar similar to the US F-35 or China's J-20. The decision comes at a time when the US is trying to sell its F-35 jets to India. The US, China and Pakistan will now be closely monitoring India's AMCA programme. Arrested Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra knew that the Pakistani citizens she was constantly interacting with were officials associated with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan's influential spy agency. The 33-year-old YouTuber, whose channel has almost 400,000 subscribers and is dedicated to traveling, has been arrested by the police on allegations of spying for Pakistan under India's Official Secrets Act and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with threats to India's sovereignty and unity, as reported by news agency NDTV. 4 ISI Spies, 12 Terabytes Of Data Sources indicated Malhotra was directly in touch with at least four suspected Pakistani intelligence agents, Danish, Ahsan, Shahid, and another whose names have not been mentioned, whom she met individually. The investigators are trying to verify their roles within Pakistan's diplomatic or intelligence circles. Danish is said to have met Malhotra initially at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Digital equipment confiscated when she was arrested, her cell phone and laptop included, had significant portions of the content erased. But police managed to restore more than 12 terabytes of data, something that officials feel clearly indicates Malhotra's awareness of the ISI status of her contacts. "She was not afraid despite knowing she was speaking to ISI agents," a top official said on condition of anonymity. Lavish Lifestyle Raises Suspicions Malhotra's lavish lifestyle, including recent trips to Pakistan and China, had already triggered red flags with officials. Her spending patterns and travel were said to be out of proportion with her known means of income, leading the police to consider using central agencies for an investigation into a potential foreign source funding or money laundering trail. She was picked up on May 15, a week after India carried out airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir as a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. Adding mystery to the case was Malhotra, who was seen in Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore in March, accompanied by at least six armed men believed to be her own security team. A video shared by Scottish travel vlogger Callum Mill, also known online as Callum Abroad, captures Malhotra being escorted by men in plain clothes holding AK-47s. The security team wore jackets with the inscription "No Fear." In the video, Callum wondered at her heightened level of protection, uttering, "What's the need for all the guns?" while tallying several guns surrounding her. The investigators are now questioning who directed the security detail and how a foreign national was afforded such treatment, creating suspicions of Malhotra's contacts within Pakistan's establishment. Possible Additional Charges With the cache of recovered data and mounting evidence of her links, authorities say more charges can be filed pending the results of the forensic analysis. Haryana Police will be tasked with collaborating with national intelligence agencies to intensify the probe. Malhotra is meanwhile behind bars, as investigators probe the extent of her contacts with foreign intelligence agents and the national security fallout. Iran's non-oil exports to Tajikistan surge in recent months Iran's non-oil exports to Tajikistan increased by 29.5 percent in value and 19.5 percent in weight in the first month of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The total trade turnover reached $21.6 million, with 28,300 tons of goods exported. However, Iran exported 8.95 million tons of non-oil products worth $2.94 billion, an 8 percent decrease from the previous year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register New Delhi: In a significant breakthrough for security forces, top Maoist commander Tulsi Bhuiyan was killed in an encounter with security personnel in Jharkhand's Palamu district Tuesday. This marks the second consecutive day of success in ongoing anti-Maoist operations in the state. According to officials, the encounter began on Monday night in the Hussainabad subdivision of Palamu district and continued into Tuesday morning. An SLR rifle was recovered from the encounter site. Unconfirmed reports suggest that several other Maoists may have been injured or killed in the gunfight. A massive search operation has been launched across the area, with security personnel combing through the region to eliminate any remaining Maoist cadres. Senior officials, including Palamu Superintendent of Police Rishma Rameshan and top CRPF officers, are present at the spot, overseeing the operation. According to an official, the operation was launched based on intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoist commander Nitesh -- who carries a reward of Rs 15 lakh -- and his squad in Sitachuan, a forested area on the border of Mohammadganj and Haidernagar police station limits. Sanjay Godram, another Maoist with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh, is also believed to be part of this group. As police and security forces closed in on the location, Maoists opened fire, prompting the forces to retaliate. This encounter comes a day after a similar operation in Netarhat police station area of neighbouring Latehar district, where Maoist commander Manish Yadav, who carried a Rs 5 lakh reward, was killed. Another Maoist, Kundan Kharwar, with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh, was arrested during the same operation. On May 24, in an encounter in Ichwar forest of Latehar, Maoists Pappu Lohara (Rs 10 lakh reward) and Prabhat Lohara (Rs 5 lakh reward) were killed, and another injured Maoist was arrested. Earlier, on April 21, eight Maoists, including commander Prayag Manjhi -- who carried a reward of Rs 1 crore -- were killed in a major operation by security forces in the Lugu Hill area of Lalpania in Bokaro district of Jharkhand. (With inputs from IANS) New Delhi: When India launched Operation Sindoor to respond to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives, the military offensive was not the only blow dealt to the enemy. In addition to precision strikes, the Indian armed forces deployed something equally powerful a logo. It was a message of fury, a visual tribute to those who lost their lives in the Baisaran meadows and a symbol of national grief that transformed into resolve. Behind this emblem was not a design agency or an outsourced brief, two Indian Army officers who understood that war is fought not just with bullets, but with symbols designed it. While military strategists charted targets and timing, Lieutenant Colonel Havaldar Surinder Singh and Harsh Gupta were tasked with giving the operation a face. And they did it with deep emotional clarity and silence. Drawing from the raw grief of the nation, particularly the shattered lives of the widows of Pahalgam, they designed a logo that would do more than label a mission. It would tell a story. The logo features the name Operation Sindoor in bold block letters. There is a devastating detail in the logo. One of the Os is shaped like a traditional bowl of sindoor (vermillion) tipped and spilling. The red flows out like blood or like a scream. This was not mere aesthetics. In Hindu tradition, sindoor is worn by married women as a sign of marital status, love and sacred duty. When that sindoor is gone, it means a life has been broken usually by death. The spilled sindoor, in the logo, represents the women widowed in the Pahalgam attack. It is a tribute and a declaration that their loss will not go unanswered. Both officers took great care to ensure the design was culturally resonant yet universally impactful. They knew this operation would echo across borders and across hearts. A Logo That Became A Weapon When the design was presented to senior leadership, it immediately struck a chord. Reports suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approved both the operations name and its visual identity. He understood the gravity and the brilliance of what this symbol could communicate. This was not just a military move. It was psychological warfare wrapped in the cloth of Indian tradition. And when PM Modi later declared at a rally that not blood, but hot sindoor flows in my veins, it was clear that this logo had leapt off paper and into the national conscience. More Than Just A Name Operation Sindoor marks a departure from the naming conventions of past Indian military operations, which often leaned on mythological allusions or strategic neutrality. Here, the name and logo are deliberately emotional, intended to honor the victims and stir the countrys spirit. By choosing sindoor a word deeply embedded in Indian culture the armed forces transformed what might have been a mere counterstrike into a symbolic act of emotional retaliation. A Message That Wont Fade On the battlefield, the military took down nine terror camps across Pakistan and PoK and eliminated more 100 terrorists, including key figures tied to groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Hizbul Mujahideen. But it is the logo - simple, raw and unforgettable that may leave the deepest scar. Because when grief is given shape and symbols are drawn from sorrow, they do not only mark a moment in time, they forge legends. Gandhinagar (Gujarat): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a scathing attack while speaking at Gujarats capital of Gandhinagar on Tuesday, named and shamed Pakistan accusing the neighbor of waging a direct war against India, no longer hiding behind the mask of proxy warfare. Talking about Operation Sindoor, Indias counter offensive to Pakistani aggressions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Modi exposed what he called Pakistans ultimate hypocrisy according state honour to the very terrorists India eliminated in its high precision strike. You cannot call this a proxy war anymore. When coffins are draped in Pakistani flags and saluted by their Army, it is not terrorism; it is a war. And if this is war, the response will be accordingly, the prime minister thundered. Modi revealed that Indias targeted strikes destroyed nine terror hideouts in just 22 minutes and that it was all recorded live this time. This time, everything was captured on camera so nobody can ask for proof, he said, while taking a direct swipe at skeptics who had demanded visual evidence of previous strikes. Referring to Partition, he invoked history and claimed Pakistan has been using terrorism as a state weapon since day one. Had Sardar Patels advice been followed, he said, PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) would be today with India and 75 years of terror could have been prevented. Pakistan captured part of Kashmir using Mujahideen. If they had been wiped out then, we would not be suffering today. But we tolerated... now the thorn will be removed, he added. PM Modi took a dig laced with irony and mocked Pakistans panic, adding even Indias cleaning of dams has them sweating. We have only opened small gates to clean dams, and they are already flooding there, he said, amid thunderous applause from the crowd. He also attacked the Indus Waters Treaty and called it a historical blunder that crippled Indias own use of its rivers. Issuing sharp warnings, PM Modi shifted focus to Indias rise on the global stage and highlighted its leap to becoming the worlds 4th largest economy, overtaking Japan. Now, the pressure to become No. 3 is greater than the pride of becoming No. 4. We cannot wait anymore. Modi hai toh mumkin hai (it is possible if Modi is at the helm), he said. Calling Operation Sindoor a peoples movement, the prime minister urged Indians to boycott foreign products and back Make in India. He even called out imported Ganesh idols as unworthy. Even our gods are made abroad! Every citizen must now become a soldier in this economic war, he said. In perhaps the most emotionally charged moment, Modi channeled the Iron Man of India, Sardar Patel said do not stop until we get PoK back. No one listened then. But now we have decided that the thorn of terror must be removed, he roared. (With ANI inputs) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the second leg of his Gujarat visit, is set to launch the 'Urban Development Year 2025' in Gandhinagar, marking two decades of the state's structured urban transformation. The event, set for 11 am, will highlight Gujarat's future urban development strategy, solidifying its position as a pioneer in urban planning, clean energy, and infrastructure innovation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address a gathering of top state officials, urban planners, and stakeholders, marking a significant milestone in Gujarat's urban development journey. The gathering will bring together key stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of urban development in Gujarat. The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several critical projects related to urban development, healthcare, and water supply. The event will showcase Gujarat's commitment to sustainable urban planning and development," a press release from the PMO stated. The Prime Minister will also launch the State Clean Air Programme in Gandhinagar, which addresses the air quality concerns and promotes sustainability. Urban Development Year 2005 in Gujarat was a flagship initiative launched by PM Narendra Modi, who was also the then Chief Minister, with the aim of transforming Gujarats urban landscape through planned infrastructure, better governance, and improved quality of life for urban residents. Earlier, he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 53,400 crore at Bhuj. The projects from the power sector include transmission projects for evacuating renewable power generated in the Khavda Renewable Energy Park, transmission network expansion, Ultra super critical thermal power plant unit at Tapi, among others. It also includes projects of the Kandla port and multiple road, water, and solar projects of the Government of Gujarat, among others. He also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 24,000 crore in Dahod. The projects included rail projects and various projects of the Government of Gujarat. Here he also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Veraval and Ahmedabad & Express train between Valsad and Dahod stations. In line with his commitment to enhancing connectivity and building world-class travel infrastructure, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Locomotive Manufacturing plant of the Indian Railways in Dahod. This plant will produce electric locomotives of 9000 HP for domestic purposes and export. He also flagged off the first electric locomotive manufactured from the plant. The locomotives will help in increasing the freight loading capacity of Indian Railways. These locomotives will be equipped with regenerative braking systems and are being designed to reduce energy consumption, which contributes to environmental sustainability. A national debate has reignited over the recognition of Indias ancient and culturally significant sites, with a critical question now reaching the doors of the Supreme Court: Why is Aurangzebs tomb a protected national monument, but not the Ram Setu, a symbol of Hindu faith and ancient heritage? In today's DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, reported that, The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Government of India are now under public and judicial scrutiny, as former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Subramanian Swamy has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking that Ram Setu (Adams Bridge) be officially declared a national monument. Ram Setu: A Symbol Of Faith and History Located between India and Sri Lanka, Ram Setu holds deep religious significance in Hindu mythology. Referenced in the Ramcharitmanas, it is believed to have been constructed by Lord Ramas army to reach Lanka and rescue Sita. Many historical references including ancient Persian and Arab texts mention the existence of a bridge-like structure in the region. Despite this, Ram Setu has not received national monument status under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The Act stipulates that any site over 100 years old with historical, cultural, or architectural importance can be declared a monument of national significance. Dr. Swamys petition argues that Ram Setu meets all legal criteria and thus should be protected by the state. Aurangzeb's Tomb: A Protected Monument Since 1951 The controversy intensifies when compared to the status of Mughal ruler Aurangzebs tomb in Maharashtra, which was declared a protected monument on December 11, 1951, under the same 1958 Act. This decision was made during the tenure of Indias first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Critics now ask why a tyrants tomb has legal protection while Ram Setu does not, despite its deep spiritual and cultural roots. Governments Stance And Legal History The demand for Ram Setus protection is not new. In fact, it has been central to political and legal debates since the 1950s. In 2007, during the UPA regime, the government submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court arguing that Ram Setu had no historical or scientific evidence supporting its existence as a man-made structure. Senior advocate Fali S. Nariman even stated that Lord Rama himself destroyed the bridge upon his return from Lanka. However, in 2021, the Central Government authorized a study by the ASI to determine whether Ram Setu is a natural formation or human-made. The report has yet to be made public. In 2022, Union Minister Jitendra Singh acknowledged in Parliament that while conclusive proof remains elusive, there is historical and mythological evidence in favor of Ram Setus existence. Historical Mentions In 850 CE, Persian geographer Ibn Khordadbeh referred to Ram Setu in his book Book of Roads and Kingdoms. In 1030 CE, Al-Biruni mentioned the bridge in Kitab-ul-Hind, calling it Setu Bandh. A Dutch cartographer in 1747 marked the area as Raman Kweel in his maps. The Political And Cultural Undercurrent The issue strikes at the heart of Indias ongoing cultural identity debate. Supporters argue that Ram Setu deserves preservation not just as a religious symbol but as a testament to Indias ancient heritage, one that is even visible via satellite imagery. Critics of the current state policy question why a structure linked to destruction (Aurangzebs tomb) receives protection, while one associated with construction and faith remains neglected. As the Supreme Court hears the PIL, public discourse continues to intensify. Social and political commentators assert that the decision will be a litmus test of how India balances its historical truths with modern secular governance. The Larger Question Why is a symbol of tyranny protected, but a sacred bridge of faith and legend still awaiting recognition? The nation, and the highest court, must now decide. New Delhi: India's trade negotiations with the US are entering the final leg, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal set to meet members of export promotion councils (EPCs) on Tuesday. The US trade team is likely to arrive in India next month for talks, as New Delhi aims to wrap up negotiations by July 9, the end of the 90-day reciprocal tariffs pause. According to a report by The Indian Express, the consultation meeting with EPCs is scheduled after Goyal led the Indian delegation to Washington last week, where he met US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to advance trade talks. India is seeking the elimination of the 26% reciprocal tariff and duty-free entry for labor-intensive export items such as textiles and footwear in the US. However, US President Donald Trump has continued his tariff rhetoric targeting India, stating that Apple would have to pay a 25% tariff if it sold iPhones in the US that are built in India or elsewhere. The US is also seeking market access in India for items including agricultural products. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has criticized various Indian trade barriers, including regulations requiring that "dairy products intended for food must be derived from animals that have not consumed feed containing blood meal". The USTR report also flagged India's regulations on the import of milk, pork, and fish products, stating that they require genetically modified (GM)-free certificates "without providing a scientific or risk-based justification". The US remained India's largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year in 2024-25, with bilateral trade valued at $131.84 billion. India had a trade surplus of $41.18 billion in goods in 2024-25, up from $35.32 billion in 2023-24. Both countries aim to conclude an interim trade deal by July 9, covering a limited range of goods and services. The interim deal is expected to pave the way for a broader trade agreement, to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal have stressed the urgency of clinching a bilateral trade deal that safeguards India's interests. The next round of talks with the US will be held in New Delhi, with a team of American officials expected to visit in the coming weeks. New Delhi: External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, has dismissed claims that the US played a crucial role in brokering the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Instead, he credited India's military actions for forcing Pakistan to agree to a halt in hostilities. During an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Jaishankar made these remarks, stating that the ceasefire was agreed upon through direct contact between military commanders of both sides, following India's effective strikes on Pakistan's main airbases and air defense system. He said, "The cessation of firing was agreed between the military commanders of both sides through direct contact. The morning before, we effectively hit and incapacitated Pakistan's main airbases and air defence system. So, who should I thank for the cessation of hostilities? I thank the Indian military because it was the Indian military action that made Pakistan say: We are ready to stop." External Affairs Minister dismissed concerns that the India-Pakistan standoff during Operation Sindoor nearly escalated into a nuclear conflict, labeling such claims as "baseless and alarmist". He emphasized that India's military actions, not external mediation, drove Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire. When asked how close the world was to nuclear war, Jaishankar replied, "Very, very far away. I'm frankly astonished by your question" Dr S Jaishankar clarified that Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist hideouts in Pakistan with precise and controlled measures. After Pakistan's military responded with fire, India demonstrated its capability to disable their air defense systems, leading to a ceasefire request from Pakistan. He said, "We had terrorist targets. Those were very measured, carefully considered, and non-escalating steps. After that, the Pakistani military opened fire on us. We were able to show them that we could disable their air defence systems. Then the firing stopped at their request. Jaishankar criticized the West's tendency to link South Asian conflicts to nuclear crises, calling it "disturbing" and highlighting that this narrative may inadvertently encourage terrorism. Anything that happens in South Asia is promptly linked to a nuclear crisis by the West, he said, calling the narrative disturbing and warning that it inadvertently encourages terrible activities like terrorism", Jaishankar added. India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, following three days of cross-border clashes. The conflict began when India conducted airstrikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on May 7, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Pakistan retaliated with drone attacks on Indian military installations and civilian areas, prompting India to target Pakistani military installations, causing significant damage. Shortly after, the Pakistani military reached out to their Indian counterparts, and a ceasefire was negotiated. When asked about the proximity to nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed astonishment, stating that the situation was "very, very far away" from such a scenario. He emphasized that India's actions were targeted and measured, aimed at terrorist targets, and that Pakistan's military response was met with a controlled counter-attack that disabled their air defense systems, leading to a ceasefire request. Jaishankar criticized the Western narrative that South Asian conflicts inevitably lead to nuclear crises, noting that this perspective can inadvertently encourage terrorism. "Very, very far away. I'm frankly astonished by your question. We have terrorist targets. Those were very measured, carefully considered, and non-escalating steps. After that, the Pakistani military opened fire on us. We were able to show them that we could disable their air defense systems. Then the firing stopped at their request. At no point was a nuclear level reached." "There is a narrative as if everything that happens in our part of the world leads directly to a nuclear problem. That disturbs me a lot because it encourages terrible activities like terrorism. If anything, much more is happening with the nuclear issue in your part of the world," he replied. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has mocked Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir over the fake picture of 'Operation Bunyan', saying that it requires brains to copy. Addressing the Indian community in Kuwait, he urged them not to trust anything Pakistan claims. "Yesterday, the Pakistani Army chief gifted a photo to the Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif. These stupid jokers want to compete with India; they have given a photograph of a 2019 Chinese Army drill, claiming it is a victory over India. This is what Pakistan indulges in. 'Nakal karne ke liye akal chahiye'... inke pass akal bhi nahi hai'... whatever Pakistan is saying, do not take even with a pinch of salt," ANI quoted Owaisi as saying. His remarks came after an image of Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif and General Munir went viral on social media, where the two were seen holding a photo of a military operation to commemorate "Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos". The photo was, however, actually from a 2019 Chinese People's Liberation Army military drill. Asim Munir reportedly hosted a high-profile dinner last week during which he presented the edited image to Sharif. Indians trolled the Pakistanis, accusing Islamabad of using Canva" and Photoshop" to win" the war against India after its failed attempts during the recent conflict. Pakistan's latest masterpiece: Shehbaz Sharif presents a photoshopped painting from a 2019 Chinese drill to Failed Marshal Asim Munir. Guess when you cant win on the battlefield, you win in Canva, a user wrote on X. In the early hours of May 7, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor to avenge the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 2, in which 26 civilians were killed. The operation targeted nine terror sites and infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), in which over 100 terrorists were killed. (with ANI inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an all-out attack against Pakistan while highlighting that May 6-7 Operation Sindoor has exposed the Pakistani army's nexus with terrorists. Addressing a rally in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, PM Modi said that the Pakistani army's tribute to terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor shows that terror attacks against India should no longer be termed a 'proxy war'. PM Modi said that whenever India and Pakistan went to war, Indian Armed Forces and bravehearts defeated them in a way they would never forget. "Realising they could never win a direct war against India, they turned to proxy warfare, providing military training and support to terrorists instead," he said. "We can't call this a proxy war as those who were killed after May 6 were given state honors in Pakistan. Pakistani flags were draped over their coffins, and their military saluted them. This proves that these terrorist activities are not just a proxy war this is a deliberate war strategy on their part. If they are engaging in war, then the response will be accordingly," said PM Modi. The Prime Minister also said that if a thorn causes constant pain to the body, then it must be removed. "No matter how strong or healthy the body is, even a single thorn can cause constant painand weve decided that the thorn must be removed. During Partition, Maa Bharati was divided into two, and that very night, the first terror attack on Kashmir was launched by the Mujahideen. Had they been eliminated then, these 75 years of suffering could have been avoided," said PM Modi. Talking about the Indus Water Treaty suspension, PM Modi said that India hasn't done anything but Pakistan is already facing the heat. "I want to tell the new generation how our country was ruined. If you study the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, you'll be shocked. It was decided that the dams built on the rivers of Jammu and Kashmir would not be cleaned. Desilting would not be done. The bottom gates for clearing sediments were to remain shut. For 60 years, these gates were never opened. Reservoirs that were supposed to be filled to 100% capacity have now been reduced to only 2% or 3%...Right now, I haven't done anything and people are sweating there (Pakistan). We have opened small gates for cleaning the dams, and there is already a flood there..." said PM Modi. Jammu: The International Border (IB) was tense; the night was long; but the josh (morale) was off the charts. Border Security Force (BSF) Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari stood resolute and firm on the frontline not as an observer but as a commanding officer. The josh was high..., she said, while recalling the intensity and morale of soldiers during Operation Sindoor. The mission of her company was to stop all possible attempts of infiltration and hit back hard to secure the IB. While commanding a forward post along the IB during Indias counter offensive of Pakistans aggression, she performed her duty well and ensured safety of her countrys territory. I was commanding a company deployed at the IB during Operation Sindoor at IB. We were tasked with foiling any infiltration attempt. We gave a fitting reply to Pakistan and fulfilled the responsibility were given, said Bhandari. Her team strongly responded to the Pakistani aggression by using high and flat trajectory weapons. It was not only men this time. BSF women soldiers were in the thick of it. They carried out their duties shoulder-to-shoulder, she said. With steel resolve, fire power and bunkers, the BSF held the line. Highlighting the preparedness of the force, Bhandari said that the BSF has well-fortified positions along the border to respond effectively to any threat. BSF DIG (Sector Sunderbani) Virender Dutta too addressed the media at the Frontier Headquarters in Jammu today and revealed that his sector witnessed heaviest shelling on the intervening night of May 8-9 during the operation, but the BSF destroyed two prominent Pakistani launchpads. Without wasting time, we planned and destroyed the Luni launchpad in the night. The launch pad, which was being used by the Pakistan Army, has not been occupied for 20 days, which shows that it has been destroyed. Similarly, there is no movement in Luni as well, he stated. He said the Pakistani side used 120 heavy mortars, but the BSF retaliated and inflicted significant damage. To counter drone threats, he said, Air Defence (AD) guns were deployed and civilians were alerted to maintain safety. Ours was the only sector that led to heavy losses for them, and they used 120 heavy mortars, but we also replied accordingly. For drones, we placed the AD guns and also warned the people to stay safe, he added. Dutta also issued a strong warning, If they (Pakistan) repeat this mistake again, then they will get beaten up even badly. BSF DIG SS Mand provided further details, adding that real-time intelligence was received about terrorist movements. The BSF responded by launching bomb attacks on launchpads and a cemetery used as a hideout. We got to know about the movement of the terrorists, we took a call and attacked with bombs. They had one launchpad, and we received real-time input about their location at a cemetery. We attacked there also, he said. Mand added that according to intercepted information, there were 7-12 casualties in the enemy camp, though confirmation is difficult due to restricted media access across the border. BSF DIG, RS Pura Sector, Chiter Pal commented on the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed, describing the resulting national mood as one of grief and determination. In Pahalgam, when the terrorists murdered our 26 innocent civilians, there was a feeling of sorrow and revenge in the nation. We received intelligence regarding Pakistan having an idea that such a revenge would be launched on our side, so they started moving the armed cars. But when Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, it was confirmed that they would also show some movement, he said. He added that firing began on May 9 in his sector, escalating gradually, but the BSF silenced all enemy posts with a trained and coordinated response. In my area, they fired on the night of May 9. First, they fired from limited posts, but slowly they opened fire on all the posts in my sector. Our troops were trained to retaliate against the firing, and their (Pakistan's) posts were silenced, Pal noted. Launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor has so far resulted in the elimination of more than 100 terrorists from Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operation also involved India's strikes on 11 Pakistani airbases, damaging radar, communication and logistics infrastructure. The Indian offensive was followed by cross-border shelling, drone threats and eventually a ceasefire understanding announced on May 10 between India and Pakistan. Iran sees notable growth in imports from Tajikistan In the first month of the current Iranian year, Iran imported 1.8 million tons of non-oil products valued at $2.85 billion. While the value of imports increased by 2.3 percent, their overall weight dropped by 26.4 percent compared to the same period last year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register New Delhi: Su-57E - Russias fifth-generation stealth fighter - is under scrutiny once again. No country across the globe seems to be interested acquiring the fighter jet despite Moscows consistent efforts to sell it to countries such as India, Algeria and Malaysia. Rosoboronexport, a Russian defence firm, said that it would put on display the aircraft at the LIMA 2025 International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia. However, the fighter jet, as reported by the media, never made it to the exhibition. In an absence that raised many eyebrows, only a scale model of the jet was showcased at a booth of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) in the Malaysian exhibition. Malaysia's indifference towards Su-57E in its Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA), India's exit from the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme and the fighter aircraft's absence at LIMA 2025 all narrated the same saga - the Russian "Felon" is likely to turn out are a big "failure". Let's understand the Su-57E. It is an export variant of Russian Su-57 fighter jet, which is a fifth-generation stealth aircraft that is armed with cutting-edge missile systems and designed for multi-role operations and radar evasion. It is capable of carrying long-range air-to-air missiles such as R-37M and can strike targets up to 400 kilometres away. Without disclosing the name of the country, a confident Russia had earlier claimed that the first buyer of the jet would start operating it by this year (2025). Algeria was seen as the possible acquirer. But neither the countr nor Russia has so far confirmed the deal. Why is Malaysia delaying its fighter jet programme? Began in 2009, Malaysia's MRCA programme is aimed at replacing its aging MiG-29s. Earlier, the programme featured jets such as Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, but the country's focus in recent years seems to have turned towards acquiring fifth-generation or near-fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Malaysia, despite this apparent shift, has not so far made any final decision. As a result, the role of Su-57E remains uncertain. Russias Continued India Push Meanwhile, Russia continues to try pushing India to buy the Su-57E even after the latter's withdrawal from the FGFA project in 2018. India exited from the project, as reports suggest, because of unsatisfactory performance of the fighter jet and its high cost. Russia apparently has not given up and continues to pursue the deal. It is seeming attempting to capitalise on Indias rising need for advanced fighter aircraft. Russia offered India a "Golden Deal" during Aero India 2025 - a mega aerospace and defence exhibition organised at Bangaluru's Yelahanka Air Force Station from February 10 to 14. Moscow offered New Delhi prompt delivery of Su-57Es, its local production in India and assistance in Indias indegenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft program (AMCA). Moscow also told India that if it accepts the deal, Indian firms manufacturing the Su-30MKI can soon begin producing the Su-57E. New Approach Post Pakistan Conflict Following recent exchange of firepower with Pakistan in response to the April 22 deadly terror attack on tourists at Baisaran meadows in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Russia has been aggressively making efforts aimed at promoting the Su-57E. In an interview with Sputnik, a Russian state-run news agency and radia broadcast service, a military observer from Moscow, Igor Korotchenko, said India should, without a second thought, go for acquiring the Su-57MKI that is especially designed for New Delhi and equipped with long-range missiles like the R-37M - keeping its requirements in mind. At the same time, a few Russian bloggers are trying to project Su-57 as superior to the Rafale. They are leaving no stone unturned to urge India to invest in it. New Delhi, however, has not so far respond to the suggestions, either unofficially or officially. It appears that the path for Su-57E's acquisition is not an easy one. It will be interesting to note that whether the fighter jet manages to find a place in the international defense market in the years to come. Washington: The 2025 American Music Awards made a glittering return to television after a two-year hiatus, with a grand celebration at the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas. In a night filled with electrifying performances and emotional tributes, it was Billie Eilish who stole the show, winning in every category she was nominated for, a stunning seven-for-seven sweep. Eilish, already a nine-time Grammy and two-time Academy Award winner, added multiple AMA titles to her name, including the coveted Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, and Song of the Year for Birds of a Feather. She also secured wins for Favorite Female Pop Artist, Favorite Pop Album, and Favorite Touring Artist, among others. The AMAs, the largest fan-voted music awards in the world, also introduced new categories this year, including Song of the Year and Social Song of the Year, the latter claimed by Doechii for her viral track 'Anxiety', as per Deadline. Despite leading the pack with 10 nominations, rapper Kendrick Lamar walked away with just one win, Favorite Hip-Hop Song for his breakout hit 'Not Like Us'. The ceremony featured show-stopping sets from artists including Blake Shelton, Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, and Renee Rapp. Music legend Janet Jackson was honoured with the Icon Award, recognising her enduring influence and career spanning decades. Rod Stewart received the Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering a high-energy finale to close out the evening, as per Deadline. The night was hosted by Jennifer Lopez, who doubled as the opening performer. 2025 AMA Winners List: Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish Album of the Year: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT - Billie Eilish Song of the Year: Birds of a Feather - Billie Eilish New Artist of the Year: Benson Boone Social Song of the Year: Anxiety - Doechii Favourite Touring Artist: Billie Eilish Favourite Female Pop Artist: Billie Eilish Favourite Pop Song: Birds of a Feather - Billie Eilish Favourite Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar Favourite Hip-Hop Album: The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grace) - Eminem Favourite Country Album: COWBOY CARTER - Beyonce Favourite R&B Album: SOS Deluxe: LANA - SZA Favourite Music Video: Beautiful Things - Benson Boone Favourite Female Latin Artist: KAROL G Favourite Afrobeat Artist: Tyla Favourite K-pop Artist: ROSE After being paused for two years, the AMAs returned under the partnership of CBS and Dick Clark Productions, and aired live across CBS, Paramount+, and Harmony, a streaming platform owned by Penske Media. Also Read | Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025: Solo Leveling Dominates With 6 Wins, Attack On Titan Honoured With Global Impact Award - Check FULL LIST The reimagined ceremony received widespread praise for honouring music's diversity, impact, and the voice of fans. New Delhi: Bong beauty Bipasha Basu had a successful modelling career in late 90s and early 2000s. She ventured into acting with thriller Ajnabee (2001), which even got her won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Her maiden leading role came with horror film Raaz (2002), followed by Jism (2003) and in two consecutive annual top-grossing films, No Entry (2005) and Dhoom 2 (2006). Meet Actress Who Was Told Not To Do Adult Film... In an interview with Hindustan Times, Bipasha spoke about breaking away from the image of the conventional Hindi film heroine by signing Jism. "Jism was the time when I was at the peak, and everyone told me, 'You cannot do an adult content film. You are like the typical Hindi heroine who is now established in people's hearts.' And I said, I just like the story so much. I said I'll go ahead and do it. Everybody stopped me from doing it. My manager thought I had gone crazy," she said. In the HT interview, she also added that the film shifted perceptions about the roles women could play in Hindi cinema, saying, "But it worked for me and then things changed. Women suddenly were tonging their hair. They wore a bronze look. There was no stereotypical (thinking) that the woman can't play the negative character. It all changed after that. So it's been path-breaking for me. That has been one very important film." About Jism Jism released in 2003 and became known for its bold story and stylish look. Directed by Amit Saxena and produced by Pooja Bhatt, the film starred Bipasha Basu and marked John Abrahams debut in Bollywood. The lead pair was much in news at that time as they were reportedly dating each others. The film is inspired by Body Heat (1981) by Lawrence Kasdan which was based on Billy Wilder's 1944 film Double Indemnity, an adaptation of James M Cain's novel of the same name. New Delhi: Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej, who received the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, shared how meaningful the honor feels to him. Kej, a music composer and environmentalist, has won three Grammy Awards and was nominated four times. However, he says that receiving an award from his own country for his overall work holds a special place in his heart. #WATCH | Delhi: Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej receives the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu, for his contribution to the field of arts- music. pic.twitter.com/fABnonXvWo ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2025 While speaking to ANI, Kej said, "I mean, I've won three Grammy Awards in the past. And all the awards that I've won, even besides the Grammy Awards, have always been for a specific project, or it's been for a specific song, album, or something like that. But to win this award, which is almost like a validation for my entire career and everything I've done in music, as well as the social causes that I have highlighted through my music, feels really special. And to be awarded by my own country, and by the highest authorities of my country, that is absolutely special. There are no words to describe that." The musician also shared how proud and excited his mother was to be there. "Oh, my mother has traveled with me for this particular occasion because she didn't accompany me for the Grammy Awards all three times. But this time, she traveled with me for the Padma Awards. I guess, for her, this was more important than the Grammy Awards, obviously. I think it is a far more prestigious award. And so she's extremely excited. I'm very excited, but I guess she's even more excited," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Ministers Amit Shah, S Jaishankar, Pralhad Joshi, Jitendra Singh, G. Kishan Reddy, and several other ministers and dignitaries were present on the occasion. The Padma Awards--one of the highest civilian awards of the country--are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The awards are given in various disciplines/fields of activity, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order; and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day each year. These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan every year. For the year 2025, the President has approved the conferment of 139 Padma Awards, including a duo case (in which the award is counted as one). The list comprises 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. 23 of the awardees are women, and the list also includes 10 individuals from the categories of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, as well as 13 posthumous awardees. World's Sexiest Woman: Maxim, Fashion and lifestyle magazine in The Maxim Hot 100 crowned a 59-year-old actor as the world's sexiest women in 2024. Model-turned-actor make it to the list after beating some of the most popular celebs in the hollywood Industry. Meet World's Sexiest Woman The 59-year-old cover star of Maxim Hot 100 list in 2024 was model-turned-actor Elizabeth Hurley. yes you read this right! beating others half her age as the world's sexiest. Hurley was also the oldest winner of this title. In October last year, Maxim unveiled the cover featuring Elizabeth Hurley, the magazine released the full list of the other 99 women. Hurley surpassed many A-Lister from Hollywood Industry to secure top spot in the list. The Maxim Hot 100 list featured popular celebrity like Sydney Sweeney, Margot Robbie, Lily Collins, Zendaya, Daisy Edgar-Jones. The list also star popstar like Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter, Jennie Kim, and Dua Lipa. Alongside Fashion icons Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Kaia Gerber also made the list. Talking about the previous list, Israeli actress Gal Gadot, Rihanna and Megan Fox have also been part of the Maxim Hot 100. About Elizabeth Hurley 'World's sexiest woman' Hurley rose to fame in the late 80s doing small roles in British films, but it was her personal life that made headlines. Elizabeth first rose to prominence after she was romantically involved with Hugh Grant for brief period of time (approximately 13 years) before separating in 2000 . Her striking appearance at the London premiere of his film Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994, in a plunging black Versace dress held together with gold safety pins, gained her instant media attention and was a sensation. Her famous 'Got Milk' ad campaign in the late 90s made her popular in the US too. Talking about her filmography Hurley appeared in films like Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, cult classic Bedazzled among others. On professional front, Elizabeth Hurley is all set to star in animated series Breaking Bear where she re-unites with Brendan Fraser after 25 years. Check Her Connection With Popstar Miley Cyrus Hurley makes history as the oldest winner as World's sexiest woman at 59.Elizabeth Hurley's personal life has been a subject of public interest, particularly her relationships and her son, Damian Hurley. After breakup with Hugh Grant She was romatically involved with American businessman Steve Bing. father of her son Damian. In 2007-11, Hurley married to Indian businessman Arun Nayar. She later became engaged to cricket legend Shane Warne before their separation in 2015. Talking about her current status In April, 2025 Hurley annonced she announced her relationship with American musician Billy Ray Cyrus. Mumbai: The Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) is contemplating raising the deposit insurance limit beyond the current Rs 5 lakh. As per a report in the Business Standard, the central bank is actively considering to increase the deposit insurance limit for bank deposits from the present Rs 5 lakh within the next six months. It is to be noted that in February this year, following the New India Co-operative Bank scam, Department of Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju had announced that such a proposal is in the works. "The point about increasing insurance... That is under active consideration. As and when the government approves, we will notify it," he had told reporters at a press conference in the presence of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. How Does Deposit Insurance Help Depositors And Mitigate Fears In Cases Of Bank Fail A deposit insurance claim gets triggered when a lender goes down, and over the years, the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) has paid out such claims. The body collects premiums from banks for the cover it offers, and a majority of the claims have had to be done in case of cooperative lenders. DICGC insured limit Raised From Rs 1 Lakh To Rs 5 Lakh In 2020 It can be noted that following the PMC Bank scam, the DICGC insured limit was raised to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh in 2020. The enhanced deposit insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh came into effect from February 4, 2020. Every bank used to pay 10 paise as an insurance premium per Rs 100 of deposit. It was raised to 12 paise per Rs 100 in 2020. It cannot be more than 15 paise at any point in time per Rs 100 deposit. The increase was done after a gap of 27 years as it has been static since 1993. Tripoli: Five Egyptian embassy staff kidnapped in Tripoli were abducted in retaliation for the arrest of a Libyan militia commander by Egyptian authorities, the Libyan government said on Saturday.Four diplomatic staff were snatched in Tripoli on Saturday, including the cultural attache, and gunmen kidnapped another on Friday, forcing Cairo to evacuate its embassy and Benghazi consulate as a precautionary measure. The kidnappings underlined Libya`s instability two years after Muammar Gaddafi`s fall, with heavily-armed former rebels and Islamist militants who fought in the uprising still challenging state authority. No group claimed responsibility, but the Islamist-leaning Operations Room for Libya Revolutionaries, one of the many militias that fought Gaddafi in the NATO-backed uprising, reported its commander had been arrested in Egypt. The Operations Room, a group of Islamist-leaning former rebel fighters nominally hired by the government to secure Tripoli, was accused of briefly abducting Libya`s Prime Minister Ali Zeidan in October last year. Libya`s Justice Minister Salah al-Marghani said the government had made contacts with the kidnappers to free the diplomats, but he said they had been taken in tit-for-tat reaction to Cairo`s arrest of militia commander Shaban Hadia. "We condemn and reject what has happened here as a reaction," he told reporters. "Those who are detaining the Egyptian diplomats committed a huge mistake, for themselves and for Libya." The Operations Room of Libya`s Revolutionaries militia denied involvement. But it said on Friday Hadia had been arrested in Egypt, where he had been travelling with his family for medical treatment. Al Arabiya channel spoke by telephone to a man claiming to be one of the kidnappers, who said they were Libyan revolutionaries and demanded to speak immediately to the commander. "We won`t free the diplomats unless the sheikh is freed within 24 hours," he said. Egyptian state news agency MENA said one diplomat had earlier called his embassy to say he was being "treated well". Egypt`s foreign ministry spokesman told Al Arabiya that the embassy in Tripoli and the consulate in Benghazi were temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure. He confirmed Hadia was under investigation in Egypt. "If there is no charge at the end of it then he will be released," he said. "He will be treated kindly and we expect good treatment of the Egyptians." Pakistan's present President Asif Ali Zardari managed his first term by skillfully getting then incumbent Pervez Musharraf to resign in August 2008 by securing the backing of his successor as army chief and then outmaneuvering coalition ally Nawaz Sharif, his former aide has revealed. While Zardari's PPP and Nawaz Sharif's PML-N had sought to impeach erstwhile military ruler Musharraf in August 2008 after winning the February 2008 elections, it was getting Musharraf's handpicked successor as Army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, on their side that did the trick, Zardari's then spokesperson Farhatullah Babar reports in his memoirs, the News reported. In "The Zardari Presidency", Babar says Zardari, who was then the PPP co-chair, broached the issue of the potential ousting of Musharraf with Kayani. Kayani, who was appointed the army vice chief in October 2007, setting the way for him to take over command when Musharraf, as long promised, shed his uniform in November that year, had no objections to the move. The then army chief even suggested PPP leader Aftab Shaban Mirani, who had served as Defence Minister in the second Benazir Bhutto government, as the next President, Babar wrote in his book. However, Zardari had his own eye on the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Having the army behind him, Zardari then told trusted party members to move resolutions in provincial Assemblies demanding Musharrafs impeachment, Babar said. Simultaneously, he conveyed a message through Major Gen Mahmud Ali Durrani (retd), urging Musharraf to resign or face impeachment. Musharraf initially dismissed the ultimatum but eventually resigned in mid-August 2018. However, according to Babar, Nawaz Sharif also sought to install himself as the President amid the PML-N and PPP alliance, where the latter was heading the government with its Yousaf Raza Gilani as the Prime Minister. "My party thinks that I should become the President," Sharif told Zardari in an informal chat, as per the book. "Zardari replied with a laugh, 'My party also thinks that I should become the President.' The discussion ended there." Eventually, Zardari managed his elevation in September 2008. Among other issues, Babar's book also mentions how military pressure was mounted for the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry - whose sacking by Musharraf set in process a chain of crises that ended his rule. According to Babar, neither Benazir Bhutto nor Zardari held favourable views of Justice Chaudhry, whom Zardari believed operated under the guise of independence while serving other interests. During the long march from Lahore to demand Chaudhrys restoration, Zardari faced pressure from his ministers and even Prime Minister Gilani to reinstate him. However, he remained steadfast in his stand. Babar reports a "significant deployment" of the Triple One Brigade - the Rawalpindi-based army formation that has been involved in all the military coups of Pakistan - occurred inside the presidency on the night the march approached Islamabad. "The manoeuvre may have created a perception of a military takeover, but it was not. It was optics for exerting pressure on Zardari to reinstate Chaudhry," he wrote. Amid mounting pressure for Chaudhrys reinstatement, Zardari still held back, telling his advisers: "I know him inside and out. You people dont. He will accept anything as long as he knows that he will be reinstated. He has been sending me messages. I know it. None of you knows about it." Babar notes that Chaudhry even offered a signed resignation letter in advance should he renege on his commitment. Chaudhrys primary concern was his own reinstatement; he appeared indifferent to the reinstatement of other sacked judges, he wrote. Weeks after India imposed strict diplomatic measures while inflicting heavy damage to Pakistan as part of the Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his willingness to talk with India to resolve all 'longstanding problems', including Kashmir, water and trade. Addressing a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif said he was ready to talk with India for the sake of peace. "We are ready to talk, for the sake of peace on water issues with our neighbour. We are ready to talk to promote trade and also, counter-terrorism. We wanted peace, we want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks, on the table, and resolve our outstanding issues," he said. The Pakistan PM said, "But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely." Sharif arrived in Iran on Monday after a visit to Turkiye. After Iran, he is scheduled to visit Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. His visit to the these nations comes days after India and Pakistan witnessed intense military conflict between May 7 and May 10 following the Operation Sindoor precision strikes launched against terror camps by Indian Army. The Operation Sindoor was launched by India to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack. The Indus Water Treaty was put on hold in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 innocent civilians were killed. Putting of the IWT in abeyance has caused drought like situation for Pakistani areas dependent on the river systems for agriculture. This has put Pakistan under intense pressure. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the Indus Water Treaty is currently on hold due to Pakistan's cross-border terrorism. The treaty signed in 1960 governs the sharing of water resources from the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. India also imposed an immediate ban on the direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan in response to the terror attack. India also launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7. The Operation targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), in which more than 100 terrorists were killed. After Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ruled out the possibility of any talks with Pakistan except on terrorism and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). (With ANI inputs) BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. Iran and Turkiye have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the customs sector, Trend reports via Irans Customs Administration. The agreement was signed by Foroud Asgari, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and Director General of the Customs Administration of Iran, and Sezai Ucarmak, Deputy Minister of Trade and Director of the Customs Administration of Turkiye. During the signing ceremony, which was attended by customs officials from both countries, Asgari emphasized that the current trade volume between Iran and Turkiye does not reflect the technical capabilities or political will of either nation. The trade turnover between the two countries has significant potential for growth, and reaching a higher volume is both necessary and attainable. Asgari articulated that Irans customs authorities are resolutely focused on transcending historical trade metrics and are strategically poised to amplify bilateral commerce. He also underscored that Iran's Bazargan customs represents a pivotal focal point and has the potential to soon function as a benchmark for other customs infrastructures within the nation. Ucarmak echoed this sentiment, stating that expanding trade volume between Iran and Turkiye remains a central objective. The meeting also addressed the need to increase the number of cargo trucks at border customs checkpoints to facilitate smoother trade flows. Data from the Iranian Customs Administration shows that in the first month of the current Iranian year, Iran exported 217,000 tons of goods to Turkiye valued at $189 million, while imports from Turkiye totaled 337,000 tons worth around $538 million. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel One day, Jacques-Antoine Horngacher found a music box in the streets of the City of Calvin... a childhood passion that became a lifelong passion. His extensive collection is now on show in its entirety at Geneva's Musee d'Art et d'Histoire. A musical exploration. "Such a collection is exceptional, in terms of its breadth, diversity, and the very complete vision it offers," appreciates Estelle Fallet, curator at the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire. "J.-A. Horngacher," says Etienne Blyelle, "was an indispensable specialist, author of theoretical treatises and a private autobiography, who also dispensed much of his knowledge orally." Today, the formidable collection assembled by this extraordinary man is making the beauty of mechanical music a thing of the past. E.Blyelle, 1970 Archives CABAM A box abandoned at the flea market Very interested in mechanisms, little Jacques-Antoine found an old music box movement in Plainpalais - a place already renowned at the time for its flea market, which is still very popular today. How it worked intrigued him. In 1939, at the age of 10, he built a carillon from bicycle bells. When the boy was 12, an aunt attentive to his budding passion gave him his first music box - "a trigger" comments Estelle Fallet, "unfortunately associated some time later with the death of his mother". Highly intelligent, Jacques-Antoine excelled in mathematics, as well as in solving rebus and bon mots. His understanding of mechanics and his dexterity took him all the way to watchmaking school - where he presented a music box, which was rejected on the grounds that "it's not watchmaking". All his life, he defended the fact that these two specialties belonged to the same art. In 2020, seven years after his death, the inclusion of watchmaking and art mechanics on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity proved him right. "This recognition would certainly have given him a great deal of satisfaction," says Estelle Fallet. Mechanical Music BJD, Musee dArt et dHistoire A passionate, scientific approach An internationally recognized expert, J.-A. Horngacher has produced an important classification of music boxes of all kinds, "from the very first movements with stacked blade systems, then flat-combed blades, and finally with a volume amplified by a disc, to perforated paper" continues the specialist. "He organized his collection like a museum curator, with a professional approach. Of course, at the time, the principles of conservation and restoration were not yet applied as they are today - the current approach dates from the 1970s - and he tinkered a little to make the boxes work," she smiles. Perhaps marked by the death of his mother, he had also developed an affective relationship with these objects, to which he attributed the names of people around him. Mechanical Music BJD, Musee dArt et dHistoire J.-A. Horngacher bequeathed a total of 135 music boxes, exhibited in their entirety at Geneva's Musee d'Art et d'Histoire until August 17, 2025. Alongside them, chimes from St. Peter's Cathedral, clocks, a dozen of the museum's own music boxes and even a cuckoo clock illustrate the richness of mechanical music. Since his bequest in 2013, a meticulous restoration project has been carried out. Each piece has been cleaned, and fifteen or so play melodies in his honor - melodies that can be heard during demonstrations in the museum's diary and on its website, thanks to an audioguide. Mechanical Music BJD, Musee dArt et dHistoire A history engraved in the heart of Geneva And why have these pieces been entrusted to the Geneva museum, rather than to the equally renowned Musee d'automates et de boites a musique in Sainte-Croix? "Because J.A. Horngacher was himself from Geneva, but also because the music box was born here. It made double sense to him," explains the curator. Indeed, the principle of the music box with comb or keyboard was born in 1795, thanks to Antoine Favre, a watchmaker in the City of Calvin. "Somewhat by chance, perhaps inadvertently, he discovered the sound properties of vibrating blades. This discovery was also part of a constant quest to vary watchmaking products," she continues. Production began in the 1800-1820s, and peaked around 1860, reaching around 13,000 pieces and employing around a thousand people in the town. The principle was first applied in small formats, then expanded to include boxes for public places such as railway stations, where a coin was used to pass the time with music. I still remember the one at Le Locle station in the 1980s," recalls Estelle Fallet. "It's also interesting to note that the development of the music box is the reverse of that of watchmaking, since the latter was born in large volumes and then gradually miniaturized." Mechanical Music BJD, Musee dArt et dHistoire In short, two fascinating stories to discover at the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire: that of a Geneva collector who transformed his childhood passion into a heritage treasure, and that of a mechanical art that makes the past sing. "Mechanical Music " until August 17, 2025 Tuesday - Sunday 11am-6pm, Thursdays 12pm-9pm Guided tours and music box demonstrations according to calendar To celebrate 100 years since the birth of the American spaceflight pioneer, Breitling unveils the 50-piece limited-edition Navitimer Cosmonaute the first Swiss wristwatch in space On May 24, 1962, Scott Carpenter orbited the Earth three times as part of NASAs Mercury-Atlas 7 mission becoming only the second American to do so. On his wrist: a one-of-a-kind Navitimer, custom-built by Breitling for space. Its chronograph and signature slide rule had made it an indispensable tool in the cockpit. But space called for something different. Prior to his mission, Carpenter wrote to Breitling asking for a custom Navitimer with a few special modifications: a wider bezel for use with gloved hands, a stretch-metal bracelet to fit over his space suit, and, most famously a 24-hour dial. In orbit, where the sun rises and sets every 90 minutes, this 24-hour display would keep him grounded in time. It was a challenge that third-generation founder Willy Breitling couldnt refuse. The result was the Navitimer Cosmonaute. Delivered just days before lift-off, it became the first Swiss wristwatch in space. Now, six decades later, Breitling honors that era-defining journey and the man behind it with a platinum tribute to one of the great names in space exploration. Breitling advertisement from the 1964 Breitling Catalogue for the Navitimer and the Navitimer Cosmonaute Breitling The new Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary celebrates 100 years since the late astronauts birth on May 1, 1925. The deep blue dial evokes the color of Earth as seen from space vivid, saturated, and unforgettable while the crisp white slide rule recalls its swirling cloud cover. That same blue carries through to the matching alligator- leather strap, secured with a white-gold folding buckle. Limited to just 50 pieces, this edition is the ultimate tribute to Carpenter and his historic Mercury-Atlas 7 mission. Breitling has been part of some of the most important moments in watchmaking, but sending the first Swiss wristwatch into space is one of our proudest achievements, said Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. Willy Breitling didnt hesitate when Scott Carpenter asked for a watch built for space; he made it happen. That spirit being innovative, taking risks, pushing limits is how we still operate today. The centenary cosmonaute The Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B02, a manual chronograph with a 24-hour display. The hand- wound movement isnt just a tribute to the original it also performs where automatics may falter. Not essential for most, but reassuring if the next trip involves zero gravity. Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary Breitling The COSC-certified movement offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve and is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. Unique bridge engravings commemorate Carpenter with the inscriptions Carpenter, his capsule Aurora 7, 3 orbits around the Earth, and the name of NASAs first astronaut group Mercury 7. Additional caseback engravings read First Swiss wristwatch in space, One of 50, and Scott Carpenter Centenary 1925-2025. At 12 oclock, the dial bears the winged logo of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) highlighting the Navitimers historic role as the official watch of the worlds largest pilots club since its development in 1952. The watch features three subdials for running seconds, chronograph minutes, and hours, along with a discreet date window at 6 oclock. Mushroom pushers ensure smooth operation, while a bright red chronograph seconds hand enhances legibility when measuring elapsed times. The timepiece is presented in a luxurious wooden box, with the interior marked First Swiss wristwatch in space. May 24th, 1962. Accompanying the display is a replica of Carpenters Mercury 7 name badge. Custom-made for carpenter The original Cosmonaute was damaged upon splashdown. After landing 250 nautical miles (460 km) off course in the Atlantic, Carpenter spent three hours in a life raft awaiting rescue. During that time, salt water corroded the dial. Scott Carpenter undergoes a simulated mission in the procedures trainer at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. NASA Willy Breitling replaced the watch, and the original remained in the brands archives untouched and unseen until 2022, when it made its first public appearance for the 60th anniversary of Carpenters mission. It was later displayed at Breitlings Then & Now pop-up museum in Zurich as part of the brands 140th anniversary. Fittingly, the corrosion on the dial has taken on the appearance of a distant planetary surface. To celebrate the new limited edition and the final week of Breitlings 140th-anniversary pop-up museum, a special event was held on site. There, Willy Breitlings son Gregory who had been just a boy when the Cosmonaute was created shared the story. His recollections offered a rare glimpse into the decision-making, creativity, and sheer speed with which his father responded to Scott Carpenters request. Though damaged, that original endures as a powerful artifact from the dawn of space exploration and a bold new direction in Swiss watchmaking. With the new centenary edition, Breitling revives a pioneering timepiece, while inviting a new generation to rediscover the spirit of adventure that carried Scott Carpenter into orbit, and into history. The British actor, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, has joined OMEGAs family of global ambassadors, bringing his commanding screen presence and commitment to excellence to the brand The new partnership was celebrated together at OMEGAs HQ in Biel, Switzerland, where Taylor-Johnson spent time exploring the renowned watchmaking facilities and heritage museum. Here, he discovered the mechanical ingenuity and meticulous assembly behind todays OMEGA watches, while also learning more about the unique history that sets the brand apart in the world of horology. After his visit, Taylor-Johnson stated "I have always had an appreciation for timepieces but especially for Omega. Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product." Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, said, Aaron is such a versatile actor, with a range that covers action, thriller, romance and much more. At OMEGA, weve always been impressed by that all-around quality, and his pioneering approach to so many roles. His passion for watches is also clear, so were delighted to welcome him as a new ambassador and share the excitement of our latest creations. Aaron Taylor-Johnson began his career on-stage at the age of 10 on the West End before immersing himself in leading roles on the big screen, including Shanghai Knights; Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging; and his breakout portrayal of John Lennon in Nowhere Boy. Additional film credits include Kick-Ass; Avengers: Age of Ultron; The Wall; Kraven; Nosferatu; and his multi award-winning performance as a serial killer in Nocturnal Animals. Aaron Taylor-Jonhson Omega Aaron is joining a family of OMEGA ambassadors that already includes several notable names in cinema, including George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Eddie Redmayne, Naomie Harris, and Daniel Craig. A talented cast that all share the same high standard when it comes to performance and on-screen impact. Speaking about his new role with OMEGA, Aaron said, "I place significant value on relationships that are genuine and built on mutual passion and respect. With that, its a tremendous honor to be selected as a Brand Ambassador". Aaron also shared his family history with the brand, "My interest in watches first began with my dad who introduced me to Omega, if you can believe it. He was working class and saved his earnings to purchase an Omega watch". OMEGA is thrilled to welcome Aaron. While visiting the brand in Switzerland, the actor wore a Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space on a brown leather strap (310.32.40.50.06.002) a timepiece renowned for its vintage inspiration and spatial heritage. On screen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson will soon be starring in films that include 28 Years Later; Fuze; and Blood on Snow. Walled houses, passages enclosed with metal gates, and completely fenced-off parks. Solanda, a neighborhood south of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, has transformed its open spaces into fortified zones. Jose Calderon, a neighborhood leader, opens the gate to enter a narrow street that leads to a block of houses. No one goes in unless they live there. Like his street, hundreds of others have protected themselves from danger with barriers. Its their way of confronting the wave of violence devastating them. Residents watch in amazement as armed confrontation erupts every month. The evidence is there: murders, shootings, and businesses attacked with bullets. As part of the military operation carried out on May 19, searches were carried out in several streets and parks in the Solanda neighborhood. Vannessa Teran Violence has escalated dramatically in Ecuador in areas like Solanda. In 2024 alone, the parish recorded nine violent deaths, according to police data. And as of May 13 of this year, there have already been 10. Solanda is a place of contrasts. With a population of 150,000 one of the densest in Quito a booming commercial sector and an increase in crime coexist. A couple of blocks away from Jose Calderons house is Jota Street, one of the most conflictive thoroughfares. Businesses are packed together. Clothing stores, markets, restaurants, and bars operate practically around the clock, without a break. Its Saturday afternoon, and pedestrians are coming in and out of the shops, looking for something to buy or eat from the carts set up on the sidewalks. Everyone seems forced to coexist with the violence. Police officer Gabriel Rosero, chief of operations for the Eloy Alfaro district which includes parishes like Solanda asserts that the murders of recent months are premeditated. This is a dispute between criminal gangs. Its now common to hear that a shootout or massacre was a settling of scores, a euphemism that masks the dispute over control of territory for micro-trafficking. Jose Calderon knows this. One only has to walk a few meters from his house to find proof of the escalating violence: what used to be a bakery is now an abandoned house with shattered windows and bullet-riddled walls. The premises were left unoccupied after the attack. Those who pass by barely glance at it. A military patrol enters the narrow alleys of Solanda. Vannessa Teran In Solanda, these crimes have been occurring since last year. We were incredibly peaceful; absolutely nothing was happening here, says Calderon. But theres a lot of commerce, and gangs want to take over our area. The most recent attack occurred on May 9, when two men were shot and killed in the street. Cristinas son she prefers not to reveal her full name for safety reasons witnessed the crime. Luckily or not, he was passing by at that time. I cant send my son out for a four-block walk at night anymore, she says. Violence in Ecuador has steadily increased in recent years, and 2025 shows no signs of improvement. Ecuador recorded 3,094 intentional homicides from January to April of this year, a 58% increase compared to the 1,951 in the same period last year. Even compared to 2023 the bloodiest year in the countrys recent history, which closed that same quarter with 2,301 cases current figures indicate that 2025 could become the most violent year on record. Violence in Ecuador, which seemed to be a problem entrenched in border provinces or coastal cities like Guayaquil, Machala, and Duran, is now beginning to spread to areas of Quito. Between January 1 and May 13, 2025, 94 homicides were reported in the Metropolitan District of Quito, an increase of 32.4% compared to the 71 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. Military personnel in the vicinity of Jota Street. Vannessa Teran The escalation of violence in areas like Solanda is partly due to the fact that organized crime groups have focused their efforts on recruiting local gangs, says Pedro Manosalvas, a security expert. The expansion of these gangs has led to a turf war for control of micro-trafficking, he explains. Carolina Andrade, a member of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), agrees that the increase in violence is due to the fact that Quito is viewed by organized crime groups as a consumer market. When these violent incidents occur, its because these groups that control the distribution and supply networks for domestic consumption are under tension, Andrade points out. Why would they want to take over a parish? asks Calderon. He immediately answers his own question: Its because they see that its good; they have somewhere to sell, people to sell to, and whats more, control is minimal. Drug use and sales are nothing new in the area. Cristina, one of the neighborhoods residents, claims that even school students are manipulated into selling drugs. Many have had to remove their children from institutions. The children are being threatened, and their parents are being extorted, she says. Calderon agrees, recalling that a few months ago, a woman invited some young people from the neighborhood to lunch and told them, Do you want to make money? Its easy, Ill give you some packages, you sell them. Calderon recounts that the children alerted him to what had happened: A group of residents and I approached her and told her, If youre going to do that here, things are going to go badly for you. Youd better leave. Two weeks later, she left the area. Juan Aleman Avenue, better known as La Jota, is one of Solandas economic centers. Vannessa Teran Manosalvas also points out that the lack of police oversight and control has paved the way for criminal groups to operate without retaliation: Impunity allows them to act with greater recklessness toward the population and authorities. It also favors the proliferation of other related crimes such as extortion, kidnapping, and arms and human trafficking, he explains. Andrade adds another problem: high police turnover and lack of resources. Everything is concentrated in the coastal cities, given the current situation there. This has an impact because it reduces resources to support work in other areas. Residents have tried to speak with the authorities, but have received no response. And when they have managed to arrange working meetings with the police, the leaders dont last even two months. We plan a work schedule, and a month later they change them, and we have to start from scratch again, says Calderon. For now, Solanda residents cling to the few spaces of peace they still have, like the ecuavoley court a local variant of volleyball in the Ecological Park. They gather there every weekend and play until late at night. Its one of the few corners that hasnt yet been fenced off, like the other parks and blocks in the city. But none of the residents can say for sure how much longer it will remain that way. During the operation, searches were carried out in several streets and parks in Solanda. Vannessa Teran Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimates that Hamas still has around 40,000 fighters, similar to the number it mustered before the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. The information was reported Sunday by multiple Israeli media outlets, citing unidentified military sources. According to the same sources, the Palestinian militia still retains a significant part of its military structure. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz claimed Hamas still has an arsenal of thousands of short-range rockets and a large part of its tunnel network which is believed to have stretched more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) beneath the Strip before the start of the war remains intact. According to the aforementioned reports, the Islamists maintain an extensive network of tunnels operating beneath Gaza City and the southern city of Khan Younis, as well as under some refugee camps. Until March, the Israeli army then commanded by Herzi Halevi maintained that Hamas was no longer an operational military force, and that only independent commands existed, launching sporadic attacks. The arrival that month of Halevis successor, Eyal Zamir, brought new reckoning. Israel now considers Hamas a still-functional force capable of internal coordination. Under Zamirs leadership, the fight against Hamas has deployed new tactics. Senior army officials explain in the Israeli press that increased firepower is now being used and that the Islamist movements government infrastructure is being targeted. Since Israel unilaterally ended the truce on March 18, Israeli forces have launched a total of 2,900 airstrikes against the enclave. According to military sources, legal advice has been obtained for these attacks to ensure compliance with international law. These laws prohibit, for example, strikes against densely populated residential areas, such as Gaza City, and indiscriminate attacks that could result in civilian deaths. Especially if, as is the case with a large proportion of the victims in the Strip, they are children. Hamas fighters during the handover of three Israeli hostages in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on February 8, 2025. NurPhoto (NurPhoto via Getty Images) The fight against the militias remaining capabilities is also among the priority objectives of the new Israeli military offensive, dubbed Operation Gideons Chariots. This operation aims to take control of 75% of the Palestinian enclave over the next two months, while relocating the entire population of the Strip to three specific areas: Gaza City, the refugee camps located in the center of the enclave, and the Al-Mawasi area, previously designated as a humanitarian zone, although Israel has consistently bombed it. The IDFs plans could be based on the idea that this massive population evacuation will push Hamas into a state of collapse and a governance crisis, forcing it to negotiate a truce on the terms desired by Israel. The Israeli militarys new calculations appear to follow the same ratio previously cited by U.S. officials. In January 2025, U.S. intelligence estimated that Hamas had been able to recruit between 10,000 and 15,000 fighters during the previous 15 months of war. This, according to Washington, offset the similar number of militants the group had lost during the same period. At the time, the same sources indicated that many of the new recruits who took up arms were young men with no combat training. On January 14, then-secretary of state Antony Blinken warned that the conflict could be a recipe for an enduring insurgency and perpetual war. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition It was August 2024, and the United States and Europe were celebrating the successful exchange of a large group of Russian political prisoners for several Kremlin spies. The operation had been a political success for the governments involved, but it was marred by the absence of Alexei Navalny, the best-known figure in the Russian opposition in the West and President Vladimir Putins arch-rival, who died the previous February. With no other familiar faces from the red carpets or international forums, thousands of opponents were left behind bars in Russia. Human rights organizations and the UN are calling on the Kremlin to treat them more humanely and on Washington and European capitals not to forget them. The Trump administration is negotiating with the Kremlin for a new prisoner exchange between the two countries, the second during the Republicans new term. According to the list leaked to Reuters, Washington is offering the release of nine Russians in exchange for nine Americans accused of assaulting a police officer, child abuse, drug dealing, and theft, among other crimes. Several European diplomatic sources consulted by EL PAIS say they have no evidence that any negotiations are underway with Moscow to try to free more Russian political prisoners. However, not all of the prisoners exchanged a year ago were happy about their release. Opposition sources tell this newspaper that some regretted not being able to set an example for other Russians from within the country after being forced by the Kremlin to live in exile. 2,000 political prisoners The UN Human Rights Committee in Russia reports that there are still more than 2,000 political prisoners incarcerated in the country, at least 120 of them in imminent danger due to their critical health, age, or disability. These people must be released before another political prisoner dies in Russian jails, as Navalny did a year ago, denounced Mariana Katsarova, the UN special envoy to Russia, in February. The Russian human rights organization OVD-Info is monitoring the repression of protesters and dissidents in the country. According to its data, at least 1,607 people remain behind bars in Russia for political reasons. Of these, more than 180 suffer from various health problems, spokesperson Dmitry Anismov told this newspaper. Some are in a particularly dire situation, although the situation for the rest is no better because Russian penitentiary institutions almost never provide defendants with any standard treatment or diagnosis, apart from the occasional cheap painkiller, Anismov says. The NGO, declared a foreign agent and blocked in Russia, warns that the conditions in which prisoners live threaten their health: Minor ailments, without proper diagnosis and treatment, and in poor living conditions, can develop into serious problems. Prison hospitals have few specialists and lack the necessary modern equipment, says the OVD-Info spokesperson. Anismov criticizes the fact that staff at these facilities sometimes refuse to administer medication because they simply dont want to. And it is very difficult, almost impossible, to transfer a prisoner from a prison to a regular hospital, he adds. Olga Romanova, director of the NGO Russia Behind Bars, published the same list of prisoners Washington is demanding from Moscow before news agency Reuters did. The Russian activist emphasized that only U.S. prisoners are listed, and that the release of Russian political prisoners has not been discussed at any point. The lives of more than 120 Russian dissidents are now in serious danger. One of them was on the shortlist for the August 2024 exchange, but his name was crossed off the list at the last minute, according to Ilia Yashin, one of the dissidents who did take part in the exchange. Expelled from Russia, not freed, he clarified at the time. The dissident in question is Alexei Gorinov, 63, a member of the opposition Solidarity movement and a former Moscow city councilor. This veteran politician was the first Russian convicted under the new law against discrediting the Russian Armed Forces. A court sentenced him to six years and 11 months in prison in 2022 for saying during a district meeting that it was not appropriate to hold an event for Childrens Day while children were being killed on the front lines. Another court added three years to his sentence in 2024 for justifying terrorism by defending Ukraine in private conversations with other inmates. Gorinov, who is missing a lung, has just been diagnosed with tuberculosis. The dissident relapsed during another transfer from one prison to another, and doctors discovered the disease during an X-ray. Hes not receiving treatment [...] Tuberculosis is doubly dangerous for him; he may not survive, his lawyer, Natalia Tertukhina, warned Novaya Gazeta. Some opposition members only connection to the outside world is a handful of blank sheets of paper. In front of the pretrial detention center, theres a lot of vegetation (I finally saw it!) and many apartments with small, narrow windows. You can see the sky! Gorinov wrote in a letter published by the activists support platform following his final transfer to an unknown prison. The life of journalist Maria Ponomarenko is also in danger. Arrested in April 2022, a court sentenced the reporter to six years in prison for criticizing the massacre of civilians sheltering in the Mariupol theater. Her outlet, Rusnews, reports that Ponomarenko is on the verge of suicide: in March, she slit her wrists and in April, she began a hunger strike after denouncing mistreatment in prison. Her mental health has deteriorated under arrest, and she has been forcibly injected with unknown substances, denounces Amnesty International which was declared an undesirable organization in Russia last week. Her lawyer, Dmitry Shitov, claims that Ponomarenko needs psychotherapeutic help that cannot be provided in the pre-trial detention center. Another case is that of Igor Baryshnikov, sentenced in 2023 to seven and a half years in prison for spreading false information about the Armed Forces by criticizing the Bucha and Mariupol massacres. The opposition leader underwent surgery while on trial in 2023. Baryshnikov has prostate hyperplasia, and urine drainage is only possible through a tube in the abdomen, OVD-Info reports. Furthermore, a medical council declared his condition to be on the list of conditions that exempt him from serving a prison sentence. Despite this, and despite caring for his 97-year-old disabled mother, he was imprisoned. His mother died shortly afterward, and the authorities did not allow him to attend the funeral. His health continues to deteriorate, the NGO warns. Other political prisoners were jailed for reasons other than the invasion of Ukraine. Zarema Musayeva, the wife of a former Russian Supreme Court judge and mother of two activists protesting from exile against the regime of Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, was kidnapped in Nizhny Novgorod and forcibly transferred to the Caucasian republic in January 2022. Accused of an alleged fraud that has never been proven, she remains in pretrial detention, where she has begun to suffer serious health problems. OVD-Info reports that the Chechen authorities are failing to provide medical care to Musayeva despite her high-risk status: she has lost mobility due to back pain, suffers from acute hypertensive crises accompanied by loss of consciousness, and suffers from type 2 diabetes along with a series of comorbidities that require constant medical supervision. If the situation of the Russians is dire, that of Belarusian prisoners is worse. Even the August 2024 exchange did not include any, as the Aleksandr Lukashenko regime instead released a German. The West has 1,187 prisoners to choose from in that country, according to the Viasna organization. This group even includes a Nobel Prize winner, the organizations president, Ales Bialiatsky. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Cristina Jimenez (Quito, 40 years old) never planned for her debut memoir to be published during a second Donald Trump presidency. After the Republicans first term in office, the co-founder of United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth-led network in the United States, which was instrumental in the advocacy surrounding the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, decided to write a book about her journey from a young undocumented immigrant in Queens to one of the leading voices in the fight for immigration justice in the country. Now, in the midst of Trumps heightened anti-immigration crusade, Jimenez hopes that Dreaming of Home will serve as a roadmap for a new resistance front against the presidents agenda and rhetoric. I knew in 2016 that I did not want to feel like that ever again, and I never dreamed for my book to be out in a moment where we are under another Trump administration. But what I want people to know with this story is that what is going to get us through this moment is going to be community, solidarity, and organizing, Jimenez says in an interview with EL PAIS in Manhattan in mid-May ahead of the books release date on the 27th. I want to remind us that we have the power to build a different country and not be in this situation again. Indeed, in the current political context, Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear into Pride, Power, and Real Change (St. Martins Press) reads like a guide on how to inspire new generations of activists. Its a coming-of-age tale about a 13-year-old Ecuadorian immigrant without papers who, like many before and after her, struggles to cope in a country that continuously rejects her. But its also the story of how a group of undocumented youth came together in the early 2000s to fight for their rights to stay in the country that they had grown to know as home. A love letter to the immigrant community in the U.S., its about failure and heartache, but also about empowerment and hope. Question. When did you decide to write this book? Answer. It was the night of the 2016 election, I was the executive director of United We Dream, and we were gathered to see the results. We had done so much work through our advocacy arm to inspire voters to engage in the election. When the results were confirmed, I was with my mom and a bunch of people that had mixed status, and everyone just started crying and hugging each other because we knew what this would mean. I remember feeling very overwhelmed and paralyzed by the fear of what was about to come. My mom came up to me, she was crying, and she asked me: Mija, que vamos a hacer? I had gone through a process of transforming from a place of being so fearful about being undocumented and having so much shame to, as a community organizer, feeling so powerful. But for the first time, I looked at her and felt powerless. I couldnt tell her that we were going to be okay. But what I could tell her was, were going to fight back. Q. The book is your story, but its also a historical lesson of this countrys immigration system. Why did you decide to write it like that? A. Part of it is a vulnerable story of me growing up undocumented, very intimate, but its also about pulling off the curtain of why we have the immigration system that we have. A lot of people right now are saying, We cant believe this is happening. How is it that ICE can violate peoples rights and disregard the courts and violently enter into homes and pull people out of cars and leave children stranded without their parents? And I tell them that this is what this deportation force was designed for. The system, the laws that we see operating right now, are there by design. And they are more dangerous now with someone in power who completely believes in the ideology of white nationalism and in leading the country as a dictator. The cover of 'Dreaming of Home.' McMillan Q. Having lived through and organized during the first Trump administration, do you feel that the country has been slow to react this time? A. The conditions are severely different this time. It goes without saying that whether youre an immigrant or not, whats happening right now has everybody scared. But I would also say that even though we may not be seeing the big protests from back then, like the Womens March that happened right after [the 2016 election], where you had millions of women take to the streets, the reality is that when you look at the amount of people that have protested now, its a lot more than in the first year of the first Trump administration. So, Im actually very encouraged. Q. Theres a line in the book where you say, I wish I had been in the room when those decisions were being made when talking about immigration policy. As an activist, you have been in the room for the past 10 to 15 years, but were still seeing all this rolling back of rights. What else is needed? A. We cannot have solutions if the people that will be directly impacted are not in the table of conversation, so thats just my principle. What Im trying to drive with the book is that we need more of us to be in the room, to have the power to shape institutions, policy, culture, and the narrative. Yes, there are hundreds more than perhaps when I started, but we need a lot more. The point here is that weve made progress and the very fact that we are seeing a lot of the rollback that you mentioned is because we have been successful, so theyre pushing back because we have been winning. Q. Early in the book, you note that, back in the 1920s, people didnt need passports, visas, or green cards to come to the U.S. Its hard to imagine that, especially now. Could it ever be the same? A. Its a policy choice to close the door to mostly brown and Black working class poor people from around the world and open it to groups like white South Africans. And because humans have made those decisions, I believe its possible for them to make different ones. I tell the story of how young undocumented people who seemingly had zero power were able to organize to create the transformation and the change that weve seen in the last 20 years. But imagine if the rest of the country, those who are U.S. citizens, realized their own power. Q. You grew up in the U.S. in the aftermath of 9/11, and in the book you admit that the first time you felt American was precisely after the attacks. You have since become a citizen yourself, how has that feeling of belonging evolved? A. Its very interesting, because who is an American? Who gets to define whos an American? Dreaming of Home is a way of saying that we get to define that, not Trump. For me, this is something that goes beyond a country identity. The question that Im really pushing here is what is home? Imagine this: youre a 13-year-old Ecuadorian girl that was uprooted from everything that meant home to her. And when the attacks happened in 9/11, I felt the pain, the suffering, the fear with everybody. It was the first time that I realized that this is home. Q. But you felt at home in a country that spurned you and your family for being undocumented. A. It was and is a conflicting truth for me. You can see in this book how I explore my own contradicting feelings about home and this country. Because at the same time that this young and undocumented person found home here, it is also a place that rejects me and doesnt want me. And sometimes, to be real, I contend with that. There are many days that I get very upset at myself for wanting this country to embrace me. That is true, but the other truth is that this country has given me people that love me. It has given me my family. My family is here because Americans from all walks of life stopped the deportation of my husband. That is the truth about America, too. Q. Throughout the book, you revisit the concept of the good versus bad immigrant. Whats the danger of that myth? A. When we come here, everything tells us that just by being here weve done something wrong. I believed that, even though my parents and I came here seeking a better life, fleeing poverty and political instability, somehow we had done something wrong. People in power want us to believe that. But I have come to see that it doesnt matter how good of an immigrant you are, we are still going to experience systematized racism. Being a good immigrant doesnt protect us from being discriminated against, abused and exploited by the system, and from being detained and deported. My book is an invitation for people in our communities to shed that lie. Q. Throughout your life and work, the word dream has always been there: United We Dream as the name of your first organization, Dreaming of Home as the title of your memoir Whats your biggest dream? A. There are two things I would say. A lot of what were living right now could shut us down from dreaming, and I hope this story will remind us to keep doing it, because those dreams have been the ones that have led us to have a better country. We cannot give up on dreaming, even when the odds are so extreme. And personally, I have a three-year-old now and my biggest dream is that he can grow up in a country and a world where his life is equally valuable to everybody. Where he can be free to dream, to live and to be a gift and contribution to society. I wrote this book in the middle of giving birth to my kid and going through postpartum anxiety and depression, which was really tough. I know that so many moms and so many parents go through that, so I just want him to be proud. The police stopped Andrea on a Thursday. She was supposed to appear in court on Wednesday regarding her immigration status, but she went there on the wrong day. A scheduling error that costs any undocumented person their future. That Thursday, she learned she had a deportation order that she believes was issued for not attending court the day before. The police let her go with a warning for driving with expired insurance and the promise that she would leave the United States within 20 days. But shes been in Texas for three years, and Venezuela, her home country, has nothing to offer her. Shes chosen to go into hiding. She moved into a trailer with no permanent address with her young daughter, certain that running into a police car could cost her the little shes earned. She quit her regular job and is living off the little she gets from the girls father, and the charity of her friends. Im here, but Im not doing anything. I dont have papers, I dont have a lawyer, I dont have an address, I dont have a school for my daughter. I have nothing. What I dont want is to be put in jail, she says. Twenty days passed, then two months, and nothing improved. Andrea, 23, doesnt give her real name, mainly for fear of having her daughter taken away from her. When she crossed the border, she had the same plan as almost everyone else: work, buy a house, a car, save, send remittances to her family, and live peacefully. The reality has been harsher: Sometimes I spend the whole day looking at my phone. Crying, thinking. I also saw theyre giving a thousand dollars to those who leave voluntarily, and Ive wanted to leave. But what am I going to do in Venezuela? I have nothing here, but even less there. A migrant displays a CBP Home self-deportation application in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on May 19. Yoseph Amaya (REUTERS) Attorney Danay Rodriguez, an immigration representative for an NGO that offers low-cost legal services to migrants, recommends in these cases initiating urgent legal action. This allows the person to remain in the country until the matter is resolved, she explains. Otherwise, they could be forcibly expelled, which would result in a detention that would remain on their immigration record. They could be barred from legal re-entry into the United States, and it could affect any benefits they apply for in the future, such as a visa or residency. The problem is that not everyone can afford a lawyer. She knows this, but insists that its best to seek alternatives through charities or private firms that do pro bono work. With a good legal plan, you can not only stop the order, but also rescind it, Rodriguez points out. Reopen the case, and apply for legal relief that could lead to a request for closure of the court, which means the judge and prosecutor are not interested in deporting that person. Then, theres also the possibility of legalizing oneself in the country. The order is an official document bearing a name and an Alien Number: the number the government assigns to certain migrants to identify them. A document that, according to law, makes you someone who should no longer be in the United States. Tomas has one of those, but he doesnt want to leave either. This 30-year-old Cuban once had residency, but lost it after a minor conviction for marijuana possession years ago. He was locked up in a detention center for months. He hired a lawyer, but lost the case and was ordered deported. Im in limbo. Cuba practically doesnt accept deportations. Then they release you and you become the property of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), forced to report every six months by going to sign on a machine. Tomas cant regularize his status and, therefore, doesnt make long-term plans. He keeps his drivers license and a camera, which is his life and his work tool. If they send me to Cuba, Ill go with my camera, and there Ill figure out how to survive. But he has nothing there. For him, its the island where he was born and, at the same time, a foreign land. Every day he does the same thing: taking photos, buying equipment, avoiding trouble. Especially that last point: I cant give them reasons [for arrest]. I cant fail. Residents document the arrest of a migrant woman after a raid in Denver, Colorado, on February 5. David Zalubowski (AP) I dont live in fear, but I do live with caution. My freedom depends on them not trying to screw me over, he says. He cant do any more. He has to work and report while planning to set up his own studio in another country; where, he has no way of knowing for now. They took you out the wrong door, a lawyer told David after reviewing his case. When they released him at the border, after an anxiety attack that knocked him to the ground, they explained nothing to him. They took him to the hospital, medicated him, returned him to the detention center, and the next day they released him without temporary status or entry record. David was a ghost until two weeks ago, when he learned he had an immediate deportation order. They didnt notify him. He didnt have a chance to tell his story. The land of laws told him it was game over before even telling him he was playing. Hes 26 years old and lives with his parents, who arrived with him. They were quickly released. He was left in a coffin-like cell: two meters by one meter. I didnt know if it was day or night. I slept out of despair. Four days later, an ambulance took him out. David doesnt work because, he says, no one hires undocumented people anymore. He wants to be a truck driver, but he cant get a drivers license either. All he does all day is practice English with Duolingo or go for walks around the neighborhood, mulling over the things he would do if they let him stay legally. This isnt life. I cant help my family, I cant pay anything. I feel like a parasite. He also doesnt trust the idea of voluntary deportations. Thats a lie. They make you sign and put whatever they want into the system. Theres no way to file a claim. According to the lawyers hes consulted, his only option is political asylum. If hes deported, he doesnt know what hell do. In Cuba, he felt useful, but also stuck and frustrated. I dont know if Im better off here or there. All I know is that Im a nobody. Neither in the United States nor in Cuba. David is a migrant who arrived as if he hadnt arrived. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Donald Trump administration ramped up its pressure on Harvard on Tuesday, escalating a conflict that has been steadily intensifying since March, by ordering all federal agencies to cancel their contracts with the university. The blow amounts to around $100 million a figure that Harvard, the richest university in the world, can absorb, given its $53 billion endowment fund. But that is not the only budget cut Harvard faces. Trump is also threatening to cut an additional $3 billion in funding, on top of the roughly $3.2 billion already frozen, and is threatening to revoke its tax-exempt status. The latest battle in the war between the government and the oldest and one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the United States comes on the day lawyers from both sides are expected to appear before Judge Allison D. Burroughs. Last Friday, she temporarily suspended a White House order that banned the university from enrolling more international students and left those already enrolled or conducting research at Harvard in legal limbo. With their F-1 or J-1 visas revoked. they now face two options: find another place to continue their education or risk being deported. In a letter sent Thursday, Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced that she was revoking the universitys authority to enroll international students. Harvard responded to this unprecedented move by suing the government. Tuesdays hearing is taking place in a Boston court. Caught in the middle of this dispute are about 6,800 international students, which make up 27% of the total student body. The order to end federal contracts with Harvard also came in a letter. Dated Tuesday, the letter argues that the university continues to engage in race discrimination, including in its admissions process and in other areas of student life. According to the Trump administration, the university maintains policies that favor groups such as African Americans and Hispanics over white and Asian applicants, both in student and faculty selection. The letter sent by the General Services Administration made no reference to the conflict over international student, but repeated the accusation that antisemitism has taken hold on campus: Harvards ongoing inaction in the face of repeated and severe harassment and targeting of its students has at times grounded day-to-day campus operations to a halt, deprived Jewish students of learning and research opportunities to which they are entitled, and profoundly alarmed the general public. These accusations stem from pro-Palestinian protests against Israels war in Gaza, which spread across campuses nationwide last year including at Harvard. Woke criteria Harvard has acknowledged that antisemitism is a problem, as is anti-Muslim sentiment, and its president, Alan Garber, pledged last month to do more to combat it. However, the idea of a profoundly alarmed general public is arguably an exaggeration. The Trump administrations order also mentions the Harvard Law Review, another battleground in the ongoing conflict. According to the government, the student-run journal selects topics and authors based on so-called woke motivations a core obsession of U.S. conservatives. On Monday, Trump posted a message on his social network that repeated a new attack line regarding international students at Harvard. He argued that since Harvard has 31% international students (an incorrect figure), he doesnt understand why only the U.S. funds the university and not other countries. I am considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land. What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!! Trump wrote in a separate post, without specifying how he plans to reallocate the money a move that is highly likely to be blocked by the courts. The five countries that contribute the most students to Harvard are, in order, China, Canada, India, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, according to university data. Chinese students are at the heart of another justification used by the Trump administration to explain its crackdown on Harvard. In a statement, the DHS went so far on Thursday as to argue that the university facilitated, and engaged in coordinated activity with the Chinese Communist Party, including hosting and training members of a Chinese Communist Party paramilitary group complicit in the Uyghur genocide. In a statement last Thursday, DHS went so far as to accuse the university of facilitating and participating in coordinated activities with the Chinese Communist Party, including training members of a paramilitary group complicit in the Uyghur genocide. In a telephone interview with this newspaper, Steven Levitsky, one of Harvards most renowned professors and co-author of the influential essay on the rise of authoritarianism, How Democracies Die, described these allegations as a joke, pure pretexts. At the heart of the latest dispute over foreign students is a request made in April for Harvard to share data on its visa-holding students, especially those who have participated in dangerous or illegal activities. In her letter Thursday, Noem demanded that Harvard provide DHS with video and audio recordings of those suspected students, gathered both on and off campus. The suspension of the entire international student bodys status would also affect around a hundred Israeli students, as well as those who opposed last years protests against Israels brutal military campaign in Gaza. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Trump administration has ordered a halt to all visa interviews for new international students at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. These processes are being paused while a plan is reviewed that would require prospective students to undergo screening of their social media activity, according to a State Department cable obtained by Politico. The directive, reported by several U.S. media outlets, was issued Tuesday and bears the signature of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The cable reads: Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued. It adds that interviews already scheduled may proceed. EL PAIS contacted the U.S. Embassy in Madrid for further information but received no response. The news comes just days after the Trump administration sent a letter to Harvards academic leadership, signed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, revoking the universitys authorization to enroll foreign students. The move was interpreted as an escalation in the White Houses campaign against the oldest and wealthiest institution of higher education in the United States, which it accuses of promoting antisemitism and terrorism on campus. As part of its pressure campaign, Washington had already frozen approximately $3.2 billion in federal funds and is threatening to revoke the universitys tax-exempt status. On Friday, Harvard sued the government for what its lawyers called retaliation, and within hours a federal judge issued a temporary injunction against the measure, arguing that implementing it would cause imminent, concrete and irreparable harm to the university. On Tuesday, Trump went even further by ordering the termination of all contracts between Harvard and nine federal agencies. This new economic blow amounts to $100 million. Thousands of visas revoked Last week, Rubio appeared before the Senate, stating that he believed thousands of visas had been revoked since Trump took office. I dont know the latest count, but we probably have more to do, said the former senator. Were going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities. The last time Rubio gave an estimate was in March, when the number stood at about 300. A visa is not a right. It is a privilege, he said last week. Trumps list of grievances against Harvard and other elite universities includes accusations that they failed to adequately address alleged antisemitism during last years pro-Palestinian protests, and that they promote policies advancing diversity and equality labeled by Republicans as woke ideology. He has also accused them of being leftist strongholds where conservative views are unwelcome. In addition to Harvard, the Trump administration has targeted Columbia University. In March, the government froze $400 million in federal research funds and sent immigration agents to detain student activists, the most prominent of whom, Mahmoud Khalil, remains in detention. So far, Columbia Universitys concessions including stricter protest rules, a ban on face masks, and outside oversight of its Middle Eastern Studies department have done little to appease the administration. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition SAITAMA, Japan - Yudai Matsuzaki's idea to produce craft gin in a nation where "shochu" spirits and whiskey rule the day came from a simple yet unique place: a desire to make use of a forest where he played as a child. It didn't hurt that Matsuzaki, owner of a distillery near Tokyo, also loves gin. Matsuzaki, 37, is one of a growing number of small-scale distillers in Japan using homegrown ingredients, some of which incorporate local specialties, to produce craft gins, fueling a domestic gin boom. According to the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association, domestic shipments of the spirit were under 1.2 million liters per year until 2019. They then began to increase gradually, topping 5.5 million liters in 2024. Gin is a distilled spirit made from grains such as barley. Once flavored with juniper berries, producers can add other ingredients, enjoying more flexibility to experiment compared with other liquors. An aroma of citrus wafted in the air in mid-March at Matsuzaki's distillery in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo. Matsuzaki had held on to a dream of making use of a desolate forest in Kawagoe where he used to play. Around 2010, he planted a conifer there to obtain juniper berries. Requiring cool conditions and low humidity, the tree struggled to grow at first. But Matsuzaki ensured it had shade from surrounding trees, and it eventually bore fruit over several years. While many Japanese distilleries use imported botanicals for their gin, Matsuzaki insists on making his own. "I want to express the taste of my hometown, where I was born and raised," said the head of Matsuzaki Co. The company's Togedama brand has seen brisk sales since its release in 2020. The fact that distillation equipment for whiskey and shochu can be converted to produce gin, which does not typically require aging, has been a boon to the industry. Another merit is that gin can be quickly monetized from production to sales, the association says. The boom is prompting small and midsize shochu and whiskey makers to make use of their existing facilities. Since 2017, Masahiro Shuzo Co. in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture, has offered a gin produced by redistilling an Okinawan spirit called Awamori, and adding local ingredients such as "goya" bitter gourd. In Iwate Prefecture, sake brewer Nanbu Bijin Co. in Ninohe, which is one of the leading lacquer producers in Japan, distills its product with burnt lacquer wood to infuse a smoky flavor. Meanwhile, Goto Tsubaki Distillery in Nagasaki Prefecture's Goto Islands provides a gin flavored with the aroma of local camellia flowers. E-commerce sites and bars dedicated to gin are also on the rise. Craft Gin Bar Copain in Tokyo's Toshima Ward has crafted some 900 types of gin. "People are coming in droves to seek out the gin they like," said owner Tetsuo Hagawa, 55. "We are making efforts to make it a familiar alcoholic beverage and not just a passing fad." Major manufacturers are eager to join a market that shows no signs of slowing. Suntory Holdings Ltd. and Asahi Breweries Ltd. have released sugar-free canned gin products in 2020 and 2024, respectively. The demand for both remains strong as they pair well with a variety of foods, the companies said, with one representative saying, "The momentum is unstoppable." Related coverage: Historic Japan sake brewery offering courses for foreign sommeliers Japan's oldest sake brand determined to keep taste unchanged Sake's export boom bringing in new fans and food pairings TOKYO - More than 30 companies have applied to purchase over half of the 300,000 tons of stockpiled rice Japan plans to release through direct sales contracts with major retailers, the farm ministry said Tuesday, just a day after launching a new scheme to curb elevated rice prices. Applicants, including supermarket giant Aeon Co., discount store chain Don Quijote, and e-commerce operator Rakuten Group Inc., will gain access to rice stockpiles produced in 2021 and 2022 at roughly half the price compared to the previous auction-based method. As of 2 p.m., a total of 33 companies had signed up for 157,073 tons of the stockpiled rice, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Some of the rice is expected to reach retail shelves in early June. Flooded with applications, however, the ministry later decided to temporarily suspend accepting further requests after finding that nearly all of the 200,000 tons of rice produced in 2022 had been ordered. Farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who is leading the government's effort to drive down rice prices after his predecessor was sacked over a gaffe regarding the staple food, said on social media that following the pause, the remaining available rice will be from the 2021 harvest. Of the 33 retailers, Aeon plans to sell about 20,000 tons of rice, priced at around 2,000 yen ($14) per 5 kilograms, in line with the government's target. Mr Max Holdings Ltd., another discount store operator, said it is considering setting a price point below 2,000 yen per 5 kg, excluding tax. The average price of the staple food at supermarkets has doubled from a year earlier in recent months despite the government's efforts to lower prices through the release of its reserve rice. Looking ahead, the government will consider relaxing the current eligibility criteria for direct contracts, which have so far been limited to major retailers, to allow distribution to smaller supermarkets and rice shops, according to Koizumi. On Monday, the farm minister said the government would sell its rice stockpiles through direct contracts, bypassing the auction system under which farming cooperatives had acquired most of the rice by consistently outbidding other buyers. Koizumi said at a press conference Tuesday that the government is prepared to release its entire stockpile if necessary. A total of 312,000 tons were sold via auctions in March and April, with 300,000 tons of the remaining 600,000 tons set to be sold through direct contracts. Related coverage: Nearly 60% expect rice prices to fall with new farm minister: poll Supermarkets offering foreign-grown rice as Japan faces record prices Japan starts revised rice stocks sales to cut prices by early June TOKYO - Four former Nissan Motor Co. top executives including ex-President and CEO Makoto Uchida received a combined total of 646 million yen ($4.5 million) for leaving top roles at the embattled Japanese automaker, a general shareholders' meeting notice showed Tuesday. The large payouts may draw investor ire at the June 24 meeting, after Uchida stood down in March following unsuccessful merger talks with Honda Motor Co. and with the company planning to ax thousands of jobs with a net loss of 670.9 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March. The three others subject to the severance pay were former chief brand and customer officer Asako Hoshino, former chief technology officer and executive officer Kunio Nakaguro, and Hideyuki Sakamoto, who served as executive officer for manufacturing and supply chain management. Uchida and Sakamoto are still serving as board directors until the end of the shareholders' meeting. The company did not provide details on their individual payouts. Combined remuneration for Nissan's current five executive officers was nearly 1.66 billion yen, according to the notice. Japan's third-biggest automaker by volume has been pressured by faltering vehicle sales in China and the United States. Since new President and CEO Ivan Espinosa took over from Uchida in April, the automaker is rushing to streamline global operations to return to profitability in the next fiscal year. It said in mid-May it plans to more than double staff cuts to 20,000 people and close seven of its 17 vehicle plants. Related coverage: Nissan may sell HQ as it eyes extra 60 bil. yen restructuring costs Nissan tells workers closure of key Oppama plant not decided Nissan to seek early retirement applicants from office staff in Japan TOKYO - The U.S. government is considering acquiring a stake in United States Steel Corp. that would give it veto power over major decisions amid plans by Japan's Nippon Steel Corp. to acquire the U.S. steelmaker, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday. Washington apparently sees getting a "golden share" in the U.S. steelmaker, providing special rights to block certain actions by Nippon Steel such as slashing production capacity, as a way to assuage concerns over national security risks. The Japanese steelmaker has been planning on making its U.S. counterpart a wholly owned subsidiary, but U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to reveal the size of the stake he would approve of. The golden share scheme may limit the autonomy of Nippon Steel. Trump on Sunday said U.S. Steel would remain under American control even after a partnership with Nippon Steel. "It's an investment and it's a partial ownership, but it will be controlled by the U.S.A.," he said. The remarks came after he ordered the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to conduct another review of the plans. The first, launched under the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden after the Japanese and U.S. steel companies announced the deal in December 2023, failed to reach a consensus. Related coverage: Trump says U.S. Steel to remain under American control after deal Trump touts "partnership" between Japan's Nippon Steel, U.S. Steel KUALA LUMPUR - Leaders of China, Southeast Asia and six Arab nations held their first meeting Tuesday in Malaysia to bolster economic cooperation between the three parties, the population of which accounts for one quarter of the world's, amid global trade tensions over U.S. tariffs. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said at the meeting in Kuala Lumpur that his country, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council nations should "set a fine example of opening up across regions." "Our markets, if fully connected, will generate even greater space for development," Li said, referring to China-ASEAN free trade agreement and China-GCC free trade pact, which the Asian superpower and the six Arab countries are trying to reach. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said ASEAN, GCC and China collectively represent a combined gross domestic product of $24.87 trillion, which is growing exponentially, and have a population of approximately 2.15 billion. "The collective scale offers vast opportunities to synergize our markets, deepen innovation and promote cross-regional investment," Anwar said. "I am confident that ASEAN, GCC and China can grow on our unique attributes and shape a future that is more connected," he added. The meeting was held as China aims to boost ties with other economies, following a tit-for-tat trade war with the United States that ended in a preliminary deal earlier this month to lower recently imposed tariffs on each other's imports. Southeast Asian countries are seeking to diversify their trade partners and reduce reliance on the United States after President Donald Trump announced so-called reciprocal tariffs in April, with duties ranging from 10 percent to 49 percent to be imposed on the 10 members of ASEAN. The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to a draft joint statement of the trilateral summit, obtained by Kyodo News, the three parties recognized that the diversity of their economies "creates new opportunities for greater cross-sectoral trade, investment, and economic collaboration." ASEAN and the GCC held their second summit earlier Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur. Leaders of the two regional blocs met for the first time in 2023 in Saudi Arabia, where they agreed to meet every two years. The ASEAN members as a group represent the world's fifth-largest economy with a combined GDP of $3.8 trillion, while China remains the bloc's biggest trading partner with bilateral trade valued at $696.7 billion in 2023, according to a statement from the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office released Monday. Total trade between ASEAN and the GCC reached $130.7 billion that year, according to the statement. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Related coverage: ASEAN leaders meet as U.S. tariffs rattle regional economies Tariffs to hurt U.S. more than others: ex-Malaysia PM Mahathir ASEAN-plus-3 finance chiefs warn of protectionism after U.S. tariffs TOKYO - The new top executive of Seven & i Holdings Co., the Japanese operator of the Seven-Eleven convenience store chain, said Tuesday that he is committed to growth over the next decade, as the retail giant strives to enhance its corporate value in the face of a takeover bid by a Canadian rival. Stephen Hayes Dacus was officially appointed as its first foreign CEO following approval at an annual shareholders meeting. At the meeting, the new CEO vowed "efforts in making sure that the next 10 years is better than the last 10 years," as Seven & i implements restructuring steps to focus more on the convenience store business, which has seen slowing growth in Japan and the United States. Its shareholders approved the appointments of Dacus, 64, and 12 other board members, including Junro Ito, a member of its founding family, 66, as chairman and Takashi Sawada, former president of rival convenience store operator FamilyMart Co., as outside director. Dacus, replacing Ryuichi Isaka, 67, became a Seven & i outside director in 2022 after working as an executive at various Japanese companies, including Fast Retailing Co., the owner of the Uniqlo clothing chain, and the operator of the Sushiro conveyor belt sushi restaurant chain. "I know how important...the management of this business is to the people who run our business" on site, said Dacus, who has experience working during his teenage years at a 7-Eleven store in the United States owned by his father. "I also know how important it is for our stock and our performance to reflect that, so that our shareholders, who are also our customers, can benefit from the company's growth," said Dacus, who is a former CEO of the operator of rival retailer Seiyu Co., which was part of U.S. retail giant Walmart Inc. Seven & i said last year it had received a buyout offer of around 7 trillion yen ($49 billion) from Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., the operator of the Circle K convenience stores. The Japanese company's special committee is examining the offer and the option of a go-it-alone path from the perspective of maximizing value for shareholders. When one shareholder suggested the company opt for the buyout during the meeting, Isaka said Seven & i will examine the "two options as we pursue constructive talks with (Couche-Tard) and the steady implementation of our own measures in parallel." Ito, along with Ito-Kogyo Co., which manages the founding family's assets, had sought to take the retail conglomerate private through a management buyout to block the takeover by Couche-Tard but gave up on the plan after struggling to raise funds. The deal, estimated to cost around 9 trillion yen, would have been the biggest management buyout in Japan. Seven & i outlined a series of restructuring plans such as the sale of its supermarket business and a massive share buyback to boost its corporate value in an apparent bid to fend off Couche-Tard's takeover attempt. Among reform steps, Seven & i agreed to sell its subsidiary operating the Ito-Yokado supermarket chain to U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital for 814.7 billion yen, while planning a U.S. listing for its U.S. 7-Eleven convenience store business unit in 2026. The company also said it will sell part of its shareholdings in Seven Bank Ltd. to deconsolidate the banking subsidiary. The Japanese company said in October last year it planned to change its name to "7-Eleven Corp." to emphasize its focus on the retail brand, pending shareholder approval at Tuesday's meeting. But the plan was not included in proposals to vote on at the shareholders' meeting, with more time needed for in-house coordination. Related coverage: Incoming Seven & i CEO vows faster decision-making amid buyout threat Couche-Tard not considering hostile takeover of Seven & i: chairman Seven & i appoints new CEO, hopes to fend off takeover bid TOKYO - The Japanese government on Tuesday called on domestic universities to consider temporarily accepting students enrolled at U.S. schools after Washington's move to bar foreign students from Harvard University. The move to support Japanese and other foreign students studying in the United States came after the University of Tokyo said the previous day it is considering accepting international students from Harvard if they are affected by the U.S. policy. Kyoto University also said later in the day it is considering accepting international students and young researchers from Harvard University. The university in western Japan said it has been paying close attention to the situation in the United States and is "making detailed considerations to accept international students who are enrolled at U.S. universities." The Japan Student Services Organization plans to release each university's stance on providing the support, the education ministry said. "We'd like to work with related institutions and make utmost efforts to guarantee education for young people with ambition and talent," education minister Toshiko Abe said at a press conference. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday moved to end Harvard's ability to accept foreign students and force current students to transfer or lose their legal status by deciding to revoke certification for the university's Student and Exchange Visitor Program. But international students are expected to remain enrolled at the university under a temporary injunction by a U.S. federal district court while the legality of the administration's decision is reviewed. Currently, 110 Japanese students and 150 researchers are enrolled at Harvard, according to the education ministry. The ministry will provide a consultation service on the Japan Student Services Organization's website for students studying in the United States. Related coverage: Univ. of Tokyo mulls accepting Harvard foreign students if barred Japan to call on U.S. to minimize Harvard foreign student ban impact TOKYO - The government on Tuesday pledged to spread soil collected from near the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on the grounds of the prime minister's office and other government buildings in an attempt to dispel concerns over its safety. The government intends to demonstrate the soil, which retains low-level radioactivity, is suitable for public works projects and other purposes across Japan. The soil was collected after the earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, that caused one of the world's worst nuclear accidents. The soil will be distributed across flowerbeds and used for other purposes on the grounds of government offices. It is the first time it has been repurposed outside Fukushima Prefecture. "It's important to secure a wider public understanding" of the safety and utility of the soil, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a meeting of Cabinet ministers. However, it remains unclear whether the plan will be accepted publicly. Previous attempts in Tokyo and other areas to use the soil have been halted due to local opposition. Three nuclear reactors at the Fukushima plant suffered fuel meltdowns following the major earthquake and tsunami in 2011, spewing massive amounts of radioactive materials into the air and resulting in the contamination of nearby areas. Approximately 14 million cubic meters of removed soil and other waste have been placed at an interim storage facility near the nuclear complex. By law, the soil must be disposed outside Fukushima Prefecture by March 2045. Government guidelines prohibit soil with more than 8,000 becquerels per kilogram of radioactive cesium to be used in any public works projects. Related coverage: Japan mulls reusing Fukushima cleanup soil at PM office grounds 2nd melted fuel sample retrieved from crippled Fukushima reactor China, Japan hold technical talks over seafood import ban Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, on May 26, 2025. An interim nuclear agreement between Iran and the United States is not on Iran's agenda, Baghaei said here Monday. (Xinhua/Shadati) TEHRAN, May 26 (Xinhua) -- An interim nuclear agreement between Iran and the United States is not on Iran's agenda, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said here Monday. "A temporary agreement has never been on our agenda and (the issue) has not been raised in the (indirect) talks," Baghaei told a weekly press conference. Uranium enrichment is an inseparable part of Iran's "peaceful" nuclear program, and Iran will not show any flexibility in that regard, Baghaei said. Iran will be upbeat about the indirect talks with the United States if the latter has goodwill, but Iran will not "believe that the (diplomatic) process will yield any result" if the latter seeks to deprive Iran of its inalienable rights, he said. Baghaei added that fresh U.S. sanctions on Iran, which affect the Iranian people's daily lives, can harm the entire process of the talks. Iran and the United States held five rounds of Oman-mediated indirect talks starting from April on Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions, three of which in Oman's Muscat and two in Rome. In recent days, U.S. officials have repeatedly demanded that Iran completely cease uranium enrichment, a request firmly rejected by Tehran. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, on May 26, 2025. An interim nuclear agreement between Iran and the United States is not on Iran's agenda, Baghaei said here Monday. (Xinhua/Shadati) CEO of Visit Hungary Oliver Csendes (C) attends the 2025 Budapest China Tourism and Culture Week in Budapest, Hungary on May 23, 2025. (Photo by Hu Xiaojun/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, May 27 (Xinhua) -- "The Chinese market is very important to us, and we've invested significant resources into it," the head of Hungary's tourism authority told Xinhua in a recent interview. "Our campaigns highlight Hungary's rich cultural heritage and feature well-known Hungarian figures who resonate with Chinese audiences," CEO of Visit Hungary Oliver Csendes said during the 2025 Budapest China Tourism and Culture Week that started on Friday. In 2024, over 183,000 Chinese tourists visited Hungary, nearly doubling the number in 2023, official data showed. "Tourism and travel are not only tools for peace but also part of cultural cooperation and exchange," Csendes said. There are currently 21 direct flights per week connecting Budapest with seven major Chinese cities, said Csendes, voicing confidence that visitor numbers will continue to rise. This year, Hungary is expected to see a 67-percent increase of Chinese visitors from a year earlier, he added. To enhance the travel experience for Chinese tourists, Hungary is working closely with digital platforms like Trip.com and WeChat Pay. Csendes said he just met with WeChat Pay's European head to expand its acceptance across Hungarian retailers, adding that Trip.com now hosts a dedicated Hungary page in Chinese. Hungary has also been active offline, acting as a guest of honor at the 2024 China International Fair for Investment & Trade. Since the start of this year, it has already welcomed official delegations from two Chinese provinces, said Csendes. Csendes noted that Hungary celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China last October. "Our cooperation will continue to be very close," he added. Exhibitors sell cocoa products during the 7th Abidjan International Exhibition of Agriculture and Animal Resources in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, May 26, 2025. The exhibition, a major agricultural fair in West Africa, opened on May 23, 2025, with China participating as the guest of honor. In a 10-day term, the fair is expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors and nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcasing products and services from across Africa, Asia and Europe. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) This photo taken on May 26, 2025 shows a dairy exhibitor during the 7th Abidjan International Exhibition of Agriculture and Animal Resources in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The exhibition, a major agricultural fair in West Africa, opened on May 23, 2025, with China participating as the guest of honor. In a 10-day term, the fair is expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors and nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcasing products and services from across Africa, Asia and Europe. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) People visit the Chinese Pavilion during the 7th Abidjan International Exhibition of Agriculture and Animal Resources in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, on May 26, 2025. The exhibition, a major agricultural fair in West Africa, opened on May 23, 2025, with China participating as the guest of honor. In a 10-day term, the fair is expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors and nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcasing products and services from across Africa, Asia and Europe. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) Children have fun in an electric tricycle at the Chinese Pavilion during the 7th Abidjan International Exhibition of Agriculture and Animal Resources in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, on May 26, 2025. The exhibition, a major agricultural fair in West Africa, opened on May 23, 2025, with China participating as the guest of honor. In a 10-day term, the fair is expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors and nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcasing products and services from across Africa, Asia and Europe. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) JOHANNESBURG, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A total of 11,144 tourists from China and India have obtained digital visas to South Africa through the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) since its launch on Feb. 11, South Africa's Department of Home Affairs said on Tuesday. The government introduced the TTOS to enable tourists from China and India to easily apply for visas to visit South Africa. In a statement, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said the volume of applications has grown consistently from an average of 50 per day in March, to 135 per day in April, and to 210 per day in May. "It is important to note that TTOS is still just a small-scale proof of concept. But after three months of operation, it is already clear that it has been a resounding success," said Schreiber. "This amounts to almost a third of all tourists from China who visited South Africa last year. The success of TTOS demonstrates the enormous growth potential that we can unlock by rolling out a digital-only visa platform -- not only for group travel from these 65 partners, but for every tourist in the world," he said. He said research shows that one new job is created for every 13 tourists who visit the country, suggesting that TTOS has already created 857 new tourism jobs since February with just one reform alone. The TTOS visas ensure that potential tourists from those two target source markets digitally apply for visas within a matter of hours, as opposed to taking days, including visiting the offices of the South African government in those countries, according to Schreiber. "In addition to shortly announcing a second intake of tour operators to further boost the number of group tours attracted through TTOS, we are on track to deliver a world-class Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system this year," the minister said. "This system will completely digitalize and automate all tourism and short-stay visas, enabling every tourist on earth who wants to visit South Africa to instantly and securely obtain a digital visa. Not only will this eliminate fraud and inefficiency, but, as TTOS demonstrates beyond all doubt, it will amount to the single biggest reform to boost job creation in the tourism sector in a decade," he said. South Africa appointed 65 tour operators from China, India and locally to facilitate group visa applications for tourists who intend to visit in groups. China and India are some of the key tourist source markets from which South Africa intends to lure more visitors. MOSCOW, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Moscow will send a draft peace memorandum to Kiev soon, which will outline the key principles of a potential settlement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Tuesday. "Russia continues to work on a draft memorandum regarding a future peace treaty, which will outline a number of positions, including the principles of a settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement, a potential ceasefire," Zakharova said at her weekly press briefing. She said that once the memorandum is completed it will be sent to Kiev, adding that Russia expects Ukraine to be preparing its own draft to send in response. In a telephone call last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed that Russia would prepare a draft memorandum outlining the terms for a potential peace deal with Ukraine. JUBA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday decried the increase in weapon-wounded patients treated in two of its medical facilities in South Sudan amid a sharp escalation of violence. The charity said its medical teams have conducted more than 1,000 surgeries on weapon-wounded patients arriving at Akobo County Hospital and Juba Military Hospital in less than three months. "We have been treating wounded patients with life-threatening conditions. And the influx was so huge we had to install extra space to accommodate all patients. Some suffer from severe infections because it took time for them to be evacuated," said Fredy Aruni, an ICRC operating theatre nurse, according to a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The charity said the influx of patients is a direct consequence of the escalation of armed conflict and violence the country has experienced in recent months and the scope of the resulting humanitarian crisis. The ICRC said the escalating humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the influx of war-wounded, returnees and refugees from neighboring Sudan, as well as the spread of cholera. "We see an alarming trend of looting and destruction of civilian infrastructure. Attacks affecting health facilities and services are particularly disturbing because they are a lifeline for the civilian population and enjoy special protection under international humanitarian law," said Florence Gillette, head of delegation for the ICRC in South Sudan. The ICRC said it has stepped up its surgical capacity to respond to the spiraling humanitarian needs in South Sudan. The charity added that it would continue its dialogue with the parties to the conflict to remind them of their obligations under international humanitarian law, which protects civilians and all those not taking part in the hostilities, including the sick, the wounded, and detainees. HANOI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam and France have signed 14 strategic cooperation documents here during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the Southeast Asian country, Vietnam News Agency reported. The newly signed agreements span a wide range of sectors, including defense, archives, agriculture, transportation, aerospace, science, technology and nuclear energy. A cooperation agreement was signed in aerospace with the deployment of Earth observation satellites between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, France's Center National d'Etudes Spatiales, and Airbus Defence & Space. Others involve a major contract for the purchase of 20 wide-body A330-900 aircraft between Vietnamese budget carrier Vietjet and Airbus, and loan agreement for the project on drought, erosion and flood control in Ninh Thuan province. The two sides also reached a consensus on technology transfer for vaccine production in Vietnam between Sanofi Pasteur and Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday that China is ready to work with Cambodia to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, so as to further expand economic and trade cooperation. Li made the remarks in his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit. Li said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has lately paid a historic visit to Cambodia, during which both sides jointly announced the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. China-Cambodia relations have once again taken the lead in building a community with a shared future for mankind, and the ironclad friendship between the two countries has been further deepened, he added. China stands ready to work with Cambodia to follow through on the outcomes of Xi's visit, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, make good use of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, and steadily advance practical cooperation across various fields, Li said. The Chinese premier called on China and Cambodia to respond to external uncertainties with the certainty of building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future, jointly promote their economic development and safeguard their common interests. China is willing to work with Cambodia to accelerate the synergy between high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy, speed up the implementation of the cooperation plans for the Industrial Development Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor, and create more new highlights of cooperation and foster new areas for growth, Li noted. Encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest in Cambodia, China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Cambodia in such areas as infrastructure, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, he said. China and Cambodia have achieved positive results in recent joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes, Li said, calling for stronger and more effective measures to safeguard the safety and security of the two peoples. At present, the international situation is becoming more turbulent and chaotic, Li noted. China is willing to work with Cambodia and other countries in the region to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly oppose unilateralism and power politics, safeguard international fairness and justice, uphold the multilateral trading system and maintain the stable and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, so as to inject more positive energy into world peace, stability, prosperity and development, he said. For his part, Hun Manet said that Xi's successful visit to Cambodia last month established a new milestone in the ironclad friendship between the two countries. Cambodia firmly adheres to the one-China policy, supports China's legitimate position on issues concerning its core interests, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang, and opposes external interference in China's internal affairs, Hun Manet added. He said the Cambodian side stands ready to work with China to follow through on the outcomes of Xi's visit, maintain high-level exchanges, give full play to the role of various dialogue mechanisms, boost practical cooperation, enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and jointly combat cross-border crimes. Noting that Cambodia supports the three global initiatives proposed by Xi, Hun Manet said that Cambodia looks forward to working with China to further strengthen multilateral coordination, uphold multilateralism, oppose protectionism, maintain regional security and stability, and promote global common development. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) OSLO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Norway on Tuesday signed an agreement with Estonia under the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants scheme, the Norwegian government said in a press release. The agreement was signed in Tallinn by Norwegian State Secretary Maria Varteressian and Estonian Finance Minister Jurgen Ligi, with Iceland and Liechtenstein also signing as partners in the Grants framework. Under the deal, Estonia will receive a total of 71.8 million euros (81.58 million U.S. dollars) in funding, of which Norway will contribute approximately 97 percent. Norway's contributions through the EEA and Norway Grants are designed to reduce disparities across Europe and promote stronger cooperation between donor and beneficiary countries. Fifteen countries currently qualify for funding under the scheme. The new funding agreement identifies green transition, crisis prevention and preparedness, healthcare, and business development as key priority areas. It also includes support for physical and digital infrastructure aimed at safeguarding Estonia's cultural heritage. The agreement with Estonia is the second such deal under the new funding cycle, following a similar pact with Poland in April, said the Norwegian government. OTTAWA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived Monday for a two-day visit to Canada amid U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to make it the 51st U.S. state. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement that Charles' first visit as King of Canada is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown to reflect "strength, diversity, and confidence." Carney announced the royal visit in his post-election victory press conference, saying that it "underscores the sovereignty" of Canada. "The presence of Their Majesties at this pivotal moment in our history holds profound significance," said Governor General Mary Simon in a statement, "It reaffirms the enduring constitutional bond that has shaped Canada's journey into a proud and independent nation." As the highlight of his visit, Charles will deliver the Speech from the Throne in the Senate chamber on Tuesday, nearly 70 years after a Canadian sovereign first opened the country's parliament. The visit is widely understood as a support to the Canadian sovereignty, particularly against the backdrop of Trump's repeated annexation threats toward Canada on various occasions, which he said would be a "wonderful marriage". He also called the border between the two countries "artificial". When meeting Carney earlier this month, Trump said it would be best for Canada as the "51st state" of the United States with a lot of advantage, tax cut and free military. Carney jumped in, saying that Canada is "never for sale." TEHRAN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian departed Tehran on Tuesday for the Omani capital Muscat for high-level talks on bilateral ties as well regional and international issues of common interest. During his two-day official visit, Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, according to a statement published on the website of Pezeshkian's office. Speaking before his departure, Pezeshkian outlined the objectives of the visit, which include discussing bilateral relations and issues in West Asia, especially the ongoing situation in Gaza, ensuring regional peace, and fostering a shared understanding on areas of common concern. He stressed that during the visit, he would meet senior Omani officials to exchange views on bilateral cooperation in the areas of road construction, shipping, trade, industry, science, technology and communications. According to Pezeshkian, annual trade between Iran and Oman currently stands at approximately 2.3 billion U.S. dollars. Muscat is Pezeshkian 10th foreign destination since taking office in July last year. Announcing the visit in a post on social media platform X earlier this month, Mehdi Sanaei, the Iranian president's political advisor, said that during the trip, Pezeshkian is expected to sign several cooperation documents, including a preferential trade agreement, deals to support mutual investments, enhance customs cooperation, and a roadmap for strengthening bilateral relations. The visit comes as Oman has, since April, been facilitating indirect talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations on Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions. In May 2023, Oman's sultan visited Tehran for talks on regional and bilateral issues. JAKARTA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government has allocated a budget of 217 trillion rupiah (around 13.24 billion U.S. dollars) for the free meal program, targeting 82.9 million beneficiaries next year, the National Nutrition Agency said on Tuesday. "To achieve this, we aim to have 15,000 nutrition service units operational by September this year, bringing the total to 30,000 by December," said Nyoto Suwignyo, deputy for promotion and cooperation at the National Nutrition Agency. The Ministry of Finance reported that the budget realization for the program had reached 3 trillion rupiah as of May 21, 2025, covering 3.97 million beneficiaries, including elementary to high school students and pregnant women across various regions. Bhima Yudhistira, executive director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies, emphasized the importance of improving the program's governance, including food safety, administrative procedures, and procurement processes. He also stressed the need to ensure the program runs effectively and that funds are not misused. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Taiwan guests, including Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, who are in Beijing to attend the second Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit, in Beijing, capital of China, May 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Tuesday called for joint efforts across the Taiwan Strait to promote Chinese culture. Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks when he met with Taiwan guests who were in Beijing to attend the second Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit. Noting that Chinese culture is the root and soul of the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Wang called for efforts to uphold cultural confidence, jointly carry forward the spirit of Chinese culture, shoulder the historic responsibility together, and unite and strive for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Wang said efforts should be made to promote Chinese cultural exchanges, enhance cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation across all sectors, and foster deeper spiritual alignment between compatriots on both sides. He also called for promoting the national spirit with patriotism at its core. Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery, Wang said joint efforts must be made to adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and to resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence." He also called for jointly standing firm on the position of Chinese culture and working together to meet external challenges. The Taiwan guests, including Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, said that as Chinese, they take great pride in and have unwavering confidence in Chinese culture. They expressed the expectation to see compatriots across the Strait uphold the one-China principle, oppose "Taiwan independence," strengthen cultural exchanges, and jointly promote national reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Taiwan guests, including Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, who are in Beijing to attend the second Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit, in Beijing, capital of China, May 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BERLIN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Germany on Monday rejected Uganda's accusation that its ambassador was involved in "subversive activities," calling it "absurd and baseless." Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, German Federal Foreign Office spokesperson Kathrin Deschauer said there was no formalized military cooperation with Uganda. The Ugandan military said Sunday that it has suspended all defense and military cooperation with Germany in response to "credible intelligence reports" that German Ambassador to Uganda Mathias Schauer is actively engaged in subversive activities in the country. Deschauer noted that Germany was not aware of any background or context that could explain such allegations. SYDNEY, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Australian researchers have developed detailed tuberculosis (TB) maps of Africa, offering a powerful new tool to improve global efforts in diagnosing, treating and preventing the disease worldwide. The new study, the first of its kind, mapped TB cases across 14 African countries, breaking down data into five-square-kilometer grids, a press release from Curtin University in Western Australia said on Tuesday. Drawing from 50 surveys and over 1.5 million people, researchers identified local hotspots and found stark differences in disease burden within countries, the release said. TB remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, infecting an estimated 10.8 million people and claiming 1.25 million lives in 2023 alone, it said. "This study highlights how factors such as higher temperatures, rainfall, altitude and better access to cities can influence the prevalence of TB," said lead author PhD candidate Alemneh Liyew from Curtin's School of Population Health and the Kids Research Institute Australia. With this data, health resources can be targeted more effectively, Liyew said, adding that this is the first study to provide local-level TB maps across Africa. Curtin University Associate Professor Kefyalew Alene, the study's co-author, said the findings could influence global TB strategies, as detailed mapping allows for targeted interventions, which are crucial in resource-limited settings. The research, published in Communications Medicine, supports the World Health Organization's goal of cutting TB deaths by 95 percent by 2035. JERUSALEM, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said on Tuesday that two food distribution compounds operated by private U.S. companies have begun functioning in southern Gaza, as part of an aid initiative that has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations. According to a military statement, the centers -- located in Tel al-Sultan near Rafah and in the Morag Corridor between Rafah and Khan Younis -- began operating on Tuesday and "are distributing food packages to thousands of families." Video footage released by the military showed empty, fenced compounds surrounded by sand berms, with long tables set up for distribution. A military map also indicated the establishment of two additional distribution centers -- one in Rafah and another in the Al Bureij area of central Gaza -- though no timeline was given for their activation. The military said the building of the compounds was "facilitated by the Israeli political echelon and in coordination with the U.S. government. They would be run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a private U.S.-based firm, and the unnamed American security firm. It said other unnamed international aid groups and foreign countries have been involved. Israel's Ha'aretz newspaper identified the security contractor as Safe Reach Solutions, a U.S.-based logistics firm that has been accused by rights groups of blurring the lines between humanitarian aid and intelligence operations. Israeli officials have described the project as a means of safeguarding civilians while continuing military operations to defeat Hamas. The country's Operation Gideon's Chariots, launched about a week and a half ago, includes the displacement of population from across Gaza to a narrow southern zone and seizing the entire enclave. The initiative follows more than 11 weeks of an Israel blockade preventing humanitarian supplies from reaching the enclave. Limited aid shipments were allowed last week, after U.N. experts warned that famine was spreading. The UN and several major humanitarian organizations have declined to participate in the operation, citing concerns that the arrangement politicizes aid delivery and violates humanitarian norms. BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the ninth national congress of the Chinese Young Pioneers (CYP), a national organization for children. The congress opened Tuesday in Beijing. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed in the letter that the CYP should follow the Party and cultivate qualified builders for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. As International Children's Day approaches, Xi extended his greetings to children across the country. He said children represent the future force in building a strong nation and rejuvenating the Chinese nation. He urged the CYP to educate and guide its members to become exemplary young people of the new era who love the Party and the country, and are diligent in their studies and well-rounded in their development. Xi called for creating a favorable environment for the children's healthy growth. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening meeting of the congress. Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee's Organization Department, read out Xi's letter at the meeting and delivered a speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. He urged CYP members to keep Xi's teachings in mind and stay prepared to contribute to the great cause of building a strong nation and revitalizing the Chinese nation. Approximately 3,000 people attended the meeting. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attends the opening meeting of the ninth national congress of the Chinese Young Pioneers (CYP) in Beijing, capital of China, May 27, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the ninth national congress of the CYP, a national organization for children. The congress opened Tuesday in Beijing. Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended his greetings to children across the country. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee's Organization Department, reads out Chinese President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter and delivers a speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee at the ninth national congress of the Chinese Young Pioneers (CYP) in Beijing, capital of China, May 27, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the ninth national congress of the CYP, a national organization for children. The congress opened Tuesday in Beijing. Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended his greetings to children across the country. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) COLOMBO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka has welcomed over one million foreign tourists so far this year, reaching the milestone in record time, said a minister on Tuesday. In a social media post, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath said 1,006,097 foreign tourists had arrived in the country between January 1 and May 25, 2025. He noted that this was the fastest Sri Lanka has achieved the one-million mark in any given year. The minister also outlined the government's ambitious target of attracting three million tourists by the end of 2025. The year 2025 has been declared the year of tourism revival, Herath said, adding that a series of initiatives are underway to upgrade tourism infrastructure and strengthen the skills of those employed in the sector. SEOUL, May 27 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's police banned former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and Choi Sang-mok, former deputy prime minister for economic affairs, for alleged insurrection charges, multiple media outlets said on Tuesday. Han and Choi have been under investigation as suspects of insurrection and prevented from leaving the country in the middle of this month. The police special investigative unit summoned Han and Choi as well as Lee Sang-min, former interior minister who was prohibited from leaving the country last December, for questioning on Monday. The three former government officials were suspected of being involved in the botched martial law bid by former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was removed from office in April. AMMAN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi and his Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen met here on Tuesday to discuss ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, bilateral cooperation, and regional developments, according to a statement by the Jordanian Foreign Ministry. During the talks, Safadi and Valtonen emphasized the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and the immediate and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip. They also discussed regional and international diplomatic efforts ahead of the international conference on the Palestinian question, which will be co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France in New York in June, expressing hope that the summit would yield tangible progress toward a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, read the statement. Both sides stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between Jordan and Finland across various sectors, both bilaterally and within the framework of the strategic partnership with the European Union. They also reiterated their shared commitment to multilateral cooperation and the promotion of international law. The two ministers reviewed preparations for a high-level side event co-hosted by Jordan and Finland during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The event will mark the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security. Discussions also touched on the situation in Syria. Safadi emphasized the need to support Syria's reconstruction on the basis of principles that preserve the country's unity, security, and stability, while combating terrorism and safeguarding the rights of all Syrians. King Abdullah II of Jordan also held a meeting with Valtonen on Tuesday, during which the two sides focused on regional developments, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, according to a Royal Court statement. An aerial drone photo taken on May 27, 2025 shows rescuers working at the explosion site of a chemical company in the city of Gaomi, east China's Shandong Province. Five people were killed and six others were missing as of 7:25 p.m. Tuesday following the explosion at the workshop of a chemical company in the city of Gaomi, east China's Shandong Province, said the local emergency management bureau. (Xinhua) JINAN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and six others were missing as of 7:25 p.m. Tuesday following the explosion at the workshop of a chemical company in the city of Gaomi, east China's Shandong Province, said the local emergency management bureau. Nineteen people also sustained minor injuries in the accident that occurred at the Shandong Youdao Chemical Co., Ltd. at noon, the bureau said. The provincial and local authorities have established a joint rescue command center to coordinate efforts, focusing on searching for the missing, treating the injured, comforting families and monitoring the environment. Search and cleanup work at the scene is still ongoing. Upon receiving the report of the blast, the Ministry of Emergency Management immediately dispatched a work team and specialized personnel, including firefighters, medical experts and work safety specialists, to aid local rescue efforts. This photo taken on April 21, 2025 shows a view of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) MOSCOW, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The decision of several European countries to remove range restrictions on missiles supplied to Kiev is "dangerous," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday. Peskov said that if such decisions were actually made, "they absolutely run counter to our aspirations to reach a political settlement and the efforts currently being made within the framework of the settlement." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Monday that Germany and its allies have lifted restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine. There are no longer range restrictions for such weapons, "neither from Britain, France, nor from us. Not from the United States either," Merz said at the WDR Europaforum in Berlin, adding that this would allow Ukraine to defend itself by attacking military facilities within Russia. GAZA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has surpassed 54,000 since the outbreak of the conflict between Hamas and Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza's health authorities said on Tuesday. During the past 24 hours, 79 Palestinians were killed and 163 others injured as a result of Israeli attacks on various areas of the Gaza Strip, the health authorities said in a press statement, noting that the statistics do not include hospitals in the North Gaza Governorate due to the difficulty of accessing them. The authorities indicated that a number of the dead and injured remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings or on the streets, as ongoing shelling and the absence of safe corridors continue to hinder the efforts of ambulance and civil defense crews. Since Israel resumed its intensified military campaign on March 18, at least 3,901 Palestinians have been killed and 11,088 others injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 to 54,056, with a total of 123,129 people injured. The Gaza Strip is suffering from dire humanitarian conditions amid deteriorating security conditions and ongoing military operations, which hinder relief efforts and access to affected populations. Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States in January 2025. However, it collapsed two months later when Israeli military operations resumed in the Gaza Strip after the first phase of the agreement ended, without reaching an agreement on the start of its second phase or its extension. VIENTIANE, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Mahosot Hospital and Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital in China's Yunnan Province have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance healthcare quality, patient treatment, and medical services, particularly in the field of cardiovascular care. The signing ceremony took place in the Lao capital, Vientiane on Monday and was attended by Lao Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, along with senior officials from both sides, Lao National Radio reported on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, Director General of Mahosot Hospital Souxath Vongphachanh emphasized that the partnership aims to enhance medical services, particularly in patient treatment, disease prevention, and research, especially in pediatric cardiac surgery and heart transplants for children with congenital conditions. He noted that this collaboration deepens the bilateral relationship between Laos and China in advancing public health and medical research. The partnership will also expand into areas like human resource development, medical equipment, and healthcare supplies. Souxath expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chinese government and the Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital for their ongoing support, which is vital to the development of cardiovascular care in Laos. KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- In a move for regional energy cooperation, leading energy companies from Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam have signed a joint development agreement to explore the export of renewable electricity from Vietnam to Malaysia and Singapore. This strategic partnership highlights the growing commitment among industry leaders to advance regional power integration and accelerate decarbonization through commercially viable solutions, the firms said in a statement. Through this agreement, Malaysia, as represented by MY Energy Consortium, an unincorporated consortium established by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), will collaborate with a consortium comprising PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC), a member of Vietnam National Industry-Energy Group (Petrovietnam) of Vietnam, and Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore-based Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp). Together, the consortia will focus on unlocking Vietnam's rich renewable energy resources, particularly offshore wind power, as a source for green electron generation and to supply clean electricity across borders. This alliance reflects the growing momentum towards a regionally integrated ASEAN Power Grid. "Malaysia's participation in this initiative reflects our strong commitment to the ASEAN Power Grid vision, which aims to strengthen regional energy security through the creation of a power transit hub," said members of MY Energy Consortium Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan, also president/chief executive officer of TNB, and Muhammad Taufik, president and group chief executive officer of Petronas. According to them, this tripartite partnership is a step forward in advancing transnational green infrastructure, tapping into Vietnam's renewable energy potential, and delivering stable, low-carbon electricity to communities and businesses. Meanwhile, Tran Ho Bac, president and chief executive officer of PTSC, said this agreement highlights the role of PTSC in particular, and PVN as a whole, in advancing national energy transition strategies. Wong Kim Yin, group president and chief executive officer of Sembcorp Industries, said this agreement highlights Singapore's strategic role as a demand center and a key enabler of cross-border power imports to support its decarbonization goals. According to the statement, this agreement endeavors to open pathways for a scalable model of cross-border renewable energy cooperation in Southeast Asia, which would position the region as a global leader in collaborative decarbonization and energy transition. The formal agreement exchange ceremony between MY Energy Consortium, PTSC and Sembcorp was held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday. MEXICO CITY, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday said she was lobbying hard to dissuade U.S. legislators from approving a tax on remittances to Mexico. Mexico's migrants in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, "keep the United States economy running" by paying taxes, Sheinbaum said at a press conference. "Only 20 percent of what they earn" goes towards remittances. There is "an agreement signed in 1992 between the United States and Mexico stating that there should be no double taxation, which would be discriminatory," she said of a 1992 treaty on the avoidance of double taxation. Mexican lawmakers and non-governmental organizations have been tirelessly campaigning to expose the flaws of the proposed tax and its potential negative impact on the U.S. economy, she added. Taxing remittances could encourage undocumented migrants to seek other informal means of sending money to Mexico, which would fuel the black market, according to financial experts. KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday called on China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to jointly forge an example in openness, development cooperation and cross-civilization integration. He made the remarks when addressing the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Li called on the three sides to create a model of cross-region openness, noting that the population and economic aggregate of China as well as countries of the ASEAN and the GCC account for approximately one quarter of the world's total. A full connection of the three markets will surely give rise to a much larger space for development and a more significant scale effect, he said. China and the ASEAN have fully completed the negotiations on the upgrade of the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, Li noted, adding that it is expected that an early completion of talks on the free trade area agreement between the GCC and various parties can be done so as to elevate trilateral trade levels. He urged the three sides to unswervingly expand regional opening-up, and build the related regions into a large shared market where resources, technologies and talents flow more efficiently, and trade and investment enjoy greater freedom and convenience, so as to fully unleash the powerful effect of open development. Li also called on the three sides to forge a model of cooperation across different development stages, saying that although the three sides are at different stages of development, their differences are not obstacles to cooperation but complements to each other's strengths. China, he said, is ready to deepen strategic alignment with the ASEAN and the GCC on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment, enhance coordination of macroeconomic policies and strengthen collaboration in industrial specialization. "We should strive to turn our own strengths into those of everyone, and at the same time help each other tackle new challenges emerging in development, create new ways of international industrial economic cooperation, and promote a coordinated development in which their abilities can be fully explored, and benefits can be doubled and shared," he said. The Chinese premier urged the three sides to create a model of cross-civilization integration, noting that the three sides are home to vibrant civilizations and share Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness. He called for deeper cultural and people-to-people exchanges and a stronger foundation of mutual trust, and called on the three sides to effectively manage differences through mutual understanding, foster mutually beneficial cooperation through the exchange of ideas and explore a new path for the inclusive advancement of diverse civilizations. The Chinese side, he said, actively supports the initiative of Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue proposed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. China is ready to work with the ASEAN and the GCC to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, promote mutual learning among civilizations and build greater consensus and momentum for peace and development, he added. The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on promoting the spirit of police heroes and role models in Beijing, capital of China, May 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) TOKYO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday took note of the growing impact of U.S. tariffs and pledged comprehensive support for domestic industries. "The effects are beginning to materialize, with some companies forecasting reduced earnings this fiscal year. Concerns are rising, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," Ishiba said at a government meeting, highlighting the need for swift and effective countermeasures. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to implement the emergency response package already compiled, including subsidies for electricity and gas bills and measures to support SME financing. KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Tuesday that China is ready to work with Cambodia to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, so as to further expand economic and trade cooperation. In his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Li said that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Cambodia in such areas as infrastructure, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and clean energy. DHAKA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The shutdown of USAID-funded 55 out of 59 programs in Bangladesh has led to job losses in the development sector, estimated at over 50,000 people. Zinat Ara Afroze, convener of the Association of Unemployed Development Professionals (AUDP), revealed the information at a press conference in Dhaka on Tuesday. Reading out a written statement, she said that more than 50,000 professionals involved in these projects and linked projects lost jobs and the country lost development assistance worth 700 million U.S. dollars. She demanded immediate dialogue with the AUDP to find solutions. The USAID Bangladesh in a letter to its project implementing partners on Jan. 25 stated that, along with other countries, the agency was declaring an immediate cessation or suspension of any work in Bangladesh under contracts, work orders, grants, cooperative agreements or other assistance or procurement instruments. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending development funding to all countries for 90 days to allow a review of the programs funded by the USAID, one of the world's largest humanitarian donors. KABUL, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Afghan counter-narcotics police have discovered 30 kg of ice (methamphetamine), and arrested one suspected drug smuggler in western Herat province, the Ministry of Interior for Counter-Narcotics said on Tuesday. According to the statement, the drug was seized during routine operations conducted by the police on the outskirts of the provincial capital, Herat city. A person was arrested in connection with the case and his dossier was referred to the judiciary for further investigation and possible legal process, it said. In a separate statement, the ministry reported that at least 82 individuals who were drug users have made a full recovery and rejoined their families after receiving treatment at a rehabilitation center in Kabul. The Afghan interim government has stepped up its crackdown on illicit drugs and those involved in the business, vowing to fight the menace until the country is free from poppy cultivation. SHENZHEN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- More than 200 experts convened at a forum on strengthening cultural heritage preservation and inheritance in Shenzhen on Tuesday, where they explored strategies to revitalize ancient relics and preserve historical legacies through legal safeguards, minimal-intervention repairs, and cutting-edge digital technologies. As part of the Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength 2025, the event highlighted China's focus on balancing preservation with innovation. The landmark revision to the country's Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics, enacted on March 1, was central to discussions. The law enshrines principles such as prioritizing the protection of cultural relics and bringing cultural relics to life. Additionally, it strengthens penalties for violations and supports international cooperation. The revised law, pivotal to advancing modern Chinese civilization, enhances legal safeguards for cultural heritage to support national rejuvenation, said Zhu Bing, former head of the cultural office of the Education, Science, Culture, and Public Health Committee of China's National People's Congress. The 11th-century Wanrong Jiwang Temple in north China's Shanxi Province emerged as a case study in scientific restoration. Once misdated to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), its Northern Song (960-1127) origin was confirmed in 2011 after a faint inscription was discovered during a survey. Ling Ming, president of China Academy of Cultural Heritage, noted that preserving original materials and avoiding over-handling allowed for this discovery, underscoring the "minimum intervention" principle, which has been codified in the updated law. The forum also featured an exhibition area that showcased preservation milestones, including the Beijing Central Axis, the Yangzhou ancient city in east China's Jiangsu Province, and the ancient city of Langzhong in southwest China's Sichuan Province -- a 2,300-year-old "fairyland" with 270 Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) residences, along with cultural products that blend tradition with modern design. A Lai, vice chairperson of the China Writers Association and chairperson of the Sichuan Writers Association, emphasized the intrinsic link between cultural heritage and the politics, economy, aesthetics, and way of life of its era. "Protection loses meaning without understanding what is behind the relics. Fragmentary tourism projects risk becoming fragmented and superficial," he said. Digital innovation took center stage with the Longmen Grottoes in north China's Henan Province, where more than two decades of 3D scanning and close-range photogrammetry have created permanent archives of its Buddhist statues. Experts urged the coupling of legal frameworks with tech advancements, while leveraging digital innovations that enable creative displays to unlock the deeper historical and cultural value of the relics. BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Over half of German enterprises surveyed plan to increase their investments in China within the next two years, according to a report issued at a three-day forum for Sino-German industrial cooperation and development that ended Tuesday in Beijing. Titled "2025 China-Germany Hidden Champions Open Cooperation Report," the document was released during the China-Germany (China-Europe) Hidden Champions Forum 2025. It also reveals that German and European hidden champions still have more than double the current growth potential in the Chinese market. The report was jointly released by the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission (ICC) and the DEZ German European Centre for SME Cooperation in China. The forum attracted over 600 participants from China and abroad, with the number of international attendees nearly doubling year on year. Hidden champions refer to highly successful yet lesser-known small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are global leaders in terms of market share in their respective niches. According to Peng Jian, an expert with the ICC, the distinctive Sino-German industrial parks in China have fostered a thriving ecosystem for German companies, creating a synergistic development model that complements industrial and supply chain strengths of Chinese and German enterprises. Notably, 36 percent of surveyed firms expressed intentions to accelerate R&D and innovation activities in China. Hans-Peter Friedrich, former vice president of the German Bundestag and chairman of the Germany-China Parliamentary Group, said that not investing in China means missing out on prime access to Asia's vast regional market. PHNOM PENH, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's national flag carrier Air Cambodia said on Tuesday that it has welcomed the arrival of the first brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft, marking a new chapter in its fleet modernization and network expansion. The new plane touched down at the Phnom Penh International Airport on Monday, said an Air Cambodia's press release, adding that it was one of the three ATR 72-600 aircraft, that the airline purchased within 2025. The second and third aircraft are expected to arrive in the kingdom in October and November, the press release said. "This milestone marks the beginning of a new era in the airline's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen domestic and regional connectivity," the press release said. To meet the growing demand for international travel, Air Cambodia is actively planning to expand its route network to high-potential markets, including Northeast Asia, China, South Asia, and Australia. "Through a step-by-step approach based on market readiness and operational feasibility, the airline aims to increase its global presence and enhance Cambodia's connectivity with the world," the press release said. "As part of its long-term strategy, Air Cambodia also plans to expand its fleet to 33 aircraft to support future growth and international expansion," it added. DAR ES SALAAM, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese-backed schistosomiasis control program concluded its second-phase fieldwork in Zanzibar's Pemba Island on Tuesday, despite heavy rains and logistical hurdles during the March-to-May rainy season. Launched in early March, the program conducted two rounds of epidemiological surveys across high-risk areas, said Dai Yang, project leader. More than 60,000 residents were examined and 46 local technicians were trained using Swahili-language materials to process samples, he noted. He said that in Kilindi, where torrential rains turned roads into mud tracks, experts and local health workers trekked over 10 km per day to reach remote communities, ensuring timely sample collection. According to Dai, the team also extended operations to Fundo Island, accessible only by boat, where villagers received systematic disease screening for the first time. The project will shift to Unguja Island in the next phase, he added. "You guys made me feel welcome here. I'm very pleased." A 62-year-old American citizen who sought medical help in China's Chongqing shared his experience at a hospital there. KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Tuesday that China and Cambodia have achieved positive results in joint efforts to combat cross-border crime. In his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Li called on the two countries to take stronger and more effective measures to safeguard the safety and security of their peoples. The Chinese premier arrived in Kuala Lumpur Monday to attend the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit. JERUSALEM, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said Monday that it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel after warning sirens were activated in some areas in the West Bank. No injuries or damage have been reported. Yemen's Houthi group has been launching drone and missile attacks against Israel since November 2023, to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Tuesday that China is ready to deepen strategic alignment with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment, as well as enhance coordination of macroeconomic policies. Addressing the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, Li called on the three sides to support each other in addressing new challenges in the course of development, and to foster new models of international industrial and economic cooperation. WINDHOEK, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has partially lifted a ban on the importation and transit of poultry and poultry products from Brazil, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said Tuesday. The ban was imposed after Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, H5N1, on May 15 in chickens at a breeding establishment in the municipality of Montenegro, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In a statement on Tuesday, Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Johannes Shoopala said the ban will now only apply to poultry originating from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, following a risk assessment report received from Brazil's veterinary authority. He said imports from other Brazilian states that are free from highly pathogenic avian influenza remain unaffected and can continue as normal. According to Shoopala, poultry meat from Rio Grande do Sul that was packaged on or before April 13 will be allowed entry into Namibia. However, all importers must apply for new veterinary import permits before bringing in poultry meat from Brazil. The Directorate of Veterinary Services said it continues to monitor the disease situation and will inform importers of any changes. SYDNEY, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Five people died in two separate crashes within hours in the Australian state of Queensland, one of which is the subject of a homicide investigation. The Queensland Police Service (QPS) said in a statement that two people were killed when a car crashed into a tree near the small town of Brooloo, over 100 km north of Brisbane, shortly before 2 p.m. on Monday. A man in the front passenger seat and a woman seated in the back were declared deceased at the scene. The driver, a 61-year-old male, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. Following further investigations, he was arrested by detectives. The QPS said he was under police guard in hospital on Monday night and assisting detectives with an ongoing homicide investigation into the crash. In a separate incident, three people were killed in a fiery highway crash between two vehicles near the town of Grosvenor, almost 300 km northwest of Brisbane, shortly after 5 p.m. The QPS said that two vehicles were travelling in opposite directions on a highway when they collided. Emergency services arrived at the scene and found one of the vehicles engulfed in flames. Two occupants of that vehicle as well as the sole occupant of the other, a 42-year-old woman, were declared deceased at the scene. Police said that investigations into both crashes are ongoing. ROME, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Three Chinese tourists traveling by car were involved in a fatal accident on the southern Italian island of Sicily on Monday evening, resulting in one death, according to the Chinese Embassy in Italy. The accident occurred in the coastal city of Cefalu. Two passengers seated in the front of the vehicle sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. One of them later died from the injuries that night. The third passenger, seated in the rear, suffered minor injuries. As of Tuesday morning, the other severely injured individual had been transferred out of the intensive care unit. However, the hospital confirmed that the patient remains in critical condition. Upon receiving the accident report on Monday evening, the Chinese Embassy in Italy immediately contacted local police, reached out to the victims' families, and dispatched staff to the scene of the accident and the hospital to offer necessary support. The embassy continues to closely follow the situation and remains in contact with relevant parties to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of those affected. A member of Israeli forces carries out an operation in the West Bank city of Hebron, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. In Nablus, 32-year-old Mahmoud al-Kharaz died after being shot in the neck by Israeli forces, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry said. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a press statement that nine people were injured by bullets, and more than 15 others suffered from tear gas inhalation during the raid on Nablus. The Israeli military did not issue an official comment on the raids. However, Israeli radio Kan reported the Israeli operation across the West Bank against the financing of "terrorism." Israel has accused money exchange shops of facilitating the transfer of funds to Palestinian factions, including Hamas, an allegation denied by business owners, who insist they comply with financial regulations. In a separate incident in Jericho, 20-year-old Mohammed Jalaytah was fatally shot by Israeli army during a raid on the al-Arab neighborhood, according to Palestinian medical sources. Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that the Israeli army stormed the neighborhood at dawn, raided several homes, and fired live ammunition and sound bombs. Meanwhile, Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) declared a general strike in the Jericho area in a statement mourning Jalaytah's death. The Israeli army has not commented on this incident yet. The development coincided with settler attacks on agricultural land and the establishment of a new settlement outpost east of Ramallah, fueling tensions in the area and raising concerns that Israel is seeking to expand its control over the West Bank. A member of Israeli forces carries out an operation in the West Bank city of Hebron, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) A member of Israeli forces checks a Palestinian woman's documents during an operation in the West Bank city of Hebron, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) Members of Israeli forces carry out an operation in the West Bank city of Hebron, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) A member of Israeli forces carries out an operation in the West Bank city of Hebron, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) Members of Israeli forces carry out an operation in the West Bank city of Nablus, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) Members of Israeli forces carry out an operation in the West Bank city of Nablus, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) A member of Israeli forces carries out an operation in the West Bank city of Nablus, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) Members of Israeli forces carry out an operation in the West Bank city of Nablus, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) Members of Israeli forces carry out an operation in the West Bank city of Nablus, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) Members of Israeli forces carry out an operation in the West Bank city of Nablus, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) A member of Israeli forces carries out an operation in the West Bank city of Nablus, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) Members of Israeli forces carry out an operation in the West Bank city of Nablus, on May 27, 2025. Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation on Tuesday targeting money exchange companies in the West Bank, in what Israeli media described as part of a campaign to disrupt financial networks allegedly linked to Palestinian factions. According to Palestinian sources, the raids took place in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, during which Israeli forces raid the offices of money exchange companies, arrested several shop owners, and confiscated millions of shekels. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) MEXICO CITY, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday said she hoped the United States would reopen its border to Mexican cattle "as soon as possible," after an outbreak of screwworm led to a 15-day suspension of live cattle imports on May 11. "We are waiting for the border to open as soon as possible, but there is ongoing dialogue," the president said at a daily press conference. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had announced the 15-day suspension as a way to curb the spread of screwworm and assess the situation. According to data from the National Customs Agency of Mexico, in the first quarter of this year, Mexico exported just 202,000 head of cattle, much lower than the 504,000 registered in the same period of 2024, due to the screwworm outbreak. The screwworm, endemic to South America, reappeared in Panama in 2023 after decades of eradication and then traveled more than 3,700 km until reaching Mexico's southern border in November 2024, according to the Mexican government. Mexico's northern states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango and Tamaulipas, which export live cattle to the United States, have strengthened epidemiological surveillance and implemented a 100 percent animal inspection program to prevent the spread of screwworm. Believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow 09:40, May 27, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily Wind power equipment is loaded onto ships at a terminal in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu province, bound for Belt and Road partner countries. (Photo by Ji Haixin/People's Daily Online) "China has been and will remain an ideal, secure and promising destination for foreign investors. Believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future." This message, delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping in a recent reply to a letter from the founder of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China, reaffirms the country's unwavering commitment to high-level opening up and its warm welcome to multinationals seeking deeper engagement in the Chinese market. Despite the current global turbulence and the resurgence of unilateralism and protectionism, the international community is still believing and investing in China. The overarching trend of peace, development, and win-win cooperation is unstoppable. That confidence is rooted in China's steady progress toward high-quality development. With a vast market and inclusive economy, China offers expansive development space and boundless vitality. In the first quarter of 2025, the country's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.4 percent year on year, reinforcing economic stability while paving new paths for advancement. During the same period, the value-added output of China's high-tech manufacturing above the designated size increased by 9.7 percent year on year, and that of digital product manufacturing rose by 10.2 percent. Innovation continues to unleash economic potential, bolstering China's global appeal. As several leaders of major multinationals have publicly stated, China is not only a significant market but also a hub of global innovation. They believe missing the Chinese market would represent a tremendous setback, and engaging with China means engaging with opportunity. These affirmations underscore the boundless prospects driven by China's high-quality development and the enduring commitment of global enterprises to cooperation with China. That confidence also comes from China's consistent openness and inclusiveness. Foreign tourists visit a snack and commercial street in Lianhu district, Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi province, April 2, 2025. (Photo by Zhang Cheng/People's Daily Online) Effective June 1, 2025, China will expand its visa-free access to also include citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Uruguay. From visa facilitation to immediate tax refunds for departing visitors, China remains committed to high-level opening up with new measures to streamline cross-border exchanges. During this year's May Day holiday, the number of foreign entries and exits increased by 43.1 percent compared to the same period last year, and inbound tourism spending rose by approximately 90 percent year on year. The popularity of "China travel" and "shopping in China" continues to climb. Antonio Miguel Carmona, president of the Spain-China Friendship Association, remarked that the continuous optimization of visa policies is a significant marker of China's proactive approach to openness, showcasing the country's confident, open, and inclusive image. China's pursuit of win-win cooperation also underpins international trust. Despite headwinds and undertows in economic globalization, China remains a firm advocate of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. The country actively advances bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation, while also working to strengthen international macroeconomic policy coordination. Together with global partners, China strives to create a favorable international environment for development and cultivate new drivers of global growth. Under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, China and Latin America and Caribbean countries have implemented more than 200 infrastructure projects, creating over a million jobs. In 2024, trade between China and ASEAN exceeded $980 billion, making them each other's largest trading partner for five consecutive years. China-Europe investment cooperation has evolved into a "two-way expressway." By the end of 2024, companies in European Union countries had invested over $150 billion in China, and China's cumulative direct investment in Europe had reached nearly $110 billion. With an open stance, China continues to embrace the world in pursuit of mutually beneficial cooperation. In his letter to Xi, Simon Lichtenberg, the All China founding chairman of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China, wrote that people with vision in the world will eventually understand that choosing China is choosing the future -- a sentiment that encapsulates the consensus of the international community. China is committed to contributing stability and positive energy to the world. It remains steadfast in working with all countries to promote global economic stability and growth, jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and achieve common development through mutually beneficial cooperation. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) SHANGHAI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The exhibition "China's Dinosaur World," featuring 118 dinosaur fossils and models brought together from across China, will open to the public on Saturday at Shanghai Natural History Museum. The exhibition was hosted by the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Some of the exhibits had never previously left their research institutions. "Through the display of these fossils and the knowledge presented via the exhibition, the public can learn about one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of life's evolution on Earth," said Xu Xing, an academician at the CAS and IVPP director. "It reveals what the Earth's environment and biodiversity were like in the past. This grand exhibition enables the public to gain a deeper understanding of the dinosaurs that once roamed China and the contributions their discoveries have made to our understanding of life's evolutionary history," Xu added. Specimens and models set to be displayed at the Shanghai event span prehistoric geological eras and regions -- including early Jurassic dinosaur groups from Lufeng, southwest China's Yunnan, mid-to-late Jurassic species from Sichuan and Chongqing, both also in southwest China, late Jurassic communities in northwest China's Xinjiang, feathered dinosaurs from late Jurassic to early Cretaceous periods in Liaoning in the northeast and eastern parts of Inner Mongolia, and Cretaceous-era representatives from Henan, Inner Mongolia, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and east China's Shandong. Li Bicheng, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum's collections director, noted that this exhibition will offer three revolutionary measures -- using China's dinosaurs to tell the global story of evolution, bringing hidden specimens into public view, and demonstrating how geology and climate shaped these creatures, instead of just presenting their bones. The star attraction, Lufengosaurus huenei, China's first scientifically described dinosaur, was discovered in 1938 in Lufeng, southwest China. Lufengosaurus huenei was the first dinosaur to be discovered, excavated, researched, named and displayed by Chinese scientists. In 1941, Chinese vertebrate paleontologist Yang Zhongjian published research findings and named the dinosaur Lufengosaurus huenei -- marking the beginning of dinosaur research in China. Known as "the treasure of the Paleozoological Museum of China" built by the IVPP in Beijing, it has for many years been housed in the IVPP specimen collection. It is the first time the Lufengosaurus huenei is displayed outside Beijing for public exhibition. Xu, meanwhile, said that dinosaur fossils from China have made significant and even revolutionary contributions to our understanding of the Mesozoic era. "Traditionally, dinosaurs were viewed as reptiles and cold-blooded animals, but the discovery of feathered dinosaur fossils in China completely changed this perception, including important evolutionary events like the transition from dinosaurs to birds," said Xu. Over the past two to three decades, numerous specimens of feathered dinosaurs and avian fossils exhibiting dinosaur characteristics have been unearthed in northeast China, making it a focal point of international dinosaur research and providing substantial fossil evidence for the theory of birds' origins from dinosaurs, according to Xu. Notably, interactive elements will enhance the visitor experience at the upcoming exhibition in Shanghai. Alongside close-up views of fossils, attendees will be able to watch short videos detailing specimen discoveries and engage with multimedia installations on dinosaur evolution. Theme week series will spotlight dinosaur specimens and cultural heritage in relevant regions, while an international academic symposium will convene paleontologists and museum experts to share cutting-edge research and science communication strategies. Educational programs targeting the youth will also be rolled out. SAO PAULO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was diagnosed with labyrinthitis on Monday following a sudden vertigo attack, according to local authorities. Medical teams conducted imaging scans and blood tests for the 79-year-old president, all of which returned normal results, according to a medical bulletin from the Sirio-Libanes Hospital. Physicians advised him to observe strict rest at his official residence, resulting in the cancellation of his official agenda. The diagnosis came just months after the president underwent emergency surgery for an intracranial hemorrhage in December 2024. His recovery had been deemed stable following a CT scan on Jan. 27, which allowed him to resume air travel and daily exercises. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Tuesday that China will work with Vietnam to advance their comprehensive strategic cooperation toward higher quality and deeper levels. Li made the remarks during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit. Li said that not long ago, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Vietnam, where the two sides agreed to accelerate the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance in line with the overarching goals characterized by "six mores." China stands ready to work with Vietnam to implement the outcomes of the visit, maintain high-level exchanges, deepen mutual political trust and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, said Li. Noting that the current international situation sees an increasing number of destabilizing and uncertain factors, Li said that China will remain committed to opening-up and development, and looks to strengthen communication and cooperation with Vietnam, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, safeguard the global economic and trade order, and protect the common interests of the Global South countries. For his part, Pham Minh Chinh noted that Xi paid a successful state visit to Vietnam last month. He said Vietnam will join hands with China to actively implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, intensify high-level exchanges and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. The Vietnamese side congratulates on the success of the first ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, he said, voicing his country's willingness to work with China to pursue more practical achievements in tripartite cooperation. The current international situation is fraught with challenges, he said, adding that Vietnam stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China and firmly safeguard legitimate rights and interests. HELSINKI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep concern over the scale and intensity of Israel's recent airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday, arguing that the operations have gone beyond what is necessary in the so-called fight against terrorism, especially given their severe humanitarian consequences. At a joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in the southwestern Finnish city of Turku, Merz said "The massive military strikes that the Israeli army has carried out in Gaza no longer make any sense to me. What is their aim? Simply for releasing the hostages is not enough." "I must say that it is no longer possible to understand what is happening there at the moment. We need to intensify the dialogue with the Israeli government," he added. Orpo echoed Merz's concerns, describing the sufferings of civilians in Gaza as "completely unacceptable." "This causing of suffering, this killing -- it must end," he stressed. This marks the second time in as many days that Merz has publicly criticized Israel's operations in Gaza. Speaking at an event hosted by German broadcaster WDR on Monday, he stated, "Harming the civilian population to such an extent, as has increasingly been the case in recent days, can no longer be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism." According to Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat, Merz's comments represent a marked departure from Germany's traditionally cautious language regarding Israeli military conduct. However, when asked at the press conference how this rhetorical shift might be reflected in policy, Merz stopped short of outlining specific measures. He declined to say whether Germany would suspend arms exports to Israel or consider sanctions against Israeli officials. "We are in contact with Israel," he noted, adding only that discussions are ongoing within the German government. Merz's remarks come amid growing international concerns over Israel's operations in Gaza, with mounting calls for greater accountability and humanitarian restraint. This photo taken on May 27, 2025 shows rescuers working at the explosion site of a chemical company in the city of Gaomi, east China's Shandong Province. An explosion occurred at the workshop of a chemical company in Gaomi at noon on Tuesday, with emergency response efforts currently underway, according to the municipal emergency management bureau. (Xinhua) JINAN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- An explosion occurred at the workshop of a chemical company in the city of Gaomi, east China's Shandong Province, at noon on Tuesday, with emergency response efforts currently underway, according to the municipal emergency management bureau. Upon receiving the report of the blast, the Ministry of Emergency Management immediately dispatched a work team and specialized personnel, including firefighters, medical experts and work safety specialists, to aid local rescue efforts. A total of 232 local firefighters have been sent to the scene. BAGHDAD, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi National Security Service (INSS) said on Tuesday that a security member was killed and seven others injured when a booby-trapped warehouse exploded in the country's southern province of Basra. The killed security member was a photographer affiliated with the INSS, a statement by the agency said, noting that the explosion occurred when an INSS force raided a warehouse suspected of harboring illegal weapons, but it appeared to be booby-trapped. The raid was initiated following intelligence gathered from a previously arrested arms dealer, who confessed to the existence of a warehouse containing more than 90 hand grenades, according to the statement. The INSS reiterated its commitment to combating criminal networks and terrorist groups, vowing to bring security and stability to all of Iraq, it said. TUNIS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied on Tuesday emphasized the need to combat all forms of crime, with a particular focus on drug trafficking, according to a statement from the Tunisian presidency. Saied made the remarks during a meeting with Interior Minister Khaled Nouri and Secretary of State for National Security Sofiene Bessadok in the capital Tunis, adding that those who threaten the security of Tunisia will also undermine the safety of society. The Tunisian government has taken a strong stance against drug trafficking. Recent nationwide operations have led to the arrest of hundreds of suspects involved in narcotics trafficking. Tunisian National Radio reported Monday that customs authorities have seized 122,500 narcotic pills, over 113 kilograms of cannabis, and 13 kilograms of cocaine since the beginning of 2025. Chokri Al-Jabri, spokesperson for the General Directorate of Customs, highlighted several recent anti-drug operations at air, land, and sea borders, which have resulted in the interception of substantial drug shipments. LONDON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Masayoshi Son, founder of Japan's SoftBank Group, has proposed the creation of a joint sovereign wealth fund between the United States and Japan to facilitate large-scale investments in U.S. technology and infrastructure, the Financial Times (FT) reported. Citing three people familiar with the matter, the FT said on Sunday that the proposal was initiated by Son's team and has been raised at senior political levels in both Washington and Tokyo. Although the idea has not yet materialized into a formal proposal, preliminary discussions have taken place between the U.S. Treasury Department and Japan's Ministry of Finance, according to the report. Son has reportedly discussed the concept directly with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and presented it to other top officials in both governments. Under the suggested wealth fund structure, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Japanese Ministry of Finance would be joint owners and operators of the fund, each with a significant stake. They would then open the vehicle to other limited partner investors, and could potentially offer ordinary Americans and Japanese the chance to own a slice, said the report. According to one source cited by the FT, the fund could launch with up to 300 billion U.S. dollars in initial capital and be significantly leveraged to maximize its impact. The report noted that the fund's appeal lies in its potential to deliver a steady revenue stream to both governments. The U.S. Treasury Department and SoftBank declined to comment, according to the FT. This photo taken on May 14, 2025 shows ants and shellac bugs in Yayi Town, Mojiang Hani Autonomous County of Pu'er City, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei) KUNMING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Yannick Benichou, a French national with a master's degree in nuclear energy from Tsinghua University, never imagined his career would lead him to dealing with insects in southwest China's Yunnan Province. In 2016, Benichou joined Anning Decco Biotech Co., Ltd., a multinational company with over two decades of involvement in Yunnan's shellac industry. Recognizing the global potential of this niche sector, he has been instrumental in driving the company's international growth. "Shellac was traditionally used in ancient Chinese medicine. Today, it's used in a wider range of things such as chewing gum, candy coatings, chocolate glazing, fruit preservation, and even in carbonated beverages and baked goods," said Benichou, as he showed shellac samples while confidently speaking in fluent Mandarin. Shellac is a natural resin secreted by shellac bugs as they feed on host trees. Non-toxic, insulating, moisture-resistant and antifungal, shellac has been used for over 3,000 years. While its early applications were largely medicinal, it now finds broad use across the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and high-end manufacturing industries. China is the world's third-largest producer of shellac, following India and Thailand. As the main shellac production base in China, Yunnan contributes 95 percent of the country's total output. In recent years, Yunnan's shellac has gained increasing popularity both at home and abroad. "Shellac trees are particularly well-suited to Yunnan's mountainous terrain. They are easy to manage, yield quick returns and deliver high economic benefits," said Chen Youqing, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Forestry, adding that the crop has become an important means for local farmers to boost their incomes. Benichou said his company chose Yunnan not only for its long history and abundant shellac resources, but also for its strategic location linking South and Southeast Asia. He added that the province's rapidly improving infrastructure over the past decade -- especially the launch of the China-Laos Railway in 2021 -- has significantly enhanced the region's connectivity with neighboring countries, further strengthening its role in cross-border trade. Last year, Benichou's company achieved sales revenue of 84.37 million yuan (about 11.75 million U.S. dollars), with an annual output of 800 tonnes of refined shellac. Its products are now exported to the United States, Spain, Italy, Britain, Israel and South Africa. Meanwhile, the province's total shellac exports under customs supervision surged 44.2 percent year on year in the first quarter this year, reaching 16.87 million yuan. Key export markets included Britain, Spain, Italy and South Africa, according to Kunming Customs. Looking ahead, Benichou hopes to turn Yunnan's ecological advantages into economic benefits by expanding into global markets and contributing to rural revitalization across the province. This photo taken on May 14, 2025 shows shellac and shellac bugs in Yayi Town, Mojiang Hani Autonomous County of Pu'er City, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei) ACCRA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's foreign ministry on Tuesday announced that the country's embassy in Washington, D.C. will reopen on Thursday after a temporary closure. The announcement came after Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa ordered the closure on Monday to allow for investigations into alleged corrupt practices at the mission. A team of astute diplomats from the foreign ministry has been dispatched to the embassy to ensure a total system overhaul, restore credibility to the embassy's operations, and complete ongoing structural reform, the statement said. According to the ministry, a special audit team found that a local staffer in the embassy's IT department created an unauthorized link on the embassy's website, which diverted visa and passport applicants to his company, where he charged extra for multiple services on the blind side of the ministry and kept the entire proceeds in his private account. "An IT team has already been deployed to reconfigure the website and payment platforms to do away with all unofficial and unauthorized links associated with the IT system of the embassy," the statement added. Press Release May 27, 2025 Senator Bong Go files bill to provide simple, cost-efficient IDs to promote awareness on PhilHealth membership and benefits Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has reiterated his call for stronger efforts from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to ensure that every Filipino is fully aware of their membership status and benefits due to them under the Universal Health Care (UHC) law. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go emphasized the need for a tangible proof of identification that would help boost public awareness in accessing free health services. "Napakahalaga na alam ng bawat Pilipino na miyembro sila ng PhilHealth. Kapag sigurado sila sa benepisyo nila, hindi sila matatakot na magpa-check up o magpa-ospital," the senator stressed. Go pointed out that despite the automatic coverage of all Filipinos under the UHC law, many are still unaware of their membership. He cited recent figures from PhilHealth indicating that only around 27.8 million Filipinos are currently enrolled in its Konsulta (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama) program. "Marami pa rin ang hindi alam na automatic na silang miyembro. Dapat may malinaw na pruweba na nagpapatunay na bahagi sila ng PhilHealth," he added. To address this, Go is pushing for the passage of his filed Senate Bill No. 2983, or the proposed Philippine Health Card Act of 2025, which he authored. The measure seeks to establish a simple, affordable, and durable identification card--either digital or physical--for all PhilHealth members. If enacted, this ID system will operate under the National Health Insurance Program and will be distributed in coordination with local government units (LGUs). "Para sa ordinaryong kababayan, malaking tulong kung may hawak kang proof na miyembro ka. Kahit lumang ID, digital man o integrated sa national ID--ang mahalaga, may pinanghahawakan ang Pilipino na may masadandalan sila kapag nagkasakit," he clarified. The senator also emphasized that with or without the bill's passage, PhilHealth must strengthen its outreach and ensure that members are properly informed about their rights and coverage. "Ang importante rito, hindi lang may ID ang tao. Dapat alam nila kung anong benepisyo ang meron sila. Kaya panawagan ko sa PhilHealth--mas paigtingin pa ang information campaign," Go urged. A staunch critic of outdated PhilHealth policies, Senator Go reiterated his oversight function and longstanding demand for sweeping reforms within the state insurance corporation, which he emphasized should serve the public rather than function like a profit-driven business. "Sa PhilHealth hindi ko po kayo titigilan. Sabi ko noon sa inyo, pina-commit ko po kayo, ayusin n'yo, magreporma kayo. Ang PhilHealth po para sa health 'yan, hindi naman po negosyo 'yan. Insurance 'yan para may masasandalan po ang ating mga kababayan kapag nagkasakit," he said. As part of his continuing health reforms crusade, Go reiterated the need for government agencies like PhilHealth to adopt systems that are people-centered and responsive, especially for the poor and vulnerable sectors. "Ang kalusugan ay karapatan ng bawat Pilipino. Hindi ito dapat pinoproblema. Dapat ito ay inaasikaso ng gobyerno, at responsibilidad nating siguraduhing ramdam ng tao ang serbisyong pangkalusugan," he explained. Go concluded by reaffirming his commitment to advancing accessible and inclusive healthcare policies in the Senate, adding that he will continue exercise his oversight functions as a legislator to improve the implementation of the UHC law. TEHRAN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian judge was killed in what authorities described as a terrorist attack in the southern city of Shiraz early on Tuesday, state news agency IRNA reported. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Ehsan Bagheri, was attacked by two unidentified assailants wielding a cold weapon while on his way to work in the morning, IRNA said, citing Seyed Sadrollah Rajaee-Nasab, the director general of the provincial justice department. The exact type of weapon was not disclosed. Bagheri served as the head of Branch 102 of Shiraz's Criminal Court 2, according to the report. Iran's judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, has ordered a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators, IRNA added. The killing comes months after a separate attack in January in which two senior judges, Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghiseh, were shot dead at their workplace in the capital, Tehran. UNITED NATIONS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The video reportedly showing thousands of desperate Gazans rushing for aid is heartbreaking, said a UN spokesman on Tuesday. "We have been watching the video coming out of Gaza around one of the distribution points set up by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), and frankly, these video images are heartbreaking, to say the least," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The GHF is a U.S. operation endorsed by Israel and designed to replace the UN-run humanitarian effort to deliver aid to Gazans. Israel contends the world body allows Hamas operatives to divert some of the aid the United Nations and its partners deliver to Gaza for the use of Hamas and to influence Gazans. The world body maintains its system of fair aid distribution, which operates by international humanitarian law. In contrast, the GHF system attempts to guarantee its aid goes only to those it determines are not associated with Hamas. The spokesman recounted that the secretary-general last week said that the United Nations and its partners have a detailed, principled, operationally sound plan -- supported by UN member states -- to get aid to a desperate population. "We continue to stress that a meaningful scale-up of humanitarian operations is essential to stave off famine and meet the needs of all civilians, wherever they are," Dujarric told a regular briefing. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said continued bombardment and shelling across the Gaza Strip has had horrific impacts on civilians. The Gaza health authorities reported dozens of people killed and more than 150 injured in the past 24 hours, OCHA said on Tuesday. The office said that on Sunday night, a school sheltering displaced people in Ad Daraj in eastern Gaza City was hit, igniting a fire and reportedly killing 36 people, including women and children. Many of the bodies were reportedly severely burned. "The Israeli forces claimed to have targeted what they said was a Hamas and Islamic Jihad command and control complex," OCHA said. The office said that thousands of people continue to be displaced by the attacks. It said that on Monday, another Israeli displacement order, covering about 155 square kilometers in Rafah, Khan Younis and central Gaza, affected more than 60 neighborhoods, representing more than 40 percent of the Gaza Strip. The latest order overlaps with previous displacement ones. In North Gaza, OCHA said its partners report that sites for internally displaced people in Beit Hanoun, Izbat Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya are nearly empty in the wake of Israeli displacement orders. In Asaliya near Jabalya, one displacement site continues to host hundreds of families who chose to stay despite recent displacement orders, saying they had no alternative. The humanitarians said that in Khan Younis, displaced people continue to live in the open. Many are physically exhausted and frail after having walked long distances on damaged roads with no food to sustain them. Since the renewed escalation of hostilities on March 18, OCHA and its partners estimate that more than 632,000 people in Gaza were forced to flee homes yet again. "They are left to survive on very small areas of the territory, with barely anything to survive on." The office said its health partners have reported that since May 19, more than two dozen health centers and mobile clinics and one hospital suspended services because of hostilities, attacks or displacement orders in their areas. On water and sanitation services, OCHA said 200,000 liters of fuel are needed per week across Gaza to sustain critical facilities. However, the situation in southern Gaza is particularly concerning, as no fuel is available, and only one-third of the required supply was received last week. Northern Gaza managed to secure sufficient fuel to sustain water and sanitation operations for two weeks. The office also said that hundreds of learning spaces were affected by displacement orders over the last week. However, three temporary learning spaces were able to re-open in Khan Younis. OCHA partners said the spaces are essential for the mental and physical well-being of children in Gaza. The office renewed its call for the opening of all crossing points from Israel to Gaza for humanitarian aid and commercial goods. "The United Nations and its humanitarian partners stand ready to deliver at scale," OCHA said. "International law must be respected, and humanitarian operations must be enabled without further delay." The office explained yet again that civilians must be protected, including those fleeing and forced to leave through displacement orders and those who remain despite those orders. Civilians who flee their homes must be allowed to return as soon as circumstances permit. OCHA said that civilians must be able to receive the humanitarian assistance they need, wherever they are, as mandated by international humanitarian law. LONDON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A full-scale trade dispute between the United States and the European Union (EU) would pose serious risks to the global economy and is likely to affect the United Kingdom (UK) as well, a senior British trade expert has warned. In an interview with Xinhua, William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said Britain's existing trade arrangements would provide only limited protection from the consequences of rising tensions between Washington and Brussels. "An escalation of the trade dispute between the U.S. and EU would damage the global economy," Bain said. "The effects will be felt in the UK too, notwithstanding our own agreement with the U.S. on tariff reductions in key sectors." Bain's warning comes amid heightened concern in Europe following U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose 50-percent tariffs on EU imports starting June 1 -- a major escalation in already strained transatlantic trade relations. Following a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump agreed to postpone the tariff hike until July 9 to allow for further negotiations. Despite the temporary reprieve, Bain cautioned that the underlying disagreements remain unresolved. Many British firms that distribute EU-manufactured goods to the United States or rely on EU components in their supply chains now face mounting uncertainty. In Northern Ireland, where businesses operate under post-Brexit rules aligned with certain EU standards, the impact could be more direct, Bain said. He added that the effectiveness of contingency measures such as the Duty Reimbursement Scheme remains unclear. Bain attributed the deadlock in talks to U.S. efforts to narrow its trade deficit with the EU, and its concerns over digital services taxes and pharmaceutical pricing in several EU member states. The EU may look to respond by offering tariff concessions on industrial goods and increasing imports of U.S. products such as fuels and automobiles, he noted. However, he said the bloc is unlikely to change its regulatory stance -- leaving sectors like automotive and pharmaceuticals particularly exposed. European leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for de-escalation. Von der Leyen's engagement helped delay the tariffs, and both sides have pledged to intensify dialogue ahead of the new deadline. Although not directly involved in the dispute, Britain faces its own trade headwinds. A recent report by the Centre for European Reform found that UK trade grew just 0.3 percent annually between 2019 and 2024, with real exports of goods falling 20 percent over the same period. While London has signed trade deals with the United States, India, and the EU, analysts have downplayed their impact. One recent analysis described the U.S. deal as merely a tool to "limit the damage" from broader trade frictions. "Despite the UK's bilateral agreements, the reverberations of a broader U.S.-EU trade conflict will still have negative economic consequences here," Bain said. "Hopefully, a deal can be reached to prevent further tariff walls." With the July 9 deadline looming, pressure is building on both sides of the Atlantic to reach an agreement and avert a confrontation that could ripple far beyond Europe and North America. SACRAMENTO, the United States, May 27 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites into polar orbit Tuesday morning, marking the company's first such mission configuration since 2023. The mission, designated Starlink 17-1, will deploy the broadband internet satellites into low-Earth orbit at a 97-degree inclination, according to SpaceX launch documentation. This polar orbital configuration enables the satellites to provide enhanced coverage to regions at higher latitudes, including parts of Alaska, northern Canada, and other polar areas that were previously underserved by the constellation. The company utilized Falcon 9 booster B1082 for the mission, marking the rocket's 13th flight. The reusable first stage has previously supported nine other Starlink missions, as well as launches for the National Reconnaissance Office and OneWeb satellite deployments. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 9:57 a.m. local time. Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the booster successfully landed on SpaceX's autonomous droneship "Of Course I Still Love You," stationed in the Pacific Ocean. The successful recovery represented the 132nd landing on this particular vessel and the 452nd booster recovery in SpaceX's reusability program. Polar orbit Starlink missions represent a small fraction of SpaceX's satellite deployment strategy, with fewer than 10 such launches among the more than 260 total Starlink missions conducted to date. The company last placed Starlink satellites in similar polar trajectories in April 2023. The satellites deployed Tuesday are part of SpaceX's V2 Mini generation, designed to provide enhanced internet connectivity to underserved regions worldwide. As of March 2025, the Starlink constellation consists of 7,135 satellites in orbit, with 7,105 currently operational, according to satellite tracking data from astronomer Jonathan McDowell. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved an increase in annual launches from Vandenberg's SLC-4E facility from 36 to 50 missions, enabling SpaceX to expand its West Coast operations. This regulatory approval supported the company's goal of rapidly expanding global internet coverage, particularly to remote and polar regions. The successful mission continued SpaceX's aggressive 2025 launch schedule, with the company having conducted dozens of missions already this year. The company reached a milestone earlier this month by launching its 1,000th Starlink satellite of the year, marking a significant expansion of its constellation. Tuesday's launch also highlighted the strategic importance of polar orbits for comprehensive global coverage. Unlike traditional equatorial orbits, polar trajectories enable satellites to cover Earth's entire surface as the planet rotates beneath them, providing essential connectivity to regions often overlooked by conventional satellite networks. NEW YORK, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A Fujian food and culture share session was held in New York City on Saturday, attracting nearly 500 guests from the overseas Chinese, business and academic communities. The event, titled "Overseas Chinese Family Happiness in New York," was organized by the American Fujian Association of Commerce & Industry, aimed to promote Fujian Province's cuisine and traditional culture among both Chinese expatriates and the broader American public. Marking the association's 33rd anniversary, the event included a rich variety of traditional cultural demonstrations, such as lion dance, guzheng performance, Min opera interpreted in Fuzhou dialect, and a traditional Chinese dress cheongsam show, which drew applauses from the audience. In the spirit of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, organizers distributed Zongzi and scented sachets to the audience, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The audience also experienced the charm of traditional food, art and festival culture through diverse cultural experience activities such as calligraphy, tea art and paper-cutting. It is a cultural event that allows overseas compatriots to revisit their hometowns and gives the American public a close sense of the glamor of Chinese culture, said Zheng Wei, president of the American Fujian Association of Commerce & Industry. Fujian cuisine is an important part of the overseas Chinese food industry. Overseas Chinese Family Happiness is a three-year-old event that has been successfully organized since 2022 in China's southeastern Fujian Province, as well as many other countries and regions such as the United States, Italy, Spain, and Malaysia, sharing the richness of traditional Chinese food culture with the world. GENEVA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- An aid organization backed by the United States and Israel to distribute relief supplies in Gaza is distracting attention from what is actually needed, a United Nations spokesperson said here on Tuesday. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said at a press briefing that the UN is not involved in the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's (GHF) operations in Gaza, and added that "it is a distraction from what is actually needed." Laerke said what is truly needed is the reopening of all crossing points into Gaza. He also called for the establishment of a secure environment in Gaza and urged faster facilitation of permissions and final approvals for all emergency supplies awaiting entry into Gaza. Juliette Touma, spokesperson for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), also told reporters that she was unaware whether the GHF had delivered any supplies. "We don't have any information," she said. According to the GHF, a humanitarian distribution plan proposed by Israel and supported by the United States is being implemented. Under the plan, private entities are tasked with delivering aid to several so-called "safe distribution sites" in southern Gaza. UN agencies and long-established humanitarian organizations operating in Palestine have been excluded from this process. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has recently criticized the Israeli-designed distribution scheme, saying it makes humanitarian aid conditional on political and military objectives and uses starvation as a bargaining chip. UNITED NATIONS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is deepening as fighting, displacement and health emergencies fuel needs, the world body warned Tuesday. In North Darfur state, artillery shelling continues to affect residential areas of El Fasher city and the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced people. Daily civilian casualties are reported, and recent days have seen an intensification of nighttime bombardments, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Humanitarian partners on the ground report that access to education remains severely constrained in North Darfur. Since the conflict began in April 2023, a quarter of a million children have lost access to learning, said OCHA. In South Kordofan state, the International Organization for Migration reported last week that about 2,800 people, primarily women and children, fled renewed fighting in the town of Dibebad. The situation in the state capital of Kadugli has also seriously deteriorated in recent weeks, with intense shelling and humanitarian access largely cut off, said the office. In Northern state, authorities report that about 6,000 people who fled from North Darfur, Khartoum and West Kordofan states due to insecurity arrived in Ad Dabbah locality between May 12 and 22, it said. Meanwhile, the cholera outbreak in Khartoum state is worsening at an alarming rate. Humanitarian partners in the state report an 80 percent increase in suspected cases over the past two weeks, bringing the total to more than 8,500, it said. In Blue Nile state, some 8,500 Sudanese refugees have returned from South Sudan since late April. A recent inter-agency assessment by the United Nations and its partners found high rates of acute respiratory infections, malaria and skin conditions among these returnees. The lack of mosquito nets, proper shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene facilities is significantly increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, said OCHA. The office calls for increased, flexible and timely funding to scale up the humanitarian response as well as unimpeded access via all necessary routes so that aid workers can reach people in need, it said. NEW YORK, May 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to end what he calls the "waste of hard-earned taxpayer resources" by cutting off federal benefits for undocumented immigrants and ensuring that funding goes to American citizens in need, but actually might hurt them instead, reported The New York Times on Tuesday. Administration officials have said they would root out "illegal aliens" who are living in federally-subsidized housing. The Agriculture Department has ordered states to enhance immigration verification practices used to determine eligibility for food stamps. And House Republicans just passed a tax bill that would limit certain immigrants from accessing Medicaid and Medicare, a popular tax credit for parents, and federal financial aid, among other benefits. "Immigration experts and advocates for immigrant rights say the changes would instead largely be felt by children who are U.S. citizens but whose parents are undocumented or immigrants who are authorized to live in the United States, such as refugees and people granted asylum," noted the report. Twelve percent of American children, or about nine million people, are citizens with at least one noncitizen parent. Children with at least one immigrant parent are twice as likely to live in poverty than those with native-born parents, according to a 2022 report by researchers at the Boston University School of Social Work. "In the name of wanting to take a harsh policy stance against immigrants, in many different ways the reality is that they're going to be punishing citizens and other immigrants that have been eligible in the past," Shelby Gonzales, the vice president for immigration policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank, was quoted as saying. WASHINGTON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is "playing with fire" as the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows no immediate signs of ending. "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire!" Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday morning. Trump on Sunday made harsh remarks on both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "I'm not happy with what Putin's doing," Trump told reporters before he took Air Force One from Morristown, New Jersey back to Washington, D.C. "I don't know what the hell happened to Putin," he said. Later on Sunday evening, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that Putin "has gone absolutely CRAZY!" He then turned to Zelensky, saying he was doing his country "no favors by talking the way he does," a reference to statements Zelensky made earlier on Sunday criticizing U.S. silence on the latest Russian attacks. The Trump administration has warned in recent months that it could walk away from the frustrating negotiations for a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine. In response to Trump's escalating criticism, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev wrote in a social media post on Tuesday that "Regarding Trump's words about Putin 'playing with fire' and 'really bad things' happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing - WWIII. I hope Trump understands this." Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding (L) poses for a photo with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Zimbabwean officials at a signing ceremony of the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program in Harare, Zimbabwe, on May 27, 2025. China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday signed the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program for women and girls affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai, which hit the eastern parts of Zimbabwe in 2019. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara) HARARE, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday signed the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program for women and girls affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai, which hit the eastern parts of Zimbabwe in 2019. The concluded project, which ran from 2020 to 2024, was funded by China through the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund and implemented by UNFPA in partnership with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care to address the reproductive health needs of women in the most affected areas. Tropical Cyclone Idai damaged healthcare infrastructure and limited access to essential services, leaving Zimbabwe facing a maternal health crisis, which was further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the crisis, the project was implemented to strengthen emergency obstetric and neonatal care in the cyclone-affected districts of Chipinge and Chimanimani. According to UNFPA, the project contributed to 63,327 deliveries, including 8,567 cesarean sections. A total of 10,862 pregnant women benefited from refurbished maternity waiting homes, while 94,643 women accessed modern family planning methods. The project also contributed to the reduction in maternal mortality from 462 to 363 deaths per 100,000 live births. In addition, a total of 296 healthcare workers were trained in emergency obstetric and neonatal care. Speaking at the signing ceremony held in the national capital of Harare, Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini expressed gratitude to China for the assistance. "Most of the people affected were pregnant mothers who needed assistance at that time. Because of the disaster, however, there was nowhere for them to go. With UNFPA, China has provided assistance by doing all those good works that have reduced maternal mortality," Kwidini said. He also said the program aligns with the government's aim of ending neonatal mortality, adding that without a healthy nation, Zimbabwe can not attain its developmental goals. On his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the program stands as a shining example of successful tripartite cooperation among China, UN agencies, and Zimbabwe. "It has proved that collective action and solidarity are the most powerful tools in overcoming challenges. Within the frameworks of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, South-South cooperation, and other initiatives, China is ready to engage in tripartite and multipartite cooperation with more international partners to jointly propel Zimbabwe's economic and social development and revitalization, and help realize the country's Vision 2030," said Zhou. Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding (L, Front) signs the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program in Harare, Zimbabwe, on May 27, 2025. China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday signed the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program for women and girls affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai, which hit the eastern parts of Zimbabwe in 2019. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara) Press Release May 27, 2025 Pampanga scholar grateful for scholarship supported by Bong Go who continues to fight for better education access for all Christian Morales, a fourth-year Public Administration student at Guagua Community College in Guagua, Pampanga, is one of many students who have benefitted from the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), an educational support initiative supported by Senator Christopher "Bong" Go. For Christian, education has never been easy -- not because of academics, but because of financial challenges. Both of his parents are unable to work: one is a senior citizen and the other is a person with a disability (PWD). This left Christian with no choice but to support himself through school. "Ako lang po ang nagpapaaral sa sarili ko kasi yung parents ko po ay isang PWD at isa po ay matanda na po kaya hindi na po nila kaya magtrabaho," he shared. Receiving the scholarship last year, Christian emphasized how significant the CHED TDP has been in helping him continue his studies despite their financial situation. "Malaking tulong po itong CHED TDP para po sa pag-aaral ko. Malaking tulong itong scholarship na ito para mabawasan ang kailangan namin gastusin, hindi lang dito sa school kundi para rin sa mga assignments, projects, at iba't iba pang gastusin," he explained. With sincere gratitude, Christian extended his message to Senator Go, whose support made the program possible and accessible for many deserving students like him. "Message ko po kay Senator Bong Go, maraming maraming salamat po. Sana po marami pang estudyante ang matulungan dahil malaking tulong po talaga ito," he said. The scholarship program has helped thousands of students from low-income families continue their education and strive for a better future. Christian, who dreams of serving the public one day, is now closer to achieving his goals -- thanks to the opportunity provided through this program. Senator Go, a known advocate for accessible and quality education, has always emphasized that education is key to empowering the youth and building a better nation. "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan at edukasyon ang susi tungo sa mas magandang kinabukasan," Go has said. He continues to push for legislative measures that uphold and expand educational access for Filipinos. He is a co-sponsor and co-author of Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which grants temporary financial relief to students with loans during times of calamity. Go also co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to improve basic education for marginalized learners; RA 11984, or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, which protects students from being barred from exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006, or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, which removes exam fees for qualified senior high school students applying to private higher education institutions; and RA 11997, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which raises teaching supply allowances for public school educators. Senator Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, has assured the public that he will continue to champion education programs like CHED TDP that empower students to reach their dreams and contribute to national development. "Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo 'yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo 'yan kay Allah," Go emphasized. With the help of dedicated leaders and programs like this, more students like Christian Morales are proving that no challenge is too great when there is genuine support and a dream to pursue. Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the opening ceremony of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Economic Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 27, 2025. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also attended the event. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday that China is ready to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, continuously opening up new prospects for common development. Li made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum 2025. The successful convening of the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit opened up a new chapter in trilateral cooperation, Li said, adding that the summit featured in-depth discussions on the theme of "Synergizing Economic Opportunities towards Shared Prosperity," which held great significance. He said in today's world, joining hands to address challenges is in itself a way of creating opportunities. In the face of escalating geopolitical conflicts and confrontations, Li said, it is believed that staying committed to deepening mutual trust and enhancing solidarity can create long-term strategic opportunities and achieve sustained and stable development. In the face of rising protectionism and unilateralism, staying committed to greater openness and the removal of barriers can unlock vast market opportunities and allow all countries to share in more substantial benefits through the joint development of a large and integrated market, he said. In the face of more moves toward decoupling and the erection of walls and barriers, staying committed to resource sharing and mutual empowerment can create opportunities for transformation and upgrading, as well as enhancing industrial efficiency and the momentum for sustainable development in all countries. Li pointed out that the friendly cooperation among China, ASEAN and GCC countries has a long history and deep roots. Standing on such a solid historical foundation, trilateral cooperation is bound to deliver new achievements and a brighter future, Li said, adding that there will be broader space for development, higher levels of economic efficiency and a more vibrant innovation ecosystem for the three sides. China is ready to work with countries of ASEAN and GCC to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, deepen regional integration, resolutely uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, maintain stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chains, and continuously open up new prospects for common development, Li said. Li stressed that China will continue to inject new momentum into trilateral cooperation through its high-quality development. Speaking of development trends, China's economy has shown a continued recovery and improvement since the beginning of this year, fully demonstrating its strong resilience, Li said. As Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out, "the Chinese economy is not a pond, but an ocean," Li noted. The ocean can withstand the test of fierce storms, emerging even more profound and substantial, more inclusive and open after the tempest subsides, he added. Noting that China has clearly articulated a more proactive macro policy orientation, and will continue to strengthen counter-cyclical adjustments, Li said the Chinese side has the ability and confidence to keep the Chinese economy sailing steadily and far. Strategically, China will focus more on expanding domestic demand and strengthening domestic circulation, continuously enhancing the intrinsic driving forces of the economy, the premier said. Li noted China will firmly expand high-level opening up and promote mutual reinforcement between domestic and international circulations, sharing the opportunities of China's development with countries of ASEAN and GCC, and enterprises from around the world. When addressing the opening ceremony of the forum, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC Summit issued a joint statement, sending a strong message of trilateral solidarity and cooperation. Anwar noted that China is an important partner for countries of ASEAN and GCC, playing an important role in promoting economic development, maintaining peace and stability, and upholding international fairness and justice. ASEAN adheres to the principles of independence and self-reliance, and is committed to deepening its partnerships with China and the GCC, and reinforcing mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as economy, trade and investment to make greater contributions to regional and global prosperity and stability, said Anwar. Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the opening ceremony of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Economic Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 27, 2025. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also attended the event. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) TRIPOLI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Libya's eastern-based parliament speaker, Aguila Saleh, on Tuesday called for a new unified government to be formed to oversee long-delayed elections, sharpening a standoff with the Tripoli-based administration whose prime minister he insisted should step down. Speaking during a parliamentary session in Benghazi, Saleh urged lawmakers to accelerate efforts to unify state institutions. Libya has been split since 2014 between rival administrations in the east and west, despite repeated internationally backed efforts at reconciliation. "The solution to the Libyan crisis lies in holding elections, but this requires a single, unified government accepted by all," Saleh told parliament. He warned that further delays could lead to "chaos and threats to Libya's unity," and called on international and local stakeholders, including the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), to support the process. Saleh announced that the eastern-based House of Representatives would soon convene to select a new prime minister, inviting foreign ambassadors, UNSMIL representatives, and Libyan civil society groups to observe the session. The proposal drew sharp criticism from the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Following recent clashes between rival armed factions in Tripoli, Saleh declared that Dbeibah should step down "voluntarily or by force." Libya has remained mired in turmoil since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country is currently divided between the internationally recognized GNU in Tripoli and an eastern administration supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Khalifa Haftar, who is close to Saleh. A UN-backed presidential election scheduled for December 2021 was postponed amid disputes over electoral laws and candidate eligibility, deepening the political crisis. The GNU, initially tasked with overseeing the vote, has refused to relinquish power without a mandate from new elections, while eastern factions have insisted on forming a new interim authority. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (Front) speaks during an oral question-and-answer session at the National Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 27, 2025. Ramaphosa said on Tuesday that the country has successfully "reset" its relationship with the United States following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House last week. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua) CAPE TOWN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday that the country has successfully "reset" its relationship with the United States following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House last week. Ramaphosa made the remarks during an oral question-and-answer session at the National Assembly in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa. Ramaphosa said it is important for relations, which have become strained in recent years, to be mended. "(This) was an issue that occupied many people's minds in our country. We realized the impact on our economy would be adverse unless we were able to repair or reset the relationship." According to the South African president, a phone call with Trump -- initially focused on the Russia-Ukraine conflict -- led to the decision to meet in person. Ramaphosa noted that the initial meeting with media presence was followed by a succession of productive private meetings. "Despite what we could have seen on television, we were able to have a much more meaningful discussion and meeting with President Trump and his representatives (in) the quiet room where we had lunch together," he said. Ramaphosa outlined three key objectives for his visit to the United States, namely strengthening trade ties, reestablishing formal government engagement channels, and reinforcing both countries' roles in the Group of 20 Summit to be held later this year. A fourth goal is to possibly encourage greater investment between American and South African companies, he added. "We believe we achieved those objectives," he said. "There are discussions happening in relation to tariffs, in relation to investment, and we believe we have reset the relationship." BEIRUT, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is committed to supporting Lebanon's efforts toward reform and development, UAE Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange Abdullah Nasser Lootah said on Tuesday during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace. Leading a high-level delegation, Lootah said, "We are here to assess Lebanon's needs and will offer all support in line with the directives of the UAE president." Aoun welcomed the delegation and expressed his gratitude to the UAE president for his continued support, which he described as "a reflection of the deep and historic brotherhood between Lebanon and the UAE." "The presence of the Emirati delegation in Beirut is a practical embodiment of this relationship, which grows stronger by the day and is deeply appreciated by all Lebanese," he added. The Lebanese president highlighted the need to expand cooperation across key sectors such as education, public administration, private enterprise, and advanced technologies. "The UAE has tremendous expertise in these fields, and we hope to benefit from this experience," Aoun noted. He also praised a recent UAE decision to lift the travel ban on Emiratis visiting Lebanon, calling it "an important gesture of renewed confidence and connection." Earlier in the day, the UAE delegation held a working session with Lebanese officials in Beirut. Discussions focused on administrative reform, digital transformation, legislative modernization, and improving public sector efficiency. JERUSALEM, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that 800 military cargo aircraft have landed in the country since the beginning of its 19-month offensive in Gaza, bringing more than 90,000 tons of equipment. The shipments, the latest of which landed over the weekend, are aimed at supporting mainly the Israeli offensive in Gaza and its fighting in Lebanon and Syria. In a statement, the ministry said the shipments, which included munitions, armored vehicles, personal protective gear, and medical supplies, were carried out in collaboration with its mission to the United States, and other parts of the Israeli military. In addition to the air deliveries, around 140 cargo shipments have arrived by sea, the ministry said. "This air and maritime transport operation constitutes a critical element in maintaining operational continuity, fulfilling comprehensive IDF (Israel Defense Forces) requirements for achieving wartime objectives, and enhancing force readiness," the ministry said. Israel launched a ground and air offensive in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, in which Hamas-led fighters killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. The ensuing Israeli bombardments have devastated large parts of the enclave, killing at least 54,056 people and wounding 123,129 others, said the health authorities in Gaza on Tuesday. CARACAS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela on Tuesday issued a travel alert urging its citizens to avoid going to the United States, citing alleged human rights violations. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said on Telegram that Venezuelans in the United States risk deportation, family separation and arbitrary detention. He also accused Washington of using "migration blackmail" and fueling xenophobia. The warning came hours after the U.S. State Department advised Americans and legal residents not to travel to Venezuela. KAMPALA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- African ministers are meeting in Uganda ahead of a regional summit on peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region, scheduled for Wednesday. Uganda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Tuesday on X that the country is hosting the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the DRC and the region. According to the ministry, the meeting, attended by foreign affairs ministers from member states, will center on the structural causes of instability and the recurring cycles of conflict in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region. Eleven countries in the region signed the PSC Framework in 2013, committing to national, regional, and international actions to consolidate peace and security in eastern DRC and to promote intergovernmental cooperation. John Mulimba, Uganda's state minister for foreign affairs in charge of regional cooperation, told Xinhua by phone that the ministerial meeting precedes the summit of heads of state and government, which will be hosted by President Yoweri Museveni at State House in Entebbe, about 40 km south of the capital, Kampala. "The ministers are meeting today [Tuesday]. We expect heads of state and government to attend the summit to discuss the security challenges in eastern DRC and the region," said Mulimba. The summit comes amid a worsening political, humanitarian, and security situation in eastern DRC, driven by the resurgence and territorial expansion of the March 23 Movement rebel group. The previous summit was held in Burundi in May 2023, where leaders assessed progress in implementing the PSC Framework's commitments toward regional peace and cooperation. JUBA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan, in partnership with United Nations agencies, on Tuesday launched two vaccines to prevent pneumonia and severe diarrhea in children under five. Anin Ngot Ngot Mou, undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, described the rollout as a game changer in the fight against two of the country's leading causes of child mortality. "Today, we are taking a bold step forward in protecting the health and future of our children in South Sudan. Pneumococcal disease is the leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, especially among children under five years old," Ngot said during the launch in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The new vaccines -- pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine -- will be integrated into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974. Health workers are being trained, and public awareness campaigns are underway to promote community acceptance and ensure wide coverage, Ngot added. Obia Achieng, deputy representative of the UN Children's Fund in South Sudan, said the vaccination campaign will extend across all 10 states and three administrative areas, with a focus on reaching vulnerable children in remote and conflict-affected regions. He highlighted that the campaign marks a milestone for South Sudan, coinciding with the formal introduction of both PCV and rotavirus vaccines into the national immunization system. Despite this progress, he noted that about 40 percent of children in South Sudan live more than 5 km from the nearest health facility, with many displaced due to ongoing insecurity. Mutale Senkwe, WHO deputy representative in South Sudan, said the campaign reinforces the country's commitment to protecting children from preventable diseases. Senkwe said since the launch of the EPI, vaccines have saved over 50 million children in Africa, and in 2024, a child in Africa is 50 percent more likely to survive to their next birthday than in a world without vaccines. ABUJA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday vowed that his administration would ensure that all stolen funds and assets belonging to the West African country would be recovered in the fight against corruption. In a speech delivered on his behalf by Nadungu Gagare, a permanent secretary of political and economic affairs, at the opening of a National Summit on Asset Recovery in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, Tinubu said asset recovery is a vital tool in the country's anti-corruption strategy which has become not merely a legal exercise but a moral obligation. "Recovering stolen public funds and channeling them toward development represents justice and restitution. It is about restoring the people's trust and ensuring that every penny of our national wealth works for the common good," the speech read, quoting the Nigerian leader. He said the government has prioritized using recovered assets to finance critical infrastructure in the country, even though the challenge has proved difficult. "Asset recovery sends a clear and unwavering message that there will be no haven for corruption in Nigeria and it served as a deterrent, a symbol of accountability, and a practical tool to rebuild national confidence in public institutions. I would like to reassure you that my administration is committed to aggressively pursuing the recovery of stolen assets, ensuring that every looted fund is returned to the Nigerian people," he said, pledging to continue to take deliberate steps to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and policies in the fight against corruption. In 2024 alone, Nigeria's two anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, at different times reclaimed over 105 million U.S. dollars, 248 billion nairas (over 156.5 million dollars), and 753 duplexes, as well as 966,900 dollars and 29.6 billion nairas (over 18.7 million dollars), respectively, in their assets recovery efforts, Lateef Fagbemi, the country's Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, said at the summit. "Nigeria has successfully repatriated significant funds from abroad, reinforcing our commitment to financial accountability," Fagbemi added. Villar Lauds IFEX 2025, Continues to Support Local Goods and Businesses Senator Villar continues his support for local products in the recently concluded 18th International Food Exhibit (IFEX) Philippines, one of the country's premier trade shows. Along with the Department of Trade and Industry, Villar participated in the opening ceremony, marking the start of the three-day exhibit that showcases the rich and diverse heritage of Filipino cuisine and products across the archipelago. Villar explored and visited various exhibits that featured Filipino goods and cuisine, ranging from natural produce like local fruits, regional delicacies to innovative Filipino food products that are in demand outside the Philippines. IFEX remains a huge opportunity for local traders and innovators to showcase their talent and creativity. "It is amazing to witness and support an event that highlights our Filipino heritage and exhibits the ingenuity and innovation of Filipinos," Senator Mark Villar mentioned. He lauded IFEX's commitment to showcasing goods and products across all the regions of the Philippines. "Nakakatuwang makita na halos lahat ng mga region sa ating bansa ay mayroong exhibit dito sa IFEX na nagpapakita ng kanilang mga produkto," Villar added. Senator Mark Villar has been championing the support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), rural businesses, and local products. He sponsored and authored the One Town, One Product Philippines Act last 2023. Since its passing, the OTOP Philippines Act has helped the promotion and growth of MSMEs, rural communities, and local businesses. Villar recognizes that with legislation like the OTOP Philippines Act, trade shows and exhibits that feature Filipino and locally-produced goods will reach more consumers in and out of the country. "I am honored to be part of an event like IFEX 2025, it is truly exciting to explore and engage with various innovators and exhibitors from various regions in the Philippines," Senator Villar highlighted. KHARTOUM, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese Ministry of Health on Tuesday announced a surge in cholera cases, with 2,729 infections and 172 deaths recorded within a single week. "A meeting of the Federal Emergency Operations Center reported an increase in cholera cases across multiple states, with 2,729 infections and 172 deaths recorded in one week," the ministry said in a statement. It noted that 90 percent of the new cases were reported in Khartoum State, particularly in Karari, Omdurman, and Umbada, followed by North Kordofan, Sinnar, Gezira, White Nile, and River Nile states. Meanwhile, Fath Al-Rahman Al-Amin, head of Khartoum State's health authority, attributed the outbreak to damage to power and water infrastructure during the country's conflict. He said the destruction had forced residents to use contaminated water sources, resulting in a spike in infections. Al-Amin added that 10 isolation centers had been established in Khartoum State, most of them in Omdurman, to receive and treat individuals infected with cholera. He expressed optimism that the outbreak may subside in the coming days. According to the non-governmental medical aid group Doctors Without Borders, the interruption of electricity and water services across much of Khartoum State has fueled the spread of epidemic diseases, including cholera, as residents have been forced to rely on unsafe water sources. Khartoum State, particularly Omdurman city, has seen a rise in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the latest being a drone strike on three power stations on May 15, which caused a citywide power outage lasting around 10 days. United Nations organizations have previously warned that escalating attacks on civilian infrastructure, including power stations, are obstructing access to electricity and clean water for millions of people across the country. Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF since April 2023. The war has killed tens of thousands and forced millions to flee their homes, both within Sudan and across its borders. SUVA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Samoa will go into an early election after the Legislative Assembly voted against the national budget 2025-2026 on Tuesday, local media reported. According to the local newspaper Samoa Observer, 16 members of parliament voted in favor of the budget, with 34 voting against, marking the first time in 40 years that a government budget failed to secure a majority in parliament. The report said the cabinet is most likely to assume a caretaker role, and in line with the constitution, an election has to be called within 90 days. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, in her ministerial speech, urged that the failure to pass the budget will have a major impact on the government's operation. However, the prime minister said they are ready for whatever the House decides. Analysts said Fiame will seek a dissolution of parliament and an early election. Fiame has led a minority government since being ousted from her former FAST party in January. Thereafter, Fiame and her minority government defeated two back-to-back leadership challenges. TOKYO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks extended gains on Tuesday as a weakening yen triggered strong buying in Nikkei futures. The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 37,724.11, up 192.58 points, or 0.51 percent, from the previous trading day. In the afternoon trading in the foreign exchange market, the yen depreciated to the lower 143 yen range against the U.S. dollar. Export-related stocks, including Toyota, which had been weak in the morning session, rebounded on improved profit expectations due to the weaker yen. The broader Topix index also rose for a third day, gaining 17.58 points, or 0.64 percent, to close at 2,769.49. Of the listed stocks on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, advancing issues numbered 1,115, while 437 declined and 79 were unchanged. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (C) delivers a speech at the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, May 27, 2025. The summit brings together member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which first met in this format in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh in 2023. (Xinhua/Ma Ping) KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Enhancing inter-regional collaboration and building resilience to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape marked by economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges will be high on the agenda of the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said here on Tuesday. In his remarks at the opening of the summit, Anwar said the two parties had made rapid strides forward on their three key pillars of cooperation -- political-security, economic, and socio-cultural -- since its inaugural summit two years ago, but this must now be strengthened to face new developments in global affairs. "I believe the ASEAN-GCC partnership has never been more important than it is today, as we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape marked by economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges ... ASEAN and the GCC have the means and the responsibility to rise as anchors of stability and engines of future growth," he said. "A stronger ASEAN-GCC relationship will be key to enhancing interregional collaboration, building resilience, and securing sustainable prosperity for our peoples," he said, adding that members of the two groupings must translate their shared vision into concrete and impactful cooperation. For his part, Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said the two active groupings on the global stage are convening, each possessing enormous geographic, demographic, and strategic strengths, which qualify them to be influential players and undertake important roles amidst the accelerating global economic transformations. "The GCC was ASEAN's 7th largest trading partner in 2023, with a total trade volume of 130.7 billion U.S. dollars. We anticipate this to grow by 30 percent, reaching 180 billion U.S. dollars by 2032. The investment potential between both sides is vast," said the crown prince, whose nation holds the current rotating presidency of the GCC. "We therefore emphasize the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation in economic, trade, investment, and technical fields. We look forward to achieving positive outcomes in the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between both sides, which will boost investment opportunities and support regional supply chains," he added. The summit brings together member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which first met in this format in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh in 2023. During the first summit, leaders of ASEAN and GCC countries adopted a joint statement to lay the foundation to upgrade and develop their partnership, and welcomed the ASEAN-GCC Framework of Cooperation (2024-2028), which outlines measures and cooperation activities to be jointly undertaken. These include specific targets in fields such as food security, renewable energy, innovation, adaptation to climate change, and combating terrorism and violent extremism. The 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit is held in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, May 27, 2025. The summit brings together member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which first met in this format in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh in 2023. (Xinhua/Ma Ping) Participants pose for a group photo at the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, May 27, 2025. The summit brings together member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which first met in this format in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh in 2023. (Xinhua/Ma Ping) KABUL, May 27 (Xinhua) -- One person has been confirmed dead and eight others sustained injury as two families clashed over a land dispute in eastern Afghanistan's Kapisa province, said a news release of the provincial police office on Tuesday. The clash erupted after two families disputed over a piece of land in Malangkhil village of Kohband district on Monday evening. As a result, a man was killed in gunshots while four men and four women were injured, the news release added. Police have arrested the alleged criminals and referred their cases to the judiciary for further investigation, the news release further said. On Sunday, a similar clash between two families over land ownership claimed one life and injured seven others in eastern Afghanistan's Khost province. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah is in good health, the Prime Minister's Office said in a press release on Tuesday evening. According to the office, the Brunei leader is in Malaysia to attend the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings on Monday and Tuesday. The office said the sultan has been feeling tired and therefore advised by the host country's medical experts to rest at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for several days. VIENTIANE, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Lao authorities have seized more than 42 kg of heroin at Wattay International Airport in the Lao capital Vientiane. Lao authorities intercepted two drug trafficking attempts on May 21 and 22, seizing a total of 42.5 kg of heroin at the airport, according to a report from the local news website Lao Phattana News on Tuesday. On May 22, Lao authorities conducted searches of suspicious individuals and packages at Wattay International Airport, uncovering 14 packets of heroin weighing 14 kg. The drugs were concealed in animal feed and coffee bags. A Bulgarian national was arrested and transferred for further investigation. Officers on May 21 inspected three suspicious bags belonging to a passenger from an African nation. The search revealed 31 packets of heroin, totaling 28.5 kg, similarly hidden in animal feed and coffee bags. Both cases are under investigation by the Lao Ministry of Public Security. NEW DELHI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the execution model to develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the country's planned fifth-generation fighter jet, officials said. "The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is set to execute the program through industry partnership," India's defense ministry said in a statement. The ministry said the ADA will shortly issue an Expression of Interest for the AMCA development phase. Experts said it is a deviation from the past approach when such projects would be handed over directly to the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for manufacturing, without having to compete with others. According to local media NDTV, the project's estimated cost is 150 billion Indian rupees (approximately 1.76 billion U.S. dollars). The total development cycle of the aircraft is reportedly to be about 10 years, with plans to first manufacture five prototype aircraft. ANKARA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities have apprehended 171 suspects in recent nationwide operations against fraud, illegal betting and other cyber crimes, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said Tuesday. The operations, conducted over the past five days across 16 provinces, resulted in the seizure of large sums of foreign currency and Turkish lira, unlicensed pistols, and a large number of digital materials, Yerlikaya said in a post on the social media platform X. Of the 171 individuals detained, 74 have been formally arrested, while legal proceedings for the remaining suspects are ongoing, he noted. According to Yerlikaya, the suspects were involved in schemes that "defrauded citizens through false promises of high returns, low-interest loan offers, and fraudulent product sales via social media platforms and phishing websites." By Michael Kahn, Christoph Steitz, Dominique Patton VELKA BITES, Czech Republic/FRANKFURT/PARIS (Reuters) -Pavel Cechal reckons the Czech company he works for could easily generate more business for its missile and drone engines to double its workforce, if only he could find the staff. His dilemma is shared by many defence companies in Europe, where governments are ramping up spending on ammunition, tanks and other arms in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's warnings that they should not rely so much on Washington. Cechal is vice president of operations at PBS Group, whose production facility in Velka Bites, a two-hour drive from Prague, employs 800 people. He is looking for more. "If they were available on the labour market we would hire most of them immediately. We have the business for it," he told Reuters, adding the firm had raised wages by 8% last year and plans another 10% hike in 2025 to attract talent. "We are now hiring at all levels of the company." While the bloc's 800 billion euro ($896 billion) defence spending push is expected to create hundreds of thousands of jobs over the next decade, the specially trained AI engineers, data scientists, welders and mechanics required are in short supply. Reuters spoke to more than a dozen companies, recruiters and workers who said that along with hiking wages and benefits, arms makers are poaching from other sectors and seeking potential recruits among local pupils and students. PBS Group has taken a step beyond cooperation with schools and universities, Milan Macholan, chief executive of the Velka Bites production facility said: "We also started our own training school where we generate our own employees." Since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, 78% of EU military procurement spending has gone outside the bloc, with the U.S. alone securing 63%, European Commission data show, partly because Europe's defence sector is fragmented between states. The EU plans to move a big chunk of that procurement to Europe and hopes its new Union of Skills training and hiring strategy will help fill the defence recruitment gap. In Russia, meanwhile, hiring by the well-funded arms sector is causing labour shortages elsewhere. COMPETITIVENESS CONCERNS Franco-German company KNDS, which manufactures the CAESAR self-propelled howitzer used in Ukraine, has expanded shifts at the company's main production site in Bourges in central France and is boosting hiring by 50% annually. Recruitment remains a key issue, said Nicolas Chamussy, managing director of KNDS France, adding that there was a limit to how much they could hike salaries. Apple is the worlds third-largest company, with a market capitalization of around $3 trillion, so it came as no surprise when CEO Tim Cook announced that Apple would spend and invest a significant amount of money in the U.S. over the next four years. It was the amount of that commitment $500 billion and the creation of 20,000 jobs that made headlines. Read Next: Trumps Tariffs: Heres What Economists Think Will Happen After the 90-Day Pause For You: These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs The February announcement described new projects and expansions for facilities in nine states. States Where Apple Is Investing $500 Billion These states stand to benefit from Apples investment: Arizona California Iowa Michigan Nevada North Carolina Oregon Texas Washington Consider This: 3 Reasons To Keep an Eye on Apples Stock, According to Experts How Apple Will Spend the Money Apple plans to divide its $500 billion investment among new projects and expansion of existing projects. Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing Apple has selected Houston as the site of a new 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that will make energy-efficient servers for Apple Intelligence, the companys personal intelligence system. The servers are also integral to Apples Private Cloud Compute security architecture, which is powered by AI processing. Although Apple will provide the infrastructure for server production, the servers are manufactured by Foxconn, a Taiwanese electronics company, according to a recent report from The New York Times. The plant will not build Apples consumer products, which are primarily manufactured overseas. TSMC Fab 21, a fabrication plant in Arizona that already produces silicon for Apple, will see more business as a result of an increase in Apples U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund. The $5 billion fund is doubling in size to $10 billion. Apple Manufacturing Academy Detroit will be home to a new academy Apple plans to build to train the next generation of U.S. manufacturers, according to the statement. In addition to offering training and skills development, the Apple Manufacturing Academy will serve as a resource for companies looking to implement AI and smart manufacturing. Data Center Expansion Apple operates data centers throughout the U.S. and overseas. Its increased server production will allow the company to continue expanding its data center capacity in Arizona, Iowa, Nevada, North Carolina and Oregon. Job Expansion Seattle is among the sites expected to see some of the 20,000 new jobs Apple plans to create. Axios reported in February that Apple has already doubled the size of its Seattle team over the past three years. On May 23, Bank of America Securities analyst Bradley Sills reiterated his Buy rating on Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) stock and raised his price target from $350 to $360, following a Bloomberg report that the company may acquire software company Informatica Inc. (NYSE:INFA). Informatica provides AI-powered enterprise cloud data management services. Sills highlighted that Informatica has a strong roster of large clients and solid data integration and governance expertise. He thus believes that the deal would strengthen Salesforces data management offerings. BofA Reiterates Buy on Salesforce (CRM) Amid Informatica Talks Copyright: drserg / 123RF Stock Photo Sills also pointed out that Informaticas transition towards cloud-based services would gradually improve the combined companys revenue growth rate. The deal is not expected to dilute the cash flow profile as Informatica reports a comparable unlevered free cash flow margin (around 35%). Given these factors, the analyst views the potential acquisition as a positive for Salesforces long-term earnings growth and thus maintains his optimistic view. Salesforce previously attempted to acquire Informatica in April 2024, but the deal didnt go through. Interestingly, Informatica was valued at approximately $12 billion at that time. Despite an 18% rally on Friday, May 23, the stock is now valued at just over half of that 2024 level. Private equity firm Permira and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board are Informaticas largest shareholders, holding stakes of 32% and 25%, respectively. Bloomberg also reports that Cloud Software Group, earlier known as Citrix Systems Inc., is also in the fray. If the deal is agreed on, it could be announced as soon as this week. Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is a global leader in customer relationship management (CRM) software. Its cloud-based platform provides solutions for sales, service, marketing, and commerce, enabling businesses to build stronger customer connections using the power of data and AI. While we acknowledge the potential of CRM 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 CRM and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Boron One has announced the completion of an independent environmental impact assessment (EIA) for its Piskanja Boron Project, located 250km south of Belgrade, Serbia. The EIA was commissioned in preparation for the anticipated exploitation field approval, a critical licensing phase for the company. Boron One submitted its application for the exploitation field approval to the Serbian Mining Ministry in July 2024. The submission comprises a feasibility study compliant with Serbian standards, a synopsis of the EIA, the Certificate of Reserves for Piskanja and the necessary permits from various Serbian governmental ministries, all in line with Serbian mining regulations. The approval, if granted, gives Boron One exclusive rights to develop the Piskanja mineral deposit. Following the granting of the exploitation field approval, Boron One will proceed with the licensing and development processes by finalising and submitting the detailed mine and processing designs for approval. This is the final necessary step before beginning the construction of the facilities. Boron One president Tim Daniels said: "We are delighted to have reached this important milestone. "This study is an essential road map, guaranteeing that the development of Piskanja is carried out responsibly, with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and minimal ecological disruption." The Piskanja project is estimated to hold a measured mineral resource of 1.39 million tonnes (mt) with an average of 35.59% boron trioxide (B 2 O 3 ), an indicated mineral resource of 5.48mt at 34.05% B 2 O 3 , and an inferred mineral resource of 284,700 tonnes at 39.59% B 2 O 3 . These resources have been calculated in line with the Canadian Institute of Mining Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves. Earlier this month, Boron One announced that its subsidiary, Balkan Gold, signed a letter of intent with Resavica, a Serbian publicly owned mining company, for potential collaboration on the refurbishment of Resavicas Pobrdje Colemanite Mine, in addition to the ongoing development of the Piskanja Boron Project. "Boron One completes EIA for Piskanja Boron Project in Serbia" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. French convenience retailer Casino Group has partnered with Moroccan conglomerate H&S Invest to introduce its retail brands in Morocco. The collaboration seeks to establish 210 Franprix and Monoprix stores across the country by 2035. The alliance is part of Casino Group's international growth plan through franchising. The group, with operations spanning 30 nations, already collaborates with 472 franchised outlets outside mainland France, contributing to 3.5% of its net sales in 2024. Casino Group CEO Philippe Palazzi stated: This partnership with H&S Invest Holding is fully in line with our strategy of expanding internationally through franchising. It illustrates our ability to leverage the strength of our brands, our logistics know-how and our expertise in convenience retailing in a market as dynamic as Morocco. Thanks to H&S Invest Holdings deep local roots and solid operations, we will be able to rapidly roll out a network of high-performance convenience stores in step with changing consumer habits in Morocco. H&S Invest views the partnership as an opportunity to diversify its retail division. The introduction of Franprix and Monoprix is expected to improve the Moroccan convenience retail landscape. Franprix operates convenience stores in cities and towns while Monoprix offers food, apparel, home goods, beauty products and leisure items. The inaugural stores will launch in 2026 and will offer a curated selection of fresh goods, and a substantial quantity of local products. H&S Invest Holding chairman Moncef Belkhayat stated: We are proud to be partnering with a major international player like Casino Group. This strategic partnership will enable us to offer a new customer experience in the Moroccan market. By 2030, we aim to create more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across the Kingdom through the roll-out of the Franprix and Monoprix banners. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, net sales of the Monoprix brand dropped 0.6% and Franprixs sales by 1.7%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2024. "Casino to introduce Franprix and Monoprix retail brands in Morocco" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. SHANGHAI (Reuters) -Shares in Chinese automakers such as BYD, Nio and Geely tumbled on Monday after industry leader BYD offered fresh incentives on over 20 models and the CEO of Great Wall Motors warned that the world's largest auto industry was in an unhealthy state. The Hong Kong-listed shares of BYD Co Ltd closed 8.6% lower, while Geely Auto fell 9.5%. Others, such as Nio and Leapmotor, closed between 3% and 8.5% lower. A years-long price war in the world's largest automotive market has only continued to intensify, with carmakers continuing to cut prices and offer features previously perceived as premium, such as smart assisted driving, for free. Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD over the weekend announced a fresh round of subsidies and incentives for more than 20 models, which reduced the starting price of its cheapest model, the pure battery-powered Seagull hatchback, to 55,800 yuan ($7,765). Customers have to trade-in their old cars to get the subsidies, a customer service officer told Reuters. Geely followed suit with similar incentives on Monday. On Friday, Wei Jianjun, the chairman of Great Wall Motor, warned that the Chinese auto industry had its own "Evergrande", referring to the debt-laden developer that became the centre of a liquidity crisis in China's property sector. "Now, Evergrande in the automobile industry already exists, but it has not collapsed," he told Sina Finance in an interview. He did not name any automakers but said some of the "main manufacturers" in China had put too much effort into pursuing market value and raising their stock prices. Wei, one of the Chinese industry's most outspoken company chiefs, said that the Chinese electric vehicle industry was in an unhealthy state given its heavy losses and how a prolonged price war was weighing on the supply chain. Suppliers were struggling to survive, he added, due to a ongoing pressure to lower prices and delayed payments, and accused carmakers of cutting corners on safety and reliability. "Some products have been reduced from 220,000 yuan to 120,000 yuan in the past few years. What kind of industrial products can be reduced by 100,000 yuan and still have quality assurance? Well this is absolutely impossible," he said, again not naming any companies. Last week, China's state planner warned against excessive competition in some industries, saying that some firms were even selling below cost, disrupting fair competition and warned that it may take corrective action. ($1 = 7.1866 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Brenda Goh, Qiaoyi Li and Zhang Yan. Editing by Mark Potter) Vietnam-based Every Half Coffee Roasters has raised $3m in a pre-series A financing round, with continued backing from Singaporean investment companies Openspace Ventures and DSG Consumer Partners, as reported by Vietnam Investment Review. The Vietnamese speciality coffee brand was established in 2021 by CEO Vo Duy Phu and chief operating officer (COO) Tran Le Minh Truc. Following early success, the brand has opened eight outlets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering beans from Vietnam and from farms worldwide. Tran Le Minh Truc and Vo Duy Phu are instrumental in operations, with the former managing the coffee supply chain, roasting and staff training, while the latter leverages his local experience in retail chain development and large-scale operations. Vo Duy Phu stated: "We believe Vietnamese coffee deserves to be recognised for its true quality and for the care behind it. This new funding will help us open more stores, improve the customer experience and continue building long-term partnerships with farmers. With 14 stores across Ho Chi Minh City, Every Half Coffee features a modern store design. The company manages the entire coffee-making process, from selection of seeds to in-store service, and collaboratively works with local farmers and cooperatives for a steady supply. It plans to pursue a 150% growth target in 2025, broadening its store network and experimenting with new formats in strategic locations within Ho Chi Minh City. Every Half is also investing in sourcing, particularly in Lam Dong and Buon Ma Thuot, and advancing its fermentation research to improve flavour profiles. In August 2024, Openspace Ventures and DSG Consumer Partners invested an undisclosed amount in the brands seed round. "Every Half Coffee secures $3m in pre-series A funding for expansion" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. German condiments group Develey Senf & Feinkost is selling its US production facility to Newly Weds Foods. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. With the sale of the plant in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Develey said in a statement it is strategically realigning its business model in the US and is sharpening its focus on sales and brand management. Develey suggested the disposal of the facility is also part of a manufacturing agreement between the two companies, adding it will "remain actively involved in production through a close partnership with Newly Weds Foods as a co-producer". Michael Durach, the chairman of the board of Develey Mustard and Condiments Corp., said in the statement the partnership lays the foundation for an even more focused, growth-oriented business model in the US market. Durach explained that the alliance allows both companies to benefit from each others production expertise and infrastructure, while Develey focuses on its strengths in brand development, expansion of our private-label business, sales, and customer relations. The operational business of Develey Mustard & Condiments Corp. will remain unchanged post the transaction, with the company continuing to serve its current retail and co-packing clients, according to the statement. Develey, which owns the Lowensenf and Bautz'ner brands, confirmed to Just Food that all employees of Develey Mustard & Condiments Corp. will be taken on by Newly Weds Foods. The Dyersburg facility will be integrated into Newly Weds Foods' production network, with plans to start manufacturing of its own products from the site in early 2026. For its part, Newly Weds Foods said in a separate statement that the acquisition will allow it to further enhance its capabilities in producing liquids, and at the same time expand its packaging options to include PC cups, sachets, and bag-in-box pouches. Newly Weds Foods is backed by venture-capital firm Redwood Holdings. Based in Chicago, the company produces seasonings, sauces and ingredients for the foodservice channel and food manufacturers. It operates 17 plants in North America, along with another 13 in the UK, China, India, Poland, Australia and New Zealand, Thailand and the Philippines, according to the Newly Weds Foods statement. The Dyersburg plant acquisition brings the total to 31. Newly Weds Foods' president and CEO Brian Johnson said: The integration of the Dyersburg facility reinforces our commitment to expanding our presence in the dynamic sauce segment. "Sauces have proven to be a perfect complement to our coatings, seasoning, and functional ingredient offerings, and they allow us to provide our customers with a total innovation solution for their products." FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Deutsche Telekom has teamed up with SAP, web hosting firm Ionos and unlisted retailer Schwarz to seek European Union support to build a data processing centre for artificial intelligence in Germany, it said on Tuesday. The European Commission this year unveiled plans to provide $20 billion in funding to construct AI data centres to catch up with the U.S. and China. Newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Tuesday that the consortium is in talks to build one of the five centres, known as AI gigafactories, the EU plans to support. "The window of opportunity to create our own independent infrastructure for this is now," Christine Knackfuss-Nicolic, chief technology officer of Deutsche Telekom's T-Systems division, told Reuters, adding that the company is seeking a leading role. "Rarely before have the signs and the common will in Europe been as strong as they are today." The EU project, intended to enable the bloc to create its own AI models, will face challenges ranging from obtaining chips to finding suitable sites and electricity. Under a government coalition agreement struck earlier this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives and the Social Democrats said they aimed to have at least one of the centres built in Germany. Handelsblatt said the deadline to provide initial expressions of interest to the EU is June 20. Ionos told Reuters it is holding talks about a German AI gigafactory with several companies and the German government. "In principle, we see the European Commission's initiative as an important step towards greater digital sovereignty, and are interested in participating in it," the company said, adding that several questions remain. SAP and Schwarz did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger, editing by Friederike Heine, Thomas Seythal and Jan Harvey) Italpizza has secured financing from a number of local banks as the frozen pizza maker seeks to boost production at three of its Italian plants. The 58m ($65.8m) funding was provided by UniCredit, Banco BPM, BPER, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti over a tenure of ten years, according to a statement. The three sites that will receive the funds are the companys Modena, Castelbelforte and Mortara factories. Italpizza said the investment plan aims to increase total production capacity to 575 million frozen pizzas a year in 2028, from around 460m currently, including its own brands and those for private-label customers. The company said the investment in capacity aims to support its "industrial growth and competitive positioning" in the domestic market and abroad. It will contribute to developing a "cutting-edge industrial model, capable of responding more promptly to the needs of the market and the most advanced technological standards". The project will include building a logistics hub aimed at "optimising" local and international distribution and supporting the companys growth, it said. Andrea Bondioli, managing director of Italpizza Group, thanked the investing banks for showing full confidence in our industrial development plan. Bondioli added: "This financing is part of our group's broader growth and development strategy: it will enable us to guarantee the financial resources to support all planned strategic advances, always devoting special attention to the issue of research and development. Andrea Burchi, UniCredit's north central regional manager, said: "Supporting companies in our area in developing an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious business means accelerating the process of creating value now, and in the future, for the production system and communities. Burchi said one of the reasons the bank supports ItalPizza is that it is a main player in the frozen food sector. Founded in 1991, the Italpizza Group is headquartered in San Donnino in the Modena area of Italy. It has an annual turnover of 430m, with 60% generated from overseas in 58 markets. The company operates seven production facilities, with five dedicated to frozen pizza and employs around 1,800 people. "Italpizza secures financing for production boost" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. Syrian Christians Demand Role in Writing New Constitution Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Damascus Youhanna Jihad Battah speaking to Rudaw on the sidelines of the Church Endowments Administration Conference, hosted by the Catholic University in Erbil, on May 27, 2025. ( Rudaw) A top Christian religious figure in Damascus on Tuesday said that the minority community, which he called a "key component" of Syria, is entitled to participate in writing the country's new constitution despite an Islamist-led government in charge. "We will not compromise on our rights. It is within our rights to participate in writing the constitution. We are a key component of the nation," Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Damascus Youhanna Jihad Battah told Rudaw on the sidelines of the Church Endowments Administration Conference, hosted by the Catholic University in Erbil. The Syrian constitutional declaration, signed in March by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, emphasizes Islamic jurisprudence, to the ire of minority communities in the country. It has been condemned by the country's Christian, Druze, and Kurdish communities as exclusionary and promoting marginalization. "It is clear that most components rejected the constitutional declaration," said Archbishop Battah. "Sharia [law] can be one of the sources. Islamic Sharia or Fiqh is advanced but we also have excellent church institutions." He stressed that the Christian minority has "reservations" about Sharia law being the basis of the new constitution. Following a swift offensive in early December, the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), then headed by Sharaa, spearheaded a coalition of opposition groups that toppled the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa was in late January named interim president when he vowed to form an "inclusive transitional government that would reflect Syria's diversity." He has, however, faced domestic and international criticism that he has marginalized minority communities. Ranja Jamal contributed to this report. We recently published a list of Was Jim Cramer Right About These 11 Stocks? In this article, we are going to take a look at where Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) stands against other stocks that Jim Cramer discusses. A caller said he sold Dominion Energy and bought Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB), asking whether he should hold and reinvest the dividend. Cramer affirmed: I like Enbridge. Continue to reinvest. Im one of the few people thats liked Enbridge all the way down because I trust that management team. Cramers trust in management paid off with Enbridge gaining 23.90%. Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) operates North Americas most extensive pipeline system and is expanding its renewable energy investments across wind and solar. Was Jim Cramer Right About Enbridge Inc. (:ENB)? A close-up of renewable energy turbines capturing the power of a windy sky. Cramer remains a big fan of the natural gas stock. Heres his analysis from May 13: What else? You know Im a big fan of Enbridge, the Canadian pipeline colossus. Although their network also has lots of crude oil exposure, still, I think Enbridge belongs in any shortlist of natural gas plays because they operate the continents largest natural gas utility by volume. These guys were always big in Canada, they run the main gas utility in Toronto. Overall, ENB ranks 5th on our list of stocks that Jim Cramer discusses. While we acknowledge the potential of ENB 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 ENB and that has 100x upside potential, 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. Kellogg Brown & Root LLC. HOUSTON, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today it has been awarded a firm fixed price, $476M contract by the U.S. Navy Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) to continue performing Base Operations Support (BOS) services at Camp Lemonnier and Chabelley Airfield in Djibouti. This contract supports the only permanent U.S. Navy base in Africa. Under the Djibouti BOS contract, KBR will provide mission support services for the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. As one of the Navys largest base operations support contracts, KBR will provide full-scale support, from facility operations and maintenance to fire and emergency services to airfield and security operations for thousands of military personnel. KBR will also provide basic life support services such as power generation, water supply, housing and food services. The period of performance is November 2025 to May 2034. Our KBR team has worked closely with NAVFAC in Djibouti since 2013, supporting 24/7 base operations that allow the Horn of Africa task force to focus on their core mission of enhancing partner nation capacity, promoting regional stability, dissuading conflict and protecting U.S. and partner interests, said Byron Bright, KBR Chief Operating Officer. Were proud to continue supporting NAVFAC under the new Djibouti BOS contract, and were grateful to serve as The Team Behind The Mission to over 50 U.S. military installations and sites around the globe. In addition to Djibouti, KBR also provides base operations support to the U.S. Navy in Bahrain, Diego Garcia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as in North America. KBR has provided mission-critical support to the U.S. military and allied nations for more than 30 years and operates in some of the most complex environments around the globe. About KBR We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in over 30 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver. Visit www.kbr.com Forward-Looking Statements The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding performance periods and project outcomes, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond the companys control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the companys most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which discuss some of the important risks, uncertainties and assumptions that the company has identified that may affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. Time has run out for some US trade partners looking to make deals ahead of President Trump's July 9 deadline for tariffs to snap back to higher levels. Letters will start going out to countries on Friday to notify them of the tariff rates they will face on exports to the US, Trump told reporters, to go into effect on Aug. 1. The first 10 or 12 letters sent out will be followed by similar batches. By the ninth theyll be fully covered, Trump said in reference to the deadline, per Bloomberg. Theyll range in value from maybe 60% or 70% tariffs to 10% and 20% tariffs. The Trump team has so far been focused on hammering out trade deals, though it has succeeded in nailing only three pacts so far. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said around 100 partners would likely see a minimum "reciprocal" rate of 10% come next week, adding that he expects a "flurry" of deals to materialize before the deadline. Here is where things stand with various partners: China : The US has eased export restrictions on China for chip design software and ethane, a sign that trade tensions are calming between the two countries after they agreed in May to a framework to move toward a larger trade deal. Software firms like Synopsys (SNPS) and Cadence (CDNS) said they will now sell their chip design tools to Chinese customers again. The US also removed limits on ethane exports to China that it had set just weeks ago. Vietnam: Trump on Wednesday said he had reached a trade deal with Vietnam, one that will see the country's imports face a 20% tariff lower than the 46% he had threatened in April. He also said Vietnamese goods would face a higher 40% tariff "on any transshipping" when goods shipped from Vietnam originate from another country, like China. Many US goods will see no duty upon import to Vietnam. Japan: Trump earlier this week said negotiations with Japan had soured, saying he would force Japan to accept higher tariffs of "30%, 35%, or whatever the number is that we determine." Notably, that proposal is higher than the 24% "Liberation Day" level. "Theyre very tough. You have to understand, theyre very spoiled," he said. Nestle is to invest 500m reais ($88m) in its Nescafe operations in Brazil. The funds will be invested through 2028, going towards expanding manufacturing capabilities at its Montes Claros facility in Minas Gerais, the company told Just Drinks. Nestle manufactures its Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee capsules at Montes Claros. Part of the sum will also go towards modernising the company's foodservice division Nestle Professional in the country and investing in innovation, Nestle said. The money will help to expand and upgrade the Nestle Professional commercial equipment network in Brazil. The foodservice unit currently produces over 26,500 machines installed in cafes, offices, bakeries, and convenience stores. "The initiative underscores Brazils central role in Nestles global operations, within one of the worlds largest and most dynamic coffee markets," the company said. Brazil is a major consumer of Nescafe, along with India and the UK, Nestle told Just Drinks. Coffee consumption in Brazil is evolving. Theres growing demand for quality, enjoyment, and practicality, whether at work, in cafes, or on the go. Our portfolio reflects this evolution by offering distinctive, personalized experiences, said Jose Argolo, business executive officer of Nestle Professional Brazil. We already manage Nestles largest professional machine network worldwide. Our goal is to grow this footprint by 30% by 2026, Argolo added. Coffee is present in 98% of Brazilian homes and considered essential by 80% of the population, the company said. This fresh investment follows Nestle's 1bn real investment last year in its Brazil Nescafe operations, which went to the Araras Factory - Nestle's other major factory in Brazil - in Sao Paulo State. The Swiss group injected the sum into its site in Araras in Sao Paulo as it looked to manufacture different products and flavours. One product highlighted by Nestle was iced coffees. The group noted more than one in ten of the coffee consumed in Brazils out-of-home channel is iced. The company said there had been significant growth in sales among consumers aged 16 to 24. Brazil has become a strategic hub for coffee innovation and consumption. Our long-term investments reaffirm our commitment to delivering high-quality products while generating positive impact across the entire supply chain, said Nescafe business executive officer Valeria Pardal, speaking on the latest investment. We continuously invest in innovation to serve a consumer who seeks variety, convenience, and excellence. This new chapter enhances our ability to develop offerings that reflect Brazils rich diversity of tastes." By Mariko Katsumura and Yuka Obayashi TOKYO (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's comments supporting Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel left lingering questions about the scope of the deal and its costs for the Japanese firm, leading to muted gains for its shares on Monday. As part of the deal announced on Friday, Trump said in a post on Truth Social the "planned partnership" between the two companies will create at least 70,000 jobs and add $14 billion to the U.S. economy. He added that the bulk of that investment would occur in the next 14 months and said he would hold a rally at U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh on Friday. Trump said on Sunday that the United States will have control over U.S. Steel as part of the partnership. It is still unclear whether "partnership" refers to the full acquisition of U.S. Steel that Nippon Steel has been pursuing. The White House did not respond to questions about the announcement on Friday. U.S. Steel shares soared 21% on Friday to $52.01 as investors interpreted the comments from Trump, who had originally opposed the deal, to mean Nippon Steel had received his approval for its long-planned takeover, the last major hurdle for the deal. But the shares still remain below the $55 per share offered by Nippon, reflecting uncertainty about a deal. Both U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel, though, lauded Trump's comments on Friday. For Nippon Steel, Japan's top steelmaker, the deal is core to its global expansion strategy. It would lift production to 86 million metric tons from 63 million tons now - at a time when domestic demand is declining. "The benefits of gaining access to the growing U.S. market are enormous," Masayuki Kubota, chief strategist at Rakuten Securities Economic Research Institute, said in a note, referring to Nippon Steel. "Although the company is the world leader in technology, the domestic market is saturated, competition is fierce in Asia, and the company's growth strategy has turned a corner," he said, adding Nippon can expect new growth in the U.S. by leveraging its technological strength in high-grade steel. Costs for a deal were a worry, some analysts said. "While the news is positive for Nippon Steel's business development, the increase in spending is worrisome," said Hiroyasu Mori, the head of the investment information office at Okachi Securities. Shares of Nippon, the world's fourth-largest steelmaker, rose as much as 7.4% to 3,081 yen in Tokyo, but then erased a chunk of the gains to be up 1.7% by mid-afternoon trade. Opening a self-directed retirement account like an individual retirement account (IRA) can help you in this case. The main benefit? You can grow your assets tax-free or defer paying tax until you retire. But you might be one of many Americans who dont have access to a 401(k) through your employer. According to a recent study from AARP, around 56 million Americans work for employers that dont offer any type of traditional retirement or pension plan. Cruz recommends contributing to your 401(k) up to the match your company offers if it offers one. Matching can add significant contributions to your retirement savings over time. After maximizing your employers match, Cruz recommends contributing to programs such as a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k), which have tax-free withdrawals in retirement. According to Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, The number one thing to do on your road to becoming a millionaire is very simple: join your companys 401(k) plan. Put as much money in there as you can early on, and make sure you do not touch it. Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has an important message for the next wave of American retirees here's how he says you can best weather the US retirement crisis Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how While it may seem daunting, you dont need to be a top executive, famous athlete or popular musician to make big bucks. The secret is much simpler and perhaps more boring than that. And failing to take advantage of this one money rule could impact your retirement greatly. In a recent Fox Business interview, Cruz said that, based on her experience, many are struggling to even find the margin to save for retirement. Thats why she says the first step is to find the margin in your budget. Almost 50% of Americans are not saving for retirement at all, according to Rachel Cruz, personal finance expert and co-host of The Ramsey Show. But the average amount adults saved was just $88,400 last year $1.37 million lower than their retirement goal. Powered by Money.com - Yahoo may earn commission from the links above. Priority Gold: Up to $15k in Free Silver + Zero Account Fees on Qualifying Purchase Many Americans dream of becoming a millionaire, and most think theyll need to be one to retire comfortably. According to the 2024 Planning & Progress Study published by Northwestern Mutual, Americans believe they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably. Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Story Continues Opting for a gold IRA gives you the opportunity to hedge against market volatility by allowing you to invest directly in physical precious metals rather than stocks and bonds. Gold prices rose by over 26% in 2024, outperforming the S&P 500 indexs 23% returns. You can invest in this asset through Priority Gold, an industry leader in precious metals, offering physical delivery of gold and silver. Plus, they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating from Trust Link. If youd like to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, Priority Gold offers 100% free rollover, as well as free shipping, and free storage for up to five years. Qualifying purchases will also receive up to $10,000 in free silver. To learn more about how Priority Gold can help you reduce inflations impact on your nest egg, download their free 2025 gold investor bundle. Build a financial footing and think long-term For many younger people, retirement seems a long way off especially when they have more immediate needs for their money. But Cruz says you need to adopt a long-term mindset. You can start putting 15% of your income into retirement, starting with a 401(k) if its available to you. She says its important to contribute to the plan consistently and avoid pulling any money out, even if the market is down. After maxing out your 401(k) contributions, you can look for other ways to boost your wealth. Another key step to building a sound financial footing is to take inventory of your goals. For instance, if you want to retire by the time youre 50, you need to plan your finances and investments accordingly. Consulting a financial advisor can help you there. With Vanguard, you can connect with a personal advisor who can help assess how youre doing so far and make sure you've got the right portfolio to meet your goals on time. Vanguards hybrid advisory system combines advice from professional advisers and automated portfolio management to make sure your investments are working to achieve your financial goals. All you have to do is fill out a brief questionnaire about your financial goals, and Vanguards advisers will help you set a tailored plan, and stick to it. Once youre set, you can sit back as Vanguards advisors manage your portfolio. Because theyre fiduciaries, they dont earn commissions, so you can trust that the advice youre getting is unbiased. 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 Invest now and stay invested Waiting for the perfect entry point will likely cost you, according to research from Charles Schwab, and time out of the market could hurt your returns. To put this into perspective, research by Fidelity shows that if you invested $10,000 in the S&P 500 Index on Jan. 1, 1980, but missed the best five days in the following years, youd miss out on $411,258 of potential returns by Dec. 31, 2022. Its a not-so-secret rule that starting early and regularly contributing to your 401(k) and not touching the money until you retire can start you on the journey to becoming a millionaire. And, like any journey, it all starts with taking the first step. The S&P 500 index is often a good place to start. But if you want to beat the market, identifying key investment opportunities is critical. Run by a team of hedge fund managers, Moby can help you discover stocks before they deliver multi-bagger returns. The investment research platforms stock picks have outperformed the S&P 500 index by an average of 11.95% over the last four years. And thats on top of the S&Ps 10.13% annualized returns since its 1957 inception. With Moby Premium, you can get access to the top three picks from the team of analysts every week. Sign up today and become a wiser investor within minutes. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Nvidia (NVDA) said it lost $2.5 billion in revenue from China during its fiscal first quarter and projected an additional $8 billion loss in the second quarter. Nvidia also said it took a $4.5 billion charge due to a write-down in inventory (chips it produced but now can't sell) in the first quarter due to the new export rules. However, that was less than the $5.5 billion hit expected. Nvidia's fiscal first quarter ended on April 27, shortly after the Trump administration enacted a ban on sales of Nvidia's H20 chips to China. China is one of Nvidia's biggest markets, and investors were closely watching the company's commentary about how the ban would impact future sales. Nvidia's first quarter revenue from China of $5.5 billion was below the $6.2 billion expected by Wall Street analysts tracked by Bloomberg. The China market also accounted for a smaller share of Nvidia's revenue than the prior two quarters 12.5% in the first quarter, compared with roughly 14% and 15% in the prior two periods, respectively. "[T]he $50 billion China market is effectively closed to US industry," CEO Jensen Huang told analysts in a call following its earnings report. "The H20 export ban ended our Hopper data center business in China," he said, later adding, "The new set of limits are pretty much make it impossible for us to reduce Hopper any further for any productive use." Nvidia has made specialized chips called H20 based on the company's prior-generation Hopper AI graphics processing units (GPUs) for export to China to comply with US export controls. Huang said the company will "see if we can come up with interesting products that could continue to serve the Chinese market" but said "we don't have anything at the moment." Nvidia has repeatedly updated its chips for the Chinese market in the past several years to comply with ever-tightening trade restrictions, making the chips less and less powerful with each new iteration. Over that time frame, China has also declined as a share of Nvidia's total revenue. "China's AI moves on with or without US chips. ... The question is not whether China will have it. It already does," Huang said. "The question is whether one of the world's largest AI markets will run on American platforms." "Shielding Chinese chipmakers from US competition only strengthens them abroad and weakens America's position. Export restrictions have spurred China's innovation and scale," he added. By Arsheeya Bajwa (Reuters) - Nvidia investors will look for definitive answers on how much U.S. chip curbs on China will cost the company when it reports results on Wednesday, even as a pullback in other regulations is expected to open up new markets. In a fresh effort to stymie Beijing's access to cutting-edge technology, the Trump administration last month put export limits on Nvidia's H20 chip - a move the company said would result in $5.5 billion in charges. CEO Jensen Huang, who pegged the market for AI chips in China at roughly $50 billion next year, said last week Nvidia had walked away from $15 billion of sales in the country after the curbs. Nvidia does not break out sales for the H20, the only AI chip it was allowed to sell to China, a market which accounted for 13% of its revenue last year. "The primary question around results and guidance is can Nvidia lift sales enough to offset the loss of H20 or China business," Wedbush analysts said ahead of the earnings report. While sources have told Reuters that company is planning to launch a new AI chipset for China based on Nvidia's latest generation Blackwell architecture, the uncertainty of losing its China business has dented its stock. The stock has already been under pressure from concerns about mounting AI infrastructure costs. It was down 2% this year, a far cry from their nearly three-fold gain last year. "China will probably be the biggest swing factor for Nvidia's quarter," said D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria. The company is expected to report that first-quarter revenue surged 66.2% to $43.28 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Susquehanna analysts estimated the restrictions impacted the last three weeks of the April quarter, costing Nvidia about $1 billion in sales. For the rest of the year, lost revenue could amount to as much as $4.5 billion per quarter, they said. Wedbush estimated the quarterly hit at $3 billion to $4 billion. Adjusted gross margin is expected to drop more than 11 percentage points to 67.7%. The write-downs related to H20 shipments could translate to a gross margin hit of up to 12.5%, Wedbush said. Nvidia CEO Huang recently called U.S. semiconductor curbs on China "a failure," saying they have only pushed Chinese rivals such as Huawei to speed up development of homegrown chips. NEW REGIONS Washington, however, has said it is going to modify a Biden-era export curb called the AI diffusion rule that sought to curb exports of sophisticated AI chips by dividing the world into three tiers, with China blocked entirely. I-HWA CHENG / Contributor / Getty Images Nvidia warned last month that it could take a $5.5 billion charge associated with new limits on sales of its H20 chips to China Nvidia (NVDA) shares climbed Tuesday, ahead of the AI chipmakers fiscal first-quarter results due after the closing bell Wednesday. Shares were up about 3% in recent trading, leaving the stock roughly flat for the year so far, after a rough start to 2025 amid worries about the trajectory of AI spending and tightening export restrictions on advanced American technology. Nvidia warned last month that it could take a $5.5 billion charge associated with new limits on sales of its H20 chips to China. Still, analysts are overwhelmingly bullish on Nvidias stock, expecting the chipmaker to report growing sales and profit on strong demand for its hardware to support AI. Tuesdays gains pushed Nvidias market capitalization to $3.30 trillion, making it the most valuable public company in the world behind Microsoft (MSFT). Apple (AAPL), which occupied second place behind Microsoft just earlier this month, has seen its market cap slip below Nvidias as concerns about tariffs battered Apples stock. President Donald Trump warned last week that the iPhone maker could face 25% tariffs on phones sold in the U.S. that are manufactured in other countries. Several Nvidia partners also posted healthy stock rises Tuesday, including Super Micro Computer (SMCI), TSMC (TSM), Micron Technology (MU) and Dell Technologies (DELL). (Read Investopedia's full coverage of today's trading here.) Read the original article on Investopedia The thing about renovations is, every renovation is different. You cant stock a bunch of extra materials ahead of time, because every homeowner wants something different. Its top of mind at this point. On the contractor side, theyre waiting to see how it unfolds, Julie Kheyfets, CEO of Block Renovation, a platform that connects homeowners with contractors, told CNN. A recent agreement between the U.S. and China has temporarily lowered that rate to 30% for 90 days, but the broader market remains unsettled. Blanket 10% tariffs remain in effect for many other trading partners, and those rates could climb again after July 9 . In 2024, China exported more than $438 billion worth of goods to the U.S., with nearly 19% of that total in machinery and appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry machines, and another 4% in furniture and lighting, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission. The home renovation market has thrived in recent years, bolstered by an aging housing stock and fewer new builds. But that growth is being threatened by U.S. trade policy. Just like everything, he said, you have to pass that cost along if you want to stay profitable. To survive, Esslinger says the price hikes cant be absorbed; they have to be passed on. Ive seen it where sometimes they dont even warn you, he said. Ive gone to a website to look at a product I might have sourced a month ago, and now suddenly its a certain percentage more. Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Costs have been creeping up for Esslinger, telling CNN that one key supplier, providing lighting, rugs and furniture, slapped a 14% temporary tariff surcharge on Chinese imports and 2% on goods from any other countries starting May 12. Another vendor dealing in fabric and wallpaper also warned of imminent price hikes. Chad Esslinger, an interior designer based outside Chicago, says the pressure has been building ever since President Donald Trump introduced sweeping global tariffs in early April. Tariffs are hammering the home renovation industry, pushing designers, contractors and homeowners into a financial crunch as rising costs create chaos in the supply chain. Story Continues That uncertainty has made it harder for businesses to plan and for customers to commit. The U.S. home remodeling market is still expected to grow in the coming years, according to fresh projections from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The NAHB forecasts a 5% increase in residential remodeling activity for 2025, showing resilience in the face of economic and trade policy volatility. The growth, they say, is being driven by factors like aging housing, high home equity levels and an aging demographic. But despite the projections, professionals like Esslinger say the lack of clarity is causing delays. The word that just keeps coming up is uncertainty, he said. Ive had some clients say theyre going to hold off for a little bit and see how things go, while some have scaled back a little bit. Not everyone is seeing the same level of impact. Nina Sepiashvily, who runs I&N Builders in New York City, says that while shes noticed a slight uptick in costs, its nothing compared to the price surges triggered by post-pandemic inflation. Her focus is more on structural materials like lumber, rather than imported furnishings. Tariffs on Canadian lumber, a key import for the U.S., sit at 14.5%, but the U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed more than doubling that rate to 34.5%. We havent really seen [tariffs] affect our costs yet, Sepiashvily said, Homeowners are uncertain about tariffs, theyre uncertain about their investments and theyre afraid to pull the trigger. But in New Mexico, interior decorator Sandy Schargel experienced the ripple effects firsthand when a lighting company canceled a large order due to tariff-related product discontinuations. Replacement options came with a 10% markup. Schargel says the loss of access to more affordable imported items means she now often looks to American-made alternatives in a shift that may drive up costs for budget-conscious clients. When you come to the lower price points, American-made does limit things, somewhat, she said. Imported merchandise often has lower price options. Shes now telling her clients to buy early. Ive told people to order what they need as soon as possible to avoid prices going up further down the line, she said. As for Esslinger, he hasnt seen any price relief. No home goods importers I work with have said they plan to lower prices, he said. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method to make big profits off you and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Tips for home renos during a tariff squeeze If you're planning a home renovation in 2025, you're likely feeling the squeeze of rising material costs and ongoing tariff volatility. But, with the right strategy, you can still make your dream remodel a reality without blowing your budget. Here are four ways to protect your wallet and stay on track: 1. Build a budget with wiggle room Renovation costs can escalate quickly in todays market. Experts recommend adding a 15% to 30% contingency to your budget to account for unexpected costs, like price hikes in materials. Use budgeting tools, whether spreadsheets or apps, to monitor every dollar spent and keep your project from spiralling out of control. 2. Source materials closer to home Global supply chains remain unpredictable, and tariffs are making some imports pricier than ever. You can choose U.S. lumber or steel, which tend to be less tariff-sensitive. You can also work with local suppliers to cut down on shipping costs. 3. Explore financing options Renovations are a big-ticket item, but there are smart ways to finance them, like home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), home equity loans, which offer fixed-rate options or personal loans, if you have strong credit and want to avoid tapping into home equity. 4. Get multiple, detailed bids Dont settle for the first contractor you meet. Make sure to get multiple bids and ask for itemized estimates to see exactly how much is being allocated to materials, labor and overhead. This can help you spot markups, negotiate better rates and make informed comparisons. While the pause in the highest tariffs offers some relief, many in the home renovation business are preparing for continued volatility. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Eastern Icons At Notre-Dame in Paris: A Step Toward Greater Unity? Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, presides over a celebratory liturgy at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on the occasion of the World Day of Eastern Christians on May 25, 2025. ( L'uvre d'Orient) (CNA) -- To mark the World Day of Eastern Christians, held every year on the sixth Sunday of Easter and organized by the association L'uvre d'Orient, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, presided over the Divine Liturgy in the Chaldean rite at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Sunday, May 25. The celebration brought together bishops and faithful from various backgrounds. According to Vatican News, the World Day of Eastern Christians is for prayer, encounter, and communion between Eastern and Latin Christians. This year's liturgy was distinguished by the blessing of eight icons painted by both French and Middle Eastern artists depicting the first saints from the early centuries of Christianity. These icons were anointed with chrism and will be placed on Wednesday in the newly dedicated St. George Chapel -- a space within the cathedral set aside for Eastern Christians. In his opening remarks, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris described icons in the Eastern tradition as "true windows into eternity, a faithful witness to the faith of the entire Church. They are not mere pictures but an entryway into God's holiness. To pray before them is a profound spiritual act." Ulrich expressed his hope that many Eastern Christians would come to St. George Chapel to pray, noting that the diocese had decided to consecrate it upon the cathedral's reopening. Expressing his deep admiration for the cathedral's restoration, Sako said that the East "formed the roots of Christianity, while the West, through its missionaries, became its beating heart." He added: "The dedication of this chapel for Eastern Christians is of great significance, as it reveals the Church's universality and unity. It is a source of pride for us. We are deeply grateful to the Church in France, which stood with us during the horrors we endured under ISIS." St. Ignatius of Antioch icon by Syrian artist Neemat Badwi. ( Neemat Badwi) Speaking to ACI MENA, CNA's Arabic-language news partner, Syrian artist Neemat Badwi explained that the eight icons portray early Eastern saints according to the Churches and regions they are associated with. These include Andrew of Constantinople, James of Jerusalem, Mark of Alexandria, Gregory the Illuminator of Armenia, Thomas of India, Addai and Mari of Seleucia-Ctesiphon in Iraq, Frumentius of Ethiopia, and Ignatius of Antioch. It was the icon of Ignatius that L'uvre d'Orient commissioned Badwi to create. Badwi mentioned that he did not copy the icon from an earlier model but created an entirely new design. The work took him nearly three months to complete. He delivered the icons last month after arriving in Paris from Aleppo, accompanied by his brother, artist Bashir Badwi. Both were in the city to attend the conference titled "In Flesh and Gold" at the Louvre's Michelangelo Gallery, which focused on the art and restoration of sacred icons. However, diversification isnt just about protecting your portfolio its about building resilience. Thats why holding investments beyond the S&P 500 can act as a cushion when the economy hits a rough patch. One way for investors to diversify a portfolio is by buying into international assets, with well-known asset management firm Vanguard suggesting at least 20% in international stocks and bonds as a benchmark. Seventy-eight percent of the stock markets best days have occurred during a bear market or during the first two months of a bull market, according to Hartford Funds, an asset management firm that includes Schroders and Wellington Management. If you missed the markets 10 best days over the past 30 years, your returns would have been cut in half. And missing the best 30 days would have reduced your returns by an astonishing 83%. However, selling and moving your money to the sidelines is typically not the best course of action. Watching the portfolio youve built for retirement fluctuate can be unsettling, especially when market downturns threaten the very assets you plan to rely on. Were not robots, were humans with emotions, and we need to honor that in times like these. Generally, the advice boils down to staying invested. But I firmly believe that just saying stay invested doesnt work on days when stocks are in free-fall and the world feels terrible, Callie Cox, chief market strategist for Ritholtz Wealth Management, said to The Washington Post. Times like these may have long-term investors wondering what they should do to protect their portfolios. The answer? Do nothing and stay the course. Powered by Money.com - Yahoo may earn commission from the links above. Priority Gold: Up to $15k in Free Silver + Zero Account Fees on Qualifying Purchase Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has an important message for the next wave of American retirees here's how he says you can best weather the US retirement crisis Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how After a strong performance from the S&P 500 in 2024 which experts hailed as a very good year storm clouds are forming. Trump's aggressive tariff policies have rattled markets with the S&P 500 entering correction territory in April 2025. Since 1950, the US has weathered 11 recessions, proving time and again that downturns arent a question of if, but when. Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Story Continues But stocks arent the only way to diversify your portfolio.New investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market. For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors. With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property. With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets. If youre not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100. Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part. Another popular hedge against inflation with investors is gold, which historically performs well when the market is shaky, and hit an all-time high in early April. When you open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold, you can roll over existing 401(k) or IRA accounts into a precious metals IRA without tax-related penalties. Qualifying purchases can also receive up to $10,000 in free silver. Learn more about why Priority Gold has 5-star reviews on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau when you download their free 2024 guide on investing in precious metals. 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 Nearing retirement As you near retirement, market volatility and ongoing inflation can make the road ahead feel precarious, but reacting to short-term turbulence with long-term portfolio changes can be a costly misstep. Instead it can pay to prepare your portfolio for retirement by slowly switching your investments to low-risk options. Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning at Morningstar, told The Post that allocating 25% to 30% of your portfolio to short and intermediate-term bonds is a good approach for those approaching retirement. But make sure you dont give up on growth entirely. Remember that even though retirement is a few years away, that is just the start of retirement, Corbin Blackwell, senior manager of financial planning at Betterment, told The Post. For most people, their money needs to last decades, so dont lose sight of your real-time horizon. If youre unsure of the best approach for you, it might be worth speaking with a financial advisor who can help craft a retirement strategy that fits your goals and gives you peace of mind as you step into your next chapter. Advisor.com can help you find someone thats right for you. This online platform connects you with vetted financial advisors in minutes. How it works is easy: Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances, and the platform will match you with a financial advisor best suited to helping you make your money last in retirement. From here, you can view their profile, read past client reviews and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. (=) By Nathan Vifflin AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - French semiconductor materials supplier Soitec on Tuesday withdrew forecast targets for its new fiscal year and the medium term, following a multi-year slump in automotive and industrial chip demand. "Given the current reduced visibility and market uncertainties, the group withdraws any guidance, whether related to all or part of its activities", it said in a statement, adding it will only guide on a quarterly basis. It expects first-quarter revenue to fall 20% year-on-year at constant exchange rates, against the 121 million euros ($137.1 million) it reported last year. It also said in a separate statement that Chief Financial Officer Lea Alzingre will step down with immediate effect and will be replaced by Albin Jacquemont, formerly the finance chief of divisions of French groups Carrefour, Suez and Darty. "(Jacquemont) has led major financial transformations and delivered significant value through operational performance improvement, cash-flow optimization and M&A execution," Soitec said in a statement. The group will address investors and analysts on Wednesday at 1200 GMT at an event to present its full-year earnings. It said in February it saw limited growth for 2026 and cut its 2025 guidance as semiconductor wafer customers in the automotive and consumer electronics industries hit the brakes on deliveries amid worsening market conditions. ($1 = 0.8828 euros) (This story has been corrected to show that Jacquemont was the finance chief of divisions of the French groups, not CFO of the groups, in paragraph 4) (Reporting by Nathan Vifflin in Amsterdam; Editing by Jan Harvey) European renewable energy developer Solaria has signed an agreement in principle with Spanish financial services company Banco Sabadell for the long-term financing of its 175MW Oliva solar project in the province of Guadalajara, Spain. The financing, reaching up to 93.5m ($106.2m), is contingent upon successful due diligence and final approval from the bank's risk committee. The funds will bolster the development of the Oliva solar project, showcasing Solaria's dedication to sustainable digitalisation and energy transition. The project is closely associated with the construction of a data centre, designed to be self-sufficient in energy with a guaranteed 70MW capacity. Solaria CEO Dario Lopez stated: We are very pleased to announce this agreement, which reflects Banco Sabadells reiterated confidence in our company. This financial operation represents a firm step towards the fulfilment of our goals and, consequently, towards the promotion of the energy transition, an essential aspect for the progress of society. The Oliva solar project, consisting of five photovoltaic plants, will provide 100% renewable energy, sufficient to power 84,000 households annually. The plants, named Oliva solar 1 (50MW), 2 (50MW), 3 (25MW), 4 (25MW) and 5 (25MW), will be located in the Usanos district of Guadalajara and connected to the Daganzo substation. Solaria obtained the necessary administrative construction authorisation for the project in May 2024. Oliva is the companys second solar project in Guadalajara, adding to the existing 626MW Cifuentes-Trillo project in the region. The project will create 700 jobs during its construction phase and will prioritise local employment. In January 2024, Solaria obtained administrative construction authorisation for its 595MW Garona photovoltaic project in Spain. "Solaria secures $106m for 175MW Spanish renewable energy project" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CBAR) have formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation within the financial sector. This agreement follows a visit to the UAE by CBAR Governor Taleh Kazimov and Counsellor to Governor Ulvin Aliyev, where discussions with CBUAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama took place. The MoU facilitates information sharing on supervisory and regulatory practices, licencing for banking and insurance entities, and payment and financial infrastructure systems. It also includes provisions for technical cooperation through training, research, and working visits. They will also explore the integration of retail payment systems and exchange best practices. The governors reviewed the existing ties between their banking and financial sectors and considered the potential for future joint initiatives. Balama said: The MoU reflects our tireless efforts and embodies the vision of our wise leadership to enhance economic partnerships with the Republic of Azerbaijan. This collaboration will expand the scope of joint cooperation that supports economic growth for each jurisdiction. We look forward to working closely with our partners in Azerbaijan within the financial, banking, and insurance sectors to foster the development of the financial technology sector and encourage the adoption of innovative digital payment solutions, with a focus on initiatives that contribute to enhancing financial stability, supporting the growth of the financial sector, and consolidating the UAE's leading position globally. Kazimov stated: "We seek close and fruitful relations with the CBUAE through the exchange of experiences in the financial and banking sector and the development of financial services, which will contribute to strengthening economic, commercial, and investment cooperation between the two friendly countries. "UAE and Azerbaijan foster financial ties " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. A GlobalData survey has found that more than half of UK commercial brokers believe cyber insurance is the product that has the most growth potential in the commercial insurance industry. This reflects growing awareness of cyber threats and heightened risk perceptions among businesses, both of which are driving demandeven though adoption of cyber cover is not yet universal. According to GlobalDatas 2025 UK Commercial Insurance Broker Survey, cyber insurance stands out as the product with the greatest potential for growth. More than half of the brokers surveyed (53.6%) selected it as the most promising emerging product, well ahead of other areas such as renewable energy insurance (8.8%) and cover for AI-related liabilities (7.6%). The scale of this gap suggests the market sees cyber threats as a key area where insurance demand will rise sharply. This growing demand is being further fuelled by heightened awareness among businesses and the frequent reporting of cyberattacks in the media. Which new or emerging commercial insurance product do you see as having the most growth potential? 2025 Source: GlobalDatas 2025 UK Commercial Insurance Broker Survey. GlobalDatas findings are backed by recent data from QBE Insurance Group. Its 2024 report showed that the number of cyberattacks more than doubled compared to the year before, rising by 104%. It also found that a large majority of IT decision makers (78%) were worried about the cyber threats facing their organisations in the year ahead. These findings echo sentiments from brokers and point to a growing sense of urgency among businesses to strengthen their digital risk management. Despite this, many businesses still have not taken out cyber insurance. While awareness is clearly increasing, this has not yet translated into widespread adoption. GlobalDatas 2025 UK SME Insurance Survey found that just 40.2% of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have cyber insurance. This gap between concern and action represents a major opportunity for brokers, particularly in the SME space. Smaller companies are often more vulnerable to attack but have fewer resources to respond effectively, making them strong candidates for tailored cover. If uptake is to grow, insurers will need to focus on making products easier to understand and more relevant to different types of businesses. There remains confusion around what cyber insurance actually covers, especially when it comes to situations such as downtime, data breaches, and regulatory penalties. Building clearer policies and offering straightforward advice could be key to helping more companies feel confident in taking out protection. Glencore Australias Ulan coal mine near Mudgee, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has received approval from the NSW Department of Planning to expand its underground operations, according to a report by ABC News. The approval allows for an additional 18.8 million tonnes (mt) of coal extraction and extends the mine's lifespan until 2035. The Ulan coal mine, one of Australia's largest, has approval to extract nearly 330mt of ore over the next two decades. A spokesperson for Glencore Australia expressed the company's satisfaction with the approval, stating: The modification will provide ongoing employment opportunities for people at Ulan Coal Complex. Despite the economic benefits, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water had raised concerns about the project's potential environmental impact. The department identified 21 native species at risk due to the mine's expansion, with 17 hectares of native vegetation set to be cleared. However, the NSW Department of Planning has concluded that the impacts on native wildlife can be avoided, managed and offset,, imposing 13 conditions to mitigate the effects on biodiversity, water, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and Aboriginal cultural heritage. The department stated that the project's GHG emissions are expected to account for less than 0.1% of the state's targets for 2030 and 2035. As part of the conditions, Glencore Australia must prepare a Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Plan in consultation with the Environment Protection Authority within six months. In related news, Mt. Labo Exploration and Development, a subsidiary of RTG Mining, has formed a strategic partnership with Glencore International for the Mabilo copper and gold project in the Philippines. This agreement, signed in March, includes offtake agreements and a financing package, with plans to proceed with long-form documentation. "Ulan coal mine in NSW, Australia, granted approval for expansion" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Visa Inc.s (NYSE:V) bid to entrench itself as a global leader in digital payments has received a significant boost. On May 26, Hong Kongs largest digital bank, ZA Bank, integrated its Click to Pay solution to enable clients complete online transactions in seconds. ZA Bank has become the first card-issuing bank to enable Click to Pay across Asia Pacific, with 11 more markets to follow. Visa and ZA Bank Bring Seamless Click to Pay to Hong Kong The integration underscores how Click to Pay has become the standard in online shopping. It also allows consumers to skip guest checkout and forego the need to enter personal account numbers. By enabling consumers to complete online transactions with a few clicks, Click-to-Pay stands to be a big hit. The strategic collaboration with ZA Bank underscores Visas industrial partnership as it seeks to embed its payment solutions in online transactions. The solution is already attracting strong interest from major acquirers, including AsiaPay, who are all gearing up for Click Pay Solutions. Visa is a payment technology company that facilitates digital payments across the globe through various solutions. It acts as a network for electronic payments, processing billions of transactions annually with a large volume of payment and cash transactions. While we acknowledge the potential of Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) 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 V and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. The Colorado Supreme Court signaled this month that it may intervene in multiple trial court proceedings, including an unusual standoff in which a county court clerk's office is allegedly refusing to accept a man's payment that would enable him to appeal his eviction case. You are the owner of this article. Denver police Sgt. Justin Dodge, who lost part of his left leg when a fire truck ran over him during the Nuggets 2023 championship parade, has returned to active SWAT duty 11 months later and was recently named Officer of the Year. The Colorado Springs City Council rejected the recommended board member of the Pikes Peak Library District Board of Trustees, extending the process over questions about how long he lived in the city. The City Council voted 6-3 against naming Kenny Kuniyuki as the next library board member. The three votes in support of Kuniyuki were councilmembers Lynette Crow-Iverson, Brian Risley and Tom Bailey. Earlier on Tuesday morning, the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners unanimously confirmed Kuniyuki to join the board. The appointment is a joint decision by both governments that oversee the library district and needs to be passed by at least two-thirds of both groups. The appointment will be sent back to the joint committee of City Council and County Commission who oversee the board appointments to either resubmit Kuniyuki or recommend another person. The decision extends a six-month process to name the successor to former library board director Dora Gonzales after her term expired in December. Kuniyuki is a retired Army colonel who moved to Colorado Springs with his family at the beginning of 2024, though he said that he was stationed in the city in 2012. Kuniyuki had volunteered with the Harker Heights Public Library while stationed in Texas and said he taught swing dancing lessons last year for homeschool students at East Library. "Libraries have to evolve. The Library of Alexandria (ancient library in Egypt) would be great for a bibliophile like my wife, but I don't know if that is a library for tomorrow. How do you connect people? How do you add technology?" Kuniyuki said. Kuniyuki told the City Council that he had researched the library's finances and some of the state tax laws that limited how the library could raise money to prepare for the position. He told the council that he wanted to help the library balance its aspirational goals with the continued growth of the city. Karla Powers, organizer of the neighborhood advocacy group COS Reads, has been one of the most vocal advocates to replace the Rockrimmon branch and place more oversight on the library board. Powers said that while Kuniyuki seemed like a sincere candidate for the position, she wanted to see a more active advocate for libraries on the board. Featured Local Savings "Right now, we need someone with a strong financial background to figure this out. We need someone who understands libraries and what they mean to people in this area," Powers said. The library appointment process has been scrutinized for months after the Board of Trustees voted last year to end the lease for the Rockrimmon Library, allowing the branch to close. Councilmember Dave Donelson asked Kuniyuki if he would oppose future neighborhood library closures. "I don't think I currently can commit to that. I think it will be a decision the board will have to have at that time," Kuniyuki said. "You can commit to it, and you can be outvoted on the board," Donelson replied. Councilmember Roland Rainey said that he liked the comments Kuniyuki made about his military experience and hoped he would apply again. Right now, however, Rainey voted against the appointment to reopen discussions about the library's future in the Rockrimmon area. "With this vote to go back to the joint committee, I hope there is a larger conversation about the process and they find someone who has been embedded in that community," Rainey said. The joint committee members interviewed seven of the 51 people who applied for the position before nominating Kuniyuki last week. The city and county representatives held separate private interviews with candidates before the public joint meeting, a change in approach made to ensure the group complied with Colorado's Open Meeting Law. Commissioner Bill Wysong said during the county meeting Tuesday that he hoped the process would change again in the future to be even more transparent and bring in more public involvement. Commissioner Carrie Geitner, who is the chair of the joint appointment team, said there was public misinformation around the interviews and final recommendation. Geitner said the library board roles and other volunteer boards were "political appointments" with more subjective qualifications than a job hire. After the council meeting, Kuniyuki said that he would not officially pull his name from consideration and let the joint commission make its decision. Kuniyuki said he hoped the extended process would get people more involved with the library and local government in general. Members of Colorado's judiciary spoke on Friday to more than three dozen people who are interested in becoming state judges, and hammered home a consistent theme: At the very beginning, they need to have a reason why they want to be a judge in the first place. "I have chaired probably hundreds of these commission meetings across the state over the last 15 years," said Chief Justice Monica M. Marquez. "If I had a dollar every time someone said a version of with arm folded over the chair 'It's the natural next step' or some version of I've earned this, Id be so rich and could retire tomorrow." She added that being "in love with the idea" of being a judge was not compelling, either. "There's definitely prestige attached to that. Theres definitely power when you don that robe. But theres so much more to that position, and that can't be the animating reason," said Marquez. "The decisions you'll have to deal with are weighty. Theres a lot of lost sleep. Theres a lot of stress." In Colorado, attorneys and in some smaller jurisdictions non-attorneys submit applications to nominating commissions when judicial vacancies arise. Chaired by a member of the Supreme Court, the commissions contain a mix of lawyers and non-lawyers. After interviewing applicants, the commissions forward up to three names to the governor's office. Upon interviewing the candidates once more, the governor's office then appoints one of the finalists to fill the vacancy. The Colorado Women's Bar Association Foundation and the judicial branch offered the May 23 symposium at the Colorado Bar Association's headquarters for people to hear from judges directly about the process of joining the bench. In recent years, and due in part to legislation establishing an outreach position for judicial vacancies, Colorado's bench has almost reached gender parity and has seen increases in the percentage of Black and Hispanic judges. "I think everybody in this room would agree maybe not outside of this room that all of our institutions are better off and stronger when there are more women and more diverse members of the institution," said Court of Appeals Judge Elizabeth L. Harris, speaking on behalf of the foundation's board. Marquez mentioned the General Assembly recently granted, in part, the judiciary's request for additional judgeships, with 15 new seats created between July 2025-2026. Although the judicial branch sought twice as many judgeships originally, Marquez promised to ask lawmakers to fund the additional positions in the future. Justice Richard L. Gabriel told attendees that fewer people are currently applying to be judges. "Im not sure quite why that is. Maybe a matter of negativity out there about public institutions or fear of the workload. The workload is tough, but you learn how to stay on top of it," he said. Gabriel advised potential applicants to be "deadly honest" when submitting their materials, and not to conceal problematic aspects of their past. He also reminded attendees there are ways to avoid pitfalls should they become judges. "It's very easy to pick up a case and say, Oh, this is just like all these other ones. Ive seen this before.' And just make an assumption this is a typical eviction case, a typical whatever kind of case and miss a fact because youre going so fast you have made an assumption as to what's in the case," he said. Gabriel also described an instance he regretted during oral arguments in an unidentified case, where he appeared to become too personally invested. "My intention was to express we were in the weeds on jurisdiction, some legal argument and somebody died in this case. And my intention was to say, 'Im sympathetic to you...'. That was a mistake," he said. "One of my colleagues said, 'That wasn't a good thing to say.' And I said, 'Youre right.'" Featured Local Savings Multiple trial judges also sat on a series of panels to discuss their transitions onto the bench and to encourage future judges to reflect on what they could bring to the specific court where they are applying. Boulder County District Court Judge Dea M. Lindsey said she previously lived in Weld County but worked as an attorney in Boulder County. Although she applied in both jurisdictions, she said she had a tougher time in the county where she was not working at the time. "Im not trying to dissuade anybody from applying in different jurisdictions," she said. "But my experience in Boulder has been, even when we were hiring magistrates, 'This person is from Jeffco. Great, great magistrate. But this (other) person has appeared in our courtroom'." In also encouraging attendees to think carefully about their moves, Chief Judge Susan Blanco of the Eighth Judicial District of Larimer and Jackson counties said she initially applied to a county court vacancy unsuccessfully, but she bypassed the next opening before applying eventually for the district court. "It wouldn't have been the right fit for me," she said. "And I didnt do enough self-exploration before I submitted my application." Kara Veitch, the chief legal counsel for Gov. Jared Polis, said she has participated in approximately 400 interviews for judicial vacancies. "These are really, really hard jobs. Maybe 10-15 years ago, we thought of them as a capstone to your career and a retirement gig. This is not a retirement gig," she said. Veitch advised applicants to compile endorsement letters from "a variety of angles" and to highlight their work on cases that illustrate their problem-solving abilities and thoughtfulness not necessarily the most high-profile litigation. She also told people to respond directly to the questions asked of them, and not to give the "political answer." "You can tell when people are answering the question in the way they think we want them to answer it. These are not political interviews," she said. "Weve had some people come in and say, I want to be in this job to help advance Gov. Polis' agenda. We are like, 'Whoa! That is not this job.'" Panelists further spoke about avoiding "imposter syndrome" or about being afraid to express their identity even after successfully getting a seat on the bench. "Even those moves where youre putting up Ketanji Brown Jackson, youre putting out Bryan Stevenson (memorabilia) my office is full of Black heroes because those are my heroes," said Lindsey. "And I was still like, I hope somebody doesnt come in and say some (stuff)." Denver District Court Judge Jon J. Olafson recalled jokingly referring to an area of his courtroom as the spot where people would "lip sync for their life" an allusion to the LGBTQ-themed reality show "RuPauls Drag Race." "Judges for centuries have been calling different things different things. Why should I feel bad about calling something from my perspective?" he said. "It was in a different language. But I was so nervous about that because it was so different from what Ive heard in a courtroom." Dense fog conditions across the Front Range have forced cancellations and delays at Colorado Springs and Denver International airports Tuesday. According to the flight tracking website Flightaware.com, three flights have been delayed at Colorado Springs Airport, and 2 flights had been canceled as of Tuesday morning. Click or tap here for flight status updates from Colorado Springs Airport. At Denver International Airport, 45 flights have been canceled and 302 were delayed, according to Flightaware. The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory through 9 a.m. Tuesday for Front Range counties below 6,000 feet. Tuesday is expected to be mostly sunny, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, according to the weather agency. National Public Radio and three of its stations in Colorado sued President Donald Trump on Tuesday, arguing that his executive order cutting funding to the 246-station network violates their free speech and relies on an authority that he does not have. Earlier this month, Trump instructed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and federal agencies to cease funding for NPR and PBS, either directly or indirectly. The president and his supporters argue their news reporting promotes liberal bias and shouldnt be supported by taxpayers. Retaliation is Trumps plain purpose, the lawsuit argues. It was filed in federal court in Washington by NPR and three Colorado entities Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio and KUTE, Inc., chosen to show the systems diversity in urban and rural areas. By basing its directives on the substance of NPRs programming, the executive order seeks to force NPR to adapt its journalistic standards and editorial choices to the preferences of the government if it is to continue to receive federal funding, Katherine Maher, NPRs CEO, said Tuesday. These participating Colorado stations reflect the diversity of public radio across the country we are each independent, nonprofit organizations that represent rural, mountain and urban communities and together serve every district of Colorado, according to a statement from Aspen Public Radio, CPR and KSUT. The lawsuit alleges that Trump is acting to contravene the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private nonprofit corporation set up to distribute federal funding to NPR and PBS, which is intended to insulate the system from political interference. Congress has appropriated $535 million yearly to CPB for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Patricia Harrison, CPBs president and CEO, said in a statement on Friday that the president lacked the authority to withdraw the funding. Congress directly authorized and funded CPB to be a private nonprofit corporation wholly independent of the federal government, the statement said. PBS and its stations receive about 15% of their revenues from the CPB, a spokesperson said, adding most of that goes to local stations. The largest portion of PBSs budget comes from station dues. Individual donations typically go to stations, not to PBS directly, though PBS generates some money from private grants. NPR said every $1 of federal funding generates $7 from local sources. In response to the lawsuit, White House Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields said that CPB is creating media to support a particular political party on the taxpayers dime, so Trump was exercising his authority under the law. The president was elected with a mandate to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and he will continue to use his lawful authority to achieve that objective, Fields said. Trump hasnt hidden his feelings about NPR, calling it a liberal disinformation machine in an April social media post. The court fight seemed preordained, given that the heads of NPR and PBS both reacted to Trumps move earlier this month with statements that they believed it was illegal. The absence of PBS from Tuesdays filing indicates the two systems will challenge this separately; PBS has not yet gone to court, but is likely to soon. PBS is considering every option, including taking legal action, to allow our organization to continue to provide essential programming and services to member stations and all Americans, PBS spokesman Jeremy Gaines said Tuesday. The presidents attempts to dismantle government-run news sources like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have also sparked court fights. The administration has battled with the press on several fronts. The Federal Communications Commission is investigating ABC, CBS and NBC News. The Associated Press also went to court after the administration restricted access to certain events in response to the organizations decision not to rename the Gulf of Mexico as Trump decreed. The lawsuit says 11% of Aspen Public Radios budget is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It is 6% for the Colorado Public Radio, a network of 19 stations, and 19% of KUTEs budget. That station was founded in 1976 by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Free press is not optional in a democracy it is foundational. At a time when trust in American institutions is fragile and disinformation is rampant, the publics access to independent, verified news and information is more essential than ever, said a statement from Aspen Public Radio, CPR and KSUT. As nonprofit public media organizations, each of our stations exist to serve the people of our communities and Colorado with independent, fact-based journalism. NPR notes that the order attempts to prohibit individual stations in NPRs system from using any federal money to buy NPR programming, like All Things Considered, the most listened-to afternoon radio news program in the country, its early counterpart Morning Edition and cultural programming like the Tiny Desk concerts. The order directly interferes with editorial independence by requiring them to seek programming elsewhere, the lawsuit said. NPR says it also provides infrastructure services to hundreds of public radio stations and without it, their coverage area would shrink. It also provides the backbone for emergency alert systems across the country. Public broadcasting is an irreplaceable foundation of American civic life, Maher said. At its best, it reflects our nation back to itself in all our complexity, contradictions and commonalities and connects our communities across differences and divides. The Associated Press and Washington Examiner contributed to this story. The mood was somber early Monday morning at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City as veterans and community members gathered to honor and remember veterans who have died. The day's service included live music, the laying of ceremonial wreaths, a performance from the Mason City High School marching band, prayer led by Deacon Jim Wolf, and a proclamation from Mason City Mayor Bill Schickel. There were also speeches by Charlie West, the commander of the Mason City Honor Guard, and Bill Clark, who served in Vietnam as a hospital corpsman attached to the Marine Corps. West said he felt humbled by the experience of serving in the Marine Corps and proud to participate in Memorial Day observances. "Not only do you serve during the time frame of your service, you serve every day until you die," West said. "You carry that with you the rest of your life." As the commander of the honor guard, it is West's responsibility to present the family members of the fallen with the traditional folded flags during their funeral services. "I'm the one that gets on my knees and folds the flags and gives it the individuals, and every time we do it, it gets us in our heart," he said. Clark, who enlisted in the Navy at age 18, became a hospital corpsman during boot camp. The Marine Corps does not have its own medics or chaplains, and since it is a part of the United States Navy, the Navy provides hospital corpsmen, clergy, and hospital support staff. Clark went through Marine training, qualifying him to be part of the Fleet Marine Force. Clark literally hit the ground running in Vietnam. The Air Force deposited him and five other hospital corpsmen near the demilitarized zone and told them they'd need to run off the moving plane -- it was too dangerous to come to a full stop. "At that time, the Vietnamese knew when the plane was coming in," Clark said. "They always fired upon the airstrip. So there was a lot of small arms fire, a lot of Marines hollering at us." Clark said he didn't truly realize hospital corpsmen act in many roles for the Marines they're assigned to until he was there. "You become a father, a mother, a religious leader, their psychologist. That's a lot. I'm 19 years old by then. I wasn't ready for that. ... I became ready real quick," he said. He told stories about talking down suicidal service members on duty, consoling recipients of Dear John letters, and caring for injured Marines. He urged veterans who may be struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and the burden of what happened during their service to reach out. "I'm still reaching out, because I can't take it. I can't forget about those young men I took care of," Clark said. "One of the things that still haunts me today, 58 years later, is how many of those people, those men, made it after I tried to take care of them? I did my best. But that's not good enough for me." Larry Behrends served in the Army from 1964 to 1966, and assisted in transporting arms across Vietnam. He was part of the honor guard Monday firing the traditional three shots signifying the honor, duty, and sacrifice of the deceased. Behrends talked about losing friends he'd served with even after they'd returned home. "I had a guy that was in the Army with me, in Vietnam. About a year ago, I got a call from him. He says, 'Larry, do you remember? Do you remember?' ... Two weeks later, he committed suicide. (His wife) said he just couldn't take it no more." Clark recognized the family members who had lost loved ones, asking them to stand. He said he wanted to apologize to the mothers of the men he'd taken care of, saying he had one regret from his service: that he hadn't tried harder to find the mothers to tell them their sons had been good Marines. "I took care of some Marines that were dying and died while I was taking care of them. I had four or five of them that said, 'Doc, please. Please let my mother know that I was a good Marine.' I assured them I would. I lied to them. That haunts me today. ... I didn't know this Marine. ... How do I get ahold of their parents? Maybe I should have tried harder," Clark said. Behrends was thinking of his own mother Monday. She had three sons and a son-in-law in the Army. "The only person I felt sorry for was my mother," he said. "One time, when I was in Vietnam ... we lived on a farm, and this green car turned in the driveway. Mom went in the bedroom and locked the door," Behrends said. "She thought it was the Army come to tell her I'd got killed." Behrends said he was participating in the day's services for the many veterans who never have the chance because they never returned from duty. "I made it home. They didn't. So that's why I'm here," he said. Prime Minister Luc Frieden will introduce the Charlemagne Prize festivities with a speech on Europe at Aachen Cathedral on 27 May. The Charlemagne Prize celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. In this light, the Charlemagne Prize Board has decided to pay tribute to a strong voice for Europe in the world, who defends the interests of the EU and its friends and so, this year, the Aachen International Prize will go to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The Prime Minister will attend the award ceremony on 29 May, as well as the gala dinner in honour of the winner of the Charlemagne Prize the evening before. Luc Frieden will also have the opportunity to hold informal exchanges with political leaders on the latest developments in European and international politics. In line with Luxembourg's ambitions to contribute to a sovereign Europe and to promote innovation that corresponds to European values and economic interests, the Prime Minister will also briefly travel to Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, to visit the headquarters of the European technology company and semiconductor manufacturer ASML, on 28 May. Press release by the Ministry of State Family creates vast oasis out of desert in NW China's Gansu People's Daily Online) 09:45, May 27, 2025 In Hongshui village, Changcheng town, Liangzhou district, Wuwei city, northwest China's Gansu Province, on the southern edge of the Tengger Desert, a gust of north wind sways the straw grids on the sand dunes. Some of the squares contain what look like a few dry twigs, thinner than chopsticks and barely longer than a palm. "They've sprouted!" Wang Yinji smiles clumsily at his wife, Jin Yuxiu. The couple lie on the sandy slope, carefully digging away the top layer of sand with their hands around the tiny twigs. About 10 centimeters down, they find sesame-sized green shoots poking through the sand. Wang Tianchang, Wang Yinji's 82-year-old father, beams when he hears the news: "All our suffering wasn't in vain!" Wang Tianchang checks on the growth of a tree sapling at the southern edge of the Tengger Desert in Hongshui village, Changcheng town, Liangzhou district, Wuwei city, northwest China's Gansu Province. (People's Daily/Song Chao jun) In fact, the family has been "suffering" for 26 years. Since 1999, Wang Tianchang, along with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law, moved into the desert to plant trees and combat desertification. They have made straw checkerboard sand barriers that stabilize 10,000 mu (666.67 hectares) of sandy land. Their faces have darkened, their skin roughened, but the drifting sands have been locked down by straw grids, and patches of green have taken root. In the early 1990s, the family moved to a part of the village with more arable land, but later discovered that frequent sandstorms often buried their fields. At that time, the first generation of sand control workers at the Babusha Forest Farm in Gulang county, Wuwei city had already spent over a decade exploring desertification control methods. Inspired by their efforts, Wang Tianchang instructed his son, Wang Yinji, to ride a motorcycle to the county and bring back sacks of seeds. They began by cultivating seedlings on their own farmland. After two to three years of experimentation, seeds of Chinese tamarisks and sacsaoul trees finally began to grow into seedlings. On the 16th day of the first lunar month in 1999, braving biting winds, Wang Tianchang and his wife, Li Lanying, ventured into the desert with bundles of wheat straws, marking the beginning of their extraordinary journey in combating desertification. They started by making straw checkerboard sand barriers. That spring, after sowing wheat at home, Wang Yinji quickly joined his parents in the desert to plant saplings. Wang Yinji and his wife place straw checkerboard sand barriers at the southern edge of the Tengger Desert in Hongshui village, Changcheng town, Liangzhou district, Wuwei city, northwest China's Gansu Province. (People's Daily/Song Chaojun) However, these saplings proved difficult to nurture. Sometimes trees planted during the day were uprooted by sandstorms overnight. At other times seedlings that had survived initially would perish after several days of extreme heat. Determined to stay to check on the growth of saplings, Wang Tianchang decided to dig an underground dugout near their tent. He worked side by side with his son to create a more permanent shelter. Through over more than two decades of hard work, they accumulated considerable experience, continuously refining their tools and methods. From seedling cultivation to planting techniques, the Wang family's expertise has steadily improved, with survival rates for newly planted trees now exceeding 85 percent. The story of the Wang family's tree-planting efforts has spread beyond the desert. In 2006, the local labor union provided funding and cement to build a four-room house for them. Two years later, the local forestry and grassland bureau constructed a watchtower nearby. In 2013, the family was officially hired as forest rangers, receiving subsidies for maintaining public welfare forests. Electricity was connected to their house, enabling easier water pumping from their cistern. An adjacent asphalt road facilitated the transportation of supplies. Support from across society has continued to grow. Some people donate money and materials, while many come in person to participate in tree-planting activities. Sand control workers, including Guo Wangang and Guo Xi from the Babusha Forest Farm, regularly donate seeds and saplings. With strong backing from local authorities, the tree-planting initiative has gained significant momentum. Wuwei city has vigorously implemented the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, restoring 9.84 million mu of desertified land and creating a greener, more vibrant ecological environment. Liangzhou district alone has rehabilitated 1.96 million mu of desertified land. Wang Zhirong, the eldest grandson of Wang Tianchang, currently works in Xinjiang. Every year, he sends 30,000 yuan ($4,165.22) home funds earmarked specifically for desertification control efforts. To date, the family has planted over 7.95 million sand-resistant plants, with funding primarily coming from grain farming savings, government subsidies, and charitable donations. "We will continue to pass down the mission of desertification control to future generations," Wang Yinji said. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Vodafone and wireless chipset vendor MediaTek have collaborated to test 5G uplink speeds of up to 277 Mbps, which they say is needed to meet future connectivity demand for user generated content and AI applications. According to Vodafone, this is an important development in the provision of fast connectivity for customers uploading videos and files from their smartphones to the cloud and social media sites. Approximately 90% of mobile traffic uses the downlink channel from mobile masts to users smartphones, however, there is a growing trend for consumers to upload their own videos and content online, necessitating an ever-faster uplink connection. Vodafone says a typical video call needs at least 0.5 Mbps both in uplink and downlink, whereas streaming video from a smartphone requires between five and 15 Mbps depending on how many frames are squeezed into each second of video and its picture quality. Vodafone is working hard to meet rapid shifts in demand for fast and reliable connectivity," Marco Zangani, Vodafone Director of Network Strategy & Architecture, said. "We are continually improving the performance of our European networks to meet growth in traffic, a trend thats unlikely to slow down especially with the popularity of video sharing sites and cloud services, as well as AI applications in the near future. The trial combined Vodafone's 5G SA network at its test facility near Madrid, Spain, with MediaTeks latest M90 modem, which purportedly delivers download speeds of up to 12Gbps and boosts uplink performance by up to 20% based on the latest 5G specification - Release 17 developed by industry body 3GPP. Vodafone says the companies were able to further boost the 5G uplink connection by using carrier aggregation to combine various spectrum channels, increasing the capacity and speed of the connection. Vodafone and MediaTek also used MIMO antennas to transmit two data streams simultaneously from a single smartphone to the nearest mast, as well as tested it with the two key mobile data transmission methods FDD and TDD. Enhancing uplink performance using groundbreaking technology will ensure next generation 5G experiences continue to support users globally, said HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnership at MediaTek. Teradata (NYSE:TDC) today announced the completion of the Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) for VantageCloud Lake on Amazon Web Services, Azure and Google Cloud. The PROTECTED security evaluation shows that Teradatas cloud-native analytics and data platform has achieved the high standards for securing sensitive government and broader industry data and systems as of November 2024. Together with the existing IRAP assessment for Teradata VantageCloud Enterprise (completed in 2023), this new assessment gives VantageCloud customers more flexible and secure options to unify data and deliver trusted AI initiatives across diverse cloud architectures. Developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), IRAP is a requirement to provide product security assessment to government agencies and critical infrastructure. The assessment provides Australian government agencies and enterprises with greater confidence to harness Teradata VantageCloud, the hybrid cloud platform for Trusted AI at scale, to power AI/ML initiatives across public cloud, hybrid or on-premises environments. The completion of this new IRAP assessment highlights our deep commitment to supporting Australian organisations with trusted, innovative cloud capabilities, said Josh Abbott, Vice President, Teradata Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Whether customers are working across public, hybrid or private cloud environments, Teradata VantageCloud enables them to drive innovation with the right security guardrails in place helping them move faster with confidence. As organisations expand their use of AI across complex cloud environments, securing the data foundation becomes critical, said Billy Spears, Chief Information Security Officer, Teradata. IRAP assessment demonstrates that Teradata VantageCloud meets the rigorous security and compliance standards needed to help customers safeguard insights and stay resilient in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. About Teradata At Teradata, we believe that people thrive when empowered with trusted information. We offer the most complete cloud analytics and data platform for AI. By delivering harmonized data and trusted AI, we enable more confident decision-making, unlock faster innovation, and drive the impactful business results organizations need most. See how at Teradata.com. COMPANY NEWS: Big launch day rewards users with fuel discounts, plus extra points . Z Energy , one of New Zealands leading fuel and convenience providers, has launched a new loyalty program in partnership with loyalty SaaS and AI technology company Eagle Eye . Z Energy has stated that the new program, Z Rewards, was designed to combine simplicity with generosity, offering customers points for almost all of their spend at Z. This includes points on purchases of fuel to food and coffee, through to EV charging. These points can then be accumulated and used to redeem various in-store items. Customers can access Z Rewards via the Z App and receive at least 6 cents off per litre (up to 100 litres) every day. The program awards 1 point for every dollar spent on fuel and 2 points for every dollar spent in-store or on EV charging. With treats available for just 500 points, customers can quickly accumulate points to get rewards such as coffee, pies, sausage rolls, or cans of energy drink. As part of the March launch celebration, Z Energy offered a special offer for participating customers. Z Rewards customers received 20% per litre on their first three fills (up to 100 litres each), a free barista-made drink, and an instant 300 bonus points. The program also includes a referral scheme, allowing members to get an additional 300 bonus points when they refer a friend. Bronwyn Barberel, Head of Loyalty, Z Energy Z Energys Head of Loyalty, Bronwyn Barberel, reported a successful launch, with thousands of new customers downloading and using the Z App to access Z Rewards since its introduction. Z Energy launched our new loyalty programme, Z Rewards, as a way to better recognise and reward loyal customers for more of their spend at Z, beyond fuel, she said. Weve seen thousands more customers download and use the Z App to access Z Rewards since it launched, and its been great seeing them all collect points and get treats. We have heard plenty of positive feedback from customers and so far, Z pies have been the top choice of treat for our customers whove taken advantage of this part of our offer. We've had some great new pies on offer. "We are excited about the future of Z Rewards and remain committed to giving our customers an excellent loyalty offer." Z Energy General Manager for Customer Andy Baird said incorporating more than just fuel into the loyalty program aligned with the growth and evolution of the brand. The evolution of the Z service station means, along with providing fuel for customers, we are continuing to grow our network of EV charging stations at selected Z sites, and expand our grocery and convenience offers in-store, he said. Its important, therefore, that our loyalty offer evolves with us. Z Rewards does just that offering customers points for almost all of their spend at Z, from fuel to food and coffee, through to EV charging. Eagle Eye Vice President for APAC Jonathan Reeve said the Eagle Eye team were proud to partner with Z at such a critical time for loyalty innovation in the region. Eagle Eye is seeing rapid innovation globally in fuel and convenience loyalty, as retailers adapt to shifting consumer expectations and look to capture new opportunities, whether through EV charging, expanded grocery ranges, or value-added services, he said. In our view, Z Rewards is emerging as a global leader in this space. The program stands out for its ability to reward customers however they shop and whatever fuel they choose, the clever use of popular treats as incentives, and its differentiated approach to rewarding fuel versus grocery purchases. Were proud to be partnering with Z and are excited to support the next chapter of their loyalty journey - bringing even more value to consumers across New Zealand. Z Rewards is available to all Kiwis by downloading the Z App, offering an easy way for customers to be rewarded for their loyalty to the brand. The company describes the program as "our way of saying nga mihi. Thanks for choosing Z. About Eagle Eye Eagle Eye is a leading SaaS and AI technology company enabling retail, travel and hospitality brands to earn the loyalty of their end customers by powering their real-time, omnichannel and personalised consumer marketing activities, at scale. Eagle Eye AIR is a cloud-based platform, which provides the most flexible and scalable loyalty and promotions capability in the world. More than 850 million personalised offers are executed via the platform every week, and it currently hosts over 500 million loyalty member wallets for businesses all over the world. Eagle Eye is a certified member of the MACH Alliance and is trusted to deliver a secure service at hundreds of thousands of physical POS destinations worldwide, enabling the real-time issuance and redemption of promotional coupons, loyalty offers, gift cards, subscription benefits and more. The Eagle Eye AIR platform is currently powering loyalty and customer engagement solutions for enterprise businesses all over the world, including Asda, Central Retail, Endeavour Group, JD Sports, Loblaws, Morrisons, Pret a Manger, Tesco, Virgin Group, Woolworths Group and Z Energy. In January 2024, Eagle Eye launched EagleAI, a next-generation data science solution for personalisation, already being used by leading retailers worldwide including Carrefour and Tesco. Web - eagleeye.com About Z Energy Z Energy (Z) is a modern energy company and plays an essential role in keeping Aotearoa New Zealand moving. We have a nationwide footprint across our retail, fuel and supply infrastructure network, as well as a growing network of EV chargers at select sites. (source) As flexible work transforms how and where people collaborate, GPT Space&co, one of Australias leading providers of premium meeting environments has partnered with Sennheiser to deliver future-ready spaces that adapt to any team, setup or workstyle. The rollout features Sennheisers TeamConnect Ceiling (TCC) microphone technology as the backbone of the scalable AV setup that supports todays hybrid workforce. In partnership with AV integrator Programmed, the meeting rooms now feature Sennheisers TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) and the newer TeamConnect Ceiling M (TCC M) microphones across key spaces, enabling clear, reliable, and automated audio in any room layout. Creating tomorrows meeting spaces Unlike traditional co-working models, GPT Space&Co focuses exclusively on premium meeting and event rooms, with technology designed to be as invisible and intuitive as possible. In 2024, GPT Space&Co opened four new A-Grade sites, including a flagship at 181 William Street in Melbourne, designed to provide seamless, on-demand meeting spaces for businesses that prioritise quality, flexibility, and integrated technology. Each meeting space is designed to accommodate a wide range of use cases, from executive briefings to team workshops and hybrid presentations. These rooms are walk-in ready with Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR), BYOD support, and an AV experience that requires no technical training. For the larger rooms, flexibility was a key focus, explains Camden Webb, Flexible Workspace Technology Manager at The GPT Group. Traditionally, when AV equipment is placed on or under tables, it limits how the furniture and consequently the space can be used. Whether the room is set up in theatre style, boardroom style or workshop style, users still receive the same high-quality experience. Webb adds that ceiling-mounted audio has transformed the user experience. The Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling microphones ensure that no matter where someone is located, they can be heard clearly. Remote participants can follow discussions and feel engaged, even if they are not physically present. Adaptive technology for reconfigurable spaces Rooms like Petition and Verdict use TCC 2 microphones, allowing layouts to change daily without any impact on audio performance. The microphones auto-adjust to the speakers position thanks to patented beamforming technology, removing the need for tabletop devices. Anthony Aloi, AV Solutions Manager at Programmed, notes that while fixed microphones can work well, they restrict modularity. Ceiling-mounted microphones give us the flexibility dynamic spaces require. Webb agrees, adding that the system provides granular control over pickup zones to minimise background noise. This integration is made even more valuable by the systems compatibility with platforms such as Microsoft Co-Pilot, supporting AI-enhanced features like transcription, meeting summaries and intelligent notetaking. Premium AV meets architectural design The Chamber room at GPT Space&Cos 181 William Street location is a 50-person event space with wall-to-wall glass and a unique geometric layout. Programmed specified three TeamConnect Ceiling M microphones for the space, offering powerful performance in a smaller, circular form factor suited to the rooms shape and acoustics. Combining three TCC Ms gave us great coverage of the space while allowing our team to program exclusion zones to minimise street noise, says Aloi. They are more cost effective than the TCC 2 and they look amazing. To preserve the rooms design, Programmed worked with Sennheiser and the builder to colour-match the microphones to the ceiling finish. In a premium space, integration is about more than function. The technology should disappear into the architecture, says Aloi. The Judge boardroom uses the same setup for design and performance consistency. Designed for every user, every setup With a broad range of users ranging from lawyers to creatives, the solution had to be intuitive and reliable. These rooms are intuitive and support all devices, says Aloi. The technology stays out of the way so people can focus on the meeting. Webb notes that while a site manager is always present, their role is customer-facing, not technical. Every guest needs to walk in, start their meeting, and go. Sennheisers microphones make that possible theyre invisible to the user but essential to the experience. A clear standard for tomorrows meeting spaces As hybrid work evolves, GPT Space&Cos latest rollout sets a new benchmark for flexible, elegant, and functional meeting spaces. With Sennheiser, theyve built intelligent AV environments that scale with the needs of modern teams. For Aloi, the mission is simple: technology should empower people to connect, not complicate the experience. With Sennheiser, GPT is delivering a collaboration experience thats consistent, confident, and ready for the future. [Provisional translation] More On May 27, 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Halla Tomasdottir, President of Iceland, at the Prime Ministers Office.Following a salute and guard of honor ceremony, they held a meeting, which was followed by a lunch. To submit an article for consideration, please consult the editorial principles. Laura Linderman, Senior Fellow for Eurasia and Director of Programs Laura Linderman joined the American Foreign Policy Council as Senior Fellow and Director of Programs for Eurasia in August 2024. Her research focuses on Georgian politics, economics, and foreign relations. Previously, she was a Senior Fellow with the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council from 2015-2024 and Associate Director there from 2012-2014. She also taught South Caucasian studies to U.S. foreign affairs professionals preparing to depart for Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan at the Foreign Service Institute. Linderman was also a senior manager at Splunk, a machine data software company in Silicon Valley and served as a board member for the Transcaucasian Trail Association from 2017-2023. Linderman holds a BA in anthropology and German language and literature from Wellesley College and an MA from Indiana University in anthropology. She speaks Georgian and German. Svante E. Cornell, Editor Svante E. Cornell is the Research Director of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program, and a co-founder of the Institue for Security and Development Policy, Stockholm. His main areas of expertise are security issues, state-building, and transnational crime in Southwest and Central Asia, with a specific focus on the Caucasus and Turkey. He is the Editor of the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, the Joint Center's bi-weekly publication, and of the Joint Center's Silk Road Papers series of occasional papers. For a full list of publications, please consult his homepage on the Joint Center's website. Niklas Nilsson, Associate Editor Niklas Nilsson is a Senior Research Fellow with the Joint Center. He holds a Ph.D. Degree in Government from Uppsala University, and is a Senior Lecturer at the Swedish Defence University. He has published extensively on international politics, security, and conflict in the Caucasus and the post-Soviet space. His Ph.D. Dissertation was entitled Beacon of Liberty: Role Conceptions, Crises and Stability in Georgias Foreign Policy, 2004-2012. Dr. Nilsson is Associate Editor of the Central Asia Caucasus Analyst. For a full list of publications, please consult his homepage on the Joint Center's website. A Carver High School student acknowledged Saturday that some teens fight downtown. She also said she agreed with a larger police presence on Winston-Salems downtown streets. Earlier this month, a police officer was assaulted by a teen in downtown Winston-Salem. A crackdown on unruly behavior by teens began Friday downtown with increased patrols from Forsyth County Sheriffs Office deputies and Winston-Salem police officers. On Saturday, a group of five teens threw rocks from Merschel Park at vehicles traveling on West Fourth and Trade streets, authorities said. Deputies quickly dispersed the teens. No arrests were made. Hundreds of people walked along downtown streets Saturday night with temperatures falling to the low 60s. Jaliyah Davis, 16, of Winston-Salem, walked with her two friends on Fourth Street. Officers should be stationed where teens gather in downtown Winston-Salem, said Davis, a sophomore at Carver High School. The unruly teens should stop that behavior because it negatively portrays all teenagers in the city, Davis said. Davis acknowledged that some teens fight each other downtown, and that attracts crowds of other teens. But every teen should not be blamed on the actions of a few other teens, she said. I feel like everyone should stop the violence, Davis said. Be mature, and act like you have some home training. Disruptive gatherings Over the past month, police have seen a rise in disruptive gatherings of teens downtown, Police Chief William Penn Jr. said during a press conference on May 19 at the Burke Public Safety Center. Penn said these gatherings have escalated into dangerous situations of teens engaging in reckless, illegal, and at times violent behavior. Police administrators said the increase in calls was related to teens using Lime Scooters, Penn said. However, the police department continued seeing large gatherings of unsupervised teens even after disabling the scooters. At the press conference, Annie Sims, a police spokeswoman, said four people have been charged with criminal behavior and six incident reports have been initiated. Since these reports involve minors, Sims said she could only provide limited information. We are unable to provide an exact and accurate number of calls for service regarding the complaints from downtown business people and local residents about the teens behavior, Sims said. Jason Thiel, the president of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, said he has heard about 40 complaints from downtown businesses regarding unruly behavior by local teenagers. Thiel said he heard concerns from many businesses near the Artivity on the Green Park on Liberty Street. But some businesses didnt notify police about their complaints, and many of them posted their complaints on social media, Thiel said. Others didnt want to publicly share their complaints. The complaints started during the April 26-27 weekend as some teens rode scooters on downtown streets, Thiel said. That behavior continued over the next four weekends, he said. They called me to tell me what they experienced, Thiel said. Thiel and other downtown workers are concerned for the teens safety when they ride scooters on downtown streets, he said, but Thiel also considers that behavior to be nuisance. Early Sunday, May 18, police said, a Winston-Salem police officer was assaulted while trying to break up a fight. Shondre Demarcus Lamont Chiles, 18, of Winston-Salem, is charged with misdemeanor assault on a government official and disorderly conduct, according to an arrest warrant. Chiles is accused to assaulting Officer C.B. Ray by pushing the officer and causing a public disturbance by yelling and creating the threat of imminent fighting and violence, the warrant said. The incident happened at 12:04 a.m. on at 499 W. Fifth St. and North Spruce Street, according to a police incident report. Chiles was released from custody on a written promise to appear June 27 in Forsyth District Court. Keisha Chiles, Shondres mother, said her son, his girlfriend and his cousin were walking on a downtown street when a group of teens confronted her son and his group, and a fight started. Her son was defending his girlfriend and cousin, Keisha Chiles said. When Officer Ray tried to break up the fight, Shondre Chiles accidentally pushed her, his mother said. Shondre Chiles immediately apologized to Ray for his actions, but Ray pressed charges against him, his mother said. There was a lot going on, Keisha Chiles said. Downtown has been crazy. Winston-Salem police should take steps to prevent teens from going downtown on weekends, Keisha Chiles said. She would support a citywide curfew being imposed on local teenagers. If it continues? Penn urged parents to be responsible and supervise their children. At last weeks news conference, Forsyth County District Attorney Jim ONeill said if teens unruly behavior continues, parents might be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a child for not supervising their children. Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough said downtown is the core of a city, and its important that local residents feel safe and continue to want to go there. Kimbrough emphasized the impact this behavior has on the reputation of Winston-Salem. Penn said the increased presence of law enforcement officers in downtown Winston-Salem is about public safety. Penn said that unsupervised children roaming the city at night pose a safety threat to others and themselves. A solution On Saturday, four businesspeople on Fourth and Trade streets said that some teens are creating disturbances in downtown Winston-Salem. However, Mike Scotto, co-owner of Brothers Pizza on West Fourth Street, said he knows a solution to the problem. We treat teenagers with respect, and they treat us with respect, Scotto said. We havent had any issues with them. However, Scotto pointed to an incident that happened outside his business during the May 3-4 weekend. A group of teens assaulted one of his customers after that customer had left Scottos business and was walking on the sidewalk. The customer suffered an injured eye, and he was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The customer received stitches along his eye, Scotto said. The police department and the sheriffs office have the right approach as they deploy more officers and deputies to downtown Winston-Salem on weekends in response to the behavior of some teens, Scotto said. We want it safe out here, Scotto said as he pointed to West Fourth Street. Hurting business Eric Zyglis, the owner of the Thirsty Pallet on West Fourth Street, said that about 40 teens gathered on West Fourth Street on a recent weekend after two teens chased each other. That behavior led to a skirmish involving the entire group of teens, Zyglis said. Police were called to the scene, but the teens scattered as the officers arrived, Zyglis said. They were in big packs, Zyglis said about the teens. Corey Allen, of Winston-Salem, said he agrees with the law enforcement crackdown because some teens are behaving badly. Its hurting business, said Allen, who has a teenage son. It is dangerous for teens to ride scooters on downtown streets because the drivers they encounter might have been drinking, and these drivers might not see the teens on the scooters and hit them with their vehicles, Allen said. Allen will not allow his son to ride a scooter at night in downtown Winston-Salem, he said. Nikki Pridgen, of Winston-Salem, said she welcomes the presence of more officers and deputies on patrol downtown. Unruly teens have been a problem and a menace, said Pridgen, who works a restaurant on Trade Street. I am happy to see the police presence, and I am happy to see that adults can enjoy their weekends downtown. The practice of medicine relies on clinicians' involvement in leadership. Although leadership has been designated a core medical competency in many organizations, related skills are rarely taught and reinforced across the continuum of medical training, despite a growing body of evidence documenting a positive correlation between it and patient outcomes.1-3 Results from the 2022 PA Practice Survey (PAPrS) conducted by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) indicated that many physician associates (PAs) perceive themselves to be leaders, as 40% of PA respondents indicated that they hold formal or informal leadership positions.4 PAs who hold formal leadership roles tend to have more than 10 years of work experience.4 However, in the same survey, only 12% of PA leaders indicated that they had formal leadership training, even though 35% noted an interest in pursuing formal training.5 Half of the respondents experienced barriers, challenges, and difficulties on their paths to leadership.5 Although this quantitative survey provided valuable information about PAs working in leadership roles, it lacked insight into how PAs become leaders and what obstacles and support they experience along their pathway to leadership. For this reason, the AAPA charged its Commission on Research and Strategic Initiatives (RSI) with collecting informal qualitative feedback from PAs in administrative and clinical leadership positions to better understand these experiences. This information may be useful in supporting and ultimately expanding opportunities for PAs interested in leadership positions. A better understanding of PA pathways and barriers to leadership is important, as these factors can affect or have implications for patient care, provider burnout, healthcare costs, and professional development. A key factor that determines job satisfaction for PAs is opportunities for advancement.6 Across studies, lack of upward mobility contributes to employee attrition among PAs and to consideration of career change; it is a main factor that drives dissatisfaction in the profession.5 Job dissatisfaction is critical to understand, as it correlates with patient satisfaction and treatment compliance as well as with provider burnout and job turnover.7,8 The most concerning of the consequences of low job satisfaction among PAs are intangible, but the financial cost of replacing a PA averages a staggering $250,000.7-9 Turnover results in greater healthcare costs and systems inefficiencies. The current pilot study aims to identify how PAs in leadership positions have been able to achieve those positions and what barriers made the process more challenging. These preliminary findings can encourage further research on this topic and identify concrete strategies that PAs can use to enhance their leadership opportunities. Additionally, understanding factors that prevent PAs from achieving leadership roles may yield meaningful ways to encourage advocacy and policy development on this important topic that has effects on PA well-being, patient care quality, and healthcare delivery costs. METHODS This qualitative study utilized an emic, phenomenological approach and nonprobability convenience sampling. Study personnel led semistructured focus group interviews of PA leader participants followed by a thematic analysis of the transcripts. The study was approved by the Midwestern University Glendale Campus Institutional Review Board (IRBAZ-5190), and each participant signed an informed consent form. Potential participants were identified utilizing data from the AAPA 2022 PAPrS. PAs who answered the survey question on experience in a leadership role (Are you in a leadership role, either formally or informally?) with a response of Yes, in a formal leadership role, Yes, in an informal leadership role, or, Not in the past year, but I have been in one in the past, as well as who answered affirmatively to the participation question (May we follow up with you regarding your personal pathway into leadership?) were included in the potential participant sample. This process identified 58 potential participants. Due to lower than anticipated recruitment, additional PA leaders were identified for participation by professional contacts of the research team. Participant recruitment was limited to a 2-month period including consent and interview scheduling. The AAPA utilized demographic data from the AAPA 2022 PAPrS to inform the focus group assignments. These data included age, gender, race, ethnicity, years since graduating from PA school, degrees earned, specialty, leadership pathway, and leadership experiences. However, these data were not available for the participants that were recruited via professional contacts. To ensure equal data collection for all participants and for protection of subject identity and privacy, the PAPrS demographic data were not used for the data analysis. Instead, study participants were sent an email link to an anonymous, voluntary demographics survey hosted by the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform through Midwestern University.10,11 Data collection was completed from October to November 2023. Twenty participants were included in the study. Five focus groups were conducted with two to six participants each. The semistructured interviews were based on these six core questions: Would you please describe your current leadership position? Would you please describe your pathway into your current leadership role? What training or experiences supported your success in achieving this leadership position? What barriers did you encounter in your path to achieve this leadership role? What advice would you give to aspiring PA leaders? What are the benefits and drawbacks of your current leadership position? The focus group sessions were conducted by RSI committee members (MB, RM, YF). Each focus group also had an RSI committee member (LC, RP, TJ) who was an observer who took notes and kept time. The interviews were conducted via Zoom, were audio recorded, and were transcribed using Microsoft 365 before being downloaded by the primary investigator (MB). The primary investigator replaced the names of the participants in the transcription with a study identification number. The deidentified transcripts were coded by the research team using a phenomenological approach. An initial codebook was developed utilizing a set of deductive codes that were identified in a literature review, by RSI member review of the 2022 PAPrS data, and based on personal experiences of the research team.12-21 The research team (LC, MB, RM, RP, TJ, YF) represented diverse backgrounds with respect to years of experience, clinical practice, practice setting, academia, race, ethnicity, and gender. Each research team member was assigned one or two transcripts to code, and each transcript was coded by two team members. Study researchers performed a qualitative analysis and evaluated the transcripts for codes. Codes were edited and culled, while inductive emerging codes were identified and integrated into the coding schema. The codebook was extensively revised over the course of the coding process via iterative analysis. The final codebook identified 94 unique codes. Results of the coding were assessed for interrater reliability utilizing SPSS Statistics to define Cohen's kappa. Thematic analysis was performed, and 21 subthemes were identified. Interrater reliability was defined using Cohen's kappa to quantify level of agreement among codes. The subthemes were further collapsed into six major themes (Table 1). The initial plan was to develop consensus for each code, but this process was not performed because the diversity of the coders and their coding variability added to the richness of the analysis. Additionally, when Cohen's kappa was evaluated using the identified subthemes, moderate agreement was noted. Lastly, it was determined that building consensus for every code was not feasible given the time constraints on the RSI committee. TABLE 1. - Themes, subthemes, and subtheme score Themes, subthemes, and subtheme score Theme Subtheme Subtheme score (0-40) Intention to lead Aspiration 36 Serendipity 13 Leadership role Formal 33 Informal 12 Pathways to leadership Training 38 Dedication to service 30 Networking 26 Employer-led pathway 15 Motivations Career growth 22 Time (protected time or lack of protected time) 17 Autonomy (sufficient or lack of) 12 Joy 12 Compensation (high or low) 11 Biased perception of the PA role 19 Corporate 17 Legal 8 Setting (rural versus urban) 6 Advice Preparation 26 Mindset 17 Altruism 17 Self-promotion 11 If a coder identified expression of a subtheme by a participant, then the coder recorded a score of 1. For each subtheme, the maximum score was 40 (20 respondents with 2 coders identifying the domain for each). RESULTS Twenty PA leaders participated in the focus group interviews, which consisted of two to six participants per group. Fourteen of the 20 participants completed the survey regarding demographics (Table 2), for a 30% nonresponse rate. Most respondents were female (64%), White (93%), non-Hispanic (93%), had not completed fellowship training (93%), and did not have an additional master's degree or doctorate (for example, MBA, MHA, DMSc) in addition to their PA degree (64%). TABLE 2. - Demographics (n = 14) Demographics (n = 14) Gender Female, 9 Male, 5 Prefer to self-describe, 0 I prefer not to answer, 0 Race White, 13 Other, 1 American Indian or Alaskan Native, 0 Asian, 0 Black/African American, 0 Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 0 Two or more races, 0 I prefer not to answer, 0 Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish origin No, 13 Yes, 1 I prefer not to answer, 0 When did you graduate PA school? Before 1980, 1 1980-1990, 0 1991-2000, 2 2001-2010, 10 2011-2020, 1 By the end of this calendar year, outside of your PA program, will you have received a master's, doctorate, or professional degree (for example, MBA, MPH, PhD, MD, DO, JD)? MBA, 3 MHA, 1 DMSc, 1 No, but I plan to, 3 No, and I am not interested in one, 6 Are you in a leadership role at your primary employer, either formally or informally? Not in the past year, but I have been in one in the past, 1 Yes, in a formal leadership role, 12 Yes, in an informal leadership role, 1 How many jobs do you simultaneously hold? Not more than one, 11 I hold two jobs simultaneously, 3 Have you completed a postgraduate residency or fellowship certificate program? Yes, I have completed one, 1 No, and I am not interested in one, 10 No, but I am interested in one, 3 Upon thematic analysis, 94 identified granular codes were collapsed into 21 subthemes, and Cohen's kappa for the subthemes was 0.51, showing moderate interrater agreement. The subthemes were further collapsed into six main themes. For example, the codes believe in yourself, recognize PAs are leaders, stay goal-oriented, and be open to expanding roles were collapsed into the subtheme of mindset, which was included in the main theme of advice. Two to five subthemes were identified for each main theme. We found that PA leaders in the sample had clearly defined roles and showed intention in obtaining their positions. Most participants had a formal leadership position with titles such as director, supervisor, or lead advanced practice provider. They achieved their position because they aspired to be in the role versus being in the right place at the right time. As one participant noted, I had to express that interest [in leadership] and tell people I wanted to do it. PAs who became leaders sought out formal and informal training and took the initiative to be involved in their workplaces by completing research and volunteering for administrative projects, tasks, and committees. For example, participants noted, I think it's...time in service that earns confidence in leadership and I started by just getting involved with projects, quality improvements, trying to help whenever issues came up with different leaders. Active participation in their leadership development was also seen through their engagement in networking opportunities at their workplaces or professional organizations and in pursuing employer-led leadership pathways. One of the biggest motivations for PAs to become leaders was the potential for career growth and enjoyment in the position. They shared many positive experiences working as leaders: I think the best benefit...it lets me effect change and alter the decisions or impact the decisions in my organization in a way that gives me a sense of ownership about my hospital and that has kept me at this hospital. Another participant commented that the benefit is paving the way, hopefully for new, more opportunities and...having a seat at the table and showing the value of how PAs can contribute. Some other factors that influenced whether the PA participants wanted to work in leadership roles included compensation, allotted protected time for nonclinical work, level of autonomy in their roles, and overall job satisfaction. Participants noted the challenges in obtaining adequate compensation, saying drawbacks are, it's invisible work. It's not compensated whatsoever, as well as lack of protected time, saying I'm actually stepping down from my leadership position because I have no time whatsoever. Self-efficacy and a sense of autonomy as a PA was important: It gives me ownership over my organizations' decisions and the climate, the strategic decisions, the hiring decisions, getting to select who's on my team, who my team is composed of, that really helped. One of the largest barriers identified by PAs working in leadership is the perception that PAs only have the skills and desire to work clinically and that employers lack familiarity with PAs in leadership positions. A participant stated that there is a perception that PAs are not leaders or managers or department administrators and don't have the background that prepares them for that work. Others noted that there is a lack of expectation for PAs to be in leadership and that a more nebulous barrier was just not being trusted to fill in the leadership role. In addition, the PAs in the focus groups noted that restrictive policies, organizational red tape, productivity requirements, and scope of practice laws hindered their ability to work in leadership roles. One participant recognized, ...we have struggled with our health system bylaws. The health system has been just a little slower in that process. So recently our bylaws were adjusted or amended to allow APPs on the medical staff with voting privileges. Another shared, I can't supervise somebody who would clinically supervise me. So, I think continuing to advocate for that in the state legislation has got to be a big agenda for our organization moving forward. It was also noted that PAs working in rural areas may have more opportunities for leadership positions, whereas those working in urban areas faced increased competition for such roles. The focus group participants provided advice for PAs interested in becoming leaders. The most common subtheme was to prepare oneself for a leadership role by finding a support network or mentor, obtaining additional education, and mastering and maintaining one's clinical skills. One participant advised that PAs interested in leadership continue to work clinically because I found that people that get into administrative positions and don't work clinically really lose touch of what the real problems are in the foxholes. Having a healthy mindset and approaching leadership as a means to benefit other PAs were common themes in the advice that PA leaders provided. This included understanding that leadership is rewarding but that one must expect challenges in it and be open to change. One participant shared, I would say you're a pioneer and expect it to be hard. It's not going to be easy, and you have to stay the course, even when things get rocky. But what we're doing is really helping the profession, and it's good work; it's noble work and someone has to, you know, push it forward for it to happen. One can be altruistic as a leader by volunteering when needed and advocating for others, including those that may be vulnerable due to a minoritized social identity. For example, if you're in a position or a person who has a lot of privilege, you know, make sure you recognize that. And use that to the benefit of others. DISCUSSION This pilot qualitative study expanded on the AAPA's 2022 PAPrS to gain insights into the pathways to PA leadership and the perspectives of PA leaders on those factors that facilitated or impeded their transition. The study yielded several key findings that could aid in promoting the growth of PA leadership and addressing evolving needs in healthcare. First, most PAs in leadership positions intentionally sought out these roles and advocated for themselves when positions arose. This suggests that taking a proactive approach is key for PAs who wish to work in leadership positions. This involves clearly articulating career aspirations and objectives. Relying solely on luck may lead to missed opportunities and an uncertain career path. Second, many PA leaders initially began their path to leadership with informal or volunteer activities, which led to additional opportunities that later evolved into formal roles. Examples of informal activities include participating in committees and task forces, volunteering to complete undesirable tasks, and becoming well-known for work ethic and expertise. These actions ultimately resulted in increased visibility from management with subsequent consideration for leadership positions. Thus, for those with leadership aspirations, volunteering for informal roles may be a feasible means of transitioning into leadership. Third, similar to the 2022 PAPrS report, this study identified several organizational factors helpful for facilitating PAs' transition into leadership. Education, training, mentorship, and organizational support were crucial to enable PAs to effectively perform their leadership roles. This finding provides additional support for AAPA and other constituent organizations' efforts to advocate for leadership training by creating specialized courses, competencies, and continuing learning opportunities. Establishing formal leadership mentorship programs that connect experienced PA leaders with those aspiring to move into positions of greater responsibility may enhance PAs' leadership journeys. Further, those PA leaders whose organizations provided dedicated time and compensation for leadership activities perceived their role to be more satisfying, although a lack of such support did not deter most participants from continuing their leadership role. We also explored PA leaders' perceptions of barriers that hindered their transition into leadership. Lack of compensation, not being perceived as a possible leader, and difficulty in balancing clinical and administrative responsibilities were major challenges. Specifically, the challenge of allocating time effectively between these competing demands often resulted in role conflict and burnout, particularly when the expectations and obligations of a clinical provider clashed with their administrator duties. This reflects the results of the 2022 PAPrS that found that 60% of the surveyed PAs reported not being compensated for leadership duties. Clinical PA roles are typically evaluated based on productivity metrics, such as relative value units, number of patients seen, or procedures performed, whereas administrative roles are evaluated through other metrics such as cost savings, process improvements, and policy development, some of which may not be immediately quantifiable. Proving effectiveness can be challenging for PA leaders transitioning from clinical to administrative roles. With declining availability of physicians and increasing numbers of PAs and NPs in clinical practice, PAs will have more opportunities to fill leadership roles if barriers can be addressed. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 7% decrease in clinically active family physicians between 2013 and 2022.22 However, this is occurring at a time when increased healthcare needs are anticipated due to a 6% increase in the overall US population as well as an increase in people over 64 years of age, who are projected to comprise 20% of the US population by 2030.23,24 Between 2014 and 2019, PAs in clinical practice increased by 22% and NPs increased by 47%.25 Meanwhile, a position statement from the American College of Physicians (ACP) advocated for collaborative team-based patient-centered medical homes but recommended that only physicians should lead these teams.26 The ACP based this recommendation on the perception that physicians' education and training make them the most qualified to exercise advanced clinical responsibilities, but it says nothing of relative leadership skills.26 Position statements like this likely contribute to organizational perceptions that PAs are not leaders. A growing body of evidence suggests that nonphysician medical providers can effectively fill positions of greater responsibility. The experience and effectiveness of PAs and NPs as inpatient medical directors were recently studied.27 After initial training, PAs and NPs leading inpatient medical units successfully designed and implemented new clinical policies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.28,29 PAs and NPs were found to have implemented necessary changes in their inpatient units, which sometimes included restructuring and relocating certain services, resulting in better advanced care planning, improved discharge rates, improved patient safety, and the sharing of best practices with other units.28,29 Notably, as a result, PAs and NPs were perceived as potential leaders within their organizations in these studies.28,29 Healthcare systems that leverage PA leadership capabilities will also benefit. This process will require changing traditional perceptions of the PA role and acknowledging the value PAs bring to administrative roles. A recent survey of more than 134,000 PAs and NPs conducted in 2024 suggested a lower turnover rate in organizations that employed them as leaders.30 Other data suggest that PAs and NPs are 8% less likely to leave a position if they report to a leader who is a PA or an NP.31 Healthcare systems and organizations would benefit from education on the evolving role of PAs and recognition that PA skills and training can be effectively utilized in both clinical and administrative leadership capacities. The perception that PAs can only be clinicians and not leaders will likely change as more PAs attain positions of greater responsibility. Individual PAs and their supporting organizations can move in several directions to support those PAs who seek greater responsibilities. Current PA leaders must share their journeys into leadership and become mentors for future PA leaders. PA organizations must continue to provide education, training, and guidance for PAs interested in transitioning into leadership careers, as AAPA did in 2024 through its Executive Leadership Conference. In addition, PAs and their professional organizations must advocate for adequate compensation and protected time to succeed in their leadership positions. Lastly, employer workforce culture that precludes PAs as candidates for leadership roles must be challenged and changed. Limitations Results of this study may have been affected by the focus group dynamics and interaction among participants. Some participants are naturally more vocal and may have dominated portions of the interviews. In addition, each focus group contained variable numbers of participants, which influenced the amount of time participants had to answer questions and the amount of time for the focus group leader to ask all prepared questions. Focus group size affected the results, as some themes may have not been raised secondary to time constraints. As is true of all qualitative inquiry, bias on the part of the coders can impact the interpretation of a study's themes and findings. This was tempered by a larger coding team of six members from across the United States and from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, two coders evaluated each transcript. However, it is still possible that personal biases played a role in how data were interpreted. The sample size was small, and methodological issues included use of a nonprobability convenience sample, which may have caused selection bias. The participant numbers were augmented by recruiting participants from within the researchers' professional and social networks. This methodology may have resulted in a sample that was not representative of the true population of PAs in leadership positions. Moreover, the sample suffered from a lack of racial and ethnic diversity, likely limiting the generalizability of the study, though it is possible that a lack of diversity generally affects PAs in leadership positions; more research is needed to clarify this issue. Lastly, only 70% of the participants completed the demographics survey. Nonresponder bias may have led to disproportionate representation of the demographic data. This type of bias may not have a normal distribution and is subject to nonrandom effects. CONCLUSION This pilot study shows that PA leaders perceive dedication, training, and networking as important pathways for PA leadership. Study participants acknowledge that employers' support of adequate training, compensation, protected time, and autonomy provides a pathway to growth in leadership. Removal of corporate and legal barriers to PA leadership is needed, as is medical community education regarding the importance and value of PA leadership. It is essential that research of high scientific rigor be completed to support or refute the findings of this pilot study. More research is also needed to understand the varying roles of PAs in leadership, how best to advocate for PAs in these positions, and the implications of PA leadership roles. Equity within the profession is an important goal to support a diverse population of PAs. Future research should aim to better understand factors regarding representation and equity for PAs in leadership culture. In recent years, expatriate physician associates (PAs) have become increasingly visible to observers of international medical labor.1 Although this trend is only partially documented and not widely acknowledged, it signals a growing transformation in healthcare service delivery, with the PA serving as a transferable skilled health professional. THE GROWING TREND OF PA EMIGRATION There is an ongoing trend entailing emigration of American-trained PAs to Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom (UK). American PAs have also found positions in Australia, South Africa, Israel, Liberia, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands. This migration is not exclusive to Americans, as PAs from the UK and Canada have also moved to New Zealand. According to estimates from colleagues abroad, at least 35 American PAs reside and work in Canada. Unlike physicians and nurses, the reverse flow for PAs is obstructed because licensure, which is granted exclusively by states, requires graduation from an ARC-PA-accredited program (a qualification for sitting the American PA National Certifying Examination). REASONS FOR RELOCATION The motivations for PAs to move abroad are varied. One common reason is marriage or having a lifestyle partner who is a national of the host country. For instance, an American PA married to a Canadian, New Zealander, or British national might relocate to their partner's home country. Some American PAs have moved to the UK, Israel, and South Africa to take up educational roles or help establish new PA programs.2,3 An American-trained PA has returned home to the Netherlands to work in primary care.4 National issues may play a role in the decision to emigrate. Some PAs have cited the quality of life in their new country as a primary motivator for relocation. Political factors, such as reproductive rights and confidence in changing US laws and regulations, have driven others to seek employment offshore. For some, raising a family in an environment with less partisan extremism or gun violence has been a significant factor in the decision to relocate. One American PA, for example, emigrated after their European spouse was denied American citizenship. Individuals who leave for political reasons are known as emigres. THE PA MOVEMENT IN NEW ZEALAND New Zealand has become a prominent destination for PAs, attracting interest from the UK, Canada, and the United States. As of 2025, at least 50 PAs participate in the early New Zealand PA movement. The political culture in New Zealand, which includes nonnuclear policies, gun control, diverse cultures, and universal healthcare, resonates with many expatriate PAs and reinforces their decision to relocate. Additionally, some PAs find the wages and benefits in New Zealand more appealing than those in their home countries, like the UK and Canada. Based on personal observations, no country offers higher PA salaries than the United States, suggesting that sociopolitical factors may surmount financial considerations.5 OTHER EXAMPLES OF PA EMIGRATION Some PAs who choose to emigrate are married to business professionals assigned to work abroad. In these cases, the American PA may find employment in a country early in its PA movement, such as Germany. For instance, American PAs may accompany their spouses on assignments in Germany or be stationed by the Department of Defense or Department of State in Afghanistan, Africa, or Latin America. Peace Corps PAs serve as medical officers on temporary assignments that typically last 2 to 5 years. One PA worked with Medecins Sans Frontieres in Djibouti, Somaliland, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Various humanitarian medical care organizations, such as the US Public Health Service and several religious organizations, temporarily relocate PAs. Although these PAs are not classified as expatriates due to their temporary placements, they serve as professional role models in their host countries, generating interest in the profession. CONCLUSION The emigration of PAs is a growing global trend that necessitates attention and documentation as a strategy for skilled medical labor. Similar to the relocation of American physicians and nurses abroad, the PA movement represents the export of an overlooked medical workforce model. Understanding the reasons behind this movement can be a cornerstone for recognizing PAs' capabilities in global healthcare service delivery. As this relocation trend evolves, gathering more details and documentation on the experiences of expatriate and emigre PAs will help to achieve a comprehensive understanding of this shift in the global healthcare workforce. The parking lot north of the County-City Building in downtown Lincoln is about to get bigger and while it's being turned into a five-level parking garage, a trolley will take employees and the public to and from nearby city garages. The expansion of that northern parking structure will happen at roughly the same time the city's new multimodal transit center for StarTran is being built just to the south of the County-City Building on a surface parking lot used by employees. In the meantime, employees who park in both those lots and the public with business in the Hall of Justice, probation or county and city offices on South 10th Street between H and K streets will need to find alternative parking. City officials plan to create parking for both employees and the public in two city garages Carriage Park Garage at 1128 L St. and Center Park Garage at 1120 N St. during construction, said Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director Liz Elliott. The city will reroute the downtown trolley so it makes stops at both those garages and the City-County Building, she said. Before 8:30 a.m. and after 4 p.m., the trolley will make stops at those locations about every 10 minutes. Between those hours during the day, the trolley will stop about every 15 minutes. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Public Building Commission, which manages the existing lot to the north, built in 2002, plans to add three levels to the structure. Now, it includes an underground lot used by employees and a public lot accessible from both 10th and K streets a total of 478 parking stalls. The surface lot to the south, which is used by employees, has 276 spots, said Kerin Peterson, public building commission administrator. Thats where city officials want to build a $32 million multimodal transportation center for StarTran, a project made possible by a $23.6 million federal grant a highly competitive grant the city applied for eight times before it was successful in August 2022. In the application, the city identified the parking lot to the north the one now planned for expansion as a possible location, but pivoted to the south lot after federal officials nixed the idea of using the existing floors of the north parking structure. Since then, the city has been slowly working its way through the federal approvals necessary before design and construction begin in earnest and city officials believe the grant, which came through the federal Department of Transportation, is safe, despite the Trump administrations cancellation of other federal grants. The city has passed the environmental study required by the federal government and the feds also approved the $3.4 million appraisal of the south parking lot, Elliott said. That means the city can begin negotiations with Lancaster County to buy the lot, and after that the city can begin focusing on design and construction. While the multimodal center is the catalyst for the improvements to the north lot, Peterson said, the public building commission had always planned to build on at some point to accommodate additional court personnel and traffic to the Hall of Justice and City Hall. The original lot was built to accommodate future parking decks, she said. When its finished the new garage will have 966 stalls about 200 more than are available on the north and south lots today, she said. A portion of the block where the north parking structure sits could be the site of another development, Peterson said. The area extends from the existing parking structure to L Street and is now used for additional parking. In the new parking garage, the entrance and exits to the underground lot will remain off of Ninth and L streets. The entrance to the rest of the garage will be from 10th Street and an existing entrance off of K Street will be removed. When its finished, the garage will be about 15 feet lower than the County-City Building and there will be some new landscaping around the parking garage, according to documents submitted to the citys urban design committee. Parking will remain free for the public doing business with local government, though employees will continue to pay for parking, Peterson said. That revenue will help pay off revenue bonds Peterson plans to issue to pay for the estimated $20.3 million expansion cost. Construction is slated to begin late this summer or fall, and is scheduled to be done in November 2026. Nebraska reported its first confirmed case of measles in eight years Tuesday as an outbreak of the highly contagious disease continues to spread across the nation. The Panhandle Public Health District reported Tuesday morning that a child in Sheridan County has contracted measles, which is the first known case of the disease in Nebraska since 2017. The last confirmed case of the virus in Lancaster County was reported in 1990. The child, who has experienced mild symptoms and is recovering, was age-appropriately vaccinated, likely indicating a potential spread through the community, according to the department. Dr. Sydney Stein, Nebraska's state epidemiologist, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance calls for children to receive a first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR, between 12 and 15 months and a second between ages 4 and 6. In this case, the child, while age-appropriately vaccinated, had not received the full series of shots, she told the Omaha World-Herald. The measles vaccine is safe and considered 97% effective after two doses and 93% effective after one shot. But in rare cases, Stein said, even a fully vaccinated person can have a breakthrough infection, depending on the timing of vaccination relative to exposure, the intensity and duration of the exposure and the patient's immune status. "The best protection is our community being vaccinated with two doses of vaccine as age appropriate," Stein said. Given that the child had not traveled out of state, she said, health officials are working under the assumption that an infected person they don't yet know about was in the general vicinity of Sheridan County before the child became ill. Health officials have still not yet identified when or where the infection may have occurred. But the department did identify locations and times when people may have been exposed: At the Family Dollar in Rushville on May 17 between 9 a.m. and noon, and at the Gordon Clinic in Gordon on May 21 between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. It requested those worried about exposure to fill out a risk assessment survey at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services' website. Those with a known exposure are asked to stay home and away from other people for 21 days. The virus, which is most commonly seen in children, has been spreading across the U.S. in recent months, stemming from an outbreak in northwestern Texas that has killed three people. As of Thursday, a total of 1,046 cases had been confirmed in about 30 states, including Iowa (one case), Colorado (five), North Dakota (21) and Kansas (58), according to data collected by the CDC. Of those cases, about 96% are in those who are unvaccinated. About 12% of cases have led to hospitalizations. "The best defense against this highly contagious virus is to be MMR vaccinated," said Jessica Davies, the health director of the Panhandle Public Health District, in a news release. Achieving herd immunity In order to achieve herd immunity, meaning most people are protected from the virus, a community must maintain a vaccination rate of 95% or above. Currently, Nebraska falls below this threshold at 94% a number that has been steadily decreasing for several years, according to Partnership for a Healthy Nebraska data. During the 2021-22 school year, Nebraska had an average vaccination rate in kindergarteners of 96.1%. The next year, it fell to 95%. In Nebraska's panhandle, for example, the vaccination rate for kindergarteners this year is 89.9%, down from the 94.2% rate reported during the 2020-21 school year. Lancaster County has also seen a similar trend in recent years, going from a rate of 94.4% five years ago to 89.4% today. The North Central District Health Department in the northern part of the state along the South Dakota border currently has the third lowest rate in Nebraska at 90.6%. In 2020, the area had a nearly 97% vaccination rate. More about measles Measles is an airborne illness that can cause symptoms similar to a common cold such as fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat and inflamed eyes. It is also known for causing a skin rash comprised of large, red blotches. The infection often occurs in 2-3 week stages, including a roughly 10-day period following exposure when a patient is infectious but there are no signs or symptoms yet. Then, patients often begin to develop a mild to moderate fever combined with several other symptoms. The rash will typically start to form on the face first before spreading across the rest of the body, usually lasting about seven days. During this phase, fevers can spike drastically, reaching as high as nearly 106 degrees. The infection is extremely contagious and can be spread among unvaccinated children with ease. In fact, it is considered to be the most contagious virus to infect humans, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. In April, Gov. Jim Pillen and local health officials warned Nebraskans the disease was likely going to spread across state lines soon and urged parents to take precautions against measles by getting their children vaccinated. Most children receive the first dose of the vaccine at 12 months and the second dose is typically given at 4 to 6 years of age. If we are proactive and preventative, we can make an incredible difference, Pillen said at an April 11 news conference. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department also stressed the importance of vaccinating children on Tuesday, asking Nebraskans to stay vigilant against the virus. The measles, mumps, rubella vaccine is about 97% effective, according to the department, but those who are vaccinated and still get sick are likely to only experience mild symptoms. Were very concerned about this latest development. Measles can spread quickly and make some people severely ill," said Health Director Kerry Kernen in a news release. "We urge residents to check their vaccination status to make sure they have protection against the disease. Now that Nebraska has a confirmed measles case, the state is playing a "waiting game" as officials look out for more cases and continue to track where the outbreak could have stemmed from, according to Bob Rauner, the president of the Lincoln Board of Education and a former family physician of 15 years. Because of the time it takes for symptoms to appear, it could take about two weeks before more cases are identified. While he hopes it's an isolated incident, it's likely that more children will be infected due to the area's low rates of measles vaccinations, Rauner said. "There's a lot of kids who might potentially develop measles if they were exposed. So that's our big challenge," he said. However, because school districts are no longer in session due to summer break, there could be a lull in the spread as students are less likely to congregate in crowded spaces and are spending more time outside. In response to the measles outbreak making its way across the nation, officials at Lincoln Public Schools have been encouraging families to vaccinate their children to help prevent an outbreak in the district. During an April board meeting, Rauner spoke about how to protect children from the outbreak and provided information on the vaccine. The district also recently sent a letter to the families of students who are unvaccinated with information on the risks of measles and vaccination recommendations. LPS requires all students to receive vaccines for several diseases, including measles, unless immunization goes against a students religious beliefs or if they are unable to be vaccinated due to medical conditions. In the past few months, Rauner said LPS has seen a slight increase in the district's vaccination rates among students. Now, he believes every school in the district has a rate of at least 95%, or is close to reaching that threshold. "Once the propagation starts happening, if there's enough fuel for the fire, meaning unvaccinated people, it's going to keep spreading," he said. "If it can spread in Texas and Kansas, it's going to spread here unless people get vaccinated." By Sergey Sukhankin Kazakhstan has finalized its decision regarding the bidder selected to construct its inaugural nuclear power plant (NPP). Contrary to earlier projections favoring a Chinese provider, the Russian state corporation Rosatom has assumed the leading role within the international consortium. However, this outcome is unlikely to marginalize Chinese interests: a Chinese firm is expected to lead the construction of a subsequent NPP, while Chinese companies are concurrently gaining prominence in other vital sectors of Kazakhstans (and Central Asias) economy, including renewable energy and water management. Western firms appear to be the principal losers, as their capacity to expand into the most lucrative and strategic segments of Kazakhstans economy is likely to diminish. The Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia. Image Courtesy of IAEA Imagebank BACKGROUND: In October 2024, following a national referendum in which over 71 percent of voters supported the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan, local authorities prouced a shortlist of prospective bidders. This included Chinas CNNC, Russias Rosatom, South Koreas KHNP, and Frances EDF. The selection process extended beyond economic rationale and was clearly shaped by geopolitical considerations: although Kazakhstani authorities initially intended to make a decision by the end of 2022, the deadline was repeatedly postponed. Despite widespread confidence among local experts that CNNC would prevail, and notable public support for the French and South Korean contenders, on June 14 it was officially announced that Russias Rosatom would lead the international consortium responsible for building the NPP. However, appointing Rosatom to oversee Kazakhstans first NPP does not signify exclusive Russian dominance in the countrys emerging nuclear sector. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had previously stated that, to avert a foreseeable energy shortage, Kazakhstan would require not one but three NPPs. Furthermore, Minister of Energy Almasadam Satqaliev publicly indicated that CNNC would likely head the consortium for the construction of another NPP. Tokayev later reaffirmed this during a meeting with Xi Jinping, assuring the Chinese leader that, given Kazakhstans need for 23 NPPs, CNNC is regarded as a reliable strategic partner with a secured role in the domestic market. IMPLICATIONS: In many respects, Kazakhstans decision to appoint Rosatom as the head of the international consortium is readily explicable and can be attributed to two principal factors. First is the logic of do-not-poke-the-bear thinking. A combination of adverse developments and humiliationsthe stalled three-day war in Ukraine, increasing economic and political isolation, and a series of setbacks in the Middle Easthas rendered the Russian political elite particularly sensitive to any potential rejection of its bid by Kazakhstan. Furthermore, Kazakhstan has once again declined to join BRICS, a move that visibly displeased Moscow. At this juncture, it is worth recalling that on May 29, Vladimir Putin met with Kazakhstans first president, Nursultan Nazarbayevan event that, according to some experts, may be interpreted as part of Russias exertion of political pressure on Kazakhstans current leadership in relation to the NPP project. Despite Russias ongoing decline, Kazakhstans accommodation of Russias NPP-related interests is not unexpected: when cornered, the Russian regime is capable of undertaking retaliatory measuressuch as provocations, subversion, or other forms of pressureagainst the significantly smaller Kazakhstan. Conversely, experts have acknowledged that the selection of Rosatom may also possess an element of rationality. Analysts based in Kazakhstan emphasize Russias notable competitive advantages, which include cultural and linguistic proximity as well as logistical and technological compatibility. Moreover, Uzbekistans decision to finalize an agreement for the construction of a small NPPan agreement that has since been upgraded in scopemay have further influenced Kazakhstans preference for Rosatom. Importantly, Rosatom is not subject to international sanctions, and the likelihood of its inclusion on such lists does not appear imminent. That said, uncertainty remains regarding how Kazakhstan would respond should the corporation become subject to Western sanctions or if Russias macroeconomic conditions deteriorate further. Although Russia reportedly offers Kazakhstan favorable credit termsdetails of which remain undisclosedKazakhstan-based experts highlight that Russia has previously failed to fulfill its commitments to finance energy infrastructure projects in three Kazakhstani cities. Moreover, citing the Belarusian case, anonymous Russian sources caution that partnering with Rosatom may ultimately impose a financial burden on Kazakhstan, despite the apparent economic appeal of the offer, and could also give rise to significant safety concerns over time. Russia, however, will not be the sole dominant actor in Kazakhstans emerging nuclear energy sector. As previously noted, the local ruling elite regards China as a crucial component of the equation and, seemingly, as a counterbalancing force to Russia. For its part, Beijing will capitalize on several competitive advantages as it seeks to expand its influence within the country and its nuclear industry. First, China is intensifying its cooperation with Kazakhstan in the field of water management, a domain of critical importance given the deteriorating conditions in the Caspian Sea. For example, during a recent meeting between Chinese and Kazakh water management experts, it was agreed that China Energy International Group would provide comprehensive training and expertise to its Kazakh counterparts. Additionally, it was disclosed at the meeting that the company is actively exploring the construction of a hydroelectric power facility in Kazakhstan and has expressed interest in participating in projects focused on the digitalization and automation of the countrys water management sector. Beyond current challenges with water supply, Kazakhstans ambitious plans to develop green hydrogenwhich demands significant water resourcesunderscore water management as a strategic priority, and China is poised to expand its involvement in this area. Second, China is rapidly enhancing its role in one of Kazakhstans most promising economic sectorsits uranium industry. Kazakhstan ranks first globally in uranium production and holds the second-largest uranium reserves after Australia, where production may decline due to growing public opposition. In light of ongoing geopolitical instability in Sub-Saharan Africa, Kazakhstan and Canada are likely to remain the two leading uranium producers, maintaining dominance in the global market. In this context, China could support Kazakhstan in addressing two major constraints limiting the full exploitation of its uranium resources: the absence of domestic enrichment capabilities and the continued reliance on Russia for uranium export logistics. It is thus worth noting that Rosatom-affiliated Uranium One Group recently concluded an agreement with the Chinese firm SNURDC Astana Mining Company Limited, a subsidiary of the State Nuclear Uranium Resources Development Co., Ltd. Under this arrangement, the Russian party transferred its shares in uranium production sites located in Northern Kazakhstan (Northern Khorasan) to its Chinese counterpart. Although experts remain divided on Chinas rationale for acquiring stakes in what is viewed as a relatively depleted and marginal uranium site, many interpret this as a strategic move to further expand Chinas presence in Kazakhstan. In any case, an increasing foothold in the countrys uranium sector could serve as a compelling argument in Chinas favor in its pursuit of the NPP project. Finally, Kazakhstan must recognize the potential consequences it may face in the near future if it fails to deepen its cooperation with China in nuclear and other forms of clean energy. Many experts contend that Chinas rapid shift toward renewable energy signals a troubling trend for its hydrocarbon suppliers, including Kazakhstan. At present, renewable sources account for 80 percent of Chinas energy and electricity demand, while fossil fuels still constitute approximately 62 percent of its overall energy consumption. However, the proportion of non-renewable energy in Chinas energy mix is expected to decline further. This trajectory suggests that Kazakhstan should proactively explore alternative areas of economic cooperationsuch as critical metals, renewable energy, and nuclear powerwith its principal economic partner, especially in light of Beijings strategic direction and the intensifying competition from regional actors like Uzbekistan, where China is also expanding its presence. CONCLUSIONS: Kazakhstans decision to appoint Rosatom de facto as the lead entity in constructing its first nuclear power plant (NPP) reflects a blend of economic, geopolitical, and symbolic considerations. The second NPP will most likely be built by China, which is simultaneously consolidating its position in Kazakhstans water management and renewable energy sectorsdomains poised to drive economic growth across Central Asia for decades to come. For Russia, weakened and humiliated in Ukraine and the Middle East, the opportunity to construct Kazakhstans inaugural NPP represents a highly symbolic gesture, acknowledging its ongoing role in bilateral relations. Kazakhstans choice to prioritize a Sino-Russian consortiumthough the long-term stability of this partnership remains uncertainfor shaping the countrys nuclear future effectively establishes a duopoly in this sector of the national economy. This development may be unwelcome news for Western actors, whose companies are unlikely to secure significant contracts in Kazakhstans most strategic economic sectors. AUTHOR'S BIO: Dr. Sergey Sukhankin is a Senior Fellow at the Jamestown Foundation and the Saratoga Foundation (both Washington DC) and a Fellow at the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (Canada). He teaches international business at MacEwan School of Business (Edmonton, Canada). Currently he is a postdoctoral fellow at the Canadian Maritime Security Network (CMSN). It's time for a female Husker mascot Thanks for the great article about Herbie and Lil' Red (Journal Star, 5/17). Herbie and Lil' Red are great, but isn't it about time we had a female mascot? The women's programs have been outperforming the men for a long time. She should have made her debut at the Memorial Stadium volleyball match, but how about at the first match in the John Cook Arena? She could be dressed like Herbie, but with long, red braids. Her name? Scarlet N. Cream, but we'll just call her Scarlet. Charles Pille, Lincoln History will not be kind In January, Sen. Deb Fischer invited the UNL choir to inaugurate the most corrupt government this country has ever known. She prattled on about the Constitution and the dawn of a prosperous age (pre-erratic tariff policy). Was she naive? Now, hindsight is always 20/20, and there were some things that we suspected but didnt know at that moment. We knew the Trump crime family is corrupt, that he and his minions spread the Big Lie that resulted in an insurrection at the Capitol that injured 140 police officers. Some principled Republicans, like then-Sen. Ben Sasse, warned us about Trump. Sen. Fischer, you should have spared our venerable choir the humiliation of what we now experience: An accelerated American decline that youve helped catalyze. You and Sen. Ricketts are complicit in our authoritarian zeitgeist, i.e. the befouling of our Constitution and the rule of law to enrich the Trump crime family. Youve approved the most clownish presidential cabinet of MAGA grifters in history. RFK Jr. and Pete Hegseth what winners! Signalgate is your problem. The Qatar luxury airplane debacle is your unconstitutional problem. DOGE data breaches and cruel cuts to medicine, agriculture and education are your problem. The arbitrary arrests of citizens and legal residents are your problem. More expensive goods and services are your problem. Targeting law firms and universities are your problem. You and Ricketts will always be linked to this era of made-for-TV fascism and, as Liz Cheney said, history will not be kind. Tim Turnquist, Lincoln Protect people's retirement May is Older Americans Month, but as we celebrate the achievements of seniors we find ourselves in the middle of an all out attack on retirement. The Republican Congress is hellbent on destroying Medicaid (saying they can cut $500 billion from it without harm), cutting Medicare and making an already understaffed Social Security Administration forced to do more with less to the point of collapse after nearly 90 years of incredible efficiency. Tell the Nebraska congressional delegation to stop these insane, cruel cuts and protect retirement, not kill it. Al Mumm, president, Nebraska Alliance for Retired Americans, Waterloo Name change is petty Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraskas 2nd District was the only Republican member of the House of Representatives to vote against changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Thank you Rep. Bacon. Evidently, Rep. Adrian Smith and Rep. Mike Flood think it is a good idea to change the name of this body of water named the Gulf of Mexico since 1550, and spend tax money reprinting all official maps and documents related to the Gulf. Or, did they vote yes to appease the insatiable ego of Donald Trump? I am surprised Trump didnt sign an executive order renaming it the Gulf of Trump, and if he had, it probably would have passed. Congressional Republicans have no shame when it comes to bowing to the whims of the Great One. The Senate still needs to vote on this issue. I wonder if Sens. Fischer and Ricketts also think it is a great idea to insult and demean our southern neighbor in this senseless way. Donald Trump is the neighborhood bully and his congressional cohorts dont even have the courage to stand up to him on such a senseless issue. This does not make America look great. It makes us look petty, mean-spirited and as Trump would say, just plain stupid. Jane Nider, Beatrice Follow the money What the first 100 days of Trumps current administration have demonstrated convincingly is that if you put a confused criminal in the White House, trouble will follow. What the American people havent yet grasped, however, is just what that trouble really consists of. Its not that retirement accounts have now lost half their value, or that erratic tariffs will raise the price of goods while slowing the economys growth, or that masked thugs have begun arresting and detaining immigrants as well as citizens, or that thousands of federal workers have lost their jobs, or that many of the agencies they worked for have been virtually hobbled. All those things, and more, are very bad, but theyre just distractions. The real trouble consists of a grand-scale heist that may be taking place in plain sight, which no one can see because those involved, knowingly or unknowingly, are ones normally protecting us from such calamity. All agencies and their workers battered by the DOGE boys were fully funded at the beginning of the year. Now that the former have been hobbled or even shuttered and the latter have been fired, what has happened to the money, the hundreds of billions of dollars allocated by Congress for domestic and international programs? Ask your representatives and senators, especially the Republican ones, to tell you where all that money currently is and whats to be done with it. If theyre evasive, that response may indicate theyre part of the problem. Forget the distractions: follow the money. Liam O. Purdon, Lincoln Looking back on 1st 100 days My observations of the Trump administrations first 100 days. They fired the personnel who manage Americas nuclear weapons arsenal. Then, they struggled to hire them all back. They ordered federal employees to report what they did at work last week. Then, told them to ignore that request. Funding for 911 survivors and first responders was cut, but later reinstated. Funding to prevent Ebola virus was cut, but later reversed. They cut phone service to the Social Security Administration, only to reverse that after public outcry. They cut the suicide hotline from the Veterans Administration, then reconnected. They advertised 433 federal properties for sale, including the buildings housing the Department of Justice and the FBI, then later pulled the ads. Trump abruptly began terminating foreign student visa registrations, only to restore them later. In his first term, Trump renegotiated the NAFTA agreement with Canada and Mexico, claiming it was the best agreement ever. In his second term, he claims it is the worst agreement ever. DOGE proclaimed that it would find $2 TRILLION of waste and fraud. Their public page now states finding only $150 billion worth. Then, theres the tariffs. First, theyre on, then off, then on again, then paused for 90 days. Congress budget includes cuts of $800 billion to Medicare and Medicaid. Trump had previously stated, in multiple interviews, that those cuts are off the table. Trump said he would buy Greenland, take back Panama by force, make Canada our 51st state, end the war in Ukraine in one day, and lower prices on day 1. None of the above. Trump lauded Musk for removing government inefficiencies (with a chainsaw). The inefficiency of this on-again, off-again governing should be evidence enough for DOGE to fire the entire Trump administration. Brad Carper, Lincoln Military pay no joke The commander in chief (Trump) suggested that our grossly underpaid military personnel refuse their pay raises "for the good of our country." This coming from the world's biggest grifter. Returning from the Middle East with pockets full of huge financial gains for himself. Donald Trump quipped May 15 that while his budget includes raises for service personnel, they are free to turn it down as a sacrifice to their country. Trump, speaking to U.S. troops, praised them as the key to Americas military. The real strength of our military doesnt come from its fighter jets, it really comes from our people. Thats you. It comes from our people. Thats when Trump offered the chance for the troops to make more sacrifices. Youre an incredible and special group of people, Thats why my 2026 budget includes across-the-board ... pay raises for each and every one of you. Substantial pay raises. But you dont have to take it. Maybe you dont want it. Look, for the good of the country, you dont have to take it, Trump said. You can go to your commanding officer and say, Sir, Id rather not take that pay. I love my country. I dont want; I refuse to take it.' Trump made it sound like a joke. It isn't a joke, just taking from those in need and giving more tax breaks to his rich buddies. Maybe Trump should ask his billionaire buddies to forgo their unearned tax breaks for the good of the country"? Robert Hegler, Cortland Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Former American College of Physicians treasurer and infectious disease physician Janet A. Jokela discusses her article, Internal Medicine 2025: inspiration at the annual meeting. She shares her personal reflections on the profound value of attending the American College of Physicians annual internal medicine meeting, drawing from decades of experience. Janet highlights the three core pillars of the eventeducation, inspiration, and communityemphasizing the exceptional quality of clinical updates, the energizing atmosphere of professional excellence, and the deep sense of camaraderie among colleagues. The conversation covers how the meeting has evolved to cater to physicians at all career stages and serves as a vital touchstone for advancing the ACPs mission. Janet passionately conveys why this annual gathering is more than just a conference; its a place for renewal, connection, and a reaffirmation of the core values in medicine. The key takeaway is: The ACP annual meeting offers internal medicine physicians an unparalleled opportunity for top-tier education, profound inspiration, and invaluable community building, making it an essential experience for professional growth and personal enrichment. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, its backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertiseand its built on a foundation of trust. Its time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome back Janet A. Jokela, an infectious disease physician and former treasurer of the American College of Physicians. Todays KevinMD article is Internal Medicine 2025: Inspiration at the annual meeting. Janet, welcome back to the show. Janet A. Jokela: Hi, Kevin. Thanks so much. Im delighted to be here. Kevin Pho: Tell us what your latest article is about. ADVERTISEMENT Janet A. Jokela: I wrote this after returning from the annual meeting. I just realized how important it has been to me throughout my career and how much I enjoyed it, so I decided to write about that. I realized that with the annual meeting, I could lump things into three different categories: education, inspiration, and also community, because the meeting really represents all of those things for me. I just loved it. You come back with newfound energy and feel inspired; it was just a really wonderful experience. Kevin Pho: Tell me how the American College of Physicians annual meeting has evolved over the years. Obviously, you were the former treasurer, so I assume that you have been involved with the American College of Physicians for many years now. Tell us how that meeting has changed. Janet A. Jokela: Thats a great question. My first meeting was sometime back in the nineties. OK, so I know that dates me, but so be it. At that time, going to the meeting, I was so inspired. Even then, there were so many over-the-top, fabulous educational offerings. I felt like I was at a sumptuous smorgasbord. There were so many things I wanted to attend, so many things that I knew would be helpful for me with my patients and help me take better care of them. I was just running from one thing to the next. Its similar now in that way. Of course, the educational offerings are over the top, the best you can find anywhere. The ACP recruits top faculty from across the country to come and talk about all these different topics. In addition, the ACP has really evolved to also take care of the rising generation of internal medicine doctors. Whether its medical students, residents, or early-career physicians, there are activities and sessions specifically devoted to them, and theres a lot of focus on that. There are also new technologies, videos, and all kinds of things. Its really a wonderful experience. Kevin Pho: Physicians today are busier than ever. Some organizations have cut back on things like the CME budget, and sometimes physicians have to attend these meetings in person on their own time. The practice setting today is much different than it was 10 or 15 years ago, where physicians are so squeezed for time. Talk to us about the value proposition of the meeting, which you mentioned earlier. Why should they sometimes take time and maybe even money out of their own pockets to go to this meeting? Janet A. Jokela: Its a great question, and youre making really good points, Kevin, about peoples time pressures and also the financial pressures to get away and do all of this. For me, every time that I go, when I come back, I feel energized and even more ready to dive into everything else that has been going on in my day job. I think thats one reason: its energizing to attend the meeting. The second is that the ACP certainly is aware that its hard for people to get away and attend the meeting in person. There is an online option. OK, so there are folks I know who attend the meeting in person and may be exercising in the gym early in the morning, but they are watching a live stream of a session from the elliptical in the gym. Its a way that the ACP has tried to accommodate, acknowledging the realities that it is hard for people to get away and do these things in the way that we have been traditionally used to doing them for all these years. I think the value proposition certainly is education, inspirationthe energizing inspirationbut then also the community. There is something just intangible and invaluable about connecting with people in person that you just cant get in other ways. Kevin Pho: You anticipated my next question regarding the value of an in-person meeting. Everything now is virtual, with increasingly virtual options and everything on demand. We could just pull up these lectures on demand. So, tell us about the inspiration you get from an in-person meeting, from seeing some of the physicians that you may not have seen for several years and having all the ACP officers together. Talk to us about the value of meeting these physicians and your colleagues in person. Janet A. Jokela: Its really a wonderful experience that I think we can all appreciate on some level. There is just something different about being in person and being able to connect with people: giving them a hug or whatever it may be, the body language, the sound, the interactions, everybody around you. There is something special about that that is hard to capture virtually. That said, there are a lot of wonderful things that can happen virtually. As I mentioned before, the ACP has worked hard to incorporate all the virtual options as best they can. To be able to connect with people in person who may not be on a scheduled Zoom call or whatever it is, there is just something magical about it that is irreplaceable. Its hard to articulate, but I hope that gets at what you are aiming toward. Kevin Pho: Beyond the educational offerings, what else happens behind the scenes during these meetings? Janet A. Jokela: A ton happens behind the scenes. The officers of the college are incredibly busy, going to multiple different sessions and also multiple different meetings. We have a global forum where we welcome international representatives of internal medicine societies from across the world, and we participate in that. All kinds of things happen. Some committee meetings and some groups actually meet there at the annual meeting. There is a lot going on. There are a lot of wonderful things happening in the clinical skills center, for example. Theres just a tremendous amount of activity and energy, and there are more things to do than you can imagine. You think, Oh my goodness, there are five places I want to be right now, but I can only be at one. You have to juggle your time and plan things accordingly and hope for the best that it will all work out. Kevin Pho: I have to be honest: it has been many, many years since I last attended an ACP meeting. For those physicians who maybe have not attended in a while, or maybe for new physicians or even residents who want to attend the ACP meeting, what are some tips that you could share with them to really get the most out of it? If you just look at a program, it is daunting. There is just so much going on, like you said. Share some tips on how they can get the most out of this meeting. Janet A. Jokela: Thats an important question. My recollection is there is even a session on that. If this is your first meeting or if you have not been to the meeting for a while, you can attend this session early on, and they will go over exactly that: how to plan your schedule. For instance, if someone is a hospitalist, there is a hospitalist thread to describe it that way, with sessions directly targeting hospitalists or directly targeting people who work in the outpatient clinic setting. There are also threads for early-career physicians. There are ways that you can plan your schedule and target your activities to specifically what you are doing in your day job and try to focus it in that way. Thats one way. Otherwise, there are a whole bunch of fun things as well. Kevin Pho: What kind of fun things are available outside of the education and the behind-the-scenes work? Janet A. Jokela: For instance, the chapters have activities there too. With your chapter in New Hampshire, Im sure there was a chapter reception. This is where folks from New Hampshire will get together, and you see each other and commiserate in person. It would be an evening reception where you see each other and commiserate, and every chapter does that. We can visit other chapters receptions, which many of us as officers do. We will visit the international chapters receptions as well. We are going to the Japan chapter reception, the Brazil chapter reception, and a number of these. That is one small thing, but it is again really nice to connect with people in our location where we are for the day job. Convocation is another really meaningful and wonderful event. That takes place on Thursday evening, the first night of the meeting. That is a wonderful, affirming, and inspiring event. There is just so much more. It is so broad. I urge everybody to try to make it. Kevin Pho: Lets go back to some of the educational offerings, which are the core of this meeting. Give us some insight into how the program is constructed. How are the topics put on the program, how do you recruit faculty to speak at this meeting, and who speaks at these meetings? What insight could you share with us on how the program is constructed? Janet A. Jokela: Sure. You can imagine it requires an army of people to plan a meeting like this. In essence, the planning for this meeting started two years ago. There is a committee that looks at this, reviews the potential schedule and the potential topic areas, and then the committee starts to brainstorm about who would be good people to invite for these various talks. Given all the many talks, you can imagine how much time and effort this may take to put it all together. It does take a couple of years to do. There are also opportunities for the councilsthe Medical Student Council, the Resident and Fellows Council, as well as the Early Career Physicians Councilto focus on some specific programming for them. Thats how it works. It is very carefully vetted and reviewed, and it is a lot of work, but clearly, it pays off. Kevin Pho: I know you are biased with your affiliation with the ACP, but as a physician, tell us about the relevance of professional society annual meetings in the coming years. Do you see continuing relevance in these meetings for physicians? Janet A. Jokela: Good question, Kevin. You are absolutely right: I am biased. I am biased based on my experience with the ACP. In many ways, I feel like the ACP has helped keep me sane over the years. I know that the educational content I am receiving from the ACP is the standard of care and it is cutting-edge, and this is where we need to be in terms of delivering care to our patients. In addition to feeling inspired, I also have felt confident coming away from the ACP meeting knowing that I received the most accurate, up-to-date information on how to best take care of my patients. In terms of professional society meetings, absolutely. I am biased. My experience has been so positive with the ACP and the ACP meeting. Looking back, I cannot imagine my career without the ACP. Looking ahead, its similar. How could we not embrace our professional societies and everything that they are doing for us in our practice? Kevin Pho: Looking forward, do you see any trends in the continuing evolution of these annual meetings? Do you feel like they are going to change at all? What kind of trends and evolution do you see? Janet A. Jokela: Thats a wonderful question, too. I know personally at the ACP, the people who are the brains behind the annual meeting are very creative and very out-of-the-box thinkers. I am sure there are going to be changes and other things added to the meeting, but again, just trying to make it as appealing and as useful to practicing physicians as possible, including the people in the pipeline: the early-career residents and fellows, and the students. That said, looking back for a moment, to incorporate the streaming capability, I think has been a huge advance. That has been a very deliberate and respectful addition, knowing that people are pressed for time and they are busy. But if that enables people attending the meeting to get their workout in, for instance, lets do it. And they have done that. There will be more tweaks and changes going forward. Exactly what they will be is hard to say. I am not sure of the actual numbers, but I think there were over 7,000 people there at this meeting, which is a huge group. Its a great big group. You realize when everybody is there for the same reasonwanting to get the best education to do the best for their patientsthat is really inspiring. Kevin Pho: One of the things at these annual meetings is networking, and not everyone has an intrinsic skill to network, especially if you are going there and you do not know anybody or are reaching out to people that you may not be familiar with. Share some networking tips for people who may not be as experienced with networking. Janet A. Jokela: Networking is a funny concept. I think it is important. It is incredibly important, especially for people in various circles, whether its for their research or other reasons as well. That said, I think a basic component of networking is to take an interest in others and to be curious. If you see someone standing by themselves or looking at something that you are interested in, walk over to that person and just start up a conversation. Be curious about why they are there, what they are looking at, or what they are finding interesting about X, Y, Z. That is a really wonderful way to start. We take an interest in others and we take an interest in them, and that can open up all kinds of doors. That would probably be my first and primary suggestion for networking. Kevin Pho: We are talking to Janet A. Jokela. She is an infectious disease physician and former treasurer of the American College of Physicians. Todays KevinMD article is Internal Medicine 2025: Inspiration at the annual meeting. Janet, lets share some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Janet A. Jokela: Sure. Thank you, Kevin. Again, I think if everybody could incorporateand I know this is not possible, but we will put it out there anywayif all internal medicine physicians could incorporate the annual meeting into their annual CME events, I think they would not regret it. It is such a valuable, inspiring, and energizing experience. I think people would get so much out of it that it would just be good all around. I just urge people to incorporate it into their annual CME activities. Kevin Pho: Janet, thank you again for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks for coming back on the show. Janet A. Jokela: Thank you so much. Brad Schwaegerl stood outside his tent, taking deep breaths of the humid summer air along the La Crosse marshland walking trail. He has been confined to his tent more often lately, but as soon as he steps out, favors from neighbors start falling his way. A long-time friend brought four couch cushions to pad his bed and another passerby put a cup of ice water in Schwaegerls hand before continuing down the path. Schwaegerl looked slightly surprised, but joyful for the help. He has received extra help the past few weeks, cashing in goodwill hes banked over years among the unhoused community. Recently, Schwaegerl received news he was not ready to hear: hes dying. The 56-year-old veteran was diagnosed with heart failure because his heart is not circulating blood efficiently enough, with some sections of his heart barely functioning at all. Without reliable access to health care and housing, Schwaegerl found it easier to plan out his death than try and navigate the health care system toward recovery. Hes sought appropriate care for years and is ready to find peace in his final weeks in La Crosse. Thats the easiest thing Ive ever done Schwaegerl said as he left the Stoddard village clerk's office after reserving his grave site. Isnt that something? All this stuff. And this is the easiest Ive done dying. Schwaegerl is a man who wears it all on the surface. Not only does the ink on his skin tell tales from his Desert Storm service to his struggle living with PTSD and homelessness, hes become a respected figure for many in the unhoused community and often is the one to tell people things they need to hear. In just three minutes, Schwaegerl was able to bring a group of five together to discuss his story just by calling in one favor to a fellow camper, Essence Loken. The group embraced together, smiling wide as they tease one another on how far their friendships extend. Before he fell ill, and even when he can these days, Schwaegerl is frequently in the center of it all. From the base of the Lacrosse Players Statue to the deep Myrick Marsh, someone in the community will know the answer to, "Where's Brad at these days?" A good spot on the hill On July 16, a brown van unloaded Schwaegerl, Nicole Wisniewski, Phil Dickey and a dog named Zenn into the quiet, sunny Stoddard hills. The group walked northeast, eventually finding a gravestone for George and Feryl Kreuzer. Schwaegerl kneeled at the gravesite of the Kreuzers, his grandparents, bringing Zenn in close to see the headstone for the first time. Its a good spot. Its very me, Schwaegerl uttered, looking around the Stoddard graveyard. Its high on the ridge, so I can look over the others. I can watch and protect others from up here. Schwaegerl spent a lot of his youth in Stoddard with his grandparents. He recalled fond memories of trapping for beavers and muskrats on the frozen Mississippi River when he was as young as seven years old. He even flashed back to him and his mother fleeing Schwaegerls father in Milwaukee, coming back to the Stoddard cabin to start over again. Swallowing final tears, Schwaegerl lifted his shirt arm to reveal a faded yellow rose inked on his shoulder. It's the first tattoo I ever got. Got it in the Navy. She, oh she hated it at first, Schwaegerl said, looking down at Kreuzers headstone. Yellow was her favorite though. She wanted more yellow in her life. Grandpa planted all the trees on the banks here, so it all went green. The troop, minus Zenn, walked back to the van so Schwaegerl could have a private moment at his future resting place. Zenn flipped over and rolled around in nearby taller grasses while Schwaegerl stared down. Wisniewski, Dickey and Schwaegerl have been close friends for about six years. They solidified their bond at the former Houska Park encampment while watching each others backs. Zenn was the first dog to protect me from some bad people, Wisniewski said. Brads helped with shelter, food, safety and just a good companion. If it needs fixed, hes got a way to fix it. A companion for sure, Dickey agreed. Schwaegerls grave spot was paid in advance by his grandparents, and his headstone will be free of charge with his military service. Isnt the way I wanted it to end As hard fluorescent lights and fuzzed out radio hits from the Valley View Mall descended on Schwaegerl, he shared how he ended up in the hospital in early July. His eyes fluttered and he stretched his arm out. He asked for a moment before continuing. He closed his eyes and for just a minute, fell asleep. Likely an episode of cardiac syncope, Schwaegerl woke up slightly dazed. In just four months, Schwaegerls condition went from well-functioning to entirely dependent on the kindness of others to survive. He went to the hospital July 2 for a skin infection on his leg and woke up being examined for heart failure. He was gone for a week and his stuff was being ransacked, so we all took it as good news when he got out of the hospital, Dickey said. That was pretty short lived when we found out the rest. As Schwaegerl described it, three heart muscles that circulate blood through the organ are dying or dead. He was prescribed a multitude of heart medications including metoprolol tartrate, a pill that treats heart failure symptoms. With access to Badgercare, Schwaegerl had the cost of his medications covered. However, without a follow-up appointment, Schwaegerl will not be able to receive refills for his heart prescriptions. This isnt the way I wanted it to end, Schwaegerl said, pausing for a while. Maybe someone just said thats enough, were ready for you. Time for me to retire now. July 9 came and went, and so did his scheduled follow-up appointment, as Schwaegerl waited for a ride that never showed up. With poor blood circulation, walking has been painful and Schwaegerl could not reach a bus station in time when he realized his ride was not coming. Back on the trail of tents, Schwaegerl leaned his chest on a foraged wooden stool to poke his head out of the tent. After discussing his missed appointment, he rifled through paperwork to show how many medications hes been prescribed for the many conditions that afflict him. He had one more appointment scheduled, but Schwaegerl estimated he has weeks to live. His condition is a stark contrast from how he lived in the winter, when he helped guide campers to new spots after the encampments north of Riverside Park were cleared out by the city. Getting the number down Standing on the banks of the La Crosse marshes in late winter, Schwaegerl let Zenn trot around the dry grasses. From the open space, Schwaegerl had eyes on everything from his group of tents, to Zenn to the nearby trail. Taking his eyes off of Zenn for a second, he pointed to the numbers on his wrist reading 22, 21, 20 with an ellipses at the end. The 22, thats how many veterans commit suicide every day. So the 21, the 20 Lets get that number down, Schwaegerl said. In 1985, Schwaegerl enlisted in the National Guard at 17 years old. He served in the Guard for two years before joining the U.S. Navy for four years following. While in the Navy, Schwaegerl was deployed in the Gulf War for operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He served aboard the USS San Jacinto when it fired the opening salvo of Operation Desert Storm by launching the first Tomahawk cruise missiles to be used in combat. He developed PTSD from his service and recounted several experiences in combat that contribute to his condition to this day. To try and heal his mental health, Schwaegerl attempted to take a journey across America to speak with other veterans and mental health professionals while seeking new opportunities across the country. Schwaegerl became fully homeless after battling a year-long depressive episode. He planned to commit suicide on Jan. 17, 2015; the anniversary of the start of Operation Desert Storm. I had someone a few years ago. I was suicidal, and I didn't want her to find me. Didn't want her to find me laying on the ground. So I did my best to get rid of and separate, Schwaegerl said. It worked. It just took an extra year before I was actually going to do it. And that's when this story starts. Before following through, Schwaegerl stayed with his sister in the Twin Cities. Ultimately, Schwaegerl returned to La Crosse and started living outdoors. His veterans benefits had been cut years earlier, his rental history was plummeting and his mental health was worsening. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development estimate 176 veterans were homeless in greater Wisconsin as of January 2023. The Department of Housing and Urban Development conducts point-in-time studies as an estimate of where homeless people are each January. The study is only completed over one day, and can miss people who are not in one place all day. Burned bridges Time is short, too short for Schwaegerl to find provided housing. With a criminal history, troubled rental history and a dog, his opportunities to find a place have been limited for years. Schwaegerl admits hes burned bridges after toiling with resource groups for years to secure a spot indoors. From the beginning, having Zenn with him excluded Schwaegerl from most housing options. He also has struggled with drug abuse and sought help from detoxification programs in the past for the issue. He has been connected with Independent Living Resources, the REACH Center, Couleecap and various county services for about three years straight. He said turnover of outreach staff has caused his case to be restarted several times. In the past four months, Schwaegerl has been moved three times for different reasons. In March, he and other campers north of Riverside Park were dispersed by La Crosse police and city staff. In April, he was ordered off a grassy area in the marshlands by a private radio tower company. In May, his place near the Players Statue on Rose Street flooded. With new city ordinances passed last month, Schwaegerl could be subject to moving his tent 500 feet every 12 hours if complaints about his encampment add up. Now, he is staying outside the Veterans Memorial Trail, and the movements have taken a toll. Hes lost most of his possessions and his connections to social services. La Crosse services like the REACH Center and Independent Living Resources send outreach teams to the homeless population to connect them with additional social services. Their goal is to uplift unsheltered people off the streets and into support, jobs and housing. In January, La Crosse County and city officials estimated there are about 200 homeless people in La Crosse either in temporary shelters or living outdoors. While the outreach teams continue working on the streets, the county and city started a collaborative plan to ensure people don't miss necessary connections like Schwaegerl has. The plan, called Pathways Home, is working on a named inventory of every homeless person in La Crosse to identify specific needs of each individual. The plan has come under some scrutiny from city officials and residents for not establishing a short-term plan for the homeless population. The Pathways Home plan is a five-year plan that aims for "functional zero" homelessness, meaning people who fall into homelessness will not remain that way for more than a few months with proper structured intervention. Open to perspective At the Stoddard grave, Schwaegerl recounted scenes from his past, present and future. The Stoddard cabin, the kindness of friends and the strong canine friend all make appearances in his recollections. Pausing for a bit, he thanked his grandparents for teaching him unconditional love. I feel like I could get with a do-over, he said softly, looking at the stone below. Id be more like them, less like me. While the future is not clear, Schwaegerl has not given up. Hes held out for a long time, and said he will go until he cant. His final hope is that a family member opens a door for him or he can be placed somewhere of his own for a short amount of time to rest. O, T, P. Thats open to perspective, Schwaegerl said, motioning to a blue tattoo on his forearm. In other words, be open to more than what you know. You cant know all. PORTLAND, Ore. One program distributes laptops in rural Iowa. Another helped people get back online after Hurricane Helene washed away computers and phones in western North Carolina. Programs in Oregon and rural Alabama teach older people, including some who have never touched a computer, how to navigate in an increasingly digital world. It all came crashing down this month when President Donald Trump on his own digital platform, Truth Social announced his intention to end the Digital Equity Act, a federal grant program meant to help bridge the digital divide. He branded it as RACIST and ILLEGAL and said it amounts to woke handouts based on race. He said it was an ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway," though the program was actually funded with $2.75 billion. The name seemed innocuous enough when the program was approved by Congress in 2021 as part of a $65 billion investment meant to bring internet access to every home and business in the United States. The broadband program itself was a key component of the $1 trillion infrastructure law pushed through by the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden. The Digital Equity Act was intended to fill gaps and cover unmet needs that surfaced during the massive broadband rollout. It gave states and tribes flexibility to deliver high-speed internet access to families that could not afford it, computers to kids who did not have them, telehealth access to older adults in rural areas, and training and job skills to veterans. Whether Trump has the legal authority to end the program is unknown. But for now the Republican administration can simply stop spending the money. I just felt my heart break for what we were finally, finally in this country, going to address, the digital divide," said Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, a nonprofit that was awarded but has not received a $25.7 million grant to work with groups across the country to help provide access to technology. The digital divide is not just physical access to the internet, it is being able to use that to do what you need to do. While the name of the program likely got it targeted the Trump administration has been aggressively scrubbing the government of programs that promote diversity, equity or inclusion the Digital Equity Act was supposed to be broader in scope. Though Trump called it racist, the words race or racial appear just twice in the laws text: once, alongside color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability, in a passage stating that no groups should be excluded from funding, and later, in a list of covered populations, along with older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, English learners, people with low literacy levels and rural Americans. Digital Equity passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, said Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the act's chief proponent, in a statement. And thats because my Republican colleagues have heard the same stories as I have like kids in rural communities forced to drive to McDonalds parking lots for Wi-Fi to do their homework. "It is insane absolutely nuts that Trump is blocking resources to help make sure kids in rural school districts can get hot spots or laptops, all because he doesnt like the word equity! The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which administers the program, declined to comment. Its not entirely clear how much of the $2.75 billion has been awarded, though last March the NTIA announced the allocation of $811 million to states, territories and tribes. On a recent morning in Portland, Oregon, Brandon Dorn was among those taking a keyboard basics class offered by Free Geek, a nonprofit that provides free courses to help people learn to use computers. The class was offered at a low-income housing building to make it accessible for residents. Dorn and the others were given laptops and shown the different functions of keys: control, shift and caps lock, how to copy and paste. They played a typing game that taught finger and key placement on a color-coded keyboard. Dorn, 63, said the classes helped because in this day and age, everything has to go through the computer. He said it helped him feel more confident and less dependent on his children or grandchildren to do things such as making appointments online. Folks my age, we didnt get this luxury because we were too busy working, raising the family, he said. So this is a great way to help us help ourselves. Juan Muro, Free Geeks executive director, said participants get the tools and skills they need to access things like online banking, job applications, online education programs and telehealth. He said Trump's move to end funding has put nonprofits such as Free Geek in a precarious position, forcing them to make up the difference through their own fundraising and beg for money to just provide individuals with essential stuff." Sara Nichols works for the Land of Sky Regional Council, a multicounty planning and development organization in western North Carolina. On the Friday before Trumps inauguration in January, the organization received notice that it was approved for a grant. But like other groups The Associated Press contacted, it has not seen any money. Land of Sky had spent a lot of resources helping people recover from last year's storms. The award notice, Nichols said, came as incredible news. But between this and the state losing, getting their letters terminated, we feel just like stuck. What are we going to do? How are we going to move forward? How are we going to let our communities continue to fall behind? More than one-fifth of Americans do not have broadband internet access at home, according to the Pew Research Center. In rural communities, the number jumps to 27 percent. Local authorities have said they are investigating all cases of people advertising the sale of banned smoking products such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). In response to an inquiry from the Times, the Health Bureau (SSM), the entity responsible for investigating and enforcing anti-smoking laws, said, Regarding the sale of e-cigarettes through online platforms, the Health Bureau has been conducting regular online inspections. Once any illegal sale of e-cigarettes through online platforms in Macau is detected, a dossier will be initiated for investigation. The bureau also noted that all cases are being investigated in depth based on the evidence and leads found in the ads. In the same reply, the SSM stated that last year, investigations by authorities, including the bureau and the Customs Service, detected 138 cases of e-cigarette border-crossing violations. The SSM reminds the public that, since Dec. 5, 2022, the amended Law No. 5/2011 has banned the import, export and sale of e-cigarettes in Macau. Individual violators face a fine of MOP 4,000, while private entities may be fined between MOP 20,000 and MOP 200,000. According to a readers complaint received by the Times, there are a large number of social media posts advertising the sale of e-cigarettes in Macau, as well as liquid refills for these devices. These private sellers are not only breaching the law by selling the banned products but, according to parents, also sell the products to minors, who use this method to circumvent regulations prohibiting the sale of any smoking products to those under the age of 18 in stores. During reporting for this article, a Times reporter informally approached two teenagers in local school uniforms using vape devices outside the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion. They admitted to having acquired the products online through a sales group on the social media platform Facebook. Significant cigarette busts reported recently Recently, Gongbei Customs announced a major bust involving smuggled cigarettes being illegally exported from the mainland. According to the statement, customs officers detained a suspect attempting to smuggle 576,000 cigarettes hidden in specially designed containers. The seizure occurred at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge border post. The export of cigarettes from mainland China requires approval from the State Councils tobacco administration authority and a specific export license. Late last week, the SSM launched an investigation after receiving a tip-off about two convenience stores in ZAPE allegedly selling illegal tobacco products. Authorities reported finding large quantities of cigarettes in both shops, with packaging that violated Macaus tobacco control laws. One store was found with 159 packs (3,180 cigarettes), while the other held 492 packs (9,840 cigarettes). The stores also failed to present import documentation for the seized items. As a result, Customs confiscated the cigarettes, and the SSM has initiated legal proceedings. President Xi Jinpings administration is quietly preparing a fresh iteration of its industrial strategy aimed at boosting Chinas technological self-sufficiency, signaling a continued commitment to manufacturing dominance despite growing U.S. efforts to rebalance global trade, Bloomberg reported yesterday in an exclusive piece, citing people familiar with the matter. According to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, Chinese officials are drafting a successor to the controversial Made in China 2025 plan, which originally set out to make the country a leader in key technologies such as semiconductors, electric vehicles and robotics. While the new initiative may avoid using the same branding to soften international criticism, the underlying goals remain largely intact. One person familiar with the deliberations told Bloomberg that the updated blueprint will prioritize high-tech sectors like chip-making equipment and artificial intelligence. The name may change, but the intention to lead in advanced manufacturing is unchanged. Beijings move comes as the U.S. under President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on China to shift toward a more consumption-driven growth model. Trumps administration has imposed tariffs reaching 145% on certain Chinese goods earlier this year, though talks in Geneva led to a slight reduction in average rates to around 40%. The new manufacturing plan is expected to be rolled out independently of Chinas next Five-Year Plan, which will span from 2026 and is due to be unveiled during the annual National Peoples Congress in March of that year. The manufacturing strategy, however, could be announced earlier or afterward, according to Bloombergs sources. Officials drafting the next Five-Year Plan are also considering how to manage the balance between consumption and industrial output. One person involved in the discussions told Bloomberg that policymakers have debated whether to include a formal consumption target but are leaning against it due to limited tools to drive household spending. Theyre hesitant to commit to a consumption ratio because they lack confidence in mechanisms to drive it effectively, the person said. The National Development and Reform Commission, Chinas top economic planning agency, declined to comment on the deliberations, Bloomberg reported. While Chinese leaders have publicly emphasized the need to stimulate domestic demand, real policy action has been limited. At the National Peoples Congress in March, Premier Li Qiang declared that vigorously boosting consumption was a top priority, adding that officials must make domestic demand the main engine and anchor of economic growth. Still, the government has not unveiled major new measures in the months since. Chinas leadership remains wary of over-relying on consumption amid concerns about deflationary pressures and ongoing external shocks, such as reduced export demand resulting from U.S. tariffs. Manufacturing, by contrast, continues to be viewed as essential to economic security, employment, and geopolitical resilience. We must keep strengthening the manufacturing sector, adhere to the principles of self-reliance and self-improvement, and master key core technologies, Xi said during a May 19 visit to a ball-bearing factory in Henan province, as quoted by state media. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent struck a cautiously optimistic tone earlier this month, telling CNBC on May 12 that the U.S. and China may still find common ground. We need more manufacturing, they need more consumption, Bessent said. There is a chance to rebalance together so well see if thats possible. Yet Chinas economic structure continues to diverge from developed economies. Consumption accounts for just 40% of its GDP far below the 50% to 70% levels seen in the U.S. and Europe while investment, especially in manufacturing, remains disproportionately high. The original Made in China 2025 strategy, introduced in 2015, laid the groundwork for the current trajectory. At the time, the State Council set goals to transform China into a medium level manufacturing power by 2035, and a major manufacturing power by 2049, the centenary of the Peoples Republic. Recent developments in Chinese AI, including a breakthrough from local firm DeepSeek, have further emboldened Beijings ambitions. Despite international pressure and trade frictions, China appears determined to continue its push for technological sovereignty albeit under a less provocative banner. MDT/Agencies The Health Bureau (SSM) concluded a 30-day public consultation yesterday on reforms to private health care regulations (which began April 17). The consultation drew more than 200 attendees across five sessions, along with written submissions, according to the SSM. The draft Legal System for Private Medical Institutions introduces a day hospital license category, facilities offering surgical and diagnostic services without overnight stays, to attract medical tourists and diversify the citys health sector. Related The government is planning to revise the administrative regulation on the requirements, inspection, and service life of light taxis to improve service quality. Two industry consultation sessions were held Sunday, chaired by Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam, with participation from nearly 30 local taxi companies and associations. Proposed revisions include simplifying vehicle replacement procedures and updating technical requirements such as engine and trunk size, vehicle lifespan, and registration standards. Related The Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau (DSEPDR) has committed to improving living conditions for Macau residents by proactively adapting housing policies to address their current needs. In a written response to lawmaker Lei Chon U, DSEPDR director Cheong Chok Man emphasized that the authorities are implementing housing policies systematically, in accordance with the Macau Special Administrative Region Study on Residential Housing Policy. In response to Leis inquiry about when the government will update its study on residential housing policy to promote the healthy development of the real estate market and meet residents housing needs, Cheong reaffirmed that the study is based on the relevant housing policy provisions of the Second Five-Year Plan for the citys economic and social development. It forecasts demand for various housing types based on current circumstances and serves as a foundation for future housing supply planning. He further stated that the relevant entities of the Special Administrative Region government have incorporated research and social realities into their annual policy implementation plans, and will continue to adjust policies as needed to ensure the basic housing conditions of Macau residents are safeguarded. Also citing this years Policy Address, he emphasized that housing policies will be reviewed and optimized, and various housing supply plans will be adjusted to better meet the needs of residents across different income levels. This aims to achieve a reasonable balance between market supply and demand, promoting the stable and healthy development of the real estate market, the director noted. Additionally, the lawmaker noted in his inquiry that the government had previously estimated future demand for housing units across five tiers in Macau in its housing policy study published in January 2022. However, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and uneven economic recovery have affected the real estate markets development. In response to these market changes, the government has suspended the construction of public housing. As for subsidized housing, only a pilot program offering 250 units has been launched significantly fewer than the projected demand of 5,400 units by 2025 outlined in the study, he criticized. Police have arrested a local casino public relations worker and three Vietnamese women in connection with a fake employment scheme. Authorities allege that a Vietnamese woman, acting as an intermediary, arranged for false domestic helper contracts to help her compatriots illegally obtain blue cards and work in Macau. The local suspect was arrested last Monday in Areia Preta and admitted to receiving MOP16,000. Two other Vietnamese suspects remain at large. Related Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai outlined plans to strengthen the citys international ties and economic cooperation during a dinner reception late last week. The event was hosted for consuls general and representatives from nearly 50 countries and international organizations based in Hong Kong and Macau. In his speech, Sam highlighted Macaus strategic role as a key node in Chinas Belt and Road Initiative and its commitment to building a high-level platform for international cooperation. Macau aims to expand its international circle of friends and broaden cooperation, he said. He also emphasized efforts to enhance inclusiveness, convenience, and efficiency to develop Macau as an international stage for exchanges. Reaffirming Macaus commitment to maintaining its high degree of autonomy under the One country, two systems framework, Sam assured that the citys way of life, status as an international free port, and separate customs territory will be fully protected. The government will firmly uphold one country and resolutely defend two systems to ensure stability and prosperity, he said. The CE said, Macao+Hengqin is becoming a new demonstration of the enriched implementation of the One country, two systems principle. Sam invited countries and regions to leverage Macaus international cooperation platform to support businesses and tourism, encouraging them to experience the vitality of Macau and Chinas development building a broader, more inclusive global partnership network. Sam also expressed gratitude to the diplomats for their ongoing contributions to fostering cooperation between Macau and countries worldwide in commerce, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Macau welcomes all nations and regions to utilize this platform experience our development vitality firsthand, he said. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers should use the full leverage of his veto power to strike the states next two-year spending plan if Republicans on the budget committee do not include provisions to increase spending on schools and child care, among other concerns, a coalition of Wisconsin organizations urged Tuesday. More than a dozen groups, including Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Education Association Council, rallied at the Capitol to advocate for a full veto if their demands are not met for a variety of items initially proposed by Evers that legislative Republicans have already removed from the budget. Were unifying our power to try to influence the governor to fully use his power, and have his back and stand behind him if he must use his veto, Robert Kraig, executive director of the liberal group Citizen Action Wisconsin, said Tuesday in the state Senate parlor. Evers has hinted at the possibility of vetoing the states two-year spending plan in full something that hasnt happened since at least 1931 for a variety of reasons since taking office in 2019, but hes ultimately signed the three budgets sent to his desk. The Republican-controlled budget committee, which earlier this month scrapped hundreds of items from the governors budget proposal, has yet to begin crafting a budget that will eventually go through the Legislature on its way back to Evers desk by this summer. The committee plans to meet Thursday to take up budget discussions for several smaller offices, including secretary of state, treasurer and the Department of Safety and Professional Services. The Legislature enters the budget-writing process with a roughly $4.3 billion state surplus, marking a roughly $335 million drop in projected revenue from previous estimates, according to the latest figures from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Budget deliberations also follow the Wisconsin Supreme Courts April decision to uphold the governors use of his partial veto power to lock in K-12 school funding for the next 400 years an improbable outcome but, until the Legislature overturns it, still current law. Republicans have suggested the ruling will play a part in how the next budget is crafted. In addition to his partial veto power, Evers also has the option of vetoing the two-year spending plan in its entirety. If the governor vetoes a state budget, it would be up to the Republican-controlled Legislature, which lacks the two-thirds majority needed in both chambers to overturn a governors veto, to draft a new budget and send it back to the governor. If a new budget isnt signed by the end of the current fiscal year at the close of June, state spending levels would remain in place until a new budget goes into effect. Evers has held private meetings with GOP legislative leaders over the past few weeks to discuss the two-year spending plan. While Republicans have said tax cuts remain their top budget priority, Evers has said any tax cut needs to come with increased state spending on education, health care and child care. Asked for comment on the pressure for Evers to veto the budget in full, the governors spokesperson pointed to comments Evers made in a May 20 interview with Wisconsin Eyes Newsmakers, in which he suggested that agreement with GOP leaders remains possible. Theres lots of moving parts, but I believe if we get together and maybe narrow our priorities we can get something done, Evers said. Thats what happened last time and I think thats what will happen this time too. Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Democratic members of the budget committee said they have not heard any details regarding the ongoing budget negotiations between Evers and GOP leaders. The lawmakers echoed Evers sentiment that the next two-year plan must include increases for public schools, the Universities of Wisconsin system and child care. He doesnt have to accept a bad deal, said Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison. We support the governor if he decides to veto a budget that does not meet peoples needs. The offices of Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, did not respond to requests for comment. In December, Evers said he would not sign a two-year budget if Republicans insist on including a return-to-work provision that GOP leaders say is needed to cut down on the number of state employees working remotely. Its a familiar but so far unrealized threat. In 2023, Evers warned he might veto the budget after Republicans proposed a $32 million cut to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the Universities of Wisconsin. Evers ultimately signed that budget but used his partial veto power to prevent the firing of 188 DEI positions. Evers left open the possibility of a full budget veto in 2019 and 2021, but in the end he signed both documents after implementing partial vetoes. President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties during a meeting Monday on the sidelines of the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. The leaders meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Laos. - Advertisement - Both underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation across key sectors, including trade, defense, investment, and education. There is great potential for increased trade between our countries, Mr. Marcos said, pointing to Laoss rapid economic growth as a promising path for expanding bilateral engagement. Trade between the two nations has nearly doubled in recent years, reaching approximately $13.72 million in 2024, up from around $7 million in 2019. In addition to traditional areas of cooperation, President Marcos and Siphandone explored emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital technology, and clean energy. They also identified agriculture, skills development, tourism, and infrastructure as future focal points for collaboration. We would like to strengthen all our relationstrade, defense, and security, and even the people-to-people exchange, President Marcos added, proposing direct flights between Manila and Vientiane to bolster connectivity and tourism. Siphandone expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Filipino community in Laos, which numbers over 2,000 and plays significant roles in education, research, and architecture. He also thanked the Philippine government for providing language training and scholarships for Lao ministries, and encouraged further Filipino investment in sectors such as advanced technology research, clean agriculture, health services, and infrastructure. Concluding the meeting, the Lao leader extended a formal invitation to President Marcos for an official state visit to Laos, signaling continued momentum in bilateral relations. On Wednesday 14 May, the Colombian Senate rejected a proposal for a referendum to vote on key aspects of the labour reform proposed by the Pacto Historico, the ruling coalition composed of left-wing parties. [Originally published in Spanish at colombiamarxista.com] Since then, the situation has escalated across the country. The anger that has been brewing in the streets since 18 March when Congress initially blocked the labour reform is being expressed through mass demonstrations and cabildos (open assemblies) across the country called by the Pacto Historico. The cabildo in Bogota on Monday 18 May, concluded with a proposal for a two-day national shutdown (28 and 29 May) and another 24-hour shutdown on 11 June. The struggle for reforms over the last two and a half years is reaching a decisive stage. A period of struggle is looming in which President Gustavo Petros programme, tactics, and strategy will be put to the test as he tries to overcome the obstacles imposed by the oligarchy. The tricks of the oligarchy The Colombian ruling class has used all the powers it has through the state institutions and the press to stop the reforms that Petro and the Pacto Historico were elected to implement. The Constitutional Court is discussing how to kill the pension reform before it is implemented, whereas the health reform has only been implemented, with concessions, through executive decrees. The latest outrage, however, has been the sabotage of the labour reform. After being approved by the House of Representatives, eight senators from the Seventh Committee voted to table it in mid-March. These eight senators represent the traditional parties of the Colombian oligarchy, such as the Democratic Centre and the Conservative Party. In response, the government proposed a popular consultation (a non-binding referendum) that would allow the masses to vote on the key aspects of the reforms, in order to put them back on Congress agenda. The proposed consultation would include 12 questions, covering a reduction in the working day, extra pay for hours worked after 6pm, double pay for work on public holidays and Sundays, medical leave for menstrual issues, an increase in the quota of contracts for people with disabilities, employment contracts for students on internships, lower interest loans for cooperatives and small businesses, bargaining rights for contractors working for Uber and other transport platforms, outsourcing through union contracts, and the formalisation of the work of rural workers and domestic workers. A survey showed that the plan for a popular consultation is supported by 57 percent of Colombians / Image: public domain A survey showed that the plan for a popular consultation is supported by 57 percent of Colombians, despite the president's low approval rating. Even more striking is the fact that all questions have at least 75 percent support, with the question on working hours receiving 80 percent approval and the question about the formalisation of work with access to social security for all types of employees reaching 95 percent. The poll also shows that 43 percent of those consulted were prepared to participate in the consultation, exceeding the minimum threshold of 33 percent (equivalent to 13 million Colombians) required for the consultation to return the questions to Congress. When the proposal for a popular consultation reached parliament, the response of the oligarchy's parties (from the centrist Green Party to the Uribistas of the Democratic Centre) was to reject it and revive the labour reform to be discussed and voted on again, with just five weeks before the end of the legislative session. This revival is a smokescreen intended to make it seem like Petro is unwilling to work with the institutions of state while delaying it in endless parliamentary procedure, instead of taking it directly to the masses with the popular consultation. The vote to reject the consultation was passed by a margin of 49 to 47 votes. There were all kinds of irregularities in this vote. Among these, it is worth noting that Senator Ciro Ramirez, of the Democratic Centre, had just emerged from a lawsuit against him for corruption, was accepted back into office at the last minute to help win the no vote. Similarly, the president of the Senate closed the vote as soon as there was a majority, excluding Martha Peralta of the Pacto Historico. Efrain Cepeda, the self-proclaimed head of the gang to sink the reforms, declared that democracy has spoken in the Senate. However, his idea of democracy is scandalous. How can a Senate where opposition representatives have won their seats through vote buying and clientelism be called democratic? Isn't this the same institution that enjoys the approval of 10 percent of the population? Whose interests do these self-proclaimed democrats really defend? These anti-democratic tricks demonstrate the rotten character of bourgeois democracy in Colombia. The masses can fill the streets for years and vote, in their millions, for a president to implement a concrete political programme. But the oligarchy will use the institutions of the state and its thousands of connections with senators to pull the strings according to its own needs. The motive of the opposition It is clear why the ruling class is fighting tooth and nail to prevent the reforms from passing. The reality is that the Colombian economy is stagnant. If the oligarchy were in the drivers seat, they would do everything possible to implement austerity measures to make the working class pay for this stagnation. However, due to the mobilisations of the last five years the national shutdowns of 2019 and 2021 the oligarchy has had to mount a campaign to sabotage all the reformists measures instead of going on the offensive and cutting as they would like. However, there is also another factor fuelling the opposition's campaign. The reality is that the Pacto Historico is pursuing a policy of class conciliation. This is partly because this coalition does not have a majority in the legislature. It has 35 out of 108 senators and 69 out of 188 representatives. While these numbers put it ahead of any other party, it means that it does not have the majority needed to pass reforms without negotiation. Their search for agreements with the parties of the oligarchy has been constantly frustrated. Despite his combative rhetoric, Petro has attempted to reconfigure his cabinet on the basis of agreements with the political establishment / Image: public domain At the beginning of his government, Petro, in search of a national agreement, attempted to form a cabinet with representation from all parties, including former political enemies such as Alejandro Gaviria, health minister during the Santos presidency and an establishment presidential candidate. This led to a highly unstable cabinet, which has seen 38 ministers come and go. However, this is not just a personnel problem. The intransigent opposition of the oligarchy is being confronted by a conciliatory campaign on the part of the Pacto Historico. Despite his combative rhetoric, Petro has attempted to reconfigure his cabinet on the basis of agreements with the political establishment. Juan Fernando Cristo, the former interior minister (responsible for pushing Petros agenda in the Senate and Congress), was the clearest example of this. Cristo was also a minister under President Santos, and the goal of his short stay in the Casa de Narino, home of the Colombian government, was to generate a broad national agreement. This strategy is not working precisely because the Colombian oligarchy cannot afford to give ground on this issue. On the one hand, the reforms would represent a direct attack on their privileges and wealth: the agrarian reform would undermine their monopoly on land; the labour reform would affect the profits derived from the wage cuts imposed by the 2002 counter-reform; and the health reform would hit the profits of the big private healthcare monopolies like the Health Promotion Companies (EPS), among others. On the other hand, the fact that these reforms have been driven by five years of mass mobilisations which took on an insurrectionary character on two occasions would mean that their implementation would encourage the masses to remain on the offensive and aspire to even greater gains. For these reasons, the oligarchy will never negotiate or accept a compromise. The ideal scenario for the oligarchy is to wage a relentless campaign to block the reforms until Petros storm blows over and they can return to normality. The truth is that the president's conciliatory policy has only served to encourage the oligarchy to go on the offensive. Referendum 2.0 The Pacto Historico's response to the collapse of the plan for a referendum has been to call for permanent mobilisation. This slogan has translated into a series of cabildos. At the second such meeting, held at the National Pedagogical University, the workers' unions proposed a national shutdown on 28 and 29 May in support of the referendum. It is important to note that several speakers suggested an indefinite national shutdown. This escalation is entirely necessary and justified. Over the last two and a half years, Gustavo Petro's government has tried to use all the institutional avenues outlined in the 1991 constitution. Yet the opposition of the oligarchy has been unyielding. Now that Petro is looking to the masses to assist in passing the reforms, all the leaders of the right are whining about polarisation / Image: public domain Now that Petro is looking to the masses to assist in passing the reforms, all the leaders of the right are whining about polarisation. They declare that all these methods involving citizen participation are a symptom of the government's unwillingness to negotiate, even though they are the ones sabotaging the reforms at every turn. The other component to the government's response has been to resubmit the popular consultation to Congress and propose four additional questions regarding the health care reform. Certainly, if the plan for a consultation were to be allowed by the Senate under the pressure of a huge mobilisation, it would give the working class an opportunity to raise its voice about the key issues of the reforms. But it is also of the utmost importance to explain that the struggle for formal and indefinite contracts, the reduction of the working day, and for increased wages on Sundays, public holidays and night work will not be resolved through the same state institutions that have blocked them. Even if the proposal is passed by the Senate, the oligarchy will remain on the defensive and use all the resources at its disposal (from the media to its control of state institutions) to prevent the reforms from passing, precisely because of their popularity. With this in mind, it is necessary to keep the cabildos open and the strike committees on their feet. We must be vigilant and ready to fight. Only by trusting in the strength of the working class can we respond to the opposition of the oligarchy. The way forward The reformists' plan for a permanent mobilisation campaign beginning with a national shutdown is entirely correct. But we must remember that this is a response to the pressure coming from below. The union leaders clearly wanted to direct the entire struggle toward the parliamentary arena, but the oligarchy's campaign of sabotage forced the rank and file of the large unions and of the neighbourhood organisations to go further. This instinct is entirely correct. Involving the masses in the fight for these reforms is the only way to overcome the obstacles that the opposition is placing in front of the movement. The main point on the agenda of each cabildo must be the creation of a network of popular assemblies that can act as real organs for coordinating the struggle on every front that the oligarchy opens against the reforms. They must form organs to coordinate mass demonstrations, strikes, walkouts, blockades, etc., according to reports from their members on the situation in each area. However, as communists, we also emphasise that the cabildos themselves are an embryonic form of a higher democracy than the popular consultation and the Congress of the Republic. The popular consultation can only reaffirm what the mobilisations of the last five years have shown: that the vast majority in this country made up of workers, peasants and youth want to transform society from the root and place its wealth at the service of the masses. The cabildos have the potential to go beyond the popular consultation and to become organs for the same masses who are fighting tirelessly for reforms to directly carry them into effect themselves. This cannot be done through a campaign to pressure Congress, but only by the workers taking control of their own destinies in the workplaces. If there is a national shutdown in 2025, it must be taken into every workplace, and coordinated with a campaign of unionisation and the formation of strike committees, raising the struggle in the streets beyond merely forming barricades, as we explained back in 2021. At that time, the youth fought heroically, inspiring the whole movement. However, they were worn down by a lack of organisation, which led them to a dead end and a sterile stalemate with a government on the verge of collapse. One of the participants in the cabildo that took place on 19 May rightly pointed out the need to organise the demonstration with organisational mechanisms that would guarantee the continuity and effectiveness of the struggle, with the perspective of an indefinite national shutdown. He emphasised that this was precisely what was lacking during the Estallido in 2021. Involving the masses in the fight for these reforms is the only way to overcome the obstacles that the opposition is placing in front of the movement / Image: public domain The debates in the cabildos have produced two positions. On the one hand, the leaders of the trade union confederations are proposing two days of national shutdown action to increase pressure on Congress, and are adding the possibility of a third shutdown in mid-June. However, several participants in the cabildo meeting on 19 May proposed the need for an indefinite national shutdown until the reforms are achieved. This is the way forward, as the reforms will not be achieved on the basis of a campaign subordinate to and merely in support of the negotiations in Congress. The main route is precisely through the shutdown. The reality is that the only way to achieve reforms is through a relentless militant struggle against the Colombian oligarchy. It clearly refuses to give up its privileges and wealth without a fight. But the struggle of the Colombian working class cannot stop at reforms. As long as attempts are made to manage capitalism, future crises will brew and the eternal cycle will repeat itself. It is necessary to overthrow the corrupt capitalist oligarchy that currently controls the commanding heights of the economy for its own enrichment, condemning the rest of society to subsistence wages and a healthcare system designed to profit from the illness and deaths of millions of people. Only on this basis can the working class take control of the system and establish genuine democracy that guarantees full economic and political freedom for the masses. In this way, we can sweep the oligarchy into the dustbin of history once and for all. Down with Efrain Cepeda and the opposition gang! Defeat the oligarchy, fight for socialism! Strike in order to advance! The Red Line demonstration in The Hague on 18 May attracted more than 100,000 participants and was the largest demonstration in the Netherlands since the trade union demonstration on Museumplein in October 2004, more than 20 years ago. It is clear that the mood in the Netherlands is shifting. [Originally published in Dutch at marxisten.nl] The demonstrators had gathered in The Hague dressed in red to draw a clear red line. This was a reference to a meeting between Prime Minister Schoof and a number of large NGOs (Oxfam, Amnesty, PaX, Doctors without Borders) in April, who asked him to call for a ceasefire, to which he replied that he would not draw a red line. Israels actions in Gaza, with the bombing of aid workers and the blocking of aid supplies, are so clearly genocidal in nature that it is becoming clear to more and more people in the Netherlands that this cannot and must not continue. A poll by EenVandaag (13 May) shows that 62 percent of the Dutch population wants the cabinet to be more critical of Israel, including 31 percent of voters for Geert Wilders populist right-wing party, the PVV, which is extremely pro-Israel and has ties with the Israeli right. An earlier poll by Motivaction (1 May) shows that 48 percent of the population believes that a genocide is taking place in Gaza (compared to just 12 percent who do not). There is therefore a major shift taking place in what Dutch people think about the war in Gaza. For historical reasons, the Dutch ruling class has traditionally been strongly pro-Israeli, with economic investments, trade and military cooperation going back to the 1950s. The Netherlands gave military support during the Six Day and Yom Kippur wars and was the only country besides the USA that suffered from the Arab oil boycott in 1973 as a result. The Netherlands and Israel The ruling class has used the high number of Jewish victims in the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation in the Second World War to rally the middle class and working class behind its policy, playing on feelings of guilt. Protestant churches played an important role in rallying the small-town middle class and Christian workers behind Israel with religious arguments. However, the leaders of the labour movement also played a decisive role in this. The Labour Party (PvdA) was strongly pro-Zionist until the 1990s and had strong ties with Israeli Labour Zionism. It presented Israel as a model country of democratic socialism, because of the then welfare state and the kibbutzim, ignoring the plight of the Palestinians. During the Yom Kippur War confused anti-capitalist statements could even be heard about not bending the knees to the oil companies and their Arab allies, and in support of the Jewish socialist state! The Communist Party of the Netherlands itself had an ambiguous position and initially supported the founding of Israel, although later it became more critical of its policies. Real criticism of Israel was only found in the margin, by real Marxists and as well as sectarian groups. With both the ruling class and the leaders of the labour movement strongly backing Israel, the Netherlands has historically had less of a pro-Palestinian solidarity tradition than other countries, although the younger generations lacks the strong pro-Israeli sentiment of their parents. When the Israeli attack on Gaza began after 7 October 2023, it was initially mainly traditional activists, Dutch people with an Arab and/or Muslim background, and radical left-wing young people who took action. The bourgeois parties and media, together with the centre-left, shouted about Israel's right to defend itself and the fate of the hostages, whilst pro-Palestinian activism was equated with Hamas sympathies. Advocating for a two-state solution and condemning the violence of both Israel and Hamas was allowed; but any analysis that did not treat Israel and the Palestinians as equal parties in the conflict or did not support the Zionist-capitalist state of Israels right to exist was treated as extremist and beyond the Pale. It is clear that this is not about the hostages, but about Netanyahu remaining in power / Image: own work The ongoing destruction in Gaza, with over 50,000 dead, the bombing of hospitals, aid workers, etc., etc., has exposed their lies. It is clear that this is not about the hostages, but about Netanyahu remaining in power, making concessions to his extreme right-wing coalition partners regarding the ethnic cleansing of both Gaza and the West Bank. The government of Dick Schoof is now also beginning to see that the mood is changing. Foreign Affairs Minister Veldkamp argued within the EU against extending the EU-Israel Association Agreement and for an investigation into its compliance. While the investigation is ongoing, the EU would not be able to enter into any new cooperation agreements. Given that the Netherlands has traditionally represents the particularly pro-Israel camp within the EU, this indicates growing social pressure to be seen to do something. Of course, this is half-hearted and hypocritical, and the Dutch ruling class (like that of other EU countries) hopes that a more rational (i.e. more liberal) Israeli government will replace Netanyahu, one that advocates a two-state solution at some point down the line in words, after which it will be business as usual for the EU. The coalition parties BBB (Farmers Citizens Movement) and PVV are continuing their extreme pro-Israel course and are using the issue to dismiss Muslim immigrants and pro-Palestinian students as antisemites and Hamas supporters. Given the participation of these parties in the ruling coalition, Veldkamps slightly critical shift has increased tensions within the cabinet. The most reactionary politicians, publicists and media De Telegraaf in particular are struggling to cope with shifting opinions on Israel and are pushing hatred and slander against those who stand up for the Palestinian cause with even greater force. Reactionaries are now using an incident on 14 May, where conservative residents in the small town of Katwijk violently attacked a local pro-Palestinian demo. They are depicted as real popular resistance against enforced pro-Palestinian opinions, but the polls clearly show that a majority of Dutch people oppose Israels actions. Even among voters for right-wing parties, enthusiasm for Israel is no longer running high. Indeed, many PVV voters would prefer Wilders to do something for Dutch workers, as he has always demagogically promised and which they expect him to deliver on as a coalition partner an expectation that he is disappointing. A reasonable middle ground? The Red Line demonstration was organised by large humanitarian NGOs, with support from the FNV trade union federation, but also from centre-left and liberal parties. These parties, which initially supported Israel unequivocally, now invoke international law and similar arguments and are calling on the government to take a more critical stance. They want to show that this demonstration was qualitatively different from previous demonstrations organised by the Palestine solidarity and university encampment movements. There was even talk of fears that the Red Line demonstration would be hijacked by Palestine demonstrators! It is true that this demonstration was much larger than any other pro-Palestinian demonstration in the Netherlands to date, but that is not because moderate liberals and the centre-left are now involved. The point is that new layers are becoming involved for the first time because they are fed up with the slaughter. But the massive, 100,000-strong Red Line demonstration would not have been possible without the controversial and extreme demonstrations that have taken place since October 2023. The mobilisations that have taken place in various cities, at train stations, and by students at universities (demanding that ties with Israeli institutions be severed) have put this issue on the agenda. Pro-Palestinian students in particular have suffered from extreme police violence, which has stoked anger. The reasonable middle ground liberals and centre-left were nowhere to be seen at the time. As social pressure is now growing, the reasonable middle ground has jumped on the bandwagon to criticise the governments position on Israel, in order to capitalise on it with fine phrases about international law and a two-state solution. And yet, at the same time, on 10 April, the Labour Party, GreenLeft, Volt and D66 (two liberal, pro-EU parties) all voted against a motion for a total arms embargo on Israel. The Red Line demonstration has shown that a turning point is being reached. It is the task of the labour movement to help advance the movement further. The FNV trade union federation, having supported this demonstration, must go further, and take up the initiatives of Trade Union Members in Solidarity with Palestine and similar groups groups which until now have been tolerated within limits, but certainly not supported by the FNV leadership! The FNV, being the largest workers organisation in the Netherlands, must take the lead in escalating action against the Dutch ruling class and the Schoof government that has supported the Israeli war machine. Ethiopia has reported its first confirmed cases of mpox, involving a 21-day-old infant and the childs mother in the southern town of Moyale, near the Kenyan border. The Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute disclosed the cases in a joint statement on Sunday, May 25, noting that the infants father had recently travelled across the borderraising the likelihood of cross-border transmission from neighbouring countries where mpox has previously been detected. Moyale, a key trade and transport corridor straddling the frontiers of Ethiopia, Kenya, and near Somalia, has become the focal point of containment efforts. Several family members who came into contact with the infected pair have been placed under quarantine as public health teams intensify contact tracing operations. Authorities are working to determine the precise source of the infection, but initial investigations point to the porous nature of the border as a critical vulnerability. Though this is the first mpox confirmation within Ethiopias borders, the country has maintained heightened surveillance since the World Health Organization designated the outbreak a global health emergency in 2022. Officials have reassured the public that early intervention measures are underway to curb any potential community spread, particularly in high-risk regions along Ethiopias southern periphery. In a bold move to address domestic labor surpluses while strengthening South-South relations, Ghana has formalized a landmark bilateral agreement with Jamaica to export skilled nurses and teachers to the Caribbean island. The agreement was sealed following high-level discussions between Ghanas Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Jamaicas Senator Kamina Johnson Smith on the margins of the OACPS summit in Brussels, at the end of last week. The initiative builds upon the precedent set by Ghanas earlier collaboration with Barbados, which saw the successful deployment of hundreds of nurses across the Caribbean. The new accord is designed to provide a structured and dignified framework for skilled Ghanaian professionals, creating pathways for migration through specialized visas and streamlined accreditation of qualifications. Minister Ablakwa described the partnership as both mutually beneficial and a tribute to our shared cultural lineage, underscoring the depth of Afro-Caribbean solidarity. With Jamaica facing acute shortages in healthcare and education sectors, the move promises to alleviate workforce gaps while offering Ghanaian professionals internationally benchmarked remuneration packages and enhanced career mobility. This partnership also responds directly to Ghanas mounting unemployment among trained professionals. With approximately 55,000 nurses and 20,000 teachers graduating annually, yet only a fraction absorbed by the domestic public sector, the agreement offers both economic relief and opportunity. Analysts estimate the pact could generate up to $75 million annually in remittances, positioning Jamaica as a viable destination beyond the traditional migration corridors of the UK and US, and signaling a maturing phase in Ghanas strategic labor export policy. Kenya has inaugurated its embassy in Rabat on Monday at a ceremony chaired by Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. With this diplomatic representation, Kenya and Morocco have opened a new chapter in their six-decade-long bilateral ties, especially as potential for relations at the economic, commercial and political levels is yet to be unleashed. The opening of the embassy was described by visiting Musalia Mudavadi and his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita as a step in the right direction to foster bilateral ties at all levels, and provides an opportunity for the two countries to exchange expertise in a number of cooperation areas. Bourita noted Kenyas stance on the Sahara issue has helped usher a new momentum in bilateral ties. Mudavadi expressed his countrys support for Moroccan initiatives aiming to foster regional peace and security, citing the autonomy plan for the Sahara and the initiatives aiming to promote African integration. Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, had proposed an Atlantic initiative that would help landlocked African states access global trade through Moroccan ports. It has also spearheaded efforts to promote energy security in West Africa through the Atlantic pipeline that would connect Morocco to Nigerian gas fields. Kenya is also seen by Morocco as a gateway to eastern Africa, Bourita said, noting the cooperation potential in economic ties, investment and food security. Mudavadi, who is leading a business delegation, will meet Moroccan businessmen in Tangier and Casablanca. He signed deals with Bourita covering cooperation in the housing and urbanization sector. Nairobi is also hoping to become a global hub for environmental governance, innovation, and sustainable development, an endeavor that Morocco backs, Bourita said. The outgoing president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, praised on Monday Moroccos strides under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. Thanks to His Majestys enlightened vision, Morocco achieved major progress across multiple sectors, Adesina said during a press conference as part of the AfDBs annual meeting, held May 26-30 in Abidjan. Regarding the Morocco-AfDB cooperation that he described as excellent, Adesina cited numerous projects financed by the African institution, notably the Tanger Med Port and the project of the Nador West Med port complex. The AfDB has always and will continue supporting Morocco in its endeavors, he affirmed, noting especially the Kingdoms achievements in matters of generalization of social protection. The AfDB president also commended Moroccos successful organization of the last two editions of the Africa Investment Forum. This years Annual Meetings are held under the theme Making Africas Capital Work Better for Africas Development, focusing on harnessing the continents human, natural, financial, and commercial resources to fuel Africas structural transformation. This gathering brings together over 3,000 participants, and marks the 60th annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Bank and the 51st annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Fund. Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has returned to the country after more than a year in self-imposed exile, arriving on Monday (26 May) in the eastern city of Goma currently under the control of M23 rebels. His arrival, confirmed by both M23 and his political allies, marks a dramatic turn in the countrys deepening political and security crisis. We wish him a pleasant stay in the liberated areas, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka posted on X. Kabilas return follows the Senates recent decision to strip him of immunity, opening the door for possible prosecution over alleged ties to the M23 group, which the government accuses of destabilizing the region with Rwandan support. The former president, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, has denied all allegations, calling the justice system politically manipulated. Reactions in Goma have been mixed. Some residents remain skeptical of Kabilas legacy and intentions, while others hope his presence might bring attention and possibly peace to the conflict-ridden region. Independent analysts suggest Kabilas return is a calculated political move, as tensions with current President Felix Tshisekedi continue to escalate. With charges of treason and war crimes pending, Kabilas reappearance signals a volatile new phase in Congolese politics. Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, Amnesty International has accused the M23 rebels of having committed serious abuses against civilians, including torture, killings and enforced disappearances, in areas under their control. A growing humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Omdurman, where the surge in cholera-related deaths has overwhelmed already fragile healthcare facilities. Despite the urgency, both the Federal and State Ministries of Health have remained tight-lipped about the death toll, even as the number of cases under treatment surpasses 800 weekly. This alarming outbreak is the devastating aftermath of deliberate attacks on public infrastructure. The shelling of three power stations by the Rapid Support Forces disrupted water supply, compelling residents to resort to unsafe sources such as the Nile and shallow wells. The resulting contamination has fueled a sharp rise in cholera infections, with Al-Nao Hospital alone handling up to 700 new cases daily. Medical staff, working under extreme duress, are facing critical shortages of supplies, while tents erected outside the hospital now serve as makeshift wards. The chaos is exacerbated by the evident exhaustion among health workers and the accumulation of patient waste in open areas. International support, though arriving, remains inadequate. The World Health Organization has delivered supplies for an estimated 58,000 patients, while the National Medical Supplies Fund has dispatched over 120 tons of aid, with more en route. However, grassroots initiatives are filling critical gapslocal fundraising campaigns strive to procure IV fluids and transport for deceased patients. In the midst of this turmoil, residents of Al-Thawras Eighth District are demanding the relocation of the quarantine centre after infections spread to their neighborhood, planning public protests to pressure authorities. The tragedy in Omdurman is no longer a health emergency aloneit is a resounding cry for systemic reform, humanitarian intervention, and a return to the sanctity of civilian life. Syrian authorities have confirmed the closure of the office that was occupied by the Algeria-backed polisario separatists in Damascus and reaffirmed their commitment to respecting the Kingdoms national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The confirmation came as a Moroccan technical delegation is visiting Syria to supervise the reopening of Moroccos embassy in Damascus, as announced by King Mohammed VI in his address to the 34th Arab summit held in Baghdad on May 17. In this connection, a joint mission comprising members of the Moroccan delegation and Syrian senior officials paid a field visit to ascertain the effective closure of the polisarios office in the Syrian capital. The Syrian authorities have reaffirmed thus their commitment to respecting the Kingdoms national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and their rejection of any form of support for separatist entities. This move also translates Syrias firm willingness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Morocco and promote regional stability. King Mohammed VIs decision to reopen the Moroccan Embassy in Damascus marks a new era in Moroccan-Syrian ties; and the closure of the polisarios office in Damascus is a tangible expression of Syrias commitment to the Kingdoms territorial integrity. The Moroccan technical delegation, entrusted with finalizing the necessary arrangements for the embassys reopening, held talks with senior officials from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the logistical, legal, and diplomatic components required to operationalize this decision. In his address to the Arab Summit, the Monarch had emphasized that the reopening of the embassy, closed since 2012, would usher in broader prospects for the historical bilateral relations between the two countries and two peoples. 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: Paramedic and Doctor from Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) attending a patient during a training exercise. Credit: Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) A pioneering study by Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) reveals that using invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring in pre-hospital emergency medicine offers far greater precision in treating patients with brain injuries, potentially helping prevent further brain damage. Published in the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, the study is titled "Diagnostic accuracy of pre-hospital invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring for hemodynamic management in traumatic brain injury and spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage." Researchers compared the accuracy of invasive arterial lines, introduced by KSS in February 2022, with the traditional non-invasive method using an arm cuff. Patients with brain injuries, whether from trauma or spontaneous bleeding, need precise blood pressure management to prevent further brain damage. Previously, clinical teams would use a simple non-invasive arm cuff to guide treatment decisions. The study found significant differences between the two methods, with the non-invasive arm cuff method tending to underestimate high blood pressure and overestimate low blood pressure. The report's authors conclude that invasive monitoring, widely used in hospitals, has the potential to provide more accurate patient care at the point of injury or illness, in some of the patients seen by KSS. Jo Griggs, Head of Research and Innovation at KSS, commented, "Our findings underline the critical importance of accurate blood pressure monitoring in managing brain injuries. The use of invasive arterial lines can significantly enhance the precision of treatment, supporting clinical decision-making and potentially improving outcomes for patients." The KSS research team; Jo Griggs, Scott Clarke, Rob Greenhalgh, Adam Watts, Silas Houghton Budd, Jack Barrett, Kat Hunter, Michael Dias, Richard Lyon, and Ewoud ter Avest, found that arterial lines offer superior accuracy compared to non-invasive arm cuffs, which are still widely used in emergency care. Better accuracy in monitoring blood pressure at the scene allows for more tailored interventions, reducing the risk of secondary brain injury. This study, led by Jo Griggs, is the latest from the KSS Research and Innovation Team, which has an established reputation for helping to shape improvements in pre-hospital emergency medicine across the UK and internationally. Summary The research by KSS supports the use of pre-hospital invasive arterial lines in specific patient groups to enable more precise treatment for brain-injured patients. The findings suggest that adopting this method can result in better patient outcomes by ensuring more accurate blood pressure management, and thereby preventing further brain damage. More information: J. E. Griggs et al, Diagnostic accuracy of pre-hospital invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring for haemodynamic management in traumatic brain injury and spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage, Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s13049-025-01393-4 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: Intracollicular optogenetic stimulation associated with electrophysiological recordings of IC and MLR neurons activity. Credit: Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-96995-4 Persons with Parkinson's disease increasingly lose their mobility over time and are eventually unable to walk. Hope for these patients rests on deep brain stimulation, also known as a brain pacemaker. In a current study, researchers at Ruhr University Bochum and Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Germany, investigated whether and how stimulation of a certain region of the brain can have a positive impact on ambulatory ability and provide patients with a higher quality of life. To do this, the researchers used a technique in which the nerve cells are activated and deactivated via light. Their report is published in the journal Scientific Reports. Improving ambulatory ability If medication is no longer sufficient in alleviating restricted mobility in the advanced stage of Parkinson's disease, one alternative is deep brain stimulation. An electrical pulse emitter is implanted within the brain, such as in the subthalamic nucleus, which is functionally part of the basal ganglia system. The group under Dr. Liana Melo-Thomas from Philipps-Universitat Marburg was able to show in previous studies on rats that stimulation of the inferior colliculuschiefly known for processing auditory inputcan be used to overcome mobility restrictions. "There are indications that stimulation of this region of the brain leads to activation of the mesencephalic locomotor region, or MLR," says Melo-Thomas. Interestingly, the colliculus inferiorunlike the basal gangliais not affected by Parkinson's disease. However, the research group under Melo-Thomas discovered that its stimulation activates alternative motor pathways and can improve patients' mobility. The current study aimed to further investigate this activating influence of the inferior colliculus on the MLR. "We suspected that this would have a positive effect on ambulatory ability," says Melo-Thomas. Optically influencing nerve cells The Marburg group led by Professor Rainer Schwarting sought support from Dr. Wolfgang Kruse from the Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology at Ruhr University Bochum. The team in Bochum led by Professor Stefan Herlitze played a significant role in co-developing the methods of optogenetics. While doing so, the researchers ensure that the nerve cells of genetically modified test animals produce a light-sensitive protein in interesting regions of the brain. Light that reaches these nerve cells via small, implanted optical fibers allows the researchers to activate or inhibit them specifically. "This method is thus much more precise than electrical stimulation, which always affects the area around the cells as well," says Kruse. For the first time, the effect of the stimulation was directly documented with electrophysiological measurements of neuronal activity in the target structures. A multi-electrode system originally developed at Philipps-Universitat Marburg was used for this purpose. By combining these methods, the researchers were able to directly understand the effect of the stimulation. Parallel measurement with up to four electrodes is also highly efficient, allowing minimization of the number of animals used. Behavioral effects that can be triggered by the stimulation were monitored in conscious animals. Stimulation of the inferior colliculus provides the desired effect Optogenetic stimulation in the inferior colliculus predominantly triggered the expected increase in neuronal activity within it. "Simultaneous measurements in the deeper MLR region showed increased activity in the majority of cells, although nearly one quarter of the cells were inhibited by the additional activity in the inferior colliculus," reports Kruse. The activation of individual nerve cells occurred with an average delay of 4.7 milliseconds, indicating a functional synaptic interconnection between the inferior colliculus and MLR. Foundations for new types of therapy Investigating circuits outside of the basal ganglia that are affected by Parkinson's disease is a promising step in the search for a new therapeutic approach to alleviating motor deficits resulting from the disease. Such is the case with the connection between the inferior colliculus and the MLR that was investigated for this study. "Even if the path toward new therapeutic approaches to alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease still appears long, such foundational research is immensely important," says Kruse. The exact mechanisms that lead to the observed relief of symptoms with deep brain stimulation in the basal ganglia are not fully understood. Further investigation of the underlying interconnections may provide new insight that could optimize therapy in the long term. More information: Jose A. Pochapski et al, Optogenetic stimulation of inferior colliculus neurons elicits mesencephalic locomotor region activity and reverses haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-96995-4 Journal information: Scientific Reports This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Impact of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells on acquired hemophilia. Credit: Leukemia (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41375-025-02554-1 Cell and gene therapies harbor great hopes for biomedicine. They are becoming increasingly important for diseases that are currently difficult or impossible to treatfor example, aggressive forms of cancer or rare diseases such as hemophilia, also known colloquially as hemophilia. At the Hemophilia Centre at the Clinic for Haematology, Haemostaseology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation at Hannover Medical School (MHH), a so-called CAR-T cell therapy has now been successfully carried out for the first time on a patient with acquired hemophilia A. The 39-year-old patient had suffered from multiple hemophilia A symptoms, including severe hemorrhaging, for several months, and the individualized treatment attempt was his last hope. "The patient has a life-threatening autoimmune disorder, which means that his misdirected immune system has produced antibodies against his body's own coagulation factor," explains Professor Dr. Andreas Tiede, Head of the Hemophilia Centre. Because all standard therapies had failed, the doctors treating the patient used a procedure in which T cells belonging to the white blood cells were genetically modified so that they, as so-called CAR-T cells, switched off the falsely activated immune cells. The results have been published in the journal Leukemia. Coagulation factor missing Hemophilia A is either congenital, i.e., genetic; or the coagulation disorder is acquired, i.e., it develops over the course of a lifetime. In the first case, those affected lack coagulation factor VIII, a protein produced in the liver. In the second case, the immune system mistakenly categorizes the protein, which is vital for blood clotting, as foreign to the body, sends out immune cells against it and destroys it. In Germany, around 6,000 people are genetically affected by the disease and around 500 acquire it every year in the form of an autoimmune reaction. "In severe forms, patients suffer from spontaneous hemorrhages in the skin and muscles, as well as internal organs," explains Professor Tiede. People with congenital hemophilia also have a high risk of cerebral hemorrhages. Misdirected immune system The Hemophilia Centre at the MHH treats cases of both congenital and acquired hemophilia. If the coagulation factor is missing, those affected have to inject the proteins themselves several times a weekthis is necessary on a regular basis due to the short half-life. However, the center now also offers gene therapy in which the genetic information for the coagulation factor is transferred to the liver cells by means of a viral shuttle. As a small DNA ring in the cell nucleus, the gene produces the missing protein there. This very effective treatment is now covered by statutory health insurance. The administration of these coagulation factors is often not effective in autoimmune diseases. Patients are usually given immunosuppressants, i.e., drugs that dampen the misdirected immune system. Another treatment option is the active ingredient emicizumab. The antibody is not a coagulation factor, but merely mimics its mode of action and activates blood coagulation. "However, none of the standard therapies worked for our patient, which is why we took a different approach," says PD Dr. Christian Schultze-Florey. Together with his colleague Professor Dr. Felicitas Thol, the hematologist treated the 39-year-old, who had a life-threatening illness, with CAR-T cell therapy. This method is primarily used in medicine to treat cancer. For this, the body's own T cells are taken from the blood. These are then genetically modified and equipped with a so-called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). With the help of this receptor, the T cells can now recognize the target structures known as antigens on the cells against which they are to act. CAR-T cell production directly on site The genetically modified CAR-T cells are multiplied in the laboratory and then returned to the patient's body in a similar way to a blood transfusion. There they continue to multiply, anddepending on the synthetic receptorremain as a living weapon either against cancer cells or against misdirected defense cells. "In our case, the antigen receptor was directed against the CD19 protein on the surface of the CD19-B lymphocytes, which mistakenly produced antibodies against the coagulation factor," explains Professor Thol. What is special is that the CAR-T cells are produced directly at the MHH in the clean rooms of the Cellular Therapy Centre (CTC). The advantage: The cells are immediately available within a short time without having to be transported at great expense and independently of commercial companies. No standard therapy yet The therapy saved the 39-year-old's life. Just two months after the CAR T-cell transfusion, the coagulation factor recovered and the dangerous, uncontrolled bleeding stopped completely. "Although the treatment was very successful despite the poor initial conditions, this is an individual attempt at a cure," emphasizes Professor Tiede. "Further studies are needed to be able to offer the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy for acquired hemophilia A as a standard therapy at some point." In order to be able to better evaluate and utilize the results of all treatment approaches in connection with CAR-T cell therapies, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), the highest decision-making body in the German health care system, would like to consolidate the data from the existing registers under the umbrella of a comprehensive cell and gene therapy register. Professor Tiede is also involved in setting up the national register. More information: Christian R. Schultze-Florey et al, Anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy for acquired hemophilia A, Leukemia (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41375-025-02554-1 Journal information: Leukemia 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: People fill water containers at a distribution point due to water outages in Khartoum, Sudan, Sunday, May 25, 2025. Credit: AP Photo A new cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed 172 people and sickened more than 2,500 over the past week, authorities said Tuesday as a leading medical group warned that the country's existing health facilities were unable to cope with the surge of patients. The bulk of the cases were reported in the capital, Khartoum, and its twin city of Omdurman, but cholera was also detected in the provinces of North Kordofan, Sennar, Gazira, White Nile and Nile River, health officials said. According to Joyce Bakker, the Sudan coordinator for Doctors Without Bordersalso known as Medecins Sans Frontieres or MSFthe alarming spike began in mid-May, with MSF teams treating almost 2,000 suspected cholera cases in the past week alone. On Saturday, Sudan's Health Minister Haitham Ibrahim said the increase in cholera cases just in the Khartoum region has been estimated to average 600 to 700 per week over the past four weeks. Bekker said MSF's treatment centers in Omdurman are overwhelmed and that the "scenes are disturbing." "Many patients are arriving too late to be saved," she said. "We don't know the true scale of the outbreak, and our teams can only see a fraction of the full picture." She called for a united response, including water, sanitation and hygiene programs and more treatment facilities. People swim in the Nile River as another fills a water container due to water outages in Khartoum, Sudan, Sunday, May 25, 2025. Credit: AP Photo In March, MSF said that 92 people had died of cholera in Sudan's White Nile State, where 2,700 people had contracted the disease since late February. The World Health Organization said that the water-borne disease is a fast-developing and highly contagious infection that causes diarrhea and leads to severe dehydration and possible death within hours when not treated. The disease is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. The outbreak is the latest crisis for Sudan, which was plunged into a war more than two years ago, when tensions between the Sudanese army and its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces group, or RSF, exploded with street battles in Khartoum that quickly spread across the country. Since then, at least 20,000 people have been reported killed, though the number is likely far higher, and more than 14 million have been displaced and forced from their homes. Sudan has also been engulfed by what the United Nations says is the world's largest humanitarian crisis, and disease outbreaks, famine and atrocities have mounted as the African country entered its third year of war. People fill a container by water due to water outages in Khartoum, Sudan, Sunday, May 25, 2025. Credit: AP Photo Last week, the Sudanese military said it had regained control of the Greater Khartoum area from the paramilitary forces. Ibrahim, the health minister, attributed the cholera surge to the return of many Sudanese to the Khartoum regionpeople who had fled their homes to escape the fighting and are now coming back. Their returns have strained the city's dwindling water resources, he said. 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: Synonymous cytosine base editing of CAG repeats in vitro. Credit: Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02172-8 Broad Institute researchers have developed a way to edit the genetic sequences at the root of Huntington's disease and Friedreich's ataxia. The conditions are two of more than 40 severe neurological disorders caused by three-letter stretches of DNA that repeat consecutively. If longer than a certain threshold length, these sequences grow in length uncontrollably and lead to brain cell death in Huntington's disease, and the breakdown of nerve fibers in Friedreich's ataxia. There are no treatments that stop the progression of these diseases. The Broad team has developed a new approach to prevent these DNA repeats from expanding. Using a technique called base editing, the team introduced single-letter changes into the middle of the repeated stretch of DNA, interrupting the sequence in patient cells and mouse models of Huntington's disease and Friedreich's ataxia. They found that the edited DNA tracts stayed the same in length or even became shorter over time. The findings appeared recently in Nature Genetics and come from the lab of gene-editing pioneer David Liu, the Richard Merkin Professor and director of the Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare at the Broad. Liu is also an investigator with the Friedreich's Ataxia Accelerator at Broad, a professor at Harvard University, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Mandana Arbab, a postdoctoral researcher in Liu's lab when the study began who now holds the Lodish Family chair as an assistant professor at Boston Children's Hospital, and Zaneta Matuszek, then a graduate student, are co-first authors on the study. Ricardo Mouro Pinto, a Broad associated scientist and an assistant professor at the Mass General Research Institute, is a co-corresponding author along with Liu. More work will be needed to catalog the potential side effects of installing these edits in the genome, but the researchers say that the approach could be a valuable tool for understanding diseases caused by these kinds of DNA repeats. "A lot more studies would be needed before we can know if disrupting these repeats with a base editor could be a viable therapeutic strategy to treat patients," said Liu. "But being able to illuminate the biological consequences of interrupted repeats is a really useful and important milestone." Repeat interrupted About one in 3,000 people has a disease caused by three-letter repeats in DNA. Individuals with the same disease can inherit different numbers of DNA repeatspeople with more repeats generally experience symptoms sooner and more severely, and their diseases progress faster. By contrast, some patients have naturally occurring single-letter "interruptions" within these repeats, and have milder symptoms that develop later. These individuals are also less likely to pass their disease along to their children than people with uninterrupted repeats. That gave Matuszek and Arbab an idea. If a gene-editing therapy could install an interruption that mimics those that occur naturally in some patients, it might stop the repeat from expanding and halt or slow down disease progression. Matuszek and Arbab decided to use base editing, a tool developed by Liu's lab in 2016 for making single-letter changes in DNA. They came up with a system that changed some GC pairs to AT pairs within a CAG repeat tract for Huntington's disease. Another edited several AT pairs to GC pairs within the GAA repeats of Friedreich's ataxia. When the team tested the editors in connective tissue cells derived from patients with the disorders, the number of repeats within treated cells stayed the same or even decreased over timebut untreated cells had more repeats than before. Credit: Agnieszka Grosso, Broad Communications To shuttle the base editors to specific cells in mice, the researchers packaged them into dual AAV9 vectors, an adeno-associated virus designed to deliver cargo to neurons. The base editors stabilized the repeat tracts in mouse models of Friedreich's ataxia and Huntington's disease. "What's really exciting is that we now have a tool to introduce interruptions in cell and animal models and study how they affect the biology of these diseases," Matuszek said. A new editing strategy Liu cautions that because these repeat sequences occur elsewhere in the genome, the base editors can make edits in those parts of the genome, raising the possibility of unwanted side effects. But so far, his team has found that most off-target editing occurs in parts of the genome that are between genes or do not encode proteins, reducing the chance of unwanted side effects in people. The researchers plan to study these effects in specific cell populations and animal models that more faithfully mirror human disease. However, the team thinks that a therapeutic strategy that introduces interruptions into repeat tracts could one day help treat Huntington's, Friedreich's ataxia, and other trinucleotide repeat disorders, because such changes in DNA occur naturally in people without disease or who only have mild symptoms. "Not only does this study show for the first time that inducing interruptions has a profound stabilizing effect on repeats, but that the base-editing approach we've used can also be applied to study any of over a dozen repeat disorders," Arbab said. "There's still a lot of work to be done, but we're hopeful that this approach could really accelerate therapeutic development for a lot of these diseases." In the meantime, the researchers are also developing a different approach using prime editing to replace disease-causing repeat tracts with a shorter, stable number of repeats all at once. More information: Zaneta Matuszek et al, Base editing of trinucleotide repeats that cause Huntington's disease and Friedreich's ataxia reduces somatic repeat expansions in patient cells and in mice, Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02172-8 Journal information: Nature Genetics 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: Combined body mass index (BMI)-body surface area (BSA) obesity is associated with an increased risk for post-kidney transplant (KT) adverse outcomes, according to a study published online May 21 in Transplantation Direct. Roxaneh Zaminpeyma, from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and colleagues examined post-KT adverse outcomes associated with obesity, defined using combined BMI-BSA parameters, in a cohort of adult KT recipients across the United States. A total of 242,432 patients were included in the final study: 32.0% and 28.6% had obesity based on BMI and BSA, respectively. The researchers found that the adjusted risk for death-censored graft loss, all-cause graft loss, and delayed graft function was greatest when both BMI and BSA indicated obesity compared with nonobese BMI and BSA (adjusted hazard ratios, 1.23, 1.09, and 1.58, respectively); the risk was significantly greater than when BMI and BSA were discordant. "Patients with discordance between obesity-defined BMI and BSA are at significantly lower risk than those categorized as obese by both BMI and BSA metrics," the authors write. "Combined BMI-BSA-defined obesity should be considered when defining obesity-related risk at the time of kidney transplantation." More information: Roxaneh Zaminpeyma et al, Combined Body Mass Index and Body Surface Area to Predict Post Kidney Transplant Outcomes in Patients With Obesity (2025). DOI: 10.1097/TXD.0000000000001807 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12097780/ 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: RDNE Stock project from Pexels A new study to be presented at the SLEEP 2025 annual meeting found that certain objectively measured daytime napping behaviors are associated with an increased risk of mortality for middle-to-older aged adults. Results show that the median nap duration was 0.40 hours per day. Thirty-four percent of naps were taken between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., 10% were taken between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., 14% were taken between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., 19% were taken between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., and 22% were taken between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. An analysis found that longer naps, greater variability in daytime nap duration, and higher percentages of naps around noon and in the early afternoon are associated with greater mortality risks. "In evaluating the results of the sleep study, we were surprised by how common napping was among middle-to-older aged adults, how much their daytime sleep patterns varied across days, and when during the day they are sleeping," said lead author Chenlu Gao, a postdoctoral research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. "People who slept longer during the day, had irregular daytime sleep patterns, or slept more around midday and early afternoon were at greater risk, even after accounting for health and lifestyle factors." The American Academy of Sleep Medicine encourages healthy adults to limit naps to no longer than 2030 minutes in the early afternoon. While a brief "power" nap can improve daytime alertness and performance, naps of 30 minutes or longer may cause a person to feel groggy after waking up. This grogginess, or "sleep inertia," can delay the short-term performance benefits of a nap. "Interestingly, the data that shows risks associated with napping around midday and early afternoon contradicts what we currently know about napping, so further research on that link could be warranted," Gao added. The study sample comprised 86,565 non-shiftworking participants in the UK Biobank with an average baseline age of 63 years; 57% were women. They were monitored by actigraphy for seven days, and daytime napping was defined as sleep between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mortality data were obtained from national registries. There were 5,189 (6.0%) participants who died during a follow-up period of up to 11 years. Results were adjusted for potential confounders including demographics, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and nighttime sleep duration. Gao noted that the results are important because they highlight the potential significance of considering daytime sleep behaviors in the risk stratification of mortality in adults. However, the study has some limitations. Because it relied on actigraphy, which detects movement but not brain activity, quiet wakefulness may have been misclassified as sleep. Additionally, defining daytime napping as sleep between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. could have inadvertently included portions of participants' primary sleep episodes, potentially affecting the accuracy of nap classification. "Incorporating actigraphy-based daytime sleep assessments into clinical and public health practices may provide novel opportunities for early risk identification and personalized interventions to promote longevity," Gao said. The research abstract was published recently in an online supplement of the journal SLEEP and will be presented Wednesday, June 11, during SLEEP 2025 in Seattle. More information: Chenlu Gao et al, 0350 Objectively-Assessed Napping Behaviors Predict Mortality in Middle-to-Older Aged Adults, SLEEP (2025). DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaf090.0350 Journal information: Sleep 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: Initial responses to the COVID-19 outbreak have been well assessed and documented. However, the impact of the extended phases of the pandemic, particularly on vulnerable populations, remains unclear. Researchers from Waseda University, Japan, have analyzed trends in health care utilization among older adults aged 75 years and above during the prolonged pandemic. The study provides novel insights into health care adaptations that can improve accessibility for the elderly while minimizing their crisis-related risk. Credit: Rong Fu from the Faculty of Commerce, Waseda University, Japan Public health care emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can drastically disrupt health care systems with long-term repercussions. The effects of such health care crises are more pronounced in the aging population, who are particularly vulnerable to chronic infections and sudden disruptions in health care. The COVID-19 outbreak that emerged in December 2019 quickly spread worldwide, and several emergency measures were urgently implemented to curb its transmission. During the initial phase of the pandemic, stringent measures like social distancing, isolation, and mandatory wearing of masks were implemented. Unfortunately, older individuals were at a higher risk of acquiring the infection and were more likely to experience negative outcomes. The fear of infection, coupled with the state of emergency (SoE) declarations, has led to older adults refraining from seeking necessary medical care. While initial responses to the pandemic have been well-documented, its long-term impact on health care utilization and access among the elderly remains unclear. Furthermore, the prolonged pandemic was characterized by the spread of relatively less virulent strains, gradual relaxation of stringent measures, and widespread vaccination, with limited data on the effect of this transition. To bridge this knowledge gap, researchers from Waseda University, Japan, sought to analyze the effects of the extended phasefrom November 2021 to September 2022on older adults in Japan, one of the world's most aged societies with a universal health care system. The team comprised of Associate Professor Rong Fu from the Faculty of Commerce, master's student Sizhe Liu from the Graduate School of Commerce, Assistant Professor Masato Oikawa from the Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Professor Haruko Noguchi from the Faculty of Political Science and Economics, and Professor Akira Kawamura from the Faculty of Human Sciences. Panel A shows the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (in tens of thousands) across eight epidemic waves in Japan from January 2020 to June 2023. Panel B illustrates the timing and extent of government declarations: State of emergency (SoE, blue) and semi-state of Emergency (SoPE, green), indicated by the number of affected prefectures. The shaded area marks the study period. Peaks in intervention measures generally correspond to rises in case numbers. Credit: Rong Fu from the Faculty of Commerce, Waseda University, Japan Explaining the rationale behind their research, Fu, the lead author, says, "As populations age globally, maintaining health care access during public health emergencies becomes increasingly critical. Our research addresses this challenge by providing insights into how health care systems can balance infection control with continued access to essential services for vulnerable elderly populations." Their findings were published online in Scientific Reports on April 22, 2025. The researchers used a comprehensive dataset of 189,841,257 medical claims linked with income tax records from the long-term care insurance system to analyze trends in health care utilization among Japan's oldest-old population aged 75 years and above. They correlated trends in health care access and utilization with the implementation of public health measures, crisis severity, and socioeconomic status. The analysis revealed that the implementation of precautionary measures led to a modest drop in the use of medical services and outpatient visits. Nevertheless, health care costs and services remained stable despite a decrease in patient volumes. The use of medical services varied across different residential areas depending on crisis severity and the extent of precautionary measures. Notably, there was no difference in health care utilization across different income levels except for dental services. Dental care visits by older adults with a lower income were significantly lower than high-income groups, highlighting socioeconomic disparities in dental care during public emergencies. Overall, these findings suggest that health care adaptations can address the needs of the elderly during medical emergencies and help avoid medical delays with dire consequences. Adaptations may include integrated monitoring systems, enhanced safety protocols to bridge gaps in preventive dental care, early warning systems, and flexible delivery options, such as remote or mobile care, to improve accessibility for vulnerable groups. "Our findings can help inform policymakers who devise targeted interventions to prevent socioeconomic disparities in health care access from widening during crises. Additionally, for health care providers, our research demonstrates the importance of maintaining service intensity even when visit frequency fluctuates," Fu adds. More information: Rong Fu et al, Healthcare utilization among Japanese older adults during later stage of prolonged pandemic, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-98908-x Journal information: Scientific Reports This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Imagine a patient named Rosa tells you she wakes up night after night in a drenching sweat after having very realistic dreams of smoking fentanyl. The dreams seem crazy to her. Three months ago, newly pregnant, Rosa began visualizing being a good parent. She realized it was finally time to give up her self-destructive use of street fentanyl. With tremendous effort, she started treatment with buprenorphine for her opioid use disorder. As hoped, she was intensely relieved to be free from the distressing withdrawal symptomsrestless legs, anxiety, bone pain, nausea and chillsand from the guilt, shame and hardship of living with addiction. But even so, Rosa found herself musing throughout the day about the rewarding rush of fentanyl, which seemed ever more appealing. And she couldn't escape those dreams at night. Rosa asks you, her doctor, for a higher dose of buprenorphine. You consider her request carefully. Your clinic follows the Food and Drug Administration prescribing guideline that has changed very little in over 20 years. It recommends her current prescription16 milligramsas the "target" dose. You are aware of the prevailing view among medical providers that most patients don't need a dose higher than that. Many believe that patients or others would use the extra pills to get high. But after many visits, you feel that you know Rosa well. You believe in her sincerity. She is a responsible 25-year-old with a full-time job who never misses appointments. She now has stable housing with her parents after years of couch surfing. You reluctantly agree and raise her daily dose by one additional 8-milligram pill, totaling 24 milligrams. At her next visit, Rosa tells you that the higher dose solved her daytime fentanyl craving, but the nightmares have continued. She would like to try an even higher dose. How should you respond? The FDA guideline clearly states there is no evidence to support any benefit above her new dose. You begin to doubt Rosa's sincerity and your own judgment. Harms of low doses This hypothetical scenario has played out countless times in the U.S. since 2002, when buprenorphine was first approved as a treatment for opioid use disorder. As a family physician specializing in addiction medicine, I have frequently encountered patients who still experience withdrawal symptoms at the "target dose" and even at the suggested maximum dose of 24 milligrams. People like Rosa, plagued by uncontrolled fentanyl cravingeither awake or in dreamsare at high risk of leaving treatment and returning to addiction. Yet from 2019 to 2020, only 2% of buprenorphine prescriptions were written for over 24 milligrams. I was able to help some of those people in my work as co-founder and medical director of a low-barrier clinic, which is a clinic that makes it easier for people to get started with buprenorphine. I asked our clinicians to offer a higher dose when they believed the current one wasn't meeting the patient's needs. The dose choice may be a life-or-death decision. Increasing it by one more pillto 32 milligramsoften makes the difference between a patient staying in or leaving treatment. The risk of leaving treatment is particularly significant for the patients we typically see at low-barrier clinics, many of whom face severe life challenges. While patients do sometimes give away or sell extra pills, research consistently shows that illegally obtained pills are most commonly used for self-treatmentto control withdrawal and help quit opioids when treatment is unavailable. Medicaid in my state of Washington began paying for prescriptions up to 32 milligrams in 2019. But clinicians may still encounter constraints from other health insurers and at pharmacies. Some states, such as Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio, have dose restrictions cemented in law. Finding the right dose The challenge of finding the right treatment dose became more acute for clinicians and patients as fentanyl swept across the country starting in 2013. Fentanyl now dominates the unregulated opioid supply. Fifty times stronger than heroin, fentanyl overwhelms the ability of low doses of buprenorphine to counter its effects. Buprenorphinealso known by the brand name Suboxone, which contains a mix of buprenorphine and naloxoneis an opioid medication with the quirk of both activating the brain's opioid receptors and partially blocking them. It provides just enough opioid effects to prevent withdrawal symptoms and craving while also blocking the reward of euphoria. It relieves pain like other opioids but doesn't cause breathing to stop. It can dramatically reduce the risk of overdose death by as much as 70%. In medicine, there is a general concern that too high a dose may have toxic effects. However, as many clinicians and researchers have observed, using too low a dose of some treatments can also lead to harm, including death from patients going back to fentanyl. After observing so many patients responding well to higher doses, my colleagues and I looked in the medical literature for more information. We discovered over a dozen reports as far back as 1999 providing evidence that buprenorphine's benefits steadily increase up to at least 32 milligrams. At higher doses, patients stay on treatment longer, use illicit opioids less often, have fewer complications such as hepatitis C, have fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and suffer less from chronic pain. Brain scans show that buprenorphine at 32 milligrams occupies more opioid receptorsover 90% of receptors in some brain regionscompared with lower doses. One study even showed that a high enough dose of buprenorphine can directly prevent fentanyl overdose. Patients with some health conditions may especially benefit from higher doses. During pregnancy, as in Rosa's case, withdrawal symptoms can grow more intense because of metabolism changes that reduce the blood concentration of most medications. A higher dose may be needed to maintain the level of effects they had before pregnancy. Additionally, I found that the patients in my clinic with chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder or longtime opioid use were most likely to find relief at a dose above 24 milligrams. The American Society of Addiction Medicine recommends four goals of treatment: suppressing opioid withdrawal, blocking the effects of illicit opioids, stopping opioid cravings and reducing the use of illicit opioids, and promoting recovery-oriented activities. Similarly, patients seek a comfortable and effective dosethat is, one that avoids withdrawal symptoms and craving, and allows them to avoid illicit drug use and the associated worry and stress. Many patients also yearn to feel trusted, accepted and understood by their clinician. Achieving that goal requires shared decision-making. A clinician can never be sure a patient is meeting all the goals of treatment. But a patient who reports positive life changessuch as stable housing and improved relationshipsand reports low or no craving while awake or dreaming will likely be satisfied with the current dose. For a patient who does not make progress with a dose increase to 32 milligrams, the clinician might consider a different treatment plan, such as a 30-day buprenorphine injection, which can provide an even higher dose, or transition to methadone, the other highly effective FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder. The FDA guideline change In August 2022, a team of addiction physicians attempted to move the FDA to change dosing guidelines for buprenorphine. They submitted a petition asking for a modernized guideline that based dosing on how a patient responds to buprenorphineincluding symptom relief and reduced illicit drug userather than a fixed "target" dose. They asked to remove language that incorrectly denied evidence that patients benefited from doses above 24 milligrams. The FDA listened. In December 2023, it convened a public meeting with leading addiction clinicians, researchers and policymakers to review the evidence on buprenorphine dosing. The group came to an overwhelming consensus that there was extensive research showing benefit at doses above 24 milligrams. Moreover, they doubted whether the guideline's dosing conclusions, made before fentanyl infiltrated the drug supply, applied today. Then, the FDA responded. In December 2024, it announced a new buprenorphine recommendation that would not mention a target dose and would not deny the existence of evidence of benefits above 24 milligrams. Only time will tell whether and when the FDA's new guideline will meaningfully alter prescribing patterns, insurance and pharmacy restrictions, and state laws. To maintain the national trend toward lower overdose deaths, the best possible use of each effective treatment is critical. Yet the Trump administration's proposed cuts to Medicaidwhich covers nearly half of all buprenorphine prescriptionsput access seriously at risk. Most people with untreated addiction would be blocked from accessing treatment altogether, let alone at an effective dose or with the behavioral health, social work and recovery support services needed for the best outcomes. Research shows that a sharp reduction in buprenorphine prescriptions occurred following 2023 Medicaid coverage restrictions. Opioid use disorder is treatable. Buprenorphine works well and saves lives when given at the right dose. An inadequate dose can directly harm patients who are simply trying to survive and improve their lives. 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: DNA, which has a double-helix structure, can have many genetic mutations and variations. Credit: NIH Pharmacogenomics studies how individuals respond to drugs based on their genetic code. Using that knowledge to guide prescribing in routine care could lead to better outcomes for patients and save money for health systems. Generating pharmacogenomic data in the laboratory is relatively straightforward, but a major challenge is making that information available to frontline health care professionals in a clinically relevant format and timeframe. This has meant that, to date, only a limited number of patients have been able to benefit from such individually optimized treatments. At the annual congress of the European Society of Human Genetics, Dr. John McDermott, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK, described how he and his colleagues, as part of the NHS-England Network of Excellence for Pharmacogenomics & Medicines Optimization, have pioneered an approach to integrate genomic data into electronic health records in both GP practices and hospitals. This means that patients' genomic data can be made available to help select the safest and most effective treatment for everyone, irrespective of where they are in the health system. Pharmacogenomics is fundamentally different from rare disease and cancer genetics in that it has relevance across a patient's life, each time they require medicine. But the professionals handling the data are unlikely to have had extensive training in interpreting this complex genetic information. The team based in Manchester have developed a novel informatic approach that enables genomic data to be presented to clinicians, directly in their electronic health record, without disrupting normal clinical practice. "Our solution can work with many commonly used genetic testing platforms and all the major electronic health care record systems used globally. This means that health care professionals need not worry about interpreting genetic reports; instead, they receive contextualized guidance within their existing systems as part of the normal workflow," says Dr. McDermott. The PROGRESS program recruited patients from 20 sites across England following prescription of common medicinesstatins, opioids, antidepressants, and proton pump inhibitorsand pharmacogenomic guidance was returned and integrated into the electronic health care record. The proportion of patients with an actionable variant related to their medicine was recorded, along with prescription amendments, turnaround times and compliance with guidance. An interim analysis of the first 500 participants showed that pharmacogenomic guidance had been provided to all patients, with a median turnaround time of seven days. A pharmacogenomic result related to the prescription of common medications was found in 95% of participants, and just over one in four study participants had their prescription adjusted to a safer or more effective treatment. Large-scale interventions like this need to be justified from a health economic perspective, Dr. McDermott says. "There have been several studies showing the potential value of pharmacogenomics, which have typically focused on specific drugs, specific genes, and specific clinical scenarios. "For example, the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recently recommended that all patients who have had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA) should undergo pharmacogenomic testing to guide the choice of antiplatelet therapy. This was based on a health economic assessment which demonstrated a potential value to the health system of hundreds of millions of pounds in prevented strokes and gained quality of life." Having demonstrated that genomic data can be integrated into routine care pathways and successfully inform clinical decision-making, the researchers now intend to leverage routinely-collected health care data at scale to investigate how these prescribing changes are impacting health care utilization and establish whether the intervention reduces the need for further appointments, attendance in emergency departments, and overall prescribing costs. "It was notable how frequently clinicians chose to follow the pharmacogenomic prescribing guidance. We think this reflects the fact that health care professionals had the data presented to them just like they would with any other biomarker. Prescribing is often adjusted based on things like renal function, and so we designed this intervention in a very similar way," says Dr. McDermott. "We hope that in future individual pharmacogenomic profiling will become equally integrated and commonplace. Our study has shown that this is possible, and now we intend to show that it will also be beneficial from a health economic point of view." Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics at NHS England, said, "This pioneering study shows how we can transform patient care through innovative approaches to personalized medicine. "Seeing that more than a quarter of study participants had their prescriptions adjusted to safer or more effective treatments underscores the real difference this approach can make to people's lives. Pharmacogenomics will be a key part of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service in the future." Chair of the conference, Professor Alexandre Reymond, said, "This research concerns us all, since every one of us has a handful of pharmacogenomic actionable variants in our genome. The use of a specific, genomically targeted treatment can greatly reduce the risk of a bad outcome related to these variants." More information: Abstract no. 520 Integrating pharmacogenomic guided prescribing into primary care: The NHS PROGRESS study This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Study Design for Pace of Aging analysis in the US Health and Retirement Study and the English Longitudinal Study of Aging. Credit: Nature Aging (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43587-025-00866-6 A newly refined method for measuring the Pace of Aging in population-based studies provides a powerful tool for predicting risks associated with aging, including chronic illness, cognitive impairment, disability, and mortality. Developed by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the method offers researchers and policymakers a novel approach to quantify how quickly individuals and populations experience age-related health decline. Until now, the metrics used in population health research on aging did not distinguish differences caused by early-life factors, such as prenatal care and nutrition, from those caused by ongoing changes in people's bodies due to aging. Findings from the study are published in Nature Aging. "The Pace of Aging method is an important approach for understanding population aging," explained Arun Balachandran, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher at the Columbia Aging Center and lead author of the study. "Our existing toolkit doesn't include methods that can separate out the legacies of early life from the changes caused by aging," Daniel Belsky, Ph.D., associate professor of Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School and member of the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center elaborated. "We originally developed the Pace of Aging method to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions targeting the biology of aging. The new approach introduced in this paper is designed to do the same for social policies and public health programs. "Our method will enable researchers and public health professionals working with population data to better understand how policies, social structures, environments, and individual behaviors shape aging trajectories across populations worldwide." The team analyzed data from two large-scale, nationally representative studies: the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). These long-term studies follow adults aged 50 and olderalong with their spousesand collect detailed information on health, cognition, socioeconomic status, and family dynamics. The studies have been ongoing for decades and periodically enroll new participants. The new approach makes use of data from dried blood spots, physical exams, and performance tests given to participants in their homes at up to three timepoints over eight-year follow-up intervals. Pace of Aging was examined in 19,045 participants who contributed data over 2006-2016, with additional follow-up to determine disease, disability, and mortality through 2022. In the US study, Pace of Aging was measured from C-reactive protein (CRP), Cystatin-C, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, lung capacity (peak flow), balance, grip strength, and gait speed. "Our findings establish that we can measure important variability in the pace of aging in older people with a relatively limited set of measurements," said Belsky. "Our findings open up possibilities to study pace of aging in cohorts around the world," expanded Balachandran. "These metrics consistently predict future health outcomes, including disease onset, disability, and death. And they reveal important differences in aging trajectories across population subgroups. For example, the study reported signs of accelerated aging in people with lower levels of education." Originally developed using data from the Dunedin Studya longitudinal study of individuals born in 197273the initial Pace of Aging tool focused on changes from young adulthood through midlife. The newly adapted method extends its utility to population-based studies of aging, offering planners and policymakers a valuable resource for monitoring and improving population health and longevity. "Beyond medicine and gerontology, this work has important implications for sociology and economics," added Belsky. "It can help us understand how life transitionssuch as retirement, caregiving, and bereavementaffect the aging process and support the development of more effective public health and social policies." "The differences in aging speed we found weren't just statistically significantthey were meaningful," Belsky said. "People aging faster were much more likely to get sick, become disabled, or die sooner, even if they were the same age on paper." Other co-authors are Heming Pei, Yifan Shi, John Beard, Alan Cohen, Claire Eckstein Indik, Calen Ryan, Alex Furuya, Meerai Kothari, and Yuang Zhang, Butler Aging Center, Columbia Mailman School; Avshalom Caspi and Terrie Moffitt, University of London; Benjamin Domingue, Stanford University; Luigi Ferrucci, National Institute on Aging; and Vegard Skirbekk, Norwegian Institute for Public Health. More information: Arun Balachandran et al, Pace of Aging analysis of healthspan and lifespan in older adults in the US and UK, Nature Aging (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43587-025-00866-6 Journal information: Nature Aging 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 Sophie Hofeldt planned to receive prenatal care and give birth at her local hospital, 10 minutes from her house. Instead, she drives more than three hours round trip for her appointments. The hospital, Winner Regional Health, recently joined the increasing number of rural hospitals shuttering their birthing units. "It's going to be a lot more of a stress and a hassle for women to get the health care that they need because they have to go so much further," said Hofeldt, who has a June 10 due date for her first child. Hofeldt said longer drives mean spending more on gasand a higher risk of not making it to the hospital in time. "My main concern is having to give birth in a car," she said. More than 100 rural hospitals have stopped delivering babies since 2021, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, a nonprofit organization. Such closures are often blamed on shortages of staff and money. About 58% of South Dakota counties have no birthing facilities, the second-highest rate among states, after North Dakota, according to March of Dimes. And the South Dakota health department says pregnant women and infants in the state, especially those who are Black or Native American, experience high rates of complications and death. Winner Regional Health serves rural communities, including parts of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation, in South Dakota and Nebraska. It delivered 107 babies last year, down from 158 in 2021, said CEO Brian Williams. The nearest birthing hospitals are in rural towns an hour or more from Winner. But several women said driving to those facilities would take them through areas without reliable cellphone service, which could be a problem if they have an emergency along the way. KFF Health News spoke with five patients from the Winner area who planned to deliver at Avera St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre, about 90 miles from Winner, or at one of the large medical centers in Sioux Falls, 170 miles away. Hofeldt and her boyfriend drive every three weeks to her prenatal appointments at the Pierre hospital, which serves the small capital city and vast surrounding rural area. She'll have to make weekly trips closer to her due date. Neither of their jobs provides paid time off for such appointments. "When you have to go to Pierre, you have to take almost the whole day off," said Hofeldt, who was born at the Winner hospital. That means forfeiting pay while spending extra money on travel. Not everyone has gas money, let alone access to a car, and bus services are scarce in rural America. Some women also need to pay for childcare during their appointments. And when the baby comes, family members may need to pay for a hotel. Amy Lueking, Hofeldt's doctor in Pierre, said when patients can't overcome these barriers, obstetricians can give them home monitoring devices and offer phone- or video-based care. Patients can also receive prenatal care at a local hospital or clinic before connecting with a doctor at a birthing hospital, Lueking said. However, some rural areas don't have access to telehealth. And some patients, such as Hofeldt, don't want to split up their care, form relationships with two doctors, and deal with logistics like transferring medical records. During a recent appointment, Lueking glided an ultrasound device over Hofeldt's uterus. The "woosh-woosh" rhythm of the fetal heartbeat thumped over the monitor. "I think it's the best sound in the whole wide world," Lueking said. Hofeldt told Lueking she wanted her first delivery to be "as natural as possible." But ensuring a birth goes according to plan can be difficult for rural patients. To guarantee they make it to the hospital on time, some schedule an induction, in which doctors use medicine or procedures to stimulate labor. Katie Larson lives on a ranch near Winner in the town of Hamill, population 14. She had hoped to avoid having her labor induced. Larson wanted to wait until her contractions began naturally, then drive to Avera St. Mary's in Pierre. But she scheduled an induction in case she didn't go into labor by April 13, her due date. Larson ended up having to reschedule for April 8 to avoid a conflict with an important cattle sale she and her husband were preparing for. "People are going to either be forced to pick an induction date when it wasn't going to be their first choice or they're going to run the risk of having a baby on the side of the road," she said. Lueking said it's very rare for people to give birth while heading to the hospital in a car or ambulance. But last year, she said, five women who planned to deliver in Pierre ended up delivering in other hospitals' emergency rooms after rapidly progressing labor or weather made it too risky to drive long distances. Nanette Eagle Star's plan was to deliver at the Winner hospital, five minutes from home, until the hospital announced it would be closing its labor and delivery unit. She then decided to give birth in Sioux Falls, because her family could save money by staying with relatives there. Eagle Star's plan changed again when she went into early labor and the weather was too dangerous to drive or take a medical helicopter to Sioux Falls. "It happened so fast, in the middle of a snowstorm," she said. Eagle Star delivered at the Winner hospital after all, but in the ER, without an epidural pain blocker since no anesthesiologist was available. It was just three days after the birthing unit closed. The end of labor and delivery services at Winner Regional Health isn't just a health issue, local women said. It also has emotional and financial impacts on the community. Eagle Star fondly recalls going to doctor's appointments with her sisters when she was a child. As soon as they arrived, they'd head to a hallway with baby photos taped to the wall and begin "a scavenger hunt" for Polaroids of themselves and their relatives. "On both sides it was just filled with babies' pictures," Eagle Star said. She remembers thinking, "Look at all these cute babies that were born here in Winner." Hofeldt said many locals are sad their babies won't be born in the same hospital they were. Anora Henderson, a family physician, said a lack of maternity care can lead to poor outcomes for infants. Those babies may develop health problems that will require lifelong, often expensive care and other public support. "There is a community effect," she said. "It's just not as visible and it's farther down the road." Henderson resigned in May from Winner Regional Health, where she delivered vaginal births and assisted on cesarean sections. The last baby she delivered was Eagle Star's. To be designated a birthing hospital, facilities must be able to conduct C-sections and provide anesthesia 24/7, Henderson explained. Williams, the hospital's CEO, said Winner Regional Health hasn't been able to recruit enough medical professionals trained in those skills. For the last several years, the hospital was only able to offer birthing services by spending about $1.2 million a year on temporary physicians, he said, and it could no longer afford to do that. Another financial challenge is that many births at rural hospitals are covered by Medicaid, the federal and state program serving people with low incomes or disabilities. The program typically pays about half of what private insurers do for childbirth services, according to a 2022 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Williams said about 80% of deliveries at Winner Regional Health were covered by Medicaid. Obstetric units are often the biggest financial drain on rural hospitals, and therefore they're frequently the first to close when a hospital is struggling, the GAO report said. Williams said the hospital still provides prenatal care and that he'd love to restart deliveries if he could hire enough staff. Henderson, the physician who resigned from the Winner hospital, has witnessed the decline in rural maternity care over decades. She remembers tagging along with her mother for appointments before her sister was born. Her mother traveled about 100 miles each way after the hospital in the town of Kadoka shuttered in 1979. Henderson practiced for nearly 22 years at Winner Regional Health, sparing women from having to travel to give birth like her mother did. Over the years, she took in new patients as a nearby rural hospital and then an Indian Health Service facility closed their birthing units. Then, Henderson's own hospital stopped deliveries. "What's really frustrating me now is I thought I was going to go into family medicine and work in a rural area and that's how we were going to fix this, so people didn't have to drive 100 miles to have a baby," she said. 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: In female mammals, one of the two X chromosomes is usually inactive and forms the so-called Barr body. The image shows a cell nucleus with the Barr body marked in green. Credit: Daniel Andergassen / TUM Women age differently from men when it comes to healthparticularly in conditions like cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Parkinson's. A team at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has proposed a new explanation for this. In aging female mice, genes on the previously silenced second X chromosome become active again. This mechanism might also influence women's health later in life. The study is published in the journal Nature Aging. Unlike men, who carry one X and one Y chromosome, women have two X chromosomes in each cell. However, one of the two X chromosomes is effectively silenced. It folds into a compact structure known as the Barr body and can no longer be read. Without this mechanism, the genes on the X chromosome would be read twice as often in women as in men. Scientists have known for some time that some genes can escape inactivation in the Barr body, resulting in higher gene activity in women. These genes are suspected to influence disease. "We have now shown for the first time that with increasing age, more and more genes escape the inactivation of the Barr body," says Dr. Daniel Andergassen, group leader at the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at TUM. Inactive X chromosome loosens with age The researchers examined the major organs of mice at different stages of life. In the older animals, the proportion of genes that had escaped was on average twice as high as in adult animals6% instead of 3% of the genes on the X chromosome. In some organs, the numbers were even higher: in the kidneys, for instance, nearly 9%. "With aging, epigenetic processes gradually loosen the tightly packed structure of the inactive X chromosome," explains first author Sarah Hoelzl. "This mainly happens at the ends of the chromosome, allowing for genes located in those regions to be read again." Many reactivated genes are linked to disease Many of the genes that become active again with age are associated with disease. "Our findings are based on mice, but since the X chromosome is very similar in humans, I believe the same may happen in aging women," says Andergassen. Whether this is the case and what effects the reactivated genes may have on disease development will need to be investigated in future studies. According to the researchers, this doubled gene activity could have positive effects in some cases and negative effects in others. ACE2, for examplea gene that escapes in the lungs with agecan help limit pulmonary fibrosis. Increased activity of the gene TLR8 in old age, however, may play a role in autoimmune diseases such as late-onset lupus. A new perspective on sex-based differences in disease "Sex differences in age-related disease are incredibly complex," says Andergassen. "So far, scientific explanations have mostly focused on hormonal or lifestyle factors. While the role of the X chromosome and some escape genes have been studied before, the discovery that many genes on the inactive X can reactivate with age opens up entirely new lines of research. " This insight could offer an alternative to hormonal explanations and help improve our understanding of sex differences in age-related diseasesperhaps even contribute to answering the fundamental question of why women statistically live longer." More information: Sarah Hoelzl et al, Aging promotes reactivation of the Barr body at distal chromosome regions, Nature Aging (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43587-025-00856-8 Journal information: Nature Aging 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: Predicted TB prevalence in Africa at the country level. Credit: Communications Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43856-025-00831-9 New research from Curtin University and The Kids Research Institute Australia mapping tuberculosis (TB) cases in Africa could help dramatically improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease around the world. The paper is published in the journal Communications Medicine. One of the deadliest infectious diseases, TB affected an estimated 10.8 million people in 2023 alone, claiming 1.25 million lives worldwide. Strategies to combat the disease are often broad and applied in the same way across all regions of a countryhowever, this study may have identified a more efficient approach. Researchers investigated the disease across Africa, which accounts for nearly a quarter of global TB cases. Focusing on 14 countries, the team used data from 50 surveys covering more than 1.5 million people examined for TB to estimate how common the disease is at a local level, breaking each country down into 5km2 grids to identify hotspots. Study lead, Ph.D. candidate Alemneh Liyew from Curtin's School of Population Health and The Kids Research Institute Australia, said the research uncovered dramatic differences in disease burden between local regions within countrieswhich could prove vital in reducing the impact of tuberculosis. "This is the first study to provide local-level TB maps across Africa; until now, we haven't been able to see where within countries the disease is most concentrated," Mr. Liyew said. "This study highlights how factors such as higher temperatures, rainfall, altitude and better access to cities can influence the prevalence of TB. "With this data, health resources can be better targeted toward the communities that need them most." Associate Professor Kefyalew Alene, also from The Kids' Geospatial and Tuberculosis Research Team, said the study's findings could potentially help fight the disease outside of Africa. "While some aspects of the study are Africa-specific, using mapping to identify patterns associated with tuberculosis could help battle the disease in a more targeted manner elsewhere," Associate Professor Alene said. "One-size-fits-all national strategies aren't as effective, particularly in regions where resources are limited. "This level of geographic detail is essential to precisely target disease hotspots and will help governments and health organizations be more efficient in working toward the World Health Organization's goal of reducing tuberculosis deaths by 95% by 2035." More information: Alemneh Mekuriaw Liyew et al, Mapping tuberculosis prevalence in Africa using a Bayesian geospatial analysis, Communications Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43856-025-00831-9 Journal information: Communications Medicine This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Approximately 1 in 3 pediatric mental health Emergency Department (ED) visits resulting in admission or transfer exceeded 12 hours, and over 1 in 8 exceeded 24 hours, according to estimates based on nationally representative data from 2018 to 2022. Seven in 10 of all kids staying in the ED over 12 hours were there for suicidal thoughts or attempts, and over half for aggressive behaviors. The research is published in the journal JACEP Open. "Our study underscores significant issues with access to mental health care for children and adolescents, who often face prolonged ED stays because a psychiatric bed is not available," said lead author Jennifer Hoffmann, MD, MS, Behavioral Health Medical Director, Emergency Medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "As the youth mental health crisis continues, we have been seeing more severe psychiatric conditions in the ED. Most of these kids seek emergency care at adult hospitals, which often have more limited pediatric resources compared to children's hospitals and might not be prepared to provide the necessary supports." The study sample was representative of all pediatric ED visits for mental health concerns in the U.S., with only 1% occurring at children's hospitals. Dr. Hoffmann pointed out that, given this situation, continued funding is essential for the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC), a federal program that provides training to non-pediatric hospitals across the country in the efficient and effective care for youth in the ED. Dr. Hoffmann and colleagues evaluated records that represented 5.9 million mental health ED visits by children 517 years old in a four-year period. An estimated 1.4 million of these visits resulted in admission or transfer. The study found that youth with public insurance were more likely to remain in the ED for more than 12 hours waiting for a psychiatric bed, which highlights inequities in accessing mental health services. "Differences in reimbursement rates for psychiatric services, which are often lower with public relative to private insurance, may contribute to inequities in care access," said Dr. Hoffmann. In addition to the needed improvements in Medicaid reimbursement rates for pediatric mental health care and sustained funding for EMSC, Dr. Hoffmann suggested several potential solutions to increase mental health care access for youth. These include greater use of telehealth, school-based mental health services and integrating mental health care into primary care. She also mentioned the emerging psychiatric urgent care clinics, as well as free-standing psychiatric EDs, which might help respond to the growing demand for these services in children and adolescents. More information: Jennifer A. Hoffmann et al, Pediatric Mental Health Boarding in US Emergency Departments, 2018-2022, JACEP Open (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.acepjo.2025.100180 In a significant win for insurance policyholders, the national consumer disputes redressal commission (NCDRC) has dismissed an appeal filed by Birla Sun Life Insurance Co Ltd, upholding a 2014 verdict that directed the insurer to pay Rs21 lakh to a Telangana-based widow after the death of her husband. The case, which has spanned more than a decade, centres on Bodakunt Prameela, the nominee and legal heir of the late Bodakunt Raghavulu, who had purchased a 'Foresight Plan' life insurance policy worth Rs21 lakh from Birla Sun Life in March 2011. Mr Raghavulu died in August 2012 while undergoing treatment for complications related to liver disease at Hyderabad's Asian Institute of Gastroenterology. Despite the policy being valid and premiums fully paid, Birla Sun Life Insurance rejected Ms Prameelas claim on the grounds that her husband had allegedly withheld information about pre-existing medical conditions, particularly grade 3 esophageal varices. (Grade 3 esophageal varices are considered a high-risk category for bleeding and are a common finding in patients with cirrhosis.) The insurer cited 'material concealment' and claimed the deceased had given false answers on his application form. However, in its order on 21 May 2025, the NCDRC bench comprising presiding member Subhash Chandra and member air vice-marshal (AVM) J Rajendra (retd) found no merit in the insurer's allegations. None of the documents brought on recordindicate that Mr Raghavulu, the deceased life assured (DLA) was actually aware of these conditions, the commission observed. There is a good possibility that the DLA was not aware of his medical condition when he signed the Proposal Form. In the absence of establishing the same, the contentions with respect to non-disclosure and non-compliance with uberrima fides (utmost good faith) fail, the bench says. Ms Prameela had approached the Andhra Pradesh state consumer disputes redressal commission in 2013, which ruled in her favour in 2014. The state commission directed Birla Sun Life to pay the sum assured of Rs21 lakh along with 9% annual interest from the date of the claim (28 August 2012) until realisation, and Rs10,000 in litigation costs. Challenging the decision, the insurer moved NCDRC arguing that Mr Raghavulu, the deceased, had knowingly withheld crucial health details and that they had sufficient medical records and expert affidavits to justify claim repudiation. Yet, NCDRC bench found the evidence submitted by the insurer inadequate. The bench stressed the principle that 'when any claim is repudiated on the grounds of exclusion such as pre-existing medical conditions, it is incumbent upon the insurer to prove that such conditions actually existed and the DLA was aware of them'. While Birla Sun Life cited treatment records from February 2011prior to the policys issuance date of 28 March 2011and produced medical opinions and an affidavit from a doctor supporting its stance, the commission noted that none of the records conclusively proved that the deceased knew of his illness. Further, NCDRC pointed out that the insurer had its own medical examiner evaluate the policyholder before issuing the policy. Ms Prameela had also submitted an affidavit asserting that her husband had no known health issues prior to taking the policy. Finding no error in the state commissions decision, NCDRC dismissed the appeal. The detailed and well-reasoned order of the learned State Commission does not warrant any interference, the bench ruled. The ruling is a crucial precedent reaffirming that the burden of proof lies with insurers in cases of alleged non-disclosure. This case also underscores the responsibility of insurance companies to prove both the existence and the knowledge of pre-existing ailments and denials based merely on hindsight and hospital records wont stand up. With this verdict, Ms Prameela is now set to receive the life insurance payout originally claimed in 2012 a 13-year-long wait for justice. (First Appeal No1426 of 2014 Date: 21 May 2025) The Bombay High Court on Tuesday ordered the immediate release of a 19-year-old engineering student who was arrested and subsequently rusticated earlier this month for allegedly sharing a controversial Instagram post on the recent Indo-Pak tensions. The student, a fourth-semester student at Sinhgad Academy of Engineering in Pune, had moved the High Court challenging her arrest and rustication. She was arrested on May 9 and had remained in judicial custody at Yerwada Central Jail since then. A vacation bench of Justices Gauri Godse and Somasekhar Sundaresan granted her interim bail and suspended the colleges May 9 rustication order. The Court directed that she be released by Tuesday evening and allowed to appear for her remaining university examinations scheduled for May 29, May 31 and June 3. It is shocking that after she deleted [the] post, an FIR was filed against her on May 9 without even considering she deleted the post and rendered apology...We do not see any reason why she was taken in custody, the Bench remarked, describing the post as an act of indiscretion by a young student who is taking education. The first information report (FIR) accuses the student of sharing an Instagram post on May 7 that allegedly incited tension between religious communities and was likely to disturb public peace and national security. The post, which was deleted within two hours, was followed by a public apology from the student. The Court criticised the college's decision to rusticate the student without a hearing. Justice Godse questioned: How can you rusticate like this? Did you call upon any explanation also? Straightaway you rusticate? To counsel appearing for the college, she said, You are appearing for an educational institution. What is the purpose of your educational institute - only educate academically? Someone makes some kind of comment that the institution feels is not correct - you need to reform the student or do you want to see to it that the student is converted into a criminal. She is not a criminal. She has made a mistake and apologised. We need to reform her, right? She has accepted she made a mistake...We can understand you want to take action - that is a different thing altogether. You can't refrain a student from appearing for exams." Justice Sundaresan pushed back against the argument that the post posed a threat to national security, saying, What national interest? We have seen the file. This is the age to make mistakes and rectify and deal with it. That is your role as an educational institution...What impact does a student's comment have on national interest? He warned against the chilling effect of such State action, saying, This attitude will radicalise people. Radical reaction from state will radicalise people. In its order, the Court observed that the student had missed exams held on May 24 and 27 while in custody and directed that she be permitted to appear for the remaining papers. For the exams she missed, she is at the liberty to make appropriate representations before the authorities, the Court added. It also directed the police not to summon her during the exam period and instructed that she should not leave Maharashtra without the Courts permission. Acknowledging safety concerns, the Bench ordered the police to provide protection when she appears for exams and granted the college liberty to set up a separate classroom, if necessary. The authorities were told to act upon the electronic copy of the order to ensure timely compliance. On the issue of rustication, the Court held that the order was hurriedly issued without giving the petitioner opportunity to respond and completely ignores her deletion of the post and expression of remorse. The suspension of the rustication order will remain in effect pending further hearing. In a candid interview with The Indian Express, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the newly-appointed chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), acknowledged a significant lapse in the regulator's transparency standards. He noted that there was virtually no public disclosure in the context of his predecessors personal interests and existing disclosures failed to meet minimal expectations. This admission is in stark contrast to the meticulous defence put up by former chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, amid allegations of conflicts of interest related to the Adani group. She has maintained that she had adhered to all necessary disclosures and recusal protocols. Mr Pandeys remarks are extremely significant in the context of the finance ministrys deafening silence over the conflict affair which signalled strong support for Ms Buch right until her exit in March this year. There is a different wind blowing today. Apart from his public statements, Mr Pandey initiated a comprehensive review of SEBI's conflict code by establishing a high-level committee (HLC) at his very first board meeting in April. Speaking at an event, he emphasised the necessity for regulatory bodies to uphold the highest standards of governance and transparency, stating, "Maintaining trust and transparency is paramount to instil confidence in investors... Therefore, we need to be more transparent on conflict of interest of the Board." SEBIs 2008 avoidance of conflict code, applicable only to the chairperson and whole-time members (WTMs), was weak, legally dodgy and, strangely enough, a voluntary code. Yet, it remained unchanged for 16 years, under four different chairpersons and copious regulations being framed for every market institution and intermediary. Had any previous chairperson updated the 2008 code, SEBI could have avoided the embarrassment that it faced over the handling of charges against Ms Buch. SEBI has yet to clarify whether its top brass has adhered to the weak and voluntary 2008 code, or the more stringent government service rules that government top regulatory appointments (Read: SEBIs Conflict of Interest Code: A Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery inside an Enigma ). The HLC has been entrusted with a broad and urgent mandate. Foremost among its tasks is to determine whether SEBI requires a dedicated and binding code of conduct to prevent conflicts of interestdespite the fact that other regulators have not felt the need for one. In my view, there is no room for ambiguity: a clear, legally enforceable code of ethics is imperativenot just for SEBI, Indias first independent regulatorbut for all financial and sectoral regulators, including those overseeing utilities such as gas, telecom and electricity, as well as real estate and the competition commission of India (CCI). The risks posed by access to unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) and the potential for insider trading are obvious in these domains. If the government intends to maintain a revolving-door policy that permits lateral entry from the private sector into regulatory roles, it cannot afford to wait for the next scandal. A robust and mandatory ethical framework must precede controversy, not follow it. The HLC has an opportunity to craft a model code of ethics that could either be adopted by SEBI or function as a stand-alone framework under a dedicated legislationakin to the Ethics in Government Act of the United States. The US Act sets out clear boundaries regarding permissible investments and income sources for those in fiduciary roles and mandates the divestment or transfer of certain assets into blind trusts to eliminate conflicts of interest. India needs similar clarity. The dubious clause in SEBIs 2008 code that permits senior officials to deal in shares must go. Substantial equity holdings should be either frozen or liquidated and placed in blind trusts. Employees stock option plans (ESOPs) must be encashed prior to assuming a regulatory post and violations of the code should automatically trigger an investigation with clearly defined penaltiesincluding dismissal, where warranted. Crucially, the code must cover indirect financial intereststhose held through trusts, discretionary family offices, or affiliated entities to prevent loopholes in disclosure and enforcement. This is entirely consistent with Rule 3(1) of the SEBI (Service) Rules which already stipulates that the chairperson must be someone who does notand will nothold any interest likely to affect prejudicially his functions. It is time to give these principles teeth. The HLC must establish rigorous protocols for the periodic disclosure of assets, mandatory recusal in the event of conflicts and a transparent process for investigating complaintsincluding confidential treatment of whistle-blower disclosures. The consequences for violations must be proportionate to the authority and fiduciary responsibility vested in regulatory positions and these must be clearly delineated in the code. An independent and binding code of ethics, enacted through a dedicated legislation, would create the institutional framework necessary to address future controversies with credibility and consistencyand resist political interference. It would also prevent a repeat of the embarrassing precedent set by SEBI, where the regulator exonerated its own chairperson via an anonymous press release, with no transparency about the process. There are several additional concerns that must be tackled by adopting global best practices. Fixed Term: Holding a powerful regulatory office entails a service obligation and fiduciary duty that necessarily involves some financial sacrifice. This sacrifice can be limited through fixed, non-renewable terms for regulators. Fixed tenures ensure independence and bold decision-making by removing the lure of post-retirement opportunities or term extensions. In India, it is an open secret that industry lobbies often influence appointments and reappointments through quid pro quo arrangements. A fixed tenure removes temptation and insulates regulators from undue influence. Cooling Off Period: The conflict code must mandate a statutory cooling-off period of one to two years before senior regulators can accept positions with regulated entities or take up lucrative independent directorships. Particular scrutiny must apply when a regulator seeks to join an entity that has previously entered into a settlement with the regulator during their tenure. Such moves should require prior clearance to ensure transparency. Definition of Related Persons: The new code must broaden the definition of family to match the disclosure standards required of independent directors and under tax laws. SEBIs failure to update its own disclosure norms for 16 yearswhile imposing stricter rules on market participantsis a glaring omission. Each SEBI chairperson during this period bears responsibility for perpetuating this double standard. Recusal Policy: Clear recusal protocols are essential. When a conflict arises, the official must declare it, abstain from all related discussions and decisions and the minutes of the board of directors must record the nature of the conflict and reason for recusal. A summary of such cases should be included in SEBIs annual report and published on its website. This is critical in a chairperson-led organisation where influence over staff via promotions and postings is well known. Weak safeguards breed internal dissent, politicisation and a toxic cultureultimately undermining SEBIs credibility and effectiveness. If the HLC does its job well, its recommendations could mark a turning point in Indias regulatory governance. It has the opportunity to set a precedent not just for SEBI, but for every independent regulator in the country. A robust, legally binding code that addresses conflicts of interest, cooling-off periods, recusal protocols and asset disclosures would anchor regulatory credibility in a time of eroding public trust. The alternative is more institutional drift maybe at other regulatory bodies and embarrassing clean chits issued in anonymity. Indias market architecture deserves better. The HLC must deliver. Also read: Taking suo motu cognisance of the shocking murder of Dharmendra Singh Chauhan, a journalist, in Haryanas Jhajjar district, the national human rights commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the states top police official, demanding a detailed report on the incident within two weeks. Mr Chauhan, reportedly associated with an online news portal, was shot dead near his residence in Luhari village on the night of 18 May 2025 while out on a post-dinner walk. According to media reports, unidentified assailants opened fire and fled the scene. Villagers rushed the journalist to a nearby hospital, and he was later referred to a facility in Gurugram, where he succumbed to his injuries. In a statement, NHRC observed that if the reported facts are true, they raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victim. The Commission has directed the director general of police (DGP) of Haryana, to submit a comprehensive report on the case, which should include the current status of the investigation being conducted to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The safety of journalists is a cornerstone of democratic societies, and such attacks strike at the heart of press freedom, an NHRC official noted, adding that the Commission is closely monitoring the developments. The incident has sparked fresh concerns about the safety of journalists in smaller towns and rural areas, where many work independently or with digital platforms without institutional protection. While the identity of the assailants and motive remain unknown, the nature of the attack has triggered demands for a swift and transparent investigation. As of now, no arrests have been reported in connection with the case. On Tuesday, major Indian indices were hit by extreme volatility. Nifty was down by more than 250 points in the morning. It recovered from the decline fully and went on to become positive (up 300 points from low) and again fell by more than 300 points, before recovering about 100 points. During the session, 1897 stocks advanced, 2053 declined and 134 remained unchanged on Bombay Stock Exchange with advance decline ratio of 0.92 indicating a negative closing in the broader market. The trend of the major indices on Tuesdays trading is given in the table below. On NSE, 42 securities advanced and closed at a new 52-week high whereas 13 securities sank to close at their new 52-week lows. In sectoral indices, Nifty FMCG, Nifty IT and Nifty Auto were among the biggest losers. In sectoral indices, Nifty PSU Bank and Nifty Pharma were among the biggest gainers. Dabur India (+0.79%) announced a merger with Sesa Care Private Limited. This move aims to integrate a premium ayurvedic brand into Dabur's product portfolio and boost growth in the hair oil segment. The amalgamation is expected to create synergies in financial, managerial, and operational areas, with shares as the consideration for the transaction. Info Edge (-1.43%) announced that Sanjeev Bikhchandani was re-appointed as Executive Vice Chairman & Whole-time Director, and Mr. Hitesh Oberoi as Managing Director & CEO, both for a further five-year term. The company will also invest around Rs300 crore in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Startup Internet Services. Dalmia Bharat (+0.39%) clarified media reports regarding income tax reassessment proceedings. The issue concerns the initiation of reassessment for the financial year 2011-12 for the company and its two subsidiaries. While the Madras High Court's single bench initially quashed these proceedings, a division bench later allowed the Income Tax Department's appeal. Dalmia Bharat has now filed special leave petitions before the Supreme Court, believing it has a strong case, with no current financial impact on the company or its subsidiaries. Coforge (+0.05%) announced a partnership with Nylas to transform customer scheduling and communication within Salesforce. This collaboration aims to revolutionize how Salesforce users manage their appointments and interactions. The company issued a press release detailing this new partnership, fulfilling its obligations under SEBI Listing Regulations. An Arbitral Tribunal issued a unanimous award in favor of Transtonnelstroy Afcons (-0.31%) Joint Venture in its arbitration against Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRC). KMRC has been directed to pay a net total amount of Rs231.94 crore to Transtonnelstroy Afcons Joint Venture within 90 days. Failure to comply will result in an additional interest payment of 11% per annum on the total composite amount. The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below: The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below: The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) is reportedly offering a record Rs1,000 crore (about US$118mnmillion) to market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to settle a long-running regulatory dispute, potentially clearing the path for the Exchange's long-awaited initial public offering (IPO), Bloomberg says in a report citing sources familiar with the matter. However, the situation is quite odd and lacks clarity. NSE has been indicating a cooperative stance and is prepared to comply fully with whatever course of action the regulator ultimately decides. The pending cases in question are those where NSE has already secured favourable judgements and it is SEBI that has filed appeals against the outcomes. As a result, unless SEBI formally withdraws these appeals, the path to any settlement or resolving the issues remains unclear. The Rs1,000 crore offer, if accepted, would mark one of the largest settlement amounts in Indias capital markets and could pave the way for SEBI to issue a no-objection certificate, a critical requirement for NSEs public listing. People familiar with the development told Bloomberg that SEBI is inclined to accept the proposal, with a decision expected soon. They spoke on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions. The roots of NSEs regulatory troubles date back to 2015, when allegations emerged that certain high-frequency traders were unfairly advantaged through preferential access to NSEs co-location servers a system meant to ensure faster trade execution. The fallout led SEBI to stall NSEs IPO plans in 2016 and subsequently barred the Exchange from capital markets for six months. While the Exchange has maintained its global dominance as the worlds largest derivatives bourse by volume, the regulatory overhang has long delayed its debut on Indian stock markets. Recent signals indicate thawing relations between the market regulator and the Exchange. Last week, SEBIs new chairman, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, stated that the regulator is actively working with NSE to resolve outstanding issues hampering its IPO (Read: SEBI Set To Clear NSE IPO Roadblocks, To Issue Derivatives Expiry Norms This Month: Pandey ). The IPO proposal, one of the most anticipated in Indian capital markets, has been under SEBI's review due to concerns over compensation to key executives, technology governance and the NSE's control over its clearing corporation. All outstanding issues will be resolved shortly, Mr Pandey assured. During NSEs recent earnings call, managing director and chief executive officer (MD&CEO) Ashish Kumar Chauhan also acknowledged pending legal matters, the report from Bloomberg says. NSE's recent efforts to clean the slate include a significant payment of Rs643 crore in October 2024 to settle a separate case linked to the controversial trading access point (TAP) system. The settlement covered the Exchange and nine of its former key officials, including ex-MD & CEO Vikram Limaye. The TAP system, deployed by NSE since 2008, came under regulatory scrutiny after SEBI found the exchange failed to implement timely safeguards to prevent potential misuse of the architecture by trading members. According to SEBIs investigation, NSE continued with TAP in some market segments until as late as 2020, despite launching alternative systems like trimmed TAP in 2013 and direct connect in 2016. In August 2024, NSE sought fresh approval from SEBI to move forward with its IPO. This update, detailed in NSE's latest annual report, follows a series of regulatory challenges that have previously affected its listing efforts. In its April 2019 order, SEBI had imposed a significant penalty on the Exchange amounting to over Rs1,000 crore with interest. Additionally, the regulator had barred NSE from raising funds through equity, debt, or other securities for six months. This restriction ended on 30 October 2019. However, due to a significant reduction in the number of shares offered for sale, specifically by more than 50%, SEBI required NSE to file new offer documents. As a result, the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) submitted earlier was returned. Subsequently, NSE approached SEBI again in 2022 but was instructed to hold off at that time. Recent updates indicate that NSE has reignited its efforts to get listed. Despite the expiration of the previous restriction, NSE is still awaiting SEBI's response to its latest request. The Exchange has asked SEBI for a no-objection certificate to proceed with its IPO plans and to refile the DRHP. As stated in its annual report, "NSE has requested SEBI to convey its no-objection to enable it to proceed with its IPO plan and for filing the DRHP. Response from SEBI is awaited." Meanwhile, despite regulatory headwinds, investor appetite for NSE remains strong. The Exchange, backed by marquee investors such as Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, saw its private market valuation surge from US$36bn (billion) in September 2024 to US$50bn recently, Bloomberg reported. US-based Drew Investments is reportedly raising a special purpose vehicle to invest in NSE shares priced between Rs1,550 and Rs1,700 apiece, reflecting continued optimism about the exchange's market prospects. If SEBI accepts NSE's proposed Rs1,000 crore settlement, it could not only mark the resolution of a prolonged regulatory standoff but also open the door for one of Indias most anticipated public listings. A spokesperson for NSE declined to comment on the Bloomberg news report. SEBI has yet to make an official statement. You may also want to read... Former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has accused a faction of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) legislators from the Kisii region of orchestrating his sacking and frustrating his efforts in office. Speaking at a funeral in Nyaribari Masaba constituency on May 23, 2025, Machogu claimed the lawmakers pushed for his dismissal after he rejected their demands for corrupt deals involving a Ksh1.9 billion school construction project in Nyamira County. According to Machogu, the Kuwait government funded the project to build classrooms in 68 schools, but the MPs allegedly demanded tenders and contracts for themselves. The project was worth Sh1.9 billion, which the MPs wanted to share among themselves by being given tenders and contracts, a move which I strongly rejected, he said. He added that the group later wrote to President William Ruto, demanding his removal and suggesting a preferred replacement. Machogu also revealed that this same group of leaders previously fought former Interior CS Fred Matiangi and have continued to undermine him since he declared interest in the 2027 presidential race. If I had given in to their fishy and corrupt deals, by now I could be languishing and speaking from a filthy prison, he said. Although he didnt mention names directly, sources identify the MPs alleged to have celebrated his sacking as Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Silvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), Alpha Miruka (Bomachoge Chache), Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), and Zaheer Chandah (Nyaribari Chache). A visibly agitated Machogu accused the lawmakers of harboring jealousy and hate, claiming their main political agenda revolves around undermining other leaders. This crop of leaders has no space for the Omogusii in their hearts. They only use our communitys name to extort money from the president and others who dont mean well for us, he charged. Machogu didnt spare the Kenya Kwanza administration either. He criticized President Ruto for failing to fulfill campaign promises made to the Kisii people. I regret asking our people to support Rutos candidature. I thought with his win we would get development, but it is unfortunate that he is doing the contrary, he said. The former CS urged the Kisii community to unite and support one of their own in the next presidential election. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pushed back against the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for criticizing his recent remarks warning of possible unrest in the 2027 General Election. Gachaguas legal team issued a statement on Monday defending his comments, arguing that his concerns about potential political chaos if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) fails to conduct a credible poll are founded on historical precedent. The political violence witnessed after the December 2007 General Election were triggered by the contested election results announced by the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), the statement read. The legal team argued that Gachaguas statement is grounded in historical precedent and falls within his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Article 33 of the Constitution. Gachagua Questions NCICs Double Standards The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader also challenged the NCIC for failing to act on what he described as equally inciteful statements made by allies of President William Ruto, including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Tiaty MP William Kamket, and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei. Our Client further notes that the statements made by the aforementioned leaders have caused widespread disquiet among Kenyans regarding the credibility of the forthcoming 2027 presidential election, Gachaguas legal team argued. They emphasized that some of these remarks, including vows to manipulate the election outcome in Rutos favour, were made in the Presidents presence without any public rebuke, further fueling suspicion among voters. The public perception fueled by remarks such as those by Hon. Oscar Sudi, some of which were made in the presence of President Ruto without any rebuke or distancing has led to a growing belief that there exists a deliberate plan to subvert the will of the people through rigging, the team added. Gachagua Demands Accountability from NCIC Gachagua accused NCIC of undermining its own credibility by remaining silent on remarks that appear to promote political or ethnic prejudice. In light of the foregoing, our client respectfully demands clarity as to whether the Commission remains committed to executing its constitutional and statutory mandate in a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory manner, his legal team said. The Deputy President demanded clarification on whether NCIC remains committed to carrying out its mandate fairly, impartially, and without discrimination. NCIC Under Fire for Selective Action Gachagua at the same time questioned why the Commission has not taken action against Daadab MP Farah Maalim, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, and Muslims for Human Right (MUHURI) board member Khelef Khalifa, who have made divisive comments against certain communities. Although NCIC summoned the individuals, it has not pursued further legal or disciplinary action, which Gachaguas team argues is evidence of political favouritism. The former Deputy President has demanded a response from NCIC, insisting that all public officials must be held equally accountable for their words and actions under Kenyan law. 4 U.S. servicemen arrested in Japan's Okinawa in separate incidents Xinhua) 09:57, May 27, 2025 TOKYO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Four U.S. servicemen have been arrested in Japan's Okinawa between May 23 and May 26 in connection with separate incidents, local media reported. In the latest case, a 23-year-old U.S. Marine corporal was arrested on a city road in Okinawa on suspicion of driving under the influence. While on patrol, officers noticed a car swerving and pulled it over. A breathalyzer test was conducted, which revealed a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit, national broadcaster NHK reported. On May 25, another U.S. Marine, a 20-year-old, was also arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run in Okinawa. A breath test also indicated a blood alcohol level over the legal limit. Earlier on May 25, a 26-year-old U.S. Navy was arrested in Okinawa City for allegedly trespassing on a private residence's balcony. On the night of May 23, a 20-year-old U.S. Marine was arrested in Chatan Town on suspicion of public indecency after allegedly exposing his lower body in public. Crimes involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa have been a longstanding issue. According to Okinawa Prefecture's statistics, approximately 6,200 criminal cases involving U.S. military personnel and their dependents have occurred in the prefecture between 1972 and 2023, including serious offenses such as murder, rape, and robbery. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The Social Health Authority (SHA) has directed all employers across Kenya to comply with mandatory medical cover contributions under the Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act, 2023. In an official notice, the Authority reminded employers of their legal duty to register with SHA and remit contributions on time. The SHI Act requires all employersincluding those in national and county governments and the private sectorto register with the Authority, enroll their employees and dependents, and submit monthly payments to the Social Health Insurance Fund. Employers must enroll all staff in the SHA system, keep their details updated, and encourage them to register their dependents, the notice stated. SHA also warned employers about consequences of failing to remit contributions by the 9th of every month. The Authority emphasized that late payments without valid reasons constitute an offense. Not paying contributions to the SHIF without a valid reason is an offence, the notice stated. Under Section 27(6) of the SHI Act, employers who pay late face a penalty of two percent of the overdue amount for each period the payment remains outstanding. Persistent non-compliance may lead to fines of up to two million shillings, imprisonment for up to three years, or the loss of health services for employees. Employers can register their organizations through the official SHA employer portal at https://employers.sha.go.ke/registration/corporate. For assistance with registration, compliance, or payments, employers can contact SHA via the toll-free line 147, visit www.sha.go.ke, or email [email protected]. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale officially inaugurated the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel on Monday, marking a key milestone in Kenyas pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The government established the Panel through Gazette Notice No. 5044, published on April 23. The Panel will operate under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and will be hosted by the University of Nairobis College of Health Sciences. It brings together experts from diverse sectors to guide health policy reforms. Duale reaffirmed the governments unwavering commitment to achieving UHC, noting that improved health financing forms the cornerstone of this ambitious goal. A healthier population is the foundation of a more prosperous nation, he said, describing the Panels creation as a strategic investment in Kenyas human capital and economic growth. Panel Mandate and Functions The Panel, chaired by renowned public health expert Prof. Walter Jaoko, will advise on designing and periodically reviewing health benefits packages and tariffs within the Social Health Insurance framework. It will ground its recommendations in Health Technology Assessment (HTA), ensuring all interventions remain evidence-based, equitable, cost-effective, and aligned with national health priorities. Key functions include designing benefit packages based on disease burden and population health needs, reviewing tariffs to ensure affordability, identifying essential health interventions currently unavailable in Kenya, and engaging healthcare providers and the public to foster inclusive policy development. Challenges and Priorities Duale urged the Panel to prioritize critical challenges such as inadequate health data, high treatment costs for chronic and complex diseases, lack of pricing regulation, and the need for sustainable financing models. He also highlighted the importance of integrating donor-funded vertical programs into the national benefits package and simulating efficient outpatient and inpatient service models. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate in supporting the Panels work. Let us ensure that the benefits and tariffs we develop are inclusive, data-informed, cost-effective, and sustainable. The Ministry of Health stands ready to support this initiative fully, Duale said. The Panel is expected to meet at least twice a year and will play a pivotal role in Kenyas path toward equitable, quality healthcare for allupholding the national commitment to Leave No One Behind. Parliament has rescheduled the 22nd Annual National Prayer Breakfast to Wednesday, May 28, shifting from its traditional date on the last Thursday of May. This years event will take place at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula made the announcement in an official communication to the House on April 30. The decision marks a departure from long-standing tradition but aligns with Parliaments efforts to adapt the events significance to the evolving national landscape. Held under the theme Rise and Rebuild, this years prayer breakfast calls for unity and reflection across Kenyas political, economic, and social spheres. Wetangula described it as a timely platform for the country to reflect, reconnect, and reaffirm shared values. It is an opportunity for national reflection and unity at a time when our country seeks renewal across key sectors, he said. President William Ruto will attend the event as the chief guest, reinforcing the importance of spiritual grounding in national leadership. Several dignitaries and senior government officials have also received invitations. Ahead of the main event, organisers have also announced a revised schedule for a significant pre-eventthe Womens Convention, which will now take place on Tuesday, May 27 at the same venue. The convention will bring together female lawmakers to discuss leadership, inclusion, and empowerment in the political space. All women Members of Parliament are encouraged to attend this important session, Wetangula urged. The Speaker emphasized the unifying power of the prayer breakfast, noting that it transcends political affiliations and religious backgrounds to focus on the core values that bind the country. The National Prayer Breakfast is more than a tradition; it is a testament to the enduring values that hold our nation together, Wetangula added. The National Prayer Breakfast serves as a solemn inter-denominational gathering that draws leaders from all walks of lifepolitics, business, faith, and civil societyfor prayer, dialogue, and moral introspection. The event remains one of Kenyas most respected and bipartisan traditions, anchored in collaboration between faith communities and both Houses of Parliament. With the country navigating pressing challenges across sectors, this years event offers not just prayer and reflection, but also a renewed commitment to leadership that is inclusive, ethical, and forward-looking President William Ruto has announced that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued licences for the construction of three modern hotels within Meru National Park, signaling increased efforts to expand tourism infrastructure in the region. Speaking during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund in Meru County on Monday, Ruto said KWS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, had approved the developments to attract more tourists and enhance economic opportunities for local communities. KWS and our ministry have handed out licences for the construction of three hotels within Meru National Park. Local investors should also be included in the investment plans for the park, Ruto stated. The President emphasised that these developments aim to boost the economic potential of Meru National Park while uplifting the livelihoods of surrounding communities. He directed that local investors be allowed to participate in the projects to ensure inclusive growth. Ruto also revealed that similar hotel development projects are underway in other national parks across the country, describing them as part of a broader national strategy to grow Kenyas tourism sector. Ruto Allocates Ksh250M for Meru Airstrip In a bid to improve access to the region, Ruto announced that the government had allocated Ksh250 million for the renovation of Meru Mulika Airstrip. He acknowledged the allocation may fall short of what is needed and committed to mobilising additional resources. We have released Ksh250 million to renovate Meru Mulika Airstrip so that it can attract tourists. I know that may not be enough, but we are looking for additional resources to unlock the tourism potential of this region, he said. Rutos announcements come amid increased scrutiny over the allocation of public lands, especially in protected areas. However, he maintained that responsible investment in tourism could transform regional economies and support conservation goals. President William Ruto has expressed pride in working with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, crediting him for his deep understanding of government operations and unwavering support in implementing national programs. While addressing residents in Meru on Monday, Ruto said Kindiki not only comprehends how government functions but also plays a critical role in driving key development agendas across sectors. I want to thank you for giving me Kithure Kindiki. Now I have a deputy. He understands roads, knows electricity and the SHA programme, he is a righteous manand that is how we are going to change Kenya, Ruto said. He is helping me push the work in Kenya; you have seen him in many places. The President commended Kindiki for actively supporting Cabinet Secretaries and assisting in the execution of mandates in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and healthcare. I am very proud to have a deputy who understands what government is, who understands what we are doing in Agriculture, Infrastructure, Education, and Health, Ruto added. He supports the ministers and me to ensure that Kenya continues to move forward. Ruto further praised Kindiki for rising above ethnic politics, noting that the Deputy President serves all Kenyans. Si mtu wa kisirani, hasira, chuki na ukabila, ni mtu anaelewa Deputy President si mtu wa Meru ni wa Republic of Kenya, that is the man I have. Loosely translated: (He is not a man of anger, division, or tribalism. He understands that the Deputy President does not belong to Meru alone, but to the Republic of Kenya. That is the man I have.) The President emphasized that leaders like Kindiki play a vital role in uniting the country and accelerating national development The Emory University Board of Trustees today announced that President Gregory L. Fenves will serve as the universitys sixth chancellor. Leah Ward Sears, current Emory Board of Trustees member and former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, has been appointed interim president. Fenves will complete his term as president on Sept. 1, 2025, on which date Fenves and Sears will assume their new roles. Im honored and excited to announce the appointment of Greg Fenves as chancellor and Leah Ward Sears as interim president, said Board of Trustees Chair Bob Goddard. Dr. Fenves has been a highly effective and dedicated president, and this new role will enable him to build on the essential growth he helped facilitate while focusing on Emorys future. Amidst the backdrop of a challenging moment for higher education, Fenves and the Board of Trustees have explored a potential refocusing of his role. This summer marks the five-year anniversary of his presidency and the conclusion of Emorys 2O36 fundraising campaign. Together, Fenves and the board agreed that the university would be best served if he devoted significantly more time and energy to further strengthening relationships with key constituents, leading the universitys essential engagement at the national level, and continuing to build on Emorys extraordinary fundraising momentum. To facilitate this important work, Emory will reconstitute the role of chancellor, a position last held by Michael M.E. Johns from 2007 to 2012. Since assuming the Emory presidency in August 2020, Fenves has led the institution through a remarkable period of transformative growth and resilience. Navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fenves led the deployment of measures to safeguard public health while advancing Emory's mission of teaching, research, and service. He revitalized and expanded the One Emory strategic framework as "One Emory: Ambition and Heart, uniting the university's schools and departments under a shared vision to elevate Emory as a destination for top-tier students and faculty, a leader in research and health care innovation, and a vital partner to the Atlanta community. Under his leadership, Emory initiated the 2O36 campaign and will conclude it as the most successful fundraising effort in its history, having raised transformational support focused on student success, faculty eminence, and research excellence. Demonstrating a commitment to access and affordability, Fenves expanded Emory Advantage, eliminating need-based loans for domestic undergraduate students and replacing them with grants and scholarships. His leadership reflects a steadfast dedication to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking academic community. During his tenure, Emory has experienced unprecedented breakthroughs including record applications for undergraduate admissions; the launch of the Student Flourishing initiative and the formation of the Pathways Center to focus on student outcomes; the launch of the AI Humanity initiative and the cluster hiring of national AI faculty experts; strengthening alignment between the university and Emory Healthcare, the premier academic health system in Georgia; and the surpassing of $1 billion in annual research expenditures. Serving as Emorys president has been a great honor, Fenves said. Prior to my arrival in Atlanta I knew that Emory was a special place, but over the past five years Ive developed a far deeper appreciation for the brilliance, passion, and dedication of our community. Im proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am excited to focus more fully on critical objectives that will accelerate our progress. Goddard noted that as chancellor, Fenves will be able to focus his time and energy at the national level to help steer Emory through a period of unprecedented change. Weve been very fortunate to have Gregs thoughtful, principled, and charismatic leadership over the past five years as president. His strong values, deep experience, and preeminent standing in the world of higher education have been enormously beneficial to Emory. I am particularly grateful for his leadership over the past several years as he worked to keep our campus safe, to ensure that our academic mission could continue without disruption, and to position Emory to successfully navigate an increasingly complex landscape. Justice Leah Ward Sears, who has served on the Emory Board of Trustees since 2010 and is an alumna of the Emory School of Law, has agreed to serve as interim president and will work closely with Fenves to ensure a smooth transition. Sears has been a part of the Emory community for 45 years, starting as an Emory Law student in 1977, then as an adjunct professor at the school, and for the past 15 years, as a valued member of the Board of Trustees. Sears has had a distinguished and groundbreaking career in the Georgia judiciary. Mayor Andrew Young appointed her to the City Court of Atlanta in 1982. Three years later, she became the first African American woman to serve as a superior court judge in Georgia. In 1992, Governor Zell Miller appointed her to the Georgia Supreme Court, where she served for 17 years, including four years as chief justice. Ive been privileged to work with Leah during my tenure as chair, and shes one of the sharpest and most principled leaders I know, Goddard said. Shes a great listener and a consensus builder. Were extremely fortunate she is willing to take on this role, and I know she will guide the university with a strong and steady hand until we select a new president. Having the opportunity to serve Emory as interim president is a full circle moment for me, Sears said. In 1977, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to the Emory School of Law, and it changed my life. I think my lifes work has been a payback for that gift, and I welcome the chance to serve Emory as it continues to change lives the way it did for me and my family. As the transition with Fenves and Sears moves forward, in due course the board will launch a nationwide search for a new president. Fire halts operation at Ecuador's biggest oil refinery The Esmeraldas refinery is run by Ecuador's state oil company Petroecuador. File photo: Reuters A fire in a fuel tank brought production at Ecuador's biggest oil refinery to a halt on Monday, state oil company Petroecuador said. "The Esmeraldas refinery has stopped operation as a precaution for the security of the installations and personnel," Petroecuador said in a statement. The operation has the capacity to refine 110,000 barrels per day. No injuries were reported and all personnel at the refinery were safely evacuated, the company said. Investigations into the cause and infrastructure damage are under way. (Reuters, AFP) Li Qiang calls inaugural summit 'response to times' Officials at the Asean-GCC-China summit get together for a group photo in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday that the first-ever summit between China, Southeast Asian leaders and Gulf states was "a response to the call of the times" in a geopolitically uncertain world. The trade-dependent economies are looking to insulate themselves after US President Donald Trump blew up global trade norms by announcing a slew of tariffs targeting countries around the world this year. Though he subsequently instigated a 90-day pause for most, the experience has spurred the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and others to accelerate efforts to diversify their trading networks. On Tuesday the Malaysian capital hosted the inaugural summit between Asean, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) a regional bloc made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Li told the meeting that "against the backdrop of a volatile international situation", the summit was "a pioneering work of regional economic cooperation". "This is not only a continuation of the course of history, but also a response to the call of the times'." Opening the talks, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was confident the three sides could "shape a future that is more connected, more resilient and more prosperous for generations to come" having warned on Monday that "a transition in the geopolitical order is underway". Asean has traditionally served as "a middleman of sorts" between developed economies like the United States and China, said Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore. With Washington looking unreliable these days, "Asean member states are looking to diversify", he said. "Facilitating exchanges between the Gulf and People's Republic of China is one aspect of this diversification." Malaysia, which holds Asean's rotating chairmanship, is the main force behind the initiative, Chong said. Beijing has suffered the brunt of Trump's tariffs and is also looking to shore up other markets. China and Asean are already each other's largest trading partners, and Chinese exports to Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam surged by double digits in April attributed to a re-routing of US-bound goods. Premier Li's participation is "both timely and calculated", Khoo Ying Hooi from the University of Malaya said. "China sees an opportunity here to reinforce its image as a reliable economic partner, especially in the face of Western decoupling efforts." According to a draft statement, Asean will express "deep concern... over the imposition of unilateral tariff measures". (AFP) Easing port norms will enhance the export of leather from the country and enhance Ease of Doing Business in India. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has issued a Notification No. 15/2025-26 dated May 26, 2026, removing key procedural restrictions applicable to the export of value-added leather products.This step is expected to reduce compliance burden and improve ease of doing business for exporters, the Commerce Ministry said. Port restrictions have been withdrawn, allowing export of Finished Leather, Wet Blue Leather, and EI Tanned Leather from any port or Inland Container Depot (ICD). Earlier, these exports were restricted to specific notified ports. The mandatory requirement for testing and certification by the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) for export of Finished Leather, Wet Blue Leather, Crust Leather, and EI Tanned Leather has also been dispensed with. These procedural requirements were originally instituted to monitor the export of value-added leather products and distinguish them from raw hides and dutiable items. However, with the removal of export duties on such leather categories and the clear physical distinction between processed and raw leather, the existing checks were considered redundant. The decision follows consultations with stakeholders, including the Council for Leather Exports, Leather Exporters and Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI). It is expected to streamline export procedures, reduce transaction costs, and benefit MSME exporters in particular, the Commerce and Industry Ministry added. The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has set a target of USD 47 billion by 2030, of which USD 13.7 billion is for the export sector. The government has implemented several reforms to boost trade and industry. The Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on wet blue leather has been reduced from 10 per cent to zero, effective 2nd February 2025, addressing a key industry demand, while export duty on crust leather has been eliminated. The reforms also support India's efforts to enhance export competitiveness in the global leather value chain while maintaining transparency and quality standards under general customs provisions, the Ministry added. (ANI) VMPL Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], May 27: As the country continues to recover from the long shadow of the pandemic, Sony India, in collaboration with IGF-India (Impact Guru Foundation), has reinforced its commitment to rebuilding lives by prioritizing one of the most affected groups--children who lost parents or guardians to the pandemic. Through the Sanjeevani Program, IGF- India has rolled out a nationwide Educational Scholarship Program that aims to restore hope and dignity through access to quality education. Beyond education, the Sanjeevani Program also extends vital support in two additional domains,medical assistance and livelihood/skilling programs,ensuring a holistic recovery pathway for the affected families. "Education is not just a right--it is a recovery pathway for children whose lives were shattered by the pandemic. Through this scholarship program, we aim to rebuild not just careers, but childhoods. We are happy to partner with a corporate like Sony India for their heartfelt commitment to helping rebuild lives through the power of education." said Sundeep Talwar-CEO, IGF-India. Sanjay Bhatnagar, Vice President, CHRO & CSR Head, Sony India said "The Sanjeevani Scholarship Program is an initiative where intent meets integrity. At Sony India, we are proud to partner with IGF-India, whose commitment and community outreach have brought structure, compassion and dignity to families affected by the pandemic. This effort is not just about immediate relief--it is about giving young lives a chance to dream again" Bridging the Learning Gap for India's Most Vulnerable The Sanjeevani Educational Scholarship Program is a transformative intervention as the pandemic caused an unprecedented disruption to the education system. Lakhs of children from low-income and marginalized communities were forced to discontinue their studies due to financial hardship or the loss of their breadwinners, and this program directly address those affected, such as * Neglect and isolation among orphans and single-parent children* Interrupted education due to digital and infrastructural barriers* School dropouts due to loss of parental income* Exclusion of marginalized communities (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) from learning opportunities The program extends comprehensive scholarships, covering: * Full annual tuition fees for school and college students* Books, uniforms, transport costs and digital learning devices* Hostel support or supplementary classes, where applicable* Nutrition aid for children lacking daily essentials* Special education and mobility support for children with disabilities. Under the wider Sanjeevani umbrella, it includes upskilling opportunities for widows and young adults and medical aid for those grappling with post-pandemic health issues. Robust, Transparent Application Ecosystem Families and caretakers of eligible children can apply through a dedicated, bilingual microsite designed and maintained by IGF India. The digital platform ensures user-friendliness for applicants with limited tech exposure and supports regional language interfaces. Applicants are required to upload: * Proof of COVID-related bereavement (e.g., death certificate of parent/guardian)* School admission documents or fee receipts* Government-issued ID proof and income details (e.g., BPL certificate, ration card) Each case undergoes a multi-tier verification process led by IGF India's Trust and Safety Team. This includes: * Document verification* Telephonic interviews with families* On-ground visits to schools/colleges* Engagement with community leaders and local authorities Applications are then assessed using a structured Vulnerability Index, factoring in: * Household income level* Number of dependents* Female-headed or widowed households* Disability in the family* Social disadvantage (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) In addition to these criteria, contextual factors were also considered during shortlisting. IGF India's team performed case-by-case assessment to understand each family's unique challenges, rather than relying solely on data from the vulnerability index. Only after this rigorous scrutiny, scholarship assistance is approved and disbursed directly to educational institutions--ensuring both accountability and the child's uninterrupted schooling. Real Impact for affected families As of the first operational cycle of the Sanjeevani Program: * 696 applications were received from across India* 391 passed eligibility verification* 33 children were awarded full educational scholarships. However, the total number of beneficiaries supported under the broader Sanjeevani initiative stands at 61--including 11 in skilling and livelihood training and 17 in medical assistance.* These scholarships are helping students re-enroll in school, continue higher studies or pursue vocational education that had been derailed due to the pandemic. Many of the beneficiaries are orphans, children of daily wage earners or members of disadvantaged communities. In addition to tuition, children also receive counseling support, learning kits, and in certain cases, access to digital classrooms and mentorship programs, ensuring holistic development beyond financial aid. Empowering Access Through Inclusive Outreach Recognizing that many eligible families might lack access to online platforms, IGF India activated a hybrid outreach strategy that blended grassroots engagement with digital awareness: * Care on Wheels (COW) mobile vans visited cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Puducherry, offering on-ground support to help families register and upload documents. * Railway station campaigns and door-to-door leaflet distribution in low-connectivity areas enabled awareness in semi-urban and rural regions. * Social media and Google Ads campaigns amplified the scholarship drive. The use of technology has been central to the program's design--from a secure, multilingual microsite to a real-time dashboard for beneficiary tracking. This digital tool enables transparency, efficiency and inclusivity in delivering social support at the grassroots. A Sustainable Model for Educational Equity IGF-India continues to monitor the academic progress of all scholarship beneficiaries through a dedicated tracking and reporting system, sharing real-time updates and stories of transformation with Sony India. Monthly reports track disbursements, academic performance, and emotional well-being, ensuring continuous engagement with beneficiaries. Looking Forward: Scaling for Greater Reach With the success of this pilot phase, Sony India and IGF India are exploring the scale-up of the Educational Scholarship Program to cover more regions, languages and special needs categories, with a focus on rural India. Future phases will also expand medical and skilling support, strengthening the program's impact beyond children to entire families disrupted by the pandemic. IGF-India appeals to other stakeholders--corporates, philanthropists, and state agencies--to join this critical mission of ensuring zero learning loss and restoring livelihood for pandemic affected families in India. (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) VMPL New Delhi [India], May 27: Credgenics, the leading provider of AI-powered debt recovery solutions, is powering the digital transformation in debt recoveries at Reliance ARC, the leading Asset Reconstruction Company. The strategic technology partnership reflects a shared vision of harnessing innovation, enhanced operational agility and customer focused outcomes. Reliance ARC, a trailblazer in the asset reconstruction space, has adopted a distinct digitization-first strategy to simplify processes and deliver scalable, high-impact recovery solutions. With Credgenics' AI-powered technology and expertise, Reliance ARC continues to set a disruptive agenda among ARCs in loan recovery. This aligns with its commitment to setting new benchmarks of operational excellence and contributing to the country's healthy economic growth and development. At the core of this collaboration is the ability to leverage advanced technologies such as AI-driven solutions, smart automation, and data intelligence to sharpen debt resolution strategies. Credgenics' market-leading debt collections and resolution platform has played a pivotal role in supporting Reliance ARC's technology-first approach, along with streamlining operations and powering innovation in the asset reconstruction space. "Our collaboration with Credgenics strengthens our commitment to driving innovation and efficiency for healthy economic growth of the financial ecosystem," said Mehul Gandhi, Executive Director & CEO, Reliance ARC. "Integrating advanced technologies allows us to not only optimize our recovery processes but also provide a more personalized and integrated experience. Credgenics has helped us stay ahead of the curve." Credgenics' technology leverages industry-first AI capabilities, intelligent workflow automation, integrated omnichannel communication, personalized customer engagement, and robust analytics to support Reliance ARC's mission of driving customer-focused strategies and sustainable recoveries. Rishabh Goel, Co-Founder and CEO of Credgenics said, "Working with Reliance ARC has been a journey of shared innovation and growth agenda. Our platform empowers our customers to break new ground in loan collections while blending efficiency with empathy. Together, we are shaping a future where technology drives the desired business outcomes meaningfully, an expectation that resonates across the financial ecosystem." This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of India's debt recovery landscape. By blending technological excellence with a clear vision for progress, Credgenics and Reliance ARC are jointly reshaping industry standards and strengthening the foundation of the nation's financial ecosystem. About Credgenics: Credgenics is the leading full-stack, AI-powered loan collections and debt resolution technology platform for Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), FinTechs, and Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) globally. Recognised as the Best Selling Loan Collections Platform in India by IBS Intelligence in their Annual India Sales League Table for three consecutive years, Credgenics is modernizing debt recovery processes. The platform combines predictive and generative AI capabilities to assess risk, segment borrowers, and execute personalized recovery strategies across the end-to-end collections lifecycle. Supporting all credit products across retail and SME/MSME portfolios, Credgenics empowers lenders to accelerate recoveries, optimize operational efficiency, and scale smarter, data-driven collections. In FY24, the platform managed over 98 million loan accounts worth more than USD 250 billion and facilitated over 1.7 billion omnichannel communications, serving 150+ financial institutions worldwide. https://www.credgenics.com/ About Reliance Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (RARC): Reliance Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (RARC) is a rapidly growing Securitisation and Reconstruction company, registered with the Reserve Bank of India under the SARFAESI Act, 2002. RARC specializes in acquiring non-performing financial assets from banks and financial institutions, with a focus on restructuring and timely resolution through active management. As of March 31, 2024, RARC manages assets worth Rs2,329 crore across 3.81 lakh customers in the retail and SME segments, with a strong concentration in retail assets--both secured and unsecured. With a nationwide footprint, RARC maintains a dominant retail presence in the South and West regions of India. https://www.rarcl.com/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 27: Hettich, a global pioneer in furniture fittings and intuitive interior solutions, marked a strong presence at Interzum 2025, with a powerful presentation of its vision: 'Transforming Spaces - with Innovative Motion'. Over four impactful days, Hettich brought to life a future where furniture is not just functional; but also intuitive, flexible, and built for evolving lifestyles and workspaces. Smart Fittings, Smarter Spaces At the heart of Hettich's showcase was a portfolio of future-ready innovations that blend cutting-edge design with everyday functionality. Key highlights included theslimline Avosys hinge for glass and mirror doors, the SAH 500 heavy-duty cabinet suspension bracket, and a visually striking upgrade to the AvanTech YOU 'Illumination' feature; now offering dynamic light color transitions for both system and wooden drawers. Spinnovate Your Space: A New Era with SpinLines Making its mark as a curtain-raiser, Hettich unveiled its game-changing SpinLines product family; redefining what it means to create transformable furniture. At its core is RoomSpin, a turning and swiveling system engineered to choreograph movement and reconfigure spaces with remarkable fluidity. This innovation gives designers, architects, and furniture makers new freedom to plan furniture and room layouts with unprecedented efficiency and creativity. Reimagining the Flexible Workspace Hettich's Flexible Workspace concept demonstrates how movable wall modules, extendable desks, whiteboard placements, and acoustic materials can instantly reshape office zones. Each last detail, from mobile partitions to smart storage, is built around user convenience and seamless space transformation. Technology That Simplifies Emphasizing digital support for modern production, Hettich also showcased new-age tools and assembly aids: QR codes, augmented reality (AR) applications, and a debut 3D printing portal offering downloadable component templates. These innovations streamline installation and bring precision engineering directly into the hands of fabricators and customers. A Global Vision for Design Inspiration Leading the Hettich India team at Interzum was Managing Director Mr. Andre Eckholt. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Eckholt said, "At Hettich, we're not just creating fittings, we're creating possibilities. Interzum provided us with a platform to share our global vision of transforming spaces, and we're excited to bring this inspiration to our customers in India, crafting truly magical interior spaces." With a strong legacy built on German engineering, a deeply intuitive understanding of evolving user needs, and a sharp eye for design, Hettich continues to redefine the future of interiors. For more information, please visit Hettich at Interzum 2025 . About Hettich Founded in 1888, Hettich is one of the world's leading manufacturers of furniture fittings. Headquartered in Kirchlengern, Germany, the family-owned company employs around 8,400 people and operates in over 100 countries. With a strong focus on innovation and customer needs, Hettich offers magical interior solutions for modern living. True to its promise: 'It's all in Hettich.' Media Contact:Name: Samina ZaidiContact: +91 86557 06940Email: samina.zaidi@hettich.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696023/Hettich.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2437651/Hettich_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 Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], May 27: Boss Wallah, India's most inclusive and accessible entrepreneurship learning platform, has officially emerged as the #1 YouTube network for multi-language business content in South India. With 10 dedicated YouTube channels focused on the southern region, 13 million subscribers, and over 200 million monthly views, Boss Wallah is redefining how South India learns business--across every major South Indian language: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, in addition to Hindi and English. South India's most powerful multi-language business learning platform crosses 13 million subscribers and dominates with over 200 million monthly views. Created with the vision of democratizing business knowledge, Boss Wallah offers a uniquely practical and inclusive video ecosystem that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, farmers, homemakers, working professionals, and students--regardless of geography, background, or language. "This milestone is not just about numbers. It's a reflection of India's growing appetite to become self-reliant, to dream bigger, and to be their own boss," said Sashi Reddi, Founder & CEO of Boss Wallah. "We're proud to be leading this movement, not just as a content creator but as a platform that enables millions to start and grow their own businesses." One Platform. Multiple Languages. One Goal: Business Unlike most Indian business creators who operate in a single language or niche, Boss Wallah's ecosystem spans 14 channels - including 10 channels dedicated to South Indian audiences. These include: * 6 primary business content channels (Boss Wallah in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and English)* 4 Boss Wallah Academy channels, focused on structured business education* 4 Boss Wallah Farming channels, dedicated to business of farming This multilingual strategy allows Boss Wallah to reach deep into India's heartland--Tier 2/3 towns, farming communities, homemakers, and youth--audiences underserved by traditional English or Hindi-only platforms. A League of Its Own Boss Wallah operates at a scale and depth unmatched in the South Indian business content space. While other YouTube channels typically focus on just one or two South Indian languages--limiting their reach--Boss Wallah is the only network that delivers consistent, high-quality business content in all four major South Indian languages: Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Furthermore, while most South India-focused business channels operate within the 1 to 2 million subscriber range, Boss Wallah has surged far ahead with over 13 million subscribers and more than 200 million monthly views. This makes Boss Wallah the undisputed leader in the region--both in reach and impact. With a mobile app that integrates content, community, mentorship, and structured learning through Boss Wallah Academy, the platform delivers a complete entrepreneurial enablement experience--not just videos. "It's no longer enough to have a motivational video. People want how-to, they want clarity, and they want to see others like them succeeding. That's what we deliver--across languages, regions, and industries," added Sashi Reddi. South India's Largest Entrepreneurial Community on YouTube Boss Wallah's dominance includes: * 13 million subscribers across 10 South India-focused channels* 200+ million views per month, with some channels like Boss Wallah Telugu and Tamil independently outperforming entire competitor networks* First mover in offering business content in four major South Indian languages* A dedicated mobile app, combining content, community, and mentorship About Boss Wallah Boss Wallah is India's largest platform for entrepreneurship and business learning, available in six Indian languages. Through its YouTube channels, Boss Wallah Academy, mobile app, and mentorship features, it helps individuals launch and scale their own ventures. With over 13 million subscribers and growing, Boss Wallah has become the most trusted destination for those who want to Be the Boss. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696026/Boss_Wallah_South_India_No1.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 Mangaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 27: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, one of India's leading research-focused multi-disciplinary higher education institution, hosted its 32nd edition of Convocation on May 24, in Mangaluru. The convocation ceremony brought together graduates, faculty, dignitaries, and guests for a momentous celebration of academic achievement. In this convocation, 1,367 students graduated, including 766 undergraduates, 440 postgraduates, and 161 PhD recipients. Of these 616 students attended the ceremony in person, marking a major milestone in their academic and professional journeys. A special highlight was the conferring of the prestigious Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal to four outstanding students: Ms. Isha Tripathi, MBBS, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal; Ms. R. Prithvi, MBBS, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore; Ms. Chaarvi Bansal, BDS, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal and Ms. Anoushka Avi, BDS, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore. Dr. Abhijat Sheth, President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, was the honourable chief guest at the ceremony. In his keynote address, Dr Sheth emphasized the critical need for educated and ethical professionals in today's rapidly changing world. He noted: "As our society faces unprecedented technological advancements, environmental challenges, and socio-economic shifts, the importance of individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also uphold strong ethical standards has never been greater. It is this combination of intellect and integrity that will drive meaningful progress." He further highlighted the importance of communication and research in medical education: "At the highest levels of policy making, we recognise that effective communication and strong foundation in clinical research are essential skills for future health care professionals. These disciplines must be cultivated early in medical training to ensure that our graduates are prepared to meet the complex demands of modern healthcare." Dr. Sheth praised MAHE's role in nurturing such professionals: "Institutions like MAHE play a vital role in shaping leaders who can navigate complexity with vision and integrity. The education you have received here has equipped you to address the challenges of modern world. I urge you to carry forward MAHE's legacy of excellence, innovation, and service wherever your journey take you." He also expressed gratitude and called for stronger collaboration with MAHE: "On behalf of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), I extend heartfelt thanks to the MAHE faculty for their outstanding faculty development programs for NBEMS. I encourage the university leadership to explore even broader collaborations with NBEMS, so together we can further advance medical education and research in India." "It is a moment of immense pride to witness yet another batch of bright minds step into the world," Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE noted during the ceremony. "At MAHE, we don't just prepare students for careers, we prepare them to shape the future. We take great pride in having nurtured these young minds who are now ready to embrace the challenges of tomorrow. These graduates represent the next generation of innovators, healers, thinkers, and change-makers. Their achievements reflect the values and excellence MAHE stands for." Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.) Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, "MAHE has always stood at the intersection of tradition and transformation, where academic rigor meets global relevance. As we empower students to think critically, collaborate across cultures, and drive meaningful innovation, we continue to evolve as a university of impact. Our strength lies in our ability to adapt, lead, and anticipate the future needs of society. This graduating batch embodies that spirit, well-prepared to contribute with both intellect and empathy. I take great pride in their journey and look forward to the mark they will make on the world." Highlighting the momentous occasion, Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Mangalore campus, remarked, "Beyond degrees and accolades, this day also celebrates the friendships, shared experiences, and meaningful connections built over the years. As our graduates embark on new paths, they carry with them a global network and a deep connection to their alma mater. They will remain forever a part of the MAHE family." Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor - Technology & Science, Dr. Sharath Rao K, Pro Vice Chancellor - Health Sciences, Dr. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, and Dr. Vinod Thomas, Registrar Evaluation graced the event with their esteemed presence. Dr. B. Unnikrishnan, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore introduced the chief guest and Dr. Ashita Uppoor, Dean, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore proposed vote of thanks. About Manipal Academy of Higher Education The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696561/MAHE_Convocation_2025.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2696599/MAHE_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) PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 27: Aluwind Infra-Tech Limited, a specialised infrastructure solutions company providing end-to-end designing, fabrication, and application of windows and facade, announced its audited financial results for the H2 FY25 and financial year ending March 31, 2025. KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS H2 FY25 (YoY Comparison): * Revenue: Rs 6,376.73 Lakhs | YoY Growth: 51.59%* EBITDA: Rs 834.71 Lakhs | YoY Growth: 37.63%* Profit After Tax: Rs 586.13 Lakhs | YoY Growth: 53.59% FY25 (YoY Comparison): * Revenue: Rs 10,922.48 Lakhs | YoY Growth: 30.92%* EBITDA: Rs 1,198.48 Lakhs | YoY Growth: 1.51%* Profit After Tax: Rs 812.13 Lakhs | YoY Growth: 7.64% Strategic & Operational Highlights * 35+ years of industry presence in facade and fenestration solutions.* Completed 300+ projects across 20+ cities with 85+ ongoing projects.* State-of-the-art facility in Pune, Maharashtra, spread over 75,000+ sq. ft, equipped with advanced machinery and quality control systems.* Received the India 500 SME Award in 2023 for excellence in quality, customer satisfaction, and societal impact. ORDER BOOK OF COMPANY AS ON DATE: Currently, the Company has a healthy order book of approximately INR 302 Crore, indicating strong demand and robust business momentum. This order will enhance revenue visibility for the upcoming years. INCORPORATION OF ALUWIND CLEAN-TECH PRIVATE LIMITED: In order to provide high-quality professional window cleaning solutions for a variety of clients, the company has incorporated a Subsidiary Company named Aluwind Clean Tech Private Limited. The Subsidiary Company will focus on undertaking Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) and service agreements for facade cleaning, exterior upkeep, and related maintenance services, ensuring periodic and comprehensive maintenance of buildings and infrastructure. ANCHOR PARTNER FOR MMR REGION (MUMBAI METROPOLITAN REGION) FOR ERTERNIA, HINDALCO INDUSTRIES LIMITED (ADITYA BIRLA GROUP). The Company is the Anchor Partner for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for Eternia, the premium aluminium windows and doors brand by Hindalco Industries Limited (Aditya Birla Group). This strategic partnership reinforces our position as a trusted leader in high-performance fenestration solutions and aligns with Eternia's mission to bring next-generation, sustainable aluminium window systems to the market. INNOVATION: The Company is using a patented cutting edge aluminium alloy named "Duranium" which is a trademark product of the Hindalco which have more strength and high finish exposure as compare to 6063-T6 alloy including corrosion resistance and a sleek, modern finish. Windows made out of Duranium offer superior window and noise protection INFORMATION ON NEW PLANT AND MACHINES: The Company has purchased a new 5X CNC Machine to increase production in the Aluminium segment. The new machine is equipped as standard with an advanced cutting unit for all the cutting needed for doors, windows, facades, HST sliding structures, or conservatories. This new machine leads to an increase in production capacity. FACILITY OF POWDER COATING FACILITY: The Company provides a fully automatic in-house powder coating facility, which leads to a significant step forward in the company's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality surface finishes with improved speed, consistency, and sustainability. For Further Information, Please Contact the Corporate Communication Advisor * AKMIL Strategic Advisors Private Limited* Mr. Milind Apte - Director* milind@akmiladvisors.com* www.akmiladvisors.com Disclaimer: Certain statements in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, like government actions, local, political or economic developments, technological risks, and many other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. The Company will not be in any way responsible for any action taken based on such statements and undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. (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) New Delhi [India], May 27: The HMT Industrial Fair 2025, held on May 25 at HMT Industrial Park, Lalru, concluded with resounding success, bringing together over 40 leading industries and thousands of stakeholders from across India for a day of powerful networking, collaboration, and industrial advancement. From B2B and B2G connections to cutting-edge showcases in Steel, Pharma, Agri-Tech, and beyond, the event offered a vibrant platform for dialogue, deal-making, and the exchange of innovative ideas. * Highlights of the Fair: 40+ Industry Exhibitors across manufacturing, agriculture technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors 2,500+ Attendees including entrepreneurs, government officials, business leaders, and investors Strategic B2B & B2G Meetings, opening up new partnerships and procurement opportunities Live Demonstrations and exhibits of new technologies, machinery, and sustainable practices Media Reach: The event garnered coverage across business news channels and digital platforms. "The turnout, enthusiasm, and exchange of ideas exceeded our expectations," said Meghraj Garg, reflecting on the success of the fair. Further emphasizing HMT's long-term vision, Sudharshan Singla added, "HMT remains committed to empowering industry clusters and enabling real-world collaboration." Arpit Garg arpitgarg@hmtindustrialpark.com 7973437689 (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) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 27: Krishival Foods Limited (NSE: KRISHIVAL), incorporated in 2014, is among India's fastest-growing FMCG companies, specializing in premium nuts, dried fruits, and ice cream. The company operates under two distinct and rapidly expanding consumer brands: 'Krishival Nuts' - A trusted name in high-quality dry fruits and nuts, offering a diverse product range including cashews, almonds, pistachios, figs, and flavored varieties. 'Melt N Mellow' - An emerging ice cream brand known for its unique flavors and strong retail footprint, especially in Western and Southern India. The Company has announced its Audited financial results for the half year ended March 31, 2025 and for the year ended March 31, 2025. Strong Financial Performance - FY 2024-25 Krishival Foods Limited delivered robust financial results, reflecting the company's strong execution and growing market demand: * Total Income: Rs206.30 crore * 97% YoY (Rs104.70 crore in FY 2023-24) * EBITDA: Rs25.23 crore * 66% YoY (Rs15.17 crore in FY 2023-24) * Net Profit (PAT): Rs13.54 crore * 44% YoY (Rs9.35 crore in FY 2023-24) * Earnings Per Share (EPS): Rs6.08 * 39% YoY (Rs4.37 in FY 2023-24) These numbers underscore Krishival's accelerated growth, driven by strong performance in both core and acquired business segments. Segment-wise Performance 1. Nuts and Dried Fruits ('Krishival Nuts') * Revenue: Rs175 crore (up 67% YoY from Rs104 crore). * EBITDA: Rs23 crore (up 50% YoY from Rs15 crore). * Strong core segment growth supported by wide product portfolio and retail expansion. 2. Ice Cream ('Melt N Mellow') * Revenue: Rs51 crore (up 38% YoY from Rs37 crore). * EBITDA: Rs3 crore (up 783% YoY from Rs0.35 crore). * Significant EBITDA improvement suggests operational efficiency. * As the Ice cream business was acquired in September 2024, the financials from 22nd sept 2024 to 31st March 2025 are merged in consolidated financials. Operational Highlights * Geographic Reach: * Krishival Nuts presence in 102+ Tier II and III cities. * 25,000+ retail touch-points for Melt N Mellow ice cream in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana. * Retail expansion with flagship Krishival Nuts shoppes in Calangute(Goa), Candolim (Goa), Alibaug and Dapoli. * Online & Export Channels: * Strong e-commerce partnerships with platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and quick- commerce leaders such as Blinkit, Zepto and Big Basket. Exports of 'Krishival Nuts' to Singapore with presence in over 300 retail touch-points. Strategic Positioning & Outlook * Strong dual-brand strategy with 'Krishival Nuts' as a premium dry fruits leader and 'Melt N Mellow' targeting aspirational ice cream consumers. * Focus on aspirational consumption in underpenetrated markets is paying off. * Robust growth in both legacy and newly acquired businesses bodes well for future scalability and profitability. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by iMEQ. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 27: Jassper Shipping, a trusted name in the Indian shipping and logistics industry, started Financial Year 2025-26 on a steep growth trajectory. Jassper Shipping opens new offices in Delhi, Vishakhapatnam, and Kolkata, and also formed a joint venture to begin operations in Saudi Arabia and Oman. These expansions reflect a clear vision to become a transcontinental logistics leader, offering seamless, door-to-door solutions across domestic and global trade corridors. Jassper Shipping's new offices, inaugurated this year, will serve significant strategic roles, in Kolkata to expand reach in Eastern India's maritime sector and boost Bay of Bengal connectivity, Delhi to serve as a logistics hub for Northern India's industrial and trade activity and Vishakhapatnam to support coastal cargo movement and port-led logistics on the Eastern Seaboard. Simultaneously, the Middle East joint venture provides immediate exposure to Saudi Arabia's and Oman's booming economies in the logistics business. The milestone enables Jassper Shipping to grow in Cross-border project logistics, Breakbulk handling and GCC region integrated supply chain services. Pushpank Kaushik, CEO & Head of Business Development (Subcontinent, Middle East and SouthEast Asia) at Jassper Shipping, stated, "This goes beyond simple expansion. We're not only expanding, but also developing into a truly global logistics powerhouse with our new offices in India's main logistical hubs and a revolutionary joint venture in the Gulf. This action reaffirms our dedication to providing top-notch, cross-industry, end-to-end solutions. Kolkata, Delhi, and Vishakhapatnam offices will become hubs for India's most prominent corridors, and our penetration in Saudi Arabia and Oman gives access to one of the world's most lively logistics hotspots. For future shipping solutions, it all comes down to size, gravity, and how the integrated package is laid out". With an established presence in Singapore and Dubai, Jassper Shipping's vision for FY 2025-26 is strategically focused on building momentum. With a three-fold strategy of increasing project logistics, infrastructure support services, and multimodal solutions, the company has set a systematic course to become a Rs1800 crore group by FY 2029-30. This growth in the domestic country and globally is a reflection of Jassper Shipping's commitment to constant innovation, world-class service, and growth globally in the logistics industry. About Jassper Shipping : Founded in 1993, Jassper Shipping is a leading international shipping company with a strong legacy and global reach. It serves key markets across Southeast Asia, Africa, the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Far East, supported by a vast network of over 500 owners and operators. With experienced master mariners and industry experts at the helm, Jassper is known for reliable and efficient sailing and distribution solutions. Expanding its scope, the company launched Jassper Fuels, and recently taking bold steps toward sustainability, Jassper has also entered the e-commerce space and integrated electric vehicles (EVs) into its distribution logistics. (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) India PR Distribution Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] / Dubai [UAE], May 27: Emirates Holding Group Dubai, in partnership with MOVe (Moda Orama Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), a fashion and lifestyle division of Rose Merc Ltd. India, proudly announces the launch of "Eternal Runway"--the inaugural edition of an exclusive fashion showcase under the esteemed Emirates Luxury Show brand. The event will take place on 4th July 2025 at the Marriott Al Jaddaf, Dubai. The Emirates Luxury Show is a flagship platform owned by Emirates Holding Group (Events Division), a UAE-based luxury and lifestyle conglomerate. Eternal Runway will mark its grand debut as a signature IP under this platform, reinforcing Dubai's growing prominence on the global fashion map. A Global Fashion Gateway Eternal Runway is a bold step toward bridging creative markets between India and the Middle East. Conceptualized by MOVe, the show will feature a fusion of international celebrity designers and emerging Indian talent--offering them an opportunity to shine before fashion buyers, media, influencers, and luxury industry leaders from the GCC and beyond. Strategic Collaborations & Creative Leadership The event unites a powerhouse of talent and visionaries: * Emirates Holding Group leads as the host and curator under the Emirates Luxury Show umbrella. * Shakir Shaikh, renowned for his direction at major fashion weeks, will serve as the official Show Director. While we are in advance discussions with several International and Indian designers, reputed celebrity designers like Ken Ferns has confirmed to headline the show with a new collection designed specifically for the Middle Eastern market. Likewise another celebrity designer, Shavan Kumar, has also confirmed his participation in the event. As also, another Indian designer Sam with his brand Mirror of Magazine will showcase his innovatively reimagined denim collection for the first time in Dubai. Amongst the list of celebrities invited to the show, to walk as show stoppers for the showcasing designers, are: Terence Lewis, Shibani Kashyap, Eijaz Khan, Shweta Sharda, Nehal Chudasama, Nyra Banerjee, Meghana Naidu, Ritu Shivpuri, Shawar Ali. Further collaborations with global fashion influencers and designers are in progress, ensuring a rich, trendsetting showcase. A Touring Fashion Phenomenon Following its Dubai debut, Eternal Runway will travel across the Middle East and Europe: * Middle East Tour: Oman (Oct 2025), Saudi (Feb 2026), Bahrain (May 2026), Qatar (Nov 2026), Kuwait (Mar 2027), Jordan (Jul 2027) * Europe Tour: Cannes (Feb 2026), Milan (Feb 2027) Grooming the Future In addition, Emirates Holding & MOVe will inaugurate a Model Training & Grooming Academy in Dubai, committed to nurturing aspiring talent and promoting professional standards in the region's fashion industry. Leadership Quotes Hanif Shaikh, Founder & Chairman, Emirates Holding Group, stated: "The Emirates Luxury Show is more than a fashion platform--it's a celebration of creativity, culture, and commerce that resonates with the evolving luxury narrative of the Middle East. Eternal Runway is a monumental step in showcasing global visionaries alongside India's rising stars." Sudhir Padiyar, Founder, MOVe (Moda Orama Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), said: "Launching this IP in Dubai is a dream realized. With strong backing from Rose Merc Ltd. and Emirates Holding Group, we're opening new doors for Indian fashion talent to thrive on an international stage. The response to our inaugural edition has been overwhelming and inspiring." Vaishali Parkar Kumar, Executive Director, Rose Merc Ltd., added: "This marks a significant milestone for our fashion ambitions across the GCC. Through Emirates Holding and MOVe, we are crafting timeless IPs that reflect sophistication, innovation, and cultural resonance." About Emirates Holding Group Emirates Holding Group is a UAE-based enterprise and part of Rose Merc Ltd Group shaping luxury and cultural narratives through high-impact platforms in fashion, real estate, and lifestyle sectors. Its flagship IP, Emirates Luxury Show, connects global creativity with regional elegance. About MOVe (Moda Orama Ventures Pvt. Ltd.) A fashion and lifestyle subsidiary of Rose Merc Ltd., MOVe focuses on curating international fashion experiences, nurturing design talent, and driving IP-driven ventures across global markets. Also Announcing: Emirates Real Estate Awards 2025 - From India's Skyline to Dubai's Spotlight Taking place on the same evening, 4th July 2025 at Marriott Al Jaddaf, Emirates Real Estate Awards will honor excellence and innovation across the real estate sector. Organized by Emirates Holding and Rose Merc Ltd., and supported by Global Shadow, property coverage and Khaleej Times, the event will spotlight developers, agents, and thought leaders reshaping India and Dubai's urban future. Title Sponsor: J Prime Buildcon (Mumbai) Powered by: Emperia by Dhiraj Manjeri (Mumbai) To elevate the evening, a celebrity fashion show will seamlessly blend luxury with real estate prestige. Award Highlights Include: * Developer of the Year * Best Residential/Commercial Projects * Green Development Award * Real Estate Leader of the Year * Women in Real Estate Leadership ...and more. Join the Legacy. Nominate | Sponsor | Shine Press Conference & Model Auditions Successfully Held at The Agenda, Media City on 25th May 2025. The official press conference and model auditions for Emirates Luxury Show - Eternal Runway and Emirates Real Estate Awards were successfully held at The Agenda, Media City. The event was supported by Sherif Thomas and the dynamic Fashion Factor team with Elena Postachi, who played a pivotal role in curating a seamless experience for media and aspiring models. The gathering marked a significant milestone in the lead-up to the main event, drawing attention from industry leaders, influencers, and press representatives. H.H. Sheikha Aisha bint Saud Al Qasimi graced the press conference with her presence and commended the organisers for their visionary initiative. She will also be one of the esteemed chief guests at the main event on 4th July 2025 - The Emirates Luxury Show - Eternal Runway and the Emirates Real Estate Awards, to be held at the Marriott Al Jaddaf, Dubai. https://www.emiratesluxuryhub.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 27: The Inspiresafety Foundation proudly hosted the second edition of the Lifting India Safety Awards (LISA) 2025 at the prestigious Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Nariman Point, Mumbai. This landmark event brought together India's leading voices in safety, construction, and lifting operations, recognizing the heroes who champion the cause of safe work environments. LISA 2025 was a celebration of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to occupational safety. Spearheaded by the Inspiresafety Foundation -- founded by Shri Dhananjay Jamdar, along with co-founders Shri. Anupam Kumar Shukla and Smt. Nisha Shukla, as well as the Director of Institutional Relations - Smt. Priya Soni, and the Director of Global Community Care - Shri. Devidas Gore -- the awards spotlighted organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond to uphold safety standards in India's lifting and construction industries. The ceremony was graced by renowned personalities from industry and government, alongside the presence of celebrated actress Bhagyashree, whose elegance and heartfelt support added a special charm to the event. The Sponsors - UNIQUO, Institute of Construction Equipments and Lifting Machines (ICLM), Liftores, Daxtech Engineering, Technical Partners "TechUniquo", Supporting partners, Ideal Elevator & Escalator Pvt. Ltd., played a pivotal role in making the event a grand success. The event was elevated by the presence of several eminent dignitaries who have significantly contributed to India's industrial safety landscape: Shri Vipul Mishra, Director - Safety, DGFASLI; Shri Yogesh Patil, Director - MSBSVET; Miss Nilambari Bhosale - Deputy Commissioner of Labour (Gov. of Mah.); Shri R. D. Dahiphale, Additional Director - DISH (Gov. of Mah.); Shri Bhalachandrasinh Raorane, Chairman - FII; Shri Satish Shetty, Chairman - Taloja Industries Association; Lion CA Manish Ladage, District Governor - Lions Club. The LISA 2025 awards honoured a wide spectrum of individuals and companies across various categories for their remarkable contributions to safety. Among the many celebrated were Mr. Janardhanam Varadharajan, Safety Leadership Excellence Award; Mr. Narayanan Radhakrishnan, Safety Leadership Excellence Award; Mr. Prasdip Kumar, Individual - Safety First Promising Leader Award; Mr. Zamshed Ali, Safety First Promising Leader Award; Shri Sandeep Goswami, Inspiring Safety Leader Award; Mr. Anupam Agrawal, Safety First Promising Leader Award; Mr. Navin Sabharwal, Safety First Promising Leader Award; Strider Miles Pvt. Ltd., Champions of Safe Events Award; Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (Development at Ayodhya, Shri Ramjanmabhoomi Teerthkshetra), Corporate - Excellence in Lifting Safety Management (Project Management Team); Hitech Projects Private Limited, Corporate - Lifting in High Rise Buildings Construction; Parish Pandurang Vanjari (Competent Person Authorized by Dir. Industrial Safety & Health, Mumbai), MSME - Trusted Key Service Provider - ESG Consultant; Rajesh Crane Services, MSME - Trusted Key Service Providers (Rental Equipment); L&T Constructions Ltd. (CMRL P2 C4 ECV 01 PROJECT), Corporate - Inspiring Safety Leader; Mr. Gaurav Kumar (SafetyRise Technical Services), Corporate - Excellence In Scaffolding Training & Technical Services; Afcons Infrastructure Limited (BMRCL UG RT01 3023), Corporate - Safety Excellence in Underground & Tunnel Work; L&T Constructions Ltd. (CMRL P2 C4 ECV 01 PROJECT), Corporate - Excellence in Lifting Safety Management (Project Management Team); MKG, Corporate - Most Trusted Brand In Lifting Equipment Domain; Circles Safety & Certification Pvt. Ltd., MSME - Trusted Key Service Providers (Competent Person); S.S.M. Managing Group, MSME - Inspiring Safety Leader; Shri Hemant Pankaj, Inspiring Safety Leader Award; Ashoka Buildcon Ltd., Corporate - Excellence in Lifting Planning & Process; Mr. Ashwin Shivajirao Kohale (Head EHS, Aashi Solutions Pvt. Ltd.), Individual - Inspiring Safety Leader; Mr. Amit Narendra Mate (Managing Director, Adept Advisors India Pvt. Ltd.), Individual - Inspiring Safety Leader; Freight Wings Pvt. Ltd., Corporate - Excellence in Lifting Process & Planning; Mr. Shriniwas Kumbhar (Safety Auditor, Prism Ark Industrial Solutions), Individual - Trusted Key Service Providers (Auditors); Mr. Sampat Tukaram Kale (Proprietor, Shree Balaji Chemicals), Individual - Safe Chem Excellence Award; Siddhi Construction Equipments Corporation, MSME - Trusted Brand In Bar Cutting Machine & Bar Bending Machine; Mr. Rakesh Kumar (Assistant General Manager - Safety, J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd.), Individual - Inspiring Safety Leader; Mr. MD Mushtaque Ansari, Individual - Leadership Award in Lifting Safety; Mr. Rameshchandra Kamothi (General Manager - Safety, Kamothi Engg. & Inspection Services), Individual - Inspiring Safety Leader; Mr. Sagar Mirje (Director, Safety Systems Consultancy), Individual - Inspiring Safety Leader; Mr. Laxmikant R (Manager - Safety, Tata Consulting Engineers), Individual - Inspiring Safety Leader; Dalmia Cement North-East Limited (Umrangshu Clinkerization Unit-II), Corporate - Excellence in Lifting Process & Planning; B.G. Shirke Construction Technology Pvt. Ltd. (Customs Office Complex & Residential Quarters Project-CPWD Wadala), Corporate - Excellence In Lifting Safety Management (Project Management Team); Mr. Ashish Chandra (L&T Constructions Ltd., MAHSR C4 Package), Individual - Inspiring Safety Leader; Mr. Pavan Kumar Singh (Chief Safety Manager, Pune Metro - Underground Project, J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd.), Individual - Inspiring Safety Leader; L&T Constructions Ltd. (MAHSR C6 Package), Corporate - Excellence in Lifting Process & Planning; L&T Constructions Ltd. (MAHSR C6 Package), Corporate - Excellence in Lifting Safety Management (Project Management Team); Mr. Satyanarayan Subash, Individual - Inspiring Safety Leader; Mr. Vinod Kumar Agrawal (L&T Constructions Ltd., MAHSR C4 Package), Individual - Initiative on ESG Award. LISA 2025 witnessed the historic launch of the "Golden Hook" Awards, a first-of-its-kind honour recognizing exemplary execution and innovation in lifting operations. Esteemed recipients included: Shri Santosh Bore (Development at Ayodhya, Shri Ramjanmabhoomi Teerthkshetra), Golden Hook Award; Balajee Infratech & Constructions Pvt. Ltd. (Development at Ayodhya, Shri Ramjanmabhoomi Teerthkshetra), Golden Hook Award; Mateshwari Temple Construction Pvt. Ltd. (Development at Ayodhya, Shri Ramjanmbhoomi Teerthkshetra), Golden Hook Award; Afcons Infrastructure Limited (BMRCL UG RT01 3023), Golden Hook Award; Hindustan Construction Company Ltd. (All DMRC Metro Projects), Golden Hook Award; J Kumar Infraprojects Limited (Swargate Underground Metro Project - P1UG-04, Maha Metro Pune), Golden Hook Award; B.G. Shirke Construction Technology Pvt. Ltd. (MHADA Tathawade Project, Phase II), Golden Hook Award; MS Realty Group (Prabhakar Kunte - Esquina), Golden Hook Award; Aashi Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (NICMAR Project), Golden Hook Award; L&T Heavy Civil IC (Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project Package-C4), Golden Hook Award; Mr. Sukesh Singh (Afcons Infrastructure Limited, Mumbai Metro Line 5), Golden Hook Award; Dalmia Cement North-East Limited (Lanka Grinding Unit-II), Golden Hook Award; Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom (STEELFAB Scaffoldings & Engineering Pvt. Ltd.), Golden Hook Award; Malpani Group (Real Estate Division), Golden Hook Award. (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 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) took place at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, with Janet Jackson being one of the night's biggest winners. Jackson, who performed on television for the first time in seven years, was honoured with the Icon Award for her contributions to music. The official Instagram handle of the American Music Awards shared a video of Janet Jackson's acceptance speech, in which she expressed her gratitude for the award and said, "I don't consider myself an icon." She attributed her success to hard work, dedication, and the support of her family and fans. "My family, myself, our dream was to... It wasn't ever to be famous, we weren't always like that. We always had a special love for music, dancing, and singing," she said. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKI-bHnMi9R/ Jackson emphasised that her story is "truly an American story," adding, "This would have only happened in America." She expressed her hope that she has been an inspiration to others and artists to follow their dreams and succeed. Jackson thanked her family, who have been her biggest supporters, and her fans, and said, "Because of you and God, I'm standing right here." She also expressed her gratitude to the AMAs for the honour and encouraged the audience to "keep God in every part of your life." Other notable winners at the 2025 AMAs included Eminem for Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist, SZA for Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song, and Becky G for Favorite Female Latin Artist. (ANI) Lopez, 55, wowed the audience with her opening number, performing a medley of hit songs in a stunning sheer body suit. During her performance of Benson Boone''s ''Beautiful Things,'' Lopez shared steamy kisses with two of her dancers, raising eyebrows and generating buzz. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKI2VuusZIb/ The sultry performance was the highlight of the evening, showcasing Lopez''s signature style and charisma. Prior to the big night, Lopez revealed that she had been rehearsing for weeks to perfect her performance. "I''ve been rehearsing for a couple of weeks on the number," she told E! News, adding, "So I''m excited about that." Despite sustaining a facial injury during rehearsals, Lopez was determined to deliver a memorable performance. Lopez, who cancelled her tour in 2024 to focus on her family, expressed her excitement about getting back into performance mode. "This''ll be my first big television performance in a while since I took last year off," she noted, adding, "This is kind of like getting back into my performance mode." The 2025 AMAs feature an impressive lineup, including performances from Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Benson Boone, Gloria Estefan, Lainey Wilson, and Renee Rapp. The ceremony also honours Janet Jackson and Rod Stewart, with presenters including Machine Gun Kelly, Cara Delevingne, Shaboozey, and Dylan Efron. (ANI) In a night filled with electrifying performances and emotional tributes, it was Billie Eilish who stole the show, winning in every category she was nominated for, a stunning seven-for-seven sweep. Eilish, already a nine-time Grammy and two-time Academy Award winner, added multiple AMA titles to her name, including the coveted Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, and Song of the Year for Birds of a Feather. She also secured wins for Favorite Female Pop Artist, Favorite Pop Album, and Favorite Touring Artist, among others. The AMAs, the largest fan-voted music awards in the world, also introduced new categories this year, including Song of the Year and Social Song of the Year, the latter claimed by Doechii for her viral track 'Anxiety', as per Deadline. Despite leading the pack with 10 nominations, rapper Kendrick Lamar walked away with just one win, Favorite Hip-Hop Song for his breakout hit 'Not Like Us'. The ceremony featured show-stopping sets from artists including Blake Shelton, Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, and Renee Rapp. Music legend Janet Jackson was honoured with the Icon Award, recognising her enduring influence and career spanning decades. Rod Stewart received the Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering a high-energy finale to close out the evening, as per Deadline. The night was hosted by Jennifer Lopez, who doubled as the opening performer. 2025 AMA Winners List: Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish Album of the Year: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT - Billie Eilish Song of the Year: Birds of a Feather - Billie Eilish New Artist of the Year: Benson Boone Social Song of the Year: Anxiety - Doechii Favourite Touring Artist: Billie Eilish Favourite Female Pop Artist: Billie Eilish Favourite Pop Song: Birds of a Feather - Billie Eilish Favourite Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar Favourite Hip-Hop Album: The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grace) - Eminem Favourite Country Album: COWBOY CARTER - Beyonce Favourite R&B Album: SOS Deluxe: LANA - SZA Favourite Music Video: Beautiful Things - Benson Boone Favourite Female Latin Artist: KAROL G Favourite Afrobeat Artist: Tyla Favourite K-pop Artist: ROSE After being paused for two years, the AMAs returned under the partnership of CBS and Dick Clark Productions, and aired live across CBS, Paramount+, and Harmony, a streaming platform owned by Penske Media. The reimagined ceremony received widespread praise for honouring music's diversity, impact, and the voice of fans. (ANI) The Mumbai Police registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter based on a complaint lodged by the actor's domestic staff. According to police sources, the woman attempted to gain illegal access to the actor's residence. However, her entry was thwarted, and authorities were alerted promptly by the household help. No official statement has been released by the actor or his team regarding the incident as of now. This comes on the heels of multiple high-profile security breaches at Salman Khan's Bandra residence, Galaxy Apartments, earlier this month. In the most recent of those incidents on May 22, a woman was detained by the Mumbai Police after she was found attempting to enter the building unlawfully. Police confirmed that the woman was stopped before reaching Khan's private quarters and is currently under interrogation. Her identity and origin are being verified, and officials have yet to determine whether she is a local resident or someone who travelled from another region. In a separate but related case, on May 20, a male intruder from Chhattisgarh was caught trying to stealthily enter the premises of Galaxy Apartments. The alert security team managed to intercept him in time and handed him over to law enforcement authorities. A preliminary inquiry has confirmed his identity and hometown, though his motives remain under investigation. (ANI) Director Alexander Rodnyansky, former founder of Ukraine's first indie TV network 1+1, has returned to his documentary roots. He has nearly wrapped filming a new documentary, 'Notes of a True Criminal', reported Deadline. The director opened up about the movie's title, calling himself a "criminal" while referring to the eight-and-a-half-year sentencing in absentia he received from a Moscow court last year for spreading anti-war sentiments. "It's called that because I'm a criminal now," quips Rodnyansky as quoted by Deadline. Revealing more about his project, the director said that his upcoming documentary will combine elements of doc movies, which he shot at the end of the Cold War, with more recent footage from the war in Ukraine and WWII footage obtained from his family, as per the outlet. "I used fragments of the movies I did at the end of the Soviet Union times, because I started out as a director, as well as fragments of movies done by my mom and grandfather during World War II," said Rodnyansky as quoted by Deadline. The footage in the documentary is likely to contain battlefield scenes, prisoner of war footage, and trials. "It's a very personal statement which tells the story through one family practically. It starts with the beginning of the war and then goes back and forth. I shot the withdrawal of the Soviet army from Eastern Germany in 1990 and, I say it in the movie, but I had a feeling that these people were not coming back from the war but that they were moving to the war. Yesterday they were soldiers of one army and citizens of the same state, and now they're coming to different countries and becoming citizens of different states and soldiers of different armies," said Rodnyansky as quoted by Deadline. Rodnyansky, who is likely to have the project finished by next month, says that he is currently in talks with the major international film festivals for the movie to get the festival circuit. As per Deadline, Rodnyansky is looking to shoot his next slate of films all outside of the US, namely in Eastern European countries such as Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, Latvia, and other territories. (ANI) The inspirational song 'Anadi Me.. Anant Me..' has been honoured with the first-ever 'State Inspirational Song Award' after the Maharashtra government announced the award in the name of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The award was distributed at the official residence of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis,. The honours were given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the presence of the Maharashtra CM. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology Advocate Ashish Shelar, Minister for Marketing and Protocol Jayakumar Rawal, MLA Sanjay Upadhye, Additional Chief Secretary of Cultural Affairs Department Vikas Kharge, Director of Directorate of Cultural Affairs Vibhishan Chavare, Ranjit Savarkar of Swatantryaveer Savarkar Pratishthan and others were present during the event. The Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) took to the X handle to share photos from the 'State Inspirational Song Award' ceremony. https://x.com/MahaDGIPR/status/1927321385279402246? As per the press note shared by DGIPR, the Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Shelar, said, "The life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj inspires both living and dying. Along with that, Sambhaji Maharaj himself did a great job in creating literature with his immense intelligence. He also wrote books and poems. Therefore, it was decided to give the state award in his name. Naturally, he wrote and composed the song 'Anadi Me, Anant Me..' of Swatantryaveer Savarkar with immense self-confidence. That is why the state government has given this award." On this occasion, a cheque of Rs. 2 lakh was handed over to the office bearers of Swatantryaveer Savarkar Pratishthan by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Fadnavis for the National Memorial of Swatantryaveer Savarkar. (ANI) The 2025 edition of the Banff World Media Festival is slated to run from June 8 to 11 in Alberta. The table read will see Banff organizers team up with creators Nadine Bhabha, Julian De Zotti, and Hannah Antaki to bring the event to the Canadian Rockies on June 8, as per The Hollywood Reporter. New Spanish, which was chosen from among 400 script submissions to the Hot Pilot Party, has a politically-charged plot in a post-Trump era where a small town Ontario is looking to secede from Canada. The live script read in Banff keeps pace with the festival's traditional market role of helping hothouse TV series in development. "Banff is packed with world-class programming, so to have a live table read of an available spec is a bold and fun way to kick off this year's festival," Pam Silverstein, head of programming, said in a statement on Tuesday. "Banff is where television gets made and celebrated -- it's where the industry comes together to spark ideas, close deals, and spotlight incredible talent. That's exactly what we intend to do with this session," she added. (ANI) Veteran actor James McEachin has passed away. As per The Hollywood Reporter, James, who wrote and produced songs for Otis Redding before turning to acting to portray cops in his own NBC Mystery Movie series and in 18 of the popular Perry Mason telefilms, died on January 11 and was interred last month at Los Angeles National Cemetery. James McEachin was born on May 20, 1930, in Rennert, North Carolina, and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey. At 17, he joined the U.S. Army in August 1947. McEachin spent more than two years in Japan as part of his first three-year term, then re-enlisted for another three years. As a member of the 2nd Infantry Division, he was wounded in an ambush and left for dead before being rescued. (He was awarded both the Purple Heart and Silver Star in 2005.) In 2002, McEachin played a liberal Supreme Court justice on First Monday, a short-lived CBS drama from Donald P. Bellisario that starred James Garner and Joe Mantegna. McEachin was appointed a U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador in 2005 to spend time speaking with soldiers and veterans. A year later, he wrote, produced and starred (with David Huddleston, a castmate on Tenafly) in a 23-minute video called Old Glory that the military community embraced, as per The Hollywood Reporter. His one-man play, Above the Call; Beyond the Duty, opened at the Kennedy Center in Washington in 2008 and played L.A.'s Mark Taper Forum three years later. He portrayed Old Soldier, a character who "pries open tough issues left in the wake of battle, boldly confronting challenges that are facing those serving in our military today while reconciling the spirit of one who has killed in war." McEachin also wrote several books, including 1996's Tell Me a Tale: A Novel of the Old South, 1997's Farewell to the Mockingbirds, 1999's The Heroin Factor, 2000's Say Goodnight to the Boys in Blue and 2021's Swing Low My Sweet Chariot: The Ballad of Jimmy Mack, a memoir. His wife, Lois, whom he married in 1960, passed away in 2017. (ANI) All-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met with the Speaker of Guyana''s National Assembly and conveyed India''s message against terrorism. From the Original Parliament building, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shared India''s response to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack. He said, "Our government gave such a response, but it did so in a very calibrated, measured, precise manner. It wasn''t interested in saying we''re going to war with the whole country. We are simply going to assault specific sites that have been known and identified as belonging to housing basic organisations that are listed by the United Nations Sanctions Committee and organisations which are on the wanted terrorist lists of the US government as well, and we hit them and we hit them hard, but we were very careful to do so at night when there were no civilians likely to go out to minimise collateral damage, very careful to avoid any government sites, any military sites, any civilians. Nonetheless, Pakistan chose to respond initially with indiscriminate artillery shelling which killed 19 civilians on our side of the border, including people in the Gurdwara, a Sikh temple, and in a Christian convent," On the occasion, Speaker of the Parliament, Manzoor Nadir said, "Guyana respects India for its democracy, its contributions to the Global South". In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan''s links to terrorism and India''s strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were brutally killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI) Kiran Negi, wife of Vimal Negi, the late General Manager and Chief Engineer of HPPCL who died under suspicious circumstances, has written a letter to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh demanding that the case be immediately handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Himachal Pradesh High Court recently ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the mysterious death of HPPCL engineer Vimal Negi. In her letter, Kiran Negi has made a heartfelt appeal to the Chief Minister. "This matter should be handed over to the CBI at the earliest and justice must be ensured in my husband's death by following the directions of the High Court," she wrote. "Failure to comply with the High Court's directions will amount to contempt of court, and any delay in securing justice will be seen as a denial of justice," the letter reads. She addressed the Chief Minister and sent a copy of the letter to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Kiran Negi emphasised the urgency of the matter, "This case must be handed over to the CBI without any delay, and immediate action should be taken. There should be no kind of postponement or obstruction in the process." "Your prompt action in this matter will help maintain public interest and retain the people's trust in the administration," the letter reads. Vimal Negi, an engineer with the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), had joined the corporation on June 15, 2024. Just two weeks later, on July 1, 2024, he was reportedly under stress and receiving medical treatment for anxiety. Vimal Negi had gone missing on March 10, and his body was recovered ten days later. His family and colleagues had earlier raised concerns about pressure at the workplace. After days of protest and search efforts led by IG Gyaneshwar Thakur, his body was finally recovered leading to widespread outrage and demands for justice. However, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the state police, failed to provide any clarity about his whereabouts between March 10 and 14, raising serious questions about the credibility of the investigation. (ANI) Delhi's Tis Hazari Court on Monday granted bail to a man accused in the Delhi police constable hit-and-drag case that took place in the Nangloi area in September 2024. Constable Sandeep Malik had succumbed to his injuries. An FIR was registered at the Nangloi police station, and a charge sheet has already been filed. The accused was arrested on September 29, 2024. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Hemraj granted bail to the accused, Rajnish alias Sitto, after considering the submissions and facts of the case. While granting bail to Rajnish, the court said, "He was not furnished the grounds of arrest by the Investigating Officer, which made his arrest illegal." The court further noted that although the arrest memo of Rajnish shows that the reasons for arrest were mentioned, the grounds for his arrest were not specified. The court clarified that the reasons for arrest and the grounds for arrest are two distinct legal requirements. "In view of the settled propositions of law, this court believes that the constitutional mandate while arresting the accused was not followed and his arrest was not in accordance with law. Therefore, the accused is entitled to be released on bail," the court said. "Accordingly, the accused/applicant is admitted to regular bail on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh with two sureties of like amount," the court ordered on May 26. According to Delhi Police, on the night of September 29, 2024, Constable Sandeep Malik was on night duty when he saw Rajnish and Dharmendra consuming alcohol in a car. He stopped them from drinking, after which an altercation ensued. It is alleged that the accused persons hit the constable's bike and dragged him for up to 10 metres, causing grievous injuries to his head and other body parts. Advocate Ashutosh Bhardwaj, appearing for Rajnish, argued that his client has been in judicial custody for the past seven and a half months. He also submitted that the charge sheet has already been filed and that Dharmendra, the co-accused, was granted bail on May 19. He further argued that it was a case of a road accident, which is evident from CCTV footage. On the other hand, the bail plea was opposed by the public prosecutor, who contended that there were serious allegations against the accused. The prosecutor argued that Rajnish may tamper with evidence, influence witnesses, or even flee from justice. (ANI) Delhi's Tis Hazari Court has recently awarded a life sentence to a man who killed his wife by burning her in 2014. The court stated that the case does not fall under the category of "rarest of rare" cases. An FIR was registered at the Sarai Rohilla Railway Station police station in 2014. The court had held the accused guilty of murder on April 9, 2025. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Virender Kumar Kharta sentenced Giriraj Kishor Bhardwaj alias Shyam Nagar for murdering his wife Kusum. The court rejected poverty as a significant mitigating factor and noted that the aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating ones. While sentencing the convict on May 17, the court said, "In the present case, the aggravating circumstances have outweighed the mitigating circumstances, but still, the present case does not fall within the purview of the rarest of rare doctrine." During arguments on sentencing, the defence counsel requested a lenient view. It was argued that the convict belongs to the economically weaker section of society. The counsel also stated that the convict's father is a senior citizen suffering from various ailments, and his mother has already passed away. It was further submitted that the convict is a first-time offender and could be reformed. Therefore, minimum punishment should be considered. On the other hand, the prosecution sought the maximum punishment for the convict. Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) argued that the convict committed the heinous offence of murdering his wife and deserved the maximum penalty. He further submitted that the sons of the convict and the deceased have suffered immensely due to the convict's actions, as they had to discontinue their studies after the murder of their mother. It was also pointed out that the elder son of the convict and the deceased has become a drug addict, while the younger son, a minor, is now working as a helper to a vegetable vendor. Regarding compensation to the family members of the deceased, the court said that since Kusum is already deceased, the convict cannot directly compensate her legal heirs. Therefore, the court directed on May 17 that compensation will be awarded to the legal heirs of the deceased Kusum under Section 357A CrPC, as per the Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme, 2018 (Part-I). (ANI) Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi paid floral tribute to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 61st death anniversary, at his memorial Shanti Van in Delhi on Tuesday. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to India's first prime minister, calling him the architect of modern India. He said that 21st century India cannot be imagined without the contribution of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. "Humble tributes on the death anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji, the creator of modern India, the fearless guardian of democracy, the one who took India from zero to the peak, the one who made India develop in scientific, economic, industrial and various fields, the one who constantly gave the message of 'unity in diversity' to the country, our source of inspiration. 21st century India cannot be imagined without the contribution of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru," Kharge said in a post on X. Remembering Jawaharlal Nehru, Congress on its official X handle said, "On his death anniversary, we honour the nation's first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, whose vision shaped modern India. His ideals of democracy, secularism & scientific temper continue to guide our way forward. Heartfelt tributes to his unmatched legacy & leadership." Jawaharlal Nehru was a freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in India's freedom movement. He also went on to become India's first Prime Minister after independence in 1947. Nehru remained at the post for more than 16 years and died due to a heart attack on 27th May 1964. After that, Lal Bahadur Shastri took over as the second Prime Minister of India. Nehru is considered the pioneer of India's Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). For his love for children, Nehru was also called 'Chacha Nehru', and his birth anniversary on November 14, is celebrated as Children's Day every year in India. (ANI) The Karnataka police have registered an FIR against Bharatiya Janata Party MLC N Ravi Kumar over his alleged remarks against the Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Tarannum during the BJP's protest rally on May 24. The FIR was registered at the Station Bazaar police station of Kalaburagi. N Ravi Kumar sparked the controversy following his remarks on the Kalaburagi DC, Fauzia Tarannum. He was addressing a rally organised under the BJP's 'Kalaburagi Chalo' campaign on May 24. Kumar alleged that the district administration was functioning under the influence of the ruling Congress government. Ravi Kumar questioned the independence of the District Collector and made a derogatory reference suggesting she might have "come from Pakistan." "The Kalaburagi DC office has also lost its independence. The DC madam is also listening to what they (Congress) say. I don't know whether the DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here," Ravi Kumar said. He triggered backlash from progressive groups and civil society organisations, who have demanded action against him for the "insulting and communal" remarks. Fauzia Tarannum currently serves as the District Collector of Kalaburagi under the Congress-led state government. Though not directly involved in the political developments, her role as the administrative head of the district has come under the political spotlight amid heightened tensions. The protest led by the BJP was held to demand the removal of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge from the state Cabinet. The demand stems from a May 21 incident in Chittapur- Priyank Kharge's assembly constituency- where Congress workers allegedly laid siege to a guest house where Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy, was staying. In response to the protest and Ravikumar's remarks, Congress leader and state minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Sunday accused BJP leaders of unnecessarily provoking tensions and attempting to politicise the administration. "This is a deliberate attempt to provoke and communalise the atmosphere. Such statements against an officer performing her duties are unacceptable," Patil said. The incident has further deepened political fault lines in Kalaburagi, with both administrative officials and political leaders now drawn into a broader battle between the BJP and the ruling Congress over governance, accountability, and decorum in public discourse. (ANI) Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 27 ( ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a Janta Darshan at the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur on Tuesday. The Chief Minister heard the grievances and demands of the people who had gathered to meet him. Earlier on Monday, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 528 development projects worth Rs 1,515 crore in Sant Kabir Nagar. Addressing the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted the government's commitment to rejuvenating Baba Tameshwarnath Dham and transforming it into a grand pilgrimage site to reinforce the region's cultural and spiritual heritage. According to an official release, CM Adityanath emphasised that Baba Tameshwarnath Dham will be developed with a well-planned and organised structure, following the models of Ayodhya and Kashi. He announced the construction of a dedicated corridor to ensure safe, seamless, and convenient darshan for devotees. Reassuring residents, he affirmed that no one will be displaced. Instead, a systematic rehabilitation plan will be implemented, with the interests of local traders and Gosains fully safeguarded. CM Yogi attributed the progress to Baba Tameshwarnath's blessings and cited successful models such as the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, and Maa Vindhyavasini Dham, all of which have been rejuvenated under the double-engine government model. He noted that Kashi can accommodate up to 50,000 devotees at a time today, while Maa Vindhyavasini Dham can host around 10,000 devotees. A similar scale of development is envisioned for Baba Tameshwarnath Dham. Urging the administration and local stakeholders to take swift and responsible action, the Chief Minister assured that any development plan submitted for the Dham would receive prompt approval. He added that this initiative is not just about infrastructure but also about upholding the identity and values of Sanatan Dharma. "Baba's blessings will shower prosperity upon the people of Sant Kabir Nagar," he remarked. Speaking on the inaugurated projects, the Chief Minister said they encompass critical sectors such as tourism, roads, drinking water, healthcare, education, sports, and urban infrastructure. These projects, he said, will enhance the quality of life and provide Sant Kabir Nagar with a renewed identity. CM Yogi also visited an exhibition showcasing Bakhira's renowned brass industry, describing it as a significant source of livelihood for local artisans. He lauded the success of the ODOP (One District, One Product) scheme in giving Bakhira's bronze utensils a distinct identity. He highlighted that over 1.65 crore youth have gained employment through ODOP across the state. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 61st death anniversary. "Tributes to our former PM, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary," PM Modi said in a post on X. Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also paid tribute to India's first Prime Minister. In a post on X, Gandhi remembered Nehru's "visionary leadership" in laying a strong foundation for independent India. "Respectful tribute to the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji on his death anniversary. With the dream of a strong and inclusive India, Nehruji laid a strong foundation for independent India with his visionary leadership. His contribution in the establishment of social justice, modernity, education, constitution and democracy is invaluable. The legacy of Jawahar of India and his ideals will always guide us," Rahul Gandhi said. Earlier today, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi paid floral tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru at his memorial, Shanti Van, in Delhi. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to Nehru, calling him the architect of modern India. He said that 21st-century India cannot be imagined without the contribution of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. "Humble tributes on the death anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji, the creator of modern India, the fearless guardian of democracy, the one who took India from zero to the peak, the one who made India develop in scientific, economic, industrial and various fields, the one who constantly gave the message of 'unity in diversity' to the country, our source of inspiration. 21st century India cannot be imagined without the contribution of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru," Kharge said in a post on X. Remembering Jawaharlal Nehru, Congress on its official X handle said, "On his death anniversary, we honour the nation's first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, whose vision shaped modern India. His ideals of democracy, secularism & scientific temper continue to guide our way forward. Heartfelt tributes to his unmatched legacy & leadership." Jawaharlal Nehru was a freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in India's freedom movement. He also went on to become India's first Prime Minister after independence in 1947. Nehru remained at the post for more than 16 years and died due to a heart attack on 27th May 1964. After that, Lal Bahadur Shastri took over as the second Prime Minister of India. Nehru is considered the pioneer of India's Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). For his love for children, Nehru was also called 'Chacha Nehru', and his birth anniversary on November 14, is celebrated as Children's Day every year in India. (ANI) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao on Tuesday said he had received a notice from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with the Formula E case, calling it an act of "political harassment" and accusing Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of vendetta politics. In a post on X, KTR revealed that the ACB had asked him to appear for an enquiry on May 28. However, he stated that he had already planned a foreign trip and would cooperate with the agency after returning to India. https://x.com/ktrbrs/status/1927017870162100650?s=46 "The ACB has given me a notice to appear for an enquiry on the 28th May in the Formula E case. As a law-abiding citizen, I will definitely cooperate with the agencies even though the case is nothing but pure political harassment. As I have planned to leave for the UK & USA for multiple events, much in advance, I will appear in front of them the moment I come back. Informed the same to ACB Officials in writing..." he posted on X. KTR used the opportunity to launch a direct attack on CM Revanth Reddy, suggesting that the timing of the notice was suspicious. He said, "But I should appreciate Revanth Reddy for his thirst for political vendetta and the way he swings in any direction without any scruples, to achieve the same." He further alleged that while Revanth Reddy's name was recently cited in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) chargesheet linked to the National Herald case, no BJP leader spoke against him. He said, "48 hours ago, his name figures out in the ED chargesheet for supplying money in the National Herald case. 24 hours later, Revanth Reddy is seen schmoozing with BJP top brass, including PM Modi! Not a word against Revanth Reddy from even a single BJP leader for his involvement in the money laundering case!!" Taking a jibe at Telangana Chief Minister, he added, "Today, I get a notice from the ACB. Well! He may fail as an administrator, a leader and even as a human being. But he is proving himself in cheap vendetta politics. I know BRS scares him. So! Keep trying. Jai Telangana." Backing KT Rama Rao, senior BRS leader Harish Rao also slammed Revanth Reddy and expressed solidarity with his party colleague. "Revanth Reddy Vendetta's politics is a clear sign of insecurity. Fabricated cases won't stand in court or win public trust. We stand with KTR. Truth will prevail. Satyameva Jayate!" he posted on X. (ANI) Reacting sharply to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's characterisation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 11-year tenure as a "dreadful dream", BJP MP Sambit Patra levelled serious allegations against the Congress party, pointing to instances where the party allegedly engaged with terrorists and accusing Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi of "crying" over the dead bodies of slain terrorists in the 2008 Batla House encounter. "There was a time when the then Prime Minister held meetings with terrorists and Kashmiri separatists... Sonia Gandhi would cry at the dead bodies of terrorists after the Batla House encounter... Now India destroys terror infrastructures inside Pakistan... Remember in 2010, when 76 of our jawans were killed by Naxalites, celebrations erupted in some universities. Now naxalism is on the verge of collapse... It is natural that this government will be a nightmare for Congress, which has lost 99 times," the BJP MP said. Patra's retort further highlighted a stark contrast between India's past under Congress rule and its current global standing under PM Modi, noting that under PM Modi's leadership, India has dismantled terror infrastructures and elevated India to among the top five global economies. "Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called 11 years of PM Narendra Modi a dreadful dream. I would like to remind him that 11 years ago, when Narendra Modi was not the Prime Minister, India was considered among the fragile five in the world... Now India is among the top five countries in the world. This was a journey of India," he stated. Patra noted that Congress is now facing the consequences of its actions, referring to the summons that its leaders get from the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Enforcement Directorate, or the Court. "They had thought that this country was their property... They were part of all sorts of scams... They are now facing the consequences of their deeds. From CBI, ED to the Court, they have to visit there... It is natural they will not like what is happening to them now... Since 2024, people of India have consecutively voted for the BJP in every state. This shows the faith people have in PM Narendra Modi... These 11 years are not mere years; these 11 years are years of fortune," he added. Earlier on Monday, Kharge hit out at PM Modi over the completion of 11 years of his being in office in the centre, stating that the Modi Government had "ruined" the country. Kharge, in a post on X, noted that their promise of "good days" has turned out to be a "dreadful" dream and added that a promise of doubling farmers' income was not fulfilled, so they had to eat rubber bullets, whereas women's security is currently in "tatters". Kharge further alleged atrocities against the minorities of the country and believed that their participation in society is lost. (ANI) On Monday, the operations were launched in coordination with Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP. According to the Ministry of Defence, the week-long operations, based on precise intelligence inputs, led to the apprehension of 13 cadres belonging to various insurgent outfits active in both hill and valley regions. A significant haul of arms and war-like stores was also recovered during these operations. On May 19, a raid in the Phayeng area of Imphal West district recovered one 7.62 mm Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), one .303 rifle, three 9mm pistols, assorted ammunition, and other military-grade equipment. Subsequently, on May 20, security forces acting on information about hidden arms in the Pholjang-Tingkhai village area of Kangpokpi district recovered 14 weapons. These included a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), a double-barrel breach-loading shotgun, two bolt-action rifles, five improvised mortars, and four pull mechanism rifles, along with a stockpile of ammunition and related equipment. In another operation carried out on May 24 in the Marenmai area of Senapati district, Assam Rifles recovered four weapons, comprising three bolt-action single-barrel rifles and one improvised mortar known locally as a "Pompi." According to the statement, based on specific information, multiple operations resulted in the apprehension of 13 cadres. The apprehended individuals and the seized materials have been handed over to the Manipur Police for further investigation and necessary legal action. The Defence PRO said that these coordinated efforts by security forces highlight their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Manipur. Meanwhile, the Manipur Police and security forces have conducted a series of operations in the state, resulting in the arrest of militant cadres and counterfeiters. On May 24, 2025, security forces arrested two active cadres of the People''s Liberation Army (PLA) and one member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) (Apunba) group.(ANI) The Rouse Avenue Court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of former AAP MLA Naresh Balyan in a case under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). This was Balyan's second bail application. He was produced before the court through video conferencing. Balyan has been in custody since December last year in connection with an organised crime syndicate allegedly run by gangster Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu. He was arrested on December 4, 2024, in the case. Delhi Police opposed the bail plea, stating that there had been no change in circumstances except for the time spent in custody. The police added that the allegations against the accused are serious and that a supplementary charge sheet under Sections 3 and 4 of MCOCA had already been filed against him. Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh dismissed the bail plea after considering the submissions and other facts. The detailed order is yet to be uploaded. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Akhand Pratap Singh appeared for Delhi Police and strongly opposed the bail application. He submitted that the defence counsel's arguments had already been addressed by the predecessor court while deciding the earlier bail application. "There is no new ground for seeking bail," the SPP said, adding that Balyan had earlier withdrawn his appeal against the trial court's bail rejection order from the High Court. On the other hand, counsel for Naresh Balyan questioned the basis of the case, submitting that the approval for the registration of the FIR under MCOCA was not valid. Therefore, he argued, the entire proceedings emanating from the FIR were invalid. Advocate M S Khan, along with Advocates Rohit Kumar Dalal and Rahul Sahani, appeared for Balyan. The defence submitted that Balyan had been in custody since December 4, 2024, even though the MCOCA approval was allegedly flawed. The defence also pointed out that Balyan was previously arrested in another case on November 30, 2024, and had been granted bail. However, he was arrested in the present MCOCA case immediately after securing bail in the previous one. The sole basis for implicating Balyan under MCOCA, according to his counsel, is an audio clip allegedly featuring conversations between Kapil Sangwan and Balyan. The defence argued that the clip had been known to the police for over a year and that the police misled the court by claiming that the clip came to the Investigating Officer's (IO) notice only after the FIR was registered on August 28, 2024. The defence added that the IO had sent a notice to a news channel regarding the audio clip on July 1, 2023, indicating that the police were already aware of the clip long before the FIR was filed. They also argued that there had been no new criminal activity on Balyan's part justifying the invocation of MCOCA. On May 7, Balyan withdrew his bail application from the High Court. The Rouse Avenue Court had earlier, on May 5, accepted the supplementary charge sheet filed against Naresh Balyan and three other accused -- Sahil alias Poli, Vijay Gahlot alias Kalu, and Jyoti Prakash. The supplementary charge sheet, the second in the case, is the first one naming Balyan as an accused. It has been filed under Sections 3 and 4 of MCOCA. Section 3 has been invoked against three of the accused. Earlier, the main charge sheet had been filed against Ritik alias Peter. The first supplementary charge sheet was filed against Rohit alias Anna and Sachin Chikara. The court has been directed to hear arguments on charges daily from June 3. The judicial custody of all accused persons has been extended till the next date. The court has also asked the Delhi police to expedite the investigation regarding the accused Vikas Gehlot.(ANI) Stressing that India's response to the cross-border shelling from Pakistan was answered loudly and in an effective manner, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday reiterated that they were planned to also strike the terrorists launchpads near the Line of Control on the night of May 9 and 10. Addrressing a press conference, Shashank Anand (BSF IG), Jammu Frontier emphasized that the Pakistani post opened fire on India's positions, for which it was already prepared. "As a result of this preparedness, we inflicted heavy damage on several Pakistani posts during the cross-border firing. We did not suffer any losses ourselves," Anand said. "On the night of May 8, when we carried out this operation, the enemy's morale in that area was visibly shaken. The next day, i.e., on May 9, Pakistan began unprovoked cross-border firing along the international border in the northern areas of Jammu, moving away from the Samba region. The BSF was already prepared for such a situation, and on May 9 and 10, the BSF launched heavy shelling on Pakistan's border belt. During this period, we had planned that if the opportunity arose, we would also strike the terrorist launch pads located near the international border," he said. He further said that the BSF carried out a "deliberate" attack on a Lashkar-e-Taiba launch pad in Looni area near the LoC. "As part of this operation, on the night of May 9 and 10, the BSF carried out a deliberate and planned attack on a Lashkar-e-Taiba launchpad in "Looni", which is located in Pakistan just 3 kilometers from the international border," Shashank Anand said. Virender Dutta, DIG Sector Sundarbani, said that they had an input of the presence of 18-20 militants in Looni area who were planning to infiltrate by taking the advantage of cross-border firing. "After May 8, we received intelligence that 18-20 militants were present in Looni, and it was expected that they would attempt to infiltrate by taking advantage of the cross-border firing. Their intention was likely to target our installations later. We executed a highly coordinated and well-planned operation in two phases to inflict maximum casualties. We achieved that goal, and Looni was completely destroyed," Dutta said. Operation Sindoor was India's decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor led to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres, and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. After this, on May 10, an understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced. (ANI) Hitting out at Pakistan and exposing their double standards post Operation Sindoor, PM Narendra Modi said that the terrorists killed in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor were given state honours in Pakistan. He asserted that the Pakistani flag was draped over their coffins and they were saluted by the officials of the Pakistan Army. PM Modi further emphasised that the terrorists are no longer proxy wars. "We can't call this a proxy war, as those who were killed after May 6 were given state honours in Pakistan. Pakistani flags were draped over their coffins, and their military saluted them. This proves that these terrorist activities are not just a proxy war -- this is a deliberate war strategy on their part. If they are engaging in war, then the response will be accordingly", PM Modi said. Remembering the time of India's partition in 1947, PM Modi stated that Pakistan annexed a part of Kashmir with the help of terrorists. He said that if those terrorists had been killed that day and if Sardar Patel's advice had been accepted, then the series of terror activities in India would have stopped, which has been going on for the past 75 years. "In 1947, Mother India was torn into pieces. The chains should have been cut, but the arms were chopped off. The country was divided into three parts, and the same night, the first terrorist attack took place on the soil of Kashmir. Pakistan captured a part of Mother India with the help of terrorists, in the name of Mujahideen. If these Mujahideen had been killed on that day and Sardar Patel's advice had been accepted, then this series (of terrorist incidents) that has been going on for the last 75 years would not have been seen. No matter how strong or healthy the body is, even a single thorn can cause constant pain--and we've decided that the thorn must be removed", PM Modi said. The Prime Minister further exposed Pakistan's capability and stated that it cannot defeat India in war, due to which they have begun a proxy war. He asserted that the terrorists kept on attacking India, and the citizens tolerated every attack. "When the need for war with Pakistan arose, India's military power defeated Pakistan all three times. Pakistan understood that it could not defeat India in a war. It started a proxy war against India. They kept attacking wherever they got a chance, and we kept tolerating it", PM Modi said. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Minister Anil Rajbhar on Tuesday said that the Delhi Court's closure of the POCSO case against former Wrestling Association of India chief Brij Bhushan proved that the allegations against him were "sponsored". He said the Opposition parties should learn a lesson from the episode. "We welcome the decision of the Court. Sometimes, a lot of confusion arises. When the opposition raised allegations, we said that the allegations against our MP seem to be sponsored. The court's order has proved this," Anil Rajbhar told ANI. "The opposition should learn a lesson from such decisions of the court," he added. On Monday, the Patiala House Court accepted the cancellation report filed by Delhi Police in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case against ex-WFI chief and former MP Brij Bhushan. Special Judge (POCSO) Gomati Manocha accepted the cancellation report filed by the Delhi police. The minor wrestler whose complaint was registered also appeared before the court. The complainant was called to record/verify her statement in the POCSO case. Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Atul Shrivastava confirmed that the cancellation report has been accepted. On May 17, the court had once again summoned the wrestler who had accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment when she was a minor. The Delhi Police had previously filed a cancellation report in June 2023 after the minor victim withdrew her statement. The case was originally lodged based on a complaint by a then-minor woman wrestler. Following the retraction of the victim's statement, Predecessor Special POCSO Judge Chhavi Kapoor deferred the final order several times. Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava earlier informed the media that both the complainant and her father had appeared before the court, confirming their satisfaction with the police investigation and not challenging the cancellation report filed by the Delhi Police. The Delhi Police had filed the cancellation report on June 15, 2023, in the POCSO case against Singh. On July 4, 2023, the Patiala House Court issued a notice to the complainant and her father. The 500-page report was filed under the POCSO Act. In a second related case, a charge sheet was filed in Rouse Avenue Court regarding sexual harassment allegations against Singh and Vinod Tomar. The court has ordered charges to be framed against both individuals, directing the trial to commence and statements from prosecution witnesses to be recorded. The proceedings were initiated against Singh and Tomar under sections 354, 354A, and 354D of the IPC for sexual harassment, and against Tomar under sections 109, 354, 354A, and 506 IPC. Delhi Police confirmed that after completing the investigation, the police had filed a charge sheet in Rouse Avenue Court in the sexual harassment case against Singh and Tomar. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a former BJP MP, has consistently rejected the allegations made against him by the wrestlers. (ANI) The operation was conducted by the Cachar Police, Assam Rifles, and the Anti-Rhino Force Intelligence Unit (ARFIU) as part of the state government's ongoing efforts to curb narcotics smuggling along interstate and international routes. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1927059442484293955 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to the social media platform X to commend the success of the anti-drug drive. He wrote, "The relentless anti-narcotics ops continue. In an anti-narcotics operation carried out by @cacharpolice, ARFIU and Assam Rifles 648g heroin worth Rs 3.5 crore and 1 pistol were recovered 1 peddler has been arrested." Earlier, the Assam Police seized drugs worth over Rs 11.5 crore in two separate operations in Karbi Anglong and Cachar districts on Saturday. Cachar Police apprehended one person, Ikbal Hussain Mazumder, and recovered 84 grams of heroin of an undisclosed amount from his possession in Silchar. Karbi Anglong district police intercepted a vehicle at Khatkhati checkpost and seized 4.899 kg of Morphine worth Rs 5 crore. One drug peddler was arrested. Cachar district police and Special Task Force (STF) intercepted a vehicle at Sonabarighat area and seized 1.239 kg of heroin worth Rs 6.5 crore. Three people were arrested. Karbi Anglong district police intercepted a vehicle at Khatkhati checkpost and seized 4.899 kg of Morphine worth Rs 5 crore. One drug peddler was arrested. Cachar district police and Special Task Force (STF) intercepted a vehicle at Sonabarighat area and seized 1.239 kg of heroin worth Rs 6.5 crore. Three people were arrested. On May 18, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a major narcotics seizure and said that heroin worth Rs 3.16 crore was recovered and a drug peddler has been arrested. The Assam Police's efforts to curb the drug trade in the state have yielded significant results, with the seizure of drugs worth crores of rupees. The operations demonstrate the state's commitment to tackling the menace of drug trafficking. (ANI) The Border Security Force (BSF) has proposed to name a post in the Samba sector as "Sindoor" and two other in the name of the personnel killed during the cross-border shelling by Pakistan on May 10. Speaking on it, BSF IG Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand said that three jawans including an Indian Army Naik was killed in fighting the cross-border shelling. "On the morning of May 10, Pakistan sent low-flying drones to target our posts. The BSF was actively engaging these drones. However, during one such incident, a tragic event occurred when BSF Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz, Constable Deepak Kumar, and Indian Army Naik Sunil Kumar were trying to counter a drone, it dropped a payload, resulting in the killing of all three," he said. "We propose to name two of our posts on our personnel we have lost, and one post to be named 'Sindoor' in the Samba sector," IG Shashank Anand said. IG Anand also praised the women personnel who fought on forward posts during Operation Sindoor. "BSF's women personnel fought on forward duty posts during Operation Sindoor. Our brave women personnel, Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari commanded a forward post, Constable Manjit Kaur, Constable Malkit Kaur, Constable Jyoti, Constable Sampa and Constable Swapna and others fought on forward posts against Pakistan during this operation," he said. He also mentioned the inputs of terrorists' possible infiltration along the Line of Control and International Border. "We are getting many inputs regarding terrorists returning to their launch pads & camps and possible infiltration along LoC & IB. Security Forces will have to remain alert," Shashank Anand said. Further, BSF DIG RS Pura sector, Chiter Pal mentioned about its retaliation in the area after cross-border shelling from Pakistan. "On 9th May, Pakistan targeted a number of our posts. First, they started targeting our posts with a flat trajectory weapon and mortar. They also targeted one of our villages Abdullian. Our BSF jawans gave a befitting reply to them. When they reduced firing, they increased drone activity. In response, BSF targeted and destroyed the Pakistani terrorist launchpad Mastpur," Pal said. "During the firing, it was observed that Pakistani soldiers were abandoning their posts and fleeing," he said further. (ANI) An explosion occurred in the vicinity of Naushera village under the Kambo police station limits in Amritsar's rural district on Tuesday morning. Amritsar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Maninder Singh confirmed that police received information about the blast in the morning. Officials immediately rushed to the spot, where a seriously injured individual was found and rushed to the hospital. "We received information in the morning that there was an explosion here. The police officials have reached the spot, and a person who was seriously injured has been admitted to the hospital," Maninder Singh told ANI. "Generally, in the abandoned area, we have also seen in the past that anti-national elements come to retrieve their consignments. We suspect that he is one of the accused who came to retrieve the consignment and due to mishandling of an explosive, he was injured...Our FSL teams are on the way," he added. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams have been called to investigate the scene. Further details are awaited as the probe continues. Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) recovered a drone and three packets of heroin during separate search operations along the Punjab border in Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Amritsar districts, as per the release. Acting on intelligence, BSF and Punjab Police on Monday seized the drone and three packets of suspected heroin from farming fields near the border villages. A joint search operation by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police led to the recovery of one packet of suspected heroin, weighing 550.18 grams, from a farming field near Mehdipur village in Punjab's Tarn Taran district. "Yesterday evening, a search operation by BSF in collaboration with Punjab Police in the suspected area culminated in the recovery of 01 Packet of suspected heroin (Gross weight: 550.18 Grams) from a farming field adjacent to village- Mehdipur of district Tarn Taran," the BSF said in a press release on Monday. "Today, the vigilant BSF troops recovered 01 DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from a farming field adjacent to village- Machhiwara of district Ferozepur," release further reads. In another operation on Monday, Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered two packets of suspected heroin, weighing 957 grams, from fields near Tibbi village in Amritsar district. The narcotics were wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, with a metal loop and torch attached. "In another incident today, a detailed serch by BSF troops led to the recovery of 02 packets of suspected heroin (Gross Weight- 957 Grams) from area adjacent to village- Tibbi of district- Amritsar. The narcotics were wrapped with yellow adhesive tape and metal loop along with a torch was found attached to the packets," the release said. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath attended the mass wedding ceremony organised under the CM Mass Marriage Scheme in Gorakhpur. CM Yogi distributed gifts to 1200 newly-wedded couples who were beneficiaries of the scheme. CM Yogi Adityanath said that he cannot attend individual weddings, but for this mass wedding ceremony, he left all the work in Lucknow and came to bless the brides. He added that in these marriages, there is no dowry and no child marriage, also there are no restrictions on caste, region or religion. Promoting the CM Mass Marriage Scheme, CM Yogi said, "As per their rituals, wherever ten or more couples will register their marriages, the administration is ready to support the mass wedding ceremonies." He said, "Before 2017, only Rs 20,000 were offered as support for marriages of SC/ST women. The amount was always delayed and sometimes not even received by the beneficiaries. But today, the bride gets Rs 60,000 in the bank along with clothes and jewellery for the couple." Addressing the gathering, he added, "We started the scheme in 2017, at that time we decided Rs 35,000 as the amount, which was later raised to Rs 51,000. Today, this amount has been raised to Rs 1 lakh since April. A good government does development, welfare of the poor, paves the way to the public's prosperity and improves security. We have witnessed change under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Government schemes have uplifted 25 crores nationwide from poverty, while 6 crore people have been uplifted in Uttar Pradesh." Talking about various government schemes for the poor, CM Yogi said, "If someone's house is broken, goons would not let them make a house in the same place again. Now, under the PM Swamitva Yojana, the government has ensured that people get the right to their houses. In UP, we have provided 1.06 crore people with the benefits of the scheme." He concluded by calling the CM Mass Marriage Scheme a symbol of a progressive thought. He congratulated the newlywed couples and urged the public to stand against social backwardness. (ANI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 61st death anniversary, describing him as the architect of modern India. Speaking to the media, Siddaramaiah lauded Nehru's contributions to building key industries and infrastructure and said his legacy continues to guide the nation's progress. "Today, we are holding a remembrance event in honour of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary. He served as Prime Minister for 17 years and accomplished many things during his tenure. Nehru was instrumental in establishing a mixed economy, major industries, dams, and key infrastructure. He laid the foundation for modern India, and every Indian must continue to remember and honour him," said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to reporters. On the sidelines of the event, Siddaramaiah also briefed the media on the government's preparedness in the wake of a recent uptick in Covid-19 cases across Karnataka. He said that although the current variant is not severe, the administration is taking all necessary precautions to prevent any possible outbreak. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on his 61st death anniversary. "Tributes to our former PM, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary," PM Modi said in a post on X. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, also paid tribute to India's first Prime Minister. In a post on X, Gandhi remembered Nehru's "visionary leadership" in laying a strong foundation for independent India. "Respectful tribute to India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji on his death anniversary. With the dream of a strong and inclusive India, Nehruji laid a strong foundation for independent India with his visionary leadership. His contribution in the establishment of social justice, modernity, education, constitution and democracy is invaluable. The legacy of Jawahar of India and his ideals will always guide us," Rahul Gandhi said. Jawaharlal Nehru was a freedom fighter who was pivotal in India's freedom movement. He also became India's first Prime Minister after independence in 1947. Nehru remained at the post for more than 16 years and died due to a heart attack on 27th May 1964. After that, Lal Bahadur Shastri took over as the second Prime Minister of India. Nehru is considered the pioneer of India's Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). For his love for children, Nehru was also called 'Chacha Nehru', and his birth anniversary on November 14, is celebrated as Children's Day every year in India. (ANI) BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Tuesday shared a purportedly declassified 1971 US intelligence cable regarding former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's decision to accept a UN ceasefire proposal during the Bangladesh Liberation War, in response to the Opposition's demand for clarification from the Union Government on the US's involvement in the recent understanding on the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. In a post on X, Dubey questioned whether the former PM's decision was influenced by US pressure. He further accused her of taking the decision to cease fire despite opposition from then-Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram and Army Chief Sam Manekshaw. He further interrogated whether India prioritised the creation of Bangladesh over reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and securing assets like the Kartarpur Gurdwara. "Indira Gandhi, the Iron Lady. Under American pressure, India itself stopped the 1971 war despite opposition from the then Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram and Army Chief Sam Manekshaw. Babu Jagjivan Ram wanted that the war should be stopped only after our part of Kashmir, which Pakistan forcefully occupies, is back, but the fear of the Iron Lady and the terror of China could not do this. Was the priority for India to take back its land and the Kartarpur Gurdwara, or to create Bangladesh?" Dubey stated on X. Meanwhile, the purported declassified us cable shared by Dubey, dated December 13, 1971, read, "On 10 December 1971, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi told [text not declassified] that acceptance of the United Nations ceasefire resolution after the liberation of Bangladesh might make it possible to avoid further complications with the United States and might also rule out the current possibility of Chinese intervention in Ladakh. Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram and certain military leaders, however, are opposed to accepting the resolution before certain unspecified areas in southern Azad Kashmir are liberated and before the war mechanism of Pakistan is destroyed. Mrs. Gandhi added that for the moment, India would not categorically reject the UN ceasefire proposal; it will accept the proposal after the Awami League regime is installed in Dacca. [text not declassified]" This revelation adds a new layer to the ongoing political debate over third-party involvement in India-Pakistan relations, especially in the wake of recent escalations triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack and India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor. Earlier, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a dig at External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, saying that he had been "silent" on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks about "US mediation" and "neutral site" for India-Pakistan talks. However, India refuted the claims made by the US President, reiterating its policy that India and Pakistan bilaterally address any matter related to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) Terming Operation Sindoor as a "decisive action" PM Narendra Modi said that nine terrorist hideouts were destroyed in 22 minutes during India's airstrikes against Pakistan adding that the entire action was recorded in front of cameras so that nobody will ask for proof. Addressing a rally in Gandhinagar, the Prime Minister said that India is a "land of the brave" and highlighted that the terror attacks on the country can now no longer be termed as "proxy wars". "This is a land of the brave. Until now, what we used to call a proxy war, after the scenes witnessed post-May 6, we can no longer make the mistake of calling it a proxy war. The reason is that when nine terrorist hideouts were identified and destroyed within just 22 minutes, it was a decisive action. And this time, everything was done in front of the cameras, so that no one back home would ask for proof," PM Modi said. Addressing the rally, the Prime Minister said, "I say this can no longer be called a proxy war because the terrorists whose funerals were held after May 6 were given state honours in Pakistan. Pakistan's flags were placed on their coffins, and their army saluted them. It proves that terrorist activities are not a proxy war but a well-planned war strategy. You are already at war, and you will receive the response accordingly. We do not seek enmity with anyone. We want to live peacefully. We also want to progress so that we can contribute to the welfare of the world..." Furthermore, PM Modi highlighted how the country was ruined due to the Indus Water Treaty. "I want to tell the new generation how our country was ruined. If you study the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, you'll be shocked. It was decided that the dams built on the rivers of Jammu and Kashmir would not be cleaned. Desilting would not be done. The bottom gates for clearing sediments were to remain shut. For 60 years, these gates were never opened. Reservoirs that were supposed to be filled to 100 per cent capacity have now been reduced to only 2 per cent or 3 per cent..." Taking a dig at Pakistan, PM Modi stated that till now he has not done anything but people in the neighbourhood are "swerting". Right now, I haven't done anything and people are sweating there (Pakistan). We have opened small gates for cleaning the dams, and there is already a flood there..." Remembering the time of India's partition in 1947, PM Modi stated that Pakistan annexed a part of Kashmir with the help of terrorists. He said that if those terrorists had been killed that day and if Sardar Patel's advice had been accepted, then the series of terror activities in India would have stopped, which has been going on for the past 75 years." "In 1947, Mother India was torn into pieces. The chains should have been cut, but the arms were chopped off. The country was divided into three parts, and the same night, the first terrorist attack took place on the soil of Kashmir. Pakistan captured a part of Mother India with the help of terrorists, in the name of Mujahideen. If these Mujahideen had been killed on that day and Sardar Patel's advice had been accepted, then this series (of terrorist incidents) that has been going on for the last 75 years would not have been seen. The Prime Minister said that the country has decided to root out the thorn of terrorism. "...Shareer kitna hi swasth kyu naa ho lekin agar ek kaanta chubhta hai toh poora shareer pareshan rehta hai. Ab humne tay kar liya hai uss kaante ko nikaal ke rahenge..." (No matter how strong or healthy the body is, even a single thorn can cause constant pain--and we've decided that the thorn must be removed)", PM Modi said. The Prime Minister further exposed Pakistan's capability and stated that it cannot defeat India in war, due to which they have begun a proxy war. He asserted that the terrorists kept on attacking India, and the citizens tolerated every attack. "When the need for war with Pakistan arose, India's military power defeated Pakistan all three times. Pakistan understood that it could not defeat India in a war. It started a proxy war against India. They kept attacking wherever they got a chance, and we kept tolerating it", PM Modi said. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government is holding a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam today, more than a month after a terror attack in the Baisaran valley on April 22 that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The attack has severely affected the region's tourism, leading to widespread fear among visitors and a sharp decline in bookings and trips. The meeting aims to address these concerns and reinforce the government's commitment to combating terrorism and reviving tourism in the area. Visuals showed members of the Omar Abdullah cabinet arriving at the Pahalgam club for the special cabinet meeting. Earlier, on May 15, responding to the challenges faced by the tourism sector after the terror attack, he chaired a meeting with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat. During the meeting, he assured stakeholders of the government's full support and pledged to consider their suggestions for reviving tourism in the region. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for a comprehensive tourism revival plan to be developed jointly with the Tourism Department after the conclusion of this year's Shri Amarnath ji Yatra. He proposed that the package include support for hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxis, handicrafts, and innovative initiatives like unique shopping festivals inspired by those in Dubai. Abdullah also expressed concern for small-scale entrepreneurs who have recently taken loans to invest in tourist taxis, deluxe minibuses, and guest accommodations, highlighting their vulnerability amid the downturn. Despite the attack, Abdullah noted ongoing interest in Jammu and Kashmir as a tourism destination, mentioning enthusiasm for promotional activities and Familiarisation (FAM) tours. He assured stakeholders that he would raise the issue of financial support and interest relief directly with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and other senior central government officials. The special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam today is expected to further strengthen efforts to send a strong message against terrorism and violence in the Union Territory and boost the local economy reliant on tourism. The April 22 terror attack not only resulted in the tragic loss of life but also cast a long-term shadow on Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector, one of the key contributors to its economy. Many local businesses dependent on tourism have suffered heavy losses since the incident. (ANI) A significant milestone has been achieved by Assam government as it witnessed a sharp 81 per cent decline in child marriages across 20 districts between 2021-22 and 2023-24, following a strict legal crackdown by the state government, which vowed to eradicate child marriage in by 2026 Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier vowed to eliminate child marriage in Assam by 2026, and data showed significant progress in that direction. Meanwhile, on Monday, Assam's relentless campaign to eradicate child marriage was commended during the NDA CMs' Conclave in New Delhi. In the CMs' Conclave chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, the Prime Minister appreciated Assam for his Government's vigorous and relentless efforts to eliminate child marriage in the state. This was disclosed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press briefing at the Assam House premises on Monday evening. CM Sarma, who presented the state's best practice on eradicating child marriage, received approbation from the Prime Minister, Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states. The Chief Minister gave a detailed presentation on how the state has managed to rein in child marriage due to crackdowns by the Assam Police and with cooperation from the people at large. Earlier, on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the Assam Chief Minister's initiative and asked the Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states to emulate Assam's good work in eradicating the menace of child marriage and ushering in a healthy nation. Modi also asked senior officials to visit Assam to get a first-hand experience of how Assam has eliminated child marriage due to the relentless and concerted efforts of a dedicated police force. In the day-long conclave, Chief Ministers of other NDA-ruled states showcased their best practices in diverse areas, including water conservation, grievance redressal, strengthening administrative frameworks, education, women's empowerment, and sports. However, this significant milestone was achieved after the state government launched Assam's most comprehensive policy to fight Child Marriage--the Nijut Moina Scheme during a programme at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati last year. They launched a multi-phase operation against child marriages, including arrests, awareness drives, and community engagement efforts in August 2024. Under the scheme, 10 lakh girls (one million- Nijut Moina) will be supported with financial grants as admission incentives to continue their education to higher secondary, graduation and post-graduation studies. In the Nijut Moina Scheme, female students who have completed their higher education will get Rs 10,000 per annum, female students who have completed graduation will get Rs 12,500 per annum, and female students who have completed their post-graduation will get Rs 25,000 per annum. Nijut Moina Scheme is a monetary scheme for female students enrolled in Government and government-aided institutions. It will act as an effective deterrent against Child Marriage. The Rs 1,500 crore Nijut Moina scheme will fortify the lives of 10 lakh girls through multiple incentives. (ANI) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Tuesday embarked on a significant overseas tour to the United Kingdom and the United States, according to the official statement. The visit includes a mix of political, academic, and industry engagements, reflecting Telangana's growing global stature and KTR's role in shaping its modern narrative. In the United Kingdom, KTR will participate in India Week 2025, hosted by Bridge India in London, where he will deliver the keynote address. According to the official statement, global policymakers, political leaders, and thought leaders will attend the event. KTR's address will focus on the BRS government's transformative governance model over the past nine years, highlighting Telangana's innovation-driven development, inclusive policies, and global aspirations. During the same visit, KTR will inaugurate the Knowledge Centre of Pragmatic Design Solutions Limited (PDSL) in Warwick. PDSL provides advanced R&D services to leading automotive brands such as McLaren, Aston Martin, and Jaguar Land Rover. The newly established centre includes a cutting-edge Near-Shore Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Test Facility, which signifies Telangana's deepening links with global mobility technology ecosystems. KTR's presence underlines the state's commitment to fostering technological innovation and international collaboration. In the United States, KTR will be the chief guest at the Telangana Formation Day and BRS Silver Jubilee celebrations on June 1 at the Comerica Centre in Frisco, Texas. The event, organised by Telangana NRIs, is expected to draw thousands of participants who supported the Telangana movement and continue to contribute to its global recognition. On June 2, KTR will address Indian students at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas). His interaction with students will focus on themes such as youth leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the role of education in nation-building. Known for inspiring young minds through his practical and visionary approach, KTR will encourage the student community to participate in India's growth story with a futuristic outlook. There is tremendous enthusiasm among the Indian diaspora, particularly among Telangana NRIs, entrepreneurs, and students in both the UK and the US. KTR's visit is being seen as a significant opportunity to strengthen ties with the diaspora and position Telangana as a global leader in innovation, governance, and economic progress. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that the state government would not allow the shifting of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) production units out of Bengaluru. He was reacting to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's proposal to relocate HAL's advanced production facilities to his state. "I don't want to comment on whatever they demand. I want Parliament members and Central ministers to react to this, but as the government, we will not allow anything to be shifted. We will give land if they want to expand," Shivakumar told reporters here. "They can get any new thing if they want, we will not come in their way, but as far as Karnataka is concerned, HAL is our pride, Nehruji gave this to us," he added. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model, a key step to boost India's indigenous defence capabilities and strengthen the domestic aerospace industry, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an official statement. According to the MoD's statement, in a significant push towards enhancing India's indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is set to execute the programme through industry partnership. The Execution Model approach provides equal opportunities to both the private and public sectors on a competitive basis. They can bid either independently or as a joint venture, or as consortia. The entity/bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country, the statement said. This is an important step towards harnessing the indigenous expertise, capability and capacity to develop the AMCA prototype, which will be a major milestone towards Aatmanirbharta in the aerospace sector. ADA will shortly issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the AMCA Development Phase, the statement added. (ANI) In a major success for the Chhattisgarh government''s anti-Naxal campaign, 18 Naxals, including four members of the dreaded Battalion No. 1, surrendered before the police in Sukma district on Tuesday. According to the officials, the surrender took place under the influence of the state government''s rehabilitation initiative, Niyad Nellanar. '' The surrender came as a boost to ongoing efforts in South Bastar, a region long affected by Naxal violence. Among the 18 who surrendered, several were known to be active in four different Naxal battalions, according to the police. While speaking to the media, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran G Chavan said, "Influenced by ''Niyad Nellanar'' scheme, 18 naxals have surrendered today. Four naxalites are associated with Battalion No. 1. Naxalites belonging to 4 battalions have surrendered. Naxalites active in South Bastar have also surrendered." The SP further assured that the surrendered militants would receive full support and rehabilitation benefits under the government''s surrender policy. "As they have surrendered, they will get all the benefits of the schemes functioning under the state government... I appeal to all the naxals to surrender," Chavan added. Meanwhile, last week in Chhattisgarh''s Narayanpur district, security forces successfully neutralised 27 Naxals, including top CPI (Maoist) leader and General Secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju. Later, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) P Sundarraj said the banned organisation had received training and technological support from several militant and insurgent groups. "Basavaraju was the general secretary of CPI (Maoists) and headed its military commission. He played a key role in planning and executing the group''s violent operations," IG Sundarraj said. He said that these Naxalites used to receive training from many insurgent groups, and that even the LTTE''s name came up -- they shared some technologies. "The banned and illegal Naxal organisation always has a negative thought of harming the security forces in any way, be it through IEDs, ambushes or by attacking the security forces'' camps. In this way, the security forces and the villagers get harmed by negative or violent activity. They used to take training from many militant and insurgency groups - even the LTTE''s name came to light, and they also shared some technology. Basava Raju was the general secretary of CPI (Maoists) and also in charge of the military commission. Hence, he had a role in all the military actions of the organisation... The whole organisation, on the back of them, has suffered losses in terms of technology and military. Their land area has also been reduced. We hope that Naxalism will end soon," he said. He added, "With this success, the Maoists have suffered a heavy blow in leadership, military capacity, and territory. We hope Naxalism will end soon in this area and across the country." (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed Gujarat's progress, saying that there were apprehensions about how it would grow when it was formed in 1960 after splitting Bombay state. He also said that Gujarat should set goals to be achieved when it completes 75 years of its formation in 2035, with India keen to host the Olympics in 2036. Addressing the celebrations of 20 years of Gujarat Urban Growth Story in Gandhinagar, PM Modi said people's support for Operation Sindoor should translate into efforts to achieve Viksit Bharat. Referring to Gujarat's progress, he said the state was largely known as a producer of salt when it was formed, and now it is known worldwide for its diamond work. "Wahi Gujarat jiske paas ek zamaane mein namak se upar kuch nahi tha, aaj duniya mein heera (diamond) ke liya jaana jata hai. When Gujarat completes 75 years in 2035, I believe we must start planning now for the next 10 years. We need to set a vision for where Gujarat should be by then in industry, agriculture, education, and sports. When Gujarat turns 75, just one year later, the Olympics will be held. The country wishes that the Olympics be hosted in India," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said every citizen should become a partner in the nation's development and urged people to use Made in India products. "On the night of May 6, Operation Sindoor began with the strength of our armed forces. But now, this Operation Sindoor will move forward with the strength of the people. When I speak of the strength of our armed forces and the people's strength, I mean that every citizen should become a partner in the nation's development. If we all contribute to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and to take our economy from the 4th to the 3rd position globally, we will not rely on foreign products," he said. "We must encourage village traders to pledge that no matter how much profit they make, they will not sell foreign goods. But unfortunately, even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don't even open properly. For Operation Sindoor, as a citizen, I have a task for you: go home and make a list of how many foreign products you use in 24 hours," he added. India carried out Operation Sindoor, in which terror infrastructure in Pakistan was targeted through precision strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India also effectively repelled the subsequent Pakistan aggression and pounded its airbases. PM Modi called for demolishing silos for faster progress and suggested a change in attitudes. "Around 40 years ago, a Congress leader was asked how to solve the country's problems in just two sentences. I still find his answer interesting. He said - two things should happen in a country, politicians must learn to say 'no,' and bureaucrats must learn to say 'yes'...A politician never says 'No' to anyone and a bureaucrat never says 'yes' to anyone," PM Modi said. Recalling his years as Gujarat Chief Minister, PM Modi said the state started devoting a year to a specific issue such as urban development or girls' education to bring extra focus and there was a 'whole of government' approach. "In our country, discussions revolves around model of governance and the biggest challenge is that of government silos, departments don't talk to each other, colleagues at different desks don't coordinate. To some extent, this might be true. But is there a solution to this? Let me give you a background. This issue of urban development wasn't tackled in isolation. Back then, we dedicated each year to a specific theme. 2005 was declared the Year of Urban Development. One year was dedicated to girls' education, another to tourism...There was a whole government approach," PM Modi said. He also referred to Gujarat's progress in tourism. "Gujarat has set an excellent example. Who would have imagined that a place like Kutch -- where once nobody wanted to go -- is now so popular that you can't even get a booking there," he said. PM Modi said that over the past two days during his visit to Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, he has been experiencing the fervour of patriotism with the roar of success of Operation Sindoor. He added that it was a sight to behold and this feeling was not just in Gujarat, but across every nook and corner of India and in the heart of every Indian. "India had made up its mind to weed out the thorn of terrorism and did it with utmost conviction," he said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the May 22 attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir''s Pahalgam as well as other terror incidents could have been avoided if India had heeded Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel''s advice in 1947. Addressing an event in Gujarat''s Gandhinagar, the Prime Minister said that Patel had advised not to stop the armed forces before they reached Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). "In 1947, Mother India was torn into pieces. Katni chahiye thi zanjeerein par kaat di gayi bhujayein (The chains should have been cut, but the arms were chopped off.) The country was divided into three parts, and on the same night, the first terrorist attack took place on the soil of Kashmir," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said that during Partition, Pakistan had captured a part of India using terrorists, whom he called Mujahideen. "If on that day, these Mujahideen had been eliminated and Sardar Patel''s wish was that until we get PoK, our armed forces should not stop. But no one listened to him and we have been facing this (terrorism) for the last 75 years. Pahalgam was also an example of it. When we had wars with Pakistan, we defeated Pakistan thrice..." "...Shareer kitna hi swasth kyu naa ho lekin agar ek kaanta chubhta hai toh poora shareer pareshan rehta hai. Ab humne tay kar liya hai uss kaante ko nikaal ke rahenge...("No matter how strong or healthy the body is, even a single thorn can cause constant pain and we''ve decided that the thorn must be removed)" said Prime Minister Modi. PM Modi also pointed out Pakistan''s inability to defeat India in direct war and its shift to proxy warfare. "When the need for war with Pakistan arose, India''s military power defeated Pakistan all three times. Pakistan understood that it could not defeat India in a war. It started a proxy war against India. They kept attacking wherever they got a chance, and we kept tolerating it," he added. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, the first time he has visited his home state following Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. Earlier today Prime Minister held a roadshow before laying the foundation stone for several development projects in Gandhinagar. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea seeking directions that the name of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is not misused and his name be included in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act. A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih dismissed the plea, saying no fundamental right of the petitioner is affected. The petitioner, Dr. Pankaj Phadnis, sought directions that the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, do community service as punishment for his remarks against Savarkar. Phadnis, who was appearing in person, told the bench that he had been researching on Savarkar for years and wanted to establish certain facts about Savarkar in a legally verifiable manner. The CJI then asked him, "What is the violation of your fundamental right?" The petitioner said that the Leader of the Opposition cannot violate fundamental duties: "Article 51A, fundamental duties. The Leader of the Opposition cannot impede my fundamental duties." The CJI refused to intervene in the issue, saying an Article 32 petition can be entertained only for the violation of fundamental rights. The petition stated that Gandhi is in the habit of making "irresponsible, immature and defamatory comments" about Savarkar. It added that when Gandhi was found guilty of a criminal defamation case filed against him for his remarks on Savarkar, as a punishment, he must do community service such as sweeping the floor of the Savarkar Museum in Mumbai for a day instead of any penal punishment. The petition sought Savarkar's name be included in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act. A name included in the schedule of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use )Act, 1956, cannot be used in a manner contrary to the conditions prescribed by the Central government. (ANI) National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday appealed to tourists to return to Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the region wants peace, not war, and lamented the impact of recent terror attacks on livelihoods tied to tourism, particularly in Pahalgam, ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra. Speaking to ANI in Pahalgam, Abdullah said, "The Prime Minister has sent delegations (to various countries). May they send the message that we want peace and we are not in favour of war... Killing innocent people should be stopped." His remarks came after all-party delegations began visiting key partner countries to reinforce India's global stand against terrorism and promote peace Abdullah also appealed to tourists to return to Jammu and Kashmir, expressing sorrow over the recent terror attacks that have affected livelihoods and the region's tourism-dependent economy. He specifically mentioned the impact on Pahalgam, which is preparing for the annual Amarnath Yatra. "This year, we expected crores of people to come, and we have no place to accommodate them. But unfortunately, those who killed innocent people did not see what would happen (to taxi drivers, hotel owners, pony owners)... We sell the beauty given by God and earn a living... We are very sad about what happened... Please come back, we are waiting for you (tourists)... 'Bholanath' is also waiting for you as Amarnath Yatra is about to start...", he said. Commenting on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, Abdullah said, "I don't think we will stop the water...We have always maintained that this treaty is not beneficial to us...There is a huge shortage of water in Jammu" Meanwhile, an all-party delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha met Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann. During the meeting, Jha reiterated India's firm stand against terrorism, stating that the country will respond strongly to any terror attack and will not succumb to nuclear blackmail. Jha stressed that India is prepared to strike precisely and decisively at terrorist hideouts operating under the cover of nuclear threats. The delegation also sought Singapore's support in combating terrorism at international forums, reaffirming India's commitment to a strong and measured response to protect its security and sovereignty. The delegation, led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lal (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid (CONG) and Former Indian Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, in which 26 people were brutally killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.(ANI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday strongly condemned BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar for his "Pakistani" remarks against Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fauzia Tarannum, describing it as an attempt to "create enmity" in society. The Chief Minister's statement comes in response to an FIR filed against Kumar, the chief whip of the opposition in the Legislative Council, following his comments, which have sparked outrage. "Whatever BJP MLC Ravi Kumar said is not appropriate. This is a statement to create enmity. Nothing will happen to her (Kalaburagi DC Fauzia Tarannum), but it is to create enmity in society...I strongly condemn it," Siddaramaiah stated. Earlier, the Karnataka police had registered an FIR against Kumar over his alleged remarks against the Kalaburagi DC during the BJP's protest rally on May 24. The FIR was registered at the Station Bazaar police station of Kalaburagi. Addressing a rally organised under the BJP's 'Kalaburagi Chalo' campaign, Ravi Kumar had questioned the independence of the District Collector and made a derogatory reference suggesting she might have "come from Pakistan". Kumar alleged that the district administration was functioning under the influence of the ruling Congress government. "The Kalaburagi DC office has also lost its independence. The DC madam is also listening to what they (Congress) say. I don't know whether the DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here," Ravi Kumar said. He triggered backlash from progressive groups and civil society organisations, who have demanded action against him for the "insulting and communal" remarks. Fauzia Tarannum currently serves as the DC of Kalaburagi under the Congress-led state government. Her role as the administrative head of the district has come under the political spotlight amid heightened tensions. The protest led by the BJP was held to demand the removal of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge from the State Cabinet. The demand stems from a May 21 incident in Chittapur- Priyank Kharge's assembly constituency- where Congress workers allegedly laid siege to a guest house where Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy, was staying. (ANI) Border Security Force (BSF's) Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari commanded a forward post along the International Border (IB) during Operation Sindoor. She described the high spirits of the personnel during the operation on Tuesday, saying, "The josh was high..." Bhandari's company was responsible for stopping any infiltration attempts and keeping the IB safe. They successfully fulfilled their responsibilities during the operation. "During Operation Sindoor, I was commanding a company deployed at the IB. Our responsibility was to stop any infiltration, give a befitting reply to Pakistan and keep the International Border safe. We fulfilled all responsibilities well," she told ANI. The BSF personnel fired at the enemy using high and flat trajectory weapons, giving a strong response to Pakistan's actions. Bhandari highlighted the role of women personnel in the operation, saying that both women and men BSF personnel carried out their duties effectively. "We fired at the enemy using high and flat trajectory weapons. In this operation, both women and men BSF personnel carried out their duties. We have posts and bunkers for our protection," she added. Bhandari mentioned that the BSF has posts and bunkers for protection, showcasing the force's preparedness and vigilance along the IB. BSF DIG Virender Dutta, Sector Sunderbani, discussed Operation Sindoor at the Frontiers Headquarters in Jammu. He revealed that Sunderbani witnessed the heaviest firing during the operation, with the BSF destroying two prominent Pakistani launch pads. He added, "Without wasting time, we planned and destroyed the Luni launch pad in the night. The launch pad, which was being used by the Pak army, has not been occupied for 20 days, which shows that it has been destroyed, similarly, there is no movement in Luni as well." Dutta said that the Sunderbani sector led to heavy losses for Pakistan, with the enemy using 120 heavy mortars. The BSF responded accordingly, showcasing their preparedness and effectiveness. Dutta mentioned that the BSF placed AD guns to counter drones and warned people to stay safe, demonstrating their proactive approach to emerging threats. "Ours was the only sector that led to heavy losses for them, and they used 120 heavy mortars, but we also replied accordingly. For drones, we placed the AD guns and also warned the people to stay safe." He said that if they (Pakistan) repeat this mistake again, then they will get beaten up even badly. BSF DIG SS Mand said, "We got to know about the movement of the terrorists, we took a call and attacked with bombs. They had one launch pad, and we received real-time input about their location at a cemetery. We attacked there also." He added that they received input about 7-12 casualties in the enemy camp. The number cannot be confirmed as the counterpart media is restricted. BSF DIG, RS Pura Sector, Chiter Pal talked about the Pahalgam attack and said, "In Pahalgam, when the terrorists murdered our 26 innocent civilians, there was a feeling of sorrow and revenge in the nation. We received intelligence regarding Pakistan having an idea that such a revenge would be launched on our side, so they started moving the armed cars. But when Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, it was confirmed that they would also show some movement." On Operation Sindoor, he said, "In my area, they fired on the night of May 9. First, they fired from limited posts, but slowly they opened fire on all the posts in my sector. Our troops were trained to retaliate against the firing, and their (Pakistan's) posts were silenced." The BSF's strong response during Operation Sindoor sends a clear message about their commitment to safeguarding the country's borders. (ANI) Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday nominated ophthalmologist Dr ML Raja for the Dr S Radhakrishnan Chair for one year, from May 7, 2025, to May 6, 2026, as per a release. The Chair was initiated after the first vice president, Dr S Radhakrishnan, who later became the president. It was initiated by the Rajya Sabha in the year 2009 with the objective of promoting research on different aspects of Parliamentary democracy in India. Announcing Raja's nomination at an event at Vice-President's Enclave , Dhankhar stated, "Let me welcome in particular today, whose presence I have solicited, and that is Dr S Radhakrishnan Chair, Dr ML Raja." The Chair was made functional during Dhankhar's tenure. "This Chair was initiated after one of the distinguished sons of Bharat, the first vice president who became president, Dr S Radhakrishnan, a philosopher who was also known for his academic commitment as a teacher. The Chair was initiated for the first time in the year 2009. Technically, Dr. ML Raja is the third recipient. De facto second. The Chair was made functional during my tenure when Jawahar Kaul, a distinguished journalist from the state of Jammu and Kashmir, deeply committed to nationalism, got the honour to get the chair, and Dr. Raja from the deep south, the state of Tamil Nadu, was the second one to get it... "About the Chair, let me tell you, in 1962, September 5 was declared as Teacher's Day. It happens to be the birthday of Dr S. Radhakrishnan; that underscores that you may have any position, President or Vice-President. You may be a philosopher. You may be a great author but social recognition has come by virtue of his being a teacher, Teacher's Day. Always bear that in mind. Respect your parents as much as you respect your teachers either way," the VP added. Dr Raja brings exceptional multidisciplinary expertise as an ophthalmologist, epigraphist, archaeologist, and historian. Currently serving as Director of AVINASH (Academy on Vibrant National Arts and Scientific Heritage) and RICH (Research Institute of Chronology and History), he holds qualifications spanning medicine (M.B., B.S., D.O.), archaeology and epigraphy (D.I.A.E.), and history (M.A.). His scholarly contributions include 13 published books covering subjects from ancient Indian astronomy to historical chronology, including notable works like "Aryabhatta's Date: an Analytical Study" and "Astronomical Evidence of the Date of the Mahabharata War", the release stated. Dr Raja has received significant recognition, including recent awards from the Governor of Tamil Nadu, for his contributions to Tamil literary works and research on Kamba Ramayanam. His involvement with the IKS Division of AICTE, where he has served as mentor and expert evaluator, has been particularly noteworthy. His current research focuses on determining the accurate chronology of Indian history, including the dating of historical figures like Adi Shankara and Chandragupta Maurya and analysing astronomical texts. His expertise in Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, and English enables a comprehensive study of diverse historical sources. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day visit to Gujarat on Tuesday and departed for Delhi. He was given a heartfelt farewell at Ahmedabad airport by Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, according to a release from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO). On this occasion, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister and BJP State President CR Patil, Protocol Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma, Mayor of Ahmedabad Pratibha Jain, State Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary of GAD Kamal Dayani, Director General of Police Vikas Sahay, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Major General Gaurav Bagga, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik, Chief Protocol Officer Jwalant Trivedi, Ahmedabad Collector Sujeet Kumar, along with other senior officials and officers, also extended a heartfelt farewell to the Prime Minister. Earlier in the day, PM Modi hailed Gujarat's progress, saying there were apprehensions about how it would grow when it was formed in 1960 after splitting Bombay state. He also said that Gujarat should set goals to be achieved when it completes 75 years of its formation in 2035, with India keen to host the Olympics in 2036. Addressing the celebrations of 20 years of Gujarat Urban Growth Story in Gandhinagar, the Prime Minister said that people's support for Operation Sindoor should translate into efforts to achieve Viksit Bharat. Referring to Gujarat's progress, he said the state was largely known as a producer of salt when it was formed, and now it is known worldwide for its diamond work."Wahi Gujarat jiske paas ek zamaane mein namak se upar kuch nahi tha, aaj duniya mein heera (diamond) ke liya jaana jata hai. When Gujarat completes 75 years in 2035, I believe we must start planning now for the next 10 years. By then, we need to set a vision for where Gujarat should be in industry, agriculture, education, and sports. When Gujarat turns 75, just one year later, the Olympics will be held. The country wishes that the Olympics be hosted in India," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said every citizen should become a partner in the nation's development and urged people to use Made in India products. (ANI) Former Culture Secretary Raghvendra Singh on Tuesday dismissed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent call for dialogue with India, questioning the sincerity of the offer amid Pakistan's continued backing of terrorism and the military's control over its civilian government. Earlier in the day, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the country was ready to hold talks with India "to find solutions" to "longstanding problems," including Kashmir, water-sharing and trade. Reacting to Sharif's statement, Singh, a retired IAS officer, told ANI, "I have seen the report on what the Pakistan PM said during his Tehran visit. The first issue is terrorism, the second is PoK, and the last is trade. I don't feel confident about what the Pakistan PM has said. These things have been expressed in the past by Pakistan's political leadership, but nothing concrete has ever happened." He emphasised terrorism as the core obstacle to meaningful dialogue, saying, "The issue is very simple and straightforward, that is, Kashmir. We can't resolve this issue with terrorism. A lot of terrorists are being given shelter and arms in Pakistan. The country is not under political leadership; it's under army leadership." Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement in Bhuj, Singh said it sent a strong message on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). "People living in PoK see the stark difference between PoK and Jammu & Kashmir. The process of development is ongoing in Kashmir under the leadership of the Indian government. Since its independence, Kashmir has seen considerable development, but PoK has not. Eventually, people in PoK will begin to realise this, and in the next 10 to 20 years, they may themselves want to come to India," he said. Earlier in the day, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the country is ready to talk with India "to find solutions" to "longstanding problems", including Kashmir, water-sharing and trade. He made the comments during a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran. "We are ready to talk, for the sake of peace on water issues with our neighbour," Sharif was quoted as saying by Pakistani daily Dawn. "We are ready to talk to promote trade and also counter-terrorism..." "We wanted peace, we want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks, on the table, and resolve our outstanding issues," Sharif said. The Pakistan PM said, "But if they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely." Operation Sindoor was launched early on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists. India and Pakistan have agreed to stop military action following call made by Pakistan DGMO to his Indian counterpart. In the wake of the attack, the government took up a series of actions against Pakistan, of which one was putting the Indus Water Treaty into abeyance. The Treaty was put into abeyance after the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack. Previously, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had also reiterated that the Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, is currently on hold due to Pakistan's cross-border terrorism. The treaty governs the sharing of water resources from the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. Previously, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said that climate changes and demographic shifts have created new realities on ground."Now, as per CCS decision that I referred to of 23rd April, India will keep the treaty in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably, abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. Please also note that climate change, demographic shifts and technological changes have created new realities on ground as well," Jaiswal said. India had also imposed an immediate ban on the direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, regardless of their import status, effectively halting bilateral trade flows, according to a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. (ANI) The threat call was received at the Mumbai Police control room earlier. According to police, the call was made around 9.00 am by an unidentified person who claimed he would blow up the Mumbai airport by 2.00 pm. Acting swiftly, MIDC Police traced and arrested the caller within an hour. The accused has been identified as Manjeet Kumar Gautam (35), a native of Uttar Pradesh, who has been residing in the Sakinaka area of Mumbai. Preliminary investigations revealed that Gautam was behind the hoax call. He has been taken into custody for questioning, and the Police are now probing the motive behind the threat, they said. An investigation into the matter is underway, they added. Earlier on May 7, an IndiGo flight enroute from Chandigarh to Mumbai received a bomb threat. According to the Mumbai police, the threat was recieved via a phone call to Sahar airport's hotline, warning that a bomb had been placed on the aircraft. However, the flight landed safely at Mumbai's airport, and authorities conducted thorough checks. The police said nothing suspicious was found on the aircraft during the check. According to Indigo, the flight operating from Chandigarh to Mumbai received a bomb threat. As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolation bay, passengers disembarked safely, and all standard operating procedures were followed. (ANI) The Delhi High Court deferred further arguments on social activist Medha Patkar's plea against a trial court order in a defamation case on Tuesday. She was convicted and sentenced in a defamation case filed by incumbent LG VK Saxena in 2001. Justice Shalinder Kaur deferred further arguments for July 14 and 15 by the counsel for Medha Patkar. Advocate Gajinder Kumar appeared for LG VK Saxena before the High Court. The High Court is hearing two petitions moved by Medha Patkar: one against the trial court judgement and the other against an order denying her permission to call an additional witness to examine in a defamation case filed by her against Saxena. Earlier on April 25, the Delhi HC had deferred the order of sentence awarded to Medha Patkar and directed her release. The High Court said that the interim order shall continue till the next date. She was arrested pursuant to a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) issued against her for non-compliance of the court's previous order. The High Court, as interim relief, directed the release of her on bail. She was convicted and sentenced to 3 months imprisonment in a Defamation case filed by incumbent LG V K Saxena in 2001. However, the appellate court had sentenced her and directed to release her on the probation of good conduct for one year and payment of compensation of Rs 1 Lakh to Saxena. This order was challenged before the High court by her. "As contentious issues have been raised on behalf of the parties with respect to the suspension of sentence, and that the learned Senior Counsel submits that the petitioner has been taken in custody in execution of the NBW, therefore, in these circumstances, by way of an interim means, the petitioner be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 25,000/- with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the learned ASJ/Link ASJ/CMM/Duty Magistrate," Justice Shalinder Kaur ordered on April 25. Senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, along with advocate Abhimanyu Shreshth, had appeared for Medha Patkar. Medha Patkar had approached the Delhi High Court challenging the order of the Trial court convicting and sentencing her. The Delhi Police arrested her on the morning of April 25. Afterwards, she was produced before the Saket court, which issued an NBW against her on April 23, 2025, for non-compliance with an order. She was released after she furnished bond and submitted a compensation amount of Rs 1 lakh. The appellate court while deciding her appeal on April 8, 2025 against Conviction and sentence by Magistrate court, had directed to release her on probation of good conduct. The court had directed her to appear and furnish a probation bond and deposit compensation amount on April 23, 2025. Earlier she had approached the High court seeking deferment. However on April 22, the High court had asked her to approach the appellate court at Saket. Saket court had dismissed her application and issued NBW against her. On May 24, 2024, the Magistrate's court had held her guilty of defamation. On July 1, 2024, she was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. She was also directed to pay a compensation of Rs. 10 lakh to V K Saxena. She was granted bail to challenge the order. Subsequently, she had challenged the order before the appellate (Sessions) court. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu interacted with faculty members of IGMC Shimla and Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialty, Chamiyana here on Monday evening and discussed in detail the challenges of the future in the health sector. He said that priority will be given to the nurses who worked during the Corona epidemic in the recruitment of nurses, according to an official release. CM Sukhu said, "The state government is trying to fill various vacant posts in the health department along-with the use of modern technology. The posts of doctors are being filled up on priority and priority will be given to the nurses who worked during the Corona epidemic in the recruitment of nurses. He said that along with para-medical staff, technicians are also being recruited. " "We are ensuring doctor-patient and nurse-patient ratio as per international standards so that they can get a better environment for work", added the Chief Minister. The heads of departments of various medical colleges made their presentation and the Chief Minister assured that the state government will provide all possible assistance as per the requirements of each medical college. The Chief Minister said that within a year, machines and equipment older than 20 years in government health institutions will be replaced. The robotic surgery facility will be started in Super Specialty Hospital Chamiyana and Tanda Medical College within two months. Besides, Three Tesla MRI machines are also being installed in all medical colleges in a phased manner, added the release. He said that the previous governments did not pay any special attention to improving health services, due to which patients are facing various problems. The present government has given priority to improvement in the field of education and health and Rs 1350 crore are being spent on medical technology. The state government will provide funds to construct hostels for students studying medicine and parking facility will be strengthened for patients as well as staff. He said that today the premium health institutions of the state have become mere referral health institutions, hence there is a need for comprehensive improvement in them. The state government has spent Rs 100 crore for the improvement of health services in IGMC Shimla and in the coming time, Rs 200 crore more will be provided to improve it. He said that due to restoration of old pension to government employees, many types of financial restrictions have been imposed on Himachal Pradesh, but the state government is still making efforts to improve health services. He said that patients always come to the hospital with the hope of recovery, in such a situation, if doctors talk to them in a good manner, their suffering will be reduced, added the release. Health and Family Welfare Minister Colonel (Dr) Dhani Ram Shandil said that such dialogue programmes are important in improving health services. All medical professionals are doing good work in the health institutions of the state and efforts should continue to make it even better. He said that there is a lot of progress in the field of medical education and the state government is making serious efforts to provide modern machines in Himachal Pradesh so that people can get better health facilities near their homes. Health Secretary M Sudha Devi gave detailed information about the reforms being done in the health sector by the state government. Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, MLA Harish Janartha and other dignitaries were present on this occasion. (ANI) According to media sources, the journalist, Chauhan, associated with an online news portal, was shot by unidentified assailants while on an evening walk near his residence in Luhari village on May 18. He was rushed to multiple hospitals but succumbed to his injuries. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack, and local villagers initially rushed Chauhan to a nearby hospital before he was referred to another medical facility in Gurugram. Considering the gravity of the incident, the Commission has expressed concerns over potential human rights violations. It has accordingly issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Haryana, seeking a detailed report within two weeks, including the latest updates on the investigation. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) to submit a status report regarding its ongoing investigation into bribery allegations against an ahlmad (record keeper) of the Rouse Avenue Court. During the hearing, Justice Amit Sharma declined to grant interim protection from arrest to the accused, Kumar, whose anticipatory bail plea was listed before the High Court. "The allegations are extremely serious. There is concrete evidence on record. This involves a member of our own staff, which makes the matter even more grave," the High Court observed when Kumar's counsel sought protection from arrest. The plea has been scheduled for hearing on May 29, the same date as Kumar's petition seeking quashing of the FIR. "We will dispose of it," remarked the judge while refusing to issue an interim relief order. Meanwhile, an audio recording submitted to the HC allegedly reveals a senior ACB official discussing attempts to frame a judge in response to judicial orders that were critical of the agency's conduct. These revelations have intensified concerns regarding alleged misuse of power within the ACB. It has been alleged that the FIR against the court staff handling cases related to the Special Judge was filed in retaliation for unfavourable rulings against ACB officials. Amidst the controversy, the Delhi High Court has recently ordered the transfer of a Special Judge from Rouse Avenue Court over allegations of demanding bribes in exchange for granting bail to accused individuals in a GST-related case registered in 2023. The FIR against the court staff (record keeper) was filed on May 16, 2025, under provisions related to corruption. The High Court issued the transfer order for the concerned Special Judge on May 20. Following this, the accused court staff sought quashing of the FIR, but the High Court did not grant immediate relief, though it did issue a notice to the State. During proceedings before Justice Amit Mahajan on May 20, the additional counsel for the State informed the Court that relevant material had been sent to the Principal Secretary of Law, Government of NCT Delhi, in January 2025. This information was later submitted to the Administrative Committee of the High Court via the Registrar General. The State argued that sufficient material exists to justify the allegations in the FIR, necessitating further investigation. Senior advocate Mohit Mathur, representing the petitioner, contended that the FIR was registered following an order on May 16, 2025, by the Special Judge (PC Act) (ACB)-02 at Rouse Avenue Courts. That order had issued a show-cause notice to the Joint Commissioner of the ACB, questioning why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him. The petitioner, who was posted as an ahlmad (record keeper) in the concerned court, maintains that the FIR against him was registered on the same day. The High Court has scheduled the matter for hearing on May 29. The petitioner has requested the High Court to transfer the case from the ACB to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a fair and impartial probe. Additionally, he has sought the clubbing of allegations against him so that they may be investigated by the same CBI officer, in accordance with Supreme Court directives. The petitioner has further urged the Court to order a departmental inquiry against two ACB officials--Joint Commissioner Madhur Verma and ACP Jarnail Singh--over allegations of corruption, blackmail, intimidation, misuse of office, forgery, document fabrication, witness intimidation, and destruction of official records. Additionally, he has sought protection from victimization by ACB officers under Section 11(2) of the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011. Meanwhile, the accused court staff sought anticipatory bail from the trial court, but the plea was dismissed on May 22 by Special Judge Deepali Sharma. However, the Court directed the ACB to issue prior notice under Section 41A CrPC (Section 35 of BNSS) in case of an arrest. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), blaming the ruling party for the dire state of Mumbai following heavy rainfall that led to large-scale waterlogging across the city. Thackeray questioned the Maharashtra government's preparedness for the monsoon and accused it of neglecting farmers affected by the recent downpours. Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Balasaheb Thackeray and Operation Sindoor, Thackeray said, "All these statements here and there are fine, but Mumbaikars want an answer as to why the BJP has brought Mumbai to this condition -- the condition which we saw yesterday." "Why does the BJP have such malice for Mumbai in their mind? Why does the BJP want to end Mumbai? Thousands of hectares have suffered losses due to rain. Why has no help been provided to the farmers? Whether it's Mumbai, Thane or Pune, the situation in several cities is worsening. Why are our cities receiving no help?" he told reporters. Earlier, on Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray slammed the Maharashtra government, accusing it of failing to maintain the city's drainage system, which he said had resulted in severe waterlogging after the downpour. Thackery said in a post on X, "We are seeing absolute absence of governance in Maharashtra today. Mumbai has collapsed in the rains, and it's only May. Last week, it was Andheri Subway and Saki Naka that was flooded. Today, it is South and Central Mumbai facing the brunt of the BMC being controlled by bjp and corrupt mind." He also visited Worli station, which he claimed had flooded following the rain. Taking a dig at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said that Mumbaikars' money was being misused as no civic work was being carried out. The city witnessed heavy rainfall on Monday, marking the onset of the monsoon. In the western suburbs, Supari Tank and Nariyalwadi Santacruz received the highest rainfall at 25 millimetres (mm), followed by Khar Danda Pali Hill with 24 mm. The Ward Office logged 18 mm, HW Ward Office 16 mm, while Vile Parle and Andheri Fire Stations recorded 15 mm and 14 mm, respectively. Chakal Municipal School and Malvani Fire Station measured 14 mm and 12 mm, with Versova Pumping Station at 11 mm. (ANI) In a series of operations across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, Delhi's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) busted an interstate pharmaceutical drug cartel, arresting five alleged traffickers and seizing Alprazolam, Nitrazepam tablets, and Tramadol capsules worth over Rs 5 lakh. According to an official statement, the operation began with the arrest of 20-year-old Vikas, from whom 28 boxes of capsules containing Dicyclomine HCI and Tramadol HCI (totalling 336 grams and 6,720 capsules) were recovered. Another accused, Sudhir (43), a medical store owner, was arrested following a raid in the presence of Sanjay Kumar, Drug Inspector from the Department of Drug Control, Delhi. During the search, officials recovered 505 Alprazolam (0.5 mg) tablets and 664 Tramadol (50 mg) capsules from Sudhir's medical store. The police identified the source of the contraband from Sunil Kumar Bharadwaj, calling him a key figure in a pharmaceutical trafficking operation. "As part of these ongoing efforts, sustained attempts were made to apprehend the source of the contraband, namely Sunil Kumar Bhardwaj, a key figure and mastermind in the pharmaceutical trafficking & his other accomplices," the statement said. According to the police, the accused persons are partners in the medical store, with Vikas procuring medicines on March 8 from the house of Sunil, adding, "A raid was conducted at the instance of the accused at the address of Sunil who was found absconding and NBW was issued against him by the Court on April 1, who was then arrested on April 5. "He disclosed that he has been working with the accused Sudhir for 6-7 years. Both the medical stores are being run by them in partnership," the statement read. The accused, Sunil, disclosed that the recovered contraband was purchased from one Jeetu during the investigation on April 7, at the instance of the accused. A raid was conducted at the house of the source/accused Ajeet in Sangam Vihar, Delhi, but he was not found there with his phone switched off. In the presence of police staff and family members, two white plastic sacks containing 18000 tablets of tramadol (1.8 Kg) & 7400 tablets of Nitrazepam Tablets IP 10 mg (Elza-10) were recovered from Ajeet's ground-floor room. On April 8, the accused person Ajeet, 32, was apprehended from the Tilak Marg, New Delhi area. After being interrogated in detail, he was arrested in this case. During the search, cash worth Rs 69,500 was also recovered from him. "During interrogation, he disclosed that he had procured the recovered tramadol tablets and capsules from one Pandey (Shivam Medicos, Gorakhpur, UP). He procured the recovered tablets, Nitrazepam, from one Vijay Goel, one year ago," the statement read. It has also been disclosed that the above-mentioned Vijay Goel is in Agra jail in an NDPS case. The accused was taken to Gorakhpur, UP, during Police Remand, but the source of the case, Ambar Agrahari, could not be traced in Gorakhpur. However, on April 13, the alleged source of contraband, Ambar Agrahari, 43, was arrested from a hotel in Delhi, and Rs 1,16,000 was recovered from him. Police officials said that Ambar disclosed that he is running this cartel with the help of his partner, Surender Nath Pandey, the proprietor of two medical stores. "They used to purchase these pharmaceutical drugs like Tramadol, Alprazolam, etc. through bills from a supplier situated in Gorakhpur, UP, and in order to earn huge money, further used to sell in Delhi through Ajeet Kumar at high prices," the statement added. Police officials also found that the medicines were in Gorakhpur by the Pharmaceutical Companies. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday expressed his views on the historic victory in the 1971 war. According to Sarma, the government of that time had a unique opportunity to address complex problems in eastern and northern India following the war. However, he believes that this opportunity was not utilized effectively. Speaking to the media, Sarma said, "After the historic victory in the 1971 war, if the government of that time wanted, it was possible to solve many complex problems of eastern and northern India. Unfortunately, this opportunity was not used properly." The 1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, is considered one of India's most significant military victories. However, Sarma argued that the then-central government, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, did not leverage the post-war momentum to stabilise regions like the Northeast, which have since struggled with insurgency and border disputes. On the other hand, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Tuesday shared a purportedly declassified 1971 US intelligence cable regarding former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's decision to accept a UN ceasefire proposal during the Bangladesh Liberation War, in response to the Opposition's demand for clarification from the Union Government on the US's involvement in the recent understanding on the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. In a post on X, Dubey questioned whether the former PM's decision was influenced by US pressure. He further accused her of taking the decision to cease fire despite opposition from then-Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram and Army Chief Sam Manekshaw. He further interrogated whether India prioritised the creation of Bangladesh over reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and securing assets like the Kartarpur Gurdwara. "Indira Gandhi, the Iron Lady. Under American pressure, India itself stopped the 1971 war despite opposition from the then Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram and Army Chief Sam Manekshaw. Babu Jagjivan Ram wanted that the war should be stopped only after our part of Kashmir, which Pakistan forcefully occupies, is back, but the fear of the Iron Lady and the terror of China could not do this. Was the priority for India to take back its land and the Kartarpur Gurdwara, or to create Bangladesh?" Dubey stated on X. (ANI) As the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet held its meeting in Pahalgam on Tuesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said it was a "clear message" to terrorists that "enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve." The cabinet meeting was held over a month after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, including one Nepali national, were brutally killed by terrorists. This is the first time that a Cabinet meeting was held outside Jammu or Srinagar, since his government took office. "This morning, J&K cabinet meeting was convened in Pahalgam. Though we worked as per the agenda of our government, we did not have a cabinet meeting in Pahalgam for just an administrative or government function. The agenda of development and happiness in J-K, the agenda to represent the people in J-K will not stop due to bloodshed," the Chief Minister said during a press conference. "This is the first time this government has held a cabinet meeting outside Jammu or Srinagar," he added. Posting about the meet on X, he said, "Chaired a Cabinet Meeting at Pahalgam today. It was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message--we are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror. The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu & Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid." https://x.com/CM_JnK/status/1927288878580343172 CM Abdullah also thanked the people of Pahalgam for raising their voice against the bloodshed on April 22 when Pakistan-sponsored terrorists brutally killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Chief Minister said that the Cabinet also discussed tourism in the valley, as it is a big source of revenue for locals in Pahalgam. CM Abdullah said that a group of tour operators from Maharashtra are also in Pahalgam and will also be visiting Srinagar. "Since we are in Pahalgam, tourism is also on our agenda.. A group of Maharashtra tour operators is here in Pahalgam. They will also visit Srinagar. What encourages us is that earlier the group was going to be of 20-25 people. But, around 60 tour operators from Maharashtra have come to see how the travel and tour industry can be resumed here... I want to thank these people..." The Pahalgam attack had severely affected the region's tourism, leading to widespread fear among visitors and a sharp decline in bookings and trips. The meeting addressed these concerns and reinforced the government's commitment to combating terrorism and reviving tourism in the area. Earlier, on May 15, responding to the challenges faced by the tourism sector after the terror attack, CM Abdullah chaired a meeting with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat. During the meeting, he assured stakeholders of the government's full support and pledged to consider their suggestions for reviving tourism in the region. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for a comprehensive tourism revival plan to be developed jointly with the Tourism Department after the conclusion of this year's Shri Amarnath ji Yatra. He proposed that the package include support for hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxis, handicrafts, and innovative initiatives like unique shopping festivals inspired by those in Dubai. Abdullah also expressed concern for small-scale entrepreneurs who have recently taken loans to invest in tourist taxis, deluxe minibuses, and guest accommodations, highlighting their vulnerability amid the downturn. The April 22 terror attack not only resulted in the tragic loss of life but also cast a long-term shadow on Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector, one of the key contributors to its economy. Many local businesses dependent on tourism have suffered heavy losses since the incident. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday urged the Delhi Government and relevant authorities to explore the possibility of establishing a policy framework for the institutional rehabilitation of stray dogs in the national capital. Justice Mini Pushkarna emphasized the need for a coordinated effort between authorities to address the issue. Recognizing that the issue requires a policy-level decision, Justice Pushkarna has referred the matter to the Chief Secretary of Delhi. The Chief Secretary of Delhi has been requested to convene a meeting with stakeholders, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), to devise a policy for the relocation and rehabilitation of stray dogs. "Given the circumstances of this case, it is imperative for the authorities to formulate a rehabilitation policy for stray dogs. Since this requires a policy decision, it should be undertaken in coordination with the Delhi Government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)," the Court stated. The Court highlighted the risks associated with releasing a large number of stray dogs into the open, citing reports of stray dog attacks and concerns for public safety. The case stems from a plea filed in 2023 by Pratima Devi, an elderly woman popularly known as 'Dog Amma', who has been advocating for the welfare of stray dogs. In an order issued on May 21, Justice Pushkarna noted the frequent reports of stray dog attacks, including those documented in newspapers and cited in various petitions presented before the Court. The matter has been scheduled for a hearing on August 6, and the Court's directive is expected to prompt a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of stray dogs in Delhi. The Court's decision comes after observing over 200 stray dogs residing in a makeshift shelter maintained by the petitioner. It expressed concern that releasing such a large number of stray dogs into the open could lead to serious consequences. (ANI) Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 conspiracy case, has petitioned the Patiala House Court for permission to communicate with his family. Currently in judicial custody, he has requested access to jail-provided facilities for family interaction, in accordance with regulations. To facilitate this request, Rana has submitted a fresh application before the NIA court, which is set for hearing tomorrow before Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh. Previously, the court had denied his plea to speak with his family over the phone while he was in NIA custody. His lawyer, Piyush Sachdeva, argued that, as a foreign national, Rana has a fundamental right to contact his family, who are concerned about his well-being in custody. However, the NIA opposed the request, citing the ongoing investigation and the risk of sensitive information being disclosed. Recently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) collected voice and handwriting samples from Rana, who was extradited from the United States. He provided handwriting specimens by writing various alphabets and numerical characters. Advocate Sachdeva confirmed that Rana fully complied with the court's directive to submit these samples. The Special NIA Court recently granted approval for the NIA to obtain voice and handwriting samples from Rana, a 64-year-old Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin. He was extradited from the United States in connection with his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Following his extradition, he was placed under NIA custody in New Delhi, where investigators are probing his suspected links to the perpetrators of the attack. The 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes, orchestrated by the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed over 170 lives and left hundreds injured. Rana's extradition and interrogation form part of India's ongoing efforts to bring all conspirators of the attack to justice. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea challenging the Bombay High Court order, which had refused to grant a stay on the construction of a passenger jetty and terminal facilities near the Gateway of India. A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih asked the Bombay High Court to decide the matter before the end of the monsoons. The apex court refused to pass any order considering that the High Court is already considering the issue. Advocate appearing for the residents, who challenged the order, argued that no public hearing was afforded before implementing the project plan which is nearly 10 acres of project right into the sea. The counsel said that it was not a stand-alone jetty as portrayed to be, where 5-10 boats are tied. The CJI said that such projects are implemented globally, adding that "there are such places across the world, if you go to Miami, there are so many." ASG Aishwarya Bhati appearing for the state government, contended that petitioner's statement are misleading and said that seven specific permissions and clearances have been taken by the authorities, which the petitioner has not placed on record. It's absolutely wrong to say it's being created as a VIP terminal, she said, adding that the plea here was filed against an interim order and next hearing of the matter before the High Court is scheduled for June 16. "It's like, everybody wants sewage treatment plants, but not behind my house, something good is happening in the city, everybody then approaches the Supreme Court," said the apex court while adding that such projects had only benefited the public in the past. Asking the High Court to decide the matter efficaciously before the end of the Monsoon in the city, the bench in its order stated, "We are not inclined to entertain the petition since the High Court is already hearing the matter. However, we would require the High Court to take up the matter and to decide the same as soon as possible, prior to the end of the monsoon 2025." The residents had challenged the May 7 High Court's order by which it had refused to stay the construction of a passenger jetty and terminal facilities near Radio Club in Colaba. The Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association had filed a petition in the High Court against the state government and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) decision to construct the jetty. The association had challenged the project and the clearances granted to it by various authorities, and raised concerns also about a seaside wall on the footpath of PJ Ramchandani Marg in Colaba, being broken for the jetty. The state government had told the High Court that the wall would not be brought down before June 20 and the High Court then posted the matter for hearing on June 16. Meanwhile, the association against moved the court stating that a piling barge was brought to the promenade, and sought an interim stay on the work till the petition is heard. The state government had said that the project was of public interest and that piling work was essential. The High Court then said that it was not inclined to stay the work at this stage since the project is in the public interest. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday handed over job appointment letters to family members of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Speaking to the media after the event, CM Gupta said, "Under the guidance of PM Modi, the Delhi government has given appointment letters to 125 people from victim families of 1984 anti-Sikh riots." Earlier in January this year, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena had approved full relaxation in the required educational qualifications and age relaxation of up to 55 years for 88 applicants for employment under the compensation scheme for riot victims. According to a release from the LG office dated January 5, this relaxation was approved for their appointment in Government Service to the post of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS). Repeated representations had been made by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, public representatives and groups of victims, who had met LG recently, in this regard. The Delhi LG had earlier granted a full relaxation in educational qualification requirements to 50 applicants, and obtaining an age relaxation for 22 other applicants. A total of 72 applicants were appointed after a special drive by the Revenue Department in 2006. "A rehabilitation package, including provision of jobs was sanctioned by MHA, GoI on Jan 16, 2006, for victims of anti-Sikh riots. The revenue department in a subsequent special drive got 72 applicants out of appointment was given to 22 applicants by obtaining age relaxation from then LG," read the release. In regards to the other 50 applicants, the note added, "In Oct 2024, Saxena granted full relaxation in required educational qualification to the post of MTS for left out 50 applicants out of a total 72 received during (a) special drive. Revenue Department was also directed to process the cases for granting employment to one of the children of the applicants wherein applicants have surpassed the age of employment." The Revenue Department organised other special camps on November 28 and 30, 2024, issuing notices in newspapers and inviting applications to family members of the 1984 riots victims. "Subsequently, a total of 199 applications were received, out of which 89 applicants were found eligible, but all there were above the age limit and a few also missed out on the required educational qualification," read the note. LG Saxena had highlighted the plight of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots while giving his approval, describing the riots as a blot on Indian democratic traditions. The LG had said, according to the note, "Terrible atrocities were committed upon a particular minority community, violating all standards of human rights and which affected many families, taking lives of their single breadwinners." (ANI) Maharashtra Minister of State (MoS) for Home Yogesh Kadam on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut for terming Operation Sindoor a "failure," calling such statements reflective of a 'rotten mindset.' Addressing a press conference, MoS Kadam said, "Calling Operation Sindoor a failure? Our armed forces destroyed terror camps in Pakistan. The entire world knows that Pakistan is a terror hub. India dared to attack that terror hub. Pointing fingers at such an operation is disrespectful to the entire nation. If one cannot say anything good, then they should stay quiet... They have a rotten brain (sada hua dimag) ..." Earlier in the day, Sanjay Raut had described Operation Sindoor as a "failed operation," claiming that the opposition was refraining from raising the issue further "in the national interest." Raut also demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holding him responsible for the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. "Operation Sindoor is a failure operation, but in the nation's interest, the opposition does not want to talk much about it. Second thing, why was Operation Sindoor launched? Because terrorists in Pahalgam attacked, erasing the sindoor of 26 women, and Home Minister Amit Shah is responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Amit Shah should step down from his position as an act of atonement. PM Modi should remove Amit Shah from the cabinet," Raut said during a press conference. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured several others. 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. The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. The two countries agreed to a cessation of hostilities on May 10. (ANI) India's premier defence research agency Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is carrying out trials of the indigenously developed Kaveri jet engine in Russia and is planning to use it for powering the Made in India long range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle. The Kaveri is undergoing trials in Russia and there is around 25 hours of testing left to be done on it there. The slots have to be given by the authorities there, defence officials told ANI. The engine is planned to be used for powering the indigenous UCAV project, they said. Interest in the Kaveri engine has been revived as there is an ongoing trend on Evian media asking the government to #FundKaveri engine project. The Kaveri engine was planned to be developed by the DRDO for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft but due to delays in the programme, the combat aircraft had to be powered by the American GE-404 engines. The GE-404 has been used to power the 32 LCA Mark 1s and the twin seater trainer versions. The 83 LCA Mark 1As are also set to be powered by the GE-404s but the plan has been delayed due to issues in supplies by the American firm. Asked if the Kaveri engine can still be used for powering the LCA, the officials said there are plans to put the Kaveri on one of the LCA aircraft and showcase its capabilities. The DRDO is also working towards working with a foreign firm for the development and manufacturing of a more powerful engine for the futuristic aircraft including the Mark 2 versions of the fifth generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. India has been in talks with multiple firms including those from France, Uk and America. The decision in this regard is expected to be taken in near future. The Indian indigenous programmes for fighter jets have been planned to cut down imports and have indigenous platforms for the Indian Air Force. The indigenous fighter jet programmes include the LCA Mark 1A, LCA Mark 2 and AMCA. (ANI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report stating that three workers died and another was critically injured due to asphyxiation after they entered a sewage tank without any protective gear at a private industrial unit in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district on May 19, 2025, according to an official release. Reportedly, they were employed at a Dyeing Mill in the Karaipudur area of Tiruppur and asked to clean the sewage tank of the factory. The Commission has observed that the contents, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights. The Apex Court, in its judgement passed in the case, Dr. Balram Singh vs Union of India (WP(C) No. 324 of 2020) dated 20.10.2023, has held that it is the duty of the local authorities and other agencies to use modern technology for cleaning of sewers etc. The Commission has also been consistently advocating a total ban on activities of hazardous cleaning without adequate and proper protective / safety gears or equipment, and also has advocated suitable use of work-friendly and technology-based robotic machines. It issued an Advisory on 24th September, 2021, for the Protection of Human Rights of the Persons Engaged in Hazardous Cleaning to the Union, State Governments and local authorities with an objective to ensure complete eradication of such practice. Therefore, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Government of Tamil Nadu, calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. It is expected to include the status of the investigation of the case as well as compensation, if any, paid to the victim's families. According to the media report, carried on 21st May, 2025, shortly after entering the tank, all four began to suffocate and then collapsed. The co-workers pulled them out and rushed them to a private hospital, but three of them could not survive. The deceased belonged to the Scheduled Caste. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted bail to Head Constable Ravinder Dhaka, a Delhi Police official accused of abducting a complainant and extorting Rs 3 lakhs at gunpoint. Dhaka and a co-accused allegedly fled the scene after the incident, which occurred during a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) operation designed to catch the perpetrators in the act. The CBI strongly opposed the bail plea, arguing that the accused intimidated and assaulted the complainant while also destroying crucial evidence. The agency further emphasised that Dhaka and his co-accused were already facing trial in a separate bribery-related case. The court, however, ruled that while the allegations were serious, pending criminal cases alone could not justify denying bail. The accused was represented in court by Senior Advocate Pramod Kumar Dubey, assisted by Advocate Aditya Singh Deshwal. Presiding over the case, Justice Ravinder Dudeja noted that the investigation had been completed and the charge sheet had already been filed. Witnesses were in the process of being examined, and three had been partially deposed. The court observed that there was no indication that the petitioner was responsible for any delays in witness examination, reducing the likelihood of evidence tampering. During proceedings, it was also highlighted that Dhaka had been terminated from his position, eliminating concerns about his ability to influence witnesses. Given this, the "triple test" for granting bail favoured his release. Despite Dhaka's involvement in another CBI case of a similar nature--where he was previously charge-sheeted without arrest--the court maintained that the legal process would unfold accordingly. Additionally, a separate FIR had been registered for the abduction and intimidation allegations, but Dhaka had not been arrested in that matter. The court acknowledged the gravity of the charges and the existence of two other criminal cases against the accused. However, it ruled that these factors alone were insufficient grounds to deny bail--especially since the "triple test" for bail had been satisfied. The trial could take considerable time to conclude, and under Article 21, the right to a speedy trial is a fundamental right. The petitioner had already spent over nine months in custody, and undue delays in proceedings--without fault on his part--provided strong grounds for granting bail. (ANI) The Indian Army on Tuesday launched humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations in Maharashtra's Khadki village in Ahilyanagar (earlier known as Ahmednagar) district. The area experienced severe waterlogging, leading to waist-deep flooding and the marooning of residents. The village, located approximately 20 km from the Army's Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC-S), is facing a critical situation due to the rising water levels, according to an official statement. Visuals from the village showed people in waist-deep water, carrying their children and belongings with them as trees were uprooted and structures collapsed. The visuals also showed people being stuck in a heavy flow of water, holding on to poles and other structures, to not to be swept away. Following a request for assistance from the District Magistrate of Ahilyanagar, the Indian Army promptly mobilised one relief column from ACC-S, including a Medical team and an Engineer detachment, to carry out rescue and relief operations in the affected area. The relief column reached the location at 1735 hours to marry up with civil authorities, who then led them to the flood-hit village. The team reached the affected area at 1750 hours and has since commenced active rescue operations to assist the stranded population. The statement added that the Indian Army remains committed to extending all possible humanitarian assistance and support to fellow citizens during natural calamities and emergencies, operating in close coordination with civil administration to alleviate distress. According to IMD's nowcast, Ahilyanagar district received moderate rainfall of 5-15 mm per hour, along with moderate thunderstorms, with surface winds wind speed between 41-61 kmph. Southwest monsoons arrived early, and the IMD warned of heavy rainfall in several areas. "Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of central Arabian Sea, some more parts of Maharashtra including Mumbai, Karnataka including Bengaluru, remaining parts of Tamil Nadu, some parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, some more parts of westcentral & North Bay of Bengal...," IMD's statement read. The IMD added that Conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance further into some more parts of Maharashtra, some more parts of Karnataka, some more parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, some more parts of West Central, and some more parts of the North Bay of Bengal. (ANI) Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada on Tuesday spoke at the 'Padh AI: Conclave on AI in Education', organised by the Center of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG), and said that Let us make the future of AI the future of aspirational India. Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State, said, "Our government's intent is very clear: AI is for all. It cuts across government and society. We must ensure India leads not just in talent, but in conscience and compassion, producing AI that is inclusive and self-reliant." Speaking with ANI on Artificial Intelligence, Union Minister Jitin Prasada says, "PM Modi's resolve is 'AI for all'. PM wants to democratise technology and not limit it to the elite. We are trying to ensure that GPUs supporting AI are provided in India at the lowest price so people can innovate and bring new ideas..." He also appreciated CPRG for its leadership and global presence, especially its participation at the Paris AI Action Summit 2025 and the 2024 GPAI Summit in Serbia. The inaugural session was graced by Ashish Sood, Delhi's Minister of Education. "Our vision for Delhi is clear: AI is for all. It is about using technology to democratise education, break barriers, and create opportunities for all students," he said. Emphasising Delhi's commitment to inclusive learning, he highlighted the need for AI to support, not replace, human intervention in classrooms. The first day of the Padh AI Conclave featured two engaging sessions. The first was titled "Learning Beyond Classrooms," brought together Madan Mohan Tripathi, Director General, NIELIT; Charu Malhotra, Co-Founder, Primus Partners; and Jagadish Babu, COO, EkStep Foundation. The discussion explored how AI is enabling personalised and adaptive learning, experimental education models, and inclusive digital access, with a strong emphasis on governance and safe learning environments. The Conclave led the way to meaningful dialogue on innovative AI-driven solutions that enhance pedagogy and promote an adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready education system. (ANI) India's first AI-centric Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is being established in Nava Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. This will be a dedicated area specially designed for the development and operation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer data-related technologies. The zone will host state-of-the-art computer systems and servers that will run AI systems capable of human-like reasoning, making it a hub for major global companies to carry out their digital operations, the Chief Minister's office said. The government has granted tax exemptions and other legal relaxations to accelerate the development of new technologies here. For the first time in India, such a zone completely focused on AI is being created, positioning Nava Raipur as the country's next digital and technological hub. This project is considered a major leap toward making India a global leader in technology. In Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India's first AI-based "RackBank Data Center SEZ" will be developed. This Special Economic Zone will be entirely dedicated to computers, the internet, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The project is being developed by RackBank Datacenters Pvt. Ltd., with an investment of approximately Rs 1000 crores. The SEZ will spread over around 6 acres and will feature a modern 1.5 lakh square feet data center equipped with cutting-edge technology. There are future plans to build four high-density data centers with a combined capacity of 80 megawatts, capable of supporting digital networks across multiple states. This initiative will elevate Chhattisgarh's position on the national technology map. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai described it as a new beginning for a new Chhattisgarh and said the investment would generate new employment opportunities for youth and bring technological recognition to the state. Moreover, this initiative will further the visions of Digital India and Make in India. RackBank CEO Narendra Sen stated that the goal is to make India self-reliant in AI. The data center will offer jobs such as IT engineers, data specialists, cybersecurity officers, network managers, and many more. The company will collaborate with Chhattisgarh's ITI, engineering, and polytechnic institutes to run training programs that prepare students for the industry. In today's world, AI is not limited to computers alone. It influences our language, thinking, education, health, and even agriculture. The data center being built in Raipur will be the home of these services. Major companies like Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta will run their AI services here. For the first time, India will not only be a consumer but also a self-reliant producer and host of these services. The most remarkable aspect of this project is that its impact will not be limited to technological advancements. It will reach villages and small towns. Students from districts such as Kanker, Sukma, Bilaspur, and Dantewada will be able to live in Raipur and work with global companies. They will no longer have to move to Bangalore or abroad. The data center will be built following green building certification standards, incorporating solar energy, water conservation, and energy-efficient equipment. (ANI)